#ler!celine

Summary: Set in an au where Rumi’s mom lives and Celine helps raising Rumi, resulting in them having a better relationship. Celine is sparring with Rumi, training her to become a hunter. But Celine’s tactics cause Rumi to accuse her of fighting dirty.

This is a tickle fic, keep scrolling if that’s not your thing!

-

Rumi easily dodges Celine’s attack, a daring and confident grin on her face.

Rumi turned 13 six months ago, and her mom finally gave Celine the ok to start training Rumi on how to fight demons.

Celine is impressed with how fast Rumi is improving.

“Well done, little tiger. Now, try and take me down.” Celine orders. Rumi’s eyes widen. “Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you.”

“It’s cute that you think you can hurt me. Now come on.” Celine smirks playfully, and Rumi glares.

She attacks, with Celine encouraging her to fight harder as the elder hunter is constantly just out of reach. “Come on Rumi! You can do it!”

Finally after 10 minutes, Rumi catches Celine off guard. with a swift knee to the stomach, Celine falls down and Rumi tackles her, sitting on her waist with a victorious smile.

“Good job, Rums.” Celine smiles. Rumi cheers at the praise.

“Thanks Celine!”

Before Rumi can get off Celine, hands latch onto her sides, and she stiffens immediately. “Word of advice? Don’t leave yourself open.”

With that, Celine attacks, targeting the weak spots on Rumi’s torso and ribs. “Nohohohoho! That’s chehehehating!” Rumi protests, already giggling hysterically.

“All’s fair in love and war, tiger.” Celine murmurs. Rumi now finds herself pinned beneath her aunt, kicking and flailing uselessly to escape her grasp.

“Stahahahahahp!! You wihihihin!” Rumi begs, shrieking when Celine tickles the sensitive skin behind her knee. “This isn’t about winning, Rumi. This is just me having fun.” Celine smiles.

“And what did I say about wearing socks during training? You know you’re supposed to be bare foot, Rumi-ya.” Celine pulls off her sock, tickling her foot mercilessly. Rumi squeals, cackling when Celine’s nimble fingers skitter under her toes.

“NOHOHOHOHOHO! MERCY!” Rumi howls, using her other foot to kick Celine’s back. Her feet have been her weak spot since she was a baby, something Celine and her mom loved to take advantage of.

“Celine, quit torturing my daughter.”

Miyeong is standing in the doorway of the gym, an exasperating but fond smile on her lips. “MOM! HEHEHEEHEHLP MEHEHEHEHE!” Rumi screams, tears running down her cheeks.

Miyeong approaches Celine, poking her in the ribs, which is her weak spot. Celine yelps at the unexpected attack, which gives Rumi enough leverage to pull free.

Rumi gasps, residual giggles falling out of her mouth. “That’s such a dirty tactic! Unfair.” She pouts. Celine laughs, pulling Rumi onto her lap and kissing her head. “Sweetheart, I’ve always told you to use your enemies’ weaknesses to your advantage. Not my fault you’re so ticklish. You get it from your mama.”

Miyeong flushes at the sudden mention of how ticklish she is. “You did good today Rumi. How about we order some food?” Celine offers, causing Rumi’s eyes to light up. “Yes!” She dashes out of the room, causing her aunt and mother to chuckle.

“You know she’ll want to get you back, right?”

Summary: A few weeks after the idol awards, Celine comes to visit and apologize, and finally tells the truth about how Rumi's mother died. And then she tickles Rumi to death.

A/N: This was a commission for anonymous. It is a tickle fic, so keep scrolling if that's not for you! You can find my commissions page here: https://ko-fi.com/lesbianandstressing/commissions

-

When Rumi wakes up, she can feel two bodies pressed against her. Glancing down, she can see both Mira and Zoey, sound asleep. Zoey’s head is buried into her neck, while Mira is lying on her chest. 

She sighs. She knows today is going to be hard, especially for Mira and Zoey. They are still incredibly pissed off at Celine. Rumi had told them how Celine made her cover up, and what she asked Celine to do the night of the idol awards. They both screamed at Celine, about how they could never forgive her and how she should’ve trusted them from the beginning.

Celine had barely reacted. She whispered an apology, promising she loves all three of them very much. Then she left the penthouse with tears streaming down her face. 

Rumi doesn’t know how to feel. Sure, Celine has hurt her and caused so many of the issues Rumi is still dealing with. 

But for many years, Celine was all Rumi had. Celine took care of her, held her when she had a nightmare, and kissed her booboos away. Celine did love her despite everything. 

Her first memories ever are all about Celine. Good, or bad. 

“Here comes the tickle monster!” Celine teases, her hand forming into a claw and lowering onto Rumi’s tummy. 

5 year old Rumi squeals, giggling hysterically and squirming to get away. “No Cece! No!” 

The so-called tickle monster is Celine’s number one way to get Rumi tuckered out before bed. 

Rumi shrieks as she’s pulled into Celine’s lap, as her pseudo mother gently squeezes her rib cage, playfully blowing raspberries on Rumi’s neck. Rumi cackles, writhing and twisting to break free. But she’s no match for Celine, who keeps her trapped within the tickle hug.

Celine finally relents once Rumi begins gasping for breath. She kisses her forehead, tucking the blankets around Rumi’s small form. “Goodnight Rumi. Sleep well, my little hunter.” 

“Love you, Cece.” Rumi mumbles, eyes already closed. Celine’s heart melts, and tears burn in her eyes. 

“I love you too, Rumi.” 

“-umi? Rumi, can you hear me?” 

Rumi is snapped out of her thoughts by a familiar deep voice. Mira is now awake, staring at her with a confused look. “Y-yeah, sorry. Lost in thought.” 

Zoey uncurls herself from Rumi, yawning and stretching her arms. “Thinking about Celine?” She questions. 

Rumi gapes at her. Damn, these two know her too well. “Yeah. Just…nervous.” Mira scoots closer. “We can cancel if you’re not feeling up for it.” 

“No. I need to do this, I just…don’t know how to feel.” Rumi shakes her head. “It’s stupid.” Zoey grabs her hands, gently stroking her knuckles. “Hey, your feelings aren’t stupid at all. What’s going on in that head of yours?” 

“I just don’t know how to feel. Like yeah, Celine really messed up and hurt me. Deeply, deeply hurt me. But on the other hand? She was all I had until I met you two. She kept me fed, held me when I had a nightmare. Kissed the booboos away and scared the monsters under my bed. She’s my mother in everything but blood.” Rumi explains. 

“Look, I can’t deny that I’m still pissed at her. I’m really pissed, and I’m sad that you felt like you couldn’t fully open up to us because of what she did. But I think you guys need to talk. For better or for worse.” Zoey says. 

“I agree. But we won’t forgive her if you don’t. You have our support in this either way.” Mira adds. 

For the first time that morning, Rumi smiles. “Thank you guys. You always know what to say.” She leans into Mira’s open arms, giggling when Zoey peppers her face with kisses. 

Everything will be fine. 

-

The elevator dings loudly, causing Rumi to look up from her spot on the couch. She untangles herself from Mira and Zoey, ignoring their protests. 

She freezes. 

Celine is standing in front of the elevator, the doors closing with a soft click. There are dark circles under her eyes, and her red face gives away the fact that she’s been crying recently. “Rumi…” She breathes, almost as if she doesn’t believe Rumi is there. 

Before Rumi can even say anything, Celine is speed walking toward her. She grasps Rumi’s arm, pulling her into a bone crushing hug. “Celine, what-” 

“I’m so sorry, Rumi. I’m so so sorry.” Celine sobs. Rumi is still frozen in her arms. 

She has never seen Celine cry like this. Her brain snaps back in alignment with her body, and she hugs Celine back just as tightly. Her eyes burn with tears that she tries and fails to hold back. 

Celine pulls back after a moment, cupping Rumi’s cheeks. She wipes the half demon’s tears, smiling slightly despite the tears. “Are you ok?” 

“I-I’m fine, Celine. I should be asking you that.” Rumi replies. “I’ll be ok, Rumi. But I need to talk to you. All three of you.” 

“About what?” Mira questions suspiciously. “The truth.” Celine answers. Celine sits down on the couch, still keeping her distance from Mira and Zoey. Rumi chooses to sit beside them. 

“The night your mother died” Celine began. “We were being attacked by demons. Miyeong was in labor with you, unable to help. It was just me and Kimmy. Your father was there, helping Miyeong give birth. We didn’t know about his heritage yet. To us, he was a plain old citizen. But I always felt like something was off. He helped safely deliver you, and Miyeong was overjoyed.” She continues. Her voice takes on a more somber tone, her eyes becoming sullen. “But a demon killed Miyeong before any of us could react. It clawed her in the chest, and your father’s demon identity was revealed. Gwi-Ma killed him as punishment for falling in love with a hunter.” 

The tears slowly, agonizingly fall down Celine’s face. 

“I held your mother as she took her last breaths. She gave you to me, and her dying wish was for me to love you. And I did. I still do, even if I wasn’t good at showing it. But when Kimmy saw you…she lost it. She summoned her weapon and tried to kill you. You were barely 10 minutes old. But she didn’t care. All she saw was the small patterns on your arms.” 

“She tried to kill me?” Rumi whispers, completely horrified. Celine nods. “I protested, telling her that you were just a baby. That you were all that was left of Miyeong. She wouldn’t budge.” 

“Celine, what did you do?” Mira’s voice is incredulous. “I did what I had to. I fought her. I could’ve killed her. Instead I told her to leave and never come back, or I would finish the job.” Celine finishes. 

“Celine that’s…” Zoey doesn’t even know what to say. She can feel the tears on her face. “I know I screwed up. I let my own fears get in the way and forced Rumi to hide her patterns from you. But you have to understand that the last time someone else besides me saw Rumi’s patterns, they tried to kill her. She didn’t care, and showed no remorse. I couldn’t risk it.” Celine says. 

Celine grabs Rumi’s hand. “I know I have a lot to make up for. A lot to apologize for. I want to make it up to you, in any way I can, and I understand that you can’t forgive me quite yet. But I do love you, Rumi. All of you.” 

Rumi jumps into Celine’s arms, nearly knocking the wind out of her. Celine lets out a quiet ‘oof’ but hugs Rumi back. The half demon’s grip is like a vice. “I love you too, Celine. Thank you.” 

When they eventually pull apart, Celine presses a kiss to Rumi’s forehead, her patterns flickering an iridescent silver. “Alright, enough with this cry fest. Movie time!” Zoey announces. She grabs the remote, ignoring Mira’s protests. Celine can’t help it, she laughs loudly. All three hunters stare at her. “What? You act like I have no sense of humor.” 

Rumi giggles and curls into her side, throwing her arm over Celine’s stomach. Celine wraps an arm around Rumi’s waist, her fingers tracing the patterns on Rumi’s waist.

Rumi doesn’t even have time to process that Celine is willingly touching her patterns before she squeaks. She can feel giggles bubbling up in her throat, just begging to break loose. 

“Rumi? Did I hurt you?” Celine’s voice is laced with genuine concern. “No! No it’s…I’m fine.” Rumi insists, far too quickly. A nervous grin is on her face, a blush spreading across her neck and ears. 

Zoey grins. “Don’t worry Celine, she’s not in any pain. Quite the opposite, actually. Her patterns are stupid ticklish.” She explains. “Zoey!” Rumi hisses, her voice laced with betrayal and mock hurt. 

Celine smirks. “Well, you were quite ticklish as a kid. Guess you never out grew it.” Rumi can feel herself getting more and more red, burying herself further and further into the couch to hide her blushing face. 

“I used to tickle her every night before bed. It was the only thing that would tucker her out so she would actually sleep properly.” Celine shares. 

“No way!” Zoey gasps. Celine nods. “I think I have to do it again.” 

Rumi’s eyes snapped open. “No. Don’t you dare, CeLINE!” Her voice morphs into a shriek when Mira grabs her wrists, pulling them over her head. Zoey sits on her waist, and Celine grins menacingly. 

Nimble fingers begin scratching all across her stomach and sides. Rumi shrieks, before bursting into hysterical, happy laughter. “Nononononono! Stahahahap it!” 

“Stop? I’ve barely even started, Rumi. I trained you to handle way worse than a bit of tickling.” Celine teases. “Nohohoho yohonohou dihihihihdn’t!” Rumi protests, yelping when Zoey pinches her hip bones. 

“Well either way, I need to get you tuckered out before bed. Wouldn’t want to keep Zoey and Mira up all night.” Celine’s voice is calm and non chalant, as if she’s not tormenting Rumi. 

Rumi gasps, heaving for breath as Celine pokes and prods her ribs. “Geheheht ohhohohohoff! 

“What’s the matter Rumi? Can’t take it?” Mira smirks, a fond twinkle in her eyes. “Behehehetter thahahahn yohohohou cahahahan!” Rumi fires back, tears blurring her vision. 

“Oh, it’s on! Celine, get her armpits!” Mira exclaims. Celine ignores Rumi’s pleading, kneading into Rumi’s hollows with her thumbs. Not with enough pressure to hurt, but more than enough to tickle like crazy. Rumi squeals so loud it could almost break the sound barrier. 

“Plehehehehase! I cahahahahn’t brehehehehathe!” Rumi wails, her laughter becoming more and more frantic. “If you couldn’t breathe, you wouldn’t be laughing so hard. Right? Cause you’re so ticklish?” Celine dismisses. 

Rumi flushes deeply. Her thin t-shirt is doing little to protect her, and the teasing is somehow making the tingly sensation worse. Celine has tickled her in the past, but not since she was 10. 

And she’s just as merciless as before. 

A finger wiggles in her navel, making her hips buck and her laughter increase. “NO! Gehehehet ouhohohohohout of theheheheheere!” 

“So sensitive, Rums. What would happen if the demons got hold of this information?” Zoey  teases. “Lihihihike yohohohou cahahahan tahahahalk!” Rumi yells. She’s not wrong, Zoey is undoubtedly the most ticklish hunter. 

Celine’s fingers delicately trace over the patterns on her stomach, her touch featherlight and maddening. Rumi doesn’t even have time to process the fact that Celine is touching her patterns. She howls and cackles, flailing and twisting to get away. “OKOKOKOKOK! PLEHEHEHASE! MEHEHEHERCY!” She wails, tears streaming down her face. 

“Wow. You weren’t wrong about her patterns being sensitive.” Celine comments, a soft, fond smile on her face. She hasn’t seen Rumi let go like this in so long. 

Her fingers suddenly stop, and she pulls back. 

Rumi mistakes this for mercy. 

She couldn’t be more wrong. 

Celine approaches her feet, resting her hands on Rumi’s soles. Not even tickling her yet, but Rumi knows what is coming. “Nonononono! Celine, not there!” She protests, using all her strength to throw Mira and Zoey off. But they hold firm, not giving Rumi an inch of movement. 

“What’s the matter, Rumi? Your feet are still off the charts ticklish?” Celine questions, her voice calm. A single nail trails down Rumi’s sole, and she screeches. “They are! I tried to give her a massage and she almost kicked me!” Zoey exclaims. Celine smirks dangerously. 

“Good to know.” 

Her fingers strike, scribbling and scratching all over Rumi’s soles. Rumi screams, before bursting into cackles. She squirms desperately, using all her strength to pull free. Unfortunately for her, her strength is sapped due to the tickling. 

Celine spiders her fingers under Rumi’s toes, getting in between them which causes Rumi to screech and squeal. “NOHOHOHOHOHOHO! STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!” 

Rumi’s laughter becomes wheezy, the tickling sensation shoots up through her legs, and no matter what she does, Celine doesn’t relent. Tears stream down her beet red face as she wails and laughs hysterically. 

Celine holds her toes back, tickling the ball of her foot with precision only a master hunter like herself has. “OKOKOKOK! IHIHIHIHIHIHIHIM GOHOHOHOHOHOING TO DIHIHIHIHIHIE!” Rumi howls, feeling dizzy and lightheaded. 

“Uh, Celine, you might want to stop. I think she’s genuinely losing oxygen.” Mira chuckles. Rumi’s face is a red mess of tears and snot, exhaustion seeping off her bones. 

Celine relents, for real this time. Zoey and Mira let her up, and she curls into a ball, still giggling at the leftover tingles. “You ok?” Celine asks, rubbing her back. 

“Y-You…” Rumi gasps. “You’re evhihihivil.” Celine rolls her eyes playfully. “Oh please. That was nothing. But it’s good to know the tickle monster still works on you. 

Rumi grunts into a pillow. Celine chuckles, lifting Rumi’s limp body and helping her sit back into a more relaxing position. Rumi snuggles into her chest, and before long, a soft rumble emits from her body. 

“Is she…purring?” Celine asks. Mira nods in confirmation. “It’s a compliment. She feels completely safe with you.” 

Celine presses a kiss to her forehead.