a/b/o verse

[unmelting]

Kaeya is in over his head, which is not something he's used to. The cavalry captain of the Knights of Favonius is usually prepared, usually pulling strings and planning and plotting before he even sets a foot into any situation or gets his own hands dirty.

But something has gone wrong. Clearly.

It started a few days ago. Kaeya hadn't felt right, but there was nothing he could really pin down as specifically wrong, so it was easy enough to shrug it off. Sure, he's feeling vaguely overheated, his thoughts too easily distracted, every little scent suddenly overwhelming. But he can still manage.

So when Jean asks that he go investigate some trouble in the ruins outside of the city, he really doesn't have a good reason not to agree. It should be fine. A simple trip really, though he does see the vague concern in the acting Grand Master's eyes at how distracted he seems. He pulls himself together to wave it off. And off he goes.

Now here he is, having found the root of the problems that Jean has sent him to. The source of the trouble is a band of treasure hoarders, ones that he has dealt with before. Tensions rise, and Kaeya should be able to handle this -- either through clever words or icy sword blows. It's nothing he hasn't overcome before. Except this time, he feels like he's losing his mind. And two of the treasure hoarders realize it, two alphas who have caught the very distinct scent of an omega in heat.

Kaeya, on the other hand, is still clueless. He's a beta, after all. When his peers had begun presenting, he never had, and had accepted what that meant for him. Honestly, it was simpler that way. Wasn't it? But here he is, sword in hand but not raised, one visible eye wide, pupil blown, face flushed, as he watches the men approach.

'Don't worry,', one of the men croons, 'We're more than happy to help. You're lucky you found us.'

A frown crosses Kaeya's face. That doesn't... sound right. But maybe he does need help. Hmm.

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[unmelting]

Keaya is surfacing, all right. The first few moments of clear thought are pleasant and warm. Diluc is on top of him. They just fucked again, mated this time. Diluc seems content and lo--

Oh. Oh gods he'd blurted out a confession. Is that the most embarrassing part? Telling Diluc he loves him for the first time when he's inside him and on their first night together. Then there's all the trilling. And the purring. Not to mention the pleading and.

This time he buries his face in Diluc's neck, and the groan that leaves his lips this time is downright sulky. "Yes." Coherent. Not happy about it.

That said, Diluc is a pleasant warm weight on top of him, and his mind is replaying those words, the apologies, the sound of Diluc using that familiar nickname, of Diluc saying that he loves him too. Things could be worse. So even as he's grumbling about his embarrassment, he's also letting his fingers play over the other man's back, a simple touch because somehow he's actually allowed to do this.

"I... talked a lot this time." He leans back enough to be able to look at him.

[searingwing]

“You did.” He agrees as he slides his hands up and down Kaeya’s sides. “You got starry eyed and begged for it too.” Diluc hums pleasantly and runs his fingers through long dark blue hair.

It’s as soft and silky as he remembers. “Though I will be fair to you. You goaded me first.” Then he let himself off his self imposed control. He kills a yawn before it can start. None of that.

“As far as I remember from books, coupling twice in one day should be enough for this first day. But, you might wake up wet and wanting in the middle of the night.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya's eye narrows as he decides how much he needs to be grumpy about the fact that Diluc is all too happy to point out that starry eyed and begging bit. It's not fair that his hair is being played with though, because that is wonderfully nice and soothing and making it harder to be cranky. "Don't sound so smug," is all he manages, but there's no real sting to it.

"Yes well, you rose to the challenge, I suppose." He supposes. Sure. Diluc unraveled him down to his foundations, and he's quite certain they both know it. He blushes again as the memory flares right back, Diluc letting go that way, yeah. That'll never leave his dreams. Ever.

And then his mate keeps talking and Kaeya is groaning and flushing all the darker. Thanks, Diluc. "Don't expect to sleep peacefully then." He manages, fingers lifting to trace along the line of Diluc's jaw. "Might be fun though. Better than a midnight snack."

[searingwing]

He massages his fingers into the back of Kaeya’s neck. He leans into the touch of Kaeya’s fingers like a cat looking for a scratch. “You still have that habit? Huh.” Midnight snacks weren’t a thing Diluc did much of. Even if he couldn’t sleep he just made tea and that was that.

He sits up enough to glance down at him with half lidded eyes. “And of course I wouldn’t sleep through that. I expect you to wake me.” He has no idea how Kaeya will go about that. A worry for when it happens.

He’s a fairly light sleeper. “I’ll take care of you.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya takes that as encouragement to keep touching, which he is happy to do. How long has he wanted to be close to Diluc again, to be allowed to touch and stay in his orbit. He also laughs at the observation before lifting his chin. "I can't sleep when I'm hungry."

That's just science, Diluc. Or maybe that's just Kaeya not knowing what to do with the otherwise quiet hours of the night, when the rest of the world is sleeping.

Looking up at the redhead, he can't quite help a grin. "If you're sleeping through it, I'm doing something very wrong." And he'll no doubt come up with a creative way to way Diluc up when his heat creeps back over him.

For now though, for now he's happy to have some rest and respite from his heat. Those words undo something in him in a very different way, a soft warmth that spreads from his chest. Take care of him. He's been on his own for a long time now, by choice, but he... he wants to let Diluc take are of him. He wants to take care of him in turn.

His voice is quiet when he speaks, "I told you I loved you."

[searingwing]

Diluc goes quiet as he brushes the back of his hand against Kaeya's cheek. "You did." And he admitted why it had hurt so much that Kaeya had seemingly betrayed him. Except. He sighs and lays down, wrapping his arms around Kaeya.

"...I've loved you for a long time. I just buried it." He sighs and presses his face against Kaeya's shoulder. "I buried everything." He'd cut the past and the present in half, separating them. He'd thought Kaeya did the same.

He turns his head to rest his cheek against Kaeya's chest. The circumstances have led to him confessing a lot of things. To make this work he had to come clean. "...when you wake me. Touch me lightly first. I'll know you mean no harm." But he pauses, "That's just in case. I doubt you'll need to do more than touch me to wake me enough to know you need me."

[unmelting]

"Will you unbury it? I'll help, if you let me." For Kaeya, the feelings were never something he buried. They've always been sharp and close to him -- hidden, of course, behind the cool charm and charisma he's known for, easy smiles, quick laughter -- but Kaeya has never for a moment tried to bury those memories. Those days when he was happy and almost felt like he could belong, even knowing his own truth, who he was. What he was.

His fingers sink their way into Diluc's hair, sifting through it, toying with flame red locks. Diluc is so warm. "I'll be sure to," he assures him before adding, quieter, "I'll never mean you harm." But he understands that the person Diluc has become has learned to be a weapon, a blade that defense this city.

He ducks his head to press a kiss through Diluc's hair.

[searingwing]

He lifts his head and touches the side of Kaeya's face. Then he leans in and claims his lips. It feels good to kiss him, love him the way he wanted to as a young knight. "You've already started unburying it." He whispers.

He stares into his eye and weighs on what to say. In the end he sighs because Kaeya knows him and knows this has been a lot today. "When my knot goes down we can clean up and make the bed ready for sleep. I'll make us food and prepare some light things for tomorrow."

Should he admit to the one luxury this house has? It's his mate. Why not. "Then I'll take you to the tub and we'll clean up before bed."

[unmelting]

Gods but he loves kissing Diluc, even more when he's in his right mind and can fully appreciate it. So he's already disarmed and pleased when Diluc whispers those words to him in response. Kaeya smiles. "Good." So good. And he'll do whatever he can to continue with that, to mend the broken things between them rather than to let the distance creep in.

It has been a lot today, especially for Diluc who tends to keep his emotions wrapped up tightly deep inside. Kaeya won't push him; he'll let his Alpha come to it all at his own pace.

A nod in agreement. "Mm. And this nest. I need to... I don't know. Something." It's hasty and it doesn't feel right yet. Kaeya has no idea what will make it feel right, but he wants to fuss with it for a while. And then drape all over his mate and--

Oh? Bath? He noticeably perks up at that. "Oh?" Color him intrigued. "A hot bath sounds amazing." Yes. Please.

[searingwing]

“I can’t figure out where the pipes go but I’m not complaining.” Diluc muses. “I’ve been sleeping here in this realm since space was offered to me. It’s only recently I finished the furniture.” It was nice to come home to a place he didn’t have to put on airs for anyone.

He watches Kaeya’s face as he says, “Do want my help with the nest?” The bedroom and the house itself is full of his things. And they could go snatch things from Kaeya’s place.

He’s so grateful they can exit where they like. They don’t have to face anything other than a swiftly penned report that can update Jean and ease her mind. She has no legal right to hold. Less so since Kaeya is now his mate. Mates can assist each other in heats and ruts.

[unmelting]

"So now I've seen Diluc's secret hideaway. I like it." It really does suit Diluc, and everything around him being Diluc's is downright soothing for the heat-addled Omega. He's safe here, even when his mind is intermittently not his own.

There's no hiding the relief on Kaeya's face when Diluc makes that offer. "If you would, I'd be grateful. I'll be an attentive student." Really, he'll make a mess of it otherwise; he's certain of that much. Maybe he'll learn eventually.

Reporting into Jean hasn't even crossed Kaeya's mind. It will eventually; he'll remember that he was on a mission when Diluc found him. But that time isn't now. Instead he's busy reaching out play with that bright red hair, touching him because he can. He knows the other's knot will go down soon, that they'll need to move.

[searingwing]

Diluc winds strands of Kaeya's hair around his fingers as a deep rumbling purr resonates in the air. He would be embarrassed by it but he's already purred today. "You'll catch on fast. You always have." He says as he runs his hand down Kaeya's side then lets his hand rest there.

He murmurs something then pauses and tries again, his voice soft and low. "...You could move in and share it with me, if you wanted to. You're my mate, what's mine is yours." He coughs and looks away. "And I think we could expand a little. Prepare a nursery." It could slowly shift into a family home.

He turns slightly and points to the south wall. "Connected to the bedroom?" He doesn't want their child to be off down the hall like he was to his father. In reach. Safe. They could move them when the child wanted space away from them.

[unmelting]

Oh. A compliment. Kaeya looks terribly pleased by that. Yes good. Say nice things about him. Now tell him he's pretty. Wait, no, he's gotten distracted. He should focus on what Diluc is saying, and oh he's so glad that he has.

Diluc would really want him to live with him? All the time? Well, okay, yes it makes sense if they're going to have a child, be a family. "I'd love to. If that's all right." He glances away, laughing, "I've missed living under the same roof. It's never felt right without you." It's never felt right on his own, even if he was certain that was safer.

The smile on his face softens at the mention of a nursery. Without thinking, one hand drops to rest against his stomach. That's right. Their child. "A nursery," he echoes. "That sounds perfect. Close enough we can hear them, make sure they're happy, safe."

Make sure that their child knows that they're loved and wanted, that no one is placing burdens on tiny shoulders, that the only thing they're expected to be is happy.

A family. Kaeya looks like he may cry. He'll blame it on the heat, undoubtedly, but it's something he hasn't allowed himself to want before now.

[searingwing]

Oh. The guilt claws at him. Their life has been so messy. No more. He'll make this work. Diluc wraps his arms around Kaeya and slips his fingers into his hair, letting his purr grow louder. "It's been lonely without you. I wouldn't have offered I didn't want you here with me." This is his space.

His hideaway. Kaeya here patches a hole in his soul. His expression softens too. He rests his forehead against Kaeya's. Oh, this is so damn rough on him and his struggle to voice his feelings. But it can't be any better on Kaeya's desperately lonely heart.

He drops a hand to rest his hand on Kaeya's over his stomach. "It's more than alright. And anything you want to shift around, say the word."

[unmelting]

Kaeya is very quickly coming to love the sound of Diluc purring. It's evidence that Diluc is happy, contented, which is especially precious given how much the redhead often keeps how he's feeling bottled up and hidden.

And even better is the sound of hearing that he's wanted. Oh. He knows this has to be hard for Diluc.

They've both been alone for too long, haven't they? He'll make that up to him, somehow. Given time. He tilts his chin up to brush his lips over Diluc's -- funny how quickly little gestures of affection are becoming natural and second nature -- before leaning back. "Oh? I thought my taste was suspect," he teases lightly, but he wraps his arms tighter around Diluc. "I'll add my own touch, I'm sure. Whatever happened to that vase?"

[searingwing]

Diluc presses his face against Kaeya's neck. Oh here it comes. He mumbles something into Kaeya's neck. It sounds suspiciously like an answer. The kiss sings to him. He would love to chase and distract Kaeya. But, Kaeya is like a dog with a bone. That wouldn't slow him down for long.

Damn it. He raises his head and looks to the side. "It's in the front foyer of the Winery on display. It's gaudy and bright, but you used it to give my vision back to me. It surprised me. So there it is." The biggest eyesore he's ever seen but.

"It's...got its own charm."

[unmelting]

What was that just then Diluc? Hmm? ...and he's absolutely right about Kaeya. He's relentless when he wants to be, and if he knew Diluc is deliberately not answering? He'd absolutely chase that down.

That doesn't mean he's not surprised at the answer. Oh? OH?

Kaeya can't help it. He grins before laughing. "Is that so? It's okay to just admit you like it, you know." Gaudy and bright. Really, Diluc. But Kaeya looks undeniably pleased at this piece of information.

[searingwing]

He coughs and his face is flushed. "The colors come together in an...almost elegant way." He admits as he sighs and goes to shift. His knot has gone down all the way. He blinks then carefully slips out of Kaeya.

"Ah." Clean up. Bath. They could do that first then eat. The whole room smells like both of them and the unmistakable scent of sex. That can be handled after. Diluc sits up. "Can you or do you want to walk?" He'll carry him if he asks.

It's in his eyes.

[unmelting]

He's adorable. Should the Darknight Hero of Mondstadt really be this precious? "See, that wasn't so hard." Kaeya leans in to press a kiss to one flushed cheek.

Kaeya can't bite back a soft whimper of sound as Diluc pulls out of him. He misses the feeling of having the other inside him already, but there will be time for that later. They really ought to clean up, and Kaeya is still interested in this tub that was mentioned earlier.

His eyebrows lift at the question. This seems like an invitation he can't possibly pass up. He reaches his arms towards him, wiggling his fingers at him. "Help me, Alpha?" Carry him?

[searingwing]

Oh he knew Kaeya would jump at that. Diluc gathers Kaeya up and carries him out of the bedroom. He takes him into the main room and walks around the couch. The house looks the same. Furniture made by hand. Blankets and pillows as well.

He takes him past the door to his study and to a door closest to the window overlooking the sea. And into a bathroom with wood paneling that was done by his hand. The carvings in the panels are simple. Vines and leaves.

The tub is surrounded by stone and tile and set into the floor. Easy to access and big enough for two people to lounge in. More simple carvings. Dandelions and wind asters. Diluc sets Kaeya down by the edge and fiddles with the knobs. The water gushes into the tub as he thrusts his hand in.

Steam rises from the steadily filling tub.

[unmelting]

He will not complain about being carried and pampered. Can he really be blamed for that? Diluc's arms are a wonderful place to be. He loops his arms around Diluce's shoulders, comfortably settling his way in while he's ported around.

The more he sees of this place, the more he thinks his first impression was right; it suits Diluc. Kaeya likes it.

Kaeya finds his feet before dropping to sit on the edge, waiting for the water to come up enough before he slips into it, reaching up to hold a hand out to Diluc. Come join him? "It's warm." He's thrilled.

[searingwing]

Diluc takes Kaeya's hand and slides into the water with him. It feels surreal. He brushes his hand over Kaeya's shoulder and leans in, claiming his mouth. The water rises slowly as he savors the kiss. It feels a bit like coming home.

He hasn't really felt at home until...until now. He leans back a little dazed as he breathes, "Not too warm?"

[unmelting]

There is something dreamlike about this, the sort of fantastic dream that he'd had in his younger days that he'd long ago resigned to things too impossible to ever happen. But here they are and Diluc is kissing him, and Kaeya is leaning closer, wrapping his arms around the other man.

Kaeya breathes out a laugh, setting a hand against Diluc's chest. "I like it hot."

And Diluc is as hot as they come.

[searingwing]

“Subtle,” He says as he leans into the hand against his chest. Just enough to make sure Kaeya is aware he likes that touch. He wants to show him how controlled he is. Kaeya knows but it is part of the alpha instincts. Look how strong I am, it says. I will keep you safe.

He is well aware once this first heat is over, Kaeya would be able to keep himself safe. Even slice a man’s throat if they dared touch him during another heat. The thought of anyone trying that almost pulls a growl out of him.

No.

Control. He slides his fingers through Kaeya’s hair and leans in to kiss him again. “I’m thinking to add more flowers to the paneling,”
He nips at his bottom lip then breaks away from his mouth to follow the line of his neck. Not to stir them back up again, just to show his affection. “Suggestions?”

[unmelting]

"And smooth," Kaeya agrees. While the intensity of his heat has ebbed, he's at least feeling a bit more himself. The new instincts are still very loud and very strange, but he's getting used to those too. It isn't lost on him what Diluc is saying without words. His Alpha is strong and capable and beautiful and kind. And anyone who tries to make a move on Kaeya in the future who isn't his mate will be met with the edge of his blade, which will be a relief in and of itself, given how impossible it felt to act earlier.

If Diluc hadn't come along at the moment he did, Kaeya finds he doesn't like thinking what might have happened. No, the thought is distressing, and he's still far too affected by his heat to go down that road. Instead he leans in to that kiss, letting his head fall to the side as Diluc's lips go wandering.

"Lilies," he answers, fingers meandering their way over warm skin, starting the process of learning by heart all the lines and angles, all the scars, of the other man.