⚡︎Robotnik⚙️

General:

The most chaotic switch you will EVER encounter.

BUT…he’s not that ticklish overall, and he uses it as a weapon.

I’d say ler-leaning switch. The mastermind is usually looking to destroy someone (namely his “assistant”), but he’d definitely be down to get wrecked if he was in the mood.

Lee:

While they’re not common, Ivo’s lee moods hit him HARD.

If he’s working on something? Whelp, there goes his concentration. If he’s watching his soaps? Adiós, capacidad de atención.

His faithful “assistant” usually spots the signs pretty quickly and helps him out. If he were to miss them, however, Ivo would have to ask…

Which he’s terrible at.

“Stone, I require…a, ah… I need… I need a latte, damn it!”

Very professional, very much able to say the t-word, very demure.

You can’t convince me that he hasn’t made a tickle contraption before to help himself. Be it a little fluffy buzzy thing or a full-on bot, Ivo will forever try the independent approach.

Again, he’s really not all that ticklish. The backs of his knees will get belly laughter, but he doesn’t really have a “death spot.” Gentle tickles behind each knee will get you some snorts and lovely swears, though.

His melt spots are his ears. Little kisses, nuzzles, fluttering fingers: you name it, he loves it. He’ll say he “tolerates” it while swinging his legs onto your lap so you can’t escape and have to pay attention to him.

Ler:

The duality of man is best represented when this guy gets in a ler mood.

He can be the most evil ler you’ve ever encountered, or he can be gentle, maybe even sweet. It all depends on who you are, how comfortable he feels around you, and what you’re looking for.

Either way, he's gonna tease you.

“See? This is just one example of man’s weakness. A few simple pokes and you're completely defenseless.”

“You can say ‘oh no, not there’ all you want. I'm still going to go there.”

“I wonder what would happen if I brought out one of my spider bots. The little guy could entertain your belly, and I'd get to explore… Actually, I'll grab him now.”

He's decent with aftercare. If he's not close with you, he'll summon one of his bots (or Stone, if he's around) to comfort you, hug you, ect. He will get you water and cookies regardless.

If you ARE close, however, you'll get all the hugs and cuddles you can dream of. You'll still get water and cookies, of course, but you've got a fairly high chance of receiving some of Stone’s famous hot cocoa (or Ivo’s best attempt at it if his assistant is busy).

☕︎Stone🫀

General:

You know this man is a switch

The opportunity to make someone (namely the Doctor) happy, while also giving himself the opportunity to laugh as well? Sign him up

I'm going 50/50 on preference. I think he'd just like enjoy smiling, whether it be at his own or someone else's playful expense

Lee:

His lee moods are painfully obvious to anyone with eyes

He blushes easily, accidentally invades everyone's personal space, and is CONSTANTLY fidgeting with something.

Despite his history of being emotionally oblivious, Ivo picks up on these moods quite easily. Stone never suffers for long (in silence, anyway).

He strikes me as an incredibly giggly lee.

He's so giddy before you even touch him. A simple look sends him into stitches.

“I cahahahan’t hehelp ihihihit!”

“Youhu're going tohohoho!”

His worst spots would be his thighs and waist, specifically his hips.

A few quick squeezes there, and he's gone. Off to another dimension.

Melt spot would be his back. I can see him lying on a couch, absolutely exhausted, and utterly evaporating as Ivo gently scratches and tickles along his spine.

So wiggly, too. He'd try to hold still, try to maintain that professional demeanor the Doctor knows, but it's impossible once the buzzy, giddy feeling begins. He’s adorably air-ticklish.

Ler:

He’s a very playful ler, though his evil side can definitely come out if you push him

He loves to act like a goofball and tease to make you smile

“A poke here, a pinch here, a little scribble there… Oh, now that’s a nice sound.”

“You’ve got a beautiful laugh. Musical, even. Might be my new favorite piece.”

“Aww, you’re blushing! No, don’t hide, it’s cute.”

Now, if you poke the bear, you get his “evil” side.

He won’t be looking to push limits or break anyone, of course; he just thinks that people should put their money where their mouths are.

“I know it’s your worst spot, but I just can’t get over how loud it makes you.”

“What was that? You hate me? I just don’t think that’s true. You did ask for this, after all.”

Can and will laugh along with you, even when you tell him to stop. He can’t help it; laughter is infectious.

As expected, he’s got amazing aftercare. You’re almost guaranteed a cup of his famous hot cocoa, and if you don’t like that, he’s more than willing to whip up a quick tea or latte for you. Possibly even a scone if he’s feeling extra caring (or just wants to bake).

🃜 Stone🍾

General:

He gives me strong switch vibes, though there’s no clear leaning. 

His lee moods depend on how he feels about touch in the moment, and his ler moments are typically revenge-based.

Not to say he doesn’t adore both sides of the coin. This boy is definitely fond of tickles 💖

Lee:

His lee moods are fickle at best. Sometimes, he’ll get them on bad sensory days and just has to suffer through them. Other days, he’ll get smacked with the biggest lee mood ever and literally can’t focus on anything else. He doesn’t try to understand it.

When he does get them on an okay-touch day, it’s decently obvious. He’ll roll his turtleneck down, shed his trench coat, and find little excuses to make contact with his fellow scraps

After two or three shoulder bumps and nose-flicks, the other two catch on

The grumpy man usually tries to hold in his reactions. Little grunts, stifled giggles, and kicks as he struggles. 

Once he breaks, he breaks. No hope of getting quiet again.

His giggles are a little gruff, but they’re loud. He gets all blushy almost immediately, and it only gets worse if he’s teased.

If you get him bad enough, you’ll be rewarded with loud snorts and the occasional wheeze. 

His worst spot is the back of his ribs. He can’t really defend them, and it makes him absolutely lose his shit. 10/10, would recommend 👍

His melt spots are his palms and collarbones. He absolutely melts when you target the latter. He could probably fall asleep if you target them long enough.

Ler:

One evil sonuvabitch to be sure.

He usually tickles the others in an act of vengeance, but he does occasionally get ler moods. That, and he’s always happy to help when the other two need a good laugh.

If it’s revenge for something, he’s merciless. Worst spot targeting, deep digs, and all the teases in the book.

“You asked for this, shithead.”

“Oh, is this a bad spot? Good. You need to laugh for a bit.”

“Squirm all ya want, I’m not movin’. You’re just gonna have to deal with it, love.”

If it’s just for the sake of fun or to help with a lee mood, he gets a whole lot sweeter. Little teases, praises, occasional compliments: anything to make you smile and giggle as much as possible.

“Got such a cute laugh, love.”

“You alright down there? Laughin’ quite a bit. No, don’t hide it.”

“Alright, alright, I’m done. You did well, hun.”

An absolute SAINT with aftercare. He’ll cuddle if you’re both comfortable with it, and if not, he’ll do his best to get you a snack and some fresh water.

🦴Vinnie🗡

General:

Vinnie gives me ler-leaning switch vibes

Like she is an agent of CHAOS, and I take her as someone who’d usually prefer to dish out the giggles

Not to say she’s never in the mood for a laugh. It’s just a little rarer.

Lee:

She doesn’t get the moods often, but when she does, they hit hard.

Girlie gets butterflies, extra touchy, and much more annoying. She’s the type to try and provoke the other two instead of asking.

Tons of teasing jokes, side pokes, stretching: whatever she can think of that’d get them to snap.

She’s not incredibly ticklish overall. There are a few spots that kill her, but she’s much less sensitive than her fellow scraps.

Absolute monster in tickle fights. She can take being attacked a lot longer than the other two, and she’s good at dishing it out.

Her worst spots are her thighs and ribs, specifically at the top. Snorts, big ol’ leg kicks, and cackles if you get them.

Melt spot is her neck. She loves gentle scribbles, rubs, maybe even kisses from a partner. Can and will fall asleep if you stay there long enough.

Ler:

Gets SUPER fidgety. Flipping coins, twirling bottles, biting her nails: anything to try and get the buzzy jitters out.

The others usually notice pretty quickly, either because it’s driving them crazy (ehem, Stone) or they pick up on her silence.

She’s a really playful ler. Wants her lee to have as much fun as she does.

Lots of playful teasing, a few compliments for flavor. 

“Aww, what’s wrong? Got a tickle in your throat?”

“You are adorable, ya know that? Feels like I’m gonna get a cavity.”

“Not here? But I love gettin’ you here! You laugh all loud, you blush, you squirm… It’s adorable~”

If you’re up for it, she loves a good fight. She’ll chase, wrestle, pin: whatever it takes to get you laughing. Playful competition is her bread and butter.

That being said, she’s INCREDIBLY respectful of boundaries. You say no, she backs off. You say stop, she immediately stops and checks in.

She’s pretty good with aftercare. She’s definitely up for cuddles or a back rub, and she’s more than happy to take a nap with you. If she can, she’ll even split her share of beans.

♬♪Skipp☀️

General:

Sunshine boy gives SUCH lee-leaning switch vibes. I will fight someone on this.

He just seems like he loves to laugh and smile. Tickles are the perfect way to make that happen.

Now, that’s not to say he doesn’t enjoy doling out smiles. He’d do anything to take the weight of the world off his fellow scraps’ shoulders, even for just a moment.

I’d say a 70/30 split on preference

Lee:

He gets lee moods pretty often, and they’re kinda obvious. 

Big smiles for no reason, flappy hands, playing the same chords on his mandolin over and over again…

The others have learned to identify them; he doesn’t even need to ask

That being said, he can ask if he needs to. It seems unfair to Stone, but Skipp has the magic.

This boy is a walking tickle spot. He never really grew out of that “oh no it’s everywhere” sensitivity. He thinks it’s as much a blessing as it is a curse.

His worst spot is his navel. The rest of his stomach gets you giggles, but there sends him into the atmosphere.

Melt spots are his ears and sides. Gentle little pokes and scribbles on his slides get him cuddly, and he might fall asleep if you gently toy with his ears for a while.

Skipp is a firm believer in cheer-up tickles, both giving and receiving. 

He can’t always be the happy-go-lucky one of the scraps. Sometimes, things pile up, and he starts questioning himself, his place in the world.

Some gentle tickles and reassurances are the perfect way to boost him back up, or at least take some of the weight off.

Ler:

Such a meanie. Like, he’s silly and teasing about it, but he’s a jerk.

He’ll tease the daylights out of you with a smile, target your worst spots, the whole nine.

That being said, he’s super respectful of boundaries. If you don’t feel up for laughing your ass off, he’ll go easier and dial back the teasing.

If not, however, expect some lovingly merciless attention.

“Oh, you’re gonna…what? Giggle? I already know that, silly. You’re doing it now!”

“It tickles, huh? Well, I am tickling you, ya know.”

“Is someone laughing? I’m not even doing anything; guess I’m just that funny!”

“Wow. I didn’t think this spot was that ticklish, but listen to that laugh. Adorable!”

Again, firm believer in cheer-up tickles. 

If Stone is being overly pessimistic or trying to drink too much, he’ll tease his collarbones until the man gives in and talks about it.

If Vinnie needs some motivation to keep going or look for food together, Skipp’s there with hip squeezes and words of encouragement.

This man is legendary with aftercare. All the cuddles in the world, the best shoulder rubs and head pats, and snacks if he can find some. The five-finger discount might be employed, but no small businesses will be targeted.

Kicking around trash in their slum alley, Stone huffed and grumbled about. He’d been in a sour mood all day - probably because they’d had shoes for dinner the night before. Taking his anger out on an empty liquor bottle, he sighed as the glass shattered and shot tiny fragments across the alleyway.

Skipp snapped his head up, his fear fading to concern and a slight annoyance as he pieced together what happened. Not another mood…

“Stone, buddy, you can’t smash bottles. We kinda sleep on the ground, if you forgot, and I don’t think broken glass makes for a good pillow.” Walking over to the grumpy man, Skipp tried to reason with him. When he placed a hand on Stone’s shoulder, it was quickly shrugged off and scoffed at.

“Whatever. Wha’ does it even matter? I barely ever sleep at night anyway,” Stone grumped, lighting a cigarette and ignoring his fellow scrap. That made Skipp’s small smile fall, concern dominating his expression.

“I know, but still. We don’t wanna dirty up our place anymore than the city already has.” Skipp kicked a bit of the broken glass around, trying to use his foot as a broom. It worked…kinda. He’d have to ask Vinnie where she put their actual broom when she got back from her supply run.

“Ugh, like we care abou’ the mess. We are a mess, Skipp - all three of us. Probably gonna die as one, too.” His words were harsh, much harsher than he meant to be. Still, he was in a mood; there was no way he was gonna apologize.

That stubborn thought nearly died as he saw Skipp’s lip quiver for a moment.

“Skipp…” Stone lowered his cigarette, reaching a hand out to rest on the blonde’s shoulder. He pulled away before the gloomy man could touch him, still looking down.

“Fine. If you’re just gonna be grumpy and mean for no reason, I guess I’ll have to…” Skipp slowly got closer to Stone, raising his head; the mischievous grin on his face was immediately recognizable, making Stone’s stomach flip. “Tickle you.”

Oh shit. Oh shit!

Stone dropped his cigarette, internally cringing at the waste as he took off running. A light was worth less than whatever was left of his sanity, though. He pumped his legs as fast as they would go, not sparing a single second to look behind him.

Skipp snickered as he ran off, but didn’t take off after him; their alleys only went so far before looping back to the street. The blonde calmly jogged over to the connecting road, ducking into the alley spit-out. Lo and behind, Stone came racing towards the opening, his eyes flying wide as he saw Skipp.

Before the broody man could backpedal, Skipp lunged and pinned him to the ground. They were still inside the alley, concealed well enough to have privacy. Stone was straddled in seconds, thrashing beneath his fellow scrap.

“Ge’ the fuck off, Skipp! I swear, ’m gonna-” Stone’s threat was cut off by Skipp’s hand resting on his stomach. It definitely wasn’t his worst spot, but he was still ticklish there.

“Oh, what was that? Gonna…what? Apologize for being so mean?” Skipp teased, wiggling his fingers ever-so-slightly against the taller man’s stomach. Stone bit his lip, holding back his small giggles. A feeling of anticipation settled in his gut, making him giddy and nervous.

“F-fuck you! Don’ even try it, or yer dead!” Stone continued to threaten him, refusing to apologize. I mean, yeah, he probably did owe the blonde a good one, but he was busy being stubborn.

Skipp shrugged, flattening his hand against Stone’s stomach. He wasn’t gonna tickle him - yet. With Stone, it was best to let things marinate; he reacted a lot better after he got in his head.

“Hmm. That’s not very nice, Stone. I mean, it’s almost like you’re asking to be tickled,” Skipp mused, sighing with phony ponderance. The fingers on Stone’s stomach started to drum, sending tiny little shocks of ticklishness through his abdomen.

“Skipp, you bitch- gehet off!” Shoving at Skipps hand, Stone struggled to stay composed. Though the man above him was barely doing anything, the anticipation made everything ten times more intense; even if he wasn’t touching him, the grump would probably be giggling.

“Was that a giggle? I’m not even doing anything, man,” Skipp teased, gathering the moody man’s wrists above his head. Stone was incredibly on edge, too focused on the eventual tickles to fight back much. “I didn’t say anything funny, did I?”

Stone groaned at the teasing, tugging at his arms as he wriggled around on the pavement. Thanks to his thick, long clothes, he was protected from pain and most discomfort. His nerves were on fire, unprovoked giggles building in his throat. He was thoroughly in his head, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

“Shuhut up, Skipp!” The blonde’s fingers scratched once, moving in a quick up-and-down motion to tease him. Stone squeaked, his gruff pitch skyrocketing for a moment as Skipp actually did something. He tried to scowl afterwards, but the giddy smile on his face made it awfully difficult.

“Sh-shihit! Skipp, youhu motherfucker-” Stone giggled through his “harsh” words, trying and failing to think of a good threat. Skipp wasn’t even tickling him anymore, but the giggles continued.

“Aww, poor Stone. Dooming himself to tickles because he won’t apologize…” Skipp shook his head, sighing sadly. Was that a little mean? Eh, yeah, but it was fun! Like Stone wasn’t enjoying himself regardless. He left his fingers to sit still on Stone’s stomach, waiting for the grouch to cave.

It was barely another minute before he broke.

“F-fine! Fihine! I’m sohorry for bein’ so mean. Hahappy?” Stone relented, looking away as he apologized. Every nerve in his body was buzzy with antsiness, begging him to squirm and giggle his heart out. His pride refused to let him, though.

“I mean, I’m happy, but I think you could still use some cheering up.” Suddenly, without any more teasing or taunts, Skipp wiggled all five fingers into Stone’s belly. 

Again, the man’s stomach wasn’t that bad a spot; if anything, it was one of his most bearable ones. With all the anticipation built in him, however, it might as well have been the holy giggle-grail.

“SHIHIHIhihit! Skihihipp! Fuhuhuck youhu!” Stone arched his back against the pavement, testing Skipp’s grip strength as he giggled. All attempts at stoicism were gone, replaced with giggly protests. The blonde couldn’t help but smile at his giddy compatriot’s reaction.

“Aww, Stone! I didn’t think your belly was that ticklish, but those giggles are adorable!” Skipp cooed, continuing to tease the ravenette. He knew he was being a little evil, but he just loved the wide, unapologetic smile the teases provoked.

“Ihi hahahahate youhuhuhu!” That was bullshit, and they both knew it; Stone just needed something to say, and barbs came so naturally to him. Unluckily for him, that counted as being mean.

“Stone! You just apologized for being mean, yet you’re insulting me? Really?” Skipp shook his head, feigning disappointment. “Guess I’m gonna have to try harder to get you outta this mood.”

“Wahahait, Skipp, dohon’t you- fffFFUHUHUHUHUCK! NOHAHAHO!” Five fingers wiggled into the backs of Stone’s ribs, making him arch his back with a shout of laughter. Thanks to his giddiness, the attack on his worst spot tickled five times as badly.

“Yes! See how happy you sound? This feels way better than being all grouchy, doesn’t it?” That was just adding insult to injury. Stone’s cackling was incredibly loud; even in their semi-secluded alley, he was sure someone would hear him. Swallowing what little pride the man had left, Stone tapped out.

“I-IHIHIHI CAHAHAN’T! STOHOHOP!” Upon the forfeit, Skipp immediately stopped tickling and switched to gently rubbing the taller man’s back. Whenever someone tickled the snot out of him, the massage would help him calm down.

“Uhuhuhugh…y-youhuhuhu lihittle shihihit…” Stone huffed, struggling to catch his breath. Now that his hands were free, he hugged his middle to try and regain his composure. The pavement wasn’t exactly the most comfortable place to lie down, so Skipp shifted the other man to lie in his lap.

Stone huffed at the touch, but didn’t move away. After all, Skipp’s chest did feel better than the dingy alley floor.

“Hey…wanna head back to our alley? I’m sure Vinnie’s back with some beans by now.” Skipp nudged the tired man’s arm, knowing they probably shouldn’t stay in the random alleyway for too long.

“F-fihine. C’mere,” Stone groaned a little dramatically, using Skipp to help himself up. The shorter man giggled at that, supporting his weight before starting their small walk home. 

Stone sighed as he shook out his bottle, fighting cohesion for the few drops left at the bottom. He felt the smallest drop of liquor land on his tongue, then nothing. The bottle was quickly tossed aside, clattering around as it remained– surprisingly–intact.

Damn, he felt like shit. It had rained the night before, leaving their bedding damp and uncomfortable. That meant he got shitty sleep, probably a cold, and a killer headache. All the cheap booze in Ramshackle wouldn’t be enough to fix that, but it would at least ease the pain.

Speaking of pain, his back was still killing him; the quarter-bottle he’d saved hadn’t been enough. He needed more.

Stone hauled himself up with a groan, ignoring his aching back and head. He was barely even buzzed; damn watered-down bullshit. It was what they could afford to steal, but it still sucked.

Skipp was tuning his mandolin during Stone’s pity party. All that groaning could be heard over any instrument, especially Skipp’s careful plucking. That man really shouldn’t have been drinking so much…

Slipping past Stone, Skipp snuck over to the booze’s hiding place. The last bottle would have to disappear, for his own good.

…

“SKIPP! WHA’ THE FUCK?!”

Oop, yeah, he was pissed. It was worth it, though; he really didn’t need to drink that much.The blonde tried to keep his impish smile at bay as the broody scrap stalked over.

“Where’s my booze?” Stone’s tone was demanding and angry, though he could tell the man didn’t harbor any malice; he just wanted his stuff, which was reasonable.

“I dunno. Did you leave it out in the rain last night? Might’ve gotten washed away.” Was that believable? Skipp kinda felt like that was believable. Unfortunately, Stone thought otherwise.

Before he could run, Stone tackled him to the ground; he cradled the shorter man’s head on the way down, making sure no damage was done. He still straddled Skipp right as they landed; revenge was sweet.

Ten evil, nimble fingers immediately began dancing across Skipp’s lower stomach, making him squeal. “Where is it?”

“S-STOHOHONE! NOHOT THEHEHERE!” Skipp wriggled and squirmed against the cobblestone, a bright smile quickly overtaking his face. He’d never been one to hold back reactions, after all.

“I’ll move if ya tell me, you shithead.” Stone didn’t budge, continuing to scribble around Skipp’s navel. He occasionally wiggled a finger inside, just to hear him squeal.

“I- GYEEEEHEHEHE! IHIHI CAHAHAHAN’T!” Skipp batted his hands at the man above him, blindly reaching out. His hand managed to squeeze Stone’s hip; the jolt his action received was unexpected, giving him some hope.

“Hey, don’ even think abou’ it. I’ll go for yer- grk!” Stone’s threat got caught in his throat, the blonde’s strong little hands haphazardly squeezing his waist. One of the grump’s tickling hands went to protect himself, the other trying its best to keep on going.

“Y-YOUHUHU’RE AHAS BAHAHAD AS MEHEHEHE!” Taking advantage of Stone’s distraction, Skipp sat up and began really tickling his “opponent.” It was more than a little goofy, but he was doing his best to fight back.

“S-Skihipp! Fuckin’- hehehey!” The man leaned back as his hips were targeted, the buzzing sensation of the tickles lighting up beneath his skin. It seemed that the tables had turned, though it was still unclear who was winning.

They tumbled about, each trying to get the upper hand in the tickle war. Stone did his best to target as many spots as possible, while the blonde went for quality over quantity. He managed to scribble across Stone’s back ribs, pulling a wheeze from the man.

It was all downhill for Stone after that.

“Fuhuck- FUHUHUCK! SKIHIHIP, YOU SHIHIHIT!” Stone stomped his boots against the cobbles, falling back to try and protect himself. He really couldn’t cover the backs of his ribs; it was unfair that they were his worst spot.

“What’s wrong, Stone? Can’t take a taste of your own medicine?” Skipp followed him down, chuckling as the ravenette curled up like a pill bug. It was nice to see him so wrapped up in something; he seemed to have forgotten all about his booze.

“IHIHI’M GOHOHONNA KIHILL YOUHUHU!” Stone tried to kick him away, covering his face with his other hand. He was so embarrassed…

It wasn’t like he didn’t trust Skipp; he just felt so goofy like that, laughing from his core. He could feel the redness in his cheeks, burning vibrantly from all the activity.

“C’mon, buddy, show me your face! Promise I’m not gonna judge. Everyone needs to laugh sometimes.” Skipp gently teased, honestly just trying to get under his skin. He’d started the tickle fight, after all; the blonde was simply finishing it.

Stone was really trying to hold out, but he was slipping. Skipp’s stupidly persistent fingers were tormenting his worst spot, tracing patterns and scratching across each bone to drive him insane. Wheeze after embarrassing wheeze left him, making his head spin.

Finally, he’d had enough.

“O-OHO- wheeze OHOKAHAY! IHI GIHIHIVE!” Stone stomped his boots against the cobbles weakly, tears of mirth pricking in the corners of his eyes. His back and head still ached, but it was…somehow distant. He was far more focused on all the endorphins in his system.

Skipp immediately stopped the tickles when Stone caved, moving to instead hug him close. Their bedding was still soaked, so their clothes and body heat would have to do.

“Uhuhugh…jerk.” Stone groaned, pushing his head into Skipp’s shoulder as he giggled off the phantom sensations. He’d started it, of course, but still felt the need to “insult” the other scrap.

“Oh, shush. You know that was fun.” Skipp smiled as he cuddled closer, sighing from the comforting warmth. It was always nice to cuddle after messing around, especially after tickles.

Stone just grumbled something under his breath, nuzzling into the warmth. He wanted to keep acting obstinate, but… Fuck, cuddles felt good when he was tired and sore. He’d tolerate them, for the time being.

“Mmph…I’m gettin’ you for my booze later,” he mumbled, allowing himself to relax into the embrace.

Skipp just rolled his eyes before burrowing his hands beneath Stone’s coat, getting nice and toasty. Vinnie was missing out.

In their slum alley, the three lovable scraps lounged about, enjoying one of the very few days where they didn't have to fight to survive.

Vinnie had hit the motherload that morning in a dumpster: an entire case of Hickory Smoked Beans, just past their expiration date. It was a Ramshackle miracle.

Since they didn't have to forage for money or food, the trio could take a sort of off-day. While Vinnie and Skipp were lounging and making the most of it, Stone couldn't help but feel morose.

Sure, they had enough food for a few days. But what happens after that? What would they do when they ran out and had to go back to their normal pattern? What if they couldn't get enough, and not even shoes could sustain them?

He'd usually just chug a bit of liquor to calm those thoughts, but it didn't seem to be doing much. Life felt…impossibly meaningless. Like no matter how hard they tried, the universe would continue to put them in their place at the very bottom.

Stone had a particular look when he got into those moods. His eyes seemed distant, he sighed more, and a bottle of some cheap, scavenged liquor was always nearby. 

While looking for some fabric to patch his newest jacket hole, Skipp noticed his friend's sullen attitude. It wasn't a rare sight, by any means, but it still worried him to see Stone so upset. 

“Hey…you alright, Stone? You seem kinda out of it.” Skipp kept a respectful distance, not knowing if his friend was in a touch-positive mood or not. He extended a hand to silently ask if touch was okay. Stone shrugged, taking a swig from his mystery bottle. 

“Aren’t we all? ‘re we ever really in it, or are we jus’ waitin’ for death to find us and put us in our final place?”

“Uh…okay?” Skipp patted the emotional man’s head before scooting away, going to find Vinnie. She would know what to do…probably.

Vinnie was lounging on one of their make-shift nests when Skipp found her. She groaned, stretching as she sat up from the pile of ratty blankets and coats.

“What is it now? Today’s supposed to be relaxing,” she whined, running a hand through her unruly hair. Skipp pointed to their drunken, miserable-looking friend. “Stone’s in a sad mood again.”

“Fuckin’...course he is. The one damn day we get off…” Vinnie grumbled, dramatically hauling herself completely out of her semi-comfortable nest. “He okay with touch?”

After the blonde nodded, she marched over to Stone, waving for him to do the same. Instead of greeting him, she straddled the dejected man, squeezing his hips.

“GRK- Vihihinnie! W-whahat the hehell?!” Stone dropped his bottle, hands flying to grab Vinnie’s wrists. He was drunk, though, so his fight wasn’t a very effective one.

Skipp blushed, his eyes widening. Vinnie’s fix was…tickling him? The optimistic guy never could handle watching tickle fights without getting flustered, but now…

It looked fun from both perspectives, and Stone was quite upset. He was pretty sure his mind would behave and let him wreck his friend for one.

“Isn’t it obvious? We’re cheering you up!” Even though his cheeks were still rosy, Skipp joined in, spidering his short nails on Stone’s kneecaps. It would almost certainly come back to haunt him later, but he didn’t really mind; that was a sort of bonus.

“Yep. It’s too good of a day for that depressing bullshit. You need to learn how to smile, ya mopey shit.” Vinnie was a bit less sweet, but there was a kindness in her salty words. She really cared for Stone, even if he was a depressing asshole sometimes.

“Guhuhuys! Fuhuck ohohohoff!” Stone squirmed and twisted under Vinnie, feeling the four evil hands on him. He squeezed Vinnie’s wrists, though he wasn’t exactly trying to shove her off. This wasn't lost on his friends.

“Aww, you like this, don’t you?” Surprisingly, Skipp was the one to tease him. It wasn’t exactly meant to be one, but that’s what it felt like to the giggling man. He groaned through the happy sound, covering his face with one hand. 

“Holy shit, Skipp. I think you’re right!” Vinnie chuckled, though she already knew that was the case. It was hardly the first time she’d used the method to get Stone to quit moping, and it definitely wouldn’t be the last. He needed to smile more.

“Wonder what happens if I go here…” Vinnie clawed at the back of Stone’s ribs, making him snort and start cackling. It was his worst spot, and she knew it. “Oh. That. How cute!”

Was that a bit mean? Maybe, yeah, but Stone seemed like he was writing gothic poetry that morning. The shithead needed to laugh that Ramshackle sadness off.

“’M NOHOHOT CUHUTE!” Stone was practically losing it at that point. Skipp had decided to move to the undersides of his knees. That combined with the backs of his ribs was almost more than he could handle. Almost.

“VIHIHINNY! GEHE’ OHOHOHOFF’A THEHEHERE!” Stone writhed, arching his back to try and avoid her fingers. He kicked his legs, but that was pretty much useless when she was on his thighs. Skipp had free reign of his lower body, and Vinnie was practically unstoppable up top.

“But I like it here! You look like Maggot with all that squirming, dude.” She mentioned their angelic friend, trying to get him blushing more. His cheeks were pink, but Vinnie wanted more. She knew how red he could get.

“Oh yeah, he does!” Out of Stone’s view, Skipp giggled, making Stone groan. That little ball of sunshine just had to comment on everything, didn’t he? Stone cared for him, of course; he just wanted to lovingly strangle him sometimes.

“You know what eats maggots, Stone?” He flipped the blonde off, but Skipp didn’t mind. The next few seconds would make up for that. “Jumping spiders!”

Skipp clawed his hands, switching spots every few seconds to spider each area on his legs. It was kinda dumb, but scientifically accurate. That, and it tickled like crazy.

“SKIHIHIHPP! IHIHI- PFFAHAHAHA!” All protests died, swallowed up in loud, throaty cackles. His nerves were practically on fire, his thoughts drowned out by his own laughter. It was finally too much.

“EHEHENOHOUGH!” Stone yelled through his mirth, patting Vinnie’s shoulder. She immediately pulled away, Skipp following suit. Vinnie climbed off, giving him a second. 

Stone immediately curled in on himself, turning into a giggly pill bug as he recovered. “F-fuhuhuck youhu guhuhuhuys…” 

Vinnie chuckled, used to his profanities. She knows they usually mean he had fun, but was still a bit salty. Skipp, however, was concerned they’d crossed a line. “Stone? Did we go too far?”

The man huffed, swallowing another bout of giggles. His composure was mostly back, the thin line of his lips showing a ghost of a smile. “Nah, yohou’re fine. Youhu suck, thohough.”

Rolling her eyes, Vinnie nudged the giggly man’s shoulder. “Ah, whatever. You were being a downer, and you know it.” 

Stone lovingly flipped her off and grumbled something under his breath. Skipp pulled both of them into a hug, and for once, Stone didn’t pull away. He’d never admit it, but the embrace felt nice at that moment.

“C’mon, guys. Let’s enjoy our day off!” Skipp’s attitude remained bright as ever. Stone opened his mouth to argue, but huffed and shook his head. 

“Fine. I’m taking Vinnie’s nest.” Stone sauntered over to the pile of cloth, smirking at Vinnie’s near-instant outrage.

“Hey! Get your own rags, Nevermore!” The two started playfully wrestling, fighting over the nest Skipp knew they’d end up sharing. He leaned against the wall of the slum alley, watching his friends and taking in the happiness they both now felt.