Omega

Disclaimer: I do not own Haikyuu!.

Warnings: Self Harm, Hurt/Comfort, Drama, Angst

Pairings: Akaashi x Bokuto, Akaashi x Kuroo, Kozume x Kuroo, Sakusa x Kyoutani, Sakusa x Ukai, Sugawara x Sawamura, Oikawa x Iwaizumi, Akaashi x Udai, Hinata x Kageyama, Hinata x Hoshiumi, Yaku x Haiba, Yaku x Shibayama, Yaku x Haiba x Shibayama, Yachi x Aone, Nishinoya x Azumane, Tsukishima x Yamaguchi, Shimizu x Akiteru

Plot: Yamaguchi and Tsukishima share a brief respite from the royal court.

Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics


Ch 17: Respite

Tsukishima perked his ears towards Yamaguchi as the beta entered the sunlit terrace overlooking the palace gardens, beckoning his companion closer with a soft smile. He shifted to make room beside him on the lounge chaise, and Yamaguchi curled up next to him quietly, hiding his face against the omega's shoulder with a soft, tired sigh. He'd been busy attending meetings with the Queen and her confidants all day, and his mind was reeling with more questions now than he knew what to do with.

It was overwhelming, carrying the knowledge of upcoming battles and the war tactics meant to ensure their kingdom's victories. The thought of war itself, of the lives that would ultimately be claimed because of it, weighed heavily on Yamaguchi's heart. There was little he could do to contribute to their cause save lend advice if called upon, given his upbringing in the tower.

Tsukishima shushed him gently, carding his fingers through the beta's hair and rubbing at the curve of an ear soothingly, murmuring against his forehead, "What news from the warfront? Have you heard anything more of Toru?"

Yamaguchi pinched his brow, nodding hesitantly. "They say he has become one of the most renowned sorcerer priests to enter the battlefield. He has proven to be extremely dangerous, bending Alphas to his will without hesitation or mercy. The north is suffering greatly from his presence there alone."

Tsukishima frowned a little, humming thoughtfully. "To think they would have chosen Toru of all people to undergo conversion into priesthood. He always held a great sway over Hajime, but who knew he would dare go so far as to become a Shepherd…"

"I wonder what will happen when he crosses paths with Shouyou." Yamaguchi murmured tiredly, his brow furrowed as he huffed softly. "I hope that Shouyou will not hesitate. If Toru is now our enemy, we must treat him as such."

Tsukishima hummed his agreement, petting between Yamaguchi's ears slowly, asking in a softer tone, "Have there been any rumors regarding Kenma?"

"Not since the news of his pregnancy." Yamaguchi replied quietly, perking his ears slightly towards Tsukishima's voice. "His pup must be nearing its second spiral."

Tsukishima smiled a little, his eyes drifting along the curves of the archways above them. He could barely believe it had been two years since the last time he'd seen either Oikawa or Kozume. It felt like they had just been together, despite the time that had truly passed.

Footsteps echoed from the hallway, and Ushijima appeared a few moments later, letting out a soft sigh. Tsukishima perked his ears up slightly, watching the Alpha with a soft expression. "You look exhausted as well. Have they given you leave for the remainder of the day?"

Ushijima hummed a soft affirmative, taking a few steps closer and dipping down to press a kiss to Tsukishima's crown, the omega purring softly and tilting his face up for a kiss.

Ushijima pulled away after a moment, holding Tsukishima's eyes. "Satori wanted to relax in the baths for a while before meeting the princesses for a ride, do you feel like joining us?"

"In a little while, perhaps." Tsukishima replied with an affectionate smile, petting along the Alpha's strong jaw. "I want to spend some time with Tadashi."

Ushijima crooned softly, then slowly stepped away, his bootfalls thudding deeply against the polished marble, his ruby mantle swaying in the warm breeze.

Yamaguchi's cheeks were flushed as Tsukishima wrapped his arms around his companion's waist, smiling impishly as he pressed kisses to Yamaguchi's forehead and freckled cheeks.

"Still so shy…" Tsukishima whispered teasingly, his fingertips flitting along Yamaguchi's side, his other hand tilting up the beta's chin.

"I…" Yamaguchi breathed, holding Tsukishima's golden eyes, his blush darkening as the omega leaned closer. "Kei-"

"Kiss me." Tsukishima whispered, searching Yamaguchi's eyes. "Kiss me. I want you to."

Yamaguchi breathed out shakily, his heart fluttering against his ribcage, then he lifted himself up a bit and met Tsukishima's lips with his own, kissing him gently.

Tsukishima purred softly against his lips, carding his fingers through Yamaguchi's hair and kissing him back sweetly, shifting slightly so he was framing the beta's hips with his legs, allowing Yamaguchi to press closer, resting lightly against his chest.

When they parted Yamaguchi was panting quietly, and his blush had spread all across his face and down his neck, Tsukishima kissing at his freckles sweetly.

"I love you." Tsukishima whispered, lacing their fingers gently. "I love you, Tadashi."

"I love you." Yamaguchi whispered back, squeezing Tsukishima's fingers and leaning closer once again. "You mean everything to me." He pressed a kiss to Tsukishima's cheek, turning to hide his face against the omega's neck. "You're my entire world."

-x-

Tendou stretched out with a quiet yawn, reclining back against the lip of the large basin, smiling lazily as he watched Ushijima wade closer through the steaming water to take a seat beside him. Once he had settled, Tendou leaned closer to rest against the Alpha's side, Ushijima perking his ears and wrapping his arm around Tendou's waist, the omega smiling happily to himself and closing his eyes, purring softly.

"Your sisters wanted to-" Ushijima began, but Tendou shushed him gently, patting at the Alpha's chest.

"Let's rest for a moment. Just like this, just the two of us." He pressed his cheek to Ushijima's bicep, petting over the Alpha's chest in slow passes. "No other thoughts or cares, nothing outside of this moment in time. We could spend an eternity together, just like this." He parted his eyes after a moment and peeked up at his companion, adding teasingly, "I'd be happy to spend the rest of my life like this with you. Ah, but then again, it wouldn't be the same without Kei and Tadashi, would it?"

Ushijima's expression smoothed and he chuckled softly, relaxing further into the steaming water. "So much has changed in the time that has passed since they first came to stay with us. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to live our lives without them." He nosed at one of Tendou's ears, adding, "I know how much you care for them, how much affection you truly hold for them both. They're precious to you, to both of us."

Tendou crooned and pushed himself up slightly, searching Ushijima's eyes. "You love them, just as much as you love me."

"As do you." Ushijima murmured quietly, smoothing his palm along the prince's waist gently, kneading at his subtle curves. "We're bonded, the four of us."

"Destined to be together." Tendou smiled, wrapping his arms around Ushijima's neck before tilting his face up slightly. "I noticed mother was speaking with you privately at the end of the meeting. Is she pestering you about pups again?"

Ushijima chuckled again, nodding lightly. "As always. She is eager for the castle halls to once again be filled with the sound of pups, and your sisters are still far too young to begin courting. For now, all her hopes and dreams rest with you."

Tendou sighed, teasing his fingers along Ushijima's nape and pouting lightly. "Mother knows not to pester me about it. I'm sorry she still pesters you."

Ushijima was quiet for a moment, then pressed a kiss to Tendou's forehead, murmuring, "She was asking of my intentions with Kei. She thinks enough time has passed now since our bonding that we should be thinking of pups."

Tendou perked his ears in surprise, meeting Ushijima's eyes. "Has Kei expressed any interest in carrying pups?"

Ushijima made a soft sound, shaking his head. "He hasn't mentioned it, though we haven't really spoken of such matters in depth." He searched Tendou's eyes, asking softly, "Is that something you would be content with? If I sired pups with Kei?"

Tendou tugged at Ushijima's dark hair gently, petting along his nape while leaning in to nuzzle the Alpha's jaw. "He's your mate, Toshi. If you want to create new life together, that is for you and Kei to decide."

"You and I both know there's more to it than that." Ushijima murmured quietly, pressing his lips to Tendou's cheek. "You and Tadashi are involved in this as well. We would not think of pursuing such things without consulting both of you first."

Tendou hummed thoughtfully, then pulled back a bit to meet Ushijima's eyes.

"As I have no desire to have pups myself, I think it would be good for you to have pups with Kei. If that's what you both wanted." He smiled and searched Ushijima's eyes, his expression soft as he added, "I would be happy for you. You would be an amazing father, Toshi." He sighed a little before adding with a grin, "I'm certain mother would be ecstatic as well."

Ushijima cupped Tendou's cheek, stroking his thumb across his faint blush and leaning closer to nuzzle his forehead, the prince sighing quietly. He pressed his hand over Ushijima's, tracing the length of his fingers slowly before tilting his face up for a kiss. Ushijima watched him with an affectionate gaze, then pressed their mouths together slowly, tugging the omega against him and splaying his fingers against Tendou's spine, the prince breathing out a soft sound of want while kissing him back gently.

They stayed where they were, holding one another and kissing softly, until Tendou pulled back with a quiet moan, panting shakily. He whined softly, breathing against Ushijima's lips and searching his eyes, his hold on Ushijima's shoulders tightening.

Ushijima watched his expression, rubbing up and down his side slowly, a sultry smirk turning up his lips. "Eager, My Prince?"

"Take me to bed." Tendou growled softly, Ushijima chuckling against his lips. He groaned softly as the omega pressed closer and wrapped his thighs snuggly around his waist, the Alpha lifting him from the water and stepping out of the basin, Tendou kissing him all the while.

Ushijima carried him down the length of shadowed corridor leading to the prince's private chambers, Tendou whining and threading his fingers through Ushijima's damp hair as they kissed, tugging playfully. As soon as they were inside the Alpha crossed the room and pressed him back against one of the ornate pillars at the foot of the bed, pinning his waist and letting out a deep growl while rocking against him teasingly.

Tendou was panting shakily, nodding and arching against the Alpha's chest, his grip tightening. "Take me, Wakatoshi. Take me."

"Satori." Ushijima murmured, tilting up his face and kissing him deeply, Tendou whining and curling his toes as the Alpha slipped between his cheeks, rutting against him slowly. He took his time, spreading his precum along Tendou's soft skin, still warm and wet from the bath. He lifted Tendou's hips a bit higher, taking his wrists and pinning them against the pillar, then shifted his stance and slicked his cockhead between the prince's lips, and pushed forward into his crux slowly.

"Fuck!" Tendou gasped, his face flushing crimson as he was breached, the omega gasping and jerking against Ushijima, trying desperately to free his pinned wrists.

Ushijima growled deeply, licking his lips and pressing closer, grunting in satisfaction. He took his time, sliding his entire length inside until Tendou was filled to the brim, completely full of him, the Alpha's cockhead clearly visible where it jutted against the soft curve of Tendou's lower stomach.

"I'm going to move." Ushijima warned, and Tendou nodded his head, panting heavily as he flexed his toes against the air, tilting his face to the side and offering up his neck.

"Taste me, Toshi. I know you want it."

Ushijima growled deeply, baring his fangs, dipping his head and nosing against Tendou's scent glands, inhaling the omega's sweet scent before dragging his tongue over his glands slowly. Tendou gasped and flexed his wrists against Ushijima's hold, rocking his hips as the Alpha drew back slightly then pushed forward again, building a slow rhythm between them.

"Oh fuck, Toshi. Fuck yes, please-" Ushijima pressed their mouths together once more, drawing back a bit further each time until he was thrusting into Tendou's dripping crux with quick, sharp slaps, Tendou crying out desperately against his tongue.

It didn't take much to bring Tendou to orgasm, the prince shuddering and tensing, squeezing around Ushijima tightly as he came. Ushijima watched his expressions the entire time, his movements gradually slowing as Tendou's limbs went a bit slack, Ushijima chuckling and carefully releasing his hold on the omega's wrists while carrying him to the side of the bed.

"Again." Tendou murmured quietly, Ushijima humming his agreement. He guided Tendou to rest back against the sheets, gripping his hips and lifting his thighs, sliding back into him with a low grunt before starting to thrust again.

Tendou gasped and clung to the sheets beneath him, his cock bouncing in time with Ushijima's thrusts, still half-hard from cumming before. After a few thrusts against his g-spot he was hard and aching again, biting his lip as he reached down and wrapped his fingers around himself, giving a few slow jerks as Ushijima watched with a heated gaze.

"You feel so good." Tendou gasped out between moans, closing his eyes and arching his back, jerking in time with the Alpha's thrusts. "So good, Toshi. So good-" He stilled his hand, his cock twitching defiantly, Tendou gasping aloud as he started jerking quickly again. "Fuck, Toshi! Fuck you're gonna make me cum!"

"Cum for me." Ushijima growled deeply, leaning closer to lap at Tendou's chest, nipping at his flushed skin teasingly. "Let me feel you cum on my cock."

Tendou cried out sharply and reached out for Ushijima's shoulder, clinging to him with one hand while jerking himself with the other, crying out excitedly as he started to cum. "Yes, yes! Ah Toshi, I'm cumming! Ah~!"

"Good boy." Ushijima whispered, watching as Tendou spilled over his hand, feeling the way his crux tightened and pulsated around his throbbing cock. "That's my good boy, Satori. You're such a good boy. So obedient for me, aren't you?"

Tendou laughed breathlessly, blushing and biting his lip, nodding and rolling his hips. "For you. Only for you." He reached down and rubbed along his lower stomach, petting over the curve of Ushijima's cock. "I want you to cum inside. I want to feel you."

Ushijima growled deeply, leaning closer to capture Tendou's lips, kissing him slow and deep for several long moments before parting and searching his eyes. "You're sure? Have you had your tea?"

"I will." Tendou whispered, kissing Ushijima's jaw. "I'll have some just after. I want you inside, Alpha. Let me feel you."

Ushijima shivered, his cock twitching in response to the omega's words, thrusting shallowly for a moment before carefully withdrawing, slick spilling down his thighs. Tendou pulled back a bit, centering himself in the mattress and beckoning Ushijima closer, the Alpha crawling over him on hands and knees, watching as Tendou reached out and wrapped his fingers around his burgeoning knot.

The omega sighed contentedly, resting back against the silken sheets and working his sticky fingers over Ushijima's knot, spreading his thighs and panting quietly. Ushijima watched him with a soft, heated expression, lowering himself and pressing kisses to Tendou's forehead and nose, the omega whining softly and arching against the sheets.

"Inside." Tendou whispered, Ushijima kissing him slowly while lifting his thighs, the prince guiding his cock between his lips and pulling back his hands just as Ushijima pressed in.

Ushijima made a soft sound between a grunt and a huff as he thrust home, his features smoothing as Tendou laced their fingers and moaned his name, begging needily for more. He tucked his face against the omega's neck, nipping at his scent glands and laving his tongue along Tendou's racing pulse to taste his sweet scent over and over again.

The tension between them built, Tendou arching his back and tossing back his head, crying out in earnest. This time when he came, Ushijima tumbled after him, locking them together with his swollen knot.

-x-

Tsukishima was panting shakily, fingers tangled in Yamaguchi's hair as the freckled beta tended to him, licking into him and lifting his thighs a bit higher than before. The omega bit his lip, trying to maintain his composure, his cheeks dusted with pink as he moaned softly against his other hand, Yamaguchi making soft sounds against his crux while pressing his tongue deeper inside.

"Tadashi…" Tsukishima whispered, glancing over his shoulder towards the corridor behind them. No one should bother them at this time of day, but even so they were still out in the open. Should one of the royal servants venture down the nearby hall or into the castle gardens they would most certainly be overheard.

The beta perked his ears up a bit, drawing back just enough to meet Tsukishima's eyes, his entire face flushed. "Do you like it? Does it feel good?"

"It feels wonderful." Tsukishima whispered, biting his lip as Tadashi dipped down again, his tongue teasing over the omega's clit before dragging up the underside of his twitching cock. Tsukishima bit at his fingers to keep himself quiet, whining softly and spreading his legs a little wider, closing his eyes once again. The more he relaxed the better it felt, and as Yamaguchi began pressing kisses against his cockhead and slipped his fingers inside Tsukishima's crux the omega couldn't hide his voice.

Yamaguchi lapped at his cock slowly, sucking at the tip and teasing his tongue along the slit while pressing in two fingers to the second knuckle. Tsukishima rolled his hips, whimpering while clenching around Yamaguchi's fingers tightly, slick spilling messily down the beta's hand.

Holy fuck… Yamaguchi breathed against Tsukishima shakily for a few moments before taking him into his mouth, laving his tongue against the underside and swallowing around him. Tsukishima arched with a gasp, crying out desperately as Yamaguchi flexed his fingers up.

"Ah Tadashi! There, right there-"

Yamaguchi hummed around him, bobbing his head and taking him deeper, tapping his fingers gently against that spot, intent on pushing Tsukishima over the edge. The omega grasped a handful of his hair, pulling him off of his cock as he started to cum, Yamaguchi panting and moaning as he kept flexing his fingers, Tsukishima cumming across his freckles with a desperate whine.

"Fuck!"

Yamaguchi stilled his fingers gradually, rocking them in time with the slow roll of Tsukishima's hips, the omega huffing softly and resting back his head, releasing Yamaguchi's tousled hair with a contented sigh.

"You're getting really good at that." Tsukishima murmured, tugging Yamaguchi closer to cuddle against him. He kissed his temple sweetly, using the edge of his robes to clean the beta's flushed face. "Do you want me to-?"

"N-No, no I can take care of it." Yamaguchi murmured softly, dipping back his ears a bit as Tsukishima cleaned him, the omega watching him with a teasing little smile.

"Are you going to let me watch?" Tsukishima whispered against the beta's ear, Yamaguchi's breath hitching as he let out a soft whine, pressing his hand over his lap pointedly.

"I-I won't last very long." He whispered shyly, looking up into Tsukishima's eyes.

The omega arched his brow, letting out a soft chuckle before dipping down to claim a kiss. "You know that doesn't matter, silly. I just want you to feel good."

Yamaguchi bit his lip, glancing around the gardens carefully, then when he was certain they were still alone he methodically parted his robes and reached inside, shivering as he cupped his dripping cock.

"Let me see." Tsukishima whispered, nipping Yamaguchi's ear, the beta pressing close against his side and parting his robes a little more, Tsukishima making a soft sound of want as Yamaguchi teased his fingers along his bobbing cock. "You should be proud of yourself, Tadashi. You made me feel so good, you made me cum so easily."

Yamaguchi swallowed thickly, shivering at Tsukishima's tone. "I-I want to please you. I love making you feel good."

"I know you do." Tsukishima whispered, smiling as he nosed the curve of his ear. "You know just what to do, just how to touch me to turn me on."

Yamaguchi closed his eyes, shivering and wetting his lips with a slow drag of his tongue. Tsukishima's hand was on his thigh, squeezing lightly, urging him on.

"You're such a sweet lover, Tadashi. Always so thorough, so selfless when you tend to me. It makes me weak."

Yamaguchi whined softly and turned his face to kiss Tsukishima while stroking his cock, the omega purring and teasing his fingers over Yamaguchi's, the beta's shoulders tensing as he quickened his pace.

"Love you." Yamaguchi whispered, and Tsukishima smiled and cupped his face, kissing him slow and deep.

"Love you too, darling." Tsukishima murmured, licking into his mouth. "You taste so sweet, you taste like me~"

Yamaguchi whimpered and bit his lip, squeezing his cock and stilling his movements, precum dripping down his hand. "I want to lick you." He breathed out unevenly, shifting against Tsukishima's side. "I want to lick you while I touch myself. Can I?"

Tsukishima's blush grew, and he nodded, laying back slightly and tugging up his robes, bunching them around his waist. Yamaguchi watched him with a hazy expression, panting quietly while shifting between his legs. He stroked himself slowly, then leaned forward to brace himself on one hand, dipping down to lick into Tsukishima's crux while tightening his grip on his cock.

"Tadashi." Tsukishima whispered, perking his ears towards the distant sound of laughter in the garden, a pair of servants chatting quietly back and forth while gathering fresh flowers, the omega's eyes following their movements with a bright blush. "Tadashi, please…"

Yamaguchi was moaning softly as he fucked into his fist, rocking his hips in quick little bursts, lapping at Tsukishima's clit before slipping down and thrusting in his tongue, lost in the moment.

Tsukishima's blush crept down his neck and across his chest, and he slowly smoothed his hand over his stomach before wrapping his fingers around his cock, teasing himself with light touches as he watched the attendants work. He could feel that telltale heat curling behind his navel, and from the muffled sounds Yamaguchi was making he knew the beta was also about to cum.

Tsukishima moved both of his hands to cover his mouth as he cried out eagerly, his cock twitching as he spilled across his stomach, Yamaguchi still fucking him with his tongue. At feeling Tsukishima's rhythmic clenching he finally let himself go, climaxing hard with a soft shout, both of the attendants pausing their conversation and looking around, Tsukishima whining softly as his afterglow washed over him in a wave from head to toe.

From their position on the terrace they couldn't be seen, but Tsukishima could hear the attendants giggling to one another before starting up their conversation again.

Yamaguchi sighed contentedly as he pushed himself up, slowly adjusting his robes, Tsukishima's face red as he did the same, trying to even out his breathing. Yamaguchi smiled teasingly and took Tsukishima's hand once he was done, tugging the omega to his feet and leading him away down the corridor towards the baths. Tsukishima followed after him quietly, obviously embarrassed, but as Yamaguchi laced their hands and began to purr the omega also began purring softly.

Everyone knew they were together, it wasn't a secret. The court was well aware that Tendou and Ushijima shared intimacy, and while Ushijima and Tsukishima were traditionally bonded, Tsukishima shared intimacy with Yamaguchi as well.

The Matriarchy was open to sharing multiple bonds between cherished companions and loved ones. There was no shame in displaying their polyamorous relationship. Even so, Tsukishima was still a bit embarrassed that they had been overheard, despite how accepting the entire court was about their shared bond.

Yamaguchi stripped down at the edge of the basin, perking his ears towards Tsukishima and offering him a gentle smile. "Would you like it if I lathered your hair?"

Tsukishima hummed quietly, stripping out of his robes as well, taking Yamaguchi's hand in his own as the beta stepped forward into the water.

They took turns washing one another, then found a comfortable position to recline together and soak. Yamaguchi dozed off quickly, resting lightly against Tsukishima's shoulder, the omega resting his cheek against Yamaguchi's damp curls and watching the steam curling above the heated water.

Soon, things would change for all of them. Soon there would be an outright war between the alliance of the Western and Northern Kingdoms against the Holy Empire.

Tsukishima closed his eyes, turning to press his nose to Yamaguchi's crown, breathing in his calm, neutral scent.

We're counting on you, Shouyou.

Tsukishima shivered lightly, tightening his hold on Yamaguchi, thinking of what was to come.

All of us are counting on you. We'll be waiting for your return. Good luck.

-x-x-x-

On the steps of the cathedral at the heart of the Empire's central metropolis, two priests emerged into the sunlight side by side, their Alphas trailing silently after. The first paused for a moment, tilting his face up while reaching up to shield his eyes from the brilliance of the midday sun, the second letting out a tired sigh.

"It's about time, isn't it?" The second priest asked, looking towards the elaborate carriage waiting nearby, one of his ears twitching lightly. "Are you on your way to the northern front to meet with Oikawa?"

"Indeed!" The first replied with a smile, humming to himself merrily. "I'm excited to see what challenges may lie ahead, now that the Supreme will be joining the fray. I'm certain our brother will appreciate my assistance, given the blessings I have recently acquired."

"Indeed." The second hummed, his tone politely interested. "I shall wait to hear of your great victory. We will miss your presence here at the capital. Don't stay gone for too long."

"I'll return before you've grown to miss me." The first teased, leaning closer to press a kiss to the other's brow, squeezing his hand lightly before stepping away. "Take care to watch over our flock, dearest brother. I'm certain the citadel is quite safe in your most capable hands."

"Safe travels." The second priest called, watching as the first climbed into the waiting carriage alongside his Alpha, the driver hurriedly readying the horses before setting off through the busy streets.

The sole remaining priest sighed softly as the carriage departed, turning to fix his sights on the tower high above the cathedral, clenching his jaw before forcing himself to relax and continue on. The guards parted to allow him inside, and the priest continued along the winding stairs leading to the inner gates, his Alpha trailing silently behind him.

Dozens of eyes followed their movements as they arrived at the top of the tower and stepped through the inner gates, beginning down the corridor leading to the first set of gardens. There were several omegas lounging about, beta attendants doting upon them, guards stationed at every walkway and at the corners of every balcony and terrace, the Alphas bowing their heads respectfully as the priest and his Alpha walked by.

The priest observed the gardens for a while before continuing towards the library, walking through the aisles slowly, greeting the attendants here and there and offering blessings to the omegas he came across. He continued past the library towards the tiered balconies overlooking the city streets, stepping towards the broken statue that had once depicted a beautiful angel, now decapitated with crumbling wings.

Kozume glanced up at the sound of footsteps, his eyes narrowing a bit as he watched the priest's movements then glanced away, looking down at the bustling marketplace far below. The priest watched him for a moment before turning his attention towards the one he'd come to speak with, Takeda stepping closer and greeting him with a bright smile.

"It is good to see you, brother. How have you fared since we've last spoken?" He shifted his gaze to the Alpha nearby, giving him a little nod and a smile. "I presume your travels to the capital were blessedly uneventful?"

"We have had the good fortune to avoid the frontlines thus far." The other priest replied, Takeda humming his understanding quietly.

"Soon they may call all of us to the front." Takeda replied with a soft sigh, glancing towards the cathedral steeple with a little smile. "Sakusa should be returning to the citadel soon. His realignment ceremony and reintegration will allow me to leave the capital, and contribute to the northern cause as well."

"With you fighting alongside us," the priest added with a smile, "We will most certainly overwhelm those that oppose us. We have all heard tales of your divine gifts, the holy abilities that you have been blessed with. It would be a wonder to behold them."

Takeda offered the priest a gentle smile, resting his hand on the other's shoulder. "You honor me with such praise." He looked towards Kozume, then said, "Give me a few moments. I will join you in the atrium, and we shall commune and discuss the details further."

"Yes, Inquisitor." The priest replied, bowing his head slightly before turning away, leaving Takeda and Kozume to themselves on the balcony.

Kozume was quiet as Takeda stepped closer, tightened his hold on the baby in his arms ever so slightly. Takeda hummed a soft melody as he reached out to touch her, patting at her small back gently, the infant fussing quietly as she rested against Kozume's chest.

"I have spoken with the highest authorities of the cathedral to ensure your daughter may stay with you, even once I am gone."

Kozume ducked back his ears slightly, hesitantly meeting Takeda's eyes. "Once Sakusa returns, everything will change."

"No." Takeda whispered gently, shaking his head slowly while searching Kozume's eyes. "You and your child are under my protection. My authority supersedes Sakusa's. I am the High Inquisitor. My word is law."

"You won't be here to enforce it." Kozume hissed through his teeth, lifting his daughter higher against his chest, his ears flattening as he let out a shaky breath. "What happens when they come for her? What happens when they take her from me?"

"Kenma." Takeda said gently, reaching out to touch his shoulder, the tawny omega shivering beneath his hand.

"I am alone." Kozume whispered, tears gathering in his lashes, his cheeks turning red. "I am alone, and without your presence here I am defenseless." He held Takeda's eyes, asking, "How can you ensure her safety, or mine? Will you have one of your Alphas act as my guardian? Will you bid them to stay here and watch over me in your place? Your absence changes everything. Everything."

Kozume ducked his head, tears slipping down his cheeks as he nosed at his daughter's crown, the baby babbling and reaching up to touch his face as he cried softly.

Takeda watched him for a long, quiet moment, then asked gently, "Would you feel safer traveling with me to the north, rather than staying here until I return?"

Kozume lifted his head at that, blinking in surprise. He didn't respond for a moment, trying to wrap his head around Takeda's offer, then he asked, "Would something like that truly be allowed? After what happened…"

"I have the authority to select candidates for priesthood, and take them under my wing at my own discretion." Takeda said quietly, petting Kozume's wet cheek, watching his reactions closely. "If I were to relay your desire to one day become a Shepherd, I would then be able to displace you from the tower, and keep you at my side. However…"

His eyes fell to the baby between them, smiling down at her as she continued fussing quietly.

"The Northern Territories are dangerous. Taking an infant with us to the frontlines…" He arched his brow a bit, slowly shaking his head. "Even with my authority as an Inquisitor, I am uncertain whether the Grand Masters of the Cathedral would agree to such a request."

Kozume frowned and looked down at his daughter, rubbing her back in slow passes while asking worriedly, "You would have her looked after by the sisters? The Abbess would watch over her until we return?"

"Yes." Takeda whispered gently, offering Kozume a reassuring smile. "She will be well looked after, her every need tended to. You have my word."

Kozume watched Takeda for a long moment, then turned his attention to his daughter once more, petting over her tummy and smiling as she grasped onto his fingers, babbling all the while.

"How long would we be gone?" Kozume asked softly, Takeda humming thoughtfully as he considered.

"That depends on how easily the rebellion is quelled." Takeda replied candidly, looking out across the balcony, following the horizon to the north. "It could take a few weeks. It could take several months. We won't truly know the severity of the situation until we reach the front."

"I understand." Kozume said softly, letting out a quiet breath before bowing his head. He watched his daughter with a tender smile, whispering to her while lifting her carefully and nuzzling against her rosy cheeks. After a few long moments, he said to the priest beside him, "I have never been away from her, since her birth. I've never left her alone before. The thought of leaving her now…"

He pinched his brow, shaking his head.

"I'm not sure I'm capable of that."

Takeda nodded while offering Kozume a gentle smile, shifting closer and holding out his hands, Kozume allowing Takeda to take his daughter from his arms with slow, careful movements. The priest gathered her against his chest, tucking her swaddling around her, crooning softly and petting between her tiny ears, combing his fingers carefully through her dark curls.

"She's beautiful." Takeda murmured softly, Kozume's expression softening as he nodded his head. Takeda rocked back and forth on his feet slowly while whispering to her, then he met Kozume's eyes, asking with a little smile, "It's been quite some time since the celebration of her first spiral. You still haven't decided on a name?"

Kozume held Takeda's eyes before glancing away slightly, crossing his arms lightly over his chest, shaking his head.

Choosing a name for his daughter without his mate's input was something Kozume had struggled with since her birth. Despite the time that had passed since he'd last seen Kuroo, there was a part of him that still felt the Alpha's presence through their bond. He was alive out there, somewhere. Kozume clung to that feeling with stubborn hope; that one day Kuroo might come for him, or return to the citadel to be with him.

He didn't know how he was going to raise their daughter alone.

Takeda offered her back to him with a gentle smile, Kozume taking his daughter from Takeda's arms and holding her close, nosing into her dark curls and inhaling her scent. She smelled like him, her dark hair and tawny eyes reflecting her sire's features near perfectly. Some days it comforted him. Most often, it made his heart ache. They hadn't been together long, but the time they had spent together had been electrifying, the bond they shared deeper than anything Kozume could have expected when choosing an Alpha of his own.

He dreamt about him some nights, about those golden eyes and that impish, playful smile. He wondered if Kuroo thought about him, if he felt Kozume through their bond. If there was a part of him that missed Kozume too.

More than anything, he wanted to see Kuroo again so he could tell him about their daughter.

"I'll speak with the masters." Takeda said as he stepped away, Kozume turning to watch him go. "If you are certain you wish to bring her with us, I will see what I can do to sway them."

"Thank you." Kozume whispered, Takeda smiling and giving a little nod before turning towards the stairs, one of his Alphas stepping closer as he began to ascend.

"Do you truly believe it is wise to agree to such a request?" Konoha asked softly as they entered the foyer, Takeda humming and tilting his head slightly to the side.

"I see no harm in it." Takeda replied, looking up and meeting the Alpha's eyes. "Tell Sasaya I wish to request an audience with the grand masters. He'll see to the arrangements."

"Yes, Inquisitor." Konoha replied, stepping away as Takeda greeted the priest waiting at the entrance of the atrium, the two falling into step and walking side by side through the brilliant sunlight.

With any luck, once Sakusa arrived and Takeda was allowed to leave the capital, Kozume and his daughter would travel with them to the north.


Thanks for reading! More to come!