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]

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.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya's lips flicker into a soft smile at that I know. Both of them know all too well the complicated road they've both walked. Both of them know how much of this world would try to come between them if they let it, but Kaeya won't let it any longer.

He chases Diluc's lips for another kiss. "We should. Before we wind up not getting any rest again."

The heat will resurge. And now that he's confident he won't lose himself entirely to it, he's actually looking forward to it. A monster has been created. Sorry Diluc.

"Bed? Nest?" That's where Kaeya wants to be, where he wants Diluc to be with him so he can wind himself around his Alpha.

[searingwing]

“Nest,” Diluc agrees as he sits up, chasing another kiss. Just one. He restrains himself before he thinks to try for another.

“We’ll see if you’re woken up by your heat.” He keeps the blanket over Kaeya’s shoulders as he guides him to his feet.

They could sleep naked for once to save a little time. Mm, maybe. He isn’t a fan of sleeping naked. But for Kaeya he would try.

[unmelting]

Oh? More kiss? Kaeya leans in like he's definitely going to chase for more. But instead he stands. More making out in bed maybe while they fall asleep. Kaeya has plans anyway, though he's more exhausted than he wants to admit.

He is also a fan of sleeping nude. Always. Sorry, Diluc. But if it makes the redhead feel better, he'll have one (1) Kaeya Alberich wrapped around him instead. "We'll see if you're woken up by my heat."

Holding the blanket around his shoulders, he reaches out to take a hold of Diluc's hand with his other and leads him back to the bedroom.

[searingwing]

Kaeya’s hand is warm and he lets himself be guided. “It’s possible I’ll wake up before you.” He agrees. He shuts the bedroom door once they pass into the bedroom.

This is their time and no one gets to see it but them. He drifts past the lamp and turns it on low. It glows softly like a real lamp grass. Then he sheds the pants he’d pulled on.

Again he considers just sleeping naked. He shoves his underwear down too and folds his clothes up, leaving them in easy reach. There. He looks to Kaeya, waiting for him to enter the nest first. It’s theirs but he won’t thoughtlessly enter.

[unmelting]

Kaeya is happy enough to close the rest of the world away. He's also happy to slip out of what little he's wearing, draping the borrowed shirt atop Diluc's neatly folded pile before he climbs into the nest.

He settles in and holds a hand out to the other man, beckoning. "Luc?"

Kaeya has been fucked and fed and for the moment he looks as sated and pleased as he feels, which is a far cry from the feverish sickly disaster that Diluc had found in the ruins. There's a healthy glow in his complexion, an ease to his entire posture and bearing, like a cat who's happy and ready to curl up for a long nap.

[searingwing]

He stares. Kaeya is simply stunning when he’s happy. He closes the distance between them and takes his hand in his. “I’m here, Kae.” The childhood nickname slips easily from his lips.

He climbs into the nest and lays down beside him, draping an arm over his rather naked mate. It feels weird being naked in bed. But, not unpleasant.

Diluc runs his hand down Kaeya’s chest. “Good night, Kaeya.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya cozies himself in closer, molding himself up against the redhead and sighing contentedly. He twines his fingers through Diluc's, backing himself right up against him little-spoon style and urging Diluc's arms around him. There. Perfect.

He casts a glance back over his shoulder with a soft smile. "Good night..." he echoes trailing off into a yawn.

Sleep catches him quickly, which is probably fortunate since eventually his heat will crest again. Until then, he needs the rest. They both do.

[searingwing]

He wraps his arms around him and takes his hand again. As their fingers thread together he leans closer and presses a kiss to Kaeya’s shoulder.

Diluc hums then settles as sleep takes him. He had been more tired than he knew. All the emotional situations and finally opening a long shut door…

Drained him dry. His breathing evens out as he passes into deeper sleep.