Precisely a day after she was adopted, Rover gently plopped the child onto their lap and opened a book containing a list of names, they spent hours scouring through the pages together and you often overheard Rover patiently explaining the meaning of each name the girl pointed to. She eventually settled on the name ‘Aemeath’, meaning ‘truth’ or ‘faithfulness’.

Being her new parents, you and Rover stressed over the littlest of things when it came to Aemeath. What if you weren’t cut out for this? What if Aemeath felt unsafe in this family? The questions and self-doubt were relentless. Because of that, the two of you bought stacks of parenting guidebooks to ensure that you both could raise Aemeath in the best environment possible.

As time passed, Aemeath settled comfortably into her new life, and she loves you both dearly! To her, Rover was the strict but protective caretaker she could always rely on and you were the one who would spoil her endlessly with gifts and affection (yet she avoids angering you in any manner after witnessing how you put Rover in a headlock when they kept leaving their sword lying around the house)

Family game nights are a must in your household, nothing beats being bundled up together in fuzzy blankets while playing the latest video games. Rover always lets Aemeath win, when you asked why, they merely replied with, “It builds her confidence.” Deep down, you know it’s because they adore how her eyes light up like two golden stars in the night sky when she’s happy.

Aemeath swears that she doesn’t have a favourite parent, yet whenever she lands herself in hot water, she always comes running to you to seek protection from Rover’s inevitable scoldings.

You tried being more stern with her, but unfortunately, the deadly combo of her puppy eyes and chubby cheeks are too cute to resist. (It’s super effective! Y/N fainted!)

In relation to the point above, Aemeath is definitely one well-fed child. You were adamant that she got all the nutrients needed as a still-growing girl so you made tons of delicious food for her to eat. Her cheeks are as squishy as memory foam.

Raising a child is difficult, but worry not, you and Rover still make time for yourselves. Once Aemeath is tucked in, the two of you like to relax in each other’s embrace and chat about anything interesting.

“Dearest,” Rover said one evening, their hand resting on your hip as they held you closer. “When does a joke become a dad joke?”

“Huh?” You answered, sitting up abruptly to process what they just said, “Uhh… when it’s not funny, I guess?”

“No,” Rover shakes their head, grinning like a maniac, “It’s when it becomes apparent.”

“...You’re lucky I love you.”

And just like that, the once intimate atmosphere was shattered by a singular dad joke.

Speaking of which, dad jokes have become much more frequent in your household ever since Aemeath entered your lives. Rover says it’s to lighten the mood. Aemeath doesn’t understand them half of the time and you facepalm whenever you happen to hear one.

Sometimes when you’re both busy and Aemeath has a question to ask, it ends up being the typical back and forth of “Go ask your mom/dad.” (Or “Go ask your other mom/dad” for the queer version). The poor kid just gives up after a while.

During the first month when Aemeath was taken in, she was unable to fall asleep on her own so you suggested that she sleep together with you both. It worked like a charm, but the habit lasted for a few years until Aemeath grew too big to fit in between you and Rover.

You love dressing Aemeath up in the cutest outfits you found at the mall, and she gets into it very easily. She likes strutting down the house corridors wearing various new dresses while Rover claps from the couch like they’re watching a runway fashion show.

There was an instance where Aemeath tried to convince you both to keep a snowfluff seal as a pet. Despite your numerous refusals, she decided to lure one home using some fish. Hours later, there was a full and content seal in the middle of your living room, much to Rover’s chagrin. (She got grounded for a week afterwards.)

Credits: borders by @/enchanthings, icons edited by me

Do not plagarise, copy, steal, or feed my work into AI. Reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated!

♡♡

You thought you never would have been it ever again. A beautiful sword than had belonged to The First Emperor of Beginnings himself, his Goujian Sword. Yes, you recognized it. The dark purple hilt with a golden star elegantly crafted with care. It matches his eyes. You remember now. Blessing the blade yourself long ago when Qin Shi Haung had been human, a mortal man during his first of many war campaigns and crusade to unite all of China beneath a single banner.

As you sat within the medial bay more memories returned to you in a heated lush.

A golden sword with elegant unfamiliar characters and written in an unknown language you didn't understand, yet the craftmanship was alluring, pleasing to look at. It shined brightly, day or not. The golden and purple sheath matched the handsome and proud Emperor's armor as he led the charge into battle.

Had the fates known, Hades would look and Qin Shi Haung would win? You frowned. You knew the joys roars of The Emperors victory wouldn't silence the gloomy, small, heated discussions and whispers of denial, sorrow and unacceptance of his death. You did love Hades with all of your heart, even when he wasn't yours. Your gaze lowered to the healing tank that housed Qin Shi Haung, the man who had bested a god, a fellow King, who he'd called "his brother," a high form of respect. He didn't mock him. Didn't spoil or taint his victory by gloating. He simply smiled.

"Ying Zheng," You muttered his true, birth given name. "Do you remember our first meeting?" You stool from your seat. Reaching a handout and touching the glass. "Is that why you kissed me? Did you feel it too?" A hand rose to touch your lips. You could still feel the warmth of his soft mouth touching your own. "Do you remember today wasn't our first kiss?" Your face grew heavily flushed, then you shook your head. "Perhaps not... but I hope that you do."

How had you forgotten?

Because we had both been drunk on hard spirits. You inwardly chuckled to yourself, watching as the mortal man before you merely appeared to be sleeping within the emerald, green healing liquid.

The Emperor had returned to his palace, drinking alone and admiring the moon with a jar of alcohol when he sensed your presence. "Won't you come out and join me, whoever you are?" He said without turning his head. His voice was calm, unafraid. His guard remained up, even relaxing during a great celebration in his honor and his victory. "Don't be shy, hao." He had wanted to relax. A moments peace of mind before he returned downstairs into the banquet fall for appearances sake or perhaps choose with concubine to take to bed. He hadn't decided, so he gazed at the moon lost in thought. it had been a good moment, he thought to himself inwardly sighing.

You could hear the smile gracing his lips.

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Oh boy, I think I'm really cooking something. Whatcha think? ;)

Fates, past and present intertwined and all that cliche, romantic jaze. I can't help it! A shared secret between you and The Emperor, oh my~