Chapter Text
When Ayato finally caught a glimpse of those green eyes, he swore that he had never seen anything as green. As vibrant, as mesmerizing.
They were half a world away from Inazuma, yet Ayato felt the thunder landing. Bullseye, and he was the board.
With his elbows leaning over the detailed stone banister, golden hair danced with the breeze as quaint as the music wafting from the ballroom inside. When the man on the balcony noticed Ayato staring at him, his soft humming halted. Surprise overcame the man’s expression, mixed with a slight embarrassment. However, that didn’t stop Ayato’s heart from skipping a beat as if following the merry tune now playing. The man styled his long locks in a braid, his fingers moving as dexterously as quick, yet the modest smile and delicate blush on his cheeks betrayed his apparent aloofness. Before vanishing inside he bowed his head shortly, his lean figure soon lost amongst flowy white curtains a second later.
“Ayato” - a soft voice called his name, forcing his neck to crane away from the balcony. Had it all been a mirage caused by exhaustion and the anxiety of the upcoming loads of work, or had it been genuine? “We are about to come inside. Is everything alright?”
“Ah, it is. No need to worry, Kazuha” - Ayato recomposed himself quickly, leaving behind any trace of fluster from his face, yet his heart remained allegro.
Kazuha seemed convinced, not asking any further about Ayato’s whereabouts, something the Kamisato heir thanked him for mentally. Ayato’s lavender eyes wandered to the balcony once again, hoping. However, the blonde man didn’t grace him with another appearance.
Ahead of them awaited the impressive Gunnhildr Castle, home of one of the founding clans of Mondstadt. In the Kingdom without a King three family clans rule in harmony: Gunnhidlr, Lawrence, and Imunlaukr. Even though other last names, like Ragnvindr or Musk, are well known due to their businesses or field of study, those three families act as royalty of the country, effectively substituting any King or Queen. A powerful aristocracy built on tradition and the scars of a cruel King.
Thoroughly built in grey stone, the only colors that stood out were the burgundy carpets that led them to the main hall alongside the ornate stained glass windows, that narrated ancient Mondstadt history in many hues of deep blues and minty greens. As for the main hall, the most fabulous view was Venessa’s mosaic. Carefully crafted, thousands of shimmering tesserae give the alight red hair of the hero a flame-like aura, even though it was just stone. Of course, the large number of attendants was also intimidating, even though it wasn’t Ayato’s first time at such kind of meeting.
The Tri-Country Summit congregated the highest members of the society of its nation’s participants: Mondstadt - the host this year - Liyue and Inazuma. As for this year, the summit has been deemed very special, and none of the participants spared no expenses, since it’s the first summit in a long while. To be precise, it’s the first since Inazuma opened its borders to the world once again. Kamisato Ayato, – Head of the Yashiro Commission – Kaedehara Kazuha, – personally appointed by Ayato despite his clan's internal turmoil – Kujou Kamaji, – Head of the Tenryou Commission – and Hiragi Chisato – Head of the Kanjou Commission, all of them escorting Yae Miko. That Yae Miko was appointed to assist this summit instead of the Shogun herself caused some uproar amongst the people and, of course, the Tri-Commission members back in Inazuma. However, upon closer inspection, it had been the wisest choice.
Inazuma had opened its borders only recently, and while the war against Watatsumi might be over, there’s still a vast load of work that can’t wait. And it has to be the Almighty Shogun the one facing it. If the Raiden Shogun left the country at this precise instant it could be interpreted as her running away from her responsibilities. Or, even worse, as if the Almighty Shogun feared the unavoidable consequences of many years with fiercely closed borders. That’s why, after long and extenuous deliberation with the Shogun herself, the ruler of Inazuma pointed Yae Miko to attend the meetings on her behalf. Her most trusted friend and advisor, surrounded by the Heads of the Tri-Commission, should be enough for now.
Liyue and Mondstadt diplomats, alongside some aristocrats, were already reunited at the hall, welcoming the Inazuma guests with thunderous applause. Ayato felt the initial shuddering vanishing from his body due to the warm welcome. It had been a concern of his, that they had to face a more wary and unwelcoming environment, but now it seemed absurd. The music resumed, and many servants appeared with trays of fancy drinks and canapes. The event wasn’t a formal dinner, only a welcoming ceremony to dance and make the first acquaintances amongst the countries.
Despite the cordial aura of his first conversations with other guests, Ayato’s eyes searched around the room, looking almost unconsciously for a blonde braid. And those green eyes. Ayato had no idea of the man’s identity; he could be an aristocrat, as much as a high-ranked Knight, maybe even both. However, he was determined to find him and, luckily, get an answer.
None of his private matters was excuse enough to forget or dismiss his responsibilities, so, of course, Ayato played the part.
He greeted many personalities while introducing Yae Miko to some of them. Kamisato Ayato had reached some of them before, like Lady Ningguang, yet he had to admit that he had never expected such a stunning woman. Many insisted on talking business, and while Ayato wasn’t akin to the idea - they were at a party after all - he smiled and assured them that they would have plenty of time for such endeavors.
So far, the soireé was going great, except for the fact that there was no sign of the mysterious blonde amongst the guests. The idea that it all had been a short dream still had a grip on his mind. The lack of proper rest, alongside the desperation of being unable to find the blonde man amongst the sea of guests, evoked intense exhaustion within his system. How could just a gaze be so compelling?
Many suggested that a dance would be appropriate, and mild shock seized his brain when he caught a glimpse of Kazuha, masterfully, waltzing across the hall with a liyuean woman. Indeed, if Kazuha - and some other members of their entourage - were so bold to dance, he couldn’t back up. Ayato elegantly offered his first dance to Jean, Gunnhildr heir, hostess of this summit, and the Acting Grand Master of the Knight of Favonious. Not only was it an obvious choice, the host must dance at some point, but it was also the most comfortable. From what Ayato gathered, Jean wasn’t atrocious at dancing, but also not a master at it, as much as himself. Sure, he enjoyed it from time to time, but he knew that it was better to avoid embarrassing himself in such a situation. Jean proved to be more comfortable and capable at dancing than Ayato had expected, especially after the initial awkwardness. They danced together for an entire song, crossing the hall in perfect form while other couples blended with them. The blur of pastel-colored dresses and hall decorations formed an interesting image within Ayato’s sight, very different from any party of this kind in Inazuma.
Amidst the cloud of couples coming in and out of the dance floor, he caught a sudden glimpse of blonde and green. Ayato felt the urge to stop the swaying that instant, but it would’ve been incredibly rude to the host.
Once their dance ended, Jean and Ayato exchanged a few words before parting ways. Ayato’s feet led him to the balcony where he had seen the blonde man. Even if he wanted to deny it, his heart had held the tiny hope that he would’ve been there leaning on the banister once again.
Instead, this time Ayato was the one leaning over, wondering, waiting. The landscaped entrance of the Gunnhildr castle gleamed beautifully under the starry night; cecilias, asters, and roses adorned the dreamy sight. Ayato felt his eyes dragged into the beautiful landscape. His mind was absent for a second until a voice woke him up.
“Excuse me” - a voice, firm but warm, interrupted his musings. “May I assist you with anything?”
“Oh, there’s no need. I was just..” - Ayato glanced back at the door, only to find exactly what he had been looking for. There he stood, intense green and brilliant blonde, some mild panic in his eyes as soon as he recognized Ayato. “I was just taking some fresh air. The ballroom is a bit crowded.”
The blonde man nodded, unable to look at Ayato. “I was afraid you were feeling ill, Lord Kamisato. I’ll leave you alone, then.”
“It doesn’t seem fair to me that you know who am I while I don’t get to know your name.” - Ayato blurted out, hoping that his attempt at keeping the blonde with him wasn’t as ridiculously obvious as it was in his mind.
“Of course I know, Lord Kamisato” - he nodded, his eyes still wandering everywhere across the balcony and the landscape but never landing on Ayato. “I’m the Chief Housekeeper of the Gunnhildr Castle. I know the names of every guest of the Summit.”
“Ah, I see. That makes sense.” - Ayato agreed. “But you still haven’t told me your name.”
After a silence, the answer Ayato had been looking for came followed by a subtle hue of pink crowning his cheeks. “Thoma, my Lord.”
“Thoma.” - Ayato repeated, content. It even tasted sweet. “That doesn’t sound very mondstadtian.”
“I’m half inazuman, my Lord.” - he admitted. “My Lord, before I leave for my duties back inside, I have to apologize. You witnessed an unsightly view of the Chief Housekeeper slacking off moments before this summit started. I hope it doesn’t make you think ill of the Gunnhildr clan or its staff.”
Ayato had to use every bit of strenght in his body to not laugh at Thoma’s face. Endearingly so, he noticed his polite smile breaking. He managed to let out only a chuckle before answering. “I’m afraid there has been a misunderstanding. I don’t think you did anything as serious as to feel that you have to apologize to me, but if you insist, I must accept your apologies.”
Thoma seemed relieved, his eyes now looking at Ayato. Oh, how beautiful were those eyes now that they were close to him. They gleamed like gems and held a strenght Ayato had never seen before. “Thank you, my Lord.”
“However” - Ayato added last minute. “I shall accept your apologies under one condition.” Ayato noticed Thoma getting nervous, his posture even more straight than before. “Grant me a dance.”
“A dance?!” - Thoma quickly covered his mouth after realizing his loudness. The pink hue on his cheeks made an intense comeback. Ayato was beginning to adore the sight. “My Lord, I can’t fulfill that request. Dancing is only for the guests, and I have duties, and…”
“Alright, then let’s dance here.” - Ayato talked over his complaints, grabbing Thoma’s hand on a whim. “No one is watching us besides the moon.”
“My Lord, I don’t think this is appropriate. I’m but a mere servant.”
“Just one song” - Ayato closed the distance between them. “Just one song, and I’ll let you go, Thoma.”
Ayato knew he was pushing his luck with such command, and he hated cornering poor Thoma like this. But he also knew that the intense gleam in Thoma’s eyes was no other thing that desire to accept. It shone acutely in Thoma’s gem-like eyes. “Fine.” - he agreed in the end. “But I’m not the best dancer, my Lord. I might step on you.”
“What a shame.” - Ayato chuckled, victorious. How sweet success tasted. “Then you’ll have to ask for my forgiveness once again.”
“My Lord!”
Ayato didn’t give him time to keep complaining. Ayato quickly placed his right hand on Thoma’s left shoulder blade, Thoma positioned his left hand over Ayato’s upper arm, near the shoulder, and the swaying began. The balcony wasn’t spacious enough to dance comfortably, but that didn’t stop them from twirling to the rhythm of the music coming from inside as if they were alone in a proper ballroom. Their legs bumped into each other a couple of times, and Thoma saw the wall way too close to his nose more than once. Yet it felt so right that the complaints died in his throat before they could be voiced. Ayato wanted to jump, laugh, and bask under the moonlight like a child staying up past his bedtime. He doesn’t remember feeling this free and giddy ever before. He was ecstatic. As their bodies whirled, his eyes ran over Thoma’s features.
“You said you weren’t a good dancer.” - Ayato joked.
“And I’m not.”
“You lied, Thoma.”
Thoma let out a chuckle while the moonlight made his blonde hair shimmer under its spell like a star that fell to Teyvat just to dance. “It’s just that I have a good lead.”
“Please, tell my sister that. She still thinks my dancing skills are horrible.”
They both shared a short chuckle before the music came to an end. Ayato had always been proud of being a man of his word, but this time he felt the urge to betray his character and just keep dancing with Thoma until the moon hid away. Until the sun took the moon's place, greeting them with their golden light. Thoma broke their physical contact, the warmth leaving and their closeness vanishing spoiled some of Ayato’s great mood.
“I must leave, my Lord.” - Thoma let out in a whisper, yet he didn’t move.
“Of course. I said one song, didn’t I?” - he agreed. Even so, Ayato grabbed Thoma’s hand once again, only to leave a tiny kiss on his knuckles. Thoma blushed again, and Ayato’s victorious mood came back to its fullest. “I hope to see more of you, Thoma.”
Thoma hesitated, but before leaving, he whispered, only for Ayato’s heart to hear. “Likewise, my Lord” - right there, he gifted Ayato a smile so bright it could illuminate the dimmest of nights by his own. All of the stars might be jealous of such sight while hanging, now seemingly dull, in the velvety sky. Just as dull as Ayato’s chest now, empty, seeing Thoma leave with Ayatos’s heart in his hands after just one smile.
As if a shooting star had hit him right in the head, Ayato felt something shift inside him. Something good, something new. Starstruck would be the perfect word for it.
Thoma crossed the ballroom attempting to avoid as many coworkers, as much as guests' gazes, as possible.
On his hasty walk to the kitchens, many tried to stop him. A handful of questions regarding his flustered expression landed on his ears, yet he ignored them all.
The kitchens were, of course, at their peak of work. Sweet and savory trays with appetizers of all kinds left the kitchen in a hurry. Drinks of all sizes and colors are made to fit every taste. But, had the kitchens of Gunnhildr castle ever known any other thing? It’s always hard work, stressed cooks, quick-footed waiters, and delectable food.
“Oh, Thoma! Glad that you are back!” - the energetic tone of Noelle welcomed him back. “I hate to ask you this. I know you are busy…” - she stopped on her own words, a concerned expression on her otherwise sweet semblance. “Is everything alright? Do you have a fever? Your cheeks are red!”
Thoma’s hands quickly covered his cheeks in a reflex motion. “I’m alright. I guess I’ve been overworking myself.”
“Oh, Thoma!” - Noelle quickly left his side to offer him a chair by the window. Once Thoma sat, she handed him a sunsettia juice glass. “Something sweet will do you good. Rest a while.”
“Oh, no, as soon as I finish the drink I’ll be back to work.”
“As soon as you finish the juice you’ll head directly to your bedroom. And that’s final.” Both Noelle’s and Thoma’s necks snapped to the kitchen door as if they had an elastic inside. Master Jean, hands on hips and a stern expression, wasn’t exactly joking given her stance. “A couple of servants came to alert me that you were indisposed. Haven’t I told you to stop before you overwork yourself a thousand times, Thoma?”
“You did, Master Jean.” - Thoma agreed, trying to sound as repentant as possible. “But, the Summit is vital. I couldn’t fathom the idea of making a mistake on such a grand occasion. It is my duty.”
“And it’s mine to tell you when it has been enough” - Jean talked over him. She approached Thoma, her blue eyes now displaying concern. Thoma felt horrible lying to her like that. He wasn’t exhausted due to work, his heart was drained due to a waltz with an inazuman guest and his lavender eyes. “Thoma, we’ve known each other for a lifetime now, you a dear friend of mine. I worry that you’ve been working too much.”
Thoma sighed. “Alright, Master Jean. I’ll leave for bed, I promise.”
Jean smiled, a little relieved. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Grab something to eat also, don’t sleep on an empty stomach. “
“I’m sorry you had to leave the party to check on me.”
She scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. You know I would use any excuse to leave. After all, Barbara is much better at handling this kind of soirée” - she sighed. “Try to rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Thoma only nodded, thankful for having Master Jean and Noelle around. “Noelle, I’m afraid I’ll leave you with the worst part of the chore.”
“Don’t worry, Thoma.” - she said with her usual wide smile. “I’ll make the Chief Housekeeper proud!”
Before a few more apologies and thank yous to other staff members, he did as he had promised Master Jean. He grabbed a glass and something to eat, heading directly to his room on the upper floor of the service area of the castle.
The room was dark and chilly, as he had forgotten to close the window completely. Munching some cheese and bread, he closed it, the moonlight landing on his knuckles, precisely where Lord Kamisato had kissed him. In the intimacy of his room, he kissed his knuckles. There was no flavor or texture besides his skin, yet it sent a crisp tingle through his body. The mere thought of those pink lips on his skin, that dimpled smile touching him, sent shivers across his body.
Thoma left his body fell on the mattress, and that’s when exhaustion hit him. He had woken up extraordinarily early that morning, checking every aspect and detail of the upcoming soirée twice and thrice. He ascertained that every corner and crevice had been thoroughly cleaned before guests arrived. Every flower vase had been filled and arranged, and every bedroom, no matter status of whoever was supposed to sleep there, tested in case it was uncomfortable. And he had danced. Like he had never danced before.
Some time ago, Master Jean’s mother hired a dance instructor for her daughters. Thoma didn’t see the point in joining said classes since he wasn’t an aristocrat, but Master Jean insisted. Now that he thinks about it, if that embarrassing course had led him to this instant, it had been worth it. Thoma had danced, on a terrace, with the most gorgeous, elegant, and sharp gentleman he had ever met. Sure, Lord Kamisato was also awfully witty, and he had cornered Thoma until he accepted to dance. But, the point is that Thoma wanted to. With every fiber of his being. How could he say no to such intense lavender eyes staring directly at his heart? Thoma was surprised his heart kept beating during the whole thing.
Lord Kamisato had barely touched him, the hand on his shoulder blade grazing his body. He had been respectful, never surpassing any possible boundary until they parted ways. Until Lord Kamisato kissed his hand, tenderly and full of unspoken fascination. His lavender eyes held no malice, and they held contact every second til those lips no longer touched Thoma’s skin. The moon tinged his blue hair argent as if made of silver. Kamisato Ayato, one of the most important guests at the summit had chosen him, Thoma, to dance. The giddy chuckle that left his lungs with the thought made him feel like a younger version of himself. Naïve, yet with his ribcage full of flowers.
Thoma was sure that the dance under the moonlight could provide his mind with hours and hours of intense mooning, but the music in the background proved to do wonders to his tired subconsciousness. Like a lullaby, the music swayed his mind into a deep, well-deserved slumber, full of stars, the moon, and the scent of lavender and trees.