Hi! I Was Wondering If You Could Write A Headcanon Where Kaz Has A Nightmare And Inej Tries To Comfort

Jerza + Wendy: Found-Family Fic

For @shadyhydrathesnekqueen​ !

I hope you feel better soon, dear! And I hope you enjoy this short little read! <3

Jerza + Wendy: Dad

          “Shh…” Erza laughed a little as Jellal leaned over to press a kiss to her cheek. “Shh…! Don’t wake her up!” Wendy was fast asleep, pressed between the two of them on the couch, blanket wrapped snuggly around her shoulders, popcorn bowl set aside on the coffee table.

          “She fell asleep during the movie,” Jellal grinned, “I think she’s not going to wake up any time soon.”

          “It’s late,” Erza murmured. The TV was glowing in front of them, on the home screen for the film. “We should get her into bed.” Between them, Wendy jerked a little, as if she was dreaming. Erza paused, watching the girl closely. Another nightmare…? She glanced over at Jellal, their eyes met. She could see he was worried as well. Wendy had nightmares every so often. They were always bad. The girl between them let out a whimper—she was afraid. Her eyelids fluttering.

          “D-Da…!”

          “Wendy!” Erza whispered, “It’s just a dream, dear, wake up!”

          “Dad!” Wendy shuddered in her sleep, and then her voice rose to a scream. “Dad! Dad! N-no! Dad!”

“Wendy!” Jellal gently shook the girl’s shoulder, “Wake up! It’s just a dream, it’s just a dream!”

          Wendy’s eyes fluttered open. She was only conscious enough to realize she was alright, realize she had been dreaming. “D-dad…” she mumbled, dropping into his arms, “You’re okay… you’re…” she was asleep again before either of them had time to ask her if she was alright.

For a moment the room was silent. Erza’s eyes met Jellal’s and her lips turned up in a bright smile. “Dad.” She mouthed.

Dad? Jellal glanced down at the girl in his arms. Do I… really deserve to be called that? Was she dreaming about someone else…?

***

          When Wendy woke up her body was sore. I had another nightmare. Her body was always sore after the bad ones. She felt guilty. That means Mom and Jellal had to deal with it. Her gut twisted in knots. She hated that. That she was such a burden to them. She hated her nightmares—how she could hardly remember them when she woke, only flashes, and how Erza and Jellal always remembered them and how she screamed for them.

          Those nightmares… they were always the same. She could always remember flashes—Acnologia…. And someone she loved being hurt—right in front of her. It made her feel sick. Just don’t think about it now. It’s over. She slipped out of bed, her muscles protesting, pulling on her warm knit sweater and slipping into slippers. It was early, she left her hair down, tiptoeing downstairs to the kitchen to get something for breakfast. She was hoping no one else would be awake, but Jellal was sitting at the table, reading a book and sipping tea. He glanced up when she stepped in.

          “Good morning,” he said, smiling a little. “Do you want some tea?” She nodded once, and he got up to grab a mug, filling it with the warm drink and setting it in front of the chair next to his. “Come sit down.” She padded over to the table, pulling out the chair and dropping down to sit next to him. The tea was hot, so she wrapped her hands around the ceramic mug to warm them, and let the steam warm her face.

          “Thank you,” she said softly.

          “You’re welcome,” Jellal responded. There was a pause, before he said, “Wendy, there’s something I want to ask you.” Wendy glanced up at him to meet his eyes. “Do you… want to call me ‘Dad’?”

          Her eyes widened, and she glanced down at her hands. Why is he…? Suddenly she remembered waking up the night before, screaming for him—screaming Dad.

          “I… If you… I mean, if you… if you’re…”

          Jellal laughed a little, reaching out to pull her into a gentle hug. “I’d like that, if that’s what you want.” Wendy felt tears sting the corners of her eyes, as she gripped Jellal’s shirt and held him tight.

          “Yes!” She whispered. It made her heart warm. I have a mom and dad. She smiled, holding Jellal close. I have a mom and a dad.  

cyno icons!!

requested by: @dreamrecorder

—日: 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨🥮

“new arrivals” (chilumi oneshot)

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

//

hey friends! long time no see :p

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

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

[Fic Masterlist] // [AO3 Link]

* * *

“new arrivals”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How am I ever going to be a good mother?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

!!!

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

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

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

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

She locked eyes with him. “Already?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

She shook her head.

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

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

BZZT.

Lumine blinked. Was that a bug?

“Found you.”

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

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

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

!!!

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

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

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

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

“What do you want?” she strained out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHING!

Lumine’s sword appeared in her hand.

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

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

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

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

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

I can’t get it in time—!

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

Relief washed over Lumine as she turned around. Childe—

“Mona?!” she blurted.

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

“What are you doing here?!”

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

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

Scaramouche charged an arc of lightning straight at them.

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

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

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

CRACK!

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

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

!!!

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

No, no, no...not now!

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

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

Mona cursed, another line fracturing in her shield.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHOOSH!

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

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

“Who are you?” he growled.

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

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

“It’s coming,” Lumine whispered.

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

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

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

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

!!!

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

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

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

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

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

I can’t.

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

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

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

“How do you know?”

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

“Childe, that’s different—”

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

“Ahem,” Mona coughed awkwardly.

Lumine and Childe looked at her.

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

Lumine sniffled loudly. “Mona…”

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

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

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

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

I...I can do this.

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

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

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

She nodded, taking in a lungful of air.

Breathe, Lumine, breathe.

Breathe.

PUSH.

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

Pleasepleaseplease—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Almost...there!

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

Then, a cry.

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

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

It’s here.

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

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

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

My son.

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

What?

Both Lumine and Childe stared at the astrologist blankly.

“How do you know?” Childe asked.

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

!!!

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

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

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

BOOM!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Can you still help seal my energy?”

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

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

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

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

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

It was such a lovely dream.

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

…

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

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

BOOM!

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

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

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

“Run,” Childe gasped out weakly to Lumine.

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

Something stirred in Lumine’s body.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was her old power.

Her powers had come back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laying before her, lifeless, was Scaramouche.

I did it.

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

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

“Lumine!” she heard Childe shout.

“Childe…,” she responded, voice thin.

Then, her vision went black.

* * *

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

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

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

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

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

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

“How are you feeling?” her friend asked.

Lumine stretched a bit. “Very sore.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archons, Lumine loved him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Our little family.”

* * *

cringe archons in our fail economy

I WANT MORE FOUND FAMILY STUFF PLEASE SINCE I LOVE IT SO MUCH

Ahhhhh, mom, I’m sorry it took so long!!! I hope you enjoy this little bit with babyyyyyy. I know it’s short, but I had to write this little scene! The next one will have to be longer, ofc!!!

I hope you don’t mind I used a little OC I came up with a while ago for Jerza’s son.

Love ya!

Jerza, Found Family: Keon

        “It’s alright,” Jellal said, gently resting his hand on Wendy’s shoulder. She paused before the doorway, expression unreadable.

        “What if… he doesn’t like me?”

        Jellal shook his head, “That’s impossible. You’re wonderful, and you’re going to be an amazing big sister. He’ll love you.”

        She glanced up at Jellal with wide eyes. “Okay. I want to meet him.”

        “Of course you do,” Jellal nodded. He grabbed hold of the door handle and gently swung open his bedroom door. Wendy stepped in slowly, Jellal following behind her closely. Erza was leaning back against the headboard of the bed, arms wrapped around a little bundle her eyes focused on their son—the little boy she had brought into the world not long before. She looked exhausted, but so beautiful. Jellal knew Erza was strong, knew Erza was brave… but never in his life had he been this proud of her.

        Jellal moved around Wendy to sit next to his wife, pressing a kiss to her temple, and glancing down at their son. He was fast asleep, little mouth hanging open. Jellal pressed a soft kiss to his head—against a soft tuft of purple hair. Then he turned to glance up at Wendy, and gestured for her to join them.

        The young girl hesitated before sitting down on the edge of the bed, peering over at her baby brother with wide eyes. “He’s… so little…” she whispered.

        “Your baby brother,” Erza said, her voice hoarse, she smiled, “Do you want to hold him?”

        “M-me?!” Wendy gasped. “I… I don’t know…”

        “Here,” Jellal gently adjusted her arms, “You’ll do great and we’re right here. He’s your baby brother after all… you should at least say hello, right?”

        “Right…” Wendy paused a look of determination crossing her face. “Alright, I’m ready!”

        Erza sat up, the baby stirred but didn’t wake as his mother gently passed him into Wendy’s arms. The young dragon slayer’s eyes widened, she glanced up at Jellal in awe. “He’s so light!” She beamed down at the baby boy, “He’s so little!!!” She was absolutely entranced, her eyes filled with excitement. All worry was gone. The baby stirred, little hands flailing, his mouth opening in a tiny yawn—his nose scrunching, his eyes shut tight. Wendy let out a laugh, “He’s so cute!”

        “You might not always think so,” Jellal warned, but he couldn’t shake the smile off his own face. Wendy glanced up, offended.

        “Of course, I will! He’s my baby brother!” She looked back down at the little bundle in her arms. “I’m going to teach you all sorts of great things, Keon. Cool magic… all about the guild… maybe I’ll share all of my good secrets,” she smirked, “Like where mom and dad think they ‘hide’ the cookies.” She looked back up at Jellal with a grin and then blinked in surprise, “Oh… mom fell asleep.”

        Jellal turned a little to glance at his wife—to see her fast asleep against the pillows. Her mouth was slightly open, her hair disheveled, but she was so beautiful. “We should let her sleep,” Jellal murmured, “She’s been through a lot.”

        “Right!” Wendy nodded.

        “Why don’t you go make some tea, I’ll make sure she’s comfortable, and we’ll sit with Keon out in the living room?” Jellal smiled. The dragon slayer nodded again as Jellal gently lifted Keon into his arms. Wendy skipped back out into the hall, and Jellal turned to his wife.

        “You’re so brave,” he murmured, leaning forward to a press a kiss to her forehead. “I love you, Erza.”

Thanks for reading!

Buy me a coffee? :)

—fancy you

a chilumi idol au fic featuring childe’s birthday, told through social media posts.

investigation complete

Hi Bruna I've just read your latest kenej fic (hope I spelt that right lol) and now I really, really need to know what kaz's surprise is!! Anyway as usual I love your writing, keep up the good work!🥰😍

Thank you, my lovely!! 

continuation to this

***

Inej Ghafa is not a fan of surprises

and more than that: she doesn’t like to be kept waiting

she’s an impatient one, the Wraith

and Kaz knows it

“Why do you insist on teasing me?” she asks him on their journey back home, frowning to herself

“Are you pouting at me, Wraith?”

a roll of her eyes is all she received

you know what? Inej doesn’t think she likes this version of Kaz anymore

indeed, she tells him just that

“Oh no,” Kaz drawls, looking over at her. “What will I do with my broken heart now?”

“You are terrible.”

he truly is

and he grins like he knows

like it pleases him that she knows it as well

the farm isn’t so different 

he’d stuffed down memories, hidden them in depths of his mind that he’d rarely allowed himself to go to years before

memories of green fields and the stream behind it, where Jordie and him used to bathe in summer days - days he almost didn’t remember, and were now only hazy memories, filled with smoke

sometimes Kaz thinks he might’ve dreamed those images

his brother’s smile as he tried to catch salmon with his bare hands

his father calling them back home as the sun set

Kaz imagined that if he’d had a mother, she’d be calling him too

and he’d run into her arms

Kaz’s memories took him back to cold nights by the fire - the beautiful hearth that his father had built with his bare hands, and that Kaz had fixed all on his own

he hadn’t allowed anyone to touch that particular place of the house - it had been his to fix

he remembered cats and dogs running around, chasing each other, and Kaz chasing them, bruising his knees 

at last, when they arrive, Inej is jumping 

he smirks down at her, taking her hand in his

his limp is worse today - much worse, and Inej notices 

she holds his arm, and he can feel her balance him, even if she is barely doing it

Inej is very subtle in helping him, that’s something he noticed over the years

“Where is it?”

“What is?”

“My surprise,” she says as she helps him up the porch stairs

Kaz snorts on a laugh. “You really don’t like waiting for things, do you, Inej?”

“Tell me.”

“For the hundreth time: I am not telling you.”

“What is it,” she insisted, watching him. “What is it, what is it, what-”

“No.”

Inej sighs. “If we ever have a child, I swear he’ll take after you in that department.”

and without another word, she walks inside the house

but Kaz pauses on the doorway

the words did something to him

he knew she thought nothing of what she said but-

Kaz’s eyes stray to that fireplace - hazy memories of his father there

suddenly the picture of him and his own son there glued to his mind

and Inej, there, too

her arms around them both-

“Kaz?” Inej calls

shaking his head to himself, Kaz enters the house

“He should be here any minute.”

Inej doesn’t know if she should grin or be frightened

so her face contorts into something in between

“Who?” She begs

Kaz smiles

she steps into his space. “Tell me.”

“That’s not going to work.”

her eyes trace the line of his jaw, the scar in between his lips and his chin

the strong eyebrows, and his dark eyes

“Stop it,” he snarls, and moves away from her

Inej smiles. “I just looked at you.”

“Exactly.”

she looks triumphant

suddenly, Kaz looks over his shoulder - to the door he left open

to the figure now walking towards the house

and then-

Inej gasps

not at the girl-

but at what she brings, leashed and golden and furry

“No, you did not.”

“I did,” he grins

“I’m going to cry,” Inej breathes

“I was prepared for it.”

Inej and Kaz step onto the porch

and sure enough-

the girl smiles and waves, a close neighbour, for the looks of her, and beside her is a very enthusiastic little boy, waving his tail when he sees Kaz and Inej, his tongue lapping out of his mouth

Inej is speechless

“He’s yours,” Kaz tells her. “If you want him.”

“Shut up, Kaz,” Inej breathes, and takes a step closer

the girl says, “He’s just turned two months old.”

“Oh, beautiful Saints,” Inej whispers, and real tears formed in her eyes as the puppy came right onto her, trying to leap into her arms. “I love him.”

the girl smiles, and Kaz gives her a nod of thanks

“He’s really ours?” Inej says, looking over her shoulder at Kaz

Kaz can only nod

watching her

there’s an odd feeling in his face - he can only guess his cheeks are hurting from smile

when the girl leaves, Inej sits on the grass, and the puppy takes the chance to lick her hands, her face

Inej is laughing, wrapping her arms around him

Kaz says softly, “Do you like it, Inej?”

“I can’t believe you’d do this,” she tells him as Kaz comes closer, watching her. “I mentioned this months and months ago. We were not even married then.”

“The day I proposed,” Kaz says. “I remember your exact words. How you would one day get a dog. That it was another wish you would give in to.” 

she looks at him with a sort of amazement. “Of course you remember.”

Kaz tentatively sits down on the grass with her, cane by his side, and yelps when the puppy jumps into his lap

Kaz pushes his face away when he tries to lick his face, but gives him a few tentative pats on the head, and the puppy is all too happy to lie there, eyes closed, mouth opened, as if he’s smiling

Inej leans in, and kisses Kaz’s cheek. “I love you.”

“Is that meant for him?” Kaz taunts

“For you,” Inej smiles softly. “For you, Kaz.”

Kaz looks over her, their lips so close

he leans in, but the puppy jumps up, breaking them apart, and Kaz holds him in his arms, letting out a little laugh that Inej clung to

she adored to see Kaz’s face like this

she says, “I might not like surprises. But I might make an exception for yours now.”

***

@mariamuses @acourtofabsandillyrians @lost-in-fictionn@faequeenaelin @mysweetvilllain @loysydark @lord-douglas-the-third @empress-ofbloodshed @city-of-fae @cwheart@sewingmonster @b00kworm @spyofthenightcourt @scarznstars@sleeping-and-books @fifth--marauder  @hizqueen4life

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