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From the very moment he stepped home, Zhongli could tell his mate was upset. His scent reeked of distress, which immediately triggered his own protective instincts. Even though he knew Ajax was more than capable to look after himself and their unborn children, he cared too much about them not to worry.
As he rushed inside in search of his beloved, countless scenarios ran through his mind. Had his mate gone into labor early? Had someone tried to take revenge on the Eleventh Harbinger while he was at his weakest? Had the Tsaritsa changed her mind and decided she wanted her Vanguard back, regardless of the contract they had established together?
His spear materialized in his hands and his dragon features appeared as Zhongli unconsciously readied himself for battle. However, as he barged into the bedroom he shared with his beloved, he found no foes that needed to be taken down. Only his mate.
The fox hybrid was curled up into a ball above the covers, his red ears flattened, looking absolutely miserable as tears trailed down his cheeks. Despite his pitiful state, Ajax kept rubbing his round belly soothingly, intent on reassuring and calming down the kits that were probably wriggling inside, rendered restless by his panic.
Zhongli couldn’t help it. He let out a low, anxious rumble, devastated by the sight in front of him. He couldn’t shake the idea that he had somehow failed him out of his thoughts, and it hurt worse than any injury he had received during the Archon War. What had transpired during his absence? What had managed to break down his bold, cheerful mate?
Slowly, he approached him, careful not to frighten him. His spear vanished again, since he had no immediate use for it. He sat down next to the bed, but refrained himself from touching the shivering fox before knowing what was wrong with him, even though he wished for nothing more but to hold him close.
“Ajax, my love, please look at me. What happened? Are you hurt?”
His mate glanced up at him and more tears gathered in his blue eyes, which only unnerved the consultant even further.
“Zhongli, I… I’m gonna be a horrible father!”
This time, Ajax straight up burst into sobs as he threw himself into his partners’ arms. Zhongli blinked a few times in confusion, to take in his mate’s words.
“Who convinced you of such nonsense? Speak their names, and I will not hesitate to tear them down to shreds on your behalf.” Zhongli growled threateningly.
Ajax’s ears perked up a little, just like they always did whenever the dragon hybrid showed him a glimpse of his true nature and strength. However, his mate was quick to withdraw onto himself again, to Zhongli’s increasing distress.
“You don’t understand.” He said, shaking his head. “It’s not like that.”
“Then please, share with me what troubles you so. You know I have made it my duty to always be there for you and to ease the worries of your heart.”
As he spoke, Zhongli took Ajax’s left hand in his and gently caressed the spot where a silver ring rested, an undeniable proof of their union. His mate let out a small sigh and buried his face against his shoulder, but ultimately decided to open up to him.
“I wanted… No, I needed to make a burrow. For the kits.” To emphasize his words, he dragged Zhongli’s hand to his swollen stomach. “It’s… It’s almost time now. They need somewhere safe to grow up in. I know they do, because my instincts won’t stop screaming about it. I went outside and… and I tried to dig a den for them, I swear I did, but… I freaked out. I know I shouldn’t have; I mean, I grew up in a burrow myself, didn’t I? It shouldn’t scare me. But to be below ground, and in the dark… It reminded me of the Abyss, and I… I just couldn’t do it. I’m so sorry, Xiansheng, you must think that I’m nothing but a failure of a mate, not even strong enough to look after my own litter…”
Zhongli’s eyes widened in concern as he finally understood what burdened his mate. It made his blood boil, to hear Ajax belittle himself in such a way. How could he believe himself weak, when so few would have survived what the tenacious fox had been through? However, Zhongli reined in his initial emotions, choosing to remain calm and patient instead so that he would not spook his pregnant mate. The last thing he wanted was to have Ajax believe he was mad at him.
“Do not say such things. Our kits are strong and healthy, I can feel it. You haven’t failed them, nor me, in any way, and you would not be so distraught if you did not put their wellbeing before all else. As for the den you mentioned, do not forget that you will not be raising our children alone. You may be the one bearing them, and for that I will forever be grateful, but they are my responsibility also.”
With that said, he put a hand on the wall that stood next to their bed, creating an opening through it thanks to his geo powers. As it crumbled apart, it revealed grey rocks that Zhongli started to mold to his will as well.
“I did not choose a place that stood right next to the mountainside for nothing. There is more than enough space here to host a cave for our youngs. I believe it will not be too different from the burrow you spoke of, and as half-dragons, they should thrive in it.”
As he explained his intentions, Zhongli continued to carve a den into the mountain. Veins of cor lapis lined its wall and lighted it up, making it just as bright as the room they were in. He only stopped once his creation was complete and ready to welcome his mate.
“Is this to your liking? It isn’t dark, and it is assuredly above ground.”
Behind his feigned confidence, Zhongli waited anxiously for the approval of his mate. If this wasn’t enough to put his worries at rest, he would reshape the mountain as many times as it would take to satisfy Ajax.
“That’s… That’s amazing, Xiansheng! You’re such a perfect mate! I love you so much!”
Ajax started wagging his tail happily, his previous anguish suddenly forgotten as he stared in awe at the safe haven Zhongli had crafted just for him and their kits. The consultant chuckled warmly as his mate covered his cheeks in kisses and tiny licks to express his joy. He could have spent hours like this, just holding him in his arms, but his partners had other ideas in mind.
“Hey, I know you already did most of the work, but… Do you think you could help me carry some blankets in there? We need to make that den comfortable for the kits.”
Ajax didn’t even wait for an answer and stood up from the bed. He was quick to gather all the covers in his arms and to drag them deep into the recently built cave, where he started to rearrange them into a comfortable nest. He struggled a little with it, since his belly kept getting in the way, but his dedication and enthusiasm more than made up for it.
Zhongli hurried to do his share by bringing him blankets as requested, as well as all kind of clothes made from soft fabric that he deemed of high-quality enough for their kits. Ajax rejected a few items, but the consultant did not mind: it was only natural that he would accept only the best for their youngs. Also, the happy chirps he let out whenever he received an item he deemed good enough to be added to his nest were enough to make Zhongli’s heart melt.
After a while, Ajax finally settled down among the blankets, thoroughly satisfied with the shape of his nest. Zhongli followed soon after, wrapping his arms around him and running his fingers through his fluffy ears as they cuddled together. His mate purred loudly to share how content he was and dragged Zhongli’s hand to his belly once more, just in time so he could feel one of their kits shift inside. Naturally, he teared up. How could he not, when being made even more aware of this little life they created together?
“Getting emotional, Xiansheng?” His mate teased him lightly.
“Quite obviously. I will never cease to marvel over how perfect our children are, nor will I ever thank you enough for carrying them.”
“By the way… I’m sorry, about earlier, for panicking so quickly. I know I made you worry.”
“You do not have to apologize. Such occurrences are to be expected during pregnancy, especially when you are concerned about the safety of our kits. I know you value strength, but you aren’t in the Abyss or in the Fatui anymore; you are allowed to show weakness and to call for help when you’re out of your depth. In those moments, it is my role to be there for you. I will not shy away from it; of that you can be assured. I have sworn to always cherish and support you when we exchanged our vows, and I have every intention to keep my word. We will learn how to care for our children, together. Is that alright with you?”
When Ajax started crying again, Zhongli feared he had messed up somehow, that he had accidentally awoken his mates’ insecurities anew. However, his smile and his elated scent told him otherwise.
“Yeah, it’s more than alright. Damn, do you have any idea how happy I am right now? You always make me feel so… loved.” Ajax whispered.
He nuzzled the consultant’s cheek and Zhongli responded in kind, which earned him even more purring.
“And I intend to continue doing so, for as long as you’ll have me as your mate.” The former Archon promised.
This time, Ajax remained silent, and Zhongli quickly understood why. He had fallen asleep in his arms, with a peaceful smile adorning his lips. Even in slumber, one of his hands stayed on his belly, as if to protect the children who rested there.
As gently as he could, the consultant moved his mate into a more comfortable position, careful not to wake him up. Bearing several kits had to be exhausting on his body, and he sure needed the rest.
“Sleep well, my love.” He murmured against his ear.
As for Zhongli, he remained awake, tenderly watching over Ajax, ready to protect him against non-existent threats. He had waited over 6000 years for this, for the chance to have a mate, a family. He would not let anyone or anything take it away from him.