#lee!rich

23 - absently tracing patterns on exposed skin

“careful—!”

Jeremy moved his hand from Rich’s arm and sat up from the couch. “I’m so sorry! Did I hurt you?”

Rich could already feel his face heating up. “I, um, not exactly.” Which wasn’t exactly a lie. A lot of areas on his burn scars were still sensitive and hurt to touch.

Slowly and carefully, Jeremy moved back to his position. “Is it okay if I do it then?”

It’s preferable for you to not.” Rich joked. He could tell Jeremy still had a guilty look on his face and picked up one of his hands, slowly rolling up the slightly taller boy’s sleeves. “I can do it to you though!”

Gentle giggles erupted from Jeremy‘s mouth as he tried to hold still, letting Rich trace small patterns on his wrists and arms. This only lasted for a little before Jeremy finally squirmed away.

“No fair!” Rich whined, trying to sound mad at Jeremy.

“What was that—?!” Jeremy backed up from Rich slightly as he heard a squeal after poking his side.

The shorter guy felt blush creep onto his face from embarrassment as he turned away. “Um, nothing!” He huffed slightly and scooted away from Jeremy on the bed Jeremy moved back closer and poked again, making another squeak come out of Rich. “Oh, you’re ticklish!” His eyes lit up as he said that, a smiling bearing on his face.

““Tickle me and you’re dead—” Rich glared at Jeremy, the threat having less of an angry affect than intended. Jeremy backed away slightly again and giggled.  “don’t worry, I won’t! I don’t want to feel your wrath—”  Jeremy promised, sneaking up behind Rich and hugging him. Rich hugged back, a smile on his face.

“Good, because between you and me, you wouldn’t win.”