SUMMARY: john is an egotistical, hyper little shit. we all know that!! in a state of boredom, he goes up to his stoic older brother and decides to surprise attack him. it actually works, and once he's done, thomas gives john 5 seconds before his own demise

SEASON SET: SEASON ONE. JOHN IS 24 AND THOMAS IS 29

TW!!: swearing, brief smoking, mentions of death + war and mouth tickles

Small Heath, Birmingham was no easy place to live in 1919. After the war, tension was everywhere - the already raving streets now full of chaos and smoke. Grime coated the exterior of houses, fog clouded the city sights and children were roaming everywhere, unaccompanied and endangered.

Birmingham was no fun anymore, even for people in gangs - well, that was John's perspective. Being the youngest of the three main brothers, he had to grow up quite quickly, mature too fast. And although, yes, he was a capable man with a strong heart, he was also quite childish and his mindset resembled that of a teenage boy.

He needed some action— some spice to make his day, hell, maybe even his week a little more interesting. So, what not better to do than to torment his second-oldest brother? His most stoic brother? Thomas Shelby. Yet, sometimes, John had to admit even he was scared of his older brother, as his oldest was also a bit weary of the middle child. Why? Before the war in France, Thomas was lively - he laughed, he smiled, he was happy. But, after the war, that person didn't come back. A new Thomas came - a hardened, more stern, more emotionless Thomas that lead the gang called the 'Peaky Blinders'.

Aside from that aspect - John wasn't so worried. Maybe Thomas would appreciate it? Maybe he could escape fast enough? Oh well. No matter the consequences, he was already hooked on-

Well. What? He didn't know what to do -- so, he sat down in the meeting room, pondering. He didn't want to hurt Thomas, far from it, actually. Maybe it'd be good to see his brother laugh, at least once in a while, maybe he could..

It clicked.

It was stupid.

It was childish.

Oh, but that was who John was anyway, and God did it work. He'd just have to tickle him - I mean, when was the last time he saw that happen? Probably not even once. At that, John was set. Determined, he stood up and went to go find his brother.

"Aunt Pol! Aunt Pol? Have you seen Thomas anywhere?"

No answer.

"Arthur!! Where the fuck's Tom?"

"Oh, John, Tommy's in his office as usual. You should know that."

That was easy, only took 15 minutes. But, anyway, John made his way in without knocking and took a seat in front of his brothers desk, a cheeky, sly smirk already starting to force his way onto his lips. "What's up, Tom?"

Thomas only sighed, he didn't even have to look up to hear the smile in his younger brother's voice. He knew it meant trouble. Keeping his eyes on his letter as he wrote it, he answered gruffly. "Yes, John? What is it? If it isn't about business, it can wait." That only made John snicker.

Adjusting his hat, John rolled his eyes. He straightened out his suit and leaned backwards, his head hanging off of the chair. "What'cha doin', eh?" The mischievous one asked, lighting a cigarette and beginning to smoke it. Taking a long puff, he waited for Thomas' answer - a sigh of frustration.

Thomas kept his eyes on his pen, still writing about important things as he talked to John, trying to keep his mind on business. "Writing a letter to the Lee Family. We're conspiring for a deal. Now get out if you don't have anything important to say." He then looked up at John, finally, with a serious and stern look on his face.

"Why are you so serious, huh, bro? What's the matter?" John took another few puffs before stumping his cigarette down in Thomas' ash tray. "You know, you should laugh once ina' while. I haven't seen you laugh since the war. Ever since France, seeing our friends die n' shit, you haven't even made a joke! A fucking joke, Tom." Chair scraping against the wooden floorboards as he stood up abruptly, the sneaky, young adult made his way behind Thomas.

"You have seen me laugh, John."

"Not properly!"

The Leader of Peaky Blinders only rolled his eyes and set his pen down - that's when he tensed. "John. Get your 'ands off of me. I swear to God-" A sharp intake of breath.

"Oho- Are you still fuckin' ticklish, Tom?" The older brother immediately tried to escape, but a firm squeeze to the stomach made him snort and double over. Of course John still knew how to make him snort, of course. The younger only grinned widely and began to flutter his fingers over his navel.

"Pffhahaha- F-Fohor Christ sake, Johohn!" Thomas grabbed John's wrists, trying to push them away to no avail as he was only pushing weakly. It had been a while since he was able to laugh freely, and he didn't mind it so much. "I'm tryhying to w-write a fuhuck- fuckihihing lehehetter!" Slightly embarrassed, he hid his face in his arm, a soft pink hue settling on his face.

Not listening, John dragged his nails up along his brother's abs to his ribcage - his nails slightly grown out - and began to vibrate them gently into the skin in between each individual rib. "Your letter isn't fuckin' important right now. What is important is seeing you piss yourself laughing!" That earnt a sarcastic huff from Thomas, who was trying to keep his giggles in, hiding his mouth in his arm, but it was no use.

"Ahalright- Alright.. Thahahat's enohoHOUGH- JOHOHN!" The 29-year-old man practically squealed as he kicked out a leg, his younger brother had drilled his thumbs into his ever-so-sensitive hip divots. Slamming his hands into John's, he tried to push his wrists away for real. But, the tickling had made his strength evaporate. "LEHEHET ME GOHO- RIGHT NOHOW!"

"Mmm.. Nah. This shit is too fuckin' priceless go let go." That's when he felt Thomas really try to push him off, and he had to wrap his arms around the man to keep him still. John spidered his fingers up and down his sides and gently pinched at his hips. The Leader was in hysterics, banging his fist onto the table as he practically shook with laughter.

"G-GEHEHET THE FUHUCK OHOFF!" Thomas' cheeks began to ache from smiling so much - that's when he knew be bad enough. He then tapped out, and John slowed his hands to a stop. Smiling widely, the younger ruffled his hair. "Ahaha.. Heh.. Fuck.."

"See? That wasn't so bad, was it, Tom?"

"Five seconds."

"What?"

"You.. You have five fuhucking seconds to run before I bloody hunt you down."

John felt his cheeks heat up instantly, and be bolted faster than he ever had. He wasn't about to let this fucker- "Five." SHIT.

"Nononono-" He scrambled out of the office and into a room that no one ever went in. Yet, he wasn't safe there. Hidden behind the door, he felt Thomas near the room he was in. The door swung open, and John almost burst into nervous giggles right then and there. He had to cover his mouth, his cheeks already burning in embarrassment. He was fucking twenty-four! Why was he acting like a fourteen year old?!

Walking around the room slowly, Thomas checked every possible space John could be in. The latter thought he was safe, until: "You know, John. I'm not stupid." A snort slipped. He tried to bolt for it again, but felt hands wrap around his waist right before he set a foot out of the door.

"Noho- Nononono- Tohom-" John panicked through giggles, pushing at his hands.

"I'm not touching you yet."

That's when John felt himself get pinned to the floor, his arms being hoisted above his head. "That's- That's nohot fucking fair! I d-didn't pin you!" Thomas only raised an eyebrow and began tickling.

"Life's not fair, John." He began a lecture as he started to pinch and knead his brother's delicate sides, eliciting squeaky, boyish, frantic laughter from the grown man. "You should know that, for starters. We grew up in this shithole."

"SHUHUT UHUHUP! FUHUCK YOUHU-"

He let out a sweet snort, burying his blushing face into his pinned shoulder.

"Now, now, John. Not every sentence you speak has to have profanity in it." Thomas tutted, smirking when the younger arched his back when the older began to knuckle his ribs, snorting and squeaking with sweet belly laughter.

"I-IHI SAHAID SHUHUT UP, T-TOHOM!" John screeched, falling back against the floor and attempting to curl up. He was being dramatic, as usual. This wasn't a problem for Thomas, though, who kept switching spots to keep John laughing like a mad man. He found the edges of John's untucked shirt and slid his hard, calloused hands in to scribble at his belly button, electing a scream. "EHEHEHAHAHAHA-"

"Tch. Twenty-four, and you act like a toddler. You need to keep your shirt tucked in, John. The Peaky Blinders can't be seen as a lousy gang, can it now?" He scolded his brother as he ignored the screams coming from him. His blunt fingernails and rough skin only added to the torture as he switched between scribbling and clawing his lean stomach. John's eyes scrunched close.

"OHO, FUHUCK OHOFF- T-THIHIHIS GAHAHANG IHIS SHIHIT AHAHAHANYWAY-"

"...Is it now?" Thomas inquired, face darkening slightly as his fingers froze. Oh shit. Fuck. Please have mercy.

But, John wouldn't give up. Not now. He was doomed either way! "Y-Yeheah... I-It is.. WaitwaitwaitWAIIIT-" He instantly shrieked when he felt Thomas pull his shirt up to his ribs, eyes snapping open, all thoughts of not giving up vanishing.

"What? What do you possibly have to say for yourself?" Thomas asked with a raised eyebrow, eyes flickering down to John's midriff - the sensitive, delicate skin had gained a soft, red hue to match his blushing face.

"P-Plehease... I swear, I-I didn't mehean it-" John shied under his gaze, hiding his wobbly smile with his arm. This was a rare occurrence of when Thomas actually gave tickles like this, and they were the WORST.

"That won't save you." Thomas then proceeded to blow the biggest raspberry ever known to man onto John's lower stomach, his stubble scratching perfectly against the skin beneath. When I tell you John shrieked, I don't mean a brief one, I mean one that rang throughout the streets of Small Heath.

John shook his head from side to side hysterically, letting out extremely childish giggles, tears pricking his eyes (and soon streaming down his already glossy cheeks) as Thomas placed not one, not two, but three raspberries all over his stomach. "FUHUHUCK- OKAHAHAHAY! PLEHEHEASE- IHIHI- I'M SOHOHOHORRY!!" He yelled, barely able to speak before his laughter went completely silent. That's when Thomas took the sign to stop, releasing John and patting his chest.

"Still as weak to them as you were when you were twelve." The older teased lightly, standing up and watching John do so. When the younger stumbled, he gently caught him and rubbed his back. "Tuck your shirt in, look appropriate and go rest. We have a busy day tomorrow."

John nodded, wiping his tears with his sleeve. "Y-Yeah... Whatever.."

"...Love you, Tom."

"I love you too, John. Go rest now, and don't disturb me again."

~~~

Thomas waited anxiously as he got off the phone with his boyfriend. The relationship had just started and he was already worried about everything. That meeting with the others did not help as much as he thought it would. It might just be mindless panic, or something more. But Thomas was going to ignore that aching feeling for the time being.

Soon as the doorbell rung, Thomas peaked out from behind the doorway, as if he didn't know who it was behind it.

"Ah… Mr. Sanders~"

There weren't too many people that referred to him by his last name. It was just the courteous thing to do to refer to him that way. But he was just accustomed so much by his fans and family to just go by Thomas that hearing his last name made his face flush.

"Hello… to you too… Nico…"

The other man chuckled lowly and pecked Thomas on his cheek, which didn't help the blushing.

"May I…" "Oh! Right!"

Thomas let his partner into his apartment, watching as Nico looked around his living room.

"So, what's the move for tonight, Thomas?"

Oh the formalities were over. What a relief. Thomas let out a soft sigh before scratching the back of his neck.

"I guess… movie night." "Okay! I'll pick the movie. You can make the popcorn."

Thomas nodded as though he didn't know where he was. And for a brief moment, he had completely forgotten how to microwave popcorn. It was nice to see his lover take it so easy. Just laughing at how Thomas burnt the snack up and helping him with the next batch.

Once the movie marathon had begun, Thomas had relaxed up enough to where he allowed himself to rest his head on Nico's shoulders. In reflex, Nico combing his fingers through Thomas' hair. The latter man didn't mind the affection he was being given. Until…

"Sorry, Thomas. But… did you just… squeak?" "Yeah! yeah… sorry about that…" "No no! It's fine! I just wanted to know how I did that. You aren't usually so squirmy unless I get closer to your ears."

Nico lightly flicked one of Thomas' lobes, making the show host giggle louder and covered the sides of his head.

"I thought you might be sensitive but I guess this confirms it." "Whahahahat? Nohohohoho it doesn't!"

Nico smirked as he pinned Thomas down, tickling the sides of Thomas' neck. The latter person kicked out a bit albeit not as roughly since his neck was not that ticklish. His boyfriend cooed at him, making the blushing from earlier return with a vengeance.

"Aww, does this tickle?" "Nihihihih…" "You're so red right now."

A few pecks to the forehead and Thomas was begging Nico to stop, which he thankfully did. Since it wasn't anything too rough, Thomas was able to recover rather quickly.

"Glahahahad you didn't hate any of that." "Why would you say that? You were the one who was getting tickled." "Who said I wouldn't want to seek revenge or something?"

Nico smirked again.

"You have tried and found out that I am barely ticklish. I only have 'sweet spots' as you called them."

Another round of blushing before Thomas huffed and scratched under Nico's calves, making the latter man fall tumble off of the couch.

"Nico! You're okay?" "Of course I am!"

"And you? Mind sharing what's so damn funny?" she asked, cocking her head expectantly. Arthur bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing, glancing at Tommy across the table.

"What, I can't be in a good mood?" she asked, leaning forward not so subtly and latching onto both of his knees. Thomas couldn't hold back the bark of laughter as he curled up, kicking the table so hard it hopped off the ground. Arthur stopped his and Polly's plates from sliding off. She was trying hard not to appear amused.

"Not if it's going to ruin our dinner," she said curtly.

"I don't see how that has anything to do with me. Tommy's the one flailin' about!" What had been one off squeezes turned into relentless ones, and he found himself sinking down in his chair as loud hysterical laughs echoed through the room.

Everyone was amused, eyes fixed on the scene before them. Arthur at this point was laughing along and managed to catch one of his brother's kicking legs. Tommy's eyes went wide and his chuckles kicked up a notch, morphing into nervous giggles as he tried in vain to stop him from taking off his shoes.

"NO! Arthur, Ihihi'll kill you!" he threatened, even holding his butter knife in a defensive position to add weight to his words, but it still wasn't enough to negate the effects of his rarely heard laughter.

"Well there's a sight you don't see everyday," Finn joked, a wide grin in his face as he watched from across the table. "Ada, don't forget to go for his ribs!"

"Nohoho, dohon't you dahahare!" he growled through gritted teeth, desperate to hold back but breathless snickers continued to push through the barricade of his teeth. He looked to Polly with pleading eyes. She was the only voice of reason in this madhouse, and the only one who wouldn't outright turn on him.

She knew she should put an end to this, to save Thomas from the wrath of his siblings and turn their attention back to their food, where it should be. But it's been so long since she's seen them all get along like this. And when was the last time she'd seen Tommy actually laugh and enjoy himself. So she really couldn't stop the fond smile that found its way on her face, or the warm feeling growing in her chest.

"Pohoholly! M-make thehem stohohohop!" he pleaded, but she saw something sparkling in his eyes and she knew: he was having fun.

"If you make him flip the table, you're all cleaning up." He scoffed indignantly at that response before chuckles and snorts overtook him once more.

"Except you Thomas,  I'm sure this is already punishment enough," she teased, shooting him a wink from across the table. She grabbed her plate and glass of water and left them to their devices.

And when she heard a telltale crash followed by Tommy's smug voice, "That's what you fucking get!" she just smiled to herself. She peeked in through the doorway to see Arthur, Ada and Finn picking up scraps of food and china from the floor. Thomas stood in the corner, brushing himself off and glaring at the lot of them, fighting off his grin.

"So, was it worth it?" she asked.

~~~

Lethargic. That’s how this day was feeling. No amount of doom scrolling on his feeds or playing Subway Surfers was going to help with this sudden decrease in energy. The embodiment of high energy, however, seemed very unfazed by their host’s clear lack of any motivation to do literally anything. Remus scoffed.

“If you’re so bored, then why not hang out with your new fuck buddy?” “I don’t feel like bothering Nico, Remus.”

The sluggish weight on his mind, emotions, and body made him also unfazed by Remus’ antics and dirty word play.

“Well, Thomas~ What the fuck do you want me to do about it?!” “I want you to piss off! That’s what!”

Remus shrugged off the backwards comment.

“You don’t mean that.” “Don’t you have something better to do like finding your fuck buddy?” “I’M TRYING TO HELP YOUR PATHETIC ASS!” “WELL STOP TRYING TO HELP BECAUSE YOU’RE NOT!”

Thomas knew that he couldn’t tune Remus all the way out but he could focus his mind… mind… Logan? Logan! The logical trait rose up in Thomas’ room a few moments later.

“I’m busy! What do you–” “Hey, Whale Penis! Our little skin puppet is being a raging cunt!” “I feel the same about you.” “Hey, Jan-Jan!” “And there goes my attempt to shut you all out.”

The human curled up even more into the pile of blankets, pulling the hoodie to his jacket over his head. Janus merely smirked at how childish Thomas was behaving. He put his hand under the covers to snatch Thomas’ phone out his hands.

“Nooooo~! You’re gonna make me crash– FUCK!!” “That’s what you get for being a sour puss!” “That’s it!”

Thomas launched himself off the bed and attempted to tackle Remus before Logan got in front of him.

“Thomas, stop. You’re not helping either.”

The small spurt of anger subsided as Thomas sighed and with zero buildup, collapsed to the ground, groaning in emotional despair.

“Why can’t you leave me alone?” “Because, like it or not, we actually care about you dearly, Thomas. Remus’ way of showing that is a lot more direct than you probably need. There is another way for us to show you that–” “Shut it, Snake Face!”

Thomas was being unusually snarky for some reason. Janus summoned Patton silently, who was cursing quietly under his breath about something. So that might be the source of the problem.

“Patton?”

Patton’s eyes widened as he turned around, acknowledging where he was. He put on that “I’m fine” smile and cheerfully asked what they needed.

“To figure out why Thomas is so… abrasive all of a sudden.” “It’s just unlike Thomas.” “Oh, I’m not entirely sure.” “Ooh, Daddy~! You have the tongue of a Captain!”

Patton’s emotions started flaring up again, for some reason. When he tried speaking again, a croak came out instead. He sighed, giving up entirely on trying to call Remus out on his negative behavior.

“I’ll… I’ll be more careful with emotions.” “Actually, we kind of need your help. I think I’ve come up with an idea to help Thomas.”

Janus placed himself over Thomas’ stretched out arms.

“W-what are you doing, Janus?” “Holding up your arms. Logan, will you secure his ankles?” “My pleasure.”

Thomas started getting this sinking feeling in his stomach.

“You… you’re not planning on getting revenge, are you?” “No. What would ever give you the thought~?”

Remus was now bouncing on his toes.

“Ooh~! Are we going to tickle the douche? I call dibs on his neck!" “The goal isn’t to torture him, Remus." “Awh! Why not?" “Thomas being in a depressed stupor doesn’t give us a reason to be needlessly cruel to him." “I guess…" “‘Ooh~! Is Thomas’ emotions make your dick limp?’” “H-hey! Don’t impersonate me!” “Jan. Be nice.”

For a moment, Thomas had forgotten all about the fact Patton was there. This also made him forget how ruthless his aspects can be when they try to cheer him up. If he was being especially stubborn, they would go for those death spots but would have to cover up his mouth so that he wouldn’t blast their eardrums out.

Janus summoned all six arms and began pinching up and down Thomas’ sides. The latter person burst into airy hysterics, wiggling and shimming to get away from the overwhelming amount of fingers touching him. Those 6 hands soon turned into 10 as the others started kneading his sides too. Remus found one particular spot near his underarms that made him jerk harshly.

“A good spot! Hey, Thomas! How would you feel if I were to start digging, digging–” “REMUS!!” “Yep! This is a great spot!” “Remus. We aren’t torturing Thomas, remember?” “Oh, you three are no fun!” “NAHAHAHAHAHAHAT THEHEHEHEHEHEHERE!!” “Remus. Slow down.” “That’s what he said!”

There was a momentary pause as the others got Remus’ hips and started an onslaught of squeezes to them. The way Remus’ entire demeanor changed was laughable.

“NO! NONONONOOOOO!! STAHAHAHAPTHAT!! STAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!” “See? It’s no fun being on the other end, now is it, kiddo?” “Ohohohoho… ehehehehehe… gohohoho to hell, you twink!”

The three went back to ganging up on Thomas before two more figures appeared.

“What the hell are you doing to–” “Well, that’s surprising to say the least.” “Vihihihihihigil… Rohohohohohoho… hehehehehelp me!” “What happened?” “Thomas being a jackass so Snakey came up with a plan to fix that.”

Virgil rolled his eyes and plopped down next to Logan.

“I guess I can help you guys out. Wanna help, Roman?”

Roman, already ecstatic about it, summoned claws for everyone to use.

“Of course, Doom and Gloom!”

Again with the feeling of a million fingers, this time amplified because of the claws. Thomas wasn’t going to be able to stand this much long–

“Nohohohohoho! PahahahahahaTTON!” “Oh, look! Thomas also has ‘saddles’.” “Whahat are ‘saddles’?” “They’re like you and Jan’s ‘stirrups’ on the thighs but there on his sides. Just look at how much they can stretch and wiggle. Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle~!”

Thomas’ face was so red that even his ears were burning. He covered his face up in his elbow.

“Awh! You’re so shy about this. It’s okay. Logan also has them!”

It was Logan’s turn to flush as he scolded the moral facet for bringing him into the conversation like had not just previously called out how “thick” Roman and Janus were. Thomas’ thrashing became stronger as he was eventually able to turn his wrist around and somehow, consciously and unconsciously, squeezed Janus’ hip. A slight hiss escaped the deceptive trait as he moved back until he realized what he was doing as Thomas tried to sit back up.

“Oh, no you don’t, you little–” “waitwaitwaitwait– I’msorryI’msorryI’msosohohohohohorry!” “Oho, you’re going to be sorry alright~!”

Thomas shook his head as he felt Janus hold down his wrist and place two more over his mouth.

“Remus.” “Yeah?” “… … Get. Him.” “Ha! Thought you would never fucking ask~!”

Thomas thrashed even more as Remus very slowly, so incredibly slowly clawed into the section of the neck closest to the latter person’s shoulder blade. Thomas’ screams were only partially quieted by Janus’ gloves. He was noticeably red all over now that the Sides believed that his feet were also red.

“IHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIH SUHUHUHUHUHUHUHUHUHRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!” “Now, we can’t understand you like that, Thomas? What are you saying? Are you apologizing to us about your terrible behavior from earlier?”

Face. Ears. Hands. Neck. Sides. Stomach. All were red as Rudolph’s nose. Virgil gave them the signal to stop and give Thomas some time to breathe. The six figments waited for Thomas to calm down completely before asking if he felt better.

“Yehehes– Yes, I do.” “Good to hear, kiddo.” “Aww, does that mean there won’t be a round 2?”

Thomas scooted back away from them, covering his sides.

“Nohohot right now, Remus.” “Oh, boo! Fine! Let’s get Janus!” “No! ReMUS!! Get off of me!” “Payback for last week, Snake Boi~!”

"Am I?" he asked, and there was something in his voice that should've tipped him off, but went overlooked.

"Yes. So if you have no business, I'd appreciate some peace and quiet." When Arthur still didn't leave, he gave an exaggerated sigh, "What?"

"I never said I didn't have business," Arthur said, mustache twitching with his smirk. "Never said I didn't have business." He took a step closer. "It's just not... business business." Another step. Tommy cocked a brow, leveling him with a gaze.

"Then it doesn't concern me."

"See, that's where you're wrong." He sat down on the corner of his desk, shifting and crinkling the papers scattered about. "You're the only one who can help."

That got his attention. "Help with what?" Arthur leaned across his desk, far into his personal space and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm lookin' for trouble mate," he practically growled, and only then did Thomas recognize the mischief gleaming in his eyes.

"The hell's that supposed to mean?" Before he could even scoot away from his desk, Arthur was on him, keeping him pinned to the office chair. Thomas yelped, fighting him off for as long as he could, struggling to keep his hands at bay. Arthur was quick and stronger than him, and easily slipped from his grasp. He dug into his ribs, reluctant chuckles fighting their way to the surface. He tweaked his bottom rib, earning a bark of laughter before Tommy managed to slip out of the chair.

He landed on the hardwood floor, bolting to his feet before Arthur could pin him. His eyes were wide and had a wild look to them, but his smile still lingered. He pointed a stern finger at him, “What the hell was that for?”

Arthur chuckled, a deep, gravely sound. “What? Can’t a guy tickle his grumpy ass little brother in peace?” He relished in the way his jaw dropped, a dark pink blush spreading across his cheeks. He floundered for an answer before he was composed enough to speak.

“No!”

“Agree to disagree.” Arthur stood in front of him, blocking the only exit. Thomas tried to step around him, but the taller mirrored his movements. A smile twitched on his lips, arms curling in to protect himself. All it took was a flinch to the left for Arthur to strike.

He caught him around the waist, wiggling his fingers into Tommy’s sides. A strangled choking sound escaped his throat, a tight lipped smile stretching over his face despite his best efforts to suppress it. His resolve didn’t last once Arthur went for his hips, squeezing and drilling circles over the bones.

“Y’know somethin’? You’re real easy to catch off guard when you’re working. Practically have a target painted on your back!” he said conversationally, hands crawling over Tommy’s stomach.

“Ahaharthur! Knohock ihihit ohohoff!” he scolded through his laughter, but the venom was gone from his voice.

“Mmm, no, don’t think I will. Not really a sneak attack if I don’t do much attacking,” he teased, reaching a hand down to squeeze his knee, chuckling when Tommy snorted. His legs buckled and Arthur had to guide him to the floor so that he wouldn’t just collapse into a giggly heap.

Arthur used the new position to loom over him, a sinister grin in place. He wasted no time and latched onto both knees, sending him into howling laughter that turned to deep cackles once Arthur got ahold of his thighs.

"If I already know it, then why the secrecy?" Tommy questioned, arching a brow.

"Because without it, it wouldn't really feel like a secret, would it?"

"Yeah, it wouldn't feel like a secret!" Alfie agreed with a cheeky grin. Thomas narrowed his eyes as he watched his brother lean in and whisper in Alfie's ear. He watched as a smile stretched across his face and he glanced at Thomas then back at Arthur. "No shit?!"

"Go on, try it if you don't believe me!" Arthur goaded. "Don't worry, he won't bite. Usually. Just mostly bark."

Alfie snorted. "Mostly."

Thomas straightened in his seat as Alfie stood, walking over to sit on the arm of his chair, and furrowed his brows.

"Right then, what'd he tell you?" he asked, looking up at that shit eating grin shining through a thick beard.

"I s'pose I could tell you... But I'd rather show you."

He was about to ask just what the hell that was supposed to mean, when a hand reached up and scratched behind his ear. He was drunk and taken off guard, scrunching his neck as surprised giggles poured out before he could stop himself and Alfie froze. They looked at each other with wide eyes before he turned to his brother.

"Arthur what the fuck?" Perhaps it would've been more threatening if his face wasn't so flushed, or if he didn't have a smile playing at the edge of his mouth. Said man just shrugged, a very satisfied look on his face.

"What? We're all havin' a bit of fun. Figured it's been a while since I tortured you," he teased.

"You wouldn't," he challenged.

"Mmm, maybe not," Arthur conceded with a shrug, ducking his head down to stare at the floor. He tilted his chin up to meet his gaze, now sporting a devilish smirk. "But he would," he said matter of factly and pointed at Alfie, who now had both hands hovering around his ears, poised to strike.

He was about to yell out to wait when he dove in, tracing the shells of his ears and scribbling his fingers up and down his neck. He had no hope of holding back the boyish giggles that burst from where they had been buried deep in his chest.

"An' here I was thinkin' he didn't know how to laugh!" Alfie teased, continuing the ticklish assault. He growled at the playful taunt, gritting his teeth together to trap whatever embarrassing noises his body was trying to make. His face was scrunched adorably from the effort it took to hold in his laughter and a wide grin was nearly splitting his face in two. It was a rare and blessed sight to behold.

"I really gotta thank you Arthur, this is the best gift anyone's ever given me," he praised, pinning Tommy to the chair with his knee in his lap. "Gonna come in handy quite often I think," he added with an evil chuckle of his own. He was laughing right in his ear, and the low grumbling tenor shot tingles down his back and he squealed.

"Oh? What's this then?" he asked, clearly amused as he took advantage of their proximity and rubbed his scruff against his neck. Thomas spasmed and screamed in laughter, occasionally brown up by shrieks and snorts and he flailed about.

"Oh Jehesus Chrihihist, Alfihihihihehehe!" he screamed through hysterics, back arched while he pounded a hand against his back. Alfie leaned away to give him a breather, flashing him the widest smile he thinks he's ever seen.

"What's the matter Tommy? You ticklish or somethin'?" he let out a loud, heart laugh as if it was the funniest joke and slapped him on the shoulder. Arthur tossed his head back with an amused chuckle and Thomas groaned slumping forward.

"I'm never gonna live this down, am I?"

"Not likely."

He shot a glare at Alfie, though the unshakable grin severely dampened the effect.

"You tell anyone and I'll kill you slowly-"

"Mhm."

"And painfully."

"Okay."

Tommy wants to be mad. Should be mad. But he can't find it in himself to be upset, still feeling far too giggly to hold a grudge. Besides, he needed the laugh.