Archive of Our Own

|Stay|

"–You are to stay home. I will lock you up if I need to."

"You will not."

"I will. I am. Just watch me." The glint in Childe's eyes changed. For the general population–even those belong to Fatui–this look in his eyes could send shivers to the spine. But Zhongli was neither. He was, after all, his rightful spouse, who had years in loving the red-haired man and had married him. Childe has a variety of menacing expressions, and this was not even the worst. 

Zhongli didn't even flinch at the cold gaze directed at him. Instead, he said calmly, "Husband, you were to visit your family and I was to come along with you. How are we going to do that if you're making me stay?"

"No. Because we're calling it off."

Zhongli frowned. Childe was ecstatic the moment he knew, all excitement and joy that fuelled him into a few more rounds of climax inside Zhongli's tight canal. It just after them lying down, with cuddles and small kisses on Zhongli's shoulder, that the anxiety and panic kicked in.

Now Zhongli was faced with his husband who had paced back and forth in the empty space of their bedroom and finally settled on the conclusion that he should not be a functioning member of the society for the remaining days of his pregnancy.

"Don't be unreasonable. I am perfectly fine."

"Unreasonable? Me?? You were the one who just told me that you knew nothing of what's gonna happen as you bear our child!" Childe ground his teeth. "We're not taking any chances."

This was not an episode that Zhongli expected, but he was not surprised. It was natural for one's overprotective streak to go haywire when they are with a pregnant wife and prospective child, let alone one with his Ajax's temperament. 

He sighed. 

Nothing he never handled.

"Husband, that is an exaggeration. Firstly, I admit that there is no definitive knowledge since I have had never experience or witness pregnancy among my kind. However, there are records of it, which I am aware of despite it not in my possession... yet. I know that it should not differ much from mortal pregnancies, except for phases that are unique to my nature." 

Zhongli continued, "Secondly, I have been pregnant for quite some time. Up until now, I have carried on with my daily routine and there is no notable difference from before. I don't think that will change anytime soon."

Childe huffed, "We don't know that."

His tone petulant, but that's all Zhongli needed to know that Childe had been listening and he can reason with his husband if he could just push the correct button. 

"Very well. I propose to make it consistent. If you fear that it would be dangerous for me and our child to venture outside, then perhaps the direct pounding of your cock to the safety my womb shouldn't be something I can handle, don't you think?"

"..." An eyebrow twitched, "Fine. If that's what it takes."

Zhongli tilted his head slightly at the answer, jut his lip a little bit as he said, "You do not want to make love to me anymore, now that I'm with child?" 

"That's not–AGH! Of course I do! It is already unbelievable that we are conversing instead of fucking now."

Zhongli spread his legs enticingly, the robes revealed creamy thighs covered with fresh bites from their last copulation, "We can."

"..."

Zhongli only smiled gently as he patted the bed.

"...I am not falling for that." 

Oh, on the contrary, Zhongli already knew he was to fall for it.

"That is the point, Ajax. If I can handle you in our marriage bed, how could I not handle going outside? You are alone a formidable force and I welcome your rough ways in loving me happily. How does that compare with the lively, mortal life in the harbour?" Not to mention that he was, technically, an Adeptus. 

Childe whined, "That is unfair," He plopped down as he snuggled to Zhongli's soft chest, Zhongli instinctively cradled him in his arms. "You like me being rough."

"I am not saying otherwise."

"My point is, I can afford not being rough."

"Yet it remained that I can afford to handle you at your worst."

"..."

"So are you going to have your way with me or are you going to be stubborn about this?"

Childe answered with a huge bite on Zhongli's neck.

"We'll continue after we fuck." Childe said after the mark bloomed on the pale skin. His big hands cradled Zhongli's thickening hips gingerly, before he said, "I still think you going outside is a bad idea," 

Zhongli smiled knowingly.

-

They did not continue after they fuck.

-

|clingy|

For a person who was initially so against letting Zhongli do whatever he did before the reveal of his pregnancy, Childe was beaming for all the steps he took as he wrapped a possessive hand on Zhongli's shapely waist.

Zhongli only let out a bashful smile. He was used to Childe's posturing, but it's truly amusing to see how much he liked parading him like this. It was pretty cute. The previously small touches lingered, not to mention Childe seemed to use as much excuse as he could to thumb his cheeks, tuck his hair behind his ears, or hold his middle protectively whenever he was in the vicinity.

Adorable.

But his amusement was cut short when, at a particularly fine evening, he felt a hard squeeze on his bottom. 

They were in the middle of the street.

Well.

Zhongli didn't think he was being overboard when that hand was smacked harshly, nor when Childe let out a yelp at the strength that he used for it. 

Childe pouted as they continue their evening walk, "You know that was me, but still you shun away from my touches."

Without missing a beat, Zhongli replied, "In the privacy of our home you can do whatever you want with me, but in public, you must adhere to proper societal conduct, and I will not tolerate misbehaviour."

"...Tell me why showing my affection to you is a social misconduct?"

Zhongli shook his head gently, "That is not the subject of the matter. It is not about whether it was a display of affection, but whether it is for public consumption. Having you touching me in a suggestive way is not one. It was nor the time or place." 

Childe nursed his hand that was slapped by Zhongli just now. A hand that had sneakily squeezed the meat of his lovely wife's buttocks. Fine. Maybe he was a little bit overboard. But surely one would spare him? Zhongli had the perfect ass. The most beautiful. To have it shown in your line of sight–even with just an innocent tilt from putting his weight on another foot as he pondered on a rare antique–knowing that it's yours to claim, how could he not touch it? 

It was just the natural course of action that the hand that previously perched at his waist, would slide gently to where the fat globes were.

Looking at the dejected look on Childe's face, Zhongli sighed. "You have gone for so long without touching me inappropriately all this time, why do you have a hard time now?"

"It's different! Back then I didn't know we're married!"

Zhongli huffed, "It is still rude to act so intimately in public, even for married couples."

"Fine. I will behave." Childe paused. "But you'll reward me?"

"Anything you want," Zhongli said easily. Perhaps it did not really require much thought on Zhongli's part, since he already spoiled Childe rotten anyway.

It did not help that Childe immediately perked up at that, like an overgrown puppy getting treats. He always kept his word and behaved, most of the time, so Zhongli was not worried.

Childe looked like he was thinking and said, "But we can still hold hands."

"Certainly."

"And I can still hold you?"

"As you were before, sure."

"Ok."

"Hm."

The comfortable silence shared between them was short as Childe piped up again, "For the record, I really think that your ass had gotten sexier, Love. I think it's the baby. I mean, it was terrific even before, but now it's fuller and plump–"

"–I will specify what proper societal conduct would entail further, but for now I am going to just point out that discussing my assets counts as one."

"Aww!"

- 

|news|

After the longest time, Zhongli felt something akin to anger. 

He would approach the subject of the matter with composure, but if some venom seeped through his words, he would like to think that it was the pregnancy hormones.

"Explain yourself," Zhongli said stonily.

"Zhongli! You have to believe me, I didn't start it!"

Xiao, feeling chastised, spoke as he kneels on one knee, "My Lord, please forgive my impudence, I was unable to control my rage upon seeing his face. For this matter to escalate, it was an unfortunate accident that I am ashamed to admit. I would gladly see the consequences of my actions, as you see fit."

The crack from the cliff behind them couldn't hold its weight and crumbled. Not one of them flinched from the loud crashing sound that it made. 

Zhongli reverted his gaze to the scene before him. The cracks were not just on the stone cliffs, but also the ground. Some of the surfaces had been toppled inside out, creating a massive hole and chunks of hard soil scattered around the place. Trees were pulled out of its roots, the water in the river muddled with mud–scratch that, there was hardly any water in that part of the river anymore.

When Ganyu hurriedly informed him that there was a massive fight between his husband and the Guardian Yakhsa in the deserted part of Nantianmen, Zhongli felt that it was his mistake to let Childe fetch the other Adepti for the little occasion that he was preparing. 

He had informed the news of his pregnancy to all of the Adepti–excluding Madame Ping, who had known the existence of his child before he was aware of it himself–through a dream. It was harder without his gnosis, but it was done. Zhongli thought it would be fitting to invite them to a private lunch, for it had been a while since he heard from most of them. The lives of mortal and Adepti, after all, hardly crossed.

Childe had volunteered to fetch the Adepti, even when Zhongli said that there's no need. 

Zhongli sighed. He had no time for this.

"I will see to it that the result of the commotion is mended. For now, please. I wish for your company in peace."

-

"You're still mad at me," Childe said sulkily.

Zhongli only glanced down at Childe, who was hugging his middle, his head on his lap. Zhongli continued his reading–a book on pregnancy myth–and said, "Maybe a little."

"...I didn't start it."

"..." Zhongli continued reading silently.

Childe relented, "Ok fine, maybe I said something that riled him up, but it wasn't a big deal! And what am I supposed to do when he threw his spear at me? Take it? I'll die before our baby is born!"

Zhongli sighed. To be fair, the lunch was quite pleasant. Childe mostly behaved, the Mountain Shaper and Madame Ping recalled tales of magical pregnancies that they knew, Cloud Retainer enjoying her wine with Moon Carver, Xiao eating his meal quietly while Ganyu seemed to be content listening to what the other Adepti were saying. There were concerns for the unknowns but also excitement and joy from anticipating the arrival of another half-adeptus. 

There was no trace of aggression between Childe and Xiao that apparently was being witnessed by Cloud Retainer since the very start. 

"Xiao was not the type to jump straight into unnecessary fights without provocation. I trust that whatever you said, it carried great significance that prompts him to act. I am disappointed, but I am not surprised. I have the suspicion that you were excited to engage in a battle with him in the first place, and counting on the possibility of it."

"..." Childe stayed silent as Zhongli's words hit home. 

Zhongli couldn't see his face, given it was buried on his bump. He spoke again, "That was why you volunteered, were you not?"

A muffled sound can be heard, "...Darling, the extent to which you understand me is eery sometimes."

"Hm."

"But you didn't stop me when I asked, even though you know I have in mind?"

"Those were just assumptions, the facts can only be observed in hindsight. I trust you were not going to do anything if Xiao didn't respond in kind." Zhongli said smoothly, for it was true. He knew his husband's antics, but Childe was hardly a mindless battle maniac. For all the battles that caused countless scars in his body, none happened out of deliberate ignorance or incompetence.

Childe nuzzled his belly softly, "I am sorry. You were right. I wasn't on my best behaviour then." He tugged Zhongli's book so he'd look at him, and when Zhongli finally did, he said, "Forgive me?"

When Childe asked for forgiveness so pitifully like that, even Zhongli could not stay mad for long. Zhongli pinched his cheek lightly. "Don't do that again."

Childe grinned, "Lesson learnt."

They shared a quiet moment together, Childe giving Zhongli's bump small kisses with his hair being stroked idly by Zhongli as he read.

Childe spoke again. "Can we have sex now that you're not mad at me anymore?"

"..."

-

|family|

Ajax's family absolutely adored Zhongli.

Not only that they easily accepted the fact that they've already been married–

"Oh...? We thought that you had been married when he said that he's set on having his own house in Liyue!”

–They were also thrilled to know that Zhongli was expecting. 

"Oh dear, how far along are you? Have Ajax treated you well? You are so thin! You need to eat more ”

Ajax's parents thought he was such a polite and well-mannered son-in-law. 

“I couldn't believe that you would marry our unruly son. This child, have I told you how surprised we are when he told us that he was then Tartaglia, the Eleventh Harbinger, on one normal morning?"

"Oh do tell, I'd be pleased to hear it"

Ajax older siblings found conversations with him was fun and insightful. A beautiful, intelligent spouse with a fine taste in luxuries. How does Ajax manage to have his hand in marriage?

“I thought that it would already lucky if Ajax could end up as an old, single bachelor retired from being a Harbinger instead of dead from countless battle he gets himself into, but wow. Retired early, with a spouse and child on the way? Imagine my surprise!"

"Yeah, though now that you're here, Zhongli, I guess I wouldn't be surprised that even Ajax would want to retire to have a life with you. What I am surprised is that how you'd settle with the likes of him." 

"Hey! I heard that!"

Ajax's younger sibling couldn't stop themselves from asking all sorts of questions, which was answered patiently by Zhongli. They couldn't help but ask Zhongli to accompany them to play and see their toys and craft, which Zhongli appreciate with such seriousness that they hardly got from an adult. 

“Zhongli-gege! Look at this!! This is the one that I most proud of, what do you think?"

"Ah, such intricate details that it got here. The eye is the weak point of such creature, do you know? Yet it gives many clues to its behaviour. It would flash before it would do a certain act of aggression, so it's very neat that you could turn the light on the eyes as you see fit.

"This one, this one! You should see this one too!"

Thus, it was no surprise how easy it was for Ajax's family to absolutely adore Zhongli.

And given the warmth and acceptance of a family that raised his husband, it was impossible for Zhongli to not adore them back.

-

"Your family is lovely," Zhongli said as he nuzzled on Childe's side. They were lying in the bed of an inn that they passed by as they make their way back to Liyue.

Childe grinned, "It's yours too." He kissed Zhongli's cheek. "I'm glad you like them. They love you."

"Mn. Likewise."

The moment passed with more snuggles and even breathing. Content with each other's presence.

"Ajax?"

"Mm?"

"Let's have a big one. Our family."

There's an invisible blow to the heart when Childe heard it. He felt like clutching his chest to contain himself. Did his pregnant spouse imply what he thought he implied? "...Are you sure it is wise for you to promise me more children before you deliver this one?" Childe said.

Because this invisible blow to his heart turned out to also be accompanied by a rush of blood to his nether regions.

Zhongli tilted his head slowly, unconvinced, "Do you not want a big family?"

"That's not what I..." Childe sighed and clutched Zhongli's waist tight. "...Is it possible for me to put another baby alongside the one's that's already in your belly?"

A huge hard length that poked his thigh was enough for Zhongli to get the point. 

"No. But your efforts will be welcomed." 

-

"You're tighter than usual today, does the thought of bearing my children get you excited?"

"Husband," Zhongli said breathily, "You put your whole length inside even before my undergarment is off, you do realise that your size is–ah! Don't, suddenly–A-Ajax!"

-

|cravings|

"Ajax."

"..."

"Ajax," Zhongli tried again. 

Childe blearily woke up, "Uh?"

"...I want a Goulash right now."

Childe glanced at the window. The sky was still dark. It must have been really early. "Right now?"

Zhongli nodded. 

"I have to hunt for the chilled meat first. In Dragonspine."

Zhongli nodded.

Childe yawned. It would be tricky with his Hydro vision, but he'll figure it out, "Ok. Just give me an hour or two, then I'll make it for you." He rolled his shoulders as he sits up on the bed, "Anything else, My Dear?"

"No. Safe travels." 

-

"Ajax,"

"Yeah?"

"Can you fetch me some cor lapis?"

Childe stopped tinkering with the random blade that he confiscated from the Bank's latest underground raid, "No problem, how much you want it?"

Zhongli paused, thinking hard. He finally settled with a number, "...36 pieces will do."

Childe nodded easily, "Sure, let me just buy–"

"No, not the one in the market. I think the best ones would be the ones you find in the wild."

"...You want me to mine 36 cor lapis in the wild?"

"Yes."

"Got it. Where should I start?" Putting his things away, Childe thought of buying a claymore somewhere to cut the gem easily. Is there any claymore in the Bank? Perhaps he should check, but he wouldn't forget any weapons stored in places where he had access to. So perhaps he'd need to go to see if Master Zhang has any good claymore.

"There are quite plenty in Mount Hulao. There is a cave in Hanguang Stone Forest as well, where you can find it with some Crystal. Hmm... Do you want me to join you? I can tell you where they are as we go."

Childe said, "Nah. If it's just the market, sure. But if I were to hike a mountain, I'd like it better if you stay. You're rather heavy now." He paused, "Only thirty... six, was it?"

"Correct."

Childe put the jacket that he had took off as they lunched together and prepared to go, "I'll be sure to come back before the sun is down. Love you, Babe."

"I will be waiting. I love you too."

-

"...But not Osmanthus Wine?"

Zhongli shook his head, he continued, "It is technically still an Osmanthus... Wine, but if we brew with some Cecilia, perhaps the sweetness of Osmanthus Flower would give a different sensation... Oh. Perhaps, adding Violetgrass could enhance the taste."

"Alright, so..." Childe pondered, "You wanted to brew an Osmanthus wine, but with... this stuff you mentioned?"

"Mm-hmm."

"So I am to find the ingredients," Childe said. The Osmanthus flower, Cecilia, Violetgrass, Baijiu... what else should be there?

"Correct. I can provide you with the list, just give me a moment, please."

Baijiu was easy enough to procure, but Violetgrass... Osmanthus flower... Oh. Cecilia was in Mondstadt.

It was no matter. The distance was the least of his concern. If he could hop on from cliff to cliff fast enough to procure the Violetgrass first, he can bring this back before lunch.

"Here you go,"

Childe looked at the list. There were more ingredients there than what he guessed he'd need, "Almonds? You need almonds too?"

"I thought it might be a good snack,"

"And is this..." Childe shook his head, "Nevermind. I'll go now!"

Childe did come back with all the ingredients before lunch.

-

"You are handling this surprisingly well,"

"Hm? Handling what?"

"The unreasonable cravings that Zhongli had," Lumine said, as she accompanied Childe in the outskirts of Entombed City. She was assisting Albedo with one of his current research when she saw a familiar red-head near the Fatui camp. 

"Yeah! What do you even need this many Scarlet Quartz for? Better yet... Who asked for 62 Scarlet Quartz to get when they were pregnant? You can't even eat this!" Paimon paused, talking to herself, "...Or can you?"

"My wife is one, apparently." Childe bashed the gem with the claymore that he brought and it fell in one struck, "And it's no big deal. I have over 50 now, I think. Thanks to you too."

"...That was not the point, but you are welcome, I guess," Lumine said.

Childe chuckled, "This is nothing. He could ask me to fetch the moon for him and I will die trying. These are just trivial requests that will make him happy, why would I deny it?"

"Trivial requests?" Paimon said, "This is 4 AM, in the freezing weather of Dragonspine, and you are collecting Scarlet Quartz. Sixty-two of it. We are not even awake if not for the weird drink that Albedo gave us!"

"As I said, trivial."

"You don't even use claymore!"

"Actually, I am proficient with a claymore." Childe turned to Lumine as if he got a new idea, "You'd like to try sparing sometimes? I can show you how good I am with it."

Lumine sighed. 

-

|nesting|

Childe adored his lovely spouse. There was no state of Zhongli that he didn't worship with his whole heart.

The sight of his wife, full of child, showing a fat belly even under the robe that he was wearing... Fussing over littlest thing about the place where he supposed to 'nest' was captivating.

He had little to no idea what nesting entailed–Zhongli was not in his most articulate state right now–but whatever that is, he thanked Celestia for its existence because it was utterly adorable.

Zhongli had been restless for this past few days: a little dazed at a time, horny most times, fretful at things that he didn't pay much mind before, and increasingly clingy.

Zhongli had his needy moments, but those were sparse. So having him asking for his presence and touch in any possible moments recently fuelled Childe's most base instincts. Having Zhongli depend on him like this–at his mercy, in his care–he would trade nothing to pamper and indulge Zhongli's wants and needs.

This morning, Childe was blearily awoken by Zhongli who said that he realised that he was in a nesting period and that he needed to prepare. Childe only following half of what he said, given Zhongli going off and pausing and suddenly remember something else that he needed, mentioning everything and nothing with little context at the same time. 

"Husband, we must haste. There are too little cushions for the nest. How would I be able to feel for the egg, if it's–Oh, I should have known... I have been so out-of-touch lately... Ah! The curtains. Maybe... black? It was said that the darkness was calming,"

After going around all day, finding all the stuff Zhongli requested–from the softest blanket, the fluffiest pillows, the silkiest fabrics and other variety of trinkets–he was currently watching his beloved: tucking fabrics and pillows on the corner of their bedroom. A goofy smile painted on his face.

Did he mention how cute his beautiful wife was when he's nesting?

Zhongli halted from whatever he was doing with the blanket on his shoulder. He turned to Childe and urgently said, "We need more pillows." 

"Of course, My Love"

More rustle of the sheets, "And blankets."

"Got it. Anything else?"

"Hmn." Zhongli fluffed a series of cushions that he put next to the corner and stuck the blanket in between. He paused before adjusting some other pillows next to it, dragging another fabric with him. He looked a little scandalised before sighing in relief a few moments after as if he remembered something and immediately dismissed it. He turned to Childe again and said, "You."

"Ah, consider it done." 

Zhongli shifted from where he sits, facing Childe, "...Then why aren't you here right now?"

...Well, it took a few seconds for Childe to walk and sit wherever Zhongli was, considering he just stood from the edge of the bed. "Forgive me, I'm here now?" He said as he opened his arms and sit behind Zhongli.

Zhongli immediately relaxed and burrowed himself in Childe's arms, asking to be held. Childe didn't need to be told to cuddle his wife in return.

Zhongli moved so he was sitting on Childe's lap, Childe's hold on his body firm and warm. He looked up and put his hand on Childe's cheek as he said with a small voice, "I'm serious about you being with me. Right now even if you're just out of my sight I feel like I am driven to insanity. I am not... in my most reasonable state right now."

Well, how does Childe say no to that? "And you'll have it. I'm keeping you sane."

"Mn. Good."

Zhongli hummed happily when Childe stroked his bump. At home, his robe was less sophisticated and more comfortable. With him being pregnant, Childe had the initiative to add his wardrobe with a variety of high-quality hanfu for him to wear instead of his usual attire, and currently, it was the comfortable silk robes with gold patterns. It was thin and sleek, Childe can feel the heat of Zhongli's pregnant belly.

"Is this supposed to last until baby arrives?"

"What is?"

"Nesting. Having you like this."

"...It's hard to say. If you're referring to the nest, it lasted beyond pregnancy. I am to nurse and care for our young primarily here. But if you're referring to this... condition," Zhongli hesitated a bit, "It said it varies. The peak is the first days. Perhaps a week or two. But later on, I should be less... ah. Disoriented. I think after I feel like the nest is sufficient, I would go back to normal again."

"It is not a problem. It's cute. I love it."

A faint crimson painted Zhongli's cheek. Another thing that went into Childe's list of what he treasures at this time–the uninhibited display of emotions. "Oh."

Zhongli spoke again before Childe could kiss his red cheek, "We still need the blankets and pillows. It's lacking." He patted the mattress under them, and nudge a pillow close to it as if to prove the point. In Childe's eyes, the blankets and pillows were all he could see, but he's not the one who makes the nest.

"Ok, let me just arrange everything for us." Childe made a move to get up before a tug on his jacket stopped him from moving further.

The fear in Zhongli's voice was apparent, "Are you leaving?"

Childe blinked. 

"Yes. We'll have to make arrangements, correct? We are to get more pillow and blankets, and me out of commission for however long you need me."

Zhongli nodded.

"Then I'll need to pull some strings to get everything done. How's that? Would that be OK for you? We can go together."

Zhongli look torn, "..."

"You don't want to go?"

"No. I don't want–it's, the nest. The nest hasn't finished yet. But I don't want you to leave either..."

"..."

-

Attempting the impossible, Childe was able to only go for ten minutes and back, with everything arranged within that short amount of time. He owed Ekaterina a lot this time. Without her, his Zhongli would need to wait miserably for far longer.

He made sure to double and triple the amount of everything that they bought, in case that stuffs needs to be washed or things are ripped apart.

As Zhongli continued to build the base of his nest, Childe went through a few books and scrolls that Zhongli collected the past few months regarding pregnancies of Adepti. Not many are specific regarding his kind, but many share similar characteristics. If he's going to take care of his pregnant wife, he should be more knowledgable about it.

-

"Husband, ah! No–don't, don't pull out..."

Childe halted, cock still inside the warm cunt. He kissed the side of Zhongli's temple, "Mm? But you are to retire, you'll need your sleep."

"Yes."

"Then we're not continuing, right?" It was not that Childe couldn't go on–he had his drill for when he realised that he couldn't rely on his previous endurance to sate Zhongli's thirst for intercourse in pregnancy. But after he made Zhongli come the sixth time, Zhongli had cuddled to his neck instead of squeezing the walls of his hole–instead of silently asking for more. That was the cue.

Zhongli's gentle voice was already laced with sleep, "Correct, we are not."

"Then shouldn't I–oh." The realisation hit.

Childe had read about this.

"...?"

Childe looked down to see the beautiful man under him, red and sweaty from sex. Eyes glazed with the leftover tears, mouth slacked with saliva mixed with his. Long, sleek hair was strewn on the fluffy pillow messily. His legs are still spread around Childe's hips though it was just hanging on its side instead of around him. The marks of his hold–and bites and kisses–were everywhere. And of course, the sight of Childe's skin meeting his–a place where they are joined most intimately. 

What the nest needs the most is the sense of belonging and safety, the essence of warmth and company. It is designed as a place to care for the young and thus the most ideal would capture the scent of its breeder and bearer, as a promise of protection and care. It is common to have mates to join in an absurdly long amount of time, for the bearer to ensure that their mingled scents permeated through the nest.

Zhongli caressed his hand, continue asking him in silence. Childe break from his stupor. He smiled, "Yeah nevermind. Not pulling out, right?"

"Mm."

"Then we should find a better position if you were to sleep like this."

Zhongli faltered a little bit before saying, "...Don't pull out."

Childe held back a chuckle, "I won't, just–if you'll let me move a bit," Childe gently wield Zhongli to lay on his side, carefully keeping his cock in, before slowly laying down behind his beloved. He put his arms around the belly, his head on top of Zhongli. "How do you feel?"

Childe could almost swear that he felt Zhongli purred, "Good."

-

In the past days of what Zhongli referred as The Peak, Childe was certain that his fat cock were inside Zhongli's longer than outside of it. They were separated only when he needed to go to the bathroom–which was also quite a challenge at first since Zhongli could become distressed when he was not in the vicinity. He was glad that he had the sense to use the butt plug that he gifted Zhongli once upon a time, for it seemed to lessen the need for Zhongli to be full all the time. A meagre substitute, but enough. 

He didn't think it was physically possible for him to stuff his cock inside his wife for so long–but there are weirder facts existed in Teyvat. 

Now that he was eating normally–without Zhongli who had been feeding him on his lap, a hole full of his cock, like how it was for the last week–he was starting to think that maybe he too, got used to getting his cock warmed.

"Husband," Zhongli, who sat across the table, called him gently.

"Yeah?"

"You are stabbing the food,"

"Oh, sorry."

Today he woke up alone in the nest, roused by the smell of cooking from the kitchen. After more than a week, Zhongli seemed to regain his previous vitality–if not more than before. He was glowing, happy, and plump. He didn't even think it was possible but he swore that Zhongli became more beautiful. Childe didn't notice it when they spent all week in the nest, but Zhongli's bump was significantly more obvious than before. 

"I hope I was not much of an inconvenience for the past days, it could be overwhelming for a mate to attend to."

Childe laughed, "How could I be inconvenienced by a sex marathon? I'd gladly do it outside your pregnancy."

That caused a soft blush high on Zhongli's cheeks as he replied calmly, "I wouldn't be against it, but with a baby, we're not to do it irresponsibly."

Childe grinned at the response. He continued eating the meal that was spread before him before saying, "So is it done now? The nest?"

The question made Zhongli smiled happily, "Yes. It's perfect. It has everything a nest needs." Zhongli paused, "Your scent is going to be there permanently, but I would suggest for you to still lay with me from time to time."

"Love, you don't even need to ask."

-

|milk|

Zhongli had been taking care of his nest for a month when the milk started to leak.

The growth of Zhongli's breasts alongside his bump did not escape Childe's notice, for he too, become more obsessed with Zhongli's nipples when they make love. When it started to produce milk, his obsession was magnified tenfold.

To be honest, Zhongli's breasts were not that much different prior to his pregnancy, but it did swell as it was filled with milk, making it soft and round, his nipples perky and sensitive.

The only downside of having full breasts was that Zhongli would sometimes find himself leaking and achy. He needed to let the milk out.

Which didn't help Childe's obsession to it.

-

"Mm..." Zhongli moaned, "Ajax–ah. Not... So hard..."

Childe didn't answer, but Zhongli could feel the pressure on his nipples lessen significantly. After a few short, playful suck, Childe started to lick his teat instead of putting it in his mouth.

Zhongli sighed, he released the tight hold that he didn't realise he had on Childe's shoulder, and started to caress his hair tenderly.

Childe kissed a patch of skin close to his areola lightly, sliding to another side of the breast with his lips close to the skin. When he was in between the mounds of flesh, he nuzzled his face a bit, earning a slight squirm from his beloved, before continuing to make a trail of kisses to his other breast that was already leaking.

It's arousing to see how the milk trickled from the tip of the teat before it slides to the skin.  

Before he devoured the nipple, Childe said, "Love it. Your tits are the best. Most beautiful. And mine."

"Ah!" The suck that Childe made on his teat made him shudder. He could feel a warm hand that made its way to the other teat, pulling and pinching it gently.

With a loud pop Childe said, "I want to fuck you, can I fuck you? I'll still nurse, but I want to put my cock in too. Can I?"

Zhongli panted softly at the sensation. Even without Childe asking, the insistent press on his thigh was telling. 

"Just... Gently." Zhongli said with a weak voice. He was absurdly sensitive when Childe sucked his nipples, and a rough shove of cock to his hole would make a mess out of him, "I'm sensitive."

Childe replied with a grin.

-

"Husband dear,"

Childe only cuddled to his breast some more as a sign that he was listening. Zhongli stroke the back of Childe's head as he continued, "You are aware this is for baby, right? You were not to milk me like this when our child arrived, else they might not have enough of their fill."

He was producing a lot of milk for a person who has yet the baby to drink it, which made it convenient to have a baby-like husband. But with this husband hogging his teats in every opportunity he has, Zhongli started to have some concerns.

There was a light 'pop' sound and small lick to the teat, before Childe looked up to Zhongli, "Uh-huh. I am aware. All the more reason for me to have it before they arrived right?"

"..."

The logic was irrefutable, hence Zhongli only let out a sigh of relieve as Childe moved to the other leaky teat.

-

|birth|

"How are you, Zhongli?"

"I am in good health, thank you for asking, Little Friend."

He was heavily pregnant–he should be laying his egg any time this week–thus Childe had actually forbidden him from going anywhere outside their home. He understood the concern, but it was quite troublesome as he was unable to take the short walks around the vicinity of their home. Except for the time when he was building the nest, he was in a good condition to roam about and even fight. He almost always had Childe insisting on accompanying him when he did, but on the rare times when he didn't, he was careful of not disturbing or making himself noticed by the Hilicurls nearby–if there's even any, given Childe making sure to wipe them out in daily basis.

Lumine and Paimon were around for a visit–they just got back from another adventure in another Archon's territory, and eager to see him in his pregnant glory.

"It's so odd to see you without Childe, I was under the impression that he never strayed any more than 2 meters from you when you said that he was being clingy and overprotective," Lumine said.

"Oh. You were right to assume that for it was true, most of the time. But sometimes duty calls, and even he couldn't escape it. Unlike the previous occasions when he had to go, this time he was more agitated in bringing me with him than letting me be in the sanctuary of our home, as you can see." Zhongli gestured to his massive stomach, patting it lightly, "If I were to even raise a finger to get something, he'd make a fuss."

They chatted a bit before Zhongli suddenly gasped quietly. Both Lumine and Paimon didn't miss it.

"Zhongli, are you alright?"

Paimon gasped, "Are you–are you due now?"

Zhongli waved his hand weakly, "Ah, don't worry. This has been happening for the past week, it's just a minor contract–oh." 

Everyone stayed silent as Zhongli trembled.

He spoke with a hand on his stomach, though his serene expression didn't change, "Perhaps I am in labor now."

Paimon and Lumine gasped. Lumine hurriedly stood up, "Shall I fetch Childe now?"

Zhongli said calmly, "No need. I think it is fine, it will take quite some time before the egg can come out of me. I just need to..." He grimaced, "...Wait until it's ready, for now. It is normal for the process to be a little hard on the body, as I wait."

"But you look–"

Zhongli smiled, "As I told you, it's–Ah!"

"–Paimon! Paimon will fetch Childe now!" Paimon said as she flew quickly outside. Lumine hovered, unsure of how she could assist. 

Zhongli chuckled as he wiped the sweat on his brow, "I am fine. The worst has yet to come. She really didn't need to go. My husband will be home in time, even if she didn't."

"Anything I can do to help?"

"Hmm... There's not much, really." Zhongli stroke his pregnant stomach gently, "In fact, when I enter the main stage of labor, I will not permit anyone but my mate in the vicinity, so I need you to leave before it happens. In the meantime, you can wait with me, you haven't finished your tea."

"Oh... Alright." Obediently, Lumine sat back on her chair, and proceed to listen to Zhongli retelling the ridiculous things Childe had done throughout his pregnancy.

"Have I mentioned that he sings every time he touched my bump after he read that the baby can hear it? It was really cute, until I realised that it was impossible to keep his hand off my belly when all he wanted to do was to sing to it."

-

When Childe come back home, Zhongli was still sipping his tea calmly with Lumine.

Upon seeing his spouse calm and well, Childe took a deep breath before kneeling next to Zhongli's chair. He spoke in a hushed voice and Zhongli answered as quietly. 

After what seemed like a confirmation, Childe stood and look at Lumine. He said, "Thank you for accompanying him," he glanced at Paimon, "And thank you for fetching me. I'll take care of him from now."

Lumine nodded whilst Paimon said, "We're counting on you!" 

When they were out, Childe leaned closer to Zhongli and moved swiftly–carrying him bridal style. Zhongli instinctively put his arms around Childe's neck and relaxed his body. "Nest." He said faintly. His scales were starting to show on the surface of his skin, and Childe could feel Zhongli's temperature dropped.

Zhongli would assume his half-dragon form to give birth and the transformation already started.

"Of course, My Love. We'll be there soon."

-

"Hush, don't cry,"

Childe could only weep as Zhongli soothed him, "I'm alright. Our baby is alright."

The egg was cleaned up and nestled in Zhongli's arm, Childe tucked on his other side, his hands hugging them both tightly. Without his pregnant stomach, Zhongli was once again dwarfed by Childe's bulk.

"You were bleeding, I was so scared–I was never scared of blood until that moment, you know? I didn't think it's supposed to be like that." Trust Childe to panic silently as Zhongli crushed his hand in his labor when he saw red in the surface of the egg.

Zhongli's laugh was soft, "It's my first time laying... Perhaps the next ones wouldn't be so bloody." He propped his arm better and said, "I'll be all healed by the end of the day. There's no need to worry."

Childe had been tense with fear and frustration, feeling helpless as he watched his beloved fight on his own. It took hours for the egg to finally come out, and Childe could do nothing but to offer his hand and warmth and small kisses to Zhongli's hard temple as he pushed the egg out. He tried to stop trembling when he wiped the blood of the egg gently in the basin that he had prepared close to the nest, and when Zhongli finally break out a smile, extending his arms to receive the perfect egg from him, he finally teared up in relieve.

"Yeah... I know." Childe said. "Oh, sorry, you should've been resting, and here I am–"

Zhongli smiled. He kissed Childe softly, "It's fine. You were worried. Shall we rest together?"

Childe kissed Zhongli deeper this time. Zhongli had slowly transformed back since the egg was out, now fully human. "No. I'll stay with you, and you can sleep. I'd be awake in case you need anything. It's exhausting just watching you. You need your rest." 

Zhongli didn't stop smiling. Instead of answering, he put the egg between them, and move Childe's hand so it enveloped them both. When he squeezed in closer to Childe, the egg was snug and warm between them. "Alright, love you."

"Love you too."

-

When the egg hatches, a scaly, half-dragon baby came out with little claws extended from his hand. A tuft of red hair can be seen on his head and the top of his tail.

Zhongli scooped the baby and bring it to his chest, letting him nurse. The baby instinctively latched on his teat, suckling eagerly. 

Looking at the baby with warmth in his eyes, Zhongli spoke fondly, "He looks so much like you."

When he didn't hear a response, he finally looked up from the baby on his arms to see Childe frozen close to the nest. The gaze that was fixed upon him and the baby were hard and intense.

"Ajax?" Zhongli called out gently. Was there something wrong?

Childe didn't move from where he was, but he spoke slowly, "I am currently burning this image to my memory, My Love. It feels too good to be true, seeing you feeding our baby in your arms. I am afraid if I moved just a little bit then I am waking up from this dream."

Zhongli laughed, "Stop being silly, come here and kiss your child."

-

The kiss to the top of his child's head was chaste and gentle, but the kiss to the lips of his wife was hot and passionate.

-