Summary: Spongebob offers Squidward a massage to relieve some stress/tension. Squidward is extremely embarrassed about the reason why he’s enjoying it.
“You’re absolutely insane if you think I’ll agree to that.”
Spongebob’s brow furrowed in concern in a way that made Squidward’s stomach do summersaults. “A massage is the least I can do, if it can help ease some of your stress.” Spongebob didn’t need to add, ‘stress that I had a part in.’
Squidward pauses as he searches Spongebob’s face for any traces of mischief, but the boy was being genuine. He sighed reluctantly before uncrossing his arms in defeat. “Fine. But…no tricks, Spongebob.”
“Promise, cap’n!” The little sponge chirped before placing his hands atop Squidward shoulders.
Squidward’s jaw clenched as Spongebob began the process of expertly rubbing the muscles situated on either side of Squidward’s spine.
He felt himself jerk softly at the touch against his will, he prayed that Spongebob wouldn’t comment on it.
Squidward couldn’t see Spongebob unless he turned his head, but he could tell that the sponge was smiling wildly.
“Too firm?” Came an uncomfortably intimate voice from behind. “No!” Squidward blurted out, suddenly all too focused on the sensations to regulate the volume of his voice.
Spongebob paused the massage as realization set in, Squidward cringed as he imagined the look on his energetic masseur’s face.
“I guess I’ll keep going, then.” Spongebob said casually, but only his neighbor of 10+ years could sense the amusement in his tone.
“I don’t like your tone…” Squidward mumbled saltily in an attempt at rebuilding his pride. Unfortunately, Spongebob was practically a wrecking ball when it came to the walls built around Squidward’s sensitivity.
Spongebob cheekily brought his hands to either side of Squidward’s ribcage to scribble his fingers along them and relished in the scream that emanated from the action.
“Is this any better, Squidward?” Spongebob asked innocently as Squidward squirmed under the touch.
The octopus felt suppressed giggles resurfacing from when the massage began, but unlike last time, there was no dam to stop them.
“You promised!” Squidward all but shrieked. Spongebob laughed in response but firmly rested his hands on top of Squidwards shoulders to ground the cephalopod.
“Sorry.” Spongebob said sheepishly once the octopus stopped squirming. Squidward rolled his eyes, but it was hard work to fight the smile off his face that remained long after the massage had ended.
