"Hey, hey, sleepyhead."
Mimi pulls an arm over her face to ignore the voice, but there is no stopping the many spider legs that gently pull at her sleeve.
"Daiyu," Mimi whines, opening her eyes to see the smiling jorogumo.
"You need to eat something," Daiyu presses leaning over her, something steamed in her hands.
"I feel like I've been hit by a boulder," Mimi grouches feeling lightheaded.
"Because you have been sleeping for nearly a week," Daiyu smirks.
"A week?!" Mimi gazes at the jorogumo in disbelief.
"You had us all rather concerned actually," Daiyu begins spoon-feeding stew into her mouth.
"How is . . .?"
Daiyu spoons another mouthful of stew into her mouth, "Everyone is fine. Mostly worried about you. You subconsciously put up a strong barrier preventing anyone from getting into the room. I think it might be because," Daiyu pointedly looks at Mimi's stomach, "your body was trying to protect itself. Lan Xichen spent three days outside your chamber waiting for you before he was forced to return to Cloud Recesses."
Sighing, Mimi finishes the stew and pushes the blankets off her trying to stand up.
"What about the tunnels?"
"Mmmh, Qiaolian filled the tunnels with stone. All the tunnels are collapsed now without damage to Cloud Recesses. She is quite proud of herself. Nothing will be able to get in or out."
There is a slight knock on the door. Mimi looks up to see Ying peeking into the room, her long black hair trailing the ground.
"Are you ready for visitors?"
Before Mimi can say anything, Chen and Dumplin run in and leap on to the bed.
"Easy girls," Daiyu pats Mimi on the shoulder and sits down in the chair near the bed.
"What's going on?" Dumplin cries, nuzzling her nose, and hugging her neck.
When Dumplin leans away, Chen takes her turn to nuzzle her nose.
"I'm sorry for worrying you two," Mimi held her sisters against her chest, "I was really tired."
"You usually aren't this tired, though!" Chen complains, "It only took you a couple of days to recharge after spending all your energy."
Pursing her lips, Mimi contemplates not telling her siblings but looking at their worried eyes, she decides to just say it, "It is because I am expecting a baby. Qiaolian told me almost . . . two weeks ago, but I just didn't have a chance to tell you."
Chen grips her firmly, "But mother was always sick and weak. She was . . ."
"That is not going to happen," Mimi kisses Chen on the top of her head and then kisses Dumplin to even it out.
"Things will change, but I promise I will do my best to never let you guys feel like you are not getting equal treatment. You are still my cubs, first," Mimi squeezes her siblings close, looking over at Daiyu, who had a knowing expression on her face.
"How long have you known?" Mimi asks her as Dumplin moves over, studying Mimi's stomach.
"I may or may not have won a bet," Daiyu smiles winningly before leaving the room.
"Have you told Uncle Xichen yet?" Chen demands, still looking worried.
Mimi nuzzles her nose and the side of her head, "I haven't yet. I wanted to tell you guys, first. But you can't say anything until I tell him, okay?"
She looks back and forth between her siblings, debating whether they could be trusted.
"Cloud Recesses was damaged when the nag attacked. I want you to stay here until I can see for myself whether it is safe or not," Mimi gently extricates herself from her sisters and stands hesitantly.
She walks a few steps and uses magic to change her robes. Satisfied that her magic is working correctly, Mimi ran a hand through her hair.
"Here is your forehead band," Chen gets off the bed and gives it to her.
"Can you put it on me?" Mimi asks, and Chen grins as Mimi crouches down to her level.
"The Gusu clan wears it like this," Chen says, wrapping the forehead band around Mimi's forehead.
Mimi is saved from replying when Qiaolian enters the room, "Well, hello, sleepyhead. How are you feeling?"
"Funny, that's exactly what your wife said when I woke up," Mimi said as Qiaolian eyes the forehead band. She waves her hand, and the hair ornament of the Feng clan arranges itself in her hair.
"I think I'm okay to go down to Cloud Recesses," Mimi says, "I want to see for myself if everything is alright down there."
"I'll walk you down," Qiaolian smiles at her youngest sisters, "I think you two should stay up here for a while. The aunties are apparently not done spoiling you yet."
Mimi rolls her eyes as Dumplin and Chen eagerly rush past her to greet said, aunties.
"They are going to be impossible to please when I get them down to Cloud Recesses," Mimi gripes, following Qiaolian out the door.
"Oh, let them get it out of their system," Qiaolian crosses her arms over her chest, "they don't get to see children very often. And these ones are family!"
A jorogumo bows to Mimi and Qiaolian, "Congratulations on the new child, Lady Gusu."
Before Mimi can process the statement, six more jorogumos do the same thing. Qiaolian pulls her stunned sister out of the caves.
"How many did you tell?" Mimi says, slowly.
Defensively raising her hands, Qiaolian says, "Hey, I only mentioned it to Daiyu, but she's my best friend and wife that is obligatory. Daiyu may have announced it to her clan. Don't hold it against her, though! Children are so rare with jorogumo. Having little ones in the clan is a sign of great blessing."
Mimi leans against a tree and takes a deep breath, feeling a little nauseous.
"Maybe it would be better if we shadow travel," Qiaolian says as Mimi nods.
"I don't think I'll make it down the mountain otherwise," Mimi gripes, wiping sweat off her forehead.
Qiaolian grabs her gently and pulls her into a shadow.
"I need to take care of some things for the Feng clan, but why don't we have a big family meal together later?" Qiaolian suggests.
"Yeah, that sounds good," Mimi smiles and looks towards Cloud Recesses nervously.
"Look. I don't think you have to worry about the clan leader," Qiaolian said quietly, "I think he will be over the moon about this. You should have seen him pacing outside your chamber. Trying to force his way in. We had just patched up the marks he made with his sword when you woke up. He even used a guqin and then a flute."
"Yeah, it's just weird. You know?" Mimi says quietly.
"Well, get going, or your clan leader is going to lead a revolt against the mountain," Qiaolian smacks her playfully on the butt and disappears into the shadows.
Mimi steps out of the woods and looks around. Qiaolian had dropped her off near the clan leader's residence. Looking around, Mimi knocks on the door, but there is no answer. Must be in the offices then. There is something different about Cloud Recesses today, Mimi thought. A sort of expectance.
"Lady Gusu?"
Not used to the name Mimi turns slightly and sees the young cultivators running towards her excitedly.
"Hey, cubs. Have you seen your clan leader anywhere?"
"He is on the cultivation fields training," Lan Sizhui says, his face scrunched up in worry.
"We can escort you there if you would like," Lan Jingyi says happily.
"I appreciate it, but you probably have tests coming up, don't you?"
The cultivators sigh in unison, and Mimi shoos them away back to their dormitories.
Mimi doesn't meet anyone else on the way to the cultivation fields. Trying to stay unnoticed, she realizes the clan leader is dueling his brother and Wei Wuxian at once. Not wanting to interrupt, Mimi sits apart and watches.
Both fighters are focused and trying to avoid Lan Xichen's vicious attacks. He and Lan Zhan were striking each other at close range. Wei Wuxian strikes at him from the side, and Lan Xichen dodges just in time.
Mimi brings her knees to her chest. The movement causes Master Wei to look over as he duels with Lan Xichen. A beaming smile fills his face. This causes Lan Zhan to look over as well. Mimi waves and continues to watch.
"You better look over your shoulder, Zewu-Jun," Wei Wuxian remarks blocking Lan Xichen's sword from impaling his chest, "Someone is waiting for you."
"I am not falling for that again, Master Wei," the clan leader growls, blocking Lan Zhan's guqin attack.
"You'll be sorry," Master Wei shrugs at her and then attacks again.
Lan Zhan leaps over his brother and attacks from the other side, forcing his brother to face him and defend from attack or be punctured. From this angle, Lan Xichen could finally see Mimi over his brother's shoulder.
Mimi waves awkwardly, her heart skipping a beat. Lan Xichen breaks away from Lan Zhan and Master Wei and runs across the field to her. Mimi stands up and is quickly crushed into his embrace.
"Did you miss me, Xichen?" she teases, wrinkling her nose at his sweaty smell.
"You are never leaving Cloud Recesses again," Lan Xichen breathes into her hair.
Playfully pushing at him, Mimi says, "You smell, and your hair is a mess."
His face goes red as he realizes he has covered her in his sweat. Mimi reaches up and adjusts his forehead band but does not leave his arms. She cups his cheek and nuzzles his nose with hers.
"Zewu-Jun has been making us spar with him for days!" Master Wei complains as he and Lan Zhan slowly approach.
Unwilling to leave this little bubble they had created, Mimi looks over at Master Wei and Lan Zhan.
"How tragic, getting more practice," Mimi snickers and looks over at Lan Zhan, "It is nice to see you again."
He bows to her, and so quickly, she would have missed seeing him kick Wei Wuxian to do the same.
Lan Xichen squeezes her gently, and she looks at him curiously as he says, "Perhaps we should retire for this afternoon."
Raising her eyebrows in surprise at the boldness of this statement before his brother and Master Wei, she nods.
"Thank the stars," Master Wei reverently says, waving his arms and dropping down to his knees to exaggeratedly bow.
"Did you break him?" Mimi asks dryly as the clan leader tugs her away from the fields.
"Possibly."
They reach his residence quickly, and as soon as the door closes, he presses her against the wall. Seeking her lips with his own. Mimi pushes back, her hands seeking his back.
"Bath. Now," Mimi demands when he lets her come up for air.
Abashed, the clan leader rests his forehead against hers as he catches his breath, "I'm sorry. I have just missed you so much. I don't want to leave you knowing you are here."
Mimi presses her lips to his neck, "Who said I wasn't going to join you?"
He positively shivers under her lips, and a blush pulses across his face. Lan Xichen picks her up and leads her to the washroom. Mimi waves her hand, and the tub fills with hot water.
"You know I could get used to that," Lan Xichen kisses her tenderly.
"Mmhm, I probably shouldn't spoil you with such tricks," Mimi tugs at his cloak, shrugging it off his shoulders.
The blush on his face turns a darker shade of red, and Mimi kisses it repeatedly before seeking out his mouth. Curious as to the nature of his blush, she asks between kisses, "What are you thinking about?"
"Our wedding night," he murmurs, hiding his face in her neck, laying open-mouthed kisses to her skin.
Toes curling, Mimi tries to stay focused, "Anything," she lets out a squeak as he nibbles on her ear, "in particular?"
"You. Just you," Lan Xichen nibbles down her neck and sucks on her skin.
His expression and the member pressing against her stomach told her everything she needed to know. Setting her down beside the tub. Her husband's hands were eagerly tugging at her robes. Already pushing her outer robes off her arms.
"Minori," he breathes against her neck as he desperately tries to reach her skin, "I was so scared that I would never be able to..."
He crowds her against the rim of the tub. The back of her legs rubbing against the polished wood.
Distracted by his mouth and hands, gripping her closely, Mimi can barely process his words. Her claws were impatiently ripping through the back of his fine robes.
"Xichen," Mimi feels clever hands, undoing her garments, creating a pile on the floor.
Pulling back, he tries to read her face, "Are you well? I . . .should have brought you to the infirmary," he worriedly cups her face, "I could not get to you."
"I'm fine," Mimi chuckles as she presses their foreheads together, "but I am going to trip if you keep removing my clothing."
Lan Xichen comically stares down at her feet. Her shoes blocking the descent of her clothing from reaching the floor.
"Ah."
Mimi winces as she sees his torn robes hanging off his body and chuckles.
"We're a hot mess," Mimi laughs as she grips his shoulder to keep her balance.
Lowering her to the ground, Lan Xichen kisses her forehead before turning his attention to her boots.
"I thought you weren't coming back. I thought perhaps you had returned from whence you came," Lan Xichen gently removes her left boot and sock. Then presses his lips to her ankle. Lingering on her skin.
"I wanted to be there when you woke up," Mimi shivers in anticipation as she caresses his face as he moves to her other shoe.
"You are here now," he makes short work of her other shoe and agilely pulls her sock off.
More gently, this time, he pulls her closer, so her legs straddled him. Holding her against his chest. Removing her from the pile of clothes. Her now exposed tails wrap around him.
"Qiaolian said you were trying to break down the door," Mimi lifts her head to meet his eyes.
"Yes, I did," Lan Xichen is unrepentant, "I was about to enlist the aid of Wanji and Master Wei when our uncle instructed us to return to Cloud Recesses. I wished to make it safe for you and our children."
Flushing, Mimi presses her lips together. Qiaolian's words bounce around her head.
"I thought it would only be a short rest," Mimi runs her claws over his back as he finally lifts his tunic over his head.
Making a whimpering noise, Mimi examines the new scars on his chest from the snake venom. Tears threaten to spill from her eyes as she carefully runs her hands over his chest.
"You came to us in time," Lan Xichen comforts her, "I am safe. We are safe. We can . . ." his eyes drift down to her shift.
Slender fingers graze over her breasts. Mimi takes his hand and presses kisses to his knuckles.
"I . . .need to tell you something," Mimi stares into his eyes.
Seeing his new wife's worried expression, Lan Xichen hauls her further into his lap, "Minori, it is finished. I even saw a deer in the woods. The wildlife is returning to our forests. We are safe."
Pressing his lips to her neck, Mimi shivers, "It's. . .not that. I mean. I want us to be safe. But I . . .
I learned something else from Qiaolian. And I want you to hear it from me first."
Pausing in his ministrations to her neck, Lan Xichen stares gently pushes away from his wife to see her face.
"What is it, Minori? You can tell me. Did something happen at Shen Castle? Did you find the brooch? Your sister and Daiyu did not mention anything."
"No," Mimi nervously put a hand through her hair, "we did not find the brooch."
Tucking her against his chest, Lan Xichen presses kisses to her head, "I am sorry. But we will continue looking."
Deciding to just get it over with, Mimi wraps her arms around him tightly.
"Xichen, I . . . I'm pregnant."
The chest beneath her head freezes, and his hand cups the back of her head.
"I don't think I heard you correctly," his voice is strained.
"I know . . .its early. But foxes can smell changes very quickly. I didn't think it was possible," Mimi realizes she is babbling with her eyes firmly closed.
"Xichen, please say something. I am not sure how to feel about this," Mimi feels the hand on her back press her closer against him. Impossibly close.
"I would like to hear what you said," Xichen says quietly.
"When . . .we were about to burn the castle," Mimi says into his chest, "I didn't believe her at first. She said I'm pregnant."
Finally, looking up at him, Mimi lets out a laugh as she sees his . . .thrilled expression.
"Xichen?" Mimi asks, wondering if she had broken him.
Eyes finally meeting her own. Lan Xichen quickly kisses her face and head.
"Minori, this is wonderful news," Lan Xichen very gently picks her up and puts her on his bed. The bath was forgotten entirely.
"Stay here," he kisses her lips, and with speed, she couldn't quite comprehend Lan Xichen races out of his residence and shouts, "Wanji!"
In his haste, he leaves the door wide open. Snorting, Mimi pulls a blanket around herself and curls up. Wrapping her tails around her. With a wave of her hand, she closes the door. Mimi remembers seeing her wife's ultrasound for the first time. Pulling her knees to her chest as if protecting the child inside her. Mimi covers her face with the blanket. She still felt the pain from losing her first child. Mimi is afraid. Would she lose this one? Pressing a hand to her stomach, Mimi wants nothing more than to curl up with her wife. As she thinks this, she hears the door to the residence open and closes swiftly. Lan Xichen gently pulls at the blanket. Peeking at her.
"Minori? Are you well? I . . . just had to tell Wanji and Master Wei. Uncle is thrilled. I will not leave you again. Minori?"
Joining her in the bed, Lan Xichen curls around her front, and Mimi nuzzles her face into his still bare chest.
"I'm scared, Xichen," Mimi could see her tails twitching.
"Why are you afraid?" Lan Xichen pulls her close and runs his hands over her tails.
"What if we lose this one too?" Mimi whimpers.
Realizing where her thoughts had gone, Lan Xichen feels guilty for leaving her alone.
"Minori, we will be fine. I do not know what our future will hold. But I promise that this child will be protected, as will Chen and Dumplin. We will not lose this child," Lan Xichen kisses her face, "nor will our child in the future be replaced with this one. I am already building a shrine to show our love for the one stolen from us."
This brings a smile to her face, "Thank you, Xichen. I . . .love you so much. I don't think I have come to terms yet. I never thought this would happen. I haven't processed this."
Lan Xichen places a hand on her stomach, "We will process it together. Minori, while you were unconscious, I wanted so much to hold you. To tell you that I love you. Now that I finally dare to tell you, I want to tell you every day. You will never doubt my love. Never."
"I love you," Mimi kisses his hands, "so how many people did you tell?"
A sheepish smile appears on his face, "I told Wanji, Master Wei, my uncle. I may have . . .shouted it."
"I did something similar with our firstborn," Mimi smiles sadly, "and with Dumplin and Chen. They already know, by the way. I wanted to make sure they were okay with having a sibling."
"Chen and Dandan will not feel abandoned," Lan Xichen promises, his eyes still shining.
"That's what I told them too," Mimi closes her eyes and snuggles closer to him.
"I never thought I would have a family besides uncle and Wanji. I was so . . . elated when you allowed me to dote on your sisters. To help you raise them as our own. I was content with this. I did not think . . . It did not cross my mind that I could . . . this is such wonderful news for our clan. A baby."
A weight Mimi didn't even realize she was carrying lifted off her shoulders.
She snuggles further into his grasp, tucking her face into the side of his neck, soaking in the warmth.
"Will your uncle be put out if his grand-niece or nephew has fox ears?"
"He is happy knowing he is getting a grandniece or nephew, regardless of the species."
Mimi put a hand over the one he was rubbing against her stomach, "Chances are it will be a girl."
"Then she will be a force to be reckoned with," Lan Xichen thought about this for a moment, "and never leave Cloud Recesses until she is at least thirty. That goes for Dumplin and Chen. Suitors will have to complete many tasks."
"I think we can arrange that," Mimi stretches leisurely, "I am going to rely on you to protect me from my sister's clan. Daiyu's clan is going to be watching me closely."
"I like the idea of more eyes on you while in this condition. I wish to share this with our world," Lan Xichen kisses her face.