Work Text:
thoma’s brownstone was all dressed up for the holidays. it was decked out in christmas lights, ribbons, and wreaths in each window. the windows were lit up, warmly welcoming compared to the darkened houses down the street. as you stepped out of your car, you wrapped yourself in your scarf.
taking the presents on the other seat, you shut the car door. the streetlights were on, dimly glowing against the flurries of snow fluttering down. you shivered in the cold, walking up the pathway to his brownstone. as you stood on your friend’s porch, you looked at his gift. it was the largest of the collection, wrapped up in red ribbon and white wrapping paper. you really hoped he liked it.
ringing the doorbell, you looked behind to make sure that you had locked your car. as you turned back around, there was a figure at the door and your mouth went slack slightly. even though he was dressed up in a cheesy apron and knitted red sweater, he still looked handsome as ever. his blond hair was tucked into a low bun and his black hair tie had been replaced with a gold ribbon. “you’re finally here, y/n!” he exclaimed. “oh, come in, come in! you’ll catch a cold if you stand out there any longer.”
“hi, thoma,” you greeted, shuffling in with all your presents. he took your coat off for you and brushed the snow out of your hair, fussing over you the way a mother would to a child. his hands were warm and comforting, and you felt like you could stay like that forever. “sure is chilly out there. i don’t think the city has seen a storm this bad in years.”
“i’m just glad you made it here safe,” he smiled. “here, i’ll take those off your hands. how about you go greet everyone else?”
stepping past the entryway, you entered into the well-decorated living room. ayaka stood up from the couch, immediately embracing you. “y/n! oh, i’m so glad you could make it. it’s snowing so hard out there,” she greeted with an amiable smile. “‘come with me. you must need some soup to warm up.”
in the kitchen, it was bustling with energy. yoimiya sat on the counter, a mug of hot cocoa in hand. kokomi and gorou sat at the breakfast bar, both eagerly discussing news at their university. in the living room, kazuha sat sipping on tea by the couch, simply enjoying the fireplace’s hearth. even ayato was relaxing, taking a rare day off from work to spend time with your friends. the tv hummed a holiday special in the background and classic holiday music was sung from a record player.
“hey, it’s great to see you!” yoimiya exclaimed first, waving eagerly. “traffic was awful out there. everyone’s trying to get home for christmas eve, but this weather isn’t making it easy!”
“you’re right, there were so many road closings downtown,” you laughed as you approached the pot of soup. the aroma of carrots, pepper, and tofu was enticing as she handed you a bowl. “i just hope that everyone made it home safe. anyways, how was your week? it must’ve been hectic at the fireworks shop, seeing as it’ll be closed through next week.”
“definitely was,” she laughed before setting her cup down. “people love their fireworks for new years’.”
you smiled. “i’m glad i got my order in, then.”
ayato came up beside you, elbowing you playfully. “hey, save some for the rest of us, y/n,” he teased. “or are you that eager to eat thoma’s soup?”
“you’re on thin ice, kamisato,” you nearly hissed under your breath, ducking your head away. looking to the side, you watched as thoma ate another dango, happily talking with kokomi and gorou. “don’t say things like that while he’s near. it’s not the right time yet.”
“your crush on him is so obvious,” he singsonged, making you smack him on the shoulder. “hehe, just teasing.”
“you might say that it’s not the right time yet, but i disagree,” yoimiya piped up. “the mood is perfect. getting a warm and cozy next to him, cuddling next to each other when a cheesy hallmark movie comes on…come on, y/n! this has been going on for, like, a year and a half now! plus, we hung mistletoe on every doorway for your sakes.”
“i think i’m just fine with how things are right now,” you shrugged back, staring at your reflection in the soup. “what if he doesn’t like me back? that’s almost 10 years of friendship down the drain, so i’d rather play it safe.”
“so boring,” ayato rolled his eyes, nudging you towards the fireplace. “ever consider spicing things up?”
you were then seated next to kazuha, who looked up from his cup of tea. he perked up at your presence. “ah, y/n. long time no see. how have you been?”
“i’ve been well. things are finally settling down at work,” you smile, taking a sip of your soup. “and what about you, mr. worldwide? how’s traveling abroad been for you?”
“it’s been pleasant,” he replied, hiding his smile behind his mug. “i couldn’t miss winter in the city. it’s the best time of the year here. though, i suppose traveling abroad much makes for a good shopping trip for presents. everyone’s gift is from a foreign nation.”
“how thoughtful,” you hummed. “i can’t say that my gifts are as extravagant as yours, but i still hope you like it.”
“you know, i do think that there is one person that i know will like your present,” he said thoughtfully, pressing a hand to his chin before giving you a smirk. “thoma. really, you two are like two ships passing in the night. don’t tell me things haven’t changed since before i left.”
“and that’s my cue to leave. i’m going to put my bowl away,” you diverted, standing up quickly. “always nice seeing you!”
as you hurriedly walked away, a hand caught your wrist. “let me take that bowl off of you,” thoma interrupted. his eyes twinkled brightly, leaning so close to your face that you could count the faint freckles dotting his cheeks. “you’re my guest, after all. dishes are no big deal.”
winking, he brushed past you, fingertips lingering on your hands for a moment. lowly whistling, gorou and kokomi looked at you with widened eyes. “ayaka was correct,” kokomi said, hands folding on top of her white pants. “you and thoma are very in love. additionally, both of you are oblivious and obvious all at once…how curious.”
“kokomi is right,” gorou nodded as you began to become more embarrassed. “how many times have you two done something like that since you’ve arrived? at least three?”
“guys,” you started to reprimand, only to silently steam as thoma poked you from behind. “gah! you scared me!”
“hehe, sorry, sorry, y/n. you’re just too much fun to tease,” he smiled, wrapping his arms around your shoulders. your shoulders tensed at the touch, before relaxing. “well, what were you three talking about?”
“just about work things,” you easily lied, smiling at him.
“ah, nice,” he grinned, standing up tall once more. “it’s starting to get late into the evening. we should start that movie before it gets too dark out.”
walking by thoma, you stood by him as everyone else settled onto the couch. ayaka and kazuha sat next to yoimiya at one end of the couch, while gorou, kokomi, and ayato sat on the other. the space next to ayato was taken up by his long legs, winking to emphasize that he wanted you and thoma to be seated together.
that left only the middle section of the couch to be occupied by the two of you both. you awkwardly settled near him, staring at your lap with your back straight. he didn’t seem to mind, leaning back into the leather cushion. he pressed a few buttons on the remote and a classic christmas rom-com started up.
reluctantly, you leaned back against the couch. thoma’s arm rested on the back of the couch, dangerously close to your shoulder. your back was still pin-straight and your hands quivering in your lap. leaning over, your friend whispered worriedly. “are you still cold?” he asked. “i can grab a blanket, or turn up the thermostat–”
“thoma, really, i’m fine,” you mumbled, ducking your head to focus once more
placing a hand on your shoulder, he pulled you close and flush against his body. you could feel his heart thump steadily under the palm of your hand, and you prayed that he couldn’t feel your own.“there. all better,” he smiled, green eyes crinkling encouragingly.
you stayed like that for the rest of the movie, heart thumping throughout. you felt guilty that you couldn’t watch something that had left the rest of your friends in tears. even the ever polite ayaka had a couple tears in her eyes. instead, you focused on everything else. thoma’s tree was nicely decorated with silver tinsel, red and gold ornaments, and a shining star topper. his fireplace was comforting to listen to and be by, almost like you could fall asleep in his arms. and as you glanced at your friends, you knew that they saw you two cozied next to one another.
as the credits rolled, yoimiya was the first to groan. “it’s not fair! why did the best friend not get with her?! the love interest is so boring!” she huffed, stretching and rolling her shoulders. “thoma, i’m picking the movie at our new years’ eve party.”
“i still thought it was good! they moved out of the city and had a little winery in the countryside. i loved it!” he exclaimed, securely gripping his hand onto your shoulder for emphasis. “y/n, did you like it?”
snapping up straight and putting your hands in your lap, you looked at him. “oh–yeah, of course, i did. i love any movie you pick,” you replied, immediately turning away from him to hide your flustered expression.
“i have to say, y/n was distracted by something else throughout the movie, so their opinion isn’t reliable,” gorou shrugged.
“aww, you guys are so serious. hallmark movies are the best type of sappy, romance films to watch in winter! doesn’t make you feel warm and fuzzy inside?”
kokomi smiled a little at him. “while cliche and overdone, it felt nice to watch something like this. sometimes, you need a good rom-com like this to set the mood.”
“see, she gets it!” he pouted before shaking his head. looking out the window, the snow was beginning to reach dangerously high levels. “uh-oh. seems like this snowstorm is turning into more of a blizzard than anything. let’s sort out presents, and then you can all be on your way.”
your friends divvied up the presents, each forming a sizeable pile. you laughed at each of the adorable packages, each box and bag’s decorations telling you exactly who gave it. as the last cups of cocoa were finished off, you watched from afar as your friends got up to get their coats. “hey,” thoma said behind you, making the presents in your hands jumble. “you’ve been really quiet today. are you sure everything is okay?”
“yeah, no, everything’s just fine,” you replied, scratching the back of your neck. “just still a little cold, i guess.”
he rubbed your forearm encouragingly. “i’ll be sure to make you something before you head out. how does hot chocolate sound?”
as everyone slipped into their jackets, you placed your gifts down on the stairs in the foyer to grab your own. thoma handed everyone their gloves and scarves, lecturing them on how they’re going to catch a cold. as you finally began to bundle up, ayato spoke up. “hey, we better head out,” he said, eyeing you to the side and stuffing his hands into his gray coat. “you know, i think y/n may need some help getting their presents into their car.”
making a face, you wanted to elbow him. “what? no, i’m fine, ayato–” you interrupted but thoma perked up.
“oh, you’re so right,” the blond nodded in agreement. ayaka hid her smile behind her blue gloved hand, and yoimiya nearly doubled over. “ah…but i should make you that hot chocolate first, right?”
“while you do that, i will assist everyone else in getting their presents into their vehicles. you two should hurry up on that drink before things start to get worse out here,” kazuha smiled with a mischievous grin, and your jaw dropped. never would you think that your quiet friend would egg you on! kokomi let out a small giggle at the motion and gorou tried to hide his smile under his patterned scarf. “well, as you were.”
“don’t worry! i’ll just wrap things up here, but i’ll see you guys out,” he nodded vigorously as you looked at everyone else exasperatedly. as all of your friends began to head out, you and thoma stood at the doorway waving. “bye! drive slowly and be safe! call me if you need anything!” he chirped, completely oblivious to the situation at hand.
“bye, guys! see you next week!” you cheered with gritted teeth. the eldest kamisato let out a short laugh at your expression, before hopping into his car.
shutting the door, you shivered once more, to which thoma started to be very concerned. “really, you seem to be cold all the time, y/n. are you sure you don’t have a fever? or are capable of driving out there?”
“i already told you, i’m just fine,” you reassured. “geez, that’s the third time you’ve asked.”
“i worry for you,” he replied earnestly as he walked back into the kitchen. “and i know if i were in the same situation, you would be doing the same as i am. it’s what friends are for, right?”
“friends…” you echoed softly. “right.”
you sat on thoma’s counter, watching as he grabbed a package of cocoa mix and marshmallows. the kitchen hood’s lights were the only ones on in the room, casting everything in a golden light. “it was so nice seeing everyone again,” he grinned. “it’s hard to get us all together at once. even then, most of the time, it’s just you and me.”
“yeah. especially kazuha; he’s always out and about. the last time i asked if he was coming home, he was in fontaine! crazy, right?”
“haha, can’t deny that,” he laughed as he stirred up your drink and poured it into a tumbler. he decorated it with marshmallows, making a smiley face, before capping it. “there you are. hopefully, you won’t be so cold on your way home now.”
you hopped off the counter, fingertips brushing his own as you retrieved the cup. “thanks, thoma,” you grinned, looking into his harlequin eyes. he chuckled sheepishly, cheeks dusting red.
he escorted you to the door. like a gentleman, he carried all of your presents for you in his arms while you placed a hand on the doorknob. “hey, thanks again, thoma,” you said as you clicked the lock open. “i really app–”
as soon as you opened the door, a strong gust of snowflakes entered, knocking off one of the ribbons on your presents. peeking over the stack, thoma frowned. “archons, you can’t see a thing out there. you can’t drive in those conditions, y/n. there might be some ice out there.”
blinking in surprise, you were firm on your ground. “n-no, i’ll be alright,” you reassured. “i’ll be extra slow on the road and text you when i get home.”
“hmm, and the fact that you’re feeling really cold today,” he hummed thoughtfully. suddenly, he perked up and shut the door close with his foot. “i don’t want to send you out in weather like this. so, how about you stay with me for the night?”
eyes widening, you nearly dropped your tumbler. so this is what your friends had been planning. “what?”
“it’s genius, right?” he said, taking your presents with him into the kitchen. he then strode into the living room. his eyebrows were raised encouragingly. “you stay here and then i won’t have to worry if you’re stranded in hypothermic weather. the others made it out there early and all live only a couple of blocks away so i don’t worry for them. but you live on the other side of the city, and i’m right here, so why not?”
“thoma, i really can’t burden you like this,” you began, but he was already placing your gifts under the tree.
standing up straight and placing his hands on your shoulders, he looked you in the eye. “you’re never a burden,” he affirmed. “and besides, are you that reluctant to spend the night with me?”
“what, no, of course not!” you shook your head. more often than not, after hanging out for the day, thoma was the one to drop you off at your apartment and head back home. the thought of being alone with him on a night like this was very flustering. clearing your thought, you fiddled with your fingers. “it’s just that it’s christmas eve, and you’re probably busy tomorrow, and–”
“y/n, i live alone. and the rest of my family is in mondstadt right now. do you really think i have anything to do tomorrow other than watch reruns of more hallmark movies?” he countered with an eyebrow. reluctantly, you conceded. “then it’s settled. you’re staying for the night!”
“fine,” you said. “but at least let me help clean up.” he whooped in response.
the two of you cleaned the kitchen without a word between you, listening to the vinyl spin a classic song. as he rolled up his sleeves to put away some mugs, you placed the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and turned it on. when all was said and done, you watched as thoma whistled along. he stopped when he noticed you stared at him, flushing. “sorry,” he apologized with bashful cheeks, but you were quick to wave a hand.
“n-no worries,” you coughed out.
an awkward silence filled the space between you, both embarrassed from your conversation. thankfully, thoma was the one to break the ice. “since we’re both here, and we both gave one another gifts, how do you feel about opening them?”
“sounds good to me,” you nodded.
you walked to the living room, where you sat down by the christmas tree. even though the christmas lights and fireplace were the only sources of light, they created a comforting ambiance. thoma settled beside you, crossing his legs. you pulled his gift out of your stack first, which was wrapped in red paper and gold ribbon. yours was decorated in white paper with a red bow. “you first,” he insisted, nudging your foot.
grinning, you held it in your hands. taking off the bow, you unraveled the present. underneath the paper were a polaroid camera and a small album. “you had always been talking about getting one,” he said behind his tucked knees. “i went ahead and added something special to it in the album. do you like it?”
you flipped open the white photo album to the first page, where a picture of thoma in front of the christmas tree was. he was grinning, eyes and nose crinkled in an expression you loved dearly. letting out a little laugh, you smiled at him. “oh, thoma, i love it! thank you so much!” you beamed and embraced him. he chuckled, returning the touch with equal fervor. when you pulled away, you were quick to look at the present in his lap. “you next!” you encouraged.
“alright, alright, so pushy,” he snickered. he shook the box slightly, testing its weight. “did you get me dumbbells? this thing is so heavy…”
his hands tore open the wrapping paper to reveal a brand new baking set tied up in a red bow. gasping, he admired the metal pans and tools. “no way!” he grinned, staring at the set. “how did you know?! i’ve been needing a new set since forever!”
“do you like it?” you asked bashfully.
“like it?! i love it!” he said, putting the gift aside and wrapping you in his arms. you hugged him back, hands holding tight to his sweater. he squeezed you so tightly that you ended up beneath him, back still encased his hands. you didn’t notice at first, too overwhelmed by his hug. when his eyes opened, he hovered above you and blinked. “oh! sorry!” he said, helping up back up. you couldn’t even look at him, too flustered by the situation.
to put aside your embarrassment, you piped up, “it’s getting pretty late. i’ll clean up here, and you can head to bed.”
he almost looked like he would agree before making a face. “hey, no can do, y/n. first of all, i’m doing clean-up and second of all, you’re taking my bed. and before you argue, no, you aren’t a burden for taking my bed. really, it’s no big deal.”
“and you, sleeping on the couch? absolutely not,” you countered, crossing your arms. “you are way too nice.”
“well then, i guess it’s time for a compromise. since you don’t seem like you’re going to budge either, we’re sharing the bed,” he huffed out with a grin. before you could even respond, his hands were already full with the scraps of wrapping paper and ribbon. “head upstairs, and my room is the first door on the left. i was going to give you a knitted sweater, but i decided to give you a polaroid camera instead, so that’s by my closet. and the door by the closet is the bathroom.”
“you’re impossible,” you teased, elbowing him on your way out.
“i could say the same!” he hollered as you headed for the stairs.
upstairs, you navigated yourself to his bedroom. it felt wrong to enter without him beside you. despite being close friends, you had never been in his room, preferring to be downstairs. you pushed the door open, revealing a fairly neat bedroom. at one end of the bedroom was another fireplace, accompanied by a coffee table and pair of chairs. to the north were the windows, where wreaths hung and the string of lights provided luminescence. at the other end of the bedroom was his actual bed and closet. the scent of vanilla and gingerbread was in the air, just like him.
reluctantly, you approached his closet and opened it. in typical thoma fashion, it was organized and clean. sure enough, like he said, there was a knitted sweater in the very middle of the closet. it was a red sweater with small white letters on the front, but it was too dark to read. the texture was soft and comforting; you would need to ask him where he got the yarn from.
after you freshened yourself up in the bathroom, you yawned as you looked out the window. the snow still hadn’t let up, sticking against the window. the streetlights could barely be seen, flickering on and off like a candle in the dark. the wind howled outside, sending the whole house groaning.
after a moment, the door creaked open. thoma arrived through the door, stretching slightly before pausing. he stopped for a moment and even the faint lights of the room couldn’t hide his reddened ears. “oh, wow,” he whispered.
blinking, you tilted your head. “is something on my face?” you asked.
“n-no! it’s just that, um, you look really nice!” he stuttered, face completely flushed. his eyes diverted from you immediately, awkwardness settled on his face.
he was quick to grab something out of the closet and slipped into the bathroom. you sat and covered your face, composure thrown completely out the window. even though you knew he only meant it as a platonic compliment, it still made your heartbeat incredibly fast.
thoma was in and out in a flash, coming out with his hair down and bundled up in fleece pajamas. as he yawned, he settled down on one side of the bed and motioned towards you. “c’mere,” he whispered and you sat up straight. reluctantly, you stood at the other side of the bed, staring him down with nervous eyes. comfortingly, he tilted his head. “if you don’t feel okay with this, the couch is always an option for me–”
“as if!” you exclaimed before diving beside him. as you hid under the covers, you heard him chime out with laughter. slowly, you peeked your eyes above the bedsheets, where thoma looked at you from above with an amused expression. his eyes crinkled before laying beside you, “good night,” he said aloud, and you can barely muster a reply out.
the two of you lay rigidly next to one another, taking in shaky breaths. two hours ago, you would have never imagined that you were going to be sleeping beside your best friend and crush for almost a year. the thought sent your head in overdrive, and you wanted to stuff your head into a pillow and scream.
after a few minutes, you begin to relax. the exhaustion of the day had finally set in, and the bed was too soft and relaxing to not fall asleep in. before you can, thoma piped up. “y/n, are you still awake?” he whispered, breaking the silence. you weren’t sure if you had heard him correctly in your sleepy haze, so you didn’t bother to answer him. “ah, good.”
“even if it was on accident, i’m really happy that you’re beside me,” he began to ramble. “you know…when you were shivering and silent all throughout the party, i got really worried. i’m happy that it just ended up being about the cold. i’m also glad you didn’t convince me to drive out in that weather; when i think of what might have happened, i get worried.”
he paused for a moment, and you’re fully awake now, heart thumping rapidly.“to be honest, i love just being by you. your energy is captivating, and i strive to be more and more like you every day. and, not to forget, you’re probably the most beautiful person i’ve ever met, inside and out. no, not probably. definitely.”
you felt like you were reading thoma’s secret diary at this point, and your hands became clammy with guilt. “i wish i could confess to you right now. eventually, i’ll have to, but for now, i’m just happy being your friend. to be friends with the most amazing person is enough for me. but…i love you.”
he let out a pitiful laugh. “i’ll say that when you’re awake one day. good night, y/n,” there was another pause, and then he shifted onto his side.
your body was frozen, and it was not because of the weather or temperature of the bedroom. you tried to process his words, piecing them together to get the fact that thoma said “i love you” to you.
you really wanted to stuff your head into a pillow and scream now.
as thoma began to softly snore, your mind was busy weighing the options. thoma had affirmed his love for you, but was it because you were dreaming? or was he the one dreaming and sleeping? no matter what option you picked, you wouldn’t be able to sleep unresolved.
rolling on your side, you looked at thoma’s back. with as much fortitude as you could muster, you put a hand on his shoulder. lazily, he turned to you, face half-covered by his pillow. “mhm?” he asked, yawning. “did you need something?”
“thoma, i…” you started before trailing off. taking a sharp breath in, he looked at you with genuine concern. “i love you too.”
his harlequin eyes widened in shock, before proceeding to hide behind his pillow. “you heard all of that?!” he whined. “i thought you were asleep!”
“i thought i was dreaming, too,” you replied bashfully, also ducking behind your pillow. “did you really mean it? that you loved me?”
pursing his lips, he sighed. “i did. i just didn’t expect it to go like this,” he muttered, placing his chin on the cushion and flattening it. “i was supposed to tell you at a fancy dinner date.”
“you’re so cheesy. dinner date? really? you’ve been watching too many rom-coms,” you teased before shoving his shoulder.
he only wrapped an arm around your waist and slotted his head into your neck. thoma pouted, “you’re no fun. but i guess that you’re mine, so does it really matter?”
you covered your face with your hands, even more flustered than before. “thoma! when did you become so smooth?!” you exclaimed. he only laughed, pressing a kiss to your cheek.
the blizzard finally stopped, letting moonlight bask onto his face. he looked ethereal in this light, and you couldn’t believe he was all yours. sighing happily, you pressed a hand to his cheek. even though your apartment was on the other side of the city, you felt at home nestled beside him.
before you could close your eyes and relax in your newfound lover’s arms, you sat up in realization. he looked at you with a raised eyebrow. “what is it?” he asked gently, arms still wrapped around your waist. making a face, you looked at him.
“do you maybe think that our friends left us together knowing that this would happen?”