#lee!roman

~~~

Arms Up Challenge. Fair enough. If the standoff was between literally any other Sides. But of course, sibling rivalry lasts a lifetime. As the two were set up for the tickly challenge, Logan wanted to make sure they knew exactly what they were getting themselves into.

“So you two know the rules, correct?” “Yes, Specs. I can’t wait to beat my brother at this!” “Only if you beat me as hard as you play with your meat, little Ro Boat!”

Roman rolled his eyes as they were both finally secure to the wall with pillow lining and wrist restraints. They were both pulled taunt enough that they weren’t able to scrunch up their arms but were able to move their legs around freely. The rule? Swinging is allowed but kicking is not. Patton made his way over to the Duke’s side of the wall.

“Are you going to behave like a good kiddo this time?” “Whoever gave you that thought will be my next crime victim.”

Patton immediately plunged his fingers into the latter aspect’s pits, making Remus go straight into kicking.

“Uh uh uh! If you keep that up, mister, there will be consequences!” “LIHIHIHIHIHIKE SPAHAHAHAHANKING?! OHOHOHOHOHOOH!! THAHAHAT’S NOT LIKE YOHOHOHOHOU AT AHAHALL!!” “Being difficult, eh? How about this?” “HEY! IHIHIHIHIHI THOUGHT MY LEGS COULD BE FREHEHEHEHEE!!” “Not if you aren’t going to be a nice little Dukey!”

Remus burst into even louder laughter from the nickname being used in that awkward context. Roman was trying so hard not to kick but was unable to keep from swinging as far as he could left to right. He realized that kicking was prohibited but stomping wasn’t. He let his feet try to hit the ground every other motion.

“Roman. All of your extra motions are making it difficult to complete this task thoroughly. I will need to revoke your leg bearing privileges.” “WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAT?! NOFAIR!! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO FAHAHAHAHAHAIR!!” “It is all fair, Roman. After all, you two came up with the rules for this. The first one to ‘chicken out’, as you called it, will be the winner. The loser will get a longer sentencing of underarm tickles for ‘research purposes’.”

The way Logan worded the last part of that statement made it clear that it would definitely not be for “research purposes”. This went on back and forth. Digging, scratching, wiggling, poking, and prodigy were all factors played in order to get one of them to crack. Roman eventually couldn’t take when that oh so delicate sweet spot near his upper ribs was the targeted attack. The screech and bellowing laughter that followed was the key indicator in who the winner would be as well as Roman stating that:

“ISURRENDER! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA– IHIHIHIHIHIHIHI SURREHEHEHEHEHENDERRRRRR!!” “Awh! And I was just about to go for the faux claws. You can handle that, can’t you, Remus?” “Now now, Patton. The two made a deal with each other. Whoever the winner is doesn’t get attacked anymore.” “I guess that’s fair.”

Patton snaps and the bonds on Remus come off. The moral figure misjudged Remus’ weight and they both fell to the ground with a loud thud. Patton tried getting up first, only for the latter figment to wrap his arms around his waist.

“Uhh, so… no hard feelings–” “Oh, Patton~ There are no hard feelings between us~ I just want to hear you laugh and scream~”

The wiggling of Remus’ mustache against Patton’s neck made him laugh in slight fear and anticipation. Of course Remus wasn’t going to hurt him too badly. He just wanted to hear all of the joyful laughter from the intrusive aspect.

“You handle my little bro, Whale Penis! I have a date with Daddy!” “Wait! REMUS!”

"Had enough, puny knight?"

The Knight of Gold looked up from his position kneeling in the dirt. "By the love of my sword, you shall never defeat me!"

"It looks like I already have," the Dragon Snake hissed in return. The vile creature was crouching on the edge of the cliff just above the knight, glaring down with his deadly gaze. "It's only a matter of time before my partner has defeated your fellow knight--"

"I'm not dead yet!" the Knight of Hearts chirped from across the battlefield, although admittedly his prospects looked grim: he was perched atop the Wheel of Safety, standing tall with his sword raised in defense against the Dragon Beast, who was circling the wheel and occasionally attacking with his own weapon among his villainous cackles of laughter.

The Knight of Gold grimaced. Not dead yet, but stuck. Which meant it was up to him to rescue the dragons' treasure.

He must've given away his train of thought, eyes flicking to the high tower for just a moment, but it was enough to make the Dragon Snake give a cocky laugh.

"Oh, yes, you shriveling fool," he said. "It looks like the poor princes will have to stay here forever!"

On cue, the Dark Prince clanged his own weapon against the slats of his cage. The Wise Prince was silent-- probably reading his book again, which was kinda annoying since the Knights were literally fighting to the death to save him from the Dragons, and the least he could do was pay attention to the battle, but whatever. The Knight of Gold was too busy being an awesome hero to worry about spoilsport Princes.

He flinched as the Dragon Snake slammed his stick-- sword, or, uh, maybe it was a staff, he couldn't remember-- against the ground.

"Enough talk!" he yelled. "Rise and fight!"

Right! Fight! The Knight of Gold rose and rolled his shoulders once before lunging forward. He took a swipe at the Dragon Snake, making him stumble back with a yelp. Step, retreat, step, step, retreat-- he landed a few good blows, but the Dragon Snake was fast, and eventually the two of them were nearly face to face as they pressed their swords against each other.

"Any... last... words?" the Knight of Gold grunted. The Dragon Snake hissed.

"You haven't won yet, puny knight!"

"Oh, yeah? What are you gonna do about it?"

This was it. The Knight of Gold knew the battle was soon to be over. He'd beat the Dragon Snake, then he'd help slay the Dragon Beast, and save the princes, and-

Suddenly the Dragon Snake shot a claw out towards the Knight of Gold's stomach. He gasped, bracing for impact... but he wasn't prepared for a flurry of scratches all along his midsection instead.

The Knight of Golden yelped, then squeaked, the fell unceremoniously onto his butt in the dirt.

"Ha!" said the Dragon Snake, standing tall above the fallen knight. "Is that all it takes to be a knight?"

"Janus!" Roman whined, color rushing to his cheeks. "Stop cheating!"

From behind them, the noise from the battle between the Knight of Hearts and the Dragon Prince came to an abrupt halt.

"How's he cheating?" Patton asked, hopping off the tire swing and letting the end of his pool noodle sword fall to the ground. Remus continued to harmlessly whack at it with his own pool noodle, but he, too, had halted the game to watch the interaction between his brother and Janus.

"I'm not cheating," Janus replied. "I beat Roman, and he's being a baby about it."

"I'm not a baby!" Roman protested, crossing his arms as he glowered up at Janus. "You're just a cheater."

"So every time I win, it's cheating?"

"No, only when you cheat, duh."

"How did he cheat, dummy?" Remus asked again. From above them, he could see Virgil and even Logan peeking between the wooden slats of their tree house to investigate what was going on. Roman clamped his mouth shut.

"Doesn't matter," he mumbled, staring at the dirt and hoping his cheeks weren't too dark. "Just... don't do it again."

Janus replied with a smile that made Roman's stomach flip-flop with... some weird feeling, he'll think about it later. Instead, he needed to focus on what was happening right now-- like how Janus was suddenly taking another step towards him.

"Wait!" he blurted, scrambling to his feet. "Wait, wait, we're not playing like that--"

"Why not?" Janus asked. Roman stepped to his right, and Janus mirrored him. He stepped do his left, and again he was blocked.

Janus' smile was bright and a little bit sharp. "Better run, puny knight, or I'll sink my claws into you!"

With that, he lunged forward, tackling Roman back to the ground, and Roman barely had a second to register that his shirt definitely was gonna get mud stained again before Janus' hands were digging into his stomach.

His laughter exploded out of him-- that loud, squawky laugh that made him feel hot all over-- but it was hard to think about being embarrassed when Janus was freaking tickling him!

"Nohohoho!" he begged-- no, commanded, because Knights didn't beg. "Stohohohop!"

He could hear Remus and Patton laughing somewhere behind them, and even though he couldn't see or hear Virgil or Logan, he knew they were probably laughing too. He wanted to be angry, but he couldn't find it in himself to yell at them when Janus haphazardly shoved his hands directly under Roman's arms.

"Na-hahahaha!" he gasped as he shuffled backwards on the ground. "Hehehehelp! Come on, Janus, ahahaha! You jerk-- help mehehe!"

Remus cackled louder. "No, this is great! Let's torture him to death, Janny!"

"Wait!"

Remus looked back at Patton, confused by his outburst. "What?"

"I think..." Patton whispered loudly, his hand on his chest. "The Knight of Hearts... is getting a second wind!"

And with that, he lunged at Remus with a wide smile, grabbing him around the waist and immediately digging into his sides.

"Ah-hahahaha!" Remus squawked. He tried to fall to his knees, but Patton only followed him down. "Patton!"

"There is no Patton here, there is only the Knight of Hearts!" Patton cheered. "Tickle tickle, evil dragon!"

The backyard was taken over by Remus' screams and squawks, but Roman could only barely hear them over his own laughter. He tried to wrestle Janus off of him but there was nothing he could do, especially when Janus shoved his thumbs under Roman's arms and wiggled them mercilessly.

"Na-ahahahahahaha!" Roman wailed. He was giggling and laughing and squealing and he couldn't stop for anything. This was not how the game was supposed to go! He was meant to be a brave knight, not a dork getting tickled to death!

"Hehehehelp!"

But no help was coming. Patton was too caught up with tickling Remus, and Janus wasn't showing mercy anytime soon. This is it. The Knight of Hearts was about to be slain on the battlefield.

Until suddenly Janus's face disappeared from above Roman; he blinked up at the sudden sunlight that blinded his vision, but all he could hear was Janus' "oof", a flurry of fabric, a lot of weird hissing noises, and finally-- Janus' laughter.

"You ssssssssstupidhead!"

Roman, catching his breath, pushed himself up from the dirt and looked to the side. There was Janus, lying on his back just like Roman had been-- only now, there was someone sitting on top of him, holding onto Janus' sides for dear life as the older boy screamed and kicked.

"Dark Prince!" Roman gasped. "What are you doing out of your tower?"

Virgil glared at him. "Saving your life, dummy." He punctuated this with another scrabble at Janus' sides, no matter how loud his older brother screamed.

"Virgil! I'm gonnahahaha-- gonna tell Mom! Stohohohohop!"

"Surrender!" Virgil-- the Dark Prince-- yelled in defiance at the Dragon Snake. Roman watched, unable to do anything to help as he skillfully took down the evil enemy. "Say mercy!"

He pressed his thumbs into Janus' ribs, and Janus squealed, scrabbling against the ground desperately.

"Okayokayokayokahahahay! I give up! We give uhuhuhup!"

And just like that, it was over-- Janus taking heaving breaths, his hands clenched onto Virgil's wrists. Virgil didn't move yet, though, continuing to crouch over Janus with his hands pressed against his sides.

"Do you swear you're not gonna get me back?" he said. "Or Roman?"

Janus huffed. "I said I give up, jerkface."

Virgil tazed his sides again, sending Janus back into gasping laughter. "Swear it!"

"I swear! I swear, I give uhuhup! Stop I swear I won't get you back plehehehease!"

Finally Virgil relented, rolling off his brother and landing in the dirt next to Roman.

"Are you okay?" he asked, eyeing the child still laying on the ground. "Are you dead?"

Roman flushed a little and pushed himself onto his knees. "I'm okay."

"I'm not," Janus snapped, shooting his brother a masterful scowl. Virgil gave him an identical look.

"You baby," he said. "I barely even tickled you! Roman lasted way longer than you!"

"So did I!" The three of them looked up to see Remus and Patton standing above them, arms around each other's shoulders like they hadn't just been enemies locked in fearsome battle. "You're really ticklish, Janny."

"Shut up!" he hissed. "Everyone's a jerkface today."

"What did Logan do?" Patton asked. All five of them looked up to the jungle gym, where their friend's face was still buried in his book.

He must've sensed them looking at him, because he suddenly looked up. "Oh. Are you finally done?"

No one spoke. Roman and Virgil looked at each other. Patton giggled. Janus stood up, and Remus cracked his knuckles.

Bless Logan's heart; he put the pieces together just a bit too slowly.

"Wait-- wait! Not all at once, not all at ohohohohonce!"

“Well, it seems that it is time I take my leave,” Roman declared, giving Virgil a bow and a wink. He didn’t even get to walk a single step away before Virgil dragged him back down onto the couch. Roman let out a quick yelp of surprise, fake-struggling for a moment before Virgil grabbed both of his hands and pinned them against his chest. He was now sitting up against the back of the couch with Virgil sitting on his legs.

“Oh, but you’re not going anywhere. Not after that stunt you just pulled,” Virgil retorted, a gleam in his eyes. “Showing off your armpits? Really? You must want this really badly, huh?” A slight flush was already spreading across Roman’s face.

“Yes, well, I’m a man who knows what he wants,” Roman replied, trying to keep his grandeur. He wasn’t going to get flustered that easily (or, at least, he wasn’t going to show it).

Virgil didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he moved Roman’s hands down so that they were pinned beneath his knees, the cushion of the couch keeping it comfortable for both of them. The warmth of Virgil’s breath caused a shiver to run down Roman’s spine as Virgil leaned in close to his ear.

“Well, tell me when you want to stop, then,” Virgil murmured, low and gravelly. A beat passed, then Roman’s breath hitched as he felt light tracing around his upper ribs. Then, without warning, Virgil instead leaned back and reached down to pinch at Roman’s thighs. A shocked and strangled noise came out of Roman’s throat, immediately followed by laughter.

“Aww, there it is, Princey,” Virgil crooned, smirking. “Since you know what you want so well, care to answer a question for me?” Virgil ceased pinching, gingerly walking his fingers up Roman’s thighs, hips, and arms.

“Do you want me to be gentle, or…” His hands came to a rest right below Roman’s underarms. “Do you want to scream?” Roman completely short-circuited, blinking for a second before clearing his throat.

“Uhmhm, the second option, please,” Roman replied, flushing a bit more. The moment the words left his mouth, Virgil’s fingers sprung into action. He wriggled one hand into each of Roman’s armpits, using his thumbs to knead into the muscle. This sent Roman into deep belly laughter, and he tried his best not to squirm away from the almost unbearable (but so, so craved) sensations.

“Aww, you’re so cute, Princey,” Virgil smirked, moving and adding his other fingers into the mix so that he was now scritching the tops of Roman’s exposed ribs. He reveled in the adorable faces and sounds that Roman was making. While his ribs weren’t as bad as his underarms, they made Roman much more squirmy. He leaned forward, burying his head into Virgil’s chest as he laughed. He wiggled so much that he eventually freed his hands from under Virgil’s knees, using them to grip onto Virgil’s arms. But still, he did nothing to stop Virgil from tickling him, instead simply holding on for dear life as Virgil spoke into his ear once more.

“As soon as you try to stop me, that’s when it’ll stop. So make sure you’re done before that happens,” Roman flushed and broke out into deep laughter once more as Virgil moved back to his armpits. Then, Virgil stopped and shot his head up as he heard footsteps from upstairs. No one came down into the common room, but Virgil knew that he and Roman both preferred to be alone any time they were partaking in any sort of tickly activities. It was just far too embarrassing for both of them to have anyone witness them.

“Do you want to move this to your room?” Virgil asked, getting up from the couch and offering Roman a hand.

Roman sighed. He looked down at Virgil who was laying into him fast asleep. “Logan, it’s just a movie. It's a silly movie. It isn’t meant to be realistic.”

Patton giggled. “Yeah, Lo! It’s just a movie.”

Logan huffed. “I don’t see how someone could enjoy a film when it is so blatantly ridiculous.” Roman rolled his eyes, while Patton just giggled again. “It should have at least some aspect of a realistic component to it.”

”Just watch the movie, Specs,” huffed Roman in annoyance.

Virgil, who was curled up napping in between Roman and Patton with his head in Roman’s lap, stirred. He grunted, very annoyed. “Who woke me up?”

All three sides froze. You did not want to be the person who woke Virgil up. He didn’t sleep much, so when he did, he expected to not be disturbed.

“Well? I’m waiting,” demanded Virgil, now sitting up straight. He looked around in question, arms crossed.

Roman blurted out, pointing an accusatory finger toward the logical trait in the recliner. “Logan was complaining about the movie!”

Logan glared at Roman in indignation. “Oh, I’m sorry. Am I not allowed to speak during the whole movie?” he inquired angrily. He turned to Virgil. “Besides, I would have dropped it if Roman would have just nodded and agreed with me. But no, he had to argue,” he added scowling.

Virgil hid his smirk and instead raised an eyebrow. “Oh, is that so?” In reality, he never actually got mad when he was woken up. He just liked messing with the others (especially Roman) however he could. Virgil figured he could have some fun with this.

”O-oh, well-” stuttered Roman.

“I thought I heard something other than Logan’s voice! I heard someone else who was frankly quite louder than Logan!” interjected Virgil looking up at Roman. Roman paled.

“Ah well, I was just defending the movie that’s all,” he replied, trying to hide his fear and failing miserably. “Simply making conversation.”

Virgil smothered a grin. He loved making Roman nervous. “Well, Roman, we all know you’re a lot louder than Logan; it was probably you who woke me up.”

“Now that’s not always-“

Roman was cut off by his yelp, feeling a poke at his ribs. “No interrupting!” scolded Virgil, this time forgetting to mask the grin and the obvious enjoyment he was getting out of this.

Roman blanched as Virgil’s intentions were made clear. “Virge, I’m sorry! Honest! You can go back to sleep, and we’ll all be quiet okay?” He glanced around to see if any of the other Sides would lend a hand. Logan was pretending to be fascinated by the movie suddenly and Patton was also suddenly too ‘preoccupied‘ to notice. He began to grow very nervous as Virgil crept up closer to him.

“Well, I’m already awake now thanks to you-“ he poked Roman’s side again who squeaked at the touch. Virgil‘s evil smile took up his whole face. “I’m very upset, Roman. My sleep was disturbed.” Roman began whining and backed into the arm of the sofa as Virgil continued to get closer. Patton and Logan finally turned their attention to the two traits in the middle of a standoff.

“Don’t hurt him, Virgil!” pleaded Patton.

“I appreciate your concern, but don’t worry Pat. I won’t hurt him. Physically anyway. His pride might be a little bruised.” Virgil smirked again. Roman continued to plead with the darker side despite knowing full well that nothing would stop what was about to happen.

“Come on, Virgil, please! I promise it won’t happen again! I- EEP!“ A pinch to his side.

“Too late, Princey. In all your years of being a prince, has no one told you the most important rule?“

Virgil paused as if trying to build up even more anticipation. He leaned in so close, that Roman could feel the anxious Side’s breath against his neck.

“Don’t wake a sleeping dragon.”

With that, he pounced on Roman and scribbled all over his torso immediately causing the Prince to break into frantic cackles. He mercilessly tickled all over and despite Roman’s defenses, Virgil was just too fast. Every place he tried to guard, the anxious side would just tickle somewhere else. Roman was hysterically laughing and resorted to calling for help from the others.

“HEEHEHEHELLLPPP!!” He cried through his desperate laughter.

“You shouldn’t require our assistance. You should be able to fight him off yourself. If I’m not mistaken, you supposedly have beaten this so-called ‘Dragon Witch’ which, judging by the name, would seem much more dangerous than the tickle monster,” replied Logan, a teasing smile encompassing his features.

”Oh I’m not sure about that Logan,” joked Virgil. “The tickle monster is pretty vicious.”

Poor Roman turned a bright red. “Stahahahahahahap teheheheasheheing!!”

“Aww Lo, look he’s blushing really hard,” Patton gushed.

Roman just blushed harder at that, the teasing was killing him. He was laughing himself hoarse while Virgil just snickered with no signs of stopping anytime soon. After what seemed like hours, Virgil noticed Roman’s laugh becoming more breathy.

“Well, Princey,” Virgil began. Roman was beside himself laughing, as Virgil’s hands were shoved in his armpits “I think you might have learned your lesson.” Roman nodded frantically. “Okay, okay. I’ll stop on one condition. You say, ‘Virgil, you are the best side in the entire world and I would be nothing without you, and I promise to never disrupt your sleep ever again.’ Can you say that?” Roman squeaked as a response. Virgil chuckled knowing Roman couldn’t possibly; he was laughing way too hard.

“VIRHIHIGLLE YOHOHOHO ARHAHAA AHHHHH!”

“Yes? I am what?”

“BEHEHEHEEHEST SIHIHIHIHDE- OHOHOHO MYHHYHY GOHOHOSH!”

Virgil laughed. “And?”

“IHIHIHI CAHAHAHANT REMEHEHEMBER!!” Roman cried in desperation. Virgil started to feel a little bad.

“Alright close enough.” He finally stopped and poor Princey fell limp, giggling and wheezing for air. Virgil smiled down at him. “Sorry dude. May have gone slightly overboard,” he apologized.

“Hahaha, my stohohomahahach, ohoho mahan.”