#ler!cloud retainer

"It was a good dream..." Aether's eyes found their way to the ground. "It's just..."

"You weren't ready to wake up..." The adeptus smiled gently when Aether nodded in response, gesturing for him to sit down next to her, to which he obliged.

Cloud Retainer's gaze lowered in thought. She had little expertise in comforting others. Just before her mind went blank, a memory crossed her mind. After some careful consideration, she decided that it was worth a shot.

"You know..." Aether's head lifted upon hearing the adeptus' voice. "One remembers when Ganyu and Shenhe were mere children. When they would cry, one would often find a particular method which would end their sorrows... Perhaps one may provide some comfort to you in this time of uncertainty?"

Aether smiled softly and nodded, wiping the last tears from his face, giving her the go ahead.

Cloud Retainer cleared her throat. "Ah, this method requires a closer proximity. Would you come closer?"

Aether nodded and scooched up closer to her. The adeptus gently repositioned him so the boy's back faced her.

In all honesty, Cloud Retainer was a little uncertain. She hadn't used this method in many years. However, the Traveler needed her comfort right now, and she was going to bring it to him.

In a gentle manner, Xianyun carefully wrapped her arms around Aether from behind.

"If you wish for one to stop, simply say the word..." She spoke gently in his ear.

Aether nodded in understanding, but gasped as he felt Cloud Retainer's fingers gently skitter across his midsection.

"Ahaha- hehehey!" Aether immediately burst into giggles, and squirmed in Xianyun's grip. "Whahahaha-"

"One found this method to be quite effective on Ganyu and Shenhe when they were young. One sure does hope one has not gone rusty." The adeptus smiled as she picked up her pace on Aether's tummy, focusing on his navel area which was oh so conveniently exposed.

Aether arched his back and squealed before leaning back into Xianyun, resting his head on her chest, laughing freely.

Cloud Retainer smiled as she looked down at the boy's grinning face, happy to see no sign of discomfort from him. Wiggling her fingers on the way, she moved her tickly hands up into Aether's underarms.

The blond's laughter rose a pitch as he cackled. "NAHahaha noHOT thEheREhe! Plehehehease-"

"Hmm..." Cloud Retainer pondered as her nails gently scribbled into the hollows of Aether's underarms. "Are you feeling better?"

Howling with laughter, Aether nodded as he kicked his legs like a schoolgirl.

Halting her tickly assault, Xianyun peered at the boy's face. It was pink, with a residual grin. "Are you alright?" She smiled gently as she turned Aether around to face her.

After the leftover giggles ended, the traveller looked up at the adeptus and nodded. "I am... Thank you."

"Good. One would feel quite awkward if one's method had failed." Cloud Retainer sighed with a smile.

The adeptus gently placed a hand on Aether's head. "One is glad to see that one's skills have not gone rusty. It would be most unacceptable if one of my young ones were to be left alone in their sorrows."