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“So.. remind me again. How many siblings do you have?”
Xiao had been told a few times but he wanted a refresher before it was too late. He wanted to know what Ajax’s siblings' names were and in what order. It could be dizzying at times because he had six if he remembered correctly.
“Six-“ he was right “-but you’ll be fine. I know they will love you. Don’t worry about it.” His boyfriend tried to wave off his fears as he set down their bags in the room they were given. They were going by boat and they would leave from Liyue harbor before they would dock at Morepesok, Childe’s hometown. The trip didn’t exactly warrant a room with a bed but.. perks of being a harbinger.
“And what are all their names?” Xiao asked with a tilt of his head. He only remembered about two, Tonia and Teucer to be specific. Mostly because he had been told about the letters and how Teucer had escaped to Liyue. ‘Escaped’, the poor boy had run away from home so that probably wasn’t the best word. Sadly he had never met the boy when he was in Liyue..
“Theo, Adrian, Aris, Tonia, Anthon and Teucer.” Childe said before he let a small smile creep onto his lips. “It’s really not that hard-“
“Says you who grew up with six other people and a mom and dad.” Xiao interrupted and crossed his arms. “Not to mention how many people you have as an extended family. Please tell me you don’t live with an aunt or uncle.. Grandparents. Anything really.”
“Okay okay.. maybe it is a lot of people in one house. But no, it’s only my siblings and parents. No one else. If you get overwhelmed just tell me. But you don’t have to memorize everything about them on the first day. This is only our first meeting..” Childe tried to reassure the Adeptus before he sighed and walked over, wrapping his arms around the smaller man. Xiao looked like he needed a hug from just the thought of so many people in one place.
“This is going to end awfully..” Xiao mumbled as he leaned into the embrace, letting out a soft sigh. His nerves had never been this bad before. He was meeting his boyfriend’s family though. Who wouldn’t be worked up?
Childe shook his head, his hand rubbing Xiaos back in what he hoped was a reassuring way. “No it won’t..” he said quietly before he took Xiao’s hands and tugged him to the bed that was in the room. He sat down and looked up at Xiao, smiling more at how the blush looked on the Adeptus’ cheeks. “Come here snowdrop~”
The Adeptus could hardly protest to his boyfriend’s request and he easily climbed into his lap and rested his head on Childe’s shoulder. “I think I’ll die if you call me that again..” he mumbled quietly and smiled as he felt the other's chest rumble with soft laughter.
“Of embarrassment? It’s cute come on..” he quietly insisted but was met with silence and a shake of his head. Childe only wrapped his arms around Xiao after that. “It’s not like I’m going to quit using it y’know.”
“Gods I’m going to make you shut up.”
“Oh with kisses or are you going to punch me?” It felt too easy for Childe to tease his boyfriend, laughing softly at how embarrassed he assumed the Adeptus was.
“Maybe both I don’t know..” Xiao replied, trying to make it sound easy even though he felt like keeling over on the spot. The nickname was only ever said in private but that didn’t make things better on him. After that, he moved to sit up straight and pressed a kiss to Childe’s lips. It was only a quick one which made Childe whine before Xiao softly punched him on the chest. “See? Both. Now if you don’t mind I would like to see your family without you constantly embarrassing me.”
Childe nodded and leaned in for another kiss before he pulled back with a hum. “Fine. Just don’t overthink it, okay?” He asked sincerely and Xiao gave a small nod, resting his head back on Childe‘s shoulder. “Okay.”
—
It didn’t take long to arrive. The trip by boat only took a few hours, Xiao was grateful for that since this was his first trip on a boat. He really couldn’t imagine trying to sleep there.. Childe seemed used to the movements which was fine but he probably couldn’t settle down. Even if it would be just one night on the boat.
They had grabbed their things from the room, it was mostly just clothing since it was a short visit. He wasn’t moving to Morepesok, gods that would be a jump. They were still just boyfriends.. but anyways the visit would last at most a few days. He assumed they would be staying for that long if things went well. If not.. they would probably leave after the first night or so.
Xiao looked around when they stepped out of the room and made their way to the top of the boat. Childe had recommended putting on a coat, he was glad he had heeded his advice since it was freezing. He had probably endured worse while under his previous master but that was so long ago. He didn’t go out in the cold with nearly nothing on by choice anymore. He had never been on Dragonspine but how everything looked reminded him of the faraway mountain. This was probably what it felt like there too.
He moved to tighten the coat around himself before he glanced up at Childe. “Is this how it usually is?” The Adeptus asked and saw Ajax nod.
“Basically. But we vaguely have seasons so it’s not always like this.” Ajax assured him before starting off the boat and onto the docks. “Does this mean you don’t want to live here in a few years?” the harbinger teased him which made Xiao let out a small huff.
“Shut up. I think you actually have to propose for that.” He replied easily and shook his head. Would the relationship actually get that far? Childe was pretty serious about it and he didn’t see a reason they would break up anytime soon.. But he had to also take into consideration leaving the other Adepti and leaving his duties. Everyone had insisted that this relationship was good to pursue. Even if Ganyu was wary about Childe being a harbinger, no doubt her job made her feel that way, he had to admit he felt better. He smiled more often and his karma didn’t seem to weigh him down as much. Zhongli had even noticed the change so maybe.. just maybe if this got that far he would move here for however long Childe lived. Granted he would have to retire from the Fatui and the fall out from that-
“Xiao?” Childe looked concerned for his boyfriend, his eyebrows knit and a small frown on his lips. “Is everything alright? If it’s about my family we can wait. I don’t want to-”
“Yeah. I’m fine. I just.. I don’t know.” Xiao said quietly before he shook his head. He wouldn’t let Childe know how deep he got in his own mind just then. It would happen in the future and it was a big maybe. He did have his own doubts that it would even get to that point..
“Okay.. if you’re sure.” Ajax still looked a bit uncertain but started to head into the town. Xiao took Ajax’s free hand in his own as they walked and tried to ignore all the curious looks he was getting. He would stay quiet about it for now. It looked like a fairly small town, the only thing he could see right now was storefronts. It made sense, they had just come off the boat, and if there were any tourists or people docking for the night they could buy something here..
No one around seemed to have the same hair color as Ajax. He thought it was safe enough to assume that they weren’t family and possibly friends or just nosey neighbors. What did people even consider themselves in towns like this? Maybe he would ask if he even cared.
“So.. where is your house at?” Xiao asked since he didn’t really see a residential area. Well.. did people live above their stores? Maybe.. Could they fit seven children and two parents up there was another question entirely.
“It’s not that far. Come on, smile. It’s not going to be that bad.” Ajax insisted and Xiao couldn’t help but let his lips curl up in the slightest and shake his head. “There that’s better. You know if you keep frowning like you have been you might scare off the whole town and my family… lighten up a bit. I swear they will love you. Who couldn’t?”
“Oh my gosh, Ajax- Plenty of people could. Have you not seen how many people in Liyue will turn around after they see me?” Xiao countered and Ajax gave a shake of his head.
“That’s because you’re frowning. See you look much better when you smile. Very friendly.” Ajax nodded at what he said and let out a soft laugh at how Xiao frowned almost immediately after hearing his opinion. He only shook his head and tugged his boyfriend past all the stores and towards his house. He would slowly work on him more to get Xiao to smile more often.
When they got there Xiao could tell that it was pretty large, at least he could tell from how it looked on the outside. He had no idea how many rooms this place may have on the inside. Parents and seven children, that was including Childe. It turned into a lot quickly. He would find out soon anyway so there was no use in overthinking it.
Childe knocked on the front door and Xiao stood behind him. He wasn’t hiding exactly but he didn’t want to be the first one they saw. He had no idea who would answer the door with there being so many people in there..
It didn’t take long at all for the door to open and they were greeted by a girl. She smiled at seeing Ajax, from the looks of it she may have been a younger sister. “Ajax! We didn’t think you would be back so soon.” She quickly moved closer to hug her brother and Childe returned the hug. He had to let go of Xiao’s hand but the Adeptus didn’t mind as he watched them.
“How have things been for you at work? Is everything going well? Is your friend Zhong.. Uh.. Oh! I’m sorry I didn’t see you there.” Xiao notice he was addressed now and he could feel his nerves and shyness creeping back in. “I’m Tonia, Ajax’s sister.” She clarified before she held out her hand. She looked inclined to hug him but he was grateful she seemed to think better of it.
“I’m Xiao.. ah, Ajax’s boyfriend.” Xiao said shyly, his face easily heating up at the concept of actually saying out loud that he was Childe’s boyfriend. He never thought he would actually say that but he would probably have to get used to it from here on out.
“Wait.. you’re.. Ajax’s boyfriend? You actually found someone? I thought you’d never-”
“Hey! It’s not like you have someone so maybe you should be getting on it now. Or would you rather have mother find someone for you?” Childe teased and tilted his head, messing with his sister but she frowned slightly. Neither of them wanted to be hooked up with some random person from the village. It was awkward enough when their grandparents would introduce them to people. Childe always hoped he would die never seeing them again.
“Noooooo don’t remind me.” She whined before she stepped back into the house and kept the door open. “You better come in before I change my mind though.”
“Okay okay,” Childe said with a soft laugh and took Xiao’s hand once again and tugged him inside. Xiao had to look around the house with wide eyes. He really wasn’t used to any of this but he couldn’t lie, the house felt warm. It looked a little messy but it was obviously lived in. There were two younger boys playing in the living room and it sounded like someone was making something in the kitchen.
“Ma Ajax is back!” He could hear Tonia shouting as she walked into the kitchen to let Childe’s mother know. Or well.. That was what he hoped and assumed at the moment. But his focus was taken by something else.
“Ajax?!” He heard the two boys’ attention immediately shift at hearing that and they were both hurrying to greet their brother. Ajax let out a laugh and dropped his bag as he knelt down, holding out his arms towards the boys. They both gave him a hug while Ajax wrapped his arms around both of them.
“Miss me much?” He teased with a broad smile. Xiao had to admit that seeing Ajax interacting with his siblings made his chest warm and a smile easily curls his lips up.
“Yes! You always take so long..” The younger of the two whined while the older one gave a nod with a pout. “Could you stay this time? Please? Pleeeeease?”
Childe let out a sigh. He didn’t want to disappoint but that was a promise he knew better than committing to. He would never be able to fulfill that one for now so it was probably better to burst their bubble now. And anyways he had done so previously. They asked nearly every visit at this point. “I’m sorry.. I don’t think I can stay this time. But maybe some other time, okay?”
The boys reluctantly nodded and Childe slowly pulled away from them before he looked up at Xiao. “Why don’t you introduce yourselves. It would be impolite not to since he’s a guest.” Ajax would hate for xiao to get completely ignored by them and get absolutely no reaction as to if they liked him or not because they were focused on keeping him there. He could understand where they were coming from but that wasn’t the point of the visit.
“I’m Anthon and this is Teucer.” The older child said before the younger, he assumed Teucer since he was motioned to and well.. He wasn’t the one that spoke. “This is Mr. Cyclops.” He said as he held a plush that resembled some of the ruin guards he ran into. Xiao only raised an eyebrow at that one. He wouldn’t pry until they were alone or not around him.
“I’m Xiao, it’s nice to meet you too.” He said and tried to keep his small smile as he moved to kneel down and extended a hand. He still wasn’t completely comfortable with strangers hugging him. Sure, they were his boyfriend’s family and he may have to suck it up at times but he would try and avoid it as much as possible.
He shook hands with both of them before he stood up. Childe was doing the same and he had picked up his bag once again. “Let’s go set our stuff down..” He said quietly as he took Xiao’s hand and started guiding him down a hallway.
The hallway was decorated with a few plants and some paintings, he assumed some were of the family but others looked like they were just for decoration. He didn’t ask though and just silently followed until he was tugged into a room. The room was fairly small and at the very end of the hallway. It only had one bed which he had to admit he was grateful for. If he had a scare that Childe shared a room and he would have to sleep in a room with one of Ajax’s siblings.. He didn’t want to think about that. It wasn’t like they would do anything but imagining just how awkward that would be didn’t make him feel amazing. “Are we sharing a bed?” Xiao asked with a tilt of his head and set his bag down near the doorway as he walked in further and started looking at a few of the knickknacks.
“Yeah, as long as it’s fine with you. If you don’t think the beds big enough or want me to sleep on the floor or living room that would work for me.” Childe offered as he also set down his bag on the bed. He wanted to take out some of his clothes but.. His older siblings and mother would probably get nosy and go looking for them. He probably needed to introduce them soon.
“One bed is fine as long as you don’t roll over and crush me.” Xiao teased, his smile growing a bit wider as he said that and saw Childe’s reaction.
“I would never. How many times have I rolled over onto you exactly?”
“Well.. you haven’t but you stole the blanket the one night you stayed at the inn.” Xiao argued and watched Childe roll his eyes and pull him into a hug.
“Oh come on. Like you pushing me out of bed in your sleep was any better.” Childe mumbled and held his boyfriend close, listening with a smile as Xiao let out a small huff that was close to a laugh.
“I don’t remember that at all. No idea what you’re talking about.” Xiao replied easily and his smile grew. At least he was relaxing more like this.
“You don’t remember? Well I do. It hurts to wake up on the ground and you’re no longer cuddling your boyfriend.” Childe whined and his arms tightened around the Adeptus. “I much prefer to be in the same bed beside you, thank you very much.” He said before his hands moved down to take Xiao’s, pulling him to the door.
“I hate to break it to you snowdrop but I think we need to go back and meet a few more people.” Childe shook his head when he watched the Adeptus let out a dramatic groan, not stopping when Childe did and pressed against him lightly.
“But I like it much better in here..” Xiao protested quietly and gave a small pout when he looked up at Childe. He was only met with a small smile and a Childe shook his head. He did appreciate the kiss to his forehead, his lips easily curling up from that. “Fine.. let’s go.” He said softly.
Childe led the way out of the room and back through the hallway that they had originally walked through. He did wonder if it was usual to be alone in a room but Ajax probably got the short end of the stick. He didn’t live there often enough so small room in an okay location. If he actually stayed there he wondered where he would sleep, or maybe they didn’t move him when he joined the Fatui. He really had no idea.
He didn’t let his thoughts drift too though as he was tugged back into the living room then towards the kitchen. Oh. His nerves were back full force now. He was going to meet Childe’s mother. He really hoped this went well..
As he stepped inside the kitchen he stood beside Childe and tried not to look nervous but it seemed like it was fairly obvious by how Childe looked at him and gave him a soft nudge. Right.. Smile or something like that. He tried to at least aim for a more neutral look as Ajax called out for his mother. “Think you can add two more for dinner?”
His mother looked over at the two and she quickly smiled. She was shorter than Ajax but that also meant she was nearly Xiao’s height, nearly because she was actually a bit taller. “How have you been? They haven’t been working you too hard have they?” She asked as she pulled him into an embrace before she cupped her son’s cheeks, looking over him with some concern. It was just simply motherly worries though.
“I’ve been fine. Don’t worry about me. Work hasn’t been too hard I swear.” Ajax replied and gave a smile which his mother didn’t seem to accept.
“You’re still too thin. Gods are they not feeding you there?” His mother kept her worried gaze before she shook her head and sighed. “You better eat more while you’re here. And you too.” She had turned her gaze to Xiao at this point and he tensed up some as he was touched. “Do they not feed you there? You’re even smaller than Ajax..” She started before she pulled her hands back. “Ah, where are my manners? I’m Ajax’s mother, you can call me whatever you are comfortable with. But is it true he’s is actually dating?”
Xiao smiled shyly, at least he was smiling even though his nerves were on hyperdrive. “Yes.” He said, not able to hide the soft laugh as the words came out of his mouth. “We are dating but I’m Xiao.” He replied and could feel himself relaxing as he spoke.
“How did you two meet?” She asked simply before she turned back to the food. Xiao couldn’t help but at Ajax with a blank look on his face. What exactly were they supposed to say..? Well, they could tell the truth-
“Please don’t tell me you terrorized him or something.” Childe frowned at the comment and shook his head. The comment didn’t come from his mother though, there was another woman in the kitchen. Maybe an older sister?
“I did not Aris. Where’s Theo and Adrian anyways?” He asked, not exactly trying to dodge the question but he was curious. Two of his older brothers were missing. They could very well be at work or in their rooms. They were old enough to do something like that anyways.
“Don’t avoid the question and Theo is out with dad and Adrian is probably at work or with his wife.” Aris said with a shrug and looked up from whatever she was tasked with in the kitchen.
“I wasn’t! Can’t I be curious?” Ajax asked with a small frown and shook his head. “Okay.. how did we meet..?” He asked before briefly glancing down at Xiao. “Well.. Xiao works near a place called the Wangshu inn. I was uhm.. I was around there and got into trouble so Xiao helped me out.” It was a completely watered-down story but it was how they met. It left out how much he had pestered the poor Adeptus after that meeting and how annoyed Xiao got at being distracted from his work. They didn’t need to know about that part though.
“That doesn’t sound fun at all. And what sort of trouble? The ‘I beat up a guy’ or ‘oh no I’m getting mugged’ type of trouble?” Aris asked with a tilt of her head and spared a glance in Ajax’s direction.
“The ‘I’m not supposed to be messing with this stuff and pissed off an Adeptus’ type of trouble.” He replied and rubbed the back of his neck with a small cringe. He was itching for a fight and had no idea he was messing with some of the monsters that Xiao had to fight on a daily basis for.. Around two thousand years.
“An Adeptus? How did Xiao help you out with something like that?”
“Oh well.. Xiao kinda.. Is the Adeptus.” He replied very quietly and both the women in the kitchen looked at him with wide eyes.
“Wait.. He’s not human..?”
“No.. He’s been alive for what now? Two..-” he spared a glance at Xiao who gave a nod that he was correct on his information. “Two thousand years old.” After saying that he saw some eyebrows raise and it got quiet. He knew they were probably trying to process that information. How could he, Ajax a harbinger for the Fatui and a troublemaker from Morepesok attract a two-thousand-year-old being a convince them it was a good idea to go on a date? He actually wasn’t sure how he had even scored the first date with him if he was completely honest. But here they were.
Aris turned back to her work as Ajax’s mother decided to speak, it was probably more her place unlike his sisters prying. “Are you sure this is a good idea? Won’t he outlive you? Are you sure that both of you can be happy like that?” She tried to ask as gently as she could. She wanted her son to be happy but this was a situation she never thought she would encounter. She mostly thought that some girl from the village would have to marry Ajax since he always dedicated himself so much to his work.
“We talked about it before.” Childe started and Xiao have his hand a gentle squeeze. He was still standing here supporting him so that was worth something. “We are both okay with it, all of it. The bad and the good.. I wouldn’t have brought him here if I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.” He replied easily and had to pause for a moment. Now it was his turn to grow flustered. Why in the world had he said that? And on the first meeting? They weren’t getting married anytime soon but gods.. He knew that Xiao was the one. He couldn’t explain it but he couldn’t imagine a future without the Adeptus. He didn’t want to think about how Xiao took that public confession though.
His mother smiled softly though and nodded, seeming satisfied with what he said. At least she wasn’t questioning the whole spending the rest of his life with Xiao thing. He didn’t need more embarrassment. “Why don’t you come here and give us a hand? We’re feeding two more people now.” She said simply and Childe nodded, happy that the tension wasn’t quite as bad now.
Childe quietly picked up where he was needed, Xiao sticking with him but he wasn’t the best in the kitchen. He wanted to help but if he was honest he didn’t know how many years it had been since he had last cooked. Sure, he liked almond tofu and it wasn’t that hard to make and most of the dishes he enjoyed weren’t hard but he just had someone else cook it. Anyways he usually wasn’t wanted in the kitchen. Childe made sure to help him but mostly gave him easy tasks which included cutting things. It wasn’t a hard task, probably one of the easiest ones if Childe was honest.
The four of them continued to fix the dinner as they neared the end they could hear the door opening. The younger children seemed happy and Xiao heard a few excited shouts of ‘papa’ so he could assume that the remaining family members were finally here for him to meet.
Xiao waited until the two men made their way into the house and the father came into the kitchen, or that’s what he assumed for now. The man looked curiously at the pair before deciding to speak. “Who’s this?” He asked simply and his wife frowned some.
“Don’t be mean. Ajax brought home his boyfriend.” Childe’s mom replied and his father turned towards Xiao, probably scrutinizing him a bit more. He was aware that Ajax wasn’t on the best terms with his father. It stemmed from his profession, the harbinger wasn’t supposed to get to this point. The military had been just to cool his temper but Ajax enjoyed the battlefield a little too much.
“I’m Xiao sir.” He decided to take the initiative with this interaction and held out his hand. It was taken and they shook hands, Ajax’s father nodding. “It’s nice to meet you Xiao.” The man said before dropping his hand and turned to his son. “I didn’t think you would actually find someone Ajax.” He teased, the weight lifting from Xiao’s shoulders. They seemed to be fine with him at least.
“Wait, Ajax is dating?” Xiao assumed that was Theo walking towards the kitchen but stayed out. Six people in the kitchen was a little much even though it was a decently sized kitchen.
“Yes. Maybe you should unclog your ears for once and spend more time with us. Then you might actually hear some news on time.” Aris said with s shake of her head. Theo only huffed and frowned some in response. It could feel a bit overwhelming being around a family that was so comfortable around one another. He wasn’t used to this at all.. Not even the Adepti would act like this. Humans were very strange creatures.
Theo only gave a wave to Xiao, at least the man seemed friendly enough. Xiao waved in return before he decided to give up on trying to understand them, turning back to his cutting and busied himself with that. He noticed how much better he felt now that he had met nearly everyone in the family and he hoped that Childe noticed it too. He didn’t feel like he was frowning quite as much.
The food was finished soon enough and everyone was called to the dining room. The younger siblings helped set up the table and the food was brought to the table after that. Xiao had to admit that the cooking was good when he finally got to eat. It was overwhelming to have so many people talking. It was mostly about either the fishing trip Theo and Childe’s dada went on and well.. Him.
The biggest relief in his mind was that they were allowed to go back to Ajax’s room and get ready for bed. Xiao didn’t want to talk anymore or at least he didn’t want family prying into everything they could. But at least they accepted him. It made things so much easier on him in so many ways. It was something he had been nervous about for a long time.
When they stepped into the room Xiao made a beeline for the bed and sat down. Childe let out a soft laugh and kissed the top of his head before moving his bag to the floor. “Tired?” He asked simply and smiled as he watched the Adeptus lay back on the bed before nodding.
“I don’t know if Adepti brush their teeth but I need to do that. I’ll be back in a bit.” Childe said and Xiao felt the others weight removed from the bed. He let himself enjoy the moment of peace before he got up and looked for his bag. He pulled out his pajamas and slipped them on. It was actually surprising how much his wardrobe had changed since he had met Childe. He would only wear the same thing but now he at least had enough so people wouldn’t notice he wore the same thing almost obsessively.
After doing that he went to the bed and slipped under the covers. He nearly fell asleep but kept trying to open his eyes so he could cuddle with Childe some. He at least didn’t have to wait too long, he was grateful for that much. It was even harder to keep his eyes open when he felt arms wrapping around him and Childe’s familiar warmth. Xiao nuzzled close to the other man and let out a sigh. Now he could sleep.
“Goodnight snowdrop.” He heard his boyfriend murmur softly before he finally allowed himself to drift off.