LostSole
Registered User
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2024
- Messages
- 41
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- 18
Kade sat at his desk, the glow of his laptop casting a pale light over his cramped apartment. His latest story was open on the screen, a half-finished scene where the protagonist was bound to a chair, helpless under teasing fingers. But his mind wasn’t on the story anymore. His focus had been completely derailed by the message sitting in his FetLife inbox.
He leaned back, rubbing his eyes. He had imagined this happening, someone reaching out, wanting to meet, but now that it was real, it felt different. Unsettling. Like being caught off guard by something he should have been prepared for.
For so long, writing had been his safe zone, the only way he allowed himself to connect with this part of himself. Real life was unpredictable, messy, full of uncertainties he preferred to avoid. He had chatted with a few local guys with his same interests in the past, but the conversations never led anywhere. He either wasn’t their type, or they weren’t his. And honestly? He had never been great at putting himself out there.
His gaze flicked back to the blinking cursor on his screen. His characters never hesitated the way he did. They embraced the moment, threw themselves into the experience. But that was fantasy. He was just… him.
He clicked over to the other tab, the one with the message.
The sender, a user named TicklishTraveler, had written:
Hey, I hope this isn’t weird, but I wanted to reach out because I’m a huge fan of your stories. I’ve read every single one you’ve posted. Your writing is honestly some of the best tickling fiction I’ve ever come across. I noticed you use the same username here, so I figured I’d shoot you a message. My name’s Dave, by the way! I just moved to the area and was wondering if you might want to meet up? No pressure, of course! Just thought it’d be cool to talk in person and geek out over our shared interest. Let me know what you think!
Kade reread the message for what had to be the tenth time, his stomach twisting. Someone actually wanted to meet him. Someone real.
The idea sent a thrill through him, but beneath it coiled something heavier; doubt, nerves, the creeping certainty that if he said yes, he’d regret it.
The thought made his chest tighten. He didn’t have a lot of experience socializing, especially when it came to this part of himself. It had always been easier to keep it in the realm of fiction. That way, he could control every moment, every reaction. In real life, he wouldn’t have that safety net.
He exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders back. Maybe this was an opportunity, not something to fear. He had spent so long living vicariously through his writing, convincing himself that was enough. But the twinge of loneliness he tried to ignore told him otherwise. He wanted more, needed more, if he was being honest.
His mind flickered back to old memories. The awkward attempts at dating, the countless times he had carefully probed for shared interests only to receive confusion or polite dismissal. It had made him retreat further into himself, resigning to the idea that his fantasies were best left on the page. But now, here was someone openly expressing enthusiasm.
Wasn’t that what he had been hoping for all along?
Still, his nerves wouldn’t let him just agree outright. What if they met, and it was awkward? What if he couldn’t think of anything to say? Or worse, what if Dave met him and was disappointed? Would this just turn into another embarrassing memory of rejection for him? Surely, he wasn’t as interesting in real life as the stories he wrote. He shook his head. He wouldn’t know unless he took a chance.
Before he could talk himself out of it, he typed a reply.
Hey Dave, thanks so much for the message! I really appreciate it, it means a lot to hear that you enjoy my writing. I’m definitely a bit of a hermit though, so I’ve never actually met up with anyone before. I’ll be honest, I’m a little nervous about the idea. But I’d love to chat more and maybe see how things go?
He hovered over the send button for a long moment. His heartbeat thumped in his ears. Then, finally, he clicked it.
The message was out there now, beyond his control.
Minutes stretched into an hour, and Kade found himself checking his inbox repeatedly, his nerves refusing to settle. He had no idea how long it would take for Dave to respond, if he even would at all. Maybe the guy had already logged off, or maybe he was second-guessing reaching out in the first place. Kade tried to focus on his story, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the message.
Then, a notification. His heart jumped.
New message from TicklishTraveler.
He hesitated before clicking it open.
Hey, I totally get that! Meeting in person can be nerve-wracking, especially for something like this. No pressure at all. If you’d rather just keep chatting online, I’d still love to talk! But if you’re open to it, maybe we could meet somewhere casual, no expectations, just two people who love the same thing getting to know each other? Coffee, maybe? Or even just a walk? Whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Kade let out a slow breath. The message was thoughtful, patient. It felt... nice, but he tried not to let himself get excited. This was how all the other conversations started. A promising exchange, a flicker of hope, only for the other person to eventually disappear without a word. He had been ghosted more times than he cared to count, and each time, it stung a little more than the last.
Could he handle the humiliation of meeting a fan of his stories in person, only for them to lose interest and ghost him afterward? The idea sat heavy in his chest, a familiar ache that whispered, maybe it’s better not to try at all.
But another voice, quieter but insistent, reminded him that he was tired of hiding. Tired of letting fear dictate every part of his life. Maybe this time would be different. Maybe, for once, he didn’t have to hide behind his words. Maybe this was the start of something real.
Coffee sounds nice. My name is Kade, by the way.
A few seconds later, another message popped up.
Awesome! Looking forward to it. Here’s my number in case you’d rather text: (555) 823-1947.
Kade hesitated for a moment before replying.
Thanks, Dave! Here’s mine: (555) 672-8893.
He hit send, then stared at the screen. Should he have just texted instead? Messaging on FetLife again almost felt redundant now that they had exchanged numbers. Would it seem weird if he suddenly switched to texting? Or would it seem weird not to? He had no idea what the proper etiquette was for something like this.
Then it hit him.
He didn't even like coffee. Great. Already off to an embarrassing start. Was it too late to take it back? Would it be weird to immediately follow up with, "Actually, I don’t even drink coffee"? That would probably make him look even more awkward.
Why am I like this?
He sighed as he rubbed at the tension in his neck. Maybe he was overthinking it. Again. He had Dave’s number now, and Dave had his. If the guy wanted to text, he would.
Instead of staring at his phone, willing it to vibrate, Kade decided to distract himself. He paced around his small apartment, picking up random objects just to put them back down again. He could read something. Write something. Watch something. Anything to keep his mind from spiraling.
But, of course, his thoughts circled back to coffee. The bitterness, the aftertaste, it was never his thing. Maybe he should have been honest about that from the start, but correcting himself now felt awkward. What was he supposed to say?
His phone buzzed, cutting through his self-inflicted stress cycle.
Dave: Hey Kade, this is Dave. So, I was thinking Hollow Bean might be a good spot? It’s quiet enough to talk, and they have a decent menu. But if you have a favorite place, I’m open to suggestions.
Kade stared at the message, chewing the inside of his cheek. He had been agonizing over this for the past half hour, yet Dave had just… suggested something, like it wasn’t a huge deal.
Kade: Hollow Bean works. I don’t really go out much, so I don’t have a favorite place.
A reply came almost immediately.
Dave: Hey, me neither, honestly. Half the time, I just cycle through the same three places until I get sick of them. So, if we hate it, we can blame Yelp and never go back.
Kade huffed a small laugh. That was… unexpectedly reassuring.
Kade: Fair point. Hollow Bean it is.
Dave: Cool. What time works for you?
They settled on a date and time, Saturday at noon. Simple, straightforward. Nothing weird.
Except Kade still felt weird.
His stomach twisted with nerves as he typed out one last message.
Kade: Just a heads-up, I’m probably a little more awkward in person than I am online.
This time, the reply took longer, like Dave was actually thinking about it. Then:
Dave: That’s fine. I’ll just match your level of awkwardness, and we’ll call it even.
Kade blinked. Then he chuckled, shaking his head.
Maybe this would be okay.
Kade sat at a corner table in Hollow Bean, hands wrapped around a steaming mug of green tea. The café was warm and inviting, the scent of fresh pastries hanging in the air, mingling with the quiet hum of conversation. A few patrons sat tucked away in booths, lost in books or laptops, while the occasional hiss of the espresso machine punctuated the atmosphere.
He checked his phone again, no new messages. Dave had said he was on his way, but Kade couldn’t help the lingering fear that he wouldn’t show up. That this would turn into another disappointment, another reminder of why he had kept this part of himself locked away in fiction for so long.
But just as his thoughts started spiraling, the bell above the door jingled.
A tall, dark-haired man stepped inside, shaking a bit of drizzle from his jacket. Kade recognized him instantly from his profile picture, Dave. His posture was relaxed but not cocky, the kind of comfortable ease that some people just had. He scanned the café for a moment before spotting Kade, and his face lit up with an easy smile.
Kade exhaled, some of his nerves ebbing at the sight.
Dave made his way to the counter first, exchanging a few words with the barista. His movements were smooth, but not effortlessly so. He fumbled his wallet as he pulled it out, nearly dropping it before catching it against his chest with an amused huff. He muttered something under his breath, shaking his head with a self-deprecating smile before finally managing to pay.
Kade found himself watching the interaction, strangely fascinated. Dave wasn’t perfect. He had those small, human moments that made him feel real. Somehow, that put Kade more at ease.
A moment later, Dave grabbed his drink, gave a quick thanks to the barista, and turned toward the seating area. His eyes found Kade again, and he approached with that same relaxed energy.
“Hey! Kade, right?”
Kade nodded. “Yeah. Hey.”
Dave pulled out the chair across from him and sat down, setting his drink on the table. “It’s really cool to finally meet you. Thanks for coming out.”
Kade smirked faintly. “Thanks for not making me suffer through coffee.”
Dave let out a laugh, leaning back in his chair. “Hey, I’m not a monster. I do my research.” He took a sip of his own drink. “Besides, pastries are a way better icebreaker than bitter bean juice.”
Kade gave a quiet laugh, some of the tension in his shoulders loosening. “You seem weirdly good at this,” he admitted before he could think better of it.
Dave raised an eyebrow over the rim of his cup. “At what?”
“I don’t know.” Kade gestured vaguely. “Talking? Making things… not awkward?”
Dave grinned, setting his drink down. “Oh, I promise, I’m plenty awkward. I just learned a long time ago that if I pretend I know what I’m doing, people usually believe me.”
Kade tilted his head slightly. “That actually makes a lot of sense.”
Dave smirked. “Fake it till you make it. Or at least until people stop noticing you’re making it up as you go.”
Kade snorted. “That… explains a lot, actually.”
Dave gave him a playful wink. “Stick with me and you’ll learn all my tricks.”
It was such a ridiculous, casual thing to say, but it made Kade’s chest feel light. He wasn’t used to this. Banter that didn’t feel forced, a conversation that didn’t immediately crash and burn under the weight of his own overthinking.
Maybe this really would be different.
They eased into small talk, how long Dave had been in town, what brought him here, the typical icebreakers. Dave was easy to talk to, his voice carrying a relaxed warmth that helped loosen the knots in Kade’s chest. But as the conversation drifted closer to their shared interest, Kade felt his shoulders tense.
“So,” Dave said, stirring his drink idly. “You consider yourself a switch?”
Kade felt heat creep up the back of his neck. He glanced around instinctively, scanning the nearby tables, but no one seemed to be paying attention. Even so, talking about this in public made his skin prickle with unease.
“Uh, yeah,” he said, his voice lower now. “Well, I mean, I’ve never done anything like that in person before, but theoretically, yeah, I see myself as that.”
Dave nodded, completely unfazed. “That makes sense. A lot of people start out figuring it out in their heads first.” He smiled. “And just so you know, no one’s listening to us.”
Kade swallowed. “I know, I just… I guess I’m not used to talking about it like this.”
“That’s totally fair,” Dave said easily. “First time’s always weird. But hey, this isn’t an interrogation. No pressure.”
Kade let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Dave was good at this, reading the room, knowing when to push and when to ease off. It made him feel… safe, in a way he hadn’t expected.
He ran a finger along the rim of his mug, staring into his tea. “I think it’s just easier to hide behind writing. Like, I can put all these thoughts and feelings into words, but saying them out loud feels… different.”
Dave took a sip of his drink, nodding thoughtfully. “Yeah. I get that. It’s vulnerable in a different way.” He set his cup down, tilting his head slightly. “But that’s kind of why I reached out. Your writing? It has so much detail, so much emotion. It really stuck with me. I figured someone who could write like that had to be interesting to talk to.”
Kade blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Dave’s voice. “Oh. Uh, thanks.”
Dave smirked. “You’re really bad at taking compliments, huh?”
Kade let out a small, embarrassed laugh. “Yeah. Pretty bad.”
“Well, get used to it.” Dave leaned back in his chair, studying him with an easy grin. “So, what’s your ideal scenario? Like, if you ever did try something in person?”
Kade hesitated, glancing down at his tea like it might somehow provide an escape. Talking about this online was one thing. This was something else entirely.
He exhaled. “I guess… I’ve always liked the idea of it being playful and teasing.”
Dave’s smile widened. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”
Kade rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small, reluctant grin tugging at his lips.
“What about you, what do you consider yourself?” Kade asked before it hit him.
Duh, I already know from his profile.
His face warmed as he quickly corrected himself. “I mean, sorry—I remember reading you’re a switch too, right?”
Dave chuckled, shaking his head as he took another sip of his coffee. “Yeah, you got it.” He set his cup down, tilting his head slightly. “But I like that you actually paid attention. Most people just skim profiles.”
Kade chuckled nervously, still feeling a little dumb for asking in the first place. “Guess I just… blanked for a second.” He glanced down at his tea, his fingers idly tracing the rim of the mug again. “I think I just get in my own head too much.”
“Yeah, I kinda picked up on that,” Dave said, his voice laced with amusement. “But that’s okay. Like I said, no pressure.”
Kade nodded, exhaling slowly. He appreciated that Dave wasn’t trying to make this weird. He was just… talking. Like it was normal. Maybe it was. Maybe Kade was the only one making it a bigger deal than it needed to be.
“So, what’s your preference?” Kade asked, cautiously pushing the conversation forward. “Do you lean more one way, or is it just situational?”
Dave’s grin turned playful. “Depends on the person. Some people make me wanna push their buttons, and others?” He shrugged. “I like seeing what happens when I give up control.”
Kade swallowed, nodding like that answer wasn’t making his thoughts race. It was all theoretical, just conversation, but something about the ease with which Dave spoke about it made him hyper-aware of every inch of space between them.
“I think I’d have to feel things out first,” Kade admitted, his fingers tracing the rim of his mug. “I like the idea of switching, but I wouldn’t know until I was actually in the moment.”
Dave nodded, clearly understanding. “That makes sense. Nothing wrong with that.” He leaned back, studying Kade for a beat. “You ever been in that kind of situation at all? Like, even a little?”
Kade shook his head, feeling his face heat. “No. Just… writing.”
Dave didn’t look surprised. “Well, your writing makes it seem like you’ve got a solid grasp on it.”
Kade let out a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I think it’s just easier to explore it that way. No risk, no weirdness, no expectations.”
“Makes sense.” Dave’s smile didn’t fade. “But, you know, the real thing doesn’t have to be some big, intimidating thing. It can be just as fun as writing about it.”
Kade exhaled, his grip loosening around his mug. Maybe Dave was right. Maybe this didn’t have to be so scary.
He still wasn’t sure if he believed that completely, but sitting here, talking like this, it was the most comfortable he’d ever felt discussing it out loud.
And that had to count for something.
Dave took another slow sip of his coffee, his gaze lingering on Kade in a way that made his skin prickle, not uncomfortably, but with a strange, fluttering awareness. Kade wasn’t used to being looked at like that, like someone was really paying attention.
“You know,” Dave said, setting his cup down with a quiet clink, “I feel like you’ve thought about this a lot.” His lips quirked in a small smirk. “Not just in your writing, but in general.”
Kade swallowed, his fingers tightening around his mug. “I mean… yeah,” he admitted. “I think about it a lot. But thinking and doing are two different things.”
Dave leaned in just slightly, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret. “Would you want to, though? To actually try it?”
Kade felt heat rush up his neck. His heart hammered against his ribs, and he was sure his face had to be turning pink. “I—uh…” He cleared his throat, trying not to sound completely flustered. “I think… yeah.”
Dave’s smile deepened, but there was nothing teasing about it, just genuine amusement and interest. “Good,” he said simply, before taking another sip of his coffee like they hadn’t just crossed some invisible line between casual conversation and something far more real.
The conversation flowed effortlessly after that. With the ice broken, Kade felt himself relaxing more, even laughing at some of Dave’s stories. The nerves never fully left him, but they softened into something almost pleasant, excitement humming beneath the surface rather than outright anxiety.
Before either of them knew it, two hours had passed.
Kade blinked as he glanced at the time on his phone. “Wow. I didn’t even realize how long we’ve been talking.”
“Yeah,” Dave said, stretching his arms over his head. “Time flies when the company’s good.” He tilted his head slightly, studying Kade before casually asking, “So… would you be interested in coming over? You know, to explore our interests a little?”
Kade felt his breath hitch. His grip tightened around his now-empty tea mug as his brain tried to process the words. He wanted to, he really wanted to, but the suddenness of it caught him completely off guard. His first instinct was excitement, but right on its heels came doubt.
Was this too fast? What if it got awkward? What if he wasn’t what Dave expected? What if—
He swallowed hard, forcing the anxious spiral to slow. This was what he wanted. If he backed out now, he knew he’d regret it.
“I’d love to,” he said, his voice coming out a little too quickly. He hesitated, then asked, “Do you, uh, have a date in mind?”
Dave’s smirk returned, playful and just a little bit knowing. “How about now? You don’t have any other plans, do you?”
Kade’s brain short-circuited. “I—uh—um. Wow.” He let out a breathless chuckle, shaking his head at himself. His fingers tapped restlessly against the mug before he finally exhaled. “Yes. I mean no, no plans. Yes, I’d like to come over.”
Dave grinned as he stood. “Great. Let’s go.”
Kade followed suit, his pulse thrumming with nervous energy. This was happening. Really happening. And for the first time, he wasn’t just writing about it, he was living it.
And that thought alone was exhilarating.
The walk to Dave’s apartment was short, but Kade felt every step, his pulse beating in his ears. His thoughts ran in circles.
What if I’m bad at this? What if I freeze up? What if—
“Hey.”
Dave’s voice cut through the spiral, and Kade glanced over to see him watching him with an easy smile. “You okay?”
Kade let out a shaky laugh. “Yeah. Just… processing that this is happening.”
Dave chuckled. “That’s fair. But don’t overthink it too much. It’s just us having fun, no pressure.”
No pressure.
Kade nodded, trying to let the words settle, though his nerves weren’t quite convinced.
When they reached Dave’s place, a cozy one-bedroom apartment in a quiet building, Dave unlocked the door and stepped inside, holding it open for Kade. The space was warm and lived-in, with a dark gray couch, a coffee table stacked with books, and soft lighting that made it feel instantly inviting.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Dave said, kicking off his shoes. “Want some water or anything?”
Kade shook his head. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to drink without spilling something at this point.
Dave smirked, watching him. “You’re nervous.”
Kade smiled nervously. “Understatement.”
Dave walked over and plopped onto the couch, patting the spot next to him. “Then let’s start easy. Come sit. Hang out for a few minutes.”
Kade swallowed hard but forced his feet to move, sitting at what he hoped was a casual distance. Dave stretched out, one arm resting lazily on the back of the couch, giving him the same amused expression he’d had back at the café.
“So,” Dave said, tone light, “since we’re here… you wanna start with me tickling you, or you tickling me?”
Kade’s heart did something weird in his chest. His mind instantly supplied a dozen different scenarios, all of which made his face warm.
“I—uh—” He cleared his throat, gripping his jeans to keep his hands from fidgeting. “I think… you tickling me first makes sense. Since, you know, I theoretically like it.”
Dave grinned. “Theoretically, huh?”
Kade groaned, covering his face. “Don’t make me regret this already.”
Dave laughed. “Okay, okay. We’ll keep it simple.” He shifted, angling toward Kade. “You good with me trying your sides first?”
Kade inhaled sharply but nodded. “Yeah.”
Dave didn’t dive in immediately. Instead, he hesitated just long enough for Kade to feel the anticipation coil in his stomach. Then, slowly, he reached out and wiggled his fingers along Kade’s ribs.
Kade tensed. His body reacted, his muscles jerked, his breath caught, but there was no laughter. No ticklish sensation that sent him into a fit of giggles like he had imagined so many times before.
Dave’s fingers moved again, pressing a little firmer. Nothing.
Kade’s stomach twisted.
Dave pulled back slightly, brows lifting. “Huh.”
Kade’s chest went tight. He knew he was ticklish. He’d been poked or playfully tickled before, and it had affected him. So why—why now, when he actually wanted it, was his body refusing to cooperate?
Dave tried again, switching to his stomach, then his knee, watching for a reaction. Kade flinched at the contact, but still, no laughter.
His face burned. “I—I don’t know what’s happening,” he blurted, voice tinged with panic. “I swear I’m ticklish, I just—”
Dave pulled back instantly. “Hey, hey. It’s okay.”
But it wasn’t okay. This was supposed to be fun, exciting. Instead, humiliation climbed up Kade’s throat like a lump he couldn’t swallow.
“I should go,” he muttered, standing too fast.
Dave frowned. “Kade, you don’t have to—”
But Kade was already moving toward the door, his vision blurred. His heart pounded, his skin was hot with embarrassment, and he couldn’t do this—
“Kade, wait.”
Dave’s voice was firm but gentle, his hand catching Kade’s wrist before he could reach the doorknob. He didn’t grip hard, just enough to get him to stop.
Kade swallowed hard, refusing to meet Dave’s eyes.
After a pause, Dave spoke again, softer. “You’re in your head, aren’t you?”
Kade exhaled shakily. “I don’t know. I—I thought I wanted this, but now I feel… I don’t know.”
“Overwhelmed?”
Kade nodded, throat tight.
Dave let go of his wrist, stepping back just enough to give him space. “Okay. First of all, you’re not broken.” His voice was steady, reassuring. “This happens. Nerves can override sensation. And you’ve built this up in your head for so long, it’s totally normal to freeze up.”
Kade didn’t trust himself to speak.
Dave smiled, tilting his head. “Do you wanna try something else instead? Like, you tickling me? Just to see if that feels easier?”
Kade hesitated. His embarrassment was still raw, but… Dave wasn’t pushing him away. He wasn’t acting annoyed or disappointed. He wanted him to stay.
Slowly, Kade exhaled and nodded. “…Okay.”
Dave grinned. “Good. Because I promise, I am ticklish.” He flopped back onto the couch, arms stretched out in invitation. “Come on. Give it your best shot.”
Something about the playful shift eased the tension in Kade’s chest. Swallowing back the last of his nerves, he reached out, tentative at first, and wiggled his fingers against Dave’s side.
The reaction was immediate. Dave jerked, a sharp bark of laughter escaping his lips as he twisted slightly.
Kade blinked. “…Wait, really?”
Dave grinned. “I told you.”
Kade hesitated, then tried again, this time kneading just under Dave’s ribs. Another jolt, another burst of laughter, and Kade’s stomach flipped at the realization.
This is fun.
For the first time all day, he wasn’t overthinking. He wasn’t trapped in his head, worrying about what came next. He was just here, in the moment, watching Dave squirm and laugh because of him.
Dave’s grin turned mischievous between breaths. “Now this is unfair.”
Kade smirked, confidence beginning to replace some of the self-doubt. “Oh, I don’t think so.”
Kade’s fingers moved more deliberately now, testing different spots along Dave’s ribs. The first few attempts had been cautious, more exploratory than anything, but as Dave’s reactions grew stronger, so did Kade’s confidence.
Dave twisted on the couch, a burst of laughter escaping him as Kade found a particularly sensitive spot just above his hip. “Hahahaha! Okay! Okay, that’s—hahaha! Not fair!”
Kade grinned, something shifting inside him. It was a new feeling, control mixed with amusement, the thrill of discovering something firsthand rather than just writing about it. He kneaded a little firmer, watching as Dave squirmed.
“Not fair?” Kade repeated, tilting his head. “Sounds like an excuse.”
Dave huffed between giggles, eyes crinkling with laughter. “Evil! You are evil!”
Kade chuckled, his fingers venturing upward, tracing along Dave’s ribs before slipping under his arms. Dave’s reaction was instant, his body bucked, his laughter jumping an octave.
“HEY! HAHAAHA!” Dave howled, instinctively trying to clamp his arms down.
Kade laughed, marveling at the sheer helplessness in Dave’s voice. He had read about moments like this, imagined them countless times, but experiencing it, actually hearing the breathless, unfiltered laughter spilling from someone else because of him, was exhilarating.
Dave twisted violently, nearly knocking them both off the couch in his desperate attempt to get away.
“HAHAHA! OKAY! HAHAHA! MERCY!”
Kade hesitated for only a second before pulling back, grinning triumphantly as Dave gasped for air, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
“Wow,” Kade mused, leaning back. “You weren't kidding when you said you were ticklish.”
Dave shot him a half-hearted glare between breaths. “I hate you.”
Kade smirked. “You don’t sound convincing.”
Dave opened his mouth to issue some kind of weak threat, but his expression changed. Something mischievous flickered in his eyes. He suddenly leaned over and dug into Kade's sides, kneading rapidly.
“HAHAHAHA!”
Dave grinned, his earlier exhaustion seemingly forgotten as he pressed in, working over Kade’s sides and ribs with expert precision. “Ohhh,” he drawled over Kade’s frantic laughter. “You're really ticklish.”
Kade tried to twist away, but Dave had already shifted closer, keeping him trapped in place. His fingers found every weak spot, every sensitive area Kade hadn’t even realized he had.
“NOHOHO! STAHAHAP HAHAHA!” Kade gasped, his body jerking violently as he fell back against the cushions.
Dave laughed, clearly enjoying himself. “Oh no, no, no. You don’t get to dish it out and not take it,” he teased, his fingers dancing up to Kade’s underarms.
Kade shrieked.
His laughter turned frantic, his body thrashing uselessly under Dave’s relentless attack. He tried to push Dave away, but his strength was useless against the overwhelming sensation.
“PLEHEHEHEASE!”
Dave chuckled. “Oh? Is that a request for mercy? Funny, I seem to remember saying that earlier.”
Kade could barely breathe, much less respond. He was laughing too hard, the sensation reducing him to pure helplessness.
Finally, after a few torturous minutes, Dave relented.
Kade collapsed against the couch, chest heaving, his body still tingling from the aftershocks.
Dave leaned back, grinning smugly. “Yeah. I think we’re even now.”
Kade shook his head and gave a small smile as he continued panting. “You’re the evil one.”
Dave stretched his arms lazily over his head. “Hey, I just believe in fair play.”
Kade snorted. He had spent so much time imagining moments like this, but the reality had been better than he ever could have written. He hadn’t expected to feel so… comfortable. So free.
“So,” Dave said after a moment, glancing at Kade with a smirk. “You still think you’re just a ‘theoretical’ switch?”
Kade swallowed, feeling his face heat. “Shut up.”
Dave laughed. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
Before Kade could finish catching his breath, Dave lunged again, fingers striking at Kade’s ribs with renewed energy.
“NOHOHO! DAHAHAVE!” Kade’s laughter exploded once more, his body completely helpless against the onslaught.
Dave grinned, watching Kade dissolve into frantic giggles. He enjoyed how Kade couldn’t even fight back, as if his muscles had turned to jelly under his touch. His fingers danced along Kade’s ribs before sliding back under his arms, earning another desperate shriek.
“HAHAAHA!” Kade howled, thrashing wildly but unable to break free.
Dave smirked. “You’re a lot of fun to tickle. Can’t fight back and you just have so many little tickle spots, don’t you?” he teased, kneading into Kade’s ribs with pinpoint accuracy.
Kade’s laughter suddenly went silent, his mouth open in a breathless struggle against the overwhelming sensation. He pounded weakly at Dave’s arm, but Dave only chuckled, his fingers still working mercilessly.
Finally, after another round of hysterical laughter, Dave let up, grinning down at Kade’s flushed, panting form.
Kade groaned, unable to do more than glare weakly. “You’re horrible.”
Dave laughed. “And yet, you’re still smiling.”
Dave then appeared to be thinking deeply for a moment before a playful glint returned to his eyes. “How ticklish do you think your feet are?” he asked casually.
Kade barely had time to process the question before Dave shifted his weight, quickly turning his body to face Kade’s feet while trapping Kade’s legs beneath him.
“Wait, Dave—"
Kade’s protest was cut short as Dave swiftly yanked off his shoes and wiggled his fingers along the soles of Kade’s socked feet. The response was immediate, Kade’s body jolted, startled giggles spilling out before he could even try to contain them.
Dave grinned. “Ohhh, interesting,” he mused, dragging his fingers lightly across the fabric, watching as Kade twitched involuntarily. “Even through socks, huh?”
Kade was already squirming, trying to kick free, but Dave had him firmly pinned. Then, without warning, Dave tugged off Kade’s socks, tossing them aside.
The moment his bare feet were exposed, Dave wasted no time, running his fingers up and down Kade’s soles.
Kade completely lost it.
“HAHAHAHA NOHOHO! DAVE! HAHAHAHA PLEHEHEASE!” Kade shrieked, his laughter turning high-pitched and frantic.
Dave chuckled, watching Kade writhe helplessly. “Oh yeah,” he teased, scratching along the arches of Kade’s feet. “You’ve got some very ticklish feet.”
Dave suddenly paused, his fingers resting against Kade’s ankles. He appeared to be thinking deeply before a smirk formed on his lips as he turned to look at Kade.
“Would you be ok with me tying you up? I've got some soft rope we can use. Then I can really explore these promising tickle spots of yours.”
Kade blushed, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t like the idea. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded. “Yeah… okay.”
Before he knew it, he was on his back, bound to Dave’s bed. His hands were securely tied above his head to the headboard, and his ankles bound to the footboard. He gave a few test pulls, no budge. Dave knew what he was doing.
Dave stood over him with a mischievous grin. “Ready to have some fun?”
Kade barely had time to react before Dave began scribbling all over his bare feet, sending him into howls of hysterical laughter.
Dave grinned down at Kade, his fingers never ceasing their relentless assault on his bare soles. Kade was already a mess; his face red, his body jerking against the ropes, his laughter spilling out in wild, helpless bursts.
“Oh man,” Dave chuckled, dragging a single finger along Kade’s arch just to watch him squirm. “These feet are ridiculously ticklish.”
Kade could barely respond, his laughter high-pitched and frantic. “STAHAHAHAP! DAVE! PLEHEHEASE!” He pulled at the ropes again, but they held firm.
Dave smirked. “Oh, we’re nowhere near done yet.” His fingers fluttered over Kade’s toes, making him shriek. “I mean, you let me tie you up, you had to know what was coming.”
Kade’s head shook wildly, his laughter breaking into silent gasps as Dave gently scratched along the soft spots beneath his toes. “NOHOHOHO! I CAHAHAN’T!”
Dave chuckled, eyes gleaming with amusement. “You can, and you will. Just look at you. Helpless, stuck, completely at my mercy.” He grinned. “And I haven’t even gotten to your worst spots yet.”
Kade could barely think straight through the ticklish haze. “THIHIHIS IS MY WOHOHORST SPOT!”
Dave laughed. “Oh? We’ll see about that.” His hands shot up, suddenly kneading along Kade’s sides and ribs, making him buck wildly. “Nope. I think this is pretty bad too.”
Kade screamed with laughter, thrashing as much as the restraints allowed. “DAHAHAHAVE! NOHOHO! PLEHEHEASE!”
Dave shook his head, thoroughly enjoying himself. “Sorry, buddy. You signed up for this.” His fingers dug into the spaces between Kade’s ribs, making him convulse with laughter. “And I have to say, you’re the perfect tickle toy. So responsive, so sensitive. I could do this all night.”
Kade could barely process the words, his mind lost in the overwhelming sensations. His body felt like jelly, his strength completely drained as he laughed helplessly beneath Dave’s expert fingers.
And Dave? He was just getting started.
Dave grinned wickedly as he watched Kade dissolve into a breathless mess beneath him. “And can’t forget these armpits of yours either. Very ticklish here too,” he said casually, as if he weren’t about to completely wreck Kade’s sanity.
Then, without hesitation, his fingers pressed into the soft, vulnerable hollows beneath Kade’s arms, wiggling mercilessly.
Kade’s reaction was instant. He howled with helpless, hysterical laughter, his body arching off the bed as much as the ropes would allow. “NOHOHOHO! DAHAHAHAVE! STAHAHAHAP!” His voice cracked between peals of laughter, his face turning a deep shade of red.
Dave only chuckled, thoroughly enjoying himself. “Oh wow, this is a bad spot, huh?” He wiggled his fingers even faster, reveling in the way Kade’s laughter broke into silent gasps. “Look at you, completely helpless. These arms aren’t going anywhere.” He gave the ropes securing Kade’s wrists a playful tug. “Guess that means I get free rein to explore just how ticklish these pits are.”
Kade was beyond words, his mind melting under the relentless sensation. He thrashed wildly, but there was no escape. Every flick of Dave’s fingers sent unbearable jolts of ticklish electricity through him, making him convulse with uncontrollable laughter.
Dave smirked down at him, watching with pure amusement. “You’re just too much fun, Kade. And I’m definitely not stopping anytime soon.” His fingers danced along the tender skin, his touch both teasing and ruthless.
Dave continued his relentless assault on Kade’s defenseless armpits, his fingers scribbling and kneading mercilessly into the ultra-sensitive hollows. Kade was beyond gone, thrashing weakly, his laughter spilling out in desperate, breathless bursts. His body had no fight left, his muscles had turned to jelly, completely useless against the overwhelming sensation.
“Oh man,” Dave mused, his tone light and teasing as if he wasn’t absolutely wrecking Kade. “These pits of yours? Ridiculously ticklish. I barely have to do anything, and you just fall apart.” He gave an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head in amusement. “You poor thing. It’s almost too easy.”
Kade could barely breathe, his laughter high-pitched and frantic. “HAHAHA! NOHOHOHO MORE!”
Dave chuckled, unfazed. “Oh, no way. Not when you’re reacting like this.” He wiggled his fingers faster, pressing into the deepest part of the hollows, watching as Kade shrieked in response. “I mean, look at you! You’re completely at my mercy. Can’t lower your arms, can’t protect yourself. You’re just stuck here, taking it.”
Kade thrashed as much as the restraints allowed, his face turning red as his laughter jumped into near-silent territory.
Dave whistled playfully. “Wow, silent laughter already? That’s usually a good sign I should keep going.” He grinned as he slowed his movements slightly, just enough to let Kade suck in a shaky breath, before diving right back in, wiggling both hands into the soft skin.
Kade let out a scream of laughter, shaking his head wildly. “NOHOHOHO! AHAHAHA!”
Dave smirked. His voice was dripping with amusement as he leaned in slightly, his fingers still working without mercy. “I mean, what kind of tickler would I be if I didn’t thoroughly test every single ticklish inch of you?”
Kade’s laughter had hit full hysteria, his head thrown back against the pillow, eyes squeezed shut, his voice breaking into hoarse giggles between frantic gasps.
Dave chuckled, finally slowing his fingers to gentle, teasing traces along the hypersensitive skin. “You holding up okay there, tickle toy?”
Kade could barely function, sucking in air between lingering giggles. “Y-you… are… insane,” he panted.
Dave grinned. “And you love it.” His fingers gave one last playful squeeze, making Kade jolt with a surprised giggle.
Kade groaned, his body still twitching from the aftershocks. “You’re definitely the evil one.”
Dave smirked. “Oh, I know.” He stretched his fingers, cracking his knuckles. “Now, should we take a little break? Or…” He wiggled his fingers over Kade’s stomach threateningly. “Should we see if your belly’s as bad as those pits?”
Kade’s eyes went wide. “Dave, wait—”
But Dave was already grinning wickedly. “Too late.” And with that, he struck again.
Dave grinned as he continued his ticklish torment, his fingers gliding mercilessly over Kade’s bound, helpless body. But what truly wrecked Kade wasn’t just the tickling, it was Dave’s words. His teasing, playful commentary made everything so much worse, making Kade feel even more vulnerable, making his laughter spill out louder, more frantic.
“Aww, Kade,” Dave cooed, fingers dancing along his quivering ribs. “You’re so ticklish. Every little spot just sends you into a fit, doesn’t it? Can’t even fight back… not that you’d be able to stop me anyway.”
Kade was beyond lost, his laughter breaking into high-pitched giggles as Dave traced torturously slow circles around his bellybutton before diving back into his ribs. “STAHAHAHAP! PLEAHEHESE!”
Dave chuckled. “Oh, no no no. You’re way too much fun like this. Squirming, laughing your head off, completely at my mercy.” His fingers spidered back up to Kade’s underarms, causing another wild shriek of hysterics.
“See? These pits are just made for tickling,” Dave teased, grinning at how Kade thrashed against the ropes. “You can’t lower your arms, you can’t block me. You have to take it.”
Kade’s laughter hit full hysteria, his head tossing back as he tried, and failed, to form words between his breathless cackles.
“Speechless already?” Dave smirked, scratching gently at the tender hollows beneath Kade’s arms. “I guess you really are ticklish here. But then again…” He let his fingers drift back down, scribbling over Kade’s belly. “Your tummy seems just as bad.”
Kade shrieked, his laughter reaching new heights as he twisted under Dave’s skilled hands. “NOHOHOHO!”
Dave was having the time of his life, grinning as he watched Kade dissolve into hysterical laughter beneath him. He loved the way Kade squirmed, how every teasing word made him laugh a little harder, a little more helplessly. But as much fun as he was having, Dave knew to watch carefully for any signs of distress. This was Kade’s first time, and he wanted to make sure it was a good experience, not overwhelming.
Between the fits of giggles and thrashing, Dave softened his touch slightly and asked, “How you doing, tickle toy? Still having fun?”
Kade, still breathless, managed a giggly nod. “Yeah! Hahaha, it’s— it’s fun! But… I could use a break now.”
Dave stopped immediately, his hands pulling back as he gave Kade an easy smile. “Of course,” he said, his voice warm and reassuring. “You did amazing.”
Kade let out a deep, shuddering breath, still giggling as the lingering sensation buzzed through him. “Thanks,” he panted, his body still twitching slightly from the aftershocks.
Dave reached over and gently untied Kade’s wrists, rubbing them lightly to make sure they weren’t too strained. “Want some water?” he asked, already shifting to grab a bottle from his nightstand.
Kade nodded, his face still flushed. “Yeah… that’d be great.”
Dave handed it to him with a smirk. “You’re lucky I’m nice. I could’ve kept going for hours.”
Kade shot him a tired glare, though the grin tugging at his lips betrayed him. “So evil.”
Dave chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. But you loved it.”
Dave watched Kade with a satisfied grin, noting his yawn as he stretched, his body still loose from all the laughter. “Uh oh, guess I really did wear you out, huh?” he teased.
Kade chuckled, rubbing his eyes as he checked his phone. He blinked in surprise. “Wow… it’s already 8 p.m. The day just flew by.”
Dave smirked. “Time flies when you’re laughing your head off.”
Kade chuckled, but then his stomach let out a low growl, betraying him. He suddenly realized he hadn’t eaten anything since the morning. Between the nerves about meeting up and everything that had happened since, food had completely slipped his mind.
Dave raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “And there it is. When’s the last time you ate?”
Kade scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. “Uh… this morning?”
Dave shook his head, standing up. “Alright, no way I’m letting you go hungry after I completely wrecked you. You’re staying for dinner.”
Kade’s heart warmed at the offer. He didn’t want this night to end, but he knew it couldn’t last forever. Still… maybe it didn’t have to end just yet.
He smiled. “Yeah… I’d like that.”
They decided to order pizza, and despite Dave’s protests, Kade insisted on paying for half. “Fair’s fair,” he said with a grin, feeling more at ease than he had all day.
When the pizza arrived, they settled onto the couch, eating and talking between bites. With each passing minute, Kade felt himself coming more and more out of his shell. The awkwardness that had been there at the start of the day had completely melted away.
Now, sitting beside Dave, laughing and swapping stories, he felt… comfortable. Like this was exactly where he was supposed to be. For the first time in his life, Kade wasn’t just writing about the connection he wanted. He was living it.
After they finished, Dave excused himself to the bathroom, and Kade leaned back against the arm of the couch, scrolling absentmindedly through his phone. But the excitement from the day, the nonstop laughter, and the sheer emotional high of everything that had happened started to morph into exhaustion.
His eyelids grew heavier, and before he knew it, his phone slipped from his grasp onto his chest as he drifted off into sleep.
When Dave returned, he paused, smiling as he took in the sight of Kade, fast asleep on the couch, his breathing slow and peaceful.
“Someone had a good day,” Dave murmured, chuckling softly to himself.
He grabbed a blanket and draped it over Kade, setting Kade’s phone on the coffee table before settling into the chair beside him. Maybe they had only just met, but it already felt like the start of something great.
And as Kade slept soundly, a small, contented smile lingered on his face.
It seemed, even in his sleep, he knew today had truly been one for the books.
THE END
He leaned back, rubbing his eyes. He had imagined this happening, someone reaching out, wanting to meet, but now that it was real, it felt different. Unsettling. Like being caught off guard by something he should have been prepared for.
For so long, writing had been his safe zone, the only way he allowed himself to connect with this part of himself. Real life was unpredictable, messy, full of uncertainties he preferred to avoid. He had chatted with a few local guys with his same interests in the past, but the conversations never led anywhere. He either wasn’t their type, or they weren’t his. And honestly? He had never been great at putting himself out there.
His gaze flicked back to the blinking cursor on his screen. His characters never hesitated the way he did. They embraced the moment, threw themselves into the experience. But that was fantasy. He was just… him.
He clicked over to the other tab, the one with the message.
The sender, a user named TicklishTraveler, had written:
Hey, I hope this isn’t weird, but I wanted to reach out because I’m a huge fan of your stories. I’ve read every single one you’ve posted. Your writing is honestly some of the best tickling fiction I’ve ever come across. I noticed you use the same username here, so I figured I’d shoot you a message. My name’s Dave, by the way! I just moved to the area and was wondering if you might want to meet up? No pressure, of course! Just thought it’d be cool to talk in person and geek out over our shared interest. Let me know what you think!
Kade reread the message for what had to be the tenth time, his stomach twisting. Someone actually wanted to meet him. Someone real.
The idea sent a thrill through him, but beneath it coiled something heavier; doubt, nerves, the creeping certainty that if he said yes, he’d regret it.
The thought made his chest tighten. He didn’t have a lot of experience socializing, especially when it came to this part of himself. It had always been easier to keep it in the realm of fiction. That way, he could control every moment, every reaction. In real life, he wouldn’t have that safety net.
He exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders back. Maybe this was an opportunity, not something to fear. He had spent so long living vicariously through his writing, convincing himself that was enough. But the twinge of loneliness he tried to ignore told him otherwise. He wanted more, needed more, if he was being honest.
His mind flickered back to old memories. The awkward attempts at dating, the countless times he had carefully probed for shared interests only to receive confusion or polite dismissal. It had made him retreat further into himself, resigning to the idea that his fantasies were best left on the page. But now, here was someone openly expressing enthusiasm.
Wasn’t that what he had been hoping for all along?
Still, his nerves wouldn’t let him just agree outright. What if they met, and it was awkward? What if he couldn’t think of anything to say? Or worse, what if Dave met him and was disappointed? Would this just turn into another embarrassing memory of rejection for him? Surely, he wasn’t as interesting in real life as the stories he wrote. He shook his head. He wouldn’t know unless he took a chance.
Before he could talk himself out of it, he typed a reply.
Hey Dave, thanks so much for the message! I really appreciate it, it means a lot to hear that you enjoy my writing. I’m definitely a bit of a hermit though, so I’ve never actually met up with anyone before. I’ll be honest, I’m a little nervous about the idea. But I’d love to chat more and maybe see how things go?
He hovered over the send button for a long moment. His heartbeat thumped in his ears. Then, finally, he clicked it.
The message was out there now, beyond his control.
Minutes stretched into an hour, and Kade found himself checking his inbox repeatedly, his nerves refusing to settle. He had no idea how long it would take for Dave to respond, if he even would at all. Maybe the guy had already logged off, or maybe he was second-guessing reaching out in the first place. Kade tried to focus on his story, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the message.
Then, a notification. His heart jumped.
New message from TicklishTraveler.
He hesitated before clicking it open.
Hey, I totally get that! Meeting in person can be nerve-wracking, especially for something like this. No pressure at all. If you’d rather just keep chatting online, I’d still love to talk! But if you’re open to it, maybe we could meet somewhere casual, no expectations, just two people who love the same thing getting to know each other? Coffee, maybe? Or even just a walk? Whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Kade let out a slow breath. The message was thoughtful, patient. It felt... nice, but he tried not to let himself get excited. This was how all the other conversations started. A promising exchange, a flicker of hope, only for the other person to eventually disappear without a word. He had been ghosted more times than he cared to count, and each time, it stung a little more than the last.
Could he handle the humiliation of meeting a fan of his stories in person, only for them to lose interest and ghost him afterward? The idea sat heavy in his chest, a familiar ache that whispered, maybe it’s better not to try at all.
But another voice, quieter but insistent, reminded him that he was tired of hiding. Tired of letting fear dictate every part of his life. Maybe this time would be different. Maybe, for once, he didn’t have to hide behind his words. Maybe this was the start of something real.
Coffee sounds nice. My name is Kade, by the way.
A few seconds later, another message popped up.
Awesome! Looking forward to it. Here’s my number in case you’d rather text: (555) 823-1947.
Kade hesitated for a moment before replying.
Thanks, Dave! Here’s mine: (555) 672-8893.
He hit send, then stared at the screen. Should he have just texted instead? Messaging on FetLife again almost felt redundant now that they had exchanged numbers. Would it seem weird if he suddenly switched to texting? Or would it seem weird not to? He had no idea what the proper etiquette was for something like this.
Then it hit him.
He didn't even like coffee. Great. Already off to an embarrassing start. Was it too late to take it back? Would it be weird to immediately follow up with, "Actually, I don’t even drink coffee"? That would probably make him look even more awkward.
Why am I like this?
He sighed as he rubbed at the tension in his neck. Maybe he was overthinking it. Again. He had Dave’s number now, and Dave had his. If the guy wanted to text, he would.
Instead of staring at his phone, willing it to vibrate, Kade decided to distract himself. He paced around his small apartment, picking up random objects just to put them back down again. He could read something. Write something. Watch something. Anything to keep his mind from spiraling.
But, of course, his thoughts circled back to coffee. The bitterness, the aftertaste, it was never his thing. Maybe he should have been honest about that from the start, but correcting himself now felt awkward. What was he supposed to say?
His phone buzzed, cutting through his self-inflicted stress cycle.
Dave: Hey Kade, this is Dave. So, I was thinking Hollow Bean might be a good spot? It’s quiet enough to talk, and they have a decent menu. But if you have a favorite place, I’m open to suggestions.
Kade stared at the message, chewing the inside of his cheek. He had been agonizing over this for the past half hour, yet Dave had just… suggested something, like it wasn’t a huge deal.
Kade: Hollow Bean works. I don’t really go out much, so I don’t have a favorite place.
A reply came almost immediately.
Dave: Hey, me neither, honestly. Half the time, I just cycle through the same three places until I get sick of them. So, if we hate it, we can blame Yelp and never go back.
Kade huffed a small laugh. That was… unexpectedly reassuring.
Kade: Fair point. Hollow Bean it is.
Dave: Cool. What time works for you?
They settled on a date and time, Saturday at noon. Simple, straightforward. Nothing weird.
Except Kade still felt weird.
His stomach twisted with nerves as he typed out one last message.
Kade: Just a heads-up, I’m probably a little more awkward in person than I am online.
This time, the reply took longer, like Dave was actually thinking about it. Then:
Dave: That’s fine. I’ll just match your level of awkwardness, and we’ll call it even.
Kade blinked. Then he chuckled, shaking his head.
Maybe this would be okay.
Kade sat at a corner table in Hollow Bean, hands wrapped around a steaming mug of green tea. The café was warm and inviting, the scent of fresh pastries hanging in the air, mingling with the quiet hum of conversation. A few patrons sat tucked away in booths, lost in books or laptops, while the occasional hiss of the espresso machine punctuated the atmosphere.
He checked his phone again, no new messages. Dave had said he was on his way, but Kade couldn’t help the lingering fear that he wouldn’t show up. That this would turn into another disappointment, another reminder of why he had kept this part of himself locked away in fiction for so long.
But just as his thoughts started spiraling, the bell above the door jingled.
A tall, dark-haired man stepped inside, shaking a bit of drizzle from his jacket. Kade recognized him instantly from his profile picture, Dave. His posture was relaxed but not cocky, the kind of comfortable ease that some people just had. He scanned the café for a moment before spotting Kade, and his face lit up with an easy smile.
Kade exhaled, some of his nerves ebbing at the sight.
Dave made his way to the counter first, exchanging a few words with the barista. His movements were smooth, but not effortlessly so. He fumbled his wallet as he pulled it out, nearly dropping it before catching it against his chest with an amused huff. He muttered something under his breath, shaking his head with a self-deprecating smile before finally managing to pay.
Kade found himself watching the interaction, strangely fascinated. Dave wasn’t perfect. He had those small, human moments that made him feel real. Somehow, that put Kade more at ease.
A moment later, Dave grabbed his drink, gave a quick thanks to the barista, and turned toward the seating area. His eyes found Kade again, and he approached with that same relaxed energy.
“Hey! Kade, right?”
Kade nodded. “Yeah. Hey.”
Dave pulled out the chair across from him and sat down, setting his drink on the table. “It’s really cool to finally meet you. Thanks for coming out.”
Kade smirked faintly. “Thanks for not making me suffer through coffee.”
Dave let out a laugh, leaning back in his chair. “Hey, I’m not a monster. I do my research.” He took a sip of his own drink. “Besides, pastries are a way better icebreaker than bitter bean juice.”
Kade gave a quiet laugh, some of the tension in his shoulders loosening. “You seem weirdly good at this,” he admitted before he could think better of it.
Dave raised an eyebrow over the rim of his cup. “At what?”
“I don’t know.” Kade gestured vaguely. “Talking? Making things… not awkward?”
Dave grinned, setting his drink down. “Oh, I promise, I’m plenty awkward. I just learned a long time ago that if I pretend I know what I’m doing, people usually believe me.”
Kade tilted his head slightly. “That actually makes a lot of sense.”
Dave smirked. “Fake it till you make it. Or at least until people stop noticing you’re making it up as you go.”
Kade snorted. “That… explains a lot, actually.”
Dave gave him a playful wink. “Stick with me and you’ll learn all my tricks.”
It was such a ridiculous, casual thing to say, but it made Kade’s chest feel light. He wasn’t used to this. Banter that didn’t feel forced, a conversation that didn’t immediately crash and burn under the weight of his own overthinking.
Maybe this really would be different.
They eased into small talk, how long Dave had been in town, what brought him here, the typical icebreakers. Dave was easy to talk to, his voice carrying a relaxed warmth that helped loosen the knots in Kade’s chest. But as the conversation drifted closer to their shared interest, Kade felt his shoulders tense.
“So,” Dave said, stirring his drink idly. “You consider yourself a switch?”
Kade felt heat creep up the back of his neck. He glanced around instinctively, scanning the nearby tables, but no one seemed to be paying attention. Even so, talking about this in public made his skin prickle with unease.
“Uh, yeah,” he said, his voice lower now. “Well, I mean, I’ve never done anything like that in person before, but theoretically, yeah, I see myself as that.”
Dave nodded, completely unfazed. “That makes sense. A lot of people start out figuring it out in their heads first.” He smiled. “And just so you know, no one’s listening to us.”
Kade swallowed. “I know, I just… I guess I’m not used to talking about it like this.”
“That’s totally fair,” Dave said easily. “First time’s always weird. But hey, this isn’t an interrogation. No pressure.”
Kade let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Dave was good at this, reading the room, knowing when to push and when to ease off. It made him feel… safe, in a way he hadn’t expected.
He ran a finger along the rim of his mug, staring into his tea. “I think it’s just easier to hide behind writing. Like, I can put all these thoughts and feelings into words, but saying them out loud feels… different.”
Dave took a sip of his drink, nodding thoughtfully. “Yeah. I get that. It’s vulnerable in a different way.” He set his cup down, tilting his head slightly. “But that’s kind of why I reached out. Your writing? It has so much detail, so much emotion. It really stuck with me. I figured someone who could write like that had to be interesting to talk to.”
Kade blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Dave’s voice. “Oh. Uh, thanks.”
Dave smirked. “You’re really bad at taking compliments, huh?”
Kade let out a small, embarrassed laugh. “Yeah. Pretty bad.”
“Well, get used to it.” Dave leaned back in his chair, studying him with an easy grin. “So, what’s your ideal scenario? Like, if you ever did try something in person?”
Kade hesitated, glancing down at his tea like it might somehow provide an escape. Talking about this online was one thing. This was something else entirely.
He exhaled. “I guess… I’ve always liked the idea of it being playful and teasing.”
Dave’s smile widened. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”
Kade rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small, reluctant grin tugging at his lips.
“What about you, what do you consider yourself?” Kade asked before it hit him.
Duh, I already know from his profile.
His face warmed as he quickly corrected himself. “I mean, sorry—I remember reading you’re a switch too, right?”
Dave chuckled, shaking his head as he took another sip of his coffee. “Yeah, you got it.” He set his cup down, tilting his head slightly. “But I like that you actually paid attention. Most people just skim profiles.”
Kade chuckled nervously, still feeling a little dumb for asking in the first place. “Guess I just… blanked for a second.” He glanced down at his tea, his fingers idly tracing the rim of the mug again. “I think I just get in my own head too much.”
“Yeah, I kinda picked up on that,” Dave said, his voice laced with amusement. “But that’s okay. Like I said, no pressure.”
Kade nodded, exhaling slowly. He appreciated that Dave wasn’t trying to make this weird. He was just… talking. Like it was normal. Maybe it was. Maybe Kade was the only one making it a bigger deal than it needed to be.
“So, what’s your preference?” Kade asked, cautiously pushing the conversation forward. “Do you lean more one way, or is it just situational?”
Dave’s grin turned playful. “Depends on the person. Some people make me wanna push their buttons, and others?” He shrugged. “I like seeing what happens when I give up control.”
Kade swallowed, nodding like that answer wasn’t making his thoughts race. It was all theoretical, just conversation, but something about the ease with which Dave spoke about it made him hyper-aware of every inch of space between them.
“I think I’d have to feel things out first,” Kade admitted, his fingers tracing the rim of his mug. “I like the idea of switching, but I wouldn’t know until I was actually in the moment.”
Dave nodded, clearly understanding. “That makes sense. Nothing wrong with that.” He leaned back, studying Kade for a beat. “You ever been in that kind of situation at all? Like, even a little?”
Kade shook his head, feeling his face heat. “No. Just… writing.”
Dave didn’t look surprised. “Well, your writing makes it seem like you’ve got a solid grasp on it.”
Kade let out a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I think it’s just easier to explore it that way. No risk, no weirdness, no expectations.”
“Makes sense.” Dave’s smile didn’t fade. “But, you know, the real thing doesn’t have to be some big, intimidating thing. It can be just as fun as writing about it.”
Kade exhaled, his grip loosening around his mug. Maybe Dave was right. Maybe this didn’t have to be so scary.
He still wasn’t sure if he believed that completely, but sitting here, talking like this, it was the most comfortable he’d ever felt discussing it out loud.
And that had to count for something.
Dave took another slow sip of his coffee, his gaze lingering on Kade in a way that made his skin prickle, not uncomfortably, but with a strange, fluttering awareness. Kade wasn’t used to being looked at like that, like someone was really paying attention.
“You know,” Dave said, setting his cup down with a quiet clink, “I feel like you’ve thought about this a lot.” His lips quirked in a small smirk. “Not just in your writing, but in general.”
Kade swallowed, his fingers tightening around his mug. “I mean… yeah,” he admitted. “I think about it a lot. But thinking and doing are two different things.”
Dave leaned in just slightly, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret. “Would you want to, though? To actually try it?”
Kade felt heat rush up his neck. His heart hammered against his ribs, and he was sure his face had to be turning pink. “I—uh…” He cleared his throat, trying not to sound completely flustered. “I think… yeah.”
Dave’s smile deepened, but there was nothing teasing about it, just genuine amusement and interest. “Good,” he said simply, before taking another sip of his coffee like they hadn’t just crossed some invisible line between casual conversation and something far more real.
The conversation flowed effortlessly after that. With the ice broken, Kade felt himself relaxing more, even laughing at some of Dave’s stories. The nerves never fully left him, but they softened into something almost pleasant, excitement humming beneath the surface rather than outright anxiety.
Before either of them knew it, two hours had passed.
Kade blinked as he glanced at the time on his phone. “Wow. I didn’t even realize how long we’ve been talking.”
“Yeah,” Dave said, stretching his arms over his head. “Time flies when the company’s good.” He tilted his head slightly, studying Kade before casually asking, “So… would you be interested in coming over? You know, to explore our interests a little?”
Kade felt his breath hitch. His grip tightened around his now-empty tea mug as his brain tried to process the words. He wanted to, he really wanted to, but the suddenness of it caught him completely off guard. His first instinct was excitement, but right on its heels came doubt.
Was this too fast? What if it got awkward? What if he wasn’t what Dave expected? What if—
He swallowed hard, forcing the anxious spiral to slow. This was what he wanted. If he backed out now, he knew he’d regret it.
“I’d love to,” he said, his voice coming out a little too quickly. He hesitated, then asked, “Do you, uh, have a date in mind?”
Dave’s smirk returned, playful and just a little bit knowing. “How about now? You don’t have any other plans, do you?”
Kade’s brain short-circuited. “I—uh—um. Wow.” He let out a breathless chuckle, shaking his head at himself. His fingers tapped restlessly against the mug before he finally exhaled. “Yes. I mean no, no plans. Yes, I’d like to come over.”
Dave grinned as he stood. “Great. Let’s go.”
Kade followed suit, his pulse thrumming with nervous energy. This was happening. Really happening. And for the first time, he wasn’t just writing about it, he was living it.
And that thought alone was exhilarating.
The walk to Dave’s apartment was short, but Kade felt every step, his pulse beating in his ears. His thoughts ran in circles.
What if I’m bad at this? What if I freeze up? What if—
“Hey.”
Dave’s voice cut through the spiral, and Kade glanced over to see him watching him with an easy smile. “You okay?”
Kade let out a shaky laugh. “Yeah. Just… processing that this is happening.”
Dave chuckled. “That’s fair. But don’t overthink it too much. It’s just us having fun, no pressure.”
No pressure.
Kade nodded, trying to let the words settle, though his nerves weren’t quite convinced.
When they reached Dave’s place, a cozy one-bedroom apartment in a quiet building, Dave unlocked the door and stepped inside, holding it open for Kade. The space was warm and lived-in, with a dark gray couch, a coffee table stacked with books, and soft lighting that made it feel instantly inviting.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Dave said, kicking off his shoes. “Want some water or anything?”
Kade shook his head. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to drink without spilling something at this point.
Dave smirked, watching him. “You’re nervous.”
Kade smiled nervously. “Understatement.”
Dave walked over and plopped onto the couch, patting the spot next to him. “Then let’s start easy. Come sit. Hang out for a few minutes.”
Kade swallowed hard but forced his feet to move, sitting at what he hoped was a casual distance. Dave stretched out, one arm resting lazily on the back of the couch, giving him the same amused expression he’d had back at the café.
“So,” Dave said, tone light, “since we’re here… you wanna start with me tickling you, or you tickling me?”
Kade’s heart did something weird in his chest. His mind instantly supplied a dozen different scenarios, all of which made his face warm.
“I—uh—” He cleared his throat, gripping his jeans to keep his hands from fidgeting. “I think… you tickling me first makes sense. Since, you know, I theoretically like it.”
Dave grinned. “Theoretically, huh?”
Kade groaned, covering his face. “Don’t make me regret this already.”
Dave laughed. “Okay, okay. We’ll keep it simple.” He shifted, angling toward Kade. “You good with me trying your sides first?”
Kade inhaled sharply but nodded. “Yeah.”
Dave didn’t dive in immediately. Instead, he hesitated just long enough for Kade to feel the anticipation coil in his stomach. Then, slowly, he reached out and wiggled his fingers along Kade’s ribs.
Kade tensed. His body reacted, his muscles jerked, his breath caught, but there was no laughter. No ticklish sensation that sent him into a fit of giggles like he had imagined so many times before.
Dave’s fingers moved again, pressing a little firmer. Nothing.
Kade’s stomach twisted.
Dave pulled back slightly, brows lifting. “Huh.”
Kade’s chest went tight. He knew he was ticklish. He’d been poked or playfully tickled before, and it had affected him. So why—why now, when he actually wanted it, was his body refusing to cooperate?
Dave tried again, switching to his stomach, then his knee, watching for a reaction. Kade flinched at the contact, but still, no laughter.
His face burned. “I—I don’t know what’s happening,” he blurted, voice tinged with panic. “I swear I’m ticklish, I just—”
Dave pulled back instantly. “Hey, hey. It’s okay.”
But it wasn’t okay. This was supposed to be fun, exciting. Instead, humiliation climbed up Kade’s throat like a lump he couldn’t swallow.
“I should go,” he muttered, standing too fast.
Dave frowned. “Kade, you don’t have to—”
But Kade was already moving toward the door, his vision blurred. His heart pounded, his skin was hot with embarrassment, and he couldn’t do this—
“Kade, wait.”
Dave’s voice was firm but gentle, his hand catching Kade’s wrist before he could reach the doorknob. He didn’t grip hard, just enough to get him to stop.
Kade swallowed hard, refusing to meet Dave’s eyes.
After a pause, Dave spoke again, softer. “You’re in your head, aren’t you?”
Kade exhaled shakily. “I don’t know. I—I thought I wanted this, but now I feel… I don’t know.”
“Overwhelmed?”
Kade nodded, throat tight.
Dave let go of his wrist, stepping back just enough to give him space. “Okay. First of all, you’re not broken.” His voice was steady, reassuring. “This happens. Nerves can override sensation. And you’ve built this up in your head for so long, it’s totally normal to freeze up.”
Kade didn’t trust himself to speak.
Dave smiled, tilting his head. “Do you wanna try something else instead? Like, you tickling me? Just to see if that feels easier?”
Kade hesitated. His embarrassment was still raw, but… Dave wasn’t pushing him away. He wasn’t acting annoyed or disappointed. He wanted him to stay.
Slowly, Kade exhaled and nodded. “…Okay.”
Dave grinned. “Good. Because I promise, I am ticklish.” He flopped back onto the couch, arms stretched out in invitation. “Come on. Give it your best shot.”
Something about the playful shift eased the tension in Kade’s chest. Swallowing back the last of his nerves, he reached out, tentative at first, and wiggled his fingers against Dave’s side.
The reaction was immediate. Dave jerked, a sharp bark of laughter escaping his lips as he twisted slightly.
Kade blinked. “…Wait, really?”
Dave grinned. “I told you.”
Kade hesitated, then tried again, this time kneading just under Dave’s ribs. Another jolt, another burst of laughter, and Kade’s stomach flipped at the realization.
This is fun.
For the first time all day, he wasn’t overthinking. He wasn’t trapped in his head, worrying about what came next. He was just here, in the moment, watching Dave squirm and laugh because of him.
Dave’s grin turned mischievous between breaths. “Now this is unfair.”
Kade smirked, confidence beginning to replace some of the self-doubt. “Oh, I don’t think so.”
Kade’s fingers moved more deliberately now, testing different spots along Dave’s ribs. The first few attempts had been cautious, more exploratory than anything, but as Dave’s reactions grew stronger, so did Kade’s confidence.
Dave twisted on the couch, a burst of laughter escaping him as Kade found a particularly sensitive spot just above his hip. “Hahahaha! Okay! Okay, that’s—hahaha! Not fair!”
Kade grinned, something shifting inside him. It was a new feeling, control mixed with amusement, the thrill of discovering something firsthand rather than just writing about it. He kneaded a little firmer, watching as Dave squirmed.
“Not fair?” Kade repeated, tilting his head. “Sounds like an excuse.”
Dave huffed between giggles, eyes crinkling with laughter. “Evil! You are evil!”
Kade chuckled, his fingers venturing upward, tracing along Dave’s ribs before slipping under his arms. Dave’s reaction was instant, his body bucked, his laughter jumping an octave.
“HEY! HAHAAHA!” Dave howled, instinctively trying to clamp his arms down.
Kade laughed, marveling at the sheer helplessness in Dave’s voice. He had read about moments like this, imagined them countless times, but experiencing it, actually hearing the breathless, unfiltered laughter spilling from someone else because of him, was exhilarating.
Dave twisted violently, nearly knocking them both off the couch in his desperate attempt to get away.
“HAHAHA! OKAY! HAHAHA! MERCY!”
Kade hesitated for only a second before pulling back, grinning triumphantly as Dave gasped for air, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
“Wow,” Kade mused, leaning back. “You weren't kidding when you said you were ticklish.”
Dave shot him a half-hearted glare between breaths. “I hate you.”
Kade smirked. “You don’t sound convincing.”
Dave opened his mouth to issue some kind of weak threat, but his expression changed. Something mischievous flickered in his eyes. He suddenly leaned over and dug into Kade's sides, kneading rapidly.
“HAHAHAHA!”
Dave grinned, his earlier exhaustion seemingly forgotten as he pressed in, working over Kade’s sides and ribs with expert precision. “Ohhh,” he drawled over Kade’s frantic laughter. “You're really ticklish.”
Kade tried to twist away, but Dave had already shifted closer, keeping him trapped in place. His fingers found every weak spot, every sensitive area Kade hadn’t even realized he had.
“NOHOHO! STAHAHAP HAHAHA!” Kade gasped, his body jerking violently as he fell back against the cushions.
Dave laughed, clearly enjoying himself. “Oh no, no, no. You don’t get to dish it out and not take it,” he teased, his fingers dancing up to Kade’s underarms.
Kade shrieked.
His laughter turned frantic, his body thrashing uselessly under Dave’s relentless attack. He tried to push Dave away, but his strength was useless against the overwhelming sensation.
“PLEHEHEHEASE!”
Dave chuckled. “Oh? Is that a request for mercy? Funny, I seem to remember saying that earlier.”
Kade could barely breathe, much less respond. He was laughing too hard, the sensation reducing him to pure helplessness.
Finally, after a few torturous minutes, Dave relented.
Kade collapsed against the couch, chest heaving, his body still tingling from the aftershocks.
Dave leaned back, grinning smugly. “Yeah. I think we’re even now.”
Kade shook his head and gave a small smile as he continued panting. “You’re the evil one.”
Dave stretched his arms lazily over his head. “Hey, I just believe in fair play.”
Kade snorted. He had spent so much time imagining moments like this, but the reality had been better than he ever could have written. He hadn’t expected to feel so… comfortable. So free.
“So,” Dave said after a moment, glancing at Kade with a smirk. “You still think you’re just a ‘theoretical’ switch?”
Kade swallowed, feeling his face heat. “Shut up.”
Dave laughed. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
Before Kade could finish catching his breath, Dave lunged again, fingers striking at Kade’s ribs with renewed energy.
“NOHOHO! DAHAHAVE!” Kade’s laughter exploded once more, his body completely helpless against the onslaught.
Dave grinned, watching Kade dissolve into frantic giggles. He enjoyed how Kade couldn’t even fight back, as if his muscles had turned to jelly under his touch. His fingers danced along Kade’s ribs before sliding back under his arms, earning another desperate shriek.
“HAHAAHA!” Kade howled, thrashing wildly but unable to break free.
Dave smirked. “You’re a lot of fun to tickle. Can’t fight back and you just have so many little tickle spots, don’t you?” he teased, kneading into Kade’s ribs with pinpoint accuracy.
Kade’s laughter suddenly went silent, his mouth open in a breathless struggle against the overwhelming sensation. He pounded weakly at Dave’s arm, but Dave only chuckled, his fingers still working mercilessly.
Finally, after another round of hysterical laughter, Dave let up, grinning down at Kade’s flushed, panting form.
Kade groaned, unable to do more than glare weakly. “You’re horrible.”
Dave laughed. “And yet, you’re still smiling.”
Dave then appeared to be thinking deeply for a moment before a playful glint returned to his eyes. “How ticklish do you think your feet are?” he asked casually.
Kade barely had time to process the question before Dave shifted his weight, quickly turning his body to face Kade’s feet while trapping Kade’s legs beneath him.
“Wait, Dave—"
Kade’s protest was cut short as Dave swiftly yanked off his shoes and wiggled his fingers along the soles of Kade’s socked feet. The response was immediate, Kade’s body jolted, startled giggles spilling out before he could even try to contain them.
Dave grinned. “Ohhh, interesting,” he mused, dragging his fingers lightly across the fabric, watching as Kade twitched involuntarily. “Even through socks, huh?”
Kade was already squirming, trying to kick free, but Dave had him firmly pinned. Then, without warning, Dave tugged off Kade’s socks, tossing them aside.
The moment his bare feet were exposed, Dave wasted no time, running his fingers up and down Kade’s soles.
Kade completely lost it.
“HAHAHAHA NOHOHO! DAVE! HAHAHAHA PLEHEHEASE!” Kade shrieked, his laughter turning high-pitched and frantic.
Dave chuckled, watching Kade writhe helplessly. “Oh yeah,” he teased, scratching along the arches of Kade’s feet. “You’ve got some very ticklish feet.”
Dave suddenly paused, his fingers resting against Kade’s ankles. He appeared to be thinking deeply before a smirk formed on his lips as he turned to look at Kade.
“Would you be ok with me tying you up? I've got some soft rope we can use. Then I can really explore these promising tickle spots of yours.”
Kade blushed, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t like the idea. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded. “Yeah… okay.”
Before he knew it, he was on his back, bound to Dave’s bed. His hands were securely tied above his head to the headboard, and his ankles bound to the footboard. He gave a few test pulls, no budge. Dave knew what he was doing.
Dave stood over him with a mischievous grin. “Ready to have some fun?”
Kade barely had time to react before Dave began scribbling all over his bare feet, sending him into howls of hysterical laughter.
Dave grinned down at Kade, his fingers never ceasing their relentless assault on his bare soles. Kade was already a mess; his face red, his body jerking against the ropes, his laughter spilling out in wild, helpless bursts.
“Oh man,” Dave chuckled, dragging a single finger along Kade’s arch just to watch him squirm. “These feet are ridiculously ticklish.”
Kade could barely respond, his laughter high-pitched and frantic. “STAHAHAHAP! DAVE! PLEHEHEASE!” He pulled at the ropes again, but they held firm.
Dave smirked. “Oh, we’re nowhere near done yet.” His fingers fluttered over Kade’s toes, making him shriek. “I mean, you let me tie you up, you had to know what was coming.”
Kade’s head shook wildly, his laughter breaking into silent gasps as Dave gently scratched along the soft spots beneath his toes. “NOHOHOHO! I CAHAHAN’T!”
Dave chuckled, eyes gleaming with amusement. “You can, and you will. Just look at you. Helpless, stuck, completely at my mercy.” He grinned. “And I haven’t even gotten to your worst spots yet.”
Kade could barely think straight through the ticklish haze. “THIHIHIS IS MY WOHOHORST SPOT!”
Dave laughed. “Oh? We’ll see about that.” His hands shot up, suddenly kneading along Kade’s sides and ribs, making him buck wildly. “Nope. I think this is pretty bad too.”
Kade screamed with laughter, thrashing as much as the restraints allowed. “DAHAHAHAVE! NOHOHO! PLEHEHEASE!”
Dave shook his head, thoroughly enjoying himself. “Sorry, buddy. You signed up for this.” His fingers dug into the spaces between Kade’s ribs, making him convulse with laughter. “And I have to say, you’re the perfect tickle toy. So responsive, so sensitive. I could do this all night.”
Kade could barely process the words, his mind lost in the overwhelming sensations. His body felt like jelly, his strength completely drained as he laughed helplessly beneath Dave’s expert fingers.
And Dave? He was just getting started.
Dave grinned wickedly as he watched Kade dissolve into a breathless mess beneath him. “And can’t forget these armpits of yours either. Very ticklish here too,” he said casually, as if he weren’t about to completely wreck Kade’s sanity.
Then, without hesitation, his fingers pressed into the soft, vulnerable hollows beneath Kade’s arms, wiggling mercilessly.
Kade’s reaction was instant. He howled with helpless, hysterical laughter, his body arching off the bed as much as the ropes would allow. “NOHOHOHO! DAHAHAHAVE! STAHAHAHAP!” His voice cracked between peals of laughter, his face turning a deep shade of red.
Dave only chuckled, thoroughly enjoying himself. “Oh wow, this is a bad spot, huh?” He wiggled his fingers even faster, reveling in the way Kade’s laughter broke into silent gasps. “Look at you, completely helpless. These arms aren’t going anywhere.” He gave the ropes securing Kade’s wrists a playful tug. “Guess that means I get free rein to explore just how ticklish these pits are.”
Kade was beyond words, his mind melting under the relentless sensation. He thrashed wildly, but there was no escape. Every flick of Dave’s fingers sent unbearable jolts of ticklish electricity through him, making him convulse with uncontrollable laughter.
Dave smirked down at him, watching with pure amusement. “You’re just too much fun, Kade. And I’m definitely not stopping anytime soon.” His fingers danced along the tender skin, his touch both teasing and ruthless.
Dave continued his relentless assault on Kade’s defenseless armpits, his fingers scribbling and kneading mercilessly into the ultra-sensitive hollows. Kade was beyond gone, thrashing weakly, his laughter spilling out in desperate, breathless bursts. His body had no fight left, his muscles had turned to jelly, completely useless against the overwhelming sensation.
“Oh man,” Dave mused, his tone light and teasing as if he wasn’t absolutely wrecking Kade. “These pits of yours? Ridiculously ticklish. I barely have to do anything, and you just fall apart.” He gave an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head in amusement. “You poor thing. It’s almost too easy.”
Kade could barely breathe, his laughter high-pitched and frantic. “HAHAHA! NOHOHOHO MORE!”
Dave chuckled, unfazed. “Oh, no way. Not when you’re reacting like this.” He wiggled his fingers faster, pressing into the deepest part of the hollows, watching as Kade shrieked in response. “I mean, look at you! You’re completely at my mercy. Can’t lower your arms, can’t protect yourself. You’re just stuck here, taking it.”
Kade thrashed as much as the restraints allowed, his face turning red as his laughter jumped into near-silent territory.
Dave whistled playfully. “Wow, silent laughter already? That’s usually a good sign I should keep going.” He grinned as he slowed his movements slightly, just enough to let Kade suck in a shaky breath, before diving right back in, wiggling both hands into the soft skin.
Kade let out a scream of laughter, shaking his head wildly. “NOHOHOHO! AHAHAHA!”
Dave smirked. His voice was dripping with amusement as he leaned in slightly, his fingers still working without mercy. “I mean, what kind of tickler would I be if I didn’t thoroughly test every single ticklish inch of you?”
Kade’s laughter had hit full hysteria, his head thrown back against the pillow, eyes squeezed shut, his voice breaking into hoarse giggles between frantic gasps.
Dave chuckled, finally slowing his fingers to gentle, teasing traces along the hypersensitive skin. “You holding up okay there, tickle toy?”
Kade could barely function, sucking in air between lingering giggles. “Y-you… are… insane,” he panted.
Dave grinned. “And you love it.” His fingers gave one last playful squeeze, making Kade jolt with a surprised giggle.
Kade groaned, his body still twitching from the aftershocks. “You’re definitely the evil one.”
Dave smirked. “Oh, I know.” He stretched his fingers, cracking his knuckles. “Now, should we take a little break? Or…” He wiggled his fingers over Kade’s stomach threateningly. “Should we see if your belly’s as bad as those pits?”
Kade’s eyes went wide. “Dave, wait—”
But Dave was already grinning wickedly. “Too late.” And with that, he struck again.
Dave grinned as he continued his ticklish torment, his fingers gliding mercilessly over Kade’s bound, helpless body. But what truly wrecked Kade wasn’t just the tickling, it was Dave’s words. His teasing, playful commentary made everything so much worse, making Kade feel even more vulnerable, making his laughter spill out louder, more frantic.
“Aww, Kade,” Dave cooed, fingers dancing along his quivering ribs. “You’re so ticklish. Every little spot just sends you into a fit, doesn’t it? Can’t even fight back… not that you’d be able to stop me anyway.”
Kade was beyond lost, his laughter breaking into high-pitched giggles as Dave traced torturously slow circles around his bellybutton before diving back into his ribs. “STAHAHAHAP! PLEAHEHESE!”
Dave chuckled. “Oh, no no no. You’re way too much fun like this. Squirming, laughing your head off, completely at my mercy.” His fingers spidered back up to Kade’s underarms, causing another wild shriek of hysterics.
“See? These pits are just made for tickling,” Dave teased, grinning at how Kade thrashed against the ropes. “You can’t lower your arms, you can’t block me. You have to take it.”
Kade’s laughter hit full hysteria, his head tossing back as he tried, and failed, to form words between his breathless cackles.
“Speechless already?” Dave smirked, scratching gently at the tender hollows beneath Kade’s arms. “I guess you really are ticklish here. But then again…” He let his fingers drift back down, scribbling over Kade’s belly. “Your tummy seems just as bad.”
Kade shrieked, his laughter reaching new heights as he twisted under Dave’s skilled hands. “NOHOHOHO!”
Dave was having the time of his life, grinning as he watched Kade dissolve into hysterical laughter beneath him. He loved the way Kade squirmed, how every teasing word made him laugh a little harder, a little more helplessly. But as much fun as he was having, Dave knew to watch carefully for any signs of distress. This was Kade’s first time, and he wanted to make sure it was a good experience, not overwhelming.
Between the fits of giggles and thrashing, Dave softened his touch slightly and asked, “How you doing, tickle toy? Still having fun?”
Kade, still breathless, managed a giggly nod. “Yeah! Hahaha, it’s— it’s fun! But… I could use a break now.”
Dave stopped immediately, his hands pulling back as he gave Kade an easy smile. “Of course,” he said, his voice warm and reassuring. “You did amazing.”
Kade let out a deep, shuddering breath, still giggling as the lingering sensation buzzed through him. “Thanks,” he panted, his body still twitching slightly from the aftershocks.
Dave reached over and gently untied Kade’s wrists, rubbing them lightly to make sure they weren’t too strained. “Want some water?” he asked, already shifting to grab a bottle from his nightstand.
Kade nodded, his face still flushed. “Yeah… that’d be great.”
Dave handed it to him with a smirk. “You’re lucky I’m nice. I could’ve kept going for hours.”
Kade shot him a tired glare, though the grin tugging at his lips betrayed him. “So evil.”
Dave chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. But you loved it.”
Dave watched Kade with a satisfied grin, noting his yawn as he stretched, his body still loose from all the laughter. “Uh oh, guess I really did wear you out, huh?” he teased.
Kade chuckled, rubbing his eyes as he checked his phone. He blinked in surprise. “Wow… it’s already 8 p.m. The day just flew by.”
Dave smirked. “Time flies when you’re laughing your head off.”
Kade chuckled, but then his stomach let out a low growl, betraying him. He suddenly realized he hadn’t eaten anything since the morning. Between the nerves about meeting up and everything that had happened since, food had completely slipped his mind.
Dave raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “And there it is. When’s the last time you ate?”
Kade scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. “Uh… this morning?”
Dave shook his head, standing up. “Alright, no way I’m letting you go hungry after I completely wrecked you. You’re staying for dinner.”
Kade’s heart warmed at the offer. He didn’t want this night to end, but he knew it couldn’t last forever. Still… maybe it didn’t have to end just yet.
He smiled. “Yeah… I’d like that.”
They decided to order pizza, and despite Dave’s protests, Kade insisted on paying for half. “Fair’s fair,” he said with a grin, feeling more at ease than he had all day.
When the pizza arrived, they settled onto the couch, eating and talking between bites. With each passing minute, Kade felt himself coming more and more out of his shell. The awkwardness that had been there at the start of the day had completely melted away.
Now, sitting beside Dave, laughing and swapping stories, he felt… comfortable. Like this was exactly where he was supposed to be. For the first time in his life, Kade wasn’t just writing about the connection he wanted. He was living it.
After they finished, Dave excused himself to the bathroom, and Kade leaned back against the arm of the couch, scrolling absentmindedly through his phone. But the excitement from the day, the nonstop laughter, and the sheer emotional high of everything that had happened started to morph into exhaustion.
His eyelids grew heavier, and before he knew it, his phone slipped from his grasp onto his chest as he drifted off into sleep.
When Dave returned, he paused, smiling as he took in the sight of Kade, fast asleep on the couch, his breathing slow and peaceful.
“Someone had a good day,” Dave murmured, chuckling softly to himself.
He grabbed a blanket and draped it over Kade, setting Kade’s phone on the coffee table before settling into the chair beside him. Maybe they had only just met, but it already felt like the start of something great.
And as Kade slept soundly, a small, contented smile lingered on his face.
It seemed, even in his sleep, he knew today had truly been one for the books.
THE END
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