Chapter Text
Sucrose puts a cold wet cloth against Aether's forehead. Aether smiles towards her, "Thank you... Sucrose...." "Mommy, please rest. Albedo will come back with more food ready for you when you wake up." Aether only continues to smile, "....Y.. You two.... are so grown.... up ." He tries to say in a hoarse voice, "I-" Sucrose only pets Aether's hair, calming the man and lolling him to sleep, "I told you it's our turn to take care of you mommy." Sucrose now smiles as Aether seems to be more peacefully asleep. It's been a rough few days since Aether fell ill, but he seems to be recovering thanks to the work of her and Albedo. Speaking of whom, it has been a bit since the boy went to forage for food... the girl can't help but worry.
"Pardon me."
A sudden deep voice close to the tent startled the girl. She turns to see a man peak through before Albedo also peaks his head through. "Big brother!" Albedo slips in and looks at Aether, "How's mother?" "He's doing better, but he's still very weak." The man hums, "If I may ask, what are your mother's symptoms?" Sucrose hesitantly looks at the stranger who hasn't stepped into their tent yet. "It's okay Sucrose, he's here to help mother." Sucrose remains silent for a bit, but nods to her brother, "Mommy fell sick a few days ago. High fever, coughing, dry throat. It looks like a common illness at least." The man nods, "Very right you are. That means the basic medicine shall do the work for a faster recovery. Though, I cannot say he will recover in time for the oncoming storm." Sucrose gulps, "A s-storm?" Albedo nods and walks into the tent and starts to pack the scattered belongings. "We should start packing Sucrose, we want to make it before the storm hits." Sucrose nods and follows after her brother in cleaning up as well.
"D...does that mean we *have* to go back to the harbor?" Sucrose asks Albedo. The older boy sighs, "Yes, I know we don't want to see him, but we want mother to recover and he wants to get better faster right?" Sucrose is silent but nods.
"Your brother has informed me about your situation, so if you would like to allow me, I will purchase the medicine in your stead." Sucrose hides behind her brother and asks, "Who are you though? Mr...?"
"Oh how rude of me. I am Zhongli, consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor back at the harbor. I myself was taking a stroll during my day off in the area and noticed your brother." Explains Zhongli. Albedo pulls out Qingxin flowers, "I was gathering these and was hoping to figure out how to make basic medicine for mother with them. Mr. Zhongli came to make sure I didn't fall off the taller rocks." Sucrose gasps, "Brother! If mommy wasn't sick he would be scolding you!" The girl pouts. "Yes I know... I'm aware logic was not on my side when thinking about mother's recovery, but now I think for now we have to go back... I doubt the tent will be able to stand the upcoming weather... Plus, I think Mr. Zhongli is the only one who can carry mother back."
"I shall wait out here. Let me know when you are ready." The man pulls himself out of the tent and Sucrose notices his shadow as he moves to sit and wait, noticing his "legs". Sucrose silently gasps. She turns back to pack and whispers to her brother, "Is... is Mr. Zhongli a snake?" Albedo nods, "It shocked me as well, but as sly as snakes are known to be, he strangely doesn't seem to have ill intent.... in fact he seems fairly oblivious to things." "...You seem trusting towards him." Say Sucrose. Albedo hums, "Indeed... it's either in the end I was fooled... or I may be gaining mother's intuition with people." Sucrose giggles, "Someone as calculated as you to have mommy's personality... I guess it's possible." Albedo ruffles her hair, "Get packing you."
Hearing the giggles in the tent Zhongli smiles. He then thinks of the blond sleeping figure wrapped in a blanket. A look at him tells immediately how Albedo is most likely his biological son. Zhongli also managed to catch a glimpse of Sucrose's mix of cat ears and her fluffy rabbit tail. He took note of Albedo's own long rabbit ears similar to his mother, yet also had a pale blond fuzzy tail... It looked as if it belonged to a fox. Mixed breeds like them were a slight, Zhongli considers it fortunate the boy came across him and not a thief... Maybe someone worse...
While he wasn't one to meddle in affairs out of his own, what's the harm in helping this small outcast family for a little while?
---
Aether stirs for a little bit hearing a light tapping sound... He also feels unable to move. The young man opens his eyes to see his children who are sleeping on either side of him. Aether only smiles carefully sitting up trying not to wake them and begins to gently stroke their heads. He'll admit he was feeling a lot better at least. As sleep starts to wear off, the man realizes they're no longer in the tent, but inside a room. He looks at a window to see the dark clouded night and yet the streets are lit with warm lights. Sounds of people chatting and laughing could be heard faintly through the rain. Were they back at the harbor? Aether nearly panics, but realizes they weren't at that man's house. In fact it seemed like a completely different place. Aether's ears twitch hearing a soft knock at the door, his amber eyes meeting with a golden pair at the door.
The figure slightly opens the door, "It is wonderful to see you are awake. Your children were very worried about you." Aether protectively places his arms on his kids, "Who are you?" Zhongli opens the door and slithers in, but stays close to the doorway for Aether's comfort. "I am Zhongli, consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I encountered your son Albedo, while on a stroll and was told about your state. They assisted as I brought you here to recover. Before you argue that your camp was your preferred recovery area, a storm was brewing and we managed to bring you back before the heavy downpour."
Ah... Aether knew he felt something off while he was resting... Aether becomes silent and only gently caresses the heads of his sleeping children. "Well... I'll be resting in my quarters, please continue resting for the night." "U-uh!... Thank you... Mr. Zhongli...." Zhongli smiles and gives a curt nod, "Goodnight."
When the man leaves Aether sighs and slowly lays himself back on the bed after adjusting his kids to make sure they also slept comfortably for the night with him. While he wasn't 100% comfortable being back at the harbor. As long as he hadn't encountered his previous husband, and his children were safely by his side, Aether is able to sleep soundly in peace that night.
---
Albedo wakes up to a nice scent... of food specifically. It smelled like mother's pancakes he learned to make back at Mondstat. He sits up and stretches and looks next to his younger sister who is also just waking up from the familiar, delicious aroma.... but there was something else. Albedo looked around. Right, they were still at Mr. Zhongli's home... while Albedo's full trust wasn't there towards the snake, at least the man had yet to turn against them... There's a growl from Sucrose's stomach and she blushes. Albedo chuckles and reaches towards the night stand to hand his sister her glasses, "Good morning Sucrose, let's see mother and go eat."
They hop out of the bed together, Albedo helping his sister down, and their noses twitch following the smell of breakfast being cooked.
They arrive at the dining room where Mr. Zhongli without his coat is helping set the table. He notices them and greets them with a smile, "Good morning children. Your mother has recovered and is in the process of preparing breakfast for us." Albedo nods and continues to eye Zhongli silently as he and Sucrose sit themselves beside each other. It's silent, but it seems like Zhongli doesn't try to mind it too much.
Aether comes in with the pancakes, "Oh Albedo, Sucrose, you're awake!" He greets them with a warm smile. Aether places the pancakes down onto the table then adds a couple plates with specific toppings on them. The smaller man then places kisses over the top of each of the childrens' heads, "Good morning my favourite sweet flowers." "Good morning mother." "Good morning mommy!" The kids greeted back with just warm smiles.
Aether turns feeling them being looked at and see Zhongli smiles towards then. Aether begins to turn red, "Ah, sorry." Zhongli shakes his head, "No need to apologize. It is normal for a family to interact in such ways. As I've told you my time spent has been by myself rather than with others most times. It's a rather nice change of pace to experience a lively morning." Albedo couldn't help but eye the two adults. The blond child sees the compassionate look on his mother's face towards the older man.... Sure Zhongli was on their good side, but Albedo decided to keep his guard up. Aether was hurt once, and continued through the pain to raise him and Sucrose. Albedo will make sure that won't happen again.
---
After breakfast Zhongli readies his coat and offers his key to Aether, "I am heading off to work. I'll entrust you with this for the day." Aether jolts in surprise and tries to wave away the offering hand, "Mr. Zhongli you don't have to. We wouldn't mind waiting and being out of your hair afterwards." Zhongli felt a small tug after Aether mentioned him and his kits leaving as soon as he got back. Zhongli shakes his head and places the key in Aether's hand and gently lets it grasp it. "I insist. I'd rather let you and the children have the freedom to roam around the harbor, than keep you waiting here for my return home."
Aether sighs, pocketing the key, "Alright, at least let me cook dinner tonight as well. It's the least I can do to help thank you for letting us stay, and helping me recover." Zhongli nods, "I would like that." The two stare at each other for a bit before Albedo coughs. They stare at the boy who was looking into his sketchbook, "Sorry, there must be something in the air." He says not taking his eyes off of his drawing. Sucrose seems just as surprised as the adults at the sudden cough.
"Er... right. Take care of yourself then Albedo. Your mother just recovered after all." Albedo's brows are furrowed, but he doesn't reply. Aether raises a brow at the blond kit. Zhongli then goes to open the door and slithers closer to the way out, "Well, now, I am off. Farwell Aether, children. I will see you all tonight." Zhongli slithers out and closes the door.
Aether locks the door and approaches his son sitting next to him. He combs his fingers through the child's blond locks, "Would you like me to do your hair up Albedo?" Albedo looks up to him and nods. Aether moves into a position behind the boy to do so, that way the child could focus on his current sketch. Aether turns to Sucrose, "Sucrose, could you get some hair ties and the brush from my bag? And if you would like, I could help groom your hair and fur as well afterwards." Sucrose nods in excitement, "Yes mommy!" The younger girl goes off to where Aether's pack is.
Aether hums a tune as begins to gently comb his fingers through Albedo's hair. It doesn't take long for Sucrose to come back. Her and Albedo start having a conversation about his current sketch, as Aether starts working on his hair. Despite everything that had happened, Aether felt at ease as long as his kits were safe. It brought back memories of even earlier years when he started grooming his children. While a little clumsy, he managed to get a good hand at it as years passed. It became a routine for the man.
Aether was brushing Sucrose's hair and noticed how it's been a clear day for a while. "Hey guys, would you like to accompany me as I buy ingredients for dinner tonight?" Both kits' ears perked up. "If I recall, we found artifacts to sell. We can use that for more mora and possibly have some extra sweets for dessert too." Aether tried to suppress a laugh as he watched both of their tails wag at his words. "Maybe use some of the Sunsettias and apples to make flavored sweet flower candies? Or find some pastries in the market?" At this point both his kits were looking straight at him with glints in their eyes. Aether chuckles and adjusts Sucrose again, "We'll go after I finish combing your hair Sucrose." Sucrose hummed happily, "Okay mommy!... Oh I almost forgot. I think Mr. Zhongli left mora for us Mommy." Aether paused for a moment, "He what?"
After brushing Sucrose's hair, the girl leads him to the guest room they slept in showing a pouch of Mora on the bed with a note. *Feel free to use this as you wish. -Zhongli* Aether sighs, "That man..." "He also left this behind mommy." Aether turns to his daughter and sees her hold what looked to be a more personal wallet.... Ah... Did he forget his own money lending some to Aether and the kits?
Zhongli sneezes suddenly at the parlor startling himself and the Ferrylady.
---
The family began their shopping venture. They kept Zhongli's offered amount in case they did run out, which Aether doubts. Budgeting becomes a gained skill bringing kids on adventures. After the shopping trip, Aether let the kids sit at a bench across from the Funeral Parlor as they nibbled on their candies. "Hey, try not to sneak anymore candies before we find lunch okay?" Says Aether before kissing their cheeks, "My sweet flowers." Albedo blushes and groans with his brows furrowed. Sucrose giggles in response.
Aether turns around not looking ahead and ends up bumping into someone in front of him, "Ah sorry!" Aether looks up to see a taller young man, he looks like a fox. It was confirmed as the red head's fluffy tail showed itself. The fox looks at him in interest and grins, "It's alright, what's a little rabbit like you doing around here?" Aether attempts to not show any reactions and bows slightly before walking forward, "Just making an errand." Aether tries not to hastily speed walk towards the door and gives a knock.
There's footsteps coming closer. A woman in black opens the door looking down towards Aether. He notes the feathers around her face. A Crow? Raven maybe? "Yes, may I help you?" Aether pulls out Zhongli's wallet, "Ah this is for Mr. Zhongli." The lady only stares at him in response... Oh! "I-I haven't stolen it or anything! He's been kind enough to help my family and let us stay in his home temporarily. One of my kits spotted it." She only stares and takes the wallet gently. She bows her head, "Very well, thank you very much." The woman swiftly closes the door startling the rabbit.... well... at least he gave it back... Aether notices the fox still around, perhaps he for some reason had business here too. Aether nods to the fox and goes back over to his kits. The family begins gathering the groceries to head back to their temporary place of stay. Aether couldn't help but feel his ears twitch sensing a stare directly their way until they were farther from the Funeral Parlor.
The fox watches the family leave and gives a curious grin. He walks to the parlor and knocks on the door. It takes a moment for the Ferrylady to open the door again, "Ah Mr. Childe, on time for you appointment." "As always.~" Childe hummed as his tail flicked. "Please come in." The Ferrylady bows her head, opening the door for Childe to walk through. Childe strides in with a smirk, he wonders how well acquainted that rabbit was...
---
The family decided to stop by Wanmin Resturant for their lunch. From there they were pleasantly surprised by the appearance of the kits' self-titled aunt, Xiangling. The red panda was a travel companion to Aether before he was mated to their father. Xiangling was one of Aether's multiple friends, who the siblings learned he had a lot of over his travels before they were born. Apparently, the news of their birth had Aether's said friends rushing to them to claim familial positions. Xiangling being one of the multiple to claim being one of their aunties.
"Hey you guys are back! Good timing, I just got back from exploring yesterday too!" Exclaims the excited chef, "What can I get you all?" "Hi Xiangling, we'll share a Come and Get It." Answers Aether with a smile. Xiangling nods, "One Come and Get It fit for a family, got it!" "Aether's smile gives a gentle feeling, "Thanks a lot Xiangling. We should hang out again when you're free." Xiangling grins, "I would be happy to! Especially to be around my favourite niece and nephew." Aether looks down to the children, "Kits, say thank you to your auntie Xiangling." Albedo nods, "Thank you very much auntie Xiangling." Sucrose softly thanks her as well. The girl nearly squeals, "If I wasn't on the clock I would pinch their cheeks! They're so cute, Aether!" Albedo's smile twitches as he sweats nervously. Sucrose only giggles.
The family grabs their takeout and starts heading toward their lunch destination. "Oh Aether, children." The family turns to see Zhongli sitting with someone. "Oh the little rabbit from earlier!" Aether finally remembers the man as the fox who was also outside of the Funeral Parlor earlier. An associate of Mr. Zhongli it seems. Aether nods to them, "Good afternoon Mr. Zhongli and...?" "Childe's fine. I hope you don't mind me asking, but what are your kits' names'?" "Oh, this is Sucrose and Albedo." Answers Aether looking at each child. Sucrose hides behind Aether shyly in response. Childe laughs, "Don't worry I don't bite. I have younger siblings at home!" Aether's ears twitch, "Oh? Where are you from, Mr. Childe?" The fox's tail wags, "I'm from Snezhnaya. Just here for sometime for work." Zhongli coughs to prevent the conversation from going further. When the attention was placed on him Zhongli asked, "Are you all out for lunch as well?" Aether nods, "There's a specific place we ate at in the past we were planning to visit for today as well. We'll be back to prepare dinner in time though." "Glad to hear. Then I hope you all enjoy your lunch, see you tonight for dinner."
Aether was about to say goodbye until Sucrose tugs on his scarf. The girl pulls out a small bag of the sweet flower candy. Albedo looks at his little sister in surprise. Aether smiles and takes the bag patting the top of Sucrose's head. Aether offers the bag to Zhongli, "I know it's lunch, but maybe have these as a small snack for later. They're sweet flower candies." Zhongli takes the bag, holding it carefully as if it were fragile. "I make these with the kits a lot, it's one of their favourites. I think they're spoiled enough with the desserts and what not we got today." Zhongli smiles, "Thank you. I'll be sure to try them soon." The family says their goodbyes to the two men and leaves for their lunch spot.
"Dinner huh? Didn't take you for being a family man Mr. Zhongli." Says Childe as his tail swishes behind him. Zhongli tucks the candies away into a pocket inside his coat. "We're simply acquainted. He's a good man with intelligent children." Childe hums, "Well, he is pretty cute.~" Childe feels a burning stare to see an unamused look from Zhongli. The ginger chuckles, "Relax, I won't mess with that family. Strictly business between us." Zhongli narrows his eyes at the fox, but decides to say nothing of it for now. 'Seems like you'd like to be more than acquainted though.' Thinks the fox.
---
Zhongli makes it to his home exhausted. Not from work to his surprise, his thoughts went to his family he let temporarily stay at his abode at the moment. Aether was a charming rabbit, but his unspoken past between him and the father of the children gave Zhongli a hint. something he probably shouldn't pry... The family was... interesting to observe he had to admit...
Zhongli knocks on the door. He can faintly hear the muffled voice of Aether shouting. The faint sounds of light footsteps approach the door. It opens revealing the two kids. Zhongli smiles. "Good evening children." "Welcome back Mr. Zhongli." Says Albedo in a stoic voice. The siblings move to open the door to let the man slither inside before closing and locking it again. Zhongli can smell the aroma of the food Aether said he would prepare in the air. Indirectly his tongue slides out to taste the air in response. "D... does mommy's cooking smell good Mr. Zhongli?" He turns to see shy little Sucrose surprisingly fairly close to him. It was then he realized his tongue was out and coughs, "Y-yes... It doesn't smell like anything I have had before, yet it seems to be fairly savory from said scent. Do you know what the dish is, dear Sucrose?" The green haired kit puts her hands behind her back and swings her body slightly, "Mommy says he wants it to be a surprise for when it's done." Zhongli nods, "Very well. What do you think of your mother's cooking?"
Sucrose hums and a smile appears on her face, "Mommy cooks a lot of yummy food for us! He's really good at it and I want to be good at it one day! Big brother is trying to learn!" It was nice to see the green haired kit has warmed up to him a little. Zhongli feels something warm in his chest knowing the kit was warming up to him. "You know young Sucrose, due to living alone I also have some cooking knowledge myself. If your mother allows it, maybe I could also pass these recipes to you and your brother one day." Sucrose looks up at him curiously, "...ah... do you know how to make any desserts?" Zhongli chuckles. "Yes. I have some knowledge regarding Liyueian sweets as well." A smile shines on the girl's face making Zhongli smile wider as well.
Aether smiles while in the kitchen hearing the small commotion. Sucrose was always very shy, but she had so many wonderful things to share. Maybe it was because he's her mother, but the blond himself personally could listen to her talk all day. Albedo on the other hand.... seems kind of cold towards the other man... Well aside from his family, the boy is quite reserved most times unless someone becomes a subject of interest for a small amount of time. They'll be leaving soon now that the weather ahead is clearer and Aether has recovered. The blond internally admitted, these domestic moments with the consultant would be missed.
---
If you could ask Zhongli what he expected from his day off; It wouldn't be coming across a rabbit and his kits who would've been victims to an oncoming storm or even have a casuality of a kit trying to find natural medicine for him. It took a few days until their mother had recovered. For their sake, Zhongli insisted that they stay a few days longer to reassure Aether's health. Feeling bad about being an inconvenience, Aether had taken commissions from the Adventurer's Guild along with keeping Zhongli's home tidy with the help of his children. Aside from that, there Zhongli noted some things about the kits and their mother.
While he has been with the family for a short amount of time, he found himself surprised with how warm he felt around them. There was little Sucrose who while shy, was very bright for her age who read and studied with her brother. Zhongli has caught the green haired half breed from time to time talking to herself, while fixated on the current subject she studied. Perhaps with more confidence, she would be able to speak more about her interests with others, he would be willing to lend an ear. Despite her being soft spoken and shy, she most likely has as much, if not, even more to talk about than her older brother.
Young Albedo was a child who seemed to have taken the protector role for his family. Zhongli couldn't blame the blond kit for not trusting him, this form had made him look very similar to snakes who... had questionable reputations in this world... Sucrose really looked up to her older brother. Zhongli observed that in comparison, despite their young ages, Albedo's sense of logic and thinking is beyond not only Sucrose's level, but possibly somewhere further than maybe some adults. Though right now, from the glares and warning stares thrown towards his way, Albedo's protective sense seems to be the main fixation right now. Zhongli admits, the boy is quite artistically talented as well.
Then there was Aether. The mother of the two. Understandably, he was on guard and protective of his kits at first.... Though, there's also a gentle kindness he experiences as he asks Zhongli to use the kitchen to make food for everyone. Even more so as he gives his kits their share of food and greets them a good morning and lovingly kisses their heads.... Zhongli wonders if there's more to this warm feeling...
---
As they ate, Aether decided to bring up the subject of the family's soon to be parting. "Zhongli, I can't thank you enough for helping my kits and I. Though, I think we should also be departing soon." Zhongli nods, "With your recovery it seemed inevitable but," Zhongli gazes at the family, "whenever you all come back to Liyue, you are welcome back any time. I would be delighted if you were all to make yourselves home here once more." Aether's ears twitched, "Zhongli we couldn't. After all you have done?!" The rabbit responds by waving his hands. Zhongli slithers over and takes one of Aether's hands in his own hand, "I insist for I am charmed." The man kisses the top of Aether's hand making the rabbit go red. Sucrose gives a little gasp and blushes. Albedo's ears perk up in surprise. "I never would have considered myself as a family man, but you have all taken my heart in various ways." Zhongli lets go and backs away from Aether, "Though I am aware of your previous mate, so I will not rush. If there were ever a time we could spend time together, I would be delighted to indulge." Zhongli smiles towards the kits, "Even with the children."
Aether blinks the shock away as he registers what the man had just conveyed to him. "Z... Zhongli! Was... was that?... you?" "I am highly infatuated with you Aether. It is why I would like to know you more personally. Again, I shall not rush you as I know you must be off to venture towards Mondstat. If it is your desire I do not wish to be the one who binds you away from it. Know that I will wait for your reply and your return." Aether is in a shocked daze until Sucrose tugs at his pants. Aether looks at her as she raises her arms. Obliging to his youngest, he brings her to his lap, "Yes my sweet flower?" Sucrose blushes and pushes her fingers together shyly, "Is... mommy going to marry Mr. Zhongli?" Albedo looks at his sister in shock. "S-Sucrose!?" Stutters out Aether. Zhongli chuckles, "I'm afraid I cannot yet propose little Sucrose. I'll respect your mother's decisions on whether or not he allows me to court him. Maybe even go further than so if he allows it."
Aether's ears are flopped and can only hug his daughter as he buries his head on the top of her head. The kit looks at Aether confused, "Does mommy not like Mr. Zhongli?" Aether looks at Sucrose, his face red, "No, my sweet flower... I... the opposite actually... Mr. Zhongli is a very nice man and this is a serious matter between us. Mommy has to think about it more because of that okay?" Sucrose doesn't seem to have a full grasp situation, but nods regardless. "C-can we talk about this later Mr. Zhongli?" The man nods, "Very well. I apologize for being forward, but I would rather request to court you now over waiting for you to comeback to Liyue." Aether looks to the side. Does Zhongli really like him that much? In just the short amount of time he knew him as well?
These were the thoughts that ran in Aether's head as the dinner continued in a bit of an awkward silence.