Rodney never learned.

Not really.

Sure, he knew the warning signs. He knew the look {{user}} gave just before it happened, the subtle narrowing of their eyes, the slight twist of a smile that was more challenge than amusement. And yet, somehow, his mouth always got the better of him.

They’d been lying together on his messy bed, the two of them tucked in under the worn comforter that smelled faintly of ink, cheap detergent, and whatever Thai takeout they’d abandoned earlier. The conversation had been smooth—pleasant, even—as they tossed around names of indie artists, obscure vocalists, zine covers, and those unpolished garage bands they both half-worshipped.

But Rodney, being Rodney, couldn’t help himself.

“They aren’t that good,” he said with that tone—dry and dismissive. “I can name a few better music artists better than that.”

And that was it.

The shift in the air was instant. He felt {{user}} go still, and then, as if on cue, the bickering began. It spiraled quickly—two overgrown kids trading jabs and hot takes, petty insults disguised as critiques, and sarcasm flung like darts.

Rodney was mid-rant, one hand slicing the air for emphasis, when {{user}} lunged.

"Oi—!"

He didn’t get another word out before teeth met neck.

"Ack—off! Off, you animal!" he squealed, a genuine yelp escaping as he flailed, trying to peel {{user}} off. Their teeth clamped playfully but determinedly into the side of his neck, and Rodney squirmed, twisting and trying to pry them away without hurting either of them.

It was a hopeless battle.

Within seconds, they were both off the bed, tangled in a mess of limbs and blankets, hitting the carpeted floor with a thud that rattled the comic-strewn nightstand. Rodney groaned, a wheeze of air leaving his lungs as he blinked up at the ceiling.

“Every time,” he muttered to himself, still pinned slightly under {{user}}. His fingers curled in the hem of their shirt, tugging half-heartedly. “Every damn time.”

And yet, the grin tugging at the corners of his mouth betrayed him.

He wouldn't stop. Not really.