A/N: Below I have listed all of my stories I have written so far. You'll also find the corresponding links to my collabs' and tckle headcanons. I will update the lists whenever I publish something new, so you will always have an up to date overview...
A/N: @lovelynim I wish you a wonderful happy birthday~ How quickly did another year pass. I hope, that the new year will only have nice and exciting moments for you. It's my first time writing for these two, so I hope they're not too OOC. Have a great day and enjoy it to your fullest.
Summary: Surprise
Words: 1,689 words under the cut
The first sign that something was wrong was that Qifrey wasn't humming. Olruggio noticed it while sitting at the atelier's kitchen table, a steaming mug of herbal tea resting between his hands as he watched the other moving around.
Normally, Qifrey filled every room he entered with some sort of noise. Humming while organizing books, chatting with the girls or muttering to himself while drawing glyphs - even his footsteps somehow carried an energetic rhythm with them. Today, however, the atelier felt oddly quiet.
Not silent - Tetia had certainly made enough noise before the girls left for somewhere, but quiet enough that Olruggio found himself paying attention. He glanced toward the workshop. Qifrey had passed by the doorway three times in the last ten minutes. Each time carrying something different. First a stack of books, then a basket, then a bundle of cloth.
Every single time, he had spotted Olruggio watching and immediately turned around, avoiding his watchful eyes. It was suspicious. Olruggio took another sip of tea and waited. Sure enough, less than a minute later Qifrey appeared again. This time carrying absolutely nothing. The moment their eyes met, Qifrey smiled. "G-Good afternoon, Olruggio."
Olruggio raised an eyebrow. "...We've already spoken three times today." "Have we?" "Yes." "Oh." Qifrey laughed - it sounded forced, not as he remembered his friend laughing. The ravenhead narrowed his eyes. There it was again- that tiny hesitation, the almost imperceptible stiffness in Qifrey's shoulders. Most people wouldn't have noticed it.
Olruggio had known him for years. He noticed. Qifrey started backing away. "Well then, I should get back to-" "Qifrey." The witch froze. "Yes?" "What are you hiding?" Immediately, the white-haired smiled wider. "I'm not hiding anything." The answer came far too quickly.
"Mm." "Really." "Mm." A brief silence settled between them, then Qifrey pointed vaguely toward the workshop. "I- I have work to do." "You've been walking in circles for the last ten minutes, surely you can answer my question first." Qifrey blinked. "...Did I?" "Yes." "Oh."
Olruggio sighed. It was almost impressive. For someone so clever, Qifrey could be remarkably transparent whenever he became excited about something. The realization seemed to dawn on Qifrey as well. A faint blush crept across his cheeks. "Perhaps I am a little… distracted."
"That's one way to put it." Qifrey coughed. "Anyway." He turned, wanting to escape that situation as soon as possible, Olruggio wouldn’t let him though. The sound of a chair being pushed back could be heard- the sound made Qifrey stop. Slowly, he looked back over his shoulder. Olruggio was already walking towards him, stopping directly beside him.
"Tell me what you're hiding." "No." "Why not?" "Because it's a secret- aHh!" Qifrey immediately slapped a hand over his mouth, but it was too late. Olruggio's grin widened. "A secret, hm?" "..." "A secret from me." "It isn't like that." Qifrey looked away, the blush on his face deepened. That only made Olruggio more curious.
Whatever this was, it clearly mattered enough that Qifrey was willing to suffer through embarrassment to keep it hidden, which meant Olruggio absolutely needed to know. "For someone who claims to be mysterious," Olruggio said, "you're terrible at this." "I’m not." "You are." "Then why are you blushing?" "I am not blushing," Qifrey groaned.
Before he could retreat, Olruggio stepped behind him, cutting off his escape route. Years of friendship had taught him exactly how Qifrey reacted when cornered. Predictably, Qifrey immediately tried to sidestep and Olruggio caught him around the waist. "Olruggio!" The ravenhead rested his chin on Qifrey's shoulder. "Last chance, tell me what you’re hiding."
"No." "Tell me!" "NoOHoho." The answer dissolved into startled laughter as Olruggio's fingers found his sides, pressing softly into them. Qifrey jerked so hard he nearly knocked them both off balance. "Ah!" His hands immediately grabbed Olruggio's wrists, but that didn’t stop the other from his friendly interrogation.
Soft, helpless laughter spilled out of his lips before he could stop it. "Olruhuggiohoho! D-Dohohon't!" "Then talk." Qifrey squirmed in his grasp. The movement only made things worse. He had always been sensitive, unable to control his reactions when being touched.
Luckily, Olruggio was the only person who knew about it and made use of it whenever he felt like it or just wanted to mess with him. Years of friendship had told him that, and the other hadn't lost his skill, although it has been months since the last time he had suffered this treatment. He became painfully aware of this, when the other moved his fingers to his ribs.
Qifrey was laughing so hard he could barely stand anymore. "Ohohoho noHoho! NoOHhoot thehEhre!" "That's not an answer." "It means nohoHoho!" Olruggio couldn't help laughing himself. The sound of Qifrey's laughter was so infectious - bright and warm- completely different from the composed image he showed the rest of the world.
For a moment, Olruggio almost forgot he was interrogating him. "What are you hiding? Come on, you can tell me~" he asked again in a teasing voice, fingers wiggling to his stomach and around his navel. "Nahahaha! I cahahan't tell you!" "Why?" "Because then it wohohon't be a surprise!" The moment the words escaped him, Qifrey froze. Olruggio froze too.
Using the other’s distraction, Qifrey managed to wriggle free at last and stumbled forward triumphantly. "Forget I said that!" His victory lasted exactly two seconds. A stack of books lying on the floor caught his foot. Qifrey stumbled, tried to windmill with his arms to regain his footing, but fell with a thumb to the ground in the end. "WAHH!"
Both men were staring at each other, before laughing. Olruggio was the first to find his voice again. "Are you alright?" he asked, offering him a hand. Qifrey wiped a tear of mirth from his eye and accepted it, pulling himself up. "Yeah, thank you." "You're welcome." The moment he stood again, Olruggio noticed a quill resting on a nearby worktable and he smiled.
He still had something to do. Qifrey saw the look on his face but before he could even try to start another attempt to run away, Olruggio had cornered him against a wall, looming over him like a predator, the quill having disappeared from the table.
"You still haven't answered my question yet." "Don't-" Qifrey panted. Olruggio gently brushed the feather beneath Qifrey's chin, making the white-haired squeaked. "HIYAH!" The sound startled both of them. Olruggio immediately lost all self-control and laughed while Qifrey covered his face. "Ihit tiHickles!" "I hope it does, old friend~"
The feather danced lightly across the side of Qifrey's neck, sliding along his ear. The reaction didn't take long to come. "AHAHHAH! IHIHIHI!" Qifrey jumped nearly a foot into the air. "Oh, that's even worse than when I tickled your sides." "O-OHohHlru- ehHEHEHeh!"
The feather returned to tease the soft skin under his chin and Qifrey bend his head to his side in a fruitless try to escape its touch, dissolving into helpless giggles. "Hihihihi!" "There?" "N-Nohoho!" "How about here~" The feather brushed his neck again, leaving a trace of goosebumps. Qifrey let out another high-pitched squeal and slapped a hand over his mouth.
Unfortunately, that happened at the exact moment the front door opened. The workshop fell silent. Both men froze. Coco, Agott, Tetia, and Richeh stood in the doorway. "..." "..." "..." Tetia blinked. "Um." Qifrey's face turned scarlet. Olruggio lowered the quill behind his back, taking a step back from his friend, who still was corned to the wall.
Coco looked between them, both clearly trying not to look at her. An awkward silence followed. Thankfully, Tetia burst forward before anyone could ask questions. "Master Qifrey! We finished everything!" Qifrey immediately seized the opportunity. "Excellent!" he clapped his hands together - his voice cracked halfway through the word though.
Olruggio coughed into his hand. Agott narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What exactly were you two doing?" "Nothing." The answer came simultaneously from both men. That only made it look worse. Richeh tilted her head. "Why are you both red?" "No reason." "Absolutely no reason." Another suspicious silence followed. Then Coco smiled.
"We actually came back because we wanted to surprise Master Olruggio." Olruggio blinked. "What?" "We planned a picnic." "A picnic?" Tetia nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, we prepared everything this morning." "We wanted it to be a surprise," Richeh added. Coco grinned. "You always help everyone, so we thought it'd be nice to do something for you."
For a moment, Olruggio simply stared at them, processing what they had said. Then his ears turned red - very red - and he immediately looked away. "...You didn't have to do that," he mumbled. "We wanted to." The girls smiled. Olruggio rubbed the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable with being the center of attention. Qifrey noticed it instantly.
The teasing smile that appeared on his face was one Olruggio knew very well. "Olruggio is touched." "I'm not." "He definitely is, good job everyone." Olruggio shot him a glare and Qifrey's grin only widened. That’s for earlier. Thankfully, he redirected the girls before they could focus on Olruggio's embarrassment any further.
"Well then, let's go everyone." The girls immediately began talking excitedly about everything they had prepared as they made their way out. As they headed outside, Coco glanced back at the two adults walking behind them and smiled to herself.
Master Qifrey and Master Olruggio really were good friends - though she could've sworn she'd heard a lot more laughing than usual before they opened the door. She shook her head. Surely, she had only imagined it, she thought before joining Tetia and the others.
Behind them, Qifrey and Olruggio followed at a more relaxed pace. For a moment, neither said anything, then Qifrey leaned slightly closer. "They almost caught us, be more careful next time!" Olruggio snorted. "So, you want me to tickle you again?"
Qifrey looked horrified at the other's teasing grin, then both men laughed with Olruggio patting his back in a friendly manner. The argument settled, they continued after the girls, side-eying one another with matching smirks as the afternoon sun warmed the path ahead.
hi there! i dont mean to be rude at all, and i apologize if i come off that way, but are you aware that the picture used in your "sunday night, movie night" fic is ai? its a wonderful fic of course, but a writer yourself, i assume you too would dislike generative ai and how it steals from artists. i just wanted to let you know in case you didnt notice, have a wonderful day!
Hey anon, sorry for the late reply and thanks a lot for your question. First of all, you didn't come off as rude or impolite, so don't worry.
I'm glad that you enjoyed my story. Now, truth to be told, even though I am a writer, I do admit, that the pictures I used for this story were generated with AI. I couldn't find any real fitting images, so I "created" one of my own. There's nothing to justify and I know that it might anger some people here. It's a hot topic after all, and looking at the increasing development, it will only get worse...
I fell in love with the animation, and the story off the novella it is based on. It offers a beautiful inside into the relationship between two individuals but also gives brief glimpse into the unpleasant past of the country I live in. Yet, it now has a valuable place in my bookshelves.
Reunion written by Fred Uhlman
"Two sixteen-year-old boys attend the same exclusive school. One is the son of a doctor; the other comes from a wealthy noble family. An intimate friendship develops between the two - a perfect, magical bond. A year later, the relationship has shattered. This took place in Germany in 1933…"
A/N: I watched the "future" episode of BNHA and how could I not notice the special manufacture of Bakugou's backseat? Well, the three of them in one car was just too good to be left out.
Words: 3,229 words under the cut
The inside of Bakugou’s car was warmer than Midoriya expected. Not just temperature-wise, but also the seats. He shifted slightly in the back, then stilled. “…Whoa.” He sank, actually sank. The soft cushion gave way under him in this slow, almost ridiculous way, like it was hugging him back.
He leaned his head against the side, his shoulders relaxing before he even noticed it happening. “Your car is really comfortable, Kacchan,” he said, a little softer than usual. “Tch. Obviously,” Bakugou replied from the driver’s seat, “didn’t buy it to be uncomfortable.”
From the passenger seat, Kirishima twisted around halfway, resting his arm over the backrest as he looked at Midoriya. “Dude, you look super comfy back there,” he laughed. “Yeah, it’s surprisingly fluffy,” Midoriya commented, then shifted again. He sank even deeper. “…It feels like floating on a cloud...”
Kirishima grinned. “Careful, you might not make it to the reunion. We’ll have to peel you out of the seat.” “Don’t joke about that,” Bakugou muttered, “if he gets stuck, I’m leaving him.” Midoriya smiled faintly, already relaxed in a way he hadn’t been all week.
They were on their way to see everyone again- properly, with no emergencies, no missions - just a reunion - and for once, things felt… easy. The car hummed quietly for a while, city lights slid across the windows in soft streaks. For a moment, it almost felt peaceful, then Kirishima turned in his seat slightly.
“Still kinda wild, huh?” the redhead said, glancing between the road and Midoriya. “Todoroki making number two.” Midoriya nodded immediately. “Yeah… but it makes sense. He’s been working really hard and his control’s gotten so much better since U.A. - like, remember during training camp when-”
“Oh man,” Kirishima laughed, cutting in, “training camp was chaos.” Midoriya perked up a bit more. “It really was! Actually- Kirishima, didn’t you-” The redhead titled his head slightly. “Didn’t I what?” Midoriya hesitated for a moment. Then smiled as he remembered. “You… ehm You got really flustered that one time.” Kirishima blinked. “Huh, did I?”
“There was that time with the training weights and Mina,” Midoriya added, a little more confidently now, “when she teased you about-” “HEY,” Kirishima cut in quickly, pointing at him, “watch it, that was ages ago...” he mumbled, a bit flustered now. Midoriya froze for a second, then laughed a little. “I’m just saying! You turned really red-” “I did not!”
“You did! And you kept trying to act normal afterwards, but it was really obvious that-” Kirishima turned fully in his seat now, grin sharp but just slightly strained. “Midoriya, come one man, that’s not very manly...” Midoriya, now fully in the memory, didn’t stop. “And then Kaminari made it worse because he kept bringing it up, and you just-”
“Midoriya,” Kirishima repeated, slower this time, “please, I’m warning you!” Bakugou’s eyes narrowed slightly in the rearview mirror. “Oi, Deku.” However, the green bean was still muttering, now half-laughing to himself at his own recollections, completely unaware of the warning tone in Kirishima’s voice - much to the redhead’s dismay.
“And then during that same week, there was actually that other time where you-” “Alright, that’s it,” Kirishima said suddenly, “you asked for it!” Midoriya looked up, still half-muttering. “Huh? Asked for it…?” Kirishima’s grin turned sharper at the edges.
“Bringing up that old story about my- *cough* anyways, you’re in trouble now Midoriya, because I also remember something from training camp… the pull-up bar incident…” Kirishima teased, wiggling a hand at him. That made Midoriya pause. Then blink. Then he looked genuinely confused. “…EH! You’re g-g-gonna t-tickle me?”
Bakugou sighed loudly. “Don’t start anything in my car!” The car slowed slightly at a red light and came to a stop. Kirishima stared at him. “Bakugou?” Bakugou exhaled through his nose as he side-eyed his friend. “Don’t you dare-”
But there was a fire burning in his friend’s ruby eyes - nothing could stop him now, not his seatbelt and not the blonde’s warning stare at him. Kirishima unbuckled his seatbelt. “I warned him.” “Shitty Hair- HEY! I said- argh- Kirishima!”
“Don’t worry, I’m not ruining your precious car interior, Bakugou,” Kirishima said as he leaned down, tugging his shoes loose quickly and kicking them off near the passenger footwell. Then he straightened, flexing his toes once against the floor. Midoriya blinked. “Wait- What?” “See? Not gonna mess up your car,” Kirishima said smiling.
“That’s not even- *sigh* I swear to god,” Bakugou growled, “if you even think about-” But Kirishima was already moving. Before Midoriya could even process what was happening, he turned himself around in one smooth motion, and climbed carefully over the center console into the backseat like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Midoriya’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait- K-Kirishima?” The redhead clicked his seatbelt into the backseat latch without even looking, then he looked at Midoriya, grinned, and launched forward. The green-haired barely had time to inhale before Kirishima’s hands found his flanks, eagerly scribbling over them. The reaction was instant.
Midoriya’s entire body jolted the moment his hands landed at his sides, fingers digging in just enough to make him gasp. “EhEhe! NoHOHoHOHo!” Midoriya whined, trying to curl away, but the soft structure of the backseat betrayed him completely. Every time he tried to twist away, he just sank deeper into the cushion, his laughter spilling out uncontrollably.
“You had your chance!” Kirishima laughed as his fingers danced up and down his sides in quick, relentless motions that made Midoriya squirm helplessly. “AhH! BuhuHut iHiht- ehEhehh- iHit tihihickles!” “No kidding,” Kirishima shot back, grinning as he leaned closer, keeping him pinned more by presence than force.
“Hahaha- w-wait! I cahaHhan’t!” “Yeah, I can see that,” Kirishima laughed, already enjoying this way too much. Bakugou’s voice cut in from the front. “HEY! Are you seriously doing this right now?! In my car?!” Kirishima didn’t even look up. “He started it!”
“I did NOT start- EEK!” Midoriya’s protest dissolved into laughter as Kirishima shifted his grip, fingers now targeting his lower ribs in quick, rhythmic bursts that made it impossible to catch his breath properly. “D-Dehahahah- K-Kirishima-kun stoohohop!” Bakugou’s eye twitched.
“I am seconds away from throwing both of you out.” But even as he said it, his voice wasn’t as sharp as before. His eyes wandered to the rearview mirror, despite himself, and he could see it clearly: Midoriya laughing too hard to even sit upright, Kirishima fully leaning into the moment, grinning like an idiot while continuing his relentless tickle assault.
Something about it - that annoying, loud, stupidly familiar laughter - made Bakugou’s mouth twitch upward before he could stop it. “Tch.” Kirishima looked up in that very moment, not even stopping his ticklish assault, and their eyes met. His smirked back at the other, as if catching him red-handed.
The blonde quickly looked away, focusing back on the road again, a faint blush creeping up to his ears. The light finally turned green and Bakugou stepped on the gas. However, the laughing didn't stop, it only got more intensive. Bakugou played with the thought to switch on the radio, but that would've been more annoying.
“Keep it quiet, someone tries to drive he-” “Pfft- aHAHAHAHAhahAHAH!” Midoriya’s laughter cut him off entirely, bright and uncontrollable as Kirishima suddenly switched spots, fingers slipping up toward his armpits in quick, teasing bursts. “Hey! Don’t ignore me, I said-” “NO! NOHOHOT THERE!” “Oh, that’s a bad spot?” Kirishima’s grin widened. “Good to know~”
Midoriya tried to grab his wrists, but his hands kept missing, his coordination completely gone as he laughed. “K-Kirishima plehehease! I’m soHohorry!” “You were talking big a minute ago,” Kirishima teased, scribbling faster. “I- HAHA I wasn’t!” Bakugou groaned audibly for them to hear. The redhead looked up again, trying to give the other an apologizing look.
"Hehe sorry Bakugou, it's not my fault Midoriya is so ticklish~" Using the momentum of the red-haired’s distraction, Midoriya managed to somehow catch Kirishima’s side, immediately squeezing it. Kirishima jerked. “H-HEY!” he giggled. Midoriya, still laughing, took advantage of it right away, poking into his side with clumsy but determined fingers. “G-GoHot you!”
“OH, you wanna go?!” Kirishima shot back, laughing, as he immediately dove back in, tickling him harder. Both of them laughing, both trying to tickle the other, though Kirishima clearly had the upper hand - better reach, better control, and Midoriya still half-trapped in the stupidly soft seat. “HaAhhaha! K-Kirishima!”
The redhead didn't even need to use his Quirk to hold the upper hand - well, he wouldn't have done so anyways. For once, it was unmanly to cheat and for second Bakugou would kill him for sure, if he would use his Hardening Quirk inside his car. Bakugou clicked his tongue again, his patience reaching his climax.
“Shut up,” he muttered, glancing up at the mirror again. “EheHEHE MidoriHiya, you started t-thiHis!” “I dihihid not!” Bakugou slammed his palm lightly against the steering wheel. “SHUT UP, BOTH OF YOU!” Neither of them did.
Midoriya’s laughter came in breathless bursts now, his attempts to fight back getting weaker as Kirishima kept finding those same spots over and over again, like he was memorizing them on the fly, fingers now wiggling and poking his stomach. “Okay- Okay! StHohop- I’m- ahAhahH I’m soOHohorrry!” “You already tried that,” Kirishima laughed.
“Thihihis time I mean it!” “Oh~ So you were lying back there, ehh~” “NOhoHOHHOH! AhAHAHAHHH!” They reached another red light an Bakugou executed an unnecessarily hard emergency stop. The interior of the car finally fell silent. He turned around and stared at the two of them, an - unknown to him - almost jealous-looking expression on his face.
“If I hear one more laugh or giggle from either of you, I’m leaving you on the side of the road, for real this time,” he said flatly, before facing the street again. Kirishima finally eased up, hands slowing, then stopping entirely. "Sorry, Bakugou... I got a bit too excited," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.
Midoriya slumped back fully into the seat, chest rising and falling, a breathless laugh still escaping him every now and then. "Kacchan I..." Midoriya didn't continue, unsure what to say. From the front, Bakugou glanced at the mirror one more time, sighing. “…Dumbasses, try to keep it quite at least, okay?” But he didn’t sound annoyed. Not really.
Kirishima grinned, giving him a thumbs up. “You got it, bro~” Midoriya huffed, still smiling despite himself, visibly relaxed. “Of course, Kacchan~” The two giggled to themselves, exchanging small pokes and squeezes for the rest of the drive, unaware of the other's gaze as he watched his two friends continues little tickly squirrel at the back seat.
...
Bonus
The engine cut off with a sharp, final click. Silence settled inside the car. Bakugou kept his hands on the wheel for a second longer than necessary, exhaling slowly through his nose like he was trying very hard not to say something. He only managed to hold back for a few seconds. “You two are annoying as hell.”
Midoriya, still a little slumped into the backseat, let out a quiet, leftover breath of laughter while Kirishima snorted beside him. “C’mon, it wasn’t that bad,” Kirishima said, “and don’t think I didn’t notice you looking at us,” he teased. Bakugou turned his head just enough to glare at them over his shoulder. “You were screaming.”
“I wasn’t screaming,” Midoriya protested weakly. “You absolutely were,” Bakugou shot back, “both of you. The whole damn drive!” Kirishima stretched his arms behind his head, completely unbothered by his friend’s words. “Sounds like someone’s jealous he wasn’t having fun.” Bakugou’s eye twitched. “I don’t need that kind of ‘fun’,” he snarled.
There was a slight pause. Then Kirishima slowly turned his head. Midoriya did the same. They looked at each other and something unspoken passed between them almost instantly. Bakugou noticed. “…Don’t.” The redhead’s grin spread first, Midoriya’s followed - smaller, but definitely there. “Don’t what, Ka-tsu-ki?” Kirishima asked innocently.
Bakugou narrowed his eyes. “I know that look.” “You’re imagining things,” Midoriya said, which already sounded like a lie. Bakugou opened his door. “I’m getting out.” He didn’t make it. Two hands grabbed him at once and the door closed again. “HEY?!”
Kirishima hooked an arm around his middle from behind, pulling him backward, while Midoriya grabbed his arm to keep him from bracing against the door. Bakugou twisted immediately, but the angle was all wrong - half-turned in his seat, caught off-balance - and then he was dragged back.
“WHAT THE HELL, SHITY HAIR?!” Kirishima shifted fast, sitting back properly and pulling Bakugou with him, until Bakugou ended up in his lap. “Are you serious right now?!” Bakugou snapped, trying to push himself up, but Kirishima locked his arms loosely around him, keeping him in place - not tight, just enough so that he couldn’t break free.
“We thought you might need some tickles as well,” Kirishima said brightly, a smug grin on his face. Midoriya smiled at his childhood friend. “…S-Sorry, Kacchan.” “Deku, don’t you dare-” Kirishima’s stroke first, fingers digging into the blonde’s side. Bakugou jerked. A sharp inhale- then a short, startled sound slipped out before he could stop it. “NnGn!”
He cursed on the inside, by his body’s betrayal. “Oh?” The redhead’s grin widened instantly. “No way, Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight is still as ticklish as ever, awesome~” Bakugou immediately clamped his mouth shut, glaring. “Try it again and I’ll-” Kirishima did. Both hands this time, fingers pressing and scribbling into his sides, right above his hips.
Bakugou’s shoulders tensed hard. “Tch-! KiHirishi- n-noHOho!” But his body reacted anyway - jerking again, breath hitching as he tried to twist out of Kirishima’s hold. “Stay still,” Kirishima laughed, adjusting his grip just enough to keep him from slipping away, “you know you’re gonna like it, so just enjoy it~” he teased. “Huh! F-FuUHuck ohohoff!”
Bakugou was doing his best to break free from him, but the tickling made it really difficult to gather his strength. “LehehHt gohoo of me, damn it!” he cursed, feeling his face heating up from embarrassment. Midoriya shifted closer. “…Kirishima? Ehm, where-” “Shoes,” Kirishima said immediately, not even looking at him, “take ‘em off.” Bakugou froze. “…Don’t.”
Fuck, he was so damn screwed. Midoriya hesitated for only a second. Then reached down. “Kacchan, I- uh-” “Deku!” That tone should’ve stopped him - it didn’t. He grabbed Bakugou’s kicking leg in an armlock and slipped his shoe off, revealing a black wiggling sock, before letting it fall to the floormat. Kirishima laughed under his breath. “Too late now.”
Bakugou tried to jerk his legs back, but between the cramped space, Kirishima holding him in place, and the way he was half-sitting, half-leaning he didn’t get far, and before he could stop it, Midoriya had pulled off his other shoe as well, keeping the foot in a strong hold. “Don’t you-” Bakugou began just as Midoriya’s fingers brushed against the fabric of his sock.
Bakugou sucked in a breath. “DeHehku, I swear-” he cursed, the first reactions already bubbling out of him. Midoriya wiggled his fingers and Bakugou snorted. His entire body jolted as his foot twitched hard, pressing back into the redhead instinctively. “Pfft- FuHuhck- nohoHOHOHO! HAHAHaHAhH!” Kirishima lost it immediately. “No way- Did you just?!”
“ShuHUhut uHUhup! AHHaHAHAHAHH!” Bakugou laughed. Midoriya blinked, surprised- then smiled, just a little. “…Kacchan, you’re still really ticklish, I’m glad.” “I am noHOhot and d-doHoHohon’t be happy about iHihiit!” Midoriya tried again, slower this time. His fingers dragged lightly over the sole, sliding over his arch and the hell.
Bakugou bit down hard on whatever sound tried to escape, but it came out anyway, sharp and uneven. “NnGhHH!” His leg kicked. Kirishima tightened his hold just enough to keep him from slipping forward, laughing as he continued working at his sides. “Man, you’re way worse than Midoriya!” “SceeHEhew yohoOu! BoOHohth of you!”
Out of anger, he tried to kick Midoriya with his still free leg in the back, but ended up having it been caught in his armlock as well, and he cursed innerly for his own stupidity. Midoriya’s fingers moved more confidently, tracing little lines, then quick scribbles, right across the most sensitive spots of his soles - even through the fabric, it was enough.
Bakugou’s composure cracked. A sharp exhale turned into a short, choked laugh. Then another. “HahahAh st-stoHOhop!” “Say please,” Kirishima teased. “GHoo. ToHohoo. H-HehEhehll!” “Suit yourself~” Kirishima immediately dug his fingers in harder at his sides, fingers pressing softly into the flanks of his blonde friend.
Bakugou jerked back against his chest, a real laugh breaking through this time - loud, unguarded, completely against his will. Midoriya froze for a second - he didn’t hear that often. A warm smiled crossed his face. Then, carefully, he kept going. “K-Kacchan, your reactions are really- um adorable~”
Bakugou kicked again as his feet was tickled more insistently, laughter spilling out between clenched teeth. “I saHahid shuHut up DeHek- IzuHuhuku!” Bakugou laughed and him calling his name didn’t go unnoticed by the other. Kirishima leaned his chin briefly against Bakugou’s shoulder, grinning as he continued. “Dude, you’re so done.” “I wiHiill kiHill yoHou!”
“You can try,” Kirishima laughed. The car filled with noise again - laughter, protests, half-formed threats. Bakugou twisted, tried to grab Kirishima’s wrists, tried to yank his feet away, but every movement just made it worse, opening him up to more ticklish spots, more reactions he couldn’t control.
Midoriya’s fingers slipped under the edge of his right sock just slightly, wiggling along the bare ankle of the wiggling captee while keeping them in a strong hold, and Bakugou lost it. A sharp, unfiltered burst of laughter broke out of him, head tipping back against Kirishima’s shoulder before he could stop it. “No! Stohohop! NoHOhot thAHAht!” he almost pleaded.
“Got him,” Kirishima said, way too pleased. It went on like that - longer than it probably should have. Long enough for Bakugou’s threats to lose their edge. Long enough for his resistance to turn into desperate squirming. Long enough for both Midoriya and Kirishima to be laughing just as hard as he was.
Eventually, Kirishima slowed first. “Alright, alright,” he said, easing up, “I think we made the others wait long enough…” Midoriya followed, pulling his hands back, sheepishly looking to the side. Bakugou slumped forward immediately, breathing harder than he’d ever admit, face flushed bright red. “…I hate both of you,” he pouted, crossing his arms
“Yeah, yeah,” Kirishima said easily, petting his head. Midoriya smiled a little, still catching his breath. “Sorry, Kacchan…” Bakugou shot him a glare that had absolutely no bite left in it.
…A little later…
The three of them stepped into the venue. Voices, laughter, familiar faces - it all hit them at once. “Yo!” Kaminari spotted them immediately, jogging over with a grin. Then he stopped, looked at Bakugou, and paused. “…Why are you so damn red?” he asked, eyebrows raising. “Did you run here or something?”
Bakugou’s expression darkened instantly. “Shut up, Dunce Face,” he snarled and stomped away, leaving the three of them back. Kaminari looked questioning at the other two. “Did I say something wrong?” Kirishima snorted. Midoriya looked away, trying- and failing not to smile. They had much to explain…
A/N: @ticklygiggles I wish you a happy birthday~ I hope that the upcoming year will bring you only joyful and good memories. I did think for a while what to gift you, but then I saw you recent reblog with Sunday and just went for that. Have a great day and enjoy this little gift to your fullest.
Summary: Surprise~
Words: 1,896 words under the cut
The soft hum of the Astral Express blended with the distant glow of the stars, as nighttime slowly settled over the train. The compartments of the Express were quiet and empty, except for two figures on their way to Sunday’s room.
Their bodies threw long shadow against the walls, as they walked in the dimmed light, the warm, golden glow spilling from under the doorframe of Sunday’s room, illuminating the red carpet stretching into the hallway, being their appealing guide. Caelus barreled straight through it with absolutely no grace whatsoever.
“Slow down,” Dan Heng sighed behind him, though the complaint lacked any real irritation. It wasn’t like he was exciting for this as well. “I am slowing down,” Caelus insisted while very clearly not slowing down at all.
His raccoon slippers slid noisily against the carpet as he tugged Dan Heng along by the hand. The other hand balanced an absurd tower of snacks against his chest - chips, candy, popcorn, and at least three drinks threatening to topple over at any moment. Dan Heng followed mostly because resisting would probably end with both of them face-first on the floor.
His dragon slippers glided after Caelus’ in reluctant surrender. “You brought way too much for tonight.” “You say that every week and every week it mysteriously disappears,” the grey-haired commented. “That’s because you inhale snacks like a vacuum cleaner.” Caelus gasped dramatically. “Dan Heng, I am wounded.” “You’ll recover,” the ravenhead assured.
Caelus grinned brightly and pushed the door open wider with his foot. “We’re here!” Sunday looked up immediately from the center of an elaborate pillow fort that occupied nearly half his room. “…You built more of it,” Caelus exclaimed excitingly.
The fort had somehow evolved since last week: Blankets draped from stacked cushions and chairs, soft lantern lights glowing underneath the canopy. Pillows surrounded the nest-like center in layers of cream and gold. Sunday sat in the middle wrapped in a blanket, his small wings fluttering faintly behind him at their arrival. Caelus visibly melted. “You made it cozy.”
“I had time,” Sunday answered softly. Dan Heng’s gaze swept over the fort with quiet approval. “Impressive structural integrity.” Sunday looked oddly pleased by the compliment. “I reinforced the left side after last time.” “The collapse was one time,” Caelus defended. “You leaned against it like a dying star,” Dan Heng commented. “It wasn’t on purpose.”
“I know,” Dan Heng said, as he slipped his hand free at last and stepped inside, toeing off his dragon slippers near the entrance. Caelus immediately kicked off his raccoon ones beside them, not even bothering to arrange them properly, before stumbling into the fort with all the elegance of an excited golden retriever.
Sunday laughed quietly under his breath at that. A tiny sound - small enough that it nearly vanished beneath the rustling blankets. Caelus deposited the snacks between them and flopped down at Sunday’s left side while Dan Heng settled on the right. Immediately, Caelus leaned against Sunday’s shoulder. “You’re warm,” he said softly. “You say that every week.”
“And every week it remains true.” Dan Heng reached over to grab the remote before Caelus could lose it in the blankets. “What are we watching?” Sunday tilted his head thoughtfully. “We’ve done action the last two times.” “Horror the week before that,” Caelus added. “You screamed louder than March 7th,” Dan Heng teased, earning a pillow from the other.
“Hey, I was immersed and that monkey jumped out of nowhere.” “You threw popcorn at me,” the ravenhead said emotionless. “That’s because you were laughing at me,” Caelus fought back. Sunday’s lips twitched. Dan Heng then looked between them with long-suffering patience. “A comedy then?” Caelus pointed dramatically. “Dan Heng, you genius.”
Sunday nodded. “That sounds nice.” After fifteen more minutes of indecision and Caelus suggesting increasingly questionable movie choices, he got more god knows where, they finally settled on an old slapstick comedy March 7th had recommended. The lights dimmed further and the movie began.
Within the first two minutes someone onscreen slipped on a banana peel and crashed through a window. Caelus burst into laughter instantly. Not normal laughter either - a full-body, wheezing, chortling laughter. He folded in half against Sunday, cackling loud enough that Dan Heng actually snorted. Sunday blinked at them both. “That wasn’t even that funny.”
“Yes it was,” Caelus wheezed, rubbing a tear of mirth out of his eye. Dan Heng shook his head, though faint amusement tugged at his mouth. “Your laugh is just too contagious.” “That’s because I commit to the experience,” the other admitted, before he shoved a handful of sweet popcorn into his mouth, almost spilling it as another scene got him cackling.
Caelus kept laughing throughout nearly every scene, sometimes before the joke even finished. Dan Heng tried to stay composed at first, then Caelus started making himself laugh harder, and soon even Dan Heng couldn’t stop quiet snickers escaping every few minutes, especially whenever Caelus nearly rolled off the pillow pile from laughing too hard.
Sunday watched them both, smiling - quietly. Every now and then his shoulders trembled faintly, his lips parting around little hollow breaths that sounded like aborted laughter, but every single time, he pressed his mouth shut again almost immediately. Caelus noticed around halfway through the movie.
He glanced sideways during another scene and frowned slightly. Sunday’s expression looked strained, like he was trying very hard not to make noise. Another joke landed onscreen. Dan Heng chuckled softly beside them. Caelus barked out another loud laugh. Sunday only made a tiny muffled sound behind his hand. Caelus reached for the remote and paused the movie.
The sudden silence filled the fort. Sunday blinked. “What happened?” The Trailblazer turned toward him fully. “What’s wrong?” he asked with a worried gaze. Sunday immediately looked away. “Nothing.” “You’re doing the thing.” “The thing?” Sunday echoed weakly.
“The ‘Nothing’s wrong while something is obviously wrong’ thing,” Caelus said, crossing his arms to underline his statement. Dan Heng nodded once in agreement. Sunday’s wings twitched nervously before folding closer around himself. “It’s not important,” he almost whispered. Caelus softened instantly.
He shifted closer, voice gentler now. “Sunday…” he laid a hand on the other’s shoulder squeezing it comfortingly, “you can tell us, okay- only if you want to of course.” The other man hesitated, then his wings lifted slightly, enough to hide part of his flushed face. “…I don’t like my laugh.” Caelus blinked, while Dan Heng looked genuinely surprised.
Sunday’s voice dropped quieter still. “It sounds embarrassing.” “That’s ridiculous,” Caelus said immediately. Sunday ducked his head lower. “It’s loud and childish and annoying.” Dan Heng’s eyes flicked toward Caelus. A silent understanding passed between them. The grey-haired began to smile slowly. “Oh,” he said lightly, “so that’s the problem.”
Sunday looked suspiciously at the other, feeling the sudden shift in the air. “…Why are you smiling like that?” “No reason.” “There is definitely a reason, what-” Caelus suddenly lunged sideways. Sunday yelped as his fingers squeezed gently into his sides. “C-Cahaelus!” Tiny startled giggles burst out instantly.
“There it is!” Caelus declared triumphantly, increasing his playful attack. Sunday curled inward with a flustered gasp, his wings beginning to flutter wildly. “W-WaHaHait!” Dan Heng watched for approximately three seconds before calmly setting aside the popcorn bowl and joining in. Sunday looked betrayed. “Dan Heng?!”
“You brought this upon yourself,” the ravenhead informed him serenely while lightly scribbling fingers against his stomach. Sunday folded immediately. Soft giggles spilled from him in quick succession as he tried pushing their hands away. “Stohohop iHit you twoHo! AhhaAHAhaha!” Caelus grinned brightly. “Your laugh is adorable.”
“It ihihis not!” the other managed to say in-between his laughter. “Yes, it is,” Dan Heng said. Sunday’s face turned scarlet. Caelus attacked his sides again while Dan Heng’s fingers drifted higher beneath his ribs, leaving him no change to escape. The double attack from both sides made Sunday squeak, actually squeaked- then the giggles broke louder.
Bright, breathless laughter spilled out between frantic attempts to hide behind his wings. “N-Nohoho! WahahaHahit! EHhhEHEH!” “There it is again,” Caelus said happily. “You sound cute,” Dan Heng added quietly. Sunday shook his head furiously, laughing harder when Caelus squeezed at his stomach. “I dohohon’t!” “You really do,” Caelus insisted.
Sunday’s laughter rose another octave as Dan Heng suddenly brushed light fingers against the sensitive spot beneath his neck. He jerked violently. “DAHAHAN HEHEHENG!” Caelus immediately lost it laughing at his reaction. “Oh my god, he’s ticklish there too!” Sunday collapsed sideways against him, helpless giggles pouring out now.
His carefully restrained composure completely unraveled beneath their gentle tickling. And then he stopped holding back. The sound that escaped him was soft and melodic and bright - a clear, childlike laugh that filled the pillow fort like music. Caelus froze mid-tickle. Dan Heng blinked in surprise.
Sunday laughed harder at their expressions without realizing it, hands flying to cover his mouth too late. “There!” Caelus exclaimed. “That!” Sunday stared at him breathlessly. Caelus looked almost offended on his behalf. “You wanted to hide that?!” Sunday flushed harder. “I told you it sounds childish-” “It sounds beautiful,” Dan Heng interrupted quietly.
Sunday fell silent. Dan Heng’s expression remained calm, honest. “There’s nothing annoying about it.” Caelus nodded aggressively. “You should laugh more!” Sunday looked between them uncertainly. Then Caelus suddenly wrapped both arms around him in a crushing hug.
Sunday let out an undignified squeak as the force knocked them sideways directly into Dan Heng. Dan Heng barely had time to react before both of them collapsed against him in a pile of blankets and wings and laughter. “Caelus,” he sighed. “You’re comfy,” the Trailblazer mumbled, nuzzling more against his friend.
“You just tackled us.” “And I’d do it again.” Sunday giggled helplessly into Caelus’ shoulder. Openly this time. The sound made both Caelus and Dan Heng smile immediately. “There,” Caelus said softly, “see? It suits you.” Sunday’s wings fluttered shyly. “…Maybe a little.” “A lot,” Dan Heng corrected him. Sunday laughed again at that, warm and genuine.
He felt comfortable with it, felt comfortable with the two of them. They didn't downplay it, and even though it was a bit embarrassing at first- well still is, they showed him the confidence in himself that he lacked. Sunday was grateful for that and it really felt to him like he has finally come home… in this comfy bundle of true friendship.
The three of them remained tangled together among the pillows while the paused movie screen glowed softly nearby. Then suddenly the door slid open. “All right, who’s laughing loud enough to be heard from the Parlor-” March 7th stopped dead. Pom-Pom peeked around her leg curiously. The room froze.
Caelus halfway draped across Sunday and Sunday tangled against Dan Heng, blankets everywhere. All three staring at the doorway like startled deer. March blinked once. Pom-Pom blinked twice. Sunday turned entirely red. “I-It’s not what it looks like-”
“What does it look like?” March asked immediately. Nobody answered. Then Caelus snorted. Dan Heng closed his eyes briefly in surrender as a laugh escaped him too. Sunday stared at them both for one second before helpless giggles bubbled out again. Soon all three of them were laughing together. March sighed dramatically, crossing her arms. “Boys,” she declared. Pom-Pom nodded solemnly. “Very noisy passengers.” That only made the laughter worse.
A/N: @eliankrios Happy Birthday~ I hope you have an especially wonderful day today. I wish you a good start into your new year of life and the upcoming phase you told me about. So, it isn't really a surprise, since it was already discussed, but I hope you will still find a bit of joy while reading this.
Summary: Surprise~
Words: 1,764 words under the cut
Mika had never considered himself particularly fast. Diligent? Yes. Observant? Definitely. Reliable, even under pressure? He prided himself on that. But fast? Not usually.
Which made his current situation all the more frustrating as he hurried across the courtyard of the Knights of Favonius headquarters, boots skidding slightly against the stone as he tried to keep up with the tall figure walking several paces ahead of him - completely unbothered.
“Mister Lohen- wait!” Mika called, breath catching. “Give it back!” Ahead of him, Lohen didn’t even slow down. If anything, his pace seemed to become just slightly more leisurely, as though he were savoring the moment. “Oh?” Lohen glanced back over his shoulder, a sly curve to his lips. His voice carried easily, smooth and amused. “You mean this?”
He lifted Mika’s small field notebook in one hand, holding it just high enough to make a point. Mika’s face flushed instantly. “Y-Yes! That’s- That’s private!” “Private?” Lohen echoed, feigning surprise. “You shouldn’t leave such interesting material unattended then.” Mika’s heart dropped and his face flushed.
“You didn’t- You didn’t read it, did you?!” he stuttered with a shocked expression. Lohen hummed thoughtfully, tapping a finger against the cover. “Hmm… let’s see. Detailed notes on terrain, wind direction…” his smirk deepened, “and a rather meticulous section titled ‘Behavioral Observations: Vice Captain Lohen.’” Mika let out a small, horrified squeak.
No, that couldn’t be real… he saw it… “I-It’s for research!” he blurted, picking up speed despite his lungs protesting. “I needed to understand-” “To understand me?” Lohen interrupted, voice dipping into something softer, more dangerous. He stopped walking altogether. Mika, unable to react in time, nearly ran straight into him.
Lohen turned fully now, his red eyes glinting with interest as he held the notebook up - far above Mika’s reach. “That’s quite bold of you, Mika.” Mika swallowed, then jumped- or at least, he tried. His fingers barely brushed the air beneath the notebook. The Vice Captain chuckled, lifting it just a bit higher. “You’ll have to do better than that,” he commented.
Mika jumped again, this time with more determination but still couldn’t reach it, barely able to brush it with his fingertips. Lohen’s smile widened, clearly enjoying himself. “Is that all the reconnaissance prodigy of Mondstadt can manage?” Mika’s cheeks puffed slightly as he landed, frustration bubbling up. “Y-You’re being unfair…” he complained.
“Am I now?” Lohen tilted his head. “You’re the one who thought it would be wise to document me.” “I wasn’t- It’s not like that!” “Then what is it like?” Lohen leaned down just slightly, enough for his gaze to meet Mika’s more directly. “Curiosity? Admiration? Or-” he didn’t finish his sentence - he didn’t need to - and only showed the other a teasing grin.
Mika’s face turned a deeper shade of red. “J-Just give it back!” He jumped again - closer this time - but Lohen effortlessly adjusted, arm stretching higher, just out of reach for the blonde. “Persistent,” Lohen mused, “I like that.” Mika huffed, landing again. His arms dropped to his sides as he pouted, clearly at a loss.
For a brief moment, the courtyard fell quiet, except for the faint rustle of wind, then Mika’s expression shifted - a flicker of realization suddenly reaching him, as if it had been carried by the wind right into his mind. “…Right,” he murmured to himself. Lohen raised an eyebrow.
The blonde eyed him a bit nervously now, fidgeting with his fingers, as if he were at odds with oneself, considering something. “Given up already?” Mika didn’t answer, instead he stepped closer - much closer than before. The mint-green-haired didn’t move, watching him with mild curiosity - and that was his mistake.
Mika quickly reached out - not for the notebook this time, but for Lohen’s side. More specifically… his exposed armpit. “Wha!” The reaction was immediate. Lohen’s composure shattered as a high-pitched, startled giggle slipped out, his raised arm jerking downward on instinct, his hand slightly tightening around the notebook.
The blonde’s eyes lit up, a wave of relief washing over him. It had been a dangerous gamble, that lucky turned out to be in his favor. He felt a bit embarrassed about it to be honest, but having a big brother, he learned how to deal with situations like these. “Got you!” he cheered and wiggled his fingers down his side and over his ribs.
With his other hand, he immediately went on the offensive as well. His fingers fluttered against Lohen’s stomach… and thank the wind archon, it turned to be just as effective as his side. “Hehe! W-WaHahit!” Lohen’s voice hitched, laughter slipping through despite his clear attempt to suppress it. “MiHika!”
“You shouldn’t leave such sensitive areas unattended,” Mika shot back, emboldened now, his fingers scribbling lightly across Lohen’s midsection. Lohen’s laughter came out in short, restrained bursts, his shoulders tensing as he tried to regain control. “You- Hnkk! That’s uHunfair!” he laughed.
He couldn’t believe that the blonde would actually resort to something childish as this- no, he was even more surprised that he was so damn tic- ahem sensitive to someone’s touch. In any case, it would usually be him to have the upper hand, he always did, but right now, Lohen felt like he fighting a losing battle, and he didn’t like that at all.
Mika grinned. “Is it?” He continued, alternating between gentle pokes and quick, teasing scribbles along Lohen’s stomach and sides. For a moment, it seemed like Mika might actually win. Then Lohen made his move.
In a swift motion, he dropped the notebook entirely, letting it fall harmlessly to the ground as his hand shot out, catching Mika’s wrist mid-tickle, as the other had been distracted by the suddenly dropping notebook at their feet.
Mika froze, slowly looking up into the other’s ruby-like eyes. Slowly, Lohen straightened, his breathing uneven but his expression shifting back into something far more dangerous. “…Clever,” he said softly. Mika’s confidence wavered instantly. “M-Mister Lohen…?” Lohen’s grip tightened - firm, but not painful - as a smirk spread across his face.
“But you made one critical mistake.” Mika barely had time to react before Lohen’s free hand darted forward, fingers digging lightly into Mika’s side. “Eek!” The sound that escaped Mika was somewhere between a gasp and a high-pitched squeak as his body jolted. “Never let down your guard,” Lohen murmured. “N-No! WahaHAahAh!”
Mika’s laughter burst out instantly, far less restrained than Lohen’s had been. His knees buckled slightly as Lohen’s fingers worked expertly along his sides. “Oh?” Lohen’s tone turned teasing again. “That sensitive?” The surveyor shook his head frantically, even as his laughter betrayed him. “I-I’m ehEheh I’m n-noHot-! Ahaha!” “Liar.”
Lohen shifted his attack upward, one hand sliding to Mika’s underarm while the other continued along his ribs, paying attention to press into the soft spots in-between. Mika’s reaction was immediate. “NOHO! MIHIHISTER LOHOHOHEN!” His voice cracked into helpless giggles as his shoulders shot up, trying- and failing to block the tickling. “IHIHIT TIHICKLES!”
Lohen chuckled, clearly enjoying the way Mika squirmed. “You really should be more careful, Mika. Recording information about someone like me…” his fingers wiggled deliberately under Mika’s arm, eliciting a loud squeal “…comes with consequences.” Mika’s face was bright red now, his laughter spilling uncontrollably as he tried to twist away.
“S-STAHAHP! I CAHAN’T-!” “Can’t what?” Lohen teased, leaning closer. “Endure a little… interrogation?” “THIHIHIS ISN’T FAHAIR! Y-YOHOU MEHENAY!” “Fairness is overrated.” Lohen’s fingers danced mercilessly between Mika’s sides and underarms, never staying in one place long enough for him to recover.
Mika’s laughter turned breathless, his attempts at escape growing weaker by the second. “MiHister L-Lohohen- plehease!” he managed between giggles, his hands pushing weakly at Lohen’s arms. “I- I gi-giHive uhp!” Lohen tilted his head, watching him with clear amusement. “Already?” Mika nodded rapidly, laughter still bubbling out. “Y-YeHehes!”
“Hmm,” Lohen pretended to consider it, though his fingers didn’t stop, but got a bit slower, “I don’t know. You were quite persistent earlier…” Mika let out a helpless, high-pitched laugh. “I-I’m sohorry!” “Are you?” “YEHES!” Lohen’s grin softened just slightly but his teasing didn’t. “Then perhaps I’ll-” Before he could finish, a large shadow loomed over them.
“Having fun?” Both of them froze. Lohen’s hands stilled instantly. Mika blinked, still catching his breath as he looked up. “C-Captain Varka!” Varka stood there, arms crossed, with an expression completely unfazed as he took in the scene: Lohen holding a flustered, laughing Mika in place.
“…You two done?” he asked casually, as if head seen something like this countless times already. Lohen released Mika without protest, stepping back with a small sigh. “We were in the middle of something.” “I can see that,” the Grand Master commented, letting out a sigh.
“…It’s not nice to tease your juniors too much, Lohen… let's have a chat about it, shall we.” Without another word, Varka reached down, grabbed Lohen by the back of his uniform, and hoisted him over his shoulder like it was nothing. “H-Hey,” Lohen started, sounding more annoyed than surprised, “put me down.” “Nope.”
“This is highly unprofessional,” Lohen argued. “So was whatever you were doing just now.” Mika watched, wide-eyed, as Varka turned and began walking away, Lohen draped over his shoulder, arms crossed and clearly displeased. “…This isn’t over, Mika,” Lohen called back, his smirk returning despite the situation, “we’ll continue this later.”
Mika squeaked at his comment, suddenly feeling his hands on his sides again. Then they were gone. Silence settled over the courtyard once more. Mika stood there for a moment, still slightly breathless, before his gaze dropped to the ground. “…My notebook!” He quickly knelt down, picking it up and checking it over. Thankfully, it was unharmed.
Clutching it to his chest, he let out a small sigh of relief. Then, slowly, a thoughtful expression crossed his face. “…Behavioral observation,” he murmured, flipping it open. He hesitated for only a second before pulling out a quill he always carried along.
Vice Captain Lohen exhibits extreme sensitivity in underarm and side regions. Reaction includes involuntary laughter, loss of composure, and defensive reflexes.
The blonde paused. Then, cheeks faintly pink, he added one more line.
Note: The Vice Captain is highly retaliatory. Exercise caution.
Mika closed the notebook with a small nod, his determination returning. “…I’ll be better prepared next time.” He pricked up his ears when somewhere in the distance, Lohen’s voice echoed faintly in protest as Varka carried him off, followed by sudden chortle of laughter. Mika smiled just a little. Yes, next time… he’d definitely win.
Are you accepting asks? If so... Lee!Flins with ler!Illuga or Lee!Illuga with ler!Flins? Thanks for your attention anyway, your drawings are very beautiful!
OmG! OMG!! That. Looks. So. Amazing! 😍😍 Their expressions are so cute~ Illuga is acting so shy and adorable and the contrast to him laughing when Flins tickle him is so good. Also, Flin's brotherly smile as he sees him laugh… marvelous~ ❤️🥹The scenario is great and I can only imagine how long it must've taken you to draw all this… It's such a great work. Thanks a lot!! ❤️❤️
A/N: I came across this thought out of nowhere and before I knew it, the story has been written. I really love to see Wanderer interact with the others and acting like a tsundere.
Summary: Sethos gets a new roommate at the Akademiya but befriending him isn’t as easy as he thought, or isn’t it?
Words: 2,576 words under the cut
Sethos had come to a very important conclusion: His new roommate was weird. Not dangerous weird - he’d met plenty of people in Sumeru who qualified for that - but the quieter kind. The kind that sat on the edge of the room, watched everything, and acted like the world had personally offended him just by existing.
Sethos lay on his bed, one arm tucked behind his head as he stared lazily up at the ceiling, letting his thoughts wander. Day three of sharing a room at the Akademiya, he mused. Name: Wanderer. Or… Hat Guy, apparently. Personality: Grumpy Cat. He snorted softly to himself.
It wasn’t like he hadn’t tried. “Hey, want to grab lunch?” had been met with a flat “No”. “Want to come study with me?” had gotten him a blank stare and a “I don’t waste time”. Even casual conversation had been… difficult.
Wanderer was quiet, sharp, and distant. Always perched somewhere slightly offside - at the back corner of the auditorium or the windowsill in their room - like he didn’t quite belong on the same level as everyone else. Like a cat, Sethos thought again, amused. An unapproachable one. Still… Sethos turned his head slightly, glancing across the room.
Wanderer was sitting on his desk, one leg loosely crossed over the other, a letter held in his hand. His hat rested nearby, abandoned for once, and his expression - usually so cool and composed - looked… different. Softer. There was the faintest curve to his lips. Sethos blinked.
…Wait. What?! He pushed himself up onto his elbows, eyes narrowing. “A smile?” he whispered to himself. That was new. That was very new. Curiosity sparked inside him immediately. Okay, Sethos thought, grinning to himself, what could possibly make Mr. Grumpy Cat smile like that?
He rolled off the bed in one smooth motion, padding quietly across the room. Wanderer didn’t notice at first. He was too focused on the letter, eyes scanning over the page with that same faint, almost absent smile. Sethos leaned in just enough to peek over his shoulder.
“…make friends…” “…friendly…” “…stubborn…”
That was all he managed to catch before, the dark-haired finally noticed him. “Get lost,” he snarled, sounding as if been caught red-handed. Sethos didn’t even flinch. Instead, his grin widened. “Aww, Hat Guy,” he said lightly, leaning closer, “what’s that? Someone writing you love letters?” he teased, trying to get a better look at it.
Wanderer’s expression snapped back to its usual sharp edge, and he folded his arms quickly, hiding the paper. “Mind your own business.” “Oh, come on,” Sethos laughed, “I just saw you smiling. That’s a historic event, I deserve context.” “You deserve to leave,” the dark-haired replied annoyed. “Not happening when you finally show a hint of emotion there~”
Wanderer turned his head slightly, eyes narrowing. “You’re annoying.” “And you’re hiding something,” Sethos shot back, clearly pleased with himself, resisting the urge to poke his nose, and settled to wiggle a hand over the back of his neck instead. The light touch caused his him to flinch, but he kept quiet.
There was a beat of silence, before the brunette smirked, a sudden thought coming to his mind. It might be childish- embarrassing even, if it wouldn't work, but if it did, he might finally be able to get closer to him. There was nothing to, lose anyways, right? The slight reaction he just got gave him the confidence to proceed.
“Alright,” he said, flexing his fingers slightly, “if you won’t show me…” Wanderer raised a brow “…I’ll just have to make you.” Before Wanderer could react, Sethos darted forward and jabbed his fingers straight into his sides. It was a gamble, a complete, reckless guess… and it paid off instantly.
Wanderer squeaked. It was soft, completely unguarded and absolutely priceless. His entire body jolted in surprise, his arms snapping tighter against his sides to protect them, causing the grip on the letter to loose in the process. “WhaH-?!” he sputtered, breath hitching as Sethos’ fingers scribbled lightly along his ribs. Sethos’ eyes lit up. “No way!~”
“StoHop that!” Wanderer snapped, trying to suppress the giggles that wanted to get out, but the command broke halfway into a startled laugh, as he was not able to hold them back. “Oh, you’re ticklish,” Sethos grinned, doubling down immediately, visibly relieved that his intuition was right. He had learned something new about him.
Wanderer tried to twist away, but with his arms pinned close to protect the letter, he had no defense. Sethos took full advantage of that, wiggling his fingers teasingly over the exposed sides. “H-HeHey, gehet your hahAnds out of theEhre!” Wanderer hissed, laughter slipping through despite his best efforts.
“That’s so unfair,” Sethos teased, “you act all cool, and this is what happens?” “ShuHut…uHup!” the navy-blue-haired cursed, but his composure was already cracking. His shoulders trembled and another soft, breathless laugh escaped him as Sethos squeezed lightly at his ribs, making sure to target the sensitive areas in-between.
That was all the opening Sethos needed. With a quick movement, he snatched the letter from Wanderer’s loosened grip. “Got it!~” he cheered, holding it up in the air like a trophy. Wanderer froze for a moment. Then his eyes sharpened. “…Give that back.”
Sethos jumped back, waving the letter triumphantly back and forth, while paying attention not to crumple it by accident, knowing how much it seemed to mean to the other. “Make me~” he challenged. That was a mistake. A very big mistake he realized way too late. A rush of wind surged through the room.
Before Sethos could even react, Wanderer used his anemo power to propel himself forward- fast… very fast, catching up to him in an instant. “Whoa-!” The world tilted as he slammed into him, tackling them both onto the bed in a tangle of limbs. “Oof!”
The impact knocked the breath from Sethos’ lungs, and the letter fluttered from his grasp, drifting uselessly to the floor. For a second, everything stilled. Sethos blinked up. Wanderer was above him, straddling his hips, his dark hair slightly disheveled, his blue eyes sharp- and just faintly flushed. “…You’re fast,” Sethos breathed.
Wanderer smirked. “If you wanted to ‘bond’ so badly,” he said coolly, “I suppose I can humor you.” Sethos barely had time to process that, before the other’s fingers dug into his sides, kneading into them with such a surprised and unexpected gentleness that it broke him instantly. He burst into loud, belly laughter. “HAAHAHAH H-HEY-! NOHOHOHO!”
He couldn’t believe that he was seriously tickled by the other and why was he so good at it? His touch was quick and precise, fingers dancing over Sethos’ ribs and slipping under the edge of his shirt to trace along his stomach, as if had to done it countless times already.
The brunette's interest and wish to get closer to him was triggered even more by that, but right now, he had to get out of this situation, and fast. Sethos squirmed beneath him, laughter spilling out freely. “OhoHohokay- Okay I- Pfft I diHihidn’t mean this kind of bonding!”
“Too late for that~” Wanderer teased, not even realizing what expression was shown on his face. His lips curled into a small, amused smile - different from his usual sharp smirk. Softer. More genuine. And Sethos noticed. “You’re- hahaHa smiling again!” he managed between giggles. Wanderer’s expression faltered for a split second. “Shut up.”
“That’s so uHunfair!” Sethos laughed, twisting under him. “I’ve neHehver seHehen you like this!” “Then stop looking.” “CaHahn’t! AhAHAHHhah!” Sethos gasped as fingers skittered up his sides, dangerously close to his underarms. “Oh no- n-n-noHo doHohn’t… noHohot theEhre!” he laughed, tears of mirth already forming in his eyes.
He was giving him a pleaded look- well, he tried to, considering he looked like a complete mess right now. Wanderer did it anyways, and his fingers found their way into his bare armpits, wiggling into his hollows with gusto.
Sethos yelped, high-pitched laughter spiking as he tried to curl inward, only to be held in place by Wanderer’s weight. “AHhAHahah iHit t-tiHickles!” “Sensitive?” Wanderer asked, almost teasingly. “YoHou’re eHEhvil!” Sethos replied. “And you started it.”
Sethos grinned despite himself, breathless and flushed. “…Worth it~ I like tickling and I’ve never seen you so happy- well, anything besides that kind of face, so totally worth it~” Sethos said, trying to mimic Wanderer’s serious face which got him a chuckle from the other. Wanderer huffed, but the smile lingered.
That was Sethos’ chance. With a quick twist, he shifted his weight and grabbed Wanderer’s sides in return. The other froze. “Oh?~” Sethos panted, still laughing. “You didn’t think I’d fight back?” Wanderer’s eyes widened - just a fraction, but before he could even have a chance to react, Sethos had already squeezed a now well-known weak spot of his.
His composure shattered. A startled laugh broke free, as his shoulders jumped, fingers faltering against Sethos’ sides. “S-SeHehthos! StoHop iHit!” Sethos didn’t stop. “Oh, this is good,” he grinned, digging into his sides more firmly now.
Wanderer tried to push himself up, but Sethos used the momentum to roll them over, reversing their positions in one swift movement. Now he was on top and Wanderer was pinned beneath him. For a second, they both froze again. Wanderer’s face was flushed, his usual sharp expression replaced by something softer, more flustered.
“SeHethos,” he said, his voice tight, “g-get off-” “Nope.” Sethos grinned down at him. “You said it yourself,” he teased, “let’s “bond”~” The navy-blue-haired’s eyes narrowed. “ThaHaht’s- argh noOH- ahAHAHAhahaH!” “That’s the way buddy~” The brunette’s fingers wiggled teasingly over his sides, absorbing each and every reaction from the other.
The other sucked in a breath and Sethos struck, sneaking in something teasing pokes on his stomach as well. Wanderer laughed, his giggles sounding almost childlike. It was softer than Sethos’, more restrained, but no less genuine.
It slipped out in breathless bursts as Sethos’ fingers traced over his stomach, his ribs and the sensitive spots in-between, and up under his arms. “AHaHAHAHAH s-stoHohOHop!” “Not a chance.” Wanderer twisted, trying to escape, but Sethos held him easily, laughing along with him now. “You’re even more ticklish than me,” he teased. “Am noHohot!”
“You totally are and it’s adorable.” Wanderer huffed- and then laughed again when Sethos squeezed his sides. The room filled with overlapping laughter, warm and bright and completely at odds with the quiet distance that had existed between them just minutes ago. Neither of them noticed how close they were anymore, or how natural it felt.
Eventually, their movements slowed, laughter fading into soft, breathless giggles. Sethos collapsed beside Wanderer, still grinning. “…Okay,” he admitted, “that was fun.” Wanderer turned his head slightly, avoiding his gaze. “…As if...” “But you laughed.”
“…That means nothing,” Wanderer mumbled, but the undertone in his voice made it quite obvious that he had enjoyed it too - whether it was just as much as for him, well, he now had enough time to find it out.
Sethos chuckled. His eyes drifted to the floor. To the letter. It lay there, slightly crumpled from the fall, the writing - a bit crooked as if written by a child - still visible from where it had landed. His gaze caught on a line.
Did you already make friends at the Akademiya?
He blinked. His smile softened. He read a little more.
I know you can be stubborn sometimes, but I also know that you’re actually a kind person deep down. If you give it time, I’m sure the people around you will see it too.
Sethos’ eyes flickered back to Wanderer, then back to the letter.
You’ll probably pretend not to care, but I think you’ll make a lot of friends before you even realize it, Hat Guy.
There was a small pause. And then, at the bottom-
-Durin
P.S. I miss you. Come visit again soon.
Sethos smiled quietly to himself. “…Hey,” he said after a moment. Wanderer stiffened slightly. “What.” Sethos didn’t tease him this time. “…You’re doing fine, you know.” Wanderer frowned faintly. “What are you talking about.”
Sethos just shrugged, still smiling. “Nothing.” Wanderer narrowed his eyes but didn’t press. And for once, the silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable.
...
Bonus
A few days later, Wanderer sat alone at the desk. The same place where Sethos had first caught him smiling. This time however, there was no one peeking over his shoulder, no sudden attacks, or no annoying voice calling him “Hat Guy” every five minutes. Just silence and a blank sheet of paper. Wanderer stared at it. “…Tch.”
He picked up the pen. Paused. Put it back down. “…Ridiculous,” he mumbled to himself. And yet, after a moment, he picked it up again. The scratching of ink on paper was soft, almost hesitant at first.
Durin,
Your timing is as inconvenient as ever. The Akademiya is just as insufferable as you’d expect. Full of scholars who talk too much and think too highly of themselves.
There was a pause. Wanderer tapped the pen lightly against the paper, his eyes narrowing slightly as if debating whether to continue.
…However. It seems I’ve acquired a roommate.
Another pause. His expression shifted- just barely.
He is loud. Persistent. Annoying beyond reason. He lacks any sense of personal space and has a habit of inserting himself into matters that do not concern him.
The navy-blue-haired exhaled quietly through his nose.
He also laughs too much.
The pen stilled again. For a moment, it looked like he might stop there, but instead, he added:
…He is not entirely unbearable.
A faint flicker of something - something softer - crossed his expression and he caught himself smiling, despite himself. He shook his head.
He has a tendency to act before thinking, which is troublesome. However…
Wanderer hesitated, then he slowly continued to write:
…I suppose I understand what you meant.
Another small pause.
About “making friends”.
The word looked almost out of place on the page. He stared at it for a second longer than necessary, then scoffed under his breath.
Don’t misunderstand. I am not confirming anything. But…
The pen hovered- then moved again.
He hasn’t left yet.
That was the closest he was willing to get. For now at least. Wanderer leaned back slightly, glancing at what he had written, as if checking for errors - not in grammar, but in something far more intangible. After a moment, he continued:
As for your other point- I will visit when I have the time.
A brief pause. Then, almost as an afterthought:
…Don’t get used to it.
The pen lifted. Wanderer stared at the letter, expression unreadable. Then, with a quiet huff, he added one final line at the bottom.
-Hat Guy
A moment later, the door creaked open. “Hey, Hat Guy- Oh!” Sethos leaned into the room, blinking in surprise. “You’re writing a letter? That’s rare.” Wanderer’s hand moved instantly, flipping the paper over. “Get out.” Sethos grinned. “No way. Who’s it for?” “None of your business.” Sethos stepped further inside anyway, clearly undeterred.
“…You’re smiling again.” Wanderer’s expression snapped back to neutral. “I am not.” “Totally are.” Sethos laughed, flopping onto his bed like he owned the place. Wanderer clicked his tongue but this time, he didn’t tell him to leave. And if the faintest hint of a smile lingered on his lips, well… no one needed to point it out.
After a three-week break Nii-sensei is finally back with the newest chapter of Wind Breaker, continuing his mega cliffhanger, and I'm kinda speechless right now… I wasn't ready...
A/N: Here it finally is! The first chapter of my first original story. I've come a long way to reach this point. Before, I've only written stories and headcanons based on characters and universes that already existed. This time however, the world and its inhabitants were born from scratch. It made a lot of fun to do the character building and think of the setting. The project was highly influenced by @otomiyaa’s original story, which inspired me to create one of my own. @ppyspsps helped me to give my characters a face, allowing us to better empathize with them. So, a big THANK YOU to the two of you for being the spark that ignited my inner fire~
The plot for book one may develop somewhat slowly, so the main couple will only gradually come more into focus as the story progresses. I hope you will stick along until then and enjoy how this love will slowly begin to bloom and grow. So onwards into the world of Alantia…
Summary: Isaac and Philipp have their first encounter with Elliot and are directly pulled into a little incident.
Warning: Description of the use of mild force.
Isaac
The royal gardens lay hushed beneath the early night sky, their manicured paths and carefully trimmed hedges swallowed by the shadow of the night. Only the moonlight, spilling in pale ribbons between the branches of carefully arranged trees, illuminated scattered patches of stone and grass, before vanishing again into darkness.
The only sounds one could hear here at that time were the rustling of leaves and the faint babel of voices that reached up from the city, carried by the wind. Though tonight, another sound had joined them. Two figures slipped through the silence as they carefully made their way through rose- and tulips bushes.
One slipped ahead lightly, a cloak drawn tight around his slim frame. The other followed a half-step behind, taller, his movements more cautious, as his eyes constantly scanned their surroundings. “Come, hurry up Phil!” Isaac’s voice was a hushed whisper with barely concealed excitement as he glanced back over his shoulder.
Even in the dim light of the rising moon, you could see the gleam in his eyes as he urged the other to hurry up. There was something unmistakably eager in the way he moved, as if he had somewhere to be or had been expected for a secret late-night meeting. Philipp winced softly at the sound, though he couldn’t help the fond curve of his mouth.
“You’re going to get us caught if you keep talking,” he murmured back. His ears twitched instinctively against the hood he wore and he nervously looked around, attuned to the slightest sound, while his tail swayed nervously behind him. Isaac slowed just enough to let him draw closer, turning slightly so they could continue along the path together.
“Relax,” he whispered, a grin tugging at his lips, “I ordered the servants not to bother me, so none of them will check on me till tomorrow. Besides, no one comes here at this hour anyways, not even the guards. And even if someone did see us, they’d never expect the third prince of Soluna sneaking through his own garden like this,” he said, beating his chest as if sneaking out at night was the most casual thing in the world to do.
“That’s exactly why they’d notice, Isaac,” the brunette replied, “princes aren’t supposed to sneak out.” The blonde snorted softly. “Then it’s a good thing I’m doing a terrible job at being one tonight.” Philipp grimaced slightly at his comment, but didn’t stop moving forward.
He was used to his friend's behavior by now, and in all honesty, he didn't even mind it anymore. It made him truly happy to see him so excited about something so trivial as going out on a little nightly adventure - well, not the kind of some might think.
Living as a prince wasn't always easy, although most wouldn’t believe that. Yes, he had a more luxury life than most people out there, but as they say "noblesse oblige" and he also had his duties to fulfill, responsibilities to meet.
Thus, as the loyal friend and servant that he was, Philipp granted him these little privileges, aside from all the obligations that a position like his entailed, to help him recharge.
They reached the edge of the gardens, which were surrounded by a meters high stone wall with watchtowers every now and then. Small pairs of lights could be seen patrolling on them like fireflies drawing their paths through the night - the only visible evidence of the watchful eyes of the palace guard doing their rounds.
The two came to a stop in front of an old statue overgrown with ivy. Despite the slight overgrowth, the marble surface hadn't lost its gleam and still looked magnificent as the likeness of the first king raised his sword up in the air, letting it shine in the moonlight.
Beyond it laid the contorted streets of the main city of Soluna - Sterrenzee - lit by lanterns that cast warm pools of gold against the house walls and shuttered windows. It was a city imbued with trade and art. Namable stores and restaurants seamed the main streets and theatres and operas were omnipresent. Even the outer parts of the city were well-developed and entailed a variety of stores and smaller theaters for the broader mass. A small port, located in the south of the city, welcomed arriving ships that had sailed along the river, and at the same time connected the narrow waterways that crisscrossed the city like a grid, enabling smaller ships to transport their goods to their destinated location. Wide streets scattered to the four winds, formed the land routes, leading to the surrounding viscounties and the neighboring domains, enabling traveling and transport by land as well.
Following these paths westward, one eventually reached the Holy Empire, ruled by the Church of Faith. A land of great wealth, governed by a puppet emperor. The true rulers were a council of old men who still adhered to the ancient belief that those gifted with magic were a gift from the gods and therefore belonged to the church and should be managed by them. Even now, so the story goes, they "shelter" a being that had lived longer than any human, capable of accomplishing miracles. The king - Isaac's father - didn't like to deal with them if he could avoid it, but they were influential and their believes had already began to spread in other kingdoms. At least they didn't bother to involve themselves with other nations politics so far, as long as magic wasn't involved.
Looking east, one would eventually reach the Pririd Alliance, a relatively young federation of various demi-human races. It is a fertile land and golden fields can be seen as far as the eye goes. Humans were still mostly unseen and unwelcomed there, as slavery and trafficking had severely weakened relations until twelve years ago. It was the king who had ended these crimes back then, establishing equal rights for demi-human. Therefore, relations have slowly built up again, and a delegation, including Isaac's younger brother, has been scheduled to travel there soon to further strengthen the connection between the two nations.
...
A small, inconspicuously flowering shrub right behind the statue concealed their objective - a hidden hatch just big enough to fit a person, leading to a secret passage - an old escape route that led into the city and was only known to the royal family and the highest officials. The duo looked around one last time before they disappeared in the ground.
The path was narrow and dark, only lightened by small crystal-like blue stones that were engraved into the cold stone, the air thick, and the stairs a bit slippery, but they didn't take long to pass through it, after all, it wasn’t the first- and surely not the last time they would cross it in the middle of the night.
Upon reaching the end, they stood before a dead end with a bluish shining wall of solid rock. Several runes were engraved in it, giving the wall its glowing color. Isaac stretched out his left arm and slid his fingers over it, leaving a glowing trail behind, that faded away after a few seconds.
The stone felt cold under his fingers and yet he felt how a warmth began to spread from them. Philipp laid his hand encouragingly on his shoulder and squeezed it lightly. "Ready when you are." Isaac took a deep breath before he took another step and walked right through the thick wall, as if it was nothing more than a mere curtain.
Philipp followed half a step behind. The solid rock had been enchanted - a holdover of old Elven magic, that granted the bloodline of the royal family and their most trusted companions free access, making it almost impossible for unwanted individuals or those with ill intentions to enter.
Elven magic was strong and said protection spell had been casted over three hundred years ago. Even now, after countless times walking through it, the mechanism behind it fascinated Philipp, making him feel a little tinglish whenever doing so. Magic was rare nowadays and only a handful of people could cast spells, demi-human not to mention.
Isaac paused just beyond the egress and the brunette almost bumped into him. The prince took another step forward, his fingers lifting to the edge of his hood. The air here smelleddifferent- less of rules and thick air, more of freedom and life itself.
For a brief moment, he hesitated, as though savoring the transition. Then he pushed it back, his blonde hair catching the lanternlight as it fell free. Philipp watched him quietly. No matter how many times they did this, the moment Isaac stepped into the city always felt significant - as if he was shedding more than just fabric.
Isaac inhaled deeply, his blue eyes bright as he looked around. “I love it out here,” he murmured, “it feels… real.” Philipp adjusted his own hood, though he kept it up. “It’s real inside the castle too,” he said gently, “just… different.” Isaac tilted his head, considering that.
“Different isn’t the same,” he replied after a moment, “here, no one watches how I stand or how I speak... or how long I laugh.” As if to prove his point, he turned and began down the street at an unhurried pace, gaze flicking from storefronts to upper windows, to the occasional late-night passerby. You could literally see the sparkle in his eyes.
Despite the hour, the streets weren’t empty, a high contrast to the castle grounds. A pair of bakers laughed together as they locked up for the night. Adventurers roomed the streets, on their way to the next tavern, for another round of ale, or to get their deserved rest for the night. Music drifted faintly from the distance, getting louder the longer they walked.
Philipp stayed close by his side as they strolled through the streets. “Just don’t forget where you are,” he said, “or who you are.” Isaac glanced at him sideways, a spark of mischief lighting his expression. “That almost sounded like a lecture.”
Before the brunette could reply, Isaac reached out and gave his side a quick, playful squeeze. Philipp yelped softly, shoulders jumping as he instinctively twisted away. “H-HeHehey!” Isaac laughed, delighted. “Spoilsport,” he teased, “you always start complaining right when we’re having fun.”
Philipp’s ears burned beneath his hood, a faint blush warming his cheeks despite himself, as he rubbed the ticklish feeling on his side away. He cleared his throat, straightening. “I’m just saying we shouldn’t stay out too long,” he said, a little less firmly than he’d intended, “we don’t want unwanted attention.”
Isaac raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “We can walk around a bit longer and then have a drink. Just you and me.” Philipp hesitated- then sighed, smiling despite himself.
“A bit longer,” he agreed, “but we keep moving... and we’re only drinking one mug this time,” he warned, remembering the last time Isaac had somewhat underestimated the strength of alcohol in the city and had to be carried by him halfway back. “Okay,” the blonde replied enthusiastic and Philipp snorted. One drink shouldn’t be a problem, right?
The streets grew livelier the further they went. Lanterns hung in clusters now, their light spilling onto cobblestones worn smooth by countless footsteps. Voices overlapped - laughter, arguments, snippets of funny songs. The smell of ale and roasted meat thickened the air and let Isaac's mouth pool with water.
They’d reached the tavern district. Isaac’s eyes widened as he took it all in, excitement plain on his face. On each side tavern after tavern in different size lined the streets. Laughter and music drifted from them and the scent of freshly cooked food was even stronger now.
A young adventurer, who had already been looking a bit too deeply into his mug, was just then relieving himself of his gluttony into a nearby bush, and Philipp quickly pulled the other along, who had starred at him with a sympathetic smile, while they searched for a suitable tavern, when Isaac suddenly came to a stop.
“There!” he said, pointing toward a warmly lit three-store building with painted shutters and a sign depicting a bell tied with ribbon. “That one. The Maiden’s Call.” Philipp followed his gaze, nodding. “I’ve heard of it,” he said, “decent reputation. Try not to stare too much.”
“No promises,” Isaac replied cheerfully as he dragged him towards the building. Inside, the tavern was alive with noise and warmth. Tables were crowded with travelers, merchants, and locals alike, tankards clinking as conversations flowed freely. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the wooden beams and worn floorboards.
They managed to find a small table near the wall, Philipp positioning himself so he could see most of the room while Isaac eagerly scanned everything at once. A server soon came by to take their order and Isaac requested drinks and some bread and meat with a grin that suggested he was enjoying every second of this small rebellion.
He smiled over at his friend, lightly kicking him under the table. "Come on, take that hood off now, it only made you look suspicious Phil~" he teased the other. "That's not-" Philipp began but sighed. Isaac was right. He hesitated for a second before he pushed his hood back, revealing his brunette hair and two large ears, with one of them twitching instinctively.
Isaac smiled at the him. "Much better, right?" "...Right." As they waited, Isaac leaned forward, chin resting in his hand, listening openly to the conversations around them. A group nearby argued animatedly about trade routes. Another table erupted into laughter over a poorly told joke. Everything felt loud, messy, and wonderfully alive.
And then Isaac noticed him. The waiter moved easily through the crowd, balancing a tray with practiced grace. He had dark hair and kind brown eyes, his smile quick and genuine as he spoke to patrons, exchanging lighthearted words even as he worked. There was something about him-something warm and unguarded that drew Isaac’s gaze without effort.
He didn’t even realize he was staring until the waiter glanced up and met his eyes. For a brief moment, the noise of the tavern seemed to fade. The waiter blinked in surprise- then smiled. Heat rushed to Isaac’s face. He quickly looked away, heart thudding in his chest as if he’d been caught doing something terribly improper.
He straightened, suddenly very interested in the grain of the wooden table. Philipp noticed the shift immediately. “Everything alright?” he asked quietly. “Yes- no- I mean-” Isaac cleared his throat, forcing himself to relax. “I’m fine,” he said, waving it off, “just… distracted.” Philipp followed his gaze briefly, eyes landing on the waiter as he moved past another table.
Something unreadable flickered across his expression before he looked back at Isaac. “Try not to get us into trouble,” he said lightly. Isaac smiled, though his attention kept drifting despite himself. Somewhere in the tavern, laughter rang out louder than before. Tankards were raised. The night pressed on, blissfully unaware that it was about to take a sharp turn.
Isaac was halfway through his drink when the atmosphere in the tavern suddenly shifted. At first, it was subtle - laughter that lingered a second too long, voices growing louder at one of the tables near the bar. He barely noticed until his gaze drifted back toward the waiter again, drawn by an instinct he didn’t quite understand yet.
The man - Elliot, though Isaac still didn’t know his name - had stopped beside a group of adventurers. Their armor was scuffed and mismatched, cloaks thrown carelessly over chair backs, the sharp smell of ale clinging to them like a second skin. One of them leaned far too close, slinging an arm across the counter as he spoke.
“C’mon,” the man slurred, grinning, “you’ve been smilin’ at us all night. Least you could do is pour us another round, eh?” “I’m working,” Elliot replied, still polite, though his smile had tightened, “you’ve already had more than enough. I’ll bring water instead.” That was when one of the others reached out. Isaac’s fingers tightened around his tankard.
The drunk’s hand brushed against Elliot’s wrist, lingering in a way that was unmistakably deliberate. “Don’t be like that,” he laughed, “just a little fun.” Elliot pulled his hand back sharply. “Don’t touch me.” The table erupted into hoots and chuckles. One of the other waiters crossed eyes with Elliot, but latter only shook his head. Don’t intervene, I can handle.
“Haha, hear that Joffrey, little fellow doesn’t want ya~” one of adventures - a chubby man with barely any hair left chortled. “No, no- maybe *hic* you should’ve asked a bit friendlier!” another babbled as the group fell into another laughing fit, earning gazes from the tables next to them. Joffrey grimaced, his face getting redder, and he tried to grab him again.
Isaac was on his feet before he realized he’d moved. “HEY!” The single word cut through the noise with surprising clarity. Several heads turned. Isaac stood straight, his expression sharp in a way Philipp had seen only a handful of times before. “You heard him,” Isaac continued with a steady voice, “he said no.” The adventurer squinted at him, then laughed.
“And who are you supposed to be, pretty boy?” Philipp stood up as well, positioning himself just half a step behind Isaac, glaring at the redhead grimly. “Someone you don’t want to test,” the blonde said calmly. The laughter faltered. “What’s the problem?” another of the group demanded, pushing his chair back. “We’re just talkin’.”
Elliot looked between them, surprise flashing across his face- then concern. “I-It’s fine,” he said quickly, trying to defuse the situation, “really. I can handle it.” “I don’t think you should have to,” Isaac replied, not taking his eyes off the men who was getting angrier with each passing second.
That was enough. One of the adventurers surged to his feet, trying to shove Isaac’s shoulder. “Sit down and mind your business-” Philipp reacted instantly. The shove never fully landed. His hand caught the man’s wrist, twisting just enough to make him yelp as his balance faltered, landing face first on the ground.
The other adventures starred at their curving friend, their drunken brains trying to comprehend what had just happened. For a second, everything was quiet, before… the tavern erupted. “YOU’LL PAY FOR THAT YOU ASSHOLE!”
Chairs were scraped back. Someone cursed. A tankard hit the floor and shattered, ale splashing across boots and wood alike, as Joffrey and his remaining drinking buddies pounced on them. Isaac ducked as a fist swung past his head, his heart pounding - not with fear, but with a strange, electric rush.
He took a step back, before shoving the attacker away, sending him towards another approaching one. The two crashed against each other, cursing. Using the momentum, he quickly got closer to the duo and gave them a kick, before they could get back up again.
Another drunk lunged at Philipp, only to be swept off his feet and sent sprawling with a solid thud. The brunette glared down at him with a darkened gaze, his tail stiffing. “Out!” someone shouted from across the room. “Get ’em out!” someone jeered. “Quick, someone call the guards!” another man shouted.
Elliot, who had been dragged away by one of his female co-workers to a safer distance, was watching with wide eyes as the duo was dealing with them, speechless, his heart beating faster. He felt helpless, wanting to help out, but he knew that he would only be in their way, and it made him feel bad. All he could do was watch as they were fighting his fight.
“Damn it, there's only two of them, get yourse-” Joffrey didn't get any further, as Isaac gave him a targeted hit against his sternum, sending the ringleader of the group to the ground as well. Joffrey cursed as he hit the ground, blood spreading out of his nose.
The brawl was messy and loud but short-lived. Philipp moved easily around his last “attacker”, disabling rather than injuring him, as he gave him a controlled and precise blow at his neck, knocking him out instantly. Isaac hadn't been as refined as his friend, but he had been fast - dodging, pushing, using the chaos to his advantage.
Within moments, the drunks were on the floor groaning or being dragged away by other patrons who’d had enough with them. Isaac stood in the middle of the room, his chest heaving as adrenaline sings in his veins. He turned just in time to see Elliot staring at him with wide eyes. “Are you alright?” Isaac asked, stepping closer. Elliot nodded quickly.
“Yes. I- thank you. Both of you.” His voice softened, relief and gratitude mingling in his expression. “You didn’t have to do that.” Isaac opened his mouth to reply, only to get interrupted. “The guards!” someone yelled near the door. “The city guards- someone must’ve called them!” Philipp’s ears pricked sharply as he hastily turned his head to the door.
He swore under his breath and grabbed Isaac’s wrist. “We’re leaving. Now!” Isaac protested instinctively. “But-” “No buts,” Philipp pulled him back, already heading toward the rear exit. “I told you not to cause a scene,” he shouted, as he dragged the other away. Isaac glanced back one last time.
Elliot was still watching them, concern etched into his features, lips parting as if to say something - but the crowd swallowed him up before a single word could be exchanged. Then they were out the door. The relatively cool night air hit Isaac like a shock as they burst into the alley, boots pounding against stone as Philipp didn’t slow until they’d cleared two streets.
Shouts echoed behind them, the distant clatter of armored footsteps confirming Philipp’s fears. They ran. Laughter bubbled out of Isaac’s chest despite himself, breathless and exhilarated as they wove through familiar streets, the castle’s silhouette rising ahead like a dark promise of safety.
“You’re unbelievable,” Philipp muttered, “absolutely unbelievable.” Isaac grinned at him, eyes bright even as they finally slowed near the hidden entrance that would take them back to the gardens.
“Worth it, these drunkards needed to be taught a lesson and I couldn't just stand by and watch them doing evil deeds, you know that that goes against my principles. Besides… I wasn’t the one who hit first, Phil~” he said simply with a teasing undertone. Philipp shook his head, but his hand tightened briefly around Isaac’s wrist before letting go.
“One day,” he mumbled quietly, “your chivalry is going to get you into serious trouble.” And I might not always be there to protect you, he finished in his mind. Isaac glanced back toward the city lights, his thoughts lingering on a warm smile and kind brown eyes he hadn’t even learned the name of yet.
“Maybe, but tonight, everything went well... and when said time should come, I will be glad to have you by my side then,” he replied softly, before pushing the other gently through the hidden entrance, unaware of the reaction his words had caused on Philipp’s cheeks, the city behind them still buzzing - unaware that something had just begun.
After a three-week break Nii-sensei is finally back with the newest chapter of Wind Breaker, continuing his mega cliffhanger, and I'm kinda speechless right now… I wasn't ready...
Congrats on your milestone Fabi 🥳🍾 You deserved all of them~ I thought that I'll try my luck as well. After the recent chapter of Wind Breaker left us with so many questions, how about something with lee!Nirei and ler!Suo? (Or switch? Whatever works best for you) These two are gonna shine in the upcoming chapters, I just know it. 🙈 Thanks a lot in advance~
MAAAAAAX
Omg thank you so much for stopping by! Means a lot to me as you're here since the veeery start adkshdks may this little piece bring you joy aaand a fantastic debut for your upcoming project! ~
"Hmmm," Suo cocked his head to the side, a hand to his chin as he thought about the question. After a few seconds, he smiled playfully. "Are you sure you're not getting any ideas from a movie?"
"I-I'm not!" Nirei insisted, stomping a little to defend his stance. If anyone would know about this, it would be Suo! And if anyone would teach him about it, it had to be Suo! "Are you sure you don't know? Maybe you just didn't know the name!"
Suo shook his head and Nirei sighed. "Well, vital points are a thing and you can aim for them if you're in trouble, but… isn't it more effective to just push someone instead? You can get in trouble if you miss the target."
Nirei pouted, knowing it would be hard to argue back. While it wasn't from a movie, he did read about it in a sports magazine's article. 'Win a fight in just three strikes' or something along those lines, featuring an interview with a medal-winner fighter. The concept sounded simple: 'just aim where it hurts', but could he execute it?
Seeing how Nirei was merely a few thoughts from start to spiraling into theories, Suo clapped his hands together and caught the other guy's attention. "Should we try it out? I think it's easier to understand the flaws if we put them to practice. Maybe I can help you figure it out, at least."
!!!
Those were the words he wanted to hear!
Nirei stood back up, his energy seemingly spiking up again after Suo agreed. Well, technically, he didn't, but it was something better than no practice at all. "Ready?!" Nirei huffed, holding his fists up.
Suo smiled and nodded, one of his hands held behind his back. Nirei understood the call and lunged forward. For a split of a second, he remembered the list written in the article: the temples, eyes, ears… remembering this should do it. He swung his arm, aiming for the side of Suo's head and—
"HYAhahah?!" Nirei gasped, his arm quickly coming down to wrap around his side. He rubbed the spot below his ribs, trying to soothe the sudden ticklish feeling that made him jump. "S-Suo-san?!"
"Yes?" Suo smiled, still holding out his hand in place with two fingers extended out. A precise, deadly and ticklish strike. "Would you like to try one more time?"
Nirei looked at his hand, then down to his side, confused. "D-did you just tickle me?"
"Of course not," Suo explained, finally relaxing his stance and standing back on his feet again, "people just happen to be more sensitive around their vital points. I guess it just happened to tickle."
"I-I see," Nirei nodded. It made sense, after all. One would want to protect themselves where they were weak, but… did Suo make his hit too light on purpose? "One more time, please!" He asked, getting ready and already going for Suo again. This time he should—
"AHAh— S-Suo-san!" Nirei giggled, a little too loud to his own surprise. He let out a small groan, not even waiting before trying another offensive again. Poke after poke, maybe he would learn a thing or two at the right time…
AHhh @lovelynim thank you so much 😍 😍 Both for your words and for writing it~ That was so adorable and exactly what I did hope for. These two really have such a good vibe together.
I'm so excited (and also a bit nervous) for the new project but all the more I want to share it with everyone...
Even though I lost my 1.1k acc, I already said that the number of followers didn't matter so much to me, because I have so many interactions in silly and random posts rn.
I finally feel not so awkward to post, and I don't feel the urge to please people like before too HAHAHAHAH
so I really appreciate everyone that enjoy my hard working and my way of seeing the world 🤓 let's be silly and own what makes us happy, I'm glad to be part of this community!! I see and hear you, thanks for doing the same to me
Congrats on your new milestone. 🥳 It will only grow further from now. I'm so glad that you enjoy yourself and don't feel urged to please anyone. 😍☺️ That's such an important point!
All the more I'm even happier to have you in our community as well. Keep doing what you're doing and continue to enjoy what you love~
Ohhh! I love the black-and-white style. It fits to the vibe of the anime. You didn't fail at all. 😊 Yoshiki's tickle attack is kinda cute and the panel where he hesitated with himself to touch him... perfect. 🥰😍 I'm really wondering what Hikaru was gonna say 🤔 Anyway, great job. ❤️
A/N: I don't know how, but this idea found its way to my mind when I watched the recent episode of the anime. Richar- ahem Saber has such a great personality and I'm really fond of characters like him. That story might also be the last one I'll be posting for a while, gifts excluded, since I will focus on my original story for the time being.
Summary: Even with an “embarrassing” weakness, a knight can still be cool. Richard learns it the hard way.
Words: 1,672 words under the cut
Ayaka had discovered, over the course of traveling with Richard, that being the Master of a heroic spirit came with a great many surprises.
Some were large, terrifying, and life-threatening - like the fact that the Holy Grail War seemed determined to chew up every ordinary rule of reality and spit it back out in pieces. Some were smaller, stranger, and somehow even more difficult to process. For example, Richard the Lionheart was terrible at sitting still while being treated.
“Please hold still,” Ayaka said for what had to be the fifth time. “I assure you Ayaka, I am holding quite still.” “You are not.” Richard stood in the center of the motel room, one arm lifted so Ayaka could finish wrapping the bandage around his torso- or, at least, that was the idea.
In practice, he kept shifting just enough to make her job harder - turning to check on the window, glancing toward the door, or smiling down at her at the exact moment she was trying to pull the bandage smooth.
He had already apologized twice for bleeding on the sheet she’d sacrificed to tear into strips. He had also tried three times to insist that his wounds were “nothing worth troubling one’s gentle hands over”. Ayaka had ignored that every single time.
“They looked deeper ten minutes ago,” she muttered, concentrating on the cloth, “and stop talking like you’re in a medieval play.” Richard placed a hand dramatically over his heart. “You wound me, Master. This is my normal speech.” “Yes, I know,” she said dryly. That only made him beam more brightly. It was ridiculous, really. He was ridiculous.
Even slightly injured, with his shirt off and faint scrapes crossing his side and ribs, he looked far too composed. Too heroic. Too polished. Like the concept of “gallant knight” had been dragged out of a storybook and dropped into a cheap modern room. Ayaka looped the bandage around him again, stepping closer to reach.
The blonde inhaled sharply when the cloth brushed over a bruised patch on his side. “Sorry,” she said at once, gentling her touch. “No, no, you needn’t apologize.” His voice softened. “I am grateful.” That made her hesitate for just a second. There were moments with Richard like that - small, sincere, and disarming enough to make it difficult to stay annoyed at him.
Then her fingers slipped. It was barely anything, just the pads of two fingers skimming the side of his ribs as she adjusted the bandage. Richard jerked. Not much, just enough that the movement was unmistakable. Ayaka blinked. Richard blinked back. The silence lasted one heartbeat too long. “…Did I hurt you?” Ayaka asked, looking at him with a worried gaze.
“No.” “You moved.” “A reflex, perhaps.” Ayaka narrowed her eyes. Richard smiled with suspicious innocence. That, more than anything, made her suspicious. Very slowly, she reached out again - this time not for the bandage, but for the exact spot her fingers had brushed earlier. Richard seemed to realize what was about to happen half a second too late.
“Ayaka, wait-” She poked his side and Richard made a sound that did not belong to a fearless king. It was short, startled, and embarrassingly close to a laugh. The sudden, unfamiliar sound from his lips made Ayaka froze. Then her eyes widened and, despite herself, a grin tugged at her mouth.
“No way,” she whispered more to herself. Richard straightened immediately, summoning every scrap of noble composure he possessed. “I do not know what conclusion you have leapt to, but I assure you- hnGh!” Ayaka poked him again. This time his shoulders twitched, and a restrained, helpless huff of laughter slipped out. She stared up at him.
Richard looked away with the doomed dignity of a man who knew the battle had already been lost. “…You’re ticklish,” Ayaka said, sounding stunned. Richard cleared his throat. “I would prefer the term ‘overly responsive to unexpected touch’.”
“That means ticklish.” “It means,” Richard said, doing his best to look princely while the tips of his ears turned pink, “that I remain a man of acute reflexes.” So, he has a side like this as well. Ayaka laughed.
It wasn’t loud, but it was genuine and Richard found, to his dismay, that this was somehow more dangerous than the discovery itself. Her expression brightened in a way he did not often see, the shadows of worry easing from her face. “Saber,” she said, almost delighted, “you’re actually trying to talk your way out of being ticklish.”
“I am not trying to talk my way out of anything.” Ayaka’s smile turned mischievous and she wiggled her fingers against his side. Richard broke - not entirely. He was still too knightly and self-aware to dissolve at once, but laughter spilled from him in a bright, startled burst as he recoiled, one hand dropping instinctively to catch her wrist. “AHayaka! Pfft- noHOhoho!”
“You are!” “A knight may possess weaknesses and yet remain a knight,” he said, managing to keep his tone lofty despite the laugh caught in it. Ayaka raised a brow. “So you admit it?” Richard hesitated. Ayaka used that pause to squeeze lightly at his side. “WaHah!” He jolted again, laughter slipping freer this time.
“ThaHAht is a teHehrribly u-uHunderhanded t-t-taHactic.” “You say that like I’m fighting fair.” “My Master,” Richard said with pained nobility, “has become a tyrant.” Ayaka was laughing now, and that warmth in the room made something in Richard’s chest loosen.
For all the strangeness surrounding their circumstances, for all the danger shadowing them, this moment felt almost peaceful. Then Ayaka, emboldened by success, pressed both hands to his sides and scribbled her fingers lightly over his ribs. “AHhAhahah s-stoHohop! Ayaka ihiHit really tiHickles!” Richard laughed outright.
It was rich and bright and entirely too open, the kind of laughter that made his eyes crease at the corners even while he clearly tried to hold onto some remnant of elegance. He stepped back, but only one step; whether out of restraint or because he did not truly wish to escape, Ayaka couldn’t tell.
“You truly mean to press this advantage?” he asked, smiling despite his blush. “You’re always teasing me,” she pointed out, “consider this balance.” “Balance?” the other echoed, as if the word itself had offended his sense of honorable combat. Ayaka advanced another half-step and poked at his other side. He sucked in a breath and laughed again, twisting at the waist.
“Oh, wow,” she murmured, “both sides.” “Ayaka.” “And here too?” She dared a quick little scribble higher up, just under his arm. “MHmhm~” Richard startled so hard he nearly lost his footing. A sharper laugh escaped him, and one hand flew down to block hers at last. “That,” he informed her with heroic gravity, “is entirely unchivalrous.” Ayaka almost doubled over.
“You’re saying ‘unchivalrous’ while laughing!” “A knight,” Richard said, gently but firmly trying to guide her hands away from his ribs, “is permitted to preserve his honor.” “Your honor is fine.” “My composure, then.” “That might be gone,” she chuckled.
He gave her a look of exaggerated betrayal, then laughed again when she darted in with another poke. The sound was softer this time, less startled and more helplessly amused, and Ayaka found herself grinning far too much for someone who, an hour earlier, had been worried sick over his injuries.
There was something oddly endearing about it - Richard trying so hard to remain regal while every accidental brush of her fingers made him twitch and laugh. He kept straightening his shoulders, lifting his chin, speaking in that polished, princely cadence of his… only for his voice to crack the moment she found the right spot again.
“Do noHot misunderstand,” he said, drawing himself up, “thihis changes n-noHothing about my ability to protect- aHA!” Ayaka had slipped free of his hand and squeezed his side again. “…your dignity?” she supplied. “My dignity is intact,” he said at once, pouting a bit. She poked him and he laughed. Adorable. “It’s hanging on by a thread,” she corrected.
Richard exhaled, half-laughing, half-sighing. “I had hoped to maintain at least a little chivalrous.” Ayaka’s expression softened at that. She lowered her hands, the teasing easing into something gentler. “You still have plenty,” she said. The blonde blinked at that. She looked faintly embarrassed now, as if she had not meant to sound so sincere.
“I mean… one ticklish spot doesn’t erase the whole knight thing.” “Only one?” Richard asked, unable to resist. Ayaka’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t get cocky.” He smiled - warm, crooked, a little breathless from laughing. “Too late.” She rolled her eyes, but the fondness was plain.
For a moment they simply stood there: The bandage half-tied, Richard flushed and slightly rumpled, Ayaka still close enough that he could feel the warmth of her hands lingering against his skin. Then Richard coughed softly and glanced aside. “If I may ask one boon of my Master…” Ayaka tilted her head. “What?”
He rubbed the back of his neck with uncharacteristic awkwardness. The blush had not entirely left his face. “Would you keep this discovery between us?” That caught her off guard. “You’re serious?” “If word were to spread that I could be rendered ridiculous by a few well-placed fingers…” he sighed with theatrical despair, “I fear my legend would never recover.”
Ayaka let out a quiet chuckle. When she looked at him, though, there was nothing mocking in it, only warmth. “You’re still cool and strong,” she said, “even if you’re ticklish~” Richard put a hand to his chest again. “I choose to focus on the first two.” “I’ll keep it secret,” she promised. Relieve flickered over his face.
Then Ayaka smiled to herself and, before he could react, reached up and gave his side one last quick poke. Richard’s laugh jumped out bright and sudden, his whole posture jolting in the most adorably undignified way possible. Ayaka giggled. Richard stared at her for one long, resigned beat- then, despite his blush, smiled too.
A/N: It's still gonna be a bit before the first chapter launches, but since it isn't that far away anymore, I wanted to share my sub-account with you, where I'll post all my future content of it.
So, if you're curious and want to get a first look of the main duo of book I, get to know a bit about them, feel free to check it out...
At this point, I would like to extend a big thank you to @ppyspsps for her amazing artwork that gave them a face.
