Summary: Will lies about being ticklish. His siblings decide a punishment is in order
Pairings: None
Word Count: 759
A/N: I knew I had to do something stranger things related when I saw this prompt and there’s not enough fics of them, so here we are. Enjoy the wholesome family bonding :’)
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The Byers’ living room was warm and cozy, a stark contrast to the chilly fall weather. Will, Jonathan, and Eleven were sprawled out on the carpet, a board game spread out before them.
The Byers had recently taken Eleven in as their adopted sister and she was already starting to feel at home.
Ready to make her next move, she reached across the board to grab her game piece, accidentally brushing against Will’s wrist in the process.
Her head perked up when she heard a giggle, the youngest Byers jolting and quickly pulling his hand back.
Now, Eleven wasn’t a stranger to tickling. She had gotten into tickle fights many of times, mostly with Mike. She always had a feeling Will was ticklish, but now she was certain.
Suddenly disinterested in the game, she focused all her attention on her brother, eyes glittered with curiosity.
“Will, are you ticklish?”
Will’s cheeks turned a shade redder and his eyes widened, taken aback by the playful question.
“No, I’m not! You just scared me, that’s all…” he said hastily, avoiding eye contact.
Jonathan looked up from the game, raising an eyebrow.
“Since when are you not ticklish?”
Will’s eyes darted towards his older brother, heart racing with suspense.
“Since… forever?”
He tried to sound casual, though his voice betrayed a hint of nervousness.
Jonathan smirked, sensing the opportunity for some fun.
“Oh really? Because I remember when I used to chase you around the house and tickle you until you couldn’t breathe.”
Eleven’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Friends don’t lie, Will.”
Will groaned, burying his face in a cushion. “Oh no.”
Seeing the gleam in El’s eyes, Jonathan grinned.
“You know, El, I think Will could use a little reminder of the rules around here.”
Eleven nodded, trying to hold back her giggles.
Suddenly, the two pounced, fingers wiggling wherever they could reach.
“Ah! No, w-wahahait!” Will yelped, trying to wriggle away. But it was two against one, and he didn’t stand a chance.
Jonathan managed to pin one of Will’s arms down while Eleven attacked his sides, making him burst into uncontrollable laughter.
“G-Guys, I cahahahan’t!” he squealed, kicking his legs out and futility tugging at his arm.
“Admit it,” The girl said, trying to speak through her own laughter. “You’re ticklish!”
Will’s face was bright red, eyes sparkling with mirth as he squirmed hopelessly under his siblings, embarrassed but enjoying the bonding moment nonetheless.
Jonathan’s heart also warmed at the sight, taking in the pure innocence and silliness that the three of them were engaged in. Life had been dark and scary the past few years and it was nice to take part in something ridiculous for a change.
Besides, it had been too long since he’d tickled his little brother, and if he could lend El some useful tickling tips, that was even better.
Getting that very idea, he gave a devious smirk and glanced at their adopted sister.
“Hey, El, try his stomach.”
Will’s giggling increased at the anticipation, his slightly watery eyes widening with dreadful excitement.
“Nonononono, don’t l-listen to hihihim!”
The brown haired girl pretended to ponder, though she had no intention on giving mercy.
“Jonathan, didn’t lie to me, Will.” Raising her hands, she wiggled them just above Will’s tummy, a trick she’d learned from Mike.
The youngest Byers grew more frantic in his squirming, eyes locked onto the wiggling digits.
“EEK- I’m sorry, I’m sohOHORRY!!” He threw his head back with a shriek when El’s surprisingly vigorous fingers made contact with his stomach, wriggling and scratching the soft skin.
Jonathan laughed at his brother’s reaction, all too familiar with which spot got which response.
“Ah, the classic Will Byers shriek… never gets old.” He teased, watching the younger boy’s face turn even redder from embarrassment.
After awhile, the two finally relented and let their brother go.
“Have fun, Will?” Jonathan asked with a smirk, arms crossed as he watched the boy catch his breath.
Will laid there panting dramatically, cheeks still flushed from the laughter.
“No... You guys are mehehean..”
Eleven narrowed her eyes, unconvinced by the statement. “Friends don’t lie, Will…” she glared playfully, raising her hands to threateningly wiggle her fingers once again.
Will giggled more and squirmed away, wrapping his arms defensively around himself.
“Eep- Okay, Okahahay, it was r-really fuhuhun!”
The girl lowered her hands triumphantly and smiled, clearly pleased with herself.
And so, the trio continued to strengthen their bond as siblings; whether it be by board games, banter, or even a good old fashioned tickle attack.
