#ler!ryuji

You were joking around, poking fun at each other. Which eventually let you into physically poking him, right in the ribs. He let out a yelp.

“H-Hey! Watch where you're pokin’!” Ryuji cried with a chuckle, attempting to shoo your hand away. But you did not relent, continuing to poke, poke, poke, right into the side of his ribs. Each poke caused the blond to jolt, attempting to protect himself with his arm. You were unable to mask the pleased smile on your face.

“Are you tryin’ to start something? Because you're on track if that's your plan.” He pouted, though he wasn't serious with his discontent.

“I just can't believe you're still ticklish - I thought you said you ‘outgrew it’ when you got older, didn't you?” Your questioning tone grew mischievous once you started to add some scribbles against his sides and ribs into the mix. “Doesn't look like it.”

The pout flew right off his face, making way for sporadic laughter, his face scrunching up. A few tweaks on a particularly ticklish rib caused Ryuji to throw his head back in ticklish laughter.

But that was the final straw.

He grabbed onto your wandering wrist, flashing an evil grin of his own - admittedly a little bit breathless. “That's it - you're so gettin’ it now!”

You let out a gasp - that was your cue to run. Ryuji wasn't holding onto your wrist tightly, luck being on your side. Your wrist quickly slipped out of his hold, getting up from the table you were both sitting at, making a mad dash away from him. You knew you needed to get away, and fast. He was a former track member, after all.

It seemed you had even more luck today, as a glance behind you revealed that Ryuji stumbled trying to get out of his seat, his foot catching on the leg of the table affixed to the ground in his haste.

Good! Maybe you would be able to get away scott free this time. A few running steps forward however, you looked behind your shoulder again. Your look of triumphant freedom changed into immediate concern.

Ryuji was kneeling on the ground, head down, his hand clutching his bad leg.

Oh no - did he get hurt?

Your legs moved on their own, immediately running back to your friend to check up on him. You bent down, placing a hand on his knee in concern. Craning your neck, you tried to get a view of his face. “Ryuji, are you okay?? Ahhh, I shouldn't have tried to run away, I knew you were going to try to chase me if I did.” Babbling on, you didn't realise what storm was about to hit you.

He had you right where he wanted you.

A devious smirk formed on his face, hidden by his head facing downwards, all your worried talk going in one ear and out the other.

“Should I go and get the nurse? Do you need help getting to the nurse's offi— AAAAA?!”

Ryuji sprang up with renewed vigor, latching onto your body in a tight bear hug. He used his strength to lift you up just enough so that you were barely touching the ground. Wrapping his arms around you, agile fingers immediately dug into your ribs and sides.

A loud shout left your throat as quickly as it was replaced by desperate laughter.

“RYUHUHUJI—!! YOU TRIHIHICKED MEHE!!” Laughter was ripped from your throat as your friend's fingers found a ticklish spot you didn't even know existed between two of your ribs. You kicked and thrashed about, causing Ryuji to adjust his hold on you, which just ended up tickling you more.

“This is what you get for bein’ a little shit, y’know.” A chuckle accompanied his comment. His wandering, wriggling fingers managed to find the side of your belly, which surged a new violent reaction from you. He held onto you tighter, both so you couldn't get away, but also so you didn't accidentally hurt him or yourself. “Wow, you're just as ticklish as you were when we met - hell, even more, I think.”

“SHUHUHUT UHUHUP!!” You nearly squealed when his hands travelled back to the bottom of your ribs in an attempt to keep a tight hold on you again. After a few extra seconds of your nerves being set alight by tickles, his hug loosened, your feet finally touching solid ground again.

You panted as you leaned down, sucking in air to fill your empty lungs. “I shohohould have beheheen an awful friend… ahahahad ran when I hahahad the chance…”

“But you didn't. I knew ya wouldn't. You're too kind to do that,” A bright laugh left him, both at your kindness to make sure a friend is okay, but also from how easily you fell into his trap. He placed a comforting hand on your head, your head shooting up to look at him. “C’mon. I'll get ya a new cold one after givin’ me that cute laughter. On me.”

You faked pouted with a huff, closing your eyes and turning your head, cheeks tinted a little red. “That was not cute - I was nearly screaming!!”

“Pfft, whatever. You want a new drink or not?”

Both of you started to make your way back to the courtyard table you sat at with the vending machines right next to it. “Of course I do - and, I want some ice cream when we finish up today.”

Ryuji scoffed. “Jeez, ya think I'm made of money?” He was originally going to say no, until he noticed the glare you were beaming at him. Fear flashed in his eyes for a moment, and he gave up. “Fine, fine, I'll get ya whatever you want.”

You clapped your hands together with glee to accompany the winning smile on your face.

They agreed on meeting in a week’s time, when the field and track would be free and clear again. It seemed like the dialogue in Ryuji’s head went from “I’ve got a week, no big deal” to “CRAP, I have to have this ready in a few hours!” in the blink of an eye, and he still had no idea on how to lead a training session.  He sat alone in the library, which was a rare sight in itself, but he knew he needed to step up.

“Come on,” he mentally prompted, “just plan training time.  An hour, maybe ninety minutes.  You can do this.”

“Ryuji?” The electric blonde jumped out of his skin with a shrill noise of surprise, earning him a “Shh!” from the other students. He turned quickly and saw his student council president and Queen to Mementos.  Makoto sat across from him.

“I’m surprised to see you here.  You looked like you were struggling, though.  Anything I can help with?”

“Uh… Yeah, actually.  But I really can’t talk about it here. It’s about practice,” Ryuji emphasized and gave her a look, hoping she’d take the hint.  She stood, as if to say “received,” but actually said, “Of course.  We can use the student council room.  Our meeting just ended, so no one’s in there right now.”

They walked to the now empty classroom where student council meetings are held, and Ryuji explained the situation to Makoto.  She listened intently, already forming several solutions but not wanting to miss any details.

“He just sprung it on me.  And in front of Fox, how could I say “no”?”  Her strategizing mind realized he was venting now, and she smiled at him.

“He trusts you, Ryuji.  And he wouldn’t have asked you if he didn’t think you could handle it.”

“...you think so?”

“Absolutely! You’re his best friend, you don’t need me to tell you that.” Ryuji reflected on it and smiled, but in an instant grew panicked again.

“Wait! Aren’t you and Ann going too?!”

“Shhh! Ren and I already discussed that,” she started, keeping her voice low despite the privacy of the classroom, “it might be best to keep up appearances as much as possible.  Meaning getting together in a big group all of a sudden might seem suspicious. She and I have separate training days until we figure out something else.”

“Oh… yeah, that makes sense.  That’s why he’s the Leader, I guess.” Ryuji couldn’t help but be relieved; he enjoyed having Ann and Makoto on the team, but the less people at his first led training session, the better.

“So, as for your session,” Makoto started, “Always start any physical training with a warm up.  It’ll help keep you from getting sore, and will help with performance during the training.” Ryuji was scribbling madly in his notebook, as if she were sharing answers to a final exam.

“Next, you need to pick the focus of your session.  What did Ren do during your last session?” Ryuji shrugged.

“Ran and sparred, mostly.” Makoto looked blankly for a moment, and as if on cue Ryuji added, “Oh! He went over “observing and adapting,” saying stuff like how just charging at Shadows wasn’t always going to work.  Which I still don’t know if I buy it, but his way worked, too.” Makoto sighed at his impulsivity, but continued.

“So he focused on refining a skill.  You can do that. Or, you can try teaching something that you specialize in.”

“Well…” Ryuji thought, “I am pretty good at knocking down some Shadows with one hit.”

“So you’re good at finding their weakest points, and using them to your advantage?” Makoto asked.  Ryuji’s eyes started to light up.

“Yeah… I can show them how I do that! Thank you, Makoto!” He suddenly stood and hugged her, running out of the classroom and not stopping until he reached the track field.

“I wonder how he’s going to teach that.”

**************************************************

“How the heck am I supposed to teach this?!” Ryuji exclaimed in his head, pacing the track while waiting on his two trainees.  He didn’t have to wait long though, as he could see Ren leading Yusuke in his direction, both changed in athletic wear and ready to start.

“Hello, leader-for-today,” Ren started, “I’ve been wondering what you’ve come up with.”

“As have I,” Yusuke chimed in, “I hope to be better equipped to handle Shadows, and to gain some artistic inspiration.  Seeing Joker take the lead is inspiring in itself, but you surely will offer a unique perspective,”  Though Yusuke’s intentions were pure, Ryuji took this as “the pressure’s on,” and became a bit more visibly nervous.

“Uh… Yeah… totally… WARM UP!” he shouted, suddenly remembering Makoto’s advice and recognizing a way to dodge the inevitable for at least a few more minutes.

“Right! We can’t train well without a warm up! Let’s jog a few laps and stretch!”  The two looked a bit confused, but did as they were told while Ryuji led the jog and stretches.

“Ryuji, are we ready to get started on the lesson?” Ren asked gently, starting to realize the task had given his second-in-command much more stress than he thought.  Ryuji finally sighed.

“Okay, I wanted to show you guys how I land critical hits on Shadows, but we aren’t in Mementos and I know we don’t usually go without the others just in case something happens and I couldn’t think of anything else to do and-”

“Ryuji,” Ren put a hand on his shoulder, and it worked as if it functioned as a “pause” button.

“That’s a great skill to learn! And we don’t have to be in Mementos; I’ll be the Shadow so Yusuke can observe.”

“O-Oh, okay… Yeah! Thanks, dude!” Ryuji regained every bit of his energy and excitement, causing Ren to chuckle fondly and Yusuke to wonder how Ryuji functions so well against enemies while his train of thought was all over the place.

“I suppose that’s what I’m here to learn” he thought, watching Ryuiji and Ren take opposing stances.

“Okay, um… Ren?” his ravenette friend smiled at him.

“Just do what comes naturally when you’re fighting.  Try to narrate it.”

“So,” Ryuji started, “There’s a Shadow in front of you, Yusuke. What do you notice about his stance?”

“Well, he’s grounded.  And he has one arm toward his face, and the other at his torso.”

“Right.  And that’s pretty normal for us: to protect our faces and middles, where our organs are,” Ryuji explained.  Ren and Yusuke were shocked at Ryuji’s knowledge on the subject, and how well he was teaching it.  Ryuji was even surprising himself, although he was only doing as Ren said, narrating his instincts.

“Every Shadow is going to have different areas they want to protect.  They don’t have organs and some might not even have faces, who knows.  But they’re weak somewhere, and their defensive stance will usually tell you where.”

“What about our Personas?” Yusuke asked, “They seem to have abilities that work well against certain Shadows, and not with others.”  Ryuji blanked, he hadn’t really thought about that part.

“Excellent question, but let’s focus on the basics for now,” Ren saved, “Queen and I were actually discussing this earlier, and are working with Oracle on compiling a list of Shadow’s we’ve faced and what their strengths and weaknesses are.” Though it appeared to just be the three here, Ren wanted to remain vigilant in keeping the other members’ identities safe.

“I see, thank you. My apologies, Ryuji, please continue.”

“Yeah dude, totally ask questions!” He faced Ren again.  “Now, come at me like you’re going to attack.  Slow-mo, though.” Ren nodded, seeing where Ryuji was taking this part.  He motioned a running start, and a punch with his right hand, the one originally blocking his torso.

“Stop,” Ryuji instructed.  Ren froze in his position, right arm extended in a mock blow to Ryuji’s jaw.

“Now, I can do three things. Since I was in my own defensive stance, I can block with this arm,” motioning his left, protecting his face, “I can take his wrist and fling him behind me using his own force,” again, the both of them demonstrating what that would look like,  “or, what I’m showing you guys, I can take this as an opportunity.  Yusuke, what’s changed about his position?”

“Well, in order to make an attack, he was forced to uncover a weak point he was previously protecting.”  Ryuji beamed.

“Exactly! You can’t do both. See,” Ryuji demonstrated, taking his pointer finger and tracing from Ren’s ribs to his hip bones. “His weak points are wide open now.” Ren inhaled sharply and winced. Ryuji looked to him, suddenly smug.

“And I do mean his weak points.” As a leader, he was proud that Ryuji picked up on small cues that could give him an edge.  However, he wasn’t the acting leader right now, so as his friend he’d hoped it would go unnoticed.  Yusuke hadn’t paid the brief interaction any mind, as he was more focused on the lesson at hand.  Ryuji returned to his original position, to the moment just before he would have been struck by his opponent.

“So,” he continued nonchalantly, “since we decided to attack, I see him coming toward me with this opening, I’m going to dodge, and strike.” Ryuji swerved his body under Ren’s extended arm, and instead of a mock strike, latched onto Ren’s side and squeezed.  Yusuke would have had to be blind and deaf to miss Ren’s reaction this time, as he squealed and recoiled from the surprise attack.

“AH! Ryuhohoji!”

“...What’s going on?” Yusuke asked, as much confused as he was amused.

“Just a demonstration,” Ryuji replied with a snicker before releasing Ren.  “I think you should give it a try.  Ren, you’re the Shadow again.”

“Greheat,” he replied as Ryuji and Yusuke switched places.  Yusuke had a gleam in his eyes too similar to Ryuji’s to be considered “comfortable” to the Joker.

“All right, Ren, slowly.  Yusuke, get ready.” Ryuji prompted. Ren exhaled, moving slowly for Yusuke’s sake.  It was his job, after all, to teach his team. And surely Yusuke is serious about his training, as to not be tempted by such juvenile tactics-

“BWAH! Hehehehey! YUSUKEHEHEHE!”  Yusuke did appear very serious in his training; so much so he adopted two strategies.  As Joker came with his slow swing, Yusuke grabbed his wrist with his right hand.  With his left, Yusuke latched onto the Joker’s ribs, noticing a much stronger reaction to his grip than Ryuji’s.

“Lehehehet go, Yusuke! Yohohou got me!” However, the artist chuckled and held firm to his “opponent’s” wrist.

“Have I done it correctly, Ryuji?” The blonde couldn’t believe what he was witnessing, and in the best way.  He cackled wickedly.

“I couldn’t have done better myself.  But he doesn’t look totally defeated.” Ren, still giggling against Yusuke’s ticklish grip, noticed Ryuji approaching.

“Stahahahay awahehey, Ryuji!” Ren threatened, trying with more desperation to break himself free from Yusuke.  However, in response Ryuji snatched his other wrist.  His giggles were already becoming more frantic, knowing how screwed he was with both of them playing this game.

“I’ve never seen you like this, Ren,” Yusuke noted, “It’s like witnessing a whole other part of you.”

“You are, dude.  This, you see, is “nearly defeated” Ren.” Ryuji explained as if we were now the expert in Ren’s weaknesses.  Which, in the context of which tickle spots can get Ren to buckle, he just might be the expert, Sojiro being a close second.

“I see. Are you telling me he has weaker points?” Yusuke said, still sounding like a student but adopted the smug smirk and mischievous gleam of a tormentor.

“Juuhuhust get ohohon with it!” Ren pleaded.  Why were they taking so long? And talking about him like he wasn’t even there?

“Quiet, you, I’m teaching, just like you asked,” With that, Ryuji swiped his fingers along Ren’s collarbone and neck with his free hand.  The raven-haired boy scrunched his shoulders up and sweet giggles bubbled forward.  Yusuke would not have believed this boy, adorable in his mirthful state, was in charge of the vengeful Phantom Thieves, if he were not there in the flesh to see for himself.

“Such a sweet sound, and a precious expression to accompany it.  I had not expected to find such inspiration from mere child’s play.”

Ren didn’t really have a response; he didn’t think he would serve as inspiration in this state either. Other than inspiration for Ryuji to continue leading him to his ticklish demise.

“Yeah yeah, he’s cute, we get it,” Ryuji said, and blushed himself a bit at the remark.  “Here, give me that.”  He took Ren’s other wrist from Yusuke and pinned both over his head.

“Now see, you’ve found your target’s weaker areas.  Deliver a critical hit.” His instructions came out malicious, and Yusuke’s look of adoration turned back to sinister.

“Y-Yusuke! You don’t have to do it! You already got me, and you picked it up really quick!”

“Yusuke, you remember when we fight Shadows how they sometimes beg to be spared?” Ryuji intervened, “Well, this is one of those times.  Since Ren’s right and you did get it on the first try, it’s your call. Mercy, or finish him?”  Yusuke looked at his now pitiful leader, and almost felt bad for him.  However, he realized this was an effect Ren tended to have on people.  He comes off pretty innocent or unassuming, but Yusuke has seen first hand what he’s actually capable of.

“How will I know if he’s “defeated”?

“Yusuke!” “Oho, trust me, he’ll tell you!” Ryuji said.  Ren felt his grip tighten on his wrists as he helplessly watched Yusuke approach him, claws formed with his hands.

“Y-Yusukehehe, nohoho, dohohon’t-NAHAHAHA!” Ren begged, but it fell on deaf ears as Yusuke descended his claw-like fingers into the hollows of Ren’s underarms, skittering up and down his tricep.  Ren tried vehemently, but failed to bring his arms down and out of Ryuji’s grip, who he could hear snickering under his own cackling.

“RYUJIHEHEHE you JERK!” he spat. 

“You know, we don’t take crap from Shadows, do we, Yusuke?”

“Definitely not.  This heathen needs to learn his manners.” Ryuji was absolutely ecstatic that Yusuke was seamlessly playing along as he shifted gears, drumming on Ren’s ribs like he would a piano.

“Do you know how many ribs you have, Joker?”

“YEHEHES!”

“How many?”

“TWEHEHENTY-FFFFAHAHA!” 

“PFFT!” He might have been trying to say twenty-four, if not for Ryuji throwing in a raspberry to the crook of the Joker’s neck.  He could (barely) handle Yusuke prodding at his ribs or Ryuji’s raspberries to the neck, but both?

“Well, if you don’t know, I’ll have to show you.” Yusuke stated simply, starting with his bottom two.

“THAHAHAT’S NOT FAHAHAHAIR! YUSUKE!” 

Ryuji laughed wickedly at his best friend’s expense, unknowing beforehand that Yusuke could be so cruel.  He wasn’t sure if Yusuke could tell, but amongst the loud belly laughter and rib-counting, Ren was starting to buckle the farther up his ribs Yusuke’s wiggling fingers traveled.

“Hey, Yusuke,” Ryuji said.  He almost had to raise his voice to be heard over the ravenette’s boisterous laughter.  He halted immediately, and Ren took the gracious opportunity to catch his breath.

“Be ready when you get to twenty-three and twenty-four. That’s our Joker’s weakest spot.”

“I started to believe he himself was a weak spot.”

“Screhehew you bohohoth,” Ren replied, bracing himself.

“Is that really any way to talk to your pupils?” Yusuke asked, catching Ren off-guard by kneading into his belly.  It was firm from consistent training, but still was quaking from all the giggle fits it helped produce.  Ren threw his head back onto Ryuji’s shoulder in a surprised guffaw, nearly head-butting his nose.

“H-hey, easy dude!”

“I-ihihi’m sorrihehehe!” Ren cried, putting in more effort to hold himself up.

“Here, Yusuke, follow me,” Ryuji instructed.  They led Ren to the ground, Ryuji still holding his wrists but allowing his head to rest in his lap rather than the ground.  Yusuke straddled his waist.

“I suppose this Shadow’s had quite the battle,” Yusuke observed, noticing the streaks of mirthful tears on his leader’s pink face. “I’ll waste no more time then!”

“Any last words, Shadow?” Ryuji teased.  Ren offered one more futile tug to his wrists and took a deep breath.

“Do your worst.  Because you two are dead.” 

“Tch, as if,” Ryuji played off, ignoring the slight chill down his spine.

“Bold words in the face of your demise,” Yusuke noted, also feeling a tinge of nervousness, but wasted no more time and drilled his thumbs in the topmost ribs on either side.  The same leader daring enough to make such a claim in his position positively howled as his most ticklish spot was exploited.

“YUSUKEHEHEHE!” Ren bucked and kicked at the space behind them, but to no avail as far as stopping the maddening sensations playing at his ribs.

“This Shadow’s done for!” Ryuji exclaimed, then laughing along as if Ren’s giggles were truly contagious.

“It’s almost as if, once you know how to deliver a critical hit, the Shadow is not as menacing,” Yusuke teased, switching from drilling to vibrating his fingertips along the length of ribs twenty-three and twenty four.

“JUHUHUHUST YOHOU WAIHIHIT! BWAHAHAHA!” Joker cackled, somehow still delivering threats.  His booming laughter soon grew silent, and he became too weak to struggle.

“All right, all right, I think he’s had enough,” Ryuji warned.  As cruel of a tickler as he was (which Ryuji made a mental note of), Yusuke stopped within the same second he was asked to do so, not wanting to abuse the trust he’d been given. Ryuji released Ren’s wrists, though his arms remained limp above his head while he caught his breath, which occasionally hitched in leftover chuckles.

“Are you all right, Ren?” Yusuke asked, now concerned.  But Ren chuckled, of his own accord this time.

“Yeah, heh, I’m okay.” Ren looked up at Ryuji, since his head was still in his lap.

“If this is how you plan on leading training sessions, you’re fired.”

“What?! No! At least, not every time,” he grinned, still full of mischief, “Gotta keep you on your toes, Joker.”

“And I yours. Yours too, Yusuke.  You won’t know when, you won’t know where-”

“Yeah, yeah, we get it, fearful leader, so scary,” Ryuji brushed off.

___________________________________________

Ryuji x gn!reader (interpret as you wish)

Lee: reader

Ler: Ryuji

Warning: Tickles!

___________________________________________

It was one of those late nights where no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn't fall asleep to save your life. Energy coursed through all your body which sent any sleepy thoughts out the window. Maybe it wouldn't be such a huge deal on the weekends, but sadly there was class tomorrow. You needed to sleep atleast something, but you ignored trying to sleep and instead texted your best friend in the middle of the night.

Ryuji: "Y/n? What're you doing up this late? We have a test tomorrow".

Y/n: "Since when do you worry so much about exams?? Anyways, I can't fall asleep, so I'm gonna bother you instead :p".

Ryuji: "You always do this! Not like I mind but... y'know what? I'm coming over. I'll deal with you myself!".

Y/n: "What?! But it's midnight!!".

After that, you didn't hear back from him. He couldn't had been serious, could he? He probably fell asleep while texting you, yeah, that's a logical explanation.

Before you knew it, a knock could be heard at the door. You got up and opened it, revealing a sleepy Ryuji with his pjs on. You gotta admit, he looked pretty cute with his messy hair and droopy eyes. You smiled widly, he actually came! Energetically, you dragged him inside. "Geez, how are you still this hyper?? I gotta say, I'm a 'lil jealous~ But in all seriousness, you should get some sleep".

"Nope! And you can't make me~" you stuck your tongue out playfully, almost challenging him. As his sleepy facade slowly shifted to a more teasy look.

"Oh yeah?~" the blonde grinned, clearly up to no good, but you kept up your confident stance. "Not even if I..." he then wiggled his fingers threateningly towards you, your eyes instantly widening at the realization. Once he noticed your flustered reaction, his teasing grin only grew wider. "Run" were his only words, you instantly bolted on out of the room, looking for shelter in your bedroom, but Ryuji was hot on your tail, he was in the track team after all.

"Can't escape the tickle monster!~" he growled as he practically pounced on you, making you tumble onto your bed.

"W-wait! W-wehe can talk about thihis!" you tried to negotiate through nervous giggles. Not like you minded it though, it was well known how comforting you found being tickled after all. And Ryuji was always happy to indugle you in such activity, even if it meant going to your house at midnight.

"No talking! Only laughing!~" he smirked down on you as he pinned your wrists above your head with one hand, using his free one to spider across your belly.

"WAH! HYAHAHAHAHA!" you instantly threw your head back in laughter, your cheeks growing red by the second as your boisterous laughter echoed across the room. Ryuji looked very pleased with your reaction to his tickling, he then sneaked his hand under your shirt to make the sensation even worse. "R-RYUJI NOHOHAHAHAHA!" whenever you tried to speak, you'd get cut off by your own laughter, which only made Ryuji chuckle at your sensitivity.

"Aww~ Who's a cute, ticklish, 'lil thing?~ You are!~" he cooed, making you squeal in embarrassment. Your face, all the way down your neck was crimson red. And your smile was so big and bright, it could lit up the room.

"S-SHUT UHUHUP!".

"Make me! Oh wait... you can't~ You're too ticklish for your own good~" he snickered at his own playfulness as he playfully dipped a finger into your bellybutton, making you kick your legs out like a puppy.

"AH! WAHAHAIT! N-NOT THEHEHERE!" you tried to squirm away with all your might, but you could already feel your body getting tired from all the tickling.

"Why not? It's not like it's super, duper ticklish or something~".

"Y-YOU KNOW IT IHIHIS!!!" you practically shrieked through your laughter, finding it progressively harder to form coherent sentences. He couldn't help but laugh at your 'lil outburst.

Once he noticed that you struggled less and your kicking legs fell limp did he decide to show some mercy. "So... ready to go to bed now? Or do I have to keep going?~" he softly traced his fingertips along your tummy, occassionally circling around your navel. Keeping you in a soft, giggly state as to not overwhelm you much, but still ready to pounce once more if you still felt hyper.

You shook your head through your soft giggle fit, signaling that you had reached your limit. At that, he moved his hands out from under your shirt, letting you catch your breath. He then positioned you properly on your bed, tucking you under the covers as he placed a gentle kiss on your forehead, making you blush at the soft affection.

He smiled at you "Goodnight, Y/n" before walking out to let you sleep.

"Wait! C-can you stay...?" you blurted out before he could leave. He looked back at you and instantly smiled at the request, climbing onto the bed next to you, wrapping his arms around you as he softly snuggled you close to him. You let out a sigh of satisfaction as sleepyness finally started to consume you, heavy eyelids starting to close shut.

"Sweet dreams, cutie~" he softly whispered into your ear as you fell asleep against his chest, a soft smile plastered all over your face. You were glad you could always count on him.

___________________________________________

“Cool it, kid, I know exactly what’s going on up here.” Both teens were mortified, but for different reasons. Sojiro’s mischievous smirk was not helping, either.

“On paper, it’s my job to keep that one safe and out of trouble,” Sojiro started, pointing at the raven-haired boy.  “But just keep it down while I have customers, and I can allow for trouble of the “revenge of a sore loser” variety.”

“Whew, okay, thanks-HEY!?”

 “And I’m sure he still has a few secrets we haven’t found yet.”

Ren and Ryuji’s hearts leaped simultaneously, and the latter glared back at the former. “Oh yeah?”

Sojiro looked at Ren’s betrayed eyes. He sometimes forgets Ren was just a teenager, still very much a kid in some ways. But he took on so much more responsibility; a responsibility that most adults couldn’t handle. If they could, the Phantom Thieves may not exist in the first place.  Then he remembered how hard of a time he gave the boy after coming to Le Blanc and not believing his story.  He could go on a guilt trip about it, but he’d rather see Ren’s tension replaced with mirth at the moment.

“We haven’t tried his knees or feet yet.  Do with that what you will, I’m going to shut the door to the staircase, though,” Sojiro told Ryuji as he made his way back downstairs. Ren, having never seized the opportunity to stand, released an “Oomph!” as Ryuji pounced on his waist, facing away from him.

“Ryuji, please, doohohon’t, NOHOHO AHHAHAHA!”  Mercilessly and with a wicked cackle, Ryuji squeezed the soft area above Ren’s knees, causing an absolute explosion of laughter.  He reflexively brought up his knees, which did nothing to deter Ryuji’s ticklish grip, and brought his hands to grab futilely at his assailant’s shirt, unable to move much more than that.

“Ryhehehujihehe!” Joker cried, attempting to twist out from underneath his teammate.

“Nuh uh uh!” Ryuji scolded, pinching his calves. As it turns out, Ryuji found a not-quite-ticklish spot. Ren, still giggling, took the opportunity to hook his fingers into Ryuji’s hips, a recently discovered weak point of his.

“WaitwahehetWAHAHEHET NOHOHO! I KNEHEHEW YOU WERE A CHEHEHEATER!”

“You wound me, Ryuji,” Ren started, “I’m defending myself!  Why would I need to cheat?” He asked as if he was truly hurt by the accusation.  He continued to knead and tease his friend's hips, holding strong against every attempt Ryuji made to try to stand.

“Toohoo beheehat meehehehe!” Ryuji cried out, desperately trying to free his hips from Ren’s hands.  Ren, swiftly and cruelly, wormed his fingers under Ryuji’s waistline, just enough to contact the taught skin covering the hip bones.  Trading kneading for scratches with his dull fingernails nearly sent Ryuji into hysterics.  His cackle jumped up to a full-blown, unhindered belly laugh.

“Clearly, I don’t need to cheat to beat you. I’m just a natural at most things, it seems,” he teased.  He didn’t know exactly why, but he enjoyed antagonizing his friend this way, especially while he was coaxing out the most unabashed giggles from him. 

“Imagine if Shadows fought this way.  You wouldn’t have a chance,” Ren started, “All they would have to do is this,” and spidered his fingers along not just the hip bones, but up his sides and across is belly.  Ryuji screeched, trying to grab the offending hands while enduring a barrage of ticklish jolts that were turning his mind and muscles to mush. 

“YOHOHOU’RE ASKING FOHOHOR IT!”

“Even if I was, you aren’t so scary right now.  You’d think someone with the name Skull would be more of a threat.”  

That did it. Ryuji, mind still fuzzy, lunged forward, breaking out of Ren’s “lethal” grip.  He grabbed one of Ren’s ankles.  He scribbled all along his socked sole, hoping to throw his leader off guard.  Sure enough, Ren’s head was thrown back in a surprised yelp before devolving into bubbling, boyish giggles.

“Dohohohon’t! Quihihihit, Ryeeehehehujii!” Ren spat through his cackles, hoping not to hurt his friend with his spastic kicking. Ryuji, on the other hand, was glad to be catching his breath.  And while he regained breath, he also regained his deviousness.

“Don’t quit? Didn’t plan to, chuckles.”

“Nohoho nahahame calling!” Ren retorted.  He couldn’t reach Ryuji’s hips again from where he scooted forward to sit closer to his ankles.  Smart, so now he wouldn’t get kicked in the head, but it put Ren in a position without many options. 

“You want scary? I’ll give you scary!” Ryuji, fired up now that he had the upper hand again, shifted slightly so his wiggling fingers were in plain view, slowly descending toward Ren’s captured foot. Despite himself knowing this tactic, he couldn’t stop himself from giggling at such anticipation.  He yelped when Ryuji just barely grazed the tops of his toes, and the blonde assailant shot his hand back up to repeat the maddening process.

“And you want to talk about me! The Shadows would only have to think about tickling you and you’d be a mess!”

“Ryeehehehujihehe, pleeheheease!”

“Please what, fearless leader?”

“Geehehet on wiheheth it!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, dude. I’m not even touching you.” Though he tried, Ryuji couldn’t keep a straight face through the whole interaction.

Ren groaned, and ultimately resigned to his fate, however long that would take. But then he found his assailant’s own socked foot and grabbed his ankle.  Ryuji paused, and Ren took in several breaths, keeping his other hand poised for attack on Ryuji’s sole.

“Ihi’ll make your life reheally hard, don’t you dare,”  Ren smirked, noting the preliminary giggles lacing the threat. He twitched his fingers and Ryuji jumped.

“Another bad spot? You make a lot of threats for someone with so many weak points.”

“HA! You’re one to talk. At least I don’t deny it as it’s happening.” Ren only rolled his eyes and felt the blush that finally started to settle come back.

“Don’t be embarrassed or anything, dude. I’m not.  Makes us human, ya know?” Ren met his eyes and smiled genuinely, but twitched his fingers again on Ryuji’s sole, causing another jolt.

“Okay, bro moment’s over, you’re deHEHEHAHAHAD!” Ren, knowing he was instigating and still pinned, made sure to get the first move in.

“Don’t you mean a bro-ment?” Ryuji’s cackles, like Ren’s earlier, picked up at the pun.

“Yooohoohou deheheserve this!” Skull claimed, haphazardly tearing off Ren’s sock, skittering lightly from heel to toe. He immediately relented his own attack and squealed before his giggles came bubbling over. 

“You like that, huh?”

“NOOOHOOHOO I DOHOHON’T!” he denied, a little too vehemently. He didn’t understand how just a few well-placed swipes on such a small part of the body could render him to such a state. Whether Ryuji was aware or not, Ren wasn’t sure, but every time those malicious fingers wandered too close to his toes, his laughter kicked up an octave. Ryuji snickered.

“Dude, yoohoou make the best noises.  I could do this aaaaallllll day!”

“PLEHEHEASE DOHOHON’T!” Ren spat, tapping the couch, trying to signal he had enough.  Ryuji obliged immediately, finally removing himself from on top of his friend and sat on the floor to allow him to recover.  Ren, still catching his breath, shot up and put his sock back on, catching Ryuji’s glance.  Chuckling, Ryuji reached and patted Ren’s back reassuringly.

“*pant*... asshole... *pant*,”

“Ready for another round?” Ryuji asked.

“NO!” Ren boomed, already curling in on himself.  Ryuji was startled, but then laughed at his poor friend.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, I was going over notes from the last meeting with Morgana-AAHAH!” Ren jumped and firmly brought his arms to his sides, already feeling a light dust of pink creep on his cheeks as Futaba had successfully snuck behind and tazed the sides of her older brother figure, giggling in amusement as she scampered back to the kitchen.  She and Sojiro had promised not to broadcast Ren’s *sensitive* information after the eventful morning not too long ago.  So either this was Futaba’s loophole in telling Ryuji, or she was just being her mischievous self, it was hard to tell.

Ren growled and rolled his eyes, walking quickly towards Ryuji, and the door.

“Come on, we should get to training.” Ryuji grinned his energetic grin.

“Right! Later, Sojiro-san, Futaba-chan!” Ryuji didn’t think anything of what happened at first, until he noticed Ren actively trying to hide his face while it returned to its usual color.  He grew worried.

“Dude, you okay?” Ryuji was used to his leader’s usual quiet demeanor; it was most often a sign that some scheme was being concocted in that mind of his.  But something seemed off, like his leader was shaken instead of contemplative.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just thinking a bit.” Ren assured with a smile as the pair made it to Shujin Academy, where they would be able to use the track and field.  They stretched as they watched the track team leave, giving the pair the area to themselves, save for if any other students or faculty decided to use the track, which in their experience was rare.

Once they’ve properly stretched, the two took off on a light jog to warm up. Ren relaxed, allowing himself to loosen and clear his head. The sun felt warm in the cool morning air and, speaking of, the air smelled pure: trees and grass and free of any smoke or other unpleasant city smells. His mental tranquility came to an abrupt shatter as he felt a poke to his side.  Though it didn’t cause quite the reaction as Futaba’s tazing did, he still turned quickly to face Ryuji.  Ren swore he saw a glint of something in his eyes before he spoke.

“Hey, you looked like you were on another planet. I asked what the plan was for today. You sure everything’s good?”  They stopped their jog to take a brief break. Ren smiled at his friend’s concern. “I must just be paranoid.”

“Yeah, everything’s good.  Just a little distracted today, I guess.  I’m sorry to worry you.”

“Don’t apologize, man. Just checkin’ in, that’s what bros do.  Gotta keep you on top of your game, ya know?” Ryuji said with a nudge. In that moment Ren was glad he ran into the “bad influence” at Shujin.

“I planned on sparring a bit for combat practice, then some short sprints for building strength and stamina.” Ryuji beamed, clearly pumped.

“All right! Let’s do it!” They assumed their regular fighting stances: Ryuji’s more geared for the offensive, Ren’s geared to adapt to his opponent, in this case, more defensive.

“Ready or not leader, here I come!” Ryuji charged, seemingly without a plan, which didn’t surprise Ren as he successfully dodged and blocked the blonde’s blows.  Ryuji, growing frustrated, backed off of Ren to think.

“Oh, is it my turn?” Ren taunted, smirking as he does when he has a Shadow cornered.  This time he charged, aiming for the spots Ryuji habitually left open, adding to the blonde’s frustration. Though he caught on, and was able to match Ren in blocking and dodging. Albeit not as graceful, but effective.  Ren smiled at the progress, but wasn’t about to let up.  In fact, he took the opportunity to feign a punch, and when Ryuji’s attention was on his fist, Ren swept his feet out from under him.  The offensive blonde fell to his backside and cursed loudly, not in pain, but in defeat.

“Dammit! How do you do that? Get me to your level, dude!” Ryuji groaned, accepting the outreached hand to help him up.

“You’re already on my level. We just have different fighting styles.  The only advice I can really give you is to be more adaptable: it’s all in observation and timing.  Brute force works with a lot of Shadows, but it won’t work with every match.” Ryuji took this advice in and mulled it over. Ren was right; they had started training around the same time and seldom did so without the other.  They both learned about the Personas and Metaverse together through Morgana and they’ve fought at each other’s side since day one.  He just needed to be open to different methods, as Ren has been able to do thus far.

“Yeah, I think you’re right.  Just need to add a bit of yin to my yang, yeah?”

“Right!” Ryuji was grateful for his friend’s help and guidance, but still couldn’t shake the disappointment of losing, and so quickly. That is, until he recalled today’s events and concocted a devious battle strategy.

“Are you ready for sprints? We can cool off after and go back to Le Blanc, Sojiro’s been showing me how to make curry, I think I could make a good lunch.”

“Actually dude, could we go for another round? I wanna practice your “adapt to your opponent” and “observation and timing” stuff.”

Ren chuckled light-heartedly, both at the comment and in delight that Ryuji was so eager to learn.

“Sure, we can go again.”

The boys assumed stances once more, Ryuji’s looking a bit tighter and more prepared to block open areas.  Ren adjusted accordingly, opting to go more in the offensive.  It was defense and caution he thought Ryuji wanted to grasp, so he would have to be the one to make the first move. And so he did, but not throwing caution to the wind as his opponent had earlier. He struck slower than normal, becoming more of a teacher than an adversary, and his pupil was doing far better at dodging and blocking.

“What are you smilin’ at?” Ryuji asked.

“I knew you were capable as long as your head was in the right place.” Ren praised, then taunted, “Maybe now our spars will be challenging.”  Ryuji knew he was teasing, but if he had any doubts about his plan before, they were thrown out the window as he grinned wickedly.

“Is that so, fearless leader? We’ll see how long you feel that way!” Before Ren could counter, Ryuji managed to grab an oncoming blow and knock Ren off balance, effectively turning him around with his wrist pinned to his back.  Ren chuckled.

“You got me, that wasn’t bad!” Ren commended, though grew confused and started panicking as Ryuji took his other wrist, pinning both to Ren’s back with one hand.

“Ryuji, what are you-HHMPH!” Ren gasped at Ryuji’s hand resting on his side, trying and failing to seem unphased.

“Dude, what’s wrong? You were all high and mighty just a second ago…” Ryuji started, lightly kneading his fingers into Ren’s side, already tense in an attempt to keep his giggling at bay.

“Ryuhujiiheh, dohon’t!” Ren managed, not convincing in the slightest that he was unaffected by his friend’s torment.  Judging by his encounter with Futaba and Sojiro, and knowing how Ryuji is, he sensed he was in some trouble.

“Don’t what, dude? I’m not doing anything!” Ryuji claimed, adding more pressure, and skittering his hands over to Ren’s belly.  The ravenette gritted his teeth, but muffled giggles were still heard, and he was trying harder to break out of Ryuji’s hold.

“Yoohoohoo know whahaht you’re doing-NO! Naaaahahaha!” Ren threw his head back onto his friend’s shoulder and dissolved, unable to fight back cackles anymore as Ryuji’s hand wandered up to his ribs, tickling and teasing in between each one. Ryuji mock gasped.

“No way! Could it be? I didn’t think it was possible!” The blonde continued to tease.  He noticed Ren’s knees beginning to give, so rather than expend his energy holding him up, Ryuji swiftly pinned Ren to the ground, straddling his back.  Sadistically, Ryuji leaned close to Ren’s ear.

“Dude, are you ticklish or something?”  Before even giving Ren a chance to respond, he latched his hands onto Ren’s ribs again, this time with more vigor and purpose as his fingers prodded and scurried unpredictably.  Ren’s reaction was instant: his laughter boomed, boisterous and unfiltered, the moment Ryuji made contact.

“Well? Are you?” Ryuji provoked.  Ren shook his head, both at the menace tickling him silly and the unbearable sensation itself, as if a “no” would lessen the feeling.  Ren, being unable to reach Ryuji in his position, folded his arms and buried his head there, if anything to hide his face and muffle his laughter, ultimately resigning to his fate.  Even if there was a way out, he couldn’t think straight enough to figure it out.

“Oh, Reeeenn~ You’re not answering me,” Ryuji sang slowly, softly yet cruelly tracing light circles in the hollow region of Ren’s underarms.  Ren calmed slightly at the somewhat bearable feeling, though still unable to stop giggling like a child.

“Nooohooho! Eeeeheheehee!”

“No, what?”

“Ihaha’m nooohhooot!”

“Dude, are you for real right now?” Ryuji halted his ticklish onslaught briefly.  Ren relaxed, but not too much; he knew Ryuji wasn’t finished.  Residual giggles came as he spoke.

“Aahaall right, Ryuji, you wihehn.” Ren was ignored as Ryuji continued.

“You lied to me this morning when you said nothing was wrong. You were obviously thinking about something.  I have a feeling I know what, now.” Ryuji sported the same wicked grin as earlier, softly kneading again into Ren’s sides and any part of his belly he could reach.  Ren began giggling again, though kept his burning face buried in his arms.

“I gave you the benefit of the doubt, and asked you again. You lied, again.” The blonde suddenly pinched at Ren’s hips, earning a squeal.  Ryuji chuckled, not knowing Ren was able to produce a sound like that as his friend finally brought his arms down to grab his wrists.  Ryuji then saw Ren’s lightened face and forming tears.  He was giggling like a little boy; it was honestly adorable.  But still, Ryuji continued.

“Now, I ask you a simple question.  A question you had no business lying about. And you have the balls to LIE!” His hands shot back up to Ren’s ribs, causing a jolt.

“AHAAHA! RYUJIIHEEHEE!”

“You LIED! TO! MY! FACE!” Ryuji mock-scolded as he squirmed his fingers into Ren’s underarms.  Ticklish sensations seemed to send waves through Ren’s body. His legs kicked out behind the two and he squirmed as hard as he could, but was trapped under his friend, who seemed to be rather enjoying this.

“I’m soohoohorryheehee! Ryyheeheeujii!”  Ren cackled, barely able to make out the apology.  Then Ryuji stopped again.

“That’s three strikes.  I know we’re bros and all Ren, but I can’t allow three strikes without consequence.”  Ryuji shifted quickly, now sitting on his calves, turned away from Ren.  Ren’s eyes widened in fear as he felt Ryuji try to work off a running shoe, now thrashing to try to get away.

“Nuh uh uuuuuh~” Ryuji sang, reaching around and delivering spidery tickles to the backs of Ren’s knees. It was like little ticklish shocks were delivered to his body at once, and he elicited the same boyish giggle from earlier.  This was bearable though, and since Ryuji was now on his calves, Ren had enough leverage to turn on his side, going straight for Ryuji’s calf, hoping it would have some effect.

“AH! He-HEEHEY!” Ryuji, caught off-guard, giggled and toppled over, giving his captive that inch he needed to free himself and take off.

“It’s time for sprints!” Ren yelled back, running as fast as he could.

“You get back here, you coward!” Ryuji shouted and took off after him.  Ren was usually a decent runner, but he was drained from having laughed so long and so hard. Not to mention… butterflies? It seemed he was actually enjoying the chase.  He let a giggle escape when he turned and saw his wily teammate gaining ground.

“Come on, come on…” Ren prompted himself, trying to think of a way out of this.  He can’t run forever and there’s nowhere to hide so… Time to give Ryuji a taste of his own medicine.

“Time to go offensive,” Ren prompted, quickly and without warning stopped and turned toward Ryuji.

“SHIT!” he exclaimed, trying to slow himself down, but couldn’t quickly enough. Ren swerved, grabbing Ryuji around the middle in a tackle to the ground.  Both boys were fighting for the upper hand, but neither could suppress their grins.

“What’s wrong, leader? Too ticklish for your own good?” Ryuji teased.  Ren groaned, but refused to be pinned again.

“I might be a little.”

“A LITTLE? Do you call begging for mercy a LITTLE?” Ren ignored the question, and took an open opportunity to drill his thumb into Ryuji’s hip bone.  The eccentric blonde shrieked and tried to jerk away, but Ren now had his chance: he took both Ryuji’s wrists in one hand, pinning them above his head, and smirked at the surprise that took over his friend’s features. 

“H-Hey, come on, man… W-We can talk about this, right?” Ryuji asked, wobbly smile willing itself on his face. “I was taking your advice! Adapting and being observant and stuff, that counts for something, right?!”

Ren suppressed a chuckle to keep his menacing smirk from fading. While what Ryuji is saying is true, he’d already been tickled mercilessly by Sojiro, Futaba, and now Ryuji: he believed it was finally his turn to dish out a punishment.

“You did take my advice, and I commend you for your quick thinking and improvement,” Ren began, testing the waters by tracing feathery light circles on Ryuji’s hips.  Immediately he jerked at the sensation and bit his lip.  “It was a bit unorthodox though, don’t you think?” Ren sensed he’d already found one of Ryuji’s more sensitive spots, and moved to pinch at his sides instead: he’d save that for later.  Ryuji screwed his eyes shut, determined not to give his friend the satisfaction of breaking him so quickly.

“It wohorked, though, aahaand don’t think Ihehe won’t reheemember to uhuhse it against you-EEP! SHIHIHT, NOHOHOHO! Stahahaap!” Ren smirked at the boldness his friend had for making such comments in his position, and without warning brought his free hand to his ribs, teasing his fingers over and in between them. In hindsight, Ryuji supposed he asked for that, now cackling wildly and trying to throw Ren off of his waist.

“That’s a lot of tough talk for someone who can’t take what he dishes,” Ren teased spidering his way into the hollow of Ryuji’s underarm.  The atomic blonde’s madman-like cackle seemed to be traded in for a happier, bubblier giggle, not too unlike the boyish giggles Ren made earlier.  

“Whohoho said I couldn’t tahahake ihihit? Eeeh hee hehe! Dohoho yohour WOHOHORST! AAHH Heeheheehe!”

“My worst?” The ravenette was quite enjoying the reactions he was eliciting from his eccentric partner, and began to see why it might have been fun for his friends and caregiver to tickle him silly. He relented, allowing Ryuji a moment to catch his breath-he was gonna need it.

“Just remember, you asked for this.  Here lies Ryuji Sokamoto…” Ren started.

“Dude, did you just start my eulogEEHEEE! REEHEHEN! BWAAHAHAHA!” Ryuji absolutely screeched when Ren’s hands darted at lightning speed and latched onto Ryuji’s hips. One hand kneaded and drilled for all it was worth, while the other skittered and teased the taught skin on the bone.  It was maddening: If Ryuji could think straight in that moment, he wouldn’t be able to tell you which sensation was worse, not to mention the unpredictable pokes and prods at his belly and sides to keep him guessing. 

“REEHEHEN, I CAHAHAN’T!” He pleaded, pounding at the ground under him and flailing his legs out behind them.  Ren finally broke his façade and laughed at his friend unraveling in front of him.

“You can’t what?” Ren halted, but left his hands on Ryuji’s hips: just the threat had Ryuji giggling and squirming still.  Ren chuckled at the realization.

“I’m not doing anything to you!”

“Yehehes you aaaare hehehe!”

“Then answer me, you can’t what?” Ren pressed, curling his fingers once as a warning, sending a jolt through the blonde. He gripped Ren’s wrists and cackled, shaking his head.

“Tahahake it! Ihihihi can’t tahahake this! Eehehehe! I gihihive man, you wihihin!”

Sensing he was truly reaching a limit, Ren detached his hands from Ryuji’s hips.  Ryuji sighed, and some residual giggles poured out as he caught his breath.

“Remind me… NOT… to piss you off anymore…” He said light heartedly. Ren laughed, climbing off his friend and sitting on the grass next to him.

“I was never mad, I… I don’t know really, I was excited, nervous, then I felt like I might have gotten carried away. I’m sorry about that,” Ren apologized, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.  Ryuji smiled, patting the grass next to him, suggesting Ren lay back on the grass too.  He obliged.

“You’re good, dude.  You’ve got a lot going on, in the real world and the Metaverse.  I can’t believe I have to be the one to tell you you’re allowed to have fun sometimes, ya know? Even if I almost died.” 

“Don’t act like you didn’t try to kill me earlier, you started it!” Ren retaliated, probably sounding much more immature than he ever had, and the two laughed. The whole air around them was positive and light, and both felt their bond deepen.

“Just watch yourself, Joker. You got lucky today.  Next time I’ll wreck you.”