Work Text:
Will got changed quickly into his new garb for the Tower. He still had to go and pick up his sword before joining his friends, after all. He wasn't expecting to have a visitor come to see him just as he had finished putting on his new cloak.
“It suits you, Will.”
Will turned and lit up at the sight of Workner. He hadn’t had a chance to see or speak to him since before the graduation ceremony. He was delighted that he’d come to, as Will surmised, see him off. The man had steadfastly supported him through the last six years, and now Will was going to have to stand without him. It was a little scary to think about. Exciting, sure, but he was going to miss Workner's tireless patience and strict mentorship. And of course, his friendship.
“Sensei…” Will said before pausing. There was so much he wanted to say, but he couldn't find the words for any of it. Instead he offered the man a smile. “Thank you.”
Workner put his hands on his hips and smiled back at him. “That you're headed for the Tower today is all your doing.” His expression became filled with fondness and his voice softened. “I knew you could do it.”
Will shook his head. “I couldn't have made it this far without you. You've done so much for me. I don't know if I'll ever be able to repay you.”
The man chuckled and patted the sword on the shoulder. “That's enough of that. You don't have to repay me. Seeing you in those clothes is more than enough. I just want you to be well in your pursuit of the Magia Vander. That's all.”
Will looked down at the floor, still smiling. It felt bittersweet to hear those words from his favorite teacher. “Thank you… Oh!” He looked back up at him. “How are you feeling?! I saw you standing with the other teachers at the ceremony, but are you really alright!?”
Workner grinned, something Will never got to see much of. It felt weird, yet good. “I'm right as rain! Almost, anyway. It'll be another couple of days before I can get back to my work. But walking around the city and visiting my students is fine. Thank you for being concerned about me.”
There was another pause before Will took a step towards him and put his arms around the man. He'd hugged Workner hundreds of times throughout his six years at the academy. It was going to be an adjustment not getting to do so anymore. At least, not all the time anymore. Workner wrapped his arms around the boy and laid his head on Will's.
“You'll be amazing up there.” Workner assured him. “I didn't put all of my faith in you for nothing.” Will nodded silently against him. “I'm sure you'll get chances to come visit me, too. It's not like this is goodbye. Only a ‘see you later’.” Again Will nodded. Despite his assurance, Workner could feel the sadness growing inside both of them. He really did love Will, after all. It was going to be hard on them both. “Hey, look at me.”
Will did as he was told. He turned his gaze up at the man who he'd called his teacher for the last six years. Workner held him gently by the shoulders and smiled softly down at him.
“Since you're no longer my student, I feel like it's not inappropriate to finally do this…” Slowly, giving Will plenty of time to move or stop him if he so chose, Workner leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to the sword's forehead.
Will brought a hand up to the spot once Workner had backed away again. “Sensei…” In a flash, Will managed to tug his teacher back down to his level in order to swiftly give him a peck on the lips. “I'm gonna miss you.”
Although a little shocked, Workner couldn't help but smile at his cheeky former student. “I'll miss you, too. I love you, Will. You're like a little brother to me.”
The sword smiled broadly up at him. “Yeah! I love you, too!” Will declared before giving him another hug, which was returned.
“Stay well.”
“You too!”
“Now…” Workner released the boy and put his hands back on his hips. In his most commanding teacher voice he shouted, “Go get your sword before you run out of time!”
Will jumped a little at the sudden change in tone. “Y-Yes! Of course! I'll get going now!”
He made for the shop's exit. He stopped in the doorway only briefly in order to look back at his teacher. “I'll come visit you!”
“You'd better! Don't cause me more stress than you have to by not giving me proper updates!”
Will could only laugh as he and Kiki ran from the shop. Workner breathed a long sigh before heading for the exit as well. Their emotional “see you later” had made him a lot more fatigued than he'd expected. It was probably good that he was strictly forbidden from working yet. He'd likely cause himself further injury and make Will worry about him even more.
“Making my own student worry about me… I've got a lot left to learn, too.” he muttered.