Chapter Text
It doesn’t take Kaveh long to start whining.
He struggles beneath his younger lover’s frame; tries to angle up to capture Nari’s lips, regrettably without luck .Kaveh’s trapped up beneath the smaller man, knees at his shoulders. Unable to move. Left wanting where he’s shoved down into the mattress. “Please, please-”
“Shh.” Tighnari takes mercy on him. Leaning down to seal their mouths together. Licking his way into Kaveh’s trembling lips. Kissing him deep. There’s a sort of desperate remorse in Nari’s touch. Evident by the way his ears are pinned back when he draws back to nip at the architect, peppering more kisses along the corner of his mouth. Hips stuttering a bit where they jackrabbit into Kaveh’s twitching frame. Making the architect tense. Leaving Nari’s voice strained and thick with both distress and arousal. “Ngh- I’ve got you.”
Kaveh nods and clings desperately to him. His body shoved down into the mattress at each sharp thrust of his lover inside of him. Nails digging into Tighnari’s shoulders. Punched out noises escaping him at each slide of their mouths together. The sounds trip along his tongue, only to be swallowed up by Nari’s searching lips.
He can barely think through the fog. Body flushing with the steady building pleasure that curls against his spine.
The Valuka Shuna has incredible aim. Pounding directly into his prostate with each rapid, pointed thrust.
It always feels good, having Nari inside of him, but somehow now it feels all that much better; more intense. Each snap of the Forest Watcher’s hips is a shuddering wave that crashes over the aching heat inside of him. Arousal building higher and higher while the younger man fucks him hard.
The angle lets him drive deep inside of Kaveh: leaving him so full, like he can almost feel Tighnari up in his throat.
There’s part of him that thinks that he’ll be ruined like this. Taken apart in Nari’s soft, yet exacting hold.
The rest of him surrenders to that fate without hesitation.
He’s so hard against his stomach that it hurts. Frantic whimpers and cries spilling out of him as he claws at Tighnari’s back. He’s so close, so close to that delirious relief. His toes curl and his legs shake where they’re pressed up against his shoulders.
The slow, crawling sensation of an orgasm starts to build against the base of his spine. Pain fading back inch by inch as it grows closer.
Pleasure licks through his stomach. Spiking at times. Precum dribbling from his cock while the sensations ratchet up, only to ease back again, making way for the sparse remains of that persistent burning ache. Stuck in a cycle of so close, yes, right there- only tip tip back away from the edge once more.
The sounds he’s making as Tighnari presses kisses to his slack mouth are mortifying; or at least they would be if he had any sense left about himself. He’s too far gone to care. Just babbling, desperate pleas for relief, for more, for anything to satiate this gnawing need curling in his gut.
“I need, Ngh, Archons-” He draws back from the kiss long enough to let out a desperate sob. Draws one arm back from where it’s wrapped around Tighnari’s shoulders. Desperately trying to worm it between their bodies, but unable to do so where he’s pinned, bent in half beneath his lover. “Plea- ah!”
The Valuka Shuna notices immediately. He releases one of Kaveh’s legs, pinning it with his body weight so he can free up a hand. Immediately wedging it between their sweat-damp chests.
When those soft, petite fingers slide against his belly, nails digging in just slightly, he just about whites out. His world is reduced down to a point; consumed entirely by Nari. The younger man’s touch is already sending him out of his skin. He’s not even reached his cock, yet Kaveh is left falling apart.
His squirms where he’s still pressed down, bent in half on the mattress. Hands fluttering across Nari’s shoulders while he struggles to find purchase. Eventually managing to anchor his arms around the smaller man’s neck. Urging him to stay close as he continues to fuck into Kaveh.
Even with the weight of Tighnari’s palm on his stomach, it’s better than before. His peaking highs last longer. The teasing hints of climax starting to tickle up his spine. Like he’s edging closer and closer to that agonizing relief he’s been chasing.
“Mmf-” Their mouths collide and Kaveh’s moans are promptly swallowed down again. He twitches when Nari licks into him. Slow and deep. Sensual and slow. Lapping along his tongue. Driving wet heat down his spine each time he does.
It’s a complete contrast to the way he’s snapping his hips forward. Conquering Kaveh with each slap of their skin, echoing through the air around him. Pointed, sharp and possessive. As if Nari intends to consume him whole.
The hand on his stomach moves. Drags down. Wraps around his throbbing arousal.
Kaveh is immediately overwhelmed.
He sobs into the kiss. Cool relief flooding through him when Nari starts to work his cock. Fucking into him in that same, brutal pace; slamming against his prostate in time with each slide of his cool palm along Kaveh’s swollen shaft.
Almost without warning his toes start to curl. Frame twitching and squirming where he’s bent up in half beneath the smaller man. His whole body shakes as the cooling crest of his climax starts to spread through him. A burning itch about to be scratched. Locking him up from top to toes.
His teeth grit as the flood finally breaks, a violent shudder rattling his bones.
Tighnari jerks him through it. Pulling him over the edge while he fucks into his Senior’s twitching frame.
Kaveh’s left open mouthed and breathless as his climax rattles through his bones. Making his teeth chatter while he stains his and Nari’s stomach with thick, hot stripes of spend. Sparks light up behind his eyes and his body crumbles in on itself. Toes clenching where they’re pinned up above his shoulders.
“Ah-” He pants out. His breathing is heavy. Head head spinning while he twitches through the aftershocks, clinging to Tighnari’s slight frame above him. “Archons.”
The fog in his mind finally dissipates once more. Kissing at his skin with damp beads of sweat while he’s left shuddering and shaking in its wake. He clings to Tighnari. Legs still wrapped around the smaller man’s waist. Reality crashing back into him. It leaves him feeling vulnerable and shattered in its wake. Struggling to face what’s happening all over again as the effects of the drugs wane, if only for the moment.
“I’ve got you.” Tighnari makes a small noise of discomfort when he pulls himself free of Kaveh’s twitching body. He’s still hard. Nari makes no move to deal with it. Instead he immediately shifts his attention to Kaveh’s twitching frame. Easing off his grip on the bigger man’s thighs and reaching to grasp at his face instead. He carefully urges Kaveh to sit up on the mattress. Then he shifts and pulls the blonde into his lap.
Kaveh tries to settle there.
He feels as though he’s going to shake out of his skin. Teeth chattering so hard that he ends up catching at his cheeks, the light tinge of blood stinging up his tongue. He curls himself around Tighnari and clings to the Valuka Shuna. Shuddering in relief at the feeling of his tail flicking up to rest protectively against Kaveh’s back. The touch is comforting and soft across his sweat soaked skin.
“Thank you-” He chokes out, voice so raw that it breaks over every word.
Exhaustion practically leaks out of him and he struggles to breathe. Relief washing over him along even as he struggles with the steady ache of his exhausted body. He’s so oversensitive, so sore- yet he knows this reprieve is only momentary. The heat will be on him again before he knows it.
With a sniffling breath he shoves his face into the side of Tighnari’s face. Nuzzling against his long, soft ears as he struggles to keep himself together. “Gods Nari, I hate this.”
“I know.” One of the Forest Watcher’s hands slips up along his spine. It braces over the back of his neck instead. Holding him firmly to the smaller man’s frame. “I know how much you hate this, and I know that there’s nothing any of us can do to stop it.”
He nods, fights the tight well of discomfort that still lodges in his throat. He’s well aware of the reality of his situation…no, their situation. That doesn’t make it any easier to cope with. Shuddering he lets himself be held like a child by his (much younger) lover. Desperate for the slight hints of comfort that soothe over him at the Valuka Shuna’s careful touch.
“We’ve got you Kaveh.”
A few more moments wrapped up in Tighnari’s hold is just enough to come back to himself. His senses finally clearing as the last twitching remains of his climax fades away. He loosens his grip on the smaller man. Focussing on the sound of their breaths, mixing together, and nuzzling his face into Nari’s soft, dark locks.
By the time he’s fully come down from the intensity of his orgasm, he’s able to make out the sound of shifting and cursing from the otherside of the bed. The noises echoing through the room. Distinctive.
Slowly Kaveh extracts himself from Tighnari’s arms. Drawn to the familiar noises of their lovers on the other side of the bed. Manages to glance bleary-eyed over the Valuka Shuna’s shoulder. His stomach tightens (no help from the drugs needed) when Alhaitham’s breathless voice drifts across the room, somehow still snarky, while he bickers with Cyno.
“You’re enjoying this far too much-”
“And you’re not? You’re dripping wet Alhaitham-”
“Why are you, ah- so Archons damned persistent- fuck!”
“You’re one to talk.”
Cyno’s got Alhaitham on his back, pressed up between the bigger man’s knees, using his body to keep the scribe spread open. By the looks of it he he’s three fingers buried deep inside of Haitham’s frame. Moving relentlessly. There’s a hot flush staining the Grand Sage’s pale skin now, leaving it a deep, ruddy maroon.
Kaveh blinks as he processes what’s in front of him. He’s startled to see how achingly hard Alhaitham is now. Dripping against his stomach while Cyno fucks into him with his fingers. Leering over the scribe. Their competitive nature spilling out even in spite of the intensity of their situation.
“They look good, don’t they?” Tighnari’s voice is low when he presses a kiss to Kaveh’s cheek. Shifting a bit until they can both watch the way Cyno makes Alhaitham’s legs shake. The scribe’s whole body tensing while the General grinds into him in a quick, steady rhythm.
They do look good.
He can’t deny it, even in these circumstances. There’s still that same stubborn lump in Kaveh’s throat. The sense of unease and discomfort about these awful circumstances hasn’t gone away, at least not completely. But seeing their lovers like this: Alhaitham shaking and gasping under Cyno’s touch, the two of them clearly enjoying themselves- it eases the knot in his chest.
“Yeah.” The word comes out as a mortifying, half-moan. His spent cock giving a sudden twitch, this time without aid. The cool relief of his climax still keeps the worst of the symptoms at bay, but the sight of his lovers has him squirming.
There’s a soft rumbling sound at his side.
Nari’s purring. Just lightly. Something Kaveh’s grown to recognize as a comfort. A calming reassurance he can cling to when he feels uncertain. Instinctively he drops himself back down where he’s seated over Tighnari’s lap. Nuzzling into the Valuka Shuna.. His breathing comes into step with the steady purrs that radiate from the smaller man’s frame. Tension unwinding from his shoulders, almost against his will.
“I want you to know that we’re okay.” Tighnari’s voice is sweet and sincere. Laced with so much heart, that it makes Kaveh want to cry. “We want to help you. We’re okay, it’s okay.”
Instinctively Kaveh goes to respond, but his emotions leave him choking on his words. Instead he purses his lips together and nods. Exhausted from all the crying he’s been doing that evening, and unwilling to let the tears fall again now. Not while his lovers are working so hard to be here for him, and to get him through this.
Instead he takes a sobering breath and slowly peels himself back from Tighnari. Glances down at the Valuka Shuna. Presses their mouths together. One. Twice. Then sighs. Flashing him a watery smile.
Even without words, Tighnari immediately understands. He helps Kaveh off of his lap. Gives the architect’s back a quick, affectionate rub before nudging him towards their other lovers. A last push of encouragement that has Kaveh shifting (shakily) across the mattress towards where Alhaitham squirms, breathless, beneath Cyno’s small frame.
“That’s enough Cyno-” Haitham gasps out, one hand shooting down to curl over the General’s wrist. Trying to still his movements without hurting the smaller man. “Archons.”
“What, afraid you’ll finish on my fingers?” Cyno doesn’t bother trying to hide how much he’s liking this. Massaging inside of Alhaitham even as the scribe fights to halt his touch.
Kaveh doesn’t announce himself. Just makes his way up behind the Electro user. Wrapping his arms around Cyno’s waist and pressing his face into those long, soft, shock-white locks. Holding him.
He can already feel the drug taking hold once more. The warmth of the General helps ease the shock as the heat kicks back in. Bubbling up from the base of his spine. Discomfort clawing back up from the tightness in his gut.
He says nothing, yet his lovers seem to understand so clearly.
Cyno immediately draws his hand back, pulling his fingers free from Alhaitham’s shaking frame. There’s some urgency behind the motion, but he’s not rushed. He makes sure the scribe is settled back against the mattress. Waits until Haitham releases his wrist, sagging into the bed sheets, before he turns to Kaveh.
“Hey.” Cyno grabs onto him. His hand is slick with lube (and likely Alhaitham’s precum), but he doesn’t hesitate to pull Kaveh into a firm hug.
Kaveh’s glad for it. Could care less about the remnants of slick that clings to the General’s fingers. Instead just shivering with low prickles of relief when Cyno pulls him close.
“Hi.” Kaveh chokes out. Cyno is so much smaller than him. Both him and Nari. Though this time he’s not on one of their laps. He’s kneeling on the bed, and so is Cyno. Which leads the younger man to press into Kaveh’s collar as they curl into one another.
After a moment he ends up bending over Cyno’s compact frame. A hitching sigh escapes him while the heat starts to build once more. His body instinctively curls more firmly around his lover. Heart throbbing against his ribs. Discomfort (now all too familiar) scraping across his sweat damp skin.
“How are you feeling?” Cyno asks, as if he can’t stop himself. He tips his head up and offers Kaveh a sheepish smile. Eyes filled with regret and concern, even as he keeps his low tone familiar and light. “A stupid question, I know.”
“I’m-” He’s about to say he’s okay, but the word catches on his tongue. Instead he just shakes his head. Struggling to keep Cyno’s gaze, he starts to squirm. The embers in his gut are already eating their way up through him again. The sensation leaves him frantic. Desperate. He settles for the truth. His response is jilted and strained. “It’s already coming back.”
So much faster than before.
He must be reaching the peak of the drug’s duration.
It’s no comfort. The horrific realization of how much longer he has to withstand this…it has his breath hitching and his chest going tight.
“I’m sorry.” Cyno shifts his hands to cup at Kaveh’s face instead. Pulling the architect down for a firm, slow kiss. Somehow he manages to keep pressed tight to Kaveh’s frame. Skin to skin in enough places to send a shudder of relief through the architect. “We’ll get you through this Kaveh. I promise you.”
He nods, but the motion already has him feeling dizzy.
His face is so hot, it feels as though he’s been burned. Instinctively he finds himself leaning down. Brings one hand up to squeeze over Cyno’s jaw this time. Pulling at the General so that he can shove their mouths together. Immediately pressing his tongue to the crease of Cyno’s lips. Urging him to part them. Wanting- no needing- to push his way inside.
It doesn’t take much urging. The younger man opens up to him without hesitation. Lets his Senior take what he needs. Presses up until he can slide their tongues together to lick into Kaveh, deep.
Celestia.
It’s exactly what he needs.
A whine slips out into the kiss before he can stop it. His whole frame melting over Cyno’s firm, hot touch. He’s left wondering, delirious, how the heat from the General seems to soothe the broiling fire in his own gut.
“Nn s’good.” He’s whining again, but he can’t seem to get himself to stop. Gasping against Cyno’s open mouth. Instinctively shifting towards the smaller man. Immediately moving to crawl onto his lap. “More, please-”
“No.” Without warning a second set of hands close over his hips.“Let me.”
He’s yanked back immediately. Dragged into that broad, wide chest he’s come to know so well. Unable to stop the way the heat in his core ratchets higher when Alhaitham hauls him up against his torso; holding him there, careful and firm.
The scribe sounds breathless. Still flushed hot. Sweat kissing his pale, blush stained skin. His tone is laced with a vulnerability that Kaveh’s never heard before. A desperation. Like Alhaitham wants nothing more than Kaveh’s attention in this moment, his touch.
“Kaveh.”
There’s no way to resist. Kaveh gives in immediately. Sinks into Alhaitham’s grip as the man nudges him into place. Exactly where he wants him. Coming face to face with his junior. Affection immediately cutting through arousal when he reaches out to the scribe.
“Alhaitham.” Kaveh presses his palms over the younger man’s cheeks. When he says the scribe's name, it falls from his lips, as natural as breathing. “Hai-”
Broad hands rub their way along Kaveh’s warm sides. Touch all comfort and reassurance even as Haitham starts to lean back, dragging his Senior down overtop of him. The Grand Sage parts his legs as he goes. Immediately urging Kaveh to settle between them.
A quick glance down and he can see the throbbing expanse of Alhaitham’s cock, precum dripping down to his damp, twitching entrance.
The sight ratchets the heat in Kaveh’s stomach that much higher. The molton sensation lodging itself against his ribs once more. Burning through his chest.
He’s already dizzy with it.
Immediately he loses himself in the sight of the bigger man spread out beneath him. His face flushing red and his stomach going tight. He finds himself grabbing at Haitham’s thighs on instincts. Lifting them up a bit, as if to get a better view.
The Grand Sage groans in response. Squirms in Kaveh’s grip until he wiggles his legs free. Turning over onto his stomach instead. Shoulders pressed down firm into the bedsheets. Hips raised in the air.
Presenting himself. Archons help him-
“Come on, Light of Kshahrewar.” Alhaitham murmurs, tilting his head the side in an attempt to catch Kaveh’s gaze behind him. “I’m ready for you.”
“Thanks to me.” Cyno chimes in, clearly unable to help himself.
“Keep talking, and that will be the last time I let you inside of me.” Haitham snarks back, flashing the General a scowl.
Cyno might say something in response, but Kaveh doesn’t catch it. He’s already losing his sense of self. Barely able to keep track of the conversation. To focussed on the sudden, irresistible urge to bury himself inside of Alhaitham’s pliant frame. Gaze flicking across the swell of the scribe’s ass. Watching the way he shifts to situate himself. Thighs parting just enough to put his twitching entrance on display.
Kaveh’s whole body is burning again. The fog slides back into his mind even as he brings his hands down again, this time to rest across Alhaitham’s ass. Squeezing there. His breath catching when the scribe groans in response.
“You’re sure-” Even as he asks, he’s already nudging up behind Alhaitham. His cock aching, arched up to his stomach. Instinctively grinding his swollen member along the crease of Haitham’s ass. His body shakes with the cramps of arousal that flood back through him, tearing at what’s left of his composure. So intense it makes it hard to breathe.
“I’m sure.” Alhaitham nudges back a bit on the bed, just enough to roll his ass against Kaveh’s arousal. Grinding there as he stares back at the blonde from over his shoulder. “Fuck me Kaveh.”
“Ngh.” It’s all the invitation he needs. He can’t hold back at this point, not even if he tried. He’s already too far gone. His head fuzzy and his core aching with heat. Desperate for relief.
Instinctively he pulls at Alhaitham’s cheeks. Spreading him wide. Barely registering the shocked noise his junior lets out as he does. Too focussed on the feeling of his warm, soft flesh against his cock. Grinding along his Junior’s entrance.
The friction is good, but his body is screaming at him to keep going. To press his way inside of Haitham. To feel the heat of his body wrapped around him.
The haze takes over. There’s no reason left in him. His eyes glaze over and his mouth goes dry while he shifts to grasp Alhaitham’s hips. Moves back enough to position himself against the bigger man’s hole. Then he pushes. Sliding forward into that delicious heat.
Gods. Does it feel incredible.
He barely manages to squeeze the head of his cock inside before he finds his hips snapping forward of their own accord. The motion seats him inside of Alhaitham’s hot frame in one quick, vicious slap.
In that moment, his whole world flashes white.
The tight heat around his cock is almost too much to bear. A twitching shudder courses through him. Relief flooding over the discomfort from the drug. The sensations mix in with a sudden and entirely mind numbing pleasure when Alhaitham clenches down around him. A startled shout escapes the scribe and Kaveh immediately buckles over.
He ends up splayed out across Haitham’s back, buried to the hilt inside of the scribe. Face pressed firmly to the centre of the man’s massive, firm shoulder blades. Nose tucked against his spine.
“Celestia Haitham, ngh. It’s so good-” His words come out a fumbling mess of slurring stutters. Just barely audible above the throbbing pound of his heart in his ears.
Someone says something in response, but Kaveh can’t hear it.
Instead he tightens his grip over Alhaitham’s hips. Shoves his face hard into the middle of the bigger man’s back. Snaps forward. Drives as deep into his lover as he can manage.
He’s completely helpless to stop the rhythm that follows. His body knows what it needs, and instinctively he chases the flood of cool relief with a relentless fervor. Instantly picking up a brutal, unrelenting rhythm as he pounds into Haitham’s trembling, prostrate form.
He’s mindless about it.
Animalistic.
Beastly.
Bleary-eyed he looks up to catch Alhaitham’s gaze- only the scribe is no longer looking his way. His junior has his face pressed down into a pillow (one he’s clearly dragged down from the head of the bed), his shoulders stained crimson as a steady flush blooms across his sweat-slicked skin. He’s trembling. Punched out, desperate noises escaping him each time Kaveh’s hips collide against the round swell of his toned ass.
He looks strung out like this. Frantic where he’s pressed down beneath Kaveh. Begging for it even as he shoves his face harder into the pillow under his head.
The sounds he makes are intoxicating. Punching into Kaveh’s gut each time they wrench from Alhaitham’s lips into the fabric balled up beneath him. Muffled. Wet. Unhinged.
Kaveh wants more. Needs more. He’ll drag those sinful sounds from Haitham if it’s the last thing he does.
He finds himself shifting one hand to grab onto Haitham’s shoulder. Forcing the younger man back on his cock each time he rocks his hips forward. Pace quickening. Pulse thudding so loud it feels as though his ear drums might burst.
Alhaitham finally tips his head to the side. Gasping and heaving for air even as his voice hiccups over the force of each hard, divisive thrust Kaveh gives him. Looking dazed. Strung out. More out of it than Kaveh’s ever seen.
It makes him want more.
He’s growling without even knowing it. His entire body tense while he pulls harder on Alhaitham’s shoulder. The vicious slap of flesh on flesh filling the air along with Haitham’s choked out sobs. Kaveh opens his mouth to bite down against his Junior’s spine. Grip bruising; he forces the scribe back on his cock while he fucks into him over and over-
“Easy-”
Arms wrap around his waist, stilling him forcefully.
Kaveh’s too weak to fight, but for a moment the heat pushes him forward. Making him strain and struggle.
After a few weak attempts at resistance he ends up drawn away from Haitham. Pulling out of his Junior- dick aching at the sudden loss of heat and delicious pressure. That cramping ache is burning up in his belly once more. The drugs send sparks of agony up his spine. He thrashes, voice hitching.
“Honest to Gods Kaveh-” It’s Cyno behind him, dragging the architect back slightly. “Skinny as a wisp, you have no business being this strong!”
“Haitham”
A shape blurs past Kaveh’s vision. Even through the haze he recognizes Tighnari. The Valuka Shuna slides up to Alhaitham’s sides. Urging the scribe over onto his back. Smoothing his hands over Haitham’s face before reaching up to pull another pillow from the head of the bed to prop under the bigger man’s hips.
They’re talking to each other. Voices low. Kaveh can’t make out anything- that is, anything but the deep tinge of affection drifting off of each of them. Familiar. Intimate.
Nari leans down.
He kisses Alhaitham deep.
Those careful, clawed hands frame the Grand Sage’s flushed face. Their noses pressed together. His tail flicking up to wrap carefully over Haitham’s chest. The Valuka Shuna licks his way into the scribe’s pliant mouth. Intimate and comforting.
Alhaitham grasps at him in turn, his hands shaking. Holds him close. It takes a few minutes (agonizingly long, in Kaveh’s opinion) for his trembles eb away. Soothed with each passing moment between them. His breath eventually stilling. Posture relaxing while he sags against the bed.
Kaveh realizes, somewhere deep down, how good this is- how much he should want it. How proud he should be of his lovers, stepping in before he can take things too far. Both of them caring for Alhaitham’s wellbeing as much as his own. A reassuring display of affection that reminds him how firm the relationship is between the four of them. He knows it should be treasured and celebrated-
Instead he feels frustrated.
Desperate.
In so much pain.
He squirms back further against Cyno’s chest. His breath hiccuping and his eyes going blurry as the heat builds back up to choke him out once more.
“I know.” Cyno grumbles softly into his ear. Nuzzling against his shoulder even while he holds Kaveh back (with that impossible strength of his). Keeping the architect trapped in his grasp. “I know. Just another moment. I promise.”
It hurts. It hurts so badly that Kaveh can’t stand it. He’s whining. He’s fighting against Cyno’s hold. He’s unraveling, inch by inch, whether he likes it or not. “I can’t-”
“Kaveh.”
Alhaitham’s voice finally breaks through the fog. Kaveh’s whole body freezing while he searches frantically for the younger man’s gaze. Even once he finally does, he’s barely able to see through the haze of arousal that seems to blanket him completely. But it’s enough. He can make out the bigger man’s frame. Laid out against the mattress. Arms extended in clear invitation.
The bigger man pulls him forward. His expression is thick with want, with need. Enough to comfort Kaveh, even as much as it turns him on. He falls into Alhaitham’s waiting grip. Sliding up between the scribe’s spread thighs. Whining at the sense of relief that floods over him when he presses chest to chest against Haitham’s firm, comforting frame.
Immediately he finds himself nuzzling into his junior’s throat. Hands curling around the scribe’s sweat-soaked frame. Waist canting down to grind their hips together.
Alhaitham’s massive cock is swollen to the point of bursting. A long, solid expanse of heat for Kaveh to rut against. Pleasure shocks up his spine. The sensation chasing away the molten agony that’s bubbling in his gut.
With a whimper he grinds their arousals together. Instinctively pressing kisses to Alhaitham’s collarbone. Unable to stop himself from biting rose coloured marks along the bigger man’s pale skin.
He continues to arch against his junior, thrusting their hips together, until he’s sliding through a pool of precum between their trembling stomachs. Until he’s wound so tight he feels like he might burst.
He sits back a bit. Just enough to get the head of his cock lined up against Alhaitham’s entrance.
The furled muscles give way as he pushes forward, only to end up slipping. Missing his mark and grinding up along Haitham’s cock instead.
Frustrated he tries again, and once again he misses. Desperation building with each fumbling shift of his hips.
“Here.” It’s Tighnari’s voice this time that cuts through the haze (albeit barely).
The Valuka Shuna reaches around his waist. Taking hold of his throbbing cock, pain-pricks of pleasure shooting up Kaveh’s spine even as Nari guides him.
The Forest Watcher gets him lined up right to Alhaitham’s lube-slick hole. The pressure of Nari’s fingers around his shaft eases the molton bite in his gut. It clears his mind just enough to take in the sight of Haitham, laid out across the bed sheets.
He looks so vulnerable like this. His big hands curled over the back of his thighs. Keeping him spread wide for Kaveh. An offering, just waiting to be devoured.
Then Nari starts to move him forward, and Kaveh’s mind goes blank once more.
“There we go.”
Beneath him Alhaitham lets out a breathless groan. Tips his head to the side. Gasping and squeezing his eyes shut tight. He’s flushed. Red staining down his chest now, a stark contrast to his ivory complexion. The scribe’s mouth drops open, his stomach tensing-
Kaveh can’t stop himself from driving deep into Alhaitham in a single thrust. Bottoming out with a choked whine. The new angle has the bigger man squeezing tighter around him; vice like. Sheathing his cock in Alhaitham’s delicious, wet heat.
He leans forward to brace against the bed. Gets his hands on the mattress on either side of Alhaitham’s hips. Then he pulls out-
-a slow drag, followed by a sharp snap forward, driving him back inside of his junior. Pulling a shout from him, and a breathless whine from Kaveh.
A few more thrusts and he’s back in that same brutal rhythm from earlier. Jack rabbiting into Alhaitham’s twitching frame. He leans over the bigger man. Trying to drive deeper. Harder. Delirious with how good it feels.
Beneath him Haitham’s starting to squirm. Low, breathless noises slipping from his mouth as he digs his fingers further into the plush expanse of his thighs. Holding himself open for Kaveh to take- allowing his Senior to indulge in him completely. Distantly he registers the breathless pleading that spills from the bigger man’s parted lips. A mantra of his name, called over and over again. Deliciously sweet.
“Kaveh, Kaveh- ah!”
The sounds only spur him on. A fierce curl of possessiveness twisting with the heat in his gut as he looms over Alhaitham. Snaps his hips viciously. Hands pressing bruises into the scribe’s firm sides.
Somewhere in the midst of Kaveh’s brutal love-making, Alhaitham loses his grip on his legs. Fingers slipping across his sweat stained skin. He scrambles a bit beneath his Senior. Struggling to get a hold of his thighs once more. Moments later Tighnari leans forward, grabbing at one the big man’s legs. Helping him stay spread open beneath Kaveh while the architect chases his release.
Gods, the heat is so much more unbearable this time around.
Agonizing pleasure stabs through him as he drips sweat down onto Alhaitham’s stomach beneath him. His hair keeps getting in his face. A flush of heat stings across his skin. He’s uncomfortable, overstimulated, and yet so desperately chasing more.
Instinctively he tries to shake his bangs out of his face. They stick to his brow. The sensation feels oddly sharp against his fever hot skin.
“Let me-” It’s Cyno again. This time the General isn’t urging him away from Alhaitham (to Kaveh’s trembling relief), but instead shifting up to their Senior’s other side. He brings his hands up to smooth over Kaveh’s sweat-damp brow. Holds back his hair with a warm, firm touch. “You’re so close. Just a bit more.”
Cyno wraps one arm around Kaveh’s waist. Supporting him while also sliding his free hand to the base of the blonde’s belly. Pressing down where that delicious heat keeps building.
“I can’t-” He chokes out. Beyond desperate. Delirious with the painful waves of need that grip him. It’s good, it’s so good, but it’s not enough. He’s going to go mad-
As if reading his mind, Tighnari’s free hand slips down Kaveh’s back. Those small, deft fingers of his quickly finding the bigger man’s twitching entrance. Catching briefly over his rim before pushing inside. The stretch aches so good. His whole body tenses when Nari immediately massages down against his prostate, moving along with the pace of Kaveh’s thrusts as he sobs through the overwhelming waves of pleasure.
“That’s it-”
The ringing in his ears takes over completely. Stomach clenching as his vision goes white. He jack-rabbits into Alhaitham’s prone frame; fucking himself back against Nari’s fingers as he does. The steady press of Cyno’s had above his groin just so-
It’s finally enough to break the well inside of him.
He humps pathetically into Alhaitham’s twitching frame as his orgasm crashes through him in waves. Cramping across his body. Making him clamp down over Tighnari where the Valuka Shuna’s fingers are buried inside of him.
Dizzy with the intensity of his release his body gives out. Only Cyno’s grip around his stomach manages to keep him from ending up splayed across Alhaitham’s torso. The General eases him down carefully as he shudders and twitches.
This time there is no cool relief. The burning in his gut stays bubbling there. His cock immediately hardening again where it’s still buried inside of Haitham. Giving him no chance at reprieve.
“Please no.” He whines out. His hips immediately roll up against Alhaitham’s ass even as Cyno helps him lay flat across the bigger man’s chest. “I can’t-!”
“He’s still burning up.” The hand that had been holding his hair shifts around to press to his forehead instead. Cyno’s voice is muffled by the ringing in Kaveh’s ears, but he can still pick out the anxiety in the General’s tone. “Tighnari.”
“Gods damn it. The drug must be at its peak.” The Valuka Shuna pulls his fingers out, immediately dragging a strangled cry from Kaveh.
He struggles to arch back into Nari’s hand. Desperate to get those fingers back inside of him, but he’s got no strength left. His arms immediately collapse, leaving him sprawled out across Alhaitham.
“Just rest. We’ve got you.” The body beneath him is trembling, drenched with sweat. Yet somehow Alhaitham manages to get his arms up around Kaveh. Touch comforting and firm. Holding him in place while the blonde sobs and rolls his hips instinctively. Voice catching over a moan with each movement of Kaveh inside of him. “We need to cool him down.”
“A Cryo user, we can-”
The rush of blood in his head is almost overwhelming now. Drowning out everything around him as he presses his face into the centre of Haitham’s sternum. The arousal chokes him out. Filling his throat, making him gag with the effort just to breathe.
He barely has the energy to think, let alone move. Just squirming as he blinks through the haze of black that starts to flood his vision.
“Please-” His words are so slurred now, even he has difficulty making them out. Catching on his tongue whiles the aching heat melts through him, dragging at the last few shreds of his strength. It’s too much. He can’t take it.
Help me.
He can’t hear anything around him anymore. The world is slipping away before he can stop it. There are hands smoothing across his feverish skin.
And then, there’s nothing.
---
When he comes to,there are cold hands on his face. Icey relief slipping through him from each finger tip that carefully clutches his hot, ruddy cheeks.
He’s got his head cradled in someone’s lap. Cooling waves radiating from the thighs beneath him. He blinks, bleary-eyed, at the figure above him. His gaze starts to focus-
Then he realizes it’s not one of his lovers, and panic takes over.
He tries to sit up, fear squeezing around his chest, making it hard to breath. Scrambles to get his arms beneath him, only he’s too weak. His limbs are too heavy. Leaving him trapped where he’s prone against the mattress.
“Easy does it.” The voice is familiar. It’s enough to ease the thundering of his heart. “He’s up-”
Before he can process exactly who he’s looking at the bed dips. A sudden weight finds his side. A warm, broad touch seeking out one of his hands. Folds it up into a large, firm palm. Squeezing there. “Kaveh.”
“Haitham.” He’s immediately choking on emotion. Wants to sit up, to grab for the scribe, but he’s far too weak. Left lying prone, barely able to give his junior’s hand a weak squeeze. Flashes of the night before stab through his mind. The word slips from him on instinct, and the damage it deals is instantaneous. “M’sorry.”
He can see the hurt across Alhaitham’s face even through the well of tears that drip down the sides of his face.
Guilt makes his throat feel tight and he tries desperately to swallow back another apology. Manages to grit through a strained apology instead. “Thank you.”
It hurts to say. That self-deprecating part of him still fights to win out. He’s barely able to resist the wall of grief that slams into him. Beyond furious with himself that this happened. That his lovers had to go through all of this. That he treated them with so little care-
He tries to clear his throat, but what comes out instead is a strangled sob. The words taste like ash in his mouth. He forces himself to say them all the same. Knows despite himself that it’s what his lover needs…and reluctantly recognizes how much he needs it too. “Thank you, I love you-”
Alhaitham leans over him. Framing Kaveh’s face over the cooling hands on his cheek. Pressing a firm kiss to his trembling lips. Tears drop down against his brow when the scribe pulls back. He’s saying something, his voice filled with such a heartfelt ache that it makes Kaveh’s chest hurt.
He doesn’t last long enough to make out the hushed words That Alhaitham murmurs. Can barely make out when the man raises their clasped hands to slide more kisses across Kaveh’s knuckles. The soothing press of those cold fingers along his heated brow mixes with the light, peppering brushes of Haitham’s lips against his fever hot skin. Small traces of comfort that weigh on his spent, aching frame.
His eyes close before he realizes it.
The dark swallows him up once more.
---
The next time he comes back to himself, he’s being shifted. The cool hands across his brow slip away, replaced by warm palms that cup his head. Easing him down onto a much smaller lap.
The touch is familiar. He struggles to open his eyes, groaning.
“Oh, we woke him up-”
It’s the same voice as before. This time the fog of his mind has cleared enough for him to place it. His vision focusing while he blinks up at the face above him. Voice cracking from overuse. “Kaeya?”
“There he is.” The cryo-user smiles down at him. Straightening a bit so as to avoid looming over Kaveh’s prone frame. There’s something tight in his expression. The barest trace of anxiety. Yet the knight is clearly trying to hide it. “You feeling any better?”
He’s still hot, but it’s a dull ache at most. With a shaky nod he goes to sit, only for the hands on his face to shift down to his shoulders. Holding him down.
“Not yet Kaveh.” Above him Cyno comes into view. The smaller man has the architect cradled in his lap, touch careful but firm. His familiar, rumbling voice warms Kaveh’s chest.
On instinct he reaches up. Raising a shaking hand to touch the General’s cheek. Mouth immediately tugging down when the younger man flinches slightly, a brief shattering of his carefully schooled calm.
“Cy.” He chokes on the electro-user’s name. The urge to cry finds its way right back into his chest. “Cyno.”
The General immediately crumbles. His expression pinches and he curls over where Kaveh’s pillowed in his lap. Clutching at the architect. His breathing choked and his eyes watering.
He can’t see Kaeya anymore. Not through the curtain of starlight that surrounds him when Cyno arches all the way over him, hair pooling across Kaveh’s sternum. From the sounds of it, however, the cryo-user is moving towards the door.
“I think you could use some privacy to get cleaned up.” He states from the other side of the room. His voice is reassuring and calm. “I’ll be down the hall if you need me.”
Kaveh barely notices when Kaeya closes the door behind himself, leaving the two of them to cling to one another in the quiet air of the room. Kaveh trembling with the effort to get his own arms up and around Cyno. Holding onto him desperately.
Cyno’s not quite crying, but he might as well be. The small, breathless noises he lets out are devastating. The tremble in his arms when he wraps around Kaveh from above him just radiates distress.
Even dizzy from the lingering effects of the drugs, Kaveh can’t fight the urge to comfort his younger lover. Running his hands over every inch of skin he can reach. Tears once again welling up as Cyno clings further to him. Curled completely over Kaveh’s head.
There’s no telling how long they stay like that. Time is beyond Kaveh’s reach. His mind is still sluggish. His body still trembling through lingering waves of heat.
Only half-aware he asks after Nari and Haitham. Murmuring his questions into the air between them. Eyes already feeling heavy again; it takes everything he has to keep his hold on Cyno while the younger man starts to respond.
Haitham is running a bath, Tighnari is retrieving herbs for treatment-
Kaveh nods blearily. His fingers lose their grip on Cyno’s body. The urge to sleep overtakes him even as Cyno curls tighter around him where he’s laid out in the General’s lap.
The dark takes him more gently this time. Cradling him while the world fades away. His body goes lax in Cyno’s hold, breath steady as he gives in to his body’s desperate need to rest.
---
“Here let me-”
“I have him Cyno-”
Kaveh comes back to awareness only to immediately find himself hauled up by strong, familiar arms. Curled into the broad chest he’d grown so used to waking up to.
Alhaitham seems a little shaky, but he manages to lift Kaveh with relative ease. Standing quickly with the architect cradled against his sternum; so close that Kaveh can hear the steady thrum of Haitham’s heart in his chest.
It’s comforting. Familiar.
He finds himself snuggling further into the scribe’s grasp. Sleep still has a strong hold over him. His body is bone tired: a steady, consistent ache wars with the heat still dancing along his skin. So tired, and so very heavy.
“Leave it Cy.” Tighnari is right at their side. His voice is soft and steady, devoid of the anxious energy radiating off of their other lovers. “Let’s move to the bath now Haitham, you also need to rest.”
The hands around Kaveh tense momentarily. Alhaitham’s immediate urge to object is clear in every inch of his frame. Then slowly, reluctantly, he relents. “To the bath then.”
Kaveh relaxes subconsciously when Haitham gives in. Allowing himself to drift between that warm, comfortable dark and the soft spoken exchanges between his lovers. He’s almost able to nod back off when suddenly they come to a stop.
It’s warmer here-
The bath.
He squirms a bit in Alhaitham’s grasp. Slowly coming back to himself and raising his head from the bigger man’s collar.
“Kaveh-”
Despite being wrapped up in Haitham’s arms, it’s Tighnari who catches his attention first.
“Nari.” He croaks out, voice raw and throat aching. He still can’t see much through the haze of half-sleep, but a Valuka Shuna shaped blur slides across his vision; Tighnari leaning into him and cupping his cheeks.
“Hey.” The Forest Ranger chokes over his words a bit, clearing his throat as he leans close. Presses their brows together. Touch light. “Does anything hurt?”
Instinctively he goes to shake his head no. Only then he pauses. The weight of the last 24 hours crashes over him, overwhelming and sharp. He can’t bring himself to speak. He’s trembling too hard. Instead he just nods, jilted and quick.
“I’m so sorry.” Tighnari presses a kiss first to his forehead. Then one to his nose. Finally, a last one to his lips; this time slower, more firm. “Would a bath help you feel better?”
Kaveh’s coming back to himself, bit by bit. His thighs are sticky and raw, cock sore and flaccid between his trembling legs. A sharp ache blooms up his spine each time he shifts.
A bath sounds heavenly.
He brings shaking arms up to loop around Alhaitham’s shoulders even as he nods at Nari. Voice shattered. “Please.”
---
The bath is small. Too much so for his lovers to join him. Instead they frame the tub: Alhaitham kneeling by the side, starting to wipe him down; Cyno seated on a stool at Kaveh’s head, already pouring cups of luke-warm water over his sweat damp locs.
Nari, on the other hand, steps away from the tub at first.
He stays in the room, but fiddles with something in the vanity, just narrowly out of sight. After a few moments (that feel agonizingly slow) the Valuka Shuna returns with a wooden bowl cradled in his grip.
He settles onto his knees at Cyno’s side. Brings the vessel up to balance on the edge of the tub, then draws out a handful of carefully ground flora. He doesn’t say anything when he sprinkles it into the tub around Kaveh. Just focussed on getting an even distribution of the finely chopped herbs across the surface of the water.
It smells good, whatever it is-
Surely something to help bring the fever down, and soothe his aching skin.
Kaveh’s still too weak to do much other than lean back against the edge of the tub. A shuddering whine slipping out of him when Cyno shifts his hands. Massaging along Kaveh’s scalp while simultaneously supporting his head, keeping him cradled from the hard edge of the porcelain bath.
He’s cried so much already. Throat sore, eyes swollen, and cheeks chapped from the tears. Yet as he sits there, flashes of the night before coming back to him in waves, he finds emotion swelling up in his chest once more.
With trembling hands he reaches out. Grabs at one of Haitham’s hands at the same time he gets his fingers around Nari’s wrist. Doesn’t even give the Valuka Shuna time to set the bowl down before he starts to cling to him. Instinctively reaching to his lovers for comfort.
As if noticing the change Cyno’s fingers immediately still, fanning out across Kaveh’s skull. Holding him carefully.
There’s no fighting the well of tears when he squeezes his eyes shut.
Guilt, frustration and shame all mixing with the desperate, raw pain that still aches through him. It’s nearly too much to bear.
“Gods.” He sniffles, teeth chattering as he cries openly. Unable to wipe at his face without releasing his grip on his lovers. So he just sits there, miserable, a mess of tears dripping down his cheeks. Again he struggles with the urge to apologize. Remorse aching through him while he tries to find the words. When he manages to force them out, they sound weak; shattered. “That was awful.”
Alhaitham tightens his grip on Kaveh’s hand, while Cyno makes a tight sound of distress at his back.
Tighnari, for his part, doesn’t react. At least not right away. Kaveh blinks in an effort to clear his vision, immediately seeking out the Valuka Shuna’s gaze.
Nari has his eyes closed. He’s still gripping the bowl tightly in the hand that Kaveh clutches at. Ears pinned back. A bit of a tremble to his frame. There’s a bone-deep hurt reflected in his pinched expression. When he finally speaks, it’s through a barely contained sob.
“It was so awful.” The Forest Watcher admits, finally opening his eyes again. Tears dripping down his pale cheeks. Brows pinched together. Lips trembling. Those emerald-blue eyes shining with a kind of hurt and vulnerability that Nari rarely shows; to any of them. “I want to rip that bastard’s throat out with my teeth.”
The anger and desperation in his tone just makes Kaveh cry that much harder. He tries to sit up, to comfort his younger lover, but he can’t. His body is still heavy with hurt and exhaustion. It’s taking all he has just to stay away. So instead he gives Nari a little tug. Urging the Valuka Shuna closer to him.
Tighnari goes easily enough. Just drops the bowl to the side and crawls over the edge of the tub. Kaveh isn’t even surprised when he slips into the water, clothing and all. Carefully curling up into Kaveh, arms wrapped around the blonde’s shoulders. Tail limp where it rests, now soaked.
He’s never seen their little fox so distressed, not even after the incident at the Tavern.
Kaveh can feel the way Nari shakes when he presses his face up into the older man’s collar. Quiet, breathless sounds coming from him. They slowly build. Growing louder, more hitching, leaving him rattling uncontrollably with each wet sob that escapes him.
He’s never seen Tighnari cry before.
It makes the ache in his chest that much sharper.
With weak, trembling limbs he wraps around his lover. Alhaitham lets him go without hesitation. Cyno helping to push him up from behind, allowing Kaveh to brace against him while he sits up to hold Tighnari tighter. He’s suddenly viscerally aware of how small Nari is. Always younger, yet also stronger: for all of them, throughout their whole relationship, and friendship too.
Seeing him like this hurts as much as anything that happened the night before.
It’s agony.
He feels more than sees when Alhaitham leans forward over the lip of the tub. Carefully tucks one arm around Nari’s back, extends the other out behind Kaveh, clearly curling around Cyno as well. The General, on the other hand, just lets his head drop down to rest across the blonde’s shoulder. Keeping his careful grip on Kaveh to help the older man stay propped up.
The four of them stay curled up together. Gripping firmly to one another with trembling hands. The pain from everything they’d experienced the night before radiates between them. The moment hurts as much as it heals.
Kaveh ends up openly sobbing through shattered breaths as he basks in the warmth and reassuring pressure of his lovers all around him.
He still feels so incredibly guilty.
He knows he’s not the only one.
So too, he knows that not one of them is at fault here.
Not one of them wants another to feel remorse. Heart aching with regret, yet still so full he’s terrified it might burst. He swallows down his apologies even as he whimpers out a frantic chant of affection.
I’m sorry.
“I love you.”
I’m so sorry.
“I love you so much.”
---
The bath is, for the most part, a blur for Kaveh.
They stay clinging to one another until the water starts to go cold. Then, reluctantly it seems, Tighnari gets them all moving again.
The small man peels himself off of Kaveh, soaked through, looking like a kitten caught in the rain. Then promptly gets back to business. Taking control over cleaning off Kaveh’s sweat damp skin and directing Cyno to do the same for Alhaitham with a nearby cloth.
The scribe, true to character, objects. This leads to a light hearted tit-for-tat between him and the general which, predictably, results in Haitham conceding to let Cyno wipe him down.
The exchange is enough to lighten the air in the room. All four of them seem to relax into the steady routine of bathing. Kaveh even nodding off a bit once or twice as Tighnari cleans him with a soft, careful touch.
He must fall asleep completely at one point, because he wakes up in Alhaitham’s arms, being lowered slowly to a (remarkably clean) bed.
Blinking he takes stock of his surroundings. Surprised to catch sight of Kaeya at the doorway to an entirely different room.
“Ah, you’re looking better.” The Cryo user chimes. His expression is carefully neutral. A small smile and a slight tilt to his head. Still, Kaveh can see traces of worry in the crease of his brow. “Diluc saw fit to get a fresh room for the four of you. We’ll send breakfast up in a few hours.”
Ah. It’s early morning. He’s kept his lovers up all night, it would seem. He struggles to fight back a fresh wave of guilt and worry. Offers his best shaking smile to the cryo user. Forces back the flinch when he speaks, voice broken and raw. “Kaeya, thank you.”
For a moment the knight’s good eye goes glossy. A tremble finds his lip. Then he gathers himself and plasters on that same, charming mask of a smile.
“Of course. Anything for a friend.” He clears his throat, nodding to Kaveh and Alhaitham at the bed. Then he turns, handing a key to someone out in the hallway. “I’ll be in the room two doors down, if you need me.”
It’s Tighnari that steps into view. Cyno at his side. The General’s hand resting firmly on the small of his back. With a nod Nari whispers a quick thank you before the two of them duck inside the room. Kaeya takes the time to ease the door shut behind them.
Then, with the handle clicking into place, the four of them are alone once more.
Kaveh takes a shuddering breath. He tries to relax against the bedsheets. Realizing idly that he’s still donned in a bathrobe. Wanting more than anything for the abrasive fabric to be off his skin. Desperate for the heat of his lovers against him, unimpeded.
“Here.” Alhaitham knows him so well. The Grand Sage bends down to undo the robe. Lifting Kaveh up in order to ease him out of the fabric. The relief he feels when Haitham casts it off to the side is palpable.
He can’t help but immediately reach up. Urging the scribe down. Relishing in the weight and warmth of his solid frame, melding into his own. Basks in it.
It doesn’t take long for the mattress to sink at his waist-
Their younger lovers settle down at the edge of the bed. Staying close, but not quite joining Kaveh and Haitham just yet.
A quick glance over the scribe’s shoulder shows Cyno carefully patting Nari’s tail down with a fresh, clean towel. Carefully working his fingers through the fur, leaving it laid out neat in his wake. Tighnari sits with his back to Kaveh while Cyno dries off his tail.
The Forest Watcher slides one hand back along the bedsheets until he can bump it up against Kaveh’s thigh. The touch is light, but laced with intention.
It’s good, having them all so close like this. Comforting in a way that starts to tamp down the ache of regret still burning in his chest.
Cyno takes his time grooming Tighnari’s tail. Waiting until it’s fluffed up and shiny again before peppering a few, quick kisses to the Valuka Shuna’s brow. All dried off, the two of them finally ease their way onto the bed. Joining Kaveh where he’s got Alhaitham wrapped up in his trembling grip.
He finally relents to letting the scribe move. All of them needing to shift around to get comfortable.Curling up together in bed is a familiar motion for the four of them. Something that now comes as natural as breathing.
Alhaitham ends up flipping their positions. Settles in the middle of the bed and urges Kaveh back down across his chest. Kaveh curls up half over the bigger man’s side, Cyno taking the other side, lifting Haitham’s arm so that he can use his bicep as a pillow. Tighnari crawls to the far side of the bed. Settles in at Kaveh’s back. Both arms wrapped around the architect’s waist while he nuzzles into him. Ends up with his nose tucked right up against Kaveh’s spine.
Once they’re all settled Cyno reaches out across Alhaitham’s chest. Gets a hand over one of Kaveh’s own. Laces their fingers together. The last point of connection they need.
It feels like Kaveh can finally breathe again.
“Thank you.” He murmurs, pressing his face down against Haitham’s warm skin. The steady thrumming of the bigger man’s heart is soothing. Nari’s hold around him is firm and protective. The curl of Cyno’s fingers against his own is grounding, rooting him in the moment. Reminding him that he’s safe. That they’re okay. “Thank you.”
They don’t respond with words. Just a squeeze over his hand, lips coming down to press a kiss to the crown of his head, and arms tightening around his waist.
This time when the dark comes for him, it’s a welcome weight. His breathing goes steady. His body goes lax.
Sleep takes him gently.
The world falls away.
---
He wakes up to the smell of fresh greens. The sweat, fresh burst of plants in the rain. Knows without cracking open his sleep-heavy eyes that he’s not alone in the bed. Tighnari is still wrapped around his waist, tail flicking where it’s curled over his legs.
Idly he realizes that Haitham and Cyno aren’t with them anymore.
Somehow, that’s all it takes to set him off.
Instinctively Kaveh freezes. Completely sober from the drug's influence. Agony burning like acid in his chest when he blinks and recalls, with vivid clarity, everything from the night before. Whatever sparse shred of relief he’d felt when they’d fallen asleep together is long gone. The cold chill splashes over him, forcing back the lingering haze of exhaustion in favour of a hard tremor of anxiety.
He opens his eyes. Staring blearily at the ceilings. Stubborn tears already threatening to spill over his raw, chapped cheeks once more. He breathes in hard. Does his best to swallow up the overwhelming urge to cry. Mouth trembling.
Gods.
He can picture it. His hands in Cyno’s hair, fucking his way down the General’s throat without any care for the smaller man. Keeping him trapped. Choking him with an iron grip. Only to then remember holding Alhaitham’s legs together as he tried to force his way inside the bigger man. Pulling wounded sounds from him with each shift of his hips-
Nausea hits him like a wave. His body flushes hot again. Sweat immediately blooming across his skin. He’s going to be sick.
There’s no time to ease his way out from beneath Nari. Instead he bolts-up. Jostles Tighnari in his effort to stumble out of the bed and towards the door. One hand pressed to his mouth. His whole body is shaking.
The Valuka Shuna is fast.
In the time it takes Kaveh to stumble half-way across the room Nari is off the bed and at his side. Immediately he gets an arm around his waist. Leading him to a door at the opposite side of the room. The ensuite bathroom. Tighnari holds Kaveh as he shoves their way inside. Immediately drawing him over to the toilet.
The moment he’s in front of it, his legs give out. His knees hit the ground and he’s left heaving as he grips the porcelain bowl. Loses (what little he has left of) the contents of his stomach. Prickling heat burning across his face along with a fresh flood of tears.
Tighnari doesn’t say anything.
Just grabs at Kaveh’s hair, gently pulling it back. Bringing his free hand around to brace across his brow. The touch is cooling, comforting and firm. Stays with him when there’s nothing left in him to purge. Until he’s dry heaving while he sobs over the toilet.
Still, Nari says nothing. Just shifts his grip. Still holding Kaveh’s hair, but now using his other hand to rub soothing circles along the older man’s shoulders.
It seems to take ages for the nausea to subside. The heat across his cheeks slowly abating. He stays where he’s hunched and struggles to catch his breath. Tries to focus on the firm touch of Nari’s hand across his back. The way his nails dig in, just slightly, scratching over Kaveh’s back. A welcome distraction from the myriad of awful emotions he’s drowning in.
Only once his breathing starts to steady does Tighnari say anything. His voice is quiet. Reassuring. “It’s not your fault.”
His lips tremble and he forces himself to sit back. Immediately wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand. Couldn’t speak even if he wanted to. The lump in his throat is so big he feels like he might choke.
“None of this is your fault.” Tighnari leans in. Kaveh wants to object. To hold him back. He’s disgusting afterall. It takes everything he has to stay still as the Valuka Shuna presses a kiss to his sweat damp brow. “You did nothing wrong.”
He doesn’t believe it, but he wants to.
He wants to…so very badly.
---
Kaveh tries to insist on another bath, but Tighnari convinces him that a quick brush of his teeth and a wipe down with a warm, damp cloth would be enough.
As per usual, the smaller man isn’t wrong.
He leaves the bathroom feeling refreshed, if not still uneasy. Tighnari doesn’t let him dwell in the sensation for long.
He starts to pull Kaveh back towards the bed. Gentle but insistent. He knows Kaveh so well. Immediately crawling into the bed himself. The Valuka Shuna just draws back the sheets, settles down beneath them, and looks at Kaveh expectantly.
Almost subconsciously he starts to shift forward. Moving towards the edge of the mattress as his stomach still churns, tied up in knots.
“What about the others?” He asks, suddenly anxious with their absence. Glancing around the room as if looking for them, despite knowing that he and Tighnari are alone.
“They’re taking care of something downstairs.” His little lover assures him. Tail flicking as he tilts his head at Kaveh, expression expectant. “I promise, they’ll be here when you wake up next.”
With a shaky nod he lets Tighnari urge him back down against the mattress. His heart hammers in his chest in a way that makes his ribs feel tight. His whole body, still cold with nerves and anxiety. Struggling to process what happened to him since that stranger dragged him out the back door of the Angel’s Share-
Nari once again leaves a comfortable silence between them. As if sensing the overstimulation and frantic anxiety that ratchets through the architect, making him shiver. Instead he simply waits until Kaveh settles down. Then he crawls up over the bigger man, pressing him down (if only slightly) into the mattress.
The weight is immediately welcome. Calming. Safe. The knot of anxiety in his chest loosens.
He sighs into the touch. Brings his arms up to curl over Nari’s small waist. One hand shifting down enough to slide into the Valuka Shuna’s tail. Relishing in the soft, velvet feel of the familiar texture against his finger-tips. Immediately flooded with comfort. The sensation fights tooth and nail against the discomfort in his gut. Assisted further still by the heavy weight of exhaustion that ends up dragging at him.
One moment he’s stroking a hand idly through Tighnari’s tail.
In the next, the dark pulls him under.
---
When Kaveh wakes up for the final time that morning, it’s to the smell of coffee and fresh toast. Hunger cramps in his stomach before he has time to fully ease out of sleep. He’s starving. It’s a comfort, to some degree, since he’s no longer too nauseous to even consider the thought of food. Instead his body feels empty, leaving him with a gnawing sort of hunger.
He groans and starts to sit up. Forcing his bleary eyes open to scan the room around him.
“Hey” Tighnari immediately sits up with him. Arms still bracketed around his senior. Not holding him down, but keeping him close. When he meets Kaveh’s gaze his ears flick back a bit, expression pinching despite his clear efforts to stay neutral and calm. “How do you feel?”
It’s a weighted question. They both know it. Kaveh sucks in a slow, shuddering breath and reaches out to Nari. Encouraging the Forest Watcher to come closer. He goes without hesitation. Gingerly easing across Kaveh’s lap. Once he’s settled they easily curl into each other. Kaveh sighs and shoves his face into Tighnari’s dark, silky locs. Relishing in the twitch of the Valuka Shuna’s soft ears against his cheeks.
“Better.” He murmurs into the crown of the smaller man’s head. Clinging to him. Breathing in the scent of him. Enjoying the feel of his lithe frame pressed up against him. The light brush of his tail slides along Kaveh’s side, familiar and soft. His heart still aches with something akin to grief, but he’s much more comfortable now. The heat is gone. The desperate itch in his skin is gone too. He’s bone sore, but that’s to be expected. “Okay. I’ll be okay.”
For a moment they just cling to each other. Both trying to process everything that’s happened the evening before. Struggling to navigate the aftermath. That is, at least, a familiar voice cuts through the silence.
“Food is ready, if you’re up.”
Haitham.
Kaveh’s mouth trembles a bit where it’s still pressed to the top of Nari’s head. He has to take a moment to compose himself before he’s able to respond. Voice still thick with emotion, despite his best efforts to quell the tight vice in his. “Food sounds good.”
Trembling a bit he reluctantly uncurls himself from Nari’s grip. Immediately seeking out Alhaitham’s gaze. The scribe flinches a little when their eyes meet. Clearly impacted from everything that happened the night before. The moment is gone in a blink. Haitham softens quickly. Bends down to kneel on the bed and reach forward. Cups the back of Kaveh’s head. Urges him gently into a kiss.
It’s almost instant, the way he relaxes into his junior’s touch. One hand coming up to clutch at Alhaitham’s. Sighing into his mouth as a bit more of that knot of anxiety unwinds in his chest. When they draw away from the kiss Kaveh offers him a shaky smile.
The scribe is decked head to toe in unfamiliar, but clean, garb. A simple white shirt with brown trousers. A little tight on Haitham’s built frame, but
“No chance you’ve found some clean clothes for us too?”
“We did, actually.” Cyno moves closer to the bed. He’s in a similar outfit, though it is far too big, hanging off of him and swaying as he moves. His shoulder peaks out from the collar of the shirt. Tanned skin flushed a little red. “Though they do leave much to be desired.”
“They’ll do.” Tighnari eases himself away from Kaveh. Shifting off the bed and reaching for one of the bundles of fabric. Dropping his head onto Cyno’s shoulder briefly as he does.
They share a brief moment, the General urging Nari up for a quick kiss. “I plated your breakfast.”
“You’re a gem.” Tighnari groans, tone grateful. He gives Cyno’s face a light squeeze before he brushes past the Electro user. “I’ll pour us coffee.”
The Valuka Shuna moves towards (what Kaveh can only presume is) the dining area. Posture more relaxed now, but tail still puffed up and twitching at his heels. Cyno watches him go for a moment. Then he turns to Kaveh, moving over to the side of the bed, presenting his fabric offering with a (somehow shy) smile. “Let’s get you dressed.”
Alhaitham is satisfied to watch while Cyno helps him into his borrowed clothes. The scribe seated on the bed at his side. As close to Kaveh as he can get without touching. It leaves the architect feeling safe. Loved. The gentle way that Cyno eases his legs into his trousers. The soft brush of Haitham’s hand against his own when the bigger man leans closer. Mundane little bits of normalcy that wash over him like cool waves.
That knot in his chest unwinds further. The vice across his lungs easing in turn.
He finds himself sighing. Tension slipping from his shoulders while Cyno finishes lacing his trousers. He murmurs his thanks through a deep breath. Still unable to bring himself to smile, but visibly more at ease.
Once he’s fully dressed, his two younger lovers urge him off the bed. His legs feel shaky. Aching exhaustion threatens to make his knees buckle. Not that Cyno or Haitham would let him. They get their arms around his hips and waist. Helping keep him upright, they make their way to a table at the other side of the room. Nari’s got four healthy cups of coffee on the table. Chairs out and waiting for them while the Valuka Shuna pulls food off of a serving platter. Setting plates of Adventurer’s Breakfast Sandwiches, a classic Mondstat dish that has quickly become Kaveh’s favourite. Hunger gnaws through him at the sight, but he feels a little uncomfortable. Unsure if he’s ready to eat something so rich after being sick to his stomach earlier.
Then Nari pulls a final dish out. Dry toast with butter. Setting it in the centre of the table. He smiles up at the three of them and gestures to the table.
Surprisingly (or perhaps not so much so, given the empty aching of his belly) it takes only a slice and a half of toast for his appetite to kick in. He ends up devouring the sandwich. Cleaning his plate with only the occasional pause to wash things down with a soothing wash of hot, black coffee.
By the time Kaveh finishes his plate, Nari automatically rising to refill his cup when it draws empty, he starts to feel human again. He lets himself lean over to the side. Almost instinctively finding Alhaitham’s shoulder. Resting his head there as Tighnari deposits a fresh cup of coffee into his waiting hands.
Not much is said between them as the others finish eating. The silence is comforting and familiar, but Kaveh struggles to relax into it. Even sated with food, gently warmed by the coffee settling in his stomach, he still feels uneasy about everything that’s happened. The idea of airing it all out is terrifying, but not addressing it seems all that much worse.
Clearing his throat he stares resolutely at the mug cupped between his palms. Using his grip over the warm ceramic to hide the building tremble in his fingers. Nearly chokes over the words as they squeeze out from his too-tight throat. “Can we talk about last night?”
The question seems to fill the air with fresh tension. Each of his lovers staying silent. Glancing between each other, before looking to him. There’s a range between their expressions. Anger, hurt, and worry-
“We can, if you feel ready.” Tighnari manages to school his expression back to something light. Just the barest twitch of his lips left to echo his concern. “Though maybe once we get a bit more comfortable?”
Kaveh nods, though he sits frozen even as his lovers start to rise around him. Thankfully Haitham doesn’t let him stay rooted to the table for long. One of those big, familiar hands curling around his shoulder. The touch is enough to unlock his frozen limbs. Allowing him to ease his way up and out of his seat. Immediately gathered up against Alhaitham’s side. His junior’s hand squeezing over his waist. Taking his weight to help him across to the room and back to the bed.
He doesn’t need it at this point. He’s still a little jelly-legged, but he could manage on his own and he knows it. He doesn’t resist. Just allows himself to be urged up and onto the mattress with the help of Haitham’s strong hands. Lets Cyno urge him towards the pillows when the smaller man climbs up next to him.
It takes a moment for all three of them to get settled. The four of them curled up on the bed. Cradled in Haitham’s strong hold on one side. Cyno seated with his head resting against Kaveh’s shoulder on the other. It’s just Nari who’s left still hovering. He kneels at Kaveh’s feet. Stares up at the older man, a question in his gaze. Clearly waiting to gauge how the architect is faring before he crawls his way up to settle over his lap.
Kaveh reaches out almost instinctively. Extending his hands so that Tighnari can shift up between them. Curling over the bigger man. Wrapping his arms around Kaveh before he rests his head against his Senior’s chest. Soft ears flicking a bit, tickling at the underside of Kaveh’s chin.
A sigh bubbles up, slipping from him as the tension slowly eases from his shoulders. He drops one hand down to rest against one of Haitham’s firm, thick thighs. Squeezing there. Letting his head nuzzle down against Cyno’s while he holds Tighnari tight with his free arm around the Valuka Shuna’s waist.
It’s a little uncomfortable, the messy mix of limbs and bodies pressed together in the Inn’s modest sized bed. Yet at the same time it’s everything that Kaveh needs. His chest still hurts, stomach flipping as he continues to process everything that had happened to them since the evening before. Turning yet more as his stubborn mind tries to trick him into blaming himself. Pushing down little whispers trying to build up the flickering embers of remorse and self-loathing fighting to flush its way through him.
The pressure of his lovers’ bodies against his own is all but the only thing keeping him grounded while he fights to keep calm. Bitter anticipation of the conversation to come, choking him out.
“Do you want someone else to start?” Alhaitham’s voice cuts through his steadily building anxiety. The hand curled over his side moving. Thumb stroking up and down where it's pressed into his Senior’s waist.
Always one to snatch the words from Kaveh’s too-tight throat. He nods. Gritting his teeth as he chokes out a strained, “Please.”
Haitham nods. Clearing his throat. “I know you want to apologize for last night.”
Gods-
He can’t bring himself to respond. A tremble creeping along his mouth, his clenched teeth threatening to chatter. He manages another nod. Doesn’t trust himself to speak- not without spitting out the self-deprecating, frantic remorse that claws its way up his throat.
There’s a beat of silence before the bed creaks. Haitham shifts his grip over Kaveh. Urges his Senior to look at him. Waiting until Kaveh’s managed to force his head around, eyes stinging when he meets the Grand Sage’s gaze.
“We all know how sorry you feel. We know how much you care.” He states.
Against his chest Nari makes a soft, rumbling sound of ascension. Tightening his arms around Kaveh’s hips. At the blonde’s side Cyno just tips his face into his throat, nose pressed to the junction between Kaveh’s neck and shoulder. Nuzzling there.
It takes some time for Haitham to continue. All the while the three of them wait. Quiet. Patient.
When the bigger man finally finds his words again, they’re tinged with a light hint of embarrassment.
“It felt good. If it weren’t for the drugs I-” Alhaitham admits. His usually pale complexion colouring as a crimson red flushes across the bridge of his nose. He seems to be barely resisting the urge to look away. Clearly flustered. “I wanted you to. I still do.”
The admission sits strangely in Kaveh’s twisting gut. In a way, it relieves the tight grip of anxiety over his chest. In another, it leaves a sour taste at the back of his mouth. Unable to help but worry that last night has taken something from them. Something he can’t quite place.
He can’t keep Alhaitham’s gaze any longer. Ends up tipping his head up to stare at the ceiling instead. Both to hide, and to blink back the tears that prickle across his lash line. “I still feel like I forced you.”
“You didn’t.” The scribe murmurs, now squeezing his hand where it rests against Kaveh’s side. The pressure is firm and comforting.
“I could have-” The objection slips out before he can stop it.
“But you didn’t.” It’s Cyno who cuts in now. His tone is decisive, authoritative. “Each one of us wanted to help you. Desperately.”
“If anyone is to blame for what happened last night, it’s that Archons-damned bastard from the alley.” Tighnari rumbles against his chest. His tail puffs up a bit, ears pinned back in agitation. “He’s the one who owes us our pound of flesh.”
Kaveh sucks in a deep breath. Trying to accept their words, to internalize them, it’s a struggle. He manages to nod his head, but finds himself unable to stamp down the remorse hovering over his chest. “I feel responsible.”
“You were drugged.” Nari sits up a bit where he’s still plastered to Kaveh’s chest. The anger has fizzled from his tone. His tail still puffed, but his voice is now even and calm. “If it were any one of the rest of us, would you let us take the blame?”
“Of course not.” The words spill from him instinctively. Immediately defensive on the behalf of his lovers…only to thereafter cool to the realization of his own hypocrisy. “I just-”
He trails off, just barely able to resist the urge to sink into self-loathing. Swallowing and shaking his head. “I know it’s not reasonable. I’m just so angry, and I h-”
Kaveh chokes. Caught between screaming out how much he hates that this happened, and how much he instinctively wants to hate himself.
“You have every right to be angry.” Alhaitham sounds strangely vulnerable as he leans in closer to Kaveh. Urging the architect to come nose to nose with him. The scribe’s free hand coming up to cup over his face. Resting there, just the lightest of pressures. “Just not at yourself. Not now, Senior. It hurts us all.”
It’s unsettling, how quickly those words have the tears (the very one’s he’s been fighting back since they settled in the centre of the foreign, four-post bed) dripping down his cheeks. He chokes on the sudden sadness that mixes with helpless affection in his too-tight chest.
“I’ll try.” He stutters out, voice wet, just barely avoiding a sob. He suddenly doesn’t know what to do with his hands. Instinctively releasing his hold on both Haitham and Nari as his fingers start to shake. “I promise I’ll try.”
“Okay.” Alhaitham keeps his touch gentle as he presses a kiss to Kaveh’s trembling lips. Snot and tears be damned. “We can work with that.”