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.

Comments

[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.

[searingwing]

“Calla lilies and lamp grass.” Diluc agrees as he presses his face against Kaeya’s scent glands. The bond mark is there and lightly drags his tongue over it. He rubs his cheek on the spot, spreading more of his own scent. Smoke and lamp grass.

A purr rumbles in his throat as Kaeya’s hands drift over his body. They were teenagers the last time they saw each other naked like this. He has acquired scars and muscle since then.

Dark wood for the crib, he decides. The paneling in the nursery would be more flowers and vines to bind them. He casts those thoughts aside as he presses a kiss to a scar on Kaeya’s arm. So strong.

So fierce. He is aware instincts are addling his mind and Kaeya’s. It’s the post claiming and mating. Once they wash up they can go get changes of clothes from Kaeya’s place and his own. He’ll send his message once they’re about to return here.

And he’ll make their dinner and prepare meals they can easily make when the heat really sets in. As far as he understands it…Kaeya might have an easier time now he’s been claimed. His father never said much about that. He hadn’t been old enough when that had been his primary education and after, had a bit of distance from his very alpha son.

[unmelting]

The attention to his neck, to the mark left there, has Kaeya shivering and leaning into Diluc. All he can smell is Diluc's scent and it's already a soothing, pleasing thing. So is touching his mate and hearing the purring it draws out of him.

But his fingers find the edges of scars, older and newer. The things that Diluc has done, those years he was away. But Kaeya knows the other man is strong, a capable fighter. They're both men who live by their swords as much as anything else, and they'll both keep each other and their family safe.

Their family. Oh gods. The baby will need a place to sleep. And he really should let Jean know where he is. Actually, that brings up a question. "How did you find me?"

[searingwing]

He rubs his cheek over the gland, his pure growing in volume. Until the question. He shoves down the urge to keep purring. “Jean told me. You were hours over due and you were acting odd. I’ve been…concerned for days. I came to check.”

And things played out the way they did. He wraps his arm around Kaeya and kisses his way down his neck to his shoulder. We can exit into Mondstadt to get changes of clothes and have a message sent to her.” He pauses and adds, in his usual tones, “We should get clothes and bedding you like. It makes a nest feel safer.”

[unmelting]

Diluc had been concerned for him. He's not sure why that in particular makes him feel like purring himself. Diluc really does care about him. ...that should be obvious after the mating and claiming thing, but Kaeya is apparently slower than usual currently.

Kaeya leans into him, nodding. "We probably ought to let her know something." Kaeya just isn't sure how to phrase that particular missive.

"And your clothes. You smell so good." Even in the bath, surrounded by the steam of the water. His arms wind around Diluc in turn and he turns his head to press a kiss through fiery red hair. "Then we can come back here?" His heat is far from over, and while he's hoping he won't be as much of a mess as he's been as it continues, there's still an uncharacteristic wariness in him, unsettled on his feet on this new ground. Here, where it's only him and Diluc, he feels safer.

[searingwing]

“Then we come back here.” Diluc reassures him as he reaches for a small brush set on a shelf near the bath. He drags it slowly through Kaeya’s hair in gentle strokes. “We’ll stay here until you feel safe enough to leave. It should be when your heat is over or a few days after.” He says as he works the brush through then sets it aside.

It gives him time to consider how to word things for a missive. “It’s up to you how much she should know. Once we’re done with that we can stop by the winery for my spare clothes.” It’s all he wants to take from there.

Everything he has in this cottage is enough for them. “When we return here we can build the nest…together. It looks like a daunting task but I assure you, it isn’t.”

[unmelting]

His hair being brushed is straight up luxury, the sort of spoiled that Kaeya will not object to in any way whatsoever. He'd also like to return the favor, if Diluc will let him. He wants to take care of his Alpha as much as he's being taken care of.

"Better keep it a short explanation for now. Certain types of news are probably better given in person." The mated and pregnant bit? Yeah, he's going to want to deliver that information standing in front of Jean and trying to look as cute as possible with Diluc there with him for backup.

"All right. Then it seems we have a plan." He reaches for the brush now and nudges the redhead. "Turn?"

[searingwing]

Diluc shifts around so Kaeya can get to his hair. It’s been a long time since anyone brushed it for him. “Yes, we have a plan.” He subsides into silence which has always been his default. Diluc was peppy as a boy but, just as happy quietly reading a book.

He settles and lets his mind drift while the brush runs through his hair. It wouldn’t take much to build the additional room. The bed is already large enough for them both. He would have to adjust the kitchen. That too wouldn’t be difficult.

It takes him several seconds to realize he’s been purring steadily since the brush started passing through his hair. “Is there…anything else you want to bring with you?” He asks, in a softer tone.

[unmelting]

Plans are good, Kaeya thinks, especially given how adrift he's been feeling recently (having no idea at all what was causing that restless uncertain feeling at the time, but pretty certain now it was the hormones of his impending heat). So he feels more at ease than he has in weeks as he quite happily brushes through Diluc's hair, gently combing out the tangles.

When the purring starts, Kaeya smiles to himself. It's genuinely adorable, and he loves that plain proof of the other man being happy.

The next question has him thinking. Diluc hasn't ever seen his place, has he? More often than not he harasses the other man at his bar, or the winery. There's precious little of any personal significance at Kaeya's house. It's sparsely and simply furnished, and aside from his clothes and his weaponry (and a few bottles of wine for when he doesn't feel like going out to drown his sorrows) there isn't much to be found there.

"Clothes are really the only thing I need."

[searingwing]

“Alright.” He says as he settles again. His mind drifts and he partly dozes for the rest of his hair brushing. He wakes up as the brush is set aside and reaches for the bar of soap.

He turns and sets to washing Kaeya, still purring as he offers the bar to him. They can wash each other and then be on their way. His Alpha instincts are going haywire. Taking care of Kaeya is something he fought with himself about.

No he doesn’t have to. He leans in closer, brushing his nose against his and sighing contentedly. This is perfect.

[unmelting]

How much Kaeya enjoys being taken care of is something he can only half blame on his new instincts. The other half is simply a matter of him being touch-starved. The same for actually being allowed to take care of Diluc; it's something he's always wanted, even if those urges are louder and keener now that they're mated.

He takes the soap, fingers massaging their way over Diluc as they lather over his skin. A soft nuzzle back and he hears himself trilling happily. Kaeya immediately blushes, but he doesn't stop anyway.

It is perfect.

He sets the soap aside, handfuls of water rinsing soapsuds off Diluc.

[searingwing]

He works soapy hands over Kaeya's shoulders and back as a blush dusts his own face. Kaeya isn't the only one embarrassed. This is everything he avoided and he finds...it's nice. His hands slip around to Kaeya's front to work over his chest and stomach as the warm water washes the soap off him.

He rinses him off and presses their foreheads together with a sigh. They're as clean as they're going to get. "Ready?" To face the public as little as possible and really set things in motion.

Well, as much as can be during a heat cycle.

[unmelting]

They're both disasters, aren't they? This realization somehow makes Kaeya feel better about it, realizing this is new ground for both of them. They're figuring it out together. He leans his forehead against Diluc, hands settling on the other man's hips gently, a touch and a caress just because he can.

The question draws a laugh out of him and he shrugs. "Ready as I can be, I think."

Something in him bristles at the very idea of leaving this place. His heat-drive instincts have latched onto this place as safe, Alpha's, home. But he needs his clothes. Diluc needs his things. And they really do need to get some message off to Jean before she worries too much more, if she worried enough to send Diluc out to check on him in the first place.

[searingwing]

Diluc pulls Kaeya with him up out of the bath. He grabs soft towels and drapes one over Kaeya’s shoulder. He gives himself a rub down then channels his fire.

It heats the air just enough to speed their drying off. Dried off, he hangs up the towel and heads for the bedroom. He returns with their clothes and pulls his own on. They’re only going to Kaeya’s apartment and the winery but people might see them.

He finishes pulling on his coat and looks to Kaeya. “You’ll ha w to take us through. I’ve never been to your apartment.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya takes the towel with a murmur of thanks, patting himself dry as well, feeling that warmth in the air. "Show off pyro," he teases, but he appreciates the warmth of it. He's hanging his own towel as Diluc returns with their clothes.

Starting to pull his own clothes on, he nods at that. "That's true, you haven't. No comments on my decorating taste now." It's a light statement, meant more as a joke than anything else, but it's also on his mind. He knows how barebones his apartment is. He's seldom there, he tells himself, so why put the effort into making it a home?

It never felt like a home with just him anyway. Dressed now, he settles his cape over his shoulders. He may not feel it currently given how his new instincts and hormones are still raging along, but at least he looks like himself.

Without thinking, he reaches out to tangle his fingers with Diluc's. "Ready when you are."

[searingwing]

It’s on his mind as he squeezes Kaeya’s hand and leans closer to him. “I’m sure I can live with whatever decor you have.” Diluc assured him before they’re whisked away into said apartment. It worries him how bare bones it feels.

But that makes sense too. He can guess what was and has been going through Kaeya’s mind. As an Alpha he can’t stand it. An Omega must feel comfortable and safe. He leans closer to Kaeya. “Let’s get your blankets as well as your clothes.”

They would smell like Kaeya and help him feel safer.

[unmelting]

Kaeya laughs, and it only sounds a little forced. It's fine. Diluc won't turn him away now just because he's terrible at making a home. He'll do better. He'll learn, and his Alpha will help him. ...gods, he really needs to get a handle on these Omega instincts and urges. They're playing hell with him right now. Kaeya has never been as unaffected as he pretends to be, but these particular insecurities are new. And loud.

"Mm, good idea," he agrees releasing Diluc's hand to head further inside his apartment, heading to his bedroom. It's similarly sparsely decorated, though the blankets on the bed are soft and well made, and a number of books that Lisa isn't aware he's borrowed are on the bedside table.

Kaeya moves to his closet to start taking a few pieces of clothing -- both his usual fairly formal (and elaborate) attire as well as a few more casual items.

[searingwing]

Kaeya let’s him into the bedroom and the guilt crashes into him. He remembers how Kaeya kept his bedroom in the estate. He gathers the blankets and on a thought, the books.

He stays close to Kaeya and puts out a soothing scent to reassure him that he still wants his mate. Kaeya not being like other Omegas is completely fine. He just wants him to feel safe and happy.

Diluc waits for Kaeya to finish collecting his clothes before he reaches out and catches his chin in his fingers. He turns his head and leans in close, claiming his mouth with his. It’s a short kiss but he says softly, “Let’s go. We’ll set these inside then go to the Winery.”

[unmelting]

His childhood bedroom had been full of tiny memories in physical form -- seashells from excursions to the shore, dried flowers he'd pressed himself between the pages of his school books, play swords and drawings from younger days he couldn't quite bring himself to part with -- and sometimes he does regret not having taken any of it when he left. But at the time, well, things were messy to say the least.

But that scent is indeed soothing, and it takes Kaeya a moment to realize what is happening. Diluc is still taking care of him.

He stills at the touch of those fingers, all pliant and pleased when the redhead's lips find his. His mate. He smiles as the kiss breaks. "All right." Kaeya reaches out with his free hand to hook into Diluc's collar and pull him in so he can steal a more significant kiss, that underlying need unmistakable. If he's not careful, he'll launch himself right back into that desperation and need that's still percolating in him in this lull in his heat.

[searingwing]

Kaeya pulls him back in and the kiss is fierce and full of need. It takes his breath away. He wonders how Kaeya will react when he goes down into storage and collects that which had been left behind but never thrown away. He had done a lot of wrong in his anger.

But he hadn’t ruined precious things. Just shut them away. They won’t see the light of day yet. The kiss grows heated as he sweeps his tongue into Kaeya’s mouth and tries to reassure him he has no intention of letting go.

But he recognizes the dangers and draws back enough to say. “Kaeya, if we keep this up we’ll trigger your heat again. You need food and sleep. We’re only at the start of it.” He hopes Kaeya gets that he means the heat will get worse. Especially since this is a first heat and Kaeya fought it.

[unmelting]

Kaeya whines softly to Diluc's lips, entirely eager to return the kiss and not considering consequences at all. That involves a level of critical thinking, that even in his more coherent current state, he's really not up to. Consequences? Ha. Who has time for those when your mate is as close and sexy and good as Diluc anyway?

So when the redhead draws back, Kaeya's lips purse into a pout. "I need you," he sulks, but his shoulders slump. Diluc has a point and he knows it. He's vaguely aware that things will get worse before he makes it through this, and food and sleep are probably both important.

And they still have to go by Diluc's to get his things and get a message off to Jean. Fine. He gets it. But that doesn't mean he's not going to continue sulking about not currently kissing Diluc.

[searingwing]

He isn't that great about feelings. It's an effort but his mate needs him to communicate. Diluc slips his arm around Kaeya's waist and pulls him close. "You have me, I'm not going anywhere. Wait until we're back at our cottage and I'll take care of your needs." Then he reaches for the magic that lets them step back into the teapot.

The cottage smells like both of them now. He breathes a soft sigh as he lays the blankets and books on the couch but doesn't let go of Kaeya. Once the clothes are down he reaches for the magic again.

This time, his bedroom in the Winery is there when they take a step forward. It doesn't smell that much like Diluc, a sign he isn't around it very often. He draws Kaeya with him to the cupboard where his clothes are. This smells like him. Smoke and lamp grass. He takes a moment to press their foreheads together. "Pick what you want to put into the nest while I write this message."

[unmelting]

Kaeya looks at least slightly mollified as he's pulled closer, at what Diluc has to say. He can be patient, he supposes. If he must. "Our cottage..." Kaeya echoes, trying out the sound of it. Yes, he likes that very much. Maybe, maybe it'll be a home again.

The magic that whisks them in and out is still a bit strange, but he's getting used to it. Kaeya sets his clothes down as well and holds to Diluc as they're stepping through once more.

Kaeya's nose wrinkles briefly at the relative weakness of Diluc's scent. Hmm. It just makes the cottage seem that much warmer by comparison really. And the clothes, well, that helps too. Good. Tilting his chin, Kaeya nuzzles against Diluc, soft and affectionate before he nods. "All right."

He extricates himself reluctantly from Diluc's arms and moves to start looking through Diluc's clothes, selecting a few items, one of which a shirt he presses his face into to breathe in. Yup this one is a good one. A pause and he looks over his shoulder. "What will you tell Jean?"

[searingwing]

He whistles and his bird sails in through the window. Diluc presents his forearm as he takes the paper from her leg. It gives him time to answer Kaeya. "You're alright and need to recover. We'll send another message when we're ready to report." He looks to Kaeya for approval.

If it's not enough, he'll add more. "It felt like the rest needs to be in person." He explains. "Since..." He trails off with a flush to his face. He's not about to say I'm sorry I got your Second pregnant. He's not sorry. At all.