Archive of Our Own

--

"I'm pregnant, Ajax."

The quill fell from Childe's hand. The Harbinger slowly looked up at the omega. His eyes were hard and calculating. His lips set into a thin line.

Zhongli didn't waver under the piercing blue. He placed a gentle hand on his middle. There was life inside. Theirs. He didn't dread the notion at all.

"Is this another one of your ploys?" Childe asked curtly. His voice was unkind but not cruel.

Zhongli sighed. Right. Childe was still furious at him after the whole ordeal in Northland Bank.

Childe had left without saying a word, sparing Zhongli only an indescribable look.

A week later, Zhongli came to visit the alpha with heavy news after not speaking to one another for a while.

Zhongli wanted to keep the pregnancy a secret at first but he relented in the end. Childe deserved to know.

Finally, Zhongli denied Childe's accusation.

"No. Not this one. I am pregnant with our child, Ajax. And I..." here, Zhongli flushed a bit. "You're the only one I've lain with. You know that."

Zhongli didn't know why he was too shy to admit it but he needed Childe to know that the Harbinger was the only one that had ever held him so intimately.

Finally, Childe rose and went around his desk. He walked towards Zhongli, standing still before the former Archon. His fists clenching and unclenching.

Outside Childe's office, the bank was strangely quiet.

"I'm supposed to leave for Snezhnaya in three days. Her majesty's order," Childe said. He was still staring at Zhongli.

The omega's heart plummeted but he schooled his face into a perfect mask. Zhongli exhaled, nodding at Childe. His fingers on his belly twitched.

If the Harbinger wished not to be part of the child's life, then who was Zhongli to stop him? He did lay with Childe under false pretenses and string him along in his scheme, after all.

Zhongli would not ask for more. It was enough that Childe knew the truth. Zhongli could rest easy knowing he'd tried for his offspring.

Childe continued to watch him quietly.

"I understand," Zhongli said. "I shall take my leave--"

"Do you want me to stay?" Childe cut in softly. The gentle tone in his voice didn't match his impassive look.

"What?" Zhongli asked. He was convinced he misheard Childe.

"Zhongli, do you want me to stay here?" Childe asked again.

His eyes were still as hard as before but Zhongli could trace a wisp of softness inside them. It left him baffled.

To answer the question - the answer was certainly yes.

Zhongli was surprised at how fast he came up with the answer. He wanted Childe to stay by his side during the duration of his pregnancy.

Perhaps it was the omega inside him. Perhaps it was just Zhongli.

But the consultant didn't wish to be alone for this.

He wanted Childe with him.

However,

"What I want doesn't matter, Ajax. You don’t need to force yourself into doing things you have no desire to do."

"Do you want me to stay or not?" Childe repeated, sounding frustrated.

Zhongli sighed, relenting.

"Of course, I do, Ajax. I want you here. But I can't allow you to waste your precious time on me simply because you think this is a responsibility you must shoulder. It's not. If you leave, I won't--"

"I will stay then," Childe said nonchalantly.

Zhongli could only blink. "You will? But the Tsaritsa…"

"She has no further use of me for the moment. I've done her bidding. I'm sure I deserve a break, right?" Childe explained with a tilt of his head.

Zhongli had no answer for that. Yet he suspected Childe wasn't looking for one. So Zhongli nodded.

From that simple gesture, Childe finally gave Zhongli a small smile. It reached his eyes and the sudden tenderness bloomed dearly.

Childe looked at Zhongli as if he was seeing something so beloved.

No.

Zhongli didn't dare to think that far. The Harbinger only agreed to stay because he wanted to be part of his child's life. Not Zhongli's.

"Thank you, Ajax."

Childe only hummed. "You're welcome," he said.

Childe thrust out a hand to grab a hold of a few loose dark strands. Zhongli stayed quiet, waiting. Compelled to watch.

Childe tucked the long locks behind Zhongli's ear gently before he pulled his hand away.

"Your hair is a mess," Childe pointed out. Zhongli didn't get the chance to say anything when Childe went back to his seat and resumed his work, picking up his quill.

"I'll see you around?" Childe asked without looking up.

That's it?

Zhongli quickly recovered from his blunder. It was so unlike him to be in a trance. "Of course. I shall take my leave then," Zhongli said.

He left the office.

Zhongli missed the small affectionate smile on Childe's lips.

--

It was only in the afternoon but Zhongli already couldn't wait to leave the Funeral Parlor. Particularly when he was being hounded relentlessly.

"You're pregnant?" The girl half-shrieked. "How far are you?

"Director Hu, please, don't raise your voice. And, I'm several weeks pregnant by now."

"You're really pregnant?" Meng inquired.

Zhongli took a deep breath. He massaged his temple. He stared at the pair of curious, excited eyes. Meng and the director stood close to him, expecting his answer.

An answer he'd already given. Twice.

"Yes," Zhongli answered. "I'm carrying. Thus, I informed you of this, director Hu, so I may request a temporary leave if I require it."

"No way, you want a vacation? You're the only one I can trust here." Hu Tao pouted in a jest.

Meng cleared his throat.

"Oh, yeah! You, too, Ferrylady!" She screamed at the lady standing by the door.

"Director Hu," Meng cried out pitifully. The young director only cackled.

Despite the situation, Zhongli smiled. He rubbed his middle.

The former Archon couldn't wait to feel his first baby kick.

If that was what he could expect after finally putting his mantle as the Geo Archon to rest, then it was worth going through all those troubles just to have this beloved miracle.

"So, who's the lucky alpha?" Meng questioned.

"I know who it is! Uncle Dai!" Hu Tao piped in.

"What?" Meng sputtered.

Zhongli stared at her, dismayed. "Director Hu, please. You know this is false."

"Oh," Meng muttered.

Hu Tao scratched her chin, pretending to ponder. "Then it's Master Zhang!" She teased.

"Truly?" Meng gasped.

Zhongli's eyes twitched. "It's not."

“I see,” Meng muttered once more.

"Oh, oh. I know who it is. For real this time," Hu Tao said in a tone that suggested that yes, she knew who the father was. Yet, she still chose to annoy her consultant just for the thrill.

"It's the Tianquan, isn't it?" Hu Tao wiggled her brows. "We all know she's got the biggest dick in Liyue."

Meng choked. "Really? It’s Lady Ningguang?"

Zhongli slowly took a deep breath. "No, it's not any of them. It's--"

"The diplomat from Snezhnaya," the Ferrylady said as she made her way towards them.

Zhongli glanced at her and smiled. "Yes, it's Ajax."

The Ferrylady shook her head. "No, the diplomat from Snezhnaya is here to see you, Zhongli xiansheng."

Just as she said this, Zhongli saw a mop of orange hair behind her before Childe passed by the Ferrylady and made his way towards the consultant.

However, Childe was glaring. Not at Zhongli but Hu Tao. The young girl dared to grin at him.

"I'm his alpha," Childe hissed at the director. Ah, Childe must have heard the exchange then.

However, Zhongli blinked at the sudden possessiveness in the Harbinger's voice, bewildered by the sudden change.

Childe placed his arm around Zhongli's waist, pulling the consultant to his side until there was no space between them.

As always, his chest felt strangely tight whenever Childe held him so close like this.

Zhongli tried not to read too much into it.

"Okay," Hu Tao said, still grinning.

The Ferrylady said something to Meng before she made her way towards the entrance again, Meng following after her quietly.

"Well, I'm leaving, too. Need to visit Bubu pharmacy again," Hu Tao informed. Zhongli frowned.

"Are you unwell, director Hu?"

He felt Childe pulling him even closer when Hu Tao made her way towards them.

She shook her head. "No. Need to give out coupons to the patients at Bubu pharmacy just in case they need it." With it, she was off.

Zhongli watched her leave in disbelief and made a quick move to stop Hu Tao from leaving but Childe stopped him.

He gently drew Zhongli to his side again, tipping Zhongli's chin up so he could look Zhongli in the eye.

"You okay? How do you feel?" Childe asked. Zhongli inclined his head at the concern in Childe's voice.

"Ajax, you need not trouble yourself." He guided Childe's hand to his midsection. "The baby is fine, as you can see.'' The omega smiled at Childe.

Zhongli knew Childe could be a gentle and considerate man so it wasn't a surprise for the former Archon to see the alpha like this.

Hence, why Zhongli had dreaded the day where he finally had to reveal the truth to Childe. It was necessary but still.

In a way, Zhongli had become genuinely fond of the Harbinger and didn't wish for their relationship to end poorly.

Childe's eyes narrowed at Zhongli's answer. "Zhongli, you know that's not what I meant."

Zhongli wondered what he meant then. "What were you referring to, Ajax?"

Childe's lips turned flat. He cast his eyes away and curled his hand around Zhongli's wrist gently. "Never mind. Come on, we're having lunch together."

Zhongli perked up at the word lunch. Yes, he was quite famished and he had been salivating for Xiangling's cooking.

"Yes, please."

Zhongli smiled sweetly at the alpha, fixing his ponytail.

The consultant noticed how Childe stumbled after looking at him but Zhongli purposely didn't acknowledge it to preserve the Harbinger's pride.

(Unbeknownst to the omega, Childe stared and stared at his face.

Under the golden radiance of sunlight, Zhongli looked divine; the shape of his cheeks was sharp, all flush with reds and shimmering joy of life; the lines of his eyes and the stretch of his smile were riddled with curious shyness.

The swathing amber in his eyes was like stardust, a universe blossomed anew.

And Childe didn't want to look away.)

--

They didn't live together. They harbored no romantic feelings for one another. And Childe didn't leave a Claiming mark on Zhongli's nape.

However, now more often than not, Childe could be found accompanying Zhongli until nightfall. And he only left when Childe was sure Zhongli's needs were properly met.

Tonight was no different.

Chile stayed, insisting that he cooked and cleaned despite Zhongli's incessant assurance that he could still tend to everything. It was Zhongli’s home, after all.

He was only two months pregnant but Childe acted as if the omega would break at the slightest burden.

Truthfully, it vexed Zhongli.

However, Zhongli would be a liar if he said he didn't enjoy the attention. Even when Childe was only doing this for the baby, it still left a soft feeling in Zhongli's chest.

Imagine being loved by Ajax. What a joy that would be.

What a joy that would be.

"Zhongli, you didn't fall asleep, did you?" Childe called out from the kitchen. Zhongli chuckled.

"No, Childe. It's still quite early and I'm enjoying the night breeze. When you're done making dinner, would you like to join me?" Zhongli offered.

The omega gazed up when he heard a drum of loud footsteps. He saw Childe poking his head from the kitchen, giving Zhongli an astonished look.

"What is it?" Zhongli questioned, curious.

"You," Childe said as if it'd explain everything.

He took a few quick strides towards Zhongli, donning his adorable custom-made blue frilly apron.

Childe wore a lopsided grin.

"You called me Childe again," the alpha supplied.

"Should I have not addressed you with your alias anymore?"

"That's not it. Listen, Zhongli," Childe said.

He took a spot beside Zhongli on the comfortable window seat. The wind picked up and it tickled at the omega's neck. Zhongli shivered. Childe quickly pulled the windows closed, leaving only enough gap to allow the moonlight to spill into the living room.

He studied the omega.

"When you call me Childe, it feels like a… I don't know. It feels like a pet name… wait, what's it again-- Ah! It feels like an endearment when it's coming from you. It's not the same when anyone else uses that alias."

The alpha flustered adorably after he said it.

Pet name?

Zhongli looked at Childe, troubled.

"Ajax, no. No. You are not my pet. You are the father of our progeny. I've never viewed you, or anyone else, as someone below me. You possess a remarkable strength of your own, Ajax. You are your own person. Please do remember this," Zhongli explained gravely. How could Childe think such a thing?

Zhongli wanted Childe to know they were of equal standing.

Childe was a powerful alpha. Zhongli's omega noticed this and it cooed and desired for Childe's touches always.

Zhongli always had to reel back the wave of want.

It was Zhongli's turn to get flustered when the omega within him whimpered for Childe's affection again. It wished to bare itself to the alpha, pleading to be marked, and begging for the alpha to enter him.

No. Zhongli would not ask for more than what he deserved. Zhongli had made his choice on that matter.

In front of him, Childe only blinked slowly at Zhongli.

"Zhongli?"

"Yes?"

"For someone so smart, you're an idiot, aren't you?"

Zhongli gazed at Childe, more confused than before. Did he say something wrong?

"Ajax, I--" the alpha interrupted him when Childe sighed and very tenderly put his arms under Zhongli's back and his knees.

Zhongli let out a soft noise when Childe easily placed him on his lap. His arm went around the omega's waist protectively. Caring.

"Zhongli, don't you understand why I'm doing this?" Childe whispered. Zhongli kneaded his fingers in Childe's shirt, looking at the alpha in the eye.

They were so close. Zhongli could feel Childe's nose touching his.

"You chose to stay for your progeny," Zhongli answered.

Childe frowned. "True but do you think that's the only reason?"

Of course, he did. What more was there to this? They stumbled into bed together out of lust. Just like Zhongli, Childe had been adamant that nothing would come out of it.

Perhaps nothing much had changed for Childe since then.

"You're a good friend, Ajax. Thank you," Zhongli said instead.

Childe observed Zhongli. The softness in his gaze instantly vanished. He appeared lost for a moment, searching desperately for something in Zhongli's eyes.

In seconds, the previous firmness returned. Childe only nodded.

"I got it. Sorry," Childe apologized. Zhongli didn't know what he was sorry for.

Zhongli moved from his lap when Childe made a motion to leave. Childe stood up and headed back towards the kitchen.

"Dinner will be ready in a moment," Childe informed.

Zhongli felt fire in his chest. Blistering and painful. He didn't understand what it meant.

--

A month later, Childe miraculously still stayed in Liyue.

Somehow, there was a rift between them. Zhongli could feel it but he didn't know what had caused it.

No matter how many times Zhongli tried to rend it to pieces, he failed to do so again and again.

Childe kept pulling away every time Zhongli attempted to question him about it.

It's nothing, Childe said. Don't stress yourself over it. And he always ended their conversation with a tiny smile.

Still, despite Childe's assurance that he’d be there for Zhongli during his pregnancy, he wasn't always available. Childe still had his duty to the Northland bank.

Hence, whenever the alpha was away, Vlad was assigned by Childe to supply Zhongli with mora and to summon the Harbinger back if an emergency occurred.

Right now, the guard was on a break and he'd decided to spend his time teaching Zhongli how to weave. On Zhongli's behest.

"The cotton is quite lightweight. Since you're a beginner, you can make a napkin out of this if you want, mister Zhongli," the omega offered.

Vlad held the needles precisely as he should and Zhongli followed his instructions.

"I have a different idea. I wish to make a muffler. A blue one preferably," Zhongli said to the man.

"Oh?" Vlad let out a knowing smile. "Is it for someone special?"

Zhongli only smiled shyly in response. It’d be a gift for Ajax as a way to soothe the invisible barrier between them.

In the safety of Zhongli's abode, he could laze and enjoy the decent weather. He was also fortunate that Vlad was a pleasant company to have.

"The cotton is local. It's made out of the finest fibers," Zhongli said. "Liyue has one of the outstanding textiles in Teyvat but even so, resources from outside are proven to be just as exceptional."

Vlad nodded.

"You should see the materials from Inazuma, Mister Zhongli. It's excellent. The glossy fabric is so smooth on your hands. When my grandmother was alive, she used to knit silly jackets made from Inazuman fabrics. It was comfortable," Vlad said, sounding nostalgic.

He was momentarily lost in the past. Perhaps a little homesick.

Zhongli left Vlad be. He understood how it felt like clinging to things that once were.

He weaved carefully. Zhongli wasn't as masterful as Vlad but Zhongli liked to believe he was a fast learner and so he was slowly adapting to it.

Silence reigned. Zhongli sat comfortably in the cushioned seat.

Outside, the sun went down. The shadows faded while the trees and the clouds undulated back to their ordinariness, and the street and store lights began to glow throughout the city.

Zhongli missed Childe.

He'd been missing him a lot lately.

He wondered why.

--

"For me?" Childe gaped. He felt the aftermath of Zhongli's hard work in his grip.

The fabric was smooth, easy to the touch. The borders were even softer and the color was darker than the rest of the faint blue.

Zhongli nodded with a smile. "You've been good to me." Zhongli rubbed his belly. "And to our child. It's only right that you're properly rewarded."

Childe stared at the comfortable blue muffler. Then Childe easily placed it around his neck and grasped at it reverently as if it was something so precious.

He smiled at Zhongli. The usual tenderness made its way back to those ocean blue eyes.

"Thank you, Zhongli."

Zhongli was about to respond but he stopped when Childe slowly brushed the dark bangs from Zhongli's forehead. As one would do when they were trying to search for a true gem amongst the dull stones, the movement was loving and careful.

When Childe finally found his eyes, he chuckled and kissed Zhongli's forehead. As Childe pulled away, the tingly warmth remained.

"There you are, lyubimy," Childe whispered like a man who held the whole world in his hands.

Zhongli only gripped onto Childe's wrist and smiled at the alpha.

Childe shouldn't look at him like that.

Childe should only look like that at the person he was in love with.

Zhongli pondered: how would it feel to be loved so intimately by Childe?

He didn't see himself at the end of that question and Zhongli found himself hurt and… jealous.

The omega's heart lurched. He was jealous.

How would it feel to be loved so intimately by Childe?

Zhongli's thoughts went haywire. It thawed at the flood of emotions in his chest, left him in shambles unceasingly, soar and unbearably loud, subtly pulling him in, making Zhongli's heart float on air until he realized what he truly felt underneath.

Oh no.

--

Zhongli couldn't get proper sleep for a few nights after the revelation. Childe was concerned for him, unaware he was the source of it.

He was in love with Childe.

Zhongli hid his flushed face in his pillow, thinking about the Harbinger. In love. His hand was on his stomach, massaging it.

Trying to live a life as a human could be bothersome sometimes.

--

"I think I'm in love," Zhongli confessed.

Nadia and Ekaterina choked on their tea.

He was in the Northland Bank. Childe was away again. Something about him accompanying Lumine for a moment to assist her with bounties around Liyue. Zhongli didn't get a chance to see her. Lumine left in a hurry soon after.

And Childe didn't want him to come with. It’s too dangerous, Childe argued.

"Oh," Nadia said. "Oh, mister Zhongli, we know."

Zhongli blinked. "Truly?"

They nodded. They smiled as if they already knew who the former Archon was in love with.

It was most unlikely. Why would they know?

For a moment, Zhongli was worried. Was it obvious to Childe? He hoped not. That would simply be terrible, considering how… odd Childe could be with him sometimes.

Zhongli didn't want to make the Harbinger uncomfortable.

As if sensing his turmoil, Ekaterina smiled at him kindly. "It's fine, mister Zhongli. Our lips are sealed," she promised.

Nadia nodded in assent rather eagerly. "Your secret is safe with us. Besides, I think master Childe is in love, as well." She grinned, cupping her mug.

At first, Zhongli didn't understand why she suddenly mentioned Childe but her words finally dawned on him.

And that? That broke his heart.

In love? Childe? With who?

Zhongli's hand went to his chest.

Just like how the absence of his gnosis was sorely felt, Zhongli also felt the poles and halls of anguish nestling below his ribcage.

Then Zhongli felt so very foolish. Him, an ancient being, had his heart left in tatters by something as silly as love unreturned.

It wouldn't have happened to Rex Lapis.

It did to Zhongli.

The consultant could only let out a small smile.

Why did he choose to live as a human? He could have chosen to live as a bird.

No matter. Now, Zhongli only wished Childe nothing but joy. That should be enough.

Besides, he always had a fondness for things he couldn't have. This was an expected outcome.

Zhongli rubbed his middle soothingly. The life inside felt so warm.

"Mister Zhongli?" Ekaterina called out.

Zhongli looked at her and smiled at the receptionist. "I'm fine, lady Ekaterina."

He turned around and fished for something from his satchel. He pulled out colorful mufflers.

Nadia gasped. "Mister Zhongli, they look beautiful!"

"And they're for you, for lady Ekaterina, and Vlad," Zhongli said smoothly. "All of you have been nothing but kind to me."

He handed each of them the mufflers, asking Nadia to hand the white one to Vlad. The beta only blushed and agreed.

"Thank you, mister Zhongli," Ekaterina said. She wore her gift and smiled happily. "It's a gracious gift."

Nadia nodded in affirmation.

Zhongli's heart was still heavy, but there was a touch of lightness in it for the moment.

--

"You gave my agents mufflers?" Childe asked bitterly days later when they were at the Wanmin restaurant. He clenched the blue muffler he was wearing.

Xiangling served them their food but her smile disappeared when she, too, noticed Childe's foul mood. She quickly excused herself.

Zhongli only stared at the alpha in confusion. Why was the sudden hostility?

"I did. They have been kind to me, too," Zhongli affirmed.

Looking at Childe like this hurt but Zhongli didn't let the tendrils of despondent touch him.

'I think master Childe is in love, as well.'

Zhongli shrugged the memory away.

"Ajax?" Zhongli said his name carefully.

Childe looked at him, eyes roaming his face. "You gave the same gifts to others, too. I thought I’m--" he shut his mouth.

Zhongli waited, bemused.

Childe shook his head eventually. "It's nothing. Let's just eat."

So they ate in silence.

--

That night, Zhongli was alone in his home when he heard a knock.

Zhongli opened the door but no one was there. When he peered down, Zhongli saw a single glaze lily at the foot of his doorstep. A small note etched to it.

Zhongli picked the glaze lily and read the note. There was only one line scribbled on it.

Sorry, I didn't mean to get angry today

Zhongli instantly knew who the sender was. He felt a smile on his lips. Zhongli stared tenderly at the glaze lily.

Childe remembered his favorite flower.

Somehow, that small gesture meant so much to the former Archon.

With that, he closed the door.

Zhongli missed the flurry of red and blue watching him from afar before it vanished.

--

"A gift! From my favorite consultant!" Hu Tao gleefully stated.

Zhongli sighed. "I'm your only consultant, director Hu."

"And that's why you're my favorite!" Hu Tao again gleefully stated.

Hu Tao tried on the ochre thin muffler. Meng and Ferrylady did the same.

"It feels comfortable. I thank you sincerely, Zhongli xiansheng." the Ferrylady bowed low to show her gratitude. Even Meng perked up and spared him a shy thank you.

"Oh, yes. Thanks, my dearest consultant. My first gift from you and it's a handmade item. It made me feel so special," the young alpha said playfully. Her voice was unnecessarily loud.

Instantly, there was a noise of a door opening and closing. And then Childe was there, giving the director an overly saccharine smile. It didn't look sincere at all.

"I have one, too," Childe said as he plopped down on the seat next to Zhongli. His hand draped behind the back of Zhongli's seat.

Childe showed off his blue muffler. "And I'm the first who got to receive a gift from my-- from Zhongli xiansheng."

Hu Tao cackled. "Stalker," she whispered.

Childe's face oddly went red. "I'm not stalking anyone. I'm only following around to keep him saf--" Childe's eyes went to Zhongli for a moment before he glanced away.

Hu Tao only laughed louder.

Zhongli watched the exchange between Childe and Hu Tao, unsure of what had transpired.

"Zhongli xiansheng, have you knitted anything for your baby?" Meng asked.

Zhongli's face brightened. "Certainly. I've finished a few. There are even baby socks to go with the mittens."

"I helped," Childe said proudly. Zhongli smiled at him.

"Ajax helped," Zhongli confirmed.

"And I'm the one who taught Vlad how to weave, too," Childe said. He sent a glance at Zhongli. Zhongli had to chuckle at that.

Childe still hadn't forgiven him for going to Vlad instead of him for a weaving lesson.

If Zhongli did so, then he wouldn't be able to give Childe his surprise gift.

"You know how to weave? You Fatui bastard, you never told me!" Hu Tao exclaimed cheerily.

"Language, director Hu," Zhongli warned.

"What? The baby isn't here yet." Hu Tao retaliated.

Zhongli ignored her when he felt Childe playing with his ponytail softly.

The gesture felt affectionate.

Zhongli tried not to flush. It was definitely the mood swings.

--

A couple of months later, Hu Tao gave him a leave when the omega got too big. But the young lady made it her quest to place her head on Zhongli's belly and talked to the growing baby.

Childe always scowled at her when Hu Tao did it but whenever Zhongli offered him to do the same, the alpha only blushed and mumbled something incoherent under his breath.

Youths these days are rather peculiar, Zhongli thought.

--

Childe bought him a lot of new hanfus when his old ones became too constrained. All of them were made from the finest and expensive silk.

Zhongli felt undeserving.

Even now, he hadn't had the opportunity to apologize to Childe for deceiving him but Childe didn't appear as if he was fishing for an apology. He looked content enough to be spending time with Zhongli. Or maybe with his child.

The thought suddenly occurred to Zhongli: did Childe mean to take the baby away when it was finally here?

The possibility didn't cross Zhongli's mind before.

Zhongli shook the thought away.

No. Childe had his moments but he wouldn't be that cruel.

Childe knew how much Zhongli adored the baby within him; his devotion was already unparalleled for a life that wasn't born yet.

Zhongli's thought wandered again: but does he mean to leave me behind when I'm no longer carrying his child?

Loneliness gripped his heart.

"What are you thinking of?" Zhongli felt someone flick his forehead. He glanced at Childe. The man walked beside him.

"Whatever you're thinking of, Zhongli, you're wrong," Childe said.

"You can't possibly know what's on my mind," Zhongli replied.

"Maybe. But I can tell when you're overthinking because you do this dramatic posture." Childe knitted his brows seriously and placed a hand on his hip while his other hand was placed under his chin, mimicking Zhongli's serious expression.

When Childe did it, it looked rather ridiculous.

Zhongli chuckled. The unpleasant feelings left him.

"I don't do that."

"Yes, you do, Zhongli xiansheng. You can't fool me. Even Lumine says so," Childe teased.

Zhongli's heart was strangely warm.

They kept walking ahead but at a much slower pace due to Childe's urging. He didn't want Zhongli to put a strain on himself.

At first, Childe was against him going to the wild but Zhongli insisted on taking a walk to visit the glaze lilies.

Instead of protesting further, Childe offered to come with him. Zhongli accepted it eagerly.

Being with Childe always made Zhongli and the baby happy. Zhongli knew it. The life within him fluttered tenderly every time Childe was close.

'I think master Childe is in love, as well.'

Zhongli closed his eyes and let the breeze kiss his cheeks. He felt a hand grasping his fingers.

Zhongli opened his eyes, surprised.

Childe was holding his hand gently, pulling Zhongli along with him as they walked together.

He tugged Zhongli close before Childe wrapped the long blue muffler around Zhongli's neck, too.

"There, we're sharing it so you won't get cold," Childe admitted. Ears red.

It wasn't cold at all. The weather was fine.

And yet Zhongli allowed Childe to do as he wished. Besides, Zhongli benefited from it as well.

Gingerly, Zhongli leaned closer and rested his head on Childe's shoulder. He heard Childe's breath stutter. Did Childe not like it? He didn't push Zhongli away, however. So Zhongli stayed.

This close, Zhongli could hear Childe's heartbeat pulse strongly.

He wondered who Childe was in love with. Surely his heart would go faster and louder just for them.

Eventually, they arrived at the meadow.

Zhongli sensed no danger nearby but then again, he was a pregnant omega and even immortal beings weren't immune to their senses dulling when they were heavy with offspring.

"It's fine," Childe said. "I'm here. I'll keep you safe," Childe promised.

Zhongli tipped his head. Perhaps Childe really could read him better than Zhongli thought.

Zhongli spotted a bed of glaze lilies. He smiled and released Childe's hand, going towards the flowers.

He sniffed the fragrance before Zhongli carefully laid down beside the flowers. A sigh escaped his lips.

Zhongli remembered spending time with Guizhong like this. Just the two of them frolicking despite the war raging around them.

A rare moment of peace beloved and cherished by them for they knew what awaited them outside the beds of glaze lilies.

The wind picked up.

Zhongli smiled. He heard the wind chuckling.

Morax, Morax.

I'm here, he wanted to say, I miss you so terribly, Guizhong.

The clouds changed. A variable in the ether. Every leaf and every flower changed along with the breeze. The wind shifted its course, here and there, anywhere and beside him, an ever-present comfort in Liyue.

Under him, Zhongli felt the earth shift. The water in the soil rippled, changing, filling the life in this world.

Everything was moving but him.

You are free, Morax, the wind billowed.

So are you, Guizhong. As Guizhong was no longer the dark dust in the air but the softness of feathers that was carried by the wind.

Zhongli felt someone move next to him. Childe dropped down and laid beside the consultant.

Zhongli turned his head to stare at Childe and Childe stared back at him, grinning.

"Bet something's on your mind again," Childe teased.

Zhongli hummed.

"Are you in a hurry, Ajax? I'm sorry if there's somewhere else you need to be."

"No. I'm exactly where I want to be," Childe said.

Zhongli hoped it was the truth.

Childe unfolded his arm, stretching it towards Zhongli. The former Archon understood instantly what Childe was offering.

Zhongli moved carefully to prop his head on Childe's elbow. Childe moved his arm a little to accommodate Zhongli. Ever so gently, Childe kissed Zhongli's temple, gripping softly at the hair in his fingers like an anchor until Childe finally pulled away.

The peck left a throbbing warmth.

Zhongli could only watch the other again.

"You're too kind, Ajax. Are you aware of it?"

Childe beamed and looked at the sky. Nothing could touch them here. Not even time.

"Only to you, lyubimy."

--

"I want a moon pie," Zhongli said to Childe one morning.

Childe frowned. He blinked a few times before he finally really looked at Zhongli.

"That's..."

"The traditional staple from Mondstadt? Yes, I'm aware. When I visited Mondstadt many years ago to meet an old friend, I had the honor to take a sample during their festival. The sweet mouthfeel is something I will never forget."

"Ah," Childe said. "Is this a craving?"

"I…" Zhongli cleared his throat. "I suppose it is."

"Ah," Childe said again.

That night, Childe prepared for Zhongli a replica of the moon pie for dessert. Even the taste was as divine as he'd remembered. Zhongli hummed when he took a bite.

Childe looked proud of himself.

"How did you get the recipe?" Zhongli asked.

Childe only shrugged. "I got it from Mondstadt. Even the ingredients."

"Today?" Zhongli asked. "I mentioned the moon pie this morning and you managed to procure everything so swiftly?"

Childe shrugged again. "I have my ways."

Zhongli didn't question him.

From henceforth, anything Zhongli craved for, Childe would surely bring it to him. No matter how ridiculous the requests were.

--

Zhongli weaved more mufflers. He gave the grey and white ones to Chongyun and Xingqiu for helping him carry his books and scrolls when Childe wasn't around.

They seemed amazed to receive the gifts from the consultant and Xingqiu gladly gave Zhongli one of his favorite fictional novels.

Xiangling's muffler was a bit special. Her name was sewn into the borders along with a little comical shape of Guoba.

The girl squealed when she first received it from the former Archon.

"Thank you," she said. Zhongli was suddenly worried she might cry. "Thank you so much," Xiangling said again. She shyly embraced him, mindful of his belly.

She hummed. "You smell like a mother," Xiangling whispered. Her voice was as nostalgic as when Vlad reminisced about his passing grandmother.

Zhongli patted her head gently. A smile on his lips. "You're welcome, Xiangling."

--

"Sit here."

"Ajax, it's fine."

"Sit here." Childe tapped the couch.

They were in Childe's home. The place was grander than Zhongli’s much simpler abode but it felt... cold.

The omega sighed and complied. He sat down. Childe gingerly raised Zhongli's feet to massage them. He started from the ankles and moved slowly to the calves.

Childe's strokes were careful, looking up occasionally to make sure Zhongli wasn't wincing or showing discomfort.

Childe pushed Zhongli's robe higher to move his hands to Zhongli's thighs, massaging the spots there, too.

Zhongli breathed, feeling cozy.

"You're really good with your hands, Ajax."

"I know," Childe said, smug. His eyes twinkled when he gazed at Zhongli. "I thought you already knew this when I made you come undone with only my hands before. Oh, how many times was it?"

"Ajax," Zhongli warned, blushing. "You're so vulgar."

Childe grinned.

"You're worried about me being vulgar when I was already inside you more than once? I even helped you with your heats."

"As I said, vulgar."

Childe only snickered. "You know me, lyubimy." He resumed massaging Zhongli's feet.

Zhongli frowned. "What does it mean?"

"Hmm?"

"Lyubimy. You refer to me as such at times. What does it mean? I'm aware it's Snezhnayan but perhaps it's a modern term?"

Childe didn't answer him and decided instead to keep his silence.

Zhongli resolved not to push him.

Childe didn't let Zhongli go home when night fell. "Stay here. You might tire yourself if you go back."

Zhongli didn't need to be convinced. He agreed instantly. The omega within him purred.

Childe offered his bed to Zhongli.

"I'll sleep on the couch tonight," he said. An unnecessary suggestion, Zhongli thought. The bed was big enough for two adults.

Zhongli didn't want Childe to kick himself out of his bed for Zhongli's sake.

"Stay with me in bed, please?" Zhongli implored.

Like him, Childe didn't need to be convinced at all. He instantly jumped into bed with Zhongli, getting under the covers together.

Both of them faced the walls, their backs touching. Zhongli felt strangely lonely like this.

Eventually, Zhongli heard Childe jostle behind him. Like a drape of a soft blanket, Zhongli felt Childe's arm going around him, his palm resting on Zhongli's midsection.

Zhongli felt Childe's breath against his neck, felt Childe's heartbeat against his back, and felt Childe's steadfast hold, branching out and keeping him warm.

Childe was still holding on to Zhongli when they both experienced the first baby kick.

They stayed still.

The kick came again. Childe felt it just as much as Zhongli did.

"Did you feel that?" Zhongli whispered to Childe.

The kick came again. What a feisty thing.

Zhongli smiled and placed his hand on Childe's.

Chile wept quietly into Zhongli's nape. He tried to muffle his sobs. He didn't remove his hand.

Zhongli said nothing.

Look, you made your father cry, Zhongli thought adoringly to the baby. It's alright. They're happy tears.

--

Xiao dropped down on the balcony gracefully.

Zhongli heard him coming.

The Yaksha entered the home only to spot Zhongli in his seat with a book in his hand. "Zhongli daren," Xiao fell on one knee. "I've come as per you summon--"

Zhongli stood up and wrapped a green muffler around Xiao's neck.

The Yaksha stopped. He glanced up at Zhongli, blinking comically as he gripped the fabric around his neck.

Zhongli smiled. "I hope this gift may warm you, wherever you choose to go from now on."

Xiao raised to his feet, giving Zhongli a small smile of his own. "I go nowhere, Zhongli daren. Liyue is my home. You are my lord."

"Friend," Zhongli corrected. "We are friends, Xiao. Hence, the gift."

Xiao let the answer sink before he nodded. "Very well, and as your friend, I offer this gift to you, Zhongli daren: I shall watch your offspring grow and I shall extend my friendship to them as their mother has extended his to me."

Zhongli felt the petals of warmth curling in his chest. "Well then, how about some tea? For old times' sake."

Xiao readily accepted his offer. He regarded his muffler fondly.

--

Six months into his pregnancy, Lumine finally came to visit.

Zhongli was big. He felt the telltale of heaviness every time he walked. As days passed, he only grew bigger.

Childe guided him towards Wanmin restaurant, where Lumine and her fairy friend made a promise to meet them. The Harbinger's arms looped around him almost too protectively.

The alpha even fussed and worried about him even when Zhongli was out of his sight.

Especially when Zhongli was out of his sight, as Ekaterina assured him weeks ago.

You should see the way he frets when you're not around, Mister Zhongli, Ekaterina shared with him. I reckon that anyone that dares to even attempt to harm you will be met with slow and agonizing retribution.

Zhongli didn't want Childe to hurt anyone for his sake.

Still, Zhongli knew Childe was mostly being careful and protective of him because of his progeny.

So Zhongli couldn't fault Childe for worrying.

When Wanmin restaurant came into view, Lumine was there along with Paimon and ah, the young Ragnvindr. Lumine had talked about him before and Diluc fit the exact description.

The redhead turned around when he heard someone coming.

His eyes narrowed dangerously when they landed on Childe's red Fatui mask. The coldness dissipated slightly when he saw Zhongli. His eyes briefly fell to the omega's round belly.

"Lumine," Diluc alerted his companion. Lumine blinked at him, turned around, and gasped.

"Zhongli! Look at you!" She let out an intelligible noise, quickly making her way towards them. Paimon was forgotten. Diluc was left alone to handle her glutton.

"You're so-- so…" Lumine gaped. She stared at his abdomen.

Zhongli chuckled. "I'm not that huge, Lumine."

"Oh, he is," Childe supplied teasingly.

Upon hearing his voice, Lumine quickly looked to her right. The abundance of fondness in her eyes brightened and Lumine's smile spread.

"Hello, Childe," she said softly. Childe released his hold on Zhongli and opened his arms. She quickly embraced him.

They laughed merrily. Then, Lumine tiptoed to kiss Childe's cheek.

Zhongli blinked.

When Lumine went to Zhongli next, he had expected her to give him the same kiss on his cheek. She didn't.

"Sorry, Zhongli. No kisses for you. Someone might get jealous," She said, throwing Childe a puckish glance.

Jealous? Of him? Why would Childe be jealous of him?

"Careful, Lumine," Childe warned her playfully. His smile wasn't as guarded.

Zhongli studied their interaction.

They went to the large jade table together. Diluc only gave them a nod as they took their seats. Lumine had ordered everyone's preferred meal beforehand.

Zhongli was grateful for her.

"I'm so happy for you, Zhongli," Lumine said so sincerely.

Despite the thoughts that plagued him, Zhongli returned her kind affection. "Thank you, Lumine."

Childe chatted happily with their mutual friend. Before them, Paimon wolfed down her lunch.

Zhongli was left alone with his thoughts again.

'I think master Childe is in love, as well.'

It was Lumine, wasn't it?

The one Childe was in love with?

Zhongli's heart faltered. He took a deep breath and chanced another peek at Childe and Lumine; they looked happy to be close again.

Zhongli silently wished them nothing but joy.

Momentarily, Zhongli wondered if Lumine shared Childe's affection. He prayed that she did. For Childe's sake if nothing else.

He hoped his carrying Childe's progeny wouldn't ruin his friends' chance at happiness.

"Stop," someone said quietly to him. Zhongli looked to his right to see Diluc scowling at him. "You're seeing something that's not even there."

Zhongli frowned.

"Master Diluc, I know not what you speak of," Zhongli lied.

"Suit yourself. It's not my concern," Diluc said and grabbed a pair of chopsticks. He used it efficiently, unlike Childe.

"Zhongli xiansheng, what's wrong?" Childe asked. Zhongli felt an arm around the small of his back, bringing him to the Harbinger's side.

When Zhongli spared Childe a glance, the Harbinger was staring coldly at the redhead alpha but Diluc made no motion to care for Childe's ire.

"It's nothing, Ajax." Zhongli gave him a small smile.

"Hmm, okay." But Childe didn't move his arm away, securing it around Zhongli.

--

Childe would be accompanying Lumine and her party members for the rest of the day.

Zhongli couldn't join them, naturally.

Besides, now that he was aware of the truth, it'd be good for Childe to spend some time away with the Traveler.

Zhongli could use the moment to spend his afternoon with Ganyu, Xiao, and Madame Ping after the Keeper had invited them for a pot of tea.

Yarns were spread on the table, but Zhongli wasn't doing the weaving this time.

He could only watch as Ganyu and Xiao offered to finish the baby mittens for him. Despite Zhongli's insistence that he could do it by himself, they refused to budge.

"How does this… is this supposed to look like that... oh, wait…" Xiao stared impassively at his finished work. Ganyu giggled. The Yaksha flushed.

It didn't look like a baby sock at all. Instead, Xiao's final result looked similar to the shape of the stress ball Childe often squeezed.

Zhongli hid his smile behind a teacup.

Madame Ping tutted. "And this is why you should have allowed our dearest Zhongli to work on the craft instead, Xiao."

"I don't mind, Madame Ping," Zhongli assured. He set the cup down. It was enough that Xiao tried. Zhongli was immensely proud of him.

"How about mine?" Ganyu inquired. She showed off her final product. The mittens were adequate, at least. Not perfect. Then again even Zhongli hadn't fully mastered the art of weaving yet, either.

“Well done, Ganyu,” Zhongli complimented. She beamed shyly.

"Mine's better," Xiao muttered. Zhongli felt his lips twitch.

"Thank you, both of you." Zhongli nodded at them. He picked up something from the pack he brought with him, pulling out the items carefully.

"Here you go, Ganyu." Zhongli gave her a creamy blue muffler. Ganyu gasped, her hands shook as she accepted the gift.

"Thank you, Zhongli daren," she mumbled.

"And for you, Madame Ping." She looked surprised to receive a gift from him.

"Ah, thank you, old friend. You shouldn't have troubled yourself for someone as old as I."

Zhongli smiled teasingly. "If you are old then what am I?"

She only laughed softly and continued to hold the gift.

Xiao, in his silence, peeked at Zhongli's stomach. Zhongli noticed it.

"A miracle, isn't it?" He questioned lovingly.

Xiao looked up at Zhongli's face, a bit red at being caught staring but Xiao didn't let it deter him from asking his next question.

"Zhongli daren, are you happy with the Fatui? Does he make you happy?"

The question was far more complicated than Xiao believed, but the omega always knew the answer to that: "Ajax makes me very happy."

The lines on Xiao's face softened. Glad. "Good."

--

Once Paimon started talking, the lid was off and words poured almost ceaselessly from her. She shared so many stories with Zhongli. From tales of their adventures to scandalous gossip she'd gathered.

"--and Paimon thinks the rumor is true: maybe Eula has a secret lover. Maybe Eula has more than one secret lover," she enthusiastically said to him.

Zhongli nodded, listening intently. He wasn't sure how they went from the topic about Snezhnayan alcoholic beverages to Paimon gossiping about her friend's love life.

Zhongli observed Paimon and knew she would never share the stories shared between the two of them to another soul - even to her closest friend. A silent mutual agreement.

So Zhongli took a sip of his tea before he said what had been on his mind.

"Ajax is in love with Lumine."

Paimon stopped talking. She gaped at Zhongli in utter disbelief.

"What? No way!" She shrieked. Zhongli shushed her.

"No way!" she repeated quietly, "Paimon would know if Childe was in love with Lumine!"

Zhongli smiled at Paimon. He set his porcelain cup down on the table.

The place was almost empty. A man stood a distance away, telling tales of Rex Lapis, snapping his paper fan to emphasize Rex Lapis' might.

Paimon and Zhongli had been waiting for Diluc and Lumine to return. Lumine needed to visit someone and Diluc had offered to accompany her.

Childe was… Well, Zhongli hadn't seen Childe since this morning.

"Besides, you're having Childe's baby! Why would Childe be in love with Lumine and not you?" Paimon asked curiously.

Zhongli let out a small hmm. "Paimon, physical intimacy doesn't always equate to love. I may carry Ajax's offspring but it doesn't mean there's anything intimate between the two of us. Things are rarely as simple as they look."

"Boo!" Paimon pouted, crossing her arms.

"You don't know how Childe is when he talks about you. He looks like an idiot! It's embarrassing to look at him. Zhongli this. Zhongli that. Urgh, Paimon wishes he would stop it if Childe wants to go adventuring with us again and--" Paimon stopped.

Her eyes were wide as she peered at something - or someone - behind Zhongli.

Zhongli heard someone approaching close and it only took him a moment to distinguish the familiar scent.

Zhongli glanced over his shoulder while Paimon made a low uh oh.

It was Childe. And he looked so incensed. Zhongli didn't know why.

Zhongli exhaled. Of course, Childe would appear. The man had a habit of appearing at an opportune or an ill-chosen moment.

Zhongli began to suspect the alpha had been shadowing him.

The storyteller stopped for a fleeting second when he noticed Childe. The Harbinger dropped abruptly on the seat next to Zhongli, propping his cheek on his right knuckle.

The storyteller cleared his throat and resumed his Rex Lapis tales. Even the man could see that the Harbinger's mood was sour.

"Ajax, what's wrong?" Zhongli questioned. He wondered if Childe heard him.

Paimon awkwardly grabbed her cup of tea and drank it.

"You think I'm in love with Lumine," Ajax stated sharply.

Zhongli went rigid. Ah. Childe did hear him.

Zhongli was glad he didn't foolishly air his love for Childe to Paimon, too.

"I'm not in love with Lumine," Childe said bitterly.

Zhongli slowly regarded Childe. What?

"That's what Paimon said!" Paimon quickly added. Her tea sloshed a bit.

"Said what?" Lumine appeared a second later, carrying a rather large satchel with her. Diluc was following close behind her.

Lumine sat across them and the young Ragnvindr, beside her.

"And oh, thanks for keeping an eye on Paimon while Diluc and I were away, Zhongli. Had to show something to Yanfei."

"Hey, don't talk like Paimon is a child!"

Lumine ignored her. She looked at Childe. "And it's good to see you again, Childe. Wasn't expecting you at all."

He only nodded at her.

The Traveler's focus was on Zhongli now. Lumine grinned at him and pulled out a board game from her large satchel.

"Here! It's a board game from Sumeru! I had to show it to Yanfei first because I made a promise to her but now we can play it if you want, Zhongli," Lumine offered kindly.

Childe and Diluc reached for the same empty cup but Diluc snatched it quicker than Childe. He threw a satisfied glance at the Fatui as he poured his tea. Childe scowled at the other alpha.

Paimon snickered at the childish display.

Lumine didn’t care for the exchange as she placed the board on the table, along with two bronze dice and four tiny piece tokens that almost resemble a bird shape.

The board was patterned beautifully with gridded and numbered squares. Shapes of snakes and golden ropes were drawn on the board, too.

"It's called Serpents and Ropes. You roll these dice to get a number, hopefully, a large amount, and navigate your piece token throughout the squares; from bottom to top. The first person to reach the last square is the winner," she explained.

"Let's play then," Childe said, sounding far too eager for someone who was in a foul mood.

As he said it, Childe's eyes flickered to Zhongli's face, never straying away. Zhongli felt too exposed under such a sharp gaze.

"Okay?" Lumine blinked. Even she was surprised by Childe's eagerness.

"Zhongli, you're good at narrating a story, right?" Childe asked suddenly. Zhongli narrowed his eyes but nodded. Where was Childe going with this?

"Good," Childe said. "You're going to narrate what's going to happen from here and on. It's your choice."

"Um…" Lumine began pitifully once she noticed the atmosphere. Diluc only looked mildly interested, sipping his tea.

Childe took one of the small orange tokens and placed it on the first square that indicated 'Start here' in Sumeru's mother tongue.

Childe began, "My character is a worn-out warrior, having returned from a grueling battle. He returns to a small town where he resides, his heart is spring as he yearns for his beloved."

He gazed at Zhongli. He fiddled with the token piece, seemingly nervous.

"What? Childe, that's not how you play the game," Lumine said.

"Yeah, Serpents and Ropes isn't like that one game from Mondstadt," Paimon interrupted.

Zhongli knew exactly which game Paimon was speaking of.

"Let them," was all Diluc said.

Zhongli, though, only stumbled on what to do before he decided to humor Childe. He was still unsure what the man wanted.

Zhongli began to narrate, "Hall of Rebirth is a famous tavern in the warrior's town. Inside, awaits the warrior's beloved, catering to the patrons' needs, mind drifting to the yonder-away warrior."

"Hey, why is there no fighting and killing?" Paimon asked. Lumine tapped her forehead. She yelped and stayed quiet.

Childe smiled a bit now. He moved his token piece a little closer towards Zhongli's hand. The foulness no longer clung to his skin.

"He enters the tavern with boisterous steps, searching, and finally sees the amber hue of his beloved's eyes amongst these faceless bystanders," Childe said.

Zhongli blinked. Amber hue?

Childe continued, "He walks ahead, slow but he doesn't hesitate. What should I say?, he wonders. But words matter no more when his beloved is only a step away from him."

"What? This doesn't sound like Wars and Wyverns anymore, too! You guys are just doing whatever you want!" Paimon said. Lumine shushed her companion - a knowing smile on her lips.

Childe resumed, "His beloved smiles when he sees the warrior's silhouette. There it is, the warrior thinks to himself. The reason why he always chooses to stay despite the endless and glorious battles to be had out there."

Childe reached out to Zhongli, one hand stretched in the air. It hovered just a breadth away from Zhongli's chin.

Childe looked at him for a moment, adoration poured from those eyes, and then he cupped Zhongli's cheek, splayed his thumb under Zhongli's eye.

Zhongli's heart stuttered.

"He stayed because of this," Childe kissed Zhongli's cheek, "And this," he kissed Zhongli's nose, "And this," he kissed Zhongli's jaws, "And this and this and this and this," he kissed Zhongli's neck, his ear, his forehead, and Childe took Zhongli's hand to kiss the knuckle. "And this," he whispered, his hand going to Zhongli's abdomen, heavy with their child.

Zhongli flushed, abashed by the sudden tenderness from the alpha. Am I the one he...

"Now, what will the warrior's beloved decide to do next?" Childe asked softly.

"Come now, we're leaving." Diluc pulled Paimon and Lumine along with him. They didn't protest. Lumine only offered them a kind smile.

"I, ah, I'll take a break, too," said the storyteller, sounding embarrassed. He dashed away into his shop with his paper fan in his hand.

Now, they were truly alone.

Zhongli said nothing at first. The air felt both heavy and light; it fell on the grass, creaked against the tree bark. His skin tingled. Now or never.

Childe was in front of him and he was waiting for Zhongli's answer.

Zhongli didn't know what to make of it. Unsure if this brittle moment might bend even further but he had wasted enough time worrying for something that was probably just a conjuration of his mind.

He realized that now.

Zhongli let out a small smile. He took the dice and put them in Childe's hands. Childe tipped his head, confused.

"The warrior's beloved is fortunate to be privy to the privacy of another heart, to have a special privilege to love; one he knows he will surely preserve. Thus, a new quest appears: now it is the warrior's turn to decide what he wishes to do and so, he must roll the dice," Zhongli narrated light-heartedly.

Childe rolled the dice without hesitation despite it no longer served any purpose. The number eight appeared.

"Eight. Hmm, it seems that the warrior must kiss his beloved silly for eight minutes straight, I think," Childe said with a grin.

Zhongli chuckled.

Childe leaned forward to kiss Zhongli's forehead before Childe lifted him and sat Zhongli down on his lap.

"I love you, Childe," Zhongli confessed, wrapping his arms around Childe's neck. "I'm sure I've been in love with you for a long, long while.”

Childe's gaze became tender at Zhongli's confession.

"I love you, too, Zhongli. I have been in love with you for a long time, too, and I don't know how or where it happened. Even though you deceived me, I still love you. I think I'm going to spend the rest of my life being in love with you. I don't think I have it in my soul to love you less, only more."

Zhongli was overjoyed.

He was in love with Ajax. That was the truth.

But Ajax was in love with him, too, and Zhongli thought he might be undeserving but he still wanted it so much.

Childe kissed Zhongli's neck, playfully nibbling at the supple skin. His lips were ticklish against Zhongli's neck. The former Archon laughed at their silliness.

"You're heavy," Childe joked.

Zhongli smiled. He looked down at the alpha and let Childe kiss his nose before their lips finally, finally, met. Childe kissed him so very carefully, joy was evident in the way he held Zhongli so close.

Eventually, Childe pulled away.

Childe's lips were moistened from the kiss.

"It's the baby that's heavy," Zhongli said. He rested his head on Childe's shoulder. The Harbinger kept a protective hold around Zhongli.

Oh. All this time, Childe held him the same way.

Childe hummed. "It's fine. Even when you become heavier, I can still carry you around for days and never tire."

Childe's eyes found Zhongli again. He stole another kiss. As if he couldn't get enough.

"Do you know how hard it is to hold myself back around you, Zhongli? With the way you look and act, you're just asking to be kissed, to be loved. I wanted to give you the world, yet all you asked me is to stay with you. You're so unfair, Zhongli. Hurry up and let me spoil you already," Childe whined.

"Would you do it? Would you give me the world if I asked for it?" Zhongli teased.

Childe let out a laugh that sounded so close to adoration. His eyes spoke of love. An immediate promise that would encompass them forever. He curved his palm in the back of Zhongli's head and pressed their foreheads together.

"Love, I'd have given you the stars," Childe answered at last.

They kissed some more. And more.

"Whoa, consultant, that's an amazing display!"

They quickly parted to see Beidou smirking at them from the pavement. The Tianquan made a disapproving noise, pulling Beidou along with her.

Childe stared at Zhongli and Zhongli stared back at Childe.

And then they laughed together. Cheeks red like an apple, breaths mingled. It was only when the laughter receded that Childe finally decided to hoist Zhongli gently into his arms.

"Where are we going?" Zhongli asked.

"Home," Childe answered.

--

Eight months into his pregnancy, Childe became more and more protective as Zhongli's belly grew rounder.

Though Zhongli found it endearing, he did think Childe worried too much. He was an omega and his senses were temporarily weakened, yes. However, he didn't break easily.

I'll buy you the whole market, Zhongli. You don't need to go out. Food made by Xiangling? I'll hire her and her father to be your chefs. There's no need to tire yourself out, Childe said to him weeks ago.

In the end, Zhongli decided to humor Childe. A bit. Sometimes. Maybe when he didn't feel like flicking his mate in the forehead.

Zhongli went out whenever he wanted anyway, much to Childe's displeasure.

(And that was how Zhongli found out that Childe had been tailing him all this time, making sure Zhongli was safe from afar.)

Behind him, Childe groaned in his sleep, snuggling closer to Zhongli. His fingers clenched in the fabric of Zhongli's robe. Childe mumbled something before his heart steadied and sleep lulled him once more.

It was already morning and Childe was still sleeping.

Zhongli’s hand went to his nape, feeling the Claiming Mark. It had been many weeks but Zhongli still reddened every time he remembered the night where Childe had finally claimed him.

Childe had been so gentle with him.

The sun spread into the room. The curtains parted and Zhongli could see the orange and red trees swathed in golden sunlight.

Childe mumbled again. Zhongli turned around so he was facing his mate.

Suddenly feeling mischievous, Zhongli kissed Childe's neck. He nibbled at the skin there, trying to leave a red mark.

He failed in his quest when Childe woke up and pulled Zhongli closer to his chest, trapping the omega there. Zhongli yelped. Childe laughed groggily. He kissed the messy dark hair.

"Hmm, what are you doing, Zhongli? It's too early for you to be this terrible to me."

"Then go back to sleep, Childe."

"And miss my morning kisses? No way," Childe protested.

It was Childe that kissed him. It was Childe that steered the omega above him, mindful of their baby. And it was Childe that elicited so many giggles and laughter from Zhongli as he mercilessly assaulted Zhongli with endless loving kisses.

Zhongli savored the moment.

--

Zhongli was exhausted. His body ached and the pain was misfiring his nerves.

But.

He's here.

Their baby was here.

Zhongli kissed his son's forehead. The newborn yawned clenching the flowing dark strands.

Zhongli hushed his child. The baby made a small sound before he went to sleep again, feeling full after being properly fed.

His tiny draconic horns poking out from under the warm cloth he was swaddled into.

Baizhu only took one look at the newborn and said nothing else but a quick, "Congratulations, consultant."

Zhongli only smiled at the man in response. Baizhu left the room. A moment later, Childe burst inside, looking haggard and worried.

"Zhongli! You--" Childe quieted down when he saw their son. Zhongli beckoned him closer.

The Harbinger hesitated. "Are you sure it's okay? What if I wake the baby up?" He whispered.

Zhongli smiled. "It's fine, Childe. Come closer." Zhongli beckoned him again.

Childe went.

He walked carefully as if he was worried every noise might wake the newborn from his slumber. When Childe was finally close enough, he peered at the little bundle in wonder.

"Look, he has your nose," Zhongli mentioned. He took a glance at Childe. The Harbinger was fisting his hands. Like a silly little boy, he tried to hold back a sob.

One thing Zhongli had come to realize about his mate: Childe got so emotional when it involved his progeny.

"Come join me." Zhongli slowly scooched to the side so as not to jolt his body too much.

"Don't move. You might hurt yourself." Childe scolded in an unsteady voice. Childe tried to collect his bearings but the omega knew his mate was failing tremendously.

Childe gingerly climbed into the bed with Zhongli. And very carefully, Zhongli placed their sleeping son into Childe's arms.

The alpha hesitated for a moment but he graciously embraced their baby in the end, awestruck by the warmth emanating from the sleeping baby.

"He's… squishy," Childe pointed out. "Zhongli, look. Look at him. He's the most beautiful thing in the world," Childe muttered, eyes wide.

Zhongli laughed.

Childe hushed him quickly. "What if you wake him up?"

And woke up the baby did, smacking his lips before the baby yawned adorably. When he opened his eyes and looked at his parents, Zhongli heard Childe gasp.

"He has your eyes," Childe exclaimed like it was the most precious secret in the world.

Zhongli could only smile. He leaned his head against Childe's shoulder. Zhongli allowed the sound of Childe's voice talking to their son to lull him into a serene slumber.

Their heartbeats pulsed together.

--

Six years later, Childe took Zhongli into his arms and he twirled him around under the falling snowflakes. His blue muffler swayed in the air.

Snezhnaya was particularly cold this time of the month.

Zhongli's nose was red, his cheeks were even redder. The cold didn't bother him anymore. The warmth from his husband lit up his soul.

"Zhongli," Childe whispered, their faces just a hairbreadth away. "Zhongli, let's have more kids. Let's buy a bigger home."

The former Archon tried to hold back his laughter. "We already have three kids, husband."

"Only three. Can we have five?" Childe pouted sweetly.

This time, Zhongli laughed and laughed. They played in the snow. Their children weren't far away from them, chasing one another, calling out to them.

"Papa! Baba! Help us make a snowman!" Their eldest son called out.

Zhongli and Childe looked at each other, smiling.

"Very well, five children then," Zhongli answered with a smile, kissing his husband. Childe chased after him, nibbling at Zhongli's lower lip before he backed away.

"Hmm, maybe, how about ten kids then?"

"Childe."

"I'm kidding. Or am I?" Childe teased.

"Childe," Zhongli tutted.

Childe grinned and kissed him again. They went to their children and let themselves be embraced by tiny hands.

The residue of afternoon fragrance lingered, carried by the wintry wind. Zhongli touched his husband and his children and they became his heart, like his footprints under the earth, a mark that stayed forever.

--