Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“...and what do we do when someone tries to threaten us?”

“Beat them into submission!”

“Good, good. But...what about when they make threats about our family?”

“We take no prisoners. No mercy!!!”

“That’s my boy”

You don’t know whether to facepalm or sigh exasperatedly at the ‘lessons’ your mate was trying to impart on your son. Dimitri looked absolutely precious with his shining ivory hair reminiscent of your own snowy locks whereas he inherited the deep blue eyes that his father sported. Depending on the lighting and his mood, your baby’s eyes can turn from a deep sea blue to an icy electric blue, not unlike Childe whenever he too was in one of his moods. He also inherited some of your draconic features, such as the slightly pointed ears and a spattering of silvery scales on his full cheeks that slithered down to his neck and reached his shoulders. Thankfully, he too could make them disappear at will so as not to alarm the general populace who had never met or even heard of dragonkin before. 

Currently, the three of you were at the courtyard of your home in Snezhnaya, having moved there as soon as you both first arrived with a year-old Dimitri in tow. Being the battle maniac that he was, Childe thought that it was a good time to begin training your now 5 year old son.

“If you wanna go for a quick and clean kill then make sure to go for the neck or the head”

“What if I wanna make them suffer, papa? Anyone who threatens mama doesn’t deserve a quick death”

“You’re right!” A delighted Ajax lifts the boy in the air, stars in his pretty blue eyes and an ear to ear smile on his face. “Our Dima is so smart and so good! The goodest, most smartest boy in all of Teyvat!”

Seeing your two boys having so much fun together, how can you even hope to resist their combined cuteness?

“I know I should be scolding your papa for teaching you these sort of things, but how can mama hope to be mad when her baby is being the cutest, bestest, most darling baby ever?”

Your heart warms as the two men in your life squawk excitedly when you join them, wrapping their arms around you and chattering nonstop. This was your life now and despite how different this world was from your origins, you’d never trade the life you have with them.

Chapter Text

“...Yuyu? Might I ask why you’re rubbing your face so furiously? You’ll end up hurting yourself, sweetling.”

Zhongyu ceased his motions, hands dropping to his sides as he gazed up at his father with moist golden eyes and a weak, “Baba…”

“Dry your tears with this instead. Now, tell your father what’s gotten you so upset. Though I may not be as ‘ hip ’ or ‘ cool ’ as most fathers these days (considering that I’m more than old enough to be everyone’s father and well, ancestor if we’re being technical—) according to your mother, perhaps telling me of your plight can ease your burdens even a little”

With practiced ease, the funeral consultant lifted the little boy into his arms and produced a silk handkerchief from within his suit before dabbing the cloth gently upon the wetness that stained his golden-scaled cheeks. Zhongyu inherited his draconic traits from both his parents, but his coloring was more like his father’s: earthy and golden.

And therein lies the exact problem.

“Why didn’t I get mama’s pretty silver scales instead?”

His son’s question honestly caught Zhongli off guard, having not expected that to be the root cause of his apparent distress.

“Dima has his mama’s pretty white hair AND silver scales. So why couldn’t I have at least got my mama’s scales…?” Zhongyu looked dejected as he pouted aggrievedly, tightening his embrace on his father’s neck and burying his face into the crook to hide his puffy face.

Ahh, so he was jealous of his imaginary friend? Zhongli chuckled as he rubbed his son’s back tenderly, recalling Zhongyu’s outlandish story about meeting and talking with another child eerily similar to himself. While his son took his dark hair and scales, this ‘Dima’ sported white hair and scales similar to his wife: You. The ex-archon supposed that Yuyu was perhaps starting to get lonely and wanted a sibling, which is why he conjured up the image of another child, ‘Dima’ who seemed to be what Yuyu imagined his future brother would look like.

“You could have been born with your mother’s coloring, but you inherited mine instead and there’s nothing anyone could have done about it. Neither your mother and I could choose what you would look like, but we love you all the same for it. Regardless of the color of your skin, your scales, your hair, or even your eyes you will always be perfect to us. I hope you see the beauty we see in you as well, my son.”

“...Mama doesn’t mind that I look like Baba more?”

“Of course not. In fact, from the first moment she saw you your mother already loved you with all her heart,” and for the first time in his eons of existence did Zhongli feel a slight sense of jealousy when you spent all your time with your child, but that was quickly squashed by the knowledge that Zhongyu was also HIS offspring. Morax & Rex Lapis within was comforted by the knowledge that you treasured the fruit of your union so much.

“Now then, we best be getting home lest your mother start to worry over our whereabouts”

“...Can I at least say goodbye to Dima?” Zhongyu points to the shallow pond he’d been squatting over while crying earlier.

“I don’t see why not. Make sure not to fall in the water or your mother will have my hide.”

“I’ll be careful, Baba.”

The dark-haired man gingerly placed the child back on the ground and watched as he scampered off to the pond and began speaking to his reflection in the water. Had he been an ordinary human he wouldn’t have noticed that the reflection on the water sported a different eye color than Yuyu’s own amber eyes. 

Rather, the reflection had a pair of familiar blue eyes...

Chapter Text

“...and we need to stop by Liyue Harbor why?”

“Because mom said she needed us to pick something up at Bubu Pharmacy. Come on, dad! Mom’s counting on us!”

“...Very well. I shall wait for you by the outskirts--”

“No can do. Mom said the stuff she ordered was a bit fragile and she doesn’t trust me with them so you have to go with me,” Xiangrong’s golden eyes pleaded with him and Xiao, ever the sucker for his family despite his adamant denial, couldn’t say no to his son even if he wanted to.

“...Fine,” he sighs defeatedly, mentally scolding himself for following the whims of his wife and child as if he weren’t a mighty illuminated adepti who had guarded Liyue for eons and shed a countless amount of blood for its sake.

Who’d have ever thought that he of all people would be tied down to another being and given the chance to have a family of his own despite the atrocities he’d committed for the sake of his cause? Perhaps that was why he treasured his family so much, for they represented everything he never thought he deserved to have.

Xiangrong, his excitable and silly but beloved son inherited all his features from himself except for the blazing gold hue of his eyes. But his personality was all you, bright and shining like the sun that illuminated even the darkest corners and recesses that refused to see the light of day.

He was 12 years old now and he was growing splendidly, nurtured by your love and care and thriving as Xiao personally taught him the way of the spear. The adepti knew that although he was guaranteed a long natural life, the future was unpredictable and there is no absolute guarantee that his existence would not be ended by a dangerous foe that threatened to extinguish everything he held dear: including his family.

For as long as he lived, Xiao has been the spear that cuts down Rex Lapis’ enemies and the shield that defends Liyue’s peace.

But he is now also a husband and a father to his wife and son.

And he intends to fulfill all his duties as long as this body of his can do so.

“Daaaaaaad, walk faster! We’ll be at the harbor by nightfall at this rate,” Xiangrong’s pout was reminiscent of your own, his cheeks puffed in an aggrieved expression.

“...You really are your mother’s son,” Xiao shook his head and chuckled softly as he pinched the soft cheeks presented to him, receiving an irritated squawk from the boy. “If you keep pouting your face might end up getting stuck like that forever”

“Mom said I look very dashing, thank you very much! And besides, if dad thinks my face looks weird then what does that say about you, huh? We have more or less the same face and mom married you even if you’re such a sourpuss all the time!”

“...Cheeky brat”

“I’m YOUR cheeky brat though, old man”

“...happy birthday tooooooo youuuuuuu!!!”

Xiao was stunned when a whole cake topped with a candle was placed in front of him as the residents of Wangshu Inn he’d come to view as friends along with his own family appeared and broke out into song.

The table he’d been ushered into was filled with various dishes, but the most abundant seemed to be his favorites. Everyone was smiling and laughing as they wished him a happy birthday, even going so far as to present him with their respective gifts which he can only mechanically receive. 

Xiao was obviously surprised and flustered to the point where only a single brain cell seemed to struggle to get him to function if the glowing tips of his ears were any indication of his current feelings.

“Did you enjoy your birthday, darling? Xiangrong said you two had quite the adventure when I sent you on that little errand~” 

The adepti huffed at your teasing tone, retaliating by pressing his lips to yours kissing you until you were dizzy, lips a bright red after being ruthlessly nibbled and bit by your moody husband.

With the festivities over, everyone had retired to their respective rooms and of course you shared a room with Xiao where you continued your own ‘festivities’ until both of you were spent and sated.

“I recall that he teased you about being old, which isn’t wrong by any means since you are quite older than me and everyone else for that matter-- Mmmph!”

“You talk too much.”

With that, the ‘festivities’ were once again resumed thanks to the reinvigorated yaksha.

Chapter Text

Aurick Daemon Ragnvindr 

That is the name his beloved parents bestowed upon him on the day of his birth. His name contained his parents’ sincere wishes for him, that he would grow up into a wise, but good man. The kind of man that wielded his gifts not to oppress others, but instead protected those he held dearest to his heart.

“Life...is filled with any uncertainties. Regardless of how strong you are, you can never completely guarantee that things will turn out the way you planned them to. All you can do is make the most of each day so that you won’t have any lingering regrets”

His father is the strongest person he knew, most likely the strongest person in all of Mondstadt even. To hear him sound so unsure was a first for the youth.

They stood at the grand windows of Diluc’s study, looking over the winery below as people moved out and about with their work. From maids keeping the manor neat and tidy as always, to the workers who took care of their orchards or worked with the creation of their world-famous wine. 

Dawn Winery in itself was a community, perhaps a small village even with how many people resided and lived their lives here. Every single one of these people regardless of their work, was under their family’s care and protection despite how those outside their manor believed that they were mere servants who waited hand and foot on their masters.

As head of the household, his father Diluc oversaw everything and made sure that their home operated smoothly. That every single one could live their life without worries and smiles on their faces.

And one day it would fall to him as his father’s heir.

Aurick swallowed inaudibly, showing a rare instance of weakness as his father’s words washed over him. Reminding him that should anything happen, it was he who was expected to lead their family and their people regardless of how unprepared he felt himself to be.

The Darknight Hero smiled faintly, getting down on one knee so that he was eye level with his son. Diluc’s blazing orbs were filled with such warmth as he gazed at the young boy’s own flame-colored hair that curled across the fullness of his chubby cheeks, those bright eyes that could have only been inherited from you with how they shone against the light, and the most adorable button nose.

“Our time will come, because it delivers us all to the same end. However, you must remember that though our bodies may wither and decay, the ripples which we have created in the lives of others just by existing will last beyond our lifetime.”

The man embraced his child, his large hand pushing Aurick into the crook of his neck. “There is no need for you to try and attain any sort of glory or riches, being my son and growing up into a fine man, one that can face each day with a smile on his face is more than I can ever ask as a father.”

Diluc made countless mistakes and hurt so many people during his own youth that he sometimes lay awake at night wondering if he was worthy of such happiness.

But then he feels you snuggle against his side, smaller arms wrapping around his own larger body as you try to get into his space as much as possible. Even while asleep, you manage to find ways to make his heart flutter and release the burdens that bore down on him. He remembers stroking your belly bump when there was barely any space in between your bodies, wondering if he could really become a good father to the child you carried.

And yet all those worries drip away from him the moment a sleeping newborn Aurick was placed in his arms. 

Though he didn’t know if he could be the best father considering the scars of his own past, he will do his utmost best to be a good father. He owed it to you who loved him in spite of his shadows, and to Aurick for being born as his son.

“...Oh? I seem to have walked into a serious conversation between daddy and baby. Shall I come in at another time?”

Both gingers snapped their heads towards the door, happiness lighting up their features as they beheld your form.

“Mother!”

Diluc took that as his cue to release Aurick, chuckling as his normally mature son hurried towards you, stopping just a step away so as not to bump into you when your belly was once again swollen with the newest member of your family.

He will protect them.

Always.

Chapter Text

“Haaaaaaaggggghhhhhhh!!!”

“Slow down there, bud. If you keep swinging that fiercely you might end up lopping my head clean off with that thing.”

“Apologies, father. I’ve become too accustomed to sparring with uncle that I tend to regard most opponents as if they were him.”

“...Tch. I knew I shouldn’t have allowed him to become your teacher since you got your Vision. Even Klee would have been a better teacher...Okay, maybe not, but that’s beside the point.”

Kaeya sighed and ran a hand through his cerulean strands, wondering what he did wrong for his eldest to take after Diluc of all people.

“Big bro’s not that bad, Pops. Sure, he does get a bit...too intense sometimes and maybe he can stand to smile a bit more, but he’s not as bad as Uncle Diluc at least,” said Kai, the easy-going younger Alberich twin.

“I concur. Between the two of us, uncle is a more...severe case,” Agni added, fully aware that while he did adopt some of Diluc’s mannerisms, he was still very much his own person.

The twins looked so alike when they stood beside one another, but their personalities were like night and day. Some people of Mondstadt even pointed out that the twins were quite similar to Kaeya and Diluc’s contrast back in the day when they were still young, hot-blooded men.

However, unlike them the twins were as thick as thieves and it seemed that fact wouldn’t be changing any time soon even as the pair matured and grew up.

The cavalry captain can still remember the day of their birth. How he paced like a caged animal outside your bedchambers as midwives and maids attended to you. It felt like years had passed before he heard the first cry of a newborn, followed by another one.

“It’s a pair of healthy baby boys! You are very fortunate, mister. The missus is being cleaned up along with the babes right now and you may enter once it’s done.”

Kaeya can’t remember the last time he felt that anxious as he neared your weak but glowing form, nursing both babes upon your breasts with a tender smile in spite of the dark circles around your eyes and the paleness of your skin.

“Hey...took you long enough to get here,” you tease, voice softer than usual with how you’d screamed yourself hoarse during the whole birthing process. 

“My apologies, love. I...wasn’t sure if the midwives were finished cleaning you three already…” He knows that it was a weak excuse, but what can he say in this situation?

There were so many words he wanted to say, but for once he can’t grasp the exact words he needed.

“So...seems like we got a two for one deal today, huh? Guess that means we can use both of the names I wanted”

You looked smugly at him and Kaeya could only chuckle and press a kiss to your temple in acceptance.

“Agni and Kai Alberich...Barely out of the womb and you’re already surprising your old man. I can already tell you two are going to be a handful”

The Cryo-user should have held his tongue back then, because his words became reality throughout the years. Agni awakened to a Pyro Vision whereas Kai was blessed with a Hydro Vision, seemingly taking after their namesake as he’d come to learn. Agni is to fire as Kai is to water and both his children truly lived up to the elements they possessed. 

“Well, that should be enough training for now. I don’t know about you two but I’d kill for your mother’s homemade Fruity Skewers”

“ ...I bet it’s mom you’d like to skewer instead— ”

*BONK*

“‘Da hell was that for, bro?!”

“Nothing. I seem to have seen a fly buzzing about and you just happened to be in the way when I was about to dispose of it”

Nursing the glowing red bump on his forehead, Kai simply pouted as he followed his father and brother back inside their cozy home. As soon as they stepped foot inside the abode, the youngest Alberich made a beeline towards the combined kitchen & dining room where you were happily preparing their lunch.

“Moooooooom, Agni’s being mean to me again!”

“I was not! Kai was being too naughty so as the older brother I felt it was my duty to discipline him.”

“Settle down, you two. We can deal with that after we have our lunch, alright? I made all your favorites today~”

The pair immediately ceased their squabbling at that, swiftly grabbing the plates and utensils to set them at the table as their stomachs urged them to be as efficient as possible so they could begin their meal.

Kaeya silently stood by the doorframe, his uncovered periwinkle eye shone as he observed the domestic scene in front of him. As one who was bestowed with the power of ice, he was normally used to the cold both internally and externally.

And yet, standing before his family...none of the ice he so expertly wielded could stand the warmth. 

They melted.

Chapter Text

“Are you sure you can take care of the kids while I’m gone? You know I can always reschedule my spa day with Lumine or maybe even ask a favor from one of our other friends…”

“You worry too much, love. You’ll only be gone for less than a day so I’m sure I can take care of two toddlers in the meantime,” the golden-haired male wrapped his lithe arms around your waist and pulled you flush against his body. “Go on and have fun with my sister. Our house will still be standing by the time you get back, okay?”

“If you’re sure…” you smiled, wrapping your own arms around Aether’s neck before standing on the tips of your toes and kissing his lips. “I’ll give you a reward when I come home later—”

“MAMA!!!/MOMMA!!!”

The former abyss prince resisted the urge to frown as two tiny figures seemingly appeared out of nowhere and latched onto your legs, both looking so adorably aggrieved as they stared up at you.

“Is mama gonna leave because of papa?”

“I don’t wanna stay with papa. Take us with you, mama!”

“It’s papa’s fault for always wrestling with mama at night!”

“Yeah! He makes us go to bed so early so he can play with mama alone all the time!”

You resisted the urge to laugh at your children’s complaints, crouching down to their height and kissing both their foreheads. “Mama’s just gonna do some errands with your Auntie Lumine. I’ll be home just in time to read you a bedtime story so you have to be good while I’m gone,” your eyes soften and fill with love as you stare at the cherubic faces of your twin boys who looked so much like their father. 

“Okay, mama…”

“If that’s what mama wants…”

Sora and Kong crossed their little chubby arms and pouted, but nodded all the same. Unable to resist the cuteness of your two babies, you scoop them both into a hug and give them a few more kisses that reward you with their angelic laughter.

Meanwhile, Aether could only stare as you showered the children with love, tiny traces of abyssal power leaking out from his body as jealousy got the best of him. Why couldn’t he have had an adorable little daughter to spoil instead of a pair of naughty boys who took your attention all the time?!

When they finally release you after some coaxing, you stand right back up and turn to the taller blonde once more and press your lips against the corner of his mouth. “We’ll continue this later~” 

It takes a few moments for him to snap out of his daze after staring at the way your hips swayed as if to tempt him on your way out. When he does return to reality however, he is met with the deadpan stares of his two children.

“SORA!!! KONG!!!”

“YOUNG MASTERS!!!”

The panicked shouts of Aether along with several Abyss Mages and even an Abyss Herald echoed across the house as the two little prince’s wreaked havoc by refusing to take their bath and running around the house in all their adorably naked baby glory.

“Can’t catch us!”

“You have to do better than that, Mr. Fluffball!”

As Sora and Kong ran away from their father’s soldier’s, neither of them noticed that they’d run straight into Aether’s trap.

“Gotcha”

The man had caught one toddler in each arm, grinning triumphantly as they squirmed futilely. Meanwhile, the mages and the herald could only slump depressedly at being unable to catch the little masters.

“You two are gonna take a bath right this instant before mama comes home...unless you want me to lock her up for the next few nights? We’ll have so much fun playing together since you’re both too stinky and dirty for mama to play with”

Aether received his intended response as Sora and Kong gave him horrified looks. 

“...Okay, we’ll take a bath...”

“...But papa has to read us a story after we do!”

“Fine, fine. You kids drive a hard bargain,” though he rolled his eyes, the corner of his lips tugged up as he closely watched the two scramble towards the bathroom once he placed them back on the ground.

“Geez, were Lumine and I this rambunctious back in the day?”

After a relaxing day with your sister-in-law, you arrived home feeling refreshed as you immediately sought out your three boys. You wondered what they’d been up to while you were gone, but you were honestly more excited just to see them again. As much as you enjoyed the spa day, there was no greater joy for you than to see and care for your little family.

“...Well, it seems you three had a lot of fun today,” a smile bloomed on your face as soon as you found Aether slumped against Sora and Kong’s bed, an opened story book beside his head while both boys also slept soundly.

As much as your husband could be a little vinegar jar at times even towards his own sons, you knew that he loved them with all his heart. 

Fixing up the blanket that covered the twins, you then turn to gently shake Aether awake only to find yourself snatched up by the said man who was now very awake. There is nothing you could do as he deposited you on his lap facing him, a roguish grin giving the otherworldly traveler a dangerously sexy aura in contrast to his seemingly gentle aesthetic.

His hands were placed on your soft, fleshy hips that he couldn’t wait to squeeze and knead. The mere heat and smell of your skin tempting the darkness of the abyss that lurked inside of him to leak out and taint you.

“So...about that reward—”

“Mama’s back!!!”

“Mama!Mama!!!”

An irk mark pulsed on his temple as the moment was successfully ruined by his ever lovable children who just had to wake up right at this very moment.

Maybe he should try for a daughter next...

Chapter Text

Many things have occurred during his long years of existence.

From the rise and fall of prominent families to toppling oppressive regimes and the like.

Yet none of those events have ever prepared him for an event such as this.

“Say hello to Papa, Libertus”

The anemo archon stood unblinking as he was presented with a wrinkled newborn baby swathed in a soft blue cloth. His little face is scrunched up, probably after just being born into the world less than an hour ago. Like all newborns, he didn’t look all too good because of the reddish hue of his skin, but that was something that would remedy itself in the coming months.

The bard is no stranger to children, even small ones. He’s lost count of all the newborns he’d blessed over the years, but it is a first for him to hold his own offspring.

His son is warm in his arms and so utterly tiny that he feels like he’d break at the slightest movement, but this child is a strong one if his piercing wails when he was birthed from his mother was any indication. Venti is silent for several moments as he allows himself to digest the fact that this was his son, his child who was created and born with the best parts of you two. 

Never had he imagined himself settling down. He was the god of freedom so something such as marrying and assuming the responsibilities of a husband and a father seemed so alien to him not too long ago.

But here he is now, cradling his first-born and for once speechless as the very air in his lungs seem to have disappeared and rendered him breathless. He’d likely have stayed that way if not for Libertus opening his eyes, revealing a pair of very familiar orbs Venti thought he’d never see again in his life.

Though exhausted from having just given birth, you are all smiles when your lover beholds the fruit of your union with such care and trepidation, seemingly fearing bringing harm to your baby even if that was the last thing you knew he’d ever do. Despite the initial fears you both had, the joy of finally being able to hold Libertus in your arms is next to none.

“H-Hey, buddy. Nice to finally meet you...I...We’ve been waiting a long time for you…” the dark-haired male’s voice is uncharacteristically shaky, but you chalk that up as him being overwhelmed by being a new father. “...You really took your sweet time to get here, huh?”

As he spoke, tears seemed to gather at the corner of the bard’s eyes until he was crying as he spoke to the clueless baby he held. “That’s really unfair of you, you know? I thought I already prepared myself enough with all those parenting seminars your Mama and I took before, but…”

Though he wept profusely, he wore an ear to ear smile the whole time as he spoke to the tiny tot.

You expected him to get emotional like any new parent, but you honestly didn’t expect Venti to start crying of all things. However, the sight of the young man clutching your child and speaking to him so tenderly made you feel that all the sacrifice and pain you went through to bring Libertus into the world was worth it. Barely an hour outside the womb and he was already reducing both his parents into weeping emotional children.

“I’m almost afraid to imagine how Bertie will fare once he grows up into a big, strong man. I’m sure he’ll become such a strapping young gentleman that we’ll have to beat the young ladies off with a stick,” you muse, quite sure of yourself that your son will truly grow up into quite the heartbreaker.

Though you honestly do hope he won’t become a former skirt-chaser like his father…

“Of course he’ll be the most charming man in all of Mondstadt. I guarantee it!” Exclaimed the bard, having wiped off the tears and returning to his usual exuberance. “He’s our son after all! And he’ll definitely take after me in all aspects!”

“Let’s just hope he doesn’t take after your...less appropriate qualities, dear.”

He smiled embarrassedly, “Well, I believe that the qualities I lack will certainly be made up for with your own stellar ones.”

Looking back at the now sleeping babe, the new father presses a kiss to his forehead as warmth fills his eyes. “This time, I’ll make sure to watch over you carefully. I’ll raise you into a good man and watch over you until the day this body can no longer do so. That’s my promise to you, son.”

The archon remembers a young boy whom he’d come to befriend and whose life ended prematurely due to circumstances beyond his control. He remembers despair and regret which he had to bury in order to take up his duties as the divine lord of his scarred homeland. 

Barbatos embodied freedom and the wind, but sometimes even freedom seemed to be an illusion when he was still shackled by the regrets of yesterday. No matter how far he ran, he can never outrun the past.

But now...now was his chance to finally free himself from that which chained him to what has already passed. This was his chance to start anew, and look towards the bright future he fought so hard to protect for all his people and yet never allowed for himself.

“I know you can’t understand what everyone’s saying yet, but I want to say that I love you anyway. I loved you from the moment your Mama and I learned that we’ve been blessed with you. I loved you during all those moments you kept waking us up in the middle of the night with all your kicking….”

Venti trailed off and took a deep breath before continuing. “And I love you even more now that we’re finally able to meet you. Fate or chance, I choose to love you for everything you are and will be. Thank you for being born, Libertus.”

That night, the little family of three slept peacefully.

Chapter Text

From the moment he could perceive the world around him, Soma knew that life was difficult. Especially the world he had the misfortune to grow up in, because according to his parents the darkness and danger that was commonplace now was something that merely lurked behind the scenes during the time before he was born.

There was still danger no matter what era one is living in, but the era he grew up in is the most dangerous one. Dainsleif, his brooding yet ever thoughtful father said so, having lived for centuries and being witness to many major happenings within their world over the years.

“As long as we have each other...there is no other place I’d rather be,” his mother would always say as she presses her soft lips against the skin of his forehead.

Despite the darkness that had tainted their world, there is still light to be found even if it was only within the farthest corners and the smallest cracks. In his mother’s arms and beneath his father’s gaze, Soma felt the safest and happiest.

But sadly, the Abyss Order was relentless in their pursuit. Years of running and hiding could only keep them safe for so long.

“I’ll hold them off. Take our son and run as far as you can! Forget about me and keep on living! That’s an order!”

Soma’s baby blue eyes were wide as he gazed in horror at the sight of Dainsleif being swarmed by a squadron of Abyss Heralds, the boughkeeper’s figure getting farther and farther as his mother carried him away.

He doesn’t know how long they ran, he doesn’t remember how he even fell asleep. The blonde only remembers waking up on a small cot, lying next to you who looked exhausted and unkempt as you slept. He remembers asking if his father will meet up with you both later, only for you to burst in tears and embrace him tightly.

“Papa...Papa won’t be home for a long time, baby. But...he did his best for the both of us…”

The next several years of Soma’s life consisted of training with the Resistance, aiming to one day topple down the Abyss Order that took Teyvat hostage for several years now. He is filled with not just a thirst for vengeance and righteous fury, but also a sincere wish to end tyranny and prevent the tragedy that befell his family from ever happening to any other hapless child.

On the day of their planned final attack, he stood before you, a young man of eighteen who was the spitting image of your late husband. His body is bent forward so as to more easily reach your height while you placed a familiar dark mask with royal blue accents upon his face.

“ He’ll watch over you for me. I know it,” despite the obvious tears that gathered at the corners of your eyes, not a single drop fell as you kissed Soma’s forehead.

“I’ll come back to you, Ma. I promise.” He holds the hands that cradle his face, committing to memory of their warmth and tenderness.

Those words were the last ones he managed to tell you before setting off, ebony cape fluttering as he spun away from you and joined the rest of the warriors that made up the Resistance.

If only he knew that he wouldn’t be able to honor his own words.

The Abyss Order proved too strong and every plan they prepared resulted in failure. Soma knew his time had come as he lay on the cold hard ground, his comrades either dead around him or fruitlessly fighting in a last ditch effort to survive. A glowing hydro blade rested on his neck, ready to end his life at any moment. 

Rather than resist, he opted to accept his death with dignity. The young man stared at his would-be-killer, the frozen Abyss Herald seemingly prolonging his misery as if waiting for him to beg for his life.

“ I’m sorry… ” An all too familiar voice came from the Herald, one that the youth only remembers in his memories now.

Before he could react, Soma knew nothingness.

“Hey there, little guy. Are you lost?”

Large baby blue eyes blinked as their owner swiveled his head, taking in the sight of the dark sky twinkling with stars and heavenly bodies while a field of glowing dandelions surrounded his tiny body in the open field.

It takes the toddler a second before his eyes meet with yours, making you internally squeal at just how adorable this child looked. Platinum blonde hair, rich blue eyes, and those squishy cheeks just made you want to pinch them for days. You wondered which good-looking parents were blessed with this precious baby…

“Mama!”

“...Eh?”

And that is how you returned to the city with a toddler in tow.

“When did you get hitched? Well, even if it’s late I’d like to congratulate you anyway.”

“He’s not—”

“Mama, eat! Foo’!”

“...I’ll have a bowl of Cream Stew and Fragrant Mashed Potatoes”

“Coming right up! Why don’t you take a seat with the little one while I prepare?”

Still carrying Soma (who happily introduced himself earlier after ‘mistaking’ you for his mother), you try to find an empty table only to find none. You scan the seats to see if any of your friends or acquaintances were there, hoping to borrow a seat at their table.

When your eyes catch sight of a certain brooding blonde gentleman, you make a beeline straight to him.

“Good evening, Master Dainsleif. I’m sorry if I disturbed you, but I wanted to ask if I may perhaps sit with you this fine night? There aren’t any free tables as of now you see...but we’ll definitely vacate your table when a free one becomes available.”

The Bough Keeper lifts his gaze towards you, only to be met with a little face so eerily similar to his own that he has to blink several times to make sure he was seeing right.

“...Very well. If you don’t mind my company, then I suppose you may take a seat here—”

“PAPA!”

The forgotten Soma who had been mostly silent finally spoke up, shouting so excitedly that his voice rang across the tavern and caught the attention of every other customer within the premises.

Beneath all the stares, never did you wish to be swallowed up by the ground more than this very moment. You could only hug the little boy and bury your face in his hair, fervently praying for Barbatos to just make you disappear in a poof of smoke while the little boy in question giggled at the gobsmacked expression on Dainsleif’s face.

Chapter Text

The pitter patter of tiny feet echoed across the extravagant Winter Palace, the passing Fatui making sure to swiftly move away from the little figure’s path lest they injure him. Archon’s know what fate awaits them if so much as a scratch appears on the little prince’s body. None of them fancied death by electrocution any time soon and knowing his father, it won’t be a slow death either.

Despite the lingering fear in the back of their minds, some of them, particularly the women-folk, were unable to stop themselves from staring as the child scampered by. How could they resist when he was the most adorable child they’d ever seen in their lives?

From his shiny navy hair, wide dark blue eyes, button nose, and smooth pinchable cheeks, Toshiaki was the apple in everyone’s eye. His cuteness factor was raised even more as he held his favorite stuffed fox doll in his arms while he traversed the palace, seemingly knowing exactly which corridors to turn and paths to take.

As he neared a certain door, one could hear the disturbing sound of a thousand birds chirping as the smell of ozone seeped through the cracks and filled the air. All the other passing Fatui quickly vacated the premises at the early warning signs of what could be a massacre. Everyone knew that once you entered that door, your life would be in grave danger because of the fickle yet ruthless Harbinger that called the room his office.

“...you insolent worm! Did I give you permission to open your filthy mo—”

“...Papa?”

The noise of a thousand chirping birds abates along with the suffocating scent of ozone that filled the room as the tiny little boy entered with his plushie in tow. Innocent eyes blinked up at the young man at the center, surrounded by several Fatui recruits who seemed to be a single word away from soiling themselves in fear.

“Did you and Mama miss Papa already, Toshi-kun?”

As if a switch was flipped, Scaramouche’ personality seemed to do a complete 180 as he scooped up the toddler into his arms, pinching the chubby cheeks full of soft baby fat that tempted everyone to see if it really was as soft as it looked.

However, the Harbinger would likely kill anyone who dared touch his son without permission so no one aside from him and his wife plus the Tsaritsa could touch the child.

“Mama says it's time for wunch!”

“Oh? It’s that time already? Guess Papa has to cut his meeting short then. We don’t want to keep Mama waiting after all,” he glared at his subordinates who were practically petrified with fear, an eerie purple glow manifesting in his eyes that immediately sent them all running out through the door.

“Mama made sushi an’ gyudon today!” The toothy grin the Harbinger received from his precious son almost brought tears to his eyes, so awed and brimming with fatherly love for this child.

Despite his cynical outlook on life and his infamous reputation, the Inazuman was utterly weak when it came to the mother-son pair whom he loved more than anything in the world. Why, if they asked him to burn the world down he’d gladly do it if it meant putting a smile on their faces.

“Oh~? Then we better get going already. Mama’s sushi and gyudon are the best in all of Teyvat after all.”

“Mmm! We gots to get back before the sushi bandits try to take our sushi away!”

“You’re right! And who knows, they might even try to take Mama hostage while we’re away!”

A gasp of surprise and a look of horror decorated Toshiaki’s cherubic face, clutching his plush even tighter at the thought of anyone taking away his mama. “Papa, let’s go already! Before they take Mama away!”

The Fatui grunts made sure to stay out of their way as Scaramouche and Toshiaki speed-walked out of his office and towards their suite within the palace. Tsaritsa knows that there’d be hell to pay if any one of them tries to involve themselves with the moody Harbinger’s family.

The last person who tried to do that...let’s just say that they’re in a better place now.

Funnily enough however, despite his reputation there really was no denying that the 6th Harbinger was handsome and his child was just as adorable. They looked more like a pair of brothers rather than father and son with how youthful Scaramouche looked, but no one ever said that to his face.

There were many things one cannot do or say in front of him. There were also many things one cannot do or say even secretly, because he somehow always finds out as long as it pertains to his wife and child. 

“My Love, we’re back~”

“Welcome back, anata”

“Hi, Mama!”

“Hello, baby”

Some may call him overprotective, some think he was too obsessed, but Scaramouche liked to think that he was just a simple husband and father who loved his family with all his twisted heart. 

Regardless of whatever thoughts others have, this family is his and he will stop at nothing to keep them safe.

Chapter Text

“...diapers, baby formula, and I even packed several sets of clothes for him. Okay, looks like you and Ruby are all set for today” you nodded in satisfaction after checking your son’s baby bag for the umpteenth time. “Looks like you two are ready for some baby-daddy bonding time.”

Turning behind you to look back at your husband and child, your heart warmed at the sight of the ashy blonde hair that cradled your son’s soft cheeks and crowned his little head matching Albedo’s own locks. Rubedo was his father’s mini doppelganger in terms of looks, but he definitely took after you in the personality department as he was a bright and bouncy little baby boy who always lit up every place with his smiles and laughter.

Currently, he is strapped to Albedo’s chest and secured by a baby carrier, allowing him to look at the world around him from new heights. The 10-month old would giggle and exclaim “Abu!” whenever something made him happy, causing everyone else around him to be infected by his bright smiles until they too, wore the same look.

“Take care, you two. I love you” Pressing a kiss on Rubedo’s forehead, you then turn to look up at the love of your life. Almost shyly, you bestow a kiss upon his lips before reluctantly separating lest you end up keeping both of them when they still had quite a day ahead of them.

You send them off and watch from the doorway of your home as the two ashen blondes disappeared into the distance, sighing as you were finally left all alone.

Now, how should you spend your day…

“Big Sister! Big Sister!” An ever familiar voice called out to you just as you were about to close the door, stopping you in your tracks as another familiar blonde appeared with several other blondes of differing shades in tow.

“Dodo-King wants to take away Dodoco! We have to go to the Golden Apple Arche...Archipelago!”

And that is how you find yourself whisked off towards a new adventure by a dragon. It is only when you’re dropped at the said group of islands did you feel relieved that you’d practically given Albedo a week’s worth of baby formula and had stocked up on your baby’s diapers.

 “Don’t worry, big sister! We’ll find Mr. Dodo-King real quick and then we can go back to see Big Brother Albedo and Baby Ruby!” Klee reassured you, wrapping her small arms around your waist.

“You’re right. Thank you, Klee” You hugged her back, determined to get to the bottom of this mystery as soon as possible.

“Hello everyone. Hello, my love. Hello Klee”

“Big Brother Albedo and Baby Ruby!!!”

 “Abuuu!”

The Chief Alchemist strolls towards your group seemingly without a care in the world as the infant strapped to his chest wiggles and laughs at your familiar faces. Albedo knows that he really shouldn’t have brought your son with him, but this…’Dodo-King’ insisted that unless he also brought his child, he wouldn’t be able to see you and Klee again.

“Are you hurt anywhere? Does Ruby need to change his diapers? Is he hungry? Are you hungry?” Your rapid fire questions would no doubt make anyone else dizzy, but he was quite used to it already at this point and well, he enjoyed all the fussing as you cup his and Rubedo’s face with a hand each.

“We’re fine. I was just taking Ruby out to see the sights here. I’d fed him milk before we journeyed here” Albedo leaned into your touch, sighing contentedly as your warmth seeped into his skin. “We were both quite worried when you were gone by the time we arrived home. Though we quickly discovered a letter that told us to come here should we want to see you and Klee again.”

“Besides, Ruby would have thrown a fit if he didn’t see his mother for much longer.” 

Though Albedo’s words seemed logical and without any room for error, one had to be blind not to be able to see how the blue of his eyes softened into seemingly bottomless depths as he gazed at you with feigned calmness. 

The rest of your party could only stand like background characters at the tender moment between your little family.

“...listen to your Big Brother and Big Sister at home. Mom will regularly return to see you four. Actually, whenever I have a moment to spare I sneak back to check on you and everyone else. Hee hee, has no one noticed?…”

Of course Alice would do something like that. It would be weird of her not to do it, thought Albedo.

“...Oh wait, there is one person that noticed and it’s little Ruby! Such a handsome baby he is. Always smiling and laughing...he reminds me so much of my little Klee when she was a baby. My, how time flies...It feels like it was only yesterday when you were still getting your own bearings in this world and now here you are, married and with your own baby...Children truly are a gift in everyone’s lives…”

The alchemist nodded in agreement, hand intertwined with yours while his son was still securely strapped against his chest on the baby carrier.

“Still the same as ever, aren’t you Aunt Alice?”

As Klee bade her farewells to her mother, Albedo finds himself pondering about this little adventure you’d all experienced together. Despite how far Alice was, the sorceress never failed to show her love for her child in whatever way that she could.

Despite his own inexperience, Albedo hopes that can do the same for his own offspring. 

With you by his side, he knows that such a thing was certain.

Chapter Text

The sound of rustling leaves.

The chatter of squirrels and other small animals.

A babbling brook and footfalls of hilichurls and mitachurls as they guarded their encampment near the body of water.

The smell of greenery, damp earth, and morning dew.

Such was the norm in the wilderness, especially within the Wolvendom where nature rules above all else. 

A herd of wild boar grazed upon the grass, bellowing and snorting occasionally as they ate to their heart’s content, blissfully unaware of the several pairs of crimson eyes peering at them through the underbrush.

One particularly plump hog feasted on berries from the bush it stumbled upon which was far away from the rest of its herd, too distracted with the tart sweetness of the fruit as it chewed to notice its every move being watched until it was too late. 

A dying screech echoes through the forest, sending birds and tiny critters scattering away in fright. The iron scent of blood fills the air, a testament to the successful hunt.

However, rather than a pack of four-legged predators or grown hunters, four little boys stood in front of the carcass instead. Draped in cloaks and cloth from the pelts of previous kills, each child sports an almost eerie set of ruby orbs which shone against the light and seemed to glow within the cover of dark. Grey mops of hair decorated their heads, reminiscent to that of their father’s own wild mane that had only gotten more unruly over the years.

Each of them held weapons whose sizes fit their current young builds, from daggers to a bow and arrows. It almost looked comical to see such weaponry on children, but the dead boar that lay at their feet and the blood that stained their equipment is evidence enough that they clearly know how to use them.

“...Good work, pups”

The gruff voice that came from a small distance away from them had each boy’s eyes lighting up, their expression changing from its serious disposition into one of excitement.

“Papa!Papa!Papa!Papa!” The quadruplets practically ran towards the tall, muscular scarred man who appeared from another part of the forest, seemingly turning from experienced hunters into the children they actually are.

Razor hadn’t changed much over the years aside from gaining more muscle as his body became taller and broader, receiving a few new scars, but otherwise there wasn’t really much change to him physically. It made him look more frightening to newcomers, but to his pack it only solidified his position as Alpha.

He’d been training his first litter of pups how to hunt for a few months now and this was their first hunt where he completely stayed at the sidelines, simply observing but otherwise leaving the whole hunt from tracking their prey up until the kill for them. Suffice to say, he isn’t disappointed by their progress.

“Your mother will be happy to make food with your kill,” He adds, patting each boy on the head before turning to their fresh dinner.

“Now, watch how I clean. Then we go back to the den right after.”

As the Electro-wielder began the tedious process of cutting up the carcass, his sons patiently observed from the sidelines, imbedding in their minds the invaluable teachings imparted on them.

“Mama, we’re home!”

“And we got dinner!”

“Papa cut it up!”

“But we hunted it down!”

Hearing the various voices of your children, you look up from vegetables you’d been washing up to see your boys walking inside the little cottage located inside the expansive cave where the whole pack (including the wolves) resided. Sabre, Asher, Cayden, & Remus carried several kilos of meat each, nearly vibrating as they excitedly presented their kill to you like the prize it was.

“Pups did a good job today,” said Razor as he walked in after your youngest, Remus. 

He carried more than half of the boar meat with him, considering that the beast could weigh from 75 up to 100 kilograms, too much for them to handle despite being sturdier and stronger than most children. It was nothing for him however, all too used to lugging around even bigger kills than this in order to provide for his whole pack.

“This warrants a celebration then! Why don’t you boys wash up first while I set up the grill? We can have an outdoor barbecue with everyone in the pack”

That was everything they needed to hear as they rushed towards the bathroom, leaving you at the kitchen with your husband.

“...They get that from your side of the family,” you tease, stepping on the tips of your toes to elevate yourself and give the grey-haired male a peck on his lips, receiving only a low whine in response at the short kiss.

“Oh, shush! There’ll be more of that later when we’re done with dinner. Now help me cut this up into smaller pieces so we can start with the barbecue soon”

Despite how comically large and fierce Razor looked and acted compared to you, he almost looked like an overgrown puppy when he asks for affection. Of course, he’s your overgrown puppy so it’s not like you can deny him anything at the end of the day.

Chapter Text

“Momiji-sama, where are youuuuu?”

“Please come out, Momiji-sama! The cooks made a fresh batch of maple leaf tempura!”

“We can play hide and seek in plain sight instead, okay?”

Several handmaidens called out within the inner courtyard of the Imperial Palace in search of the Crown Prince, becoming increasingly worried as they checked every bush and ornamental rock formation for any sign of him. The rambunctious child in question however, sat upon a thick branch of the tallest tree and simply observed the servants that ran around like headless chickens trying to look for him.

Kaedehara Momiji, Crown Prince of Inazuma, was a calm child. He mostly possessed the temperament of his father, Kaedehara Kazuha, but he was undeniably his mother’s son as well. An amused smile lit up his cherubic face as he watched his caretakers flounder about, deciding to give it another minute or two before he got down from his perch and relieve them of their worries—

“It’s times like these that I’m reminded of the fact that even if you look and act so much like Kazu-chin most of the time, you’re definitely still her ladyship’s spawn. Heh” 

“Tomo-oji!” Exclaimed the little boy, golden orbs lighting up at the sight of his uncle and godfather sitting beside him upon the branch.

“In the flesh! Now, how about we get down from here and let the ladies below know that you’re all fine and well? Your mom’s gonna kill me and resurrect me just to do it again if you have even just a hair out of place” The captain of the imperial guard chuckled, taking the young prince in his arms before taking a mighty leap down to the ground.

The flustered handmaidens were startled, but quickly sighed in relief when they realized it was just Tomo-taichou and the prince—

“YOUR HIGHNESS/PRINCE/MOMIJI-SAMA!!!”

“...Sorry for worrying you?”

“Smooth, kid. Real smooth”

“Ahoy, there! You sure kept us waiting, your highness. And it seems you even brought along a couple of honored guests”

“...Thoma, I told you before not to refer to me as such. My given name will suffice”

“Sorry, but no can do! It’d be blasphemous if I were to call our own Emperor by his name!”

“...Consort, not an emperor”

“Details, details. You’re married to our archon and the father of our crown prince sooo…”

Aether and Paimon blinked at the exchange between the two young men, noting the anemo-user they’d recently become acquainted with furrowing his brows and rubbing his temples while the blonde simply grinned at his exasperation.

“Just please send word that we’ve arrived in Inazuma and will arrive at the imperial palace shortly”

“I already sent word even before you docked at the port. You know her majesty always wants to be informed of your whereabouts. She can never take her eyes off of you” Thoma shrugged nonchalantly, wiggling his eyebrows as he teased the samurai.

Kazuha only coughed, trying to will away his burning cheeks at the reminder of his wife’s devotion. 

“Wait, wait, wait! So you’re trying to tell us that you BATTLED the previous shogun for Inazuma and won?”

“Mhmm~”

“Then you snuck into Captain Beidou’s ship one night and met Kazuha then fell in love with him?”

“That’s right~”

“So now you’re the nation’s new archon and he’s your consort?”

You nod ever so happily from your seat on your husband’s lap, relishing in the warmth of his body and his mere presence after he’d been gone for a few weeks on one of his excursions.

“...WHY THE HECK DIDN’T YOU TELL US THAT YOU WERE A KING BACK IN LIYUE?!” Shouted Paimon accusingly at the blushing samurai who’d been trying to hide his face in your hair ever since he took his rightful place as your chair.

“...It didn’t feel right to mention it before”

“Tou-chan’s just shy like that,” said a childish voice, attracting the traveler and his little companion’s attention.

At the entrance to the throne room stood a little boy with features that were undeniably a mix of you and Kazuha. Beside him stood the tall figure of Tomo who merely grinned once he caught sight of your beaming self and his friend’s flustered visage.

“He prefers to be ‘low-key’ like Mama says all the time”

“But it’s one of the things that make him so cute~❤”

Despite how his family and friend mercilessly teased him, the platinum-haired male could only smile helplessly in defeat. He honestly wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.

Chapter Text

“...like bamboo, one must bend with the wind yet remain sturdy at all times”

“Bamboo...I am bamboo…I must bend with the wind...yet never falter...”

Chongyun circled the frost-haired child, correcting his posture as the boy practiced his basic martial arts forms. As is custom within their clan, it was up to him as Changming’s father to teach him of their family’s ways, just like his own father had done the same to him back in the day.

Thankfully however, he didn’t have to face the trouble his own father dealt with since Changming hadn’t been born with a pure Yang body like him. Unlike he who always had to keep himself in check, his son was a bright and happy boy who was never shy about expressing himself. 

And he could never thank the gods enough for blessing him with this child. 

“Baba, look at what I can do!” Exclaimed Changming, the tiny tot showing off a perfectly executed stance that would leave even the elders of their clan nodding their heads in satisfaction.

“Impressive. You truly have been taking your studies to heart”

“ Look at my son! He’s so adorable that it should be a crime!!! ”

Chongyun smiles serenely at the boy, bending downwards to pat his head to which the child eagerly leaned towards, a fact that had the man biting his lip to prevent himself from gushing out loud.

“Of course I have! I’m gonna be a great exorcist like Baba!” Changming puffs up his little chest, clenching his tiny hands as his eyes, the same eyes he’d definitely inherited from you, shone with conviction.

“Oh really? That means you must give your studies and training your all if that’s what you truly wish to achieve. Though knowing that you are your mother’s son, I’m quite sure nothing can stop you from getting what you want” Thinking about you never failed to bring a warm smile on Chongyun’s normally cool face, especially as memories of your relentless pursuit of him resulted in the happy and loving family you had now.

“You’re damn right our son can achieve anything he puts his mind to!” Two frost-colored heads snap towards the sound of your voice as you enter the courtyard where the father-son duo conducted their daily training sessions. 

Just as Chongyun emulated the tranquility of the moon, you were his exact opposite as your sunny disposition can melt even the iciest of hearts. Your unrestrained smiles and laughter are a balm to the exorcist’s heart, mind, and soul.

“As long as you have the courage and perseverance to try, nothing is impossible. Just ask your father how I managed to get him to properly court me when he’s more skittish than a stray cat whenever I so much as came within a meter of him” You giggle, throwing a playful glance at your husband and receiving a helpless smile along with tinted cheeks in return.

“...I suppose I can’t refute that statement,” he coughs, chuckling as he scratches his cheek with his finger in embarrassment. “Your mother...has such an effect on me that it was a daily struggle to keep myself in check. That is why I did my best not to get too close to her lest I…”

“But it all worked out in the end, didn’t it? Just imagine, if I hadn’t confronted you of my own volition then I might still be waiting for you to court me until now instead of already having Changming and another little one on the way...”

“Yes, I suppose that— WAIT”

The cryo-user’s eyes widen to the size of dinner plates as he barely catches the tail-end of your sentence, jaw dropping as he stares at you with unconcealed shock so unlike his usual cool composure.

 Your mischievous smile is confirmation enough.

While his father is left floundering at the revelation, Changming is an excited ball of energy as he stares at you with stars in his eyes.

“Does this mean I’m finally gonna have a little sister, Mama?!”

“Or a little brother. We’re not sure until they finally come out to meet us in several months, but don’t worry…” Crouching to your son’s height, you take his cherubic face in your hands and press a kiss to his forehead. “Even if this one won’t be a little sister, your father and I will keep trying until you finally get one~”

Chongyun’s embarrassed squawk has you giggling up a storm.

Chapter Text

A gentle breeze danced across the tranquil pavilion, ruffling a young child’s short ocean-hued locks as he diligently read the contents of his textbook. Taking to heart the teachings being imparted to him both by the author and of his tutor who eagerly watched the boy devour knowledge day after day of their classes.

“ I can never thank Rex Lapis enough that Young Master Junjie is a model student! I’m sure those fools over at the academy are practically foaming at the mouth in envy that I was blessed to be his teacher! ”

While the scholar nodded to himself in satisfaction, rubbing his thin and well-maintained goatee as he got caught up in his own thoughts, Junjie’s eyes are as clear as water yet as swift as wind as evidenced by the amount of time it took before he flipped to the next page of his reading material. 

Despite his small stature, Junjie sat straight and radiated a dignified and noble air usually only seen in young masters from aristocratic families. He certainly wouldn’t lose to any of them had he been placed in the academy with them, but that was something that wouldn’t happen for several years more to come. Until then, he’ll continue to be taught under the guidance of his private tutors and his family, namely his grandfather and uncle who were veteran businessmen.

.

.

.

What about his father?

.

.

.

 Junjie’s father isn’t absent in his life, nor was he a fool that couldn’t teach his own son. Rather, his father’s skills weren’t business-related at all.

Instead of dabbling in commerce, his father chose to be a—

“Excuse me, Master Huang. I’m afraid I’ll be collecting my son now as it is time for his martial arts training.”

Before the scholar could utter a word of protest, his most prized student is snatched up before his very eyes by the boy’s own father. 

As this was transpiring, you were comfortably finishing up your newest embroidery piece at another part of the garden. Your maidservant stood faithfully behind you, fanning you gently so as to keep your temperature neither too warm nor cold. It is a beautifully tranquil scene, one that could easily be the subject of any painter in need of inspiration.

When you are nearing the last few stitches, you almost jump in surprise as two pairs of hands cover your eyes and obscure your vision.

“!!!”

“Mama!/Good day, my lady~”

As soon as they take their hands back, you are treated with the cheeky smiles of your adorable son and impish husband.

You puff your cheeks out indignantly at your playful husband who insisted on playing these little tricks of his even long after you’d been married. Xinqiu’s smile only widens into a sly grin, something that makes his already elegantly handsome features seem…roguish and dare you say it, even more attractive than he already is!

As if he knows exactly the kind of direction your thoughts are going, the ocean-haired Guhua Clan Master leans downwards until you’re both almost nose to nose. “Dearest wife, if you keep making that sort of expression please don’t blame me if I am unable to hold myself back once we retreat to our quarters for the night. I am but an ordinary man susceptible to even the slightest provocations from his beautiful wife~”

You nearly squawk in an undignified manner at his brazen confession as your cheeks turn an almost worrying shade of vermillion. 

Despite your initial reactions however, you both know that you enjoyed this form of flirting between the two of you. That is why instead of pinching him in anger, you huff and grab your son instead in order to hug him to your chest, an act that Junjie happily reciprocates because he really does love any sort of affection from his beloved mother.

“...May Rex Lapis help us all if you become just like your father when you grow up…”

“What was that, dearest?”

Chapter Text

If one were to ask the scholars of the prestigious Akademiya what their thoughts were about Scribe Alhaitham settling down, most would call the asker a madman for even suggesting such a thing. While he had both many admirers and enemies alike, the one thing they could all agree on is that the scribe is a man too wrapped up in his own pursuit of knowledge to even look at a woman and see her more than anything aside from a being of the fairer sex.

Not to say that he was unaware of what happens behind closed doors between two consenting adults, but rather that he simply found no deeper interest in them, unlike his other peers.

His brooding good looks are wasted on him, as evidenced by the trail of broken hearts and wistful sighs from the womenfolk he passes by on normal days when he’s not holed up in a library or the confines of his own room. Simply put, Alhaitham is a man who isn’t chained down by any of his base desires, once again setting him apart from the common man.

That is why it comes as a shock to the entire population of the Akademiya and even Sumeru City as a whole when he arrives one day from another trip outside the city. While that in itself is still within the norm, the companion he brought along with him and the state she was in had thrown everyone for a loop.

As Amurta’s jewel during your time as a student, all the while being the first female beastkin to enroll in decades, you were a relatively well-known figure then. And even after graduating, you’d still occasionally visit the city when called by your master, Sage Naphis, or if you needed to borrow some references from the library. 

It was no secret that you were close friends during your schooldays, seeing as you were the only person Alhaitham willingly accompanied outside of schoolwork. Chancing upon the shining stars of Haravatat and Amurta together wasn’t a surprising sight then, and it shouldn’t be one now.

But what threw everyone for a loop was the heavy swell of your belly as you stepped into the city, hand in hand with none other than Alhaitham himself. Even the most ignorant fool could understand the situation, what with the way the scribe’s eyes frequently turned to you even when you weren’t looking at him. 

It spoke volumes of how protective he was of you, especially with your delicate condition. Although his admirers were blessed with a new side of the scribe, there is no denying that there is no more room in the aloof scholar’s heart.

“Ugh, I knew we shouldn’t have brought this up with you…”

“I thought my answer was quite engrossing—”

“...Haitham?”

The speed at which Alhaitham turned at the sound of your voice made the other three men blink in surprise at the sudden action. And before they could make any other movement, the scribe had already scooped you into his arms and sat back down on his seat with you settled on his lap.

“...’m sorry for crashing your party, guys. Atem woke me up and wouldn’t let me go back to sleep without finding his daddy first…”

Your soft bunny ears hung down in shyness as the apples of your cheeks shone as red as those grown in Mondstadt’s Dawn Winery, hands resting upon your belly bump. 

Tighnari, Cyno, and Kaveh couldn’t find it within themselves to feel even a little annoyed by your sudden presence. Why would they when you were their friend before you married Alhaitham?

“Don’t waste your time on such frivolous worries, eayni . Worrying yourself ragged over pointless issues isn’t good for your health or our son’s. I have no qualms if you’d prefer to return home together right now instead.”

It never ceased to amaze Kaveh how different Alhaitham acted around you or when anything concerned you. Between the two of them, he was supposed to be the one with his head in the clouds and with an eye for romance. Yet somehow, Alhaitham beat him to the punch when it came to settling down.

While he was still finding ways to pay off his debt and rise from the pit he’d fallen into, the scribe was already nearing the birth of his firstborn. And from the looks of it, you never seemed to be lacking material things or affection from your husband.

The tender words, touches, and looks the other man gave you were almost tooth-achingly sweet.

It also doesn’t help that he may or may not have found you a very attractive woman and was considering courting you before Alhaitham swooped in.

Tighnari was the first one to realize that you had mated with the scribe, no thanks to his keen sense of smell that all beastkin share. The way Alhaitham’s scent practically enveloped your whole body was more than enough for the forest ranger to surmise the current state of your relationship.

You were his cute little junior, someone he’d vowed to guide both to your master and to himself as a fellow beastkin. Had you not chosen to mate with Alhaitham, you’d have most likely found mates in one another instead.

As friends who also shared a senior-junior relationship during your schooling, your clans would have most likely tried to broker an engagement between you two. Tighnari wouldn’t be opposed to it, not when he was already good friends with you, making you the best possible choice instead of being thrown some other random female. 

He had no doubts that if neither of you harbored any feelings toward the other by then, such romantic affection would certainly be cultivated along the way.

But by Celestia’s will, that wasn’t the path your lives would take, and as a good friend and upperclassman, he can only give his sincere blessings and continue watching over you.

Before he was General Mahamatra, Cyno also started as a humble student of the Akademiya. But even during his school days, his unyielding principles and relentless pursuit of what is right above the blind quest for knowledge scared most of the other scholars.

Not you, though.

You saw not just the face he showed to the world but also the one he never thought anyone would care to see. Beneath his titles and reputation, he is still Cyno, a human who tries his best to make his friends laugh and put his subordinates at ease.

Is it any surprise why he cared for you so deeply? And even if you’d chosen to tie yourself down to Alhaitham of all people, Cyno will stand guard over you.

It’s the least he could do, after all.

Perhaps, in another life, the gods will see fit to bless him with more than just your friendship.

Unaware or perhaps even choosing to ignore the weight of the other males’ stares, the scribe devoted himself entirely to ensuring your comfort. Although, with how you settled yourself comfortably on his lap and grabbed his Genius Invocation TCG cards, he didn’t need to make any further inquiries at the moment.

Placing his chin on top of your head, he nonchalantly scanned the cards in your hands before whispering his suggestions into your ears. Throughout the rest of the night, Alhaitham obediently and happily served as your chair and cushion.

Fatherhood suited him, he thinks.

Chapter Text

He was just one of the many students within the Akademiya when he first met you.

And like all young scholars, when faced with a beautiful maiden, he makes a fool of himself by cracking a joke or two that had only ever gotten him exasperated sighs or awkward silence.

The last thing he expected was to actually have you in a fit of giggles while Tighnari, your senior and his own friend, rubbed his temples as his lips stretched into a thin straight line.

“I was a bit nervous about meeting you at first, but I’m glad I did.” Your eyes seemed to sparkle as you looked him straight in the eye without an ounce of fear or nervousness. 

It’s…a breath of fresh air, to be honest.

Most people regarded him with wariness for some reason.

So having someone, particularly the ‘ Jewel of Amurta, ’ expressing such sincere gladness over meeting him was…nice.

“If senpai told me earlier how funny you could be, I’d have begged him to let me meet you sooner!”

And it was on that sunny day at the Akademiya grounds years ago when Cyno, the future General Mahamatra, would find himself as red as freshly boiled shrimp for the first time in his life. 

“ I’m going to marry her. ”

The sight of General Mahamatra looming over you was one of the greatest fears of scholars, mercenaries, and even ordinary citizens alike. Nothing good ever came out of being his target, especially when no amount of begging, bribes, or resistance could truly get him off of your scent once he’d set his sights on you.

This is why most willingly surrender the moment they’re caught. They’ll receive their judgment regardless of how they tried to prolong the inevitable, so it’s easier to just accept it.

With the rest of his team down and out for the count, the bandit could only throw away his scimitar, cursing internally as he got on his knees before submissively laying on the desert sand. He knew this was a losing battle, but at least he’d still have some of his dignity left after this—

“And that’s how you subdue enemies in a desert. You can even say that they got their just DESERTS !” 

“ Da-buuuu! ”

“That’s my boy. Of course my son would inherit his father’s tasteful appreciation of jokes♥”

“ Ba-baaa …” 

Unable to help his own curiosity, the bandit peeked up at General Mahamatra who leisurely made his way towards him. A small, chubby face peeked out from the matra’s shoulder, possessing many of his sire’s features. From the piercing vermillion shade of his eyes, the shade of his skin, and his ivory tresses.

The only major difference was the pair of floppy bunny ears at the top of his little head. 

Had this been a different situation, the bandit might’ve paid his jailer a compliment for having such a precious-looking child. 

Chapter Text

Pantalone had no faith in the gods.

Not after the hand he was dealt with ever since he was born into this world.

And yet, when he looks into your eyes and sees a smile lighting up your sweaty face as you hold your newborn son to your chest…he finds the deep enmity he holds for the gods lessening ever so slightly.

For what else can this sight be than a gift from some higher being, some cosmic entity that saw fit to bless him with such a priceless treasure?

Not even all the wealth he’d accumulated could amount to the true value of this moment.

“Look, my love. Our Mikhail is such a strong little boy, isn’t he?”

Motherhood suited you, he thought.

He already knew that fact from seeing the way you interacted with other children, but was only further enforced by the way you handled your child.

“He is…and I’ll make sure he’ll only ever grow up with all the best things in life. Both you and he deserve only the best,” he vowed, mind racing a mile per second as countless plans began to form.

“You two deserve that much…for you are my most priceless treasures.”

Pantalone pressed a kiss to your brow before settling back into his seat by the side of the bed, content with basking in this tranquil moment for as long as he can.

Chapter Text

As Fontaine’s Chief Justice, Neuvillette is all too used to waking up as soon as the first rays of dawn filter through the floor-to-ceiling windows in his bedroom. 

He’s all too used to waking up to an empty bed. 

And for even longer, an empty nest.

Despite being one, if not the last hydro dragon left in Teyvat, he’d never raised hatchlings nor even taken a mate of his own. 

While he could have taken a mortal lover throughout the years, his already suppressed draconic instincts never allowed him even a hint of attraction toward humans. It’s as if what was left of his dragonhood refused to ‘taint’ the dragonsblood that flowed through his veins by taking anything other than a fellow dragon.

After five hundred years of serving as Fontaine’s ludex , he had all but given up ever being able to settle down. 

How could he when his species had all but died off? 

What’s more, the few other survivors were more or less located at the farthest corners of Teyvat.

He must simply content himself with protecting and guiding his people to the best of his ability, especially as he’d reclaimed both his powers and Authority as the Hydro Dragon Sovereign.

If someone told Neuvillette that all his worries were for naught barely a year after he’d become Fontaine’s chief justice and ruler, he’d have thought them mad.

But when the first sight that meets his eyes is your sleeping visage illuminated by the soft morning rays that slid through the tiny gaps in between the curtains, the dragonheart within that had all but given up any hope practically roared to life. He is rendered immobile by your beauty, even as a hint of saliva dripped from your slightly open mouth to reveal a pearly-white fang.

Your own pearlescent scales that decorated the sides of your face and continued below before disappearing below the neckline of your nightgown seemed to shimmer against the light. 

It hits him again that behind closed doors, there is no need for any sort of pretense. Not when you too, were a dragon, a different element for sure, but there is no denying the purity of your blood. He need not hide any part of himself when, for once in his life, there is no need for judgment.

And it is that very same blood that flowed through the veins of your children who chirped from within their large bassinet. 

Your three hatchlings still retained their draconic forms at such an early stage of their life and won’t develop their human forms until they mature into the equivalent of human toddlers.

Like clockwork, Neuvillette rose from the bed and scooped up the three hatchlings who sported a mix of dark blue and silvery-white scales. Dominique, the eldest, was coiled around his right arm, while his second child and only daughter, Odette, draped herself on his neck like an accessory. The youngest, Raphiel, clutched the soft hairs atop his head with his tiny claws and looked around in wonder from such a high vantage point.

“ Good morning, my dearest. I apologize for interrupting your sleep, but it seems our children are in need of nourishment. If it were only possible for me to provide it for them, I wouldn’t have had to cut your slumber short… ”

Your sweet laughter is like a balm to his soul, but it’s the peck you press against the corner of his lips that has his inner dragon roaring at him to get started on another batch of hatchlings and the tips of his ears burning a bright red.

Neuvillette hugged Raphiel to his chest, letting his son snooze a bit more while you fed Dominique and Odette from your own.

With your own tail curled around his the whole time, the dragon of water allowed a single tear to slip from his eyes.