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It was a rainy afternoon in Inazuma. Narukami island seemed to be in a peaceful lull, except for the Yashiro Commission headquarters, which was lively as ever. Golden light drifted through the paper windows, illuminating the estate at the end of the puddled stone pathway.
Ayato’s drowsy eyes left his desk, littered with the papers of Inazuma’s busywork. He looked out the window and allowed his mind to wander. He had just finished dining with his sister, and hoped to finish writing his report before retiring to spend some much needed time with his sister and Thoma. Ayato had always looked forward to his leisure time with his best friend Thoma, as his down-time was few and far between.
Ayato had always loved Thoma deeply, although he did not want to admit it, because it could create an illusion of a conflict in the Kamisato clan’s line of succession, nevertheless something that Ayato did not care about however. How could he not love him? Thoma suspended him on a pedestal, and cared deeply for him in their professional relationship. He could say without a doubt that he had his heart, and would, if need be, be the one trusted with the commissioner’s life in his hands.
Thoma had been working for the Kamisato family ever since he was found alone on the streets of Inazuma by Ayato himself. Thoma was just a child, like Ayato, and knew nobody and nothing about the nation that he was in. Ayato later learned that he hailed from Mondstadt, and boarded a ship to Inazuma with nothing but a bottle of Dawn Winery’s world-famous dandelion wine, as he was concerned about his father not being able to purchase any. Tragically, a storm capsized his ship, and Thoma drifted alone to the shore of Ritou unconscious. The Kamisato clan took him in, and treated him like a part of their family, while utilizing his unique skill set for housekeeping work. Since then, Thoma had always felt indebted to the Kamisato clan, even causing him to stay by Ayato’s side when the fate and survival of the Kamisato clan was unknown. Ayato was impressed by Thoma’s assertive manner when he shared his future plans to stay with the Kamisato clan, although he was not surprised when the gods acknowledged Thoma’s ambition in the form of a pyro vision.
Thoma was the one who was always there for him. Sure, although he loved his sister with every ounce of his heart, he did not want to see her suffer and endure his pain and harsh responsibilities weighing like the sky on her shoulders. When his parents passed away, Ayaka was substantially younger than Ayato. He felt as though it was enough that Ayaka’s childhood was cut short, and did not want to concern her with succession battles against the Kanjou and Tenryou commissions. Ayato felt too guilty already, explaining why he turned often to Thoma for consolation. Thoma made it known that Ayato would always have a shoulder to cry on and someone to talk to, even after the power struggles were quelled.
The thoughts snapped him back to reality. Where is Thoma? he thought. He should have obtained Guuji Yae’s package by now. What if something has happened to him along the way home? He removed his silky glove and began chewing his thumbnail, a nervous habit witnessed by none other than Thoma, not even his own sister. No, he must be okay. He slipped his glove back on, picked up his pen and continued his writings. He should be home any moment. I send him off for errands regularly, and he always returns safe and sound.
Suddenly, the deafening sound of a crash of thunder, much different than the low rolls that had been heard in the distance, shook through the mansion, sending Ayato’s painted iron tea set crashing to the floor. It was as if the almighty Shogun herself was trying to get his attention, trying to tell him that something was off.
Ayato remembered Thoma, traveling across the Byakko plane and Chinju forest to bring him a message from Miko. As the lightning struck down in the southwest area next to the city, Ayato’s concern only grew. A deafening crash of thunder cracked down at Konda village, at the same volume and intensity of the almighty Shogun’s supreme Musou no Hitotachi . Whatever message Ei meant to send was becoming clear as day to Ayato: Thoma is in trouble.
A sense of urgency broke through to Ayato’s brain, causing him to rise from his chair with enough force to rattle his desk. He strode out of the room, and to his bedchamber, briskly dressing in his traditional white garb, slipping on his shoes, and grabbing his glowing vision and freshly-polished sword. He set out through the back entrance to avoid suspicion from the servants and his sister.
It was not uncommon for the almighty Shogun’s mighty storms to draw out the enemies lurking in the shadows, especially around Chinju forest, not far from the Kamisato estate. Thoma should have been back hours ago. He knew that he was in trouble. Ayato dashed down the paved walkway on the hill of his home, kicking up crystal beads of water from the puddles and shriveled gray sakura petals sticking to his shoes. He was soaked through to the skin, completely breathless, and had no idea where he was running. His voice cracked into sobs and pants and his pained violet eyes welled with fresh tears, eventually streaming from his pale face. Where is he? Ayato pondered.
It wasn’t until he saw the crowd of fatui gathering around a clearing with a single aralia tree did he find his answer. A dozen or so fatui formed a circle around the tree, containing Thoma tied up. They took his vision and possessions and poked him with his own spear. Fatui assassins often challenged Ayato, but he never thought that they would go as far as to attempt to harm and extract information from someone so close to him. Just the sight of seeing Thoma being tortured and interrogated by those vermin was enough to make his blood boil. Without hesitation, Ayato placed his right hand on his sword hilt, channeling his hydro energy to the blade.
Three slashes was all it took for the fatui to fall into ashes.
Ayato sliced the ropes tying Thoma, with enough force leaving a cracked fissure down the middle of the tree. “M-my lord? Is that you?” Thoma asked, voice breaking, as he tore away his blindfold. His bright green eyes welled with tears. Ayato didn’t know what to say. Pangs of sadness plagued him as he spoke. “Thoma…Are you hurt?” Ayato began frantically searching Thoma for any potential surface injuries, seeing gashes on his arms, ripping through his jacket. He peeled off his jacket, and wrapped Thoma’s body in it. “Ah, my foot is in pain. I can’t move it,” Ayato scooped Thoma into his arms, carrying him bridal-style. “W-wait! My lord, I can still walk! Please, there’s no need for you to strain yourself carrying me,” Thoma exclaimed. “Nonsense. You must pace yourself, before you erase yourself. Let’s go home now,” They began the trek back to the estate, Ayato walking stoically while Thoma flushed red in his arms, as Ayato kept his hand on Thoma’s head, gently nudging it to rest on his chest.
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Why is he carrying me like this? Thoma thought to himself. He’s my employer. I should be the one taking care of him, not the other way around. As wrong as this is, I still don’t want this moment to end. Ayato’s embrace soothed Thoma, and alleviated the stabbing pain in his foot and arms. It’s just like before…
As dusk fell, the thunder ceased and pouring rain reduced to a medium drizzle. Ayato, still holding Thoma in his arms, approached the back entrance of the Kamisato estate. This entrance was unknown to all except the Kamisatos themselves and Thoma. It served as a place for them to sneak in and out of the commission headquarters without being spotted. Ayato removed both his and Thoma’s shoes, leaving them adjacent to the garden to dry, so as not to pique the suspicions of the clan servants.
Ayato carried Thoma immediately to his own personal chambers, claiming that it was for the purpose of avoiding suspicions and rumors. Ayato gently set Thoma down on a small otogi wood stool, and strode to his closet. “Are you sure you’re okay, Thoma? Those fatui wounded you badly,” Ayato selected a fluffy woolen sweater and a pair of silky pajama pants, and returned to Thoma. “Thank you for the concern, my lord, but I think I will be okay after a day’s worth of rest. I can’t neglect my duties for you, anyway.” At that moment, Thoma became hyper aware of the cold air hitting his wet body, and began shivering on impulse.
Ayato handed Thoma the folded clothes, along with a small square of light blue towel. “You’re shivering. A hot bath will warm you for sure, and then we may treat your wounds. Please use my private bathhouse. I will join you shortly,”
“As you wish my lord.” Thoma smiled brightly at Ayato until he saw him turn and pace away back into the closet to find a change of clothes and a towel for himself. Once Ayato’s eyes left him, Thoma walked into the bathhouse, blushing at his previous words. “I will join you shortly?” What was that supposed to mean? There’s no way…we haven’t bathed in the same room at the same time since we were teenagers. It’s going to be awkward now, especially since… Thoma’s thoughts stopped as he saw Ayato appear behind him.
“Thoma? Shouldn’t you be entering the spring now? Your foot is hurt. Do you need me to help you into the water?”
“I a-apologize, my lord. I just zoned out for a moment there. I should be fine on my own though,” Thoma replied nervously, turning and racing into the dressing room of the bathhouse.
Upon entering, Thoma stripped off his soaked clothes, and hung them neatly on the suspended clothing rack. He wrapped his exposed body in the scrap of blue cloth to the best of his abilities, and entered the steaming water. All his embarrassment melted away, at least for the time being, as the hot water warmed his frigid skin and at first scalded his cuts, but then provided relief.
“How are you enjoying the bath?” Ayato appeared behind him, also wrapped scantily in a blue scrap. Upon seeing him, Thoma averted his eyes, allowing Ayato the privacy to sink into the hot spring alongside him. “It’s great, my lord. Especially for a time like this.”
Ayato stared into Thoma’s emerald eyes, remaining silent for a moment and admiring their sparkle and absence of any noticeable pain. Ayato turned away from Thoma and began pouting. “My lord…? Is everything okay?” Thoma observed the side of Ayato’s face, obviously showing signs of annoyance and irritation.
Why, even after we are both completely exposed and sharing a bath, does he still insist on calling me by these overly formal mannerisms. “Tsk…why do you call me that?”
“...excuse me?”
Ayato sighs. As smart as Thoma was, he was quite oblivious and juvenile sometimes. “Ever since I became the commissioner, our relationship has changed. You’ve begun addressing me in a much more formal manner, and it honestly seems like you see me first as your employer, rather than as your friend.” Ayato lets out a small huff, and continues on his rant. “We are both sitting naked together in my bath, like we used to do as teenagers, yet it’s obviously uncomfortable for you, though.”
What is he saying? Thoma thought, cracking a smile. This isn’t like him, letting his emotions get the best of his eloquent speech. Of course he knows that I’m his friend. Thoma couldn’t contain his laughter anymore.
Ayato scooted closer to Thoma, and let out a short chuckle. “Why are you laughing at ‘your lord’? Now THAT is not a very professional reaction, Thoma. Tsk…I’m ashamed of you.”
“I’m sorry for the professionalism, Ayato . I didn’t think you cared about what I called you in private.” Ayato grinned back at the orange-haired man. “Of course I do. Even though you work under me at the Yashiro Commission, you are still my best friend. It makes my heart ache seeing you act distant.”
Thoma, If only you could know the true nature of my feelings about you. It pains me settling for our friendship, and even more so when you try to loosen those ties. I don’t care about the rumors and stigmas that will come from our relationship. I just want you to be by my side forever, as my equal.
Would I drive you away if I reveal how I really feel? Ayato, I do not want you to feel uncomfortable, but I want our relationship to be more than just friends or colleagues. I know that you won’t reciprocate, so I need to distance myself. That is why I call you by an overly formal title.
After the moment of shared silence, the both of them finally noticed how close they had gotten. Their shoulders brushed together, and their hands found each others’ under the water and intertwined fingers. “W-we should go dress now!” Ayato said, beginning to feel the heat from the hot spring rush to his face. This time, Ayato politely bowed his head, allowing Thoma to limp from the spring and into the changing room.
Ayato sighed, and dipped his hair backwards into the water. This isn’t like you, Ayato. Control yourself. You don’t want to make him uncomfortable. Ayato lifted himself out of the pool, and entered the changing room, after making sure that Thoma had limped out.
Ayato blushed as he saw Thoma in his clothing. It suits him. The sweater outlined his toned arm muscle while still providing a comfortable look and feel. The silk pants draped perfectly over his legs. Enough.
“Let me take a look at your foot, Thoma.” Ayato sat down on the side of his bed, beckoning for Thoma to join him in the empty spot next to him. Ayato guided Thoma’s wounded foot into his lap for further examination.
“Hm…merely a broken ankle and a few toes. Nothing that a few weeks of rest won’t be able to fix,” Ayato said with a smile. He reached into his nightstand drawer and pulled out a long strip of fabric, the kind he uses to wrap his hands before a heavy swordsmanship practice.
The feeling of Ayato’s cold hands wrapping his foot soothes Thoma, allowing him to lay back on Ayato’s pillows and gain a moment of repose after the long day. By that time, it was close to ten o’clock at night, and the Kamisato estate had begun retiring for the night. Thoma was exhausted.
He collapsed back onto Ayato’s pile of thick pillows, wincing in pain, before falling into a deep sleep. Poor thing. Those fatui must have taken a lot out of him. I should go fetch some food for him. Ayato picked up Thoma’s leg from his lap, and moved it flat onto the bed as he stood up. He gently lifted Thoma’s back as he pulled away the blankets from the side of the bed and tucked Thoma into his own bed.
So beautiful, Thoma thought, observing the peaceful sight of his friend. Ayato nudged Thoma slightly over towards the middle of the mattress so he could sit closer to his friend. He tucked a strand of auburn hair resting on a pillow over his head and loosely behind his ear. After stealing one last look of affection at Thoma, he rose from his bed, and snuck into the kitchen.
He arrived back shortly with a fragrant pot of tea and a variety of Inazuman snacks for the two of them. Thoma was still fast asleep beneath Ayato’s silk sheets, murmuring inaudible words. Ayato, amused by Thoma’s childish nature, walked away from the bed and towards a small table to place the refreshments on, causing Thoma to stir. His soft mutters got louder and more fevered, until Thoma let out a blood-curdling scream, loud enough to wake the entire estate if not for the soundproofing on Ayato’s chambers. “P-please! Don’t hurt him! Kill me instead, just please spare my lord.” Thoma began violently thrashing, sweat dripping down his face and tears slipping through clenched eyes. Ayato swiftly ditched the tea set on the table, and ran back to Thoma.
He must be dreaming about today’s events. The fatui has finally found my weakness. I shouldn’t have sent him out alone. Ayato placed his hand on Thoma’s face, checking for any sign of a fever, as Thoma’s always done for him.
Suddenly, Thoma clasped his hand over Ayato’s, holding it in place on his head, causing his twisted features to relax. Ayato blushed at the sudden contact and began gently coaxing Thoma’s hand off of him. Ayato walked around to the other side of his bed to sleep, and sat down.
As he removed his shirt, he heard Thoma beginning to stir once again. This time, Thoma unexpectedly wrapped his arms around Ayato’s bare waist, and pulled him close, causing Ayato to blush even more furiously. Thoma, still in a deep slumber, buried his face into Ayato’s exposed chest, sighing contently from the warmth.
What could possibly be running through his head at the moment? He’s usually shy, especially towards me. As much as I question the verity of the present situation, I only want to enjoy having him so near to me.
Thoma, still fast asleep, began murmuring once again, so low that Ayato easily would have missed it.
“My lord…I love you.”
Flowers bloomed in Ayato’s mind as he heard his best friend and love utter these never-before spoken words. Ayato flushed a furious shade of crimson, and a smile sparked on his lips. H-he loves me. Perhaps I have a chance after all.
The rain still poured outside, weighing down sakura branches and sticking stray petals onto Ayato’s windows. Ayato rolled his back down to meet Thoma’s head resting beneath his collarbone. He left a single kiss on his forehead.
“I love you too.”