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]

He rocks his hips, slowing down as Kaeya lets go. His stomach is painted with his lover’s release and he purrs. This is exactly what he needs. It’s moments like this that let him work out all the things he presses down. What they both do.

Diluc leans forward and catches Kaeya in a soft kiss, barely brushing their lips together. He slows until there’s just the gentle sway of their bodies moving together. Then he stops as sweat runs down his chest. “Kaeya.” His voice is low and rough, almost gravel in his throat. Without his walls the dragon is out.

He presses a kiss to the side of his face then sighs. “We need another bath.” He says as he runs a hand down Kaeya’s back.

[unmelting]

They really do need this. Kaeya thinks it too. Somehow, for all that he's always had something of a silver tongue when he wants, and he talks himself into and out of trouble all too often, it's still easier to communicate about this with actions than it is in words.

How could he possibly manage to reduce to a sentence just how desperately he needs Diluc, more than he needs paltry things like air or water. How to express that he loves him so deeply that sometimes it's frightening?

So he just smiles and turns to nuzzle at Diluc's cheek, a soft chuckle bubbling its way lazily past his lips. "Oh no, a hot bath. However shall we manage with such hardship." Kaeya is also in love with that bathtub. Shh.

His hands move in absentminded circles over the sweat-damp skin of Diluc's back.

[searingwing]

“I’m sure you’ll manage.” Diluc says as he gathers him up and stands up. His knot locks them together and as long as he doesn’t move Kaeya too much he doesn’t have to hiss in discomfort.

Getting to the bathroom is still a chore. He doesn’t mind it. He sits them down beside the tub and sets to filling it. The heated water fills the space until the water reflects the ceiling.

Diluc climbs in, holding Kaeya to him. His breath leaves in a rush as the heat does its work. His fingers run through Kaeya’s hair and over his back.

[unmelting]

Kaeya squawks in surprise as Diluc simply stands with the two of them still tied together. His wraps his legs tightly around the other man's hips before laughing. "Somehow I will, yes." And then as he wraps his arms around Diluc's shoulders and leans in to press his face to Diluc's neck, nibbling at the claiming mark he'd left on the other man's neck.

"I forget how strong you are, sometimes." His swordsman mate.

Sinking into the water is blissfully welcome and he groans his approval of it. There. Perfect. He leans into the other man.

[searingwing]

"Get used to it." He tells him but with an amused glint in his eyes. Somewhere in Kaeya's future, he'll pick him up again like he weighs nothing at all. Diluc leans back against the wall and offers up his neck to him. If Kaeya wants to nibble on him he isn't about to say no.

He reaches for the soap and works it over Kaeya's back. A low rumbling purr rolls through the air as he nips at Kaeya's own neck. "Hot enough?"

[unmelting]

"Happily," Kaeya purrs at him. He will very happily let Diluc show off that strength whenever he likes. It's hot, all right? But then, everything about Diluc is hot; Kaeya is a bit biased, but he stands by his assessment anyway. How many in Mondstadt have swooned over the noble Master Ragnvindr?

Well, he's Kaeya's now.

He lets his head fall to the side. "Mm, it's perfect. You're perfect. Don't let it go to your head."

[searingwing]

“Don’t let being perfect yourself go to your head either.” He tells him while he runs his fingers through his hair. He takes the soap and uses it to scrub over his back and shoulders.

In the next pass of the soap he uses it over Kaeya’s lovely chest. Then the soap goes back into the rack. Diluc rinses Kaeya with cupping water and letting it run over his back and chest.

He rewards him with a kiss and says, “I’ll get your hair when my knot goes down.”

[unmelting]

"No worries about that. My ego is already as big as it can be considering that I've snagged Mondstadt's most eligible bachelor as my mate." The uncrowned king of Mondstadt and the man that he's loved since the hazy summer days of their youth.

He sighs contentedly at the attention of those soapy hands moving over his skin. It's nice, being taken care of. But he wants to return the favor. He reaches over to take the soap as well so he can begin lathering and smoothing his hands over Diluc's chest and shoulders, his back.

"Deal. I'll get yours to." For now though he rinses the soap from Diluc's skin.

[searingwing]

Kaeya looks content and their mixed scents are a pleasant spice to his nose. So this is what being content smells like. Mm, it's a soothing scent that could lull him to sleep. He leans back against the wall while Kaeya scrubs his chest.

He sweeps his hair up out of the way with one hand to let Kaeya get his shoulders. Once they're both a bit cleaner he shifts slightly. The knot is going down. Not enough yet. He buries his face against the side of Kaeya's neck and purrs. He runs his hands up and down his back.

He never knew he would be a cuddly mate but he loves little moments like this. It's like they were before but new at the same time.

[unmelting]

Kaeya leans his head against Diluc's gently, nuzzling into his hair with a content sigh. He could fall asleep here too, but it'll be better if they go back to bed because then he can keep Diluc there with him for a while and rest.

It's a surprise to him too how much he likes cuddling and basking in the afterglow. It had never been something he'd indulged in, or wanted to, with any of the passing flings that he'd had over the years.

But it's Diluc, and even before he presented as Omega he's never felt more at ease and comfortable than he is when he's with Diluc. And now, this new shape they've taken, it's perfect "You're beautiful..." he murmurs softly, fingers curling into that fiery red hair. "Have I told you that?"

[searingwing]

"Not in those words," Diluc murmurs as he runs his fingers through Kaeya's hair. He works out any tangles with a soft approving noise. His knot has finally gone down far enough. He lifts Kaeya up, embracing him as he slips out of him. Then he sets him back down.

He kisses his neck, nipping skin and leaving more marks. "Obviously, I should make sure you understand that you're gorgeous too. I'll make sure of it once we've rested." Slowly tracing every line of his mate's body with his mouth.

Yes, he'll be sure Kaeya knows he's wanted and a pretty, pretty man.

[unmelting]

"Well, I'll have to be more clear about it in the future." Because Diluc is beautiful, physically, but more than that just who he is. Kaeya is smitten and for once doesn't want to bother to try to disguise this or hide it behind some clever banter.

Maybe it's those fingers in his hair which have him going near boneless, or the arms he sinks into even as he sighs softly at the feeling of loss of no longer having Diluc inside him.

His arms settle around Diluc's hands rubbing soft circles over his back. He breathes out a laugh. "Mm, as long as you're looking at me I feel that way." That's really all Kaeya wants, is Diluc's eyes on him, only for him. He's a bit greedy.

[searingwing]

“Then I’ll look often.” Diluc says as he moves Kaeya’s hair away from his neck and kisses the skin again. He lifts his head, tracing his neck with his lips. “Relax, I’ll finish taking care of you.”

Kaeya is boneless already but he wants him to stay that way. He takes the soap in hand and sets to washing his hair. He massages his scalp with his fingers with a low encouraging murmur.

[unmelting]

"Good, that's all I need." It really is. His needs are simple and few at the best of times, but simple as it is, the need he feels for Diluc is strong and deep. He sighs a content, pleased little sigh, nodding. "Mm, all right."

And Kaeya will not argue with being pampered, still leaning into Diluc languid and at ease. "You're spoiling me," he murmurs.

The truth is he could easily fall asleep like this, with the hot water and gentle touch and the soft sound of Diluc's breathing.

[searingwing]

“And indulging myself.” He tells him as he sets the soap aside. He cups his hands and pours warm water over Kaeya’s hair. He rinses it then drags his figures through it.

He presses a kiss to his shoulder. He follows it with a drag of his fangs over skin. “Still with me?” He rumbles as his hands run up and down his back.

In truth if they’re not careful they’ll both fall asleep in this tub.

[unmelting]

"Well, that's fine then," Kaeya agrees in a sleepy, contented voice. A shiver races through him at the scrape of those fangs, and he lifts his head up enough to lean back and look at Diluc properly.

"I'm here." More or less. Even slightly awake really. Very slightly though, if he's being honest with him.

He lifts his hands to settle at either side of Diluc's face, holding gently, leaning in to press a soft, sweet kiss to his lips. "We should probably move to the bed."

[searingwing]

“We should.” He leans in and sinks into the kiss for a few sweet moments. Then he stands up, carrying Kaeya out of the tub. He sets him on the edge and takes the towels from the rack.

He carefully dries him off and then himself. Diluc sweeps him up into his arms and walks away. Their clothes are left on the couch. They can retrieve them in the morning.

The bedroom is warm and he leans in to kiss Kaeya as he shuts their bedroom door.

[unmelting]

Pampered again. Kaeya sighs quietly, contentedly. He really will need to up his game at spoiling Diluc at this point. He deserves it, more than anyone that Kaeya has known. He knows what the redhead has been through, even if the details of those years Diluc was gone are still vague and unknown to him. He knows Diluc took on the world alone, and Kaeya won't let him face it alone anymore.

Kaeya loops his arms around his neck and kisses him back.

"Do you remember that rocking horse you had as a kid?" Does he still have it? Kaeya very much wants it for the nursery, okay?

[searingwing]

There's a small pause as Diluc nods, not seeing where this is going. "No. I let go of it. Why?" Not much he really thought about once he strongly considered liquidating the estate.

But he thinks it over and says, "I could make one. I remember the shape of it. How it felt." It would be something he could easily work on when he wasn't busy.

[unmelting]

"Something like that might be nice for the nursery." Since, well, both parents will be either current or former cavalry captains. Besides, Diluc had been adorable as a child with it, always playing at being the brave hero coming in to save the day.

Kaeya reaches out to take one of Diluc's hands, lacing their fingers together firmly. Strong hands, hands used to wielding weapons in battle but that can still be so gentle. He may be more than a little lovesick at this point in time. He'd laughed at people who'd fallen so hard and so fast, and here he is -- an absolute fool in love. He wouldn't trade it for anything.

[searingwing]

"It can be arranged," Diluc whispers as he gently squeezes Kaeya's hand. Kaeya's hand is warm and callused, a warrior's hand. Yet he could be so loving when he let himself be vulnerable. His heart thuds hard in his chest.

He brings their joined hands to his lips and kisses the back of his knuckles. "Would you like to watch? Or have something else made at the same time?"

His eyes are warm as he sits down on the edge of their bed.

--> timeskip

[unmelting]

"I'd like that," Kaeya agrees. Either of those. He likes watching Diluc work with his hands, but he wouldn't mind participating either. Besides, he'll have to find something to pass the time when he winds up too pregnant to really keep up his knight duties -- even the less dangerous ones.

Kaeya settles and leans against Diluc, quiet and content in a way that's still new and strange to him.

-----

Months pass. By now there's no hiding the fact that he's pregnant, and Kaeya sees no reason to try to hide it. While he's still getting used to the whole being an Omega -- and being seen as an Omega -- part of this, the greater part of him is proud to be Diluc's mate and to be having his child.

But he's also stubborn. He's been willing to step back from some of the riskier parts of his job as a knight, but he's also not good at being idle. Diluc has stepped up to take on those duties and responsibilities, working directly with the Knights again. Jean seems genuinely pleased by his presence, and Kaeya is happy to see some small mending of fences as well.

So currently, a very pregnant Kaeya is sitting at the desk in his office going over paperwork -- that much he can still do, after all. Mostly. He's tired more lately and occasionally distracted, and okay maybe he's starting to nod off just a little sitting up, but that's fine, right? Diluc should be back to the headquarters soon anyway, he hopes. The feeling of a rather pointed kick in his belly has him setting a hand there with a laugh. "Yes yes, we'll have a snack soon. So demanding."

[searingwing]

Mondstadt looked on in shock and delight when Diluc Ragnvindr returned to being a knight. But he wasn’t the same gentle knight he had been all those years ago. He was fair. Just. And every bit as ruthless as his mate.

That was another thing to surprise them. The rift between one Kaeya Alberich and him, not just mended but the pair of them continuing the Ragnvindr line together. Some muttered that others should have seen that coming.

As part of being a knight, Jean and Diluc’s old friendship has expanded to include office debriefing lunches where they let down their proverbial hair. It was good for both of them.

Heavy booted footsteps echo on the tile as the sound soft of voices drifts through Kaeya’s office door. Jean laughs and someone with a deeper voice answers her. Diluc.

The voices approach the door and the smell of roasted chicken and honey wafts in. The door swings open and Diluc stands in the doorway, on hand on the latch. He has a container under his other arm.

He steps through with a nod to Jean and Albedo, then shuts it behind him. He smiles just a little. He walks to the desk and sets the container of honey chicken down and slips around the desk. He cups the side of Kaeya’s face and leans in to kiss him. His other hand lays over top of his on his belly.

“I’m here for lunch and to report back on the field work results.” And for time with him, naturally.

[unmelting]

Kaeya perks up from his near dozing at the sound of familiar voices outside. It's nice to hear Jean sound relaxed -- and he's willing to credit Diluc's return to the Knights as a contributing factor in that -- and even nicer to hear Diluc's voice. The baby seems to think so too since it earns him another kick.

He sits up straighter as the door opens, flashing a grin to the two in the hallway before the door shuts. Then his expression softens into the small, genuine smile that is mostly reserved for Diluc, nothing for show, just the actual happiness of seeing his mate. ...and at smelling the food that his mate has brought him.

That touch is magnetic and Kaeya leans into, humming a happy sound to the kiss. "Just in time. I was about to starve and fade away," he informs him. It's about then the baby kicks again to agree. Food. FOOD. Kaeya gestures. "Sit down, we'll eat and you can tell me all about all the fun I'm missing while I'm stuck inside with paperwork."

[searingwing]

He takes the other chair and sets it near Kaeya’s by the desk. “You mean you were about to doze away.” He teases but the jab is gentle and his eyes are warm. He carves the chicken with a normal knife.

He keeps one around now for mundane tasks such as this. He portions the chicken and sides out then settles. “It’s not that much fun. Your notes are as on point as they were when you were teaching me the code. The treasure hoarders and bandits are following the schedule exactly.

If I hadn’t seen the system work…I wouldn’t have believed they would obey it. I think, they fear me.” He doesn’t sound bothered by that at all. He had wondered if they would obey with Kaeya clearly pregnant. But he had went along with the plan anyway and announced in a subtle way that he would follow his mate’s agreements without deviation.

The results spoke for themselves.