Work Text:
As morning soon came, rising golden hues threaded throughout the sky, weaving a wondrous canvas littered in gentle burning glitter as they faded away in the rising sunlight.
With the peek of dawn on the wakening, warm and welcoming rays of golden sunlight shone through the peaks of the ocean, dancing across the waters that sat below.
The sight itself was one to behold in contrast to the darkened peaks of the Grand Narukami Shrine, as on the other side stood nothing but endless shadows across the island from the mightiest peak.
The sunrise shone upon the world anew, bringing a fresh swarm of beginnings as the settle ocean breeze flowed through the tranquil skies.
Kamisato Ayato settled upon the ground beside the cliff's ledge, the grass settled under his delicate fingers. There was no need for a hum to pass his lips, as nature itself already played out a song for his ears to hear.
With the crashing waves of the shore below, and the cheerful chorus of the dawn birds throughout the air. Nothing could bring more settlement than the current moment.
A feeling of solitude and peace settled within his heart, for at last he had a moment of silence and stillness, all but flourishing.
The cobalt gaze peered beside him, his pale lips tilting upwards into a warm smile as his expression softened.
With nothing but an everlasting yawn and a simple shuffle, Thoma sat down beside him. He looked out at the sunrise, before looking at the other. "A beautiful morning, don't you think young master?"
Ayato shook his head, strands of ice blue hair falling as they flowed gently to rest over his shoulders, far more elegant than the retainer could even begin to imagine it could be. A smile stayed over his pale face as it turned into a soft grin.
Thoma could truly only describe such a sight as heart-stopping. Adorned in the warm rays, giving feather-soft strands an angelic glow.
Shaking his head, he cleared his throat nervously. "Would you perchance let me do your hair for you, Kamisato-sama?" He asked shyly, looking away with a flush hue coating his cheeks.
A soft melodic chuckle rose in the air, before settling down into the engulfing waves below. "Of course, Thoma."
The chief retainer smiled once again, a simple movement all he needed to settle behind him before his fingers traced through the strands.
It was certainly an unusual texture. Unique, yet full of elegance. Unlike Thoma's hair, it seemed to be much more well cared for.
Thoma exhaled a breath he held, running his fingers through to rid Ayato's hair of any knots that may have made their way into the enthralling beauty. If he were to explain it all in a word, he'd be ashamed to note it would take a novel to fully appreciate and explain what he saw.
Strands began to unwind and unravel until they settled limply in Thoma's hands. Not but a single word was spoken as fingers delicately worked to pin up his hair in the signature ponytail, with much courtesy of the hairpin's aid.
"Thoma."
Ayato's voice was smooth like the waters below them, as clear as the dawning sky. Such a voice brought Thoma a sense of warmth and comfort.
"Yes, young master?" Thoma peered at him, his head tilting most curiously to the side as he felt his heart throb.
Ayato's looked at him, his cobalt eyes shining bright silver in the golden rays. "Do you have an answer for me, by any chance?"
The chief retainer gulped nervously, his emerald eyes scanning his. Perchance he had misjudged how much time he was willing to lend him. Seeing everything in a new light was certainly a foreign feeling from what he was used to.
Neither a feeling of the past nor present could begin to utter what he felt. Yet but a sudden rush, quicker than a flash darted through him as his cheeks went a dark hue of crimson.
"I-I... couldn't possibly have an answer so fast!-" Thoma stuttered out, his words a jumbled mess as he looked at him.
Ayato's lips rose into a grin, seeming quite pleasantly entertained by the amusing scene displayed before him.
"Oh, are you feeling unwell?" The clan head hummed a smooth tune, leaning in closer.
Such a movement made his cheeks pinch from burn, sending his pounding heart into a warm fever frenzy.
"It most certainly isn't like you to be so indecisive." Ayato's mischievous demeanour faded away, his gaze focused on him as he spoke gently.
Thoma was once again at a loss for words as he watched him, his eyes blinking rapidly. "Some things simply can't be rushed." He chuckled meekly.
Ayato's cobalt eyes turned back to gaze at the waters, the waves a simple tranquil turquoise with hints of flowing gold like that of a sharp brush stroke.
"I see. Very well, then." An audible sigh left his pale lips as it flowed into the mellow breeze. "I shall ever await your answer."
Thoma went silent, unsure of what to say, or if he should ever say anything at all. "How was your rest, young master?" He attempted to inquire as a change of subject.
Yet, Kamisato Ayato didn't give him an answer.
Should the clan head have known of the dangers surrounding their predicament regarding the vision hunt decree, he would have most surely turned the tables.
Though, it only felt like a mere moment had passed before his cobalt orbs peered over at the statue of the omnipresent god, before moving down to gaze at Thoma, kneeling defenceless under the watch of the Shogunate's soldiers.
Such silence was piercing and incomprehensible, though Ayato could feel the inner dread seeping through the darkened gaps of his pale gritted teeth. His jaw clenched shut in a manner of containing, daring not to move.
The view was suffocating. To feel the understanding that his own commission's chief retainer had fallen under the grasp of the Shogunate so simply in a clasping effort to attain the hundredth seized vision.
His views were biased, for he would never dare to question the Shogun's actions in public. However, deep within him, he understood that he despised the announcement of the vision hunt decree ever since it was first formally announced.
Ayato stared at the scene, his cobalt eyes showing not the slightest hint of emotion. As his hands crept to rest upon the support of his arms. Such a sight agonized his heart like a wretched, entangled vine of toxic thorns.
On the other hand, Thoma surely felt no different. Fear and shame. His head cast downward at the wooden supports below him, daring not to look up or acknowledge anyone's presence. For he knew that no matter what, punishment would await him.
His hands were sharply tied up in rope, leaving him at the mercy of his captors on his knees. If there was one thing he wished, it would be the hope that the Yashiro Commission wasn't watching.
It felt purely shameful. Simply stuck kneeling on the ground as he awaited his punishment- or so what would happen in the next few moments. He closed his eyes, yearning for the early morning's tranquillity once more.
That all changed in the appearance of the Shogun as she stepped down.
The blade of a spear pressed under his chin, slowly indenting the smallest of scars as his head was tilted to gaze up at the almighty god of eternity without a word of caution.
Thoma gulped nervously, his emerald eyes growing fearful as he met the Shogun's eyes. Such a cold atmosphere sent shivers down to the utmost core of his spine. Had it been any other situation, he would have felt honoured.
Yet, all that filled him was dread as she gracefully held up her hand, only in moments had he witnessed his vision get tugged away from the clasp of his waist.
A feeling of grief, fear, and uncertainty as his ambitions felt like they had all been torn away from his inner heart. The antagonizing throb in his chest rippled throughout him, flooding out the passionate fire that raged on.
Hopelessness, and nothingness. All up until the moment a figure of white, tingling with electro energy burst out of the crowd in the flurry. Not a moment was wasted as they snatched the vision from the air, landing down swiftly.
In the moment, Thoma felt hopefulness cloud over his emotions.
The traveller glanced back warily, before turning back to look back at the Raiden Shogun with Thoma's vision held securely in her grip, not daring to let go of something so important.
Everything else was a distressed and disorderly mess of brush strokes in his mind. The bursts of elemental attacks and the disappearance of the traveller as time seemed to succumb in a pause.
The most Thoma would be able to recall is catapulting a polearm at the Shogun, and pulling Lumine into his arms defensively in an attempt to protect her from the Raiden Shogun. The next thing he knew, his heart was practically pounding out of his chest as he sought refuge in Komore Teahouse.
It took a moment for him to catch his breath, looking at the traveller beside him. "I-I.. thank you, traveller." He spoke, looking at her with a slightly exhausted look. "For.. that. I appreciate it."
Lumine wiped the sweat from her forehead, her lips tilting upwards into a smile. Without hesitation, she placed the pulsing pyro vision in his gloved palm. "You should thank Taroumaru." She responded.
Thoma nodded, looking down. "If you want to reach the resistance, I suggest that you start heading out now before the Shogun heightens security."
The traveller gave him a sweet smile, nodding. "Thank you, Thoma." Without hesitation, her delicate steps grew quieter as she snuck out.
The chief retainer waved at her goodbye. A saddened breath escaped his lips as he soon succumbed to the silence of the atmosphere. Not even the teahouse owner made a sound from upon the counter.
It was simply himself, and the teahouse. A place of shelter and safety to which only members of approval could ever enter. Without a doubt, he was utmost thankful that his vision settled upon his waist one more, rather than being embedded upon the statue of the omnipresent god.
Thoma shivered, his emerald eyes wide as he heard the entrance door creak open. His lips fell silent as he tucked himself to stand in the corner of the room. His heart rate increased, growing uneasy.
That was of course, until a familiar -and oh so gorgeous- figure settled their gaze upon him, their pale lips parting open at the sight. Cobalt eyes stared at him, seeming to contemplate their actions.
Thoma felt his breath catch in his throat, standing as still as the gleaming stones that coated over Chinju Forest as yearning as the tallest trees. His lip quivered, anxiousness flowing over him.
Yet, unbeknownst to him, a lecture never even came from his mouth, not even words of anger or a sentence invoking punishment for such foolishness.
All that came was a gentle embrace, arms wrapping around his torso as gentle as the morning waves that flowed upon the waking sands. Warmth flowed over him as his head rested upon Thoma's shoulder.
"By the archons, you're alright." Ayato's voice lacked any form of anger, nor even resembled any form of negativity. Only a shallow flowing relief and ease was present.
By anything ever possible, it felt so uncharacteristic of Ayato to be acting in such an unusual way. Yet, Thoma already knew quite well why he was. It all fell back to a form of care and yearning.
Such a yearning that Thoma could only find himself to ponder, curiosity only growing inside the confusion that wavered inside of his chest. It hadn't all been that long, yet it felt like it had been months since then.
The tumbling of crisp, crimson maple leaves littered through the winds outside of the teahouse, giving a warm clutter as they clashed together in the breeze. The sound was purely euphoric melancholic to his ears.
Not even the dimmed light of the room could hide the expression upon the clan head's face. One of utmost thankfulness for the turn for the better. The turn of the better lead Thoma to be safe and sound in front of him.
Ayato gazed at him, his cobalt eyes widening upon seeing the slit laid upon his neck. "They've hurt you." He sighed softly, tracing his finger over it. "Once we get back I'll be sure to make sure it's properly treated."
Honey strands fell over his wide eyes, shaking his head with a smile. "Please, be assured it doesn't hurt in the slightest." That was most certainly a lie straight from his lips.
Ayato's hands gently clutched onto the vermilion hues of his jacket, taking in the overflowing waves of relief that rested upon his fearful heart. "You're safe here."
Thoma felt an odd feeling rise from within him, his gaze settled directly upon the clan head as his hands slipped their way around him in return. "There's no need for concern." He chuckled meekly.
He was taken off guard, eyes widening as his lashes gently fluttered. In no less than a movement, Ayato settled his hands to cup Thoma's face, looking him in the eyes sternly. Yet, as it always did, his look faltered back into a comforting gentleness.
"If you only knew how much you worried me, Thoma," Ayato whispered, his words gently fluttering as they left his lips. His thumb gently traced across his cheek in a warm stroke.
Despite his relief, it was quite obvious to the chief retainer that he was upset. No matter how much he coated himself in a calm and reserved demeanour, he could always see through.
Thoma rubbed his back gently, pulling him closer once more. "Young master, there's no need for any worry. I'm right here." He muttered, keeping his emerald orbs focused on him.
Ayato didn't respond, merely looking at him with a gentle gaze, his touch careful and delicate. A softness that came with caution as if he were handling something that was utmost fragile.
"What matters to me is that you're safe." Ayato exhaled slowly. "I do hope you understand."
The chief retainer opened his mouth to speak, only to be hushed. Ayato placed his index finger over Thoma's lips. "Master's orders." He spoke in a friendly, and teasing tone.
The pyro user simply gave a nervous chuckle in response, keeping still and quiet as he just looked at him, his arms still wrapped around Ayato carefully.
The clan head leaned closer, exhaling softly. It was a simple interaction, yet a form of loving care was etched into his gaze. In a moment, their chests pressed together.
Thoma looked at him, simply meaning to ask what he was doing, only to be interrupted by the connection of their lips. Butterflies swarmed and fluttered around his insides, his emerald eyes widened.
His heart pounded as he kept still, staying in the kiss. In the moment, his eyelids fluttered shut, eventually began to kiss back. It came as a surprise to him just how gentle Ayato's lips were compared to his own, yet, they fit together like a precise puzzle.
Ayato soon pulled away from the kiss, much to Thoma's dismay. "I must apologise." He cleared his throat, glancing away. A gentle pink hue dusted over his cheeks, though he kept a calm demeanour.
Thoma blinked rapidly, trying to process his emotions alongside his fluttering heart. "...For what..?" He asked, seeming quite dumbfounded as his mind was purely focused on the kiss.
Ayato shook his head, moving away from him as he fakely coughed. It was then that it finally clicked.
"There's no need to apologise, young master." Thoma chuckled, waving his hands in front of him dismissively.
Ayato hummed in acknowledgement, gazing back at him. "How did it feel?" He asked.
Thoma looked at him, unable to utter any words past his lips. It felt as if the words he wanted to say had simply been padlocked and hidden deep within his throat.
He gazed downward, trying to collect the thoughts that spiralled their say around him, wrapping his heart in the tingling, yet inviting grasp. Something he had quite simply begun to yearn for ever since that fateful night.
"It, it felt warm and soft," Thoma replied, his emerald eyes gazing at him hopefully.
Ayato shook his head, giving a long and shameful sigh. Even so, he felt quite humoured by his response. "I was meaning the kiss, not my lips. What did the kiss feel like to you, Thoma?"
Oh.
There simply were only a few things he could say. "It made my heart flutter." Thoma spoke, keeping his gaze on the clan head, who seemed to pique in interest. "Inviting, and quite gentle."
"It...- it made me feel as though I- ahm.. want to do it again..!" Thoma sputtered out, growing a bit nervous as his cheeks flushed a hue of deep crimson.
Ayato stood there, a smile growing over his lips. After a moment, he began to chuckle as he looked at him. "Ah, quite classic of you." He replied. "Seems my hunch turned out for the better."
Such words could only render him without another word, if not only making him question what he had just stated. All he could do was focus in the darkening room, barely able to focus over the thump of his heartbeat.
Shaky, yet steady, a yearning to accept the words that he had simply uttered days previously. Adorned in the gleaming sunset rays, he could barely gain the confidence.
Even so, an eager smile awaited upon his pale face, his cobalt eyes shining in the warm light. His grey-blue hair fell over his shoulders, looking at the chief retainer patiently.
Yet, as the mellow breeze settled outside as dusk rose upon the world, it was understood that nothing from this encounter would change, no matter if the dawn brought a day upon them anew.
For when he came to utter the fateful words, it would never take apart the warmth held within their hearts for all of eternity, no matter what would come of their future.
Lime highlights gleamed in his eyes as he took a step closer to Ayato, holding his hands in his. Only then, did he feel the puzzle had finally been completed within his heart.
"Kamisato Ayato, I am in love with you."
A smile graced over Ayato's face, cupping Thoma's cheek as he kissed him once more in the desolate room of the Komore Teahouse.