✦ I only write for fem!reader since that is what I am most comfortable writing.
✦ I will write anything from fluff, smut, comfort, hurt, and my favorite, angst (teehee). I'm not sensitive to dark topics unless they're super weird so just don't be weird.
✦ Characters I will write for: Childe, Kazuha, Thoma, Xiao, Albedo, Gorou, Ayato, Heizou, Alhaithem, Wriothesley, and Scaramouche.
✦ I do not write modern AUs. I strictly write for the Teyvat universe only.
✦ You can request but I'll only pick prompts I like and if I have time.
✦ FYI, some stories are NSFW! They are marked accordingly, so read at your own risk.
✧ FICS:
✦ Childe:
NSFW
Shop Owner *strictly NSFW
✦ Kazuha:
SFW
Stay *jealousy, hurt/comfort
✦ Thoma:
SFW
Beautiful (pt one) *fake dating, angst
Dandelion (pt two to "beautiful") *fake dating, happy ending
✦ Xiao:
SFW
Forever Yours (pt one) *enemies to lovers
NSFW
Love Me More (pt two to "forever yours") *hurt/comfort, NSFW
Albedo seems to have his eyes on someone else, but is that really it?
The request: Hello there, good morning! I hope youre doing well :> I was wondering if you have seen the show Friends before, and if you have, I was wondering if you could do a sort of thing like the episode where Ross and Julie are being lovey-dovey and Rachel's tired of it for Albedo Kazuha and Scaramouche? Thanks!
Response: Hii! Of course, I love Friends! But ill be splitting this into a few different posts, one for each character sense I didnt expect for these fics to be so long °^°
Slight angst to comfort, its not said who Albedo is dating but its a girl, implied that the reader has a crush on Albedo, idk how to spell labritory so i just say lab alot, oh yeah and this takes place in Dragonspine, also i got VERY VERY VERY lazy at the end so the ending is rushed >:7 also not beta read
Hi everyone, thank you for the support on my last fanfic. Dont forget that i am taking requests right now, so dont be afraid to request anything. Just no smut >:/ a masterlist is in the making, so yeah :) have a good day/night everybody! youre probably able to tell who my favorite genshin character is by now, also i think my English got alot better dont you guys think so too?? :)
Albedo
Youve really never seen Albedo this social before. Sure he talked time to time, to you at least; you both had to. You worked together. But hes usually only muttered a quick "thank you" or a "hand me ___ please". Even though you both work together, its like youve never heard his voice. The same applies to you though, you dont really talk to him outside of your work so your own voice is pretty much unknown to him.
However, there was always something about him that caught your attention. The way he was so focused on his studies, how he listened carefully every time someone talked— would he do that for you too? Would he put effort into your guys' friendship? The way he would gently pat your shoulder when it was time for the two of you to go home— would he do more than that? Would he want to go further with you?
You'd sometimes be so wrapped up in your own thoughts that you dont even notice Albedo staring right back at you, sometimes a smile on his face or just a blank expression. He knew that you were curious about him. And thats why he finally decided to speak to you a while ago.
"Ive noticed how youve been looking at me lately," He would say im a hushed voice next to you, standing behind you as you sat in your chair in Albedo's small lab. Youve been commissioned to work there a few times— it was like a second workspace. "Is there something that I should know?"
"Oh, yeah." You awkwardly chucked, looking behind yourself to see Albedo staring right back to you. "Uh, ive just been spacing out, thats all."
Albedo hummed in response, his lips twisted in a smirk. "Ive been wanting to know more about you. Its a shame that we arent able to properly cooperate with each other, yet we are forced to work together." You shrugged laughed once again.
"I mean, youve always been so quiet, so..." It then went silent, Albedo was thinking of what to say next.
"Ive only been quiet because you havent spoken." He replied, backing away from the chair. "I think we should speak more. It would be nice to have someone to speak to while I work."
"Ah, yeah. It would be nice."
The conversation awkwardly ended there, as Albedo went back to his table to begin working once more. You, however, wasnt able to finish your assignment. You kept thinking about the recent conversation you both had, which unabled you to get your mind straight. But you did somehow.
But then, as you recalled the past events, you heard the sound of a telephone ringing next to you. You both had a silent yet mutual agreement that, for whatever reason, the lab telephone would stay next to you. You did have the better "formal speaking voice" anyways,
"Y/n L/n, alchemist at the Knights of Favonius— how may I help you?" You spoke, sitting up straight in your seat. Albedo glanced over to you for a brief moment, listening to you speak.
"...The chief alchemist? Um... no, im not— ...oh, Albedo is the one youre looking for? Sure sure, one moment." You looked over to the man sitting near you and pointed at the phone, noticing Albedo already looking at you.
"Sounded like a girl. She was looking for you." You shrugged as Albedo stood up and grabbed the phone from your hands.
"I see. While I take this call, do you think you could finish my project? I have a feeling you'd be able to finish it faster than I can. The notes are on the table." You nodded and made your way over to his table as you heard him begin to speak.
As you finished the project Albedo had started, you recalled your guys' previous discussions over the past few weeks. You remembered a specific conversation you both had not too long ago, something about your love life.
"Hey Albedo," You called, the man in question turning to face you. "I have a question for you."
"Hm? What is it?" You were a bit nervous, it didnt feel like the right time to ask something like this but you really wanted to know.
"...Do you like anybody? Or, do you have a crush on anyone? Are you even single?" You blurted out, staring straight into his eyes. His eyes widened before he began to chuckle at your question.
"Oh my, is there a reason for asking me this?" He asked, laughter still in his voice. "Mmm, I do like someone. We arent... very close, but talking to them makes me feel something... why do you ask?"
It was your turn to widen your eyes, you felt your face heat up at his answer. "Nothing—! I just, you know, youre so quiet so I was curious if you were in a relationship." You pursed your lips and squinted. "Who do you like?"
"...I cant tell you at the moment. Im afraid you might tell them," He smiled and shook his hesd. "Now, if thats all you had to inquire me about then I suppose I'll get back to work."
Thats right, he liked someone. Someone who he isnt very close with— you, perhaps? That would be great if it was you. It would mean that you both had mutual feelings.
However, as you were lost in your daydreams, you heard laughter coming from Albedo. You turned towards him, seeing a slight tint of redness on his face.
"You really didnt have to do that, darling. I didnt— ...Youre too amusing. I'll see you soon, then. ...Alright, I love you. Goodbye."
Your eyes widened in shock at what you heard. But when you were about to ask yourself another question, Albedo continued.
"Hm, I love you more. ...No, I love you more. ...Yes, I do— No, I love you more. ...Fine then, we can both hang up at the same time." He wore a smile on his face througout the call, you noticed. "Alright, three... two... one...— You didnt even hang up. ...Well, youre right. Okay okay I have to get back to work now, I'll talk later. ...Alright, goodbye now darling."
You quickly turned back around, finishing Albedo's project for him as he hung up the phone and walked over to you.
"Have you finished yet?" He asked, placing his hand on the chair. You shook your head, not looking up at him.
"Almost." Is all you said. Albedo hummed, watching you tinker with different mixtures and what not, until you finally got the elixir that Albedo couldnt make.
"Ah, you did it. I knew you could do it." He smiled as you stood up and shrugged.
"It wasnt hard." You said, walking back to your own seat. Albedo watched you leave, usually you would attempt to talk to him more but he noticed that you were... rather quick to end your conversation.
The next few days went on slowly, you were devestated at the fact that he already had a girlfriend it seemed, and that you now had to deal with the burden of hearing how romantic he was with her.
You usually got calls every day now from the same girl— you didint know her but its not like you wanted to either. She sounded very sweet though.
As you got another call, you sighed as you picked up the phone. "Y/n, Knights of Favonius. What do you want?" You sluggishly asked, catching Albedos attention. You werent usually this improper when answering calls, but you seemed as if you were annoyed. Well it would make sense, youve been hearing the same womans voice over the past 6 days over and over again.
"...Mhm, okay. ...Uh-huh, I know who you wanna talk to." You rolled your eyes and pointed at the phone, standing up and the alchemist walked over to you.
"Do you think you can—" Albedo began, but you shook your head.
"Im going out for a while." You quickly cut him off, hurrying out the door. You were tired of hearing how romantic those two were; Albedo and the girl. It felt like he was mocking you at the fact that your crush was in a stable and amazing relationship that you couldnt have.
It was tiring having to find a way to get rid of your crush.
A few minutes later, after just sitting outside and getting some fresh air, you heard Albedos voice.
"Y/n, I expected you to be far from the lab." He said, coming up next to you and sitting down. "Is everything alright? You seem irritated."
"Mhm, everythings okay." You said, looking away from him. "Im fine, dont worry."
"Did I do something to make you feel this way?" He asked, putting a hand on your shoulder. Your eyes widened for a moment before you auickly brushed his hand off.
"Im fine, I said. Just go back and work, ill be there in a second." You frowned, still not facing him. You could hear him sigh as he stood up, beginning to walk back into the lab.
"...Please let me know if I can do anything to help you."
~~~
A few minutes passed and you finally decided to come back into the lab, noticing that Albedo was talking on the phone once again. Thats when you began to think, maybe it was better to just begin working somewhere else. It was bothersome and heartbreaking to hear how lovey-dovey Albedo was with this new girlfriend of his, and it hurt your heart everytime because you still felt something towards him.
So the next day, when you had finally got the green light from Master Jean to move labritories, Albedo was very, very confused.
He came in early in the morning, expecting to be the first one there until he saw you putting your items from your desk into boxes.
"Oh, are we moving areas?" He asked, expecting an answer from you. But instead, you stayed silent, continuing to pack everything up. He walked over to you, standing in front of you now. "Y/n? Are we going to a new lab? I could help pack up my things,"
"No, youre not." You spoke in a bitter tone. "Dont worry about what I do, you should maybe go talk to that girlfriend of yours and tell her how in love you are with her." The alchemist furrowed his eyebrows and crossed his arms.
"Really now, this is what this is about? Youre leaving because you found out that Im dating someone?" He chuckled. "Did you even get permission from Master Jean?"
"Mhm, I did." You finally looked up at him, a glare in your eyes. "But why does it matter to you?"
"Because we work together...? I cant work alone in here."
"Then why dont you invite your girlfriend over? That way she wont have to be a bother to me and you will have some company." You walked past him and to the door, placing down the box in your hands.
"Seriously. Youre moving to a different workstation because Im in a relationship? This is what thats about?" His voice began to raise. "I understand that youre... jealous, perhaps, but that doesnt mean we arent partners anymore."
"I never said that. We can continue to be partners, sure, but I just cant do this anymore. Im tired of it, of hearing her voice ask for you everyday."
"And why is that?"
"Because I like you, Albedo. And its just really hurting me to hear you both talk to each other like that." You sighed, it felt good to finally get it out of your system but you saw Albedo's eyes widen.
"...Huh?" He said, taking a step back. "You like me? I never expected that..."
"...Really now?" You shook your head. "Bye, I'll come by later to drop off some papers."
And with that, you left.
~~~
Even though you both didnt have a "friendship", it was still sad to see your empty desk in the labritory. Albedo barely even talked to his girlfriend in that lovely voice anymore, for some reason he just felt like it wasnt what he truly felt. So thats why he was running down the mountain in Dragonspine, running towards your own lab all the way in Mondstadt.
As he finally reached your lab, he quickly knocked on the door, out of breath. He saw you open the door, a shocked expression on your face.
"Albedo— what are you doing here?" You asked, your eyes wide and your feet shuffling.
"I wanted to apologize... I missed talking to you so much. Its out of character for me, i know, but... even though we never talked a lot, i want to talk to you, i want to become friends with you, and maybe even more. So please, come back to Dragonspine..." He quickly said, gazing straight into your eyes.
"But— your girlfriend?" He shook his head.
"I'll sort that out with her. I like you too, Y/n. We havent really spoken to each other, but I feel... an attraction to you that I cant understand why."
You processed his words for a quick moment before nodding. "Sure, I'll come back with you."
notes: i kinda imagine akaya and ayato having a relationship similar of yuki and his older brother from fruits basket cjnwfknk but if i end up being wrong idc it's canon in my head
✧
The stem of the dandelion Thoma gave you is the first thing you see every morning. You set it on your nightstand so you can start your day in a good mood.
You haven't seen Thoma since that night, partially because you both are very busy people, and partially because you're not sure how to talk to him anymore. Things were easy when you hated him, but you aren't so sure you hate him anymore...
Dare you say, you like him?
Ignoring your feelings, you start your day off as normal, by opening your shop. You unlock the register, counting your money as you usually do, and restock your items so you were ready for the day.
Anticipating a busy day, since it was a Friday, you made sure there were no distractions. That means no thoughts of Thoma taking your hand, or thoughts of Thoma gazing at your with such admiration, or thoughts of Thoma risking his job just for you, no. No thoughts what-so-ever.
Inazuma City starts to pile with people as the day went on, some people even gushing over how cute you and Thoma are. It was usually older ladies, and since this wasn't the largest town, word got around fast.
A guilty pit in your stomach resided every time someone brought the two of you up. You smiled and laughed with the older ladies, but deep down, you felt awful. Though you weren't sure if it was because you knew the relationship wasn't real, or because Thoma didn't actually like you. You knew the sham was just to get Kamisato Ayato off his back. Thoma was just using you, as you were him.
You couldn't be mad. It was your idea.
"Hey there!" A familiar chirpy voice rang through your ears, causing you to freeze up.
"T-Thoma?!" You stare dumbfounded at him. You haven't mentally prepared to see him today, and his schedule is usually packed on Fridays.
"Well hello too." He chuckles, leaning on the register. "I'm actually here on business, believe it or not."
You gulp nervously, mentally punching yourself for acting so weird in front of him. "Business you say? Are the Kamisatos requesting something from my shop?"
He nods in response. "Yes, but don't worry, I won't haggle you down this time."
"What? Because you're my 'boyfriend'?" You tease.
"Precisely." He smiles, winking at you.
You usually never succumbed to Thoma's teasing, but recently, it's been harder to keep a straight face. You felt your cheeks burn as he said that to you.
"Well, as your partner, I would feel bad giving this full price."
"Oh come on, Y/N." Thoma lowers his voice so only you could hear it. "You don't actually have to do that for me."
You shake your head. "Yes I do. If not as a partner, then as my... Friend?" You felt stupid to be wary of calling Thoma your friend, but you really didn't know if he saw you as anything more than a pawn in his plan.
You see his cheeks lightly dust pink from blushing. Flustered, he smiles at you. "Of course we're friends."
You feel your heart jump. "Then it's settled." Smiling, you gather everything Thoma needed, dropping the price down 80 percent.
"W-Woah." Thoma stutters, eyes widening at the low price. "I said you can give me a discount, this feels like I'm stealing from you."
"Nonsense." You wave him off. "It's fine. I really don't mind."
Thoma sighs, knowing he can't win this battle, and hands you the money. "You really, really didn't have to do that."
"I know." You say, placing the money in the register. "But... You've helped me a lot. With my mom. So it's the least I could do."
"Oh! That reminds me. Tomorrow is the dinner, you didn't forget, did you?"
You tried not to show the panic in your face, because you did indeed forget. "O-Of course not." You stuttered, trying not to cause Thoma any anxiety. "I remembered! It's at 5, right?"
He nods. "Yup. It's kind of a big deal, do you need help picking out an outfit? I do it for Lady Ayaka quite often."
Thinking of the your wardrobe, you really didn't have many nice outfits, but you would simply rather pass away than have Thoma see you trying clothes on.
"I got something." You lied. You really had to go shopping. "Trust me, it's perfect."
"If you say so." He grabs the items he just purchased from you. "Well thank you, again. See you tomorrow?"
You nod. "Of course. See you tomorrow, Thoma."
-
After a miserable shopping experience with your mother, you took matters into your own hands and picked out an outfit yourself. It was black and trimmed with lace and silver. You exuded a darker energy, very opposite of Thoma, and this dress felt like it truly belonged to you.
Your mother, though the devil at times, saw your anxiety about the dinner you were attending tonight, and insisted she took over the shop. You were grateful for that, because you weren't sure how you could get ready and also run the shop.
Arriving at the estate, you were met with only Ayaka. "Oh, Y/N! Right on time." She smiles at you warmly. "Please, have a seat in the dining room with me. I'm sure Thoma and my brother will be here shortly."
After spending many days in the estate, you didn't feel as out of place, but knowing you were about to meet the head of a very powerful clan, you couldn't help but shake a little.
"Might I say you look beautiful." Ayaka says, eyeing your outfit. "You are always quite pretty, but this... I can see why Thoma likes you so much."
You blush feverishly at her words, almost instinctively covering yourself up. You're not used to praise. "T-Thank you." You stutter, smiling at the ground. "It's nothing really..."
"Oh, hush. You're gorgeous. And please, don't be nervous, especially for my brother." You see her slightly roll her eyes. "He can be a lot, but surely, he is not someone you should be nervous about meeting. To put it simply, he's weird."
You giggle at how informal Ayaka can get talking about Ayato. It seems he really gets on her nerves, which is not surprising at all. As powerful as he might be, older brothers will be older brothers.
Ayaka motions for you to sit at the little table. Knowing you were nervous, she sat you across from Ayato rather than next to him. "You can sit next to Thoma and I, I know it'll make you less nervous."
You were grateful Ayaka understood your anxieties. She truly was a kind person.
"So, Y/N, have you ever seen my brother in person?"
You shake your head, a little embarrassed. "I can't say I even know what he looks like." You admit.
Ayaka giggles. "I expected as much. Both he and I do not get out in public much, though him a bit more than I." She smooths her skirt out. "Sometimes he likes to go to this boba tea place in Inazuma City. I tell him he's wasting time, and that he is already late for whatever meeting he should be attending, but he claims the tea 'calms his nerves'."
Now you're the one laughing. The more you hear about Ayato, the more intrigued you are to meet such a character. "Sounds like quite the personality."
"You have no idea." Ayaka groans.
"Sorry I'm late!" Thoma quickly walks in, out of his usual attire. His eyes make his way to you. "Woah." Was all he could muster, staring at you with longing eyes.
"See!" Ayaka turns back at you. "Look, you stunned Thoma with your beauty."
Your face must look like a tomato by now! "I uhh..." Thoma also looked quite good. He was in a much more formal outfit, and you also could not form the right words.
Both of you were at a complete standstill.
"Thoma! Tell her she looks beautiful!" Ayaka snaps.
He clears his throat, his entrancing thoughts interrupted. "S-Sorry. I was just... Caught off guard." He walks up to you, taking your hand and gently placing a kiss atop it. "You look extremely beautiful, Y/N."
You wanted to puke.
You swallow nervously. "Y-You look good too." You say quietly, both of you now blushing profusely.
Thoma made his way to sit seat right next to you, as you wait for Ayato.
"Where is that man?" Thoma groans, looking at the empty plate in front of him. "I'm hungry."
The sound of footsteps brought everyone to a halt, as your eyes were met with a sea of pale blue looking right back at you. You freeze.
This was Ayato?
His soft facial features contrasted that of a mischievous grin he seemed to sport on his face. His blue hair fell seemingly perfect, just over his eyes. He looks unreal. You gulp nervously.
He seems to be having the same reaction, as his eyes have not left your frame.
"Lord Ayato, very nice to see you." Thoma starts, finding it a little off Ayato hasn't sat down yet. "How was your trip?"
Clearing his throat, Ayato pulls his chair out. "The trip was satisfactory. We landed a great deal." He states, sitting down. "However..." He looks back at you. "I don't believe we are here to talk business..."
You didn't seem to understand your feeling at this moment. Here sat the head of a system you hated, yet you couldn't seem to take your eyes off him. He was graceful yet a little mysterious.
Thoma notices your shift in vibe and shuffles uncomfortably in his seat. "Y-Yes, of course. This is Y/N, my girlfriend."
You lightly gasp at the word.
Girlfriend.
No man has ever called you that.
Trying to look as unphased as possible, you only nod at Ayato in response. "Yes, hello Lord Kamisato Ayato, pleasure to meet you." You bow your head down slowly.
"Please, no need to be so formal." Ayato says.
You keep your hands in your lap as you try not to show all the hormones raging inside you right now. Between Thoma calling you his girlfriend (albeit fake), and Ayato eyeing you down, you swear you're going to explode.
"So, Y/N, beautiful name. Tell me, what do you do?"
You blush at Ayato's compliment. "Thank you. I run a small shop in Inazuma City."
"Impressive." Ayato smiles. "It's not easy running your own store. Tell me about it."
You couldn't believe how easy it was to talk to Ayato. He was smart, funny, and honestly? A little weird. But you didn't mind. You were scared he was going to be like an all perfect commissioner robot, but seeing him so carefree... It made you actually not hate him.
"And then, Itto lost again! So I took his Onikabuto and he was only left with one more!" Ayato laughs.
You laugh along, absolutely engrossed in every story he told. You almost forgot the reason you were there.
As you and Ayato were laughing it up talking about Onikabuto fights and hot pot games gone wrong, Ayaka peeks a glance at thoma, who has barely said three words.
"Thoma?" Ayaka nudges him quietly. "Are you okay?"
Thoma widens his eyes, realizing he had been sulking. "Of course, why wouldn't I be?" He let out a weak smile.
Ayaka frowns. "I suspect this is not going the way you planned for it to go."
Thoma only looks at you as you laugh along with his boss. He feels his heart physically drop seeing you so happy with another man. He knew this relationship wasn't real, though. How could he be mad?
If anything, he was more sad. Sad it took jealousy to realize what he wanted all along.
You and Ayato finally calmed down with the laughter as you both wiped tears away from your eyes. "I must say, commissioner. I have not laughed like that in quite some time." You smile.
"As I. I believe the last time I cried laughing is when Thoma and I played our last hot pot game many months ago."
Thoma.
You forgot. You were here to be a good girlfriend to Thoma.
You awkwardly laugh as you looked down at your plate. How could you be so stupid?
But at the same time, you couldn't deny the chemistry between you and Ayato. Even if it was just one conversation. It's not like Thoma even likes you anyways. Was there any harm in looking at other potential suitors if the one you want doesn't want you?
"It is quite late. Shall I get a guard to walk you home, Y/N? Or of course, you could stay here the night-"
"No." Thoma interrupted, causing all heads to turn to him. Beat red, he clears his throat. "I-I mean, I will walk her home. Do not worry the guards, Lord Ayato."
"Very well." Ayato looks back at you. "It was very, very nice to meet you, Y/N." He gently grabs your hand, kissing the top of it. You felt the heat from your cheeks burn even brighter. "You are quite the gem."
You smile shyly. "You as well, Lord Ayato."
With one final bow, Ayato left the dining room. Dazed and confused, you didn't know what to think anymore.
After saying goodbye to Ayaka, Thoma and you head back to your house. "You really didn't need to come with me." You say, looking over at the piercing black sky. "It's really dark."
"Well... I wanted to talk to you." Thoma's voice sounded off. You look at him, puzzled.
"Talk? Did I mess something up?" You were scared. you didn't think anything had gone wrong, yet looking back, Thoma barely spoke during the entire dinner.
"No, nothing like that. I... Wanted to know what you thought about Ayato."
You lightly blush. What you thought about him? You weren't sure yourself. "Well, he's funny. I assumed he'd be a prude, in all honesty, but I appreciated his humor." Thoma stayed silent, which worried you even further. "Thoma? Is something the matter?"
"Hm?" He looks at you. "I just... You seemed to really like him, is all." He laughs awkwardly.
"Thoma." You frown. You spent a great deal of time with him to know something was off. "Please, be honest with me. What did I do?"
"Nothing." Was all he said. "You didn't do anything wrong."
You didn't want to pry any further, so you stray away to another topic of conversation. "So... Did it seem like Ayato liked me?" You were nervous to ask the question, but it's not like Thoma was really your boyfriend, as sad as that made you.
Thoma literally stops in his tracks, causing you to stumble a little. "If Ayato likes you?" It seems as if all of Thoma's fears were accurate. He knew you wouldn't ask unless you cared. Seeing how you guys acted together, he should have known, but living in blissful ignorance seemed like a better option. "Of course he did." Thoma sighs. "Who wouldn't like you?"
If you weren't going to be with him, the least he could do was hope you were happy with someone else.
"Really?" You sounded a bit more hopeful than Thoma wanted you to.
He nods. "Really."
"It's strange... But I didn't think I would like him as much as I do."
Thoma wanted to cry. He never believed that you would make him so emotional. "Well? What are you going to do about it?" Sure, he was scared of you leaving him, but it was inevitable.
"I... I don't know." You admit. "I mean, we're still... 'together', plus I don't even think he would go for me..."
"Don't say that." Thoma said sternly, looking right at you. You stop walking, confusion arising on your face.
"Huh?" You say quietly.
"Anyone would be really, really lucky to be with you, Y/N. Trust me." Thoma wasn't laughing, nor being sarcastic in anyway. He was dead serious. "If you think Ayato would make you happy... We can stage a break up if you want. But..." It felt against his nature to say all these things to you, as if the universe was screaming at him to stop, but he couldn't. He wants so desperately for you to be happy, and who better to make you happy than the head commissioner?
After all, Thoma was only a housekeeper.
"But what?" You breathe out. Was this what you think it was?
Thoma looks away, grateful you couldn't see the feverish blush on his face due to the pitch black sky. "Nothing. Never mind. This was never meant to be permanent. We both got what we wanted..."
"Thoma..." You started. "I-I don't want to say something wrong, but I need to ask you something..."
The only thing you could see in the night sky were his sad, green eyes, staring at you with such anxiety. "Yes?"
You gulp nervously. You felt like such a child asking the question, but you had to know. "Do you like me?"
"Define... What you mean."
"I mean... Do you want this relationship to be real?" Silence from both ends. You take Thoma's hands gently, resulting in a light gasp on his end. "Do you?"
Thoma slowly starts to nod, gripping your hands a little harder, like he never wants to let you go. "I... I think I'm falling in love with you." he whispers.
What?! That is not what you expected. You feel your lip tremble as you let the words melt into you. "You do?" You whisper.
Love? He loves you?
Thoma's eyes were now glossy with tears. "I know this wasn't part of the plan, I-I'm sorry. I know you probably don't feel the same. I know you took a great liking to Ayato. I saw the way you smiled with him. Laughed with him. You two... Would be good together."
"Don't apologize." You were crying now. "I just-"
"You don't need to explain yourself." He interrupted. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have caught feelings-"
"Thoma." You say a little too sternly, causing him to shut up.
He was almost too scared to answer. "Yes?"
Were you really about to do this? The last few days all you wanted was for this relationship to be real, and now you couldn't even speak properly! When words fail, what else is there to do?
You quickly close your eyes and push your head up, crashing your lips into his.
Stunned, he widens his eyes at the sudden affection. Slowly, he starts to move in rhythm with you, closing his eyes and bringing a hand behind your head to kiss you deeper.
You wrap your arms around his neck as he licks the bottom of your lip, the kiss deepening even more.
After what felt like ages, you part, your arms still around him. "I'm sorry..." You breathe out, embarrassed. "I-I didn't know what to do, so I..."
Thoma only smiles in response, gently grabbing your thighs and lifting you up. You gasp as you were now above Thoma. "Do it again. Please." Thoma begs.
You let out a light chuckle as you kiss him again, a little less messy this time. You felt every part of him connect with you.
"I'm falling in love with you, too." You mutter into his lips.
You feel him smile. "So... No Ayato?"
You giggle. "Yes, he's handsome. But to put it simply... He's not you. I want you."
That was all it took to make your fake relationship, a real one.
As you kissed under the moon, a small dandelion sprouts just under the two of you.
Where did it come from? Who knows.
Thoma tucks your hair behind your ear, staring into your eyes.
"You're so beautiful, my dandelion."
i was gonna make this so much longer, but this isn't supposed to be a like huge fic or anything. i wanted a part where you actually date ayato but like end up with thoma. maybe next i'll have to make an ayato x reader fic to indulge in my ayato obsession... but anyways. i love thoma. forever and always. hope you enjoyed!
notes: i kinda imagine akaya and ayato having a relationship similar of yuki and his older brother from fruits basket cjnwfknk but if i end up being wrong idc it's canon in my head
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The stem of the dandelion Thoma gave you is the first thing you see every morning. You set it on your nightstand so you can start your day in a good mood.
You haven't seen Thoma since that night, partially because you both are very busy people, and partially because you're not sure how to talk to him anymore. Things were easy when you hated him, but you aren't so sure you hate him anymore...
Dare you say, you like him?
Ignoring your feelings, you start your day off as normal, by opening your shop. You unlock the register, counting your money as you usually do, and restock your items so you were ready for the day.
Anticipating a busy day, since it was a Friday, you made sure there were no distractions. That means no thoughts of Thoma taking your hand, or thoughts of Thoma gazing at your with such admiration, or thoughts of Thoma risking his job just for you, no. No thoughts what-so-ever.
Inazuma City starts to pile with people as the day went on, some people even gushing over how cute you and Thoma are. It was usually older ladies, and since this wasn't the largest town, word got around fast.
A guilty pit in your stomach resided every time someone brought the two of you up. You smiled and laughed with the older ladies, but deep down, you felt awful. Though you weren't sure if it was because you knew the relationship wasn't real, or because Thoma didn't actually like you. You knew the sham was just to get Kamisato Ayato off his back. Thoma was just using you, as you were him.
You couldn't be mad. It was your idea.
"Hey there!" A familiar chirpy voice rang through your ears, causing you to freeze up.
"T-Thoma?!" You stare dumbfounded at him. You haven't mentally prepared to see him today, and his schedule is usually packed on Fridays.
"Well hello too." He chuckles, leaning on the register. "I'm actually here on business, believe it or not."
You gulp nervously, mentally punching yourself for acting so weird in front of him. "Business you say? Are the Kamisatos requesting something from my shop?"
He nods in response. "Yes, but don't worry, I won't haggle you down this time."
"What? Because you're my 'boyfriend'?" You tease.
"Precisely." He smiles, winking at you.
You usually never succumbed to Thoma's teasing, but recently, it's been harder to keep a straight face. You felt your cheeks burn as he said that to you.
"Well, as your partner, I would feel bad giving this full price."
"Oh come on, Y/N." Thoma lowers his voice so only you could hear it. "You don't actually have to do that for me."
You shake your head. "Yes I do. If not as a partner, then as my... Friend?" You felt stupid to be wary of calling Thoma your friend, but you really didn't know if he saw you as anything more than a pawn in his plan.
You see his cheeks lightly dust pink from blushing. Flustered, he smiles at you. "Of course we're friends."
You feel your heart jump. "Then it's settled." Smiling, you gather everything Thoma needed, dropping the price down 80 percent.
"W-Woah." Thoma stutters, eyes widening at the low price. "I said you can give me a discount, this feels like I'm stealing from you."
"Nonsense." You wave him off. "It's fine. I really don't mind."
Thoma sighs, knowing he can't win this battle, and hands you the money. "You really, really didn't have to do that."
"I know." You say, placing the money in the register. "But... You've helped me a lot. With my mom. So it's the least I could do."
"Oh! That reminds me. Tomorrow is the dinner, you didn't forget, did you?"
You tried not to show the panic in your face, because you did indeed forget. "O-Of course not." You stuttered, trying not to cause Thoma any anxiety. "I remembered! It's at 5, right?"
He nods. "Yup. It's kind of a big deal, do you need help picking out an outfit? I do it for Lady Ayaka quite often."
Thinking of the your wardrobe, you really didn't have many nice outfits, but you would simply rather pass away than have Thoma see you trying clothes on.
"I got something." You lied. You really had to go shopping. "Trust me, it's perfect."
"If you say so." He grabs the items he just purchased from you. "Well thank you, again. See you tomorrow?"
You nod. "Of course. See you tomorrow, Thoma."
-
After a miserable shopping experience with your mother, you took matters into your own hands and picked out an outfit yourself. It was black and trimmed with lace and silver. You exuded a darker energy, very opposite of Thoma, and this dress felt like it truly belonged to you.
Your mother, though the devil at times, saw your anxiety about the dinner you were attending tonight, and insisted she took over the shop. You were grateful for that, because you weren't sure how you could get ready and also run the shop.
Arriving at the estate, you were met with only Ayaka. "Oh, Y/N! Right on time." She smiles at you warmly. "Please, have a seat in the dining room with me. I'm sure Thoma and my brother will be here shortly."
After spending many days in the estate, you didn't feel as out of place, but knowing you were about to meet the head of a very powerful clan, you couldn't help but shake a little.
"Might I say you look beautiful." Ayaka says, eyeing your outfit. "You are always quite pretty, but this... I can see why Thoma likes you so much."
You blush feverishly at her words, almost instinctively covering yourself up. You're not used to praise. "T-Thank you." You stutter, smiling at the ground. "It's nothing really..."
"Oh, hush. You're gorgeous. And please, don't be nervous, especially for my brother." You see her slightly roll her eyes. "He can be a lot, but surely, he is not someone you should be nervous about meeting. To put it simply, he's weird."
You giggle at how informal Ayaka can get talking about Ayato. It seems he really gets on her nerves, which is not surprising at all. As powerful as he might be, older brothers will be older brothers.
Ayaka motions for you to sit at the little table. Knowing you were nervous, she sat you across from Ayato rather than next to him. "You can sit next to Thoma and I, I know it'll make you less nervous."
You were grateful Ayaka understood your anxieties. She truly was a kind person.
"So, Y/N, have you ever seen my brother in person?"
You shake your head, a little embarrassed. "I can't say I even know what he looks like." You admit.
Ayaka giggles. "I expected as much. Both he and I do not get out in public much, though him a bit more than I." She smooths her skirt out. "Sometimes he likes to go to this boba tea place in Inazuma City. I tell him he's wasting time, and that he is already late for whatever meeting he should be attending, but he claims the tea 'calms his nerves'."
Now you're the one laughing. The more you hear about Ayato, the more intrigued you are to meet such a character. "Sounds like quite the personality."
"You have no idea." Ayaka groans.
"Sorry I'm late!" Thoma quickly walks in, out of his usual attire. His eyes make his way to you. "Woah." Was all he could muster, staring at you with longing eyes.
"See!" Ayaka turns back at you. "Look, you stunned Thoma with your beauty."
Your face must look like a tomato by now! "I uhh..." Thoma also looked quite good. He was in a much more formal outfit, and you also could not form the right words.
Both of you were at a complete standstill.
"Thoma! Tell her she looks beautiful!" Ayaka snaps.
He clears his throat, his entrancing thoughts interrupted. "S-Sorry. I was just... Caught off guard." He walks up to you, taking your hand and gently placing a kiss atop it. "You look extremely beautiful, Y/N."
You wanted to puke.
You swallow nervously. "Y-You look good too." You say quietly, both of you now blushing profusely.
Thoma made his way to sit seat right next to you, as you wait for Ayato.
"Where is that man?" Thoma groans, looking at the empty plate in front of him. "I'm hungry."
The sound of footsteps brought everyone to a halt, as your eyes were met with a sea of pale blue looking right back at you. You freeze.
This was Ayato?
His soft facial features contrasted that of a mischievous grin he seemed to sport on his face. His blue hair fell seemingly perfect, just over his eyes. He looks unreal. You gulp nervously.
He seems to be having the same reaction, as his eyes have not left your frame.
"Lord Ayato, very nice to see you." Thoma starts, finding it a little off Ayato hasn't sat down yet. "How was your trip?"
Clearing his throat, Ayato pulls his chair out. "The trip was satisfactory. We landed a great deal." He states, sitting down. "However..." He looks back at you. "I don't believe we are here to talk business..."
You didn't seem to understand your feeling at this moment. Here sat the head of a system you hated, yet you couldn't seem to take your eyes off him. He was graceful yet a little mysterious.
Thoma notices your shift in vibe and shuffles uncomfortably in his seat. "Y-Yes, of course. This is Y/N, my girlfriend."
You lightly gasp at the word.
Girlfriend.
No man has ever called you that.
Trying to look as unphased as possible, you only nod at Ayato in response. "Yes, hello Lord Kamisato Ayato, pleasure to meet you." You bow your head down slowly.
"Please, no need to be so formal." Ayato says.
You keep your hands in your lap as you try not to show all the hormones raging inside you right now. Between Thoma calling you his girlfriend (albeit fake), and Ayato eyeing you down, you swear you're going to explode.
"So, Y/N, beautiful name. Tell me, what do you do?"
You blush at Ayato's compliment. "Thank you. I run a small shop in Inazuma City."
"Impressive." Ayato smiles. "It's not easy running your own store. Tell me about it."
You couldn't believe how easy it was to talk to Ayato. He was smart, funny, and honestly? A little weird. But you didn't mind. You were scared he was going to be like an all perfect commissioner robot, but seeing him so carefree... It made you actually not hate him.
"And then, Itto lost again! So I took his Onikabuto and he was only left with one more!" Ayato laughs.
You laugh along, absolutely engrossed in every story he told. You almost forgot the reason you were there.
As you and Ayato were laughing it up talking about Onikabuto fights and hot pot games gone wrong, Ayaka peeks a glance at thoma, who has barely said three words.
"Thoma?" Ayaka nudges him quietly. "Are you okay?"
Thoma widens his eyes, realizing he had been sulking. "Of course, why wouldn't I be?" He let out a weak smile.
Ayaka frowns. "I suspect this is not going the way you planned for it to go."
Thoma only looks at you as you laugh along with his boss. He feels his heart physically drop seeing you so happy with another man. He knew this relationship wasn't real, though. How could he be mad?
If anything, he was more sad. Sad it took jealousy to realize what he wanted all along.
You and Ayato finally calmed down with the laughter as you both wiped tears away from your eyes. "I must say, commissioner. I have not laughed like that in quite some time." You smile.
"As I. I believe the last time I cried laughing is when Thoma and I played our last hot pot game many months ago."
Thoma.
You forgot. You were here to be a good girlfriend to Thoma.
You awkwardly laugh as you looked down at your plate. How could you be so stupid?
But at the same time, you couldn't deny the chemistry between you and Ayato. Even if it was just one conversation. It's not like Thoma even likes you anyways. Was there any harm in looking at other potential suitors if the one you want doesn't want you?
"It is quite late. Shall I get a guard to walk you home, Y/N? Or of course, you could stay here the night-"
"No." Thoma interrupted, causing all heads to turn to him. Beat red, he clears his throat. "I-I mean, I will walk her home. Do not worry the guards, Lord Ayato."
"Very well." Ayato looks back at you. "It was very, very nice to meet you, Y/N." He gently grabs your hand, kissing the top of it. You felt the heat from your cheeks burn even brighter. "You are quite the gem."
You smile shyly. "You as well, Lord Ayato."
With one final bow, Ayato left the dining room. Dazed and confused, you didn't know what to think anymore.
After saying goodbye to Ayaka, Thoma and you head back to your house. "You really didn't need to come with me." You say, looking over at the piercing black sky. "It's really dark."
"Well... I wanted to talk to you." Thoma's voice sounded off. You look at him, puzzled.
"Talk? Did I mess something up?" You were scared. you didn't think anything had gone wrong, yet looking back, Thoma barely spoke during the entire dinner.
"No, nothing like that. I... Wanted to know what you thought about Ayato."
You lightly blush. What you thought about him? You weren't sure yourself. "Well, he's funny. I assumed he'd be a prude, in all honesty, but I appreciated his humor." Thoma stayed silent, which worried you even further. "Thoma? Is something the matter?"
"Hm?" He looks at you. "I just... You seemed to really like him, is all." He laughs awkwardly.
"Thoma." You frown. You spent a great deal of time with him to know something was off. "Please, be honest with me. What did I do?"
"Nothing." Was all he said. "You didn't do anything wrong."
You didn't want to pry any further, so you stray away to another topic of conversation. "So... Did it seem like Ayato liked me?" You were nervous to ask the question, but it's not like Thoma was really your boyfriend, as sad as that made you.
Thoma literally stops in his tracks, causing you to stumble a little. "If Ayato likes you?" It seems as if all of Thoma's fears were accurate. He knew you wouldn't ask unless you cared. Seeing how you guys acted together, he should have known, but living in blissful ignorance seemed like a better option. "Of course he did." Thoma sighs. "Who wouldn't like you?"
If you weren't going to be with him, the least he could do was hope you were happy with someone else.
"Really?" You sounded a bit more hopeful than Thoma wanted you to.
He nods. "Really."
"It's strange... But I didn't think I would like him as much as I do."
Thoma wanted to cry. He never believed that you would make him so emotional. "Well? What are you going to do about it?" Sure, he was scared of you leaving him, but it was inevitable.
"I... I don't know." You admit. "I mean, we're still... 'together', plus I don't even think he would go for me..."
"Don't say that." Thoma said sternly, looking right at you. You stop walking, confusion arising on your face.
"Huh?" You say quietly.
"Anyone would be really, really lucky to be with you, Y/N. Trust me." Thoma wasn't laughing, nor being sarcastic in anyway. He was dead serious. "If you think Ayato would make you happy... We can stage a break up if you want. But..." It felt against his nature to say all these things to you, as if the universe was screaming at him to stop, but he couldn't. He wants so desperately for you to be happy, and who better to make you happy than the head commissioner?
After all, Thoma was only a housekeeper.
"But what?" You breathe out. Was this what you think it was?
Thoma looks away, grateful you couldn't see the feverish blush on his face due to the pitch black sky. "Nothing. Never mind. This was never meant to be permanent. We both got what we wanted..."
"Thoma..." You started. "I-I don't want to say something wrong, but I need to ask you something..."
The only thing you could see in the night sky were his sad, green eyes, staring at you with such anxiety. "Yes?"
You gulp nervously. You felt like such a child asking the question, but you had to know. "Do you like me?"
"Define... What you mean."
"I mean... Do you want this relationship to be real?" Silence from both ends. You take Thoma's hands gently, resulting in a light gasp on his end. "Do you?"
Thoma slowly starts to nod, gripping your hands a little harder, like he never wants to let you go. "I... I think I'm falling in love with you." he whispers.
What?! That is not what you expected. You feel your lip tremble as you let the words melt into you. "You do?" You whisper.
Love? He loves you?
Thoma's eyes were now glossy with tears. "I know this wasn't part of the plan, I-I'm sorry. I know you probably don't feel the same. I know you took a great liking to Ayato. I saw the way you smiled with him. Laughed with him. You two... Would be good together."
"Don't apologize." You were crying now. "I just-"
"You don't need to explain yourself." He interrupted. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have caught feelings-"
"Thoma." You say a little too sternly, causing him to shut up.
He was almost too scared to answer. "Yes?"
Were you really about to do this? The last few days all you wanted was for this relationship to be real, and now you couldn't even speak properly! When words fail, what else is there to do?
You quickly close your eyes and push your head up, crashing your lips into his.
Stunned, he widens his eyes at the sudden affection. Slowly, he starts to move in rhythm with you, closing his eyes and bringing a hand behind your head to kiss you deeper.
You wrap your arms around his neck as he licks the bottom of your lip, the kiss deepening even more.
After what felt like ages, you part, your arms still around him. "I'm sorry..." You breathe out, embarrassed. "I-I didn't know what to do, so I..."
Thoma only smiles in response, gently grabbing your thighs and lifting you up. You gasp as you were now above Thoma. "Do it again. Please." Thoma begs.
You let out a light chuckle as you kiss him again, a little less messy this time. You felt every part of him connect with you.
"I'm falling in love with you, too." You mutter into his lips.
You feel him smile. "So... No Ayato?"
You giggle. "Yes, he's handsome. But to put it simply... He's not you. I want you."
That was all it took to make your fake relationship, a real one.
As you kissed under the moon, a small dandelion sprouts just under the two of you.
Where did it come from? Who knows.
Thoma tucks your hair behind your ear, staring into your eyes.
"You're so beautiful, my dandelion."
i was gonna make this so much longer, but this isn't supposed to be a like huge fic or anything. i wanted a part where you actually date ayato but like end up with thoma. maybe next i'll have to make an ayato x reader fic to indulge in my ayato obsession... but anyways. i love thoma. forever and always. hope you enjoyed!
omg thank you so much for over 100 followers, i really appreciate all the support on my stories! as a gift, i'm writing the second part to my thoma x reader fic. i hope it'll be done by tomorrow night but who knows.
ALSO
i do actually take requests! i'm just not sure if my ask box is working, haha. my rules are on my pinned post to see who i write for since i don't write for every genshin character.
synopsis: wanting to get your mother off your back, and thoma wanting to get ayato off his, you team up together despite your natural distaste for one another.
warnings: tsundere reader (kind of? just a little bit), thoma lore, inazuma archon quest lore, NOT PROOFREAD
tags: mentions/appearances from ayato and ayaka
notes: okay this isn't thoma's exact personality but idc it's hard to write angst for someone so sweet. also y'all i be lowkey down bad for thoma like he was the first genshin guy i fell in love with ight let's write some angst<3
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"How long has it been?" Ayato sips his tea slowly, watching Thoma out of the corner of his eye, a devious smirk subtly wearing itself on his face.
"Hm?" Thoma looks back at the blue-haired man, bringing his duster down from the ceiling. "How long has what been?"
"Since you've been in a relationship."
Thoma raises a skeptical eyebrow at his superior. "My lord, I'll have to reject you if that's what you're getting at."
Ayato lets out a light-hearted laugh. "Now, now. You know I don't mean me."
Thoma stops in his tracks for a second. "Lady Ayaka?" His jaw drops. "Archons, Ayato. No-"
"No, no. Not her either." Ayato interrupts, clearly enjoying Thoma's frustration.
"I'm not sure I understand what you're getting at then." Thoma turns around nonchalantly, continuing his cleaning duties.
"Hmm..." Ayato gently sets down his tea cup, crossing his legs on the grand chair he sat upon as he brought his hands together deviously. "My dear Thoma, I feel as though you're... How should I say this... Wasting your life away here."
"My lord, I chose to stay here. It is my duty to be there for you and Lady Ayaka."
"And that you have done so well, but Thoma, it would make me the happiest if you found some joy in your life other than cleaning up after us."
Thoma has never really been that into relationships. Sure, a lot of people all over Inazuma flirt with him, but he's never pursued anything. He's much too busy working for the Kamisato Clan.
But Thoma was also terrified of Ayato, and disappointing him would only bring fear. If bringing home a nice girl a few times was all it took to make Ayato happy, he'd do it.
"I don't really know that many people outside of work." Thoma admits. "I mean, yes I know people and people know me, but my list of friends are cut short after you and Milady."
Ayato tsks as he shakes his head in disappointment. "That will not do." He stands up, checking the clock, sighing at the time. "It seems I have some work to attend to. When I return in the coming weeks, I expect a partner. Understood?"
Thoma gulps nervously, nodding.
"Good." Ayato smiles, before leaving.
Thoma lets out a sigh of relief, thanking the Archons that Ayato is always busy. He was afraid he'd make him eat something weird if he stayed too long.
A girlfriend? Thoma really did not want to date, but then again, disappointing Lord Ayato made his stomach flip, and not in a good way. Who could he even start to pursue?
There was Yoimiya, the firework girl. Thoma quickly shook his head to that thought. He kind of thought of himself like a big brother to her, so that would be way too weird.
Kujou Sara was another single woman in Inazuma, but her moral alignment to the Shogun made Thoma quickly scratch that thought away.
Sangonomiya Kokomi was very pretty indeed, but Thoma didn't even know her personally, plus she's a Divine Priestess. So that was a no go.
Thoma sighs as he made his way to the kitchen. Washing the dishes always helped him think just a little bit harder. Who could he choose? Who would even choose him?
-
"No, I cannot sell you this at a lower price." You were at the brink of yelling. Everyday without fail, the Kamisato Clan's housekeeper tries to haggle your prices down. It usually works for most businesses here, but you see right through this man's charm. You hated how he can just flaunt his looks and flirt to get what he wants.
"Oh? But it's for the Yashiro Commission! Okay. How about this: If you give it to me for just a tiny bit less, I'll take you out to dinner! How does that sound?" Thoma smiles, leaning on the register desk.
You simply stared in awe at the man. In awe that he really just tried to do that to you. "You know, I was just talking to the other businesses here, and you claim to take them to dinner as well, yet no one has ever seemed to dine with you." You raise an eyebrow.
Thoma's face lightly flushes red and he laughs nervously. "I just haven't had the time. I keep my promises, though."
"Yet no proof of it, except when it comes to your precious Kamisato Clan."
Thoma's playful expression quickly turned serious, and a darkness suddenly dawned on you. You gulp nervously as you watch his eyes dull right at you. "Do not dare talk ill of the Kamisato Clan." Thoma warns.
You were not about to be intimidated by some blond maid. "Or what? " You lean in to Thoma's face, to the point where you could feel his breath hit your skin. "What are you going to do about it?"
Thoma stops, staring right into your eyes. You want to look down, you found eye contact to be rather uncomfortable, and you felt yourself succumb to his gaze. You turn away, face red.
You hear a light-hearted chuckle escape Thoma's mouth. "See, you can't resist me."
You want to punch him.
"You think very highly of yourself, don't you?"
"No, but I think highly of the Yashiro Commission, and you should too."
You roll your eyes. "I don't care who you are, if I lower my prices for you, then I have to lower them for every commissioner out there!" You scoff. "You can pay full price or leave."
Thoma sucks his bottom lip in, lost in thought for a second. "Okay, no dinner. That's fine! I understand no means no. Is there anything else I can offer?"
He was doing the most.
You couldn't wrap your head around the fact that the wealthy Yashiro Commission couldn't afford full price at your store when most commoners can.
"No."
Thoma's soft smile falls. "I see."
"What is so hard to understand? I need to make a profit, and I especially wouldn't give a discount to the Tri-Commission."
Thoma's face perks up, looking like he just solved the equation to a hard math problem. Confusion arose on your face. "Oh, I see now." He smirks.
"What?"
"You're in opposition to the Shogunate."
You seal your lips shut, becoming redder in the face. This is not something you like to admit, especially after Inazuma has turned a new leaf over by abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree. Still, the way the Shogun let vision holders deplete away by taking away their ambition was not in your moral alignment. How can you call yourself an Archon yet destroy the people you serve?
Thoma put a hand to his forehead, laughing at how oblivious he was to the situation. "This makes so much more sense! You know, I fought the Raiden Shogun a while back."
Looking at him a little more intently, your eyes widen at the realization. He threw a spear at the Raiden Shogun! It was the talk of the town, though you weren't there, so you never really knew who the pyro man was. "Thoma." Was all you said, no other words forming.
"Yup, that's me!" Thoma smiles, pretty proud to be making a name for himself that's not 'housekeeper'. He looked at your shocked expression, anxiety suddenly building inside him. "I'm not a violent person! Oh, please don't take it that way!" He slightly panicked. "I was helping the traveller from afar."
"I..." Stunned was the only way you could describe your feelings. You were always in awe of the man who stood up to the Archon of eternity, wishing you had the strength to do the same. "I don't think you're a violent person." You mumble, looking down.
"Oh... Well that's good! I guess I shouldn't be so proud of my experience with the Shogun." He nervously laughed. Feeling the shift in demeanor, Thoma sighs in defeat. "But this conversation isn't about my fight with the Shogun, it's about you declining my offer. Fair enough."
You stay silent, not meeting the face of the man in front of you. What were you supposed to think anymore? The man you daydreamed of meeting for so long is actually just a haggler.
Thoma sighs once again, collecting his belongings. "Well, have a good day." And with that, he made his way back to the Kamisato Estate.
-
"Y/N? Who was that nice boy outside?" Your mother asks, turning the pages of her book, though not paying attention to the content inside.
"The housekeeper?" You question.
Your mother has been dropping slight hints for the past few months since your birthday that you should maybe start looking for a partner. However, you were a very independent person. Someone by your side will only slow you down.
"Ah, but he's not just a housekeeper. He's the 'fixer'." Your mother smiles. "He was out there for a while, did he buy something?"
You silently groan, knowing where she was going with this. "No, he asked for a discount and when I declined he left." You said bluntly. "Nothing else."
"Well, you should have given the nice man a discount."
You felt a fire inside you. So much has gone wrong today, and the last thing you needed was your mother on your case. "What would it take to get you off my back?!" You yell, biting your lower lip to hold yourself back from crying.
"Oh, now don't be so dramatic, Y/N." Your mother sighs, frustrated. "I'm just saying, you're not getting any younger." She sets her book down on the table a little hard than normal.
"What if I don't want to get married?" You fought back.
"Please, you've been dreaming of a wedding since you were five."
You stayed silent, letting the anger bubble inside you. Not wanting to say anything you'd regret, you stomped to your room, slamming the door shut.
It's been the same conversation every week!
'Who is that nice boy, Y/N?'
'Did you see the neighbor's son is single?'
'That man was perfectly fine! Why reject him?'
You scream into your pillow very loudly. It felt good to get all your frustrations out, though this alone would not stop your mom from being a burden in your life.
Laying flat on your back, hugging your pillow tight, you stared at the ceiling in your room.
What would it take for your mother to back off?
After a few moments of sulking and self-depreciating thoughts, an idea popped into your mind. Albeit, a very bad idea, but an idea none-the-less. Hopped up on adrenaline, you were determined to turn your life around.
You just hope he says yes...
-
You wanted to throw up. No way did you really think you could do this!
Standing in front of the Kamisato Estate, a bunch of guards from the Yashiro Commission were standing on the premise, keeping unwanted people in or out. How were you even supposed to get inside?
No, you are determined. You have to ask. You made your way to one of the guards, wobbling slightly from anxiety. Your legs feel like jelly. You never talked to a person of authority before on your own accord.
"Umm- Excuse me," You start, clutching your jacket close to your chest.
"Name." Was all the guard said, expressionless.
"Name?" You question. "Umm... Y/N."
The guard raises an eyebrow at you. "You don't seem to have an appointment with Lady Ayaka or Lord Ayato."
"O-Oh, I'm not here to see them. I'm here to see Thoma."
"Thoma?" The guard looks over at another guard questioningly, who only shrugs in response. "Ma'am, who is Thoma?"
Panic fills your being. Did you get it wrong? Does Thoma not work here? "I-I believe he's the housekeeper..." You stutter out, looking down at your feet. You feel like an idiot.
"The housekeeper? You're here to see a worker?" The guard slightly chuckles. “Go home, kid. Just wait till he gets off work."
You breathe out slowly, attempting to gather yourself. You can do this. "Sir, I believe he actually lives here."
"Ma'am, I think it's best if you just go home." The guard lowers his eyes, his piercing gaze going right through you.
You gulp in fear. "I-If I could just see him for a second, you can even call him out here!" You laugh nervously, clearly uncomfortable.
Suddenly, a few more guards made their way closer to you , weapons gripped in their hands. You step away slowly, a tear pricking your eyes.
Nope, absolutely not worth it anymore.
"Hey!" A voice yells, stopping you in your tracks from running away. You look over and see a mop of blond hair march right to the front of the estate. "What's going on here?"
"Lady Ayaka's personal assistant?" The guard lowers his weapon. "This nobody is trying to trespass!"
Thoma looks over at you, and his mouth gapes open in shock. "Uhh..." He has no words. What are you doing here? He clears his throat, turning back to the guard. "Well, what does she want?"
"Says she's here to see a 'Thoma'."
Thoma sharply sucks in his cheeks in annoyance. "I'm Thoma."
"I- Huh?" The guard's face turns red. Embarrassed, he looks away.
Thoma sighs, chuckling a little at how ridiculous this whole situation is. "She is not a threat, let her in."
Suddenly, all the guards move away, clearing a path for you. Noticing your shaken figure, Thoma walks up to you himself. "You're the shop girl."
You nod. "Yes- I umm... Came to see you."
"Why?" He asks, giving you a questioning looks.
"Can we umm... Talk inside?" You ask quietly, still in shock by the whole ordeal.
Nodding his head, he leads you inside the estate. You widen your eyes in awe at how luxurious the inside is. Rimmed with gold, the walls and floors are spotless filled with expensive, traditional clothing hung up as decoration. You gulp at how ordinary you look compared to everything around you.
"So, shop girl. Do you have a name?" Thoma started, interrupting your trance.
"Y/N."
"Y/N? That's not an Inazumin name..." Thoma thinks for a moment. "Mondstadt?"
You nod sheepishly. "Yes, we moved here when I was very little though, so I don't remember much of it."
Thoma wore a sad smile, which caught you off guard.
"Are you okay?"
"Huh?" Thoma shakes his head, coughing nervously. "Y-Yes, I'm fine..." His usual, confident smile appears again. "So, what brings you here? Care to renegotiate our deal?"
You bite your lower lip nervously. "Actually... I'm here for something else."
Thoma lifts an eyebrow in confusion, yet curiosity fills him. "Something else? Do you need something from the Kamisatos?"
"No." You shake your head. "I need something from you... But you have to hear me out completely before you judge me."
Thoma opens his mouth to speak once more, but shuts it very quickly, only nodding in response.
You breathe out heavily. "Okay. I need to date you."
Thoma's eyes widen, his body temperature increasing, which is very apparent on his face. "D-Date me?" He stutters.
"Shh!" You furrow your brows. "I said you need to hear me out."
Thoma nods, his face still wearing the same color as a tomato.
"Now, let me get one thing straight: I don't really care for you. You're pretty unaware of your surroundings and you work for a system I don't approve of. However, my mother likes you, actually, every person in the city likes you! So you need to help me."
Thoma didn't know what to say. This was such an odd occurrence that nothing in his vocabulary could truly convey what he was feeling.
"Help you?" He finally spoke after what seemed like ages of trying to think of the right words. "Excuse my confusion, but you just stated you don't really like me." He laughed nervously.
Your face turns red. You were so caught up in the moment, you didn't mean to be rude, but people like him really do infuriate you sometimes! It's like he's handed everything because he has good looks. "I don't. But I have a proposal. I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend to get my mother off my back."
Thoma stares dumbfounded. "Your mother?"
"Yes. My mother. She constantly pesters me about having a partner, but I don't want one. If I pretend to have one though, she's off my back and I can still live a single, care-free life behind the scenes."
"Okay... And what do I get out of this arrangement?"
"That's easy." You smile. "75 percent off discount to my whole shop forever."
Thoma didn't have the heart to tell you that selling himself off as a fake boyfriend was going to cost more than a discount at one shop, but he quickly thought of Ayato and his promise to have a partner. This was it, the perfect opportunity to please Ayato without any strings attached to the girl!
He wouldn't want to be in a real relationship with you anyways, you're cold and a tad pessimistic, unlike himself.
Thoma thought for a few moments, the anticipation making your stomach churn. "Hmm..." He starts. "Okay, sure. I'll help you. But I need to add one thing to our arrangement."
"Depends, what is it?"
"You need to have dinner with me in two weeks."
-
Walking around Ritou with Thoma was pretty surreal. Everyone was staring at you guys. You never had this much attention put on you, but since everyone knows Thoma, it was like you were a celebrity. You didn't really like the attention, but you did like how everyone was suddenly really nice to you. Not that anyone was ever mean to you per-say, but now they were overtly kind to you and your 'boyfriend'.
You closed your shop today so you and Thoma could discuss your plan of action.
"So, your mom... Is she really that overbearing?" Thoma asks, trying to make any conversation.
You decided that to make this "relationship" as real as possible, your mom has to come to you about your "boyfriend". So, to do that, you had to go out in public with him. Thankfully, he had a little time off today.
"Yes." You groan. "It's really annoying."
"Well, why are you so opposed to a partner?"
"Why are you?"
Thoma freezes. He walked right into that one. "Fair." Was all he said.
A few awkward moments pass. Silence. You purse your lips together. "Fine. I don't want a partner because I've never had one before. I only know how to be single. It's stupid but... It's the only way I know, and I don't like change." You admit, frowning a bit to yourself.
Thoma frowns at your sulking expression. He didn't know you very well, but he was known as the fixer, and with that, he was to help everybody, even if they didn't like him back.
He places a hand on your shoulder, and you look up at his caring face. "I promise I will help you as much as I can, I swear by it."
You felt your heart thump a little, and quickly shove his hand off your shoulder. "T-Thanks..." You blush, pouting your lip a little bit. "So, Thoma. Interesting name. That's not Inazumin either." You stray away from the previous conversation.
"Good eye." Thoma smiles. "My mom is from Mondstadt, dad from Inazuma. I'm from Mond, actually."
Your eyes widen. "Really? I've haven't met many people from there. So that's how you knew my name origin?"
"Yup." Thoma beams. "I really miss it, sometimes. I especially miss the freedom it brought..."
"Well, why did you move here?" You thought it a simple question, but by the look of Thoma's face, you realize this was a pretty touchy subject.
"That's... a conversation for another day." Thoma looks down, a sulking expression prevalent.
You quickly try to change the subject. "Umm... What's this dinner I'm apparently attending?"
"Oh! Uhh..." Thoma scratches the back of his head nervously. "I haven't been completely honest with you..."
"What's that supposed to mean?" You tense up.
"No, it's nothing bad, it's just my intentions with this arrangement are not purely for sales."
You widen your eyes. "You're not falling for me already, are you?"
"Archons no," Thoma rolls his eyes playfully. "But my boss, Lord Ayato, feels as though I needed to 'live my life a little', so I promised him I'd get a partner in the coming weeks..."
"Ohh," You smirk. "So you're using me just as much as I'm using you."
"Basically, though I don't like to think of it as 'using', it's a mutual agreement."
"Of course. So I'm attending a dinner with the head of the Yashiro Commission? Lovely." You say sarcastically.
"I know you don't like the tri-commission, but Milady and my Lord are very kind and humble people, you'll see."
"It's not them I'm worried about, it's their morals."
"They don't exactly like the Shogun either, y'know.” Thoma points out.
"Maybe so, but they work for a system that worships her. You do too, despite your personal views of her."
Thoma looks down. This was not a fight he’s going to win. Keeping quiet, you walked through Ritou for a pretty uneventful rest of your day.
-
After many days of slowly accustoming yourselves to life as a 'couple', word finally caught wind to your mother. This was exactly what had to happen to look as real as possible, she had to come to you with it.
Planning this took work. You spent a lot of time with Thoma for people to notice that you two were more than just friends, so with that, you had to go on dates with him.
You were ashamed to admit you did not hate the dates. The dates he planned were dates you probably would have planned yourself. Was he looking in your head? You wouldn't be surprise if he could read minds.
He took you out to get some street food one day, you walked around Inazuma City another day, and you also fed some dogs whenever you had time with him! You had to admit, it was pretty cute how all the stray dogs knew Thoma.
"Hey look! I told you they would warm up to you!" He grinned enthusiastically as he watched a dog lick your hand.
You almost gushed at how amazing he was with animals.
Almost.
When night fell, and the shops began to close, he would walk you back to your house in fear of the Nobushi attacking you.
You had to tell yourself he would do this for any person, not just you.
How ecstatic your mother was that you were dating such a nice, well-rounded man. You should have won an award for how well you acted!
Of course, she wanted to meet him. Begin phase two of your plan, finally.
Dragging Thoma out of the Estate was probably the hardest part of the whole operation. "Thoma! You said yourself Ayaka is letting you go!" You groan.
"I have a job, Y/N! I can't just leave!" Thoma grunts, not budging as you attempted to pull his arm out the door.
"Stop being so difficult!" You catch your breath. He was a lot stronger than he looks.
"Thoma?" You both turn your heads to the whimsical voice ahead.
"Lady Ayaka." Thoma breaths out. "I promise I'm not bailing on my work." He quickly tries to explain.
Being here so frequently the past week to meet up with Thoma to plan, you have already met the famous Ayaka. Not many have the privilege of even seeing the Shirasagi Himegimi in person, so you of course were respectful to her face.
"Now Thoma," She starts, a gentle smile wearing her seemingly perfect face. "You know you may leave whenever you choose. I am not helpless you know."
You place your hands on your hips in an 'I-told-you-so' manner.
After quite a lot of back and forth, you finally were able to drag Thoma to your house to meet your mother.
It took a lot of calming down on your end. You were just hoping he had the acting skills to back him up on his pretend feelings for you. After all, this is a huge step in your plan.
Upon reaching the house, your mother would not stop with the coddling. She gave Thoma the biggest hug she could muster up, and brought fresh tea and other snacks as she laughed at all his jokes.
You couldn't believe it, he's really doing it! He was laughing it up with your mother as he told the many stories of his experiences in Inazuma, and she listened very attentively.
You were not aware of just how much Thoma does, it seems as though haggling down prices is only a very small percentage of his job, and that his true occupation should be that of a detective. He seems to be doing a lot of the Yashiro Commission's dirty work as well as being a housekeeper and Ayaka's assistant.
Do they not give this man a break? He's probably so tired. You almost felt bad dragging him out here. He seems really busy.
A sudden pang of guilt hit you. Imagine how much work he has to make up just because he's here with you!
"Well Mom, we have to go." You quickly exclaim, grabbing Thoma's hand quite suddenly.
"W-We do?" Thoma stammers as he was pulled out of his seat.
"Yes." You made your way out the door, pulling Thoma right behind you as your mother followed.
"I'm sorry we must leave so abruptly." He starts, still confused over your sudden switch in mood. "I had a lovely time.
"Oh, it's okay!" your mother waves her hand off. "Go have fun! It was lovely meeting you, Thoma. I hope to see you soon!"
"Yup, bye!" You quickly say, cutting Thoma off before leaving your house in a hurry.
"Hey, what was that all about?" Thoma finally asks when you guys were far enough away from your house. "Did I do something wrong?"
"I'm sorry, okay?" You quickly say, a little frustrated with yourself, though your expression reads as angry to anyone else who witnesses it.
"Sorry?" He cocks his head in confusion. "For what?"
"I didn't know you were so busy. I-I..." You groan to yourself, unable to get the words out. "I just feel bad, okay?"
Thoma softens his expression, understanding what is happening here.
"It's getting late anyways..." You mumble. "You should go back-"
"Come with me." Thoma interrupts.
You stare at him, puzzled. "Come with you?"
"I want to show you something." He gently holds his hand out to your figure, waiting for you to reach it.
You gulp nervously, staring at his hand. "You know, you don't have to act right now. No one is around."
"Who says I'm acting?" He gazes at you with helpless eyes, pushing his hand out further. "Please?"
You cautiously place your hand atop his, blushing deeply as he wrapped his large hand around yours.
He smiles. "It's not far."
After a few minutes of walking, Thoma lets go of your hand. "We're here." He beams.
You stare at your surroundings. You're atop a small hill you've never been to before, though nothing seems very special about this place. You spin around to get a full picture of the view, yet you're not sure why he brought you here.
"Thoma, this is very... Uhh... Cute. But why did you bring me here?" You feel bad acting so aloof towards this place, but it was just a hill. What was so special about it?
You hear him chuckle at your words. "I know it's nothing much, but I don't come here for the view." You notice a small flower in his hand, one you have never seen before. "Do you know what this is?"
You shake your head. "I mean, it's a flower, but not one I know of."
"This is a dandelion." He walks closer to you so you can see the flower more in detail. "This is a flower only grown in Mondstadt, and for some reason, there are a few on this tiny hill as well."
You widen your eyes in awe. "How is that possible?"
Thoma shrugs. "I don't know why they grow in this area, but they do. I come here when I'm feeling homesick."
Your mind quickly brings you back to only a week ago when he brought up his upbringing. "You're from Mondstadt."
Thoma nods, a sorrow expression on his face. "Yes. I came here when I was 12, but the trip was brutal. The ship I was on overturned, and I fell unconscious into the water. I was stranded on a beach, and was homeless until Kamisato Ayato took me in."
You felt tears sting your eyes, shocked at what you just heard. How you have completely misjudged this man. "Why did you come here in the first place?" You ask softly, hoping he'd finally tell you.
"Oh," Thoma chuckles slightly. "It's pretty stupid but... I wanted to find my dad and give him some dandelion wine. I was afraid he missed the beverage of Mond."
Without warning, you uncharacteristically wrapped your arms around Thoma's waist, causing his breath to hitch and his footing to become slightly lost.
"Thoma," You cried quietly. "I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry you went through that."
Taken aback, Thoma didn't know what to do. You've never really shown any physical affection, and he honestly wasn't sure how sincere you were being. The thing that convinced him the most though were your tears. He didn't know you were capable of crying, in all honesty.
He gently wraps his arms around you, bending down so his head was atop yours as you sobbed into his chest.
"Don't cry..." He delicately rubs your back soothingly. "I'm okay, it's really fine."
You slowly let go, feeling a little embarrassed at your sudden outburst. "Sorry..." you say sheepishly. "I-I don't know what came over me." You admit.
"It's okay," Thoma is a bit confused as well. He assumed you didn't care about him at all, but the thought of your arms around him made his face blush feverishly. "I- Umm." Not knowing how to approach this new vibe between the two of you, he grabs your hand, setting the dandelion flower inside it. "I usually never pick them, and I know you don't remember Mond very well, but I want you to experience a sliver of your land."
You feel your hand tingle as Thoma takes it, and you purse your lips as to not reveal any expression. "Thank you." you whisper softly, staring at the flower.
"Blow on it." Thoma encourages. "Trust me."
You bring the flower up to your lips, the little white puffs atop it tickling your nose. Gently you blow on flower, and watch as the seeds spread all around you as the wind blew.
You gasp in awe as you stare at the Dandelion seeds being whisked away. "Amazing!" You exclaim. "They're so beautiful!"
Thoma stares at you, and swears his heart beat developed palpitations. He gushes at your amazement towards such an ordinary object, and feels his palms get a little sweaty. "Yeah..." Thoma smiles, his eyes not leaving you. "Beautiful.”
-
pt 2 coming soon, and trust me, there will be so much angst
synopsis: wanting to get your mother off your back, and thoma wanting to get ayato off his, you team up together despite your natural distaste for one another.
warnings: tsundere reader (kind of? just a little bit), thoma lore, inazuma archon quest lore, NOT PROOFREAD
tags: mentions/appearances from ayato and ayaka
notes: okay this isn't thoma's exact personality but idc it's hard to write angst for someone so sweet. also y'all i be lowkey down bad for thoma like he was the first genshin guy i fell in love with ight let's write some angst<3
✧
"How long has it been?" Ayato sips his tea slowly, watching Thoma out of the corner of his eye, a devious smirk subtly wearing itself on his face.
"Hm?" Thoma looks back at the blue-haired man, bringing his duster down from the ceiling. "How long has what been?"
"Since you've been in a relationship."
Thoma raises a skeptical eyebrow at his superior. "My lord, I'll have to reject you if that's what you're getting at."
Ayato lets out a light-hearted laugh. "Now, now. You know I don't mean me."
Thoma stops in his tracks for a second. "Lady Ayaka?" His jaw drops. "Archons, Ayato. No-"
"No, no. Not her either." Ayato interrupts, clearly enjoying Thoma's frustration.
"I'm not sure I understand what you're getting at then." Thoma turns around nonchalantly, continuing his cleaning duties.
"Hmm..." Ayato gently sets down his tea cup, crossing his legs on the grand chair he sat upon as he brought his hands together deviously. "My dear Thoma, I feel as though you're... How should I say this... Wasting your life away here."
"My lord, I chose to stay here. It is my duty to be there for you and Lady Ayaka."
"And that you have done so well, but Thoma, it would make me the happiest if you found some joy in your life other than cleaning up after us."
Thoma has never really been that into relationships. Sure, a lot of people all over Inazuma flirt with him, but he's never pursued anything. He's much too busy working for the Kamisato Clan.
But Thoma was also terrified of Ayato, and disappointing him would only bring fear. If bringing home a nice girl a few times was all it took to make Ayato happy, he'd do it.
"I don't really know that many people outside of work." Thoma admits. "I mean, yes I know people and people know me, but my list of friends are cut short after you and Milady."
Ayato tsks as he shakes his head in disappointment. "That will not do." He stands up, checking the clock, sighing at the time. "It seems I have some work to attend to. When I return in the coming weeks, I expect a partner. Understood?"
Thoma gulps nervously, nodding.
"Good." Ayato smiles, before leaving.
Thoma lets out a sigh of relief, thanking the Archons that Ayato is always busy. He was afraid he'd make him eat something weird if he stayed too long.
A girlfriend? Thoma really did not want to date, but then again, disappointing Lord Ayato made his stomach flip, and not in a good way. Who could he even start to pursue?
There was Yoimiya, the firework girl. Thoma quickly shook his head to that thought. He kind of thought of himself like a big brother to her, so that would be way too weird.
Kujou Sara was another single woman in Inazuma, but her moral alignment to the Shogun made Thoma quickly scratch that thought away.
Sangonomiya Kokomi was very pretty indeed, but Thoma didn't even know her personally, plus she's a Divine Priestess. So that was a no go.
Thoma sighs as he made his way to the kitchen. Washing the dishes always helped him think just a little bit harder. Who could he choose? Who would even choose him?
-
"No, I cannot sell you this at a lower price." You were at the brink of yelling. Everyday without fail, the Kamisato Clan's housekeeper tries to haggle your prices down. It usually works for most businesses here, but you see right through this man's charm. You hated how he can just flaunt his looks and flirt to get what he wants.
"Oh? But it's for the Yashiro Commission! Okay. How about this: If you give it to me for just a tiny bit less, I'll take you out to dinner! How does that sound?" Thoma smiles, leaning on the register desk.
You simply stared in awe at the man. In awe that he really just tried to do that to you. "You know, I was just talking to the other businesses here, and you claim to take them to dinner as well, yet no one has ever seemed to dine with you." You raise an eyebrow.
Thoma's face lightly flushes red and he laughs nervously. "I just haven't had the time. I keep my promises, though."
"Yet no proof of it, except when it comes to your precious Kamisato Clan."
Thoma's playful expression quickly turned serious, and a darkness suddenly dawned on you. You gulp nervously as you watch his eyes dull right at you. "Do not dare talk ill of the Kamisato Clan." Thoma warns.
You were not about to be intimidated by some blond maid. "Or what? " You lean in to Thoma's face, to the point where you could feel his breath hit your skin. "What are you going to do about it?"
Thoma stops, staring right into your eyes. You want to look down, you found eye contact to be rather uncomfortable, and you felt yourself succumb to his gaze. You turn away, face red.
You hear a light-hearted chuckle escape Thoma's mouth. "See, you can't resist me."
You want to punch him.
"You think very highly of yourself, don't you?"
"No, but I think highly of the Yashiro Commission, and you should too."
You roll your eyes. "I don't care who you are, if I lower my prices for you, then I have to lower them for every commissioner out there!" You scoff. "You can pay full price or leave."
Thoma sucks his bottom lip in, lost in thought for a second. "Okay, no dinner. That's fine! I understand no means no. Is there anything else I can offer?"
He was doing the most.
You couldn't wrap your head around the fact that the wealthy Yashiro Commission couldn't afford full price at your store when most commoners can.
"No."
Thoma's soft smile falls. "I see."
"What is so hard to understand? I need to make a profit, and I especially wouldn't give a discount to the Tri-Commission."
Thoma's face perks up, looking like he just solved the equation to a hard math problem. Confusion arose on your face. "Oh, I see now." He smirks.
"What?"
"You're in opposition to the Shogunate."
You seal your lips shut, becoming redder in the face. This is not something you like to admit, especially after Inazuma has turned a new leaf over by abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree. Still, the way the Shogun let vision holders deplete away by taking away their ambition was not in your moral alignment. How can you call yourself an Archon yet destroy the people you serve?
Thoma put a hand to his forehead, laughing at how oblivious he was to the situation. "This makes so much more sense! You know, I fought the Raiden Shogun a while back."
Looking at him a little more intently, your eyes widen at the realization. He threw a spear at the Raiden Shogun! It was the talk of the town, though you weren't there, so you never really knew who the pyro man was. "Thoma." Was all you said, no other words forming.
"Yup, that's me!" Thoma smiles, pretty proud to be making a name for himself that's not 'housekeeper'. He looked at your shocked expression, anxiety suddenly building inside him. "I'm not a violent person! Oh, please don't take it that way!" He slightly panicked. "I was helping the traveller from afar."
"I..." Stunned was the only way you could describe your feelings. You were always in awe of the man who stood up to the Archon of eternity, wishing you had the strength to do the same. "I don't think you're a violent person." You mumble, looking down.
"Oh... Well that's good! I guess I shouldn't be so proud of my experience with the Shogun." He nervously laughed. Feeling the shift in demeanor, Thoma sighs in defeat. "But this conversation isn't about my fight with the Shogun, it's about you declining my offer. Fair enough."
You stay silent, not meeting the face of the man in front of you. What were you supposed to think anymore? The man you daydreamed of meeting for so long is actually just a haggler.
Thoma sighs once again, collecting his belongings. "Well, have a good day." And with that, he made his way back to the Kamisato Estate.
-
"Y/N? Who was that nice boy outside?" Your mother asks, turning the pages of her book, though not paying attention to the content inside.
"The housekeeper?" You question.
Your mother has been dropping slight hints for the past few months since your birthday that you should maybe start looking for a partner. However, you were a very independent person. Someone by your side will only slow you down.
"Ah, but he's not just a housekeeper. He's the 'fixer'." Your mother smiles. "He was out there for a while, did he buy something?"
You silently groan, knowing where she was going with this. "No, he asked for a discount and when I declined he left." You said bluntly. "Nothing else."
"Well, you should have given the nice man a discount."
You felt a fire inside you. So much has gone wrong today, and the last thing you needed was your mother on your case. "What would it take to get you off my back?!" You yell, biting your lower lip to hold yourself back from crying.
"Oh, now don't be so dramatic, Y/N." Your mother sighs, frustrated. "I'm just saying, you're not getting any younger." She sets her book down on the table a little hard than normal.
"What if I don't want to get married?" You fought back.
"Please, you've been dreaming of a wedding since you were five."
You stayed silent, letting the anger bubble inside you. Not wanting to say anything you'd regret, you stomped to your room, slamming the door shut.
It's been the same conversation every week!
'Who is that nice boy, Y/N?'
'Did you see the neighbor's son is single?'
'That man was perfectly fine! Why reject him?'
You scream into your pillow very loudly. It felt good to get all your frustrations out, though this alone would not stop your mom from being a burden in your life.
Laying flat on your back, hugging your pillow tight, you stared at the ceiling in your room.
What would it take for your mother to back off?
After a few moments of sulking and self-depreciating thoughts, an idea popped into your mind. Albeit, a very bad idea, but an idea none-the-less. Hopped up on adrenaline, you were determined to turn your life around.
You just hope he says yes...
-
You wanted to throw up. No way did you really think you could do this!
Standing in front of the Kamisato Estate, a bunch of guards from the Yashiro Commission were standing on the premise, keeping unwanted people in or out. How were you even supposed to get inside?
No, you are determined. You have to ask. You made your way to one of the guards, wobbling slightly from anxiety. Your legs feel like jelly. You never talked to a person of authority before on your own accord.
"Umm- Excuse me," You start, clutching your jacket close to your chest.
"Name." Was all the guard said, expressionless.
"Name?" You question. "Umm... Y/N."
The guard raises an eyebrow at you. "You don't seem to have an appointment with Lady Ayaka or Lord Ayato."
"O-Oh, I'm not here to see them. I'm here to see Thoma."
"Thoma?" The guard looks over at another guard questioningly, who only shrugs in response. "Ma'am, who is Thoma?"
Panic fills your being. Did you get it wrong? Does Thoma not work here? "I-I believe he's the housekeeper..." You stutter out, looking down at your feet. You feel like an idiot.
"The housekeeper? You're here to see a worker?" The guard slightly chuckles. “Go home, kid. Just wait till he gets off work."
You breathe out slowly, attempting to gather yourself. You can do this. "Sir, I believe he actually lives here."
"Ma'am, I think it's best if you just go home." The guard lowers his eyes, his piercing gaze going right through you.
You gulp in fear. "I-If I could just see him for a second, you can even call him out here!" You laugh nervously, clearly uncomfortable.
Suddenly, a few more guards made their way closer to you , weapons gripped in their hands. You step away slowly, a tear pricking your eyes.
Nope, absolutely not worth it anymore.
"Hey!" A voice yells, stopping you in your tracks from running away. You look over and see a mop of blond hair march right to the front of the estate. "What's going on here?"
"Lady Ayaka's personal assistant?" The guard lowers his weapon. "This nobody is trying to trespass!"
Thoma looks over at you, and his mouth gapes open in shock. "Uhh..." He has no words. What are you doing here? He clears his throat, turning back to the guard. "Well, what does she want?"
"Says she's here to see a 'Thoma'."
Thoma sharply sucks in his cheeks in annoyance. "I'm Thoma."
"I- Huh?" The guard's face turns red. Embarrassed, he looks away.
Thoma sighs, chuckling a little at how ridiculous this whole situation is. "She is not a threat, let her in."
Suddenly, all the guards move away, clearing a path for you. Noticing your shaken figure, Thoma walks up to you himself. "You're the shop girl."
You nod. "Yes- I umm... Came to see you."
"Why?" He asks, giving you a questioning looks.
"Can we umm... Talk inside?" You ask quietly, still in shock by the whole ordeal.
Nodding his head, he leads you inside the estate. You widen your eyes in awe at how luxurious the inside is. Rimmed with gold, the walls and floors are spotless filled with expensive, traditional clothing hung up as decoration. You gulp at how ordinary you look compared to everything around you.
"So, shop girl. Do you have a name?" Thoma started, interrupting your trance.
"Y/N."
"Y/N? That's not an Inazumin name..." Thoma thinks for a moment. "Mondstadt?"
You nod sheepishly. "Yes, we moved here when I was very little though, so I don't remember much of it."
Thoma wore a sad smile, which caught you off guard.
"Are you okay?"
"Huh?" Thoma shakes his head, coughing nervously. "Y-Yes, I'm fine..." His usual, confident smile appears again. "So, what brings you here? Care to renegotiate our deal?"
You bite your lower lip nervously. "Actually... I'm here for something else."
Thoma lifts an eyebrow in confusion, yet curiosity fills him. "Something else? Do you need something from the Kamisatos?"
"No." You shake your head. "I need something from you... But you have to hear me out completely before you judge me."
Thoma opens his mouth to speak once more, but shuts it very quickly, only nodding in response.
You breathe out heavily. "Okay. I need to date you."
Thoma's eyes widen, his body temperature increasing, which is very apparent on his face. "D-Date me?" He stutters.
"Shh!" You furrow your brows. "I said you need to hear me out."
Thoma nods, his face still wearing the same color as a tomato.
"Now, let me get one thing straight: I don't really care for you. You're pretty unaware of your surroundings and you work for a system I don't approve of. However, my mother likes you, actually, every person in the city likes you! So you need to help me."
Thoma didn't know what to say. This was such an odd occurrence that nothing in his vocabulary could truly convey what he was feeling.
"Help you?" He finally spoke after what seemed like ages of trying to think of the right words. "Excuse my confusion, but you just stated you don't really like me." He laughed nervously.
Your face turns red. You were so caught up in the moment, you didn't mean to be rude, but people like him really do infuriate you sometimes! It's like he's handed everything because he has good looks. "I don't. But I have a proposal. I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend to get my mother off my back."
Thoma stares dumbfounded. "Your mother?"
"Yes. My mother. She constantly pesters me about having a partner, but I don't want one. If I pretend to have one though, she's off my back and I can still live a single, care-free life behind the scenes."
"Okay... And what do I get out of this arrangement?"
"That's easy." You smile. "75 percent off discount to my whole shop forever."
Thoma didn't have the heart to tell you that selling himself off as a fake boyfriend was going to cost more than a discount at one shop, but he quickly thought of Ayato and his promise to have a partner. This was it, the perfect opportunity to please Ayato without any strings attached to the girl!
He wouldn't want to be in a real relationship with you anyways, you're cold and a tad pessimistic, unlike himself.
Thoma thought for a few moments, the anticipation making your stomach churn. "Hmm..." He starts. "Okay, sure. I'll help you. But I need to add one thing to our arrangement."
"Depends, what is it?"
"You need to have dinner with me in two weeks."
-
Walking around Ritou with Thoma was pretty surreal. Everyone was staring at you guys. You never had this much attention put on you, but since everyone knows Thoma, it was like you were a celebrity. You didn't really like the attention, but you did like how everyone was suddenly really nice to you. Not that anyone was ever mean to you per-say, but now they were overtly kind to you and your 'boyfriend'.
You closed your shop today so you and Thoma could discuss your plan of action.
"So, your mom... Is she really that overbearing?" Thoma asks, trying to make any conversation.
You decided that to make this "relationship" as real as possible, your mom has to come to you about your "boyfriend". So, to do that, you had to go out in public with him. Thankfully, he had a little time off today.
"Yes." You groan. "It's really annoying."
"Well, why are you so opposed to a partner?"
"Why are you?"
Thoma freezes. He walked right into that one. "Fair." Was all he said.
A few awkward moments pass. Silence. You purse your lips together. "Fine. I don't want a partner because I've never had one before. I only know how to be single. It's stupid but... It's the only way I know, and I don't like change." You admit, frowning a bit to yourself.
Thoma frowns at your sulking expression. He didn't know you very well, but he was known as the fixer, and with that, he was to help everybody, even if they didn't like him back.
He places a hand on your shoulder, and you look up at his caring face. "I promise I will help you as much as I can, I swear by it."
You felt your heart thump a little, and quickly shove his hand off your shoulder. "T-Thanks..." You blush, pouting your lip a little bit. "So, Thoma. Interesting name. That's not Inazumin either." You stray away from the previous conversation.
"Good eye." Thoma smiles. "My mom is from Mondstadt, dad from Inazuma. I'm from Mond, actually."
Your eyes widen. "Really? I've haven't met many people from there. So that's how you knew my name origin?"
"Yup." Thoma beams. "I really miss it, sometimes. I especially miss the freedom it brought..."
"Well, why did you move here?" You thought it a simple question, but by the look of Thoma's face, you realize this was a pretty touchy subject.
"That's... a conversation for another day." Thoma looks down, a sulking expression prevalent.
You quickly try to change the subject. "Umm... What's this dinner I'm apparently attending?"
"Oh! Uhh..." Thoma scratches the back of his head nervously. "I haven't been completely honest with you..."
"What's that supposed to mean?" You tense up.
"No, it's nothing bad, it's just my intentions with this arrangement are not purely for sales."
You widen your eyes. "You're not falling for me already, are you?"
"Archons no," Thoma rolls his eyes playfully. "But my boss, Lord Ayato, feels as though I needed to 'live my life a little', so I promised him I'd get a partner in the coming weeks..."
"Ohh," You smirk. "So you're using me just as much as I'm using you."
"Basically, though I don't like to think of it as 'using', it's a mutual agreement."
"Of course. So I'm attending a dinner with the head of the Yashiro Commission? Lovely." You say sarcastically.
"I know you don't like the tri-commission, but Milady and my Lord are very kind and humble people, you'll see."
"It's not them I'm worried about, it's their morals."
"They don't exactly like the Shogun either, y'know.” Thoma points out.
"Maybe so, but they work for a system that worships her. You do too, despite your personal views of her."
Thoma looks down. This was not a fight he’s going to win. Keeping quiet, you walked through Ritou for a pretty uneventful rest of your day.
-
After many days of slowly accustoming yourselves to life as a 'couple', word finally caught wind to your mother. This was exactly what had to happen to look as real as possible, she had to come to you with it.
Planning this took work. You spent a lot of time with Thoma for people to notice that you two were more than just friends, so with that, you had to go on dates with him.
You were ashamed to admit you did not hate the dates. The dates he planned were dates you probably would have planned yourself. Was he looking in your head? You wouldn't be surprise if he could read minds.
He took you out to get some street food one day, you walked around Inazuma City another day, and you also fed some dogs whenever you had time with him! You had to admit, it was pretty cute how all the stray dogs knew Thoma.
"Hey look! I told you they would warm up to you!" He grinned enthusiastically as he watched a dog lick your hand.
You almost gushed at how amazing he was with animals.
Almost.
When night fell, and the shops began to close, he would walk you back to your house in fear of the Nobushi attacking you.
You had to tell yourself he would do this for any person, not just you.
How ecstatic your mother was that you were dating such a nice, well-rounded man. You should have won an award for how well you acted!
Of course, she wanted to meet him. Begin phase two of your plan, finally.
Dragging Thoma out of the Estate was probably the hardest part of the whole operation. "Thoma! You said yourself Ayaka is letting you go!" You groan.
"I have a job, Y/N! I can't just leave!" Thoma grunts, not budging as you attempted to pull his arm out the door.
"Stop being so difficult!" You catch your breath. He was a lot stronger than he looks.
"Thoma?" You both turn your heads to the whimsical voice ahead.
"Lady Ayaka." Thoma breaths out. "I promise I'm not bailing on my work." He quickly tries to explain.
Being here so frequently the past week to meet up with Thoma to plan, you have already met the famous Ayaka. Not many have the privilege of even seeing the Shirasagi Himegimi in person, so you of course were respectful to her face.
"Now Thoma," She starts, a gentle smile wearing her seemingly perfect face. "You know you may leave whenever you choose. I am not helpless you know."
You place your hands on your hips in an 'I-told-you-so' manner.
After quite a lot of back and forth, you finally were able to drag Thoma to your house to meet your mother.
It took a lot of calming down on your end. You were just hoping he had the acting skills to back him up on his pretend feelings for you. After all, this is a huge step in your plan.
Upon reaching the house, your mother would not stop with the coddling. She gave Thoma the biggest hug she could muster up, and brought fresh tea and other snacks as she laughed at all his jokes.
You couldn't believe it, he's really doing it! He was laughing it up with your mother as he told the many stories of his experiences in Inazuma, and she listened very attentively.
You were not aware of just how much Thoma does, it seems as though haggling down prices is only a very small percentage of his job, and that his true occupation should be that of a detective. He seems to be doing a lot of the Yashiro Commission's dirty work as well as being a housekeeper and Ayaka's assistant.
Do they not give this man a break? He's probably so tired. You almost felt bad dragging him out here. He seems really busy.
A sudden pang of guilt hit you. Imagine how much work he has to make up just because he's here with you!
"Well Mom, we have to go." You quickly exclaim, grabbing Thoma's hand quite suddenly.
"W-We do?" Thoma stammers as he was pulled out of his seat.
"Yes." You made your way out the door, pulling Thoma right behind you as your mother followed.
"I'm sorry we must leave so abruptly." He starts, still confused over your sudden switch in mood. "I had a lovely time.
"Oh, it's okay!" your mother waves her hand off. "Go have fun! It was lovely meeting you, Thoma. I hope to see you soon!"
"Yup, bye!" You quickly say, cutting Thoma off before leaving your house in a hurry.
"Hey, what was that all about?" Thoma finally asks when you guys were far enough away from your house. "Did I do something wrong?"
"I'm sorry, okay?" You quickly say, a little frustrated with yourself, though your expression reads as angry to anyone else who witnesses it.
"Sorry?" He cocks his head in confusion. "For what?"
"I didn't know you were so busy. I-I..." You groan to yourself, unable to get the words out. "I just feel bad, okay?"
Thoma softens his expression, understanding what is happening here.
"It's getting late anyways..." You mumble. "You should go back-"
"Come with me." Thoma interrupts.
You stare at him, puzzled. "Come with you?"
"I want to show you something." He gently holds his hand out to your figure, waiting for you to reach it.
You gulp nervously, staring at his hand. "You know, you don't have to act right now. No one is around."
"Who says I'm acting?" He gazes at you with helpless eyes, pushing his hand out further. "Please?"
You cautiously place your hand atop his, blushing deeply as he wrapped his large hand around yours.
He smiles. "It's not far."
After a few minutes of walking, Thoma lets go of your hand. "We're here." He beams.
You stare at your surroundings. You're atop a small hill you've never been to before, though nothing seems very special about this place. You spin around to get a full picture of the view, yet you're not sure why he brought you here.
"Thoma, this is very... Uhh... Cute. But why did you bring me here?" You feel bad acting so aloof towards this place, but it was just a hill. What was so special about it?
You hear him chuckle at your words. "I know it's nothing much, but I don't come here for the view." You notice a small flower in his hand, one you have never seen before. "Do you know what this is?"
You shake your head. "I mean, it's a flower, but not one I know of."
"This is a dandelion." He walks closer to you so you can see the flower more in detail. "This is a flower only grown in Mondstadt, and for some reason, there are a few on this tiny hill as well."
You widen your eyes in awe. "How is that possible?"
Thoma shrugs. "I don't know why they grow in this area, but they do. I come here when I'm feeling homesick."
Your mind quickly brings you back to only a week ago when he brought up his upbringing. "You're from Mondstadt."
Thoma nods, a sorrow expression on his face. "Yes. I came here when I was 12, but the trip was brutal. The ship I was on overturned, and I fell unconscious into the water. I was stranded on a beach, and was homeless until Kamisato Ayato took me in."
You felt tears sting your eyes, shocked at what you just heard. How you have completely misjudged this man. "Why did you come here in the first place?" You ask softly, hoping he'd finally tell you.
"Oh," Thoma chuckles slightly. "It's pretty stupid but... I wanted to find my dad and give him some dandelion wine. I was afraid he missed the beverage of Mond."
Without warning, you uncharacteristically wrapped your arms around Thoma's waist, causing his breath to hitch and his footing to become slightly lost.
"Thoma," You cried quietly. "I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry you went through that."
Taken aback, Thoma didn't know what to do. You've never really shown any physical affection, and he honestly wasn't sure how sincere you were being. The thing that convinced him the most though were your tears. He didn't know you were capable of crying, in all honesty.
He gently wraps his arms around you, bending down so his head was atop yours as you sobbed into his chest.
"Don't cry..." He delicately rubs your back soothingly. "I'm okay, it's really fine."
You slowly let go, feeling a little embarrassed at your sudden outburst. "Sorry..." you say sheepishly. "I-I don't know what came over me." You admit.
"It's okay," Thoma is a bit confused as well. He assumed you didn't care about him at all, but the thought of your arms around him made his face blush feverishly. "I- Umm." Not knowing how to approach this new vibe between the two of you, he grabs your hand, setting the dandelion flower inside it. "I usually never pick them, and I know you don't remember Mond very well, but I want you to experience a sliver of your land."
You feel your hand tingle as Thoma takes it, and you purse your lips as to not reveal any expression. "Thank you." you whisper softly, staring at the flower.
"Blow on it." Thoma encourages. "Trust me."
You bring the flower up to your lips, the little white puffs atop it tickling your nose. Gently you blow on flower, and watch as the seeds spread all around you as the wind blew.
You gasp in awe as you stare at the Dandelion seeds being whisked away. "Amazing!" You exclaim. "They're so beautiful!"
Thoma stares at you, and swears his heart beat developed palpitations. He gushes at your amazement towards such an ordinary object, and feels his palms get a little sweaty. "Yeah..." Thoma smiles, his eyes not leaving you. "Beautiful.”
-
pt 2 coming soon, and trust me, there will be so much angst
