I’ve been meaning to draw this for a while qwq art block has been a pain but I got it done while I’m pet sitting! But I’m glad I could get it out before the years over 👀
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Deltarune (Video Game)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Spamton G. Spamton/Tenna
Characters: Spamton G. Spamton, Tenna (Deltarune)
Summary:
Spamton finds out that Tenna has an interesting form of punishment for stealing, and it gives Spamton all kinds of ideas... and sticky fingers.
AHHH Here it is!! A @coy-lee inspired fic!! See the art here!
I had a lot of fun writing this. I feel like the biggest thing I need to work on in my writing is the ending, I always feel like the conclusion of the fic is my weakest point. Just some thoughts, but I really got back into the groove of writing after taking an unoffical hiatus! :^)
Author's notes: Yes, I am still on my polyship bullshit. What of it. For these, I wanted to try a different direction: The big shot and TV era! Just wanted to explore how things might change in that past era.
More silly moments from everyone's favorite polycule, set in the shiningly bright past of your favorite stars.
------
"You're on in five, Tenna. You should finish getting ready."
"That's more than enough time." He makes no move to get up. Instead, the host stays put, leaving you in his lap as he rubs a thumb gently into your lower back.
You made a move to get up, "It's really not-"
"Good luck with that, [Angel]," Spamton calls from over his shoulder. Unlike the main host, he was putting in some effort to prepare himself for the stage, putting his hair in order and checking himself over in the mirror. "He's gonna wait until [Last minute christmas shopping], calling it now."
"You reek of jealousy, Spammy~" The TV sang while pulling you closer.
"Yeah? Only one of us is gonna look [underprepared for battle] when we [enter stage left]. It ain't gonna be [me, myself, and I!], big guy! I'm looking like a [big shot]!" Spamton flicks his comb for added flair, "Where's your [two piece suit jacket combo], anyway?"
Tenna buried his face in the crook of your neck, giving off a noise of displeasure. He knows he'll have to get up; and he always ends up battling this exact demon every day, no matter who was in his lap, and it was constantly a losing battle.
Spamton leaned against the arm of the couch. "We're on in [three-]"
"I knowwwww-" He groans into your neck, hugging you right up against his chest.
You couldn't help but squirm a bit. Between the vibrations of him talking, and the static on his screen, Tenna's nestled position against your neck really kind of tickled.
You let out a short giggle, pressing a kiss to the corner of his screen and watching his antenna perk up with a giggle of his own.
You would come to realize how bad (good?) of an idea this was, as the TV cradled one side of your face, rapid-fire kissing against the side closer to him. With his other arm still wrapped around you, you were firmly trapped and forced to endure the playful attack. You squirmed and pushed against him with a quiet laugh, still feeling the static buzzing each time his face drew near.
"Ohohokay, cut it ouhuhuhut-!" You successfully paused his attack, viewing his silly-looking grin by holding the sides of his face. He purred and leaned into the touch.
"Alright, [lovebird releasing ceremony], come on..." Spamton reached over to rub your shoulder, "You can get back to it [remind me later]. No need for [public displays of affection] [before the show]."
"Just because yoooooooou're reserved about affection doesn't mean WE have to be!" Tenna booped the mailman's nose, who blinked in confusion, "They're having fun! They were just laughing!"
The last of the giggling faded out of your voice slowly as you settled back against the couch cushion, "Because your static tickled, honey."
You could have sworn you heard the sound of shattering glass as soon as the words left your mouth.
"It DID?" Tenna seems far too delighted with this information.
Spamton sighs wearily. Tenna's inadvertantly learned a new trick, and both of you were gonna be feeling it soon. "Rookie mistake."
His comment went unnoticed to you as Tenna hugs you close, shoving his screen back against your neck, static buzz making you bust out into another wave of giggles. You let out a short bark of laughter when his hands came up to squeeze at your sides, ineffectually pushing at him. The distance only served to let one of his hands sneak in and skitter against your stomach.
"Sooooo cute! I'm testing this more later! On both of youuuuuu~!"
"WE ARE [online] IN ONE," Spamton whirls around to quit facing Tenna, eager to change the subject. Poor big shot... you could see his blush from here.
Tenna lets you out of his lap at last, standing up and adjusting his tie. His suit jacket is put on in one fluid motion following, giving himself finger guns of approval in the mirror. While this happened, Spamton leaned back against the arm of the couch to whisper to you as you recovered from your laughter.
"Why'd he have to learn a [new skateboarding tricks] today, huh? We're never gonna catch a [break the targets!] at this rate."
"He's having fun," you shrugged, "not like we can't get him back. Now get out there, your audience awaits."
You gave his stomach a quick squeeze, smiling at the short honk it earned you. Holy fuck, you love these dorks.
------
You were immersed in a new book when you felt it being taken, shut and tossed aside, and your space was newly occupied by a certain salesman, who was far too happy to worm his way in.
You didn't flinch, watching your book sail across the room. You already knew this song and dance. "Hello to you too, Spammy."
He settled himself in, deciding on straddling your hips with a smug grin, hands on your shoulders. "Heya, doll. This [space for rent] looked empty, hope you don't [mind the gap!] me parkin' it here."
"You could have asked. Instead of throwing my book away." You put one hand on his thigh, the other propping your head up.
You watch him shrug in a nonchalant, almost infuriating way, flashing his usual award-winning smile. One hand moved over to cup your chin, tilting your face to meet his gaze as he scooted closer.
"Gonna [do something!] about it?"
It was cute how he thought he was in control here. You knew what he wanted, and you were more than capable of making him work for it.
And squirm, he did. His confident gaze faltered slightly when you didn't give him a response. You rubbed your thumb on his thigh, giving a quiet hum. This strategy worked predictably to work him up, but he wasn't off the hook just yet.
"Maybe I could," You moved your hand up to rest on his side, watching him jump slightly, "Or I could ignore it. I'm more patient than you." You barely suppressed a grin when you saw his eyebrow twitch in irritation. "It's hard to tell what you want when you refuse to say it. Care to give me a hint?"
You give him the same irritating shrug he gave you. You absolutely loved the building frustration on his face. You rubbed your thumb over his side, watching some of the bite get taken out of his otherwise fierce expression and his mouth twitching.
He's so easy.
"What do you mean you [error 404: not found]!? It's obvious!"
Ooh, now he was cranky. You put your other hand on his other side, watching him shudder as your thumbs rested on the edge of his stomach. "Is it, though?"
"I-It is!" His face flushed, and he grabs the collar of your shirt in both hands. You felt him jolt slightly when your hands slipped under his loose shirt, grip on your collar loosening with another shudder when he felt your hands resting against his sides once again, thumbs rubbing upwards to his lower ribs.
He gave a quiet whine, lowering his head against your chest to hide a wobbly smile and increased shuddering. You swore you could feel his chest shaking with anticipatory giggling, and you grinned. You did love seeing him on the ropes like this, but you couldn't keep it up forever. He was, unfortunately, too cute to deny for long.
"You're cute when you're needy. You really do a 180 from your usual annoying and cocky self." You kissed the top of his head, one hand tilting his chin back up to look at you. His cheeks were almost as red as his signature suit. Cute...
"You fell in love with this [grade-A asshole], sweetheart! So [it really works!] on you!" He huffed.
You let out a short, dry laugh. "Never said it didn't. I already know you aren't gonna say what you're really after here, so... shall I?"
Just when you thought he couldn't flush any darker, the short salesman surprised you. He gave a small nod, looking anywhere else. He didn't always readily hand over the reins like this, so you had to take advantage while you could.
You grinned at the squeak you earned when you grabbed his hips, manhandling him and shifting your position to pin him to the couch while hovering over him. The usually-confident addison looked up at you with wide eyes and a wobbly smile, squirming as your hands slid back under his shirt.
You gave his sides a gentle squeeze, skittering over his stomach. His body jolted before falling into a giggle fit that made your heart skip a beat. Watching his hands come up to cover his face as he attempted to curl up only made you let out an audible 'aww'.
"How are you so cute?" You ran your thumbs over his ribs, watching him flush darker.
"I ahahaham not cuhuhuhute-!" His hands were still trying to cover his face as he giggles himself silly. "I'hihihihm a [Big shot!]-!"
You couldn't help but lean down and pepper the few exposed spots with kisses. He yelped before giggling harder, one hand still trying to cover his face while the other tried to push you away. You just couldn't have that! You dug your index fingers into the skin under his arms, enjoying the short screech it earned you as his arms shot down and left his face wide open for kisses.
He giggled harder, just on the edge of a loud laugh, trying to squirm away from the butterfly kisses. "Nohohohot thehehehere-! Eeheheheek-!" Spamton let out a squeaky laugh every time a kiss landed around his neck or ears, attempting to curl up and defend himself.
"You're struggling to beat the cutie accusation, you know." You planted more kisses along his jaw, his head trying to come down to cut off your access. If you had a tail, it would have been going a mile a minute at the state of your cocky salesman.
One of your hands slipped down and pushed his shirt up, unnoticed to him due to being lost in his giggling. "Ihihihi'm nohohot cute! Thahahat [car title] belongs to sohohohomeone else!"
"You think so?" Your hands went to his stomach, making him jolt and giggle, his hands shooting down to yours before anything happened. "Because I think you've borrowed the title for the time being."
Spamton flushes again, looking anywhere other than you as his hands still wrapped around your wrists. "...I [preference updated] the term handsome."
"Fine, fine," You shrugged, "You look stunningly handsome when you giggle yourself silly. Is that better?"
"N-No-!" He squawks, "Leave off that [last call] bit-" He collapses into a shriek when you squeeze at his stomach, leg bouncing as he tried to resist the urge to start kicking.
His hands were holding on to your wrists, but he wasn't pushing you off. He was content to laugh himself silly, just as you'd mentioned. You couldn't help the soft smile on your face... or the absolutely devilish idea that just popped in your head.
His stomach was already exposed, and you still had some silly energy to get out, so why not?
Your hands shifted to running up and down his sides as your head came down, planting those same butterfly kisses from before on his stomach.
The reaction was immediate.
The big shot let out the loudest, highest-pitched screech you've heard out of him yet, body jolting and thrashing so hard that your hands had to switch to clamping his sides to keep him from rolling away. He was babbling some kind of plea for mercy while pushing at your head. Oh, you were absolutely gonna keep this in mind next time he needed to go down a peg.
"Wuh-oh, someone's in trouble!" You looked over to see Tenna watching in amusement. How long had he been there? "I thought someone was dying out here!"
Spamton slowly calmed down as the attack stopped, going limp and panting out some residual giggles. Tenna let out an amused laugh.
"Well! Can't say he wasn't asking for it! I heard him annoying you all the way from back in my office!"
"And you didn't even try to help." You shook your head in mock disapproval.
"I think you did fine all by yourself! Just look at him, melted into a cute little puddle!" Tenna put a little too much emphasis on 'cute', feeling absolutely intentional as you heard Spamton let out a quiet groan. "It woulda been overkill if I hopped in! I can't kill him like that, he's my co-host!"
You pulled Spamton's shirt back down, placing a normal kiss to his forehead. He gives you one of his casual, confident grins as he sits up. "As if you two could have [killed] me before I [got your back]."
A beat of silence falls over the living room as you and Tenna exchange a silent glance.
The silence was rapidly replaced with the sound of the big shot's laughter once again. Needless to say, Spamton lost this round. Badly.
------
It was that time of the week again: evaluating the show reviews.
Usually, it went fine! Reviews and viewership have been higher than ever since adding a co-host and other stars to the cast, but this time, uh...
"Viewership is DOWN! What are we doing WRONG!? Aren't we fun enough!?" The sound of Tenna's fit could be heard in most of the studio, and it sent almost every employee scattering.
"Tenna, Asriel and Kris went back to school for the year," You were attempting to placate him, "They've got afterschool activities, and they've been meeting up with the Holidays in the evenings to make things easier on all of the parents-"
You paused to let him hiss at a passing Zapper, who scrambled away from his fangs and claws.
"-Asgore's work has gotten busier, and Toriel has papers to grade. They've been busier, yes, but they still love you! They just don't have as much time-"
The main star tugs at his antenna, wailing. "We're DONE. TV time is DONE, everyone GO HOME, we've FAILED. Watchtime is NEXT TO NOTHING! What are we going to DO!?"
"He's not [you're listening to the radio!] you, darlin'." Spamton sat back at the minibar, pouring himself some scotch. "Just gotta let him [cooldown initiated] by himself."
You hated to stand by and let one of your partners work himself up like this, but Spamton was, unfortunately, correct- Tenna needed to come down on his own terms, or he would just spiral in a different direction. You both could talk him through it, but not when he was this high-strung. He had to calm down a little first.
It didn't take long for his rampage to settle into a quiet boiling rather than the previous explosion. He shrunk by a considerable bit, letting out a pathetic whimper, antenna still clutched tightly in his fists. You approached first.
"...Hey."
No response. You reached out slowly, your hands gently landing on one of his fists. Your fingers pressed, slowly unfolding his fist and freeing his now-wobbly antenna. His grip shifted and softened, holding your hand in his. Spamton did the same with his other hand, both antenna now weakly raised above his head.
"Hey, [big man on campus], how are you feeling?" The big shot's tone was soft- it was a tone that very few others ever had the pleasure of hearing.
"Ohhhhh, I just... I... urf..." Tenna shrunk by a few more inches, "I just don't want them to forget me."
"They won't. This lull in activity happens sometimes, but they always come back." You held his hand with both of yours, planting a kiss on the back of it.
"Yeah, and the [home for the holidays] will be comin' up! That's always a busy time, everyone [gathered around the table] watching movies and stuff! They'll be back, just you wait." Spamton gives him a wink.
Tenna remained quiet, but you could tell that he appreciated the comfort. He would be embarrassed later, but for now, he held hands with both of you like his life depended on it. Maybe it did.
You leaned in and rested your forehead against Tenna's, just barely registering another quiet whimper... or at least, that's what you thought it was, until he squirmed backwards.
Tenna's face now bore a wobbly smile, one arm clearly trying to retract back. Looking over, you saw that Spamton's fingers were scratching at Tenna's palm. The TV let out quiet, almost inaudible huffs of laughter. "S-Spam-!"
"What? We're just [holding hands], trying to cheer up our [sweet most darling] partner. Is something not [satisfaction guaranteed!]?"
"Th-That's nohohot the issue ahahahand you know ihihit-!" Tenna giggled. You couldn't help but grin at the sound, which only flustered him more.
"You probably needed to be redirected from your spiralling, anyway." You laced your fingers with his, leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek and cupping his face with your free hand. His antenna shoot straight up with a tiny yelp as you give him another kiss on the screen. This much attention so suddenly...!
...But on the other hand...
"Spahahaham-! Knock it ohohohohoff-!" Tenna's giggling had ramped up as the salesman approached, fingers laced within his, and started scratching at his ribs. With the realization that both of his hands would be useless in defending himself, he scrunches his shoulders in one last-ditch attempt.
He didn't want to scoot back, because it meant that he wouldn't be getting a kiss anymore, but Spamton scratching around his ribs, sneaking his hand upwards, has him almost reconsidering.
It's when you suddenly betray him, hand squeezing at his stomach while kissing his cheek that he throws back his head for a louder laugh.
"B-BOTH OF YOUHUHUHUH-! WHYHYHYHY-!?" He yelps out when Spamton's hand scratches under his arm.
You exchange a quick glance with the big shot, a mischievous grin spreading across both of your faces as you give the answer in tandem:
"We love TV."
You both let out a short 'aww' when the flower makes a sudden appearance, Tenna yelping and screen flushing pink.
"We do! We love our TV!" Your hand scratches at his side and earns a yelp, "We love giving him attention, we love how cute and handsome he is!"
Spamton grins wickedly, "We [love it!] the noises he makes when we [tickles the fancy]!" He gives him a devastating raspberry to the neck, watching him finally crumple to his knees with his screen glowing a vibrant dark pink, squealing out a sound akin to microphone feedback.
"We know the audience loves him, too. Who wouldn't like someone so charming and fun?" You poked at his side, "That's why we fell for him. Right, Spammy?"
"The only time I am [agree2all] in public, big guy." The salesman lets out a short chuckle, "We [love you!], so don't you worry about anything, [ok]?"
For your final coordinated attack, you both kissed him on the screen. He gave out one small squeak-
And proceeded to colorbar.
"TENNA-!?" You gripped the sides of his head in horror.
Spamton threw himself back with a laugh, having to support himself on a nearby table. "Holy [cungadero]! We must've gotten the [high score] and broke him!"
You firmly and quickly patted the plastic casing on the side of his head. You've never seen him do this before, what happened-!?
His screen came back to life with a small gasp. You let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Sorry, Tenna. Didn't mean to-"
"Oh, that? It happens! Just overheated. Don't worry about that!" He twirled his tie around his finger as he stood up, looking innocent. Then his screen went dark, a bright smile the only thing cutting through.
"Worry about my revenge instead, darlings."
A shudder ran down your spine. Hey, did someone turn the A/C down...? Nope. That's just the promise of retribution later. Maybe he'll go after Spamton first...
As much I love seeing Tenna laughing himself silly, do you have any Spamton tickles or scenarios? Addison, Big shot, current, NEO, Null, whatever you want :)
Here's one :3
"Will you stop pestering me?" Tenna growled as he was trying to relax in the private living room. Spamton was hovering all over him, eventually clinging onto his arm.
"[But you said] we'll be [hanging out together]," Spamton pouted as he clung onto the show host's bicep, "You've been [ignore me all you want] all day!"
"I swear you're trying to annoy me on purpose," Tenna growled before he picked Spamton up by the scruff of his collar and placed him into the palm of a hand.
"[Come on baby, do your worst!]" Spamton purred as he posed in the Tv's hand, "[You know you want me,]"
"No," Tenna snarled as he poked Spamton's ribs with a finger. A tiny speck of guilt filled the TV for a moment when he saw how the addison flinched before he frowned deeper. He poked again, "Why are you pulling your face like that?"
"[Nothing is wrong]!" the co-star shook his head frantically as he tried to keep his composure. But, it was too late when Tenna poked his stomach and a chuckle slipped out.
A sinister grin formed on the TV show host, which made the TV show co-star flinch.
"Tell me, my dear Spamton," Tenna's tone was dangerous as he raised his hand right above the quivering Spamton's body and started to wiggle his fingers, "Are you perhaps ticklish?"
"[OH NO NO!]" Spamton's entire body glowed red as he frantically shook his head. Tiny giggles started to bubble from him as he watched the large fingers wiggle closer and closer to his body, "[I'm Gonna Die!]"
"Here comes the tickle monster! Coochie coochie coo!!" Tenna cooed in a playful tone (and unknowingly in his natural voice) as his fingers attacked Spamton all over, experimenting to see where he's most ticklish on his upper body. He poked, prodded, wiggled and danced his fingers all over to see what makes Spamton really react.
"HAHAHAHAH!! NOOHOOHOT THHEHEHRE!!" Spamton squealed between loud, silly cackles and shrieks. Kicking his legs to try and get the fingers away, "EHHEHEEK! HAHAHAHHAH!!"
"That's what happens when you annoy me when I'm busy," Tenna warned before he decided to use his claws to gently scratch under Spamton's armpits.
"[ANYTHING BUT THAT!]" Spamton shrieked on top of his voice before he cackled and squealed. His entire face was a dark crimson as he tried to clamp his arms down, which trapped the fingers under his armpits.
"Tickle tickle tickle~" Tenna was laughing playfully as a goofy, playful smile was on his lips. He gently scratched under the armpits, the ribs and belly, giggling as he found Spamton's reaction hilarious (and adorable), "The Tickle Monster gobbles up ticklish folks like you!"
"[Don't be a tease!]" Spamton tried to angrily protest, but his silly laugh and reaction made it ineffective.
"Just for that, I'm gonna make you regret it," Tenna's tone was dangerous and sounded angry as he stopped. Spamton felt his heart flutter nervously (and in excitement).
Spamton expected Tenna to angrily throw him or punish him in some way. What he didn't expect was that Tenna would lean closer to him and starting to suck his breath in for some reason...
...until Tenna blew the largest raspberry ever right on his exposed white belly. Spamton shrieked as if he was getting killed before scream-cackling on top of his voice. It was so high-pitched it could easily shatter glass.
"[Have mercy! Have Mercy!]" Spamton screamed between laughs, "[ERR!][ERR!][ERR!]"
"See what happens if you annoy me?" Tenna quickly wore his stoic mask again as he gently stroked Spamton's hair, "I'll tickle you again and I won't be as gentle,"
"[You promise?]" Spamton grinned sleepily. Tenna felt his own screen blush for some reason.
"Of course you'll like it," Tenna shook his head in disbelief.
After another pointless argument between Spamton and Tenna, the TV decides to be the bigger person yet again, not only in size but also behaviour. But when he goes over to check on the other, he finds something very unexpected. Something that he must learn how to deal with if he wants to make things right again.
Word count: 3,959
Spamton and Tenna got into an argument.
Not a very surprising statement. Those two bickered all the time over the silliest of things. It was a repeating pattern: they disagreed over something, they started yelling, one or both of them would storm off, and then, they'd act as if nothing ever happened, forgetting what they were even squabbling about. It didn't seem as though this one was going to be any different from all of their past quarrels. Tenna already had the chance to cool down and realize he didn't even remember what they disagreed on in the first place. He sighed, laying on his back on the bed in his room in Castle Town. He could hear the distant whirl of his cooling system working overtime so that his processor wouldn't overheat from his previous anger. He should probably check on Spamton, shouldn't he? The little mailman had the tendency to hold a grudge but he couldn't stay mad at him forever, especially for something so trivial that Tenna had already forgotten. Right? The TV took a deep breath before pulling himself up. Continuing the routine, he left his room to find the salesman and check up on him. It felt as though he had walked the same path - out of town and to the abandoned area opposite to the way that used to lead to the entrance to the Card Kingdom - for the same reason a thousand times already. To check whether the other was still pouting and to make half-hearted amends if he was. Despite the repetitiveness, Tenna never found himself feeling bored or annoyed. The routine was so familiar, even back from the Big Shot era, that he grew rather fond of it over time. After all, they were just silly squabbles and nothing serious. And he wasn't going to complain if it meant he had an excuse to visit the other. They still weren't on best terms after everything that happened, but they had at least gotten over their hatred towards one another. The atmosphere around them was more lighthearted nowadays, even if it didn't come close to how friendly it was during their prime. And the two weren't looking forward to talking all of their frustrations out, so whatever they had now had to do.
His thought process came to an end as he was about to turn to the alley where Spamton lived. Tenna couldn't understand why the other would rather spend his days and nights on a secluded pile of rubble when he had Ralsei offer him his own room at the castle, but he decided not to ask. Spamton wasn't in the best headspace, so it was better not to prod him with too many questions. Unless one wanted him to snap or glitch out, that was. Tenna peeked around the corner, expecting to find the short scam artist sulking on top of a mound of trash and mumbling incoherently to himself as usual. However, what he saw was something new and unexpected. Instead of the small Darkner that he was used to, there was a huge, colourful mech with wide wings, weirdly long but thin limbs and Spamton's head. It was standing with its back turned to the entrance, arms crossed, looking as though he was fuming in silence. Tenna gulped. It wasn't the first time he saw Spamton in that state and he didn't like it at all. The last and only (until today) time he saw Spamton in his NEO form was when they first truly reunited, and it was NOT a pleasant experience, to say the least. From what he was told by Kris afterwards, he got that Spamton couldn't fully control his NEO body, nor could he control going in and out of it. It depended entirely on his feelings and emotions. Though Tenna's size-changing abilities were also dependent on his mood, he was still able to control his size if he focused enough. Spamton could not, which could get quite tricky, especially with his unstable mental state. Long story short, he was upset. Very upset.
Tenna swallowed harshly again. This wasn't right. Spamton never got THAT upset over their bickering! Could it have been that the TV host had struck a nerve? He felt his gut twist a bit. If that was the case, then it was REALLY bad; he couldn't for the life of him remember what they were even arguing about! No matter how much he racked his brain, nothing came up. He dreaded going over there and trying to talk to the other, especially with how his last NEO encounter went, but he couldn't just leave him like this. He had to do SOMETHING. He took a deep breath and let out a small huff, trying to gather some courage. He has got this. He quietly, but swiftly, made his way forward, trying to seem nonchalant even though Spamton didn't see him. He still had his back turned on him. Tenna wasn't sure if he just didn't hear his footsteps or if he was actively ignoring them. The TV stopped a few feet away from him. He hesitated before clearing his throat, trying to get the other's attention. Spamton didn't turn to look at him but the twitch of his wings showed that he heard him. So he was ignoring him. Great. Tenna forced on a wide grin. "Spamton, buddy! Eheh... How's, uh... How's it going?" He asked, trying to sound casual. Spamton didn't respond. Maybe he has not got this. "Um... Beautiful day we're having, no?" The host rubbed the back of his TV head, silently pleading for an answer. There was none. He was starting to get more nervous. "Uhm... See, about our, um... CONVERSATION from before... Heh..." Still nothing. Not even a twitch this time. "You know I didn't mean anything I said, right?? C-come on, we're buddies! I would NEVER mean any harm, you know that!" He exclaimed, practically begging the other to respond or at least give him something to work with. But there was nothing. He didn't even look at him.
Tenna's helplessness was starting to turn into frustration. When was the last time Spamton got THIS grumpy over a stupid argument!? It must've been ages ago when they were still working together. But back then, his business partner didn't turn into a giant and unpredictable robot! How was he supposed to know what to do!? It wasn't like he could use the same tactics he used years ago to calm him down! ... Or could he? Tenna cleared his throat and fixed his tie. He was definitely asking to be punched in the screen but he had no other ideas. He put on his best sly grin and stepped closer, leaving over Spamton's shoulder to hopefully get a glimpse of his face. "Hey Spammy~" he spoke playfully. "Why don't you turn that frown upside down?" Spamton didn't react so the host decided to go a step further. He poked the other's cheek. "Come on, you know I LOVE that smile almost as much as you LOVE TV~!" At that point, Tenna would've been more than happy to get punched in the screen. The salesman was still ignoring all of his attempts, his face as steel and cold as his NEO form. The only new thing was that his wings twitched a little again. Even teasing couldn't get a reaction out of him! The TV was running out of options fast. His smile soured. "Come on..." He poked the other's cheek a few more times. "Not even a smirk!? You know how much I hate silent treatment, Spammy!" Tenna's nonexistent eyebrows furrowed. That was it, wasn't it? Spamton was keeping quiet on purpose to rile him up. It wouldn't be the first but he used to be easier to crack than that. Back in the day, he would already be swatting at him and telling him to shut up while trying to hide a smile. Was he ever this stubborn?? What did Tenna do when the businessman was being this stubborn??? "Damn it...! Uhhh... F1??"
Suddenly, a small, Spamton-shaped angel materialized right next to Spamton. He turned his head a little to look at it, his expression softening slightly from surprise. Meanwhile Tenna grinned victoriously. "YES!" He exclaimed excitedly. Ironically enough, the F1 angels were always his biggest allies during his past bickering with the little mailman, much to the other's dismay. They always took his side! Well, mostly because he was the one to call for them, and he was pretty sure they couldn't actually understand what was going on. But it still counted! Definitely! He watched in anticipation as the smaller, cuter version of Spamton let out an equally small and cute coo, clearly happy to have been summoned. It looked like it was about to fly over to Tenna but it paused when Spamton let out a frustrated huff and turned his head away. The little helper's smile fell. It looked between the two before it turned its back on the host as well, crossing its arms and mimicking its bigger counterpart's resentful expression, though in a much more pouty way. It let out a disapproving, offended chirp, matching the atmosphere. Tenna's jaw practically dropped. He gripped his TV head with both hands in distress. "NO!" He shouted, absolutely distraught. How could it have not worked!? It ALWAYS worked! ALWAYS!!! The F1 angel soon disappeared, not having helped ease the tension at all.
NOW Tenna was frustrated. Spamton wasn't going to budge? Fine. He'd just have to make him do so the old-fashioned way. No more games. "You wanna be like that? Huh?? Fine!" He snapped. "Play unfazed all you want but you can't keep it up forever! Come here!" Confused, Spamton was about to tilt his head to get a glance at Tenna but he didn't get a chance to do so as he felt the other wrap his arms around his waist, pinning his arms to his sides. In one, swift motion, he was lifted up from the back. He let out a startled squawk, his wings extending instinctively, accidentally hitting the other in the screen. The TV host grunted but didn't let go. Instead, he dug his fingers into the salesman's waist, making him screech again, this time from the intense ticklish sensation it caused. His wings fluttered wildly, repeatedly smacking Tenna's head. The TV made another disgruntled noise, tilting his head back to avoid the involuntary punches. He didn't stop though, he was way too headstrong and determined to get Spamton out of that annoying funk he was in. His fingers prodded without hesitation with a mix of annoyance and mischievousness. If that overgrown bird wasn't going to give in on his own, then he'd make him do so. He could feel the other tense and start to squirm in his arms, letting out displeased sounds while doing so. He might've been in a different form, but he sure did have the same exploitable weaknesses.
Tenna's hands tried to creep over to the other's stomach but every time the tips of his fingers so much as grazed over it, the spam email would shriek and try to curl in on himself. Of course he did. It had always been his worst spot, after all. Now, if it were any normal day, Tenna could easily just hold him down with one hand and tickle him with the other. But, to him, there was absolutely nothing normal about the current situation, other than his old colleague's stubbornness. And even then, it seemed unusually excessive. That whole entire thing seemed excessive and unnecessary and he still had no idea what he did for it all to spiral like this! For Spamton to spiral like this! ... Well, when he thought of it like that, Spamton was already spiraling BEFORE the whole squabble. He hasn't been the most mentally stable individual lately, to say the least. But still! And that NEO form thing was just making everything three times harder! He never had anyone be physically capable of putting up much of a fight against his, dared he say, top-notch tickling skills. But now that Spamton was almost as tall as him? It proved to be quite the challenge to keep him still with all that flailing and resisting. But Tenna was determined! A bit annoyed, but determined.
His embrace grew tighter as he fought against the other's squirming, his nonexistent face cringing at the constantly fluttering wings. Spamton seemed more irritated than anything, trying to escape him with a crooked scowl. The TV didn't know what he was expecting anymore. Despite his initial motivation, he was starting to have doubts. Was it really worth it? Would it not have been better if Tenna just let him cool off on his own? But Tenna wasn't ready to quit just yet, not when he had already gotten so far. Too late to turn back now, he supposed. He had a feeling he could break the other if he could just reach his stomach and stay there for a bit. His grip tightened as he tried again, this time with more luck, managing to scribble his claws over the mech's stomach. Spamton cringed as he was unable to push his hands off this time around. His lips pressed together tightly and even his eyes shut from the effort to hold back. Did Tenna finally get it? Was the salesman about to give up? The TV host's hope resurfaced. If he could keep it up just a little longer, he'd finally win! He sped up slightly, trying to make the other really feel it. Just a bit longer! Just a little bit more and they were home! Just a little...
Suddenly, Spamton let out a squeal. And along with the noise, his NEO form unexpectedly began to retract into itself towards the head in a swift manner. It caught Tenna off-guard and he instinctively moved his arms back. When the mech fully retracted, all that was left was Spamton's proper body in the place where the NEO head was, some distance above the ground. It wasn't long before he started falling with a startled yelp, but Tenna quickly snapped out of his shock and caught the other before he could hit the ground. He brought the now small businessman close, holding him against his chest as the puppet laid in his arms on his back. Spamton looked up at Tenna, only to see that his screen went completely black. He stared up at him for a moment. Awkward silence hung in the air for a moment after the whole fiasco before the little scammer broke it. He tried to grin but it came out awfully nervous. "HEHE... [[10% OFF]], HEH... HOWZA, UHH... [[How you doin'?]]" he asked, shining his best award-losing smile. "..." Tenna didn't respond for a while before a wide, toothy grin slowly spread across his dark screen. Spamton gulped. That wasn't good. The TV spoke in a sickeningly sweet voice. "Why, hello there~"
Before the other could even start begging for forgiveness, the host moved one of his large hands up and buried its fingers into his small stomach, making him squeak in panic and ticklishness. He burst into laughter when he felt the other poke scribble all over. He kicked his legs hopelessly as he squirmed in the firm, yet careful, hold. "NOEAHAHAHAHAA!! [[Cathode]]!! MEHEHEAHAHAERCY!!" Hearing that familiar, goofy laugh, Tenna's screen brightened, his antennas perking up. His grin softened a little, although it was still filled with a huge amount of mischievousness. He didn't expect THAT to happen but he certainly wasn't complaining, especially not when he was finally able to get some revenge for all the trouble he had to go through just to get him talking. "Oh, NOW you want mercy!? Well, you certainly weren't so forgiving when you were throwing that little hissy fit of yours, were you!? Nooo, I don't think so~!" he exclaimed teasingly. "Where is your huge mech now, huh? Where's that big, intimidating, grumpy Spammy that was resisting SOOO much!? Hm??" his voice began to take on a more playful note. "Maybe there's a button I need to press to get him to come out again, hm? Maybe here?" he poked one of the puppet's ribs on his right, making him squeak. "Or maybe here??" Tenna sunk the tip of his finger into his left side, earning another squeal. He lifted his finger up and began moving it around in circles in the air, pretending to think. "Orrr, what about riiight...-" his finger stopped right above a certain spot that made Spamton even more nervous than he already was. His face turned red as he began to giggle in anticipation. "WH- WAIT!! [[Tennessee Resort]], DON'T-!!" he was cut off as Tenna poked him right on the belly button. "-here!" The small salesman let out a shriek in laughter, trashing around uncontrollably as Tenna's finger circled around the sensitive spot. It was always his worst weakness and that didn't seem to have changed much from the time they had worked together. "NAHAHAEHEHEAHA!!"
It was hard for Tenna to stay mad at Spamton for being so difficult when he was laughing with that goofy yet nostalgic laugh of his. He only ever laughed like that when he couldn't control himself (which was absolutely Tenna's fault most of the time). It left a bittersweet feeling on the host's tongue that he didn't necessarily hate. Quite the opposite, it was somewhat comforting, knowing that even though time passed and circumstances changed, some things would always stay the same. Of course, he couldn't let the other know that. So he reluctantly took his hand back and cleared his throat, regaining his composure. He waited for a moment for the puppet to catch his breath. Spamton let out a small cough before panting, trying to stabilize his breathing. He hadn't laughed like that in ages... And his lungs weren't used to it anymore. After he got his breathing in order, he heard Tenna speak. "So.. we're done pouting now?" The salesman looked up at him. He stared at him for a short moment before he scoffed, crossing his arms and looking away with a bitter expression, seemingly having remembered what the situation was before the whole tickling fiasco.
Tenna let out a sigh, his smile falling and his antennas slumping down. "Spamton..." he rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "... I'm sorry." Spamton closed one of his eyes and looked at the TV with the other, his scowl softening a bit at just how genuine the sentence sounded coming from the other. "I..." the TV host turned his head to the side, not wanting to face the man he was holding. "...don't remember what we were arguing about. I CAN'T remember, no matter how hard I try." he turned back towards the businessman, his hand resting on the back of his neck. "But I'm sorry. I've never meant to strike a nerve this much." he paused. "... You know that, right? That I'd never REALLY want to hurt you...?" Spamton looked away with his one open eye, his face cringing in nervousness and slight guilt. The relationship between them as of that moment was.. strained, to say the least. Their best years of friendship were long gone. They couldn't even go one moment around each other without starting a fight over something ridiculous and utterly pointless. The atmosphere between them felt like a warzone. And yet, Tenna was right there. After all that time being apart, after all the hurt and resentment had been brewing up for years, he still bothered to come over to that pile of garbage the puppet called "home" and check whether or not he let the argument go. And he tried so hard to be able to properly apologize to him, going through so much trouble just to get him to forgive him.
"... I [[Knowledge Acquired]]..." Spamton eventually responded, not looking over to see the other's reaction. He just wished that the moment would end. It made him feel a kind of unease that he desperately tried to avoid. Meanwhile, Tenna perked up at what he decided to perceive as a sign of forgiveness. A red flower bloomed on his nose as he grinned in endearment. He brought the other closer, squishing him against his chest with a squeak. "Awh, Spammy!" he exclaimed as the other struggled against him. The salesman managed to push his face and torso away from him and he let out a huff. "ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT!! [[Enough Stock For]] WITH THE [[Perfect Valentine Gift]]!!" Tenna let out a short chortle and reluctantly pulled away. "Awh, fineeee." He groaned lightheartedly while Spamton opened his other eye and looked at him. "You won't even let me have this little moment after all this time, will you?" he chuckled again, clearing not taking it personally. Spamton just rolled his eyes, though he was glad that the TV wasn't brooding anymore.
Tenna tilted his head, looking down at the other. "Actually, Spammy, can I ask you something?" The puppet looked up at him with a questioning look. "OH, UH, [[Agree2all]], WHAT'S THE [[Trivia Questions]]??" "What WERE we arguing about anyway that got you so worked up? It had to be pretty big if it upset you so much that you got stuck in your NEO form." Spamton's expression suddenly went blank. The TV host's smile started to slowly fall. "Spamton?" " UHHH..." the small scam artist was speechless for a moment before another nervous smile made its way onto his face. "EHEH... I, UM... [[Forgive & Forget]]...??" he admitted unsurely. The other's screen took on a deadpanned expression. The flower on his nose lost its petals, which fell down onto the ground. They stayed in a tense silence for a moment before Tenna spoke up. "You what." he asked incredulously with a hint of anger in his voice. Spamton chuckled anxiously and looked away, fidgeting with his hands and a panicked grin. "EHEAHA, [[Affirmative]]... BUT, AH, IT'S NO BIG [[Dealz]] NOW, RIGHT??" The area went quiet again. The ex businessman's award-losing smile was back in its full glory as the tension rose again. Then, the TV's expression twisted into pure irritation. "You WHAT." his hand made its way back onto the other's stomach, prodding at it again and making the him burst out laughing almost instantaneously. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? I'VE BEEN TRYING SO HARD TO GET YOU TO FORGIVE ME AND YOU JUST FORGOT WHY YOU WERE OFFENDED!? BUT YOU WERE STILL POUTING ANYWAY!? AFTER EVERYTHING I HAD TO DO TO GET YOU TO EVEN TALK TO ME, AFTER THAT WHOLE TANTRUM YOU THREW, YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU DIDN'T EVEN REMEMBER WHY YOU WERE DOING IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!?!?" Tenna yelled and ranted as the small salesman squirmed in his grip, laughing his little lungs out in both panic and ticklishness. "EHEAHAHA!! [[Me, Myself & I]] SORRY!! I'M [[Apology Gift]]!!" he managed to blurt out through all his squeaks and laughter as he trashed around helplessly.
It was going to be a long rest of the day for the two of them, which was most likely going to end in another pointless argument that was going to start the routine all over again. But, if they were to be honest (which they would never be), they didn't mind having an excuse to see each other again in the near future. Spamton especially didn't mind having a visitor come over every now and then. Even if it meant having his undeniable weakness exploited during their confrontations. Especially if it meant having someone hold him in their arms like he still mattered. Like he was worth all the trouble.
Here's your star for making it to the end :)
Not fully beta-read but I couldn't be bothered. I've got a writer's block on beta-reading and I've been working on this for way too long anyway, it's about time I delivered on what I promised. It's gonna be posted on my AO3 as soon as the maintenance is over.
“How can someone not be ticklish??” For Trash Heap AU Tenna and Spamton (you can decide who's the lee and who's the ler :>)
Thanks for the request ! Sorry, not very long again ;c . man do i love this AU TT.
It was probably early morning, and one of the Underground mailman's rare days off. On mornings like these, the little monster took every opportunity to spend as much time as possible with Tenna, enjoying a nice, leisurely breakfast while watching a show on the cracked CRT's screen.
Comfortably settled on the taller monster's long legs, a bowl of cereal in his hands, Spamton watched what appeared to be a television series from the Surface. A couple was teasing each other on-screen. The woman had stolen something from her partner, who was trying to get it back. The man reached out and attempted to tickle her sides, but she simply stuck out her tongue and informed him that she unfortunately wasn't ticklish.
That was the precise moment Tenna' started to speak.
"How can someone not be ticklish?? That's strange!"
Of course, even while displaying a show, the CRT could still watch it as well. One of the perks of being a television, perhaps?
In any case, the mailman didn't seem impressed by the revelation. He merely shrugged, as though the answer were obvious.
"My love, it's very simple! You just have to be like me and not be ticklish! People like that exist. Not everyone has the same sensitivity. With love, your mailman."
That answer only seemed to confuse the larger monster. He tilted his head to the side.
Spamton? Not ticklish...? But he'd seen plenty of evidence suggesting otherwise.
"Uh... are you sure about that...? Because every time I kiss you, you start squirming and giggling. To me, that sounds pretty ticklish, Spammy."
As if to prove his point, the screen began displaying every single instance of the little monster squirming and trying to push Tenna's face away while the TV man peppered him with tiny kisses. The mailman's laughter could be heard loud and clear!
And yet, upon seeing this evidence, Spamton chose to remain firmly in denial. He set down his now-empty bowl of cereal and, his cheeks tinged slightly pink, tried to put on a confident expression.
"My dear CRT, those are simply joyful laughs on my part because I'm happy to receive your affection! Nothing more! Sincerely, your mailman who is absolutely not lying."
There was a moment of silence. For a brief second, the mailman thought he had actually convinced his partner.That feeling didn't last long.
The CRT's powerful arms wrapped around him, pulling him snugly against the TV man's chest. Tenna looked down at him with an almost adorable smile.
"What if we tested that theory? Because for me, you're ticklish. I'm pretty sure even the human used that against you a few days ago to cheer you up!"
When Tenna’s fingers dug into his sides, the mailman thought he could hold out for a little while. But he cracked very quickly when the big monster leaned down, started peppering him with kisses, and gently nibbled at his neck.
At first, the little monster’s giggles were rather timid, but he soon burst into full laughter as he kicked his little legs. Tenna wiggled his fingers along his sides one moment, then gently pinched his little belly the next.
"See? You are ticklish, Spammy! I told you so!"
In a last attempt to escape, the mailman squirmed and wriggled until he finally managed to slip free from his companion’s grasp! His eyes flew wide open, however, when one of Tenna’s large hands closed around his ankle, preventing him from getting away.
"I’m not done with you yet!"
A finger slid beneath his foot, drawing a shriek of laughter from the poor monster as he desperately tried to pull his foot back…Unfortunately, Tenna was far too strong and refused to let go.
"So, do you still think you’re not ticklish?"
"To the attention of my companion, who is currently trying to kill me: YES! I AM TICKLISH! I’M SOHOHOHOHORRY! HAEHAEHAE! Sincerely, your husband, who is currently dying of laughter."
Once he admitted that he was ticklish, Tenna stopped torturing him and pulled him into a hug, giving him a few affectionate head scratches.
