Chapter Text
"I would like a child."
Zhongli spat out his tea. "You want... a child?"
"Yes, what of it?" Ningguang replied, unfazed by his reaction.
"I-... nothing, just, that surprised me, is all."
"I suppose it would. Although, I am not keen on becoming pregnant. The whole process of pregnancy is a massive, painful inconvenience that I do not wish to be a part of."
"That you are correct. What do you propose we do, then?" Zhongli asked, collecting himself post-spit take.
"We could adopt a child."
Zhongli put a finger on his chin. "I suppose that would be the best course of action. Would you like to visit an adoption center soon?"
"That is unnecessary. I already have an idea of who I would like to adopt."
"You... do?" Zhongli raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. I shall arrange to speak to him tomorrow. Would you like to come with me?"
"I don't suppose why not."
The next day, Zhongli and Ningguang met at the Stone Gate Tea House to discuss terms with their potential new son. Upon arrival, both Zhongli and the boy in question looked at each other inquisitively, wondering why the other was there.
"You want to what now?" Aether sputtered after choking on his tea.
"Adopt you, yes."
Aether's eyes flicked between Ningguang and Zhongli in utter disbelief.
"W...why? Why me?"
Ningguang pursed her lips for a moment, piecing together her thoughts. "You're small, cute, young, and I feel like you could make a good son to Zhongli and me."
A terse silence fell over the trio as Aether reeled in his senses.
"If it makes you feel any better, Aether, this is news to me, as well. She didn't tell me who she planned on seeing yesterday."
"Great. So, then, what are your thoughts on it?"
"I am completely open to the idea of adopting you as my son."
Aether propped his elbow onto the table and rubbed his face with his palm, exasperated. He shook his head, words failing to leave his mouth. What on the Archon's green Teyvat was happening? He considered everything that they had said and began thinking to himself.
I suppose there's nothing wrong with saying no , he thought. But, there's also nothing wrong with saying yes.
He sighed. It wouldn't make a difference, either way, so he may as well humor the couple.
"Sure. I'm okay with being your kid, I guess."
Ningguang's eyes lit up as Zhongli nodded approvingly. "Excellent! I shall get the paperwork going, and you shall soon be a part of our family, son.”
Son. That was going to take Aether a second to get used to.
"Say, Keqing."
Keqing glanced up from her desk, eyeing Ningguang from across the room. "What is it?"
"You are seeing Aether romantically, correct?"
Keqing's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "...yes, I am. What of it?"
"How would you feel about being my daughter-in-law?"
Keqing reeled back, flustered by Ningguang's sudden question and implication.
"W-wait, hold on! We're not married yet!"
Ningguang chuckled at Keqing's unintentional slip. "Yet, you say?"
"I- gah, stop that, Ningguang! I didn't mean that!" Keqing stammered. She definitely meant that. At that moment, a very late carriage slammed into her side. "Wait, did you say daughter-in-law?"
"I did. Why?"
"Wait, does that mean... huh?" Keqing blinked at Ningguang, bewildered.
"Yes, I adopted Aether as my and Zhongli's son. Did you not hear?"
Keqing felt the stirrings of a migraine knocking on her skull. "...I think I need to go lie down."
“...so, is that a yes?”