Chapter Text
"What do you call a Naruto themed hotel?"
"Armin -"
"Why couldn’t you hear the pterodactyl go to the bathroom?"
"Armin."
"How many ears does Captain Kirk have?"
“Armin. Stop trying to cheer me up!”
The blonde boy sighed with exasperation. Eren had been in a slump for the entire day; Armin could practically see a storm cloud following him around. Nevertheless, he was determined to make the cloud disappear. The two had been watching comedies at Armin’s for hours, but not even Eren’s favorite brightened his mood.
Eventually, the movies blurred into background noise, and they barely paid attention. Armin took it upon himself to cheer his boyfriend up, but no matter how many jokes he told, no matter how many funny faces he made, Eren didn’t even crack a smile.
Turning away, the green-eyed boy continued to pout. Armin racked his brain for another idea, but came up with nothing. There was one thing, though, but it was the last resort. Eren would hate it, and Armin would have to face the repercussions later. He didn’t want to do it, but he was desperate to see Eren’s smile again.
Hesitantly, while Eren was still looking away, Armin raised his arms for the attack. Quietly and swiftly, his hands connected with Eren’s sides, tickling him mercilessly.
"Hey!" Eren yelled with surprise, his own hands wrapping around his torso for protection.
"Sorry, but I have to do this," Armin said with a devious smirk.
Laughter echoed off the walls as the attack continued. Eren was trying to escape his grip, but in his struggle, both teenagers fell on the ground.
Vaguely dazed from the impact, Armin stopped tickling, but Eren had no time to retaliate — it soon started up again with a renewed energy.
"Stop it!" he forced out.
Armin’s fingers poked and prodded along Eren’s ribs, eliciting high-pitched laughter and shouts from the other boy. His sweater had hiked up, revealing his smooth stomach, and Armin’s hands found their way under his shirt. He felt the bumps of his boyfriend’s ribs, and slowly and teasingly dragged his fingers down each one.
Meanwhile, Eren was screaming with laughter. Tears had started to form at the corners of his eyes, and his face was flushed and rosy. He tried begging for mercy, but could barely form coherent sentences.
"Sto- I’m not- No!"
Armin stopped abruptly, but he quickly climbed on top of Eren, straddling his hips and restraining him. His hands encircled Eren’s wrists and had them pinned to the ground.
Eren was still giggling from the aftershocks of the tickling, but after gaining most of his breath, his noticed that the blond boy’s sly grin was still on his face.
"What?" Eren panted.
Armin lowered his head down to Eren’s tummy, which was still exposed.
As realization kicked in, Eren forcefully started shaking his head and struggling.
"Don’t! No, nonononon-“
Armin placed his lips on the smooth skin and blew a long raspberry. Eren shrieked an octave higher than before, then fell into silent laughter.
Armin blew raspberry after raspberry all over his midsection until the entire area had been covered. Eren had had enough, he thought, and he gently kissed his tummy before releasing his wrists. Immediately, Eren pulled his shirt down and got up from the floor.
His hair was disheveled, and his cheeks were flushed. “I hate you,” he said, though he was beaming.
Armin just giggled. A brief hush passed between them, until Eren broke the silence.
"You know I have to get you back for that, right?"
Instantly, Armin sprung to his feet and dashed out of the room. He had expected this to come, and he was prepared. He heard footsteps accompanied by mischievous laughter rushing after him.
Even as he desperately searched for a hiding spot, Armin was happy he was able to see Eren’s smile again.