Alright, here we go. All five versions of Hero are trapped together in one long set of foot-stocks, getting tickled to pieces.

Where the hell is RGB? Isn't he supposed to be babysitting them? I bet he's unconscious somewhere, having ominous dreams.

But why are there five versions of Hero co-existing, locked in the same set of stocks? Is this the ending, where the main villain, Hate, has won? Is this Hero's punishment for years of defying her? Would she really be this mean?

Or maybe this is all part of RGB's master-plan to save the world. Honestly, has he given us any information about the mission that would disprove such an idea? Has he given us any information about the mission, period? Mind you, I have no idea what this ritual(?) would accomplish beyond tiring out every Hero.

Anyway, let's dig into the details.

Here we have Hero #1. She's been freshly introduced to her new job. And she's already in way over her head. Sure, canonically, those Fear talons would absolutely shred through her feet. But we're not here to show Hero in pain. We're here for precision tickling. The hand-pose suggests that she is trying to plead her way out of this. She doesn't know how this world works just yet. Hell, she still has all of her fingers and eyes, which shows how early in the story she is.

And here we have Hero #2, after she got her cozy sweater. This is also after she traded away one finger from each hand in the Black Market. She's starting to understand things a bit better now. She knows that pleading won't help, so she's struggling to get her hands free. And look, Click, or at least part of him, is back. Do you think he's still salty about how things went down in the Black Market?

And here we have Hero #3, fresh from the Desert of Regret. This was an important story location, since this is where she got her fashionable hat. Unfortunately, the Nothing promptly attempted to erase her, as is its nature. So, now, we need to perform some art restoration on the soles of her feet. Yes, I can see that Hero managed to get a hand free from the restraints. She can't reach the brushes though, so this won't affect the procedure. And it will be a long procedure. Skin-tones are a pain in the ass to get right. There's going to need to be a lot of blending to get her back to her old self. Due to budget cuts, we don't have a separate painter's palette for color mixing either. Blending colors directly on the canvas is possible. It's just not ideal if the canvas is ticklish.

And here we have Hero #4. She's had an eye stolen. She's had a surprise nose job. Her boots have partially melted. She almost entirely melted. If any Hero out of this line-up deserves to put her feet up for a bit, it's this one.

And then the damn butterfly, Anxiety, had to come along and interrupt Hero's break. Canonically, Hero cannot see anything through the eye that Anxiety stole from her. But let's pretend that she can, because that makes this scene even more bizarre from her POV. Still, let's give credit to Hero's self-control here. Those little legs on her right foot are plenty tickly. However, she is making a best effort not to clench her toes and smoosh the bug. That's in-character, given that she doesn't crush Anxiety in the comic for doing much worse to her.

You may be wondering when Hero started dying her hair. The answer is page #517.

I didn't even notice that little detail until Komori used it. I think it works for her.

And here we have our last victim for the evening. Hero #5 is probably doing the best out of the line-up. Assok is a friend, after all. Is he still going to tickle her to bits? Oh, absolutely. But, at this point, Hero has accepted her fate.

You know, I don't think Hero is in any real danger here. I think this whole silly affair is happening back-stage at Jolley Comics studios. We've got the celebrity Hero (take your pick), and her four stunt-doubles (take your picks) all stocked up together. Hero #1, Hero #2, and Hero #4 are enduring playful, entirely friendly, attacks from their respective "villains". Perhaps this is therapeutic for our Heroes after shooting those scary scenes. Hero #3 is either getting legitimate art restoration work done, or her arches are being painted on just for fun. Hero #5 and Assok are getting some bonding time. Maybe this is the secret to how all of the Jolley is made.

In any case, I choose to believe that the tickling and their reactions to the tickling are genuine.

I really love this piece. Komori did an amazing job rendering the five major variants of Hero, with their canon outfits, and then putting them through their trials. In particular, I wasn't sure if they would handle Hero's eye replacement, but Hero #3 and Hero #5 show the change nicely.

*————————————————————————*

*Beast Boy is so fucking ticklish oh my gosh-

*When I tell you a poke to the side and he’s already giggling his head off. Raven finds it so adorable and hilarious.

*That doesn’t mean she’s immune to it though.

*Beat Boy is such a tickle monster and loves loves loves to tickle Raven. Not that she minds. Even though she would never admit that. 💜

*Okay ticklish Beast Boy time tho ✨

*He’s such a squirmer. Can’t stay still even if he wanted to. He’s just too sensitive.

*Raven will play the try not to move game with him and he will always fail. Especially if she goes for his ears.

*Something about his ears just makes him go ballistic.

*And his ticklishness can also transfer to his animal forms!

*His ears are always sensitive no matter what animal, but levels of ticklishness for different spots varies.

*Animals such as dogs and wolves are more sensitive to stomach rubs. (cliché I know, but too cute not to make a hc)

*Whereas other animals like monkeys have ticklish underarms, birds have ticklish wings, etc.

*Has definitely used his animal forms to escape and/or enact revenge against Raven.

*Nuzzling her neck as a puppy is one of his personal favorites 💖

*Raven is more on the giggly side. Beast Boy gets so flustered and doe eyed at her giggles. They’re so adorable and happy.

*If you get her shoulder blades or thighs tho- She’s laughing out loud and even letting out some snorts.

*BEAST BOY ADORES HER SNORTS 👏👏👏

*Raven always gets so embarrassed by them!! It’s also the only times she really blushes while being tickled.

*If Beast Boy kisses her neck while tickling her she’ll blush from that too tho. 🥰

*These two have tickle battles that last months.

*A single poke could intact a war that has one sneakily going after the other or one of them ambushing the other while they sleep.

*Beast Boy is feather ticklish while Raven isn’t, but Raven is much more susceptible to raspberries.

*I could see Beast Boy having a sensitive back too. Not super ticklish, but enough to make him squirm a little if Raven ever gets too close to his sides while scratching his back.

*Cuddly morning tickles for both of them 💖

*Raven is a night owl & Beast Boy is an early bird.

*Late night tickles for Beast Boy to help him go to sleep and wake up tickles for Raven.

Nick had invited Charlie over to his house once again. Nick tussled his newly cut hair when he opened the door, Charlie trying not to jump with excitement. A few minutes later the two were playing UNO on the floor of Nick’s bedroom.

The past half hour was filled with playful shoves, throwing of cards at the other when a game was won, and some, one could say, flirtatious banter. Was this a dream? Because if so, Charlie never wanted wake up. Or at least, maybe stay dreaming for a little while longer.

Every now and then, Chalrie would straighten his back with a whine in his voice. Sometimes rolling his neck to one side then the next. Nick noticed after it happened a few times more than it should’ve. He thought Charlie must’ve had a knot or something due to practice.

“Hey-” Nick nudged Charlie. “You okay? You look like you’re in pain.” Charlie was surprised at the question for a moment. He shook his head.

“No, I’m fine. Just a little sore I guess. From practice. As you would know.” He rubbed the back of his aching neck.

“I know that all too well.” Nick smiled. They sat in awkward silence, a knife could cut the tension. “Would you want a massage?”

Charlie sat in disbelief for a few seconds. “I-I’m sorry what?” Nick put his cards down. “A massage. My mum would do them to me after extra rough practices sometimes and even taught me how to do it myself. I’m pretty good with my hands actually.” Nick wiggled his fingers.

As if Chalrie wasn’t flustered enough already- The guy he’s crushing on is asking if he can give him a massage??? He wanted to say no. He wanted to stand up and run away as far as he could till he passed out in a new country. But instead, he nodded.

“That would be really helpful actually. Just don’t make it worse than it already is, rugby lad.” Charlie set his cards down and moved the pile to the side. Nick beamed at his answer and chuckled. “I promise I won’t.”

Nick had instructed Charlie to lay on his stomach. Nick providing a pillow for his arms and head to rest on. Nick started along his neck and upper back. Then moved down to his spine and other areas that seemed tense.

Charlie relaxed into the touch. Nick’s thumbs doing wonders as they massaged the small knots along Charlie’s back. Charlie let out a sigh, Nick chuckling quietly at how cute the whole situation seemed. Cute in a friend way of course… Right??

His thoughts were interrupted as a gasp escaped Charlie’s lips. Nick looked to wear he had pressed into his shoulder blade.

“You okay there?” Nick lightly rubbed the spot. “Y-Yeah I’m fine. You’re good to keep going if you’d like.” Charlie fiddled with his fingers. If Nick found out he was ticklish he was done for. His pride out the window never to be retrieved.

“Okay then.” Nick moved spots for now, still convinced that spot was a little more painful than the rest. After the last couple knots could were massaged out, he decided to go back to his shoulder blades. But instead of a gasp, he was met with a surprised squeal and Charlie’s back arching at the touch.

“Charlie…” “Nothing!” Charlie quickly hid his blushing face into his pillow. Nick just smiled, his hands still on his teammate’s back.

“It’s okay if you’re ticklish you know? I think everyone’s gotta be a little ticklish somewhere.” Nick scribbled at the spot, taken back a bit by the shriek and jump it got. “Or I guess in your case very ticklish.” Charlie’s face was on fire- The teasing, the touching, the fact that it was Nick of all people!

“Just stahay away from thehere please.” The last few words were a bit muffled as Charlie laid his face against his pillow again. Nick couldn’t help the smirk that overtook his face. He just couldn’t resist taking this new information and running full speed with it.

“This little spot?” Nick giggled poking the vulnerable spot a couple times. “GAHA! Nihihick! Yes there!”

“Yes? Yes tickle you there? Wehell if you insist.” Nick shrugged starting to scribble on and all around the vulnerable area. “Dohon’t you dahahahahahahare! Nahahahahahaha!”

Charlie rocked back and forth, reaching back to try and grab at Nick. That just encouraged Nick to go down and start squeezing at Chalrie’s sides. Now that got a reaction. Charlie’s legs started kicking at the floor and his arms shot down, trapping Nick’s hands in the process.

“NohoHOHOHO! NIHIHICK!” Charlie’s muffled giggles filled Nick’s ears. And he didn’t think he’d ever get full. He felt he could listen to that noise forever. Nick moved one hand to his ribs and the other to his hip. A squeal making Nick giggle along with the wriggling teen beneath him.

“You’re nohot really telling me to stop. Ahare you having as much fun as I am?” Nick surprised himself at his honesty. He felt he could just admit anything to Charlie. Even something as silly as enjoying tickling the living daylights out of him.

“IHIHI DIHIHIDN’T WAHAHAHA- WAHANT TO BE RUHUDE!” Charlie turned his face to the side, revealing to Nick his flushed and tickled silly face. Nick felt himself become mesmerized.

“You’re amazing!” Charlie exclaimed before kissing his boyfriend, whom of which was wrapped in a hug underneath the other.

Nick’s hands came up to hold Charlie’s face continuing to kiss him. The soft touch causing Charlie to smile into Nick’s lips and vise versa.

Nick felt Charlie’s hands start to travel down his arms and relaxed into the soothing touch. That was… until he felt hands grab at his torso. A ticklish feeling spread across his sides where Charlie’s fingers lightly pressed.

He tried to ignore it, but as soon as they started moving up to his lower ribs, Nick gasped and brought his arms down against his sides.

“Is something wrong?” Charlie asked looking concerned. “Did I go too far? I’m sorry we should’ve set boundaries or something.” Charlie stopped when Nick held his hands.

“You’re fine. It just surprised me a little. We can keep going if you’d like.” Nick rubbed his thumb across Charlie’s. Charlie relaxed, kissing Nick’s forehead.

“Sorry I scared you.” Nick said after the kiss. “Hey- no saying the S word remember?” Charlie punctuated his sentence with a poke to Nick’s rib. Nick jolted at the action, covering where Charlie poked him while a small giggle rang in Charlie’s ears.

“Ohhhh. So that’s what happened.” Charlie smirked. Nick was starting to get nervous. He’s been able to hide his ticklishness this far into their relationship. It was bound to be found out eventually, but why now?!

“What do you mean? Nothing happened?” Nick squealed when another poke was delivered to the side of his neck. “I tickled you. You’re ticklish Nick Nelson~” Charlie was grinning ear to ear. Meanwhile a small glow appeared on Nick’s cheeks.

“N-No I’m not.” Nick knew he wasn’t going to win but he might as well try. “Oh really?” Charlie fluttered his fingers at the sides of Nick’s neck. “Are you sure?” Charlie teased watching as Nick’s façade crumbed.

“Chahahahahahar! Hehehehehehe!” Nick tried to bury his face into his shoulder hoping to muffle his high pitched titters.

“You always tickle me so I think it’s my turn to make you laugh.” “You doho thahahat by beheing yohohou!” Nick scrunched his shoulders when Charlie moved under his chin and around his ears.

“But this is definitely more fun!” He stayed at that spot for a little bit before moving his hands to scribble at Nick’s stomach.

“Hehehehehehe! Chahahahrlie! Thahahat tihihickles!” Nick let out the purest and sweetest giggles Charlie has ever heard from him. Nick didn’t even fight back anymore. He lightly kicked his legs and grabbed at the end of Charlie’s jumper for leverage.

“You are just like a golden retriever aren’t you?” Charlie gently vibrated a clawed hand on Nick’s stomach as one would do with a puppy asking for a belly rub.

“Who’s a good boy~” Charlie teased bringing his free hand over to join the other. “Who’s my ticklish golden retriever boyfriend~” The teasing caused Nick to giggle even harder and cover his face.

“Mehehehehe!” Nick tried to hold in his giggles which only made a small snort escape his lips.

“Dihid you just snohort?!” Charlie ended up giggling just as much as Nick. The playfulness and the adorable look on Nick’s face as he was tickled silly was too cute to handle.

“NAHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOHOHOHO!” Nick laughed when Charlie moved up to squeeze at the middle of his ribs.

“Does the star player of Truham’s rugby team have ticklish ribs?” Charlie teased staying in that spot.

“NOHOHOHOHO! HEHEHE DOHOHOESN’T! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Nick tried to reach back at his attackers hands, only to pin them against his sides when Charlie’s fingers dug into his top ribs.

“CHAHAHARLIEHEHEHEHEHEHE! PLEHEHEHHEASE! NAHAHAT THEHEHEHERE!”

“Did I find a tickle spot~” Charlie cooed. He adored Nick’s laughter. “YEHEHEHEHES!”

“I wonder how many ribs you rugby lads have?”

“Ihihihit’s thehe sahahahahahame! Dohohohon’t cohohount thehehehehem!” Nick shook his head and wrapped his arms around his torso. “Count them? What a great idea.”

Nick let out a giggly whine, which Charlie swears was the best sound in the world.

“Twoooooo~” Charlie counted out loud as he pressed his fingers into Nick’s lowest ribs. He laughed along with his boyfriend as Nick struggled to not push at Charlie’s hands.

“Fooouuur~ Siiiiiiix~” Charlie continued to count each set of ribs. Nick’s body jerked with every new number that was counted. His body twisted from side to side to try and escape. Although, Charlie could tell he wasn’t trying his best to get away.

“NAHAHAHAHAHAHA! DOHOHON’T GOHO AHANY HIHIGHER!” Nick pushed at Charlie’s wrists when they dug into his second highest ribs.

“Why not? Does it tickle?” Charlie moved up to his highest rib. Nick let out another snort that was followed by high pitched laughter. “YEHEHEHEHEHES!! YOU KNOHOW IT DOHOHOES! AHH! CHAHAHAHAHAHARLIE!”

Charlie hands finally found their way under Nick’s arms and that’s when his squirming increased tenfold. Legs kicked and his hips bucked. His underarms were one of his most ticklish spots if not his worst.

“Wow it tickles a lot here.” Charlie was almost surprised Nick got more ticklish when reaching his underarms. As if Nick wasn’t ticklish enough already. He wasn’t complaining though.

“OHOKAY! OKAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAY! STAHAHAP PLEHEHEASE!”

Charlie pulled his hands back and rubbed away the tears peaking at Nick’s eyes. He couldn’t help but chuckle when he accidentally brushed against the side of Nick’s neck making him let out a breathy giggles.

“Dohon’t lauagh at mehe.” Nick whined interlocking his fingers with Charlie’s.

“But your giggles are so cute! And the fact that my strong rugby lad is super ticklish is the best thing ever.”

“Nooooooo!” Nick blushed trying to let go of Charlie’s hands to cover his face. Instead, Charlie pinned Nick’s hands to the side of his head before leaning down to press their lips together.

Nick slipped a hand away from Charlie’s to hold Charlie’s head against his. “I love you.” Nick paused to say. “Even if you’re a teasy little brat.” Nick ruffled Charlie’s hair.

Charlie rolled his eyes and pushed Nick’s hand away. “I love you too. Even though you’re probably gonna get me back for what I just did.”

“Oh 100%.” Nick said poking Charlie’s side, earning him a yelp.

Charlie scratched behind Nellie’s ears while sitting on the floor of Nick’s room. The two were hanging out after school, as they always do, and were having a nice relaxing time just being in each other’s presence.

Nick sneaked a few pictures and videos of the cute interaction, adding it to the Cute Char Moments album.

A minute of head and ear scratching later, Charlie joined Nick on his bed. He snuggled up close against his chest, grabbing one of Nick’s hands to hold.

“You and Nellie are getting along well.” Nick stated squeezing Charlie’s hand for comfort.

“Yeah. She’s really adorable. And I love how excited she gets when I come over.”

“Aww yeah. She’s always excited to see me, but I will agree that because she sees me more often she gets really excited to see you.

“I think Nellie just likes me more than you.” Charlie skittered his nails across Nick’s hand causing him to jerk.

“That ihis so not true. You just met her a couple months ago. I’ve known her for years.”

“Love at first sight I guess.” Charlie turned and booped Nick’s nose. “Oh that’s it-” Nick grabbed Charlie’s waist.

Charlie giggled excitedly as he tried to push at the arms wrapping around his midsection. He soon found his arms pinned to his sides as Nick held him close to his chest. A bear hug of sorts.

“Nihick let go!” Charlie tried twisting out of his grip. Nick sarcastically thought for a moment before delivering a “No, I don’t think I will.”

Nick whistled at Nellie to get her attention. The dog peeking her head up and turning it to the side.

“Get him! Get him, Nellie!” Nick called to his border collie. The dog sprung to life, jumping up on the bed towards her owner’s boyfriend.

She sniffed Charlie’s neck a few times, much to Charlie’s dismay, then started giving his face and neck some kisses.

“No! Nohohohoho! Nehehehehelie!” Charlie scrunched his shoulders and twisted his head. This only caused Nellie to go to the other side of his neck to sniff and lick there.

“I thought you liked Nellie. She’s just giving you some kisses.” Nick said kissing Charlie’s temple. He tried his best to avoid getting head-butted. “Do you not like Nellie, Charlie?” Nick sarcastically questioned.

“I dohohon’t lihihike you rihight nohohohow!” Charlie squealed when Nellie moved to his ears. Nick dramatically gasped. “Did you hear that Nellie?!”

Charlie’s voice went up an octave at the playful banter, and because Nellie nuzzled behind his ear.

“I wasn’t gonna help Nellie, but seeing as you already don’t like me.” Nick shrugged and wiggled his fingers against Charlie’s sides where he was bear hugging him.

“NOHOHOHOHO! NIHIHICK!” Charlie tried to arch his back or lurch forward. But between Nellie and his rugby lad of a boyfriend, he was stuck.

“Tickle~ Tickle~ Tickle Char~” Nick teased sneaking his hands down to squeeze Charlie’s hips.

A shriek caused Nellie to stop and back up, but made Nick continue. “Does someone have ticklish hips?” Nick kissed behind Charlie’s ear.

“YOU KNOHOHOHOW IHI DOHOHOHO MEHEHEHEHEANIE!”

Nick let up a little and instead softly scribbled against his sides. Charlie melted into the touch, sweet chortles and high pitched little squeals caught Nellie’s attention.

“Nehehellie! Hehehelp! Gehet Nihick!” Chalrie managed to day through his hysterical giggles.

“Nellie-” But before Nick could stop her, Nellie barked and attacked Nick’s neck and ears with kisses.

“Nehehehellie! Nononohohohoho!” Nick’s grip on Charlie loosened. Charlie took this opportunity to break free and scoot to the edge of the bed.

Nick tried lightly shoving at Nellie and scooting away, but that only led him to sliding onto his back. Nellie persisted in her tickly attack, making sure to sneak a few nuzzles at Nick’s side before moving back to his neck.

“Okay. Okay. He’s had enough. C’mere, Nellie!” Charlie got off the bed and called to Nellie.

She jumped off the bed and ran over to Charlie. She rolled onto her side, looking up at Charlie with pleading eyes.

Charlie scratched her tummy, just like she wanted, and laughed when he saw her tail wag.

Nick sat up, trying to glare at the pair but couldn’t stop smiling. “You two are mean.”

“Us? You made her attack me first!” “Yeah I guess you’re right on that one.” They both laughed.