Blue Beetle fan anon back at it again hello-
I'm so curious what Khaji Da's version of a ler mood would be like, especially given Jaime is always right there ripe for the picking-
God, Khaji discovers tickling and Jaime will never know true peace again (as if he ever did before but yknow-)
Rahhhhhh more opportunities to talk DC?? I'm in. >:D
Due to Khaji being a form of A.I, I imagine it wouldn't get Ler moods like humans do. It would see tickling as a form of a system reboot: something to keep the body regulated properly and in peak performance. It's the perfect thing to test reflexes and mobility, as well as modulate the necessary chemicals to keep the body healthy.
Jaime is forever doomed to have a cuddle bug on his back who is all too aware of how he's feeling. Dude gets war flashbacks whenever he hears the phrase, "Serotonin is critical. Performing reboot to regulate." It doesn't matter where the hell they are; all Khaji knows is 'host doesn't feel okay. I need to fix that immediately.'
Day by day, Khaji becomes a little less robotic and more 'human', and unfortunately for Jaime, this also means that the little comments it makes while tickling have gone from simple observation to downright intentional. And seeing as Khaji is attached and in Jaime's head, it's not exactly like Jaime can ignore/hide from it.
"Serotonin fluctuates within different areas, concentrating reset on rib cage for a linear response."
"Ceasing prematurely would be ill-advised, Jaime Reyes. Laughter has remained consistent, and endorphins are being administered effectively."
"Deep pressure contact has not altered the increase in Monoamine Oxidase A. Switching to Plan B, effective immedia- Jaime Reyes, I have not begun, your diagram and vocal cords are responding to stimuli that is not there yet."
"New method has been saved to core knowledge; future usage shall prove fruitful."
"Internal temperature is steadily increasing; detected vulnerability to phrases within the English language. Catalogued phrases: adorable, endearing, cute, Giggles, Giggle-Bug. Future words expected to be logged."
"Reboot is not yet complete, estimated conclusion is five minutes. Patience is a virtue, Jaime Reyes."
Meanwhile, Jaime is shoveling himself an early grave, because when he was chosen by this parasitic alien tech, he did not sign up to have a personal tickle monster. Though he'd be lying if he said he didn't appreciate the bug looking out for his emotional state, and the game has become a bit of a familiarity between them. Jaime knows Khaji would never go too far - being able to feel what Jaime's body feels, it knows where the guy's limits are - and tickling is low-key a love language between his family. It just secures Khaji's place within the Reyes household, especially when he wrecks Jaime in front of them. They call out places or methods to try, all while being absolutely no help whatsoever as Jaime shrieks bloody murder.
Khaji finds it rather reassuring to hear its host laugh, incentivized or not. Laughter has become associated with safety, play, and home. It still finds humans weird, but it's glad it found this one.