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

--> 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.

[unmelting]

Kaeya waves a hand at him. "Fade, doze. Either way, wasting." But now his mate is here with food and Kaeya is a happy man.

A nod at that. "They aren't giving you too much trouble then? They tend to be wonderfully predictable at least." Fear is something they can work with. If Diluc can keep a bit of intimidation up, it'll keep the shadier pieces of his network in line.

And of course, if they try anything with his mate, Kaeya will bring all his hormone-amplified fury to rain down upon them.

"The baby has been awfully active today. I think they're getting impatient. Definitely your child."

[searingwing]

“Definitely ours.” Diluc answers immediately as he motions for Kaeya to eat. He tucks himself into his chair as he adds, “They’re not giving me any trouble at all. They know me and my reputation. It seems to have terrified them that we’re mates.”

He can guess why. Alone, they are formidable. Together they’re a nightmare. Kaeya is pregnant or he would have started arranging things for a wedding. He wants Kaeya to enjoy all of it so he won’t ask him to go through that.

Not yet. Nobles are already treading lightly now the Ragnvindr is once again a knight. It put power on the side of the knights that they need while Varka is gone. The Fatui are scrambling to figure out a new approach. “As expected the Fatui are scrambling to find new ways to deal with the shifted situation. The power I injected into the knights by returning means they can’t pin us down. They have to find a way to trip us with political ties. My own contacts are making that difficult.”

As his mate, Kaeya has now been made aware of the Teyvat wide network Diluc is part of. A network dedicated to the safety of the entire continent.

[unmelting]

"Definitely ours," Kaeya repeats blithely, quite happy about this. For as much as he fusses about the pregnancy thing in relation to work and how he's drowning in paperwork instead of excitement, he's honestly more content than he can remember being. Family. It's the thing he's always wished for in the deep secret parts of his heart he couldn't ever show anyone. But here he is and it's not just a wish anymore.

Besides, working with Diluc is, well, familiar. Good. Like old times, and like new.

"Mm. You've probably ruined any restful sleep the Fatui have been getting, stepping back into the knighthood. How tragic really, to think of them having to deal with so much stress." That's so sad. Venti, play Despacito.

But Kaeya falls quiet the next moment, hiding it with taking a bite of his food -- which is delicious and is indeed quite distracting. But tripping them up with political ties. Diluc Ragnvindr is beyond reproach. The Knights Favonius certainly have their secrets, but they keep those held tightly too.

Honestly, if anything is a risk to all that, wouldn't it be him? The scion of Khaenri'ah. But then, the only people who know his identity are Diluc and himself. Well, and his Father, but who knows if that man is even alive at this point or where he might be.

[searingwing]

He falls quiet too. He hasn't eaten since this morning. Sara's cooking is as good as ever and deserves the time spent with it. The Fatui won't bother with a Harbinger in Mondstadt. No, they've moved their focus to other nations.

For now.

The network has been abuzz with activity but he'll look at those reports in his own office at the manor. There are a few letters he's brought with him to review over lunch. He takes them out and checks them over. One of the other noble families offering their congratulations... He finds one of a shipping manifest and lets out a purr. He unravels it and shows it to Kaeya.

"The fabric and wood for the crib we were after. ...as well as something special but, that waits until tonight." They'd courted in an unorthodox way but he'd propose properly. He'd been planning that much since Kaeya started showing.

[unmelting]

Kaeya falls into thought and silence as he continues his lunch. He's watching Diluc though, smiling to himself as the other goes through the mail. When he hears that pleased sound he looks up though, curious and interested now as Diluc shows it.

He brightens too, nodding. "That's good. We'll need it before too long." There's time yet, but time seems to be moving quickly, a whirlwind that's reshaping his life in its wake.

But oh now what's this? "Something special?" He's too nosy to just want to wait until tonight. "Do I get a hint?"

[searingwing]

He sets the mail down and comes around the side of the desk. He slips around behind him and massages his shoulders. A low rumbling purr rolls out of him as he leans in close to his ear.

“I fumbled my way into this mating. But when I can, I like do right by you.” He kisses his neck over the mate mark before he slips back to his seat. “I’m sure you can figure it out from there.” His eyes are bright with a quiet amusement.

Kaeya would figure it out. He has all the faith in that. “I’ll make sure to finish the crib on time.”

[unmelting]

Oh. Oh that is nice. Kaeya just about melts under the ministrations, a soft purring sound of his own. He could be a puddle of a man just here, though that voice so close to his ear has a shiver thrilling through him.

If Diluc isn't careful, Kaeya -- pregnant or not -- will jump him right here in this office.

Except the actual words that Diluc is saying are starting to register. His head falls to the side to exhale a pleased sound before watching Diluc come back around to the front. Do right by him? Is Diluc talking about... he is, isn't he?

Well now he's flustered himself, so he'll be quiet for a long, long moment. He looks back up and the expression on his face is softer now, the sort of smile that Kaeya reserves solely for Diluc. "You've more than done right by me, you know. You, this child, it's everything I've ever wanted."

[searingwing]

He smiles just for Kaeya. “I know. It’s all I’ve ever wanted too.” He reaches out and brushes his fingers over his. “And as I told you before. Even if there wasn’t a child. Or you weren’t an omega. I’ve still want to be here with you.”

It’s the truth. It has been for quite some time. He just wants to remind him of that. He checks more of his mail and adds, “I’ll work your shoulders and back when we get home. I know they’ve been giving you some trouble.”

And he would make whatever Kaeya wanted for dinner. It’s the least he can do while Kaeya carries their child.

[unmelting]

Diluc has said those words before, but they still serve to settle something in Kaeya -- that Diluc isn't only with him because of the circumstances of his first heat and the child he's carrying.

He sits up straighter, leaning towards Diluc at that offer. "You're spoiling me again." Not a complaint. In fact, just the opposite. "I'll take it. But I get to spoil you in turn or it isn't fair."

And between them, at least, Kaeya likes to play mostly fair.

[searingwing]

“I wouldn’t deny you one of the things you enjoy doing.” Diluc tells him. He shifts through a few folded pages and nods to himself.

He is temporarily a knight again, but the nobility are all acting like he’s staying like this. That’s fine. They stopped their proposals to marry x and that’s the important part.

Diluc finishes his lunch and notices another shipping manifest. He reads through it and nods again. Another gift. Good. “What do you want for dinner?”

[unmelting]

"Mm, what a sweet Alpha not denying me the things I want," he croons to him, teasing, playful. Kaeya's guards are down around Diluc entirely these days, but he's still the brat he's always been deep down, maybe even more so now that he feels safe and happy.

He leans back in his chair, finished with his own food. He sets a hand on his belly and is greeted almost immediately with a kick of appreciation. Baby is safe and happy too.

"Meat." It's not his fault their child is apparently a carnivore. "You could let me cook tonight."

[searingwing]

He thinks it over then he slowly nods. “If that’s what you want. I’ll help if you need spare hands.” Kaeya is fiercely independent. He knew being limited would chafe at him.

And he won’t stand in the way of little ways to push to be as free as he was. “But I’ll pick up the ingredients on the way home.”

[unmelting]

"All right then, deal." Kaeya can accept help, but Diluc has it right. He isn't used to not handling things on his own. The baby is important enough that he's trying to remind himself that stepping away from his usual pace and activities is for the baby's sake, and that helps. But he still can't help but feel restless.

"Maybe you can pick up something sweet too?" Dessert would be nice, and Kaeya is not good at baking.

[searingwing]

"What sort of sweet are you in the mood for?" Diluc says as he takes a spare sheet of paper and a pen. He folds it carefully into quarters and writes out the list of things he'll be picking up. Sara would have them.

She has been so thrilled when he asks her for supplies. He thinks it's the least he can do when all of Mondstadt is far too curious about how things are going. It gives them something to talk about.

He adds a few notes of which business-related things he needs to check on as well. The gifts had been sent to the Winery. He could ride out and pick them up.

[unmelting]

"Tarts. Raspberry?" Kaeya is not shy about voicing his cravings at this point, and he has had quite a few that poor Diluc has been subjected to. One particular afternoon saw the brave Cavalry Captain Kaeya Alberich desperately looking for a lavender and grape jam that he remembered having once in his childhood far too late into the evening.

Kaeya moves to stand now, stretching slowly. "I think I'm about ready to call it a day. I can head home and start up dinner."

He wanders behind Diluc so he can wind his arms around his mate from behind, so he can press a kiss to his cheek. "What do you think?"

[searingwing]

He settles his hands over the arms around him, leaning back enough to make it easier for a kiss. "I think that's perfect. I'll be home a little later than usual. But when I get home we can discuss the meeting Jean wants to have today."

Kaeya's health comes before any meetings. It was one of the conditions they both agreed on. He turns in Kaeya's arms to catch him in a soft kiss. "If you need anything at all, get Elzer and Adenline's assistance. Or send a runner to headquarters." He says it every time.

He steals one more kiss from him before he releases him. "I have to get back to work." But it's in his eyes that if work weren't necessary, he would have insisted on going home with him. He's trying not to hover. But Crepus raised him alone. Some worries of his children being the same crowd his mind on bad days.

[unmelting]

Kaeya hums a happy little sound into the kiss, entirely pleased with how they've come to be so at ease with small gestures of affection. "All right. Then it would seem we have a plan."

He nods and reluctantly unwinds his arms from around Diluc and steps back. "Of course. But I'll be fine, Diluc. Nothing to worry about." Fussed over. He'd complain more about it if it didn't feel nice to be cared about, even if he's quite sure that Diluc worries far too much.

"Then don't let me keep you, Sir Diluc," he teases with a playful grin and moves to start gathering his things so he can head out and back to their home.

[searingwing]

With one last warm look, Diluc walks out. The rest of his day is the meeting of knights and then connecting with more contacts. And his own contacts. Keeping an eye on things in the way he knows can’t stop just because he is filling in as a knight.

Once he’s off shift he picks up what Kaeya asked for and heads home. He wants to see his face when he holds up the dessert he asked for. When he gets there he opens the door and slips inside, calling out. “Kaeya, I’m back.”

[unmelting]

Kaeya takes himself home, still in a floaty, pleased mood after their little lunch date -- and at the idea of promised pastries later. Everything has been going well, really, and he's made a good start on dinner, chopped most of the vegetables and is getting ready to actually start cooking.

A wave of dizziness hits and instead he sets down the pot he's just filled with water on and sets his hand at the edge of the counter, frowning.

The last thought he has is maybe I should sit down before consciousness slips right out of his grasp and he crumples to the kitchen floor, which is where Diluc will find him when he returns, still breathing, and largely unhurt save for an unfortunate bruise or two, but not yet come to.

[searingwing]

When Kaeya wakes up he is back in the Winery in Diluc’s bed. A healer is carefully checking him over while Diluc sits beside him. He holds his hand in his.

His eyes light up with relief when he wakes. The healer sits back. “Well, it looks like he and the babies are fine. This was just too much stress in such a condition.”

Diluc’s is eyes widen. “‘Babies’?” The healer nods. “Yes, Sir Kaeya is carrying twins.”
He turns to Kaeya. “You should take it easier. The strain on your body is double what you were thinking it was.”

[unmelting]

It's jarring to open his eyes and not know where he is, but any initial panic is quickly eased by seeing Diluc. His fingers tighten around Diluc's reflexively, and he moves to sit up only to be given a stern look by the healer. A sheepish smile and he eases back, already opening his mouth to protest that he's not under too much stress, it's just been a long da-

Hold on.

Hang on now. "T..twins?" Kaeya nearly chokes out the word. Two babies. He sets his hand on his belly. Oh gods he wants multiple children. But all at once?? He turns to Diluc.