softer-sunny

[softer-sunny]

A Lesson Learned- Tickle Fic

@softer-sunny @nyforceuser @secretly-tword-obsessed I loved the star wars content y'all do, and thought you might enjoy! (Sorry if this tag bothers you, I can totally remove it if youd like)

"I regret introducing you guys.”

“It's not my fault you were such an embarrassing cadet. Like that time during a training sim where you-”

“Bly. Do you ever shut up?”

“Hey, have some respect. That's your ori’vod you're speaking to.”

“Fuck you, Boil.”

The man snickers.

He's lucky Cody doesn't have his blaster on him right now.

He doesn't think he could resist the urge to shoot his brother, if only to stop him from spilling any more humiliating secrets.

It was a collaborative mission, and the good commander found himself occupying the same ship as a couple batchmates. Wolffe’s pack and Bly’s battalion were set to join them for several rotations, and they decided to take advantage of their free time before it all inevitably goes to hell. Unfortunately for Cody, his batchmate's version of “hanging out” is telling his troopers about their shared childhood…and all the dumb things their marshal commander did as a tubie. Wolffe just sits back, occasionally adding on a detail or two, each somehow more embarrassing than the last. Waxer and Boil are listening intently; he thinks he even saw one of them taking notes at some point. Bly was giving an animated recollection of the time after training where a very concussed Cody called Alpha-17 “dad.” As if he could ever forget. Cody can feel his patience running thin.

“-and then he goes ‘stop worryin’ about me, dad,’ and immediately passes out. Funniest thing I've ever seen-”

“Don't forget how he drooled on Alpha’s shoulder while being carried to the medbay.”

“Oh, yeah. How could I leave that out?”

Cody frowns, giving the most deadpan expression he can manage.

"Stop scowling at me, man.” Waxer groans. “Your face is gonna get stuck that way. Or maybe it already has, maybe that's why you never look happy.”

“Believe it or not, the sourpuss can smile.”

“Cody? Smiling? Are we talking about the same vod?”

Said man rolls his eyes.

“It seems impossible, I know, but he is capable of it- laughing too.” Bly says.

“Blasphemy. Lies. I’ll believe it when I see it.” Waxer’s face is set in faux seriousness.

“It can be kinda difficult, but there are a couple things that get him to crack.” His face lights up. Cody doesn't like that look. “Oh my god, Wolffe. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

The commander eyes him up and down and smirks. His blood runs cold. They wouldn't possibly- no. They wouldn't.

“I think so. Cody, c’mere.”

Fuck. They would.

“I don't think I want to.”

“Come on, what’re you so afraid of?”

There's a moment where no one dares make a move. Then Cody bolts in the opposite direction like his life’s on the line. He’s immediately tackled by Wolffe, already used to his brother being a flight risk. They wrestle to the ground, all kicks and sharp elbows. Bly makes himself known, quickly slotting his arms under Cody's own, helping his brother pin him down. He pulls Cody taut so that he's near flat on his back. He almost catches an elbow to the chin, but the payoff will soon be worth it.

“You should know by now that there's no escaping us.”

“A tragedy. I pray everyday for some peace and quiet.”

“Uh, guys? What’s going on?” Boil asks, clearly missing something. Wolffe chuckles. The dangerous glint in his eyes would've killed a lesser man.

“You want proof this stick in the mud can smile, huh? Well, here's your proof, soldier.”

He digs his fingers into his brother’s ribs, and Cody slams his mouth shut, choking on the protest he had ready. His body twists and turns, trying to escape the electric sparks that dance up his torso. Dammit. He can already feel the corners of his lips twitching upwards.

“No. Fucking. Way.” Waxer mumbles.

“Holy kriff, the commander’s ticklish?!” Boil looks absolutely delighted. “Oh, this is incredible.”

“Ngh! D-dead to me. All of you,” Cody grits out, a grin finally breaking out on his face.

“Heyyy, there's those pearly whites! Ain't he adorable, vode?” Bly coos, smirking at how his face reddens. His eyes gesture at Wolffe, who instantly understands. “I think I'd like to hear some laughter, though. Take it away, Wolffe.”

The clone suddenly darts his hands behind him, pinching at the commander's knees. Cody lets out a yelp unfit for a war-hardened soldier, huffing quiet giggles that quickly rises in pitch and volume.

“Ah! Shihit! Wolffe! Wolffehe, stohop!”

“You were right. This is adorable.”

“What can I say, I’m a man of my word.”

“Stop acting lihike I’m not hehehere!”

“Did you guys just hear something?”

“Ohohoh, eat sHIT-” He's cut off by the hands switching to squeezing his thighs. “Wolffe nohohoHO!”

Each squeeze is accompanied by a swarm of tingles; it's unbearable, but he can't lift his legs with his asshole of a brother sitting on his hips. He settles for scraping his shoes against the floor in desperation. He really wishes standard issue shoes had more traction.

Bly smiles down at his vod’ika, distracted by the rare sound of his laughter. It sounds like home, with its warm timbre and the way his voice gets higher when their fingers graze someplace sensitive. Turns out, he shouldn't have been reminiscing with a highly trained soldier in his arms. Cody finally elbows him in the chin, using the opening to squeeze out from under Wolffe and try to make a run for it. Try being the key word. Bly recovers quick, whirling around and pouncing on the man's back while he's trying to stand. Cody ends up on his stomach this time. He groans.

“Maker, I need new brothers.”

“You don't mean that,” Bly says, rolling up his sleeves. “You love us. Maybe not after this, though. Hey, Waxer, Boil. Do you wanna learn a trick to get commander killjoy to loosen up a little?”

“Hell yes.”

“Boy, do I.”

Now that makes Cody's eyes widen. He can feel the anticipation creeping up on him, making his hairs stand on end.

“Hold on a minute-”

“Sorry, Codes. It's two against one. You’ve been outvoted, vod.” Bly says, solemn.

His soon-to-be victim hides his face in crossed arms. He's so fucked. Like, royally fucked. All he can do is accept his fate.

And then Bly starts pushing his shirt up and his acceptance turns to panic.

“Wait. Waitwaitwait. Bly plea-” His hands press against the tile, trying to push himself up, but to no avail. Instead of begging, the noise that comes out of his mouth is somehow even more embarrassing. A high pitched squeak rings out, pulled from his lips by a finger running up his spine. The room is silent before his brothers burst into laughter. Okay, no. He's hiding his face again.

“Oho my god! How’d you even make that sound?”

“Stop talking,” he grumbles behind his arms.

“That's not even the best part. Watch.”

Nothing could've prepared him for the sensation of ten fingers scribbling across his bare shoulder blades, not even ARC training. It was like a thousand volts shooting up his back. He can't hold in his laughter even if he tries, so Cody shoves his face deeper into his arms, trying to become one with the floor. Meanwhile, the men marvel at the waves of boyish giggles that pour from his lips, a stark contrast from the stoic image he usually upholds.

“Ah-shihihiHIt! Gehet ohohoff!” He whines.

“Oh yeah,” Bly says, not even looking up from where his eyes are trained on Cody's worst spots. “This is a great way to get him to stop being a workaholic. Tires him out, too.”

When he escapes, they are in so much trouble. His giggles become frantic when Bly grinds a knuckle into his back dimples. He wonders if he can get them court martialed for this.

“I once got him to fork over his lunch ration by doing this,” Wolffe comments, kneeling at his side to loom over him, Bly still keeping him pinned.Needless to say, Cody loses his shit when his traitor of a brother places a raspberry on that spot riiiiight below his shoulder blades.

“FUCK! FUHUHUHUCK! STAHAHA!”

He's given up on trying to salvage his dignity. It's been shattered, stomped on, absolutely destroyed by now. His pleas aren't even coherent with how hard he's cackling. One of his hands moves to clutch at his hair, just for something to grab on to.

“I’m not sure if the regulations approve that sort of language, sir.” That's it, Waxer's on fresher duty for the next month.

Thankfully, Wolffe has mercy before he starts wheezing, ruffling his hair. Bly gets up and takes a seat beside him, patting his shoulder. Cody can't be bothered to swat them off.

“So,” Bly starts, “I presume this experience was very informative, boys?”

“Oh, yes. We’ve been taking notes.”

They ignore whatever insult Cody mumbles into his arms, still face down on the floor. Fuck, they were right. He is tired; his bunk sounds real comfortable right about now.

“I do hope you enjoy your rest, Commander.” A distinct coruscanti accent has everyone turning heads.

The high general of the 212th battalion is leaning against the doorframe, a warm smile on his lips. It looks good there, he thinks. Cody's face flushes. The vode chuckle, giving him a knowing look.

“And before you ask, I have been standing here for quite a while, but don't let me ruin your fun,” he turns to exit, but stops before he leaves their sight.

“Oh, and commander?”

Cody responds with a flustered sound.

“You may want to seek out Helix, your face is a tad red.”

God, he's never going to live this down.

[softer-sunny]

Still trying something… and again with Fives 💕 also it was great to draw his helmet yay

And as you wish @cloneflo99 I tag you and say huuugeeee thank you to your support every time 🥹🥺❤️

[softer-sunny]

Parade Rest

Fandom: The Bad Batch

Word Count: 3,753

Summary: The rules are simple: don't move. Echo might argue that simple isn't what he'd call it.

Ao3 Link: Parade Rest

This is a tickle fic

“The rules are simple. Get your teammate to break parade rest.” Hunter said as he stood in front of his squad, all dressed down to their body gloves for comfort. They stood in a loose line in front of him, waiting. They’d gotten restless on the ship and all it took was one snap from Crosshair - in Wrecker’s direction - to clue him in on finding them an outlet. Something to pass the hours in hyperspace. His best idea was a game they played often, something to keep them occupied and bring out that competitiveness in them. “As you are aware you can do anything to get them to move except for physically moving them yourself. This is meant to test your endurance and discipline not your strength. Annoy each other, pick on their weaknesses, but you can’t do it through force. Looking at you, Wrecker.”

“It was one time.” Wrecker grumbled.

Hunter ignored him but his mouth twitched into a smile regardless. “No pain, don’t go crossing any physical boundaries, and no fires, please. We don’t want a repeat of that one time Tech refused to move after Crosshair set fire to a blanket.”

“In my defense what I had wanted was a small distraction, not a fire. The fire was not purposeful.” Crosshair tsked, arms folded over his chest like a disgruntled cadet.

“That’s maybe worse.” Hunter ran a hand down his face, heaving a sigh. They weren’t always well behaved, but they were his so he was willing to put up with their shenanigans. “Who’s going first?”

“I’ll go.” Echo offered, scomp raised. No hesitation, not even a second to think. He was met with a raised eyebrow from Hunter.

“First time doing this exercise with us. Should make it challenging I hope.” Hunter commented as the rest of his charges got themselves ready. They were well versed in this training exercise - game - but a new opponent would keep them interested.

“I intend to be challenging.” Echo smirked in the midst of all of their oooohs.

“He talks big.” Wrecker seemed particularly pleased as he chuckled.

“Anything you want off limits before we start? We know each other’s lines, I’d like to know yours.” Hunter folded his arms over his chest and waited. He didn’t know Echo quite well enough yet to know what was out of the question. If you touched Tech’s goggles there would be problems, mainly a shove hard enough to topple you before he swiped them back. Wrecker did not like it when they threatened Lula. He sulked for an hour after Crosshair nearly tore the stitching on her ear. To Crosshair’s credit he offered to reinforce her stitching. Speaking of, their sniper refused to allow them to touch the firepuncher. It was a weapon not a toy, as he always put it. Meanwhile, Hunter just never wanted them to screw with his senses. It wasn’t ‘fair’ but it also gave him migraines. The point was not to hurt, in any way, your teammate.

“I have never been quiet in my discomfort. If you do something I object to, I have no problem telling you.” Echo shrugged. In the face of Echo’s confidence was the dissatisfied raised eyebrow that Hunter was so good at delivering. Everyone had lines you didn’t cross. Echo would be briefed on theirs so they needed to know his. The last thing they needed was Echo to swear he was ‘up for anything’ only to take the scomp to the face when they did the wrong thing. Their little standoff didn’t last too long, Echo shuffling uncomfortably under the scrutiny before giving in. “Don’t fuck with my ports. I will swing at you.” The polite smile was about as dangerous as a threat as far as Hunter was concerned.

“Noted.” Tech piped up as he adjusted his goggles, ready to take this challenge by the horns. And a challenge Hunter was sure he would be.

Echo survived the unimaginable. He survived more than anyone else they’d met, their little attempts at disarming him should be a walk through Coruscant.

Hunter walked around Echo, prompting him with a gentle tap on the wrist to move into a parade rest, his scomp held in his hand behind his back, head high. “You are allowed to react, just not move out of position. That means your feet, your arms, and your stance, must remain intact. Talking, complaining, gloating, as annoying as Crosshair can get with it, is all fair game. Understood?” Echo nodded, already holding steady while instructed. This one was bound to be fun even if they couldn’t get him quite as soon as he’d like. Hunter rounded him until he faced Echo, stepping back to allow the other three a chance at him first. They surrounded him like a pack of hungry Nexu but Echo paid them no mind. He wouldn’t be able to ignore them for long. “Alright, boys. Let’s take him down.”

Trying to get under Echo’s skin was a challenge. He had the strength of an ARC trooper, the will of a man who could withstand anything, and stubbornness that could rival their own. Their typical attempts at irritation weren’t working. No threats of messing with his stuff or even actually doing it got him to crack the tough exterior he put on. Tech tried bribing him with extra rations which definitely would’ve worked on Wrecker. Even threatening to place the gross, sticky, goop that was growing underneath the control panel on his head did nothing but get an unimpressed raised eyebrow. Even Crosshair was growing impatient, unsure what to do to make this man move an inch.

Hunter had expected this to be difficult, had even pondered how far they’d have to push before he moved, but he was holding out a lot longer than even he could’ve anticipated. Touching his stuff wasn’t working, nothing seemed to draw his attention, not even the irritating puff of air Wrecker kept blowing on his neck seemed to draw even an ounce of irritation. Echo stood strong in the face of their annoyances, like the ARC trooper he was.

That is until Tech ran his fingers over the side of Echo’s neck. The jolt was as contained as it could be, more of a twitch than anything else, but Echo’s eyes widened at the realization that for the first time since beginning one of them had made him move.

Hunter hummed as his grin widened, already amused by the spooked tooka look on Echo’s face. Drawing attention to what worked was possibly the only way to thwart him. “Problem, corporal?” It took a moment after asking for Echo to compose himself, swallowing in more of a gulp.

“No, sir, no problem at all.” Echo’s voice sounded squeezed with effort but the way he pressed his lips together was enough to prove his nervousness.

Hunter’s eyes narrowed. “Do that again, Tech.”

Echo barely had time to brace himself before Tech did it again, brushing his fingers delicately over the area. Air puffed roughly out of his nose, his eyes studying the ceiling to avoid looking at them.

“A little sensitive there, huh?” Crosshair was already prowling closer, amused but devilishly unfair as he stood on Echo’s right to test the patch of skin on the other side.

“No.” Liar. Hunter watched as Echo all but vibrated standing still. Was this a little unfair? Definitely. But it was entertaining to watch so Hunter let it slide.

“This isn’t fair.” Echo grumbled through gritted teeth. Fair wasn’t what they were going for. The only thing refused to them was touching his ports - reasonable - he said nothing about no tickling.

And tickle they did.

“We aren’t physically moving you, you’re allowed to react verbally. As long as we aren’t harming you there is no rule being broken.” Hunter stood back and allowed the action to continue, amused.

“Bullshit.” Echo shook his head to try to rid himself of those mischievously prodding fingers. To his credit, Echo did hold out as firmly as he could. There was a lot of huffing, plenty of twitching as their fingers fluttered over sensitive skin, but he held his stance. He didn’t shuffle his feet, didn’t even try to bend out of the way. He had to give him some kind of credit.

Crosshair was exploring how light he could go before Echo stopped really feeling it while Tech just drew consistent patterns to make the nerves dance as much as possible. There was a tremble in his arm, wanting so badly to slap away at the itchiness that was now tracing against his jawline. Alright, Hunter supposed he deserved a break. He waved his hands to get them to move away as he stepped into Echo’s space.

Already pink in the face and breathing heavy, Hunter didn’t see him lasting much longer. Echo wobbled onto his heels a little when Hunter got close, eyes tracking his hands as long as he could while still standing up straight.

“Do you want to win?” Hunter asked, simple, mean. Echo looked like he wanted to grumble, argue about fairness, but to his credit he deflated instead, nodding. There was something endearingly childish about the way Echo was holding himself. Annoyed at them but playing along, holding it together just long enough to win some points in the game but already plotting his own revenge. It reminded Hunter of when they were cadets and got into play fights. Turns out, Hunter hadn’t outgrown this anymore than the rest of them had, smiling in the face of a very apprehensive ARC trooper. He leaned forward, tapping his fingers against his own thighs just to watch the way Echo’s body jumped in anticipation. “Then stay still, Echo. Although, that’ll be a lot harder when I do this.”

Mercy wasn’t what he was going for as he gently traced what was exposed of Echo’s underarm. There was a little ‘oof’ at the sensation but beyond that all he did was clamp his mouth closed and try to breathe.

“The unprofessionalism-” Echo’s sentence cut off in another huff as fingers wiggled into that soft spot. Hunter could imagine how maddening it was, to be stuck not moving unless you wanted to lose, and have everyone use this weakness against you. Truthfully, Hunter wasn’t sure why he hadn’t laughed yet. Clearly it tickled, every coiled muscle in his body pointed to that, but he hadn’t made any noise other than complaining at them. Hell, he was even fighting a smile, desperate to keep it under wraps. To try and pull the sound out of him Hunter dropped his hands down to Echo’s ribcage and traced, watching his eyes widen.

A whine pulled itself from the back of his throat, choked off, stolen from their ears. It dawned on Hunter that perhaps Echo was holding it on for some perceived rule, maybe even certain laughing would have him lose. That couldn’t continue.

“You’re allowed to laugh, ya know. It won’t disqualify you.” Hunter provided the permission, digging his fingers in a little harder to drive his point home. Echo twitched under the touch, face splitting into a wide grin. Hunter nearly lost his own composure when Echo’s ragged breath turned into an improperly suppressed giggle. Damn, that sound was going to make him start grinning. “See, there ya go. It feels so much better to just let it out, doesn’t it?” Hunter teased. He chased that sound with another gentle wiggle, pinpointing the spots on his ribs that got his breath to hitch with his laugh to keep pulling that sound out of him until his eyes were squeezed closed from just how big he was smiling.

Hunter cocked his head so Crosshair and Tech would return, their antics just as irritating as the first time, but now they had the melody of laughter to play to, getting some lighter giggles when Tech traced his neck again. What nearly got him to bend was Crosshair’s curious pokes at his sides which turned into his fingers squeezing deliberately.

“Shit shitshitshihihihit!” Echo complained at the intrusion but, still, wouldn’t budge. Flushed and laughing himself mad, Echo refused to give. They may be overall gentle about it but this still would’ve make most of them break. Hunter had to hand it to him, he had a strong will. For a brief moment he considered the possibility that Echo would let himself be tickled to death before admitting defeat, and filed it away to put a stop to it before he started wheezing.

“He is a tough one to crack.” Tech commented, punctuated by squeezing his neck in a quick succession of three that made Echo yelp. “I would suggest your previous experience has left you more willing to endure the sensation but I’d need more information to prove that. Did this happen to you a lot before us?”

“What is this an interrogation?” Echo forced it out before dissolving into more tittering, getting worse when they alternated squeezing and tracing. They worked in tandem to keep him on his toes, his body desperately wanting to pull away but still frozen in place. His smile crinkled his eyes, got his cheeks to turn a rosy color. Fondness spread through Hunter’s chest watching it. The vibration of his laugh, deep in his chest until the giggling returned, high and pitchy, could be felt through his own fingertips. Said fingertips were now curiously exploring his lowest ribs, gently rubbing into the bones to make Echo’s laughter jump.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Wrecker chuckled. Curious, he was still standing back. This was the type of thing Wrecker would’ve jumped on ages ago. Hunter was still shocked he hadn’t already tried to drag Echo into a tickle fight prior to this.

“With a mouth like yours I’m not surprised.” Crosshair’s taunt made an indignant glare light up Echo’s features. What his hands were doing was more evil than his teasing. Mischievous fingers had moved to scribble against where his side met his back. Well, as much of it as Crosshair could touch with where Echo’s arms were being held.

“Whahaht does thahahat mean?” Echo tried to glare at Crosshair through his laughter but he was beaming too bright to look intimidating, something their sniper was clearly taking joy in.

“You have a smart mouth and sometimes that calls for playful punishments.” Hunter dove back at his underarms to try and shock him but all he got was a neck full of Echo’s forehead, one last desperate attempt at staying upright and keeping his hands in place. Now he could feel the force of Echo’s laugh against his neck, warm and happy. They’d have to try this when he could fight back. Hunter was starting to see a new tactic to getting Echo to take a break and rest. Pin him and not stop dancing fingers against his tickle spots until he gave in and took a damn nap.

“Come on, Echo, just break stance. This has to tickle too much to tolerate.” Crosshair resorted to scribbling up and down his sides but all it did was get Echo to tug his arms in tighter. Something had to get him to break his stance eventually.

“Here, I’ll get him to move.” Wrecker cracked his knuckles as he stepped closer and they vacated enough space to allow for whatever was coming. Nervousness settled on Echo’s face, smile wobbling in the face of Wrecker’s threat, but nothing could’ve compared him for what came next.

It was so quick Hunter almost missed it. One second Wrecker was slipping his fingers under the hem of Echo’s shirt, and the next he was already bending over.

“Fuu-UHUHUHUCK!” Echo exclaimed as he crumbled to the floor, Wrecker didn't let up and followed, hand still scribbling at his stomach.

“Good work, Wrecker.” Hunter grinned at the scene. Squirming with all his might Echo couldn’t shake Wrecker’s hold on his middle. If he’d known it was that easy he would’ve done that minutes ago. Whatever way Wrecker was moving his fingers had his laugh bouncing, bright and full, around the room. His cheeks were bound to get stuck like that with all the smiling. Echo’s hand gripped onto Wrecker’s wrist but he had no strength left to tug away the offending digits, just hold on for dear life and hope mercy would befall him soon enough.

Good luck expecting mercy from Wrecker.

Wrecker looked up at their questioning gazes, smile big and toothy. “Figured if it wasn’t ticklish enough through the body glove to get him to move maybe this would work better. Plus, none of you tried his stomach yet. You’re missing out, it’s a good spot.” To prove his point Wrecker used his other hand to draw little spirals on the bit of skin exposed, providing what must’ve felt like a little electric shock from the way Echo jolted. That yelp would echo around the ship for hours afterwards.

“Evil! Ehehevil!” Echo complained through tittering.

Tech hummed. “He lasted a lot longer than I anticipated. Eleven entire standard minutes in total. Six with the addition of irritating stimuli.” Oh, right, they were timing it.

“I should get extra points for every- gah!” Echo jolted to the side when Wrecker pushed his shirt up to expose more skin. There was a fight for the upper hand - one Echo was bound to lose - but it was too gentle to be serious. Echo gripped Wrecker’s wrist, blocking his stomach with his scomp, but Wrecker could easily thwart that attempt. The fact that he gave him a few minutes to breathe was honorable. “For every minute of tickling I endure!” Echo’s sentence cut off again when Wrecker got a hand latched onto his middle, fingers vibrating into the muscles. Echo’s body seemed to melt into the floor from that, hand still holding on but not tugging at all.

Wrecker chuckled. “I’ll make you a deal. You let me give you a raspberry and maybe we’ll let you count this in your time.” There was no way Echo’s face could’ve gotten any redder but somehow he managed it.

“B-but, that’s not- ahaha!” Echo stood no chance. None of them did against Wrecker. All ten fingers crawled around the exposed spot like a gentle bug all while Echo squirmed helplessly.

“I'll second that.” Crosshair knelt beside them if only to grip Echo’s hand to pull it away from its steel grip on Wrecker’s wrist. The tickling stopped, giving Echo a little breathing room. ”But you have to let him. No fighting it.”

Mean, just mean. Hunter stopped himself from interrupting. He almost put a stop to it. Too much ganging up on him and he wouldn’t let them do this again but Echo seemed fine and, truthfully, was being a good sport.

“This is ridiculous.” He grumbled but he didn’t move away. From the other side Tech started sneakily recording the scene. Holding onto those memories was Tech’s whole thing. They’d enjoy watching this back later, even if Tech hadn’t caught the whole thing which Hunter doubted.

Conceding, Echo let them manhandle him into a more reasonable position, flatter against the floor instead of curled up. His hand gripped Crosshair’s back tight while Wrecker played up getting prepared. He rubbed his hands together as if about to enjoy a nice meal, took a few big breaths to ‘test’ his lung capacity, then lowered himself to press his lips firmly against the expanse of Echo’s stomach.

The scream he let out made jittery tingles spread through Hunter’s gut. Muscle memory plaguing him as Wrecker blew a relatively tame raspberry against his skin. It was one of Wrecker’s favorite things to do to them but he usually wasn’t so reserved. Keeping it tame for their newbie’s sake.

“ThAHAHAT TIHIHICKLES!” Echo nearly jumped out of his skin but did as he had promised. Staying put despite wanting to cover up.

“One would hope it does.” Tech commented with a wry grin. It wasn’t often he got to stand back and not be a victim of Wrecker’s antics but now that he had the chance he was enjoying every minute of it.

“I’ll allow the extra points this once. You may end up winning today.” Hunter conceded as they finished up their little tussle. He still couldn’t tear his eyes away from them. The pair was grinning so big it was impossible to look away. In the end Wrecker was merciful. Well, as merciful as he could’ve been. He pulled down Echo's shirt for him to cover up exposed spots then sat back on his heels.

Echo sucked in breath. “I better. You’re all cheaters.”

“I did not see any other way to get you to move.” Tech had finally put the recorder away, now looking like he was plotting everyone else’s demise as well. “Next time I will simply start with that tactic.”

Echo’s eyes went wide. “Oh, no you don’t. That’s gotta be against the rules.”

Hunter hummed. “It’s allowed.” He barked a laugh at the offended look thrown at him. “It’s not hurting you, and isn’t a way to physically move you using strength. It’s fair game.” Echo groaned, laying his head back on the floor, arm thrown over his eyes. That smile was still plastered on his face, no hiding that. They’d gotten him to laugh, that was a good enough reason to keep this little rule change.

“Try being less ticklish.” Crosshair teased, although he refrained from poking at Echo’s exposed side which was obviously what he wanted to do with the way his fingers twitched.

“Very helpful, Cross. Let’s see you try to withstand it for that long.” Echo grumbled, peeking out from under his arm.

“He would not last.” Tech replied, getting a glare from Crosshair who suddenly had to slap away a reach from the man they’d just nearly tickled to death.

“He’s too wiggly.” Wrecker grinned, watching Crosshair fall back onto his butt to fend off the threat of nimble fingers. Echo pushed himself up, leaning over to try and latch onto any spot that would get a reaction.

Hunter let them roughhouse, simply grinning when laughter tumbled out of them. From ticklishness or just from playing he couldn’t really discern but he lapped it up nonetheless. It wasn’t often their ship sounded so light, so cheerful, but he had a feeling the next few days would be peppered with cheerful laughter from all of them one way or another.

He couldn't complain about that.

[softer-sunny]

I got a new fic idea and have already written like 1000 words for it so you will be getting a new fic sooooooooonish ☀️

[softer-sunny]

Do You Ever Laugh?

Fandom: The Bad Batch

Word Count: 3,492

Summary: Echo can't get Crosshair to laugh at his jokes. Turns out you don’t need to be funny as long as someone’s ticklish.

Ao3 link: Do You Ever Laugh?

This is a tickle fic

Thank you @iamawolfstarsimp for requesting this ages ago! Sorry it took so long but I’m excited to finally have it done ☺️

Echo was convinced no one had ever made Crosshair laugh before. He certainly hadn’t. That was really starting to irritate him. It hadn’t been too long, just over a week with clone force 99, and things were going a lot better than he anticipated. Integrating into a new group was always going to have its challenges but clone force 99 was far easier to fit in with than he expected. Tech constantly tugged him along for projects he wanted Echo’s help with. Wrecker wanted his company on trips to get supplies. Even Hunter had started asking for his opinion on their plans, giving him freedom to suggest changes where he saw fit.

There was only one glaring problem.

Crosshair. He hadn’t been cruel, nor had he pushed Echo away. They were entirely amicable if not for some petty squabbles every now and again but that was to be expected. The beginning stages were coming together well enough but Echo still hadn’t gotten a good read on him. It wasn’t exactly easy to work with someone who never seemed to crack a smile, never even budged as far as Echo had been concerned. Crosshair was the king of thoughtful looks, head tilted to the side, eyes narrowing as he thought. There wasn’t much Echo could do to make Crosshair amused. Oh, but he tried. He certainly tried. Telling stories, making jokes, attempting to connect with him on a very baseline level. All of it had been met with a careful distance. Not malicious, just guarded. That’s exactly what was happening now as Echo tried to make nice with their sniper. Making nice meant several jokes that he thought were perfectly timed, worked well enough with what seemed to be clone force 99’s particular brand of humor, that would’ve landed with any of the rest of them. However, Crosshair hadn’t cracked a single smile. Hell, he’d barely raised his eyebrow when Echo said ‘I’ll give you a hand’ while holding out his scomp to take an extra supply bag from Crosshair.

Whatever.

Echo knew his puns were funny whether the sniper wanted to admit or not. The rest of the 99 were minding their own nearby, huffing a laugh every so often, or chiming in as they talked. Crosshair was fine sharing stories, humming as he listened, but nothing - absolutely nothing - was getting him to smile.

Was it so bad to want that?! Echo had always gotten at least begrudging amusement at his puns. Interest in his stories that ended with amused smiles. Connections that felt easy and fluid. Crosshair was tough to get to know but mainly because he kept himself under a lock and key, not yet ready to let Echo in. One a level he understood that but the part of him that wanted to get along with his new squad just kept poking at him.

Yet another joke hadn’t landed - this time one at his own expense seeing as Crosshair was always tempted to poke fun at him - and now Crosshair had moved on from feigning disinterest to giving Echo a very disappointed look, shaking his head like he’d never heard something so unfunny a day in his life. Echo glared back in response.

“Do you ever laugh?” Echo asked, trying not to sound like he was complaining. His voice, however, pitched up into something closer to a whine. Maybe pleading would get his point across.

“I don’t laugh.” The deadpan reply was coupled with an eerily detached expression that Echo was just grumpily sick of seeing. With a groan Echo ignored him, huffing and he dropped his chin in his palm. Ignoring him further when Crosshair’s eyebrow twitched smugly. At this point he knew this was just to irritate him. It was Crosshair’s brand. Find the thing you wanted then refuse to give it to you, brag about it when you finally gave in and bickered with him over it.

“That is inaccurate.” Tech’s voice drew Echo’s eyes upward. Tech was standing, datapad in hand, peering over it at Crosshair. Echo watched with interest as the sniper shrugged, still leaning against the wall as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

“Never laughed a day in my life.” Crosshair insisted. You have! You have, you bastard!

“He’s being ridiculous.” Hunter rolled his eyes as he joined the conversation, plopping down next to Echo on the bench. With a huff Echo slumped against Hunter’s shoulder, playing up his disappointment at not being funny enough for their dear old sniper. Hunter accepted his weight, adjusting so he could hold Echo up comfortably.

“Everyone laughs.” Echo reasoned, if not a bit grumbly. Hunter grinned at him in response, a sympathetic pat to his shoulder in solidarity. Crosshair was going to torture him on purpose and he was powerless to stop it.

“Not me.” Crosshair remained unphased, moving only to lean more casually against the wall, slumping now in a way that was done only to infuriate Echo further. Smug son of a bitch always flaunting that aloofness.

“Oh, yes he does!” Wrecker accused, glaring far more intently at his lankier brother. Said lankier brother seemed to actually react to that, body stiffening and eyes widening.

“No , I don’t.” Crosshair bit out. The two of them stared at each other, both of them in a standoff that Echo didn’t quite understand. He raised an eyebrow when Crosshair started to sweat, slowly pushing off of the wall to stand straight as if he’d have to run for his life at any minute. One look at the other two 99s proved he was the only one out of the loop.

“We’ll show you how about that?” Wrecker stood, cracking his knuckles, and that was interesting. Echo looked between them like he was about to watch a fight, and maybe he was. Crosshair was already trying to scoot away, hands held out in front of him to display some kind of call for mercy. Whatever was about to happen had all of the room’s interest and Crosshair seemed mighty reluctant to let it happen without a fight. Wrecker strode forward, the other man shrinking away with a shake of his head, a silent call to stop.

Wrecker didn’t accept that plea.

“Wait. Wait, no!” Crosshair pleaded as Wrecker grabbed his wrists and yanked.

Crosshair was knocked off of his feet in seconds, so fast Echo barely saw how Wrecker got him in the hold, squirming as he was trapped in a bear hug so tight Echo felt constricted. Wriggling, Crosshair’s feet kicked out as Wrecker manhandled him into position - one arm holding him snuggly while the other could irritate at will. At least, irritating is what Echo has expected Wrecker to do.

What he didn’t expect was the other hand to go straight to Crosshair’s side and squeeze - one, two, three times - while choked off noises were forced out of his throat. With another squeeze Wrecker latched on, somewhere near the bottom rib, and wiggled his fingers in as if he’d done this a million times. Well, he probably had, considering that move had those garbled noises turning into panicked laughter.

A smile finally - begrudgingly - split Crosshair’s face in half and Echo, delighted, couldn’t help but match that expression. After days of trying, days of hoping he could get that stubborn man to laugh just once he was getting everything he wanted in minutes with one very simple thing.

“See, told ya.” Wrecker called, brightness in his voice. His fingers moved to spidering up Crosshair’s ribs and that got him to jolt away, his hand desperately grasping at Wrecker’s wrist and pulling.

“Are you tickling him? Is Crosshair ticklish?!” Echo asked, trying not to sound so excited. He knew the answer, obviously, but he needed to get his disbelief out in the open. There was the man that plagued him on purpose, squirming and kicking and laughing while his limbs swung wildly in the air. Tickled! He was being tickled! Echo couldn't believe it.

He’d seen the 99 tease each other, poke at each other to irritate, but they hadn’t done this yet. This was entertaining for sure. All that bubbly playfulness started to grow in Echo’s chest. A familiar tingly feeling that he always got when a fight like this broke out among his old squads.

He hadn’t even realized he missed it until now.

“We often do and yes, he is. That seems obvious.” Tech interjected, much to Crosshair’s chagrin. He choked out a disgruntled ‘Tech!’ but couldn’t get much else out otherwise, falling back into nervous titters as Wrecker continued to dig into his side. Tech’s datapad was sat down out of the way now and he sidled up to the two of them as if studying a particularly wiggly specimen. Tech reached a hand out that Crosshair immediately tried to slap but Tech, good ol’ Tech, was faster. He gripped Crosshair’s wrist then dove his own fingers directly under Crosshair’s arm, fingers moving in a way that made Crosshair screech. Echo felt himself pull his own elbows to his sides, subconsciously hiding in Hunter’s shadow. Someone remind him never to get on Tech’s bad side.

“This is torture!” Crosshair complained before falling into breathy laughter once again. It almost looked like he was getting electrocuted, or a fish out of water, flopping about in the hold as if it would change anything. Wrecker’s hold was firm, unbreakable, and he was stuck whether he wanted to be or not.

“We were taught how to withstand torture you will be fine.” Tech added and Echo laughed in shock at Tech’s casual humor. Whether he meant to or not he always seemed to pinpoint the exact right thing to say.

“Imagine that. Big, tough, sulky Crossie being so sensitive.” Echo couldn’t help it. Teasing was natural, grinning when a glare - as heated as he could manage while laughing like a maniac - was aimed in his direction.

“Don’t call me that!” Crosshair bit out. His body flung to the side when Tech changed tactics. His hands found a spot right above Crosshair’s knee, squeezing quick little bursts into the area without breaking his careful concentration.

“What? You don’t like Crossie?” Hunter was teasing now, too, getting up from the bench to join the little group that seemed intent on making Crosshair a mushy little pile of goo. Without preamble Hunter started poking over his stomach which made his knees yank upwards to try and cover it. Crosshair’s head shook back and forth, a bubbling laughter accompanying each and every poke.

He nearly knocked Wrecker in the nose with his head when Hunter ran gentle fingers over the center of his stomach, dancing over the fabric of his shirt playfully.

Oh Echo could practically feel those tingles. Dancing across skin that was so vulnerable like that, held in the air without a way down. Echo could remember getting ganged up on like that. The dominos often played like this, finding a target and all attacking at once. Hell, even Rex and Cody had a tendency to take him down a notch if he was getting under their skin. Some very giggly wrestling matches were all it took to remind him of who really had the upper hand when sparring with his COs.

A particularly loud cackle got Echo’s mind to focus again, tuning back in to watch as Hunter kneaded at the spot on Crosshair’s lower belly. That must tickle like hell with the way he started thrashing.

“I can’t stop smiling.” Echo commented only to cover his mouth with his hand a second later to hide it. It was too easy to throw out remarks that made Crosshair’s ears burn more, embarrassment flaring under his skin. This was something Echo could get on board with.

“Just wait until we get to his neck.” Hunter’s casual threat hit right where he wanted it to as Crosshair’s eyes went nice and wide.

“Don’t you dare-” The scream that cut him off nearly knocked Echo off of the bench.

“Too late.” Wrecker’s fingers were there in an instant, wiggling gently into the soft skin under Crosshair’s ear. Now the man was red faced, giggling mad, squirming at every single touch no matter how gentle. Wrecker’s big grin matched the look on Echo’s face for sure, his eyes meeting Echo’s. “Don’t worry. He’s just being weird about laughing because you’re new.”

Discomfort flashed through Echo’s body in an instant. If that were true, that Crosshair only acted aloof because he didn’t know Echo well, then maybe this wasn’t as fun as he thought it was. It wasn’t fun if they were causing some kind of distress, although he hadn’t picked up on any just yet, that didn’t mean it wasn’t there. Echo rubbed the back of his neck.

“He doesn’t have to endure this in front of me if he’s uncomfortable.” Echo’s voice came out quiet but he was clearly heard, Tech peering over his shoulder but stopping his fingers entirely. Hunter was next, sensing the change in tone and pausing. Even Wrecker stopped teasing at the skin on his neck. While it did seem reluctant they let Crosshair go, allowing him to get his feet back on the ground. He didn’t last long, knees giving out so he could drop onto the ground by their feet, breathing harsh puffs of air into his lungs.

Echo watched with worry, unsure if this was typical or not, as Hunter crouched down. Did they go overboard? He just wasn’t sure yet. Briefly, he thought about how it would feel if someone pushed him too far. Not listening when he clearly wanted it to end. That wasn’t what he wanted at all.

Hunter flattened his hand over Crosshair’s now messy hair, taming some of the strands that stuck up every which way. “What d’ya think, Cross? Newbie gave you an out.” Hunter asked, patiently waiting while Crosshair got his breathing under control. Would Crosshair just answer?

It took a few moments, his face turning back to a semi normal color the more time he spent free of their tickling fingers. Crosshair swallowed, cleared his throat, then finally looked up. An almost calm look was on his face now, the lines that showed his glare softening into something that made him appear younger than he was.

“If you think I’m admitting defeat you don’t know me at all.” Crosshair croaked out, much to Echo’s immediate amusement, biting the inside of his lips to keep a grin from immediately splitting his face. Damn, he could take a beating. Echo wasn’t sure he’d last that long if it were him.

“You asked for it.” Wrecker laughed, kneeling down just as Hunter’s hands found Crosshair’s rib cage, wiggling the tips of his fingers between them. All that fight was renewed now, squirming and laughing with all his might now that he could really move. It was funny to see them go back to attacking him now that he’d given a green light, not holding back.

Echo slipped from the bench to sit in front of them, perfect view of the gleeful expression on Crosshair’s face. All those hands attacked him without mercy, scribbling into crevices, poking into soft spots, squeezing along his thigh so his legs kicked out against the floor. Echo was mapping a perfect plan of attack for the next time they got this chance, committing it to memory so he could threaten and start a fight later on.

“You should try.” Tech said, eyes watching the way Echo’s fingers twitched. He had to admit that he was tempted to join but would it cross a line? They hadn’t been exactly chummy lately and Echo couldn’t afford to piss the grumpiest 99 off. “He will not be angry, if that’s why you are holding back.” Dammit, Tech, stop reading his damn thoughts! Echo sighed through his nose. Well, if Tech thought it was okay.

Scooting closer he tried to find an in, somewhere he already knew worked, somewhere not that intense. Crosshair was already wheezing, much more and he may just pass out. That wouldn’t be very fun. Hunter, actually, made the decision for him.

“Right here. We’ll let you do the honors.” He pointed to the crook of Crosshair’s neck, fingers barely touching skin but making him shiver regardless. Echo reached out, trying to mimic the way they had done it earlier. Crosshair flinched away from the finger tracing his skin, and Echo smiled to himself, pleased to be able to join in and get an immediate reaction.

“Real gentle.” Wrecker suggested, tugging on his own ear like it was a hint, a wink thrown in Echo’s direction. Echo hummed, fingers tracing upwards to the shell of Crosshair’s ear, hoping it was as much of a hint as he thought it was. It got an instantaneous squeak, scrunching up as he dissolved into gentle tittering. The rest of them slowly started to pull away, hands leaving with a last squeeze, one last scribble, one last poke, until it was just Echo. His gentle traces were well received - Echo noticed - still giggling but much softer now, arms wrapped around himself. He rolled around on the ground, scrunching every so often, but he always uncurled himself to allow more of those traces. Scratching his nails got a particularly loud laugh, curling so his back was to Echo. A stroke of genius made Echo scribble his fingers over the back of his neck, laughing when Crosshair immediately turned back over, head shaking to rid himself of the sensation.

He could imagine this would be a good way to coax laughter out of Crosshair in the future. Have him lay his head in Echo’s lap and trace gently over his neck and ears, hear him laugh in a way they rarely ever got to, leave him to recover then surprise him with a sneak attack when he was settling down again. Part of him knew Crosshair wouldn’t tug away but he left that to tease about on a later date.

While letting Crosshair go was necessary, it was with regret. Echo pulled away, finally removing all those sensations from the man now panting to get his lungs working properly again. Hunter sat cross-legged next to him, rubbing firm circles on his back as a soothing tactic. Echo made note of that too. Fine with being touched after if the touch didn’t tickle. Good to know.

“You’re all bastards and I will get revenge.” Crosshair croaked, eyes closed.

“I’m sure you will.” Hunter agreed, even if he rolled his eyes. It took a few minutes for Crosshair to recover, surrounded in his little cocoon of mean, cruel brothers who had clearly tickled him to death.

Tragic, mean, so horrible.

Damn, he’d missed this. These playful fights were a simple joy he hadn’t quite realized were something he had been craving. The simple connection, careful affection, gentle ways of irritating each other. It brought something brighter to Echo’s chest.

Eventually Crosshair peeked out at them, studying Echo’s face.

“What’re you staring at?” Crosshair complained, although he didn’t move from the hand petting him. He didn’t even sound cross for the most part, just curious. All that laughing had left him sounding less broody, even if it was still under all of that calm.

Echo shrugged, still fighting that smile that wouldn’t remove itself from his face. “Just plotting for the next time you piss me off.”

Light flickered in Crosshair’s eyes, something dangerously playful. “Oh, I’ll be plotting, too.” Now Crosshair was smiling for completely different reasons, evil flashing through his gaze. “You ticklish, Echo?” Just as Crosshair had earlier, Echo’s body tensed, flashing hot in a way that he knew would bring a blush to his cheeks. How were you even meant to answer that question? No answer was good. Yes only invited people to try it but No just meant they’d attempt to anyway. Regardless it was a question you were meant to be stuck between, no way to navigate it casually. Instead of answering Echo pressed his lips together, a move that still had Crosshair grinning menacingly at him.

When Crosshair pushed up off of the floor to sit up, Hunter’s hand falling away, Echo couldn’t help but flinch backwards, away from the possibility that he could be next. He heard Wrecker chuckle, an interested hum from Tech, and couldn’t shake Hunter’s knowing grin.

“I’ll get you next time.” There was a threat so clearly on Crosshair’s tongue but Echo ignored it, huffing instead as he wrapped his arms around his middle. Crosshair made note, clicking his tongue, but left him be.

He may have to be on the lookout for sneaky and underhanded payback but Echo couldn’t find it in himself to care. No, he had to plot his own rascally attacks. Maybe this was how they finally broke through that leftover wall. Playfully tearing down any space between them brick by ticklish brick.

[softer-sunny]

I have a new fic for you today stay tuned 🤍

[softer-sunny]

I'm drawing rn but I just wanna say. I feel we jayvik nation haven't truly tapped into the potential of their tickle antics being DIRECTLY correlated with them falling in love

[softer-sunny]

When Crosshair is being a little shit Wrecker holds him upside down and squeezes his sides until he feels like he’s made up for it I said what I said

[softer-sunny]

Jayce "Tickle monster" Talis and his cosmically bound victim 🦋

A lil fan-sketch for this jayvik fic by @tkpuke

[softer-sunny]

sometimes u just gotta write the most cliche self indulgent fanfic u can think of. for your health

[softer-sunny]

After my most recent fic I’m now obsessed with the idea of Rex letting Fives or Echo win a play fight because he knows it makes them happier. Even if he could easily take them down. And I think it would be super funny if they found out he did this and were so offended.

“You let me win?!?”

“Nooooo, of course not why would I do that?”

…….

…………

“Okay yes I did let you win but you had fun didn’t you!!!”

I think that’s so cute.

[softer-sunny]

Revenge

Fandom: The Bad Batch

Word Count: 4,467

Summary: Rex gets a taste of his own medicine.

Ao3 link: Revenge

Part 3 of Monsters

This is a tickle fic

Echo was still catching his breath when Rex laughed, plopping his chin in his hand. “You boys are brutal. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen him laugh that much.” Fondness spread through his voice, warming his chest, as he watched the little scene before him. Echo was still tucked away in Crosshair’s arms, getting his back patted by Wrecker as his breath started to calm. Now, because of his kind comment, Echo was glaring at him. Whatever he mumbled was lost as the rest of them laughed, making Rex narrow his eyes.

“Don’t get sassy with me. Already forgetting about the last thirty minutes? I’ve gotten a break so my energy is plenty renewed.” Rex threatened with a raised eyebrow. It worked wonders as Echo burrowed further into Crosshair’s chest. To his credit his brother was quick to glare in Rex’s direction, undercut by the grin still plastered on his face.

“Don’t worry we’ll protect you.” Wrecker’s assurances made surprise light up Rex’s frame.

“Is that so?”

Tech seemed to almost slide in front of them, keeping them even further out of sight. “He is our squadmate now. We have a duty to protect him from, as Echo has put it, evil brothers.”

Evil brothers! Sure, he’d spent plenty of time taking Echo down and inciting an attack against him but that was all in good fun. Surely he wasn’t expected to keep his hands to himself when his brother was grouchy. That comment alone was cause for another tussle. Rex narrowed his eyes, leaning forward and grinning when they each huddled closer together and further out of his reach.

“I’m not sure you boys could keep me away if I really wanted to get him.” Rex’s threat hit right where he wanted it to. Echo let out a curse, getting restless and squirmy again at the thought that this wasn’t quite over. Rex had almost forgotten how fun this was. It was always one of his favorite games growing up, on either side, and getting to hear his brothers actually laugh was high on his list of favorite activities. He had always expected Echo to be this way with him, give into the playfulness, wrestle with him, get into the play fights they were used to, but what he didn’t expect was the way the rest of clone force 99 seemed to join in too.

“I’d like to see you try.” Hunter was the next to come to his defense, already looking prepared to pounce if Rex tried anything, his eyes sparkling with that mischievousness they were so good at. Rex’s eyebrows shot up but his fingers still itched to get into a fight. They were testing him. Seeing if he was being serious about his warnings or if it was all one big bluff used to spook them into behaving. He was going to keep needling them, maybe even jump at them to watch the group scatter but Echo beat him to it with something he wasn’t quite expecting.

“Oh, I have a better idea.” Echo popped his head up from behind the wall protecting him, smile so big and toothy Rex froze in place.

“Echo.” It came out more apprehensive than intimidating but he couldn’t help it. Rex knew that look. It’s the one he often saw shared with Fives before the two of them pounced. Or that time he whispered a plan against him to Cody and they both ganged up on him. It’s the look he gave before he did something ill advised and conniving. Echo untangled himself from the pile, standing slowly so he didn’t give Rex any reason to run. Which, he probably would need to if this was going where he thought it was.

“I think you’ve been the instigator for too damn long, Rex.” Damn. Rex kept his eyes on his brother while making sure the batch stayed in line. They were starting to pick up what he was putting down, rising onto their knees to get into better positions to strike when he wasn’t expecting it.

“If you start this fight I will end it.” Rex kept his voice calm but that self satisfied grin had fallen into a nervous smile that he wasn’t going to be able to hide.

“You started it!” Echo nearly squawked in indignance. It wasn’t often that Echo had the gall to fight back so directly but when he did it was always like this. He often rallied others against Rex for the fun of it or started more of a ‘play fight’ to attempt a victory when he was distracted. It was always fun even when he lost. Echo’s grin seemed to grow tenfold, like he could hear Rex’s own thoughts. “Get him.”

The ship erupted like a bomb went off. Rex dove for his only out as the entirety of clone force 99 descended on him like evil little monsters trying to eat him for dinner. Unfortunately he didn’t make it far, having to grapple with Hunter almost immediately who had him half toppled over. He was quicker, though, and made a grab for Hunter’s neck. It was the one weakness he heard when they were descending onto Echo and valuable information was not to be wasted.

His listening skills paid off as Hunter jolted away from the fingers teasing his neck, hands grabbing to remove the offending sensation with a laugh so surprised it completely derailed Rex’s attempt at escape. The sound that left Hunter was so different from his typical gruffness that Rex couldn’t bother to move away quickly enough and instead followed him down to the floor, using his other hand to trace Hunter’s neck the same way he’d done to Echo.

That left him open to attack from behind. Wrecker scooped him up, arms tightening around his middle to yank him off of the ground leaving him dangling in the air. Rex wriggled fruitlessly but couldn’t quite get his own hands under Wrecker’s and that was how he knew he was done for. Wrecker’s curious fingers prodded at his sides first, sending a jolt up his spine at the first contact. His body bent to get away but he was held firm, huffing in weak protest. It didn’t exactly tickle quite yet. It was way too hesitant to get him to laugh but the action had opened up the flood gate wide enough to make his smile split his face. He stretched as far as he could manage to get a hold on Wrecker’s side, digging in mercilessly enough to get himself dropped in surprise as the bigger man let out a yelp.

Echo was remaining helpfully out of the mix while he tried to fend the rest of them off. Probably planning to swoop in and expose all of his weak spots once they had him tired out and pinned but for now Rex had bigger problems and they came in the form of a slippery sniper. That man had Rex on his back faster than he expected, hands already grabbing for his unguarded middle before he even hit the ground. That got him to bark out a laugh but it wasn’t enough to keep him down, the rest of them too unfamiliar with him to truly understand how to stop the fight. Rex used his legs as leverage to flip their positions, elbows shoving away the hands at his sides to then jab his own at Crosshair’s ribs. The jolt was well earned as he tested out what firmness would work best. Turned out that a mix of wiggling and tracing was perfect, finally getting the man below him to crack an uncharacteristically wide smile as he tried to flop back and forth. He could stay like this for a while, taking down the grouchiest of them all would be a feat in itself but it would give him something to brag about each time he saw them, and he did plan on seeing them often. Not just for Echo, although that was a big part of it, but for this batch of new brothers he’d found too.

It was actually Tech that got him while he was distracted, sneaky bastard. He was happily prodding away at the crumbled up ball that was Crosshair until the back of his neck was grabbed. The confidence behind the touch made him think it was Echo but when he flung himself backwards he was treated to Tech’s goggled face right before Crosshair tackled him backwards.

They moved fast, he’d give them that.

Rex wasn’t planning on giving up the fight just yet, although he was prepared to lose, so as several hands started to descend on him he reached out to poke at any soft spot he could manage. Someone grabbed his legs then, plopping their heavy weight over him to immobilize him, just as Echo’s face appeared overhead, still grinning proudly.

“You have to pin his arms. If he’s got hands free he’s going to tickle you.” The gleeful way Echo said it paired with the immediate holding of his arms was enough to make the nerves finally burst from his fight or flight and send giddy panic up his spine. He should’ve known better than to mess with Echo with so many new allies present. Jokes on him, he thought they were on his side. Turns out their loyalty only extends so far.

He could still squirm, although with Wrecker holding one arm, Tech at the other, and Hunter firmly sitting on his calves he wasn’t too sure it was a mercy. They gave him just enough room to wiggle with no way to get free. He wasn’t surprised when the only two left plopped by either side of his middle, both looking devious in their own ways. He created monsters. Should’ve known they’d come back to bite him.

Echo - the bastard - poked deliberately into his side, delighting in the way Rex had to crane away from the feeling. It didn’t end, just traveled up and into his ribs which is when soft laughter started to pour out of him. The poking kept traveling up and up and up until it was mere inches away from the spot he knew Echo was after and finally he let himself bargain.

“Don’t you dare!” Rex barked, out of breath already. He was half bent away from Echo, staring up at him for some sort of mercy he knew wouldn’t come. Echo had a wide smile on his face but his eyes gave him away, fond and soft despite the way he mobilized his own squad against Rex.

“Why should I?” Echo asked almost sincerely. He used his fingers to trail delicately over Rex’s ribs, fluttery sensation building in his gut already. At least he wasn’t pulling out anything big yet, starting him off slow.

“I will get you back twice as bad. You know I’m not kidding.” He was in no position to make demands but the light tracing on his ribcage was making his brain all fuzzy. Echo’s fingers traveled up again and Rex damn near squeaked but was saved - sort of?! - by Echo passing on his unguarded underarm to trace maddeningly on his bicep. It made the start of breathy giggles tumble out of his mouth, head shaking back and forth to do something.

“Already threatening me.” Echo tsked but no disappointment showed on his face. His expression matched the batch’s, all grins and excitement. He’d really worked them all up into some sort of playful little attack force and he was about to pay for it. “You better be prepared to lay back and laugh, Rex.” Stubbornness lit up his frame and he clamped his mouth shut, squeezing his eyes closed so he didn’t have to look at any of their dumb faces. “Not gonna laugh, huh?” Rex shook his head but gave up a smile when Echo chuckled in amusement. “I think you’re forgetting that I know you just as well as you know me.”

He should’ve been expecting it. But Rex was just a man and he couldn’t help the way his body flinched when the tracing on his bicep shifted right to his exposed underarm, wiggling there in a way so practiced it was both nostalgic and unfair. In a moment of weakness he sucked in a breath to attempt to hold it, staving off any noises to not give them the satisfaction, but they must have planned a counterattack because Wrecker chose that exact moment to do the same on his other side.

While he usually prided himself on holding out longer a bark of laughter was completely forced out of him and with that all of his self control went with it. All of the prodding was so focused. Had Echo briefed them somehow on how to do this? Or were they learning so fast just by watching him?

Oh, Rex was done for.

“There we go. See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” Echo always teased like he had the upper hand regardless of if he had it or not, and he was well used to that, but Rex hadn’t been on the other side of it in so long that it flustered him anyway. Even when he was younger, less guarded, it was still the same. It was good to know some things never changed.

Echo moved but Tech immediately took his place and Rex threw so many swears out at them he could make a sailor blush. His old ARC just sat back and let them at him. The constant itchy feeling was starting to go to his head. Getting ganged up on always made him more nervous. The batch, however, were in a league all their own.

“I am surprised he was so easy to break.” Tech commented as he drilled into Rex’s underarm with precision. His laugh kicked up a notch, yanking away but directly into Wrecker’s hand - literally - before both of them pulled away.

“Hey!” Rex complained as if he had any right to, body falling limp against the floor. He was grateful for the break, although he wasn’t sure why he was being awarded one.

“He puts up a good fight but he’s just as bad as me. Isn’t that right?” Echo teased, readjusting so he was sitting closer to his hip. With the little wiggle room he was provided he flipped Echo off, doing nothing but making the evil look in his eyes even worse.

Hunter tsked, his hand landing just above Rex’s knee. “Not nice, captain. Maybe you aren’t getting taught a good enough lesson.” He nearly jumped out of his skin when his ribs were squeezed, yelping before he dissolved into laughter again. He was too busy expecting Hunter to attack him next to notice Crosshair aiming for his ribcage. The look on Crosshair’s face said ‘revenge’ and he knew it was deserved. The spaces between were given attention, that pinpoint accuracy meant for sniping still just as useful in times like this.

“His laugh is so nice.” Wrecker commented almost wistfully. Rex had to hide his face in his shoulder as well as he could manage. Damn them for making his face burn. It was unfair, truly, to be reduced to a puddle on the floor and have them talk about him like he wasn’t there.

“I’ve always really liked Rex’s laugh.” Echo agreed but it was nearly drowned out as Crosshair gripped his ribs and wiggled his fingers into the back of them like the absolute asshole he was. It forced a loud belly laugh out of him, body wriggling with no way to escape. “It sounds a lot like home.” His sentence was punctuated with a light tap to Crosshair’s wrist with his scomp, getting him to pause and leave Rex laying lax on the floor again.

“Sappy.” Rex said, out of breath. He wasn’t sure what all the starting and stopping was about but it was driving him more up a wall than Echo’s usual routine. Typically Echo was a ‘strike first, tease, dip’ kind of opponent. Since he couldn’t fight back once he got tickled he tended to pull out the big guns before anyone could get him back. Rex had always been able to catch up to him, wrestle him to the ground, and force that light laughter out of him until he was satisfied. Now, however, Echo didn’t need to worry about that and was taking his sweet time.

Speaking of.

“Cody used to put him in a headlock and do this.” Echo reached out and didn’t even bother with a warning - although Rex knew what was coming - before kneading Rex’s lower belly as if it was a particularly wiggly bit of dough. His laugh came out of him in a whine, trying to suck his stomach in as much as he could to get away from the downright evil fingers playing with his soft spot. Echo was right, Cody did this a lot more than he’d like to admit. It was his favorite spot, somehow figuring out the perfect motion to get all of Rex’s nerves to set alight.

“Codehehe is a dihihick!” Rex yelped when Echo shoved his fingers up under the hem of his shirt to walk his fingers over the lower part of his stomach.

“I’m telling him you said that.” Echo spoke up over the loud cackling he’d reduced Rex to. He just kept pinching and then scribbling but he never once stopped moving. That’s what made Rex so squirmy. The constant dance of fingers over his skin was hitting him right in the gut - literally - and forcing him to yank this way and that to try and rid himself of it.

As with the other spots Echo stopped pretty quick, keeping him in a constant battle between relaxing and bracing himself. Rex sucked in breaths like they’d be his last, his own heart beating in his ears like a roar. He didn’t get long to relax, feeling the hand that had been inconspicuously resting on his thigh squeeze so his leg jolted, that sensation shooting straight up to his frying brain.

“Hey, captain.” Hunter tapped his fingers against the side of Rex’s knee, those fingers getting restless in the worst way.

Rex tipped his chin down to get Hunter in view, groaning at the look on his face - open and mischievous and nothing that Rex wanted to be seeing. “Yes, asshole?” Hunter laughed but he wasn’t deterred, head tipping to the side.

“Are your feet ticklish?” The question sent ice through his veins, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.

“No!” He answered too fast, much too frantic for any of them to believe him and they certainly didn’t, those horribly playful looks turning devious.

“Echo?” Hunter asked, leg now jiggling impatiently as he waited for the green light. This was going to be the one time in his life he truly and honestly begged. He turned big eyes towards Echo, hoping for some sort of mercy, but he recognized that delighted look in his eyes as he crawled lower and oh fuck, oh shit!

“NO! No no nononono!” Rex yelled, trying again to get his limbs free from his captures who had the sense to let his arms go, allowing him to fling his upper body upwards, nearly head butting Hunter as he grabbed the other man’s arm just for something to hold. “Echo please. I’ll do anything you want. There’s not an ask in this world I would say no to!” Echo was barely listening, eyebrows raised. He settled by Rex’s feet.

“I do have a request, actually.” Echo rested his hand on Rex’s ankle, tapping in the same way Hunter had been. Speaking of the sergeant, he laced his fingers with Rex’s and squeezed, a bad omen if he ever saw one. Echo moved slowly as he pulled Rex’s boots off, careful not to let his heels hit the ground too hard, but he was definitely playing up the sweetness for wicked reasons. Rex just held onto Hunter’s hand and pressed his lips together to suppress the whine he wanted to let out. With a playful tilt of Echo’s head he smiled, sweet and disarming. “Laugh.”

Fingers were scribbling over his sole before he had the breath to protest. Laughter so loud and bright tumbled out of him as his body lurched forward, nearly knocking Hunter off of him. He was going to yank Hunter backwards if he didn’t burst his eardrum first. It got worse when another hand was added to the mix, clearly Hunter’s, attacking both of his feet at the same damn time. Itchy tingles made him want to kick his feet but he couldn’t, not pinned like this!

Frantic giggles pounded against the walls trying to get out, curled around his gut, fluttered around the inside of his body like butterflies trying to tickle him from the inside. His feet were barely ever exposed long enough to be targeted but when they were Rex felt like his head was going to implode. Nothing more than a passing flutter against the bottom of his foot was the norm and even then he knew they were sensitive.

Echo, the kid he practically raised was an evil horrible brother and Rex was going to kill him when he got loose. Someone sat at his back but he didn’t realize it was Wrecker until Tech and Crosshair practically floated towards his feet to take over, leaving him to lean against Wrecker for support, his hands flying to cover his face.

All of those years of teasing Cody, goading him into a play fight, or sneak attacking his brothers, hands under blankets so they squirmed as they giggled, were coming back to bite him. He earned every playful little scritch through years of doing the same to his brothers and he knew it, too. Rex yelped through his own giggles as Wrecker’s fingers brushed against his neck, a hand against his knee scribbled behind it and he barely recognized Hunter’s wry smile before it disappeared again as he squeezed his eyes closed. All he could feel were their fingers finding every ticklish spot on his body, aided by Echo’s helpful commentary as he pointed out how to do it better.

Someone had just started to target that spot on his lower belly again, fingers kneading into the muscles making them twitch with sensation, as Rex was reaching his end. Someone was going to have to peel him off of the floor of the ship after this was over. If they ever let him go. He’d always prided himself on not being easy to take down but Force they were giving him a run for his money. Aided by Echo’s expertise and allowed to poke and prod however much they wanted. He couldn’t, however, speak anymore so all he did was open his eyes, hand clamped around a wrist that was attached to none other than Echo himself, hoping the plead in his eyes would suffice.

Echo’s fingers stilled immediately, smiling as he sat back. “Okay, okay. Let him go.” As if simply deleted all the hands teasing him fled. So did Hunter’s weight over his calves. Even the support at his back moved, letting him flop backwards. He was totally in his right to curl up on the ground, arms wrapped around his middle to try and remove the fluttering sensation from every nerve under his skin. He even rubbed his feet together to try and rid himself of the tingles. Leftover giggles kept tumbling out of him, face pushed into the cool ground to sooth his overheated skin.

“Did we break him?” Crosshair asked, leaning over him. Rude.

“You okay, cap?” Wrecker asked, concern lighting up his voice. He’d respond, tell him it was fine, that they hadn’t hurt him, but he couldn’t get his tongue to work properly anymore. There was a gentle hand on his shoulder, someone at his back, and he knew instantly it was Echo. There was a whisper in his ear but he didn’t catch the words, just gathered some worry and a familiar squeeze to his arm. Rex swallowed, nodding, a smile still splitting his face nearly in half.

It quelled the worry in Echo who sat back up, hand moving to sweep comfortingly over his back.

“He’s okay, just a little touched out. He likes his back touched, though.” Echo informed the rest of them. The tickly sensations were still crawling over his skin but he was starting to tune in more as his body calmed. His heart was no longer roaring in his ears at least.

“We did kind of attack him.” Hunter commented with slightly less concern than Wrecker had shown. He’d scooted closer to try and copy Echo’s movements, focusing on rubbing the upper part of his back firmly. Rex could imagine him doing that after reducing one of the batch to nothing but a puddle of giggles, keeping them company as they recovered.

“Oh, he doesn’t mind being tickled that much. He just puts up a front.” Echo was just selling all of his secrets to them, huh? With a grumble he rolled over onto his back and threw his arms around Echo’s shoulders. It was gratifying enough to hear Echo yelp as he yanked him over and onto the floor but Rex had ulterior motives. There was a light struggle while Echo tried to fend off a possible attack but he settled quickly as Rex laid his heavy weight onto Echo’s chest, sighing in contentment. Once Echo realized the hold was more of a cuddle and less shenanigans he let himself be used as a pillow, chuckling as he scratched at Rex’s scalp in comfort. “Likes to be snuggled, too, if you didn’t notice.”

Rex was going to bite him.

He refrained from violence but was pleasantly surprised when the rest of the batch settled in a little pile around them. They pressed tight in on them, their warmth appreciated after all of the activity. Rex sighed as someone - Wrecker - pressed against his back. Tech was lounging somewhere against Wrecker and Crosshair had taken it upon himself to squish between Echo and Hunter like a particularly lanky tooka. It was always going to be a bit odd, seeing Echo outside of 501st blue, but Rex knew he’d found his own place within Clone Force 99 and maybe they’d all found a few new brothers to add to their family too. He’d put up with them ganging up on him as long as they kept showing up for Echo the way he’d seen them do already.

The monsters he created were now satiated, snuggling up to him as affectionately as one could with claws, until the next time they got hungry.

[softer-sunny]

sometimes a post of mine breaks containment and I’m like

[softer-sunny]

I have a great idea for the third Jedi Fallen Order game:

Quinlan Vos

[softer-sunny]

Wires

Fandom: The Bad Batch

Characters: Echo & Tech (familial/platonic)

Word Count: 1474

Summary: Tech is only trying to rewire this part of the Marauder in the most efficient manner, Echo is having none of it. (A closer look at what Echo and Tech were doing in chapter 1 of my fic Puzzle Pieces. You do not have to read that to read this.)

Note: It’s not relevant or mentioned here, but in this little universe I’ve made Tech younger so he is physically 16 while Echo is somewhere in his 20s. Also this was not beta read.

Warning: This is a tickle fic

Keep reading

[softer-sunny]

here take an echo

[softer-sunny]

collect my unidentifiable tooka-adjacent mammals (GET IT TOGETHER TROOPERS!!!!!!!!!!!)

(reworking old sketch page from a while back lol)