Archive of Our Own

"If I leave at this time, I will lose my loyalty and righteousness. Father has always taught me to be a loyal and righteous man... I would like to do my best to do my part for the young master and the young lady. The path you take in the future will certainly need me as a helper."

It had been several years since Thoma uttered those words. And yet, the meaning behind them had already evolved so drastically.

At first, it was exactly as it sounded. Thoma would do anything if it meant helping Ayato and Ayaka. However, more recently... It meant he would do anything if it would please Ayato.

Anything at all. Even going as far as to offer Ayato his body... and tell Ayato exactly how he felt about him.

Thoma wasn't sure when the meaning of his promise had shifted so greatly in his mind... but he couldn't control it even if he wanted to. Especially not when it had been an entire month since he'd seen Ayato. Those words – his promise to Ayato – they rattled around in his mind incessantly.

The only time Ayato was gone for periods of time this long was when something troublesome was occurring. Something that would bring Ayato home with a dark aura cast around him.

Thoma spent the whole month thinking of ways to prepare for Ayato's arrival – of ways to make him feel at home, to put a smile on his face again.

For once, he was so nervous that he came up empty-handed.

He had no clue how to help Ayato. The only thing he had to offer was his body, and it had been so long since they had touched each other that he wasn't even sure he remembered what Ayato liked. His confidence in his appeal had wavered, too. After all, who was to say Ayato would still be interested in him after a month of silence? He could've reflected by now and realized he didn't want Thoma at all.

Thoma’s mind had never cast so many doubts upon him before. Ever since he’d confessed to Ayato he felt more fragile, like his heart had become made out of glass and anything could shatter it.

Tonight, he missed Ayato. He needed to get his mind off of him, but it was hard when the entire Estate reminded him of the young master.

He cleaned the entire Estate frantically, from top to bottom, leaving the floors shining and every nook and cranny spotless.

He cleaned and cleaned until he was so tired that he collapsed, pushing himself upright and slumping into the nearest chair. He was sitting at the kitchen table, his weary forehead pressed against the wood. Thirty-two days. He couldn't believe how long it felt.

Just as he resigned himself to a nap he heard the front door open. He sat up, hoping no one would see him slack off and think he had been avoiding his work.

His eyes opened lazily, going wide when he saw who it was.

“A-Ayato?!” he gasped, shooting up from his chair like a rocket. “M-my lord, you’re back!”

Ayato wouldn’t meet his gaze. He had that certain look in his eyes, completely devoid of light. He still stood tall, but something was different about the way he walked. Like he was tired, his legs moving while his mind stayed still. He simply said, “Not tonight, Thoma.” and kept walking.

Well… It was an improvement. Normally he wouldn’t even have replied to Thoma.

“Does he seem different to you?”

“Does who seem different to me?” Ayaka asked, turning to look at Thoma.

“Lord Ayato…” he replied.

“What do you mean?”

“He came home last night and seemed really… off. I’m concerned about him.”

She stood still for a moment, a deep sigh. “I wasn’t aware he had arrived home. He hasn’t come to see me yet.”

“...Right.”

So something was wrong. And if they let him, he’d shut them both out completely.

“I’m going to go check on him,” Thoma said, “Don’t worry too much, okay?”

“I’ll try not to!” she said. She was smiling, but there was worry evident in her eyes.

Thoma approached Ayato’s bedroom door with a sense of determination. He had already vanquished Ayato when he was like this once before. There was no need to be nervous this time. He would just be persistent!

He knocked on the door.

Unsurprisingly, there was no response.

He knocked again.

Silence.

He wrapped his hand around the doorknob, the knob rattling obnoxiously loudly as he turned it to the side. The door was unlocked.

He pushed it open just a crack. “My lord?” There was no response, so he pushed it open all the way. “Ayato?”

He looked around the room. Typically Ayato would confine his disarray to his desk, but now his entire room was in shambles. Thoma’s shock nearly distracted him from the fact no one was there. Ayato had already left again.

Thoma’s heart sank. So… he’d completely missed him, then? Was he just gone for the day? Somewhere at the Estate? Or was he away for a long time again?

He closed the door quickly, swallowing down the hard lump in his throat.

He thought about the way Ayato’s arms felt when they wrapped around him. How much he craved to embrace him again – to be embraced by him. How he was becoming afraid it would never happen again.

Ayato returned, or at least Thoma was pretty sure he did. He heard his footsteps, those sharp shoes clacking down the hall, and he turned around to look – but by the time he had, Ayato had already disappeared. He chased after the noise, but no one was there.

He approached Ayato’s bedroom door again, a knock. “My lord?”

He pressed his ear against the door. Ayato was definitely in there.

“Please, my lord? Please…” he begged, quieter than intended. He just wanted to make sure he was okay.

The door opened and Thoma stumbled backward, his heart pounding as Ayato looked at him.

“H-h-hi m-my l-lor–”

“Thoma.” Ayato said. His eyes snapped away, towards the floor, a somber look. “I’m fine. Stop worrying. Okay?”

“B-but–”

“I’m fine.” And he made a motion to close the door. Thoma wedged himself between the door and the frame.

“D-don’t, Ayato! Let me in… Please?”

Ayato sighed, opening the door and stepping aside. Thoma came in, his legs trembling a bit. He’d made it farther than he expected. What now?

“Yes?” Ayato asked. He sounded exhausted.

Thoma whirled around to look at him, a lump having formed in his throat. Ayato looked just as he remembered. Obviously. But, his hair was a little longer. And his eyes were so sad. He reached toward him but Ayato stepped away.

Ouch.

“Are you okay?” Thoma asked but his voice came out quivering.

Ayato pressed his hand against his own stomach, stepping away further. “I said I am. You should go.”

“But I–”

“If you stay I’ll just end up hurting you. I already am. Go, Thoma.”

Ayato was more self-aware now. He could see how his ‘mood’ could hurt Thoma, and yet…

“I don’t care. I just want–”

“Don’t be stupid.”

“I’m not! I’m just–”

“Stupid. Now go.”

Thoma shook his head fast, his hands anxiously rubbing together. “I missed you.”

Ayato didn’t respond. Thoma looked up at him. Ayato seemed to be trying to say something, his lips struggling to form a word.

“Ayato–”

“Please just go.” he said, but this time he whispered it. Thoma took a step towards him, reaching a hand up to touch his cheek. Ayato grabbed his wrist, stopping him. Thoma got the hint now.

“...Goodbye, my lord.” and he hurried out of the door.

He tried the same thing again the next night. This time he caught Ayato in the kitchen, rummaging around to find something to cook. Normally Thoma would stop him, but he had more pressing matters to attend to. The floor creaked as Thoma stepped inside.

“What is it?” Ayato asked, recognizing the sound of his footsteps.

Thoma walked over to the table, sitting down. He had a plan this time. Although, he was almost certain it wouldn’t go well.

“Ayato.” he began.

Ayato turned around, watching from in front of the counter, folding his arms. “Yes?”

“I made a promise to you. Do you remember it?”

“...Of course I do.”

“Then why aren’t you honoring it? I knew from that day you would need me around to help you. So why aren’t you relying on me as your helper?” It… hadn’t exactly come out as he planned… Well, okay. It was pretty bad. But it was a start.

“Because things are different now.” Ayato said, his eyes darkening. “Clearly.”

“No they aren’t. I still feel exactly the same.”

“Well, I don’t.”

Ouch…!

Ayato didn't feel the same way about him anymore…?

Thoma stood up, covering his mouth with his hand, “Y-you don’t…?” he asked, though it was muffled and incredibly emotional.

Ayato ran his hands anxiously over his face. He swore under his breath, “I don’t want to hurt you, Thoma. I don’t know how to hold my tongue yet, I–” the room was spinning a bit. He took dizzy steps towards Thoma, reaching out to touch him, but Thoma pushed his hand away, running past him and out of the door.

He hadn’t meant it in that way. He should’ve just said that. But of course, he didn’t. He couldn't.

A week.

Thoma had planned to avoid Ayato for a week.

But Ayato couldn’t sleep, knowing there was a chance Thoma was crying tears because of him.

He got out of bed that same night and knocked on Thoma’s door. Thoma hesitantly opened it, eyes going wide when he felt his entire body swallowed up by Ayato’s arms. He relaxed into him, hugging him tightly, burying his face in the crook of Ayato’s neck.

They didn’t speak. They just stood for a while, hugging each other as tightly as they could. When they finally pulled away, tears were falling down Thoma’s cheeks and Ayato kissed away every single one before pressing their lips softly together.

Still, they did not speak. Thoma led him to his bed and they snuggled under the covers together, holding each other close as they slept until sunrise.

It was an apology of sorts, from both sides.

Thoma woke up to an empty bed, but he didn’t mind. After all, Ayato still liked him. He was certain now.

For the next several days, Ayato continued public appearances as the Commissioner, as the clan head, and he spoke enthusiastically with the guards and his retainers. Yet for some reason he clammed up around Thoma and Ayaka.

Thoma’s desire to help Ayato was reignited.

He had done it once. He had gotten Ayato to open up to him, to feel better. He could do it again.

He searched through the entire Estate looking for him. Their bedrooms, the kitchen, the laundry room, the living spaces, around the back, the hidden hot springs beyond the trees. It was to no avail. He started to head back to his room when he heard the sound of the bathroom sink running.

There was always a chance it could be some other staff member… but there was an equal chance it was Ayato. He had to check.

He inched towards the door, walking light on his feet. To his surprise, the door was just barely ajar. Realization slapped him over the head. This was incredibly invasive… but he swallowed down his guilt. If it was Ayato it would be worth it. If not, he would willingly take any punishment. He pushed the door open a little more, peeking inside.

He saw a swipe of blue hair and his heart skipped a beat. He pushed it open just a tiny bit more, seeing Ayato having undressed from behind, doing something in front of the mirror.

Ayato looked down at his stomach, hissing as he pulled off a bandage. He turned around to grab something and Thoma’s eyes flickered down to his exposed abdomen, gasping at the sight of Ayato’s wound.

Ayato’s piercing eyes snapped towards him and Thoma squeaked, pulling the door closed. Just as he started to back away, Ayato swung the door open and in one swift movement he grabbed him and pulled him inside, shoved him against the wall, and tightened his hand firmly around his throat.

“...Thoma?” he scoffed, having only just realized it was him. “So you’ve become a peeping Tom?”

“N-no!”

“Then what would you call yourself?” Ayato snapped. “Nevermind. Don’t bother answering. Are you happy now? Seeing what your eyes were never meant to?”

“...I’m sorry.” How would Ayato have hidden this forever?! Even after it healed, it was bound to leave a scar! There was a giant wound across his stomach for archon’s sake!

“Sorry isn’t enough.” Ayato said, his eyes darkening. He took his time looking Thoma up and down, like he was deeply contemplating something. “Is your offer still open?”

“M-my offer…?”

“I’m upset with you. Will you let me use you again? To get rid of this… frustration?”

Ayato’s hand was still wrapped around his throat, his annoyance clearly boiling on high. “Y-yes my lord! S-sorry my lord!”

“Apologize using your body.” Ayato spat, and he stepped away from him, Thoma nearly crumbling to the ground. “Undress yourself.”

The air was so stiff. Thoma felt like he couldn’t breathe. He stood up straight, pulling off his jacket, then his tank top.

Ayato stood at the sink, finishing up cleaning his wound as Thoma got his underwear off, setting his clothes aside and waiting patiently.

It was the first time they’d seen each other undressed in what felt like a lifetime.

Ayato washed his hands, turning around to look at Thoma. “You want this?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“You’re not just doing it because you think it’ll make me feel better?”

“No, my lord.”

Ayato sighed, running a restless hand through his hair. He grabbed Thoma’s hand and though Thoma didn’t expect it to, his heart fluttered. They were no longer used to the feel of each other.

Ayato turned the water on, continuing to hold Thoma’s hand as the water slowly heated up. He looked back at him, Thoma’s eyes shyly staring at the wall beside them, trying his best not to peek at Ayato’s wound.

“You’re not going to ask?” Ayato inquired. He was quiet, nearly drowned out by the sound of the shower’s rain thundering against the tile. The water splattered their toes, growing warmer as Thoma swallowed down his fear.

“N-not yet…” he replied softly.

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to scare you away.”

Ayato's gaze fell to their feet, watching the water run down the drain, his eyes saddening. “I don’t want to scare you away either.”

The water was warm enough now. Ayato let go of his hand and grabbed the handle, aiming it over Thoma’s shoulders, allowing it to wash down his body. Thoma did a spin and he doused his back, pressing his hand against Thoma’s slim waist before turning the water away. He handed it to Thoma who did the same to him as he leaned down to grab the soap.

“Are you going to…” Thoma trailed off, his breath hitching when Ayato turned around and rubbed him between his legs with the soap. “Ngh! Haah… H-hey…” he went, a whimper when he felt himself grow hard, Ayato letting go of him.

“Really?” Ayato asked.

“Y-you… you touched me! H-how was I supposed to–”

“Quiet.” Ayato interrupted, scrubbing Thoma’s chest with a soapy washcloth. Thoma quieted as he was told, his heart thumping in his chest.

Ayato handed Thoma a washcloth and they scrubbed each other, Thoma’s heart racing every time Ayato’s breath brushed against his wet skin. They shampooed each other’s hair. Thoma held back his smile at the sight of Ayato’s grumpy face accompanied by his blue hair spiked into a sudsy mohawk.

Time seemed to move in slow motion for a moment. Ayato closed his eyes while Thoma scrubbed his scalp, leaning into his gentle touch. He seemed so tranquil, like a young child being coddled by its mother. It was unlike Thoma had ever seen him before. His eyes only opened again when Thoma pulled his hands away, rinsing their hair out.

They continued to wash each other’s bodies afterward. Thoma was careful not to touch Ayato’s wound, even more careful not to allow his eyes to look at it out of respect. “Doesn’t it hurt?” he asked.

“Of course it does. But it doesn’t matter.”

“Ayato, you should take care of yourself,” Thoma said, worry evident in his tone.

“Please don’t lecture me right now.”

“F-fine.” Thoma said. “I’ll just take care of you myself. I’ll try to help distract you from the pain.” Thoma promised. He took the showerhead and rinsed their bodies. “I'll make you feel so good that you forget all about your stress. You still want to use me, right?”

Ayato grabbed at Thoma’s slick waist, a low voice, “Of course I do.”

Thoma’s skin flushed a deep red, a nervous swallow. “O-okay…” Ayato leaned in but Thoma pressed a hand against his chest. “You’re hurt… so let me take control today. I’ll do a good job. I promise.”

“Hm.” Ayato went, and Thoma sat down on the stool on the floor, at just the right height to reach forward and stroke Ayato in his hand. It took a moment for Ayato to harden. Once he did, Thoma pressed the tip against his lips, kissing it gently.

He looked up at Ayato. His eyebrows were furrowed… but more importantly, he was blushing, watching Thoma’s movements very closely. Thoma took it as a good sign.

He wrapped his lips around the head. The first time he’d done this Ayato had complete control, pushing into his mouth exactly as he wanted. Now, it was time for Thoma to do it all by himself. His heart was pounding so hard he could feel it in his ears now and his hand began to tremble but he pushed his nervousness aside. He closed his eyes, wrapping his fingers around the base and pushing Ayato as far into his mouth as he could.

It was much more difficult on his own. He gagged almost instantly, pulling away and wiping his lips with the back of his hand.

“Slowly.” Ayato said, but the way he said it was… new. Thoma couldn’t help but glance up at his face again. Even his expression was new to Thoma. It was so vulnerable and shy and…

Thoma started again, sucking on just the head, inching farther and farther down with each bob of his head, his eyes clenching shut as he reached his limit. He pulled back, gasping a bit for air, starting to stroke him again. He blinked the tears from his eyes, glancing up at him, “Does it feel–”

Ayato’s hand was pressed over his mouth, his blush having spread all the way to his ears. Thoma’s voice cracked in surprise, ducking back down and continuing to pleasure him, shocked to have seen Ayato so bashful.

What was the difference between now and last time?

Thoma grew used to the feeling of how large Ayato felt in his mouth, able to pick up the pace, sinking his lips further and further down his shaft. He broke away for a moment, his teeth accidentally grazing him on the way up. “I-I’m sorry!” he panicked but all Ayato did was hum. He was nervous… but he took the opportunity to look up at Ayato again.

Ayato swiftly reached down and covered Thoma’s eyes with his palm. “Don’t look,” he said in a whisper and Thoma’s entire body erupted in heat. Ayato was feeling incredibly shy right now and it only made Thoma want to touch him more. He stood up, pulling Ayato’s arm aside as he pressed their lips together, hand disappearing between his legs.

Ayato tried his best not to, but he moaned at last, drawing Thoma suffocatingly close, stumbling forward until Thoma’s back hit the wet wall. Thoma moaned in delight as Ayato took him in his hand and tugged on him with equal intensity, panting against his lips.

“T-Thoma…” he gasped out in between pants, “Don’t stop.” He throbbed in Thoma’s hand and Thoma shuddered, kissing him, swallowing every wanting moan that broke free from Ayato’s dignified lips.

“I missed you.” Ayato whispered against their kiss, “So much.”

A relieved smile spread across Thoma’s face as he gave his final few tugs, Ayato’s nails digging into his back. Ayato’s face buried itself in the crook of Thoma’s neck. “Hngh! T-Thoma!” he gasped, clinging onto him. Thoma felt Ayato pulse in his hand before his warmth shot onto his waist.

Thoma was so taken aback that he almost didn’t notice Ayato was still hurriedly touching him. “Y-you don’t have to!” he spluttered, eyes going wide when Ayato raised his head, looking into his eyes.

“I want to.” he said breathily.

They kissed again and suddenly Thoma was the one feeling shy. With Ayato’s attention now fully focused on him, he was a lot more unrelenting, sucking and nibbling at the sweet spot of Thoma’s neck, forcing his thumb into Thoma’s mouth as he continued to touch him. Thoma’s thighs squeezed together and he whimpered, grabbing at Ayato’s merciless hands, trying to pry them away.

“I’ll–!” he cried but it was too late. He choked out a moan and Ayato watched him closely, shoving two fingers in Thoma’s mouth, muffling him as he fell apart in his embrace. Thoma desperately sucked on them, a soft whine when Ayato slowly drew them back out.

“Thoma?”

“Y-yes my lord?” Thoma went, a bit dazed.

“I really did miss you. A lot. I wanted to tell you, I…” he squeezed Thoma’s arm a bit. “Nevermind. Let’s clean up.”

They washed up one last time, drying each other off with big fluffy towels. Thoma smiled at Ayato’s scrunched-up face while he dried his hair.

“I’m surprised you weren’t nervous to do this here.” Ayato commented, rebandaging his wound while Thoma gathered up his clothes.

“Why would I be?” Thoma asked, turning to look at him.

“There’s peeping Toms roaming about.” Ayato sighed, wrapping his towel around his waist.

Thoma’s jaw dropped.

“I’m waiting to hear your grand explanation for invading my privacy.”

Thoma’s skin bristled with heat. “W-well I… Um–”

“Hmm?” Ayato asked, brushing past him as he approached the door. “I’m sure you’ll think of something. Goodnight.”

“W-wait! N-no, I don’t want you to!”

“Don’t want me to what?”

“Leave yet! I want…” He had come to see him for a reason after all, “I want to talk more. Please, my lord.”

Ayato’s eyes scanned Thoma’s before opening the door. “Come to my room once you’re decent,” he said and he disappeared down the hall.

Thoma knocked on his door, surprised at how fast Ayato opened it. Ayato stepped aside and Thoma shuffled in, seating himself on Ayato’s bed, Ayato closing the door behind him.

“What is it?” Ayato asked.

“Are we going to talk about what happened to you?” Thoma asked. With the way Ayato had teased him a few moments ago, his odds for getting through to him had increased.

“Not yet.” Ayato said.

“But we will…?”

“Maybe.”

“I’ll wait!” Thoma blurted out. “A-as long as you need! Just please tell me, Ayato. I know we aren’t dating but–”

“We are dating.”

Thoma reluctantly smiled. “O-oh… well I don’t want to overstep, is all.”

“Out of everyone in Teyvat, you’re the person I feel most connected to. It's not overstepping to want to know, Thoma.” A pause. “I’m being stubborn. We both know that.” He sat down next to Thoma. “It’s unlike me to be anxious. But I am.”

“...Earlier you said you didn’t want to scare me away. I’m bound to you like a Sakura Bloom is to the Sacred Sakura. Sakura Blooms are filled with a fondness for Inazuma, right? Well I’m filled with a fondness for you. You can’t scare me away, Ayato.” he encouraged, but he saw the sadness deepen in Ayato’s eyes.

“Logically I know you of all people wouldn't care. But it's you whose validation and acceptance I crave the most.”

"After everything we've been through? I wouldn't judge you. No matter what it was. I pledged my loyalty to you and Lady Ayaka. That loyalty will withstand anything. I promise."

"...I know."

"Are we okay now?"

"....Not until I apologize properly." He looked at Thoma, but he couldn’t maintain eye contact. “However, let’s save that for another day. I need to sleep.”

“I-I know. Did I do a good job… when I… you know?”

“Of course you did.”

“A-and you enjoyed it?”

“Thoma.” Ayato said, placing his hand on his thigh. “You were perfect.” he insisted and Thoma couldn’t help but smile real wide, happiness spreading throughout his entire body.

It had been so long since Ayato had told him he was perfect. He really, really liked that.

“G-great! Um… goodnight, my lord.”

“Goodnight, Thoma.”

“...Any chance I could stay tonight?” Thoma asked. His body had suddenly filled to the brim with affection. He wanted to hold Ayato close, to kiss him and listen to his soft snores as he slept.

Ayato thought it over, his cheeks blossoming with red. “N-not tonight.”

Thoma stood, pushing himself off of the bed. “Any reason why?”

“I… I haven’t apologized yet. I must earn that right. But… soon. Okay?”

Archons, Ayato was bashful tonight. Even so, Thoma accepted his excuse. “Okay.” He kissed Ayato’s cheek on his way out. He pulled the door shut behind himself, so many emotions swirling around in his chest.

Progress... he finally had made progress.

“A letter?”

“Yes, he left you a letter in your room. Or so he told me.” Ayaka said, Thoma in the middle of helping sew a few loose strands of her dress. “It’s the first thing he said to me all week so it must be important.”

“Y-you didn’t read it… did you?” Thoma asked, trying his best not to sound flustered. He didn’t do a very good job.

She looked up at him. “No! I would never, but… Why do you ask…?”

“N-no reason, my lady! T-thanks! I’m going to go read it, I’ll be back!” he said, laughing nervously as he quickly bolted out of the room.

He made it to his room in record timing, opening his door to see a note resting on the floor.

He closed his door, crouching down and opening the letter. It was written with Ayato’s calligraphy pens, needlessly complex for the few words that he wrote.

Tonight. 20:15. Grand Narukami Shrine. Join me?

Yours,

Ayato.

Thoma couldn’t help but stare at the letter in sheer disbelief. What could possibly have prompted this?!

He took a deep breath, folding the letter up. Well, if that’s what Ayato wanted. He would go with him to the Shrine in the late evening.

Nightfall came surprisingly fast. Thoma left the Estate from the front gate, smiling nervously at the guards as he started the long trek to the Shrine.

Thoma had never questioned why, but there was a direct path from the Kamisato Estate to the Grand Narukami Shrine. That didn’t make the journey any more palatable, though. To walk up an entire mountain just to see Ayato… he must’ve been out of his mind.

By the time he reached the top, he was exhausted. It had been years since he’d made that journey. To think that the Shrine Maidens did it every day!

He got his bearings, taking a deep breath when he saw those blue eyes looking down at him.

He popped upright. “M-My lord!”

“You came,” Ayato said, his expression softening. “Thank you.”

“Of course I did.”

“You seem winded,” Ayato said.

“I am!”

“You shouldn’t skip your endurance training.” Ayato scolded.

Thoma laughed nervously. “I-I don’t. Often. Is that so wrong of me? Besides, who likes endurance training?”

“I do.”

Thoma rolled his eyes. “Anyway, what did you invite me here for, my lord?”

“Moral support?” Ayato hummed, spinning around on his feet. “Come with me.”

He took them to the fortune slip booth, encouraging Thoma to go first. Thoma read his. “Modest fortune.” Ayato was next.

He read his slip, eyebrows raising.

“What does it say?” Thoma asked.

“Rising fortune.” Ayato replied.

“Read it, read it!”

“The blade that has been tempered for ten years will shine bright today. Your misfortune is gone and you are rising from the pit of despair. You've trained hard for years without showing your skill. But today is the perfect opportunity to showcase your capabilities. If you encounter obstacles, do not fret. Draw your sword without fear and fight with all your might.” Ayato read, the paper crinkling in his hands a bit. “Hmm. I always suspected these were… well, pointless… but this is rather well-timed.”

“It’s a good sign!”

“Yes, it is.”

They approached the Sakura Tree and stood in front of it. Ayato closed his eyes, his body going still as if he was thinking deeply to himself. Thoma followed suit.

It was very peaceful. There was quiet chatter amongst the Shrine Maidens. The leaves of the Sakura Tree rustled, falling gently at their feet. The tree buzzed with the constant sound of electro. If you stood close enough, it almost felt like you were losing hold of yourself, becoming one with the tree and all the memories that were bundled up inside of it.

Ayato finally moved, turning to look at Thoma. “Shall we?”

“I-Is that all you wanted?” Thoma asked, his eyes popping open.

“Was there something you wanted to do?”

“N-no! After you, my lord.”

They said goodbye to the Shrine Maidens as they left the front entrance, starting the long trip down the stairs. After a few minutes, Ayato stopped, reaching out and grabbing Thoma by the wrist.

“Yes, my lord?” Thoma asked, turning to see what was wrong.

“I should say this now… Or I may not have the courage to tell you at all.” Ayato said.

Thoma’s heart thumped in his chest. “S-sure… I’m listening.”

“It’s about what happened…” Ayato trailed off, letting go of his wrist. “I sent a few of the Shuumatsuban to handle... 'something' for me. As you know, there are many things I cannot do myself. That I should never be seen doing. And I of course had my doubts in their success, but I never expected–" A wave of remorse washed across his face. "I never expected that they'd be so terribly injured..." His line of sight snapped to Thoma’s eyes, scanning his expression, trying to discern how he was feeling. "So I stepped in. I couldn't let them fight alone. Their lives are already much... different from mine... I'm confident in my combat skills but even I..." His hand absentmindedly touched his stomach, a long pause before he found the voice to speak again. "Do you understand what I'm saying, Thoma?"

"Y-yes my lord!" Thoma squeaked, feeling a bit intimidated by Ayato’s intense aura. “...Is that why you’ve been avoiding Ayaka and me?”

Ayato heaved a deep sigh. “Yes… because I failed.”

Thoma was well aware of the complex Ayato had developed surrounding ‘failure’. He had deluded himself into thinking being anything less than perfect in his work was unacceptable, shameful even. And he had problems conceptualizing that not everyone felt the same. It had started around the time his father had begun training him to become clan head. He came to resent anything but perfection – to become in competition with himself. Not even his own father held him to the unachievable standards that he subjected himself to. His father was strict with him, yes. But Ayato would’ve argued he wasn’t strict enough, still. Thoma was never clear on what caused him to be so hard on himself, always too afraid to ask. Despite how much he knew about him there were so many topics he was too nervous to touch, that he wouldn’t dare ask about unless he was told.

The way Thoma understood it, Ayato had clearly felt his failure was unacceptable and was terrified that Thoma would abandon him because of it. Thoma couldn’t even begin to describe how untrue that was.

“I would never judge you for that.” Thoma said.

“I know that!” Ayato huffed, seeming a bit frazzled, “B-but… my heart doesn’t.” He whispered, touching his fingertips to his chest. “My heart has never felt so turbulent. I've never felt so irrational. I've never missed someone’s presence so intensely.” he said, “Every day I was away... I couldn't help but think of you. So often, when I needed comfort... my mind went to you. I wanted you there with me, to help me. Yet when I arrived home, I couldn’t face you. It was all my fault, so why should I have been the one to be comforted?”

“I understand why you feel that way. But I disagree. You didn’t purposefully do it, so why wouldn’t you deserve to be comforted? Besides, I’ll comfort you no matter what! That's part of my job.”

“You’re not upset?” Ayato asked.

Thoma shook his head, a gentle smile. “You’re not perfect. Neither am I. You will make mistakes. You’re human, Ayato. And I'll be here to support you through every single trial you face. But you have to let me do that. Lady Ayaka, too. She missed you, you know. She may be young, but she’s still just as worried about you as I am. Probably even more."

"She's always worried about me."

"Maybe you should talk to her."

"I made an effort to not talk to you, the one I've been craving to talk to for weeks... and you think I'd be inclined to burden my little sister with my worries?" Ayato said. The words were snappish but his tone was soft, uneasy.

"...Perhaps you're right."

"Of course I am."

Thoma rolled his eyes. "Well, you should always talk to someone. Don’t handle heavy pain alone. You’re going to end up in a really bad place doing that. You have to learn at some point. Okay?"

"Okay." Ayato said. They stood for a moment, Ayato collecting his thoughts. "The month I was away, I spent my time reflecting on how I failed. I helped watch over the Shuumatsuban who were injured, in and out of the hospital, making sure they were receiving proper care from the staff. I also took care of any… ‘outstanding’ issues. I should have contacted you or Ayaka in some way, but every time I looked at the state of health of the Shuumatsuban… I grew more and more petrified. The day I returned home was the day the last girl finally opened her eyes. When she saw me sitting there waiting at her bedside… she smiled. She told me she heard me talking to her in her dreams. I told her what had happened, that it was my fault. She wasn’t angry. She forgave me. She thanked me. After I ensured her safe return, I had to leave. I couldn’t understand how she could thank me for something like that.”

They were both silent for a while. Thoma, waiting patiently for Ayato to finish, and Ayato, biting back the emotions swirling around his chest. “From today on... I vow to only handle things pertaining specifically to the clan head. I vow that no more will be needlessly hurt. I vow to honor the position of Commissioner, to honor my father."

"Of course, my lord. You do."

"Perhaps... but there's much more I can do to honor them." Ayato said. There was a fire in his eyes. Thoma could feel the pain behind his words, the determination in his tone.

"I agree. You're young in your position. You're only 19. It's expected that you have to grow into these big shoes of yours." he said, reaching a hand out and placing it on Ayato’s shoulders. “And I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.”

“Thank you, Thoma.” Ayato said. And he really meant it.

The pair began walking again, Ayato reaching out and intertwining his fingers with Thoma’s. They stayed like this for a while, enjoying the cool night air. Thoma glanced at Ayato from the corner of his eye every once and a while.

Ayato had finally opened up to him again. It was a lot more intense than he remembered it being when they were younger. Perhaps in some form, Ayato intimidated him now. He wondered if he’d said enough, if he’d really comforted Ayato in the way he craved.

Ayato had a brilliant mind. He applied every ounce of that brilliance in his work. But at home, when he was in private, with only Thoma at his side… He was just like any other man his age. Thoma wondered if Ayato allowed anyone else to see this side of him. Something told Thoma that the answer was no.

"Thoma?" Ayato said, interrupting the deep train of thought Thoma had been riding.

"Yes, my lord?"

"I deeply apologize for my recent behavior. I won't keep making mistakes with you."

"Y-you're not!" Thoma spluttered, taken aback by his declaration.

Ayato shook his head, his hand squeezing Thoma’s. "I am. There's no excuse for my actions except cowardice."

"I-It’s okay! I get it now, I’m not upset!"

Ayato stopped walking, Thoma jutting back a little when he felt a tug. Ayato stepped down onto the same step as him, moving so close that his foot rested between Thoma’s, their bodies grazing together.

"Thoma. I like you." he said.

"I-I know!" Thoma flustered. The cool night air tickled their skin, Ayato’s hair blowing in his face.

"So be mine." he said.

Thoma blushed, “M-my lord...?"

"Will you be mine?" He asked more urgently, leaning in, their lips brushing together.

"Y-yes my lord!" Thoma blurted out, butterflies welling in his stomach.

"No. Say it again, but this time use my name." Ayato whispered.

"Yes, Ayato..." Thoma breathed.

Ayato kissed him, letting go of his hand and wrapping his arms tightly around his waist. Thoma’s arms instinctively folded around his shoulders, a surprised gasp when Ayato walked him back into the rocky wall, slipping his tongue in his mouth. His tongue was warm and hot, pushing against Thoma’s until he submitted himself to the feeling, accidentally whimpering.

Heat erupted inside of Thoma's body and he quickly pushed Ayato away, whispering intensely, "We should not be doing this here, Ayato!"

"You sound like my retainers." Ayato teased, taking note of how Thoma still clung to him.

"Let's leave!" Thoma huffed, shaking the smoke from his head.

The road back home was long. They listened to the sound of the owls hooting, the dogs howling, the constant chirp of the bugs, the overwhelming hum of electro. The wind blew, cooling the heat beneath Thoma’s cheeks. Leaves from the sakura tree gently fell to the ground, Ayato catching one and handing it to Thoma who simply smiled and released it back into the air. They stumbled upon a friendly fox who rubbed against Ayato’s legs, Thoma giggling as Ayato grimaced. He knew Ayato well enough to know that he’d be thinking of the dirt that was being imprinted on his pristine white pants. Thoma offered to clean them for him later.

As they hit the bottom of the passageway to the shrine, Thoma reached his hand out to hold Ayato's. "Do you feel better now?" he asked.

Ayato looked up at the stars, wistfully. "My mother was always the one who put all her faith in the gods. She believed that the Kamisato Clan were born to protect the deities."

"Do you?" Thoma asked. Ayato didn’t speak of his parents much anymore. Especially not his mother.

"...I think that there was a reason she believed that. Whatever it was, I must say that after visiting the Shrine, I feel much more at peace with what happened. Some part of me feels like I spoke to her while I was there. I think she would’ve liked the fact we came here tonight. More than anything, it was a nice reminder of why I'm doing this." Ayato reminisced.

It had been so very long since Ayato was this freely honest with him. Thoma felt relief in his heart. As if he had finally beat down Ayato’s incredibly well-fortified defenses, catching a glimpse of the boy he knew again. "Why are you?" he asked.

"To protect the Yashiro Commission, the Kamisato Clan, my family, and you."

"That's a heavy burden," Thoma said, squeezing Ayato’s hand.

"Are you sure you don't want to leave?" Ayato joked, looking at him.

Thoma shook his head, a warm smile. "I'm yours, Ayato."

A smile spread across Ayato’s face. A real one – his first real smile since he had returned. "Yes. You're mine."

“Mine.” Ayato said desirously, pushing his wet fingers deep inside of him, “All mine.”

“A-Ayato!” Thoma gasped out, his back arching as Ayato sucked at the skin of his hip, marking him to show Thoma who he belonged to… and Thoma loved it.

“O-one more…” he begged, heat pooling at the bottom of his stomach as he felt Ayato crawl up between his legs, kissing him on the lips.

“You’re so dirty,” Ayato chuckled, “Wanting me to mark your skin where only your eyes can see… I wouldn’t have thought you’d enjoy that.”

Thoma blushed furiously, covering his mouth with his hands, “W-well… I do…” he muttered and Ayato used his free hand to move his hands away from his face.

“One more. Where do you want it?”

Thoma pointed to his chest, a nervous swallow.

“That’s cutting it a bit close, isn’t it? What if someone sees?”

For some reason, the risk is what made it so appealing. But Thoma couldn’t express that. He just pointed at his chest again and Ayato exhaled amusedly.

“Fine. As you wish.” His lips made contact with Thoma’s chest and Thoma squirmed, holding his breath until Ayato moved away. “Happy now?”

Thoma nodded quickly and Ayato smiled, kissing him on the lips again, “This is so juvenile of you.”

“Is not!” Thoma contested, his eyes clenching shut when Ayato backed away, pulling his fingers out of him and pressing Thoma’s legs against his stomach.

“You’re not helping your case.”

Thoma started to object but he held his tongue, watching in the dark as Ayato pulled himself out of his underwear.

They came straight here from the Shrine. Thoma begged Ayato to consider doing it in his room this time. After the night Ayato showed up at his door, he wanted to know what it felt like to have Ayato touching him in his bed, lying atop his sheets, having his way with him in his room. Plus… for sentimental reasons, Thoma wanted to commemorate their newly-blossomed relationship here. So they were on Thoma’s much smaller bed. Neither of them seemed to mind, though.

“Are you going to put it in?”

“Don’t you want me to?”

“Y-yes!” Thoma said, “Don’t worry about being gentle… I practiced.”

“You practiced?” Ayato asked incredulously. “With what?”

Thoma opened his mouth to speak, but an intense wave of shyness overcame him. “N-nothing…” he whispered and Ayato rolled his eyes.

“So while I was gone, you spent your free time fucking yourself?” he asked.

Thoma gasped, sitting up, “A-Ayato!”

“What is it?”

“Y-you have t-to stop s-saying that word…!” he pleaded, his skin bright red.

Ayato pressed his palm against his chest and shoved him back down onto the bed. “No.” Ayato asserted. “It makes you squirm… and I love watching you squirm.”

Thoma whimpered, his heart thumping, “W-whatever… just put it in…” he mumbled, looking away from him.

Ayato shoved inside of him with little trouble this time, immersing himself in the tight, wet warmth of Thoma. He wrapped his hand firmly around Thoma’s hip, waiting a moment to collect his bearings.

“Y’okay?” Thoma asked, wincing a bit at the feeling of Ayato being inside of him again. He had practiced… but he was quickly realizing it was nothing compared to the real thing.

“Perfect,” Ayato whispered, feeling Thoma’s walls clench around him. “You’re very tight.”

“S-sorry,” Thoma said but Ayato shook his head.

“It wasn’t a complaint. You feel amazing.” he said, pulling out slightly before pushing back in. Thoma really was incredibly tight tonight. Ayato wasn’t sure how long he would last, but he shook the concern from his head, starting to thrust into him, biting down hard onto his bottom lip. The more he thrust, the more Thoma seemed to whimper, grabbing his pillow and hugging it over his face to muffle himself. It wasn’t very effective… but Ayato didn’t ask him to stop. It allowed him to let loose, pounding into Thoma, no concern for what his face looked like, how much of a fool he was making of himself.

Ayato had missed this feeling so much. It was incredible how much better he felt being able to talk to Thoma. He felt whole again.

He grabbed Thoma’s thighs and hugged them against his chest, Thoma’s calves thrown over his shoulders as he pressed even deeper inside of him. Thoma groaned, beginning to writhe, hugging the pillow so close to his face that Ayato was certain he had to be suffocating himself.

Ayato heard him say something, but he couldn’t make out quite what it was. He reached down and removed the pillow. “What is it?”

There were tears in Thoma’s eyes. Ayato was taken aback, starting to pull out, but Thoma spoke up. “Harder…” he said and Ayato’s eyes widened.

“Pardon me?” he asked, unsure if he’d heard him correctly.

“Harder, Ayato!” he begged and Ayato blew air from his mouth, quickly obliging.

He pulled out, rolling Thoma over onto his stomach and raising his hips, legs on either side of him, pressing his tip against Thoma’s hole again and grunting as he made it all the way in. Thoma buried his face in his sheets, a loud sigh of relief as Ayato began pounding into him with fast, hard strokes. His body jerked forward with each slam, the sound of slapping skin echoing throughout the room.

“Yes! Oh, yes! Thank you!” Thoma exclaimed. He couldn’t help but think of all the time he’d spent laboring over whether or not Ayato would want to do this with him again. It seemed rather silly now that they were here.

They kept up like this for a while, Thoma sporadically crying out “yes!” when Ayato hit inside of him just right. Ayato began to pant. Harsh, unfiltered moans. Chills ran up Thoma back at the unexpected noises, going quiet in order to listen.

Suddenly Ayato stopped, pulling out of Thoma and collapsing next to him on the bed, rolling over onto his back. “S-sorry…” he apologized, gritting his teeth.

Thoma pushed himself up to his knees, peering through the dark to see Ayato’s face. “A-are you alright, my lord?!”

Ayato touched his stomach over his bandage, a weary chuckle. “It seems I still need to recover,” he replied softly, taking Thoma’s hand in his. “You’ll have to take over again.”

“Oh no! I-I forgot! I’m so sorry, my lord–”

“It’s okay, Thoma. Come here,” he said, lifting Thoma onto his lap. Thoma flustered a bit, realizing what Ayato wanted him to do. He quickly shoved his nervousness aside, wrapping his fingers around Ayato’s shaft and slowly sitting down on his cock. As soon as he reached the base, he pressed his hands against Ayato’s chest, swallowing hard.

“S-sorry if I’m no good at this…” he apologized in advance. He’d never once in his life imagined himself moving his body in this way.

“You’ll be perfect, Thoma. You always are.” Ayato said encouragingly, running his thumb over Thoma’s hand. “I promise.”

Thoma accepted his motivation, pushing himself up before sitting back down on him again. This… This was incredibly different! His blush deepened rapidly, raising himself again before sitting back down. He could only imagine how lewd he must have appeared. After all, his entire body was on display like this… Ayato could see all of him and there was no way to hide it. He let out a nervous chuckle, “M-my lord…?” he called out softly, starting to pick up his pace.

Ayato licked his lips, having moved his hands to Thoma’s waist, his grip tightening the more Thoma moved. “Y-yes..?”

Thoma sat up straight now, beginning to ride him more freely, “I don’t think I’ll last very long…” he said. He felt entirely too aroused to keep this up.

“M-me neither…” Ayato agreed. With the moonlight from the window shining down on Thoma’s body like this… and the way Thoma looked as he rolled his hips… going up and down, his cock gently bouncing between his legs… Ayato was quickly becoming overwhelmed. “You’re so handsome,” Ayato said suddenly. He wasn’t sure he’d ever told him that before. Or if he’d ever even complimented Thoma on his looks at all.

Thoma’s face lit up from the simple praise and he rode him faster. He felt completely stuffed. His thighs were already starting to burn, but he ignored it. He loved the feeling of Ayato inside of him too much to stop. To be able to please Ayato in this way... It made him so happy. He felt Ayato’s fingers press into him, observed the way Ayato couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off of him. Any embarrassment he could possibly have had flew away. Ayato loved this. Anyone could see that. It made Thoma feel special… powerful, confident. He rode him even faster, his eyes clenched shut, pushing himself to his limit.

Ayato’s desire grew. He began thrusting into Thoma, his hips meeting his ass, gripping Thoma’s waist so hard that Thoma’s nails dug into his hands in response, panting. “N-ngh! Ayato!” he groaned, his head tilting back when Ayato fucked into him hard and fast. “D-do you want me to cum?!” he cried out, his thighs squeezing together, attempting to push himself up from Ayato’s lap.

“Yes.” Ayato said, forcing him to sit back down on his cock. Thoma choked out a moan, suddenly feeling overwhelmingly full.

“O-oh…” he murmured, wrapping his hand around his own shaft, stroking himself hurriedly as Ayato resumed his merciless rhythm without hesitation.

Thoma felt pleasure shoot through his body and clasped his hands over his head, trying to keep from making a mess all over Ayato, who he assumed would hate to be covered in cum… But he was too late. His cum shot all over Ayato’s stomach, even onto his bandage.

Ayato ignored the event, continuing as if nothing had happened at all. Thoma felt his sensitivity increase but his cock remained hard. He bit back his whine as Ayato softly pushed him off of his lap, reaching down and stroking himself.

“Wait!” Thoma said and he wriggled down between Ayato’s legs, wrapping his lips around the head. Ayato wasted no time, taking Thoma by the back of his hair and pumping into his mouth over and over until his hips stuttered, head jolting back. Thoma felt him throb inside of his mouth before Ayato pulled out slowly, his cum following, pooling onto his crotch.

Thoma froze, mouth agape, in shock. Ayato took a moment to gently press his jaw closed. “Swallow next time, dear.” he said and Thoma yelped, snapped back to reality.

“S-sorry!” he apologized, “I-I… I didn’t realize you…” He seemed a bit frazzled. Ayato chuckled softly.

“It’s okay.”

Thoma quickly got up and grabbed a towel, bringing it back and wiping Ayato off. “I tried not to get you dirty, my lord, but I was too late!”

“Thoma. It’s okay. Come here.” he said, guiding Thoma back onto the bed, hugging him close. “It’s you. I don’t mind.”

“O-oh!” Thoma bewildered. “R-really…?”

“Yes, Thoma.” Ayato said, kissing whatever part of his skin was closest to him, running his fingers through his hair. “So enough apologizing. I’m the one who is supposed to be apologizing tonight.”

“Sorr–” he stopped himself, “Okay, my lord.”

Thoma shifted on top of him and Ayato felt Thoma’s still-hard shaft rub against his thigh.

“Was that not enough for you?” Ayato asked, a raised brow.

“W-what?”

“You’re still hard.” Ayato hummed, hugging him a bit closer. “Do you want to keep going?”

“Oh, that! I think I’m just really pent up from how long it’s been since we did this. It’ll go away! I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you!”

“Either I satisfy you or I don’t deserve to touch you at all.” Ayato said and though slightly dramatic, Thoma still blushed.

“T-then do what you’d like…” Thoma replied, yelping when Ayato lifted him up by his waist. Ayato remained lying down, his head propped against the pillows. He made Thoma straddle his chest, moving Thoma’s hips close enough that he could wrap his lips around his shaft, already beginning to suck him. Thoma’s thighs wobbled, buzzing with soreness from having ridden him, only amplified when Ayato made him hover over him like this.

Ayato placed his palms against Thoma’s rear, guiding him in and out of his mouth, his eyelids fluttering closed as Thoma grabbed onto the headboard to keep upright, peering down at Ayato’s face. He looked content… like he was enjoying doing this.

Thoma took control, humping into Ayato’s mouth, watching curiously as Ayato’s eyebrows furrowed, a low hum rumbling in his chest. He continued this way, Ayato allowing him to, surprised at how immoral it felt to thrust into Ayato’s mouth. He kept thinking about the fact Ayato was a noble… and how undignified this was… and how incredibly hot it was for a noble to let him defile him like this. And…

He felt himself cum almost instantly, having absentmindedly picked up his pace a bit too much. He quickly pulled out, “Ah–!”

Ayato ran his tongue over his lips, pushing Thoma down onto his lap and sitting up now.

Thoma had just cum in Ayato’s mouth?! On accident?!

“M-my lord, I…” Oh archons, there was no good excuse for this.

Alarms and sirens were going off in Thoma’s mind, panic, denial, and confused arousal causing his head to spin before he felt Ayato’s lips press against his, his body completely freezing. Ayato forced his tongue into his mouth and instantly he tasted it…

Ayato just–!

Thoma’s sense of thought fizzled out, the butterflies in his stomach leaping at the idea of what was currently occurring. Ayato pulled away once he was satisfied.

Silence.

Stunned silence.

Ayato was the first to break it. “Well?”

Thoma’s mouth opened and closed several times before he let out an “Oh!” and nothing else.

“Are you satisfied now?” Ayato asked. Thoma could sense the devious smile on his face.

Thoma nodded feebly.

“Good. Cumming in my mouth like that…” he scoffed, “I didn’t think you’d do something so bold.”

Thoma opened his mouth again, but he stopped himself.

“What is it? Speak.”

Thoma attempted to speak once more… but this time he laughed. Right in Ayato’s face. He laughed so hard he clutched onto his stomach, falling backward and becoming inconsolable.

Ayato waited patiently for him to stop, an amused grin touching his lips. When Thoma finally recovered, he sat up, tears in his eyes, looking at Ayato incredulously.

“Why would you do that?!” he asked, still giggling to himself.

“You came in my mouth.”

“Then swallow it, dear.” Thoma retorted, imitating Ayato.

“Oh, you’re feeling daring tonight.” Ayato gasped, taking Thoma in his arms and tackling him down, tickling his sides in the way he did when they were younger.

Thoma howled, his legs kicking in retaliation, “N-no! S-stop! Ayato! I’m sorry!”

“You’re out of control.” Ayato hummed, letting go of him and leaning down, planting a kiss on the tip of his nose. “I leave for a month and you forget your place.” Ayato sighed. “I guess I’ll just have to make sure the lesson sticks this time.”

Thoma leaned in and pressed their lips together, wrapped his arms around Ayato’s shoulders, hugging him close. “I guess you will. But for now, truce?”

“Truce.”

They bundled together under the covers, both finally calming down and relaxing. Thoma held Ayato in his arms, Ayato laying on top of him.

“Do you like being the little spoon?” Thoma asked.

Ayato, having nearly dozed off, popped open an eye. “The what?”

“You know, like I’m the big spoon right now and you’re the little spoon!” Thoma said.

“...I'm not sure that I should dignify that with a response.”

“Come on, Ayato. Humor me.”

“Hmm… Yes, I do.”

Thoma smiled. “I thought so.”

They were quiet for a long while, exhaustion washing over them. After they had both taken trips to and from the Grand Narukami Shrine, their energy had completely depleted itself. “Are you sleepy?” Thoma asked.

“Mm.”

“Are you going to sleep?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I want to keep talking to you…” Ayato said, hugging him a bit closer.

Thoma ran his fingers through Ayato’s hair, gently massaging his scalp with his fingertips. “Me too. Then let’s stay up. Like when we were younger.”

“Mm.”

They always used to stay up late into the night talking when they were younger. Even if they’d spent the whole day together already, they always seemed to have more to say. However, since Ayato had started training to be clan head, he’d begun taking sleep extremely seriously. He always made sure he got enough rest to do his best the next day.

“Are your eyes open?” Thoma asked.

“Mm…”

Thoma peered down, seeing Ayato’s blue lashes tickling his cheeks.

“Liar.”

Ayato sleepily chuckled, “Mmm.”

Neither was sure how much time had passed before the other spoke again.

“You’re going to fall asleep,” Thoma said.

Ayato had devolved from short grunts into simply shaking his head ‘no’.

“Yes you are.”

“I missed you,” Ayato mumbled out.

“Y-you’ve already said that…” Thoma flustered.

“Good. Because I missed you.” Ayato whispered.

Thoma’s face scrunched up into a flattered smile. “You’re cute.” he said.

“So are you.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I think you're perfect. In every way.”

“R-really?”

Ayato hummed in affirmation. “You're extremely attractive. I always crave you.”

“Y-y-you’re really straightforward when you're sleepy!” Thoma said, taken aback.

Ayato opened his eyes, leaning in, “So take advantage of that. Ask me whatever you want.”

“Is that okay to do?”

“Hmm. So now the peeping Tom has morals?” Ayato jabbed.

“F-fine! W-while you were away… did you touch yourself thinking of me?”

“Didn’t take you very long to think of that. Yes, I did.”

“H-how many times?” Thoma asked.

“I’m not sure. Once a day?”

Thoma adjusted himself, feeling heat begin to pool in his groin. “Haaah… d-did it feel good?”

“So good. But nowhere near as good as tonight. Did you touch yourself thinking of me?”

“U-um…” Thoma was feeling very hot all of a sudden. “I… I tried.”

“And?”

“I got too shy, so I stopped.”

Ayato chuckled. “Sounds like you.”

Thoma let out a shaky breath. “Ayato… I-I can’t imagine you touching yourself…”

“Next time I’m away I’ll call you so you can hear.” Thoma squirmed a little, imagining it. “You would like that wouldn’t you?”

“Yes… yes, please yes.”

Ayato smirked. “I’ll have to get you a personal phone. So I can hear you too.”

“P-please…” Thoma begged, as if the word was ripped out of him.

“Consider it done,” Ayato said. His eyebrows furrowed, feeling something pressed against him. “You’re hard again.”

“I-I know!”

The conversation died off for the final time. Before they knew it, they were both fast asleep.

An hour passed before the sun began to rise.

Ayato was the first to wake up, squinting hard, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He nudged Thoma awake who groaned loudly before pushing himself upright.

“Sorry,” Thoma said. “I should have made us go to bed.” His voice was terribly raspy, almost frightening if Ayato hadn’t already expected it.

“Don’t be,” Ayato replied. “I wouldn’t have spent my night any other way. I feel so much better now. I’m going to go get ready. You do the same.”

“Sir yes sir!” he croaked.

Thoma collapsed back against the bed for a few minutes before getting up. When he finally did, he trudged over to his mirror, taking a look at himself.

His heart thumped, having forgotten about the marks Ayato had left behind. He touched the one on his hip, a giddy smile absorbing his face. “Mine.” he whispered to himself, like Ayato had said it. “You’re mine.” he said again, happiness bubbling in his chest. He touched the one on his chest and sighed cheerfully, spinning in a circle, embarrassing as it was, relishing in the feeling of knowing he belonged to Ayato.

He stopped abruptly in his tracks, realizing the opposite was true too. Ayato was his… the Commissioner of the Yashiro Commission… The Head of the Kamisato Clan… belonged to him.

Ayato could have anyone he could ever dream of. He was handsome, cunning, brilliant, insanely desirable to both men and women… and he chose Thoma!

Thoma’s smile had grown so wide it was starting to hurt his face. He brushed his teeth, continuing to glance down at the mark on his chest as he got ready to start his day.

Ayaka squinted at the happy Thoma, sitting down at the stool at the counter, watching him cook breakfast while he danced around the kitchen, singing to himself.

Thoma took notice, nervously looking back at her from the corner of his eye. He stopped singing and reached behind himself, tightening his apron.

“U-um, m-my lady, a-are you… okay?” he asked, turning to look at her fully now.

She stopped squinting, absentmindedly tracing her finger on the counter. “Oh, it’s nothing,” she said.

“O-oh! Good–”

“It’s just, Ayato said hello to me this morning for the first time since his return. You’re up quite early too, smiling and singing to yourself.”

“W-what’s so interesting about that?”

“Hmm… Ayato left you a letter yesterday and I happened to notice both of you were gone for a long while last night… Plus, both of you woke up around the same time… in an abnormally good mood.”

“M-my lady!”

“I won’t say anything! Just… I’m curious, is all.” she said. She was smiling, but it caused terrified shivers to run up Thoma’s spine.

“W-w-well… U-um!” What was he supposed to say now?!

“Are you giving him a hard time?” Ayato asked, entering the kitchen. Thoma heaved a sigh of relief. His savior had arrived!

“N-no!” she spluttered, “Aha, good morning big brother!”

“We’ve already said our good mornings.”

“W-well I’m going to Komore Teahouse! Would either of you like to join me?” They stared at her in silence. “P-probably not… Hehe... Okay well bye!” she blurted out, rushing off before either of them could respond to her.

“Hmm. She’s acting odd.” Ayato looked over at Thoma. “And you’re blushing. She knows, doesn’t she?”

“Wh– How could you possibly know that?!” Thoma groaned.

“Ayaka and I are more well connected than you thought, aren’t we? We have sibling intuition.”

“D-don’t be proud of that right now! She knows! And I didn’t tell her!”

“You wouldn’t have to.” Ayato sighed. “It’s written all over your face. You’re practically glowing.”

“I’m not!”

“You are.”

“If you keep teasing me I won’t finish your breakfast. Besides, Ayaka said you were in an abnormally good mood this morning too! So you’re equally to blame!” Thoma huffed, turning away from him and refocusing his attention back on the food.

“Is that for me?” Ayato asked, completely ignoring the second half of Thoma’s rebuttal.

“Of course it is!” Thoma said, his hands moving faster.

Ayato let out a light chuckle. “You’re so incredibly fun to mess with, Thoma. Watching you squirm truly is a delight.”

“So you’ve said!” Thoma grumbled, “That’s the last straw. You talk to Ayaka. You’re her brother after all!”

“Yet she came to you. Seems you’ll have to handle it.”

Thoma gasped, whirling around, waving his cooking utensil at him. “You’re the head of the Kamisato Clan! And her brother! I’m just a housekeeper! So you do it!”

“No thank you.”

Thoma squinted long and hard at him before turning back around. “Sit down and wait for your breakfast.”

“So you’re still making it?”

Thoma rattled his fist at him from behind. “Obviously!”

Ayato laughed, a sincere laugh, sitting down as he was told. “I look forward to finding out what my boyfriend makes for me.”

Thoma immediately softened, blushing. In the blink of an eye, Thoma decided he would no longer be making Ayato’s meal with ire… but with affection. “You’re exhausting,” Thoma grumbled.

“I know,” Ayato smiled.