Omg hi!! Yes that’s totally fine! I am using that idea in the fic I’m writing now, but I say the more the merrier! I always love seeing how different writers interpret ideas, so I’m totally looking forward to reading yours <3 And I don’t write for iron lung anyway, although I loved that movie and love people mashing the phm and iron lung stories together. They really do have so much in common.

And thank you thank you so much! That makes me so happy to hear you like my latest fic, bc I’m pretty sure I’ve read alllllll of yours and they always hit the mark.

You know that tool Rocky uses to weave xenonite together? This thing?

…. If powered down, you think those would tickle like hell? Yes? No?

-gee

Hello again my friend!!

Thank you thank you

The community here around phm is so fun to be apart of and everyone is so kind and encouraging, I love seeing everyone bounce ideas and praise around.

And yes, phm itself is a wonderful story that just ticks so many boxes. An interesting story with real stakes but still manages to be lighthearted and with a happy ending? A character who has faults but ultimately is good down to their core and loves life and living? Unbreakable and meaningful friendships and incredible world building of an alien race? SIGN ME UP

when I read the book months ago and saw there were no tickled flavored fics anywhere it was devastating, bc these two SHINE with the potential for tickly shenanigans and heartfelt moments. When the movie came out and shined a light on this wonderful story I was so excited to see if this community would see that as well. And boy have y’all delivered! Everyone’s so creative I’ve seen SO many great ideas. And I love that so many of the “normies” see this potential as well, I’ve never seen that happen this much.

It’s great to be back. I’ve been on tumblr for a long time and watched the tickling inclined community grow so so much, it’s wonderful. I’ll def be sticking around and more active, you all have inspired me so much.

<3 <3

HAHA that’s a good one too! No, it’s not, but bonus brownie points to you as well for making me laugh out loud. It’s a reference to Ted from how I met your mother. I wanted to base my ted off someone a little like him, bit of a know-it-all and just slightly pretentious sometimes, but for the most part well intentioned.

Ned from try guys just seems a bit too pathetic and terrible for that, ya know? God I saw he tried standup but I haven’t seen a single clip from it or anyone who’s talked about it in depth. Someone let me know if it’s as terrible and cringy as I think it is.

Dynamics: Lee!Grace, Ler!Rocky

Words: 3590

Summary:

When Ryland Grace is given the opportunity to teach on Erid, an elderly geology professor is asked to help bring that opportunity to life. Equal parts excited and nervous to meet the alien savior of their planet, they place him on a pedestal as a mythic, legendary being.

That pedestal begins to crack through a series of meetings, heartwarming conversations, a surprising display of immaturity, and one fascinating discovery: humans are ticklish. Who knew?

Author's Note: I did it! It's been over 13 years since I’ve written fanfiction, and this was perhaps a bit ambitious for easing back into it lol. This is a first person POV, which I’ve never done, and it's also from a POV of a character I made up, rather than a canon one. Worry not though, they merely serve as an observer and narrator of Grace and Rocky's shenanigans (though I have grown a bit fond of them). I HC that all Eridians use they/them, thus thats what the professor uses for Rocky, while Grace uses He/Him when referring to Rocky bc thats just what he’s used to.

———

“Savior Grace has expressed an interest in teaching,” says Shale, the president of the university’s executive board. 

I put down some sediment samples I was planning to show my graduate students. “Oh? I think that’s a fantastic idea. Many of our students would jump at that chance, even several of mine.” 

“I agree,” Shale replies. “That’s why I’m gathering the board, and plan to go to Savior Grace's home to discuss details.” They turn their carapace to focus on me more. “I’d like you to come as well, if you're able.”

There’s a tone in their voice that sounds almost pleading. I’m no longer on the board, but I was once the president myself, when I was younger. Shale was once a graduate student of mine, and is the youngest president the university has seen. They are a very intelligent Eridian and do the job exceptionally well, despite their age, but I know they sometimes worry about their performance. They often come and ask me for advice. 

“Of course I’ll go, if you want me. I don’t know if I’ll have much input over the curriculum, as I recall Savior Rocky mentioning Savior Grace is a molecular biologist. But I’ll offer my support where I can.” I can’t say that meeting an alien doesn't also intrigue me greatly. 

To say Savior Grace's arrival caused a tizzy would be the understatement of the century. The ‘Taumoeba’ he and Rocky brought home was the solution to the astrophage crisis and saved our home from a tragedy. That’s cause for excitement enough, but Savior Grace being an alien from another star system? It’s not something I’d thought to ever see in my 574 years alive. The confirmation of the universe having other intelligent beings fills me with awe and a sense of wonder that makes me feel decades younger.

His arrival also brought on the second biggest thrum the planet has seen. Around this time my mate was suggesting I retire, like they have, and close the long book of my time as a geologist and eventual professor. But the importance and allure of this thrum called to me, so I put off retirement in favor of attending, hoping my wisdom and experience could be of use. 

It turned out that I could offer support, and used my background in geology to help find the perfect location where Savior Grace's biodome was built. Other teams of engineers and architects built his home, and we had more teams of scientists to develop nutritable food, and before long Savior Grace was thriving again. Thriving enough to pursue teaching! What an incredible opportunity for the university students, he must be full of much wisdom and knowledge. 

———

Shale, myself, and the university board begin to travel to Savior Grace’s home. I am definitely feeling my age now; my joints are stiff and I move slower than my companions as we near the biodome. I can almost hear the sound of my mates teasing in my mind, saying things like ‘See? Bet you regret not retiring now, you old geezer!’ 

The thoughts of my mate help distract me from my mounting nervousness for a moment. Well, nervous was not exactly the feeling, and neither was excitement, though that was closer to it. It’s hard to describe; I’ve only heard information about Savior Grace through others, and he simply feels like science fiction come to life. Ultimately, I feel overawed at the prospect of being in the same space as a living legend. 

Finally, we all make it inside the biodome and into one of the various meeting locations inside it. Savior Grace quickly stands up from his seated position at our arrival, and he is very tall. I’m close enough now to hear all the details of his strange anatomy. And standing beside him is Savior Rocky, what a pleasant surprise! 

Savior Rocky greets me before I can address the two of them. 

“Ah, Professor! I didn’t know you would be here as well. It’s so good to hear you!” They lower their two front legs and tip their carapace downwards; it’s a formal bow, usually reserved for elders, especially learned ones. I didn’t expect it, but it is no less appreciated. Rocky was always very respectful towards me. 

“The same goes for you, Savior Rocky,” I reply. “I want to say, I’m so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished since being in my classroom.” 

They let out a short, staccato-y laugh. “You don’t have to call me that, Professor, just Rocky is fine. And I can’t take all the credit—Grace did just as much, if not more, during our mission.” They lean their carapace into Savior Grace's legs. 

Savior Grace turns his head towards me, and the folds on his face stretch and upturn. What a peculiar body language, I hope it means something good. 

“Wow, it’s an honor to meet one of Rocky's teachers!” He says. I don’t speak his strange language but the translator we brought works wonderfully. Then, Savior Grace bends at the middle, lowering his head. This must be his version of a bow! The alien savior of our planet is showing respect to me. I feel something in me loosen. It is difficult to reconcile such a humble gesture with the larger-than-life figure I've been imagining.

“Rocky is an incredible engineer, you’ve taught him well,” Savior Grace continues. 

I trill a short laugh myself. “Thank you, Savior Grace, but I’m afraid I only taught them a basic geology 1 course. Rocky's engineering skills are credited to their other professors and Rocky’s own genius.” 

“Oh!” He exclaims. “I understand. Well, it’s still very nice to meet you.” He uses one hand to grip his opposite arm, and does a small shuffle in place. A gesture of shyness, perhaps? “And you don’t have to call me Savior as well, Professor,” he continues. “I was just doing what needed to be done.”

I whir a low, contemplative note. “I suppose that is true, though please know your efforts are much appreciated. I will heed your request, Grace.” His facial folds upturn once again and now bare the bones inside. 

It is then that Shale walks up next to me, and the rest of the board behind them. 

“Ah! Apologies, we have things to discuss. This is Shale, the president of the university’s executive board, and the board members.” I say. 

“Pleasure to meet you, Savior Grace, and you as well, Savior Rocky,” Shale says warmly. Grace nods his head to Shale, and lightly nudges Rocky with his leg when they trill a quiet, amused note at the honorifics that they seem stuck with. “We look forward to having you teach at the university. I understand your background is in molecular biology; would you like to teach this subject, or perhaps another one?” 

“Oh, uh…” He hesitates, and does another shuffle. “Actually, I was hoping to teach children, if that’s alright. Back on earth, that was actually my job, and I miss it a lot.” 

Huh, I wasn’t expecting that but it no less has me charmed. I think it’s a much more noble cause for one’s dream to teach children, and guide the future generations. And even so, that’s not even why Grace wants to do it (well, perhaps that is a small factor). He simply misses it; it is such an ordinary and personal answer that it further cracks the mythic image I have of Grace. 

Shales carapace lowers slightly, disappointed. They quickly recover though, schooling their body language into one of nonchalance. “I understand… I believe we can work something out, no worries. I’ll have to bring those in charge of adolescent education, and we can discuss with them.” They perk up slightly, “and if you ever did want to visit the university and perhaps speak about your experiences a bit, I’m sure our students would love it.” 

Grace lets out a sound that is high pitch and airy, and his facial folds again upturn. It doesn’t sound like any of the words I have been hearing, so I assume this is what his laughter sounds like, and the facial folds upturning must mean something good if it accompanies it. “Sure!” He says, “I don’t know what I’d say, but I am very curious about what an Eridian university looks like!” 

———

The next few weeks flew by. Shale, Grace, and the adolescent education board met often to discuss all the aspects that go into him teaching. Rocky attended occasionally. I attended the meetings too, not that my advice was needed all the time, but more so I found myself growing fonder of Grace. 

More often than not I would stay after the various meetings and chat with him. We bonded over various scientific subjects, discussing our respective cultures, or even ordinary everyday things. He confirmed that the bright, airy sound was indeed laughter, and over time I began noticing more of his little habits. He fidgeted often—bouncing a leg while thinking and twirling his glasses between his fingers while speaking. He would ask after my mate and our many grandchildren, and I would inquire about the friendships he was forming here. Slowly, during the course of our conversations, I felt my sense of awe dim, and the feeling of equalness grow.

Now, there was just one last meeting to attend, and I honestly did not know why we were having it. All the details have been settled; the curriculum chosen, the students selected, and the classroom built beautifully (Rocky had insisted upon taking the reins on that front). Yet Ted, a middle-aged and, in my opinion, slightly pretentious Eridian on the board, had insisted upon one final meeting. Naturally, they were the one leading it as well.

I’m unsure how many of us gathered are actually paying attention at this point. Ted has been droning on for well past the typical length we meet for, and my attention has definitely been slipping. Grace, for his part, seems to be following along—nodding his head occasionally, and is the picture of professionalism. He answers the questions Ted poses with politeness, even if these questions have already been answered in prior meetings. But it’s clear to me that he is getting bored, as I’ve come to know the signs. Now, he's twirling his glasses in his fingers, which isn’t abnormal for him, but his head is angled downward as well. With his light receptors focused on the glasses, I know his attention certainly isn’t on Ted.

Ted, however, seems blissfully unaware of Grace's waning interest, and drones on. Even Rocky, who’s sitting beside Grace, is absentmindedly drawing lazy shapes in the dirt.

I attempt to bring my attention back to Ted, who hasn’t paused in their speech for awhile now. I'm thinking to myself that I have to at least give Ted credit for their passion on this when I notice Grace shift in the edge of my perception. My attention slips from Ted again as I focus on him instead.

He's stopped twirling his glasses and is sitting up straight and rigid now, which doesn’t appear comfortable at all. For a brief moment I wonder if Ted has said something to upset him, but no, they're still rattling on about the same topic. 

A moment later I notice more movement; Rocky lifts their claw and jabs it gently into Grace’s fleshy side. I can’t imagine why they would do that, especially when it makes Grace even more rigid and his grip tightens on his glasses a fraction. 

My confusion only grows as Rocky starts repeating the motion, aiming jabs at Grace’s side that start low but slowly climb up his body. Each jab is accompanied by a twitch and Grace getting even stiffer. When Rocky reaches the crease where Grace's arm meets his body, Grace takes in a sharp breath and starts leaning away from his friend. 

Is Rocky hurting him? The touch is so light, it would barely register with an Eridian, but perhaps humans are different. Even so, I find it hard to believe Rocky would intentionally harm Grace, but maybe they don’t realize what they're doing. 

I should say something, and I’m about to, when Rocky changes tactics. Instead of jabbing, they begin tracing repeatedly over the area where Grace’s arm meets his body, the same shapes they were tracing in the dirt moments before. 

Grace’s mouth forms a smile. I have learned what both the anatomy and behavior are called during our chats and that it means amusement, but I do not understand why he is smiling if the touch bothers him. Maybe he doesn’t actually mind, but that still wouldn’t explain why he's leaning away, and now grabbing at Rocky’s claw with his hand. 

Suddenly, Ted, who I’ve almost forgotten about, pauses their blabbering and turns towards Grace. “And what do you think, Savior Grace?” 

“Huh—What?” Grace says, suddenly put on the spot and lets go of Rocky’s claw. He fidgets in place before replying unsteadily. “Oh. Uh, yes that’s all very good. Great.” 

“Wonderful!” Ted says and goes right back into their lecture. Rocky chips a small laugh, and continuing the pattern, goes back to poking at Grace. 

Grace’s twitching unfolds into full on squirming, and another smile tugs at his lips, seemingly against his will, if the way he bites it to keep it from growing is any indication. 

“Rocky!” Grace whispers so the translator can't pick up his speech. “Stop tickling!” I’ve gotten to learn many English words at this point, but I don’t recognize this last one. I decide Grace and Rocky are infinitely more interesting than our meeting currently and resign myself to fully pull my attention away from it to instead study the two of them. 

Rocky’s changing their strategy once again. Now they have a hand fully resting on Grace’s side, and are slowly and randomly squeezing it. Grace has his lips firmly pressed together but despite his efforts he's wearing a large, strained smile. Another firm squeeze higher up on his torso has a hand slapping over his mouth, and his shoulders start shaking. I’ve learned that happens a lot when he laughs, however I hear no laughter. 

Wait a moment… 

A hypothesis is forming in my mind that is immediately confirmed when Rocky sneakily adds a second hand, quickly using both to suddenly and rapidly squeeze hard, and then pull away just as quickly. It makes Grace let out one muffled but high-pitch laugh, and his glasses fall from his other hand and into the dirt. 

Images of my grandchildren enter my mind, giggling and wrestling on the floor of my home, knocking their knuckles against each other's carapaces roughly. These two highly respected and intelligent adults are tickling each other like children. During a meeting. It’s a comparison that puts the final nail in the coffin of my old perception of Grace. Gone is the image of history in physical form. In its place stands this version of Grace: simply a person. Someone who loves equal parts learning and teaching. Someone I consider a friend and colleague. Someone who is struggling to suppress laughter while Rocky relentlessly exploits a weakness. 

Technically, this is inappropriate for a meeting, and I should put a stop to it. Yet my disapproval never quite materializes. My changed perception of Grace, combined with the fascinating realization that humans can be ticklish—and that Grace is rather susceptible—proves far more compelling. I’ll allow these playful antics, for now.

Ted takes this moment to tilt their carapace back towards Grace and I wonder if they're going to address the silliness unfolding during their meeting. 

“—And I think the only logical unit to follow the geology subject would be the earth science subject. What are your thoughts, Savior Grace?” Ted says. Ah, it seems they actually haven’t noticed the laughter or the fact that Grace's professionalism is unraveling before them. 

“Uh–um!” Grace responds, and his voice is an octave higher than it normally is. He clears his throat and goes to try again, but is distracted when Rocky picks up Grace’s fallen glasses and places them in his lap. I suppose that’s meant to be a friendly gesture, but it’s significantly undercut by Rocky then placing that hand on Grace's knee, and the man in question tenses visibly. It seems that must be a sensitive spot, and Rocky knows it.

“Th–thahat—!” Grace tries again but cuts himself off with a cough in an attempt to mask the titters poking through his last shreds of decorum. Rocky is using a strong grip to randomly pinch at the knee joint, and it makes Grace's leg jerk each time. 

“That sounds p–perfect, Ted. I have—hah!” Another laugh escapes, and he takes his hand and clamps it over his friends where it tickles his knee. “Uh, I have no—heh! No n–notes!” That last part rushes out through a wheeze, and he's trying to nonchalantly pull Rocky’s hand off that effective tickle spot to no avail. The smile on his face is wobbly as he attempts to suppress it, but that effort fails too. 

Ted chirps a quick “Great!” and resumes talking. 

Eventually Rocky takes mercy, in a way. They remove the hand from Grace's knee and go back to tormenting his side, again tracing teasing shapes along his skin. This seems more manageable to Grace, who now only lets out soft huffs here and there, squirming significantly reduced. 

I can’t help but notice that Grace isn’t trying that hard to stop this, truly. Yes, he's muffling his laughter, squirming and leaning away, but he could easily scooch away and out of Rocky’s reach. No, he's having fun. They both are. 

The fun continues as Rocky moves spots again. They make their touch even lighter and resume their shape tracing but around Grace's neck and ears. Grace lets out a full on squeak, and clamps both hands over his mouth while his shoulder crashes up to protect that area. That does nothing to deter Rocky, who’s now chittering quiet giggles at their friends' reactions and continues teasing that area. This is a very ticklish spot; even with both hands over his mouth it can't stop the high pitch giggles from leaking through Grace's fingers. 

His whole torso is now shaking with the effort to contain the building mirth, and his smile must be very large under his hands because it makes his eyes and nose scrunch. The giggles are so high pitched it reminds me of my youngest grandchildren’s coos and nonsensical babble while they're learning to talk. It’s adorable. 

But the fun has to end eventually; this is still an ‘important’ meeting after all. The blatant noise and commotion now coming from Rocky and Grace's side of the meeting is making Shale shift beside me, as well as a few of the other board members. I suspect Shale's known for a bit what’s been occurring, they’ve always been very perceptive. 

Shale’s tapping one of their claws gently against the ground, the only sign of their disapproval. Yet, they don’t say anything to correct Grace and Rocky. Who are they to scold the saviors of the planet? 

I don’t have such qualms, not anymore. 

I stand up a little straighter and gently raise my voice. “Colleagues, if we could please give Ted our attention while they close out this meeting?” That last part was directed at Ted too, a sign to please hurry up. 

Rocky snaps their hand back to their own space. I actually hear Grace's heart skip a beat as he inhales sharply and scoots a respectable distance away from his friend. It's so reminiscent of my grandchildren, so I can't be truly upset. 

They both mutter out similar versions of an apology, though Grace sounds more embarrassed while Rocky sounds considerably less sorry. The two of them sit still and attentive for the rest of the meeting. 

———

Ted finally finishes their speech and the meeting ends. Some board members approach me with a final remark or two about the project, and I say a quick farewell to Shale. In the distance, I hear Grace slap Rocky's arm gently and hiss out “Dude! You embarrassed me in front of the team!” 

Rocky only laughs and replies, “What, It was funny!” which only makes Grace grumble more. “Besides, they were just as bored as you were,” they tease. 

It’s time I join in on the fun. I move over to where they are and say teasingly, “I assume you’ll approach your lessons with a bit more maturity than your students, right Grace?” 

Grace tilts his head down sheepishly and smiles softly. “Of course, Professor. So sorry about that. That was childish of me.” He glances down at Rocky, who goes to lean against his legs again as if they hadn’t caused any mischief at all. 

“Of both of us,” Grace amends. He gives Rocky a gentle shove with his leg to remove them. It makes Rocky chirp out a short laugh instead. 

I hum a low note that has an edge of laughter. “I mostly jest, Grace. It was entertaining to watch, if not fascinating as well. I didn’t know humans could be ticklish; we should definitely discuss this more during one of our little chats.” 

Grace uses a hand to rub the back of his neck and stumbles a bit over his next words. “R-right. We can do that, Professor.” 

“I’d be happy to provide a demonstration any time, Professor!” Rocky adds helpfully. 

Grace gives them a proper shove this time. 

———

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know what you think, or if you have any suggestions. I crave feedback lol. and I also love just casual chats as well <3

also bonus brownie points to the person who guesses where I got the name Ted from for the pretentious eridian lol

I think I’m gunna try writing something. Y’all be nice to me lol. And let me know if you have any prompts, and I’ll see if I can whip something up. I have a few that I thought of right off the dome but I’d love to share ideas.