Work Text:
"Love, are you done? I think Xiao Yi misses you, he wouldn't stop fussing."
Zhongli turned from the meals that he was packing, finding his husband and his little baby entering the kitchen. Aoyi didn't wail, but he was adamantly struggling from his father's hold–pushing his little arms and legs to the chest close to him.
Zhongli calmly put down the chopstick and let go of his apron before taking Aoyi to his embrace. He cooed, "A-Yi, what bothers you, my little darling?"
The baby babbled, letting out 'ooh's and 'aah's as if answering, little hands clutching at the cloth of Zhongli's shirt. Zhongli smiled softly and kissed his chubby cheek, yet his words addressed to his husband, "I don't think A-Yi is hungry yet... I just nursed him not an hour ago. You have bathed him? Where's A-Xuan?"
As if on cue, A-Xuan entered the kitchen with a small backpack on his shoulder, immediately latching on Childe's thigh when he found them, "Bàba! Come on let's go! A-Xuan is ready–come come!"
Childe laughed and lifted Yixuan to his arms. He was no longer a small little baby like his little brother, but still, Childe carried him with one arm easily, "Aye, be patient, Māmā is still making our lunch."
"Oh! Lunch!" Yixuan's eyes glimmered, looking at Childe in adoration, "Māmā makes the best lunch. Waah~ I can't wait! Let's go, let's go!" He turned to his mother, "Māmā, when are you done? Let's do it quickly!"
Zhongli chuckled at his enthusiasm. Their Yixuan was an energetic child. Fortunately, he has experience in handling his energetic husband and have the said energetic husband help him take care of their child. Before he managed to answer, Yixuan already tried to free himself from Childe and Childe put their rowdy child down. He tugged at the hem of Zhongli's shirt and said, "What are you making, Māmā? I'll help~"
Not a second later, Yixuan gasped as he remembered something, "Oh wait, I forgot Mr Bunny!"
As soon as he said so, he dashed out of the kitchen again.
Zhongli let out an indulgent smile. He turned back to his husband and said, "Could you help me with lunch? All is ready, I am just in the middle of putting them in the container."
Childe gave his cheek a quick peck before answering, "Of course, Love. Anything for you."
As Childe filled the lunchboxes with food, Zhongli shifted his attention back to the baby in his arms, already docile and content from being held. His amber eyes blinked slowly, twinkling innocently at his mother.
"Oo~" A tiny fist reached out to him, which he gladly receive with an elegant finger. Holding to it tightly, Aoyi laughed. Zhongli felt his heart melted.
Ah.
An ordinary day in his household, indeed.
-
"Where are we going, Husband?"
Childe grinned, eyes not leaving the road, "It's a secret,"
"It's a secreeet~" Zhongli heard from the back seat, Yixuan mimicking his father's words.
Zhongli turned to see his children strapped in baby seats. Yixuan was grinning when he noticed his mother's attention and baby Aoyi calmly sat with a pacifier in his mouth. He smiled, asking Yixuan, "Does A-Xuan know where we are going?"
"No!" Yixuan giggled, "Because it's a secret. Right, Bàba?"
Childe laughed, "Yes, yes. A-Xuan is correct. A secret cannot be known by anyone, else it would not be a secret anymore."
Yixuan's beamed at Childe's words, looking at Zhongli proudly. Zhongli chuckled, "I see. It can't be helped, then."
Zhongli turned back and glanced at the window again, seeing how the car passed by more trees. In the background, he could hear Yixuan talking to his baby brother in low voice, "Fufu, Didi you like Mr Bunny too, right! Can touch but it's Gege's ok~?"
It was Friday morning. His family used to go to trips and outings on weekend–mostly places where Yixuan can play around–but that day was a little different.
It was Childe's day off.
Childe deliberately took a day off before the weekend today, but it seemed they would not go anywhere far. Childe just asked him to make lunch and said that they're going on a picnic.
His family was no stranger to outings, they did it from time to time. They usually go to the park close to the Chihu Rock, or they would just stroll around the harbour with the children and eat somewhere close. Indeed, they don't always go out–Childe was quite a busy man; he went to the office on weekends too sometimes, and there were times when he was at home but still work. But it was occasional at best–Childe was a doting husband and dedicated father, despite his strong sense of responsibility towards his work, he'd always find time for family.
Zhongli wondered where it will take place because the road that Childe was taking was not the usual route to the places that he knew. He noticed that they were heading out of the harbour to the plains.
The more he paid attention to the scenes from the car window, the more recognition he had. After all–he had spent many years here in his childhood.
"Are we going to Guili Plains?" Zhongli finally asked.
Childe hummed as he made a turn, winking playfully as he answered, "Not quite, though it's close by if you want to visit?"
Zhongli blinked, "Oh, I didn't intend to... I mean, we can, but I was just wondering since the road is familiar,"
Things have changed a lot–the last time he visited the plains was perhaps ten years ago–a short one at that. There were fewer inns and restaurant, the road was not even paved at the time.
"Nah, we're going somewhere closer–we're almost there."
-
They walked a bit after Childe park their car, Childe carrying Yixuan in one hand and a basket of food and picnic equipment in another. Zhongli gently held little Aoyi in his arms, following behind. When Childe finally put Yixuan down, Yixuan excitedly went close to the cliff and said loudly, "Whoaaa..."
Yixuan turned to look at his mother and run to him quickly, "Māmā! You have to see! It's so pretty!!"
Zhongli only smiled gently and gave out his hand for Yixuan to hold. It took just a bit until Zhongli finally stood where Yixuan was, and he could see what his child was talking about.
The view was breathtaking.
Zhongli felt he was at a lost for words. It was a high view of the Luhua Pool–he was familiar with the area, but he never knew there was such a place to see it in a place like this.
He stood there for a while, time felt frozen for him. A sliver of nostalgia came over him. The changes in the space that he once knew, the familiar feeling and breeze that he held close to heart.
He turned around when he heard a rustle of cloth–Childe already laying down the picnic blanket. He plopped down, sitting with his legs spread, looking up at Zhongli with a grin when their eyes meet.
"How is it, Love? You like it?"
Zhongli smiled, his eyes crinkled closed. His heart was full of happiness. "I love it."
-
The picnic was lovely.
There was no one but them in the vicinity–closest to them was a small inn whereby Childe parked the car. It was a time of privacy under the sky, close to nature, with one of the most beautiful views Zhongli had the opportunity to see.
They ate their lunch, from time to time Childe would ask to be fed and Yixuan would ask to be fed by his hand too. He indulged with a soft laugh, seeing his child and husband competing for his attention. Not long after the eventful meal, it was Aoyi's turn to be fed and Zhongli breastfed his baby as he told another story of one of Liyue's legendary Adeptus to Yixuan.
It was mostly peaceful, with occasional cheery outbursts that were coming from their firstborn. Childe had his head laid down on Zhongli's lap, their baby–content and full–sleeping on top of his stomach.
Yixuan was trailing down the flat path not far from them, with Mr Bunny as a company.
Zhongli stroked Childe's unruly hair gently, feeling the soft strands under his fingers. Childe blinked his eyes open at the gesture, staring at Zhongli.
Zhongli chuckled, "Did I wake you?"
"Heh, I wasn't asleep," Childe said. He was careful not to jostle too much, one hand keeping a hold on the baby.
"I see," Zhongli hummed, continue playing with Childe's hair.
"You're not reading?"
"Hmm... I feel like I rather spend my time enjoying the scenery this time."
A laugh bubbled from the man on his lap, "Ah Zhongli, you see my sleeping face every day already,"
Zhongli laughed at the cheeky remark, "Indeed, and I will not be bored seeing it." He smiled, their eyes meet once more, "It's very lovely here, Ajax. Thank you. I am very happy."
A blinding smile, accompanied by a breathy reply, "I am glad."
Zhongli put a thumb to Childe's cheek, caressing the skin. Zhongli adored his husband's face. Not only because he was good looking–the strong, defined jaw and sparkling blue eyes were captivating–but because it was the face of the person he loves.
He was sincere when he said that he will never be bored seeing it.
Zhongli asked tenderly, "What is the occasion?"
"Hm?"
"Today. You took a day off and we went on a picnic. What is the occasion?"
Childe blinked, "Oh... Well. Nothing in particular, I guess? I want to spend time with you and the children."
Zhongli hummed at the reply, continue stroking Childe's hair as he spoke, "Hmm... I see, but we could have spent the time like usual... So I was wondering if there's a deeper meaning to our picnic this time. How did you find this place?"
Childe snickered, "You remember last time when I went back really late? It was 3 AM and I found you still awake, even though I told you not to wait."
"...I couldn't sleep."
Childe extended his free hand to cup Zhongli's cheek, "I know, I know. Sorry. Anyway, that night I was in the area for... well, work . It was by chance and when I see it, it reminded me of you."
"How so?"
Childe smiled, "It was really beautiful–at night, the source of light was just the stars, and even then the view was stunning. Wouldn't it be natural for me to remember the most beautiful existence I know?"
Zhongli's face was unfazed, but one could see a tinged of red on his cheeks. He looked up to see the view before them once more. He said, "Dearest, you're too much sometimes."
The grin on his husband's face was warm, "You can handle it."
Zhongli didn't reply, so Childe continued, "Yeah. So I saw it and I just thought of you. Thought how you might like it. It must be beautiful at day too–I thought. Perfect for a picnic, perhaps. Yixuan would be thrilled, exploring a new place. There's no crowd as well, Aoyi wouldn't be as distracted. Here we are."
Zhongli let his gaze fall to the husband on his lap again and their eyes meet. Childe's eyes on him were warm and heavy, and Zhongli couldn't help but leaned down to kiss his nose. It was amazing how much love Childe can convey from just a silent gaze.
Zhongli wanted to convey his love properly too.
Childe pouted when he leaned back, he complained, "Only on the nose? You said you are very happy..."
Zhongli smiled at the childish whine, "Later, our children are close by."
"Aoyi is asleep," Childe tried petulantly, "...A proper kiss? Just one."
Zhongli glanced at Yixuan who was still crouching next to a rock, talking to Mr Bunny animatedly. Confident they wouldn't be seen, he looked at the expectant husband who was making an exaggerated kissy face at him on his lap. He shyly leaned down again, this time capturing his husband lips with his.
The kiss was supposed to be soft and short; innocent. But Childe used his free hand to tug Zhongli's chin a bit more, deepen their kiss for a few moments before letting go.
When they parted, Zhongli felt a sense of longing... as if not wanting their kiss to end.
Not here, he chastised himself. Later.
Later, they will have time to themselves.
Zhongli tucked a loose hair when he straightened up again, bashfully stole another glance at their child.
Childe chuckled, "It's fine, he didn't see."
Zhongli replied with a huff, "You didn't even see him..."
"I know, it's Father's Intuition."
Zhongli was about to retort when the said child exclaimed loudly, "Bàba! Bàba come, you should see what A-Xuan found!"
"Welp, there it is," Childe said playfully, "My child finally needs me now,"
Childe got up, gently holding the baby to not stirred so much in his arm. Zhongli took Aoyi from Childe instinctively, letting his husband entertain A-Xuan once more.
Aoyi was still fast asleep–a calm baby. Seems like an easy baby to handle, but despite his quietness, he was extremely clingy to his mother. He and Childe still shared a time of sleepless nights and hassle from their baby not willing to part with him. It got way better now–Aoyi welcoming his father's embrace more and willing to be separated from him for an extended period.
He kissed his baby. Another fruit of his and Childe's love, in flesh.
Zhongli saw the broad back of his husband, crouching next to his child who was holding up a small creature, and made a promise to himself that he will reward his husband handsomely tonight.
-
"...I really made you happy today."
"As I told you,"
"But is it alright?"
"If you don't want to..."
"I want! I want! It's just..." Childe really wanted to; it's been a while since they did it without condoms, but even though he knew Zhongli enjoy raw sex as much as he was, it has been a while that he wasn't sure he was able to control his drive properly, "I am pretty convinced that I'll pop a knot despite you not being in heat, and I don't think I can–"
"Husband, how long do you think we've been married?"
"..."
"Do not worry. You know I can handle it." Zhongli shifted a bit where he laid down, motioning his husband to move closer, "I'm already wet."
Childe groaned and bit a patch of skin on Zhongli's neck before saying, "Don't say I didn't warn you,"
Zhongli chuckled, "I would never,"
-
Extra
"Twins??"
At the surprised exclamation from both of them, a soft smile bloomed in Zhongli's face, "It's still early to know their sex, but yes. I'm expecting twins this time."
"Mr Zhongli, that's wonderful!" Ganyu gushed happily, she looked down at Aoyi who obediently sat on her lap, "A-Yi, you're going to be an older brother!"
Aoyi only replied with a small giggle, as excited as she was despite knowing little of what she was saying.
"A-Xuan is the oldest brother!" Yixuan piped in from the seat next to Zhongli, causing a chuckle from Ganyu.
"Twins..." Xiao seemed still out of it. Eyebrows furrowed and a serious expression painted on his face.
"What is it, Xiao?" Zhongli prodded gently, "Is there anything you are concerned about?"
Xiao blinked. He shook his head slowly, "Ah. No, Master." He gave out an exasperated sigh, "I was just thinking that every time I get to see you it's either you are carrying a child in your arms or your stomach."
Xiao looked at Aoyi who was almost a year old, "When I know you're alive, you were already conceiving this one."
Zhongli chuckled, a bit sheepish, and he said nostalgically, "You were so surprised to know I am married."
"With children," Xiao supplied as if that justified his past bewilderment.
"Adorable children," Ganyu added happily.
Xiao sighed, patting Yixuan–who was currently back to finish the drawing he had on the table–in the head, "I guess they are quite charming."
Zhongli smiled at that, "It makes me happy to know you think so."
"They're your children, My Lord. I have no doubt they're raised well."
"They're Ajax's children too,"
"..."
Zhongli and Ganyu laugh at the silence, knowing how complicated Xiao's attitude towards Childe was.
Zhongli's husband Childe might be, Xiao still has a certain amount of distrust and ire towards the redhead. Zhongli guessed that Xiao sensed Childe's affinity towards violence and blood and become wary of it.
No matter.
It took time for his old companion to enter the new life that he made for himself, and he has all the patience to have his loved ones be amicable with each other.
In the meantime, he would savour in what he could have.
-