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The relaxing atmosphere of the humming of the tanks, coupled with nearly complete darkness, brought Mayoi to a realm of peace they had only ever felt before when alone in complete and utter Darkness after battle. Today, however, was simply a case of overexertion, and if not for Souma, they would have ended up far more sickly. As soon as Mayoi had been safely laid to rest upon a couch, that had been placed within the club room for people to relax, Souma normally would have left Mayoi’s side, to tend to the marine life before leaving him be, but the moment he had tried to move, Mayoi quickly grabbed his arm, quietly pleading for him to not leave them alone. Smiling softly, Souma settled in next to Mayoi, resting his head within his lap, stroking and gently massaging his head. In response, Mayoi began to make a sound that was close to a purr, before beginning to hum a quiet tune that Souma recognized immediately.
It was a song Mayoi had sung to him before, saying that it was a lullaby that their Mother had always sung to them as a young child whenever they were sad, or when their anxiety was high. When Mayoi finished humming, they reached towards Souma’s face, gently pulling the samurai into a soft kiss. Oh how long Souma had waited for this moment. He was a little bit sad though, as he knew that Mayoi didn’t yet remember who he was. However, that was okay, so long as they could remain by each other's side. When they finally pulled apart, Mayoi had closed his eyes, falling asleep in the lap of his samurai. Smiling softly, Souma began to gently thread his fingers through Mayoi’s hair, and massaging his head, causing the fae to make chirp-like noises of contentment as he slept.
It was unusual for Mayoi to be gone for more than an hour after battle, and Mayoi wasn’t in the location he normally retreated to. Worried, Niki had asked the other members of Alkaloid if they had seen where Mayoi had gone, and it was Hiiro who had mentioned last seeing him with Souma. Breathing a sigh of relief, Niki left to go to the one spot he knew Souma went to meditate. Upon reaching his destination, Niki took a deep breath before knocking in a pattern he knew Souma would recognize as him, slowly opening the door. Greeted by Souma’s soft smile, Niki entered the room , quietly closing the door behind him. As he moved closer, he could finally see Mayoi asleep with his head in Souma’s lap. Now knowing that they were safe, Niki knelt by their side, crooning, as he moved Mayoi’s hair from his face. Eyes still closed, Mayoi chirped again in contentment, which was all Niki needed to hear.
“Do you wish to stay here with Souma Mayo-chan?” Again, a chirp-like noise was given in response. Giving his omega a gentle kiss on the forehead, Niki stood, nodding to Souma before moving to leave the room. Just as Niki reached the door, Souma called out to him.
“You aren’t taking him with you?” It was a genuine question that was laced with confusion. Niki's response was thoughtful; “Do you know what his chirps mean?”
“I do not. This is the first time I have heard him respond in such a way.”
“It is his native tongue. This particular pattern of chirps he has been doing shows they feel safe and are content in your company. I also know that you would use your blade, without a moment's hesitation, in order to protect him. As their alpha, that is all I need to know.”
With that, Niki left, leaving behind those who meant the world to him, driving his motivation to do exactly what he knew needed to be done.
/fin