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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[searingwing]

Kaeya surrenders to him and it's good. His heart thuds hard at the trust being placed in him. He drags his mouth over the scent glands in his neck. His fangs graze the mark as his knot locks. Kaeya's noise is met with a soft croon and a low snarl as Diluc follows him, coming in a hot rush.

They're locked together but he runs his hands up and down Kaeya's back. It still keeps rattling around in his mind that Kaeya let go like that. A deep rumbling purr rolls in the air as he gently guides Kaeya into an unhurried kiss.

His mate. He'll protect him and make sure he's happy. "...still alright?"

[unmelting]

Kaeya takes a moment to let his breathing and heart settle down, waiting for his scattered thoughts to reassemble themselves as the rush of pleasure leaves him satisfied, for the moment.

Those hands are wonderful and soothing, and Kaeya trills happily, low and sweet as he meets that kiss. His Alpha is purring again. Seeing Diluc happy goes beyond just mating instincts. It's been too long since he's really seen the other man happy, after all.

His hands smooth over Diluc's shoulders, down his back and up before he lets one hand sink into that fiery hair. "Mmhmm, better than all right," he answers. More than all right. But well, his lips purse into a brief pout. "...'m hungry though." Which is his own fault because Diluc was trying to be responsible and feed them both and arrange for some rest when Kaeya essentially jumped him again. So. Oops.

His own fault, but that doesn't mean he won't sulk about it.

[searingwing]

Kaeya has no idea what those trills are doing to him. He isn’t about to tell him either. Diluc kisses under his jaw and presses his face against his scent glands. It’s becoming a favorite spot. “I did suggest food then anything else.” He says in his usual tone but there’s amusement in his eyes.

Kaeya made this bed. Both literally and figuratively. He gathers Kaeya’s hair to the side as his fingers of his other hand slide over his sweat damp back. “We’ll handle it all when we can move. Your body should let you just eat and rest now.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya has no complaints about Diluc cuddling in against his scent gland. He likes it, likes having his mate tucked close. Besides, like this he can turn to bury his face in thick, soft hair, letting his eyes drift half-shut while his fingers still tangle and twirl and toy with the ends of that fiery red hair absent-mindedly.

"Yes, yes, you were right. Diluc knows best. It's childhood all over again," he fusses, but despite the put-upon sigh he heaves, he's not all that bothered, clearly.

Food does sound appealing though, and so does rest, so long as Diluc rests with him. "You'll make me something tasty, right? Food is always better when it's cooked for you."

[searingwing]

Diluc snorts. “I don’t always know best.” He takes a breath and rubs his face against Kaeya’s neck. “It’s general advice they gave us during knight training. Remember? It was the class you didn’t have to take.”

He can’t stop purring. It would be embarrassing if his instincts weren’t going haywire. “I’ll make you whatever you want.” His hands still mid-way down Kaeya’s back. “Within reason.” He amends quickly.

Knowing Kaeya he would request something to mess with him. As a tease. Maybe. They have never been like this before.

[unmelting]

"Ah yes, my favorite class," Kaeya nods solemnly. At the time being excused from training had seemed excellent. Today when it turns out that information is shockingly relevant in his life, less so. It doesn't matter anyway. Diluc is purring and Kaeya has the redhead wrapped up in his arms. Oh! And legs. He can wrap those around him too, and he shifts enough to do so, even if it has him squirming on the length still buried inside him.

He hears himself whimper, but tries to swallow it down. Calm down. Snack and sleep, that's what they need.

Besides, he's busy laughing at the way Diluc catches himself in that offer. The other knows him too well, even after all these estranged years. "Mm, I wouldn't want to send you chasing down fantastical ingredients anyway. Whatever you make will be good."

[searingwing]

Diluc briefly narrows his eyes at him, his hands running up and down his back again. He sighs, relaxing as he says, mildly, "I wouldn't leave you here to go chase anything down." He opens his mouth and his fangs catch the light.

They haven't gone down since he climbed into the nest. Irritating but, he has suppressed his urges for years. They were bound to go nuts now he'd claimed a mate. There's a prickling of heat under his skin.

It's his hormones adjusting and settling. Ruts will likely be far, far easier to control. No more trips into the wilderness far from society. It reminds him of something. He leans up carefully as he says, "Our ruts and heats will sync up. We could treat them like a week vacation." He takes a breath as he adds quietly. "We do both need to learn to take time for ourselves."

Neither of them know what off the clock actually means. Kaeya still does his job even when in his cups. To raise a child and for their own sake, breaks are needed.

[unmelting]

Oh? Was that a hint of possession he just heard in Diluc's tone? Kaeya likes that more than he probably ought to. He's undoubtedly going to be possessive too now that Diluc has somehow agreed to be his. Leaning in he nuzzles at Diluc's jaw gently. "Good. I don't want you going anywhere without me anyway."

And then Diluc mentions that and Kaeya's expression breaks into a grin. "Sex vacations sound perfect," he informs him, thoroughly amused. But it's probably a really good idea. Even if his heats are less intense than this one, even if he'll be in his right mind far more, he can't picture not being determined to spend most of his waking hours wrapped around Diluc, especially if his mate is simultaneously in rut.

"You're right. For us." And for their child. Their children. "Besides, I don't think I'd want anyone else around you when you're in rut. My eyes only." Yup there's that possessive streak.

[searingwing]

Diluc stares at him, red faced. “Vacation.” He corrects. Any other way would make it difficult to say. Or to look Jean in the eye.

“As for my ruts, you’ll be the first and only one to see them. You remember what used to happen.” As a child he was confined to a special room. It was only once he hit an age that was…unacceptable that he took long trips to a cottage on the estate and stayed there. Slowly losing his mind.

“I was never in control. …I think that won’t be the case anymore.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya chuckles at the blushing and the response. Sex vacations it is. ...though he'll behave and call it just a vacation for Jean's sake. She's under enough stress as it is. Anyone else however, no promises.

But ah, that's surprising somehow. Kaeya knows as a child that Diluc had been sequestered away to deal with it. At the time, it had mostly annoyed Kaeya because being separated from Diluc was the worst, especially when he knew his dearest friend would be hurting on his own too. It's surprising though that he's never spent his rut wit anyone. Surprising, but wonderful. A possessive little thrum runs through him. First and only one.

"Ah... because we're mated?" That's interesting. Kaeya really should have paid more attention to all this when he was younger. He'll figure it out eventually. "So I get to help you too? That seems fair."

[searingwing]

Diluc nods. "It's a problem when Alphas present before puberty. The usual mix of hormones is off balance. So by the time they mature enough to be sexually mature that abnormality only gets worse. Father went by nobility standards." He trails off and sighs, pressing his face against Kaeya's neck and breathing in.

"You know what they expect of us." Everyone expects him to be the perfect and untouchable Diluc Ragnvindr. He isn't. He never was and but the hold of it over him is just part of him. As Kaeya's own need for secrets is to him.

"And thus I was confined every time. Those long trips once we got older? I went to a cottage on the estate and locked myself in." He handled his meals and all. He had the lucidity for that. But he followed protocol. Diluc ever does his duty to his family and to the world.

It's a bit depressing when looked at like that.

[unmelting]

Kaeya leans his head against Diluc's lightly, fingers finding their way to sift through his hair. He does know. He knows all too well the expectations and responsibilities that were placed on Diluc's shoulders as a young man, saw it from just beside him. Diluc Ragnvindr, young wunderkind of the Knights of Favonius, the perfect picture of nobility.

He understands that, knows it's still in Diluc, but he also knows that he loves every last imperfection in his beautiful, infuriating, stubborn, wonderful mate.

"Sounds lonely. Sex vacations will be much better. Definitely more fun." So much better.

[searingwing]

"You're never going to stop calling them that, are you." Among other adults. Their kids...they can explain it to them as time for being mates and leave it at that. He won't expect them to be perfect. He won't be either.

He sighs as he leans into the warm feel of Kaeya so close. His purr kicks up again. His annoying, stubborn, gorgeously, fantastic mate is his. His knot has gone down enough he can pull out.

He braces his hands against Kaeya's hips and carefully eases out of him. "Can you stand? Or do you need me to carry you?" He could and would if Kaeya needed him to. He has to make sure he eats.

[unmelting]

"Can I be blamed? You're cute when you blush, Alpha." Kaeya has apparently settled in to this whole idea quite comfortably. He's always been adaptable, and it's served him well. But he will behave himself with the kids. Mommy and Daddy will need alone time. He's certain they'll have their pick of babysitters -- though his mischief making with Klee may come back to bite him in playful retribution from some of the other adults who have felt its effects. Oh well.

He's distracted for a moment as Diluc pulls out, murmuring an almost disappointed sound. But he does need to eat. "As much as I love being in your arms, I think my legs can manage... for now." Later he may demand to be carried simply because he can.

Leaning close, he presses a kiss to Diluc's lips. "I'll clean up quickly and meet you in the kitchen?"

[searingwing]

He leans in and steals another kiss. “Alright, feel free to use the tub.” He rubs the side of his face against his. He settles his hands on Kaeya’s hips.

“You have to get up first.” He is under him. Not that he minds. He runs his hands up and down Kaeya’s thighs. Up his sides. “Take your time,” he adds with a twitch of his eyebrows. He has a great view.

Now he’s allowing himself to see it.

[unmelting]

"You make a good point. I'll take it into consideration." He deliberately wiggles where he's sitting, slowly arching into that touch. Lovely. He likes this new side of Diluc, the side that touches him and looks at him like he's someone worth seeing, worth loving.

Sighing heavily he moves to stand, the very picture of reluctance as if separating him from Diluc even for this short errand is absolutely torture. He's being dramatic, but it is hard to move away from him, to think about letting him out of his sight.

Kaeya doesn't bother covering himself as he turns to make his way to the bathroom, casting a glance over his shoulder just before he slips out of the bedroom.

[searingwing]

Diluc watches him go with a spark of fire in his eyes. He slowly sits up and grabs for his underwear and pants. He pulls them both on and walks barefoot into his kitchen.

A quick check of the cool chest managed by using condensed Cryo slime remains in cooling pipes tells him he has enough for the rest of Kaeya’s heat. He doesn’t have to go anywhere at all.

He had left a penned letter to his staff that he would be away and explain why when he returned in six days. But if he has need of any ingredients he can go to the winery easily. Diluc arranges meals for the next six days and puts a skillet on top of the stove.

Something light. Hot sandwiches would get what Kaeya needs to recover but still not be too heavy. He serves up the hot sandwiches stuffed with sliced ham and cheese when Kaeya arrives in the kitchen.

[unmelting]

The mistake that Diluc made was leaving his shirt behind, because Kaeya, once he emerges, clean and mostly dried off, decides that putting on Diluc's shirt is the best idea he's ever had. It's soft and it smells like Diluc, and it covers him enough that he's even almost modest. Very almost.

By the time he makes it to the kitchen, food smells delicious.

There's a smile on his face as he makes his way over to Diluc, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek before reaching for the offered sandwich. Food. "Where are we eating?" At the table like reasonable people, or somewhere where he can properly drape himself all over Diluc while he eats?

"What do we have to dri--" Oh. Oh shit. Kaeya's expression works into a pout. "No wine, I guess. This baby better know how much I love them..." Mutter mutter.

[searingwing]

He glances up and almost drops the sandwich. Kaeya looks good in his dark shirt. He looks happy and sated. Diluc presses the sandwich into Kaeya’s waiting hand. “Couch.”

He says and he opens the chest and draws out a jug of apple cider. Non-alcoholic and quite delicious. He pours it into both mugs then puts it away. He slides close to his mate and draws him into a gentle kiss. “They will know. You’re already doing what you can for them. It won’t be so bad I’m here and I’ll make whatever non-alcoholic drink suits your tastes.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya notices the reaction and can't quite stop a smirk. Good. Because he's just as caught up appreciating the view of his shirtless Alpha.

"Couch," Kaeya agrees with a nod, leaning into that kiss with a happy little murmur. He's at ease, comfortable and unguarded in a way he doesn't remember being in a very long time. It's a little strange, somehow, just allowing himself to be, well, himself. Maybe it's a consequence of being satisfied and newly mated and in a lull in his heat. Maybe it's coming home to Diluc after too much time apart.

Either way, he's already taking a bite of the sandwich. He's starving, even more than he realized now that he actually has food in hand. Reaching out he wraps an arm around Diluc leading him off towards the couch. Given the option, he will settle himself right up against the redhead to eat. "It won't be so bad at all."

[searingwing]

Diluc draws the spare blanket off the couch and drapes it over Kaeya’s legs. He takes a bite of his sandwich and chews slowly. He needed the food as much as Kaeya did. “It won’t be.” He says with full confidence.

He will be right there. A mess because he is one but right by Kaeya’s side. He tucks the edge of the blanket. “Once your heat is over I’ll get started on the additions to the cabin.” They have a child to prepare for and he wants the bedroom to be a bit bigger.

He rests the top of his head against Kaeya’s and purrs again. “Let me know if you want more food.” As he finishes off his own sandwich. His stomach is appeased. This fluttery happy feeling of feeding and caring for a mate just won’t abate.

[unmelting]

Kaeya's all too happy to trill softly back at Diluc once he starts purring. Good. He's warm and fed and sated. His mate is strong and able and they'll make a good, safe, happy place for their children. The instincts are so strong in the flood of sheer contentment that Kaeya blinks at himself. Wow. Biology is a strange thing.

But then even more rationally, he's happier than he expected he could be anymore. All his secrets and lies and (even worse) the truth about him, and he's still found his way back to Diluc's side.

He finishes off his sandwich as well and turns to drape an arm over Diluc's chest, leaning into him. "I'm good for now. I'm happy." The last two words are a softer admission, a fragile, hopeful little truth.

[searingwing]

Diluc wraps his arms around him and strokes Kaeya’s back with one hand. “Me too.” He whispers. That fragile hope they both share is gentle and more than he ever expected.

He pulls the blanket up and over Kaeya’s shoulders. Then he leans a little to one side, pulling Kaeya closer to him. “I’m sorry it took so long.” They’re both young but, he doesn’t feel that is an excuse.

One hand slips up into Kaeya’s hair as he gently urges him up into a kiss. He takes his time with it. Slowly exploring his mouth before he breathes, “I meant it before. We’ll be alright. No matter what happens, I’m not leaving your side.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya is all pliant agreeableness, letting himself be pulled closer, cozying up against Diluc and draping himself against him. Diluc is always so warm and Kaeya is not going to be shy about enjoying this about his mate.

He looks up startled at the apology, shaking his head. "We're here now. However we got here, whatever mistakes we made... we're here together."

They can make up for lost time now. They can make up for so many things. He leans up to meet that kiss, a soft breathless gasp as it breaks. Diluc is too good at that. Kaeya has kissed people before, but he's never been so eager to lose himself in it as he is with Diluc. "I'm not leaving yours either. If that day ever comes, where I have to choose between Khaenri'ah and Mondstadt... I've chosen you. I'll always choose you." And everything else will follow from that choice.

[searingwing]

Diluc presses his forehead to Kaeya’s. His hand travels up and down his back. He keeps his touch light. “I know.” The weight of the decision made today hangs in the air.

He made his choice too. His choice is Kaeya. It doesn’t matter that it took them this long and many mistakes. Because Kaeya is right. They’re here now.

He draws back for a second then leans back in, kissing him again. “We should get some sleep.”