Chapter Text
The manor was quiet except for the occasional crackle of the fire in the sitting room and the faint rustle of fabric as Yaojin adjusted his position on the couch. A few maids did their jobs as quietly as possible, cleaning, fixing curtains and such. They didn't dare approach the man. Not only was he more aggravated on a daily but so was Dottore. Pantalone's patience was thin, and his protectiveness has only gone up heavily. Dottore, always being the silently overprotective one, was now more obvious about it. Yes while the workers were trusted, he still couldn't help but feel like something could go wrong.
Pantalone winced slightly as he moved, his body still recovering from the toll of the pregnancy. Though three months had passed since the birth of their daughter, he was far from his usual self. His movements were slower, and there was a carefulness to everything he did now, a stark contrast to the confident, precise grace he once exuded without effort. He flipped over the newspaper in his hands, reading what the paper had a to offer. Glasses sat atop his nose, his attire was more casual. A simple black turtleneck and a corset over, not too tight, a pair or pants, and some slippers.
His gaze wandered to the crib situated nearby, it was the crib that they could easily move from one place to the other. The soft lavender canopy swaying gently as their daughter stirred. The sight of her tiny figure swaddled in silk blankets brought a warmth to his chest he hadn’t known he was capable of feeling. His fingers traced the edge of the blanket covering his lap, now lost in thought. The past year had been the most grueling of his life, the pregnancy having tested him in ways nothing else had.
"My Lord, would you like a cup of tea?" One of the maids asked in a quiet tone.
Dottore’s footsteps echoed softly in the hall before the door opened, he entered, letting his coat hang around his shoulders for longer. His face turned towards the woman, the beak of his mask pointer right at her. "Tea? I'll get it for him, leave" He said simply, and then she scurried away. His expression softened as his gaze fell on Yaojin. He walked closer and sat on the couch next to him. Having just finished with work, he placed his coat over Yaojin's lap. "You should be resting" Dottore said, his voice quieter than usual. His eyes flicked briefly to the crib, then back to Yaojin. "You rest, I'll take over" It was obvious that Dottore cared more for his husband rather than their child, while yes it should be the other way around he just couldn't bring himself to feel a different way. Yaojin suffered a lot and it's only natural that he feels more connected to his man, the man he's known for decades instead of a child he's known for mere three months. He wasn't an exceptional father or anything, just mediocre.
Yaojin scoffed lightly, though there was no real bite to it. "I’m sitting here doing nothing. How much more rest can I possibly take before I lose my mind? I can't let the economy plummet because of this" He worked from home these days, even immediately after birth he was in the bed signing documents, it infuriated Dottore.
Dottore didn’t respond immediately. Instead he leaned closer to examine him. “You still look pale"
Yaojin rolled his eyes. Dottore’s concern, while bordering on excessive, was something he’d grown used to during the pregnancy and even more so afterward. It was endearing in its own way, though he’d never admit it out loud.
"I’m fine" Yaojin replied, his voice firm but not unkind. "You’re worrying too much" He has repeated that phrase many times but the other didn't take it into account.
Dottore didn’t argue, though his eyes lingered on Yaojin’s hand, noting the slight tremor as he held the paper. Instead, he shifted his attention to their daughter, who had begun to stir more actively. Rising to his feet, he moved to the crib and carefully lifted the tiny infant into his arms.
The transformation in Dottore’s demeanor was subtle. The harsh lines of his face softened, his movements became almost gentle as he cradled the baby. He held her as though she were the most delicate creation in the world, his crimson eyes studying her with a mix of curiosity and...something else. He didn't hate her, no, he just, didn't care too much, she made his husband suffer but he couldn't exactly blame her for it. Pantalone loved her, so he'll learn to tolerate her. It was better for him to take care of her instead of his husband who was still recovering.
“She looks like you" Dottore remarked, his voice low as he returned to his seat and sat beside Yaojin, their daughter nestled securely in his arms.
Yaojin glanced at the baby, his lips curling slightly upwards. “She has your eyes" he countered.
Their daughter cooed softly, her tiny fingers curling against the fabric of Dottore’s shirt. The sight was almost surreal to Yaojin, who had known Dottore as a cold, calculating man for years. Yet here he was, cradling their child with a tenderness that was uncharacteristic.
The pregnancy had been a long and difficult journey for them both. Yaojin had always been meticulous about his health, but nothing could have prepared him for the strain it placed on his body. The risk of complications had loomed over them from the beginning, and there had been moments when even he doubted he could see it through. But he had. With Dottore by his side, he had managed. Yes while the other wasn't too happy about the pregnancy he allowed it since that's what Yaojin wanted.
Dottore knew the complications would arise from the start, not only was Pantalone, well, older, for a human that is, but his body itself was frail, his health wasn't the best either. He always denied wanting children but the other yearned for it. Even after Pantalone had gotten pregnant, Dottore had made it clear that he can stop the pregnancy at any point, no matter how early or how late. Yet the other didn't want to.
Their daughter now stayed still, she didn't cry much. She was draped in expensive materials, obviously, she was the daughter of the richest man in Teyvat.
As the evening wore on, the firelight casting a warm glow across the room, Yaojin allowed himself to relax. The weight of the past year was still heavy on his shoulders, but Dottore allowed him to rest without a problem.
For the first time in what felt like ages, he felt truly at ease. Their family was unconventional, their journey far from ordinary that's for sure.
Resting on the couch felt alright but Yaojin grew more tired, though he didn’t want to admit it. Dottore noticed anyway, as he always did, he set their now-sleeping daughter back into her crib. Without a word, he moved to Yaojin’s side, offering his hand.
"You need to lie down" Dottore said, his tone almost commanding but that tone rarely worked on Yaojin.
Yaojin opened his mouth to protest, but a wave of fatigue washed over him, and he sighed instead. "Yes nurse” he muttered, placing his hand in Dottore’s before rising to his feet. He held back a yawn.
Dottore helped him to his feet, his grip steady but gentle. Even three months postpartum, Yaojin’s body was still in such a state. The pregnancy had been punishing, and the emergency c-section that had brought their daughter into the world had left its mark—not just the scar low on his abdomen, but in the deeper, less visible ways. He knew the other was silently enduring it all and he didn't dare point it out.
Yaojin's endurance had been tested in ways he never imagined, and even now, there were days when the lingering discomfort or weakness made him feel like a shadow.
They walked slowly to the bedroom, Dottore’s hand resting lightly on Yaojin’s back to steady him. The large, richly decorated room was dimly lit by a single bedside lamp, its warm glow illuminating the plush bedding.
Dottore helped him ease down onto the bed, arranging the pillows behind him so he could recline comfortably.
"I can manage, Archon's Dottore I'm not disabled" Yaojin said, yet he didn’t resist.
After a few minutes they had gotten ready for bed. As Dottore was about to lay down, Yaojin cleared his throat. "Forgetting something?"
Dottore looked at him, his expression not showing the confusion he was feeling "You took your medicine? Water?" He asked, going down the mental list of things he always did as a night routine. His brain started turning more cogs when Yaojin crossed his arms in return to his questions, no that wasn't it. What could he be forgetting? "Right, the tea, I'll bring it" He got off the bed, retrieving the mask he sat on the nightstand just minutes prior.
"Our child Zandik, you're forgetting our child" Pantalone said with a look that was unamused.
Dottore turned around in the room, oh look really, he forgot to bring the crib. "I knew that" He didn't. Then he left to go fetch their baby. How could he forget a whole kid? Well his brain didn't exactly process that he had one still.
After a few minutes he returned, placing the crib next to their bed, on his side. Yaojin needed to rest, he could look after the small creature during the night if it was needed.
Then, he finally laid down. The silence was comfortable, broken only by the faint sound of breathing. Dottore’s arm came around Yaojin’s shoulders, holding him securely yet gently. His other hand rested lightly on Yaojin’s side, tracing idle patterns through the fabric of his shirt.
"You’ve been more affectionate lately" Yaojin remarked, his tone teasing.
Dottore didn't reply, though the way his hand tightened slightly on Yaojin’s shoulder showed an answer. The thought of losing his husband has lingered above him for too long during those nine months. He hated it, every second.
"You need to stop pretending you’re invincible" This was also a phrase Dottore often said.. "You’ve been through more than most could endure. There’s no shame in needing help"
Yaojin’s lips twitched. “Coming from you, that’s amusing dear Doctor"
Dottore didn’t respond immediately. "I've never carried a child while my own body was actively trying to kill both myself and the child. I'm never letting you do this again. I can't believe I even agreed the first time, knowing your body and condition!" He sighed. And thats where they left it for the night.
(I'll be honest I got a bit tired so I rushed to finish this but then I wanted to write about the daughter grown up a bit so here's that)
Yaojin fastened the last button on his coat before fixing his glasses. Across the room, Dottore adjusted the cuffs of his gloves, preparing for the regular work day. They walked down to the front room, accessories and shoes clicking against eachother as they walked.
Their daughter stood near the grand staircase, arms crossed, watching them with a sharp gaze that mirrored both of them. At seventeen, she was a striking figure—elegant, yet carrying the same calculating mind and unshakable confidence as her parents. Everything about her, from the way she held herself to the expensive accessories she wore, spoke of power.
Her hair was loose, it was long, pitch black with a slight wave to it, parted perfectly in the middle. Her eyes were crimson and her facial build was a mix of the two. She stood at a height above average.
"Leaving already?" She asked, her voice smooth. She did not whine or plead for them to stay—she never had.
Her voice slightly echoed.
In the grand room, behind her on the wall was a large portrait of them three.
All in their usual attire. Pantalone looked refined, graceful and elegant as ever, Dottore cold, as always his mask covered half his face and then there was she. She was seated on a chair while the two of them stood behind her, a hand on each shoulder. Three of them were draped in the common Fatui coat. She wasn't a part of it, yet, but her parents both being Harbinger’s meant that she was a close associate. Of course she was. The symbol of the Fatui was everywhere ever since she was born. It was always on her, of course it would be present in such an important family portrait.
That wasn't the only portrait, there was another one from when she was much younger, then one of just her and Dottore, and also one of just her and Pantalone. As well as all three seperate.
Yaojin gave her a nod, stepping forward to adjust the collar of her silk blouse. His touch was light, a small gesture of care that only he would give so openly.
She held so much respect for both of them, not fear, but respect. Truly she wasn't scared of either, they were her parents after all.
From the other side of the room, Dottore observed the interaction silently. He had never been the affectionate type—not with her, not with anyone except Yaojin in their private moments. But his daughter had never expected him to be.
"Don’t waste the day" Dottore said flatly. "I expect you to use your time wisely. The workers are at your disposal for the most part, you know that"
She nodded "Yes Father" she replied simply.
"Will you be in your study all day again?"
She gave a graceful shrug as a reply "I have readings to finish. The estate is quiet when you’re gone"
Of course, she would. She was disciplined to the point of obsession, much like them both. She preferred the being in her study, surrounded by books. The walls of her room were lined with rare artifacts, gifted to her over the years—each expensive, each with a purpose. She did not collect frivolous things, only what had meaning.
Yaojin placed a hand on her shoulder, the weight of it light. "Try to get some air" he gently sqeezed her shoulder.
"Don't wander" Dottore added.
Now which one was it? Leave and take a walk, or don't? Both of them said something completely different. She only tilted her head slightly in acknowledgment, but they both knew she would do as she pleased.
Dottore was already moving toward the door, having nothing else to add.
Yaojin followed.
Their daughter stood still until they left, a quiet goodbye. A child raised by them, through and through. Imagine the two most powerful people in the whole world as your parents, without a doubt she was set.
The two left, their carriage pulled away, leaving behind the grand estate and the girl who ruled it in their absence.
As the day went on, eventually it ended, and the two were headed back home.
"The young lady is still in her study" One of the maids informed the two upon their arrival.
They had expected as much. It was a trait both he and Dottore recognized well—after all, they had raised her.
Inside her study, their daughter was seated at her desk, a thick volume open in front of her. The room was a reflection of her personality. The bookshelves were filled, and the decor was what she enjoyed. An antique clock ticked quietly in the background, and a single lamp cast a warm glow over her papers.
She did not look up from her book until finishing the sentence she was reading before closing the book with a snap. Then she headed downstairs to greet the two, figuring it was also time for dinner. "Welcome back"
Pantalone removed his coat, her presence was so, strong. He can easily imagine her working along side them in the future. He placed the coat over her shoulders, it was heavy. The coat of an actual Harbinger was thick, crafted with precision with no mistakes, the fur was only the finishing touch. It took but a moment to warm up in it.
She raised her hand to touch the fur on the top, her knees almost buckling under the weight of it.
"You look like you were made to wear it" Yaojin pointed out. The white coat brightened up her face, her eyes being the most prominent part of all.
Now, let's not get ahead of ourselves, she was spoiled as shit. All it took was her to even slightly show interest in something and that thing would be in her possession immediately. It was like that ever since she was a child. She didn't even have to ask. She had jewels upon jewels, gems upon gems, clothes, anything she could ever need, anything she ever wished to own she had.
One of the maids removed the coat and gently folded it in her arms "The dinner is ready"
Pantalone nodded at her, he fixed his glasses before turning to Dottore, signaling for him to come.
Dottore followed shortly after, he acknowledged their daughter but there was no need for unnecessary affection. Their love had never been loud or obvious—it was in the subtle moments, in the unspoken understanding, in the carefully chosen gifts and the words of approval and praise.