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Chapter Text

Alhaitham fidgets restlessly as the Forest Ranger tends to the wound on his neck. The trek from Sumeru City to the Villa had not been good for the festering bite mark. The Amurta graduate turned Forest Ranger was equal parts confused and livid. Still, he cleaned and disinfected the wound before opening his twitching jaw at him. His eyebrow twitching in time with it even more than he’d seen it when he’d seen it when the electro vision holder was around.

His inner Omega was sending out the strangest hormones, but Alhaitham couldn’t really get a read on them. After all, his scent gland was half destroyed under the other’s hands. He attempted to send out soothing pheromones, but it just made the throbbing worse. It probably doesn’t help he hasn’t really used the gland since he got it. The omega Forest Ranger huffs, applying a thick and stinky layer of paste over his neck.

“Tell me again, how the fuck you managed to get yourself bit? Not to mention how this Omega doesn’t know he bit an Alpha?” Tighnari asks. It’s been an hour, and he’s finally tying off the bandage before stepping away to stare him down. Alhaitham shrugs, and even that much pulls at the gland, shooting pain through his back.

“Do you really want an answer to that?” Alhaitham asks.

“You walked all the way here from Sumeru City to avoid being reported as bonded by Bimarstan. Yes, I damn well want to know the answer!” Tighnari hisses. “At least you didn’t end up here by eating poisonous mushrooms. Still, how do you of all people get bit? You don’t even let people get that close to you.”

“It wasn’t some random Omega, it was Kaveh.” Alhaitham says.

“That explains so much. Still, you said he doesn’t remember?” Tighnari looks rather wearily at him. “I mean, Kaveh’s an idiot, but he’s not that stupid as to bite someone and forget.”

“He’s currently drunk off his ass. Kshahrewar had some sort of meeting and he has to figure out a last-minute project to graduate. I was trying to help him figure it out when he started rambling on about how only Omega’s get bit, and I, well… he’s drunk and, um.” Alhaitham hesitates. “I don’t think I mind. Since it’s Kaveh, it will be an interesting experiment, if nothing else. There’s nothing suggesting an Alpha cannot be bit.”

“You cannot be serious! Your life is not a game Alhaitham, you have no idea of knowing what type of reactions this will have to your body or to Kaveh’s! What this could do to you.” Tighnari sighs. “You’re not listening to a word I’m saying, are you?”

“Not really. How often do I need to treat the bite mark? And with what?” Alhaitham moves to stretch himself out. His shoulders pop, and Tighnari is just staring at him.

“It should heal on its own. At least that’s how Omega bites heal.” Tighnari sighs. “I’ll get you a list to make the paste yourself. Do us all a favor and don’t die. We have no idea what’s going to happen to Kaveh if something happens to you.”

“I don’t go out of my way to get into dangerous situations.” Alhaitham reminds him. “If you could keep this between the two of us, I’d appreciate it. If it gets out that an Alpha was bitten, it might endanger Kaveh as well.” He doesn’t mind the fact Kaveh bit him. If anything, he’s glad it was the blonde who matches him wit for wit. What he does mind is the idea of it turning both of their lives into an absolute circus.

“For the love of—Haitham! This isn’t something you should be hiding.” Tighnari hisses. His pheromones have taken on a sour scent, his ears drop after a moment. “Apologies, I shall keep the information confidential. I don’t want either of you to become an Akademiya experiment.”

“I appreciate it. Is this something I can treat on my own?” Alhaitham repeats.

“Yes, but—” Tighnari sighs. “Wait here. I’ll go collect the herbs you’ll need for about a week’s worth. Then I’ll write you up some directions on how to prepare it. I expect you to stay overnight.”

“I have class in the morning. I have to leave early enough to be on time, and to avoid suspicion.” Alhaitham informs him. The Forest Ranger looks very concerned, but there’s really nothing he can do to change his schedule, he has to be at class tomorrow.

“You’re an idiot. Get some sleep, and I’ll have it ready for travel. You owe me Alhaitham.”

“I do.” He heads for the couch, and tucking himself into the too short piece of furniture.

Everything aches, and Alhaitham’s neck is somewhere north of unbearable. No matter how much it hurts, there’s that piece of his biology that doesn’t regret it. The only person he’s ever connected with is Kaveh. His senior is the only one to really understand him since his grandmother passed away. He doesn’t feel like dealing with it right now, and he doesn’t actually think Kaveh would mind if he admitted it. It’s not other people’s business if he’s bonded or not.

He drifts into his mind space. At the very least, it saves him the annoyance of explains he’s not interested in the average swooning Omega. Kaveh is not a swooning idiot like the rest of the underclassmen, nor is he one of those scheming Omegas just trying to get into his pants. Tighnari is also neither of those things. He’s Kaveh’s closest friend beside him, and he’s clearly pining after that short white-haired electro user from Spantamad.

No, Kaveh won’t remember latching onto his neck after how many drinks he had tonight. He wouldn’t even be mad to learn he marked Alhaitham, when they do eventually talk about it. It can wait until after the Kshahrewar student graduates, then he’ll follow whatever lead Kaveh gives him. Within reason, with Alhaitham’s aversion to work in general.

He wakes up to the Fennic Fox shaking him awake. “Alhaitham? I don’t think you should really go back yet. You’re running a fever, and I don’t have time to escort you back yet, and Cyno’s still in classes himself.” Tighnari leans back on his haunches. “This is going to be awkward as hell to explain. How exactly are you even going to handle the situation? You do realize this has—” Tighnari sighs, holding his head against the upcoming headache. “You know what, never-mind, it’s not my business.”

“I appreciate it. From my understanding, a bond only solidifies if an Omega is bitten. While I might be claimed, I technically hold no power over him. As far as the laws are concerned, nothing has actually happened. I also hold him to no expectations about a random bite when he was drunk.”

“Haitham—” Tighnari’s tone is all sorts of concerned. “This is serious.”

“I’m aware. Evidentially I’m not going anywhere for a bit either.” Alhaitham staggers outside, takes a few more steps, and barfs up his dinner from last night. The Forest Ranger tentatively starts rubbing his back, and his knees buckle with his efforts to stay inside the fence rather than over it. “I hate to ask, but I need to borrow your couch for maybe a few days.”

“I’d rather you were here, where I can keep an eye on you. You should send word to the Akademiya and Kaveh you’re not going to be there, though.” Tighnari sighs. “You’ll owe me big time for this, Alhaitham.”

“Evidentially. I appreciate it.” He pauses to keep emptying his guts once more. “You may have to write the letter for me.”

“I’ll consider it.” Tighnari rubs his back. “I’ll get you an actual cot. You’re too tall for my couch.” He leads Alhaitham back to his hut and helps him sprawl out in a corner on the floor. His head is lifted for a moment and a pillow slid under it.

“Kaveh can’t know. Not yet. It would just be a distraction while he’s trying to graduate. I have no interest in anyone else, so it shouldn’t cause any issues for either of us while he’s finishing it up.” Alhaitham watches the Forest Ranger blink slowly.

“You’re a damned idiot.” Tighnari finally says. The Forest Ranger will keep his secret, as a matter of professional pride at this point. Alhaitham turns himself to face the ceiling. This was not in his plans. He’d be rather disappointed if Senior Kaveh changed his mind about wanting him now. Even the small amount of contact they had as students told him it was the right choice to allow the rash bite.

“Look, I don’t like this at all. It’s unheard of for it to happen, and it sure as hell isn’t documented at all. So one of my rules for keeping my mouth shut for Archon’s sake, is that you document anything and everything relevant side effects wise. Because there will be unpleasant side effects so long as you two are not in close contact, Alhaitham.” He nudges his hand, and there’s a glass of water waiting for him.

“I’m aware. Will a detailed list of notes suffice?” He asks after he inhales the glass.

“I’ll consider it a suitable compromise. Monthly visits until it heals or a change is noted.” Tighnari scoots back out of his personal space. There’s a second where Alhaitham thinks he might want to glare a hole into his forehead. In the end, he just sighs, placing both hands on his thighs. “I respect your decision not to tell him for now, but if this bite leads to a health condition for either of you, I reserve the right to interfere.”

“You may immediately, if we determine a negative effect for Kaveh. I counter that any negative effect on myself should be my choice unless leading to my immediate death or something equally preventable.” Alhaitham will not inconvenience his senior for anything less, and that is his choice. “I’m fine with the current situation as it is. I will not push him away, but I’m not holding him to a promise that it’s extremely likely he won’t remember.” He holds a hand to his still swollen gland. “It would be cruel to him if this wasn’t what he wanted. I also have no intentions of being the first documented case of a bitten alpha.” Tighnari sighs again, hand going to his temple once more.

“You’re going to be the death of me. You’re aware how utterly unfair this has the potential of being to you?” Tighnari is rubbing his temples. “Alphas, you—aren’t meant to be claimed like this. No one knows what could happen to you.” Hopefully, nothing terrible. This first day, however, it was shaping up to be a major pain in his ass.

“You’re an Amurta student. Give me a list of questions and I shall answer them as they become relevant and record anything I find as different.” Alhaitham shrugs. “Your suggestion of once a month is more reasonable than I suspected you’d be. You can also stop in and check in on me if you’re that concerned.” He groans for a moment. He’ll need to make a pass for Tighnari and Kaveh to have access to his dorm room and Darshan.

“I’ll change out the dressing in a few hours, but the best cure for this would be to have Kaveh tend to it. Since it’s his bite, his saliva would help it heal.” Tighnari sighs. “Are you sure—”

“Positive. I’ll make sure a note is made with my Darshan to grant the two of you access. If they give you a problem, have them fetch me directly.” Alhaitham leans back. The pain in his neck pulses and makes it hard to sleep.

“I’ll send Cyno by to check on you as well. He’s observant enough. I won’t tell him the details, but you should consider it.” Tighnari says quietly.

“I don’t need someone, particularly another Alpha, to check on me, Tighnari.” Alhaitham shakes his head. “No one else.”

“What about Kaveh?” Tighnari asks.

“Kaveh doesn’t remember to eat when he’s working on a project. Do you really expect him to notice something’s wrong with me before I do?” Alhaitham asks.

“True enough.” Tighnari sighs. “This is going to go badly—“

“If I feel unwell, I’ll go to the Amurta run infirmary immediately. If I’m well enough to travel back tomorrow—” He’ll leave before the Omega can protest further about him telling Kaveh.

Chapter Text

His absence does not go unnoticed, and he’s called into Haravatat Sage’s office. One look at the bags under his eyes though, and the sage realizes it wasn’t just him skipping classes. “Is everything alright Alhaitham?”

“I was injured while visiting a Matra outside the Akademiya, the Ranger Tighnari. He’s working on a project that I’m following the progress on.” Alhaitham was following several projects out there, but mostly he’d just wanted Tighnari to check on the bite.

“I see. You’ll have remedials once you’re healed the rest of the way. I’ll have your professors draw up a list of missed lessons. From my understanding, it shouldn’t affect too much of your standing, considering you were already sitting ahead of most of your classmates.” The Haravartat Sage stares at him.

“It shouldn’t. I’ll take a few more days to rest, but I should be able to read while I’m recovering.” Alhaitham inclines his head. He excuses himself, heading to his room to drop off the medications Tighnari ground up. On the way, he almost trips into a statue, caught only by a familiar hand.

“Junior?” Kaveh’s voice is soft. “Are you alright? It’s not like you skip class. What happened to your neck?” His fingers trail over the carefully overdone bandages. The gland pulses under his touch, but it’s not painful like he’d expect. “Looks like Tighnari’s handy work. Is that where you were?”

“I was checking in on a source for a project I’m following. Tighnari was able to patch me up. My apologies for worrying you, Senior.” Alhaitham bows his head slightly. That and he still can’t smell anything, so that’s mildly concerning.

“Well, then don’t wander off on your own and leave my room looking like a blood bath afterwards.” Kaveh rolls his eyes. “I didn’t accidentally stab you or something in my sleep, did I? I get you don’t like Darshan parties and it was a really long night for both of us.”

“Nothing I couldn’t handle.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh lends him an arm back to his room, and deposits him in his bed. “Did you figure out that last-minute project?”

“It has to be a joint project with another Darshan. Are you interested in helping your wonderful senior find a crossover between Kshahrewar and Haravatat?” Kaveh asks.

“Let me finish healing up, and I’ll get back to you. I suggest looking at Dreshet ruins potentially. It’s the best merger of technology and language that comes to mind.” Alhaitham suggests, carefully settling himself into his own bed after two long days at in the woods.

“You’re actually considering this? I thought I’d have to work harder, considering you hate working with other people.” Kaveh sets his boots by the door. His eyes narrow at Alhaitham as he settles in at the desk. “What do you want in exchange?”

“At the moment? Sleep.” Alhaitham says. A quiet nap with Kaveh just lurking sounds perfect. “You can stay if you want.”

“I was planning on it. My favorite Junior went missing for two days, and I had to plan a whole new project? I’ve been tearing my hair out looking for your anti-social ass. I’ll be planted here until my final’s done, anyway.” Kaveh gives him a smile.

“Do I need to give someone written permission for you to stay?” Alhaitham asks. His head is already feeling better. He’ll have to add it to the notes for Tighnari.

“Nah, they saw me with you, and figured if you didn’t kick me out, it’s fine.” Kaveh waves his hand. “Get your sleep. I’ll wake you up for lunch later. I promise it won’t be soup.”

If his body didn’t feel like a wrecking ball had gone through it, then he might have appreciated the thought more. When he wakes up several hours later, his room is empty and there’s a bunch of sketches of the Dreshet ruins laying across his desk. All in various stages of completion. Where is Kaveh?

~~~~~~~~~~

(During Alhaitham’s visit to Tighnari)

Kaveh frowns. His head is fucking pounding when he comes to, and his room looks like something died in it. There’s blood everywhere, and to his horror, it smells like his absent junior. What the fuck had happened to Alhaitham? The blood is all over his mouth, his carpet, the bed. Kaveh’s pounding head refuses to comprehend anything.

“What the hell happened?” Kaveh tumbles out of his bed and moves to the bathroom. The only enjoyable part about being an Omega was the attached bathroom. There’s yet more blood in there. His junior didn’t seem dead. There’s nothing suggesting it anyway. It’s entirely too much to deal with first thing in the morning.

“All Kshahrewar graduate students, your joint project proposals are due at the end of the week. Extensions will be given on a case-by-case basis.” One professor announces. “Since most of you are probably still hungover from you party last night. These projects must be done with another Darshan. It’s to test how well you can work with others. All submissions are due to the Kshahrewar Sage.”

No wonder his head hurts, the second he’d heard that he probably decided to out drink the sages. That doesn’t explain how his Junior’s blood ended up all over his room. Or why the young alpha was in his room? He gets a coffee, and then another three to follow. He wonders what he could possibly do to convince said brilliant junior to work with him. If anyone could make his project a sure pass, it’d be Alhaitham, if he can find him.

The classes pass in a blur. All the while, there’s an uneasy feeling in his gut. Where is Haitham? That book nerd wouldn’t miss a class even if he was four weeks ahead of it! He checks each of the Haravatat’s classes. He’s absent from all of them. Kaveh turns to his backup plan, the Spantamad alpha that hangs out with Tighnari. Cyno is somewhat hard to find, as he’s almost half a foot shorter than Alhaitham and himself.

“Cyno!” The white-haired Alpha spins on his heel, and red eyes looking up at him curiously. “I need your help.”

“With what? That alpha bothering you? Alhaitham, right?” Cyno asks.

“Yes, but no. He’s missing Cyno, its not like him to miss all of his classes like this! Not to mention… Come with me, it’d be easier to show you.” Kaveh drags him to his room. The tiny Alpha’s eyes widen. “It’s his blood, isn’t it?”

“It’s Alpha blood. There’s no distress despite the fact it’s everywhere. It’s a superficial wound at best. What did you do?” Cyno asks. His eyes are half blown, and Kaveh sits down on the sheets.

“That’s just it. I don’t know, and Haitham—” The low pulsing feeling of unease in his guts. “I’m worried, that’s all.”

“Part of that is in your nature as an Omega. I know you don’t enjoy talking about it. There’s a certain amount of it that will just make you worried, but there is nothing here suggesting he’s hurt except the blood.“ Cyno sighs. “I’ll look into it, discreetly. Your heart rate’s elevated. I can hear it from here, take a day, relax. Alhaitham’s not the stupid sort. He’s probably at Bimarstan getting treated for it.”

“Alhaitham would never go to a doctor. He’s as much of an Alpha moron as the rest of you. He licks his wounds and hides for a bit. You and I both know Haitham wouldn’t be caught dead at Bimarstan. Unless he actually was dying, and one of us drug him there!” Kaveh protests.

“True enough. I would have gone to—I think I know where he’s gone. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, Kaveh.” Cyno bows his head, and is gone in a swirl of Spantamad student robes. None of it makes him feel any better, and he haunts the House of Deana. Hoping that his junior will show up, or even Cyno with some news.

He ends up sleeping on their regular study table, and it’s not until midday when a pair of smaller alpha hands are shaking him awake, though not unkindly. It’s Cyno, and there’s a somewhat relieved expression. “I found him.” Cyno says quietly. “Follow me.” Kaveh jumps onto his feet, following the Spantamad student out of the House of Deana like someone’s life is on the line.

“Well?” Kaveh’s fists clench into his own robes. “Is he okay?”

“Not particularly. He’s under Tighnari’s watch. He won’t tell me anything. Only that he’s mending and that Alhaitham asked for his discretion.” Cyno says. He crosses his arms. “He looks miserable, but he should be back in a few days. Tighnari said it’s nothing life threatening, and that’s all he can divulge.”

“As long as Haitham is alive. Thank you Alpha Cyno, I owe you.” It hurts his pride to say such a thing, and Cyno looks contrite just listening to it.

“You can just call me Cyno, Senior Kaveh. You’re good friends with Tighnari, and I hope to earn that trust one day too. Take care of yourself.” The white-haired alpha bows his head, excusing himself back to his studies. It leaves Kaveh time to clean the blood he’s left to stain his room for an undetermined amount of hours. At least now that he knows it won’t be considered a crime scene.

He passes out after, but no one bothers to check in on him because the Kshahrewar students are supposed to be planning their joint projects. Most of the other students of his darshan are probably losing their collective minds by either planning, getting drunk, or both. At least Cyno said that his junior was okay, even if they hadn’t heard from him directly yet. He spends the time he can’t do anything else researching different architectures that might be connected to ancient civilizations. Trying to figure out how he could con Haitham into a project.

In the end, nothing holds his interests long enough to research. He sketches various building outlines, ideas for bridges, and a house or two. He’s lost track of how much time it’s been, then that uneasy feeling that’s been tugging at him grabs Kaveh’s attention. There’s no rhyme or reason as to how he throws the items into his bag. He doesn’t see his junior right away, but he can feel his subdued Alpha presence has returned.

Alhaitham has returned, and of course his first stop is the Haravatat Sage’s office. Kaveh can trace his scent through the corridors easily. He can’t lurk near the sage’s office, but he can wait near the corridor leading to the student dorms. The meeting isn’t long, and Kaveh shifts from foot to foot, waiting for Haitham to finally walk down the corridor. The alpha looks like he got the shit beat out of him. There are bandages going up his neck, and back down into the mass of his robes.

“Junior?” Kaveh asks. The rest of his words are a blur. He’s supporting the alpha back to his dorm room. Haitham is out of it. He can see Tighnari’s handiwork in the bandages. There’s also an overwhelming stench of herbs, probably something to treat whatever injuries left that blood trail.

Haitham is subdued, but given everything, it looks like he’s just tired. He’s not as snarky as he should be. He also smells heavily of Tighnari’s presence, but there’s nothing suggesting anything outside of treatment. Kaveh hates that. He hates that someone else’s scent is on his junior. He hates that the Alpha ran at all, but he’s back now. He’s damn well going to keep watch over him until he’s back on his feet, or his junior kicks him out of his dorm.

Imagine his surprise when Haitham is not only agreeable to work with him, but pointed him in a direction to research. He rests next to the recovering Alpha on his narrow bed at night, and returns to the desk to prepare something more concrete to ask him for the joint project. Unfortunately, security for the Haravatat dorms isn’t happy to see him. He’s not allowed back in and has to completely abandon his notes. It sets off his inner Omega, much to his irritation, but nothing he does now will convince them to let him back into Haitham’s room.

He has to wait for Haitham to show himself again. His junior doesn’t disappoint at least. Haitham’s look is dark as thunder as he leaves his room. It softens slightly when he makes eyes contact with Kaveh, but closes as he turns on dorm security. That ring of scarlet around his eyes is bleeding into the teal.

“Senior Kaveh has permission to be in my room so long as he desires. Omega or not, he’s allowed. As is Amurta Matra Tighnari and Spantamad Cyno.” Alhaitham says. Tone cold as ice as he steps between Kaveh and the security officer. “He’s been looking after me as I recover from my injuries from my trip.”

“I understand that, Alpha Alhaitham, but he cannot be there without your expressed permissions ahead of time.” The guard is withering under Haitham’s attention. “Especially since you’re an Alpha, and he is not. Unless you’re a bonded pair, such visitations are not usually permitted.”

“Is this a dorm rule or an individual student’s? We’re studying. There’s nothing untoward going on with Senior Kaveh. Do I need to apply to the Haravatat Sage to get this approved, or just sign some ridiculous form?” Alhaitham asks.

“One for each Omega you’re allowing in your personal space. I’ll file them. I’ll have the forms ready for you to pick up by the end of the day. Since you’ve already told me the purpose of their visitations, it shouldn’t be difficult to finish up.” The guard swallows.

“Then if we’re finished, I’m supposed to be recovering, and Senior Kaveh has been looking after me while this is going on. If I find him missing again, and it’s not Senior Kaveh’s choice—” Alhaitham’s voice is a low growl. “Senior is under my protection. Do we understand each other?”

“Crystal sir.”

Alhaitham turns back to Kaveh and offers his hand. He leads him back to his room and promptly falls on his bed. “My head hurts.”

“I should expect so. You have eaten nothing substantial since you got back. Did you change your bandages on your own while I was—occupied?” Kaveh reaches out, his fingers brush against the fresh bandages.

“I did. The wound is grisly, and Tighnari provided care instructions with proper medicines for it.” Alhaitham bobs his head slowly. “It’s contagious when exposed, so I took care of it first.” He’s lying, but not entirely. The wound looks like it’s been properly cared for. He’s going to leave it be for now.

“Okay, back to bed. You can go back to threatening security over me later, junior.” Kaveh pulls the covers up to his shoulders. “I’ll be just over there, but if you need anything.”

“Food later. Thank you for watching over me, Senior.”

“Get some rest Haitham. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” Kaveh sets a hand on his shoulder. He genuinely means it. Haitham doesn’t have anyone else, and he’s in no condition to look after himself. Kaveh will be there as long as it takes for him to get back on his feet.

Chapter Text

Tighnari wants to scream. Alhaitham hasn’t been seen in two weeks, and Kaveh is complaining in the Villa after he caused the rift with the Alpha. Cyno has been looking for the Haravatat student since the beginning of the second week, but when Alhaitham doesn’t want to be found, the Alpha’s trail has been cold for too long for even someone as talented as Cyno to find him.

“That ridiculous Alpha asshole! The nerve of him, to insist—“ Kaveh drones on various complaints about the junior student. All the complaints stem from some random joint project that the two of them were having an argument over. Though in this case—it seemed less like an argument and more like a catastrophic fall out in the works. If not for the letter Haitham had sent him in confidence, he’d be worried about their fledging bond.

Cyno is eyeing him with concern each time he checks in, watching him resist the impulse to tug his ears down in frustration. Alhaitham had provided him with valuable data, observations on how their ‘shared’ condition affected him. It also includes notes on the changes he’s noticed with Kaveh since the incident. That doesn’t mean he’s happy about it!

Alhaitham genuinely doesn’t believe that Kaveh knows about it, even though he’d nursed him back to health over the week following the bite on the Akademiya side. The way he miraculously showed up the moment Alhaitham was back? It had to be the bond in action. At least that’s Alhaitham’s theory, and from what Tighnari’s seen so far, it’s a sound one.

“Where did he even go? It’s not like he really cared about that thesis paper—“ Kaveh’s face fell. Crimson eyes tear up, looking pointedly away from Tighnari as he folds up on himself. It’s less of Kaveh’s typical behavior, and more of a rejected Omega. Something Tighnari’s had more than enough practice in dealing with.

“What exactly did you say to Alhaitham?” Cyno asks. The Alpha strides in, looking exhausted. “I still haven’t found any sign of him. I head about a note that he’s on study abroad. There’s a copy of it filed in the House of Daena. The clerks dug it out for me. Signed with an official approval signature. Even the fucking Mahamatra have no idea where the hell he is, just that it has the Haravatat Sage’s written permission, and that’s who signed off on request by the way. Doesn’t say where on any of the documents. I even got the old man to look into it.”

That the head of the Mahamatra Cyrus couldn’t find where one student had gone was rather impressive on its own.

“Mondstadt perhaps.” Tighnari guesses. “It’s got a library and a former Akademiya student running it.”

“Is that a guess or—“ Cyno asks.

“One of the Forest Watchers dropped off a letter for me, with his signature on it. We should leave him to whatever he’s working on for now.” Tighnari sighs. Cyno gives him a raised eyebrow, but he discretely shakes his head. He’ll tell the Alpha later, when Kaveh isn’t about to have a breakdown.

“He’s okay then?” Kaveh looks over at him hopefully. Tighnari sighs. “Right… so, I might have told him that I wished we had never met.” Tighnari’s blood freezes in his veins. That would explain the coldness in the letter he got. Alhaitham might not have a lot of emotions, but he did have some. Cyno’s more visible eye widens slightly.

“You told him what?”

The rest of the night passes with Kaveh curled up on the same mat Alhaitham had occupied a few months ago. Crying silently as his distressed Omegan hormones override his normal sensibilities. Not that he’d be doing any better with those, dense as he is about his relationship with the other.

He whispers a quiet word of comfort before catching Cyno’s attention. There’s a nearby withering zone he could use the Spantamad Alpha’s help with. They’re both happy to be out of the hut that’s suffocatingly full of distressed Omega scents at the moment. Cyno is more than happy to beat the shit out of anything that gets too close to him, and Tighnari is more than happy to let him.

“You lied to him. You know where Alhaitham is right now, not that I blame you for hiding it. To tell Alhaitham he wished he’d never met him. If you said such a thing to me, I’d be distraught.” Cyno sighs, swinging his pole arm into a fungus that crept in while he was speaking. “—where did that thick headed scholar go?”

“I can’t tell you that. I’m sorry. He’s probably still looking into the ruins for their thesis if I know anything about that stubborn man. His letter doesn’t name which ruins, only that he went out there for space, which given what Kaveh told us—” Tighnari pauses. The Electro vision holder shivers.

“I don’t blame him. Rumors of their fallout has scattered through the Akademiya like wildfire. For a private person like Alhaitham? It’d be a nightmare. Kaveh’s endured no end of questions, but he doesn’t have any answers for them.” Cyno spots the withering zone, and he’s zipping off in a trail of Electro. Tighnari picks off irritated fungi from around him, letting the alpha handle the majority of his frustrations on the not so innocent pests. As the zone closes, Cyno looks back at him.

“Cyno, there’s one more thing. Something that Alhaitham made me swear not to tell anyone—” Tighnari watches the other alpha tense.

“What is it ‘Nari?”

“Kaveh bit him.” Tighnari says quietly. “Not defensively. He marked Alhaitham a month ago.” The alpha beside him cringes.

“You’re fucking kidding me. That’s why he was here then. It wasn’t an attack, it was that bite.” Cyno turns away. “How—how is that even possible? Kaveh doesn’t know, does he? Otherwise he never would have said that to him—” His grip is white knuckled on his pole arm. Tighnari leans against him for support.

“Oh, there’s no doubt Alhaitham wanted it left alone until their graduation. Given everything? I doubt Kaveh has a clue. That said, there’s a bond between them. Kaveh’s current breakdown is no different from your average Omega rejection. The difference is they are bonded, and he doesn’t know that’s what this is.” Tighnari explains. “Alhaitham is likely much worse since the bond is more active on his side since the bite. He would not want Kaveh to worry about him, but he also needs the time to recover from this on his own. I feel his ‘disappearance’ is entirely reasonable, given the situation.”

“How does Kaveh not know, though? Clearly, even Alhaitham felt something about this, or he wouldn’t have gone to such an extreme.” Cyno is shaking beside him, and Tighnari settles into his side. The low grumble of a thunderstorm lurks over head. “How could either of them be so dense?”

His heart aches for the two idiots. He pulls Cyno’s arm over his shoulder and they cuddle beneath the shelter of the tree. Truly not the best idea, but better than being soaked through as the sky opens up and dumps around them. “Once Kaveh’s in a better headspace, I’d like to bond with you, but—if we do Kaveh’s likely to spiral, especially while Alhaitham is licking his own wounds out of the public eye. If you can wait for me?”

“Of course I will. First, we’ve got to help those two. Even Alhaitham would need to recover from something like that. I know I wouldn’t be able to just bounce back from that. I’m worried ‘Nari, this could be an enormous setback for Alhaitham even registering his emotions. Kaveh’s at least versed in dealing with his, even if his manner of it isn’t spectacularly great either.” Cyno sniffs at his neck. Tighnari releases soothing hormones, and Cyno relaxes at his side. “Are you sure about us, I mean?”

“Cyno, if you ask me that one more time, I will send your ass all the way up to Mondstadt with Kaveh, just as an excuse. Of course I’m sure! You’re my idiot with the terrible jokes.” Tighnari huffs, his tail swishing behind him. “I agree with Alhaitham on one thing, its better done after graduation.”

“That might be the most intelligent remark he’s ever made.” Cyno agrees. “I’ll monitor him from afar then. If it becomes a problem though—“

“Alhaitham will never agree to mark him, not unless Kaveh’s endangered.” Tighnari shakes his head. “Those two are more stubborn than you insisting the jokes you tell are good ones.”

“Hey!”

“It’s true. You should work on your material, Alpha.”

Chapter Text

Alhaitham has steadfastly ignored the mark on his neck since Kaveh’s outburst that night nearly a decade ago. He treats the mark every night before bed with a special paste made by Tighnari and lets it breathe until he has to get ready for work. It’s a cushy job. It doesn’t require a lot of thought on his part, but it pays the bills.

Today is one of those days, though that tries his patience more than others. Halfway into his morning, he’d received a memo of an impending visit of a sage, Amurta judging off the paperwork, so he’ll have less time to deal with his work. He’s in the middle jotting down his latest notes when there’s a quiet but forceful knock at his door. He doesn’t look up.

The notes are, in fact, the sages’ collective meeting from earlier. When he looks up, there’s more than one sage standing in his office looking down at him. There’s also several Matra waiting awkwardly behind them.

One of them clears their throat, and Alhaitham closes the folder holding his notes. There’s a polite air to it, and he’s almost curious what they want with him. He slides the folder across his desk to the done pile.

“Scribe Alhaitham.”

“Sage.” He bows his head curtly. Nothing ever good ever comes from these conversations. The last time they started this shit, he got sent to Port Ormos for one of their ridiculous errands. That ended with a coup and a freed god who bothered him on an almost weekly basis.

Way too much work, and not nearly enough pay off. At all.

“Can I help you, gentleman?” He puts a paperweight on the stack of completed file folders, and another on the ones ready for him to process.

“The Akademiya is testing all of its Alphas. It has come to our attention—“ the sage drones on.

Alhaitham tuned it out after it became apparent he was going to be taken to wherever this test was, whether he was interested or not.

He’s never bothered hiding his status as an Alpha, but he was hoping he’d avoid this sort of shit by working for the Akademiya directly. Rather unfortunate, in the scheme of things. He makes eye contact with Cyno as they pass the General in the hallway. The General Mahamatra frowns, immediately turning on his heel to follow.

“Where are you taking the Scribe? Why wasn’t I informed about?“ Cyno’s irritated scent floods the hallways. He’s glad he’s not the only one annoyed with this development.

“I was not aware that we answered to you, General Mahamatra. Last I checked, it was you who answered to our calls?” The Sage says gesturing for them to continue. Alhaitham doesn’t hear the rest of the conversation, but if Cyno doesn’t know anything—

Alhaitham prepares himself for a long trip into his mind palace. His inner Alpha can handle whatever stupid tests they’re about to throw at him, but the lack of information about what they’re testing bothers him. There’s several long pages of wavers read to him, and his inner Alpha bemoans about as much as he does. Listening to it in the detail befitting his station as the scribe. Alhaitham curtly tells the annoying presence in his head that it’s his turn to deal with them before conjuring his latest book in his mind palace to tune them out.

Cyno would be lying if he said he wasn’t concerned about the Sages and some of his men marching Alhaitham off like some type of criminal.

The Scribe had kept his head down, mostly. He’d lived his life as a quiet day-to-day thing. He’d been gifted the house that he and Kaveh had won with their thesis. A paper Alhaitham had rewritten from scratch while gone for his two-week sabbatical. Still attaching the Omega’s name, even if they hadn’t spoken since.

Kaveh had been wandering for years. He would write Tighnari, but never the two Alphas. Tighnari suggested because he was an Omega too, and that it was considering improper to write an Alpha that was not one’s own. That said, Tighnari wrote to whomever he so wished, namely because his name was so well known amongst the Amurta community that it would have been odd for him not to.

In his own words, Tighnari described it as Kaveh being stuck in the Omega traditions of the past. So as the scents of distressed Alphas started flooding the surrounding buildings, Cyno felt himself being tugged towards it like a moth to a flame. There was a scent below it all, along with—blood? His guts churned. The last time he’d stepped into a situation like this, it’d been Kaveh looking for that idiot.

Having enough clearance to follow the distressed scents was somewhere between a blessing and a curse. While on one hand, the Sages couldn’t stop him from looking for Alhaitham, the scent of death permeating the building was foreboding. That Alhaitham’s pheromones were strong enough to actually stand out was concerning on its own. In the depths of the Akademiya, with the scent of distressed alphas, death, and blood, the Scribe’s unfiltered rage was like walking through smog.

His own inner alpha was thrashing over the uncomfortable mix of smells. He could only imagine how the Scribe was handling it, given his senses were more acute than most. What he didn’t expect was several omegas dragging out brutally bisected corpses out of a dark room. The scent of death choked out all but that rage that was spilling out from the darkness. Cyno peers around the corner, and even his vision can’t make out anything in the room outside the bright Dendro green of his coworker’s vision.

There was no fear, no longing, just straight rage wafting out of the dark. It was suffocating, and he has to back out to look over bodies of his men. If the stank of pheromones hadn’t made the other’s displeasure obvious enough, the butchered corpses would have. There’s no sign of a fight, just straight executions and the faint traces of Dendro where a conjured blade slashed their throats. What the fuck was going on with the Scribe?

There’s a Sage shivering in the corner, brown oozing out his robes at a slow pace. The two Mahamatra collecting the bodies are Omegas, and while they both look traumatized by what they’re seeing, neither appear to be injured.

“General!” They both salute as they finally notice him. They wearily look from the sage back to the dark room beyond.

“General Mahamatra? We cannot afford you to it—don’t go in!” The whimpering Sage is clinging to the folds of his robes, and it’s so distasteful he nearly sneers. Cyno yanks the cloth out of the other’s hands. The Sage is a mere beta, but even he’s suffering under the weight of whatever is going on.

“What did you do to my friend?” Alpha authority oozing out of him as he takes in the brutality laid out in the hallway. The Sage shrivels into a corner, backing away from the open doorway. That Alhaitham hasn’t even tried to exit is also rather telling that something is very wrong with his friend.

“We—we were testing for the existence of a different type of Alpha. There’s a rumor about another type, a darker, more dangerous one. We didn’t know the Scribe was one of them, and now we don’t know how to reverse the drug we gave him!” The Sage is pleading. Cyno moves to the door. He’s dealt with Alhaitham’s inner Alpha before.

It’s brutal, yes, but not usually unnecessarily violent like this. Sedate than during spars that show just how much the Scribe hides behind his title of feeble scholar. No, with all everything he knows, he’s not worried about his safety at the moment. Or Alhaitham’s, given how precise those cuts are.

“You’re all morons.” Cyno mutters. “Stay here. I’ll see how bad the situation actually is—”

“No General! Please, we can’t afford—”

“Alhaitham will not harm me, as I do not intend to cause him harm. Unlike whatever the hell you all have done.” Cyno growls. “Are there any other bodies? What of the Scribe himself?”

“The Scribe watches us, but it’s as if he’s not there. Not the quiet man that we know him as, anyway. It’s like being watched by a tiger, but knowing you’re under its protection.” The older of the two Omega Matra answers with a shiver. “He won’t let us get close enough to check on him, which is as much a defensive move as it is a precaution. When we first went in, he would lightly push us away, but after continued attempts to apprehend him, the Scribe has—teleported away?”

“Yes, that’s an ability he has through his Vision. Most don’t know about it, as Alhaitham doesn’t showcase his ability to fight often. I could not tell you its range, or if it’s a line-of-sight thing.” Cyno confirms. Even if he could, he wouldn’t reveal such a thing after this.

“Will you be safe, sir?” The other asks.

“I think so, but I’ve also sparred against him many times outside this. If he truly does not wish for me to be there, I shall take the hint.” Cyno nods. “That doesn’t explain why this interrogation room is dark.”

“Oh, he responded even more violently to the higher light levels. He moved like a man possessed by corrupted knowledge, and rather than provoke him further, they turned the lights off. He stopped growling and snarling at that development.” The elder omega says. He glances back at the room. “As much as the situation is terrifying, I’m not afraid of Scribe Alhaitham. If anything, I felt safer with him watching us than most of our recent assignments, with the utmost respect, General.”

“That’s because good Alphas do not harm Omegas under any circumstances. Alhaitham has always been a good Alpha, even if he rarely showcases it.” Cyno gives them a grim smile. “As for the lights, that’s not all that surprising. He wears noise cancelling headphones for a reason, and with his hyper focus, I’d be surprised if he wasn’t light sensitive.”

He sends out his pheromones into the dark depths of the interrogation room, though cave might be a better description for it. Now that he’s actually looking in it, he notices the utter lack of presence in the room. He sends out his scent into the room, and there’s an answering question in the air, one that his nose determines as are you friend? Or foe?

Elemental sight reveals nothing, but not because it’s dark. The entire room is infused with pure Dendro, its almost blinding how much is stuffed in the cave, so that’s why his Matra couldn’t see Alhaitham. The other alpha snorts, and after a moment, he realizes the Scribe is behind him.

“Alhaitham?” He whispers. The question in the air retreats, and the rage has dissipated to something bearable when the other recognizes its him. He puts his hands in the air and refuses to flinch as Alhaitham sniffs his scent gland. “I promise, I mean you no harm.”

“Leave Dreshet.” The Scribe’s voice is a low, guttural growl before he steps away. Cyno remains still. This is definitely still the inner alpha. Alhaitham would never have called him that, and the implication of it—

“I am not Dreshet.” Cyno holds a small ball of Electro in his palm. Alhaitham’s Dendro blades flicker into existence within inches of his face. The glow of them illuminates the scribe, and the other alpha’s snarl dies in the back of his throat as he takes in who he’s holding at sword point.

“Pack.” The blades are banished, and he steps back into the shadows once more. Only his vision pulsing rapidly in the darkness that remains. The statement startles him, and Cyno stares after the Dendro vision, pacing the corners of the room. Since when is he considered like family to—oh, archons above. It’s because of Kaveh.

The Scribe, with his own lack of friends and family, has accepted the Omega’s, his Omega’s friends as pack. Or it’s because of Tighnari. To be fair, Cyno’s biased on this, but Tighnari is the best Omega he’s ever met, so he can’t blame Alhaitham if that is the case. Kaveh can have a second for putting up with Alhaitham. So for him, in this state, to recognize Cyno as pack is—

“Leave. Protect the tribe.” The other says. It’s less of a threat, and more of a request.

“The tribe is protected. It’s just you they got to. I’m here to fix that.” Cyno offers his hand. “Let me help you.” Alhaitham has always towered over him, with that predator active with no sign of the quiet Scribe he’s come to think of as a friend—Cyno will never admit it aloud, but this is the first time it actually feels imposing.

“Why?” This time the Electro in his palms catches the other’s eyes. Normally the Scribe’s irises are an even mix of scarlet and teal, right now, they were almost straight scarlet, and there was a horrifyingly thin slit of teal like a cat. Pheromones punctuate the question, are you afraid or stupid?

Cyno is neither, if anything, he’s concerned about the other’s health, and the utter lack of the Scribe’s normal consciousness.

“Because you are my friend. I can’t just leave you here like this. Have you gotten any sleep since they brought you here?” Cyno asks. Those scarlet irises watch his face, and the scowl that rests there doesn’t change. “I thought as much. Do you trust me?”

“Obviously.” It’s the first semi intelligent word the Scribe has said since he entered. “Not dead.” Cyno cringes. He supposes that’s evidence enough to consider the Scribe’s body count since he entered this room.

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to get you some food and water, then you’re going to get some actual rest, okay? Even if it’s just letting me guard the door for you for a couple of hours.” There’s a flicker of something that traces across the other’s face. Something dark that he hasn’t seen before.

“No.” It’s that same guttural sound, more so than he’s ever heard the reserved man say when he’s entirely composed. This is not his friend, even if he hasn’t slit his throat. The stink of rage simmers just below the surface. “Food tainted.”

Ah, that was easy enough to handle. Still, the imminent warning of danger remains in the air. “I’ll eat some of it first, to show you it’s fine. I’m also going to send for Tighnari. You trust him, right?” There’s a brief look of bewilderment. “My Omega.” Cyno feels his cheeks flush. He and Tighnari don’t talk about it much with Kaveh gone. The gray-haired alpha nods, his expression softens to neutral.

“Acceptable.” Then he backs away into the shadows. “Not soup. No one else.” Both comments make him laugh. How very normal of the man’s inner Alpha to share the dislike of it.

“Next thing I know, you’ll be asking for a stack of books.” Cyno disperses the globe of Electro, turning to head back towards the hallway.

“No need. Just senior.” The other says, and the tone is so quiet he almost mistakes it for his friend. Almost, because there’s no way the man that left that body count could be the Scribe’s normal persona. Alhaitham also doesn’t talk about Kaveh, even though it’s obvious the other is on his mind.

“I’ll see what I can do, Alhaitham. It might be awhile, so don’t trust anyone else that walks through this door.” Cyno warns. If someone slips in, he doesn’t doubt they’d try to kill Alhaitham to bury what happened here.

“I don’t.” The snort that accomplices the words surprise neither of them.

~~~~~~~~~~

Kaveh’s first indication something was wrong was when he woke up with heartburn for the first time in his life. Fontaine is known for many things, but unlike the spices of his native Sumeru, nothing he’d eaten in the past month and a half had done more than make him mildly uncomfortable from eating too much. It was rich, fluffy, and had a disturbingly high focus on baked goods, thanks to the personal tastes of the Archon of Justice.

He missed the days of easy meals, shawarma and just—-acid burns the back of his throat as he rolls out of bed. Definitely not eating whatever he had last night again. It’s ridiculously early, even his hard-headed junior wouldn’t be up at this ungodly hour. Said Archon of before certainly wasn’t, not with how she attended the Opera and her cases religiously. He’d seen a grand total of two shows with his mother, and neither compared to the graceful talents of the redheaded dancer in the bazaar.

“What’s wrong dear?” His mother is on him before he can protest. Checking his temperature with a frown. “You’re feverish dear.”

“Am I?” Kaveh asks.

“A little. Are you unwell? It’s not like you to be up this early, not unless you’re still up. By the state of your hair, I suspect that isn’t the case.” Farnak chuckles. She fusses, and he preens under the attention. He’d missed this, these moments with her.

“No, just—I think I have heartburn. I don’t remember eating anything that could have caused it.” Kaveh sighs. “Why are you up?”

“You’re letting out distressed Omega hormones. I know you don’t like talking about it in front of your stepfather, so I thought you’d appreciate a little company.” Farnak says. She pats his back, and he thinks about it. He’s never really been good at the whole being an Omega thing, but he’s usually better at controlling his hormones.

“I do, mom. I just—I can’t help it. I have no idea what’s set me off, and all I can think about is that cute junior Alpha I left behind. How I screwed the pooch good on that one.” Kaveh sighs. “Do you have any coffee?”

“I’m a graduate of the Akademiya, do I have coffee—“ His mother makes a noise that reminds him of said cute junior. She’s boiling the water. The beans are the ones he brought from Sumeru for her. “I still don’t quite understand. You said you two got into an argument over your thesis?”

“I—he—its complicated.” Kaveh sighs. “He’s the only one who ever treated me like something more than just an Omega, or an architect, but an actual person. I mean, I have friends who do that, but they’re involved with each other.”

“Most good relationships I’ve seen in my life are complicated. My relationship with your father was one of those, but I don’t see why you chose to avoid him. That is what you’re doing, right?”

“Maybe. Alhaitham’s not that easy to get along with. I mean, I used to, but—that argument was just so final. I doubt he’d ever want to see my face again, let alone speak with me.” Kaveh leans back in his chair, staring aimlessly at the ceiling. “If you want the honest truth, I was worried he’d use his Alpha authority in a heated moment to tell me not to come back.”

“That bad?” His mother pours them each a coffee.

“He started crying. I said things I never should've said to him, mom… I don’t know if I can forgive myself.” Kaveh admits. He can’t look her in the eye, just sips his coffee and sulks.

“Did you try apologizing?” He shakes his head. “Well, then try writing him an apology, Kaveh. Works for me most of the time, and the makeup sex is excellent.” The way she just winks at him. His cheeks flush at the mere mention of sex, something he’s only ever dreamed with his junior, but—that’s an act of bravery even he’s not capable of.

“Mother!”

“You’re an adult, Kaveh, and it’s a reasonable want of an Alpha when you’re an Omega. Or the other way around. You’ve sent me pictures before with my old camera. He is pretty cute.” Farnak sips her coffee. “You should try writing him an apology.”

“I’m too embarrassed. That, and I don’t write Alphas. It just feels weird. I mean, I write Tighnari and ask about Cyno, but—” Kaveh sighs. “Its been long enough. Maybe he’s forgiven me by now.”

“That’s spirit! Why don’t you just go see him? I could come with if you’re worried, but he used to be your best friend, right?” Farnak asks.

“I have no idea. He was my best friend, but I don’t know that Alhaitham ever considered anyone a friend.” Kaveh sips at the coffee, and it makes his eyes tear up just thinking about Sumeru. “I’ll start back tomorrow.”

“That’s the spirit, honey! Let me know how it goes.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 5- Glitter ’n Gold.

Being greeted by a glimmering set of Dendro blades in the dark is not what he expected when Cyno drug him in here. He’d said someone needed help, and the absolute growl Cyno let out behind him doesn’t bode well. “HAITHAM!”

“That’s Alhaitham?” Tighnari’s tail bristles. He lets out a wave of calming hormones, and while it calms Cyno down, it does little to help the tall alpha across the room. “It’s me, Tighnari…” He offers a hand like Alhaitham is a wild animal. The Dendro blades flicker out of existence, and Cyno lets out a sigh of relief.

“I tried to tell you something was going on ‘Nari. What the hell did they do to him?” Cyno whispers behind him. His nose twitches at the lingering stink of rage in the room, but there’s something else underneath it. It’s odd, and inhuman.

“Pack?” The question is soft, and not at all what Tighnari was expecting.

“Yes. He’s here to look you over, if you’ll allow it?” Cyno asks. He steps back, opening his palm, and the crackle of Electro filters through the room. “Haitham?” The taller alpha slowly steps out of the darkness, and Tighnari flinches when he sees the scarlet eyes. The inhuman undertone was from the Scribe?

“Not human.” Tighnari whispers. The Electro orb lighting the other’s face fluctuates, and Tighnari can just make out the cringe on the other’s face. His bandages are missing, and Tighnari can see the bite festering from where he stands. “His gland is swollen, but I can’t see it well enough from here.”

“Hurts.” The other confirms, narrowing his eyes. “You help?” He leans down, watching Tighnari with those slit inhuman eyes. The only scent with it is something ancient—and pure Dendro? He nods, watching the other scan him throughly. “From behind.”

“I’ll go cover the door. Unless you need to go collect some supplies first?” Cyno asks. Tighnari shakes his head, weariness settling into his very bones.

He pulls out his medical supplies, gingerly inspects the other’s glands. “They injected whatever it was straight into his gland, and since it never healed from the initial bite—That appears to be what’s causing his immediate discomfort, but it’s hard to say for sure without knowing what they injected it with.” Tighnari smears antibiotic paste across the festering wound. The taller Alpha tenses, but otherwise does nothing. “All done. It will need treated again in a few hours.”

“Will that reverse what’s happened to him?” Cyno asks.

“No. Whatever this was, it will have to be drained, and I can’t do that here. That, and even if it’s removed, it might not change him back.” Tighnari sighs. “See if you can find out just what they injected him with Cyno. If we knew that, maybe we can get him cured.” Cyno frowns.

“I’ll look into it, but can you stay with him for the moment? I’d like to try to prevent any additional casualties.” Cyno sighs. “Maybe you can get him to sleep.”

Tighnari somehow doubts that. The scarlet eyed alphas are both staring at him expectantly. “Go find what they injected him with.” Cyno disappears, closing the door behind him, and Tighnari glances that way for a moment before throwing a bomb of vines at it. “The serum didn’t make you inhuman, did it?”

“No.” The admission doesn’t make him as nervous as it should.

“Does Alhaitham know? I know you take over when he tunes them out.” Tighnari asks. Without Cyno’s Electro to light the way, he can no longer see the other’s face.

“No. Thinks human.” The alpha answers. “Not true.”

“Did you want to kill them? Or is that just a side effect of—” Tighnari waves his hands and then realizes the other probably can’t see him.

“Rage.” The alpha says. “Indignation. Ancient memories.”

None of those things make sense to Tighnari. His demeanor is softer, that’s for certain, but it’s still not Alhaitham. “How can I help you?”

“Omega.” The other says quietly. “Partner.” The door creaks open, and the comfortable atmosphere is gone in an instant. Pyro burns at his vines, and behind him, the predator in Alhaitham’s skin sighs.

Dendro hovers out around him, and the mirrors flicker into existence before disappearing. Matra file in, and Tighnari feels all of his hair stand on edge. The mirrors are behind them, and Tighnari knows exactly what those are capable of. He’s seen it during spars with Cyno, and when the man has defended him on rarer occasions.

“Now that the General’s calmed him down, let’s finish him off.” The whisper sends another shiver down his spine. Alhaitham is faster.

The flicker of Dendro catches his eye from one of those mirrors. It’s too late to warn them. Alhaitham is behind them in an instant, the barest hint of a flicker before those glowing Dendro blades spill their blood in smooth arcs across the room.

“Idiots, utter fucking idiots.” Tighnari sighs.

“Dead.” The alpha snorts, sneaking up behind him. “You are safe.”

“I am. Was that entirely necessary?” Tighnari asks.

“Yes.” Not even a second to ponder over it. “My den.” Well, that’s a particular answer. It might lead to an answer to what the other is. “Pack safe.”

“You think an Omega might fix this?” Tighnari asks.

“Senior.” The Alpha says in a quiet voice. “Kaveh.” It’s so low it’s barely a whisper. So then, even the predator knows.

“We’ll find him. I’ll get Cyno to bring him home.” Tighnari swears. The pheromones in the room turn towards hope. He does not know what Kaveh’s presence will do, if anything. That said, with the fact he’s bonded to him, it might be exactly what he needs.

Cyno returns, and he’s nothing to show for it. “The Amurta Sage is gone. Whatever evidence there was to find is hidden, for the moment. I’m not leaving—there are more dead bodies, aren’t there?”

“At least two.” Tighnari sighs.

“Archons damn it.” Cyno swears. There’s a soft snarling behind it, from—

“Five.” The other corrects.

“Look, I’m starting to think you’re enjoying killing my people, Haitham.”

“Not Haitham.” Tighnari and the other alpha say in tandem.

“Wait, what?”

“Its complicated, but I suspect we’ll know more once he’s out of here.” Tighnari sighs. “You need to find Kaveh. Drag him here if you have to.”

“First, I need to make sure Alhaitham gets some sleep. You too ‘Nari.” Cyno lets out calming pheromones. Tighnari sends his own, answering his bond mate. “I’ll toss the bodies in the corridor—what are all these vines doing here?”

“I thought it’d slow them down.” Tighnari shrugs. There’s a tap on his shoulder, and a soft glow of Dendro illuminates Haitham’s form behind him. “Is there a suitable place to even sleep in here?”

“Back to back.” Cyno suggests.

“Are you so keen on sharing me, Cyno?” Tighnari asks.

“Only with Alhaitham, who has less interest in sex than he does with people overall.” Cyno responds. “I didn’t suggest you sleep in his lap.”

“Not offering.” The alpha responds flatly. “Back.”

“At least one of you isn’t an outright cur. Thank you.” Tighnari tucks himself in against the other’s back. “Cyno, make your secret spy network useful and find Kaveh already.”

“Already put a note out to my most trusted sources. Word last put him in Fontaine, visiting his mother. The second he crosses into Sumeru, I’ll fetch him. For now, all we can do is keep watch over this meathead.” Cyno’s vision is the only light near the door.

“Rest. We’ll take care of this.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Nahida stood before the desk of the Grand Sage, and though she is his archon, the insolent man thought he could order her to divulge Alhaitham’s secrets! She summoned her swing and just watched the irritation build as he asked question after question. It would do him no good. Without the General Mahamatra or her Scribe, she would not speak to him. Just as he was not truly speaking to her, but at her like she was a child.

“You realize you could just have him arrested, right?” Scaramouche asks. The puppet crosses his arms behind her, and the entire room goes silent. “Or I could just kill him now and save you the trouble, Buer.”

“That will not be necessary. It appears they have nothing useful to say, anyway. Locate the General Mahamatra and see if there is anything we can do to assist them.” Nahida waves a tiny hand from her swing. “As for you, I would like your resignation prepared immediately. Consider this your notice to leave the premises. I’ve already had word of the experiment you allowed to happen in these hallowed halls. I am disappointed, but unsurprised.”

“What’s stopping us from—” a Sage, she’s not sure which, approaches her.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Nahida sighs. Scaramouche lacks the restraint she has, but still holds most of the power of the Electro Gnosis he’d bartered from Yae Guiji. He blasts them back into a wall with a scowl.

“She is your god, and you will respect her.” His face is borderline manic. If not for his sincerity, she’d be worried about him turning on her. “Bow your head in submission, or—”

“Enough. I’ll fetch the General myself and look in on my Scribe. Can you handle limiting your actions to simply arresting them? Or need I send him immediately?” Nahida asks.

“Can I toss them down the elevator shaft and then bind them?” He asks. Those gathered in the office huddle together in terror.

“We are not monsters. Restrained is quite enough.” Nahida answers. “Do not allow the removal of any paperwork. I’m of the impression most of it is sensitive. I’ll need to convince Alhaitham to sort through it later—”

“If you can. Your precious Scribe has lost his mind. He’s of no use to anyone at the moment.” The now former Grand Sage cackles.

Scaramouche backhands him into a shelf before Nahida can decide how she feels about it. Right now, there’s a fair bit of righteous fury on Alhaitham’s behalf, but she can also hear the thoughts of those in the room. Her favorite toy has killed a few dozen people for the sake of their experiment.

“I think that was deserved, so I will look the other way this time. Know this, Scaramouche is not as reserved as I am.” Nahida hops off her swing, dusting off her dress like it somehow got dirty in the 20 minutes they wasted. “No blood, and don’t kill them.” He nods, and that manic smile remains as she exits the room.

The halls of the Akademiya are silent as she passes through them. Only the Sages really know her identity, as the students are buried in their pursuits of knowledge. She’s also roughly the size of a toddler and uses her archon powers to persuade them against paying too much attention to her either way.

Nahida follows the presence of raw Dendro that’s been slowly leaking through the building. Beyond hidden doors she coaxes open with a flick of her hand, and dark passageways she floods with softly glowing blossoms. Somewhere beyond is her Scribe, and she wants him in roughly the condition she left him in.

At the end of the hallway, there’s another bumbling idiot, but he’s sheet white. There are two Omega Matra in the hallway, slowly moving… corpses? Their thoughts are more on their work and less on what caused them to be pulling out the dead bodies. “Can I ask what happened?”

“He did.” Both of them point at the quivering pile of—ew. “The Scribe is alive, despite their best attempts. He hasn’t killed anyone in the last hour, so we’re attempting to get all the bodies out of here. The passageway wasn’t built to deal with this sort of traffic.”

“Which way? I’m here to see them. The General and Scribe, can you tell me where they are?” Nahida asks. They gesture further down the passageway, and Nahida actually feels safer down here surrounded by corpses than she did in the Grand Sage’s office. The presence of two old friends oozes out of the wooden frames around her.

A translucent set of mirrors flickers to life around her, and Dendro floods the area as she steps forward. Her steps chime as she moves, and the two mirrors hover protectively. Was her old friend finally awake? The soft snoring from inside certainly suggests it, and she steps into the darkness with a wide smile. There in the shadows, made by an almost uncontrollable amount of Dendro, is the shadow of Alhaitham’s secret.

“Hello old friend.” She says. The language feels foreign on her tongue after 500 years. “I’m sorry it took me so long to help.” The scarlet slit eyes looking back at her blink for a moment.

You’re shorter than I remember. The Sovereign’s voice is deeper than Alhaitham’s. I died, didn’t I? What is this, and why is speaking outside my head so difficult?

“I am unsure.” Nahida continues forward, finally noticing the little Fennec Omega. She sprinkles sleeping fungal powder over his head to keep him asleep. “Is that Cyno’s Omega?”

The Omega knows I am not this Alhaitham. Being confined to a human size is infuriating. Dreshet’s successor cannot see in the dark, can he? He keeps triggering aggravate with his Electro Vision. The Alpha stands with a crunch, looking over at her.

“Not to my knowledge. I’ll ask him to stop for the time being.” Nahida can see his true form skulking through the shadows of the room. To the average Vision holder it would look like straight Dendro, almost like her shrine. To her, she can see the way his scales twist and circle around the room. “Are you okay?”

Not particularly. This host is marked, is he not? Where is his Omega? The Sovereign is looking out at his own shadow. This Alhaitham is complaining that he’s running out of books?

“That sounds like him. I do not know, but I will send my familiars out to look for him.” Nahida says.

How does one have an Omega and not keep them close? What have they done to each other that he would purposefully put distance between themselves like this? The Sovereign asks.

“You would have to ask Kaveh or Alhaitham.” Nahida reaches out to him. He flinches, and she stops noticing his features aren’t quite what they should be anymore.“Maybe I should let Scaramouche kill them. Whatever have they done to you, Apep?”

Is it that obvious? Your General didn’t notice, but the little Omega did. The Sovereign says. Was he flinching not from his general mistreatment, then? What has changed?

“Enough that it’s obvious. I promise I’ll help you as much as I can. You, Kaveh, and Alhaitham.” Nahida says. This injustice will not be allowed to go unpunished. Her steps glow with her rage, and the room lights up with it.

Chapter Text

Tighnari wakes up with a headache. Had someone dosed him? Cyno is standing above him, looking worried, and his back is noticeably cold. Where had—

“Where is Alhaitham?” Tighnari asks.

“Lord Kusanali moved him after I woke up. She said it would be better for him to be out of here, where my men would just walk in and try to end him.” Cyno offers his arm. “Can you take the forest? I’ll comb the desert for Kaveh?”

“What does Lord Kusanali plan to do with him?” Tighnari asks. “What if—”

“Alhaitham walked out of here, still under the influence of his predator, but noticeably in control. Whatever is influencing him, its reactive, and its with Lord Kusanali. That said, the two of them seemed to have it under control for the moment.” Cyno’s distress is rubbing off on him, and Tighnari doesn’t blame him. The remnants of rage and raw Dendro encasing the room are nearly making him sick.

“Lord Kusanali came to see him directly, and she knows about this.” Tighnari whispers.

“She’s the goddess of Wisdom, of course she knows!” Cyno half growls.

“Whatever is driving Alhaitham, it won’t harm her. If it trusts us, then it would trust her. Let’s go together and find Kaveh.” Tighnari suggests. Cyno sags against him. The lights are on now, and the entire room is stained with blood. It’s sickening, and he’s glad Alhaitham is out of this room. He called it a den. Tighnari frowns. He needs to treat that wound. “Can you take me to them? I need to—”

“He’s in stasis in the Sanctuary.” Lord Kunasali says quietly. “I cannot allow anything else to happen to Sumeru City. I’ve treated the wound with the instructions you provided to Alhaitham before. Without his Omega, the bite will continue to fester, and even if we treat the root cause, whatever was in that syringe has awakened something ancient.”

“So then, what of Alhaitham?” Tighnari whispers.

“Only time will tell.” Lord Kusanali certainly doesn’t look worried. “He will be safe with me until you find the Light of Kshahrewar. Hopefully, they can work things out.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The sand is warm against his feet, and Kaveh tightens the scarf around his hair. The pain in his chest has subsided, at least. His mother had accompanied him to the end of the aquabus line. Making sure he doesn’t chicken out of speaking with Haitham. He gathers up mourning flowers, tying them together. He’s never tried to give the Alpha flowers before. Maybe it will shut Haitham up long enough for him to apologize.

He’s traveling through Vourukasha Oasis, and he can’t just not sketch such a beautiful place. He prays to the Lesser Lord that Alhaitham will listen, that he has a chance to pull that headstrong Alpha out of his ass. That he will—tears fall unbidden down his cheeks. What if Alhaitham does order him out of his life? His knees buckle, and he stares blankly out across the crystal clear water.

“Kaveh?”

He hasn’t heard Cyno’s voice directly in years. To find him here?

“What are you doing here, Cyno? Aren’t you busy—” Kaveh asks. The General Mahamatra is alone, and he looks like he’s in the middle of a manhunt. “—being the impressive general of the Akademiya?”

“I am busy. Looking for you.” Cyno says. The Alpha sags and takes a seat next to him. “It’s beautiful here. I don’t think I’ve ever been to this place before. I should bring Tighnari at some point.” He drops backwards onto the soft plush grass of the Oasis.

“Its said that the Goddess of Flowers was involved in its creation. According to Fontaine, this is also where the previous goddess of Justice rests. The Amrita Pool lies beyond, though they do not refer to the archon here.” Kaveh says. His voice is soft, like he’s explaining to Alhaitham,  and the tears continue once more. “Why are you looking for me?”

“I need your help, Kaveh. But are you okay?” Cyno sits up on one elbow, staring at him. He just sits and cries for several minutes. The fearsome General Mahamatra says nothing past that. Kaveh considers it, but can he really admit it to an Alpha he’s afraid to see another? No—

“I’m afraid of going back.” Kaveh admits. Crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“I don’t understand. What are you afraid of? Lord Sangameah Bay?” Cyno whispers. Kaveh shakes his head, though perhaps he should have been. The letters from Dori had mysteriously vanished after the Palace. He didn’t know why she stopped pursuing him for money, he was just grateful for it. He doesn’t think he could have ever paid her back, even if he tried for the Palace of Alcazarzary.

“No. I’m not afraid of Dori.” Kaveh shakes his head numbly.

“Then—what are you afraid of? Surely not—” Cyno’s eyes narrow. “He doesn’t harm Omegas.”

“Alhaitham never touched me, if that’s what you’re getting at.” Kaveh counters. “He would never!”

“Then what are you so afraid of? Why is—why are you hiding in the middle of an oasis past the desert so far from all of us? So far from the Akademiya, where—” Cyno pauses at look him. “You used the word afraid. It’s not like you to misspeak Kaveh, why not just.”

“Fine. I am afraid, I’m afraid because I’m embarrassed, alright?” Kaveh stands, he brushes off his pants. Cyno follows his movements as he paces through the grass. “Why wouldn’t I be? The entire Akademiya heard us! Everyone is going to assume it was my fault, that as an Omega it is automatically my fault since I’m not like the others! It’s—”

“Long since forgotten. It’s only referred to as a falling out when I hear of it.” Cyno corrects. “Would you consider coming back to the Akademiya with me?”

Kaveh narrows his eyes, looking at the fearsome General Mahamatra. He might not be Mahamatra himself, but as Alhaitham’s best friend, he certainly learned how to read people. Cyno is hiding something from him, purposefully. The feeling in his gut rolls, and Cyno is too still. He’s watching him like a—

“Why were you looking for me? Really, not any half truth bullshit, Cyno.” Kaveh asks.

“I can tell you after we get there.” Cyno says. There’s no room for argument in that statement. “I need your help specifically, and I cannot elaborate on why. Not yet.” There’s a half pleading undertone. “I cannot escort you against your will. You have your rights as an Omega.”

Kaveh freezes at the word. Fontaine doesn’t use the terms Alpha and Omega, which always sets him off. That’s why he used to enjoy hanging out with Alhaitham, his cute junior never questioned why he hated the terms, he just ignored them. What he did do is call him senior, and it made his heart beat a little faster.

“I’m not being arrested or brought back to be forced into a pairing?” Kaveh asks.

Cyno pauses a bit too long to be natural before standing. “No, to both. I am taking you to see an Alpha, but it’s just Alhaitham. It is not a pairing or a bonding. The idiot’s in over his head and we need your help.” Cyno explains.

“Of course he is.” Kaveh sighs.

“Then—”

“Take me to him.” Kaveh orders.

~~~~~~~~~~

Nahida stares up at the Scribe’s unconscious body hovering in the very stasis chamber he’d rescued her from months ago. She deactivates the mechanism with a wave of her hand, and Apep’s scarlet pupils stare at her expectantly.

Have they found Senior yet? Apep asks.

“Not yet. Cyno’s outside my influence at the moment. As soon as he’s in range, I’ll inquire. Can I treat your wound?” Nahida gestures at his neck. Alhaitham’s body nods his consent, and moves to the tiny stool she has set aside for it. He lays down, staring up at the ceiling with a frown.

Can you lower the light level? It’s too bright, and it’s making my head hurt. Apep complains. Nahida waves her hand, lowering it to something more bearable.

Amongst the changes to the Scribe’s body, there are short green antennae like ribbons hiding in his gray hair. Under his uniform, because the Sovereign had allowed an examination, there were tiny, nearly transparent scales under his long black gloves, across his stomach, spine. His ears had taken on a slightly more pointed appearance, and his nails had lengthened into something more akin to claws.

There was another change, according to the Sovereign, but he was unwilling to discuss it aloud. His mirrors were constantly present now, and she’d spotted the change with his tongue to a slightly forked appearance that was a deep purple.

“Better?” Nahida asks.

Tolerable. The Sovereign agrees. The human is not pleased about the changes with his body. I will see if I can revert the more noticeable ones for now. He hums, and the antennae glimmer for a moment before fading from view. He grunts for a moment, and the crack of his knuckles brings her attention to his nails.

“Better. I’d also suggest your tongue. It might scare Kaveh.” She suggests. The Sovereign grunts and then flops back against the stone floor once more. “Apep?”

He also suggested that. I cannot call his mirrors back in. For being uninterested in the situation, he’s rather touchy about some of the changes. The scales shouldn’t be an issue, but I cannot do anything about our fangs. Apep traces one with their tongue, which no longer looks poisoned at least.

“I’m sure. I’m going to start with your neck now.” Nahida says. Reaching for the bandage at his neck slowly, the Scribe’s body doesn’t so much as twitch as she pulls at the bandages. “How is Alhaitham?”

Bored. We cannot figure out how to get him back to the surface at the moment. The Sovereign sighs. I would prefer you don’t tell him what I am, unless it’s unavoidable. The world does not need the Sovereigns anymore, and I have quite enjoyed working with you.

“I shall. I don’t think Tighnari intends to let it drop easily.” Nahida warns.

His presence is familiar as well, but not as much as yours, Kaveh, and Cyno’s. It certainly has the remnants of something, but—Apep shrugs carefully. She flushes the gland with clean water, letting it air dry for a moment.

“I know what you mean.” Nahida agrees. “Be kind to Kaveh. When I last peeked in his dreams, he was still upset about how they left things. He won’t know you aren’t Alhaitham, either.”

You underestimate his intelligence. Apep smiles. He knows. Senor refers to me as Alpha when active, and reserved Haitham for the human. He is far more preceptive than anyone gives him credit for.

“Except you and Alhaitham.” Nahida points out.

He is me, and I him. It would be foolish to assume we are not the same. Apep has a lazy smile. Eventually he’ll need to assume my powers, but until then we remain with this thin degree of separation.

“True enough. Sit up? I need to re-wrap the bandage for you.” Nahida requests.

~~~~~~~~~~

Of course, this sort of nonsense regarding Alhaitham is what would pull Kaveh back into Sumeru City for the first time in nearly a decade. In true Haitham fashion, and as utterly dramatic as possible, that the General Mahamatra would go looking for him and drag him back.

Cyno is at least tolerable company. He’s not too clingy or disrespectful. The jokes are just as bad as he remembers, but rather than drown in alcohol to suffer through them, Cyno limits himself.

Which is obvious, because:

 1.) Kaveh hasn’t felt inclined to sneak off and buy himself enough wine to deal with it. 2.) Cyno genuinely has missed several rather obvious jokes. Ones that even Alhaitham would have weaponized given the opportunity, and that man has literally no sense of humor.

It takes nearly a week and some change to get back the city, and for a moment Kaveh thinks he’s about to finally get some rest when he’s drug all the way to the highest point of the Sacred Tree, all while his legs feel like jelly from the long trip. Passing through an enormous set of decorative doors that’s even more ridiculous height wise than the rest of the general Akademiya.

From an architectural standpoint, they’re gorgeous. Hideous in all green tones with not a lick of other color, and expensive beyond belief if his artist’s eye isn’t steering him wrong.

Tighnari glances at them, looking exceedingly unpleased for half a second before a weary smile works its way across his face. A tiny child is sitting beside him. They appear to be in a round of Genius Invokation TCG.

“This doesn’t look like an emergency to me, Cyno.” Kaveh watches the little girl turn to him. “We couldn’t have stopped for dinner on our way in?”

“I appreciate it, Cyno. If you and Tighnari could go prep Alhaitham’s home. Do you have any food requests, Kaveh?” The tiny child who looks suspiciously like Alhaitham asks him.

“Um, who are you?” Kaveh is pleased she didn’t address him as an Omega, at least.

“You may call me Nahida.” The tiny child stands, dusting off her dress. “I’ll take it from here General, you all deserve a good rest.” Kaveh’s nerves prickle, and with a wave of her tiny hand a large green barrier drops behind her. She waits for Cyno and Tighnari to leave, and a very horrifying expression crosses that tiny face. “You might know me better as Lesser Lord Kusanali.”

Kaveh’s brain stops processing for a moment. He doesn’t remember why he’s there, or that he’s tired. He barely recalls how unfair life is or his own name. He just got called by name by his Archon and abandoned into her care by his so-called friends.

“You have got to be kidding me.” The mortified whisper leaves him before he can stop himself. The tiny Archon’s horrifying expression softens, and she gestures for him to follow her.

“They didn’t really abandon you to my care. As neither Cyno nor I were the ones that made the original request to find you. Isn’t that right?” Nahida is looking away. Stepping towards them, throat bandaged, is Alhaitham. Kaveh, whose heart was already in his throat at just the sight of him.

Whatever reservations he’d had about coming back to Sumeru City are gone. He’s running at Haitham, whose arms rise to catch him. His cute junior doesn’t say a word, he just accepts the barreling tackle hug before sniffing his hair. That low, irritating feeling that’s been hitting him dissipates. He honestly just feels at home. He glances up and stares into straight scarlet eyes. Kaveh cups his face, looking him over.

“Hmm, not Haitham at the moment. Are you stuck?” Kaveh asks.

“Told you.” The alpha says looking over at the tiny archon. It’s pure pride on his face, and Kaveh frowns, moving the hand on his cheek to check his throat.

“What the hell did you do to your throat this time?” Kaveh doesn’t think, he just moves. “It sounds like you gargled gravel, but you’re not overly warm, so it’s not a fever.”

“It’s been nearly a decade. Are you sure his voice hasn’t changed?” Their tiny archon asks.

Kaveh spins, not moving out of Alhaitham’s personal space in the slightest. The Alpha loosens his grip, but nothing suggesting he wants him to go. “Whatever damage, because I can smell Tighnari’s handiwork in there, has nothing to do with that. Usually Alhaitham’s actual pitch doesn’t change, even when his Alpha side is active.” Kaveh huffs. He may be easily distracted, but even he’s not that blind as to not notice the changes in his former best friend.

“I did nothing.” The Alpha clarifies.

“You did something, or else they wouldn’t have sent Cyno to find me.” Kaveh points out. He half turns, and the Alpha gingerly shakes his head, moving Kaveh’s hand over a smidge.

“Before we get into all of this, does Kaveh’s presence fix the issue at all?” Nahida asks. This is not an archon’s concern. She genuinely seems to consider Alhaitham a friend. The Alpha closes his eyes, and Kaveh inhales deeply. The Alpha’s scent doesn’t appear to have changed in the last decade, and Kaveh can smell his own pheromones leaking out, just sheer curiosity.

“Somewhat. Sentences are still difficult.” The Alpha says. “He is unable to take control.”

“Hmm.” The tiny archon circles them with a quizzical expression. “There’s no helping it, I guess will need to try option b.”

“Option b?” Kaveh frowns. “What is going on?”

“Rest first. By now, they should have gotten rid of all the stuff that likely rotted in his kitchen by this point.” The Archon says. “I’ll be going with you.~~”

“Wait—what?” Kaveh blanks out.

“Shall we go home, senior?” The Alpha asks. Kaveh nods, dumbstruck this is nothing like he expected his homecoming would be like.

~~~~~~~~~~

Alhaitham is not happy. Kaveh is finally back and he can’t even speak to him! Not only that, Kaveh can tell the difference between the two of them, so he knows he’s speaking to the Alpha, not him directly. Nahida is probably the only reason he’s still sane at this point. They found Kaveh, and Cyno got him there, but the blond has no idea why they’re here.

He’s trapped within his own mind. He’s running low on books again.

It’s beyond frustrating, and to make matters worse, he can see out his own eyes, but other than that its sensory deprivation hell when his Inner Alpha isn’t resting. It calls itself Apep and is cordial enough, at least. They’ve been switching back and forth for years without most people noticing. Kaveh has always known though, and while that should bother him, right now he’s glad. The blond, while confused, doesn’t seem nearly as worried as everyone else.

He starts signing, because of course Kaveh knows Sumeru sign language.

I know you can hear me in there. It’s going to be okay. Kaveh pauses in his signing, and he’s saying something to his Inner Alpha, something that ends with a nod of his head. We’ll talk once we’ve fixed this. We will fix this Haiyi, and then— The blond’s face fills with tears, and before he can go into a full breakdown Apep has pulled him close using Alhaitham’s arms.

While they may not be the same conscience, they do share the same want. To keep Kaveh close and safe. The other is saying something, and Kaveh is nodding again in his grasp. He pulls back to sign gain. Let’s go home together, Haiyi. When they exit the Sanctuary, there are guards everywhere, and Alhaitham watches his body weave itself through the crowds. With Kaveh there, Apep can narrow their focus down to his senior and stop subtly issuing challenges with their fucked up pheromones.

Rather than hold their archon’s hand, its almost akin to seasickness watching the tiny archon swung up to sit on their shoulders. They’ve done this before, but usually he’s the one showing Nahida this affection, not Apep. Kaveh smiles at it, holding his hand and letting Apep lead them all home. There’s several garbage bags set to the side on his porch, and he’s grateful he doesn’t have to smell the rotted out food of his kitchen.

Apep sways under the stench of it, and he glances down to see Kaveh’s arm holding them steady. Face a bright tomato red, eyes set dead ahead. Their friends, their pack, as Apep called them, aren’t in the entryway, and Apep turns his glance down at Kaveh’s arm. Has it tightened? If so, why? Now the blond is tugging them to the divan and he cannot help but wonder what is going on.

Kaveh tugs his arm out of Apep’s grasp and sits opposite of them for a moment. He’s conversing with the rest of the room. The people Alhaitham cannot see or hear. It’s driving him—

Calm yourself, junior. It’s just Cyno and ‘Nari. Kaveh signs. He’s speaking to them, and his brows of furrowed, what are they telling him? I see. You have control over your scent gland not your shadow. It’s been getting progressively more sour since we entered and he’s clueless about it. There’s an indignant movement from Apep, who can definitely understand Kaveh’s signs. Nahida is watching on just out of the corner of his eye, completely fascinated by the whole thing.

Do you want me to sign too? Nahida’s movements aren’t as practiced or clean as Kaveh’s, but it’s a relief to finally know something about what’s going on.

Yes. Kaveh answers back. His gestures are quick, meant to be as efficient as possible. You’ve been stuck inside your own head for at least a month, it sounds like. Caused by…Cyno’s giving me a rundown at the moment hang on. Apep turns his attention to Cyno, and thank his attention to detail, he can read lips and Kaveh seems to direct Cyno to enunciate more clearly.

“—If everything I’ve said is correct to your knowledge, can you release a pleasant smelling hormone? Not rage or distress like you’ve been putting out.” Cyno asks. His eyes are on him, and Apep doesn’t know how to respond for him or even what his responses are. Alhaitham brings his hand to his chin inside his mind. What type of hormone could he produce on command like that?

The answer is clear enough, and Apep staggers a bit under the strength of the emotion from it.

Longing, and home.

Apep turns, from a cue he cannot see. Kaveh’s eyes are watery, and he nods. Very good. Now can you swap back to rage so we can confirm it’s not a fluke? Easily done, he thinks about all the time he’s wasted in meetings listening to idiots for the back six months. Excellent Haiyi. Now, can you try to relax, and not like that. I mean relax as in not send any at all? Apep is a step ahead of him, moving into the other’s space and settling on the divan next to him.

Apep turns their vision back to Nahida.

“We need another confirmation from you, Alhaitham. Was that your direction or Apep’s.” Nahida’s sign for Apep is odd, but he knows that sign from somewhere. He obliges, focusing on amusement, memories of pleasant pieces of the past. “Excellent. So—“

~~~~~~~~~~

Kaveh cannot begin to process the fresh hell his junior is going through, but at least they’ve got a way to talk to the man beyond the alpha controlling his body. As much as Kaveh doesn’t mind this Apep, and it’s nice to have a name for the other half of the alpha, he prefers Haitham himself.

The alpha is more than cooperative about the situation, and Kaveh’s hands are getting tired signing the discussion so quickly. Apep himself doesn’t talk hardly at all, and if they didn’t know better, they’d say he was asleep if not for the sweat rolling down his brow from sheer concentration.

“Are you alright?” Kaveh stops signing for the moment. The signals have gotten weaker as the discussion goes on.

“We’re both tired. It takes a lot of effort to process everything, and even Haitham is winding down. He’s been fighting against the barrier for so long it’s no small wonder.” Apep says. He closes his eyes and leans back against the divan. “I’d like to sleep for now.”

Kaveh’s about to protest, following the alpha to Haitham’s bedroom, when he sees him pulling out two sets of clothes. He leaves one on the bed, and disappears behind a door at the end of the hall. The second set is a large sweater and overly loose sweatpants.

“They’re for you.” Nahida confirms sneaking up on him. “We should all get some rest, its been a long day.”

“I—yes.” Kaveh concedes. He looks over at the other two, falling asleep themselves. “Do you have a place to stay?”

“My home is right around the corner. We’ll stop by in the morning. I do have one question though, if you don’t mind?” Cyno’s face is weary. “How long have you known about Alhaitham’s other personality?”

“He used it during our school days, mostly when the noise was overwhelming, or he couldn’t deal with people anymore, but wasn’t allowed to escape.” Kaveh admits. “They’re nearly identical, but I prefer Haitham himself. His Inner Alpha is quieter, and a little clingier with me.”

“You mean to say he’s been out and there wasn’t the threat of a body count before?” Cyno looks surprised.

“Who do you think you’ve been dueling with at TCG Cyno?” Tighnari snorts. “Alhaitham would find it a waste of time.”

“He does duel, but it’s probably only the first round before swapping over to the other.” Kaveh says. “Sometimes they would swap back and forth almost immediately. I used to think it was Haitham testing me. Now I think it’s because they were arguing over an outcome they wanted.”

“Arguing?” Cyno asks.

“Haitham liked intentionally winding people up. His Inner Alpha does as well. The difference was one liked to see people stammer, and the other liked to fight. It does not surprise me there was a body count, but normally there was enough restraint they weren’t dead.” Kaveh looks back towards the door. “Haitham is the one I got in an argument with back then, not… are we allowed to say that name Nahida?”

“Apep won’t mind if it’s just us. Outside this room it should be just Alhaitham, the Scribe, or in endearment Haitham. Alpha would also work if he’s active, but neither prefers the term.” Nahida has changed into a large pullover that looks nearly like a dress on her. “He’s getting dressed in the bathroom if you want to grab those and swap for your turn, Kaveh?”

The three of them continue as he walks back to Alhaitham’s bedroom, hesitating at the threshold before pheromones touch his nose. Home. Belonging. Apep is standing just behind him, a sliver of teal surrounding his eyes now. His expression is tired, but the smell isn’t from him, it’s from—

Thank you, Haiyi. The blush creeps up his cheeks, and he grabs the clothes moving awkwardly to the bathroom.

“You don’t need to ask. You’re welcome in our space whenever you want, Kaveh.” The other’s words are so quiet he almost misses them. Nahida prods down the hall with a small smile, and he stares down at her. “You’ll have to ask Kaveh that.” He disappears into his bedroom, leaving the door open behind him.

The Dendro archon looks at him expectantly. “Alhaitham was instrumental in helping free me. I was imprisoned by members of the Akademiya right after my predecessor was killed. If not for him, Cyno, and a few others, I would still be locked in the Sanctuary, unable to help anyone. For five hundred years, all I could do was watch people through their dreams, and offer advice through them. I find it difficult to ask for the more basic necessities of being part of something…” Nahida explains. “I would like to sleep next to you and Alhaitham for a bit. I am—lonely?”

“I, err… there’s nothing going on between us, so—” Kaveh stutters. “Sure?” Her eyes widen, and like the tiny child she appears to be, she hugs his legs.

“Thank you.” Nahida whispers, and tiny tears wet his pants. “I promise—”

“You do not need to promise me anything.” Kaveh pushes her back so he can look her in the eye. “People need physical contact with other people. Sometimes it’s as simple as a hug, and sometimes it’s more complicated. You want to feel like you belong after years of being in a cage, and that’s not unreasonable. To be honest, I’m nervous about it, but he didn’t exactly offer me anywhere else.” He thought he was keeping his voice down, but the shaggy half damp head of gray hair that sticks out of the bedroom startles him.

“I would like you to sleep next to me.” The alpha’s cheeks are dusted red, and the ring of teal is nearly gone again. “Your presence is helping Haitham get back out. Something both he and I would prefer, even if he can’t say so directly.”

“What does that have to be with there being a second place to sleep?” Kaveh holds up a hand, setting the spare clothes in the bathroom. Apep is fidgeting from side to side, and Nahida is looking at him curiously. “Junior?”

“It has everything to do with choice it would appear.” Nahida has a knowing smile. “I’m going to get a glass of water. You should show him.” She pats Apep’s thigh, and the other almost looks like he’s praying.

“This was not my doing, and was his intention from the moment he bought this house.” The scarlet eyed Alpha looks more nervous than Kaveh’s ever seen him. “This is a two-bedroom house, well, three if you convert the study. Please, look inside.” He gestures at the ordinary-looking door across the hallway from his own.

“If you insist.” Kaveh says. His hand rests nervously on the door handle, and before opening the door, he sucks in a deep breath.

He’d not really taken in the rest of the house before this, but a few things stood out to the point his knees were doing an excellent job as maracas. The walls are plain, nothing added besides an initial coat of paint in a soft sage green. There’s a bed, nothing particularly fancy for the frame, but solid and dark to contrast the walls. The bedspread itself is equally uninteresting. It’s a solid turquoise, but as his hand brushes it, Kaveh’s mind reels. It’s soft, and running the texture between his calloused thumbs, its silk.

“This is—” Kaveh turns. Apep is still nervous, and Kaveh just doesn’t understand. “—I don’t understand.”

“He made the room for you.” Apep says.

Kaveh’s eyes bulge a bit, and the blankness of the room makes sense finally. It’s not a lack of design, it’s a canvas left for him to put his own spin on. He moves to sit on the bed, and it bounces invitingly under his ass. Welcoming him to drop his head to the pillow if he so desires.

The biggest tell that Alhaitham made the room for him is the spacious drafting table tucked neatly below the window with a lamp on either side.

“I’d ask why, but I feel like that’s a question for Haiyi, not you.” Kaveh stands, regretfully leaving behind that bed. “This isn’t a guest room.” The alpha nods, a small smile crossing his normally stoic face. “What was your goal in showing me this if you—you’re giving me a choice.”

“There is always a choice. If you are not comfortable sleeping next to Nahida and myself, this is an option. There is no expectation for you to do anything more than sleep. It is unfortunate, but your status as an Omega is part of why I made the request—” Apep looks mildly ashamed. “With your help, and Nahida’s, I can now speak again. I haven’t been able to since they injected me with that crap.”

“I haven’t done anything.” Kaveh sighs.

“You have.” The other insists. “Your presence is enough. It gives us a reason to calm down and stop ruthlessly eliminating people that step into our personal space.”

“You give me too much credit. Any good Omega can calm an Alpha. I’m not good at it. You just assume I am because of a bond I once shared with Haitham.” Kaveh says. He’s terrible at calming or influencing anything with his pheromones. Apep’s face contorts for a moment, before he almost visibly dismisses a thought. “What did you just consider?”

“It is for Haitham to say, not myself. While we do share this vessel, it’s not my secret to share.” Apep says. His face is at least apologetic about it. “It’s been a long day, so I will ask once again. Will you stay with us for now?”

“I’m telling you, it’s a placebo effect, but yeah. I’ll stay there, at least until Haitham and I can talk. Then we’ll reevaluate what’s best for both, apologies, all of us.” Kaveh looks at the room, and a fond feeling settles in his gut. “I do like the room.”

“I’m glad.” Apep nods and staggers back towards Alhaitham’s bedroom. He’s cradling the side of his head, and Nahida has descended on them in an instant.

“I’ll look over him for the moment. Please shower quickly, Kaveh.” The tiny Archon places her hands to either side of his temples. “Removing you from the Sanctuary may not have been the wisest decision.” Apep cringes with his eyes closed, and a track of blood leaks out of the corner of his mouth.

“Kaveh would not have been comfortable there.” Apep counters. His eye is hazy when it opens, turning to look at Kaveh directly. “Haitham and I both ran the risks. This was the version with the best outcome, regardless of what it would do to our collective dignity.”

“Idiots.” Kaveh sighs. Shutting the bathroom door with a soft click. Of course, there’s more at play here than what he’s been told so far. He tosses his clothes in the corner bin he can see Haitham’s in. He’ll deal with washing everything tomorrow. Kaveh turns on the water and peruses through the products.

Again, he finds things that are distinctly not Alhaitham’s, or at least not for him. There’s several products for hair care he favored back during his Akademiya days, ones he’s happy to see after so long without them. Padisarah scented shampoo and conditioner. He checks the texture on his skin, and neither are expired. There’s also a variety of soaps, one that looks far more used than others, a muted teak and sandalwood that Alhaitham has always favored. There’s another shampoo that matches it, a disastrous 3 in 1 combo that makes his skin itch looking at it.

It’s so utterly normal of Alhaitham, though. There’s a Sumeru rose body wash too, and Kaveh spends several minutes just standing in the hot water, letting his aching body soak while he reads through the collection. He settles for testing them later, and using the Padisarah shampoo and conditioners. He lathers up the Sumeru Rose body wash and thoroughly scrubs the rest of his body while his shampoo works its magic.

He doesn’t see anything safe for his face, so he settles for gently dabbing with a fresh washcloth. Removing the various debris from the long day’s travels. He’s taken his time, and as he’s slipping on the clothes, he hears a loud thump. Dendro is flooding the house, and Kaveh sighs. If it was an emergency, one of them would have kicked him out of the shower by now. There’s a loud thumping noise coming from down the hall. He ties off the pants, making sure he will not lose them walking down the hall, and pulls on the loose shirt.

Alhaitham’s natural scent floods his nose, and it sets him at ease before he steps out. Nahida is in the hallway, glowing with the power of pure Dendro against something else. Kaveh slowly makes his way down the hallway, and he can see Alhaitham’s body shaking violently on the other side.

“What’s wrong with him now?” Kaveh asks.

“For lack of a better term, withdrawal. Can I ask you to hold him and have him scent you please?” Nahida looks worried. He nods. That would explain why Apep had asked for his help. The barrier lets him pass easily, and the scent flooding the room is pure anguish.

“Haitham, junior. Relax.” Kaveh reaches out slowly. He can’t tell which of them is in control, and while that isn’t frightening, they both react differently when in pain. It’s pulling teeth to get his body to release pheromones, but right now, all he can do is react. He pulls the shaking Alpha into his arms, and rubs his free wrist against his own gland. Once it’s throughly coated, he sticks his wrist under Alhaitham’s nose and waits.

The shaking gradually subsides, and hazy scarlet eyes open. So then this is Apep still, not Haitham. He tugs the other into his lap, Apep inhales deeply, and those tiny rings of teal expand out. His irises, however, remain tiny slits, something new since the last time they met.

“Welcome back, Haiyi.” Kaveh says quietly.

“Senior.” Tears prick the corner of the Alpha’s eyes. “I—”

“Rest for now. We can talk about our shit after you’re back on your feet again.” Kaveh pats his head. “Can you stand long enough to get yourself into bed? Or do I need to lug your heavy ass up into it?”

“I will try. Everything feels like lead.” Haitham says. “It might be a moment before I can, though. My muscles are seized up from the shaking.” Not good at all, and Kaveh nods looking back at the tiny Archon.

“Do you want me to fetch Cyno?” Nahida asks. Genuinely concerned about it, Kaveh shakes his head. If he can wield a claymore, he can probably help this lummox back into bed. “Or perhaps Tighnari?”

“An ice pack, for the headache he’s not admitting to yet. He’s squinting, and he’s overly warm. I don’t think it’s a fever from whatever wound is at his neck.At least not at the moment.” Kaveh sighs. Alhaitham doesn’t protest as Kaveh rotates him so he can get an arm under each armpit. “Mehrak, a little assistance?” His toolbox floats in, expression mirroring his own as it beeps quietly.

“So you did build a sentient toolbox.” Alhaitham hums in his arms. Mehrak materializes a sketch to lift the Alpha’s legs. “Efficient, I approve.”

“I’m glad, because you’ve somehow added further deadweight since we last met. The hell does a glorified secretary need with this much muscle anyway, Haiyi? Have you or Apep been picking fights while I’ve been gone?” Kaveh grunts. With Mehrak’s help, he gets him onto the bed and spaces him out. He half flops over the side for a moment to catch his breath. Nahida patters out once they’ve settled. Mehrak settles herself in next to the door and entering sleep mode, since her charger isn’t set up yet.

“Only verbal ones.” Haitham admits.

“Seems a bit redundant, unless there’s another reason you’re trying to be as toned up as the General Mahamatra?” Kaveh asks.

“Maybe I wanted to look good for an Omega? Are Alphas not allowed to be aesthetically pleasing as well? To show that we are capable of protecting those we see as pack?” Alhaitham counters with his own grunt. Nahida crawls up over the other side, offering an ice pack wrapped in a hand towel.

“Are you sure you don’t need Tighnari?” Nahida asks.

“No.” They say in unison. Kaveh pulls himself up off the floor, inelegantly flopping into the free side of Alhaitham’s bed. Nahida is sitting awkwardly between them for a moment before Kaveh pats between him and Haitham. “In the middle. We’ll deal with everything else in the morning.”

Kaveh stares up at the ceiling, listening to Haitham’s quiet breathing as he contemplates everything. He’s in the bed of an Alpha, the Alpha he’s wanted for years, and it still doesn’t feel like he’s any closer than he was before their falling out.

There’s no way such a desirable idiot is still looking for a mate, not with that body. He’s not entirely sure he can forgive himself for his part in that argument, either. This is the least he can do to redeem his own idiocy, to show he was worth—who’s he kidding?

He’s the least useful Omega that’s ever lived. He’s not pliant, and certainly not obedient in the slightest. He’s pretty handsome, yes, but is that enough? He’s not exactly self confident—Not after nearly selling his mother’s old house to make up the difference in funds.

Tighnari had convinced him to rent it out instead, and what few possessions he wanted to protect were squirreled away at Cyno’s home since the alpha was never home and they wouldn’t be in his way.

No, why would Alhaitham, successful as it appeared he was in his endeavors, be waiting on someone like Kaveh to stumble home in a drunken stupor? It made no sense to him that the other had asked for him by name, and Cyno had at least confirmed that. Alhaitham, or in this case Apep, had asked for him specifically to help.

“Why not ask him yourself? I can reach Alhaitham directly in his dreams. I can deposit you there to ask those questions.” Nahida offers. She’s rolled to face him. Her tiny face looks as tired as his body feels.

“Could you? I think it’s about time we got some answers.” Kaveh asks.

Chapter Text

Alhaitham cannot claim it was unexpected when Nahida shows up in his mind place with Kaveh in tow. She’d been visiting nightly since she’d discovered his predicament. Apep would visit with him directly, like a mirrored reflection when she wasn’t. If he’d been in his body and not his mind, he would have worried about swallowing bile down in nervousness. It’s been a decade since he’s spoken directly with Kaveh. Had the other forgiven him for their thesis?

“If you’d like to leave, just wake yourself up. You are not trapped here, but you will not be able to return without my assistance. The dream will continue until Alhaitham’s body awakens.” The Dendro Archon explains. “My presence is not required, so I will leave and make myself scarce in the meantime.”

“I appreciate that, Lord Kusanali.” Kaveh says. Nahida scowls, and he gives her a confused expression.

“Please, call me Nahida. I only require the Sages to refer to me by my formal title, not my friends.” Nahida disappears in a pop of Dendro flowers. Alhaitham swallows, and Kaveh looks around the space curiously.

“I can’t I’m surprised. A quiet place to read seems just like where you’d go.” Kaveh says. For a moment, they say absolutely nothing, and he gestures for them to move under the massive, glowing blue tree. Once they’ve both settled, neither really looks at the other.

“Thank you.” Alhaitham starts.

“For what? Being a decent human being? You asked for help Haiyi, why in the archons’ names would I refuse?” Kaveh shakes his head. “I can’t fathom why you’d need me, of all people. I must be the most useless Omega this side of the continent.”

The self depreciating comment leaves a bad taste in his mouth, and Alhaitham has to really work at not saying anything he’ll regret later. “Just because you do not exude the skills required of a typical Omega does not make you useless. If anything, you are more intelligent than the average, and less likely to do something stupidly hormone driven.”

“Pretty words, doesn’t change the fact I cannot do the most basic of Omega functions. Offering comfort through pheromones has been the bane of my existence since I presented as a teen. That and I—nevermind.” Kaveh glances his way before cutting himself off.

“If you were about to insinuate you aren’t good enough to be someone’s mate, I assure you, that is not the case.” Alhaitham says. The words are quiet in this dream space. “You have always been good enough. It is only you that sees those potential flaws as a reason not to be.”

“Says the nearly perfect Alpha. You realize the rumor mill hasn’t died down one bit? You’re the most highly sought after asshole in the region.” Kaveh laughs. The sound is sad to his ears. “We’re not here to talk about my sorry circumstances of mateless-ness. We’re here to discuss your problems.” Alhaitham frowns. Perhaps he should admit that neither of them are eligible in that department. Now, however, hardly seems like the time.

“You are correct, but I’d like to reproach that topic once we can speak outside here. If that’s acceptable to you and not an argument waiting to happen.” Alhaitham watches him nod slowly. “Good. As for my situation, Apep is fully capable of controlling my body and making reasonable decisions. The serum they injected my body with is what’s causing the issues. Have Tighnari examine the wound in better light. He’s the most qualified to assess the damage they’ve caused without taking advantage of the situation or causing undue harm.”

“Alright. Any stipulations?” Kaveh asks.

“They may not remove my gland under any circumstances. If it must be lanced to drain that foul liquid out, then that is acceptable.” Alhaitham says. “The existing damage to it must be left as it was before this incident. Tighnari is also aware of what state it was in. I do not wish to have Nahida heal it, even if it is an option. It may cause side effects I do not want.” Tighnari will understand the message of leaving Kaveh’s bite alone. The consequences for removing his gland might mean Kaveh can no longer calm him at all or it might undo his bond with the other entirely.

No, even if Kaveh doesn’t want to be part of his life permanently, he has no problem with the blond unknowingly owning his soul.

“Existing damage?” Kaveh asks.

“It’s private, for now. We can discuss it later.” Alhaitham looks down at his lap. “Until I reveal the exact nature of that injury to you, I must ask that Tighnari treat the wound in privacy, or Nahida. Apep will not allow Cyno to touch it, and I would rather not endanger him in suggesting it.”

“Alpha thing?” Kaveh guesses.

“Entirely, and it’s absurd. In the event of an emergency, Apep can direct you to, but I suspect that will lead to another fight. I am unwilling to subject either of us to that until we are unhindered in being able to discuss it at length.” Alhaitham says.

“You’re asking me to trust you then, and that this is in both our best interests?” Kaveh is looking at him.

“I am. I am not ready to discuss it, and I am unwilling to see you avoid me again. Believe it or not, I have missed you terribly.” Alhaitham admits. They’re in the safety of his own mind, and Kaveh won’t mock him for it. At least he hopes not.

“I appreciate that you will be, and I missed you, too. I was actually making my way back to apologize to you, but that conversation can wait too. I think we’ll both need a bottle of wine for it.” Kaveh smiles at him. “So—what’s with the room? The one with the drafting table and the silk sheets?”

“Do I really need to explain?” Alhaitham says. If this weren’t his mind, he’d probably be blushing.

“Yes, you do.” Kaveh’s face holds no animosity.

“I missed you.” Alhaitham repeats. It is the truth, and it’s far easier than a lie. “If I did not think it would make you uncomfortable, I would have attempted to leave Sumeru City to bring you home or join you.” The blond stares at him, analyzing the statement the same way they would a technical issue. Weighing his words at face value, trying to see all the implications.

“Home implies I am welcome here.” Kaveh starts.

“You are always welcome here. Wherever I am, I will make space available for you. Sumeru is not the same without you, and I would rather be without it, the Akademiya, even the House of Daena, then suffer another decade without you on an idiotic spat over my pride.” Alhaitham clarifies. “Does that sufficiently answer that question?”

“I suppose I can accept that as a temporary answer.” Kaveh gives him a genuine smile. “Would you like to debate on something until you wake?”

“Please.” Alhaitham agrees. The two of them discuss various architectural advances, and Alhaitham would never want to be anywhere else.

~~~~~~~~~~

Morning comes early, and Cyno is only half awake as Tighnari leaves his side. His tail swishing happily between bare cheeks. Nahida had assured him that Alhaitham’s Inner Alpha wouldn’t slaughter half the city while they slept. She’d also placed a heavy Dendro barrier over the entire house to keep the oversensitive Alpha inside and everyone else out.

He had no fear for the man’s true (oblivious) omega. If the Alpha, at his worst, defended all omegas, who could only stand by as he slaughtered their alpha counterparts, what would he do defending the blond idiot? Tighnari complained about the damsel in distress syndrome he felt over it. Kaveh would easily be the most overprotected omega that ever lived.

“You should get dressed. We need to go get food for Haitham’s house. Those two aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon. Even if Kaveh could, it would trigger Alhaitham’s alpha to melt down again.” Tighnari jabs him in the arm.

“Can we at least get Kaveh to cook for us? The meals he cooked on the way back were delicious.” Cyno slowly rolls out of his bed.

“We’ll see. I’ll make breakfast and ask if Kaveh is interested. After I treat his gland this afternoon, I have to go home for a bit. I might have to bring Collei this way until Alhaitham stabilizes.” Tighnari answers. He’s already dressed, and Cyno can’t even get—“Mind out of the gutter.”

“Fine. Let me get a quick shower in then. I don’t fancy facing down any version of Alhaitham while smelling of sex. Even if it is you and I.” Cyno explains.

“A valid point. One I already though, I’ll see you by the door.” Tighnari agrees. He’s packing up his medical supplies. “Nahida has already sent a message in my dream. Alhaitham had a seizure last night, Kaveh took his sweet time in the shower, and the withdrawal happened. Full muscle seizing, and that sap didn’t even complain!”

“Does Kaveh know? That his absence caused it?” Cyno asks.

“Not at all, according to Nahida. He was just worried about Haitham.” Tighnari answers. “Shower. If you want sex before I leave this afternoon, then you’d better hurry up and move your ass.”

“You like this ass.”

“I particularly like being pounded into a mattress by that ass, but that’s beside the point. Hurry up.” Tighnari smiles.

Shopping is not nearly as appealing as sex. Nor is waiting for one of the other Dendro users to release the barrier. Tighnari lets a pulse through it to announce them. It’s mildly surprising to find Alhaitham answering the door, and even more so considering the man himself appeared to be in control. Teal was predominate, and Cyno smiles widely at the Scribe who directs them inside.

“Nice to see you back, Alhaitham.” Cyno says.

“Its nice to be back.” The other responds curtly.“They’re back Kaveh.”

“About time. He says his neck is itchy and he won’t let me do anything about it!” The blond is still wearing the other Alpha’s clothes. Tighnari catches his eye, and the eye roll there suggests his partner is none too impressed that Alhaitham hasn’t come clean about it yet.

“You’ll cook breakfast then?” Cyno asks.

“If it means this idiot will get some help, certainly.” Kaveh huffs. He holds out a hand for some bags, and it doesn’t escape Cyno’s notice that the teal in Alhaitham’s eyes is receding. “He’s fine Cyno. Until that crap is removed, he’ll keep reverting to his Alpha state.”

“Are you sure that’s fine? I mean—” Cyno narrows his eyes.

“Just because I am at the forefront does not mean I’m inclined to having violent tendencies.” He responds with a shrug and holding the door.

“No, just annoying arguments.” Kaveh retorts. “You’re welcome to join them in the study once you drop the groceries off in the kitchen, Cyno.”

“Are you sure you don’t need any help?” Cyno asks.

“Alhaitham is nothing, if not predictable, in his laziness when it comes to cooking. Is there anything I’m not allowed to touch in the kitchen, Apep?” Kaveh counters. The alpha shakes his head, and Tighnari passes his groceries over to the other Omega. Nahida is sitting on the divan yawning, and it’s all so domestic it makes his heart flutter for the other. With the door locked, Nahida waves her hand, summoning a new seal, and he follows Kaveh into the kitchen.

“Did you sleep well?” Cyno asks. They were both exhausted from that trip back from the Oasis.

“If you can call bickering with Haitham in his dreams restful. He’s taking his house arrest rather well, all things considered.” Kaveh says. Looking through the groceries first, then he examines the kitchen itself. “He is exactly as lazy as I expected. Would you like a cup of coffee? I’m making some for myself and Haitham. I know ‘Nari prefers tea, and I have no idea if Haitham has any in stock.”

“Sure. I’ll wait here with you. It’s likely to make Alhaitham harder for ‘Nari to work with.” Cyno says. Taking a seat at the table to stay out of the blond’s way. There’s something comforting about finally having Kaveh back into their circle of friends. It tempers the sharper edges Alhaitham has naturally and makes the Scribe more tolerable.

“Apep won’t give him trouble, from their descriptions and complaints. The main thing it does is make it hard for them to talk between both themselves and out loud.” Kaveh says. He’s pulling a skillet pan out from the cupboard. Once it’s placed on the stovetop, he’s passed a cup of coffee. “I assume you take yours black like Haitham does?”

“I do.” Cyno sips at it. The weakness of all Akademiya students, coffee. It seems that Alhaitham at least stores the good stuff at his home. Kaveh scoops two spoonfuls of honey into his and sips it gingerly as he cooks. There’s an empty cup next to the pot, probably for Alhaitham.

The alpha returns with Tighnari and Nahida after a few moments, taking up the other seats around the table. “The wound is treated. You have instructions from Alhaitham for me?” Tighnari asks. Kaveh nods, pouring the third cup of coffee and passing it over to the other alpha.

“He said to lance it if you must, but not to remove or heal the gland’s previous damage. Whatever the hell that means.” Kaveh waves a hand. Tighnari nods, moving to go prepare his own tea. “Shit, I forgot about you, Nahida. What would you like?”

“Tea is fine.” She answers, settling in next to Alhaitham, but too short to really see past the surface of the table. The other Alpha snorts and moves her to perch on one of his legs. “Thank you Apep.”

“You’re welcome.” He sips his coffee, and Cyno can almost believe the harmless scene before him. The amused pheromones certainly suggest the Scribe is almost back to normal. “Can you lance it as he suggested before you leave this afternoon?”

“It would put me behind, but it is the best option for treatment based on my assessment earlier. You’re sure Alhaitham doesn’t want the previous damage healed once we’ve drained that irritant out?” Tighnari asks. Does Alhaitham regret being bitten yet? Kaveh shakes his head, and the other Alpha frowns.

“No. It would make the situation harder to control.” The stranger across the table explains. “That damage will be addressed as soon as the present situation is dealt with. He and I are in agreement on that.”

“So, now that you can talk, what exactly are you? Most Alphas do not have a split conscience like this.” Cyno asks. The scarlet eyed man hums, sipping his coffee before turning his attention over to him.

“I’d rather not say, but I am not a byproduct of the serum, if that’s what you’re asking. We have both existed since before he presented, and should it become relevant, we will inform you. You may call me Apep as the others are—” the other says.

“Cyno, the General Mahamatra of the Akademiya. You already know that.” Cyno accuses.

“I did not know your name. I know of our association. The same is true of Tignari?” His butchery of the Omega’s name is surprising. “No… Tighnari?”

“Correct.” The Fennec Fox responds. Passing over a cup of tea for Nahida. “Is it you or Alhaitham that is inhuman? You’re safe here, and I’m sure Nahida already knows.” Apep frowns, sipping his coffee, and Kaveh actually drops the spoon he’s using to cook with.

“Pull it off the heat before you burn it, please.” The Alpha asks quietly. The Omega does and rounds on him, looking for the answer. Cyno watches the blond sign something furiously, and the pheromones in the air are flooded with confusion. “He cannot answer you, as Haitham does not know. Prior to this serum being injected, only Nahida knew. I assume it’s your nose that gave it away?”

“All of you, out. This is not a discussion for any of us. I’m going to have the General escort me to the Akademiya.” Nahida sighs. Attempting to slide off his leg before Apep holds out an arm to stop her.

“The topic might be uncomfortable, but some answers are owed to the people in this room.” Apep says quietly. “If I answer your question, will you lance it today?” Tighnari frowns, sipping his tea.

“You’re not denying it?” Kaveh asks.

“Not at all. What I am is largely unimportant beyond its effects on Alhaitham directly. If anything, it affects those he sees as pack more than Alhaitham himself. My nature, which wrote itself into the walls of that tiny room I was imprisoned in, is what slaughtered your men, General. For their lost lives, I do apologize, but for the violent end they met following the orders of your so-called leaders? Absolutely not.” Apep looks as neutral about the deaths as Alhaitham would about arguments inside the Akademiya about intelligence. “I would offer you one correction on your assessment, if Tighnari will assist in putting Alhaitham back in charge of our vessel.”

“I have a guess.” Kaveh narrows his eyes. “If you’re agreeable ‘Nari?”

“I’ll lance it if you tell him about the wound.” Tighnari counters.

“He’s just waiting for Alhaitham to be front and center for that. They have both made that comment directly.” Kaveh folds his arms. “He also said the wound would, in fact, cause an argument.”

“It will.” Apep affirms. “It is Alhaitham’s responsibility to explain, not mine.”

“Are you not part of him?” Cyno asks.

“FINE. Kaveh, follow us. So much for breakfast. Can you handle being blindfolded?” Tighnari says.

“I have a compromise.” Kaveh says. “I finish cooking breakfast and I speak about what I know about Haiyi vs Apep. We get to eat breakfast, then you can lance it. Well, Apep? Are you comfortable with that?”

“Compromise? How can you confirm anything when—” The blond restarts the stove, and puts the skillet back on the fire. Cyno has never seen Alhaitham look nervous, but the way Apep’s eyes narrow and his lips purse tightly together. Whatever the abyss Apep is sure looks like it.

“You shouldn’t have poked that bear Apep.” Nahida chuckles. “I can hear him strategizing.”

“Alhaitham is the reincarnation of something ancient. It’s why normalcy bores him.” Kaveh finally decides on. Apep sputters, but doesn’t correct him. “Not from the desert though. The languages there do not remind him of anything. So he is from a time before. I don’t know what came before it, but Apep is from then.”

“Accurate.” Nahida says. “I would add before the time of Archons. I will not, however, add anything more than that.”

“Fuck, now I’m curious.” Cyno mutters.

“Its why you called Cyno Dreshet, isn’t it?” Tighnari asks.

“Hardly. Your Alpha is Dreshet, just reborn without his greed. I would recognize his face even without the dozens of murals dedicated to his vanity.” Apep snorts, staring him down. “You, however, are a noble-hearted one, and I respect the choices you’ve made for yourself in this lifetime.”

“He said something about that before Alhaitham and I’s falling out. We were working on our thesis, and the topic of Dreshet made him unusually talkative. So I’ve known about that for years.” Kaveh agrees. “Bastard kept calling me Nabu, or Malikata.”

“I quite agree with Apep’s assessment there. That can wait. What else do you know, Kaveh?” Nahida asks.

“Alhaitham himself is decidedly human. The sheer awkwardness of humanity would be hard to deal with otherwise.” Kaveh’s cheeks are flaming red at the comment. “Apep, however, is decidedly not, which led to even more awkwardness. Apep, do you remember our discussion about the necessity of wearing pants?”

“You insisted that not only must I wear them when I was in control, but that I risked being arrested by not doing so? It’s been almost two decades since we had that conversation.” Apep shrugs. “You also implied it was more than just pants I should be wearing.”

“When did you start being able to possess Haiyi’s body?” Kaveh asks.

“I was present from the beginning. I was jealous on a particular event before he presented as an Alpha.” Apep’s cheeks are flushing too. “It is up to Kaveh to explain what happened.”

“He shoved his tongue down my throat in lew of greeting about a week after we met. I was so caught off guard I choked and passed out. We then had a long discussion about personal boundaries.” Kaveh shakes his head. “Alhaitham was more subtle about it, but evidently they both thought preteen me was cute.”

“Desirable.” Apep corrects.“Breakfast?”

Kaveh plates up what he made, and settles in at the free spot to Alhaitham’s right. Once everyone is done, Cyno collects the plates and takes everything to the sink. “I’ll wash them later. Do you still have time to—”

“In the bathroom. I do not want this ooze near our collections of books.” Apep lifts Nahida easily and sets her on the floor. “You may prepare in there, Tighnari.”

“Right, so I can stay during the treatments if I’m blindfolded?” Kaveh asks.

“Yes.” Apep says. “The wound before it was injected was already foul. Now it is—more than mildly unpleasant.”

“I think I’ll pass. Our debate last night was tiring.” Kaveh yawns. “Even with the coffee, I can hardly keep my eyes open. Nahida mentioned withdrawal yesterday?”

“Your presence suppresses the effects, as an unbonded Omega that we trust.” Apep says.

“So then, you need me to stay during it?” Kaveh asks.

“I would prefer it, but if—” Apep is cut off by Nahida.

“Yes. Just being separated during your shower yesterday caused the seizures.” Nahida clarifies. Kaveh’s eyes widen a fraction before turning to the gray-haired idiot.

“Try not to drip that shit on me, Tighnari.” Kaveh says with a resigned sigh.

This is what leads to the five of them claustrophobically in Alhaitham’s bathroom. With Tighnari draining the alpha’s gland, his free hand sitting lazily on Kaveh’s shoulder as he sleeps in the bathtub. Nahida watching from his lap as Cyno sits there with the door propped open so there’s at least some illusion of space. Tighnari cringes as the needle punctures the swollen gland. Apep doesn’t even flinch. His hand just moves through Kaveh’s hair as the other snores away.

“You could just tell him. It’d save Alhaitham the trouble.” Tighnari says. His voice echoes off the tiles as he works. The serum oozes down onto a gauze with the consistency of maple syrup. It’s turned a deep brown, presumably from the blood leaking out of the bite wound, but it’s impossible to know.

“I could, but I’m not the one who decided it was easier to suffer in silence or live in denial about it.” Apep snorts. “I’m, unfortunately, just caught in the middle as the rest of you.”

“Literally.” Cyno adds. He grimaces as Tighnari reaches in to squeeze out the remainder. “Archons, that looks miserable.” Apep flinches then, and there’s an irritated scowl for half a second before he schools his features.

“It smells worse.” Tighnari mutters. “So, what are you?”

“It would be easier to start with what is Alhaitham, and the answer is he is my reincarnation. My presence is just an accumulation of memories from the past. Kaveh has rightly guessed that it’s before the time of the God Kings.” Apep sighs, flexing one hand. Cyno notes the claws there, and there’s the smallest amount of unease trickling down his spine. “I am Apep, as my name suggests.”

“I do not think there’s a record of you accessible at present.” Nahida offers.

“Ah. I was the Dendro being that came before the God Kings ruled Sumeru.” Apep says. Cyno almost has to edge away, as Dendro unfurls, curling around the room like—

“Fucking hell—” Cyno hisses. The slit eyes, claws, and massive presence he puts off. “You’re one of the ancient Sovereigns, aren’t you? You’re not human because you’re the godsdamned Dragon Sovereign of Dendro.” The spirit of his headpiece recoils, and Tighnari freezes in his movements, watching them.

“The precursor to the Archons.” Nahida nods. “While we have no hostilities among us, Sovereigns in general do not like the topic of archons. I would return it to you, were I able to.”

“I have no need of that kind of power anymore. Nor does Dreshet’s heir require his. It is safer in your hands, and I’m inclined to let Alhaitham live his life in peace.” Apep’s clawed hand lightly scratches Kaveh’s head. “It is also why we have never seen Kaveh as only an Omega. That, however, will be a conversation we have with Kaveh once he has recovered.”

“How can you be so sure he will recover?” Tighnari asks. “We’ve seen no indication that this will work yet.”

“That’s partially because Alhaitham is sleeping.” Nahida giggles. “Apep was the only one that got any rest while Kaveh and Alhaitham bickered all night.”

“Why does that not surprise me at all?” Cyno mutters.

“I can feel its hold weakening, but I am undecided if it is the removal of the serum or Kaveh’s return that is more helpful.” The ancient divine says. It also explains why his voice always teetered on becoming a growl. “I have my own theories, but more than likely this is will be the last time you can outwardly identify which of us is present. Until this, only Kaveh could.”

“I’m about done here. There’s a bit left, but this is going to be highly uncomfortable for both of us.” Tighnari warns. Apep nods for him to continue and flattens his hand on Kaveh’s hair. The forest watcher squeezes with all his might, and the coiling presence spirals out, putting out pressure that makes Tighnari flinch.

“I will not harm any of you, it is just uncomfortable.” Apep mutters.

“You’ll forgive me if I find that absolute horseshit after the last two weeks of cleaning up after you.” Cyno says. “I’ll leave him in your capable hands, Tighnari.”

“You’re abandoning me now?” The Forest Watcher responds in mock hurt. “At least make me some more tea while I finish this up.”

“Will do.” Cyno answers.

Kaveh wakes up to the stink of disinfectant and the amused scent of Alhaitham. That, and being absolutely manhandled out of the bathtub into a bridal carry against the firmest chest he’s ever seen. His nose is too busy inhaling the pleased Alpha scent to be of any use to him. Haitham lays him across the couch, and for a moment he thinks he’s being asked not to sleep in the other’s bed anymore.

“Haiyi?” Kaveh calls out.

“I’m just selecting a few books, Kaveh.” The other calls. Reassuring Alpha pheromones flood the house, and Kaveh stares groggily at the ceiling. “I can smell your concern from here.” The other drops a stack of tomes on the coffee table. He’s still concerned about it until he’s bodily tugged towards Haitham’s chest. “Please stop worrying. I promise I’m back.”

“I don’t know how to turn it off.” Kaveh admits. “Where did everyone go?”

“I sent them home. Nahida is checking in on the Akademiya with Cyno, and I have the next few weeks off while I recover. She’ll be back by tomorrow. Cyno will be by later to have you cook dinner, or bring some from Lambad’s he said he’d ask you since my opinion means nothing to him?” Haitham shrugs.

“I have no idea. So, now that you’re back, are you recovered enough to discuss things?” Kaveh sits up with a yawn.

“Enough to say thank you for responding when Apep and I asked for help. I’m not ready to talk about what’s going on with my gland yet. It’s still sore, and Apep needs time to rest as well. My body feels extremely overtaxed from the last month.” Haitham sighs. “I get you want to resolve it, but as far as I’m concerned, you didn’t do anything wrong. You were overwhelmed, and that’s just how you deal with being overwhelmed, is running away.”

“I—that’s extremely reasonable of you.” Kaveh hums.

“I don’t care anymore. I missed arguing with you too much to care about it anymore. It’s been almost a decade—” Haitham shakes his head. “If you’re okay with the incident being behind us, and it being my fault, the discussion can be done.”

“You—that’s not how discussions work, Haiyi!” Kaveh says.

“We’ll find something else to argue about later, I assure you. Now, can I just bask in the fact you’re back while reading? You can go back to sleeping if you want, but—”

“I would like to sleep in a bed, not on the divan.” Kaveh counters.

“That’s arrangeable. Let me just move my books first.” Haitham picks them up. Kaveh moves to stand, but his legs are jelly when he goes to put weight on them. He topples over, and before he can blink, Alhaitham is catching him with a concerned expression. Dendro floods the room. “Kaveh?”

“Why are my legs jelly?” He asks.

“Oh, shit. I think it’s the calming pheromones. Look, you know how you said you weren’t good at being an Omega? I’m not all that great at being an Alpha.” Alhaitham tucks his arms under him bridal style again. “I’ll get you to the bed, and hopefully it fixes itself?”

“Haitham, we are not just going to hope my legs fix themselves!” Kaveh complains.

“Well, I’m going to nap, and so are you. If it isn’t fixed when we wake up, then I’ll take you to find Nahida. She should be able to help.” Haitham drops him on the same side of the bed he took yesterday. The books are there, in disarray on the floor like Haitham had panicked.

“Haiyi?” Kaveh asks.

“Yes Kaveh?”

“Did you know your Inner Alpha’s not human?” Kaveh asks. “Apep, I mean.”

“I suspected when he tried to leave the house without pants and you stopped him. Thank you for that, by the way.” Haitham says.

“Well, considering you would have been arrested for indecent exposure, and likely by Cyno’s father, I didn’t really have much of a choice.” Kaveh laughs. “Hey—”

“Is for horses and hostiles. What?”

“Your sense of humor has gotten better. I was going to ask, what are we, Haiyi?” Kaveh turns, watching the way Haitham tenses under the look. “We were friends, really close friends before our falling out, but now… Are we just the sum of our parts? You an Alpha, and me, an Omega, no one—” There’s a soft growl that escapes the other before Alhaitham can fully stop it. His cheeks redden, and his gaze looks away from Kaveh like he’s trying to settle himself.

“No. In the decade you’ve been gone, I’d like to think I learned a think or two about my own wants and needs. You’re not just an Omega, we’ll have a discussion about your self depreciative nature on that topic at a later time. Nor are you just my friend. At one point, I would have called you my best friend, and before your mind drops into that void, the answer is no.”

“No, what?” Kaveh asks. Feigning innocence, Haitham rolls his eyes and tugs Kaveh closer so that he’s resting on his chest.

“It means that best friend is not a strong enough word for what I would call you now. I would call you Habibi, or partner.” Haitham says. The words are quiet, but sure. He’s spent nearly 10 years avoiding this man, and they were the most miserable years of his life. Kaveh could certainly think of worse things than being pampered and arguing with the overly stubborn man next to him.

“I cannot promise to always do as you say, nor be a good little house Omega.”

“Nor would I ever expect you to.” Haitham nods.

“Do you even know how to court an Omega?” Kaveh asks with a hum.

“No, but I’m not courting some random Omega off the street. It would be courting you.” Haitham’s mouth quirks into a smile. “I’m sure I can figure something out. Now, shall we nap before all of them come back to butt into our lives?”

“Yeah, but Haiyi?” Kaveh asks. “I think we need to take this slowly. One step at a time until we’re both comfortable about it.”

“Are you saying you want to sleep in that other room? Or that you aren’t comfortable now?” Haitham asks.

It gives Kaveh a reason to pause. For all the awkwardness of the situation, he’d not felt unwelcome in Alhaitham’s bed. Nor was there any pressure for anything more from Haitham. If anything, it was the most comfortable he’d ever felt. Like he belonged snuggled into the chest that was breathing softly below him.

“I am very comfortable, but I reserve the right to change my mind later.” Kaveh mumbles. “How did you know?”

“It’s you Kaveh. You’re the only person who would protest that.” Haitham’s smirk has reached his eyes. “I promise there will be no funny stuff or official announcements from my end. When you’re ready, you can make that choice.”

Chapter Text

The desk of the former Grand Sage is an absolute mess of documents, and Cyno refuses to come any closer than the doorway. Nahida frowns, there’s really only one solution for it. “I have to bother him.”

“You realize Alhaitham is going to hate this, right?” The General Mahamatra says. Gesturing to the overall grandness of the office. “He won’t mind the paperwork end persay, but the endless amount people coming through his door and bothering him is going to drive him nuts. Not to mention he’s still recovering.”

“The decision of if he wants to come back to work is his, but I need him to at least step in and get this office under control until we can decide who the next Grand Sage will be.” Nahida hops down off the chair, moving to join Cyno in the elevator platform. “I cannot trust someone else to do it, and you are too busy with the Mahamatra to even consider. He’s versed in the inner politics of it all—”

“I’m not arguing your choice Lord Kusanali, I’m saying he won’t like everything that it comes with, starting with the responsibilities and ending with the people.” Cyno points out.

“I’ll take over that end, I should be able to handle—”

“No. I’ll let Alhaitham make that argument with you, but I must insist you don’t try and change that part of the position to include you directly.” Cyno asks.

“Its not like you to be worried for me. Is there something—” Nahida pauses in her thought, as they leave the Akademiya. There’s an assorted number of guards, and most of them are headed towards—oh, they’re headed to Alhaitham’s home. Cyno is almost pulsing with Electro ahead of her, and a series of Matra fall in around him.

“What exactly do you think you’re doing?” Cyno asks. The line of Matra ahead of himturns, and half of them have taken on a pale sheen. There’s a few older officers that turn and salute before stepping back to let the leading officer speak. “I gave no orders for there to be a raid.”

“We are under the Sage’s orders. After—” Nahida interrupts them by stepping forward. Skimming their thoughts reveals nothing good, and it goes entirely against her plans.

“Consider those orders revoked unless cleared by myself or General Mahamatra.The Scribe is to be left alone, is that understood?” Nahida says. She trusts Cyno to have her back, and if they don’t comply. Well, Alhaitham had shown enough restraint, and with the serum removed it was likely he could handle it. Just because the Scribe could defend himself didn’t mean he needed to be forced into the position to do so.

“Lord Kusanali. We were unaware you were involved in the matter.”

“I was not originally. The test preformed on the Scribe falls into one the forbidden points of study. Anyone found continuing that research will be dealt with according to that. Am I clear?” Nahida steps forward, and the crowd of Matra parts around her. It’s a sea of gators, she thinks for a moment, with Cyno at her back, would they be able to fight them all off? Probably not.

I’m sorry to disturb you, but could you and Kaveh come join us on the landing? I feel a little vulnerable right now, and I don’t like it. Nahida reaches out to Alhaitham’s mind. The Scribe can undoubtably hear her.

Do you want me or Apep? Alhaitham asks.

Both if you’d be so kind, but I’d lean on Apep for this one. Someone ordered the Matra to your home against my wishes. Nahida answers. “Apep is on his way.” Cyno nods beside her, understanding the reference. He’s already conjured his polearm, and turns to the loyal members of the Matra.

“Clear out the citizens in the nearby area, this may get violent.” He orders.

“You would fight your own people?” The Matra officer asks. He’s a little older than Cyno, and Nahida would have preferred this sort of confrontation be kept far away from the average Sumeru citizen. “What happened to the Scribe isn’t a threat?”

“Alhaitham is not the threat here.” Cyno confirms. There’s a few loyal troops behind him, but the rest have gone to address their combined concerns. Nahida can sense the moment Alhaitham lays eyes on the issue, Apep’s presence returns and floods the area with that coiling ooze of ghostly Dendro. Tiny translucent mirrors flicker into existence around them, and Cyno beside her tenses for a half a second before readying himself for a battle.

“Then who is?” The officer asks.

“Judging by the way you’re gathered here like an insurgency, I would say you are.” Alhaitham says. He’s dressed in his normal attire as the scribe, and Kaveh stands behind him with his tool box floating in midair.

“Archons, what is going on here? It looks more like an assassination plot than any type of detainment force.” Kaveh says. His hand is raised at an odd position, but Nahida trusts the architect to be as ready as Alhaitham is. The thought of killing them all does flicker across the officer’s mind, and the second it does Alhaitham has vanished in a flicker of Dendro.

“It does, doesn’t it? You thought you’d eliminate me, and then go after the General and Lord Kusanali. Too bad for you their plan was a little better than yours.” That’s Apep speaking now.

“If you value your lives, I suggest you surrender now.” Nahida pulls at her own Dendro, strengthened by the presence of the Scribe and architect. Cyno taps the pummel of his polearm, and the spirit of his headpiece loaning him its strength.

“I—“ The way he looks around doesn’t bode well for anyone. His thoughts are manic, and before he can even call out an order one of Haitham’s Dendro blades is slicing through his hamstrings.

“No. Surrender or fall. Those are your options.” His voice is pitched back up, Alhaitham made that decision then, not Apep.

“You’ve left the omega defenseless with your little show of power Scribe.” The man spits. His men rush at Kaveh, and Nahida chains them all together, tugging them back towards the Scribe. Kaveh however doesn’t look worried, if anything the blond looks pissed. He swings his hand, and a claymore materializes out of his toolbox.Its cloaked in enough Dendro that it’s dropping cores.

“Speak for your fucking self!” Kaveh growls as he directs the tool box. Beside the rather stunned officer Apep snorts. Turning to deal with the next wave.

“You judge him purely by his secondary gender and not the life he has lived.” Apep says. “He is the Light of Kshahrewar, and capable of so much more than you ever will be.” Nahida can only hear his words because she’s so close.

“You say that with the most reverence. One would almost think you were courting him, but that would be premature, after all the Scribe of the Akademiya needs no Omega.” The officer hisses with pain. Alhaitham huffs, because that’s notthe Sovereign taking offense to that.

“I said I had no need of a normal Omega.” Alhaitham corrects. He thrusts a blade into the other’s shoulder, and the man’s arm goes limp with the slash. “Haravatat graduates are keenly aware of the power of words. It doesn’t mean we can’t make mistakes, but that was not one of them.”

Kaveh is very much holding his own, and beats them off like flies.Not as easily as Alhaitham is slicing through the men surrounding him. Noticeably, he’s only incapacitating them, not killing them. Cyno is not as kind. These men have betrayed him, and he’s taking it rather personally. Nahida chains sets of enemies with Dendro then streps back out of the way. Her knights are perfectly capable of handling this on their own.

She boosts Kaveh’s Dendro with her own, and slides in behind to assist him, as he’s the only one not completely in his element. That said, it is a support role, not that he needs her help. This allows Alhaitham and Cyno to finish dismantling the crowd. The other returning Matra start arresting those Alhaitham has left behind. The stench of Electro burnt flesh is heavy on the air around Cyno. The officer is bleeding out all over himself in the middle as Cyno’s second in command steps onto the scene.

He takes one look at the men on the ground, and then one that sweeps across the General, Scribe, Kaveh and herself. What the hell has General Cyno found this time? Also, isn’t the Scribe supposed to be out on leave right now? His second in command sighs, gesturing for the Matra to start cleaning up the mess. “Sir.” He claps his chest, and Cyno finally starts to settle down a fraction.

“They were planning to arrest Alhaitham?” Kaveh asks. Nahida frowns, grabbing his hand to make him sit beside her on a bench. The architect pales, and looks out over the battlefield. “You mean—”

“They intended to kill me, defang the General, and assassinate Nahida.” Alhaitham says. Stepping back into their space as Cyno deals with the fallout. “You should stay with us until he’s ran a full check on the remaining members of the Akademiya’s upper ranks, and sifted through the results. Knowing him, he’s going to start with running through his own ranks first.”

“I was actually coming to see you about that. I need your help Alhaitham.” Nahida looks up at him. He frowns instantly at the statement, and Kaveh is still pale next to her. Alhaitham sighs, and there’s a pleasant scent that fills the air. Nahida has no idea what it is, but its making her sleepy.

“Are you actively trying to knock everyone here out? Cut it out or take him home!” Cyno snaps. “Take Nahida with you. I have to—”

“Climb on.” Alhaitham says quietly. “You’ll have to hold on for yourself while I assist Kaveh.”

“Don’t you mean carry me? I can walk on my own you know.” Kaveh mutters. Alhaitham shrugs, and there’s a kinder smile to his face than she’s seen since he freed her. The architect’s presence makes all the difference in the normally stoicscribe.

“Would you like to be carried?” Alhaitham’s smile remains. The Matra arresting all of the traitors are watching the interaction between the two of them curiously.

“Is that really the same man we were all afraid of days ago?” One of them asks.

“They don’t pay me enough to know. I’m shocked he chose to get involved in a fight at all, he’s not the most active member of the Akademiya.” Their partner says. Shrugging at theother, Cyno is staring, and Nahida takes that to mean he’s done with his part of the instructions.

“I must apologize Lord—”

“Nahida.” Alhaitham corrects. She’s missed the end of his conversation, but he’s leaning down to lift Kaveh into his arm’s now. “You don’t need to apologize for your department. Nor does Nahida need to apologize for what the Akademiya did to me under her nose. What all of us expect is that you will do better next time.”

“He’s right Cyno. You couldn’t have known they would attempt to kill any of us.” Kaveh says. He’s settled in against Alhaitham’s chest and his eyes are drooping already. “Just make sure you get rid of them all for trying please. This was a bit much as a welcome back party.”

“You have my word. Thank you, for having our back Alhaitham.” Cyno says quietly.

“You’re pack Cyno, whether I acknowledge it or not. We have your back when you need us.”Alhaitham answers. “Nahida will be staying with me until you’ve had a chance to deal with this nonsense.”

“I was about to ask if you’d mind watching over her. It’s going to take some time, are you sure your house is defendable?” Cyno glances back.

“Between Apep, Kaveh, Nahida, and myself, I highly doubt we’ll have any issues. There was a heavily fortified Dendro barrier I had to break or we’d have been here sooner.” Alhaitham snorts.

“Pardon me, I had no idea it would be about keeping others out rather than keeping you in.” Nahida giggles. “Thank you from me as well. I thought for certain I was going to have to—”

“Your hands are clean, and I intend to keep them that way as long as I can. If that means playing the villain a bit longer, I can manage that.” Alhaitham starts walking home. Nahida notes he’s not struggling under her weigh across his shoulders, and the fully grown architect in his arms. Kaveh’s breathing as evened out, and the blond is just sleeping.

“I’m sorry for worrying the two of you.” Nahida mumbles. Alhaitham shrugs beneath her, lengthening his stride to take them back. “I did have another favor to ask of you. If you don’t think it will impact your recovery.”

“I just fought off a small horde of idiots for you, and you think this other favor may impede my recovery?” He asks. He has to squat down next to the front door to get the key from his pocket. “If you could open the front door, I don’t have enough hands for this. I also don’t have the sentient briefcase I can tell what to do.”

Nahida carefully slides down his back collecting the keyfrom his grasp. “I might need a stool to do this.”

“I’m sure Kaveh will be more than happy to over design you a step stool to open the door. You’re the Dendro lord, you’ll figure something out this time.” Alhaitham looks entirely too pleased to just be standing there with an arm full of blond. There’s no thoughts reallycrossing his mind, and its oddly domestic.

She struggles with the door, and Alhaitham kicks it shut with his foot. “You’re sleeping with us again?” Alhaitham asks.

“If that’s okay with you and Kaveh? I don’t really like being on my own as much anymore.” Nahida admits. She follows after him, surprised by the chaos his room is in.

“Your request for aid sent Kaveh into a panic for clothes.” Alhaitham says, laying the Omega out on the bed. “I guess I’m washing the sheets tomorrow.” He steps away, and Nahida starts piling all the clothes out of the way. “Front door is locked, do you want to reset your barrier?”

“As a thank you yes, I can add in some manipulations that allow you and Kaveh to adjust it at will, now that we know you aren’t a threat.” Nahida says. Apep’s energy swirls around her adding into the barrier, and its no challenge to find traces of Kaveh in the air, though its significantlysmaller than the Sovereign’s residual energy in his home. It’s enough to allow him to manipulate the barrier. She’s also able to add Cyno in, but his is more of an emergency precaution.

“I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult.” Alhaitham says. He’s undressing in one corner, tossing them in the pile she’s put together. He’s down to his boxers pulling out a freshpair of sweats for himself. “Is there something wrong with me changing in my own bedroom?”

“Not by that definition. It might make Kaveh uncomfortable until you establish something more with him.” Nahida sighs. “Do you still have—?” He’s already handing her the sweater from the last time. “Thank you. As I was saying, until you’ve either had sex or reached a point where he’s comfortable undressing in front of you. I would suggest the bathroom.”

Alhaitham looks contemplative as he stares at the sleeping Omega, then back at his closet. “I suppose this means I have to wear a shirt to bed too?”

“Entirely yours and Kaveh’s discussion. I’m here for company and snuggles. The second it gets to a point where you’re even considering sex, I’ll go hide in that spare room with an extra set of barriers.” Nahida shakes her head. He slips a loose shirton, and crawls into the open side of the bed.

“Ridiculous. You know I don’t have such thoughts, Kaveh might though—“ Alhaitham furrows his brows. “What would be the point of it? I mean—”

“Haitham, if you need to think that hard about it I think we’re fine. Also, Kaveh used to think about it a lot, but its not my place to elaborate on his personal habits. Oh dear.” Nahida sits up beside him. “I didn’t tell Scaramouche where I was going.”

“Cyno will handle it. Sleep now, otherwise we’ll wake up to Kaveh being grumpy at us.” Alhaitham turns off the lamp, and the room floods with that pleasant scent again. She’s asleep before she can ask what it is.

Chapter Text

Kaveh wakes to being snuggled alive by his archon and feeling pleasantly refreshed despite sleeping in his day clothes. He tenses, he’d literally worn his street clothes into Alhaitham’s bed. How disgusting, those will definitely need washed. Haitham is out cold, curled around their archon facing towards Kaveh with his hand entwined in—oh dear archons, he’s holding Haitham’s hand.

“Shhh, he just feel asleep a few minutes ago.” Nahida mumbles. Haitham’s grip tightens when he attempts to slide his hand out, and there’s a low warning growl.

“Is he literally—” Kaveh hisses at his archon. Nahida hums, looking up at him blearily.

“Acting like a cat and growling because he’s claimed your hand as his own? Of course he is.” Nahida whispers.

“I—I don’t understand. Even talking further to Haitham about it, I don’t know why an Alpha, particularly a desirable one like him, would want, or even wait for a useless omega like me.” Kaveh sighs. Settling in to wait out Alhaitham’s nap.

“You’re not useless, nor are you even subpar. Your skills as an Omega are less of a reflection of what you lack, and more of what your ‘fated’ partner would need of you. Your compassion is so much beyond that of the average. Would it not be fitting if the reason for it was your partner is emotionally constipated?” Nahida pats his head.

“You’re saying Haitham and I—you’re joking.” Kaveh sighs.

“I am not. That said, fated pairs, at least per what I’ve seen over the last 500 years, are made as they grow together in experiences. Destiny did not predetermine you, but your own choices, the both of you.” Nahida smiles. “You were fated by your own doing, or the stubbornness, if you will.”

“That’s believable. At least I would have believed it originally. Not so sure anymore, but I have nowhere else to go.” Kaveh says quietly. “Tighnari tried to talk me into not selling the old family house, but it doesn’t feel like home anymore. I never thought staying with Haitham would, but it does. I can’t afford to mess this up.”

“You won’t. You’ve been on his mind ever since you left. Even if he doesn’t admit it directly, and he’s been more introverted too. A desert flower finally remembering how to bloom.” Nahida says.

“Haitham’s always been terrible with flowers. Shit, I even picked all of those mourning flowers for him. Where the hell did I put them? Ugh, I’ll figure it out after I pee, if you think you can get him to let me go long enough to use the bathroom. What are you doing?” Kaveh watches her flip and place her hand on Haitham’s temple.

His hand flexes, but releases Kaveh’s. Relief pulses through him, and he lets out a pulse of pheromones, happy, content ones before trotting off to the bathroom.

His hand trails across the walls as he walks to the bathroom. Every wall looks like something he would have chosen, even if it is bare. There are books everywhere, and space for more of them, and places for items that elude Alhaitham’s tastes, but—Kaveh’s eyes water. He staggers the last few feet into the bathroom and wipes his eyes.

Haitham’s home reflects his status as incomplete. Kaveh’s heart swells, and as he washes his hands before nearly skipping back. His time away has come at a price. Alhaitham’s peaceful sleep has turned into a jerking, shaking mess. Nahida is doing her best, but with her small form she’s unable to do more than steady his head. Kaveh trips over his own feet going back, and rolls him on his side to face the bed’s edge. Holding Haitham’s body sideways, facing him off the bed until the shaking stops. Nahida pats his head and moves the bangs sweaty gray bangs out of his face.

“Please don’t blame yourself, Kaveh.” She whispers.

“Did he know that would happen?” Kaveh asks. Haitham’s body has mellowed to a gentle shivering. His eyes are screwed up tight, and Kaveh slides towards him. Settling in near his hips to help stabilize the unconscious man.

“He suspected. Apep didn’t. They’re currently arguing over it. I was asked none too politely to stay out of their discussion.” Nahida hums. Her hand hovers over the large bandage covering his shoulder. “The wound is also acting up, and we do not have time to see if Tighnari can join us. Now that his shaking has mostly subsided, can you watch over him while I grab the medical kit?”

“You’re suggesting my presence is more important that yours.” Kaveh says. The tiny archon nods, carefully sitting Haitham’s head down. “I—”

“Your presence purifies the poison it left behind, at least according to Alhaitham. Your Dendro abilities, while primarily assisting you with your role as an architect, also purifies things around you to help protect you. A blessing, supposedly from me, but I will be honest. We archons have little to do with how visions manifest, or what powers they grant those blessed with them. The amount of Dendro visions around me does empower me, but I have little influence in their manifestation.”

“So then, this is yet more of your comment about us growing into our own abilities?”

“Precisely. Your presence near poison victims, of any nature, probably would purify it. It’s not healing like a doctor’s or medicine, but it is something they cannot accomplish on their own. So please, wait here while I fetch the kit.” Nahida says.

Alhaitham settles, but his eyes remain closed as his breathing slowly evens out. Kaveh lays a hand over his forehead and cringes at the man’s temperature. Was this the result of the wound or—had he over exerted himself when they went to rescue Nahida and Cyno? The med kit Nahida has is larger than she is, and it’s awkward for her to carry. He steps away to heft it up onto the bed for her.

Alhaitham’s distress returns. A small burst in painful pheromones. Kaveh put his hand back on Alhaitham’s forehead, and the smell dissipates. “He doesn’t want me to see it. The wound.”

“Of course he doesn’t.” Nahida scoffs as she tugs herself up. “Idiot. I cannot stop you from watching while I change them. It depends on how much you want to trust Alhaitham at this point.”

“I’ll hold his head up. If he’s too unruly, you might need my help.” Kaveh sighs. He wants to trust Haitham, but his health must come above that. “I’ll keep my eyes closed if I can, but—”

“You call yourself a bad Omega. Are you aware the only true characteristic of a good Omega is to prioritize the care of the pack? You put his physical needs above his desires, cover his back when needed. Please, just trust your instincts. If they are connected to Alhaitham, then you are our best chance at saving him.” Nahida whispers.

“Wait, saving him? You say that like he’s dying not going through an experiment or something.”

“He is. It’s not the serum killing him, nor is it the wound. The serum unlocked more of Apep. Look at how his Alpha fangs remain descended all the time now. He’s slowly being poisoned by it, and I think the only way to fix it is to find Apep’s corpse.” Nahida explains. “Their original corpse from ancient times. I think perhaps it will hold the answers to this problem.”

“What is Apep? Why are you so convinced that he holds the answers to what’s killing Alhaitham now?” Kaveh narrows his eyes. He focuses on her, as her small hands untie the bandages covering Alhaitham’s torso.

“I can’t access the wound with his shirt on.” Nahida points out.

Rolling Haitham flat isn’t hard, but lifting the massive bulk of muscles that makes up his head and chest is more difficult. He’s heavy, and lifting him at that angle and removing his shirt is difficult. He has to leverage him up, slide his hands under his shirt, then let Nahida tug it up and over his head. It takes so long that he’s tired by the time they have Haitham settled again.

Kaveh stares down at the broad, pale chest. It sinks and rises in calm breaths. Despite all the man-handling, the pain he’s supposed to be in, and the fever making his face streak with sweat. Alhaitham is calm. Nahida is gingerly unwrapping the bandages, and her face scrunches up.

“That is up to Apep to explain again, if he is so inclined. I’ll reach out to Cyno after this. We’re going to need his help to find the corpse.” Nahida sighs. “The wound itself is getting better, despite this idiot’s lack of proper treatment of it. He’s just the treating the symptoms, not the cause.”

“Is it something I could fix?” Kaveh asks. Nahida hesitates, and he already knows the answer is yes. “Is it directly related to what Haitham’s hiding from me?”

“When I finish here, we will speak with Haitham directly in his mind. He should have done this then—” Nahida doesn’t sound pleased about it at all. “I need to treat this first.”

It’s hard not to look at a wound that’s sitting right under his nose. Only a verbal promise to the very man resting against his thighs is stopping him. “Haitham said the conversation would cause a fight. I think it best you let the two of us discuss it on our own. Unfortunately.”

“You may not like what he has to say.” Nahida comments.

The stink of whatever paste she’s using invades his nose, muting his senses. It takes everything in him not to gag before she’s done wrapping his bandages. When she taps his thigh, he opens his eyes to look down at the peaceful, sleeping face of Haitham.

“That smells like the same awful mix Tighnari gave him back then. When he was attacked, did it never heal?” Kaveh asks.

“No. The bacteria in the wound can only be negated by a very specific set of conditions. Something Alhaitham is aware of, but chose not to ‘burden’ you with. Tighnari, Cyno, and myself are the only ones aware of the wound and what caused it.”

“Then it wasn’t an attack?” Kaveh asks. Her silence speaks so much more. “Put me in his head after I lay down.” He carefully pulls Alhaitham’s head out of his lap, and entwines their fingers together. Unconsciousness is kind to him, and as he enters Alhaitham’s mind place, there’s a charged background to the air.

“You need to tell him.” Nahida says. Her point blunt, and her arms crossed.

“Hello to you too.” He says. Eyebrow raised at looking at the two of them. “In reference to what this time, Nahida?”

“The wound on your neck, you obtuse Alpha prick. I’ve got this Nahida.” Kaveh says.

“You’ve seen it?” Alhaitham asks. His face closing down, and Kaveh scowls back at him.

“Of course I haven’t, you dumbass. You asked me not to, so of course I didn’t! No, I’m getting the impression I’ve missed something rather important. Nahida said I could help with fixing it if I just know what we’re dealing with!” Kaveh waves his hands in the air.

“I suppose I should thank you for not peaking. You’ll pull Kaveh if either of us become to distressed?” Alhaitham asks.

“Absolutely not, at least not until you’ve told him. It’s been almost ten years, and if not for his timely return, you’d be in serious trouble. If Cyno hadn’t found him in time.”

“I would have become a homicidal maniac, one whose actions were led by an ancient being that existed before the divines themselves. I’m well aware of what Apep would have done to get us free of that nightmare. They still think we should find their corpse.” Alhaitham frowns. “If Kaveh becomes uncomfortable—”

“I know how to leave if I need to Haitham.” Kaveh buts in. “Nahida, I appreciate you greatly, but he’ll just continue to stall if you don’t leave.”

“Fine, but you will discuss the bite wound, now Alhaitham.” She pops out of existence, and Kaveh’s nonexistent blood pressure skyrockets.

“It’s a what?!?” Kaveh half shrieks.

“A bite wound, as I was hoping I would be conscious for this discussion so you could look at it.” Alhaitham sighs. “Look, it isn’t what you think—”

“How does an Alpha even get bit? Wait…who bit you? You haven’t claimed some other more—” Kaveh halts as Alhaitham raises his hand.

“It was you, before you even get your underwear in a twist. You got drunk during your graduation party. After a long, and rather belligerent speech about the unfairness of it only being Omegas that are bit. I, who was not nearly as drunk, suggested it was entirely possible that a bond could be issued by a bite on an Alpha, not just an Omega. That is, was an issue of ego and pride that had led to—I digress. Both of us were drunk and decided to test the theory.” Alhaitham summarizes.

“I bit you to test a theory while I was drunk as a skunk?” Kaveh asks. He’d be pale if he wasn’t in here, in Alhaitham’s head. “Why in the Archons’ names would you ever agree to that?”

“If you recall my previous statement, we were both drunk.” Alhaitham snorts. “There is no other omega involved, just you. Since you didn’t remember, I thought it would be unfair to bind you if it wasn’t what you wanted.” Haitham says.

“Which is why you involved Tighnari.” Kaveh concludes. All the pieces of the mysterious wound on the Alpha’s neck are making sense. “You have had a festering mate bite for almost ten years because you wanted me to have a choice—” He can’t keep the astonishment out of his voice.

“Indeed, and it’s been rather unpleasant, even if it was worth waiting. The cure for the festering is rather simple, and should help stabilize everything. That said, it has always been your choice. That was the primary point of the experiment.” Haitham is looking at him expectantly. “Before you get even more tied up in your morals, I would not have offered, even drunk, if I did not want the consequences of a completed bond, and with you specifically.”

“I—I need to think about this. If I help with the festering, will that complete the bond?” Kaveh asks.

“Not to my knowledge. It requires sexual intercourse to cement or a secondary bite, which I have no intentions of marring your neck, not with the lecture that you would give me over it. It should just heal the wound and tell my body to stop freaking out every time you step away.” Haitham shrugs.

“Oh Gods, and then I—-I basically outright rejected everything before I left, so it’s probably worse, isn’t it?” Kaveh sighs.

“That was more of an ego punch than painful, if I’m honest. I pushed you too hard, and I’d rather avoid that entire topic. We are discussing the claiming bite on my neck, and I’ve been threatened by you and our archon to comply.” Haitham says.

“So then, you’re considering this an absolutely fresh start for both of us? No strings attached?” Kaveh narrows his eyes at the other. Alhaitham nods hesitantly.

“I have one request, going forward, and it should help negate any adverse effects on my side.” Haitham asks. He shifts from foot to foot in this mental space, and Kaveh can imagine his ears turning pink with embarrassment. “I would like cuddles. Sleeping, dozing, awake while I’m reading. I don’t care. I’d like to just bask in the sunlight that you naturally give off.”

“Shirtless cuddles?” Kaveh asks.

“I’m not opposed, but it’s whatever you’re comfortable with.” Haitham answers.

“Optional, but not required?” Kaveh counters. “You’re allowed to ask for things, too. Relationships are a two-way street, Haiyi, as much as you aren’t familiar with them.”

“It’s sex I’m unfamiliar with, and I don’t really care about it. I do care about spending time with you, and I care about both of us being comfortable in speaking our minds again.” Haitham says frankly.

“True enough, you’ve never had much of a libido, have you?” Kaveh frowns.

“Not particularly. That, however, is for later negotiation.” Alhaitham agrees.

“I’m going to leave you now, and clean off that nasty—“ Kaveh frowns as Haitham raises his hand again.

“Just spit in the next mix until it’s a little more healed. I would not want to subject you to that.” Haitham is visibly cringing. “That said, if you could lean your head against it, or leave a hand over it. The pheromones from just your presence should help it start the natural healing process.”

“So I should tell Nahida to sleep on the outside of our little cuddling pile?” Kaveh asks.

“Please. At least until it heals. If she wants to complain, tell her to speak with me.” Haitham sighs. “Kaveh?”

“Yea, Haiyi?”

“I overtaxed myself this time. The last few months have taken out enough of my energy. I probably won’t be conscious, me or Apep, for the next few days to recover.” Haitham warns.

“Hey, before I leave, can we talk with Apep?” Kaveh asks.

“Why?” Haitham frowns. The other’s presence coils around his mind presence, and Kaveh recognizes the raw Dendro. “There’s no need to show off for our Omega, and he hates that.”

“I do hate that.” Kaveh agrees. “Can you take a form with us, or are you unable to?”

“It would be my natural form. One not seen since before Celestia betrayed our kind.” Apep says in a half rumble. “Why do you need me to take on a human form?”

“Then I can read your expressions. Haiyi would be useless since he doesn’t know his own tells.” Kaveh smiles over at the Alpha, who shrugs. “You mentioned to him we might need to find your corpse. I want to know why.”

“Speak with the General Mahamatra. Look for where a source of withering is occurring on the northwestern edge of the desert near Fontaine. My corpse was tainted by the forbidden knowledge, its likely causing abyssal taint according to what Alhaitham is telling me.” The disembodied voice of Apep says.

“If Apep is what they’s told us he is, then their corpse could be one of the sources of the original withering effecting Sumeru.” Alhaitham sighs. “There’s also the issue of what will happen when I reclaim the power still lurking in their corpse.” Kaveh doesn’t want to tell him what might happen to him personally if he doesn’t search out the corpse.

“Wait, hold on. What are you Apep?” Kaveh asks. The spiraling coils of Dendro shift and pulse, and there’s a colossal head of creature that Kaveh has never seen before staring back at him.

“I am the Dragon Sovereign of Dendro. The one the heavenly usurpers stole the powers of to make the Archons as you know them. So your earlier guess that I came from the time before the time of the God Kings was very correct.” Apep stares back at Kaveh. “Alhaitham is my direct reincarnation. There has been no other Dendro Dragon since my death.”

“You’re saying… he’s a human dragon? Haitham?” Kaveh turns to the Alpha, who shrugs.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to being an actual book dragon.” Haitham admits.

“Of course you wouldn’t. What will absorbing your power do to Haiyi?” Kaveh asks.

“Stabilize him. If not for the experiment in the Akademiya, it would not be necessary. It might allow me to finally rest, granting him my knowledge.” Apep says. His eyeball is the same size as Kaveh standing on his tiptoes.

“Did you know about this?” Kaveh asks.

“No. Apep refused to tell me until I agreed to speak with you about the bite. I doubt even my grandmother knew, and she would have had some of the materials to look into it. Apep enjoyed speaking with my grandmother.” Haitham answers.

“She was a lovely individual. I am sorry for your loss, Alhaitham. The only one who knows of my identity as the Sovereign, or rather the first to know, was Lord Kusanali during the incident. I had kept a low profile, as neither I nor Alhaitham like that type of attention.” Apep adds to that answer.

“So I’ve essentially agreed to mate a dragon?” Kaveh asks.

“Correct.” Apep says.

“What about a difference in lifespan?” Haitham asks.

“Seriously?” Kaveh squeaks.

“If you cement the bond, our power will be passed somewhat onto Kaveh. His lifespan will match yours. It will also make both of you harder to kill, but not unkillable.” Apep specifies. Kaveh looks over at Haitham, who looks unreasonably happy with that comment. “I must confess something now that you’ve asked for me, Kaveh. When you bit him, then you did mate us, not as an Omega, but as a dragon’s mate. This is not reversible.”

“I figured that out.” Haitham snorts. “I have no regrets. If it was ever going to be anyone, it was going to be Senior Kaveh.”

“Agreed. I approve more than you can imagine.” Apep’s massive head bobs. “The demands of a Sovereign’s mate differ from that of a typical Omega. So, for the sake of all of us here, please stop suggesting to either myself or Alhaitham want someone else. We both choose you, as you are, not whatever standard you think you need to be.”

“I need to go leave, so I can cry on your neck now.” Kaveh looks over at Haitham, who gives him a serene smile. “Then you can have your damn cuddles.”

“A book dragon that likes to cuddle. I’m okay with my legacy being reduced to this.” Apep sighs happily.

Kaveh gasps as he wakes up, and Nahida is sitting nearby with a book. “He’s a godsdamned dragon?” Unlaces their fingers to settle in against the stupid bite no one was going to tell him about. His hair is going to stink like that awful paste, but he’s going to get sit against that perfect chest. He pulls one dead weight arm over his chest, and there’s a soft, content purr rumbling below him in response.

“Unconscious my ass.” Kaveh mutters. He looks over at Nahida again. She’s just smiling. “You’ve been relegated to the side for sleep cuddles. Per both their requests.”

“To help the wound finally heal?” She asks.

“Yes. Did you know it was me? Who bit him?” Kaveh asks.

“He told Tighnari. Tighnari is mated to Cyno, so telling one of them is like telling both of them. I kept watch with my familiars while he sought treatment. So I’ve known since he woke up from your drinking party that day.” Nahida confirms. “We’re the only ones who knew about it, and I’ve it on good authority those who know he was bit had no clue who during that experiment.”

“What will happen to them, those people involved in torturing Haitham?” Kaveh asks. He taps his side for her to snuggle in for their nap.

“I’m going to have them executed. Their study falls into the forbidden six, specifically interfering with human evolution. All the research will be destroyed after I’ve had a moment to read through it. Cyno has orders to retrieve all copies and bring them here for safekeeping, then their destruction.” Nahida’s face has hardened. “No one threatens my pseudo parents.”

Kaveh sputters. Her what? She smiles up at him, and the only thing he can think of is, Celestia help the morons that fucked with Alhaitham. He’s certainly not going to help them. He’s only just discovering how far down this rabbit hole he’s gotten himself into.

Chapter Text

Cyno is exhausted. So much so he sends a note through a trusted Matra to Tighnari where to find him, and packs an overnight bag to go hide in the literal dragon’s den. He doesn’t trust his own home is safe enough, and if he’s not welcome at the other’s home after all of that—Cyno doesn’t want to think anymore. He wants to hide for a few hours with the lowest chance of getting stabbed in his sleep.

He knocks on the door, and is greeted by their tiny archon opening the door for him. She smiles from where she’s standing on tiptoe to reach the doorknob, gesturing him inside with the one not helping her balance. “Come in.”

He’s equally weary of just walking into the other’s home without talking to him, but the cheery look on Nahida’s face sets him at ease. Once the door shuts and locked behind him, he pauses. “Alhaitham actually admitted he overextended himself. He’s going to be out for two days. Do you have my reports?” Nahida offers.

She smells like the missing pair, and the strange distressed scent the Scribe has been letting out the last month is finally gone. He pulls the reports out of his work bag as she waves her hand back over the doorway, heavily layered Dendro blankets the Scribe’s home, not unlike the presence of the Sanctuary itself.

“I do, and I did not enjoy reading those at all, Lord Kusanali.” He answers, entering business mode. Nahida frowns, but understands the change in titles. Business before pleasantries.

“I’m sure I won’t either. Do you have a list of names?” Lord Kusanali asks.

“I do, and it keeps expanding. What are your orders for that?” He counters.

“Arrest, confirm, execute. I will see to the confirmations myself. I have Alhaitham’s memories of the process, and yours to help identify those involved. Anyone innocent will be interviewed, and we’ll decide their fates afterward.” Lord Kusanali says.

“That’s agreeable. Does Alhaitham want to press charges?” He asks.

“He’s in no state to answer us right now. We can ask Kaveh instead. He’s somewhat awake, but Alhaitham has asked him not to leave until the wound has healed. They finally talked about it.” Lord Kusanali half giggles with excitement. Cyno heaves a sigh of relief. If those two talked about it and Kaveh is still present, then it went as well as Alhaitham could have hoped.

“I would advise them not to, so the matter is closed. Given how sensitive the information is about Alhaitham in this case. Would you be against that?” Cyno asks. His archon presses the files down and stares at him.

“You’re suggesting he drop it to cover up how much it affected him? Or to protect the rest of Sumeru from his rage if they pester the former Sovereign that lurks in his blood?” Lord Kusanali’s face is merely curious.

“He called me pack. It’s just as my duty to protect him as his to protect me, if that’s the case. I’m certainly not going to contest the claim, would you?” Cyno asks.

“Not at all. I’m an archon and I’m claiming the two of them as the closest thing to parents I’ve ever had.” Lord Kusanali whispers. “I think that’s also the right choice, but ultimately it isn’t ours to make. I would suggestion you ask Kaveh, he knows enough of Alhaitham’s wishes to give us a reasonable answer on his behalf.”

“That, and Alhaitham literally let him claim himself a dragon.” Cyno shakes his head. He’s not sure he would ever have let Tighnari bite him first. His inner Alpha would never have allowed it, so how did a damned—he’ll just have to ask Alhaitham directly. “You said Kaveh is awake?”

“He is. He’s also rather embarrassed. Now that he knows that he accidentally mated his best friend while drunk almost ten years ago.” She gestures behind her. “Even if he sees you as pack, I wouldn’t go much further than the entryway, it may set his recovery back further than our rescue did.”

Cyno nods, adjusting his headpiece out of his eyes. He leaves his overnight bag by the divan and tries not to permeate nervousness as he inches closer to the bedroom. Knocking gingerly on the door, and cracks it when he hears a muffled noise. “You can come in. He’s got me pinned. Not that I blame him after the seizures my absence can cause.”

“It’s just me.” Cyno announces before opening the door the rest of the way.

“I kinda figured that out. Nahida wouldn’t have just let anyone in. She also asked me to make her a stool for both sides of the door. Which I would do if this idiot was awake, but he’s not.” Kaveh sighs.“I assume you’re not just here to check up on us?” For the first time since he disappeared into that hellhole interrogation room, the Scribe finally looks relaxed. Something he actually deserves after all of this.

“Unfortunately. I hate to ask this of you, but I need to know how he would want us to proceed. With Alhaitham out cold, I have to present the decision to you, since time is of the essence. Now that you’re aware of the bond, I don’t have to explain why.” Cyno says. Kaveh nods with a sigh.

“I raise your unfortunately to accidentally perma-bonding with a dragon while both of you are drunk and they don’t tell you for a decade. He’s rather lucky I’m fond of him, or—”

“We are all extremely fortunate you came back. If you hadn’t, Sumeru would not have survived the rage the serum was causing Apep to go into. He may claim he would have left Sumeru City, but having read the reports that I’ve dug up, they never would have given up following him. It would have been lambs to the slaughter, and they would have sent me to end him.” Cyno says. “I don’t think even my entering that interrogation room would have been safe had Alhaitham not considered me pack. If I had survived such an order, it would not have been unscathed, and I would not have been able to look you in the eye.”

“Cyno, he would have at least tried.” Kaveh whispers. “To leave, I mean, not harm you.”

“If it wasn’t researchers from the Akademiya, it’d be the Fatui, or something worse.” Cyno counters.

“It’s over now Cyno, we don’t have to worry about that anymore. Clearly, this is business related. What did you come to ask Haitham?” Kaveh asks. Alhaitham’s arm pins the Omega in place like a lead weight. Even relaxed, his muscles are tense where it crosses the blond’s midsection.

“Do you know if he will want to press charges against the Akademiya and its members?” Cyno asks. The blond scoffs, and he rolls his eyes at him. “I need to know now. If that is the case, I would need to gather the evidence for such a case while it still exists.”

“Doubtful. He’s the type to deal with his problems on his own if you haven’t noticed? For your official answer, no. If Haitham were to press charges, it’d have to be counter charges for all the crimes he supposedly committed. Opening a full case would only put the details you described down into official records, making them harder to escape. He could also be tried for the deaths of all those men, traitors or not. No. Keep a detailed log of the crimes committed against him to submit to a restricted set of eyes and to maintain his comment of self defense.” Kaveh says. He folds one arm over to pat Alhaitham’s arm.

“They wouldn’t have much to stand on if Lord Kusanali has her way. I agree with your line of thinking. I’ll do so immediately.” Cyno agrees. “There’s one other thing, and I don’t know how Alhaitham is going to react to it. As the Scribe, he sifted through quite a bit of sensitive material. She has decided she wants him to act as the Grand Sage. It’s unfortunate, but I agree there’s no one more qualified. I cannot see him agreeing to it.”

The blonde cringes. Glancing up at the sleeping alpha. “He might. I don’t know how long he would, but to help her clean up this mess? I have no doubt. He cannot be left alone, not for the foreseeable future. Can you have a drafting table added to the office?”

It’s not a terrible request, it might also keep the man grounded enough to keep him from killing the rest of the Akademiya. It would also encourage him to use some self preservation. If not for himself, then for Kaveh’s sake. The architect’s presence might also be enough to keep him from quitting immediately. “Consider it done. If he accepts, that is.”

“He will. He likes Nahida enough to try, anyway. I doubt we could convince him to be anything more than the Acting Grand Sage.” Kaveh sighs again. “Can the two of you figure out lunch? I’m stuck here for the foreseeable future.”

“It might be closer to dinner. Will you be eating in here or—”

“He has seizures from just me leaving to use the bathroom.” Kaveh says flatly. Cyno flinches. It sounds like Omega withdrawal, some of the most extreme symptoms of it. “Can you ask Tighnari to come assist for a few days? I can’t leave his side until he’s at least consciousness enough to move on his own and follow.”

“I’ll ask if he and Collei can. I’d rather everyone was somewhere protected while I’m taking care of the other issues. Do you know how long he’s gonna be like this?” Cyno asks.

“He thinks a few days, at least for the unconscious part. As for the rest, Nahida thinks the serum caused some other issues with him.” Kaveh's voice goes quiet. “Something about his inheritance from Apep was unlocked, and now it’s slowly poisoning him.”

“How quickly and—” Cyno’s mind is racing. They cannot afford anything to happen to Alhaitham right now. Not with the current state of the Akademiya.

New Sages will need appointed, and someone is going to need to filter through their request documents until Nahida can find someone incorruptible to fill the position. Alhaitham, as lazy as he is personally, is about as incorruptible as it comes. His ambitions amount to work staying at work, and no one fucks with the Omegas under his watch. Especially this blond one tucked under his arm.

“My presence also filters the poison, something about my vision and common work things. That’s more Haitham and Nahida territory. I’m an architect, I just build things. All this ancient Sovereign stuff, uprisings and assassination attempts, that’s all way above my pay grade and understanding.” Kaveh waves a hand. “What I do know, is that according to both Apep and Nahida, finding the Dendro dragon’s corpse can fix that issue permanently with less—negative side effects.”

“But there will be side effects?” Cyno asks.

“When are there not? We can discuss the matter in full once Haitham’s on his feet. The poison isn’t going to get worse while he’s forced to be in the same area as me for the Omega withdrawals. We’ve got a month before he might even attempt to go anywhere by himself.” Kaveh says. “If and when you can spare the time, can you help us look for it? The only things we have for clues is somewhere in the Northwest of the desert, and that it should look like a withering zone.”

For the General Mahamatra, he sure is getting sent on a lot of really simple fetch errands for those he calls friends lately. “You’re aware I have an insurgency to quell at the moment?”

“I’m not suggesting you personally go.” Kaveh says, turning beat red. “More like I was wondering if you could send some people out to look for it. I’ll try to convince Haitham not to quit immediately, at least as part of the repayment for the kindness both you and Nahida have shown him—”

It wouldn’t do them any good to let the blond sit there and stew in a guilt that wasn’t rightly his. Alhaitham might not have spoken about it, but he was just as involved in his self imposed isolation as Kaveh was. That, and the gray-haired idiot did it on purpose to keep their bond secret from the blond.

“I’ll see what I can manage. Though I would advise you to speak with one of Alhaitham’s contacts named Dehya, she could also look into the matter.” Cyno nods. He’s about to back out the door when he realizes his other problem. “Kaveh?”

“Yes Cyno?”

“Given the fact we were all almost assassinated, I was wondering if I could crash here until I deal with that problem?” Cyno asks.

“You and Tighnari can take the spare room across the hall. Collei might want the couch given what I’ve heard.” The blond yawns mid-statement. “Please don’t forget to bring me dinner. I can’t exactly leave at the moment.”

“Understood, and thank you.” Cyno answers. The door clicks shut behind him, and he can’t help glancing in the ‘spare’ room Alhaitham has never mentioned having. The door looks innocent enough and opens with a quiet squeak. Spare room his ass, the entirety of it screams of the blond. “That absolute sap.”

Nahida is scowling at the reports when he joins her in the living room. Reports spread across the coffee table, and sifting through pages at a speed almost double what he’s capable of. She doesn’t even glance up as he approaches, just continues shuffling through the paperwork he’s presented her with a deep set scowl.

“We’re rather lucky he is a sap. Kaveh pacifies both him and his hidden draconic nature. This situation is a lot worse than it looks, and the only reason we don’t have more blood on our hands is the fact Alhaitham was already bonded.”

“How so?”

“They would have sought to bond him, then use him to kill off anyone they didn’t want or like. You can see the thought occurring as the pages continue, and then there’s this—when they saw that bite. It made them start looking for who possibly could have gotten close enough to him to do so.” Nahida passes back a page. Cyno reads the lines, find the one who bit the Scribe. If they can be found, and see if they can be used to control him. Alhaitham, as he is, is not influenceable. If he cannot be influenced, then we’ll need the General to eliminate him.— The rest of the page continues with their idea of how they were going to use the Scribe as a mindless tool of murder.

“Haitham would have slaughtered them if they touched a hair on Kaveh’s head.” Cyno whispers.

“Undoubtedly. If they had managed to harm him, I don’t think even Kaveh calling him off would have worked. Not at first.” Nahida admits.

“Would Alhaitham have survived? Which reminds me, Kaveh just told me that the same draconic influence he’s pacifying is also poisoning him.” Cyno asks. He takes the seat opposite of the tiny archon. “I’ve passed on your request to Kaveh about Alhaitham acting as the Grand Sage. No one thinks he’s going to like it.” 

Lord Kusanali sighs, placing down her paperwork and looking him in the eye.

“Honestly? I do not know. Apep’s corpse must be found before the Fatui do and end up using it for something terrible. If he assumes his role as the Dendro Sovereign, or at least absorbs the remnants of Apep’s original power, in theory, it should halt the poisoning I detected in Alhaitham’s veins.”

“So then, I do need to send men to look into this?” Cyno confirms.

“Yes. Apep’s corpse has likely turned into a massive withering zone. Once found, it will require several vision holders and Alhaitham to deal with.” Nahida answers. “Kaveh and Alhaitham will be instrumental in helping us rebuilding the Akademiya. I’ll gather some outside help to deal with that, but—”

“It’s been a long day. We could all use some rest.” Cyno hefts his bag, moving it to the back bedroom. Their tiny archon looks as exhausted by the situation as the rest of them. “I’m going to fetch us dinner, and we can go over the logistics and the time line tomorrow.”

“I appreciate it, Cyno.” Nahida sighs. “I have no idea how Furina deals with this nonsense on a daily basis.”

“No differently than you do I should think, assuming you’re talking about Focalors?” Cyno asks. The tiny archon nods, and he cringes again.

“Yes. Will you fetch us all some dinner from Lambad’s?” Nahida gestures to her side where a bag of mora rests. “Enough for the three of us. I’ve also key’d you into the barrier, so you’ll be able to come and go as you please. Alhaitham’s key should be in the dish by the doorway.”

“Does the barrier extend past the front door?” Cyno asks.

“It matches the outer walls. That’s the easiest for me to weave it into. Why?”

“Security reasons. If you have to remove a key from your pocket, leaves you wide open.” Cyno explains.

“If someone is brazen enough to try to murder you right outside Alhaitham’s door, I’m sure we can convince the dragon to avenge your death.” Nahida gives him a weak smile. He shakes his head and heads for the tavern as she requested.

Cyno’s mind is churning with it all, his senses are on high alert. Would he be capable of suffering through the indignity of all of it? Omega withdrawals, poisoned by his own body, experimented on by lunatics? It’s an archons’ damned miracle there hasn’t been another incident. Lambad has their food set up in a takeaway before he can blink, and the walk back up to Alhaitham’s place is quick enough he can’t complain too much.

He drops off some food to the blond, eats his own food and falls into—fucking silk sheets? Alhaitham really had pulled out the ‘providing Alpha’ checklist. Cyno would bet his eye teeth that the Scribe had read every book on repairing relationships and how to win over an Omega.

Then ignored every single piece of advice in it once he realizes Kaveh is likely to skin him alive if he tries any of it.

Chapter Text

Kaveh groans into awareness. His bladder feels like it’s going to explode, but he and Alhaitham are in agreement. The man would rather endure the seizures than make him piss in a bucket. He takes one of Alhaitham’s hands and rubs it against his scent gland. The Omega scent of it loosens the other’s hold, letting the alpha settle.

Alhaitham had a theory, and it was worth sacrificing a little of his dignity to let them both be comfortable. He takes his scarf, already covered in his scent, and extracts as much scent from his under used gland as he can. If there’s one nice thing about being bonded to an idiot genius, it’s that sometimes he provides good ideas. When he’s not antagonizing him.

If he’d known how to make his scent actually leave him like Haitham can, then most of this awkward half crushing snuggle hold he’s stuck in would be unnecessary. Archons, he’d really fucking love a shower about now. Which he might get, maybe even a bath if he can get Cyno’s help moving Haitham’s heavy ass into the bathroom. Even if his scent wears off, he’ll be close enough the other won’t go into withdrawals.

Kaveh frowns. Maybe it wasn’t the withdrawal causing the seizures, but the poison from Apep’s activation? That would make more sense to him. “Mehrak, can you go get Cyno? We’ll need his help with moving Haiyi.”

The sentient toolbox blinks cheerily back at him, before drifting off lazily across the hall. Nahida isn’t in the room, which is surprising given everything she’s said so far… Cyno doesn’t look very rested at all.

“What’s with the box?” The white-haired Alpha yawns.

“I need your help, and I need a shower.” Kaveh says.

“You’re a grown man. I suspect you can handle that on your own.” The other says flatly. Then glances over at Haitham’s unconscious form. “I also don’t particularly want to be dragon food.”

“Your jokes could use some work. No, I need your help to moving Haitham so he doesn’t have a seizure while I wash my hair.” Kaveh gestures. “Heads or tails?”

“Feet. That way he can smell you and doesn’t bite me. I’ve seen those fangs. I don’t want them ripping my throat out next.” Cyno yawns again. “Ready?” Kaveh nods. Mehrak helps him support Alhaitham’s chest and arms while Cyno takes his legs.

“You should clean what you’re comfortable with of Alhaitham as well. I’m sure he doesn’t appreciate being covered in sweat, either.” Cyno suggests moving him towards the tub. “You’re thinking the proximity helps?”

“Not thinking, he was awake the first time he went through the seizures. It could be withdrawals, it could be the poison. Fuck—Tighnari’s the only one who might know.” Kaveh answers with a huff. They lay the unconscious alpha out next to the tub. “I’ll try to clean up his torso. I’m not ready for that shit yet.”

“I think you mean that dick yet, but yes, I get it.” Cyno yawns again. “I’m going back to bed. I suggest you get a nice bath in for yourself.” The shorter man heads back to the spare bedroom with a wave, and Kaveh can’t decide which is worse.

Being naked in a room with an unconscious Alhaitham, or knowing he’s going to have to be naked in a room with the other in the future. What if—oh gods, what if one of them needs to masturbate? Or—he can’t do this right now. He yanks off his shirt and drapes it over Haitham’s nose while he does a sprint to grab fresh clothes for himself and the scarf he’s been scenting.

Mehrak hovers questioningly before he dismisses her to her charging station. She’ll float back when she’s done. He locks the door behind her, carefully wrapping the scarf around Alhaitham’s head, covering his eyes and nose. Now that he’s not afraid of Haitham catching an eye full of his dick before he’s ready, he can relax a fraction.

He sets the tub the fill and strips off his dirty clothes. Looking down at his very unconscious junior, he looks at peace even if that tile doesn’t look comfortable in the slightest. In a moment of pity, he slides the dirty clothes under that sweat coated gray hair. He glances over at the various products, there’s a Gaze Lily one that catches his eye. Measuring it out, pouring two capfuls in at the tap. He ties his hair up and makes a detour to empty his bladder first.

Slipping into the tub is easy enough. He stops the taps and sinks bonelessly into water hot enough that he might actually boil himself alive in it. Kaveh still has to come up with a plan to convince Alhaitham to accept the Acting Grand Sage position. Besides offering support by remaining nearby while Cyno looks for Apep’s corpse.

If the General even decides to take up that quest for them—He wouldn’t blame him if he refused, the shorter’s Alpha’s plate is rather full.

You’re thinking too hard about this… Annoyingly, for the past almost 20 years, the voice inside his mind is suspiciously like Alhaitham’s. It’s not him, though. His inner thoughts give themselves away in little ways, more emotional, generally more thought of what others care about. Just ask me to do it for you. It keeps us both safe and repays the Dendro Archon’s kindness. Then, if after I’m ready to travel, they still haven’t found it, you offer to help me look for it. There’s no need for all this—overthinking it.

Kaveh closes his eyes and sinks further into the tub, thinking about it. It’s not the worst plan he’s come up with, and Haiyi has been rather accommodating with him so far. He can start with just asking, and maybe he can start drafting again while Alhaitham is reading. If the man isn’t curled up around him like his request suggests, he’d be rather surprised.

He sits and soaks, just enjoying the warm soaking into his skin. Kaveh’s startled for half a second when a palish hand gropes its way up the side of the tub and lands on his arm. The motion is an unwelcome draw back into reality.

He’s not proud of the startled yelp that left him when that almost icy hand first brushed his skin. It’s not that the hand is cold, he reminds himself as hot bubbly bath water sloshes everywhere, its that he’d decided on the hottest settings the tub had without a second thought. It reminds him to lean over the rim of the tub and to check on his unconscious junior.

Alhaitham is shivering, backed up the side of the tub as he curls in on himself. Kaveh grabs his hand, and relief shudders through Haitham’s body. He reaches forward and drains the tub with his freehand.

He hesitates looking back over the rim. Besides the shivering, there doesn’t appear to be any other visible distress. His back is towards Kaveh, and front toward the door. It’s mildly defensive, but it’s the other things.

Without the constant touching, it seems Apep’s traits are coming to the forefront. Running up Alhaitham’s sides are tiny translucent scales. They remind Kaveh of straight Dendro. They glitter harmlessly in the soft light of the bathroom.

Kaveh shuts the drain and refills it with fresh hot water for himself. Refreshing the Gaze Lily soaking soaps, and he stares down at the scales. Would Alhaitham be upset if he—no. Feeling up the Alpha’s scales while he’s unconscious is not something he’s comfortable with. They look soft, and rather than silky to the touch, he squeezes the hand that went to find him. Comforting  pheromones pulse out through the room, Haitham is noticing something off with him.

“I’m okay, Haiyi. Your hand startled me. Then I saw—your scales.” Kaveh says. His cheeks heat, and there’s an almost inquisitive change to the comfort. “I—they look soft.”

The hand in his doesn’t squeeze in response. The scales, however, almost double in that moment. Haitham’s hand twitches, and his nails extend out into sharp claws. There’s something short poking out of his hair too, but they aren’t long enough to do anything more than disturb the way his greasy hair sits against his scalp. Kaveh can’t help but stare.

“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? Showing other parts that Apep influences?” The scent coming from Alhaitham’s body makes him melt in the water. From what Kaveh can understand of it, the other is pleased with himself. “You’re ridiculous, and I have no idea why you’re doing this.”

Kaveh would be lying to himself if he said it didn’t change his opinion about the other. Certainly the hard on barely hiding under the water suggested that much, and he’s not about to do anything about it. Not until he can control his own hormones better.

So for almost an hour he soaks, ignoring the blue balls Alhaitham’s newer creature traits are giving him, and focusing on the exposed beams of the ceiling. He holds that hand and focuses on anything other than the fact he’s essentially bonded to the very hot Alpha just outside the tub he’s sitting naked in. That said Alpha, is actually a dragon in human form, but acts more like a damned cat. That, and both Haitham and Nahida keep reminding him he’s worth more than he thinks he is.

For that he owes them both, more than he can put into words. He releases Haitham’s hand and pulls himself out of the tub. The Alpha doesn’t move, not outside the deep relaxed breaths of someone in deep sleep. Kaveh dresses, and unlocks the door before searching for a sponge or washcloth to see if he can clean the other up. There’s a soft knock, and Nahida peaks her head in.

“I’ve read through the reports now. I’m horrified Kaveh.” She whispers. The tiny archon takes a seat on the toilet. “I’ve relayed the information directly to Haitham.”

“How did he take it?” Kaveh asks. He gently tugs the other away from the tub, laying him flat for the moment.

“He mentioned scaring you inadvertently. Alhaitham can hear and smell you from within his mind. He assumes the reaction caused him to reach out to you for comfort.” Nahida shrugs. “I see he’s reversed some corrections Apep did to his appearance to see your reaction.”

“I wasn’t put off by them so far, if that’s what he’s concerned about.” His cheeks flush again, and he focuses on wiping down the other’s skin. Wringing it out in the sink between swipes. “He’s got a low grade fever again, or has this changed his core temp?”

“Fever. He runs a bit cooler, thanks to Apep. Cyno has agreed to send scouts for the corpse. Once we’ve narrowed it down, we’ll investigate it further. I will do my best to right what the Akademiya did to him. You have my word as the Dendro Archon on that.” Nahida’s voice cracks, and when Kaveh glances at her, her bright green eyes are shimmering with tears.

“I cannot answer for Haitham how he’ll feel about that.” Kaveh sighs. “Knowing him, he probably doesn’t care now that it’s over. What he will care about is you wanting him to step into the shoes of the Grand Sage. Isn’t that a job that requires him to be social?””

“I will adjust the role for him. I will need to find a liaison for his office, because I’d like to see the private office and the debating side of the office separated. Almost like a spokesperson or secretary that reports to the Sage.” Nahida sighs. “It will be a lot of work, but almost all the upper Akademiya staff, sages wise, were involved in this and my continued imprisonment.”

Kaveh doesn’t know what to say to that. “I asked Cyno to have a drafting desk added to the office if he accepts. I will do what I can to help him, but I’m not interested in anything outside of Haitham’s well being and architecture.” She nods.

“Granted, I’ll have it added, and the lighting needed during my next visit. Neither I nor Cyno consider you a security risk.” Nahida agrees. “I do have a personal request for you. Can you work with Tighnari to learn how to convey your pheromones? Not control, but at least secrete them? It will help Alhaitham with his control, and likely he will need your help even more after we find Apep’s corpse.”

“I don’t see that I have a choice. I can’t promise I’ll be good at it. Projecting an emotion generally requires that emotion.” He’s not exactly a calm person.

“I think it’s just a matter of getting you a good teacher. Without you to guide his draconic side through the smells, it could lead to more awkward situations. I would help you, but I cannot identify which scents mean which.” Nahida says quietly.

“Oh. Do they still work on you?” Kaveh asks.

“When he was trying to calm you, and it was knocking out everyone in the nearby area. Including myself and the nearby Mahamatra.” Nahida answers.

“Shit. So then everyone knows I’m with Haitham now?” Kaveh’s cheeks heat once more.

“It is unlikely anyone outside of the Mahamatra is aware of your connections for now. Cyno had the area cleared before things got too ugly. Those were the people who might have seen. According to Cyno, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Those are his men, and they’re far more terrified of what he might do, or Cyno. I doubt anyone would come near you. Less so after watching you and Haitham back their General without question.” Nahida clarifies.

“Where do we go from here?” Kaveh asks.

“We let Haitham recover, and we see if he’s capable of reigning in the bloodlust. Without your immediate help, we know he can with you here.” Nahida kicks her feet back and forth. “He’s happy you aren’t scared of the changes this has done to him.”

“When I’m done here, I need to talk to him abut the Grand Sage position you’re trying to have him fill. That and some of their more personal things.” Kaveh pats the washcloth over the various parts of the Alpha’s chest. “Can you get his back?”

The tiny archon doesn’t even hesitate.

Chapter Text

Nahida sneaks into Alhaitham’s head nightly. So she can see the way his dreamscape, or mind place, as they call it, has changed since Kaveh arrived. It’s mostly been just a glowing, almost Cryo blue tree, and it’s currently evening time. The area around was almost straight glass before is now soft green grass. It’s a direct reflection of the way Alhaitham is softening his walls with Kaveh’s presence.

“Haitham?” Nahida calls. He appears, stepping in from behind the tree like he was there the whole time. He hadn’t been there, he’d been observing the Omega, and judging by the way he’s half smiling as he pops in—“Still the most boring dreamscape I’ve ever entered. Did something good happen?”

“He’s not scared of the draconic changes the serum has caused. I was worried he’d run the second he knew I wasn’t human—never was. I’m still coming to terms with that.” Alhaitham steps forward. “Even if we both think I’d make a good book dragon.”

“You would. I can state for an absolute fact he is not afraid of what you showed him. He spent almost an hour after thinking about everything else except how—handsome you are.” Nahida pats his side.

“He’s still having those thoughts?” Alhaitham asks. Utterly bewildered by Kaveh’s fascination.

“If you were more sexually inclined, I think Kaveh would have jumped you already. He’s following your restraint here. Haitham, would you be able to even help him with his heats?” Nahida asks.

“I—er. I don’t know.” Alhaitham shifts from foot to foot. “I know if he asked either myself or Apep to stop, we would without question. We wouldn’t know how to help him, or I wouldn’t.”

“Kaveh could tell you what he needs, but there’s a discussion of boundaries you need to do before that. Haitham, during a heat an Omega cannot consent, not really. That said, being unfulfilled could also harm an Omega in heat.” Nahida warns. “Kaveh needs to speak to you about something. I don’t know if it’s about his consent or yours. You need to have that conversation, Haitham.”

The alpha nods, the nervousness still apparent. “I will.”

“I need you back at the Akademiya once you can read again. I’ve already spoken to Cyno and Kaveh. You’re the only one qualified to take over as the Grand Sage.” Nahida says.

“Which one of them said I would agree to it?” Alhaitham asks. Embarrassment faded entirely with the change in topic.

“Actually, neither.” Nahida comments with a laugh. “Kaveh offered to join you in the office with a drafting desk. Cyno mentioned there was no one more qualified. Neither suggested you’d actually accept my offer, so I’m making it less of a request. It is by no means permanent, but I need someone I trust in that office to sift through the muck.”

“And you thought of me? I don’t know whether I should be insulted or flattered.” Haitham snorts.

“Flattered. I’m not ordering you, I’m just asking at the moment. It would only be for a couple of years. At least until I can find qualified individuals to replace the Sages I’m about to execute for what they did to you.” Nahida explains.

“I see, so this is my penance for their arrogance? Or for all those I killed in cold blood in the depths of your domain?” Haitham looks entirely unimpressed.

“You killed a decent chunk of Cyno’s men before either of us figured it out, or it was Apep, but that doesn’t change your involvement. As involuntary as it was.” Nahida explains.

“So then, this is because I murdered them?”

“Precisely. I did not wish to see you actively punished for murder, and for you this would be a suitable punishment while not acknowledging the larger problem at hand.” Nahida offers. “I need your help to replace the people who hurt you, and thought they could get away with it. Since everyone agrees directly, pursuing those responsible was a terrible idea.”

“Fine. Then I accept the position. We’ll discuss the details once I’m able to be in the office. Kaveh must be allowed in, or I will resign immediately.” Alhaitham says.

“Already granted, per his request. He and Cyno have finished moving your body back to bed. So expect to see Kaveh here shortly.” Nahida warns. Shortly may not have been much of a warning, as he tumbles in as soon as her discussion is over with the alpha.

~~~~~~~~~~

Cyno is waiting for her with a fresh mug of tea in the living room. “Which of them do you think is going to crack first?”

“Kaveh.” Nahida says, accepting the tea. “He really wants to touch the scales.”

“Then he doesn’t know about Alhaitham’s other secret yet.” Cyno mumbles, he coughs, raising the volume of his voice. “I’ve written for Tighnari and Collei to join us here. I have to return to the Akademiya this afternoon. Will you be alright with just those two?”

“I will. Please let Scaramouche know to visit me here. I have several people we need to gather, and he’s our best resource for that outside of Katheryne.” Nahida says. “After this second problem, I reached out to the Traveler. They provided me with some character references of people who can help, so we don’t have to fear being assassinated at every turn.”

“Are you sure? I mean, this is an in-house problem.” Cyno stares her down.

“My intention was to take pressure off you. Also, Alhaitham will probably be gone almost as soon as he’s recovered enough to cross the desert. Kaveh too.” Nahida points out.

“You’re talking about the corpse you all are asking me to find. I’ll see if I can have Sethos look into it. He’s currently out in that area. He also knows the meaning of digression.” Cyno sighs. “I need to get back to the Akademiya before I waste my whole day here.”

The General is out the door, disappearing like a shadow. She pulls all the papers collected on the experiment and takes them to the study. Alhaitham’s desk has a fine layer of dust gathering across the surface in his absence. She slips everything back into the manilla folders the General brought them in. Tighnari can see them, but Collei should not be subjected to such horrors.

Placing a book on top, she backs her way out of the office and heads back towards Alhaitham’s room. She can barely make out the chatter between Kaveh and Alhaitham in the Alpha’s mind. There are potent scents filtering out of the room, but nothing she can identify right away. That is a concern for another time. First, she needs to write a letter to the Knights of Favonius, then the Yashiro Commission, and finally, the Wang Shang Funeral Parlor.

The Traveler had suggested each of them by name, and the final one was the one she needed right away. The eldest of the 7 had retired? Perhaps he could help diagnose what was going on with Alhaitham. Speaking of the Alpha—

Their deaths will not stain my conscious.They elected to step into that room to their deaths. I did not harm any Omegas, pack or Lord Kusanali, so I am not concerned about it.The former Scribe says.

That doesn’t mean you have to accept—Kaveh argues.

I have an obligation to Nahida. One I intend to fulfill. Just as I intend to eventually court you properly. Unless you’ve changed your mind about it?

No, but if you’re this uncomfortable about it. Kaveh says. Nahida smiles. They’re at least talking about it now. Alhaitham doesn’t seem overly upset about being called in to cover the temporary void in the Akademiya. There’s a subtle knocking on the door, pulling her out of their thoughts.

“Good morning Scaramouche.” Nahida steps outside. She’s fairly certain his presence will not be appreciated by the other two.

“I thought you had decided Hat Guy was a better name?” He’s bored, uninterested in the details of it all. “If we are going to revert to former names, I would prefer Kabukimono. I at least liked that one.”

“Continually changing your name is a good way to confuse everyone.” Nahida chastises.

“Then perhaps stop changing what you call me then? What did you want Buer?” He asks.

“I need a series of letters delivered—with discretion to various individuals. They’re all associates of the Traveler, and I may be inclined to assist for a time.” She hands over the small pile of letters. He shuffles through them and scowls at one. “Is there one you don’t wish to deliver?”

“I’m not going near him.” He taps the letter addressed to Meropide. “I’ve heard about the two of them from the ginger moron. I do not want anything to do with either of them.” She glances down at the letter to the current Warden.

“Either of them?” Nahida asks.

“You’re the goddess of Wisdom. You’ll figure it out.” The puppet comments, sliding that letter back. “Send it enclosed to Focalors and see what she says about it. If the Goddess of Justice still thinks it’s a good idea, she can deliver it herself.” He’s considerate enough to open the door for her before vanishing in a pop. If this continues, she’s going to have to shorten her swing just so she can use it to reach the stupid knob.

“Celestia, damn it, I need a stool.” Nahida grumbles. Or Alhaitham to be on his feet again. She’d really like both, but if she has to settle for one, then she’ll take her friend back and in good health.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tighnari hesitates at the door, Collei fidgeting beside him as they stand outside Alhaitham’s home.

“Do you think Mr. Haitham will be okay?” She asks.

Honestly? Tighnari isn’t sure what’s going to happen to the Scribe. Soon to be Grand Sage in the cryptic half message, Cyno had time to relay at his lunch.

“You said Mr. Kaveh is also here?”

He nods, and she smiles softly. Kaveh was one of the few people Collei was willing to exchange letters with during her recovery. The other Omega had given her a sense of hope even when Tighnari himself could not.

“He’s doing well, even if Alhaitham is suffering a bit. He’s alive, and he’s sane so far, according to Cyno. Do you want to meet Nahida?” He asks. The younger Omega squirms with delight, and she knocks on the door. Two glowing green eyes staring up at her. The small Archon’s face breaks into a smile and she opens the door to let them inside.

“Good evening Tighnari, who is this?” The tiny Archon steps to the side to let them into the house.

“My name is Collei, and it’s very nice to meet you, Miss Nahida!” Collei sways from side to side with a timid smile.

“It’s nice to meet you to Collei.” Nahida nods. Tighnari takes pity on her and locks the door when the archon has to stretch up on her tiptoes just to reach the door. “I’m sorry to bother you both, but have you had lunch yet?”

“I take it you’re hungry?” Tighnari chuckles.

“I can make Pita Pockets for everyone!” Collei offers, and the grateful look on Nahida’s face suggests he’s right on the money.

“If you could, that would be amazing.” Nahida gestures to the kitchen. Once Collei is out of sight, she sighs. “Kaveh finally knows. If you’d like to walk him through the proper treatment for the wound, that might be for the best.” She leads him back towards the room.

“What’s this I hear about Alhaitham having seizures?” Tighnari asks.

“They have that in hand, actually. It’s a mixture of Omega withdrawal and Apep’s inheritance poisoning Alhaitham’s body. Kaveh’s vision is purifying the poison for now, and we’ve asked Cyno to address the root cause of that by looking for the corpse.” Nahida says.

“Yes, and I’ve sprouted an Alpha knot to go with my ears and tail.” He says sarcastically. “Visions don’t purify poisons, and all this about Alhaitham being a Sovereign Dragon. You realize how utterly absurd all of this sounds, right?”

Admittedly, the man definitely wasn’t human, but a dragon?

“I wasn’t aware the truth had to sound like anything besides itself. In the case of Alhaitham now being influenced by a dragon, I’m sure that it is obvious enough.” Nahida chuckles, knocking on the bedroom door. There’s a loud groan from the other side, followed by a loud thump with a pained groan.

“Coming. Archons Haiyi, your goddamn muscles are too fucking heavy like this.” Kaveh mutters from the other side. His expression blossoms into pure sunshine as he spots Tighnari, throwing his arms around him in a hug. “Damn, am I glad to see you. Please, explain to me how he isn’t dead with how he takes care of himself?”

Tighnari glances back to where Nahida was and finds he’s alone with the pair. He can’t say he’s disappointed. Kaveh’s always been the best company of this group, when he’s not drunk and bemoaning Alhaitham’s existence.

“Your guess is as good as mine. I’m still stuck on how come a stick up his ass like Alhaitham decided letting you bite him was a good idea.”

“Yeah, he said we were both drunk, but—” Kaveh looks as unsettled as he does. “I can’t say I’m disappointed with the results, but it would have been nice to know sooner than ten years after the fact.”

“You know, he potentially would have let both of you die without telling you if it meant he thought you’d be happy. He might have eventually gone to get you, but I suspect it would have been another decade before he got desperate enough.” Tighnari sighs. He gestures towards Alhaitham, and the blond nods, moving the covers back to expose the man’s neck. It’s still covered in tightly wound, if a little waterlogged bandages. “It smells better already, even the bite is doing somewhat better. Have you been licking it?”

The blonde’s face flushes the same red as his eyes before sputtering and shaking his head in the negative. “I didn’t know that would help it. Though it makes sense given what Haitham said. Still, he said not to try, since Nahida had just treated the wound when I found out.”

“Once the underlying wound has healed, if the bite remains unhealed, try licking it. If Omega bites are anything like Alpha ones, that should do the trick.” Tighnari gestures for him to pull the unconscious man up into a sitting position. “You had to do this for Nahida, didn’t you? May I sit on the bed so this isn’t awkward?”

“I don’t think he’ll mind. I certainly don’t. If it’s a problem, I’ll deal with it later.” Kaveh sighs. “It’s so weird, getting asked permission for everything for both of us now. Is this how it is with you and Cyno too?” Tighnari focuses on removing the bandages from the Alpha’s neck. He glances up at the blond, who’s arms are entirely occupied with keeping the other sitting up even as his head lulls.

“Have you never read a book on proper etiquette between Alpha’s and Omega’s? It’s sorta basic shit, Kaveh.” Finally answering the other, he delicately removes the gauze bag. Disposing of it in its own bag before continuing. “All of us with secondary genders are more susceptible to scents than nulls and betas. My nose more so for other obvious biological reasons. Alphas are generally way over sensitive about it in their lairs, and Omegas about their nests.”

“I don’t really have a nest.” Kaveh coughs out.

“I’m aware, your—transient life style would not support one. Alhaitham would have been aware you would require one, and had a space reserved for you to make a nest in. I’m assuming the room across the hall.” Tighnari dabs at the wound. The serum is completely gone. All he can smell around the wound is the paste now. “Let me go get some fresh water to clean this. I’d like you to start licking it at this point, if you are comfortable doing so?”

“I—yes, I can do that.” The blond mumbles.

Tighnari leaves the bag outside the door on his way out. He grabs a washcloth from the bathroom and soaks it with lukewarm water. Then a second dry one. It would do them no good to leave it sopping wet. The blond is still flushed when he returns.

“I will not be applying the paste this time. Wash the bite, carefully lick the wound once every couple hours. Ideally every four hours. It doesn’t need to be sopping wet, but the open parts of the bite will need exposed to your saliva to close properly.” Tighnari tugs down his collar, showing off Cyno’s bite. “If your bite follows the pattern, then it should be healed within a week, granted you’re treating it. If left untreated that way, then he’ll need the paste again.”

“Noted. You’re going to remove all the excess stuff from it, then?” Kaveh’s cheeks are bright pink.

“You’ve nothing to be embarrassed over. It is an intimate process, to be sure. Before I have you do that, I’d like to get a general check up done on Alhaitham. Then you may ask any lingering questions about etiquette that you appear to be missing.” Tighnari offers. The blond nods, and he starts checking the exposed skin before him.

Alhaitham is currently wearing only a pair of sleep pants. His temperature is a bit high, suggesting a mild fever, but that also could be connected to the poisoning everyone keeps talking about, like it’s some sort of plausible disease. He cannot smell it, and he’s not about to take blood samples to test of his friend after this nightmare. Kaveh’s reluctance to leave speaks volumes about the seriousness.

The one thing he’s not disputing is Alhaitham’s connection to said dragon. At least not now.

The small translucent scales lining parts of his chest, ribs, back, and even his ‘happy trail’ leading below the band of his sweats. He removes a glove, running a finger over a set in a less awkward area. The scales are smooth to the touch, but feel dry to him. He puts his glove back on, and moves to check over the gray-haired Alpha’s skull. There are several things that catch his attention, two small protruding features that are hard during his probing, but bumpy like a deer’s horns.

Tighnari eases the hair away, and Kaveh sucks in a deep breath as they both spot the tiny horns. There’s something else though, two longer softer things running from further back. He separates the layers of gray hair, which has gotten shaggier with Alhaitham’s stay in the basement of the Akademiya, to find the odd texture. They are small, teal and green, almost ribbonlike, and the Alpha twitches below him. Tighnari immediately stops touching them and turns to Kaveh.

“The hell are those?”

“I have no idea. They might be draconic in nature. We can ask when he’s awake.” Tighnari says. He skips to the facial changes. His ears have taken on a slight point to their tips. “Can you tell me if his eyes are still slitted, and his Alpha fangs are still dropped?”

“They are. He nibbles in his sleep like a weirdo. I don’t know about his eyes right now, but they were last I saw them.” Kaveh answers. “Is it weird I almost growled when you found those ribbons?”

“Perfectly normal, actually. It’s your Omega claiming Alhaitham as yours. While a physician can do checks, a lot of times you’ll still feel rather defensive about someone touching what you feel is yours. Likely, Alhaitham would do the same with someone touching you in a way he feels is too intimate.” Tighnari explains. He pulls up one of the man’s hands, and the leaden feel of them makes him sympathize with the blond. “Looks like his nails have taken on a more claw like nature too. These aren’t fluctuating?”

“No. If anything, they’re uncovering themselves as he’s been unconscious, like he’s been hiding them.” Kaveh takes the hand supporting him up and pushes back a lip to show off a fang. “Should I be concerned his tongue is purple?”

“Only if his lips turn blue and his eyes look very red, like he can’t breathe. A lot of lizards have that. It wouldn’t surprise me if the more draconic traits are taking over.” Tighnari sighs. “How’s his breathing? Heart rate?”

“Only the seizures when I leave. Everything else has been fairly normal. He hasn’t eaten anything since he fell unconscious a day or so ago, but that was unrelated to the wound.” The blond hurriedly drops his hand as the Alpha starts mouthing at the finger, raising his lip. Tighnari sees the deep purple for a second.

“He’s probably hungry. Have you tried feeding him?” Tighnari asks.

“No, but that’s more of what goes in must come out. So we’re limiting that sort of problem.” Kaveh admits. “That, and I cannot move him by myself.”

“Ah, he’s going to be starving then. Start him on smaller meals, let it settle for an hour. If he’s still hungry, he can take another small meal. Three max with a three-hour break after if he takes all three. No coffee until his eating has gone back to his normal.” Tighnari says.

The scribe might just kill him for that suggestion, but it’s not his fault the idiot is like this.

Chapter Text

Tighnari is considerate enough to help him lay Alhaitham back down. Before giving him a look that suggests he should get on dealing with the bite he made. Tighnari had cleaned it off, and Kaveh stares at the unconscious man for a moment before he leans down. “Haiyi, this is so weird. I don’t like doing this while you’re out cold, but Tighnari said this is the best way to proceed.”

Haitham lets out soothing hormones just below his nose. A clear sign he’s fine with what’s about to happen. Kaveh inhales deeply and flinches as his tongue touches the other’s skin. It’s weird, touching someone else like this, and Tighnari was correct. It’s intimate, entirely too intimate to be done in front of anyone else. He carefully covers the whole of the bite, even testing the mark against his teeth, careful not to sink them in. It’s horrifying how it matches up perfectly.

“Fuck, Haiyi. People who do this usually sleep with each other. What the hell were we thinking?” Kaveh hisses.

To which I already said neither of us were. His helpful inner voice supplies. Right, drunk as a skunk.

“Tighnari is going to give me rundown on all the things I’ve spent the better part of my life ignoring were connected to me, or you, for that matter. Including pheromone control, which will hopefully help you, but I’m not exactly a calm person. The most I did with any of my pheromones was make sure I kept them down to reasonable levels to pass by unnoticed.” Kaveh says.

Haitham responds with more of the soothing hormones. His body had leaned in as Kaveh treated the wound, and his face completely relaxed as well. Not the disturbed twitch that went off when Tighnari found those ribbons. Kaveh leans back, running his hand through that sweaty gray hair, and he finds the horns first too. Then not even a finger’s width back is the ribbons. Kaveh moves the hair away from them once more. Haitham fidgets again, and he releases confused hormones.

“These are fascinating, but is touching them akin to sexual or just ticklish Haiyi?” Kaveh says. For a moment there’s no response, then frustrated hormones make their presence known. “Are you having a problem communicating it? Um… use rage instead for sexual since that’s hard for—” Immediately the scent of rage comes through. So that’s why he flinches when someone touches them. For Haitham, who has no experience, and so far, no need for anything of sexual since he’s met him.

“Right. Do you want me to stop?” Kaveh asks. There’s a frustrated scent from the other, and Kaveh realizes they haven’t established yes or no parameters for the day. “For no stick with rage, for yes, soothing, and if you aren’t sure, go with sleepy hormones. If that works for you?”

A sharp burst of soothing comes through. Clearly, he’s on board with this usage. Kaveh runs his hand along the ribbons and another burst of soothing comes through as he pauses on them, carefully testing them against his fingertips. They’re smooth like the silk sheets of that spare room, the ‘nesting’ area Alhaitham had provided for him without asking. He continues petting the ribbons, thinking through what all he’s gone through since he got back to Sumeru City.

“You stayed silent while Tighnari was here. Were you listening then?” Kaveh asks. Soothing hormones filter in. “Was he right? That you would have come for me, eventually? Even if you weren’t going to tell me about the bite.” There’s a pulse of mild irritation, probably too many questions in a row. “You’re capable of answering in sharp bursts. Don’t get mad at me for rambling questions.” Kaveh laughs. The irritation fades into something more akin to fondness. “Was Tighnari right when he said you would have gone to find me?”

Fondness, then soothing hormones. The soothing hormones are strong enough to say, not only yes, but whatever it took.

“You did not intend to tell me if you found me. About the bite.”

The room is saturated with scents, but the sour tang of rage cuts through everything easily. It’s a sharp, like a very pronounced no.

“Tighnari is going to give me Omega lessons today. Are you going to let me know if you’re bothered by anything he says?” Kaveh waits. A pulse of soothing hormones. “If you want us to stop, what scent would you use?” The room is so full of scents he opens the window to let it clear out, fanning the scents away for fresh ones. “Waiting on that call for a stop scent, Haiyi.”

The scent isn’t what Kaveh expects, it’s amusement rather than rage. “You want a different scent than no?” Kaveh clarifies. There’s a sharp burst scent of soothing. “Alright. Soothing for yes, rage for no, sleepy time for you’re not sure, and amusement during that conversation for when you do not agree with Tighnari’s lessons.” A sharp burst of soothing once more. “Alright, let’s get this shit over with.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Cyno wasn’t sure what to expect when he got back at almost midnight. Collei is camped out on the divan in the living room, and the light is on in the spare room. The whole house stinks of hormones, but no one is panicking, so that’s a plus. He knocks on Alhaitham’s door first, and Kaveh answers it almost immediately.

“Oh, I thought it was ‘Nari.” The other says quickly. “Haitham was listening while Tighnari gave me etiquette lessons. As you can smell, he had a lot to say about it.” The blond sighs.

“Does Tighnari know what exactly Alhaitham was responding with?” Cyno asks.

“Frankly, I didn’t disclose it to anyone. There were 4 scents used is all I and going to say about it, and Haitham used all four prior to the discussion to show he could.” Kaveh’s eyes narrow. “We’re done for the night, but according to Tighnari, I have a long way to go. That and its implied I was living under a rock, or several hundred to have missed this.”

“You’ve always resented being an Omega until now. It doesn’t surprise me your ignored basic protocol about it. Given that Alhaitham doesn’t care, and the man is turning into a literal dragon, I don’t see what it matters anymore. He’s not about to enforce you following it, and in other regions, they have different basics, right?” Cyno asks.

“Fontaine doesn’t even acknowledge it besides maternity leaves, basic human rights of consent, not to mention the heat and rut leaves. All the other things that he described today, the things we grew up to believe in, had to be true, aren’t, not really.” Kaveh sighs.

“Sounds similar to Mondstadt. I take it ‘Nari did not appreciate having Alhaitham listening in?” Cyno glances back over his shoulder. Kaveh bobs his head, and there’s the fresh scent of soothing hormones from Alhaitham. “He agrees with you?”

“He is.” Kaveh says quietly.

“Does Alhaitham want the lessons to continue?” Cyno asks. Kaveh’s eyes drop, and he yawns. Swatting the other Alpha’s arm.

“He’s not sure. You can stop now, Haiyi.” Kaveh says. “I’d like to for now. Then I can at least know what I’m ignoring. Are we agreed on that?” Soothing hormones, so they really have a system. “He’s okay with that as well. I’m going to be up a bit longer, and Nahida said she’ll be back shortly.”

“Lord Kusanali isn’t here?” Cyno’s blood pressure spikes.

“She’s contacting her familiars to help look for Apep’s corpse. They can help look for it and report any suspicious areas to help narrow down where he died.” Kaveh says. He lets out a yawn. “I miss arguing with him again already, but I can’t do that with him when I have to be awake to do battle with Tighnari like that.”

“Try not to wind him up too much? I still have to sleep next to him.” Cyno asks.

“I know the feeling.” Kaveh answers. Looking over his shoulder at Alhaitham. “I missed so much of this. It feels like finally coming home. Though I could do without threats for everyone else’s safety.”

“I think all of us could do without that. I’ll wait for Lord Kusanali to return.” Cyno says, moving for the door. There’s the softest ping of rage from Alhaitham. Kaveh raises an eyebrow, then understanding comes over the blond.

“Nahida. He wants you to call her by her name, not her title. We are all alone in this, to have one person singled out like that, its got to wear on her.” Kaveh explains. It makes sense, it also offers a better reason why the archon always looks so disappointed.

“I’ll work on it. Sorry Alhaitham.” Cyno mumbles. The soothing scent is back, and Kaveh nods. That is the affirmative scent, then. Four scents, four answers. He’s seen three of them in this short amount of time. Did Kaveh give Tighnari as much feedback as he did with him?

Cyno moves to sit on the opposite divan, and he can hear Kaveh close the door behind him. He sends out a calming scent through the house himself, and soon enough, Tighnari comes out in his sleepwear. His ears are drooping with how sleepy the fox is. “You’re back late. That bad?”

“Worse, I’m having to sift through all of my men individually now. They almost assassinated Nahida and myself in broad daylight. If not for Alhaitham and Kaveh’s timely interference, we likely wouldn’t be here.” Cyno admits.

“He’s clueless, by the way. Kaveh’s only Omega etiquette is not writing Alpha’s directly. He gets in arguments with them, scent contests… Let’s just say I wouldn’t put him in charge of of diplomatic relations.” Tighnari sighs, resting his head against him. “Those two idiots were made for each other.”

“They were chatting the whole time you were teaching Kaveh. I’m not sure you’d be a fan of whatever feedback Alhaitham is giving him.” Cyno says. His Omega sighs, ears twitching.

“I cannot say I’m surprised. As his Alpha, it would be up to Alhaitham on what rules Kaveh would and wouldn’t have to follow. He likely won’t enforce half the things we were taught when we presented.” Tighnari sighs again. “Then again, you don’t enforce half of the rules on me, either.”

“Maybe because neither Alhaitham nor I believe in the rules. We still value our personal space, but times are changing, and the rules for pairs should update to match that.” Cyno tugs him closer. “Speaking of which, no sex in the dragon’s den. I’m not going to explain that to Apep or Alhaitham. The room was supposed to be a nesting area, wasn’t it?”

“Everything I’ve seen suggests it. Kaveh seems to think so too, but he’s been in transit for so long he’s not looking to nest anytime soon. Even then, he’s rapidly adjusting to he wants to be with Alhaitham. Which is the best that stubborn idiot could have hopped for.” Tighnari yawns. “Why are you out here, anyway?”

“Waiting for Lord—no, Nahida. She’s assisting with my search for the corpse for them. I asked an old associate to look into the area they suggested.” Cyno says.

“Old associate? Why don’t I like the sound of that?” Tighnari groans. “You mean Sethos, don’t you?”

“It keeps him busy and away from the rest of us. He’s also highly capable of dealing with it.” Cyno says. “He’s also nosy enough to do it thoroughly. Nahida also sent out her requests for help today. So we won’t be alone for long.”

“Who did she get the recommendations from?” Tighnari asks.

“Aether. She didn’t tell me who, but I do trust that the Traveler not to make the situation worse.” Cyno answers. He doesn’t like the answer anymore than Tighnari does. “I’ll run background checks if needed when they get here. Nahida already plans to check them, so the question is why does she need them?”

“Because all of us will be needed when that corpse is found.” Nahida says. “I’ve sent the Aranara to go look for Apep’s corpse in case the clue we had was off. They’ll take care of the greater forest area. When it is found, everyone present, except Collei, will be needed to deal with it. I’ll explain when we get to that.”

“We are vetting these people when they arrive, right?” Cyno asks.

“All but one. He and I have been writing since his retirement, and I can personally vouch for him.” Nahida smiles. “You are aware Rex Lapis didn’t actually die?”

“Great, and he’s not going to stay, take over Sumeru and start over again? Rumors about Morax aren’t all that great Nahida.” Cyno reminds.

“He’s finally settled down a bit after his six thousand years. I heard he’s got himself an Omega now, so he’s not so inclined to take over anywhere except a bed. He’ll be with me in the Sanctuary and the others. I’m still determining a place for them to stay. We can’t all invade Alhaitham’s house, and he’s given the okay to relocate the files to his office here until he’s cleared to leave for the Akademiya.” Nahida gestures to the unopened room beyond. “I’ll pick his brain about places for them to stay. Unless you have any ideas?”

“Not tonight. I think it’s time for all of us to get some sleep. You’re joining the two idiots?” Tighnari asks through another strong yawn. “Godsdamn, Alhaitham’s hormones are strong. I have no idea how they don’t knock Kaveh out.” Meaning he got an answer that was neither yes or no during his lessons several times.

Interesting. Nahida is looking his way, and he shakes his head. If they want to tell her, they will.

Chapter Text

Alhaitham is more than ready to be awake. Listening to the bullshit that Omegas are put through first hand makes him irritated for Kaveh. Apep had been essentially curled at his feet listening too. Usually he doesn’t care enough to listen in, but after the last one, Alhaitham asked him to join for it. Neither of them was happy with the rules they were becoming familiar with. It’s enough to force him awake early.

“This is ridiculous.” Alhaitham says in a deep rumble. Apep is settled in his subconscious, observing. “Who decided that Omegas should be made to suffer through such bullshit?”

“Welcome back to the land of the living, Haiyi.” Kaveh snorts.

“Shut up.”

“That’s the Haitham I know.” Kaveh says.

“Tighnari, whose ass do Cyno and I need to kick to get this changed?” Alhaitham asks.

“You already have. The Sages and Matra causing the issues are being extracted. You should eat something Haitham.” Nahida has been sitting in the lecture as well.

“I’m—” His stomach lets out a loud growl.

“Come on, Haiyi. Let’s get you a pita pocket, or five.” Kaveh pats his arm. “Then you can get a proper shower or bath in. I mean, I did what I could—”

“You did fine, Kaveh.” He tugs the Omega into his scent gland, forcing calming pheromones straight up the blond’s nose. “You are enough. Don’t worry about that, or these archaic rules.”

“Haitham, you need to eat something.” Nahida reminds. “Can you support one side of him, Tighnari?” She tosses him a sweater, and he’s not sure whether or not to be pleased he’s shirtless in this crowd.

“Mehrak can help us.” Kaveh says. Finally pulling himself out of Alhaitham’s space, it takes everything he has in him not to shove the blond back in. Where he can hold him tight and let him know he is protected. “Come on, Haiyi.” His legs are shaky from two days in bed, but he’s confident he can make it work with Kaveh’s help.

“One step at a time.” Nahida says. She has to stand on tiptoe to reach the door, and Tighnari has taken up supporting his other side without even asking. He stumbles a few times, but they get to the kitchen, and Collei greets them with an excited squeak. Your dragon features are showing. Can Apep hide them for a bit?

Apep can force the horns and ribbons back, as well as his tongue back to a human-looking appearance, but there are other things he can’t influence. Like the scales and his eyes. Thankfully, Kaveh isn’t put off by any of those traits. His Omega doesn’t need him to hide it, and not having to maintain any sort of standard he wasn’t able to achieve is an immense weight off his shoulders.

Kaveh had been so worried about his own ability to be an Omega, he’d never considered the fact Alhaitham had no idea how to be a proper Alpha. Sure, he knew how to start a fight, and knew how to buy things. He doesn’t know how to be an emotionally comforting partner. He didn’t know how to make a house into a home. Kaveh knew how to do these things as easy as breathing.

“Mr. Alhaitham! You’re awake.” Collei looks excited to see him. Kaveh elbows him in the ribs. Right, you’re supposed to answer when people greet you.

“Hi?” His voice cracks from disuse. Kaveh snorts, and moves to make something distinctly not coffee for him. “Kaveh, what is this abomination?”

“Tighnari said no coffee, and I’m not arguing with a man that can tolerate Cyno’s jokes.” Kaveh answers.

“Tighnari, let the man make me coffee.” Alhaitham says. He waits until Collei’s back is turned to make a rather murderous expression at the fennec fox.

“Haitham, just because you’re a dragon now doesn’t mean you can be an ass to Tighnari. It doesn’t make you untouchable, and Cyno will kick your ass. There’s not a damn thing I’m going to do to stop him.” Kaveh warns. Like he needs to worry about Cyno, Apep lets out a low rumble of a laugh in his mind.

“Drink your tea, Haitham. Be glad at least one of you follows directions.” Tighnari chuckles. The tea that’s put before him smells like peppermint, and Collei slides a plate of pita pockets across to him. The potent scent of meat is coming out of them. “I asked Collei to up your protein, because you ran yourself too ragged.”

“So I can’t have coffee, and you’re taking my off my normal diet because you think it’s for the best?” Alhaitham nearly snarls. Pushing them away, he’s been on a vegetarian diet for the last decade. Kaveh is already making him something else, he didn’t even ask.

“Haitham doesn’t like protein heavy meals.” Kaveh says. Then the asshole puts a bowl of soup in front of him. It smells delicious, and he just glares up at the blond. “Don’t fuck with Tighnari. He can and will find a way to make your regret it.” Tighnari, on the other hand, is beaming like an asshole across the table from him. “And I don’t want to be on that shit list, ever. I’ll take the Pita Pockets Collei.”

Kaveh doesn’t like heavy breakfasts any more than he does, but he’s the people pleaser of the two of them. Tighnari smiles, and he has the sneaking suspicion he’s been duped. By the time he has finished the soup, everyone else is long since done and conversing. “That enough time for your liking ‘Nari?”

“Clever, I approve. He still needs to deal with his hygiene. Can you walk on your own now?” Tighnari asks. Kaveh stands first, and Alhaitham is a little wobbly, but he can move on his own. “A bath would probably be for the best. Unless you’re going into the shower with—”

“Absolutely not!” Kaveh squeaks. The Omega is the same shade as his eyes. As much as he’d like to sneak a remark in, there is nothing worse than sitting in your own sweat for a month and a half. He’s two days in now, and the only place that doesn’t feel disgusting is his neck.

“Suit yourselves.” Tighnari says. “Don’t forget to treat that bite when he’s done.”

Kaveh is at his side, and they make a quick stop in his room for fresh clothes. Kaveh grabs a set for himself, and the blush has died down considerably. “He said you couldn’t eat too quickly, and I know you despise soup…” It makes sense. “How do you want to do this? I know I have to be in the room so you don’t get seizures over it.”

“Ideally, we would shower together. The proximity should prevent it. However, I know you’re not ready for that—” Alhaitham gestures to the door. “I can just take a bath like you did. No risk of falling over and I can reach out and touch if needed.” It’s not ideal, but Kaveh hasn’t gone running for the hills yet.

“You can’t just suggest showering together so nonchalantly! We’re two fully grown adults, and of opposite genders, it’s inappropriate!” Kaveh squeaks. Alhaitham shrugs, opening the bathroom door. He gestures them both in, and the blond perches on the toilet while they overthink him taking a bath.

“Most people have had sex before they mark their partner.” Alhaitham shrugs. “So modesty and withdrawals aren’t a normal issue. Personally, I have nothing to hide, but I know it makes you uncomfortable.” Kaveh’s cheeks have returned to that rosy red hue.

“We aren’t most people.” He coughs. “Normal people don’t bite each other for an experiment either.” Alhaitham turns on the taps and looks back at the Omega, and he tugs off the sweater. Tossing it to the side and when he turns, Kaveh is staring at him, at the scales covering his torso.

“Your hand?” Alhaitham holds out a hand. Kaveh hesitantly holds returns the gesture. Alhaitham sets his fingers on the patch under his ribs on the side. Tentatively, Kaveh traces the edges of the scales with reverence. “You mentioned wanting to feel them. It doesn’t hurt at all.”

The water continues to fill the tub, and he can hear Kaveh’s breath hitch as he looks them over. “They feel dry. I wonder—” He dips that hand in, and Alhaitham flinches as he pours water across his one side of his abs. Kaveh runs his hand over the freshly dampened scales. “You’re dehydrated. They’re just like plants.”

“I’m literally about to bathe if you wanted to feel them wet.” He points out. The blond blushes, and his hand retreats once more. “Kaveh—”

“I can’t do this back and forth about intimacy, Haiyi. There needs to be clearly defined—limits? Before we rush into something we can’t deal with. I’m not willing to risk what we have for some quick fling.” Kaveh is looking up at his face. “You want something physical from me, but you don’t appear to want the same things I do.” He retreats out of his space, and Alhaitham frowns. “If not for your withdrawals, would we even be in here contemplating—whatever it is you are, and what I am?”

“There’s no contemplation. I am done being alone. I will take you in any capacity I am allowed.” Alhaitham explains. “Mainly, I just want to hold you close, where I know you are safe.” The blond looks a little startled, but nods, calming down a bit.

“You don’t need to prove to me I’m safe. I knew that the moment I woke up with a mini crime scene in my old dormitory room. It feels like coming home, and I don’t want to ruin that Haiyi. What I want—I don’t know that you can or would be willing to—” Kaveh shakes his head. “I can’t risk you again. Not over my libido.” He turns away, and Alhaitham turns to dump a scent into the tub. It’s the same one he’s always uses and considers it. Kaveh wants him in that way, and is concerned he won’t be—

“Is your concern I won’t be willing to participate? Or that I am uncomfortable with the idea of sex?” Alhaitham asks. “I cannot guarantee I will react as a typical Alpha. I already know my body isn’t like the average Alpha’s either. You’ve seen part of the changes. Apep has been restraining others, but one of them isn’t obvious.” Scales, fangs, claws, horns, and antennae feelers might not turn Kaveh off. What about distinctly inhuman organs? Ones designed to penetrate another’s body. Specifically, his senior’s should they continue down this road?

“Haiyi, in case it isn’t obvious, I want to jump your bones. I do not care about your inhuman features. If anything, it makes me hornier. You’re alluding to something I’m not willing to deal with—” Kaveh’s face is straight scarlet.

“I have two dicks.” He says flatly. Kaveh’s scent fluctuates, and he distinctly detects interest of a sexual nature. “You’re not—” His face says show me, but the way he hesitates. “When you’re ready, when we’re both ready, Kaveh.”

“Right, bathe first Haiyi. I may have to take a very cold shower when you’re done.” Kaveh sighs. “This changes nothing I just said. If we’re going to be partners, I’d like it to be in every sense.”

“That would cement the bond, and what wasn’t confirmed with the bite.” He moves to untie the drawstring of his pants, and Kaveh turns away. “You weren’t comfortable with it before this. Has something changed?”

“You and Apep said this bond isn’t reversible.” The blond says.

“It’s not. At least on our end, you’re not stuck in this yet. All the consequence is mine at the moment.” Alhaitham agrees. He pulls his pants away and settles into the water. He stirs the water up, making sure everything except his head and shoulders are covered. “I have no issues with courting you properly, Kaveh, if you wish to—”

The blond has turned, face that blossoming scarlet as soft lips meet his. He pulls back slowly, eyes slightly hazed over with lust.“I’ll be here when you feel better. You’re my idiot dragon. Who else can make a claim like that?”

“I’d like that.”

Chapter Text

Alhaitham wakes up to knocking on the front door. It’s been about a week since he woke up, and he can venture about his own height away from Kaveh before his chest tightens in warning.

Instead of waking the blond, he hefts him up, burying the blond’s head into his scent gland. He lures him into a deeper sleep, and moves towards the front room where Cyno is already answering the door.

There’s a deep baritone voice speaking with the General at his door, and his fingers are twitching like he’s going to summon his pole arm. Nahida is gripping his hand, tugging him away before she sets eyes on Alhaitham. The stranger waits, golden eyes staring at him expectantly.

“I assure you, Cyno, Zhongli is perfectly safe and not going to harm any of us.” Nahida tugs his arm again. “Nice to see you up, Alhaitham. Is it alright if I invite him in?”

Can his archon invite in an unfamiliar Alpha into his home? Who’s muted presence is too familiar, and drawing Apep’s attention. “Morax.” He lets the Sovereign take the lead on this. Haitham feels like a toddler looking over someone’s shoulder. Placing Kaveh on the divan facing away from the front door, and Apep leans them back against the frame.

The Geo Archon is standing causally at his door, then tilts his head curiously. “Apep?” It’s only half a question. “That certainly explains why Nahida is concerned.” Their guest inclines his head, long pony tail slipping over his coat with the movement.

Alhaitham senses more than hears between the two of them. He can feel his head tilt, and both of them are giving tiny cues. Damn, if only Kaveh was awake. Then he could tell him what these two were discussing.

You needn’t worry about that. He’s here to assist you. He cannot sleep in our den, but he may visit. Apep tells him directly, before returning their attention to their guests. “You’ve my permission to enter.” 

Morax inclines his head and bows respectfully before stepping inside. Apep gestures to the opposite divan as Nahida tugs Cyno back to where Tighnari is still resting. Collei is out at the moment, and he’s not sure what to think of that. The Geo Archon pulls the tails of his coat forward as he glances around the room.

“Apep was an old friend. While I was sad to learn about his passing, I’m relieved to know you share a lot of his traits. I must insist you call me Zhongli, as that is the name I go by now.” There’s a possessiveness there. “Nahida called you Alhaitham.” Can the other sense both of them swapping who is in control? “
”The one and the same that she’s promoting to the Grand Sage? You also helped free her from confinement. To that I owe you a debt of gratitude. That does not mean I trust you with her safety.”

“Zhongli, I can take care of myself!” Nahida protests.

“You were imprisoned by your own people shortly after being reborn. You’ll forgive me if I don’t believe in any of them for a bit.” The Geo Archon narrows his eyes.

“Then believe in Haitham. He’s the main person who rescued me and refuses to let me help him in return.” She protests sitting beside the Geo Archon. Alhaitham sits in front of Kaveh’s unconscious form, understanding entirely.

“Him, I do believe. I also believe in his mate that he’s guarding from me. The little Alpha with the headdress? He could be swayed, given the right circumstances. I assume you took him to his Omega?” Zhongli glances down at Nahida, who nods. “He might be trustworthy, Omegas protect without question. Even broken ones like mine.”

“Where is he, by the way?” Nahida asks.

“I may not have told him I left. He enjoys a game of cat and mouse. He’ll join us soon enough. I left him clues, and he’s too curious not to. I’ll keep him out of trouble when he gets here.” Zhongli chuckles. “He’s under the wrongful assumption he’s in charge, to which he is not.”

Oh, how much Morax has to learn. Omegas are always in charge, not that I’ll tell Kaveh that. You can keep some of your dignity today. Apep snorts. The Sovereign has absolutely no issue perching at his figurative feet to listen in.

“Neither Apep nor I agree with that.” Alhaitham says quietly. “If Kaveh asked us to jump, the only question would be where to?”

“Nahida, you asked for help. May I ask what for?” Zhongli asks. There’s a light flush to his features. Nahida explains the situation, and the Geo Archon is staring thoughtfully. “Apep is poisoning him? And you need to find their corpse?”

“I have my familiars and a few trustworthy individuals looking for it.” Nahida adds. “Kaveh is somehow preventing it from getting worse. I think it’s a byproduct of his vision, and something else.”

“What does that mean?” Alhaitham leaning back against Kaveh directly now. One hand snakes its way into Kaveh’s. The blond is sleeping soundly behind him. Showing no signs of waking soon.

“I sense it too. Did you know them as well?” Zhongli’s golden eyes flicker, and Apep coils below the surface under the weight of that stare. “Your mate is also a reincarnation. Who Nahida?”

“Nabu Malikata, you would know her better as the Goddess of Flowers Haitham. She died helping Dreshet, leaving my predecessor to run Sumeru on her own.” Nahida admits. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

“Nahida, is he in danger?” Alhaitham asks.

“No, Nabu’s powers are gentle, much as Kaveh himself is. He doesn’t appear to have access to them, besides what’s probably removing the imbalance from your veins, Haitham.” She answers. “It’s filtering through his vision, and that’s probably the reason you haven’t picked up on it.”

“I remember her, a gentle goddess indeed. I was rather surprised she sided with Dreshet.” Zhongli says. “Has he—”

“Apep already told us Dreshet is Cyno.” Haitham whispers. Glancing over toward the spare room. “I’ve known since that serum was injected into my gland.”

“Cyno isn’t a threat.” Nahida says quietly.

“I’ll be the judge of that.” Zhongli stands. He inclines his head, moving to stand. “I’ll be on my way for now. I’ll like to get a view of the city before I have to take over watching it for Nahida when you find the corpse.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Kaveh wakes up with a creak in his neck and Alhaitham hovering protectively over him. The Alpha has a book, and the stink of—something unfamiliar. “We had a visitor?”

“The Geo Archon, not nearly as dead as reported.” Haitham answers. “Apep also seems to know him, but isn’t telling me much else.” He glances over at the other couch where Nahida is sleeping soundly.

“Apep, I know you’re listening. Tell us what you know, unless—” Kaveh looks up at the alpha, and scarlet bleeds through his irises at the question.

“I apologize, but I cannot tell you yet, Senior. It is not my secret to disclose. Should it endanger you, I will tell you. Morax is an Alpha like myself. He will not harm an Omega, innocent or not.” Apep’s gravelly tone is sincere.

“Apep.” Kaveh half growls.

“We have a larger problem at hand. Your preheat is coming, and we need to go somewhere more private for that. Neither myself nor Haitham are going to be in a mood to share space with anyone else, even pack at that point. Nahida gave me a location. Her familiars will see to your needs, as would the two of us.” Apep whispers, nose dipping down against his gland.

“Wha—shit. Haiyi and I haven’t discussed that yet. I need to pack, erm, I can’t leave you two behind while I deal with this, can I?” Kaveh can feel his cheeks heating. Apep shakes his head, and Kaveh cannot imagine what Haitham is thinking of the situation.

“No. I’m not sure if it would kill Alhaitham. As a Sovereign, I will not allow you to leave unguarded. Knowing my host, Alhaitham is not likely to agree to stay behind either.” Scarlett retracts to the split with teal once more. “I just got you back. If you’re going, I’m going.”

“Haiyi, this is… something rather personal. Please don’t take offense, but I would rather not be around anyone. Not then.” Kaveh gives him a pleading expression. He means Alphas in particular, but if Haiyi and Apep can help him…

“We can discuss it after we get to Varuna. To which I will listen to your every objection without complaint, abide by any rules you set, and care for you, as I should have been doing all along.” Alhaitham also buries their shared nose into his gland, his hand is shaking in Kaveh’s. “You’ve done so much for me. Let me do something for you.”

“I—” Kaveh sighs. He should have anticipated the Alpha wanted to help him with it, but the idea of anything sex related with Alhaitham? The thought does something to his nether regions. “You realize this means you’re going to have to deal with me being out of mind? It’s extremely likely I will only think about sex for a week.”

“I’m prepared to suffer through it. Whatever it takes.” Alhaitham says. Leaning back out of his space. “Apep says we have about a week before your heat is fully in. We should get moving.”

“We still have to tell Cyno and pack!” Kaveh hisses.

“Nahida can handle Cyno. I doubt I’ll need anything besides a change of clothes.” Alhaitham offers him a hand. “That and an entire stand of fruit, given that’s all you’ll eat.” Kaveh can’t even complain. He’d eaten an entire stand’s worth of Zaytun Peaches when he’d gone through his last heat in Fontaine.

Packing isn’t difficult. He’s only got the clothes he showed up in, and the set he’s borrowing from Alhaitham. The Alpha doesn’t seem to be bothered about him borrowing his clothes, besides the frighteningly same outfit he’s got. The tight, almost see-through black shirts, and oh gods, how is he going to survive an entire week with Alhaitham and only thinking of sex with him?

His junior looks like he was carved from marble. Manhandles him with ease and is a literal gods damned dragon is his Alpha. One that would literally destroy the world for him. What the fuck did he do to deserve—oh, right, Alhaitham literally is as a-romantic as to let him bond bite him for an experiment.

“Are you ready to go?” Haitham asks. He pulls a bag, and Kaveh swallows hard as the other packs one of those black shirts. Oh, heat delirious Kaveh is going to make him regret that.

“No. We need to establish some ground rules, and this might lead to us to do some shopping. Please, sit.” Kaveh gestures to the bed and sets his meager suitcase down next to Mehrak and her charging station.

“I assume these are heat ground rules?” Haitham folds himself neatly onto the bed, hands draped in his lap as he fidgets. He’d set his bag down next to Kaveh’s. “I—I have never been involved in a heat for anyone before. Only my own ruts. I do not know what you will need, outside of being cared for. I’ve read that Omegas need more water and will need food brought to them, and that your scent will attract other Alphas to you. Which makes me jealous beyond belief of the idea of someone else even near you.”

“I spent my last heat locked up in my mother’s home in Fontaine. Most of my heats I’ve spent hiding in secure areas run by Omega staff. You will be the first Alpha I have ever spent my heats around. I will be honest, if not for the adverse effects on your health, I probably would have gone with that rather than push you through that. Heats are a week of deliriousness and insatiable sex drive.” Kaveh says. Alhaitham folds his hands in his lap, and he looks completely out of his depth.

“I have no experience in fulfilling that sort of need.” Haitham admits. His hormones are screaming insecurity, and Kaveh wishes he could offer him comfort. The problem is, he can’t do that until they’ve concluded this conversation.

“Of that, I have no doubt. You have the necessary equipment to do that job, so don’t worry about that. My concern is more along the lines of you being uncomfortable, and the potential for me to wind up carrying. You do know that the purpose of a heat is to procreate?” Kaveh asks.

Alhaitham’s face reddens, and he nods. “I am aware of it.”

“So then, you will understand if I will request that you do not, under any circumstances, put those two dicks you mentioned anywhere near my ass. At least not during a heat when I cannot consent.” Kaveh says.

“You do not wish to pro—” He cuts Haitham off by cupping his cheeks. He can see the gears turning, the hurt in those words from the Alpha.

“I do not wish to have children right now. It’s not a matter of you not being good enough, or if I think I am not. Neither of those things is relevant. We are not ready for that, and while I may beg for it, do not give in. You can help me with anything that will not get me pregnant during my heat. Toys, your tongue, hands, just do not put us in a position where we have to be parents right now.” Kaveh explains, his own cheeks reddening.

“Will you suffer if I cannot help you?” Haitham asks.

“It will be uncomfortable for both of us, but I will survive if you do not help. Simply loaning me your hormones should help with the fever, though a better description might be smoother me in them. I have not received my things from Fontaine, and my heat is coming quicker than I anticipated. So we will need to stop by the market for me to grab some rather—specific toys to assist us.” Kaveh explains.

“You’re talking about something to insert into you instead?” Haiyi asks.

“I am. Something that won’t harm me or make me pregnant.” Kaveh confirms.

“I can agree to those terms. Do I need to get anything else to help you?” There’s a curious look from him.

“New clothes when I get back? As much as you enjoying me wearing your clothes, it’s not entirely practical if I’d like to go back to work as an architect once your—problem is dealt with.” Kaveh says. Alhaitham nods, moving over to a drawer, and the freaking pouch of Mora just sitting there makes his eyeballs bug out.

“Nahida and the Akademiya paid me ridiculously well. I’ve never needed to spend it all, and my biggest splurge is getting a case of wine from Lambad’s once a month.” He sets it in front of Kaveh, while still bright red. “I have never had an issue with Mora. Whatever you need, we will get you.”

“So then, you’ll let me have someone craft a copy of your dick, then?” Kaveh asks. The question in ridiculous, and were his junior anyone else, any other Alpha, it would be out of the question.

“Technically, you’ll need a copy of both?” Haitham coughs as an answer. His face has taken on that bright red hue again.

“Are they different?” Kaveh asks.

The other unlaces his flies, shimming out those pants that look painted on. Again, gods only know what his heat addled and delirious brain is going to do with that opportunity. Kaveh wants to look away, but this is unfortunately very relevant to what is about to transpire.

He hesitates at the band of his underwear, and Kaveh wants to tell him to just get it over with. Like this is a strip show or something equally questionable. Really, it’s his Alpha humoring him and willing to go to the extremes of his admittedly not so large comfort zones. He might be the one who’s been hesitant about all of this, but Haitham has likely never shown anyone his dick. At least not by choice.

Kaveh can just make out the trail of scales going below the band of his boxers. Haitham drags the dark cloth away. He’s red as a tomato, and will not make eye contact with him. His nervous pheromones filter through the room, and he looks adorable with his cheeks flushed red like that, Kaveh decides.

Then he remembers why his junior is that amusing shade, and his gaze returns down that happy trail of scales. For a brief moment, Kaveh wants to call him a liar. All he sees is one flaccid cock, and then the other shows itself. Haitham has shoved his shorts halfway down his thighs to expose them both, and with his hand no longer occupied with moving his boxers, he lifts the top one off the lower one so Kaveh can have a better look.

To Kaveh’s horror, they are different. One is longer, the other—gods, he does want copies of both, but he’s going to save that for later. “Haiyi?” One eye glances over at him, and it’s still Haitham working with him. “Can you hide the scales there?”

That eye turns more scarlet, and those scales shimmer for a moment before disappearing into a soft patch of gray. That amusing rouge fades as the Sovereign takes over. Apep chases his gaze down, and that hungry feeling in his gut to jump his cute junior deludes ever so slightly under the ancient dragon’s gaze.

“He can’t, but I can.” Apep takes a long inhale. “It would seem Alhaitham and I are not the only ones who get jealous. Care to explain?” Kaveh chokes for a moment, but ultimately, he has to confess this much.

“I don’t want anyone else to see that side of Haitham’s body but me. Even Tighnari, when he was checking as his physician, was setting me off. That said, if I want—need, a copy of your more delicate anatomy. For my upcoming heat.” Kaveh sighs.

“You’ll need an artist to at least view it. That’s understandable. I’ll allow it, but—“ Apep isn’t so uneasy about the subject as Haiyi. “—they will only have access to one of them. As allowing them to know of both defeats the point of hiding our scales. You’ll also need to let off an aroused scent during their process, if you want us to be fully erect for them to sculpt for what you need.” Kaveh stares back at the dragon staring back at him with two flaccid dicks in his lap.

“Wouldn’t that be awkward? For both of us?” Kaveh asks.

“Only if you cannot make it happen when you drag Alhaitham to this sculptor. Either of us can sit through it for you, but I would recommend me. Haitham is more likely to hurt the artist while you’re having this made.” Apep answers. “That, and I am not as asexual as Haitham is. You’ll still need to influence either of us to get that.” There’s a look that’s saying you need to test this now rather than later.

“Fine.” Kaveh agrees. He steps forward, and Apep watches him curiously. “Can I touch the ribbons or you while this is going on?”

“It will be the most effective if you can use your own aroused hormones. Can you do that, or do you want me to offer you a different solution?” Apep says.

“What type of solution?” Kaveh can’t help but be suspicious. The Alpha stands, pulls both his boxers and pants back up so he can actually walk. Moving to lock the door, and then he waves his hand and the door shimmers. “Apep?”

“This is for your information only, and not the rest of the pack. The top dick you need to avoid, the bottom will not make you pregnant because that is not its function. It does not have a knot, but it will fulfill what you need given its size.” Apep explains. “Right now, Alhaitham’s body is not producing what would be sent through that organ, and while both of you call it a dick, it’s for placing eggs in our mate.”

Kaveh staggers, and Apep catches him carefully. Steering him back to the bed. “It’s for what?!?” Kaveh chokes.

“It’s for egg laying.” Apep repeats. “It can be used to—”

“I got that bit, but explain the bit about—I could potentially use that dick without a problem?” Kaveh watches his face. “And what did you mean Haitham’s body isn’t producing? Do you mean eggs?”

“I do. We’d call it a clutch. He might when he takes in the power from my corpse. For now, the organ simply exists as a byproduct of my awakened nature.” Apep winces, and Kaveh can tell he’s not the only one asking questions. “Since Haitham also wants this answer, I will explain it to both of you. Normally neither of our ‘dicks’ as you call them, would be out. There’s a multitude of things that my influence has done to his body.”

“What specifically did Haiyi ask?”

“Why these things have only just come out now?” Haiyi says, taking over for the moment. “Why the only influences Apep had on me before all of this was being able to sit through those boring lectures. That second thing is very much a recent addition to my body, and I still don’t understand what Apep is talking about.” His junior flops back against his bed, the still exposed dicks catch Kaveh’s attention.

“I amend my previous decision. You can use the egg planting dick on me. At least until you either end up carrying eggs, and god—” Kaveh cuts himself off at the low growl coming from beside him. “Apologies, but it’s so weird to think about Haiyi.”

“I can imagine. It’s connected to my body. Not to mention it’s a recent addition I’m not even sure I want.” He groans.

“Are you okay? I know this is weird for you too.” Kaveh asks.

“Not really. Let me deal with this problem, then we’re going. I don’t think I can face Cyno for at least a week. The second he learns about the eggs, we’re both fucked.” Haitham answers.

Truer words have never been spoken.

Chapter Text

Nahida sees her two guardians off with only a small amount of trepidation. Zhongli at least has volunteered to stay at the sanctuary with her, so her chances of assassination are at least at a minimum. They’re meeting in the Grand Sage’s office, and Cyno and Tighnari have kindly offered their assistance to box all the documents currently there. Maybe it won’t look quite as bad when they can finally convince Alhaitham to come in. Tighnari may have also been asked to help lug a drafting desk onto the elevator for Kaveh as a peace offering for the Alpha once they’re back.

“This is worse than Ningguang’s office, and that is… an unfortunate state of affairs.” Zhongli watches wearily.

“This is partially my fault. We had the previous Grand Sage arrested for treason. Without immediately putting in a replacement.” Nahida sighs.

“So then, it isn’t normally that bad?” Zhongli asks.

“No, normally it’s worse. I personally had to arrest half her upper staff after they tried to use the Scribe as their private experiment.” Cyno huffs. He and Tighnari have finally got the desk and a suitable stool for it. “Kaveh better like this, it was a pain in the ass to drag up here.”

“Even if he didn’t, Haitham would likely hand over the desk and attempt all of his paperwork on it if it kept him happy.” Tighnari huffs, slumping over it more like an oversized cat than a fox. “So, just who else did you invite to help once we find that corpse?”

“I sent a letter to four individuals following the Traveler’s advice. Lady Kamisato of the Yashiro commission. She’s bringing a friend with her. There’s a capable captain from the Knights of Favonius, and Zhongli here.” Nahida takes a seat in the throne of a chair, and stares at all of them.

“The Kamisato’s are well known, even outside of Inazuma. What of Fontaine? I notice you invited someone from the other two nations? Excluding Natlan, they have their hands full right now.” Zhongli asks.

“I was going to, but Hat Guy wouldn’t deliver one there. I was going to reach out to the Duke of Meropide.” Nahida kicks her feet against the chair. “Said that it wasn’t worth endangering his health to deliver. I have no idea why.”

“I do. The Duke is the Alpha of a very overprotective Omega, and I highly doubt he’ll let him leave, given the information I have on them. Why did you want to reach out to him specifically?” Zhongli asks.

“As I said, the Traveler recommended him for helping sort this mess.” Nahida gestures.

“I see. Have you made accommodations for those that replied favorably? Do you have plans in place for when the corpse is found?” Zhongli asks.

“Okay, can someone explain to me why we’re looking for the corpse of an ancient dragon?” Tighnari asks.

“Because finding this corpse will save your friend. Without it, if that Omega leaves his side, he will die from overexposure to the Dendro in his veins. Even if he doesn’t leave, there’s still the potential for that to happen.” Zhongli says. Tighnari pales, and Cyno grips the side of the desk. “Did Nahida not clarify that?”

“I wasn’t sure. I knew the serum caused it. When they injected him with it, they exposed Alhaitham to Apep’s draconic powers. Are you saying it’s the overflow of Dendro causing his deterioration?”

“That, or early erosion from that power. I do not believe it is just the Dendro. His body thinks it can handle it, thanks to his vision. He’s also leaking Dendro at an alarming rate. If the issue isn’t corrected soon—I estimate he’s got a year or two max if Apep’s corpse cannot be found. His mate’s presence isn’t filtering it, it’s masking the pain.” Zhongli says. His voice is quiet. “Apep is aware, even if their host is not.”

“So then, Alhaitham is dying. I’m sorry ‘Nari, but I have to go.”

“Help them find it, Cyno. If we don’t save Alhaitham, then the Akademiya has no chance of recovering. I don’t even want to consider Kaveh’s reaction.” Tighnari waves him off to the elevator. Nahida looks between the elder archon and the forest ranger.

“I don’t want to lose anymore friends, especially not ones that helped me when I needed it most.” She whispers.

“You won’t. I’ll put Childe onto it once he arrives.” Zhongli pats her shoulder. “If your General can’t find it, my Omega will.”

Chapter Text

A week later, and Kaveh looks distinctly less embarrassed in Alhaitham’s presence as they stride into Sumeru in the dead of night. When they walk in, Nahida is waiting on the couch, and the elder archon excuses himself. Kaveh heads straight for the shower. She waves Haitham over, to which he raises an eyebrow.

“It’s serious?” He asks.

“We found the corpse.” Nahida announces, but can’t keep the grim look off her features.

“If you’re worried about what it will do to me—” Alhaitham stops when her expression tightens further. “You’ve discovered something worse?”

“Your own body is poisoning you. Your body thinks it can handle it, that it’s just the Dendro overflow. Kaveh’s vision is masking the symptoms, according to Zhongli. It’s like giving a person with diabetes sugar.” Nahida says.

“That would explain a few things. Will it fix the problem if we go deal with the corpse?” Alhaitham asks.

“I am—unsure. If we don’t do something, it’s likely to end you in less than two years.” Nahida whispers.

“Then we leave as soon as your guests are aware of how to cover us in the Akademiya. Do not tell Kaveh.” Alhaitham says. She can tell it’s already affecting him. He’s moving slower than he normally would.

“You already know?” Nahida asks.

“I had my suspicions. It took far longer for me to recover than it should have. Expending the access energy is about the only way I’ve found to keep it at bay, but each time—I wouldn’t give it two years, maybe one at the rate I’ve calculated.” Alhaitham answers.

He’s steady as he walks, and he heads straight for the bathroom where Kaveh is still taking his shower. Nahida heads for the front door, and isn’t surprised to find the elder Archon waiting there.

“It’s worse than we thought.” Nahida says. She passes him the keys, and Zhongli locks the door behind them.

“I noticed. He hides it well, but he has to be aware of it at this point.” Zhongli says. She nods, confirming his suspicions.

“We meet at Lambad’s tomorrow, and then they need to set out. Haitham will be well enough to travel, but he won’t be able to fight in that condition.” Nahida whispers. “He doesn’t want us to tell Kaveh, either.”

“Of course not, stubborn Alpha pride. Who are you sending with them?” Zhongli asks.

“I’ll be going along, not just Cyno and Tighnari. I have a theory that if we use the fire seed to filter Apep’s power in, then it might be able to make the transition safer for Haitham.” Nahida says. “I’m also taking the Dendro Gnosis with.”

“I’ll speak with Childe. I’d feel better if you had more than just the General defending your group.” Zhongli moves to pick her up, depositing Nahida across his shoulders so they don’t have to take an hour getting back to the Sanctuary. “He’ll want a fight, but I suspect that won’t be an issue, considering what they’ll be up against.”

“You’re assuming Haitham won’t mind a member of the Fatui joining them, or Cyno, for that matter.” Nahida sighs.

“Cyno is warming up to him, as is Captain Alberich. They finally took their covert surveillance off him yesterday. He’s rather disappointed by it.” Zhongli muses. “What about your puppet?”

“His alliance is to me, not Alhaitham or Kaveh. He’ll be better suited watching over the Akademiya with you.” Nahida says. “More like Cyno wants insurance the Akademiya will be exactly as he left it when he gets back.”

“A bit paranoid, isn’t he?” Zhongli laughs. “He really doesn’t understand why I retired then.”

“Not at all. I trust you, and that’s all that matters.” Nahida agrees.

Alhaitham runs the tub and settles against it, willing his legs to stop shaking. It was one thing to suspect something was wrong, and entirely another to have it confirmed by their archon. He’d finally gotten Kaveh to stop doubting he was good enough, but now… He’s not entirely sure how long he can last, but it’s certainly not two years.

You’ll be lucky if your body lasts another six months. All that energy I had to force through your form to rescue Lord Kusanali probably didn’t help. Apep says. Why can’t we tell Kaveh?

‘He’ll worry, and then he’ll try to fix it. The only way to do so is to find your corpse, and we’ve already had that conversation—multiple times. He’s only agreeing to go because—’ Haitham is startled out of his mind by Kaveh’s shower ending. The blonde stares down at him, then looks over at the filling tub behind him.

“Your legs are still bothering you?” Kaveh asks.

Curse this man and his observation skills. Alhaitham sighs. He should have known the blond would notice the way he was struggling to walk.

“They found Apep’s corpse. We’re meeting them. Then we can head to it, and I won’t—” Haitham shivers as Kaveh’s hand rests on his forehead. “—Kaveh.”

“Just what exactly is this going to do to you? You’re not in any condition to be off gallivanting across the desert to find a dragon, as a corpse or not.” Kaveh sighs. “Then what? Apep comes back and tries to take back the missing chunk of his soul? Eats you? Murders us? No, this is foolish.”

I would never eat Kaveh, I might give you shit, but more than likely it would just be my corpse influenced by the withering. Apep says.

“He says he’d spare you.” Haitham repeats. Stripping off to head into the tub, even with the hot water, everything aches. “I feel like I’ve aged fifty years from our trip.”

“Perhaps I shouldn’t have taken you up on your offer to help, then.” Kaveh offers him a hand, making sure he’s fully seated before dressing in a fresh set of pj’s. “You realize, if this does work, there’s no going back to just being her Scribe, right?”

“I have little choice in the matter. Besides what’s going on with my health right now, the vacuum of power left in the wake of its death is the larger issue. If that power is left where the forces of the abyss or the Fatui can find it, we risk them gaining an advantage to their insane plans, whatever they are. Most importantly, it might actually let me live out the rest of my natural human life.” Haitham sighs.

“So then, it is that serious. Why didn’t you say something sooner?” Kaveh sighs.

He doesn’t have time to argue, because Kaveh is already washing his hair. Carefully around the bumps and short ribbons.

“What would you expect me to do without you?” Kaveh whispers. “Go back to my mother in Fontaine? Crying over how I’d wasted pretty much all my time I could have had with you?”

That’s assuming the blond doesn’t do something more stupid in one of his more dour moods. He’s known the Omega long enough, it’s not the crying that worries him. Now that their bond is somewhat settled, it may take both of them down with it.

No, that cannot be allowed to happen.

Cyno cringes. He’s standing in the middle of Alhaitham’s living room, and the second the other Alpha stands, he can see something’s wrong with him. Kaveh, however, isn’t fussing, so perhaps it’s not that—the blond’s eyes are bloodshot when he passes him. Alhaitham nods his head, and there’s a soft tremble running through the man’s arm. Barely detectible to the naked eye as he moves to grab his keys.

“Spill, now.”

“We leave as soon as possible for the corpse.” Alhaitham answers. More curtly than if there wasn’t a problem they were hiding.

“What he said. Insane as it is.” Kaveh turns, eyes locked on Alhaitham’s form. He shakes his head and sighs.

The Omega’s distress is tangible in the air, and despite whatever the fuck is going on, Alhaitham steps forwards and drowns the blond in comforting hormones. Where normally he would complain, he just settles into his Alpha’s arms as the corners of his eyes glisten.

“It will not impede our travels. We were perfectly safe so long as I had an outlet for all the excess Dendro in my veins.” Alhaitham offers. It does not make the uneasy feeling in Cyno’s gut feel any better. “I’ve nearly figured out how to make Kaveh’s projections out of raw Dendro.”

“You should probably go disperse some of it in the yard before we go. It might give Cyno some peace of mind.” Kaveh sighs. “It’s yet another setback from the serum.”

He wants to protest. It cannot be that simple. Alhaitham passes his key over to Kaveh before strolling over to his side yard. Cyno follows him, and the charge of Dendro in the air sends gooseflesh trailing up his arm before Haitham teleports. He’s 30 meters ahead of him, and arms spread wide. From the dirt around him rises the sacred tree into a new branch of itself. Fresh, healthy, and growing up at a rate he’d only seen Nahida capable of.

Minutes trickle by, and Cyno’s mouth gaps as he continues. The branch extending without hesitation, offering support to the platform above, and clearly well within the former Scribe’s control. Kaveh has wandered next to him, simply lurking as Haitham preforms the impossible task. Checking his timepiece, it’s been nearly half an hour and they’re going to be late walking to the Tavern less than two blocks away, that is, after they attend the first half in the Grand Sage’s office.

“See?” Haitham asks. He walks forward, and sure enough, his hand stays still.

“I didn’t believe him either.” Kaveh whispers. “I still didn’t until now. Are you sure that’s all you need to do to put it in remission?”

“Yes. I spoke with Apep. He said spending the excess energy over the course of our trip is why you didn’t notice until we got back. Marathon heat sex does not, in fact, use Dendro energy, which was about half my problem.” Alhaitham explains.

“You—” Kaveh sputters.

“He wouldn’t be Alhaitham if he said it any other way.” Cyno points out. “It doesn’t matter, because you’re the one that has to go either way. Either on a sumpter beast or foot, it makes no difference to me.”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence.” Alhaitham moves, snuggling into Kaveh’s hair and inhaling deeply.

“Would you cut that out? If you have to scent something, use my neck like a normal person, you weirdo.” Kaveh mutters. The other Alpha obliges, burying his nose between the junction of neck and shoulder, knocking Kaveh’s shirt partially open in the process.

“You’re lucky we’re in your yard or I’d have to arrest you two for public indecency.” Cyno sighs. “We’re going to be late to your own meeting, Alhaitham.”

“I’d rather just leave now.” He mumbles from Kaveh’s neck. To the blond’s credit, he doesn’t seem at all flustered at the overly intimate display.

“You have to at least meet the people Nahida called in to cover for you.” Kaveh sighs. Finally shoving the Alpha back and putting his shirt to rights. His heavy metal necklace settling over it neatly. The calming hormones the other Alpha is exuding are strong enough to make him wobble. Cyno has to retreat out of the yard as dizziness settles over him.

“Kaveh, it will be fine. You’ll see.” The former Scribe pats his shoulder. The blond doesn’t even stagger. He’s shaking off the calming hormones, the same ones strong enough to make Alphas dizzy like it’s barely there.

“How can you say that? You didn’t see—forget it. Let’s get this over with and hope that overly large ego of yours is right.” Kaveh turns, and when he locks eyes with Cyno, he realizes there was an effect on the blond. He’d entirely forgotten he was there. Well, that was certainly different. Alhaitham looked like he didn’t really care one way or another, just as long as the finicky blond was at his side.

As it should be.

As he reminded them before, there are actually two meetings, and Cyno cringes at the annoyed face the former Scribe makes as they ascend the ramps to the Akademiya. “I was rather hoping Nahida wasn’t serious about this part.”

“There’s no one else qualified. Nahida has been slowly sorting through the paperwork while you’ve been gone, and the most time sensitive ones need looked over before you leave. All personnel ones have been delayed indefinitely until your shit is sorted out.” Cyno answers.

The two Dendro users are garnering all sorts of attention, but it’s less about Alhaitham’s reputation and the overwhelming amount of calming hormones leaking away from him. Kaveh is still steadfastly ignoring everything and everyone else. Tucked into the other’s arm like he’s an extension.

“Could you tone down the hormones a bit, Alhaitham? You’re making me dizzy.” Cyno mutters. The other Alpha glances his way, and the ring of scarlet is blown again. Right, this is technically his first time in public since that incident. The Alpha nods, a scowl settling over his face as they cross the bridge to the elevator to the Grand Sage’s office. The hormones at least damper down to something more reasonable, and not enough to knock out an entire herd of Sumpter beasts. Kaveh fidgets, but says nothing as the three of them pile in.

They’re not even at the top before the shouting is echoing down the shaft.

“This is absurd.” One of the Akademiya scholars complains.

“Preposterous.” Says another.

“And yet it is exactly what the type of supervision the Akademiya requires in my absence.” Nahida answers as the elevator grinds to a stop. “Nice to see you again, Grand Sage Alhaitham.”

“Acting.” The Alpha corrects, a dour expression coating his face instantly at the reminder.

“To be determined.” Their archon counters with a soft smile. Her attention turns to the protesting scholars. “You’ll report to Lady Kamisato and Captain Alberich. I expect you to respect them as you would me, and if you can’t—”

“Then I’m afraid you’ll have to deal with whatever terms Lord Kusanali has left for your contract.” The retired Geo Archon says curtly. “You’ve written it out for me?”

“I have.” Nahida nods. She waves her hand dismissing them, and he watches Alhaitham glances over the room with a weary expression, his gaze hesitating on the rather large stack of boxes next to the desk before landing on the drafting table.

“I find the interim conditions acceptable.” Alhaitham says. The various protesting members of the Akademiya are all squawking various reasons why either he shouldn’t be the Grand Sage, which is irrelevant because none of them know how to do their jobs. Or, that it’s going to put the Akademiya itself behind, which is ludicrous, considering the number of botched proposals Alhaitham would discreetly have sent to his desk to prevent them from blowing anything up.

“If you’re about to argue with Lord Kusanali, then you’re going to have to remember who Azar sent all your projects to before he decided to read them or not. The Scribe has seen all of it, and has the best sense out of all of you.” Cyno says, stepping forward to corral the unruly scholars.

“Half of the proposals I’ve read so far have been rejected from spelling errors alone.” Nahida asks from that ridiculous chair.

“Spelling isn’t the part you have to watch. It’s the potential fallout zones from the research projects, or the budgets for Kshahrewar.” The Scribe says with a snort. The Scholars part like the Fontaine Sea when Alhaitham heads for the desk with Kaveh trailing closely behind, as he picks up the first document. “Look at this one. Looking into the Ruin Golem to the south. If this was approved and they got this working, it would likely either a.) crush half the landscape, or b.) lead to the inadvertent destruction of Port Ormos. Deny.” Kaveh is glancing over his shoulder.

“Um, more like that entire area. I’m no expert on machines, but that specific project is talking about manipulating the golem’s core. We’d be lucky if they didn’t blow the rainforest off the map.” Kaveh adds.

“Right!” Nahida gleefully signs denied in red pen across it. “I’ll be hearing no further objections on Alhaitham’s appointment to the office of Grand Sage.”

“Acting. You will find someone more suitable to this.” He objects. The scholars pale, and file out, realizing it’s far too late to stop it. Cyno watches the elevator descend, and once it returns, he locks it down for Nahida.

Her esteemed guests are waiting off to the side. The blue-haired captain is sitting on the drafting desk flipping a coin while the two in Inazuma garb silently observe silently a polite distance away. “Welcome everyone, I’d like you to meet my former Scribe drafted to Grand Sage, Alhaitham, and this is our master architect, Kaveh.” The blond sputters, but waves at his introduction.

“I’m assuming that chaos we just witnessed is why all of us were called in?” The Captain asks. He hops off the desk, coin slid back into his pocket in one smooth motion. “If there are to be introductions, I’m Kaeya Alberich, Cavalry Captain with the Knights of Favonius.”

“Nice to meet you.” Kaveh greets, nudging the Scribe with his elbow in the ribs. Alhaitham looks up, nods, and goes back to glancing at piles of chaos that have become his problem. “Apologies, he’s not the most social person even with the situation is different.”

“Paperwork full of secrets is genuinely a siren call to those who seek trouble, but lack the will to pursue it.” The Captain nods.

“Nah, secrets are for those who think they have something to hide. Right Captain?” The blond Omega from Inazuma responds. “I’m Thoma, the housekeeper of the Kamisato clan. This is Kamisato Ayaka dono, and we’re glad to help.” The girl bows her head politely, and she’s watching Alhaitham and Kaveh.

“The only one not present is my Omega then. If you could reset the elevator, I’m sure Childe will come crashing in about halfway through our discussion.” The ex Geo Archon is staring at him directly. “Shall we get down to the specifics of this contract?”

“A splendid idea. We can just leave Alhaitham to his paperwork while the rest of us figure it out.” Nahida bounces out of the chair, and the Scribe settles in, grabbing the box marked urgent. “I didn’t entirely expect him to talk during this meeting.”

“Then why did you have me grab him?” Cyno asks.

“Because I needed him to sort that awful pile before we go. I can handle most of this, but the specifics in that one are a bit too much.” Nahida grimaces. Alhaitham has already switched on his noise cancelling headphones, reading through the documents. Kaveh rolls his eyes fondly.

“He’ll have it done for you. I’m more concerned about why we brought in all this help in the first place. Going to find the corpse of a dead dragon and dispose of its power properly before the withering zone surrounding it sucks in the rest of Sumeru?” Kaveh asks.

“That would definitely explain why you’re so dead set on going, despite what’s going on here.” The Captain hums. “I’ve heard reports from our Outrider about those withering zones. Is that corpse the cause of all of them?”

“No, most are small pockets caused by corrupted knowledge of other smaller elemental beings. The dragon’s corpse is the one that might keep creating them after they’re cleansed, which is the larger issue.” Nahida answers. “I also need Alhaitham there to document it.”

A bald-faced lie, and Cyno watches the Captain’s visible eye narrow when she says it. Hmm, how would he know the truth about that? The guests from the Kamisato clan appear none the wiser.

“What would you like us to do while you’re gone then, your excellency?” Ayaka asks.

Alhaitham continues to shuffle through the paperwork. He’s already written across about a third of them. Mostly in red ink Cyno notes in good humor. Some after only a cursory glance, a few with a mere shake of his head.

“That’s the trouble. I cannot ask you to directly cover Alhaitham’s duties as the newly appointed Grand Sage, as even I do not know how he’s dealing with it. What I would ask is that you keep them sorted as best you can by priority, and if anything looks like an emergency while we’re gone, you do your best to keep the people safe.” Nahida says.

“Do not approve any project proposals while we’re gone. The same for just research topics. Those are going to be the major ones. I would suspect you also need someone for Matra to report into in case of emergencies, Cyno?” Kaveh asks.

He honestly was just going to have his second-in-command cover it, but in lew of his very recent betrayal at the hands of his own men, he wasn’t so sure. He trusted the people in this room not to stab him in the back, but outside it?

“Given my understanding of your hierarchy, I would recommend Captain Alberich. I’m sure Thoma kun and I can handle sorting the documents for the Grand Sage while he’s absent.”Kamisato answers. Cyno eyes the Cavalry Captain wearily, who is appraising him just as openly.

“I run the assistant Grandmaster’s Spy network back home. The title of Cavalry Captain is somewhat of a misnomer. If you have a set of guidelines on how you want things handled, I am more than willing to adhere to them.” The bluenette responds. There’s something a bit too sharp about the other’s smile, and it takes Cyno a moment to realize he’s an Omega. A very barbed one if those reactions are anything to go by.

“That can work for my end. Can you get your idiot to pause long enough to explain how he’d like his newfound chaos sorted?” Cyno asks. Kaveh taps Alhaitham’s shoulder, and the other glances up. Without a word, he taps his ear and the headphones are deactivated.

“What is it?” The Scribe asks. He’s already noticed the room is focused back in on him.

“How would you like everything sorted out paperwork wise, Alhaitham?” Nahida asks.

“Who am I working with—” Alhaitham is reintroduced to the two from Inazuma, and the Cavalry Captain takes the moment to speak with him more directly.

“I assume traitors are still executed if they’re too dangerous?” The other mutters just a hair above a whisper. Before Cyno can respond, the ex Geo Archon is next to them, a frown across his face.

“They will be imprisoned until the General Mahamatra returns. As guests, we will not be executing anyone without due process. At least, that’s what Lord Kusanali has told me.” His eyes glitter gold and Cyno twitches under the weight of that ageless stare.

“That is correct. Securely imprisoned. If they are directly found guilty of a heinous crime in front of your very eyes, I expect you to document it thoroughly before any execution may occur.” Cyno agrees. The bluenette shrugs.

“Of course. I’ll also need a copy of whatever your Alpha and Omega laws are, as I need to know what the—tolerance level is behavior wise.” Captain Alberich asks.

“Those specifics I am in charge of while they are gone.” The ex Geo Archon says curtly. “You shall have no trouble dealing with anyone, Captain, and if they do give you any, I shall take care of it.”

“Excellent.” The other nods. “Why did Lord Kusanali lie about why the Scribe is going? I thought we were considered trustworthy?”

“It is not a matter of trustworthiness. If that were the case, most of these individuals would remain behind to run the Akademiya while he catalogues the corpse. It’s more of a personal matter that has to be settled against said corpse.” The exGeo Archon responds. Which actually is a rather appropriate response. He’s sure Morax knows why the other is going.

“I suppose that’s most of the official business. We reconvene at Lambad’s tavern in, well, how long do you need Alhaitham?” Nahida asks. The Scribe glances down at the paperwork, shuffles through a couple, then stands.

“We should go now. The sooner we leave, the sooner the real problem is addressed.” His hand has a fine tremor, but Kaveh is already on it. The office filters down to just Nahida, Kaveh, and Alhaitham. “The rest of these can probably be denied or at least delayed. Those top five were the ones that can probably just be delayed until you’re back to supervise them with Cyno.”

“You’re assuming you won’t be available?” Nahida asks.

“I assume that absorbing the powers of an ancient dragon will not go well for anyone.” Alhaitham says flatly. “If not for the fact I would die without it, I wouldn’t have bothered dealing with it.”

“Even if the withering would have eventually wiped out the Rainforest?” Cyno asks.

“Yes. Do not tell Tighnari that, he’s mad enough at me.” Alhaitham responds, standing with a resounding crack.

“Alhaitham, there’s one other bit of news, and ultimately I’m going to leave it to your digression.” Nahida sighs, glancing over at him for permission before broaching their last concern. “Zhongli would like to volunteer his Omega to assist us.”

“I fail to see why this isn’t a question for Cyno.”

“His Omega is one of the Tsaritsa’s harbingers.” Cyno explains. “I’m certainly not going to prioritize his safety over Tighnari or Nahida’s.”

“And not mine?” Kaveh asks. Looking genuinely hurt for half a second before Alhaitham snorts beside him.

“He means you’ve a pet dragon watching your back, feral or not. If anything happens, you’ll be the most overprotected one there.” Alhaitham points out. “I doubt even being unconscious would stop Apep or myself from brutalizing anything stupid enough to threaten you.”

“Oh.” Kaveh’s cheeks take on a rosy pink hue, and it continues all the way to the tips of his ears.

“Now that we’re established you’re the most overprotected Omega in Sumeru. What about the Harbinger?” Cyno asks. “Can we trust him? I know you trust Morax, but—”

“I’m inclined to believe Zhongli only has our best interests in mind. Childe may enjoy the fight, but I don’t think he’ll make trouble for us.” Nahida says.

“I haven’t met him, so I cannot form an opinion on the matter. If he rubs Apep the wrong way, then he will stay behind. I doubt someone like Zhongli would make the recommendation just to give us a problem.” Alhaitham gestures to the elevator. “The longer we wait, the worse my condition will become.”

“And that’s not a cause for concern? That you know your condition will worsen in front of this Harbinger?” Cyno asks. Alhaitham’s eyes blow scarlet, and Kaveh rolls his eyes.

“If he’s that stupid. My scales have taken over the use of Alhaitham’s mirrors, and they are not unlike Mehrak for Kaveh now. You just don’t see them.” Apep waves the Scribe’s hand, and the scales shimmer to life around them all. There’s a few dozen hovering around him. “They mean you no harm General, but they will defend you if you’re within a certain—distance of us.”

“Us? Do you mean you and Haitham, or—”

“Kaveh cannot sustain them, yet. I suspect when Alhaitham inherits the rest of my power through my corpse, he will be able to.” Apep shrugs. “He should be able to direct them, even without our assistance.”

“Are you serious? I didn’t understand how his blasted mirrors worked in the first place! Or how the fuck he just teleports using them!” Kaveh throws his hands up. Cyno never understood the whole concept of Alhaitham’s ‘flicker’ technique, either.

“You won’t be able to teleport. Just direct them defensively, like an extension of Mehrak. As either a shield or a weapon, only instead of it being directed by gestures like she is, it will follow your emotions.” Apep waits for all of them in the elevator.

“Isn’t that a little dangerous?” Cyno asks. “No offense, Kaveh.”

“I’d be offended if I didn’t have the exact same concern.” Kaveh scowls, moving next to his Alpha. “You realize that’s a horrible idea. Both of you, right?”

“It isn’t something we can actively control now that you’ve accepted your part in the bond.” Apep shrugs. “And unless you truly mean to harm someone, they will remain transparent. Alternatively, they won’t just pop out of nowhere, it requires truly malicious intent, not just a flare of temper.”

“So the most endangered person will actually be Alhaitham, got it.” Nahida giggles, skipping past. Kaveh’s rosy blush has turned something akin to tomato red. Cyno pats his shoulder as he passes.

“That’s a relief for all of us.”

“HEY!” Kaveh protests. The Scribe’s eyes have gone to their normal split color again, and he tugs the protesting Omega against him with a roll of his eyes. The scales glimmer dangerously around them, bouncing off the Scribe’s hair. Before fluttering off around them, back to their transparent versions.

Chapter Text

Childe sits at the counter of the tavern, sipping his slightly underpriced Firewater. Zhongli told him to wait here for him, and his stubborn Alpha hadn’t said anything else. Except that he had a proposal for him, and that it did not, in fact, involve some wild sex idea in his native state. Much to his disappointment, Childe was very much looking forward to dragon dick at some point.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but that definitely wasn’t what I had in mind.” Zhongli chuckles in his ear. “You need to be on your best behavior for the next hour or so. Alhaitham will be the one to decide if you’re going with them or not, and if you want to fight an undead dragon corpse, you’ll need to make a good impression on him. I’d recommend on all of them, but he’s the most important.”

Fight an undead dragon corpse? Oh, his Alpha definitely knows him too well to volunteer him for this. “You’re getting a blow job when I get back for the mere suggestion I might want to go. So, tell me more, what’s the task? It can’t just be fighting a dragon.”

“That, I’m afraid, is their business. You’ll need to help Alhaitham, Buer, Cyno, and their Omegas cross the desert to fight this dragon. It’s corrupted with ancient knowledge that bled into it during the fall of Khaenri’ah.” Zhongli explains. “Causing withering to appear all around it, or so their informant said. It sounded like your favorite kind of battle.”

“It does. What about you, though? Won’t you miss me?” Childe wiggles into the adeptus’s space.

“Hmm, more than I’d admit. I’ll be looking over the Akademiya while you’re gone, so I’ll be busy myself. I’ll treat you for a week outside of your heat, in whichever form you want. If you don’t piss off Alhaitham while we’re here.” Zhongli tilts his head up, and Childe can see the worry buried there. “I want you to protect Nahida for me, like she’s my little sister.”

“She’s an archon Zhongli, are you sure she needs—” Childe can see he means every word. “—I’ll look out for her. So when am I meeting the rest of the locals?”

“Now. They’re having a last-minute meeting. Now make sure you don’t—” He’s already tuned out his Alpha as the others he’s gestured toward fall in. Childe notes they’re not the only foreigners, and the fox eared omega is staring at him curiously for half a second before his face settles into a resting bitch face that would give La Signora a run for her money.

“Cyno, how long do you think those two are going to linger?” The fox eared one says as a bluenette walks up to the bar.

“I don’t know, likely not long. So ‘Nari, a Khaenri’ahian, a Harbinger, and an ex Archon walk up to a bar—”

The groan from the fox eared Omega drowns out whatever cheeky response the short alpha had to his joke. Zhongli rolls his eyes beside him. “Those are two of the members of the party going. The other two and Nahida haven’t arrived yet. It’s them you need to make the good impression on.”

“You’re assuming my reputation as a Harbinger won’t put them off.”

“It has for the General there, but the decision is ultimately Alhaitham’s. The quest is his, and he’s the one that will save you, should anything go wrong. The General Mahamatra’s concern was more about where your loyalties lay. I doubt it will be an issue since it doesn’t go directly against the Tsaritsa’s orders, and it’s not against your own personal moral code. While he does hold pull over decisions made in Sumeru, it is Nahida or the Scribe turned Grand Sage you need to concern yourself with. They’re the two that would prevent you from going.” Zhongli explains. Childe flags down the bartender, and orders his alpha a drink besides his firewater. “Nahida wants to trust you, because you’re my partner. The General also doesn’t entirely trust me, which is both a relief and annoying compared to Liyue.”

“That’s the Dendro Archon right? The little girl you’ve been protecting, right?” Childe asks.

“Yes. She has not presented and is under my protection and Alhaitham’s. I expect you to extend that to under yours as well. I will be most displeased if she gets hurt, and especially if you are directly responsible.” Zhongli answers.

“You have my word. I’ll look out for the myshka*. So, I get to fight an undead dragon, guard a centuries old child, and travel across into the rather hostile desert with a group of people I don’t know? Besides the fighting, I’m not really understanding why you’re sending me off into the great unknown.” Childe shrugs. He was going the second he heard about a dragon corpse, to be honest. That said, why is Zhongli so interested in sending him out?

“I told you, I want someone to look after Nahida. For the last 500 years, she’s been imprisoned by her own people, and I’m rather irritated about that. I trust Alhaitham since he broke her out, and the General will do his best, but I need someone I know will put her first during this quest of theirs. As my Omega, who rather enjoys a good fight, I know you’re up to that task. Especially since you won’t shut up about your own siblings.” Zhongli smiles fondly. “Its part of the reason I am so fond of you. The care you have for others. I would not have marked you as mine if I couldn’t trust you with something like this Ajax.” He purrs in Childe’s ear, and it sends him melting against his irrationally sexy Alpha. “Standing in the way of corrupt individuals is somewhat of a specialty of mine. Nahida asked me to do that for her city while she helps Alhaitham with this.”

“You talk a lot, but yeah, I signed up for sharing your bullshit.” Childe acknowledges. “You still owe me a new suit from how the rain forest destroyed my old one when I arrived. So tell you what, you find me a tailor for when I get back, promise me you’ll rearrange my insides with that massive dick of yours, and perhaps I’ll be okay with you sending me out into the desert with a sack full of bullshit and a bunch of people I don’t know that could turn on me in a moment’s notice.”

Zhongli’s eyes narrow slightly, but Childe can smell his interest in that plan. “I suppose we could work something out. First you have to help them succeed, then we can see about the rearranging of your insides for an indiscriminate amount of time. I highly doubt they’re going to turn on you. Their moral compasses are too far up their posteriors for that.”

That is more than enough to convince him to go. “Both forms?” That interest peaks again, and Childe can see the vague tightening of his dark suit pants at the idea. His ancient ex Archon boy toy might have everyone else fooled, but not him. “Don’t forget to find an excellent tailor while I’m gone.”

“I’ll make the inquiries.” Zhongli promises in that rather dark tone of his that promises fantastic sex. Finally, the doors open to an odd trio that vaguely fits Zhongli’s descriptions of leaders of their little side quest. The first is undoubtedly the archon. She barely reaches the knees of the other two. The blond is probably the Omega, and there are dark circles under his eyes like he hasn’t been sleeping well. The grey-haired man, however, oozes Alpha, but there’s something off about the unassuming man. “That would be Alhaitham, and he is the heir to my dendro cousin.”

An interesting choice of words for Alhaitham, and his curiosity spikes.

“Now if all of us could move upstairs? I don’t want to interrupt Mr. Lambad’s business too much.” The tiny Dendro Archon gestures.

Zhongli nods, taking their drinks and following the General, the fox eared Omega, and the two men flanking the Dendro Archon protectively. He follows them up the stairs, eyeing Zhongli’s ass the whole way up.

“Welcome everyone! Zhongli, if you would create an isolated area for us?” The Dendro Archon asks. His Alpha sets up a translucent jade shield, and Childe slots in beside him. The General settles in, and Childe makes the mental note that the fox eared Omega is his partner. The Dendro pair settles in nearest to the stairwell leading downward, the blonde sitting down with the General and fox, but the gray-haired man stands off to the side. Watching over everything while barely sparing him a glance.

“We found the corpse thanks to Sethos’ information. We’ll need to head to the Northwest, almost to the Oasis itself near Fontaine.” The General explains.

“Then why are we waiting?” The blonde asks. “Haitham said it’s best if we get a move on right away.”

“I, for one, would like to speak with the Harbinger Nahida’s guest recommended.” The General is staring him down. His expression could probably curdle milk, but the rest of his face is a special part of blank that only fully versed torturers have mastered. Color Childe mildly surprised by that.

“This Harbinger has a name. You can call me Childe.” He counters cordially with a wave. The gray-haired man he thinks is Alhaitham tilts his head curiously, and his eyes have taken on a strange red hue. “Can I ask your names?”

“I am Alhaitham, drafted Grand Sage of the Akademiya. The inpatient blond is Kaveh, he’s with me. Don’t ask Tighnari about his ears. He’ll hit you with a fungi bomb that will make you question reality further. If you attempt any harm to Tighnari, then Cyno, the General will not hesitate to arrest you.” The gray-haired Alpha at the door says. “You may introduce yourself, Nahida.”

“Thank you, but I think you just did, Alhaitham.” The tiny Archon giggles. “Hat Guy had some rather choice words about you. I think your heart is in the right place, and that your ambitions come behind your need for a good fight.”

“I’m not really sure if that was a compliment or not?” Childe looks back at Alhaitham.

“You asked to speak with him, General. Alhaitham also is on a tight timeline, if I am not mistaken?” Zhongli’s amusement between comments suggests it was not a compliment, but an observation.

“I’ll be frank. I’m not convinced why we need an extra body to make this trip. Alhaitham and myself can handle the heavy lifting. Kaveh and Tighnari are capable of defending themselves. Lord Kusanali is an Archon, short of being surrounded by morons, which is unlikely, given the whole point of this trip, she should be fine.” The General is sizing him up, huh? Well, he can handle that.

“I might be the Eleventh of the Harbingers, but I can take on a medium-sized army on my own. Scaramouche, or rather Hat Guy if my guess is correct, almost got faked out into becoming a puppet deity. The only one who might be better suited towards fighting an undead dragon than us is the Knave, but they’re focused on some doom and gloom crap up in Fontaine.” Childe shrugs. “I enjoy the fight, but Zhongli asked me to accompany you specifically to watch over your Archon. Someone he’s calling his little sister, which makes her my pack, and my responsibility to protect.”

Nahida, the Dendro Archon, walks up to him, tilts her head curiously, then just nods. “He’s serious Cyno.”

“I should hope so. I did claim him.” Zhongli huffs. “Now will you take my word for it, General Mahamatra? Or must I prove my trustworthiness another way?”

“It would be a waste of both of your time. Can you follow basic instructions?” Alhaitham asks. The bluntness is welcome, and he nods. “If I tell you to stay put, will you do so without question?”

“Will it endanger me to do so?” Childe asks.

“Not usually.” The blond responds at the table. “Usually it’s less dangerous than wherever he’s sneaking off to.”

“Let me rephrase then. Will there be a benefit to me following said directions?” Childe counters.

“Generally, no pun intended.” The General nods. “Alhaitham devised most of the plan to break Lord Kusanali free. Don’t let it go to your head.”

“I would never dream of it. That was far too much work for the average day, and short of protecting Nahida from suffering such a fate ever again, not interested.” Alhaitham agrees.

“He’s their strategist.” Zhongli summarizes beside him.

“Hmm. I’ll agree to follow your lead. If it seems like we’re getting overwhelmed, I might offer an alternative solution. A more offensive solution.” Childe says.

“Reasonable. I reserve the right to ask you to leave if you become a pain in my ass.” Alhaitham looks over his shoulder at Zhongli.

“You could settle for dueling him. He might enjoy it, though.”

“If the Archon agrees. Zhongli has charged me with protecting her, and fighting an undead dragon corpse sounds fucking epic.” Childe bounces on the balls of his feet.

“Of course, you’re one of those nutcases.” The blonde mutters. “He’ll be fine Haitham.”

“Agreed. You’re overruled Cyno. Now, if we could leave?”

Childe likes Alhaitham already, straight to business. The blond shrugs, moving to stand beside Alhaitham. Their tiny archon stares up at Childe expectantly, and Alhaitham turns, watching him as she holds out her arms in a universal sign for a piggyback ride. His inner Omega preens, and he’s on his knees to let her hop on immediately. Zhongli purrs with contentment behind him. Truth be told, it’s not the worst start to a trip he’s had to go potentially be murdered by something.

~~~~~~~~~~

Alhaitham can feel his bones chattering beneath his skin as they exit the town. He signals to Kaveh to distract the others for a moment so he can go release some of the excess Dendro in his veins. It doesn’t fool Tighnari in the slightest. The Omega leans back against a tree as Alhaitham floods the area.

“So, this is why you were in such a hurry to leave. Does Cyno know? I know you wouldn’t have been able to hide this from Kaveh.” Tighnari waits for him to finish before giving him an impromptu examination. “Your reflexes seem fine. You’re a little warm. No sweat from that much energy. Apep?”

“My heir is slowly being poisoned by the Dendro the serum unlocked. The only way we’ve found to deal with it is to just dispel it, like you witnessed. It can also be dispelled through battle.” Apep borrows his voice, and Tighnari backs up a fraction.

“So then, Alhaitham is in trouble then?” Tighnari comments.

“I am. You don’t have to talk around me. Nahida, Zhongli, and Kaveh also know how bad the situation is. The only way to fix it is for me to absorb the power of Apep’s corpse. Then my body will go back to regulating itself properly.” Alhaitham huffs.

“Does Cyno know how dire the situation is?” Tighnari repeats.

“He’s aware we’re under a time constraint. He might be unaware that it would end with my death if we fail to stick to my desired timeline. Which we won’t.” Alhaitham gestures for Tighnari to follow them. “I’m going to summon extra mirrors to help drain the excess energy more evenly. Do you have any further objections?”

“The sand that is going to be in my shoes later. Much as you’ll start complaining when we get to the desert as well.” Tighnari says. Which is the Omega’s way of saying there will always be things to complain about.

“Well, shall we get going then?” Kaveh looks perturbed, but he’ll have to ask why later.

Chapter Text

Ayaka watches Thoma disappear into the depths of the kitchen with a slight sense of worry. The Omega had been nervous ever since they left Inazuma, even more so since their stopover in Liyue before they could finally sail into Port Ormos. Sayu had disappeared off to gather information for them, which leaves her in the Captain's company from Mondstadt.

“Good afternoon, Miss Kamisato. Seems like we’ll be working together for the foreseeable future. Our hostess seems nice, as far as Archons go. What did you think about the rest of the hierarchy we’re holding court for?” Captain Alberich asks.

“I think Aether asked us to help because the situation is rather dangerous, Captain Alberich. Nahida Sama is kind enough, Mister Alhaitham, he reminds me of anti-social version of my brother. He has people’s best intentions, but he seems a lot sharper around the edges.” Ayaka says.

“He reminds me of Master Diluc.” The Captain says. “His Omega’s nice enough, makes up for those sharp edges. The General, he’s an interesting one too, a bit short for my tastes.”

Ayaka glances back his way, and the weird feeling she’d had before wasn’t nearly so bad now. The good Captain is an Omega. That’s the only thing it could mean, Thoma would know for certain. So would her dear brother. “He’s also taken by that Forest Watcher, it sounded like.”

“Ah, you misunderstand my statement. I am not in the market for a muscle-headed Alpha—” the captain moves a leather patch off his throat for a moment. A brutal mark at his throat confirms her earlier suspicion. He replaces the leather patch against the scarred gland there. It’s of the same make as the eyepatch. “He’s not tall enough for my liking, regardless. No, I’m referring to his like of secrets. That’s right up my alley.”

“If it’s not too personal, how did you get those marks? I’m assuming they happened at the same time?” Ayaka asks. The bluenette tilts his head to the side.

“My bond mark is older than the injury around my eye.” He says curtly. “I just matched the patch to my gland blocker. I’m a little vain about my looks, but not so much as—ah, he disowned me, so it’s better I don’t talk about that.”

A tiny stone in the scheme of things. She’ll need to get with Thoma later. There are secrets to scents that make reactions hard for her to read as a Beta. It was part of why he’d accompanied her, outside of trying to sort his own—Ayaka coughs into her hand before she gestures back to the Akademiya.

“Apologies. Shall we get to work, then?” Ayaka asks.

The bluenette nods, and she follows him. She can feel the glances following them. It’s uncomfortable, because it’s not like home where there is a sense of respect or wonder behind that gaze. The bluenette chats with their escorts to the Grand Sage’s office. Can he not sense how—wrong this seems? When the doors to the elevator close, she finally notes how his shoulders drop out of their tense posture.

“I thought for sure I was going to have to scent them into confusion with all the unease you were letting off, Miss Kamisato.” He flips a—guard’s badge? When had he pickpocketed that Matra?

The elevator dings quietly as they reach the top, and the Geo user of before is looking over the paperwork sitting front and center on the desk. This is the man covering for the Dendro Archon. Eyes of Cor Lapis look up at them expectantly, and the loose leaf paper is set to the side as he folds his hands expectantly.

“Good Afternoon Lady Kamisato, Captain Alberich.” There’s a click below the desk, and he hums, backing up to inspect the underside of the desk. “Extraordinary. I could use one of these for the Funeral Parlor back home. Ahem. What do you need to know that Lord Kusanali hasn’t disclosed?”

The Captain flinches for a moment under his gaze, and for a moment Ayaka thinks it’s the weight of an Alpha staring at him. The change in the Geo user’s demeanor is immediate, an almost softer expression. "You needn’t fear me, Captain. I mean you no ill will, the past aside.”

“You’ll forgive my skepticism, but I don’t know you. Barbatos has my trust because he’s earned it. I know of you, outside of your faked death. Which doesn’t entirely inspire confidence, given the Osial incident, or your utter absence during your people’s—” The Captain gestures to the room at large. “—I find it hard to believe you wouldn’t lift a stone to help them in that situation.”

“Hmm, I can see how that might not inspire much confidence from a Khaenri’an. Had they needed me to intervene, then I would have, Captain. The goal of that incident was to see if they still needed me, which I suppose is a worse reveal than Childe’s part in it.” The other says with a sad expression. “I have no intention of interfering with humanity’s collective existence for the rest of mine. I believe I spent enough time watching over the Harbor that way. Now I’d like to take a little time to exist for myself, not just others. Or is that a crime, as I am not the only one looking to distance myself from part of my past.”

“I do believe I am lost.” Ayaka looks between them. The Geo user sighs, standing and offering them the desk.

“Our esteemed host here is the ex Geo Archon, Rex Lapis.” The Captain offers. The geo user huffs, but now that Ayaka’s heard it—he reminds her entirely of the Shogun.

“I go by Zhongli now, as I’m sure one so acquainted with the dark side of Mondstadt is aware of. I am aware I owe you a debt of a different sort, Captain, but we are here to do a job at the Traveler’s request for Nahida.” He responds. “Six thousand years is a long time to watch over anything.”

“All I’m hearing is excuses, your godship.” The Captain counters.

“I suppose you would have thought of a better way for a god to announce their retirement? Let me remind you, Captain, just because we are attempting to leave our past behind us does not mean that it is not nipping at our heels as the waves perpetually crash across the cliff face. Slowly eroding its existence away with time.” Zhongli responds. “Just because I was brought into that conflict with your people does not mean I wanted to be there. I suspect I want the title of Archon as much as you want the cursed last name of the Alberich line?”

“It’s grown on me since my disownment from the Ragnvindr household. At least my hands aren’t stained with the same blood as yours are.” The Captain says tilting his head with a sharp smile.

Ayaka can sense the Cryo in the air, even before it flutters around his feet. She hasn’t seen such a thing since she first got her Vision, is the Captain doing this on purpose, or—

“There are indeed a great many things I regret, young Khaenri’ahian. The blood of your people on my hands is one of them, as is the danger I had to place my people in to test the Tianquan’s resolve. As I am no longer directly under Celestia’s thumb, it is easier to make better choices. That said, being six thousand years old does not make my decision-making skills any better than yours, Lady Kamisato’s or the Tianquan’s. I just have more history to work with than you, no better sense.” Zhongli’s eyes haven’t left the Captain’s visible one. “Once things have settled here in Sumeru, should you seek a reparation from me, you need only ask. If it is something I can do to repair some of the damage then, I shall attempt it. I cannot control time, nor can I undo the harm that my actions did to you or Khaenri’ah then.”

“I’ll consider it. For now, I’ll settle for you, making sure we don’t get stabbed in the back by the General’s corrupt forces. The same ones that tried to assassinate him in broad daylight less than a week before our arrival.” The Captain crosses his arms. “Your past will remain between us in this room, as I would ask mine does as well.”

“You’ve my word, Captain Alberich. I will let no further harm befall you, nor anyone else here to assist Nahida during our stay.” Zhongli agrees. The Cryo stops wafting off Captain Alberich’s feet, at least. “Now that we’ve addressed that, what further questions can I answer for the two of you to make this as pleasant as possible for all of us?”

Ayaka clears her throat, sensing this is the time to final intervene between the two of them. “If you retired from watching over Liyue, why heed the Dendro Archon’s request for help?” Ayaka asks. “If you so believe in humanity so?”

“Ah, that is because Liyue is capable of it. I would agree Mondstadt and Inazuma are equally so. I came because I believe Nahida’s people still need her. An influence that differs greatly from the martial guidance of the Shogun or the master of war that Liyue once required of me. No, Sumeru has suffered from her absence, and while they do not need a tyrant, they need someone to lead them through this period of vulnerability. Their Akademiya, the very foundation of their nation, is visibly at war with itself.” Zhongli explains. “Its governing force had become corrupt and abusive to the very people it should be answering to. This land it is not like Liyue. A land steeped in its deeply in its own history, something those now leading Liyue can use to guide its way forward. A foundation, the same can be said of Inazuma, its culture. No, for a nation like Sumeru—it depends heavily upon this institution. One that was plummeting into the trap of power based on knowledge—”

“It would have become the next Khaenri’ah. You wanted to prevent another senseless slaughter since you couldn’t the first time.” Captain Albrech says quietly.

“I do indeed. Enough blood has been spilt, and even a godless nation deserves compassion. While I cannot change Khaenri’ah’s fate, I can help Nahida stop it from happening here.” Zhongli agrees. “I do not believe it is enough to make up for what happened, but this is something that is within my power to prevent.”

“So then. The situation here is more serious than just the service level tensions we witnessed earlier. Outside of attending to the paperwork, what do we need to do?” Ayaka asks.

“The reason we are here is to prevent that corruption from eroding Sumeru further. The situation with the acting Grand Sage, that was how she realized how far they were willing to go. Not unlike Gold with Durin in Mondstadt then—” Zhongli gestures, and the Captain nods.

“I believe I can assist in that end. Can we ask what would be so important the Dendro Archon herself didn’t remain to oversee the situation?” The Captain asks.

“Ah, that’s a different matter that might cause far more problems. In more than one regard. I cannot reveal all of why they are going, but the Scribe’s condition is critical following his imprisonment. Should their trip fail, and he fall, the lynchpin that might fix the Akademiya will be lost.” Zhongli says. The casual manner in which he says it doesn’t help. “Alhaitham might be the only one qualified to sort all of this out while Nahida attends to the rest of it.”

“I fail to see how one man—”

“You remember Morax’s reputation as a god that could not be felled in combat? The god that stood against all others in that region, even as the others were corrupted by the taint of the Abyss?” Zhongli frowns even as he says it. “Alhaitham cannot be corrupted by knowledge or power. He alone possesses the knowledge to sort through those who would sort to root evil here without taking advantage of it. Or so Nahida and her general claim.”

“That’s a bold claim, even for you, Mister Zhongli.” Ayaka says.

“He didn’t seem too happy about becoming the Grand Sage.” The Captain points out.

“Oh, he isn’t. It’s also his punishment for murdering half of the Mahamatra, at least according to Nahida. He has no use of the power granted by the station of the Grand Sage. If anything, he sees it more as a burden. While needing the coin, cannot be influenced by it.” Zhongli smiles thinly. “Having spent time with him outside of this office, he’s perfect for the job, and she could not have elected a better candidate to prevent issues.”

“Most would assassinate a man like that.” Kaeya asks.

“Should their trip succeed, which I believe it will, you will see how that might not be possible.” The amusement behind that gaze—what could move a six thousand year old god to amusement? Especially a god known for war? “No, have a feeling the why will reveal itself soon enough.”

“Ominous, so how to we prevent that spread?” Ayaka asks.

“A rather interesting question. According to the General, we approve nothing in this office. We merely make it easier for Alhaitham to sift through when he gets back. Both he and Lord Kusanali said they hide things in those research requests.” Zhongli gestures at the boxes. “From the few I’ve glanced at, I’d agree. It’s not obvious, and to avoid leveling Sumeru with the migraine it’s causing me, I’ll leave it to someone more qualified. Or less likely to accidentally break the city.”

“Yeah, you up for a bit of reading, Miss Kamisato?” The Captain asks.

“I shall do my best. At least they appear to be in Teyvat common, I wonder who decided that over Sumeru common.” She glances over the paperwork she can see. After a couple, it’s easy to see why they were recommended. “These are worse than clan politics.”

“They are worse than most politics.” The ex Archon mutters. “I will not watch over your shoulders like a parent. I do not believe you need such supervision, as Aether would not have brought us together, were we not capable or trustworthy.”

“Yeah, I’d agree with that.” The Captain says. He’s holding a few reports of his own. “I’d go so far to say that I would trust the Honorary Knight’s judgment, and by extension I extend that to each of you. Including your pet Harbinger.”

“I appreciate that, Captain Alberich. Should you need my help, or feel unsafe in our current climate, simply let me know. I’m irritated enough at the situation unraveling I have no qualms about playing the authority figure for Nahida.” He inclines his head.

“What are we supposed to, rub a shiny rock to summon you if we need you?” The Captain asks.

“Nothing so crass as that. Should you need immediate assistance, you can call for Xiao. He will come to your aid, as he has deemed to follow me, although he is free to do as he pleases. Cyno has assured me he has combed through his Matra. Asking them to fetch me should also work.” Zhongli inclines his head. “Alhaitham cleared most of that problem for us by accident, but it benefits us now.”

“I’ll ask Thoma kun and our member of the Shumatsuban to keep an eye out.” Ayaka adds. Thoma will probably stay with her, but Sayu has her ways…

“I’ll verify the Matra problem is sorted. Dig into the details. Anything you can decide how to sort, we’ll work on together, Miss Kamisato.” The Captain says, and there’s a sincerity to his words. “Tell your Omega friend to watch his back. This is a den of double crossing snakes outside this room. Mister Zhongli, if you would? I’m going to go see to the best way of—dealing with that snake problem.”

The ex Archon taps a button under the desk. “Sometimes the best way to deal with a den of snakes is to send in a mongoose.” The Captain nods and disappears into the elevator. When it returns, he settles against the desk, lips pursed. “He has good reason to be bitter towards me, but there’s an underlying bitterness I can’t quite name. That his first inclination is to exterminate problems, and his Alpha isn’t here?”

“Yeah, he showed me the bond mark. It looks like it’s covered in burn scars, and they continue down towards his chest.” Ayaka says quietly. “He admits a bitter wind that even I can feel.”

“I’ll see if Barbatos has anything he wants to tell me about the Captain. His comment about being disowned by Master Ragnvindr doesn’t bode well. Last I checked—well, that is Captain Alberich’s past, and not mine to share.” Zhongli says quietly.

“I couldn’t imagine brother doing such a thing.”

“Having betrayed my Omega by accident with my last contract, I’m aware of how it could happen. It is extremely unpleasant, and I doubt even sending him to fight a dragon corpse will fully cleanse the trouble I’m in.” The ex Archon hums before whistling. It’s a sharp trilling sound.

There’s a sound, like a flap of wings, and out of a shadow steps a teal haired boy, not unlike the way the Shumatsuban appear. He has sharp golden eyes, and he glances briefly her way before turning to the ex Archon.

“You called?”

“I need you to speak with Venti. Captain Alberich has joined us here, but something is off with the Cavalry Captain. Normally, a disownment wouldn’t cause the bitterness we’re seeing here. Not even a near death experience would explain that hostility.” Zhongli gestures. “Unless it nearly dissolved a bond in the process. A written response will do, but find out what Venti knows.”

“Understood.” The teal haired boy stares at her. “You half called earlier. What was it regarding, my lord?”

“Right. This is Kamisato Ayaka. She and the good Captain we’re inquiring about are helping me assist Nahida. If either of them should require help while we’re here, I would request you assist them on my behalf or send for me.” Zhongli inclines his head. “The Omega from Mondstadt likely won’t ask for help, but he seems like he’s in over his head on something.”

“I will.” He’s gone in pulse of karamatic shadows.

“Doesn’t he have better things to do than protect us?” Ayaka asks.

“He made the mistake of following me on my vacation. If he did not wish to assist, then he would have protested when I gave you his name earlier.” Zhongli says.

“You don’t trust Captain Alberich?” Ayaka asks.

“On the contrary, you two, I do trust. By extension, I extend that trust to Omega Thoma. It is the Matra I do not trust, knowing that Captain Alberich wishes to start there? I feel it’s a wise decision. The members of this establishment—” his eyes glow ominously. “—cannot be trusted outside of those who just left.”

“Noted. Kami sama—so much paperwork.“ Ayaka settles in.

“I do not envy Alhaitham. Do your best, Miss Kamisato. Should I speak with your friend as well? Perhaps see to a proper lunch?” Zhongli asks.

“I think Thoma kun will be okay. You could ask him for tea, he’d like that.” Ayaka answers. Her wrist already aches looking at it.

~~~~~~~~~~

Two weeks of hanging out at the Akademiya has made Kaeya much less jaded about his time in Mondstadt. The old school nobles of Mond were far less annoying than scholars who thought themselves more intelligent than everyone else. Then things get worse, and by worse Kaeya can smell Diluc in the city.

His blood sings with his mate near, but actual meetings with the redhead have been less than pleasant since Master Crepus’ death. No, best to stay out of the other’s way.

Getting his chest cleaved in half with a flaming claymore once was enough. He spends the end of his nights at Lambad’s, but the beginning of them is spent tailing Matra, making contacts. Verifying who they can trust, Lady Kamisato isn’t surprised to see him towards the beginning of her days, either. The Beta is surprisingly good at sorting through the mess in the Grand Sage’s office. That’s before her elder brother shows up at roughly the same time as Diluc.

“You are Captain Alberich? May I have a word?” Lord Kamisato stinks of Alpha. It almost gives him a headache, and the Hydro welding Alpha lurks back a moment. “Apologies, I didn’t realize you were sensitive to—” The scent of Alpha dies down immediately. He nods in agreement, following the elder Kamisato outside.

“It’s considered rude to flaunt your scent so blatantly here in Sumeru. Especially amongst a mix of the secondary genders. What can I help you with, Lord Kamisato?” Kaeya asks.

“I was going to ask what your intentions towards Thoma were, but I suspect you’ve only been staying with him and Ayaka since you are—”

“Get the fuck away from him.” The stink of Pyro cuts into the air, and Kaeya shivers as the phantom memories threaten their way to the forefront of his mind.

Well, there went a pleasant afternoon.

Diluc’s inner Alpha has flames dancing over his clenched fists. Kaeya should have known, should have looked into why the redhead hadn’t left yet. Why he was following him in an entirely different country? Lord Kamisato steps between the two of them, Hydro glistening over his form as he draws his sword. Ready to defend him if necessary for just the association with the blond Omega.

“Ser Kaeya, do you wish for me to leave you with this—” Lord Kamisato doesn’t have time to answer as Diluc summons his claymore. He’s dashing forward, sword resting heavily against the Inazuma Alpha’s thinner blade. Flames dancing along the edge and zizzling against the Hydro coating his voluntary guard.

“Idiot.” Kaeya says flatly. Both Alphas stagger at the comment. “What? You’ve called me any number of nasty names for the last three years? I think I’m entitled to one, considering the history between us, Master Diluc. Also, you can both put the swords away. You are both guests in this nation of Lord Kusanali.”

“Shall I call on Lord Zhongli to assist Captain Alberich?” Thoma calls from behind him.

“Please. I’d rather neither of them are harmed. Your Alpha is being a gentleman and not leaving me on my own to deal with an irate, jealous idiot.” Kaeya eyes Diluc wearily. The redhead looks uneasy, not just with Lord Kamisato’s presence. “What’s wrong Diluc?”

“I—“ The redhead’s cheeks flush. First the claymore vanishes, then the flushed redhead back into the dark humid night. Thoma and Ayato are staring at him now.

“We need to go see Zhongli immediately. That’s not like Master Diluc, and for him to approach me at all is odd.”Kaeya sighs. The pair follows him up to the sanctuary where the ex-Geo Archon has taken residence. Zhongli is just inside, reading something when they show up. “We’ve got a problem.”

“Oh?” The ancient adeptus asks.

“Diluc Ragnvindr is in the city.” Kaeya says. Zhongli’s eyes glow, and he stares behind them. “I take it you reached out about why I’m not enthused with this development?”

“I did. Venti was rather forthcoming about the situation. You two can leave the good Captain in my care for the moment. I believe the upcoming conversation is entirely personal to Captain Alberich.” Zhongli gestures to the door.

“I’d appreciate it. Also, if you see Diluc again, please do not kill him. It’s—complicated.” Kaeya sighs.

“You have our support, should you require it.” Thoma says. Patting his shoulder with a soft grimace. “I’m sorry Ayato kun put you in that position to start with.”

“I don’t exactly advertise I’m an Omega, so it’s fine.” Kaeya makes eye contact with Lord Kamisato, who gives him a weary smile. “My intention was merely to find a safe place to sleep without being molested.”

“A worthy goal indeed.” Lord Kamisato agrees. The pair exit, and almost straight into Diluc, who must have followed them up.

“State your intentions, Alpha Ragnvindr.” Zhongli says. Jade shimmers to life around him, a glimmering shield that surrounding Kaeya protectively. He can just hear Diluc grinding his teeth over the quiet hum of the sanctuary, even as the doors close behind him with a hollow thump.

“I came to speak to my—” his words falter. “I just want to talk to Kaeya.”

“Judging by the way you’re approaching him, and how he hasn’t moved forward to greet you, I’m inclined to think he doesn’t want to speak with you. Given what Venti told me, I wouldn’t want to either, Alpha Ragnvindr.” Zhongli crosses his arms. “If not for his earlier request to harm you, then you would face the wrath of the rock. I’ll settle for separating you from him.”

“For which I appreciate it. What could you possibly want, Diluc?” Kaeya asks. The redhead just stares, expression unreadable, even if his shoulders are a dead giveaway to his mood. He’s confused, so is Kaeya.

For years he’s tried to mend things, only to be tossed on his ear from Angel’s Share. Unable to get a word in. No apologies, not even a comment on him using a different last name since his disownment.

“Just to talk.” He repeats.

“About what? I cannot see what might have changed now. You weren’t interested in talking since your return, and especially not to me.” His chest hurts, his lungs ache as he spits the words back. Zhongli remains unmoving even as Diluc shuffles towards the barrier.

He holds his free hand up, the other pulling something out of the inner pocket of his greatcoat. He slides the item towards the barrier, pushing it through and stepping back with a hesitant look.

It’s not a very large item, perhaps a Kamera photo. What could possibility be so important—its contents, why would he—his face is tight. The photo is important to Diluc, even if he doesn’t understand yet. Zhongli steps forward, lifting the photo with care before inspecting it for himself.

He turns it over, and raises a brow, and turns back to Kaeya as the shield glows brighter around them. Diluc fidgets beyond it, but remains silent as Zhongli turns to pass it over.

“This may be of some interest to you, Captain Alberich.” Zhongli says. He tilts the photo. The gloss obscures the subject just so only the faintest traces of red he can make out. Then it’s in front of him. Kaeya’s fingers tremble as he takes it in.

Diluc coughs, drawing his attention back up to him for a second. Staring back is a toddler, slammed into the shins of pants he’s watched pass by every day for three years without stopping. A pair of distinct red and black gloves reached down to pull away a tiny body with hair the same shade as their owner.

“I don’t follow. Is this a declaration you were cheating on me? If so, it’s rather elaborate, and you needn’t have—” Kaeya stops as Diluc reaches back into that pocket. Holding several others, his face contorted. That’s not animosity. What in the Abyss is this?

“I would ask you to be careful with them. These are the only copies I could get. As for your question, not at all.” Diluc says. Zhongli retracts the barrier slightly so he can set them just outside Kaeya’s reach before stepping back once more. “I came to ask you about her.”

Kaeya gathers up the pictures. Most are just different angles of that first impact, just the timings are a little off. There is one. It looks like it’s from Good Hunter and perhaps Sarah that catches the child’s eyes.

“When were these taken?”

“Perhaps two weeks ago. I had to wait for them to develop, and then pay to get them delivered to me. At which time, I was finally informed of your departure.” Diluc frowns.

Starry red Khaenri’ahian pupils stare back at him. His heart stutters in his chest. The cherub face is looking toward the photographer innocently. Diluc’s chin is just barely in view, and there’s a slackness to his jaw that shows how startled he was.

Even as the tiny human staring at the Kamera looks just like both of them. Ragnvindr red hair, cimarron eyes, she’s too tan just to be his clone. Too light to match his, but those pupils…

“I went to find you immediately, only to find out you were gone. Loaned indefinitely to Sumeru Akademiya? Jean was not happy to see me.” Diluc says. “I take it by the way your scent is fluctuating that you didn’t know about her, either.” He looks a little more pale than usual.

“No. It’s, well, not impossible, but nearly. Did you sleep with a different Khaenri’ahian after nearly killing me?” Kaeya asks.

His knees are wobbling. Rather than risk him falling, Zhongli assists him in sliding down to the floor to take it in. Diluc shakes his head, appearing just as shaken as he is, though a bit more composed. “Then surely some other, possible distant member of the Ragnvindr clan—” Diluc shakes his head, no? “Luc?”

“No. Only myself and father. There was also the way she screamed ‘papa’ as she slammed into my knees with the force of a wild boar.” Diluc answers. “She also smelled like us, so doubt has settled into my mind. I hoped you might know—I—Kaeya, is it possible?”

Is it? The timeline certainly isn’t impossible. It lines up with his unconscious recovery. But—a child? A little girl created by him and Diluc? His heart is thundering away in his chest.

“You traveled all this way to confront your estranged Omega about a wayward pup instead of looking for them? Do you have any idea how odd that sounds?” Zhongli asks. “You tried to kill him, and your reactions, your relationship is clearly strained to a point you are separated. Without major withdrawals I can see, which is even more concerning. Why are you here instead of looking for this child?”

“I—she vanished. There’s been no sign of her since. I thought I might have been hallucinating. Then Charles was informed of the pictures. I don’t know what to do.” Diluc answers. He squats, holding his hands out for the photos. “May I have those back, please?”

Kaeya passes them over to Zhongli, who returns them with the utmost care back to the redhead. He wraps his arms around himself, the chill of his own Cryo vision sinks into his very bones.

“I have an obligation to assist Nahida. I cannot just leave and head to Mondstadt right now.” Kaeya rubs his arms, trying to chase the chill away. “This—I can’t leave Diluc. They need me here.” He will not get any closer to Diluc than he has to.

“Then it is established. Until then, please grant Captain Alberich his space until he is ready to speak to you. While in Sumeru, you will not harass the Captain, or any others assisting the Dendro Archon. Am I understood, Alpha Ragnvindr?” Zhongli asks. Diluc bobs his head quietly. “I will uphold that protection, even between a bonded pair.”

“Luc, give me sometime to process this. It’s—” Kaeya continues to shiver. “I need time.” Diluc presses the palm of his glove against the shimmering jade.

“I will wait. This is too important for either of us to ignore. Perhaps we could get something for dinner sometime. Not—” He hesitates.

“I have work to do here, Diluc. Perhaps coffee. We can meet at the cafe later, but not right now.” He compromises. Diluc nods, pulling his own hand back.

“Should you break that promise, Alpha Ragnvindr. This room once held an imprisoned goddess for five hundred years, and at one point a Sovereign at the point of berserking. I am sure it will hold you.” Zhongli indicates a dim point at the center of the room. “Are we clear?”

“Crystal.” Diluc shuffles off quietly.

When he’s gone, Zhongli extends his shield out to the doorway. He kneels before Kaeya, who’s still staring over into the darkness. “I’ve tea brewed. Would you like some?”

He’d like anything but to think about what Diluc just broke him with. Zhongli seems to know that, and settles for re brewing the tea with something not left to go cold. “I shall fetch Lord Kamisato and his Omega after we finish here. I believe a quiet night is best for all of us.”

“I might be inclined to forgive you a little more for that.” Kaeya whispers. “Thank you.”

“Whatever for?” Zhongli moves smoothly as he boils fresh water for the tea to steep in. Soothing Alpha hormones drift lazily off the ex Archon. “I said that I have a way to go for your forgiveness. Or at least tolerance.”

“I think just letting us stay here for a few nights while I recover from that information would be a good start.” Kaeya says.

“I don’t mind, and I’m sure Nahida doesn’t mind me sharing her domain.” Zhongli nods. “I owe you that much. There are four others, including Nahida, that feel that way.”

Zhongli sips his own tea.

“So you shouldn’t hold your heritage against yourself, or… the potential whale in the room.”

“I’ll consider it.” Kaeya whispers. A tiny redhead with starry eyes stares back every time he closes his eyes.

Chapter Text

Alhaitham stares down at the glowing domain beyond, holding up a hand. “The corpse is just beyond. We should stop here. That way, we are well rested.” Kaveh drops, looking around the area.

“Not really any sort of shelter here. Tighnari, you think you can make something with your vines?” Kaveh asks.

“Perhaps, but they’d just wither out after a while.” Tighnari sighs.

“Nahida and I can fuel them with raw Dendro once they’re made. The power drain would be welcome.” Alhaitham offers. Nahida nods beside him in agreement. The idea has enough merit that Tighnari tugs all but him and Nahida over to start on it. Kaveh’s voice echoes in complaint already, that there’s not enough sunlight to tell day from not night. A smile tugs at his lips, and Nahida mirrors it beside him as she settles into her swing for a moment. “Is something wrong, Nahida?”

“Not particularly, thank you. For making sure they take care of themselves first, Haitham.” Nahida rocks back and forth on the swing, humming slightly. “What do you sense?”

“Death, withering, pain. There’s a massive spread of Dendro beyond the barrier of the domain, but there are parasites sucking at the source. Apep is weary in the back of my mind, but there’s nothing uneasy beyond what they might encounter tomorrow.” Alhaitham glances towards the glowing gold seal beyond.

Apep had explained that the golden seal was a fail-safe around their corpse, holding the surrounding withering to a set area so it couldn’t spread further. Preventing further damage to the Hadramaveth while isolating the magic of their corpse into spawning worse things. The barrier could be broken easily, but only from the outside.

“You should remove your headphones. If your senses are already this hyper-fixated, it’d be better to ensure they survive the fight. They’ll be safe in Mehrak.” Nahida advises, rocking back and forth slowly.

Reluctantly, he removes his headphones. They’ve barely left his hair when Mehrak chirps worriedly in front of him, opening with a slight wave of his hand. The sound draws Kaveh’s attention for a moment before Mehrak changes expressions rapidly. Whatever communication passes between the sentient toolbox and its owner seems sufficient to put the blond at ease. They both know what a miserable asshole he’d be without them.

What would he do without Kaveh?

“You should wear my cape. Scents are bothering us as well. I need to speak to Kaveh. He’ll need to generate a translucent shield not unlike my mirrors to protect the others, primarily Cyno, if things go badly. I don’t expect Tighnari or Childe to be in danger with being Omegas.” Alhaitham counters.

“Cyno holds Dreshet’s power. He should be able to assist you. Dragons envy power, don’t they? What does Apep think?” Nahida asks.

“He thinks Cyno will be fine, but thinking and knowing are two different things. Considering we do not know what his inheritance of power will do to me. Let alone what its influence will do to Kaveh through our bond.” Alhaitham sighs. “He thinks that absorbing his powers may cause more of Mabu’s abilities to surface.”

“Mabu’s abilities won’t harm Kaveh. They might help him better protect himself.” Nahida pats his thigh reassuringly. “Try to get some rest, Alhaitham. Tomorrow is going to be extremely long for both of us.” He nods, watching Cyno direct Kaveh into weaving Tighnari’s vines into a larger structure.

“Hey, you seem stressed. Anything I can help with, comrade?” Childe asks. The Harbinger has been tolerable company, but Kaveh is clearly less than enthused about how close the other is standing. “He’s cute, your Omega. If I was interested, and I’m not by the way, I would have challenged him directly for your affections. I’m very addicted to my own dragon, thank you.”

“Your own dragon? So then you’re aware, congratulations. That won’t stop Kaveh from being jealous, and I’d really rather you didn’t antagonize him.” Alhaitham holds Kaveh’s stare, nodding briefly before crossing his arms defensively. “He also doesn’t believe I’ve chosen him over everyone else, for eternity, of all things.”

“Then he’s an idiot, but your idiot. He’s a good guy, needs a confidence boost or two every once in a while. I’m sure you’re handling it?” Childe asks.

“I am whenever he allows it. Most of the time he doesn’t.” Alhaitham gives him the briefest smile while still holding Kaveh’s gaze. The blond huffs, dropping his hands to his hips. Cyno gives a halfhearted protest as the blond stalks threateningly in his direction, a half growl in his throat. “You do realize he’s just trying to make you jealous for fun?”

“I don’t know about that. You smiled at him Haitham, smiled! Do you have any—” Alhaitham pulls him close, and presses his lips to Kaveh’s, shutting him up.

“We were talking about you, Kaveh. The smile was for you.” Alhaitham tugs him close. “Am I not allowed to be proud of you? Or give you encouragement that I haven’t changed my mind in the slightest over the last ten years?”

“Sap.” Kaveh mutters, sagging against his chest. “Cyno’s being ruthless over there. Direct it this way, or that. Kaveh, you’re a Dendro user. Can’t you, I dunno, grow it better? He should give it a damn try.”

“I’ll go assist Tighnari in your stead, unless you’re going to get jealous of him too?” Alhaitham teases.

“If I thought for a second, he wasn’t obsessed with Cyno, perhaps. That, and he’s utterly terrified of Apep on a base level, even if he tolerates you. Which, yes, tolerate was his word for when you two are left alone together.” Kaveh snorts.

“Then why be so jealous over Childe—“ Alhaitham asks. Muttering his questions into that blond hair just scant inches shorter than him.

“I’m right here!” The Harbinger huffs.

“—perhaps it’s your strength of character I’m attracted to? Or your quiet brilliance, that radiates out from you like a distant star?” Alhaitham watches the blush crawl up Kaveh’s cheeks incrementally. “I have no interest in him, and you know that. Please, stop doubting yourself, neither I nor Apep agree with your opinion.”

“Opinion?” Kaveh half growls.

“You are good enough as you are, Kaveh. That’s what he’s trying to say. He’s just not using his words very well, a sin for a member of Haravatat.” Nahida says. The tiny goddess stares up at them both with a serene smile. “No Haitham, you’d be useless at helping Cyno. Come Childe, I’ll need a boost if I’m to work with Cyno’s plans.”

“As you wish, myshka.” The ginger Omega kneels, and Alhaitham assists her in climbing up his back before they’re alone once more.

“Were you really smiling at me?” Kaveh asks. Alhaitham just kisses the idiot again. Cupping his cheeks and nuzzling his forehead.

“And now I’m scenting you. Mine.” The attempt is worthy of a quiet laugh from his stressed Omega. “I’d do a bit more, but we have an audience. One I’d rather didn’t see either of us naked. Particularly, our Archon.”

“Ah, good point.” Kaveh nods, settling against his chest. “Do you think Nahida would make moss or something for us to sleep on?”

“I think it would be a wasted effort. As is having Tighnari put that much into a temporary structure. That said, it makes him feel more secure. I’m not about to stop him, are you?” Alhaitham asks.

“No, not really. Can I use you as a pillow?” Kaveh blinks up at him blearily.

“Of course. I’ll knock the rest of them out in an hour if they don’t finally shut up.” He promises.

~~~~~~~~~~

Childe watches the two of them from the corner of his eye. Alhaitham offering subtle support to the blond, Nahida tugs lightly on his hair to move him in directions rather than pull him fully out of his thoughts. Her General is absolutely losing his mind about this stupid little hut. Then the drowsiness settles in, and glances over to see the smug look on Alhaitham’s face.

The nerve of that Alpha, dosing all of them with enough hormones to knock out a herd of—fuck. When he wakes up, he notes that all of them have been rearranged, not just the other’s friends, to be more comfortable during the hormone influenced nap. Alhaitham’s features have become less human during the forced trip into unconsciousness. Two tiny delicate horns are poking out of his gray hair, along with two short teal-ish ribbons just beyond that.

“You’re an asshole.” Childe hisses. He stretches out, attempting to pop his shoulder that’s complaining from the somewhat awkward angle he’d been sleeping in.

“I gave Cyno an hour. Then it was time for them to rest before the fight today. You were an unfortunate casualty, my apologies.” The Alpha shrugs, fingers combing through his Omega’s hair. “I suspect you sleep much voluntarily?”

“No. Too many years working with the Fatui for that. How long was I out?” Childe asks.

“About 2 hours.” The other man cracks his neck. “Kaveh hasn’t slept well since we started this trip. If you could keep it down?” The Alpha lets out a much lower level of sleep-inducing hormones.

It’s comforting to know that even as a stranger, he’s granted some respect here. Something very few have bothered with when dealing with a Harbinger. Outside of the irrational fears that usually surround his station.

Childe can see why it was Alhaitham’s approval that he needed to have now. He’d wondered why, sure the man was gifted, but fight wise he didn’t seem all that interested in anything. Zhongli’s insistence not to worry about the general, but the former Scribe had confused him to no end even as he picked off enemies.

Then the blond had stumbled yesterday. The gray-haired alpha had vanished from his position at the back in an instant. He’d teleported sword first into the Fatui sergeant that had knocked him back. The mirrors he’d seen briefly at times lit up, and understanding was a horrifying thing.

While the general of the Mahamatra was fierce some and terrible in battle, it was the unassuming ‘feeble scholar’ that could turn the tide of battle within the milliseconds that would have matched Capitano or the Knave. It was distressing, but also impressive.

“Now I know why Zhongli called you his younger cousin. I take it I’m the only one who didn’t know?” Childe asks.

“Yes. Beyond the barrier lies my predecessor’s corpse. His consciousness has sent me here to claim the last of my latent power. An incident within the Akademiya caused some unforeseen consequences I’d rather not discuss.” Alhaitham continues gently brushing the blond’s hair. “What is Zhongli like? Outside of his professional capacity.”

“Do you mean personality wise? Or the fact he’s an elder dragon?” Childe tilts his head. “He’s not really shown me all that much. The amount of draconic features you currently have on display is more than I usually see of them. His will occasionally bleed through during sex, but outside of that, I’ve never seen him fully change. I think he’s worried it will scare me off.”

“I had similar fears, evidentially Kaveh was surprised by them, ultimately he found them distractingly attractive. My scales also tell if I’m dehydrated. I don’t know if Zhongli’s also do since he’s a Geo dragon.” Alhaitham shrugs lightly.“Do you find it disturbing? That we look so human, but are not?”

“If my Alpha had those features on display, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed. I’d probably hold on to his horns as I rode him.” Childe hums.

“Try running your fingers over his ribbons, if he has them.” Alhaitham says. He pulls one of his own a little forward out of his hair. “They are extremely sensitive and may further your cause.” It settles back into his hair after a moment.

“I will. Shouldn’t you get some rest?” Childe asks.

“If you’re willing to take up the watch, certainly. Cyno won’t like it, so expect him to take over in a few hours.” The Alpha nods, settling himself in to sleep with blond in his arms. “I hope it is uneventful for you, too. Tomorrow we find out what became of Apep’s corpse.”

“I’ll be fine. Might make some coffee soon. A peace offering to the General.” Childe says.

“Unless you plan on drinking it first, I doubt he’ll take you up on it.” Alhaitham tucks his hand into the blond Omega’s hair. He’s out almost instantly.

It puts a smile on Childe’s face, thinking of moments when he can curl up next to his own Alpha. When the asshole isn’t avoiding him, because Zhongli has avoided him when certain tough situations come about. Never his heats, but certainly when things about the elder’s past come up that Zhongli doesn’t want to talk about. It had become something of a routine for the other, and Childe was planning on calling him out on it. He probably would have done so before they left if circumstances weren’t what they are.

Alhaitham’s problem was easy enough to guess. Whatever went down at the Akademiya had been bad. The fact that even the loose-lipped blond Omega wouldn’t speak of it?

Worse.

The looks that passersby had given the Scribe were the ones that people gave Childe when they found out he was a Harbinger. Omega or not, no one fucked with Harbingers. The subtle stink of fear that rolled off the general populus of Sumeru around the scribe was intriguing, at least to him.

What made little sense to him was the nation’s attitude to about the adorable little archon. He could puzzle out the fear of Alhaitham with what little they’d explained of the situation. Not to mention the general’s endless teasing of the gray-haired man. No, what would cause a nation to turn its back so harshly to the tiny goddess of wisdom?

Nahida was an absolute sweetheart, if a little awkward. Being locked up for 500 years with only limited access to her people through their dreams? Rage boils low in his gut. This little one was family. It would only be right to let them suffer as she did.

If Zhongli wasn’t in town, Childe would round up all those responsible. The alpha wouldn’t have approved of his plans, even if he understood the why. A quick death would be too good for them. He had several members of the Fatui he could trust to make them suffer if he didn’t have the time. He toys with several ideas, most of which involve chasing his alpha off long enough to see to the plan.

“Ajax, it’s done. There is no need for such violence on my behalf.” Nahida mumbles. “Alhaitham already threatened to finish them if he got so much as a whiff of trouble. Or was that Apep? Either way, a dragon threatening them off will probably be way more effective.”

“Don’t you mean two? I’m sure Zhongli is of a similar opinion. Either way, I’m very open to assisting him with such a task now that I know you. I don’t even think he’d mind all that much.” Childe corrects.

“True enough, but please, don’t. There has been enough violence, and that’s part of why Cyno is acting so standoffish.” Nahida moves to tuck herself in beside Alhaitham. Even in his sleep, he merely wraps an arm around her, tugging her in next to the softly snoring blond in his lap. “I’m happy enough with the way things are. There’s no need to make everyone afraid again.”

“Archons. If you insist Nahida, but a whiff of trouble and I expect at least a letter. I’ll sort those scholars out for you immediately.” Childe scolds.

“I would expect nothing else from my elder brother’s partner. Especially since it’s entirely unnecessary. Now that Alhaitham is getting some rest, will you please attempt to as well?”

He makes her no such promise, unlike Alhaitham, who implied Cyno would relieve him of watch duty. She seems to think the area is safe. The stink of monsters and unbonded Alphas lurks in the dark beyond.

No, they had a reason to be weary.

~~~~~~~~~~

Kaveh woke in Alhaitham’s arms to the stink of Cyno’s utter frustration as he started shaking his pillow. Haitham didn’t even bother swatting him away. There’s an almost chime noise as the mirrors materialize around them, and Kaveh cringes. “Cyno—”

“We’re surrounded.” Cyno hisses. Alhaitham scoffs, releasing gently from him from his comfortable pillow against his chest. “Are you—”

“I’m in control. Stay here, Kaveh. Is Childe awake?” Alhaitham stands with a crack of his back, and Kaveh winces. That didn’t sound entirely pleasant, nor did it feel so judging by the wince the passes through Haiyi’s face.

“I am. What do you need, dragon man?” Childe asks.

“Anything that gets past me, you shoot. No questions asked. It touches Nahida, Kaveh, yourself, or Tighnari. Make it regret it.” Alhaitham orders. “Cyno?”

“I notice you left me out of those orders, and Tighnari.” Cyno points out.

“He doesn’t have to tell me to shoot anything that isn’t you two.” Tighnari comments dryly. “Aren’t you going to give Kaveh instructions?”

“I wouldn’t listen to him even if he did give them to me.” Kaveh snorts. “Outside of staying here, I haven’t had my coffee yet, and his instruction in that moment was to shield Nahida.”

“Oh. So then, what do you want me to do, Haitham?” Cyno asks.

“Follow me into the shitstorm. Where else would I want you?” Alhaitham’s draconic features are on full display. Claws out, and mirrors flickering around him as he steps out of their little shelter. If not for circumstances, it’d be quite hot. Cyno dutifully falls into step behind him, and Kaveh summons Mehrak.

Mehrak generates a flickering Dendro barrier behind the Alphas’ exit, and Nahida holds up her hand, reinforcing it as the two archers take point on either side of his toolbox. “I’m going to make some coffee.” Kaveh yawns.

Tighnari takes the right and the harbinger to the left as they fire out the wall of the hut. He’s not awake enough for this shit and struggles to light the tiny fire with the flint and steel Mehrak had stashed away. The toolbox doesn’t need his influence to hold a shield, especially not with Nahida flooding her Dendro in to boost Mehrak’s core.

His efforts are better suited prepping for what lies beyond the seal. That means making coffee as all the brutes, minus Tighnari, whose displeasure is palpable and Nahida, who smiles innocently as he fumbles with the coffee grinder.

The sounds of battle surround them. Kaveh supposes maybe he should feel a little insulted that Haitham didn’t want him out there. Outside of not being agile enough to deal with it first thing in the morning, and not being awake enough to consider making coffee for himself and Haitham.

Predictably, the crashing escalates as the smell of coffee floods the area. Luring the two alphas in as he sips at the first cup. His draconic featured junior is watching him expectantly, and with a huff, he gets to brewing another.

He passes the second to his junior, drinking in the pleased hormones wafting off the draconic man. Cyno frowns, but waits for Haitham to finish his own cup before requesting one of his own.

“They’re gone for now. We should cross through the barrier once the General has finished his coffee.” Haiyi says. The ribbons in his hair settle back down, blending into the mass of gray now that they’re no longer in battle. The smattering of scales across his exposed skin remain.

“Rude, what of Nahida or Tighnari? Shouldn’t they at least get some tea first? What if I wanted a second one?” Kaveh asks. Gesturing down at the still half full pot. “I want that cup back, Cyno.

“You’re Dendro users. At least you can make your own cups.” Cyno mumbles. “Don’t you have a full picnic box of crap in your toolbox?” Mehrak beeps back indigently. Kaveh agrees. It’s rather insulting to liken her as a glorified picnic basket. ”Besides, you can’t tell me you don’t have at least a second cup in there.”

“Of course I don’t! Why would I want two cups? That would defeat the entire point of trying to trick Haiyi into sharing with me!” He swallows, realizing how stupid it sounds aloud the moment he’d—Haitham, however, has other ideas.

Wrapping an arm around him and letting off overly pleased hormones again. He’s tugged close, and the alpha’s nose buries into his hair affectionately as Kaveh processes the embarrassment. He just wants to melt into a puddle of Kaveh based slime. The look Tighnari’s sporting suggests he’s never going to live this down.

“—Given that I usually travel alone, it didn’t seem important. And if I was traveling with someone, I would only offer to share if it was Haiyi. It was a valuable space that would be wasted. If I really needed one, I could just carve one.”

“Hmm, while I appreciate it, you can probably spare a second spot for a cup. I’ll still share with you, even if you take too much sugar in yours.” Haitham rumbles from his hair. “You can always use the second to feed all the strays, or boil extra water.”

He already has a coffee maker snuggly packed in Mehrak. Why would he need a cup to boil—whatever. His cheeks heat at the continued attention. He impatiently waits for Cyno to return the lone cup, refilling it for himself once more to drown out the grogginess that’s still plaguing him.

A quick glance to the doorway shows Nahida has already provided herself and Tighnari with tea. All the while, the rest of them are arguing about the agency of having two cups outside of the harbinger. The ginger just waits there patiently, and Haitham steals the cup back when Kaveh finishes it, wordlessly passing it over.

“Thank you, comrade.” Childe says. Haitham just nods, settling back in around him. Kaveh wants to question why, but then understands. The harbinger always eats last, because being in a foreign army, there’s not always enough to go around. It’s the same thing Kaveh himself does if there’s not enough food.

Haitham catches his eye, but nods as Childe lets out a grateful burst of hormones. Cyno looks about to say something when Tighnari scoffs.

“I can make my own tea. It’s also irresponsible of you to solely assume that Kaveh needs to bring provisions for all of us. You’re the general. If anything, you should be the most prepared aside from me, considering how often you trek through the desert.” Tighnari points out. “Alhaitham can only be relied to bring books, and perhaps water. It makes sense Kaveh would be looking out for him.”

“I’m not sure if I should be insulted or not for how accurate that is.” Haitham answers with a shrug. “I did bring coffee beans too.”

“I stand corrected, and decent coffee.” Tighnari shakes his head. “The only part of Alpha culture either of you two actually stand by is providing for Omegas. Don’t even argue, Alhaitham, we’ve been staying in your guestroom.”

Kaveh feels him shrug behind him once more. It just reminds him how far the Alpha was willing to go to see him happy. The ‘cups’ that Nahida made them look like slightly withered flowers, but hold to their purpose well enough.

“Alhaitham?” Cyno calls. Haiyi grunts above him. “What are we walking into?”

His alpha untangles himself from Kaveh’s hair, moving to stand in the doorway. “Apep said that his corpse is overrun, but very dead. It is only the parasites that we need to concern ourselves with.”

“Well then, let’s make those parasites very dead then.” Childe gives them a smile that sends a shiver down Kaveh’s spine. One amplified by the sharp crack of his cup. “Whoops, I’ll get you a replacement or two when we get back.”

Chapter Text

Kaveh comes to with a very clingy Alhaitham draped over him. Though around might be a better word for how everything of the Scribe has wrapped around him.

Those previously short ribbons that had barely left his hair are now long enough to tuck into his belt. The small protrusions he’d only just felt were more full size horns. Like an animal he’d seen from a far away book on Natlan, a deer? His gloves are torn at the fingertips, but his nails are barely longer from what Kaveh could see of them.

“You’re heavy Haiyi.” Kaveh grunts, trying to shove his head off and into a more comfortable position. Which was more like trying to move a stone from the resistance the other gave. A single slitted eye looks back at him for his troubles. “Haiyi?”

“His mind is a little unsettled at the moment. Neither he nor Apep appear to be in control.” Nahida says from just beyond. “What scent is he giving off?”

“Sated predator.” Tighnari supplies from nearby. “Previously, he was giving off more defensive pheromones. I had to almost drown Cyno in calming ones to get him to relax. Alhaitham’s general scent has also changed to my nose, but I don’t think regular Alphas or Omegas would notice that.”

“His scent is more Alpha than before, before it was more subdued, almost like it was dormant.” Cyno half whispers. “He was glaring at me before like he was gonna rip my throat out. Pack or not, he didn’t like another Alpha near his unconscious Omega.”

“It’s instinct. The three of you should head back to Sumeru City. Haitham’s in no state to come back anytime soon.” Nahida sighs. “He’s trying to master his new senses. One of which allows him a similar sense to mine. We can feel the presence of all Dendro around us.”

“Sounds like Haiyi may have bitten off more than he can chew.” Kaveh pats the head of gray hair nestled in his lap. The other twitches each time his hand so much as tickles the ribbons. “Can you drop me in his mind again, Nahida?”

“Certainly. They need to leave first. We’ll be safe. I don’t know about them.” Nahida gestures. Cyno limps out after Tighnari, and the ginger Omega trailing after them. “Ready Kaveh?”

He nods. Alhaitham’s mind place has turned into something rather bleak in the time he’s been gone. The tree he’d lean against is devoid of leaves, and the sea that led up to it is rolling waves like an upcoming monsoon. “Haiyi?”

“I’m here. Cranky, but here.” Alhaitham answers. He looks utterly exhausted, supported against the tree to be upright, and Kaveh can see the bags under his eyes. “Absorbing the power of a Sovereign is no joke, and Apep’s gone. His memories forced in behind mine. It’s a bigger headache than exams ever were.” In his mind, Alhaitham looks entirely human again.

“Nahida sent the others home to protect them. Are you okay to leave this place? I mean, where we found the corpse?” Kaveh asks.

“I would prefer my body at least reacts before you move it. If I can walk on my own, then we can leave. Even if I’m not in control, you still have access to the mirrors.” Alhaitham says quietly. “I have a feeling I’ll be sorting out myself for a while yet.”

“Sorting yourself—Haiyi?” Kaveh leans down.

“It’s a massive influx of power. My body is still burning from the inside out, like when I was poisoned. Only the weakness of before is gone, in its place is a dull ache, though that might be all the draconic features making themselves at home.” Alhaitham huffs.

“You’re still hot, if that’s any consolation?” Kaveh pecks his forehead. “Don’t worry, I’m not afraid of you.”

“I hope not, nothing’s really changed aside from Archon levels of power. Still obsessed with you, my body immediately relaxed when you came in. Use the mirrors if you feel threatened.” Alhaitham reaches out to him. “Be careful, please?”

“I will.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Nothing is willing to disturb them, not with the crackling pulse of Dendro echoing off Alhaitham. Nahida reports in that all traces of Apep’s corpse are gone, including the things feeding off it. When Haitham opens his eyes, they’re blown wide, and there’s no awareness there. Like his body is only moving because Kaveh is, which doesn’t sit well with him at all.

The Dendro Archon takes them to a place Kaveh swears he’s tripped into before, and the Aranara are pleasant creatures. Alhaitham’s body relaxes, even if it has to half to curl to fit in one of their houses. Kaveh’s first introduction to Nahida’s familiars also includes the revelation of his own features changing. He lightly touches the horns spiraling out of his head as he sits in the hot spring. His hair has also taken a bit more length than he’s used to, but that’s manageable.

The Aranara call him the blossoming Nara, which confuses the shit out of him, until he hears the confusion upon them trying to nickname Haitham. His inhuman features flutter in and out as he settles, but the ribbons remain. There’s a few other things, like the pointed tips of his ears, elongated alpha fangs, but the rest of humanity appears to have remained intact. His pupils, when Haitham does finally come to, also remain slitted like a cat’s.

“Welcome back, Haiyi.” Kaveh greets, cupping his cheek.

“Its good to be back.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Kaeya has only been half heartedly attending to his Matra problem since he spoke with Diluc. Which unironically, the redhead has beat the shit out of several of the people that have spoken to him less than kindly. The number of people in the infirmary has certainly doubled, and knowing Diluc, he’s probably started looking into the problem from the shadows behind him. He sees the red hair lurking just outside the building, waiting for him around the time he’d normally go for coffee.

“Fancy seeing you here. Are you the one beating down all my leads?” Kaeya asks. The red head shrugs, falling into step behind like a silent, looming shadow. “Do you still take your coffee with sugar?” There’s an affirmative grunt, as Kaeya opens the door to the Puspa Cafe. Diluc’s hand grabs the door just above his own, allowing him to walk inside first.

“Welcome Captain, who’s your gorgeous friend?” The barista asks. Diluc behind him huffs, and Kaeya spares a moment to look at his estranged Alpha. Diluc is dressed in the red coat Crepus bought for him when he first became the Cavalry captain. His tight grey and white shirt showing off his defined chest, that tight pair of black leather riding pants. Yup, his Alpha still holds his attention with an unfair advantage.

“Taken.” Diluc says flatly. Kaeya’s cheek flush, it’s not a stretch to think he’s talking about him. The barista sighs, and Diluc settles in almost flush against his side, giving him a curious side eye. “Two coffees. One black, the other sweetened.”

“Two creams, three scoops of sugar.” Kaeya adds. The Barista nods and gives them a soft smile. Diluc pays, and moves to find the two of them a table while Kaeya waits, watching their drinks be made. He’s never been entirely trusting of people, not since Rosaria drugged him, so he would rest. Diluc, on the other hand, has only ever trusted him and Adelinde completely. When the barista hands him their drinks, he sips the black coffee with a wink before turning to find where Diluc has taken over a table.

“I assume you don’t mind me using you as an excuse?” Diluc asks. He takes the overly sweet coffee without hesitation.

“I’d prefer you didn’t. Especially since the disownment, but I understand why. What did you want to talk about—”

“Please Kae, just Luc is just fine considering—“ Diluc stares down into his mug. Both of them don’t want to talk about it. “—I apologize.”

It takes a moment for Kaeya to compute what he’s apologizing for, but the way he’s granting Kaeya his personal space. With both their backs to a wall, since Diluc knows Kaeya will not sit in a room with his back to everyone else. Not even him.

“As for your leads, they were rude and my patience for dealing with people who treat you like that—you know I find it inexcusable.” Diluc mumbles.

“But it’s okay if you treat me like shit?” Kaeya asks.

“It’s not okay that I do it, either. I was—up my own ass. Can we talk about that later, after we discuss your current project?” Diluc hangs his head with shame.

“A pass for now. What has the Dark Night hero found?” Kaeya asks. The redhead rolls his eyes, sipping his coffee now that its cooled off.

“I know about the Scribe that lost his shit and murdered half the problem. The major other half ambushed them in broad daylight, and the General Mahamatra killed what the scribe missed with extreme prejudice. There’s still a good chunk of people on the fence, this business with the Scribe and the Archon both being away, it’s bad Kae. These people don’t know who to fall in line with, and that’s causing more problems.” Diluc says. “They don’t much like me, since I don’t put up with it. They also don’t seem to like you either.”

“I’d imagine not, seeing as I’ve stepped on more than a few dicks to get some answers.” Kaeya says. Mimicking the other, who lets out a growl. “Not that type of dick stepping, Luc.”

“I don’t share well with others, Kae.” He warns.

“Well, if those pictures are true, you might have to share me with someone else.” He points out. “What about your network back home? Did you put them on this—child that randomly showed up?”

“Didn’t have to, the whole town saw it, and when they saw my reaction to a random redhead calling me papa, well, they didn’t figure they would have to ask. Word is, no one has seen that toddler since I left to find you. Whoever is watching after this kid, they know how to keep her safe.”

“Or they want you to chase after her directly. Be careful Luc, what if it’s a plot by the Fatui to get to you?” Kaeya sets his coffee down, reaching for the redhead’s gloved hand. Diluc doesn’t pull his hand away. “Luc?”

“I figured if anyone would know what was going on, it’d be you. I’ve never slept with anyone else, Kae. If she is my child, that means you have to be the other parent. I’m having a hard time believing it since you don’t know anything about—” Diluc stops talking as Kaeya squeezes his hand.

Perhaps it’s best if he shares why he’s concerned then.

“Luc, I need you to understand something. There is a chance, however small, that she might be—” Kaeya sighs. “Look, I never said anything because I didn’t know they survived. I was aware before our falling out, but when I recovered—well. I didn’t believe I carried to term. It didn’t seem important after that, so I never thought to tell you about it. Now, how old did she seem Luc? Best guess, this is important, so don’t hold back.”

The redhead’s eyes widen a fraction, his breath going staccato as he considers the question. Kaeya watches the gears turn in his head, and his face is back to that pale shade of yesterday.

“I’m not the best judge of things like that, Kae. If I had to guess? Toddler aged, she just barely reached my knees, and—” The staccato breaths pick up, and panic is edging into his features. Realization is dawning on the redhead that it wasn’t just Kaeya he nearly cleaved through. He hefts the redhead up and pulls him towards the restroom.

It’s difficult to open the door, a slam of his shoulder before Diluc drops to his knees. He gather’s the red locks up and out of the way before his very esteemed alpha unloads his guts in prayer to the porcelain gods.

He pulls a spare tie from his pants, tying blood red locks out of the way as he rubs comforting circles on the other’s back. The stink of guilt driving away anytime the bathroom door so much as cracks open.

“Luc, it was a long time ago, and I wasn’t far enough along to know for sure. Barbara told me there’d been an incident while I was unconscious, that was after I’d healed up enough to wake up nearly 6 months later. There was a break in. While I was in the infirmary, Barbara was hurt and I was sedated. The assumption was that I miscarried, and I don’t like talking about it. If they did survive, they would be just about four now. So it’s very important you know how old this kid is.” Kaeya rubs one hand over the other’s back.

“I—” Diluc hurls again. “She’s the right age, from what you’re saying. I—” Kaeya continues rubbing his back as the alpha continues to hurl.

“We’ll look into it when we’re back, Luc. Right now we have to help Lord Kusanali and her people.” Kaeya says. The redhead nods weakly, and Kaeya lets out a small dose of calming hormones. “Can I drop you somewhere? You’re not really in a state to be out patrolling right now.”

“You can leave him with us, Captain. Sayu sent word she saw the two of you together, but it looks like our concerns were rather unfounded. Lord Ragnvindr is looking rather unwell at the moment.” The lavender eyes of the elder Kamisato are on him. “I’ve a safe room within the Akademiya. He’ll be safe with Thoma and I while you continue your work.” Diluc rises, wobbling as tries to posture in front of the other Alpha.

“Stop it. He’s a friend, or rather, his sister and Thoma are. Lord Kamisato has been a gentleman so far.” He slaps Diluc’s shoulder lightly. The redhead slumps against him instead.

“I take it, from your earlier comment and Master Ragnvindr’s current proximity to you, that he’s your estranged Alpha?” Thoma asks. Kaeya nods slowly, and Diluc just groans, almost taking both of them down when his knees give out. “We’ll take good care of him. I promise.”

“That’s it? No further questions?” Lord Kamisato tilts his head towards the blond curiously.

“No. Leave it be Ayato, this seems personal enough.” Thoma shakes his head before moving to take Diluc’s other side. It takes both of them to lug the nearly unconscious man out of the stall. “Now, will you carry him from here? He weighs as much as your friend Itto.” Lord Kamisato shrugs, tugging Diluc out of Thoma’s arms first, easily lifting his legs into a bridal carry.

“I appreciate you caring for him, but what do you get out of this, Lord Kamisato?” Kaeya asks.

“A favor later. I’ll decide what, and should it be within reason—” Kamisato makes carrying Diluc look like it takes absolutely nothing. There’s also the weird impression that follows the other, like—the Scribe?

“Thoma, a word?” Kaeya asks. Lord Kamisato turns, looking at them curiously before he continues back towards the dormitories. “Thoma, you’ve been around Lord Kamisato for a long time. Have you noticed—does his Alpha aura feel strange to you? Almost like the Scribe’s?”

“Huh, Ayato’s aura? Oh…” Thoma blushes to the tips of his ears. “I thought you noticed, since it’s just like your Alpha’s.”

“Like—Diluc has the same aura?” Kaeya blinks. This is the first he’s noticing of it. Then again, he’d been rather distracted the first time they’d all been in the same place. Now that Thoma’s pointed it out…

“Yeah, all three of them do. It’s like the—erm, Zhongli’s.” The blond says. “Ayato’s wasn’t like that until after the civil war. Specifically, after Shogun Sama had slain that Harbinger. He got sick with terrible migraines, so he went to see the Grand Priestess, who referred him back to the Shogun Sama. It was just before we left for Sumeru, actually.”

“Suspicious timing.” Kaeya points out.

“Agreed, but Ayato seems healthier. A little clingy, but from what I’ve seen, most Alpha’s get like that with their mates after a separation. Not that we’re um—mates or anything.” The blond rubs the side of his neck awkwardly. “I mean I like Ayato, but I don’t—”

“He hasn’t claimed you yet?” Kaeya asks. He’s curious about how that would even work. Diluc had claimed him early on, and neither of them had hesitated in those early days. “May I ask why you sound hesitant about it?”

“I’m not a native of Inazuma, it is—not common for outsiders to couple with those from the major clans. My mom did, but it wasn’t one of the major clans. It wouldn’t give him any leverage against anyone else, I—” Thoma shakes his head. “I’m just their housekeeper, the clan fixers. I’m no one important in the scheme of things, not like Ayato sama or Ayaka dono.”

“If he didn’t think you were worthy, would have chased you down all the way from Inazuma? No, you said you didn’t tell him you came with Lady Ayaka when we spoke the other day. So then—why would he be here?” Kaeya taps his shoulder. “Diluc chased me down from Mondstadt, estranged or not. Ask him. You might be surprised.”

Thoma is as red as his uniform as he leaves, and Kaeya wishes he could go hide for a bit. That, however, is for when he doesn’t have a murderous cult of students to deal with. So imagine his surprise when he runs into the Dendro archon staring out into the sunset.

“Ma’am?” Kaeya asks.

“It went well. I’ve left them in Varuna for now, since Alhaitham can’t control himself yet. I’d still like your assistance, if you aren’t too busy, Captain?” Lord Kusanali asks.

“I may have a child that I don’t know about.” Kaeya whispers.

“I can look in Irminsul for you, or I can have Hat Guy do so. Come, we’ll need to go to the Sanctuary to do so.” She reaches for his hand. There’s something soothing about the walk back to the top of the Divine tree, even if the answers awaiting him will shatter his world as he knows it.

“I appreciate it, but I already can’t concentrate as it is. I don’t think I’ll be of any help to you once I know for sure.” Kaeya admits.

“If we find out for sure, then I’ll find a way to get you two back to her.” Lord Kusanali says. He believes her, believes in the kindness of this goddess he’s barely met. Believes in Zhongli to protect his honor from Diluc when he heard about their fight, even if he didn’t know the truth.

“I—thank you, Nahida.”

Chapter Text

Kaveh’s first stop in civilization is the tavern. After putting up with Alhaitham for two weeks straight, and before that, his absolutely clingy Alpha self, he was not to be stopped.

Alhaitham seemed to be under a similar train of thought, only he decided he wanted the House of Daena and Kaveh to grab him a fresh case of wine. Kaveh’s choice, provided it wasn’t cheap shit. The Alpha had made all but his pointy ears disappear, and had his Dendro well enough in hand to deal with small gatherings of the public. If not, he knew Kaveh was heading to the Lambad’s.

Kaveh had made it through at least a bottle of wine without trouble. He was starting the second when he noticed the odd smell of flowers overpowering the pleasant twang of alcohol. It was unpleasant to realize it was his own powers creating garlands across the support beams. Sumeru roses, Padisarahs, and Mint, no one else has caught on to it being Kaveh becoming increasingly drunk at least.

“Master Kaveh, it’s been a while since you’ve been. Hopefully, your travels have gone well? Drafted anything interesting?” Lambad asks.

“I would, had I not been busy babysitting a certain homicidal Scribe.” Kaveh mutters. Lambad pales, and Kaveh realizes his slip up. “Alhaitham isn’t actually dangerous. It’s a long story. Truly he’s not—”

“Master Kaveh, rumor has already spread about—well, that. Scribe Alhaitham’s actions to defend Lesser Lord Kusanali have shown he’s not deadly, just efficient.” Lambad whispers.

“I was there too. Cyno was the one executing people.”

“As is his want as the General Mahamatra. You and Scribe Alhaitham are welcome anytime, though…” Lambad has finally noticed the garlands. He tilts his head, and before he can ask questions, the bluenette he’d met before stumbles in. He takes a seat at the bar and collapses his head in his hands.

“You look like you’ve had a shit day, Captain.” Lambad says.

“1 full bottle of Dandelion wine with a glass. Please.” The bluenette asks quietly. Lambad, used to Kaveh’s old drinking habits, and evidently this man’s habits too. “Nice to see you again, blondie.”

“Kaveh.” He says, offering a hand. The bluenette accepts the hand offered to him with a single firm shake. His visible eye looking weary. “Captain Alberich, right?”

“Yes. Do warn me if you see a large red headed Alpha with an affinity for red and black clothes. I’m really not in the mood to deal with him at the moment. Even if he is technically my problem.” The Captain says. Kaveh can understand that entirely.

“Ah, Alpha problems. I’m familiar with that. Mine’s just being exceptionally clingy.” Kaveh asked.

“Entirely, like he’s not being rude. It’s the questions he wants to ask me that are the problem.” The bluenette sighs dramatically, flopping on the counter as Lambad sees to his order. “Couldn’t get him to speak to me for three years. Now the asshole won’t shut up. Talk about mixed signals.”

Kaveh hums, turning to Lambad, huh—the bartender’s looking a little fuzzy now. Especially when he nods in sympathy, passing them each a fresh bottle. A glass is passed over to the bluenette, who takes a moment to chill it with his Cryo.

“On the Scribe’s tab, Master Kaveh?” Lambad asks. He nods, and the room spins a little. Then he’s asking the dour bluenette the same question. “Whose tab will yours be on, Captain?”

“Diluc Ragnvindr’s. If he’s going to bother me, he can make himself useful. I assume Dawn Winery has an account with you?” The bluenette says. “He’ll be in looking for me at some point tonight, since he knows my habits.”

“Then let’s break your routine. Thanks for the wine Lambad, I’ll take care of the Captain tonight. You can tell Cyno or his men where he is, if they come looking.” Kaveh offers a drunken arm to the Captain. “You’re a little more sober than I am. Can you carry the wine, Captain?”

“Kaeya is fine.” The Bluenette’s mouth tilts up in a quirk of a smile. “Certainly, and thank you for helping a fellow Omega in need.” He scoops up the wine, which has been replaced with the crate he’d ordered when he got in. The bluenette’s order neatly added to make things easier on them. Kaveh smiles back as he stumbles out the door.

Kaveh hiccups, and out of the corner of his eye, little yellow sweet flowers and Sumeru roses pop into existence. Well, that’s a rather annoying development.

“A pleasure. Please ignore the sudden spurts of greenery. It’s a recent side effect.” Kaveh sways on his feet. The bluenette isn’t nearly as drunk as he is, steadily following him with the crate of booze up the walkway towards Alhaitham’s house, den, whatever—he trips over his own shoes and catches himself on a strategically placed bush in the middle of the road. “Well, I can tell you one thing. Your Alpha problem won’t be able to follow you where we’re headed. At least not without your permission.”

“Luc’s been running into that problem a lot lately. I can’t tell if he’s annoyed or not. First it’s Mister Zhongli, then it’s Lord Kamisato playing babysitter on him. What exactly do you have that’s going to keep him out?” The bluenette asks.

“That would likely be me, or rather the barrier I have up. Ah, you remembered the wine.” Alhaitham raises an eyebrow, and Kaveh just knows his face has gone an archons awful shade of red. “Just how much did you drink?”

“A bottle—and a half.” Kaveh hiccups. “This is Kaeya, met him down at the tavern—”

“Yes, we’ve met before.” Alhaitham heads towards the door, unlocking it with—

“That’s the key you gave me!” Kaveh says. A bush of padisarahs pops out of the garden next to the door. The Alpha raises the brass key up, shrugs, and turns back to him.

“Then perhaps you should put it in Mehrak, like I told you? It must have gotten tangled up with mine.” Alhaitham shakes his head. “Zhongli caught me in the House of Daena and informed me about your—issue Captain Kaeya. Feel free to come inside.” He carefully lifts the wine out of the Omega’s arms.

“You’re not upset?” Kaeya asks. Barely glancing at the flowers.

“I do not have an opinion on it, but Kaveh seems to, or he wouldn’t have offered you shelter.” Alhaitham shrugs, disappearing back into the house. The Dendro barrier across the porch flickers, and Kaveh offers the other the warmest smile he can.

“Come on in, he won’t be able to cross Nahida's or Haitham’s barriers. Not without an invitation from one of us.” Kaveh holds out his hand.

“Should I be concerned that the Dendro archon put a barrier over your house? I mean, I know all about—” Kaeya’s good eye follows where Haitham disappeared. He steps over the threshold, and the Dendro sigil closes behind them without fanfare, just lots of bright green.

“Eh, it’s a long story, but currently it’s there to keep the rest of Sumeru away from Haitham. The noise is a bit overwhelming, and our latest visitors haven’t been the nicest sort.” Kaveh hiccups again. This time his living room is populating full of Mourning flowers. “Archons damn it. Haiyi!”

“Yes, senior?” The alpha asks. Amusement drifting lazily through the house as he exits one room with an armful of sheets. Pausing at the juncture near the laundry.

“Oh, yeah, that’s probably a good idea. Is Cyno back to staying at his own place again?” Kaveh hiccups. A second batch of Mourning Flowers pops across the floor. “Haiyi—”

“You are equally capable of dismissing them.” Haitham teases. With a wave of his hand, all the extra flora is gone. “You’re welcome to the spare room once I’ve aired out the scents of our last guests. Since you managed to help with their mole problem, if only by accident.”

“I assure, that brutality was all Diluc. Still, you don’t have to—” Kaeya pauses. Kaveh turns back to Haitham, who’s already reaching for the neutralizer. “—You really mean that. That I’m welcome here, even if you weren’t the one to invite me.”

“My Omega offered you sanctuary, Captain Alberich. I have every intention of showing you the kindness he believes you deserve. Especially since you kept him from tripping and breaking his nose on my fresh case of wine.” Haitham answers.

“See, he’s not a homicidal monster, just a big ‘ld sap.” Kaveh hiccups, eyes focused on the other’s ass as he walks.

“I preferred being called your book dragon.” The other calls back as he moves ducks into the spare room. Kaveh snorts, but doesn’t disagree.

~~~~~~~~~~

Kaeya has to actively work at holding in his jealousy as he watches the two of them interact. Kaveh has abandoned him in the living room for the moment, so he has sometime to process what the Abyss he’d just stumbled into.

A haven in the house of the Acting Grand Sage. Who is nothing like the miserable sod the others had described over the last few weeks. The Alpha maintains a respectable distance, moving to hang his cape up at the doorway and deposit his keys in the bowl by the door. With a flick of his wrist, there’s a second barrier up just inside the doorway.

“Here you go. Don’t let him scare you off. Haitham’s just naturally grumpy.” He’s passed a full glass of wine by the blonde, who heads back towards the bedrooms again.

“I apologize. I had thought Kaveh had grown out of drinking quite this much. Would you like him to help you make up the bed or can I send him to sleep some of that off before my—our house becomes a literal greenhouse.”

Alhaitham, the feared Alpha that had brutally cut down over half the Akademiya on a berserker rage, is offering to help him change the sheets on a bed. Diluc barely knows how to toss his laundry in a hamper, so this is—The blond trips in the corridor, and moss sprouts below his face before he can impact the floor.

With a patient smile, the Alpha shakes his head, moving to collect the absolutely drunk as a skunk blond. “I think it’s time for you to sleep it off. I’ll see to your guest.”

“But—I wanted to—” Kaveh hiccups, and yet more greenery appears around them. Haitham’s form glows a second, and Kaeya notes the inhuman features of the other as all the spare greenery is dispelled from his house.

“Not tonight. You can commiserate with him in the morning. I’ll be in to join you once he’s settled.” Alhaitham cuts him off. It’s polite, a quick kiss to the temple before he returns with his features still on display. “Apologies. I can’t hide them when I’m actively suppressing his ability to use Dendro when he sneezes.”

“I’m not complaining. I got my wine, a warm bed, and a place to hide from Diluc for a few hours.” Kaeya shrugs. “For the anti-social scribe of the Akademiya, you sure don’t live up to your reputation at all.”

“A reputation made while I was alone. The last time he got this drunk, he mate marked me. I wished to speak with you, if you are willing to talk about what’s going on with you and the alpha sulking on my porch outside.” Alhaitham says. He gestures for him to follow. “He can sit out there a while longer. You deserve a bed to fall into, should your story be half as emotionally taxing as it’s been described.”

“How long has he been out there?” Kaeya asks.

Alhaitham shrugs, gathering up the fresh—are those silk red sheets? “He was already following you when I arrived. Moved to the porch once you came inside. I believe he’s been letting off a consistent draft of miserable.”

“Isn’t it supposed to rain tonight?”

“It is. I was going to offer him the divan if you were agreeable. You do not appear to be so distraught as to turn him entirely away. I also don’t need him to catch a cold and set fire to my porch with a sneeze.” It’s interesting to watch the man retract a visible set of claws and don a set of white gloves to help him put on the silk red sheets.

Kaeya half shivers as he leaves the room, watching the other replace those gloves away, and tap the neutralizer twice to make sure Kaeya saw it.

“May I nurse a glass of wine for this conversation?” He asks.

“You may do whatever makes you comfortable, within reason, of course.” He settles into one of the two divans, and Kaeya retrieves his wine, and snags the open bottle from the kitchen he’d glanced at earlier.

“I didn’t expect you to offer me, and by extension Diluc, a place to stay.” Kaeya starts, looking down into his glass. “How much did Morax tell you?”

“Nothing. Nahida gave me a small gist of it. Your troubles from Mondstadt have followed you here, and that part of the reason you accepted was to take some time away from the idiot on my porch.” Alhaitham huffs.

“You seem to think he’s entirely to blame.”

“As an Alpha? Yes, there is no acceptable reason to raise your blade against an Omega. Particularly your intended. I was half out of my mind with rage and still contained myself.” Alhaitham sighs. Getting up to fetch himself a glass, and presents it to him. “I assume you also ordered Dandelion Wine?”

“I did, reminds me of home. The good things about it.” Kaeya says quietly. “Don’t judge him too harshly. Not all of it was his fault.” He pours the other half a glass, who nods graciously.

“I cannot decide if you’re blaming yourself, or just in denial. I suppose it doesn’t really matter at this point. What does is that you’re avoiding each other, and now he’s technically stalking you in another nation.” Alhaitham sighs, sipping his glass thoughtfully.

“You’re awfully calm about it, considering it’s a borderline crime.” Kaeya notes.

“I was very nearly in his shoes in Fontaine a few months ago.” He answers. “I kept a rather large secret from Kaveh, and which had those in the Akademiya responsible for the situation I was in figured out, it would have gotten him hurt.”

“Oh?” Kaeya leans back against the divan. Alhaitham sips his wine and recants the story of how he and Kaveh bonded one hectic night over a decade ago. The drunken escapade, the thesis, the fight. All of it is so very different from his spat with Diluc, and yet—

“Master Crepus died fighting off a Fatui construct. He saved Diluc, and I wasn’t there. I had been at a checkup that afternoon where I learned I was possibly with child.” Kaeya sighs, swirling his glass. “I couldn’t keep hiding my Khaenri’ahian heritage from him anymore, not with knowing it wouldn’t just affect me. My timing was awful, the phrasing was worse, and I’ve since learned a bit more about the expectations of—never mind. What matters is that Diluc had just buried his father, and I broke his heart.”

“A painful experience. I came back from our argument to find Kaveh was so embarrassed he fled the country to his mother’s home. Or perhaps he was still hurt and angry at the time. You’ll forgive me if I don’t want to ask now.” Alhaitham sets his glass down. “What matters now—is what do you wish to do?”

“What do you mean? It’s not exactly like I can just send him away.” Kaeya eyes him. “We’re a bonded pair. We’re stuck together until one or both of us dies.”

“Your bond is muted. Likely on both sides from what I’ve seen. You no longer suffer from withdrawals over it, and even the proximity you both have been in hasn’t re-triggered them when you are separate.” The Alpha says.

“He didn’t come after me for no reason. In fact, it might be the only reason I’d really accept from him.” Kaeya sighs. “You said he’s on the porch?”

“He is, and politely off to the side. You may invite him in, should you desire.” He waves a hand, and the second barrier drops. The miserable pheromones leaking in wash over him in slow waves, and Kaeya takes a deep breath before opening the door.

“Can I borrow the pictures for a moment? And the one with the eyes?” Kaeya asks. The redhead is waterlogged from the summer rain, mist evaporating off him as he sits. Even under the shelter of the porch, it’s not enough against the summer storm. “You should come inside before you catch a cold.”

“I—” Diluc won’t look at him, merely pulls the photos from his coat and passes them over.

“I agree. The divan will be much more comfortable, and significantly less wet.” Alhaitham says from behind him. Diluc looks up. Normally the other would get defensive, but staring at the inhuman features of the former scribe seems to shake his resolve.

“If you insist.” He stands. “May I use your bathroom?”

“The door at the end of the hall. Use any of the products you’d like.” Alhaitham gestures. “Don’t be surprised if a blond Omega wanders in to puke, he’s more than a little drunk and there’s only one bathroom.”

Diluc nods, stripping off his coat and hanging it at the door. Once the redhead is firmly beyond the door, Kaeya passes the photos to Alhaitham. The scribe glances at them curiously, then returns them.

“That would explain why you do not wish to talk about it. What do you intend to do?” Alhaitham steps back.

“Nahida still needs my help. I can’t just leave to go—we don’t even know if she is ours.” Kaeya sighs. “Diluc claims she smells like us, but how is it she’s been hidden all this time?”

“I’d say the decision appears to have been made for you. Kaveh and I can assist you both with confirming she’s actually your child. That and act as a buffer if you wish to repair whatever it was you had with your idiot.” Alhaitham picks up his wine.

“I don’t know that he wants to repair it.” Kaeya sighs.

“Given that he was sitting like that on my porch when he realized he wasn’t getting in? If the situation were reversed and it was me lurking on that porch? No, I suspect he doesn’t know how to ask for—damn it, Kaveh.” Haitham teleports, and stops the blond from opening the door. “Someone’s using it. Do you need to puke?” The blond nods. Both of them are gone in a flash of Dendro green.

Diluc pops his head out, only half dressed with a towel slung over his shoulders. Hair resting on it as he takes in everything, then flushes under Kaeya's stare. “I thought I heard something.”

“Someone. Alhaitham took him elsewhere for the moment.” Kaeya confirms, refilling his glass of wine. “You seem calmer than you have been.”

“More like exhausted. I haven’t been sleeping well since you told me—nevermind.” He’s looking at the floor. “I—are you angry with me?”

“Not really, at least not anymore.” Kaeya sighs. He thinks about what Alhaitham was about to say, and how Diluc is shifting awkwardly. Is it possible he’s right? That Diluc wanted to fix what they’d had? “Say, is there any particular reason you’ve tailed me? Or stayed out in a rainstorm in the dark?”

Diluc slowly meets his gaze, and the flush of embarrassment has faded into that miserable kicked puppy look of their youth. “Am I allowed to say you’re the reason?” Diluc asks.

“Perhaps, but I didn’t tell you that you had to stay out there.” Kaeya counters. He sips his wine, maintaining a comfortable distance.

“You told Lambad not to tell me where you were going. You specifically asked them not to. I did not feel I was welcome, so I did not want to intrude. Especially not when you are still so clearly uncomfortable.” Diluc’s eyes venture back down to the floor. Shame rolls off him in slow waves. It lingers, sour in the aftertaste it leaves behind.

“I am uncomfortable with the fact we might have a kid who was stolen from my very womb. I think that is rather reasonable considering she’s a toddler that neither of us knew about. If she’d been with you this whole time, I might be a little less upset about it.” Kaeya sighs. “Look, that’s not even what I was getting at.”

“Then speak plainly. No more riddles, no more talking around a subject that’s uncomfortable. Ask me what its is that’s bothering you, or let me take up my silent sentry in repayment for my idiocy long ago.” Diluc’s pride is hurt, Kaeya can tell by the way he’s holding himself back.

“Diluc, I need to know, and be honest. Are you here because you actively want me back? Or are you just here to accost me about a child we both knew nothing about?” Kaeya asks.

“Initially, the child.” Diluc answers, then he moves to the divan Alhaitham had occupied earlier, eyes the wine distastefully, but continues. “The longer I’ve been here in Sumeru, the more I’ve seen things that make me doubt that’s the only reason I’m here.”

Kaeya gestures to him to explain, and continues sipping at his wine. “Like the pair you’re staying with, clearly they have their own issues, but they look so happy.”

“Kaveh and Alhaitham? Yeah, doesn’t sound like it was always that way, but watching the way the scribe just stepped up since I got here. I get it, it even makes me jealous. You know, you were like that once?” Kaeya hums.

“Like what?” Diluc asks. He’s seated awkwardly on the divan, palms pressed tightly against his knees.

“Affectionate. Caring. You used your actions to show you cared. You didn’t have to trip over your words because you just knew what I needed. Now—” Kaeya sets the glass down. “—you’re a stranger. A person I used to know, but not any longer. It’s like looking through a filter, there are parts I can still see clearly, like how you’re hurting. I just can’t understand the details, like the lights are off and you don’t want me to see them.”

“Kaeya—” One of his hand reaches out as the other two return in pop of green. Alhaitham steadying the blond as he fumbles the landing.

“I will never understand how the hell that works.” Kaveh mumbles. The other omega straightens, takes in their living room for a moment and turns to his Alpha. Haitham looks mildly apologetic and ushers the blond towards the kitchen.

“If one of you could bring Diluc something besides wine, I’d be rather grateful. Juice or tea should be fine.” Kaeya calls after them. “Apologies, you were saying?”

“The moment is lost. You asked why I came, and if it was for you.” Diluc shakes his head. “Since—well, then, I thought it best to cut you out. Please don’t ask me to explain my reasoning. It doesn’t make sense to me either now. I know why I decided, and I have to trust the intention behind that was enough.”

“At the risk of repeating myself, can I ask why?” Kaeya asks. Alhaitham is the one that returns and passes over a bowl of peaches with some water. Kaeya gestures for him to sit across next to Diluc for the moment. "Alhaitham is the one that insisted that maybe you weren’t just here to make me miserable.”

“Your situation, little as I know of it, is very familiar with the fight I had with Kaveh a decade ago.” Their host explains, taking up his abandoned wine glass. “Kaveh has decided he’s making us dinner, and I’ve been thrown out of my kitchen.”

“It’s midnight.” Diluc points out. He takes up the drink in his hand.

“And? Kaveh is currently hungover. There will be no reasoning with him. Arguing with him would just be a waste of both our time. It would also make him crabby.” The man with the draconic features shrugs, sipping his wine casually. “He’s making Fettah, which sounds quite nice.”

“Sap. It sounds delicious, though.” Kaeya says. Haitham refills both their glasses without a word. “Now, we were discussing why you’ve suddenly taken to stalking me rather than waiting for me to come find you?”

“I didn’t think you would. Nor did I felt I deserved you to.”

“That decision, whether we are deserving of their time and attention, is theirs to make. Well, most times, but I doubt Kaeya’s self deprecation level is comparable to Kaveh’s. You need to give him back the power to make his own decisions, Master Ragnvindr.”

“Just Diluc is fine.” He squirms in his seat next to the other. The smell wafting out of the kitchen is delicious, but they have something to accomplish.

“Luc, I never stopped trying to talk to you. It was you that kept shutting me out, or down in some cases.” Kaeya reminds. It’s nice, finally getting to talk about this. It’s also very pleasant to have a glass of wine to temper his nerves, and someone willing to poke Diluc into actually answering besides just him. “I guess the better question is, why didn’t you feel deserving?”

Diluc swallows hard, eyes looking down at the cup of water in his hands. Distressed alpha flutters through the room. To his surprise, both he and Alhaitham send back reassuring hormones.

“It’s okay to make mistakes. You just have to learn from them. I thought for sure Kaveh was done with me when he left for Fontaine, only to realize he’d missed me just as much as I’d missed him.” Alhaitham says quietly.

“People talk about the difference in you now. Those that know you like the General and the Forest watcher vs the you while Kaveh was gone. To me, right now you’re like Diluc was when we first bonded.” Kaeya hums. Diluc nods across from him, and there’s a flush to his cheeks.

Before he can sputter an answer, there are plates being dropped off in front of them. Three plates of highly artistic Fettah, and one that looks like an extremely green version of pizza. “What in the Abyss is that abomination.”

“Ideal Circumstance.” Alhaitham answers. The wave of appreciative hormones that floods the room says so much more than the tiny smile the man gives off. Kaveh huffs, tucking in beside Kaeya with his own Fettah and a fresh cup of wine.

“He doesn’t like soup, so he made that bastardized version so he could eat it and read at the same time. I’ve sorta been a pain in his ass today, so I thought I’d surprise him with it.” Kaveh says. He takes a bite of Fettah, chasing it with a sip of wine. “Dandelion wine goes surprisingly well with Fettah.”

Alhaitham says nothing, merely munching on what looks to be his favorite meal. Diluc takes a bite and turns to Kaveh with wide eyes. “This is quite good.”

“Thank you. If you want to try his, you just need to ask Kaeya. He’s not a total asshole.” Kaveh says.

“No, just a dragon.” Diluc mumbles under his breath. Alhaitham cuts off a slice of that abomination and slips it to each of them. Daring them with a raised eyebrow. Diluc, never fond of anything vegetable related scowls at it, but slips it down without a word. “It’s tolerable.”

As unavoidable as it is, it looks like he’s going to have to actually taste it. The first bite is—“Extraordinary. You said this is based on a soup?” Kaeya mumbles. Kaveh passes over a bit of his Fettah, and Alhaitham hums.

“Yeah, Sabz meat stew. His grandmother used to make it for him. When she passed away, he learned to make it for himself.” Kaveh chuckles. “But the only thing Haitham knows hows to make is coffee, without burning it.”

“You forgot tea.” Alhaitham adds. Not disputing it at all.

“True enough. Is that because of Tighnari or Nahida?” Kaveh asks. “Some cinnamon tea sounds wonderful right now.” He wanders off, and Alhaitham shrugs.

“I hate to ask, but is he always like this?” Diluc half whispers.

“When he’s drunk. I’ll be surprised if I have anything left to cook by morning.” Alhaitham answers. “Now that he’s distracted—”

“Enough. Luc, you’re staying here tonight.”

“I am?” / “Is he now?”

“IF, and this is a big if, you’re here to repair things between us, you’re going to join me. If you aren’t, then you’re sitting on your bed for the night. You’ve got plenty of time to make that decision, but if it’s out here, then consider that entire conversation closed.” Kaeya says.

“It would appear you no longer require my help as a buffer, then?” The draconic man asks.

“Not for this. I would like to take up your offer to help us confirm if the girl in those photos is ours or not.” Kaeya asks. Diluc drops his glass, which thuds softly against the rug at his feet. “Don’t look so surprised. Just because she smells like us doesn’t mean it isn’t some Fatui trick designed to get to you.”

“I’ll put in the time off request with Nahida tomorrow. I doubt she’ll object, seeing as she’s the one that asked me to check on the both of you.” Alhaitham answers. Kaveh has appeared with two mugs of cinnamon tea, and passes the second one to Diluc.

“Heard you like apples, you might like this.” Kaveh goes right back to munching on his Fettah. “How was the House of Daena with full draconic senses, Haiyi?” Alhaitham hums noncommittally.

“How does that even work? Were you a dragon before and just didn’t know it?” Kaeya asks. Thoma’s words about Diluc possibly being one too still lurking in the back of his head. The redhead is blessedly involved in still stuffing Fettah in his mouth, not entirely paying attention to the look he’s giving him.

“It is not all that different from being a regular human sensitive to noises and smells. The range is farther, but the principal is the same. The biggest differences are an increase in hormones, mainly violent tendencies. I also have a lot more access to Dendro than I did when I had my Vision.” He answers. “My hearing was acute enough before that I needed headphones to drown out the extra noise, which has gotten worse, Kaveh.”

“I’ll see about remaking your headphones then. Can’t have you murdering people for just talking to you.” The blond mumbles. Kaeya is surprised at the sheer amount of food the other is putting away. It reminds him of being with child, but the man has always glowed, so it’s hard to tell.

“That is how he normally eats. He forgets to eat, Kaveh?” Alhaitham calls over. The blond stops eating for a moment to look at him. “You still need to shower. I don’t care for the smell of Lambad’s tavern in my sheets.”

“Make me.” The cheeky answer startles them, and the dragon huffs. “Haiyi?”

“If you shower, I’ll join you and wash your hair.” It almost sounds like they’re bartering.

“And I get to play with your scales, and not the mirror ones either!” the blond counters.

“Horns out.” Haitham counters back. The blond huffs and is about to say something when a gray eyebrow raises. “I meant yours, not mine.”

“Oh, done.” Hormones flood the room, and the blond deserts them once more. Alhaitham just looks amused, even as everything points he should be following after the other.

“Aren’t you going to follow him?” Diluc asks from beside him.

“I could, but then he’d bitch about the dishes in the sink in the morning. Kaveh is nothing if not predictable. As much as he wants to take advantage of having me in the shower, he prefers a clean living space.” This Alpha, with his horns out, ribbons trailing down his back, slitted eyes, and claws clicking softly against the plates. “If you’re done Master Diluc?”

“Doing the dishes is more important to you than sex?” Kaeya asks. Diluc is wearing a matching look of disbelief.

“A happy Kaveh is more important to me, and one thing that sent him a country away last time we fought was being a lazy slob. Contrary to his verbal recounts, I do learn from my mistakes. I’m doing the dishes first.” The literal dragon confirms, walking away with their dishes.

“You could have offered to do the dishes, Luc.” Kaeya teases.

“You want me to fight with a literal dragon about doing the dishes?” The redhead’s eyes widen.

“Hardly. I want you to offer so he might get laid and we have a chance to talk in private again. Sex is a very good distraction for most people.” Kaeya rests his head in his hands staring at hi—the blushing Alpha across from him. “His appearance isn’t a threat, Luc.”

“I do not agree with that at all. It’s just not a threat for you.” Diluc sighs. “Not that I don’t deserve it.”

“You judge yourself too harshly.” Alhaitham says, glancing down at Kaeya’s half eaten plate. “I can put those in the cold box for you. My draconic features are on display because of how much power it takes to indirectly suppress Kaveh’s right now while he’s drunk.”

“Why are you suppressing Kaveh’s then?” Kaeya asks. From what he’s seen, all it does is create flowers.

“Because I don’t want to wake up choking on flowers, and again, it would make Kaveh irritated.” Alhaitham flicks a hand out, and tiny translucent scales appear. “Should Kaveh accesses my scales, these ones, while in that mood, he might accidentally burn down the house. Master Diluc, draw your sword, if you would, and do not move.”

Diluc wearily agrees, and his claymore takes enough space that he has to move to hold it securely. Alhaitham nods, and flicks his fingers, a single scale flutters innocently in front of Kaeya, and he traces it with a finger. It glimmers, and then a beam of Dendro punches the side of Luc’s claymore. He digs his heels in, but that tiny beam forces him back.

“Kaveh, has access to those?” Diluc is breathing hard. Eyes blown wide with adrenaline, and dismisses his sword.

“He can control them since we are bonded. If he manages to get to them while drunk, I do not want to speculate the damage he could do.” Alhaitham shrugs.

“Presumably less than an enraged Luc with a claymore. My chest still stings every time you conjure Pyro.” Kaeya mutters.

Barely contained rage flits through the air, along with dozens of those scales materializing around them. “He did what?”

“Haiyi! That stinks. Come on.” The blond flicks a hand, his eyes have taken on a glowing violet hue as he dismisses the mirrors shivering around them. “I was promised a shower, with company.” Calming hormones flood the room, and the utterly clueless blond tugs their half enraged host away by a combination of horns and those ribbons.

Diluc sits there, ashen pale as he watches all of that.

“I wish you had horns.” Kaeya mumbles. He moves to sit beside his estranged alpha, who’s still very absorbed in fear from the rage the other was leaking out. Kaeya runs a finger under the redhead’s jaw, finally breaking him up of it.

“Wha?”

“I said, I wish you have horns like that. It looked like fun.” Kaeya hums. That pale shade of his face is rapidly changing to a very different color. Answering the aroused hormones he’s letting off.

“You always made due with my hair since I kept it long.” Diluc answers with a squeak. “I suppose it probably hurts less than hair.”

“Hmm, we could test it later—”

Chapter Text

Kaveh rolls over in the bed, naked and happily lounging against an equally naked Alhaitham. He’s tucked under one massive arm, and laying between his legs right on the dragon’s crotch. Alhaitham doesn’t stir at first, so Kaveh licks at the uncovered bite on his junior’s neck. A second arm comes around him, with a low grumbling purr of contentment.

“I thought you were a dragon, not an overly large house cat.” Kaveh muses.

“Not you too. Ragnvindr didn’t appear to believe it really until I gave him a demonstration on my scales.” Haitham rumbles.

“Seriously? You’re going to make someone shit their pants.” Kaveh says. Shaking his head as he taps the Alpha’s arms to get himself freed. “You can’t just go showing everyone your Draconic traits, and not just because it will make me jealous!”

“They will sense the amount of Dendro coming off me long before that.” Haitham points out. “Lord Ragnvindr was trembling when I looked at him.”

“You realize your normal, pre-dragon stare was enough to do that too.” Kaveh snorts. “You just have that sort of that presence naturally.” He shoves his clothes on, letting his shirt settle over his shoulders.

“Your horns are showing.” Haitham calls from the bed. Kaveh gingerly touches his hair, brushing over the flashy spiraling golden black horns he’s only seen in passing. “They’re not unlike the ones Nilou wears for her costume.”

“That would make sense, since her costume is based off the Goddess of Flowers and Apep used to call me Mabu. I wonder if they need hydrated like skin. Hmm, I’ll need to—” Kaveh shivers as Haitham traces his horns lightly. “—Haiyi?”

“Probably not. They’re more like goat horns than mine are, if you want a valid comparison. I like them.” Haitham nuzzles into them, driving his point home as a shiver wracks through him. “Kaeya invited Diluc to sleep next to him last night. Though I will warn you, I don’t think either of them talked through their differences yet as drunk you was complaining about last night.”

“Haiyi, forcing them to talk before they’re ready isn’t going to help anyone in this situation. Hopefully, you haven’t made the situation worse.” Kaveh sighs. “I’ll go deal with it. Don’t you have work?”

“I do. I was hoping to scent you a little more before I have to leave.” Haitham digs his nose into the gland.

“Fine, get dressed and I’ll scent your cape for you.” Kaveh shoos him back. Finally, he escapes to the bathroom. He briefly pauses in the hall. The scent of happy, content Omega flitters through the house from the spare room, and it puts that uneasy feeling in his bones at ease. The bathroom is another story. It smells like distressed Alpha, and it’s not Alhaitham’s natural scent under it. Grapes, smokey wood undertones, and some sort of flower. Kaveh sneezes, and small glowing bluebelled flowers surround him in a halo. “Damn it.”

He wipes the loose ones off the counter, focusing on his morning self-care routine. Staring at the horns that Haitham has taken a fondness to in mild horror, and it isn’t just the horns that changed, irises consumed by the vibrant purples of his favorite Padisarah flowers. There’s nothing showing of his normal vibrant red. Haitham had to know about it and hadn’t said anything. Kaveh sighs, resting his head against the mirror. No wonder the Alpha had been concerned with everything, and so—enthusiastic when he responded the way he did.

Haitham, as per his usual, walks in right in, nuzzling his neck, cape already attached. Soothing Alpha hormones ooze out of him as he reaches around Kaveh with his free hand. “You’re still you, don’t worry about it Kaveh.” Honesty pouring off the lummox, as he runs a brush through his hair. “Cyno and Tighnari aren’t going to judge you for it. You accepted me, it’d be hypocrisy for me not to do the same.”

“You didn’t even bother to tell me about my eyes, Haiyi.” Kaveh complains.

“It doesn’t matter, and it fades after a few hours, Kaveh.” Haitham’s ribbons and horns neatly tuck themselves away as he slides his sleeves up to cover most of his scales. He fades out the patch on his exposed shoulder, and his nails are a little sharp, but not the claws Kaveh enjoys raking his scalp in the mornings. “I’d teach you if I thought it would help. Your new powers don’t follow the same rules as mine. Speaking of, what’s with the flowers? These are fresh, and you’re no longer drunk, so they shouldn’t be—”

“I sneezed. Distressed Alpha hormones are all over the bathroom! It’s making my nose itch, and this!! This was the result.” Kaveh complains. “When are you leaving?”

“Right after I make you some coffee. Now that you’re sober again, are you still planning on helping them work things out?” Haitham’s face is blank. Alhaitham had mentioned something about there might be a random redheaded alpha on the divan, and not to puke on him.

“I’m not really sure what’s going on, but I’ll try—” Kaveh stops as he feels Alhaitham’s tongue lick a strip up his neck. “Haiyi!”

“Just get them talking. I’ll stop by Lambad’s for wine and dinner.” Then the Alpha sneaks out of the bathroom. The kitchen is empty save his cup of coffee when he’s finally brave enough to leave the bathroom. The sun hasn’t even hit the windows yet.

Kaveh lurks in his own house, unsure how to proceed, but too nervous to sketch anything meaningful. He starts with a quiet dusting and actually taking in the house now that there’s no one here to judge him about it.

Alhaitham’s return to work also meant the Alpha’s return of revenue, and with it, Kaveh’s decorating budget. While waiting for the others to wake, he marked out the major missing pieces. Mostly it’s artwork. Occasionally, a wall needs a different color of paint. There’s a part of Kaveh that just wants to make all the missing pieces himself. Haitham would probably let him, too.

He’s interrupted from sketching one such draft by the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the kitchen. Placing his utensils aside, he heads for the lure of all members of the Akademiya, wondering if both of them are finally up. It doesn’t surprise him, at least not after the smell in the bathroom to find its only his fellow Omega.

“Good morning.” The bluenette actually looks well rested. “I must thank Master Alhaitham. That is probably the best night of sleep I’ve had in years. The same for Luc, but he shouldn’t be getting up anytime soon. I scented the pillows, and he’s exhausted from being an idiot.”

“Should I wait for him to cook breakfast?” Kaveh asks.

“He can cook for himself, unlike what you mentioned about the acting Grand Sage last night. No, I wanted to talk to you about why I was avoiding him, since your Alpha elected to help us. If that’s alright with you?” Kaeya’s face looks relaxed as he—he’s not wearing the eye patch.“Your Alpha trusted us with his secrets. This is one of mine.”

“Let me make myself a cup of coffee first.” Kaveh sighs. Kaeya settles in at the table, and Kaveh wonders just what fresh hell awaits him, sweetening his coffee. “I didn’t expect you to let him stay with you. Not after what little I remember from the bar.”

“We sleep better with our Alphas nearby. I thought you knew that?” Kaeya asks. The bluenette raises a curious brow. “Unless there’s trouble in paradise?”

“Ah, no. It’s—erm—we only recently rekindled our relationship. It’s—complicated.” Kaveh coughs. “I sort of bit him, and then told him to fuck off after we had an argument over our thesis project. So—yeah, and then he sort of ran off—and I was embarrassed, alright?!? And I—” The bluenette holds up a hand, eyebrows scrunched, mouth pursed, and stares incredulously.

“You’re telling me you claimed him? You bit an Alpha, who turned out to be a dragon, and then told him to fuck off?” Kaeya asks.

“I did. Then I ran away. I was so mortified. It was too embarrassing. Everyone was asking about our fight back then. I just couldn’t take it. So I hid in Fontaine at my mother’s house. I left out the best bit. I was drunk off my ass, so I didn’t even know I’d claimed him!” Kaveh sighs. “The dragon part is very much a recent development.”

“Sweet Barbatos.” Kaeya mutters. Shaking his head before nursing his coffee.

“Yeah, it was a hell of a surprise when I got back to Sumeru. Finding out not only was I bonded, but that I bit him.” Kaveh shakes his head. “He decided that rather than risk another argument, he’d take the blame. He’s been spoiling me ever since I got back. There’s a little more to it, but that’s the gist of it.”

“I’m afraid I don’t really understand. How can an Omega claim an Alpha, forget, and then convince him that he was the one in the wrong?” Kaeya shakes his head in disbelief. “I suppose I owe you some context as to my bond?”

“Not at all. Bonds are a personal matter, as are the arguments had about them. Haitham has offered to help the both of you, so that’s what we’ll do. You don’t need to suffer unnecessarily for almost a decade like we did. I agree with him. You were going to tell me something about what started this situation?” Kaveh asks.

“Wait here a moment. Diluc has the simplest explanation, its tucked in his greatcoat.” Kaeya says.

Stepping out, his footsteps silent against the hardwood. Kaveh hums, sipping his fresh cup of coffee. When Kaeya returns, he’s wearing the greatcoat over his shoulders, inhaling the thick scent that covered the bathroom. Thankfully, the coat doesn’t reek of distress.

“We grew up together, and there’s too much history to cover there in this setting. What’s important is that we stayed close, to the point of he had assisted me with a heat a few months before everything when—well, everything. He’d just turned eighteen, and we’d bonded during my heat.”

Kaeya slides two pictures across the table, and Kaveh picks them up, not sure what to expect. Both are candid shots taken of the redhead he’s only got the haziest of memories of. What’s throwing him off is the tiny child in the photo. Red hair isn’t exactly common in Sumeru, but the shade perfectly matches the man in the photos.

“Who’s the kid?”

“That’s the Million Mora question. Luc says she called him daddy, which of course freaked him out, so he went looking for me. Turns out Alpha’s aren’t so brave when we aren’t around to be brave for. So imagine his surprise when he couldn’t find either of us.” Kaeya huffs. “So here I am, minding my own business, when he comes up and starts threatening Lord Kamisato.”

“Oh, sweet Kusanali.” Kaveh half snorts into his coffee. “That can’t be all?”

“No, because of course it’s not. So I’m here assisting your cute as a button archon when that lummox follows me up to the Sanctuary, and tries to posture in front of Rex Lapis! Who shockingly took the whole thing rather well, considering Luc’s not dead or stuffed in that cage in there.” Kaeya rolls his eyes. The yellow of the uncovered one throws him off, but still—

“Ah, that might be because he’s also a dragon. At least, that’s what Haitham told me while he was recovering.” Kaveh brings a hand to his chin. “They don’t really posture, they just kill things.”

“Good to know.” Kaeya hums. “That’s when Luc passes over those pictures to me, asking if it’s some kind of prank.”

“Why is asking you? Shouldn’t he be able to tell if his own spawn or not?” Kaveh counters. “Wait, shouldn’t you know if you have a kid or not?”

“See, that’s the thing he’s claiming he’s only ever slept with me, and there’s the tiny detail that I was unconscious during the only point I might have been able to. Her age fits with an incident that saw me unconscious in an infirmary for nearly a year.”

“That’s—wow. Is it possible? That she’s your kid?” Kaveh stares into his coffee.

“The timeline fits. Luc and I had our falling out, and then I was in the infirmary. There was no other opportunity for a child to exist, especially without me knowing. I was injured following an attack at the Winery, which lead to my extended stay.” Kaeya says. There’s something about that makes Kaveh’s eye twitch, there’s something that’s been left unsaid. “We’ve been—estranged since the incident. Her appearance has spooked Luc, and confused us both.”

“Alright, enlighten me. Why would either of you be spooked by it? Lord Ragnvindr doesn’t exactly cross my mind as the scared type.” Kaveh asks.

The sharp scent of the bathroom returns, mostly the smokey wood undertone and grape. “When it could possibly be the work of the Fatui.” The redhead says.

“Our head alchemist back home is actually a homunculus, made by someone from Khaenri’ah. The Fatui have a habit of messing with clones, and judging from the pictures, she’s Khaenri’ahian.” Kaeya taps the photo showing her eyes, then gesturing to his own. “The world has not been kind to Khaenri’ahians since its destruction over 600 years ago.”

Kaveh shivers. If anywhere still knew of Khaenri’ah, it was Sumeru.

When the scribe mentioned it, he’d half drug the man out into the desert to show him. Apep’s memories had been helpful given just how far into the depths of the Oasis they’d had to trek to find the damn door. He’d complained about sand in his shoes the whole way down.

Mehrak didn’t have an empty sketchbook for him, and he took so many photos—Kaeya clears his throat across the room. Noticing he’s back with them, Kaeya taps the redhead, who nods.

“I may have antagonized the Fatui after the event with Kaeya.” Diluc admits.

“Event?” Kaeya narrows his eyes at the redhead. “That’s putting it mildly. Master Crepus was dead, and you went on the warpath.”

“After you set me off!” Diluc counters. Haiyi’s scales flicker to life around them, and Kaveh cringes.

“If you get much more agitated, it might—” Kaveh tries to warn. It’s too late. Haitham has teleported back into the kitchen. “—summon Haitham. You don’t have to be overprotective like this. We’re fine Haiyi.”

“Let’s take a walk Ragnvindr, let them finish the conversation.” He says, and his eyes are the barest slit imaginable. Diluc swallows hard and reaches for his coat before Kaeya slaps his hand away.

“You’ll overheat.” The other says, eyeing the impatient stance of their draconic host. “I’d also like your scent right now.”

“Leave the coat. We need to have a chat.” Haitham’s voice has taken on a hint of a growl.

“Don’t kill him, Haiyi.” Kaveh calls after him. Haitham pecks his cheek, heading for the door with the worried redhead at his heels. “Sorry about that, I don’t get why he popped back like—”

“Thoma thinks Diluc and Lord Kamisato are also both dragons. Alhaitham can likely sense that. As for why, he popped in when Diluc went off—” Kaeya eyes are on his coffee, avoiding Kaveh entirely. “Diluc is the reason I was in the infirmary then.”

Oh, no fucking wonder I stormed in. That lovely voice in his head that sounds like Alhaitham is back. What does he mean I might think Ragnvindr is a dragon?

“As interesting as that is, and I’m talking about him potentially being a dragon, we had something else we were discussing. I guess the biggest question is this. What are you going to do if she is your kid?” Kaveh watches the other slink further into their chair.

“I don’t know. I want—I want what I had with Diluc back, more than anything else I’ve ever wanted. That considered, our relationship right now isn’t healthy enough for the two of us, let alone to involve a child. We can hardly speak two sentences without getting into an argument.” Kaeya looks up, frowning as he pushes his coffee away.

He takes another look at the photos before slipping them back into the breast pocket of that massive greatcoat. Kaeya almost looks like he’s drowning in it, even though Diluc isn’t that much larger in the shoulder from what he’s seen. Arm’s large as fucking trees, but not the broadness of shoulder.

“You recognize there’s a problem, and that’s a good start. Do you want your relationship back, and are you willing to work for it?” Kaveh asks. The bluenette scowls, placing both hands on the table and stares at him.

“I have been working for it. The man disowned me, cleaved me in half, with his claymore on fire, and deserted the entire Abyssal city for three years. The first thing I did when his sorry ass came back is try to talk to him. Do not—” Kaeya stops mid-rant, going sheet white. “—I’m sorry, that was uncalled for.”

“No, it was what I needed to hear. You’re afraid because he hurt you, but that hasn’t stopped you from trying. That means we just have to work on Diluc. To have a child, it means to dedicate yourself to them. It can’t just be about you or your partner anymore. Haiyi doesn’t get that, but you should.” Kaveh reaches a hand out over the table, trying to offer support. “Its something of an Omega thing, and we can’t really escape it. Can we?”

“No, not really.” Kaeya nods. He’s still withdrawn into himself, hiding like he’s going to get hurt again. “I feel like I’ve failed this child, and I’ve never even met her.”

Kaveh hums to himself. There is that, but wouldn’t that depend entirely on how this toddler feels? “Then let’s change that. First, we go find her, then we figure out if she’s yours. Maybe once we’ve found her, talked to her, perhaps she’ll be able to pull Diluc’s head out of his ass.”

“Doubtful, every time I’ve stumbled on him alone, he’s been miserable. He just won’t let me in.” Kaeya sighs.

“Leave that to me and Haiyi. If anyone can get through that thick skull of his, it’ll be him. He notoriously doesn’t play well with others, nor is he good at social cues. That said, man is a genius with languages and provoking people into action.” Kaveh shoves his chair back. It might be better if they had some nice cinnamon tea instead for this conversation. “He’ll bluntly speak his mind, offend one half of the room while terrorizing the other half. It’d be impressive if it wasn’t highly annoying.”

“That’s frighteningly similar to Luc. They might be rather suited to coexist in the same spaces for a bit. Only Diluc reads the social cues and genuinely doesn’t give a damn.” Kaeya snorts.

“I think the two of us are ready for some tea while Haitham threatens Diluc. What do you think?” Kaveh asks.

“Are you sure that’s what he’s doing?” Kaeya counters.

“Absolutely positive. If he isn’t beating the shit out of him.”

Chapter Text

Diluc chews on his lip, following Alhaitham as the other Alpha leads him slowly out of the city. It’s hot, almost miserable, even without his coat. The gray-haired alpha doesn’t look the slightest bit bothered, at least not by the heat. The scent rolling off him has the streets cleared in moments, and Diluc notes the controlled manner at which people bail out of the way.

“Can I ask where we’re going?” Diluc asks.

“Somewhere I can privately discuss the same thing that nearly had me destroying my own books.” Alhaitham shakes his head. “I promised Nahida I would not destroy Sumeru City with my rage.”

This doesn’t bode well at all. When he stops, they’re on the north side of the city, well within view of it, but far enough away not to harm anyone else. “This is about Kaeya, isn’t it?”

“You’ll have to explain to me how someone can harm their own Omega. Let alone use their Vision against them. You cleaved him in half?” Alhaitham hisses.

“It—I wasn’t in my right mind.” Diluc answers. He’s cowering to this other Alpha, the dragon in human skin whose already revealed he’s irritated. “Do you intend to kill me?”

“No. Neither Kaveh nor Kaeya would approve. What I want to know is why, and how do I protect them, and potentially your progeny, from your wrath.” Alhaitham’s features are out, and Dendro floods the area surrounding them. “A wrath fueled by something you cannot control, potentially something inhuman perhaps?”

“The only inhuman here is you, or so I—” Diluc freezes. The draconic alpha is looking at him strangely. “What is it?”

“We need to see Tighnari. I’m still learning how to process my new senses, but he could tell us if that’s really true. That said, my instincts are saying you aren’t. Most of the time I’m right.” Alhaitham huffs. The ribbons in his hair glow, and that draconic nature is on full display. “Your scent is more like mine, or Zhongli’s than the average populous.”

“But I’m human. My father was human, same with my mother. She fell off a cliff when I was really young.” Diluc clenches his fists. “Someone would have noticed. I would have! It’s not as if your features aren’t obvious!”

“And yet no one knew I was. It’s entirely possible. I didn’t know until Apep took over during the experimentation.” The dragon huffs. “Tighnari didn’t notice until we were injected with that serum. I do not know how we are chosen, only that we are.” He flicks his hands out and the mirrors, those horrifying scales materialize.

“How—”

“It is irrelevant. You harmed your bonded, and that is a crime not even the goddess of Justice can absolve you of. It will fester in your very soul until you make it right. That he didn’t report your crime. You should have been executed for it, Ragnvindr.” Haitham says.

“You think that my status got me off?” Diluc asks.

“I think your Omega covered it up because he doesn’t want to lose you. No amount of clout would prevent either death or imprisonment here in Sumeru City.” Alhaitham warns. His nails flex and those scales flutter around him. “There is no statue for harming an Omega in Sumeru. As I assume, is the same for Liyue, given the few words Zhongli has said in front of me about it.”

“Don’t you think I understand how bad this is? Why do you think I left for three years after? I couldn’t risk anything else happening to Kaeya.” Diluc answers. Alhaitham crowds him, getting right up in his face. “I—”

“You’re an idiot. I have no idea how or what you did to overwrite basic Alpha nature, but you endanger all you consider pack over it. You also endanger mine with your anger, since you cannot control yourself.” Alhaitham growls. “Leaving your Omega, where he could have potentially died, could have killed you both!”

“Kaeya probably would have been better off if I had died, but I would never wish it upon him.” Diluc whispers. “For all the trouble I’ve caused—”

“If you are of a—similar bloodline to myself, your mating is the only thing that allowed Captain Alberich to survive that wound.” Alhaitham sighs, stepping back. “I maintain my earlier statement. You’re an idiot. I brought you out this far intending to scare some sense into you, but it appears it’s not that I need to do that. I merely need to teach you how to control your temper.”

“Good luck with that. Kae’s attempted to do so for nearly two decades, and still hasn’t managed it.” Diluc snorts. “If you’ve got something I can do to let out my aggression?”

“I don’t have to guess. You’ve likely got a toddler waiting for you in Mondstadt. The biggest boon having kids is exhaustion, at least according to Tighnari. He adopted Collei and said between that and tourists he’s not sure which is worse.” Alhaitham says.

“Right. Do you have anything I can do until then?” Diluc asks.

“Spar against something stronger than you. Try Cyno for starters, or if you can’t handle not harming my pack mates, see if Zhongli would be willing to oblige.” Alhaitham huffs.

“Not yourself?” Diluc asks.

“I do not fight, not unless Nahida asks it of me, or Kaveh. Violence solves nothing, especially not in the pursuit of knowledge. No, you can go take out your aggression on something that enjoys the barbarianism.” Alhaitham huffs.

“Yet you had no issues dragging me all the way out here. With the threat of violence.” Diluc points out.

“It wouldn’t be much of a fight, Ragnvindr. You’ve seen my mirrors?” Alhaitham asks. There’s something in his expression Diluc doesn’t like there. “You've been hit by one of them, in my home with a controlled blast.”

“I don’t understand how—” Diluc freezes. He’s surrounded. The scale of before is just one of dozens, hundreds, even just shimmering to visibility around him. “—you couldn’t—”

“Couldn’t and wouldn’t are two very different things. I do not choose violence. When it finds me, I do not cower to it.” Alhaitham flexes his hands, and the scales glow ominously. He pulls his fingers back, and all but a dozen disappear. “Let me show you the non destructive horror this can do.”

Nahida can sense the massive pull of Dendro from inside the Sanctuary, and it disturbs Zhongli enough that he emerges from his teapot domain only half dressed to check in on her. His pants are half hanging off his hips, and a robe thrown haphazardly over his shoulders. Dark bruises line his neck and shoulders, and Nahida half giggles at the tangled mess of his hair.

“I see you were in the middle of something important.” She teases.

“I felt that implosion from there. Of course, I stopped to check on you.” Zhongli huffs. “What in the Abyss is Alhaitham doing?”

“Scaring Ragnvindr into behaving. Have you had a chance to test the housekeeper’s theory? That he is—” Nahida looks at the very pointed look he’s making.

“It was quite obvious after Venti’s story. Alberich would be dead otherwise.” Zhongli says. Entirely deadpan, and looks out towards the large fully corporeal Dendro copy of Kaveh’s masterpiece. “That is absurd.”

“That is Alhaitham, absolutely showing how much he listens to Kaveh, even when he’s supposedly not. Recreating his masterwork like that? He’s lucky Kaveh probably isn’t paying attention.” Nahida settles into her swing. “The amount of raw Dendro. This was entirely on purpose.”

“Why do you think he’s scaring Ragnvindr, and I really should get back to my needy Omega before he—” Zhongli stills.

“Before I what dear—Oh, that’s new.” Childe is not as conservative as his Alpha. “Fuck, that man’s a sap. Kaveh would love that. Oh, and it’s covered in padisarahs.”

“Childe, where are your pants?” Zhongli asks with a sigh.

“I’m glad you asked sweetheart, you’re currently wearing them.” Childe hums. “Based off that, are we good to go pick up where we left off? I mean—”

“Childe, if you so much as think or suggest what we were in the middle of in front of Nahida. I swear on my Gnosis I will fly to somewhere you cannot follow for a month as punishment.” Zhongli hisses. His hand carefully obscuring the other’s mouth. “She can read minds.” Childe nods slightly.

“Sorry myshka” Childe pats her head.

“If you don’t mind, I’d rather not have an eyeful of what should be in those pants Zhongli stole of yours.” Nahida covers her own eyes. “Back in the Teapot, please.” Childe huffs, but there’s the slight tug of Adeptal power in the air that signals his departure. She uncovers her eyes, and sure enough, only the other Archon remains.

“I must apologize. I thought the situation was—far worse.” Zhongli bows deeply, and she has to slide her hands back up again as the waist leans down with him. “Oh, dear.”

“Just go. You can apologize after you’ve made him unable to walk from all the sex.” Nahida pats his arm. “Alhaitham and I will be fine. He’s just threatening him to behave.”

“I somehow doubt it will work. Ragnvindr is as stubborn as they come.” Zhongli huffs. She’s once again alone, at least until Cyno and his Matra come running up to her door. Which, knowing Cyno’s current sensitivity to Alhaitham’s hidden strengths—

“Lord Kusanali!”

Right on time.

“I believe this is best explained over a nice lunch, General. You can dismiss your men for now.” Nahida smiles warmly. Tugging him along, and far away from the view that would expose what a giant sap Alhaitham was for Kaveh.

Chapter Text

Kaveh is only half surprised when Cyno drags Diluc and Alhaitham back, one of which is by the ear, with a grinning Nahida barely four steps behind. “Remember what I said, not a word of it to Kaveh or—”

“Or what? What did you do, Haiyi?” Kaveh sighs. “We’ve been back two days!”

“Nothing to concern you over. Haitham merely did something embarrassing. He wishes to hide it from you now that he’s got a clear head.” Nahida answers. The flush of Haitham’s cheeks matches Diluc’s hair, but the redhead is quite pale. “As for you, Lord Ragnvindr. Was his point made?”

“Quite. As was the General Mahamatra’s.” He mumbles.

“Ah Luc, what did you get yourself into this time?” Kaeya asks. The other Omega slipped on his eyepatch when they’d knocked on the door. It’s discomforting to know he hides his eye like that, even if it’s fully functional. The redhead shakes his head, and the two Alphas are looking at anything but them.

“Seeing as you were supposed to be at work anyway, why don’t we all return there. I assume we should take Lord Ragnvindr with us, given what you told me, Haitham?” Nahida asks.

“Then why did we stop here in the first place?” Haitham asks.

“Because Kaveh and Kaeya needed to know you didn’t kill Diluc.” Cyno answers. Alhaitham huffs, but lowers himself down so that Nahida can accept a piggyback ride. “You might have gotten yourself off the hook with Lord Kusanali, but you still have a massive stack of paperwork to sort through. There’s also the two favors you asked of me after all the shit we did to help you out before!”

“Right. Can you see to at least the one involving Tighnari right away? The sooner—” Haitham’s voice trails off as they leave.

“May I ask if it’s normal for all of these officials to come to your house like this?” Kaeya asks. Kaveh hadn’t thought about it, at least not past the initial shock of Nahida calling him by name. “When I was home, I found out I was drinking buddies with the Anemo Archon while Diluc was ignoring me. Working with the Knights directly as the Cavalary Captain, and being—whatever it is that ties me to Diluc now, I suppose I’m in a similar situation.”

“It’s normal. With Haitham as my bonded, and him as the Acting Grand Sage, it sorta comes with the territory? Nahida doesn’t really act like an Archon most of the time, so I forget she is until she does something really ridiculous. As for Cyno, he’s a long-time friend, so to see him harassing Haitham and Diluc isn’t out of the ordinary either.” Kaveh hums. He moves to the front door, peaking out it and getting blasted with a fresh flood of Dendro from outside that hadn’t passed the barrier earlier. “Well, he must have done something stupid. All I can feel is Dendro outside again.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?” Kaeya asks. The Cryo user is just behind him.

“Eh, only if it’s producing Dendro cores. Found that out the hard way while we were heading through the Oasis a week ago. Haitham usually sticks to ‘pretty light shows’. We should be fine. That also explains why Cyno was agitated.” Kaveh shrugs. “So, now that the Alphas are gone and not coming back for several hours, is there anything you’d like to do?”

“That’s it? No further questions? A, why did Alhaitham volunteer you to help identify a small child’s parents?” Kaeya asks.

“You say that like it’s not a normal thing. Truly, that request is the most normal I’ve heard in several months. The last time it was ‘we have to go hunt down the ancient dragon corpse so your not boyfriend doesn’t die. Oh yeah, you also bonded him, and he’s the dragon.’ Really, that is the most normal thing I’ve heard in—a year?” Kaveh guesses. “Fontaine was weird too, but a different kind of it.”

“Drinking is out too early for that. Does Sumeru even have a hot spring?” Kaeya asks.

“Hmm, not yet. I’ll put it on Nahida’s list of things we need. I’m sure I can get Nilou and a few others to back me on that. Once my fellows in Kshahrewar know what it’s for, they’ll be all in.” Kaveh smiles. “I’ll draft up a few proposals if you just want to relax for a bit.”

“What about our trip?” Kaeya asks.

“To Mondstadt? I can’t really help with that outside of going. Haitham has all the mora, and I rarely plan my travels. I just grab Mehrak and go.” Kaveh shrugs.

“You don’t pack suppressants or scent blockers?” Kaeya asks.

Kaveh gathers the supplies needed to draft up a hot spring. Surely it cannot be too difficult? With Haitham as the Acting Grand Sage, he’ll approve it—if he’s not in one of those moods. On second thought, maybe he will need a few different drafts.

“—Kaveh?”

“Hmm, yes?”

“You just entirely zoned out on your project, didn’t you?” Kaeya laughs.

“Yup. Did you need something more of me? I can’t promise I‘ll be all that attentive as a host while I’ve got this idea.” Kaveh answers. The others had kindly moved his drafting desk into Haitham’s study while they had all the extra company. He unfurls a fresh sheet and weights it down.

“No, maybe. I need to get my scent blockers back from Zhongli for the trip, but I don’t know how Alhaitham will react to them.” Kaeya sighs behind him.

Pencils, charcoal, rulers, and various other objects he’s familiar with are perfectly lined up, brand new in a holder beside it. Kaveh inspects each one before turning back to the Cryo Vision holder.

“Two things. Why does Zhongli have your scent blockers? And why are you worried about Haiyi’s reaction to them?” Kaveh asks.

The bluenette flushes. Mumbling the answer under his breath. Kaveh swivels on the stool he’d sat himself onto. “He said they gave him a headache.”

“And why is that important?” Kaveh asks.

“Luc said something similar, but none of the other Alphas I encountered have had that issue. Only—” Kaeya trails off.

“The Draconic ones. Hmm, I’d like to test them before we leave then. I’m sure we can convince Cyno to confirm your earlier experiences, but there might be another we can also ask to see if it’s something that consistently affects dragons.” Kaveh surmises. “Tighnari’s nose might also be a good one to test.”

“Who were you thinking of?” Kaeya asks.

“Lord Kamisato, let’s check in and see if they can help us test it. If that is the case, that it’s giving all the dragons a problem, then you’ll need to stop taking around them.” Kaveh hops off the stool. “Come on, there’s only one proper place for them to stay around here that’s secure enough to be recommended.”

“Which is?”

“The dorms. Cyno didn’t feel secure in his own house, only Haiyi’s, which means they stashed the three of them in student dorms for the time being.” Kaveh says. “We’ll need to find Mister Zhongli first to get the blockers and confirm why he took them from you.”

Kaeya is only mildly surprised that Kaveh wants to test the scent blockers first. The actual surprise is how quickly the other finds the ex Geo Archon, considering he’s not in the Sanctuary. He wants to ask how, but supposes the Dendro pair have their own secrets.

Zhongli is sipping tea in the Puspa Cafe, and Kaveh slides right in across from him without a word. The Harbinger Omega is nowhere to be seen, so Kaeya follows right after the blond.

“Good Afternoon Master Kaveh, Captain Alberich. Can I help the two of you?” He asks. Looking more amused than anything else.

“Kaeya claims you have his scent blockers?” Kaveh asks. The manager drops off two coffees to the table, and Kaeya realizes everyone haunts the cafe. “Thank you.”

“A pleasure Master Kaveh.” The manager nods. “Did you need lunch at all?”

“Not at the moment. Thank you, though.” The blond’s charisma is practically spilling out of him. Golden eyes watch the whole thing unfold in fascination, and he waits until the manger has flitted away. “Zhongli?”

“They give me a massive headache, not unlike the Tianquan when she makes changes to Liyue. Why do you want them back? Are you leaving?” His eyes flick to Kaeya’s and he still can’t stop the shiver that runs down his spine.

“I need to test if they will bother Haitham.” Kaveh waves a hand, bringing the ex Archon’s gaze back to him. Kaeya nods, letting the other do the talking. “We’re wondering if it’s specific to you and Diluc, or something else.”

“They bother Ragnvindr?” He asks curiously.

“The first time he caught them on me, he tossed me out of the bar. When I finally got him to calm down enough to talk, which also wasn’t very long, he said it smelled like another’s scent was on me.” Kaeya explains.

“Your scent isn’t altered to that of a beta, Captain. It alters it to something unappealing. I suspect it’s more the source of where you get it from than you wearing it that’s my problem. They are currently in the Sanctuary, and I’d very much like to know if it’s specific to alphas or just—” He stops himself, then pats down his person. “Could you put this on Childe’s tab for me?”

“Of course Mister Zhongli. Whose tab for the two of you?” She says politely.

“I can pay for the two of us.” Kaeya says. “How much is Mister Zhongli’s?”

“If you just mean today’s tab—about a 1000 mora for all three of you.” She offers. “Childe cleared your tab yesterday for the previous visits. Your Omega is very kind.”

“Ah, I shall have to thank him. Would you prepare something for him?” Zhongli inclines his head.

“I can. I’ll have it made while I cash out the rest. Are you paying still, Captain?” She asks. Kaeya nods, passing over a bag of mora. Zhongli hums, sipping at what remains of his tea.

“Still forgetting your wallet?” Kaveh asks. “Childe told us about all the dates. Haitham would have stuck mine in my pocket, if I’d had any money.”

“A rather humorous side effect of no longer having the Gnosis in my opinion. Did Nahida promise you a mora budget with the vendors?” Kaeya asks.

“She is paying me, but it goes to Childe since I cannot be bothered to remember something I used to mint.” Zhongli sighs. “It’s only tiresome when I’m actively trying to surprise Childe, otherwise it’s fine. Director Hu has politely let me put it on hers for those instances.”

“It’s a good thing Childe’s rich.” Kaveh snorts.

“Here, I thought you’d say that about Alhaitham. Has he told you he’s the one that paid off your debtor? Dori, I believe it was?” Kaeya asks.

The blond turns bright red, and the astonishment in his eyes says ‘no’ louder the protesting noises he’s letting out. “That—he didn’t even ask me!”

“I’m unsurprised.” Zhongli hums again. “That said, Childe actually complained about how much money the Acting Grand Sage has. He looked into it, possibly to see if he could be bribed in the future. It is not insignificant.”

“Sounds like all three of our partners are rich while we’re out here busting our asses.” Kaeya mutters. “I mean, I’m not broke like you two, but I still have to actually work.”

“Rude.” Kaveh says. “But not inaccurate. I’ve always been more interested in the end results of my work than the overall payment. I suspect your issue is more recent?”

“Indeed. Usually I’d just go around a corner while I still had the Gnosis, and come back with the required Mora if it was truly worth it.” Zhongli shrugs. “Which is also why if Childe asks something unpleasant as a favor, I usually see to it. Outside of sheer violence.”

“Reasonable enough.” Kaveh nods. “Haitham dislikes violence in general, it doesn’t sound like Diluc falls into that category?”

“Not at all. He prefers the ‘hands on’ approach, but usually it’s reserved for the Fatui and Abyssal order.” Kaeya shrugs.

“We should probably make sure not to leave him and Childe in a room together.” Kaveh looks towards Zhongli, who simply shrugs.

“If Childe starts a fight with Ragnvindr, I will not interfere unless he actually tries to kill him. It might get me a moment’s peace.” The ex Archon sighs. “He’s still trying to con my Adepti into fighting him, especially Xiao.”

“Master Childe’s coffee to go. Along with the pastry he ordered last time.” The manager says. She hands Zhongli the pastry and he leads them back to the Sanctuary. Kaveh is babbling about something as some Matra jog past. A glance in the direction they’re headed shows a Dendro construct looming in the far distance.

“Zhongli, what is that?” Kaeya asks, finally breaking the silence. The ex Archon hums, then glances to it, Kaveh following his line of sight.

“That’s—no, how did Haiyi—no wonder Cyno was pissed.” Kaveh sputters.

“I thought it was well made myself. He promised to dismiss it once his point was made.” Nahida says, greeting all of them. “What brings you up to the Sanctuary?”

“Scent blockers.” Kaeya answers curtly. She tilts her head, then nods, gesturing for them to follow her. “Traveling back up to Mond, I planned to wear them.”

“I’m not sure I understand the reason. Both Alhaitham and Diluc will be present, would that not—” Nahida tilts her head again.

“It’s an Omega thing, as much as I dislike the term. Walking with one’s scent unbound can create unnecessary hardships for them.” Zhongli answers. “I have them put up in my teapot. Let me drop these off to Childe first. Nahida?”

“Yes?” The Dendro Archon peers up at him. Kaeya doesn’t really get how Kaveh can’t just see her as an Archon. Even when Venti was incognito, he still—

“Can you call for Ragnvindr and your Grand Sage? We’d like to run a test.” Zhongli requests.

“Lord Kamisato and Cyno would also be useful.” Kaveh adds beside her.

“What kind of test?” The Dendro Archon asks. She peers at Kaveh, who taps his skull for a moment, and then nods in agreement. “That would be acceptable. I’ll ask Alhaitham to bring Lord Kamisato as they’re currently in his office. Cyno is with Diluc, so I’ll send word to him.”

“That’s it?” Kaeya asks.

“Yep, your plan seems solid enough, but I’d suggest we do this is a controlled environment. Also, Kaveh, I suggest you test that as well.” She advises.

“Test what?” Kaeya asks.

“How Alhaitham acts while I use them. Surely it cannot be that bad.” Kaveh lets out a smile, and fades a moment. “Huh, that’s odd.” Kaeya doesn’t want to ask, but the way his mood faltered is interesting. “I think someone just walked into his office without asking. Weird. I wasn’t able to sense his emotions before, now I can tell someone is getting a stare that would wither them into the carpet. Sucks to be them.” That actually sounds hilarious.

“I’ve watched Diluc do something similar. The idiot walked in there like they owned the place. It took Venti to convince him not to set the moron on fire. On at least two separate occasions.” Kaeya laughs. “Even tried to help a few times, but it ended with me being thrown out too.”

“Did the change in his moods start before or after you started wearing the scent blockers?” Nahida asks.

“I’m not wearing them now, and I can say it seems to help. I cannot be certain it will last given why I started wearing them.” Kaeya answers.

“I’d consider giving them up.” Kaveh advises. “Or finding one you can both tolerate.”

“That might be a better option.” Kaeya agrees. Nahida nods, and settles on her Dendro swing.

“Haitham has Lord Kamisato and Thoma joining him. Cyno said he and Diluc will be a bit. Since we do not know if it’s the scent on the individual or just Diluc acting poorly in response, would you like to try them, Kaveh?” Nahida asks.

“Would you be able to stop Alhaitham if he responds the same way?” Kaeya points out.

“I can. But it would be best if we can wash it off if needed.” Zhongli has the small bag. “Ragnvindr’s rage is more explosive, Alhaitham just becomes uncomfortable in his own skin.” The blond nods.

“I’ll need all of you to be clear of him if that’s how we’re doing this test. I can talk him down if needed, but any Alpha too close will be endangered.” Kaveh agrees. “We’ll also need a scented item to bring him back from that edge.”

“Then perhaps I should go fetch some of your laundry before whatever test this is starts?” Alhaitham says. Lord Kamisato and Thoma are in tow behind him as he arrives.

“May I ask what we’re all doing here?” Lord Kamisato asks.

“So…”

~~~~~~~~

Diluc doesn’t want to know how the General Mahamatra gets his orders from the Dendro Archon. One second he’s sparing the man inside of the Dendro construct Alhaitham made to scare him. The next he’s being tossed out the window by a visceral strike, with the other following out the window behind him. Was the building about to collapse or—nope, false alarm, just his Archon tugging on a mental leash.

The General directs him up the stairs, to the Sanctuary he’d burst into and ran face first into the retired Geo Archon. Now it’s rather crowded. The Dendro Archon is directing people back and forth, and Alhaitham is locked in a sphere in the corner, draconic features leaking out as Kaveh paces back and forth.

“About time! Come here Ragnvindr, you to Cyno. As soon as you two have sniffed me, I can go wash this shit off.” Kaveh huffs. He’s approaching both of them, and Diluc’s head pounds, but otherwise nothing.

“You stink, and it’s unpleasant, like Beta or Alpha.” The General says, just rolling with it. Then he glances over at Alhaitham with a grimace.

“Alright, what about you Diluc?” The blond asks.

“Headache, and similar sentiments. Now, what is this about?” Diluc asks. Glancing over at Kaeya who’s got a hand to his chin.

“I also had a headache, as did Zhongli Xiansheng.” Lord Kamisato says quietly. Tilting his head to look at Diluc directly. “Dendro, Cryo, Geo—Pyro?” He looks back to Nahida, who nods.

“That’s what we’re all thinking. You’re good to go wash, Kaveh. Once you’re cleaned up, we’ll explain that should also be enough to get Alhaitham to calm down.” Nahida agrees. The blonde actually fucking runs, Kaeya and Thoma following him. “You can leave us, Cyno.”

“Alhaitham looks like he’s caught rabis. What in the Abyss did you do to him?” He asks.

“Master Kaveh smelled like someone else had claimed him. It did not go well.” The ex Archon explains. “I was able to push him into Nahida’s containment field with Kaveh’s assistance.”

There’s a low rumbling growl coming from the draconic man, and Diluc has a rather unwilling epiphany. If the ex Archon did that to a dragon, he didn’t stand a fucking chance when he was trying to talk to Kaeya. He feels small, and with the General’s retreat all eyes are on him.

“I suppose I’ll ask, do you have scales yet, Ragnvindr?” Lord Kamisato asks. He pulls a sleeve up, and pearlescent white scales reflect off his bicep. Zhongli removes his glove, and his arms are charcoal black with gold veins.

“What?” Diluc asks.

“Thoma mentioned it, and Kaeya was the one that thought to test all of us.” Kamisato slides his sleeve back down. “Have you had problems controlling your element? Specifically containing your Pyro?”

“I’ll refrain from stories, but Alhaitham should have a few once we set him loose.” The ex Archon replaces his glove and turns back to the door. “Our Omegas have recognized all of us as Sovereigns.”

“The hell is a Sovereign?” Diluc steps back towards the door. “What the hell is going on?”

“Can you still use your Pyro without your vision?” Zhongli asks. He conjures a Geo cube to his hand.

“Not really?” Diluc looks at him.

“I say we leave the explanation to Alhaitham. He’s got a gift for words.” Nahida says. “He also has the time to get through to them on their upcoming trip. Thank you for your assistance with this test, Lord Kamisato.”

“A pleasure. Ayaka and I will stay on a bit during their trip to assist.” He inclines his head, giving Diluc a look he can’t read. “Should you require my assistance in the future, Lord Ragnvindr, please, just ask.” The alpha leaves him with the rapid Dendro dragon, and the two Archons.

“Is someone going to explain what’s just happened?” Diluc asks.

“That would be the two of us. Everyone else was a tester or here to witness the experiment. I’ll need a moment with Haiyi, then Kaeya and I can explain.” The blond’s hair is limp, Nahida deactivates the holding device and the Dendro dragon stalks out of it towards Kaveh.

Scarlett blown slits meet lavender, and there are spiraling gold black horns curling out of that mess of blond hair as he steps into the Acting Grand Sage’s range. Kaeya’s hand clenches his arm as he readies to draw his claymore. Kaveh spreads his arms wide after pulling his collar away for easy access.

“Your claim is not refuted, nor has anyone touched somewhere they shouldn’t. I am unmarked and remain yours. Scent me and calm your cranky ass down.” Kaveh instructs.

Diluc cringes, watching the dragon circle him. Dendro pulses off the other, and flowers pool around the blond as he waits. Padisarahs, Mourning flowers, various lotus blossoms. Diluc’s lungs are burning as he holds his breath. It’s gonna go sideways, Kaveh is going to—

“That was entirely unpleasant.” Alhaitham voices after several long moments. Eyes still blown, but his inhuman features slowly retracting. He glances over towards Zhongli with a nod. “I appreciate you helping Kaveh while I was like that.”

“A pleasure. One, you’ll return to our kin, if ever it’s needed, I assume?” Zhongli asks.

“Of course.” Alhaitham nods. “The point of this was to test and see if Kaeya’s scent blockers only affect dragons like that.”

“I would say a resounding yes, and no need to test them on Thoma. That Cyno was not afflicted with the headache is proof enough.” Nahida summarizes. “Were those biologically set for you or just any Omega, Kaeya?”

“Albedo made them, using Khemia. I don’t think they were specific to me, just Omega’s covering whatever scent draws us into danger.” Kaeya answers. “I’ll have them disposed of at once. We cannot risk them being used on the partner of a Sovereign again.”

“No, we cannot.” Alhaitham agrees, and the teal is finally coming back into his irises. “It causes irrational rage in the partner, even when rationally we know nothing has happened. I can see why Ragnvindr didn’t react well to you in his bar, Captain Alberich.”

“It doesn’t mute the bond, but it makes it severely itchy. I agree with Nahida’s earlier comment. Do we really need scent blockers since we’ll be traveling with our Alphas?” Kaveh asks. He’s resting against Haitham’s chest, simply being held. Diluc chances a glance at Kaeya, wondering if he’ll ever get the chance to—“Hold him. Don’t think about it.”

Kaeya’s eye meets his, nodding his consent. He releases the death grip he’s had on Diluc’s arm, and moves to mirror the other pair. “I have no objections to it.” Kaeya’s hair tickles his nose, and his muscles loosen into a far more relaxed mode from just holding Kaeya loosely.

“If truly intend to go back to Mondstadt, you must be prepared to resume being a bonded pair. A child needs both parents. If you two cannot come to an agreement, it not only harms you, but the girl as well.” Zhongli gestures. “I’m not saying you must resume sexual relations, or anything more advanced. You must stop fighting your basic instincts, and I mean both of you.”

“We agree.” Kaveh says for the other pair. Haitham rests his chin on the blond’s shoulder. “Sleeping next to each other last night was a good start. You both could actually rest and don’t try lying to me. The difference was obvious to someone versed in that type of discomfort.”

“The longer Ragnvindr was apart from Captain Alberich after, the more irritated he became. Both were suffering most of the withdrawal signs I noted for Tighnari.” Haitham says. “The most serve of which were not present yet. Seizures, catatonic state, and pulling from the seat of the Sovereign’s power.”

“That one might be unique to you.” Kaveh points out.

“Before you get caught up in another hour long debate. Will one of you tell Diluc the secondary purpose of this debate?” Kaeya huffs.

“Oh, congratulations. You’re probably the heir of the Pyro Sovereign.” Kaveh waves his hand.

“He doesn’t know what the Sovereigns are.” Nahida says. Diluc watches Haitham snort, then untangle himself from the blond.

“I’ll get you the details on our trip in a week. You—”Haitham pauses for the dramatic effect.”—are the Pyro version of me.”

Oh fuck. Kaeya tilts his head, giving him a smug look. “When we figure out how to get your horns out, I’m going to have a lot of fun.”

That—is the least of his concerns. How the fuck is it even possible? Kaeya doesn’t seem scared of him at the moment, but—what if he loses control again? Actually goes too far—

“As a Sovereign, our bonded mates cannot be killed unless we die first. We are not immortal, but we are extremely hard to kill.” Zhongli says. “Thoma is not protected under this, but Captain Alberich and Master Kaveh are. That is likely why the Captain is still alive after your—incident.”

“How does everyone know about that?” Diluc asks. The answer is a cacophony of voices at the same time.

“Irminsul.” (Nahida) / ”Venti.” (Zhongli) / “Kaeya told me.” (Kaveh) / “It wasn’t hard to guess.” (Alhaitham)

“You may borrow them in a week. I need Alhaitham to as my Grand Sage to lessen the pile for a bit.” Nahida frowns. “That should get us caught up enough to maintain.”

“Haitham?” The blond says. He receives a hum from the other. “I have a building proposal I’d like to submit to you and Nahida after this. Can we open a public hot spring?”

“You should commission one. They are fabulous. I have one in my teapot. If not a public one, then a private one for your home. It helps when we have to shed.” Zhongli agrees.

Kaeya is giving him an amused side glance. Neither of them is about to spill that anybody of water he enters eventually ends up as hot as a natural hot spring. That’s a secret his Omega will never share so long as it benefits him.

“I’ll take it into consideration if the budget isn’t as ridiculous as the last 75 you proposed to the previous sage.” Alhaitham counters.

Chapter Text

Kaeya is sitting happily in Diluc’s arms. They’ve been out here for hours looking up at the stars from the roof of Alhaitham’s house. The Dendro pair had left to their own devices, and Diluc was simply tired after all the events of the day.

“Are you alright?” Kaeya asks.

The redhead hums behind him, his arms tightening a fraction. Warmth from the Pyro has been gently flooding his body as they’ve sat, something they used to do as children in Mond. Where the redhead would also fall asleep under the stars with him.

“I’m comfortable at the moment.” Diluc mumbles. Still not quite awake. “If anything, I’m just tired. I thought that was obvious.” The redhead stirs a little more.

“I meant with everything going on. You didn’t take it well when everything was said yesterday.” Kaeya says. The redhead’s arms tighten around him a fraction, and Kaeya lays a hand on one of those arms. “Luc?”

“How can you stand it, Kae? They just told us I’m not—” Diluc chokes on the words, but forces himself to let his arms relax so he’s not harming him. “—it feels wrong. Yet, it’s the only thing that makes sense.”

“Being a Sovereign doesn’t change who you are a person are, Luc. It might make you more protective, and occasionally more cranky, but it doesn’t have to be bad. It doesn’t make you any different than you have always been, its just a new label on it.” Kaeya explains. His hand rubbing soothingly along one forearm. “Does being Khaenri’ahian make me any less human?”

“No.” Diluc answers.

“Then why should you being a Sovereign matter? It’s just a type of human, maybe a little bit stronger, but fundamentally, Alhaitham’s no different from the average person.” Kaeya settles further into the other’s chest. “Outside of being a bit antisocial.”

“Seems like a draconic trait.” Diluc whispers. “I’m not doing well about coming to terms with it and everything else.”

“Are you worried? About us?” Kaeya asks.

“Not particularly. That awful blocker was causing a decent amount of my frustrations, but trying to voice that to you without sounding like an absolute asshole? I feel more at peace with us than I have since before father died. It might be the only thing that feels—right.” Diluc says.

His head leans against Kaeya's shoulder, and they sit for a moment, just listening to the distant sounds of the rainforest. The rest of Sumeru City went to bed hours ago. It’s just the city guard slowly pacing the paths now.

“I agree. There are still things to work through, but it feels manageable.” Kaeya hums. “We should head inside and get some sleep soon. Kaveh will need help with the groceries tomorrow.”

“So utterly domestic. Did you see how—” Diluc trails off into a slow rambling speech about Alhaitham’s sappy tendencies. It leaves a good feeling in the pit of stomach, and after so long without Diluc, it’s nice to have his Alpha back. That said, there’s still a tense set to his shoulders that needs addressed.

“Still traumatized over this morning?” Kaeya asks.

“You’ll have to be more specific. We might have a daughter neither of us knew about. There’s being thrown out a window by the General Mahamatra because his boss called. Alhaitham making a giant Dendro palace in a show of ‘non-violent’ power, which still hurts if you get thrown into by a pissed off general. Not to mention mister ‘I don’t choose violence, it chooses me’ feeble scholar looked like he wanted to tear all our heads off today.” Diluc sighs. “That’s without convincing you to come back to Winery full time.”

“Ah, well, convince me to come back with some of your fabulous cooking and Addy’s hospitality? You’ve got a week we’re stuck here. Does this mean I’m no longer disowned?” Kaeya asks.

“I never should have done that. One cannot disown their bonded anyway, not without death separating them.” Diluc sighs. “I’ll write Adelinde tomorrow. She’ll be happy to know I’ve seen the errors of my ways.”

“Good, because I’m tired of fighting you, Luc. It hurt more than it ever solved, but I thought you didn’t want it anymore, so I stopped pushing for it.” Kaeya hums. Diluc coughs behind him, moving from behind so they can look eye to eye.

“I was upset. That never meant I didn’t want what we had back. I left because I was terrified I was going to lose you. I couldn’t trust myself around you, and I didn’t understand why.” Diluc vents. He looks like he wants to pace the rooftop, but doesn’t want to disturb their hosts. Kaeya already misses the steady supply of heat from being settled against him. “You would have been well within your rights to have Jean and the Knights arrest me. Or had Barbatos seek vengeance on your behalf.”

“Have you ever known me not to fight my own battles? It was never their business to interfere. They may have tried to persuade me to talk about it, but I shut them down. With Charles, Elzar, and Addy’s help.” Kaeya says. “As for Venti, yeah, he was a little concerned. He’s not exactly known as a source of vengeance.” Diluc snorts beside him.

“Is there anyone in Mondstadt that doesn’t know that drunken bard is Barbatos?” Diluc mutters.

“Probably, we just don’t know them. I’d guess the average citizen. You know, Barbara still complains about the damage he did to the Holy Lyre?” Kaeya stretches out before directing both of them down the roof. It’s not much of a surprise the door is locked when he tries the knob. He flicks his hands out, conjuring a quick set of Cyro picks. “Watch my back? I forgot to ask for a set of keys.”

Diluc nods and pulls a similar kit out of his own coat. It seems they really did think alike. The lock gives way, and it’s surprisingly easy. Kaeya files a mental note to bring it up to Kaeya in the morning as it clicks open. Just inside the doorway floats a thoroughly unimpressed looking suitcase, digital face sour as it beeps unhappily.

That beeping is off abruptly by it entering a tense standoff with Alhaitham, in only a pair of sleeping pants with his arms crossed at it. He glances their way with a polite nod before addressing the floating box of complaints.

“Mehrak, they’re supposed to be here. Be quiet before you wake Kaveh.” His voice is pitched low like its been slung over gravel. The box shuts up immediately before floating away leaving their host staring at them in only mild confusion. “How did you get in? I noticed the spare key was still by the door.”

He slowly raises the Cryo picks still in his hands, and in a flick of his wrist they’re gone. Alhaitham sighs, slowly shaking his head as he steps back to allow them in.

“Cyno is going to hate that. I doubt he’s thought of it.” Alhaitham mumbles. “Did either of you need anything? I have to get ready for work soon.” He waves a hand, and pulsing Dendro lines the house, answering the question of why wasn’t the dragon concerned with how easily they just broke into his house.

“Alhaitham?” Kaeya asks. Diluc tenses behind him as the dragon turns. “Thank you, for everything you and Kaveh are doing for us.” The other nods, and there’s an almost soft look on his face.

“I only wish there had been someone to do this for us then. My apologies. We cannot leave sooner.” He inclines his head. “Take the spare key with you for now. Mehrak’s probably just mad that she and Kaveh didn’t think to make a Dendro copy of the key first.”

“Sorry for waking you up.” Diluc adds.

“You didn’t. Mehrak did an override on my noise cancelling headphones, otherwise I wouldn’t be. You’ve nothing to apologize for. Especially considering you were likely stargazing. Kaveh and I used to do it all the time from the top of the Sacred Tree.”

How—Alhaitham shrugs, yawning mid-step as he heads back towards his room.

“We’ll see to the supplies while you get caught up with work.” Diluc says.

“Start with getting some sleep. Kaveh will want to make you all breakfast, and he’ll get noisy and fidgety if you keep him waiting long.” Alhaitham points out.

Diluc wanders past him for the bathroom, and Kaeya toes his shoes off, heading for the guest room. It screams nesting room to him, but—right, Kaveh just got back together with the other and never used it. Instead, Kaeya is enjoying silk sheets and a mattress that only compares to the ones at the Winery.

The Winery.

Diluc wants him to come home. Would the redhead set up a room like this for him? A place to safely nest during unpleasant heats? Or would he be taken to the master suite to spoil all of Diluc’s expensive—

“You’ve got that look on your face like you’re thinking too hard again. Most of the time, it got us in trouble with Jean.” Diluc looks weary, but there’s a soft smile on his face. “What’s on your mind?”

“Going home.” Kaeya answers. The Alpha nods, stripping off his coat and hanging it to air out on a bedpost. “Can you believe that this room has never been used? At least not for who it’s meant for?”

“Only a little. It makes sense, given everything we’ve seen of Alhaitham so far.” Diluc unlaces his boots, setting them to the side of the bed. He’s down to his white undershirt, vest, and pants. “I should have asked for sleepwear.”

“We can get you some in the market tomorrow. I’m sure it won’t be difficult.” Kaeya strips off his own clothes. Changing into a soft white nightshirt Kaveh had found for him earlier, after some digging. It was among the assorted drawers in the room that had him blushing a shade that nearly matched his carmine eyes. The obvious evidence of how much the blond was missed makes his heart ache with sympathy. Had Diluc done similar things about him?

Kaeya can’t help the envy that’s slowly leaking out of him. Being invited home is one thing, but this place, it feels like it was a home waiting for its master to return.

“Your scent has soured. What’s the matter Kae?” Diluc asks. He hovers at the edge of the bed, hesitating—

“Come here.” Its the same courteous hovering Diluc used to do at the old manor house. Wait just beyond a threshold to be given permission, to never just assume he was wanted. It was a good gentlemanly habit that Master Crepus held him to, but he’d seen the way uncertainty lurked behind those crimson eyes. Kaeya hated those rules, even if they were general ones for opposite presenting teens. Super awkward, really close teens.

Diluc always waited to be invited in, but Kaeya? He’d barge in on the drop of a hat. Especially during a thunderstorm, or if old nightmares surfaced. The redhead would scoot over, lift the covers and Kaeya would slide right in. It’s his turn. He slides into the covers, peels them back and pats the sheets. The redhead shucks off his pants and vest. Sliding in just his boxers like when they are home. Finally releasing the tension that’s been coiling in his shoulders since they entered the house. A bad dream that he doesn’t have to endure anymore.

“Ah, you thought I was going to make you sleep on the divan after all of that? Do you think so little of me, Luc?” Kaeya scoots under the covers so they’re mere inches apart. “Is your Pyro acting up now that you know?”

“No more than usual.” Diluc answers, eyes already drowsy with sleep. “I thought the sour note to your scent meant you were mad at me again.” He lets out a deep sigh, scenting him with how close their noses are. “I’ve had quite enough of being separate, unless you’re the one suggesting it.” A frown crosses his face even as his eyelids drop, long crimson lashes landing on his pale cheeks.

“Not at all.” Kaeya hums, contentment oozing out of him. “Luc?”

“Hmm?” The redhead replies. He’s already half asleep.

“There’s a really good chance she might be our kid. Are you okay with that?” Kaeya asks. One long pale arm reaches forward, rolling him over so Diluc can bury his face in his hair while holding him close. Content hormones are drifting lazily off the redhead.

“Given how she ran into me, I suppose I have to be. Children deserved to be loved, and she’s the first one that hasn’t ran away screaming when she saw me.” He half mumbles. “Perhaps she takes after you in that regard. She’s just a kid, even if we aren’t her parents, I’d be willing to try if you are.”

“You’re going to spoil her rotten.” Kaeya accuses. There’s a soft hum at his back. “Luc?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.” Kaeya says. The redhead snuggles closer. “Also, if I ever respond no to a snuggle call Jean. You’ll know its not me.” Kaeya holds that arm closer, enjoying that soft warmth that he’s only ever found with his sleepy Alpha. Diluc nods.

“Same. Only call Addy.”

Kaeya tucks himself into that warm embrace shamelessly. He holds that arm tight, and breathes in the content scent drifting off Diluc for the first time in years.

Chapter Text

Kaveh groans. The sun is barely up and he’s suffocating under his book dragon. Haitham normally is gingerly embraced around him in his sleep. Today, the asshole is draped over him, slowly crushing his lungs with his massive bulk. Mehrak is flashing angrily from her charging station, indicating there was a break in last night.

The barrier is also back up, so Haitham dealt with it. It also explains why he’s not wrapped around him. There’s no lingering distressed scent either, just mild confusion and his headphones are over on Kaveh’s side of the bed.

“Calm yourself, Mehrak. I assume Haiyi handled it?” Kaveh asks. He’s petting the soft gray hair tickling his nose. The toolbox flashes in the affirmative. “Then it’s fine. He put the Dendro barrier back up. The house is secure. We have two guests right now. Haiyi likely locked them out by accident.”

Alhaitham would have made sure the house was secure before he would have done that. He’d removed the barrier last night when they invited Diluc to stay for the week with them. Did he actually trust the other Alpha to secure the house too? He locked up the house when—right, Diluc is also a Sovereign.

“Haiyi?”

“Hmph.” He moves, burying his nose into the unmarred side of his neck.

“Mehrak was just telling me about our break in?” Kaveh asks.

“It was just those two, out past my bedtime stargazing. I’m more concerned that Captain Alberich’s first idea was to pick the lock, not knock. Mehrak wants you to inspect the lock for damage, thus the barrier.” Haitham half grumbles. “His lock picks were made of Cryo. Cyno is gonna be pissed he didn’t think of that. Also, why haven’t you made a Dendro copy of your key yet?”

“I—you—Mehrak, save that idea for later.” Kaveh half sputters. “Don’t you have to work today?”

“Nahida knows Mehrak woke me up. As long as I do the required daily hours, she doesn’t care.” Haitham turns over, getting off of him to the other side of the bed. “I’m going to stay late to see if I can get through what she’s asking sooner.”

“You, voluntarily working overtime? Who are you, and what have you done with Haiyi?” Kaveh teases.

“I don’t want to keep them waiting.” He grumbles. “Do you disagree with that plan?”

“I disagree if it means overworking yourself. I approve of you doing something for someone else with no real gains in it for you.” Kaveh pats his head. “What you do you want for breakfast then?”

“Coffee. Now, can I go back to sleep?” Haitham asks.

“Yes, fine. I’m going to go test your key theory and think about a possible prevention measure for vision-based picks.” Kaveh pecks his forehead. “Anything you want for the trip?”

“I travel light. I only require a certain blond’s company, and I’ll be happy.” Haiyi answers. “Grab yourself some fresh sketchbooks. The opportunity should be there on the way there or even just the way back.” Kaveh blinks for a moment.

“Haiyi—” Kaveh crashes into him, crying all over the tried man. “You’re the best.”

“Careful, someone in the Akademiya might hear you.” The Alpha teases.

“You’re going to make them stop to let me sketch?” Kaveh asks. Blubbering at him, and the tired Alpha nods. Content hormones flood the room, and Haitham’s gentle snoring shows just how close he was before that. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but thank you, Haiyi.”

Haitham is going to take him out of Sumeru, and stop for him to sketch whatever he wants! Kaveh is positively vibrating as he dresses for the day. Mehrak follows him through to the kitchen. Whistling all the way, he needs to let Haiyi sleep.

You had better. If I don’t get at least a few hours, I can’t guarantee I won’t try to kill whomever comes in my office. His inner voice says flatly. It’s so very Haitham, even if the other man is out cold a few rooms away.

“As long as it isn’t one of our friends, I can’t be bothered to care right now.” Kaveh whispers under his breath, making himself some breakfast.

Lies. You’d care about even a Crystalfly having its wings plucked. The voice in his head counters. Even the Haiyi in his head knows him too well.

Still to get to sketch other countries in all their glory rather than a photo? This idiot spoils him.

He looks over at Mehrak, who’s already floating happily. She’s already compiling a list for him to pick up, and at the top of that list are two glass visions. It unnerves him more than he’d like to admit that his old one shattered, and Alhaitham mentioned its easier to blend in when people can see their visions. For once, he’s not about to argue with him.

Chapter Text

Diluc wakes up to his nose buried in a head of midnight colored hair, smelling lightly of mint, menthol, wine, and calla lilies. Kaeya has curled up into his chest, eyepatch set aside on the dresser. It is with an absolutely heavy heart that he extracts himself from that cool grasp.

Taking first the eyepatch, he holds it firmly against his gland, allowing his scent to absolutely cloak the small leather item. He turns looking for the other item he knows will bring the Omega comfort, his black fingerless gloves.

The man loves to rest his hands under his chin, and it will either a comfort him as intended, or startle the Khaenri’ahian long enough for him to get a word in edge wise. Secretly, Diluc is hoping for both, but he won’t hold his breath. He’s never been one to outpace Kaeya for words.

The bluenette mumbles in mild distress at his absence, and Diluc grabs his black greatcoat. The garment is so thoroughly saturated with his scent that it should be able to help Kaeya as he preps for his morning. Dressing back into something more appropriate to walk around a shared house in.

He shuts the door quietly behind him, running face first into the blond Omega who nods approvingly. He gestures for him to follow with an excited bounce to his step as he does so. Those black and gold horns spiraling out of his hair, and flowers follow his every step. Diluc notes the flowers from before are gone, and he wonders what’s going on with him.

“You look well rested, and it smells like you did your best to comfort your Omega. I appreciate your attempt. Now that I’ve said that, please understand this. You’ve a long road to go before he truly forgives you.” The blond Omega’s cheery face drops a smidge.

“I do not deserve that forgiveness.” Diluc says. Agreeing quietly with the blond.

“I’m not going to lie to you. The strain in a relationship doesn’t go away overnight. It takes effort from both sides, and if there really is a little one involved on the other end of this, you have to put them first. Your relationship with Kaeya is important, but the two of you created a life that you need to take responsibility for.” Kaveh pulls a coffee off the counter for him.

The Omega’s eyes glow, and the flowers blossom out around him. Lampgrass in particular, then padisarahs and mourning flowers. The blond follows his stare to the floor, and the small frown blossoms into a straight scowl. It’s honestly humorous how thunderous it turns in an instant. “HAITHAM!”

He can hear the groan, and it takes the dragon a moment to patter down the hallway. The gray-haired Alpha doesn’t look distressed at all, merely amused. His nose twitches for half a second before he snaps his fingers. Raw Dendro floods the room, eating away the flowers his Omega made. “This is all your doing, Habibi.”

“I—urg. Can you at least warn me I’m letting off flowers? Either of you! I can’t even tell when it’s happening anymore.” Kaveh runs a hand through her hair. “Haiyi—”

“I’ve got this. Go freshen up, Habibi.” The Grand Sage pats his shoulder. The blond sighs, abandoning the kitchen as instructed. “I find it hard to be transparent with people. Kaveh knows, but still he tries. To know who I am, even if I am no longer just the man I once was.” He heads towards the kitchen, ribbons fluttering behind him. Snapping his finger towards the living room full of blossoms, the other hadn’t noticed yet.

From the cabinet, he pulls four cups. Their host and starts making coffee like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Perhaps then—

“Do you mind if I make us breakfast? There’s something we used to have all the time as children.” Diluc gestures to the stove. Alhaitham inclines his head thoughtfully, focusing on the coffee. He rolls up his sleeves and pulls ingredients from the Cryo box.

“Kaveh likes things sweet. So long as they are happy, I won’t complain. So often Omegas are convinced that their entire existence is just to care for us. It’s nice to show them we can care for them too.” Alhaitham answers. “Your Omega takes his black, how do you take your coffee?” Diluc pauses, he already knows how Kae takes his coffee?

“I take my on the sweeter side when I do drink it. I prefer tea actually—” Diluc’s eyes bug out when the other opens a cabinet filled with teas from top to bottom. “Archons above, are you that difficult to shop for? That’s the cabinet of someone that is hard to get gifts for.”

“Most of my guests prefer tea, like Tighnari and Nahida. I used to drink tea in the evenings to help settle down before Kaveh came back.” Alhaitham offers as an answer.

“When he even accepts guests. Which means Tighnari primarily, since Cyno and Nahida are both workaholics like him.” Kaveh sighs, glancing over the Grand Sage’s shoulder at the coffee. “Four cups? That’s considerate of you. Normally, you make Cyno make his own.”

“Diluc is making breakfast at noon. It was the least I could do before I desert you to see Nahida.” Alhaitham answers with a nod. He puts a generous dab of honey in before pouring half the coffee, stirring it, then putting another smaller dab before filling it up to stir again. “Here you are.” The blond takes takes a sip and melts against his Alpha.

“Thank you Haiyi.” The blond says quietly.

Jealousy oozes in his veins. It’s been years since—

“Hey Luc, whacha making?” Kaeya is at his side, and the feeling dissipates as fast as it appeared. Something deep in his soul feels content at tiny prickling of Frost coming of the Cryo user. “Once upon a time in Mondstadt? Smells delicious. Is that coffee over there?”

“It is. Could you make Diluc some tea while I pour us both of a cup?” The Alpha across from him asks. Kaeya nods, and the nice cool feeling against his overheated skin leaves. “Whichever you think he’d like best. I probably won’t be able to stay and eat.”

Kaeya is wearing his greatcoat again, and the sleeves fall down his slender forearms as he reaches for a familiar tea tin. “Always hard at work. This guy wouldn’t know anything about that. Always sleeping well into the afternoon.” He reaches around Diluc, letting off content hormones as he pulls the kettle off the back of the stove.

“We can’t all work for those worthless Knights.” Diluc mutters.

“That’s not very nice, even if it was accurate of how they handled his death.” Kae snorts. “I got the bastard that set up Crepus. Jean knows it was a coverup to, she wasn’t involved, but she read the evidence I gave her after Varka left.”

“We’re missing something.” Kaveh whispers.

“You’re missing something. Cyno did a lot of digging on both of them, thanks to his paranoia. Master Ragnvindr, Crepus, was killed during an incident at the Dawn Winery. He said it looked dirty, but the files were locked to Mondstadt, as they should be for personal matters. The Captain here found a mole, and eliminated them, evidence calling back to the Fatui if I recall Cyno’s reports correctly. I found those waiting for me on the first day. The same Fatui you went on a rampage against.” Alhaitham snorts. “It wasn’t our business to ask, and you didn’t need to know so—”

“God damnit Haiyi, no more secrets.” Kaveh swats his arm.

“Between us. I am obligated to keep state secrets if you aren’t present when I learn them, Habibi. Intelligence on foreign allies qualifies as state secrets. Apologies Captain Alberich, Master Diluc.” The Grand Sage inclines his head to both of them. “Cyno insisted I read the files. My initial impression matches what you’ve danced around.”

“The Fatui murdered my father. They covered it up using Ursa the Drake, and Kae—Kaeya was an unfortunate casualty in that.” Diluc confirms. “The Knights, fearing retribution from the Fatui, refused to look into his death.”

“Which is why you left the Knights. After which you and Kaeya had a falling out that left him in the Cathedral infirmary for nearly a year. That’s when this child supposedly was born?” Alhaitham asks.

It all comes back to that little girl that sent him running for the hills. Hopefully, she isn’t just a clone.

“That’s my guess. It was right after my heat, so it would make sense. Our first together, I hadn’t told Luc anything yet. Then Master Crepus died, and I saw—it doesn’t matter.” Kaeya puts the kettle on the stove.

“What did you see?” Kaveh asks.

Alhaitham moves to refill the other’s coffee, and Diluc frowns. The weight in his pocket from said object feels like lead. The kitchen stays silent aside from the gentle tinking of spoon to the sides of cup as Alhaitham finishes up the second cup for his Omega.

“This.” Diluc tugs on the chains that feel more like they’re made of lead. It’s roughly the side of his palm, and just touching it makes him itch. “I stopped using it when I got back to Mondstadt. I felt I got my revenge against the Fatui, it just took them nearly killing me to send me home.”

“You almost died? What the hell, Luc?” Kaeya’s displeased Omega hormones flood the kitchen.

“And that would be my cue to head to work. I assume you’ve got this Habibi?” Alhaitham kisses the crown of his head before he flickers out of the kitchen using those terrifying mirrors.

“Asshole.” Kaveh mutters. “As you didn’t die, I assume you know how to travel across the various countries properly?”

“Yes?” Diluc answers.

“Good, then you and Kaeya can be in charge of getting the proper supplies. I have my own shopping to do, now that I don’t have Haitham hovering.” Kaveh sips the coffee said Alhaitham made for him. “You’ve seen him teleport before. Why are you so surprised?”

“Kae can teleport too, only his is—” Diluc trails off.

“Its Khemia, a different variant than Albedo uses. I think Diluc’s more confused before it’s connected with the mirrors.” Kaeya explains. “Luc, explain. What the fuck do you mean by you almost died?”

“It was an avalanche, Kae, not a fight.” Diluc answers. Flipping a pancake as he does so. “I respect his commitment to avoiding awkward situations. Using the same mirrors he used to conjure the structure yesterday is what threw me off.” Kaeya has his hands on his hips, eyes glancing down to the—where’s his eyepatch?

“That doesn’t make you any less of an idiot. Fleeing to a foreign nation to avoid—nearly getting yourself killed. Put that thing away. Why do you still have it?” Kaeya half snarls. “If I ever catch you using that—”

“Threatening each other won’t help anything.” Kaveh snaps. Violet bleeds through his irises into a vibrant green, and the kitchen blossoms into a sea of flowers. Bright, vibrant clusters overtaking the bare floor. “Archons damn it.” Diluc’s nose itches, and he puts the delusion back into his pocket as Kaeya takes in all of it.

“I don’t understand why the flowers appearing upsets you. They gorgeous, we might even be able to take them to a florist for a little extra Mora. Or would you rather we found a vase for them?” Kaeya asks. He pulls a lavender hued bloom up to his nose. “This is one of the scents in the bathroom.”

“If neither of those is to your liking, I can always burn them for you?” Diluc offers. Flipping another pancake onto the stack beside him.

“Luc, what nation are we currently in?” Kaeya asks. Crossing his legs beside the table. “We’re in Sumeru, the land of Dendro. They may take offense to that suggestion.”

“You may have an idea with the flowers, but its how I keep creating them that’s bothering me.” Kaveh sighs. “Its a result of having overly emotional outbursts. Which is why Haitham ends up dispersing them for me. I can’t not be—ugh, can we get back to the actual topic at hand?”

“After breakfast.” Diluc agrees. He plates up for the three of them, and settles in to start his own breakfast.

“I didn’t think I’d ever taste this sinfully sweet decadence again.” Kaeya hums. He picks up the closest fork and digs in without question. The blond hesitates, but follows suit. The scent of pleased Omegas fills the room, and Diluc cuts himself a stack. Kaeya snickers as the horns spiral back out of the blond’s hair as he moans in approval. A fresh wave of flowers, lampgrass and calla lilies.

“Don’t tell Haiyi. I’m almost jealous of how much better Diluc can cook than him.” Kaveh says after a moment. “He said he doesn’t need a lot, but I would recommend we pack him coffee.”

“And a certain blond architect.” Kaeya teases. Kaveh flushes further before coughing into his hand.

“Well, he can at least serve as protective muscle while Diluc makes sure we don’t starve. I should be able to tell you if she’s yours or a created human.” Kaveh says. Diluc just stares at them both. Are they serious?

“A created human? Do you mean a homunculus?” Kaeya asks. Discomfort wafts slowly off them. Diluc wants nothing more than to nuzzle into Kaeya’s hair, and hug the discomfort away. Instead, he clenches his fist and tries to ignore the overwhelmingly wrong undertone slipping into the room.

“Go to him. If you wish to repair your relationship, you must stop suppressing your inherent desire to comfort him. You’re both doing it, and it’s making me uncomfortable. Continuing to do so will only make you both miserable.” Kaveh halfway demands of them.

Diluc almost wants to protest, but both of Kaeya’s are on him. Asking if he’s okay with it, the bluenette’s fine tremors have resumed again. He slides out of his chair, wrapping his arms around the other. It takes a moment for realization to dawn on him. Kaeya’s not wearing his eyepatch or his gloves because he feels comfortable here. Unlike being home.

His greatcoat, which Kaeya has stolen once again, is warming his chilly mate, but the scent so saturated into it isn’t enough to soothe the other’s inner distress. Diluc’s heart pangs even as Kaeya rubs his nose into his sleeves. He shirks his gloves, tucking them into his pockets for later to allow Kaeya to bury his nose directly into the gland there.

The natural chill from the Cyro user seeps into his overly warm skin. In the hot weather of Sumeru it actually makes him comfortable. Kaeya’s free hand traces over the numerous burns and scars soothing the aches away with his chilly fingers.

“You can’t be afraid to ask for his affections Kaeya, the same goes for you Diluc. Whether by spoken word or scent, you need to learn to comfort each other. Something I had to learn, too. Haitham knows what I need before I can voice it sometimes, since I came back—I’ve never felt more included or wanted.” Kaveh goes quiet. “Failing to comfort each other leads to discordance, and based on my experiences, it also comes with a slew of side effects neither of you will want.”

Supportive hormones flood the room from Kaeya, and Diluc joins him, causing the blond to visibly relax with a pleased smile.

“I missed this.” Kaeya sighs, melting further into his touch. “Being a Cryo user has its drawbacks. It doesn’t matter where you are, you’re always cold. It radiates outward from our own core, not the vision. At least for me it does. Without Luc to temper the chill, it’s been nearly unbearable.”

Diluc frowns. They haven’t spoken about it, at least about anything meaningful about how Kaeya got his vision. When did he—his memory is not kind to him.

He staggers backwards as his traitorous mind reminds him exactly why Kaeya needed a Vision in the first place. The Pyro in his veins flickers to life, and he staggers backward. Kaeya turns, waving a sheet of ice over him before he can set the house on fire. His breaths are heavy, like his chest is being crushed as he struggles to reign in his Pyro again.

Kaeya doesn’t hesitate, crowding his space and holding the Cryo barrier over his sparking hands. The other hand pulls his face down into the crook of his neck, calming hormones already rushing through the air.

“Breathe with me Luc. In, out, in, out.” Kaeya says. “Breath in the flowers, the calm, I am here for you.”

Kaveh nods his encouragement from the other side of the room. “At least you two know how to behave. I swear half the time after the Gnosis shattered was the Aranara teaching me the most absolutely basic shit of how to be an Omega.” Kaveh holds out a hand spinning a fresh sprig of Lampgrass into existence. “Behold Mabu’s blessings, a gift to help tame your dragon. All of this bullshit you’ve been seeing? The flowers, horns, the overly emotional outbursts? All my half of the changes I got when Haiyi inherited his powers then. If not for how ridiculously sappy he is, I never would have considered half the suggestions they made. Would you believe I didn’t know you pairs are supposed to regularly scent each other through their hair or glands? That it’s a bonded pair thing like fucking hand holding?!?”

“Sounds like you’re some sort of expert now. Just how exactly—you know what, I don’t want to know how you functioned without knowing all that.” Kaeya sighs. “Memories?” Its a whisper under his breath just to Diluc. A ghost of words that mean so much without saying anything at all.

“Unpleasant ones. Thank you.” Diluc answers. He stays there for several moments.

“I am when it comes to the reckless abandon I see you two reading each other. It is no different to how Haiyi and I read each other. I’d say you might be the only pair I can safely advise without sounding like I’m talking out my ass about it.” Kaveh says. He collects their abandoned plates and sets them in the sink. His horns have faded, and he stares at the abandoned teakettle. “Was one of you making tea?”

Kaeya slowly steps away with a nod, bringing the abandoned appliance to sit before him. He settles it on the table before resting Diluc’s hands on either side. It takes a few moments, but it whistles before Kaeya tugs it away with a satisfied nod.

“What am I, your glorified heater?”

“It’s your tea, asshole.” Kaeya reminds. Kaveh just snorts, shaking his head.

“Exactly like Haitham and myself.” He mutters under his breath. ”People make mistakes. Have you considered simply leaving whatever disagreement it was behind?” Kaveh asks.

Diluc genuinely considers it, and Kaeya is glancing at him thoughtfully.

“I’m not sure that it’s an entirely healthy practice.” Kaeya answers.

“Did it work for you two?” Diluc asks.

“So far? Yes. Haitham said he’s accepting responsibility for it and refusing to let me bring it up. After being met on my way back by the General Mahamatra to find him poisoned didn’t help things. I don’t think it’s worth it now.” Kaveh answers.

“Yes, but you don’t have potential betrayals and long dead bloodlines tainting your past like we do.” Kaeya says. It’s so quiet that Diluc almost swears the blond didn’t hear it. The flowers around them glow ominously, and thorns invade the meadow of gentle purple padisarahs.

“No, I wouldn’t. I certainly wouldn’t know about the burden of power that comes with being the recantation of the Goddess of Flowers. Something I cannot seem to control since my vison shattered under the force of it coursing through my veins.” The blond spits. “Certainly Alhaitham wouldn’t know either, having inherited the temperament of an ancient dragon that predates the gods.” Diluc cringes, that’s what a Sovereign is? His sarcasm is dripping with so much bite its slapping both of them in the face at this point. “One innocent sneeze, and this shit happens. Haitham barely squints, and his fucking scales flutter ominously like he’s going to blow it up. You can either focus on the pointless fucking bloodlines shit, or you can move past it to now.”

Kaveh flicks his hand out, blowing some invisible something in his direction. Diluc’s nose twitches, and the tart smell of Lampgrass wafts down from his—what in the Abyss is in his fucking hair?

“Are those buds of Lampgrass growing out of your hair?” Kaeya’s eyes are wide. The smile gracing the Omega’s face is so genuine his heart is melting. Calla lilies are framing his face, the annoying little things drifting downward with the weight of their own blossoms.

“I’ve been sneezing both of those since you two arrived. Do they have some sort of connection with you? Whatever, get lost the both of you. I need some time to decompress before Haiyi comes in and threatens to kick you both out on principle, which I don’t want.” Kaveh huffs. “There’s Mora in the sitting room. Grab me some fruit, and work on comforting each other. Mehrak’s flashing me a reminder to have to grab the spare key.”

Diluc hopes his face is showing a pleading look to Kaeya, to let him burn this shit out of his hair. His Omega merely grabs the key, slips it into his pocket finally grabbing his eyepatch. It takes a moment, but as Kaeya settles it in place his visible eye bugs out. “You scented my eyepatch?” He tugs it off and almost inhales the worn leather up his nose. “You wonderful asshole, you.” HE slips it over his head, smiling like a love drunk fool.

“Get these flowers out of my hair and I’ll scent anything else you want.” Diluc requests. He’s got a plan, but—

“Relax, you scared-y owl.” Kaeya laughs. One chill hand wraps in his ascot, tugging him along towards their shared room. “You won’t leave without your coat anyway, and I still need my gloves.” Diluc’s cheeks flush. Kaeya hasn’t found the gloves yet? Oh fuck. He snags the coat, almost running away. He’s halfway out the front door when the happy, high pitched keen echoes through the house.

Kaveh’s already swearing as Kaeya comes stalking towards him. “Diluc~~~”

Nope, he’s not sticking around for Kaveh to put more flowers in his hair. He peels the flowers out of his mane, burning them away like unwanted reports.

Chapter Text

Trying to get work done when all he wants to do is snuggle Kaveh is obnoxious. He’s been in office as the official Grand Sage for about three days, and Nahida is pleased with his progress. Half of the boxes have been sorted through. He’s asked Nahida to pay the Kamisato’s for their assistance, and Captain—Kaeya. Kaveh keeps telling him it’s only polite to call his houseguests by name.

“I’m still surprised you took them in.” Nahida says. Glancing over his surface thoughts as she steps around a few piles. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you work so hard at work before.”

“I didn’t have a reason to.” He responds. “Are you still planning to hold me the full week?”

“Two more days. I’d like to know a little more about your sorting process. I’ve got a few choices for the replacement sages, if you’re willing to look over their applications?” Nahida passes over five separate files. “Cyno has done what he can. I’ve skimmed their thoughts, but I’d like your opinion on it.”

Alhaitham sighs, taking over the files and glancing through them. They aren’t horrible, but there’s a glaringly obvious problem. “Nahida, while academically they are sufficient, have you actually spoken to them?”

“Yes, but—”

“I know each of them. They’re pushovers. They would be used for their power over their individual subjects. You need people that Cyno won’t necessarily agree with. Find people who challenge what each subject means, but will listen to you. With enough ambition for their subjects, they can be incorruptible too. These selections could make decent advisors, but not long term unless they grow some backbone.” Alhaitham passes the files back, grabbing his own work.

“Should I start with introducing them to you? Exchange one day of paperwork for—” Nahida stops as his mirrors flicker to life at the mere thought of interviewing that many people.

“This is not a wise decision.” Alhaitham warns.

“What if you bring Kaveh?” She suggests.

“I’d be more likely to kill them.” He repeats. “Use the current ones as advisors, but understand that you and Cyno will need to look over everything.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.” She hums, settling into her swing. She rocks back and forth. “So—how are those two?”

“A mess. More so than Kaveh normally is, and he’s very high-strung today based on the push and pull of Dendro I’ve been feeling. He’s not been in danger, just irritated.” Alhaitham snorts. “I’ll need to leave a little early to take care of that.”

“I noticed too. Matra are reporting in that Captain Alberich and Lord Ragnvindr are both in the market.” Nahida says.

“Probably picking up supplies for the trip. I also promised to stop several times to let him sketch, so I’ll need to go get more supplies for him so he doesn’t run out.” Alhaitham looks over his paperwork. “Did you have another reason for visiting besides trying to get me to approve of your candidates?”

“Murder prevention. I’m bored, the usuals.” She pops off the swing. “Zhongli wasn’t overly happy that you went against his decision. Putting the two of them in the same house again could have harmed the Captain. I told him I believed in your judgement, especially after he stole his Omega’s pants to come check on you threatening Diluc.”

“He did what?”

~~~~~~~~

Lunch is only a semi awkward affair. Zhongli has taken them to the Puspa Cafe. The ginger haired harbinger is missing, and Kaveh is already there complaining at the ex-Archon. Zhongli nodding along to whatever story he’s telling.

“How did you get tea here?” Alhaitham asks.

“I had it delivered to the Sanctuary, then brought it here for personal use. Xiao was kind enough to bring it after my third day of complaint about there only being coffee available. In return, I wrote some contacts I had in Chenyun Vale to set up a supply chain.” Zhongli offers.

“You established an entire supply chain for tea because our favorite cafe didn’t sell the tea you like?” Kaveh half squeaks.

“I believe it.” Nahida says with a giggle, sliding in beside Kaveh on the bench. Alhaitham takes her other side so he won’t be knocking his elbows against the other Sovereign. “I suspect Alhaitham would do the same regarding coffee if it wasn’t up to his quality standards.”

“He can’t even debate that.” Kaveh laughs. Alhaitham shrugs, taking the good natured teasing in and flagging their hostess down for a coffee for himself. “So now that we’re all here, are there any problems with us heading for Mond?”

“Not on my end, Zhongli?” Nahida asks.

“I will remain while the Grand Sage is absent. I find it unlikely that their good behavior will last without consequences from either myself or the General Mahamatra.” Zhongli sips his tea. “Childe is also looking into some other disturbances and keeping himself occupied.”

“Should I be concerned by that?” Alhaitham asks.

“Not at all. I’ve kept his other more base instincts distracted. Anytime he’d like a fight, I just send him out towards four different sets of Nahida’s problems. Admittedly, it might be a little unfair to his opponents, but it’s getting the point across rather quickly to stop disregarding her orders.” Zhongli sips his tea. “Provided he hasn’t bribed me to spar in front of them because it’s dull that day.”

“He’s moved your dusty bones into a fight? He really must be your partner.” Nahida giggles. “You said he’s Guizhong’s reincarnation. Isn’t he a bit blood thirsty for that?”

“She was not as innocent as her legends made her out to be. She was as ruthless as I was for a time, but she was the first to call off the bloodshed after she burned someone she cared about in her Phoenix form.” Zhongli huffs. “At least Childe doesn’t hide it. I can tell when he’s antsy immediately.”

“Is that before or after he tries to jump you because he’s overly horny?” Alhaitham asks.

“That may or may not be an Omegan biology thing.” Kaveh blushes. “At least, I think so? Though normally it would be reciprocated from our partners too—”

“The amount of sex Childe wants, and the—method of which he wants of it makes me think this is not normal biology. It’s nearly triple what I’ve heard of others, but I’ll admit that’s not something I was actively listening to or for.”

“For whatever reason it might be, will everything be alright if we escort those two to Mondstadt? I’d like to make sure that the situation doesn’t deteriorate and the child is actually theirs. I’ve heard a rather disturbing set of rumors I’d like to confirm with Childe before we leave. If he’s agreeable?” Alhaitham asks. Zhongli shrugs.

“He should still be in the teapot. It is up to him if he would like to talk with you or not. While I am his Alpha, I am not his keeper. If anything, he keeps me in line.” Zhongli mutters the last bit with a sigh.

“If you wouldn’t keep forgetting your wallet, that wouldn’t be an issue.” Kaveh snorts. “Shall we Haitham?”

Zhongli shakes his head, and the teapot is summoned to his hand. “There is no need to travel back to the Sanctuary. I can bring it to us. Just let me confirm he is dressed this time.”

“We should go to the back patio, Zhongli. Not everyone is familiar with the Adeptal arts in Sumeru.” Nahida reminds. “Are we able to even enter your teapot?”

“With assistance, yes. Childe or myself could bring you in, not on your own. It is a protective measure for the Adepti. Give me a moment. He could be literally anywhere in here.” Zhongli disappears in a shower of golden sigils.

“Aren’t you glad you don’t have to worry about that with me, Haiyi?” Kaveh asks. Alhaitham doesn’t need a mirror to know he’s blushing, or that his antennae have descended with his embarrassment of the idea. The idea of anyone seeing Kaveh in that state does things to his insides.

“No, I just have to worry about your sentient tool case waking me up in the dead of night after she tasers our guests.” Alhaitham responds. Kaveh flushes, sputtering as the red reaches the tips of his ears, and Zhongli has reappeared with a flush of his own.

“He says he’s up for company, but due to—unforeseen circumstances he won’t be walking anywhere for a few days.” The ex-Archon coughs.

“Well, that’s telling. Nahida, you should probably head back to our place for the moment. Sounds like this is no place for children, or child appearing archons.” Kaveh coughs.

“I already had an eyeful the last time when Haitham pulled his stunt.” Nahida says. The tiny archon rolls her eyes, and that was something he’d rather not—

Adeptal sigils swirl around them, and Haitham has to blink at the change in scenery. It’s a stagnate version of Liyue, red leaved maples, gingko, nothing like the bustling streets they just left. There’s a decently large house beyond. Zhongli follows a bath of stones leading there. Edges lined in regular common stones with the occasional hint of amber.

“Is this where you live, Zhongli?” Kaveh asks beside him. His omega is wide eyed and taking everything in, the word picturesque comes to mind. The blond looks like he wants to wander off, as he keeps shaking his head and falling back in on the path.

“It is a place to rest. Adeptal realms are not places to long term live, especially for mortals. They are—a subspace, Cloud Retainer could tell you more than I would. I find it a place to sleep and store the treasures I’ve been given over the centuries away from the prying eyes of the mortal populous.” Zhongli shakes his head. “In this case, it serves as a secure place to rest while the Matra are being investigated. I genuinely prefer to live outside this place, its full of too many memories, but Childe makes it bearable.”

“Do you design it or does it manifest—” Kaveh descends into an entire montage of questions that neither he nor Nahida care about. The reason they’re here is to confirm is whether or not the Fatui are experimenting with human creation.

Zhongli steps up to a door at the end of the path, and the sliding door opens without him doing anything. He removes his shoes, and Alhaitham follows suit with his boots by the doorway. Nahida waits for a moment as Zhongli returns with a wet rag wiping off the bottoms of her feet. Kaveh toes off his own beside his boots, and they are led to a kitchen where the Ginger is sitting munching on something for lunch.

“Oh, hey comrades.” He sets the bowl aside. “Zhongli said you had some questions for me?” He seems open enough, and Zhongli slips out the door, leaving them to their questions.

“Captain Alberich and Lord Ragnvindr mentioned something concerning, and we were wondering if you knew anything?” Nahida asks. Kaveh scoots her stool in, and their host returns with a pot of tea. Settling off to the side with his own cup to simply observe. He pours one for him, and a second for Kaveh, who adds two cubes of sugar. Nahida shakes her head and laces her tiny fingers.

“Oh?” Childe tilts his head.

“They said the Fatui are experimenting with human creation.” Alhaitham says.

“Huh, well I didn’t know sex qualified as experimentation—” Childe laughs. It does not reach his dead eyes.

“The implication was in a laboratory. Human experimentation is expressly forbidden by both the Akademiya and Sumeru at large. They were concerned that a child might be—” No one wants to say it.

“Childe, is Dottore still practicing the Khaenri’ahian arts like that?” Zhongli asks.

“I mean, it’s a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ sort of thing with the horrifying shit he’s working on. Her Majesty isn’t stopping him either, so I have no clue what lunacy he’s up to. Scaramouche might know more, as he’s worked with him directly more than I have. My role was the Vanguard.” Childe answers.

“So then, it is possible he might have used their DNA to create a child?” Alhaitham counters.

“Possible, but unlikely.” Childe shakes his head. “What the doctor creates are abominations. I find it unlikely his creations would be seen as anything other than that outside his laboratory. I always tried to steer clear of him. My Omega status put me in a more—vulnerable position around him than some others.” There’s a low displeased growl from Zhongli behind them. “Ah, don’t worry Zhongli, since you bit me, he’s decided that risk wasn’t worth it anymore. Doesn’t mean I don’t get assigned the random fetch quest from that psychopath.”

“But there is human experimentation going on?” Nahida asks. A deep scowl working its way on her face.

“He’s working on poisons and the creation of delusions last I checked. There’s a few other things, mostly mutations, but the sort of thing you're asking about? I find it highly unlikely, not that it wouldn’t benefit him. He just doesn’t have the compassion to do such a thing long term. His attention span isn’t long enough to grow a child to fuck with someone like Ragnvindr.” Childe shakes his head.

“What about Alberich?” Zhongli asks.

“What about him? Sure, the guy’s clever and an Omega, but that wouldn’t put him on Dottore’s radar.” Childe huffs.

“He’s also Khaenri’ahian.” Alhaitham adds.

“Look, I don’t know what lands people on that bastard’s list. I just attempt to avoid getting on it myself. If I knew something, I’d tell you, from what I know of her Majesty’s 2nd, that ain’t his style and Alberich isn’t on his radar.” Childe huffs.

“Based on what we’ve heard, I find it unlikely the child Diluc ran into is the result of Fatui experimentation.” Alhaitham concludes.

“You’re ruling it out based on this?” Kaveh asks.

“I’ve also spoken to this Dottore. He tried to convince me to turn over my Gnosis. Hat guy chased him off before he could take it by force. I sent word to the Cryo Archon that it broke to prevent any further complications.” Nahida sighs. “I don’t believe he’ll be returning.“

“Unless you sent proof, don’t count on it.” Childe mutters. “Is that all that brought you to chat with me?”

“This time, yes. Apologies, it wasn’t more pleasant.” Kaveh says, attempting to salvage the mood.

“Eh, this is one of the more pleasant conversations I’ve had asking me for information on the Fatui. Now, about payment for my cooperation—” Childe glances over at Zhongli, who sighs. “Oh, are you up for it, old man?”

“I’d prefer that to your tendency to ask for fights randomly of Xiao.” The man sighs. “If that is all?”

“For now, thank you for your hospitality.” Nahida pivots, hopping off the stool to head back towards the entrance. Kaveh finishes his tea and follows them.

“What type of payment?” Alhaitham asks.

“Oh?” Childe smiles, looking over at Zhongli. “Trying to convince the old man to let me jump his bones is difficult. Your presence means he doesn’t have to protect a bunch of people, so I’m taking advantage of his being on vacation from his sentry duties. A bottle of firewater as a thank you wouldn’t be remiss, though.”

Zhongli huffs, moving to assist the other to their feet. Who’s wobbling more than a little. “I assume you can find your own way out, Alhaitham?”

~~~~~~~

Kaveh waits nervously beside Nahida on the patio. It’s unlike Alhaitham to ask more questions. Had he really not—Haitham materializes outside the teapot shortly after. Carefully passing it over to Nahida with a slight flush. “I’m so glad you’re not into weird shit like that.”

“Sex isn’t that weird.” Kaveh points out.

“That was, he wanted intercourse with him in his draconic form, and not the tiny one.” Alhaitham elaborates. There’s a slight flush to his cheeks, and Kaveh has to grab his arm as now it’s going through his mind. Nope, Alhaitham might be right. There was no way—

“We should finish up your work, Alhaitham. The office of the Grand Sage never rests. After all, you still have to determine how much strength to hold back if Cyno challenges you to a regular sparring match again. I’d hate to replace his staff because you to got overly active.” Nahida giggles. The change in topics sees the alpha turning an amusing shade of scarlet.

“He was already mad when he found out I was restraining myself before. I can only imagine having to replace his Staff of Scarlet sands again. Hopefully, with this trip, I can learn just how much effort it takes not to shatter their weapons…” Haitham sighs.

“You don’t even enjoy fighting.” Kaveh laughs. “Let me guess, your unwanted commentary overly offended some others?”

“That summarizes a good deal of them. The last bit would be like Diluc, who wanted to spar like Cyno does with me.” Haitham admits with a shrug. “With Cyno, it’s something we can do to work out aggressions in a healthy manner. I saw no point in fighting Diluc.”

“Of course you wouldn’t. You don’t have the reputation with Diluc. I’m heading back to see what they bought for the trip, and I asked them to pick up coffee for you. Did you want or need anything else?” Kaveh asks.

“Sketching supplies? I have no doubt you’re still low.” Haitham adds before Nahida tugs him away by the ends of his fingers. It’s genuinely too cute to watch. It’s nice not to have to babysit the other pair for a moment.

He steps into the empty house after lunch and hums. It wouldn’t hurt to make a list of sketching supplies to restock on, especially if Haitham is paying for it. He doesn’t have to start up commissions right away, but it wouldn’t hurt to draft a few designs to show off his skills.

His wrist aches with his efforts, but he’s got a few decent designs that hopefully will impress the—since when does he care about what Haitham of all people thinks about a design? The man doesn’t have an artistic bone in his body, even if he looks like a statue carved by the gods.

Kaveh laughs, setting out the sketches anyway. Perhaps his sense of art may have improved while Kaveh was initially away. He dismisses Mehrak to her charging station and moves to cook dinner. The dishes from his cooking the night before are in the drying rack, along with four coffee mugs. A soft smile tugs at his lips as he pulls the pan out of the rack.

Perhaps he’d judged the situation too hard back then. Maybe all he needed to do was yell once, then go back and actually communicate with Haiyi. He puts away the other dishes, moving on to washing, slicing, dicing, and frying. Once the key components are set, then he can focus on dessert. He’d picked up several recipes in Fontaine, and a coffee-flavored one might be just the right thank you to his confusing Alpha.

Now that everything is set, and the dessert is chilling down in the Cryo box he can approach the thought once more.

I’m confused as to why anyone would want a dragon sized dick in a mortal body like that. The Haiyi of his internal thoughts points out.

‘I doubt such a thing would fit, which explains why Childe wasn’t moving around.’ Kaveh thinks.

I would never do such a thing to you. Nor would Apep have—His inner Haiyi sounds almost repulsed by the idea. Which mirrors the confuse the actual man had when he’d discovered it earlier.

‘I doubt Zhongli had much choice, given how satisfied Childe was looking. Haiyi, the actual you told me that we have more influence over our Alphas than they admit.’ Kaveh starts. He’s moving towards the shower, and there’s a displeased hum in return from that annoying inner voice. ‘Do you think you would do something like that if I asked?’

The resounding snort as he starts the taps is only mildly concerning. Have I ever told you ‘no' to anything you asked of me since you got back?

To be fair he really should have expected that answer from his own subconscious. Especially considering he just put away the dishes he never asked the other to do.

“I am so fucked——”

Chapter Text

Diluc waiting outside his home should his first clue something was wrong when he got off work. The second was the scent leaking out of his house that was making his pants uncomfortable. The final indicator was probably the least conspicuous, at least in regards with the first two.

“Is it illegal to set fire to plants in Sumeru?” Diluc asks without preamble.

Was he really asking Alhaitham about that?

“You’ll need to be a little more specific than that.” Alhaitham answers. The redhead sighs, and starts pulling out various flowers from his pockets, mostly ones with little blue bells Alhaitham has never seen before.

“Your Omega is conjuring his flowers in my hair now, and I am unsure what to do with them once they’re removed.” Diluc answers. Of course, Kaveh is still having issues with randomly creating flowers still. “Your house is full of them again, but this time it’s Padisarah’s and Glaze Lilies.” Kaveh’s favorite scents. That’s not surprising. It’s the blatant scent of lust and straight up horniness surrounding him that is mildly concerning.

“I wouldn’t make a habit of it, but anything Kaveh creates by accident should be fine. If the Matra catches you doing it, then they might detain you on suspicion of arson. Ask for me or Cyno. We should be able to explain the situation.” Alhaitham eyes his front door suspiciously. “It’s not illegal so far as I’m aware. You should ask Nahida directly, as she’s the only one who might be offended by it.”

“Understood.” The flowers in his hands dissolve into ash, then he’s staring at the door too. “So, about that other smell—I am not involved, nor is Kaeya.”

Diluc hesitates behind him, clearly uncomfortable with the scent and what it might have—”You thought I would be upset Kaveh is horny?”

“Does it happen a lot?” Diluc asks.

“According to Nahida? The only time I noticed was during his heat, and Apep handled that last time.” Alhaitham cracks the door. A sea of Padisarahs waves around them, and Alhaitham banishes the excess Dendro creations with a wave of his hand. The smell intensifies, and Kaeya is draped over a settee with one of his books.

“What did you say to him?” Kaeya asks. The Captain places a loose sheet of paper in the book, before setting it on the coffee table. He nods his approval before turning his attention towards the trail of Glaze Lilies. “He’s been in there moaning since we got back.”

“I’m not sure I want to know either.” Alhaitham admits.

“Aren’t you his Alpha?” The blue-haired omega asks. “Shouldn't you be turned on by this?”

“My pants are uncomfortable right now.” He admits. “That doesn’t make me a lust driven moron.”

“That was more than I needed to know.” Diluc mumbles. Kaeya snorts, standing up to look at him. “Can I go patrol now?”

“Yes, you can go escape the overwhelming scent of sex coming from our host’s bedroom without him. I’ll hold the fort.” The Omega nuzzles his cheek before backing away. “Don’t keep me waiting too late?”

“Do I have to go in there?” Alhaitham looks at the both of them. They laugh, and Kaeya grabs his arm and tugs him towards it. Diluc has a mixture of confusion and discomfort written on his face as he pops out the front door.

“Yes, as his Alpha, it’s your job to assist in specifically this sort of thing.” Kaeya is frogmarching him to his doom now, and he can hear Kaveh’s moans now too, as well as—”How the hell did you to end up bonded if you’re this squeamish about sex? I know I took Diluc for a ride as soon as we were both of age.

“I really don’t need to know about your sex life. I don’t even want to know about my own.” Alhaitham points out. “I just don’t have a choice about it.”

“Fine, just figure out why he’s horndoggin’ it.” Kaeya opens the door and shoves him in without preamble. The bluenette coats the door with a thick later of frost, immediately locking him in with the source of all the hormones, and Alhaitham has to pause to understand what in the Abyss he’s actually looking at.

Kaveh is sprawled out on their bed, leaking slick everywhere as he shoves—is that a Dendro construct? Between his legs? The size of it is absurd, and that’s when Alhaitham realizes what exactly the blond is fantasizing about. He’d literally thought about what Childe wanted as payment, and was imagining—His own hormones are acting up just thinking about it.

“Kaveh, what are you doing?” Alhaitham asks. The blond turns on him. There’s no embarrassment there, just—

“Haiyi, I think Childe might be on to something.” The blond half slurs, then beckons him closer. His traitorous feet move him closer, and Kaveh’s free hand lands on his crotch. “Dragon dick might be fun to ride.”

“Kaveh, you’re making our guests uncomfortable.” Alhaitham grunts as the other squeezes the front of his pants. “Besides, you just got out of—”He grunts as one hand becomes two, and the blond is peeling him out of his pants. This is not the first time he’s experienced this from the blond, but last time the other was at least in heat. ”—your heat.”

The blond’s eyes are blown, and his irises have taken on the purple-green hue of the goddess of flowers. Kaveh’s powers are flooding the room with even more flowers, and his pants have vanished into the sea of blossoms that makes up the entirety of his floor now. “Kaveh—” His horns have spiraled out, and Alhaitham can tell his antennae and horns are out to match with all the pheromones in the air.

“Neither Omega’s nor Alpha’s need to be in heat or rut to want sex, Haiyi. Now, are you willing?” Kaveh asks.

Is he? Kaeya implied it was his responsibility to deal with this horny omega. He loves this man to the very core of his being, but does he want this with him? Kaveh is waiting for his answer. His hands have stopped, and he pulls back, waiting for him to make a choice.

As much as a normal man would be trapped here, Alhaitham is not. He kisses the crown of the blond’s head, pulls his pants up to a reasonable position, and teleports out of the room. He’s back in his office like the coward he is, and abyss be damned, he’s not ready to pressed on that.

~~~~~~

Diluc can sense the moment Alhaitham bails out of the house, and he’s shocked. Kaeya joins him almost immediately, looking worried beside him. “Shouldn’t he be with Kaveh right now?” Kaeya half hisses.

“They aren’t us. Remember that first night? Clearly, Kaveh wanted to jump his bones, but he wasn’t interested then.” Diluc points out. “Kaveh seems adjusted to it, too. That said, if you’d been waiting for me like that—I certainly wouldn’t have hesitated.”

“I should hope not. I would have teleported after your cranky ass, not away like that. Stars above, I didn’t expect him to teleport away after I sealed that room. I just wanted the smell to stop.” Kaeya frowns.

“You removed the Cryo so Kaveh can get out, right?” Diluc asks.

“I did. He didn’t seem upset.” Kaeya whispers. “I would have been—”

Diluc pulls him in close. There would be no further patrolling tonight. Kaeya needs the comfort, and he promised to do better. He would do better, and he rubs the other’s head. “Kae?”

“Hmm?”

“The last time you presented yourself, I think I left you pregnant over it.” Diluc points out. “I promise you this. I will never leave you like that again.”

“I dunno. I didn’t mind being pregnant. It was the nearly dying part I had an issue with.” Kaeya buries his face into the mostly covered gland at his neck. “Can we skip that part next time?”

“Yes, Kae. We can skip that, and the part where I leave you behind for years.” Diluc agrees. “Do you think those two will be okay?”

“I think they have something that works for them. Even if we can’t see it ourselves.” Kaeya whispers. “I’ll check on Kaveh later. Can you get us a thing of wine and I’ll—”

“Do it without the wine, its better for both of you.” Diluc holds him tight. Kaeya whines, as he knew he would when he asked him not to use wine. “I’ll make us breakfast as a midnight snack, and you can use that to bond over with the overly horny omega with the least interested Alpha I’ve ever seen.”

“But he's not uninterested, I mean.” Kaeya points out. “He’s as obsessed, if not more of that blond than any Alpha I’ve ever seen. Even you would ignore me. He might not be sexually charged like most, but the care there is absurd.”

“You’re right. No matter what, he’s always there. Maybe he didn’t run, but just went for a breather?” Diluc asks. Kaeya shrugs and pulls back a fraction.

“One way to find out. I’ll head for the house to check on Kaveh. You got the cowardly dragon handled?” Kaeya asks.

“Alhaitham is a lot of things, cowardly isn’t one of them.” Diluc counters.

~~~~~~~

Alhaitham wakes up to the gentle ping of the elevator. His back aches from sleeping against his desk. There’s drool all over the paperwork he was last reading. He’ll need to copy at least that page of the proposal to return to the student. Kaveh is looking down at him with a pitying expression, setting a bag down as he tidies the piles on the massive desk to allow for him to eat.

“You look like shit.” The blond remarks. “Brought you breakfast.“

“I should have slept on the couch. It wouldn’t have screwed up my back this much.” Alhaitham complains. He moves slowly to stretch out his back, and Kaveh kneads his back without question. Slowly working his way through the knots in the muscles there.

“Now you know for the future. I have a question, if you’re willing to answer?” Kaveh asks.

“I’ll try.” Alhaitham grunts as Kaveh works on the knots in his back.

“Was it the sex that scared you off, or what I wanted last night?” Kaveh asks. His voice is gentle, and he can tell this something that the blond will not let go. “Haiyi?”

“Too fast, too much. It’s different when you start something when we’re in the same room.” Haitham whispers.

“And that’s okay. I just need you to tell me. Like you did last night.” Kaveh lets out soothing hormones into the room. “Even when you ran away, you knew I would be worried you were rejecting me.”

“Never. I needed to breathe.” Alhaitham says. He turns to look him in the eye, “I shouldn’t have ran like that. Again.”

“You did exactly what you were supposed to do. You were uncomfortable, so you made a choice.” Kaveh pulls him in close, and he settles into the blond’s grasp. “You came to work to finish up so we could help them. You didn’t hide in a bar, you didn’t hide in the desert again. Yes, Tighnari told me about that finally.”

“I’ve got three more, then we can probably go.” Alhaitham says.

“You should rest today, then we can take them and go." Kaveh rubs his back. “Eat your breakfast, finish them up, then I’ll walk you home. Even immortal Sovereigns need sleep sometimes, Haiyi.”

“And coffee, lots of coffee.” He responds, pulling back a little. “I got enough sleep. Can you handle walking with what you did to yourself last night?”

“I have a big strong dragon to carry me, hopefully?” Kaveh asks. Crimson flooding his cheeks once more. Alhaitham nods and places a chaste kiss on the crown of his head once more.

“As long as I am able.” Alhaitham nods.