The little moth shivered with nervous excitement as the spider’s hands drew close to her bound, fluffy paws. Her heart fluttered as he smiled at her warmly before getting to work.

Slowly, he placed the tip of a single claw against her bare sole, tracing down its digitigrade length. She tried to resist, to keep a straight face, but she couldn’t keep her lips from quivering, the corners twitching into a restrained smile.

“You’re not gonna crack this early, are you?” He teased, chuckling at her goofy expression. All she could do was shake her head, not daring to open her mouth to speak.

Returning his gaze to her feet, he began to lightly rake his claws down both soles, their tips gliding easily through the satin pink fur that adorned them. The moth let out a squeak, clapping her hands over her mouth to muffle her voice.

Grinning knowingly, he repeated the act several more times, combing neat rows through her coat before unexpectedly switching to a more erratic skittering motion. His tiny friend squealed again, her legs tugging against the strong, comfy webbing that held them in place.

‘Scritch, scritch, scuttle, scratch,’ went his claws, up and down her soft, lithe soles. The tough little moth bared her paws bravely against the ticklish assault, refusing to give in so easily.

Once more the spider changed tactics, firmly but gently scratching right against her plush footpads. The most sensitive parts of her feet. The poor bug’s antennae wilted as she fought back her giggles, squirming in her bonds and squeezing her eyes shut.

The spider knew his companion was reaching her limit. Stifled sputters, titters, and snickers slipped past her hands, and her whole body shuddered from the effort of keeping herself in check.

“Is that laughter I hear?” The spider chided her, leaning in.

Again, the moth fervently shook her head.

“Don’t lie,” he guyed further, raising his sharp claws and flexing them. With agonizing slowness, he started drumming and tapping them against her tenderized footpad. The tortuously light touches frayed her nerves in just the right way, and he watched as her eyes widened like a dam swelling from the water behind it, her face flushing bright red as tears gathered in the corners of her eyes.

Then without warning, the spider leaned in and bit her sensitive footpad, sending the tiniest dose of tingly venom through her veins. The moth’s eyes bulged in shock, and she couldn’t hold it in anymore. Adorable, bubbling laughter erupted from her mouth as she writhed on her back, tears of mirth streaming down her blushing cheeks. The spider laughed too, enjoying the sound of his dear friend’s hysterics. He resumed his tickling in full, bringing his other pairs of hands into the fray to card at her sides and legs as the sensitizing venom coursed through her skin.

Eventually, he slowed to a stop, giving the moth a chance to catch her breath. She panted in exhaustion, her face wet with tears, but she was still smiling. With great care, he unwound the silk from her ankles, then took her in his arms and cradled her against his fuzzy chest, kissing the top of her head affectionately.

“Love you, strawberry,” he cooed.