#ticklish!evan

“Ah,” Connor threw a hand in the air, finger pointing, “I saw the first one.”

Evan looked where the long haired teen was pointing and viewed the first visible star of the night. 

“Yeah, you did,” Evan smiled his usual nervous smile. 

A stretch of silence, eyes searching the heavens. 

“There!”

“Over there!”

Evan and Connor thrust their arms into the sky at the same time, hands colliding when they each spotted the same star simultaneously. 

Connor tilted his head to Evan and he grinned, “Heh, that can be our star.” 

“Just ours,” Evan blushed and smiled back. 

Connor kept his eyes on Evan for just a bit longer before returning his gaze to the sky. A few more stars popped up in the interim amount of time. 

Evan scratched at his arm as he got more cozy on the soft grass. He felt another, colder hand press against his forearm. 

“You think we’re gonna catch any constellations tonight?” Connor asked, not removing his hand from Evan just yet. 

Evan looked from him to the stars and he shrugged, “Dunno. If anything, we could make up our own.”

Connor smiled a little wider, now having one painted fingernail gently scratch up and down Evan’s arm where he was holding him. Evan blushed as a shiver was sent up his spine. 

“Uhh, like,” Evan cleared his throat, “That one could be a lightning bolt,” he drew the pattern up in the air as he gestured to a collection of burning gas balls. 

Connor tilted his head as he tried to see it, “More like a worm to me. Less severe in the squiggle section.”

Evan giggled briefly, “Mahaybe, uh huh.”

Connor saw a party hat among the stars, and Evan gasped when he could see it clearly. The name game went on for a while, keeping the two of them talking and occupied. Another lull arrived as a large cloud swooped over them, covering the stars from view. 

Connor picked up a fallen leaf from the ground and twirled it between his paint-chipped fingernails. It was obvious he wanted to say something. If only Evan was looking at him. 

“Dear Evan Hansen,” Connor began, not breaking his gaze from the spinning, floppy leaf. 

Evan turned his attention all to Connor Murphy, a scared blush adhering to his cheeks. 

“You’ve had a lot of good nights with Connor,” Connor resumed speaking from Evan’s perspective, “Well, Connor hoped they were good for you. You’re not as shy anymore. You make Connor feel so...” Connor sighed and now his own nose and cheeks lit up, “... loved.” 

Evan felt like he was having heart palpitations, and he scratched his stomach, his nervous tick growing out of control. When he and Connor locked eyes at last, it was like floodgates were opened. 

Connor leaned in towards Evan and he rested his head on the smaller teen’s chest. Evan’s breath hitched and he did not move a muscle. He had to say something. What the hell could he say!?

“D-De-Dear... Connor Murphy,” Evan bit his lip, “You’re everything Evan could ever dream of and more. He-He loves you.” 

Connor leaned his head back to peek at Evan. He shut his eyes and pushed himself up, arm now resting on the ground around Evan, and he kissed the other teen. Evan’s eyes widened in abject fear for the first few seconds before he melted. He didn’t move any part of his body except for his lips. 

Connor broke the kiss and he watched Evan for his reaction, apprehension apparent on his face. He smiled first, which then allowed Evan to smile back. 

Evan chuckled and sounded out of breath. His eyes softened and he looked down. Connor kept staring at Evan. What a perfect fucking beauty. 

“You should’ve told me a long time ago, Ev,” Connor mentioned, sitting back down beside Evan. 

“I-I was... scared. I didn’t think you’d like me back. I thought you’d think I was creepy and hate me and never talk to me again.”

“You overthink things,” Connor smiled pleasantly. 

“Could we...” Evan swallowed, his throat dry, “Could we cuddle the rest of the night? No one’s here, I-I mean, only if you want to.”

Connor smiled broadly and he was immediately snuggled into Evan’s plushier side, his arms wrapped around Evan’s waist. Evan chuckled anxiously, and then with relief. The two, now entwined, blinked and the stars were the brightest they’d been all year. Connor picked up another leaf, this one stiffer and pointier, but filled with beautiful dark patterned veins. He traced the leaf along Evan’s inner arm, and the teen bubbled up with giggles, the arm twitching. 

Connor smiled and he nuzzled his nose into Evan’s ribs, keeping one eye on the leaf as he made it continue its tickly path up and down Evan’s elbow crease now. 

“Cohonnor! It feels weheird,” Evan protested. 

“You’re adorable, Evan,” Connor outright said it and he wiggled the leaf under Evan’s nose, making him sneeze involuntarily. 

Evan rubbed his nose and he blushed darkly, “W-Well, so are you.”

Connor grinned, “Geehee thanks. You gotta work on the flirting, don’t you?”

Evan rolled his eyes, “No,” he poked Connor’s cheek, “You’re just better at it than I am...”

Connor leaned up and he loomed over Evan, pushing some long hair out of his own face, “It’s only because I love you. I love everything about you. How nervous you get, your smile, your blushing, how you hold your arm into yourself when you get anxious, your laugh..” Connor whisked a few fingers along Evan’s waistline, which was exposed from his shirt hiking up on its own. 

Evan became breathless in another few seconds of Connor’s teasing words. Giggles burst forth without his say so, completely at Connor Murphy’s mercy. But it was such a welcome, wonderful feeling of helplessness. Those boney fingers drawing shapes and letters over his tummy to then spider up into his armpits. It was hell. 

“I could tickle you forever,” Connor teased with sincerity. He’d live off Evan’s laugh if he had to. 

“St-Stahap! I can’t! Connor, plehease!” 

Connor listened to his new boyfriend, his fingers stilling from where they were drilling into Evan’s hip bones. He removed them and nestled into the grass once more, arm to arm with Evan.

“Youhu’re... a jerk,” Evan wasn’t afraid to call him one. Connor chortled and tucked both his hands under his head as a pillow. 

“Guilty is charged,” Connor’s shoulders shrugged.

Evan almost didn’t like how smug Connor looked. Almost. With Connor exposed and vulnerable, Evan tested out Connor’s sensitivity by poking in between a set of his ribs. He yelped. Jackpot.

Evan was quick to straddle Connor and have him squirming and begging within seconds. Man, he was ticklish. 

“You’re gonna scare the stars away with your loud laugh if you don’t watch out,” Evan spoke sweetly, as if he was teasing a child. It seemed to work because Connor blushed and he squealed, hands flying up to cover his mouth and muffle his laugh. 

Evan rose a brow, “Oho, you’re really gonna try this?”

Connor snorted and nodded.

With that, Evan took up the challenge. He first targeted Connor’s underarms since they were open due to Connor covering his mouth. They slammed down immediately and Connor tossed his head back.

“EVAN! Shihihit! Oho my god stahap!” 

Evan plucked a few blades of grass and fluttered them in and around Connor’s ears, sometimes stroking them against his neck. The teen moved his head every which way as his giggles became more high-pitched. 

“I lohove you,” Evan leaned down close to Connor’s face, his hands on either side of his head, the tickles stopped. 

Connor panted, face flushed and hair a mess. He lay where he was and only stretched his head up to meet Evan’s lips with his own. 

“Then who’s fucking fault is it!? I did this to myself! I’m just a worthless piece of shit, and the world’ll be fucking better when I’m out of it--”

“Shut up!” Evan raised his voice and frowned deeply, looking aghast at Connor.

“It’s true--”

“No it isn’t! Connor, stop. The world... The world is always gonna be shitty. That’s the truth of it. But you removing yourself from it won’t change anything. It’ll make people’s lives worse if anything. I know! Believe me, I know where you are right now. And that’s why I’m here... I would’ve liked someone like me when I was like you,” Evan swallowed nervously. Connor was still huddled into Evan’s side, and his gaunt face stared up at the other while he was speaking.

Connor sobbed again, “I-I... It’s so hard,” he cried.

Evan nodded and he squeezed Connor in a tight hug. This wouldn’t cure him. He knew that. It would take an incredible amount of time to change Connor’s mind. One step at a time. If only he could just get him smiling for right now.

Evan rubbed circles on Connor’s back as he hugged him, wanting to soothe away his aches.

Connor’s sniffles died down after some time. Evan’s hand was getting tired, but he refused to stop administering his touch to Connor. Not until Connor shifted and turned on his back, his head now resting in Evan’s lap. He looked up at Evan and sighed.

“I’m tired,” he mumbled, shutting his eyes and getting comfortable.

Evan blushed, having no say in the matter. Connor wanted to sleep on him, and dammit he wasn’t going to deprive him of that. So Evan got as comfortable as he could while sitting practically upright in Connor’s bed, wanting to sleep like his friend.

And it worked. Connor fell asleep on Evan, their shared body heat helping him sweat out the sickness his drugs caused him last night. Evan was now on his side in what looked to be an uncomfortable position since his legs were still mostly outstretched to be Connor’s pillow. 

With a start, Connor blinked his eyes open and took a deep breath. Fresh air. How-- oh, the window was open. Evan opened it when he first came inside last night. Connor sat up and stretched, rubbing his slightly achy eyes. 

With a turn of his head, he saw Evan sprawled out on his bed. The teen was snoring very slightly, so it almost sounded like heavy breathing. His shirt was rucked up to reveal a sliver of a pale belly. His hand was under his cheek and he was surely gonna wake up with a half asleep arm. 

Connor smiled softly and briefly. He crawled forward on the bed and shook Evan. 

“Mmmnoo...” Evan grumbled, thinking he was at home and his mom needed him awake. 

Connor grinned, “Ev? Wake up, idiot.”

Evan groaned and squeaked out a sleepy giggle when Connor prodded at his tummy, “I-I’m uhup. I’m up..” he laid on his back and shivered, having not slept with a blanket all night. 

Connor watched Evan move around and he was filled with such a sudden warmth, it was almost painful. Like a damn koala, Connor hugged Evan and clung onto his side. 

Evan was too asleep to really register what was happening.

“Thank you,” Connor said, muffled by Evan’s side. 

Evan yawned and he sighed, “For what?”

“For everything. I’m a shit person, and I’m sorry for putting you through--”

“You aren’t,” Evan cut Connor off, “A shit person.”

Self-deprecating was something Evan was very familiar with himself and he wanted that to be one of the first things Connor gave up. 

“You know what I mean. I’m sorry and thank you,” Connor and Evan looked at each other. Evan smiled gently. 

“I have soo many pains in my neck, my back, my arm, and my legs,” Evan mentioned.

Connor grinned, “Your fault for sleeping here.”

“Excuse you, you’re the one who kept me hostage by falling asleep on my lap.”

“You could’ve moved me and gone home to sleep in your own bed.”

Evan blushed, “I didn’t want to wake you.”

It was strange. Connor woke up acting like a completely different person. Still not exactly sober, but it was a cleansed version from the Connor Murphy of last night. 

“You know...” Evan began, “This is all pretty gay.”

Connor snorted and he giggled, nuzzling his face into Evan’s belly, “Yeahah, it is.”

Evan squeaked, “Wahahait! Don’t doho that, it tickles,” his hand pushed gently at Connor’s head. 

Connor’s face lit up and he smirked, “You’re ticklish?”

“A-A little.”

Connor attacked like a feral animal, immediately squeezing Evan’s slightly pudgy sides until Evan was cackling like a hyena. 

“Your laugh is soho...” Connor was smiling, his insides filling with sunshine at just the sound of Evan’s musical howls. 

Evan couldn’t think straight, being so damn ticklish. He’d laugh when Connor kneaded his sides and shriek even louder when he targeted his belly. His sensitive skin was always something of a burden. He’d bruise easily and break bones easily, as he later found out. 

“C-Connor! Noho please! I can’t take it, stohohop!” 

Connor fluttered his fingers around Evan’s neck and watched him scrunch up. 

Evan snorted, “You’re suhuch a bully!”

Connor knew Evan was only speaking in jest, so he just grinned and accepted that role, stuffing his hands under Evan’s arms and digging his fingers into the hollows. 

Evan arched his back, dying from all the playful tickles. Man, Connor really knew how to tickle a guy. Must’ve been practice from growing up with a younger sister. 

But at long last, with tears dripping down his cheeks and laughter coming out in wheezes, Evan was granted mercy. Connor sat back and marveled at the teen laying breathless in front of him. 

“We should d--” Connor cleared his throat, “We should do this again. More often.”

Evan blushed and he gazed up at Connor, “Mohore often? I dunno if I can handle that many tickles.”

Connor smiled, “I think you can.”

“I didn’t finish,” Evan sat up, “I don’t know if I can handle that many tickles if I don’t at least get some payback.”

As the movie went on, the two became full and finished their food. Connor felt awkward just sitting on the couch now. Yes, a movie was going on, and yes Evan looked comfortable as hell. He placed his socked feet up on the couch a while ago. And there’s Connor, sitting upright on the couch in his own house. Why did he have to be such a stupid fucking wreck? 

And then it happened. Some scene coming randomly out of the movie. Was this entire night personally out to attack Connor Murphy? At first, Connor didn’t even realize what was going on in the movie. His mind was elsewhere. But he came to focus in on the sound of giggling and the clear tousling in a bed. Eyes now wide, Connor visibly squirmed and his breathing quickened for a few seconds. He gripped his arm nervously and his legs shifted back and forth. God, why why why why. This was the longest freaking tickle scene he’d ever seen. 

“Connor?”

Connor snapped his head in the direction Evan had called him from, “Y-Yeah?” Shit, a stutter. Now you really gave it away, Murphy. Good fucking job. 

“You okay? Are you feeling anxious?” Evan leaned in closer to Connor, by now knowing a few of the signals Connor would give off if he was having trouble. 

Connor jerked back out of instinct and because of what that dumb scene was doing to him, “Uh-Uh, no! No, Evan, I’m fine.” The scene ended. Thank god. 

“You sure?” Evan frowned slightly from worry, reaching out his hand to hold Connor’s in a loving move, but he didn’t expect Connor to pull his arm away before Evan even touched him. Both arms were now wrapped around his midsection. 

Evan’s lower lip fell open, staring at Connor. Did he do something wrong? Why was he acting like this? 

“I’m perfectly fine!” Connor blurted out, “Let’s just watch the movie.” 

Evan sat back now, feeling dejected. Was something going on with Connor that he didn’t know about? And was it that bad that he couldn’t even speak openly to him about it? But the movie continued, now Connor and Evan sitting in a forced awkward silence. 

Connor kept his eyes glued to the screen now, not daring a look at Evan. Of course he knew. Who wouldn’t figure it out after that scenario? A small stupid kink of his was out in the open for his boyfriend of all people to see. How could life get any worse? Life answered Connor Murphy with another tickle scene between two different characters. 

Connor audibly groaned and he looked away from the screen, no longer able to be subtle about it. 

Evan now frowned and he sat directly next to Connor, placing a hand on his shoulder, “Connor? Connor, what is it?” 

Connor sighed and he covered his face with both hands, “Why are you acting like you don’t know what’s going on?” 

Evan rose a brow, “I-I don’t! Tell me what’s going on and then I can help you.”

Connor looked over at Evan and he studied his face. Wow, clueless. How lucky was he? Connor, a clear blush on his cheeks now, ran a hand through his hair and cleared his throat. He nervously glanced at the screen again and winced, hoping that didn’t make it more obvious.

Evan looked at the screen and then back at Connor. And back at the screen again. The puzzle pieces were finally fitting together. 

“Oh, does... does that make you uncomfortable?”

“What?” Connor scoffed, a derisive chuckle leaving his lips. Time to act macho, “What kind of a person would be uncomfortable because of t.... you know, that.”

Evan repeated for him, “Tickling. So you don’t like tickling?”

Connor flinched at the two times Evan used the word and he cringed, “Please don’t say it.” 

Evan now smiled softly, trying to show compassion, “Does it embarrass you?”

Connor wouldn’t even lift his head up to look at Evan, knowing that would be the death of him. His cute fucking face and that cute fucking smile. Couldn’t risk it. 

“Connor,” Evan chortled, “I didn’t even know you were ticklish.”

Connor whimpered, “Fine!” he blurted out, shooting his head up in such a rush that his hair flew in his face, “I have this thing... this... I’m okay with tic-- that. I like it.” 

Evan listened to Connor and he smiled, “That’s actually really... adorable.” 

Connor blushed deeper, “Y-Yeah? You don’t think it’s creepy?”

“No,” Evan shook his head, “Nothing about you is creepy or weird or-or wrong.”

Connor swallowed and he took a deep breath. The two sat there, facing each other, as the movie played on in the background. 

Evan tilted his head and he slid his hand on the couch closer to Connor before lifting it and pressing it against Connor’s side. Connor jerked from just the touch and he bit his lip, eyes dark but holding a glimmer of excitement. 

“You don’t really smile that much,” was Evan’s delivery before gently squeezing Connor’s side. The thinner teen gasped and he shrunk in on himself, his whole body shaking with suppressed laughter. Evan smiled and he brought in his other hand to worm its way to Connor’s other side, poking and prodding. Connor’s drapes of hair covered his face, and small squeaks or gasps of breath escaped him. 

Evan’s fingers wiggled into Connor’s sides before tippling up his ribs, dancing them up and down like a row of piano keys. Connor’s head flew back and he belted out a laugh. Finally. Evan giggled and he pushed Connor’s legs down onto the couch so he could sit on them and expose more of him to tickles. 

Even in the small confines of a cloth couch, Evan was wrecking Connor with tickles. He wasn’t an expert at it by any means, but he was trying his best just to get Connor to laugh like this. Connor’s eyes crinkled so much that they were practically closed as a smile split his face in two. Laughter poured from his lips, his arms loosely bound to his midsection. He couldn’t deflect Evan for long so Evan continued to work his fingers in and out of new crevices. 

The one time Connor was forced to fight the tickles was when Evan dove his hands under Connor’s arms and wiggled his digits into his hollows. Man, that drove him up the wall. Shrieking was the new form of laughter and Connor bucked, his arms trapping Evan’s in his armpits. 

Evan didn’t really say much while tickling Connor. He just smiled and ended up giggling with him. It was so endearing just to know that Connor enjoyed this. Evan had the power to cheer him up whenever he wanted to. A snort caught Evan’s attention and he snickered, yanking his arms out from under Connor’s and moving to circle his belly button. 

Connor shook his head back and forth, hair flying every which way. His cheeks were red and his laughter was loud. He only started begging when his stomach muscles ached from laughing so much. 

Evan retracted his hands and remained sitting on Connor’s legs, looking down at him lovingly. Evan chuckled nervously and scratched behind his head, “You okay?”

Connor panted, his chest heaving. But he was smiling. Smiling so wide his cheeks hurt. He blinked away some happy tears and leaned up, smiling at Evan. Evan smiled back and he leaned down to meet Connor. Connor held the back of Evan’s neck and pulled him in until their lips converged in a kiss. 

“Are you sensitive, Ev?” Connor grinned after their lips parted. Evan’s eyes widened and he scrambled off Connor. 

“No no no, wait!” 

The second time was more of an attempt. Even though the outdoors never agreed with him much, Connor offered that they take a walk to the park. Evan did perk up at the mention of it, figuring he could spring some of his tree knowledge on Connor. Maybe he’d impress him. 

“How are you?” Connor asked Evan as they walked down the neighborhood streets. 

“Me? Oh, I’m fine. How’ve you been?”

Connor nodded, weighing his choice of words, “Could be worse.”

“I feel that,” Evan glanced at Connor, “Y-You know, this park is the only one in the state to have a majority White Oak trees in one concentrated location.”

Connor rose a brow, “Oh? Um, cool.”

Evan laughed, scratching behind his head, “I-I worked here over the summer. That’s how I know about the trees.”

Connor started putting pieces together, “So, this is where you broke your arm?”

Evan glanced around before nodding.

The long haired one looked around at all of the tall trees lining the path through the park, “Which tree was it?” 

Evan looked shocked that Connor would even ask that. Sure, this happened last summer, and his cast was long gone. But still. Who was he kidding? He couldn’t forget the spot he was stuck in for ten minutes. Just laying there. 

Evan pointed, “Over there by the water fountain.”

Connor looked and turned, “Come on. Follow me.” 

Evan walked faster to keep up with Connor’s lanky legs and wide strides. They tried a few trees before Evan disclosed which was the one he really fell from. Upon seeing it and the spot he fell in, he grabbed his once broken arm.

Connor threw his bookbag down on the ground and looked up at the tree. He looked back at Evan, “I can’t believe you fucking fell from a tree.”

Evan blushed and he shrugged, “Wehell... you know. I’m not exactly strong or athletic or anything like that.”

Connor went close to the trunk and he raised his arms to grip it, finding a foothold in its streaky body. He started climbing up it, “You coming?”

Evan practically shook in his shoes, just seeing Connor go up the tree. But hey, this was his new friend. He had to impress him and show him he wasn’t a wuss. When Connor was some ways up the trunk, Evan climbed on. He lost his footing once and slipped down to the ground. Connor quickly looked down to make sure Evan was alright. Luckily, the blonde wasn’t far from the ground when he slipped. Still, it gave him a fright and his heartbeat raced. But Evan persevered. 

Connor held onto a strong branch and swung from it before going higher. Evan kept his eyes pointed upwards, not looking down. He wasn’t looking back. He kept going upwards into the thick branches and leaves of the tree. He held onto a branch and paused, having one hand gripping it and the rest of his limbs hugging the trunk. 

Connor watched from a little ways above, sitting on a branch. It was something to watch Evan climb this tree. But he was nervous. One thought ran through his mind. Don’t let go.

Evan got his wits back about him and hoisted himself up onto that branch in order to pull himself up higher on the tree. He looked up at Connor and observed, “Bohoy, you got up there quick.”

Connor smiled softly for the first time being around Evan and he shrugged, “I guess I’m better at this than you.” 

Evan chuckled anxiously and he continued climbing up to the very thick branch Connor was already sitting on. Evan panted when he was almost there, and he saw a hand reach in front of his face. Looking up, Connor had extended his hand to him to help pull him up the rest of the way. Evan took it and they were soon sitting side by side on the branch, way up in the tree. 

“You made it,” Connor stated. 

Evan smiled. It was true. He made it. And he didn’t do it alone. He seemed to keep looking between the ground way below them and Connor. Connor glanced back to Evan and he grinned, nudging Evan’s side and pointing right out in front of them. 

Evan turned his head and his eyes widened. The view from up on that tree was once in a lifetime. It was a sea of blue sky and spots of clouds. The sun was just peaking from the left through a bundle of leaves. It looked endless. 

“I doubt you ever got to enjoy the view last time you were here.”

Evan was slowly coming to terms with all of this. How did Connor know so much? It was like he was speaking from his own recollection. Evan held his arm again, thumb brushing against the healed skin. And the two sat there in a content silence, staring out at the world below them. 

Connor soon yawned and he stretched, nudging Evan, “C’mon, my ass is going numb,” he grinned and climbed over Evan to start the trek down the tree. 

Evan swallowed and chewed on his lip. Connor, again, seemed to read his mind when he said, “And this time, don’t fucking plummet to the ground. I’ll be right under you.”

Evan huffed out a laugh and he swung himself onto the trunk again, taking deep breaths. He shimmied his way down, afraid to look anywhere but side to side, making sure his arms were securely around the tree. He thought he slipped a few times, but he just held on tight and didn’t move. After some time, Evan finally reached the ground and turned around to see a smiling Connor. 

“Congrats. You conquered the tree,” Connor gestured to the giant they just mastered. 

Evan looked back at it and he giggled in disbelief, “Yeahah...” his arm was suddenly yanked and he jolted forward, seeing Connor had grabbed his arm. 

Connor had rummaged through his bag for a sharpie and he started writing on Evan’s wrist. Evan watched him, smiling and jerking once because it tickled. When he was finished, Evan saw that Connor had written his name though not as big as when he had it on his cast. 

“I figured you needed a better memory about this tree and this park,” Connor explained, shrugging. Evan smiled wide, not believing it. 

Connor slung his backpack over his shoulder and began walking, “Wanna lay in the grass? That seems like a thing you’d do.”

Evan practically skipped with happiness to catch up with Connor, “Yeah, I guess it does, doesn’t it?” 

Connor smiled at Evan. He knew everything he was doing was helping Evan. And that, in return, made him feel better. They laid in the grass together, staring up at the sky, and pointing at clouds. They talked more now. About little things. Music they liked, foods they hated, funny stories. And that was enough. 

Now Evan and Connor were acting more like friends. They’d pass by each other in school and even walk to each other’s classes. A week or so after the park trip, Connor invited Evan to his house. Evan was both excited and terrified at the invitation, but he accepted. 

After school, they walked to Connor’s house together. Along the way, Connor was running ahead to show Evan how to click his heels together in the air. He’d spin around and bow at Evan after completing each one. And while Evan never did try it himself, it was enough for Connor to make Evan laugh after each heel click. 

“I brought Evan over,” Connor announced when he entered the house, not really wanting to interact with anyone anyway. 

Mrs. Murphy came out and she smiled, “Hi! You’re Evan? Connor’s talked all about you!” and she walked forward and hugged Evan. Evan could see Connor blushing slightly. He talked about him? How often? Was he really conversation worthy?

“Alright, let him go. He doesn’t need you suffocating him,” Connor cut in, “We’re gonna be in my room.”

Evan smiled at Mrs. Murphy when she let him go and he nodded, “T-Thank you for letting me come over!” and he walked after Connor. 

“Your mom seems really nice,” Evan said once they were in Connor’s room and the long haired one closed the door. 

“Hmph. Yeah, when she has guests over.”

Evan looked around the room, not having ever seen the inside of it before. Hell, he’d never even been in Connor’s house before. And it was nice! 

Evan set his backpack on the ground and he looked at Connor attempting to tidy up, “So you talk about me?”

Connor froze and he cleared his throat, “Well, I mean, sometimes. Only if we did something and my parents actually cared about where I was. Which was basically never.” 

Evan smiled softly, still touched. Connor brushed off his hands and he flopped down onto his bed, “Sit. I’ll put on a movie.”

“What happened to doing homework together?”

Connor laughed derisively, “You thihink I actually do homework?” 

Evan shrugged, “No, yeah, you’re right. I mean... whooo cares?” he held up his hands and chuckled awkwardly. 

Connor stared at Evan and nodded slowly, “Uh huh.”

Evan quickly sat down on the bed to erase more awkward tension and he watched Connor’s laptop screen as he tried picking a movie. Once they settled on one, the two sat and watched it together. 

Connor was picking at his nail polish absentmindedly as the film went on, and he glanced at Evan’s nails, saying, “Hey, would you mind if I paint your nails?”

Evan was caught off guard by the question and he held up his hands, “I-I dunno, I guess it’s fine. I’ve never had them painted before.”

Connor stood up and shuffled around through some desks before pulling out his equipment, “It’s relaxing for me to paint nails.” 

“How’d you learn to do it?” Evan asked, scooting to face Connor when he sat back on the bed.

“Ihit isn’t rocket science, Evan,” Connor smirked.

“Did you ever paint Zoe’s?”

Connor’s face fell slightly but he quickly recovered, “Not since she was really little.” 

Evan nodded, unsure where to put his hands. Connor pulled them into his lap, one on each knee. 

“Don’t I get to pick the color?”

Connor grinned, “I already know what color I want to give you.”

“Oho great. I’m sure it’s a perfectly boyish, badass color.”

Connor giggled at that and applied the base coat first. Evan tilted his head to watch the movie as Connor concentrated on painting his nails. 

“There,” Connor said suddenly, as if no time had gone by. 

Evan lifted up his hands and gave a crooked smile. They were a deep blue. Not yet navy, but it was a nice color. 

“You’re always so bleh so I figured I’d give you blue. Plus, all the clothes you have are somehow blue,” Connor poked Evan’s stomach. 

Evan giggled and jerked, “Wehell, it is my favorite color.”

Connor smiled, “Want me to do your toenails, too?” he grinned, “So you match?”

“No, you don’t have to,” Evan said, shaking his head. 

“Come on, this shit’s therapeutic for me,” Connor leaned down to take Connor’s socks off, but the blonde giggled and kicked his legs out. 

“Hehehey! Would you stohop doing that? It... you know.”

Connor smiled at Evan, “It what?” he skittered his fingers on the socked sole, once again making Evan squeak and jerk his foot, “It what, Evan?”

“Ihit tickles!” Evan pulled his knees in on himself. 

Connor sat up, surprised with the sudden playful atmosphere in the room. He hadn’t felt this mischievous in a long time. And this teasing nature.. where the hell did that come from?

“You shouldn’t move around too much, your nails have to dry,” Connor instructed, but he pinched Evan’s kneecaps. 

Evan squeaked again and his legs lowered enough for Connor to mount him and grin down at him as he straddled the blonde. He placed his fingers on Evan’s belly, not yet moving them. But Evan was already a giggly mess, jerking in anticipation of the whole affair. 

“Keep your arms up,” Connor smirked before digging into Evan’s soft belly. 

Evan shrieked and he bucked. He didn’t remember ever being tickled. Perhaps his mom did when he was little, but only quick bursts to get him to smile. Nothing ever as prolonged as this attack. Even though it tickled like hell, Evan still kept his arms pulled into his chest, not wanting to move them and ruin the nail polish, like Connor instructed. 

Connor was impressed by Evan’s self restrain, “Do you like this or something?” he danced his fingers up Evan’s sides and ribs, up and down like a piano. 

Evan blushed and he shook his head, “Nohohoho! AHAHAhahaha! Connor!” he snorted when Connor slid a hand up under Evan’s polo, scritching his nails away at his sensitive skin. Connor dipped his pinkie finger into Evan’s belly button, eliciting another squeal from the young man. 

“Dear Evan Hansen,” Connor began a new wave of teasing, enjoying himself a little too much, “Today’s gonna be a good day, and here’s why.... My best bud Connor is gonna tickle me silly!”

Evan curled up as best he could, his arms now starting to unfurl and push at Connor. The blush on his cheeks was as red as any tomato, and all he could do was laugh. 

Connor smiled and he pinched at Evan’s hips, seeing his laughter drop down to giggles, but his jerking escalate.

“Nohohoho mohore! Cohonnor, plehehease!” 

Connor chuckled and he shot his hands up under Evan’s arms. He wiggled into the unsuspecting hollows and Evan’s arms clamped down over them. Now that his fingers were trapped, Connor had free reign over controlling Evan’s laughter. 

Evan shook his head back and forth, “I CAHAHAN’T! PleheheHEASE! Cohohonnor, I cahahahan’t tahahahahake it! HaHAHAHAhahaha!” 

Connor didn’t want to let up. Evan was happy! Just look at him! Look at his unabashedly happy smile, his deep laugh, his crinkled eyes. Still, the guy needed to breathe. Connor relented and he hopped off of Evan, looking at him. 

“Ohoho my fuhucking god....” Evan panted, still giggling.

“You’re really ticklish,” Connor pointed out, smiling. 

“Thank you, Captain Obvious,” Evan rolled onto his back and he smiled now, wide and unrestrained. He held up his hands to check if the paint was dry. 

Turns out it was and Evan sat up now, eyeing Connor, “What about you? Is the moody Connor Murphy ticklish?”

Connor tried his hardest to refrain from blushing, giving Evan an almost convincing huff and a shake of his head, “Ohof course not. It would clash with my persona.” 

“Then can I test it out anyway?” Evan leaned closer to Connor, clearly nervous about his request and what he was about to do. Having this much physical interaction with one person was a new experience, and Evan didn’t know how far he should push it. 

“Fuck no,” Connor ducked backwards when Evan simply leaned forward. 

Evan smiled and he chuckled delightedly, quickly reaching out a hand and pinching Connor’s skinny side with it. Connor squeaked and batted the hand away. 

“Fuhuck! Don’t!”

But Evan was already sucked in by that laugh. He tackled Connor and scratched his fingers all along the other’s torso. Connor laughed louder than Evan, it seemed. Evan was probably more reserved simply because he didn’t know how ticklish he really was and didn’t want to scare Connor off. But Connor Murphy was one ticklish guy. 

Eventually having tuckered themselves out, Connor and Evan lay side by side in the twin bed, both breathing heavily. Both had smiles on their faces. A good day can rear it’s face out of any situation. An average school day can lead into laughter and nail painting in a flash. 

“You can--You can stay over if you want,” Connor offered bashfully, unsure if he was moving too fast for Evan or not. 

Evan turned his head and he smiled, “I’d love to.”