#intheticklecloset

A tiny black ball with hair like Asta’s- no bigger than a mouse. Right now, the tiny ball was laughing in its even smaller hands, one eye squeezed shut with mirth as it poked at Asta’s cheek. “He called you short! Hahahhaha!”

“That’s rich coming from you! You’re even shorter than me!”

“Take that back, you mortal!”

“You son of a-”

“What’s that?” Yuno cut in before what he suspected to be a bloodbath could erupt, tilting his head curiously. “Or should I say- who’s that?”

“Oh!” Asta’s face lit up, reminded once more his friend was before them. “Yuno! I want you to meet someone!” He gestured for the small blurb-Liebe, he said?- over so he was floating between them. “This is Liebe! He’s my demon!”

“...Huh.” Yuno nodded. That makes sense.

“Wha-You’re not shocked?” Asta was sure this was some world renowned information.

“Not really.” Then again, this was Yuno. He was rarely ever shocked. “You’re not exactly known for normalcy.”

That…was true. If Asta were being honest, Yuno’s lack of surprise at this revelation was comforting. He’d be rather sad if Yuno suddenly stopped wanting to hang out with him due to it.

The other part however was a bit peeved. He was hoping Yuno would at least drop his jaw! “Fine then- lemme show you something really cool! Liebe!” He shot his arm out to the tiny demon, watching the skin turn black as their pack formed. “Devil’s Union!”

“YEAH!”

A boom of magic, a swirl of a grimoire, and Liebe…was not fused with him. It was only after he came to full size that they remembered Captain Nacht’s words of warning.

If I come to find you two unionizing outside of battle, I’ll kill you both.

Instead of a new form, Asta…stood with Liebe on his shoulders. Stacked. They struck what they hoped would be a cool pose for the wind mage, sparkling in the sun. “How do you like us now?”

Yuno took them in, expression unchanged. Then he clapped his hands slowly-the sound soft.

“Don’t you dare pity-clap us! Whoa- Liebe stop moving!” Asta yelped as they were thrown off balance, wobbling about.

“You’re the one moving! Stay still- AH!” Liebe yelped and clung on tighter, accidentally choking Asta. The pair swirled about before coming towards Yuno- the other boy reaching out to steady them.

“Just stop here-Eeh!” He twitched when Liebe grabbed onto his shoulders, thumbs far too close to his neck. “Careful.”

“Hm? Why do you make that sound?” Liebe asked, his grip on Yuno unyielding. “Asta- what was that?”

“What was what?” The shorter mage asked, looking between them.

“Nothing. It was nothing at all-hmmmph!” Yuno shivered when Liebe dragged his thumb against his neck once more. Asta’s eyes widened, and he began to grin. “D-Don’t!”

“Don’t what?” They asked in unison. Yuno tried not to roll his eyes. Twins indeed.

“You know what.” He poked Asta in the belly for emphasis, making him step back with a giggle. “There, you’re stable now.”

“Asta- Asta! Why did he make that noise?” Liebe asked again, pointing at Yuno while the other sought his footing. “Tell me!”

“He laughed. He’s ticklish.” Asta nodded, grinning again when he saw Yuno’s ears get all red. “Humans are like that, you know?”

“They are?” Liebe hummed, looking thoughtful as he rested his folded arms across Asta’s head. “I see, I see…”

They stood there, lost in thought briefly before Asta gestured for him to lean down, voice low. “Wanna try something?”

More whispers, and the demon let out a string of giggly snickers, nodding rapidly. Yuno raised a brow in the back, already knowing where this was going and not liking it one bit.

“What are you two snickering about- Whoa!” Yuno didn’t have a chance to react. Asta came running at him, Liebe still on his shoulders. “Oh no you don’t!” He went to run, but Asta was always just that much faster than him without magic. Seconds later, they were on the ground, Yuno groaning at the weight of two Asta-sized beings landing on him. “Oof.”

“Asta! Asta we got him!” Liebe cackled, cheering from his seat on Yuno’s butt as Asta scooted out of the way, quickly grabbing Yuno’s wrists. “Do we do it now?”

“Not yet, Liebe- give him a second to catch his breath.” Asta insisted, watching Yuno’s ears burn as the anticipation began to set in. “You ready?”

“No.” Yuno peeped up while Liebe shouted “READY!”

“Not you, Liebe!” Asta held up a hand, stopping his demon. “Yuno, are you ready?”

“Hang on, let me up a second…” Yuno squirmed some until he was on his back, wiggling a hand free to wipe at his mouth with his hand. “My face hurts from lying like that. Okay..” He tried for a firm glare. “Ready.”

“Oh ho ho, I like him!” Liebe grinned as he readjusted, wiggling his fingers high. “Now I can do it?”

At one last look for reassurance from his friend, Asta nodded. “Go for it, my tickle demon!”

“Yeeee!” Liebe cheered before grabbing onto Yuno’s sides, worming his fingers into his ribs. At first, the brunette was wincing, his jaw gritted and brows furrowed. Asta waved down the other once more.

“Lighten up, Liebe. Gentle.”

“Oooo!” Liebe nodded, doing so, changing his deep burrows for a more gentle tap. The change was almost immediate- Yuno’s pained expression faded for one Asta was familiar with, grabbing onto the demon’s wrists as he tried flattening out his mouth. The classic stubborn Yuno look!

Not today! Asta decided to give Liebe his next lesson in tickling Yuno.

“Oo, what’s this? Does it tickle? Huh?” Asta cooed, daring to wiggle a few fingers overhead, worsening his friend’s defenses. “Is the big bad demon getting at your ribs? Is he? Huh? You gotta tease him too, it really works on him!”

“Huh? Okay! Tickle tickle tickle tickle tickle!”

“Yeah, like that!”

Yuno didn’t dare open his mouth- lest he lose control and start laughing. Instead, he gritted his teeth and turned to look the other way, squeezing his eyes shut to avoid the sight of those dastardly fingers. He should have known better- Asta wasn’t one for empty threats.

“AH!” He squeaked when he felt them touch down on his neck, tapping against his pulsepoint that had him scrunching up and giggly. “A-Ahahahahhahahsta! Aheahahha shohohohohohot! Gheahhahhaha dohohohon’t!”

“He’s laughing! Geehehehehehe! That’s right, human! Laugh before me!” Liebe cried dramatically, doubling his efforts as he walked his claws up Yuno’s ribs. The effect was working- Yuno went from barely grasping his wrists to trying and failing to catch them completely, squirming beneath their grasps as he laughed and wheezed. “He’s so sensitive! Hehehe!”

“Right?, That’s our Yuno- he acts all cool but really, he’s super ticklish!”  Asta giggled as he wormed his hands beneath Yuno, gently prodding into his armpits. Yuno shot his arms back so fast he bruised his elbow on the concrete, arching as he let out a whimpery laugh. “Careful! Don’t hurt yourself!”

“Aheahhahaha! Dihihihidn’t feheheheel a thihihihng! Gheahhaha- AHHA NOHOHO!” He cried again when Asta wormed his fingers into his neck once more, making him scrunch and curl up. “Ahehahahahahahhah dohohoohohn’t! Nohohohot thehehehehhere!”

“Why do you move? He laughs more there?” Liebe mused as he watched Asta giggle and move somewhere else again, prodding at his upper ribs and forcing Yuno to thrash. 

“Cause he asked! Plus, I don’t wanna tire him out too quickly. It’s not as fun.” Asta kept up his playful attack, relishing in Yuno’s giggle fits. “That’s important, you know? Gotta make sure he’s still having fun!”

“Fun…” When was the last time Liebe heard that? He tapped his claws into Yuno’s sides like how Asta curled his own, noting the different ways he reacted. “What does this do?”

Yuno let out a startled gasp before bursting into fresh giggles, his feet kicking helplessly against the pavement behind Liebe as he swatted at their hands. “Gehahahhahaahha! Cohoohohhome ohohohohohn!! Whihihihihy is he gohohohohod at thihiihihs?”

“Beginner’s luck?” Asta snickered, a bit amazed. He didn’t think  Liebe would pick up the whole tickling thing so fast. Liebe was like a fish to water, cooing at Yuno the way Asta did earlier and furthering the rosy blush on the wind mage's face hidden behind his hands.

Despite all this, he could tell Yuno was having fun. He wasn’t fighting back nearly as hard as he could, nor did he beg for mercy. If anything, he  was letting Liebe have his fun, just as he did with their brothers and sisters back home.

It made him smile. Yuno had accepted Liebe.

Eventually though, all good things must come to a close.

“Ahehahahah! Ohoohokay, oohohohkay- I’m dohohohone!” Yuno called out, reaching out and grabbing Liebe’s wrists. “Stahhahap!”

“Liebe.” Asta called out, gaining the demon’s attention. He cut a line through the air, signaling him to end. With some reluctance, the demon backed off, pulling his hands back as he looked down at the giggly mage. “Good.”

Yuno was a mess of laughter, cheeks pink and hair more askew than normal. He took slow giggly breaths as he pulled both arms across his face, hiding in his sleeves. Carefully, the demon climbed off of him, sitting beside Asta as they watched slowly recover. 

“Ugh..ehehe..Iihih’m stahahrting to feeehehel it now.” Yuno gestured to his bruised elbow, wincing some when he touched it.

Asta snorted, ruffling Yuno’s hair. “Sorry about that. Want me to kiss it better?”

“No way- you’d infect it.” Yuno swatted at him playfully, shaking his head. “It’d get all bulgy like yours- then I’d have one normal arm and one tree trunk one.” Asta laughed harder at the visual, making Yuno grin. Eventually, he sat up, facing the other two as he watched Asta cough and choke through his mirth. “Did you have fun?”

Liebe figured he was asking Asta, but when he saw Yuno’s eyes on him, he put on his best grin. “Of course I did! Humans are so sensitive! Hehehehehehe. I should tickle you more often!”

“Heh, yeah…Liebe,  did you know Asta’s ticklish?” That cut off Asta’s giggle fits, making him pause with wide eyes.

“He is?” The demon’s eyes got big with wonder, his attention snapping to the other and making Asta squirm. “Is he just as bad as you? Worse? Tell me!”

“I could.” Yuno smiled, a devious glint in his grin. “Or I could show you instead?”

To be continued in Nym's part!

"Ah but," Mammon hummed. "How are we supposed to get the video?"

"Well, duh! Who do you think could have this video?"

Mammon stared at his brother and Asmo fought the urge to roll his eyes again. Was his big brother that stupid?

"Are ya tryin' to say that... we can convince Lucifer to show us the video?"

Asmo did roll his eyes and he smacked Mammon again, making him whine. "Obviously no, you dummy! Lucifer would hang us upside down just mentioning that incident!" Mammon shivered. "We'll get it from Barbatos!"

"Haah?! Ya think Barbatos is any better than Lucifer?! Haven't ya heard?! They say he has a torture room!"

Asmo shook his head, letting out a long, exasperated sigh. "Listen, Barbatos could be a little easier because he doesn't lose his composure! He just can't. What would Lord Diavolo say if he did?"

That seemed to struck Mammon and he stopped to think, mumbling some things that Asmo couldn't figure out. If Mammon backed out, (like the chicken he was), it would be a bit harder for Asmo to get the video, but he could still manage.

However, Mammon was a master when it came to be a little tricky so his help, even though Asmo didn't want to admit it, was actually necessary to success.

"But what if-

"Agh! Are you in or not?!"

"Dammit! I am let's do it!"

-

There was no plan.

After deciding that Barbatos was the best option to get that, highly probably, ridiculous video, Asmo dragged Mammon out from the classroom where they were talking at RAD and headed straight to the Demon Lord's Castle.

Asmo brimmed with excitement. Were they really about to get a video you don't get to see every day? And a video of Diavolo, of all things!

He knew it wouldn't be easy, so drastic measures had to be taken, even if it meant sacrificing Mammon's life!

Once in front of the big doors, both demons jumped in surprised when it started to open on its own, or at least, that was what it looked like before Barbatos appeared.

"Good afternoon. Mammon, Asmo," Barbatos said politely, a little smile on his face.

"Barbatos, hello!" Asmo chirped, waving his hand in a rather cute way. "Is Lord Diavolo home?"

Barbatos frowned slightly, "He is in his office at the moment. Is Lord Diavolo expecting you?"

Asmo shook his head, "No, we actually came to see you, Barbatos!"

The butler was a little taken aback and he rose his eyebrows. "Me? Well, I'm about to start dinner, so if you could state your business with me quickly, I would appreciate it."

Asmo grinned, gently touching Mammon's back.

"Barbatos," Mammon started, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips. "We heard a very interesting and funny story!"

Asmo noticed right away the way the butler's shoulder tensed up, his little smile freezing in place.

"Oh? I wonder what could that be?" Barbatos said, looking at the brothers carefully.

"You know... Something interesting and funny about Lord Diavolo?" Mammon copied Barbatos posture. "Related to a recent party that-

"I'm terribly sorry," Barbatos cut him off, his smile disappearing. "Whatever you heard, it's all lies and slanders against my Young Master."

"Ho? Is that so?" Asmo popped in, clapping his hands together and looking directly at Barbatos' eyes.

He sighed, "I recommend you to stop using your charms, Asmodeous. You know they don't work on me."

"This is just my natural beauty, Barbatos. I'm not using my charms."

They stared at each other and time seemed to froze. Mammon and Asmo were both smirking dangerously.

Barbatos, of course, didn't seem scared at all. If anything, his expression showed nothing but intense boredom. It was hard to read him; was he really unbothered by all this or was he trying to act like this was nothing?

Asmo had to admit that it was way harder than he thought it would. He wasn't sure of what to do next.

"So- !"

Suddenly, the door was closing! Mammon and Asmo acted quickly, but maybe not in the best way as both demons sneaked inside the Castle before Barbatos could close the door on their faces, and they jumped on him, taking him by surprise and causing the three of them to fall to the marble floor with a thud.

Barbatos barely made a sound, but Asmo could hear a low growl as him and Mammon tried to pin the butler down.

"Let go!" Barbatos said, kicking and pulling at his arms. "What do you want?!"

"You know exactly what we want!" Asmo said, trying his best to pin one of Barbatos arms. "Give it to us!"

"I do not have idea what you- ugh, let go!" Mammon had managed by now, he successfully pinned Barbatos arm above his head and under Mammon's knee.

"You know, Barbatos! Give us the evidence!" Mammon said, helping Asmo to also get Barbatos' other arm.

Barbatos was strong, but they were two against one and their strength was no joke, so he soon found his arms under Mammon's knees and his waist straddled by Asmo, who looked down at him with a big, mischievous grin.

"Does Lucifer know that you're both here?"

"He probably does, probably doesn't, we'll worry about it after you give us what we want."

"What makes you think I have that video?"

Asmo rolled his eyes, "Duh! Barbatos, you're like Lord Diavolo's number one fan, you can't possibly delete a video like that, can you?"

It didn't seem to be a reaction from Barbatos, but Asmo did notice the way the tip of his ears turned a little pink and his grin turned into a wicked smirk.

"I do not have anything and I-

"Asmo," Mammon said over Barbatos words. "He doesn't seem too cooperative, what should we do?"

"Ah, I have an idea!"

Asmo wiggled his eyebrows and he lifted his hands so Barbatos could see him wiggling his fingers. Barbatos looked just as confused as Mammon did, but before any of them could ask Asmo what was he going to do, his beautiful hands lowered and were poking, prodding and squeezing up and down Barbatos' sides.

Barbatos's breath hitched and his body tensed even more.

"Wha- are ya serious?! Tickling?!" Asmo giggled and Mammon's cheeks turned a little pink.

"Why not? I don't enjoy violence. That's so not pretty, but listening to Barbatos laugh... That's certainly a rare sight, right?" He asked, winking down at Barbatos. "Unless he wants to share his secrets with us?"

Barbatos still had a very plain face. No emotions on his features. Asmo also noticed that his touch, usually light and pretty ticklish, (according to his brothers), was not affecting Barbatos as much as he wanted to. Not that he was expecting him to actually break into giggles right away.

"You're a tough cookie, huh?" Asmo teased, his hands moving down to Barbatos' lower sides where he actually got the slightest of reactions, barely a little twitch.

"I would highly recommend that you-" a light pinch above his hip forced him to shut his mouth to prevent any embarrassing sounds to come out. "... That you stop this childish behavior."

"Oh? Is this a sensitive spot?" Asmo ignored the warning and his finger latched onto those spots above Barbatos' hips, one that Asmo knew so well from certain big brother of his. He squeezed the spot and Barbatos kicked his leg. Another squeeze and he twisted his hips.

"Yo, Asmo! That's not even working!" Mammon growled and Asmo looked up at him with an annoying expression.

"Well, if you don't help me out, of course it won't work!" He said, rubbing deep circles on that sensitive place, making Barbatos sink his teeth on his lower lip. "Make yourself useful and try under his arms or something!"

Mammon huffed and he hesitated, but seeing that Barbatos was having a little difficult time to keep calm, he felt a little fired up; maybe they could end up getting that video from him, huh?"

"Fine. Let's see," he said with a smirk and his fingers started to gently scribble against Barbatos' armpits.

He had a good reaction: his arms flinched and they pulled down, trying to protect himself. His body also arched up and his squirming increased considerably.

The best part, at least to Asmo's eyes, was that the corners of Barbatos' mouth were trembling, trying to hold back a goofy smile. His breathing was also a bit erratic as he tried to suppress the bubbly giggles building in his chest.

"You have your D. D. D. with you, Barbatos?"

"W-What- urgh!"

"Your D. D. D.! So you can send the video to Mammon and me!"

Barbatos shook his head, "I already t-told you! I do n-nohoho-," he gasped, "... do not have that vid-deheheo!"

Asmo grinned widely, showing his white pearls when he could hear those little snickers and chuckles filtering through Barbatos' words.

"Barbatos, we know you have it! And if you don't want a video of you laughing your head off going around RAD, I'd recommend you to just send it to us," he said, wiggling and digging his fingers into that muscle, finally making Barbatos giggle.

"S-Stahahahap!" He growled, gritting his teeth to stop his giggles, but Asmo had already found the perfect technique. "I dohohohon't hahahave it! W-Wehehe d-deleted ihit!"

Asmo raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"L-Lucifer and I, gahaha!" A squeaky little cackle left his lips when Mammon wiggled his fingers against his highest ribs.

"Huh? Are ya expecting us to believe that?!" Mammon snarled, a smirk on his face as he rubbed gentle circles on Barbatos' ribs.

Barbatos nodded, unable to stop his laughs now that Asmo and Mammon had found some of his weak spots. He squirmed under them, but he seemed drained from his strength already.

Asmo clicked his tongue, "Fine, if you refuse to give it to us, then we'll continue until you feel like giving up, okay?"

Barbatos shook his head, "No! I ahalready said- ahahahaha! Hohohold ohohon!"

Asmo and Mammon both unleashed the best tickle attack they could manage against Barbatos.

Seeing that his ribs seemed to be a good spot, Asmo also tickle him there. Rubbing deep circles against his lower ribs, and he was delighted when Barbatos cackled.

"Ya really are ticklish, huh? It'd be a shame if some else finds out!"

Asmo giggled, "Mammon's right, what would people say if they see Lord Diavolo's best butler laughing his head off for some tickles to his ribs, huh?"

Barbatos flushed to his ears, but he still couldn't do anything beside laughing and weakly squirm.

"I'm tehehehelling you! Thehehe vihideo- ahahahaha! Stahahahap!"

"Oh? What's going on here?"

Both Mammon and Asmo jolted, their hands coming to a stop, letting the poor butler catch his breath.

"L-Lord Diavolo," Mammon gasped.

That was a problem, if Diavolo knew what they were up, they'd probably get in a big trouble and what would Lucifer do?! For now, it was safe to not say anything.

"Lord Diavolo, hi~!" Asmo said excitedly. "You'll see, we want Barbatos to give us certain information, but he doesn't want to!"

Diavolo looked down at his butler and laughed charmingly. "Ah, I see! Tickling does seem like a nice way of getting information," he said, chuckling to himself. "Anyway, you're doing it all wrong! Barbatos won't tell anything because you're not tickling his biggest weakness!"

Barbatos gasped. "My Lord! That's not-! Please, get these two off me!"

"Oh, c'mon Barbatos! It has been a while since I last heard you laughing so much!" Diavolo said, almost pouting as he made his way to them. "It won't hurt if you laugh for a bit more, no?"

Asmo beamed. He wasn't sure how things ended like this, but he was liking the turn this situation was taking. He looked at Mammon and his brother was looking at him, a big grin on his lips. He then looked down at Barbatos and almost laughed at seeing his wide eyes following each of Diavilo's movements.

Lastly, he looked at Diavolo, who was kneeling - he was kneeling! - beside Barbatos' thigh.

"Here is the spot, you see," Diavolo instructed, placing a hand just above Barbatos' knee.

Asmo was surprised when Barbatos jolted feeling the touch. "Huh? M-My Lord? Ah, that place-! Y-Young Master, wait a sec- AHAHAHA! NOHOHOT THEHERE! NOT THEHEHERE!"

"Woah!" Mammon cried, leaning in a bit more to hold Barbatos' arms.

He had really started to squirm now. Not only that, he was howling with laughter, throwing his head back and all.

"Fufu, that really seems to be Barbatos' weak spot! May I try?" Asmo chirped, reaching back to get a hold of Barbatos' other thigh.

"Go ahead!" Diavolo chuckled. "You have to squeeze in, but not too hard. Yes, just like that!"

"AHAHAHA! Plehehease!" His legs kicked and clamped together. "I d-dohohohon't hahahave i-eeek! Mahahahammohon!"

Mammon chuckled as his fingers found Barbatos' ribcage again, he clawed and tickled each individual rib, making Barbatos' shriek and arch his back.

"Are you ready to give it to us?" Asmo said over Barbatos' loud laughter, but the butler could only shake his head, laughing nearly in hysterics, his face flushed bright red.

"Oh?" Diavolo said, still massaging that muscle that was driving Barbatos crazy. He even started to squeeze the inner part of his thigh, close to the knee. Asmo followed him and Barbatos shrieked with laughter. "What? What? What do you want from Barbatos?"

Asmo looked up at Diavolo and he hesitated for a brief moment.

"Ah, he has an interesting video Asmo and I want to watch," Mammon quickly said, surprising Asmo.

"What kind of video?"

"EEEEK! Nohoho mohohore thehehere!" Barbatos' begged.

"Ah!" Diavolo said, his hand moving up to squeeze the higher part of Barbatos' thigh, successfully sending him into silent laughter. "Could it be that video someone took of me at the party?"

Asmo and Mammon freezed. He found out!

Diavolo laughed, looking at Barbatos' losing his mind before finally stopping. "So you're tickling the living hell out of Barbatos to coax him to show you the video?"

Barbatos sighed heavily when the tickling stopped, his body going limp as he tried to catch his breath between residual laughter.

"A-Ah... Well... M-Maybe?"

Diavolo laughed, "Silly you!" He said, rising from the ground with incredible elegance. "I can show it to you both! Ah, but you don't need to tickle me," he chuckled.

Barbatos gasped, still pinned under Asmo and Mammon. "Y-Young Master?! How did you-"

"Barbatos and Lucifer forced everyone to delete it, but I got my hands on it, I don't understand why did they do that, it is rather a funny video!" He said excitedly, taking out his D. D. D.

Asmo and Mammon quickly got up too, Barbatos following suit, yet his legs were a little shaky so, reluctantly, he held onto Mammon's shoulder and to his surprise, Mammon wrapped an arm around his waist as he leaned in to look at Diavolo's D. D. D.

"Aaand sent! I hope everyone enjoys it!"

Asmo blinked and he quickly took his phone out when it vibrated in his pocket.

Oh Lord.

"Is that Lord Diavolo?!"

"LOLOLOLOLOL, was he drunk?"

"Lord Diavolo surely looks funny doing that dance."

"What's going on? Diavolo? How did you get that video?"

The chat group with his brothers, Barbatos and Lord Diavolo was blowing up!

"Hehe, I think Lucifer will be a little mad," Diavolo chanted like a kid.

"He's not the only one, My Lord," Barbatos said, a dangerous smile on his face. "I've been through Hell to stop anyone from seeing that video and My Lord decides to just send it?"

"Oh c'mon, Barbatos!" Asmo said cheerfully. "Now that Lucifer knows that we all have the video, do you really think he'd let us publish it somewhere else?" He shrugged. "Perhaps that was Lord Diavolo's intentions all along," he winked at the Demon Prince and Diavolo laughed.

"Ah, who knows," he said, shrugging his shoulders too. "I did have fun though, I'll make sure to not let Lucifer know what you two did to my poor butler."

"Ah, but I will," Barbatos promised, fixing his clothes and hair.

Asmo and Mammon would probably get in big trouble, but to Asmo's eyes, this was a win situation for them. He not only got to see that video, but also had the chance to tickle and hear Barbatos laugh!

He got chills all over just thinking about it. So, even if Lucifer did hang them upside down for three centuries, he would be very satisfied.

“I don’t see you. Don’t tell me you fell?” Falling from this height would hurt, but would it kill? He went to check around the back-

“Gotcha!” Dazai’s yell startled him so bad he dropped his phone, the device snapping shut as it hit the grass. Atsushi whirled around to…nothing. Dazai’s voice was like a ghost.

“D-Dazai?” Atsushi looked around. Maybe he really did kill himself this time.

“Up here, Atsushi.” There it was again. This time, the weretiger looked up. “D-Dazai?”

“Hello there, Atsushi! Glad you got my message!” Dazai- who was nowhere to be found moments ago, was now a foot above him, his feet hovering to Atsushi’s shoulders while his arms were bent, the sleeves caught in the branches. Really- all of Dazai’s coat was caught in the branches, along with the back of his vest. “As you can see, I’ve found myself in a rather uncomfortable position. Would you be so kind-”

“This…is your latest attempt at suicide?” Atsushi blinked, staring up at him. “Jumping from a tree?”

“Suicide? Oh, right- that's what my message was. Oh no, I just wanted to get the jump on you.” Dazai mused, unfazed while Atsushi gaped. 

“HUH? Wh-What do you mean by that?”

“I suppose an explanation is needed. See-I had this brilliant idea recently. You’ve been rather fidgety around the office as of late- I had no idea why until I saw Naomi poking you. Then I remembered you were ticklish.” The word alone made Atsushi blush, his arms subconsciously pressing into his torso. “It’s been awhile since I’ve heard you laugh, so I figured I’d invite you out here-”

“You said you needed help.” Atsushi cut in. 

“Invited you under false pretenses, yes.” Dazai waved a foot, his hands too stuck in the tree to make the gesture. “So I could tickle you, but as you can see, the universe had other plans.” He gave an experimental tug to the branches, finding no give. “Would you be so kind as to help me out? I’ll buy you all the tea on rice you can eat if you do.”

Atsushi’s stomach growled, the mention of his favorite meal like a trigger to his appetite. It was tempting. So very tempting.

But so was this opportunity before him.

“I guess I can help you, but before I do that…” Atsushi walked forward slowly, taking in the other’s trapped state. “There’s something I want to try myself.”

“Oh? And what would that be?” Dazai asked, trying to follow Atsushi with his eyes as best as he could.

“Dazai, are you ticklish?”

The voice came from behind, as did the fingers latching into the bound man’s ribs.

“Ah! Ahhh, N-No! Not at all!” Dazai’s voice was a pitch higher, his body coiling at the sudden waves of sensitivity bleeding through his torso. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing, willing his body to still. “No need to do thAAHT!”

“Do what? I’m just trying to get you down.” Atsushi began to squeeze repeatedly, the motion gentle but consistent. His efforts were rewarded with Dazai’s legs twitching faster, his squirms increasing as he fought down the growing noises within his chest. “Stop moving-you’ll only get yourself tangled more.”

“I’m tryiHIING!” Dazai yelped when Atsushi dropped his hands to his waist, squeezing just beneath his ribs. “NOOOHOHO!”

“No to not squirming or no you’re not ticklish?” Atsushi asked, starting to smile as he watched the wobbly grin spread along Dazai’s flushing cheeks. “I’m starting to think you were lying to me, Dazai.”

“Don’t go saying tHIIngs like tHAAHAT!” The detective’s squeaks increased as Atsushi’s hands shifted down again, pulling his tucked shirt free before worming his fingers against the now bare skin. “AtsHihihihihihi!”

“Hey, wanna see a trick?” Atsushi asked, not waiting for an answer. With a shift, his hands grew furry and soft, the nails tucked deep within the beds of his Tiger paws. With an evil grin, he started wiggling those soft fingers against Dazai’s belly and sides.

“Atsusshhihihihiihihihiihi!” The dam broke- within seconds Dazai was laughing, head thrown back in mirth as his belly and waist were prodded at. It was bad enough with fingers, but weretiger fingers? It felt like a thousand little feathers were shoved down his shirt, tracing every nerve along his skin and setting them ablaze. Even spots that weren’t even touched felt hypersensitive- the thought alone of those soft paws going for his neck, his armpits…it only made him laugh harder, weakened by the ghost tickles.

“So much for not being ticklish.” Atsushi giggled along with him, clearly enjoying himself. Hesitantly, he let one of his pawed hands drop from the older man’s stomach to his thigh, giving it an experimental squeeze. Dazai all but flailed at the touch. “Oo, ticklish legs too?”

“Aahhahahahtsuhuuhshi, plehehehhehahahahse!” Dazai cried out, his squirms growing more frantic, swinging him this way and back. Above him, he heard the cracks of a tree branch, but the stubborn thing wouldn’t give. He was still so effectively trapped.

“Please what? Please keep tickling you?” Did Atsushi get taller? How’d he get up here? Through his giggles, Dazai saw the other had shifted his legs, giving him additional height.

Enough height to reach his armpits.

“I suppose I can, if you’re asking for it.”Atsushi squeezed the middle of the brunette’s ribs, earning a fresh round of squeaky giggles. “How about…” He began to walk those fuzzy fingers up, one rib at a time, pressing in as he went. Dazai’s squirming increased, his giggles shaking his swinging torso as he tried to lean away. The hand was getting closer and closer to his armpit. “Here. What do you think?”

Dazai shook his head frantically, his laughter near silent. Atsushi smiled, all teeth now. A new glint was in his eyes- vengeance.

“You know- as your favorite victim, You’ve done similar things to this.” Atsushi hovered his paw over the spot, occasionally twitching his fingers just to tease the other. “You just love to hover over my worst spots, threatening to tickle me but never quite getting there.”

“Atsuhuhuhushi, plehahahse!”

“You always talk about how you love seeing me sweat. How I get all kinds of nervous- waiting for you to strike. I bet you’re feeling it now- that moment of anticipation-” Atsushi moved his hand forward by only an inch, making Dazai jump with a cackle. “Never quite get there.”

“Spahahhahre me, Atsuhuhuhushi! Dohhooohohn’t!”

“Don’t what? Don’t tickle you?” He smiled deviously. “Or don’t keep you waiting?”

 That evil, evil weretiger! When did he get this good at teasing? Must have been practicing on Akutagawa. “Juuhuuhuuhst doohoho it!”

“Do what?”

“Tihihihihickle me!”

“Are you sure? You don’t sound sure.”

“Aahahahahhahtsuuhuhushi!”

“Well…okay..” Atsushi’s hands wasted no time digging into his armpits, earning an honest to god squeal before he was booming with laughter. Legs kicking, swinging the best he could, Dazai could only howl in mirth as Atsushi traced circles against the sensitive skin. The thin material of his button down did nothing to protect him- doing even less when Atsushi used two nails to cut a hole in said fabric, slipping his furry fingers against the skin. “Sorry about the shirt- it’s for the greater good.” Atsushi chimed, laughing when Dazai went silent.

Before he could move to a different spot, and before Dazai could wheeze for mercy- something snapped. Atsushi’s eyes widened as he watched the branch tangled in Dazai’s coat begin to break, releasing its grip. And then it broke free, sending Dazai down with it.

Or it would- hadn’t Atsushi’s reflexes kicked in. Moving with lightning speed, he gathered up the equally shocked detective in his arms before jumping, just narrowly missing the shower of branches and leaves coming down. A good chunk of Dazai’s coat ripped off but that could be replaced.

At least now no one had to go home with broken bones.

“Eh…hehe…yohohu’ve got gooohohod.” Dazai breathed, cradled against Atsushi’s chest. Whether he meant it regarding his reflexes or the tickles, Atsushi didn’t know. He put down the older man as his limbs shifted back to normal, guilt twinging his chest at the torn up clothes and disgruntled outfit.

“Sorry about the…yeah.” Atsushi waved a hand at Dazai’s attire. “I can pay for it.”

“No need. This isn’t the first coat I’ve destroyed. And I have tons of these shirts.” Dazai smiled as he tucked back in his clothes, wincing as he pulled off a stray twig. “Remind me to cross out trees on the suicide list- they’re rather sharp, and I’m sure a spider bit me in a rather inconvenient place.”

Atsushi hooted out a laugh at that, clamping a hand over his mouth when Dazai glared. But then the brunette was laughing just as much, pulling Atsushi with him as they made their way back to the office. “Let me get changed before we go get your Tea over Rice. Hate to spook the lovely woman there looking like this.”

“As if you don’t spook them enough with your talks of double suicide.” Atsushi voiced, earning a light nudge.

“When’d you get so sassy? Have you always been like this?” Dazai asked, eyes shining with intrigue. Atsushi laughed nervously, suddenly self-conscious. 

“Sorry-” He began.

“It’s fine. I like you like this.” Dazai smiled as they walked onto the main road. “It means you’re one of us.”

One of…them.

The thought alone made Atsushi smile- a genuinely happy one that hurt his cheeks after a moment. Even when he tried to dim it down some, there was no hiding how happy those words made him feel.

One of them.