Klee And Jean Short Comic (with A Weird Grown-up). If You’re Reposting Please Give Me A Credit, Thanks. 

Kamera day 3: ft. the red creatures (?)

“new arrivals” (chilumi oneshot)

Lumine and Childe anticipate the birth of their baby. As always, the two of them never have a moment of peace, and unexpected events arise, throwing everything in danger’s way.

//

hey friends! long time no see :p

i’ve finished my fic “the president and the troublemaker” so i’m back to writing one shots for a bit. if you haven’t read it yet, check it out on my profile :D

this oneshot is in response to this ask i received c:

[Fic Masterlist] // [AO3 Link]

* * *

“new arrivals”

Lumine hated Childe. Well, she hated Childe sometimes. She loved him, she really did, but in this moment, she hated him.

“Just because I am pregnant, doesn’t mean I can’t walk,” she nearly growled at him.

With a sheepish smile, Childe removed his hands from her arms. “Sorry, sorry. Your waddling makes me nervous.”

Lumine scoffed. “Of course I have to waddle.” She patted her swollen belly. “How else can I get around with this thing in me?”

Almost as if in retaliation, Lumine felt a kick inside her—don’t call me ‘thing.’

Instantly, Childe’s hand were resting on her bump, eagerly awaiting their baby’s movements. It truly amazed Lumine at how natural Childe’s paternal instincts were.

Their weekly spars had turned into nightly meetings, and nightly meetings had turned into...Well. Their current situation. It hadn’t been planned, obviously, it had just happened.

It had taken Lumine a whole week of nauseous morning after nauseous morning before Childe finally convinced her to visit Bubu Pharmacy where they both received the shock of their lives. Baizhu had been very compassionate, ensuring the confidentiality of the pregnancy as they left.

Childe had been the first one to get over the shock. For Childe, who had spent his life surrounded by family and younger siblings, he had easily grown accustomed to the idea of his own family—especially one with Lumine.

Lumine, on the other hand, took much, much longer. She hadn’t ever given it a thought: her own family?

She was on a quest to find her brother, of course. To regain her powers, defeat the Unknown God, and leave this world with Aether. She couldn’t just settle down and start a family.

Weeks passed, Lumine’s stomach growing, as she slipped into a dark place, thoughts of failure filling her mind—I’m never going to leave now.

Childe had spent all of his time, taking care of Lumine as she looked after herself less and less. Slowly, he was giving up his duties as a Harbinger; the Tsaritsa and his comrades were growing suspicious. Childe knew if they found out, it would only end in violence. A child between one of their strongest Harbingers and the all-powerful Outlander? They would surely want it as a pawn on their side, if they weren’t going to kill it first.

Childe found them a tiny cottage secluded in the vast mountain ranges of Liyue, with help from Zhongli, who was, of course, the most familiar with the lay of the land. He practically had to carry Lumine there, who was still deep in her depressive state, who spent her days laying in bed, staring blankly at the walls of her inn room, unwilling to move.

Once they were in the cottage, Childe again took care of her as she continued to contemplate her fate, unmoving; he made sure she ate, he cleaned her, and was always there to hold her at night, telling her that he would be with her no matter what she decided to do.

Her love for him only deepened as she saw how selflessly he helped her, how loyal he was. Because of him and his love and devotion, she slowly came to terms with their situation.

The more she thought about it, the more she wanted this life: some secluded home in the mountains with Childe and a bouncing baby on her hip. A slow, peaceful life; it would be such a luxury from what her life was before. But, there was always that pang of guilt that settled in the back of her throat: the anxious thoughts that she was abandoning Aether, her twin brother, for this.

And perhaps it was that guilt that blocked Lumine from having any real connection with the life growing inside her. She hadn’t envisioned whether it would be a son or daughter, whether it would have her hair or Childe’s eyes—she hadn’t even thought of a name. Thinking of this baby only drew up a blank slate, a missing void.

Now nearing the end of her pregnancy, she felt a lot of movement inside. She knew that those moments were supposed to be special, that mothers cherished those feelings, but Lumine’s body registered them more as just...foreign movements.

There was also the fear. The fear of not being able to be a mother in the first place. She envied Childe and his ease with parenthood: knowing all the things to prepare, the foods she should be eating, the first lessons to teach. Lumine had no clue what to say or do.

She and Aether had been abandoned, left to fend for themselves, from a very young age. She never had a solid parental figure in her life.

How am I ever going to be a good mother?

A soft touch to her cheek pulled Lumine from her ruminations.

Childe gave her a smile. “Need anything, Lumi?”

Lumine put her hand over his. “Hm, I am a bit hungry,” she said.

A light chuckle. “How about some sticky honey roast?” His hand slid down from her cheek, his thumb on the corner of her lips. “You’re drooling already.”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “Shouldn’t you be hurrying up then?”

Childe laughed, then kissed her forehead. “I’ll come get you when it’s ready,” he told her, exiting to the kitchen.

Lumine turned, looking out the open window, into their little garden. The earthly scent wafted through the window, the warm sunshine adding an extra tang to the air. Through the window she counted the growing vegetables, taking note of those ready to harvest.

Humming quietly to herself, she made her way to the kitchen, standing in the doorway to watch Childe flutter about the room, pulling various pots, pans, and utensils out from the shelves.

Archons, he was going to be such a good father.

!!!

There was another movement in her womb, this time sharper, a bit more painful. She let out a tiny gasp.

Childe turned, and immediately went to her, brows furrowed. “You okay?”

“Yes,” she sighed. “There’s been a lot of movement lately.”

There was a long pause before Childe spoke. “Must mean it’s nearly time.”

She locked eyes with him. “Already?”

He reached out and soothed out her hair. “Hey, no worries. I will be right here with you—always.” He smiled softly. “We’ll get through it together.”

Lumine nodded, her throat drying. “I’ll be in the garden for a bit.”

“Okay. Can you get some carrots while you’re there? We’re running a bit low.”

She nodded again, leaving the house while Childe returned to his preparations.

She walked through the tall grass, pushing open the wooden fence leading into the garden, her slippers thudding quietly against the little cobblestone path. Finding the patch of carrots, she slowly knelt down, beginning to pull the orange vegetables from the earth.

Birds tweeted, insects chirped, and Lumine again found herself in the vortex of anxiety as she thought about the coming days. Any day from now, she was going to birth a whole new life into the world—a tiny, little, helpless life she was going to have to raise, look after. Can I do it?

She shook her head.

She had helped countless lives, people of all ages and backgrounds, during her time in Teyvat. She had even formed special bonds with so many of them, this child being a result of one of those special bonds. So, surely she would find her way to loving this new life, to caring for it with all her heart, right?

And she would still search for Aether. Aether wouldn’t be angry. He would love a niece or nephew to look after. She was sure her child would love their uncle right back. So, she would have to find Aether for her child and—

BZZT.

Lumine blinked. Was that a bug?

“Found you.”

Lumine looked over her shoulder, finding a familiar blue-haired boy standing behind her. Scaramouche.

“What an annoyance it’s been looking for you,” he said, the ball of electricity crackling dangerously in his hand.

Anxiety pooled into Lumine’s veins. She wouldn’t be able to fight him, not like this. I can’t even stand up quickly right now.

!!!

Another painful movement ripped through Lumine’s body. She bit the side of her cheek in to keep quiet in front of Scaramouche.

“Not going to say anything?” he taunted, taking steps closer to her. “Not even going to raise your weapon at me?”

She dug her nails into the dirt, trying to make the pain go away.

“C’mon. What happened to the almighty Outlander?” His voice continued to drop in annoyance. Lumine could feel the electricity sparking directly behind her now.

“What do you want?” she strained out.

A sardonic laugh rippled through the air as he yanked her up by her hair.

“What I’ve been ordered to do.” He brought the electricity closer to her throat. “To kill—”

He froze, tiny flickers of Electro energy pricking Lumine’s skin. He let her go, stepping around her as she collapsed back onto the ground.

“How...interesting,” he breathed, eyes cast down at Lumine’s pregnant body. “So this is why you’ve hid all this time.” His eyes twitched, calculating what to do with the new information.

Lumine rubbed at her neck. “Are you still going to kill me? Or take me back to your Tsaritsa?”

“Who’s the father?” Violet-blue eyes met amber. “Don’t tell me…” He let out a cynical laugh, eyes growing wide with hysteria. “That idiot? Of course! Why didn’t we see it before? The two of you did disappear around the same time…”

He leaned down, bringing the Electro energy back near Lumine’s face. “Tartaglia’s nearby, isn’t he?”

Lumine glared at him. I can just pull my sword out right now. He was close enough for her to throw a quick jab at. Maybe she could disarm him and get away.

It had been so long since she had last fought, since she last materialized her sword. It was going to take some time to do it.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she finally answered. She focused her energy to her palm, searching through the void for her weapon.

“Playing dumb’s not going to work.” There was a surge of power through the ball of electricity. “You should just tell me before I kill you and find out for myself.”

“You don’t even want the child? You’re just going to kill a potentially powerful weapon?” she tried to bargain. She needed more time. She could feel her sword’s particles slowly returning to her.

Scaramouche paused for a brief second to consider. “Sounds like a liability.” He glanced up at the sky. “The Tsaritsa has all she needs. I’d rather not run the risk of another filthy betrayer.”

SHING!

Lumine’s sword appeared in her hand.

Without hesitation, she stabbed up at Scaramouche, forcing all the elemental energy in her body through the weapon.

Anemo and Geo energy struck the Harbinger in his chest, sending him flying across the garden.

Lumine struggled to stand, stumbling her way back to the house, energy already quickly draining from her heavy body. She glanced back at Scaramouche.

He was standing up, his eyes twitching with rage. “You—” He launched an Electro attack directly at her.

She raised her hand, trying to charge her counter attack as fast as she could.

I can’t get it in time—!

A shield of Hydro formed in front of her, dissipating Scaramouche’s attack.

Relief washed over Lumine as she turned around. Childe—

“Mona?!” she blurted.

The twin-tailed astrologist gave her a small smile. “Didn’t expect to see you here,” she said. Her eyes flickered to Lumine’s belly. “And with child?”

“What are you doing here?!”

Mona threw up a Hydro shield as Scaramouche fired another sphere of Electro.

“The Hydro witch again,” he snarled. “You’re really getting on my nerves.”

Scaramouche charged an arc of lightning straight at them.

Mona casted a large bubble of water to surround them, wincing as the lightning collided with the shield, burning sparks deflecting all over.

The lightning didn’t disappear upon collision, instead continuously barraging against the water. Mona closed her eyes in concentration, brows furrowing with each passing second.

Scaramouche twisted his arm, amping the lightning with more energy, the Electro glow brightening.

CRACK!

Mona let out a sharp gasp; a fine line had splintered in the bubble.

Lumine raised her hands, straining her muscles, and mustering any energy in her body to charge a barrier of her own to help her friend.

!!!

She groaned as she collapsed back onto her knees, a horrible, throbbing pain rippling through her abdomen. Her eyes widened, feeling water trickle down the side of her leg.

No, no, no...not now!

“Lumine!” Mona breathed out. “What’s wrong?”

The blonde cried out as her body underwent another contraction. “I—the baby…,” was all she managed to get out before letting out another cry of pain. The baby is coming!

Mona cursed, another line fracturing in her shield.

“It’s over!” Scaramouche yelled. “There’s no use delaying your deaths!”

A smattering of blue Hydro energy rushed past the women, heading directly for the Harbinger. Just as quickly, Scaramouche withdrew his arc of lightning at Mona and Lumine, blocking the oncoming attack.

Childe locked his daggers with Scaramouche’s Electro shield. His face was twisted in a snarl, a dark, evil expression Lumine had never seen before.

“I’m going to kill you,” he said to Scaramouche, voice gravelly, but plain, as if it were just a simple fact being stated.

The blue-haired boy barked out a laugh. “You can’t. You were always the weakest one of us all.”

Childe mimicked the laughter. “I never did like you, Scaramouche.” His ocean eyes narrowed. “I’m going to enjoy this.”

There was an explosion of Hydro, engulfing the two Harbingers. The two struck each other with ultimate speed and precision, only brief glimpses of their fight visible, disembodied clashes of weapons and elements.

Mona let down her own barrier, short of breath, and knelt next to Lumine.

“I’ll teleport us out of here—to safety,” she said.

Lumine reached out, grasping onto her friend’s arm. “No,” she heaved. “Not...without him.” She looked up, eyes tracking Childe. I’m not going to leave you.

“The father?” the mage asked. She worried her lip as she stared ahead, lost in thought. Then, “Wait here,” she said.

The witch shimmered into thin air with a torrent of water, reappearing next to Childe. Both Scaramouche and Childe immediately turned their weapons at her, which she deflected.

She leapt and grabbed Childe by the shoulder, disappearing yet again, rematerializing next to Lumine. Childe and Scaramouche both let out curses as Mona grabbed Lumine’s arm.

WHOOSH!

Lumine blinked, and the three of them were in a thick forest: a distance aways from where they were before.

Mona cried out as Childe knocked her to the ground, foot pinning her arm, dagger at her face.

“Who are you?” he growled.

“Friend!” Lumine croaked out. “She’s my friend!”

Childe turned towards Lumine. He released his weapons, rushing to Lumine’s side. “Are you hurt?” he asked, gently examining her.

“It’s coming,” Lumine whispered.

She felt his muscles tense against her. “Right now?” Upon her nod, he clenched his jaw. He turned back to Mona. “Do you know anything about childbirth?”

Mona glared at him slightly, rubbing at her bruised arm. “No. I’m an astrologist, not a doctor.”

Childe returned the expression. “Could you get us to Liyue Harbor? To BuBu Pharmacy?”

A shake of the head. “It takes a lot of energy to teleport. I won’t be able to do it for a while, unfortunately.”

!!!

Another contraction pulsed through Lumine’s body. “Now,” she groaned. “It has to be now.” It’s coming, it’s coming, it’s coming. Tears gathered in her eyes, from the pain, from the fear barraging her mind.

“Okay, okay,” Childe said, tender. He stroked Lumine’s hair. “You’re going to have the baby right here, okay?”

He yanked off his jacket, laying it under Lumine. He motioned at Mona. “You are going to have to hold her leg.”

Mona came to Lumine’s side, face slightly pale, then took off her cape and folded it into a makeshift pillow under the blonde’s head. “You’re a doctor?”

Childe shook his head. His face was taut. “Lots of younger siblings. I’ve seen my mother deliver before.” He grabbed Lumine’s hand softly. “It’s mostly going to be you from here,” he said. He squeezed her hand. “And I know you’re going to do great. Like you always do.”

I can’t.

All her battles combined didn’t come close to the excruciating pain radiating throughout her body now. Her mind was fleeting, blurred—all of her previous anxieties crashing back; she was senseless, she couldn’t fight them off.

“I can’t,” she finally whispered. “I can’t do this; I can’t be a mother.”

Childe tucked her hair back, leaning in close, lips nestled on her forehead. “There is absolutely no one in this world that compares to you,” he whispered back. “It’s terrifying, I know, but if there’s anyone that can be an amazing mother, it’s you.”

“How do you know?”

“I’ve seen you defeat armies of men, monsters, and gods—”

“Childe, that’s different—”

“—and I’ve seen how brilliantly resilient you are. You would stop at nothing for those you love.”

“Ahem,” Mona coughed awkwardly.

Lumine and Childe looked at her.

She looked away, bashful. “You have this strange ability to have patience, and to care for everyone,” Mona said. “Even when they’re difficult and stubborn...like me.” She finally looked back at Lumine. “I think...I think anyone would be lucky to have you as their mother, Lumine.”

Lumine sniffled loudly. “Mona…”

“Now, now,” the mage interrupted. “Let’s get this on the way. I suppose being an aunt would be fun…”

“She’s right,” Childe added. “I thank the stars everyday that I’m going to be able to love and cherish this child with you. There’s no one else that could ever come close to you, Lumi.”

Tears fully rained from Lumine’s eyes. Slowly, she began to nod.

They were right. She knew herself more than capable. And she wasn’t going to be alone. Even with her fears, she had her loved ones there to support her. Together, they would be strong enough for anything.

I...I can do this.

“Thank you, both,” she breathed. She reached out, putting her hand in Childe’s. “I love you.”

He smiled at her. “I love you too.” He kissed her before kneeling by her feet.

“Deep breathes,” Childe told her. “Then push, okay?”

She nodded, taking in a lungful of air.

Breathe, Lumine, breathe.

Breathe.

PUSH.

Lumine let out a sharp cry, pushing with every ounce of strength left in her body, nerves excruciatingly igniting all over. The trees swayed as the wind picked up around the three.

Pleasepleaseplease—

“Lumine,” Mona murmured, glancing up at the leaves. “Your energy is leaking out.”

Lumine stopped pushing for a second, forehead slick with sweat. “Wha-What does that mean?”

Mona pointed at swirls of Anemo energy forming above, leaves and branches beginning to snap off. “It may very well mean you might level this entire forest.”

Oh no… “I-I can’t control it right now,” Lumine said.

“Can you form a seal of some sort?” Childe asked.

The astrologist bit her lip. “I can certainly try.” She grabbed Lumine’s hand then nodded.

Taking in another deep breath, Lumine started pushing again. Both her and Mona winced as Lumine squeezed their hands together. A blue glow emitted lightly from her body—Mona’s magic—and she felt her elemental energy rattling in her veins.

“You’re doing great, Lumi,” Childe said over her panting. “You’re almost there.”

Almost...there!

Lumine screamed as she felt a final wave of pain, and the intense release of pressure.

Then, a cry.

Not hers, however. The pitched wailing of a baby.

She relaxed back, just listening to the crying as Childe and Mona shuffled around, checking on the baby.

It’s here.

She looked down at her feet where Childe was wrapping the baby in his gray jacket. He was smiling, his blue eyes blissfully aglow.

He carried the bundle to Lumine. “A son,” he told her. The baby was placed in her arms.

For the first time ever, Lumine looked down at her son.

My son.

“He’s so small,” she said, smoothing down his head of light hair. She held him close to her heart, and the crying quieted down. His tiny eyes opened, bleary blue hues taking in the world.

Her heart ached as it swelled with overwhelming emotion. Seeing this tiny creature, this life she carried for many months—a product of her and Childe’s love and passion—she knew she already loved him, that yes, she would give her all to protect him: her new family.

Childe wrapped his arms around her shoulders, looking down at their son as well. “You did it,” he murmured, kissing her forehead.

“Congratulations,” Mona said. “The battle isn’t over quite yet.”

Lumine looked up at her friend. “What do you mean?”

Mona raised a brow. “There is another child, isn’t there?”

…

What?

Both Lumine and Childe stared at the astrologist blankly.

“How do you know?” Childe asked.

“Oh, Archons, you really didn’t know,” Mona responded, panicked. “When I was using my magic to seal away Lumine’s elemental energy, I felt the two different life forms—it’s twins.”

!!!

Lumine felt her muscles tense as her body prepared for another delivery. She let out a gasp, looking up at Childe to confirm, yes, there is another baby.

“Hold the baby,” he said to Mona, moving back down to Lumine’s feet.

Mona gently took the baby into her arms, a look of uncertainty scrawled on her face.

BOOM!

There was a thunderous strike of lightning right next to the group; as the dust settled, Scaramouche stepped out of the fog, purple electricity crackling all over his body.

“Would you look at that,” he growled, eyes narrowing in on the newborn. “Another body to dispose of.” A wicked grin pulled at his lips. “I was going to kill you all quickly, but now I think I’m going to make it slow. And tortuous.”

Childe stood, eyes dark. “Mona, keep Lumine safe.”

Then, he launched towards the other Harbinger, becoming engulfed in electricity as well. The two impacted, an explosion resonating around them, and Childe stepped out from the smoke, his Foul Legacy transformation completed.

Over the deafening sounds of blades crashing, Mona took the cape from under Lumine’s head, laying it under her body. She spoke to Lumine, “Are you ready to start pushing?”

Lumine shook her head feverishly. “I can’t.” Not without Childe.

“You must,” her friend said. “You can’t help him until you do.”

Lumine’s body locked up in pain with another contraction. “Okay,” she strained out.

Mona nodded, conjuring a glob of water, then placing Lumine’s child on it. “It’s the only bassinet I can make right now.”

“Can you still help seal my energy?”

“Of course.” Mona knelt by Lumine’s feet. “Are you ready?”

Lumine swallowed hard, then nodded. After taking in many deep breaths, she mustered all the remaining strength in her body to push.

A labored cry exhaled from her body, every fiber in her body praying for it all to stop.

“It’s almost out,” Mona encouraged. “Just a bit more!”

The edges of her mind blurred. She imagined her and Childe, living their lives peacefully with their two children, watching lovingly as they skipped around in fields of flowers. Aether would walk up, greeting his little nieces and nephews, waving joyfully at Lumine. Her friends—Mona, Xiangling, Zhongli, and countless others—would take turns coming to visit, to see them and their happy little family in their happy little home.

It was such a lovely dream.

Tears ran down her face, and Lumine pushed just one last time.

…

The familiar sound of a newborn’s cries filled the air once more. Lumine fell back, laying down in the dirt, the sight of tangled tree canopies above returning to her vision.

“A girl,” Mona said, carefully wrapping her cape around the baby. She stood, carrying the little girl to Lumine.

BOOM!

The two women snapped their attention back to the fight, watching as Childe’s armor shattered around him. He fell, kneeling, and gasping for breath.

Despite her exhausted body, Lumine scrambled up. “Childe!”

“You’ve grown so weak, Tartaglia,” Scaramouche spat. “You’re out of practice. Too focused on your meaningless family,” he mocked.

“Run,” Childe gasped out weakly to Lumine.

Scaramouche slammed his foot into Childe’s head, cackling as the Eleventh Harbinger fell down.

Something stirred in Lumine’s body.

“I think,” Scaramouche said, turning to Lumine, “I’m going to kill your children first. Right in front of you. How does that sound?”

Something old, ancient—something she hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

“Shield everyone,” Lumine said lowly to Mona. In response, Mona gave a small nod, grabbing the two children, and making her way to Childe inconspicuously.

Scaramouche stalked closer to Lumine. “Are you going to try and fight me?” Another cackle. “You’re even weaker than Tartaglia, especially after what you just went through.”

“You threatened my family,” Lumine nearly growled. “You hurt my family.” She raised her arm, materializing her blade. Quicker than before.

“And you’re going to pay for that,” she finished, her veins ignited with ancient energy.

He smirked. “I’d like to see you try.”

There was an overwhelming ringing in Lumine’s ears as she felt the liquid power coarse through her body. The sensation extended through her back, bursting outwards, until...a pair of wings had formed. Her pair of wings.

Her skin was aglow, a golden haze enveloping her, her wings, and her sword.

It was her old power.

Her powers had come back.

“What is the meaning of this?” Scaramouche sneered.

Lumine glanced over at Mona, the two babies in her arms, hovering over Childe, who was stirring awake. A faint blue glow surrounded them—Mona’s barrier.

She turned her attention back to Scaramouche, who was charging up an Electro attack of his own.

“It’s no use,” Lumine said, echoing his words back to him. She leapt up into the air, flying far above him as he cursed below.

She closed her eyes, thinking of her friends, of Aether, her children, her one true love, Childe—her family.

The sword illuminated, crackling with golden arcs of energy. Then, she plunged down.

A sonic boom erupted around her as she landed, acres of dirt and trees uprooting in the explosion. The mountains shook, the clouds parted, and Lumine used the last bit of her energy to blast the dust away.

Laying before her, lifeless, was Scaramouche.

I did it.

She quickly looked around for her family, crying in relief seeing Mona, Childe, and the babies safely protected.

She felt her ancient power drain from her, and she collapsed on her knees as the pain and exhaustion funneled back into her body.

“Lumine!” she heard Childe shout.

“Childe…,” she responded, voice thin.

Then, her vision went black.

* * *

There was the crying of a baby. No, two babies. It sounded so familiar, yet foreign to Lumine.

She was in a black void, looking around for the source of the crying. Whoever they were, she knew they needed her. And she needed to protect them.

Lumine groggily opened her eyes, the black void from her dreams dissipating. Her vision adjusted, and she realized she was laying in her and Childe’s bed, back at their mountain cottage. Muffled through the walls, she heard the crying of her children, and the voice of Childe trying to calm them.

She slowly sat up, the bed creaking under her. At the sound of movement, Mona stirred awake from the corner.

“You’re awake!” she shouted. She went to the door, throwing it open, and yelling, “She’s awake, she’s awake!”

Lumine blinked at her, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, while Mona came to her side.

“How are you feeling?” her friend asked.

Lumine stretched a bit. “Very sore.”

“Hmph. I would expect so; you really did level that forest.” Mona looked out the window. “After exerting that kind of power, you should most certainly be dead.” She bit her lip. “But I am glad you are not.”

“Thank you, Mona. For all your help,” Lumine said with a small smile.

The astrologist flung her blue hair over her shoulder. “You are very welcome,” she said, returning the smile.

“You never did tell me why you were here of all places.”

“Ah, yes, that.” She folded her arms across her chest. “After our encounter with that Harbinger, I decided to track his movements—just to make sure he wouldn’t cause any more trouble.” She opened her hydromancy chart, looking over the sigils. “As fate would have it, I followed him here, to you.”

The wailing of the newborns drew closer, and Childe appeared in the doorway, two wriggling bundles in his arms.

His hair was rustled, dark bags under his eyes, and his usual pressed attire was wrinkled and disheveled.

Archons, Lumine loved him.

It was obvious to her that while she was knocked out cold, he had been taking care of their newborn children all on his own. Which was probably the furthest thing from easy...

He gave her a smile, tired at the edges, but filled with love all the same—and she gave him the same smile, yearning to embrace him and their new family.

Mona mumbled something about going to observe the sky for a while, and slipped out of the room as Childe sat on the edge of the bed.

Wordlessly, he placed the two babies in Lumine’s arms, and their cries were instantly quelled.

“Now that’s something I haven’t heard in forever,” he sighed. “Silence.”

“I hope it wasn’t unbearable.” She looked down at her babies, gently smoothing their little light hairs. It would never cease to amaze her, the overwhelming love and joy she felt looking at her twins. Looking at their tiny hands, their tiny feet, seeing their little breaths—any anxiety or fears she had felt before disappeared into thin air.

Childe wrapped his arm around Lumine, looking down at their children as well. “The only thing that was unbearable was not having you around,” he said, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Lumine nodded. “I couldn’t imagine doing this without you.” She leaned into Childe’s chest. “I’ll always be around,” she assured.

“And I’ll always be with you,” he answered. “Our little family.”

Lumine smiled, the happiest of tears coming to her eyes.

“Our little family.”

* * *

Hi @aetherarf !

Can you write a Xiao x Ganyu fanfiction where Ganyu is hurt in a battle against the Primo Vishap (Because I always die trying to farm it) and a completely clueless Xiao who refuses help attempts to help her?

Hello! And here it is! I apologize if it's a little off but tbh my brain died and i just kept writing to have something to post.

@luciana-scarlet

[[ INJURY WARNING ]]

[[ Summary: When he does not feel his name called, and yet he does feel the shifting of wind and the aching yet silent cry of the Qilin... He must follow it, only to find something far worse than he expected.

Word Count: ]]

It was a quiet enough night on his own-- He had hunted countless beasts, and now Xiao was eating pensively, looking down at the almond tofu before him... He wondered if there was a way it could be rendered tasteless, instead of the sickly sweetness that haunted his tongue, only soothed by the silkiness it offered.

Setting down his spoon, he looked to the landscape...

And...

A cry.

He tense, there was no sound of his name-- in fact, it was not even an audible cry, but it was so intense that his body ached from it, like the deafening shriek of a dragon just ran through his body, but did not make a single sound...

If he could hear his name carried on the wind, he could follow the sound of the silent ringing...

... ... ...

He found his way to Tianqiu Valley, and... to say 'chaos had struck' was an understatement- Normally, the Primo Geovishap was content to reside deep under the earth, within its cave, needing to be defeated regularly and its strength sapped with the purest resin to stop it from progressing to a more lethal state...

Was it time for the Adepti to subdue it again? Had it been too long, and even Xiao had forgotten? Had it learned to avoid their attempts at stopping its growth to a more terrifying beast?

He could not think of that now, instead donning his mask and leaping towards the creature, blinking in and out of sight, only to get closer, and the beast shrieked, standing over a figure--

Ganyu.

Of course, she had attempted to subdue it... But with the pale markings on its body, it seemed to consume and crystallize all of the Qilin's attempts to destroy it. The scent of blood haunted him, and he leapt at the creature from above, sending his spear into the earth, the ground shaking, and the Geoshivap glared at him...

And, before he knew it, it was over.

The frost had seeped from its scales, turning the water in the air to ice, a facade of snow, desperately clawing through the earth. He would need to check later, to possibly defeat it again, he lucky enough to not be as perceptive to the beast's hunger to consume whatever force he had to offer...

But instead of chasing it when it was weakened, even if it was likely the more reasonable option, he found himself returning to Ganyu's side. She lay on the ground, bumps and bruises and some cuts, but no bleeding that seemed lethal or even too severe... He would have panicked if it were not how she lay- Hands resting on her stomach, just looking at the sky, her bow within reach, but knocked to the ground. Despite that she was fine, he still sat on his knees beside her, reaching and setting his hand atop hers, and she tilted her head to the side... Just looking at him, with tears glazing over her eyes, her lips quivering just the slightest bit...

"... Ganyu," he said, softly, his grip atop her hands tightening just the slightest bit, "Are you..." He paused, looking at her face, at how desperately she fought the tears that wanted to fall, "Injured?"

Softly, she sighed, "N-no... I mean..." Her voice was choked up, a silent suffering, "I'll heal," she clarified with a smile that was faker than the weakest Xiao could ever muster. Xiao shook his head, before grabbing her hands, trying to tug her upwards but she pulled her hands back, "No, no... I'm-I just want to lie for a moment."

He looked over her for a moment, softly sighing... Snaking his hand below her head just so it was slightly less hard than the rough ground below.

"... I... I always feel helpless," Ganyu admitted, softly, "Like I just keep messing up, I can't fulfil the duties of both a human and an adeptus... but I should be able to, shouldn't I?"

She closed her eyes, sighing softly, simply relaxing where she lie... And Xiao pursed his lips, looking away for a moment, and then back to Ganyu.

What could he say...?

His hands twitched, and he felt a lump in his throat.

"You... have done enough. You can rest."

Somehow, he felt like he shouldn't be saying such a thing, but he truly couldn't help it. Those were words Rex Lapis would speak, with love to those who still served.

"And you shouldn't?" Ganyu pushed herself up, "I appreciate it... But if your work isn't done, neither is mine."

Xiao's hands nearly tingled, he almost wishes she lie for a moment longer, but...

"... You cannot control such things," he said, softly, "that will hinder you. You fought valiantly... that is not your fault that... the odds were against you."

Ganyu shook her head, and stood.

"Thank you, Xiao... please, let me just use the resin to weaken the beast... And I'll return to Liyue harbor. I'm sure you have more important things to do."

And Ganyu left, and Xiao could only helplessly watch...

...

Well, he did have more important things to do, despite how, for once, he wanted to do nothing but shirk those duties.

campfire in the snow (chilumi)

hey friends back again with that fanfic writing :^)

this is my headcannon that childe absolutely suffers during the colder winter months as a hydro user (based on this post here) so SOMEONE’s gotta take care of him

in other words, a chilumi…chilumine? lumichilde? CHILDE X LUMINE sick fic !!!

thanks for reading as always <3

[Fic Masterlist]

Keep reading

Nothing much to say except I really like the whole contract/immortality thing Baizhu and Changsheng have going on

And maybe, maaayyybe, I ship them a little bit-

A stroll with monoceros caeli by Winuwi (fantranslation)

I liked their dynamic here so ive decided to do a translation hehe~ First time translating something, it might not be the best. English isn't my first language so excuse me if some parts don't sound natural. Also thanks to @jardinsdeminuit for helping me with some parts i couldn't word correctly.

This isn't the full chapter, i only translated the free part of it. Buy or read original chapter here

Not sure how many of you guys bothered to talk to this girl... but I accidentally clicked on her dialogue bubble today and oh my 😂 Now I want to see Diluc sharing a meal with Childe HAAH

Bonus:

klee wants grape juice

Parenting

Jean: *sighs, sitting on her table* Why is that most times I hear about a group causing ruckus near the city, you four are always involved?

Aether/Amber/Klee/Qiqi: *looking down in silence*

Diluc: I'm more interested to know how you managed to draw so many hilichurls and slimes to the sacred tree and blow them all up without damaging it.

Venti: that tree might be old, but it's a lot sturdier than it looks.

Amber: we were just farming some materials.

Lisa: and you really had to draw them so close to the tree to farm said materials?

Aether: that. . .wasn't part of the plan.

Diluc: it still doesn't change the fact that someone could've got seriously hurt in the ordeal.

Jean: not to mention the risk of damaging such a historical monument of mondstad, you all need to be more careful from now on.

Diluc: *nods*

Aether/Amber/Klee/Qiqi: we understand. . .sorry mom, sorry dad.

Jean: m-mom!?

Diluc: good thing you got it. you can go back to your adventure now, just remember to be careful.

Aether/Amber/Klee/Qiqi: sure thing! Thanks dad! *leaves*

Diluc: *sigh* these kids. . . .Jean? Why are you giving me that look?

Jean: *shocked* didn't you hear how they called us?

Diluc: i did, they called us mom and dad.

Jean: And you're going to act like that's something normal?

Venti: well, to be honest, you two are the only responsible adults around.

Lisa: and you're always looking after the youngsters, just like a husband and his wife looking after their kids.

Jean: *blushes* w-what!? B-but that's wrong! M-me and sir Diluc aren't-

Diluc: so what?

Jean: w-what?

Diluc: These people might be kids, but they've done a great job in helping us to deal with a lot of problems around here, including stormterror's case. So if they need guidance, the least we can do is guide them, even if what they need is parental guidance.

Jean: . . . .

Diluc: or are you going to say that the problem here is that you can't stand the idea of acting like a mother when i'm the father?

Jean: n-no, absolutely not sir, it's just that. . . *sighs* you're right, they all helped this nation a lot, and we should support them in return, and if what they need is parental support, i won't mind giving that to them.

Diluc: good.

Jean: *looking away, with a pink on her cheeks and a small smile* I don't have much experience with helping kids like that, but if sir Diluc is willing to be my. . ."husband" in this situation, i think we will be able to help them deal with any problem they have. . .that is, if you don't mind having me as your "wife" sir.

Diluc: of course, whatever works the best for them. Now if you excuse me, I have some business to take care of.

Jean: Of course, I also have some paperwork to finish.

Diluc: i'll take my leave then.

Venti: Wait for me, I could really use a glass of wine. See'ya ladies.

Diluc/Venti: *leave*

Jean: . . .

Lisa: . . .

Jean: . . .

Lisa: . . .i think they left.

Jean: *slams her face on the table*

Lisa: Jean?

Jean: *red* please tell me i didn't just call sir Diluc "my husband"?

Lisa: I'm mostly certain that you did.

Jean: *whines* Why did I say that? I feel so stupid right now. . .

Lisa: you're not stupid.

Jean: Of course I am, to say such embarrassing things to a superior. . .he must think i'm an idiot.

*outside the room*

Diluc: *sighs and facepalms*

Venti: soo. . .you have a wife now, huh?

Diluc: *red* . . .shut up.

Venti: i'm just saying that-

Diluc: if you keep talking i swear you'll never get another glass of wine in mondstad.

Venti: *zips his mouth* my lips are sealed.

Hi there! I live for your SoC fics. You’re such a talented author and I love all of your work. Thanks for everything you do for the fandom! Could you please write something of Kaz playing with Inej’s hair? Thanks so so much 💕💕💕

Hey, lovely! Thank you so much! I hope you don’t mind that I mixed your idea with some others, I think they fit quite well.

***

he’s tired, she can tell

Kaz has the stamina of a hero in a story

but Inej knows that he’s far from invincible

Kaz is human - too human, at times

and she now sees the strain of his shoulders, the tension in his jaw, the dark rings under his eyes

he should be triumphant now, celebrating a job well done

a job they both won

but as he walks beside her along the canals, Inej knows he has not slept for days

he’s limping more

he sees her watching his leg and turns his cane to his other hand

with his other one, he holds hers

gloves on gloves

but still

they’d gone through so many layers already

Inej looks up at him as they move through the shadows and dark alleys

though they have on ear on the streets, listening for any trouble that might come their way, they allow themselves to pay attention to each other, for just a little while

Inej smiles softly as his fingers slip through hers

a silent reassurance - I’m fine

she says to him, “I miss home.”

and it’s like someone struck him across the face

Inej raises her brows at the surprise flashing in his eyes

she understands why

Inej believes that Kaz, try as he might, will always have a difficult time trusting when she says that she found home with him - on his father’s farm, that they rebuilt together

it stuns him everyday - that that’s their permanent home now

and that Ketterdam is now just a place they go to not as often

to do their job - what they promised each other they would do

after a moment, Kaz says, “We can go back tomorrow, if you wish.”

Inej had bought herself a nice little apartment in one of the nice buildings of East Stave

of course, when all her neighbours were concerned, nobody moved there

not that Inej was intent on hiding anymore

she had a reputation

but still - it was nice to be anonymous 

it is to that nice little apartment that they walk to now

Kaz stayed every so often

most days, actually

well, most nights

days were busy for the Wraith

but the nights were for both of them

when they get there soon enough, she makes tea, and Kaz stares off into space, leaning against her kitchen counter

Inej pauses what she’s doing, a spoon of sugar hovering in the air

she tells him, “Go take a bath, Kaz.” she puts the spoon in her mouth. “You need to relax, and rest.”

he’s silent, his eyes focusing

he doesn’t look at her when he says, “Take one with me.”

Inej almost drops her spoon

he looks at her then. “You asked me back home - if I would ever... if we would ever be capable of it.” He runs his fingers through his hair, looking away as if he’s shy. “We could try, if you’re alright with it.”

Inej pauses

would she?

Kaz had seen her bare more times that she could count

he’d pushed down her barriers, one by one

not like punching bricks, hoping they’d come apart eventually

but more like removing satin curtains, pushing them gently out of the way

she did the same for him

but this - this was something that maybe he wouldn’t be able to go through

still, Inej nods, and says, “Get the water running. I’ll be right there.”

without another word, he grabs his cane and makes his way to the bathroom

Inej knows that it took Kaz years to be able to bathe in a bathtub

even that was difficult

step by step, brick by brick, he got there

back home, Inej sometimes sat by him in the bath, tea in her hand, chatting with him as he laid there, bubbles on his chin

Inej waited a minute, finishing her tea, and then she trudged to the bathroom, to see him undressing from the doorway

she smiled at the contours of his back, the muscles of his shoulders

“Oggling much?” He says over a shoulder

Inej shrugs, turning her eyes to the water filling the bathtub

steam already clung to her brow, to the mirror atop the basin

the last piece he removes before getting in the tub is his gloves

Inej says, “You have not complained about my oggling since we have been married.” She crosses her arms, leaning against the doorway. “Nor before.”

Kaz sinks into the water, watching her with dark eyes. “Who says I’m complaining?”

“Exhaustion makes you cheeky,” Inej points out

Kaz leans back. “You have not complained about my said cheekiness since we have been married,” he throws back. “Nor before.”

“Clever,” she taunts

he gives her a too-modest shrug

Inej closes the door to keep the warmth in

she undresses fast, methodically

Kaz is very still

“We can do this some other time,” she says to him

“It’s fine.”

but she can see the tension in his jawline

Kaz puts his elbows on the edge of the tub, swallowing down, as if bracing himself

he looks conflicted, but-

not afraid

“Let me,” he requests

Inej steps in, and allows him to undo the laces of her pants. “You know,” Inej begins to say. “I meant what I said back there.”

“You say a lot of things, treasure, I need you to be clear.”

Inej pulls down her pants, the rest of her clothes

she is bare in front of him without a hint of worry

how long did it take her to get here? so long

how many times would she still succumb to the fear? too many

but it was progress

and she took it gratefully

“When I told you I missed home,” Inej says. “I miss the farm.”

she loved the feeling of freedom - the journeys she took through the seas

but she loved to come back home - to him, as well

Kaz’s dark eyes flash with emotion, but he says nothing

she can see it though - joy in his eyes

hesitating, Inej steps in

the tub is not huge

she begins by sinking down opposite to him

her legs to her knees

Kaz watches her like he’s trying to think of nothing else but her

“Do you want to try to touch me?” she says

“Not yet.”

“Okay.”

steam curls his hair

Inej leans back, no part of her touching him

she knows that talking is good

for both of them

so she says, “I was thinking...”

“Do tell.”

Inej distracts herself from her aching heart by pulling down on her braid, gently taking it apart

“We could have the others over one day, if you’d like,” Inej says, trying to weave her fingers through her knots, noticing Kaz watching every move. “They have yet to see the house.”

Kaz says, “Helvar will be immensily proud of his terrible painting skills.”

“Don’t be mean. He was very kind to offer to help us with the fence.”

“I’ve never seen so many different shades of white, that’s what I’m saying.”

Inej grins, and then laughs at him

the water shakes with her

Kaz finds himself smiling, too

“I guess I can bear their presence,” he says, shrugging

Inej smiles. “You miss them.”

“I miss you, and I’m next to you. I don’t have energy to miss any of them.”

“Hum,” Inej smiles, but she knows better

Kaz goes silent, wary

he says, “I can wash your hair.”

“Really?”

“Does it bother you?” Kaz murmurs

“I’m not sure, I’ve never had anyone wash my hair besides my mother, and that was a long time ago.” Inej pauses. “I’ll turn.”

Kaz nods, and he watches as Inej turns on the tub, still not touching him

though his legs are on either side of her

his knees so pale in comparison to her body

Kaz thinks of warmth

the warmth of her body sleeping next to him on their bed

the sun shining as she smiles when he brings her too-sweet tea in the morning

the gentle way she pushes back his hair from his face as he lies there on the pillow, her legs entwined with his

how different is that from this?

he grabs a bottle of her scented soap

places a small amount on his hands

he says, to take his mind off it, “I might have... something of a surprise when we go back.”

Inej goes very still. “What?”

“It’s a surprise, Wraith, that’s the point.”

“I don’t like surprises.”

“You’ll like this one.”

she looks at him over her shoulder, eyes wide. “Will I?”

“Why are you so suspicious?”

she raises her brows at him

and Kaz lets out a snort

Inej turns back around, but doesn’t tell him to get it over with

she waits, patiently, conversing with him like what they’re doing isn’t new. “Tell me.”

“I want you expectant,” Kaz tells her, “so no.”

He watches the waves of her long hair

it disappears in the water

Kaz takes in a breath, and gently places his hands at the back of her head, spreading the soap there before massaging her head

Inej doesn’t move, but he asks, “Inej?”

“I’m enjoying it,” she says, “perhaps a little too much.”

indeed - Inej shows him her arm, and the hair standing up there

“So you like me running my fingers through your hair,” he says thoughtfully, keeping himself focused on what he’s doing. “Noted.”

“I’d forgotten about it,” Inej says with a hint of sadness

Kaz swallows down, and says, “I like it when you do it to me.”

“I noticed that too.” He can feel her smiling

he grabs a bath cup and says, “Tilt your head back.”

she does

Kaz washes her hair slowly, running his fingers through her soft strands, and something like joy makes his heart jump when Inej gives a happy little sigh

“How is this, Kaz?” She asks seriously

“It’s fine,” he says, surprised at himself. “It’s actually fine.”

she looks over her shoulder. “I’m glad.”

not wishing to push himself or her, Kaz slowly leans in

Inej watches him

and knowing what he intends to do, she tilts her head to the side just slightly, explosing the side of her neck, her shoulder

Kaz takes a breath

how different is it, really?

than kissing the rest of her body?

than slipping his hands underneath her shirt to touch her back?

Kaz leans in, touching his lips to her shoulder

so softly

barely a brush of his lips

soap flurries around her, bubbles popping on her legs

as kaz removes his lips, but keeps himself close, Inej admits, because she know he’ll ask, “I like this with you.”

Kaz is silent for a moment watching her

then he softly says, so close she can feel his breath on her ear. “I like you.”

“Do you, now?”

“I’ll prove it to you, when we get back home.”

Inej sighs, “And I see my surprise?”

“You’ll like it,” he reassures her

Inej couldn’t possibly imagine what that was

but still

she touches his chin once, flicks his nose, and moves out of the bath

Kaz watches her as she places a towel around her and begins drying her hair with another. “Is it going to frighten me?”

“What could I possibly take out of my pocket that could frighten you, Inej?”

she laughs. “Nina dressed as a clown.”

“Fuck’s sake.”

she sits on the edge of the tub and flicks his nose again. “Tell me.”

Kaz leans back, silent

“You’re going to make me wait a whole day?” Inej frowns. “Why did you have to tell me in the first place then? You could’ve just surprised me.”

“Maybe I like ruffling your feathers.”

Inej raises a brow at him. “You definitely need sleep.”

as Inej goes to her bedroom, laughter follows her - her own, and his

***

PART TWO HERE.

***

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