#ler!gaming

“GAHAHAHA! I’M GOHOIHIHING TO DIEHEHEHE! PLEHEHEHEASE!”

“So dramatic~ but fineeee,” Venti relented, giving Aether a departing kiss on his lips that took his breath away before handing him to Dahlia.

Aether whined, his face smothered against Dahlia’s lap, before his breath hitched when he heard Dahlia's teasing voice above him.

“What happens if I do this?~”

Aether, who usually is quick and alert, now has the reflexes of a large cryo slime as he was too late to turn around before ten fingers started scribbling over his back.

“Gahehehe! Dahahalia! Ehehehe!” Aether squirmed, but did not fight back. “Nahahat thehehere!”

“You’re so ticklish, Aeth~” Dahlia whispered softly against his skin, peppering his shoulder blades with kisses as he trailed his fingers down Aether’s spine.

“I’m nahahahat!” Aether denied, squealing when he felt a raspberry at the back of his neck.

“No? I think we all think otherwise, especially a certain Yaksha~”

Dahlia winked at Xiao before leaning down and tilting Aether’s face towards his, giving him a quick peck on the lips and letting Xiao take him.

“Nohohoho,” Aether giggled weakly, lightly beating at Xiao’s chest.

Xiao took that as a chance to kiss his cheek and nuzzled against him.

“Aether,” he breathed in his scent, mouthing light hickeys on his neck.

“X-Xiao,” Aether panted in return, sliding his hands down Xiao’s front as the Yaksha pulled back to look at him.

A twinkle took place in Xiao’s eyes as he asked a question, “Hey, do you like raspberries?”

Aether’s dazed gaze turned into full-blown panic as the look Xiao gave him showed the Yaksha already knew the answer.

“I-I’m too ticklish! Xiahahao! P-Please!” He covered his abdomen in a futile attempt to deter his Yaksha, but Xiao was not having it as he gently pushed Aether’s hands away and brought his lips down to the blonde’s navel and licked teasingly, pulling giggles from his lover before going for the kill and blowing raspberry after raspberry.

Aether shrieked before letting out full belly laughs, halfheartedly tugging at Xiao’s hair and kicking his legs out in ticklish mirth.

“XIAHAHAOHOHO!” Aether howled, arching his back to try and get away, but Xiao followed him, and when he added nibbling into the mix, that was Aether’s downfall.

“AHAHAHAHA! XIAHA—HAHAHA! STAHAHAHAP! I-IT’S TOO MUHUHUCH! P-PLEHEHE— EHEHEYAHAHAHA!”

Xiao let off, hugging Aether’s waist instead and smothering his face against his belly, leaving light kisses in his wake.

“Ehehehehe!” Aether giggled and squirmed as he brought his hands to his face to muffle his giggles.

“Mine mine mine,” Xiao muttered under his breath, getting lost in the noises Aether was making.

“Xiao, we would like to have a turn, y’know,” Kinich looked at him with a challenging look.

Cat-like eyes stared down lizard-like ones before Xiao brought Aether closer to himself.

“Five more minutes,” he finally said. “Whahahaha!?”

He let out a surprised laugh, turning behind him to find Venti sneaking an arm around his waist and pulling him towards Dahlia and himself.

“Nohohoho!” Xiao complained before falling into ticklish mirth at the hands of two teasing lers.

“Xiao Xiao, you are so clingy with Aether,” Venti chastised, going for his back window.

“Allow us to have time with him, not that I complain about this type of drama and getting to tickle you,” Dahlia added, pinning his legs and tickling behind his knees.

While Xiao was getting a well-deserved wrecking, it was Gaming’s turn to give Aether his White Day gift.

“Hehe, I'm looking forward to this!” Gaming bounced up and down in his seat with joy and pulled Aether towards him.

“Please be gentle?” Aether whispered with a soft tone.

Gaming’s eyes softened, and he gently pulled one of Aether's hands to his face and kissed them sensually, rubbing his cheek against it, while his free hand entwined with Aether's other hand, circling his palm.

Aether sighed, letting out soft, breathless giggles as he let his head fall on Gaming’s shoulder.

“No way, since when were you this ticklish on your palm?” Gaming asked in awe, swapping the motions on Aether's hands.

“I gotta hehe keep some secrehets to keep youhu on your tohoes, don't I?” Aether teased, kissing Gaming’s neck, which was in reach.

“Oh, you are so devious, Ae,” Gaming giggled, now lightly tickling both of Aether's palms.

Aether doubled his efforts, blowing raspberries on Gaming’s neck, making the latter surrender.

“Hehe, Happy White Day, Aether.”

“Happy White Day, Gam. Thank you for the gift.”

They shared a sweet kiss before breaking apart, Aether crawling towards Kazuha and Heizou afterward.

Before Aether could get a word in, he was pinned down onto the couch with Kazuha raising his arms above his head, which was laid in his lap, and Heizou straddling his hips, evil grins on their faces, making Aether tremble in anticipation.

“So, you like being tickled, don't you?~” Heizou whispered teasingly, crawling his fingers agonizingly slow up and down his abdomen, making Aether bite his lip and squirm.

“A-As if!” He lied. “And even if I did, n-neither of you can even tickle me to make me l-laugh or even giggle.”

"What a brave thing to say for someone so ticklish~” Kazuha purred into his ear, making him squeak and shiver in giddy anticipation, widening his eyes and shaking his head rapidly when he felt the ronin tie his wrists with his scarf.

“Aww, look at him, Kazu! Squirming like a fish out of water~”

“It is quite cute~”

Aether looked up at them with an anxious grin, “P-Pleasehe!”

Aether felt his heart drop when a giggle slipped through his defenses, and the smirks they gave him made his stomach flip. He knew his fate was sealed, especially when Kazuha placed his hands on both his armpits, and Heizou stilled the gliding of his fingers.

He squirmed even more in response, tugging at his bonds and his giggles increasing the longer they stayed still.

“D-Dohohon’t dohoho ihihit!” Aether begged. “I'll dohoho ahahanythihing!”

Heizou and Kazuha exchanged a quick glance before leaning down towards Aether's ears and cooing, “The panic is adorable~”

With that, they dug in, making Aether scream in laughter. Heizou was clawing at Aether’s belly and squeezing his sides, while Kazuha vibrated his fingers in his armpits.

“OHOHOHO MY GAHAHAHAD! IHIHIT TIHIHICKLES! IHIHIT TIHICKLEHEHES! IHIHIT TIHIHIAHAHACKLEHEHEHESSSS!” Aether laughed boisterously, bucking his hips so hard that Heizou was almost thrown off.

“Dang, he got that hip strength,” Sethos chuckled, making Kinich and Lyney look away as a bright shade of red painted their cheeks.

“So what was that of not being able to make you laugh or even giggle?~” Kazuha teased, massaging right in the center of his armpits.

“IHIHIHI TAHAHAKE IHIHIT BAHAHACK! IHIHI TAHAHAKE IHIT BAHAHAHA—!!”

“You know you are wayyy too ticklish to say stuff like that~” Heizou smirked, dipping his finger into his navel and scratching at the sensitive walls.

“IHIHIHI KNOHOHOW! I’M SORRY! IHIHI’M SOHOHOHORRY! I’M SAHAHAWRYEHEHE!”

“Sorry doesn’t make it better, my love~” Kazuha winked at Heizou.

“You can take a little more, can you?~” Heizou chuckled, winking back at Kazuha.

“KAHEHEHEDEHEHERAHA! SHIHIHKAHANOHOHIHIHIN!”

“Aww, he’s using our first names, how cute~”

Aether was ultimately tickled to tears by the time the two were done with him, kissing him sensually before leaving him a hiccuping, giggling mess in Albedo’s lap.

“Look how red you are,” Albedo chuckled. “How adorable~”

“Dohohon’t tehehease mehe,” the blonde whined into his lap.

“No? I thought you liked teasing?” The alchemist quirked an eyebrow at him, massaging the ticklish sensations away, only to wiggle a finger at certain spots to ignite a tingling ticklishness that spread throughout his lover's body.

“I-I do…but— Behehedo! You sneheheaky, hahaha!”

“Sorry, Ae, but I can't help myself with how addicting your laughter is~” Albedo chuckled, running his fingers underneath Aether's chin, making his love lean into the touch despite it tickling a little.

“Mmmnn,” Aether purred, breathy giggles breaking through once in a while as Albedo caressed the sides of his neck and the back of his ears before ending it with a captivating kiss on his lips.

“He's all yours, Scar.”

“Finally, took you long enough,” Scara rolled his eyes, taking Aether for himself. “What shall I do to you?~”

“I just want a hug!” Aether squeaked upon having Scara pull him into his lap.

“A hug…” Scara contemplated the request before sighing. “Fine.”

He opened his arms up for a hug, much to Aether's surprise.

“Really?”

“I'll close my arms if you don't come.”

Aether didn't need to be told twice as he snuggled into Scara's embrace, Scara's arms closing around him before he felt light prodding at his ribs.

“Whahahahait! Nohoho!” Aether wiggled, making a lukewarm effort to get out.

“You honestly believed I would just hug you without tickling you?” Scara asked, amused. “You are quite naive, Ae~”

Scara grinned, capturing Aether's lips in his and kissing him softly, while his index fingers made a circular motion on each of Aether's ribs as he drank in the bright giggles of the blonde.

“You're lucky that Kazu and Hei tickled you a lot or else I would've done the same, perhaps even more than them~” Scara whispered in between kisses. “A shame, I guess I have to ruin Seth,” he looked up at Sethos, who looked dumbfounded, before sighing, accepting his fate after all this is over.

Scara spent a couple more minutes on hugging and tickling Aether, cooing soft nothings into his ear before whispering an I love you and giving him to Sethos.

“You are always so radiant every time I'm graced in your presence,” Sethos smiles, placing a chaste kiss on the edge of Aether's lips.

Aether needily chased Sethos’s lips, as the leader of the Temple of Silence endearingly chuckled at him and gently pushed Aether down onto the couch, straddling his thighs.

“Let me kiss you,” Aether pouted, but was only met with a finger on his lips.

Sethos laughed, “You’ll get what you want, Ae. Let me give you my White Day gift first, ya? Hip tickles~” he winked at him.

Aether felt a delightful shiver down his spine, a nervous smile forming on his face as he looked up at Sethos, trembling.

“Y-You knohohow my hihips arehe a bahad plahacehe!” Aether giggled, turning away from Sethos, only to gulp when he saw the rest of his lovers grinning at him. Xiao’s a bit lopsided because he was just recently destroyed.

“I haven't even touched you yet, and you’re giggling this much,” Sethos teased, swiping a finger across Aether’s quivering belly, making him yelp before grabbing his hips. “But I shouldn’t keep you waiting, huh?~”

“W-Wha— Gahahaha! SehEHETHOS! IHIHI WAHAHASN’T REHEHEADY!”

“Now there’s that sweet, bubbly laughter!” Sethos laughed alongside him, pinching and poking at his hips.

“Knead his hip bones. Kneading his hips really gets to him~” Scara, who settled his chin on Sethos’s shoulder, playfully added.

“D-DOHOHON’T LIHIHISTEN TO—BWAHAHAHA! NAHAHAHA! I’M BEHEHEING BEHEHETRAHAHAYED!”

“Oh come on, you love it,” Sethos and Scara said in unison, both of them looking at each other in surprise.

Sethos continued to tickle him a little bit longer, following Scara’s advice and switching between different spots, though mainly focusing on his hips, before finally relenting and giving Aether his well-deserved kiss and getting off of him.

Aether lay there panting, closing his eyes and laying his arm over his eyes. After a moment, he felt a finger tracing his open palm, making him shuffle his arm away and open his eyes to see a certain magician grinning mischievously down at him.

“My sweet Aether~” Lyney nuzzled their noses together before placing a kiss on his forehead. “Enjoying the attention?~”

Aether smiled, nodding his head, his blonde hair strewn about, making him look ethereal.

“Ah ah, use your words, mon chéri~” Lyney chuckled, wiping a stray strand of hair away from Aether's eyes.

“Do I have to?”

“Mhmm, if you want more kisses~”

“Oh, you are a mean magician.”

Lyney just grinned at him innocently.

“I'm loving the attention…and I do love the tickle gifts,” Aether shyly admitted.

“Aww,” Lyney cooed. “Well, you have me and then our lovely Kimchi to give you our gifts. Kinich, would you want to join me on the stage?”

“I would be more than honored to,” Kinich smirked, scooting over towards Aether and locking his feet in a tight grip. Kinich! Aether squeaked.

“Without further ado, let the show begin~”

Lyney descended onto the undersides of Aether's knees, fluttering his fingers over them, making Aether squeal and instinctively kick out his legs, almost kicking Kinich in the face.

“SohohorryEHEHHEHE!”

Aether burst out laughing when Kinich tickled his feet in retaliation, pulling back his toes to make his feet taut before spidering up and down his soles.

“OHOHOHO NOHOHOHO! THAHAHAT’S SOHOHOHO BAHAHAHAD!” Aether howled.

He tried to heave himself forward to grab at Lyney’s hand, but Kinich started prodding between his toes, and Lyney, being the sly magician he is, charmingly dodged his grabbing hands and squeezed his kneecaps, making Aether throw his head back and fall back onto the couch in helpless laughter.

“Too slow, mon amour~” Lyney teased, sliding his fingers up Aether’s thighs with an elegance that had Aether gasping before shrieking upon feeling Lyney massage there.

“Good one, Lyney,” Kinich snickered, but not to be outdone, he dug into the balls of Aether’s feet, raking his fingers along the sensitive skin, and that was the final straw for their boyfriend.

“OKAHAHAHAY! P-PLEHEHEHEASE! IHIHIT’S TOO MUHUHUHUCH! I-I— BWAHAHAHA! I HAHAD EHEHENOUGH! STAHAHAP PLEHEHEASEHEHE! MEHEHEHERCYYYEHEE!” he surrendered, slamming his palms on the couch repeatedly.

Both Kinich and Lyney slowed to a stop, giving him a quick aftercare session. Rubbing the ticklish sensations away and placing a kiss on either side of his cheeks before pulling away.

All the boys exchanged a glance before they all chorused, “Happy White Day!” with confetti flying everywhere.

A moment or two passed before they heard sniffling from their lover and saw that his eyes were watery, and it wasn't from the tickling.

“Ae, is everything—?” Xiao started, but Aether interrupted him.

“Everything’s fine, it’s just sniffle I never thought anyone could love me,” Aether sobbed softly, tears streaming down his cheeks. “It's so much to take in. Thank you for loving—!!!”

Aether gasped when he felt himself being lifted and placed on the ottoman part of the couch as everyone started softly tickling him and taking turns at kissing him slowly and gently, showing their golden blonde lover how much they love him. Whispering reassurances and declarations of their love to him.

His lips were puckered and swollen at the end of it as he panted, happy tears rolling down his face.

“You'll always be loved by us, Aether,” Kazuha murmured tenderly, the others nodding their heads.

Scara wiped his tears, soothingly rubbing his cheek. “Get those stupid thoughts out of your head. You are loved, no need to dwell on it any further.”

Aether sniffled some more before his breathing evened out and looked at all of them as they looked at him with unbridled love.

“Thank you,” Aether softly spoke at last. “For everything. This is the best White Day ever. Though…”

Aether shyly looked away from all of them.

“Do you know… Are all of you fine with… Y’know…”

They all knew what he was saying and immediately hoisted him up with no hesitation, walking over to the largest bedroom in their house.

“Of course, Aeth,” Lyney snickered softly.

“We thought you'd never ask,” Dahlia ruffled his hair.

“Well, those kisses were a turn on…” Aether trailed off, making the others chuckle.

“We'll take good care of you~” Heizou teased.

They all laughed before closing the door behind them and making love to their golden ball of sunshine~

—

Thank you for reading! :) -Kael ~Risus Amoris~

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.

    How did they get in this predicament? Well, somebody (cough cough, Xingqui, cough cough) thought it would be funny to give the old man coffee instead of tea, which didn't end well. Zhongli took one sip and immediately glared daggers at the teen. Gaming and Chongyun didn't actually do anything, but Xingqui dragged them into the whole mess.

    So now, there they were. Sprinting between crowds and taking any shortcuts to lose their tail.

    "Why did you drag us into this?" Chongyun groaned while turning a sharp corner.

    "You were willing to let me suffer all alone?" Xingqui pouted, "Besides, I always drag you into things."

    Gaming just laughed, "C'mon, it's not like you mind it anyways!"

    Chongyun stayed quiet, continuing to run as if his life depended on it. For all he knew, it did. 

     All three teens kept their pace but came to an abrupt stop. They'd run straight into a dead end. Right as they turned to run, Zhongli stepped into view and blocked their exit.

     "It appears you can't run anymore," Zhongli chuckled. Xingqui stepped back into the wall, whereas the other two kept their stance.

     Chongyun looked back at his friends, one looked slightly worried and the older one just smiled. Of course, they all knew the old man wouldn't hurt them, but slight fear still settled in. 

     "So? Who's idea was it?" The eldest asked. 

     Chongyun sighed and stepped forward. Hoping to protect his friend, he lied, "It was mine," His friends' heads shot over to him.

     "But it wasn't? It was mine," Xingqui defended, as he walked up next to the two teens.

     "It wasn't mine, but I did think it was kind of funny, I won't lie," Gaming admitted.

     "What I am hearing is that all three of you had at least some part of it," Zhongli shook his head, "Vile liquid, truly." 

     The youngest teen laughed quietly.

     "I see this is still funny to you."

     "Just a bit, yes."

     "Why don't I give you something better to laugh about, then?" The former Archon tackled Xingqui to the floor. Which didn't take a lot of effort, considering how Zhongli dwarfed the younger in both height and strength. 

     "AGH! Hey, hey! Wait! Ihim sohorry!!!" He pleaded, immediately giggling when the old man scribbled against his sides.

     "I do believe it is a little late for that," He paused to glance at the other two staring in awe, "if you both try to run again, it'll be worse for you."

     After that, they both decided against trying to escape. So they just stared at their friend.

     "I feel kind of bad, but he had it coming."  Gaming said.

     Chongyun pulled out a popsicle and started to eat it, he seemed to be blushing, "I never feel bad. He always dishes it out then drags me into it too," he smiled endearingly, "Hey, now you'll be a part of that tradition too!"

      "This happens often then?"

      "Basically everyday. You really should visit more, it's kind of entertaining." 

      "ZHONGLI pleheahase ihim sohorry!" Xingqui pleaded. Zhongli just shook his head and smirked.

      "Maybe next time do not go after me for your schemes. You know well enough the outcome," he paused to drag his hands up to the youngers ribs, "Come to think of it, it is almost like you try to get this to happen."

       Xingquis squirming intensified and he blushed brighter, "Thahats nohot- ihi dohont-AH!" 

       "Interesting sentence there. Mind explaining what 'ah!' means?" The ex-achron never let him answer; he drilled his fingers into the spaces between the youngests upper ribs. Xingqui screeched.

       "Woah! You're so loud," Gaming teased. He knelt next to the lee's head and patted it. 

       Xingqui shook his head to get Gaming's hand away, to which Gaming gasped dramatically.

       "Oho, you offended Gaming. I'll visit your grave, don't worry." Chongyun laughed, finishing his popsicle.

        The boy in question followed Zhonglis technique, drilling into his underarms ruthlessly.

       "NOHO PLEHEAHASE! STOHOP!!" He screamed, twisting and turning in every direction. Both of his 'attackers' let up, the older one turning towards the other menacingly. 

       "Wait, why are you looking at me like that?" Gaming said, slightly backing up to the best of his ability on his knees, "Nonono! Wait, no!" 

      Despite his pleading, he was tackled to the ground right next to Xingqui. Zhongli then Squeezed his sides, then he relished in the adorable giggles that followed.

      Xingqui sat up and looked over to Chongyun pleadingly. Chongyun walked over to him and sat next to him. Xingqui fell into the other's arms and laughed quietly. 

       "I don't feel bad for you, so don't try to get that out of me," the older chided. Xingqui whined slightly before leaning further into the hug. Chongyuns face went bright red.

       Zhongli spidered across Gaming's ribs, eliciting a shriek, "Well, you seem to be even more ticklish than Xingqui and Chongyun. I did not know that was possible, Gaming."  

      "Shuhush!" He yelled.  

      Zhongli just nodded in disapproval. He switched from spidering to squeezing with one hand and poking with the other, staying on his ribs. Gaming moved from side to side, laughing sweetly. 

      "How endearing," The eldest chuckled, moving his fingers to Gaming's stomach and scribbling. Gaming just shook his head, trying to get rid of the sensations. 

      Xingqui perked his head up and motioned for (a very red) chongyun to let him go, to which he complied. The youngest got behind Zhongli and squeezed his sides.

      He straightened his back and turned quickly, grabbing Xingqui and pulling him next to Gaming on the floor. Chongyun stared in awe of the stupidity of the situation.

      "Now that, child, was not very smart of you," Zhongli feigned a frown while attacking both of the teens under him. Chongyun backed up into the wall and observed, knowing he was probably, no, definitely next. 

      "Yohou ahalreheahady gohot mehe! Why ahagahain?!" Xingqui cried out, wriggling violently. 

      Gaming accidentally whacked Xingqui in the arm trying to protect himself. Zhongli, much against his morals, laughed at that. Xingqui kind of deserved it.

      Zhongli focused on those two for about 5 more minutes before letting them go. Both instinctively curled up on themselves, trying desperately to get rid of the phantom tickles. 

     "Chongyun," Zhongli said, making the younger flinch, "I believe it is your turn." 

     The boy in question stayed seated against the wall, but stared at the old man, blushing profusely.

     "Alright, come here," Zhongli ordered before basically picking up the teen and dragging him to the floor entirely. 

     "Agh! Waitwait! Ihi didn't even doho anything!" Chongyun attempted before shutting up completely when his side was attacked. He laughed immediately, softly batting at Zhonglis hands. 

     "Ah ah ah, hitting isn't very nice," Zhongli deadpanned, grabbing chongyun hands and pulling them up. He looked over to the two recovering teens, "If you help me now, I will go easy on you next time."

     They both seemed to contemplate it, Xingqui standing up first, "I'll help because I want to. It's not for your satisfaction, I just want to see my dear friend smile."

     Chongyun yelped, "You are such a traitor!" Despite Chongyun acting upset, he didn't fight Xingqui when he took his arms, nor did he fight to get free at all. 

     "Mm.. I'm sure you think I'm a traitor." 

     Gaming decided to join them, sitting next to Chongyuns legs. 

     "Noho, not you too!" Chongyun complained. 

     "Yehes me too!" Gaming teased. He experimentally squeezed the youngers thigh. He squeaked and kicked out his legs. Gaming grinned wildly. 

     Zhongli brought his fingers to life on Chongyun's stomach, to which he giggled and tried to curl up. Xingqui smiled down at his friend, wincing back at the loud squeak from the poking at the bluenettes thighs. 

     "You know, you're really cute like this," Xingqui booped his friend's nose, causing him to blush brighter than before. 

     "Ihaha cahant- ACK- Ihim tohoo- plehehease!" 

     "Awe, you are just adorable, haha!" Gaming complimented, skittering his fingers across the lees knees (hah see what I did there?).

     Chongyun dug his heels into the ground, trying to avoid kicking anybody. 

     Xingqui, out of fear of Chongyun hitting his head, moved to sit criss cross. He then moved the olders head to his lap for protection.

     "Are you just too ticklish? Is that what you're trying to say?" Xingqui finally said, "That's just soooooo cute, 'Yun!"

     "Shuhut uhup!"

     "What? I'm complimenting you!" He gasped in mock offense, "Is it too flustering for you? Awe, Chongyun." 

     The exorcist yelped when Zhongli targeted his upper ribs, beginning to cackle loudly. 

     "What is going on here?" A familiar voice called out. 

     Zhongli turned his head, "Ah, Madame Ping, hello."

     "Oh Zhongli, are you bullying these young children? How very rude!" She made her way to the old man, who had since gotten off of Chongyun. The teen was taking heavy breaths.

      "Oh no, I assure you they started this ordeal."

      "How can I be sure? Why don't I just teach you why you don't bother kids right now?" She threatened. Chongyun had migrated to hugging Xingqui, who lazily traced shapes on his back, making him giggle. 

      "I do not believe that would be necessary, Madame Ping," Zhongli defended. He seemed slightly nervous.

      "Oh but look at that boy-"

      "He does not mind it, truly," Zhongli interrupted.

      "And now you interrupt me? Oh I'll teach you a lesson, Zhongli!" She pounced at him. 

      Zhongli jumped before being taken to the floor. Xingqui and Gaming shared looks, seemingly thinking how did she take him down? 

      "I- they really did cause this whole thing, please, I am not lying!"

      Gaming had a mischievous look in his eye, "We did nothing! He just chased us here and attacked us so rudely!"

      Zhongli rolled his eyes. He quickly shut his eyes when his stomach was poked by Madame Ping.

     "Please not in front of them…" He pleaded.

     "Oh fine. Come with me, you bully," she teased, winking at the teens.

     Safe to say Madame Ping would be a new go to for ways to bother the old man.

♡~~~♡~~~♡

A/N: Psst! If you liked this, there's a lot more on my masterpost! Check it out if you get the chance!

Gaming panicked, his arms already open and waiting, but Heizou managed to grab onto the hanging decorations and held on.

“Hah, I'm good. Just…hanging in there.”

Gaming sighed in relief before rolling his eyes.

“Let go and I'll catch you. We have to fix the decor-”

A snap could be heard, and all Gaming could see was the rapid approach of his lover coming down.

Gaming reacted quickly, widening his stance and trying to pinpoint Heizou’s fall, bracing for his inevitable weight.

“Ack!”

Heizou let out a yelp as his fall was stopped short, dangling upside down right in front of Gaming’s face. They stared at each other, frozen in shock. Gaming's mouth hanging open, and Heizou with wide eyes.

“Hi.”

“Hi—mphn!”

A cheeky smirk formed on Heizou’s lips as he closed the distance between them. Gaming melted into the kiss once he felt Heizou's lips on his, gently cupping his head and bringing them even closer, deepening the kiss.

“Mmph!?”

Heizou made a noise of surprise, patting Gaming’s shoulders and swinging himself back, gasping.

“Don't…have…enough…air.”

“Took your breath away, didn’t I?” Gaming teased, now the one with a cheeky smirk, stole another kiss.

“Mmm~ Okay, you did, but seriously, I don’t think hanging upside down is good for my health.”

“And whose idea was it to scale some shelves to hang some decorations?”

Gaming flicked Heizou’s forehead playfully.

“Ow! Okay, that probably wasn’t a good idea.”

“You think?” Gaming sighed. “Man Chai, help me out, will ya?”

Man Chai appeared and affectionately rubbed against Gaming, making him laugh before flying up and working on untying Heizou’s feet and legs while Gaming worked on freeing his upper body.

“Sorry,” Heizou mumbled.

“I still love you,” Gaming smiled. “Buuutt, that was pretty reckless of you soooo, tell me if you get dizzy, okay?”

“Wait, what do you MEHEHE- NOHOHOHO!”

Heizou shrieked when he felt fingers dig into his armpits, instinctively pulling his arms down, or up in this case, and fighting gravity.

“THIHIHIS IHIHIS UNFAHAHAIR!”

“Mmm, it's not supposed to be fair because it's your punishment, Hei~”

“I SAHAHAID I’M SOHOHORRY! AHAHAHA, GAHAHAMING! STOHOHOP TAHARGEHETTING MY WOHOHORST SPOHOHOT! NAHAHAHA!”

“Nope.”

Heizou tried to push Gaming away, only to have the middle of his pits drilled into, cackling as he wiggled around helplessly. Tears of mirth were already rolling down his face.

“That bad, huh?”

“YEHEHEHES, IHIHIHIT'S THAHAT BAHAHAD! GAHAHAHA!”

Gaming moved one of his hands to his upper ribs and kneaded them, making him squeal. He can only hang there and take it, too tired to fight back or even defend himself.

“GAHAHAHAM!”

Sensing that Heizou was reaching his limit, he began the finale.

“Man Chai, you know what to do~”

Gaming slowed down as Heizou panicked, worried about what was going to happen.

“Whahat ahahare you gohohoing to dohoho?”

Before Gaming could say anything, Heizou exploded in laughter as fluffy fur ran along his soles.

“BWAHAHAHA! MAHAHAN CHAHAHAI! YOUHUHU RAHAHASCAL! GAHAHAHAM! STOHOHOP HIHI- HAHAHAHAHA! NOHOHOT YOU TOHOHOO! AHAHAHA!”

Heizou thrashed around, shaking in laughter as his grinning boyfriend wiggled his fingers against his neck and armpits while Man Chai moved about, reaching every nook and cranny of his feet and even behind his knees.

“YOHUHU GUYS! NOHOHOHO! PLEHEHEASE!”

He begged, laughing into his hands as the sensations overwhelmed him.

“GAHAHAHAMING! I'M GOHOHONNA DIEHEHEHE! STAHA-”

Suddenly, Heizou fell on Gaming, the two falling into a pile, and the hanging decorations gave out as they landed on the floor beside them.

“Oof!” Gaming huffed. “Quite the fall, huh? Was it too muhuh- Hehehei?!”

What was the beginning of smugness turned into laughter as Heizou’s hands dipped under his clothes to crawl and squeeze his sides.

“Revenge!”

“Heheheizou! Gehehet- ehehehe! Ohout ohof thehehere!”

“Hmm…no, I don't think I will~”

He vibrated his fingers, and Gaming threw his head back laughing, halfheartedly pushing at him.

“Hehehei!” He giggles. “Ihihit tihihickles!”

Heizou's heart melted at his cuteness, throwing his revenge aside for a later time and instead just softly fluttering his fingers across his belly before pulling Gaming up and dusting Man Chai off, who leaped at him before going back to another part of the house.

“How are you so strong?!” Gaming exclaims in surprise.

“I’m not just some detective who sits in an office, you know.”

“Makes sense, considering you do have nice arms.”

“I have nice arms, huh? Which parts of my arms do you like looking at?~”

He raised his arms, placing his hands behind his head and flashing Gaming a smirk and a wink.

Gaming’s face flushed red, looking away, but then burst into giggles when he felt fingers wiggle against his neck.

“So, do you want to tell me? I can probably arrange something for your birthday present~”

“Whahahat!? Nohohoho! I’m nehehehever tahahalking!”

“I guess I have to keep going then~”

“Wait! Heizohohohou! Nahahaha!”

Heizou grinned at Gaming, planting a kiss on his forehead before continuing.

In the end, Gaming turned into a giggle puddle and surprisingly managed not tell Heizou, but both of them already knew the answer once Heizou pulled away.

“I love you, Gam. Happy birthday.”

“Hehe, I love you too, Hei.”

They both looked into each other’s eyes and shared a kiss, knocking their foreheads together and giggling, the decorations long forgotten.

—

Extra part that I didn’t know how to weave into the end:

Venti! Stop throwing the flour everywhere! Not you too, Dahlia!

Achoo!

You made Durin sneeze!

Ae, we need more eggs.

I got eggs! They’re down he—

Everyone OUT! Kinich, Xiao, and I are staying in here. Durin can stay, but everyone else, move your butts! And you’ll have your wine later, Ven!

Gaming and Heizou watched as Venti, Dahlia, Albedo, and Lyney walked out of the kitchen. All of them were coated in flour, stopping when they saw the duo.

Once Heizou caught sight of Lyney, he quickly whipped a mistletoe out of nowhere and held it up between him and Gaming with one hand and kissed Gaming deeply, who returned it with equal fervor, while throwing a smirking glance at Lyney before returning his attention to making out with Gaming.

Take that, Lyney~

Hei is really mmn, good at this.

Oh, that sly detective.

Christmas love is in the air.

That is really hot.

To emphasize his point, he squeezed Aether’s sides, making him bark out a laugh.

“Now, let me sleeeeeep.”

Aether couldn’t see it, but he felt the way Gaming’s lips curled up into a grin against his skin before the lion dancer started snoring obnoxiously and the hands on his sides started tickling him more deliberately.

“HehHEEHEy! NonOHNONohohOHOHHO! IHIHIHIHI DIHIHIHIDN’T ASK FOHOHOR THIHIHIHIS!” Aether squealed, squirming around and trying to push him off. Darn Gaming for having all that muscle!

“Mnn, maybe try not being a great pillow then?” Gaming teased, worming his fingers to the divots of his ribs.

“GAHAHAHA! YOUHU EHEHEVIL LIOHOHON! EHEHEVILHEHEHE!”

Aether laughed before remembering that he could tickle Gaming too! And conveniently, his arms were wrapped around him.

“TAHAHAHAKE THIHIHIS!” Aether let out a war cry before crawling his hands underneath Gaming’s shirt and scratching the sensitive skin.

“Ahahahack! Youhuhuhu sneheheheak!” Gaming laughed, trying to pull his arms toward himself, but his hands got trapped beneath Aether’s back.

A panicked smile started worming its way onto his face while a smirk started to form on Aether’s. Knowing Gaming would panic and try to pull his arms away, he used his weight to keep Gaming’s hands pinned and wrapped his legs around Gaming’s own, keeping him trapped. And to add to Gaming’s desperation, Gaming was unable to even wiggle his fingers to try and retaliate against Aether.

“A-Aehehehe! Ihihihi wahahas juhuhuhust plahahaying! L-Lehehet mehehe g-GYAHAHAHA! WAHAHAHAHA!”

Gaming couldn’t finish his sentence, resorting to smushing his face into Aether’s chest, muffling his laughter.

“Now, let me sleep~” Aether chuckled, hugging Gaming even tighter and keeping him trapped.

He was grinning from ear to ear now, as he skittered across Gaming’s bare back, swiping down his sides, and not leaving any spot untouched. Gaming let out whiny giggles and laughs, shaking his head and rubbing his face against Aether, but never saying stop. Aether filed that for later, continuing for a little while longer before giving his lion dancer mercy, pulling his arms from underneath his shirt, and rubbing soothing circles on his back.

“You’re lucky you’re cute when whining, sleepyhead~”

“I’m nohot cuhute!”

“Are you asking for more tickles?”

“No! No morehe! J-Just cuddles…please?”

“Okay, okay,” Aether laughed. “Cuddles then.”

Both of them settled back in like how they were before the ticklish shenanigans started, their breathing starting to even out.

“Love you, Ae.”

“I love you too, Gam.”