#ler!rowan

“Hey, bud…” he said softly, sitting down at the end of the sofa and looking at Jimmy, who was purposefully ignoring his gaze. “Listen… i know it’s been hard these last couple months, me and Lister are tired too-“ he was interrupted by Jimmy laughing, quietly and sarcastically, “-and… and I also know that going home will be hard too, for you.” Jimmy hadn’t been expecting this, and for the first time, looked up at him through messy hair. He needed it cut, bad.

“If there’s anything we can do to help when we get home- or even now- please let us know… I mean, obviously we have to get back to our lives a little and chill and all that, but if you want us to come over or just want quiet company, you’re welcome to… just talk to us, okay?” he said softly. Jimmy was smiling now, just a little, and nodded a little. “Thanks,” he mumbled, and though he didn’t say much, he did greatly appreciate his friends’ support. It meant a lot, just to know they were there and supported him.

Rowan grinned and leaned over, ruffling up Jimmy’s hair which he quickly swatted away, hitting his arm gently. When Roman poked his side in retaliation, Jimmy squeaked, quickly arching away from the touch and holding his hand, looking at Rowan warningly and trying to hide his smile. “Don’t-“ he said, breaking into a grin.

Rowan looked over at Lister and smirked, and Lister, who had been standing to the side nervously (he was never much good at advice like Rowan, mostly just hugs and emotional support) smirked back, stepping forward.

“Y’know-“ Lister said slyly, “we haven’t seen you laugh in a very long time… not properly laugh-“

Jimmy was shaking his head, beginning to giggle and scan for escape routes. “Guys, hang on- let’s talk about this-“ he pleaded, but Rowan had already got ahold of his arms and was starting to hold them up. Jimmy slid down through his squirming, half laying down and half leaning on Rowan now as Lister came over, wasting no time in attacking his ribs. Jimmy shrieked, legs kicking wildly as he burst into hysterical laughter. “NOOHOOO!! LIHIHISTEEEEHEHER!!”

Of course, Lister aimed for a death spot first. Typical move.

Lister had to sit on Jimmy’s legs to stop him kicking so much, fingers digging into his sides and lowest ribs. He tugged tremendously at his arms, to the point where Rowan was struggling to keep ahold, and was using almost all his strength. Jimmy squirmed and screamed, cackling loudly and begging through his hysterics, attempting desperately to curl up and failing.

“PLEEHEHEHEASE!!! NOHOHOHOHOT THEHEHEEREEE!!” he wailed, and Rowan nudged Lister with his foot. “Hey, bud… lessen up-“ he said softly, and Lister paused, looking down at Jimmy and realising how there were already tears in his eyes. Stopping for a moment to let him breathe, he went a little red, embarrassed that he went a little too far.

Instead, he switched to scratching at his belly, resulting in a string of high pitched giggles to pour from Jimmy’s mouth. He squirmed less now, wiggling around and trying to hide his face in his outstretched arms with the biggest smile on his face. It was incredibly endearing, seeing that smile, so clearly loving it but denying it every second. “Lihihihisteheherrr… gehehehet ooohohohohoffff!!” he snorted, trying to turn away and escape the tickling. It only lasted a little longer before he did let go, and the second his arms were released he curled up in a ball, hiding his face in a pillow and continuing to giggle for a second. “Youhuhuhu guys are the wohohorst…”

Rowan shook his head and ruffled his hair again. “You love us,” he grinned, and Lister laughed a little.

“Sure you still wanna stay with us after the tour?” he teased, and Jimmy nodded a little as he looked at the others. “Yeah, i’m sure… just don’t be doing that-“ he laughed, trying to rub away the feeling from his ribs that still lingered after.