Gigglee

HE/IT/SHE SFW CURRENT HYPERFIXATION; CULT OF THE LAMB & COOKIE RUN KINGDOM I’M 20 I’M MAINLY AN ARTIST BUT I MOSTLY DO TICKLE FICS RATHER THAN DRAWINGS LOL

[theclumsyindecisiveturtle]

"Payback, You Jerk!"

Summary: Aym has been picking on his twin far too much for his liking, so, Baal hatches a plan for revenge.

Disclaimer: This is a tickle fic. If that isn't your thing, feel free to scroll on by. All characters are adults. Minors please DNI, thank you! !!THIS IS NOT A SHIP!! Please do not tag it as such!

Fandom: Cult of the Lamb

Characters: Lee!Aym, Ler!Baal

Genre: Fluff/Silly

CW: Slight swearing, trapping, tickling. (Please let me know if I missed anything!)

Word count: 1,107

Reading time: 4 minutes

~~~

Baal grumbled under his breath. He had absolutely had it with his twin.

Aym had been in a particularly playful and taunting mood as of late, tickling, poking, prodding, spooking, you name it. Baal was fed up, he was going to get his brother back. He just had to catch him off guard.

After setting up a plan, and hopefully a working trap, Baal went to fetch his twin.

"Aym! Aym, where are you?"

Baal heard a snicker from behind him, before he could react, Aym dropped to the ground and pinched Baal's sides.

"GAHAHA! AYM!"

"Yes brother?"

Baal lightly scowled at his jerk of a brother.

"I was wondering if you would like to spar with me out in the field."

Aym grinned.

"I'd love to, it's been a while."

"That it has."

It had indeed been a while since they had sparred, as they hadn't really had a need to since being freed along with their master and being reunited with their mother.

Once they made it out to the field, they got squared up.

"Ready?"

Aym asked.

Baal nodded.

"Ready."

"Go!"

They locked spears, twisting to try and throw off the other.

Baal kept his face playful and unsuspecting. He just had to back Aym towards the trap.

Baal saw an opening and clashed back. one step back, two steps back. Now let Aym gain ground. Don't let Aym switch sides, not yet. Clash and push. Time it right, stay focused. Baal let Aym switch sides so that Baal was backing towards the trap instead. He just had to wait. Clash, twist, push, closer to the trap. Push back, then slip, closer still. Just a little more. With one sharp twist, Baal switched places with Aym again, shoving his foot against Aym's shin to force it into the hidden trap.

With a yelp of surprise, Aym toppled to the ground, the log that the trap was attached to rolled slightly, light enough to move, heavy enough to hold. It rolled over the rope, making it impossible to just slip out.

"What the-?! Baal what the Hell!"

Aym looked at his brother, annoyance and shock on his face.

Baal didn't answer, he merely plopped down on his brother's legs and stared down at him with a level of indifference that would make their master proud.

"Uhh Baal...?"

Aym suddenly felt uneasy.

"This is payback, you jerk."

Before Aym could react, Baal dug into his sides, honing in just below the ribs.

Amy barked out a laugh before gritting his teeth.

"Baha- Baal, aha- Damn it! Stohop!

Amy kicked his trapped leg, trying to pull it free.

Baal started to claw upwards, expression neutral.

Aym grunted, grabbing his brother's wrists.

Baal ignored him, pushing under his arms.

"AHAH- BAHAHAAL EHENOUGH!"

"No, I don't think so. You've been taunting me for days, it was only a matter of time before your actions caught up with you."

Why was Baal so terrifying all of a sudden?

Baal dug into Aym's belly, kneading into the muscle.

"AHAHA- It's nohohot my fault yohohou're an eheheasy target!"

Baal sighed and shook his head.

"Wrong answer."

Baal began rapidly poking along Aym's waist.

Aym cackled, shaking his head desperately. Poking was always his weak point, and Baal knew how to exploit it to the fullest.

"BAHAHAAL! BAHAHAHAAL WAHAHAIT!"

"Wait for what exactly?"

Baal fought to keep his tone even, he so wanted to tease Aym, but the minimal response was working best at the moment.

"IHIHIHI- AHA! BAHAHAHAAL!"

"I'm listening, I don't understand why you aren't communicating."

Baal spoke as if he wasn't using a claw to scratch at Aym's bellybutton.

Aym could only shake his head, why on earth was he unraveling so easily?

"YOHOHOHOU SMAHAHARTASS!"

"Wrong answer again, I truly thought you were smarter than this, Aym."

Baal switched to scribbling at his sides.

Aym wheezed.

"STAHAHAP TALKING LIHIHIKE THAT! IT'S CREHEHEEPY!"

"Oh? How so?"

"YOHOU JUST SOHOHOHUND WEIRD!"

"But how? What's weird specifically?"

Baal persisted, wanting an answer.

Aym's face seemed to flush even more beneath his fur.

"Ihihih- ihihi don't wahahanna answer!"

Baal blinked. Did Aym just whine?

"Oh come on Aym, surely it can't be that bad."

Baal let himself smile softly, scratching along Aym's neck.

"AHA- Yohohohou keheheep reminding mehehe of mahahaster! ihihit's embarrahahassing!

Baal paused, that wasn't what he expected.

"What?"

Aym groaned.

"The way you're talking reminds me of master, and that's embarrassing."

Baal grinned.

"Seriously?! That's adorable!"

"Shut up!"

"So me talking like master is too embarrassing for you?"

"Yes! That and the tone you're using just doesn't suit you at all!"

Baal pondered.

"So... you want me to stop talking like that?"

"Yes!"

"What else could I do though? It makes you so shy! How could I not tease you!"

"Oh for- Anything! Anything else!"

Baal let a sly grin cross his face. He leaned over to better face his brother.

"Anything?"

Aym's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.

"Wait! That's not what I meant!"

"No, you're right. It doesn't suit me at all! Let me try this!"

Before Aym could protest, Baal dove down and began to blow raspberries on his neck, kneading his sides.

"GAHAHAHA! NHOHOHO!"

"Tickle, tickle, tickle, brother!"

"SHAHAHA- SHUT UHUHUP!"

"Rude! I'm only doing what you asked!"

"IHIHI DIDN'T AHAHASK SHIT!"

Baal let out an exaggerated gasp.

"Aym! You know mom doesn't like that kind of language!"

Baal began an onslaught of raspberries against Aym's belly while poking at his ribs.

"AHHAHA NO! NO POHOHOHOKING!"

"Yes poking! It's your favorite!"

"IHIHIHIHI- NOHOHOHO MOHOHORE!"

"Are you yielding, Aym? How unlike you!"

"IHIHI CAHAHAHAN'T! PLEHEHEASE BROTHER!"

"Sure, I'll stop. If you apologize."

Baal said, matter-of-factly, digging into Aym's underarms.

"FOHOHOR WHAT?!"

"For picking on me so much, silly! That's what got you into this whole mess, after all!"

"OHOHO COHOHOME ON! DOHOHON'T BE A BAHAHABY!"

Baal shrugged.

"Suit yourself."

Baal began poking at Aym's waist again, quick and precise.

"AHAHAHAHA! NAHAHAT THAT! PLEHEHEHEASE!"

"All you have to say is 'sorry'~"

Baal singsonged, a massive grin on his face now.

"FAHAHA- FIHIHIHINE, FINE! I'M SOHOHORRY! I YIELD! I YIEHEHEHELD! I'M SAHAHAHARRY, PLEHEHEHEASE!"

"Oh alright. See! That wasn't so bad!"

Baal freed Aym from the trap, and helped him up.

"That was dirty."

Aym said, looking at the trap sourly.

"It worked didn't it?"

Baal teased, ruffling Aym's hair.

"It was clever, I'll give you that."

"Thank you!"

Aym rolled his eyes with a smile.

"Boys! Suppertime!"

Their mom called out from the house.

Baal smiled at his twin.

"Shall we?"

Aym threw his arm around Baal's shoulder.

"Yes, we shall."

With that, the twins sauntered towards the house.

~Fin~

[raspberry-vanilla-cookie]

BERRIES

⚠️ DISCLAIMER ⚠️: This is a SFW tickling fic, so if that’s not your bread and butter, then feel free to look away! I understand not everyone will get it, and some may even find it repulsive, but please keep in mind that we’re all different people with unique experiences, traumas and even DNA that can lead to many different weird interests, so be respectful- I won’t tolerate any hate speech because this is a safe space.

—-

Meditation had always been Narinder’s only escape. Even when he was a couple of millennia younger and still living comfortably with his siblings, it was the only thing that could ever ground him- the deep connection to the earth that coursed through him like a river, a constant source of strength as old as he was.

He leaned against the tree, taking a moment to close his eyes and feel the connection, to allow the earth to soak into his being. It was a bond that came easily to him. Of course, this only ever lasted as long as Leshy would allow it.

“I smell berries on you,” the youngest of the old faith had announced his presence in the form of a demand- at the sound of his voice, Narinder slowly opened all three his eyes with a deep, low breath. Typical, but he was used to it, really. “I want some!!”

“Ever observant you are,” He lifted his head, looking to the side with a hint of irritation… he didn’t bother hiding it, it wasn’t like Leshy could see. “But, these are mine, little brother.”

“Sharing is caring, Narinder!!” Leshy retorted in a matter-of-fact tone, but it was more of a whine than anything. Though annoyed, there was still a pang of guilt that Narinder couldn’t deny- Leshy was the only one who would talk to him. “I know you have them!! Where are they?!”

He smiled when Leshy began searching his robes for the berries, despite the immature, infantile nature of the action- he couldn’t deny that he’d missed this. When Leshy squeezed somewhere sensitive, he flinched halfway between a startle and a giggle, before gently pulling his youngest brother into his lap.

“You are persistent Leshy,” He knew Leshy was taken by surprise by the sudden change of position, but he was quickly regaining his confidence, “act ignorantly and you may become enlightened.”

Leshy wriggled in his grip, groaning indignantly. “I didn’t do anything!! You can’t fault me for being hungry!!”

Narinder hummed at that, suddenly getting an idea when he remembered a game they used to play- Leshy had always been so persistent, even as a young child, Narinder had lost count of the number of times he’d finally settled for some mediation, only to have his little brother burrow to him; to bug him. Though, Narinder decided it would be unfair to just ambush the worm- so, to give him a hint, he gently squeezed at his sides, immediately pulling out some giggles from him.

“No- No!! That’s cheating!!” Leshy protested immediately, his laughter quickly taking over. Narinder smiled- Leshy had always sounded as if he were a wounded animal whenever he laughed, there had been many times when Shamura had come running, only to find Leshy perfectly fine and simply giggling to himself.

“I am merely humouring you, brother.”

“Nohohohohoooo!!” Leshy shrieked, his arms flailing. He tried curling up in an attempt to avoid it, but it was in vein.

“Hmm, if I recall…” He trailed off, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. Narinder took careful note of Leshy’s reactions- not wanting to hurt his brother, he was a little more delicate in his playful attack, but if his memory served him well, he recalled how Leshy would leave once he had his fill “…I hope I’m not killing you here.”

“Shuhuhut u-up!! Ahahaheheheh!!” Leshy squirmed around as much as he could- he was so light, he had nearly rolled him out of Narinder’s lap entirely. Every time he managed to squirm loose, Narinder would simply tug him back in.

“Now, now, where were you most ticklish…?” Narinder pondered aloud. They were both well aware of the fact that Narinder remembered, and yet, he couldn’t help but ponder mockingly, merely to hold a sense of impending doom over the worm’s head. “Was it here…?”

His hasty fingers wriggled their way under Leshy’s arms, even if the worm’s arms were glued tightly to his side in a protective position. That earned the cat an immediate shriek of laughter.

“T-Thahahahat is nohohohot f-fair, at ahahahall…!”

“Life is hardly fair, little brother.” Narinder's ears twitched ever so slightly, perhaps in amusement, as he expertly avoided Leshy's flailing limbs with little effort. He shifted his attack to scribble fingers along Leshy's ribs. "Just like how it wasn't fair when you my hearty meat broth last week, behind my back no less!"

Leshy squealed involuntarily at that, his tail wagging wildly. It was as if the memory of his mischievous act was now somehow increasing his sensitivity tenfold, but he was not making any serious attempts to escape.

“I see you haven’t burrowed away, nor bitten me yet, I assume you’re still enjoying yourself?” Narinder’s arms were wrapped around him in a secure, almost protective hold. It was a strange feeling, to be back in the hold of his older brother.

It was all good fun, he was sure Leshy could think back to the thousands of times before where Narinder had him like this.

“I-I cohohohohould bite you if I wanted to!!” There was no threat in Leshy’s words, it was nothing but a childish response, meant more to illicit a reaction. The feeling was familiar to both of them, one that brought back years upon years of playful squabbling.

“Oh, I’m sure you could,” teasing a previous bishop was hardly a good idea, and almost anyone would have thrust their fist between Narinder’s eyes to shut him up, maybe for good, but Leshy didn’t see it fit to react with such violence. He took notice of how Leshy’s fur felt like moss- it was dotted with the occasional flower or leaf that Leshy picked up during his many walks through the surrounding flora, left there for him to brush out in the near future whenever he got the opportunity to do so; it made Narinder’s claws twitch with the need to pick them free. “Just look at you- you’re filthy!!”

“Nohohohooo!!” Even as he spoke the words, Leshy made no attempt to pull away, and he shrieked as Narinder's fingers went from his hips to his stomach. Eventually, he stopped wiggling around and slumped in defeat… it was like he was a little kid once again, in awe of the elder brother he adored. “O-Ohohohohokay, I’ve had ehehehenough!!”

Narinder nodded, his fingers slowing to a halt- as that was his cue to stop, Leshy panted as the torment finally eased, his head lying against Narinder’s arm, though his breathing was still nothing but giggles; his body gradually relaxing again.

Narinder took the chance to carefully pick out a stray flower, gently untangling some of the leaves from the soft, mossy fur. Every flower that was picked loose, Leshy felt around sightlessly for- only to start chewing on it whenever he’d found what he was searching for. An odd habit, but one that Narinder recognized. “…You still like the taste of camellias?”

“Mhm!!” The younger brother nodded vigorously in approval. Camellias, they had always been one of his favourites- even if the taste was bitter. “…but I like berries more!”

Narinder sighed- he tried to play it off as exasperated, but truthfully, he was more entertained than anything, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Leshy really had a one track mind. “Mmm, I suppose I owe you after tormenting you like that, right?”

“I’m definitely due some payment!” he agreed, “you can’t just torture me like that and except me to walk away without the spoils!!”

“Fair enough,” Narinder confirmed Leshy’s request, his free hand reaching for his pocket, to retrieve the spoils of war- but, Leshy was quicker, his claws diving into the small, manufactured nook of the fabric with little uncertainty. “…you knew where they were this whole time?”

“Maybe,” there wasn’t a thread of restraint in his body as he’d ripped open the pouch he’d stole from his brother with his sharp teeth, “I just wanted an excuse to annoy you! And besides, they taste better after I’ve earned them!”

Narinder smiled- Leshy’s knack for swiping things meant that he was always the first to be blamed for anything in the cult going missing, despite the perfectly valid reason, as he’d explained it multiple times before, of ‘finders keepers.’

“You don’t need an excuse to talk to me,” Narinder muttered sheepishly, poking Leshy in the side with a wry but playful smile. It felt wrong to say- the guilt of what he’d done to his family centuries ago was still oh so fresh, old wounds being reopened after the staged coup- Leshy was the only one who wouldn’t go out of his way to avoid him. “I hope you know that…”

It was a rare, tender moment for the both of them. Narinder was grateful Leshy had never shielded away from conversation with him, even when the rest of their siblings avoided him like the plague.

“…can I sleep here? On you? L-Like, how I used to when I was a grub?”

“…I’d like that,” He nodded at Leshy’s question. It was a childish request, the same that he’d make in the past to the same effect- and this time was no different.

Leshy wiggled around to get comfortable, curling up against Narinder. The sensation of his moving claws on Leshy’s back did wonders to lull him to sleep, smoothing the spots of fur that sat disheveled, tickling the skin beneath in a pleasant way and there were a few giggles that escaped. It was a familiar comfort that he’d thought he’d lost forever many centuries ago, yet had been desperately seeking ever since.

Leshy was not a light sleeper nor picky about his bedding, which meant it took only a few minutes for him to fall fast asleep in the grassy fields… and in the company of his older brother, the ex-god of death.

[raspberry-dounut]

hihihi idk if requests are open but please more fizzmodeus stuff I've read the other one like 10 times already please they're taking over my brain 😭😭😭🙏/nf

PINKY PROMISES (FIZZAROLLI/ASMODEUS)

[TW: mention of kidnapping and that jazz that happened in the episode… and also, this is a tickle fic, so if this made its way into the main tags somehow, then I suggest you don’t read it if you’re not into that stuff XD]

“You know I worry about you…”

"I know,” The demon said curtly “I know, but Oz- I’m tough! I’m fine, really! It’s just a few scrapes…”

Fizzarolli didn't bother to stop his embrace and instead just leaned on him, taking a moment to enjoy the contact and soak up some of that warmth. His bones ached- and the lie he was telling himself was already fraying at the edges. He was nowhere near fine.

“I understand that but—“ Asmodeus attempted to bite his tongue, feathers prickling upwards with a suppressed hiss; he was irate. “Y-You’re… You’re not immortal, Fizzarolli!!”

The demon’s gaze shifted to his partner, curious if he'd managed to get under the sin’s tough skin. He knew the bigger demon was right- he wasn’t immortal. Even as he spoke, he grimaced as he tried to move his shoulder; it sent a sharp pain through his bones, as if something was broken. He groaned, his body not allowing him to ignore the ache for much longer.

“You’re so reckless, Fizz! I—“ Asmodeus let a sigh escape his lips, exasperation easing into his shoulders as he gestured around himself. “You frustrate me sometimes!”

Squinting at him, Fizzarolli tried to follow his thinking, unsure of whatever point he was trying to make before he commented hesitantly as the silence dragged on “um… Can I go now?”

“FIZZ!!” he finally snapped which prompted Fizzarolli to withdraw his claws. Asmodeus plopping himself onto the edge of the bed without a loud creak, arms crossed.

“Do you have any idea what happened to you?! Were you not present at your own kidnapping?!” He asked with venom, words dripping with grief and guilt. “I- I could’ve lost you!! What would I have done if you’d died, huh?! Do you think I would have just… moved on?!”

“I-I’m sorry…” Fizzarolli hung his head in shame, his eyes filling with tears. He was already in enough pain, but now his heart hurt just as much. “I didn’t think- I thought it would pan out better, I… there a bunch of different factors, and I… there was a lot on my mind, I met an old… I got distracted and I—“

Words failed him as he croaked helplessly. He knew he'd been stupid, he didn't have to be told. He could have died, and all Asmodeus would have been left with were a bunch of distant memories.

He couldn’t say anything, his head was low, and he was focused on keeping the tears back. Even so, he felt a soft hand on his shoulder.

“Just listen to me next time, please.” His voice was soothing, as comforting as his eyes. He pulled the demon close, so that they were curled together on the bed as he pressed his lips against the top of his partner’s head. “You’re not as invincible as you think- I know you overestimate yourself, but please; think rationally sometimes!”

“…does this mean I’m not in trouble?”

Asmodeus laughed “No. You’re still getting punished.”

"Punished? For what?!" Fizz pulled away to face Asmodeus head-on, eyebrows shooting upwards, and his expression was one that was caught in a loop of shock and confusion. “What’re you gonna do, ground me?! Just wait until I get my lawyer on this!”

“That was the first thing on my mind,” The rooster said in a joking tone, his voice still stern but there was a smirk on his face that grew with Fizzarolli's reply. It was as if he’d expected this kind of response, or something akin to it. Feathered paws moved to rest idly on the demon’s scarred belly, and that was hint enough.

"Oh no. You can't be serious." He protested, a small whine forming on his lips that he quickly attempted (and failed) to disguise.

“Hmmm? I’m sure you’ll learn your lesson this way~ and I don’t see it fit to use any sort of ‘force’ on you.” The larger demon said, with a playful wink as he grabbed Fizz’s wrists with one hand and pinned them swiftly but gently down to the mattress. He could only snicker and offer Fizzarolli a shit-eating grin as his fingertips danced up and down his sides.

“Nohahahahaa!! That’s no fair!!” He squealed out and recoiled back- it was a flurry of giggles as Fizz’s own body betrayed him and gave his partner the reaction he knew he wanted.

“Hmmmm? You’re laughing too much, darling. You might wanna speak up~”

“Y-yohou're being so meeheeheean!!” He squealed and turned over. “You-!! I’m gohohohohoanna fucking kihihihihill you—“

It was an empty promise, meant more to prompt Asmodeus than to reflect on himself.

“Mhm~ I’m sure you will.” Asmodeus giggled, feathered beak nuzzling into his partner’s tummy, which made him buck instinctively.

“I’m- I'm sorreeeheeheeheehee!!”

“Sorry for what, hmmm?”

“Fohohohor- for doubting you-!!”

“And you promise to let me send an escort to at least check on you?” Asmodeus asked, mock-thought in his expression as he tapped his fluffy chin.

“Yehehehees, yes! Anything!!” Fizz squeaked as his partner squeezed his hips.

“Hmmm… Good, good! I think you’ve learnt your lesson.” And with that, he finally let up his tickle attack.

He chuckled, watching the tension leave Fizzarolli in an instant. After giving his partner a moment to catch his breath- he turned over, his long plait of feathers coming to rest alongside Fizz's chest while his beak gave him an affectionate peck.

"I hope that taught you a lesson about running off on your own.” Asmodeus said, nuzzling his beak into him. “Next time I won’t be so merciful~”

He winked- a clear indication that to Fizz of where his mind was at. They were content to lay with together as their bodies slowly cooled after the stress-filled night.

“I know- I promise I won’t do it again! I’ll listen to you more.”

“Promise?”

“Pinky promise.”

[raspberry-dounut]

hihi!! I saw adventure time on your fandoms list and was wondering if we could get anything about lee!simon? (once the curse is gone.) he's so silly and it would mean a lot

Nightmares

[TW: intense nightmares, references to PTSD, a& grief. And also, this is a tickle fic, so if this made its way into the main tags somehow, then I suggest you don’t read it if you’re not into that stuff XD]

Simon jolted awake, taking deep gasps of the cool night air in a shitty effort to stifle a scream. His heart was still pounding in his ears despite how quickly his breathing had returned to normal. It had been a nightmare, as it usually was, but this one felt different. He didn't want to remember it, but somehow he just couldn't shake it.

His heart sank into his stomach momentarily- he’d sworn he’d seen Betty, if just for a second.

“You guys… are still awake?” He was still a bit disoriented from his nightmare, but he thought he recognized those voices. As his eyes adjusted to the dimly lit barn, he could make out the shapes of Fionna and Cake, still awake and engaged in conversation.

“Well… yeah?” Fionna’s eyebrows furrowed as she awkwardly offered an answer.

“We wouldn’t expect you to understand, though. You’re old.” Cake chimed in with a shit-eating grin, completely endorsed in the game she had stolen from Fionna hours earlier.

“What were you dreaming about anyways?” She added, nonchalantly. “Getting it on with someone?”

The snide remark caught the older man a little off guard, as he found himself looking away to hide a deep red blush “Uhhh… I don’t really wanna talk about it, it’s- it’s private.”

His voice was quiet, almost a whisper, and the two of them exchanged a quick glance. It was clear something was bothering him, and neither of them were too keen on being left out of the loop.

“Suit yourself.” The cat shrugged.

“Was it a good dream or a bad one?" Fionna asked tentatively, her tone soft in a way Simon had never heard her use before. She was always the brash one, but something about the look in his eyes must have compelled her to be gentler.

“It’s— I don’t…” he started. All words seemed to fail Simon as he desperately searched for an answer

“it’s complicated.” Is what he settled on, trying in vein to hold off the weeping that usually followed after such intense dreams.

Fionna's eyes widened suddenly, but her expression quickly softened.

"Hey... it's okay. You don't have to tell us if you don't want to," she said, taking a step towards him. His reaction to her and Cake's joking response told her everything she needed to know about how serious the dream must have been.

“No, I—“ he knew keeping secrets from his (begrudging) teammates was useless. It would only make things worse for the trio as a unit in the long run. So he tried- he tried despite his distraught to explain it.

“When you get older… you, uh… sometimes we- I… my fiancé and I—“

“Woah!” Cake snickered and hummed a tune that resembled something you’d hear in a low budget rom com during a particularly spicy scene. “I didn’t think someone as boring and mundane as you would have fiancé!!”

Fionna merely needed to cast a gaze over her shoulder and Cake knew to drop the subject.

“Cake! That’s not funny!” Fionna snapped, though she knew she was partly to blame. She was never one to have a filter, knowing full well that most of Cake’s current habits could be easily traced back to herself. “What were they like?”

“No, it’s okay. She… was wonderful.” he said, almost dreamily. There was a clear passion and affection in his voice for whoever this mysterious woman was. “I still remember what cake toppers Betty and I wanted for our wedding!! And—“

“Simon!”

“Hm?”

“You’re crying!”

"I am?" With little hesitation, he let his fingers connect to under his left eye. His fingertips made contact with warm water. It was a shock at first, but given that Fiona had called him out on his sudden eruption of tears, he didn't jump at that. Still, it was a shock nonetheless. Weakly, he muttered out in a croak after his mind realized he was tearing up. "Oh... I am."

“Um, maybe we can ask big hunky Finn for some water? Or like, an extra blanket?” Fionna offered, racking her brain for a solution. Comforting someone who had clearly undergone some intense trauma wasn’t something in her toolbox- let alone said person being older in age.

Fionna attempted to wipe the tears away from Simon’s face, desperate to clear away his sadness and provide some comfort in a moment of pain. But the tears were streaming down his cheeks too rapidly, making it impossible for her to keep up with them. Despite her repeated efforts, his tears continued to fall, each one slipping past her fingertips and adding to the pool gathering in the crease of his chin.

“No, no it’s okay really… I think we’re overstaying our welcome, anyways.” He offered her a small smile- one that was cheaply sewn together with what little sanity he had left in his grief.

All she could do was look at him with concern. The years that had gone by showed in his features, bringing a deep sorrow with them. The events of his life were like a war zone within his eyes, the tears that stained them telling her the story of his pain.

“Oh! Hey!” Cake’s face lit up as the lightbulb went off in her head, evident in the face she made “you humans like to be pet too, right? You evolved from monkeys, yeah? So there you go!”

“Uhhh…” It was awkward- that was for sure. He often found himself forgetting that, as far as Cake was aware, all she’d ever known was the life of a domesticated pet. An animal companion that was doomed to tight collars and comedic holiday costumes, stuck within the confines of an apartment.

“Umm… n-no thanks, I’ll pass. I think I’m—“

A weight hit his lap, and Simon flinched halfway between a startle and being winded by the force, proving to him once again how old he truly was. Turning to glare at the source he found Cake sitting squarely in his lap. Simon looked down at the cat, completely confused and slightly annoyed. He was still a bit jittery from his nightmare- and her sudden self-invitation into his lap caught him heavily off guard.

“Humans don’t work that way- I mean, at least the humans in my time don’t...” He laughed a little, though it was exasperated one that held no humour, as he was once again reminded of the differences between the world he knew, and the one he was living in. “Our nerves are a lot different than yoURS—“

“Wahahahait!!” His attempted explanation fell on deaf ears as Cake had already taken matters into her own paws. When he instinctively jerked back, she swore he was an expert at exaggerating his reactions- being stroked was a clear sign of endearment to someone like her, and he’d ought to be glad she was showing him such appreciation.

“C’mon, I’m not hurting you!” Judging by the accusing glare he gave and the slightly different tinge of honey-coloured skin beneath his eyes. He was fine.

“Y-You’re not hurting me!” His face crumpled, eyes closed and smiling, as he tried to get a hold of himself. “You’re tickling me! Stoohahahaaop!”

“The humans from your world are so melodramatic!” Cake shook her head.

“stahahahap— hahahaa!! Yohohou ahahahahaasshohohohole!!” He squirmed, giggling in spite of his frustrated facade, his legs kicking softly beneath her hold as Cake's paws worked their magic- Being sprawled out on the wooden floor of someone’s barn, whilst fighting a losing battle with a magical cat wasn’t the best look for him, and definitely wasn’t a one he could pull off.

When the feline struck a particularly sensitive spot, he nearly screamed; it was half way between someone who’d been startled, and someone who just realized how truly sensitive they were- knees bucking upwards instinctively and just about hitting cake in the chin; had it not been for her new luck of the draw abilities. Despite his pleas, both Fionna and Cake both took note of the fact that he didn’t do much to stop his playful attacker.

Cake didn’t listen- mostly out of spite that he’d nearly kicked her, but mostly because his body language didn’t appear to show discomfort. Tutting, she then used her leg to hold down his hips. Being of feline heritage, Cake knew firsthand how awful it was to have one’s personal bubble violated, and if Simon was truly as uneasy as he’d claimed, she would have backed off; spiteful or not.

Instead, she snickered and danced her fingertips up and down the antiquarian’s sides.

"Oh nohohoaaaahahahaa!! Oh m-my gohohohoad!!” Simon hadn’t laughed openly in so long- too long. The sound coming out of his mouth was so foreign to his own ears and he couldn't recall the last time he’d laughed at all. Let alone like this; unrestrained, loud, and so completely genuine.

“Alright alright! I’m done.” She announced in triumph once she had deduced that he’d had enough.

When Cake had finally let up, Simon took the opportunity to enjoy the air- missing its presence and sucking it greedily into his lungs. Each breath he took felt sweeter than the last and after getting his fill of air, he finally sat up again.

“Are you okay?” Fionna inquired, putting a hand on his shoulder. He smiled back at her- and for once, in what felt like years, he could say that he was at peace; if just for a little while. “Do you feel… at least a bit better?”

“Yeah, yeah- I’m okay.” He offered her an answer and the girl smiled in return. He was still a bit giggly from the sudden attack but this time there was no forcing it, no faking the joy- and she was content with that answer in the moment. “I’m okay.”

It wouldn’t cure him, no. But at least it offered him some sort of temporary peace. Something that would last twenty four hours, if he was lucky- and realistically; a break, no matter how small, was something he needed.

“Get some sleep- some proper sleep!” Fionna hissed, grinning.

“Because you’re old!” Cake added.

“Yeah, whatever.” He rolled his eyes, the smile never leaving his face as he waved them off, speaking volumes on what he thought of their cheap jokes. He’d clearly eased up a little. They were right- he was feeling exhausted.

With a relaxed sigh, he settled back against the barn wall, closing his eyes and releasing a long breath as his muscles eased. His head began to tilt as he fought the urge to doze off momentarily, but soon the battle was lost and his chin rested against his chest.

[raspberry-dounut]

Caterpillars

[TWs: anxiety attack, PTSD symptoms and creepy crawly bugs!! This is also a tickle fic so if this isn’t your thing, turn away!]

Pomni stood outside her acquaintance’s door… or, could she even call it that? Despite the goofy setup, her heart was racing as she tried to find the courage to raise her hand and knock on the plush pillows that had been stacked upon each other. She wasn't sure why she was so nervous, but something about the idea of interrupting someone made her panic. Was she always like this before the headset? What if he was busy? Or what if he got mad at her for bothering him? She didn’t know much about Kinger, so could she truly classify his personality at this point?

Her padded knuckles finally tapped the pillows- and oddly enough, it sounded as if she had collided her fist with hard cedar.

It wasn’t long before she was met with two, big blue eyes that were placed unevenly at either side of the king piece’s head. His eyelids were upturned in what Pomni assumed to be a smile- at least, what was left of a smile after his body was forced to contort into… this.

“P O M N I!!” His voice was laced with excitement- if she were blind, at least she would be able to count on him announcing his presence. A good sign, she hoped. “Come in! Make yourself at home or… errr, as ‘at home’ you can be now that you’re here.”

“H-Hey…” she greeted awkwardly, stepping inside his impenetrable fortress now that she had his explicit permission to do so. The inside didn’t match the outside, but what did she expect from a world that was run by cartoon logic? He seemed to have enough room within to live comfortably, yet the outside easily gave the impression that long limbs would have no wiggle room. “So uh- are we gonna discuss an escape plan orrr…?”

“Hm? What escape plan?” Kinger queried, turning around sharply to meet Pomni’s grief ridden stare, his googly eyes bobbling with the sway of his body. “There’s no exit, we had a whole pilot episode dedicated to that!”

“Right…” a sigh escaped Pomni’s lips, shoulders sagging as the bells on her hat emoted, drooping down with a sad jingle. “A whole pilot episode… b-but don’t you want to leave?! I mean— did you not have a family, a pet or even kids?!”

There was a moment of silence… then two, then three. He stared blankly with no clear indication of where he was focused except the feeling it gave her.

“HOO!! Pomni! You surprised me!!” The silence was broken when he jumped suddenly, the man once again succumbing to his short term memory. “Have you seen any bugs for my collection?"

She didn’t hear his words at first, but once she did anxiety began to gnaw again and the pit in her stomach only grew. That was it. This was her life. Would she degrade just as Kinger had? Or would she take a few years? Maybe she’d wither away before him. Did she have any pets at home? And if she did, did they die because of her disappearance? Did she have any family, or a partner who were now grieving the loss? Or were they glad she was gone?

“I… I can’t t-take it anymore!!” Was all she could whimper as she erupted into a pathetic, defeated wail as she manically gestured around her “I can’t do this!! ALL OF THIS!!”

She sobbed harder as her legs wobbled, giving way beneath her and causing her to fall to the ground. And as she hugged her knees and curled up in a ball, her whole body began violently trembling at the stress and exhaustion.

It felt like all of the grief, sadness and fear of what was to come, she had ever endured had finally caught up with her. It was all finally coming to the surface. She let out a low, mournful wail, burying her head into her legs, and desired nothing more but to to stay in this position forever and hide from all of the pain of her reality.

“O-Oh… don’t cry, Pomni!” He tried- a rather sorry attempt to offer her some sort of comfort, but it came off more as a demand than anything. “I…”

Looking around the fortress did little to help him as he looked desperately for something to give her- to distract her from all this grief.

“Here.”

“What are you…?” She sniffled quietly, finally reminding herself of the presence of the man who had just watched her sob. His expression was no longer that of someone who was dazed, and instead, though he seemed a little confused, he looked almost worried. Perhaps it was the tearful and pathetic way she was acting. He offered her an occupied jar- and she was about to use this as an opportunity to chew him out for using this as another opportunity for insolence nonsense, but he beat her to it.

“It’s a moth… they start out as caterpillars,” he began to ramble, trying his best at taking a seat beside her- his current body was a bit more complex than his previous one. “But when their environment changes, they do their best to adapt by shedding their old skin and taking a new form. It’s not easy for them though, and it never will be because it’s a big change! But they always strive to do their best and survive, they’re one of Mother Nature’s most durable creatures.”

“But what if the caterpillar is scared and… just wants to be a caterpillar again?” She looked to him again, teary eyed.

“Well, it’s okay for the caterpillar to be scared!! But if it refuses to adapt, it’ll only get itself hurt… That’s not to say the caterpillar has to be happy with its change, or even has to like it! But it must roll with the punches in order to avoid getting eaten.”

“Do… t-the other caterpillars think the caterpillar is weak, or cowardly for being afraid?”

“Some might, but those are caterpillars who are also afraid and don’t know where else to put that anger, so they’re mean to other caterpillars who are struggling just as much as they are.” Kinger said, struggling a little as he brute forced the jar open, to allow the small greenish-yellow bug to crawl around. It squirmed it’s way up Pomni’s leg, and she giggled a little at the sensation. “It doesn’t mean the other caterpillars have to be a doormat for the mean caterpillar, though!”

“It-it tihihihihickles!!” she snorted, though she didn’t do much to stop it. It was nice to feel something else that wasn’t gut wrenching anxiety “eheheheek!!”

“I think you are very capable of becoming a butterfly, Pomni.” If just for a second, his eyes straightened, gaze fixed on the jester. The moments were Kinger had regained some sense of self were far and few between, but even if it were for just a moment- what he said could breed a new wave of determination in even the weakest souls “I don’t doubt it for a second… because you have more will to fight than you give yourself credit for.”

“I… thank you…” She said, finally prying the caterpillar away from it’s tickling assault “really, thank you.”

A comfortable moment of silence fell over the two as they sat in each other’s company. Now that everything that could have been said, had been said, there wasn’t much else to add on, but still- Pomni leaned against Kinger and allowed herself to close her eyes.

“…Thank you…” she muttered once more, thinking for all but five seconds as she peacefully dozed off for the first time in a long time.