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"Come on aether, lion dancing is serious and it needs real practice, so try to focus will you?"~ Ga ming
Commission 6/7 for @wertzunge
Ahhh, im almost all caught up! And I had super fun with this one. Poor aether, he can't protect himself because his and ga mings arms are hooked and hes hoisted up. Poor baby✨️
Looking at battle scars while taking a break gone….
I’ll leave that up for you to decide ehe~
To Love and To Hold [SFW Ver.]
You're reading the: SFW Version N$FW Version
Art Credit: XiaoAether by Mochii! (@chibimochii)
Summary: The two lovebirds just cuddling together~ (with a mean Xiao~)
A/N: I’m late for Xiao’s birthday, but I hope it’s worth the wait! This fic is thanks to my heart yearning for love~ I hope you enjoy and happy reading!!
Word Count: 1871 Also on AO3!
—
It was close to midnight in Liyue, the eve of Xiao’s birthday, as the birthday boy himself spooned the love of his life, Aether, in his room at Wangshu Inn, his nose buried in the crook of Aether’s neck, both shirtless in bed.
“You smell…nice,” Xiao breathed, placing a soft kiss on the sensitive skin there and hugging him tighter. “Like…home.”
Home.
Aether’s heart fluttered at the word, biting back giggles to not ruin the moment. But with Xiao being the observant Yaksha he is, the little tremors of his body didn’t avoid Xiao’s notice.
“Ticklish?~” Xiao growled playfully, rubbing his nose with purpose along Aether’s nape, breaking the weak dam keeping his giggles at bay.
“N-Nohohoho,” Aether ruefully lied before gasping and starting to squirm in Xiao’s hold, when he felt fingers prod at his midriff. “Xiaohohoho!”
“Hmm?” Xiao hummed innocently, not ceasing his actions. “You said you aren’t ticklish, so this shouldn’t be doing anything to you, right?~” Xiao teased, a smirk forming on his lips that Aether felt upon his nape, and feeling his belly flip in excitement at this side of his lover.
Aether scrunched up his shoulders, “Plehehehease!” Aether whined. “P-Peheople will hehehear! Xiahahahao!”
“You better stay quiet then~” Xiao purred into his neck, sending goosebumps all over Aether’s skin.
Oh, he is mean tonight.
Aether squeaked when Xiao turned him over so that they were now face to face, golden eyes looking dotingly into his own. The intense gaze Xiao gave him made Aether blush and dart his eyes, but Xiao was having none of it as he gently placed his hand on Aether’s cheek, tilting his chin so that their eyes met once again.
“Aether,” Xiao’s voice was low, shaking Aether to his core as he shivered.
“Xiao,” Aether let out breathlessly.
Xiao leaned in, brushing his lips against Aether’s as the blonde surrendered and parted his lips, allowing Xiao to enter and melting into the chaste kiss.
“I love you, Ae.”
“I-I love you too, ah~ X-Xiao.”
Both of them went back in for another kiss, but Aether should’ve known better than to let himself melt when Xiao was in his mean streak. He couldn’t help it, though, being disarmed so easily by his teal-haired boyfriend, and unraveling beneath him was such an exhilarating feeling.
“Ae?”
“Mmn?”
“I love your laughter too~”
Aether’s eyes widened, but it was too late as Xiao curled his hand around the back of Aether’s head, keeping him in place and kissing and drinking his lover’s giggles and laughs with fervor as his other hand renewed the tickling, wiggling his fingers against Aether’s sides.
“AhahMnghhaHAMMmm!~”
“MnnnMmmm~”
Aether was getting lightheaded; he didn’t think Xiao would do something like this to him, but here he was, having his breath taken away by his once shy but now confident Yaksha. Then there was tongue, and it was all too much for him, and he had to turn his face away, gasping and gulping in air as he slumped forward against Xiao’s bare chest, a trickle of drool running from his mouth as he panted.
Xiao chuckled and massaged Aether’s head before murmuring cute and pulling Aether out of his daze.
“W-Whyyyy?” Aether pouted at Xiao, raising his head up at him and slapping his chest weakly.
“You said people will hear, so I muffled your laughs,” Xiao said with a straight face, but Aether saw the playful glint in his eyes, and Aether felt his ears match the same heat that was on his cheeks.
“Xiaooooo,” Aether whined, making Xiao break into hearty laughter.
“Okay, okay! I just…It’s been a while since we had a moment like this,” Xiao says, his eyes softening. “I missed this. I missed your smile. Your laughs. Your scent. Your skin against mine. I missed you, Ae. I missed all of you,” Xiao murmurs, caressing Aether’s cheek. “And I never want to let you go.”
Aether raised his eyebrows in surprise at the last line.
“Xiao,” Aether softly spoke, knocking their foreheads together. “I’m not going anywhere. And you always have me at your beck and call.”
“I know…it’s just that…” Xiao looked to the side, his hands searching for Aether’s and holding them when he found them, his thumb rubbing the inside of his palms. “You always jump into danger, and I feel helpless when I can’t do anything,” he whispers quietly, and those words broke Aether’s heart.
“I-I trust you!” Xiao added quickly. “I know you’re not completely reckless, but I just can’t help but feel—”
“Hey, look at me,” Aether held Xiao’s cheeks, forcing him to look at him, and when he saw how Xiao’s eyes glimmered in the moonlight, he pulled him into a bone-crushing hug. “I’m sorry, Xiao. I’m so sorry for making you worry.”
They stayed like that for a while, just embracing each other and basking in each other’s presence.
“Aether?”
“Yeah?”
“You always pepper me with kisses, and I love that, but let me do the same to you. Let me desire you.”
Xiao spoke with so much conviction, love, and passion that Aether couldn’t help but fall in love with him all over again.
“I’m all yours, my love.”
Xiao gently pushed Aether onto his back, his lips back on his own as they exchanged a passionate, sensual kiss. Aether moaned, wrapping his arms around Xiao's neck and pulling him even closer. Xiao slipped from his grasp after a little while and started trailing kisses from his lips to his neck, sucking hickeys before licking them and making Aether arch his back with a cry.
“X-Xiao, hah~”
“I love you,” Xiao murmured against his skin.
“I love you tohohohoo! Hahaha!” Aether let out a bout of laughter when Xiao grabbed onto his hips for leverage.
Everything stilled for a moment, the only sound was the panting of Aether until bubbly laughter suddenly erupted from his lips.
“BWAHAHAHA! WAHAHAHAIT! I DIHIHIDN’T— NAHAHAHA!”
They were definitely gonna get noise complaints or even kicked out, even if the two of them were important figures.
Xiao must have also realized as he trailed his fingers to a less ticklish spot on his body. He isn't about to get both of them kicked out of his room, even if he really wants to hear Aether laugh for him.
“I thohohought youhuhu meheheant sohohomethihing ehehelse whehen youhuhu sahahaid dehehesire!” Aether giggled, squirming about.
Xiao rolled his eyes, grabbing one of his arms and lifting it up as he lightly traced his sensitive hollow, making Aether let out a litany of “Nohohoho pleasehehe!” and “Nohohot thehEHEre’s!”
“You really like it when someone gets into your pants, hmm? I really should punish you for that, shouldn't I?” Xiao purred, sending a round of goosebumps all over Aether's body.
Xiao started peppering kisses all over the neck, making Aether sigh happily.
“T-Thihis is nicehehe.”
Aether spoke too soon as he felt raspberries being blown on his neck.
“Gahahaha! Youhuhuhu suhuhuhuck, Xiahahahao!”
“Mm, pfft, you love me,” Xiao said cheekily, hugging Aether and snuggling against him so he can't get away.
“Lihihies! !!! Nahahaha! Ohohoho my gohohod! Xiahahao! You sneheheaky— Ahahaha!!”
“What was that, my Sunflower?” Xiao snickered, his thumbs swirling deep circles into the side of his ribs while his fingers swept back and forth on the tops of his ribs, and still placing raspberries.
“Ihihihit tihihickles!”
“I’m pretty sure that’s the point~”
When did he become such a tease?! Aether thought to himself, completely flustered beyond belief.
It didn’t help when Xiao started peppering kisses all over his chest now and blowing little raspberries over his ribs.
“I love you. I love you. I love you,” Xiao chanted softly over his sensitive skin.
“Ihihi lohohove youhuhu too,” Aether panted, these touches not as ticklish to cause his brain to immediately turn into mush.
“You’re my world, Ae.”
Xiao lay his head on Aether’s chest, hearing his heartbeat, running his fingers along his side, feeling before he slid his fingers up to his armpits and wiggled into them.
“Xiahahao!” Aether giggled in surprise, and Xiao swore he could hear Aether pout.
“And you’re mine~” he playfully growled, snuggling his face into Aether’s body and sliding down before his face was met with Aether’s sensitive tummy, his fingers now gripping his sides.
“Hmm,” he hummed in thought, the vibrations coursing through Aether and forcing a giggle fit out of the blonde.
“Nohoho tuhuhummyyyy!”
Xiao rumbled his disapproval, letting his hair tickle Aether’s belly.
“Wait! Nahahat thahahat! I’m sahahawryyy!”
“You give in so easily. It’s a miracle you are still here,” Xiao chuckled, pinching his sides for good measure before glancing at the clock, which read 12AM. “Time to have some birthday cake~”
Before Aether could question what he meant, he felt nibbles on his tummy, and Xiao had to curl his arms underneath Aether and hug him to prevent himself from being flung off as Aether’s body shook in ticklish mirth, kicking his feet out with giggles and laughs freely flowing from his mouth.
“StaHAhaHAP eheheAHATing meHEhehe!”
“But you’re so tasty. And smell good too.”
Xiao took a deep breath, inhaling and relishing the scent of Aether before blowing a loud raspberry right over Aether’s belly button, who all but let out a shriek before falling into helpless laughter. Yeah…they’re definitely going to get kicked out forever.
“BWHAHAHAHA! NONONOHOHOHOHAHAHAHA! XIAHAHAO! MY YAHAHAKSHAAA!”
Xiao snickered, nibbling Aether’s belly instead.
“Delicious~”
“I’m nohohot fohood! Hahaha! Dohon’t bite thehere!”
Aether squealed when Xiao nibbled close to his navel.
“God, I love you so much, Aether,” Xiao nuzzled into his belly, licking the places he nibbled, which only tickled Aether more, who let out giggly whines. “I’m still surprised at how ticklish you are, Ae.”
“Well, y-you’re mohore tihicklish than mehe!”
Xiao felt himself blush and his ears get warm before squeezing Aether’s hips in response.
“NahahAHA! You’rehe soho meheheannn!” Aether cried out.
“You deserve it…brat.”
Aether gasped, “But, I’m your brat~ Nehehohoho!” giggling when Xiao skittered his fingers over his inner thigh.
“What am I going to do with you?” Xiao raised himself, shaking his head fondly at the gorgeous man before him.
“Kiss me~” Aether cheekily replied, making Xiao roll his eyes but following through nonetheless, leaning downward so that their lips were barely millimeters apart.
“A spoiled brat too,” Xiao said in the space between them, making Aether grin from ear to ear before leaning upwards to kiss him.
“You like me, though.”
“I don’t.”
“Wha—”
“I love you.”
It was Aether’s turn to roll his eyes as they both giggled, holding each other close as Xiao mouthed open kisses into his neck before finally settling on his lips. They both tenderly kissed each other, both happy and content.
“Xiao,” Aether said his name once they broke apart.
“Hmm?” Xiao looked at him curiously.
“Happy birthday,” Aether whispered, looking at him adoringly.
Xiao softly smiled, kissing Aether’s cheek.
“Being here with you, to love and to hold you in my arms, is the best birthday gift I could have ever asked for.”
Aether chuckled.
“Archons, I love you so much.”
Xiao grinned, breathing into Aether’s neck.
“I love you more.”
Those were the last words of the night before both of them fell into a comfortable slumber~
The Myth of The Unticklish Traveler (Busted)
A/N: Upon writing this one I began to realize I might have added a bit too many characters there, but I didn’t want to change my idea, so this fic turned into a little mess. Number 13 - Myth - of @vqler's Tickletober prompt list of 2025 ft. Aether and a whole bunch of his friends.
Words: 1,964 words under the cut
Aether was known for many things and had received many titles throughout his adventures across Teyvat - Honorary Night of the Knights of Favonius, Hero of Liyue, Paladin of Breezes and Bells, Tumaini - the list could be continued almost endlessly, just as his deeds. So, it wasn’t surprising, that many rumors and myths entwine themselves around the blonde man.
However, in certain circles, a particular rumor is currently a much-discussed topic: Aether, the Traveler - they say he isn’t ticklish. That myth had conquered every nation by now - from the flower fields of Mondstadt, to the deserts of Sumeru and the faraway lands of cherry blossoms, Inazuma.
Many and tried, many had failed… Old gods as Venti had tried. Tricksters like Lyney had tried. Even Xiao had poked him once, accidently of course. But no matter who, the Traveler had never cracked a laugh. Instead, he had snorted or blinked, or rolled his eyes, before he took revenge. Now, it wasn’t like he didn’t laugh at all, that would be a lie.
It was just that it wasn’t through tickling, an action he himself loved to deliver onto others a lot. So, it didn't take long that a group of brave individuals had formed, all in alliance to test out if these rumors were true and to pay him back with his own medicine.
They all had once or repeatedly being involved in tickly happenings with him - only on the receiving end of course. Preparations had been made, techniques and plans discussed and detailly planned. A certain flying partner bribed with sweets... all was ready and today was their final gambit…
...
Aether stepped through the grassy field of his teapot, two hands covering his eyes from behind, as Bennett guided him to their destination. "Are we there already?" the blonde asked, curious what the other had planned.
"Hehe, we're almost there, be careful you don't trip~" "Shouldn't it be you that should be careful?" he teased back and Bennett gave him sly smile. "Oh don't worry about me." You should rather worry about yourself, he finished in his mind. They walked for another minute or so before Aether was suddenly pushed forward. "Ups… my bad~"
But rather than falling to the ground, he was caught by two pairs of arms that guided him to the ground. "WhoHh... h-hey what the-" Puzzled, Aether opened his eyes, blinded by the sun at first, before he felt more hands on his body, gently but firmly pressing him into the grass.
He blinked a few times and then he saw them: The ones that caught him in their arms turned out to be Gaming and Gorou who were grinning down at him. "Hello Traveler~" "We haven't seen each other in a while, it’s good to see you friend~" Raising his head a bit, he could also see Ororon and Freminet who were kneeling by his sides. "Surprise Grandpa~" "...H-Hi..." Lastly, there were also Wanderer and Razor, who were seated by his feet. "Hello..." "Traveler, friend, Razor happy to see you~" Bennett stood before him, arms crossed and a huge grin on his face. "Traveler, I'm happy that you decided to join us today for our little gathering~" he announced, before he sat down, straddling him as he sat onto his chest.
"E-Everyone, what's the big plan?" Aether stuttered, feeling a wave of nervousness and excitement rising inside him. As happy as he was to see his friends, they were looking at him with these impish smiles that didn't bode well. "You will see in a second~" was all Bennett said before he and the others glanced at each other, nodding.
"Don't worry, it will be funny..." Gaming reassured him, leaning his head above his "...at least for some of us~" he added with a wink and before Aether could've had a chance to ask what he meant, he already felt how his boots were tugged off and discharged on the ground and then it dawned on him: They were going to tickle him!
Panic rose in him and he began to squirm. "W-Wait, guys, y-y-you don't have too- pffFtft noHOho waHAhit!" he broke midsentence as fourteen hands began to wiggle, slid, and scratch over him, seeming to explore every inch of his body. His mouth opened and light giggles were bubbling out of him that got louder and stronger with each passing second.
"He's already giggling, guess the rumors weren't true after all..." Gorou commented, amused, holding one arm up so that he could wiggle his fingers into the blonde's bare armpit, his tail wagging excitingly. Gaming did the same on the other side, both tickling the sensitive spot in sweeping motions. Freminet looked delighted. “So he’s… really ticklish?” he asked innocently.
"*Sigh* What a letdown and here I thought breaking him would take longer..." Wanderer comment, almost seeming disappointed, as he stretched his foot with one hand while sliding his fingers from his heel up the arch and to the toes with the other. The action made Aether's sole twitch, but the dark-haired had a strong grip, making escaping impossible.
"HaAhahhah noHoHohoo g-guHuhuys n-noHoot thHEhehre!" "Where grandpa, you have to be specific. Does it tickle here?" Ororon asked all innocently, squeezing his hip. "Or does it tickle, here?" he added, squeezing his knee this time.
"Yeah, "Grandpa" tell us where it tickles, hehe~" Bennett teased, as he wiggled both hands into his sides, pressing them in-between the blonde's ribs. He was surprised that Aether had cracked so quickly, but it only benefited him and the others. In made the whole situation even better and made their actual plan - to get him back - already a huge success.
"Ahhahahaha I- ehEhehHEeh I caHahahn't!" Aether squealed, not able to concentrate what the others were saying. The ticklish feeling all over his body was almost unbearable and yet he didn't really hate it, strange as it was. "AHAHhAHAHAh heEHEHhHEhe s-stoHohop iIHit!"
He had always been very ticklish, but could easily hide his sensitivity when only one spot got tickled - like in the many tickle fights he had in the past, with - ironically - all of them and many, many more. Though, only his sister and Paimon knew how ticklish he really was, well up till now at least.
He swatted weakly at each attacker though not truly resisting. Eventually, he tried pivoting to wrestle back but he wasn’t just strong enough to go solo against them. “UhUhuhnfair! This is ehHEheheh… goHohood strategy but unfair! AHHahAhah!” he gasped between laughs.
"Razor likes Traveler's laugh. I want to hear more of it," the grey-haired commented, eagerly scratching his toes. "You have to do it more gently, here do it like me," Wanderer guided him and Razor watched how he did it, copying his technique. His fingers got slower and he gently wiggled under his heel, making his laughter high-pitched.
"WHahh thank you Hat Guy, Razor is happy to find a new tickle buddy~" "Hnng, I'm NOT your- arhgh this is your fault," Wanderer cursed and clawed his fingers in-between Aether's toes. "HAHAHAHAh whAhhHy is thhHis m-myhYhy fauHualt?!" "Just because..." Wanderer said, pulling his hat a bit into his face to hide his blush.
Freminet, who hadn't joined the verbal teasing yet, only squeezing gently at his knee, which felt more like a massage, but didn't matter much with more than twenty fingers there to help out, then said, "...But Razor is right... I mean," he hesitated, "he does have a cute laugh... I can't wait to tell Lyney and Lynette about it~" he mumbled, blushing as well.
"AhHahahah doOHon't you daHaahhre!" "Oh don't worry about it," Gaming said, scathing his fingers under his chin, before leaning down, "we'll make sure that tomorrow allll of Teyvat will know about it," he whispered into his ear, before blowing hot air into it, making the other squeal. "HnnHGng waHAhahAhhHh~"
"Hehehe don't be too mean to him, or you'll regret it later on..." Gorou commented. "After today, I'm sure we don't have to worry about it too much, right, Mr. I'm-Ticklish-Everywhere~" Bennett teased as he slid one hand down his chest, gliding over his bare stomach and right into his belly button.
"AHAHAHAHAH OHOHO MYMY AHHAHAHRCHOHOHN! I- AHAHAH I HAHAHTE YOHOHOU!" Aether laughed as he sucked in his stomach in hope to ease the ticklish feeling. But he quickly realized that it only made things worse for him. All Bennett had to do was waiting for him to breath in some air and voilà, there he was, playing right back into his waiting hands.
Tears of mirth were streaming down his flustered face. He felt hot, his head felt light and fuzzy, as if he had drunken a bit too much after an evening with Venti and the sensations were driving him crazy.
"We know you don't, but I guess we got what we wanted, right guys?" Gaming said. "We sure did, but I guess another minute wouldn't hurt," Bennett teased. Aether managed to eke out a breath, still pinned across multiple angles. “DoHohon’t- I’m head spinning!” he protested breathily, though the oranges in his cheeks gave him away.
“Because … I’m so good? Is that it?” the white-haired teased again and Aether made a mental note that he would be the first to feel his "wrath". Gaming leaned in. “We don't want to kill him here, ten more seconds is enough,” he suggested, all while he continued to wiggle his fingers against his neck this time, making the blonde lean against them.
The action made Aether flinch. They all laughed, while he continued giggling. The last ten seconds felt like an eternity and the fact that all of them - even Wanderer - counted them down, didn't make it easier. "...2...1... Time's Up!" One by one they stopped the tickling and finally released him.
Aether lied there, blinking, his chest heaving, his uniform totally messed up and his entire body prickling. He slowly sat upright, his knees to his chest and looked at each of them. He rubbed his face, breath catching in his throat. He didn’t glare, no he… just smiled. "You all … tricked me," he exhaled, "I should’ve known..."
However, in the final hush, Aether said softly, in honest affection: "...Thank you. Truly. For getting me-" Bennett tapped his foot. "For getting you to laugh at last by us tickling the hell out of you? You’re welcome~" Gorou wagged his tail, his eyes sparkling. "Now we know." Razor nodded. "You’re a strong friend, but a ticklish friend too~" Wanderer just crossed his arms and gave him a smirk, visibly satisfied. Freminet, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear, added, "You gave us the best laughter we could ask for, Aether. T-Thank you…" "You’re still cool Grandpa, even if you’re super ticklish," Ororon simply said, content.
Aether hugged his legs, pulling them even closer and hide his face in them, cheeks lingering red. He dared one look around. Their grins were still there - kindness, playfulness and affection pouring from their eyes.
What sign was this? That after countless adventures, explorations, heartbreak and heroism they could still get him laughing? Still bring out the giggle he never thought they’d witness, at least not in a way like that? He closed his eyes briefly, savoring the moment. Then he leaned over lightly and swiped a finger at Bennett’s side.
“Stupid rabbit.” Bennett yelped and a spiderweb of laughter sparked again. “For archons sake, was it worth it?” he mumbled. They all laughed again. They’d witnessed the myth fall and best of all? The Traveler, humbled at last and fully human.
Soon after, among Teyvat’s rumors, a new one would spread like lightning: The Traveler can be tickled! And only after a proper plan of all-star ticklers.
Arataki Misfortune
A/N: This fic just kinda feels like it wrote itself, and it's a little nuts. But I had fun with it! Still a little bit more until the poll ends, but I officially declare Aether the winner lololol.
Summary: Aether finds himself in quite the situation when he accidentally assists in the Arataki Gang's mischief and gets caught and interrogated for it. (Also on AO3)
Word Count: 4.9K
The situation was... not ideal, to say the least. Aether squirmed a little. His hands were bound behind his back and his ankles were tied together as well, making it difficult to move around without hopping and tripping awkwardly.
While the officers were unaware of his identity and had treated him a little harshly, they'd put him in quite an okay room with comfortable tatami floor, albeit a bit small, but it wasn't a prison cell. Not yet.
Aether managed to get himself in a sitting position on the floor and he sighed. He couldn't believe he got himself in this situation. He had been an invitee. An invitee, official guest, for this special international conference that was being held in Inazuma.
Multiple people from all over Teyvat were here, including some of his own friends. But instead of attending the event normally, Aether got caught up in shady activities with the Arataki Gang.
Without an invitation, Arataki Itto had urged Aether to cleverly sneak him inside, without giving the details of his plan. He was just so eager to meet Aether's foreign friends, and although he did admit that besides the connections he was especially interested in the yummy snacks the event would provide, Aether hadn't really thought much of it.
Itto was a professional at bugging Paimon and him, so they agreed to help him out just this time and be rid of the whining. Naive as he was, Aether just didn't see the problem of one more guest at the event, and that guest was someone he considered a friend who deserved a nice evening out.
Besides, even though Aether was a normal guest and not a guest of honor or something, a lot of people knew him well so he figured they would get away with it even if they got caught.
It wasn't that simple. It appeared that the Oni's plan was not to only attend the conference as he had claimed, but to sneak out some of the international food and beverage, and apparently bring them to the gang's own secret event venue where they hosted a similar conference, but for 'lower class' merchants, assistants and other people, to celebrate the international relations in true fashion.
Not just by merely stuffing his pockets. More like a suitcase full. And here Aether thought Itto had been trying to appear all fancy to blend in, with his pretty suitcase and formal outfit.
Three other problems added to Aether's case of misfortune.
Problem 1: In his 'innocent' attempts at merely raiding the yummy edibles, Arataki Itto had actually also confiscated some high class supply of rare liquor from Liyue and Fontaine. Not just some simple foreign alcoholic drinks to drink at the pub, but high-end bottles worth tons of mora. He probably didn't even have a clue.
Problem 2: Aether was not informed about the details of Itto's plan at all, that sneaky bastard. He trusted Aether enough to assist, but not to be entrusted with the details of it, including the location of this event they were organizing, and not even inviting him to join it!
Problem 3: Aether was acknowledged as an official member of the Arataki Gang, even if he didn't see it that way himself. He only joined some of their activities and was definitely friends with Itto, but a real member of the gang? Questionable. Unfortunately the Tenryou Commission wasn't stupid. They had seen him with Itto, and witnesses could link Itto's attendance to Aether as they both stood out.
And they did what was only logical to do in this situation. They captured him!
"Traveler," Heizou said formally. He just arrived in the room and faced Aether while holding a notebook.
They had taken Paimon into custody in a separate room to question her, and Aether felt bad for getting even Paimon in this situation when she had been the most reluctant to help Itto and his cute puppy eyes.
"Heizou," Aether said with a smile. It was a relief that Shikanoin Heizou came to meet him first, and he trusted he would let him go easily. It wasn't that much of an interesting case for the talented detective after all, and even though Heizou was loyal to his job, he was also Aether's friend, and not even necessarily on real bad terms with Gang Leader Itto.
But Aether then remembered that the Tenryou Commission was more about rules than friendship and they hadn't really hesitated to put some gang members into prison before, including Itto himself, so he held his breath. He was probably safe, but still needed to take care of this situation with grace and care.
Heizou sighed. "As you know, we have captured you due to your connections with the Arataki Gang and your involvement in today's crime."
So formal. And crime? Wasn't that a bit heavily worded? Heizou didn't even address his uncomfortable position; tied up as if he posed a threat, but Aether also didn't feel like complaining about it. Heizou's colleagues had done what they needed to do, which included tying him up.
"Right?" Heizou demanded. Oh, Aether wasn't even aware this was something he should answer, and he nodded politely.
"Yes. I'm aware." He was unable to completely deny his involvement after all, and Heizou continued.
"Of course we won't just arrest you and send you to prison, that's not really what I wish to do. But since you are the Arataki Gang's accomplice, I can't say you are completely risk-free."
Hmm.
"However, if you cooperate with us, I'm confident we can find our way around the rules and let you off with a warning. So, it would be appreciated if you help us interrupt their unauthorized event, catch the gang, and retrieve the stolen goods. They are guilty of theft among other crimes."
Aether was sure Itto didn't see it as theft. The food and drinks at the event were provided for free to the attendees. And even though yes, he attended without invitation thanks to Aether, the Oni probably would laugh it off and claim he just had a little more of a snack! He was a big guy! Hungry and thirsty! Aether chuckled at that thought.
"So you think that's funny?"
Oh shit. Aether quickly held back his grin, but he now understood how smug he must've appeared.
"N-no, sorry," he apologized, feeling guilty if it seemed that he disrespected Heizou and his job. The young detective sighed.
"If you and Paimon cooperate, we can settle this with ease. But you'll need to tell me of the gang's plans and whereabouts."
See, that was the problem. "I don't know."
It was the truth, but Heizou glared at him. "I was afraid that was going to be your answer," he sighed. Especially after his accidental chuckle, Aether realized he wasn't very convincing.
"I swear I don't know," he said. This interrogation was going to be short and easy if he didn't know where Itto and his gang were anyway.
"Besides, I'm sure thatー" Aether was going to say that if they were going to be patient, the gang would return the valuables of their own accord at some point, since they were really not that vile.
They were wild, chaotic, a pain to deal with yes, sometimes, but they were not evil criminals. If they knew they stole bottles that expensive, they would make it their dramatic mission to return them even if it meant breaking into the event venue again, rather than sell the loot or keep it to themselves.
But Aether then realized they weren't just valuables. They were valuable liquor bottles. Without knowing their worth, he was sure the gang would pour glasses full, treating their guests and themselves to these luxurious drinks as if they were cheap wines and beers, until the last drop. Aether chuckled again. Shit, that wasn't supposed to be so funny in his head.
Heizou squinted his eyes at Aether's second chuckle. "Fine then. Well. Since some of your closer friends and acquaintances are actually attending this conference, we have taken the liberty to question a couple of them. Of course they all claim that you are innocent and not deserving of even a day in prison. But... Like I said, if you refuse to cooperate, I am afraid it's going to be difficult to defend your position."
He paused for a moment. "And so, your friends are willing to help. I was hoping you'd be honest with me since we are quite familiar, but if this is not the case, let's see if you can keep up your act in the presence of your dear friends."
Heizou went back to the door and called out: "Let them in!"
Aether was impressed to see who they chose to involve. Kamisato Ayato seemed like a logical choice, but with him were also Kaeya and Childe, of all people.
With the nature of today's event, it wasn't surprising to have the Knights of Favonius, Fatui and Yashiro Commission all represented, but seeing them together in this specific setting and walk in like some sort of comedic trio, Aether raised his eyebrows in surpise and couldn't help but giggle.
Sadly Heizou noticed that and he glared again, probably suspecting him of seeing this case as a joke and holding back information on purpose.
"Report to me when he speaks," Heizou ordered them. He eyed Aether one more time before heading out. Pfft, so cold, Heizou! He must be hurt and disappointed that Aether was lying to him. Probably also a bit torn between their friendship and his duty. If only he knew Aether really wasn't lying.
Aether smiled innocently. "Well hello there. Are you here to free me?" Ayato, Childe and Kaeya exchanged glances.
"Of course we are," Ayato said. Aether had hoped the commissioner would simply say that he had enough influence in Inazuma to free him right away, untie him and invite him for drinks, but sadly he didn't.
"As soon as you tell us where Itto took the valuables, we can free you and you'll be enjoying the conference by our side in no time. Right? You are still our distinguished guest after all, Traveler," Ayato said politely.
Childe smirked. "Exactly. You know we wouldn't want to see you and the little fly (Paimon) in prison for a crime you didn't commit. You don't need to stick up for that lousy gang. It's alright to save your own butt, Traveler~" What was he so smug about?
Kaeya nodded. "I didn't come all the way to Inazuma to see my dear friends get arrested. So tell us, where are the Oni and his gang hiding? It's all they need to know. Say it, and you're both free to go."
Feeling slightly disappointed in them, Aether sighed. Did they really think he was lying? They should question Paimon instead then. She would have even less reason to defend Itto and his gang, but she wasn't going to speak either because they didn't know!
"I swear I don't know," he insisted.
Childe chuckled and turned to the others. "He's always been so loyal. If it were me, he would've protected me too."
Aether wouldn't doubt it. Even if he and Childe didn't always see eye to eye, he couldn't imagine ratting him out in a similar situation. So he nodded in agreement, but then quickly shook his head. The fact that he would protect his friends did not exactly defend his case here!
"I am really telling the truth!"
He really tried. He was telling the truth, but it still wasn't convincing enough.
"Are you? I doubt it. We're doing this for your own good, you know."
Aether knew and trusted that fully. None of them were the kind of people who would betray their friend, nor fear their reputation might be ruined if said friend turned out to be a bad person. Well, of course surely Childe wasn't, but Ayato and Kaeya despite their positions were definitely not like this either.
The only reason why they would cooperate with the Tenryou Commission like this was because they wanted to keep him out of prison and help him out, for his own sake, which was actually sweet.
Aether smiled fondly. Sadly despite their attempts, he could not give them information he didn't have.
"I know. And I'm thankful. But I don't know where the gang is. All I know is that they would not steal such expensive liquor on purpose." He decided to leave out the little detail that he feared they might obliviously consume all of it. Other than that he was still honest.
"If you would convince them to let me go, I can maybe help find them."
"And escape, to join their little party? I think not," Childe said. Aether gasped in surprise, offended by the accusation.
"I wouldn't!"
Childe gave a nod in the others' direction. "If you don't mind, I think I know a way to make him speak." As if Aether wasn't already speaking! Well, not the things they wanted to hear, but still!
"W-what....?" Aether eyed the Harbinger suspiciously as he approached. Childe chuckled and grabbed his bound hands, pulling him forward.
"Just a little something to convince you with~" he sang. With his free hand he reached out, and Aether did not really expect any of this until the touch landed.
"HIAYh!" He spazzed and let out the weirdest noise as soon as Childe grabbed his side. No way. Satisfied with his reaction to the mere touch, Childe turned to smile at the others.
"He's ticklish, you know?" Childe slowly traced his fingers from Aether's side towards his bare stomach, making him shudder and giggle.
Oh they knew. Aether's eyes widened, his life flashing by - or well, the specific moments when Kaeya, Ayato and Childe had all separately teased him with this specific weakness of his.
They had made him laugh, jump and giggle on multiple occasions, and although yes he was deadly ticklish, he also didn't mind it that much. In fact, he enjoyed a good tickle fight, especially if there was a chance to win it, even if the chance was small. All fun and games.
But now, he was tied up and it was three against one. There was zero chance to win or even avoid it. Were they really going to do this? As a means to interrogate him? Gain information from him which he didn't even have?
Kaeya and Ayato smirked knowingly.
"I like the way you think," Kaeya said.
Ayato also gave a humble nod. "Hm.. Tickle him until he speaks the truth? Not a bad idea," he agreed.
This was not the way Aether had thought to see the Cavalry Captain, Yashiro Commissioner and Eleventh Harbinger collaborate! But the moment the tall men approached him, he jumped up like a wild rabbit and tried to gracelessly hop away, only to trip immediately and he fell right into Ayato's arms.
"Got him," he said calmly, and he turned Aether around, pinning him against his chest. Meanwhile Kaeya and Childe approached him with wiggling fingers.
"Now laugh a little, then tell us the truth, you loyal little Traveler," Childe sang. As if Childe cared anything about the Arataki Gang or the liquor theft in general.
Besides protecting him from Inazuma's law, Aether also knew that Childe was just having way too much fun with this, which only decreased his chances of getting out of this predicament without laughing himself to death first.
"Wahahait nohoho! Y-you can't dohoho this!" he cackled, struggling against Ayato, but Childe already ran his fingers up and down his ticklish sides.
"You barely started," Kaeya commented, chuckling at Aether's response to the soft tickle. No shit! They knew he was this ticklish, they shouldn't be this surprised!
Ready to pull out a bratty attitude, Aether tried to protest, but to his surprise, Ayato simply reached under his arms and dug in, gently, but also firm enough for it to tickle. A lot.
"WAhhhah!" Aether jumped against him and twisted from side to side. His hands that were trapped behind his back could do nothing to defend his underarms from those sneaky fingers that wriggled around there to tickle him.
Meanwhile Kaeya stood on the side as if he was the interrogation master of all.
"Already willing to tell us some more?" he asked. Aether shook his head and laughed loudly.
"Nohoho! I cahahan't!" He caught the amusement in Childe's eyes. He must be relieved that he wasn't cooperating, for he loved to bully him like this and most likely wanted it to last as long as possible.
When Ayato was too busy tickling his armpits without holding him steady, Aether found himself stumbling forward, and because he desperately tried to avoid Childe and his villain aura, he turned into Kaeya's direction. A mistake.
Catching him around the middle, Kaeya held him almost as if welcoming a friendly hug, but he immediately clawed at both sides of Aether's ribcage, making him shriek.
"I suspected you were going to be tough, but I admire your efforts, Traveler," he complimented. Besides blushing and laughing, Aether couldn't do much else.
"Let me," Childe demanded, simply taking Aether from Kaeya and holding him tightly as if he was just an item to be claimed. With both hands he reached for Aether's tummy and tickled him mercilessly. They were so mean!
"Chihihilde! No-nohoho! D-don't ahahaha!" Aether was a mess already, and bound to become a bigger mess when his legs lost their strength to keep him upright. He sank through his knees, but Childe moved along with him and lowered Aether into his lap.
"You can try to keep up your act, Traveler. But I'll assure you, you're way too ticklish for this," he said, pinning Aether down on top of him and tickling him without mercy.
To Aether's horror, both Ayato and Kaeya knelt down as well, cornering him completely in between them. When kneeling down, the three of them were not as tall and threatening, but definitely not less dangerous.
While Kaeya decided to dig his fingers into his thighs which he could reach very well from his position, Ayato sat at his feet, and Aether only needed to glance at him and see the way he stared at his feet, to know he was screwed.
In Inazuman style, the officers hadn't trapped him in a tatami floor- room without taking off his boots first, so now his poor unprotected feet suffered from Ayato's death stare before he finally reached for them and made him yelp already with a single touch.
"Let's try this differently," Ayato started while he raked his fingers up and down Aether's bare soles.
"Do you confess that you fabricated an invitation, aided in Arataki Itto's disguise, lied to the officers and snuck him into the conference?"
Aether's eyes widened and he threw his head back when the tickling on his feet got just as demanding as the questioning.
"YEHe-yehehes!" he admitted. Being phrased and summed up like this, it sounded worse than it actually was. To him it was just dress-up and a little prank. Not that serious.
"Hmm, alright then. Do you also admit that you knew about the gang leader's intentions of stealing food and drinks from the event?"
More tickling. Not just Ayato, but still all three of them, wrecking his sensitive body with their evil fingers.
Aether gasped and let out a helpless shriek. "N-nohoho! I dihihidn't knooow!" he howled. He could hear hums of disapproval from all three.
"And we were going so well," Childe sang. Aether shook his head again.
"I reheheally dihidn't knohohow! H-he dihihidn't tehheell mehehe!"
Kaeya responded by moving a hand under his legs to lift them slightly, so he could slip his fingers under his knees to tickle that awfully ticklish area. Aether went from widening his eyes to squeezing them shut while he howled like an animal.
"Excuses, if you ask me. Do you really claim you were not aware at all that he was stuffing his suitcase? With the liquor in particular," he questioned.
"Did you not help cover this up?"
W-wah! No, he had not been aware! But in his defense, no one had been aware! There were people everywhere at this conference! Crowds! No one saw!
"I swehehear I dihihidn't! N-no one dihihid ahahaha!" Itto was a sneaky Oni after all. Clumsy maybe and a chaotic mess, but at the same time calculated, clever and sneaky. At this point, Aether still had no idea how he managed it behind everyone's back.
Childe shook his head. "Is it me or are you enjoying this? You're, as we can see, laughing and lying a lot after all."
Mean! Laughing, yes. Lying, no!
"Plehehease belieheheheve mehehe!" Aether laughed. "Ahahask Pahahaimon!"
If they asked Paimon and heard the same answers it had to be convincing!
"Do not worry, Paimon is getting questioned as we speak. But don't forget that both of you are in trouble," Ayato said in a bossy tone, and that while tickling his soles with the quickest most ticklish scribbles.
"Nooooohoho!" Aether wailed. It tickled so much, and he could still handle it, but perhaps not for long if this would go on and on.
"While time is ticking away and you are laughing to your heart's content, the valuables are in danger. I suggest you speak up soon," Kaeya said. He did not go easy on Aether's poor ticklish legs in the meantime.
"Naaahahaha!" Aether cried. "It's so duhuhumb!" Overwhelmed by hysterical laughter and ticklish reactions, he accidentally spoke these words. One by one they stopped tickling him and he gasped for air.
"Dumb?" Ayato asked.
Aether nodded tiredly. "W-why would there be such expensive liquor a-at the event anyway?" he panted. It didn't make sense to him. But to his surprise, the look on Childe's face darkened.
"Why do you think?"
O. Probably, Childe brought them. Probably as a gift. Typical. Aether glared at him, still blushing and wheezing.
"Were you even invited? Or - did you also sneak in?" he asked the Fatui Harbinger. Again, slip of the tongue, but how could he not? The Fatui was literally everywhere they could go, including places where they weren't allowed. Childe looked at Kaeya and then at Ayato.
"Sorry, but he's giving me an attitude," Childe chirped, and before Kaeya and Ayato responded, he gathered Aether's bound hands in one of his larger hands and he yanked them to the side, pinning them even more firmly. With his free hand he started to tickle his now helplessly exposed underarm and ribs without mercy.
Aether let out an uncharming scream in surprise. "CHiiiiiiiilde ahhaha nohoho dohohon't!"
"Who's doing the questioning here, Aether? I'm sure it isn't you," Childe said vengefully. Since Childe seemed to do plenty of the job by himself, Aether noticed vaguely that Ayato and Kaeya both released him again.
"Plehehehease- I'm sohohorry!"
"Oh, you're sorry now?"
The session turned from an interrogation into some cheap tickle torture, and Aether swore he would get Childe back someday for this stunt.
Even when the door opened, Childe didn't stop tickling him.
"The questioning next door has ended." Aether could barely hear Heizou's voice. He glanced tiredly into their direction, at the way Heizou mumbled inaudible words to inform Ayato and Kaeya while Childe took the liberty of tickling Aether to death.
"Plehehease hehehehelp mehehe!" Aether kicked out his bound legs and flopped helplessly in Tartaglia's clutches.
Finally, Heizou's conversation with the others finished and he clapped his hands.
"Alright. That's enough."
Childe pouted. "Awww," he whined, but he did stop the tickle attack, allowing Aether to catch his breath.
"Release him," Heizou said. Wait, what? Childe was also confused.
"But why?" he asked. Did he sound... disappointed?! Kaeya and Ayato stepped forward and helped free him from Childe's clutches. They untied his hands and feet and patted him on the back. Just before Aether could ask what the hell was going on, Paimon appeared, together with... Oh.
"Hello," they all greeted stiffly. Alhaitham, Zhongli and Neuvillette? These were the people who had been questioning Paimon?
"Traveler!" Paimon fell dramatically in Aether's arms.
"What happened?" Aether asked, still a bit in a tickle-daze.
"They just asked me everything that happened! They said if I told them the truth, they would treat me to a free luxury meal later!"
In other words, they bribed her. Aether chuckled and looked at the three men. Neuvillette smiled.
"The whole situation was explained and we came to the conclusion it was an accident."
Aether gaped at him and then at Heizou. The detective nodded. "They were all convinced. So was I."
They believed Paimon, but not him? Zhongli gave a nod. "Paimon was truthful, we could tell by how much she wanted the reward."
"B-but I was truthful too!" Aether squeaked. Heizou bowed his head and looked like he felt bad.
"The Arataki Gang is still guilty, but we will deal with them when we track them down. It is no longer right to punish you, if you were not involved. I mean, not involved completely," he said.
Aether still felt Ayato and Kaeya's hands supporting him. He then glared at Childe who stood sheepishly on the side.
"O-oh? Well, it's solved then. Right?" he said with a merry smile. Aether clenched his fist and took a deep breath. He then smiled.
"Heizou."
The detective froze. "Y-yes?" Aw, he really did feel guilty for treating Aether the way he did.
"If you promise not to get me arrested after I'm finished with him, we're even," Aether said, pointing at Childe. Heizou looked at the both of them and nodded politely.
"It's a deal."
"Wait why just me?! No waaait!" Childe yelled, but now that Aether's hands were untied and he had the elements under control again, he was determined to chase Childe for a suitable revenge. As for Kaeya and Ayato, well. He would deal with them some other time.
Epilogue
Inazuman prison wasn't all that bad actually. At least, not this section of it. Aether walked through the corridors as he was guided to his visitee.
Finally reaching his cell, he was left alone with him, and he gazed through the bars at Itto's back.
Aether stared at him, feeling a little guilty. This wouldn't have happened if he hadn't agreed to letting him into the event.
Itto was bending forward, his back still towards Aether, and he didn't even seem to notice he was here.
Or was he upset, and did he know Aether was here and was he angry? Before Aether was about to call out his name, Itto suddenly screeched.
"IT'S A WIN FOR BOBO NO. TWO WOOHOOOHOOOO!"
..... Everyone in prison should have heard that. Itto then turned around and noticed Aether.
"Oh, Traveler! Hello!" Aether gaped at the two beetles before him. Was Itto having a solo Onikabuto brawl? Aether snorted.
"Hello," he greeted, still grinning despite feeling guilty. "Are you... alright?"
In the end the misfortune was as bad as it could be. As Aether had feared, all of the liquor had been consumed at the party, but at least they had fun. While the confessions of each gang member resulted in a pretty convincing story that they really were not aware, it didn't change the fact that Itto infiltrated the event and did some bad things.
Result? One night in jail (next to a longer time of community service). Well, it could be worse. But still, it was a night, and Aether felt obliged to visit him there. Luckily, Itto didn't seem to care at all.
"Are you worried about me? Of course I'm alright! Don't worry. They just want to assert dominance. Keeping me in here for one night won't change anything. I'll entertain myself anyway."
Aether laughed and felt relieved. "But why didn't you tell me? Any of it. From the event to the plan in general," he asked, still curious. Itto looked like a guilty dog, but if he had a tail, it would be wagging.
"I'm sorry, Traveler. I just didn't want to get you into trouble. You already helped me so much. Besides, you were going to have fun at the event with your friends. Don't mind me - is what I thought. In the end it brought you only more trouble, and I'm sorry," Itto sighed.
Well, a surprise tickle torture and interrogation, but Aether couldn't really call it trouble. He smiled.
"It's okay. No need to apologize." The mood lifted again when Itto raised his head, smirking.
"One little secret between you and me though," he hissed, and he signaled Aether should come closer. Aether stepped closer to the cell and listened.
"That oh-so expensive, rare, luxurious liquor? ......Tasted like dog piss. Hahaha!" Itto's laugh was so loud Aether flinched because of it, but soon he joined in and laughed along.
Well, even though Arataki Itto along with the gang had gotten him in that crazy situation, looking back, Aether didn't regret any of it. Besides, he got to have some fun, and a lot of laughs out of it. Rather than misfortune, what he thought at first, he would consider it just fortune, and he could only smile at the fun memory.
May the best one win
Genshin Impact - Xiao, Aether, Albedo and Wanderer
A/N: First things first, I want to thank @eliankrios for his support, patience and - above all that - his trust. This is my first big project in a good while and I think (and hope) that I managed to do a good job so... yeah.
I'm not really used to larger fics, but before I noticed, I was already reaching the word count. This was trully a ride, hahah. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this, my dear, faithful customer!
Summary: One day away from starting the next cycle of his journey, why not gather a few friends - and a special person - to hang together?
Word count: 6605 words
Aether sat down and placed a bunch of letters on top of his desk, spreading them out in a fan. He couldn’t help but feel the expectation building up inside him, hoping for a positive outcome.
A couple weeks ago, Aether decided to promote some sort of gathering with his friends. A little farewell party before heading out to the next cycle of his adventure - after all, who knows for how long he will be away in Natlan?
So, with this thought in mind, Aether used his bestest writing to invite the ones he held dear over. Delivering the letters across all the continents he visited so far was a tough task, but Aether knew it would be worth the effort. Not only his friends, but he was also inviting him over, so of course he had to do each and every thing in his reach to make it work.
Back to the present, the replies to his invitations began to arrive, one after the other. The different seals in each stamp showed where they were from: Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru and Fontaine. Aether sighed, picking up the first one and carefully ripping it open.
His eyes scanned over the words written down, beaming with excitement with the positive answer by the foot of the page. A sense of relief and happiness filled his heart by the time he opened the second letter. And the third… well, the traveler pouted, maybe not everything would work out, after all. The fourth and fifth balanced each other out: both answers surprised Aether as they came as the completely opposite of what he had anticipated.
So far, Albedo, Xiao and Wanderer agreed to come over, while Kazuha and Lyney had to decline his request: one thanks to The Crux’s sailing plans and the other to his busy agenda. Still, managing to bring these three, with him included, was enough to fuel Aether’s imagination, dreaming of the day of the gathering.
He looked down at the letters, his mind now wandering to the second matter: what was he going to do with those three together? Thinking about it, would they even get along? Well, surely about was an easier person to be dealt with, but Xiao and Wanderer…
Aether shook his head. He shouldn’t be expecting the worst. What if they ended up enjoying each other's company? Or even became friends? Yes! The traveler stretched out his arms above his head, crossing his hands behind his head as he stared at the Serenitea Pot’s ceiling. He couldn’t wait for the day to come!
…
Well, they were talking to each other, at least. Not in the way Aether expected - or wanted, for that matter - but, still, a conversation, he supposed.
Clenching his hand around his cup, Aether peeked left and right, hoping to spot any improvement in his guests’ mood. So far, however, Albedo was the only one to be enjoying himself, it seemed. He sighed, a faint voice inside his head already telling this whole meeting was a bad idea.
It’s not like he could say things went downhill from the very start. At first, with just him and Albedo - the first one to arrive -, everything worked out just fine: they had a little chat, Albedo tried out one of his dishes and even complimented Aether on the whole idea. It, indeed, felt like it was about to work out amazingly.
However, it seemed like his plans shattered in front of his very own eyes from the moment his second and third guest arrived - both at the same time, coincidentally. As soon as Xiao and Wanderer landed eyes on each other, animosity and an ominous feeling began to fill the room.
For some unknown reason, they did seem to get along. Aether couldn’t recall a time where they could possibly have interacted before and, being in his right mind, he wouldn’t consider inviting them both together if he knew about any of this - so why do they seem to… hate each other?!
Still, at first, Aether tried to think that it was just his impressions. After all, they wouldn’t be at each other’s throats for the whole night, now, would they?
They would. In fact, they were still at it.
There was no need for words when the two anemo users stared at each other like that, silently threatening their opponent and throwing daggers with their piercing looks. Aether could barely breathe as the tension began to get to him. It felt like they would start to throw punches if Aether took his eyes out of them for a single second!
Suddenly - breaking the silence like a rock thrown at a peaceful lake - Albedo hummed, clearly pleased. “The tea is really good, traveler,” he said, taking the cup away from his lips as he lowered it, “where did you say it came from again?”
Aether’s jaw dropped. ‘My savior’, he thought, coughing to clean up his throat before proudly holding his cup up. “From Fontaine! It might be a bit too sweet, but I really liked it, hehe… I ended up getting a couple more, so drink as much as you want, ‘Bedo!”
“Huh, ‘a bit too sweet’?” Wanderer scoffed, leaning back in his seat and cocking his head to the side, throwing Aether a teasing stare. “You have such a childish taste, traveler. I bet you even added sugar to your cup, didn’t you?”
“A-ahah,” Aether giggled nervously, blushing slightly. He indeed added an extra sugar cube… “Well, I just-”
“You don’t have to drink it if you don’t like it,” Xiao interrupted drily, his arms crossed in front of his chest while his brows furrowed. Uh oh. “Aether had all the trouble in preparing it for us. It’s rude to complain like that.”
“X-Xiao, it’s not that ser-”
“So what? Why are you even hurting in his place?” Wanderer snapped back defiantly, barely shifting in his place if not for his head tilting back - moving it just to look down at Xiao.
This was bad. Really, really bad. Aether looked left and right, trying to utter something to ease the tension, but ending up just getting interrupted before managing to utter anything. He didn’t even know if he should step in at that point - what if they thought he was taking a side? Even worse, what if they wanted him to take a side?!
While Aether lost himself in a flurry of thoughts, with one idea running over the other, Xiao and Wanderer continued their ‘little’ bickering, getting more and more flared up with each other.
“You should show proper respect to your host - especially if it’s someone as Aether,” Xiao hissed, leaning forward in his seat as if ready to jump at Wanderer’s face within the next seconds.
Still, the other guy didn’t seem like he was planning to back down. “I can talk to him however I want. We are friends and he doesn’t mind. Why should I listen to you?”
“Apologize to the traveler. Now.”
“Or what, Yaksha?” Wanderer grinned. “Want to take it outside? I can b-”
Clap!
“Ahem.”
The two stopped, widening their eyes in surprise and turning their attention to Albedo, who still had his hands together. He also managed to call Aether’s attention, who watched him with expectant eyes - almost as if begging him for a solution. Someone as smart as him surely could come up with something, right?
“I didn’t plan to step in, but it doesn’t seem like you two will figure it out peacefully,” he sighed, his eyes scanning the room from one side to the other, making eye contact with Xiao and, then, with Wanderer. “Am I right?”
The two guys looked away, one puffing out his cheeks while the other clicked his tongue. Why did it feel like he was dealing with two kids..?
“He started it,” Xiao mumbled, saddened to see how distressed Aether was at the whole scene. “He was being rude to Aether.”
Wanderer sighed, rolling his eyes, “exactly, to Aether. Not to you. He doesn’t even care, you are the only one complaining.” Just as he finished speaking, Wanderer also shot a glance at Aether’s face and, despite his attempts to conceal his emotions, it was clear that it also bothered him.
However, even when they were aware of the consequences of their bickering, it didn’t seem to be enough to appease the mood. In a blink of an eye, they were about to start the whole discussion all over again.
So, for the second time, Albedo decided to meddle in their fight. “Do you two really wish to fight each other so badly?”
The unfriendly duo huffed, keeping themselves quiet, but clearly agreeing with Albedo’s statement.
“Sure, you can fight, then.”
“A-Albedo?!” Aether gasped, what was he even trying to achieve by allowing such a thing? Did he want to take notes on the results of Xiao and Wanderer’s falling out?! “N-no, you can’t fig-”
“But,” Albedo continued, skilfully capturing the attention of all the people in the room, “to prevent any harm to be done, you’ll have to solve this through a contest. And, whoever wins, gets to be ‘right’ about this matter. Good enough?”
Silence quickly sat in the room. Albedo could be a really mysterious - if not confusing - person when he wanted and, at times like these, it was almost impossible to figure him out. What was he even planning with this ‘contest’?
“Why would I even joi-”
“Fine for me,” Xiao abruptly cut Wanderer’s speech, looking at his possible opponent. “I can do it, no matter what it is.”
Wanderer gritted his teeth, growling quietly as Xiao managed to easily get into his nerves. “Ok, let’s do it. I can’t wait to hear the Yaksha begging for my pardon.”
Albedo smiled, looking at his side to meet Aether’s eyes. “Would you like to join as well, traveler?”
“H-huh? Me?”
“Yes, you can take part in it too,” Albedo nodded. “If you win, then they both shall apologise to each other.”
Aether furrowed his brows slightly, taking the offer in consideration. Certainly, winning on their terms would probably prevent Xiao and Wanderer from getting into another fight so it should be worth the try, right?
“Alright, I’ll join you guys too!” Aether clenched his hands, excited. This was getting interesting. “So, what’s your idea, Albedo?”
“Yeah,” Wanderer added, “what’s the ‘contest’ about?”
“Endurance.”
…
“What?” Xiao, Aether and Wanderer asked, almost in unison.
Albedo chuckled, taking back his seat and elegantly crossing one knee over the other, ready to start his explanation. “So, the main goal here is to prevent you,” he pointed to Xiao, “and you,” then at Wanderer, “to hurt each other. My proposal, then, is an endurance test. Whoever lasts longer, wins. Simple as that.”
“And how exactly do you plan to test our endurance? Making us run around the house?” Wanderer mumbled, supporting his head on his hand as he looked at Albedo.
“By tickling you,” Albedo said with a smile, contrasting the unsettled faces of the other three. “Whoever takes the longest time to yield, wins.”
It didn’t take long for a pink hue to cover everyone’s faces. While Aether’s eyes widened and his whole body tensed up with a shiver running up his spine, Wanderer looked away, trying to hide his blushing cheeks by pretending to cringe at the idea. Meanwhile, Xiao fiddled in his seat, trying to find courage to face such a trial while telling himself that ‘it was for Aether’.
And, just like that, no one dared to object to the idea - each of them with their own reasons to not do so. “It’s settled then,” Albedo said as he clapped his hands together, his eyes scanning the whole room while a subtle smirk planted itself on his lips. “Is there anyone that would like to go first?”
That question seemed to spark a whole new level of anticipation among the ‘contestants’. Eager eyes shifted back and forth between one and another, trying to read who was going to make the first move.
A sharp inhale, then, directed everyone’s attention to Wanderer. “Fine, I’ll do it. Just get over with this stupid contest already,” he groaned, throwing a deadly glare to the other three as if daring one of them to even lift a finger towards him.
And as expected, his silent threats seemed to do the trick for Aether while, as for the Yaksha, it seemed to make him hesitate - after all, he wouldn’t want to start a fight in front of the traveler again. However, during the few seconds Wanderer occupied himself with keeping an eye on them, Albedo made his move.
“AH!” Wanderer squeaked like a toy, quickly shooting his arms down and pressing them against his body as hard as he could, trying to stop Albedo’s hands from climbing his ribs any further. “Y-you- fuhuck! G-grhrr, I wihill f-fuhucking kihill you!!” He growled, leaning his head back into the chair rest, but further into Albedo’s grasp.
“You’re allowed to laugh, though. I think I forgot to mention that,” Albedo mused, his index fingers poking at different spots in Wanderer’s ribcage, prodding at the little spaces between each bone in search for a sensitive spot that would make him crack. “Just say ‘yellow’ when you can’t take it anymore and I’ll stop, ok? That’s also what will count as ‘yield’.”
“I d-dohon’t need a fu- pfft, d-damn it! A sahahafe word! I’m n-nohot tihihicklish!”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Albedo mocked, digging into the back of Wanderer’s ribs with his thumb. Getting behind him was proving to be awfully convenient for him, he thought while making little notes in his head about Wanderer’s ticklish spots.
It was a sight to behold, from Aether’s and Xiao’s point of view. Albedo made touching someone like Wanderer seem easy, even casual, completely tickling his way through the threats and curses.
“You’re pretty ticklish here, right?”
“N-NOhohoh!! G-gehehet off, ahAHAH!!”
If it weren’t for the fact that they were up next in the line to get that treatment, it would be a pretty amusing scene to watch. As expected of Albedo, it seemed that every tweak of his fingers, every poke and every stroke were planned, calculated. Wanderer didn’t stand a chance as no matter what direction he arched or twisted his body, Albedo would already have his hands ready to welcome him with more tickles there. “Yohohou jehEHEHerk!! It tihihickles!”
Albedo simply scoffed a laugh and continued with the ‘contest’s trial’, his digits kneading at Wanderer’s lowest set of ribs. “Of course it does, that’s my goal.”
But despite how hard he tried to make it tickle or how bad Wanderer claimed it to be, he was still not yielding - which meant it wasn’t time for Albedo to stop or let him go yet. A small pout took place in his lips while he pondered if he should try a different spot or, maybe, look around Aether’s place for a quill or a brush?
Then, feeling the gazes of his audience upon him and the current contestant, a different idea popped up in Albedo’s mind. Right, why didn’t he consider asking for some helping hands before?
“Would you like to join us?” Albedo suggested, cocking his head to the right while one of his hands managed to sneak under Wanderer’s arm, managing to tickle the smooth skin with the tip of his digits even with Wanderer clasping his arms down as hard as he possibly could. “Oh, did I hit a good spot?” He mused, looking down to the one squirming in his grip.
“NOHohohoh!! I-it’s ahAHAHahwful!!” Wanderer whined, his feet kicking up as he threw himself back in his seat, hoping to make Albedo lose contact with him, even if it was just for a split of a second.
Back to the other two, they pondered about Albedo’s offer - after all, that seemed to be a double edged knife: if they did join, that meant Wanderer would also get to join when it was their turn to get tickled? But wouldn’t that also mean they had the chance to make him surrender faster? Well, it was worth the shot, Xiao thought, while Aether only considered that it would make things more fun - and that should be enough to outweigh the cons.
Wanderer - too busy laughing and squirming in his seat, trying to fend off Albedo’s skilful fingers - barely noticed the two figures walking towards him. Not only that, but it wasn’t like any other sound besides his giggles could make it out of his mouth at that time.
All he could pay attention to was Albedo’s fingers trying to move and wiggle their way further up his torso, still managing to tickle him under his arms even when he tried so hard to protect that spot. Each move sent that awful signal that made him want to smile and laugh through his nerves and straight into his brain, over and over.
He wasn’t even human, so why was he so sensitive?
Suddenly, that and other inquiries that crossed his mind lost all the room they had inside Wanderer’s mind. With his eyes still pressed shut, he could only feel - as focused for a brief moment - that Albedo’s hands managed to… multiply? Wait, that didn’t make any sense. If he was tickling his armpits, then who the hell was holding him down by his waist?
Oh.
“W-wahahait!! I didn’t sahahay you’d gehehet to join!” Wanderer whined, pulling his knees up close to his stomach as his in a vain attempt of stopping Aether from joining in. “GeEHEhet ahaway frohohom me!!”
“Stop squirming,” Xiao groaned coldly, grabbing one of his ankles and forcing him to stretch out his leg, “Albedo said we could join. You weren’t already thinking of yielding, were you?”
“Don’t be mean to him, Xiao,” Aether said, but didn’t complain about the extra room Xiao provided him. His fingers roamed freely, wiggling over Wanderer’s lower sides and stomach.
“YOHOHOU!! AHahAHaha, y-you suhuhuck!” Wanderer laughed, scrunching up his shoulders and thrashing his head left and right.
Albedo tickling his armpits and ribs from behind, Aether playing with his middle like an instrument and that stupid Yaksha holding his legs down. This couldn’t possibly have gone any worse, Wanderer thought while a wide, careless smile bloomed into his face.
“Tickle tickle tickle! ~” Aether cooed, repetitively poking Wanderer around his navel, circling his stomach and even going down to tease his sides as well. “I think I’m better than Albedo at tickling you, won’t you agree?”
“That’s bold coming from you, traveler,” Albedo snapped back, “I would say he is barely feeling your hands.”
It was hard to even process what was happening around him. Wanderer’s body mostly moved out of reflex, barely having room to ponder about his actions. He arched his back, tried to kick his feet up and even twist his torso, swatting his hands at any ‘threat’ within his reach. “S-stohohop it!! Y-yohou ahHAHare all s-so- aHAHaha, so l-lahahame!”
If this was how things went, Wanderer could probably achieve a decent score with much effort. However, there was a missing piece that he failed to notice: Xiao. The Yaksha, while keeping Wanderer’s legs held down, watched the whole scene carefully and plotted his strategy - the main goal was to defeat him, after all. Why show him any mercy?
“I tohohold you to stahAHAHAH!!”
Aether and Albedo widened their eyes as his laughter soon rose a pitch. Maybe even two. To their surprise, the ‘best tickler’ wasn’t Aether nor Albedo, but Xiao. “This is the weak spot,” Xiao muttered, his eyes coldly staring at Wanderer’s laughing face. He kept one of his legs outstretched while, with his free hand, he squeezed the spot just above Wanderer’s knee, sending him into hysterics.
Simple. Effective. Even a bit cruel, if you asked Wanderer. The tickling from Albedo and Aether even slowed down a bit, but Wanderer’s laugh only seemed to grow more and more frantic.
“NOHOHOH MOHOHOREHEH!! AHAHAhah, f-fiHIHIHINE! AHAH ~” He whined, desperately trying to pull his leg out of Xiao’s grip, “Y-YEHEHEHELLOW!! StahAHAH-”
Clap.
Xiao lifted his eyes from Wanderer’s to Albedo’s face. The alchemist had a pleased smile on his face while holding his hand out in front of his chest.
“A-ahah… ah… y-you freheheak…” Wanderer cursed through tired giggles, his body going limp on top of his seat. His disheveled hair sticking to his forehead while his chest waved, trying to catch up his breath.
“Well, that wraps up our first round,” Albedo explained.
A cocky smirk took place in Xiao’s lips as he looked down at his main opponent, almost as if mocking him. Meanwhile, Aether’s eyes opened wide, beaming with excitement and anticipation - as that was probably what would wait for him. “H-how long was it, ‘Bedo?”
“I can’t say it yet, traveler,” he chuckled, “I don’t want anyone trying to push themselves beyond their limit just because of a silly game. So, let’s just stick with the rules for now, yes?” With that said, Albedo slowly walked around the chair, letting Wanderer rest while looking at Xiao and Aether, “should I decide who is going next, now?”
If it weren’t for Wanderer’s heavy breathing, the room would have been engulfed by silence again. However, just as Albedo was about to say something else, his attention shifted from the pair of “upcoming contestants” to the one next him. “Wanderer, what are you-”
“The Yaksha is going next,” Wanderer said as he got up, walking towards Xiao with bloodlust in his eyes. Did he really remember the goal of this contest was to not use violence?! “Come here!”
“G-get away from me!” Xiao groaned, trying to step back just to be tackled down into the soft carpet. Before Aether or Albedo could express their concern, Wanderer was already… tickling him. “S-stohop it! I dohon’t want y-you to doho it!” Xiao whined, kicking up his feet and swatting his hands at Wanderer's in a rather careless manner - it was not like he would bother himself with trying to not hurt him by accident.
Wanderer, with a wicked grin spreading over his face, continued to knead into Xiao's sides, determined to break him into laughter as soon as possible. “What do you mean? You wanted someone else to tickle you, you freak?” He mocked, pushing his hands away before dig into his lower stomach.
“S-shuhut it!! This ihihis nohohothing!” Xiao laughed out loud, caught off guard by the sudden change of spots. A faint blush began to spread over his face as he realized Aether had been watching him all this time. “I c-cahan tahahake it,” he boasted, almost as if trying to impress the traveler.
Wanderer, however, wasn't going to let that slide off easily - he was also one of the contestants, after all. “Suit yourself, Yaksha,” he muttered, half annoyed by Xiao's stubbornness, half amused by the whole situation.
Xiao was fighting not only one battle, but two. One to restrain himself from laughing, to make that revengeful tickling a bit more bearable and last the longest among them - or, at least, longer than Wanderer. The second was to maintain a collected image in front of Aether - the one he was ‘fighting’ for. It was just a childish, stupid game, not something that could beat a Yaksha. It was just tickling - he could, and would, take it, yes.
“I-ihihit’s useless!” Xiao mumbled through gritted teeth, trying to mock Wanderer’s attempts to crack him up. “Yohohou are teheherrible at this!”
And as much as he would hate to admit, seeing Xiao taking it so well was starting to get on Wanderer's nerves. He tried tickling his sides and ribs, scratching his stomach and even pinch his waist, but couldn’t find a spot that really worked: all he could get from Xiao was those quiet, annoyed chuckles. “It doesn’t sound like you agree with that, Yaksha.”
“Are they always this competitive?” Albedo muttered to Aether with a surprised smile on his face, unable to do anything but be amused by the whole scene. “I didn’t expect they would take it so seriously.”
“W-well, they never hung together before,” Aether chirped, scratching the back of his head in surprise. At least no one was getting hurt and they were… enjoying themselves? Having fun? Something like that, he thought. “But I think it’s a good thing they… are sort of getting alo-”
“Hey, you two,” Wanderer groaned with a frown, “aren’t you going to help me as well? Or did you suddenly decide to not get involved?”
“H-hah, I knehehew you cohohouldn’t do it b-by yohohourself,” Xiao taunted again, a confident smirk taking space in his lips amidst the restrained giggles. He, however, kept a tight grip around Wanderer’s wrists, limiting a good amount of his moves. “You ahahare not up fohor the tahask!”
“Shut it, Yaksha,” Wanderer groaned, growing frustrated. He moved his head left and right, switching his attention between Xiao and the other duo, “I’ll make you eat your words, j-just you- ugh, let go,” he hissed, yanking his hands out of Xiao’s wrists before latching them at his sides again, making the latter arch his back and kick his feet as a loud fit of laughter nearly broke through his throat.
Aether and Albedo couldn’t help but to snicker at the scene. Nodding as if in some kind of silent agreement, they decided to join Wanderer’s efforts in making Xiao laugh.
Albedo first positioned himself behind Wanderer’s, further restraining Xiao’s legs. Despite the whines and protests, he managed to pull off one of his boots and pin his leg into the soft mattress to scribble over the socked sole with his free hand. Albedo’s fingers wiggled upwards, stroking from Xiao’s heel up to his toes.
As for Aether, he took upon himself the task to take care of Xiao’s hands, taking a seat right next to the Yaksha’s head and allowing him to use his lap as a pillow. With a bit of Wanderer’s aid, he managed to pull Xiao’s hands up, exposing more of his torso for Wanderer’s merciless tickles. For some reason, having Aether holding his wrists down was flustering him the most among everything that was happening around him.
With the ticklish feeling running back and forth all over his body, Xiao thrashed his head, pressing it further into Aether’s lap as he laughed brightly. His free leg kicked and his back arched - his defenses had, indeed, crumbled. Still, the whole point wasn’t to make him laugh, but to make him surrender.
“T-thahAHAH- that’s unfahAHAhair!!” Xiao laughed, a faint red shade covering the whole extent of his cheeks. “L-lehehet go, trahAHAhaveler!” He pleaded, his hands clenched into fists while he desperately tried to pull down his arms, only to have Aether stopping him midway and pinned down again
“Not so cocky now, eh?” Wanderer grinned, his fingers digging into the side of Xiao’s ribs while his thumbs prodded at the spot below his chest, determined to find that spot, that sweet spot that would make Xiao apologize for nagging him. “Tsk, just yield already, stubborn Yaksha,” Wanderer groaned, quickly shooting his hands down to pinch Xiao’s sides, “you are clearly at your limit.”
“It would be wise to not push you to your limits, Xiao,” Albedo said, barely bothering himself to look back at the whole scene as he was too entertained with Xiao’s foot trying to squirm away from his fingers. “If you feel like it, just say the word.”
“I’m doHOHOhon’t neh-HEHEHEH NEEHEHED IT!”
The three sighed, something giving them the feeling that Xiao would rather have his brain melted by the laughter than admit defeat. “Oh, Xiao, why are you always so stubborn?” Aether chuckled, his fingers itching to do a bit more than just holding Xiao down… but, if he were to join, he should pick a good spot - but where?
His eyes roamed from Xiao’s flushed cheeks down to his neck, then up to his ears and to his arms, which were held up next to his head. Oh. Aether smirked, letting go of one of Xiao’s hands and reaching out for his exposed underarm, clawing at it with his free hand. “Come on, Xiao ~ I know it tickles too bad, even for you ~”
Just as expected, Xiao bursted into a louder fit of laughter as soon as Aether joined the efforts into cracking him up. The Yaksha’s banged his free hand against the soft mat underneath him, clenching it into a fist.
His cheeks and the sides of stomach were hurting from laughing so much and he couldn’t even make some meaning out of the conversation that was happening around him. It tickled so, so bad… Xiao pressed his eyes shut, trying to ignore the tickling, but each second of that electric feeling running all over his body felt an eternity. He couldn’t take it.
“AHAHAHAH, YEHEHELLOW!! YehEHEHEllow, plehehease!!” Xiao barked out among his cackles, turning his laughing face to the side and trying to bury it into Aether’s legs to hide his blushing cheeks. It took his brain some solid seconds to process that the tickling was over and, after all that “torment”, he was free.
“H-hehe, are you ok, Xiao?” Aether hummed, brushing his hand through Xiao’s head and wiping out the little tears that clung to the corner of his eyes.
“Tsk”, Wanderer pouted, totally not jealous of the little aftercare the Yaksha was receiving, “it’s just tickling. What kind of warrior would he be if he can’t take it?”
Albedo chuckled, but spared Wanderer of the reminder that he was the one laughing his head off just moments ago. “Don’t be mean, he did a pretty good job at this round,” he added, sliding off Xiao’s legs, “now… there is only one contestant left, right?”
That comment seemed to switch something inside Wanderer and Xiao’s heads. While Albedo displayed a playful smile, the other two locked their gazes into Aether’s face, one from below and the other in front of him, the latter just a half-a-Xiao away. “A-ahm… wait a second, I-”
“You’re not going back on your word, right?” Wanderer said with a smirk on his lips, already moving off of Xiao’s lap. Before Aether could even think of arguing back, the Yaksha was already sitting back up, staring at him with his golden eyes.
Aether swallowed, already accepting that there would be no way out for him this time. “F-fine, you cahAHA! W-wahahait a second, Xiao!”
“No,” Xiao muttered in a quiet, almost serious voice tone while he shyly pawed at Aether’s exposed sides, kneading into any patch of skin he could reach.
Truth to be told, Aether would have to deal with both him and Wanderer tickling him from the start if it weren’t for the way Xiao looked at the other two - like a wild animal fighting for its territory. Still, Aether was too busy laughing and trying to defend himself to notice those bits of possessive behavior. “You shouldn’t have agreed to this, traveler,” Xiao hummed, his words as firm as you’d expect from a warrior, but still… gentle somehow. “You’re too ticklish for it, it’s unwise.”
“I wahahanted to try!” Aether giggled, letting himself be handled by the Yaksha and comfortably placed on Xiao’s lap. With one arm around his back, Xiao continued to tickle Aether, smiling fondly as he managed to hang this close to the traveler. “X-Xiahahao,” Aether whimpered, scrunching up his shoulder, “n-not my ehehehar!”
“But I’m not tickling you there, I’m just breathing,” Xiao chuckled, his fingers dancing around Aether’s stomach while he nuzzled his face against the side of Aether’s neck, “I told you, you’re too ticklish for this contest.”
While Xiao insisted on teaching and lecturing Aether about the sensitive spots in his body, Wanderer and Albedo exchanged glances, watching from afar as Aether laughed out brightly. “Doesn’t this count as going too easy on him?” Wanderer pouted, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he sulked against the couch.
“Let him have it,” Albedo sighed with a slight chuckle, “and I’m not talking about the traveler,” he added quietly, making Wanderer arch one of his eyebrows. Well, at least someone in the room knew how to read in between the lines, after all. “Besides, don’t you think you’re taking this competition a little too seriously?”
“What?” Wanderer huffed, entertaining himself with the conversation while Aether’s laughter grew in the background, “do you expect me to compete for the second place? Someone needs to teach that Yaksha his place.”
Albedo laughed, covering his lips with the back of his hand in a charming manner. “Well, if you say so,” he shook his head, returning his attention to Aether - who was already blushing from laughing. For some reason, Xiao was also blushing just as much, if not more, while tickling the traveler.
“Xiahahahao, n-not thehehere!” Aether giggled, tugging at Xiao’s wrists and leaning his head back into Xiao’s shoulder while Xiao pinched and squeezed his waist, prodding at the soft spots just above his hip bones. “I-it tihihihickles too bahahahad!”
“I-it’s supposed to,” Xiao nodded, resting his chin by the side of Aether’s neck and allowing him to sink deeper into his embrace, “but you’re d-doing quite well, traveler. I expected you to tap out much faster than thi-”
“It’s because you’re going too easy on him,” Wanderer interrupted with a smirk, pushing himself back up into his feet and walking towards the little couple duo. Xiao frowned, too greedy to share his precious traveler with that… guy.
“I know how he likes it,” Xiao snapped, making Aether groan in embarrassment. Did he really need to say that out loud, the traveler thought, but didn’t voice it. “Unlike you, it seems.”
However, against what he expected, Wanderer chuckled at his snark. He shook his head and clicked his lips, almost as if spotting a fatal flaw in Xiao’s method. “That’s the problem. He shouldn’t like it, right? He needs to beg!”
“AHAHAH!!”
Xiao widened his eyes as Aether bursted out in a loud, unrestrained fit of laughter - and only then he realized the traveler was only giggling all this time, and not laughing for real. “He is pretty ticklish all over, all somewhat the same,” Wanderer scoffed, pushing his hands under Aether's arms and clawing at his ribs and the sides of his chest, “you need to go harder or you’re not going to make any progress.”
As much as he hated to admit, Xiao couldn’t deny that Wanderer seem to be… right. Could he actually have been going easy on Aether all this time without notice?
Despite the little bickering happening around him, Aether could only mind the fact that it tickled. Xiao’s gentle, playfully tickles around his stomach and hips made him feel lighthearted, made his heart flutter. Meanwhile, the restless, almost maniac-like touches from Wanderer’s fingers around his ribs made his head spin and even made his chest hurt a little from the lack of air. “A-AHAHAHALBEDO,” Aether cried out, pressing his arms down against his sides as he tried to protect his vulnerable torso from the tickles that seemed to come from all sides, “HEHEHELP MEHEHE! AHAHA!!”
“I can’t,” the alchemist said from the distance, his voice barely audible among the loud cackling, “you didn’t say it yet.”
Right, the word. That word. Aether shook his head, gritting his teeth as he tried to gather strength to say it. “Y-YEHEHE- AHAHAH!! Y-yehehell- hhahAHAH, I CAHAHAN’T!”
“Come on,” Wanderer mocked, “it’s a simple word, how come you can’t do it?”
“I’M TRYHIHING! AHAHAH, PLEHEHEASE!” He whined, shaking his head while tears of mirth clung to his lashes, “Y-YELLOW! YEHEHEHELLOW!”
Wanderer grinned triumphantly and Albedo sighed in relief, but Xiao pouted slightly, feeling like his fun was ruined by that other guy - even though he was still glad he managed to have Aether for himself, even if for just a bit.
“A-ahahah… o-oh my…” Aether giggled, nearly melting over Xiao as the tickling finally came to halt. His head was spinning and he could swear he almost ascended to Celestia right there and then. “T-thihis was fun, heh…”
“It’s not supposed to be fun, it’s a competition,” Wanderer corrected him, that self-assigned superiority back in his eyes. “Now, alchemist, who wo-”
“Wait,” Aether stopped, shaking his head as if to force himself to recover, “it’s not over yet,” he smiled, taking one last gasp of air to stead his breath. “It’s Albedo’s turn now.”
“What?” Albedo blinked in confusion, pointing to himself with one of his hands as if to emphasize his shock. “But I’m not participating,” he said while letting out a small giggle, trying to hide his nervousness.
“How come?” Wanderer added, reading through Aether’s intentions and deciding to encourage them for once, “it’s only fair you get a turn too, this was all your idea, after all.”
Albedo’s eyebrow twitched slightly while his body leaned back into the couch, the apprehension growing within his chest. “M-my idea to solve your conflicts, I’m not part of the deal. W-what would I even win by beating you?”
“That’s up for you to decide,” Xiao added, standing up again before helping Aether to get back into his feet, “but I agree you should participate.”
Aether looked at Wanderer, at his right, and then at Xiao, at his left. He didn’t expect them to join or support his plan - he only wanted an excuse to tickle Albedo, after all - but this whole ‘contest’ thing seemed to, indeed, have made them closer. “Get ready, ‘Bedo! ~”
“A-Aether!” Albedo gasped, trying to get up in a hurry to evade Aether, but only managing to get a few meters away from the couch before being tackled down by the traveler. “S-stohop!”
“I didn’t even start,” Aether laughed, straddling Albedo’s back before starting to tickle his sides and lower ribs. “Show them how it’s done, ‘Bedo!”
Damn it. Of all the things that could’ve happened, a turn of tables against him - with even Xiao and Wanderer fighting on the same side - was the last one Albedo expected. “Nohoho! I dohohon’t wahahant to pahaharticipate!”
Aether smirked, shaking his head, “too late for that! But don’t worry, I’m rooting for you,” he said, letting out a short giggle while trying to move his fingers towards Albedo’s armpits - an attempt the alchemist promptly blocked, stopping to flail his arms and using them to try to protect his body instead. “You two,” Aether called out, looking over his shoulder, “aren’t you going to join?”
Xiao and Wanderer nodded, walking towards where Albedo had been restrained, “of course, he is the ‘most promising contestant’, after all, “Wanderer commented sarcastically.
“W-wahahait! Yellow! I-I quihihit!”
“That’s not acceptable,” Xiao added in a cold voice tone despite the warm, playful smile on his face, “you’re clearly not being fair with us. You should always give it your all, no matter the circumstances.”
“Nohoho! W-what ahahre you two doin- aHAHAH! H-hehehey, lehehet me go! ~” Albedo laughed, feeling some more weight against his legs before the new sets of fingers began to roam and tickle any spot they could find around his legs. If they were already so determined to tickle him, Albedo didn’t even want to imagine how they would react when they found out that there was no true winner - after all, he had never timed their turns to begin with.
Sigh, at least they seemed more friendly towards each other now, Albedo thought while trying to sound “genuine” enough in his attempts of yielding between his laughter. This was going to be a long - but fun - night…
Revenge
Wanderer/Sethos/Aether
a/n: sequel to Underestimated as requested by the wonderful @blobbirobbi 💚 I hope you enjoy!
★・・・★・・・★・・・★
“Is he still behind us?!”
“I dunno! I’m too scared to check!”
“YOU'RE DEAD!”
“Yep, he’s still behind us!”
“Keep running!”
Aether and Sethos had been running for their lives for the past ten minutes, though it felt like ten hours at this point. What seemed like harmless fun at the time, turned out to be a life-or-death situation, and both kept running through the streets of Sumeru.
“We could probably lose him if we head to Alhaitham’s place!” Aether called back to the bow wielder who was a couple of steps behind him. “I’m sure he would help us out!”
“That’s just up ahead, lets hurry while there is still some distance between us and the raging terror back there!”
With renewed determination, both sped up in the direction of Alhaitham’s home.
When they reached the scribe’s door, Aether began knocking upon it frantically, urgently calling out. “Anyone home? We need help, quick!”
Silence.
“Alhaitham?” Aether tried again. “Kaveh? Anyone!” he then tried his luck with the handle, seeing if it was unlocked. Rude, yes, but this was an emergency. Unfortunately, that option had failed them also as the door was locked and no answer was heard.
“Well, well.”
Aether and Sethos flinched, both slowly turning to see Wanderer looming just behind them, a wicked gleam in his eyes and a menacing smile playing across his lips.
“How unfortunate, it seems like no one’s home.”
“N-Now, Hat guy,” Sethos nervously waved his hands in front of him. “We can talk about this, right? There’s no need to do anything rash.”
“You see, that’s where we disagree,” Wanderer placed a hand on both of their shoulders. “Actions speak much louder than words, so why waste your breath? After all, you’re going to be needing it.”
Aether and Sethos gulped.
Before they could protest, Wanderer yanked them harshly towards him and kept them pinned against his body with his arms wrapped around their middles, after a bit of panicked squirming, Aether then felt fingers dig into his exposed sides and midriff.
“AH! No- Ahahaha!”
Sethos received the same treatment, though it seemed he was more reluctant to lose his composure in comparison to the blonde traveller, who dissolved into immediate giggles and laughter.
The only sound Sethos offered was muffled laughter behind his closed lips as he kept his mouth closed, his shaking body giving away just how much he wanted to laugh.
“That won’t do, little bee.” Wanderer said, his fingers travelling up to the electro user’s ribcage. “I won’t be satisfied until I hear you both begging for mercy.”
Sethos finally cracked when he felt those fingers vibrating against his sensitive ribcage.
“Nahaha! Nohohot thehere!”
“You two really had the audacity to think you could just get away with ganging up on me? Your idiocy reaches new levels with each passing day, it seems.”
“Ihihit wahahas Aheheether’s idehehea!” Sethos howled when his upper ribs were the next target.
“Whahat!” Aether choked. “Yohohu sahahaid- AHAHA NOHOHO!” Aether was interrupted when Wanderer’s fingers attacked his navel, undoubtedly his weakest spot judging by that reaction.
Wanderer did have to wonder why Aether chose to have such a weak spot on display, but he put it down to idiocy again. It worked well in his favor for now, at least.
“I CAHAHAN’T BREHEHEATHE!”
“Stahahap it!”
The tickling had gone on for a few minutes now and both had tears in their eyes from mirth, their hair becoming unruly through all the squirming and their legs were starting to give out on them from all the laughter, making it more difficult for Wanderer to keep them both up right against him.
“Apologise, now.” He demanded.
“Wehehe’re sorry!” both said in unison, sounding exhausted through their breathy laughter. Wanderer gave a ‘hmph’ and paused his tickling, both greedily gasping for air.
“Don’t you ever think of pulling a stunt like this again,” Hat guy rolled his eyes at their lack of response, still trying to regain their composure. “I won’t be so kind next time.”
“This was kind?” Sethos questioned, but as soon as those darkened eyes pierced into his own, he regretted it. “I, uh, I mean, t-thank you for your kindness, oh merciful one.”
“You’re welcome.”
Sethos looked at Aether, who remained quiet since the tickling had stopped and he winked at Sethos knowingly. Both mirroring the same smirk.
They would both be doing this again.
“What is all the commotion outside?” Kaveh questioned as he stepped out of his bedroom to the living area where Alhaitham was seated. “Didn’t you hear the door knock?”
“I did.” Alhaitham replied, not taking his eyes off the pages of his book.
“And you didn’t answer it, because?”
“I was busy.”
“I can see that.” Kaveh rolled his eyes before taking a seat beside him. “It could have been something important, you know?”
Alhaitham huffed a small chuckle. “I doubt that.”
Doctors orders
I was never good at titles lol but I had to write this. I do hope this fic is up to your expectations :>
Note: this is not an Aether x Baizhu its more of a comfort kind of fic if you know what I mean but this IS a tickle fic :>
@featherlight-touches I finished it yipeee :D
Baizhu was sitting at his desk in the backroom, working with Aether on the bed next to him. After the fight with Beisht, Baizhu offered to keep Aether for the night, to keep an eye on him to make sure he was ok.
Baizhu was writing diligently, the paint brush pen he normally uses being manipulated by his hand while his eyes focused on the paper. Aether shifted a bit in the bed, causing Baizhu to glance over at the smaller, blonde boy in the bed. The poor boy had a blanket wrapped around him as the armoured crop top he normally wore sat on a chair in the corner. Baizhu wanted to make sure that the blow he took earlier would heal quickly, meaning he couldnt have pressure nor weight on it.
"Is something the matter? You need to rest." Baizhu said, snapping Aether from his thoughts.
"Huh? No, I'm fine. Thank you." Aether said, faint smile painting his lips. Baizhu however, didnt miss a beat, noticing his slightly furrowed eyebrows.
"I'm a doctor Traveller. I know when someone isnt ok." Baizu sighed, moving to Aethers side, to check up on him. "Are you in any pain?" Baizhu moved the blanket slightly, feeling around the injured area until Aether let out a small giggle.
"No no, I'm not in any pain. I'm fine." Aether claimed, "I just... Can't sleep." He knew he shouldnt lie but it wasnt something he necessarily felt like the doctor wanted to deal with.
"Hmm..." Baizhu withdrew his hand, placing it underneath his own chin, deep in thought. "If you would like, I could brew an herbal or chamomile tea to help you, or if you want a stronger concoction, perhaps I could offer you some of my good sleepy medicine?" Baizhu offered a warm smile to the smaller boy.
"No its all good I... Dont need any tea or medicine." Aether sighed.
"Somethings troubling you." Baizhu furrowed his brows at Aether before continuing, "if you talk about it, it may help you sleep." Baizhu gently placed a hand on Aethers shoulder, a small act of comfort in these dark times.
"Its just..." Aether took a breath, "I miss my sister, Baizhu." He mumbled as he looked down. The words meeting the snake lovers ears caused him to give Aether a reasuring smile.
"My, my, thats well ok. Youve been apart for so long. But I must say, she wouldnt want you mopping over her, now would she? She wouldnt want her favorite brother sad." Baizhus gaze softened as Aethers eyes met his.
"I know she wouldnt but I can't just shake the feeling." Aether admitted as Baizhu chuckled.
"Maybe not, but I have just the cure for that." Baizhus smirk turned into a more playful grin, "ah, I must prescribe you some laughter and smiles, afterall, laughter is the best medicine." Baizhus smirk grew, relishing in the confusion of Aethers face. "Hmm... This may tickle just the smallest bit," Baizhu smiled, "or a lot!" Changsheng chimed in. Before Aether could get a word in, Baizhu fingers were lightly tracing his ribs.
"Bahaizhuhu" Aether giggled, grabbing onto Baizhus hands.
"Is something the matter? Is something funny? Why are you giggling like a little school girl?" Baizhu feined ignorance, his fingers dancing over Aethers ribs with practiced percision. Aether shook his head, giggles pouring through. "Bahaizhu that tihickles!" Aether squeaked out, causing Baizhu to let out a chuckle of his own.
"It tickles? Why its supposed to, how else do you expect me to get you giggling?" Baizhu moved his hands down to Aethers sides, his spidering movements getting slightly faster as Aether began to kick his legs out.
"Baizhu nohohoo!" He giggled, weakly attempting to push Baizhus hands away not really trying to stop him.
"Baizhu yeeeesss" he teased, dragging his words on in a sing songy tune. "You know, you havent exactly been trying to stop me
Maybe you enjoy this?" Baizhu teased, his hands getting closer to Aethers belly. Aether didnt answer but kept giggling.
"Perhaps... We should up the dose." Baizhu smirked, suddenly attacking Aethers belly causing him to loudly snort and descend into non stop giggles and cackles.
"My, my, someone seems particularly ticklish right about here." Baizhu honed in on a specific spot causing Aethers giggles to get louder.
"BAHAHAHAIZHU PLEAHAHAH NOT THEHERE-" he cackled, full on squirming now.
"Ah, I think we found the right dosage to cure your sadness." Baizhu smiled, continuing his assault for a few more minutes before stopping, the blonde boy heaving in air, greedily, still giggling the remnantsof the tickles out. Aether leaned against Baizhu, his head resting on the green haired mans shoulder. "To far? Are you ok? Feeling better?"
Aether nodded, smiling widely still, "yea... Thanks I... Needed that" his chest rose and fell with each deep breath he took. "I'm all good. Thank you Baizhu." He smiled, closimg his eyes as he seemed to quickly succumb to the need of sleep after that.
"No problem traveller. Just doing my job." His gaze softened, making sure that Aether was comfortable.
"Are you really going to let him sleep on your shoulder like this?" Changsheng chimed in, causing Baizu to chuckle.
"I'm a doctor, my job is to give my patience comfort. He has been without his sister for so long he just needs a shoulder to rest on, some comfort." Baizhu smiled as his white snake sighed and coiled into his lap, finding some peace in the quietness of the semi dark room.
"Sleep tight traveller." Baizhu mumbled before wrapping an arm around him.
