#tkl fic

The astrophage powered ship drifted slowly into the dark abyss of space, eleven years, ten months, many weeks, and days away from human contact. Too far away from the sun to provide much if not any warmth to the uncertified astronaut that slept soundly in his berth. At least as sound as he could be after all. Mary the ship's AI or robot if you would call her had already set the coffee machine on its cleaning cycle. Armando grabbed a goofy mug from a storage compartment underneath the machine. It was caramel flavored in the way the man liked it. They knew of course. They both knew everything they possibly could about Ryland Grace. It was programmed into their data center after all. 

The science teacher's leg was dangling off the side of the bed. He had really stupid socks on too. Mismatched with a rainbow pattern halfway off his foot, and a bumble bee pattern. Due to the tossing and turning he usually did in his sleep. He was definitely more comfortable compared to how he was months and even years prior. To be fair he did have a tube up his butt and a mask on his face so this was certainly an improvement. The tube down his throat also wasn’t great…This sleep however he had a new person to be by his side. Or in Grace’s case, an eridian. Watching him sleep for as long as he needed to. It was in his nature after all. And the human meant a lot to him. The alien had been keeping track of how long Grace usually slept for. He was told 29,000 seconds but he always seemed to be getting less sleep than that. It confused Rocky. Yet every time, after hours of waiting. Professor Ryland Grace always woke up. 

The man slowly slid open from his drowsy state, his blue eyes meeting the darkness of the ship. Another reminder that he wasn’t home yet…except he was never going home. This was his life now, and he had to make the most of it. 

“Grace Awake!” The eridian enthusiastically chirped yet was translated through the computer system. He hovered around Grace in his hamster like ball. “How sleep, Question?” 

Grace rubbed his eyes gently and yawned with a wide open mouth, a voice crack along with a squeak or two slipping out in the process. Taking his time to fully gain his consciousness back before responding to the eridian. Rocky would usually wait as long as he needed anyways.

“I slept good pal…had an interesting dream…” 

Rocky seemed to tilt his head to the side like a curious puppy. Something the alien seemed to do when he had inclined interest. “Rocky not understand new word.” He huffed out softly, rolling around a little bit in his ‘ball’

“Ah right, dream. Well I guess they're what we see when humans sleep. Like a memory or want that we think about.” Grace pulled himself out from the sandwich of blankets on his bed and slowly walked over to the computer on a nearby table. Scratching his side and grabbing the glasses that laid next to it, placing them on his nose bridge and along his ears. Rocky followed him like a puppy wherever he went, always close behind the teacher. Grace didn’t necessarily see him as such after all. He had grown very fond of him and saw him more so as an equal over a pet. That’s just not what he was to the man. 

“Rocky not have dreams. Sounds interesting. What Grace dream, Question?”

Grace ran a hand through his locks of hair at the question, trying to piece the dream back together. “It wasn’t anything very special, it was almost like a memory if anything. Just something simple I guess. Leaning out the window of my old apartment and watching the sunset…It was a little blurry but I could almost smell everything. I miss it.”

“Rocky bedroom had window too. It beautiful when look out.”

The man smiled softly. “I can only imagine my friend.” 

The astro(not) sluggishly slipped out of his sleeping quarters with Rocky close behind. Happy for a cup of coffee to help wake him up and get him going. A taste that reminded him of the periods before he began to teach for the day. A cup already brewed and ready by the help of Mary. The smell was enough to already get the sleepiness buzzing out of his brain. Rocky plopped himself on the ground and tapped his claw onto the glass.

“Grace teach Rocky today?”

Grace took a sip of his coffee, wiping the creamy residue from his mustache. “Hm? What in particular do you wanna learn? You need to be a little more specific buddy.” 

The eridian seemed to be making noises which the computer system was unable to translate. It could almost be taken as he was thinking. Similar to how a human hums…

“Grace promised human anatomy.”

Grace chuckled softly under his breath, patting the top of Rocky's multi sided ball as he made his way into the medical sector of the space ship. “Right right, I suppose I did.” Should not be much different than teaching a middle school anatomy course for health class…right? The school teacher had promised Rocky that the next time Mary and Armando gave him a physical exam that he would let Rocky watch and answer any questions he had lingering in his little rock head. Leaving the alien to wait impatiently for several days, but now was finally the time to do so. Ryland Grace was often trying to avoid these check ups as much as he could, for they were deemed unnecessary and “childish” for him. Even though deep down he knew he needed them. Especially when he was so engulfed in his experiments with Rocky that he forgot to eat and would fast more regularly. Needing help to get back on track with his eating habits and general wellness needs. He had the mentality of, ‘If I don’t eat then I’ll be able to survive longer!’ Which was not healthy in the slightest….

The alien chirped in delight as he skittered around Grace and pushed past him to their destination. Getting launched into the air just a few inches as he ran over a thick binder filled with lots of papers. Anxiously awaiting his lesson from his favorite human. Grace weaved through all the objects scattered across the flooring, making sure not to spill his coffee and burn himself. He really needed to clean some time soon… Eventually finding his spot on a chair next to the robot-like appendage better known as ‘Armando.’ voiced over by the AI Mary. . 

“Hello, Ryland Grace. Thank you for remembering your medical exam today. Would you like the eridian to remain present?”-

“Rocky want to watch! Statement.” She was quickly cut off by the eager rock-like-alien. Almost shushing her with a waving claw in the air. Bouncing up and down on his many appendages inside his ball. Nearly knocking over a desk in the process. 

“He’s more than fine staying, I don’t mind really. Please just start the procedure. I've been dreading this…” Grace was very aware that he had been fasting a lot as of recently and it had led him to be far more fatigued than usual. He wasn’t necessarily skinny just yet, for the amount of time he was in space unconscious his body had burned a lot of the belly fat he had. Which wasn’t necessarily a horrible thing he thought. If you ignore the fact that the coma was forced onto him…at this point and time however, Grace was unaware of this. After a blood drawing from Mary and a scan of his glucose levels. As well as many questions from Rocky.  Mary could quickly take note of the fact that Grace was not getting enough nutrients that was enough to sustain him. Leaving the man exhausted and anxious. Not good for anyone, especially an isolated astronaut.

“Ryland Grace, you haven't been meeting your protein and vitamin intake properly since our last check in. We will need to do an abdominal ultrasound before we continue to the next step of the check in.” 

Said man's eyes rolled so slowly to face the AI like an exaggerated girl denied to visit her boyfriend's house. Before a shyly smug smile spread across his face. “Can I promise you I’m not pregnant?” A fading and forced laugh coming from him. The Ai provided no response. 

“Is Grace expecting young? Question” Rocky asked excitedly, rolling around and pent up with too much energy. 

Grace couldn't help but burst out into a genuine chuckle. Hiding his smile behind his fist. “Noho- no I'm not. I was making jokes. Mary has to do something that is usually done to expecting mothers. But it can be done for other procedures. She needs it to look at my intestines to see if everything looks the way it's supposed to. However I’m not very excited about it…”

Rocky seemed to nod his head or body in understanding. “A joke, yes, Rocky understands now. Statement. ♫♩♬~♫♩♬” Followed by a series of untranslated sounds that could almost be interpreted as laughter even if Rocky didn’t necessarily understand the initial joke very well. 

Grace was for some reason dragging out the procedure as long as he could. His fingers pinching and fiddling with the orange pants that covered his legs. He knew it wouldn’t hurt…that was apparent. Mary never did anything to intentionally hurt Grace on purpose at least. There was an accident here or there but this test would be entirely painless. So why were the sides of his head slightly damp with sweat? Because he had done this weeks back before Rocky was not in the picture. And it tickled. And he knew Rocky was going to ask about it. There was no way to get out of it either. 

The mechanical arm Armando from the ship grabbed some supplies off to the side of where Grace was sitting. The only noise in the room being the patting of the man’s hands on his thighs. A form of stimming he began to do again once he became more comfortable around Rocky. No reason for him to judge after all, he was just an alien with a kinder spirit than most humans Grace had ever met. 

“Ryland Grace, please lay back in your seat and lift your shirt for the abdominal exam to begin.” 

Great he was going to have to do it himself…that made his ears turn a little red. Just from the inner anticipation of it all. This was just making him feel stupid. There was nothing to be worried about. 

“Must we really have to do this? I mean come on don’t you have enough information?”- 

Rocky came close to Grace, his protective ball coming in contact with the teacher's leg. “Grace scared Mary will hurt Grace? Question…”

Now he was really backed into a corner, something he couldn’t get out of. “No bud It’s just…” He paused and corrected himself. “N-No not at all buddy.” It took Grace a few seconds but he pinched the hem of his “I make science jokes periodically” shirt and pulled it up to let his stomach show to the robot, as well as Rocky. Armando grabbed a bottle of gel nearby and with precise accuracy applied the cold gel onto the end of the wand. Before slowly lowering it onto the man's bare skin. A brief squeak coming from Grace at the sudden cold touch. Armando was completely unfazed as Mary took in data on the nearby screen and slowly began to circle the wand around his abdomen. Rocky however had a different reaction…

“IS GRACE OKAY? What noise question!?” He chirped, worried that Grace was trying to hide his pain from him. Yet when Rocky looked at Grace again there didn’t seem to be any signs of discomfort, at least in a way showing pain. Grace's knees were slightly lifted off the ground and unconsciously trying to protect his torso…interesting. He was holding his breath and his ears were turning a strange hue…funny. Rocky couldn’t see this however of course. Due to the way he sees things. Color was something he couldn’t. Only white and black. His glasses were sliding down his nose bridge and his shoulders shook. But what would have been triggering such a reaction from the man?

“Ihi’m fine pal I-I promise. Mary are we almost dohone?”- He snickered through his teeth as Mary made no changes to have Armando move away from Grace’s middle. Seeming to actually be spreading the gel and wand around in bigger circles. Grazing his belly button for just a second, making the man slap a hand over his mouth.

“No Grace, the procedure will be done in no more than three minutes, it has been forty five seconds. It is normal for you to feel ticklish during this procedure but please remain still or we will have to restart.”

 The way that Grace reacted was very much so how a child would react to such a grown procedure. It was rather endearing to see a full grown man act this childish over something so simple. Rocky couldn’t help but make a connection to the pebbles back on Erid. It made Rocky’s curiosity only grow bigger and form more questions. 

“Why Grace laughing? And what is new word….Question…” 

Oh god now Grace was only getting more embarrassed as the time kept ticking and ticking and more things were being added to it all. A long groan came from the man as he dragged his palms down his cheeks. His tummy sucking in just a little trying to get away from the cold gel and wand. Yet still trying his best to stay still as possible. 

“I-Ihit’s a huhumahan thing! Ihi don’t know ihif I cahan do this, Mahary!”- Grace hiccuped as he held his forehead to his palm.

“Just twenty more seconds, Ryland Grace. We will be done soon.” 

From Grace's words it became confusing for him to tell whether or not Grace was disliking this. Yet when he looked up at Grace through echolocation he couldn't help but notice everything. The wide smile. The genuine and soft laughter coming from him. Not making an effort to physically stop Mary…was Grace enjoying himself?

After what felt like an eternity to Grace the ultrasound was over and Mary needed all the information she needed to improve Grace’s health. She gave him the run down on what he needed to do for the next few weeks to get him feeling healthier and better. Yet everything she told him was practically going in one ear and out the other. It took some time for Grace’s cheeks and ears to fade from their pinkish hue and to get his breath back. All he could do now was hope Rocky wouldn’t ask about it…Not like he would have minded of course. He missed such affections especially if it wasn’t coming from a robot. He had memories of being tickled by his friends in grade school. How happy it made him…He missed times like that. When he was able to just for a moment look back at his life on earth and remember what he was really doing this for. His students. He missed them.

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It had been a few days or so since Grace’s medical exam from Mary and Armando. Yet for some reason he was acting…off…not in any bad way that mattered of course. Rocky just couldn’t help but notice the little behaviours he had never seen the science teacher do before. When he was watching him sleep before Grace had actually drifted off, he had been tracing his fingers along his arm and down his sides. So slow and so softly…interesting ...Tracing his face and sides of his jawline with a pencil while he was working on a formula for astrophage…familiar…Tapping his sides while he seemed to be pondering something…his foot tapping on the floor…intriguing...Rocky wanted to try something. 

At this current point in time Grace had his feet propped up onto a table, he had literally no motivation to do anything at all for this mission. He sometimes had days like this. He wasn’t going to force himself. Simply having a computer laid across his lap and a manatee documentary playing. He missed going to aquariums and seeing them. Fat little sea cows that made him smile. The way they ate sea grass always got a chuckle out of him ever since he was little. Watch a video of them eating and thank me later. 

Rocky rolled into his friend’s space, sitting down next to the man and curiously watching the computer next to Grace. A smile forming on the human’s face. 

“Hey pal, you screen peaking?” 

“Yes, very interesting animal. Rocky have question for Grace. Statement.”

Said man patted the top of Rocky's ball, pausing his documentary and coming down from his chair to sit criss-cross in front of Rocky at ‘eye level’. “Go right ahead, my friend.” He replied whilst taking a sip of yet another cup of coffee. His second one for the day. One would think that he would take it more seriously to drink water more but the taste was so bland he couldn’t enjoy it much.

“Would Grace like Rocky to tickle Grace? Question…” 

The simple question shocked Grace so much that he stopped mid drink and shook his head a bit. Taking a concerning amount of time to properly respond to the alien. Holding the coffee in his mouth before swallowing. His speech became just a bit noticeably stuttered and slurred. 

“I uhum- why would- AHEM what’s got you asking me that?” Now this was a question he was dragging out for the past few days and it had finally caught up to him. Crap.

Rocky rolled closer to the man and sat right in front of Grace. The xenonite ball touching Grace's knees. 

“Grace seem sad lately. When Mary tickle Grace, Grace look happy. Rocky want to make Grace happy.” 

The astro(not) simply sat there for some time, pondering the question and the idea. The way Rocky was being so genuine about it with his reasoning. If he had the time to think about it he never actually tolerated the idea. He actually did enjoy it…but the idea of being embarrassed on top of it at his big age was enough to make him fidgety. Yet how could he say no to his friend? Sliding his glasses back up his nose bridge and nibbling at his lower lip he gave a response. 

“Well if…youre genuinely curious… and you w-want to… I suppose…”

The eridian perked up instantly onto his appendages. Tapping his claws onto the flooring of his ball vibrating in excitement. 

“Grace teach Rocky how!” 

Grace couldn’t help but worry that he was going to regret this…well too late now. His thumb pressed and spread across his eyebrow with a huff of air coming from him. How on earth was he supposed to TEACH someone to tickle him? He had no idea, but he would figure it out as he went along. 

“Well I guess you kinda just uhmm…” He cleared his throat. “Lightly touch someone in a place they're sensitive. And the uh, louder they laugh the more ti…sensitive they are in that place.” 

“I see. Where should Rocky tickle Grace?”

That dreaded word. Rocky was going to keep saying it over and over and Grace could hardly mutter the first few letters of it…

“I think that anywhere would work really- I’m well…I don’t think it matters where”- Gods how hard was it for him to simply speak right now. The poor guy. 

Rocky seemed to laugh at Grace's actions. Not in a negative demeanor in any way. Instead one of interest and curiosity. 

“Grace is acting funny. Grace’s face is red. Statement” Grace’s cheeks were in fact painted with a warm shade of pink. 

‘Y-Yes Rocky I am very aware…It’s a thing humans do when they are embarrassed….”

“Is Grace embarrassed? Can Rocky try to tickle Grace? Question…” 

Grace didn’t answer. Simply pushing his look outwards and looking at a nearby wall. Getting a twitter from the Eridian, he moved closer to Grace. His front claws push out of the mesh like material in the Xenonite ball. Hovering over the tops of Grace’s knee caps momentarily. The teacher's heart beat was seemingly louder to Rocky than a few minutes ago…humans are so interesting…After a little bit of time however, the man nodded to both of the questions. Giving Rocky the go to. 

The aliens' claws were softer when peeking through the mesh, it made them have a bit of cushion. Not as much as human hands however. Rocky’s claws oh so gently grabbed onto the tops of Grace’s knee caps. One of his claws accidentally dug into the soft dip of his knee. Not expecting much of any reaction at first. Being rather surprised however at a squeak from the man and a kick of his knee. A noise that Rocky had never heard from the human before. Rolling backwards from the force of the kick being followed by many apologies from Grace. 

“O-OH MY GOD!- Sorry! I’m sorry bud I promise you I didn’t mean to do that, honest…” 

Rocky quickly came back to his feet and rolled over to Grace. 

“What was noise! Rocky, try again, Please! Yes!” 

He had gotten up so fast his glasses had fallen down his nose bridge and dangled on his ears. Quickly getting backed up into a corner by Rocky as he followed him around. Sliding down the wall and nervously chuckling. 

“Ihi uhum….hey Rohocky buhuddy why not um…”

“Yes Grace?”

He was unable to get any more words out of him at the time. Instead, slowly taking his time to pinch the end of his shirt. Fiddling with the hem of it. Before very….very slowly lifting it. His soft skin showing to the alien and sinking into his shoulders. His happy trail peeking out, a soft warm glow similar to his cheeks. It was rather endearing…

Rocky was overjoyed by this act. It reminded him of when he was doing the medical procedure a few days ago. Rocky rolled closer to Grace and made sure to sit down firmly in his ball so he couldn’t get rolled away. He was heavy enough after all. His claws coming out from the mesh again and slowly going to grab onto Grace’s sides. The slow motion of it made the man unconsciously suck in his belly. Rocky didn’t even KNOW how to tease and somehow that made what he was doing worse and worked on the poor guy so well. The Eridian’s claws made their descent on his sides and gently did as Grace said to do earlier. Almost kneading his paw pads into the soft skin. Tapping the tips of his fingers. This resorted to pulling a squeal from the man. Throwing his head back a little and darting his hands to hold onto the ‘wrists’ of Rocky’s paws. 

“GYEEhehe! Oho jeheeEEZ!” 

Rocky trilled almost like a feline, something the alien didn’t know anything about. His little claws opened and closed on the man’s sides like a claw machine awaiting to grab its prize. Yet the only prize Rocky wanted was Grace's smile and laughter. By the way it was going. This was working. 

“Why are humans ticklish, question?” 

Grace knew what the answer was but it was a little difficult for him to get the words out through his giggling. Bitting his lip as Rocky’s fingers kneaded at the tops of his hip bones. A genuine and hearty laugh coming from the teacher. Throwing his head up and back just a little. Rocky stopped briefly so he could get a clear answer from Grace. He was using this as a learning lesson after all.

“Ihihit’s a defehense mechanism *hic*! Thaht lhets us protect our impohortant places. L-Like our intestines or areas that have easy access to the heart. Like the stomach or underarms…It’s not inherently a bad thing however. It can be an act of play…well…trust bonding I suppose. I guess it’s a bit of a social behaviour.” Grace rubbed his now glowing yet prickly cheeks.

The alien was listening intently to Grace’s words, analysing and applying everything to what he was saying. He remembered the anatomy lesson Grace gave him a few days ago…And Grace had practically just handed Rocky a scroll of where to tickle him…

“Rocky understands. Human Culture....” The way the computer picked up the way he said it…it was almost high pitched and playful in a way. Funny.

As soon as Rocky finished his sentence Grace practically jolted as Rocky's digits traveled from his sides to his belly. Pinching and prodding at the squishy skin curiously.

“GYAHA- *snort* ROHohocky!- Thahat whahasn’t an ihinvitAHATION!!-” Grace chortled and slid all the way down to the floor now. Hugging onto his shoulders as his glasses slipped off his nose. Only dangled only on one of his ears now.

“WHAT NOISE? Grace made a funny noise statement!” He was absolutely elated at the sound! He just had to hear it again… “Humans are so soft…why Grace soft squishy, question?” 

Grace was far too flustered by the bombardment of questions from his friend. Pulling his glasses from his face and hiding his eyes and mouth the best he could behind his hand. His belly bouncing up and down against Rocky's claws and paw pads. Rocky wasn’t able to directly touch Grace due to the xenonite unfortunately separating them. Yet there was a joyful closeness that radiated from the alien. His incoherent chirps sounded like an excited animal that was a mix of so many different species. Grace was hardly able to focus on anything other than the electric tingles that scattered across his middle and the butterflies swirling around his tummy. 

“Oho gohosh! Ihit tihickles buhHUHUDDY!- *snort*!” Grace whined into his hands, curling his legs around the xenonite ball and scrunching up and into his shoulders. Shaking with laughter. He didn’t ever think he’d be tickled by an alien rock…now that was an original thought….

Rocky gently poked at the soft spot underneath Grace’s belly button. Pinching at the soft surface and squishing the side of the man’s belly. A high pitched squeal coming from the man. Not a very manly sound, followed by a loud snort as he scrunched up his nose. The noise only made Rocky want to tickle said spot more. Gently poking at the man’s tummy button a few times.

“Why Grace have hole in stomach, question?”

“DYEE- *hic* HEHE! Ihit’s *snort* Aha bihHIRTH THIHING!”

The Eridian’s fingers patted on Grace’s belly, giving him a bit of time to get his breath back. Happily tapping all his paws on the ground.

“Ihit’s nahat a bahad thihing…ahall *hic* people hahave it…at leheast usually…” Grace wheezed softly, rubbing his tummy.

“Rocky understands. Rocky likes tickling! Grace laugh is happy!” Rocky exhilarated. 

Grace removed his hands from his face and took a few deep breaths. Placing his glasses back onto his face. His leftover giggles still made them slide down his nose bridge. He had to admit he was actually rather cheerful…the most he’d felt in a long time since being on Project Hail Mary. It was a good change of pace. 

“Yehes buddy…I’m hahappy…”

“Can Rocky tickle Grace a little longer, question?” 

Grace propped himself up onto his elbows, letting out a long breath of air. Thinking…his ears are definitely burning with heat by now. 

“Ihi uhmm…” He pondered for a moment…he was really enjoying himself…almost as much as Rocky was… “Goho right ahead pahal…I don’t mind..” 

Rocky almost in an instant shot his hands up into Grace’s armpits. Gently scratching his digits into the following area from an unsuspecting Grace. Rocky thought that his friends' laugh was loud before. He was mistaken. 

“DYAHAHAH!- *snort* ROHOCKY!- N-NOHO WAIHAIT!” 

Grace was terrified of tossing Rocky across the room again, yet needing some way of grounding himself. Quickly deciding on hugging onto Rocky’s ball and wrapping his legs around it. Like a kid hugging onto a Target bouncy ball that was much too big for them. The downside to this however was he exposed his underarms more to the relentless little alien. Not like he minded however…maybe he did it on purpose. Who knows…

“Grace laughter is louder. Is more ticklish question?” The alien asked while the poor man belly laughed, smushing his cheek into the xenonite glass. 

“YEHEHES!- GYEHAHAH!- *hic*!-” 

Rocky's paws fluttered and danced around the hollow area. Quickly picking up on the areas that were more sensitive due to the escalation of laughter and quick jolts. Grace rubbed his face against the ball Rocky was kept in. Kicking his feet just a bit as a form of stimming. After a bit more time however Rocky stopped his attack, instead hugging Grace through the ball’s mesh. Chirping and purring with delight. 

“Happy Happy Happy…Did Grace have fun question?”

Grace kept his embrace against ‘Rocky’, taking in slow breaths of air and with one arm wrapping around his belly. It was now filled with a warm and fuzzy feeling. One that didn’t compare to the ones he got when he was drunk. This might be his replacement for Vodka for a while…

“Yehehes…oho gohosh…thank youhu buhuddy…Ihi really neheeded that…” 

“Rocky happy that Grace happy. Grace should laugh more. Grace has nice laugh statement. Should do it more” 

The compliment brought a great big smile to the man’s face. “Ihill think about it pal…”

||AN: THIS IS NOT A SHIP FIC PLEASE DONT TREAT IT AS SUCH!!! i was close to scrapping this but I FINISHED IT!! I KEPT MY PROMISE!! I HOPE U GUYS LIKE IT!!||

“HAHAHA, ARE YOU KIDDING!? I HATE THIS STUPID JO-O-O-O-O—“

Noli yelled in his static voice as a fist as strong as metal slammed into his face. Guest leading Two Time away after delivering said punch as he lead them inside Yorick’s house out of sight

“I thank you for your service.” Two Time praised with a nod, stabbing the ground multiple times to create their ritual circle for respawning. “The Spawn has good fortune awaiting you soon.”

“Uh.. don’t mention it.” Guest replied awkwardly with a small nod.. He had never made an attempt to really interact with Two Time outside of rounds, mainly cause they themselves made no effort to really talk with anyone.. However, the longer he watched them, the way they struggled a little with imbedding the blade into the ground, the way they looked at it with eyes that told a story they ached to forget.. it really did remind him that that was exactly what they were. A kid… not legally, but in his eyes.

His instincts flared back up as he heard the familiar music of the killer come into earshot. “Stay on guard.” He mumbled to Two Time, who nodded as they peeked out the door to try to spot Noli before he spotted them.

“..I believe the attacker has—“ Guest practically snatched Two Time away from the door as Noli’s clone suddenly appeared in front of it. Guest holding his breath as he held Two Time close to his chest, the sound of the clone’s glitched out taunting sending both fear and anger spiraling throughout his body. Finally, he was allowed a sigh of relief when the clone didn’t detect them and vanished… it being only now that he realized he had grabbed them around the waist, something he preferred not to do.

Just as he was about to remove his hands and mutter an apology, he noticed that Two Time’s face held a smile.. one shakier than they’d normally wear.

..It didn’t take him long at all to realize what was really happening. For Roblox’s sake, he was a father! How could he not realize?

“..Are you ticklish, Two Time?” He asked softly, his voice lacking accusation or teasing. The cultist lacking a response.. until they nodded slowly.

“..Okay.” He mumbled with a weak, reassuring smile. “I’ll avoid that then.”

The round came to an end, all the survivors being teleported back to the lobby and going about their business as usual. Two Time, on the other hand, acted.. rather different. Instead of attempting to talk with Dusekkar again about aiding his abilities to the spawn or praying in the corner, they sat on the couch and rested their head on the arm, thinking hard—too hard about the interaction with Guest…. They had nearly forgotten tickling as a concept, lacking any contact for so long that.. things like that just slipped the mind to make more room for the spawn…

..They didn’t like when this happened. When they experienced things that they had forgotten about, and were forced to think about how much they longed for it.

It wasn’t until they saw Guest pass the room with a look of concern plastered on his face that they swallowed their thoughts and sat back up.

“Your assistance last round was crucial to our success. The Spawn will forever hold you high in its image” They spoke, Guest nodding slowly with an unsure expression as he slowly sat down next to them with a grunt. “..Yeah, Thanks..” He mumbled, looking down at Two Time, his expression not faltering despite their calm one

“..If someone ever does something that upsets you, you should tell that person that. You know that, right?”

“..Yes, I am aware?” Two Time responded with a slight squint of the eyes, their usual tone wavering a little in confusion. “..And you should tell me if I were ever to do something to upset you.” He stated, avoiding bluntness but revealing his reason for his concern. Reading people had always been a cakewalk for Guest, and it didn’t take a full scale investigation for him to determine that Two Time’s gestures hinted towards something bad going on in their mind..

“No no, wait- you didn’t do anything to upset me, I promise—“ They quickly stammered with widened eyes, their tone bleeding out of their normal formal sounding one. Which, although it relieved Guest of his concern, opened a new one up.

“Okay, okay.. thank you for letting me know.” He quickly assured them, holding a hand up. “But.. and you don’t have to answer me. Is there anything else that might be..”

“..upsetting you?”

Two Time averted his gaze, instead focusing it forward with pursed lips. “..Yes.” They eventually mumbled with a small nod. “..But not anything I’d want to converse about.” And to their surprise.. Guest simply nodded “..Alright, that’s fine. Well.. just hang in there, alright? I’ll be here if you need help.”

He was about to sit up to head elsewhere whilst waiting for the next round, however was stopped by a hand grabbing his arm. Turning around to see Two Time with a new expression.. nervousness?

“..What happened earlier, with the.. the, uhm..” They tapped their finger nervously. “..T-word..?”

“..Tickle?” He raised an eyebrow. “Yes! Yes, uhm.. you see, it’s not..” For the love of the Spawn, why couldn’t they get this out!? They could participate in murderous rituals and yet couldn’t ask for a simple request.. “..I don’t.. view it that..”

“..Canyoutickleme—?” They forced out with a wince, Guest’s eyes widening. He knew how vulnerable they were being with them, and he undoubtedly was going to do it.. but he couldn’t resist having just a *little* bit of fun.

“..Could you say that again? I didn’t catch it.” he asked as he pointed to his ear, panic rising in Two Time a little as they bounced their knee nervously.

“..canyoutickleme?-“ They repeated, somehow even quieter this time. Guest stifling a smile as he took a seat next to them. “I don’t have super hearing, kid. You gotta speak up.” He encouraged, a small smile bleeding onto his features. A direct contrast to Two Time, who looked like they were about to combust. Finally being able to blurt out,

“Can you tickle me?”

Guest couldn’t contain the big smile that spread across his face. “Yes, I can tickle you.” He chuckled, pulling them a little close as he let his fingers gently skitter along their side. And, as he had hoped, it didn’t take long for the cultist to start filling with giggles that shook their shoulders and made them place their hand on Guest’s.

“There you go.. Now let’s work on getting all these giggles out, alright?” Guest’s fingers worked their way to Two Time’s belly, opening a new hole for giggles to spill from them as they leaned back on the couch, Guest’s fingers only following. “Ihit- it tihickles-!” They chirped through giggles, earning a fond smile a place on Guest’s face.

“Really? Anything else you wanna let me know?” He asked, his smile evident into his tone. “I-Ihi dohon’t knohow!” Two Time whined back, hands darting up to hide their face as Guest laughed softly and gently tugged at their hands. “C’mon, don’t hide that smile from me..” He cooed, his fingers switching to slow traces that brought color to Two Time’s pale face.

“Do you wanna keep going?” Guest asked as a quick checkup, fondness with a mix of concern painting his face. However, fondness soon took over it all at Two Time’s nod. “Plehease..” They giggled, their head falling on Guest’s shoulder who adjusted them to be comfortable.

“..As embarrassing as it is to admit it, despite being in the army.. I forgot how many ribs are in the human body.” Guest mentioned casually, however Two Time’s eyes grew large within a matter of moments. They recognized those words.. those exact words in Azure’s voice… And it wasn’t long until their face was beet red and their mouth was moving rapidly with stammered out propositions that made Guest laugh.

“I’m sure you wouldn’t mind helping me remember, would you?” And with that his fingers found their way to their ribs, wasting no time beginning to pinch at each one as Guest counted up. Almost in unison, Two Time LOST IT. All the pent up giggles that shook inside them bursted out in loud, belly laughter that defied their character, legs kicking and hands desperate to latch onto Guest’s to escape from the tickly sensations.

“Eight, nine, ten, eleven.. and twelve!” Guest chimed as he finished off, leaving Two Time a mess. “Now then.. I should count the other side, right?”

“THERES TWENTY FOUR!! I-ITS THE SAME ON BOTH SIDES!!” Two Time practically shrieked, earning a wheeze out of Guest as he squeezed their shoulder. “Ihim joking, I’m joking! No need to freak out..” He reassured the cultist, whose previous blush only returned stronger at the realization of their pointless exclamation… But despite it, a smile crossed their face looking at Guest—a genuine one.

“..I’m not sure how I’ll ever be able to repay you for this..-“ They admitted, Guest smiling more as he ruffled their hair. “You don’t have to, kid. If you ever need a pick-me-up, don’t ever feel afraid to come to me. Understand?”

They nodded, smile still staining their features as they rested their head on his shoulder.

“..You could.. cough uhm.. count the other side if you want..” They mumbled casually, a bright smile spreading on Guest’s face as he pulled them Into his lap.

“I hoped you would say that.”

Riddle let out a loud, long-suffering sigh that Floyd had become intimately acquainted with over the course of their relationship. Surreptitiously, Floyd picked up a decorative quill, though there was no need for sneakiness — Riddle barely looked up.

“Working,” came his curt answer, eyes glued to his workbook as he ticked off row after row. He was like a machine, ugh. Floyd bent to fit his face in the crook of Riddle’s neck, pressing his chin in with a little more pressure than was likely to be comfortable for his boyfriend, and he felt Riddle give a started jolt. With great pleasure, Floyd noticed that Riddle’s grip on his pen had tightened.

“Floyd—s-stop it,” he gritted out. “I have to work.”

The stammer did not go unnoticed. “Why?” Floyd asked softly, digging his chin into the tender spot between Riddle’s neck and shoulder. “’M I distracting ya, Goldfishie?”

Riddle yelped at the new sensation, his shoulders rising as he hunched over. “Floyd, sto-stohohop! I’m wohohorking!”

“Yes,” Floyd said. “I know. Well, don’t let me stop you.”

Riddle whined, cheeks blooming red as roses as he tried to push Floyd away. “I cahahan’t cohohoncentrate!”

“Oh?” Floyd feigned mock confusion, grinning as he heard Riddle squeak. “Is it distracting when I do this?” He began to twirl the feather around the other side of Riddle’s neck, his poor boyfriend giving a full-body shiver.

“Floyd, nohoho!” He protested, attempting to draw his shoulders up to his ears, paper all but forgotten. His hands fluttered helplessly at his sides, torn between trying to return to his work and batting Floyd away. Unfortunately for him, the distraction meant that he didn’t notice Floyd’s other hand sneaking around his side until it had lifted Riddle’s shirt and was pressing cold fingers to his bare ribs. With a violent flinch and a shocked giggle, Riddle finally broke, leaping out of his chair to get away. Floyd followed with a predatory grin.

“Wait—wahahait, please—“ He was already giggling.

“I’ve been waitin’ for you to take a break for two hours,” he said dramatically, backing Riddle up. Riddle gasped when he hit the wall, and he prepared to turn and find another escape. But Floyd was faster, and with a quick leap, he had Riddle trapped between his arms, hands already rucking up his shirt to prod at his sides.

Within an instant, Riddle was a writhing, giggling mess. He twisted from side to side trying to escape Floyd’s fingers still gently scratching at his bottom ribs. For all of one second, he attempted to drop to the floor and crawl away, but Floyd’s hands catching him under the arms had him jumping back up.

“What’s wrong?” Floyd cooed, still scritch-scratching away. “Don’t tell me this tickles? It’s only two fingers, just one on each side. You’re not thaaat sensitive, right Goldfishie?”

“Sh-shuhuhut uhuhuhup!” Riddle squealed, arms pressed firmly against his sides, hands flapping helplessly. With great effort, he peeled himself off of the wall and out of Floyd’s grasp, bolting for the Heartslabyul common room.

Floyd chased after him, vaulting over the couch to land next to Riddle, who was already scrambling away, still giggling. Throwing himself forward, Floyd caught him around the waist and dug in with his fingertips. Riddle’s face was bright red as he thrashed and kicked on the couch, shrieking when Floyd leaned down to blow a raspberry on his stomach. One of Riddle’s kicks landed squarely in the middle of Floyd’s chest, knocking him off of him. Riddle forced himself up onto his wobbly legs, still panting, while Floyd’s eyes lit up — this was what he’d been waiting for! The cure for his boredom!

Terrified, Riddle stood and assessed his options. For a brief moment, he considered escaping into the rose maze before Floyd jumped up, effectively blocking that exit. With nowhere else to go, Riddle bolted back into his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. However, before he could even turn to fumble with the lock, Floyd had thrown open the door, silhouetted ominously against the hallway light.

Riddle backed up, hands raised in nervous surrender as Floyd stalked closer. The backs of his knees hit the bed and he collapsed, frantic as Floyd leaned down, an arm on either side of him to trap him.

As a last-ditch effort, Riddle surged up and mashed his lips against Floyd’s ungracefully, thrumming with adrenaline. Floyd let out a startled noise, but melted into the embrace. When Riddle pulled away, trying to wriggle out from under him, Floyd followed him down, kissing him into the bed.

After a few moments — too soon, Floyd’s brain whined — they finally parted. Riddle blinked, and smiled up at him. He loved that smile.

“…Does this mean we’re done?” Riddle asked cautiously.

Floyd’s grin turned wicked. “No,” he said casually, sitting back on his heels.

“No?” Riddle demanded, but he didn’t get much further before Floyd began tapping his fingers along his belly, making him twitch and bite his lip, stubbornly holding in his giggles. “Floyd, this is childish—“

“Is it?” He asked, eyes narrowing. “I think if I were really childish, I would do this.”

Without warning, he changed from playful scratches to drilling his fingers into Riddle’s hips, squeezing rapidly up and down, and Riddle screeched, bursting into laughter and tugging frantically at his wrists.

“AHAHAHAHAHA—FLOHOHOYD, PLEHEHEHEASE—“

“Please what? Tickle you?” Floyd tittered, squeezing the tops of Riddle’s thighs and enjoying how his laughter went silent. “If you insist.”

Floyd slipped his hands under Riddle’s shirt and began to walk his fingers up from his bottom ribs. At each rib, he paused, tracing them from the middle to his sides with his fingernails.

“Ack — Flohohoyd, stohohop—“ Riddle paused, realizing where his boyfriend’s dexterous hands were headed, then began shoving at him with renewed energy.

“Nah,” Floyd said, the words coming out muffled as Riddle planted a hand against his face. “Now, where were we?” He planted his fingers on his lowest ribs again, starting from scratch. “Perhaps here?” He tickled Riddle lazily as the smaller boy struggled beneath him, pretty giggles spilling from his lips.

“Nohoho,” Riddle protested. “You were higher uHUHUP?!” He squealed as the fingers suddenly dug in.

“Hm, I don’t think so,” Floyd lied cheerily. “Gotta recount to be sure.”

“Gohoho awahahahay!”

Floyd paused, and Riddle flopped back onto his bed, sides beginning to ache from laughing.

“You know…I’m a bit hungry,” Floyd mused, his eyes crinkling.

“G-great,” Riddle panted, pressing the backs of his hands against his flushed cheeks. “How about we stop and have tea?”

“I dunno,” Floyd snickered, and Riddle suppressed a shudder. “I think I want some ribs.”

“FLOYD, GET OFF—“ Riddle shrieked, but it was too late. Moments later, he felt Floyd’s teeth nipping lightly at his ribs, unbearably ticklish — practically torture, really. “FLOHOHOYD! NOHOHOT FAHAHAHAIR!”

“Nom nom,” Floyd said, and Riddle felt the drag of his pointy teeth as he smiled.

He kicked and laughed hysterically to no avail. He tried to curl up, bucking his hips so hard Floyd lost his balance and face planted into his shoulder.

“Oww,” Floyd whined, biting Riddle’s neck before straightening up. “That wasn’t nice of ya, Goldfishie.”

“Good. I hope it hurt,” Riddle huffed.

“Now, where were we?”

“Already??” Riddle protested, but it was no use. Floyd’s large hands clamped his elbows at his sides as he went right back to nibbling at his ribs while Riddle failed to be able to thrash. Now he was adding his hands into the mix, wriggling his fingers over the top ribs, near his back.

“FLOHOHOHOYD—“

“Aww, you’re so cute,” Floyd cooed, rubbing his cheek against Riddle’s stomach. “Are ya ticklish? Ticklish little Goldfishie~”

“OFF WIHIHITH — EEK!”

Floyd scratched gently just beneath Riddle’s armpit while Riddle shrieked. Finally, finally, he stopped. Riddle suspected that his respite would be short-lived, however, as Floyd’s hands never left his body. Riddle stilled, trying to catch his breath. Just the feeling of his boyfriend’s unmoving fingers was enough to make him breathless and giddy, the anticipation almost sending him back into a fit without Floyd doing anything.

“Ya know…if ya really want, we can stop now.”

Stop? They could stop? Riddle wanted to say yes, but instead he just blushed, turning his head to hide his face.

“No?” Floyd’s grin returned in full force, along with manic eyes — that did not bode well for Riddle. “Aw, you like it.”

Riddle just huffed, shaking his head. Floyd tittered, leaning down to kiss his forehead. “Alright, alright.”

Without warning, he drilled his thumbs into Riddle’s armpits, and Riddle wailed.

Floyd grinned as Riddle squealed, trying to twist away but finding it impossible. Floyd switched his strategies, skittering his fingertips, then suddenly scratching all around. He placed his two index fingers on the outermost part of his armpit, drawing a slow spiral inwards while Riddle bucked and cackled.

“AHAHAHAHA NOHOHOHO—“

Floyd smirked as his fingers reached the hollows of his underarms, lightly scritch-scratching away.

“Tickle tickle, Goldfishie,” he teased while Riddle screeched. He began skittering his fingers up and down Riddle’s side, drilling his fingers into his waist while the other hand remained stubbornly under his arm.

Almost on accident, he pressed his elbow into Riddle’s thigh, and Riddle jolted so hard that Floyd fell backwards.

“Huh,” Floyd said. He dug his elbow into Riddle’s thigh again, and was rewarded with Riddle’s laughter taking on the quality of a rubber duck. “That’s new.”

Without missing a beat, he set about squeezing and prodding Riddle’s thighs, squeezing just above his kneecaps while Riddle thrashed like a fish out of water.

Just when Riddle’s laughter was beginning to go silent, his blush climbing all the way up to his hairline, Floyd stopped and climbed off of him.

“All done!” He beamed while Riddle melted, boneless, into the bed. Floyd clambered up next to him, grabbing him like a teddy bear and hugging him to his chest. “I don’t want you do do homework anymore. I wanna squeeze you.”

“I…suppose…I can take…a break…” Riddle panted, eyes already closing as phantom tickles finally began to subside from his body. “But never — never — do that again.”

“Why?” Floyd whined, propping his chin up on the top of Riddle’s hair. “That was fun.”

“Fun?”

“Yeah! D’ya want me to show ya again?”

Bumblebee sat on Rachet’s workbench, kicking his legs as they dangled off the side. He was looking all around the room as if he’d never seen it before. In reality, the energy filled scout couldn’t keep his eyes focused in one spot for longer than a minute. He tapped his fingers on the metal surface.

Ratchet was working on fixing one of the yellow bot’s boosters. He was able to detach it so Bumblebee didn’t have to stay there, but Bee insisted. He thought it would be an act of kindness to give Ratchet some company, but the older bot was much more happy working alone.

The constant sound of Bumblebee’s fingers on the table was driving him crazy. He slammed his wrench down and gave the yellow mech an angry glare. Bee smiled nervously and stopped fidgeting. However, it wouldn’t last long.

Within a minute, the bot was making noises with his mouth. Pops and clicks and pops and clicks. Ratchet threw his hands in the air and groaned.

“Bumblebee! If you’re going to be in here, I need you to be quiet!” He exclaimed, “Why don’t you just go to the main room and play one of your video games?”

“I just wanted to spend some time with you! Is that such a crime!” Bumblebee huffed.

“It might as well be when you’re interfering with my work! Do you want this thing fixed or not?”

“Ugh, fine! I’ll get out of your processors.”

With that, the yellow bot got off the table and began exiting the room. Not before giving a sly remark.

“Maybe I should just get Sari to fix it since your joints are getting stiff.”

The comment should’ve been an inside thought, but it managed to slip its way out. He immediately knew he was going to regret it, as he heard Ratchet’s wrench fall to the floor.

The older bot slowly turned around. “What did you say?” He asked, a furious glare in his eyes.

The two were frozen in a stare down for what seemed like forever. Bumblebee took a step back.

“I’M SORRY I DIDN’T MEAN IT DON’T HURT MEEEEE!!!” He pled as he ran out of the room. Ratchet followed after him.

“BUMBLEBEE! GET YOUR BUMPER BACK HERE!” The angry bot’s yell echoed through the warehouse.

The others had left to go hang out with Sari, so there was nobody there to help. All Bumblebee could do was hope Ratchet gave up before he got to him.

He ran into his room, but before he could use something to block the door, Ratchet managed to force his way in. The door hit Bumblebee and knocked him to the ground.

Recovering from the short daze, his vision focused to see Ratchet standing above him. His lip in an angry snarl.

Bumblebee scooted backwards on the floor. “Please, Ratchet! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it!” He pleaded, trying to do anything that would save him.

“You say I have stiff joints, eh?” Without acknowledging the smaller mech’s pleas, he picked him up and wrapped one of his arms around his chest plate. “Well let’s test that theory!”

Bumblebee squealed as he felt digits fluttering up and down his side. He kicked his feet and tried pushing himself out of Ratchet’s grasp, but to no avail.

“EHEHAHAHAHAHA! RAHAHATCHET STAHAHAP IT!” He yelled. His face began to flush from his laughter.

Ratchet maneuvered the smaller bot around so he was still trapped, but both of the older bot’s hands were free. Now he was using both his servos to attack him.

Bumblebee squeaked and snorted, unable to escape. Every now and then he let out a small plea, but it was quickly interrupted by laughter. Ratchet was getting into every little space he could, trying to find the best spots to keep torturing the yellow bot.

“Stiff joints!” Ratchet said, recalling the remark again. “Just because some of us aren’t young n’ spry anymore doesn’t mean we’re weak!”

“I KNOHOHOHOW IM SAHAHAHARRYYYYY!!!” Bumblebee didn’t know how much longer he could take. Even worse, he didn’t know how much longer Ratchet would continue.

Then, it stopped. Bumblebee was still giggling from the leftover sensation. However, he wasn’t safe yet.

Ratchet had him cradled in his arms. His mouth curled into an evil grin. Bumblebee’s eyes widened as he looked down at his stomach.

“You-… you wouldn’t…” Bumblebee said, frozen in terror.

“Just watch me.”

Ratchet took a deep breath in and blew a massive raspberry into the yellow bot’s tummy, causing him to scream in a pitch he didn’t think he could get to and then return to a ball of laughs.

The older bot continued by switching between small raspberries and using his free servo to tickle up and down Bumblebee’s stomach. The smaller bot thrashed around, but Ratchet’s hold on him was too tight.

After a minute, Ratchet stopped his attack and let Bumblebee collect himself. He smiled as he watched the yellow bot giggle and squirm around in his arms.

“Joints aren’t so stiff now, are they?” He teased.

“Nohoho… they’re not..” Bumblee replied, out of breath.

Ratchet set him down and gave him a pat on the head. “I’m gonna go finish up on that booster. You want to join me?”

Bumblebee shook his head. “I think I’ll just stay here! Hehehe…”

you and him both knew that, and as eddie's teasing voice rang out from the other room, your stomach grew more nerved with anticipation. the wide smile on your face betrayed this feeling though; it was obvious how excited you were to be found.

"i'm gonna find you, darling!"

the tiniest of a panicked giggle slipped out and you continued running, coming across a small room piled with crates and boxes full of who knows what. time was dwindling, so you settled for crouching behind one of the tall containers.

"ready or not, doll, here i come!"

he sounded far away, but these halls liked to echo. you stayed quiet and still, save for your light breathing. the smile on your face threatened to split, and his playful teasing only made it wider. you had to put a hand over your mouth to stifle a nervous giggle. his voice rang out a minute later.

"where are you? i know my darling wants to be tickled!"

somehow, someway, he sounded right outside the room. there was no way he'd find you so quickly?! your stomach dropped as you waited, and it dropped even more when you heard the door creak open.

his footsteps grew louder as he slowly walked inside. thankfully, he couldn't see you from his position. you held your breath.

"is my ticklish little darling hiding in here?"

his voice was low and playful, the hint of devilry revealing itself as he chuckled. you didn't dare peek out from behind the crate.

eddie hummed deeply. you heard his footing subdue, quieting as he walked back towards the door. it creaked again, shutting with a gentle slam. you sighed, whether with relief or disappointment, you weren't sure. maybe you could switch spots?

you debated with yourself in your head. he knows you couldn't have gone far. maybe he'd come check again? leaving the room could be risky if he were to-

"gotcha!"

your shriek rang out through the room as his voice sounded right beside your ear. you had no time to spin around before his strong arms wrapped around your waist. he chuckled, lifting you off your feet and carrying you out towards the middle of the room.

your giggles started up before you could even think, head shaking with pleas stuttering out as you struggled to escape his grip. he gently laid you on the floor, taking your fighting hands in one of his and raising them above your head.

"wait wait wahahait! eddie!"

"shh, darling. you knew this would happen. you want this, right?"

more giggles bubbled out of you as you pulled on your arms. you watched as he straddled your lap, rendering you immobile as your legs kicked out behind him. "n-nohoho!"

he feigned a gasp, putting his hand over his heart. "no? you pain me, sweetheart. you wouldn't like it if i did this?"

his hand touched down on your tummy, fingers crawling under your shirt. you shivered at the coldness of them, stomach sucking in as he slowly started wiggling his fingers on your bare skin.

"a-aha! eheheddie!"

"how kind of you to let me warm my fingers up, dear! tell me, does this tickle?"

you nodded your head through a squeal, giggles becoming squeaky and high-pitched as he trailed them on the center of your tummy. his grin was soft, eyes full of awe and adoration as he basked in your titters like the sunlight itself.

"aww, how wonderful!"

his fingers dug in slightly, shaking your tummy for just a moment before slowing to skitters again. you jerked at the touch, a deep squeal emitting past your lips. your arms tugged down, but found eddie's strength to outmatch theirs.

"ihihi cahahan't!"

he titled his head. "you can't? can't what, my dear? take your tickles?"

he leaned down slightly, his smile widening into a sneer. "you must though! i found you in our little game. you didn't run very far though. perhaps you wanted to be found?"

your cheeks heated at his accusation and you shook your head. he hummed in response, raising a questioning brow. his hand trailed to your side, giving a few squeezes before switching to light scribbles. "is that so? you didn't want me to catch you and tickle you to pieces?"

you squealed, throwing your head back in giddy laughter. "noho!"

eddie chuckled softly. "oh, i think those pretty giggles are giving you away, darling!"

his hand found your other side, making your torso jump slightly as he squeezed up and down the length of your waist. your feet hit against the floor, echoing throughout the small space.

"eheheddie!"

"yes, my pretty darling?"

"ihihit...ihit-ahaha!"

those fingers of his skittered up towards your ribs, settling nicely on the lower divots and raking up and down them. you shrieked before falling into louder, airy laughter.

"it what, sweetheart? use your words! or am i tickling you too much?"

you nodded again and eddie laughed along with you. "oh dear. you poor, ticklish thing. i'm sorry, darling." he gave you a fake sympathy frown.

you hiccuped between stutters. "y-you're nohohot sohohorry!"

his frown quickly changed into a bright grin, fingers climbing higher to your upper ribs and skittering quickly. "you're right, dear. i'm not. i know how much you just absolutely love this!"

he kept up with his scribbling for a minute longer, drawing squeals and snickers and squeaky giggles out of you before slowing his fingers to a halt. he peered down at you with a gentle grin.

"aww, look at that gorgeous smile."

your cheeks grew pinker, eyes evading his as a few more giggles slipped out. he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to your cheek, bringing his hand up to move some stray hairs out of your face.

"i have just one more thing, darling."

he let go of your wrists and scooted down your waist, settling atop your thighs. you watched him in confusion, bringing your arms down to protectively cover your torso. eddie shook his head.

"no no, dear. we need these out of the way."

he grabbed your hands and gently put them on either side of you. his own hands found your sides and gripped them softly, keeping your waist in place as he slowly leaned down. he slowly lifted your shirt up more to reveal the whole of your tummy.

your eyes went wide at the realization, panicked giggles spewing past your lips as your squirming doubled. your hands flew up to his shoulders, trying their best and failing at pushing him away.

"eddie! nohohot thahat, plehehease!"

"oh, darling. but this is my favorite part!"

his head was right above your tummy, eyes staring up at your nervous face with a mischievous gleam. he sucked in a large breath and you sucked in your stomach. "EDDIE!"

his lips touched down on your warmed skin, blowing a raspberry on the very center of your waist. you screamed, head instantly thrown back in mirth as your hands found the top of his head and pushed. of course, it didn't affect him and he quickly blew another one.

"aww. this poor, quivering little tummy is all mine! how delightful!"

he nuzzled his head further into the plush, only making your laughter increase in volume. you slapped against his shoulders, his head, his arms; just about anywhere in response to his playful assault.

"PLEHEASE!"

"please what, darling? tickle you more? of course!"

the hands on your waist started up, gently fluttering against your sides and making your writhe underneath him. his lips kissed your tummy, leaving no spot untouched as he cooed at you.

"such a-mwah! beautiful tummy-mwah! and it's all for me-mwah! to play with!"

your face absolutely burned at his teasing, laughter dying down to bubbly giggles once again. you brought your hands up to cover your face, snickering into your palms and shaking under his soft touches.

eddie cooed, finally letting up on his attack and gently rubbing his hands along your sides. "i'm all done now, my darling. wasn't that fun?"

you giggled out some more, chest rising and falling as you regained your breath. you felt his hand stroking your hair and you uncovered your reddened face, peeking up at him with a wide, bashful smile.

"you're mehean."

he gasped, tilting his head in confusion. "mean?! how could something you love be mean, sweetheart?"

he had you there, although you'd never admit it out loud. you chose not to respond, instead pretending like you were still getting your stamina back. eddie rose from your thighs, standing tall over you and leaning down to give you a hand.

"up you get now, darling!"

you took his hand with a giggle, getting to your feet and wiping off the back of your clothes. he grinned down at you, adjusting his bowtie before pressing a chaste kiss to your knuckles.

"are you ready for round two now?"

you stared at him in shock, eyes going wide as you backed up slightly. "what?! it's supposed to be my turn to seek!"

eddie chuckled, that devilish glint appearing in his eyes once more. "i fear you're mistaken, darling. it's always my turn to find you."

"but-"

"thirty...twenty-nine..."

The monastery was slowly becoming covered with a soft blanket of snow. The metal statues glistened by the shine of moonlight through the clouds. Everyone had already seemed to be calm and stuck in a state of slumber. Except for one. Jay groaned into his hands, dragging them downwards from his face. Thrusting himself upwards from his bed and shifting his line of sight to his clock on the bedside table. It read to be three in the morning. It’s a time which can be considered the witching hour to some people. Unease can settle onto someone faster than boiling water once taken off a stove. 

Jay sighed and flooped backwards onto his mattress. Laying like a starfish. His eyes had adjusted too much to the moonlight and it kept him awake and aware. Everything in his room was outlined with white, his face, the walls, his action figures. He was unable to fall back asleep after being awoken from his own mind. This had been a reoccurring thing for the master of lighting over the past couple of weeks. Waking up in a cold sweat through his clothing. He didn’t even seem to know why either. His subconscious getting the best of him. He wasn’t overly stressed to his knowledge. He and Nya were on good terms…at least he thought so, yet he couldn’t help but think otherwise. 

His hands gripped onto his soft hair atop his head. Which had gotten a bit frizz from all his rustle and bustle in sleep. Chest aching as he simply couldn’t stay still there any longer. Not in the dark pit known as his room, walls seeming to be closing in as all he could feel was small and helpless…

Stepping off his bed he grabbed a pair of socks from his dresser. He couldn’t stand the feeling of the monasteries cold floor boards on his soft skin. Just one of his many pet peeves. It also helped make his light steps softer. It went against most of the squeaks the floor boards created. He wanted to be sure he was as quiet as he possibly could be.

He swore within his head as he tried to remember which ones didn’t squeak. He practically had it mapped out by now. But as he slowly made his way to the kitchen. He didn’t think to he aware of his surroundings or look up from the ground. His hands shoved into his underarms to keep them warm and his posture being shrimpish and hunched over with his head down. 

The blue Ninja was stopped amongst his own steps however as he walked into something. Or well, someone that is. Getting a woof to escape from the lungs of his fellow ninja. Nearly dropping the bowl in his hand as he held it high. 

“Oh Jeez!- Oh hey Jay, what are you doing up?” Cole inquired whilst standing before the smaller ninja. 

Jay looked up at his friend with tired eyes, rubbing one of them. “Hey Cole, I’m just getting some water…wait- why are you awake?” 

Cole shrugged bringing his bowl down from the air to take a spoonful of cereal in his mouth before speaking. “I wanted some cereal.” 

Jay forced a chuckle out of him and shook his head. Cole tended to make a habit of waking up at the early hours of the morning to eat something before going back to bed. One of those guilty pleasures that for some reason helped him. Usually when he wasn’t with Amber for the night and didn’t have that sense of familiarity. 

“You want some company before going back to bed? ” 

Jay didn’t want to burden his friend with staying up with him. But he was already awake…and he did offer. He wouldn’t mind  the companionship for the time being. He simply nodded, letting the master of earth follow him back into the kitchen. 

Cole couldn’t help but pick up on Jays behaviors and mannerisms. He knew his best friend far too well and could always tell when he had something going on. Yet he didn’t want to pry too much of course, at least not yet. It was most likely just Jay being Jay. If his friend wanted to talk about it he would, although Cole knew he could always try and help. It was basic nature to him. 

“Want me to make you anything? There’s still some cereal left.” 

“M’not hungry.” Jay took a glass from the cupboard and drank some water. He could feel the cold feeling run down and into his stomach, it made him shiver. He placed the glass next to the sink. 

“Maybe we could just sit on the couch for a bit? Try and relax before goin back to bed?” 

Jay looked off to the side his mind seeming to be elsewhere rather than focused on what his friend was saying. 

“Hmm?- oh I…yes I guess.” 

Cole wrapped an arm around his friend’s shoulder. Letting it rest against his back. Due to their rather significant height difference it was rather easy for him to do so. They both plopped onto the gray couch and it squeaked with the added weight. An awkward wave of silence soon followed. Cole tapped his fingertips onto the couch softly. While jays foot bounced up and down against the carpet. The black ninja noticed. 

“Okay man, you’re acting really off what’s going on.” Cole placed his bowl on the table next to the couch. He spoke softly however. 

Jays eyes slide off to the side towards his friends shoulder. “I’m not…” 

The fellow ninja raised an eyebrow. “I’m not stupid Jay.” 

The lightening ninja didn’t bother with a response. After all he himself didn’t know why, yet. Well he knew but it wasn’t anything of importance.

“Okay then sure. Is it just insomnia again? Zane says that bananas have a chemical that help you sleep however that works…maybe that could”- 

“I just feel like I’m failing at everything.” Jay interrupted him.

Cole’s expression softened. “How so?”

Jay took his time with coming up with an answer. “I…I don’t know. And that’s why. I feel stupid for why I get like this. I mean sure I’ve been slacking a bit during training, I’m only getting slower. Yeah I don’t know when to shut up. Sure I’m not a good enough guy for Nya and she deserves- I’m falling behind in everything I do. For this family. As a ninja and just…god.”

His voice began to grow weak as he shoved his head into his fingers. Looking downward as his leg continued its anxious bounce. 

Cole listened to all Jay had to say, letting him finish. “Are you done?” 

Jay peeked between his fingers. 

“W-what?”-

The black ninja pulled Jay against him, wrapping his arms tightly around the smaller teen. Jay practically laid limp against the other. Before slowly wrapping his arms around Cole’s sides and holding his back. Gently gripping onto Cole’s band tank top and pressing his cheek into his shoulder. Sighing shakily. 

Cole gently rubbed up and down Jay’s  back. Letting the lightning ninja’s breathing calm as the earth ninja began to speak. 

“Look buddy…First of all none of anything you’re saying is true, Jay. Just because you’re not as strong as everyone else doesn’t change how we perceive you. You have different skills and advantages and that’s okay. I mean I can’t get into small spaces like you can. Thahats for certain.” Cole chuckled softly. “And Sure you’re sometimes a blabber mouth but we love ya to death. And so does Nya.” 

Jay squished his cheek against Cole, listening to his friend’s voice. 

“It’s sometimes hard to believe allat yknow?”

“I know buddy, but you’ll have to eventually. It’s true after all. Just try and understand that you’re more than what you think of myself. You’re our brother bud. We wouldn’t have you any other way.” 

Jay looked upwards at his friend, smiling ever so softly. “Thanks man…” 

“Anytime bud…You doing okay?” 

Jay grumbled against his friend, curling up against him, still within the earth ninjas embrace. Letting up his tight grip against Cole’s top. 

“I guess so…I just wanna be tired enough to go back to sleep.” 

Cole tried to trace back to how he got himself to sleep when he couldn’t. He seemed to have turned the banana thing down rather fast. So food wasn’t an option…He could try a heating pad but Kai was passed out. His body was basically hanging off the side of the bed. Yet he remembered something that his mom would always do for him…it was late at night. However he didn’t think Jay would mind too much. He might even enjoy himself. 

“You know…I can help ya if you’d like..Maybe a visit from a certain guy may help.”

Coles arms tightened around the blue ninja. A slight smirk forming on the other’s lips. 

“Cole? What are you doing?”-  

Before Jay could even get another word out he was quick to stop talking at the sudden twitching of fingers at one of his sides. Ever so carelessly dragging up and down ontop of his shirt. Jay bit his lip and held in a few giggles. 

“Why do you always feel the need to fight it, you know you wanna laugh just a little right?” Coles smug expression had only grown across his face. Jay was going to kill him for this later. 

“I-I don’t wahanna wake anyone dihirtwahad!”- He shoved at Cole’s face. Trying to push him off. This did literally nothing however against the master of earths antics. 

“Well then I guess you just have to stop being ticklish.” Cole retorted.

Jay flopped onto his back against the couch, trying to wiggle away from his friend’s fingers as much as he could. One hand had now become two against his torso. Gently fluttering and tapping into his squirming sides.

“Shuhut the hell uhup *Squeak*! ahasshohole!”-Before he could get much of an inch away he was pulled back and upwards back to his evil friend. Jays legs now pulled by Cole’s sides and Cole’s fingers squeezing the tops of his kneecaps. His thumbs rubbing in circles ever so softly yet firmly into the dips of skin. 

Jay shrieked at the sudden change in spots. Nearly kneeing Cole right in the ribs at all of his kicking and squirming. 

“CohOHOLE!- Wahahait!”- Jay tried to reach up and grab at Cole’s wrists, he was far too weak to do so however. Lifting a forearm up to cover his eyes. 

Cole didn’t want to tire Jay out too quickly, he wanted to have some fun with this after all. Despite how much Jay was “protesting” he seemed to have a genuine smile glued to his face. It made Cole smile himself. He shifted his tickles to simply wrapping his arms around his friends torso. Jay was lead on to believe his friend was finished, it made him a bit sad actually. He missed this kind of thing. But he’d never admit that to any one of course. 

Yet before Jay could even think about saying something about it Cole had other plans in mind. Nuzzling his face into the side of his friend’s neck and growling softly. His black hair gently brushing against jays face and neck as well. Cole’s soft and scratchy stubble didn’t seem to help at all either. All things considered it made Jay’s eyes fling open and push at his friends shoulders. 

“GYEEEheheheEE!!- Wahait wait Cohole!”- 

Cole’s fingers dragged up and along Jays back. Receiving another high pitched squeal from the master of lightning. Any time he tried to squirm away or arch his back he’d lean into the nuzzles on his neck. He was trapped and he knew it. Cole was far too skilled in this department than Jay would like to admit. 

“It’s funny how you’re not asking me to stop either. Sure you’re pushing and swearing but you’re also squealing like a little girl. It’s almost sweeeeet.” 

Jays ears flushed at his friend’s words. Groaning between giggles and snicking through his teeth. “FUHUhuck ohohooooff…”-

“Okay that’s it.” Cole took a great big breath while keeping his friend in a tight hug. Looming over him before diving into the crook of his neck again. Letting out a great big raspberry and nuzzling his nose. A few gentle nibbles from Cole’s lips were sprinkled in.

Jay squealled and slapped a hand over his mouth, curling up into a small ball against the other. His face all warm as well as his ears. He was trapped between his friend and the couch cushions and it didn’t allow any forms of escape.

“Don’t hide from the tickle monster Jayyyyyy…”

Said ninja squeezed his eyes shut tight. A brief snort escaping him as he hid his face in a pillow on the couch. Trying to turn his back to Cole, yet every move he made he was right behind him. 

One of the earth ninjas arms still held onto Jay, pulling him upwards and into his lap. While his fingertips shifted from his back to slide towards Jays middle. Sneaking a hand underneath his shirt to flutter against his soft skin and soon drag his nails up and down . Jay had basically shrilled at the sudden change of spots. Pushing onto Cole’s arm and kicking his feet as he laid in his lap. Shoulders shaking and nose scrunched up. 

“COhohole!- *snort* Nononohoho pleheheeeeee!!”- 

Cole couldn’t help but have the biggest smile on his face. He was glad to see Jay looking so happy. He himself however didn’t want to wake the others up so dying it down a few Octaves would do some good.   

“You doing okay there Jay? Would you like me to stop?” 

Jay chortled softly whilst trying to come up with an answers. Shaking his head and holding onto one of Cole’s arms. Giving up on trying to get away. 

“N-noho Ihehe- I’m okay fohor a lihittle mohore.”- 

“Alrighty then buddy, just tell me when you’ve had enough. This is your favorite place right?” 

Jay grumbled and pulled the neck of his t-shirt up to hide it. Which first of all did absolutely  nothing to stifle his laughter. Yet also just showed more of his tummy, the skin almost looked as if he had scars similar to lightning strikes. Who knew. 

“I’ll take that as a yes!” 

Cole lazily trailed his fingers along jays belly. Gently circling one finger around the rim of his giggle button. 

Jay had completely melted against Cole in his lap. Covering his mouth with his hands and curling his legs inward. He was like a baby puppy receiving tummy rubs.  

“Youhure Beheing so fuhuckking mehHEAN!”- 

Jay snorted and tried sucking his tummy in and away from Cole’s evil fingers. 

“Yeah yeah you know I can be ALOT worse.” 

Jay could feel his ears burning and he was hardly able to keep squirming away. “Ohokay ohokay Cohole Ihi cahant!”- 

Said ninja immediately lifted his hands in the air, stoping his playful antics. 

“You okay buddy? Your fahace is so red.” He teased him. 

Jay simply pulled down his shirt to cover up his pink belly. A few breathless giggles slipped from his lips with an occasional squeak or snort.

“Yeheah…youhu…you suhuck Mahan.”

Cole snickered. “Yeah yeah you love it ,bud.”

Jay squinted his eyes up at him. Raising an eyebrow at his friend’s words. Teaching up to gently taze at Cole’s side. 

“H-Hehey?! Get off to bed now zahap trap or I’ll get your underarms!”- 

Jay leaped off the couch and ran off towards the hall down to his room. Cole couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head, rubbing his side. He couldn’t stay mad at his best friend for long.

It was just another ordinary day, just how Cold liked it. Everything felt very peaceful, a little too peaceful. So peaceful that it seemed a bit boring, his boyfriend, Hot had agreed to listen to some of Colds favorite songs with him since Cold had been asking to for awhile.

Cold leaned against Hot and kissed his cheek, Hot patted Colds head in return. Still Cold felt quite a bit bored even if they were in such a nice looking field. Suddenly, Cold felt a sudden movement on his ankle and he launched into Hots lap in response. "Cold? Is something wrong?" Hot looked at him with a confused face. "O-oh! Yeah.. I..uh..I'm fine don't worry!" Cold turned his body onto his stomach but Hot didn't let him get up, he held Cold down.

"Cold if somethings wrong I want you to tell me" Hot still was confused "I'm fine Hot, just a blade of grass thats all!" Hot looked at him a little less confused but still having questions "Than why'd ya fall so hard if it was 'just a blade of grass'" Hot giggled a bit, Cold did not, he knew whatever he was going to do he was doomed. He rolled onto his back and he tried to speak to Hot but was tripping over his words, meanwhile, Hot was starting to understand a bit more. He would just like to test his theory

While Cold was in the middle of babbling Hot poked his side, resulting in a immediate jolt and a gasp "H-Hot! No!" Cold immedialty retaliated. Hot smirked at his partner while getting ready to be evil. Cold immedialty got the memo and tried to get up, forgetting Hot had him held down. "Hot..We can talk about this.." Cold pleaded with Hot, but he already made up his mind "Sorry Cold but there's nothing to talk about with me~"

Cold started squirming a ton but Hot was really holding him down. Hot brung his hand to Colds side and started tracing it, Cold was trying his best to not react much, snickering a bit. "Come on Cold~ you know you wanna laugh already" Cold was sitting with his hand over his mouth, trying to think of a response, instead he just rotated his head side to side rapidly. "Oh really? So you wouldn't mind if i did this?" Suddenly, Hot jabbed Colds sides, not too hard since Hot had just started "AHAHCK Nohoo!" Cold just couldn't help not resisting that, it was too much! "I thought so" Hot returned to tracing Colds sides while Cold snickered. Until, Hots tracing went towards Colds hips, it felt the same but Hots finger slipped onto Colds stomach, resulting in him taking in a big gasp of air. Hot looked at Cold while Cold looked back, Hot than gave Cold a smirk. "Hot..." Cold already knew what he was thinking.

"Yeesss?" Hot acted innocent while planning his next move. Cold was kicking and sliding his feet on the ground to try and scoot away, but it wasnt any use. Hots hand crept closer to Colds stomach, wiggling and clawing, instinctively, Cold grabbed his wrist and pushed Hots hand away. Hot did a fake gasp to act like he was offended "Cold.. Did you REALLY push my hand away?" He acted like he was offended but he was just messing around "...OH WAIT NO NO NO HOT IT WAS JUST MY FIRST INSTINCT I SWEAR" Cold started pleading as soon as he realized what Hot was going to do. Hot didn't listen and he quickly jabbed his hand towards Cold's stomach, after he started wiggling instead of jabbing. "AHAHAHA NOHOHO GEHEHT OOHOFF HOHOT" Cold was a mess, a giggly mess. While Hot was wrecking Cold, Cold covered his face while he giggled.

"Awwe Cold don't cover your cute smile!" Hot teased Cold "HOHOTT NOHO IHI CAHAHAN'T HAHAHELP IHIT STOHOP!" Hot had an idea to mess with Cold even more, he slowly traveled up Cold's stick figure body with his hand, and when Cold least expected it, he jerked his hand up his scarf and tickled his neck. Cold yelped and starting kicking his feet, he removed his hands from his face and pushed his scarf closer to his neck, but Hots hand wasnt leaving "AHAHAHAHA N-NOHOOO KAHAHAHA" Cold could barley speak anymore, he was snorting uncontrollably and hitting Hot with one hand while trying to kick at Hot, Hot saw this and stopped to let his boyfriend breathe. Cold layed on Hots lap, curled up, twitching, and a giggly mess, letting all the leftover laughs out. Cold had his face covered with his big wobbly smile "Awwe Cold, why ya gotta cover up that cute smile" Hot was basically killing Cold even without laying any hands on him "Ihi tohold you it wahas instinct" he tried to muffle his giggles with his hands but it didn't help his case, Cold scooted himself off of Hots lap and sat back in the grass. "Wellll did you have fun?" Hot was having to much fun to stop being mean to Cold, Cold gave a scoff "How'd you know?... WAIT NO THATS NOT WHAT I MEANT!" Cold started panicking while Hot looked a tiny bit shocked.

"Oh? You didn't are you surrre?" Cold just sat mumbling until Hot pounced playfully onto Cold, tickling him again "Come on! Just tell me your honest opinion!" Hot was clawing at Colds sides while Cold kicked his legs "OKHHAAY OKAHAHAHY! IHIT WAHAHAHS REAHAHLLY FUHUN!" Despite Colds sides not being that ticklish, the suprise really got him so he just told the truth. Hot stopped tickling and got off Cold and rubbed his sides to get rid of the feeling "Youhur evil.." Cold layed his head on his hand "And your cute!" Hot shoved Colds head back catching cold off guard "Hey!, don't make yourself next!" Cold said as he flicked Hots forehead "Oh really? Wanna go again?" Hot said as he clawed his hands, Cold let out a squeak "Yeah no thanks" Cold leaned against Hots shoulder.

"I love you Cold" Cold let out a sigh and rested his head on Hots lap "I love you too idiot.." Cold knew that Hot would always be his idiot.

THE END CISHFPCBSLDVWILSNCKCOWHSLDBQHAKDBOCHSNXJ sorry if the end was a bit cheesy this is my comfort ship

Today was a bit different then usual, as the alien and mortal, Kiernan and Aiden, sat on the couch, little pitter patters of rain droplets could be seen against one of the many windows of their shared home. To Aiden, this was a normal, rainy day, however to Kiernan? This was an entirely new experience.

"Sky sad?" Kiernan asked curiously, propping his head to the side in a puppy like fashion, amusing Aiden. "No, Kiernan, this is 'rain', something that happens from time to time." Aiden explained simply, having to puff his cheeks in an attempt to cover a chuckle as Kiernan only raised a brow.

"If not sad, why leaking?" He asked, keeping up that adorable puppy-like head tilt, earning a small chuckle from Aiden, "Rain just does that, when enough heat condenses water into air, it makes little baby clouds, sometimes the rain is gentle, and sometimes-"

A loud crackle of thunder interrupted the explanation, making the alien jolt, darting over towards Aiden in seek for safety. Aiden knew all this was very drastically different from the usually bright, sunny days out, a inch of sympathy making a way across his features.

"It's okay, that's thunder. It's just loud sounds that happen during thunder storms." Aiden said, searching around as he found a blanket, wrapping it around Kiernan securely, yet loosely, and guiding both himself and Kiernan towards the couch. "It won't hurt you, I promise."

After a good half hour of reassuring the alien, another crack of thunder crashed, lightning lighting up the room as a natural flashlight for a split second, causing the alien to reach around Aiden, gripping his sides in seek of comfort. What the alien didn't expect is for a sudden 'squeak' sound to escape the mortal.

"Hurts?" Kiernan asked, going to retract his hands until he felt Aiden grip onto his wrists, keeping his hands there, surprising not only himself yet Aiden aswell.

"No! No, it doesn't, it just, well.." Aiden proceeded to mutter, only increasing the alien's curiosity, the sudden redness tinting his cheeks not helping his situation. "Kiernan not hear. Again?" Kiernan questioned, only growing more and more curious about whatever discovery he was making.

"It tickles! O-Okay?" Aiden practically folded in like a lawn chair as Kiernan, obviously so, didn't understand those words. "Tickles?" He almost, unintentionally, mind you, interrogated, making Aiden only feel incresingly more flushed and warm, much to Kiernan's comfortability.

"..It makes people laugh, is all." Aiden quickly explained, prodding against Kiernan's sides quickly in demonstration, smiling to himself as he watched the otherworldly being jolt and wriggle around, covering the blanket over the spot. "Kiernan try?" He asked with innocence, how could Aiden possibly say no?

"..Fine, you can give it a go." He sighed, the things around him a quick blur as Kiernan immediately made Aiden lay down on the lounge, surprising the mortal completely. Before Aiden could piece together what happened next, he jolted, feeling curious hands rest against his middle set of ribs, swearing he could see the otherworldly being smirk just a tad.

"Not start yet." The alien said in broken english, making Aiden nearly curl in on himself, "I-I know-" ",Aiden red."

Those words? Those two words made Aiden realize just how warm and fuzzy he was feeling. Even though Kiernan didn't start, his eyes were clenched shut, arms forcefully keeping themselves propped up, his face twisting and turning into a goofy, wide grin, cheeks and nose dusted red.

He was snapped back to reality once he felt more daring fingers rub against the bones of his middle set of ribs, making Aiden jump like he put a fork in an electrical outlet, nearly bucking Kiernan off in the process. The green haired adjusted himself, sitting down beside the gray haired incase he were to be potentially thrown off. Smart move.

Kiernan proceeded cautiously, his thinking critical as he watched Aiden's every reaction. The way he inhaled sharply when he scratched his sides, to when he full on barked out like a hyena when he drilled into the divets of his hips. Each reaction Kiernan absolutely took in with pride, smiling alongside Aiden kindly, yet to the other it was more teasing than anything comforting.

A sudden shrill scream caught both off guard, watching as Kiernan paused his hands, Aiden covering his mouth and half of his face with his sleeves, complete horror filling him.

"Legs, tickle?" Kiernan observed, before moving himself to sit atop Aiden's ankles, making the other unable to pull or kick away.

Being absolutely mortified at this new situation and sensitivity, Aiden tried to sit up, giddy panic filling him.

"Kiki, come on! We can do something else fun! How about I teach you how to play Uno? Or some video games, you were always curious about thaHAHAT! SWEHEHEET HELL, HAHAVE MERCY!"

Aiden's body felt like electricity, his nerves alight as he felt every sensation absolutely knock his breathe away. Kiernan, despite being inexperienced, hit the mother load. The way he squeezed atop the gray's knees, rub against the pits of his hind knees, to full on massaging the other's thighs with quick precision. Kiernan quickly looked up, his eyes practically glowing with joy, watching as Aiden sat up, trying to reach for Kiernan's daring hands, only to flop back down and arch his back to no avail, each scribble and squeeze just another light switch being turned on. The green haired focused on his facial expressions, the way his brows creased upwards, his usually messy hair only looking more messier, and the wide, absolutely joyful smile practically glued to his face. He heard each howling cackle light up the room, making them both forget what was happening earlier ago.

"I-I GIVE! Kiernahahahan!" Aiden practically squeezed out, feeling slightly hoarse. Noticing he reached his limits, the other stopped all his torment, shifting off his ankles and moving up, hoving above Aiden's face, only for it to be covered by his sleeves.

"Kiernan do good?" Asked the alien with unbridled glee, eyes sparkling in delight at making the other smile. After a few moments, Aiden muttered out. "Y-Yeah, you did great." He praised, watching as the green haired practically preened at the compliment like a prize winning show pony, making him roll his eyes sarcastically.

Aiden then looked at the window, noticing how bright it was now, being a little damp from the earlier storm, "Seems the storm passed by for now." He said, looking as Kiernan watched how the remaining droplets on the window pane squiggle down with uncharacteristic interest, making Aiden laugh.

"Kiernan tickle aga-"

"No, infact," Aiden spoke, walking over to the otherworldly being, catching him off guard as he picked him up, arms stuck to his sides, before the alien burst into gentle giggles, fingers prodding and vibrating against his slender sides. ", I think it's my turn."