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Nothing could be heard in the hallway except for Thoma’s loud breathing as he sped towards a familiar oak wood door. Why had he just now been notified of his lord’s return? Apparently Lord Kamisato Ayato had returned home late the previous night. Now that it was morning, Thoma wanted his face to be the first thing his lord sees when he opens his eyes.
It was almost exactly the time Ayato always wanted to be awoken. After an entire lifetime of serving him, this was one among many things Thoma had carved into his memory.
“Milord! It’s morning!” He called excitedly as he swung open the doors to Ayato’s chambers. He was interrupted by a body slumping into him. Thoma caught the person, who sleepily threw their arms over his shoulder and nuzzled their head into the crook of his neck. It took Thoma a moment to realize this person was his master.
“M-My lord?! Are you alright?” He attempted to meet Ayato’s eyes, to see his face, but it was to no avail. He had known this man for a very long time, probably ever since he’d been taken to Inazuma back when he was still a kid. Over the years, Thoma had seen many a side to his lord, but this position had awoken certain thoughts that he had tried his hardest to push down. It did not help that Ayato was wearing just his sleeping robe, which was already crumpled off of one shoulder.
He heard a muffled reply of his lord and resisted shivering from the breathy feeling against his neck.
“What’d you say My Lord? I didn’t quite hear you,” Thoma waited with baited breath, excited to hear the calm and sovereignty voice of his master after so long.
Ayato finally rose from his spot slumped against Thoma, giving the housekeeper a better view of his face. It had been nearly 7 months since Ayato had left for a special commission. Sure, he’d been gone for longer in the past, but that didn’t stop Thoma from missing him.
In front of others, Kamisato Ayato was dignified and incredibly strong, both physically and mentally. He’d mastered weapon after weapon. Become most talented in using his vision. He had even gotten so far as to force the Shogun into a real duel, with her Musou no Hitotachi. However, this person, who’s hair was lazily tied, who’s eyes were still somewhat slumped from sleep, who dawned a slightly droopy smile, who was brushing Thoma’s cheek with his fair fingers. This person was the Ayato only Thoma knew, and that made him all the more precious.
“I missed you, Thoma,” Ayato said, still smiling. Thoma could’ve sworn his heart skipped a beat in that moment. He’d been conscious of his own changing feelings towards his lord over the past few years. Well, probably not few. Thoma could definitely date the occasional stare that went on far too long, the jumbled and shocking thoughts, and the longing to hear Ayato’s voice all the way back to their teenage years. However, no amount of built up feelings could’ve prepared him for what Ayato did next.
At first, Thoma thought mochi had been placed against his lips. It took him a good 10 seconds to register the gentle hands placed on his cheeks. When the warmth faded, Thoma sat where he’d fallen, staring gobsmacked at his lord’s smiling face.
“M-My lord.....” he managed to stutter out. Ayato chuckled and stood up, helping Thoma to his feet.
“I really did miss you,” the hydro user said, caressing Thoma’s flushed face. “I couldn’t tell when I would be able to see you again.” The two stared into each other’s eyes and Thoma lifted his hand to softly place it over his lord’s. Thoma had never noticed just how blue Ayato’s eyes were, swirling around just like the hydro vision sitting on the nearby table. Thoma was about to lean in closer when they were interrupted by a knock at the door.
“Lord Kamisato? Are you awake my lord?” A servant’s voice bled through the door. “The Lady is requesting a meeting.”
“I will be there promptly,” Ayato replied. Footsteps faded away, and Thoma swore he saw a slight annoyed eyebrow twitch come up on his usually calm master’s face. Ayato, however, turned back to him as if nothing had happened. He left Thoma to go tighten his robe and re-tie his hair.
“Come, Thoma,” he said as he grabbed the housekeeper’s hand on his way to door, simultaneously picking up his vision and sword from the nightstand. Thoma stumbled after him, still dumbfounded.
“Oh yes,” Ayato paused. He turned back and met Thoma’s lips once more. “I’ll make sure to spend much more of my newfound time with you, my dear.” He smiled the dashing smile Thoma had thought he’d gotten used to and started out the door.
Thoma stood for a moment before quickly following behind his lord, no, Ayato. With a slow smile spreading over his face, Thoma swore to himself to never let his soulmate leave for such a long period of time ever again.