Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This will be a chapter guide!! Please refer to this if you would like to skip to certain chapters or just skip through, etc. Some of these if not most are rarepairs and I recognize not might be everyone's cup of tea, so please let me know if you'd like to see a certain day with another pairing! I tried to mix it up a bit. If some days get a request for another ship, I will make another fic in order to kind of keep it separate. 

One thing however: I won't do gory shit. This is supposed to be fluffy, cute, a little bit of angst? And I'll try to include smut where I can for you horn dogs out there. (Lol, it's me, I'm horndog.) 

I'm gonna try to catch up on days since I'm behind. Key word, t r y. But I'm a college student who has a crippling addiction at playing Genshin, so if I'm not sleeping or studying, I'm grinding for Childe's re-rerun (guaranteed!! but I just need to get to hard pity).

But please!! I need more genshin friends, or roleplayers (...cough). 

Also, this is your chance to turn back NOW. This includes mpreg, and some ships others might clutch their pearls at. Yeah, I'm looking at you, Kaeluc. But at this point, I just don't give a fuck. 

I'm writing this at like 10 pm and I have an early class next day so I will just work on tags whenever. If I'm missing one you think belongs, lemme know. Also I like kudos and comments, I snort it like shit. You like my story, shit, so do I, let's talk about it! 

ONE LAST THING! 

Pairings are subject to change!! Especially because I have not written like...all of them, lol. So if you want to see one change, please let me know asap, I plan to get all these done and in drafts just to have ready to post. A couple are missing some ships so I'm open to recommends? I won't wrote Chongqiu, sorry. Or Rennet. I just mmmmm, not my cup of tea. I'm gonna yell it again because I don't want to mislead anyone. 

PAIRINGS SUBJECT TO CHANGE! If the day hasn't been done yet, then I'm probably still switching them around. If you see a favorite ship has been replaced for a day(not a request), please just strangle me and tell me to change it back. I will!

one last last thing: Ships that have been requested are final. That day won’t change again. If you do want me to see that day with a ship, I’ll write it in an extra book! I will also "freeze" some days, so those can't be requested just because I'm a stupid whore that likes that ship. But it can still be requested! It'll just go in the extra book.

Day 1 - You’re pregnant - Kaeluc

Day 2 - Denial - Albekae

Day 3 - Small belly/Early term - Venxiao

Day 4 - Cumflation - Zhongther

Day 5 - Lactation - Kaetho

Day 6  - Breeding - Zhongven

Day 7 - Alien pregnancy - Aekaz

Day 8 - Cravings - Chiluc

Day 9 - Outgrown clothes - Chili

Day 10 - Belly button popping - Tomokazu

Day 11 - Stretch marks - Zhongluc

Day 12 - Demon pregnancy - Aethrou (Requested!)

Day 13 - Multiples - Venzhong (Requested!)

Day 14 - Hormonal/HORNY - Zhongkae (Requested!)

Day 15 - Cuddles - Venluc (Changed for request!)

Day 16 - Weight gain - 4NEMO BOYS  / Aether and Kazuha pregnant 

Day 17 - Helping hands/support wear - Chaeyatho 

Day 18 - Eggpreg - Zhongchi

Day 19 - Monster pregnancy - Zhongrou

Day 20 - Ultrasound/internal - Venxiao (Requested!)

Day 21 - Kicking and squirming - Xiaokaz

Day 22 - Lingerie - Chither

Day 23 - Nice and cozy - Zhongxiao (Frozen!)

Day 24 - Toys - Choma

Day 25 - Science/experimental - Aebedo (changed for a request!) 

Day 26* - Alt Pregnancy (See Below) - Kaebedo (Frozen!)

Day 27 - Belly table - LucZhong (Changed for request!)

Day 28 - Belly worship - Gorkaz (Requested!)

Day 29 - Belly drop - Chili (Requested!) 

Day 30 - Labor - Xiaokaz (Requested!)

Day 31 - Not done yet - Aebedo (Requested!)

*Edit: So a lovely commenter told me what an alt pregnancy was. Welp. Uh. I have no idea if I'm okay with writing such a thing. So this day will be frozen, because I'm just getting a feel for it and it will be fantasy based because I have a good idea of what it shall be. I don't wanna spoil it so!! Look forward to it. :)

So I noticed that Zhongli is daddy a LOT...LOL, my mistake. So I opened up some days for potential requests. If they don't get a request until then I'll just go with the original but I don't know... I wanna hear from y'all. What ships are popular?? I don't want to keep reusing- But I might have to. Oh well. Enjoy!

Chapter Text

“You’re pregnant!”

Diluc feels his heart skip a beat in his chest, before dropping altogether into his stomach. The air tightens with the intensity of the news, as he stares at Barbara like she's grown four heads. There's no way in hell this is happening.

The pyro user is trembling, breaths coming out in short ragged pathetic attempts to just keep calm. Kaeya standing right next to the bed seems to be doing at least a bit better, frozen in place. It would be comedic how wide his eye is, if Diluc were even in the mood to laugh. He can't blame the other. 

"No." Kaeya says first, slowly before shaking his head. "That can't- Can you check again? This must be some kind of mistake."

The question confuses Barbara as well as it does Diluc, who whips his head around to glare at the other. "What do you mean mistake? Do you think this is some kind of joke?!" He didn't know why that particular question made him so upset, but his emotions have been at an all-time high lately and this seemed to be a plausible explanation.

Barbara pales at the tension between the two, stuttering. "We-....well, Master Diluc has voiced he missed a moon cycle, and with your...erm," She awkwardly clears her throat, and Diluc probably should stop glaring at the poor girl for just doing her job, but he can't help but to scowl. "coupling, the times match up. As well as your other symptoms. I did do a small test with your urine where if with child, it'll react with the-"

"Just give me a second." Diluc cuts off, sighing and bringing his gloved hands up to rub at his face. It's silent in the room, with him processing this information very...very slowly. But now the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. And the more he felt the dread in his chest. The inability to keep anything down, the missed cycle, the sore chest... He scoots off the medical bed from where he was seated, beginning to lightly pace within the room just to gather his thoughts. Or more like kickstart them. There was no worse time for this to happen.

So right now, nestled within him, is the product of his and Kaeya's night tangled within the sheets. It was only one time! 

Okay, it was multiple but Diluc knew that "just messing around" would lead to something more. He had expected himself to catch feelings first, and he did, but this was...an unexpected gamble.

"Master Diluc?" Barbara starts again, a sympathetic smile on her face. "Whatever you decide to do, I will try in the best of my ability to aid and assist you."

The redhead tenses and takes a glance over at Kaeya, who is uncharacteristically silent. The cryo user isn't even looking at Diluc, blank gaze set on the wall. And Diluc isn't very sure of what to make of that, feeling bile rise up his throat and threaten to spill.

"I need...I need air." Diluc says, voice cracking. 

Barbara does let him go, but he doesn't really allow her to get much of a word out when he basically rushes out of the room. There's so much running through his mind and yet there's only one question that rings louder than anything else.

Did he want it?

Immediately, he thinks yes. Before hesitancy stops him in his tracks, stopped in the middle of the empty hallway. But this was Kaeya's child as well. And yet he...from the way he reacted, it seemed...

Diluc doesn't want to think about such a thing, feeling tears well up in his eyes. He couldn't, no, he wouldn't assume such things. At least, not without talking to the man first. 

A small sob escapes him before he catches himself, blinking to clear his teary vision. A shiver runs through his body, coaxing him to wrap his arms around himself. It was so cold in the church even despite him always being warm natured. He swears to the archons if this is because Kaeya's child now...

"Seeing you shiver is quite a sight I'd never thought I'd witness," comes a teasing yet solemn voice.

Diluc jumps out of his skin, turning to see Kaeya approaching him with slow steps. At first, neither of them know what to say before Kaeya inhales, speaking first. "I'm sorry."

It breaks Diluc's heart. What is he apologizing for? Does he regret it? Will he...will he stay? "Are you leaving me?" Diluc asks out loud, unable to keep the tremor out of his voice. 

"No!" Kaeya exclaims, moving forward to gather Diluc into his arms, A gloved hand comes up to brush over red fiery hair, while the other moves to hold him in by his waist. "Absolutely not, firefly. I wouldn't dream of it."

"Are you not...happy?" 

"No, if anything, I'm shocked, I'm ecstatic!"

Diluc huffs, burying his face into Kaeya's chest. "You have a funny way of showing it."

A small smile is pressed into his hair. "My apologies...It's just...Diluc, this is so sudden."

"I know," the mentioned whispers, almost going unheard. He's quiet for a bit more, before forcing himself to back out of Kaeya's embrace. "You said it had to be a mistake." He repeats, watching the emotion flash on Kaeya's face.

"No, firefly, I didn't mean it as we're a mistake. I promise. I just." The Calvary Captain appears to be at a loss for words, sighing and bringing up a hand to run through his hair. "I don't know the first thing about being a father."

The unspoken understanding radiates of Diluc, who awkwardly rubs at his arm, finding the floor quite interesting. A few more moments pass between the two, before Kaeya steps forward once more, taking the other's hands into his. "I like you, Diluc. I always have. And to be with you, to have a family with you. That's all I want. Anything for you. If I have to learn to be a father, then so be it." The confession seems to be rushed, as if to make up for earlier, but Diluc still can't find himself to hold Kaeya's gaze for long. 

"We still have lives. We can't just uproot it all for...we're going to jeopardize it all for a baby?"

"Do you not want this?" Kaeya asks, a hint of panic lacing in his voice.

Diluc scrunches his face, as if offended he would ask such a thing. "Of course I do, but if I have to spend the next nine months cold because of your baby..."

Kaeya searches his face for a moment before falling into a fit of laughter. It only prompts a pout from Diluc, who shoves at the cryo user. "It's not funny. I'm cold. I'm never cold."

"My deepest apologies. I will make it up and spoil you in the best way." Kaeya says, once again bringing the redhead into his hold before his expression sobers. "I swear to you I will be by your side, through thick and thin. We will make this work."

Diluc's expression sobers as well, and he fights back the urge to start crying once more even if they begin to well. "We're having a baby."

And Kaeya's hand sneaks up to gently caress Diluc's flat midsection, tears shining in his starry eye as he beams. The blue haired captain presses his forehead to his lover's.

"Yeah, we're having a baby."

Chapter Text

Kaeya barely had enough time to block the strike Diluc had nearly taken him out with. It’s a little harder since a blow from the heavy claymore is enough to make him stumble back but he knows Diluc isn’t even trying. 

Another clash causes him to lose his foothold, slipping his balance and falling onto the dirt ground. The tumble is harsh, and he lets out an “oof” sound as he makes the landing, not even having the coordination to twist onto his side to lessen the blow against his tailbone. 

“Now I know you’re trying to kill me,” He half jokes, groaning and moving to sit up. There’s a sharp ache in his back now, but he just chalks it up to having fallen flat on his ass.

“You’ve gotten sloppy.”

“Straight to the point then.” Kaeya grumbles, just as Diluc’s claymore comes to make a place right next to him in the ground, big and intimidating. He would almost think Diluc meant it as a threat if the pyro user’s gloved hand didn’t come down in an offer to help him stand. And Kaeya takes it, ignoring the deadpan look the redhead sported. 

No using their elements, just brute force and each other. That was the original agreement they came to a couple months ago in order to release stress. Or more or less, as Lisa called it, bond beating. Friendly fire fighting. Whatever name they spun on it, Kaeya couldn’t say it made their friendship better, but at least it helped work out some of their frustrations. 

Key word, some. Because talking is overrated.

Once Kaeya is upright and his sword is back in his hand, he huffs once more, rubbing at his aching back. “You could’ve gone a bit easier.” Standing up suddenly has him lightly grunting, feeling a bit dizzy and having to lean on Diluc to regain his bearings.

Diluc raises an eyebrow at the motion, crossing his arms. “Wasn’t it you who once said never to hold back?”

Kaeya clenches his jaw, sending his best glare to Diluc. “What is your problem today?”

“I have better things to do if you’re going to drag me out here and then not at least try.”

“I was- I am!”

“That was not you trying.”

Kaeya then pouts, if not to at least get Diluc to stop scowling at him. “You can’t be too hard on me. I’ve got a lot on my plate. Surely you sympathize with me?” The other then shrugs him off, after remembering that Kaeya still held onto him.

“You’re full of it.” 

And so, Diluc moves to take his claymore out of the ground, swinging it around his back for it to dissipate into thin air. That’s it, and Kaeya think he’s about to leave without a goodbye, before speaking up one more time. “We’re done sparring. Get your head out of your ass and go get some rest.” 

And he’s walking off, leaving no room to argue. Unbelievable. But that was fine. There are other ways Kaeya could let off some steam that wasn’t sparring or even get dirty since Albedo is in one of their “Don’t bother me, I’m in the middle of something important” science things. A whole week and a half without sex now! Surely Dragonspine can’t be that more comforting than Kaeya’s embrace. Now he’s salty all over again.

“-And then said we’re done sparring. What does that even mean? For the week? For a month?”

Lisa idly listened to Kaeya ranting, eyes lazily scanning the book in front of her. But Kaeya didn’t mind that, knowing she could multitask. Sure, he had very important things to do, but his back still felt sore from earlier and he was in no shape to go on an expedition. Diluc was right. He had gotten sloppy. 

“Ugh, I’m going to be sick.” Kaeya mutters, sitting down from where he had been pacing for the last five minutes. That seems to gain Lisa’s attention, and she perks up in concern. 

“Do you need to go see Barbara?”

“No, it’s just a dizzy spell. I’ll be fine. I’m used to it by now.”

She looks unconvinced. “Used to it?”

Kaeya just idly shrugs. “It’s been happening for about close to a month now. I’ve just been under the weather lately. Or maybe it’s because I’ve been so long without a drink.”

“Mhm,” Lisa hums noncommittally, leaning back into her seat and giving Kaeya a half skeptical and half knowing look. It quickly changes into a smile, when the cryo user gives her back a questioning look. “I see. But that would be something of concern that you should check out sooner or later. I’m sure our beloved Chief Alchemist would hate for their lover to not be taking care of themself.”

“If that means I get punishment-dick, then so be it.”

“An ulterior motive. That would make sense. Maybe you should go get some rest regardless, sweetheart.”

Kaeya bristles. “I don’t need rest. I’ll just...I’ll just go get a drink and be fine. That’s probably what I’m having: withdrawals.”

The alarm on Lisa’s face shows bright as day, and she hooks her arm around Kaeya’s in order to keep him seated. “You know what we haven’t done in a while? Gone out. It’s a lovely day, and I think I need to retrieve some overdue books from a few people. Of course, you’re tagging along?” She asks, with a small tilt of her head and a soft smile upon her lips.

Well, Kaeya had no other choice.

The cryo user doesn’t escape until way after dusk. 

They got lunch and dinner, but Kaeya couldn't stomach either option. If anything he could stomach, it was wine. That’s what he needed to fix everything. If Jean got wind of him not being up to par, then it was game over and he needed to be right as rain soon and fast. 

He approaches Angel’s Share, opening the door and sliding in. The clinking noise of cups and the warm atmosphere of the tavern greet him. Venti’s laughter can be heard also, and he spots the green bard leaning heavily onto the bartop, well into his drinking night. Rosaria is a few seats away from him, and none other than Diluc is tending to the bar tonight. Unfortunate, but it's okay. Probably just a means to make up for earlier.

So he slips up to the bar and sits right next to Rosaria, much to her chagrin. “Hey, gorgeous.”

“Don’t try it, Alberich.”

“I love it when you call me that,” Kaeya flirts right back, as Rosaria rolls her eyes and sips from her mug. Albedo knew about this type of relationship where Kaeya flirted with Rosaria just to get on her nerves and they found it amusing. Mostly because Kaeya did it to them as well. Except the alchemist had patience of steel so it almost never worked besides a small, amused smile.

“What are you doing here?” Diluc asks Kaeya, quite demandingly so from his tone.

“I’m a paying customer. Is that not what you want? My regular will do.” 

With a very obvious glare, Diluc moves to do that, as Kaeya leans into Rosaria, feeling fatigue hit him once more. “Did you change shampoos?” He asks all the sudden, senses flooding with Cecilia. The question makes Rosaria pause, leaning back to look down at him.

“No? Are you sure you aren’t already drunk?”

“No, I haven’t had a drink in weeks. Been too busy.”

Diluc sets the glass of wine down in front of him, and Kaeya is so relieved he could cry-

Before he could even think about picking it up however, a flash of green enters his view and he gets a lapful of bard. Quite literally, because when he gains his bearings, Venti has scrambled all over Kaeya and Rosaria in order to knock the glass out of his hand.

“Don’t drink that!”

“What the-”

“Hey!”

Once it’s all gone, and it’s impressive how he can down so much in little time, Venti slams his palms on the bartop. “Master Diluc,” He slurs, trying his best to sound serious. “May I have-” He cuts off with a hiccup with this. “A word. This way.” And at first Kaeya thinks Diluc is going to say no, because whatever just happened meant Venti was way too drunk to even stand, but surprisingly, he just wordlessly agrees. 

Kaeya pouts for probably the fifth time that day. He was really looking forward to that. 

But god, it was Venti, not Rosaria. The smell of Cecilias, albeit beautiful, is too strong and sweet for his senses. He slaps his hand over his mouth, stumbling out the chair and rushing for the back exit he knows is there.

*
Somehow, he makes it just in time to some shrubbery, falling to his knees in order to puke up his stomach’s contents. It burns, and it’s so sudden that Kaeya barely has enough mind to move his hair out of the way, barely being able to hold himself up on one arm. And when it’s through and done, or at least he hopes so, Kaeya spits up the last bit, heaving for breath as he crawls to sit back to the wall, a good ways away from his bile.

It’s been happening for a while. Never to the point of actually throwing it up, but that was only if he ate a lot. Maybe he had a bug. Yeah...that had to be it. And his hormones were just him being cranky due to said bug… Which also causes you to have to struggle with your corset lately. Just a very...very odd bug.

He’s an idiot for trying to go for the wine.

He has to hold back the urge to cry, burying his head onto his arms resting on his knees. He wanted nothing more than to hold his smaller lover as he went on about the elements and his newest experiment. Kaeya would listen, hanging onto every word. He just...he didn’t want to be alone. 

The door to the back swings up, and Kaeya jumps, looking up to see Diluc in shock at his state. And now he feels slightly embarrassed, frustrated at having to be so weak. 

“The sister said that you rushed out. So I came to check on you.” Diluc explains, crossing his arms. Yet his tone is...soft. Kaeya hates it. 

“I just got hot, I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll believe you get hot when Venti decides to go sober for the rest of his life.”  Diluc deadpans, before closing the door and walking over to kneel next to Kaeya. “Is there something you want to tell me yourself?”

Kaeya frowns, wiping at his eye. “Why are you being cryptic?”

“...You seriously don’t-” Diluc cuts himself off, before continuing slowly. “I think you need to go see Albedo. I’m not saying go now,” He rushes to clarify when he sees Kaeya’s expression “-but at least soon. Very soon.”

At the other’s silence, Diluc continues. “They’ll know. Just...stop moping around the tavern. Pick yourself up and actually do something. And you’re cut off for a very...very long time.”

With that, the pyro user stands and goes back into the tavern, probably to keep a further eye on Venti, who Kaeya is a bit curious as to what he had to say. 

But he did miss Albedo...a lot. And maybe it was time he at least go check up on them. Who knows? Maybe he could cuddle them or at least get a small teensy break for them? He still doesn’t know what crawled up Diluc’s ass and died, or what was up with his best friend, but it’s okay. Because he's made up his mind.

He’s going to see his lover.

Chapter Text

Xiao looked at himself in the mirror, slightly frowning. The hem of his over large shirt is bunched in his fists, raised up to reveal his midsection. He has been standing in the bathroom for probably five minutes now, just trying to spot a visible difference. 

And much to his disappointment, there’s not.

Xiao is pretty petite, but wouldn’t a growing baby show up soon?

Sure, he should appreciate being able to button his pants still, or fit into all his clothes. But he can’t help the worry that plagues his mind. What if something was wrong?

There are small moments where Xiao even doubts he’s pregnant. What if the symptoms chalked up to anything else? What if the tests were false positives? So many questions in his mind, and none of them any better than the previous one.

Hesitantly, he raises it a bit higher in order to let go of one side, feeling right over where his lower abdomen is. There's a very, very small pudge, a difference to his abs. But that could be chalked up to his eating more. Or being bloated. 

Venti would call it his anxiety, Xiao would call it critical thinking. 

But the blood work said positive, as well as every other sign. So maybe there is life thrumming under his fingertips. That puts a small blush on his face, as well as a tiny quirk of the corners of his mouth. He and Venti were going to become a family in just over six months now. 

His hand travels up more, lightly pressing to get a feel for his shape before he eventually loses it. 

A knock at the door breaks him out of his thoughts, and Xiao tenses before realizing only one other person would be in the apartment with him.

“Xiao~ are you okay in there? It’s been forever, and I can go make some tea for you if the little baby bird is giving you a hard time?”

Oh, he seemed to lose track of time. 

“Sorry,” He apologizes, before moving to open the door to show it wasn’t locked. Venti stands on the other side, smile radiant and eyes just as so, both twinkling even in the fluorescent bathroom light. “I’m not throwing up yet.” And he finds the gesture touching of how much Venti hates tea but would be willing to make it for him. “Just got caught up thinking.”

Which he does do a lot, mind you. It’s not an uncommon occurrence to stumble upon him spaced out, but that was only when he was relaxed. So ever only around Venti and Zhongli. Not to mention, it would seem he’s gotten early term pregnancy brain which makes thinking ten times more difficult.

Venti steps in and excitedly nuzzles Xiao’s nose. They’re somewhat peppy for it being seven in the morning, but then again, Venti was the ruler of managing hangovers. “I missed you.”

“I was gone five minutes.”

“That’s a long time to be away!” Venti exclaims, grabbing Xiao’s hands and squeezing them. They continue to nuzzle Xiao, as the shorter of the two falls back into deep thought. This is picked up by the other, of course, who pulls away to look Xiao in his bright yellow eyes. “Is everything ok?

Xiao hesitates, before nodding slowly, but both of them don’t have to even voice it to know it really isn’t true. Lying isn’t even worth the hassle. “It’s pretty stupid,” Xiao admits, grumbling to himself before turning to face the mirror. “Did you need to use the bathroom?”

“Hmm...I mean, not really. I was pretty worried for you. Our small sprite seems to be quite the turmoil for you lately. Wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“We’re fine.” Xiao reassures, and Venti nods, walking forward to turn on the shower. They had a day in front of them, and a carnival to attend to later at the request of Venti’s friend’s. Xiao wouldn’t be riding which is obvious. “Venti...mm..nevermind.” He makes an aborted attempt to call, but it gathers his lover’s attention anyways.

“What’s up? Something on your mind?”

Zhongli had always told him opening up was something he had to decided for himself. It was encouraged to speak with loved ones to figure it out together, but some matters could be kept for himself only. This was technically not a “himself” only probably, however. It took two to tango, and his baby was just as much as Venti’s as it was his. 

They have a hunch it might be a boy. Xiao knows it’s way too early to tell.

So maybe that’s what it was with his size as well. Too early to tell? 

“...What month will they start to show?” XIao asks just as the shower turns on. He almost thinks Venti didn’t hear him, but when he tenses and prepares to leave, two thin arms wrap around his waist to pull him to Venti’s chest. 

“Around month three, which we’re getting close to if I remember the dates correctly.”

Xiao processes that, nodding slowly before looking down once more. “There’s not much of a difference.”

Venti giggles, as adorable as they are. “Well, that’s to be expected this early. We’ve only found out almost a month ago, my darling songbird. They’ll grow on their own time. But for now, I’m sure you’ll want to appreciate how teeny tiny they are at the moment.”

Their hands begin to gently caress Xiao’s sides, and for a second, Xiao feels relaxed once more - a state of bliss. “I’ll miss being able to look down and see my own feet." He muses. "Now shower or you’ll waste the hot water.

That brings another tinkling laugh out of Venti, who nuzzles Xiao’s cheek before pressing a gentle kiss onto it. 

“Anything for my loves, my songs on the wind."

Chapter Text

It felt like it had been hours. Zhongli had the stamina of a god which was to be expected, but Aether hadn’t taken him seriously when he said that he could go a while. A while. That is not what the blond had been expecting. 

The hand on their braid yanks, and their attention snaps back to the present, the pleasure spiking from their roots and down their spine. He can feel it throb down to his core, already on the brink of his fifth orgasm. 

“It seems I have lost your attention. I should ensure that you are only able to think of me,” A thrust punctuates this word, and Aether cries out, legs trembling and hands flexing from where they’re held captive. 

Zhongli, with no surprise to his greater strength, holds Aether up by both of his wrists crossed in one hand, and the other golden hand with a hold on his braid. It didn’t take long for him to figure out about Aether’s hair pulling kink and well, everything had gone quickly downhill from there.

“Think only about me. About how I shall paint your insides white until you are claimed as mine just as you are on the outside.” Zhongli whispers into his ear, baritone voice sending tingles through his body. His words serve as a reminder that Aether is marked up everywhere - thighs, midsection, back, arms. Every place of skin Zhongli could get was probably marked with teeth. This is what happens when you have a possessive dragon god as a lover. 

Aether was going to go insane. He needed release, despite already cumming twice on Zhongli’s mouth, then his fingers, and then his cock. He needed it so bad even if he couldn’t articulate it with words, way past coherency. And Zhongli must recognize his attempt to speak, because he chuckles and releases Aether’s arms to bring one hand up to his neck and hoist him up. 

The change of positions brings a pretty embarrassing moan out of Aether, as their arms with no strength in them try their best to support themself on Zhongli’s thick thighs. 

“Open your eyes, love. Look at yourself.”

And he obeys, blinking open his sluggish eyelids in order to clear the tears that have long fallen past blond eyelashes. Zhongli has positioned them back to his chest, so there was a clear view of both of them in the mirror conveniently placed there for Aether to see. And it’s filthy.

They’re seated on his cock all the way, body flushed and quivering even if Aether can’t particularly feel it anymore. Spread out obscenely with markings of hickies and teeth to decorate his body, Aether knows some will be a bit harder to explain if he goes short sleeve or crop top. And he can tell Zhongli is eyeing it as well, slowing his pace to rock up into the shorter and hum in content. 

Compared to Aether, Zhongli has only finished once towards the beginning in his mouth - before deciding to wait. And the prime adepti’s control was as scary as his patience and stamina. Aether is kind of tempted to see how much he can go all out for. 

A shiver wracks his body as Zhongli hums once more, hands going up to brush his sides and go down to his thighs, sliding under to raise him up a bit. The drag of Zhongli’s cock against Aether’s sensitive walls elicits a reaction, and the blond scrambles for purchase on his body. 

“Fuck- Please!” Aether begs, voice rough from overuse. They choke on air when dropped back onto Zhongli’s lap, toes curling and the threat of an orgasm just right there. “Need you- to-”

“Say the words, my heart.”

Aether whimpers, letting their head fall to the side to allow Zhongli access when he noses at their cheek, once again looking at their debauched image in the mirror. Wrecked and ruined. 

"Please-" Another small gasp leaves their mouth. "Please come in me. Please!"

That's all Zhongli needed, as he smiles into Aether's neck and then they're both moving. All Aether can register is his upper body being pressed down onto the bed while his hips are gripped tightly and brought backwards. He wasn't even aware Zhongli had slipped out until now, hole gaping around nothing and a whine slips out at the loss. A pillow is slipped underneath their hips, and he has a brief moment of clarity to thank Zhongli for it even if he knows his hips are going to be aching  in the morning. That thought is taken from him when Zhongli pushes back into him in one go, all the way to the hilt.

Both curse at the motion, one more high pitched than the other. 

And so Zhongli begins to pistoning his hips, using the angle to press deeper into the blond as if it were nothing. The sheer strength of it jostles Aether, moans broken up. 

"You will cum on my cock without further stimulation. You've been such a good pet so far so I know you can do this for me."

And Aether does. They were already on the brink for a while, and Zhongli's low tone voice combined with his words and the cock driving into him like mad only makes his vision white out, body alit with fire and nerves going crazy. He's pretty sure he screamed the other's name somewhere in there too, and saw Celestia while at it. It's a good thing Paimon decided to stay out and spend the night with Xiangling. (Aether bribed her with plenty of treats).

Zhongli fucks Aether all throughout his orgasm, hands tightening on his hips in order to use him like a fucktoy. And thankfully, Zhongli nears his end as well, growling out. That's the only warning Aether gets before the pace becomes erratic, slowing and becoming more pronounced. 

He can feel Zhongli's hot cum within him, filling him up as the other pauses and gives little aborted thrusts here and there. Aether, already oversensitive, just shudders and tries to grip the sheets just to hold onto something through it all. And it seems that this was another thing that Aether underestimated, because when they open their eyes to focus it on the mirror, he can see a slight bulge in the dim light of the room. It's very small, but noticeable nonetheless. 

In his shock, Aether brings a shaky hand up to run over it in awe as Zhongli watches, just a bit of exhaust showing on his face and damn, the man's stamina was insane. The blond slightly turns to the side to show the brunet what he had discovered as well, and much to his delight, the lustful fire rages once more in Zhongli's eyes as he reaches down to lightly press. 

A spike of pleasure and overstimulation zaps Aether, who makes it known with a small yelp, but his walls clench around Zhongli's still hard cock, who hisses in reaction. 

"You know," Aether shakily starts, catching Zhongli's golden Cor Lapis gaze. "I've never really kept up with the stamina of a god before."

That prompts a chuckle out of the other, who bends down to lightly kiss Aether on the lips. "Well now you have."

"Mm...but have I really?" Aether teases, moving his leg up to wrap around Zhongli's waist and wrap him in. "You're not done." They whisper. "And I'm not tired." Zhongli does take the bait, the challenge accepted in his mere gaze.

Aether ends up taking a day off from commissions. 

Chapter Text

Thoma had read up on pregnancy so much in the past seven months.

Ever since discovering the new life within him, he instantly got to work reading up about it. Even well into when he started to show and their child began to make their presence very much known - a sassy little one, taken after their father - Thoma never stopped reading as many books as he could. 

Ayaka teased him about being such a bookworm before dismissing him from his duties when he first learned about it - telling him to go be with his new family. Mondstat was his original home after all.

But yet...he still dearly misses Inazuma. 

He and Ayaka still exchanged letters. Even Ayato tagged in sometimes, expressing missing being able to get Thoma to try the most outlandish things and how being pregnant would’ve been the perfect time. That made Thoma laugh heartily. Kaeya less so, because he was pretty confused, but still happy his husband was happy.

The blond was resting at their home, rain gentle yet pretty heavy outside the open window. It was a little chilly as well with the wind blowing by, but Thoma had just grabbed a blanket and nestled by. This was nothing compared to the storms back in Inazuma. If anything, it was a calming presence. 

He really missed home sometimes. Laughing with the Kamisato siblings, being a people helper… But this was nice, and Mondstat felt just as nice and cozy as it did Inazuma, if not cozier. And Ayaka kept him up to date in plenty of letters, all the while expressing excitement for her upcoming niece or nephew’s birth. 

Thoma had already spoken to Kaeya about it, and if the baby were a girl, then they could consider the name Sakura. Not to mention sakura blossoms were absolutely beautiful. Thoma wishes one day one day Kaeya, Thoma and the new baby will visit Inazuma instead, now that the Vision Hunt Decree is long over and it has opened back up to the world. 

A roll of thunder breaks him out of his thoughts, and Thoma couldn’t be more thankful for the light storm. It hardly rained in Mondstat, so after being in Inazuma after so long under the Electro Archon’s rule, it was very refreshing. 

A slight flutter from within gains his attention, and he waits a bit more to confirm that it was indeed the baby, with a slight press of their foot against his lower section. Yes, he did memorize their position, especially since they like to wiggle towards Kaeya’s voice whenever he spoke. 

“Good evening, snowflake.” Thoma greets, using his thumb to hold his place in his book in order to place his now free hand on top of the curve of his belly. “I figure the storm woke you up. It’s okay. They rarely happen here in Mondstat, so you won’t have to be scared when you’re older. If anything, the rain is comforting. I like the smell and the sound of it...but getting caught out in it is no fun.”

Talking to the baby was encouraged and Thoma had no problem doing so. Sure he felt a little silly doing it early on, but it became easier as the months went by. And he always kept their small sleeping cycle on a back thought just to make sure nothing went beyond concerning. If anything, Kaeya liked to poke them into activity, which prompted a game of who could push back the best until Thoma cannot physically take his body being used as a punching bag. 

Speaking of getting caught out in the rain, the door opens to reveal a soaked Kaeya. He looks like a wet dog, especially from the way his hair falls into his uncovered eye. Thoma should probably trim it soon, especially since he read that babies like to tug on things in their reach. He laughs, quickly mentally noting down the page number before closing the book and setting it down to the side. “Speaking of getting caught in the rain…”

“I’m delighted you find me soaked so hilarious, darling.” Kaeya drawls, taking off the wet fur in order to place it on a hook by the door. Water is dripping off him, and Thoma has half a mind to tell him to stay on the rug so he can go get a towel for him. The cryo user is moving before Thoma can stop him though, coming to kneel in front of Thoma at the window seat. “I missed you both, my loves.” He says, pecking Thoma on the lips then coming down further to press a kiss onto the top of where Thoma’s curve begins.

On cue, the closer voice of his husband elicits a response from the baby, with a more prominent wiggle that Thoma snickers at. “They definitely missed their papa, that’s for sure. Now go change into something dry, you’re getting me wet.” 

“Oh? Well I would hope that was a good thing~”

“Not like that,” Thoma rushes to clarify, glaring at Kaeya even while the other laughs at the double meaning of the sentence. “And I like this shirt.”

Kaeya hums, pressing his cheek to a particular spot where he can feel the slight movements of their child. “But it’s really my shirt.”

“Well it’s mine until your baby is due to be born.” Thoma shoots back, voice holding a tone of slight warning. And Kaeya knows when to shut up now, so thankfully, he doesn’t press it, finally relenting to go dry himself off in their room.

Shit, Thoma is going to have to mop again. 

Uncrossing his legs to place on the floor in front of him, Thoma grabs the hem of the shirt to stretch out in order to survey the water damage. As expected, Kaeya’s wet hair left a pretty sizeable damp spot, prompting Thoma to pout. 

“Kaeya…” He whines, and then pulls it out further to see. It’s already stretched out, so he couldn’t care less, but it’s some new twin damp spots that are lighter than the one on his stomach, right over where his breasts are. 

His first immediate reaction is to pause and assess it more, before closing examining it. It didn’t look like any recognizable stain, and he couldn’t have spilled any food from earlier. What the hell?

Except...wait a second. Thoma scoots himself off the seat and up the best he can, adjusting to the new gravitational balance in order to waddle - yes, he knows, he knows - over to a nearby mirror. It would be better to see it actually in front of him. 

It only confirmed his suspicions, with the identical spots not exactly helping his case. 

Archons, how was he lactating now?

On the bright side, he had padded bras from the local librarian Lisa, but on the downside, he hated wearing those. They made his already big boobs look bigger than what they were and it made him self conscious. Not to mention his nipples were sensitive, which is why he had forgone a bra in the first place. He thought that he would start lactating after giving birth, but it seemed his body had other plans. Unfortunately. 

Thoma sighs, feeling around his chest to indeed check that it wasn't just him going crazy, before frowning once more and walking to his and Kaeya's room. Kaeya is already in there, shirtless and sliding on a new pair of pants while his damp hair is in a bun instead of down and loose. He looks up when the pyro user walks in, smile quickly dropping when he sees his husband's expression. "Is there something the matter?" 

"Yes," Thoma huffs, moving to the drawers in order to open it and shuffle around for the padded bra. 

Kaeya is on alert at once, a million questions flying at the other. "Are you alright? Is it the baby? Do we need to go to the church now?! Are you feeling faint?"

However, his interrogation is cut short when Thoma pulls out the bra and removes his - Kaeya's - shirt. It was damp anyways, with rain water and the faint beginnings of breast milk. It had long been since Thoma was embarrassed of being in front of Kaeya without a shirt on, so he doesn't even blink when unclasping the bra. Kaeya, shocked into silence, only watches when Thoma places it into his hands then turns around. "Can you help me put this on? I can't reach behind me to save my life, but I've gotta start wearing it so I won't start ruining all my shirts.

My shirts, Kaeya almost corrects, but he does not want to poke that lawachurl.  "Ruining? I don't mind you stret- borrowing them, dear."

"It's not...that." Thoma says, a bit more embarrassed now that the gravity of the situation hit him. "I'm uh...leaking."

Kaeya's one star eye blinks. "Leaking."

"Don't say it like it's weird!" Thoma demands, arms coming up to cross and cover his breasts. The action brings Kaeya's attention, and it clicks in his mind. His mouth falls open in an "oh". Then, mischief sparks in his gaze.

"Oh." This time, he says outloud. 

"Yeah..I thought it would begin after birth. Or at least, that's what the books said most of the time. Maybe I misread it...I have been a bit tired lately." Thoma sighs, but Kaeya is already moving, tossing the bra hazardously onto the dresser in order to wrap his arms around Thoma's extended waist. 

"Do you know how much it turns me on to see you like this?" He asks, voice dropping an octave. "Heavy with my child, changed inside and out. You're absolutely glowing, starling, even if you can't see it. And the fact your body is now producing milk for our child even before they're here..." He dives down to capture Thoma's lips in a kiss, hot and filthy even if they haven't done anything yet. 

Thoma was already caught off guard by Kaeya throwing the bra, but his words immediately make him weak in the knees. Being pregnant definitely has sent his hormones into overdrive and Kaeya isn't helping. It's only thanks to Kaeya that he's still standing upright, holding onto his shoulders best he can with their child nestled in him. "Kae-" He tries to get out through small repeated kisses. The mentioned eventually slides one hand up to fondle one of his breasts, finger swiping over his nipple. It makes Thoma cry out in shock and pleasure, hand flying to grab Kaeya's wrist on instinct.

"It seems you really are leaking." Kaeya muses out loud, bringing his thumb to his mouth to lick the very small drop off. God, Thoma needed him in him yesterday with the eye the sultry look on his face was so sinful. "A feast indeed fit for a King."

"Kaeya..."

"I might have to keep putting babies in you if this means I get to do this."

"Do wha-" Thoma cuts off with a rather loud and lewd moan when Kaeya swoops down to take a whole nipple in his mouth and suck without giving Thoma time to breathe. He couldn't believe he was indulging in his husband's fantasies like this. 

A small flush of lightning and then quick succession of thunder pulls them out of their lust driven haze, and Thoma has enough mind to pull Kaeya off his boob to lightly glare down at him. "You can't just...do something like that! It's so sudden."

"My apologies." Except Kaeya was not sorry. His face looked like the cat who got the milk. Literally. "Mm...and it's so sweet too. Could I go further?"

Thoma's face goes up in a blush that could rival his vision. "N-no! I'm too...too sensitive right now. And bothered. And it's your fault."

"Mm...my apologies, sweetheart. So then let me make it up to you right now~"

He does end up making it up to Thoma, and his earlier embarrassment is nothing but a memory now.

Dear Miss Kamisato Ayaka,

Your niece is here! I'm sorry this letter is so late. By the time it should be arriving it would have been about a month since we last spoke. Or maybe some more time with the journey of this letter from Mondstat to Inazuma. This will be rather short, since I'm still recovering but...you'd love to meet her. She looks just like her papa, from her hair to her nose to her little frown. The only thing she got from me was my eyes, :( but it's okay! I'm just completely in love with her.

Please give my regards to Ayato and the rest. When the time comes, I hope to have her meet her aunt and uncle. Just promise me you won't cry. At least much...Not as much as I did, that's for sure. 

Best wishes and love,

Kaeya, Thoma and Sakura Lilly Aberich

Chapter Text

Morax and Barbatos went back centuries. 

Their relationship wasn’t...exactly something to put a label on, but it was exclusive. The other archons knew there was an unspoken connection there, but since Morax was the god of contracts and Barbatos the god of freedom, it would never work out. Their ideals didn’t align. And yet, their hearts seemed to be tied to each other on a red string, stretched out from Mondstat to Liyue. 

They were hopelessly tied together. No matter what. Even if each respective god stayed to their nation, it wasn’t unknown for Barbatos to bless the winds of Liyue, or for Morax to protect the lands of Mondstat. If anything, there was an alliance there between the two, being closer than any other nation. 

And yet everytime Barbatos took one of their impromptu naps, Morax has to remind himself that it indeed was very typical of them. He shouldn’t expect anything.

“Morax,” A light and elegant voice calls out to the Lord of Geo. “You’re thinking again.” 

He doesn’t respond to that, continuing to watch out over the lands of Liyue on the peak of the mountain. The Hydro Archon comes up to stand next to him, carrying the scent of sea mist with them. “To what do I owe the honor?” Morax asks, voice deep and without the same air that Barbatos and the Hydro Archon held. It was sturdy, firm, and stable unlike the fluidness of air and water. 

“May we not converse like old friends?” 

It was a tease. Morax did not know the Hydro Archon like that, and if anything, he would say that their relationship was more professional than anything. They too come out victorious of the Archon War. 

With the Lord of Geo’s continued silence, the other continues to speak. “I hear that the city of Mondstat cries of her woes.” 

Ah, Morax had heard about that. The small city of freedom had fallen into trouble with an aristocracy that had assumed power. Liyue did not care much for gossip, but Morax could not ignore the small prayers in the back of his head. They feared for their own missing god, and a small percent would turn to the one closest to them. Yet he does not speak and feed into the other archon’s agenda.

“Why do you not help them? If Barbatos continues to be ignorant of his own people-”

“I am the god of Liyue. If the people of Mondstat cry out, then it is not my place to bring sanctuary. If they turn out of my line, it is not my place to bring divine punishment. And neither is it yours to egg me on to do so. Whatever happens is Barbatos’ call.”

Still, he can’t help but defend the holder of his heart. Sure, Barbatos just up and went missing like the wind came from, in every direction and not at the same time. But he would not step in and take that from him. 

“Tch. Stubborn like the stone you stand on. I have a child of my own visiting the city of wind, and I could not ignore their cries of being caught up in this mess. Surely you’d understand if you were in my position.”

“Barbatos will come.” Morax reassures, but he’s not sure who he’s speaking to. “He always does.”

The Hydro Archon laughs, still a being of elegance and beauty. “That is like trusting the wind to hold your sail tomorrow when no wind graces today. Should it go left when you pray for it to go right? There is no set path of the wind. No form or predictability.”

“Neither does water hold any form, always changing like the tides.” Morax shoots back, finally switching his gaze to look upon the other. “Nothing holds predictability. Everything changes.”

“Even stone eroded by water and time.” 

“Even stone will change. I am not unfamiliar with this.” 

The Hydro Archon huffs, chuckling. “You are one lovesick fool if I’ve ever seen one. I would advise against going too deep with Barbatos. You cannot catch the wind, nor can you tie it down. It will forever be free, Morax.”

This time, he doesn’t humor them with a response, looking up into the cloudy blue sky. He’s sure at one point, they decide to leave, but Morax can’t help but feel the doubt begin to lick tendrils at his heart. He could not keep Barbatos, nor could he could have him truly to himself. 

His heart is much like a stone. And yet, winds move mountains.

Barbatos is laid down gently onto the bed, ignoring the pounding of his heart as he keeps his eyes up on the ceiling. Surely if they were to look down, it would increase tenfold. Yet, the warm hands on his body are hard to ignore, especially as they seem to map out every inch of him. 

So he turns his head to the side, squeezing his eyes shut in order to block out the senses. It works, but the hands cease their journey, one coming up to gently slide onto his cheek. The gentle caress of the thumb right under Barbatos’s eye causes him to open them and look into the soft gaze of the Geo Archon.

“I will not do anything you are unsure of,” Morax reassures, presence much like a rock within a storm. Barbatos can’t help but to be comforted by it, despite his nature. 

“I’m...I’m fine.” They reassure, giving a small smile. “I want to do this. I agreed to it. Contracts are your schtick, right? So I’m gonna honor it.”

Morax looks uncertain, other hand going to rub circles into Barbatos’s hip. Despite what the outcome of this was going to be, he still treated the wind spirit like the most precious treasure he’s ever held. “You are beautiful,” He whispers after a while, as if admitting it outloud.

“Well, you’re eye candy too.” Barbatos half jokes back, if anything to calm his own nerves. And Morax can see through the act as if he’s transparent. “Have you seen yourself?”

“I am being serious when I say I truly appreciate your beauty.”

“Well, so am I!”

Morax hums in response, leaning down to capture his lips in a kiss. A gentle kiss, one that quickly turns into a hurried make out session as the implications of what was going to happen rang through both of their heads. At one point, Barbatos bites down and tugs on the bottom of Morax’s lip, pulling back to let go and look up into his eyes just to garner a reaction. 

It works immediately. 

A switch is flipped in the Geo Archon, and his hands go to the wind spirit’s hips to pull them down directly under him. The new view keeps Morax front and center in Barbatos’s sight, and they whimper a small bit. “Morax…”

“You will not leave until I am certain you are plugged full of my seed and our child is within your womb.” 

Fuck, that was hotter than it should’ve been. A flare of heat sets low in their belly, and Morax can see that his words have an immediate effect from the way their eyes light up. “Oh? Shall I go into detail further then? Perhaps that shall help you ease into this better.”

“N-...no, that’s fine! I’m a-ok-”

Barbatos cuts off with a rather loud whine as Morax bites into a particularly sensitive spot in their neck, hands going to toy with their shorts. It’s as if he were trying to mark them this early. “Don’t tease, you blockhead.” Barbatos demands, as Morax chuckles. 

“I do not think you are in a position to demand as such. When you agreed to the contract, you agreed to become mine tonight.” Morax says, eyes a glow with possession. “And I mark all that’s mine.” 

Barbatos is pretty sure if he wasn’t wet before, he is now. He wants to rub his legs together for just a bit of friction on his clit, but Morax has slotted himself in between them. And god, his bulge looked divine. It was going to wreck Barbatos, they’re sure of it. Just staring at it made their mouth water. 

“What if I want to break the contract?” Barbatos teases, watching the way Morax pauses, tensing at the thought. As if to egg him on more, Barbatos moves their arms in order to try and scoot out from under  “I think I changed my mind, the baby making station is closed for business. Hmm...maybe I can find someone else to satisfy-”

They’re yanked back under Morax before they realize it, and they hear a ripping sound before cool air meets his slightly glistening pussy. 

“Hey!” Barbatos yells, about to chastise Morax for ruining his shorts before he’s flipped onto his stomach and pulled up onto his knees, chest still arched to rest on the bed. That’s all the warning they get before Morax begins to sink his cock into their heat, juices helping ease the glide. And the stretch felt so goddamn good, the burn felt delicious. Barbatos can’t help the long drawn out moan, fingers gripping the sheets just in order to hold onto something. 

When he looks back over his shoulder, he sees the taunted archon struggling himself with the tightness around his length. His Cor Lapis eyes are glowing, alongside the archaic lines that run down his arms from darkness into light amber. “You fit perfectly around me, baobei. As if you were made for this.” he says, albeit a bit rougher. Barbatos feels a bit of pride for being able to affect the Lord of Geo like this.

“No foreplay? No kisses or teasing? I see your patience isn’t like the stone you rule over, much like they say.”

Morax chuckles, giving a few experimental thrusts and yet not even pulling halfway out. The drag brings a breathy moan out of them both, and Barbatos has half a mind to tell him to slow down just so they can adjust to his tremendous size. “You can handle it. You want to handle it.” Morax says with confidence. 

Barbatos’s body is on fire now, and he is aware of everything in the room the air can touch. He’s sure his tattoos are glowing now, if the faint blue glow from behind his eyelids are anything to go by, or the fact one of Morax’s hands go to trace the one on his thigh. And it’s pretty animalistic how they’re both deciding to fuck with most of their clothes on, with the exception of Barbatos, who always preferred lighter clothes to fly around in. 

“Are you going to fuck me like you mean it then? Gonna make sure I don’t break the contract?” 

“You have no choice.” 

“But what if I change my mind? What if I don’t want it?”

“You do.” 

With those words, Morax pulls out until the head of his cock is just on the edge of Barbatos’s hole, then pushes back in. The motion leaves the wind spirit speechless, mouth spilling out moans instead. That’s enough to get Morax into a rhythm, fucking into the smaller archon with a purpose. “You are smarter than you show yourself to be,” Morax continues to speak as he uses his grip on their hips to keep up his brutal pace. 

His words are the only thing in the room besides the noise of skin meeting skin, the bed creaking and the wet squelch of Barbatos’s pussy around Morax’s cock. “If you did not want to agree to the contract, then you would not have. I gave you time to think,” He emphasizes this with a particularly rough thrust, brushing up against their g-spot and grunting just as Barbatos can only scream his pleasure. “And you agreed. You want to bear my child, to hold them within you, house them in your womb and show off to the world you are mine.” 

He’s growling at this point, arms glowing with the pulsing geo energy coursing through him. His more dragonic features are beginning to shine through, pupils now slit amongst a sea of gold, and claws sharpening against Barbatos’s hips. “These will widen as you grow heavy with our babe, and they will be safely nestled and tucked away in you until birth.” He describes, bending down to whisper this all in the Anemo Archon’s ear because he knows, it has an effect on him. They're practically gushing around his length now, making it easier, and squeezing around him so tightly. It was addicting. 

"Fuck- fuck, Morax! Ahh- Stop- st- Stop talking!!"

"Oh? But I would think that you would want me to keep going from the way you're gripping me like a vice, like you don't want to waste a drop of my cum."

Barbatos has died and re-ascended to Celestia, they're sure. There is no way they're still living. The mouth on Morax should be illegal, nonexistent, and even though they've just begun, they want to cum already, pushed to the edge due to his words in addition to the thick cock pumping in and out of them. A clawed hand settles on his stomach, traveling upwards to his chest covered by the gold piece. "I cannot wait to see you change - to see your body prepare itself for our offspring."

"Yes, please!" 

He wanted it. He wanted it so bad. Morax was right. That's why he agreed to it in the first place. Carrying the Lord of Geo's child? Hell yes. He didn't care if it seemed like a baby was the opposite of his ideals, that is was entrapping him. He had the freedom to choose, and he's getting what he wanted. What he craved. "Just- please! Put a baby in me!"

"You will not see the light of day until I have."

Tears begin to fill the wind spirit's teal eyes, but not sad ones. More like pleasure caused ones, as they reach back towards Morax, supporting their forehead onto their other arm. "Please, I just- I just want you- I always have!" The confession does make Morax slow a bit, and he interlocks their fingers together, bringing their hand up to kiss the palm. 

"You have me, baobei." He whispers, loud enough for the small winds around them to pick up. You always had me, Morax wants to say, but opts in leaning down to further press himself onto the trembling god. And he meets them with a kiss, full of promises and love.

"I am sorry."

Barbatos momentarily stops munching on the apple in order to look back at Morax in confusion. Both of them sat on the peak of a  mountain, legs dangling off without a care. Barbatos sat in the slightly spread legs of Morax, wings away in order not to smack the Geo Archon with them as the latter rested his chin on Barbatos's shoulder. "Eh? What for?"

Morax does not answer for some while, eyes watching the sunrise as his fingers continue to caress the slight swell at Barbatos's belly. He did it a lot, and Barbatos didn't particularly mind. If anything, he enjoyed it. It felt...nice. Soothing. "I have been selfish with you." Morax admits ashamedly after some while, moving his chin to speak the words into the uncovered shoulder. "I have wanted more than I could have."

Barbatos looks at Morax, studying his facial expression even if it was really the same as always. Serene, serious, but yet...a hint of sadness. "This isn't about the contract...is it?" They take Morax's silence to continue. "Because I hope you know that I wasn't doing this just for that. I really did- I really do want to be with you. I just thought this was a chance I could take. I don't regret it at all."

"You are as free as the wind itself, forever funning light across the corners of Teyvat. I cannot hold the wind within my palms for nothing but a fleeting second."

Barbatos sets down the apple on their discarded hoodie right next to them, before leaning back into the other to summon their lyre. They begin to pick a soft tune, one he knows comes from Liyue. It wasn't the right instrument, but the idea was there. "No, I can't be held down forever. But the wind never stops blowing around us even when we don't notice it. I am always with you, I always have been. And I will continue to be, no matter where I am."

A very faint smile is pressed within his skin, and Barbatos counts it as a success, his own smile growing on his features. "We belong to eachother." 

"Yes, baobei. Forever."

Chapter Text

The stars were beautiful.

Twinkling dots of light that brought Aether peace and comfort. Resting under the night sky like this, it helped them relax. Their hand comes up to reach, as if being able to touch and caress the stars with ease. But all they meet is air, empty and fleeting. A bit of sadness wells up in him, threatening to overflow. He missed it. He missed space. He missed his home. 

The patio door creaks open, and Aether sighs, sitting up and and leaning forward in the reclined chair. There's a pause from the other person, before quiet footsteps continue. Kazuha sits next to Aether, placing a kiss onto their cheek and offering a smile. "I figured you'd be out here."

"Am I that predictable?" Aether jokes, looking over at the Inazuman. 

"Hm. Well, if I say yes, does this mean that I've learned the ways of an outer world being?" Kazuha teases, leaning in and tilting his chin up in a silent request for a kiss. And Aether complies, leaning in as well.

"Yes, I would say so." They say, before locking their lips together. They spend a few minutes just kissing under the starlight, enjoying eachother's presence. Kazuha tasted briefly like mint, his newfound craving. And Aether, although having not much an appetite of earth food, found it pretty tasty as well. They liked the cool flavor of it.

The platinum blond pulls back for air first, slightly gasping for it as his crimson eyes focus on Aether, slightly hazy. The outlander suddenly remembers that Kazuha still had to breathe, and guilt overcomes them. "Sorry," They mutter, to which Kazuha silences with a peck. 

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Kazuha smiles, before remembering something and turning around. "I made something for you. I know you don't very much eat but I figured since you liked it last time..." He presents a plate of food proudly. Qingce Stir Fry. Aether has tried a variety of dishes from the couple of years spent here, and it was one of their favorites. "Living in Liyue for a while made me pick up some cuisine tricks. I wanted to try it out." It brings a smile to their face, and they take the plate, landing a small kiss upon Kazuha's nose for a thanks. 

"You didn't have to, Kaz." Aether says, but takes the offered chopsticks as well. If anything, sadness could always be fixed with a good meal. "But thank you. I'm grateful for this." 

While Aether eats in silence, Kazuha tightens the blanket around him in order to snuggle close to the golden blond. Aether figures it is a bit chilly outside, but nothing compared to the worlds they've traveled. They've built up immunity to cold - not to mention that it is quite literally earth's word "freezing" in space. And they're sure Kazuha can handle a bit of chill too, but not while pregnant. Aether doesn't want to risk it. 

"Do you miss it?"

They're taken out of thought by the question, looking away from the sky and at Kazuha. They weren't even aware they had began looking up once more, enamored by the sight of the stars. "Miss it?"

"Yeah...miss being..up there." 

Aether sets the plate aside and gathers Kazuha in their arms. "Well, sometimes."

"What's it like, traveling along the stars?"

Aether faintly smiles, using one hand to trace patterns on Kazuha's back and using the other to raise up and show a small constellation in the palm of their hand. "It's like...nothing you've ever seen. Space is far too big and it's too dangerous to go close to anything not habitable, but from afar. Galaxies and stars all together...it's beautiful." Kazuha watches in awe at the small constellation floating above Aether's palm, reaching out to touch it. They've known eachother almost two years now, and there was still something new he learned about them. "The view from Earth is pretty, but it's nothing like out there."

"...If you had the chance, would you go back?" Kazuha asks, a hint of hesitance in his voice. And Aether knows what he's really asking. 

Would you leave me?

Crash landing onto the lands of Teyvat might've been the best and worst thing that's happened to Aether. Losing their twin in the fray upon landing and not being able to find them ever since... But their journey has led them to meet multiple people that have helped them all across Teyvat. It was definitely an experience they've never had on another planet. But Lumine...

The plan was to find Lumine and leave as soon as they were reunited. But they found love, they found friends here. Wanting to stay is like betraying the twin star they were split from. 

Not to mention Aether was a completely different race than Kazuha. Their original form was different, a formless ball of light that could travel at light speed through space. They had powers unlike this world and their visions. "No," Aether says, making up their mind. "All the "life" that I've known, my sibling and I have searched for something. Just to travel, to explore. But, I think I found what I never knew I was looking for."

Kazuha looks up, unshed tears shining in his eyes as Aether presses their foreheads together. "There's plenty of stars in the universe. But only one of you." He finishes, once again meeting his lips with theirs. 

And above them in the sky, is a shooting star to shine over their heads and celebrate the extraordinary love. 

Kazuha excitedly led Aether into the newly done nursey, gripping their hands. "Okay, you can take off the blindfold now, my dear." He says, but watching their alien love struggle with the binds just made the platinum blond roll his eyes and move to take it off for them. "Tada!"

Aether adjusts their eyesight to the lighting change, taking in the darkness of the nursery, before he recognizes it. The walls are painted in the ombre of a sunset and that fades into a dark blue of the ceiling. Galaxies, nebulas and constellations strewn across the ceiling like it really was the night sky, detailed and intricate. Kazuha waits in excitement, nervously pulling at his fingers while Aether walked around in awe, taking in everything. It wasn't everyday you got to surprise your alien lover with something they really know. And finally, they reach the crib, dark wood with a handsewn blanket across sporting the words "Akira Lumine".

"I hope you don't mind Akira is first. I wanted to honor my Inazuman history, but I also wanted to honor your sister first and foremost. The name would translate to bright light, much like a star so..." Kazuha rambles, as Aether slowly reaches down to pick up the baby blanket. "We're having a girl."

Silence falls over the nursery, and at first, Kazuha gets extremely nervous, before Aether turns to him, golden eyes showing something it never has in all the time they've traveled Teyvat. Tears. The tears of a human. 

And so the Inazuman smiles reassuringly, walking forward to embrace his lover yet ever mindful of his bump. "It's okay. It's okay to cry."

And Aether does.

Chapter Text

When Diluc woke up, he at first thought it was before sunrise from the way the room was plunged into darkness. It wasn't uncommon for him to wake up that early anymore due to morning sickness at times, nausea up and ready way before he is. However, that isn't the case here. The slight blow of wind into the room moves the sheer curtains and reveals the still night sky, plunged into endless array of stars. It doesn't even look as if the sun were to make an appearance soon. 

Shit, how long had he slept?

Diluc sits up with ease, still in the second trimester of his pregnancy so he still had a bunch of mobility about him. Thank the archons too, because when Barbara told him that soon he wouldn't be able to stand up without trouble, he could feel his heart drop right out of him. That is so humiliating. Childe reassured that he would be there every step of the way and be at his every beck and call, but Diluc wouldn't even be in this if he had just pulled out like he said he would. Dick.

And no, he won't acknowledge that he was screaming and begging for it like a whore wanting to be bred. Absolutely not. 

The redhead begins to slip out of bed but is halted by the tightened arm around his waist, preventing further movement. Childe grunts from his position where he was cuddled into Diluc before, blue eyes opening in the darkness to land upon him. He was always a lightish sleeper, but it became worse when they found out about their new addition to the family, as if Childe were just waiting for a threat to arise. "I'm just going to use the bathroom," He assures the still sleep laced Harbinger, who grunts out an acknowledgement and falls back into a light sleep, arm loosening. His need to use the bathroom isn't as bad as it was in the beginning, but as the baby grew and he reached the third trimester, they would begin to use his organs as their personal punching bag. Delightful. A baby who took after their father's need to fight something. Great.

However, Diluc didn't really feel the need to pee oddly enough. And yet he felt wide awake. Was insomnia a symptom that came along? Because if so, then he's going to suffer the rest of these months. Sleep was important. They've just began to move, small flutters here and there, shy and new. But Diluc can tell once they get the hang of it, he's really going to be losing sleep - not to mention after they're born. He wants to get as much shut eye as he can. 

So then...if he didn't have to pee and there was no one around...

A smaller but stronger flutter from within causes him to press his hand into his side, feeling around the soft curve just as a way to soothe himself.

Well...since he's wide awake. Maybe he could go for a midnight snack. It wouldn't hurt and Childe wasn't there to monitor his intake and Diluc didn't have to defend eating one pastry since the baby will be fine if I eat this, it's not going to ruin my diet- 

And a new idea is lit within Diluc, giddy at the notion. Finally, nobody is awake to stop him. Childe is asleep, Kaeya isn't around to be annoying, hell, not even Venti and his in secret "divine intervention" to watch the new child of freedom. 

So with a goal in mind, Diluc finally slips out of the bed and adjusts the large sleeping shirt, exiting the bedroom and making his way to the kitchen. It is still spick and span from when they cleaned it just mere hours ago, and it's then does he see on the clock on the wall. 2 Am. A bit earlier than he thought, but that was fine. Plenty enough time to snack and then go back to bed because he wasn't aware of how very hungry he was until now.

"I already know you're going to be trouble, little one." Diluc muses out loud, before beginning to rummage around the pantry. "Alright, let's see what we can have."

One thing he refused to eat now was berries and anything related to it. The yellowish color, the taste...absolutely disgusting now. And it was a shame, because Diluc used to enjoy berry pie. Many expectant parents were not lying when it said it's a jarring experience to have a sudden appetite flip. 

And cravings were allegedly worse.

But Diluc had self control. He wouldn't indulge in such disgusting mixes that they call delicious. Absolutely not. 

There's nothing appealing in the pantry, or at least, to him it's not. 

So he moves to the ice box next, peeking inside and letting the chilly air hit his face as he scoured the shelves before remembering he hid one mint jelly in the back from Childe. And reaching in to move some things aside, to Diluc's relief, it hasn't been confiscated yet. Thankfully, the moon is out tonight and even to light the kitchen through the open window without Diluc having to light a candle. 

The redhead takes out the plate of Mint Jelly and unwraps it, closing the ice box and grabbing a spoon from a drawer in order to dig in without remorse. But before he can even take a bite out of the chunk on the spoon, he pauses, mind halted by the sudden question: Sure it might be good, but you know what would make it better? 

That feeling of hunger returns, so Diluc just decides to place the spoon in his mouth in order to devour the small bite. Chilly mint flavor explodes in his mouth, and it's sweet and just the right texture. Diluc should kick Childe's ass for keeping such a treat from him. And it's good but...Diluc finds himself craving more. A bit more kick than the sweetness that explodes in his mouth. 

With a frown, Diluc looks at the plate of mint jelly before looking around the moonlit kitchen. He couldn't really think of anything to add - Archons, he didn't know what he wanted to add. A little spice?

His red eyes fall upon a small bottle of hot sauce and his mouth immediately waters. Archons. Yes. 

Like in a trance, Diluc walks over to it and picks it up to pour a huge dollop onto the treat. And this time, the bite he takes from it is divine. Spicy and cold and sweet and hot all at the same time that left a tingle in his mouth. Gods, why hadn't he tried this before? 

He spends a few minutes just savoring the chilled Mint Jelly with hot sauce on it, before it's all gone and he's left pleasantly satisfied with the after flavor. It's only then in the afterglow does he realize that he just ate Mint Jelly with hotsauce on it. And enjoyed it!!!

That should never be a combo that comes within ten feet of eachother. Good god, Kaeya would never let him hear the end of it if he ever found out about this. And yet...he wanted more. He was still hungry. But he couldn't eat such an abomination...could he?

"Damn it.." Diluc says out loud, because it's nearing 3 am and he still wanted food...specifically hot sauce mint jelly now. 

Childe was a great cook. A wonderful one, in fact. He's done everything for Diluc, not wanting him to lift a single finger despite how many times Diluc insisted that he was very capable of doing things. So...maybe? He's gotta make more Mint Jelly for Diluc, sugar intake be damned, he needed this or he was going to die. And even though his hormones have been nothing but a wreck lately, if he needs to turn on the waterworks, then he will. This was an urgent matter. 

Making up his mind, Diluc sets the plate on the counter and heads back to the bedroom, mission in mind. Childe is still laying in the position he left him, arm loose from where Diluc laid and still snoozing as if Diluc hadn't gone through a life crisis and a breakthrough in the span of a few minutes. So the redhead goes over to the ginger, bringing up a knee to balance himself on the bed as he leans down to gently shake at his shoulder. "Ajax," He whispers, shaking a bit more. That's enough to get the other to wake up, moving and once more looking up dazedly at Diluc. 

"Luc? What're you up for?" Childe asks, voice rough and far away as if he were still sleeping. 

Diluc shuffles around a bit more to make himself comfy because holding his and the baby's weight on one knee was not very optimal. "We're hungry."

That alerts Childe a bit more into awareness, as he sits up and rubs a bit of sleep out of his face. "Do you want me to-"

"Mint jelly. We need more of it." Because technically, the baby had involvement in it too. 100%.

Childe pauses for a moment before sighing. "Baby...I don't know...There are healthier options that could probably be consumed at this time of night-"

Diluc frowns, before he turns on the waterworks.

In the end, Diluc wins with several plates of small mint jellies on the small table in front of the couch. All of them were drowning in hot sauce, and Diluc is pretty proud of himself. Childe had relented quite literally two seconds after he spotted tears, more awake and up than he had ever been. The pyro user would never admit to using such a tactic ever again or even acknowledge he did so, but it was worth it. Not to mention the Harbinger didn't even bat an eye when Diluc drizzled them all - he couldn't be more in love with the ginger. 

"I hope you're enjoying those jellies, angel." Childe's voice rings through his giddy dessert high, and he leans over the couch and presses a kiss into red hair. It was in a loose braid that Diluc had put it in that previous night, but he hadn't returned to sleep, opting to stay up and wait for his jellies. The sunrise has already begun to stream through the window, cascading him in a warm light as well. 

Diluc smiles, tilting his chin up to look at his husband upside down. "I am. Thank you." 

"Anything. Though I'm not sure eating them at an ungodly hour will help your schedule."

"Baby gets what baby wants." Diluc says simply, offering a spoonful to Childe, but then placing the spoon into his own mouth right when the ginger leans in to take it. Ignoring Childe's pout, he continues to enjoy the spicy minty jelly. 

He could get used to this craving thing. Just a little bit.

Chapter Text

This was indeed a lack of foresight on Zhongli's part. 

He didn't expect it to happen so...suddenly, but it would seem that there really was no estimation for the infant's growth. Even if it happens slowly, time can go by in the blink of an eye. Especially for an adeptus who is far from the mortal time spectrum. So it would appear that yes, this is a lack of foresight and thinking on Zhongli's part. 

His overcoat hung unclasped as he stood in front of his body length mirror, small curve of his belly making it quite difficult to fasten. No, any more strain and he'd ruin something and that was not something that he wished. It was official. The coat was too small to wear now. It was such an obvious factor, not to mention Zhongli's waist was pretty small three months ago, so any extra added inches would definitely make a difference. And yes, he had noticed his clothes getting tighter as the time went by but didn't think it would get past the point of doable any time soon.

His shirt is stretched yet buttoned, miraculously. Zhongli had a bit of trouble doing it and it's tight to the point where he's slightly afraid it'll crush his precious child. Yet the likelihood of that happening was low since they were pretty small at the moment and it was just his uterus expanding around other organs. Still, he didn't like the way it restricted his breathing. Not to mention he's afraid one stretch or deep breath will send the buttons flying. 

He sighs in slight dismay. He was hoping his coat would be able to hide the stretched midsection and he would be able to buy new clothes later, but this would not do. The funeral consultant had to admit to himself he was a bit self conscious about the small bump he began to sport now. And now he is unable to fit into his clothes.

Zhongli is already late for work, so he really has no other option to forgo the coat. Maybe he could stop by somewhere and purchase a larger one just for comfort, but he wasn’t even sure he could do that and still get to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in time. Not to mention he wasn’t very comfortable going out to the shops in just this shirt threatening to tear open. Celestia, he wasn’t even that big. Just reaching the end of his first trimester and oh so shy of his second, and yet a small pudge made all of this so difficult. 

It couldn’t be helped. Zhongli will just have to go as is, button up and tie. He would not even try with the vest. 

Mind made up, the adeptus decides to just fold the coat around his arm as somewhat a protection and head to work. He would be mainly inside for the day anyways.

Thankfully, Zhongli has kept careful about how he moved as the day went on. The walk from his apartment to the Funeral Parlor was pleasant, albeit a little tense due to how tight the shirt was on him. The moment he’s just in the door, Hu Tao is standing right there, speaking with one of the new employees. And the one thing Zhongli didn’t need was to see his boss arrive late. The last time he came in late was when he was ridden with really bad morning sickness when he never got sick. 

“Aiya! If it isn’t my favorite consultant here after clock in!” Hu Tao greets, as Zhongli tenses. 

“My apologies, Director.” Zhongli says in all sincerity. “I have run into trouble regarding my condition and couldn’t solve it in time.”

“Oh? Is the little one bothering you again? It’s okay, Auntie Hu Tao understands! If you need the day off to recollect then I’ll allow it for today.” The eccentric girl says enthusiastically. Despite having such a unique perspective on death, she was pretty upbeat about the thought of Zhongli having a child and gave herself the title “Auntie Tao” or some variant of the name. She already goes on and on about how she’ll “teach her little niece or nephew the joys of life and death”. And the consultant doesn’t mind it, though he’ll just have to monitor that.

“There is no need for that.” Zhongli insists with a small smile. “I am able to focus on my work. This is another side problem of mine.”

Hu Tao nods. “Then I’ll hold you to that then! Next time, try to be on time.”

“Of course, Director.”

And thankfully, because of his condition, he hasn’t been subjected to her endless pranks as of late. Another upside to having a baby, he figures.

Work is relatively slow. A couple do come in seeking advice about burying their son, and the mother does cry a bit upon seeing Zhongli’s quite protruding bump which made him feel a bit...guilty. Even though it had nothing to do with him and he couldn’t have helped either his or their situation, the feeling was still there. 

He had always used his coat and it’s intricate colors to conceal his condition. So without that, it was much more visible. Not to mention he was only in the third month with six more to go and they were only going to grow from here on out. Zhongli did not take the factor of having to constantly buy bigger clothes into mind when he first accepted this.

Archons.

After some time, Childe walks into his office, bounding in with his hands behind his back. “Guess who!” He says excitedly, as Zhongli looks up from where he had fallen into thought, resting his chin into his palm. 

“Childe,” He greets, a small smile on his face as the Harbinger rounds the desk to bend down and kiss him upon the lips as his response. “I’ve missed you.” Zhongli whispers against his lips, before Childe laughs and pulls back, revealing a small wrapped back in his hand. 

“I missed you tremendously more. And I brought you something.”

Zhongli looks surprised as he takes the small box, looking up at Childe in question what it could possibly be before deciding to go ahead and open it at the ginger’s excited nod. “I met this really nice old lady back in Fontaine, and we talked a bit. She was getting rid of a bunch of stuff so she asked me to help bring it out of her house - didn’t even care that I was part of the Fatui.”

The brunet takes off the small ribbon and removes the lid. Within the box is a colored ring the size of his palm with multiple smaller charms attached to it, painted or hand sewn. One of those was a mini sewn plush Geo and Hydro slime. “Apparently she made it herself for her son and his lover for their kid. But since it never got used and she knew I’m expecting my own, she insisted I bring it back. It’s chew friendly! And look! The slimes are us!”

Zhongli chuckles and examines it in his hand. It was small enough for a baby’s hand to grip and be fine. Quite a fascinating thing indeed. And when he gives it a small jostle, he hears a little bell in there somewhere. The people of Fontaine were always inventors. “I adore it. This will be a wonderful toy for the infant.” 

“Oh, definitely. Ready to go to lunch?”

The question seems to snap Zhongli out of his daze as he looks up at the other with a conflicted face. “Ah, yes...About that. I am unsure if I could make multiple trips like this.” He says, placing the toy back in the box to set on his desk. The adeptus doesn’t have to directly look at Childe to know that he is sporting a perplexed expression. 

“Is something wrong? Or are you not feeling up to eat right now?” Childe questions, concern laced in his tone as he begins to cradle Zhongli’s face in his hands, searching for signs of any illness. 

“Ah…” Zhongli starts, averting his cor lapis gaze. “It would seem that I am unable to go too many places right now until I am to purchase new clothes.” 

“New clothes?”

“Indeed. The ones that I currently own are too small. It has slipped my mind that the infant would grow and leave me without most of my wardrobe.” Zhongli says, a sigh once again escaping his lips. It was semi embarrassing to admit to Childe that he had outgrown his clothes, but this man had seen him in the most erotic way. This was nothing. 

Childe is silent for a second before laughing and using one hand to smooth over Zhongli’s hair. “Oh yeah! We can always go shopping for maternity clothes.”

“Maternity clothes?”

“Yep. Clothes specifically tailored to fit expectant mothers.”

Zhongli thinks, placing his hand on his chin. “I was not aware there was a category of clothing for such.”

“Don’t worry, babe. Wait here and I’ll go buy something quickly for you to change into - I’m sure you can’t be comfortable right now.” Childe teases, pressing a kiss into the top of his hair before rushing out the room before Zhongli can say another word. So the adeptus just continues working, waiting for Childe to arrive back.

When Childe did come back, he had bought a couple of items to allow Zhongli to choose. One a tang shirt and the other a hanfu. At first, Zhongli didn’t know how these were maternity clothes until he put on tang as Childe kept his back to the closed door and there definitely was a difference.

The material was very soft, cloth instead of silk and it was stretchy. It gave him plenty of breathing room without pressing down on his stomach. It felt...nice.

“D’ya like it?” Childe asks, much like an excited puppy as he awaits Zhongli’s response.

The adeptus chuckles, smoothing down the sleeves. “I do, thank you, Childe. We can go to lunch then, now that I am wearing more comfortable clothing.” The Harbinger lights up, reaching out to take the brunet’s hand into his as he leads him out of the parlor, rambling on about his latest details in Fontaine. And Zhongli allows him to, briefly thinking about their child, orange hair and vibrant gold eyes with the toy from earlier. 

Chapter Text

"Kazuha~", calls a sing-song voice. Yet the mentioned man does not respond, keeping his eyes closed as he mediates. Or at least tries to. "Kazuha, I'm sorry."

The anemo user stays silent, trying to ignore his lover despite the whine Tomo gives. "Kazuha," He tries again, dragging out the last syllable. "Kazuha, my heart, please."

A head leans on Kazuha's shoulder, nose tickling his neck, and the platinum blond sighs, relenting at the persistence of his lover. "Tomo..." He starts, relaxing a bit as the other blond excitedly perks up at the word. 

"Kazuha!" Tomo excitedly calls, taking Kazuha's broken silence as permission to engage once more. "I really, really am sorry. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize and will never ever utter the forsaken words that have left my cursed mouth." He says in a rather dramatized tone. And as much as he doesn't want to, Kazuha smiles, turning away his head as Tomo leans in to nuzzle his cheek. "Do you forgive me?"

"I do." Kazuha answers, leaning back into his warm lover. "I couldn't stay mad at you. I just...don't think it's cute."

Tomo frowns, but continues to hold Kazuha close and cradle his figure. "But...it is cute." 

“It’s not!” Kazuha defends with a small huff. “It’s...strange.”

“Strange?” Tomo tilts his head, pulling back a little to look at the smaller vision holder. “How is it strange? It’s just our baby growing. Is that not what you want?” 

The tone in his voice causes Kazuha to pause and avert his gaze, a blush on his cheeks that could rival his eyes. “That’s not it...It’s just...I wasn’t expecting it.” And it’s the truth! He did know through the remaining months he had with their child in his womb, they would only get bigger until full infant size, but he wasn’t aware that this was a “normal” thing about it. It was...strange.

Tomo nods, deciding to take a bit of pity on his pregnant lover. There were a lot of changes Kazuha’s body went through in the past six months, and Tomo couldn’t be any more proud of the anemo user. And most of those were easy to adjust to. The hardest being Kazuha’s typical lightness. It’s hard to move around like he usually did with a squirming baby and their added weight throwing off your balance, but Kazuha still moved elegantly and made it look easy. Tomo was in awe. 

So when they both woke up this morning and Kazuha noticed that their beloved child had moved and his...innie had become an outie, it was quite the understatement to say he was confused. It’s normal, apparently, because everything is moved to make space. Not to mention the pressure can change it. It only happens in some select mothers. Kazuha just got that unlucky flip side of the coin.

Wonderful.

Another thing to adjust to, and he could with ease. But one thing he didn’t need was Tomo feeding into it with coos and calling it... adorable. Absolutely not. 

"Just promise not to mention it." Kazuha says, finally looking at the electro user with determination set in his eyes. The deal makes Tomo pout, but at Kazuha's deepening expression, the blond sighs, nodding once more. 

"I promise I will not mention it."

"Thank you."

"Anything for you, my heart. I love you."

"I love you too."

Chapter Text

Pink lining on pale skin stood out to him in the mirror.

Diluc takes a shaky breath, using his hand to caress his lower stomach right above his pelvis. They were there, and they were not pretty at all. It only served as a reminder that this was really happening and it wasn’t a dream. The feeling of the marks against his fingertips send chills down his spine, before Diluc forces himself to look away, gritting his teeth. 

It was a painful memory - being slightly chubby in the years leading up to his teenage ones. He wasn’t an overweight kid, but the first stretch mark against his side had horrified him. Being self-conscious of the way he looked versus how the other kids did. Sure, Diluc was a very outgoing and upbeat kid but that didn’t exclude him from his own growing pains. Crepus’s judgemental stare when he spotted the offending mark on Diluc’s hip had burned into his memory and made the unspoken message stick: He needed to get rid of it.

So he became very watchful of what he ate and what he didn’t. 

Into his teenage years, Diluc was lean and thin albeit a bit smaller than Kaeya due to how...restrictive his diet was. Adeline noticed and always tried to insist he eat more, but Diluc had always turned her down, saying it was fine. He even took up a claymore being his weapon to gain muscle instead of fat and ensure the marks stayed away. Though they wouldn’t be gone overnight, they did fade and thank the archons they did. 

But habits were hard to break. 

Even years after he first began to watch what he ate, it never fully left him. Using his claymore kept him fit, and combined with his diet, he stayed relatively small all his life. 

It was only when he met Zhongli did that begin to change. 

They met when Kaeya introduced Diluc to Childe, who in turn introduced him to Zhongli, a funeral consultant and also a man with extensive knowledge of Liyue. Diluc thinks they did it on purpose, but Kaeya had only gasped and went on a whole tirade on how “he did nothing and Diluc should learn to count his blessing and not accuse Kaeya of such matchmaker things, how dare he-”

Zhongli was amazing. No, he was more than amazing. The two hit it off like magic and the rest is history. They were together for two years before Diluc proposed to Zhongli at Liyue’s Lantern Rite festival and he accepted. Though the redhead doesn’t want to recall how much he stuttered, a contrast to Zhongli’s serene nature. He had only laughed and kissed Diluc silent, before muttering an “I accept” against his lips.

And he noticed Diluc’s eating habits, or somewhat lack of. He was the one to subtly get him to loosen his grip, just try a little bit more and yet still be reasonable about it. Substitute this for that. Eat healthy and still just enough without wanting to skip the next meal to make up for it. 

Zhongli accepted Diluc with what he struggled with. Just as Diluc accepted Zhongli for who he was, and his multiple forms. Woman, man, either or. It wasn’t something he was very out and open about and struggled with himself, but Diluc could care less, merely loving Zhongli for Zhongli.

And so, married with a child on the way, Diluc wants nothing more than to spend his life with the adeptus - because oh yeah, somehow he fell in love with Liyue’s former archon - but he can feel the creeping dark thoughts in the back of his mind just coming back around. 

But this was normal. Stretch marks with pregnancy were normal. Of course they are. He’s reaching his due date and the baby wiggled a lot, getting a feel for moving. Or maybe trying to make room for themself? Maybe that was his fault. 

What if he was eating too much? The phrase “eating for two” was pretty much self explanatory, because he indeed was eating for two, and not to mention he was plenty hungry nowadays. It was a contrast to the first trimester where he couldn’t even keep anything down and oddly enough...that was comforting to him. It scared him so much he blabbered to Zhongli and broke down crying about it, only to be comforted and held close until the sun came up. 

But..the nausea didn’t happen anymore. Or at least, the throwing up part. Diluc had a good handful of foods he still refused to eat because the mere smell of it would make him want to absolutely die, but almost everything was delectable to him. Not to mention his weird food cravings that would put a bunch of random things together. Calories galore. 

No, he couldn’t think of that word. Then he’d only begin to obsess over it, and he’d slip down that slope once more after he was doing so well. 

Diluc clenches his fist, nails pinching into his palms as a distraction or just something to feel. He needed to step away from the mirror. Look away from the marks. But it was so hard. It made him want to stare until they were all gone and search for more to make sure his skin was the perfect milky pale it was. 

It wouldn’t...it wouldn’t hurt to just have an apple for lunch. Zhongli was at work, and he’d never know. Besides, he did have a hefty breakfast. It would hold him over.

Diluc is trembling by the time he lowers his shirt and walks into the kitchen.

He only ends up taking one bite of the apple before he’s too sick to continue.

“-and then Klee blasted the mitachurl and it went flying! Razor and I were in awe. But her bombs lit up the nearby torches so we didn’t freeze to death and I actually got less than four injuries this time!” Bennett rambles as the adults listen with interest. Childe and Kaeya are over with their adopted son, who like Diluc, had a pyro vision. Ironically, he had some of the worst luck ever, from Kaeya’s stories to Diluc. But the family was tight knit and Diluc couldn’t wait to have that with Zhongli. 

His own little sparkling was having the time of their life pressing their foot into his side over and over and they’ve been doing it for a while, having been awoken by the activity around Diluc and wanting in on the fun. 

And Diluc liked it when Kaeya and Childe visited. Bennett always had his stories to tell and Childe had to nervously try to shush him when Kaeya sent him a questioning look. It was funny. It was domestic. But did he deserve it?

He was so hungry from not really eating a proper lunch, but still couldn’t bring himself to eat much of the dinner in front of him. He’s been nursing the soup for a good while, and is lucky that everyone else is too distracted to notice at the moment. Childe and Zhongli especially, both very wary of his and the baby’s well being, as they were family orientated people. 

And everytime Diluc tries not to think about it, it becomes ten times louder. What if the baby was kicking because they were angry at him for this? What if he was starving them? And yet he can’t bring himself to just...eat…

Archons, he didn’t deserve a baby. He couldn’t even take care of himself. 

Another kick brings him out of his thoughts, and Diluc moves his hand to press into his sore side. Ow. He rubs there just to soothe himself and the infant safely within his womb, but then his brain unhelpfully brings up the stretchmarks on his hips. What if someone could see them? What if his shirt wasn’t long enough?

The soup in the spoon at his mouth now tastes sour on his tongue. It burns at his lips and the salt only tingles in a fiery reminder. He couldn’t do this. Not in front of other people.

He lowers the spoon to the bowl and exhales, further messaging his side. “I think I’m going to lay down early tonight. Baby is kicking up a fuss right now.” He says, pushing back from the table and using his chair to assist him in standing. 

He bids Kaeya, Childe and Bennett a goodnight and brushes off Zhongli’s concerned glance, subtly shaking his head no when that beautiful cor lapis gaze wordlessly asks him if she needed to come and tend to him. 

The walk back to his room feels like a drag, and the baby isn’t making it any better, seeming to take delight in squirming now. Any time they’re moving, Diluc is grateful, but for so much time, and he is already mentally exhausted? 

The first thing he does getting back to the room is take off his shirt to stare at the ugly red marks strewn across his lower stomach, before turning to look at the slight ones on his hips. Diluc didn’t even want to look at his thighs and ruin his night further but he just wanted..to look at them. Looking in the mirror in the bedroom light, he can see where the baby is moving rather avidly, and slightly smiles.

“Hello sparkling,” Diluc murmurs in adoration, rubbing a pattern over where he estimates the baby’s head is closest, where they’ll be able to pick up the noise. Oh, they loved to listen alright. Especially to Zhongli’s elegant and silky voice.

And yet, the moment seems to shatter when Diluc recognizes the bump of the stretch mark against his fingertips, and he’s back to square one, shuddering and glaring at his reflection. Why couldn’t he be like other expectant mothers, accepting the change and just being normal? Why couldn’t he be the best mother for his child and the best spouse for Zhongli?

Time seems to pass with a blur as Diluc gets tired on his feet, so decides to take a quick shower so he could just go to bed. The pyro user tries not to think too much about the marks as he strips down in the bathroom and turns on the water, stepping in so it cascades down his body. 

A bit of time goes by before a slight knock on the wall snaps him out of his daze once more. “Mind if I join you, darling?” Zhongli calls, a bit louder over the spray.

“Yeah, sure.” Diluc answers, tensing a bit. Zhongli has seen him naked plenty, and has also seen his body as it changed to accommodate their child. Today felt...different.

He stands a bit awkwardly in the shower now, as Zhongli speaks once more. “I’m coming in now.” The curtain pulls back to reveal Zhongli in all her beauty as she steps in, hair loose from its ponytail and flowing down her shoulder like water from a jar. Diluc was jealous. He was extremely jealous.

Zhongli in all their forms was beautiful. Perfect. Handsome. Angelic. Even their dragon form brought attention, awe and respect. Her eyes were a beautiful gold and her skin was crystal clear, not one blemish. Her hair was a silky brown fading into gold, and even her proportions were perfect.

Unlike Diluc now, whose breasts and stomach were swollen, Zhongli had a nice toned stomach with the faint outline of abs and her own chest was perky in this form. And yet not a stretch mark in sight. He shouldn’t be jealous. He shouldn’t. Archons, he shouldn’t.

But he is.

“I’m glad that I am still able to hold your eye, love.” comes Zhongli’s teasing lilt, and Diluc gives a tiny jump, blush breaking out over his face at being caught. The adeptus doesn’t continue to tease however, knowing smirk melting into a small but content smile as she leans in to brush her lips against Diluc’s cheek. 

No more words are exchanged as the both shower, with Zhongli helping Diluc most of the time since he can’t even touch his goddamn toes. It only reinforces the negative thoughts within him, and he’s in a funk when they get out and dry. 

Diluc is on the bed braiding his hair, eyes on the wall as he absently thinks when Zhongli returns from the kitchen, holding her hands cupped together. The notion makes Diluc pause in confusion as she kneels onto the bed in order to fold her legs under her so she could sit down without the use of her hands. 

Like this, Diluc is able to see the grapes in her palms and tenses, looking back up at Zhongli who is sporting a knowing but patient gaze. “I am aware that you didn’t very much well eat today. And that is okay. I am proud of you for trying, especially at supper. May you try to eat a few grapes as well? For the baby’s sake?” She asks, offering out her palm. 

The redhead hesitates, before reaching out his own to take the grapes. “Yes, the baby who currently won’t stop moving and it’s almost time for bed.” He lightly jokes in an attempt to cover the nervousness that befalls him.

Zhongli chuckles, scooting forward to be level with Diluc’s belly. “Little one,” She greets softly, “Aren’t you sleepy? You have spent much of your energy today, but I’m sure you will want to save it for when you come into the world.”

The baby does respond to Zhongli’s voice, but as she continues to speak, they begin to slow as if in a lullaby. Diluc is going to chalk it up to some adepti power or something. And as Zhongli continues to speak, he allows it to wash over him as well, forcing himself to munch on a couple of grapes without feeling guilty.

“I do not expect you to eat them all.” Zhongli suddenly says, looking up at Diluc. The pyro user averts his gaze, not responding as the prime adeptus raises her hands. “May I?” She asks for permission. With Diluc’s slow nod, nimble fingers go to the edge of his shirt in order to raise it up. “Goodnight, little one.” She whispers, and Diluc allows himself to relax despite the warning bells in his mind that Zhongli would see the marks up close. 

As Zhongli begins to lower the shirt, she pauses and then lands multiple kisses on Diluc’s stomach, right where the stretch marks began. The action makes Diluc jolt. “Zhongli-”

“Shh, dearest. It’s okay. You’re safe and loved. You are perfect in my eyes, beautiful and diligent.” Each word is enunciated with a kiss.

“Zhongli-” Diluc tries again, beginning to tremble once more. “You don’t have to- It’s-” He cuts himself off, almost saying fine, but no, it wasn’t fine. Just eating a handful of grapes made him realize him god fucking awful he was, skipping meals when he carried new life within him. Zhongli entrusted him with their child and yet here Diluc was, screwing it up. The thought of it brought tears into vermillion eyes.

“You’re okay, darling. You’re safe. I know you’re struggling right now.” Zhongli continues to reassure, readjusting her position to cushion her head on Diluc’s thighs and wrap her arms around his waist, head nestled within his stomach and his legs. “I promise, it’s okay. You’re much stronger than you think you are and I’m so proud of you.”

With the silence that falls the air besides Diluc’s sniffles, Zhongli continues, hand caressing his hips. “I’m not mad. Far from it. I want you to see how proud I am of you, how in awe. How you so gracefully carry yourself day to day as you come closer to bringing our child into the world...I fall in love with you every day without fail, and would never want it to be any other way.”

“You don’t mean that…” 

Zhongli raises her head, eyebrows furrowed. “I do. I mean every word and swear under Celestia that I have not lied to you not once. You are truly perfect, Diluc Ragnvindr, and your stretch marks are proof of your ever growing strength. Please, my love, do not doubt yourself and your looks. You accepted me for who I am, and it is time for me to voice how I have always accepted you.”

Diluc is going to blame hormones, but the tears fall faster then he can wipe them away. The brunet helps, raising one hand to cradle his cheek and use her thumb to aid in wiping them away. She could probably take all night to serenade him with words, and she probably will, but Diluc would listen. He’d listen to her smooth voice if it meant being able to drown out his own so he could just be free. 

After some readjusting, Zhongli holds and caresses him until he falls asleep in her arms, listening to the hum of an old Liyuen song as she rubs and massages his skin so much, he can hardly even feel the sensitivity of the stretch marks even more. 

It would take time, but it was okay. 

He was going to be okay. 

Chapter Text

Gorou lets out an unexpected moan, which is cut off by his own hand coming up to muffle it. His legs tremble and the hand on his hip grips tighter, bringing him back to the present and making him very aware of the situation. The cold air nipped at his exposed skin and the hands on him felt even hotter than before. With another brush of the other's fingers in him against his prostate, Gorou jolts, hand not covering his mouth going back to grip at the long braid over Aether's shoulder and tug. 

"Calm, puppy." Aether commands gently, hand soothing over his hip and coming down to press a kiss onto his shoulder. "Relax."

That was hard to do when you're being fingered open and on the verge of an orgasm after ten minutes. Gorou whines much to Aether's amusement as the blond bites down onto the general's shoulder, fangs piercing his skin. It stings at first and Gorou cries out from the shock of it into his hand as Aether shushes him. 

"Shh...darling. You wouldn't want to alert your fellow human soldiers, would you?" Aether asks with a teasing tone, licking away the blood that falls from the puncture wounds. "Imagine how they would react to this. General Gorou being fucked open on a demon's fingers. Isn't the term "oni" in Inazuma? How would they react to figure out I'm the reason for your condition? Would they go and tell your precious Divine Priestess?" As he speaks, his thumb begins to slowly circle Gorou's clit, continuing to curl his fingers into that sweet spot. 

Even so sweet and slow, Gorou is quite literally on the edge, legs trembling and his own juices slipping down his legs and definitely onto Aether's palm, face flushed and ears perked just to listen out to anyone who might turn the corner. It was so risky but he couldn't find himself to care, slightly moving his hips in pace with Aether's fingers. 

"Look at you, riding my fingers so desperately. I don't think I would've known you were having withdrawals this badly." Aether's thumb slowly circles his clit just as fingers once again brush again his prostate just lightly and Gorou is gone, shaky legs pressing closed on Aether's hand as he's sent over the edge. His vision whites out for a second as the ecstasy rolls through him head to toe, tail curled onto Aether's arm trembling as well. 

After a few seconds, riding the aftershocks of his orgasmic high, Gorou crashes down, slumping back against Aether's chest as his tail around against their arm. He's exhausted and his shoulder hurts from the bite, but Aether only chuckles and presses a kiss to the nape of his neck, hand moving from his hips to the small curve of his lower stomach. "That should last you at least a few days. But if not, you know how to call for me, yeah?" They withdraw their hand, and Gorou doesn't have to look back to hear Aether sucking his juices from their fingers. He gives a shaky nod, to which the demon hums.

"Good boy."

Gorou stared into the cup of tea, watching the steam rise as he thought to himself. Kokomi was up and around, talking some strategies and possible procedure in case the peace talking went awry. Except this time, Gorou can't bring himself to listen, continuing to look into the cup of tea Kokomi had willingly prepared for him. He can't stop thinking about earlier, and their face, no matter what. 

But he was careful not to think their name. That was inviting the other to listen into his thoughts as one under a deal and Gorou didn't need that. Everything that has happening in the past four months has seemed to go by in a blur and Gorou can't wrap his head around it.

"-But if Kujou Sara decides to not call off her attacking guards-...Gorou?" Kokomi calls, noticing that he had stopped listening some time ago. 

The hybrid perks up, tail wagging. "Yes, your excellency?" 

"You are feeling okay? Do you need to go lie down? You look...unwell."

Gorou pauses, diverting his gaze once more. He could assume that it was true. His complexion has gotten a bit pale lately, but that's only because of the baby. A half demon baby, that is. And not to mention they were using his energy quite a lot, so he was out of commission most of the time. It was also the reason that he had to rely on...them...to return most of that energy, especially because demonic energy seemed to last him a good while. He thought that agreeing to the demon's terms in the first place and then moving on would be it. He wouldn't have to see him in another nine months when he eventually birthed the child and gave them to their parent. But nooo....It's almost as if Aether knew this would happen.

Gorou realizes before it's too late and clenches his mouth not to utter the word "shit" in front of the Divine Priestess.

He can feel the familiar presence weighing on his mind, a chill running down his spine and as if someone were watching through his eyes. Now their minds are linked, and he shivers just from the intensity of it. 

"Gorou?" Kokomi tries once more, walking back over to him to kneel down and press a delicate hand against his forehead. This jolts Gorou out of his trance, but this time someone else is watching through his eyes. 

"Y-yes, your excellency! I promise I'm fine. Just feeling under the weather a bit." It took some time from his energy to get coursing through his veins after their...sessions, so he would be a bit tired from then but he didn't want to be useless to Kokomi. "I promise." He repeats, though leans into the coolness of Kokomi's hand. Everytime she was around, his heart sped a little and his tail began to wag without him knowing usually. She was just so...perfect. He was smitten. 

And if he did have a puppy crush then...that was no one's business. 

Not to mention that she did not care Gorou was pregnant nor would he reveal who had knocked it up. She had only accepted it as someone in her ranks who had taken advantage of him, and while she didn't understand Gorou would not reveal such atrocity, she accepted this. Gorou couldn't tell her the truth. No... If she had learned that he had summoned a well known demon months ago to help turn the tides in the war for favor of the Resistance, then she'd truly be upset with him. No matter what. Gorou couldn't take that. 

They're watching, Gorou knows. And he feels a slight surge of annoyance in him flare up at them having to invade on his private time with Kokomi. Usually when he accidentally uttered their name, they would with some kind of magic go over him and the baby for injuries - because Gorou always felt that same wave from his head to his toes and back as if...checking him. Then the presence would be gone. But now it was..staying.

Kokomi scans his eyes a bit more before smiling and bringing her hand down to cradle his cheek. "I am glad." She coos, moving to brush some of his bangs out of his face. The actions causes Gorou's heart to flutter and his cheeks to light up in red, tail thumping against the ground excitedly. She takes note of this and giggles, light and bubbly, before turning to the map on the table. "Okay. Back to talking about the peace talks."

"Right!" Gorou says excitedly, scooting in closer to be next to her and still aware of the heavy presence on his mind.

Gorou gripped the edge of the table, baring his teeth as he took the brunt of Aether's thrusts. It was enough to jolt him and the table, various items on it moving and falling over. "Ae- Ae-" Gorou whines as their cockhead brushes against his abused prostate. 

"I don't think she can do this to you, can she?" Aether taunts, one hand traveling up his spine and the other going to teasingly twirl at his tail. "She can't turn you into a blubbering mess like I can. She can't satisfy you like I can." He groans as Gorou's hole flutters around his cock, squeezing and seeming to suck him back him. 

"Please, I can't, I beg of you-" Gorou whines, yet still very wet and hips wiggling back to meet Aether's thrusts. He loved it, he craved it. He was going mad off of it. 

"These are my marks on you. This is my baby in you."

Gorou chokes at their words as the demon's hand comes up to grip at his throat. "The baby-" He tries to get out before Aether squeezes and cuts him off. 

"-will be fine. I'm a demon, sweetheart, and you're a general capable of a lot. You can take a little roughhousing and they'll be more than fine. Just having you like this...debauched and impaled on my cock...spread out and panting like a whore. A bitch in heat." Their words have an obvious effect on Gorou, as pleasure spikes up his spine and makes his toes curl, legs nearly giving out. He's absolutely soaked, giving Aether's cock easier slide. Make no mistake, Aether was definitely not buff or muscular but his strength was insane. 

The pleasure is making Gorou delirious, and he finally reaches one hand back to grip Aether's wrist. 

"Oh? Would you like that? I could send you into heat...have you all to myself. It's not like her excellency could help you in the way you need. What power does she have?" He mocks, sending one particularly rough thrust into Gorou and jostling the table. The move shocks the hybrid, and his hand goes down to rest on his belly, trembling and hiding his hot face in his other arm. 

Gorou squeezes his eyes shut, just as another hand comes down to encircle on top of his, so both Aether and Gorou are cradling his stomach where their child- no...only Aether's child rests. 

"She might think her "strategies" helped turn the war in favor of the Resistance but does she really know her beloved general whored himself out to help her? Do you think she even cares?"

Gorou tries to shut out their words, just telling himself that Aether was upset. Angry and jealous because of what they saw earlier. They weren't usually like this. And Kokomi would care...she would- she would definitely care. 

"Ae- Aether..." Gorou moans once more, and the tone of his voice finally gets the demon to slow his brutal pace a bit, hands going to caress every bit of skin he can reach.

"By the end of the night, that will be the only name you call from now on." Aether promises, then gets back to his original pace.

And he makes good on that promise.

Chapter Text

Surprisingly, Zhongli took well to the news of bearing not one but three babies.

He had sensed the three extra heartbeats early - a telltale sign along with his fatigue and sudden appetite changes. And he was fine with that. Venti on the other hand, had to take a breather and by breather he meant drink  a lot. Zhongli had to carry them back to their apartment while pregnant so to say he was not happy was an understatement. It wasn't too bad because Venti is as light as the wind they represent but it was still the situation of it. He didn't talk to Venti to a straight week after that which wasn't his finest of moments, but Zhongli is going to say that it was justified. 

Venti did give him a very hefty apology, and made it up with how he was actually very excited for the triplets, promising to ease up on his drinking for them. He made songs for them and sang to Zhongli's growing belly frequently, wanting them to "get accustomed to his voice" even from when it was a little too early for them to distinguish it. He talked about them all the time, and even gushed about how he'd teach them the joys of each instrument. Zhongli feels kind of bad for the nice bartender he talked to back in Mondstat, who probably has to listen to Venti gush more than he does. 

It seemed everyone was more avidly excited for the triplets than he at the moment. Not that he wasn't happy, oh no! He was overjoyed, ecstatic even! This was his chance to have a family and with the person he has loved for centuries. Everyone around him as well showed massive support and love for the new additions. But it was just that: Everyone had been cooing over him and treating him and his babies like gods freshly ascended from Celestia. He wasn't Rex Lapis anymore, he was just Zhongli. Yes, he was still an adeptus, but he willingly gave up the title of archon.

Xiao was an exception, however. He seemed a bit hesitant about the whole idea of Zhongli having three children at the same time and the toll it would take on his body, but Zhongli assured him that he was right as rain. 

Hell, even Venti assured that if Zhongli could throw mountains in his youth, then he could carry three babies.

It was quite a sight: As much respect Xiao had for the former Anemo Archon, he still was a bit tense with the idea they had gotten Zhongli pregnant. Regardless, the timid adeptus had pledged to project his lord's children, and Zhongli had merely jested that he only needed to do what big brother's did and nothing more. That had definitely gotten his attention, and a few flustered words. But in all sincerity, Zhongli would need all the hands he could get. Three half adepti half wind spirit children sounded like a lot to bear.

And when they began moving, he knew peace no longer.

Hardly was there a time all three were still and silent. There was at least some movement, or one wiggling turning into two into three. Zhongli has recently picked up meditating just to get some peace while he was awake, and it actually did work most of the times. if he was calm, then they were calm. The other times it didn't, Zhongli had Venti sing them to sleep. It had a good chance at working, but even in the womb can Zhongli tell that Venti will have a daddy's girl or boy. They move a lot whenever Venti's around, even if they haven't uttered a single word. He or she just seems to just know.

Carrying around triplets was exhausting, but Zhongli made it work. It was pretty easy once you got used to it. Sure he had to sit down a lot because he couldn't walk far, or occasionally ignore his tiredness to get up and pace just to soothe them…And he lost his breath a lot…and his back ached more often than not…and he hardly got any sleep...oh and don't forget his bruised ribs. 

Okay he was barely making it work - carrying triplets was a hard task. He was never letting Venti’s dick get anywhere near him in an entire millennia. No matter how much the wind spirit had whined and complained about it. They weren't the one carrying around three tiny beings.

"It'll get better once they're out, Xiangsheng." Childe says, giving Zhongli a sympathetic look after the adeptus had voiced one of the triplets had began to rouse with their sibling. Yep, that's right. He can tell whenever one presses or kicks at the other, and while it was very precious that in the womb they interacted with eachother, all Zhongli asks for is a full night of just sleep. Then they can get to the squirming through the day. "Only two more months till it's over! Maybe they'll come out before then."

"More than one infant at a time usually means that they bound to come early." Ganyu informs, bringing over some tea to set down in front of Zhongli. She was over just visiting in her free time before Childe made a surprise appearance, deciding to make a spontaneous lunch for him. And while the relationship between Ganyu and Childe is tense due to her knowing he is the one who tried to drown Liyue, Zhongli knows they are only being civil for his sake. Any little stress is not welcomed. "It is our hope that they stay in there as much as they need."

"True, but I'm sure it can't be comfortable all cramped in one space shared with your siblings. No wonder they're all up and moving."

Zhongli heaves a deep sigh, picking up the tea cup after nodding his thanks to Ganyu. "It is certainly my hope that I would continue to carry them until they are ready. I can endure it for however much time is needed." Childe only makes a hum of acknowledgement, using his chopsticks to plop a dumpling in his mouth. Zhongli can see the slight grimace on Ganyu's face at that. 

"Yeesh, well you're much stronger than me in that category. I would've evicted three squirmy babies long ago and I'm all about family." 

Zhongli quietly laughs at that, while Ganyu makes a small noise. "It is quite a completely different experience when your children have life and activity. Not to mention a bit endearing when you think about it. Many do not have that luxury while some wish to feel their child move once again - So I will not take this for granted while I do have it. It is indeed a bonding moment, after all." And he has had plenty of those.

"Spoken like the true Prime Adeptus!" Childe jests, and Ganyu sighs, before timidly speaking up as she sits next to Zhongli with her own cup of tea. 

"Hopefully everything goes smoothly with the scheduled birth." She mumbles into the cup before setting it down. Zhongli smiles before reaching over to rest a hand onto hers. 

"Do not fret, Ganyu. Everything will be fine. I have lived for 6000 years. Pain is not something I am unfamiliar with." 

The blue haired adeptus gives a small smile, as Childe leans back in his chair, stretching his arms out in front of him. "It'll be all worth it in the end though. You get three bouncing baby Zhongli's!"

The mentioned man snorts as he brings the tea cup to his lips and Ganyu gives a small nervous chuckle. "If anything, I would believe it would be three Lord Bar- three... "Venti"s." That is probably the reason they are so energetic before even being born." She muses. It was probably just a passing thought, but Zhongli inhales the warm liquid in the cup, violently spitting it out and across the table which is good that he already had cleared his plate.

Both Ganyu and Childe make twin noises of surprise, both of them alert and firing off rapid questions about his wellbeing and what happened. He can briefly hear Ganyu panicking about the tea, but all he can think about is her comment. It would make so much sense how they would take after Venti, but he had never thought about it. Archons, he was going to have three mini Venti's.

Three. Extra. Venti's.

Celestia help him.

That idea quite literally sticks with him all throughout the day. He could not believe that all this pain and aching and yet there was a high chance all three of them would come out like the wind spirit. He could not keep this to himself for long however, as Venti wanted to know if something was wrong to which he begrudgingly gave up what Ganyu had said. Big mistake.

"Oh, and I'll even get them matching capes like me. Hehe, they'll be my personal army~" Venti says, rubbing their hands together as they pace back and forth in front of the bed. Zhongli had to listen to him gush for about ten minutes now, unable to escape. Since it was night time and he was pretty exhausted, there wasn't much activity within him, but who he assumes is Venti's little daddy's girl or boy is still moving and squirming at the sound of their light and cheerful voice. "Master Diluc won't know what hit him."

"Barbatos," Zhongli calls, sighing and just reaching for him. "Please do not refer to our children as an "army". I would appreciate it."

"Aw...but c'mon! This is super exciting! It's no wonder they're so active- they want freedom to move around and about!" Venti giggles, before stopping in their tracks in order to come over and take Zhongli's hand, pressing a kiss to the his knuckles. "We'll all play songs for you, my one true love. Concerts on the daily at the price of apples!"

"So I am being charged?" Zhongli asks, eyebrow raising. 

Venti's eyes widen and they shake their head frantically, braids whipping around. "No, absolutely not! It wouldn't be fair to you like that, but practice will take a lot of work and time...Though I do take another form of payment." Venti suggests, tone dropping an octave. The meaning of it makes Zhongli roll his eyes and tug at Venti's hand to pull him onto the bed. 

"Kidding! I'm kidding!" Venti does rush to correct after meeting the adeptus' golden stern gaze. He nervously chuckles before lighting up with an idea. "Well, you are being charged, but the price isn't what you would think."

It's a playful tone that Zhongli recognizes all too well, the one with safe intentions. "Oh? And what would that be?"

Venti leans forward to press a kiss onto Zhongli's forehead. "Let me sing to you and our children, for I know not anyone else I would want to do this with - to spend eternity with."

They're sappy, but Zhongli only sighs in content and leans back against the pillows set up for his comfort wihle Venti summons the lyre into their hands in order to lean into Zhongli's side, nestled right by his baby bump. The two don't even need to exchange words, merely a loving gaze as Venti begins to sing about three birds on the wind gaining their flight.

And Zhongli finds he wouldn't mind three exact copies of the one he loved.

Chapter Text

Kaeya was pretty much living in lavish.

Being the spouse of an archon came with so many benefits that it was insane. It was definitely worth leaving Mondstat for. He quite literally did not need to do anything but exist to earn praise and quite frankly, he's gotten a bit spoiled under all the attention. Some days, it was a bit too much and all he wanted to do was sleep - a wish Morax very much respected. 

But Liyue was very pretty over all.

Through all seasons, the scenery was lovely. Kaeya could quite literally take a walk anywhere and he'd be in awe of his surroundings without fail. It truly was beautiful.

He did miss his home a lot. Jean, Lisa, Albedo, Diluc... even little Klee and her eccentric love for bombs. While he did visit Mondstat from time to time, that was even harder now that he was pregnant. So he opted to just exchange letters whenever he could - not to mention Morax promised that the winds would always guide them back home, so Kaeya just assumes he is in contact with Barbatos.

Kaeya thinks pregnancy should come with a warning label or something because Archons, he never  knew it would be this much of a wild ride.

Cravings, mood swings that could have him pissed off one minute then laughing the next, aching and bloating and this and that and yadadada...

However, there were plenty of upsides to it as well. Morax had promised to treat him and make sure he was comfortable every step which he has definitely followed through with. That is expected of the god of contracts, however. Not to mention taking a stroll in Liyue saw him returning home with at least two gifts, a flower in his hair, and on a mental high from so many compliments. It made him more confident to walk around with his growing belly - Kaeya Alberich, the proud spouse of Rex Lapis and future mother of their child. The title suited him. 

Achy? Morax would always make time to massage him. Hungry? There's always food at the ready. Archons, if he wanted a midday nap, curtains were drawn and he could nap. No work, just relaxation. 

Except no one told him that with pregnancy came extra hormones, aka, Kaeya wanting to impale himself on Morax's cock as if nothing else matter. 

He was aching with it. Internally pleading with Celestia for some weird turn of events to happen so that Morax could come home and pound him into the bed so hard Kaeya couldn't think anymore. And it kind of came out of nowhere. Sure he has been getting fucked, but he hasn't been plowed into the mattress ever since before he found out he was with the child of the Prime Adeptus. Morax's strength was great. Greater than most beings if not the greatest of all Teyvat. Hell, he terraformed the land by throwing mountains for fun. Or at Barbatos, whichever came first. 

So it was fair that Morax would refuse to go past slow speed to Kaeya for the sake of their child tucked away in his womb. But Kaeya was kind of feeling kinky lately.

He wanted to get fucked. 

Their son would be ultimately fine. Yes - Kaeya does know the gender, a rare opportunity only possible through a nice lady named Madame Ping's aid. With some kind of adeptal spell that allowed her to check on the baby's health, she announced that they would be having a baby boy much to their surprise. Kaeya did not care for the gender, and did not care of what he decided his gender to be when he grew up as Kaeya himself sometimes felt a fluidity in his gender. Not to mention Morax had taken multiple forms before. Their son would have nothing but love and support. 

But he diverges from the topic at hand: He needs to get dicked. ASAP. And Morax, his beloved husband - his spouse, his everything - isn't providing besides slow lovemaking and Kaeya is going to drive himself crazy with this. He had already cum once on his hand and another grinding on a pillow today and he's about to make it a third, but the way Morax knew his every button to push - his every switch to further make his head swim with pleasure in the throes of pleasure, that hit the spot. 

But Kaeya is close to his limit. He's about to chain Morax to the bed and ride him himself - of course ignoring the fact that Morax could with ease break out of the chains.

Every little friction, every squeeze of his legs sent his groins alit on fire, burning with the need for release. His clit throbbed and hole fluttered just with the pure need of something in him. It was insane how much he just needed his husband to fuck him seven ways into next week. Not to mention that with his growing belly, it was harder to pleasure himself. Another downside to this whole schtick.

Not only does he have to suffer being extremely horny, his growing belly makes it to where he can’t even fix that problem. And Morax, the dick, won’t even solve this by breaking Kaeya’s back. It’s his damn fault in the first place! 

Sat very carefully so as to not put too much pressure on his five month belly, Kaeya slowly circles his clit with a goal in his mind. To get Morax riled up. Yes, the adeptus had the patience of thousands of years, but Kaeya is a weak spot. And just to hear him begging...it could lower his resolve if the request was reasonable enough (aka as in Kaeya was more likely to get a cuddle over something that might be “detrimental” to his health). So as he slowly teases himself, moaning and cursing out loud because he was that horny, he calls Morax’s name in his head.

Another upside to being married to an archon is that they can hear prayers, and Kaeya knows his is the loudest of them alone. Devout, and yet so sinful, begging for the archon to come and correct his sinful ways.

Morax punishing him..not treating him as if he were made of glass all the sudden...god, just the thought of it was enough to bring Kaeya to the edge with the help of his raging hormones. And his quickie does eventually help keep a lid on his horniness for a while. He just cums to the thought of Morax listening to him now, defile himself over something so sanctified because he was that down bad. Just anything rough and hard and nasty was what Kaeya needed. 

So that's what he's gonna get.

When Morax returns to his private adeptal realm, Kaeya is ready and waiting. A robe hangs loosely on his shoulders and his hair is out of its ponytail, cascading down his shoulders like a river. His eyepatch stays on however, only because he wanted it to but underneath the robe he was as nude as the day he was born. Maybe if Morax took a day off, Kaeya could just stay naked so Morax could take him whenever. That would be the dream.

He's aware when Morax enters the realm, the energy that he has become sensitive to changing in the air as he shudders. While his earlier attempt to please himself did help, he would still very much like some cock, thank you, so goes out in search of it.

Morax is sitting on the large geo throne like seat in the middle of the adeptal mansion, and Kaeya giddily makes his way over to him, smiling like a cat with its prey in sight. The archon did hear or sense Kaeya coming, because he stops rubbing his temple in order to reach out for his spouse, eyes still closed as he relaxes into the throne.

"I missed you," Kaeya informs, nuzzling his face into the side of Morax's. When the dragon adeptus turns his smile and gaze towards Kaeya, leaning in with the intent of a kiss, the blue haired man brings up a finger to stop him, smirking and tilting his head. "Did you miss me?"

"I did." Morax says, a warm smile on his face. Except Kaeya can recognize the very tiny spark of lust in the cor lapis gaze. And he just has to ignite that spark. He heard Kaeya's prayers, but it seemed he still had a good handle on his patience. 

Time to change that.

He sits on Morax's lap, before swinging his leg over the beefy thigh in order to straddle it. The immediately friction makes Kaeya release a soft moan and grind down gently, before his golden hands come to rest at his hips, stilling his movement. Kaeya gives a small whine as Morax gives a growl, but still keeps his expression schooled. "How are you and the babe?" He asks, as if Kaeya weren't two seconds away from completely just getting himself off on Morax's thigh. 

"Baby is fine. Mostly stayed  still today. I think he's still getting the hang of moving here and there." Kaeya tilts his head again, pouting. "It's his mother that is having a bad day."

"Oh? And how is that?"

"His husband is not properly heeding his spouse's wishes to be wrecked and he's just been aching for proper release all day." He pouts, moving his finger to Morax's chin in order to tilt it up. His bottom lip trembles just for show. "You know what I want, and yet you won't give it to me? Why is that?"

"I do not wish to hurt you, my love."

"I'm not fragile. I can handle a little fun. Didn't you promise to take care of me? Isn't it your whole thing not to break a contract?" Kaeya taunts. And he knows it's somewhat of a low blow but he couldn't care less. The challenge is rising in the Liyuen god, and Kaeya smirks, slowly grinding his hips once again on Morax's thigh. This time, he allowed it, hands seeming to encourage it. "I'm not asking you to bend me into a pretzel. I'm begging you to at least remind me who I belong to. I know my limits and you know I'm not going to shy away from telling you if I'm uncomfortable."

Morax hums, rubbing on thumbs over Kaeya's hips as the other is encouraged more, grinding down into his thigh without shame. And Kaeya can see the bulge beginning in the archon's pants, and wants. He needs, or he's actually going to die. 

Deciding enough was enough, Kaeya scrambles to pull Morax's thick and veiny cock out, trembling at the sheer size of it. "This is your fault I'm like this." He hisses, relishing in the moan of his beloved as Kaeya strokes his cock to hardness. "This pregnancy has made my hormones go wild."

Morax chuckles, hands tightening their grip on Kaeya's hips to prevent him from positioning himself over his cock much to the starry eyed's dismay and glare. "Then I shall tend to my wife and soothe what I have caused." And yet it was right there and Kaeya was going to start slobbering over it. 

"Fuck, Mo, just fucking- do something!"

"As you wish," Morax, easily sliding his arms around Kaeya's back in order to scoot him back so it's easier to pick him up bridal style. "Perhaps I shall indulge this once."

Kaeya gives a keen whine. "You better indulge again."

"Of course," Morax says, then his voice drops an octave, dark promises filling his tone as he nears the bedroom.

"After all, it is what I promised to you."

Chapter Text

Diluc places the mug in front of the customer and he swipes it up in order to begin guzzling it down, cheered on by his friends. The tavern was pretty active that night and that kept his hands busy. He had taken a few shifts in order to give Charles a break, and had pretty much insisted so that the other would have some time to himself. 

Charles was a bit concerned that Diluc shouldn't be on his feet so much, but it was fine. He was fine.

Diluc would be fine. He just...needed to get out of the mansion for a while. 

An unanswered letter from Kaeya sat alone in his bedroom, a month old now. He hadn't even begun on his response, but it's not like Kaeya is expecting a response any time soon. Or at least...he shouldn't. Their somewhat strained relationship did not get any better through the letters, but Kaeya was trying and Diluc could give that energy in response. 

But lately...he's been somewhat without energy. He refuses to call it depression, but it was beginning to look a lot like that. 

The clinks of glasses and laughs of many sound to him, but Diluc can't help but to hear nothing at all. He had hoped that being out and having something to do would help with the empty feeling inside of him but sadly, it did nothing but intensify it as he worked on auto pilot. Taking the request, filling cups, cleaning glasses...

"I ain't know that you were expecting a kid, Master Diluc." One man slurs, leaning heavily on the bar. He smirks, face flushed and a bit sweaty. "It looks good on ya."

Diluc clenches his jaw but does not respond. It's better not to play into the leers of the drunkards. They eventually get bored and move on, he's dealt with this before. He didn't particularly care anymore if others knew about his condition. Setting down the now clean glass, he moves on to a refill request of another customer. He can feel eyes on his figure, which does not help that he's already insecure about his growing mid section. It's not super noticeable, but now it's past the point of return with a slight bump. It could easily be mistaked for just..fat, but it's a bit to pronounced for that. 

It's getting past the point of creepy, but he just continues on with his work. Feeding into it made it worse. 

"I envy the person that got to knock ya up. I bet I'm better than him, whoever he is." The drunkard continues as Diluc walks closer in order to get a new rag. The comment strikes a chord in the redhead, who glares directly at him.

"I would refrain from making further such comments or you can leave my tavern. I won't tolerate harassment." 

And yet the man only laughs as if Diluc had told a joke. "If you're takin' dick then that would mean you don't have one. Maybe you could take mine to put you in your place! I'll put another baby in ya!"

The comment does get a fellow patron's attention from the volume and the embarrassment, the sheer mortification, burns on Diluc's face. Beforehand, he would've been just fine and dragged the man out himself but now...his hormones are all in a jumbled mess and it doesn't help that he's already struggling mentally. He's about to yell at the man when he suddenly yanks back, showing a certain bard with an innocent smile on their face.

"I think you've had plenty enough to drink tonight, my good sir." Venti says, as light as they come across. Their face betrays nothing but happiness, and Diluc drops his gaze, cursing himself for almost getting so lost in his feelings.

"Who- who are you?!" The drunk man screams, struggling with the collar of his shirt easily held in Venti's grip. Not to mention that it looked pretty funny since he was very much bigger than the bard.

Venti giggles. "The entertainment for tonight! Something you won't get to partake in."

"Unhand me, you-"

"Let me repeat myself," Venti's tone lowers, eyes opening half lidded and showing off a slight menacing blue glow in the tavern light. And yet their smile never leaves their face. "I think you've have had plenty to drink. Maybe it's time to go home, James." Diluc could only see from behind the bar, but whatever the man saw up close was enough to run the blood from his face as his eyes widen. Venti releases the grip on his collar and innocently places his hands behind his back as the man scurries off the chair and out of the tavern, rather bumbling around like a bee. 

Diluc releases a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Venti, you can't do that in public-"

"Are you okay?" Venti asks, directing their attention to the redhead. They lean on the counter, speaking a bit lower in mindful of eavesdroppers but everyone was pretty hammered at the moment. Diluc pauses, before slowly nodding. 

"I just don't want...y'know." He says, in reference to the whole "oh, a random bard is actually the city's god who has been pretty much hands off and away for years". Venti gets it pretty quickly, another giggle escaping them as they stick out their tongue. 

"My priority is you, silly! I'm just glad I got here in time." His eyebrows furrow. "Speaking of, I thought you were at the mansion." 

Diluc sighs. He knows how weird it probably is for a pregnant person to be bartending - he definitely has gotten a couple of looks - but if anything, most people did not care which was a huge relief. "I just...needed to get out. And I wanted to give Charles a few days off. He'll need them, especially after..." The baby is born. But he doesn't say that, Venti gets it immediately. But still, Diluc had a long ways before that as they were due in spring. Diluc was just shy of his second trimester.

Venti makes an "oh" with their mouth, then closes it in thought. It was adorable and as much as Diluc wants to lean forward to kiss them, he couldn't. He just tenses and picks up the forgotten rag. "I'm still working until closing. I'm not leaving the bar unattended." That makes the bard frown, but eventually they do relent, sighing and pulling out a lute. 

Where the hell?

"If you do say so, meine liebe." Venti says before hopping themself onto the counter and strumming the instrument. Diluc still isn't over how Venti hid a lute on themselves until now when he just registers Venti's ass on his bar top. 

"Hey!" He makes an effort to call, but the upbeat strumming now brings the attention of the other tavern goers cheering in excitement. Venti was pretty popular nowadays. The redhead glares with no real heat, and Venti catches his eye once more, winking before starting off in a song about love. Ironic. He rolls his eyes, also with no real heat.

Kaeya would've called him soft by now. 

He's always had the ability to see right through Diluc - to read him like an open book no matter how much Diluc tried. It's been about a year and a half since he moved to Liyue to be with his own love, the freaking archon of the nation. How Kaeya managed to do that Diluc doesn't know but he's very happy for him. Kaeya and Morax...Rex Lapis? Seemed happy. He attended the wedding, they are happy and now expecting a son from Kaeya's detail in his letter. He was very excited, going on about names and how he couldn't wait to win on his bet with Morax on if their son was going to turn out to be a mama or daddy's boy.

Diluc had rolled his eyes at that part. 

And yet...he felt...strange. Maybe it's the fact he missed Kaeya. In no way was he jealous or in discontent. He was the one who encouraged that Kaeya move in the first place - not to get rid of his presence, but to have him take the opportunity that life has given. 

Everything is different now. That's to be expected, but now the reality has really set in. He couldn't possibly be sad he was having his own child, right? He sure was in a lot of shock but it felt cruel to bring a child into the world when he felt so...negatively about himself. Not to mention that beautiful and carefree Venti didn't need to be tied down with a child no matter how much they reassured they were more than thrilled for this revelation.

The redhead snaps out of his thoughts, realizing he had been staring at the glass in his hand for far too long now. He can feel a burning gaze on him, not having to look to know it's Venti, before he carries on work. He just wanted to drown in it.

It could wait.

So maybe Charles was a bit right on his concern. 

Diluc feels achy. He was quite literally on his feet for a few hours and he's done it a million times before so he isn't sure what the issue was. Maybe he was more tired than usually, or the new weight he had to carry with him. Still, it made Diluc feel something. 

Venti had stayed by the bar the entire time, then escorted him back to the mansion. By escort, he means have the wind literally carry them back and Diluc never wants to do that again because it is terrifying especially when you are pregnant. But...it's better than walking he supposes. 

The unanswered letter sits on his desk as Diluc rubs a towel through his hair, fresh out of the bath with baggy pajamas on. Venti was doing something else at the moment so he had a bit of time to himself. 

The pyro user wishes that he could pick up the feather pen and write back. The last sentences stands out to him, "Enough about me. I just want to know how is everyone? Mo won't let me travel...Unfair. How are you? :)" Hell, even the smiley has such Kaeya quirks in it. But what does Diluc say? Last he talked about Mond, he talked about everyone but himself, only briefly describing his uneventful life. Not to mention, it was far too late to kind of sorta tell Kaeya that he was engaged now?...And pregnant.

He swore himself he'd do it earlier but it never happened. 

"You know you don't have to force yourself to do it tonight."

Diluc jumps, looking back at Venti entering the room. Their braids are undone, blue tipped hair wavy around their face and framing it perfectly. They looked stunning regardless. The redhead eyes the letter and sighs. "It's unfair. To him and to you that I'm keeping this a secret." 

Venti blinks, before a comforting smile breaks out upon their features. "You have the freedom to decide whether or not to share the news of a baby with Kaeya and I am here to support whichever one you choose." Not to mention, both Diluc and Venti are pretty glad that they aren't receiving the Kaeya and Morax treatment. Diluc would outright die at the attention and Venti would probably hurl from all of the praise and prayers and forced obedience. It was something Diluc was very glad they agreed on. 

"Soon..." He hopes, sighing for probably the hundredth time that day. "I just don't know what to say."

"It'll come to you. I know it will." Venti reassures, grabbing Diluc's hands and dragging him over to the bed. "Now can we cuddle please?? I've been dying to comfort you all night in the tavern. Now I finally have you all to myself. And no leering men either."

"I could've taken care of him." Diluc snorts, but does relent in Venti's urging under the covers. The wind spirit positions themselves slightly higher, moving the redhead to rest onto their shoulder. "You just happened to get to him first."

"Ehe~ I always do."

Silence befalls the bedroom, with Diluc wrapping his arms around Venti in order to hold them closely as the other's fingers run through his hair, gently scratching at his scalp. A small wind does blow out the candles, bathing them in moonlight. A few more pauses beat by before Diluc hesitantly speaks up. "Can you...nevermind." He stops abruptly, pressing further into Venti's neck in order to prevent the other from seeing his expression. The hand in his hair stops, before it continues, slower. 

"There is a song on your heart, and I am glad that you entrust me to release it." Venti says softly, pressing a light kiss onto soft red waves, before starting the beginning of an Old Mond lullaby, one lost to many. Except Diluc, who remembered it from when he was young and carefree, before his vision when it was just him and Kaeya in the lap of Crepus. 

And if nothing else and no one else, here Diluc carrying his firstborn, belonged in the arms of the wind. His beloved Barbatos.

Chapter Text

Kazuha mindless scrolled on Twitter, liking random posts and retweeting the ones that he wanted. It had been a pretty much lazy day and he had gotten up pretty late , waking up at noon. Everyone else was obviously up before him, Venti and Xiao off doing work and Aether due to their morning sickness. Kazuha himself had a job to do, but just home assignments which were quickly finished so he could just laze off the rest of the day.

The platinum blond gives a small laugh at seeing his best friend's Gorou post about Itto and Yoimiya having yet another eating contest. Those two were always getting into something - or more like Itto getting into challenges with about any person who was foolish to say yes. 

He kind of wants to take a nap if he's being honest despite it being only three hours since he woke up. 

"Kazuha!"

The mentioned looks up from his phone just as Aether walks into the living room, a bright smile on their face. Kazuha smiles at the sight of his lover and perks up. "Hello, darling-"

"We need to do this."

A phone screen is being jammed into his face, and Kazuha has to blink to readjust his sight in order to properly look at what's being displayed in front of him. It's a TikTok video, with the audio registering in his ears as the Months song, going over all of them in order in the tune of that to a child. He missed a few months, but when he finally focuses on the video, he can tell what's going on pretty clearly. It displays a pregnant person through the months in different clips, showing off their progress as they grow until it finally reaches where the person is holding a newborn, freshly swaddled and all wrinkly. 

The sight of a baby makes Kazuha smile, before he's brought back to Aether's earlier request. Request? Could he even call it a request? "Do what?"

"This trend! Show yourself over the months until you give birth. Well, of course it's not going to be a proper one because we didn't get before our pregnancies, but I can just insert pictures. So c'mon, stand up!" Aether's hand is tugging on Kazuha's before he can truly process their words, hesitantly pocketing his own phone and standing. The blond leads him over to a dresser in order for them to stand up their phone, doing something that Kazuha can't really process. He doesn't have the app.

Ironically enough, he was the only one in the house with the least amount of social media downloaded on his phone, even less than Xiao with an Insta he doesn't use (courtesy to Venti). Even then, his twitter was private and his snapchat was not given out to only but his close friends and lovers. He did not really need nor want a presence. Aether and Venti liked to tease that he preferred to stay as anonymous as a ghost, but hey, at least he relented and got Twitter all these years back when he first meet Aether, who introduced him to Venti and Xiao.

He wasn't much of a loner, but by definition, he kind of was. In Inazuma, he knew plenty of people, but settling down in a foreign land? Well...he knew less people, but everyone he did know was pretty much in connection to all of his lovers outside of Beidou and the Alcor. And yet, his popularity wasn't the problem. 

It was his lover's enthusiasm to share different moments of their life. 

And to be fair, Aether wasn't all that crazy about it. It went Xiao, Kazuha, Aether and then Venti on the scale from least likely to most likely to socialize. However, in their travels, Aether had met and came close to quite a lot of people while searching for their lost sibling. They did succeed, and everything came to a circle, with them joining in Xiao and Venti's relationship before Kazuha came along. So now they're a poly quad with healthy communication and plenty of fluffy moments in between them all. It was quite the shock when it was revealed both Kazuha and Aether were expecting at the same time. 

Kazuha is further than Aether, already into his second trimester while the blond is just approaching half of the third month.

Which meant that Kazuha had began to show much more than the other. Most expectant people would be happy that they would begin to show but maybe Kazuha is just feeling a bit..insecure about it all. 

His body would continue to change, and anything pleasant would just bring two unpleasant things with it. He considers himself to be a peaceful person, but crying because your lover accidentally poured out your juice because they were washing dishes is not peaceful. But it was mostly the weight gain he was the most upset about. He hadn't really been out in tight clothes ever since he lost his figure too his widening hips, opting for hoodies, long enough to his thighs. Thankfully, his remote job allows him to work from home so he doesn't have to go anywhere. He knew he couldn't hide the rest of the five months to come, but he just wanted to keep to his little corner for as much as possible...

..and not be broadcasted to others. No matter how close they were to Aether.

"Okay, ready?" The blond says, breaking Kazuha out of his thoughts. 

"Actually-" Kazuha starts, before he cuts off, hearing the timer of the app as Aether pulls him closer, maneuvering him so that his back is to their chest. And it works, because there is no bump to separate them. Kazuha feels slightly jealous. 

"Do you think I should put our different weeks in? I mean..it would be pretty helpful. Oh! I can also include bump updates-" Aether's hands travel down over Kazuha's bump, gently caressing as they observe their reflections on the screen of the phone. It almost feels nice if it werent for Kazuha's sudden spike of anxiety, He's very aware of his body shape, and the contrast between beautiful blond Aether and just...him.

The platinum blond shudders, sliding out of his lover's arms. "I'm sorry, I think I'll just..go lie down." He ushers out pathetically, rushing out of the living and up the stairs best he can with his own growing belly. He makes a beeline for their master bedroom, flopping onto his side before shimmying under the covers. The bed is cold with no warm bodies held within, so Kazuha rolls around for a while to kind of warm the sheets before he settles.

At one point, Kazuha takes out his phone in order to once again mindlessly scroll through twitter, before one of Venti's old posts shows up - one he had already liked. It was two pregnancy tests, one in a bandaged hand and the other with a starry pattern drawn over the back of it. The caption "It's official!" was something so simple and yet...so sentimental. That Aether and Kazuha were on this journey together, and Xiao and Venti tagging along too even if they weren't actually carrying a child.

Maybe Kazuha just needs to lighten up a bit. Aether was very excited. They had their twin sibling Lumine, who had their own lover, and Venti, Xiao and Kazuha. They had their family back in order...Kazuha's own split up a very long time ago, leaving him to wander and wonder if he would even have a roof over his head that night. But it was fine! He enjoyed nature. He hoped their children would also come to appreciate nature as well...they'll be so close growing up, almost like twins even if their birthdays aren't the same.

The door to the bedroom creaks open, and Kazuha tenses even if they couldn't exact try to fake sleeping. "Kaz?" Aether asks hesitantly, closing the door back. Light footsteps make their way over to the edge of the bed as Kazuha closes his head, hiding his face away from the blond.

"'m sorry. I don't know what got into me." Kazuha apologies. Though it would probably be more sincere if he just looked at them.

"No, I'm the one that's sorry." Aether says firmly, a small pout upon their looks. Kazuha does look up at them, and they really do seem guilty. "I should've asked. I would never want to push you past your comfort zone when it comes to media."

The platinum blond chuckles a bit. "Oh love, I promise I'm not upset. If anything, your excitement is quite cute."

The blush upon Aether's skin is so worth it, before Kazuha sits up, fiddling with his hands. Aether is just standing there, and while Kazuha doesn't really need ti tell them they don't need permission to enter in their own bed, he indulges anyway, grabbing one of the blond's hand in order to drag them down gently. "If anything, this would be quite a...erm...me, probably." He phrases as Aether snuggles up close to Kazuha.

"That's understandable - though I love the way you look. It doesn't matter whose baby you're carrying, you're positively glowing regardless."

"Suck up," Kazuha teases, much to the amusement of Aether, before it dies on his tongue, a more somber mood overshadowing him. "But thank you. I will get over my appearance soon enough."

The catches the blond's attention, who sits up and pulls back just to catch a glimpse of Kazuha's eyes, seeming to search for something. "Appearance...do you mean...your bump?"

Kazuha shrugs, but averts his gaze, just confirming Aether's suspicions. "I know it is quite pitiful to think of that way, but I'm just...it appears that I mourn over having lost my figure." He attempts to make light of, but it falls flat. Aether is still for but a moment before they're moving again, cuddling Kazuha close and nuzzling their cheek.

"Beautiful, gorgeous...precious. You know that no one cares about that kind of thing, right? You're pregnant - weight gain is to be expected since you do have your organs plus a growing human child in there... I'm actually quite terrified of it too but think about it: You'll get to feel the baby kick before I do." 

And that much is true Kazuha supposes, a small smile on his face. 

"And if anyone tries to point out something they're not supposed to, you can bet your ass that I'm going to fight for you, pregnant or not." Aether threatens, before a softer smile comes upon their face. "I mean it. You're my lover too and I'm thankful you decided to grace me with this... You're definitely not alone in this long run."

The tickle of Aether's hair on his skin makes him laugh slightly, but Kazuha can consider himself a bit picked up spirit wise now. "You're right."

"Of course I am! Though I can't wait for Xiao and Venti to get home so I can bug them for pictures instead." Aether declares, a bit of mischievousness shining in those beautiful golden eyes. "Maybe I'll try out some new fucked up filters." The idea makes Kazuha laugh as Aether continues to ramble on about stuff to do while the platinum blond thinks to himself. 

There would be alot of change in the remaining months, and he was by no means prepared, but as long as he had his lovers on his side, he'd be more than ready.

Chapter Text

They were not exaggerating when they said pregnancy pain was like no other pain.

Thoma was going to die prematurely. No, he was actually going to die from back pain because archons, he swears that it is by far the worst symptoms he's had. Not the puking, not the heartburn, hell, not even the fact his baby finds joy in pressing down on his bladder - it's the back pain.

To be fair, Thoma didn't want to stay still, preferring to be active during his pregnancy by keeping busy doing housework. In his early trimesters, he never kept in one place and even did a couple workouts here and there. Even when he began to show, Thoma kept at it, doing daily stretches whenever he could. That definitely did help fight off any aches, but sleeping was ultimately a pain because he could never find a good position considering he know had a watermelon for a stomach. He kind of feels bad for Kaeya and Childe having to put up with him tossing and turning to find a good position that allowed him to breathe, be comfortable and also be cool all in one go. 

Oh well, they could survive. It was Thoma who had to endure all of this for eight months now.

He's currently doing laundry and silently mourning the fact that his back hurts like a mother...fluffer. (He can hear his lovers laughing now.) 

And it's not like he's forced to do the housework. Childe definitely didn't want him overstressing it and to relax, but Thoma wanted to still have something to do besides lay down all day. Sure there were some days where he could do nothing but lay down due to how achy he was, but today was not one of those day. Well, was. Because now his back hurts and the baby feels heavy and he feels all around sucky. But he got up to do something so he might as well finish it.

But it still huuurt....

Technically he didn't have to put up with it, and his lovers would totally get if he had just laid down and done nothing all day. Hell, they would encourage it. Besides Childe who did want him to get up and at least walk around for exercise once in a while. 

Thoma should probably go get the dried clothes off the hangline, but he just wanted to sit down for a small while. It would be okay.

The blond yawns, standing up with lots of trouble - seriously, he had to utilize a nearby chair - he makes his way towards the living room in order to gently ease down onto the couch. If he's out of breath by the end, then that's no one's business. 

And he almost falls asleep on the couch too if it weren't for someone entering the living room. Or maybe he does drift off but it merely feels like five minutes.. He can feel their presence leaning over the couch, and opens his eyes to first spot the hydro vision attached to the hip of his lover. Thoma yawns and looks up, rubbing his eyes he groans.

"You look comfortable," Childe teases. "I won't hold you back from your sleep, darling."

And yet Thoma's hand reached out to grab at the ginger's pulling him closer. "Stay." He simply says, and a hand comes up to brush over his bangs. He didn't even care if Childe had work to do, he just needed a pillow to rest on. "I'm not getting up. I don't even think I can." He pouts, and can feel the amusement coming off the Harbinger in waves.

"Oh? Is it the baby?"

"Yes," Thoma sighs. "It's another one of those "baby hang low" days. They do it a lot." 

"Probably because it's nearing your due date and they're just turning around. That's a lot of pressure on your pelvis." Childe informs, relenting and moving onto the couch. Both of them readjust to make room for eachother before Childe gently nudges Thoma to back up into him, resting his back onto his chest. Thoma relaxes into the other, trying not to moan as Childe's hands immediately start to massage wherever they can. 

The pyro user leans his head back onto Childe's shoulder, a frown prominent on his features. "Yeah, and my back too. I will never complain about any pains ever again after this is over."

Childe drops a kiss onto Thoma's cheek, before moving his hands downward to press into his lower back. "I'm sorry, baby. Here?"

"Ah! Shit-" Thoma curses, even though he usually never does, but god, the relief felt almost euphoric - Thoma could cum right there and then.

"Sounds like you two are having fun in here." comes the teasing voice of Kaeya, breaking Thoma out of his trance. They saunter in, three cups of tea steaming and ready that makes Thoma's mouth water. He makes grabby hands for his as the cryo user approaches.

"Absolutely not. No sex." Thoma refutes, taking the mug and folding his legs in as Kaeya sits down as well, a smirk on their face. He places the two remaining cups for him and Childe onto the coffee table as Thoma continues. "I'm too in pain and the baby wants to move during that time so I'm not doing it. Besides...they can hear."

Childe audibly whines, but continues to massage into Thoma's lower back, before circling his arms around Thoma's stomach and pressing gently into his bump. Kaeya is saying something in response to Childe's reaction with a laugh, but Thoma can only focus on the slight relief that pretty much snaps his attention to the...odd weight that's been lifted. Except Childe is moving his hands and Thoma feels a bit sadness at the feeling ending so soon.

"Wait-" He says, and the two freeze immediately. Thoma can just hear the thousand of questions on their tongues, initial panic in both of their eyes. He wordlessly puts the tea into Kaeya's hand, before moving Childe's hands back to the low curve of his stomach, pressing upwards. 

Dear archons. 

Childe does catch on, tightening his hold and lifting up the baby's weight, and it works. It's a lot of pressure off of his back and he surprisingly feels lighter than he has been all day. It's nice to feel something other than a beached whale. "Like this?" Childe asks, and Thoma nods, hands going down to rest on the Harbinger's thighs. It felt weird that the bump could be moved so easily - hell, he is pretty sure he forgets it's still soft while firm - but Thoma couldn't complain about it anymore. 

Kaeya's hands come down to bring Thoma's feet into their lap, massaging as well. "That bad, huh?"

"You have no idea. I just want them out already." Thoma pouts, and Kaeya gives him a sympathetic look, leaning forward to kiss him gently.

"You're doing so well, sweetheart." He says, and Childe nudges into the side of Thoma's face, wordlessly asking for a kiss next, which he gets. "Just a little longer and then we'll have them."

"And we'll carry them all the time for you." Childe suggests, speaking against Thoma's lips. However the pyro user pulls back a little to raise an eyebrow.

"Um, absolutely not. You're not hogging my baby. I am almost done carry them in me but that doesn't mean I don't want to carry them out of me." He huffs, mcuh to Kaeya and Childe's amusement. Both chuckle, but Thoma just relishes in the attention, enjoying the few moments without aches and pain.

He does break his no sex oath however, when Childe and Kaeya later introduces a sort of brace to help ease the pain off his back. 

But they all saw that coming.

Chapter Text

Childe was definitely not expecting getting pregnant by a former archon and then giving birth to the egg of said former archon.

Yes, you heard that right. Egg. 

Because Morax is the dragon adeptus over Liyue, that quite literally meant dragon. Childe didn't know that extended to his offspring. Though that's one thing to cross off the bucket list, he supposes. At first, he thought he was actually pregnant with a human baby, but Zhongli brought up the possibility it could be an egg instead. Childe had laughed, but it had quickly broken off when the other had the most serious look on his face. Well, that was Zhongli's regular expression, but usually it would lighten with a joke.

It wasn't a joke.

Childe's belly did grow a little bit, and he had expected it to continue until after cramping for a whole day and worrying if there was something wrong, he had quite literally birthed an egg. 

Zhongli was by his side the entire time, helping him through the scary process because well, Childe did not know the how adepti pregnancies worked, but he's pretty sure that human pregnancies lasted nine months. It had only been five. And it technically was scary, he was convinced something was wrong, and even yelled at Zhongli for being so level headed and calm about it when he was pushing out something.  He had been so careful while carrying, especially with fighting and making sure nothing hit his midsection. And the process lasted a few painful hours until indeed, an egg had slipped out.

It looked much like the stone steele that Zhongli could conjure with no problem, with intricate golden lines running from the top to bottom. They glowed rhythmically, running down like a pulse. The beautiful gold accents on top of the brown...Childe couldn't believe something beautiful came from him. The egg wasn't smooth, but more of a subtle rocky texture thankfully covered in some kind of goo when he birthed it so it didn't tear his birth canal. 

"What now?" Childe had asked his husband breathless and shakily, holding the egg covered in his own fluids. 

Zhongli had only offered him a small, sympathetic smile and kissed his sweaty forehead. "We wait."

And so they began the waiting game.

There were plenty of questions Childe had about the egg. If it needed incubating, or cold instead of heat... Was there a baby or a dragon in there? Though he had a pretty good idea on which one that was. Zhongli, bless him, tried his best to answer all of Childe's questions, but this is as new to him as it is to the other. So it's basically just a game of sitting duck until the egg hatches.

So Childe makes the best of the situation.

He keeps it wrapped in a fluffy and soft blanket in order to keep heat and carries it everywhere - treats it as if he were still carrying. It wasn't uncommon to see him with a sling or even just a small backpack to carry the egg in. And anything or anyone who came close would absolutely get smacked. Childe isn't above stabbing someone if they even tried to hold his egg without his knowledge, but he wants to stay in the good graces of Zhongli and stabbing someone isn't the way to do it. 

It's been about four months since he's given birth to the egg and there are no changes. He's slightly on edge and also a bit worried about the overall health of the egg. He's extremely careful with it and makes sure to check for cracks each day but...no hope. Zhongli tells him to have patience, but Childe isn't sure. This is a new territory and he doesn't know how to navigate it. So he begins talking to the egg. Sure he has talked to it before, but now he's really engaging in one sided conversations with it. That does seem to do something, because everytime he snuggles close to it, egg on a pillow close to his head, he just talks and it...responds.

At first, Childe didn't notice, but then it became pretty hard to miss. The glowing lines on the egg became brighter and glowed in a different pattern. Some would be stronger than others. It was progress, a milestone he was more than happy to share with Zhongli. It only made them more excited for what was to come.

And not to mention that it responded to touch as well.

Before, there was no response, but now when Childe or even Zhongli touches the egg with their bare hands, the rhythm glowing lines stop and the light all crowds in that one area. It's warm, and if Childe stays still long enough and waits, he can feel very little movement from within the egg. He cries the first time he feels it. It felt like...they were getting somewhere.

Touches and little movements here and there work.

Until it doesn't.

Sure, the baby sometimes "rested" and the light was dimmer with a steady strum, but now it was always like that. It had stopped responding to touch, lines full of golden steady light as if a cup full of water. It reacted to nothing. Speech, touch... Childe grew anxious. 

Zhongli was somewhat the opposite. If anything, that seemed to further reassure him that "their time is upon us, my love". What the hell did that mean? Childe needed his husband to stop speaking in goddamn riddles and tell him how his child was.

His child...

And he worried for them every day that this silent treatment went on. Were they okay? Had he failed at taking care of it?

He had taken a week off work just to be with the egg in hopes to change something, even if no results warranted a sort of depressed mood about it. Zhongli was the only one with in between the two, and Childe knew that the adeptus knew more than him if both of them were still clueless, but he still worried...A lot.

And this pent up energy was spent in only one way...to kill.

But he hasn't. He couldn't. He...he shouldn't.

Zhongli found him with a knife at an ungodly hour in the morning just...contemplating, needing something in his hands. And yet he understood, he held Childe as he cried, wondering why everything went wrong in his life. He held him until the sun rose over the horizon.

So now Childe just...talks to the egg. He doesn't expect an answer now, but just wants to vent to someone. Zhongli still had work, and he was used to talking to the egg. Even decides to pick it up out of the nest that they had decided. It's only then does his fingers feel something that hadn't been there before. And a quick turnover shows something that makes his heart drop. 

A crack.

Childe screams.

He doesn't even remember how long it had been. Only that Zhongli finds him what could've bene hours later, cradling the egg and crying his eyes out. All that's on his lips is that he killed his baby. He didn't know how, he didn't know when...he didn't know why. He swears to the archons that he could've taken whatever punishment. It didn't have to be them. 

He couldn't create life. All he could do was take it away.

Zhongli had only stood in shock for but a moment, before approaching and gathering him in their arms. He asked for the egg, despite Childe's protests of parting with his baby. Somehow, he does pry it from Childe's grip, and examines it gently, with a slight glow in his eyes. Childe hated it - he hated how...how casual his husband was being with it all. And he wants to kill that spark of hope that ignites within him at Zhongli's small smile, wants to do something before he hears those words.

"They're okay."

Childe refused to be with the egg after that. Not wanting to do any further damage. He isn't sure how it got cracked, no matter how much Zhongli just reassures that they were to be born soon. He refused to even look at it. Does he feel bad that he suddenly dropped the responsibility on Zhongli? Yes, but the adeptus not only contained a lot of geo energy, but more knowledge and patience and gentleness than Childe had throughout his life. Not to mention water erodes rock over time. 

Zhongli does try to get him to engage with the egg once more, telling him they miss Childe, but the ginger refuses. After that scare, he couldn't take the pain anymore. It was a waiting game and one he no longer wanted to do. He's a light sleeper, so he knows when Zhongli puts the egg under his arm and yet...he doesn't have the heart to remove himself from it, keeping the warm thrum to himself only in the glow of the moonlight.

Another month passes. More cracks have appeared on it, yet Zhongli assures that it's fine. Even tries to tell Childe they're moving again. Childe refuses. He couldn't do it. 

The adepti loyal to Zhongli look at him with disdain. He gets it. Another reason to hate him: abandoning his child. But if he destroyed all things he touches? Why bother? He didn't want to harm the firstborn of the Prime Adeptus, the Geo Archon Morax.

Until one day, it all comes to a close.

Zhongli had come to Childe telling him that the egg was wiggling and they were to be born very soon. It was best to let them break out of the shell by themselves, but encouragement was good. Childe wanted to stay at a distance, but Zhongli wouldn't let him, firmly telling his husband that they depended on him. They want their mother. They needed him.

So Childe accepted the egg.

Surprisingly, he was allowed to hold it as it continues shaking and more cracks formed. He tried to ignore his internal self hatred, the fear paralyzing him. But it was happening. Oh archons, it was happening. 

At one point, he encourages them, whispering about how they're the child off a Fatui Harbinger and the Prime Adeptus of Liyue, two forces great and powerful. They could power through. They could do it. 

And they do.

When it finally cracks open with a blinding yellow light, it fades and leaves behind a very tiny squirmy and goo covered dragonic like baby with orange tuffs of hair, little horns, small patches of scales and the beginnings of a tail much like Zhongli's. They do cry, lungs of iron already prominent after birth, but Childe could care less. He cries again, but this time with happiness as he holds his daughter, and Zhongli does shed a tear as well, holding his family in his arms.

They would power through.

Chapter Text

Claws drag along his skin, enough to leave red marks that already glitter his pale skin and stand out like a sore thumb. It doesn't draw blood, but a small part of Gorou wishes it had. Sharp fangs are just on the verge of biting down and marking him, running up and down his neck. And yet, Gorou allows it, hands gripping at the strong shoulders that could carry mountains, shape lands and throw spears larger than buildings. 

And yet these same hands hold him like he's the most precious stone on the face of Teyvat. 

Yes, there were times where Gorou was manhandled without care, and left with more bruises than he could explain. More questions than answers.

Kazuha's worried eyes always follow him. Yae's suspicious eyes always scrutinize him. He's running out of excuses - he knows.

Glory to the Shogun. Inazuma reign eternal.

It's been in his mind ever since he was a child. Gorou was taken from Watatsumi Island and his best friend, Sangonomiya Kokomi just at the ripe age of 16 in order to dedicate his life to the Shrine of the Electro Archon. Sold to the shrine and ultimately changing his religion to worship the Electro Archon. It's all he's ever known.

Loyal and ever determined to stay faithful to his duty as a Shrine Maiden, Gorou receives a vision just after his 20th birthday. A geo vision.

At first, Gorou felt pretty disheartened. He had strived for a vision of electro, if he received one at all. That would only further prove his loyalty to his Archon. But it did make him feel better when Kazuha had revealed his secret Anemo vision. But Gorou's must've been a mistake.

He didn't want geo. It was betraying his archon! Did she not care a devout follower of hers did not receive her vision? Did the Geo Archon reach him first?

So he wanted to find out himself.

All vision holders could connect to the archon of their vision through something called bridging. It was apparently extremely hard to do, and since visions are rare enough and Gorou couldn't ask the Head Shrine Maiden or risk revealing his vision, he asked Kazuha who has only done it once. Open your heart, close your mind - channel the energy of the element you've been gifted. If the archon allows it, then the bridge is established and you reside in a personal domain with them but for mere minutes.

It was hard - Gorou must admit. He has never resonated with an element other than electro, and it felt...impossible. As if he were further betraying his god. 

But one day, after an hour of meditating, he does it. It's a flash of light and feeling as if his body had fallen through the ground, every part of his body tingling, until he lands on soft grass. The domain was...beautiful, and yet that was lightly describing it.

Flowers decorated the small place and the sky was vast, a golden orange with a swirling sun that didn't hurt to look at. Floating islands resided in the distance and mountains stretched far and wide. And finally, Gorou spots him. The geo archon. 

Morax is his name, in a majestic dragon form that renders Gorou speechless at first. He rests on this large throne of pulsing geo lines as the ground rumbles beneath him, energy thrumming with rhythm. And the hybrid doesn't know what to say, despite Morax's kind gaze on him, until the anger surges up and he grabs at the vision in his lap, standing in order to stomp over to him. 

"Take this back!"  He demanded, throwing the vision at the god. "You're not my god, and I don't need your vision." 

And yet the dragon- adepti were they called? - merely looked at the chucked vision at the bottom of the throne and a chuckle vibrates in the air. 

Gorou is at first taken back by the fact that he was...laughed at, tail standing at alert. "It's not funny! I'm serious."

The dragon moves, fluidly taking into the air and disappearing yet his voice echoes around him. "Many wish to speak to an archon for reasons all time common to man. Wealth, love, an insight to fate, the safety of a beloved...and yet you, dear one, wish to have a blessing bestowed upon you rescinded."

Gorou trembles. "The only blessings I will receive is from the Almighty Shogun herself. I do not need anyone else's." 

Suddenly, a hand is at his cheek, clawed finger twisting into his hair. His voice is right by Gorou's ear when he says, "So then why have you opened your heart to receive mine?" 

"Visions are blessings from the gods. An ability to manipulate the element it corresponds with."  Kazuha had explained, running a finger over Gorou's vision as the latter held his head in his hands. "While I am not shocked you threw yours at a god, I am shocked you...went back." 

It was an accident. Gorou was mediating, as he usually does after prays to the Electro Archon, when his mind kept...kept going back to Morax. During their last meet, Gorou was swiftly transported back before he had a chance to look back but the deep voice in his ear...It sent shivers down his spine everytime. And he...he accidentally bridged. This time, Morax was in a human like form again, but merged with his dragon one - horns and glowing golden eyes, a large build and a tail that whipped back and forth, claws that could tear Gorou to shreds. And fangs that Morax had licked when he spotted Gorou once more in his domain.

It ignited something.

He didn't know how - or why. He wasn't even trying. But the vision - since it is connected to the archon connected to the element, it's an easy bridge. Gorou couldn't further betray his god. 

"I cannot keep this." Kazuha regrettably says, as Gorou visibly drops, tail and ears drooping. His best friend gives a very apologetic glance. "It wouldn't be right."

"Just please...keep it until I can keep this under control."

"Why are you so afraid to seeing him? Has he hurt you?"

"No, but-"

Kazuha's glance makes him avert his gaze, before he sighs. "I shall keep this for you. But I will not hesitate to return it if you fall ill or out of place. "

Gorou sighs in relief. "Thank you, Kazuha. Glory to the shogun."

The white haired male doesn't reply.

Yet Gorou wasn't without it for long. Being away from it seemed to affect his memory, and took away his ambition...his loyalty waned. He hated it. He hated how he had to rely on something he didn't want in the first place. 

He became more devout to praying, sacrificing to his god, begging for answers - for her help. Surely this could be corrected. He hasn't even attempted to manipulate geo because he wanted to touch the lightning his Shogun so controlled. 

And yet...Gorou found himself continuing to think about the dragon god. 

Morax.

If the Shogun could see him now, she would strike him down. But at least he would witness her glory one last time before he died. 

Or at least...that's what he thinks he wants.

Slapping noises fill the domain, wet and sloppy as skin meets skin and a thick cock plunges into Gorou's wet heat over and over. It's veiny and so big that Gorou can feel it deep within his stomach, throbbing and pressing at this prostate over and over. At least the dragon god spared him with his second cord, just as thick and bulbous as the first.

Gorou thrashes from the pleasure, despite Morax holding him down and forcing him to take it. He's already stretched to the brim, pressed down into the grass and spread wide open like a common whore and not like a dutiful shrine maiden of the Electro Archon. He's already broken his oath to purity, and his oath to remain faithful to his god. But he had broken that one long before, when he kept deciding to return to Morax. To just see him one more time...Just to touch him.

"Flower..." Morax growls, claws digging into the back of Gorou's thighs. "Your mind wanders." 

A hard thrust sends pain and pleasure mixed together up Gorou's spine and his tail furls, as he chokes. "I'm- I'm still loyal to the Electro Archon. She always has my mind- my thoughts- my lov-" He cuts himself off with a moan, hand shooting out to grip at the grass and one to grab at Morax's horn. Something burns on his abdomen, a sharp pain shooting through his insides and all the way down to his toes but god, does it feel good. The pain feels good.

"You were always loyal to an archon." Morax says calmly, continuing his brutal pace as if unaffected. "Which one that was, does not matter. Your loyalty might reside with the Shogun, but it will not stay" The dragon smirks.

"Your heart is mine."

Gorou had suspected that something was amiss when he threw up at morning prayer. He chalked it up to eating something bad, but deep down he really knew what it was. He just continued to lie to himself. The bruises, the limping, the getting lost in thought, the slacking off in his duties...and now the morning sickness. He hadn't visited Morax in a while, but he knew that the dragon god would know first thing.

And later that night when Gorou bathes, he sees the geo symbol on his lower abdomen, golden lines spreading out and decorating his limbs.

He cries.

Gorou nervously paced the room, moonlight the only source of light besides his vision on the futon. He's fucked. He's screwed.

He excellency, the Almighty Shogun, has just announced the Vision Hunt Decree, obtaining all visions that were caught. Lives were already being jailed or even taken for those who resisted. War had begun in Inazuma. 

Violence is not allowed in the shrine, that much was true. But Gorou's connection to his...his lover...couldn't be severed. He couldn't have his ambition taken from him. 

Kazuha! Kazuha was also a vision holder.

The hybrid quickly makes his way to his best friend's room, careful to make sure his kimono is tightly covering any of the lines that cover his body now. And when he makes it to Kazuha's room, the other is already up, tying a belt to his...clothes? He's dressed in something much different than the robes of the Shrine, and his vision is proudly clipped to his back. 

"Kazuha?" Gorou asks, tail wagging lightly in hope, but at the sad gaze of his friend, it stops immediately. He notices the bandaged hand, and the sword that is placed on his back to disperse into air. "Where are you...what are you doing?"

Kazuha's face shows no emotion as he examines his wrapped hand. "You and I know the answer to that, my friend."

And yet Gorou approaches. "No...you're making a mistake. It's not safe out there- your vision will be taken- someone could lose their life!"

"Someone already did." Kazuha refutes, bending down to pick up something off of his futon. When Gorou cranes his neck to see, he nearly gasps. An empty vision, a lifeless shell sits in Kazuha's palm. It looked so weird without its glow. It looked...it looked...

"I must go before the sun rises." Kazuha places the vision into a pocket. "Nature will hide me from her gaze."

"But you're a part of this shrine- The Almighty Shogun won't harm a devout follower." Gorou tries again, reaching out to grab at Kazuha's arm covered by his sleeve. It's decorated by leaves, free and loose. 

"Her will, her need for eternity stands greater than that of her love for her people. Open your eyes, Gorou." Kazuha says bitterly. It feels like a slap to the face that Gorou recoils from, releasing his friend. "It is not safe for me here than it is for me out there. But at least I will have the cover of the wind on my side."

"How could you say that?" Gorou whispers in disbelief, ears folding back. Kazuha meets his gaze, red eyes filled with loss.

"What archon is an archon who strips the freedom of her people away? Who locks out the rest of the world and silence those who speak out? Who takes away the vision that is given to them even if it is of her own in the name of eternity?" 

And Gorou is suddenly aware of the situation: Here he is, begging for his friend to stay and continue to serve an archon who was acting in ways still unknown to the world. But yet, he is in as much danger as Kazuha: With a vision, and pregnant with another archon. A dragon deity miles away with the symbol on his body as a proud claim. 

"I'm pregnant." Gorou rushes out in the haze of emotion. Tears well up in his eyes. "I'm just- I don't want to be alone. I don't know what to do or how to explain it. I could only do so much to hide it for such a time but, please, Kazuha-" 

The white haired male does pause, a slight shine of unshed tears filling his own eyes. "Come with me." He says, hands going to Gorou's shoulders. "We don't have to stay. You don't have to stay."

Does he?

"Glory to the shogun". Gorou felt like a dirty liar. He made an oath to forever remain faithful, but here he is.

A week after he left with Kazuha, they split up as Kazuha left on a boat and Gorou escaped to Watasumi Island after some time. There was a small chance of him getting in, but he's glad he did. Kokomi welcomed him back with open arms, now leader of a resistance. 

He still has yet to return to the domain of the dragon. Guilt has been hanging over his head for over and over betraying the Raiden Shogun. For cutting off ties with her, for carrying the child of another archon.

As Gorou sat by the open window, he looks out over the Island, hand absentmindedly going over his stomach where the mark rest.

Morax never lied. 

He received the geo blessing from the gods. And now the offspring of this same god. It was Gorou who continued to lie to himself. He wanted to keep the child, that much was true, but as he thinks of a way to break the news, he laments over the fact that one thing was never wrong.

He was never going to stay loyalto the Raiden Shogun because he never belonged in the first place.

His heart was Morax's.

Chapter Text

Venti sat on the medical seat…table…thing, kicking their feet and humming as if Xiao wasn’t a nervous wreck in one of the guest chairs. It was pretty ironic how they were the one on the med chair while Xiao was sitting and withering away in the corner. 

The seat was cold, the room was cold, and he was cold damnit. It seeped through his jacket like it was nothing. They didn’t even have to be here but no, he was ganged up on by Venti, Ganyu and Zhongli, saying that it would be beneficial for the baby. Beneficial his ass. They act like he can’t care for himself. Besides, he was fine! Sure he had morning sickness already but it was already turning out to be a breeze. He shouldn’t jinx it but oh well. 

“Xiao, are you cold?” Venti asks, tilting their head and beckoning him forth with grabby hands. “I’ll warm you up, my love!”

“I’m fine.” Xiao grumbles, ignoring the fact that he was trembling more than a wet chihuahua out in the winter. The look Venti gives him shows that they aren’t convinced either, and Xiao huffs, crossing his arms like a petulant child. “I’m not cold.” 

“Come here,” Venti requests, but the tone in his voice still gives Xiao the freedom to decline or not. But it’s the soft and velvet and warmth feeling that it invokes, that Xiao eventually relents, slouching in the chair before standing and walking over to his waiting lover. Once he’s close enough, Venti gently grabs his arm and circles him round, opening their own jacket in order to wrap it around Xiao and wrap them in. “You’re freezing! How do you manage like this??”

“I just do.” Xiao shrugs as Venti gets to work rubbing his arms through his clothes in effort to warm him that way. He knows that they know he’s mad about being dragged here, and is going to keep at the short answers in order to state that. Fuck his lover and his father figure and his sister figure. All of them, for doing this. Venti merely giggles, placing many kisses upon Xiao’s cheeks. “Stop.” Xiao growls in warning and Venti merely coos. 

“Have I told you how much I love you today?” 

The statement causes a flare of a blush in Xiao’s face, and he huffs, turning his face away when Venti cranes their neck for a proper kiss. That does make them pout, but Xiao slips out of Venti’s jacket embrace, regrettably because it’s still cold, and makes his way back to his chair. 

Once Xiao sinks back down into it, he sees Venti’s pout at having lost hold of him and tries not to smile at it - still wanting to be mad but being unable to keep it up for much longer. They were just so adorable when they puffed up their cheeks like that. 

Just before he says something, the door opens and reveals a woman in a lab coat holding a clipboard. “Xiao and Venti?”

“That’s us!” Venti enthusiastically replies as Xiao pales, feeling the fear go through him like lightning. He hated hospitals and he hated doctors even more. The doctor comes in with a bright smile on her face, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail and glasses seated on the bridge of her nose. She looks…friendly, Xiao will give her that, but he kind of hopes that she won’t even look in his direction and leave quickly so that they can leave and he could go bury himself under the covers. 

“Wonderful! I’m Dr. Lao, I’m here to be your prenatal doctor and help you through the rest of your journey.” She looks in between Xiao and Venti, stepping forth to shake each of their hands after closing the door. "I don't want to keep you guys here any longer than you must. It's very chilly outside."

"It's chilly in here too!" Venti exclaims, much to Dr. Lao's amusement as she lets out a soft laugh. 

"Oh, do forgive that. The heating has been broken so it's been blowing cold air for the past couple days. We've been looking to get it fixed." 

Xiao watches the interaction with half interesting, wanting to melt into the wall as the doctor checks a few things off the paper, then drags a rolling chair over to the medical bed where Venti is seated. "Okay, let's get started. Xiao, tell me about your medical history."

Both Xiao and Venti pause, the realization settling in that she had gotten it mixed up and Xiao is content to just leave it at that but Venti merely laughs, a tinkle in the air. "Oh, I'm not Xiao. My beautiful lover moping in the corner would be Xiao, and the honorable one that is currently carrying our beloved child." Such syrupy words that Xiao knows Venti dragged out on purpose, and he sends a glare to them. He can just see the halo hanging above their head as they send a confused smile back.

"Oh! That is my mistake. Forgive me. Xiao, could I trouble you to come sit up here instead then? You are the VIP today."

This was useless. Xiao was going to lose his mind. If he were going to be subjected to all sorts of corniness, then he would've just stayed at home and watched Zhongli and Childe interact. But no...here he was anyway. It takes every bone in his body not to stand and just walk out. He was perfectly capable of taking care of himself, once again. 

But still, Xiao stands and hesitantly makes his way over to the bed. Venti is moving to take Xiao's former seat, but Xiao catches their wrist, eyes begging them not to leave his side. It was scarier up front...and he'd feel better with his lover by his side. Venti gets it without a single word exchanged, and tilts his head to look at Dr. Lao. "You don't mind if I sit up here as well, do you?"

"Oh, not at all! I'll just be asking a few questions then it's on to the more physical part of the exam."

The thought of it makes Xiao's stomach flip, but as he hops up onto the bed and Venti wraps an arm around his waist reassuringly, he wills himself to calm down. It was just a few questions. 

The fattest fucking lie he's ever heard besides Zhongli telling him that he was not interesting in dating at the moment. A few questions turn into what feels like a hundred. Some are detailed, some are vague. Some are more personal from his medical history and past medications and health concerns to just offhand questions like how he's been feeling and when symptoms first showed. At some point, the lines blur and Xiao feels like he's answering on auto pilot, zoning out. Venti's presence is pretty reassuring, not to mention they're occasionally rubbing his side, a grounding feeling.

Finally, after 21...hundred questions are over, Xiao forces himself to relax, leaning into Venti. 

"Okay, past the boring questions. The nurse already got your height, weight and blood pressure so I'm just going to perform a couple of things and talk you through the process. Is that okay? Or would you prefer a male doctor to take you through the process?"

The question snaps Xiao out of his daze, and he freezes up in fear, staring at Dr. Lao. She has sanitized her hands and put on some gloves, but seems to wait patiently for Xiao's response, no judgement in her eyes. Even Venti's hands had paused, fingers still giving tiny movements to still soothe him. But Xiao...liked, the freedom to be able to choose, even if it somewhat gave him a little bit of stress and panic. "I'm fine with you." He forces himself to say, throat parched from all the speaking he's done already. He couldn't have another man's hands on his body - not again. He was just getting himself used to regular touches from Venti, Zhongli and even Ganyu with her occasional shoulder touches. But if he must have a complete stranger touching him, he'd rather it be a woman.

Dr. Lao nods, a comforting smile on her face as she turns to grab a few more items. Xiao was getting more restless by the second and Venti brushes their lips against his cheek. "You're doing so well already. Just think, at the end of this, we'll get to see our baby." That did seem to be the end goal here, but Xiao isn't so sure about it now. How did that even work??

Dr. Lao approaches once more, with a stethoscope over her neck. She basically explains all of what she was doing and Xiao tries his best to listen, but fails in the end, ignoring his own racing heart in favor to hold Venti's hand as gloved hands examine his neck and his breathing is listened to. He didn't understand the point of this all, because this was in no connection to his stomach but he figures he had avoided the doctor for long enough that a check up was way past overdue now. Like...beyond overdue. 

And it doesn't help that he's still cold as fuck, and the gloves are cold and the stethoscope is cold and argh- Venti owes him a hot chocolate now.

"Okay! Wonderful." Dr Lao announces after checking his eyes and mouth. "Next we're just going to take some blood and urine-"

"Blood??" Xiao asks, steel question piercing the chilly air. He can't help the glare he directs towards her, because absolutely not. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Xiao..." Venti calls, immediately moving to soothe him by rubbing his back, albeit fixing his jacket from where he had taken it off so Dr. Lao could work. 

Dr. Lao still smiles, as if she's not phased. "It's totally understandable if that is not something you're comfortable with. It's something you can opt out of, even if it's not very recommend. Here's a small pamphlet you can look over for the blood test. But it'll just be a quick draw, I'll leave you to fill the container for the urine and then we'll get on to the exciting part: the ultrasound!" 

A pamphlet is indeed deposited into Xiao's hands, and he furrows his eyebrows, looking it over with a grumble on his mind. He should've hid in the laundry closet again. They never find him there, and he's small enough that he goes unnoticed. Yada yada health...yada yada... good for you but still optional..bla bla bla. Xiao just wants to go home. He couldn't take the probing anymore.

His side is squeezed, and he looks up to Venti, who leans in to press their foreheads together. "I promise, no pressure. Choose whatever whatever you're comfortable with." Though they're absolutely buzzing at the idea of seeing their child for the first time, and oddly enough, their energy made Xiao feel a bit better. They would be there. 

"Fi- Fine." Xiao rushes out, not meeting either of their eyes. "You owe me." He whispers to Venti, who laughs softly. 

"I'll deliver the world to your feet."

First he has to go and pee in a cup, which gross, he does first simply to get it out of the way and change into a hospital gown afterwards, which is even more humiliating because there is no back and the doctor had informed him that directly after, he would receive the ultrasound so it was best to be ready? Venti and Zhongli owed him so many almond tofus after this. He didn't care it was routine and normal for all expectant people. He's probably been on the verge of a panic attack three times in just the hour they've been there.

He can feel it crawling over his skin once more as he exits the bathroom and hands the capped container to the doctor, refusing to meet Venti's eyes as he hops back up onto the bed. Even the sheet over it is cold. This was insane.

"You're gonna be okay," Venti reassures, deciding to allow Xiao to lay back as they stand next to them, hands caressing everywhere they could. "Just keep your eyes on me the whole time. You won't even feel it!" They comfort, hands coming up to hold his cheeks and occasionally brush over his hair.

"Easy for you to say." Xiao rebutes, trembling and not because of the temperature this time. He's suddenly aware when Dr. Lao is back, but he refuses to look and see what she's doing despite what his instincts are telling him. But he's hyper aware of her touch on his arm in the crook of his elbow, and her command to clench his fists a couple of times. "Venti-" He starts, tensing up as his heartbeat speeds up.

"You know what we should do after this? Go and get deserts. I could so go for apple pie right now. And I'll get you almond tofu because you stuck this out."

"Apple pie at nine in the morning?" Xiao asks, doubt slipping into his tone. It was very outlandish, but very Venti-like. But it worked - it distracted him from the flashing memory of harsh hands on his body, gripping at his limbs and forcing him down as a needle enters his arm- oh god-

"Hey! It's a vital- whoa!" Venti cuts off as Xiao jerks, feeling the needle pinch into his skin and it sends a panic response through him, almost smacking his lover in the face in an attempt to crawl away from them both. Xiao can't even think right now, only about cold and needle and hands on him and he wanted to go home- There's a muffled voice, and small hands grabbing at his arm that he kind of wants to push off as well, but that familiar bell voice breaks through the small ringing in his ear that threatens to overtake his mind. "-and we can go home and paint our nails again. Do you think Zhongli will let us paint his as well? We can even do the trans flag, but I seriously think we can just laze around all day. You know?" 

It's just a constant stream of words, until Xiao looks Venti in the eye again, shaking. "I hate this." 

Venti kisses his forehead, and then his cheeks. "You're safe. It's alright - I'm here with you."

"I want to go home." He whispers, trying to hold back the tears. 

"We will. I promise. Real soon now."

"And done!" Dr. Lao announces. Xiao hadn't even noticed she bandaged his arm, patting his shoulder. "You're almost done here. You've done very good though! And you have an amazing lover with you."

As she exits the room with the blood and urine (which makes Xiao cringe), he spends most of that time in the embrace of Venti, just listening to the other hum. If he were being honest, he's surprised they haven't passed out with the needle thing as squeamish as they sometimes were. His arm slightly hurts, but it wouldn't last long he knew. Just the ultrasound and then they could go home.

"What do you think they'll look like?" Venti asks after a while.

"A dot." Xiao answers flatly.

It makes Venti snort, and a hand comes up to flick at his forehead. "No, silly. I mean when they're born."

"A grey blob covered in goo." Xiao clarifies, looking up at Venti with a deadpan. However, he can't keep the slight mischief off his face and Venti sees through his coy, eyes narrowing. 

"Smartass. I think they'lll take after your eyes. Hopefully they take your nose too, so that I can always boop it."

Xiao hums, squirming in the chair. He felt uncomfortable without pants...or  underwear on, but thankfully, the gown was long enough. 

The door opens once more and Dr. Lao is back, this time wheeling in a device. "Okay, you two! The wait is long over. Are you excited?"

There are two nods, one way more enthusiastic than the other as Venti practically vibrates. Xiao is a bit hesitant but he was also..curious to see as well. "Don't worry, this is a harmless process, and the wand is no bigger than a finger. You won't even feel it." Dr. Lao says, showing it to Xiao as she also flips up stirrups. 

"Wait..." Xiao says, holding up a hand as he tries to sit up, despite the doctor flipping so many things. "I thought it went...on...my stomach." God, why were there so many things he wasn't aware of when coming here. He's going to be sick. 

Dr. Lao pauses, then offers him a sympathetic smile. "Yes, usually we do transvaginal ultrasounds the first time around just to make sure everything is okay up and close, then for the rest of the visits with be the regular run of the mill kind."

Venti chuckles nervously as Xiao pales, moving to rest him back down and help maneuver his legs into the stirrups. "Oh boy. I'm really in for it now, aren't I?" 

Xiao feels the anger surge in him and he tries not to glare at Venti - it wasn't their fault. But he was never ever...ever doing this again. He would rather go natural all the damn nine months. Anything is better than this. He feels...so exposed.

"So have you two thought about any names yet?"

Venti and Xiao look at eachother for a brief second as Venti nervously laughs. "I mean, it would be way too early to start considering names. So not really...and not to mention that this came as a complete shock to the both of us when we found out. I'm still very excited to become a parent with my darling!"

"Aww, that's so sweet!" The doctor smiles, finishing lubing up the wand with a condom on it as well - ironic. Xiao has to steel his nerves once more. "Okay, Xiao, I promise it'll be an initial slip in and nothing more."

Xiao has been having a pretty shitty morning regardless so he just takes her word with a grain of salt, staring up at the ceiling. He hated hospitals. He hated doctors. He hated gowns. He hated needles. He was never coming back. He decides now that he's just going to have a home birth. That was always the way to go. When the wand slips in, the extreme discomfort does shoot through him, but it immediately fades. It's....weird. He tries not to think of it, thinking of literally anything else and being back in bed. It somewhat works, and he reminds himself that this was a doctor that was obviously going to keep that confidentiality. 

He avoids looking at the screen, instead looking at Venti, who kind of looks like they wanna say a joke at the moment. He's kind of curious what they're thinking about, before Xiao sighs, bringing an arm up to rest on his eyes. He resisted the urge to wiggle thanks to the intrusion in his vagina where only Venti has been, and thinking about it brings a blush upon his face. Oh great, now he's thinking and he shouldn't be.

That lights up his face with a blush quickly, something very visible on his usually pale features. But ironically, he's saved by the bell - or in this case, doctor. 

"Any pains? Or obvious discomfort?"

Xiao shakes his head, before remembering she probably couldn't see that, and opts to speak. "No."

"Well, then everything looks clear from what I can see. No tears, nothing abnormal. I will send it to a a professional sonographer so they can further evaluate, but everything looks pretty good!" Dr. Lao gives them both a smile. "So then I'm proud to show you your baby! Or the beginnings of them." She turns the screen around for both Xiao and Venti to see and well, it really is nothing impressive, but Xiao finds himself pretty much...in awe.

A tiny blot on the screen. Hell, he'd probably mistake it for a smudge but that was his baby...that was his kid growing within him and this was very much real. Xiao is starstruck. He's completely smitten now.

"Wow...you were right, Xiao. They are a tiny dot." Venti jokes, but there are tears forming in their eyes, and Xiao finds himself giving a small smile at his lover's reaction, reaching up to wipe away the tears before they fell. "That's our dot."

"Yeah," Xiao whispers. But he would need Venti to not cry because then he'd cry and then it would just be a cry fest. Maybe in the car. 

Both of them continue to watch the small dot on screen, merely in awe as Dr. Lao takes a couple pictures in order to print them out and hand them to the couple. It doesn't look much but Xiao cherishes it even harder. It was worth all the trouble, even as they finish up and he gets back into his clothes thankfully - zones out during her lecture about vitamins and exercise and an appointment the following month (which Xiao is not going to) - all to hold the picture in his hand, close to his heart.

But Venti does stick to their promises. Almond tofu, bed, and painted nails.

They both can't wait to see how much their little dot will grow. 

Chapter Text

Kazuha jumps, gasping suddenly. "Did you feel that?"

The reaction of his lover sends Xiao into high alert as the adeptus looks at him with wide eyes. "No. What happened?"

"They kicked.” Kazuha repeats excitedly. The two sat under a sandbearer tree with golden leaves in Liyue, surrounded by a couple of blossomed Glaze Lillies. Awoken by Kazuha’s earlier singing, they were reflectant of the sunlight and bathed the two in an aroma that only sweetened the feeling around them.

Kazuha sat within the legs of Xiao, both of their hands cradling his swollen stomach. It was pretty rare to get the adeptus to relax like this, and especially to bond with his child in such a way. Normally, Xiao wouldn’t want to be close, scared that his karma would affect his unborn child. It was a valid concern, one that even Zhongli himself has debunked much to Kazuha’s gratefulness. And yet he would continue to ease Xiao into a routine of just speaking to the unborn at least once. If just a gruff word, that was something. 

The platinum blond waits a bit, shifting his hips in order to sit more comfortably with his back to Xiao’s chest. It’s silent in the openness of nature besides the slight breeze and Xiao’s hand awkwardly moving up onto the top of his stomach, unsure of where to actually put them. It was kind of cute how Xiao strived to make an effort and bond with his lover and their child, despite not knowing how for so long. 

It was merely the strike of luck and true love that they gravitated towards each other. And maybe the Anemo Archon had a play in it...and the traveler. But hey, Kazuha found love once again.

And there’s more movement from within, one that makes Kazuha pause with giddiness. “They’re moving.” He whispers with excitement, hand moving to where he can feel the pressure against his side. “I think that’s their foot.”

“...You can tell that?” Xiao asks, eyebrows furrowed with confusion. Kazuha merely chuckles and leans back in order to kiss the other’s cheek.

“Kind of. It’s more of a feeling.”

They had been together for about three summers now, with the new development of a child being  known to them for five months now. Kazuha had assumed they would begin moving around this mark, but it was always small flutters before now, nothing truly discernible. But now it feels more...pointed. 

“Huh.” Xiao says simply, as Kazuha gives a small laugh, moving to place his hand on top of Xiao’s in order to move it where he felt the kick. He lightly presses, before shifting his hips again, trying to get comfortable now that he’s very aware of the baby’s changed position. 

“Say something - so that they can hear.” Kazuha prompts, to which Xiao tenses, before he eventually relaxes.

“I’m...uh…”

“But no pressure, my dearest. I think they’re just getting a feeling for moving at the moment.”

A couple moments pass, and Xiao seems to frown. “I don’t feel anything.” But just as he says that, there’s another kick right into his palm. It’s very noticeable, and Kazuha can’t help but to wince. Who knew such a tiny thing could cause such a fuss even at an early age?

“I’m certain you felt it that time.” Kauzha jokes lightly, rubbing the opposite side of his belly. 

“I did.” The adeptus confirms, and there’s a hint of shock in his voice, wind carrying it like a light hearted tune to Kazuha’s voice. And just a smidgen of...just a small smidgen of adoration. “It’s...strange.”

Kauzha laughs, a teasing lilt to his tone as he asks. “Are you calling our child strange, Xiao?”

The flustered look ono the adeptus makes Kazuha’s face break out into a grin. “Absolutely not! I’m just- unfamiliar with the concept of how mortals bear their young, and it is visible to the outside eye. It’s...strange.”

“It’s even stranger when it’s happening inside you.” 

Xiao’s fingers wander, seeming to map out every inch of his extended mid section where their child resided. Kazuha lets him, leaning his head back onto the other’s shoulders to look up at the sky through the golden leaves. 

He has plenty of bonding moments with the baby already, seeing as they are in him for the next four months. Xiao had a little less - but they both were discovering new things and taking this journey together. It would appear love was something they both needed for themselves before pursuing it in eachother. 

And here they are now, ready to start eternity together. 

And no matter what Zhongli says, Kazuha, Zhongli and Xiao himself knows that his want to serve Liyue may as well not ever wane from its intensity. But one thing is for certain: Xiao wasn’t letting go the the little family he had. 

Both of them sit quietly, Xiao taking initiative to feel around where their infant kicks and even press back. It becomes a small game of chase, where Xiao will try to guess when they’ll next move and meet that. It does prompt a bit of game between them but Kazuha will be damned if he even thinks about interrupting. This is the first day they’re fully up and moving, as well as Xiao is relaxed and without too much pain, interacting with his child and with a small smile on his face.

Kazuha could take a nap right there and then. As his eyes slowly blink closed, lips meet his, a small brush that prompts him to open his eyes.

“Thank you.” Xiao says, a bit shakily. There were so many things to say and yet, he couldn’t even get them across. But Kazuha understood, and that was more than enough. He reaches up to kiss him again, properly, as they continue to laze the day away and caress the bump that held their squirming infant.

Chapter Text

"This is stupid."

Lumine looks up from their phone, rolling over onto their stomach in order to properly sit up. "Let me see," She urges excitedly. Silence comes from the bathroom. Long enough that Lumine worries that her twin didn't hear her, before Aether opens the door, a frown on their face. "Come closer." She waves her hand over, and Aether sighs.

"This isn't going to work. I feel- I feel stupid."

"Nonsense! I bet it looks fine on you."

Still, he hesitantly comes out of the bathroom in order to stand in front of the mirror. He donned a baby blue lingerie set, with lace that went over his extended midsection and his arms, yet it was cut at the shoulders. It looks much like a swimsuit, but with only their breasts and their groin being covered with silk underwear. They look over it a bit more, as Lumine speaks up. "So? How do you like this one? Comfy?" 

"Eh."

"Just eh?? I think you look nice!"

"I look like a beached whale in lace." Aether deadpans.

Lumine rolls her eyes. "Give yourself some credit, A. Not everyone can pull off the sexy mom easily. Especially not at eight months pregnant. And this one kind of suits you! It brings out the gold in your eyes all the while accenting your curves."

Aether gives her a look of disbelief, before waddling back into the bathroom. "I'm not one of those people. And I don't have any more curves! I lost them all when I gained all this baby weight. Now I'm just a fat cow." They lament, before shutting the door in order to change back.

The blonde on the bed pouts. "Aether..." They sigh before looking at the other discarded sets on the bed. She has been known for some time that her twin has been feeling really low in the self esteem department, and had hoped to raise it by purchasing some maternity lingerie. It doesn't seem to be working...at least so far. There are some really cute ones they had hoped would catch Aether's eye, but nothing yet. 

Some time later, Aether reemerges from the bathroom in their overlarge tee and pajama pants. "This is much better. Nothing tight and stuffy and uncomfortable on my skin."

"That material is stretchy."

"Still uncomfortable. Shows too much of my skin."

"That's the whole point-"

Aether just shakes their head as they sit down next to Lumine. "It's no use, Lu. I just...won't do it. Not until I get my body back. I just...don't like how I look right now." And much to Aether’s relief, Lumine doesn’t push it. She merely gives a sympathetic smile and moves to place most of the strewn out clothes back in the bag.

”Okay, A. But I’ll leave this here in case you change your mind. Yeah? Now, let’s go watch a movie now. I did promise to bring some.” Lumine hops off the bed to go and make some popcorn, leaving Aether to look at the bag in thought. He told himself it was useless, but it wouldn’t hurt to try later…right? 

Admittedly, the lace felt…nice. Soft. 

It must be because it’s maternity. Everything maternity was made as soft and comfortable as possible. The other sets they tried on were okay. Archons, if it were on any other person, the blond would’ve loved them. They just didn’t like their image very much lately despite what Childe reminds them as much as he could. Physically and verbally. 

At least Aether was lucky Childe wasn’t afraid to properly fuck them stupid when they asked. That was one way to clear the doubts. 

And Aether has an inkling that Childe will very much love the lingerie. It’s noon, and they’re currently standing in front of the bedroom mirror. A sense of dejavu falls over them, from having first tried on the lingerie with Lumine on the bed the previous night. But this time…he was doing it for himself. 

The bra was a pale blue, with a sun clasp in the middle. It matched the moon clasps on the bows decorated on the sides of the panties, with a bit of gold being intertwined throughout both top and bottom. Lumine found it funny because of how Aether was the sun and Childe like the moon (though his personality was anything but).

They can’t even see their toes so how could they pull off this sexy look Lumine was talking about?

”Holy shit.”

Aether’s head whips towards the open doorway where Childe is standing in shock. The ginger’s mouth and eyes are wide open, hands holding a folded blanket. Panic surges through Aether, whose arms shoot up to cover where they could as if Childe hadn’t seen everything already.

”Get out!” They yell, storming forward in order to slam the door in Childe’s face, who almost stops them but only snaps out of it last second. It’s only their quick reflexes that turn the lock before Childe can burst in, heart pounding in their chest. 

“Wait! Aether!” Childe calls as the doorknob jiggles. “Let me in-“

”And have you laugh at me? Hell no.” And besides, Aether isn’t subjecting himself to Childe’s reaction a second time. His face said it all the first. Just thinking about it brought hot tears to the blond. He knew it. He knew this was stupid. Childe pauses on the other side, and Aether is only cemented in their thoughts, trying to blink through the blur of tears.

A knock comes through. “Aether, you know I’d never laugh at you. Princess, please. I just want to see you.”

Aether hesitates, bringing a hand up to wipe at their tears. The silence is all Childe needs to continue. “Or at least back up from the door so I won’t hurt you because regardless, I’m coming in to ravish you.” His tone is completely changed and sends sparks of fire down the blond’s spine. Fuck. The doorknob jiggles again and now Aether knows that Childe will make good on that promise.

So it’s either open the door, or have it break down. Damn. And he really liked that door.

Aether bites the bullet and reaches to unlock the door before stepping back. And good thing too, because Childe hears the click and immediately stumbles in, eyes landing on Aether but this time with an unmistakable lust in his eyes.

”Gorgeous.” He growls, advancing forward in order to tower over his pregnant lover. Just that is enough to have Aether shaking, all thought process being interrupted in favor of thinking about their throbbing clit. He grinds his thighs together, an action Childe doesn’t miss. “I hope you weren’t planning on going anywhere." He backs them into the bed, still making sure they’re eased back to sit down properly before kneeling down and nudging their legs apart. His hands are everywhere in an instant, thumbs brushing over their laced nipples in order to coax a moan. “Archons, A. God, you look perfect like this. Fuck, why didn't I think of this sooner?"

"Because it's not something that should be thought about- ah!" 

Aether cuts off as Childe pinches their nipple, seeming to coax out milk early before soothingly rubbing his thumb over it. Then the ginger is moving, hastily grabbing two pillows in order to coax Aether to lean back so they're comfortable on their back. He also slides the pillow under the small of their back in order to keep the curve. It's only for a brief moment that Aether thinks that Childe is very thoughtful, before his legs are picked up and deposited over his lover's shoulders, hot breath hitting his panty covered pussy. And Aether can't even see him, belly covering the sight.

"Childe-" Aether tries, trying to sit up or readjust or do something to see just as the mentioned man hums. "You can't just- this is a new set."

"I'll buy you more." Childe says, throwing all caution to the wind. All Aether feels next is a hot and thick tongue pressing directly onto their covered clit, wiggling just a bit. They're already hot and bothered, but this...this was a new sensation. The cloth provided a new rough texture, and they're pretty sure there's a wet spot already, but growing more with Childe's tongue beginning to swirl around in order to fully wet it and enunciate its shape. 

Spreading their legs even more, Childe dives in, completely latching his mouth over Aether's pussy in order to properly suck this time. He even uses his teeth to lightly nibble and add more stimulation - which works, because Aether is a squirmy mess already.

They're pretty sure Childe messing with their tits as made him leak a bit, and with the added spot on their panties, he can count this set pretty much ruined. Childe does eventually back up in order to admire the view he caused, Aether spread out on the bed and heavily breathing with a slight tremble. He licks his lips visibly, smirking and further climbing over Aether to be face to face with them. "We should've done this ages ago. God, just to see you like this, all round and heavy with my seed. Marked as mine since day one."

Aether whines from the loss of pleasure, but Childe doesn't keep it that way for long. His hand slides within the panties, finger immediately catching some of their slick and using it to plunge two fingers into Aether's twitching hole. The blond lets out a loud curse, hands going up to hold onto the ginger's shoulders as he begins to show no mercy, fucking them just like that and abusing their prostate.

Loud squelches and wet noises fill the room, with Aether moving their hips the best they could in time with Childe's hand. He can feel it building up slowly but surely, libido increased by his pregnancy hormones. Their sex drive was crazy lately. 

"No- stop-"

"You know what I want, sunshine. I want to see you ruined."

Childe uses the heel of his hand to grind into their clit while continuing to fuck them on his fingers. And he can tell their close by the increase of slick on his hand, making the slide easier. It continues to build, and build and build until Aether throws their head back, their lover's name broken on their lips as they squirt on Childe's palm. Through their orgasm, he withdraws his hand but circles their clit through the wet material, adding to the friction of it. 

It's jarring and new, but fuck, did it feel so good. Aether was going to lose his mind. When they come back to, aftershock rolling through them, Childe is sucking the juices off his fingers, before he removes his own shirt. "How long do you think you can stay in the lingerie?"

Aether shivers, hands going to caress their bump because they knew how much it would spur Childe on, before they smirk right back at them. "It's already ruined. And there are more in the bag." 

That's all Childe needs before he makes good on his earlier promise.

Chapter Text

Sleep was hard to come by now. 

It was always hard to come by even before Xiao fell pregnant, but with his belly in the way of lying on his back or his stomach, he had to resort to sleeping on his side. It isn't that bad, and Zhongli is like his body pillow, allowing Xiao to move this way and that way in order for him to get properly comfortable. Sometimes, he could sleep cuddled in Zhongli's hold, and other times a pillow was all it took to get him into the world of dreams.

When he first wakes up, it's not even light out as Xiao registers Zhongli moving first. He wants to ask where he's going since it was the weekend and neither of them needed to be up, but all it takes is for Zhongli to kiss his forehead and run his warm hand over the side of his face, whispering him back to sleep.

So he does.

When he wakes up a second time, Xiao feels as if his limbs were made of heavy metal, melted onto the mattress. There's rain outside, lightly pattering onto the window, and it's a grey light streaming in slightly filtered by the curtains. Xiao lays still for but a moment, processing the fact that he was once again awake, before sighing and moving onto his back. The ceiling greets him, decorated with various Liyuen painting and design.

The bed is incredibly warm, a thick comforter in place of the lighter one they use. Zhongli usually puts it on when he wakes up early so Xiao wouldn't wake up cold. The thought of it makes the adeptus blush, before he shuffles onto his other side so the weight of the baby couldn't crush his spine. 

They seem to be resting just as he is, and thankfully too. They're not very active, taking to very shy and subtle movements at times, but it's always at night when they do. Today seemed to be a resting day for the both of them. 

Xiao grabs a pillow in order to lodge it in between his arm and his stomach, bringing his leg up to rest on it as well. And after a bit more shuffling, he sinks right into the pillow, supported so that the weight of his belly doesn't effect his hips or his side. It's the perfect combo, and Xiao finds himself not wanting to move anymore. 

It doesn't take long for the wave of sleep to fall over him, a light daze taking hold of him with the light rain outside rocking him further to sleep. 

It must be only a few minutes later does he faintly hear the door to the room opening, footsteps coming close to the bed. At first, he hopes that Zhongli is just retrieving something or at least will slip in bed without disturbing his position, but a hand lands on his shoulder, lightly shaking. 

"Xiao," Zhongli softly calls. "It's time to rise, dove."

At first, the adeptus just hopes that he could fake sleep but attempting that with Zhongli would be next to impossible. He makes a small noise of discontent when Zhongli's hand doesn't move and brings his own to further bury himself under the comforter. He just got into a good position and he'll be irritated if he's moved. 

Once upon a time, he would've been horrified at even slightly disobeying Zhongli's say. He'd do anything for his lord. And to this day, it still applies but at a lesser degree. Xiao still has fears that Zhongli would be mad at him for saying no, but he's only praised and told that he's glad Xiao makes up his own mind. There were some things Zhongli suggested that Xiao do, especially while pregnant. One of those was to at least get up and walk, take the medicine for his karma, and drink some tea. And Xiao does! He's deathly afraid of doing anything that might injure his child, but...he could put it off for a couple hours.

"Baobei." Zhongli tries again, leaning down to gently kiss Xiao's cheek. There's a smile on his lips, and Xiao can probably guess it's because his face is scrunched up right now. 

"Five more minutes." Xiao whispers, voice rough from disuse. That's not something he'd ever thought he'd hear himself say. He always was an early riser- archons, sometimes he wouldn't even sleep. 

A hand is in his hair, and Xiao further curls in on himself, whimpering. "Don' wanna move. Please don't make me." He says, not even opening his eyes in order to keep the blanket of sleep over him. The hand in his hair pauses, before continuing, much slower this time. Zhongli hums, but doesn't make a move to disturb Xiao's position further. With the weight of Zhongli's hand playing at his hair, Xiao allows that to add onto his comfort, relaxing once more into a light daze.

At some point, Zhongli does move around. There's some ruffling, and the bed does move, but Xiao isn't moved and that's all that matters. A hand rests onto his covered stomach, gently rubbing there. And before Xiao falls asleep, he hears those three words escape the lips of his lover. A small smile falls upon his own as he falls back into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Text

Boxes stood in front of Thoma, a mountain of unopened delights for him to discover. 

It was a little intimidating. He’s pretty sure half of it is from his Inazuma and Mond friends, and the other half from Childe’s family. He isn’t even sure who all is here right now even if Thoma had tried to greet everyone earlier. Spoiler, it didn’t last long - he had to sit down after about thirty minutes. But hey! That was pretty impressive on its own. 

“Open mine first!!” Teucer exclaims, excitedly scooting forward a bit on his knees. Him, Tonia and Anthon sat close up front due to being the “uncles and aunt of honor”. “Me! Me! Me!”

“Okay, Teucer,” Thoma chuckles as Childe laughs as well and urges gently for his little brother to calm down. The little ginger stands in order to fish a box from the pile and bring it over to plop into Thoma’s lap, or as much lap he had left not taken up by the space of the baby in his belly. 

With precision, he begins unwrapping the present, untying the ribbon and then gently taking off the wrapping from the taped sides. It takes a while that Kaeya groans from his spot at one of the pink table coverings, having chosen the “girl” guess beforehand. “Please, Thoma, just rip it off.” He says exasperatedly.

Thoma gasps as if he’s just been told to kick a puppy. “Absolutely not! This is really beautiful paper and I want to save it.” He reasons, handing the paper he took off to Childe in order for him to put it into a separate bag. The smile on the blond’s face only tells that he’s just going to continue taking off the paper as he saw fit. 

“Oh, Thoma.” Ayaka giggles just as Kaeya groans once more, being shushed by diluc beside him. 

Teucer does get up and helps Thoma in taking off the lid so he can reach in and reveal the Ruin Guard toy. It’s pretty precious, also considering that he’s the most excited for his brother to have a baby. “Ta da! Now when the baby arrives, they’ll have their own toy of Mr. Cyclops as well!”

It looked kind of like the one Teucer carried around, and Thoma smiles, gladly hugging the boy. “It’s wonderful. They’re gonna love it.” When Teucer excitedly returns back to his spot, Thoma fixes his flower crown of Windwheel Asters supplied by Klee. He needed a color that wasn’t giving away of the gender (not until the end), and red was his signature color, complementing his vision. 

“Thoma!! You should open our gift next!!” Itto exclaims, loud and booming right next to a giggling Yoimiya at a blue covered table. It jostles Jean and Lisa next to them, who had to hold onto their drinks as it threatens to wobble over. “I believe that your son will enjoy it.” He says, narrowing his eyes, sat Gorou over at a pick clothed table, idly sipping apple cider next to Kokomi. Thoma just knows it’s a challenge thing, and briefly thinks to pray to the archons for Gorou’s back regardless. 

He can hear Childe’s snicker beside him, before he speaks up. “Um, okay! Which one is it?” At first, he’s looking at all the smaller ones, but he should’ve known better. C’mon, this was Itto and Yoimiya. 

“It’s the big red one!” She says, paying some attention to Klee who had occupied her lap in favor of telling her all about her adventures. It was pretty nice to see the people who he knew interacting with eachother even from different nations. And Thoma looks for “the big red one” until he sees it, unable to stop the “oh” that escapes his mouth.

It’s probably as tall as the twins. Wider as well, and could probably hide a full grown person in there. His first thought is that it was farther away from the chair he was sitting in. But before Childe can stand to go get it, Thoma eases himself up, holding out a low hand in front of his husband. “I got it.” 

“You sure?” Childe asks, voice full of concern even though Thoma has to suppress an eyeroll. He was fine and it was probably four feet. 

“Yes, worrywart.” Thoma teases, walking over to the box and sending a questioning look towards Itto and Yoimiya. They’re snickering together as if a juicy secret had been told between the two and Thoma would be almost concerned if he didn’t know the two. 

“Can I help you open it??” Teucer asks, and Thoma nods. 

“Of course!”

After taking off the large ribbon and wrapping, within the box is to everyone’s surprise a miniature play fire truck...ride? Thoma is in complete shock as all the kids are pretty much in awe over it. Childe sputters as Kaeya, Beidou and Xinyan laugh. Ayaka also does, but hers is through a fan. 

“I don’t think that’s a suitable item for a baby-” Childe says as Thoma keeps staring at it, as if it’ll transform into something else. 

“Nonsense!! It’s an excellent way for them to get around and be mobile.” Itto defends, a large boyish smile on his face. “And it lights up.”

Thoma can only smile weakly. “Oh great. A moving, light up toy that makes noise. That will be interesting when they’re older.” Older. Because he’s not putting his baby on that thing for a good few years. It’s a nice touch though, considering his pyro vision. Maybe Childe’s younger siblings could make use of it. They’re already crowding around it, poking at it in hopes to make it turn on.

And they hadn’t even made a dent in the pile. 

There are some really good gifts, such as a lullaby machine custom made by Venti and Kazuha - who got together for the project which totally doesn’t make Thoma cry, a guide to parenting and literally how to deal with each scenario of a newborn from Kokomi, hell even a blanket from Zhongli. Thoma can’t stop thinking about the firetruck and the Ruin Guard plush, though. Sure, there were other toys received like a mobile or some small stuffed animals, chew toys for teething and so forth, but it’s just...those two that left an impact on him. 

Thoma does go about twenty minutes before he has to sit down again, and they’ve gotten through a pretty good chunk, but the kids are restless due to the cake so Thoma decides it was time for the gender reveal before they all crashed. A small balloon outside that Childe would shoot with a bow and arrow that would let out a beautiful shade of yellow.

And then Thoma would dump him in blue confetti with a bucket prepared by Aether and Lumine.

Just as everyone heads outside, Thoma winks with the twins, who slink off to get into position. Right before Thoma himself steps outside, he leaves the Ruin Guard plush sitting in his chair, deciding that one was probably his favorite of all.

Chapter Text

Albedo watches the liquid contents of the beaker change colors once more, from blue to a light green. It makes him sigh lightly in frustration, bringing a hand up to rub at his temples. Positive again. There was no way that this could be possible. 

It defies his science. Albedo didn’t even know it was possible for them to conceive, let alone with a person not even of this world. How did it work?? Was this a one time thing? Were his calculations off?

“Mr. Albedo!” Sucrose’s frantic voice sounds from the entrance of the cave, out of breath as she leans over to catch it, breathing deeply. “I did as you requested, sir! The traveler is here.” 

Albedo’s heart leaps out of their chest as he spots the blond traveler walking up behind Sucrose. Their hands are behind their back nonchalantly, eyes examining the place as if they hadn’t been there countless times before. When their golden eyes finally lead on Albedo, they rush forward, although slightly appearing calm. “Are you okay?”

Aether’s hands go up to cup the alchemist’s cheeks, and Albedo nods gently in their grasps, mumbling back. “I will explain in a bit.” With that, they separate from their lover and grab an extra vial and a satchel. “Sucrose, I’m going to have to ask you for one more thing, if you don’t mind.”

With that, Sucrose does straigthen up. “Oh? Yes, sir! An- anything!”

“Could you go back down to Mondstat and collect a pregnant woman’s urine?”

The request brings a confused noise out of Aether and a paralyzed wheeze scream from Sucrose, whose entire face is just mimicking a tomato at this point. Well, on the bright side, it made her eyes pop out?

“I need you to go down to Mond, and-”

“What for? Albedo?” Aether interrupts, as Sucrose sits there, still processing the information she was given. “Is everything okay?”

“M- M- M-” Sucrose stutters, quivering like a leaf. Albedo feels bad for the poor girl, they were only doing simple tasks before this. Not to mention it would be weird for her to asks someone that out of nowhere. 

“Actually- nevermind. You go lay down, Su.” Albedo says softly, gently guiding Sucrose towards the way of the beds. They shouldn’t have dropped that on her, but nothing a nap won’t solve. Once she’s out of earshot, numbly walking away, Albedo allows themself to breathe before arms wrap around their waist, pulling them into Aether’s chest. 

“Al? Is there something you wanted to share?” Aether asks. Their tone is pretty indiscernible, and Albedo isn’t sure how to feel about that. Though to be fair, he isn’t sure about the news either. 

“It’s just...tests.” They attempt to cover. 

“Tests that Sucrose had to come get me for because you urgently needed me?” Aether asks, the disbelief just evident in their tone. Albedo only shoots them a deadpan look before turning in their arms, reaching up to pluck a golden strand from his lover’s- lover’s? - head. “Ow!”

“Actually, yes, I do.” He slightly smirks, slipping out of Aether’s arms as he reaches up to rub at his head. It was only to get them back for the tone. “This is very much appreciated.”

“You’re not trying to clone me, are you?” Well? Albedo wants to tease and say yes, but technically...pregnancy can be seen as cloning. His hesitancy makes Aether drop their smile, eyes widening. “Wait, are you trying to clone me?” Aether asks, more panicked. It’s almost cute. 

Albedo wants to kiss that expression off of them, but catches themself in that thought, shaking his head. “No.” They answer, as Aether relaxes a bit. “It’s just a compatibility test.” That does make the other pause in confusion as Albedo plucks out a single strand of their own hair, taking a spare vial of extra mixture off a burner. He split it into various vials just to have more flexibility with what he did. Everything he was doing came out the same results...so far.

“Compatibility test?” Aether repeats. They sound...a bit hurt. Albedo wants to turn back and explain, but they aren’t sure how. The platinum blond bites their lip, before mixing both the strands into the vial. “Albedo?”

“I don’t get it.” Albedo admits, tense. Aether has stepped closer, placing a hand onto the small of their back. 

“Don’t get...what? Love? You know I will always help you with that.”

“Not that.” Albedo shakes his head. He understood love. It’s not like he was testing Aether’s feelings, oh no- those were real and so were his. “You are not of this world...You do not belong. A foreign object. And I...while I was made of this world, I wasn’t made through the normal means. So how do we...how do we match? How do we fit?” It becomes less of talking to Aether and more mumbling to themself, but the traveler hears it all anyway. They’re already running down possible combinations for the vial and solutions. He could replicate the hormone found in pregnancy and compare all three, but it would take some time-

A kiss is being pressed onto their lips, breaking them out of their constant stream of thoughts. It melts Albedo, as it always does, and Aether only pulls back for a brief moment, forehead onto Albedo’s. Golden eyes stare into teal, before Aether huffs a small chuckle of laughter and capture their lips once more. 

The two get tangled up in eachother, with Albedo’s hands going up to find themselves in Aether’s hair, while his lover’s hands go to Albedo’s waist, gripping tightly. It turns from a light fluffy kiss to a hot and filthy makeout session, with teeth clashing and the both of them pressing into each other as if the world were trying to separate them. 

Albedo’s feet lose their ground as Aether lifts him up and onto the table, wary of the contents but still being a bit careless. It’s only then does Albedo remember they were still in the lab and teetering on the edge of the downright sinful in his place of work. “A-” He tries, as the blond ducks their head down to bite some hickies into Albedo’s neck, especially on his star. It shoots straight to his groin, and he better stop this before it gets too out of hand.

His hand pulls on Aether’s braid, forcing them to look up. Golden hazy eyes meet his, and Albedo gives a small smile. “No lab sex.” They whisper, placing a single finger onto Aether’s in order to push them further away. Both of them are flushed, however, and Albedo is sure that his lips are swollen just as Aether’s. 

“Fine.” Aether pouts. “But..to your earlier question...you do know soulmates exist right?”

Albedo thinks for a second, hands idly running through Aether’s hair until where his hair begins to braid. “Well, yes, there are theories-”

“I believe that the universe creates a soul, it gets split into two and they fall wherever. There really is no theory to it, no magic or science. It’s just how the universe formed. When two things came together.” Aether grabs Albedo’s hand, spreading out their fingers and placing his own palm on the other’s. It feels...simple but intimate. “It doesn’t matter if we’re from different worlds. No amount of distance in the universe could keep me from you.”

Albedo hates how his heart beats, a small blush filling into his cheeks. They look away, before Aether’s free hand comes up to caress their cheek. “I can hear when you think too much into things.”

Their foreheads meet once more, and Albedo takes comfort in Aether’s embrace, his words, his everything. Even though he’s sure the star on his neck stands for Khaenri’ah, he wouldn’t be surprised if it stood for his star out of the sky, Aether. 

He takes a deep breath. “I might be with child.” It’s finally out. Aether tenses, pulling back a bit to look at Albedo in shock. And at first, they panic at his response.

“Might?”

“Well...I tested about ten times. It all came out positive, and that’s why I asked...Sucrose to...yeah, that was not my finest moment.” Albedo muses. He’ll have to apologize to her when she wakes up. Aether is quieter for a bit more before huffing.

“So you are trying to clone me.” Aether whines. The sentence makes Albedo pause, before he sags in relief, snorting rather unlike him. “Are you really-?”

“Yes, then I guess I am. I’ll no longer need your hair samples, I’ll just use our baby’s.” Albedo jokes right back, even though he would never even dream of a thing. The blond laughs, scooping Albedo off the table and hoisting them up, kissing them and holding them tightly. 

“I can’t believe- Wow. Have I ever told you how much I love you?”

“Hmm...I’m sure I can be reminded.”

It doesn’t even take a second before Aether’s gaze darkens. They readjust their hold on Albedo, who chuckles as the traveler begins to route to their personal bedroom. Oh, they’re definitely going to have to apologize to Sucrose now.

Chapter Text

Albedo watched over the closed flower, head rested on the palm of their hands. Their hair floated without weight around them, the water carrying it about. And some strands do get in the way, but he’s too in awe to move them, smiling idly at the bud. 

The currents feel warm, a bit weak but still waving around them. He reaches out to brush his fingers against the side of the bud, content on just spending this time with his baby. 

He hears Klee before he sees her, sitting up slightly as the tiny merchild barrels into his side, slightly throwing him off the rock. 

“Big brother!!” 

Albedo chuckles, hands going to bring the squiggly child up in order for a proper hug. “Hello, Klee.”

“Has the baby hatched yet?”

“No, not yet.” Albedo answers, fixing her hat and taking her into his arms so he can fix them both onto the rock in order to watch over the flower. Klee pouts, squirming a bit more. 

“When are they going to be here? I really really want a new playmate!”

Albedo laughs once more, patting her head comfortingly. “Soon. They’ll be here soon. Then you’ll be a big sister and you two can play all you want once they get big enough.” Klee lets out an excited yay, flicking her sparkling red tail in order to zoom out of the cave. She almost bumps into Kaeya on his way in, who exclaims. 

“Whoa there. Careful now.”

“Sorry, Uncle Kaeya!” With that, the little mermaid zooms out with her goldish Dodoco, something Albedo hadn’t even noticed followed her in. With the hyper girl out, Kaeya looks at Albedo, who shrugs and just laughs. As the merman glides in, the sunlight from the top of the cave reflects off his deep blue scales, shimmering and catching Albedo’s eyes. Arms find themself around their waist. 

“I haven’t seen you all day.” Kaeya mutters, lips near Albedo’s ear. 

The blond trembles from the others lips brushing at his earlobe, looking back at the flower down at the bottom of the cave surrounded by beautiful marine flora. “I wanted to watch.” 

“It won’t be for another season, hon.”

“I know.”

And yet he just wanted to be with them. The slight current moves the flowers around the bud, toxic to anyone outstand of who Albedo permitted to be close. The whole cave was enchanted, infact. They weren’t taking any chances of having the bud damaged before it hatched. 

Kaeya’s hands are roaming his figure, from his wavy hair half in a pony tail to his own grey and light blue tail. They just let Kaeya do whatever, until a kiss is pressed to the nape of their neck, hand going up to brush against the star at the base of his throat. “Kae…” Albedo starts, as the other chuckles, a tingle sent down Albedo’s spine.

“C’mon. I’m sure you haven’t eaten anything all day. And there’s a school of fish up the coast.”

That suggestion does sound nice, though Albedo isn’t very sure. The hesitation shows on their face, and Kaeya senses it - typical for mates to feel eachother’s emotions. So the blue haired mer simply kisses Albedo’s cheek. “How about this: We’ll go catch something for you to eat, and then we’ll come back and nap here. Sound good?”

It did sound good. Albedo’s nesting instincts were flaring even if the baby’s hatching season was next moon. It comforted them to be close. With an enthusiastic nod, they allow Kaeya to take their hand and tug them up to the entrance. As the both of them exit the gaze, Albedo looks back, seeing the plants slightly bend over to cover the bud from view and thicken as it always did when neither one of them were in. Thanks to his khemia.

And Albedo swims happily next to Kaeya, nuzzling into their mate and thinking about the little guppy they would be welcoming soon.

Chapter Text

Zhongli brings in the bowl of fruit, spotting their husband folding clothes on the couch. Diluc looked pretty in the midday light as the window was open, the sounds of the city streaming in. His fiery hair was in a ponytail and he looked very serene, being swift and effecient with the work. 

The adeptus smiled at the sight and moves forward, setting the bowl down onto the smaller table - though with much difficulty due to their baby bump - and then backing up to ease themself back down onto the couch. Diluc does help, stopping mid fold in order to grab Zhongli’s free hand and help them settle back down into the cushion.

“Thank you,” Zhongli says, albeit a bit out of breath although due to just the size of the baby. It happened often, since they were growing bigger and their lungs were a bit cramped. 

Diluc smiles and nods back. “Of course.” He continues just as Zhongli settles back into the corner of the couch, picking up his book in order to start where he left off. He was reading on the balcony, but his inner dragon wanted to be closer to its “mate” even if Diluc isn’t really his official mate. So now he’s inside, just being in the presence of his husband with a good book and snack. 

No further words need to be exchanged between the two, just the comfortable silence. Both of them are just merely minding their business all the while keeping the other company. And at this point, Diluc is more than okay with Zhongli just finding him at random times and going to just be close without a word or explanation. 

At one point, Diluc does get up to put the clothes away, informing Zhongli he would be back shortly. A kiss is pressed onto brown hair, and Diluc carries the basket away. It takes every bone in his body not to follow him. 

After some while, Zhongli uses his thumb to hold the page he’s at in order to lean forward for the bowl. It’s so close but yet…so far away. 

Has it always been this hard to bend forward? 

Zhongli pauses, staring at the bowl and then down at his stomach. There was no reason for him to be reminded that he was a bloated whale - and yet here he was. He frowns, reaching for it and trying to lean forward the best he could. 

A sharp kick is a result of that, with Zhongli tensing and looking down. Message received. 

“I’m sorry, my Lily.” He mutters outloud, to which a smaller yet softer move is felt. But now Zhongli is met with a dilemma. He wanted fruit..but he didn’t want to move, but he couldn’t move and lose his comfortable spot. He could always wait until Diluc comes back, but he wanted it now. 

Zhongli risks the shuffle, scooching forward slightly. Still out of his reach. Maybe his distance perception was warped in pregnancy because he was sure he placed it somewhere not far away from the couch. Carefully placing the book page down onto the couch, Zhongli scoots off in order to reach for the bowl and bring it close to his chest, in order to scoot back up into the couch corner. Being pregnant has also meant maneuvering around in ways he didn’t think he’d ever do. Hey, he had to get around somehow. 

Satisfied with the bowl, Zhongli tries to situate it in his lap, but most of that was taken by his stomach anyways. He could place it on the arm of the couch, but this was a very beautiful bowl, hand painted with legends of Liyue - he didn’t want it to break. Placing it on the couch cushion could work, but Zhongli usually held his books with his left hand and he didn’t feel like scooting down to the other side and losing his breath. 

And he already did all that moving to wait for Diluc to come back. 

As Zhongli is looking down in thought, a sudden idea pops up in his head. He isn’t sure if it’ll work but it’s worth a try at least in his book. So the adeptus leans back a bit more, setting the bowl onto the top of his stomach. He was certain thatit wasn’t going to work, or that it would feel too heavy but…it felt fine? 

Dear Celestia. 

It balances perfectly and feels as if it weren’t even there. Like it’s own little table. It’s pretty funny to think about where his baby lies is a table, and Zhongli tries not to chuckle at his own joke. 

But this way, he can use both hands for his book and the bowl is still close from him to take at any time. 

Some time is passed when Diluc returns with an empty basket. The redhead pauses when he spots Zhongli, or more so, the bowl currently placed on his stomach. His husbands furrows his eyebrows in confusion, and it’s pretty adorable. 

“You’re back,” Zhongli greets, reaching out a hand to him. Diluc does comply, walking over but a bit more cautiously as if torn between asking and not. To be fair, playing safe was always a good idea. “And yes you may ask.” 

Diluc blinks. “Then in that case… Is it comfortable?”

Zhongli nods. “I barely feel anything. It is quite convenient as well - so that I do not have to constantly move.” 

“So you can balance anything?”

Well, Zhongli was unaware of that. He pauses, before quickly memorizing his page in order to close the book and substitute it for bowl. It’s hardly a difference. If anything, it felt even lighter. “I’m sure if it has just the right amount of surface weight.” 

“Huh.” Is all Diluc says before he moves around to sit on the couch, the surprise still evident on his face. “You learn something new everyday.”

It takes every bone in Zhongli’s body not to laugh. Though, when the baby is older - he suspects that he’ll definitely have to tell them they were used as a table at one point. But in his defense, it was a quick and easy one. Placing the bowl back onto his stomach, he grabs a strawberry. “Would you like one?” Really, the only reason he asked was to see his husband’s reaction and it doesn’t disappoint, so it’s only then does he allow himself to chuckle. Someday he’d cut Diluc some slack. 

Maybe. 

Chapter Text

Kazuha idly brushed his hair, fingers and comb making their way through the strands. The sounds of nature were just outside the walls of the tent, insects singing into the night. It was enough to provide the ronin with comfort, to listen in on what they had to say. 

The tent flap comes open, even though Kazuha had heard footsteps approaching beforehand, and Gorou ducks under, letting the heavy flap fall back into place. When the hybrid spots Kazuha on the futon, his visibly perks up, tail wagging behind him. It was adorable. 

Kazuha brings his fingers through his hair one more time just as Gorou walks forth, kneeling down right when Kazuha sets his comb aside to reach up for him. “I missed you.” Gorou says, nuzzling into Kazuha’s neck then his cheek. 

“So as did I,” Kazuha replies, hand roaming around Gorou’s face delicately. He’s just tracing his features, from his eyelashes to his cheeks and nose, to lips. Even up to his bangs, brushes them up and out of the way. Gorou brings his own hand up to gently capture Kazuha’s, bringing it around to kiss his palm.

It was sweet. Intimate. Not many words could be exchanged between the two- they didn’t need to. Kazuha is about to tell the general to get ready for bed so they could blow out the candles and tuck in early so he could get as much sleep as their baby would allow, but he catches Gorou’s new line of sight directly down to his bump. He looks hesitant, as if he wants to say something but doesn’t want to at the same time. 

Kazuha chuckles, separating himself from Gorou in order to lean back further into the mountain of pillows he sets up whenever he’s about to go to bed but doesn’t want to lay down. “It’s okay. You’ve been away all day - besides, I think they missed you.” With the confirmation, Gorou perks up even more, quickly pecking Kazuha’s lips then sliding down to muzzle Kazuha’s extended stomach. 

“Are they sleeping?” Gorou asks, a shy hand coming down to caress his left side. That’s usually where the baby’s head was, because their feet always kicked at the right side. 

“I believe so, though it won’t be for long if they hear you.” 

There’s a hidden line in there. They could wake up at the sudden change. Usually, Kazuha preferred to sleep whenever they were idle and waking them up now would not guarantee another known “sleep” period. But Gorou had been tied away with duties all day, up before the sun and back way after it’s set. Kazuha tilts his head, hand coming up to run through Gorou’s hair once more, fingers lightly scratching at his scalp and behind his ears. “It’s okay. They deserve to know you’re there.” 

The general perks up once more, nosing his covered bump. Gorou’s hands slip under the short robe, mapping out skin and seeming to familiarize himself with the shape again. It doesn’t take much rousing and Gorou speaking out his day for the baby to respond, a faint press of a foot to Gorou’s cheek - and to Kazuha’s right side. 

“Figures,” Kazuha mumbles. It makes Gorou laugh out loud, before he kisses the curve, lightly pressing back to where he guesses is the baby’s position. 

It becomes a little game. Kazuha just mainly lets it happen, feeling a wave of relaxation and giddiness take him over. From the way Gorou’s hands run over his stomach to small flutters of their child within and the combined feeling of tiredness regardless, Kazuha can feel it begin to take a hold of him. 

He can hear Gorou speaking to their baby, coaxing them out of a little nap with rubs and small pokes, which would probably annoy Kazuha in the past. But the general’s tail is wagging so fast and Kazuha is tired anyways, having stayed up to wait for his love. He stifles a yawn, red eyes fluttering shut. 

“I can’t wait until you’re here. I bet you’re going to have your mothers eyes. I really hope you do. Wouldn’t that be cool, Kaz?” Gorou asks, looking up. To his shock, it seems like Kazuha has already fallen into a light doze, chest falling and rising rhythmically. His eyelashes cast a pretty shadow on his rosy cheeks in the candle light, glowing with pregnancy. Gorou didn’t even know it was possible to fall more in love. 

The general presses a kiss to his bump once more, whispering a goodnight and sitting back up in order to gather Kazuha in his arms without disturbing him much. It seemed like both mother and child were exhausted from the day, and Gorou couldn’t be more grateful to have them here. 

He still had to get into his own bed clothes, but he just wanted to spend this time close to his family. Gently rubbing Kazuha’s belly and his shoulder, he makes sure it’s not enough to rouse the baby into further alertness, a smile on his lips. “I love you,” He whispers into platinum blond hair, speaking to both stars in his life. 

He vows to protect them for as long as he lived. 

Chapter Text

There was something new Zhongli learned about himself whether on purpose or by accident. This was one of these times. 

Either the baby found a new position to settle in or they were always this low, though that’s unlikely - he would’ve noticed.

First, there’s a very small gap between his chest and the top of his stomach curve that wasn’t there before. He’s spent a lot of time memorizing it. Not to mention he’s sure there’s a picture around from just a week ago that could testify to that. The baby moved all the time, and sometimes it was even visible. He and Childe liked to point out where they would move next. Or sometimes they would just rest for a day or two with no response. 

So this was officially the "belly drop" part of pregnancy. It marked where the baby moved into his pelvis as he approached his due date. He read about it in a book - "lightening". The mom group he attends also discussed it. But he only goes occasionally, due to just wanting to be close to home and his nest. And yes, he is nesting. Zhongli refuses to talk about it, but Childe absolutely adores it. Even the part where Zhongli will refuse to let him leave the nest for an hour or two. Once Zhongli has birthed the child, he will refuse to talk about it.

The baby dropping actually won't present any problems beside now they're lower and directly on his bladder and that is definitely a problem. The urgent need to use the restroom has been frequent all day, and getting up and down also contributed to the struggle because he cannot move as much as he used to with the baby bump. Elegancy was hard to achieve with a big ball attached to your center gravitational weight. 

Still, Zhongli works around. He occupies himself by rearranging the nest and wearing a custom sling around his belly for support. It's only to help alleviate the pressure off his back while he stood, and it did help a little. This was a "resting" day, for the infant, so Zhongli hasn't been much disturbed all day, but unfortunately for him, they've decided to do it in an uncomfortable position, foot pressing up and the pressure always on his mind. He wants to nudge them just a small smidgen to the left, but much like their parents, they're stubborn and if they feel it, they don't move. Hmph.

Barbatos, or Venti, would simply call it a blockhead baby, but Zhongli refuses to call his infant that.

Speaking of, he could go to pay his old friend a visit. It wouldn't hurt, and it gave him a little bit of freedom before he would be occupied for a few months. Tending to a newborn sounded tedious, but he could do it. He's governed Liyue for 6000 and fought countless of times - this would be a piece of cake. Not to mention it could also be a challenge for Childe as well, who is always looking for new ones. 

Making up his mind, Zhongli lays one of Childe's old clothes onto the bed and moves to his desk into his study. There, he writes a letter to Barbatos, knowing that the trip to Mondstat would be impossible in his state. He could ask the winds to deliver it but...Barbatos could be drunk right now. No matter that it's noon. So he turns to his next best option. 

Speaking Xiao's name, the adeptus shows up in record time - always attuned to the words of his lord. Zhongli feels so terribly sorry for asking Xiao of such a favor, but the adeptus actually doesn't mind. The grimace on his face is more for having to go see the god of winds. Though Zhongli can see right through the facade and the very slight pink at the tip of his ears. Thankfully though, he does depart and Zhongli only hopes that one of them makes a move or he would be the one calling Barbatos a blockhead. But no matter now, he had other things to attend to while Childe was out doing Fatui related things. 

He had a baby to prepare for. 

Chapter Text

Kazuha had a feeling that they were coming soon. 

Call it mother’s intuition, or just his body preparing itself, but he has felt...strange, lately. He was well into his third trimester and very much ready to have the baby out of him and into his arms. Pregnancy definitely has been a….journey - one he did not take alone, of course. Xiao was with him every step of the way, and Kazuha could not ask for a better lover. 

It had been raining off and on the whole day, springtime bringing about a small drizzle in Liyue. Kazuha sits by the window and listens, one hand over his belly and the other a cushion for his head. The wind was awfully calm today, with nothing new to sing. Ever since carrying his child, he became more sensitive to nature and its whisper, another plus side besides being able to bond with his child for nine months. And now that was coming to a close.

Kazuha just feels...off. He feels strange. Not to mention it is taking forever to get into a comfortable position now. The baby feels as if they had settled lower. But maybe that could be him. There have been plenty of times where he has mistaken the baby’s position, but not that often because of how surreal it felt. 

The platinum blonde sighs, sitting up in order to properly adjust his hips. It started as a lower ache when he woke up, but it only became more prominent as the time went by. And this wasn’t like an ache that he usually dealt with. 

There have been times in the past where he has had false contractions, so now it’s the waiting game. He’s unsure of when or how labor is going to go down, but it was unanimously decided it would be at Wangshu Inn. Liyue Harbor, while nice, didn’t really fit Kazuha’s wants. Beidou did say that she would come inland so as to not miss the birth of her niece or nephew (Yes, he somehow got adopted by Ningguang and Beidou, however that happened). Not to mention he didn’t want all of Liyue to hear his birthing screams - if such happened. Just the thought of it embarrassed him. He shouldn’t but what if the pain was unbearable? What if it got too much? What if he…

No, he couldn’t leave Xiao and his baby like that. His own clan has dispersed a long time ago leaving Kazuha to fend for himself. He didn’t want that for his family. And it would be here sooner than he thought. The adeptus was out clearing the proximity of Wangshu Inn - he was doing it a lot lately. Kauzha only knows its because he’s deathly terrified of something going wrong or attacking, but Kazuha doesn’t think that a hillichurl could even get up the tree let alone be a proper threat.

The platinum blond sighs in frustration, readjusting once more until he gives up and stands. It provided just enough temporary relief for him to still be by the window. It was a bit humid, but he always could enjoy a cool breeze. He sharply inhales, before deciding to turn around and try to get some sleep. The room had been changed to accommodate him and the baby, finances provided by Ningguang. The mattress was top notch, extremely soft that even Xiao couldn’t trust himself to sleep on it at times. 

Calm as the breeze, He reminds himself, lowering onto the bed despite the returning ache in his back and pelvis. Sure he’s gotten used to the normal aches but these were downright uncomfortable. So Kazuha lays down and forces himself to sleep it off for the time being. 

And it works. Somewhat. 

By the time he wakes up, the sun is setting, light of the day escaping from the room. He’s tremendously tired despite having napped, and the uncomfortable pressure isn’t gone. If anything, he is more aware of it. It was unlikely something was wrong, and Kazuha doesn’t want to assume labor after two scares in the past, but it would be best to stay cautious.

The ronin eases himself up, feeling the small cramp in his back. Now he’s convinced it’s just another scare. 

Kazuha takes a small blanket to wrap around himself, exiting the room and walking to the balcony in hopes Xiao was already there. It had a beautiful view of the orange sky accompanying the setting sun, and if Xiao wasn’t there, Kazuha could enjoy it regardless.

But much to his relief, Xiao is standing on the balcony, back to Kazuha as he looks out upon the area. Kazuha assumes he already knows he was approaching, or otherwise he would have disappeared, not fond of much human interaction still. So he waddles up to him, tightening the blanket around him. 

“I missed you.” Kazuha greets, leaning his head on Xiao’s shoulder and relishing in the yaksha’s warmth, the little body heat he had. Xiao acknowledges it with a hum, but does eventually uncross his arms to wrap one around Kazuha’s waist, pulling him in tight and pressing his lips to platinum hair. “Are you alright?”

“I am fine.” Xiao says, though both of them know it’s a lie. Kazuha waits, and Xiao sighs, following up. “I am...okay for now.” And Kazuha could give him that one, only because his fears in giving his child his karma was valid - fears of losing Kazuha and the baby. It made him more tense. 

“You know I’m stronger than I look.” Kazuha teases, moving to wrap the blanket around the both of them even if Xiao technically didn’t need it.

A small smile befalls the adeptus. “Of course.” 

And Xiao wasn’t the only one with fears. Kazuha kept his serene and peaceful nature, but on the inside he was terrified. Sure the baby going in was easy, but the coming out part was going to be hard. He could do it though. He definitely was stronger than he looked. 

The two stand in the fading light, leaving them both in eachother’s warm embrace before Kazuha feels it once more, a small cramp in his lower back. However, this time it coaxes a small groan of discomfort out of him. That definitely garners Xiao’s attention, a bit panicked. “What happened? Is everything okay?”

“Cramps.” Kazuha answers truthfully. “I think it’s just false contractions again.” However, the look on Xiao’s face shows that he doesn’t believe that. 

Hesitantly, the dark haired male speaks. “Kazuha...I’m not sure. That would be the third time this month. What if this is the real thing?”

Well, there’s that. And Kazuha knows his body better than anyone else yet the mixed signals were not nice to deal with. This could very much be the real thing, but Kazuha did not want to come to terms with that just yet. And he didn’t want to scare Xiao...again. And he knew that he would be inconveniencing everyone else that he wanted to be there: Beidou, Xiao’s father figure Zhongli..another adeptus who would help Kazuha as well...He’s not sure if Ningguang will be able to make it but he hopes. 

“You know what,” Kazuha says, turning and grabbing Xiao’s hand, other occupied with holding the blanket securely. “I haven’t eaten yet, and I’m sure that a salad or plate of almond tofu is waiting for you as well. Come down with me?”

A sharp inhale is met to his question, because both can see through the obvious distraction, but Xiao takes it, so they both go downstairs. 

For as hungry Kazuha usually is, he finds himself...not eating much for dinner. The discomfort made it sour in his mouth and roll in his stomach. Xiao notices as well, of course he does, and asks if he should retrieve someone. Kazuha sticks to his willpower, and declines. Though he can tell the other is reaching his wits with his lover’s stubbornness. 

Kazuha just wanted to be absolutely sure. 

And the cramps did get stronger, and just a smidgen more frequent with one happening every hour or so. So after much convincing and reassuring, Kazuha and Xiao tuck in early with hopes that it’s just another scare. 

How wrong he had been. 

Kazuha wakes up in the middle of the night to a strong ache in his lower body. He’s wide awake, probably from the earlier nap and the way he could not possibly go back to sleep again feeling like this. At first he lays there, staring at the wall in irritation before moving to sit up. A cramp, much like earlier but much more noticeable, rocks his abdomen. It’s enough to make him freeze, sucking in gasp and pausing to let it pass. 

It goes seconds after it came, releasing Kazuha from his hold as the platinum blond grips the sheet, trying not to groan and wake up Xiao. But the movement from the other already tells him it’s too late for that. Not that he could blame him for sleeping extremely light, Kazuha did so as well. 

“Kazuha-” Xiao starts, cutting off at the mentioned’s shaking head. 

“One more. If it happens again then fine.” Kazuha pleads. The other’s jaw sets as he mulls it over, sitting up and sighing once more. His sharp yellow eyes roam over Kazuha worriedly, before reaching for his hands. Now both of them sit on the bed, Xiao holding Kazuha’s hands and worriedly rubbing his thumb over his knuckles. “What time is it?”

Xiao looks over at the clock on the wall. “It’s 3:23 am.” 

And with that, Kazuha starts a countdown. 

It’s merely just the waiting game now, with Kazuha having to take back one hand in order to press into his side. The next one comes sooner than he thought it would, with the cramp starting and slowly easing through him until it ceases, leaving him gripping the sheets and Xiao’s hand even harder. 30 minutes. Oh great.

He was told the fake ones didn’t come together, but these did. 

The look on his face tells Xiao everything he needs to know, and the adeptus squeezes his hand. “I will go retrieve Zhongli and Ganyu and be back shortly.” He says, standing. 

Kazuha quickly reaches out to grab his hand to stop him from teleporting. “Wait- Could you retrieve Beidou as well..? I’m not sure about Ningguang...but Beidou wanted to be here.” Because the journey from the harbor to the Inn would take some time, especially if you’re sleeping at the moment. Xiao does nod, and then he’s off in green and black wisps, leaving Kazuha to his own in the moonlight. 

He still hasn’t come to proper terms yet that these were contractions he was feeling. It felt all too sudden - too soon. Now the nervousness is settling in. All he can do now is lay back down and try his best to get comfortable. Labor wasn’t going to start any time soon, but he might as well enjoy the comfort while he can. 

He wasn’t even aware he could fall back asleep until he feels a hand going over his cheek, eyes fluttering open to Xiao leaning over the bed, a surprisingly soft look in those gleaming yellow eyes. “Hi,” Kazuha whispers, smiling up at him. Xiao is a bit shocked at first, before he returns the smile. 

“Hey. How are you feeling?”

“Fine for being in early labor, actually. I don’t feel a thing.”

“For now.” Xiao says, walking around the bed. Kazuha merely rolls over to continue looking at him, noticing the dark sky had the faintest light in it. The sun would rise soon. “Beidou is on her way, and Zhongli is- also on his way.” He pauses, turning his face away, but Kazuha had spotted it just in time. 

“What happened?” Kazuha questions, slight amusement slipping in his tone. 

The other’s answer is delayed, but when it does come, it’s small. “I should have teleported outside of their room is all.”

Kazuha blinks, before he laughs, just the thought of Xiao being beet red and stumbling upon such tickling him pink. The adeptus seems to bristle at that, hurrying to clarify. “They weren’t- doing anything! But they were indecent, and I refuse to look upon my lord and his...lover, that way.” 

“Oh, love.” Kazuha makes grabby hands, knowing Xiao would see out of the corner of his eye and thankfully, he does turn around, the slightest blush tinged on his cheeks. It was cute. 

Time does pass, and the contractions do continue at a very slow pace every half hour. Kazuha keeps himself distracted, either by listening to Xiao tell stories or by telling a story himself. Those do have to be interrupted everytime one ripples through him, the intensity gaining a bit more speed with the passing hours. It does get to the point where a constant wrinkle is in his brow, head in Xiao’s lap as he forces himself to breathe. The ache had turned into a pressure point, and he didn’t want to move. So both sit in silence, with Xiao running his gloved hands through Kazuha’s loose hair - he didn’t even know when he got the time to put those on. 

He wishes he had stayed asleep. 

A knock on the door makes them both pause, but with the familiar smooth voice of Zhongli comes through. Kazuha and Xiao look at eachother, with the former begging with his eyes. So Xiao just allows them in, telling them the door was unlocked. Not that it needed to be, Xiao could kill any intruder within seconds. Though Kazuha isn’t sure that’s how he wanted the day of his baby’s birth to go. 

The door opens, but Beidou comes barreling through both Zhongli and his lover. “I came as quickly as I could.” She says pretty loudly, the worry evident in her eyes. Xiao does scoot away a little to allow Kazuha up, a grimace on his features as moves. Two warm calloused hands grip his cheeks, and he’s greeted to the sight of the motherly-sisterly figure he’s gained a few years ago. “Archons, kid. This is really it, huh?”

“Yep.” Kazuha says, as casually as he could. “I hope he didn’t scare you by much.” 

Xiao makes an offended grunt somewhere to his side, but Kazuha knows he knows that he's just playing. Beidou lets out a laugh. "Not at all. I think the real scare was the news that you're really in labor. How do you feel?" She asks, pressing their foreheads together. Kazuha appreciates the contact, bringing his hands up to loosely hold onto her wrists while he gauges how he really feels. 

"Uncomfortable. Not terribly so. I could go like this for a bit longer."

"Well good, because I'm here until the little bugger makes their appearance. The guys can hold down the fort while I'm gone." 

Now the waiting game. 

The contractions do get a bit closer in time just as the sun rises. Beidou had taken Xiao's place next to Kazuha as the adeptus decided to probably sweep the surrounding area once more. All who are left within the room are Beidou, Kazuha and Zhongli, doing a simple ink painting to pass time. Kazuha permitted him to be there due to the fact this was going to be a half adepti child and well, you sort of want the Prime of the Adepti there. Beidou doesn't know, so she does side eye him a couple times but if Kazuha trusts them, she does as well. Ganyu does make her arrival as well, apologizing for the delay but, really there was nothing to apologize for - the baby seemed to take their sweet time arriving. 

Just as the sun beginning to peak over the horizon, Kazuha feels restless, deciding to get up and walk around some despite both Zhongli and Beidou's reservations. The ronin settles at the window seat, opting to feel the early morning breeze and breathe it in, watching the sunset. Contractions are at 15 to 20 minutes, and getting stronger with each one. He does pass the time by braiding and rebraiding Beidou's hair, giving himself something to work until Ganyu could recheck his dilation. 

And after much convincing for them to at least go get something to eat and bring him back some water, Kazuha is left to relax on the window seat, a blanket over his shoulder as Ganyu prepares some towels. Kazuha really hasn't talked to her before really planning this, so he decides to start now. "Have you ever delivered a baby before?"

Ganyu gives a noise of surprise, looking at the ronin before shaking her head. She indeed was a beautiful woman - all the adepti were eye catching. "No, this will actually be my first. But worry not, I know what I'm doing. I've read on this for months and committed myself to the role when you first asked me."

That was very much relieving. Kazuha smiles. "Are you nervous?" He's merely pulling at her leg, trying to find elsewhere...or more really cover his own nervousness. 

"It's not who is doing all the hard work. That honor is all yours - I wouldn't dare try to take the credit." Ganyu gives a warm smile.

Kazuha is silent for a while, before nodding. "Thank you."

"But of course. I think I speak for all of the adepti when I say we are more excited to meet the little one. Not to mention, the others are more than excited to meet you as well." That catches Kazuha's attention, and he looks up. He remembers Xiao mentioning him meeting the other adepti in passing, but he didn't...think he was being serious. It must show on his face, because Ganyu giggles. "What? Oh come on. You must give yourself a little credit. If anything, they are interested in meeting the person who captured the heart of the ever elusive Xiao. Especially that of a human."

That is fair. Kazuha isn't sure yet - more intimidated if anything. Sure he met Zhongli, how he very much later found was the god of Liyue, Rex Lapis. Unlike his archon, however, this one was kind and very understanding. It made him feel right at home. Kazuha pauses to let a contraction pass through, demanding his full attention as the slow wave makes its painful way down and ceases. "They're getting longer and shorter in between intervals." He comments, looking out the window at the sunrise. Ganyu hums, also looking at the time. 

"We will push it to five minutes and then I will check your dilation. If you can't go that long, then tell me." 

Kazuha nods, and stands, walking over to the bed just to expel energy and enjoy the little peace he had left. Except once he places a hand on the bedpost, a trickle is felt in his sleeping underwear, before it feels like the faintest pop and then a gush of fluid. It's much like peeing himself but...thicker. And he didn't have to go. 

"Xiao-" Kazuha calls in a panic, hand shooting towards his private parts and pulling back. At first he expects blood, the fear gripping at his heart, but it's clear much to his relief. In the instant he's called, Xiao appears next to Kazuha, hands shooting out to support his lover. Kazuha didn't even mean to call his name, but it just came as instinct. "I think my water broke."

Both Xiao and Ganyu speak at the same time, and Kazuha thinks maybe he should panic but oddly he feels...calm. Or as calm as could be, not actively pushing. He's very much aware of the fluids dripping down his leg however, and don't want anyone see him in such a state. Not even Beidou. His sight on the door is seen by both the adepti in the room, and Xiao reluctantly hands Kazuha's hold over to Ganyu in order to go close it. She lays a towel down onto the bed to ease him down, offering him a change of clothes and a damp towel in order for him to change. "It's only a matter of time now. Do you want Xiao to go retrieve Beidou and Re- Zhongli after you're done?"

"Yes, that's fine." Kazuha says, looking over at his lover at the door. If anything, he looks more scared than Kazuha who is quite literally on the verge of active birth. It makes the ronin worry his lip a bit, before taking the damp towel in order to wipe off the fluids so Ganyu can help him change into a larger shirt that went down to his thighs, sans underwear this time. At that time, Ganyu measured seven centimeters.

Time is pretty much a blur, with Kazuha right back where he started on the bed and propped up by pillows, laying on his side. Xiao is behind him, hands rubbing comfortingly wherever they could but other than that he hasn't said a word. Beidou and Zhongli did return but mainly kept to themselves to give them some space. Kazuha personally appreciated it because archons, it hurt. 

Contractions were now longer with shorter intervals that he doesn't even want to count anymore, focused on breathing through the pain. He feels bad for the pillow he's clutching, because if it were a hand, it would surely be broken by now. Or at least, a human hand. He wants them out now, and just forgo the whole pushing thing. If this was hard, he wasn't sure how the actual thing would go. 

After another painful contraction subsides, Kazuha forces himself to release a shaky breath, tears welling in his red eyes that he hides into the pillow. It's not excruciating nor is it a walk in the park either. It's pretty much above being stabbed, and Kazuha has been there a couple times. He groans, rather brokenly but muffled into its softness. Xiao picks up on it, hands pausing as he scoots closer in order to spoon Kazuha from behind, lips brushing his hair. "I hate this." Kazuha admits, even though it's pretty covered, Xiao hears it just fine. 

"You're doing really well." He reassures, before a pause and a shift so that he's sitting up. "Zhongli...you're sure that my karma won't do anything?"

Kazuha feels a flare of anger in him, though he has to leash it before it gets loose. He blames it on the pain as he hears Zhongli's response. 

"I promise you that it will not transfer to neither Kazuha or the child. You are fine where you are." 

Kazuha just feels exhausted already, unwilling to move. He hears rustling, and Ganyu's voice next. "Would you like some water?" The ronin shakes his head to the question, not willing to stomach anything right now. 

"It...it might help, but it's up to you." Xiao offers. Bless his heart, he's trying to be a support despite his own anxieties. Surely that means Kazuha can try to at least have some  water. Relinquishing his sweaty hold on the pillow, Kazuha backs up a bit and so does Xiao, allowing the ronin the space to move. Ganyu takes that as a positive, offering the cup of water to him. And it was a pretty good idea, Kazuha wasn't aware how thirsty he was until he sips at it. 

His red eyes catch the open window, and a breeze in the wind. If anything, he just needed to be as close to the open air as possible. He still had time, even though moving would be a challenge. So he gambles it.

He can feel the immediate alert of everyone when he moves to scoot off the bed, ignoring the ache of his whole body. What started as a very small pressure is now a noticeable pain, just on low simmer until his next contraction. He can feel Xiao's protest before he voices it, and the ronin simply raises a hand to calm him. "I'll be fine. I'm just going to the window." And it wasn't a question or an option. If anything else, the wind has always been able to soothe him. 

Ganyu and Xiao exchange a glance before his lover scoots over him, standing and helping Kazuha to the window carefully. He's sat onto the window seat, and while it's not as comfortable as it is the bed, Kazuha breathes in the fresh air, allowing it to wash over his feverish skin. The sun is above the horizon now, a contrast to when this first happened. "Will Ningguang be able to visit?" He asks, gaze turning to both Ganyu and Beidou. 

Beidou speaks first, running a hand over her face. "I'm not sure, kid. I think she's pretty busy nowadays. Though if she's too busy for this then..." Beidou scoffs. Sure their relationship is pretty sun and moon, on and off, Kazuha didn't want to be reason for argue. Ganyu rushes to speak.

"The Tianquan does have a very tight schedule, but I did make sure to have one of the assistants alert her when she has risen. Whether she chooses to come...or not...would be up to her." 

"I wouldn't want to be the reason that she is away from her duties..." 

Zhongli speaks up next. "Liyue has survived for generations and generations. A day without the Tianquan would be like nothing to her. A day of work can be made up, but the birth of a child cannot be redone." It is pretty comforting, even if Kazuha still feels a bit guilty. He just distracts himself through the next contractions, reciting haikus in his head and focusing on the feel of the fresh air. 

After some while, Ganyu does suggest he head back to the bed only for comfort and just in case his dilation rate accelerates because that's a thing that can be done. He kind of mourns having to move away from the window, sighing and scooting to the edge of the window seat as Xiao holds out his hand, patiently waiting for his lover. "I thought this would be quicker." He mutters, though loud enough for them all to hear. It garners a couple short laughs.

"They seem to be takin' their sweet time, huh?" Beidou teases. "Maybe they'll come out crying flowers instead of tears." She gets a tongue out for a reaction, which makes her laugh even more. It could be seen as childish but oh well, Kazuha could get a pass in that moment as Xiao helps him stand. But they haven't even taken a step when another contraction hits, eliciting a sharp cry of pain from him as he falls to the ground, knees buckling. All the four other people in the room are instantly at alert, but Xiao is next to Kazuha's side in an instant, hands holding him. 

"Bed. Now." He urges, and Kazuha also faintly feels Beidou's hold on him, her scent of seabreeze carried with her.

But he furiously shakes his head when either try to lift him up, squeezing his eyes closed and clenching his fists. "Stop! Stop, please!" He urges them, feeling his body protest violently at being moved through the contraction. Even though his vision isn't on him, he lightly registers a very faint green light from behind his eyelids as a breeze picks up in the room, against his cheek soothingly. 

"I don't think we have enough time left." Ganyu says, dropping down to kneel in front of Kazuha. She's telling him to breathe, or at least he thinks so, but all he can focus on is the strong cramp, leaving him breathless and trembling like a leaf. "Do you think you can move?" She asks next, and Kazuha shakes his head.

"No- don't make me move."

"Ok. We're doing this on the floor." 

Kazuha can faintly hear Xiao asking if that was safe and ideal, yes to the first and no to the second - but it wasn't like they had a choice in the matter now. He can practically feel his body telling him to push now, hands coming up to grab onto both Xiao and Beidou. He really hoped they didn't mind his grip but in the moment that was the least of his worries. "They're coming now."

"Now??" Xiao repeats, panicked.

"Now! I can't- I can't do this-"

"Okay, deep breaths, Kaz. You've faced the electro archon head on. This is nothing." 

He can hear Ganyu and Zhongli talking, but at this point he's only focusing on himself. The contractions were practically only a minute apart, giving him very little breathing time before the next one. When Ganyu does check his dilation, it's much to her surprise and Kazuha's that he's fully dilated and that it indeed was time to start pushing. He's maneuvered into a better birthing position, possibly one better than the original plan, with his hands being slipped into both Xiao and Beidou's. Red eyes turn to his lover first. Xiao looks terrified, but if anything, he's steeled himself for Kazuha. "You can squeeze as hard as you need to. I won't feel it."

"Could you push for me too?" Kazuha weakly jokes, attempting to maintain his breathing.

"It'll be over before you know it," Ganyu reassures, her gloved hands on Kazuha's knees. Her eyes are on the clock, waiting for the second hand to reach a new minute where she estimates a new contraction to begin. For someone who has never done this, Kazuha thinks she's pretty levelheaded. "Ready?"

Absolutely not, but it's not like he has a choice. 

Over before he knows it, his ass. And Kazuha hardly curses.

It feels like hours that he's been pushing, Ganyu helpfully counting and keeping track while Beidou and Xiao are pretty much used as his squeezing dummies. He doesn't scream like he thought he would hours ago, but comes close a good few times. There are so many lines of haikus going through his head right now, anything to distract him from the unbearable pain. This was way above getting stabbed. His whole body is dedicated to pushing and it's so weird how he can practically feel the baby is in a significantly lower position than before. There are words of encouragement being said and hands brushing stray hairs off of his sweaty forehead. His stamina was always top notch, but even that is being worn thin after hours of pre labor. 

Kazuha tries to think any more distractions. Inazuma, wandering, meeting so many nice people- Archons, even the Vision Hunt Decree, but it's only a flash in his mind before he's brought to the present. Still, somehow, it can only grit his teeth and direct all of his energy towards pushing. 

"Xiao," He sobs, willing himself not to cry in front of everyont, but at this point, he didn't think anyone would pretty much care. He's being shushed, and a hand is at his cheek, turning his gaze to Xiao's face. 

"I'm here. I'm right here." The adeptus reassures, connecting their foreheads.

"I can't-"

"You can."

"I can't!" 

"Just one more, Kazuha! You're doing so strong already. They're crowning already. You can't give up now!" Ganyu urges, and Celestia above, Kazuha was never ever doing this again, the idea of siblings be damned. 

He can feel the touch of the wind fall over him, realizing that he didn't come all this way for nothing. 

With one final push, he feels them slip out. Or really, their head to which Ganyu gently nudges their body all the way out. 

"Oh my gods," Kazuha hears Xiao whisper, blinking open his teary red eyes in order to look down despite the black dots feeling his vision. Wow, he didn't even know he lost that amount of blood. 

In Ganyu's hands, in a towel, was Kazuha and Xiao's child. Their daughter. She's pink, face scrunched and covered in fluid and blood combined with a mop of dark hair on her head. It looked as if she were so offended to be kicked out of her home for the past nine months. The imagery makes Kazuha give a choked off laugh, much in disbelief and shock. And probably lightheadedness.

"Congratulations. It's a girl." Ganyu officially announces, and that's when the baby lets out a choked first cry, much relief to everyone's ears. It's a stream of broken tiny shrills, as if she were getting the hang of actually using her lungs. Kazuha sees Zhongli kneel down to hand Xiao some scissors just as Ganyu ties off the umbilical cord, doing pretty good for handling a very squirmy newborn. 

"Archons, I'm going to spoil you so much." Beidou says, tears welling in her eyes. Though she probably would deny it later. The sight of her crying combined with Xiao also crying touches the ronin's heart, but he's mostly in shock because he just pushed a whole baby out of his vagina. Wow. 

His vision is spotty once more, and his strength is quickly waning, hands slipping from both Beidou and Xiao. People are talking but now it sounds as if his head has been dunked under ice cold water. But his daughter is crying and that's all that matters. Ganyu is wrapping her in the cloth, speaking, and offering the bundle to Kazuha, but she must see it before everyone else, lips forming his name in a question.

That's pretty much all Kazuha sees before everything goes dark.

When he wakes, his whole body feels as if he had been the recipient of the Musou no Hitotachi. He can't move, numb from the waist down and frankly, he didn't want to, content on just falling back into sleep. It's only then does he hear a small noise akin to that of a newborn and he's aware of what happened, of him giving literal birth. So with little energy that he has, Kazuha forces himself to partially sit up and look around the room. It's empty sans Xiao sitting on the window seat, holding the swaddled baby and looking down at her in awe. That's when Kazuha realizes that he was moved into the bed, sometime during his period of unconsciousness. Even the blood stains had been cleaned up - He’s going to offer a lot of thank you’s.

The rustling of the sheets grabs his lover's attention and Xiao looks up, face lighting up even more when he realizes Kazuha's awake. The adeptus stands and walks over, though careful as not to disturb their daughter, then sits on the edge. "Kazuha, how are you feeling?" 

"Like a tree in the wind after a stormy night met by the untamed winds." Kazuha says just as softly as Xiao, unable to take his eyes off the dark wisps of hair. The dramatic line makes Xiao sniff a bit, before he falls quiet. 

"I thought I lost you." Xiao says smally, and it's only then does Kazuha realize his voice was a bit hoarse as if the adeptus cried. And he reaches a hand up to cup his cheek. 

"I will never leave you." And that brings a small smile from the adeptus, before he rearranges to fully face Kazuha, offering the bundle into his arms. 

"You never got to properly hold her, and I think I've had enough of my time." 

Kazuha is giddy- no, over the moon with excitement, happily taking her and adjusting his hold so that she's easily resting in the crook of his arm. "Have you really?" He asks Xiao to no answer. He knows that the other definitely did not have his fair share of holding her, but that was okay. Kazuha taught Xiao how to love, and there was always room in his heart for one more, the ronin knew this.

He's instantly captivated in examining his daughter's features. She definitely got Xiao's hair, and nose...and lips. And even his little eyebrow scrunch too. And his pout. Yep, his carbon copy even down to Xiao's skin tone. So that must mean it's been a good while since Kazuha has been out. Taking a shaky hand, Kazuha runs a light finger over her cheek. Watching her respond to it made his heart melt, the small twitch reminding him she ws real. Not to mention she was also very, very soft. Even the small wisps of her hair were impossibly soft. However, he does see a very small strand of red which gives him hope that that's something she inherited from him. 

"Did you name her?" Kazuha asks, unable to tear his gaze away. 

Xiao is silent, before making a small sound. "No. I am...not good with names." That does make Kazuha look up, eyebrows furrowing in slight confusion. It prompts Xiao to continue. "You already know that Xiao is not the name I was born with, but was given by Rex Lapis. In all honesty, I am unsure what goes in a name." He seems a bit embarassed, but Kazuha only smiles warmly, no judgement in his eyes. 

"Mengxiang. Or Meng for short." Kazuha says easily. The shock on Xiao's face is definitely worth it. "I believe it's Liyuen for dream, is it not? Very appropriate for her. This is our long awaited dream come true."

Xiao says nothing, thinking it over before the largest smile that day breaks out over his face, leaning in to kiss Kazuha for the first time properly in hours. They're only interrupted when Meng makes a small noise, squinting open her yellow vibrant eyes.

It's only for a second, but it's all that they need, admiring their daughter while relishing in the new family glow.

Chapter Text

Overdue. 

Albedo knew that he was overdue. Two weeks past his expected due date and he was just over it. Pregnancy was beautiful but no longer on him. He was tired and done and over it. 

The idea to induce was beginning to look a lot more likely, but Aether had persuaded him against the first time, anxious about forcing the baby before their time. Albedo had argued that their time to naturally come had passed. The two hadn’t exactly resolved it, ending with one in tears and the other awkwardly wanting to comfort him, but not allowed to come forward. 

Albedo is on edge, agitated and irritated more than usually. And everyone around him is walking on eggshells to make sure they don’t set him off. He didn’t want to snap at anyone, he really didn’t, but his patience was wearing extremely thin - something that never happened. Jean thought it would be best for Klee to stay at her house until the baby was born to give the couple privacy and peace, whereas she had been staying with Albedo and Aether, her found family. Albedo knows that it’s only because Klee has a lot of energy, but he can’t help but feel it’s because Jean thinks he’ll snap at her as well which further breaks his heart even if it’s far from the truth. 

He rests in bed, cocooned by blankets and hips supported by the special made pillows by Barbara. Klee had just been picked up - she was permitted to visit Albedo of course, but for a limited amount of time to let him rest. Her scribbled drawing of Aether, Albedo, Klee and the baby rests on the nightstand as a reminder, something that taunts Albedo. A baby that refuses to leave. 

This body is artificial so it can take more strain than the usual human body. However, it also isn’t immortal or made of stone. His back hurt, his ankles ached and his body felt sluggish lately. The need to consume food has increased, which has increased the need to get rid of the waste. Ironically, sometimes it would reject the medicine he made himself from khemia so he had to suffer the pain. He couldn’t throw up anymore - he couldn’t. 

The door creaks open, and footsteps thump on the floor before the person shuffles onto the bed, close enough to Albedo but far enough not to disturb him. They smell of the stars and the beach, the night sky over a gentle wave. It instantly calms Albedo, and he allows himself to relax, blue eyes opening to focus on the dark of the room. 

A golden gaze greeted him, Aether giving him a soft smile. “Hey.” They move to raise their hand towards the alchemist, but pause, their last argument still fresh in both of their minds despite happening a couple weeks ago. “Can I touch you?”

Albedo isn’t the one to hold grudges, and well he missed the touch of his lover. “Yeah,” He whispers, closing his eyes just as an ungloved hand comes down to caress his cheek. It travels up into his undone hair, cascaded onto the pillow in waves. Klee had attempted to braid it earlier, before Albedo just did her hair to distract the crestfallen girl. Her separation from her older brother figure after so long together had obviously taken a toll on her. 

Fingers travel down to push some strands of hair behind his ear, before traveling down over his eyelids. Admiring, with a gentle touch. 

Aether readjusts their position, laying down to be parallel to Albedo, close and yet not enough to disturb his blanket cocoon. They must’ve learned from the first time. 

He kind of feels bad. 

“Hey,” Aether starts, hand coming to rest on his cheek. “Don’t look like that. It’s not your fault.”

“I can control my words.”

“You can’t control your emotions and how you feel. And you shouldn’t be expected to. You’re exhausted - you deserve to rest.”

Albedo chuckles. “A slight understatement.” It stirs a bit of movement from within, their baby reacting to the sound of both of them with a small stretch. They’ve been in a position where their head is directly pressing on Albedo’s bladder, little foot shoved up towards his ribs and no matter how comfortable he’d get, they’d wriggle back to that spot. He figures it’s probably the way his stature is smaller and this his first child so they don’t have much wiggle room, but there is no way a tiny baby could possibly know what they’re doing. The added pressure already gives off warning bells, and Albedo sighs moving from his warm cocoon in order to sit up. 

Aether sits up with him, eyes slightly wide as a million questions are just stopped by him pressing his mouth closed by the alchemist mumbling “restroom”. And he’s already regretting moving. The heat zaps from his body and the gravity weighs down on his already sore back and feet. 

The traveler also sits up and walks around to help him stand. With the extra weight, it’s harder - and not to mention it’s embarrassing - to get up, taking the combined efforts of Albedo and Aether, though the blond traveler was still pretty strong - still doing commissions and fighting large monsters whereas Albedo had to be benched. The Geo user leans all his weight onto Aether, tears welling within his eyes. He felt like a beached hydro slime melting under the gaze of the sun, heavy and slugging behind. 

With the help, the traveler does have to assist Albedo going to the bathroom, but by that time they get back Albedo just feels achy all over and as if he couldn't get comfortable once more now the baby had moved. 

Aether helps ease him onto the bed then kneels down in front of him, a comforting smile on their face as they reach up to grab gently at his cheeks, thumbs swiping up under his eyes and where he's sure bags reside. "You've come so far. And I'm so proud of you. Do you think you're able to induce tomorrow?"

"If I have the energy to even push in the first place," Albedo huffs in a somewhat attempt of a joke. "But...I'm just afraid."

"How so? You've done so many great things - you're not Mondstat's Chief Alchemist for just anything. I've seen you create things from quite literally nothing."

"Hm..then tell your child to vacate my womb. I'd like my everything back so I can get back to alchemy."

"But I think they'll favor you more." Aether pouts, reaching up to place a gentle kiss on soft lips. "I just have a hunch. Given they're as stubborn as you about leaving just like you when it comes to leaving the lab." Albedo brings up a finger to push Aether away with a mock glare on his face.

"Don't push it." Albedo lowly warns, but doesn't protest when Aether merely smirks and leans back in to capture his lips once more, hands going to massage at his sides and his back. There was nowhere he wouldn't go without his partner - who especially made the whole journey easier. 

And once he gave birth, Klee would come back and they would all be a family. Albedo couldn't wait.

Chapter Text

HELOOOOO, beautiful people!!! Happy Holidays and I love you all.

34k hits. 700 kudos. My GOD. I couldn't be more thankful even though I kinda dropped off the face of the Earth towards the end but it's ok, ok? Ok. <3

It's been a journey, one I couldn't have taken alone. YOUR KUDOS AND COMMENTS MAKE ME HAPPY STIM MMMMMMM. 

Also XIAO RERUN, IM GONNA PULL AHHHHHHHH. Good luck to all the Shenhe and Xiao pullers!!!!

So, this book is technically finished, but I'm not, and yall know what that means.

REQUEST BOOK YAAAAAAAA. I'll publish it maybe for the New Years but yknow, I'm a sucker for pregnancy (don't ask, just don't <3) ANNDDDDDD I have no life. I will also open it to all pairings, scenarios, etc (depending. Bc ha). All request details will be posted there!

There's not much to say but look out for that!! It'll be within this series (check that out bestiessss, subscribe, and what not)!! Also I enjoy some of these oneshots too much so some might have a sequel? If there is one you want to see a sequel of, pleaseeee let me know. I love talking about it. 

I thinkkkk that's it? I'll update this if I think of something else but I love you all, mwah mwah, you're awesome, mwah mwah mwah - covid safe kisses going around. It's a wrap!!!

Thank you !!!!

Chapter Text

Tada! Saoirse is back and defrosting late in the month of October. I was having in the middle of a meltdown and I decided to turn that frown upside down and mosey on down here in order to announce Pregtober 2022! Whoo! 

So what happened was the original owner did not have time to post an updated prompt list and I was waiting like an impatient kid and then someone else came in and rescued us, amen. Bless!!! So I have decided to melt like Mariah Carrey around Christmas time and come in super late (yes I know I'm going to have to catch up again, y'all already know) buttttt with that in mind, some things to mention!

If you're seeing this and wondering, "hey! Where's the rest of the chapter?", that is becauseeeee Pregtober 2022 is finally up and running!!! YAY! Go give it some love, drop a kudos maybe hahaha jk. After much sleep sacrifice I poured into my baby, it is finally posted. That would also mean the request page is moved to there! Enjoyed last year's prompts and want to give me a challenge for this year? Go check out our available days and gimme a ship! 

Thanks to all who commented here with love and request, I love y'all. I give plenty of hugs and kisses or cookies/cupcakes for those who just want that instead. With that in mind, I finally lay this fic to rest to fossilize for those who come back and enjoy the 31 days. (And if you see me editing some chapters, NO you do not.)

Happy October!!!!