#ler!james

Dinner at the Walters’ place was never quiet, but tonight had a special brand of chaos simmering under the surface. The big wooden table was crammed with plates, bowls, chopsticks, forks, and an amount of food that could feed an army. Hank sat at the head of the table, eating calmly, as if this were any normal family dinner. It wasn’t.

Across from him, the twins were talking - loudly, rapidly, and far too competitively - while their boyfriends sat beside them with very different states of awareness. Axel was contently eating dumplings without a care in the world. Yuki sensed danger and looked like a startled cat. Luca sat between Theo and Josh, clinging to safety like Theo could protect him from his brothers. (He could not.)

“So I’m just saying,” Josh said, slamming his chopsticks down for emphasis, “that Axel’s laugh is objectively the cutest. That little squeaky thing he does? You can’t beat that.” Axel blinked. “I what?” James frowned, offended. “Absolutely not. Yuki’s laugh is cuter, hands down.” Yuki choked on his water. “W-Wait, why am I? No! Don’t talk about that!”

Hank sipped his coffee, eyes half-lidded, already exhausted. Theo raised a finger, mouth opening to chime in, but Josh steamrolled right over him. “Axel has the best reactions!” Josh insisted. “I barely even touch his sides and he goes all-” he broke into high-pitched giggles in a shockingly accurate impression of his boyfriend.

Axel covered his face with one hand. “That is SO not- okay, maybe a little true, but don’t demonstrate it!” James leaned in, scoffing. “Please, Axel’s cute, yes, but Yuki? My boyfriend practically melts. You tickle his ribs? Gone. Reduced to sparkly little giggle dust.” “I DO NOT!” Yuki yelped, turning red immediately. Josh narrowed his eyes. “Oh? His ribs?”

James smirked, enjoying Yuki’s horrified expression. “Worst spot, completely defenseless.” Yuki grabbed his boyfriend’s sleeve. “James. Shut up.” Theo tried again, “Actually, Luca’s laugh is-” “Also!” Josh cut in dramatically, holding up a finger. “Axel’s thighs. Absolute gold. He gets this little gasp-laugh like he doesn’t know whether to laugh or scream.”

Axel slapped both hands over his face. “WHY are you saying this at the dinner table?!” Theo closed his mouth again. Luca snorted a tiny laugh beside him. James fired back immediately, leaning toward Josh with the intensity of a war general. “Oh yeah? Well Yuki has this adorable little squeak when you get his lower back and when you touch his-”

“James!” Yuki hissed. “That was ONE TIME!” Josh grinned, fanning the flames. “So you admit it?” “I admit NOTHING.” Theo tried one last time, leaning forward: “Luca’s laugh is-” But by now the twins were in full debate mode, ignoring everything but each other. Josh gestured wildly with his chopsticks. “No, no, Axel’s laugh is sweeter.”

James waved him off. “Yuki’s is cuter.” “Axel’s.” “Yuki’s.” “You’re wrong.” “You’re blind.” “You wouldn’t know cute if it hit you-” “BOYS,” Hank said, not even raising his voice, but the weight behind it made everyone freeze for half a second. Only half, because then Luca murmured, “Uhm… Theo’s right, maybe we shouldn’t-”

And suddenly every pair of twin eyes snapped toward the brunette beside him. “You think YOUR boyfriend wins?” Josh asked, eyebrows lifting. Theo almost choked on air. “I DIDN’T SAY THAT!” “You kind of did,” James sing-songed. “I WAS TRYING TO- UGH!” Luca sank into his seat. “Please don’t drag me into this.” But it was already too late.

Because somewhere in the midst of the chaos, the twins traded one of those dangerous, silent glances and Theo, who knew those glances all too well, felt dread pool in his stomach. “Oh no,” he whispered, “no, absolutely not. Guys…” “New plan,” Josh said with a wicked grin, “we settle this right here, right now.”

Theo’s eyes widened, James and Josh cracked their knuckles dramatically, Luca squeaked giving a pleading look to Theo, Yuki looked ready to flee the table, and Axel continued eating dumplings like nothing was happening.

The room fell silent for half a breath, then everything exploded. “GET THEM!” Three chairs scraped violently over the floor. Three- no, two boyfriends yelped as they tried to make their escape. Three Walters launched into action, ready to prove that their boyfriend had the cutest laugh among them.

Theo dove after Luca, catching him first. Luca squealed and stumbled backward onto the couch, Theo following him down, fingers spidering into his sides. “NOHOHO THEOHOHO!” Luca burst into giggles instantly, curling in on himself. “Why meheehee?!” “Because you’re the only one I can catch!” Theo yelled back as Luca dissolved beneath him.

Across the room, the real chaos began. James tackled Yuki before he could even reach the hallway, dragging him down gently but efficiently. The ravenhead shrieked, kicking his legs uselessly as James settled above him. “NONONONO JAMES WAIT!” “Ribs, right?” James said with a smirk, wiggling his fingers. “DOHON’T YOU DARE!” But he did.

Yuki arched off the floor in a squealing, musical laugh that filled the room immediately. “JAHAHAAMES! I’M GOHOHONNA KIHIHILL YOUUU!” he cursed, but the threat lost its value as his laughter bubbled out of his lips. “You sound so adorable,” James said sweetly, unswayed. Meanwhile, Josh turned toward Axel.

The other glanced up lazily, mid-chew, but you could clearly see his eyes sparkle with excitement. “Oh, are we starting now?” “You didn’t even TRY to run?!” Josh demanded. Axel shrugged. “I didn’t want to.” Josh lunged. Axel burst into bright, breathy, high-pitched giggles the instant Josh’s fingers dug into his sides, not even trying to resist.

“Haha Johohoshy! Waaait! I’m- I’m eheheating!” “Are you now? You’ll live!” Josh declared triumphantly, pulling him into his lap as Axel laughed and squirmed helplessly, legs kicking under the table as Josh fingers danced over his sides and wormed in-between his ribs.

The three scenes overlapped into a pure, messy storm of laughter, shrieks, and chaotic declarations: “Luca’s is CUTEST, listen to him!” “No way, Yuki wins by MILES!” “Axel’s laugh is literally HEAVEN, accept it!” None of the three brothers was giving in, using all their knowledge and skills to tickle the cutest reactions out of their other half.

Theo, who had at last gotten into the spirit of things, poked at Luca’s tummy, making the younger boy yelp and kick adorably. “I- I CAN’T- THEOHOHO!” the black-haired pleaded, laughter spilling out sweet and bright. “Stohohop- nohohot THERE!” “You have the cutest laugh,” Theo muttered, tickling him mercilessly anyway.

Yuki was cackling high-pitched chortles, tears of mirth streaming down his face as James fingers squeezed both his thigh and waist. The police officer tried to break free, but the other had his legs embraced with his own and the tickling made him unable to think clearly. "WAH J-JAHAHMES just waiHait until I- aHA! NOHO!" "It's so cute when you try to fight back Yuki~"

Josh was still having Axel on his lap, nuzzling his neck with kisses and whispering things into his ear that made the blonde’s red face only redder. "AHAHAh Joshy, don’t stoHop!" The fingers that had sneaked under his shirt, squeezing his bare stomach now, made his face heating up and Axel had to be careful that not something else would heat up as well.

In the middle of this pandemonium, Hank sat at the table, still calmly sipping his coffee, watching as three boyfriends were reduced to puddles of giggles.

Axel wheezed hysterically in Josh’s arms, Yuki thrashed on the floor under James and Luca curled on the couch, red-faced, shrieking with laughter under Theo. The twins were arguing louder than the laughter they were causing. “He’s cuter!” “No, MINE is!” And Hank, in the eye of the storm, exhaled a long, deeply put-upon sigh.

It had just been a 10 minute trip to the Pokémon centre. The battle he lost, had wiped out his entire team…and as a result, Ash had given all of his Pokémon to Nurse Joy so they can heal and get better. With the others busy shopping, Ash decided to spend some time alone. Ash sat himself down against a palm tree, flipping through his pokédex. He knew his Pokémon were fine, but he felt somewhat lonely. 

This was the first time he had been completely alone in a while…And if he was honest, It felt unusually quiet. No Pokémon to spend time with, meant he was stuck in his own thoughts. The silence was deafening…the natural sounds that filled the Alola region, felt louder than ever. Isn’t silence supposed to make you feel tranquil or peaceful? If that’s the case, then why does he feel tense and uneasy? 

Ash looked around himself for a moment, and noticed a little creature running around in the middle of the town. “Huh?” Ash put his  pokédex away. “What is that?” Ash asked next. 

The creature jumped up and down, almost in a frantic plea for help. “What’s wrong?” Ash asked. The stuffel started whimpering and whining, almost frantic in its movements. Sensing something was up, Ash got up from the palm tree and started to walk up to the creature. “Are you lost?” Ash asked, getting closer so he could help it. 

Now, this creature looked oddle familiar to Ash…And now that he was closer, Ash could figure out why that is: this creature looked like an infant version of the bewear he had seen in the forest when he first arrived on Melemele island! Managing to get a few inches closer, Ash pulled out his pokédex. “Let’s see…” Ash opened the pokédex and let it scan the Pokémon. 

“Stuffel! Normal/fighting Pokémon. Despite its adorable appearance, when it gets angry and flails about, its arms and legs could knock a pro wrestler sprawling.” The pokédex said aloud to him. 

“Oh wow…” Ash widened his eyes. “A small creature like you, can do that?!” He asked. 

The stuffel whimpered and whined, before scraping its paw onto the ground. 

“You must be missing your mama.” Ash reacted. 

The stuffel let out another cry, putting its tail between its legs. “Poor thing…” Ash mumbled softly. “Do you need help finding your mama?” Ash asked. 

Suddenly, the stuffel squealed and jumped up onto its legs! It was like the stuffel understood Ash! 

“Alright! I’ll help!” Ash declared. 

Stuffel cheered before turning around and taking off running. 

“Hey! Where are you going?” Ash asked, taking off running after the Stuffel. “Come back!” 

The stuffel ran all throughout the town, making Ash twist and turn through crowds of people. “Sorry! Excuse me! Whoops! On your left! Sorry ma’am!” He kept saying. Ash had nearly fallen onto his face about 5 times so far…but Ash still managed to still catch up to the stuffel. For an infant, Stuffel sure had a lot of energy! 

Stuffel eventually ran into the forest. The stuffel jumped through the exotic grass while occasionally looking behind it to see Ash still chasing it. Ash was still yelling at it, doing anything he could to stop the stuffel with no success. “Slow down! I can’t catch up! You’re so fast! I can’t run forever!” Ash kept yelling. 

Almost as if to challenge him, Stuffel took a quick 90 degree turn, and started sprinting left. Ash widened his eyes. “What?!” Ash looked to the left. “Uh oh!” Ash quickly jumped and slid his feet across the grass for a few moments. “Hold on!” When his feet slowed down, Ash made a sharp left turn in order to stay on stuffel’s trail. “Wait up!” 

Moving through the grass and trees, Ash quickly noticed the giant pit of black protruding from the large cave several feet in front of him. And watching Stuffel, it looked like he was heading straight towards the cave! Ash tried to catch himself up slightly. If this Stuffel ends up in the pitch black cave, then Ash may never find him! And Stuffel will be lost from its mama forever! He can’t let that happen! 

Ash ran into the cave after the Stuffel, and slowed himself to a walk upon entry. It was pitch black in there. “Hey! Where’d you go?” Ash asked, reaching his arms out in front of him as he walked into the cave. “Hello?” Ash called. He quickly noticed how much his voice was echoing through the cave. “Anybody there?” He called next. Eventually, Ash’s hands made it to a cold and rough stone wall. Following it, Ash kept his hand on the wall as he moved left, hoping to find a hidden opening. As he followed it, he noticed how bumpy and coarse the wall felt against his hand. And the wall seemed to be…curving a little bit? “Huh?” Ash said aloud. Where’s the end of this wall? Is he getting closer? Gosh, if only he had a flashlight right now…

But wait…what’s that? Ash widened his eyes when he saw a slight bit of light beaming nearby. Letting go of the wall, Ash slowly followed the light. Turning to the right, Ash’s eyes fell on a large ray of light radiating from the top of the cave. Whoa…this wasn’t a pitch black cave at all! It had natural light! 

Ash’s eyes lowered the moment he heard a cry from the Stuffel he had been following. And…hey look! A Bewear! “We found your mama!” Ash reacted. 

“And we found you~” Someone said behind him. 

Ash turned around and frowned. “Team Rocket!” 

“Prepare for trouble!” Jessie declared. 

“And make it double!” James declared next. 

“To protect the world from devastation.” Jessie continued. 

“To unite all people within our nation.” James continued. 

“To denounce the evils of truth and love.” Jessie proceeded. 

“To extend our reach to the stars above.” James kept it going.

“Jessie.” She introduced herself. “James.” He introduced himself. 

“Team Rocket blasting off at the speed of light!” Jessie declared. 

“Surrender now, or prepare to fight!” James kept going. 

“Meowth, that’s right!” Meowth finished the speech by jumping onto Ash’s shoulders.

“AAH!” Ash pushed Meowth off himself, causing Meowth to roll backwards a couple feet. 

“Hey! How could you?!” James reacted, bending down and picking up Meowth. “That was super uncalled for!” James mentioned. 

“What?!” Ash dropped his jaw. “But he jumped in my face!” Ash yelled back. “So you push him to the ground?! We’re in a cave!” James yelled. “You could’ve killed him!” 

“He surprised me.” Ash told him. 

“Don’t you care for the safety of our Pokémon?” Jessie asked. 

“If you did, then you would’ve apologized for what you’d done.” James added. 

“Apologize now, twerp!” Meowth yelled. 

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry.” Ash told him. 

“Good. Now hand over your Pikachu!” Meowth ordered. 

“Hand it over now, or we’ll steal it from you!” Jessie declared. 

Ash widened his eyes. “Uh…” He scratched the back of his head. “A-About that…” He looked down. “I don’t have him right now…” 

James widened his eyes. “Wait, what?!” He reacted. 

“Well that’s unusual…” Jessie mentioned. 

“Why not? Where is he?” James asked. 

“Pikachu is being healed at the Pokémon center right now.” Ash told them. 

“Uh huh…And we just happened to find you sneaking around in our lair?” Jessie asked. 

“I was trying to help the stuffel find its mother.” Ash told him. 

“Hmmm…I’m sensing a liar on our hands.” Meowth mentioned, his paw on his own chin. 

“I’m sensing that too…He’s toying with our plans!” Jessie added. 

“I don’t know guys…maybe this is a bad time for him.” James added. 

“Ash and Pikachu splitting up?! The chances are so slim!” Jessie reacted. 

“If you could please stop rhyming? That’d be great…” Ash asked, holding his forehead. 

“Got a sassy one on our hands…what do we do?” Jessie asked. 

“Leave him alone?” James asked. 

“Let’s see if he’s telling the truth.” Meowth declared, before tackling Ash to the ground. Ash yelped as his body hit the stone ground. Thankfully his head was saved from the impact, with his butt taking most of the fall. From the moment Ash hit the ground, Meowth started scurrying around his middle. “Peek-a-boo!” He said, peeking out from behind Ash. 

“Hey!” Ash yelled, before gasping with shock as the cat shoved itself back into his shirt. 

A couple seconds later, Meowth’s head popped out of Ash’s shirt collar. “Where are you hiding it?” Meowth asked, before popping back into his shirt and scurrying around like a buizel. 

“Get out!” Ash jumped and yelped. “C-Careful in thehere-!” Ash jumped and squeaked, covering his mouth as he rolled around. 

“You hid it so well! How is that fair?!” Meowth reacted, popping out from the bottom of Ash’s shirt this time. 

Jessie rolled his eyes and rubbed her nose. “Meowth…You’re not even searching him right.”

James snickered a little bit. “If anything, it looks like you’re tickling the boy.” He mentioned. 

“Tickling him?!” Meowth reacted. 

“Yeheheah…Plehease stahp!” Ash reacted, his smile cracking out the sides of his hand.  

“I forgot about that! That’s a great idea!” Meowth’s actions must’ve changed, because Ash had quickly sat himself up slightly and bursted out with laughter. 

“HAHAhahaha! STAHAHAP- Whahat did Ihihi just sahahahay?!” Ash yelled. 

“You told me to stop, but I don’t have to listen to you, twerp.” Meowth told him. 

“JAhahahames! Mahahake hihim staaaahp!” Ash yelled. 

“Actually…” James scratched the back of his head. “We can’t make him do anything…He kinda stops when he feels like it.” James admitted, chuckling awkwardly. 

“Hate to tell ya, but you’re mine for a while!” Meowth declared. 

By this point, Jessie had walked up to Ash’s backpack, and was gently rummaging around in his bag. “Hmmm…Clothes, water bottle, Rotom phone, Pokédex…” Jessie pulled out a pokéball. “Are these empty?” Jessie asked aloud. 

“Yehehes! Thehehehey ahare! Leheheheave that alohohohone!” Ash yelled. 

“Okay, okay.” Jessie put the pokéball back into the bag. “Huh…No Pokémon in here…” Jessie muttered aloud. 

“Seeheehee?” Ash yelled. 

Jessie rolled her eyes. “Just because your bags are empty, doesn’t mean your pockets aren’t.” Jessie told him. “James, check his pockets for me. I’m gonna hold him down.” Jessie told him. 

“Uh…Okay…” James muttered awkwardly. “Do I have to?” He asked. 

“Don’t you wanna find out if the Twerp is lying?” Jessie asked. 

“W-Well yeah…” James replied. 

“Then check his pockets!” Jessie yelled. 

“Alright, fine!” James yelled, putting up his hands in surrender before walking up to Ash. “Can’t get out of anything these days…” James told him. 

“Make sure you check every pocket.” Jessie told him as she positioned Ash’s hands above his head. 

“Alright.” James checked Ash’s right pocket. 

“BAAAHAHAHA!” Ash shrieked. “Oh no, that’s worse than I thought…” James muttered. “I’ll make this quick, I promise.” James reassured the boy as best he could. “First pocket has nothing in it.” James told her. 

“You sure?” Jessie asked. James pulled the fabric of his pocket inside out to show her. “Yup.” James replied. 

“Fine.” Jessie responded. 

“Next pocket.” James said to himself, going for the right pocket.

“HURRYHYHYHY!” Ash yelled. 

“I am, I am!” James grasped onto something and pulled them out. “More empty pokéballs?” He asked, looking at them.

“WHAHAT do you thihihink?!” Ash’s laughter calmed down somewhat. 

“Alright, so I was right.” James said. “He has no Pokémon on him.” James told him. 

“Ihihihi tohold yohohou, thehey’re at the pokémohohon cehehenter.” Ash told them. 

A grumble could be heard from Ash’s middle as an annoyed Meowth crawled out from Ash’s shirt. “Well that was pointless.” Meowth muttered aloud. 

“I don’t know…” James scratched Ash’s side. “This was actually kinda fun.” James admitted. 

Ash bursted out in a more bubbly, giggly kind of laughter this time. “Fohohor yohohou…” Ash muttered. 

“Come on, Ash…you’re not enjoying this even a little bit?” James asked. 

“Whahahat pahart?” Ash asked, kicking his feet as he curled into the fetal position. 

“The tickling.” James replied. “I imagine you wouldn’t enjoy us searching through your bag…” James joked. 

“Truhuhuhue…” Ash muttered. 

“Boop, boop boop!” James started poking his side a couple times. “Boop boop boop-” James poked his finger deeper into Ash’s side as he let out a long, high-pitched “Booooooop!” 

Ash squeaked and rolled over to cover up his side. “Stahahap…” He mumbled. 

“Alright. I’m done now.” James told him, showing Ash his slightly raised hand as he got up onto his feet. 

“Doho…” Ash wiped off his stuff and sat up. “Do you believe me now?” He asked. 

“Yeah…” Meowth muttered. 

“Unfortunately…” Jessie mumbled. 

“Don’t rope me into this! I believed you the whole time.” James told him. 

“Okay, good.” Ash said as he put his pokéballs back into his pocket and got up onto his feet. “Am I free to go now?” He asked. 

Jessie huffed and looked away, visibly disappointed. Meowth looked annoyed as well. 

The only one to speak up, was James. “Yup, you’re free to go.” James picked up a pokéball Ash had missed, and handed it to him. “Here.” He said. 

Ash took it. “Thanks.” Ash started to walk towards the darkness. “See you around.” Ash told them. 

James lifted his finger up, ready to say something. “Do you-” But James slowly lowered his hand when the boy disappeared in the darkness. “Okay…” James looked up at Jessie. “That,” James circled his hand to emphasize the whole scene. “-was all uncalled for.” He told her. 

“Oh please…that was nothing compared to what he does to us.” Jessie reminded him. 

“She has a point.” Meowth added. 

“It should’ve been clear from the moment he showed up without Pikachu, that he had no Pokémon on him.” James mentioned. 

“You’re just too soft on him.” Meowth yelled. 

“Hey guys?” Someone said from the shadows. 

James looked towards the darkness. “Yeah?” 

The familiar voice from the shadows quickly revealed himself in the light again. It was Ash, and he looked nervous. “I don’t know how to get out of here…” He admitted. “Can you show me the way out?” 

Jessie’s eyes softened slightly. As much as she hated the kid, she could also understand how scary it can be to walk in the darkness…especially alone. 

“Sure!” James walked up to Ash, turning to look at Jessie. “Can you come with us? We could really use your Woobat.” James asked her. 

Jessie looked at James for a few moments, before sighing and pulling out her Pokéball. “Sure.” Jessie threw the Pokéball, and watched as the Woobat launched out of it. “Show us the way, Woobat.” Jessie ordered. “Meowth, stay back.” Jessie told him. 

“Wait, what?!” Meowth yelled. “But I wanna-” He stopped when he felt a paw against his chest. It was Bewear…and it was trying to stop Meowth from following his friends. “Awww…” Meowth muttered. 

Woobat had gone in front of the group, and was using its usual ultrasonic waves to navigate the cave. With Jessie and James accompanying him and the Woobat navigating the cave, Ash no longer felt as scared. And his fear had completely dwindled when he saw the light peering in from outside. 

When the trio reached the exit, Ash smiled and held his backpack. “Alright.” Ash turned to the Team Rocket duo. “Thanks for the help!” Ash called. 

“No problem, Ash!” James replied, waving him off. 

Jessie had rolled her eyes, but smiled and shook her head as she crossed her arms. “You’re such a softy.” Jessie mumbled. 

“Yeah well, you’re no better.” James muttered back. 

Tommy, while wildly bold and self confident, was one of the most down to earth people James had ever met. Not only that, but he was a kind and considerate soul, constantly looking out for his loved ones and making sure everybody was comfortable before pursuing his schemes, as chaotic as they could get. 

It took a little bit to get used to Tommy's upbeat nature, but once James did, he found the boy was very easy to banter with. Not only that, but his humour matched James's in some ways, making the jokes absurd and ridiculous. There were more times than James could count his fingers where he and Tommy would riff off each other with bits, leaving everyone else surrounding them confused and wondering if it was a cult ritual of some kind. 

And after the new brotherly adoption, the kindness, and the batshit weird jokes, James discovered TommyInnit was a very affectionate person. He'd seen it in the way he'd stick close to Ranboo's side and take his hand when they walked. He'd seen it with Wilbur and the blonde when they were hanging out, catching Tommy subtly, (and sometimes obviously,) leaning into his older brother's space until Wilbur hugged him, tight and warm every time. He's seen it when Tommy was around Aimsey, Billzo, Freddie, and Tubbo. The gentle affection and touches that had so much love behind them always reciprocated with a soft laugh or a fond look. 

It was disgustingly sweet, but it never failed to make James' 'cold, dead heart' warm and melt.

There were times however, when the world wasn't so sweet back to him. The world, as James had learned over the years, was angry and unforgiving. As much positivity some people spread throughout the earth, there would always be those people trying to promote toxicity. And the winning contestant of that toxicity? Twitter.

James did his best to follow his friends' examples and not go down the rabbit hole of negative Twitter hashtags and threads, but Tommy was less self-controlled. 

It started with a phone call. A phone call at two in the fucking morning no less. James would admit he wasn't the best at handling late night calls, especially by an eighteen year old kid. So when he snatched up his phone and smacked the 'answer' button, it wasn't really his fault he snapped an annoyed; "What do you want?" at ass o'clock on a Wednesday night. 

Silence hung in the air from the other end. It hung there so long James was about to hang up and assume Tommy had hit his phone in his sleep or something and called him by accident, then a sharp sob wrenched through the speakers and James' mind went blank. He was seemingly frozen on the spot before he swallowed to try and fix his dry throat.

". .Tom?" His voice was weak as the boy's name fell from his lips, soft and cautious. 

"J-James." His reply, if you could even call the high pitched whimper a reply, sounded so wretched. 

James was sitting up in an instant and throwing the duvet off in a panic. "Tom, what's happened? Where are you?" 

"I'm h-home- I'm at home." 

“Are you safe?" 

"...Yes? I- I think I'm, I don't know." He sounded so lost it made James's heart hurt.

"What happened? Is Ash with you? Rue?" 

"B-Both out. It's just me here."

James took a breath to steady himself and gripped the phone a bit tighter. His eyes focused on the moon dappled carpet, his sleep-ridden mind trying to get itself together to help Tommy through whatever was going on. Speaking of which… the kid hadn't actually told him what was going on. He murmurs softly, careful and gentle in the serene darkness. "What happened, bud? You still haven't told me." 

Another shaky wheeze filtered through the speakers, dry and thick with tears. There was a tense moment of silence that had James bouncing his knee anxiously, then Tommy's quiet voice spoke up. "Night-   nightmare, bad one, really bad. J-James I'm sorry I called you- Wilbur wasn't picking up, neither was Ranboo and-"

"Hey, don't apologise, I don't mind that you called me over this. …And I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier, it was unnecessary."

"...It's okay." 

Both their voices trailed off, the call filled with Tommy's sniffles and James' worried foot tapping. Then James leaned his elbows on his knees and spoke softly. 

"You want me to come over there?" 

There was a choked sound. "What-? James it's like two am right n-now, you shouldn't-" 

"I want to."

Tommy went silent on the line. James squeezed his duvet to calm down his racing heart, biting the inside of his cheek as he waited for the teenager's answer. Then after what felt like eternity…

"Please, James. I think I need a hug. Please come over." 

That's all James needed. "Oh, you're definitely getting one." He swung off the bed and pressed the phone between his ear and shoulder, opening his closet quickly. "Brother bear Jimbo is on his way." 

There was a soft laugh, a sniffle, then a fond mumble from Tommy. "Hurry up then, I'm James-less and sad." 

James snorted despite himself, yanking on a hoodie and grabbing his shoes from the closet. "I'll be as quick as I can, hang tight, little Raccoon." 

"Not a raccoon, bitch." Tommy huffed, his mirth hidden in the small exhale. "...Thank you." 

James wilted at the subdued tone. He grabbed his keys and made for the door, blatantly ignoring his pyjamas that were about to be judged by Brighton. People could shove their opinions. Otto looked up curiously as James rushed past the couch, a quiet meow drawing from the cat as his owner left the house at two am. Quite odd by the feline's standards but who was he to judge?

"I'd be there for you anytime, bud," James murmured, locking the door behind him and setting off briskly towards Tommy's apartment. "See you soon." 

James practically sprinted up the stairwell, the elevator busted much to his annoyance. He stumbled on the rough carpet more than once, hissing curses about the crummy building. They really needed to convince Tommy to move, this place was a nightmare. Finally reaching the story Tommy was on, James wheezed for breath and took a second in front of the door to compose himself. Just as he was starting to breathe normally and raising a hand to knock, the front door creaked open, a pair of blue eyes and a mop of golden hair just seen through the crack of the entrance. 

James opened his mouth to greet him. "Tommy-"

"Oh, jesus James-" 

The door was flung open and James suddenly had an armful of Tommyinnit burrowed into him. A choked sob wrenched from his throat, a series of stuttering cries following. James was fast to encircle the kid in his arms, shuffling into the apartment and kicking the door closed behind them. Tommy barely reacted, face pressed into the man's thick hoodie and clenching the fabric in shaking hands. 

"Easy buddy, easy, just breathe alright? I got you, I promise."

Tommy nodded into his shoulder, and it then hit James that Tommy's whole body was trembling, as if he'd collapse at any moment. 

"Oh Tom... uh, okay, hang on." 

In a smooth motion, James hoisted Tommy up into his arms, grateful for his workouts that he was able to lift his friends as easily as he could. Cause why would you want muscles to look good when you can have muscles to hold the homies? 

James shifted them onto the couch, keeping Tommy in his arms as he sat down. Tommy's hiccuping cries seemed to ease a tad upon them settling, now secured in a steady hold. 

There was a quiet sigh from James as he dropped his chin on top of the boy's curly mop. "So..." His voice was soft enough to not shatter the serenity, but loud enough to be heard. "What do I have to fight that made you so distraught?"

Tommy huffed a small laugh, but it sounded so sad. "Twitter."

James could already hear Wilbur's lecture. "Tommy…"

"I know. I know it was stupid to go on there, but I couldn't help it. I thought people would enjoy the content we did together but…" Tommy's voice trailed off. 

Right. Self worth and anxiety issues it seemed. James nudged his head. "Lay it on me, big guy. What was it they said?" 

Tommy shifted nervously and squeezed the fabric of James's hoodie. "They said I was ruining your chances of being an independent streamer cause I was being so obnoxious. ...I just want to know what I did wrong during our stream. Everyone seemed to hate it."

Those bastards. 

James seethed internally, wishing he had the power to find the people who were this toxic and squish them like bugs. That would be satisfying as hell. 

“Guess my brain was still locked onto the comments cause I had a dream about it…” Tommy trailed off, playing with the fabric of the large hoodie had on. One of Ranboo’s by the looks of it, that thieving little raccoon. Seeing as the kid wasn’t going to talk anymore, James hugged him a bit tighter and let out a deep hum.

“The people that complained don’t know good content when they see it,” he murmured. “You made the stream funnier Tommy, and if anything you brought a lot of your audience in to see it. The douchebags on Twitter saying that you’re ruining my chances? They’re dead wrong. Your community seems to make a habit of getting into parasocial relationships with streamers, and if they want to join me into that circle then I’m happy with that.”

“But I saw the chat, some people genuinely wanted me gone, what if I ruined-”

“You didn’t ruin anything,” James cut across him immediately. “I was happy you were there, and the people that actually enjoy our content would’ve found it as entertaining as I did. The ones that hated it don’t give a shit about either of us, they exist only to be a nuisance.” James gently prodded the side of Tommy’s head, getting him to look up at the older man.

“You get what I’m trying to say, Simons?”

Tommy digested that, then swallowed to give his throat a break from the dryness, finally nodding quietly. 

There was another prod to his temple, this time a little more pointed. “Hey, I want to hear you say that you understand. Say; ‘I get it James, you wonderful human being, thank you for blessing me with this knowledge’.” James had a gentle smile on his face, hoping to get the boy to rise from his slump and smile back.

Tommy battered away the finger and huffed, a small curl to his lips. “I’m not saying that.”

“And why not?”

“It’s dumb.”

“No it isn’t, I just imparted some wisdom onto you, I expect a proper thank you for it.”

The kid was obviously feeling a bit better as he snarked lightly, “Pretty shit wisdom, old man.”

“Old man-?” James spluttered incredulously, internally cheering that Tommy was perking up again.” I’m twenty five you gangly fuck.”

Tommy’s lips had lifted more into a playful expression. “Really? Your hairline says otherwise.”

James gaped at the kid then used the flat of his palm to push Tommy’s hair away from his forehead, earning an alarmed outcry from the boy. “My hairline? Have you looked in the mirror lately?”

Tommy was struggling against him now, the once comfortable hug turned into a trap. “Oh fuck off, James, get off me-” 

“You’re the one sitting in my lap, bucko,” James chuckled, but then suddenly screwed up his face as he brought Tommy’s head closer to him, analysing something critically. “Fuck,” he eventually huffed in bemusement. “It’s actually no wonder people call you and Wilbur brothers, you’ve both got shit hairlines.”

“Would you just-” Tommy elbowed James in the chest as he tried to wriggle free, a grunt emitting from the older man.

“Oi! Apologise for that you asshole.”

Tommy scoffed. “First you want a thank you, then you want an apology, I’m not a charity James.” 

Oh that little shit.

Fine then, if that’s how he wanted to play, so be it. Poke the bear, get the claws.

James growled in the back of his throat and then before Tommy could blink, he’d been flipped onto the couch, lying on his back with his head sitting beside James’ leg. James had his wrists in one hand with both arms laid back over his legs. “I’m expecting a thank you, an apology, and a compliment now, Tommy.”

Tommy yanked at his arms, grinning up at James. “Oh, get fucked,” he goaded, attempting a push up to achieve freedom, though due to his Gamer Body™ it didn’t work in his favour. 

“Go on, say all three, Tom,” egged on James, lifting the hand not holding Tommy’s wrists to hover over the boy’s armpit. The effect of the action was instantaneous. 

Tommy shrank back into the couch cushions, an involuntary nervous grin fully lifting his mouth as he yanked at his hands again. “No, don’t you dare- James, I’m fucking warning you-” he spluttered fruitlessly. 

The raven haired streamer chuckled. “Thanks for the heads up, loser.” James fingers jumped down to scratch quickly at the teenager’s underarm, eliciting a bout of shrieking laughter from the boy. 

“JAHAmes! YoHOU ahAHAhass!”

“Welp, that insult just added another compliment to the counter,” James tutted, “That’s four things you have to say to me now.”

“FuhHUHuhuck ohohohoff!”

“Five.”

Tommy squirmed and kicked into the couch cushions with an annoyed, desperate whine. “Yohou suhuck!”

“Six. You’re really not getting the idea of this are you, Tommy?”

James clawed hand scribbled down to pinch and wriggle amongst Tommy’s ribs, taking special care to spider over the sensitive bones on Tommy’s back that made him curl into a ball and squeal like a toddler. 

“JAHAHAMES! FUHUHUHUCK!”

James sighed like a tired parent, rolling his eyes in fake exasperation. “Tommy, I’ve given you the way out, you’re just running in circles and not finding the exit.” As he spoke he started to creep his fingers lower along the boy’s side, the tip of his nails just stretching the edge of Tommy’s abdomen. 

“NO-!”

Just as Tommy screeched out the plea, James’ hand swept back up to his top right ribs, using his thumb, index and middle fingers to clamp around the boy’s torso and squeeze at the sensitive area. “Something wrong?” He asked calmly.

“D-Dohohohon’t dohoho thahat!” Tommy gasped, giggling madly as he squirmed away from the tingling sensations.

“Don’t do what? I’m just tickling you buddy,” James arched a brow, slowly wriggling his fingers down the boy’s rib cage again. 

“Nononononohohoho- nohoHOT AGAIN-”

Jame’s hand had gotten dangerously close to his stomach again, yet the wiggling digits simply jumped back to his ribs, this time his left side to catch the boy off guard.

“JAHAHAMES!” Tommy cried out, giggling hysterically with pent up anticipation and nerves. 

The man was struggling not to crack and break into laughter himself, the kid was endearing, he couldn’t help the fond warmth bubbling in his chest. “Yeah Tommy?” He probed with a wolfish grin, “you seem a bit keyed up there.”

“I-Ihihihi- Ihihi’ll kihihihill-” Tommy spluttered, giving up on speaking and succumbing to the bouncing giggles tumbling out of him, bringing his knees to his stomach in a weak attempt to protect any spot he could. 

“You’ll kill? That’s not very nice, Tommy, you shouldn’t kill anybody.” He couldn’t resist poking some fun, the kid was a mess of laughter and wheezing from the barrage of tickles. Though, hearing the teenager struggling to breathe, he eased up a bit, resorting to simply tapping his fingers against Tommy’s sides.

“Well? Ready to give me my thank you, apology and four compliments?” He asked, grinning something akin to the Cheshire cat.

Tommy narrowed his eyes through the mirthful tears that had budded at the edges. “I-I hahate yohou soho muhuhuch,” he promised through lingering titters.

James frowned. “Seven,” he said like it was a dire court decision, then his hands leapt to scribble ruthlessly at Tommy’s stomach. 

The tickle attack was kept up for a lot longer than James expected. He’d presumed for it to end in under two minutes due to Tommy’s sensitivity and inability to handle the sensations for long. He was pleasantly surprised when Tommy held out for at least ten minutes before calling it, finally giving James the required sacrifices to grant him his freedom - though within those ten minutes the payment had gone up to a thank you, an apology and eight compliments, and James didn’t make it easy for the boy either, wrecking him throughout.

He’d only been so mean because he suspected the reason Tommy didn’t call uncle sooner was that he needed the time to simply laugh and let the lingering anxiety go. Honestly, he needed to get the kid to uninstall the godforsaken app for a while, it wasn’t doing his mental health any favours. 

When James had ceased entirely, he dropped Tommy’s wrists and rested a hand on his blonde hair. The teenager crossed his freed limbs over his torso lethargically and leaned up into the gentle palm, eyelids already fluttering closed from exhaustion.

He sighed, blissfully content. “Thank you, James.” 

The soft murmur made the man melt, but he cracked a joke to cover it.“For what? Torturing you? Not a problem.”

Tommy huffed a little laugh, nudging against the man’s palm like a cat. “No, for coming over. Feel better now, lighter, it’s nice.”

Fuck this kid was destroying his heart.

“Not an issue bud,” James smiled, ruffling the golden hair gently. “Do it again in a heartbeat.”

“You set me up and all you can say is sorry?!” His hands started tickling rapidly around Harry’s tummy. Harry instantly screamed and collapsed into laughter. 

“SIRIUS WAHAHAHAIT!”

“No no, I’ve got to tickle the cheeky monkey out of you. It’s the only way!” Sirius said, attacking Harry’s poor ticklish tummy. Harry very quickly fell to silent laughter and didn’t have the strength to fight back. Sirius laughed with him then decided to go easy on the poor boy. He stopped the attack and cuddled Harry close. 

“I-I’m sorry” Harry breathed out quietly. 

“I know, I know” Sirius said, kissing his head gently. 

“Right you, I think you’ve had enough tickles today, time for bed I think.” Sirius said. Harry nodded and let out a little sigh but Sirius could tell her was exhausted. He lifted up the small boy and carried him to bed. Harry drifted off very quickly. 

“Harry? Harry?” 

Harry slowly opened his eyes. He was still in bed. 

“Harry?”

He turned around and saw two figures standing in the doorway. They were both blurry. Harry reached over for his glasses. Once he put them on he instantly recognised the two figures. 

“Mum? Dad?” He asked, confused. 

“Hey son,” James replied. They both approached him and sat on the end of his bed. 

“Wait, what? What are you doing here?” Harry asked. 

“Just wanted to check in on you. Make sure you’re doing okay.” Lily said, she reached over and moved his hair out of his face and gently stroked his cheek. 

“You’ve gotten so big now! Where has that time gone?” She asked, smiling at him. Harry looked at her, puzzled. 

“I-” Harry began. 

“It’s okay, I know this might be a shock but we’re here now. I promise.” James said. 

“So, what’s my boy been up to eh? We saw you got into Gryffindor! And it looks like you made some great friends. Even rescued my best friend!” James said, smiling at Harry. 

“Yeah, um, yeah.” Harry was speechless. 

“I never need rescuing, James” came a voice from the doorway. Sirius was leant up against the doorframe. James laughed. 

“I always ended up rescuing you, Sirius.” 

“No no, you lie. I always rescued you.” 

The pair looked at each other and burst into laughter. James stood up from the bed and they both embraced each other in a hug. 

“Oh I’ve missed you, Padfoot.”

“I’ve missed you too, Prongs.” 

“I trust you’ve been taking good care of my boy?” James asked, pulling away from the hug. 

“Of course. He’s safe with me. Except for when he gets cheeky.” Sirius winked at Harry. 

“Well he gets that from his father,” Lily said. 

“Doesn’t he just.” Sirius replied. 

“Me? Cheeky? Never!” James said, mock hurt on his face. Harry let out a little giggle. James looked at him.

“You’ve been testing Sirius I see? That’s my boy.” James said, ruffling his hair. 

“Yeah I have. But better.” Harry said. James stopped and stared at him. 

“Excuse me?” James said. 

“I’m better at testing him” Harry piped up, surprised at this sudden confidence. 

“Like father like son” Lily said, smiling. James looked at her, then at Sirius, then back at Harry. 

“Told you he’s a cheeky sod.” Sirius said, smirking. 

“Alright son, you may know how to test him but you’re not the best here. I’ve known him longer.” James said. Harry raised an eyebrow at him. 

“I’ve lived with him for two years now, I know how to push his buttons and how to get away with it. It’s a trick you have when you’re young.” Harry sassed. James slightly opened his mouth. Sirius let out a little giggle. 

“Oh? Is that so? Don’t forget I used to be your age. I knew Sirius then too.” James responded. 

“Yeah but you’re ancient now, and Sirius could easily catch up to you. He’s a lot slower now, I can easily outrun him.” Harry said. 

“Excuse me? Ancient?” James said.

“I am not slow!” Sirius protested. Lily giggled. 

“You are though. It took you ages to catch me earlier.” 

“Oh? You want to go again? Cause I’ll take you again, no problem!” Sirius challenged. 

Harry got out of bed and squared up to Sirius. He looked him dead in the eye before yelling “GO!” and legging it out of the room. 

“OI!” James and Sirius yelled together before chasing him down the stairs. Harry circled the sofa before realising he had messed up. He stood at the front of the sofa and normally he’d have Sirius on the other side so he could play him by running the opposite way. But this time he had Sirius approaching from one side and James on the other. He made a quick decision and ran straight for the sofa James and Sirius both went to grab him but missed. Harry had just jumped over the sofa before he was grabbed and thrown back onto it. He looked up and found that Lily had caught him. 

“That’s my girl!” James said. 

“Yes Lily!” Sirius cheered. They both approached Harry, now lying on the sofa. 

“Now then. You still think you’re better than me?” James asked, kneeling next to him. Harry nodded. 

“Interesting.” James said. He walked his hand up Harry’s side and Harry giggled. 

“I had a feeling you were ticklish!” James said. Sirius scoffed. 

“Ticklish is an understatement, that boy is ridiculously sensitive.” 

“Is that so?” James said, smirking at Harry. He squeezed both of Harry’s sides and he shrieked. 

“DAD NO!” Harry yelled. 

“I’ve got 14 years to catch up on! All these tickles you’ve missed out on from me!” James teased, not easing up on his son. His hands shot under Harry’s arms and Harry arched his back and screamed. 

“Easy James,” Lily said. 

“He’s alright Lil, he’s had worse from me” Sirius said, calming her. 

“Oi James, I know all his bad spots if you really want to get him.” Sirius said. James stopped and looked at him. 

“Do go on.” 

Sirius approached Harry and winked at him. 

“Sirius please don't,” Harry pleaded. 

“James, you may wanna watch out. He’s gonna kick” Sirius warned. He launched a ten finger attack on Harry’s tummy. Shaking his hands and wiggling his fingers deep into the sensitive tummy. Harry screamed loudly and collapsed back into laughter. 

“Right here James, this is his worst spot,” Sirius informed. James smiled at his son being tickled by his best mate. 

“Alright alright Sirius, I want a go. He’s my son.” James said. He switched places with Sirius and attacked Harry’s ticklish tummy. Harry fell in and out of silent laughter. 

“This is how fathers and sons bond, right?” James asked. He looked at Lily who was smiling sweetly at him. Her heart was full at the sound of her son’s laughter. James kept this up for a few minutes until Harry was red in the face. 

“Alright James, don’t kill him” Lily laughed. James eased up. 

“You okay son?” He asked. Harry nodded. James slowly lifted him up into a sitting position and pulled him into a cuddle. Harry rested his head into James’ shoulder as he let out residual giggles. 

“I love you, son.” 

“I love you too, dad” Harry responded. Lily sat on the other side and cuddled in close to Harry too. She gently tickled Harry’s neck and he giggled. 

“Muhuhum stohohop” 

“Sorry love, I just wanted a go too.”  She said before holding him close. Sirius looked at the three of them together and decided to leave them alone for a bit. 

“Mum, Dad. I love you both” 

“We love you too Harry. So much.” Lily said, she kissed him gently on the forehead. 

Then everything started to fade to darkness. 

“Harry?” 

Harry blinked his eyes open. He was lying in bed. Sirius was sitting at the end of his bed. 

“Are you okay?”  Sirius asked. Harry looked at him, dazed. 

“What? What time is it?” He asked. 

“4am” Sirius responded. 

“Where….where did Mum and Dad go?” 

“What?”

“Where did my parents go?” 

“What do you mean?” Sirius asked, concerned. 

“They were right here, we were all together. We were hugging and I was being tickled and…”

“Ah, that explains the giggling.” Sirius said. 

“What?” 

“You were giggling in your sleep, that’s why I came in to see if you were okay.” 

“Sleep?” Harry asked, confused. 

“Harry, I think you were dreaming.” 

Harry went quiet. 

“Harry?” 

“Oh.” He said. He lowered his head. Sirius’ heart sank. He moved up the bed and held Harry close to him. 

“It’s okay. I’m here, I’ve got you. You know they’re both up there looking down on you, showering you with support every day.” Sirius said, rubbing Harry’s head. Harry nodded slowly. A tear slid down his face. 

“Look at me.” 

Harry looked up at SIrius. 

“It’s okay.” Sirius said. Harry buried his head into Sirius’ chest and hugged him close. Sirius ran his hand up and down Harry’s side eliciting small giggles from Harry. 

“I love you, Sirius.”

“I love you too, Harry. I’m always here for you. I promise.”