tickled pink | eiden/olivine

[penaconysprincess]

tickled pink

eiden/olivine | M / M | T | Read on AO3!

olivine decides to play hide and seek with eiden and some children. fluffy shenanigans ensue.
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Watching Eiden play with children was a guilty pleasure of Olivine’s.

It was a mundane sight, surely. He often played with the children that came to the temple quite often. At least, during days where the Grand Sorcerer wasn’t caught up with his own duties.
On those days where he was assisting Olivine at the temple, Eiden looked positively vibrant. He was always willing to assist the priest with anything. At the mere mention of his name, Eiden would be by the priest’s side in the blink of an eye, no questions asked.

He was always quite helpful with coming up with stories for the children, and adding in a few twists that he brought from his home world. He’d even learned how to set up the temple wonderfully for weddings and specific services that were often held.
And during a holiday play, Eiden was over the moon in assisting Olivine in creating costumes for the performance.

Eiden was a more than welcome help when it came to Olivine’s duties. Duties that Olivine swore that he’d pay Eiden back for, and that the latter would constantly decline.

In a way, Eiden had practically become family to the temple. Not an initiate, nor a monk, but a welcome and familiar presence among the staff and attendees.

At least, in Olivine’s eyes, Eiden had always been a part of this family. His family.

Leaning against a nearby tree, Olivine watched as Eiden strolled around the backyard of the temple. A lavish area with trees and forestry ; it had many places to hide.
And enough room for Eiden to playfully stalk after the young children who hid from him.

It was yet another round of hide and seek that today’s group of children had initiated. Something not entirely intense, yet not too slow paced to be deemed as ‘boring’. While Olivine had tended to some more strenuous work around the temple, Eiden had volunteered to take the children out to play. And surely, it was evident that the group had been enjoying this block of free time.

Olivine could hear the sounds of giddy giggles as Eiden poked his head around hiding areas, feigning his search for the children in some instances. He could hear even louder, bubbly laughter as Eiden gawked in surprise at some other hiding spots, followed by the occasional baffled, “How did you get there?!”

The priest couldn’t help the soft fit of laughter bubbling from his own lips as he watched defeated children shuffled over to the brunet once he had found them.
This entire scene was entirely domestic to Olivine. Something that made the temple priest’s heart beat just a few beats faster than usual. A warm flush of blush spread across his cheeks, the sight warming his heart immensely.

Perhaps, Olivine thought, We could have children of our own one day.
The thought was enough to make his heart skip as his lips curled into a bigger smile. Yes, the mere idea was one that he enjoyed. That he desired. Olivine wanted to grow old with the Grand Sorcerer himself. He wanted a long, loving life with the other man. And having children? As selfish as it was, Olivine couldn’t think of anyone else he’d want to —

“Olivine!”

The green haired man’s thoughts were put to a sudden halt at the shout of his name. Blinking, Olivine’s gaze narrowed over at the other person - only to be greeted with Eiden, and his large grin as he waved over at him. That same grin that made Olivine’s cheeks darken in colour at just the sight of it. It was positively endearing.
“You wanna play with us?” He asked, the sounds of excited cheers soon following from the children he was practically surrounded by.

“C’mon Father Olivine!”

“Pleaseeee! It’s fun!”

“I miss playing with you too, Father Olivine!”

“Please! Please, please, please!”

Eiden’s smile then fell into something more playful. Something nearly mischievous. “See, they want you to come play, too!” He coaxed the priest, raising an eyebrow. “What do you say? Just one round?”

As the blush on his cheeks died down, Olivine gasped lightly at the offer. He turned his head towards the back door of the temple, which had led him outside.
To his knowledge, Olivine didn’t have any duties to return to. All confessions had been tended to for the afternoon, and he had finished delivering fresh produce to the nearby orphanage a few moments ago. Anything else was being taken care of by other staff - things that weren't part of Olivine’s daily tasks.

Looking back at Eiden and the group of children – who had now decided to wear their best pleading faces –, Olivine chuckled gently once more. There wasn’t any reason to deny the group a round or two of this game.
“How can I ever say no to you, Eiden?” Olivine responded, his voice almost breathy – almost lovey-dovey – as he strode over to the party. Noticing his tone, Olivine quickly cleared his throat. “A-Ahem, or any of you, for that matter. I’d love to play!” He reframed his wording, his cheeks pinkening once more.

For a brief second, Eiden’s expression felt more suggestive. As if the initial response Olivine gave him was enough for him to strip him bare right then. Olivine could practically see the near lusty haze in the brunet’s gaze. It was as if he was saying ‘Oh? Really now~?’.

“Mister Eiden’s counting again!” A younger girl chirped, her raven bubble braid bouncing as she addressed Eiden. A following cacophony of cheers in agreement were enough to show the census of the group’s opinion.
A tired laugh trickled from Eiden’s lips. “Again? C’mon, I’ve counted three times now – Hey!” Eiden tried to counter, as if he would be any harder to find than a bunch of giggling kids. Said giggling kids, who were already starting to run away from him.

Yet, Olivine could only laugh as Eiden let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m starting to think they like being found by you.” He tittered, resting a hand on his partner’s shoulder.
Eiden only chuckled, shaking his head as he spoke. “They’re not that much of a challenge, if you ask me.” He murmured, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. “I found them all in under five minutes. Each time.”

“Well,” The priest began, his head leaning in towards the shell of Eiden’s ear. “Do you want a challenge, Eiden?”
Olivine wasn’t sure what shot through him. Provocation, possibly? Did he want to test his boyfriend? Or, maybe a rare hint of mischief? Either way, the words were out there now. He had thrown the hint; it was all a matter if Eiden wanted to catch it or not.

Judging from the way Eiden smirked back at him, it seemed to have been reciprocated.

“You think you can hide better than those kids?” Eiden asked, an eyebrow arching as he questioned the priest. “I bet I’ll find you first, Olivine.”
Like a mirror, Olivine smiled back, albeit more slyly. “I know this area inside and out.” He hummed, his eyes falling half lidded as he looked at the other. “I doubt I’ll be the first you’d find.”

Maybe it was the lighthearted edge of their banter. The silly back and forth that the two of them shared. Or, possibly it was the fact Olivine hardly spoke like this. After all, who would take the temple’s priest as a competitive person? Even if it all was child’s play in the end.

Eiden’s smile shifted into a wolfish grin. “Challenge accepted!” He mused, and took a step or two back from the other man. He glanced over at the group of children, who had seemed to have stopped running, possibly wondering what was taking the adults so long.
“Alright, everyone, next round! I’m counting to thirty!” He announced, before turning towards a large, nearby tree. Dramatically, he slapped a hand over his eyes. ”Closing my eyes now! Aaaand, one! Twoooo…!”

Olivine watched as the children ran off in a flurry of footsteps, his own slightly heavier footfalls following suit as he ran off to find a place to hide. A childish smile dressed across the priest’s lips. He couldn’t remember when he got to play such a childish game. At least, not as the seeker.
The thrill of hiding from someone – from Eiden – was thrilling. He could feel his heart beat in anticipation at the mere thought of his lover prowling around in the small, wooded area. All in the name of searching for him.

Amused, he watched as a small, sandy-haired boy crawled inside a hollowed out log. From the two different giggles, Olivine could guess that the boy had chosen to hide with a friend of his. The priest’s heart swelled at the quite adorable sound ringing from the two as he continued to sprint.

Not too far off, Olivine could see that same bubble-braided girl and two other kids crouch down to hide behind the old stone fountain. Soft shushes and gentle titters from the small group were enough to make Olivine giggle himself.
With one last glance behind, the priest looked at Eiden’s back fondly, before he too disappeared into the greenery.

There was an area around the far back in the yard that Olivine enjoyed. It was a little area behind some draping branches of the weeping willow tree that made it secluded. The ground was mossy, with the opening of his hiding spot hidden perfectly by those same branches. It was an area Olivine liked to do for quiet prayer. The tendrils of the tree, and vines of overgrown ivy made it feel like a forbidden cave. A hidden second world like in the priest’s stories.

From the distance, Olivine could hear Eiden conclude counting. He could hear the distant crunching of grass as he vocalized his commentary on searching for everyone. How his own low, light laughter carried its way into Olivine’s ears.

It wasn’t long before the game developed into a mirthful symphony. The first shriek of delighted laughter could be heard nearby. It had been from the tool shed. At least, Olivine assumed so.
“Found you, Mia! Your ribbon was peeking out!” Eiden exclaimed, his voice as warm as it was playful. His own laughter bubbled out alongside the surprised laughter as the young girl was found. Then, there was another giggle soon after, followed by some rustling bushes. “Gotcha! You’re practically glowing back there!”

Each discovery was a new note to the cheerful song. Olivine could hear a series of shrieks from behind the stone fountain, followed by a chorus of giggles as Eiden ‘tripped’ and fell dramatically right next to the hollow log. He could hear the loud ‘BOO!’ and squeals of delight as Eiden peeked around trees and bushes.
Olivine pressed a hand over his mouth to stifle his own laughter. He could picture it perfectly. Eiden’s exaggerated expressions. The way he’d ruffle a child’s hair after finding them. And his brown eyes sparkling with genuine joy. Just thinking about it made the comforting warmth in Olivine’s chest grow.

“I’m barely even trying!” Eiden’s voice rang out, the sound thick with playful theatrics. “I know all your hiding spots. It’s too easy!”
One by one, the sounds of discovery grew quieter. The chatter of found children was being gathered near the ‘home base’ tree, their voices a happy murmur on the breeze. And even still in his hiding place, Olivine remained perfectly still. He kept his main focus on his breathing, making the sound and silent. He was a priest. A saint of patience. Surely, he could wait this out.

That is, if the atmosphere didn’t feel off. The once casual crunch of Eiden’s footsteps on the grass had changed, the sound more slower. Softer. No longer were they heading towards the remaining obvious hiding spots.
Instead, Eiden's footsteps began to circle the general area of the willow tree. Stalking after a prey that had been so cowardly hiding in the ‘perfect spot;.

Olivine’s heart gave a sudden, hard thump against his ribs. A single thought dashed across his mind. He knows I’m here.

The thought sent as sharper, more electrifying thrill down his spine. It was entirely different from the gentle warmth of before. Widening his eyes, Olivine watched the veil of branches closely.
He could hear Eiden’s footsteps, which stopped just outside the green veil of branches. Olivine could see the faint shadow of his hunter’s form through the leaves. Without thinking, Olivine held his breath.

“Hmm… Now, where could our good Father be~?” Eiden purred, his voice a low, thoughtful sound. It felt so close - so invasively close - that it made Olivine shiver once more.
“I’ve checked the sheds. The fountain. The logs…” He thought aloud, only to then pause. The stalking shadow shifted. “Maybe he’s somewhere more… holy?”

A soft rustle of leaves could be heard, causing Olivine to freeze. His eyes darted over to the area he had heard the sound.
It hadn’t been at the bottom of the willow branch wall. Rather, Eiden was pushing aside some of the lower branches of a nearby bush. Once the shadow moved away. Olivine let out a soft, shaky reprieve.

His peace was only brief, however. Eiden’s footsteps returned a moment later, circling the area again. This time, they stopped at the other side of Olivine’s hiding place.
“You know,” Eiden mused, as if he was speaking with the air itself. “Olivine has this habit. When he’s trying to be quiet, he holds his breath. He thinks no one notices.” A soft chuckle bubbled from the stalking man. “I notice.”
Inside the green cave, Olivine’s eyes flew wide. Instinctively, he sucked in a sharp gasp. It was a trap. He’d walked right into a verbal trap.
“Aha! Juuust like that~.” Eiden hummed, satisfaction dripping from his tone.

The footsteps moved away again, yet this time the tension didn’t break.
Even if he couldn’t see him, Olivine could feel Eiden’s presence like a physical pressure in the clearing. He was like a playful predator toying with his prey, waiting for the right moment to strike, and go for the kill.

Olivine wasn’t sure how much time had passed. The distant chatter of the children was a world away. Under the green-tinted twilight, it was just the two of them.
He could feel himself jolt when he heard Eiden find the last two children, who had wedged themselves between some stacked flowerpots. As he commented on his finding in his same, playfully dramatic flair, their laughter felt like a signal.

The game was down to one. That being Olivine.

Once the children had sprinted off to the home base, Eiden’s footsteps returned, the sound slow and confident. This time, they directly approached the curtain of branches.
Olivine pressed himself back against the rough bark of the tree trunk, as if he could merge with it. His green eyes were fixated on the shifting shadows beyond the leaves.

The branches parted. And there, Eiden simply stood there at the entrance to Olivine’s sanctuary. If he hadn’t been stalked by him, Olivine would be in awe by how the weeping tendrils of green framed Eiden. How the late afternoon sun caught in his brown hair, creating a faint halo.
Yet, his expression was a stark contrast to the angelic sight. His expression was one of pure, wicked triumph, as his brown eyes locked onto Olivine’s with predatory glee.

“Found you, Olivine~.” Eiden whispered, the words shrouded in velvet rather than dramatics.

Olivine’s breath hitched. The game was finally over.
He knew that he should stand, and concede gracefully with a laugh. Instead, he was frozen, and completely captivated by the intense fondness in Eiden’s predatory gaze.

Eiden stepped fully into the space, forcing the pair close. Even as he knelt on the moss in front of Olivine, his eyes never left the priest’s face. “You picked a good spot.” He admitted, his voice still low. “Very secluded. Very… private.” He added, his gaze flickered down Olivine’s form. The priest’s robes were slightly disheveled from crouching. From this angle, he could see the rapid rise and fall of Olivine’s chest.
Then, Eiden’s smile turned devilish. “But, you lost. Which means you’re it.” He commented with a laugh. His hands, which had been resting on his knees, lifted slowly from their spot. “And I deserve a prize, don’t you think?”
Before Olivine could process the words, or even refute, Eiden’s fingers struck.

His digits dove straight for the sensitive hollows of Olivine’s underarms, skirting just beneath the sleeves of his robes. The ticklish spidering was just like lighting.
“E-Eidehehen!” Olivine yelped, his addressing of the other man bursting out in a shocked, giggly shriek. Even if he were to try and clamp his arms down,Eiden was already there. His fingers wiggled relentlessly in that devastatingly ticklish area, skittering across the sensitive skin that was covered by holy attire.

Helplessly, laughter exploded from Olivine’s lips, the sound bright and unfettered. “Ahaha! Nohohot fair! This is cheahahating!” He guffawed, trying to twist his body away from his playful predator of a boyfriend.

“All’s fair in love and hide-and-seek!” Eiden countered, his own laughter mingling with Olivine’s. Noticing that his dear priest was trying to squirm away, he adjusted his attack. Eiden’s skilled hands found Olivine’s lower ribs. Without warning, he skittered rapid circles across the ticklish spot. “Awhhh, where are you going? We’re just getting started here!”

Olivine could only squeak and flop to the side of a vine-covered wall, his cheeks pinkening as he laughed so freely into the vast greenery. “Ei-Eidehehen, pleahahase!” He tried to plead amidst his warm, lively laughter. “St-Stohop! Nohot there!”
Eiden could only chuckle at that, giving the sensitive area a few squeezes. “What, do you wanna pick where I’ll tickle you instead?” He questioned playfully, earning a bright red flush and a head shake from Olivine. With a snort, he continued his playful assault. “Thought so~! Not that you’d be able to~.” The Grand Sorcerer taunted.

Olivine’s pleas were lost in a sea of breathless, melodic giggles. While he writhed on the soft moss, his green robes tangling around his legs, any attempts to shield himself utterly futile. The sacred quiet of his nook was now utterly shattered, and replaced by the sound of pure, unadulterated joy.
Abandoning Olivine’s ribs, Eiden’s hands skated down his sides. He traced the sensitive spot of Olivine’s torso with feather-light, scribbling touches. Those touches, which made the priest squeal and curl into a protective ball. “Aha! Found another spot!” Eiden crowed with delight, as his fingers danced up and down the priest’s sides. Occasionally, he’d skitter his fingers across Olivine’s ribs again, causing his laughter to pitch up an octave. “Soooo, so ticklish here, aren’t you?”

“E-Eiden, I swehehear-!” Olivine tried to threaten, only for it dissolved into a high-pitched squeal as Eiden’s thumbs found the tender area just below his ribcage. He pressed in on the spot with gentle, wiggling insistence. With his back arching off the moss, Olivine’s shirt slid upwards, his peridot gemstone catching a stray beam of sunlight through the willow branches.

“You swear what?” Eiden hummed, leaning over the curled up man, His brown eyes sparkled with mischievous fondness, as his fingers to a maddening, skittering crawl over Olivine’s stomach. He could feel the firm muscles there quiver and jump beneath his playful touch.
“You swear that you’ll be good? I think it’s too late for that.” He teased with a laugh, as his fingers began to climb up Olivine’s sides once more.
Each slow climb to his arms made poor, sweet Olivine titter louder.” I think you’re busy sinning. Sinning by being absolutely adorable~.”

As if emphasizing the last word, Eiden dug his fingers back into Olivine’s underarms. His digits hounded for the exact, hyper-sensitive spot that made the priest convulse with laughter. Said priest, who was positively howling beneath him. Tears of mirth sprung to the corners of his emerald eyes, as he kicked his feet helplessly, his boots scuffing the soft earth.
“Pffahahaha, nohoho! The children – ahaha!” Olivine gasped between peals of laughter. “They’ll hehehear us!” He whined playfully, the man’s thrashing growing much weaker. His carefully styled green hair was coming loose, fanning out around his flushed face.

“What’s wrong with that, hmmm~? Let them hear.” Eiden purred, leaning his face in close. His breath tickled Olivine’s ear, as a low chuckle vibrated against his skin. “Let them know their dear Father is the most ticklish man in Klein~.” He mused, then pressed a soft kiss upon Olivine’s pink cheeks.
To prove his point, he spider-walked all ten fingers down Olivine’s squirming sides, eliciting a fresh wave of breathless, melodic giggles. He was utterly undone. Any propriety or dignity had all melted away under the sun-dappled willow.
The priest was utterly at Eiden’s mercy, as his composure as a priest was completely stripped away. All that was left was a flustered, giggling man, who was pinned beneath the loving attention of his partner.

Finally, after what had felt like an eternity, Eiden had relented from his attack. With a light grunt, he rolled Olivine onto his back and straddled his hips, and pinned Olivine’s wrists gently on either side of his head. There, Olivine laid panting. His chest heaving heavily, as his face flushed a beautiful, rosy pink. It complimented the wide, helpless smile plastered on his lips.

“There. That's my prize.” Eiden murmured, his voice dropping to a warm, intimate rumble. He leaned down, his face inches from Olivine’s own. Lightly, he brushed his nose against the other’s. “The great Father Olivine, reduced to a giggling puddle. And all to myself.” Releasing Olivine’s wrists, Eiden cupped his right cheek. Olivine could feel his thumb stroking away a tear of laughter, the tender touch a stark contrast to the playful torment of moments before.
“You…” Olivine breathed, his eyes soft and shimmering as he looked up at Eiden The last remnants of his giggles were escaping as soft hiccups as he steadied his breathing. “You are a terrible menace.” He murmured, the taste of overwhelming fondness trickling from his lips.

“Your menace.” Eiden corrected softly, his dipping lower. “And you love me for that.”
Without any further words, Eiden captured Olivine’s lips in a slow, sweet kiss. It had the taste of lemon - possibly from a tart Olivine had been eating earlier. Yet, it carried hints of that same sunlight and laughter that the two had shared just recently.
To Olivine, it was wonderfully perfect. It felt domestic. Like a tender moment after a long day at work, welcoming the other into the warm, comforting security of their lover. Of their home.

Olivine wished that he could have more of these moments with Eiden. Endlessly.

From the distance, the impatient, yet joyful calls of the children finally reached them. “Mister Eiden! Did you find him?!” A boy shouted over to the pair, causing the two lovers to stiffen up amidst their lips’ embrace. Immediately did Eiden turn his head over his shoulder, and stand up from straddling Olivine.
“We’re coming!” Eiden called back to the awaiting group. Carefully, he helped a wobbly, grinning Olivine to his feet. His hands helped smooth the robes on Olivine’s person, treating the fabric as something sacred. To keep the priest from falling, Eiden wrapped an arm firmly around Olivine’s waist.

By the time his boyfriend was standing, Eiden looked at Olivine tenderly. “Ready to go be ‘it’, oh holy seeker?”
Olivine leaned into his side, his own smile radiant and soft. He felt lighter than he had in weeks. “Yes. But only…” He started to respond, his voice slightly hoarse from laughter. “Only if you promise to hide somewhere very, very easy.”

A rich, booming laugh rained from Eiden’s lips at the request. It was soon muffled as he turned his head to kiss the side of Olivine’s cheek. “For you, anything.” He echoed.

In silence, the pair lovers stepped out from behind the willow’s veil, prepared for yet another round.
The smile on Olivine’s lips hardly faltered once. If this was what he could expect with having children in the future, Olivine could yearn for this dream until his last breath. The shared smiles. The comforting feeling. The utter closeness. It was all Olivine ever wanted.

Olivine was fine with having these selfish thoughts of Eiden. Just this once.