#lab-ler

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Two good things came from oliver in elite force:

1. He has a security blanket

2. The dumbass song he wrote for skylar

[august-anon]

Could we please have a fic

Where Tim is still adjusting to being a lil bro and he's still a bit nervous around Jason because the RH incident and Jason is fully aware that his lil bro is scared of him, and then Dick, (very purposefully) tells Jason that Tim is ticklish. Jason decides to use this information.

editing? who's she? (aka i was too lazy to edit a 5.5K tickle fic i just wanted to post it jksdhsdjfh)

also, seeing as my life is consumed by DC/esp the Batfam right now i was compelled to actually do my research for this fic and i went and found teen titans volume 3 #29 and looked through their fight. and dont get me wrong i love a good titans tower fic, tim drake is The whumpable character ever, but it is SO FUNNY to me the way fandom has apparently blown this so out of proportion because skimming that fight between the two it was literally like. the vigilante equivalent of squaring up behind the Waffle House at 3am while Jason is wearing a Party City Robin outfit sdjfhdsfj it was so unserious, he was definitely a theater kid lol, Tim wasn't even busted up that bad the worst he had was a bloody nose and maybe a concussion from the final blow lol

so i leaned more into the canon energy of it (snarky Tim who held his own decently well) because i think the whole fanon "he-almost-murdered-me-and-i'm-traumatized-and-terrified" energy leans into a fear dynamic that i am not necessarily comfortable exploring in a fluffy tickle fic? so i hope that's alright and that you still enjoy this fic even though i didnt full lean into that "scared of jason" energy i think you were looking for!

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Brothers Forged in Laughter

Fandom: Batfamily (no specific source material/continuity -- though i do briefly reference Teen Titans volume 3 #29)

Ship(s): Gen!!! Platonic!! Familial!! No batcest here

Characters (lee/ler): Lee!Tim & Ler!Jason (plus a very brief Ler!Dick)

Word Count: 5623 words

Summary: Tim wasn’t Jason's little brother, not really. Just because they got taken in by the same rich asshole did not mean they were related. But, well, the kid was kind of asking for it at this point. Maybe getting tickled to tears on the training mats by your asshole predecessor would become a Robin right-of-passage.

[ao3 link]

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Developing an unspoken sort of truce with the Bats had not been on Jason’s to-do list when he returned to Gotham, especially after his little trip to Titan’s Tower or the explosive confrontation between him, Bruce, and the Joker. Really, Jason blamed Dick. He was like a leech, it was impossible to shake him once he got his teeth sunk in.

Still, it had its benefits. He didn’t have to worry about getting arrested and thrown in Arkham anymore, for one. Not to mention, the Bats left Crime Alley well alone now (bar an Arkham breakout), leaving the neighborhood to Jason’s expertise. But most of all: access to the Batcave.

Jason didn’t necessarily enjoy his visits to the Cave, but there were things that Bruce’s money could buy that Jason had difficulty getting his hands on. For instance, the state-of-the-art lab that was hooked up to the Batcomputer and all its insane processing speed. 

With Batman publicly off on a JL mission and no risk of running into Bruce, Jason didn’t hesitate breaking into the Batcave (was it really breaking in if they never deactivated Jason’s codes in the first place? Jason liked to think so) to study a concoction from his latest Scarecrow copy-cat that thought Crime Alley made a great testing ground. It was just his luck that the little replacement Robin happened to be down in the Cave at the same time, drowning in an oversized hoodie and staring down one of the Batcomputer’s monitors with bloodshot eyes. One of his arms was in a sling, but Jason didn’t keep track of the Bats’ cases enough to know what had caused the injury. He was more wilted than the oregano plant Jason had forgotten at one of his lesser-used safehouses. And, more importantly, he was in Jason’s way.

“Pretty sure little birdies are meant to be resting when their wings get clipped,” Jason called out as he walked up the steps toward the Batcomputer.

The line of Tim’s shoulders went taught as his head snapped around to glare at Jason. “I’m pretty sure zombie crime lords are supposed to stick to Crime Alley.”

Jason held up his sample of knock-off toxin, shaking the liquid inside. “Wouldn’t exactly be here if I didn’t have to.”

Tim’s lips pressed into a thin line as he huffed a breath out through his nose. “Fine.”

Jason rolled his eyes as he turned toward the mass spectrometer, fumbling a bit to set it up properly. It’d been a while since he’d had to use one, and the one in the Cave was a lot newer than the one he’d used as Robin. It didn’t help that the back of his neck burned from the eyes boring into it.

“Don’t need a babysitter, y’know.”

“Like I’m leaving you in the Cave unsupervised.”

Jason scoffed. “What am I gonna do, poison your juice boxes?” The machine finally started running rounds of analysis, so Jason spun around to lean against it, locking his eyes onto Tim. And the stack of soda cans next to him. “Or your Zesti, apparently. Alfred lets you drink all that shit?”

Tim stayed silent, narrowing his eyes.

Jason lit up. “He doesn’t, does he?” He laughed, eyeing the pile of empty cans again. “Maybe we should call him down right now, what do you say?”

Jason started towards Tim and the Batcomputer, only meaning to ruffle his hair, maybe tease him a bit more about his serious sugar addiction, but he came up short as Tim slipped a hand against the underside of the Batcomputer’s desk, fingers subtly searching. Jason knew there was a panic button under there, even though he’d never had to use it during his time as Robin. It would send alerts to Alfred, to Dick, to every device of Bruce’s – hell, it might even send alerts to Clark or Diana at this point. Jason really didn’t need Superman busting in with a disgruntled Batman in his arms while he was trying to get work done.

So he backed off, raising his hands in mocking surrender as he leaned back against the machinery behind him, playing it off with a sarcastic, “Damn then, Boy Wonder, keep your secrets.”

The rest of Jason’s visit to the Cave was spent in tense silence, only broken in brief intervals to discuss the specifics of Jason’s case and the results of the toxin analysis. Turns out it was developed from an older strain of Crane’s – the most current fear toxin antidote could wipe it out no problem.

It didn’t leave him as satisfied as it should have, feeling all off-kilter as he mounted his motorcycle and started his drive back to Crime Alley. He couldn’t shake the hard look in Tim’s eyes as his fingers searched the bottom of the desk. It was fucking infuriating. What should he care if the newest little Robin was scared of him, after all? He and the Bats weren’t a team, and Robin certainly wasn’t his responsibility.

Maybe Jason had inhaled a little of the toxin when running the analysis. That was all.

*     *     *

Scared wasn’t really the right word, Jason realized over time. Because Tim was very obviously not afraid of him. He would poke and prod at Jason, even outright mock him sometimes. His glares were fierce and intense, his tone short and snappy. At times, he almost seemed to be seeking out a fight, like he wanted a rematch, to prove the words he said back at Titan’s Tower.

“Do you think you’re that good now? Do you really, Tim?”

“Yes.”

Wary seemed more accurate. He wasn’t frightened of Jason, but he was mostly certainly on edge. Even more so when Jason started visiting the Manor itself, finally giving in to Alfred and Dick’s invitations (though he still staunchly refused the invitations for family dinners – no way in hell he was being civil with Bruce for that long.). Tim would eye Jason like one would a particularly reactive dog – cautious and ready to act, but without any outright fear or anxiety.

And Jason��� he could live with that. He didn’t particularly enjoy it, but it’s not like they were family or anything. Just because Bruce took in the kid didn’t make them brothers – and it wasn’t like Bruce was his father anymore, anyway. The itch that grew under Jason’s skin when Tim would look at him like that was purely from having eyes on him, that was all. And he didn’t feel guilty for making the kid feel like that, thank you very much – that lingering weight in his chest was just a perfectly normal reaction to Dick’s puppy-dog eyes every time he and Tim sniped at each other. 

Seriously. No grown man should be able to make that expression. It was unnatural. 

He was so used to Tim’s cold shoulders that when he arrived at the Cave one afternoon, he almost fell off his motorcycle at the bright, cackling laugh that echoed across the stone once he cut his engine. It was boyish, childish, happy – all the things Robin should be. For a moment, it made old bitterness crawl up the back of his throat like bile, but he just as quickly swallowed it back down. He’d already taken out enough on the kid.

The laughter grew louder as he climbed the stairs up to the Batcave’s main platform, growing squeakier or snortier or gigglier in various intervals. By the time he made it up the stairs, Jason had a pretty good idea of what was happening. Turning away from the Batcomputer and towards the training mats easily confirmed it.

Because there was the Boy Wonder, in all his red-faced glory, cackling up a storm as Dick tickled the absolute shit out of him. 

At least Dick had someone besides Jason to take all that tickle-monster energy out on, now.

Dick’s head shot up as Jason’s boot scuffed across the stone, and he shot Jason a grin. “Hey, Little Wing!” Tim’s laughter lightened, growing more giggly. Probably Dick lightening up his attack in case he wanted to participate in the conversation. “What brings you here?”

“Came by to hack into the computer.” Jason jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. “Got some CCTV to look into, and the setup is better here than in any of my safehouses.”

Dick nodded, and Tim’s laughter jumped in pitch again.

“Jesus,” Jason said. “You trying to kill the kid?”

Dick laughed himself and finally let up, leaving Tim to roll onto his side and catch his breath. 

“Nah – but I think I might’ve finally found someone more ticklish than you, Jay.” He gave Jason a meaningful look, winking when he was sure Tim wasn’t looking.

Jason scoffed. He would not be filing that information away for later, thank you very much, because Tim was not his baby brother. “Yeah, whatever. I grew out of that – Lazarus Pits and all.”

Dick narrowed his eyes, a disarming smile on his lips. “Oh, really? That’s too bad. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind, then, if I–”

Jason swiftly backed away from the mats. “Yeah, no. I’m busy – came here to work and all. Try to keep it down, will you?” He managed to catch Tim’s eye for a second. “Try his thighs,” he advised. “Or just under his ribs. Makes for great revenge.”

“Wha– Jason!”

Jason turned his back on them, not wanting to unpack the narrow-eyed look Tim gave him. Not even moments later he heard Dick yelp.

“Oh, no you don’t – you’ll regret that!”

And the Cave was quickly filled with laughter once more, two sets of it this time. Not exactly the quiet environment Jason had hoped for when he came by to work, but he would deal. The Batcomputer had high-quality headphones for a reason.

And, privately, Jason thought those two could use more opportunities to smile.

*     *     *

Over time, the uneasy truce settled into something more comfortable. There were times it still chafed, itching at Jason’s skin until he felt he needed to claw it off, but things were rarely so tense anymore that Jason expected to be cut off like a necrotic limb. Hood still handled Crime Alley, the Bats tackled the rest of Gotham, and sometimes, if the cards fell right, they were able to work cases together without any casualties.

Cases like this new up-and-coming gang. They’d spread outside of the Alley, maneuvering in areas where Hood didn’t have as much reach or authority, but they were still spreading through his own territory like slow-acting poison. There was only so much he could do, and so when Dick offered the Bats up to help, Jason agreed with only minimal bitching. 

Which led him to this warehouse rooftop, going on three hours crouched uncomfortably next to Robin, the irritation of a failed stakeout grating against his ribs and skull. The established gang these newbies were trying to ally with hadn’t even shown, and even the newbies were starting to pack up shop, wanting to get back to base before dawn broke. The newest little Robin, however, didn’t seem to be getting the memo that this was a bust.

“Kid,” Hood all but growled. “Let’s go, there’s nothing more for us here.”

Robin scoffed, still laying on his stomach and not bothering to drop the binoculars to have a conversation with Hood. “Something might still happen. I’m not going to drop this just because you’re getting impatient.”

A flash of irritation bubbled up in Hood’s chest, frustration coiling hot in his stomach. The gang was leaving, Hood was starving, his knees ached from crouching on this roof all night, and he really should’ve told Dick no when Robin was offered up to help with the stakeout. But of course, the Bat himself was too busy with some last-minute JL business, and Nightwing had his own problems in Bludhaven to deal with. The worst part was that Robin was right, something could still happen, but Hood sincerely doubted it. They hadn’t gotten any new or relevant info in the past two hours, and Hood was ready to stuff his face with some greasy fast food and pass out for the next six hours.

And so as the newbies finished loading up their vehicles and driving off, Hood reached over to snatch the binoculars from Robin. Somehow, even with his face buried behind the plastic, he knew Hood was coming and shifted out of the way, thrusting a foot into Hood’s chest to try and hold him back. Hood’s height was an advantage here, but Robin still refused to let go of the binoculars, staring after the newbies’ vehicles as if they held the answers to the universe. 

And Hood, overtired and ready to be out of all this goddamned armor and in bed, let his instincts take over again. He jabbed one hand up under Robin’s arm, poking and prodding at the softer spot in the armor designed for mobility. Robin made an awkward squawking sound, his arm shooting down to protect the vulnerable spot and cutting the grip he had on the binoculars by half. Hood easily wrenched them from his hand after that, tucking them into an inner pocket in his leather jacket.

“Come on,” Hood said, standing and brushing himself off like nothing happened. “Batburger, I’m buying.”

Robin scowled at him, eyes unreadable behind the white-out lenses of the domino, and slowly rose to his feet. “Fine. But I want Jokerized fries, and I don’t care how you feel about it.”

*     *     *

Jason had to wonder if the kid ever slept. Every time he came by the Cave, Tim was there too – training, running samples, working cases on the Batcomputer – no matter what absurd hour he arrived. Jason let out a loud, long, obnoxious sigh as he cleared the stairs to the main platform of the Batcave, and Tim immediately whipped around and glared at him over the back of the desk chair.

“Can I help you?” Tim snapped.

“I need the computer.” Jason kicked the base of the desk chair as he approached, propelling it several inches to the left. 

Tim’s scowl deepened, and he rolled the chair back into position. “Well you can wait. I’m busy with a case.”

Instead of arguing further, Jason opted for the quickest route of success. He grabbed the back of the desk chair, spun it around so Tim was no longer facing the desk, and unceremoniously dumped him out of the seat. Tim squawked as he stumbled out of the chair, but regained his footing quickly and immediately trying to bolt back into the seat. Jason smirked and yanked it away, sending it rolling a few feet behind him.

“Whoops.”

Tim pursed his lips. “Real mature.”

Jason laid a hand over his heart and cocked his head to the side. “Ouch. You wound me. Truly.”

Tim glared at him, but his eyes flicked towards the desk chair behind Jason. They burst into motion at the same time – Tim lunging towards the chair, and Jason lunging towards Tim. After a brief tussle, Jason yanked Tim into a headlock, and for a brief second the two of them went eerily still. Jason loosened his grip, making the hold easy to break, but didn’t let go. Tim stayed frozen for a moment longer before tilting his head up, giving Jason a challenging look.

Jason’s mind warred with itself for a few moments. Not my little brother, one side of his brain said. Isn’t he, though? another replied. He had, unfortunately, filed away that information Dick had given him, as much as he tried to ignore it. And, well, it wouldn’t be the first time, would it? He didn’t think he’d even given Tim back his Bat-noculars.

A moment passed, and Jason suddenly lunged, latching his free hand onto Tim’s side and squeezing away. Tim jerked in his grip, squealing as a smile forced its way onto his face. One hand went towards prying Jason’s off his side, while the other came and clutched at the forearm around his throat for stability. Jason grinned and allowed the hand to crawl up Tim’s side, carefully keeping his headlock loose so that Tim wouldn’t really feel trapped. The second Jason’s fingers touched his ribs and a real laugh jumped out from Tim’s throat, he was out of Jason’s grip in seconds. Tim stood across from him, giving him another one of those uncomfortably calculating looks, though the blush rushing to his cheeks diminished it slightly.

“Fine,” Tim said eventually. “I should head up and get a snack anyways.”

Jason raised an eyebrow. 

“But I’m coming back down in two hours, and I will be getting back to my case. Whether you’re done on the computer or not.”

Jason snorted. “Yeah, sure thing, Timberly. Whatever you say.”

*     *     *

Jason was at the Manor for family dinner.

His skin itched at the thought as he sped into the Cave on his motorcycle – he never entered through the Manor proper, not in all these months, something about that just made it too real, too raw – and threw his riding gear off. Bruce was going to be there – not Batman, Bruce, and he hadn’t really interacted with the man outside the mask since he came back – but so were Dick and Alfred. And so was Tim.

Bit by bit, the kid had been relaxing around him. They worked cases together (and with Nightwing) when Hood needed a Bat, or when the birds needed his help instead. He didn’t tense whenever Jason came through the Cave anymore, didn’t eye Jason with suspicion when they crossed paths on patrol. He still stared a lot, but it’s not like Jason could blame him. He had attacked the kid, and even if he didn’t leave him with more than a concussion and some bruises (and Jason with a grudging sense of respect for the brat, as he walked away with his own array of bruising and a busted nose), the kid was well within his rights to keep his eyes on Jason’s movements.

But still, the progress they had made was, well, nice.

Speak of the devil — the Cave wasn’t empty. Tim was in the training area, dressed in basketball shorts and a t-shirt, running his bo staff drills with a single-minded focus that could rival even Bruce. Jason almost would’ve thought that Tim didn’t realize he was there, but Tim’s eyes flicked his direction as he approached the edge of the training mats. Tim ran through the move he was doing a few more times, making minute posture changes each time until his form was perfect, before dropping out of his stance and facing Jason.

“Not bad,” Jason said.

Tim ticked up an eyebrow. “Thanks.” His gaze trailed over to the stairs. “Alfred’s still making dinner, and Bruce is up there brooding and fussing over everything until it’s perfect. You probably wanna stay down here until the food’s ready.”

The skin around Jason’s eyes tightened as he suppressed a wince. “Yeah, thanks. Where’s Golden Boy?”

The corner of Tim’s mouth twitched up. “He got saddled with ‘distract Bruce’ duty.”

Jason matched Tim’s half-smile. They lapsed into an awkward silence. Jason shoved his hands in his pockets to resist the urge to fidget. Tim stared.

“Let’s spar,” Tim said suddenly, turning on his heel to set aside his bo staff.

Jason stared at him, incredulous. “What?”

“Spar. You and me.”

“Are you sure about that, kid?”

Tim shot him one of those calculating looks over his shoulder. “Do you have anything better to do?”

Jason pursed his lips. “No.”

“Then let’s spar.”

Palms sweating, Jason kicked off his boots, shucked his leather jacket, and set aside the weapons he’d hidden on his person. He set himself up opposite of Tim, lowering his body into a fighting stance.

“Ready?” Tim asked.

“Yup.”

The word was barely out of Jason’s mouth before Tim lunged, immediately going in for a grapple. Jason almost laughed — he far outclassed the little Robin in both weight and strength — and quickly sent the kid sprawling to the mats before backing away. Tim was scowling when he stood up.

“Don’t go easy on me.”

“Don’t worry, Boy Wonder. I’m just getting warmed up.”

Tim lunged first again, feinting left before trying to circle around to Jason’s back on the right. Jason whipped around and blocked the incoming blows, jabs that would’ve left his arms numb and tingling for hours had they landed. On one block, he snagged Tim’s wrist and used it to twirl him halfway around. He shoved Tim forward, harder than he meant to, and let him stumble a few feet as he retreated again.

The spar went on like this for a while, Tim attacking and Jason blocking and retreating. Tim’s scowl got deeper and deeper, and the careful control he usually held in his movements started slipping more and more. After the tenth time Jason knocked Tim’s attack away and retreated, Tim finally snapped.

“Stop babying me! I can take it!”

“Tim—“

“No.” Tim fell back into a ready stance, face red and splotchy from frustration and exertion. “I know what it looks like when you’re fighting for real. So fight me.”

Jason pressed his lips into a thin line. “Fine.”

Jason rushed first this time, and Tim met him in the middle. They exchanged a series of blows (though Jason pulled his punches — this was a spar not a brawl, and he kinda thought Tim had enough of Jason punching his lights out by now), and Tim held his own well. He’d gotten some good hits in during their confrontation at Titan’s Tower, but it was clear he had improved since losing to Jason back then. If Tim had been in a better state, he might’ve been able to hold out against Jason’s onslaught for a while.

As it was, Tim had clearly been training for a while before Jason had come in and had already been fatigued, and his lingering frustration from Jason’s kid-gloves was obviously making him sloppy. With Jason’s bulk and sheer strength, he had Tim pinned to the ground in minutes. Tim grunted and growled and struggled under him, trying to free himself, but Jason had both his arms pinned above his head and had settled his bulk over Tim’s thighs so he couldn’t flip their positions or kick Jason off.

“Satisfied?” Jason asked dryly.

Tim didn’t reply, twisting his wrists to test Jason’s grip.

“Ready to hit the showers? Alfred probably won’t be happy if we come to dinner all drenched in sweat.”

Tim twisted his hips, trying to throw Jason off but unable to get the leverage to move his considerable weight. “No, fuck you.”

Jason’s eyebrows shot up. “Damn, Timber, you kiss Alfred with that mouth?”

Tim paid him no mind, continuing to hiss and spit under him. Honestly, it reminded Jason a lot of when he was Robin. Whenever Dick beat him in a spar, he would hiss and spit and carry on, trying to break the hold until Dick got sick of his whining and—

Ah. So that was why Dick had been tickling the kid to tears the other month. 

Jason gave Tim a considering look. For a moment, he wondered if he really had the right. Tim wasn’t his little brother, not really. Just because they got taken in by the same rich asshole did not mean they were related. He’d been telling himself so for months, even if there were moments of doubt. But, well, wasn’t Tim his little brother? They snarked and tussled over the computer and helped each other on cases, and Jason was here to eat family dinner with him for God’s sake.

And hey, maybe getting tickled to tears on the training mats by your asshole predecessor would become a Robin right-of-passage.

Amidst Tim’s struggling, Jason managed to wrangle both his wrists into one hand and pin them firmly above his head. Then, making sure Tim was watching, he hovered a hand over Tim’s stomach and slowly started wiggling his fingers.

Tim gasped and froze. Then, just as quickly, his struggles started up again with a new desperation.

“You wouldn’t.”

Jason grinned, lowering his wiggling fingers another inch. “Say uncle, Timmy.”

Tim narrowed his eyes, dragging his eyes away from the ticklish threat to meet Jason’s own. “Do your worst.”

Tim’s mouth clamped shut tight just as Jason’s lowered his hand and touched down on Tim’s stomach. Tim squeezed his eyes shut and squirmed, going pink in the face as he tried not to laugh.

Jason laughed for him. “Come on, TimTam, we both know you’re ticklish as shit. No point in not laughing.”

Tim shook his head, trying unsuccessfully to worm away to the left as Jason’s hand traveled to his right side.

“No, it doesn’t tickle? Are you sure?”

Even though his eyes were still closed, Tim turned his face away from Jason, trying to hide behind one of his biceps. Jason grinned wider and jumped his hand over to Tim’s other side, delivering a series of nibbling pinches without warning. Tim squeaked, like the little baby bird he was, and jolted to the right to try and get away.

“I dunno, Baby Bird. Seems like it might tickle.”

Tim made a growling noise in the back of his throat, and Jason couldn’t help but laugh again.

“No? Maybe we should make sure all your nerves are working right, then.”

Tim’s eyes snapped open at that, glassy and watery from the effort of holding back his laughter. Jason made sure to grin at him, smug and toothy and all evil-big-brother, just like Dick used to do to him.

“Tell me, can you feel this?”

His hand shot up and skittered calloused fingertips and blunt fingernails against the exposed side of Tim’s neck. Tim’s head snapped to that side with a muffled squeal, his smile fighting to become open-mouthed and toothy, forcing Tim to bite down on his lip to keep his reactions at bay.

“Hmm, seems promising. How ‘bout here, can you feel that?”

Jason shot back down and vibrated his hand into the center of Tim’s belly. Tim tried to jackknife to protect himself, but with his wrists firmly pinned and Jason’s considerable weight on his thighs, he was forced to stay flat against the mats. He chose to toss his head back against the mats instead, shaking it back and forth furiously.

“No?” Jason asked, voice dripping with faux-concern. “You can’t feel it?”

Tim let an annoyed little groan, but quickly cut it off as it started to take on a giggly tone. Jason was being deliberately unhelpful in the matter, poking his index finger into various spots of Tim’s stomach and vibrating it.

“Right here, can you feel this? What about over here? And here? Come on Timbit, work with me here.”

Tim flinched and twitched at every prod, trembling with suppressed giggles. Jason’s own cheeks hurt from smiling — he could definitely see why Dick tickled the snot out of him so often when he was a kid. This was adorable and hilarious. But he still had yet to make the kid break, which was kinda annoying. Like, hello, how was Jason supposed to tickle the snot out of him if he wouldn’t even laugh? Jason paused for a moment, letting Tim catch his breath as he planned his next attack. Now where was it that made Tim shoot out of his arms the other week…

Oh, that’s right.

Jason put on a mournful look, shaking his head. “Starting to get real concerned here, Timbourine. Maybe we oughtta do a full injury check.” Jason rested his fingers on Tim’s lower ribs. “What do you say?”

Tim gasped, shuffling as far away from Jason’s hand as he could, but Jason followed the movement easily.

“Jason—“ Tim started, but cut himself off, pressing his lips together again.

“What is it you said to me, again? Do my worst, was that it?”

“Jason, I’ll— I’ll buffer Bruce for you tonight. I’ll take on your caseload. I’ll clean your motorcycle, I—“

“As tempting as that all sounds,” Jason had to raise his voice to be heard over Tim’s rambling. “You know what I wanna hear. Admit you lost.” 

Tim’s mouth clamped shut. Of course. How could the latest model not come with that patented stubborn Robin pride?

Jason shrugged, tapping his fingers threateningly against Tim’s ribs, making him squirm. “Suit yourself.”

Jason wasn’t the greatest at picking apart Tim’s expressions, but he’d say the smile forcing its way across Tim’s face was almost giddy.

He started off with a typical injury-check touch, a light press and slide against the individual ribs, just to really play into the game he had set up. Tim’s face scrunched up instantly, obviously trying to hold back his reactions, and his body started squirming with a new fervor. 

“Nerves working here, Timmers?” Jason tickled his middle ribs a bit more deliberately, making Tim’s face spasm. “Seems to me like you might be feeling something. Does it tickle?”

Tim shook his head. Jason sighed.

“You leave me no choice.”

Jason released Tim’s wrists and latched onto either side of his ribs with both hands, tickling mercilessly. Tim’s eyes bugged out of his head as he let out a laugh bordering on a scream. His legs scrambled on the mats behind Jason, searching for leverage or freedom. As Tim’s laughter fell into desperate cackles, Jason couldn’t help but laugh along with him.

“Jason! Jay!”

“You know how to make it stop, Timmy.”

Even with his hands free, Jason was discovering that Tim was absolutely useless when he was tickled. Jason attacked lower on his ribcage and Tim’s hands latched onto Jason’s wrists in a feeble, laughter-weakened attempt to pry him off. That only opened up the rest of his ribcage and armpits to attack, which Jason took great advantage of. Tim’s laughter would get more panicky, more shrill, the higher Jason went, but his brain didn’t seem to know how to defend itself — seeing as his hands stayed latched onto Jason’s to try and pull him off.

“Jesus Christ, Baby Bird — how do you even live when you’re this ticklish?”

“Asshole!”

Jason raised an eyebrow, though he wasn’t sure Tim could see it through his squinted, teary eyes. “Be nice. I could make this so much worse.”

“No, no!”

“That’s what I thought.”

Of course, Jason still made it worse anyway. There was a particular spot towards the back of Tim’s ribs, right between the top two on either side, that sent Tim spasming like he’d been electrocuted. Jason laughed as he prodded at the weak points one at a time, watching Tim toss himself in the opposite direction of the ticklish jolts. Finally, he gave Tim a breather, resting his fingers against those spots on his ribs just to keep him giggly and twitchy.

“Last chance for mercy,” Jason said, just barely twitching his fingers to watch Tim jump. “Alfred’ll send someone down soon.”

Tim’s teary eyes went wide. “Wait, Jason, come on–”

“Damn stubborn little Robin.”

Jason dug his fingers in, torturing those little tickle spots as best he could.

“Fuck!” Tim practically screamed before breaking into laughter that would give even the Joker a run for his money. Surprisingly, the hysterical tone of it didn’t even make Jason’s skin crawl. “Uncle!” Tim cried out, and his laughter went silent.

Jason eased up, redirecting his attack lower on Tim’s ribs, though still vibrating his fingers into the nerves mercilessly. “Hm? What was that?”

“You win! Uncle, you win! Jason, come on!”

With a chuckle, Jason heaved himself off of Tim to sit on the mats next to him, ruffling his hair as he caught his breath.

“Fuck you,” Tim said, closing his eyes and relaxing bonelessly into the mats.

“Hey.” Jason raised his hands in surrender. “You could’ve stopped that at any time. Not my fault you’re a stubborn little bitch.”

“I’ll get you for this.”

Jason raised an eyebrow. “I’ve got, like, a hundred pounds on you and I’m twice your height. How do you think you’re accomplishing that, shrimp?”

Tim peeled one eye open to glare at him. “I’ve got Dick.”

Jason froze. Oh, shit.

“That he does,” a cheerful voice chimed in from the direction of the stairs. Dick strode towards them, a slightly feral smile on his face. “And I would be more than happy to help. We never did test your claim about the Lazarus Pit taking away your ticklishness.”

Oh, fuck, actually. Maybe he shouldn’t have told Tim about Dick’s thighs that one time.

Dick’s smile shifted from feral to innocent in the blink of an eye. “But maybe later. Alfred sent me to get you for dinner – and I know he wouldn’t appreciate your B.O. stinking up the dinner table. Hit the showers.”

Jason groaned as he got up, pretending to crack his back even though he wasn’t the slightest bit sore from their sparring or impromptu tickle attack. Then, he reached down and hauled Tim to his feet, shoving him in the direction of the Cave’s locker room ahead of himself. Just as he went to follow, a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

“Good job, big brother,” Dick said, his voice low enough that it wouldn’t travel through the echoing cave. He gave Jason’s shoulder a squeeze.

Jason looked away and scoffed. “Yeah, whatever. Little shit was asking for it.”

Dick laughed and dropped his hand, shoving Jason toward the locker room much like Jason had shoved Tim. He tried not to think about it too hard, instead focusing on how carefully he’d have to watch his back in the future.

No way he was letting Timmy and Dickhead take him down without a fight.

[veryblushyswitch]

Stronger Than You Know

Summary: A chance to bond goes 180 and leaves both Dipper and Ford feeling horrible. Thankfully, the two talk it out and are feeling more connected than they ever have. 🌲

Lee: Dipper

Ler: Ford

Author’s Note: There’s angst in this one besties. There’s tickles too of course, but be prepared for a panic attack and lots of Dipper being sad before it gets happy again. Also thank you everyone for being so patient and encouraging! You guys are amazing! I hope you all enjoy! 🌲

A shriek followed by laughter filled the shack and made Ford jump. He stood up from his spot in the kitchen and walked to look into the living room.

Stan had Dipper in his lap and was scribbling away at his stomach. Dipper was squirming and pulling at his arms that were currently pinned against his chest, but wasn’t making a huge effort to get away.

Ford smiled at the sight. Dipper looked so happy. And his giggles certainly brightened up the room and anyone’s mood of whom had heard it. He heard Stanley mention going to a different spot which made Dipper squirm harder and start giggly pleading.

“Nohoho! Gruhunkle Stahahahan!” Dipper’s arms were slowly being raised above his head. Stan seemed to have struck gold when he started tickling under Dipper’s arms. He was surprised Mabel hadn’t come running to see if someone was being murdered at the initial scream Dipper emitted before cackling.

After a little bit more tickling, Stan let the kid go and told him to scram. His arms wrapped around himself, still giggling slightly from the leftover tingles. Ford made sure to not be seen as Dipper got up and made his way upstairs. He walked out and awkwardly coughed before addressing his twin.

“Does he, enjoy that?” Ford asked. Stan looked at him. He could tell it wasn’t just a random question. Ford was still struggling to find ways to bond with the kids in more of a Grunkle type way.

“Oh, yeah. The kid loves it. Would never admit it of course, but Mabel and I get him all the time.” Stan softly smiled at the memories. Dipper was a long time victim to his tickle attacks, but Mabel was on the receiving quite a bit too. He wouldn’t dare mention to Ford how they’ve been able to get him back though.

“Dipper gets really down on himself a lot. Sometimes he needs to just laugh and let loose. Heh. Sounds like another dork I know.” Stan winked at his twin, recalling all those times he used to tickle Ford to death when they were younger. Ford chuckled.

“So, do you think he’d be okay if I tried that with him?” Ford played with his hands behind his back, a nervous stim he developed in childhood.

“Are you kiddin’? All that kid wants to do is bond with you. And I think he’d love it if you tickled him. Don’t tell him I told you though.” Stan gave Ford a light nudge to his arm.

“Heh. Good to know. Thank you, Stanley.” Ford gave him a light nudge back.

“Don’t mention it, pointdextor.”

~

Ford had just finished preparing him and Dipper’s annual game of Dungeons, Dungeons & More Dungeons. They still preferred to play down in the lab, but Mabel gave it a “special touch” and added lots of pillows, blankets, and even some mythical stuffed animals to create a more cozy space.

He had to admit, the pillows and blankets were very nice. Especially since it did tend to get a bit chilly down there. And the stuffed animals would even make appearances as characters in the games. Ford made sure to show his appreciation by playing a game of Calling All Boys: Preteen Addition with her in the new space, which he actually found kinda fun if he was being honest.

Dipper excitedly squeezed his game folder against his chest as he made his way down to the basement. He sported his classic grey shorts and a hand me down graphic tee Wendy game to him, which was a bit too big, but he loved anyway and was really comfortable nonetheless.

“Hi, Great Uncle Ford!” Dipper happily waved as he made it to the game area. Ford said hello back let Dipper make himself comfortable before handing him a can of Pitt Cola. Dipper thanked him, the two opening their cans and clinking before taking a drink.

“So, we left off at the dungeon of horrors.” Ford began to set up the scene. “You start to walk through the cold and dark hallways when suddenly, you’re come across a table with two glowing potions.”

Ford turned on a sparkly led light Mabel supplied them. The room twinkled with blue and orange light, covering the ceiling and walls around them. Dipper awed at the sight, continuing to listen to his Grunkle with curiosity.

“You step forward in front of the table and notice each one has a distinct color. One is blue and one is orange. One of them contains an elixir that will make the drinker feel a mystery sensation depending on the number you roll. The other will give you 20+ HP and guide you to the exit.” Ford brought out two tiny bottles painted orange and blue and set them in front of Dipper’s character.

“Choose wisely my boy. While it’s a 50/50 chance, still think this through.” Ford knew what he was doing. While the answers were rigged, Ford still wanted Dipper to have fun and try and find a solution to the “riddle.”

Dipper was silent for a moment. Quietly thinking about each potion. The colors could indicate the answer, although they never established color codes before in this particular world. Not wanting to take up too much time overthinking, Dipper went with his instinct.

“I choose… to drink the blue potion!” Dipper yelled with determination, rolling his handful of dice onto the game board. The dice rolled, almost in slow motion, as the two watched and waited to see the result of the dice. They all stopped and revealed a number only two points under the required total. Dipper groaned, looking to Ford for him to continue the adventure.

Ford smirked, using a remote beside him to turn off the surrounding led string lights, leaving the two surrounded in darkness.

“The lights go out after you drink the mysterious potion.” Ford snuck behind Dipper, using the darkness of the room to his advantage. Dipper yelped and burst into giggles when two six fingered hands started to scribble and squeeze along his sides and ribs.

“Then all of a sudden, a strange sensation overcomes you. One kind of tickly sensation if you will.” Ford chuckled, both at his little remark and his nephew’s giggles. The lights turned back on to reveal a ticklish Dipper.

“Nahahaha! Wahahait! Gahahaha!” Dipper shrieked before falling into loud laughter as Ford moved to his stomach. His arms slammed to his sides as he squirmed. Screw his nerves for being so sensitive!

Ford smiled at his reactions. It was really nice to see the kid let loose and laugh. Especially at his hands. He was worried he wouldn’t be able to form a connection with Dipper and Mabel since he hadn’t been around kids all that much in the last thirty years. But thanks to Stan, he was able to spend time with his family. They were bonding.

“Greheat uhuncle Fohohord!” Dipper laughed and squirmed in his hold. He couldn’t believed this was happening. Ford was seeing him laugh and just be a kid. He was seeing him be so vulnerable. So childlike. So… weak…

Ford couldn’t see him like this. How was he going to prove he was worthy of helping him out on adventures if he could be taken down by a few tickles?! Ford didn’t see him as an apprentice. He saw him as this noodle-armed pre-teen who can’t stop himself from laughing at pokes to his sides.

Dipper started to freak out. He twisted this way and that, shoved at his great uncles hands. He kicked and even tried to throw in a punch. He was getting desperate.

Ford was none the wiser. He thought this was how a kid reacted to tickling. Heck this was how him and Stan used to get when they tickled each other. It wasn’t until he was about to move up under Dipper’s arms like he’d seen Stan do that Dipper knew he had to yell.

“STOP IT! LET GO OF ME!!” Dipper shouted, shocking both Ford and himself. Ford’s hands backed away immediately, his smile fading. Dipper internally screamed at himself. This was horrible, he just yelled at his Great Uncle Ford. He just yelled at the author of the journals…

“I- I’m sorry. I don’t know why-” Dipper’s eyes welled up with tears. His breathing became rapid and his heart raced. He wanted to run away. He wanted to disappear. So he did.

Dipper quickly ran upstairs, game pieces being knocked over and stepped on. Ford tried to reach out and stop him, but found he didn’t know what to say. What could he say? He heard Dipper choke on a sob before he was gone.

~

Dipper slammed the door behind him to his room. Mabel jumped at the sound and turned her head to face her twin. His eyes were red and swelling with tears, his hands trembling and looking as if he were about to break down. Mabel got up from her bed and walked over to him.

“Dipper- Oh my gosh what’s wrong? What happened?!” Mabel reached out to put a hand on his shoulder. And that’s when he actually broke down. He crashed into her in a tight hug and finally let the sobs release themselves from his lungs. He buried his face into her sweater covered shoulder, and cried. He cried long and hard.

Mabel brought him down to the floor with her and held him close. Not letting go until he needed to. She rubbed his back in soothing circles, taking in deep breaths to help Dipper breathe normally again.

“That’s it bro bro. Take deep breaths with me okay? In. And out. Yeah just like that.” After a few minutes, Dipper sighed and pulled away. His hat hung low and his cheeks were still damp. Mabel stood up with him and led him to his bed.

“So, what happened? Do you wanna talk about it?” Mabel calmly asked. Her hand returning to his back. Dipper took in another deep breath, still unable to make eye contact, and told Mabel about what had happened.

“Oh, Dipper. It’s gonna be okay.” Mabel pulled him close into another hug. “You’re just being a silly Billy. He’s our Grunkle. Not just the author. He wouldn’t think you’re weak because you were having fun with your family.” She shook him gently while hugging him making smile for a moment.

“I guess so. I don’t know, Mabel. I just don’t want him to think I can’t handle going on adventures.” Dipper set his head in his hands.

“How am I going to convince him I’m good enough to go on adventures with him if I fall apart at being- ya know... It’s just so embarrassing.” Dipper groaned.

Mabel couldn’t help but chuckle at her brother. He could really be a goober sometimes.

“Everyone’s a little ticklish Dipper. I bet even Grunkle Ford is a little bit.” She ruffled his hair making Dipper smile and shove at her hand. He was about to comment on her statement when there was a small knock. They both looked up to see their Grunkle Ford.

“May I come in?” Ford asked in a quiet tone. Mabel looked to Dipper before seeing him nod. She gave him a fist bump before standing up and walking out the door. She gave Dipper a thumbs up as she went down the stairs. Dipper looked at Mabel, then at Ford.

“Dipper, I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable.” Ford stepped forward, but stopped when he saw the boy flinch at his advances. “I promise I was only trying to- It was just that I…” He stammered.

Ford took a deep breath and slowly walked over and sat next to Dipper. Dipper didn’t flinch this time or try to move away, but he didn’t move closer either. He didn’t know if he could.

“I was trying to bond with you. I’ve seen how close you are with Stanley. Especially when he gives you that sort of affection. I thought maybe it would bring us closer.” Ford fiddled with his hands on his lap. Dipper was stunned. He was genuinely trying to bond with him. Mabel was right.

“Oh, man. You saw what happened with Grunkle Stan this morning didn’t you?” Dipper covered his face, still unable to make eye contact with his Great Uncle beside him.

“I thought you would think I’m too weak or childish to go on adventures with you. What kind of adventurer would I be if I fall apart like that so easily.” Dipper sighed. Ford felt his heart sink. He gently took his arm and put it around Dipper, his hand resting on Dipper’s shoulder. Dipper let out a small gasp and brought his head back up to look at Ford.

“I never meant to make you feel like you’re weak, Dipper. Because you’re the complete opposite of that. Just because you’re a bit more sensitive than others doesn’t mean you’re not strong. Heck, I think you got your ticklishness from me.” Ford chuckled.

Dipper’s face formed a small smile as his nerves calmed. He let himself be vulnerable again, leaning his head against his Grunkle’s arm. Ford stiffened at first, not wanting to scare Dipper. But he relaxed when he realized what he was saying was working.

“You helped defeat Bill, you’ve saved your sister on multiple occasions, you saved me. You’re so much stronger than you know.” Ford squeezed Dipper’s arm in reassurance.

“You’re aloud to be a kid and let loose around me. You’re a brave and confident adventurer. But you’re also my nephew. And you can be both of those things at the same time. I will never think any less of you for being silly and laughing at a few pokes.” Ford ruffled Dipper’s hair lightly. Ford quickly stopped, however, when he saw tears in Dipper’s eyes.

“Dipper! Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! Are you-” Ford was interrupted when Dipper sat up and threw himself onto Ford in the tightest hug he could muster.

Dipper continued to cry into Ford’s shoulder. But he also laughed. Overcome with happiness that he couldn’t hold back any longer. It was everything he had needed to hear. Ford laughed along, wrapping his arms around Dipper to complete the hug.

Ford rubbed Dipper’s back until he calmed down. Dipper let go and sat back on the bed. The two awkwardly wiped their eyes and coughed. Both a little unsure about what to say next. Dipper was the one who spoke up first.

“Thank you, Great Uncle Ford. I really needed to hear that.” They both smiled.

“Of course.” Ford answered. Suddenly he let out a low pitched yelp when he felt a quick poke to his side. He turned to look at Dipper who had a mischievous glint in his eye. Kinda reminded him of someone. Ford smirked and brought his hands up into claws.

Dipper squealed and tried to make a run for it. He made it two steps before Ford scooped him up and started scribbling along his sides. He burst into giggles immediately, but his bright smile and arms barely pushing Ford away showed he was having fun.

Ford looked back and turned to gently toss Dipper onto the bed. Dipper giggled at the playfulness, curling into a ball and hugging his still tingling sides.

Ford sat on the bed beside him and lightly pressed his fingers into the boys neck. Dipper kicked out on instinct. His shoulders scrunched up as his heals made a rhythm on the bed.

“Nohohot fahahahair!” Dipper squeaked out amongst his high pitched giggles. The extra fingers were doing a number on the ticklish nerves on his necks and ears.

“Not fair? Oh, I’ll show you not fair.” Ford smirked, unable to hold back another chuckle when Dipper shrieked before falling into a fit of laughter when he felt one hand squeezing away at his left knee while the other snuck its way under his right arm.

“NAHAHAHAHA! GRUHUHUNKLE FOHOHOHORD!!” Ford was right- this wasn’t fair. Two of his worst spots at once! Dipper kicked his free leg as his free hand seemed to not know if it should try and help his knee or under his arm.

Ford beamed. Dipper finally called him Grunkle.

[mushyblushyredhead]

I find it crazy how we have a sfw tkl community who loves the sonic fandom and write cute fics. But we don’t have none of shadow and Maria😭😭😭 can you do Lee shadow ler Maria or  perhaps the other way around, or switch for both

It does feel criminal that we lack in the Shadow & Maria fluff department. Additionally, I haven’t been feeling 100% these past 2 months (apologies for the boop booth delay, but I don’t want to force myself to draw when my spirits are down)

So, enjoy this self-indulgent comfort fluff fic! ❤️‍🩹

Nightly Talks — Sonic Movieverse

Summary: When Shadow begins to doubt his existence once again, Maria jumps in to help him feel better and makes a very shocking and cute discovery about the ultimate lifeform.

Word count: 6k

Switch!Shadow 🦔🖤❤️

Switch!Maria 🛼🩵

Warning: Light spoilers for Sonic 3 (read with caution), some angst, but lots of fluff! May be too sweet and cause cavities. This is a tickle fic. If you don’t like, don’t read!

Also available to read on Ao3! (I caved in, plz don’t let this flop TwT)

Maria hummed to herself as she cruised through the empty halls on her roller skates.

It was testing day once again for her alien hedgehog friend, Shadow. Even though she didn’t like the tests Shadow was forced to do, there was nothing really she could do about it. She had gotten Shadow out of testing one time when she snuck into the lab, and convinced Shadow to slip out behind the scientists’ backs, placing her teddy bear in his place.

Unfortunately, ever since that day, her grandfather and the other scientists forbade her from sneaking down into the lab and seeing Shadow during experiments. So now, she couldn’t help him sneak out anymore. Instead, she had to stay outside and wait for the tests to be over in order to see her friend.

Waiting always was a drag and felt like forever. Maria tried busying herself to make the time pass faster: playing her guitar, making elaborate snacks from the cafeteria food carts, coloring, or roller skating.

Even though she was told by Commander Walters in the beginning to lose the skates while staying at the facility, that didn’t stop her in the moment. She was bored waiting for her friend, what else was she supposed to do? Besides, she knew the facility inside and out by now to know the best places to skate without getting caught.

Maria skidded to a stop around a corner as she heard voices and footsteps approaching. She quickly pulled off her roller skates and hid them behind her bear and other plushies she brought along.

Her face brightened when she saw Shadow, who was being escorted by two other scientists and her grandfather. “Shadow!” she beamed, leaning down to his level and giving him a hug. Shadow smiled, returning the gesture.

“Maria, there you are,” she heard her grandfather say.

“What are you doing out here alone?”

“Just playing,” Maria answered, gesturing to the pile of plush toys on the floor. “Can Shadow play now?”

“Of course he can,” replied Gerald. “Since he did such an excellent job with today’s experiments.” He patted Shadow’s head, who frowned slightly at that.

“Now then, I’ve got to get back to my work.” Gerald turned his attention to the scientists. “Escort them back to Maria’s room, please.” The scientists nodded.

Now back in the comfort of Maria’s blanket fort, she was happy to see her hedgehog bestie again. Except he didn’t reciprocate the feeling back.

Maria’s smile faltered as she noticed her friend biting back a wince. “Shadow, is something wrong? What happened?”

Shadow forced his expression to be neutral. “Nothing…I’m fine.”

“Come on, you know you can tell me anything.” There was no point in trying to hide anything from Maria; she could always tell when he was lying. That was one of the many traits he secretly admired about her.

The black hedgehog sighed. “It was…” He glanced back at the door, as if he was afraid one of the scientists was going to hear. “They wanted to see how far the limits of my chaos energy could reach. So the scientists had me do countless laps nonstop while they monitored me. And if I started to slow down even just a little…” He sighed again, lowering his head. “They’d make me start all over again.”

Maria felt her heart sink. She always hated how the other scientists treated Shadow as nothing more than a guinea pig. At least her grandfather never gave Shadow that same treatment. He, unlike everyone else at the facility, actually saw Shadow as a person and her friend.

“Oh, Shadow, I’m so sorry you had to deal with that.”

“Doesn’t matter,” mumbled Shadow, shifting away from Maria’s hand that was trying to rest on his. He heard her let out a little sigh, and was quickly filled with guilt. He didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. He did want comfort, but his frustration got in the way and made him express it wrongly. “Maria, I’m…I-I’m sorry.” He lowered his ears, bringing his knees to his chest and hiding his face in his arms.

Maria felt like she could tear up at the sight. “Awh, Shadow…” She hovered her hand over his head. “Is it alright if I pet your head?” She heard a soft ���mhm’ in response so she gingerly began petting his head. She felt Shadow melt at the touch, especially when she softly traced his quills or gently scratched at the soft fur behind his ears.

When he finally uncurled from his moping position, Maria suddenly yanked him into a tight hug while ruffling his head. “Aaah! Hey! What are you doing?!” He didn’t get an answer, but was instead scooped up and twirled around. “Maria! What…are…you…doing?!”

Maria finally put him down, beaming a smile. “Curing you of your sadness! My grandfather always says the best cure for sadness is confusion; if you can distract the other person with something else, they’ll forget why they were sad in the first place. Did it work?”

Shadow couldn’t help but crack a small smile. “Yeah, a little,” he said, trying to fix his messed up fur.

Aww only a little?” Maria pouted. She had to up her game! She hummed in thought before her face brightened. “Ooh, wait! I’ve got an idea!” She stood up, motioning for Shadow to follow.

When they were in the hallway, she led them to the lift where she pulled out a keycard from her pocket that granted them access to the roof. Now Shadow understood what she was up to. She was taking them to the flower fields where she first took them after he had gotten self-conscious from a certain scene in the movie they watched.

Tranquil silence fell between them as the two laid side by side in the soft grass. It was another clear night, and the inky black sky was illuminated by thousands of twinkling stars. Even the Milky Way was fully visible.

The two sat in silence until Maria spoke. “Beautiful night, isn’t it?” Shadow hummed in agreement. “I’m sorry you had to deal with what happened earlier. They shouldn’t have treated you that way.”

“Don’t feel sorry, Maria. It was my own fault for not being able to exceed their expectations.”

“Shadow, that’s not true. They were pressuring you, and setting very high standards for no reason.”

“It was still my fault. If I can’t be strong like they expect me to be, then what’s the point?”

“Shadow…” Maria gently took his gloved hand in hers. “You already are the strongest person I’ve ever known, and that’s not because of your powers. It’s because despite everything, you still choose to have a good heart. You’re so much stronger than you know, Shadow.”

The black hedgehog was touched by her words, but there still was a seed of doubt lingering inside. “I don’t feel so strong all the time,” he quietly admitted.

“Well you are,” Maria insisted. She gave a comforting squeeze to his hand which Shadow reciprocated. “You are to me.”

“Do you…really think so?”

“I know so. You’ve got a good heart, Shadow. Never lose sight of that. And never forget that you are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

Shadow’s expression faltered. “But what if they’re right? What if I am just nothing more than an unpredictable monster? And I’m just fooling myself thinking I can be anything more than that?”

Maria sat up, gently squeezing both of his hands. “Hey, don’t ever think that, Shadow. No matter what anyone says or thinks, you’ll always be my friend. Remember what I said to you before? You can do or be anything you want to.” She gently tapped his chest. “As long as you follow your heart.”

“Besides,” she added after a moment of silence. “How can a so-called ‘monster’ be a monster if he’s this adorable?” She suddenly cupped Shadow’s face, squishing his cheeks before peppering his face with tiny kisses.

Shadow tried to act annoyed by the sudden affection, but slowly broke into a smile after a few seconds. Soft, breathy chuckles spilled from his lips as Maria yanked him into another crushing bear hug while still smothering his head with kisses.

“Okahahay! Okahay, I gehehet ihihit! Aaah! You’re squeezing too tihihihight!” Now the smothering was getting to him.

Maria giggled, releasing him. “Feel better now?”

Shadow fondly rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Thank you for that, Maria. I really mean it.” He suddenly bit back a wince, touching his side.

“What’s wrong?”

“The endless laps I had to do earlier,” Shadow explained as he carefully tried to massage the knot away. “They wouldn’t give me a break as I kept straining myself to push faster, and—well…I guess I strained myself a bit too much.”

“Oh, Shadow…” Maria reached her hand out.

“I’ll be fine,” the hedgehog assured. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve dealt with worse. This is nothing.”

Maria nodded, but she wasn’t so convinced. She knew how stubborn Shadow could be whenever it came to something like bruises or sore limbs. He was always so opposed to accepting any sort of help, sometimes even from her. She figured Shadow tried putting up a tough act all the time in front of her so she wouldn’t worry about him.

She suddenly got a deviously playful idea as she saw Shadow subtly try to rub his soreness away. She wasn’t sure if this would even work on him, or if he would even allow her to do such a thing, but it was worth a shot. Shadow always made exceptions for Maria whenever she wanted him to do something with her so surely he would make the exception for this.

Plus, he really looked like he could use some extra convincing after filling himself with so much doubt. Would this work on him? Only one way to find out.

Maria let out a fake gasp. “Wait, Shadow, you said you were still feeling sore from earlier?”

“Yes? But I already said I’ll be fine.”

Maria put on her best worrisome act. “We should do a checkup to see if anywhere else might be hurting.”

At the mention of ‘checkup’, Shadow scooted away, wrapping his arms around his torso. Maria immediately regretted her choice of words. “It’s okay, Shadow. I meant: why don’t you let me check you up to see if there’s anything wrong? There might be something serious you don’t even know about!” She tried to keep a straight face, not wanting a smile to give away what she was really planning.

Shadow seemed hesitant at first, but agreed in the end. As much as he wanted to convince his friend and himself that a little sore muscle in his side was nothing to fret, he knew Maria wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Even if he hated checkups in general thanks to the GUN scientists, he knew Maria would never do anything to hurt him. He trusted her more than anyone.

He sighed. “All right, fine.”

“Perfect,” Maria beamed, now letting her smile show. She motioned for him to come closer. “Now then, I’ll examine you from head to toe and my assistant here,” she gestured to her teddy bear sitting next to her that she brought along. “will write down anything unusual so I can right away help you. Okay?”

“All right,” nodded Shadow, playing along.

“Good. And I promise, I’ll be gentle.” Shadow nodded again. “Okay, now hold still…” Maria gently rubbed his head. “Any headaches or soreness?”

“No.”

“Alright.” She moved to his ears, gingerly rubbing them before giving them a playful flick to make them twitch. “Ear reflexes look normal. So far so good.” She tested his eyes, making him follow her index finger waving in his face. She checked his limbs, gently bending his arms and legs at the joint back and forth. She checked his reflexes, tapping his knee with her finger and Shadow humored her by kicking his leg out.

“Woah! Reflexes are more than okay,” she stated with a laugh. “Okay, last part. I gotta check and see if anything else hurts.” Maria reached for his torso. As soon as she squeezed both of his sides, Shadow’s breath suddenly hitched. He curled reflexively, but not from the soreness. As a matter of fact, he didn’t even feel the sore knot in his side anymore. It was something else entirely—something odd. A strange feeling he had never felt before.

Maria noticed this, and at first thought she accidentally hurt him. But after another careful experimental squeeze, she saw the corner of Shadow’s mouth curl as he choked on another grunt. It took every single ounce of willpower to not burst out in an excited squeal. Aaaah! No way! No way!! It works! He’s ticklish!! He’s actually ticklish!

“Shadow? Are you okay?” Maria asked innocently. “Does something hurt here?”

“N-No, I’m fine,” Shadow answered as nonchalantly as possible.

“Hmm, are you sure? You’re all curled up. Here, lemme see…” She squeezed his sides again, this time not letting up.

Shadow emitted a startled sound, choking on air again. Why did these squeezes to his sides make him want to reflexively curl into a ball and…laugh?! What was Maria doing to him?

“W-Wait! Maria..! AAAH!” Shadow’s voice cracked as he let out a high-pitched yelp—which he would forever deny until the end of time. He felt Maria’s small fingers start to poke and tase his sides. Why did he get the feeling that she was doing this on purpose now? “Mari—AH! No waHAhait! Wait!! AAAH!”

“Shadow, will you please uncurl so I can see if something’s wrong?” Maria tried to sound stern, but her smile said otherwise.

“I cAN’t if you keep poking me like thAT! What are you doing?!”

“I’m just trying to make sure my best friend isn’t trying to hide some kind of injury from me. But by the way you’re acting, something tells me you are hiding an injury!”

“I am not!”

“Then let me see!”

Shadow slowly uncurled, and yelped as Maria went for his sides again. “QuIHIHIT it!! You’re doIHINg thihihis on pUrpOHose!”

Maria slowly gasped, pretending to be shocked. “Why Shadow, you wouldn’t happen to be…ticklish, would you?”

“N-No! I—I don’t even know what that means!”

“Well,” Maria began to explain, pulling her hands away. “tickling is when a certain spot on your body is touched in a way that makes you laugh.”

Shadow blinked. He had never felt more confused. Maria giggled at his dumbfounded expression. “What I was just doing to you seconds ago. That’s tickling.”

The black hedgehog glanced down at his side where Maria’s fingers had been mere moments ago. Curious, he squeezed his own side and frowned as nothing happened. Maria giggled at her friend’s innocent attempt. “You can’t tickle yourself, silly. It only works if someone else does it to you.”

“This doesn’t make any sense. How is this even possible?”

Maria shrugged. “I don’t know. And nobody has ever really figured out why. All we know is that it’s a silly way to play around and make you laugh.” She suddenly smirked. “And it looks like it works on you too!”

“What?”

“You! You’re ticklish, Shadow! Ohh, this changes everything!”

Shadow felt his cheeks grow warm, but he didn’t know why. “No, I’m not!”

“Are too!”

“I am not!”

“Are too!”

“Am not!”

“Are too~!” Maria sang, booping the flustered hedgehog on the nose.

Shadow huffed, lowering his ears. “No. I’m. Not!!”

Maria was unfazed by his outburst. “Alright then, Mr. Ultimate Lifeform. You wanna keep denying the obvious? I’ll prove it to you! Lift up your arms.”

Shadow didn’t like where this was going. He hugged himself tightly. “No way!”

“What, are you scaaaared~?”

“I’m not scared of anything!”

“Then lift your arms up.” Shadow reluctantly obeyed, slowly raising his arms above his head. “Now, keep your arms up no matter what.” Shadow’s eyes widened as Maria’s fingers slowly moved closer. He felt something bubbling in his chest: fear but also…excitement?! He brushed it off as just adrenaline. After all, having his arms raised like this left vital spots vulnerable. So yes, it was just adrenaline and nothing more.

Maria wasn’t making this any easier as she slowly, painfully inched her wiggling fingers closer, smirking like a pint-sized villain. And for some reason, the anticipation was maddening! Shadow had never felt this much panicky anticipation. Not even the times where he anticipated grueling tests and experiments the night before.

This was nothing like that. As much as his body panicked, his mind told him nothing serious was going to hurt him. He could feel the corners of his mouth trying to tug upwards. A strange feeling was bubbling and growing in his chest: the urge to laugh.

Finally, Maria’s fingers touched down. She placed her fingertips on his forearms, before softly and slowly tracing down his arms. The closer her fingers got to his exposed underarms, the stronger the urge to laugh became.

Shadow bit his lip, refusing to let any emotion show. His arms trembled as he struggled to keep them up. His instincts were shouting for him to yank his arms down. He couldn’t take the anticipation anymore!

He let out a muffled yelp as Maria rested her fingertips against his underarms. Shadow couldn’t fight his instincts anymore.

“Shadow, keep your arms up!” Maria playfully scolded. When Shadow couldn’t lift his arms back up more than an inch, Maria went ahead and pushed his arms up all the way. Without wasting another second, her fingers plunged down to wiggle and scratch rapidly against the exposed underarms.

Shadow, unable to keep it together, let the dam break as loud laughs poured out of him. “AAAH! MarIAHAHAHA! NOHOHO!” Reflexively, he slammed his arms down to his sides, only to trap Maria’s still wiggling fingers. “NO! NOHOHOHO!! DOHOHOHON’T!!”

“Don’t what?”

“S-STOHAHAHAHAP!!”

“Stop what?”

“AAAHAHA! NOHOHOHOHO!!”

Maria couldn’t help but laugh alongside her friend’s screechy reactions. “You keep saying ‘no’ Shadow, but you’re not telling me what specifically!”

For some reason, the teasing tone in Maria’s voice made Shadow’s cheeks flush even more. His stomach was bubbling with a maddening fluttery sensation that felt like he swallowed a swarm of live butterflies. How was that even possible?!

Quickly losing balance, Shadow flopped onto his back against the grass. “Ooh, making things easier for me by lying down?” he heard Maria say. “I mean, you already lost trying to keep your arms up. But if you wanted me to keep tickling you, Shadow, you could’ve just told me!”

“WhAHAHAT?! NoHAHAHAO!!”

Shadow kicked and rapidly squirmed against the grass. His arms were glued to his sides, and Maria’s fingers somehow were still able to move. As if that wasn’t bad enough, now that he was laying down, Maria suddenly switched tactics. Now, she moved her hands to his ribs, where her devious fingers poked and kneaded at his ribcage.

“WaHAHAHAIT MAHAHARIA!!”

Ignoring his protest, Maria got another wicked idea. She halted her playful assault for a moment. “Hey, Shadow? How many ribs do you have?”

“W-Whahat..?” The hedgehog gasped out, sitting up.

“Does being the ultimate lifeform make you have an extra or less set of ribs?”

“I…I have the same as you. Twenty-four; twelve on each side.”

“Hmm…I better check to make sure.”

“What?!”

Maria faked concern again. “I gotta make sure you’re not missing any! What if one of them came loose from all those laps you did earlier?”

“N-Nothihing came loose!” Shadow answered with a wobbly smile. He was trying so hard not to laugh, to no avail. Even worse, he couldn’t even activate his chaos energy to get out of this flustering situation. In any other scenario, he could have easily teleported out of there, but he needed to concentrate in order to activate his power. And right now, his brain couldn’t concentrate on anything else but the anticipation and tickly sensations.

“Mariahaha, nohohoho!” Shadow couldn’t hold back the anticipatory giggles as Maria slowly inched her wiggling fingers closer to his torso.

Flopping on his back again, Shadow tried to roll away from his villainous friend. Maria quickly reached out, swiftly yanking him back by his sides into her lap.

Now feeling more vulnerable than ever, Shadow frantically tried to squirm free. No luck—why was his super strength sucked out of him when he really needed it the most?!

“Shadow…the more you try to get away, the longer I’m going to tickle youuu~!”

Shadow batted her hands like an angry kitten. “Stohohop tahahalking to me like thahahahat!”

“Like whaaaaat~?”

“Juhust stohoh—AAAH!”

Shadow yelped as his left wrist was yanked upwards. Before he could protest, he shrieked as Maria began kneading his lowest rib.

“Okay, oneee…”

“NAHAHAHAHAO!!”

“Twoooo…”

“STA—STAHAHAHAAAAP!!”

“Threeee…Shadow, hold still! You’re going to make me lose count!”

Maria was having a ball teasing her friend this way. Who knew the ultimate lifeform was so ticklish and susceptible to baby talk?

And Shadow? His ears were pressed flat at how embarrassed the tickles were making him, especially the silly feeling of being cradled in someone’s lap. Even his tail was betraying him; he could feel it wagging behind his back. He just hoped Maria didn’t notice.

She did. But she didn’t say anything as she knew her friend would feel embarrassed if she pointed it out. So she just continued kneading at Shadow’s ribs, slowly moving to the next one and enjoying hearing the stoic hedgehog squeal uncharacteristically.

The higher she got, the louder and more frantic Shadow’s laughter became. When she managed to get to his sixth rib, she paused. “Hmm…aw man, I lost count. Guess we’ll have to start over.”

Shadow’s eyes widened. “What?! N-No you don’t! You were at six!!”

“Was I? I don’t know, it’s just so hard to remember with you squirming around and trying to push my hands away. Oh well~!”

“Mariaha, I swear…if you try ihit again, I’ll—NAAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!

Maria cut him by digging all her fingers against Shadow’s ribcage, vibrating rapidly. “Sorry, whaddya say?”

“MAHARIAAAAHAHAHAHA!!”

“I’m right here, Shadow. No need to yell.”

Ohh the teasing. Somehow, it made everything so much worse. As much as Shadow was losing it, he also didn’t want to accidentally hurt his friend with all his squirming and kicking.

Maria, of course, took advantage of him not fighting back. She moved her hands around, tickling every spot she could possibly reach.

When her fingers scribbled down to his belly, Shadow arched his back with a loud squeal. He managed to roll out of Maria’s lap, and immediately covered his mouth with his gloved hands. He couldn’t believe he was capable of making a sound so high-pitched like that. So embarrassing!

“Oh my—hahaha! Shadow!” Maria doubled over in giggles. “That was soooo cute! I didn’t know you could squeal like that! I guess I found a really good tickle spot! No, wait—the Ultimate Tickle Spot!”

Shadow could feel his entire face burn crimson by that statement. His ears pressed flat as he huffed, pretending to act all nonchalant. “N-No that’s—that’s not—whatever! That’s ridiculous to say! And not true!”

“Uh-huuuhhh…Don’t worry, Shadow. I won’t tell anyone. My lips are sealed!”

“There’s nothing to tell anyone!” Shadow objected.

“What, that you screech so adorably loud when I tickle you riiiiight…here?” Maria quickly reached out to scratch at his furry tummy again. Shadow flinched away with another loud squeal, falling on his back again. “Awww!! See? I wonder if any of the other scientists have found out about this? Oooh, what if they do?! Then you’d be in reeeal trouble, Shadow!”

Even though he knew Maria was just teasing, the thought of having this embarrassing secret be discovered by the GUN scientists made Shadow genuinely panic. What if she was right? Nobody would ever let him live it down or take him seriously for the rest of his life. And the Professor…what would he even do if he found out the ultimate lifeform was secretly ticklish? He’d rather get disintegrated by his own chaos energy than letting that happen.

He snapped out of his thoughts with a little gasp as Maria pulled him back into her lap again. Now cradled and facing her again, Shadow frowned. “You better not mention this to anyone.”

Maria smiled. “Don’t worry, your cute secret’s safe with me.” She playfully booped Shadow’s tummy, who squeaked at that before trying to cover it up with a cough.

“I mean it, Maria!” The black hedgehog’s ears lowered. “If anyone finds out about this offensive tactic because of you, I’ll…I’ll steal your roller skates! And never give them back.”

Maria let out a long dramatic gasp, half-pretending to be greatly appalled by that threat. “Threatening the second thing I love most? First one being you, of course.” She lowered her tone to sound icy. “But my roller skates? Stealing my skates..?”

Shadow was worried for a split second if he had accidentally made Maria legitimately angry. Now he really regretted his choice of words. He could feel a cold chill run down his spine at his friend—his normally sweet and bubbly—friend’s tone, and the way she tightened her grip.

What he didn’t expect was to burst into hysterics as Maria ruthlessly tickled him. She furiously dug one hand into his belly while the other was shoved under his arm. And this time, she wasn’t playing nice anymore. No matter which way he squirmed, her fingers kept tickling and he couldn’t break free.

“NAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!! MARIAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!! WAHAHAIT, PLEAHEEHEEHEEHEASE!! I-I’M SO-HAHAHAHAAAA!! I’M SORRY!!”

“I’m sorry, too, Shadow,” Maria said with faux sympathy. “I’m sorry that I do not accept your apology!”

“WHAHAHAHAT?! YOU—YOU CAHAHAN’T DO THA—HAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!” Maria cut him off by using both hands to furiously tickle his belly. “NOHAAAAEEEEEEEHEHEHAAAAAA!! NAHAHAHO, PLEAHEEHEEHEEEEEASE!! NAHAHAHAT THEHEHEHERE!! IHIHI’M REAHEEHEEHEALLY SOHOHORRY!! AAAAHAHAHA!! I DIHIHIHIDN’T MEAN IHIHIHIT!!

Shadow frantically batted at Maria’s scribbling hands, trying to push them anywhere else but his stomach. But that proved to be a mistake, as Maria switched from tickling his belly to his underarms, down to his ribs, then back to his belly, over and over so he couldn’t get used to the tickly feeling.

Eight seconds later, Shadow was starting to lose it. Maria was wielding a very evil duo attack: she had one hand softly fluttering behind his back (he had no idea he was even ticklish there, either. How many tickle spots did he have?!) while the other scribbled the center of his tummy. Having two spots targeted simultaneously made his body confused; he didn’t know if he should arch away or curl inward.

Even though Maria had softened up her touch, that wasn’t the bad part. It was the awful teasing words she was cooing in his ear that made him want to combust. “Tickle tickle, Shadow~! Who’s a ticklish wittle baby hedgehog? It’s youuu~! Aww, you’re trying so hard to get away, but you can’t! Aww, does that fluster you? Me saying the word ‘tickle’? How about…tickletickletickletickle!! Tickle tickle tickle! Tiiiickle tickle tickleeee~!”

Shadow felt like he was going to burst into flames. That evil baby talk was going to be the death of him! Tickly shocks plagued his entire body.

“M-MARIAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!! C’MOHAHAHAHAHON, PLEAHEEHEEHEEHEASE!! AHAHAHAHAHA!! I’M REAHEEHEEALLY SORRY!! IHIHIHI’LL DO ANYTHIHIHIHIHING, JUHUHUST STAAAAHAHAHAHAHAP!! NOHO MOHOHOHORE!!”

Maria finally showed mercy and ceased her tickling. “Tell you what, I’ll make you a deal. You apologize for doubting yourself and for threatening to steal my skates, and then you promise you’ll never doubt yourself ever again because you’re Shadow the Hedgehog. And Shadow the Hedgehog is amazing and awesome at everything he does.”

Shadow weakly nodded with a soft eye roll. “Fihihine…” Just as he was about to open his mouth to say the required words, his eyes widened at Maria hovering her wiggling fingers over him like tickling crane claws. “Mariahaha, nohohoho! I cahahahan’t say ihihit if you’re doing thahahahat!”

“This is to make sure you’re serious about your promise and the things you say,” she smirked. “Go on and say it. If you don’t, I’ll have to tickle you again~!”

Shadow curled in the fetal position. “NOHOHO! You better nohohohot!”

“Then say it!”

“Okay, okahahay!” Shadow tried to get the words out, but Maria’s teasing fingers weren’t helping. They kept inching closer, slowly wiggling towards his stomach or making pinching motions towards his ribs, before pulling away at the last second.

And poor Shadow was consumed with anticipatory giggles that wouldn’t let him get a single word out. “Maria, that’s cheaheeheeheating! You cahahan’t do thahat!”

“Shadow, you have thirty seconds before I tickle you to death.”

“NO! Okay, fihihine!” Shadow breathed a giggly sigh. He tried to fix his gaze on Maria’s eyes instead of her teasing fingers. “Maria, I’m sohohorry for doubting myself…and threatening to steal your skates. I promihihise I won’t ever doubt myself again. There, I said it.”

“And?” she pressed. When Shadow didn’t want to say, she gave him a few quick side tases.

“AAAH! OkAHAhahay! And! Because…” He sighed. “I’m Shadow the Hedgehog, and Shadow the Hedgehog is amazing and awesome at everything he does.”

Maria smiled in satisfaction. She pulled her claw hands away, and gave Shadow gentle rubs to the head. “I accept your apology. And your promise.” She gave him a hug. “Now was that so hard to do?”

Shadow scoffed. “Very.”

“But don’t you feel better?”

“…Yeah. Thank you, Maria…really. You always know how to help me feel better. I really don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you again for everything.”

The two embraced in a warm hug. When they finally broke, Shadow gave her a stern look. “Don’t think I won’t try and get revenge for your little stunt you pulled today.”

Maria laughed, not taking the hint. “Oh, Shadow. No you wouldn’t. You love me too much as a friend. C’mon, let’s head back.” She suddenly yawned. “I’m getting tired.”

Shadow nodded, softening his expression. “Of course. Here,” he took her hand. “No need to walk all the way back.” He activated his chaos energy, and teleported them back to Maria's room. She invited Shadow to stay and sleep together in the blanket fort, which he happily accepted.

Once they were nestled under the blankets, Shadow decided to enact his revenge. No way was he going to let her get away with tickling the ultimate lifeform. Very carefully, he slid his hand under the blanket. When his fingers found Maria’s side, he started gently squeezing.

Maria squeaked and burst into giggles. “Shahahahadow! EEEEheeheeheehee!”

Now it was Shadow’s turn to smirk. “Did you really think I wasn’t going to get back at you after what you did to me?”

“I don’t knohohow! Mahahaybe? EEEEEHEEEK!! Shahahadow, wAHAHAhahait!!” Maria squealed and giggled louder as the hedgehog delivered rapid pokes up and down her ribs. She batted at his hand, and tried curling on her side.

“Oh, did I miss a spot here?” Shadow pointed out as he poked her other side of ribs. He smiled as he heard her bright giggles.

Maria tried shielding herself by pulling her blanket over her head.

“Trying to evade my revenge will only make things worse!” Shadow declared, yanking the blanket off of her. Maria squealed in surprise, opting to hug her torso for protection. She turned her back to the hedgehog.

“Do you really think that’s going to stop me?” Shadow playfully remarked, raising an amused eyebrow. He was surprised Maria wasn’t putting in a lot of effort to try and stop him, like he did with her. He figured maybe this was just something she secretly liked.

Shadow gently traced imaginary lines up and down the girl’s spine, eliciting more high-pitched giggles. She simply covered her mouth with both hands, and twitched at the soft touch but didn’t try to move away.

Shadow took that as his cue to continue. Time to turn the tables. “Hey, Maria, remember that rhyming chant you always liked to use to mess with me? Well, let’s see if it works on you, too!” He traced another set of parallel lines down her spine. “Let’s see, line line, spider crawling up your spine…” his gloved hand switched to a scribbly claw. “Pat pat…” He gently patted her shoulder blades before…

“Heart attack!” Shadow suddenly reached out to tase Maria’s sides.

Maria squealed loudly and shrieked laughter as the tases didn’t stop. “EEEEEK!! ShAHAHAdow! AAAheeheehahaha!! WAHAhahait, noho faHAHAhair!! I’m only supposed to do th—AAAH! Thahahat to you!!”

“Well, now I’m doing it to you!” The snarky hedgehog pointed out. “This is what you get for pulling all your devious stunts on me!”

Instead of letting her answer, Shadow decided to be mean and slipped his hand under her pajama shirt, gently digging into her belly the same way she’d done with him. The reaction was priceless; Maria screeched and flailed as if she was being electrocuted, but that didn’t deter Shadow.

“SHAHAHAHAHDOW!! AAAAAHEHEHEHAHAHAHAAAA!! WAHAHAHAIT THAT REALLY—EEEEEEHEEHEEHEE!! TIHIHIHICKLES!! EEEEEEEEEK!! NAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

Maria’s flailing arm suddenly smacked Shadow on the head. He ducked as her elbow almost collided with his jaw. He decided to turn the tables one last time by slipping his free hand behind her to scribble her back while still fluttering his other against her belly.

“EEEEEEHEEHEEEHEAAAAHAHAHA!! HEHEHEHEY, NO FAHAHAHAHAIR!!”

Shadow kept tickling the girl for a few more seconds before her laughter turned silent. He stopped immediately, suddenly concerned. “Maria? Are you okay?” He shook her shoulder. “Did I go too far?”

Maria shook her head as she panted, her cheeks dusted a pink hue. She sat up, coughing between pants.

Shadow became very worried, guilt washing over him. “I’m sorry, I should have stopped.”

“Shadow, it’s okay,” Maria insisted once she caught her breath. “I’m okay, really. I was just laughing really hard.” She giggled, adjusting her shirt. “You really got me good back there. But I’m fine, I promise.”

She smiled reassuringly, which Shadow felt relieved for. He didn’t want to accidentally tire her out too quickly, even if she half-deserved it. “Just…don’t try that on me again, or else I won’t be so merciful next time,” he told her.

Maria laughed it off, completely unfazed by his little threat. “No promises. I’ve never heard you laugh before, Shadow. But it was so cute! And I never knew you were ticklish, either. But I am so gonna tickle you now every chance I get!” She waggled her eyebrows cheekily. “Maybe that’ll teach you not to be so pouty all the time!”

Shadow’s mouth dropped agape, but he recovered in the next second. “Try it, and I’ll make you sorry you ever did.”

“Oooh, soooo scary.”

“You should be. You just never learn, do you?”

“Nope!”

Shadow shook his head with a faint smile. “We better get to sleep. It’s not healthy to stay up so late.”

Maria was about to protest when a yawn interrupted her. Giving up with a tired sigh, she snuggled under the blankets again. Shadow adjusted the blanket for her, making sure she was covered before handing Maria her bear that was discarded off to the side during all her tickly induced flailing.

Maria sleepily smiled and cuddled her plush bear close. Then, Shadow slid under the blanket next to her. Once comfy, he faced his friend who was almost asleep.

“Good night, Maria. Sweet dreams.”

Maria reached out to pet Shadow’s head. “Good night, Shadow,” she sleepily replied, eyes barely open. “Sweet dreams and sleep tight.”

Shadow smiled warmly, and gently petted her head in return. The soft glow of the fairy lights hanging above combined with the warmth of the fuzzy blankets and pillows quickly lulled Shadow into a peaceful sleep. So much better than sleepless nights floating in a giant test tube.

The two friends slept blissfully together, protected in the safe space of their blanket fort. And for the first time since Maria had discovered him in the lab, Shadow slept tranquil enough to not have any nightmares or doubting thoughts. Nothing could harm him as long as they had each other.

THE END

[kaeyasfavonius]

Glaze Lilies

word count: 1167 words

Lee: Kaeya

Ler: Albedo

Summary: Albedo wants to study Glaze Lilies. However they need the sound of laugher to bloom  in full splendor. And who's better at providing that than Kaeya?

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Kaeya squirmed nervously. The chair he was sitting on was hard and uncomfortable and the sight of the wittering Glaze Lillies infront of him was only adding to his nervousness. Why had he agreed to Albedo's weird request in the first place?

Well to be perfectly honest, it was because Albedo promised him a bottle of wine in exchange for a few measly laughs. Of course that was a valid reason to help the archemists with his new flower studies.  Atleast that's what Kaeya thought before entering the Lab of the alchemist.

But the moment the Cavalry captain arrived, he had been positioned infront of a bunch of pathetic looking, wittering Glaze Lilies. 

'They bloom better to the sound of laughter,' Albedo explained, nodding encouragingly to the cryo user.

Kaeya looked in bewilderment at the faintly shimmering blue flowers in front of him, then back at Albedo. 

'So... am I just supposed to... laugh?' the blue-haired one asked, confused. 

'Exactly,' the blond mumbled in agreement and dug out a notebook, presumably to write down the results of this experiment. 

'But why don't you just do it yourself?' Kaeya enquired uncertainly. 

''For someone with such a melodious laugh like yours, surely it's no problem to laugh in order to help the flowers,'' he added with a grin. 

'Oh stop it Kaeya. Sometimes you just need someone... more suitable for the job,' the alchemist said, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. 

'So if you'd begin...' he quickly tried to change the subject and pointed towards the sad-looking flowers.

 'Of course,' the cavalry captain grinned and sat upright in his wooden chair. He then took a deep breath before letting out the most unrealistic laugh ever heard.

Kaeya also seemed to notice this and turned bright red before quickly averting his gaze from Albedo. For a few seconds there was no sound except for the rustling of the wind outside. Then, in a desperate attempt to appear somewhat composed and cool, Kaeya awkwardly cleared his throat once, but that didn't really help either.

'Just try again,' Albedo encouraged him and gave him a thumbs up.

 „Ha...ha...ha?", Kaeya mumbled with a tone that sounded like a mix of unmotivated Teenager and awkward laughing...Kaeya. 

'Kaeya, how are the flowers supposed to start blooming from happy feelings that your laugher is supposed to give them, if your laughter gives them nothing but sorrow and trauma?' Albedo asked in frustration and approached the table Kaeya was sitting at. 

'It doesn't,' sulked the cavalry captain, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

For a moment, they both just stared helplessly at the flowers, which had not blossomed at all. On the contrary, Kaeya's fake laugh seemed to have wilted them even more. 

The blue-haired one then tried his luck again, as expected without success. Why was he so bad at fake laughter? That was a weakness that the cavalry captain would never have expected of himself. 

''If that's all you got, it's not going to work even in 500 years Kaeya.

Both sighed in defeat until Albedo suddenly snapped his fingers in victory and pointed directly at Kaeya. The latter tilted his head in confusion and looked innocently at the alchemist out of his ice-blue eyes.

'What are you thinking about?' he asked with uncertainty. 

'Tell me, Kaeya... are you ticklish?' the blond grinned triumphantly, as he already knew the answer. 

'Of course not -!' the cryo user tried to defend himself, but was interrupted by an extremely unmanly squeal that escaped his lips as Albedo quickly positioned himself behind him and poked him in the sides. 

"Nohoho!" Kaeya shook his head wildly. He could feel the beginning of heat begin to gather on his cheeks as he realized that this wasn't just a playful prank that would last like 5 seconds. This was an experiment and he knew how serious Albedo took them. 

He could be stuck in this position for hours, laughing like a maniac for a bunch of stupid flowers!

„I dihihihidn't sign up for THIS!", he squealed helplessly and tried to wriggle away but Albedo had effectively trapped him in his chair with free access to his sides, ribs and stomach. 

„Wihihill you stahahap already?!", the cavalry captain asked in annoyance at the usually professional alchemist's antics. 

„No way! We finally found a way to get a few laughs out of you! That's brilliant! You don't want to keep making the flowers suffer, do you now?", Albedo asked with a hint of teasing in his voice and moved to Kaeya's bellybutton area. 

The instant response of loud belly laugher and more squirming made it obvious that this was one of Kaeya's worst spots which was really satisfying for Albedo since the flowers also seemed to bloom twice as fast now. 

S-STOP, STOHOP, AHAHA!" Kaeya pleaded. Surprisingly Albedo's fingers  actually disappeared and for a short moment the cavalry captain felt relieved, only to feel betrayed by the return of the evil fingers on his ribs a few seconds later. 

„IF YOU DON'T STAHAHAP I'LL ARREST YOU", Kaeya threatened, only to get a few giggles as response. 

„I'd like to see you try. And even if you'd manage to do that, I'm more than happy to get the chance to sit in a cage in your headquarters all day and tease you about your ticklishness". 

He teasingly scratched the side of Kaeya's ribs, and he instantly bucked his hips under the table. He flushed and uncontrolled giggled erupted out of him.

"GAHAH WAIT, WAIT, WAIT-".

„For what exactly?", Albedo asked, feigning curiosity. 

Of course Kaeya wasn't able to think of an answer between the laugher he let out. 

„ARE THE FLOWERS HAPPY ATLEAST?!", he asked since he could barely see anything through his eyes that were full of laughing tears. 

„Oh, they are very satisfied", Albedo grinned. 

„THEN WHY AHAHARE YOU STILL TIHIHICKLING ME?!"

„Because it's fun. If I had known about this sooner, I would have tickled you more often". 

„NO!", was the only thing Kaeya was able to say at this point. 

„CAHAHAN WE PLEASE STAHAHAP?!", he asked helplessly as his laugher became more airy and sweat started running down his cheeks, mixed with his laughing tears. 

„Okay fine, I guess that's enough for today", the alchemist agreed and stopped his tickle attack.

Kaeya finally freed his arms. He hugged them tight to his body and curled up, feeling flushed and tired. “Gahaha, thahat was teherrible-” He whined, cracking an eye open to look at Albedo. 

Albedo was already back to writing in his notebook. “You held out remarkably well. You have excellent stamina. And the flowers also look a lot better now.” He told Kaeya, glancing over his book as he spoke. Kaeya groaned a little and covered his left eye again. 

„I‘m pretty sure I deserve two bottles of wine for this“, he groaned in embarassment. 

Albedo pretended to think for a moment before he finally nodded. 

„I guess you do“. 

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By the way if you liked this fic, I‘m still looking for tickletober fic requests so feel free to request something…

[everettswritings]

Hey, I’m alive. Uhh… I know that, again, this isn’t a request. I just find it really hard to do requests, I don’t know if that’s just because there are so many or if deep down I really don’t want to write them. Either way, I’ll try to get to them when the mood strikes me. (Kink/NSFW accounts DNI!)

Ler:

Oho… oh, he’s evil. The absolute peak of maliciousness and being a tease!

As a scientist, his every touch is careful and methodical. He takes his time and it is so torturous!

Feathery tracing along your each and every rib, slow swirls around and into your bellybutton, blowing on your ears or neck, all just to get that perfect reaction from you! He knows full well what he’s doing.

The twinkle in his eye and the grin on his face grow with every giggle, hearing the laughter gives him power!

As a scientist, his methods of teasing are less of the childish “kitchy kitchy koo”s and more of the interrogating kind.

”Does that tickle? How about this? Or that?”

”My, my, what a reaction! Could it be? Is this your worst spot?”

”Oh, I have to run more tests! I’m so close to a breakthrough!”

He takes so much glee in blushing faces! If you look closer, you can see his usual smile widening even further as he gazes upon your red cheeks. It’s his favorite kind of reaction.

Given his experience with kneading dough, it’s safe to say his hands are prepped and primed for tickles! He knows just how to dig into the right spots at the right times.

He practically never lets go until he wants to, or has to, depending on the context. You can threaten and kick and squeal as much as you like, but this man is a bear trap!

Strong. He can pin down even the squirmiest of lees with just a single hand!

Raspberries are a death sentence. He always takes the deepest breaths and blows the loudest, most tickly raspberries you can imagine!

Pats you on the back and ruffles your hair after he’s done, jokingly telling you how much of a good test subject you were. Depending on how soon he has to get back to work, he may or may not stick around a little longer to make sure you’re okay.

Lee:

Actually quite the ticklish guy. His hips, ribs, and palms are his absolute worst spots!

Laughs really loud and snorts a lot, will shove at you if you poke fun at him about it.

Very squirmy and pushy, he always tries to hold his lers at arm’s length. Given his strength, he is often successful with it. However, if you manage to knock him down, he won’t be able to run away for a bit. Seize him while you can!

His ribs are a death-spot, but it’s even worse when you sneak up under his lab coat. If you can manage that, prepare to be rewarded with plenty of giggles and pleas to stop.

His ears are actually a really bad spot, too. Normally because of his usual ear protection in the lab, and his height depending on how tall you yourself are, they’re pretty hard to reach. However, just the littlest brushing will absolutely knock him out!

He’s not exactly that prone to his voice cracking, except for if you get one of his spots. Then it does that a lot.

Cries out “Insubordination!” Or some other fancy word for it whenever he gets sneak attacked. Good lord, he cannot stand sneak attacks!

He talks a lot, but more often than not it’s drowned out by his laughter.

Do not tease this man, he will start laughing even harder! Or, actually, tease him. It’s cute.

Whenever you’re done with him, he usually scoffs and scolds you for horseplay in the lab. However, he doesn’t exactly say he hates being tickled.

That’s it!

Man, life has been crazy. Between trying and failing to land a job, turning eighteen next month, and preparing for marching band season I haven’t been doing too great. I’ll be real with you guys, I’ve been feeling really depressed lately. If I can manage at least a post a month, that will be enough for me and I hope it’ll be enough for y’all. Thank you. Have a good one 🫶

[legs-like-jelly]

Howdy ho! I love you're fanfics and was wondering if maybe you could do a Lee Starscream? The ler can be your choice

I just know Starscream needs to get wrecked, he's such a goober X3

thanks to u and these two anons(one of which i know who it is-) i can write this fic!! thanks so much!!

How Childish!

Lee: Starscream

Ler: Bumblebee

(please note that this fic takes place during SEASON 3 of Earthspark and will contain minor spoilers!)

It was another day at the Autobot Base. Starscream found himself holed up yet again in that stupid prison cell. And he hated being holed up. The seeker's wings twitched with annoyance, which caught the attention of the mech that was so graciously assigned to keep him in check.

Bumblebee.

"You know, you'd be able to fly if you didn't spend so much of your life terrorizing innocent people," The scout spoke. He stood outside of the cage, scrolling through a datapad.

"Yes because trapping mechs that are meant to fly is totally a moral high ground!" Starscream scoffed, wings twitching with increasing irritation.

Bumblebee sighed and put a servo on his hip. "What, do you want me to take you on a walk?"

"I am not a dog!" The seeker hissed while Bumblebee put in a pin to unlock the door.

"Come on, I know that look. You never complain about wanting to go outside as much as you have today," The scout pinched his wing, trying to drag Starscream along.

"eeEEEK!!" The seeker squealed, startling the other mech.

"What was that?!?!" Bumblebee exclaimed. "Nearly blew out my audials."

Starscream was trying his best not to squirm, to no avail. His servos flew to his intake, trying to suppress his giggles. Bumblebee's optics widened as he let go.

"Don't tell me...you're TICKLISH??!" The scout yelled, making the other mech freeze up.

"I-i'm not! That would be childish," The other mech spoke before dissolving into giggles from another pinch at his wing.

"You are!" Bumblebee gasped. Starscream was quiet for a while before tugging his wing away and bolting out the open door.

"On no you don't!" Bee yelled before transforming and zooming down the hall after him. Starscream let out a yelp before picking up the pace. The seeker cut a corner, sprinting down the next hall towards Wheeljack's lab.

"YOU'LL NEVER CATCH ME, LITTLE BEE!" Starscream yelled as he hopped over a few crates in the way. Bumblebee drove up the wall and promptly flipped, landing right on top of the other mech.

"Gotcha, fly boy!" The yellow mech exclaimed, wiggling his digits tauntingly. The seeker kicked his legs, trying to wriggle out from underneath him.

"ehehe- no, NO YOU WOUHOULDN'T!!" The seeker squeaked, trying to curl up on himself.

"Wouldn't what? Tickle you? Why are ya so scared? Is it cause you're ticklish?" Bumblebee teased while his finger's moved in on the seeker's wings.

"NOHOHO DON'T SAY THAHAAAT!!" Starscream shrieked, immediately dissolving into giggles.

"What? Tickle? Tickletickletickle!" He teased, digits lightly grazing the metal of Starscream's wings.

"STAHAHAHAAP!! SHUT UP SHUT UHUPP!!!" The plane mech squeaked, banging his fist on the ground.

"Aw but if I shut up, I can't tell you when I've found all your sweet spots! Lets tryyy..." Bumblebee's voice trailed off as he looked for a spot to start with. His servos briefly hovered over the back of his knees.

"Whahat are you- EHEHEHEHEKAHAHA!!-" The seeker was caught off guard by digits scribbling on the backs of his thighs. He thrashed about, wings fluttering frantically behind him.

"Oh, did I find a bad spot? Does it tickletickletickle there? Did I find one of your giggle buttons?" Bee teased, inching his hands over to pinch and prod at the back of Starscream's knees.

"HEHEHE- SNRK!! NOHOHOHO NOT THEHEHERE!!" The seeker cackled, burying his helm in his arms.

"Not there? Then where, fly boy? You gotta speak up so the Tickle Monster and get ya proper-like!"

"DOHON'T CALL YOURSELF THAHAHAT!!" Starscream giggled into his arms. Bumblebee tsked at him while moving his servos danced across the seeker's wings.

"What, are you scared of the TickleTickleTickle Monster?" The scout smirked to himself and briefly got off Starscream before flipping him onto his back. "Too bad, cause he wants to see your smile!"

"LIKE THE PIT YOU DO!!" Starscream yelled, keeping his faceplate covered with his servos.

"That's too bad! Guess I'll have to use my ultimate trick..."

Starscream uncovered his faceplate, peeking down at the scout. His optics widened with awe as little sparks flew off the scout's fingers.

"you wouldnt-" He squeaked while fingers inched closer to his chassis.

"Oh, but I would!" Bee smirked before stopping just above the metal of Starscream's stomach.

"Youhou're EVIL!" The jet squealed, kicking his pedes behind the scout.

"Funny coming from the evilest mech I know!" Bee retorted while feathering two digits along Starscream's sides. Short little electric shots shot through the plating.

"SNRK- HEHEHEHEHEHEEHE!! THAT TI- SNRK-" Starscream felt his faceplate heat up and tint bright pink.

"It what? Tickles? Come on, you can say that, can't you?~" The bee cooed, knowing damn well the answer. "Come on, tell me how much it tickles, fly boy!" The mech's little shocks traveled downwards while he started to knead the seeker's hips.

"IHIHIT TICKLES SOHOHO BAHAAAAD!! QUIHIT IT!!" Starscream wheezed out, hitting his servo on the ground next to them.

"You really want me to stop?" Bumblebee hummed while slowing down his tickles.

"PLEHEHEHEHEASE!!! HIC- HAVE MERCY!!" The other mech squealed.

"Fine, fine. I won't kill you," Bumblebee lifted his servos and helped the other mech sit up. Starscream leaned on the other's shoulder, still sort of giggly.

"Need some energon?" Bee spoke while his servo rubbed small circles into the seeker's back. Starscream's wings flicked upwards.

"I don't need your pity!...But that does sound nice right about now."

"Whatever you say, fly boy."

FIN.

~~~~~~

HI TYSM FOR READING I CAN'T BELIVE THIS TOOK THREE SAYS....actually i know why it took three days i have a wrist injury-

BUT!! I hope you enjoy my starbee propaganda 😈😈😈

As Always: Please read Pinned Post Before Sending a Request

[junixscribble]

YOURE SO RIGHT..HEXCLAW ATTACKS...YOUR MIND

Viktor is also my favorite so let's bully him 💚 Once him and Jayce unlock "tickle fight" as an option, it becomes a W A R. Despite the physical disparity, Viktor is extremely competitive and they both have egos to protect (lovingly). They once spent a whole week trying to see who could surprise attack the other more. It didn't take too long for Viktor to reconsider tickling--it wasn't a way to bully, but instead a way for him to play with his beloved I MEAN his partner Jayce. The pure adoration that Jayce put into his ler attacks changed something in V for sure. He expected Jayce to gloat, or make comments about beating him/about his sensitivity. Instead, Jayce would laugh with him and smile with utmost warmth 🥺 telling Viktor how lovely his laugh is and how he better watch his back...

( PART 1 )

ASK CONT.

Once the love clicked in him, it became a favorite game of Viktor's. He grew to enjoy leeing as well (but only to Jayce). He loves poking at Jayce and pretending like he's 'inspecting' >:] Sometimes he'll use his cane to hook under Jayce's knee or arm to give him more space to work with ~

And as for lee-ing! Oh it's a BATTLE. Viktor as we know is super sensitive despite how thin he is. His giggles are sort of quiet? And breathy? But when he starts laughing he CACKLES. Sporadic hyena laugh cackle. Probably blabbering in Czech. Swats at Jayce's hands and covers his face when he snorts. Ribs are definitely the sweet spot, but also around the spine correction bolts on his back~ and his hips <<

Often when Jayce has him pinned, he'll lift Viktor's bad leg and put it over his shoulder so V doesn't kick with it and hurt himself by accident...

( PART 2 )

okokokok answering this in 2 parts cause why tf not

The tickle fights are brutal - so many progress branded Jayce mugs have been broken. Heimerdinger has absolutely walked past the lab and went to investigate when he heard a racket just to find Viktor with Jayce in a headlock and a hand attached to his stomach. They both stop stock still, and then Jayce takes the opportunity to turn the tables and suddenly Heimerdinger is forgotten because Jayce is attempting to blow a raspberry on Viktor's stomach and he's thrashing. Heimerdinger just shrugs and walks out at this point - he thinks its just them being them and is happy they are taking a break.

This may or may not work with canon BUT I love the idea of Sky having made friends with Viktor when they were kids. This means when they reconnected and Sky thought she needed to take Viktor down a peg she'd just poke his side till he gave in. Of course Sky has also walked in on a Jayvik War and her response was to start being the mc and calling out different spots to try. She's a neutral party, but Viktor gets the worst of it purely because Sky will tell Jayce about tickle spots even he'd forgotten about.

they love each other so muchhhhh

(1/2)

[sunghoswonderland]

"Jokes on you"

‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

Lee(s): Hero! Sungho, (mentioned Leehan)

Ler(s): Villain! Jaehyun, (mentioned Taesan)

Synopsis: Sungho gets an anonymous tip that his rival Jaehyun has taken civilians as hostages. Him and his sidekick Leehan had everything planned out perfectly, until everything goes south and suddenly Leehan is missing and Sungho is trapped, face to face with his rival.

TW: Restraints used to fit the hero / villain theme, it's non-sexual

The cold metal of aluminum dragged against Sungho's knees as he crawled through the vents of his rival's secret liar. He was doing his best to both keep quiet to not be detected while also trying to be speedy in his pursuit. His success was crucial, he had civilians to save from a lunatic after all. That lunatic was also known as Jaehyun, his rival for god knows how long. Every time Sungho thought he'd finally ended things between them Jaehyun would find a way to sneak his way out before capture or break out of prison.

Sungho's earpiece buzzed in his ears as Leehan instructed him which turns to take so he could get to Jaehyun's location. "Take a right up ahead and then a left. He should be where the hostages are." Sungho had gotten a tip that Jaehyun had captured a few civilians, planning to turn the innocent people into brainless tickle puppets. Jaehyun's power was definitely a unique one, he could make anyone feel like they were being tickled which wasn't anything crazy, but after a while those people would start to lose their minds going crazy until they went under Jaehyun's control.

That couldn't happen, not on Sungho's watch.

The more he thought about it, the quicker Sungho's pace began to grow. Taking a sharp right, he could see the next turn not far up ahead, the soft hum of machinery growing louder with every movement. His breath hitched as a faint, high-pitched giggling echoed through the metal walls. It was unnatural, forced, and far too rhythmic to be genuine. His stomach twisted at the noise, he didn't know how many people Jaehyun had already affected. From the sound of it, the process had already begun.

Just a little further.

Sungho made the final left coming into an opening in the vent, he could see Jaehyun beneath him inside his lab. It looked like he was talking to someone but Sungho couldn't make out what he was saying. There were four people in tubes, they were squirming around in their glass prison and laughing. Sungho knew he'd have to act quickly, he wouldn't let Jaehyun take these people's livelihood away from them.

"Leehan, I'm here. Do you read me?" He whispered softly, he couldn't be too loud or Jaehyun would know he was here. There was no need for the situation to escalate too fast and possibly give the villain the advantage. With a hostage situation he had to be even more careful than he normally would. The hero was growing slightly nervous awaiting Leehan's response, it was taking longer than normal.

The soft buzzing began again in his ear, "Yeah I read you, the connection isn't too great with the vents. It'll be better once you leave them. The pods containing the hostages' information reads you have about ten minutes before they succumb to Jaehyun's control. You'll have to act fast." Leehan blurted out the information swiftly, knowing that Sungho would be able to keep up with him. "I'll cause a distraction on his monitor so he'll be turned away from you. When he looks away, be ready to strike. It may be our only chance."

Sungho narrowed his eyes, muscles tensing now knowing how truly little time he had to save these people. He positioned himself over the grate, adjusting his weight to silently unfasten the screws holding it in place. Below, Jaehyun stood at a control panel, gesturing animatedly at one of the tubes. Whatever he was saying made the hostage inside laugh harder, too hard, tears streaming down their face as they writhed uncontrollably. Sungho clenched his jaw. He had to move now.

Just as Leehan promised, a sudden static burst blared across Jaehyun's monitor, followed by flickering images and garbled audio. Jaehyun's head whipped toward the screen, muttering something to himself. That was the signal, no time for hesitation he had ten minutes to end this. With a deep breath, Sungho kicked the grate open and began to drop down.

Before his feet could touch the floor, elastic ropes sprang from seemingly out of nowhere and coiled around Sungho's torso, yanking him mid-air and suspending him upside down like a caught animal. The breath was knocked out of his lungs as he dangled helplessly, arms pinned tightly to his sides. This was not a part of the plan. "Leehan- Leehan are you there what's going on?" He whisper yelled out. The buzz once again returned to his ears but this time it wasn't Leehan's voice speaking to him. It was Taesan, Jaehyun's sidekick. "You're in good hands." Those were the final words he heard before the earpiece cut off.

A sharp, mocking clap caused Sungho's attention to shift, eyes darting towards the source. Jaehyun, grinning ear to ear with that same maddening spark in his eyes. "Well, well," Jaehyun stepped away from the control panel. "Did you think I didn't know you were coming?" He approached the hero, a wild smirk only growing on his face.

Sungho struggled against the restraints, his power was strength, normally he could tear through just about anything with ease but something about these ropes wasn't allowing that. He let out a frustrated growl as he was forced to make eye contact with the villain. "Let the civilians go." Sungho demanded, glaring at the giggling man in front of him.

Jaehyun let out a crazed loud gleeful giggle, as he took another step forward, head tilting slightly. "Oh, Sungho," he sighed, "always so serious. So noble. Always falling for the bait." He waved his hand towards the squirming hostages in the tubes. At first nothing happened, but then with a flicker, the images of the hostages glitched. Their bodies shimmered, distorting like static on a screen before vanishing completely. Just light. Just projections.

Sungho's heart sank as the realization hit him. They weren't real. There had never been hostages. The entire scene before, Jaehyun at the controls, the desperate laughter, even the distressed expressions on the civilians' faces had all been one elaborate trap. His words caught in his throat.

"Why can't I break through this," Sungho gritted through his teeth, it was all he could manage to get out right now. "what is all this for anyways? Just so you could capture me?"

The glow from the flickering monitors casted an eerie shadow across Jaehyun's face. "Synthetic fibers laced with nullmetal. Suppresses powers. No super strength, no clever tricks. Just you, hanging there like a prize." Jaehyun glazed over Sungho's second question. "I want you to become my puppet. If I have you, nobody can stop me~"

Despite Jaehyun's answer it didn't stop Sungho from struggling in the rope, trying to loosen the material at the very least. He was trying to rack his brain for any way out of here, with Leehan clearly fighting his own battle with Taesan, there was little Sungho could do. "You're a lunatic, insane in the head. I'm going to get out of here and when I do you’ll rot in hell."

Jaehyun's eyes lightened up at Sungho's words, smile stretched wider, like a mask that barely hid the madness bubbling underneath. He began giggling uncontrollably like he just heard the best joke ever told. "Oh yeppi, hehe surely you know me better than that, better than to insult me so blatantly in my face. Surely I’m hallucinating," his giggling stopped as his voice dropped an octave, the expression on his face turning serious, "right?"

Chills ran down Sungho's spine, he'd be lying if he said Jaehyun didn't intimidate him at least little bit. The villain was truly the hardest person to read, no matter how long they've played this battle of back and forth chess. The instability of Jaehyun's behavior always caused Sungho to be a little on edge when it came to having to deal with the villain for long periods of time.

"You know, most of the time I don't care to actually do anything with my puppets. It's much easier to just let the giggle fits happen on their own, with a wave of my hand." Jaehyun walked over to the part of the rope that secured Sungho above the ground, lowering it to let him fall to the floor, within Jaehyun's reach now. He could feel the blood rushing back through his body now that gravity wasn't making it all flow to his brain. "But, since you decided to insult me, I'll make it special just for you."

Jaehyun chuckled lowly, he took slow steps as he approached Sungho once more, this time he wiggled his fingers at the trapped hero. While the villain wasn't using his powers on him just yet, he couldn't help but feel anticipation surging through his body, butterflies swarming in his stomach. "Jaehyun- you won't get away with this. I'll find a way to escape and lock you back in prison where you belong."

The threats didn't even make Jaehyun flinch, no, it only made him giggle loudly as he continued his approach. It seemed like he was trying to drag this out, making Sungho slowly take in his impending ticklish demise. "Yeppi, yeppi, ooh ticklish yeppi~" he dragged out his words in a sing-song voice. "I'm gonna getcha my soon to be tickle puppet~"

Despite Sungho's attempt at keeping his composure a soft pink tinted his cheeks at the teases. Even he wasn't immune to the villain's evil ways, he too was sometimes affected by them. He struggled to hold back the nervous giggles that wanted to slip out, another difficulty when it came to Jaehyun and his powers. All those embarrassing reactions were hard to keep at bay, unaware if it was a result of the theatrics or a part of Jaehyun’s abilities. Sungho would probably never know the answer, but he liked to think that it was because of his power. It was less flustering that way.

Jaehyun's fingers inched closer, wiggling just inches from Sungho's ribs, his manic grin never once faltering. His whole presence was charged with chaotic intent, it was making Sungho's body shiver with nerves. Sungho flinched despite himself, instinctively twisting to the side, even though the ropes left little room to move.

The villain noticed, of course he did. His eyes sparkled at the reaction. "Awwww," he cooed with mock sweetness, "someone's feeling squirmy. I haven't even touched you yet, yeppi~" He drew out the nickname like it was some pet name laced with venom and affection all at once. It was a nickname Jaehyun came up for him ages ago. He never quite understood why his enemy would call him 'pretty' other than to get on his nerves.

Sungho let out an annoyed grumble, staring at the villain with as much defiance as he could muster, though the heat rising to his face betrayed him. "I swear-"

"You swear you'll escape? That you'll stop me?" Jaehyun finished for him, voice turning sharp and cold. "I can't lie," Jaehyun whispered, looking into Sungho's eyes as he teasingly wiggled his fingers faster, "you make it fun. Watching you squirm. Trying so hard to be brave." He reached a hand forward, tracing a lazy line along Sungho's side, not even applying pressure, just the threat of it. And still, Sungho twitched.

It almost seemed like Jaehyun's grin grew wider, though that wasn't possible. "Even without powers, I can tell you're extremely ticklish. I mean, you're practically telling on yourself."

"I'm not-" Sungho tried to snap, but a surprised squeak slipped out instead as Jaehyun's fingers finally made contact, scribbling suddenly and mercilessly at his ribs. The reaction was instant, Sungho jerked violently, biting down on a laugh that bubbled up against his will.

"Ohohoho~" Jaehyun sang, voice giddy with victory, "you're adorable! I should've done this ages ago!"

"D-don't" Sungho gasped, trying to twist his body away, though his strength was still being suppressed by the ropes. His body was betraying him, trying to get away from the demise of Jaehyun's fingers. "StoHhohoHop!"

"Stop?" Jaehyun repeated, sounding almost offended. "But you just started laughing. And I like that sound, yeppi~" His fingers danced up and down Sungho's sides now, then down to his hips, playing him like an instrument. "C'mon, let it out. You're not fooling anyone with that tough guy act."

Sungho's laugher slipped past his lips, sharp and breathless. Even though Jaehyun was targeting specific spots his entire body was tingling all over. His mind was slowly beginning to muffle, all he could think about was how much this tickled. "Jae- JaehyuhuhUhuhun! You're insahahahAhahanE-"

"And you're giggly," Jaehyun teased, he leaned in close, whispering just inches away from Sungho's ear, "Just give it some time and soon you’ll be all mine. Tickle. By tickle. By tickle."

Jaehyun's comment made Sungho thrash in his bindings, face flushed and laughter pouring out in helpless waves. Jaehyun was relentless, each touch of his fingers only sent Sungho further and further into madness. He darted up to his underarms, with precision, it felt like the spot was lit on fire with tingles. Despite all his training, despite all his compuser.

He was losing it.

"You're that sensitive, huh? Gonna giggle me to death?" The villain teased, emphasizing his point by diving both his hands to Sungho's sides again and squeezing. The reaction was instant, Sungho yelped, laughter bursting from him so forcefully that he arched off the floor despite the rope.

"NOhOhohoHOhohOHO! StAhahAhahahAp-" His mind was slipping, he knew that Jaehyun's abilities speeded up significantly if he used his hands. He didn't think it would be this fast though. That his brain could only think about tickles, how badly it tickled, how ticklish his body was.

Jaehyun slid his hands down to Sungho's hips, giving them a few sharp pinches at the bones before fluttering his fingers over the sensitive nerve. Sungho bucked again, letting out a snort as he tried desperately to move away. He had no leverage, just the maddening sensation that only grew worse with every passing moment.

"This is what my favorite thing is, people always try to act so cool," Jaehyun mused, his maniacal giggles returned, "So stoic, so calm, but under all that everyone is just soft and squirmy. That's what I love about my powers. Diminishing people to the giggle messes they are meant to be~"

"Y-you're deheheheheemented!" Sungho managed to get the insult out through hiccupy giggles, his voice cracking from the strain.

Jaehyun smirked, drawing lazy circles with a fingertip on Sungho's stomach now, barely touching but making the hero twitch with every second. "And you're so easy to read. When I get serious with tickling, your laugh turns all breathy and desperate, like this!"

He suddenly dug both thumbs into the dip just above Sungho's hips and wiggled them fast.

Sungho howled with laughter. "NAHAHAHAHAHA! STAHAHAHAP! JAHAHAHAEHYUN-"

"See? That laugh. That's the one. That's the one that tells me I'm winning." His expression turned serious again.

Sungho was too far gone to respond properly now, his laughter high-pitched and wild, his strength sapped by the constant stimulation. His face burned with embarrassment, eyes squeezing shut to try and maintain himself from slipping.

He wasn't sure how much longer he could take it.

As if fate was on his side the ropes that kept him contained began to slip, coming undone all in an instant. He could feel a spark in his body as strength returned to him. His earpiece buzzed once again, the familiar voice of his sidekick gracing his ears. “Sungho- I just managed to hack the machine keeping you tied up, you gotta leave quick, don’t fall under Jaehyun’s spell.” He was breathless, insinuating he wasn’t in much of a different situation than Sungho that long ago.

With his strength back, Sungho snapped his eyes back open and shoved Jaehyun away from him with a strong push. It managed to send the villain flying back, giving them a few feet of distance for Sungho to quickly make an attempt to catch his breath. Jaehyun only stumbled back, before picking himself back up and running at the hero.

He had to react fast so Sungho ran to one of the walls of Jaehyun’s lair, punching a hole through the wall hoping it was near the outside world. If he could get out of the lair he could definitely make it away from the villain. Much to his dismay it only led into another room, he had to continue the chase for a little longer and try for the next wall.

“Oh yeppi~ where are you running off to, we haven’t finished our fun just yet!” Jaehyun sang as he sprinted after the hero, clearly unbothered by the sudden change of the situation. He didn’t seem to care at all, like Sungho was still stuck in his web of traps. 

Sungho used all of the strength in his body to continue forward, coming up to the next wall as he slammed into it. This time, light peered into the room, the outside was right there. He could see his helicopter in the midsts, he would make it out of here and regroup with Leehan. They’d get Jaehyun next time. 

For a while Sungho didn’t look back as he made a break for his vehicle, when he finally did though Jaehyun hadn't passed the wall of his lair. He just had a wicked grin on his face as he waved away the hero. Almost as if promising something more in the future, Sungho couldn’t help the butterflies that swarmed in his stomach from that promise.

[fluffyenergee]

How would heavy react to getting teased while tied up :3c

For example being tied up to the lab bed in the medics lab and getting his feet teased (or tummy >w<) I have a feeling he has a huge weakness for getting teased and called "little" and overally the opposite he is. A sweet ticklish little liebeling :3

Ah! Lovely ask! Well, first, Heavy is not that easy to break with tickles or teasing so it needs to be going on for a while to really get to him, but being tied up aka being helpess definitely helps even though admitting weakness is something he really is opposed to doing normally. The point is, once he starts begging, not just trying to free himself, I mean verbally begging you know yo really got to him.

I can definitely see how being called "little" would be a huge weakness to him "Aw, is my little sweetheart so week to some tummy tickles? Oh, he definitely is, adorable!" gah *v*. But like, once he's begging he really is letting himself enjoy it, even if in a desperate way. Seriously, there's something so good about a big man like him being destroyed by tickling, I love him so much.

Seriously. You know how I don't fw ler!Scout? Well... that's mostly true. But guess who I can allow him to ler for? Sometimes. Not often. Very rearly. A few times however I was in such mood for Scout and Medic tickling Heavy into oblivion and it was soooo good, I melted.

[matchacowbee]

can we get some ler or lee art of your mutant?

since she’s really used to the painful sensations that she was experimented with from the lab, sensitive touch is a foreign concept for her.

she grew to enjoy that pain, and now receiving tickles is something that she’s not used to. but she enjoys dishing them out >:3

he knows her backstory about the experiments, so easing her into lighter touches instead of normalizing pain is something that he tries to engage. he’s really careful with her about her limits and boundaries, just incase she doesn’t like it.

[legs-like-jelly]

could I get a Lee shockwave?? (G1 if it makes it easier for you) Maybe an experiment went wrong or something and it turned on him

:3

Gone Wrong

Lee: Soundwave

Ler: Shockwave

Shockwave was in his lab, attending to his usual business. His latest invention was almost complete..a torture device for captives to make them spill any secrets about the other factions. It was perfect!!....But it needed to be tested.

And who better to test that than his lovely conjunx? A quick comm was sent over to Soundwave.

[Soundwave, would you be a dear and come to the lab for me? I have something I want to try.]

Mere moments later, the door to the lab slid open with a snik noise. Soundwave stepped in, curiosity obvious behind his visor. The mechs gaze flicked over to the new invention.

"Query: what is your new invention?" He spoke

"Quite simple! It's a torture device meant to cause unbearable pain to victims so they spill their secrets! Don't worry, I won't activate it on you. I just want to see if the grips are tight enough and if the arms work," Shockwave explained.

Soundwave trotted up to the machine, lifting his arms to the designated area on the device. Two metal belts locked each of his arms in place. He seemed rather compliant.

"Excellent! Now don't move to much, I have to test the arms.." The purple mech pulled out a datapad and pressed a few of the control buttons. Mechanical whirrs sounded in Soundwave's audials as they moved closer to the mech's body. The blue mech flinched slightly as one of the claws grazed against his side.

"Q-query: what is the m-meaning of this?" Soundwave tried to stifle a giggle as a feather-light touch prodded just underneath his arm.

"The meaning of what? I'm not even doing anything!" Shockwave protested, trying to get the machine to stop. But they simply wouldn't. Two more arms presented feathers, brushing them along the back of Soundwave's knees. The mech snorted, kicking his legs ever so slightly. Though he had no mouth, the presence of a smirk could be felt from Shockwave.

"I forgot how ticklish you were," Shockwave mused.

"FALSE!" Soundwave yelped as two hands scribbled under his arms.

"Truly, I did!" He lied. "Why don't we try to find all of them while the machine is still running!"

Before Soundwave could protest, an arm flew to his stomach and started poking at the metal. If his voicebox allowed, the mech would definitely be squealing by now.

"SHOCKWAVE: DESIHIST!! DESIHIHIIIST!!!" He cackled, pedes kicking frantically while he squirmed around.

"Do you really want me too?" Shockwave hummed, turning the machines speed up ever so slightly. All of a sudden, Soundwave was no longer protesting.

"Sweetspark, you need to use your words now~" The purple mech teased, one of his digits grazing Soundwave's neck cables. The other mech's voicebox glitched as an ungodly snort pulled itself from his intake.

"SHOHOHOCKWAVE!!" The blue casette cackled, his helm shooting backwards from the sped up sensations. "DESIHIIHIISTHAHAHAHHAHAHHA!!"

"Alright alright, if you say so~" Shockwave hummed and pulled a lever to switch the device off. His conjunx finally calmed down, hanging limply from the device. Shockwave went over to him, and promptly unhooked him.

"Easy now, we don't want you shorting a circuit," The scientist hummed while rubbing his lover's back.

"Analysis: Shohockwave is ehehevil," Soundwave joked, still trying to stifle giggled of his own.

"How dare you! Maybe I should put you back in there!" Shockwave gasped, feigning offense.

"NO- NONONONONO-"

The purple mech chuckled fondly. "That's what I thought."

FIN

didnt excpect to have to motivation to write a fic, but it came all in the spur of the momentnshhvhwhbhehghdhdfhefhgdffd i hope u like it

[junixscribble]

JAYVIK....AUGH...thinking about how touch is Jayce's love language so tickling is straight up affection to him. He probably grew up being tickled lovingly by his parents or friends, so he associates it with love and play 🥺

VIKTOR on the other hand probably dislikes tickling because it's been used to demean and overpower him in his past :( he doesn't like being at anyone's mercy. Unfortunately for him tho, he's suuuuper ticklish.

I bet Jayce made him realize that tickles could be...loving. and fun. Hehe

ASK CONT. ALSO. also. Jayce...is such a lee. Hear me out. He often lers because he's so playful and often initiates, but he WANTS to lee so so so bad. He loves being tickled and will try to coax others into attacking him >:) He tries all the moves-- stretching when his shirt is too short, putting his feet in Viktor's lap, being a lil stinker...yeah he ain't slick. Once V finds this out it literally melts his heart. END

It definitely takes Viktor a while to warm up to any contact at all, let alone subjecting himself to the monster that is Jayce in a ler mood. He is a master of avoiding unwanted touch, which makes the fact Jayce can get near him at all even more impressive. It definitely starts with Jayce sneaking in a prod to Viktor’s side in the lab, and eventually Viktor just goes fuck it/gets annoyed and starts to fight back. Once Jayce realises he’s successfully unlocked a new level of Viktor-friendship he’s over the fucking moon and gets a little incessant with the poking.

Viktor, realising there is a clear disparity in terms of ability in this fight, has definitely used the Hexclaw against Jayce at least once. That’s not to say he won’t get his hands dirty and do it himself, it’s just he has to measure the risk of Jayce turning the tables. This incident however marked the start of Jayce pinning Viktor as a worthy opponent, and any form of holding back goes out the window. So, bit of a double edged sword with that discovery.

(Of course, Viktor only realised he could use the Hexclaw on Jayce when he programmed it wrong and it turned on him first. Sky had to pull it off him.)

Later in their relationship Vik can recognise when Jayce is in a lee mood and will normally give him what he wants. He likes to make him work for it though - just to see how far Jayce will go before he eventually gives in. Yes he knows this increases the likelihood of payback, it’s just par for the course :)

can you tell viktor is my favourite

[savemeafruitjuice]

Tickletober Day 8- Nuzzles

This is where I give up on finding gifs 👍

For the rest of these, I'm going to be just saying what version I'm writing for, so yeah. On that note, this is a ROTTMNT fic! Maybe I'll color-code each version so it's easier to recognize.. 🤔

Lee: Donnie

Ler: F! Leo

TW!: SWEARING! AN ARGUMENT! (It's only referenced. The rest is just comfort and tickes.)

THIS HAS SPOILERS FOR THE RISE MOVIE!!! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT! ALSO, THIS IS NOT A SHIP!

(I'm putting this below the cut because of spoilers, but Future Leo is established to be in the present time with the turtles. I will be addressing him as 'Leon' throughout this.)

Loud techno music blared throughout Donnie's lab. He was curled up in his rolly-chair, sulking as the noise calmed him down a little. All of a sudden, he felt the presence of someone else, and turned around at the same time a knock sounded on his door.

"Hey, can I come in?"

Ugh, it was Leo. He knew it before a word even left his dum-dum mouth. "I don't like you. Go away." There was a moment of hesitation, before Leo called out again. "Did I do something? I didn't mess up a project or anything, right?"

Donnie stopped. Was he just playing dumb to get into his lab again? The scientist made his way to the door, opening it a crack. "No, dimwit- oh. It's you.." Donnie opened his door a little more. "Wrong Leo. My mistake."

Leon glanced at the younger's face. He looked tired, and not just normal Donnie-tired. "Don, how ya feelin'?"

The purple-themed turtle shrugged. "Just.. tired. Don't worry about it." The slider clearly didn't believe him, having had decades of experience reading his twin, even if this one was slightly different. "No, I don't mean physically 'how do you feel'. I mean emotionally. You don't seem to be doin' too good."

"Jeez, I don't like how much you know about me.." he muttered, but let the door open the rest of the way, sighing. "Come in, I suppose. You haven't done anything to upset me. Yet.." The elder walked in, glancing reminiscently around at all of the tech.

"Shelldon, turn the music down by fourty-five percent." The room got a bit quieter, and Leon crossed his existing arm over his chest. "I'm assuming you and little-me got into a fight?" Donnie nodded, and went to sit back in his chair, spinning around twice before turning back to the sword-user.

"He was being annoying, and wouldn't stop trying to make me try his nasty food. So.. I may- or may not, have called him a.. disgustingly-paletted ape.. and said his food looks like shit." Leon forced a chuckle down, nodding. "I see.. Was that all?" The softshell shook his head, pulling his legs back onto his chair and resting his chin on them.

"No.. It got bad, and he told me he didn't like me as long as I didn't like fucking pineapple, and now we aren't talking."

The slider's face fell at the last part, and he shifted his weight between his legs. "Oh. I'm sorry.. did you.. need anything?"

Donnie paused, then spoke softly. "A hug would be nice.."

Leon looked a bit surprised, but moved to the younger and squatted down. When Donnie didn't initiate the hug, the blue-themed turtle wrapped his arm around the softshell, and pressed his face into the crook of his neck. Donnie sighed, and moved to rest his head on the elder's shoulder, relaxing his tense posture slightly. "I'm going to pick you up now."

Soon enough, the purple turtle was being held to his sort-of-twin's plastron, the two sitting on the floor. Donnie was facing away from the other, while Leon's arm was holding him by the torso. "For how smart you are, you really don't know a lot."

Donnie's eyebrows lowered into the start of a scowl, and he turned his head to bite back with an insult, but was interrupted. "One of those things being how much I love you." His face faltered, and a more confused face was present on the scientist. "I don't know what you think you mean to me, but there's one thing you can be sure of. It's about three-hundred times more than you'd imagine."

The softshell let out a quiet noise, not quite sure of how to respond. He was never good at reacting to people when they got like this, but what Leon was saying was something he really needed to hear right now.

"It doesn't matter if it's your Leo, or one in the past, or the future, or in another timeline.. You will always be loved, and nothing in existence could ever change that. I guarantee that he didn't mean anything he said."

All of a sudden, his vision went blurry, and tears were filling his eyes. Donnie reached up to wipe at them, sniffling. "I.. don't know-"

"Trust me."

Donnie wiped his eyes again, his brother holding him as he cried. "Leon.. sniff- Thanks.." The slider smiled, squeezing a little harder. "And.. for the record, I- I love you too.. A lot."

He hugged the elder's arm, and Leon pressed his face back to the younger's neck, and was surprised with a giggle. "Hey, Donnie.. What was that?"

The softshell shook his head, kicking his legs out when the back of his neck neck was nuzzled into again, becoming aware of the fact that he was extremely trapped. "Noho! Lehee- ahahah!"

"Mm, I think you need a laugh."

The turtle flailed, trying to crane his neck upwards in an attempt to push Leon's head away, but all it did was give him time to reach forward and move to his throat.

Donnie let out a a high screech, reaching up to grab at the elder's head. The slider only smiled, but eventually flipped the scientist around, laid him on the ground, and sat on his legs. "Aw, I remember when you were this small! So much easier to hold down than my Donnie.."

Donnie didn't seem to register what he was saying, or didn't care, only shaking his head and giggling. "Heheh! Noho! Lehet mehe goho- youou scoundrehel!"

The elder tsked, and resumed his tickling tactic, this time the focus being the younger's belly. As soon as his face made contact, Donnie exploded into louder giggles, bucking and trying to scramble away.

"You're so ticklish, it's not even funny!" The softshell cackled when a bad spot was attacked, hopelessly trying to pry the weight of a full-grown mutant off of his legs. "Well, scratch that. Maybe it is pretty funny.."

The purple-themed turtle whined, covering his face with one hand, as the other pushed at his shoulder. The elder looked up to make sure he was alright, unfamiliar with a Donatello who didn't do everything in his power to try to kill whoever dared tickle him.

When all the other did was laugh and squirm, Leon took it as a chance to up his game, and pressed a huge raspberry right in the center of his plastron. Immediately, both hands came shooting to the elder's head, slapping and hitting frantically as loud laughter filled the room. "BPHK- NAHAHAHAH! LEHEHEHEOHON!"

Having his head attacked without regard to safety was definitely a lot more like his own Donnie, and Leon instinctively went to hold the smaller's wrists in his hand, holding them up in the air. "GYAHAHAH! GIHIHIVE- GIMME MY HAHANDS BAHAHACK!"

Another raspberry was pressed to his plastron, and soon enough the purple turtle's laughter went silent, slowly losing the will to fight as he turned his head to the side. The blue-themed turtle took it as a sign to stop, and he let go of Donnie's arms, then got off his legs, and smiled fondly at the sight of the younger curling up onto his side.

He reached out to rub his shoulder, and laughed when the younger flinched. A couple seconds passed, and Donnie had calmed down enough to roll onto his back, a happier face than before present on his features. "How do you feel now?" The softshell let out a quiet laugh. "More tired."

"Okay, you know that's not what I meant this time!"

-----

Weird idea I guess? Never really saw any lee Donnie with future Leo, soooo yeah. 😱

[fluffypandabun]

HELLO PANDA!! I'm not kidding at all when I say your rottmnt fics have infected my brain in the best way possible,

I literally think your rottmnt tkl fics might be the best ones I've ever read out of all the ones on here I'm SO serious, I ADORE your ones with leo and casey!!

SO. I saw requests were SEMI open, so if you'd like to, I'd love to see another fic with lee or switch casey, and ler leo!!:3 I just LOVE the way you write their dynamic!! The story is all up to you, but I'd love more fics to rot the rest of my brainz/pos 💥

AN: Hiiiiiiii JAMIE!!!!! Thank you sm for your kind words they mean so much and are actually what motivated me to come back when i received this ask during my hiatus! This fic took forever im sorry but I hope you enjoy it!!

Bad Spot

When Casey was younger one of his favorite things was an old tattered copy of a book, half its pages were falling out and parts of it were so water damaged you couldn’t make out the words, but regardless Casey loved it anyways. Always begging one of his uncles or aunt to read it to him, filling in the blanks the missing pages left with his own imagination. 

He’d lost the book when part of their base caught fire, his precious book burnt to a crisp in the flames. Casey had cried for days, selfish of him maybe as others had loss far more in that fire, but he had been a young child with very few things to call his own living in a world that took far more then it gave, he was allowed to be a little selfish. 

Overtime he’d forgotten about the book, things of more importance taking the top spot in his mind, however just a few days ago during one of his surface trips with the turtles, a familiar red book cover caught his eye. 

It was a far cry from his beat up and damaged copy, its cover and pages pristine and untouched like many of the things in the past seemed to be, but as he ran his fingers over the covers it felt as familiar as his own. 

He had bounded up to Raph, the eldest trying to coax Mikey down from the top of a fountain, eyes a glow as he talked faster then the turtle could keep up, eventually getting what the human meant as he glanced down to the book in his hand, a fond bemusement in his eyes as he spoke;

“Oh you want that book? Sure thing little man…But wouldn’t you rather have the first book of the series instead of the third?” 

And with his mouth agape, Casey looked up at the larger turtle like he’d just told him that he’d won the lottery. 

“There's more then ONE!?” 

So that's where Casey found himself now, already through with the first book of the series and nearly half-way through the second. Sitting cross-legged on the couch with the book spread open on his lap, the lair was quiet aside from the muffled sound of metal on metal coming from Donnie's lab and Raphs rumbling snores from where he napped across the lair in his bedroom. 

Casey was thankful for the quiet, don’t get him wrong he enjoyed how lived in the lair could sound at times, but as much as he loved the turtles noisiness sometimes it could be a bit much for someone who grew in a dead silent world where making the wrong sound at the wrong time could lead to your whole squad getting killed. 

So the teen chose to enjoy the silence while it lasted, which of course meant it didn’t last for much longer. 

“Woooow Case, already finished with the first book? And i thought the lair was only big enough for ONE nerd.” 

Casey let out a long sigh, silence now thoroughly shattered he lowered his book back down to his lap and looked over to his right. 

Leo was there, leant against the doorway of the living room part of the lair; eyes half lidded and a lazy grin that spelled mischief splayed across his muzzle. 

“Hello Leo”. 

The turtles grin only got wider at Caseys already “done with your shit” tone. Pushing himself off the couch he casually sauntered over as if he owned the place, which technically, he partially did. 

“So,” he began, making his way over to stand at the back of the couch, arms resting far apart on it as he leant forward towards Caseys personal space.

“Hows the reading going?” 

Casey rolled his eyes, giving Leos face a playful push away “Did you have to pick me to mess with today Leo? Im trying to read.” 

The turtle let out of a scoff, leaning back into Caseys space. “Whaaaaat? Me? Mess with you? Psh!”

The turtle let out a dramatic noise of offense, putting a hand over his chest. The dramatics drew a slight giggle out of Casey, which only seemed the fuel the turtle more.

“IIIIII came out here to spend some time with one of my favorite humans, the other being April of course, but if I’m not wanted then I shall go. Good day sir!” 

The turtle turned on his heel to leave when Casey felt a tug in his chest. 

“Wait!” 

Leo paused immediately, turning and facing Casey with a bemused expression at his tone of voice, Casey felt his ears go red at his own overreaction and he cleared his throat. 

“Uh well, you can stay you don’t have to leave. I wouldn't mind the company” 

Leo stared at him for a bit before his gaze softened to show he was being serious. “Well of course, who wouldn’t want my company?l”

The turtle sauntered back over and resumed his position leant over the back of the couch so he could read over Caseys shoulder. The human gave him a smile before he turned and went back to his reading. 

For a good moment it was quiet, a peaceful sort of silence between the two of them, Casey thought it was nice. After a moment longer he even began to relax, eyes half lidded and more so lazily skimming the pages then reading in depth like he'd been doing before.

He was close to drifting off when suddenly he felt a gentle breath of air hit the back of his neck, sending a ticklish shock all the way down his spine causing him to hunch his shoulders and squeak.

With a glare he whipped around to look at the accomplice, but Leo just gave him a lazy half grin, head resting on his arms.

"Sorry Case, my bad" He hummed, not sounding sorry at all.

The teen started at him for a second later before he shook his head with a huff, cheeks flushed, and turned back to reading. He figured he'd give the turtle the benefit of the doubt in that it had been just an accident.

This of course was a stupid idea, for not even two seconds later he felt another breath of air on his neck, this time it cause him to giggle lightly.

"Leheo!" He hissed, whipping around to face the laughing turtle.

"Whahaht? Im not even touching you!"

"You know what your doing! Now quit it!"

"Quit what? Quit doing this?" quick as a flash the turtle leaned forward to bury his face in the side of Casey's neck, blowing a quick raspberry and causing Casey to Shriek.

"LEHEO!"

Pulling away the turtle bust into laughter, shaking his head "God Cass you are so funny."

Face now fully red the human scowled, shoulders now hiked all the way up to his ears. "Why do you guys always have to do that" he whined.

Leo just grinned at him, wiggling his fingers "That's what happens when everybody knows your bad spot~" he crooned, cackling when Casey's face went even redder

It was no secret to the rest of the Hamato clan that Casey's neck and ears were deathly ticklish, by far his worst spot; something everyone (especially Leo) loved to tease him about.

It had been just the same back in the future, with his sensei and uncles and aunt all teasing him with raspberries and scribbles under the chin. Leonardo had been the worst about it back then too, so much so that Master Michelangelo had taught him how to get the turtle back and-

Wait......

Casey couldn't stop the wide grin that spread across his lips, because he had just remembered something very important about Leonardo, and in this case, Leo as well.

Said turtle noticed his change of expression and wiped the mirth from his eyes, cocking his head to the side "Whats got you smiling like that?"

Caseys grin simply widened. "Oh nothing, just remembered something is all."

Leo gave him a weird look. "Remembered what?"

"Oh just.....this!"

With that Casey lunged forward, grabbing onto Leos shoulders and flipping him straight over the couch and into his lap, the two of them wrestled for a moment, laughing, but while Leo had strength Casey had surprise and very key knowledge he had just remembered. So he wasted no time in lunging forward and digging his fingers into the backs of Leos legs.

Immediately the turtle let out a screamed that descended into wild laughter, practically flopping over and thrashing back and forth as he kicked out his leg.

"NYAHAHAHAH! CASEHEHEY!"

Said teenage human let out a giggle, trapping Leos leg under his knees so he could better poke and prod at the turtles muscled thighs.

"Hehe Yeah Leo?"

Leo practically squealed, drawing more peels of laughter from Casey. His arms flailed about as if unsure of what to do with themselves, Casey having to dodge a few swaps at himself.

"C-CasEY I-Iihihihihim goohohohona g-get you for thihhIHIHIHIIS-"

The turtles threat was caught off when Casey began to scribble his fingers into the hollows of the back of his knees, head thrown back and mouth opened in a wide genuine smile Leo howled with laughter.

His body shook with the force of it, his shoulders jumping as he hiccuped and at one point even snorted, which caused Casey to laugh himself at the silly noise.

"Man Leo, must suck having someone know about your weak spot huh~" Casey teased, squeezing gently at the turtles kneecaps.

"C-Cass Pleashehehese!" Leo hiccuped in between his squeaks and squeals of laughter, giggling to himself the teen finally decided to show mercy.

"Okay Okay Ill stop." He chuckled, pulling his hands away and sliding off the couch. He sat on his knees and watched the turtle flop over onto his back on the couch, arm thrown over his face like a fainted Victorian women as he groaned.

He sluggishly turned his head to face Casey and, with weak movements like he was dying, flipped him off.

It caught the human so off guard that he burst into laughter, prompting Leo to glare at him with a smirk barely tugging at his lips.

"Y-You think that's funny? Oh ill show you funny-Come here!"

Before Casey could even begin an apology Leo had lunged forward and grabbed him, immediately burying his face into Casey's neck and blowing a massive raspberry.

Casey screeched before he burst into loud happy laughter, hair getting even messier by the second as he shook his head back and forth to try and get away from the ticklish feeling.

"NOHOHOHO LEHEHEO!"

The turtle said nothing, simply lowering his hands down to Casey's sides and rapidly squeezing up and down.

Ah, so Leo was trying to kill him.

"L-LeheheOHOHOHO! Im Im sorheheheheHEHEHEEEEEE!"

"Tell it to the judge Mister!" Leo grinned, pulling away to blow a quick playful raspberry against Caseys' cheek.

"LEHEHEHEHO!"

"Sorry, I cant hear you over how loud your laughing~"

Casey ended up not get much reading done, his book laying abandoned on the floor, but that was okay. He have plenty of time to read in the future.

Plenty of time.

[fluff-a-nutter]

Can I request that Gn!reader basically being varians personal tickle monster but reader gets stuck in one of varians goo traps and can't wiggle out so varian trys to help but realizes he can tickle them back 10x worse and he finds they're giggles the cutest thing in the world so he trys to tickle them more so they get into tickle fights now instead of reader tickling variants randomly

Hi there! Omg yes! That’s such a cute idea! Hope this is what you had in mind!

⚛️🧪⚗️⚛

You wandered into Varian’s lab, having found one of his books at their house. You had been planning to return it to Varian as a good friend would do. The only problem was that the lab was pitch black.

“Ugh, Varian turn on a light! Someone could trip and you're clumsy enough already- AAH!”

Whatever you were planning on saying next was cut off as you triggered one of Varian’s goo traps, and thus pinning you against the wall.

“Haha, yes my new trap works! Thanks Ruddi- Oh my gosh, Y/N! I’m so sorry I’ll get you out! Hang on!” As the lights flickered on, you were met with Varian’s sheepish grin.

This was a fairly normal occurrence in the lab. You walking into one of Varian’s experiments and ultimately becoming an unwitting test subject. You groaned and wriggled in your sticky trap and gave the alchemist an unimpressed look.

“Seriously? You could have warned me, Varian.”

Varian smiled shyly as he approached you.

“I know, I know. My bad. Let me get you down.”

“Much appreciated- h-hehehey! Watch where you poke!” You twisted awkwardly away as Varian’s fingers prodded your side as he attempted to peel the gunk off you. He grinned at you with mischievous intent. You knew that look all too well.

“Varian, just get me down!” You demanded, full well knowing he wasn’t going to.

“Oh no, Y/N. You aren’t going anywhere. I think it’s time for a little payback for all the times you’ve tickled me lately.”

“B-but I thought you liked it when I tickle you!” Varian snickers at your futile attempts to escape.

“Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean you get away with it.”

With that, Varian jabbed his fingers into your sides, eliciting a shriek.

“Aww, you’re so cute when you’re giggling, N/N! Keep it up! You’re gonna be here awhile.”

Combined with the tickling, Varian’s teasing was driving you mad. You should have known this day would come sooner rather than later. You just hadn’t expected Varian to be such a mean ler! Especially considering how he pretty much crumbled when roles were reversed.

“N-NO- ST-STAHAHAHA-PLEAHEA!” You were laughing to hard to even form a coherent sentence and when Varian dug into your tummy you lost all form of sanity and dissolved into giggles.

“Sorry, I don’t speak ticklish, Y/N. But if I had to guess, I’d say those absolutely precious giggles mean you’re enjoying yourself. Laugh if I’m correct.”

And laugh you did. You could barely breathe at that point and Varian seemed to notice that and slowly brought his tickling to a halt.

“Fuck…. You….” You breathed out through residual giggles. Varian smirked and rolled his eyes.

“Oh please, you know you enjoyed that. Now, let me get you down for real this time.”

After Varian let you down from the goo trap, you looked at him with a smirk.

“My turn.” You said. Before Varian could process that, you had tackled him and started tickling him mercilessly.

It was going to be a long day full of back and forth tickles, but you couldn’t complain.

And based on Varian’s shrieks of laughter when you attacked his tummy with raspberries, he couldn’t either.

⚛️🧪⚗️⚛

Alright, @elliethewitch I hope you enjoyed this! I also wrote this on my phone, so sorry for any typos lol. Thanks for the request! :3