Work Text:
"Paimon doesn't get why you asked us to come, Mr. Ayato." Paimon rests her hands on her hips, giving Ayato a disapproving stare. "This is work for the Yashiro Commission, isn't it? There's no reason you should bring us along."
The traveler quickly whispers something to her, and Paimon gasps in offense. "Is Lumine right? Are you just here to make us do all your work without any sort of reward? Why I— we should just turn around right now and leave you in this stupid little boat!"
Ayato can only laugh. He knew the traveler and her companion were young and naive, but it was always a surprise when they acted like children after showing such prowess in battle. Still, they deserved an answer. He raises a hand to calm them before speaking. "Of course not, little one. You'll get reward enough, but I asked you for a specific reason. I am to meet with the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi. I was under the impression you had worked with her during the war, and I thought you may enjoy seeing her again. You'll be welcome to the banquet they're preparing, if you join me."
Paimon gasps again, this time in joy. "We get to see Kokomi and eat all sorts of tasty Watatsumi food? Oooh, traveler, we have to do this! For the foo— friends! To see our friends from the shrine again! Please?"
Lumine can't help but sigh at Paimon's priorities, but she doesn't say no. Ayato will take that as a win. He rests against the side of the boat, staring out at the sea. It had been a while since he had the time to bask in the ocean breeze.
Most of his time was spent in stuffy offices or spent in the dark to gather information. It was rare for him to have a moment to breathe, let alone see the ocean. He had an affinity with water— he had to, with a hydro vision— but he had never been drawn to the ocean. Those he knew as children saw the sea as a getaway, as a blessing to humans from the gods. He saw it for what it was, though. A barrier from the rest of the world at best, and an unforgiving force of destruction at worst. How many children had gotten swept up in currents, how many fisherman had died at sea? His vision gave him only a fraction of the power of the ocean, and it was still enough to cut through the ranks of Inazuman nobility.
He stares out at the sea, at the rolling waves as the bright coral of Watatsumi slowly starts to come into view. He feels he owes Sangonomiya a visit, after everything. It wasn't possible to go during the war, for obvious reasons, but even after that he had been far too busy to make a personal appearance to the priestess. To see these shores finally at peace is a relief.
-
Ayato gives his thanks to the crew of the boat before slowly making his way onto the port, legs a bit unsure after being on the sea for so long. He keeps himself dignified despite the wobbling, however, as he and his companions make the long trek from port up to Sangonomiya shrine. It's more gorgeous than he could have imagined from description alone.
He steps carefully across the bridge, where he sees a crowd waiting on the other side. He can't help but smile when Paimon starts yelling for the priestess, waving excitedly. His companions hurry before him, but he takes his time. He needs to keep up appearances. He can easily pick out who she is from a glance, with the air of dignity surrounding her. She's short— much shorter than he imagined she was, but that has no impact on her authority. Even he feels her presence, though it does nothing to diminish his own. He smiles when he reaches the other side, giving her a low bow.
"It's a pleasure to meet you at last, Divine Priestess Sangonomiya."
He looks up to see her giving him a bow in return. There's a glint in her eyes that he imagines only he can see. "The pleasure is all mine, Cultural Commissioner Kamisato."
---
Dinner is pleasant. Ayato is glad to have invited the traveler and her companion, as they've kept the conversation rolling on their own. He's not much of a talker himself, not when he doesn't have anything of use to say, and all his thoughts now are better left unsaid. He glances to Sangonomiya occasionally, sipping his tea quietly as Paimon recounts the last adventure she and the traveler went on. He nods along, carefully eating his meal. It's only when Paimon calls his name that he looks up.
"Mm, yes, Paimon?"
"Traveler and I were wondering what you're doing here, Mr. Ayato! Kokomi said there isn't any festival happening any time soon, so I don't know why you'd be here."
Ah. Busted. He smiles, taking a sip of tea before looking up. "I'm here to improve relations with the people of Watatsumi, naturally. Tensions have been high since the vision hunt decree, so Divine Priestess Sangonomiya and I believed it may help the trust between Narukami Island and Watatsumi Island to see their respective cultural leaders getting along."
Kokomi smiles, eating a piece of egg sushi before continuing his answer. "I'll be coming to Narukami Island for the summer festival, but things at Sangonomiya Shrine have been so busy that Commissioner Kamisato offered to visit Watatsumi so that I may rest a bit."
"Really?" Paimon gapes at Ayato, incredulous. "Ayato did that? That's really nice. I would've thought he was too busy to make a visit like this, and would have had Ayaka come here instead."
Kokomi glances away, awkward. Luckily, Ayato can tell that neither the traveler or Paimon has picked up on the sudden tension in the air. He clears his throat, sending Lumine a glance to tell her to cut this line of questioning here.
"Ayaka has her own affairs to tend to. I am the Yashiro Commissioner, and while I am grateful for the duties she takes on, it is still my responsibility to make cultural appearances," he says, firm. Lumine whispers something to Paimon, who seems to understand based on the way her eyes widen.
"Oh, Paimon didn't mean to—"
Ayato raises a hand to cut her off. "It's quite alright, I know you didn't mean to offend. As it is, I'm grateful to be in Watatsumi. It's far prettier than Sangonomiya described in our correspondence, and it's perfect weather to relax a bit for once. The food is exquisite as will. "
Paimon beams, nodding. "You said it! This is the best tasting crab Paimon's ever had!"
Kokomi's shoulders relax, a faint smile returning. "I will make sure the chefs hear your compliments, Paimon. We're happy that you've been enjoying yourself. You should stop by and ask how Swordfish II is doing after we finish eating. I'm sure they've missed their captain after so long."
"Aye-aye!" Paimon nods. "... Just let Paimon finish eating a little bit of everything first."
Lumine sighs, but Kokomi and Ayato can't help but laugh.
---
"... Sending them off to go get wrapped up in an adventure was smart," Ayato mumbles, lips pressed against Kokomi's shoulder. His stomach is pressed against her back, the height difference making things a bit awkward. She pulls her arms out of her sleeves, stretching out a bit to help dull the ache. Ayato runs a hand down her arm, entwining his fingers with hers. She chuckles, but it's a tired sound. He helps her slip her romper the rest of the way off, slow and gentle.
"You should get in the bath, Sangonomiya. And I should leave before your staff spread any rumors."
She laughs. "That ship has long sailed. You should join me. It will be relaxing after such a long voyage."
"I'd say you have a way with words, but just about anything could have gotten me to join you right now," he says, giving her space to wash off as he undresses himself. It's a slow process, something ticking in the back of his mind. He doesn't believe he's been nervous like this before, felt like the cards were out of his hands. He's the all important and impressive cultural commissioner, but he was setting foot in uncharted water. Not that he wasn't incapable of navigating uncharted water, but this was a different beast. He already hated small talk, let alone trying to flirt. Things were so much easier on paper, where one had time to perfect a sentence, to give it a personal touch but keep it just professional enough to avoid suspicion. He sighs, shrugging the jacket off his back. He can hear Kokomi dipping into the bath behind him, and he relaxes a bit. Things are easier in silence.
He finishes undressing himself before turning back to the bath, picking up the water basin beside it. He rinses himself off, splashing the water against his front and down his back. He shivers a bit, but turns over to the bath, dipping in beside Kokomi.
She lets out a quiet sigh as the water moves up to her neck, and Ayato can't help but stare. She looks ethereal here, like she was made to exist in the water. He gently brushes a wet piece of hair from her cheek. She smiles, sleepy, and presses a kiss to his knuckles.
"Let me wash your back," Ayato says, quiet. There's a moment of stillness before she nods and turns, moving her hair to the front so he can reach. He's gentle as he scrubs her back, and the silence is comforting. Neither of them are the type to speak without necessity, and he's grateful for that. It makes this much easier for the both of them. Though he has to hunch a bit to do so, he rests his chin against her shoulder. It's quiet for a while, just the two of them soaking in the water.
Kokomi takes in a long breath, before turning back to look at Ayato. "We should probably get out and return to our own quarters. This has given me some points back, but I'll still need to rest if I am to show you around Watatsumi tomorrow."
"I suppose," Ayato says, though he sighs. He lets go of her long enough to remove himself from the bath, before extending a hand to help her get out as well. She smiles, retrieving a towel and robe for them both. They begin to dry off, Ayato wringing out his hair in an attempt to get it to dry faster.
It's not long before they're both dressed once more, and Ayato sighs. "I'll be seeing you in the morning, then, Sangonomiya." He gives her a smile, and is about to turn away before she rests a hand on his arm.
"Commissioner?" She starts, looking up at him with a smile.
"Yes?"
She leans in, on her toes, to press a kiss to his cheek. "It's wonderful to finally meet you in person. I've been waiting for this for a long time."
"...As have I. Good night," he says, giving her a smile in return. As he turns to leave, though, he can feel a thudding in his chest.
He has reason to believe he won't be very well rested tomorrow morning.