TheatreGaymer

Aether hesitated at the entrance of the newly opened Aisa Bathhouse in Inazuma, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his tunic. The warm, inviting glow of lanterns illuminated the wooden interior, the faint scent of herbal steam wafting through the air.

The blonde had been invited by some of his old friends to try out this new establishment and after being away for such a long time, he had happily agreed to join, eager to see all of them again. He had been on his feet all day, traversing from Natlan back to the islands of Inazuma, and the idea of soaking in a hot bath sounded heavenly.

He had only arrived a few hours ago, already having meet with them for a (very) late breakfast in Hanamizaka, to indulge in some Tricolor Dango, much to the joy of Paimon and the detriment of his wallet, and had agreed upon meeting with them in the bath, after checking in in a nearby Inn.

But as he glanced down at his attire and then at the row of lockers before him, a flush of embarrassment crept up his cheeks. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, unbuckling his boots and neatly placing them into an empty locker.

The cool floor against his bare feet sent a small shiver up his spine as he continued, peeling off his clothes, layer by layer, until he was left in nothing but a simple towel wrapped securely around his waist. His hands briefly hovered over the lock on his locker, his stomach twisting with nervousness.

It wasn’t like he was unfamiliar with bathhouses - Liyue had plenty - but being this exposed in the presence of others still made him shy. Taking another breath, he straightened his shoulders and stepped past the entrance curtain into the steamy bathing area.

“Aether, buddy! There you are!” a loud and enthusiastic voice boomed across the bath, making the blonde jump slightly. Itto grinned widely from his spot in the hot water, waving him over eagerly. Next to him, Thoma and Gorou were already settled into the bath, their heads barely visible above the rising steam. “Hey Traveler~” “Aether, glad you could make it.”

The trio looked relaxed, their expressions glowing from the heat of the water and Aether couldn’t help grinning at them. “You took forever! C’mon in, the water’s perfect!” Itto added, slapping the surface of the bath, causing small ripples to form. Aether chuckled sheepishly, stepping towards the edge and carefully dipping a foot into the water.

The heat immediately sent a soothing wave up his body and he exhaled in relief as he slid further in, submerging himself up to his chest. The tension in his muscles began to melt away and he sighed contentedly. “Man, you look so tense and did you get even more skinny!?” Itto commented, tilting his head before he waded towards him.

“You should really loosen up a bit~” Aether raised an eyebrow, but before he could retort, he felt large fingers suddenly squeeze at his sides. A high-pitched squeak slipped from his lips as he jolted, his arms instinctively snapping to his sides in defense. “WaHAh! D-DoOHohn’t!” he laughed, gently pushing his hands off of him. “Oh-ho! What was that?”

Itto smirked, his ruby eyes lighting up with mischief. “Did you just- No way! Traveler, don’t tell me you’re ticklish?” he fake-gasped and Aether could clearly hear Thoma and Gorou giggle at him. “He got you now~” “Itto found his next victim, ehh~” Aether’s face burned instantly, his body stiffening in place and he once again cursed his body for it sensitivity.

“W-Wait, that was just-” he began, instinctively taking a step back from the oni. He was in trouble now. “…Just you being ticklish?” Itto grinned wickedly, eagerly wiggling his fingers at him. Yeah, in a very big trouble. “Oh, this is too good to pass up!” he laughed. He had to get away, like right now, before it was too late.

However, before the blonde could even make a proper escape, Itto lunged, wrapping his strong arms around him in a playful yet secure hold. “C’mere, you squirmy little guy!” he chuckled, not wasting another second as he dug his fingers into his ribs.

Aether immediately burst into uncontrollable giggles, twisting and wriggling as he tried to pry himself free from Itto’s iron grip. “N-Nohoho! I-ItohOho! StoHohop!!” he pleaded, his laughter echoing in the steamy room. He just wanted to relax and spend the afternoon soozing in the water and here he was, in the arms of an excited oni, getting tickled to pieces.

This wasn’t like he expected his afternoon to turn out. His hands grabbed at the white-haired’s arms, his legs were kicking out, splashing water everywhere, but the hero of nations, the conqueror of dragons and Master of the Jinni couldn't break free. Instead, he felt a tingle inside his stomach, creeping up, further and further throughout his body.

“HhahAhHAHa I-IHIhiTOo! IhiHit ehEhhehe it tiHIicklekeles!” He managed to breath out, tears of mirth forming in the corner of his eyes and running down his flustered cheeks as Itto continued to explore the ticklishness of his flanks, even daring to sneak his fingers up into his underarms, wiggling into the sensitive holes with gusto.

“That’s the whole point compadre; nothing beats some good old’ laughing with your bro IttOh~” he teased and to emphasize his statement, he moved on of his strong arms around his midriff, allowing him to tickle the blonde’s stomach, wiggling and sliding his fingers around his navel.

As soon as they made contact with his skin, Aether broke into another wave of contagious chortles and he sucked in his stomach, but neither did it help, nor made it Itto relenting. “AHhhAhahah! YoHou cAhahn’t wehEh’re- ahAhhahah noHoho!” he laughed, trying to reason with his antics, but he wasn't even able to finish his sentence.

“Aw, you sound so adorable!” Itto teased, clearly enjoying to see the youngest member of the Arataki Gang at the loose of his hands. At this point, Aether had given up to try and break free, so he just lends back against the other's chest, letting his laughter out. Seeing this Itto smirked, and he bend his head a bit forward, so that it was now close to his.

"Giving up already? Don't disappoint me now..." he said, blowing in his ear and making him shriek. That was too much for him. In a last attempt, Aether eyed with his other friends who had watched the whole scenario without even lifting a finger to come to his aid.

“WHahAHAhh p-pleHEhehase heEHhelp,” he whined stretching out a hand towards them, taking into account that Itto immediately sneaked a finger into the spot again, well he had to bite the bullet if he wanted to get out of this situation.

…It was Thoma, who had been watching with an amused grin, that finally took pity on Aether and leaned forward. “You do realize this could backfire, right?” he mused, wading closer to the duo before suddenly striking. His fingers poked into Itto’s toned sides, causing the oni to jolt and let out an uncharacteristic yelp.

“HiYaHh…! H-Hey! Thoma! ThaAhaht’s cheap!” Itto barked, his body twitching under the unexpected assault. The moment of inattention allowed Aether to break free and Itto whined when he realized his little toy had escaped. Aether, now freed from Itto’s grasp, gasped for air, his face already flushed both from the tickling and the bath’s heat.

“Thanks T-Thoma, I thought I was gonna die.” He shot Thoma a grateful look, which the housekeeper returned with a knowing smile, having been a victim himself not long ago. “I wasn’t kiIHihll- noHohHOhoho!” Itto wanted to argue but got interpreted by his own laughter as Thoma continued to drag his fingers down his sides.

“Oh, come on Itto, you can dish it out but can’t take it?” Thoma teased, continuing to tickle the large oni playfully. “Well, this is actually kinda fun. What do you think, Aether?” Aether glanced at Itto, who was flailing in the water like a fish out of water, and couldn’t help but laugh along with him - he looked so hilarious right now.

A mischievous grin crept onto his lips. “I think Itto could use a little payback,” he admitted, “after all ‘nothing beats some good old’ laughing with your bro IttOh’, right?~” he mocked making the oni gulp. Thoma grinned, winking at him. “Then let’s get him!” “…W-WahAhahit, guHuys, cahAn’t we talk- aHAHAHAhhahaH!”

The oni’s loud laughter began to flood the room as soon as the duo launched their combined assault with Thoma continuing to squeeze his sides, while Aether, little as he was, wiggled his fingers down his toned chest, dragging his fingers along the patterns of his tattoos lining his skin, reveling in the way Itto’s booming laughter filled the air.

“WAHAHAHahhAhAhh!” The whole room seemed to shake as Itto’s belly laughter broke out of him, not even trying to hold it back, making Aether wonder if he really wanted them to stop. “You’re so ticklish, it’s kinda adorable~” “NoOHohoo teHEehasing,” Itto whined and hid his face inside his palms. He could never handle verbal teasing.

Aether chuckled and stood on his tiptoes, allowing him to reach his armpits, while Thoma focused on his ribs and stomach, making sure their giant friend was left gasping. “Coochie, coochie coo~” “NOHOHO! Y-YOU GUYS ARE EVIL!!” Itto howled, thrashing in the water, he had created a monster, well two of them, when Thoma joined. “Coochie, coochie, coochie~”

“HAHAHHAVE M-MEHEHEHERCY ON MEHEHEHEHHE!” he cried, seeming to forget that he could just fight them off if he really wanted to, but the tickling made him weak and his legs were giving in, making him sink further to the ground, making it only even easier for the blonde duo to reach all these ticklish spots on his body.

Aether and Thoma exchanged mischievous grins, doubling their efforts as they scribbled their fingers along Itto’s ribs and up to his underarms, making the oni nearly jump out of the water. “HAHAHAHHAHAHAH!!”

“Mercy? From us? Nah, I think you can handle a little more, big guy!” Thoma teased, wiggling his fingers right under Itto’s chin and over his neck, causing him to cackle uncontrollably. “GAHAHA! NOT THEHEHERE! AETHER, BRO, PLEHEHEASE!” Itto pleaded, but Aether only chuckled, dragging his fingertips down to Itto’s sides and squeezing rapidly.

“What was that? I can’t hear you over all this laughing,” he teased playfully, watching as Itto’s face turned a deeper shade of red. Thoma suddenly darted his hands to Itto’s belly, squeezing his lower sides before poking right into Itto’s belly button.

“I always wondered if oni were sensitive here,” he mused, feigning curiosity while Itto’s laughter skyrocketed, “turns out, you’re just as sensitive as anyone else!” “STAHAHAHAP! I’M TOHOHO TIHICKLIHIHISH FOR THIHIHIS!” Itto’s howls echoed through the bathhouse, but his thrashing only encouraged them to keep going.

Gorou, who had been chuckling at the scene, was distracted watching the playful attack unfold, feeling a light sting of jealously in his chest, not sure if he was allowed to join. His hands curled into claws and his tail wagged slightly in the water and he let out a low sigh. “I wanna… tickle too,” he grumbled, the last getting lost in-between the loud laughter.

However, his attention was cut short by a sudden, high-pitched scream of his own when he felt a sudden touch on his spin, catching him completely off guard. Turning his head to the side he gazed into a familiar pair of olive-green eyes. “W-WHAAHAHAHAT?! HEIHOZOU?!”

Heizou had appeared from seemingly nowhere, grinning mischievously as he wiggled his fingers into Gorou’s sides. “Hehe~ You looked a little left out,” the detective teased. “I thought I’d give you some attention.” Gorou’s ears twitched frantically as he squirmed in the water, laughter bubbling past his lips.

“N-NoHOohho! I-I didn’t neHEheed any attention! WHahHAHAHH!” “Liar,” Heizou snickered, slipping his fingers to Gorou’s belly and watching as the poor general dissolved into helpless giggles, his tail thrashing in the water. “I could clearly hear you back there~” he mused and gave his sides another squeeze. “HAHAHahahHAHAhahah!” “AHAHAAHhHAhah noHOhoo!”

The bathhouse was soon filled with overlapping laughter - Itto still suffering under Aether and Thoma’s combined tickling and Gorou barely able to form coherent words between giggles as Heizou tormented his sensitive stomach.

Minutes passed before the tickling finally slowed to a stop. The group, exhausted and overheated, collapsed onto the warm stone floor beside the bath, their chests heaving with residual giggles. The bathhouse’s soothing ambiance finally returned as they all lay sprawled, staring at the ceiling in post-laughter bliss.

“...We’re a mess,” Thoma chuckled breathlessly, running a hand through his damp hair. “No kidding,” Aether sighed, rubbing at his flushed cheeks, exhausted but happy. Their peaceful rest was interrupted by a calm, amused voice. “My, my, what do we have here?”

They all turned their heads sluggishly to see Kamisato Ayato standing over them, his usual elegant smile gracing his lips. “You all look like you’ve just fought a battle,” Ayato mused, raising an eyebrow, “and judging from your expressions, I assume you’ve lost?”

“Ugh,” Itto groaned, throwing an arm over his face, “we weren’t fighting… just… a little too much fun.” Ayato chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re all quite silly.” “Yeah, but it was worth it, right~” Heizou smirked, still watching Gorou with amusement as the poor general tried to regain his composure, glaring daggers at him before retuning his smile.

Bakugou wondered how the hell he had gotten into this situation: Lying flat on the floor, his muscles tense, a blushing, nervous Midoriya looming over him, their faces uncomfortably close. Midoriya’s arms were trembling as he balanced over him, their limbs tangled awkwardly in a ridiculous game of Twister.

The blonde internally cursed the series of events that led him here. It all started when Kirishima had dragged him to a party that their class had thrown. Kirishima, as persistent as ever, had convinced him with his usual optimistic spiel about how it would be "fun to hang out with everyone" and that Bakugou "should be more active with the group".

Kirishima could be annoyingly persuasive when he wanted to be, so here Bakugou was, surrounded by his classmates, at a party he hadn't even wanted to attend. He groaned internally, recalling Kirishima's final words that sealed the deal: “It’ll be fun, bro! Plus, it’s just a chill time with the class.” Chill time my ass, Bakugou thought, gritting his teeth.

To make matters worse, he had been roped into a game of Twister. TWISTER, of all things! He didn’t even know how he got dragged into it, but it was probably the redhead who kept insisting that Bakugou "participates more". The blonde had protested loudly when it was announced, but somehow the group had managed to rope him into the game.

And then, just when things couldn’t get any worse, his game partner had turned out to be none other than Midoriya. Deku. Why, of all people, DEKU?! Bakugou groaned inwardly as he saw Midoriya’s face light up - both in excitement and shock - when they were paired. The green-haired had stammered out something, trying to offer Bakugou a nervous smile.

“…I-It’s okay, Kacchan, we can-” “Shut up, Deku. I don’t need your pep talk,” he snapped, glaring at him, “let’s just get this shit over with.” Kirishima had a wide grin on his face as he plopped onto the ground next to Todoroki, who was crowned the game master, sipping on his cup of coke. “Do your best Bakugou~” he giggled as he watched the duo get ready.

"The same counts for you Shitty Hair!" Bakugou hissed at his amused friend, vigorously pulling off his socks and dashing them towards his face, claiming it would allow him to get a better hold. “Ouch~” Kirishima giggled as they "hit" him, but he kept his mouth shut, putting his friend’s socks neatly to the side.

The blonde faced Midoriya again, who was standing there like a lost puppy, shrieking when he glared at him. “Ahem Kacchan, if you don't-” “Just move your ass Deku...” the blonde mumbled and shoved the other onto the mat, grinning as he looked down at the green-haired's feet who were still covered in some All Might socks.

“Hah! Scared to play without socks, Deku? Can’t handle a little cold?” he teased with a cocky smirk, knowing the real reason why his childhood friend had decided to keep them on. He hadn’t overlooked how his toes had visibly wiggled as he had taken off his own. Midoriya blushed furiously, stuttering something in response, but Bakugou barely heard him.

The game was about to begin and his competitive side kicked in - he was not about to lose to anyone, especially not to the green-haired. If he had to play, he had to play properly. The game started, with Todoroki calmly reading out the instructions while spinning the color wheel. “Right hand green,” the dual-haired said in his usual monotone voice.

The two of them followed his instructions, moving either their hands or feet to said dots, both awkwardly stretching and bending themselves as Todoroki continued to read out the next moves. “Left foot blue.” “Right hand yellow.” “Left foot yellow.”

“…This is so stupid,” Bakugou muttered to himself as he and Midoriya were now both on the ground, each of them trying to hold their balance, with latter's face already as red as a tomato. Bakugou hummed quietly. Why the hell was he blushing now... that damn nerd wasn't even looking at him!

A vein of rage was already popping out on his forehead and he felt his patience run low. It didn't get better when the next round was read out and Midoriya was basically bridging over him, still averting his eyes. “Oi! Nerd…” he said with clenched teeth, but the other still couldn’t face him properly. “…” Still ignoring me, ehh…

It wasn't like Midoriya didn't want to, but Bakugou could be well... kinda intimidating and he also wanted to smile since he felt happy that he played together with him... it was weird - both good and bad in the same way and knowing the blonde, he would probably see right through him when he would look at him, though avoiding him made it only worse.

Bakugou tsked and really wondered how he got into this mess and why he had talked himself into playing. But now, as Midoriya balanced over him, his arms shaking, his patience had hit its limit. Todoroki spun the wheel again. “Left hand yellow,” he said flatly.

Midoriya squeaked in panic as he shifted his weight, trying not to fall over him while reaching for the yellow spot closest to him. The moment his eyes finally met Bakugou’s fiery glare, his hands slipped and his left arm brushed against Bakugou’s ribs, causing him to twitch. That was it. Bakugou was done. “Deku!”

With lightning-fast reflexes he reached out and squeezed one of Midoriya’s sides. “AhHah! K-Kacchan!” the freckled teen squealed in surprise, laughter spilling out of him as his arms gave out completely. He collapsed onto Bakugou in an uncontrollable burst of laughter, sending both of them to the ground. Todoroki watched the scene unfold and sighed.

“Bakugou, you lose. You touched the ground first.” Bakugou’s eyes widened in realization. “What?! That’s not fair!” he snarled, suddenly surprisingly annoyed that he had lost the game. Deku beat him, Deku fucking beat him! Todoroki shrugged nonchalantly, spinning the wheel for the next round. “Rules are rules.”

Fuming, Bakugou turned his attention back to Midoriya, who was still giggling uncontrollably on top of him. “See what you’ve done, Deku?!” Bakugou growled, his hands already in position. Before the green-haired could react, his fingers dug into his sides, tickling him relentlessly.

Midoriya burst into wild laughter, squirming in a desperate attempt to escape the tickling. “AhHAhahha K-KaHahchahn noHOhoHOho! I'm- aAhhahahah!” His cheeks flushed as Bakugou’s hands moved to his ribs, his thumbs gently teasing the sensitive spots in-between, sending him into a new fit of giggles.

“Serves you right stupid Deku~ Take that~” he teased, squeezing his hips and making the other buck on top of him. “P-PleHehHEase! KaHAhHcchaHan aHAhahahh I’m soHOhohorry!” Midoriya wheezed, laughter bubbling out of him.

“HaAhahha wahAhahit. ThahAhat- aHaahaha ThAhat tihiHihckles, noHohohohO! LehEHeht mehEhe goHoho!” the green-haired squealed, completely at his mercy. His arms flailed uselessly as he tried to push Bakugou’s hands away, tried to break free of his hold, but it was no use. All Bakugou had to do was poke his sides, turning him into a giggly mess again.

To top it all, he had slung his legs around his, making escape even more difficult. "You're not going anywhere Deku~" Bakugou grinned, enjoying this way too much. Maybe playing Twister wasn't such a bad idea after all. Maybe he didn’t even mind losing the game in the first place.

Midoriya's face was only inches away from his as he laughed into his shoulder, his high-pitched, melodical laughter right next to his ear, his curly locks tickling his nose, but Bakugou didn’t care, right here, right now, he just wanted to tickle the hell out of that damn nerd, making him laugh more.

"NoHOohhHoho! I'm eHEheheh reHEhelaly soOhohoroyo, pleHEhehase~" he begged, but Bakugou didn't even think of stopping yet and he couldn't help but tickle the nerd's neck, earning a high-pitched squeal from him. “Too late for that, you damn nerd!” the blonde sneered, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

“HaAhahAhha noHOhohOHo! SoOHohmeboHohody h-hEhehElp!” Midoriya laughed out, trying to kick his legs, but no matter how much he squirmed, Bakugou’s legs remained locked around his, anchoring him down. Every attempt to pull away only tightened the hold, keeping him frustratingly trapped against the solid warmth of the blonde’s body.

Bakugou enjoyed the sight of Midoriya writhing in laughter, but then, finally, salvation arrived for the green-haired in the form of none other than Kirishima - that damn traitor. The redhead squatted down next to them, grinning widely. “Wow, Midoriya, I didn’t know you were so ticklish!” he teased.

Bakugou glared at him. “What do you want, Shitty Hair? I’m not done yet!” The redhead chuckled mischievously. “Oh, I’m just here to help out. After all, it’s not fair if you’re the only one dishing it out, right?” Before he could reply, Kirishima’s fingers darted toward the bare sole of his left foot. His fingers lightly poked at the sensitive skin, making him jolt in surprise.

“Oi! What the hell?!” the blonde yelled, kicking out instinctively. His foot twitched as his fingers continued their light assault, causing Bakugou to grit his teeth and try to hold back his own laughter. “You took your socks off, remember?” Kirishima smirked, poking Bakugou’s foot again, a bit closer to his toes this time.

“StoHohop iHihit, hehEhehe!” Bakugou snarled, pulling his feet away and finally releasing Midoriya, who took the opportunity to roll off him and scramble to safety. He was still laughing, clutching his sides as he gasped for breath. “Th-Thanks, Kirishima…” he managed to say between breaths.

Kirishima grinned at Bakugou, standing up and offering a hand to Midoriya. “No problem, it was a pleasure, Midoriya. Bakugou, you really went all out, huh?” Bakugou sat up, his eyes narrowed dangerously. “Shitty Hair… you’re next.” Kirishima blinked, his smile faltering.

“Huh?” Bakugou cracked his knuckles, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Oh, we’re playing another game. Just you and me! And this time, I’m making sure that I win.” Kirishima laughed nervously, realizing where this was probably going. “Uh, wait, you mean-”

“You’re damn right, I’m talking about another round of fucking Twister and don’t forget to get your damn socks off Shitty Hair,” Bakugou said, standing up and stepping back onto the Twister mat, his fiery competitive spirit flaring up once more. He wanted revenge and he knew exactly how he was going to get it.

Kirishima’s eyes widened, but his grin returned. “Alright, bring it on Bakugou! Let’s see who’s left laughing this time!” he said in an almost teasing voice, already pulling off on of his socks. “Damn right we will!” Bakugou announced smiling back at him.

The redhead quickly finished pulling off his other sock as well, which he would've done anyways, since he's manly and would always fight on equal terms, and stepped forward. "Here's to a good game," he said and made a fist towards the blonde. "Whatever..." Bakugou mumbled, but returned the gesture as well, making Kirishima grin even more.