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Diluc had plenty to be proud of in this life.
A long list of accomplishments achieved all before he’d even reached 30, a successful business that seemed it would continue to provide financial stability for as long as he lived, a manor located away from the heart of the city, and blissful solitude. But, just as many accomplishments came the long list of obstacles to get to where he was now.
His father dying in his adolescence, at the peak of his life, burning and crashing Diluc’s own life when he was forced to end his father’s suffering. A sudden betrayal from his so-called brother that same night, who had only confessed when he’d been overcome with guilt, a cross of swords from his longtime friend and brother. If losing his only family hadn’t been enough, perhaps the final punch to the gut had been when he’d been forced to cover up the truth of his father’s death by a superior, made to see the way the world worked and operated based on lies and deception, bringing him completely down.
He’d had nothing at that point, giving up the job he’d painstakingly worked for, severing the ties to his only family when he couldn’t so much as bring himself to look at him, and leaving home in search of the truth.
He’d spent four years as such, taking down Fatui and tampering down all the turmoil within him, taking out his frustration and anger at the world by crushing those who hurt the innocent. Diluc had personally thought those four years traveling to be therapeutic, and once he’d returned to Dawn Winery after a near-death experience, he’d settled into a comfortable routine.
Once settled back, Diluc was able to overcome the personal losses life had granted him in adolescence, and move on with his life.
All the while posing as an Alpha.
Now, Diluc was figuring out how to best deal with coming to terms with his suppressed Omega status and how it could fit into the daily routine he’d painstakingly worked to maintain.
Wearing scent patches and taking suppressants for as long as he had, Diluc soon came to face slight problems he hadn’t realized would affect his biology. For one, he had completely forgotten that outside of being in heat with a heat partner, he could smell other Alphas’ and Omegas’ scents. Then, with a horrifying realization, he realized the opposite could be true now as well: other people could smell his scent. It was a nauseating thought.
Diluc realized his little stunt in Inazuma by throwing away his heat suppressants and neglecting his scent patches was the dumbest idea he could’ve ever had, and quickly worked to remedy the situation.
He continued to wear scent patches bought just before boarding the boat heading out of Inazuma, continuing to replace them as soon as he’d landed in Liyue Harbor, a quick stop before the boat would travel directly back to Mondstadt, and managed to keep a cool head up to his arrival back at his home.
He thought it’d be best to simply put off announcing his Omega status to the public just yet, and therefore continued his use of scent blockers whenever he was out and about in Mondstadt, whether it was working at the Angel’s Share or roaming the streets at night as the city’s vigilante, feeling comfortable with the knowledge that he’d be avoiding unnecessary attention.
Outside of the crowds, however, Diluc opted to dispose of his scent patches, allowing himself first to feel comfortable getting used to his own scent, something faint and wispy the first couple of days, something he couldn’t quite pinpoint but felt familiar with. It was a tiring process, nose feeling so sensitive with trying to adjust to his own scent. Gradually, the scent became comfortable and routine, enough for him to be able to step out of his own room in the manor without the use of scent patches, allowing his scent to envelop his most-used areas like his office, his bathroom, the dining room and so on. The others around the manor learned of this, and many a compliment were thrown his way at how ‘reassuring’ his scent was, whatever that meant. No one had to know that those words brought a small smile to his heart.
Soon, Diluc became so comfortable with his scent, realizing that the slow emergence of his scent meant the ability to scent mark others.
He’d wanted to try it on Adeline the head maid, of course, but nerves and insecurity reminded him that scent marking usually occurred within the confines of close family and loved ones, neither of which his head maid technically fit the role of.
So, following that trail of thought, the first time his estranged brother had entered the manor remarking about a ‘familiar’ scent outside, he’d come up to Kaeya and scent marked his arm, doing so before he could even think of hesitating. The other had frozen, clearly not expecting it, eyes darting from Diluc’s scent glands on his neck to his ever impassive face.
“No scent patches…Well! This is certainly a surprise! I see someone has finally come to terms with being an Omega. It’s not as bad as you think, dear brother, I know plenty of well-to-do Omegas,” Kaeya had smirked, crossing his arms as he regarded Diluc.
The redhead had scoffed, embarrassed as the weight of his actions threatened to choke him, realizing what he’d actually gone and done, before answering.
“Nothing to be smug about, I just wanted to try scent marking, and you happened to be the only one around.”
“Sure, sure.”
Diluc had wished he could take back his scent now that it was on his stupid brother, but instead the other had pulled out his own hand, ruffling Diluc’s hair before swiping across his neck. Now, Kaeya’s unfamiliar scent engulfed his senses.
Diluc hadn’t realized how lonely he had actually been before, and how much comfort the scent of family could bring him. It’d felt strange, oddly comforting in a way Diluc couldn’t believe possible, and although they’d only scent marked each other, all problems that boiled between them seemed…almost insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Nothing could truly fix all the issues between them, but their bond no longer felt as severed, patched up by something as simple as scent marking . Having his brother’s scent on himself felt like having another aly in his life, someone to rely on when he’d spent most of his life relying on himself. It was…nice.
Diluc felt he could tolerate Kaeya just a bit more than before, and him initiating a scent mark clearly changed things for Kaeya as well. The two brothers saw each other more often when Kaeya came to the manor, for one, instead of Kaeya sneaking around before he’d leave, avoiding Diluc like the plague. Now, he actively sought his brother out, Diluc making sure to casually scent mark before he was off.
And it helped, having Kaeya around more often, someone he could treat with bickering remarks without feeling bad about his status or his considerable lack of experience in all things Omega or regarding this whole new level of biology he hadn’t realized he’d be dealing with. Kaeya helped, of course, explaining how best to mask his own scent so that no one would ever be hit full force with it, only the most minimal amount of his scent obvious to anyone who came into contact with Diluc.
So, the scent patches were mostly leaving the everyday routine since then, only used on particularly rough days.
Of course, once he’d realized what having his heat meant, and realizing the next couple wouldn’t be so bad, he’d given up the heat suppressants entirely, choosing instead to allow them to pass through his body.
Kaeya had warned him that heats were sometimes unpredictable, and that coming into contact with a different Alpha could trigger one within Diluc.
Suddenly thinking of two distinct Alphas, one warm as the sun, the other beautiful and commanding, Diluc couldn’t help but ask his brother one evening, “How can an Alpha trigger a heat? I’ve been around you all the time with no problem, not to mention the patrons at the bar.”
Kaeya shook his head, taking his time to gather his words first before speaking.
“It’s not so simple. When you can feel a potential mate, someone whose scent and being align with your own, having your heat would entice them towards you. Having compatible scents is only half of it, of course. You’d also have to be strongly physically attracted to them enough for them to actually trigger a heat early on. Since you were on suppressants for so long, however, it can also be anything. I can run it through with Albedo, but I have a feeling he wouldn’t know much either.”
Diluc sat in thought as he heard his brother’s words, staring off into the cackling fireplace as if it would provide the answers to his questions.
Kaeya, noticing the pensive and serious look on his brother’s face, thought to turn the mood lighter with a quip of, “Why so serious, Diluc? Don’t tell me you’ve slept with an Alpha already!”
The blush arose on his face before he could even deny it, Diluc quickly turning his face in the opposite direction as he mumbled, “two Alphas…”
“At the same time?!Or…”
Diluc still couldn’t bring himself to look at the other as he gave the most miniscule nod, quickly getting up to fix a vase set just off to the side.
Kaeya could say nothing, dumbfounded that Diluc hadn’t scoffed at his silly words and had readily submitted personal information to him. Now it was his turn to stay quiet, deep in thought as he only said, “Well, this is certainly getting interesting.”
—
Days, weeks pass and before Diluc realizes, Mondstadt’s Windblume Festival is in full-swing.
As the leading vendor in the liquor business, it comes to no surprise that every single day of the festival is jam-packed for Diluc, and every day is spent making sure that business runs as smoothly as possible. Even once the festival is to end, he’ll have his work cut out for him, generating consumer reactions and losses to account for what went well and what didn’t. Therefore, it came to no surprise that news of a familiar Alpha visiting Mondstadt for the festival doesn’t reach his ear until the last days.
He wasn’t expecting anything, and on this particular day he’d been taking notes of crowd responses to limited wines he’d produced especially for this festival, when he realized it’d be time to meet up with his acquaintances.
Jean Gunnhildr and Eula Lawrence were the closest things he could think of when he thought of ‘friends,’ seeing as how all their families had decades of history in each other’s acquaintances, whether as enemies and allies to now-withstanding as the only nobles left around the city.
The three quickly discovered in childhood that they had so much in common that it was easier to keep each other within arms’ reach rather than make enemies of one another. They were familiar playmates, then familiar classmates, then familiar coworkers, and now familiar friends.
When Diluc had first presented as Omega, his complicated feelings on his presentation had grown even more awry when he’d been informed that the other two had presented as Alphas. Knowing it was only a matter of time until the other two knew his own status, he had called them over as soon as he could and confided in them both, making them swear on it to secrecy. Both of the Alphas had sworn they would take this secret to the grave, going so far as promising that they would mask his scent with their own if it came down to it.
After the initial wave of sadness, he remembers feeling a quiet feeling of terror, where his mind quickly jumped to assumptions that now he’d have to be mated to one of them; they knew him best, it’d only be a matter of time until one of their families suggested a courtship. But news of courtship never came, to Diluc’s relief, as it seemed the families never caught wind of Diluc’s status, and soon after he had started on the suppressants. The relief that came from knowing his secret was safe with them created the bond that they now held, and despite the strained and reserved nature that was to be expected in adulthood was present,it didn’t deter their unlikely camaraderie.
The Windblume Festival was especially hard on the three of them, for family matters or never-ending work, so they’d always agree to carve out one night for the three of them to sit in each other’s company and relay any news in person. It was comfortable, and it was routine.
This particular night they agreed to meet at one of the many tables present for Diluc’s tavern, and once Diluc catches sight of Eula heading for a table at which Jean is already situated, Diluc waves over a bartender to cover for him. He fills three mugs with everyone’s preferred drink, then heads over to sit next to the empty seat next to Eula.
He nods in agreement at the two, taking a quick sip of his grape juice as Jean collects the paperwork she had been working on to move out of the way for the dinner she had ordered for the table.
“Before I forget, here,” Eula dumps a package into Diluc’s lap, the epitome of nonchalance were it not for the quick glance and shift of the Alpha’s eyes.
Diluc frowns, picking up the package, looking at Eula before looking across at Jean to see if she perhaps knows or understands what this is. The package is carefully hand wrapped, a blue ribbon tied to the front, where a small Omega symbol catches in the light.
“...Is this…a courting gift of some sort?” Diluc hadn’t wanted to be the one to ask, and is glad Jean is the one to raise the question. They’re quickie met with a blushing Eula, who can only chug her drink as she denies it in her own peculiar way.
“I was told to give it to you! By an Alpha visitor. It seems he’s been trying to get ahold of you. He’d actually ran into Kaeya, but then he’d wound up giving it to Mika to dispose of it. When I ran into Mika after, he didn’t know what to do so I took it from him. Hmph!”
Diluc frowns deeply, displeasure at the unknown evident on his brow.
“The only other Alphas I associate with are you two…”
“My officer said he was tall and wore a bandana. His clothing was something foreign, but he looked like a Mondstadter. That’s all the information I know.”
“Look, there’s a note on the ribbon. Maybe it’ll tell you who it’s from,” Jean points out, and there was indeed a small note, carefully tucked into the knot on the front. Diluc takes it out, and reads.
Diluc Ragnvindr,
I hope this letter finds you well!
First, my mate and I would like to apologize if during the period you were in our care, we were lacking in any way and are deeply regretful that we could not enjoy each others’ companies outside of your particular situation. It’s a shame that you left so suddenly back in Inazuma, we were looking forward to hosting you for the remainder of your stay, though I understand if there was urgent business that you had to attend to. Lord Ayato and I tried to look for you and only found out that you were a businessman in Mondstadt, so I’m hoping that we will be able to be reacquainted during my short stay this summer. I leave right after the Windblume Festival, so if there is some way this letter is able to find you, I will make preparations to visit you at Dawn Winery on the last day of the festival so that we can spend the day together, just the two of us! Both of us sincerely regret that we weren’t able to properly keep in contact, so please consider my sincere feelings in wanting to see you once more. This package is a small gift, meant for your eyes only, and is something we both hope suits your tastes!
Yours,
Thoma
The Kamisato Estate
Diluc’s hands shook as he finishes reading the letter, placing it on the table as he retreats his hands, choosing to focus his eyes on the package instead. His thoughts are a jumbled mess, and before he can say anything, Jean and Eula have picked up the letter, eyes widening as they regard the contents inside.
Nobody says a word, both Alphas’ eyes stuck reading and re-reading, trying to make sense of what had occurred. Diluc can see the both of them trying to hold back from asking any personal questions, but the questions were evident across both faces. Diluc, taking pity on them, clears his throat, forcing eye contact so that both Alphas can look up as he tells them the story of how he knows this person.
Diluc tells them about throwing away his suppressants, tells them how he hadn’t expected the quick consequences of his actions in the heavy crowd of an Inazuman restaurant, tells them how he nearly attacked an Alpha, and how another - a beautiful, graceful other - Alpha was able to step in and quickly pacify the feral Omega. He tells them how he didn’t even try to fight the strange Alpha, how it had felt safe to follow him to his home, where he was thoroughly aided by him and another tall, strong Alpha, the very one who had written the letter. And finally, he tells them how, when he had woken up, alone and dizzy from his first heat, he had immediately left Inazuma.
“They’re mates, then?” Jean’s voice isn’t judging, simply inquisitive and quiet, but the question nonetheless makes Diluc feel terrible. He knows he’s intruded and he’s frankly unsure why Thoma wanted to even see him, let alone go through the trouble of gathering information about himself so that the Alpha could find him.
“Yes, but again, it was only to help me pass my heat. I feel nothing for them, and… know I mean nothing to them. This encounter will probably be nothing more than two strangers being reacquainted.”
Jean smiles softly, taking Diluc’s hand in her own, squeezing it in reassurance.
“Do you want this ‘encounter’ to mean something more to you?”
Diluc takes a second to think about what Jean’s implying, quickly shaking his head to rid of any incoming thoughts of…
Of what exactly? Mild hope, perhaps? An inner voice speaks out before Diluc can tamper it down, and he has to look away from Jean in his embarrassment, retracting his hand like he’s been burned.
“No…nothing like that.”
Jean’s face is blatantly full of pity, while Eula has the forthright to at least avoid eye contact with the Omega. Their silence brings Jean’s question back to mind, and before he can help himself, he envisions it: being cared for by those two Alphas who had held him in more intimate a nature than anyone will ever be able to; the two Alphas who worked in-sync with one another, who helped to completion over and over; the two Alphas who introduced themselves as mates; the two Alphas who left him (abandoned him) as soon as his heat was over…as soon as he was done being useful.
He stands up quickly, carefully avoiding eye contact as he fixes his coat and tells them, “it’s getting late. I have business to attend to, so if you’ll excuse me. Have a good night.”
—
Diluc manages to successfully avoid his thoughts from wandering to anything other than his work, practically working himself to the bone even when he roams Mondstadt at night, so much so that once he finally walks into the manor, there’s a tired hunch to his shoulders.
Before going upstairs, Diluc stops by one particular bookcase in the corner of the wide dining room, stuffed full of books he had deemed unnecessary to him once he’d taken over the manor but passed down through generations enough for him to not have the heart to properly dispose of them. Instead, they sit collecting dust, forgotten by everyone in the manor. Except for this moment.
He can remember having read at least the title for every single book in the manor, making it easier to discern which books could be shoved into this particular bookcase, and skims a lone gloved finger as he looks for one book in particular. He had shoved it here shortly after presenting, deeming it unnecessary in his refusal to associate himself with anything containing the word “omega.” Even after coming back from his trip in Inazuma, he had left the book here, thinking it unnecessary - thinking it could be just as easy to ask someone if he had any doubts. Now, however, things have changed.
He catches sight of the word Omega and pulls out the book, surmising the cover with faint apprehension. The Aristocrat’s Guide to Courting: Vol 3: Omegas
He cracks open the book and the contents within are pretty much what he had been expecting: customs and traditions only slightly familiar from having witnessed such things in public, only tweaked slightly to align with more modern ideals. A frown marres his face as the contents go into heavy detail of what he as an Omega should be expected to say how he is expected to act, what the standards are for accepting gifts.
He pauses as he comes upon a small passage, reading ‘A good Omega must wear any clothing gifted by an Alpha within the next meeting, conducting in a subdued and agreeable nature for the match to proceed to Mating. Alphas comprise of heavy possessive pheromones and minds, and can best be subdued if an Omega Match wears an article of clothing gifted by an Alpha. If an Omega is unsuccessful after this meeting in acquiring a successful partnership, the Omega is expected to [see page 52 for further instruction].’
Diluc quickly flips to page 52, halting when his mind catches up to the words on the page. ‘Pleasuring an Alpha as an unsuccessful Omega.’
He shuts the book quickly, face burning red as he spins around, making sure none of the maids are around to witness him having opened the book to that page. He sees no one, but holds his breath until he arrives in the safety of his room, book clutched firmly within his fist. He throws the book onto his desk, not even bothering to see if it lands, and heads for the bathroom to take a freezing bath, mind carefully avoiding what he had just read.
He makes quick work of getting ready for bed once out of the bath, shuffling through data and business drafts as heads for the desk in his bedroom, not noticing the wrapped package he had received earlier until he reaches forward for a pen only to come in contact with it.
Diluc had tried his best to not think of what could be packaged within the perfectly-wrapped gift. He tries to remember what he can specifically recall of the two Alphas, but comes up with incomplete images.
At most, he remembers arriving at a grand estate, with a giant private garden through which he had been forced to walk through, leaking slick.
He remembers being led into one of many sliding doors, waiting in a giant room for the Alpha to come back with another Omega mate, only for another Alpha to walk through the door. After, well…
The memory of that feeling brings a faint heat to his ears, and he shakes his head to rid himself of unnecessary emotions. No, he can just open the package now and kill this quiet curiosity.
Diluc once again stares and stares at the wrapped gift, squeezing the brown packaging gently so as to perhaps glean into what it could contain. It feels soft, perhaps a cloth, not at all what he had imagined.
Taking a deep breath, he turns the package over and begins to carefully peel the tape away at each corner, carefully unwrapping the gift that had been sent with himself in mind. One corner lifted, then another, and finally, the gift is within sight.
Diluc blinks once, twice, trying to make sense of what he sees. He hooks both index and forefingers through the loops he sees, studying the gift up close.
Diluc had seen plenty of Omega courting gifts in stores, ranging from the simplest clothing to expensive pieces of jewelry, always making sure to avert his gaze should anyone suspect him of buying it for himself - or worse, buying it for another Omega.
It’s…frilly.
Red and frilly.
There’s no other word to describe it, really, frills in a near-sheer material cover the elastic along the top, a generous amount of cloth meant to cover…the back probably?
Diluc turns the clothing over, only to reveal a thin string that most definitely would not cover anything in the front so how…?
Diluc puzzles over the cloth as he feels the material, soft as he rubs thumb and forefinger over it, flipping it this way and that til he nearly commits it to memory.
It’s quite the gift, Diluc thinks, and in such a vibrant color. He can’t remember the last time he wore something that wasn’t in gray, black or white, undergarments included.
Would he be expected to wear it for his walk with Thoma tomorrow? He touches the lingerie gently, running a pointer finger along the frills lining the elastic.
Of course he’d have to wear it. He’d just read why he was expected to wear it. Why else would he be given such a lewd gift, if something else wasn’t expected in return? It made sense, of course, once he thought on it logically. A clearly Omegan gift to show Diluc was willing; Thoma clearly needed a partner for his needs while his own mate was stuck in Inazuma on business. Diluc had already met said mate through their previous arrangement, so there must be some level of trust for Master Ayato to allow Thoma to have his needs met with Diluc…It was only natural.
Diluc set the panties aside on the nightstand as he put away the rest of his work, physically and mentally pushing his thoughts on the matter to the side, instead opting to grab the book he had thrown, finger catching on page 52.
He’d think on the present more in the morning.
—
Thoma swings by Dawn Winery shortly after Diluc has finished his morning tea. The sun has not yet reached its peak, casting a warm glow across the grapevines as Diluc studied their conditions.
He hears rather than sees Thoma approaching him, his unfamiliar laugh ringing out when Diluc looks around. He sees Thoma being led to him by one of the maids, Hillie, who has a dreamy look on her face that Thoma doesn’t even seem to notice, spotting Diluc before Hillie can call out. Diluc notices Thoma carrying a picnic basket, and tries his best to cover the surprise on his face.
“Diluc!” He waves, cheerful laughter lighting up his entire face, and Diluc’s breath catches in his throat at the sight, wanting nothing more than to have some way to bottle this warmth for when the Alpha wasn’t around.
He shows nothing on his face, inclining his head in greeting as Thoma gets closer. “Thoma, it’s good to see you. I’m glad you didn’t lose yourself among the grapevines. Shall we head out?”
He avoids looking at Thoma for too long, taking off his long coat to hand to Hillie as he dismisses her, asking the Alpha to lead the way once he’s rolled up his sleeves.
“Wait.” Thoma speaks beside him, seeming to hesitate to reach for Diluc’s arm, opting to instead take his hand. He brings it up to his lips, pressing a chaste kiss to Diluc’s knuckles, a soft whisper of a thing that tickles the Omega’s heartstrings.
Thoma’s good nature and pleasant manners make Diluc recall the contents of the book he’d read before bed all that easier to set in motion.
The picnic date is a disaster, if Diluc can even call it a date.
Conversation flows easily enough from Thoma’s end, a natural chatterbox that always seems to have something to ask or say, yet Diluc has considerable trouble coming up with interesting-enough responses. It all starts with Diluc becoming self-conscious of his own words, all arising when he inadvertently insults Master Ayato.
Thoma had recounted a quick story about almost losing his life during the Sakoku Decree in Inazuma, having to go into hiding right until the Decree had been lifted and all charges against himself dropped, and Diluc - speaking without thinking - had asked where Master Ayato had been, questioning why Thoma hadn’t been protected by the other Alpha. Thoma had stopped at that, expression closing off as he replied that Master Ayato had been busy “working behind the scenes,” smile plastered on his face as he quickly diverted conversation to a different story.
The damage had been done, and Diluc was quick enough to understand that he had asked something invasive, mentally scolding himself for even suggesting that Thoma’s mate wouldn’t help him in his time of need. He made sure to keep his responses agreeable with whatever Thoma said, diverting any questions about himself to focus on Thoma instead, and even though he tried his hardest, Thoma’s pinched eyebrows gave the illusion that his answers weren’t adequate enough.
Conversations aside, Diluc had assumed he’d done a well-enough job to keep creatures away from Dawn Winery and its surrounding, but perhaps they were attracted to the sweet scents emanating from Thoma’s picnic basket, that soon enough they were quickly surrounded enough times for them to veer off their original course.
They fight no less than three groups of creatures and slimes before finally settling at a clearing free from them all, right before Thoma’s basket catches on some thorny vines left behind by a defeated Samichurl. They pull and pull, trying their best to not jostle the contents within, but by the time the basket is freed it’s obvious everything has been mixed in together. The food is in disarray, and Thoma wears a pitiful expression as he bites into a rice ball drenched in juice.
Conversation is now short on their way back to Dawn Winery, and Diluc’s mind works to quickly think of some solution to this disaster of a date.
To make matters worse, in the path leading to Dawn Winery, it seems a new group of creatures is coming up the path they are on, led by a lone giant Lawachurl, and Diluc’s heart sinks at the sight.
He’s exhausted, both mentally and physically, from anguishing all on this outing, and knows Thoma seems troubled as well. Seeing the pinched expression on the Alpha’s face, he makes the quick decision to throw the picnic basket down the path, pulling Thoma in the opposite direction, hiding between a tree and a rock big enough to cover them both from view.
They wait with baited breath as the giant Lawachurl stomps up the path, pausing as it sniffs the air. Diluc backs up, pressing as close as he can to Thoma who stands rigid behind him as they wait for the creature to take the bait.
He knows he’s giving off a slightly distressed scent, and Diluc fears that the Lawachurl can pick up on Omega pheromones. He backs up even more, wishing Thoma’s Alpha pheromones might be enough to mask his own scent. The Alpha in return shoots his hands out to help keep DIluc balanced, rubbing soothing circles into his waist.
The hilichurl within the group has finally spotted the picnic basket, making a pleased noise as he calls to the rest of the group. They finally hear the creatures moving away, surely in the direction of the camp not far from here with the new addition of the picnic basket.
Diluc sags, letting out a quiet breath in relief that they’d escaped unharmed. This wouldn’t have been a problem had he been carrying any of his weapons, but curse him for thinking it wouldn’t be necessary. If only he hadn't read that Aristocrat’s Guide, that stressed how any weapons wouldn’t be necessary if an Alpha was present to protect. How stupid.
Diluc exhales quietly once more, shifting to his tippy toes to peak over the rock. There is no noise to indicate any signs of more creatures, slime or otherwise, but he needs to check before revealing their location just yet. Deeming it safe, he slides back down, accidentally brushing his backside against Thoma’s leg on his way back down.
“Ah! Hold still a second, I’m a bit…” Thoma trails off, panting hard against the shell of Diluc’s ear.
Diluc shifts slightly, wanting to look back at Thoma when he asks, “What’s wrong?” but Thoma halts his movements, squeezing at Diluc’s hips to keep him in place, the most miniscule movement of shifting his own hips up being enough for Diluc to catch on.
Thoma’s hard.
Diluc reddens at the realization, ducking his head as he suddenly becomes too aware of his own body, too aware of the way his clothes feel against his skin, too aware of the heat of the person directly behind him, of the faint scent of his arousal, of the way the Alpha’s hands engulf his hips, a searing brand that molds into the dips like they’re meant to lay there.
He can feel himself slick up before he even thinks about it, mortification quickly settling in at so little being enough to wet himself. It’s never happened to him before, and the pressure Thoma applies to his grip on Diluc means that of course the other has also noticed. It’s humiliating, to say the least.
Diluc, in his distress and humiliation, backs up into Thoma, and now the searing heat on his backside is noticeable.
“Diluc, please, please, stay…still…” Thoma is panting, the grip on Diluc’s waist bruising, and he makes an effort to bring his hips back so he’s no longer pressed against Diluc.
Something inside Diluc stings at that, a silent rejection that the omega knows means he’s not good enough for this alpha, and that brings forth to his mind page 52 of The Aristocrat’s Guide to Courting. It’s those contents that spurs his vocal cords, and before he can regret voicing it out loud, he says in a quiet voice, “I’m…wearing your gift.”
The next seconds are so silent, the far chirps of the birds felt as if they clobbered inside Diluc’s brain, a sudden wind picking up near them to rustle the tall grass and bushes. Each miniscule sound is heightened by Diluc’s senses, the blood rushing as loud as a river in his ears in the silence. It was nauseating waiting for the Alpha to say something, anything, some sort of recognition that he’d heard Diluc and understood what he’d said.
Finally, right on the shell of his ear, “Can I check?” is said in a breathless voice, Diluc’s ears reddening as he stares straight above the rock towards the cluster of trees, giving the most miniscule of nods in confirmation.
He feels rather than hears Thoma kneel behind him, long, long fingers slipping into the waistband of his pants. He pulls them down in one swift motion, Diluc reaching for the rock in front of him to catch his balance.
Thoma’s cool breath exhales, sending some of that cold sensation on Diluc’s bare skin, and it sends a shiver down his spine. Against his better judgment, he turns around, just in time to see Thoma use one hand to hold the thin string hiding his slickened hole away, and run a finger from his other hand through the slick leaking through.
“Ngh…”
There’s a rustle of leaves somewhere far off to their left which causes Thoma to quickly straighten up behind him, his hands back on Diluc’’s hips as they wait to see what it can be. Diluc’s pants remain pooled around his ankles in Thoma’s hurry to stand.
Voices are soon heard, with snippets of conversation fading in and out. Thoma doesn’t mean to, but he moves the weight of his leg to the other, causing his clothed hard-on to brush right against Diluc’s exposed skin, leaving Diluc wanting to feel more.
The voices don’t get any more quiet, and in fact sound like they might be settling in somewhere relatively close, but Diluc feels he’s reached some type of limit. The overwhelming scent of pure Alpha, an incredibly attractive and friendly one at that, has pushed Diluc past his breaking point. One hand still braced against the rock in front of him, he reaches around behind him to take out Thoma’s erect cock in one fell swoop, squeezing once it’s finally out of the constricts of Thoma’s pants.
Thoma squeezes Diluc’s sides hard in warning, a pinch that keeps Diluc grounded. He avoids looking back, knowing in his heart that if he so much as gets a glance of the Alpha’s face he’ll be asking to be bred there and now, and instead shifts ever so slightly. The new position allows for Thoma’s cock to fall right between his cheeks, temptation evident.
There’s a breath of silence before Thoma leans forwards, chest covering Diluc’s back as he leans in against Diluc’s ear, breathing harsh.
“Diluc,” he noses at the shell of his ear, tongue darting out for a quick taste.
“Please,” the red-head whines, himself unsure what he’s even asking for. He just needs something, anything.
Thoma groans in resignation, head falling on Diluc’s shoulder as he mutters into it, “what are you asking for, Diluc?”
“Let me…let me help you. Please, Alpha.” Diluc pants, words tumbling out easily enough when they’re controlled by his desires. He grinds back against Thoma for good measure, moth kept open in pleasure.
Thoma pulls at Diluc’s button-up, and Diluc struggles to unbutton it, careful not to get it ripped in the process.
Once Diluc’s shirt is off, Thoma resolves himself to reach an arm to wrap completely across Diluc’s bare chest, hand reaching to squeeze at the omega’s supple pec. With his right arm he reaches to move his own hard cock into the space between Diluc’s legs, right against the wet heat, the velvety cockhead resting just against Diluc’s heavy ballsac.
He moves his arm once again to Diluc’s side, giving it a squeeze as he breathes out, “squeeze your thighs for me.”
Diluc obeys, the motion bringing about all new sensations. The alpha is slightly taller, easier for his hard cock to slip out, causing Diluc to keep his thighs shut together in order to keep him from slipping away.
“Just like that. I’m going to start moving now, is that okay?” Thoma whispers, kissing between Diluc’s shoulder blades, returning to fondling his chest and side.
He nods, flexing his thighs in order to entice him even more. When Thoma starts moving, the omega swears he sees stars.
Thoma starts off agonizingly slow, moving first in experimentation to see if this could work. Once he realizes he won’t slip out of Diluc;s thighs, he leans his body weight against the omega once more, enveloping him as he moves his hips slowly against DIluc, a content sigh escaping his lips.
He takes his time in squeezing the meat of Diluc’s chest, cupping the heavy underside to then outlining the shape with a single finger, committing every single soft square inch to memory.
As he starts to find a slow rhythm by rubbing his straining cock against the perineum, Thoma starts using two knuckles to graze against one of Diluc’s soft inverted nipples, kneading into the flesh with rapt attention.
Diluc groans quietly, barely heard as the wet kisses Thoma presses into his skin drown out any other noise. He leans his head back, resting comfortably on Thoma’s broad shoulder as the Alpha continues kneading into his nipple, opting to move from knuckles to nails in order to prod the shy bundle of nerves to peak out.
During one particularly rough scratch, it finally pops out, pert and darkened from its constant abuse, leading Thoma to move to coax out the other one. It’s rough, thrilling, and like nothing Diluc has felt before. He’d never known his chest to be particularly sensitive, but the rough pads of Thoma’s fingers are like stings of electricity on his warmed skin.
Meanwhile, Thoma has started to find a comfortable enough position in between Diluc’s wet heat that he’s boldened enough to start moving at a quicker pace, and the slide is made that much easier thanks to the slick Diluc’s body is keen to pump out. In one particular thrust, Thoma’s warm cockhead slides and gently hits Diluc’s ballsac, eliciting a loud groan from the omega.
Thoma stops his movements, reaching to cover Diluc’s mouth with his palm as they hear off in the distance someone.
“What was that?” someone’s voice asks in the distance.
Diluc tries, he tries so hard to stay silent, but the silent and slow sinuous movement of Thoma’s member between his thighs is somehow too much for him to bear, a sensation all new to him, that he can’t keep himself from whining.
Thoma resolves to push two fingers into Diluc’s mouth, panting as he whispers in his ear, “suck on that for me, it’ll keep you quiet.”
Diluc relishes in the Alpha’s scent enveloping his mouth, using his tongue to lick and suck on the Alpha’s long thick fingers, not letting a single strip of flesh free from his burning tongue.
Diluc is so drunk off Thoma’s scent in his mouth that he doesn’t notice the voices quickly departing their area at the sound of Diluc’s muffled moans, voices trembling with fear of some hidden monster in the bushes.
Thoma sighs in relief as the area quiets once more, pushing his fingers in deeper as he continues his abuse on Diluc’s erect nipples.
The forest is once again quiet, only the sounds of rustling leaves in the breeze and noisy wet squelches to keep the pair company.
Thoma resumes his steady grind between Diluc’s fleshy thighs, his cock entirely wettened from the omega’s slick working to coat him, causing his own cock to quickly wet the slight patch of lingerie still constricting Diluc’s own cock. Diluc groans in silent relief, the wetness welcome on his untouched cock.
Thoma reaches his free hand to give it a quick squeeze over the wet patch, then guides Diluc’s own hand to rub at himself through the clothing, pulling in the string at the side to keep omega’s cock firmly within its confines.
“Keep your hand out here, okay Diluc? How does that fabric feel, hm? Do you like how it covers your cock?” Thoma asks, kissing up Diluc’s neck. All the omega can do is nod, panting and groaning as he sucks particularly hard on Thoma’s fingers.
Thoma uses the hand still within Diluc’s mouth to stretch it out, allowing the saliva to pooled within to dribble out and coil down Diluc’s reddened chest, stopping just at the curve of his pecs.
Thoma takes both hands to grip at Diluc’s hips, using the thin strings of the panties to get an even better grip.
“Mm, fuck, ‘m close,” Thoma pants, pulling the strings harder to constrict Diluc’s cock even more, the constant movement causing his poor omega cock to rut against the fabric.
The constant friction of the fabric on his cock is enough for Diluc to finally - finally - reach the point of climax, clenching his thighs tightly as he cums within the confines of his panties. The only thing keeping Diluc from crumbling to the ground is Thoma’s quickened pace and grip on his panties, his own fattened cock swollen from the need to release.
“Diluc, Diluc,” Thoma’s groans are like a prayer, his voice sending shivers up Diluc’s spine.
Diluc reaches a hand back, curling into Thoma’s neck to bring him down for a searing kiss. The kiss is anything but gentle, a startling contrast to the alpha’s gentle personality, and it gives Diluc a quick idea.
“Alpha…” he pants, cheeks reddening as he asks, “will you cum inside my panties?”
Thoma groans, slipping out from between Diluc’s thighs with a wet fwop, turning the omega around as he grips his cock at the base to keep from cumming.
“Are you sure?” Thoma asks, snaking a hand to brush against Diluc’s side so he can brace himself against the rock.
In lieu of responding, Diluc loosens the strings of his panties just enough to stretch the front forward, presenting his soiled softened cock, twitching in anticipation.
Thoma crowds closer, leaning down to bite at Diluc’s chest as he hurriedly pumps his cock in quick succession, aiming right for the cloth. One quick bite at the meat of Diluc’s chest and Thoma’s vision whitens, spurts of thick cum warming Diluc’s own cock from the heat. Thoma lets out a low groan, mouth still attached to a pec as the last droplets of cum finally come out.
He steps back to admire his handiwork, before Diluc quickly plasters the panties back against himself, tightening the loosened strings.
Thoma gapes in amazement, not expecting DIluc to reach and his pants back up despite the wet mess that’s accumulated on his front.
“Wait, Diluc,” Thoma reaches a hand forward, stopping the redhead before he can pull his pants completely up.
Diuc pushes his hands way, desperate to pull his pants up before the Alpha can stop him.
“Please…” he pleaded, “I need to keep your scent on me.”
“Oh.” Thoma blinks, eyes smiling as he regards Diluc, helping the Omega pull his shirt on and panting his hair down. “I see. Okay, as you wish.”
The walk back to the manor is quiet, Thoma leading Diluc, one hand settled comfortably against the small of his back. The touch is barely there, but the heat from his fingertips is enough comfort to Diluc.
They cross the fields of grapevines without running into anyone, and are just as alone right up to the entrance of the manor. Diluc turns around to invite the alpha in for dinner, but stops at the look on Thoma’s face. He knows what comes next, and the urge to run into the manor to avoid hearing the next words is strong, but he stays rooted to the spot, searching Thoma’s face. There’s a hint of a farewell in his eyes, smoldering in between something like regret and barely contained affection.
It hurts more than Diluc expects.
“I’ll see you soon again, I promise. Next time, play nicely with Master Ayato, okay?” Thoma pulls Diluc in for a warm embrace, one arm settled around his waist, another wrapping around his broad shoulders.
He’s failed.
He’s failed according to that stupid book’s guide to being Mated, and that failure settles in Diluc’s ribcage, rattling through his being as he shudders out a ragged breath. He doesn’t know what he expected following the guide, when reality comes crashing back down. There was no way Thoma would stay here with him; he had his own mate back home, someone who was waiting for him to come back after allowing him to have his fun with the omega they had both bedded. This was never anything serious, and no matter how much attraction or pheromones enticed him, it would never be enough. Heat prickles at the corner of his eyes, and he closes them to avoid any tears from falling.
Avoiding any inhibitions, he wraps his arms around the Alpha, embracing him just as strongly, trying to find the proper words to either make him stay or keep his pride intact. He can’t find any, and settles for something desperate instead.
“Okay. Come back soon.”