Despite having stopped crying, Alice kept her head buried in Emma's chest for a little while longer. At the same time, Emma was caressing the girl's back while whispering soothing words in her ear.
Finally, she pulled herself back while mumbling, "Sorry," and trying to wipe away some of the snot and tears staining her face. Unfortunately, she only managed to spread them out. Emma giggled slightly at the sight and waved her hand slightly, inadvertently showing off her skills with aetherium by cleaning Alice's face with a wave of light.
"No need to apologize, Alice," Emma soothed with a warm, almost motherly tone. "Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on now and then. I was happy to be yours today."
"Thank you…" Alice smiled slightly, despite her hoarse voice and broken tone.
Then, she turned and looked at Erik with a complicated gaze. Erik calmly looked back at her.
