Mess

When the six boys stumbled upon that old cabin, they didn’t expect it to change much. Ray learned that on the third night, when the walls creaked and the woods pressed in close, safety changed a hell of a lot. Dry socks, a roof, a fire… better than being on the road. That was the last thing they wanted to look at.

And Stebbins… Stebbins was still Stebbins. Tall, looming, shoulders always squared like he was bracing for impact. He stayed to the edges of the room, back to the wall, blue eyes sharp and unreadable. The brief crack they’d seen on the road, the moment where he’d faltered—he’d sealed that back up tight the second they crossed the threshold.

It irritated Ray. Stebbins was back to being a pessimist douche, acting all high and mighty with that know-it-all attitude. God, it was irritating… it brought Ray back to the starting line when he first realized how much Stebbins bothered him. When he wandered into the cozy living area and found the lanky blonde sat by the window like he was in an old Victorian portrait, he could practically feel his eyes tugging back into his skull.

Ray stepped closer, raising a brow at the distant look in those icy blue eyes. He directed his attention to the window, covered in droplets of rain which continued to fall. Stebbins had said he always liked the rain… but damn, he didn’t have to look so pretentious about it.

“Having fun?” He asked, tone flat and sarcastic. Stebbins barely lifted a brow.

Ray frowned in irritation. Was this douchebag seriously ignoring him?

“Hello? Earth to Stebbins? Christ’s sake, drop the stoic act, already.” He huffed in annoyance, jabbing Stebbins in the side to try and get at least a shred of his attention. And boy, did he get it. The taller boy jolted in his seat, a sharp gasp leaving his lips. Both boys froze, silence hanging in the air. Stebbins promptly fixed Ray with a glare, but there was an unmistakable pink color dusting his cheeks.

“Don’t do that.” He said firmly, but his tone was far too defensive.

But Ray’s attention was peaked. He raised an eyebrow, processing the abnormal reaction from Stebbins. Ignoring Stebbins’ protest, Ray reached out again, this time lightly grazing the boy’s side, simply testing a theory. Stebbins’ hands shot down to bat at the offending hand, an odd sound slipping from his lips… oh… oh. OH.

Ray’s lips curved into a slight smirk. This was too good to be true. “Ohh, now this is interesting. Realll fuckin’ interesting.” He raised one hand, fingers twitching.

Stebbins’ brow twitched and he stared the redhead down like it would somehow keep him at bay. His cheeks were now very obviously rosy, despite his best efforts to maintain a stoic expression.

“Garraty, I swear t’fuckin’ God, if you touch me…”

But Ray was not letting this opportunity pass by. His hands moved swiftly, fingers latching onto the pair of ribs in front of him, digging in mercilessly. The response was a bark of laughter… actual laughter. Ray’s smile widened, fingers digging in a bit deeper.

“No fucking way. I don’t believe what I’m seeing.” His tone was all too smug, and his grin was even smugger. He couldn’t contain the pure satisfaction at seeing that brick wall break down in mirth. Meanwhile, Stebbins was besides himself, body jolting immediately as Ray’s fingers latched on. And God help him, he was smiling.

“SHIT-! K-Knock it the fuck ohohoff!!!” He swore, but the effect was diminished significantly. Even worse, a snort slipped when Ray’s thumbs rubbed against that sensitive top rib, just under his armpit. His arms quickly shot down, stuck between fighting and defending.

Ray was absolutely delighted. The blonde’s laugh was surprisingly pleasant… dare he say, kind of cute. He couldn’t help but chuckle himself, fingers sneaking up higher, trying to break through those arms.

“Ohoho, I don’t think so. I can’t believe what I’m seeing…” He smirked. “I better make sure I’m right. Now move your damn arms.” He huffed playfully, switching to poking at those strong arms, trying to get them to budge. Stebbins’ bit his cheek, but any form of resolve lasted about two seconds before genuine giggles toppled from his lips.

“Oh, fuck off, Garraty!! Y-You son of a-” the insult was interrupted by even more noise. His arms still wouldn’t move, and that was that. Ray was strong, but Stebbins was definitely stronger… but Ray had determination.

“C’monnn, Stebbins…” persistent fingers continued to poke and prod, changing tactics to spider up those broad shoulders, sweeping over the boy’s neck. The response was a very boyish squeak and shoulders scrunching up. Stebbins’ cheeks immediately flushed red, knowing that Ray definitely heard that stupid sound.

“Damn, you weren’t kidding… you really are a rabbit.” He snorted in amusement, continuing the fluttery ambush, hoping to get similar noises.

Stebbins squeaked again, much to his embarrassment, laughter far too childlike to be coming out of that body. “G-Go fuck yourself!!”

“Nah… I don’t think I will.” When Stebbins’ hands reached up to bat at the spiders on his neck, Ray made his move, hands quickly sneaking under the poor guy’s arms, fingers drilling into the sensitive hollows.

The reaction was instantaneous. Stebbins howled, head tossing back as the laughter burst deep from his chest, long legs kicking uselessly at the floor. His arm glued to his sides again, but Ray had already breached his defenses.

“GODDAMMIT-! FUCK YOU, GARRATY!!” He cried through guffaws, cheeks flushed entirely.

Ray found himself laughing with the taller boy, finding amusement in the undoubtably cute reactions. It was refreshing, seeing someone so cold and stoic melt into such childlike energy. It made his heart ache in a way.

“Fuck, man, you’re more ticklish than Olson...” He said with a snort, not relenting in the slightest. He knew he’d have to let up soon, based off the mirthful tears on those rosy cheeks, but Stebbins was tough… he could hold out a bit longer. “Y’know, you should laugh more. You’re way less irritating like this.”

“FUCK OHOHOFF!!” Stebbins never looked so happy. Sure, the laughter was involuntary, but there was still a certain brightness to him. For once, his face wasn’t twisted in a scowl.

Of course, Stebbins wasn’t invincible, and Ray soon had to let up, snickering. “Alright, alright, Jesus Christ…” He tugged his hands out from under Stebbins’ arms, stepping back to give Stebbins some space. The boy was breathless, chest heaving as he tried to recompose himself. He fixed the smile right away, shooting a well-deserved glare in Ray’s direction.

“You’re fucking dead…”

Ray didn’t doubt that for a second. But seeing the stoic prick laugh himself stupid like a little kid was beyond worth it. He couldn’t help the way his chest softened.