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Since he got to Inazuma, Thoma has been missing Mondstadt non-stop. He won't lie, when he started working for the Kamisato clan, it was half out of gratitude for having his life basically saved, but half for a selfish wish. He hoped to get enough money and some help to get back to his homeland.
The work was hard and the workload heavy, but eventually, he even started to...like it. He also liked hanging out with the person who found him that day. Being the future head of the clan, Ayato didn't have much time other than for brief chats, but still, Thoma believed he enjoyed their time together as well.
Then the tragedy came. He wasn't there when the head of the clan died, too far away on a shopping commission. The day the Kamisato siblings' mother followed, he was in Ayato's room, making sure the young man ate.
Servants crowded the room, calling for Ayato. In the chaos he could suddenly feel the other's hand around his own. Thoma opened his mouth to question him, but his lord was quick to whisper "I can't do this alone."
And Thoma followed. Of course he did. His lord, but more importantly, his friend needed him.
It was the last time he saw Ayato cry. He expected a him to fall unto depression again, unwilling to even take a bite, but the other surprised him. He wiped his tears the very same evening, and stood strong. "Things will get difficult Thoma. They will try to take the succession." There was determination in his eyes when he turned to the housekeeper. "I'm the rightful head of the Kamisato clan, and the Yashiro commission and I'll fight until that title is official and unquestionable." Then he turned away and left.
Thoma didn't know who they were. Not seeing it necessary for his job, he didn't know that much about the politics of the place. He should learn. For Ayato.
Next few months they barely saw each other. With many of the servants constantly leaving, Thoma has been taking on more and more of their work, keeping everything going. He didn't know why they left. He didn't ask.
As kind and easy going as he usually was, somehow the sight of them inspired burning hate inside him. Traitors.
Ayato too, was very busy. He only saw Thoma when the housekeeper brought food, and even then, he didn't talk to him, since he was too preoccupied. He always looked so grateful though.
It still surprised him, when Ayato had him called to him.
He missed his friend but.... this felt wrong. And that feeling was all he could concentrate on as he made his way to the well-known room, which was, now Ayato's, office. The head of Kamisato clan, at least in Thoma's eyes, was sitting calmly behind a table. He couldn't help but feel relieved that his lord was taking some breaks too.
"Thoma. We need to talk."
"I would assume so, since you called me here waka" the blond tries to joke, but Ayato doesn't seem too amused.
"Things will get tough." He says instead.
"Aren't they already?" Thoma asks, because yes, they fucking are.
"Worse. I hope you'll allow me to be unprofessional with you, but the real shit's coming." He sighs before continuing "I can get you on a ship to Liyue. I'll give you enough money for you to get back to Mondstadt too. I need seriousness, loyalty and lots of hard work. You should leave if you don't want to suffer through this. I'll give you until tomorrow night to choose. You're dismissed."
A weird haze embraced his mind, making it hard to think. Thanks to which Thoma didn't even think to object. He was dismissed, so he got up and left the room.
It was far too late for any activity, or even for him to think it through. Dragging his feet, the housekeeper aimed for his own room. So far from Ayato's office. It seemed to get colder with every step, he just hoped his bed will be warm. Before he knew it, yet much too late, he stood before the door leading to his one desired place.
For the first time of his service here, he wants to ignore all his duties, to do nothing but sleep forever. Rest unaware until Ayato changes his mind about kicking him out and comes to wake him. A familiar story. Like ones told in his homeland, of maidens falling asleep, to be awakened by a prince. In those stories they were saved from eternal slumber by a kiss.
The thought of Ayato's lips on his crossed his mind briefly, leaving fire to colour his cheeks with shame, embarrassed....and want.
He fell asleep and dreamt of fairytales sang by wind, of dandelions and knights. The smell of wine and the taste of Northern smoked chicken filled his dreams with sense of nostalgia.
Waking was hard the next day. More difficult than any since he got used to Inazuma. He grew to love the nation, but his home was Mondstadt wasn't it? That's why he dreamed of it. Except, something was missing from his dreams. The people there, he knows he loved them but, it's been so long he barely remembers some. It hurts but it's true.
Inazuma may not be his home, but the Kamisato estate was. He never found his father, but the Yashiro commission became his family.
Was he part of theirs though? He felt like it so why would Ayato feel the need to kick him out? Wasn't he doing his job properly? He dusted every inch of the place, he helped in the kitchen, he repaired clothes, he did the shopping when needed, he assisted where he could and did as much as possible. How could that not be enough? With so many people leaving, he did most of the work, so that was impossible.
It all pointed towards one last possibility, the one he feared the most.
As much as he would like to keep his dignity and insist his next actions were sophisticated and proper in etiquette, Thoma all but raced into the kitchen. His goal location was Ayato's office but it was still early in the morning, actually the time for Thoma to prepare breakfast. Even if he were to leave today's evening, he'd still do his job. Although, he certainly wasn't leaving. This was his home now and he won't give it up. Ayato was his lord, the owner of his loyalty and by the almighty Shogun he will find a way to stay by his side.
His heart filled with determination, erupting into heat right by his heart. He ignored the weird feeling and continued slicing fruits for Ayato's breakfast, until it grew into almost unbearable heat. Or what should be just that, except it wasn't. It was hot like a burning fire itself, but without the pain of touching it. The intensity of the feeling made him close his eyes.
He opened them just a moment later, decided to not let his cooking be stopped by......
......a vision. Glowing with the crimson colour of its flame, right there in front of him. On instinct he took it in his hands, feeling, knowing that it is his.
If he wasn't certain before he was now, this was his purpose. Swiftly finishing up with the food, he tied the vision to his side and made his way towards the person his heart burned to see.
He was afraid yet firm in his decision.
Knock
"My lord, I'm here with your breakfast." He announced through the door, waiting to be allowed in.
"Thoma?" Ayato's voice sounded sleepy and confused, but mindful and aware as always. "Do come in" he adds so Thoma enters.
Ayato is still dressed in his sleepwear, but with his status it makes little difference. The clothes are the finest silky clearly handwoven. They consist of a shirt, light blue that fades into gold by the edges, which are lined by Leander colour. This purple goes across the whole outfit in the form of detailed embroidery, including the Kamisato clan's symbol over the heart. The matching bottoms are long pants, quite from fitting, yet just big enough to allow full mobility in comfortable way.
Nothing about the clothes was revealing yet the sight of Ayato in them made Thoma's cheeks turn a soft shade of pink. Ayato either doesn't notice, or mercifully ignores the fact. The latter was certainly more likely due to the young lord's keen eye and sharp mind.
"I wasn't expecting you to come Thoma. Are you not packing your things?" A pang of hurt hits Thoma upon hearing the words. He takes a deep breath; it wasn't time to ask the question yet.
"It is within my duties as your housekeeper to make food, why not bring it over as well while I'm at it." He shrugs, trying to appear nonchalant even as Ayato's clever gaze rests on him and him only. "Greatly appreciated, Thoma. You didn't answer my question though, are you not packing?"
Another deep breath. "No. And I won't be. I do not know what is your problem with me, but I'll fix it. I like working here, I like helping you, I like getting to hang out with you, I will do anything for you, for the Kamisato clan and for the Yashiro commission. For my home." The vision at his side lit up as if agreeing and Ayato's gaze flickered to it briefly. "I'll make sure you're the head of the Yashiro commission, whatever it takes. So now let's solve your issue with me so I can stay and help you."
while Thoma poured his heart out, he could feel Ayato's eyes on himself. Not once did the Kamisato heir look away. Did he even blink? It made cold sweat run down Thoma's back, but he prevailed. This was his goal his purpose.
Still just what could Ayato be thinking? Did he hate Thoma that much? The question was probably going to be answered soon though, because Ayato stood up. Will he fight Thoma?
"You got a vision? I don't think I've seen it on you before, show me?" He requested, looking curious. And who was Thoma to deny him, really. He made an attempt to take it off so Ayato can see, but was stopped by the other. "It's alright, don't take it off. Giving your vision to someone, even for a little while leaves you vulnerable"
"I trust you my lord"
"And I don't want to hurt you, stay still."
So Thoma does, letting Ayato inspect his vision while it's still tied at his side.
After a while he steps away. "This is amazing Thoma, visions are greatly advantageous you know..."
"Is that why?" The housekeeper can't help but interrupt. "Is that the reason you were sending me away? Because I didn't have a vision?" Ayato's brows rise as if he's just now realizing something. It's definitely not a look future commissioner should show, but maybe it's not a mistake on his lord's part, but a display of trust to Thoma himself.
"Sending you away?" He asks bewildered "I'm not sending you away Thoma, I never have. I merely offered you a way out of the hardships this clan and commission are sure to encounter. You're priceless here, you do your job better than anyone could, but I didn't want you to suffer here."
Thoma looks at Ayato, chest straining with so many emotions that he can't decipher a single one.
"My lord... I- the way you put it, I thought you didn't want me here. That I wasn't good enough, or in the very least that you felt negatively towards me." He sighs in relief and smiles "I'm glad that's not true."
Ayato smiles back "Thoma, in all these people, you are possibly the only one I consider a friend. A close one at that. I'm glad you're staying. Which you are, right?"
"Yes, I'm staying here with you." Thoma confirms and Ayato smiles so brightly one would swear this is the happiest day of his life.
"Let me give you a promotion!'
"No way! I like my job as it is!"
"You're getting a raise then! And that's an order of your boss and the future commissioner!" They both burst out laughing, with Ayato being the first to stop. "You're still getting the raise though."