Johnny Gargano My Beloved

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You and your two boyfriends, Chance and Parker, were sat in the attic with Parker's new game: Werewolf. It was a social deduction game which you were not too thrilled about.

It's not that social deduction games weren't fun!

It's just that you were really really bad at them.

You hadn't even said a damn word before Parker looked at you and grinned.

"Y/N's the werewolf."

"100%" Chance added on with a snicker.

"W-What? No! I'm not!" You gripped the werewolf card tighter in your hand and doubled down, though your protests only made the two giggle harder.

"It's written all over your face." Parker said with a grin.

"Aw, don't worry, love. I think it's cute. Being a bad liar isn't... bad. It makes you more trustworthy." Of course Chance was immediately trying to reassure you, though it didn't do anything to cool your flushed cheeks at Parker's snickering.

"I-I can lie!"

Parker snorted and put down his card. "Oh yeah? Prove it."

You blinked dumbly. "How would I do that?"

"You could play a round of two truths and a lie?" Chance suggested as he began putting the cards back in the box, since clearly this group wouldn't actually be able to play more than 5 seconds of it.

"Yeah, Y/N, just come up with two true statements, one lie, and then we'll guess." Parker seemed perfectly fine pivoting to this game. Pretty much any type of game that involved one or both of his partners was a fun time in his book.

You thought to yourself and took a deep breath, summoning all your acting ability to convince them.

"I have a bachelor's degree..." You pondered your next statement. "I've never eaten nachos."

"Lie." Parker and Chance called you immediately with matching grins.

"What?!" You shouted. The two descended into amused laughter and your face turned red. "How did you two know?!"

"You were smiling-" Parker cackled. "AS SOON as that entered your mind. Holy shit, I wish you could've seen it. That was hilarious!"

Even Chance was having trouble smothering his laughter at your expense. "You have this habit of smiling every time you lie or," Chance snorted. "even think about lying. It's really cute."

Your face was burning and you couldn't help but pout.

"Aw, don't get all pouty. You're still fun to play with." Parker gave a few quick pokes to your ribs, causing you to flinch backwards with a squeak.

Parker's grin grew from amused to excited. "Ho-ho! What have we here? Is somebody ticklish?"

You put your hands up in front of you and sputtered out. "No! No, I'm not!"

"The most obvious lie ever." Chance snickered under his breath.

"What? I'm not! I swear!"

"Darling... sweetheart..." Chance cooed with an equally loving and teasing expression.

"You're not ticklish, huh?" Parker said, his face now inches from yours.

Against all wishes, your face contorted into a giddy smile and you looked to the side to avoid his gaze. "I'm not!"

"Just like you weren't the werewolf? And like you've never eaten nachos?"

At this point you were barely able to keep from laughing. "I-I'm... I'm telling the truth this time."

"Are you even capable of saying that with a straight face?" Chance goaded, grinning at you ear-to-ear.

"Yeah, go on. Give it a try. Convince us." Parker sat back with his legs crossed, watching you patiently.

You sat up straight and stared at the ground as you tried to collect your resolve.

"A lie's more believable if you make eye contact." Parker cooed in a sing song voice.

You could not, for the life of you, keep from smiling when you looked up at their amused expressions.

A fit of giggles broke out across the group.

"Give it a try. Think of it as lying practice. So you'll actually be able to play a social deduction game without it falling apart immediately." Parker said genuinely.

You took a deep breath and summoned all your focus. You forced your mouth into a straight line and looked straight at Parker.

"So, Y/N, are you ticklish?"

Parker's teasing grin, mixed with the anticipation, and the infuriating direction not to smile or laugh... well, you couldn't hold yourself back from bursting into a barely suppressed fit of giggles.

Your boyfriends broke into laughter twice as loud as your own.

"Seriously, love?" Chance laughed with a sincere smile.

"Hey!" You shouted, not out of anger, but out of sheer embarrassment. "It's hard not to laugh when I'm being told not to laugh!"

"You know what else makes it hard not to laugh?"

You looked over in a panic as Parker quickly closed in on you with wiggling fingers.

"N-No! P-Parker, I swehehehear!" You burst into hysterical giggling as Parker latched his fingers onto both of your sides and started wriggling them against the sensitive skin.

"Oh, wow, would've thought you were lying? I sure didn't think so!" Parker leaned in and spoke softly into your ear. "That's how you lie."

You lightly batted his hands but did nothing to truly force him from you. You figured you could handle this much until you felt Chance shuffle behind you and take hold of your wrists.

"Nohohoho! Chahahance! Nohohot yohohou tohohohoo! Cohohome on!"

"Maybe if we get all your giggles and grins out this way, you'll be able to tell a lie without that adorably radiant smile of yours." Chance poked your cheek with a giggle.

"I dunno, they've got a lot of giggles to go around." Parker cooed as his wiggling fingers ventured up your torso to your ribs.

You lurched forward and jerked from side to side as Parker's horrible... insanely dexterous fingers picked apart every fucking nerve ending on your ribs, top to bottom.

Forget giggles, you were full on laughing, much to the amusement of your once boyfriends, now tormentors.

You felt Chance lower his head yo kiss at your neck and then your blazing red cheeks.

"Still smiling. I don't know if they'll ever be able to hold a straight face ever again at this rate."

"Nonsense. We've still got tickle spots galore to explore!"

"Guhuhuhuys!" You tittered. "Ihihihit's nohohot gohohonna work!"

"Anything's worth trying once!" Parker replied, still enthusiastic as ever. "And I'm sure as hell having a good time."

"So am I." Chance agreed. He lowered his head back to your neck and began peppering gentle and horrendously ticklish kisses over the area.

Your laughter switched to high-pitched hysterical giggling as you kicked your feet and tossed your head side to side.

You legitimately squealed when Parker began skittering his fingers over your belly.

"Of all the shit lies you've told tonight, not being ticklish is the biggest. I mean, look at yourself!" He clutched his middle and doubled over in his own fit of giggles. "Hehehe- I'm more willing to believe you've never had a single chip in your life than you not being ticklish."

Chance snorted between ticklish kisses. "God, you two are the cutest."

Just as you were getting used to the kissing sensations, you heard Chance take a deep breath and place his lips on the side of your neck.

"PPPPPBBBBBLTTT"

You genuinely SCREAMED before descending into helpless cackling.

"Haha! A raspberry? You really are chaotic evil." Parker laughed.

"Excuse you, I'm neutral good." Chance replied, raising his head from the site of that torturous raspberry.

"Which is suuuuch a boring alignment."

In their bickering there was a brief moment they stopped their tickling which gave you a blessed moment of reprieve which you spent catching your long gone breath.

"It's not boring. No alignment is inherently boring, it all depends on how you play it."

"Fine! I guess I have to be the chaotic of the party!" Parker raised his wiggling fingers and shot you a taunting grin. "You didn't think we were done did you?"

Just the sight of those fingers sent you back into a giggle fit.

Chance and Parker snickered.

"God, you're so easy to make laugh. It's the gosh darn cutest thing." Parker cooed over you. If your face wasn't already ten different shades of scarlet, it would've taken that hue at that comment.

You felt a stream of air at your ear and you squealed at a humiliatingly high pitch.

You heard Chance's amused giggling behind you. "Ticklish ears?" He whispered across the shell. You scrunched up your shoulder and giggled harder.

Not as hard as when Parker got bored and decided to shoot his torturing fingers under your arms.

Your back arched as you shrieked in impossible to restrain laughter.

"Gotcha!" Parker sang. "Boy, you're just a ticklish bundle of nerves, aren'tcha?"

You thrashed as much as you could in Chance's hold before resigning to throwing your head back on the DM's shoulder with your eyes screwed shut and surrendering yourself to your deep belly laughter.

"Laughing too hard to talk, huh?" Parker snickered.

"You think they've had enough?" Chance asked.

"I think they can take a little more." Parker glanced at Chance eagerly. "Do the raspberry thing again."

Chance sighed. "Okay, one. Any more than that and I think we may break them."

You couldn't even try to protest before you felt another agonizingly ticklish raspberry at your neck, sending your hysteric laughter into silence.

Eventually you felt Parker retract his hands and Chance release your wrists. You shot your arms to your sides and rubbed the hollows of your underarms with your now free hands.

"How'd that feel? Got all your giggles out?" Parker teased.

"Oh, that was... awful. I-I hated that." You said, subconsciously avoiding eye contact.

There was a quiet moment, but you couldn't get the guts to look at their reactions.

Maybe you were too harsh. Did they feel bad?

You felt hands squeeze your sides and you shrieked out a laugh before whipping around the see their matching grins. "So you enjoyed that, huh? Even when you were laughing so hard you couldn't talk?"

Your stomach did a triple flip and you picked at the hem of your shirt. "I-I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't like that... that'd be weird..."

Chance yanked you close into a strong hug. You felt him rumble with chuckles. "I've never been so grateful for my partner to be such a terrible liar. Even after all that it's still written all over your face. God you're so adorable."

"Guess we'll just have to tickle you all the time. Who knows, maybe it WILL make you a better liar." Parker ruffled your hair and pinched your side, giggling at your responsive squeak.

So, here you both were, spooning on your bed, covers sprawled about after earlier activities. It was a nice, quiet moment. Parker was holding you against his chest, arms wrapped around you, the neck of your shirt pulled down and hair cast aside so that your Parker had better access to the expanse of space. He was planting loving kisses wherever his lips could reach: your neck was an obvious one, but also the sides, your shoulders and back.

And you were in heaven. You were melting at the touch, and combined with the cuddling, all tension from the week was dissipating from each kiss that touched down onto your skin.

Parker did this for a long while, however, his mischievous mind began to wander…

He began giving you love bites.

Since he was only sticking to your neck, shoulders and back, you weren’t too concerned about the appearance of them, as you could easily hide the marks with clothing, a scarf or makeup.

What did concern you, then?

It really tickled.

You had known Parker liked to bite - it was one of the weird, goofy comments he made when you first met him, after all. He just hadn’t bitten you yet until that one time with the dice previously, but that didn’t tickle.

This did, though.

And it was getting harder and harder to mask your reaction.

You chomped down on your lip, not daring to let any sort of noise out.

However, Parker moved his next love bite right on the crook of your neck and shoulder, more teeth involved. Even just brushing his lips there caused you to squeak.

The squeak instantly alerted him, a hint of concern heard in his voice. “Gosh, sorry, did that one hurt?”

“N-No, it’s fine, really, you can keep going.” You urged, the burning in your cheeks slowly beginning to surface.

Parker hummed. “Okey dokey.” Good, he hadn’t caught on… yet.

The more that Parker left marks across your skin, though, the more your mask began to slip. You moved a hand to your mouth to silence yourself, your shoulders shaking from suppressed giggles, and that’s when Parker piped up a second time.

“You really sure you’re okay? Y’know, I can do something else—”

“Sorry! I’m just not used to the feeling… but it feels very nice, though. Please, I don’t mind.”

Parker didn’t give a response that time, going back to kissing and lightly biting wherever he could. With his lack of response, you assumed that you had swayed him enough.

However, his silence just meant he was plotting. He was beginning to catch on.

Parker’s head moved to the base of your neck, planting kisses there, feeling the goosebumps rising on your skin. He continued kissing along in a straight line… right on the pathway to your ear.

Your mind was melting and unaware of what was about to happen.

That’s when you felt it… teeth very gently catching on your earlobe.

And it tickled really, really bad.

You couldn’t stop the high-pitched squeal that left your mouth.

“P-Parker!!” You quickly rolled over onto your other side to face him. Your face was burning rose red. You thought you were going to meet the gaze of a concerned partner… but instead you met the eyes of a beast who looked like he was going to gobble you up.

Parker couldn’t help but giggle at your reaction. “Hehehe. Ticklish, even with kisses? You’re even cuter than I thought.”

Your cheeks blazed red at his comment. “I can't help it!”

“I know you can't - it's still absolutely adorable, though. C’mon, turn back ‘round.” Parker lifted his arm up in welcoming.

You pouted, cheeks puffing out in mock annoyance. He knew you were just putting up a front - another cute quirk of yours to add to the pile. “I dunno… are you gonna bite me again?”

“Well, I can't promise that, especially after that noise I got outta you… but I'll try to make the kisses less tickly, alright?”

Eyeing him up and down with an overdramatic suspicious glare, you eventually rolled back around, shuffling your body close to Parker. “If I smell any funny business… it's on.”

Parker wrapped his arms back around your body, noting that it was a little more snug than last time. “Pfft, fine, no funny business.”

That was a complete lie, and even you knew that yourself.

Easing into it, Parker went back to his gentle kisses first, though even those tickled at this point. His lips brushed against your shoulder, causing your body to shiver.

“Gosh, just a ticklish little thing, aren't ya?”

You could feel the heat rising in your face again, bringing your hands up to cover your face. “Shuhuhush…” you weren't even giggling from the bites or kisses anymore, just from Parker’s words alone.

Your cute little giggles were music to Parker’s ears. He couldn't help himself, he needed more. His hold around you became just a bit more snug.

You noticed, but you never would have guessed what he was going to do next.

Parker’s mouth returned to your ear - this time not just biting it, but nibbling on it.

It tickled even worse.

Squeaky giggles burst through the dam. You attempted to shake your head to throw Parker off, but he was determined. “Pahaharker!!”

”Whaaaat?” God, even his breath tickled.

”Yohohou KNOW what you’re dohohoing!!”

Chomp chomp chomp. Right on your ear, and then your neck to your shoulder.

Oh, he was extremely aware. Especially because the hands that were wrapped around you began to move as well. Wiggling fingers burst to life against your stomach and side, pulling more laughter from you. “Thihihis was supposed to behehe just kisses!” You exclaimed through your laughter.

“You should know me by now. It's never ‘just kisses’ when I'm around.” You could hear the grin in Parker’s voice.

Your bright laughter had a domino effect - Parker began laughing to himself in the crook of your shoulder, which in turn made you laugh even more. There was a silliness stuck in the air, the joyful sounds no longer caused just by the tickles, though there would definitely be more of it.

An evil idea crossing Parker’s mind, a mischievous chuckle rumbled against your back, blankets shifting. “Heheheh… c’mere.”

”Wha—?”

Parker suddenly shifted, releasing his hug around your body to opt to wrestle you instead. He sat up on your waist, beginning to lift the hem of your shirt.

Oh no, you don’t— you knew exactly what he was doing.

”Don’t you dare! Or else!” You playfully protested, a fire burning in you to fight back.

“Or else what, huh?” Parker had a goofy yet confident smile on his face.

”Or… THIS!” Your hands reached out to grab whatever tickle spot you could reach first, your fingers grazing on the bottom of his ribs.

Parker was caught off guard for a moment, a wave of giggles hitting him. “Hahaha!! W-Wait— that’s not fahahair!” His hands reached back out to make a grab at your belly, where he was originally aiming for.

You grabbed hold of Parker’s darting hands with your own, making an attempt to fight him off. But you’ve both done this tango many times before, so he knew the cheat code. His wrists were broken free of your hold with a swift motion, his hands immediately targeting your unprotected underarms, fingers raking at them. You sputtered, slamming your arms to your sides… but that was your grave mistake.

Hands sliding out from under your arms, Parker swiftly raised his knees up so that they were sitting on top of your hands.

Hook, line, and sinker.

”Just resign to your ticklish fate,” Parker’s voice was icy cold, sending a chill through your body. He sure had the flair for theatrics. “Besides, we gotta find out if tickle bites work in other spots, too…”

You puffed out your cheeks, a child-like pout on your face, trying to see if you could sway him. An experimental tug on your hands as you eyed Parker’s face solidified your fate, though. Giggles were already brewing inside you from the anticipation. “Plehehease, at least be nice!”

“Hmm… sorry, can’t count on that. Not when your face looks that adorable.” He teased.

Your cheeks blazed red at that one.

Parker began his side tracked mission once again, lifting up the hem of your shirt, deaf to your protests. His head dipped down, and you were expecting a ticklish bite, or even teeth. But that didn’t come, not at first at least.

No, it was worse.

You heard Parker inhale a large breath, and then felt a raspberry touch down on your belly.

You shrieked.

“THAHAT’S NOT EVEN BIHIHITING!!”

He blew another one before he responded, laughing at your reaction. “Hehehehe… sorry, I couldn't resist. The opportunity was right there!”

“Yohohou’re so mean to mehehe!!” Your voice was laced with giggles. Parker wiggled his eyebrows at you, an evil glint in his eye. Your stomach dropped once his voice reached your ears.

“Oh, did you think I was finished? I'm not done yet.”

The night was filled with your shrill laughter as Parker trailed love bites across your stomach, mixing raspberries into it all just you hear your adorable giggles and snorts. Your contagious laughter eventually hit Parker as he laughed along with you, doubling over and laying his head on your stomach. His knees moved to your sides, freeing your hands.

“Hehehe, you're such a riot, y’know? That's why I love ya so much.”

One of your hands reached up to his head laying on your stomach, fingers carding through his hair with gentle love and adoration for the man sitting atop of you.

Amir responds first. “I am sorry Dorian, but we could not help but notice how tense you look right now.”

“Yeah, we know it’s part of your position to be on the lookout, but stiff muscles that never get rest can’t be good for you. Why don’t you relax for a little bit?” Betty adds.

“I’m fine, but I appreciate the concern,” is all Dorian says in response.

Amir rolls his eyes. “Yes yes, we know you’re fine, but wouldn’t it be great to smile more? A smile shouldn’t be rare! It should be always shining, as bright as the sun itself reflecting off a mirror!”

Betty responds, “What Amir is trying to say is that you look so tense all the time, so it would be nice to see you smile and loosen up a little more.”

“Exactly!” Amir agrees. “I mean, look at you right now. “Your face is all stiff and serious. It’s a problem we need to address.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Dorian replies. “This is how I always look.”

Amir exasperates a sigh. “Here, let me show you what I mean.” Amir goes over to the door, takes Dorian’s arm, and pulls him towards the other side of the bedroom. Dorian grumbles as he’s escorted from his post and positioned in front of the mirror. Within the reflection, he can see himself, Amir standing with him on one side, and Betty moving closer to join him on the other side.

Amir gestures towards the mirror, more specifically the reflection of Dorian’s gruff-looking face. “You see, Dorian? You are too serious!” Amir looks over at his friend, “You see it too, right Betty?”

The pink-haired woman nods. “I do see it. You have to admit, Dorian, it’s great that you’re always standing guard around the house, but sometimes you need to relax too, you know?”

“What’s wrong with the way I look?” Dorian glares, specifically at Amir.

“Nothing! Nothing at all!” Amir answers. “Betty and I just think that a smile would look great on you. That way you won't look so tense anymore, eh?” Amir gives Dorian a playful jab in his side to punctuate his sentence. Surprising, Dorian flinches and sucks in a breath of air. He latches onto Amir’s hand and quickly pulls it away from his side.

“Yeah, I get it,” Dorian releases Amir’s wrist. “But like I said before, I’m fine.”

Amir only half-processes Dorian’s words as he blinks at him; he’s still hung up on the fact that Dorian basically jumped when he jabbed him. At first, Amir thought that he may have just surprised him, but then he realized… Was that a hint of a smile he saw?

Amir and Betty both look at each other. Betty’s look of amusement indicates that she also noticed, and was thinking, the same thing. Amir can’t help but smirk.

“Could it be…?” he finally responds. “Could it be that the stoic Dorian is a little ticklish?”

Dorian rolls his eyes with a grumble. “I’m not ticklish. Simple answer as that. Now, I appreciate you both trying to help, but I have a job to do.” Dorian walks off, then heads downstairs to change his post. 

When he leaves, Amir and Betty glance at each other, both of their minds cooking up a scheme.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Betty?” Amir smiles.

Betty returns a smile. “Oh, you bet I am.”

***

“So picture this! A crime has just occurred in a bakery and the criminal has hidden the evidence in a baked good—like a cake, or a pie, or something like that! So my question is this: judging by the facts of the case, what sweet treat would the criminal most likely hide the evidence in?”

Dorian shakes his head at the riddle. He has his arms crossed as he responds to Maggie the magnifying glass’ question.

“So you want to know what type of food item a criminal could get away with using? Why don’t you talk to Mitchell about this?” 

“Because this is less about the actual food and more so on the inconspicuous properties of the food!” Maggie clarifies. “If someone came into the house with a bakery item as a gift, what would look the least conspicuous? Hmm, cake? It could be cake…” Maggie thinks out loud.

As she speaks, Maggie sees Amir and Betty peek out and then appear from behind the living room wall. They slowly tip-toe their way towards Dorian.

Dorian notices that Maggie’s eyes briefly glanced at something past him. “I guess I would have to think about that one,” Dorian is about to turn his head around, but Maggie quickly pulls back his attention as she yells out,

“WAIT! I've had an epiphany! What if it’s the flavor of cake that makes it less conspicuous. Hmm, let’s see here… There’s chocolate, strawberry, vanilla…”

Dorian replies, sighing, “Maggie, I don’t think the flavor of cake makes any differ–ENCE!” He yelps in the middle of talking from Amir and Betty sneaking up on him and driving their fingers into his torso. “Gahack!” Dorian coughs out a few giggles as his body slowly reacts to the realization that he’s being tickled.

“What are you dohohoing?” Dorian keeps himself standing in place while he pulls in his limbs a little closer to himself.

“Aha! I knew it! I knew you were ticklish!” Amir exclaims with glee as he drums his fingers along Dorian’s side. “You can’t keep a good secret like that from us!”

“And now that the secret is out, we can see that smile we’ve been wanting to see! The giggles are an added bonus,” Betty mentions as she holds on to one of his arms while her other hand scratches at his ribs.

“I wahahas hoping yohohou would forget!” Dorian starts to squirm a little the more the tickling continues.

“A chance to make our friend smile? We couldn’t forget a thing like that! We even had Maggie help us with a distraction.” Betty smiles in the direction of the magnifying glass, “Thanks Maggie for your help.”

“Hehe, no problem,” Maggie beams.

“Maggie?! Yohohou were in on it toohohohoo?” Dorian wraps his arms around his torso as he can feel in his belly the boiling pot of laughter starting to make an appearance.

“Well, when Amir and Betty came to me with a rumor that you might be ticklish, I just had to see the evidence for myself,” Maggie says. “Now I have, so it looks like this case is open and shut.”

“Do you want to give us a hand, Maggie?” Betty asks. “I bet Dorian has plenty of tickle spots to go around.”

“I do nohohohot!” Dorian protests as his body tries to curl inward on itself, nearly causing him to fall backwards to the floor, but he’s trying to keep somewhat of his stoic image by keeping himself standing.

Amir explores further up his sides. “Lying is not a good look on you, my friend. We’re just going to find out about your so-called ticklish spots eventually,” Amir grins, especially when he sees Dorian tightening his arms to himself when Amir reaches his underarms.

Maggie chuckles. “Thanks for the offer, Betty, but you two have your fun with it.” Maggie is about to leave but she stops herself. “Since you said Dorian flinched when you poked his side, try around there. He must be super ticklish there if he couldn’t contain his reaction just from a poke.”

“Mahahahaggie!” Dorian yells.

“We’re on the case, Maggie!” Amir grins.

“Okay, bye! Have fun you three! Let me know how it goes later!” Maggie speeds out of there before she can get herself in any more trouble with Dorian.

“Mahahahaggie wait!” Dorian calls out to her before he has to quickly shift his attention back to his two attackers that have just been given a major tip. “Dohohon’t you even think–AHA!” Dorian jolts when Amir tests a squeeze right above his hip. When the mirror hones in on the spot, Dorian immediately falls to his knees.

“And down he goes!” Amir cheers and pounces on top of Dorian to knock him onto his stomach. Amir lies sideways across Dorian’s back.

“Amir!” Dorian pushes half of his body up on his arms. “Get off–mehehehe!” Dorian snickers as Amir scribbles into his side again. Dorian wobbles on his arms before completely crashing to the floor and releasing goofy bouts of laughter.

“I’ve got him pinned Betty! Get his other side!” Amir exclaims

“You got it, Amir,” Betty kneels down and skitters her fingers across Dorian’s side and his back, like she was giving him a tickly massage to loosen the ‘down to business’ tension he always has. She also focuses on the spot right above his hips that made him crumble. Dorian bounces with booming belly laughs and slams his fist to the floor. When he makes a singular, higher pitched cackle amidst his continuous stream of “Hahaha”s, Dorian bumps his forehead into the floor, trying to hide away from the sound he just made. He knows it won’t be long before his two friends will make a comment.

“My goodness,” Amir starts, “I’ve heard of squeaky doors before, but a giggly door that squeaks while being tickled? Now that’s a new one.”

Betty chuckles. “I could get used to this new version of Dorian.”

Dorian lifts his head. He shouts to his friends behind him, “Yohohohou gohohot me, ahahalright?! Knohohohock it off!” Dorian manages through his wheezes.

“Oh well, if we must,” Amir teases, but immediately pulls his hands from Dorian. He jumps off his back and sits next to him. Betty takes a seat as well while Dorian picks himself from the floor and leans back on an arm to rest.

Betty sweetly pats his back, careful not to startle him again. Amir laughs.

“Ha ha! We got you!” the mirror rubs it in a little.

Dorian’s chest rises and falls as he speaks, “Yeah, you did. You both performed a well coordinated sneak attack without question. I’ll give you that.”

“Oh good. Then we’ll know what to do next time,” Amir says.

Dorian whips his head in the direction of the mirror. “Next time?”

“Yeah, now we’ll know what to do if you're too tense or not smiling as much,” Betty smiles at him.

Parker picks up a plastic hourglass timer beside him, the kind of timer that would come with a board game, naturally. “We’ll see who will last the longest! You have three minutes and your time starts…” Parker flips over the timer for the tiny particles of sand to fall, then places it beside him, “Now!”

The personification of the board game rests his hands on his knees, reinforces his posture to look like an impenetrable wall, and stares at you and Chance with an intense look of focus.

You pause before making your first move. 

“Uh… okay?” You lean forward and wave your hand in Parker’s face, as if you were trying to gain someone’s attention. Parker makes no movement whatsoever. Not even a blink. Only a smirk upon his face grows. You pull your hand away, then regroup with Chance to think up another plan.

Chance rubs his chin. “Hmm, let me try something…” The D20 takes a moment to process his thoughts. He observes Parker. A few seconds of complete silence goes by before Chance lurches forward like a monster popping out of a bush, claws out and everything, shouting, “Boo!” 

Again, Parker sits completely still and unfazed. He acknowledges Chance’s attempt with the same smug grin. 

Chance sits back on his knees. “Well that didn’t work…”

“One minute has passed,” Parker mentions, “Two minutes left.” You can hear the cockyness in his words.

“Oh oh!” you exclaim. “Maybe we don’t have to scare him to make him lose his composure! Maybe we can make him laugh instead!”

“Good thinking!” Chance agrees. “Do you have any jokes in mind?”

“Eh, the last joke I said kind of got us into this game,” you say.

“Wait! I’ve got one! Ahem,” Chance clears his throat. “What did the two dice say when they realized they were winning a game?”

“What?” Parker plays along. 

“They said they were ‘on a roll!’ Hehehe!” Chance breaks out into giggles at his own joke. Hearing Chance’s giggles, you can’t help but laugh with him too. Surely Parker can’t resist this contagious sound of laughter either, right?

You look towards Parker. His expression is completely blank, except for him narrowing his eyes at you both.

“Nice try, but you’ll have to do more than that to tickle my funny bone,” Parker states.

Just then, an idea clicks in your head. Your mouth curls into a grin.

“You’re right, Parker. We won't be able to tickle your funny bone with jokes,” your words have a mischievous air to them, “Soooo, we’ll just have to try to actually tickle you instead!”

For the first time during this game, Parker actually looks phased. His eyes widen in shock and his smug demeanor comes to a screeching halt.

“Wait what-”

Chance picks up on what you’re suggesting for your next tactic. He joins in with a smirk of his own. “Oh hoho! Yes, I see. If we try that, we’re sure to win!”

With a nod and a smile to one another, you and Chance lift your hands at the same time and wiggle your fingers at Parker.

A shiver is sent down Parker’s spine. When he sees you both approach, he leans back on his arm and purposefully knocks the timer on its side. “Wait wait! Time out!” he holds his hands up. “New rule! N-No touching!” 

You smirk even wider. “Oh, that’s fine, Parker. I bet we don't even have to touch you to make you break!”

Parker’s demeanor changes from frightened to one of absolute determination. He glares at you, growling with his reply, “Is that another challenge?”

“You bet it is,” you respond.

Parker scoffs in disbelief. He straightens his posture, then scoops up the timer.

“Then do your worst!” Parker proclaims. He nearly slams the timer down before he throws his arms out to the side.

“Well, he did ask,” Chance smiles.

You nod. “Let’s get him!”

You can see a lump in Parker’s throat as he swallows hard. Like a jumpscare, you and Chance spring forward, but you stop your hands right before you make contact with Parker’s torso. Both you and Chance act as if you’re tickling Parker, though you brush up against the air rather than his skin. Still, you see his smile twitch in anticipation.

Seeing his reaction, you comment, “What’s the matter Parker? Losing your composure already?”

“Hehe, we’ve barely even started!” Chance adds.

Parker stutters. “W-Well, if you want to win, y-you better make it quick! You only have thirty seconds left of the timer-” His snarky comment is stopped short when your fingers inch dangerously close to his belly. He sucks in his tummy and bites his bottom lip. 

“Oh, I think that’s plenty of time,” you lay the teases on thick.

“Why are you acting so afraid, Parker? We’re not cheaters,” Chance grins.

“I think he’s afraid that we’ll actually tickle him, but you know that we’re not cheaters, right Parker? Unless you think we would cheat?”

Parker snarls, though you can tell he’s watching your hands intently. “That’s right, act all innocent. I know your mind games. You want me to think that you’ll cheat so that you get me to break. Well good luck because you have another thing com-ING!” Parker’s words jump when you suddenly spider your fingers up and hover dangerously close above both of Parker’s underarms. The following reaction is immediate: Parker flinches, snorts out a muffled giggle, and squeezes his eyes shut on reflex.

“Ah ha! We got you!” You immediately pull your hands away and celebrate.

Chance follows and grabs the timer. “And with only a few seconds to spare!”

Parker groans. He rolls his eyes. “Fine, fine. You win. You got–MEhehehehee!” Parker spasms mid-sentence when your fingers finally touch down on his stomach. He flails his arms like he’s about to fall backwards before clutching onto your wrists like a rope and trying to tug your hands away that are prodding at his belly. 

“Hehehehey! Whahahahat gives?!”

“Sorry, Parker! I couldn’t resist. The opportunity was right there,” you smile. “Plus the original challenge was to make you lose your composure completely, right? Well, we weren't going to get that reaction just from a few wiggling fingers hovering over your ticklish spots. We need to do the real thing!”

“Yeah,” Chance slides over to sit behind Parker with a sly smile on his face. “So consider this like a bonus round.” Chance joins in and tickles Parker’s ribs. The board game jolts backwards and clamps his arms down. He kicks his heels at the floor as his giggles continue to tumble out of him.

“Nohohoho! Yohohohou dohoho NOT deheheheserve a bohohonus rohohound!” he squirms in your hold. “Gehehehet off of mehehehehe!” Parker growls through his laughter and wriggles from you and Chance’s hands to lunge himself past you. He slams on the floor on his belly. Now free, he tries to make a run for it, but you and Chance each catch one of his legs. He plops back down to the floor on his stomach and claws at the ground as he’s yanked towards you both, yelling, “Wait wait wait WAIT!” 

You’re the first to let go of his leg and pounce! You aim for his underarms, but Parker quickly rolls onto his back and catches your wrists in mid-air.

“Oh no you don’t! I know what you’re thinking! Well, don't even think about it!” he wrestles your hands back.

“Oh, I’m thinking about it, alright,” you give him a devilish grin. You shout over your shoulder, “Chance! Get his sides!”

“On it!” The D20 scoots his way over to Parker.

Parker lets out a terrified squeak. “C-Chance! Get back!” Parker kicks his legs at him, but in his current predicament, Chance is easily able to push his legs away. “Back I sa-AHahahahaHEY!” Parker erupts into wheezy laughter again when Chance digs into his sides. 

The board game growls through his giggles, “Nohohoho fair! I ohohonly hahahave two hahahands!”

“Yeah, that’s the point Parker,” you giggle and slip your hands out of Parker’s weakened grip. He flails his arms to try and catch your hands again, but you easily push through his flailing limbs and plunge into his underarms.

“GAHahack!” a high-pitched yelp comes from Parker, followed by big, wheezy belly laughter that sounds completely goofy like something out of a cartoon, but very loveable.

“NOHOHOHO! Nohohohot THAT!” Parker shouts through his boisterous laughter. Parker pulls his arms in tighter and flails his legs like he was riding a bike, trapped under the tickly hands of you and Chance. 

“Aha! Now we got him!” Chance cheers. “I think this counts as breaking his composure to the fullest, right? By the sound of it, it looks like we just landed a critical hit.” 

“I think we did. Hehe,” you smile. “What do you say, Parker? Does this count as us breaking your composure?”

“YEHEHEHES! Mohohohore like yohohohou shattered it!” Parker exclaims. The board game yelps at the end of his sentence as Chance flutters his fingers at his belly. Parker kicks out his legs behind him once more. “BUHUHUT YES! YES! Yohohoho win!!!” he wheezes and drops his head back as he collapses into his own laughter. 

You and Chance nod at one another, then pull back your hands. Parker slumps into the floor; his hands are wrapped around himself as he takes a second to regain the ability to breath at a natural pace.

“You okay, Parker?” you ask.

“Oh fine. Just fine…” Parker says with a bit of sarcasm, meaning he’s starting to return back to his normal self. He slowly sits himself up.

“Oh good!” you reply. “Well, that was fun. How about we play a different game?”

Parker appears to instantly recover when he hears this and springs into the conversation. “Hold your plastic miniature horses! You’re forgetting one thing…” Parker grins at you both as if another competition is brewing.

Chance knows that look anywhere. His eyes grow wide. “Uh oh-”

“‘Uh oh’ is right. It’s both of your turns, remember?” Parker growls through his devilish smirk.

“Yeah… I should have expected this,” you state.

“Run!” Chance shouts. 

However, when you and Mateo move, so does Davi. The tassel hound sees your movement as a sign to play. Just as the movie is seconds away from your favorite line, Davi hops onto the sofa, into Mateo’s lap, and happily barks.

“Whoa! Davi!” Mateo giggles and calms Davi’s barks down with a head pat. 

“Davi!” you jokingly scold. “You made us miss my favorite line,” you smile while gesturing towards the TV. You grab the remote and pause the film.

“Hehe, it looks like Davi wanted to be the star of the show instead,” Mateo rubs the inanimal’s head. Davi, happy with the pets, hops off of Mateo and curls himself back on the floor.

You chuckle as well hearing Mateo’s contagious giggles. As if a wave hit you on a beach, a playful energy takes over your brain. “Oh, so you think that’s funny huh?” you smirk at him. “Then how about you laugh at this!” 

Without a second of hesitation, you lunge forward and tickle Mateo’s sides. The man lets out a giggly yelp in surprise before he completely dissolves into airy giggles. Davi perks his head up at the sound, but his tail wags with glee when he sees Mateo laughing.

Mateo grabs onto your wrists with a gentle hold and buries his face in his shoulder. “Hehehehey!” he swings his legs out, then falls back onto the pillows lying on the arm on the couch. “Whahahat did I dohohoho?”

“I was trying to share my favorite line of the whole movie and then you laughed that we missed it! I’m offended!” you joke.

“Buhuhuhut I did hehehear it!” Mateo switches from holding onto your hands to wrapping his arms around himself. 

“Oh yeah? What was the line then?” you stop your hands for Mateo to answer, but you keep your fingers within tickle-distance at his sides.

A flush of pink spreads on Mateo’s cheeks. “Hehe, it was, um…” his eyes glance to the side. Before he even has the chance to make up a lie, you already dive your fingers back into his torso, earring a squeaky bundle of giggles.

“Uh huh, that’s what I thought,” you grin and scribble your fingers at his belly. Mateo curls forward with a snort.

“Buhuhuhut I reheheheally did hehehear something!” he argues. You pause your wiggling fingers. 

“What was it?” you say, your words clearly holding a smile.

Mateo takes a few deep breaths before responding, “Your laughter!” In one swift motion, Mateo latches onto your sides and starts scribbling. You screech and squeeze your arms to your sides. When you try to twist away, Mateo sits up right behind you and pulls you into a tickly embrace; your back rests against his warm chest. 

“Mateheheheo!” you laugh and pull yourself into a ball on the sofa. Mateo slips a hand toward your ribs, only increasing your laughter.

“See. Now how could I hear the movie when I have your giggles going on in my ear?” a rare tease is said by Mateo.

“Ohohohoho plehehehease!” you sass, “My giggles wehehehere after Dahahahavi’s disruption!” 

Mateo chuckles, fluttering his fingers at your belly. You curl forward in his hold. “Okay, you got me there,” Mateo admits. He stills his fingers, allowing you a breather.

As you recover, he gives you a gentle hug from behind and rests his head on your shoulder. “Are you good? Do you need some water or anything?” he asks, wanting to provide you with any aftercare from his counter-tickles.

You shake your head. “No thank you. How about you?” you politely offer the same to him.

“I’m good, thank you,” he replies. “But how about we go back to being cozy and watching the movie instead?”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself,” you answer. Mateo sits himself back on the couch and you scoot next to him. You snuggle up close to him, resting your head on his shoulder. Mateo puts his arms around you and leans into your embrace. 

Parker:

~ Parker will swing and swipe his arms at the person tickling him, like a cat. So much so that his tickler might have to duck a few swipes to avoid getting hit by his hands. Parker’s flailing can be stopped usually if his underarms are tickled. For instance, if one of his swinging arms is grabbed and held in the air, then if someone’s other free hand scribbles into his stretched underarm, that’ll render Parker’s upper half completely immoble. Parker will clasp his untrapped hand to the tickler’s and try to pry it away, all while kicking and digging his heels into the floor.

~ He’s most ticklish at his underarms, hence why attacking him there is like checkmate.

~ He has a loud laugh that comes from the depths of his diaphragm. It’s a wheezy laugh that sounds chaotic and all over the place, high pitch and giggle wise, but it’s absolutely genuine, pure, contagious, and downright lovable.

~ Parker will squeak like a squeaky toy getting stepped on when a really ticklish spot is hit, or if someone switches from spot to spot when he least expects it.

~ A lot of “Gack!” “Ack!” “Gah!” and “Ahack!”s will also release from him when he’s surprised attacked, or again, if he’s already being tickled and another one of his tickle spots is unexpectedly targeted.

~ If it’s a competition or a challenge to not laugh, Parker will do his absolute best to win. Similarly, he’ll try to win if it’s a competition of who can last the longest while being tickled. Parker may be ticklish, but he also doesn’t want to back down!

“You must tickle me and see if you can win against me. Have at thee!”

~ When Parker is holding in his laughter, he’ll bite his bottom lip. His smile will wobble and his cheeks will flush a little red as if he was holding his breath for too long. Sometimes, some snickers are still able to get through. 

~ Parker does welcome tickling as an extra challenge to his games though. For instance, if a game like Twister is played, he’ll be very curious as to how the game will work with an extra layer of difficulty. 

Player: “Is tickling against the rules?” Parker: (A bit flustered at first) “W-Well no- It’s not technically against the rules.” (He puts a hand to his chin to think) “Hmm, but a game with tickling, you say? Sounds like a challenge!”

~ Another example: Parker has to roll dice while he’s being tickled, but if he drops them, his turn is skipped. Because he wants to win, he’ll try his hardest to limit his squirming, but he’ll still flinch and wiggle away from the hands tickling him.

~ However, he and whoever is playing with him will have to agree on the use of tickling in the game beforehand. Otherwise, it’s cheating. And if Parker is tickled as a method of cheating, watch out. He loves to get revenge. He has a huge grin whenever he tickles someone and his voice deepens to a growl as he becomes a menace of a tickle monster.

“Oh, you’re in for it now!” 

“Cheaters never prosper! Instead, they get tickles!”

“I’m allowed to get revenge if you tickle me. It’s one of those unspoken rules to abide by.”

“You are no match for my quick witted fingers!”

~ Sometimes, with his partner, he’ll know that his partner purposely cheats in order to get him to tickle them. In that case, he’ll go slightly easier, but any cheaters still have to be playfully punished!

~ Someone can take Parker off guard if they just casually drop that they’re going to tickle him. Usually he says to expect the unexpected, but in this case, he doesn’t.

*The player is trying to distract Parker* Player: “Parker! Look over there!” Parker: “Ha! Those tricks don’t fool me!” Player: “Oh, okay. I’m just going to tickle you then.” *Parker immediately changes his tune; he’s frozen, stunned.* Parker: “Wait what-”

~ I’ve heard others say that Parker would use bites and nibbles to tickle and I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE. With his partner, he also likes to snuggle his face into their neck or their belly to add to the tickles. 

~ Another one of his go-to methods would be raspberries. He will take a big breath, pull back, and puff out his cheeks in an exaggerated motion before blowing a big raspberry over a ticklish spot. 

~ Parker loves earning the big, explosive laughter from whoever he’s tickling. He’ll turn his hands into claws and pounce on their tickle spots to hear it. 

~ If the person he’s going after is standing or running, he will also literally pounce or tackle them to the ground if he has to. 

~ Expect to be pinned by him if there’s a lot of flailing happening. For example, he’ll either sit on someone's legs, or grab both of someone's hands in one of his and pin them above their head. He’ll loom over them and wiggle his fingers above them, waiting to hear the anticipatory giggles before going in for the tickly kill. He’ll let someone go immediately if they ask, or if he sees that they’re at their limit, of course.

~ With his romantic partner, Parker loves snuggles. He’ll even declare, “If I win, I get snuggle time!” Sometimes, his partner lets him win. Though Parker likes competition, he does appreciate it sometimes. Technically letting him win is not cheating, Parker says, buuuut if his partner does it too much, Parker’s partner will be at the receiving end of some snuggly tickles.

~ With his romantic partner, gentle touches also make him softly giggle, especially on his forearms. His partner tracing his ladder patterns on his arms, or tracing a line across his skin like they’re moving a piece across a “board,” or pretending to use his tummy as a spinner will fluster him and make him snicker, but he loves leaning into the touch. 

~ Parker will initiate tickle fights to win an argument. He usually does this with his partner, but he also does it with Chance if the D20 tries to debate him. He’s also not opposed to joining in on a tickle fight if one breaks out in front of him.

Tony:

~ This man is a BIG ler, and he knows it. He’s great at providing cheer up tickles, playful tickles, and soft tickles depending on the situation. He’s got the best tickles for the job, just like how he's always got the best tool for the job. 

~ He will pretend to “fix” someone as he tickles them.

“Uh oh, we got someone leaking giggles here. Let me patch you up. I just gotta put my fingers here and wiggle them to stop the leak.”

~ He likes being mischievous with his tickles and throws in lots of blunt teases. Especially when duty calls for cheer up tickles towards his friends, he’ll smirk during his line deliveries, making sure no one’s sad when Tony's around. 

“What? Speak up, I can’t hear ya through your laughter.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry, does this tickle? My bad, I had noooo idea.”

“Ticklish sides, huh? Works better for me.”

~ He uses his teasing methods on his romantic partner too, but he also can be especially sweet when it comes to cheer up tickles, making sure to soothe them out of their gloom.

“Come here. Let good old Ton’ fix you up.” (He hugs his partner and provides gentle tickles)

“Hey, cheer up. I hate seeing your pretty face so upset.”

~ When Tony’s feeling more playful, he’ll pull someone into a big one-armed hug, putting their whole body in a headlock. One arm traps them while his other hand goes to town scribbling across their torso, all while he grins behind them. With his partner, he’ll add tickly kisses to their neck, his stubble adding to the tickles.

~ During the “types of physical affection” portion of Tony’s love advice workshops, he does recommend tickling, among a list of other things like cuddles and hugs, that can be used as a bonding experience. However, he’ll get flustered if the mention of his own ticklishness is on the table. He’ll dodge the question if he’s ticklish or not.

Player: “So you recommend tickling, huh?” Tony: “Yeah! It’s a great way to be playful with your partner while also sharing some laughs. You know what they say, laughter is the best ointment- or the best medicine or whatever.” Player: “Are you ticklish, Tony?” Tony: “H-hey now, how did this turn on me being the subject?” Player: “I was just curious… So are you-” Tony: “Oh! Uh, that’s the lunch bell. Gotta go!” Player: “But I didn’t hear-” Tony: “Okay bye!”

~ He won’t admit that he is ticklish willingly. Someone will have to tickle him to get him to actually spout out the words and admit it. 

~ Whenever he’s tickled, even if it's a poke or a surprise attack, the first thing he does is slam his arms to his sides. That’s because Tony is most ticklish at his underarms. Get him there and oh boy, his laugh will be like dynamite at a demolition site. He will crumble to his knees like a house constructed on a poor foundation.

~ His laughter is deep and rumbles from within his chest. There’s also a slight raspiness to it that comes with his outpouring of giggles.

~ Tony is a huge squirmer when he’s tickled; he’ll twist, wiggle, and try to tug himself free from the hands attacking him almost immediately.

~ He will try to run if anyone even looks at him with the idea of tickling him; however, he still finds the whole thing playful if they’re able to get him. He’s more lenient with his romantic partner though; he allows them to get a few free hits at his ticklish spots before taking off running.

~ Rainey has tickled Tony multiple times to snap him out of the mindset that he needs to “hide himself” to be happy and act like someone he’s not. Tony does appreciate the concern, despite most likely thrashing, squirming, and disagreeing with giggles the entire time.

Rainey: “If you can dish out tickling to cheer us up, then you should also be able to take it!”

Rainey: “You can’t put on a facade when you’re putting your emotions on full display like this, sugar!”

Rainey: “See? Your laughter really does bring out your true character!”

Rainey: “Who needs giggle water when you’ve got a giggly toolbox?”

~ Similarly, Rainey and Beverly have teamed up against Tony to tickle him silly. They’re surprisingly sneaky-

~ Tony doesn’t like to admit he’s wrong, but tickling can be used against him to make him crack, or depending on the argument, at least compromise.

“Okay, okay. So maybe we just have different opinions. Both of us can be right in a way, ya know?”

~ As a reflex, Tony will sometimes put a hand to his head, like how he runs a hand through his hair, over how much something might tickle. His elbows will, usually, still be clasped tightly to his sides though. 

~ If someone makes Tony fall on his back or his stomach while they’re tickling him, he’s in trouble. He can attempt to push himself up, but that would require him to move his arms and leave an opening for someone to sneak their way into his underarms. He’s learned from Rainey and Beverly that even a second of moving his arms can cause them to reach his most ticklish spot. Once they reach his underarms while he’s in one of these positions, there’s no escape for him. He’ll accidentally trap their hands in his armpits, stuck in place like a wooden plank, as he giggles toward the ceiling and throws his head back with an abundance of laughter. Tony will usually surrender soon after.

~ He’ll giggle profusely while he’s doing everything he can to avoid hands coming after him when he’s on the floor, such as wrestling hands away, shimming backwards, and squeezing his arms down tight before someone even touches him—but there’s still an air of playfulness and giddiness to it all that he doesn’t mind.

 ~ With his partner, he’s much less wriggly if softer tickles are used. Sometimes he doesn’t fight back and just enjoys laughing with them.

Mateo:

~ He’s a sucker for soft tickles. It’s canon that “snuggles, cuddles, and nuzzles” are part of his likes. Soft tickles are his own weakness, but soft fluttery tickles are also his main method of delivering tickles. Sometimes when he’s feeling a little more mischievous, he’ll add quick scratches with a little more pressure.

~ Mateo’s usual laugh is a soft stream of steady giggles, very breathy and airy, and sometimes his laugh goes silent for a moment if he’s really laughing up a storm. And SNORTS. Lots of snorts. Mateo canonically snorts when he laughs, so it’s only natural that he snorts while he’s tickled. Usually, the snorts are the loudest part of his laughter, but he’ll occasionally let out a few squeaks here and there as his giggles steadily incline.

~ His tummy is the most ticklish. Any teases that involve the mention of “belly rubs” or how he’s like the inanimals will make him blush with his giggles. His inanimals, specifically his pal Davi, also knows that Mateo’s ticklish on his belly, so Davi will slip his head under Mateo’s shirt to nuzzle him there. Mateo is guaranteed to be a bundle of giggles and curl himself up a little.

~ When tickled, Mateo wraps his arms around himself as defense. He’s not really a squimer, but he does twist occasionally and fold himself in different directions. He’ll also place his hand(s) on someone’s shoulders or chest as if he was going to shove them, but he doesn’t actually shove.

~ If he feels his cheeks heating up with a blush from all the tickles, he’ll cross his arms over his eyes to hide his face as he continues to giggle.

~ Sometimes his friends or his partner use tickles to cheer him up. They also will tickle him if he's taken on too much work by himself and refuses their offer to help. Out of all his friends, Betty is the one who uses these methods the most.

*Betty surprise attacks Mateo* Mateo: “B-Behehetty!” Betty: “Being overworked means less rest for you. Let me help!”

~ He’s also a mass of giggles when his inanimals tickle him. Sometimes they’ll even tackle Mateo to the ground or pile on top of him just to tickle him. Mateo will scrunch up his shoulders from their nuzzles and snuggles and lovingly nudge at them. He lets them have their fun.

~ If someone is tickling Mateo and his inanimals are around, they’ll try to get the person’s attention like they’re asking to join in. 

*Davi barks at the player, his tail wagging* Player: Oh! You want to tickle Mateo too, Davi? *Davi barks happily in response* Player: Well come on in here, Davi! Mateo: Dahahavi! Nohoho! 

~ Although soft and cozy is Mateo’s style, he’s also got a mischievous side to him. He’s influenced by the shenanigans of his inanimals, and has a bit of a smug side behind his innocent face—like Sprite, his American Cordhair cat. If his inanimal pals are around, he’ll team up with them to take down whoever he’s tickling.

*Mateo points towards the player, smiling wide.* Mateo: Sick ‘em, Davi! *Davi barks and rushes over to tackle the player for Mateo. While Davi gets to work on nuzzling, Mateo rushes over to join* Mateo: Haha! Good work, Davi! 

~Mateo chuckles along with whoever he’s tickling. He’s not one to tease unless he’s adding to the banter of the friends around him. With his partner, he mostly compliments how sweet their laughter is.

“Aww, your laugh always makes me smile.”

“I just want to curl up close with the warmth of your laugh all day.”

~ Tickly cuddles are a MUST with Mateo and his romantic partner. He’ll wrap his arms around his partner from behind and nuzzle into their neck or sneakily press his fingers gently into their torso. Mateo will giggle at the play of it all. This tactic is also effective against him if his partner wraps him up in their arms and tickles him. 

 ~ Light scratches under Mateo’s chin or behind his ears also make him scrunch up and giggle, and his partner knows this well.

~ He’ll also act silly when he’s lying on top of his partner like a blanket—his chin resting on their chest. He’ll sometimes feign asking for warmth or cuddles before adding tickles to their snuggle session. When his chin is on his partner’s chest, he can feel the soothing vibrations of their giggles and have a front-row seat to their smile. His partner can also feel Mateo laughing on their chest if he lets out a chuckle. Similarly, this blanket tactic can also be used against Mateo. 

~ Mateo doesn’t usually join any tickle fights unless asked by someone else to join. Even then, sometimes he would rather sit on the sidelines and watch.

(Chuckling at the scene) “You all go on ahead. I’ve got the best seat in the house right here.”

~ Mateo always makes sure that his romantic partner is comfortable while tickling them. He’ll make sure to pause and check up on them in case they need a break from the tickles.

Curt & Rod:

~ When asked if they’re ticklish, Curt is the one that gets flustered the easiest. Rod usually shrugs it off and answers as if it was common knowledge.

Rod: “Are we ticklish? Well, Curt is super ticklish. And by super, I mean even the breeze from the wind can tickle him. Me, I’m only a little ticklish.” Curt: (flustered) “That’s- That’s not even shade! That’s just a blatant lie!” Rod: “What? Are you denying that you’re ticklish?” Curt: “I’m not denying that. But I am denying that you’re ‘only a little’ ticklish!”

~ However, Rod will get flustered if someone mentions tickling him.

Rod: “Yeah, I’m ticklish. So? I’m not going to get all red about it like you, Curt.” Player: (mischievous) “Sooo, you wouldn’t mind if Curt and I tickled you right now?” *Rod stumbles over his words* Rod: “W-well, I- Uh-” Curt: “HA! Busted!”

~ When Curt is tickled, he flails all his limbs and shoves at his attacker, especially if Rod's the one tickling him. Curt will shove at his forehead and try to knock Rod off of him like two siblings messing with each other. On the other hand, when Rod is tickled, he clamps his arms super tight to his sides and wiggles like a worm.

~ Curt will giggle if he’s tickled almost anywhere, but his sides and hips are just a little more ticklish than the rest. Rod’s most ticklish spot is his ribs. It’s one of the reasons that he keeps his arms close to his sides so that no one can reach it. However, Curt knows how to lower Rod’s defenses so he can pry Rod’s arms from him like a clamshell: Getting Rod’s other spots like his belly weakens him bit by bit, allowing Curt the opportunity to easily slip his hands into his friend's ribs. 

~ Curt has a more high pitched laugh, like a squawk. It’s full of giggles and has a slight wheeze to it. Rod has a breathier wheeze to his laugh, with a few snorts mixed in. His giggles start off slow, like he’s coughing out a laugh, but when they increase in speed, they sound like an engine revving up.

~ Curt will temporarily cup his hands in his face while he’s tickled or drape one arm over his eyes to hide his face. Rod will usually curl his head into his shoulder to hide his.

~ They’re the types to point and laugh at each other if one is on the sidelines and the other is getting tickled. Similarly, they usually add some banter and commentary if they’re watching a tickle fight break out in front of them.

~ Mateo’s inanimals accidentally tickle Curt and Rod occasionally. More specifically, Sprite will accidentally tickle Curt when clawing at his drapes.

*Sprite is crawling up Curt, tickling him* Curt: “Mateo! Gehehehet her off of mehehe!” Mateo: (Trying to catch Sprite) “Sorry, Curt! She’s being more playful than usual.” Rod: “Haha! Even when she’s not tearing you up with her claws, she’s STILL destroying you!”

~ Wyndolyn knows exactly how to fluster both of them at once. She’ll casually drop how cute they look while tickling them. Curt and Rod don’t throw shade at her, so they’ll just deny that they look cute. Usually, Wyndolyn only tickles them one at a time, but she could get both of them at once, if she really wanted to.

*Wyndolyn is tickling Curt. Rod is pointing and laughing from the sidelines.* Rod: “Ha! That’s what you get for trying to mess with her, Curt!” *Wyndolyn glances over her shoulder* Wyndolyn: “Don’t think I forgot about you too, mister!” *Rod blushes and silences whatever he was about to say next*

~ If they’re tickling each other, the player, or their romantic partner, expect some major, but playful shade to be tossed around.

*Curt is getting tickled by Rod* Rod: “Ha! You sound like a hyena!” Curt: “If I sohohound like a hyehehena, then yohohou sound like ahahaha chipmunk!” Rod: “Oh no, you did NOT just call me a chipmunk.” Curt: “I did too! Whahahat are yohohou going to do about it?!” Rod: (smirking) “I’m just going to tickle you more, that’s what.”

~ Alternatively, if Rod's the one getting tickled:

Curt: “Was that a guffaw? Ha! It was! If I didn’t know any better, I would think that I was watching a cartoon!” Rod: “And whahahat’s wrong with thahahat?!” Curt: “Nothing, I just think that it’s funny that you’re the one guffawing.”

~ When they work together though, they’re a devious tickle duo. One of them holds someone down, or in their arms, while the other goes to town tickling them. Occasionally, they will also strike at the same time if they’re both feeling particularly vengeful. 

~ They’re both the type to loom over someone when tickling them. For instance, if Curt is sitting behind the player and Rod is sitting by their side, both of their smiles are above the player in full view as they also watch the player’s smile.

~ With their romantic partner, sometimes Curt or Rod wrap their arms around their partner and tickle them. They don’t usually hold them in that position, but they can get in some good hits or surprise attacks this way. 

~ The player, and or their romantic partner, is able to tickle them both at the same time. Surprise attacks that hit both of them make them both flustered, instantly. For instance, if their partner is standing in the middle of them and squeezes both of their sides at the same time, Curt and Rod will both sputter out a yelp and a few giggles. It won't last long since they’ll wiggle out of their partner’s grasp soon after, but their partner better prepare for revenge if they think they can sneak attack them both like that without any repercussions.

Rod: (Smirking) “You know, Curt. I think we need to teach them a lesson.” Curt: (Sharing a smirk) “Couldn’t agree more, Rod!”

The Hanks:

~ They are the type of characters to scream “Tickle fight!!!” 

~ More specifically, they have EXTREME tickle fights! (Which is basically just a regular tickle fight, but the “EXTREME” makes it sound even more awesome.) 

All Hanks: “EXTREME Tickle Fight!!!” Player: “An Extreme Tickle Fight? What about it makes it so extreme?” Hank 1: “Because we’re in it!” Hank 4: “Just think about it! No teams, all five hanks… It’s a Hank-on-Hank battle!” Hank 3: “Unless you want to team up with me…” Hank 2: “But even though it’s called an Extreme Tickle Fight, there’s nothing dangerous. Promise!” Hank 5: (Weary about himself) “Unless, of course, you’re dangerously ticklish…” Hank 1: “So how ‘bout it, House homie?” All Hanks: “Wanna join?”

~ Hank 1 and Hank 4 are the main Lers of the group while Hank 2, 3, and 5 are the Lees; however, Hank 3 will also initiate some tickly mischief on occasions. 

~ In order of ticklishness: Hank 5 is the most ticklish, no contest. Hank 2 is second, Hank 3 is third, Hank 1 is fourth, and Hank 4 is the least ticklish.

~ All the Hanks have excited, boyish giggles that sound similar to one another, but their laughs are each a little different when tickled. Hank 1 is a screamer—he will screech when a ticklish spot is attacked. Hank 2’s laugh is filled with squeaks. Hank 3’s is cackly, raspy, and just a bit more high pitched than the others. Hank 4’s laugh is slightly deeper and has a (lovingly) dorky charm to it. Hank 5 has snorts mixed in with his laugh when he’s tickled.

~ Each of the Hanks have different reactions when they’re tickled. Hank 1 flails his arms. Hank 2 clamps his arms to his sides. Hank 3 wraps his arms around himself like a hug. Hank 4 usually takes it with the occasional scrunch or twist. Hank 5 curls himself up and into a ball if he can.

~ Hank 1 is most ticklish at his underarms, Hank 2 at his sides, Hank 3 at his ribs, Hank 4 at his hips, and Hank 5 at his belly.

~ Tackles and pounces are fair game in tickle fights with the Hanks. Sometimes they even dogpile on top of one another and unleash their tickle attacks from there. 

~ When they’re the one tickling someone: Hank 1 mixes in ticklish squeezes with his attack. Hank 2 and Hank 5 quickly skitter their fingers when they’re the ones tickling. Hank 3 and Hank 4 playfully dig and claw their hands at ticklish spots.

~ They love hearing laughter. They’re always so supportive and genuinely impressed over every sound someone makes when they’re tickling them, including each other. Their complements can accidentally be flustering, but it’s sweet.

Hank 1: “Whoa! That was a gnarly scream, house homie! I didn’t even know you were packin’ a powerful pair of lungs like that!” Hank 5: “Was that a snort? Oh, that was adorable! No cap!” Hank 2: “That laugh was awesome! Thanks for sharing it with us!” Hank 4: “Oh, that squeak was wicked! The good kind of wicked of course!” Hank 3: “Well, would you look at that! Your giggles are making me giggle too, bro!”

~ Sometimes four of the Hanks team up to tickle one of the Hanks. Hank 2 is usually the target when they all want him to “Be less nervous, bro!” or Hank 5 is the target when he’s lost in thought and they need to cheer him up. Each one of the Hanks can be a target though, depending on the circumstances. 

~ Sometimes they use tickle fights as an excuse for endurance training, or sometimes they make tickle fights competitive against each other.  

Hank 4: “You have to handle the tickles amigo if you think you can handle base jumping!”

~ Tickle fights break out frequently between the group. It can happen even if they're doing something simple, like cleaning up the Adrenaline Den / The Competition Casita, playing games, visualizing their success, or inspecting their equipment.

~ Similarly, each of the Hanks throw out pokes. Pokes at random times, pokes after little snarky comments here and there, and pokes if someone's not smiling or deep in thought. On occasion, an accidental, or purposeful, poke causes a big tickle fight to break out.

~ When the player joins them for some fun, 3 vs 3 tickle fights can occur.

~ If all the Hanks come after someone at once, oh it’s over. They can be very mischievous when all five are approaching. They’ll all wiggle their fingers, and or step forward in unison with each other. Also, if someone tries to run, the Hanks will break their formation and playfully fence them in as if they were a horse that escaped their corral.

~ When all the Hanks tackle their target to the floor, they’ll sit in a star formation around them. Either two of them will be behind the person, one will be on each side, and one will be at their legs—or one will be behind, one on each side, and two at their legs. Some of them pin or hold the person while the others tickle, but sometimes all of them tickle at the same time. At that point, the room will explode with laughter.

~ If some of the Hanks aren’t participating and they’re watching two Hanks have a 1 vs 1 battle, or they’re watching the player get one of the Hanks, the rest will instead cheer from the sidelines, like they were watching an extreme sports match.

*The player is tickling Hank 3 and has him wiggling on the floor* Hank 5: “Come on, Hank 3! Don’t stop now! The battle has just started!” Hank 4: “Get him, house homie! Go for his ribs!” Hank 2: “Hang in there, dawg! You got this!” Hank 1: “Wooo! Go, go go! Let him have it!” Hank 3: “Brohohohos! I’m tryhihihi–ING!”

~ The Hanks usually keep tickle fights between themselves and the player, but they’re great at delivering tickles when it comes to being a squad who wants to lift up their friends’ spirits.

*Hector was going to create some wind currents for the Hanks to glide on, but Hector’s feeling a little down. The Hanks talk to him.* Hank 1: (Nudges him gently) “Come on Hector. You can’t make those gnarly winds for our gliders if you’re sad like this.” Hank 2: “But we’re also worried about you as a friend.” Hank 4: “So come on bro, cheer up!” Hector: “I appreciate the concern, but… I don’t know…” Hank 3: “Oh, I think I know what this calls for.” Hank 5: “You know it, bro.” All Hanks: “HANKS! IT’S TICKLE TIME!!!”

~ Alternatively, they’ll use their mischievous methods of tickling against their friends, either when cheering them up, or if the Hanks are persistent about something. 

*Jean Loo is refusing to help with their Windsurfing adventure. The Hanks all have smirks on their faces and are slowly approaching him. Jean Loo knows exactly what they’re thinking.* Jean Loo: “S-stay back! All of you!” Hank 3: “What’s the matter Jean Loo? Are you feeling flushed?” Jean Loo: (Trying to growl) “Do not use toilet puns on me!” *The Hanks step forward in unison.* Jean Loo: (Jumps back and squeaks) AH! 

~ The Hanks will all be taken off guard, and some will be flustered, if the player or their partner screams “Tickle Fight!” to them.

Hank 2: “Uh oh! Scatter!”