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amethystroselilith · 2 years ago

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Intertwined Fates - Chapter 7

A lot of stuff happened during this past months… add writers block to that and a sprinkle of post grad anxiety…

Would also like to note that the multiple ending planned for this fic is scrapped, it'll most likely stick with the original poly chilumi/zhonglumi ending!

Can be read in ao3

SUMMARY: "Once you have tasted the taste of sky, you will forever look up." - Leonardo da Vinci

"Lumine, I'm so sorry, I was getting Qiqi ready and packing her stuff but then your mom..." a panicked Xiangling trailed off when they heard footsteps inside.

"Lumine? Is that you? I was so worried when you didn't answer my text about our weekly wedding planning so I went here myself. Qiqi said you and Ajax were out last night. My, you two need to save it for the honeymoon, you know! And you could've just left Qiqi with her grandma and grandpa, I'm sure Xiangling is very busy already." a voice was heard from muffled to clear as the owner approaches them.

Lumine and Ajax froze as the very worst scenario unfolds in front of them.

"Anyway, the wedding planner did send an email containing the draft on what the reception area would look like and it needs your approval before-"

A loud shriek was heard followed by a glass shattering on the floor.

~~~

Mrs Viatrix was hysterical as soon as she saw Zhongli and she almost lost consciousness. The tension was so much that even Qiqi could feel it, tearing up as she begs for Ajax to carry her and hide her from whatever is happening.

Thankfully, Mrs Viatrix didn't cause as much scene as Lumine feared. Instead, she asked Lumine to call her father to pick her up cause the liquor she had seemed to be so strong that she started to see dead people.

Lumine didn't correct her and just took this as an opportunity to make her mother leave as soon as possible. She could deal with them another time, this was already too much for her and she was already feeling too nauseous. It didn't take too long for her father to arrive as he was worried about his family, Lumine asked and almost begged for her father to give her some time before she could explain everything. Seeing the pale look on his daughter's face made him uneasy and Lumine's assurance isn't helping until she promised to call him tonight and if she didn't he could go back and check himself.

Zhongli was frozen as he tried to process all the things just happened. Xiangling decided to try and bring Zhongli inside the kitchen, the man had just gotten out of the hospital, and witnessing that might be too much. There aren't a lot of pictures in the kitchen to overwhelm him with the fact that his wife and best friend had started building a new home together.

Xiangling tried to say something as she helped Zhongli sit at the table, but no words formed and she just sighed before going to the water dispenser and grabbing a glass full for Zhongli. She then excused herself, fearing that whatever she might say would just make it worse.

Sensing that they need some privacy for the heavy conversation that was about to come, Xiangling offered to take Qiqi with her. Ajax and Lumine would've agreed, but Qiqi had stuck herself on Ajax's chest, refusing to let go.

Back to the present, Zhongli is still in the kitchen, Lumine is pacing around their bedroom, and Ajax is inside Qiqi's room, having been tasked by Lumine to hopefully get Qiqi to take a nap so they all could talk.

"Is Qiqi bad, Papa?" a quiet voice came from his chest asked.

"No, of course not." Ajax said softly as he fixed the blanket around the small girl before grabbing a stuffed animal and tucking it beside her, "You're our best little girl. Mama and Papa love you."

He sat on the stool next to her bed as the way she gripped his arm shows him that she doesn't want to be alone.

"But bad things happened when Qiqi comes to Mama and Papa?" Qiqi frowned at him and Ajax can't help but chuckle softly.

"It's not your fault, princess. Things have just been complicated, but I promise to fix it, alright?" Ajax smiled, it was a heavy promise that he himself doesn't know how to fulfill but when the sadness in Qiqi's eyes disappeared, he felt that he could do anything.

"Papa promise?" Qiqi asked quietly.

"Papa promised to protect his little princess always and make her happy." Ajax smiled.

"Qiqi will be happy with coconut milkshake after nap." Qiqi grinned before yawning and slowly letting go of Ajax's arm.

"Then Papa will make the best coconut milkshake later," Ajax said before giving her a kiss on the forehead and standing up.

He made sure she was tucked in comfortably before leaving the room.

Ajax made his way to their room, trying to come up with a way to explain things to Zhongli.

'How the hell do you tell your supposedly dead best friend you've been dating his wife?'

Something like, 'Yeah so you see, we thought you were dead so we let our feelings get to us, got together, made love lots of times, and now are planning to get married. We kept you in our hearts though.' is not going to cut it, no matter how true it is.

As soon as he entered the room, he immediately knew Lumine was in the bathroom puking her guts out from the sounds it made.

Ajax immediately grabbed Lumine's water tumbler from their bedside table and came to her assistance, "There, there, drink some water, love." he shushed quietly as he rubbed Lumine's back, "If it's too much I'll talk to him first? You can get some rest." he worries over her pale face.

Lumine drank from the tumbler before grabbing a tissue to wipe her mouth with, "No, I think it's better if we both explain it together. Just give me a minute to freshen up."

~~~

Zhongli has been eyeing a child's drawing on the fridge, a little narwhal magnet holding it proudly as it displays a happy family of three. He could guess from the color of the hair who the members are, his eyes can't help but glare at what's supposedly a figure with long brown hair is instead replaced by a figure with short ginger hair.

Replaced.

Zhongli never expected a word could cut him deep.

He endured harsh words from his biological parents, but all their insults combined didn't do as much damage as the little drawing hanging on the fridge.

His attention turned to the footsteps coming to where he is and from the air, he could feel the tension and hesitance its owners are carrying.

"We were hoping to break the news gently, not like this." Ajax sat at one of the dining chairs.

"Though, either way, we weren't certain how to tell you exactly." Lumine sighed as she took her own seat, the three of them forming a triangle.

"I would appreciate it if you start from the very beginning," Zhongli answered calmly.

Lumine can't help but shiver at his calmness, though Zhongli never did let his emotion take over him.

"Just to set the record straight, we've never done anything behind your back. All of... this happened not too long ago, so you could already get rid of any infidelity or betrayal happening." Ajax stated, eyes looking straight into Zhongli's.

"Appreciated." Zhongli nodded, the dark blue eyes that he had always trusted removed most of the worries in his mind.

"Alright..." Lumine took a deep breath, "When your plane was announced that it crashed on the news, I prayed that you were okay, that you're one of the survivors listed on the news. I already had my phone ready, hoping to see your name and immediately call them to see where you are. I didn't lose hope when the news ended. I kept contacting them to see if they found you." Lumine recalls, "The phone call would always end with a promise to contact me as soon as you were found, but several days went by and their investigation concluded without any news from you. Do you know how devastated I was? You were announced dead, assumed to be one of the bodies that drowned and couldn't be retrieved." she began shaking.

"We hired other rescue teams around the area, but after weeks of nothing, we were forced to accept it." Ajax continued, "A funeral was still held even if we couldn't find your body. You have no idea how much it hurts thinking that we couldn't even give you a proper resting place."

Zhongli stays quiet, patiently waiting for more answers to the various questions he has.

"Losing the love of my life really messed me up, you were my other half after all." Lumine smiled slightly, "I could barely take care of myself. Aether, Ajax, and Xiao were the ones who really helped me get back to my feet. Aether had me move in with him to keep an eye on my health and our baby."

Zhongli's eyes widened, the fact that his wife and best friend are now lovers made him forget about the crucial detail.

He is a father.

Or is it was?

"Qiqi..." Zhongli trailed off.

"Is the best daughter you could ever ask for." Ajax chuckled, "She really took after you. Quiet yet brave, gentle yet determined, a curious little girl with a big heart."

"As expected from her mother." Zhongli smiled fondly.

Lumine blushed, "It's also thanks to her uncles... and... Ajax."

"Her Papa so I heard," Zhongli stated.

"You know how I always like to care for kids... and since she's yours and Lumine's, it's obvious I had to step up and protect them when you're not around," Ajax said, a slight defending in his tone as if Zhongli was accusing him of something Ajax's not even sure of; replacing him? Taking advantage of the situation? Winning over his wife?

"Didn't think that would necessarily include marrying my wife." Zhongli can't help but spit out as he remembers what Lumine's mother said earlier. The bitterness from the years he missed laced his tone.

It made Ajax and Lumine flinch.

"There are some things that we can't help, Zhongli." Ajax sighed, "You think it was as simple as coming up to Lumine and asking her on a date? If that was the case we would've been on our third kid by now." the slight hostility in his voice surprised not Lumine but also himself.

"Is there something you want to talk about, Ajax?" Zhongli challenged.

"Enough." Lumine quickly diffused the tension that was building up, "Zhongli, you probably feel... conflicted right now, but please believe us. We tried to fight it to the point that it really broke us. We tried to avoid each other but it had already gotten to the point where..." the hurt in Zhongli's eyes made Lumine stop, "I'm sorry..."

Suddenly, Lumine's emotion started to overwhelm her, "I'm sorry..." she began sobbing uncontrollably.

"Lumine, you should take a break-" Ajax tried to calm her down, her shaking starting to worry even Zhongli who tried to reach out for her.

"I'm sorry for falling in love with your best friend!" she blurted out before walking out of the kitchen and into her room.

Both men were frozen until they heard a loud thud.

"Lumine!"

~~~

Two men sit awkwardly as they wait for the doctor to come out of Lumne's room, hopefully with good news. Qiqi is still asleep beside Ajax, the small girl wrapped in Ajax's jacket. As soon as they saw Lumine on the ground, Ajax and Zhongli rushed to the hospital, Zhongli carrying Lumine while Ajax grabbed Qiqi. The car ride was quiet but they didn't think too much of it until now that things are under control.

Qiqi stirred in her sleep, unconsciously burying herself inside the large jacket due to the cold hallway of the hospital.

"We should've left her in Aether's care." Zhongli observed, "This bench isn't really the most comfortable thing to sleep on."

"Qiqi doesn't like suddenly waking up in another place without Lumine and me around. If we need to, we have to wake her up and say we'll be away or else you'd have a cranky and sulky girl who would refuse to talk to you unless you bribe her with a lot of bedtime stories or coconut milk or whatever she's currently obsessed with. Last time we had to watch Frozen every night." Ajax chuckled fondly at the memory.

Zhongli stayed quiet as he stared at his daughter and wonders what it would've been like if he was telling that story instead of Ajax.

Silence fell upon them once again.

Ajax's mind went back to Lumine, sighing as he thinks about how this situation must be really stressful for her.

A thought sent a pain in his chest.

Perhaps he could make it easier? Be the one to severe the tie so Lumine doesn't have to be forced to choose?

A rustle beside him got his attention. Qiqi started snuggling against him, a tiny hand holding onto his arm.

Could he even do it?

'I did it before, didn't I?' he told himself.

But he didn't have anything he built with Lumine before. No routine he shares with her, no chores... no child, no family...

They didn't have a home together.

So giving her up isn't as easy as congratulating his two best friends on their engagement party with a broken yet genuine smile.

'I don't like Lumine stressing this much though...' Ajax tried to convince himself, 'Would Lumine be happy if I leave? What about Qiqi?' his heart argued.

He was in a fierce debate with himself until the door to Lumine's room opened, revealing the doctor and a friend of Ajax, Baizhu.

"How is she?" Ajax immediately asked.

Baizhu smiled, "There's nothing to be worried about, but I would advise avoiding stressing her too much. Is it because of the wedding planning? You did mention her mother's involved."

Ajax could see how Zhongli tensed from the corner of his eyes. Baizhu never met Zhongli in person nor seen what he looks like, only knows that he was Ajax's best friend and Lumine's deceased husband.

"It's fine. Lumine actually tolerates her mother now and didn't really have any problems with her involvement." Ajax explains, "It's probably work, she was under a lot of pressure from a huge project." he thought of a lie.

"Ah, I see. Lumine really is a workaholic, just like you." Baizhu chuckled, "Well, she doesn't really need to take any medications, just a lot of rest and please ask her to take a break from work if she's stressing this much."

"Noted. I'll do my best." Ajax smiled in relief.

"Also, there are some really knowing symptoms." Baizhu chuckled.

"What do you mean?" Ajax asked in confusion.

The doctor just chuckled, "Ah, it's nothing bad. Though, I would just say congrats in advance." he said as he pat him on the shoulder.

Ajax was about to ask for clarifications but the door behind the doctor opened, revealing Lumine herself.

"Lumine, I told you to take it easy." Baizhu sighed, "I was about to invite them inside."

"Sorry." Lumine chuckled nervously, "Just getting anxious in there." she cleared her throat when she saw everyone outside.

"It's fine," Baizhu smiled, "I have other patients to attend to, so I'll leave you guys be. You're also free to leave if you're ready, Lumine. Just please take a break as soon as you get home. If you happen to feel worse, just contact me."

They said their thanks and goodbyes before Baizhu left.

It was tense when they were alone again, and Lumine wants nothing more than to go home and take actual rest instead of overworking herself as a distraction.

The ride home was quiet except for Qiqi who is slurping happily on a coconut milk Ajax purchased at a drive-thru. The little girl is currently sitting on Lumine's lap, pointing at random interesting things that catch her eyes from the window. Lumine smiles as she answers Qiqi's questions playfully, her daughter's laughter feeling her with energy as it cures the heavy and negative feelings that have been burdening her for the past few days.

Ajax can't help but feel relief as he takes a glimpse of them from the mirror whenever he can. Lumine may be sitting in the backseat again, but at least Qiqi is there to bring comfort.

Zhongli stays quiet in his seat beside Lumine, not really sure how to interact with them, or if he even could. He just took this time to think of what to do after processing an overwhelming amount of news.

Ajax and Lumine seem to be doing just fine, currently building their own home together. They'd already established a happy family, and... even though he was her actual husband, Zhongli felt like an intruder, someone going to tear a happy family apart even though he doesn't mean to, or even want to.

These people are his best friends and he wants nothing but happiness to bless them in their lives, but...

Lumine is his wife.

He never left her, he just wants to give her and his daughter a comfortable life. He wants to give them everything to see them smile and protect them as a husband and father should. So he works and works and works. And when the opportunity for a promotion comes after joining a business trip, Zhongli only has thoughts of giving Lumine that bakery she wants to build with Aether and a big home for them and their little ones. Everything was for their future together.

Zhongli didn't want to be taken away from them.

The cruel fates seem to have a different idea though.

"You see now? No matter how hard you work, it's all pointless because those bastards watching us from their fancy thrones up in the sky already have our fate decided for us."

A mocking voice from his biological parents played in his head. No matter how much he tried to make them proud, they would quickly crush any pride and happiness Zhongli gets from his achievements.

He didn't let them drag him down with them though. He wants Xiao to have a better life and thus he tried to fight the so-called 'fates' their parents claimed were already set for him.

But now...

Zhongli starts to doubt himself.

Maybe his parents were right after all.

Lumine already has that bakery she dreamed of, and Ajax gave her that big warm happy home she wanted for her children.

She's already living the dream that he and she were working for.

Just...

Without him...

So Zhongli asked himself, 'Is there anything he could even offer her?'

Only a bitter answer arrives in his mind.

~~~

"Mr Zhongli is staying with us?" Qiqi tilted her head in confusion when Zhongli followed them inside their home.

"Ah, well... yes." Ajax, who is carrying her, answered unsurely, he doesn't really want to give Qiqi that kind of talk yet, not until he's sure what to do next with this mess they're in at least.

Qiqi just stared at Zhongli for a bit, the man just smiling at her, "I hope that's alright with you, little Qiqi." he said.

"Okay, but I have to introduce you to everyone so they won't be confused. Papa, down please." Qiqi asked.

Ajax set her down and the little girl ran in the direction of her room.

"Do you have relatives living with you?" Zhongli asked.

"No, but you should sit down because it's gonna be a long while." Lumine smiled sheepishly.

Zhongli did as asked and sat on the sofa, just in time to see the little girl enter the room with a struggle as the teddy plush she was holding on her arm is bigger than her, her other hand busy pulling on a wagon filled to the brim with tiny plushies, "Qiqi is small and can't carry them all at once, hold on." she heaved as she set her toys down before running again to her room.

"Oh." Zhongli can't help but smile softly as he stared at the mountain of stuffed toys in front of him.

"She does that to anyone who visits for the first time." Lumine chuckled as she took a sit, sighing softly, "Ugh, my back hurts." she groaned softly.

"Do you want me to get your hot compress?" Ajax whispered.

"Yeah, please," Lumine said as she try to rub her lower back.

~~~

Ajax made his way to the bathroom in their bedroom.

He opened the drawer to Lumine's stuff, grabbed the hot compress, and was about to close the doors when he noticed the unopened bag of pads. His eyes widened before grabbing his phone and checking the calendar app. His face paled when he realized the dates.

Those pads should've been opened last week.

Lumine always had a regular cycle that even Ajax remembers himself and would be the one buying everything she needs.

And since they've been really active...

His grip tightened around the hot compress as he realized the answer he'd been looking for.

There's no way Ajax is giving Lumine up now.

~~~

"...and this one is Captain Teddy, he's in charge of keeping the monsters away at night. He's bigger than Qiqi so the monsters are afraid of him." Qiqi introduced the big stuffed bear.

"Nice to meet you, Captain Teddy." Zhongli greeted with a smile as he grabbed the outstretched hand of the bear, heart melting again when he heard Qiqi's giggles as she shake the toy's hand with Zhongli's.

He had been doing that for the past few plushies.

"And finally, this is Mr Finch, do you remember him?" Qiqi asked with hopeful eyes.

"Of course, I entrusted him to keep you safe as well," Zhongli answered with a soft smile.

"He's doing a great job too! Captain Teddy is thinking of promoting him soon." Qiqi said proudly before talking about the greatest adventures she had with her beloved stuffed animals.

The excitement from the little girl in front of him and the quiet chuckles Lumine gives out every now and then.

The warmth that fills him being with them, made it all clear to Zhongli.

There's no way Zhongli's going to miss any more time with his family.

#chilumi #zhonglumi #chilumi/zhonglumi #genshin impact

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amethystroselilith · 2 years ago

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Intertwined Fates (Chilumi/Zhonglumi)- Chapter 8

Can be read in ao3

SUMMARY: Lumine finally chooses.

"You've been scrubbing that plate for a long while now, do you want to talk about it?" Lumine asked softly as she placed a plate on the rack, waiting for Ajax to pass her the last one.

Dinner was just pizza they ordered so there isn't much to clean up, but Ajax is taking way longer than usual with washing the dishes.

Zhongli was watching a movie with Qiqi in the family room, the man not having any problems spending time with his daughter... who knows when's the next time he'll be able to spend time with her like this.

"Lumi, are you feeling fine? I mean... physically fine?" Ajax sighed, he'd been so distracted in thinking of how to ask her about the possibility of being pregnant, especially at this time when everything is very complicated. Ajax is surely adding another major factor that will further make this difficult, "Did Baizhu not tell you anything?"

Lumine frowned, "He didn't seem to say anything alarming?" she bit her lip before adding, "Er, well... he suggested taking another medical test, but I'm really fine, so I didn't see the point of it. Did he tell you something else?"

"...No, not really... but... maybe you should go back and take that medical test?" Ajax suggested.

"But I'm fine, I just need to take a break. This thing is just really taking a toll on me." Lumine argued.

"And that's why we should have it checked." Ajax calmly countered, "Lumine, please. I'm anxious about you, I don't want anything bad happening to you."

"Baizhu already said-"

"Lumine." Ajax stopped her, "Please." he looked at her with pleading eyes.

And just like that, Lumine relented, "Fine. I'll give him a call to schedule me tomorrow."

Ajax seemed to have relaxed a bit, "Thank you, love."

It was one of their usual nicknames, but somehow they suddenly felt something heavy in their chest.

Though they didn't mention it as they finished cleaning up.

~~~

"Qiqi likes him, he went all over the ocean to find Nemo." Qiqi pointed at the clown fish on the screen.

"Nothing's more precious to a parent than their child." Zhongli agrees.

"Yeah, Papa said he'll also look for Qiqi all over the universe if Qiqi goes missing." Qiqi said proudly, "And the universe is big!" she thought of the moment, "Qiqi thinks it's bigger than the ocean and this building combined! So that's very big!"

Zhongli gave her a smile, yet sadness looms over it, "It is bigger than those two combined. Your Papa and Mama will no doubt go through all that for you."

"Yeah." Qiqi nodded proudly, "Uncle Aether and Uncle Xiao said they would too!" she added.

"Oh?" Zhongli smiled a genuine one before adding, "Then I will too."

Qiqi's eyes brightened, "Really? You'll look for Qiqi too?"

Zhongli nodded, "Of course, I promise."

Qiqi giggled, "Good! Because Qiqi's worried that Uncle Aether and Uncle Xiao will get eaten by a shark while they look for me."

"Really?" Zhongli chuckled.

"Yeah, cause Mama said she's afraid of sharks and Papa said he'd save her. But Uncle Aether said he's also afraid of sharks and Uncle Xiao said he'd also save him, but they're both small so Qiqi doesn't know how they'll survive."

Zhongli flinched as he tried to stifle a laugh, "I... I can assure you that even with their... height... they can defeat a shark."

Qiqi thought for a moment, "Can they...? Cause Qiqi watched them move furniture around here and they looked like they're dying moving that shelf over there together."

Zhongli looks at the tall shelf at the corner, he doubt he could move that without difficulty himself but he just chuckled, how entertaining is a child's perspective at times.

"But that's okay now, you can help them defeat the shark." Qiqi nodded, satisfied with her possible rescue plan she affectionately named 'Finding Qiqi'.

Zhongli couldn't help but release a laugh, Qiqi laughing along with him just cause he looks so happy, her little giggles melting Zhongli's heart, how much of this did he miss out on?

Tears start forming at the corner of his eyes as he thinks about how he missed watching his daughter grow up; the milestones he couldn't celebrate with her, the proud feeling he missed as he was supposed to watch her say her first word, take her first step, fear her first tantrum.

Soon he couldn't help but begin shaking, even as hard as he try to swallow the pain, things are starting to get to him as he faced the fact that he has indeed lost 5 years of their lives...

Zhongli bent down, hiding his face with his hands as he tried to stop his sobs.

Mocking voices of his parents taunts him in his head again.

They were going louder... louder... louder...

Until suddenly it just... stops.

Zhongli's eyes widened as he felt a tiny hand patting his head.

"Are you okay?"

The tiny voice silenced the voices in his head.

Zhongli wiped his eyes before facing her, "Of course. I apologize, little Qiqi. Something just... came into mind."

"Is it because you're afraid of sharks too? Well, don't worry, Qiqi will do her best not to get lost in the ocean so you don't have to save Uncle Aether and Uncle Xiao from sharks," she promised.

Zhongli chuckled before sitting up, "Don't worry, it's not that. I'm just sad about other things."

"Like what?" Qiqi tilted her head in confusion.

"Nothing, just grownup stuff." Zhongli laughed it away, "Anyway, would you like to watch something else?" he changed the subject.

"Yeah, I wanna watch animals now," Qiqi said as she pressed the button on her favorite channel.

Zhongli took note of how Qiqi watched the animal channel with interest, the show is a kid version of some animal documentary. Zhongli then started noticing the animal books for kids lined up on the shelf.

So his daughter has a fascination with animals.

He took note of that.

Zhongli may have missed her early years, but now he would like to be as involved in raising her.

He just hopes Lumine will let him, even if she left their home and made a new one with Ajax.

As they watch, Qiqi would ask questions to which Zhongli unsurprisingly know the answer, he loves reading books of all kinds from when he was young and probably up to now if given the chance. He felt proud of himself as Qiqi listened to him with fascination.

Soon Lumine and Ajax joined the room, a glass of milk in Lumine's hands.

"Thank you." Qiqi accepted the glass, "Mama, Mr Zhongli knows a lot about animals." she said excitedly.

"That's wonderful." Lumine smiled as she sat next to her daughter, "He loves to read books just about anything."

"Qiqi wants to be like that too! Qiqi needs more books," she said.

"Haha, we'll get you some more books, don't worry," Ajax said as he made himself comfortable from beside Lumine, giving the same space as Zhongli had between her from the other side of the couch.

The attention was solely on Qiqi as the grownups avoid the tension between them.

But soon Qiqi had fallen asleep on Lumine's lap and that's when they know they were done for the night.

"I... I think I'll stay with Qiqi for the night." Lumine cleared her throat as she gently move Qiqi from her lap to carry her.

"I could carry Qiqi for you." Ajax hurriedly volunteered when he saw Lumine struggle a little in shifting positions to avoid waking up the sleeping girl.

"I got it don't worry." Lumine said as she successfully stood up with Qiqi in her arms, "We really had a long day, so maybe we should all talk tomorrow afternoon? Qiqi has no school and takes naps at that time, I should be home from a quick hospital visit. Ajax will be on leave, would that be okay, Zhongli?" she asked.

"Yes, my employer's son is staying with her so there shouldn't be a problem with me not being there, but I would like to visit there in the morning and inform them of what happened," he answered.

"That's fine, I'll be home all day." Ajax nodded.

"Though, can I ask why you'll be in the hospital? Is everything alright?" Zhongli asked in worry.

"Everything's fine, to be honest, I'm just going for Ajax's sake." Lumine sigh.

"It's better to be mindful, Lumine." Ajax frowned.

"I would agree with him. Health is really important." Zhongli added.

"Alright, alright, I already set up an appointment so everything should be fine." Lumine sighed in defeat. "Well, I'll be taking Qiqi now. Good night."

They said their goodnights before Ajax begin to lead Zhongli to his room.

"If you need anything else, just go through that hallway and you'll see our- my room." Ajax corrected himself.

"I see. Thank you." Zhongli said.

They awkwardly stood in silence.

"Zhongli... I..." Ajax hesitated.

Zhongli sighed, "I hope you understand Ajax that I won't give them up easily." he said, "Although of course, Lumine still needs her input, I just need you to know that I'm not going to disappear in their lives. At least Qiqi's. She may call you her Papa but... she's still my daughter, and I know you understand that it won't be easy for me to simply walk away when I've now met her."

Ajax stayed quiet before answering...

"Of course. It is your right to be with your family after all." he said, 'And so will be mine if Lumine is really pregnant...' he added in his head.

"We should take a good night's rest. Tomorrow will be another heavy and long day for us." Zhongli nodded.

"It will be." Ajax said, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

~~~

When morning comes, Lumine and Zhongli left for their own errands after they had their breakfast. Qiqi is currently at the dining table, her animal picture books scattered on the table when Ajax just finished clearing it.

"Papa, can you also tell me more about this one?" Qiqi called.

Ajax turned away from washing the dishes and looked at the bird she was pointing to.

"Uh..." Ajax tries to remember what he knows about it, unfortunately coming up with nothing, "Sorry, princess, Papa isn't too knowledgeable about that." he chuckled, though feeling a bit bad.

It was an unusual feeling, he doesn't feel bad when he couldn't answer Qiqi's questions like that. Usually, he would learn more about it with her through other books or through the internet, but after seeing Zhongli flawlessly answer Qiqi last night, Ajax feels... threatened? He's not sure how to describe the ugly feeling, but he really hates it.

"I'll ask Mr Zhongli later then." Qiqi hummed, which just made Ajax feel worse and strangely competitive.

"I don't really know a lot about birds, but I do love marine animals," Ajax said proudly.

"Sea animals?" Qiqi repeated.

"Yeah, your grandpa used to take me with him before when he goes to the ocean." he recalls the fond memory, "Besides fishing, your grandpa is also curious about marine life and he loves to talk to me about it."

"Tell Qiqi too!" Qiqi said excitedly.

Ajax smiled, "How about you clean those books up, get the ones about the sea animals, and wait for me in the living room, yeah? I'm almost done with cleaning up."

"Okay!" Qiqi said excitedly before doing her little task.

Ajax smiled and hurried cleaning up.

His whole morning was then spent with Qiqi and sea animal facts.

Zhongli soon came home with a box of tea from his employer. He immediately made one for himself when Ajax declined. Qiqi had asked for a glass of juice instead.

They all waited for time to pass by. Ajax and Qiqi still talking about sea animals while Zhongli texts Xiao, Lumine gave him her old but still functioning phone earlier for communication purposes. Zhongli sighs as Xiao bombarded him with texts about what happened yesterday, Xiangling had told him out of worry, and while Zhongli prefers not to tell Xiao that he already knows about Ajax and Lumine, at least until they have their talk, he couldn't really blame Xiangling. Zhongli tries to distract Xiao by asking him what happened with his life instead. Zhongli would also want to know how his brother had been when he was away. Thankfully, Xiao can still sense if Zhongli wants to avoid talking about something, and so he let it go and just talks about himself. Xiao would prefer talking in person but the bakery is a bit busy and he and Aether have to take on Lumine's work as well. Zhongli doesn't mind the long wait for his reply though.

It was peaceful and soon Lumine came home.

"Mama!" Qiqi immediately runs up to hug her.

"Is everything fine?" Ajax can't help but ask already.

"Yeah." Lumine gave him a tight smile as she picked up her daughter.

Ajax just noticed she's holding an envelope with a hospital logo and he can't help but start to get anxious about what's inside. He was about to ask about it but Lumine gave him a pleading look. Ajax swallowed a lump in his throat but nodded either way.

Meanwhile, Zhongli can't help but sense the tension between the two.

He wonders if this has something to do with the bad omens he encountered on his way home.

~~~

Three adults sat across the table.

Qiqi was in her room taking her afternoon nap after their lunch.

Everything was cleaned up and it was time for the main event of the day.

However, no one seems to know how to start the conversation as they stare at the mug of steaming tea Zhongli made for all of them.

"I..." Lumine tried to start but her words died down.

"Er, what if we start about your... medical results?" Ajax made the first move, he knows that this result will have a huge impact on their situation.

Lumine bit her lip as her fist clenched on the envelope.

There was a pause before Lumine slid the envelope to him.

Ajax took a deep breath before opening the envelope, eyes eagerly searching for the answer he needs.

And when he saw it...

"Oh..." was all he could say before putting the results down.

Zhongli's eyes naturally went to the paper, and he froze at the familiar results.

It was the very same one that told them they were having Qiqi.

"I... I see." Zhongli breathed out, "That's... that's another thing to heavily consider as well." he stated.

"I was really overwhelmed with... us... that I didn't realize I didn't get my period." Lumine said, "This is really big news for me... er, all of us." she bit her lip.

"...So what now..." Ajax sighed, "I won't leave you alone with this, Lumine. I can't." he said, "I'm sorry, but I can't." his eyes met Zhongli's.

"You can't expect me just to leave, do you?" Zhongli frowned, "I really apologize for this, Lumine, Ajax. You may have moved on from me, but I still love you and our daughter." he pleaded Lumine, "I'm sorry, but I never intended on letting you go. I may not have your heart anymore, but you can't just cut my ties with Qiqi, that's too much."

"Don't say it like that..." Lumine said with hurt in her eyes, "You... you always have a place in my heart, and I've always wanted Qiqi to know you're her father. Ajax and I tried, but she won't be able to understand it yet."

"You're carrying my child." Ajax said, "Letting go is impossible for me." he added firmly.

"I guess... it'll be your call, Lumine," Zhongli stated.

"You can't just overwhelm her like that, pregnancy in this stage can be delicate," Ajax argued.

"Well, it's obvious that I vote for myself and you vote for yourself. Lumine's the one who breaks the tie." Zhongli stated, "I don't want to burden you, and I wish I could say that you can take your time... but..."

"With everyone around us, we don't have time, yeah I get that." Lumine bit her lip, "Waiting any longer would complicate things more... especially with my mother." she said, "And I don't want her influencing me in any way when deciding this."

"Then... what's your decision?" Ajax asked though he was not sure if he was ready for her answer.

"If... if you do choose him, then... I have no choice but to respect your decision. Choosing him is the logical choice, he already engraved himself in Qiqi's mind as her father, and it would not cause a problem with your mother. But I do wish to see Qiqi. I want to be there and watch her grow up. Even as 'Mr Zhongli'." Zhongli finally decided. When they made their vows, he promised to carry the burden with her, married or not, Zhongli will always keep that vow in his heart.

What Zhongli said stunned Ajax, while what he said does lead to a less complicated outcome, Ajax can still see the love Zhongli has for her, and Ajax knows deep inside that Zhongli still and will always have a place in Lumine's heart.

Zhongli is... Lumine's first choice after all.

"I... I guess if I could let you go before, I could... try my best to do it the second time." it was a lie and Ajax could feel the bitter aftertaste when it left his lips, "But I too want to be there for my child."

The first sentence had both alarmed Zhongli and Lumine, but they didn't comment on it right now.

The two men are willing to sacrifice their future for her, and Lumine is just as torn.

"This doesn't make this any easier." Lumine sighed in frustration.

"Just say the first thing that comes into your mind..." Ajax tried to help, "Might as well rip the band-aid off."

"The first thing that comes to my mind, huh..." Lumine repeated.

"It is known that whatever first thing that pops in your head is what you truly desire." Zhongli said, "When envisioning your future, who do you see standing with you?"

Lumine answered quietly.

"Who?" Ajax tried again.

"...th..." Lumine tried again, face heating up.

"I'm sorry, Lumine, but we can't hear you." Zhongli said, "Perhaps you can think of this until tonight."

"Yeah, I guess you really need to think this through."

"...of you!" Lumine said louder.

"Uh...?" Ajax and Zhongli looked at each other, "You need to be a bit specific-" Ajax chuckled awkwardly.

"You." Lumine said, "Both... of you."

"Yes, what about both of us?" Zhongli asked.

"That's it," Lumine said in embarrassment and frustration.

"I'm a bit confu-" Ajax was cut off.

"I choose both of you." Lumine made it clear, "I... I was thinking about it the whole night. And I just tried thinking of who pops in my head, but... it's both of you... I'm sorry, but I can't seem to let go of either of you." she bowed her head in embarrassment, "You want me to break the tie, but I can't imagine myself without the both of you by my side."

They fell into deep silence.

"Well... you seem to have chosen the most complicated path." Zhongli broke the silence, "But I can't say I'm not relieved." he added with a relieved smile, "If sharing with him is the only way to be by your side, then I'm willing to accept this choice." he smiled at her.

"I never really imagined a future with sharing you with him, but it's a whole lot better than being alone." Ajax smiled at her, "It's... going to be difficult explaining this to other people, but I know I'll overcome anything with you by my side."

Their smiles lifted the heavy weight off her shoulders, "I was worried that it'd gross you two out, that I'm being selfish."

"Oh, you are greedy, but I don't mind a greedy little princess, but please keep it to the two of us. I don't think I would share with any more than with him." Ajax smiled but Lumine can feel the seriousness.

"I... I'm not planning, don't worry." Lumine promised.

"Then I have no problems with this." Zhongli said, "But we need to think about how the others will react."

"Eh, if anyone gets a problem with them, I'll punch them." Ajax shrugged.

"I mean our family and friends, Ajax." Zhongli sighed, "Although I feel like they would respect our decision, I'm more worried about your parents, Lumine. And explaining this to Qiqi as well."

"I could explain this to Qiqi." Ajax volunteered, "We already explained about Zhongli being her real father before, I think we just need to make her realize that that's you, Zhongli. Qiqi's already warmed up with you so I don't think it'll take too long for her to accept you as her father, but you should expect questions about your disappearances." he said.

"She doesn't know about the plane crash." Lumine said, "We were warned that it might give her some sort of trauma or fear with planes, so we just said you were in a better place."

"I suppose I could just make a story about being asleep for too long and forgetting things? Er... I'll think of an excuse so leave that part to me." Zhongli said.

"Well, I guess your parents... well, more like your mom, will be hard to convince," Ajax said.

Lumine rubbed her temples, "We can think of that for another day, Dad said he and Mom will be out for a vacation with her friends and they'll leave tonight. I think I need to rest for a while." she said tiredly.

"Of course. I could make you some snacks to eat. Do you have any cravings?" Ajax asked.

"I'm still full from lunch, but I would appreciate some sweets right now." Lumine hummed.

"Alright, I'll see what I can make." Ajax hummed as he thinks of something light and sweet to make.

"Would you like to lie down by the sofa?" Zhongli asked.

"I would appreciate that, thanks."

Lumine and Zhongli made their way to their living room, the blonde woman immediately sitting down to relieve her sore back with the soft cushions. Zhongli sat beside her, making sure she was comfortable as he remembered the times when she was pregnant with Qiqi. Usually, he would cuddle her as he play with her stomach, even if it was still flat, but Zhongli decided to give her some space first, Lumine may have decided to take him and Ajax but Zhongli knows they have yet to talk about boundaries or rules about it. So for now, he settles with just sitting right next to her.

They were enjoying a movie when they suddenly heard a loud crash in the kitchen.

Lumine immediately stood up to check on Ajax with Zhongli following her close behind.

"Shit..." Ajax cursed as he dropped an empty bowl, his eyes however did not leave his phone as he try to read the simple message all over again, hoping it would change.

"Is everything fine, Jax?" Lumine asked with worry.

Ajax gulped and looked at her,

"Your mom's coming here soon."

#chilumi/zhonglumi #chilumi #genshin impact #zhonglumi

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