Chapter Text
“I don’t think she likes me,” Zhongli noted with a hint of concern in his voice.
Lumine looked up sharply. She watched as her baby, her precious little girl, screwed her face up from her position in Zhongli’s arms. Lumine got to her feet and hurried as fast as she could over to Zhongli and her baby girl.
Elaine let out a small sniffle that Lumine knew from experience was the prelude to a crying meltdown.
Lumine carefully took Elaine from Zhongli. She moved back to the couch and gently sat down. She winced as she did so. Taking care of an infant was hard for anyone mortal or not. Lumine propped Elaine against her chest as she leaned back into the cushions.
Her golden eyes slipped closed against her will. The rattle of a teacup made them fly open. Lumine tried to cover a yawn. “I’m sorry Zhongli. I’m not the best at being a hostess right now.” Lumine wrapped an arm around Elaine and sat up. She cradled the two-month-old infant into her chest. Maybe an uncomfortable position will keep her awake.
“It’s quite alright, Lumine. You only just brought her into this world a couple of months ago. It’s only natural you would be exhausted. I can’t imagine that would be an easy task. Not to mention her crying at all hours of the night.” Zhongli reached for the pot of tea on the table. He poured himself more into his cup before pausing. “Allow me to make another pot of tea? I have something for you that might help.”
Lumine nodded towards the kitchen in the small one-bedroom apartment above Wanmin Restaurant that Chef Mao and Xiangling were nice enough to rent to her and Xiao. “Help yourself.”
Zhongli stood up and headed for the kitchen with the pot of tea and cups in his gloved hands.
Lumine hummed a song from her homeworld as she slowly rocked Elaine. Lumine watched the face of her daughter as she began the familiar song.
Elaine’s baby-soft hair was a shining blonde with teal tints to it. Her wide eyes were a mix of amber and gold that blinked up at her. When she yawned her toothless gums smacked together.
Lumine held out a finger and smiled when Elaine grabbed it and squeezed it tightly in her grip. “Oh, are you being mean to Zhongli Shūshu? He is really nice. There’s no need to be so fussy.” When Elaine closed her eyes and turned her face into Lumine’s chest, Lumine sighed. “It’s okay, sleepy girl. You can visit Zhongli Shūshu later.”
A smashing of dishes made her jump. Elaine’s eyes popped open and she started to cry.
Lumine hushed her and stood up. She was ready to scold whoever dared interrupt her daughter’s sleepiness. What she found made her pause.
A broken teapot and shattered cups were scattered across the floor. Puddles of hot tea were steaming on the rug and Zhongli’s shoes. Zhongli stood in the kitchen doorway with his usual calm look on his face. Lumine caught the tail end of what must have been a shocked expression.
“My apologies. You took me by surprise. I will clean this up and purchase you a new tea set and rug.” Zhongli headed back to the kitchen to presumably get a towel and broom to clean up the shards of ceramic and wet spots of tea.
“The broom is in the closet by the front door and towels are in the bathroom,” Lumine called over her shoulder. She sat back down on the couch. “It’s okay, Elaine. Shh. It’s alright. I know, he made a really loud noise. He’s going to fix it. What Zhongli Shūshu really means, though, is that he will get Uncle Childe to buy us a new tea set and rug. Remember when you go out with Zhongli Shūshu to always have at least thirty thousand mora on you.” Lumine murmured words to her daughter to calm her down.
Elaine slowly stopped sobbing. Her cries turned into sniffles.
Lumine followed the sounds of Zhongli around the house as he cleaned the mess on the floor and put away the items he used.
“I will be right back,” Zhongli promised before leaving the apartment through the front door.
Lumine was grateful for the quiet. It would help Elaine go to sleep. Lumine picked back up the song from before. She hummed at first before softly singing in her native language.
Elaine had just drifted off when Zhongli quietly came back. Lumine spotted him at the door and pressed a finger to her lips. She carried Elaine through the house and down the hall to the single bedroom where a basket sat as Elaine’s bed.
Lumine left the door open a crack before tiptoeing back to Zhongli. She sat down on the couch. “I’m sorry, Zhongli. Now that she’s down for a nap, we can talk. As long as we are quiet.”
Zhongli was oddly silent as he poured the tea into cups and handed her one. Lumine accepted it gratefully.
She was still exhausted from the many nights of getting up to care for Elaine. No matter how many small cat naps she got in, thirty minutes here and there didn’t count as adequate sleep. No amount of tea seemed to help.
So it was with slight trepidation, Lumine took a sip of the warm fragrant tea. She tried not to go instantly boneless into the couch. “This is perfect. Thanks, Zhongli.”
“Ah. It’s not much. It’s a special blend I made myself back during the war. Fighting even for gods was not a relaxing event. Even gods can feel soreness and exhaustion. This blend has a secret ingredient, you could say, that is targeted towards adepti and other immortals. I thought it might help.” Zhongli fell quiet after he spoke.
Lumine hummed and blew on the cup of tea to cool it enough for another sip. Zhongli cleared his throat awkwardly. Lumine raised a blonde eyebrow over the rim of her cup.
“I was meaning to tell you what exactly startled me earlier. I was… It’s just…” Zhongli set down his tea cup with a small clink of ceramic. “Zhongli Shūshu?”
Lumine bit her lip in worry. “I am saying that right, right? I’m sorry if I got the pronunciation wrong. Aether is much better than me at picking up languages. Xingqiu, Chongyun, and Xiangling are teaching me but I’m still learning and…”
Zhongli held up his hand to stop her nervous ramble. “Your pronunciation was perfect and it’s not the wrong word. I’m just confused about why you are saying it.”
Lumine took a deep breath in relief. That was a simple fix. “Well, that’s easy. Because you are her uncle. Xiao sees you as family and Xiao and I are together so that makes us family. I thought that was how it worked. His family is now our family? Would you prefer me to use something else?”
“No.” Zhongli paused for a moment. He picked back up his cup. “Shūshu is fine.”
Lumine grinned and took a sip of her tea. “Zhongli Shūshu it is.”
****
Lumine fell asleep on the couch. Whatever was in that tea Zhongli gave her knocked her right out. She woke a few hours later, in a panic. Where was Elaine? Why didn’t she hear her cry? That was her first thought.
Her second was that she was such a bad hostess. Lumine realized when she sat up sharply to see that Childe had shown up and Zhongli was now gone.
Elaine was sitting happily in Childe’s arms as the Snezhnayan whispered to her a story.
“Look, Zvezda, Mama is awake now. I will continue the story later.” Childe handed Elaine to Lumine when she held out her arms. “Good evening, Girlie. Zhongli had to leave. He gave his apologies and told me to tell you he left a few satchels of the tea on the counter.”
Lumine nodded her head in thanks. “I should probably start on dinner.”
“No need. Xiangling said she would bring something up in a little bit. I was just telling Elaine about a dangerous woman who beat me in a fight amidst piles of mora. Should I continue, Zvezda?” Childe wiggled his fingers at Elaine.
Lumine arched an eyebrow when Elaine gurgled and waved her tiny fist in the air.
Childe laughed delightedly. “She likes it. Can I hold her again?”
Lumine passed off Elaine to Childe. Childe stood up and began pacing around the main room, telling her daughter a heavily edited version of the fight in the Golden House three years ago.
Lumine leaned back on the couch and watched them. She was starting to get suspicious. In the past three days that Xiao had gone on an emergency trip, she had not been left alone. From Xingqiu and Chongyun in the mornings to Zhongli in the afternoons to Childe in the evenings and who knows who watches the place at night, Lumine had not had a moment to herself.
If she knew Xiao, and she did, she would think her partner had left behind a protection detail. She knew just who to ask to confirm her suspicions.
She enjoyed dinner with Childe before the harbinger left right before Elaine’s bedtime. She had a hunch she wanted to follow. She moved towards the window facing the street. Sure enough, when she peeked out the window after putting Elaine to bed she spotted a profile of horns and a familiar silhouette of curly hair perched across the street on top of the Adventure Guild’s building. Ganyu.
Lumine wasn’t quite mad yet. More like slightly irritated that Xiao didn’t think she could protect her and their daughter. She has had over a thousand years to hone her skills in all weapons, not just her sword.
Xiao would be back in two days, hopefully. She had until then to work out if Xiao did this or if this was just their friends banding together.
*****
The next morning, Lumine was up and ready before Xingqiu and Chongyun showed up. She had just fed Elaine and was setting her down into a basket by the hallway for her to rest in when she heard the playful banter of the two older teens on their way up the stairs.
Lumine called for them to come into her home. Xingqiu saluted her. Chongyun followed his lead.
“Good morning, Lumine Xiaojie. We brought some food for lunch later.” Chongyun held up a cloth bag bulging with things.
Lumine did the traditional Liyue greeting back. “Thank you, boys.”
“I brought something for Yángguāng. May I give it to her?” Xingqiu pulled out a stuffed tiger with soft fluffy fur from his bag. The tiger had a small fabric silver sword in its hand.
Yángguāng. She didn’t know what that meant or why Xingqiu called Elaine that. She had tried asking but Xingqiu deftly avoided her question. Chongyun and Xiangling wouldn’t say either. He only started calling that nickname for Elaine the first day he started coming over every morning. She would ask Xiao when he came back.
Speaking of them coming over in the morning… weren’t both boys around seventeen or eighteen? At that age, do you still have school?
Lumine brushed aside her worries for the moment and smiled warmly. “You may. Thank you, Xingqiu. She is in her basket by the couch.”
The blue-haired teen grinned and headed for the main room. Chongyun went towards the kitchen toting his bag of food.
Lumine followed him into the kitchen. “Chongyun?” Lumine leaned against the wall by the door. She crossed her arms over her chest and tried her best for a stern look. “ It has just occurred to me to ask. Don’t you two have school?”
“Sort of. Xingqiu is taught by tutors in his family home and I have been excused from classes in the morning for the week.” Chongyun pulled out cartons of food. He opened one and began putting some cuts of fish on a large platter in a familiar pattern.
“Are you making the dish Bountiful Year?” Lumine asked, surprised. She didn’t know Chongyun could cook.
“Yes. Xingqiu wanted some and he claims I make it the best. You don’t mind if I use your kitchen?” Chongyun held up a bunch of fresh vegetables. “These need to be cut.”
“Go ahead.” Lumine headed for the main room, where her baby was making happy noises.
Elaine was gurgling and holding onto Xingqiu’s fingers. The teen was waving his fingers in a dance.
“And soon, Yángguāng. I will show you how to read. I think you will like that. Books are adventures and stories are tales that can take you places. You can go all the way to Sumeru in the comforts of your home or you can travel in time to ancient Liyue and fight alongside other vision wielders.” Xingqiu looked up when he saw her. “Oh. Hi. I didn’t see you there, my liege.”
Lumine grinned “I’m sure Elaine will love to have you teach her to read one day, Xingqiu.”
“Elaine. That name is from Mondstadt. I’m not quite familiar with what it means.” Xingqiu went back to moving his hands when Elaine began to fuss.
“It means shining light. Xiao wanted something that represented her and when I saw her for the first time, the sun was shining and lit her up from behind. Elaine was a name Master Diluc mentioned once. He said it was important and I can’t remember why it was, but I thought it fit.” Lumine reached down and ran a hand through Elaine’s shimmering blonde and teal hair. “Now, I hate to play the no fun card but Chongyun told me you two have been neglecting school. I may not know exactly how schools work in this world but shouldn’t you two be close to finishing?”
“Yes. I have until this summer to finish all my classes. I have been a little preoccupied.” Xingqiu looked away from her. His shoulders were hunched a little sheepishly.
“Come on then. While Chongyun is making some food, you can get set up at the table. Did you bring your work?” Lumine leaned down and picked up Elaine, settling her against her side.
“Yes.” Xingqiu grabbed his bag and carried it to the table.
Soon, Lumine was supervising the two teens as they finished their assignments. She couldn’t help with much, considering she wasn’t native to this world, but she could help with things like math. That was pretty much universal to all worlds. Chongyun was great with math. Xingqiu needed a little help. Chongyun was struggling with a world history class. A class that Xingqiu just happened to be excellent in.
They complimented each other perfectly. Even their visions made a pretty powerful reaction when used together.
Lumine took care of Elaine and helped the two boys as much as she could. They had lunch together and then the boys said their goodbyes. They were heading off to their afternoon classes.
Between the time when Xingqiu and Chongyun left and Zhongli was set to arrive, Lumine noted the things she needed to buy and began getting Elaine ready to go.
It was nearly Spring in Liyue Harbor and the wind was still a little strong and cold sometimes. Even though the sun shone, it was still a little chilly with the air of the harbor.
Lumine bundled up Elaine in a soft-knitted green hat and sweater that Madam Ping gave her. She wrapped Elaine up in the quilted blanket that Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper made. She then tucked her into the front harness that Cloud Retainer put together. With Elaine snugly wrapped and ready to go, Lumine waited about fifteen minutes for Zhongli. He didn’t show up. So she got herself ready and headed out of the apartment for what felt like the first time in days. She had her bags to hold her shopping hanging from her left forearm.
Lumine carefully walked down the steps leading from the top floor to the ground floor of the restaurant. One arm was wrapped around Elaine, despite the fact that she was securely strapped to her chest.
Once she was at the bottom of the steps, Xiangling spotted her. The famous chef shot her worried looks from across the crowded room. Lumine was sure she would have come over if not for the fact she was watching a huge pot of boiling jade parcels. That was a delicate dish to make.
Lumine quietly snuck out the front past the line of people and started for the market down by the harbor. She wanted some shrimp and rice soup but she wanted to put her own homeworld twist on it.
She was sure Teyvat didn’t have bay leaves but she could manage. Violetgrass leaves had a similar taste. It shouldn’t be too hard to find some in the Harbor. If she couldn’t find any, she has some spare Mora and can buy some from the Adventure Guild.
Lumine traveled through the streets heading for the fish stalls first. She needed to get some while supplies lasted. Sometimes they sold out closer to nightfall. She was sure Childe would like to have some of her homeworld-style food. He was an adventurous eater.
Lumine breathed in the fresh salty sea air. It was so good to be outside. She felt like a penned animal staying in her home all the time. The sun was giving some warmth and a cool breeze was blowing in from the ocean. It was a beautiful day with no clouds in the blue sky above the city tucked next to the harbor.
Lumine was browsing the shrimp at a stall when a body nearly collided with her. Hands caught her from stumbling into the table of seafood. Someone close by panted for breath.
“I found you.” Zhongli released her and placed his hands on his knees as he gasped for air. “I have been looking all over Liyue Harbor for you and almost thought you left the city. I was about to go searching outside the harbor when Childe said he saw you down by the market. Xiangling was worried because she saw you leave but didn’t see what way you went. I’m glad I found you safe and in the harbor. I fear what X-. I fear what would have happened should you or Elaine be harmed.”
Lumine clenched her teeth together in mild irritation. So Xiao did plan this. She and Xiao needed to talk when he got home. That would have to wait. He wasn’t here at the moment so there was nothing for her to do now except shop for her dinner.
“I’m alright Zhongli. I just needed some fresh air and to go shopping for dinner.” Lumine waved the empty bags in her hand at him.
“Allow me.” Zhongli swiftly took the empty cloth bags and gestured at the stall with a queasy look. “You were shopping for some fish?”
“Shrimp actually.” Lumine turned back to the stall and hastily chose some shrimp. Enough for two with some leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Zhongli accepted the wrapped package with a grimace and tucked it into the bag in his hand. Lumine paid the proper amount of mora and then they headed inland to the general store for some onions, tomatoes, rice, and leafy greens.
Halfway to Dongshen’s shop Second Life, Elaine began to get fussy. Lumine checked to see if she was cold, but her temperature felt normal on her hand. Lumine then thought she was hungry and pushed forward to go home. She could always send Childe or Zhongli out later for the rest of the ingredients.
“The store is this way, Lumine.” Zhongli motioned to the left.
“I know but Elaine is hungry and I need to get home. I can come back later.” She turned right to head for her home. Zhongli followed behind her.
Lumine paused when she was outside Wanmin Restaurant. “Zhongli, do you think you can somehow get a message to Childe before he stops in for his shift?”
Zhongli made a short wheeze and cough. “Pardon?”
Lumine leveled Zhongli with a flat look and stepped aside for a cart to pass. “Yes. Shift. I’m not unaware of what Xiao has done by having everyone watch me. Believe me, he and I will be talking about that. But I still need several ingredients and usually, Elaine goes to sleep after her meal so I can’t go back out.”
“Yes. If you write a list I will have it delivered to Childe.” Zhongli motioned for the stairs. “Should we go up? I think Miss Elaine is going to scream.”
Lumine looked down. Sure enough, Elaine’s face was scrunching up. Her baby was gearing up for a scream that would definitely draw attention to them. Lumine walked upstairs and opened her front door. She unbundled Elaine and headed for the bedroom to feed her. “ Can you put the shrimp in the cooler for me? Please Zhongli?”
Lumine fed and changed Elaine before laying the sleepy baby down in her basket. She stroked the small head full of blonde and teal curls. “Get some sleep, little love. Dad will be back soon.” Lumine watched as golden amber eyes slowly blinked shut. Lumine quietly left the room.
*****
The next morning when Chongyun and Xingqiu showed up, Lumine made sure they did their homework and make-up classes before settling down with Elaine and the two boys in chairs.
Lumine slowly rocked Elaine while the two boys chatted together at the table over piles of books and stacks of papers. Her mind was far away, worlds away, on her brother. After they saved him from the Abyss, he wanted to leave. Lumine couldn't abandon the family she made here. Aether left for the stars and Lumine stayed behind here in Teyvat. One day they will meet again when Aether is ready to face this world.
“My liege?” Xingqiu’s voice brought her back to Teyvat.
Lumine looked over at the two boys sitting on the cushions at her low table. “Yes, Xingqiu?”
“You are from another world, yes?” Xingqiu looked at her eagerly. He propped his chin in his hands. “Do you have any stories from your world? I feel like I have read everything in Teyvat.”
Chongyun scoffed. “That’s impossible. There are millions of books in Teyvat. Several thousand in Sumeru alone and several more thousand in Liyue that you can read. You are just picky about what you read.”
“I am not picky. I just have a certain taste in what I want to read.” Xingqiu crossed his arms and looked away from Chongyun.
“Uh-huh. Picky.” Chongyun smiled and prodded a dejected Xingqiu in his ribs. “I’m just teasing, Xingqiu.”
Lumine laughed at their banter. “Yes. I know a few stories. Let me think…” Lumine began to tell the two teens about heroes who did amazing feats, defeating strange monsters, saving towns, and being good people. She left out how a lot of those heroes died young. No one needed a tragic story today.
When lunchtime came around, Lumine brought out her soup from last night. She explained it was a twist on some food from her homeworld. She tried her best but Aether was always the better cook between the two of them. Better at languages, better cook. Lumine was the better strategist and the better fighter.
That gave her an idea…
Lumine saw the two boys out for the last time in the morning. Xiao was supposed to be back tonight.
Zhongli appeared and was thankful she already had lunch. The afternoon was spent with tea and stories. Childe showed up briefly only to say Xiao had sent word and was due back in an hour. Childe left her and Elaine alone saying he would be downstairs eating his dinner if they needed him.
Lumine sat up waiting for her partner to come home.
Oh, how she hated this—staying behind while he went out to fight a rumored demon uprising near the border of Sumeru and Liyue. She knew they had a daughter that needed to be protected. Someone had to stay with her. She was a mom now and had someone who needed her more than she urged for battle. Xiao was much better at fighting demons than she was.
Elaine smiled up at her with a toothless gummy grin. Lumine ran her hand through her daughter’s hair. She loved Xiao. She really did. She wouldn’t ruin his homecoming by bringing his protection detail up tonight. She would wait a few days and let him feel welcome back into their home.
******
Lumine was dozing on the couch with Elaine when the door creaked open. Lumine sat up silently. “Xiao?” She covered her yawn with a hand over her mouth. “Is that you?”
Someone moved into the room. Lumine tensed and was about to summon her sword. She relaxed when she heard the familiar voice of Xiao.
“Lumine. I’m back and unharmed.” Xiao leaned down and kissed her head. He held out a hand to hover over the sleeping infant in her arms. “How… how is she?”
Lumine smiled up at her partner. She leaned into Xiao’s chest. “Xiao. I’m happy you are alright.”
Xiao hummed softly in response to her affection. “Elaine. Is she okay? Are you both okay?”
“We are fine Xiao. Do you want to hold her?” Lumine offered Elaine to her dad.
Xiao didn’t take her. “I should clean up. I’m dirty from the trip.”
Lumine nodded her head. “Okay. A little dirt and dust won’t hurt her but if you want to you can clean up. I’m just going to get ready for bed.” Lumine kissed Xiao’s cheek. “I’m happy you are back.”
Lumine headed for the bedroom to lay down Elaine in her basket. The little girl was asleep in her mom’s arms, oblivious to the fact her dad was home. The next morning, she will be in for a surprise.
Lumine made sure Elaine was covered properly before getting into her own nightclothes. She entered the bathroom to brush her teeth. Steam from the shower filled the small room. Lumine quickly did what she needed to do before leaving to rest in bed.
Five minutes later, Xiao came into the room. He put his dirty towel in the basket set aside for the laundry and moved to the chair by the window.
“It’s late. Get some sleep. I’ll watch over you.” Xiao whispered softly. His gaze was far away and troubled.
Lumine yawned and propped herself up in bed. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not tonight,” Xiao murmured. “Go to sleep. I need some time to unwind. We can talk tomorrow.”
Lumine nodded and sunk down into the soft mattress and sheets. She fumbled for the blanket and tried to pull it up over her shoulders. A warm calloused hand covered hers before untucking the blanket from the corner of the bed. Xiao pulled the blanket up over her body.
“Love you, Xiao,” Lumine mumbled, closing her eyes. “G’night.”
“Sleep well, Lumine. I love you too, my Guāng.” Xiao brushed his hand over her cheek.
Lumine sighed softly and the sensation of a hand running through her hair was the last thing she remembered that night.