Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Thoma:

If forced to choose, Thoma would say it had all started the day he’d nearly lost his Vision.

Yes, that sounded about right. The terrible, storm-darkened morning, the yelling of soldiers and the murmurs of the crowd, the ache of his wrists in rough restraints, the looming shadow of the Archon’s statue, the knowledge that even if he survived, his ambition, everything that he was, would die—

He’d kept his head up for Lady Ayaka and Lord Ayato, but truthfully, he’d lost all hope long before being dragged up to that crude stage of fate. After all, it was the Raiden Shogun who had decreed his capture, and not even all three ruling Commissions combined could have interfered with her will.

So Thoma had gone to his knees when the Yoriki pushed him down, stared up at the Raiden Shogun’s cold, imperial form, and prayed only that he would at least be able to continue serving the Kamisato clan after his Vision was gone.

And then—

And then Aether, the quiet, cheerful traveler Thoma had met barely a week earlier had come plunging from the crowd, standing to defy an Archon in a blaze of thunder he’d made his own. Had put his life and perhaps very soul on the line for a man who could at best be counted as an acquaintance.

The Raiden Shogun had stared down at Aether’s unflinching defense, called him the enemy of eternity, drawn her sword— and yet Aether had only given Thoma a fleeting smile of reassurance before stepping forward to face her.

Through the cage of Aether’s fingers, Thoma’s Vision had shone, bright in a way it only was when Thoma was most comfortable or most desperate. He’d never seen it light in another person’s hands before, but then— Aether was special. And Thoma certainly had been desperate, whatever the case.

Watching Aether be swallowed up by the Shogun’s power had promptly overtaken “almost losing his Vision” on Thoma’s list of worst moments, and his fears were not assuaged in the slightest when Aether came crashing back to the ground mere seconds later, his body limp as a doll and sparking with violet lightning. Thoma’s Vision still clutched in his hand.

Fortunately (the only “fortunately”, really), there had been a spear embedded into the deck just a step away, and Thoma had blindly cut himself free to hurtle the weapon at the Raiden Shogun in the same movement. After that, it had just been a matter of scooping up Aether’s barely conscious body— and surely it was impossible, but had Aether survived the Musou no Hitotachi?— and running for their lives off the platform and away into the city below.

So yes, the day he’d nearly lost his Vision. Thoma had expected to live with the repercussions of those scant minutes under the Shogun’s eye, in the form of nightmares, maybe, or self-imposed imprisonment until the uncertain end of the Vision Hunt Decree.

He never would’ve guessed his world would be turned upside down by Aether.

~~*~~

Thoma stumbles over the back fence, across the courtyard, and through the doors of Komore Teahouse, his ragged breaths almost loud enough to drown out the shouts of the soldiers outside. From his back slips Aether’s limp body, and it’s all Thoma can do to stop them both from crashing to the ground.

“Thoma!” Lady Ayaka’s frantic cry reaches him, and he drags his head up. “Archons, what happened?”

“I’m fine, Milady,” Thoma gasps out. “Please, Aether is the one… he’ll need a healer first.”

Even when panicked, Lady Ayaka remains practical, always able do what must be done. “Of course. Once the search ends…” she glances at the papered window by the door. “I should be able to call a healer once the soldiers are gone, but until then, we’ll have to take care of him ourselves.”

She gathers Aether up, bearing him past a watchful Taroumaru and away to the nearest tearoom. As soon as he’s caught his breath, Thoma follows after. The teahouse is hardly equipped for medical care, but he and Lady Ayaka do their best, laying out cushions and blankets for a makeshift bed and using hand towels as compresses for Aether’s burning skin.

Aether shows no sign of waking no matter what they do— in fact, the occasional jolting of his limbs is the only proof that he’s alive at all. Between his fever, erratic heartbeat, and the branching, feathered burn that splays over his neck and chest, Thoma can’t help but brace himself for the worst. It’s a miracle that Aether survived a direct strike from the Raiden Shogun at all, really.

Once Aether is settled, there’s nothing Thoma or Lady Ayaka can do but wait and hope he’ll pull through. They sit with him for a while, silent as they listen to the rasp of Aether’s breath and the continuing ruckus outside— but eventually, Miss Kozue’s coded knock sounds at the door, and Lady Ayaka leaves with a tiny nod in Thoma’s direction.

Take care of him. As if Thoma would do anything else.

Carefully, he undoes what remains of Aether’s braid, then lays the static-shocked gold out on the pillow behind, lightly combing the hair back from Aether’s forehead while he’s at it. Aether looks strangely old like this, despite his smaller size. It’s as if something ancient lurks beneath his eyelids and in the pained crease of his brow; as if the unknown burden that weighs him down while awake has only been revealed now that he’s too far gone to hide it.

Though Thoma finds himself wanting to smooth the pain from Aether’s face, he’s a pyro allogene, and to touch more would only be to add to the heat under Aether skin. He settles for a fresh compress instead, before laying out on the floor beside Aether.

Exhaustion is catching up with him, even though he doesn’t quite feel like he has the right to nap. But, Thoma reasons as he closes his eyes, he won’t be able to help or defend Aether if he’s too tired to move, so it’ll be best to sleep now and get it over with. Taroumaru will wake him if a threat comes.

-*-

It’s not until the next day that the Shogunate recalls their search and Lady Ayaka is able to bring the Yashiro Commission’s healer all the way down to Komore Teahouse.

By then, Aether breathing has shortened to wheezing gasps, as if something is swollen deep inside, and his body has begun to spasm here and there, sometimes strongly enough that Thoma must hold him down. The healer takes one look at him and shakes her head, but she hasn’t been handpicked by Lord Ayato for nothing.

With a firm, efficient touch, she connects the centers of energy in Aether’s body before calling frost to her fingertips to heal him. She rubs a salve of herbs over the lightning burns on his chest, forcibly slows and steadies the beat of Aether’s heart, and washes his undamaged skin with cool water. For all of Aether’s injuries, it doesn’t take her long.

“He’ll need to be kept cool and comfortable for at least three days, but likely longer,” the healer murmurs. “I don’t expect he’ll wake up today, but if he does, you’ll need to keep him still, and I mean that. If he overtaxes himself even a little, it could easily undo most of what I just healed, so I hope you have a plan to keep him safe until he can move again.”

She glances at Lady Ayaka. “Do you intend to keep the boy here?”

“I believe we’ll have no choice,” Lady Ayaka sighs. “The Kamisato clan is out of favor with the Shogun and other Commissions, and moving Aether is risky enough on its own. I can, however, bring supplies here to take care of him. What will we need?”

The healer lists a few things, all easily obtainable from the Kamisato estate or markets in the city, and, after dismissing Thoma and Lady Ayaka’s thanks, bows her way from the room.

Slowly, Lady Ayaka turns. “Thoma—”

“Leave him to me, Milady,” Thoma says at once. “We’ll be waiting for you here.”

“Thank you.” Lady Ayaka offers him a weary smile before following the healer out.

He’ll have to prepare something nice for her upon her return. A full Komore-style lunch, maybe. But for now…

Now that the healer has calmed Aether’s fever a little, it’s safe for Thoma to touch, and he makes the most of it. They’d already taken off the chest pieces of Aether’s armor to inspect the burns there, but had left the rest on for fear of somehow injuring him further. There’s no reason to leave it like that any longer.

With all the care he can manage, Thoma slips off Aether’s gauntlets, boots, and, after a moment of consideration, his belt and trousers as well. Keeping his eyes politely averted, Thoma fetches a pair of his own spare pants— the loose kind meant for relaxing in— and slides them up Aether’s legs as a replacement. They’re far too long on him, but it’s better than before.

There are faint tan lines over Aether’s torso and arms, Thoma notices— all the places his armor cuts off to reveal skin. How often must Aether wear this one outfit alone to achieve such marks? Does he not have other clothes?

Thoughts still swirling, Thoma leaves Aether to rest, slipping from the room to begin a meal for Lady Ayaka. Taroumaru barks questioningly as he passes, and Thoma pats him on the head.

Once again it strikes him that Aether had truly been prepared to give up his life for Thoma, because despite being an outlander, there’s no way he hadn’t understood what it would mean to defy an Archon. No one had asked him to do it. He would have gained nothing from the attempt. It hadn’t even been to save Thoma’s life, only his embodiment of his will.

Clenching the Vision once again secured at his belt, Thoma swears a new oath, much like the one he’d made for himself the day he’d chosen to stay with the Kamisato clan.

To you, Aether, I swear my loyalty, my weapon, and my life. Whatever may come… I will protect you with all I have.

-*-

As the healer had predicted, Aether doesn’t open his eyes that day, and though his eyelids occasionally flutter on the next, it is only to stare emptily at the ceiling and cry out in a strange, echoing tongue.

Thoma stays at his side through it all, coaxing water and thin soup down his throat, changing his dressings, and cleaning up what he must. Whenever he can muster the energy, he talks, telling Aether of the latest news from Lady Ayaka, stories from Mondstadt, old Inazuman legends— anything that could wake him or keep Thoma’s own spirits up.

According to Lady Ayaka, the Shogunate has called off the search for Thoma, though of course there’s still a capture-on-sight order. Instead, they’ve focused their attentions on the famous traveler who had rebelled against the Raiden Shogun and survived the death-strike of the Musou no Hitotachi. The traveler who had used elemental power without a Vision— and could perhaps even turn the tide of the war.

Lady Ayaka looks exhausted as she relays this, and Thoma feels much the same. As a property of the Yashiro Commission, Komore Teahouse has some protection from the Shogunate, but even that won’t save them if someone suspects Aether is being harbored inside. Once Aether is recovered— or not, because they will have to act soon no matter what— he’ll have to leave. But where is he supposed to go? Into the wilds of Inazuma? Off to join the Resistance?

Thoma rubs at the dull pang of a headache and returns to combing through Aether’s sweat-damp hair. Whatever happens, he can at least make sure Aether is in the best-possible condition to face it.

-*-

On the third morning after the hundredth Vision hunt ceremony— can it still be called that if Thoma kept his Vision?— Aether’s eyes slide open and stay that way. He blinks slowly, first up at the ceiling, then at the walls around him, and finally to where Thoma is anxiously kneeling at his bedside.

At last, those bright golden eyes are clear.

“How are you feeling, Aether?” Thoma asks softly.

After a few painful-looking swallows, Aether says, “Like I’ve been run over by three shield mitachurls simultaneously.” His voice cracks to a whisper.

Given that he’d been struck by the Musou no Hitotachi, Thoma assumes that being hit by mitachurls would have actually hurt less.

“Well, at least you can joke about it,” Thoma says, careful to keep his tone light. “Milady and I have been worried for quite a while now.”

“Ngh. I’m sorry,” Aether groans. “Did I… what happened, exactly? I remember grabbing your Vision and fighting the Electro Archon, and then…”

“Well, she… defeated you”— very nearly killed you— “and after she released you from her domain, I picked you up and ran. We’re at Komore Teahouse right now, to hide from the Shogunate while you heal. And just to hide from the Shogunate in general,” Thoma adds after a moment.

“I see,” Aether says with an air of someone who really doesn’t, but expects understanding to come.

“Before anything else…” Thoma shifts enough to place his hands flat on the ground and bend his head over them. He’s never quite mastered this Inazuman display of respect, plea, and remorse, but now feels like an appropriate time to try. “I need to thank you for what you did for me. Even through there was no reason for you to sacrifice yourself like that… I am forever in your debt.”

When he looks up, he finds Aether staring at him with wide eyes. “Thoma, no, I never meant for you to… I just wanted to help you when you were in trouble. That’s all.”

“And you were almost destroyed in doing so, while I am perfectly safe,” Thoma says firmly. “My debt— and my oath— to you remains.”

Aether doesn’t look especially happy about that, but either he’s picked up some of Inazuma’s traditions, or he senses Thoma’s stubbornness, because he doesn’t protest it further.

“…What now, then?”

“Unfortunately, the Shogunate is still searching for you, and even this teahouse won’t be safe forever. Milady will do her best to keep them deterred until you can heal, but if not, my job is to ensure that you are ready to flee at any moment.”

Aether nods slowly. “How long will it be until I’m ready to leave?”

“I’m afraid it could be weeks, but you’ll probably have to endure some travel a lot sooner than that,” Thoma grimaces. “With any luck, you’ll at least be strong enough to walk and run on your own.”

“Weeks,” Aether echoes. He seems neither dismayed by nor happy about the number. “Well, I’ll be my best to be a model patient, then. If… when I have to go, will it be to the Resistance next?”

Thoma hesitates. “…Most likely, if that is where you want to be. Staying anywhere in the city, or anywhere under the Raiden Shogun’s direct rule for that matter, is going to be a fairly large risk if you still want to get things done, or… keep up the search for your sister?”

“I do need to do that.” Aether sighs, then coughs on the tail end of the sound. “And here I tried so hard not to get caught up in your war.”

Guiltily, Thoma passes him a teacupful of water. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry we dragged you this far into it. That was never my or Milady’s intention.”

“No… in the end I did it to myself.” Aether smiles wryly. “And I certainly don’t regret saving you.”

Well, that’s one way to make Thoma’s heart flutter.

“For now, you need to rest as much as possible,” he says in lieu of something embarrassing. “I’ll bring you something to eat and help you get cleaned up once you’re feeling better.”

“Mm, alright,” Aether mumbles, already sinking back down onto the pillows. “Thank you, Thoma.”

“Anything for you.” It’s barely even a joke.

-*-

It’s not until Aether is up and about again, giving himself a careful towel bath and changing back into his own clothes that Thoma realizes the man has yet to see the lightning scar burned into his skin.

“Oh.” Is all Aether says when he catches sight of it, and his fingers trace up the branches from his sternum to where the longest trail ends just beneath his chin.

It’s somehow the only scar on otherwise soft, unmarked skin, Thoma notices— then quickly chides himself for staring when Aether is bare and vulnerable, trusting Thoma to do nothing but take care of him.

“I’ve never had one of these before,” Aether murmurs, and Thoma is forced to look at him again. “It’s… actually kind of pretty.”

Thoma can’t imagine nearly dying to the wrath of an Archon, finding an indelible mark on your body as a reminder, then deciding that mark is pretty, but Aether is apparently stronger than him in that respect. But also—

“What you mean, you’ve never had one before? It doesn’t look like you…” No, Thoma wasn’t supposed to say that, because now Aether will know he’d been looking— but surprisingly, Aether appears unconcerned.

“I…” Aether trails off, rubbing at his skin. “It’s a bit hard to explain, but every so often, my body gets… refreshed, so to speak. And that means all scars go with it.”

“Refreshed?” Thoma’s never heard of anything like that before, not even in legends of the Archons.

“Mm. I’m sorry, Thoma, but I don’t think I can share this right now. Not because of you, it’s just…” Aether shakes his head. “I haven’t told anyone, really, not even Venti or… well.”

“I… see.” If Aether has some things he wants to protect, Thoma’s hardly going to pry. “Shall we try walking after this, then?”

“I guess I have to start sometime,” Aether says dryly, but there’s a grateful flash in his eye. Once he’s tugged the last of his clothing on, Thoma holds out an arm for him.

“Just to the end of the hall, to the foyer, and back again,” he decides. “Can’t have you pushing yourself too much.”

“Right.” Aether digs his fingers into Thoma’s gauntlet, and, after what looks like a great deal of effort, stands. “Let’s go.”

-*-

“Which one do you like more?” Thoma asks as Aether sips first at one teacup, then the other.

With a contemplative hum, Aether points at the matcha. “The citrus is good too, but this one is… more interesting.”

And that’s a bit of a surprise, given how long it had taken Thoma to get used to the thick bitterness of matcha upon his own arrival in Inazuma, but to each their own. “I’ll remember it for next time,” he says. “Then, the sakura mochi or the pudding?”

“Both,” Aether says with an immediate grin. “I like sweet things.”

Relived by Aether’s liveliness, Thoma can’t help but return his smile as he notes the preference down. “Got it.”

“Hey, you said Ayaka was coming over in the evening, right? Can I help you cook for that?”

Thoma pauses. Aether’s still a little wobbly on his feet, and he tires easily… but then again, cooking generally isn’t too difficult of a task, and Aether’s been confined to bed for long enough. “Sure. You have to take a rest if I say so, though.”

“Yes sir,” Aether agrees with a little salute.

Satisfied, Thoma helps him to his feet and leads the way to the teahouse kitchen. They’ll have to keep things simple, since Lady Ayaka can only purchase so many supplies for a teashop that’s supposedly closed. But Thoma doesn’t mind, either the cooking or eating of it, and Aether seems to enjoy simpler food even more than delicacies, so it all works out.

“Let’s do vegetable tempura today,” Thoma decides as he digs through the mist-flower storage box. “That shouldn’t take too much effort, and I know Milady enjoys it.”

It seems like Aether’s watched Thoma cook often enough to know his own way around the kitchen, because Thoma doesn’t even have to ask him to prepare the stove and oil pan. His movements are slow, but adept, and Thoma can appreciate a skilled chef when he sees one.

Lady Ayaka arrives just as Thoma and Aether are picking the last bits of tempura out of the oil, and with nothing more than a shared nod, Thoma passes his chopsticks over to Aether’s capable hands and goes to meet her.

“I’m afraid we won’t have much longer,” she says by way of greeting. “The other members of the Tri-Commission are growing suspicious, and the Raiden Shogun still insists on Aether’s capture.”

It’s nothing unexpected, but Thoma’s heart still sinks. Aether’s recovery has been swift— as fast as a Vision holder’s, even— but he’s in no condition to be running from the Shogunate just yet.

“When do you expect he’ll have to go?” Thoma asks quietly.

“…Tomorrow or the day after. I wouldn’t dare to wait any more than that.”

They sit there in unhappy silence until Aether pads into the room, bearing a plate of fresh tempura.

He glances between their faces. “I take it there’s no good news?”

“…I’m sorry, Aether,” Lady Ayaka murmurs. “Please know that if there was any other way, if I could somehow protect both you and Thoma…”

“Ah,” Aether’s expression clears, despite the lacking explanation. “It’s alright, Ayaka, I know what has to be done. And I wouldn’t want to risk Thoma’s safety either.”

Lady Ayaka merely nods, her hands clenching on her knees. “How are you feeling today, Aether?”

“Well enough,” Aether offers with a smile. “Thoma’s been taking good care of me.”

“He’s mostly been healing on his own,” Thoma feels obligated to add. “And he’s a fair bit more cooperative than Lord Ayato when it comes to staying in bed.”

“I’m glad to hear it either way. The two of you have been getting along, then?”

“Of course,” Aether says, and leans his head against Thoma’s shoulder, of all things. Oh well. It’s not like Thoma minds the affectionate touch, so he places a careful hand over Aether’s hair in return.

Lady Ayaka’s eyes widen a little, but all she says is, “…I see. I hope you’ll be able to visit us again once this is all over.”

“I’d like that,” Aether says simply.

They eat quickly after that, because Lady Ayaka always has other duties to attend to and Aether needs time to rest. It’s a shame to rush such a good meal, but now isn’t the time for Thoma to be picky.

Once Aether’s back to his makeshift bed and fast asleep, Thoma accompanies Lady Ayaka out to the door— but she doesn’t step out right away.

“Thoma… will you be alright once Aether is gone?”

Confused, Thoma tilts his head. “I’ll be worried about him, of course— but I’m not sure why I wouldn’t be alright?”

Ayaka studies his face for a long moment, but whatever she finds there, it must be enough to reassure her. “If you’re certain,” she says with a faint smile. “Have a good night, then.”

“You as well, Milady.”

Still baffled, Thoma watches her go before trailing his way back through the teahouse to Aether’s side. Gently, he tugs up the blanket where Aether has half-kicked it off and smooths a pyro-warmed hand over Aether’s forehead.

What had Lady Ayaka been so concerned about?

-*-

The Shogunate comes to storm the teahouse before Thoma and Aether can even start breakfast the next day, and they scramble to finish the preparations for his escape while Miss Kozue furiously distracts the soldiers outside.

Too soon. Thoma wants to yell. It’s too soon!

But the Shogunate is here and Lady Ayaka is not, and Aether will have to make it out and away on nothing but his own strength.

At least he’s back in his armor, hair braided by Thoma’s hand and once again looking the picture of a legendary Traveler, the one that had stepped from Captain Beidou’s ship that first day on the docks. Swinging a cloak over Aether’s shoulders, Thoma allows himself just a moment to admire Aether’s brightness, even through the shadows beneath his eyes and the trembling of his smile.

“I’ll miss you,” Thoma whispers, sliding up Aether’s hood and pressing him out the back door. “Be safe.”

“Thank you for everything, Thoma,” Aether says tremulously.

Then, without warning, he’s throwing his arms around Thoma, face buried against Thoma’s chest and fingers clenched in his jacket as if planning never to let go again.

After recovering from his shock, Thoma returns the hug— but they don’t have long, and it’s only a moment before Aether draws back again. “Don’t let them catch you either.”

“I won’t.” On impulse, Thoma pulls them close enough to touch their foreheads together, and Aether doesn’t fight the motion. They share a single warm breath. “Now go.”

And Aether does.

-*-

Far from the war front as Inazuma City is, it’s rare for reliable information about the conflict to reach non-soldier hands. So, despite being one of Inazuma’s ruling bodies, the Yashiro Commission has to make do with tidbits from underground informants, investigations from the Shuumatsuban, and proper reports whenever the Resistance manages to spare a messenger.

From his place trapped in Komore Teahouse, Thoma should be hearing none of it, at least not directly. And yet—

“Thoma? Ayaka? Taroumaru? Is there anybody here?”

For some Archons-forsaken reason, the Resistance seems to have decided Aether, the traveler wanted by the Shogunate twice over, is their best choice for a war messenger.

If only Thoma could be angrier about that decision, when Aether’s visits are just about the most enjoyable things that happen to him these days.

“Again, Aether?” He sighs, emerging from the far room where he’d been playing with Taroumaru to pass the time.

“Thoma! It’s good to see you again.” Aether trots toward him without hesitation, shucking his hooded cloak and kitsune mask to reveal the glint of golden hair. His face is as tired as always, but he’s once again healthy and strong, mostly, and Thoma reassures himself with the sight. Now if only he could get Aether to do away with the incredibly suspicious disguise…

Aether opens his arms, and Thoma meets him in a hug, one that drags out far longer than he’s pretty sure is polite— but Aether doesn’t seem inclined to let go early, and Thoma’s certainly not about to argue with that.

“How goes the war effort, then?” He asks when they eventually part, because ill-advised as Aether’s visits may be, they might as well each do their duties now that he’s here.

The excitement that had overtaken Aether’s face quickly drains away at the question— but though instinct urges Thoma to fix it, fix it, there’s nothing he can do. Not about this.

“Not so well,” Aether admits. “You already know how strong the Shogunate is, and even with Lady Sangonomiya and General Gorou to help lead the charge, there’s only so much an undertrained, undersupplied force can do.”

Thoma nods. “Well, Milady should be here in about an hour, so you might as well sit back and rest for now. Taroumaru and I will get you a teatray.”

“No, I’ll take care of it. There’s no need to go out of the way for me,” Aether says, for his fourth consecutive visit.

“Aether, I’ve got nothing else to do anyway. Let me serve you,” Thoma insists. Also for the fourth consecutive visit.

They stare at each other for a moment, and Thoma already knows he’s going to win.

“…Alright,” Aether huffs, lips turning down into a pout. For some reason, the sight makes Thoma want to smile. He shakes himself.

“Thank you, Thoma.”

“Think nothing of it.” Thoma whistles, and Taroumaru promptly appears at the end of the hall. “We’ve got work to do, Tarou. C’mon.”

With a short bark, Taroumaru joins him, and it’s not long before they’ve put together a tray of Komore Teahouse’s finest. Aether’s favorite matcha, of course, and powdered mochi, and even a few of his handcrafted kuri dango for good measure. Sweet to even out the bitter.

“Your tea, Milord,” Thoma says as he opens the door to the far room with a flourish and sweeps his way inside.

Aether laughs, a bright, wheezing sound that washes over Thoma’s ears like the jingling of shrine bells. “Why thank you, my dear Thoma. But you should come and join me for this meal. I insist.”

It’s obviously just the continuation of the joke— one they’ve made half a dozen times before, even— but for some reason, this time…

My dear Thoma…

No, he’s really going crazy. Thoma hastily casts about for a change of subject.

“News of the war aside, have you done anything interesting lately?”

Aether considers it. “Well, I’ve been on the battlefront a few times now, and Lady Sangonomiya said she was considering promoting me to one of her elite squadrons.” His nose wrinkles. “Which is a little soon if you ask me, but she’s short on men, and who am I to complain?”

“I think you’d make a great leader,” Thoma says, and though it’s a typical reassurance, he really means it. “You’ve got skill in battle and making quick decisions, but you’re also good at listening to others, and you… don’t hesitate to defend what’s important to you.”

That shouldn’t sound overly conceited, right? After all Aether has done for him, Thoma feels safe enough in assuming that he’s important to Aether.

“I guess you’re right.”

Thoma lets out his breath in a whoosh.

“Oh! I also made a friend. A lot of the people out there respect me and all, but I think they’re still afraid of me. And I’m an outlander, of course.” Aether pauses. “But yeah, a friend. Teppei. He was the one to ferry me from Yashiori to Watatsumi, and we’ve been hanging out here and there whenever we both have the time. He’s trying to get into an elite squadron too. We have a bet going and everything.” A quiet giggle accompanies the words.

It’s the kind of happiness Thoma rarely gets to see on Aether’s face, and he finds himself smiling along. “I’d wish you luck, but honestly I think you’ll win.”

“Thanks.” Aether grins at him. “I’ll do my best.”

“Now eat your dango before it goes all cold and congealed,” Thoma says with a gesture at the food. “I made that just for you.”

Aether puts down his teacup and quickly swaps it for the aforementioned sweet. “Can’t let it go to waste then, can I?” He bites into it, cheeks puffing up as he chews. “Mmm.”

“Good?”

“Very,” Aether says blissfully, eyes slipping shut.

“Excellent. I wouldn’t want to be serving the Kamisato clan any subpar dishes.” Thoma leans into swipe some sugar away from the corner of Aether’s mouth. Golden eyes snap back open again so quickly it’s almost audible.

“Uh—”

“No! No, it’s fine, I was just surprised,” Aether interrupts before Thoma can get even a word of his apology out. “I can take care of that myself, though.”

“Of course. Sorry again,” Thoma tries, and Aether waves an unbothered hand. He’s so kind, and Thoma pauses to thank every god and spirit he knows that he’d at least made the mistake with Aether and not some important Inazuman courtier.

…Would he have made that mistake with an Inazuman courtier?

“I don’t suppose anything interesting has happened over on your side?” Aether asks.

There isn’t much, really, but Thoma does his best spin it into an interesting tale, all the while giving himself a stern reprimand. Just because Aether is his only contact outside the Lord and Lady, Miss Kozue, and sometimes the Shuumatsuban, doesn’t mean he can get overly attached like this.

Aether is here, enjoying Thoma’s food and happily sharing his stories. What more could he want from a friendship?

Teppei:

Aether, the outlander warrior equal parts famous for his strength in combat, quiet reliability, and solitude, is reported to be writing a lot more letters recently. And as his friend and investigator extraordinaire, Teppei is determined to find out why.

It isn’t long before he runs across the perfect opportunity to enact his little plan—and all on a convenient day off, too! Steps as quiet as he can make them, Teppei creeps across the barracks to where Aether is hunched over a crate with a brush in hand and soft smile on his face.

A-hah. That’s one mystery solved, then. If the recipient of those letters isn’t a lover, then Teppei will eat his own uniform— and also, damn, how special must this lover in particular be, for Aether to be making that sort of expression?

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Teppei announces louder than necessary, and Aether shoots up like a firework, spinning around with a hand to his chest.

“Teppei, he gasps. “By the stars, don’t do that.”

“Isn’t my fault you were too distracted to hear me.” Teppei shrugs, and that isn’t quite fair since he’d been sneaking, but— oh well. He’s on a mission today. “What are you writing?”

Aether looks back down at the crate far more casually than Teppei had been expecting. “Oh, a letter to a friend back in Inazuma City. I can’t actually send them”— messenger shortage, of course, of course— “but lately I’ve been trying to take a few with me when I visit so he can keep them for later.”

Keeping them for later? That’s a bit odd, but also not critical to Teppei’s investigation. “A friend, huh? What kind of person is he?”

Either Aether fails to catch Teppei’s insinuation, or he’s just really good at ignoring it.

“He risked helping me get into Inazuma, found me a good place to live, and got me connected with some hard-to-reach people on nothing but a request from an acquaintance and a few rumors.” And oh, there’s that little smile again. “All on day one, too. So I’d say he’s a pretty great guy.”

“Sure sounds like it,” Teppei agrees. “You haven’t done anything… special with him since arriving?

Aether blinks at him, and no— he can’t genuinely be blind to his own grand love story… can he?

“…Special? He saved me from the Raiden Shogun and nursed me back to health when I was dying, if that counts.” Aether props his chin on a hand. “We didn’t really get much time together before I came here, and most of what we did have was spent hiding from the Shogunate.”

Teppei is going to faint listening to his, really and truly. He’s heard the rumors about Aether, of course, and the way he’d put a target on his back after saving someone from the Vision hunt ceremony. Which means the man he’s writing letters to must be the person he saved. Which means…

Lovers who are so devoted to each other, they’d protect the other with their lives? How is Aether so oblivious?

“Uh, are you sure this guy isn’t your—"

“Lady Sangonomiya is on her way!” Lieutenant Hirose yells into the room. “Line up!”

Teppei and Aether scramble to attention, and there really isn’t much time for matchmaking after that. Then Aether is assigned to Swordfish II, Lady Sangonomiya promises similar positions should they all achieve great things, and Teppei clings a little harder to the clouded jewel in his pocket.

There’ll be time to introduce Aether to the wonders of his own boyfriend later. First, Teppei’s got a lot of catching up to do.

-*-

(Oh, and… tell that lover of yours if he… hurts you— I’ll find a way… find a way to haunt him from beyond the grave, and that… that’s a promise.)

Ayaka:

Ayaka knows she’s not especially good at talking around others, but what she lacks in words, she more than makes up for in sharp observations and a listening ear. This is how she first discovers that Thoma, her friendly but not terribly romantic retainer of many years, has fallen in love.

Even at the moment she realizes it, she has to wonder how she hadn’t noticed sooner. It’s so obvious, the way he tucks himself as close to Aether’s side as watching eyes will allow, the way he finds and makes all of Aether’s favorite foods, the way he clings attentively to Aether’s every word and laugh.

By now, Aether has made nearly a dozen visits to the city— and subsequently, the teahouse— and it’s in this handful of visits that Ayaka has had the pleasure of following their love as it bloomed. No matter how worn Aether is when he arrives, how injured and starved, just a few hours with Thoma seems to return the life to his eyes. And no matter how quiet Thoma grows in the long days of isolation, how listless and agitated, Aether’s appearances seem to give him the willpower to wait on.

It’s far from a perfect system, of course. Sometimes Aether is gone for weeks on end, or can only stay long enough to pass on a few rushed messages before returning to the fight. During those periods, Ayaka does all she can to give Thoma work and keep him company. Taroumaru and Miss Kozue help as well, but when one can’t talk and the other must keep watch at the door, there’s only so much they can do.

But Thoma is alive and safe, and so is Aether, even as he’s promoted up the ranks and spends even more time on the front lines. In times like these, it’s all Ayaka can ask for. They just have to keep holding on.

-*-

On one of Aether’s rare visits actually preceded by messenger bird, he shows up wearing the rich pinks and blacks of the Watatsumi Army uniform, the insignia of a captain on his chest, and, when he takes off his usual mask, the fragments of a shaky smile over his face.

Ayaka, Thoma, and Kozue had all come into the foyer to greet him, but their plans for a party of sorts fall apart the moment he reveals himself.

“Aether, what—” Ayaka starts at a gasp, but Thoma tumbles right over her.

“Aether, are you okay?”

Kozue quietly excuses herself when Thoma gathers Aether into his arms, and Ayaka very nearly follows her example. But Ayaka is a joint head of the Yashiro Commission, and if this is something important to the resistance, then no matter what, she must know.

“I’m alright, Thoma. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

“Shh, Aether.” Thoma strokes a hand through the tangle of Aether’s loose hair and— well, Ayaka can at least look away, right?

A moment later, a soft, choked-off sob cuts through the stillness, and after Thoma scoops Aether up close to his chest, Ayaka wordlessly ushers them toward the nearest tearoom. Taroumaru assumes a sharp watchdog’s pose as she passes, and Ayaka makes sure to spare him a grateful nod.

It’s quite a while before Aether’s muffled sobs and Thoma’s murmured comfort fade away into nothing, and Ayaka keeps the politest distance she can, standing by the door and keeping her eyes averted until Aether speaks again.

“Thank you, Thoma. And Ayaka.” Aether sniffs a miserable laugh. “I’m sorry, I made a mess of your jacket.”

“That’s the least of my concerns right now,” Thoma says, and Ayaka cautiously rejoins them.

“What happened, Aether?”

Aether makes an unsubtle attempt at wiping his eyes. “The Fatui had— or I suppose he was so desperate— or maybe if I’d just paid more attention—"

Ayaka patiently waits for him to sort out his thoughts.

At last, Aether clears his throat and simply says, “Teppei— Teppei is dead.”

That means little to Ayaka, but based on Thoma’s sharp intake of breath, this “Teppei” was no ordinary fallen soldier.

“Oh, Aether.” Thoma pulls Aether close again, and Aether leans fully into the embrace. “Was it in battle, or…”

“Not even.” A hitch creeps back into Aether’s voice. “He— he’d been offered a tool, one that gave him power in exchange for his lifeforce, and people without Visions— they don’t have any extra lifeforce to give.” There’s no mistaking his returning tears now. “Lady Sangonomiya made sure to purge them all once she found out, but by then— by then—"

If Aether is remaining vague in his description and the priestess of Watatsumi has taken action against this… concern— it is far too weak of a word, and yet Ayaka must cling to whatever stability she can— then it must not be a direct threat to Inazuma or their efforts against the Shogunate. She has no more reason to intrude here.

Heart heavy, Ayaka slips out of the room and has to pause for a moment to breathe through the ragged sounds of Aether’s mourning. He will be safest in Thoma’s hands— but perhaps she should leave a note anyway, just to ensure he knows he has her help whenever he may need it.

-*-

After that grief-shrouded visit, Thoma becomes about as lost as Ayaka has ever seen him— which is to say, he does what few duties she can give him without flaw, and he never fails to greet her with a smile on his face. It’s just that… well, his mind always seems to be someplace else. Someplace Ayaka suspects is the far away battlefronts of Watatsumi and Yashiori.

Thoma’s condition, she feels certain, is only made worse by the fact that Aether only makes it to the city once in the days that follow, for a brief delivery that still isn’t short enough to hide his dark eyes and bowed shoulders. Perhaps it is because conflict in the outer islands has intensified, or perhaps the loss of his friend has driven him to fight harder— or perhaps he simply doesn’t want to face Thoma again after the embarrassment they hadn’t been able to reassure away at the end of his last visit. Whatever the case, Aether has clearly proven he cares for Thoma just as much as Thoma cares for him, so Ayaka sincerely doubts his absence is born of any ill will.

Though he is hurting, Thoma knows this too, and he and Ayaka dance around the topic, every day pretending that nothing is wrong. Sometimes she still catches him huddled over the stack of letters Aether has left, though, an uncertain sort of longing on his face, as if his body itself isn’t sure it is allowed the emotion.

The war burns on, sending a pall over the islands as a river of pointlessly shed blood begins to drip even into the peaceful city. Supplies slowly restrict. The other Commissions grow ever more agitated. Lightning crackles even through clear skies.

Then one day, Ayaka receives a message from Yae Miko, one that contains only two short words.

Be ready.

A storm bursts over the city that night, and Ayaka refuses to feel shame for clinging to Ayato’s side as the Raiden Shogun’s wrath thunders overhead. Scattered Resistance troops rush through the streets up to Tenshukaku, too few for a battle and too many for a peace entourage.

What she hears later is that Aether had fought a Harbinger of the Fatui and won, fought the Raiden Shogun and won, fought the decrees of Inazuma itself— and won. The war that had consumed Inazuma for nearly two years ends not with some grand explosion, but with a whisper, even the Traveler who had saved them all fading into the background with little trouble. Without a hero for the people to rally around and only a cold, restrained Archon to lead, Ayaka is forced to act on her position as chaos consumes the upper echelons of their weakened government.

The Fatui delegations are appeased and sent away, Visions are plucked from the statue and returned to as many people as possible, the Sakoku decree is written and rewritten to ease the restrictions, the Tenryou Commission is reorganized almost entirely…

The moment Ayaka is released from the ugly, childish arguing that passes for a post-war meeting between the Commissions— thank Celestia for cooler heads like Ayato and Kujou Sara to keep everyone sane— she rushes back to the family estate. Up the path and through the gates, guards and servants cheerfully hailing her return as she passes, Ayaka reaches the front door, where she is greeted by a tall, strong, and radiant Thoma.

“Welcome back, Milady!”

“Thank you, Thoma.”

He looks healthy in a way she hasn’t seen in months, and judging by the pristine condition of the estate, he’s been quite busy. But he seems brighter than even before his teahouse imprisonment, and though Ayaka hasn’t kept track of Aether’s whereabouts since he defeated the Raiden Shogun, if her suspicions are correct…

A flash of gold, and Aether’s head pokes around the corner just beyond the entrance. “Oh, is that Ayaka?”

She feels oddly vindicated by his appearance.

Her thoughts aside, Aether, too, looks far better than the last time she’d seen him. His armor has been exchanged for simple Inazuman attire, and his shining hair is out of its usual braid and instead pinned up in a traditional style with a pair of kanzashi. It can hardly be a coincidence that Thoma excels in putting up that style in particular.

“Hello, Aether.” She waves to him. “How are you doing?”

He gives her an unpracticed, but passable bow when he draws closer. “Well, everything’s a lot easier now that the war is over.” His quiet laugh only highlights the exhaustion lingering on his face. “Thank you for letting me stay in your home.”

“After all you’ve done for me— for Inazuma— it would be unacceptable to simply leave you to fend for yourself here. I only hope Thoma hasn’t caused too much trouble while I was away,” she adds, the rare urge to tease reaching her tongue.

Aether smiles, but it is a soft, fragile thing. “Even if he could, I’ve done nothing but sleep and he’s done nothing but clean so far. Your house and reputation are very safe.”

Thoma knocks against Aether’s shoulder at that, an unmistakable gentleness even in the rough movement, and grins down at him affectionately. “I’m offended you think I’m the one to be worried about, Milady.”

Aether swats at him, and Ayaka brings a hand up to her mouth as she giggles. Aether is safe and Thoma’s happiness seems assured once more. It’s so good to be home with the people she trusts.

Chapter Text

Yoimiya:

After the war officially ended, it wasn’t long before the city started to rebound. ‘Course, Hanamizaka and all those lower streets hadn’t really closed in the first place, being the real heart of the neighborhoods and markets and all, but it’s great to see people out and about again. And it means Yoimiya doesn’t have to handle the fake Visions and smuggle people down to the coast anymore, so that’s even better.

Anyway, point is that when Thoma sends down a message asking if it’s safe for him to visit, weeks after Yoimiya’s last contact with the Kamisatos? There’s no way she’s gonna turn him away.

When he finally does show up the next morning, halfway through an end-of-war festival that has taken over just about the entire market, it’s with a shopping bag on one arm and a short, golden-haired boy clinging to the other.

“Aether?” Yoimiya yelps, because she’s heard all about how he convinced the Raiden Shogun to end the Vision Hunt Decree and all that— who hasn’t?— but no one had seems to know where he’d disappeared to afterward. Well, she supposes the question is answered now.

“Hi, Yoimiya,” Aether waves at her, pleasant as always, but his skin looks weirdly pale for its tan, and the way he’s half-hidden behind Thoma’s bulk is nowhere near the quiet confidence he’d shown on their first meeting.

She’ll be a bit more careful than normal.

“What, so this is where you’ve been all this time? I can’t believe you’d save our entire nation just to disappear on us like that. And you,” she aims her next words at Thoma specifically, “it’s been weeks. You’d all better have a good excuse for why you didn’t keep me in the loop for somethin’ as important as the end of the war!”

“Well, I did want to make sure everyone knew not to arrest me on sight before stepping outside,” Aether says a little dryly. “And… the Electro Archon wasn’t exactly interested in keeping me alive when we fought, you know.”

Thoma’s obviously protective grip on Aether’s shoulder tightens as he makes his own response. “Sorry about that, Yoimiya, I promise we haven’t forgotten what you’ve done for us. Lady Ayaka and Lord Ayato have just been busy, what with the breakdown of the Commissions, and— well, you know most of it.”

Yoimiya squints at them, but though Thoma looks to be a lot better condition than whatever’s going on with Aether, he also has a tightness to his shoulders that she doesn’t like. “Hm. Well, if nothing else, you guys picked a pretty good day for a visit.” She gestures out at the bustle all around her shop. “Where d’you wanna go first?”

“I wanted to take Aether around the shops to see what kind of Inazuman foods he likes, but other than that…” Thoma shrugs. “Just walk around together, I suppose? It’s still a novelty to be out of the teahouse.”

Yoimiya can’t help but double take at that, and she aims a reassessing eye at Aether and Thoma’s proximity, the unmistakably Inazuman style of Aether’s hair and clothes, and the way Thoma’s hand brushes over Aether’s back whenever the latter twitches at some loud noise from the markets. This is…

She’s never tried matchmaking before, but there’s no better time to start than the present.

“Most of the food’s over on the upper levels,” she offers, aiming a thumb back over her shoulder. “That’s probably a good startin’ point.”

Instead of answering right away, Thoma looks down to Aether— and that’s just very telling, isn’t it?

“Sure. I don’t mind,” Aether says easily, stepping forward a bit— so that’s where they go.

Turns out, when Thoma said he’d wanted to go around the shops to find Aether’s favorite foods, he hadn’t been exaggerating at all.

Takoyaki and stir fry, dango and soba, skewers and katsu, onigiri and miso, warabimochi and konpeito, and even a splash of sake— they buy everything. And whenever Aether’s hands are full, which is often, he eats straight from Thoma’s fingers.

Of course, he only tries about a mouthful of each, whether out of self-preservation or lack of hunger, Yoimiya doesn’t know. But Thoma seems to mark down any dish from which Aether takes two bites as a favorite, and he’d know better than her, so Yoimiya just helps eat whatever Aether doesn’t and happily trails along behind the couple.

Because there’s no way they aren’t a couple, not after everything she’s seen today. The soft touches, the smiles, the handfeeding, the looks— Archons, they could even compete with those old childhood sweethearts from downtown Hanamizaka.

She’d be angrier about being invited to third-wheel herself on their little date, but— honestly, they’re cute, and they’re not ignoring her either. It’s actually a pretty fun arrangement.

Once they’re all almost too stuffed to walk, they follow the crowds down to the trinket stalls and craftsmen, and Aether listens with surprising attentiveness while Yoimiya points out all the best ones.

“Miss Yamazaka’s got some real nice ceramics,” she says as they pass that particular stall, and Aether pauses at the table. He’s drifted farther and farther from Thoma’s side as the day’s gone on, and he flinches less at every yell and clatter around them.

Fingers passing carefully over glossy rims and stone handles, Aether’s search comes to stop over a teacup with a fancy bit of glazework, all shiny black and red patterns up a smooth column. He turns it over in his hands.

“…How much do you think this would cost?” he asks slowly, and Yoimiya promptly turns to the storefront.

“Miss Yamazaka! You in there?”

Aether makes an incomprehensible sputtering sound as Miss Yamazaka pops out from under the door curtain, her hands stained with clay. “Oh, good morning, my dear! Out enjoying the festival with friends?”

“Yup,” Yoimiya says with a grin. She gestures at Aether and his cup. “Think you could get him a good deal on that piece there?”

“For you, my dear, of course.” Miss Yamazaka winks. “Let’s see… how does seven thousand mora sound?”

Aether’s eyes grow wide. “Are you sure?”

“Don’t go bargainin’ it up, now,” Yoimiya laughs, giving him a careful smack on the shoulder. “Thanks, Miss Yamazaka.”

“I’ll be looking forward to your fireworks next year,” is all Miss Yamazaka says, and after Aether hands over the money with profuse thanks, they return to where Thoma is browsing a display of gardening tools.

He brightens as soon as his eyes land on Aether, as if he’d been away for hours and not just a couple of minutes. “Ready to move on?”

Aether hesitates a moment. “I…”

Yoimiya stops to look him in the face, feels Thoma doing the exact same at her side. There’s something strained at the corners of Aether’s eyes, and his weirdly pale skin is now red with the downtown heat.

“Or should we head home for now?”

Aether’s head dips. “Sorry. I didn’t think I’d be this tired so soon.”

“What, is that all?” Yoimiya says. “Your recovery is more important than our little festival. Shame we won’t be able to head back, but I’ll be sure to tell my old man you said hello.”

“That would be great, Yoimiya. Thank you,” Aether says with depressing sincerity, and Yoimiya waves it off.

“Just don’t leave me hangin’ for a month again.” She aims a look at Thoma.

He holds his hands up in easy apology. “We’ll stop by again soon, don’t worry.”

After goodbyes, they turn to leave, but before Aether can take more than a few steps after Thoma, Yoimiya is struck with sudden inspiration. Catching his arm, she waits for his shock to fade and leans in close to his ear.

“Tell Thoma if he doesn’t like that teacup you bought for him, I’ll make sure to kick his ass myself.”

Wide-eyed, Aether stumbles back, a flushed confusion tumbling across his face.

Which wasn’t quite the reaction Yoimiya’d been expecting, but— hey, if Aether had expected her not to realize he was buying a gift for Thoma, he’s got another thing coming.

“Bye bye!” Yoimiya gives him one last wave before skipping off down the street.

A job well done.

Ayato:

When Ayato is at last able to drag himself back to the Kamisato estate, nearly two weeks after the official end of the war, he finds the house still and dark, not even the ever-faithful Thoma waiting to greet him.

Ayato doesn’t particularly need the attention, but its absence is strange enough to make him investigate.

Searching further in brings him to the main hall, where Ayaka is, for some reason, sitting quietly in the middle of the room, the single candle before her the only source of light. She lifts a finger to her lips as soon as she sees him.

Ayato lifts a brow. Oh?

“Welcome back,” she whispers once he’s kneeling beside her at the table. “How was the cleanup?”

“If I never had to deal with the Hiiragi clan again, it would be too soon,” Ayato groans. “I’m glad it’s over, at least for now.”

“Me too,” Ayaka sighs. A moment of silence passes. “…I suppose you’re wondering why we’re sitting out here in the dark.”

“Of course.” He waits for the explanation.

Gesturing at the paper screen-shielded porch straight ahead, Ayaka leans in close. “If you take a look around the screen there— quietly— I think you’ll understand.”

Curiosity suitably piqued, Ayato tiptoes forward, even calling upon his Vision to muffle his steps, and pokes his head around the side of the barrier. It takes far longer than it should’ve for him to understand what he’s seeing.

Thoma is lying down on the planks of the uncovered walkway, one arm tucked behind his own head and the other stretched out to the side as a pillow for a second person, who…. Ayato stares at the slim body and splay of golden hair. Is that the outlander who’d put an end to Inazuma’s self-inflicted war?

Why is a man like that lying on the ground to stargaze with the Kamisato clan’s retainer?

Barely managing to maintain his silence, Ayato returns to Ayaka, where she laughs at the incredulity that must be scrawled across his face.

“They’re quite cute together, don’t you think?”

Ayato has to open and close his mouth a few times before anything comes out. “What— I’m aware that I’ve been away from the city and estate for some time now, but when did Thoma find himself a lover? That lover?”

“While you were away from the city and estate, of course,” Ayaka murmurs, amused. “Truthfully, I never saw the beginning, but I feel rather certain it was shortly after Thoma nearly lost his Vision.”

“Ah.” The day Ayato still regrets, when not even his position and influence had been able to save one of his own. If the outlander had not been there… well, Ayato supposes he has no qualms leaving Thoma in the care of a man who had been willing to sacrifice everything for his safety.

“Is there anything I can help you with while our dear Thoma is otherwise occupied?” Ayaka offers, but Ayato shakes his head.

“All I need is some sleep. Will you be staying here?”

“Mm. I’d like to watch over them for a little longer.” Ayaka rests her chin in one hand, wistful. “It’s… soothing, to see them so happy.”

“As long as you get some rest as well.”

Ayaka bids him goodnight and he takes his leave, careful not to let the sliding doors scrape as he exits the room.

-*-

Ayato resolves to himself to keep an eye on Thoma and the outlander, Aether, over the next few days— but as it turns out, he really needn’t have bothered at all.

“I made you some tea,” Aether murmurs, placing an exquisite red and black glaze cup before Thoma.

“Try this,” Thoma says, holding a spoonful of his homemade miso soup up to Aether’s mouth.

“Thoma, may I borrow your shirt while my clothes dry?” Aether calls, the sea of fabric already halfway over his head.

“It’s a lovely day for a walk,” Thoma offers with one hand extended to Aether and the other clasped around the handle of a picnic basket.

“You’re not getting away from me,” Aether says, firmly pushing all of Thoma’s considerable height down onto a stool before proceeding to bandage the cuts and bruises of a stray kairagi encounter.

They are, as Miss Yoimiya remarks upon one of his visits to Hanamizaka, devestatin’ly adorable, and barely a week in, Ayato entirely gives up any pretense of judging them worthy of each other.

Instead, he’ll just make sure Thoma knows he has the full support and wedding funds of the Kamisato clan. That ought to be enough, right?

-*-

A month ticks by, and the traces of war that had seemed to linger over the Traveler’s face begin to smooth away.

By now, the boy is on Yashiro Commission payroll just the same as Thoma, given the way he refuses to stop joining in Thoma’s duties around the estate. Of all the people Ayato has ever truly wanted to treat like an honored guest…

Still, despite Aether’s frustrating determination to “do his part”… Ayato must admit he enjoys the looks on the faces of other officials and nobility when they arrive to their all-powerful hero quietly dusting windowsills or raking fresh patterns into the stone garden.

Ayato finds that Aether is just as polite and well-spoken as Ayaka and Thoma had praised, able to keep up in talks of state, household, and the aftermath of the war. He seems particularly intrigued by displays of Inazuman culture, and Ayato has no trouble using his position as the head of the Yashiro Commission to provide Aether with opportunities to learn.

But even if Aether had not been such amiable company, Ayato would have made the effort to acquaint himself with Thoma’s lover anyway. Thoma’s expression upon seeing Aether get along with him and Ayaka is incentive enough.

And he has the time to spend on such socialization, now. With the Tri-Commission sorted, relations with the Watatsumi people improved and the Raiden Shogun back to do her job as a ruler, Ayato’s duties to the nation become rather nominal, and days at the estate are peaceful. It’s no small relief to finally attend to some personal matters, visit old friends, find ways to disguise himself and take walks around the city, and indulge in some extra hours of sleep.

Of course, not even this is perfect, and never more so on than the nights when Aether’s terrified screams echo through the halls. Nights when Ayato and Ayaka must simply grit their teeth and wait for Thoma to calm the worst of Aether’s nightmares.

Ayato has learned to speak softly on the mornings when Aether greets him with red, shadowed eyes and Thoma hovering just at his back.

Still, things are better, and so it is on one of Aether’s cheerful days that Ayato is invited on an excursion down to the coastlines outside the city. He finds it decidedly strange that Aether wants him along instead of Thoma, but… he supposes he doesn’t have any real reason to decline.

He does bring up the topic as they begin their leisurely stroll down from the Kamisato estate, but Aether’s response is a self-conscious laugh.

“I did think about inviting Thoma too, but… I feel like I’ve been clinging to him a little too much, lately. He’s done so much for me since I’ve been staying here, more than he should be, really. I wanted to give him a break.”

Ayato frowns, pictures the gentle, puppy-eyed expression Thoma tends to adopt whenever Aether is around. “I truly don’t believe he would’ve minded the invitation.”

“…I’m sure he wouldn’t have,” Aether says, turning away just far enough that Ayato can’t see his expression. “Thoma’s kind like that. But still, a break.”

Could the two of them have fought, somehow? But Ayato had seen them together just this morning as Thoma had sat on the floor so Aether could brush his hair. Not particularly antagonistic behavior.

A placid silence descends over them as they make their way through the cool, clean air of Chinju Forest and out on to the sunny beach cliffs. Tenshukaku and the Archon statue tower over the city in the distance, but they are far less foreboding now than they had been during the war.

“I’m thinking about moving on from Inazuma,” Aether says quite suddenly, and Ayato pauses to stare at him.

“Not just yet, of course, but… soon. Maybe a week or two more.”

“…We’ll be sorry to see you go,” Ayato says slowly. Aether is planning to leave? And so abruptly? “May I ask what brought about the decision?”

“Well, I’m nearly recovered from my injuries and nigh… um, other things”— Aether swallows visibly— “and I feel I’ve taken advantage of your clan’s generosity for long enough, now.”

Carefully glossing over the first statement, Ayato lifts a brow. “You work for the estate the same as Thoma, and serve the people of Inazuma here and there besides. I hardly think that counts as taking advantage. Moreover, even if you hadn’t been the savior of Inazuma, you make for a very polite guest. We’d be happy to host you for as long as you needed.”

“Ah, thank you,” Aether says, looking a little embarrassed. “But even so. I guess it’s Thoma in particular that I’m worried about.”

“Oh?”

“I can’t help but feel like he’s devoted most of his time to… being my caretaker, really, so I’d like to leave before I become an even greater burden. Before he grows too resentful to keep thinking of me as a friend.”

In a move entirely unbecoming of the Yashiro Commission head, Ayato trips over his own sandals. “A burde— no, wait. A friend?”

Aether blinks guilelessly.

“Ah… I’m not sure you have to worry about that.” Utterly lost, Ayato is forced to go back and reexamine his every memory of Aether and Thoma together. He should say something. Surely, it’s impossible that a misunderstanding this great has gone unquestioned for months.

“I imagine I’ll be visiting Sumeru next,” Aether says, oblivious to Ayato’s internal upheaval. “Would you be willing to give me recommendations for travel, maybe?”

Ayato takes a deep breath. “I can certainly help you with that. But I must ask… have you told anyone else of your plans yet?”

“Mm, not yet, since I only just decided it for myself. I’ll tell Thoma and Ayaka and the others later.”

“Yes, do that,” Ayato says, distracted. “Thoma should hear about this as soon as possible, I think. Truly.” Does Thoma see Aether as his lover, then, or does this friendship extend both ways?

To Ayato’s continued dismay, Aether seems a little confused by his insistence, but in the end, he agrees with a shrug.

They don’t walk much longer before Ayato can no longer restrain his bafflement and growing concern for Thoma. Making some pitiful excuse about work for the Commission, he leaves Aether to a solitary excursion and very nearly runs back up the path to the estate.

He only needs to confirm one thing.

-*-

“Have you been enjoying your time with Aether?” Ayato asks casually as Thoma sets a plate and teacup on the desk before him. It will be important to maintain a relaxed air if he wants Thoma’s most honest answer.

Thoma pauses in his work. “…I have, Milord. It’s good to see him healing so quickly, though I wish he would stop going out of his way to keep me company just because I get a little restless when I’m alone. But why the sudden question?”

Going out of his way to keep Thoma company? Ayato resists a sigh. He already knows what the results of this conversation will be.

“My apologies. I was simply wondering when the two of you were planning to announce your engagement.”

“…Announce our…?”

“For the wedding, you see. As the Commission in charge of culture and festivals, it’s our responsibility to organize the grandest weddings in the nation for any members of our family. Of which both you and Aether are at this point.”

“Wait,” Thoma says, and his face is blank. Uncomprehending. “A wedding?”

“Yes, of course.” Ayato affects a frown. This may be a serious matter, but a little teasing will do no harm. “Is Aether not your lover?”

“…My what?”

Aether:

They’re side-by-side on the floor of the main hall, working to brush off the many tatami mats, and Thoma is as nervous as Aether’s ever seen him.

Every time Aether glances up, he catches Thoma’s gaze quickly darting back the ground. Every time he reaches for a different rag or brush from the pile between them, Thoma flinches away from his hand. And every time they drift too close in their methodical back-and-forth of cleaning, Thoma edges away, even when Aether sends him questioning looks.

Just yesterday, everything had been fine. He’d gotten back from his beach stroll late and eaten dinner with Ayaka while Thoma had apparently been busy with some other chore. He never had gotten the chance to tell Thoma about his plans to leave Inazuma, but it wasn’t as if that was a priority. Though Ayato had been unusually emphatic about it…

Maybe Aether will tell him today.

“Hey, Thoma?”

“Yes!” Thoma yelps, and Aether pauses to blink at the abrupt reaction.

“Um, I just wanted to talk to you about something after we’re done with this.” He lifts his brush for emphasis. “But are you… okay?”

Thoma’s face has gone pale, and when he answers, it sounds strained. “Sure, of course. And, uh, I’m fine. I’m great. Don’t worry about me.”

Squinting, Aether tries to pick out what could be bothering him, but though Thoma’s expression and posture are tense, they don’t give away anything in particular. An uneasy chill creeps across Aether’s skin. Thoma’s not uncomfortable because of him right?

There’s no way. Even if he’s finally wearing out Thoma’s hospitality, the change wouldn’t have come on this fast. It’s enough of a reassurance to last Aether until they finish their task. Mostly.

“So, ah, what did you want to talk about?” Thoma asks once they’ve put all their tools away. His eyes flit everywhere but Aether’s face.

“It’s nothing bad,” Aether hurries to say. “I just thought you should know I’m planning to leave for Sumeru soon.”

They’d been walking, but as soon as the words leave Aether’s mouth, Thoma freezes mid-step.

“You’re… leaving?”

“Yeah. I’ve imposed on you all for long enough now, and… well, it’s not like I’m looking for her, exactly, but I need to keep chasing my sister down.” Aether adds what he hopes is an apologetic laugh.

“…Right. Of course you can’t stay,” Thoma mutters, almost as if to himself. “What was I…” Abruptly, he straightens, and for the first time all day, looks Aether right in the eyes. “Well, I’ll miss you— we all will. When exactly are you planning to go?”

Aether sighs a little in relief. Whatever had been bothering Thoma, at least Aether doesn’t seem to be the cause of it. “In about two weeks, I hope. Ayato agreed to help me make some connections in Sumeru— and I was planning to ask you too, if you’re willing to help.”

“…Sure. Anything for you, Aether.” There’s something strangely aching in Thoma’s voice.

It stings at something deep in Aether’s chest, and he almost reaches out, but—Thoma’s been avoiding him all morning. He probably wouldn’t appreciate being touched now.

“Thanks, Thoma.”

They stare at each other for a long moment.

“Guess we should get back to our chores, then,” Thoma says, suddenly cheerful. Blindingly cheerful. “The dust won’t stop collecting just because you’re getting ready to go.”

He trots off down the hall again, and Aether can’t help but linger on the broad sway of his back. Thoma had agreed to help him, had been sad to hear Aether was leaving, is still Aether’s friend.

So why does everything still feel so wrong?

-*-

Aether finds his chance to talk to Ayaka that afternoon, when he’s assigned to bring a tea tray to her office.

“Oh, Aether,” she says pleasantly when he slides open the door with a murmured announcement of his presence. “Please, come in.”

When he lingers for a moment too long after laying out the tea things, Ayaka gives him a curious look and pushes aside the ledger she’d been working on. “Is there something bothering you, Aether?”

“Not exactly,” Aether says, flapping a hand. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m planning to move on from Inazuma in a couple of weeks.”

The table rattles as Ayaka suddenly braces her palms atop it to push herself off the floor. “You’re— you’re leaving? And so soon?”

It’s Thoma’s reaction all over again, and Aether laughs. “I am. Thank you for taking care of me during my stay.”

Ayaka’s lips part, but nothing comes out. He’s never seen her composure slip this much.

“But what about— have you told Thoma?”

“I did, just this morning.” What does it mean that both Ayaka and Ayato’s first thought upon hearing Aether’s news was to ask after Thoma?

Eyes growing even wider, Ayaka leans in. “And what did he say?”

“Um… he said he’d miss me, and that he’d look into connections to Sumeru. I guess he seemed a little sad about it…. Ayaka, is there something wrong with Thoma? He’s been acting strange all day, and Ayato also insisted I talk to him.”

Ayaka slumps back down to her floor cushion, like a puppet whose strings had suddenly been cut. There’s a moment of silence.

“I… I believe I’ll need to reconsider a few things,” she says faintly. “And for Thoma… you should just stay with him. That’s all he needs right now.”

And without elaborating any further, Ayaka hops to her feet and hurries past Aether out the door without even bothering to clean up her desk. Aether stares after her for a while before mechanically reaching out to tidy what he knows he’s allowed to.

First Yoimiya saying odd things, then Ayato leaving him behind on the beach, then Thoma’s sudden distance, and now Ayaka abandoning all decorum for anything less than the imminent destruction of her nation?

Whatever this problem is, it involves Aether, and it’s important. He’ll have to figure it out, no matter what.

-*-

If Aether had thought the atmosphere surrounding the estate was odd before, now it’s truly bizarre.

Over the next few days, he is approached by no less than ten other Kamisato clan servants, some of whom he’s never even spoken to before, and all of whom scold him for… something. Leaving? Spending time with Thoma? Deceiving them? Aether has yet to figure out exactly what they’re trying to say.

Thoma becomes overly quiet and nearly manic by turns, and though he does bring Aether a stack of references from a few of the Sumerans on Ritou, he seems reluctant to hand it over. During their daily chores, he now clings to Aether’s side, constantly making small touches to Aether’s hair, arm, shoulder— whatever happens to be in reach. Aether doesn’t mind, exactly, but he still wants to know the reason for the change. No matter what he asks, though, Thoma remains strangely vague and tight-lipped.

Gone is the easy camaraderie they’d shared before Aether had announced he was leaving, and despite what Ayaka had told him to do for Thoma, Aether can’t help but wonder if it would be better to keep his distance after all.

Here and there, Aether runs across odd gatherings— Ayaka, Ayato, and Yoimiya huddled at the estate entrance, Ayato and General Gorou speaking in hushed tones and ending their conversation as soon as Aether steps into the room, and half the gardening staff crowded around a drooping Thoma and gently patting him on the back, among others. None of them ever include Aether, they always scatter whenever Aether makes his presence known.

On top of all that, just about everyone Aether speaks to at the estate now seems to be waiting for something, as if Aether is sheet of glass ready to shatter at any moment. And finally, he’s had enough.

--

“Thoma!” Aether yells, slamming open the doors to the dining room and bursting inside.

Thoma drops his spoon, and there’s bang and yelp as his knees hit the underside of the low table. Aether feels a little bad about that, but not enough.

“Thoma, what is going on?”

“Aether?” Thoma stares up at him, bewilderment in his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Aether says, “that you and everyone else in this estate have been acting strangely for days now, and I’m the only one who doesn’t seem to know anything. I’ve asked before, but”— he takes a deep breath— “I’m not leaving until I get a real answer this time. So tell me, please.”

“Uh, I don’t—” Thoma’s gaze flickers toward the exit. “There’s not really anything to tell—”

“No.” Chest hot and tight, Aether slams a hand down on the table and leans into Thoma’s space. Thoma jolts back.

“I know there’s something, and it’s all centered around you. So I want to hear it from you.”

Slowly, Thoma looks down at Aether’s hand, then back up at his face. His shoulders droop. “I’m sorry, Aether. It’s just… I figured it would be better if you didn’t know. Or rather, I didn’t want to burden you.”

“Burden me?” Aether echoes.

Edging out from under Aether’s looming body, Thoma nods. “I only realized it because of Lord Ayato, and— if you weren’t bothered, why should I be? But I see I didn’t do a very good job of hiding it.” He laughs, but it’s a miserable sound.

Aether backs away a little, allowing Thoma to stand. It’s strange how someone so tall and sturdy can suddenly seem so pitiful.

“But what is it?” Aether presses, and Thoma averts his gaze.

“I…”

The door clatter opens behind them, and Aether lunges for Thoma’s hand when the latter scrambles away like a cat dropped in water.

“Thoma, have you seen— oh.” Ayaka gapes at their somewhat-joined hands for barely a moment before nearly tumbling over herself to bow out of the room and sweep the door shut again.

Feeling as though the world is tipping under his feet, Aether wheels back around to Thoma and wraps both hands around his wrist, pleading. “See? If even Ayaka is acting like that… Thoma, I need—”

“I like you.”

“—to know— huh?”

“I like you,” Thoma says again, and his hand is trembling faintly in Aether’s grasp.

Huh? Desperately Aether scrambles for something to say, or even a coherent thought, but there’s just—nothing. I like you. I like you. I like you.

“Sorry. I know that wasn’t what you wanted to hear, but, uh, it doesn’t have to mean anything!” Thoma scratches at the back of his head, eyes still focused on the ground. “I’m not expecting you to reciprocate, really— here, you can just take it as a complement if you like.”

“What— when—?” Aether starts, but memories are already bubbling to the surface.

The days spent together in Komore Teahouse, the long hugs and soft touches, the endless letters written to ease Thoma’s loneliness, insistence from Teppei that they— no, he can’t think about that, but— the messenger duty Aether had volunteered for just for a chance to visit the city, the effervescent welcome he’d received from Thoma at the Kamisato estate, Thoma’s hands braiding pins into his hair, picnics in the garden and stargazing at night, hours of work spent in comfortable quiet, the teacup he’d bought for Thoma, their day out with Yoimiya—

It’s a flood. And when Aether turns things around, studies it all as if from the eye of an outsider… stars, no wonder Ayato had been horrified when Aether had said he was leaving.

“The moment you saved me from the Raiden Shogun… you shone even brighter than her. And I guess that was all it took,” Thoma says with a huff that might’ve been a laugh. “But like I said, Aether, I don’t want my feelings to be a burden to you. They’re just… a little inconvenience.”

Mind and heart racing, Aether adjusts his hold on Thoma to keep him from escaping while he tries to organize his own thoughts.

In the handful of worlds he had traveled before Teyvat, romance had been fleeting, if it had existed at all. Often, he and Lumine hadn’t stayed in one place long enough to form such connections, and when they had, Aether had never been interested. In short, maybe it’s not so surprising that he had missed all of Thoma’s signs. But now that he is aware…

He likes Thoma, absolutely and without a doubt. Cares enough to fear losing Thoma’s friendship more than he’s feared facing the Electro Archon, even. But is his affection for Thoma the same as what Thoma holds for him? That, Aether doesn’t know.

“Thoma…” he murmurs.

“Yeah?” Thoma says, and the casual word does little to hide the nervousness of his voice.

“Is that why everyone’s been so strange lately? Because they thought we were…”

Thoma nods slowly. “Lord Ayato asked after our engagement and Lady Ayaka increased my salary just so I could buy things for you. Not to mention the well-wishes from the estate staff.”

“O-oh.” Aether resists the urge to cover his face. “I… looking at it now, I can’t believe I missed it all.”

The corner of Thoma’s mouth twitches up. “Honestly, I’ve been feeling much the same over the past week or so.”

At last, his gaze lifts, and they stare at each other for a moment.

“…What if I stay?” Aether asks. “Not forever, just… a little while longer.”

Conflict stirs in Thoma’s expression. “I’d like that, of course, but… weren’t you going to continue searching for your sister?”

“That…” Lumine had walked away, away, away. “I know where she is, sort of. It’s just that I need to follow after her, but that can wait until we figure out… us.”

Thoma hastily interrupts Aether’s vague gesturing. “There’s nothing to figure out. I like you, but not so much that you need to, uh, worry about me when you leave.”

“But I like you too, I think,” Aether says carefully. “I’m not sure it’s the same ‘like’, but I do want to find out. And if it is, then… I don’t want to miss it.”

Finally, Aether releases Thoma’s hand to take a step back, and Thoma stares after him, lips parted in frozen silence.

“…Really?”

“Yeah,” Aether says, becoming surer of his own words even as he speaks. “And even if nothing comes of it, I’ll never be tired of spending time with you.”

A stillness falls, so quiet that Aether can even hear the elegant cries of far-away ibises and the crashing of waves on the beach far below. Then—

“Alright.” A smile, hesitant and bright and real stretches across Thoma’s face. “I’ll be in your care, Aether.”

Legs weak with relief, Aether beams right back. “So will I.”

Chapter Text

Thoma:

Pulling Aether comfortably onto his lap and wrapping his arms around narrow-but-sturdy shoulders, Thoma wonders how he’s gotten so lucky as have this.

Just a few hours ago, he’d been bracing himself for Aether’s departure, ready for Aether to be— not horrified, because Aether would never be that cruel— but at least disturbed by Thoma’s feelings. It would’ve been deserved, after all the trust Aether had placed in him as a friend only.

But instead, Aether actually wants to reciprocate in his strange, gentle way; and Thoma gets to hold his warmth and enjoy Aether’s laughter in his ear.

“You know, I’m not sure Ayato and Ayaka will survive seeing us like this out of nowhere,” Aether says conversationally, tapping his fingers on the dinner table. “What did they do to deserve your wrath?”

Thoma tugs Aether a little closer, just because he can. “Lady Ayaka will already have suspected this development, I believe. But as for Lord Ayato, this is revenge for all those terrible dishes he makes me try.”

“I see.” The corners of Aether’s eyes crinkle, and Thoma’s heart skips several beats.

“They should be here any minute now. I think Lady Ayaka has already returned from her visit to the city…”

Right on cue, the door slides open, and Ayaka steps in with a sigh. “Oh, that smells wonderful, Thoma—” She freezes in place, presumably taking in the sight of Aether resting against Thoma’s chest. “—And… Aether.”

“Hi Ayaka,” Aether says brightly, because he has a mischievous streak of his own. “Welcome back.”

“Oh my goodness. Did you… did the two of you make up? Did you convince Aether to stay?”

“I’m not sure we were fighting in the first place,” Aether says, thoughtful. “But Thoma finally told me why he’d been acting so strangely—”

“—and Aether agreed to stay for a while longer,” Thoma finishes happily.

Aether looks up at him, warm and faintly exasperated. “He’s been clinging to me ever since.”

“And you let me.”

“I did,” Aether agrees easily.

Lady Ayaka is watching them with stars in her eyes and her hands daintily pressed over her mouth. “I’m so glad the two of you worked things out.”

She joins them at the table, and Thoma reaches to serve her a portion of grilled fish just as Aether leans the other way to pour out a bowl of soup. Both dishes land before her at the same time, and she giggles.

“Thank you both.”

With a rather satisfied nod, Aether nestles back into Thoma’s hold, and Thoma is forced keep an extra-close hold over his Vision just to ensure he won’t spontaneously burst into flame.

“Are we waiting for my brother?” Lady Ayaka asks.

“Yes, Milady. He’s the most important part of this event, after all.”

Ayaka regards them for a moment, and Thoma gives her his most innocent smile.

“Well, I certainly won’t be the one to spoil the surprise, then,” she says primly, and she lifts her teacup for a long sip just as Lord Ayato slips into the room.

“My apologies, I was held up by one of the officers of… the… Hiiragi clan…”

“You’re just in time, Milord.” Thoma lifts a hand from Aether’s waist to gesture at the final empty cushion, and Aether dips his head in as much of a bow as his position will allow for.

Lord Ayato very nearly staggers over, and he sits down hard. “…Ayaka?”

“Why, they reconciled hours ago, dear brother. Didn’t you know?” Lady Ayaka takes another sip.

“Hours.” Lord Ayato repeats, and his gaze seems to be focused on a patch of empty wall straight ahead of him. “So, all our plans…”

“I did advise that there was no point in going through with them,” Thoma points out. “Aether will do what he wants. Like the way he cornered me this afternoon until I had no choice but to confess.”

“I am sorry about that,” Aether adds, contrite. “But I needed to know what was going on, and no one was telling me.”

“Well, it all worked out in the end.”

With a long, long sigh, Lord Ayato leans back into the table and pours himself a generous measure of sake. “I take it Aether will be staying, then?”

“Just long enough for us to figure a few things out,” Aether says. “I’m sorry to take advantage of your hospitality once again.”

“We’ve already discussed this, Aether. It is an honor to have you with us.” Lord Ayato insists.

Then, after a moment—

“So when do you plan to announce your engagement?”

-*-

Between the closeness they already share— the one that had made everyone believe Thoma and Aether were dating in the first place— and the hesitant nature of Aether’s reciprocation, Thoma doesn’t expect his life to change much.

And on the surface, it doesn’t. There are still housekeeping duties to be done, meals to cook, guests to entertain, and supplies to be bought. Aether continues on as an effective second household retainer, always a bright, graceful presence at Thoma’s side. Monsters and kairagi still roam the wilds outside the city, and Thoma and Aether fulfill requests from the Yashiro Commission to keep them under control.

In their moments alone, however…

-

On the very same night as Thoma’s confession, he is woken by a muffled, hopeless scream, and he doesn’t even bother to rub the sleep from his eyes before he’s running to Aether’s side, just as he always has.

“Aether,” he calls, coaxes, lifting Aether’s head gently onto his lap. Fingers curl into the loose fabric of his pants, and Thoma strokes through messy hair and waits for Aether to wake.

Soon, heart-wrenching cries die to strangled whispers, then silence. Aether had allowed Thoma’s touch before, right? Perhaps a little more will be alright.

Smoothing a hand down Aether’s nape, Thoma is rewarded when Aether turns inward, tucking his face against the crease of Thoma’s hip.

“I’m sorry, Thoma,” Aether croaks, and even though he knows Aether can’t see it in the dark, Thoma shakes his head.

“You know I don’t mind.”

With an indistinct sound, Aether reaches up and wraps his arms around Thoma’s waist. “Would you— stay with me?”

Thoma’s breath catches in his throat. This is a line they’d never dared to cross, even in the murky ‘before’, a language of intimacy understood by all peoples. “…Are you sure?”

“Please,” Aether says, trembling and exhausted, and Thoma needs no more convincing to tuck himself into the futon and pull Aether against the curve of his body.

He’s heard stories, of course, from others the world over. Sleepless nights with a lover featured often, as did inescapable urges to touch. But though Thoma is both in Aether’s bed and pressed against him chest to calf, all he feels is protective. Warm.

He falls asleep to Aether’s soft breaths in his ear.

-

A beam of morning sun through the window pries Thoma’s eyes open just in time for him to see Aether’s lashes fluttering too, and they stare at each other for a few sleep-heavy moments.

Then Aether hooks his ankle just little bit more securely around Thoma’s leg, and a smile melts over his face. “Morning, Thoma.”

Is it possible for him to be more in love than he already is? Without really thinking about it, Thoma leans in to nudge his forehead against Aether’s. “Mm, morning.”

He realizes what he’s done a moment later, but Aether only huffs a breath over Thoma’s cheek and prods gently at his shoulder.

“Time to get up. It’s already later than usual, I think.”

Squinting up at the window, Thoma is forced to agree. Well, at least Lady Ayaka is likely to forgive them if breakfast is a little delayed.

He hurries back to his own room, leaving Aether alone to change clothes and roll up the futon. Maybe if he’s quick, he’ll have enough time to return and do Aether’s hair.

-

A report of kairagi gatherings along the northern beaches sends Aether and Thoma out together on a mission for the first time in a while. Though Thoma isn’t exactly thrilled at the prospect of battle… he is excited to see Aether with a sword in hand again. After all that Aether had suffered in the war, he’s been hesitant to ask for any unnecessary fights, even just a spar.

Tracking down the bandits is simple enough— Thoma and Aether both have good instincts, and the cavern hideout they eventually reach isn’t very well hidden, either. Sharing a glance and a quick nod with Aether, Thoma steps to the front, calls his spear, and slams the butt of it against the stony ground.

“By order of the Shogunate, you are to be arrested for your crimes against Inazuma! If you come quietly, no one needs to be hurt.”

It’s all formality, as Thoma hardly expects them to surrender so easily— and sure enough, the well-armored leader stands with an uproarious laugh.

“The only one getting hurt here will be you.”

Well, Thoma’s done his duty.

Lunging forward to meet the first bandit, he keeps his head down as a blinding river of lightning comes roaring in from behind, throwing even the depths of the cave into harsh violet relief. Static fizzes over Thoma’s skin, but he remains otherwise untouched even as the clustered kairagi shriek and thrash.

A few slashes of pyro is enough to overload and blast all but one of the remaining fighters aside, and Thoma parries and shields, drawing the raging leader farther out into the open. A crackling streak of electro lights in the corner of Thoma’s eye, and he throws his guard wide open, taunting, as the bandit’s fiery sword plunges toward him—

“Kgh—!"

The keen point of a blade juts from the leader’s chest, even through his armor, and Thoma darts aside as the man falls to the ground, blood pooling beneath him. His collapsing body reveals Aether, who is breathing hard, sword steadily dripping onto the ground.

More crimson splatters when he snaps the blade to the side before dismissing it in an absent flip.

“It’s done,” Thoma says quietly, approaching Aether’s still form like he might a skittish dog.

“Yeah.” Aether’s gaze doesn’t lift from the dead bandit.

Around them, the other kairagi are groaning back to life, and Thoma makes short work of tying them up and securing them for the Shogunate to collect later. Even if their numbers had been few enough for Thoma to move on his own, he has other priorities right now.

“Let’s go home.” He holds out a hand.

Aether says nothing, but after a moment, he lifts his head— and oh, there’s a spray of blood on his cheek— and takes the offered hand.

Thoma leads them out into the sun and down the beach, far away from even the memories of the fight, because while Aether had been fiercely beautiful with thunder and silver in his hands and the proof of his victory splashed over his face, those thoughts have no place here and now. Aether stumbles then, and Thoma catches him at once.

“Aether? You alright? You’re not injured, are you?”

When Aether speaks, his voice is thin. “No, no. I’m sorry, Thoma, I don’t…”

Slowly kneeling in the sand, Thoma reaches up to cup Aether’s face. “Will you be able to walk all the way back?”

“I should— should be able to—" Aether trembles, and his eyes squeeze shut. “It’s so stupid. After everything I did, had to do in the war, this is what makes me so…?”

“I… don’t think killing is something you should ever be numb to,” Thoma says carefully. “And I’ve never set foot on a real battlefield, where you’ve survived the worst it and our Archon had to offer. If anything… you’re one of the strongest people I know.”

“But you’re fine,” Aether says, expression suddenly blank.

“I wasn’t the one to make the final strike,” Thoma counters. “And… Lady Ayaka knows to give me additional work after commissions like these. So I can take my mind off of things.”

“…Maybe I’ll ask her to do the same for me.” And there’s no smile on Aether’s face, no humor in his voice, but he no longer feels as if he’ll collapse without Thoma to hold him up.

Drawing back and standing, Thoma extends his arms. “May I…”

Aether falls into his embrace with a sigh, and Thoma pulls him close, wiping the blood from Aether’s cheek with his jacket and burying his face in Aether’s hair. They cling to each other for a long time— and when they do finally part, Thoma slowly reaches down to hook an arm behind Aether’s knees, watching his face the whole time.

“Is this alright?”

Aether searches Thoma’s gaze right back, and whatever he finds there must be enough, because he slowly goes limp in Thoma’s grasp. Trusting that he won’t fall. “Just for a little while.”

Scooping Aether’s surprisingly heavy body up to his chest, Thoma smiles. “Of course.”

-

Their nights are invariably spent together now, Aether tucking himself against Thoma’s naturally fire-warm body to sleep. And though his nightmares don’t disappear entirely, they become few and far between— even more so, they discover, when Aether is able to keep his hands on Thoma’s Vision.

It’s certainly a strange phenomenon, one that Thoma’s never heard of, but he’s hardly about to complain about easing Aether’s pain for the low price of handing over his Vision for the night.

After a few days of experimenting— days in which Thoma gets to watch the glow of his manifest soul highlight the lines of Aether’s sleep-lax face and feel the ever-present warmth in his chest twist and flip whenever Aether smooths his hands over Thoma’s Vision— Aether wonders aloud if it could be the result of his power as an outlander. He’d been able to hear the ambitions buried in the Archon statue, after all, and he’d borrowed the will of Inazuma’s people to defeat the Raiden Shogun. It wouldn’t be too outrageous to assume that he could also make use of Thoma’s Vision in a way no one else would.

There is the little matter of Thoma handing his Vision over to another without also trying to give up his ambition. But if Aether doesn’t know the consequences of truly losing a Vision, then Thoma sees no reason to worry him about it.

Until Lady Ayaka approaches him a few days later with a delicate furrow carved between her brows.

“Thoma… Aether just came to me looking for advice on, ah, a certain matter regarding your Vision, and I couldn’t help but be concerned. Is everything alright? Are you… safe?”

Aether must have tried to do some investigating on his own, then. Thoma sighs. “Thank you, Milady, but I’m safe.” He pauses. “Aether doesn’t have anything I wasn’t fully ready to give.”

“…May I ask why? You’ve told us how close your Vision is to the core of who you are, so this is…”

“I know it’s a little dangerous,” Thoma admits, “but I trust Aether as much as I trust myself, and keeping my Vision close seems to stop his nightmares. I’m happy to risk it as long as Aether can rest.”

Lady Ayaka’s shoulders slump. “Well, I suppose if there was anyone on whom you had to stake your life, there would be no better choice than Aether. But even so, please be careful. I couldn’t watch you lose yourself like so many others did this long after the end of the Vision Hunt Decree. And… I suspect you’ve been trying to protect him, but I feel it would be best for you to tell Aether exactly what it is he holds, if only so he can treat it with the care you deserve.”

Laying a hand over the Vision at his hip, Thoma nods reluctantly. “I’ll take your advice Milady. And don’t worry, I’ll be here to serve you and Lord Ayato for a while yet.”

Thoma spends the rest of the day wrestling with the explanation locked behind his tongue, because he hadn’t realized quite how intimate it had been to allow Aether to take his Vision until the moment he’d tried to mention it out loud. Normally, Thoma prides himself on his observational skills, but when it comes to him and Aether… well, it took this long for them to start a relationship at all, so apparently they’re both oblivious.

Through chores, an afternoon walk through the woods, and dinner, Thoma can’t bring himself to say anything, though Aether has begun to shoot him curious glances. Finally, when Thoma finds himself stepping into Aether’s room so they can sleep side-by-side as usual, he can’t wait any longer.

“Hey, Aether?”

Already half-tucked into his futon, Aether perks up at the call. “Yes?”

“Uh…” Thoma licks dry lips. “Lady Ayaka told me you asked her about Visions, earlier.”

“Oh, right. She hadn’t heard of anything either, though.” Aether cocks his head. “Why? Did you think of something more?”

“…Not exactly. I just wanted— or rather, Lady Ayaka wanted me— to tell you about what it means for you to have my Vision.”

Aether’s gaze flickers to the Vision in Thoma’s hand. “What is it?”

“You already know how Visions are the manifestation of ambition and the gods’ favor, I think. But often, they’re also a part of our souls. So for most, putting their Vision in the hands of another would be pretty unthinkable.”

A pale confusion creeps across Aether’s face. “I— I’d already figured it was something like that, after meeting the people Ayaka told me to help. But I didn’t know… you gave me your Vision…”

“Yeah.” Thoma settles on his knees with a sigh. “It’s much the same problem as the Raiden Shogun taking people’s Visions— most of us would lose our will to live. There are some cases of allogenes deciding they don’t want the burden of a Vision— I believe Lord Ayato holds one of those— but that’s rare. The point is, if someone were to give their Vision to another while still expecting it back, and the person they’d trusted stole it away… they wouldn’t be likely to survive.”

“Then I—!”

Thoma quickly lifts a hand. “That’s why Lady Ayaka came to speak with me; she was worried. But I trust you, and so does she, and I gave it to you in the first place because it helped you sleep. I’m not telling you this so you feel like you have to stop.”

“…I see,” Aether says in a small voice. Then he flushes. “No— no wonder the nightmares are gone. I had your soul to defend me.”

After a startled moment, Thoma can feel his face heat too. “I’m… glad it helped.”

Then he holds out his Vision, and Aether takes it in both hands, his fingers closing slow and reverent around it. Thoma shivers from somewhere deep inside, as if Aether had touched his heart rather than unyielding crystal, and it’s strange how the gesture is suddenly so meaningful just for Aether’s new understanding of it.

They lay down, bodies notching into each other like a craftsman might fit a masu, and Aether nestles Thoma’s Vision over his chest, where it flickers softly into the darkness.

“Thank you,” he whispers, and Thoma braves a kiss to his forehead.

“Anything for you.” And this time, he means every word.

-

The next morning, Thoma wakes to cold blankets and silence, and his first instinct is to panic. Had Aether left? Been taken? Surely Thoma wouldn’t have slept through a nightmare or struggle or any number of other things that could have gone wrong in the night. Throwing back the futon, he scrambles to his feet, already searching for any hint as to Aether’s whereabouts—

His eyes land on the neatly folded yukata on a nearby table, the one Aether had worn to bed, then his Vision and the scrap of paper beside it.

Good morning, Thoma!
Meet me in the kitchen whenever you’re ready.

In the corner is a messy illustration of what might be a sun, and Thoma slumps with relief.

Of course. Aether is hardly careless enough to leave Thoma without warning, nor weak enough to have been taken without a fight. It’s impressive that he’d gotten up without alerting Thoma at all, though.

Now curious, Thoma quickly dresses and trots down toward the kitchen as instructed. As he draws closer, the rich smell of broth and rice filters through to his nose, and he picks up his pace. Is Aether… making soup? This early in the morning?

He slides open the door.

“Thoma!” Aether’s smile is brighter than the sunlight streaming through the windows behind him, and if Thoma could bottle the feeling and sell it, he’d likely make enough to fund the Kamisato estate for years to come. “You’re here.”

“Yup. You really gave me a scare when I woke up, though.”

“Sorry,” Aether says sheepishly. “I thought about putting the note on you somewhere, but I was worried you would roll over and lose it.” He beckons Thoma over to the heavy pot at the counter.

“What is this?”

Aether scratches at his head. “Well, you’ve been doing so much for me lately, I thought I could do something nice in return, for once. I hope you like it…”

“You didn’t need to,” Thoma says automatically, and Aether lifts the lid in a burst of steam.

“We shared this with Ayaka on that day after rescuing Mister Masakatsu, and you seemed to enjoy it, so I tried to make it again— though without all the weird things you added last time.”

Thoma stares into the simmering gold of the rice cake soup, then at the neat row of dishes laid out beside the pot, all meats and vegetables and extra rice cakes of different sizes. “You… made this? Just now?”

“I got up early to make sure I could finish it before you woke up.” Aether nods. “I know it’s not usually a breakfast food, but—”

“I love it.” Thoma says. “I love you.”

He scares himself with the declaration, but then— Aether already knows, so he doesn’t have to hold back anymore, right?

Aether blinks at him, but he’s the man Thoma fell for, so of course his only response is a pleased smile.

“Good. Because I love you too.”

Huh? “Wait. Really?”

“Yes, really,” Aether laughs. “I’ve decided. If you’ve been trying to woo me over the past few weeks— past few months, really— then you’ve succeeded.”

Struck dumb, it’s all Thoma can do to correctly sit down on the stool Aether pushes over for him.

“Try some?” Aether holds out a spoon, Thoma accepts it, and then they’re just— eating his favorite food straight out of the pot, both still ruffled from sleep, leaning against each other for warmth they don’t need, but do want. Aether’s cooking is delicious as always, and Thoma lets the heat and flavor settle in his stomach, savoring even the burn on his tongue.

It’s the most normal thing in the world; the most wonderful thing in the world, because Aether loves him back.

How badly would the boys he’d grown up with have mocked him if they could’ve seen Thoma like this? But at the moment, he really doesn’t care at all.

They clean up after themselves, Thoma washing and Aether drying, and by the time they’re done, the rest of the estate is beginning to stir, light and sound trickling down the halls.

The golden bubble of their morning alone has popped, but… it doesn’t matter, Thoma realizes, because he and Aether are just the same as they always have been— and maybe just a little bit better.

“Shall we head over to the city today?” Thoma suggests. “We can stop by Yoimiya’s shop again, and I can take you to meet my friends— uh, the dogs in Hanamizaka. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to play with them.”

“Dogs?” Aether’s face lights up, and Thoma can’t help a laugh.

“We’ll head out in an hour.”

-*-

The days drip by like honey, and Thoma does his best to ignore the dark cloud of Aether’s inevitable departure looming on the horizon.

Yoimiya takes one look at them after answering the door and says, “Congratcha’lations!” She also gives them a huge box of fireworks, though what she expects them to do with it outside of a festival, neither Thoma nor Aether know.

-

After hearing Aether vaguely reminisce over a volcanic hotspring he’d encountered in one of his long-ago travels, Thoma invites him to an Inazuman specialty onsen so they can see if it compares. He’d been ready to explain any cultural differences, but what he inexplicably hadn’t anticipated was that he’d be sharing a bath with Aether. In a small space. Naked.

But beyond a bit of nervous shuffling… it might as well be just a day like any other. Thoma gets to freely study Aether’s battle-toned shoulders and back and legs, the now-pale lightning scar on his chest, the delicate lines of his hands. And when he feels Aether’s similarly curious gaze roaming over his body, he finds he really doesn’t mind at all.

When they get out of the water, red-faced and dizzy, Aether wraps a towel around Thoma’s shoulders, Thoma dries Aether’s long hair— and then they go home. It makes Thoma wonder what he’d been so worried about in the first place.

-

On one sunny, cloudless day, a double shipment of rice arrives at the gates, the result of mistaken number in inventory, so Aether suggests pounding mochi for the entire estate. It’s a great idea if Thoma’s ever heard one, so they gather a few of the other servants and make a day of it, using whatever fillings they can get their hands on and taking turns swinging the heavy mallet.

Even Lord Ayato and Lady Ayaka stop by to watch and eat and laugh, and by the end of it, everyone leaves with sticky hands and full bellies. Thoma leaves with the memory of a cheerful crowd gathered around Aether teaching him how to fold mochi, and a sugar-scented kiss pressed to his cheek in the light of the sunset.

He’s never been drunk, but this feeling might be close enough.

-

Thoma doesn’t tell anyone that he and Aether are lovers in both spirit and letter now— what’s the point when the only thing that’s really changed is between them? But when Lady Ayaka approaches him one afternoon with a smile in her eyes and her fan held daintily over her mouth, he already knows what she plans to say.

“I’m happy for you, Thoma,” she greets him warmly. “The two of you look wonderful together. Have you and Aether decided what you’ll do next?”

“Thank you,” Thoma murmurs, “and not just yet. I… feel that he’s trying to give me some more time before he brings up leaving again.”

Lady Ayaka hums. “That does seem like something he would do. It’s why the two of you are such a good match, I find.” She inclines her head. “But perhaps it would be prudent to discuss it with him sooner rather than later. And do let us know what your plans are when you’re ready… Brother and I would be remiss in our duties as heads of the Yashiro Commission if we were to let Aether travel on without a celebration.”

She’s right, no matter how much Thoma would rather avoid thinking about it. “Of course.”

--

As if by fate, Thoma walks into the archives the next day and stumbles across Aether, who has his nose buried in a book with the words “Sumeru Academia” scrawled across the cover. He looks up the moment he hears Thoma’s footsteps, the book falling halfway to his side, as if he’d been unable to decide whether to hide it or not.

“It’s alright, Aether,” Thoma says before Aether can even open his mouth. “I know you’ll still need to leave Inazuma at some point.”

“Yeah.” Aether nervously flips the book over in his hands. “Even so, I didn’t want to make it look like I was trying to leave you.”

Warmth flutters in Thoma’s chest, and when he holds up his arms, Aether promptly leans into him for a hug.

“As if you would ever do that to me,” Thoma says, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Aether’s ear.

…A pause, as he recalls the long week he’d spent agonizing over Aether and his feelings, and they both snort.

“Intentionally, anyway.”

“Mm.” Aether lays a hand on Thoma’s forearm, and Thoma blinks down at him.

“About my leaving for Sumeru… I thought of a way for us to still see each other, if you’re willing to try.”

“Oh?”

Pulling away from Thoma’s embrace, Aether flicks a hand, and— a floating teapot appears in a burst of glitter and smoke. Startled as he is, Thoma barely manages to catch the golden plaque Aether tosses him next.

“What is…”

“This was a gift from the adepti in Liyue,” Aether says shyly. “And the thing I just gave you was to allow you to go into the teapot.”

Thoma looks at the plaque, then the teapot, then down at himself. “…Not to disrespect the power of Liyue’s divines, but I’m not sure I’ll fit inside that.”

Aether laughs. “I don’t fully understand it myself, but the adepti said it’s something of a personal abode. I just have to touch it with the intent to enter, and it will sort of… pull me inside. You have a Realm Dispatch, though, so I thought we could try getting you to enter from a distance.”

“In other words… if it works, we can meet inside your, uh, abode?”

With a nod, Aether reaches for the teapot spout. “First, I’ll show you how I get in.”

And he’s gone. The teapot remains, a puff of smoke curling out from under the lid, but when Thoma hesitantly lays a hand on it too, nothing happens.

Then Aether reappears in a burst of light. “I think I could feel you trying to get in,” he says immediately. “Do it again with the Dispatch.”

So Thoma does, gripping the plaque with both hands and feeling a little foolish as he begs a teapot for a welcome— and then there’s a yank at the small of his back, and Thoma tumbles down into a field of tall grass.

Grass?

Stunned, Thoma looks around at the soaring blue sky and towering peaks around him, and the grand, Liyue-style mansion in the middle of the island.

“It worked!”

A hand enters his vision, and Thoma allows Aether to pull him back to his feet. “Did you… make all of this?”

“No, no. The land was already there, and Tubby— uh, the caretaker spirit— manages that. I just got to decorate a little.” Aether modestly gestures at the tidy landscaping that surrounds them.

“I think the gardeners at the estate would be proud,” Thoma says for lack of anything else, and Aether flushes.

“Anyway— we should make sure you can get back out. And then if you can get in even if the teapot isn’t there.”

As it turns out, Thoma can leave, and much easier than he’d come in. He also seems to be able to enter from outside the archive room, from outside the estate, and then when Aether dismisses the teapot entirely.

It’s a little dizzying, but Thoma figures that’s just what to expect when slipping in between dimensions half a dozen times. And besides, Aether is glowing with excitement— Thoma is too, for that matter— so a fleeting bit of discomfort is worth it.

A way to visit Aether even if they end up nations apart… truly, if Thoma ever has the chance to visit Liyue, he’s going to make sure to find and thank all the adepti personally, no matter how withdrawn from society they might be. Aether should be able to help him do it, right?

-*-

“I think I’ll head out in a week,” Aether says thoughtfully. “Officially, this time.” He shuffles closer to Thoma on the shady bench where they sit, trying to escape a stray beam of sunlight.

“So soon?” Thoma asks, but his heart no longer throbs the way it had when he’d first heard Aether’s announcement. Gently, he tugs Aether’s head onto his shoulder, and Aether goes with a sigh.

“Yeah. I might not be in the hurry I was while visiting Mondstadt and Liyue, but I don’t want to delay chasing down my sister any longer.” Aether’s gaze grows distant. “There’s still so much I don’t understand…”

“Would you tell me more about her, someday?” Thoma hadn’t asked before, first because it had been too personal, and then because there hadn’t been a reason to. But if he’s going to be with Aether from now on, he wants to know more. Wants to protect Aether’s family, too.

“Oh,” Aether says, eyes wide as if he hadn’t even considered it before. “I mean, if you really want to hear… maybe you can even help me track her down.” He smiles, but it’s obviously painful.

“How could I not want to meet your family?” Thoma says, gently knocking on Aether’s head. “And of course I’ll help. I’m not a known as a Fixer around here for nothing.”

“Thank you, Thoma,” Aether whispers, and he reaches up. Trails his fingers almost idly down Thoma’s cheek.

Barely daring to breathe, Thoma lays a hand over Aether’s and meets the soft gold of his eyes. “Aether, can I… would you let me…”

And Aether tips his head up, just a fraction, his gaze heavy-lidded and relaxed. “I’m only surprised you didn’t ask me sooner.”

When Thoma leans in, he meets soft lips and dry skin, and Aether’s hands come to link around his neck; not eager, exactly, but encouraging. They part with a breath, and at Aether’s small nod, Thoma returns for more— kisses the corner of Aether’s mouth, the dip of his temple, the feathering of his lashes, the lines of scarring over his throat. Thoma’s Vision warms, uncontrollable, and he reluctantly pulls away before his body can grow fever hot.

A breathy laugh escapes Aether’s mouth as he lays the back of his hand across Thoma’s forehead. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, I’m fine. Better than, really,” Thoma says, but he nudges into the touch anyway. “It’s just— you.”

The wind rustles around them, cool and lazy, and Thoma brushes off a stray sakura petal that lands in Aether’s hair.

“I liked that,” Aether says after a moment, and he props his hands behind him on the bench. “I wouldn’t mind doing it again sometime.”

“…How about now?” Thoma asks, hopeful, and with a little jolt, Aether tilts his head to stare at him. His eyes crinkle at the corners.

“Sure, why not?”

-*-

The day of Aether’s send-off is a huge, lavish celebration, the finest the Yashiro Commission has to offer. Lady Ayaka and Lord Ayato bring in guests from all over Inazuma, and even manage to collect letters from those Aether befriended on Ritou and Watatsumi.

Captain Beidou’s ship is outfitted with flowers and banners (and quite a bit of alcohol), and docked in the bay beside the city, ready to leave at any time. The food and games are mostly clustered on the beach, which is also where Aether is plied with gifts and thanks without end. Miners and soldiers, shopkeepers and rural villagers, any number of children, and of course, those who had regained their Visions at the end of the war— it seems half the population has met the Traveler, and Aether greets a terrifying number of them by name.

Through it all, Thoma stays at his side, both guard and support, and when the sun climbs high and blazing in the sky and Aether begins to wilt, it’s easy enough to whisk him away to the shadows of the nearby Chinju Forest.

“You’ve really become a hero to us, huh?” Thoma murmurs, looking out over the crowds below.

“I… didn’t exactly mean to,” Aether says, a little wry. “But I can’t refuse when someone genuinely asks for help, and somehow, this keeps happening.”

“Next time someone asks you to do something you don’t want to, just point them to me.” Thoma gently pushes Aether to sit on a large rock. “But I suppose I can’t say too much when I was saved by that very trait.”

“You’re special,” Aether says, easy, and he stretches his arms over his head while Thoma takes a moment to unfreeze himself.

The crunch of leaves and stone alerts Thoma to approaching footsteps, and he looks up to see Lady Ayaka and Lord Ayato, all silvery hair and grace in the dark forest.

“People will start to notice the one they came to celebrate is missing, you know,” Lord Ayato says, but his teasing is light.

“Brother,” Lady Ayaka reproaches. “Pay him no mind, Aether. We only came here to congratulate you two a little more privately.” From a basket on her arm, she withdraws a stack of three sake cups and a large bottle.

“Lady Ayaka?” Thoma questions, because leaving aside that she clearly plans to hold something resembling a marriage ceremony for them, he doesn’t drink, and Aether has never seemed interested either.

“I know,” she laughs softly. “I asked Miss Kiminami to bottle some juice instead. You don’t need to worry.”

“But seeing as we do have a reputation to uphold as the Yashiro Commission, we did our best to make it look the part,” Lord Ayato adds. “Now, if you’ll each take a cup…”

Looks like they plan to perform an entire, if rather abrupt, san san kudo ceremony, then. Thoma carefully goes to kneel on the rough forest floor, and Aether follows him with the hesitance of new curiosity.

“Is this… an Inazuman marriage tradition?” Aether asks as he leans in, inspecting the sake cups.

“Something like that, yes,” Lord Ayato agrees. “A symbol of your bond, if not a partnership by law. It’s only one small part, but you have neither the time, nor, I believe, the inclination for more.”

“Probably so.” Aether glances up to meet Thoma’s gaze, an amused flicker in his eyes. “Let’s get married, then.”

Thoma never thought he’d see the day— never thought about it at all, really— but here he is.

Flipping over the basket, Lady Ayaka places its contents on top, then holds the first and smallest sake cup out to Thoma.

“May your union grow in love,” Lady Ayaka murmurs as she fills it.

Thoma bows over it and drinks, the mild tang of a melon juice running down his throat. Passing it back, he waits for Lady Ayaka to repeat the motion with Aether before accepting the middle cup.

“May your path be shared in wisdom,” Lord Ayato says, slipping into Lady Ayaka’s place.

Again, Thoma bows and drinks, and Aether does the same, his motions growing more confident with the repetition.

“And may your happiness be found in each other.” Lady Ayaka takes over one last time, and when both Thoma and Aether have finished their cups, a reverent stillness descends.

“…I have to wonder why you saved this for the last moment of my last day here.” Aether says, almost wistful. “Now I don’t want to go.”

“Perhaps we planned it for that very purpose,” Lord Ayato says, lifting a brow.

“It won’t work now that you’ve told me,” Aether gives a laugh of his own. Standing, he brushes the dirt from his pants and pulls Thoma to his feet. “Shall we go back, then?”

The four of them return to the beach in peaceful silence; and either by instinct or agreement, the crowd parts right away for Aether to reach his ferry to the Alcor.

With one foot on board the skiff, Aether turns back around. “Thank you. For everything.”

Lady Ayaka dips her head as Lord Ayato solemnly waves him on. “We could say much the same to you. Come and visit us again soon, now.”

“Of course. Whenever I can.” Aether bows. Then, without warning, he tugs Thoma close, laying a hand over the pouch at his belt where the teapot key is hidden. “I’ll see you soon,” he whispers.

“Safe travels.” Thoma bends his head to meet Aether’s one last time, foreheads touching as they breathe.

Then Aether steps aboard the skiff, a sailor’s shout whoops through the air, and Thoma turns back to the beach with his shoulders straight and his heart calm. If he’s going to help Aether track his sister all the way through the ruins of the past, he’s got a lot of work to do.

I’ll see you soon.