#ler!carrmine

"Moondrop..."

Moon flinched, ducking down behind his lab computer. He had hoped Carmine wouldn't come to check on him after hearing his reason for canceling their therapy session, but unfortunately they had.

Moon tried to act nonchalant as he heard Carmie come into the lab.

"Moon..."

Moon silently winced at the sound of Carmie's voice being so coldly level.

'Okay' Moon thought to himself. 'Just play dumb, maybe they'll be forgiving.'

He popped his head over the top of the computer.

"Hey Carmie, I didn't know you were coming over. How've you been?"

Moon fiddled with the keyboard, putting input into a generic coding program to look busy.

"I am well. I just got here from the Haven."

Moon hunched to better hide the tension in his shoulders.

"Yeah? Anything special happen today?"

"No. Though in my opinion, no news is good news."

Carmine said, crossing their arms and glaring at Moon.

"I can agree with that."

"Though I do find something odd."

Carmine slowly walked over, stepping around the desk and coming up behind Moon, placing their hands on either side of him on the desk, effectively making a Moon sandwich.

Moon bristled, biting back a sound of surprise.

"Carmie-! This is uh- a little up close and personal don't you think...?"

Carmine didn't offer up a response, instead leaning down to Moon's ear.

"I thought I would surprise you with a drink from my coffee shop after hearing of your ailment, so I came to visit."

'Play it cool, play it cool...'

Moon steeled his nerves, feigning innocence.

"Oh, well that's nice of you. I'll be okay though, just really need some rest."

"Oh?"

Moon froze.

"See, it's interesting to hear you say that, because I was just told something else."

Moon didn't dare speak.

"When I came here to visit and make sure you weren't in need of anything, Sun, confused, informed me that you'd been feeling fine. No griping about feeling unwell, which Sun assured you'd do in the case of ailment."

Moon grumbled at that.

"Then, I come down here to find you working, not something one typically does whilst unwell."

Carmine let silence hang between them, watching Moon squirm at being caught in a lie.

"Shit..."

"Care to explain yourself?"

Moon sighed.

"I didn't want to go."

It was Carmine's turn to sigh.

"Moon... You can't just avoid coming. That defeats the entire purpose."

"I know! I know, okay? It's been fine enough so far, we're just... getting into really uncomfortable territory."

"I understand your apprehension Moon, but that's part of the therapeutic process."

"I KNOW!"

Moon slammed his fists down on the desk before whirling around to face Carmine, making it a point to use the close proximity to each other to get in their face.

"I know, okay? I'm aware. I accepted a long time ago that I've done some God Awful shit to the people I supposedly loved, especially Sun. Making up for what I've done has been at the front of my mind since I got back. I know that I'm being selfish when I don't go, because it isn't just about me. I know that! The reason I didn't go today is because I'm a coward who can't be confronted by his mistakes, a coward who can't handle his own self hatred because he doesn't deserve to pity himself after everything! The reason I didn't go is because I'm a selfish bastard that's on borrowed time, and scared he's incapable of using that time to change! That deep down, he'll always be a monster that does nothing but abuse the kindness that's given to him... Because that's what Moons do right? We hurt people... So much so that there's a Goddamned sanctuary where others are safe from us."

Carmine stayed silent, watching Moon go lean on a wall for support before giving up and sitting on the floor.

"Tch, I guess Cosmo really does get this pity party shit from me."

Moon reached up and wiped his oil tears away with his sleeve. Not like you'd be able to see it anyway.

Carmine went over and sat next to Moon, who looked at him.

"M'sorry I lied to you."

Carmine merely let out a hum.

"Thank you for the apology. I forgive you."

Moon huffed a laugh before falling back into silence.

"Moon?"

"Hm?"

"Is that what you think of me?"

Moon looked up.

"Huh?"

"I am a Moon. Do you believe me to only be capable of harming others?"

Moon's heart dropped.

"Oh God... Carmie, I didn't mean it like that. Hell you're probably one of the better ones of us."

"If that's the case, why believe you are incapable of change?"

"Carmie..."

"Moon, you have no way of knowing what I was like before the Haven, what any of us were like before then. Who's to say that we're all the same, and if some of us have changed, who's to say that you can't, that you haven't already? All that being said, like it or not, part of making up for the past means putting effort into the future. We will have to continue eventually."

Moon sighed.

"I know you're right... I hate that you're right."

Moon had his arms wrapped around himself, eyes on the floor.

"Moon, should you wish, I have no qualms about coming here instead."

Moon let out a laugh of disbelief, unsure if he'd heard correctly.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I'll come here. So long as you wish me too and no one minds. Be it you wish to do something whilst we talk or merely stay in your room, if that makes you more comfortable, I'll come. Just tell me if that's ever needed.

Moon fell silent, staring at Carmine like they'd grown a second head.

"Thank you, Carmie."

Moon said after a while, slumping into Carmine's side.

Carmine made a surprised hum, making Moon jolt upright.

"Shit! I'm sorry Carmie, I don't know why I did that. I-"

Carmine gently pulled Moon back into their side, squeezing his arm.

"It's fine Moon, I don't mind."

Moon let himself relax, albeit a bit awkwardly.

After a while of comfortable quiet, Carmine spoke up.

"Moon."

"Yeah?"

"Tell me, are you still in your own head?"

Moon winced.

"That obvious, huh?"

"Yes."

"Sorry."

"No need to apologize. What is it?"

"I was an ass earlier... Not just for lying, but for the outburst. You're just trying to look out for me."

"I appreciate your acknowledgement Moon, though I must assure you it's fine."

"It's not fine, but I appreciate your forgiveness."

"Of course. Not to mention I probably should have handled it a little differently. Cornering you the way I did was less than appropriate."

Moon let out his signature chuckle.

"Yehehah what was that? You really startled me, and that's not an easy thing to do."

"I don't really know. I suppose I didn't want you ignoring me."

"Soho you pin me?"

Carmine let out an embarrassed chuckle.

"Heh yes, well, I suppose It is my turn to ask for forgiveness. That was far too abrasive."

"Don't worry about it."

Moon paused.

"Just... Don't use that tone again. Please."

"Tone?"

Carmine tilted their head.

"I- Never mind."

Moon shook his head, the genuine ease in it made Carmine decide to drop it for now.

"Yes, well I suppose I should let you get back to what you were working on."

Carmine stood with Moon following suit.

"You can stay if you want, I wasn't really doing anything of importance. The coding I was doing was more of a cover to make myself look busy, which ended up not working anyway because I was supposed to be sick. You'd think I'd be better at making cover stories considering everything my family and I have had to go through."

Moon had begun to ramble, as he sometimes did, causing him to completely miss the change in Carmine's demeanor.

"Anyway, my point is, I wasn't really doing anything impor-tant..."

Moon instantly trailed off upon realizing how close Carmine had gotten.

"You heard me coming, and planned that?"

"I wouldn't say I planned it so much as I acted quickly..."

"I see..."

"You good?"

"Mm."

"Carmie."

Carmine didn't reply, turning away slightly, with their arms crossed.

"Wha- Carmie-! Come on!"

Carmine stayed quiet, struggling to hide their amusement.

"What is this, a Tomodachi Life argument?"

Carmine let out a snort at that, revealing their true feelings.

Moon snickered and rolled his eyes in turn.

"I guess I deserved that."

"Yes, I would say you did."

Carmine quipped, offering a hand to Moon's shoulder which just so happened to graze across his neck.

"Hrk!"

Carmine pulled back their hand at Moon's jolt, worried they had hurt him somehow.

"My apologizes Moon. Are you injured?"

"No, no I'm okay."

Moon hugged himself, trying to start walking away. Before he could however, Carmine reached out and ran their fingertips along Moon's neck again.

Moon made a noise akin to static before a snicker slipped out.

"Caharmiehe, don't."

Moon rubbed his neck.

"Moon..."

Moon stiffened, hoping against hope that Carmine hadn't connected the dots.

He felt Carmine come up behind him and lean down like they'd done before.

"You wouldn't happen to be ticklish, would you?"

"Nope!"

Moon bolted, leaving Carmine behind in the lab.

"Hmhmhm~"

Carmine followed, not yet bothering to properly chase after Moon.

Moon ran down the hall, startling Sun and Dahlia, who were having tea on the couch and discussing magic lessons.

"That's strange... I would've expected this twenty minutes ago, not now."

"Yeah... Oh! Hey, Carmie?"

"Yes Sun?"

Carmine paused their pursuit to turn in Sun's direction.

"What caused this all of a sudden? You went down there like, twenty minutes ago."

Carmine chuckled.

"Yes, well, I have found something out about Moon that amuses me greatly, and if I'm being frank about it, serves as a perfect way to get back at him for lying to me."

"Lying to you?"

Dahlia asked.

"About feeling ill"

"Ah, I see."

"Of course..."

Sun muttered, shaking his head.

"And what is this new found information, if I may ask?"

Dahlia inquired, sipping their tea.

"It would appear that he is ticklish."

Sun snorted.

"Oho yeah. If you ask me, it's about time karma catches up to him for all the little pranks he pulls."

Sun sipped his tea before continuing.

"Just be careful. He's a kicker, and on rare occasions he gets playful as a result and retaliates. I swear, it's like a cat getting the zoomies. You didn't hear that from me though."

Sun said, giving Carmine a pointed look.

Dahlia giggled as Carmine nodded.

"Thank you for the information Sun, I'm sure it will prove useful. Now, if you'll excuse me-"

"Carmie."

Sun spoke before they could walk away.

"Yes?"

"Make sure you time this right if you don't want him to crack right away, but if you've ever wondered how high his voice box can go? Two words: Back loop."

Dahlia looked at Sun in surprise.

"You have no qualms about outing your brother's weaknesses, do you?"

"In harmless cases like this? No. Plus, I know how much Moon trusts Carmie, and that means I can trust them not to truly abuse any of the information."

Hearing that warmed both Dahlia and Carmine's hearts.

"Thank you for your trust in me, Sun."

"Don't thank me. If Moon didn't trust you the way he does, I wouldn't even let you touch him. Hell, he wouldn't be playing into it the way he is, he'd have just hurt you. That being said, the anticipation is probably driving him up the wall at this point. You should go."

"Yes. Enjoy your tea you two."

"Thank you!"

"Thanks."

With that, Carmine left them in favor of finding Moon.

They trailed down the hall, tapping on doors and listening for a reaction. After checking the closets and bathrooms, they finally found Moon's bedroom door.

Carmine wrapped their knuckles on the door, and chuckled when they heard Moon swear.

"Moon, I'd like to come in."

Moon snorted.

"Yeah right, like you're going to take no for an answer!"

"Hmm~ I suppose you're right. I intend to follow through with this little encounter."

They heard Moon grumble.

"Well the door's locked so there!"

"I'll break it if I must."

"You're paying for it!"

"Very well."

With that, Carmine smashed the door knob with their first, shattering the lock along with part of the frame.

Moon let out a shriek more akin to something Cosmo was capable of as Carmine pushed open the door.

"I didn't think you'd actually do it! What the hell?!"

"I told you, Moon. Money is of no consequence to me. It will be repaired, don't worry."

Moon and Carmine stood at a stand still on opposite sides of the bed. Without warning, Carmine launched across the bed, causing Moon to scream and dodge to the side, barely escaping Carmine grip before bolting out the door and back down the hall.

This time, Carmine gave proper chase, bounding out after Moon in sharp strides. To Carmine's surprise, and admittedly delight, he heard breathless laughter, bordering on giggling, coming from the animatronic in front of them.

"Dehehear God! Why ahahare you soho persistent?!"

Moon made a sharp turn into the kitchen, quickly putting the table between himself and the entrance about half a second before Carmine slid into the wooden frame.

The two of them stood and stared at each other, panting for breath they technically didn't require.

"You done?"

Moon snarked, laughter bubbling into his words.

"Hardly."

Carmine slowly approached the table, stalling for a beat before rapidly leaning to the more open half of the room, causing Moon to bolt down the narrow side. In a beat, Carmine leapt back and clothes lined Moon with their arm before yanking Moon to themselves, keeping his arms carefully pinned at his sides in the process.

"Goddamnit! That was dirty!"

Moon squirmed, kicking out his feet to try and land a blow, though not a serious one.

"Hmhm! It seems Sun was correct, you are a kicker."

Moon blanched.

"WHA- Oh that DICK! I swear to God, I'm gonna kill hiiIM-! Carmie!"

Before Moon could finish his outburst, he was effortlessly picked up and thrown over Carmine's shoulder.

"Yes, well, that'll have to wait."

Carmine hummed as he sauntered down the hall back to Moon's room, his tail swishing like a proud cat who'd caught a prize.

Upon coming into sight of the living room, Dahlia covered their mouth in amused surprise. Sun on the other hand, let out a choked cackle.

"Ohoho my God! How you doing there, Moon?"

"You! You're an ass! How much did you say?!"

Sun groaned.

"I told you that you didn't hear it from me! Now I'm going to have to deal with him later!"

"Damn straight you will! I swear when I get to you I'll- AHA!"

Moon's rant was cut off by the feeling of Carmine's hand spidering across the back of his knee.

"Now Moon, be nice~"

Sun smirked.

"Yeah Moon, chill out."

Moon swore at Sun through his titters, weakly slapping Carmine back.

"Whatehehever he said, juhuhust know he outed hihihimself too!"

Carmine and Dahlia glanced at each other before looking at Sun, who was flustered to high heaven.

"MOON! YOU ASSHOLE!"

"You aren't denying it..."

Dahlia spoke slowly, mischief etched deep in their tone and glinting in their eyes.

"Dahlia... Don't."

Sun scooted away, distrust in his eyes.

Carmine snickered.

"Good luck, Sun."

With a final spluttering from Sun, Carmine continued down the hall, spidering all the while.

Shortly after lightly shutting the door- or what was left of it- with their foot, a squealing plea rang out. It seemed as though Dahlia wasn't feeling particularly merciful today.

Letting out an amused hum, Carmine tossed Moon onto his bed. Moon gave an 'omph!' as he bounced. Carmine clambered onto the bed.

"Do let me know if anything I do causes you discomfort, alright?"

"Okay..."

Carmine straddled Moon legs with ease, using their knees to keep Moon hands pressed close to his sides.

Carmine slid their fingertips under the hem of Moon's turtleneck, lightly trailing and tapping their way up Moon's sides.

Moon sucked in a breath.

"I've barely touched you."

Carmine's voice was a mix of endeared and teasy.

"Nervous-"

"You needn't be. Just relax."

"Thahat's easy for you to say!"

"Hm, yes I suppose it is. I do mean it though, try to let loose for the time being."

Carmine slowed the sliding of their hands to a halt.

"Heh..."

Moon watched giddily as Carmine seemed to take the time to survey him.

After an agonizing moment, Carmine's hands shot out and began to rapidly skitter across Moon's stomach.

"Hhh-Ehehehehe!"

Moon instinctively began to struggle, fighting against Carmine's weight as a string of breathless giggles overtook him.

Carmine merely chuckled at the sound before going back to Moon's sides to properly tickle them.

"KrHHHrh- Shihihihit!"

"Tell me Moon, are you holding back, or am I not tickling you hard enough~?"

Before Moon could snap back a response, Carmine's hands found his belly again, only this time, they raked their metallic nails up and down, up and down at such a speed and intensity that Moon didn't stand a chance of holding back.

Moon let out a startled gasp before crumbling at the sensations.

"HAHAHA! WAHAHAIT, HOHOHOLD ON! FUHUHUCK- CARMIE!"

Carmine giggled happily, pleased with the result and unrelenting.

"Yes Moon? What is it?"

"IHIHI- I SWEHEHEAR I'M GONNAHAHA-"

Before Moon could finish the thought, Carmine slammed their hands on either side of Moon's head.

"You'll what, Moon? Go ahead, follow through."

Carmine's voice dropped to that tone again.

"Uhhh..."

It was rare to see Moon at a loss for something to say, but for a brief moment he was.

And then the snark came back.

"I'll get you back. You can't tell me that you don't have a similar weakness."

Carmine grinned, enjoying the fact that Moon seemed to be reciprocating their teasing to some degree.

"Even so, I'd like to see you try. By the time I'm done, you won't be able to form words, much less best me long enough to tickle me."

Moon's eyes gleamed eagerly at the challenge, a rare, delightful spark burning in his gut.

"I'll take that challenge. Let's see if you're as much of a monster as you're claiming you are. Throw me into hysterics."

Carmine said nothing, a giddy silence settling between the two as they processed the daring request.

Then the laughter started, low, rumbling laughter laced with disbelief.

Carmine shook their head.

"I just want to clarify, you're giving me permission to push you to your absolute breaking point, correct?"

Moon bit back his nerves. He was ticklish yes, but what's the worst this coffee shop running ball of assurance could do?

"Yep. You can pick up on genuine distress no problem, and just in case, I soon as I say... 'Gold' you stop. Deal?"

Carmine nodded seriously.

"Deal."

"Good."

Moon grinned a cocky grin, eyes glinting with mischief and over-confidence.

"Do your worst."

Oho, how they were going to have fun with him.

Carmine lowered their face to Moon's ear, their voice brimming with a vicious glee.

"As you wish.~"

Faster than he could blink, Carmine's hands had returned to his belly, raking with renewed fervor as their mouth found his neck, blowing a relentless string of raspberries.

Moon jolted, instinctively trying to shove his head down.

"OHOHOHO MY GOHOHOD-!"

Moon drew in a breath that immediately became a shriek as Carmine switched to the other side of his neck.

"HOHOHOLY SHIHIHIHIT- CARMIE WAHAHAHIT!"

'Holy shit! I didn't think it'd be this intense right off!'

"Why should I? I thought you wanted my worst?"

Moon let out a wheeze, squirming in ticklish panic.

"IHIHI DO! HOHOHOLD OHOHON-! NAHAHAHAT THEHEHERE!"

Carmine felt Moon's arms tugging, trying to escape their entrapment.

Carmine pulled back, analyzing. It appeared that the seam that connected Moon's lower and upper torso was a sweet spot.

Moon took shaky breaths, grateful for the reprieve, however brief.

"Oh? Is this a troublesome spot for you Moon?"

Carmine lightly trailed their fingers across the connected part of Moon's torso.

"HA! Yehehes!"

"Hm... Duly noted."

Carmine drug their fingers against the seam. Side to side, back and forth, again and again.

"AHA! GohohodDAHAHAMNIHIHIT! STAHAHA-! FUUUHUHUHUHUCK!"

Moon's head slammed back into the bed, his body twisted, and the bells on his slippers rang out with his laughter as he kicked.

Carmine slowed their hands, enough to lessen the sensations, but still keep him in a loop of laughter.

"Hahaha- Ohoho my Gohohod! Hhheheheee! Fuhuhuhu-"

'My goodness, Moon! You asked me for my worst, but it seems you can barely cope~"

Moon groaned.

"Fuck ohohoof!"

"Don't be rude, Moon."

Carmine slid their hands back up Moon's sides before their fingers found a perch against his underarms.

Moon's breath hitched.

"C-Carmie... Please don't-!"

"Bad spot~?"

Moon looked away, loosing his signature grumbling.

"Hmhmhm~! I'm going to take that as a yes~"

With that, Carmine struck.

"GAHAHAHAHAHA! OHOHOHOHO MY GOHOHOHOD! NAHAHAHA- NAHAHAHAT THE WIRES! DOHOHOHON'T PINCH THEHEHE WIHIHIRES!"

"Tickle, tickle, tickle~"

Much to Moon's chagrin...

"EEEHA! DOHOHON'T YOU FUHUHUHUHUCKING START!"

Carmine pulled back a bit, shocked by the squeal, which was closer to Sun's vocal range.

"Ohohoh my! That was quite the noise, Moon! Tell me, does teasing get to you?"

"SHUT UP!"

"Well that answers that!"

Moon unleashed a string of swears and threats, prompting Carmine to shake their head.

"That's enough of that now."

They reached up and wiped the oil streaks from Moon's cheeks.

"You... know... for your worst, you're still really kind..."

"Thank you, Moon. That's very kind of you. I assure you we are far from done, your laugh is far too precious to pass up!"

"Wha-! I'm not a child, Carmie."

"Of course, but I can still give you a compliment can't I?"

"I- Thank you, Carmie."

"You are welcome. Now, where were we~?"

Moon jumped as Carmine grabbed his hip. Without missing another beat, one hand dug into his hip, the other pinched at the wires under his arm.

"GAHAHA! DAHAHAMNIT! OHOHOHO FUHUHUHUCK IT TIHIHICKLES!"

"Does it? I never would have guessed."

"YOU'RE AHAHAHAHAN ASSHOHOHOLE! IHIHI HATE YOHOHOHOU SO MUHUHUCH!"

"No you don't."

Carmine switched from spot to spot, keeping Moon on edge.

Hips, Stomach, Wires, Seam, Sides and back again. Over and over, for who knows how long. All Moon knew was that it was hell.

GAHAHAAAA! OHOHOHOKAY, OHOHOHOHOKAHAHAY! SLOHOHOHOW DOHOHOHOWN! CAHAHAHARMIE!"

"Hmhm!"

Carmine lowered themselves to Moon, blowing raspberries on his neck, skittering along his sides.

"GAHAHA-! CAHAHARMIE!"

"Coochie coochie coo~"

"STAHAHAP WITH THAHAHAT TONE!"

Tone? Oh... so that's what Moon was talking about.

"Why should I? It gets you so flustered~"

Carmine wrapped their arms around Moon in a bear hug, sneaking their hands behind his back.

"Tickle, tickle~"

Without warning, Carmine's hands found Moon's back loop beneath the turtleneck, spidering away, all while nuzzling Moon's neck.

"GAAAAHAHAHAHAH-! NOAHAHAHA! NAHAHAHAT THEHEHEHERE! AHAHAHANYWHERE BUT THEHEHERE! PLEAEHEHEHEHESE CAHAHAHARMIE NOHOHO MORE! STAHAHAHAP! GOLD GOHOHOHOLD!"

Immediately, Carmine pulled away. They looked down at Moon, who had fresh tears on his face.

"Are you alright, Moon?"

"Oof... Uh, yeah. Yeah I just... huuuh."

Moon took a deep breath and sat up.

Moon wiped the tears off his face.

"Jesus... I can't remember the last time I laughed like that. Have I ever laughed that hard?"

"Well you have now~!"

Carmine chirped, pride and mischief coating their voice. Moon chuckled, his voice a little rough from laughing.

After a comfy silence, Moon looked up at Carmine.

"Have you ever laughed like that Carmie?"

Carmine froze, remembering Sun's warning, they put their hands up between them and Moon.

"Eheh... Moon, I would suggest that you- Omph!"

Somehow Moon managed to launch himself at Carmie, the bed providing unstable enough ground to successfully knock them over.

"Moon-!"

Moon, a triumphant look on his face, perched on Carmine's chest. Much like a cat, Carmine thought to themselves.

'It would appear Sun wasn't kidding...'

Moon leaned back, skittering his hands up and down Carmine's torso.

"M-Mohohohoon! Now wahahait just aha second!"

"Oho, jackpot!"

Carmine squirmed halfheartedly, reaching their hands out to grasp Moon's sides.

Moon jumped before snatching Carmine's hands away.

"Oh no you don't!"

Making sure to move before Carmine could process, Moon slammed his hands under Carmine's arms.

Carmine let out a squeal, slamming their arms down.

"MOHOHOON!"

"Huh, it looks like you have sensitive under wires too. Sorry Carmie, if you don't lift your arms, we'll be here for a while. I'm stuck."

Moon grinned as he used one of his favorite taunts and grinned even more when it actually seemed to fluster the taller animatronic.

"Yohohou AHAHASS!"

"Payback~"

Was Moon's only answer. It would seem the Celestial household would be filled with laughter for a while.

~Fin~