#lee!gus

Gus tugged at the hem of his scarf, trailing a few cautious steps behind his girlfriend. "You sure this path is safe?" His voice carried the kind of unease that clung to him like his hoodie.

Kyoko turned back to him with a grin, her eyes bright. "Safe enough. You worry too much, Gus. Look around! It's gorgeous. We're not about to get jumped by a bush."

"...I'm not worried about the bush," he muttered, though his gaze flicked nervously to the shifting undergrowth anyway.

Kyoko only laughed, the sound light enough to scatter his worries for a moment. That was how it always went, her taking the lead, him trailing but never letting her too far from reach.

They pressed deeper, weaving through the dense tangle of trees until a low-hanging vine brushed Gus' shoulder. He swatted at it absently...

And suddenly, the forest decided to mess with him.

The vine whipped around his ankle like a snake and snapped upward. Gus let out a startled yelp as he was hoisted into the air. His cap slid sideways, headphones dangling, scarf flopping down like a flag. His hoodie slipped toward his shoulders, leaving his white T-shirt stretched and riding up under gravity's pull.

"Oh no, no, no-!!" Gus flailed, trying to grab the vine, but it only bounced him gently like a fish caught on a line. His anxious muttering spilled out fast. "This is it, this is how it ends, suspended like laundry- Kyoko, help!"

On the ground, Kyoko had doubled over with laughter. "GuhUHUs! Youhuhu loohoohook rihihidiculous!!"

He puffed his cheeks, half panicked and half embarrassed. "Glad you're enjoying my suffering."

She stepped closer, wiping at her eyes from giggling so hard. And then her gaze lingered. Upside down, Gus' T-shirt had slipped higher, baring a stretch of pale stomach.

Kyoko tilted her head, a smirk tugging her lips. "Well, well..."

Gus immediately knew. His wide eyes darted down... well, technically up, given his position... and he tried to tug the shirt back into place, but his arms barely reached past his hoodie. "Kyoko. Don't you dare."

"Oh, you know I absolutely dare." Her grin was wicked, though her tone carried nothing but affection. "You should know what happens when you're this defenseless."

"Kyoko, I swear-" He wriggled like a worm on a hook. "You can't-!"

She poked him lightly in the side.

Gus yelped, laughter bursting out before he could stop it. "Kyohohohokooho!! Nohohot thahahat!!"

Her giggle was mischievous as she traced lazy circles across his belly with a single finger. "Aw, listen to you! The forest caught you just for me!"

"Kyohohohokoohoho! Stohohohop, IhiHi'm sehEhehHEerious!!" His voice cracked with nervous giggles, but his expression gave him away, more flustered than truly upset.

Kyoko leaned in, still teasing with gentle pokes. "Serious, huh~? Doesn't sound very serious to me."

Then both hands came into play. Kyoko's fingers spidered across his stomach and ribs, darting and scribbling while Gus dissolved into helpless laughter. He kicked and squirmed in the air, scarf swinging wildly, sneakers flailing. His cap was barely hanging on now, threatening to drop with every thrash.

"KyOhOhOhoHOO!! NohOHoHO!!" His words broke into squeals as he twisted, trying to curl up in defense but finding no escape. "MehHEhehRcy, pleHEhehEHEHASe!!"

Kyoko's cheer never wavered. "You've been so serious lately. I like this better, hearing you laugh." She accented the thought with a wiggle of her fingers into the hollow of his stomach.

Gus shrieked, laughter ringing through the trees. "IhIHIHI cahahAHan't-!! IhIhIhI cahahaHAHn't tHahaHHAake iHIhihit!!"

Kyoko grinned, holding onto his stomach with both hands. "Okay, Gus, take a deeeep breath for me, can you do that?"

Gus whined, shaking his head. "D-Dohohon't-!!"

"Deep breath~!"

He whined, breathing in deep.

Kyoko leaned forward, planting a massive raspberry right on his belly button, squeezing his sides as she blew.

"HOHOHOLY- NONONOHOHOHO PLEHEHEHEASE NAHAHAHAAHAHA!!"

At last, Kyoko eased back, resting one hand on his shoulder to steady his wild swinging. Gus dangled, panting hard, cheeks flushed a bright red. His laughter trickled into small, embarrassed giggles as he tried to catch his breath.

"See?" Kyoko said softly, brushing his hair back where his cap had shifted. "That wasn't so bad. I just wanted to see you smile. You always look so wound up."

Gus managed to glare... well, as much as someone upside down could... but his expression quickly cracked into a shy grin. "Y-youhuhu're evil. Absoholute evil."

"Evil, huh?" She leaned in close, whispering playfully, "Then I guess I'm your favorite kind of evil."

He groaned, but the warmth in his voice betrayed him. "...Maybe."

Kyoko tugged the vine loose, and Gus dropped safely into her waiting arms with a soft thud. He clutched at her for balance, still flustered, as she set him down onto his feet.

"U-unfair," he muttered, though the corner of his mouth betrayed a smile.

Kyoko kissed his cheek without hesitation and tidied his scarf. "My favorite scaredy-cat adventurer."

Blushing, Gus adjusted his scarf and took her hand. "Just dohon't... tell anyone about this."

She squeezed his hand, grinning widely. "Our little secret."

Thirty…" Luz said, her hands over her eyes. As soon as she started counting, everyone scattered to find a hiding spot.

"Willow!" Gus whispered, gesturing wildly. "I need your help!"

29

He ran down the hallway, Willow's footsteps close behind. They ran down to the basement, closing the door as quietly as possible.

26

"What do you need help with?" Willow asked, speaking quietly. Gus grinned and simply pointed at a high shelf on the wall.

25

"Really?" She sighed as he nodded. "Fine, but I better have time to hide too."

"You will!" He said cheerfully, approaching the wall.

24

Willow rolled her eyes and stood behind him. He lifted his arms dramatically.

"Raise me to the heavens!" He announced, making his friend giggle.

23

"Ready?" She asked, putting her hands on his sides. He flinched slightly and nodded. In an easy motion, she lifted him into the air.

22

He stiffened so suddenly that she almost dropped him. She quickly set him back down to adjust her grip.

21

"Hey!" She whispered. "I don't wanna give you another concussion!"

"Sorry!" He whispered back. "I wasn't ready for it to tickle so much! Just try again."

20

"Are you sure? Cause you can't squirm." He nodded so she grabbed him again. Once again, he was lifted off the ground

19

He flinched and grabbed onto her hands. He bit his lip and tried to keep himself from moving too much. Willow rolled her eyes with a grin.

18

"You're too ticklish for this." She stated, standing on her tiptoes. "Reach for the shelf!"

17

He raised his hand, shifting slightly in his attempt to reach it. Willow slid her hand down to his hip to support him.

16

He snorted and clasped onto her hand, bending to the left and offsetting her balance. She squeaked and stumbled, squeezing him a few times by accident.

15

"Hehey!" He giggled, starting to squirm. "Dihid you do thahat on purpose!"

14

"No I didn't!" She finally steadied herself. "Reach for the shelf again! And stop squirming!"

13

"I cahan't!" He spluttered, shaking his head. "Stohop holding my hip!"

12

"If I do that, I'll drop you!" She retorted. "Just try! We're running out of time!"

11

He slowly raised his arm, his body shaking in somewhat withheld laughter. He swiped for the ledge, only to fall short.

10

Willow stumbled as their weight shifted again. She held on tighter, making Gus bring his arms back down as he laughed harder.

9

"Why couldn't you reach it?" She whispered, slightly louder to speak over his laughter.

8

"Nohot tahall ehenoughff!" He cried, really wiggling now. "Stahand ohon youhour tihiptohoes agahain!"

7

"You're moving too much!"

6

"Juhust tryhy!"

5

"Than stop moving!"

4

"Ihi cahan't!"

3

"We're almost out of time!"

2

"Ihi knohow! Lihift mehe hihigher!"

1

"What in the world are you two doing?"

Willow glanced behind her, still holding up the giggling boy. She sighed as she saw Luz, who looked incredibly amused.

"Helping him get to his hiding spot." She said, putting Gus down. He bent over, holding his sides as he calmed down.

"Well, I found you!" Luz grinned from ear to ear. "Come upstairs when he's calmed down! Now to find everyone else..."

With that, the human left.

Gus stood up straight, smiling nervously. "Better luck next time?" He said sheepishly.

Willow slowly turned to face him, her face unreadable. He gulped and stepped away.

☆☆☆

Morale at the Noceda home was at an all time low, and for good reason. Ever since the Day of Unity, nobody could find a reason to smile.

Luz couldn't stop thinking about Eda, about King, about the house. Amity felt terrible for leaving her family behind. Gus kept having stress illusions, lost in his own head. Willow blamed herself, thinking she could have done more, could have been stronger, helped hold the door open. Hunter kept having random pains in his right side, still remembering the effects of the draining spell.

Vee tried to cheer them up, but it was pointless. They were all stuck in their minds. Camila had tried cooking Boiling Ilses cuisine, but she couldn't replicate the absurd ingredients. After a week of talking and persuading, she got them all together in one room to talk.

Pillows and blankets littered the floor, stuffies and snacks were near each person, and some music was playing in the background. It was basically a comfort nest, and she hoped it helped them calm down.

"Alright everyone. I know a lot has happened, and I know you have all been stressed. We're here to talk about it, and to try and make living here easier for the time being. Amity, you start." The purple haired witch looked up, pulled out of a daze.

"Uh, I don't know. Maybe me and Luz could share a room?" Camila didn't know how she felt about that, but if it helps, she'll allow it. "Okay, but you go to bed by 10:30, and keep the door locked if you're doing anything couple-like." Amity's face lit up with her signature blush, eliciting small giggles from multiple teens.

"Luz, have something?" She laughed a bit. "Ice cream day?" Her mom nodded, laughing with her. "Why not."

"Alright Gus, what would you like, if anything?" He thought for a minute before answering. "Could I have a music player? It would help with... thinking." That could definitely be done. "Of course. If you help me clean the kitchen, we'll go and get you one." He smiled, and it warmed her heart to see him happy.

"Next is Willow." She rubbed her arm, then answered. "Maybe some workout stuff? Like weights or jump ropes?" Camila nodded, then moved on to the next teen. "Hunter? Do you have anything?" He ran a hand through his hair. "Um, I don't know. We could have sleepovers, or something. I-I don't know, it's probably dumb, nevermi-"

Camila cut him off. "That's a great idea. It's fun to hang out with your friends at night! I remember when Luz had her last sleepover. Her friend from school spent the night. They played board games, watched a movie, and had a tic-" "OKAY THANK YOU MOM!"

Luz was the one blushing now, and everyone was suddenly very interested in what Camila had to say. "Please, continue, Ms. Noceda." Amity was the one asking, Luz's firey blush making her curios to know more.

"Call me Camila. What I was going to say, was that they had a tickle fight." Luz groaned, flopping back onto a nearby pillow. Everyone else, besides Amity, looked confused. "What's a tickle fight?" She looked over to Hunter, laughing a bit.

"It's when two or more people tickle eachother. Whoever taps out first wins." Gus asked the next question. "What's tickling?" She shook her head, while Luz was a literal tomatoe, Amity petting her head.

"Well, lets say Luz's ticklish," another loud groan from Luz. "If you were to touch her in a certain way, she would laughs or giggles. If you gently scratch her belly, she laughs." Amity raised her hand. "Can I demonstrate?" Camila nodded, smiling. Luz ran for her life, Amity hot on her heels. The others just kinda watched, waiting to see what happened next.

When the pair came back to the nest, Amity tackled Luz into the pile of blankets, pinning her down. She wiggled her fingers into Luz's belly, and the poor girl started to laugh. "OH COHOME OHOHON! NO FAHAHAIR! WHYHYHY ME?!"

Hunter's eyes were wide as saucers, while Gus and Willow were giggling at Luz's predicament. He was astonished! How could touching someone make them laugh like that?! It was just crazy. Yet it was happening right in front of him.

"See? Okay Amity, I think she's had enough." Said girl got a round of rib pokes after Luz recovered, turning into a tickle fight. The other teens looked like they were waiting for their turn. "Well, it looks like I've planted some fun seeds. I'll leave you guys alone, but try not to hurt eachother or break anything." And she just left, leaving the choas she started to brew.

Willow was the first one to speak. "I don't know about you guys, but I wanna try this out." Gus nodded, and Hunter looked like he was trying to solve for x (you know that's hard). "Hey Hunter, can I try it on you?" Snapped out of his silliness, Hunter just kinda nodded. "Uh, sure? I doubt it'll have the same effect on meHEHE!"

Willow wasted zero time, going straight for his belly button. He was giggling and squealing in seconds, batting at her hands. She pushed him onto his back and sat on his thighs, keeping him from kicking her.

"Wanna help, Gus?" The boy practically jumped over to them. He wiggled his fingers against Hunter's sides. "EEEEEhehehehe! Guhuhuhuys! *snort* Ihihihit's so wheheheheird!" Hunter couldn't explain what it felt like. All he knew is that he felt happy and giddy while he was being tickled. He honestly liked it.

"Hey Willow, can I try something? I wanna see if it works on ears." Hunter shook his head, but he was ignored. "Sure!" When Gus scratched the shell of his ear, the blonde boy melted into the touch. His giggles got a lot softer, and he was adorable. "Awe, he's so cute like this! Great idea!" Hunter's blush spread all the way down his neck now.

After about a minuet of tickling Hunter, Willow wanted to try the tickle thing on Gus. "Hey, can I try this on you?" He shrugged. "Why not? Hunter looks like he's having fun." Even though the pair had stopped, Hunter still feel the tickles. It took a good minute of giggling for it to stop.

"Thahat was... actually kinda fun." Gus laid down, and this time Hunter straddled him. He wanted to try it the other way, doing it to someone else. Willow was above his head, holding his arms up. "I saw Amity do this. It looked fun."

Speaking of those two, they had finished their ticle fight, Amity winning. They were currently cuddling in the nest, looking relaxed and tired. Too bad they weren't gonna get much sleep for a little while.

Hunter was the first one to try tickling him, very gently running his fingers down Gus's ribcage. He stared to giggle, fast and high pitched. Willow went for his armpits, and he burst out laughing, bucking and squirming under them. "OHOHOHO MY TITAHAN! HAHAHAHAHA!"

The loud reaction startled Hunter, and he accidentally brushed his fingers on Gus's belly. The boy beneath him squealed, then went back to belly laughter. The blonde poked at his belly a few more times, making him squeak and laugh even harder. "S-STOHOHOP!" Both pairs of hands immediately stopped moving, and the weight on his thighs disappeared.

"You whehere right. T-thahat was fuhuhun!" After he recovered, Gus was ready for Willow's turn. "You ready? It's feels weird, but it's really fun!" She nodded, laying in the same position Gus had. The boy sat on her waist, while Hunter took her arms.

"Ready, set... go!" Gus poked at her belly, while Hunter scribbled at her armpits. Neither if them expected the sweet giggles they got. "Hehehehehe! Thahahat's weheheird!" 'Weird' seemed to be the word of the night, as all three of them at said it multiple times now. Then again, the wird was the best description they had.

When he got to her sides, Willow's giggles turned into belly laughter. She squirmed and wriggled, but made as much progress as the last two (none). "GUHUHUHUS! HAHAHAHA! IHIHIHIT- IHIHIHIT TIHICKLES!" Hunter grabbed her wrists, trying to get a better grip. His thumb wriggled on her palm, looking for some grip. She snorted.

"Hunter, you're really good at finding these spots!" The boy looked confused. "But I didn't do anything." Willow squeaked out a complaint. "STOHOHOP TAHALKNG LIKE IHIHI'M NOT HEHEHERE!" Gus laughed. "Sorry Willow! Hunter, do the thing you did with her hand."

He scratched at her palm again, and her reaction was the same. Gus told him to continue, and Willow turned into a hysteric pile of laughter. They only went on for a few more seconds. When they were done, they let her go, sitting beside her as she caught her breath. "Thahat was dehefinitely new."

All three of them were tired. They cuddled up next to eachother, Hunter in the middle (and loving it), Willow and Gus on either side of him. They fell asleep in the nest not long after.

...

It had been an hour since things quieted down, and Camila went into the living room to check on them. Her heart melted at what she saw.

Illusions of Another Time

“Now, just hold still.” Adrian spoke, a reassuring smile on his face as he placed his hand on Edric’s wrist. Gus watches with bated breath, as did the rest of the student body. But when he pulled his hand back he gestured for Edric to turn to the crowd. “Now! As you can all see, it looks real! But, Edric was it? Show us some beast keeping magic.” Edric looked worriedly out to his sister, but drew a small circle in the air, summoning a butterfly. The tension that left the room was palpable. Everyone was suddenly lining up to get their “sigils” and chattering excitedly about how cool it was that they were gonna pull one over on the emperor’s coven!

When Gus’s turn came up he fiddled nervously with his tunic. He was excited to be part of this whole big ruse, but… He was meeting the head of the illusions coven! The coven he was so desperate to join! This was kind of a big deal!

When he approached, Adrian grinned wide and knelt down in front of him, tail swishing, almost like a puppy. “Ah! You must be Agustus! Principal Bump told me about you! Quite the little prodigy, from what he said. I have to say, for someone so young to be in such advanced classes, it’s a marvel! Why, even I wasn’t that good at your age! Who knows, maybe you’ll replace me one day!”

Gus giggled and held out his arm, “I don’t know about all of that, but I do want to join the illusions coven one day! I like having some extra showmanship in my life.” “You and me both little ringmaster!” he laughed, putting the fake sigil over Gus’s wrist. “If you don’t mind, once the scouts have passed, would you mind showing me just what you can do?” This must be a dream… “I-I’d love to! It would be an honor even!” he grinned, bouncing on his heels excitedly. Adrian chuckled, his tail coming up and playfully tickling Gus’s nose, making the boy giggle and cringe away cutely. “The honor is all mine! Now, run along to your friends, I’ll meet with you soon.” Gus nodded and ran off, “WILLOW! WILLOW! OH MY TITAN!” ~timeskip~ “And so you just draw your spell circle with the mirror and…”

Before them appeared a field of multi-colored flowers and plants. Adrian looked down and inspected the flowers. “Amazing work! So detailed!” Gus tried to grin, always happy to get such high praise from his new mentor, but it was hard keeping up an illusion like this. There were so many tiny details to focus on. The older witch chuckled and ruffled Gus’s hair, “Let’s take a break, alright?” Gus quickly dispelled the field and flopped over with a sigh of relief. “Yes please.” Adrian laughed and sat next to him, “Tired already little ringmaster?”

Gus just put an arm over his eyes, blowing a tired raspberry. They’d been at this for most of the day, though this was the first time he got to use the amplifier. It was a heck of a rush really. The magic was stronger than anything he’d felt before. He’d definitely want one of his own someday!

 A poke to his belly made him jump out of his thoughts with a squeal. Adrian backed up a bit, blinking in shock. “I was just going to ask if you were listening. But I’d rather ask if you’re ok. That was quite a reaction.” Gus’s face went dark with a warm blush, “I-I’m fine! You just startled me, that's all!”

“Is that so…” the head witch smirked, gently poking him again. Gus squealed again, curling up a bit and hugging himself.

“Did that surprise you too? Or are you going to be honest now?” he teased, “I am the head of the illusions coven, if I couldn’t see through a lie then well… I wouldn’t be very good at my job, would I?”

Gus pouted but it was pretty pointless to argue with him at this point. “W-well… I mean… I might be… just a bit… kinda… ticklish?” “Now was that so hard?” he chuckled, ruffling Gus’s hair, “There’s no shame in it! Plenty of people are ticklish! I mean, if I had a snail for every time I saw and heard that Golden Guard boy getting destroyed by Darius, well, my pay as a coven head wouldn’t be able to compare.” Gus laughed a bit, and was definitely remembering that bit of information. After all, Hunter was living with Darius now, and Gus had been wanting to visit again.

“In fact.” the coven head continued, “I am even of the firm belief that everyone has a tickle spot somewhere, I’d even be willing to bet Belos has a few.” Gus snorted,m “No way! He’s way too grumpy!” “The grumpier they are, the harder they giggle.” Adrian replied dramatically, wiggling his fingers at Gus for emphasis, making the boy squeak and giggle. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d quite like to find your tickle spot!” Gus gasped as Adrian’s wiggly fingers hit his belly, quickly falling into a stream of bubbly, silly, giggles. “W-wahahait! I’m tihihicklish! Ahahah!”

“Well that I could guess.” he drawled, moving to scratch at his ribs, “But your belly isn’t what I’m looking for…”

He squealed and wiggled, batting weakly at Adrians hands, “Stahahahap! It tihihihickles!”

Adrian only chuckled and dug into his underarms, “That’s what it’s supposed to do little ringmaster!”

Gus’s laughter only rose in pitch, it was clearly a bad spot, but noT quite his tickle spot. “EEHEHEHHEHEHE! NOT THEHEHERE!”

“Oh? Not there? Maybe… here then!” Gus shrieked when he felt the fluffy soft tuft of fur on his neck and swiping along his ears. “T-TAHAHAHAHAHILS ARE CHEHEHEHEHEATING!” he squealed, kicking and scrunching up his neck to deter the tickly tool.

Adrian only went faster, his fluffy tail turning the poor kid into a giggly puddle.

“AHAHHAHAHAAHAH! A-AHAHAHADRIAN! S-STAHAHAHAHHAP! PLEEHEHEHEHEASE!” he cackled, pushing at the covenheads tail.

He sighed playfully and rolled his eyes, letting the boy go after a final wiggle behind an ear to make the boy squeal. “Alright, alright. I can be nice. And we still have some training to do before you head off home.” Gus was all but limp, half flopped on Adrians leg, “Just…. Juhuhust a sec…” “Of course, take your time. Just be warned, this isn’t going to be the last time this happens.” Adrian smirked, tickling the kids nose with his tail. Gus giggled and batted at his tail, “Okahahy! Ok! I get it! But I’m pretty formidable myself! You’d better watch your back!”

“I’m shaking in my boots.” he drawled, tasering two fingers into Gus's belly, making him shriek and curl up. “But really, you’re still so young Gus. And with all that’s about to happen… you should savor the moments when you can act your age.”