Chapter Text
***
He notices the change in her expression, his concern immediately aroused.
"What is it? Does it hurt? Are you uncomfortable?"
Guizhong doesn't speak, only covers her mouth.
He can see that she's trying to hold something back, and he immediately gets worried.
He gently touches her face, making her look at him. "What's wrong? Tell me."
Then suddenly within a flicker of a second, he watches as she gags, his heart suddenly filled with concern. He immediately sits up, his arms around her.
"Are you going to be sick? Do you feel nauseous?"
He holds her as she sits up, his arms wrapped around her. He can see that she's trying to suppress the feeling of nausea, but he knows it's no use.
"It's alright. Just let it out if you need to, don't try to hold it in."
He follows her to the bathroom, watching as she gags over the toilet.
"I'm here, it's okay…”
He says quietly, moving closer to her and rubbing her back as she gags. He stays right by her side as she vomits into the toilet, holding her hair back and continuing to rub her back.
He can see that she's in agony, but he tries his best to comfort her, hoping that his presence can provide some sort of solace in this uncomfortable moment.
"Are you okay? Are you just nauseous or dizzy too?”
He asks, his voice gentle but concerned. He doesn't like seeing her in such discomfort, and he's starting to worry that it's something more serious.
Zhongli catches her as she slumps against his chest, his arms wrapping around her as he holds her to him. He can feel the exhaustion in her body, and he can't help but worry that something is wrong.
"How do you feel?"
He asks, his voice filled with concern. He studies her face, trying to gauge her state through her expression.
"Nauseous..."
He tightens his arms around her, his worry increasing at her admission of nausea. "Do you feel like you're going to be sick again?"
He wants to know if she's feeling better or if she needs to sit by the toilet for longer
As soon as she nods, he nods again in acknowledgment.
"It's okay, just let it out if you need to."
He says as he rubs her back soothingly.
***
The next day, he enters the house and immediately notices that she looks a bit weak. His heart immediately fills with concern, and he rushes over to her side.
"Are you feeling alright? You look pale."
He says, his voice filled with worry as he gently touches her face.
She nods, “I haven't eaten since breakfast."
He immediately frowns at her words, his worry growing even more.
"You haven't eaten all day? You must be starving."
He says, his voice firm but gentle. He can't believe she hasn't eaten all day, especially after she was sick last night.
“I just don't feel like eating..”
Zhongli looks at her, his heart filling with even more concern at her words. Not only has she not eaten all day, but she also doesn't feel like eating. This is a cause for serious worry.
"Why don't you feel like eating? Are you still nauseous?"
She just nods, and he lets out a soft sigh, his hand gently caressing her cheek.
"You're still nauseous? But you haven't thrown up since last night, have you?"
He asks, trying to assess the situation.
This isn't like her, her lack of appetite and persistent nausea. It's worrying him more and more.
"I threw up again after I ate breakfast,"
He looks at her, surprise and worry filling his expression. "You threw up after breakfast too? That's not good at all. It's almost as if eating makes you sick."
He sits down next to her, his mind working to analyse the situation and come up with possibilities.
"How long have you been feeling like this? You haven't been eating properly for two days in a row, right?"
He watches her nod and thinks about an idea.
"Wait here. I'll be right back."
He says, his voice firm as he gets up from his seat. He has a plan in mind, and he's going to execute it now.
Maybe if he gets her something from her favourite place, she'd eat. But he needs to be careful to get something light and easy on her stomach.
"How about this? I'll go get some food from Chef Mao's restaurant. Maybe that will help your appetite."
She thinks, looking at the time. "It’s going to close in 30 minutes,”
He nods.
"Then I'll hurry. I'll get something for you and be back soon."
He says, his voice firm and determined as he stands up from his seat.
Before he make his way, she touches his arm.
“It's really fine.. no need to, it's a hassle."
He looks at her, his heart clenching at her words. He doesn't like seeing her like this, not eating and feeling sick.
But hearing her say it's not necessary only strengthens his resolve.
"No, it's alright. I want to do this for you. It's no trouble at all."
He looks down at her hand as she removes it from his arm. He can see the fatigue and weakness in her expression, and it only makes him more determined to take care of her.
"Don't worry. I'll be back soon."
He walks quickly through the streets of Liyue, his mind focused on the task ahead. He walks as fast as he can, determined to reach Chef Mao's restaurant before it closes.
Cutting through alleys and shortcuts, his feet moving as quickly as he can manage. He knows that time is of the essence, and he's determined to make it to the restaurant before it's too late.
He arrives at Chef Mao's restaurant and sees that it's still open. He feels a sense of relief, knowing that he made it in time to get her favourite food.
He knows that she loves minty meat rolls, and he intends to get some for her. He approaches the counter, ready to order.
Zhongli looks at the menu, scanning through the offerings carefully. When he sees the entry for minty meat rolls, he breathes a small sigh of relief, knowing that he's found what he came for.
He places an order for a few minty meat rolls, his voice firm and efficient. He doesn't waste any time, knowing that he needs to get back to her as soon as possible.
"Coming right up!"
Chef Mao looked at the order, and gave a cheery look. "Is it for Guizhong?"
He nods, affirming that the food is indeed for Guizhong. He's impressed that Chef Mao remembers, but he's not surprised.
"Yes, it's for her. She hasn't been feeling well and hasn't eaten much. I'm hoping these meat rolls will help her appetite."
He just respond with a smile as he prepares for the ingredients. "Of course, she always chose this whenever she’s here. This I remember.”
He smiles, touched by Chef Mao's words. It warms his heart to know that she always chooses her favorite food when they dine here together.
"She has good taste," he replies, a hint of pride in his voice.
He eyes the menu, and a thought occurs to him. If he's already here and ordering a favorite food for her, why not get something for himself as well?
His eyes fall on the bamboo shoot soup with milk, a special dish from Chef Mao's place. He remembers that it's one of his favorites, and he decides to order it for himself as well.
He adds the bamboo shoot soup with milk to his order, and gives Chef Mao a small, satisfied smile. He knows that he'll enjoy the meal just as much as she'll enjoy hers, and the thought fills him with anticipation.
Zhongli waits patiently at the counter, watching as Chef Mao prepares the dishes. It doesn't take long before the food is ready, and he can see the two dishes on the counter in front of him.
The minty meat rolls and the bamboo shoot soup with milk, both look delicious.
He thanks Chef Mao as he takes the food, paying for it and then making his way out of the restaurant. He holds the dishes carefully in his hands, walking as fast as he can while making sure not to drop them. All that's on his mind is getting back to her as soon as possible and seeing her eat something.
Finally, he arrive back at the house.
He opens the door and steps inside, the dishes still in his hands. He calls out to her.
"Guizhong, I'm back."
He sees her sitting there, looking a bit unwell and covering her mouth. His heart clenches in concern as he sets the food down on the table. He moves closer to her, his voice filled with worry.
"How are you feeling? Are you still nauseous?"
"Yeah," she just nods. "Thank you for picking up the food for me.”
He looks at her, his eyes gentle yet concerned.
"Of course. I wanted to make sure you had something to eat."
He gestures towards the table where the food is laid out. "Come, let's have something to eat. I hope it'll help with your nausea."
Guizhong nods, eyeing the two dishes on the table. "Did you buy one for yourself too?"
A slight smile on his face.
"Yes, I got something for myself as well. I thought we could eat together."
He gestures for her to sit down at the table, pulling out a chair for her to sit in.
“What did you buy for yourself?"
He takes a seat beside her and looks over the food.
"I got a bowl of bamboo shoot soup with milk. It's one of my favorites here at Chef Mao's."
Her mouth turned to an O shape and nods along. "You always love that dish."
He smiles, amused that she knows him so well. "Yes, I do. And you always love your minty meat rolls."
He pushes the food towards her, hoping she'll eat something.
“I never liked the bamboo soup. Do you remember when I tasted it and my face went funny?"
He chuckles, remembering that moment clearly. Her face scrunching up in disgust when she tried the soup for the first time.
"Oh, I remember. You couldn't hide how much you disliked it even if you tried."
She just laughs, and he grins, enjoying seeing her laugh.
"But you know, they say that taste buds change over time. Maybe you'll come to like it someday."
He teases.
"Maybe," she responds, "Or maybe not in a million years."
He laughs again, enjoying the lighthearted banter.
"Well, I won't give up hope just yet. Who knows what could happen in that time."
He watches her open the minty meat rolls, feeling a sense of satisfaction that she's going to eat something.
"There you go. You need to eat something to make sure you don't get too nauseous."
He watches her take a bite of the meat roll, his eyes studying her carefully. He sighs a small sigh of relief, seeing that she's eating and doesn't look as nauseous as before.
"Is the food helping with your nausea? Are you feeling any better?"
"I think-" that’s when she suddenly stops.
He leans forward slightly, a frown of concern on his face.
"What is it? Is something wrong? Are you feeling worse again?"
Zhongli’s frown deepens as he sees the frown on her face.
"Guizhong, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick again?"
He reaches out, he can see the discomfort and discomfort written all over her face, and he's worried that something else is wrong.
"Is it your stomach? Are you feeling nauseous again?"
"Doesn’t taste as good.”
He raises an eyebrow, surprised at her words. He knows that this is her favorite food, and she's never said something like that before.
"What do you mean? You usually love those meat rolls. What's wrong with them this time?"
"I don't know.." she says, looking a little disgusted. “Try it."
He looks at her, a bit puzzled but willing to understand. He takes hold of a meat roll and takes a bite. He chews thoughtfully, trying to figure out what might be different about the meat roll that she doesn't like.
But it tastes the same.. nothing weird, it's still good as ever.
He takes another bite, still thinking.
But the meat roll tastes the same as always - delicious and comforting. He shakes his head, puzzled.
"This tastes fine to me. I don't understand what's wrong with it. It's the same as always."
He looks at her, his eyes filled with concern. He wants to know why she's suddenly not liking her favorite food.
"Are you sure you're feeling alright? Is something else bothering you? This isn't like you."
She respond by shaking her head "I don't know. It tastes really weird for me."
He tilts his head slightly, puzzled by her words. He can't understand why she would suddenly find the taste of the meat rolls unpleasant.
"Weird how? Is it too spicy? Too sweet? Too sour?"
Guizhong just shrugs “I don't know.” she glances at his bamboo soup, "How is yours?"
He looks down at his bamboo shoot soup, taking a spoonful and tasting it. "It's good. The same as always."
He glances back at her, still puzzled by her reaction to the meat rolls. Somehow she looks interested.
He notices the look on her face, a hint of curiosity even though she's always despised his favorite dish. It surprises him, her expression at odds with her usual strong dislike.
"Do you.. want to try it?"
He is surprised at her response, but he doesn't hesitate. He pours a spoonful of the soup and offers it to her.
"Here, taste it."
Zhongli watches her take a sip, his eyes focused on her face. He sees her eyes widen in surprise, and he tilts his head to the side.
"What is it? Do you like it?"
She nods, "It’s really good."
He raises an eyebrow, completely baffled now. She's always hated the soup, so why is she liking it now?
"Really? You actually like it? But you always disliked it before."
“I know, it used to taste weird to me, but somehow this one is different.”
She thinks for a moment, “Is it a new recipe? Did he change it?"
He shakes his head, completely confused now
"No, it's the same as always. Chef Mao has been making this soup the same way for years. There haven't been any changes to the recipe."
"I really enjoyed it."
He looks at her, disbelief and confusion still evident in his expression. It's highly unusual for her to like something she used to hate, and he's completely bewildered by her newfound interest in his favorite dish.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it, but I'm still struggling to understand why you suddenly like it. It's like you've completely changed your taste overnight."
He can't understand what could have caused her taste preferences to change so suddenly.
"This is so strange. Just a couple months ago, you absolutely hated the soup, and now you can't get enough of it. And the meat rolls, your favorite food, suddenly taste weird to you."
"I don't know..”
He notices her eyeing his food once again, and he can't help but feel even more perplexed. He pushes the bowl of soup towards her.
"Why are you looking at my soup like that? Do you want more?"
“Yes.”
He obliges, preparing another spoonful of the soup and offering it to her
"Here you go. But this doesn't make any sense."
He watches her eat the spoonful of soup, his mind still racing to try and make sense of the situation.
"You're not going to tell me what's going on, are you?"
"I would, but I really don't know."
He sighs, accepting that she doesn't have any explanation for her sudden change in taste preferences.
"I suppose there's no point in discussing it further then. Just be mindful of how much soup you eat. You have to leave room for the meat rolls, your all-time favorite food."
"I don't want the meat rolls anymore.” she pushes it to him, “I feel nauseous by just looking at it.”
He's surprised to hear her say that. Never, in all the millennia he's known her, has she ever rejected the meat rolls.
"You.. don't want the meat rolls? But you've always loved them. They're your favorite food."
He studies her expression, noticing the hint of nausea on her face as she looks away from the meat rolls.
"I see.. I wonder what could be causing this sudden reaction."
Zhongli notices her turning away from the meat rolls, and an idea forms in his mind. He can't bear to see her repulsed by her own favorite food, and he doesn't want to see her force herself to eat something that makes her feel nauseous.
"Alright, let's switch then. I’ll eat the meat rolls, and you can have the soup."
"Really?"
He nods, offering her a small smile.
"Yes, really. I can tell that the meat rolls are making you feel sick, and I don't want you to force yourself to eat something you don't enjoy anymore. Besides, I don't mind having the meat rolls.”
“Yes, please! Thank you!”
He smiles, seeing the relief and gratitude in her eyes. "You're welcome, my love. I just want you to eat something that won't make you feel unwell."
He pushes the meat rolls away from her, taking them for himself instead. He passes his bowl of soup to her, watching as she takes her first spoonful.
"Here you go. Enjoy your soup."
***
As the days go on, he starts to notice a subtle change in her appearance.
Her breasts are becoming noticeably fuller, and he can't help but wonder if there's something causing this.
He looks at her, his eyes lingering on her chest for a few moments. "You seem to be.. growing in certain areas, my love," he says, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"What do you mean?"
He glances down at her chest and back up at her face, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
"Ah, let me clarify. I've noticed that your, chest is becoming more prominent. It's quite noticeable, really."
Guizhong looks down realizing that it’s true. “You're right. It is a bit fuller now."
He nods, still studying her chest appreciatingly when he hear her chuckles.
“I thought you always liked me flat."
He shrugs, a sly smile on his face, "True, I did always like you flat, but I can't deny that this change has its own appeal. I like them both ways, as long as they're yours."
He laughs along with her, enjoying the lighthearted moment, but his mind is still pondering the strange changes he's noticed in her.
"It's all quite odd, isn't it? One minute you're feeling nauseous at the sight of your favorite food, the next you're loving my dish and your chest is getting bigger. It's like someone cast a weird spell on you."
He raises an eyebrow, taking note of her words. "Peeing a lot, feeling fatigue, and now your chest is getting bigger.. Hmm. These symptoms sound familiar.”
He pauses, tapping his chin thoughtfully as he considers the possibilities, "Have you been experiencing any other unusual symptoms, my love? Anything at all, no matter how minor it may seem."
Guizhong thinks before responding, "Ah, my period hasn’t come. It’s only been 2 days late though."
His eyes widen as she mentions her missed period, and it suddenly clicks for him
"Wait.. your period is late? And you've been experiencing nausea, tiredness, frequent urination, and your chest is growing.. This is starting to sound like a case of pregnancy, Guizhong.”
She looks confused, “It can't be though?"
He looks back at her, his expression firm and certain now.
"Based on the signs you've been experiencing, I'm almost certain of it. Those are all common symptoms of early pregnancy."
"But you said dragons reincarnate?"
He nods, confirming her statement.
"Yes, that is true. But in this form, it's possible for me to procreate with a mortal in a more human way, just like any other man. And if that were to happen, the offspring would inherit characteristics from both my celestial dragon lineage and the mortal lineage of the mother, which is you.”
***
They enter the consultation room, where Dr. Baizhu, a tall, fair-skinned man with emerald green hair and yellow eyes, is sitting at his desk.
"Come in," he says.
They walk into the room, taking a seat in front of Dr. Baizhu's desk. Zhongli looks at the doctor, his hand gently holding Guizhong's.
"Good day, Dr. Baizhu. We're here because we suspect that my wife is pregnant. We took a few pregnancy tests, and the results were positive for two of them."
He immediately smiles, with that soft yet eery smile of his. "Congratulations, both of you! so, are you here to do a check up?"
"Yes, that's correct. We would like to confirm the pregnancy and ensure that everything is going well with the baby's development."
He nods, standing next to the bed. "Guizhong, lay down here please."
Guizhong nods and lies down on the examination table, her hand still squeezing Zhongli's. It's all very new for them.
Zhongli watches as the doctor uses some technology to scan her womb, his heart racing with anticipation. He can feel Guizhong's hand tightening its grip on his as they wait for the results.
"It seems like you're four weeks pregnant,"
Zhongli's eyes widen at the doctor's words, and he can feel a mixture of excitement and amazement wash over him.
"Four weeks pregnant.. That means the baby is progressing well?"
He nods, then he checks again to make sure, his eyes widen a bit. "Oh?"
Zhongli notices the doctor's reaction and the subtle widening of his eyes. He frowns slightly, worry creeping into his expression.
"Is something wrong, Dr. Baizhu?"
He looks at him, "It's babies."
His eyes widen in shock at the doctor's revelation. "Babies.. As in, plural? Are you saying there's more than one baby in her womb?"
Dr. Baizhu smiles, "Seems like you are going to have twins. Congratulations you two."
Zhongli is speechless for a moment as the news sinks in. He looks over at Guizhong laying on the examination table, who shares the same look of surprise and disbelief on her face.
"T-Twins.. We're having twins?"
He can hardly believe it, but at the same time, a wave of joy washes over him. He looks at the doctor again.
"Are the twins growing normally so far? Are there any potential risks or complications we should be aware of?"
He nods "Well, there will always be risks in every pregnancy."
Zhongli nods, understanding the doctor's words. "I see.. I guess we can't completely avoid any potential risks or complications. But, are there any unique risks or factors we should be aware of since it's twins, rather than a singleton pregnancy?"
Dr. Baizhu thinks for a moment, then he puts down his equipments. "It's not that what I'm worried for."
Zhongli raises an eyebrow, a sense of worry creeping into his expression.
"If it's not the usual risks or complications, what are you concerned about, Dr. Baizhu?"
"The fact that you're a God and Guizhong is now a mortal."
Zhongli's eyes widen as the doctor's words sink in. He hadn't considered that aspect, as his mind had been focused on the joy of impending parenthood.
"You're right. I had completely overlooked that factor. But.. what could go wrong because of our current circumstances?"
"You're not just a God, but an Archon. You still have enormous power. Guizhong used to be a Goddess, but she reincernated into a human."
He nods, understanding the doctor's point. "I suppose there could be some unforeseen complications or effects of combining our godly energy with her mortal body. Do you think we should be concerned about any potential harm to either her or the babies?"
"It's her that I'm afraid of." he says, not hiding anything. "And if she's affected, then the babies will be affected too."
"What do you mean, doctor? Are you saying that Guizhong's current condition as a mortal could pose a danger to her, or to the babies, because of our different energies?"
Dr. Baizhu thinks for a moment, "Have you been feeling any contractions, Guizhong?"
Guizhong hesitates for a moment before answering, "Actually, yes.. l've been having some mild contractions and cramping in my stomach recently. Is that a bad sign?"
He points out, "Could be."
"Given the fact that Guizhong has been experiencing contractions and cramping, these symptoms could indicate that her body is struggling to adapt to the combination of your energies and the pregnancy."
Zhongli's mind races with worry and concern. "Doctor, is there anything we can do to lower the risk or ensure that Guizhong and the babies will be safe throughout the pregnancy and birth?"
He shakes his head, "I'm afraid we'll just have to see.. especially since it's twins."
Zhongli nods, he looks at Guizhong, who looks worried and scared as well.
"I understand.. We'll have to monitor the situation closely and take all the necessary precautions to ensure her safety and the babies' wellbeing.
***
Guizhong notices Zhongli's quiet demeanor as they get home. She stops him and gently takes his hand, her voice soft and gentle.
"Zhongli, my love.. are you alright?"
He looks up at her, his expression still somber. "I.. I'm just worried, Guizhong. It's a lot to take in."
Guizhong nods, squeezing his hand gently
"I know.. I'm worried too. But we have each other, and we'll get through this together. We'll take things one step at a time, and we'll do everything we can to keep the babies and myself safe and healthy."
He nods, feeling reassured by her words. He takes her hand in both of his, holding it tightly.
"You're right, my love. We'll get through this together. I won't let anything happen to you or the babies. I promise you that. We'll do everything we can to ensure your safety and health, no matter the odds."
He smiles faintly as she kisses his knuckles. He brings her hand to his lips, gently kissing her palm.
"I love you, Guizhong. I'll do everything in my power to protect you and our family."