Every time I hear Thoma’s little voice line when I drag him out to Dragonspine, I have to grin like a giddy little idiot. <3 So, have a lil somethin’ somethin’ because I’m self-indulgent as all hell.
❁
The wind howls viciously with a biting chill that shakes one to the bone, and the sky casts down a white flurry of snowflakes as well. Dragonspine would forever remain a mysterious land, and though many shied away from its dangers, as an adventurer, that luxury would not be extended to you. Through the months of experience, eventually you began to prepare much more thoroughly. From the bundles of coats, the clinking of warming bottles in the pockets, to the warmth of goulash stew before the trip up the trying terrain. Not to forget, a charming companion now accompanied your side, Thoma who beamed as radiantly as a bright sun.
Now though, used to Inazuman weather, his teeth chattered noisily as his gloved hands dug to new depths in his pockets. Occasionally, Thoma would pitifully whimper and beg you to stop near an abandoned campsite to warm up. “We wouldn’t want to catch a cold, after all.” He was always gifted in swaying someone to abide by his wishes when he wanted to, you were certainly no exception. So here you found yourself, warming near a fire at his side, if this wasn’t for work, perhaps it might be more romantic. “This is nice, don’t you think? You, me, and a frigid vacation! The soup was actually pretty nice… maybe I could get that recipe on the way back.”
A disbelieving chuckle left your lips, quirking a brow at the prior question. “Thoma, just half an hour ago you were moping about how you couldn’t feel your fingers. Not to mention you’ve asked me three times already how much longer this would take.”
“Hey! …Okay maybe I did do those things, but still!” Immediately, a pouty look was directed your way, peridot eyes flooded with the intention of gaining some form of pity, specifically in the form of kisses. Though right now, that wouldn’t work so easily, mind fully alert due to the icy tundra. It only took him a few seconds to relent, giving up with a shudder and sigh. “When I asked to go, I was expecting something a little more… mild.” His voice trailed off into a soft chuckle, one you had to roll your eyes at.
“I’ll be sure to make the next mission so mundane and boring you’ll never ask for ‘mild’ again.” The teasing sentence earned a defeated sigh from Thoma. He slumped closer to the fire, head falling onto your shoulders. He was lucky he was so precious, otherwise you would’ve forced him up to continue with the commission. For now though, and only for a short while, you’d allow him to get at least half the feeling in his fingers back.
Twenty minutes passed in comfortable silence, the crackling of the fire dying down slowly, but surely. Neither moved to add another log, and before long, it was Thoma who dragged himself away and upright. “Okay, okay, I guess we should get moving…” With a hum and a stretch, he offered out his hand. “We don’t want to stick around for night, I’m sure it gets way colder here and I don’t want to find out just how cold!” Warm fingers intertwined, and with a soft tug, you were upright and walking in quick strides at the man’s side.
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Hours passed, with the commission complete, all that was left was to descend down the mountain. It always felt faster, but it also came riddled with danger. Antsy to get down before the sun could set, your steps were practically skips, an occasional slip as well. “Don't run on the ice... 'cause if you fall down, I won't help you up, you gotta learn somehow.” Thoma’s warning earned a soft scoff and a small hint of a glare.
“How many times do you think I’ve traveled this mountain? I think I can handle my- ahh woAH!” With a careless step on slick ice, your foot slid right out from under you and sent you plummeting onto your back. The movement sent your body sliding down the mountainside, which might have been fun if you couldn’t feel every rock grate against your back and didn’t have to worry about crashing into a tree. With nimble speed and practiced grace, Thoma was able to launch himself into action quick enough, sprinting after your sliding body. The tips of his fingers snagged the fur lining of the hood on your coat and with a sudden jolt, all movement halted, allowing you to catch your breath dangling from the man’s fingers.
“So…” Thoma’s voice came out in a breathless huff, and when looking close enough, there was a trace of worry in his eyes. “How many times exactly have you traveled this mountain?” Such a mocking question received a frown and a snort from you, crossing your arms as you turned your head away from the other. Thoma wasted no time laughing at the childish pout, crossing his own arms after letting go of the fabric of your hood. When you eventually held out your hands, he took them and pulled you up with no reluctance.
“Plenty, Mr. ‘I won’t help you up.’” The returned mockery earned another laugh and a bright smile. Thoma was all talk, when you fell down, he’d always be there to help you back up, both of you knew that well enough. “Now, the sun is setting, let’s hurry down the mountain.”
“This time without falling for me again, right?” His comment earned him a light elbow in the ribs, but the housekeeper still feigned a winded sound for theatrics. His hand grasped yours, pulling it into the pocket of his coat as his thumb lightly swiped over the dorsal side. Though the pace of the walk was quick, there was a sense of sturdiness with your partner at your side, there to steady you on each misstep. Your duo arrived at the camp at the foot of the mountain just as the first stars began to peak out of the sky, twinkling softly with the promise of night.
Thoma wasted no time in ordering two bowls of stew, tugging you lightly to the fireside and beckoning you to indulge in a meal. “Maybe it wasn’t as mundane as I’m used to… but I did enjoy spending time with you today.” The admittance was a quiet whisper, his breath tickling your ear as he gave a charming smile. “But seriously, we need to get you a pair of mountain boots, really, what if you had fallen while I wasn’t there?” There came the mother hen, as per usual.
“Oh please Thoma, I was only rushing because my poor boyfriend is scared of the dark… and the cold apparently.” The remark made the man bump his head lightly into yours, a soft noise of distaste sounding from his throat.
“Am not.” The response was halfhearted, but the both of you knew that the other would much rather spend a day relaxing at home. “How about tomorrow we sleep in late…? I’ll make us breakfast, we can snuggle… Safe under some nice warm blankets.” His voice was wistful just thinking about it, and although you had half of mind to ask about both your respective duties, you decided the world could spare you both one simple morning together.
“Yea… that sounds nice.” Turning your head ever so slightly, you pressed a butterfly kiss against the man’s temple. In an instant, his head turned, peppering your face in kisses like an overly excited puppy, clearly happy to get his way.