Thank you! You are too sweet and I feel very cared for!
Autumn is my favourite season so it kinda feels like charging up my batteries. Now I can go on little walks and not meet a single person. The gloomier the better. 🖤
Hey! Thanks for taking the time to reach out. I know it's been a while and I do have a lot of works in progress and ideas; the thing is my master's thesis is kicking my butt and draining all my creativity and literary energy.
If you have a special request, send it my way and I'll see what I can do. I would be happy to do so for real🫀✨
Genshin Vignettes
Genshin!men x Male reader
Characters featured: Gorou, Heizou, Itto, Kaeya, Kaveh & Kazuha;
Content: Fluff and a hint of spiciness.
Note: Boy oh boy did I take my sweet time to put this out. I hope you all like it as much as part 1. The problem is never the ideas, but more the time and motivation to actually type it out. Thank you so much for the flood of interactions I really felt the appreciation.
Gorou - The moon was slowly rising in the night sky, and even if your day shift was over, you were still carrying out your duties to the Watatsumi army. Under the sharp overhead lights specific to the infirmary, you were cleaning up the wounds of a novice soldier who had an encounter with a fatui squadron on the north beach of the island. The newly trained soldier's absence was quickly noticed by the general of the Watatsumi army and he was quick to come to his junior aid bow blasing. The man was quickly brought back to you in Bourou village and thankfully most lesions and contusions were superficial. However, the colouration of the soldier’s ribcaged worried you. Gorou stayed to help and brought some water to the unnerved soldier in hope it would help him feel marginally better. You bandaged the now cleaned wounds and proceeded to osculate the soldier, asking him to take deep breaths. Gorou watched your expert hands move the stethoscope to the different areas on the soldier’s back, torso and side, carefully listening to his heartbeat and breathing. With extra care you asked your patient to lie down so you could continue your examination. Your fingers gently palpated the soldier’s ribcage and you cautiously reached the bruised area. Behind you, Gorou watched you intently as you inspected the soldier's torso for internal injuries. You made sure to examine the soldier's traits when you would touch a new area to make sure he wasn’t trying to hide away the pain. Your assured movements were almost hypnotic, but the amount of care you exhibited also made the general yearn for the same treatment. How would you behave if you were to heal him, try to soothe his body or alleviate the pain? Well he already knew since he remembered the numerous times you had patched him up during the war. How you were always concerned regarding how he was pushing the limits of his body. Your hand had applied ointment many times to his wounds - now ashen scars covering his body. Lost in thought, Gorou was brought back to reality when his junior thanked him once more for saving his skin before it got ugly. Gorou reassured him it was nothing and that he would always be there for his troops.
Once the soldier left your infirmary, you took the road leading up the Sangonomiya Shrine where the quarters you shared with your partner were located. Gourou was unusually quiet and after spending so much time with him, you were able to read him better than anyone else. You took his hand and squeezed it lightly making your valiant hound of a lover turn his attention to you. You leaned closer to murmur softly into his ear that you wanted to take care of him tonight, your favourite patient still needed to have monthly check-ups. You could see that your words had an impact because the tip of his ears shuddered, along with his tail which confirmed everything you needed to know. He answered that he would truly appreciate it, but with a determined look he added he wanted to make things fair and reciprocate everything you would do for him. You started with a relaxing midnight bath which led into you tending to his tail’s fur, half naked on your bed while sharing how your respective day went. In that moment of proximity and warmth, you gently kissed each and every scar adorning his body, applying some regenerative lotion after your lips had appeased the skin. Satisfied with your work, you finally kissed his lips. Gourou delicately led you into a different position where you came to be lying down on your stomach, your limbs sprawling across the mattress. He made you blush once he straddled you, which he assured was only to have a better access to your back muscles. Your lover started his massage, relieving you of the stiffness and the discomfort. From time to time he would interrupt the massage only to press himself against your form and enumerate everything he liked about you. Maybe it was his words or maybe it was his body heat combined with yours, but in those moments you wondered if you were going to melt away into oblivion. Once he finished rubbing off any residual tension in your back, he freed you from underneath him. He moved aside to lie down on his side, facing you and started massaging and kissing your overworked, gentle hands, preparing them for your next shift.
Heizou - It must have been at least 3 days since you hadn’t seen Heizou. You knew he was deep in a case and looking at every relevant document from the police station archive, but you still missed him and decided to go see him before going to work at the Yae publishing house. You felt a smidge more house husbandy than usual and decided to cook a serving of radish and fish stew for him. You were aware of how he likes fried food so the warm dish was sure to be appreciated. As a side bonus, the omega-3 contained in the fish would help your boyfriend’s overworked brain. You were at these reflections when you realized your feet brought you to the police station’s main entrance. There, you were greeted by a doushin that introduced himself as Uesugi. He said that you would need to be accompanied to the archive because no civilian could go unsupervised. On the way there you patiently listened to the new recruit gloat on the fact he was only waiting for an exciting case to show everybody how great he was.
When you arrived at your destination Uesugi leaned on the archive room door and commented on the mouth watering smell that was coming out of your neatly wrapped bento. He affirmed that he should be rewarded for coming to your aid and guiding you to the archives. Before you had the time to answer, the door the doushin was leaning against abruptly opened and made him fall to the ground. Heizou came into view and peeked to the man at his feet stating that he was paid to be a public servant and not the other way around. He then mentioned he should get going before Owada, the yoriki of the police station (in other words their superior), noticed his prolonged absence from his post. The scolded man took to his heels and was quickly on his way back, feeling that the glint in Heizou’s eyes wasn’t that amicable. Before you could ask your boyfriend if he was always this way to his kōhai, he pulled you into the archive storage room and pulled you lower so he could kiss you properly. After inquiring about each other's respective last few days, you offered the lunch you had prepared to the detective who opened it as soon as it was in his hands. He took a seat at the nearest table and after a few bites, a string of compliments left his lips only to be halted by the next eager bites. He somehow must have felt that you were about to leave, so he pulled a chair next to him and tapped the seat to invite you over. You explained you had to go to work or you would look like a bad employee. In response he pleaded that he just wanted to spend a few more minutes in your company. You agreed to spend ten more minutes with him, but he would have to accompany you to work and give an excuse to Kuroda.
Itto - Your boyfriend was getting more and more cranky because he hadn’t seen you all day and he was missing you terribly. Itto knew you had prepared this fishing activity with Thoma for weeks, but this was one of those days he wished he could have stayed in bed with you since he wasn’t feeling like his usual bubbly self. How could he predict that not receiving a morning kiss would feel like an arrow pierced his heart. How could he predict that not being able to share breakfast with you would feel like eating his last meal in a cell. He didn’t want to impose, but everything felt so dramatic today of all days. He spent some time with the members of the Arataki Gang, but winning a TCG battle didn’t feel like it should. To make matters worse you probably had the time of your life with that housekeeper twink. No it wasn’t the thing. YOU were making Thoma’s day super great and the one and oni was left aside. Itto was brooding in your shared apartment when he heard the front door open. You were putting away your fishing gear when the oni sprinted towards you and embraced you into a hug. After kissing him on the cheek you told him that Thoma was treating you to dumplings and bubble tea in Ritou and that you would be back later that evening. Itto told you to have fun mechanically, but in a panic he started to ask you the whereabouts of his elusive lucky comb, the location of his favourite drums and asking what he was going to eat for supper. You answered that it was in the bathroom, under the bed and that there was miso soup he could re-heat and some leftover onigiris in the kitchen. Itto watched you decrease in size until you had left his line of sight on the road leading towards Ritou and then closed the door. He was devastated. Maybe you didn’t like him anymore. No he couldn’t doubt you like that, you were the boyfriend of The First and Greatest Head of the Arataki Gang. The one he would put his life on the line if needed. He reheated the miso soup and ate the onigiris. He smiled at the little note you had left him next to the platter. But maybe you were faking your affection with this little note to make things easier for him. No it couldn’t be. Or could it.
Itto was stuck in this very mindspace when you finally returned to Hanamizaka. He heard you come back and announce that you were home, but he didn’t flinch. He heard you make your way to your shared room where you would find him seated upright on the mattress with a blanket covering him. You approached him and teased him asking if he was sulking. You noticed how he refused to look at you, his eyes glued to the wall and if you tried to turn his head towards you he would exert all the strength his neck could exert to make sure he wouldn’t budge. You regained your seriousness and gently told him that if he was giving you the silent treatment he was either trying to make you feel bad or he was trying to signal he wanted to be comforted. One way or the other Itto needed to tell you what was happening for you to help. Your boyfriend finally looked at you and started to cry hugging you and admitted it was a hard day and he didn’t know why but he felt bad all day. You got seated next to him and made him lay his head on your lap. While you twirled his hair between your fingers you asked him to remember the exercises you had done with the wheel of emotions and to take his time to name the emotions he was feeling. He frowned in concentration and stayed silent for a little while. He then said he felt many emotions at the same time. At times he felt jealous, but also abandoned and lastly inadequate because he wanted for you to have fun, but couldn’t control himself to be better. You answered that sometimes even the almighty Arataki Itto couldn’t control his emotions and that maybe it was better to acknowledge and accept them and just let them be for a while and let them wash over him until they didn’t feel so intense.
He scrunched himself against you and hid his face in your lap. You gave him time and he eventually moved to hug you tightly. You then asked him to list 10 things you liked about him. At first the question seemed to puzzle him a bit and he tentatively answered that you liked his smile. You nodded and encouraged him to continue. Each new statement was becoming easier to say. You liked how he didn’t judge you, how he was genuine, how he listened to you, his enthusiasm, how he was helpful, the way he hugged you, how he took care of you and how he was always trying his best. Each thing he was able to find made him feel lighter. Each time you nodded to notify he was right, he got more earnest - smiling brightly. Once he reached the 10th thing you liked about him, he looked at you passionately and opened his arm to draw you in. Once in his arms he started to kiss you fervently, only you could bring him in this state of desire. You two were the perfect pair. How could he have doubted that? You both spent the rest of the night proclaiming your love for each other.
Kaeya - You were tasked by Hertha, Captain of the 6th Company - Logistic, to show the new recruit around since you were one of the most experienced field officers under her. She also knew you had a good work ethic and wouldn’t cut corners while showing the most mundane tasks there were. The new recruit wasn’t exactly your favourite type of colleague. He seemed to care more about the appearances than the efforts needed to back them up. You blamed it on his nervousness, he probably tried to play the tough guy as a way to hide his nervousness. You spent most of your day teaching him the basics, but as the good senior that you were you also instilled in him the sense of why the 6th company was important for the knights. The charter and administration of baggage train, resource management and record-keeping weren’t exactly glamorous tasks, but they were still cogs in the machine that is Ordo Favonius. You also introduced him to the other personnel he would work with, Noelle as a representative of the maids, Lisa who helped with bookkeeping, etc. You then left the library and headed to the office of the quartermaster. As you found the office empty, you concluded your presentation of the Knights of Favonius and indicated he would be appointed to a regular task and schedule tomorrow morning. He thanked you for your help. He seemed to hesitate to leave, and you raised an eyebrow, wondering if he still had any questions. He decided to shoot his shot and put on his bravado once again. He leaned towards you and asked you if you were going to invite him for a drink since you were so obviously pining after him. You couldn’t help yourself, but to burst into laughter, effectively turning the proud expression of the recruit into a meek one. You told him you only did your job and that he didn’t receive any special treatment. Obviously vexed, the man cut his losses and turned around to leave the quartermaster office.
Kaeya came into view and blocked him from retreating. With a devilish smile, Kaeya introduced himself offering his hand out, cold air seemingly coalescing around the recruit who extended his hand only to be caged into the other’s grip. After ending the rigid handshake, Kaeya mentioned he occupied the role of Cavalry Captain and quartermaster, but more importantly he was ‘his’. The recruit babbled that he didn't quite understand. Kaeya took the expression of a patient teacher and explained that he had the utmost honour of being able to call the man beside them - you, his beloved partner. The recruit understood all but too late that he had made a move on someone that was already taken. He bowed his head several times, apologizing to the both of you while hastily leaving the office. You looked at the pleased expression plastered on Kaeya’s smile and could only snicker to yourself. Kaeya came closer to you and asked what was so funny. You answered coyly that you didn’t know that ‘being his’ was one of his titles. Kaeya answered that he was serious when he said that it was his honour to be yours. Kaeya had closed the distance between you and him and looked intently at you while you tried to chase away your chuckles to remain impassive. He softly reached out to hold your chin up and asked if he may. You agreed and he started to kiss you passionately. Each time he would take his breath, he would mumble ‘yours’ to your ear. Sometimes he would say it shyly and sometimes like a one word statement; changing tone each time you were catching your breath from the passionate kiss. His voice was now a faint whisper, and he let out one last ‘yours’. However this time he clearly denoted the question that was hidden in the word - like followed by an implicit question mark. You smiled and said he was yours as much as you were his. You left the office bickering lovingly at each other and in the following weeks you noticed that Kaeya was more keen on holding your hand whenever you were out in public.
Kaveh - For once you were lucky and had the opportunity to leave the Akademiya early for the day. You had made plans with your boyfriend Kaveh for the evening and took a chance to pass by his place, maybe he would’ve finished his day early as well. The grey clouds above your head suddenly let out the rain they were carrying, as you made your way through the overpass and archways leading you down from the House of Daena. You soon reached the familiar yet impressive house decorated by many stained glass windows. You knocked at the door and you were soon invited in by the Akademiya’s scribe himself. Al Haitham offered for you to wait for Kaveh here since he shouldn’t take too much time to come back home. The scribe then disappeared in the kitchen to boil some water and make some tea while you made sure none of the books in your backpack were damaged by the rain. You put out an aged tome treating of ancient runes on the table to make sure there was no humidity that would linger in between its pages. Al Haitham came back with two cups of mint tea and commented on the book you had brought out. You mentioned you were trying to understand the scripture you had stumbled upon in some Dahri ruins and that you were currently trying to translate it, but it was no easy task. Al Haitham offered his help and you were amazed by his translating skills. After taking some notes and promising that you would get back to him to notify him of your research advancement, the conversation slowly moved on to your respective Darshans, yours being Vahumana - history and social sciences, and his being Haravatat - linguistic and semiotics. Kaveh entered the house as you were talking about the benefits of multidisciplinary research units, especially in your two fields of study. You paused to greet Kaveh and he stole you a kiss before eyeing scornfully his roommate. He excused himself, saying he needed to change his clothes - something about being less formal and more comfortable. You continued your conversation while packing your things in your bag to be ready when your boyfriend would come back.
Kaveh came back looking even more exquisite than you had expected with richly decorated garments and accessories. Your boyfriend was a sight to behold. He walked directly towards you and offered his hand to help you stand up. Kaveh simply stated that Al Haitham shouldn’t wait up as you would spend the night out. Kaveh escorted you outside and took the direction of your favourite restaurant. Although he was all smiles while inquiring about your day you halted and asked him if there was something bothering him. He knew he couldn’t hide anything from you as you were the one that read him best. He asked if you were going to do a joint research with Al Haitham since you get along with him so well and that your Darshans were closely related. He went as far as to mention that if he was going to have the house to himself at the cost of you bringing Al Haitham with you in some ruins he didn’t want the empty house at all. You reassured him that you didn’t view Al Haitham as someone you would want to pursue a professional endeavor with (nor a romantic one). You just happened to have similar academic interests and that he knew about some runic language you wanted to decipher. You resumed walking in the direction of the restaurant, but felt Kaveh still harbored some negative feelings. You squeezed his hand and mentioned you were thinking about writing a paper on the architectural style of the Dahri ruins you were currently investigating. Kaveh perked up at your words waiting to hear the rest. Having his attention on you, you asked him if he would like to accompany you during your next expedition. After all, Al Haitham wasn’t the only one with whom you could do a multidisciplinary research project. Kaveh knew how much you value and enjoyed your expeditions and the fact you invited him meant a lot. He asked if you were suggesting this idea only because he was jealous, to which you answered that you had planned to ask him for a while, but you didn’t have any good opportunity to do so. He bashfully lowered his head and said he would really enjoy coming with you. He hugged you tight and you were back on your way to the restaurant, Kaveh asking you about your day once more.
Kazuha - The Alcor and its crew had been quite on demand during the last few months. Different commissions took the crew all over the seas of Teyvat and Beidou was able to strike plentiful commercial deals with important actors of the trading business. As a reward the beloved captain decided to hold an evening celebration including a feast and some music on the side. You and your partner were able to eat to your heart's content, you couldn’t decide if you had preferred the Golden Shrimp Balls or the Lotus Flower Crisp. Your partner was delighted by the Stir-Fried Fish Noodles to which you took a mental note to try and get the recipe from Xinyue Kiosk. You weren’t sure your cooking skill would be enough to recreate the dish, but you were confident that Kazuha would appreciate it anyway. Kazuha suddenly stood up from beside you and kissed your temple before getting to the small stage in front of the dining area. It wasn’t a stage like the one Yun Jin or Xinyan, but more a cozy little platform that could accommodate solo artists. Kazuha took out his zitar and started playing a tune, sometimes humming along with the melody. After a few minutes of rehearsal and warming up, the beat morphed into something livelier and fast paced. Soon the tables were out of the way and the crewmate made their way on the newly formed dancefloor. You were softly gazing at your boyfriend’s finger brushing against the cords of the zitar when a big hand landed on your shoulder. Taken by surprise you turned around and none other than Suling - the Alchor’s chief smith, came into view. For once it seemed the ironworker had his mind off the maintenance of the weaponry. He offered you a dance to which you accepted after looking at the concentrated yet elated expression on your lover's face. You stood up and joined the others on the dancefloor and let the notes carry you around, guiding your movements. You didn’t expect Suling to be such a good dancer and paired with Kazuha’s music, time really flew by. The moon was now high above you and you requested a break, going back to sit at the dinning table to bring some relief to your legs. You accepted the cup of tea Yinxing offered you to rehydrate yourself. As you were drinking the liquid, Kazuha finished the last notes of the tune he was playing and everybody cheered for him. Kazuha came beside you and asked for you to follow him. As exhausted as you were, you managed to get up and Kazuha pulled you aside to a more secluded area where he leaned his elbow on the wooden railing of the Alchor. You felt the salty air on your face and Kazuha’s finger running on your arm. you turned to face him and asked him if he was bothered that you had danced with Sulin; each time you had checked on him you couldn’t meet his gaze, but he always harbored a soft smile on his lips. Kazuha chuckled and answered that in the end he was the one that really made you dance so it didn’t matter in the slightest. However he got closer to your ear and asked you if you would have preferred him as a jealous boyfriend. His traits kept an enigmatic demeanour and before you could answer he pulled you towards your shared quarters. If Kazuha isn’t the one to fall subject to jealousy, he still dedicated all those songs to you while longing to have you in his arms.
Since I want to pull for the wanderer brat, it is time to speculate a little on what the 4 stars are gonna join the 3.3 banners. This is a prediction.
I base myself on banner droughts - meaning the number of banners that have elapsed since the 4* last appearance, represented by the (coloured number) next to their name. I also look for some contextual clues, like the little investigator I am.
1st banner
5* limited characters
Scaramouche (Wanderer) & Itto;
4* character prospects
Official - Faruzan
Almost certainty - Gorou (8)
Likely - Rosaria (10), Yanfei (9), Chongyun (8) or Ningguang (7)
4* character prospects
Almost certainty - Kujou Sara (12)
Very likely- Yunjin (6)
A smidge likelier - Collei (5)
Likely - Rosaria (10), Yanfei (9), Chongyun (8) or Ningguang (7)
I decided to put Collei up there because there was a trend that non specific support would be absent for 3 to 4 banners after their first release. Heizou was the first one to break the pattern after being absent from 6 banners. I suppose this is due to the expanding 4* characters pool.
Contextually, it makes sense for Collei to return on a banner with 5* characters that have a good synergy with dendro.
Content: Fluff and a little suggestiveness in the Ayato one.
Discussion: Envy and Jealousy are hard to work through. It is possible to end up projecting your insecurities on the people surrounding you if you aren't self aware. However, all these things aren’t inherently linked to possessiveness and toxic relationship patterns.
Why am I writing all this? As I’m making silly littles vignettes on envy and jealousy about 2D characters, I want to clarify that those feelings can be traced back to the values centered in our societies - namely individuality and ownership in a patriarchal and capitalist system. Traced back, not excused.
All in all, we often confound acts driven by jealousy as proof of love. Jealousy in relationships is common, but I believe the way it is addressed - with open communication, is a testament to one's ability to love. In other words, if someone reflects on their jealousy and recognizes their possessiveness or need for control as issues they need to work on, that’s the real commitment towards the relationship.
Jealousy can be endearing, but left unchecked it can lead quickly to a toxic relationship.
Albedo - Seated at a table near Good hunter you had your nose in a book and from time to time you glanced over at Albedo who was sketching something in front of you, probably an unsuspecting subject that had caught his eyes. You were truly grateful for those times spent in his company mostly because you had reached a point you didn’t feel the need to talk and could simply enjoy the time going by slowly in his company.
After some time, Timaeus, who was operating the alchemical crafting bench on the other side of the fountain plaza, approached and interrupted Albedo’s creative process to ask him some questions about the technicalities of the procedures he used to brew a certain potion. You didn’t make out the details, but took the opportunity to leave for the bathroom since you had been sipping on lemonade all afternoon.
When you returned you noticed how Albedo seemed somewhat displeased at answering the growing pile of questions from his colleague. When Albedo noticed your presence, he immediately excused himself away from Timaeus and pulled you by the hand in direction of the Headquarter of the Knights of Favonius. He mentioned not being able to finish your portrait because he was disturbed by the other man and wanting to make a new one somewhere you wouldn’t be bothered by anyone. Nobody encroaches on his time spent with you, those moments are yours and only yours. Leading you to his private quarters, he made sure you were the sole subject of his attention.
Alhaitham - On an early morning in Port Ormos, you and your partner made your way into a dusty library in a secondary alley of the marketplace. You were looking for a particular essay studying the theological implications of the Sefer Yetzirah or Book of Formation and the author was said to have a position that dissent from the many scholarly theories on the matter. Sadly the book itself didn’t have a lot of print and it didn’t seem like a new edition would be coming. You pushed the door of the library which made the little bell attached to it resound into the small room filled with books from floor to ceiling. You and Alhaitham went toward two different sections, browsing for the desired book from shelf to shelf.
You were soon joined by the library clerk who seemed about the same age as you. He came up to you and asked for what you were looking for. Hearing the title of the essay, he smiled and nodded, impressed that you were looking for a book about a quite controversial subject. He smiled and added that he knew as soon as he first laid eyes on you that you looked like trouble. He left momentarily to go fetch the book in question from the backstore and brought with him a piece of paper and a pen. He took a second to scribble on it and mentioned how the topic itself was quite complicated and how the essay involved advanced notions.
As he extended his arm to give you the book and the paper with his name and address on it, he offered to give you some pointers and maybe take you on a date afterwards. He was interrupted by Alhaitham, who came up from behind you. With daggers in his eyes, he said in a monotone voice that since you were a very capable researcher in the field of philosophy, early mysticism and occult traditions, you wouldn’t need him to coach you. He added that as for a date, it was something reserved for him only; his arm reaching for your waist to add weight to his words. You paid for the book with as few words exchanged as you could, not to make the transaction any more strained. Once out of the library you raised a quizzical eyebrow at your partner who still had his hand on the small of your back, seemingly pushing you the furthest away from the library clerk as possible. When it was time for you to open the book later that day, Alhatitham insisted for you to rest on him while you both read your respective publications. He also made it clear that he was available at any time for any question you could have. When you teased him about whether he was confident in your reading comprehension skills or not, you could see him try to hide the plink flush of his face behind the hardcover of Aristotle's Physics.
Ayato - Getting ready for formal events with Ayato couldn’t be considered easy. Knowing that you would be hooked on his arm during the reception or meeting related to his functions kinda instilled in his brain he had to make the most of it. You were currently putting on the exquisite kimono he had custom made for you at Ogura Textiles & Kimonos. The silk felt sumptuous to the touch and the patterns sewn into the fabric were elegant.
You emerged from behind the folding screen and Ayato placed himself a few feet in front of you to admire the view. The commissure of his lips stretched into a smile and his eyes reflected fondness and a hint of pride. He closed the distance to adjust the opening of your kimono, taking the opportunity to feel your pecs under the fabric. His forthright action caused a tremor to spread across your body. You pulled him into a kiss to which he answered with impetuosity. Soon you were left breathless, letting him explore your jaw and neck as he was leaving trails of kisses. In the haze you left your neck fully exposed allowing the Yashiro Commissioner to seal his lips on the sensitive skin at the base of your neck and suction forcefully. So that’s what he was after from the beginning.
You lightly push against him and turn your head to get in his way. He paused to calmly look at you. He then tentatively reached for one of your hands and brought it in front of his lips to kiss it tenderly before closing it in a way that allowed him to suckle on your index finger - maintaining eye contact at all times. You giggled at the sensation and with a whisper you asked him what he needed to say to have your assent. A simple «please» escaped his lips and you used your free hand to part the silky material in a way that made your neck even more accessible. Ayato released your hand, but waited for you to nod and seductively expose your neck for him. This time, Ayato took extra care to make you feel even better trailing his teeth across your neck. He once more sealed his lips near your collarbone and sucked the skin while adding little nimbles and swirling his tongue on the yet to be bruised area. In the end, the hickey was only visible if someone paid you close attention. In a way, if someone had the audacity to look at you for too long, it would be clear you had someone in your life, and that was the man’s goal.
Cyno - Who was that? Why were you walking with them in such a decontracted manner? Cyno knew your friends, but he had never met that man walking next to you. You were strolling down the streets of Port Ormos and often stopped at the various stalls along the way. He wasn’t really spying on you and he told himself repeatedly that you would never do something bad behind his back. Cyno had tailed you since he saw you in the distance with the other and couldn’t decide what was your relationship to him. Was he a former colleague? Someone you studied with? Maybe he was an ex of yours. That would explain your physical proximity and general openness. He saw you burst into laughter, not just laughter, you were cackling and needed to steady yourself by placing a hand on the unknown man's shoulder. He caught himself wishing you laughed like that to HIS jokes.
The General Mahamatra remained hidden for the rest of your stroll and watched you climb the stairs that lead to the higher floors of Port Ormos. Soon your destination was made evident, you were going directly to Shapur Hotel. A hotel of all places, the place of predilection for extra marital relationships. You weren’t married, but that wasn’t the point. You halted in front of the building and hugged the other man. Cyno knew he could trust you, but that was playing with fire at that point. You bid your goodbyes to the other and turned back.Cyno left his hiding spot and made it straight to your shared apartment.
Once he was home, he didn't have to wait long before you arrived. Cyno steeled himself in place; the interrogation was about to begin and he would have answers. As soon as he saw your face and even before you had the time to greet him properly he fell to his knees - panic stricken, and asked if you were seeing someone else. You looked at him in confusion, clueless at what would have prompted this until you put two and two together. You made him stand up and explain that you were previously with your cousin who was visiting Port Ormos and that you were showing him around. Cyno felt as relieved as he was embarrassed. He apologized and said that the outburst wasn’t really rational of him. You reassured him and hugged him tight, even though it was a misunderstanding you could feel that your lover was quite shaken about the idea of you leaving him.
Diluc - As part of the Mondstadt branch of the Adventurer Guild you had your fair share of commission and had gained a little bit of notoriety within the city of freedom. Even Katherine praised you for your versatility and hardwork. About one month ago after clearing some hillichurl camps, you took a commission from the Knights of Favonius for whom you had to make an inventory of the supplies and rations stocked at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters. You ended up being paired with Bernhard and the task took you most of your afternoon. Thankfully the knight was friendly and reliable and you were able to finish the inventory while making some arrangements to the procedures so that the inventory was systematically balanced based on consumption and replenishment of the stock. After that commission and for the following weeks Bernhard made sure that you would be asked personally to execute the Knights of Favonius commissions. Today you received one such commission from Katherine. You had to help Bernhard visit Mondstadters to raise awareness on the new evacuation measures in case of emergency in the city. The goal was to review the evacuation plan leading to the designated safety areas in case of fires or other natural disasters and what could be done for prevention and the different methods of control that minimize the damage and risks.
After all your hard work during the previous month, Bernhard wanted to emphasize that he was grateful for your help and gifted you with a basket of baked goods and sweets. You thanked the knight and left with the delicious reward to go meet your partner at Angel’s share. Diluc was already outside of the tavern and ready to go home to Dawn Winery with you. He gave you a chaste kiss as a greeting and led you towards the main gate. He noticed the basket you were holding and foraged into it trying to snag a snack for himself. You half slapped his hand saying those were gifted to you for your efforts and that if he wanted some he needed to ask for permission first. After he used the magic word you graciously offered him a flavourful moon pie.
Walking next to him you told him about your day and the commission you had taken and finally explained the gift was from Bernhard because you were the finest adventurer in all of Mondstadt. Since Diluc didn’t react at all to your playful boasting you elbowed him to get a reaction out of him. The red head apologized for lacking consideration and you continued the conversation thinking nothing of it. Your partner was probably tired after working all day.
The next day you were woken up by Diluc bringing breakfast in bed. You asked what the occasion was and he answered he just felt like it. You were taking the day off so you had nothing planned and were able to enjoy the act of kindness. Your partner was a great chef and the grape juice was also a recognizable personal touch from the man you loved. In the afternoon, you were given a Cecilia bouquet most romantically and even if you tried to know what this was all about, Diluc deflected the question. In the following days you received many more gifts, little notes and it all culminated one evening when you received new gear for your adventuring duties and an invitation to spend the evening with him and a glass of apple cider.
Diluc brought you to the balcony adjacent to his room on the second floor of the manor. Once in the intimacy of his room, you stopped him in his tracks and demanded that he tell you why he was showering you with gifts. You liked everything he picked for you, but you stated you didn’t need all of it. Diluc took you in his arms and answered that he was reminded not so long ago that he had a wonderful boyfriend and it would be a shame if only some work colleagues were the ones to give him gifts. Not missing a beat Diluc suggested you both leave on the following day for a romantic getaway to Dornman Port where you could relax and spend time together without the pressure and responsibilities of Mondstadt.
Author Note: At this point I had to finish this chapter or the chapter would have finished me. So. Much. Dialogues. It really made me doubt if I, myself, know what dialogues are.
Also I had a fever a week ago and somehow I made some spicy lemon grade smut (Ayato x Male reader x Thoma) and I was wondering if it would be apropos to make it a stand alone more or less connecting to this fic. I wrote it using Y/N instead of using my OC Naoya and I'm unsure what yall would prefer between the two. You can tell me via direct messages, asks or the reaction bubble on this post - doing so will grant the VIP access and I might be more inclined to take recommandations (I'm half serious at this point, but don't be scare to reach out, constructive criticism are always welcome).
Thoma and Naoya were on their way back after investigating an adventurer campsite at the very North West of Yashiori island - where the tip of Orobashi’s tail pointed out of the water. They found some trinkets and artifacts under the tent, but more importantly some ragged notes with plans depicting a lower level to the above-water ruins of Fort Mumei. This time, Naoya had clearly felt an ancient energy emanating from within the stone structures. Maybe there was more to the location than meets the eye.
«So yeah, looking at Fort Mumei still felt eerie, but I’m pretty sure there is something more than just that feeling. Combined with the fact that I fainted the first time we went there, it’s safe to assume we will need to go back and investigate the site more thoroughly.» Naoya commented.
«There is really something about that place.» Thoma agreed.
«After all, it’s not called Fort Mumei for nothing; if we take into account that its name translates to Fort of ignorance it almost taunts us. Anyway having you by my side this time around was really pleasant. All week I’ve been investigating that Jakotsu Mine so I’m glad we were able to visit a place where the sky is visible letting the sun rays reach our skin.» Naoya stated.
«Yes, it also felt good to spend time outside after being shut in for so long. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come with you when you explored Jakotsu mine. By the way, do we know why Fort Mumei was built initially?
«Don’t apologize for the time you needed to recover from your illness, Thoma-chi. To answer your question, I read in the Narukami Shrines archives that long ago it was possible to cross all of Inazuma on foot. Something about the level of the water and a long distance highway that made for impressive infrastructures. The author of the documents posited that the ruins of Araumi and Fort Mumei are examples of such a nationwide network.»
«So it would have been possible to go on vacation to Watatsumi island by foot?» Thoma asked, seemingly excited at the possibilities it would entail.
«Hum, I don’t think it was possible since the roads must have predated the creation of the island of Watatsumi.» Naoya answered.
«So no vacation without taking a damn boat, uh.» Thoma summarized with a smidge of dejection as he looked at the maple leaves over him signaling that they would soon reach their base.
«No, but we can still go on vacation In Watatsumi with a bigger, safer boat! Didn’t you mention a crew that made it past the Thunderstorm barrier of the Sakoku Decree? We should ask them to take us. Well only if you want.»
«Captain Beidou and the fleet of the Crux are amazing! Maybe they are a good starting point. However we shouldn’t restrict ourselves to only Inazuma! They could bring us to Dornman port in Mondstadt and then I could show you around.» Thoma got more and more enthusiastic at the thought of visiting his home nation accompanied by the kitsune.
«I would like that…» Naoya mustered tentatively, embarrassed of how gushy he felt at the idea of some tacit long term plan he would share with the housekeeper.
However, the emotion was short-lived as their home base came into view. It wasn’t the building that made a glower appear on the kitsune’s face, it was the result of noticing a certain slender form right beside the old abandoned house.
Naoya swiftly changed his course and half shouted to Thoma: «I’m just going to freshen up by the river and I’ll meet you back at the house. It will take me 5 minutes, top.»
Thoma didn’t have an opportunity to answer anything before Naoya was out of earreach, long strides hastily bringing him in the opposite direction of the housekeeper’s position. Turning his back on the Kitsune, Thoma then noticed that Ayato was waiting for him. The housekeeper picked up some speed and followed the trail until he could greet him.
After exchanging formalities and enquiring about their respective last few days, Ayato stated he did come back, but only to end the expedition and bring everyone back to Narukami island. Although he understood where Ayato was coming from, Thoma felt the decision wasn’t made impartially.
«Ayato-san, I’m just telling you that it’s a bit unfair and that he probably won’t like you to come back here just to tell us the expedition is over. There is no reason for you to act that way without discussing the issue first.»
«Thoma, why are you taking his side? We already completed the ⅔ of this expedition and since you didn’t make any progress, we are cancelling the rest of the expedition. That’s all there is to it.»
«How about you cut some slack to Thoma and instead tell me why you made such an arbitrary decision?» Naoya’s voice was heard as soon as he opened the door, making a gust of wind rush inside. The kitsune knew storming in wasn’t his best course of action, but the tension that lingered after Ayato left for Narukami made it easy to overreact.
«Listening behind closed doors to get the right timing before making an entrance? No ‘Hello’ or ‘How have you been?’ you prefer jumping right into it. Always so dramatic Naoya.» Ayato sneered down at the kitsune.
«Sure that’s your point of view. Thoma you can tell him why we won’t be leaving if I'm too dramatic for Ayato’s taste.» Naoya smuggly taunted back, crossing his arms on his chest with an air of defiance.
Before Thoma was able to utter a single word, Ayato raised his voice with an unexpected vehemence. «Don’t bring him into that.»
«Why? Because you think he wouldn’t agree with you?» Naoya provoked some more.
«Stop trying to get in between him and me, you are just a hindrance to our work relationship.»
«Oh a ‘work relationship’, that is so ludicrous. You couldn’t even say friendship?» Naoya snapped back, rolling his eyes.
«Just say it. You tried to get close with Thoma only to get at me.»
«I think Thoma is a great companion and I would like to know him better. On the other hand, I'm not sure how I feel about you wanting to control his life and thinking people would only want to forge a bond with him to get at you, mister Head of the Kamisato clan. That is some bullshit right here.»
«You both know I'm just beside you, right?» Thoma tried to intervene, growing more and more exasperated with their shenanigans, especially since they didn’t mind using him to get at each other.
«Control his life? I'm just worried for him, you never spoke to him at any of the events you attended since you were back and I know you can be so insincere and deceiving when you want it. What if you suddenly decide that you don't want to talk with him for 3 years and act like strangers after that?»
«How dare you! Of course mister Kamisato, the oh so important Yashiro Commissioner, expects people to stay just as they are and keep their role in his pretty little life, because it is so much more important than anything else. What if you don't have your dose of charming personnel from Mondstat every day? Will you throw a hissy fit?»
«You have some nerves to patronize me like that. In opposition to your distasteful self-indulgent behaviours, I know Thoma would never leave without any last words. I can put my trust in him.»
«Stop putting so much pressure on him. That’s unbelievable. He is not there for your convenience. However, your figure of speech reveals a lot about your inner desires. Naughty Ayato thinks about "putting in" and "thrusting" when it comes to his personal staff. Why don't you say you just want to fuck him already.»
«You bastard.» Ayato grunted at half-voice, the sound escaping his throat resembling more the threatening sound of a torrent than his usual composed tone.
«Maybe I am a bastard; I was raised by the shrine maidens and never knew my parents. How does it make you feel that such a low born person is in your presence.»
«You are so deranged, all that meditation messed up your brain. You always find a way to cross the line when it comes to me.»
«ENOUGH. That's all you've done during this trip. Making things about me when in reality you are still two teenagers that aren't fucking able to communicate with each other or deal with their own emotions.»
Ayato turned around and looked in disbelief at Thoma. Even though the housekeeper doesn’t raise his voice often, he can project an incredible assertive aura.
«What is it, Ayato? You can't stand when something doesn't go like you planned? Close your gaping mouth and get over yourself.» Naoya nagged from behind Thoma, even pulling his tongue at Ayato adding another layer of pettiness.
«Oh and don't even start Naoya. Did you think you could have the milk, the butter in addition to fucking the milkman? You think you can act as you did just now and it will bear no consequences whatsoever? And back then, you left for Liyue and expected that everybody in Inazuma would hold their breath until you got back. Guess what? Ayato is the Head of the Yashiro Commission and he has a successful life because he is good at it and made many sacrifices along the way.» Thoma paused, catching his breath and glared down at the other two men as if he was their parent scolding them.
«The lack of respect you two just exhibited is not warranted. The way you objectified me isn’t something you do to someone you care about. I can't deal with your bad vibes anymore. Don’t wait for me, and focus on listening to each other.» Thoma exclaimed before storming off.
As the door slammed shut, Naoya just stood there, head lowered looking at the ground. The kitsune felt really small, he didn’t exactly know how to name the emotions he was feeling but shame had to be part of them. Did it really take Thoma for him to catch up on how he was acting, wasn’t he able to catch himself before going too far?
«Oh so now you're silent. I wish it happened sooner so it wouldn’t have come to this.» Ayato stated bitterly.
«Shut up. Stop blaming everything on me. We were both arguing if I remember correctly.» Naoya retorted in a more even tone than before.
«Tsk.» A simple click of tongue on Ayato’s part was enough to reignite the embers of the kitsune’s emotions.
Naoya abruptly turned around, closing the distance between them and grabbed Ayato’s collar. The kitsune raised his lowered head to meet with Ayato’s eyes. In the closeness of their position, Ayato was shocked to see some tears rolling down the kitsune’s cheek. Usually the latter would have hidden them at all cost; in spite of his pride he unveiled them, showcasing the vulnerability of the moment. «What do you want from me?» The glint in Naoya’s eyes let out more hurt than anger at this point.
Ayato moved back instinctively in an attempt to free himself from the kitsune’s hold. «Don’t touch me.»
«Just answer me. What do you want now? Do you want to have the last word or what? Be my guest, just say something.» At each sentence spilling out of Naoya’s mouth he shaked his former best friend back and forth like a child would shale a rag doll.
«Unhand me and control yourself.» Ayato spitted out before struggling against the Kitsune’s hold. As his previous attempts to free himself didn’t succeed, Ayato firmly pushed against Naoya’s chest which resulted in Naoya losing his balance and toggling backwards, while still bringing Ayato into his fall.
They heavily crashed on the wooden floor, Ayato hastily raised himself partly on his arm, Naoya trapped under him. They were close, Ayato could see many thoughts stir inside of the kitsune’s eyes.
«Let me go.» Naoya said without conviction.
«You asked me what I want from you. Just tell me how you feel and what you think, like before.» Ayato said as he maintained eye contact with the other. The fact he was resting against the kitsune also meant their bodies were the closest they had been in years, but nothing felt familiar at first. Ayato didn’t want to be this close, however it was an unexpected opportune way to pin his former best friend in place. It was uncomfortable, Naoya’s breathing was annoying, he didn’t know where to put his long limbs or where to land his stare other than looking at Naoya under him. Their position galled Ayato’s skin, but what irritated him the most was that he liked being able to touch the other after so much time. A proof the kitsune was tangible and not a figment of his imagination. The commissioner had replayed many of their last moments in his head in search of some details that would explain why his friend left like he did. They never said goodbye and neither did they exchange greetings when Naoya made it back to Narukami. So in a way, it was as if Naoya never stopped to be a quiet and acrimonious contemplation. And so it felt weird this was the first time their bodies were so close after all these years.
«I don’t want to. What’s the point if we haven’t reconnected thus far? It’s not like before.» Naoya answered while trying to look indiferent.
«You idiot, that’s the sunk cost fallacy. It’s still worth it. Just talk to me.» Ayato fired back.
Ayato had managed to earn a snicker out of Naoya. «Why though, didn’t I make you mad enough?»
«I might be mad, but I still care about you.»
Naoya looked up at Ayato and wondered if it was too late to make amends. «Are you sure? I think you prefer the version of me you have in your head. You were never satisfied with the real me.» Naoya attempted to jerk himself out of Ayato’s grasp but Ayato tightened his hold.
«Why are you so sure I can’t care about who you truly are.»
Naoya turned his head to look at the ceiling, remaining silent. The kitsune frowned and his ears flattened on his head. Ayato couldn’t tell what he was thinking but it seems his former best friend was reluctant to talk about their issues.
«How about I let you go before we have this conversation? But you can’t run away.» Ayato pleaded. Naoya nodded back, still looking somewhere slightly over the other. Ayato pushed himself to the side and freed the kitsune. Naoya raised himself on his elbows and retreated to the closest wall to put his back against the cold rugged surface.
«Nao-rin, tell me something, at least one. Stop trying to keep everything bottled up.»
Naoya twitched at the nickname and exhaled excessively. Ayato decided to remain seated a few meters away from the kitsune, regaining some patience after the heated argument. Naoya finally gave in and decided to try communicating his feelings. He had to be careful though, if he was going to do it, he needed to leave the pettiness behind.
«Let’s do this. I’m aware I have my own insecurities that I project onto you, but do I really have to be perfect all the time? I acknowledge them and work on them. Maybe now isn't the best moment to be worried about my self worth» Naoya began, unsure if he was petty or openning up.
«No. You don’t have to be perfect all the time, everyone has things they struggle with.»
«You know if we were better at communicating we wouldn’t have hurt Thoma in the crossfire.»
«I understand you want me to take part of the blame for not being able to communicate clearly. Correct?» Ayato questioned.
«No. Well, maybe. I just wanted to say it out loud.»
«I can’t object to this statement. However, let's deal with our problems and then we'll talk with Thoma.»
«I guess it’s now or never. If we don’t try to air our dirty laundry, I might not be able to sleep tonight anyway.» Naoya conceded.
Ayato smiled because of the mental gymnastics his former best friend was doing in order to be able to open up about his feelings. «I can start if it makes it easier. When it comes to you, I felt betrayed and I am resentful ever since you burned bridges with me. I don’t think I deserved this silent treatment. I was never able to figure out why you would leave like this without telling me. Did you do this to get back at me for hurting you in some way, or was our friendship meaningless to you.»
Naoya winced at the words, but instead of getting defensive, he accepted them and reflected on the feeling his former best friend tried to share with him. «During that time period I felt inadequate and lost. Inazuma wasn’t helping me understand what path I wanted to take.»
«But how does that relate to me? Why did I deserve for you to leave without saying anything.»
«I was trying to do what would be best for everyone.»
«Naoya I needed you. I lost you and then I lost my parents and everything was changing so fast. I didn’t know who my friends or enemies were.» Ayato explained, sorrow making his voice tremble a little. «People tried to destroy the Kamisato clan, my sister and I included and I had to hear from Toda (the shrine maiden acting as liaison between the Yashiro Commission and the Grand Narukami Shrine) that you had departed for Liyue.»
«I’m sorry for your loss. I guess I never took the opportunity to tell you, but I truly am. You shouldn’t have to live through that. Your parents were good people.» Naoya paused, wondering how to clearly explain how things were back then. «Aside from dealing with my inner struggle, I needed to understand our relationship better, I - I wanted to know if I was the person you described or if you just put a label on me so I could fit in your life.» Naoya searched for his words. «The timing wasn’t the best. At first I felt that I wasn’t enough to support you. I saw your righteous path before you and I got scared. Even with meditation I wasn’t able to be honest with myself, it seems like I was never thinking clearly. Were you asking too much of me? Were you taking advantage of me? I never had aspirations to gain influence, quite the opposite I wanted to work outside the system.» Naoya paused to breathe in. «Ayato, back then I didn’t have the answer, but now I can see I felt inadequate and at the same time you didn’t realize the expectations you had put on me. At some point I didn’t know if you were trying to change me and I know now it seemed so absurd. In a way I felt like some toy you had, not even my own person. And it hurt because I wanted to be seen and understood not just listened to.»
«But I didn't ask for you to be perfect, you didn’t have to be the answer to everything. I just wanted us to be there and stand together.»
Naoya sadly smiled. «I understand, but back then would you have wanted us to stand together even if it was in the dark? Were you ready to halt your projects for me? You never asked me to be perfect, but you never asked me to not be. With your actions, my inability to recognize I was putting tremendous pressure on myself, the shrine maidens that were giving me anxiety and the Bakufu and their flawed vision of inazuman people, I didn’t know who I was and if I was good enough. I felt like a liability and I was angry at you for it.»
Ayato took the words in. At first he was going to flatly negate everything, but thinking back about their past relationship he realized he could see what the kitsune meant. Ayato was sure of him and let the kitsune follow him behind. However, always following someone and trusting them could be difficult.
Naoya’s flow of words started once more and interrupted Ayato’s chain of thoughts. «Right now I feel guilty, and I feel so bad for not being able to be there at the time, but I also remember how hard it was for me to just do everyday tasks and having to trust the process. Maybe I should have stayed, maybe I made the right choice leaving, I honestly can’t tell.» The Kitsune let the words float in the air before concluding. «If i would do it again, I would take the time to tell you before leaving and actually send you the letters i wrote to you while abroad.»
«Wait, you wrote me letters?» Ayato asked, skeptical. «What were they about?»
Naoya smiled. «I did, the stack of letters was pretty impressive at some point. I wrote about me, how I felt, how I was striving for balance, how my master was such a good person, but oh so stern. She helped me in many ways and after a short while I was in a much better state. I wrote letters explaining myself and giving you cues on how to understand me. I also wrote about how I missed you.» The kitsune finished not bothering to hide those particular details.
«I’m glad you were able to find someone who could bring you that kind of support. I wished you would have sent those letters… Earlier you said that you had to reevaluate our relationship. What was that about, why was your mind clouded when it came to me?»
«Ayato, why are you such a good listener that you didn’t miss any details.» Naoya sighed. «Did you know you were the first kid my age I met? Of course we ended up making many friends when we met in the abandoned temple right in front of Mount Yougou. Before that, I was only with shrine maidens and Yae. They didn’t feel exactly like a family, but they were there for me. I didn’t get really close with Yae until I was older. They didn’t completely see me for who i was yet, they cared for me.»
Naoya was now lost in thoughts, but felt somewhat lighter after explaining everything so he kept going. «Regardless of what happened at the shrine, down the mountain a little adventurous and troublesome boy made me realize I missed the warmth of someone who looked forward to spending time with me. You were my best friend, my rival and an equal, someone who was able to follow me with my thoughts. You challenged me, showed me you cared for me, you talked, listened, felt, and even made plans about the future. It was scary, but it was also intoxicating to be with you. And then I had the thought it wasn’t real, it couldn’t be. I convinced myself you had an ulterior motive.»
Naoya looked directly at Ayato and continued. «You represented so many things for me, but at some point it got confusing and I wanted to understand myself better first. And you know I meditate when I feel stuck.» The eldest Kamisato sibling let the kitsune articulate his thoughts, respectful yet eager. «Ayato, I-, I wanted to understand our relationship because my feelings got in the way of me thinking clearly. I hated that I didn’t know myself while you would be so whole and intact. Untouched and above the water while I was drowning in darkness. I don’t know, I’m sorry.»
«Why are you apologizing?» Ayato asked.
«I read once in old writings that laws regarding spiritual awakening stipulate one shouldn’t love someone in particular and regard humanity as all deserving of the same love, but in a way that love would also mean no earthly attachment-» Naoya stated in a monotone voice.
«Naoya, you are stalling. I want to know what YOU think of me.»
«Back then or now?»
«Now.»
«Those feelings don't scare me like they used to, but i think they are part of the reason I’m not able to properly interact with you. It got so complicated so fast and those feelings mostly hurt because I felt like I didn’t have the right to have them. Back then I missed the window opportunity to say my goodbyes and choose not to taint our memories. I guess writing those letters also helped me reach a certain closure.»
«That doesn’t answer my question, but maybe your letter will. May I read those letters when we get back?» Ayato asked with a sly smile.
«There is no chance of that happening.» Naoya blurted out with his ears quivering.
«Come on. You know I always liked your prose.»
«Stop it. Now it’s your turn to tell me how you feel.» Naoya asked, trying to get out of the tight spot he was in. He wasn’t about to confess a childhood crush after having a screaming match with the other person involved.
«I understand better now. The situation was complicated and we weren’t equipped to deal with it. I can see how my attitude made it seem like I was self absorbed, but truly it couldn’t be further from the truth. I would prefer if today was the last day of us not communicating properly and from tomorrow on, we won’t hide anything anymore. Is that something we can do?» Ayato established.
«That’s a given.» Naoya agreed.
«Great. Now tell me if those feelings of yours included love or not.» Ayato went in, taking no hostages.
Naoya jumped at the directness of the question and looked everywhere around them, fidgeting in place while his mind went blank. Of course Ayato would put him on the spot like that.
«Stop teasing me. We haven’t talked in years.» Naoya panicked.
«We are talking now. And you wrote me letters.»
«It’s not the same.»
«What kind of conversation would you like to hold?»
«It’s not that, I-. We were fighting minutes ago.»
«May I kiss you.» Ayato asked softly.
The kitsune’s body stifled, but the man’s words still brought Naoya's attention back to Ayato’s face. For a long time Naoya studied Ayato’s facial expression. Was he serious? That had to be the most unexpected course of action possible, which he didn’t anticipate.
«No. You aren’t thinking clearly.»
«But you still have feelings for me right? You talked like you still loved me. And I've loved you all this time, so what’s wrong? Never during the time we were apart did my negative thoughts outweigh the positive thoughts I harbored for you. I’ve wanted to do it for so long, and it was even harder during this expedition, but we weren’t able to understand each other. You can see this kiss as the promise of a new beginning without erasing what led us here.»
Naoya couldn’t understand how he had not self combust yet. «Not like this and not now. If you still feel like kissing me in a week, then maybe we may consider it. You can’t just expect me to be ok with a 180 like that.»
«Deal. Now allow me to give you a welcome back hug at least.» Ayato stood up and opened his arms.
«Welcome back from where? Your outing in Narukami?»
«Hey, I had important things to do with the Shumatsuban. You were too distant for my taste. I felt like you never returned from liyue and I was still waiting for you to come back into my life.» Ayato explained.
Naoya stood up as well and looked Ayato in the eyes before muttering a promise of his own. «I will work on what we have together and I won’t leave unless of some unforeseeable circumstances. If it was the case I commit myself to tell you 48 hours prior.»
«You better or it’s open season.» Ayato retorted, pulling Naoya against him tightly. Maybe this closeness was more familiar compared to the one of moments ago. Now they had explained themselves and there weren't any interferences left.
«I’m sorry for not being able to be here when you needed me and not coming to see you sooner.» Naoya apologized.
«I’m sorry that I wasn’t attentive to your needs and took you for granted.» Ayato answered.
After a moment of silence Naoya spoke again. «There is one last thing I need to tell you, but it can wait and I would prefer it if we waited for Thoma.»
****
The abandoned house was quiet. Ayato was crouched down over the table and had been asleep for some time now. Naoya was seated on the floor next to the door - pretty much where he was when he talked with Ayato, still thinking about the conversation they had. More importantly he was getting worried Thoma hadn’t come back yet. Maybe he should go see the amiable Kairagi next door to inquire if he had seen him.
Almost as if on cue, the kitsune heard regular footsteps in the distance getting closer and closer. Naoya straightened up and opened the door right away, his haste resulted in Ayato startling awake.
«Oh, you are awake.» Thoma commented plainly.
«I was getting worried, but wanted to give you some space.» Naoya explained, clasping his hands as he braced for Thoma’s possible anger. Ayato peaked from behind the kitsune’s shoulder.
«You didn’t have to worry I was with stray dogs from Higi Village and took them to the river. Did you sort things out?» Thoma asked, lassitude apparent in his tone.
«We-we did!» Naoya answered and turned around to look at Ayato who was nodding his head.
«Good.» Thoma said as he came face to face with Naoya. «Can you move from the doorway, I’d like to go to bed.»
Naoya didn’t know how to react, but complied and moved to the side to allow the venetian blonde to enter the abandoned house.
Thoma made a few steps before hearing a voice behind his back. «Thoma-chi, I’m so sorry. I apologize for what I said earlier. You didn’t deserve that.» Turning around he saw the kitsune kneeling down with his forehead touching the floor. Ayato took notice and was quick to bow in the same way. «We really appreciate you and we are sorry you had to be in the middle of us this whole time.» The commissioner added.
«Stand up. Both of you.» Thoma muttered.
Naoya and Ayato obliged, not knowing what to expect. Thoma menacingly walked toward them and stopped at arm length. He raised his hand and both men closed their eyes waiting for the impact. Thoma brought up his hand perpendicularly and proceeded to chop their heads with a light movement, nothing to hurt them.
«Seems like you did a lot of thinking. I’m glad to hear everything resolved itself.» Thoma said with a sweet smile only he could pull off. «Now let’s get to bed, shall we.»
****
In the early hours of morning, thunder and wind worked in concert to make sure that any sleep the three men could have wouldn’t be of top grade quality. After being woken up one two many times, the trio settled for an early breakfast prepared by Ayao and Naoya who still felt a little guilty for letting their quarrel get to Thoma. The latter enjoyed the act of kindness and was grateful to see his two boys working together for once. The menu consisted of some grilled lavender melons, omelette rice and some dango milk Ayato had brought back with him yesterday.
After most of their plates were emptied, Naoya decided to tackle the last thing on his list of things he wanted to resolve with the boys.
«So.» Naoya hesitated, breaking the silence. «There is one last thing we kinda need to talk about.»
«Yes Naoya, we can finish the expedition like you wished, but don’t be smug about it.» Ayato stated before taking a long sip of dango milk; it even seemed like he was looking for shelter into his cup at the idea of another confrontation.
«Well that’s great but I meant to talk about… err the reason why you left in a hurry, Ayato and that you worried a lot Thoma. Let’s say I want to talk about my condition.» Naoya cautiously explained.
«Is it about the reason why you fainted during our expeditions?» Thoma enquired.
«Yeah. Naoya let out breathily, further indicating he really didn’t know where to go with this conversation.
«Don’t worry Nao-rin, take your time. And in case you are worried, we won’t be mad. The last few weeks didn’t give you a lot of options to open up.» »Thoma stated, taking charge of the dialogue to help the other.
«Thank you. Hum. I don’t know where to start.» Naoya confessed.
«Start with the beginning.» Thoma answered, trying to lighten the mood.
«Or maybe you could tell a story like you used to do when we were younger.» Ayato offered. «Naoya always made up stories akin to light novels when he wanted to talk about something personal, while not knowing how to.» The light blue-haired man specified for Thoma.
«I can see Guuji Yae’s influence.» Thoma chuckled and smiled at the kitsune to encourage him.
«Right.» Naoya inhaled and the pieces of the story were coming to him. « Long ago there was a little fox that wanted to make his clan very proud of him. When the matriarch asked for him to better his spiritual connection to the Sacred Sakura, the fox obliged and started meditating under its leaves every day. His busy schedule could be overwhelming, but the moments he passed under the tree brought more balance to him. With time, the fox strengthened his connection and his power grew by leaps and bounds making him out to be a great asset for the shrine and his clan.»
Naoya paused his memories playing in his head. Thoma reached out and lightly patted the kitsune’s forearm.
«Did the cute little fox happen to have a reddish cordovan fur?» Ayato teased.
«Who said the fox was cute?» Naoya stammered back.
«If I’m not mistaken, the cute fox isn’t so small anymore.» Thoma added.
«Stoooop.» Naoya pleaded, his ears fluttering from the teasing comments.
«I’m sorry, go on.» Ayato apologized.
«You don’t even seem sincere; I’m sure you would tease me again.» Naoya complained. «Anyway, the unknown fox - which you clearly never met, was once more in deep meditation in front of the tree, well it would be more accurate to say with the tree. As he was going deeper and deeper, the fox felt something calling out to him, asking him to follow the roots further into the earth. Naively, the fox continued his descent up until he was hanging from the lowest roots. The feeling was exhilarating, he could feel the whole of Inazuma from there, memories swirling around him. But with his guard lowered the wide-eyed fox was an easy target and he fell prey to the great darkness that lingered after the last calamity. As the fox drowned in the darkness he tried his best to struggle. It took time but after a great deal of effort, he was able to climb back up and ask for help. When the matriarch of the clan heard the plea, she rushed to her protégé's help. Although she would subdue the lingering darkness, she couldn’t make it go away completely.» As he reminisced, Naoya let tears escape down his face alerting the other two men of the kitsune’s ache, who moved closer to hold him. Ayato passed his arm behind the kitsune’s back and hooked his hand on the opposite side, while Thoma opted to cling to the arm he was previously petting.
«From then on, the fox needed to be permanently aware of the darkness that obscured a corner of his mind. After a month or so of recuperating, the fox decided to leave and learn new ways to focus his body and mind. One week later, the kitsune… I sailed the sea and reached liyue in the hope of being able to rebuild myself.»
Naoya chased away his tears and looked to Thoma and saw the worry in his eyes. «Don’t look at me like that, it’s ok.»
«Nao-rin.» Ayato whispered.
«I’m telling you it’s no big deal.» Naoya turned around to see a somber expression painted on his childhood best friend’s face.
«Nao-rin, is that why you felt so inadequate, why you thought you weren’t strong enough to follow me.» Ayato asked while staring at the space in front of him.
Naoya held back his tears which sent trembles through his bodies and nodded with his head affirmatively.
«I’m sorry.» Naoya mustered in between controlled sobs.
«It’s ok we talked about it yesterday. We weren’t equipped to properly talk about those things back then.» Ayato replied. «I’m glad you felt safe enough to tell us now.»
«I know I sounded dramatic, but if I ever spoke of a darkness troubling me, I was in fact referring to the filth and not using some figure of speech.Thank you both for listening.» Naoya acknowledged. «However, the filth isn’t something hard to control anymore, it only creeps up on me when I’m surprised by something like the tatarigami.»
«Are you saying this with the expedition in mind?» Ayato worried.
«Yes. I know it may seem reckless, but I know I can find the Primeval Sakura in Fort Mumei. Whatever that will be waiting for us there doesn’t stand a chance. If I come prepared, you won’t have to worry about me.»
«When do you think you can get ready?» Thoma asked.
«Are you sure you want to do this?» Ayato added.
«Yes, but all this talk about feelings and the lack of sleep got me a bit tired. Even though we woke up not long ago, I feel like napping. I think we all need some sleep actually. After that I give myself until 10 o'clock tomorrow to be standing on those ruines.»
«That can be arranged. Especially the napping part.» Thoma reassured.
As Thoma got up and held out his hand for Naoya to grab it and follow him, Ayato moved out to put their three futons together and gathered the light bedsheet and throw blankets they had with them. In the morning light, Naoya took place in the middle and pulled the cover over him and tossed around to sink in the soft materials already shutting his eyes. Thoma and Ayato suddenly looked like they were having second thoughts; was it really ok to nap together? Was it too soon after everything? Maybe the kitsune would prefer to be alone to rest.
«What are you waiting for? I’ll get cold if I’m napping alone.» Naoya stated, raising himself on his elbows to look up at the other two. His lower eyelids raised up instinctively, highlighting the fact he found their sudden burst of shyness futile.
The two men take place on each side of the kitsune; Thoma settled on his back while Ayato was on his side facing the kitsune's profile. As he felt the sleepiness seap in, Naoya turned on his side to be more comfortable. His change of position brought him closer to the housekeeper, so much so that it prompted Thoma to pull him closer against his side, so the kitsune would rest his head on the venetian blonde man’s chest and pass his arm on his stomach.
«Hum.» Naoya whispered.
«Are you uncomfortable? I thought you might be cold.» Thoma asked, his green eyes letting out a facetious glint, happy with the reaction he obtained from the kitsune.
«Is this really ok?» Naoya asked, while his fox ears cutely quivered back, which didn’t not escape the eye of the housekeeper.
«Of course it is. I felt it would be much more comfortable that way.» Thoma reassured.
«Thank you.» Naoya answered before nuzzling onto the man’s chest.
Before Ayato even had time to sulk, the kitsune searched for Ayato’s arm behind him and pulled it over him, befittingly making the other the bigger spoon. He maintained his hold on the commissioner's hand and went as far as intertwining their fingers together and resting them on Thoma’s stomach. Soon a third hand covered theirs, completing their embrace. Naoya knew that he would overheat sooner or later trapped like he was, but that concern faded away as he fell asleep in their arms.
Author Note: This chapter lays the groundwork for the rest of the story, but I made sure to make it extra fluffy. There is something about the intimacy of taking care of someone sick that gets me everytime.
After Ayato’s nightly departure, Naoya fervently threw himself in the search for the Primeval Sakura, no stone left unturned. His days were packed with hikes, meditation sessions, guhua training and helping the Kairagi and Nobushis get back at doing something constructive, whether it is planting some crops or selling the ore they mined. They weren’t really invested in those activities, but something in the kitsune demeanor told them he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Thoma didn’t really know how to address the situations, but often offered his support and that he was there if the kitsune needed someone to confide in. Even though the yōkai really appreciated the housekeeper's company, he remained closed off and kept their conversations at a surface level.
After the three first days following the commissioner's departure, Naoya’s mood had soured. Thoma felt that Naoya rehashed the last events to the extent he blamed all his negative feelings on Ayato, the focal point being that he abandoned them and how it wasn’t supposed to be that way. It was also when Thoma showed the first symptoms of illness. Naoya took the situation really seriously and when the housekeeper’s sniffles turned into a fever that kept him bedridden, the kitsune dropped everything to be at his bedside.
Thoma was lying down on a makeshift futon with blankets up to his chin. Although the Mondstadter’s forehead was hot like a pyro slime, the rest of his body was scoured by shivers. Kneeling beside him, Naoya soaked a cloth into cold water, wringed it to take out the excess water and folded neatly. The kitsune then brushed off some strands of hair out of the shut-in face before placing the cloth on it. In a way it was kinda weird to see the man without his signature headband, but Noaya also realised that his patient was cute with or without the accessory.
Thoma mumbled something intelligible and started to move, so to make sure he stayed put and rested, the kitsune took the other’s hand. The reassuring presence seemed to calm Thoma and to make sure he would find his way back to sleepiness, Naoya opted to hum Hakushin’s legacy, a song the shrine maiden onced sang for him. When Naoya finished humming the last notes of the melody a sense of calm had spread inside of him. He looked down at Thoma’s peaceful face, even getting closer to look at all the details he never had the luxury to notice. Satisfied with his inspection, the kitsune still hovered over his friend’s face, thinking about how his traits were harmonious or how his lips’ pigmentation attuned into the prettiest of pink. Naoya allowed himself to place a light kiss on the damp cloth resting on his friend’s forehead; unsure about what he meant by that gesture, but he still smiled to himself when he lifted his head back up. He then turned the cloth around to make sure the coldest side could ease the strawberry blonde’s fever. Indirect forehead kiss? Naoya was quick to dismiss the idea. He just had felt it was a nice caring thing to do.
That was probably the worst state in which Thoma found himself. After the fever eased off. Naoya cooked several batches of soup and sometimes changed it up with some Katsu sandwiches, one of his specialties. Under the pretense that Thoma was too much in a weakened state, Naoya fed him his first few bowls of soup, which was almost enough to bring back the fever they fought so hard to snuff out. Thoma accepted he wouldn’t be able to hide the blush that spread on his cheeks each time he was pampered and stopped fighting it off, but Naoya seemed oblivious to any of those signs.
Soon, Thoma began to feel better and would chat with the kitsune about everything and nothing, learning about each other's past. Thoma confided in Naoya about how lonely Inazuma could feel for him. As much as he liked working at the kamisato estate, he still felt homesick sometimes and that made him feel guilty. The kitsune remembered such feelings from when he was abroad in Liyue. When he left he didn’t know if he would come back to Inazuma one day and that was scary in itself. He was grateful for the people he met like big sister Ganyu - who often meets Yae Miko to discuss bilateral relations between Liyue and Inazuma, who was a blessing. As soon as she took care of his arrival, the kitsune knew he was going to be ok. Naoya insisted Thoma was allowed to feel sad and that it didn’t have to do with his current situation, he himself felt sad in the land of geo, but it had never been because of the people he met. In a way being, able to talk about it with someone who was able to relate to his situation felt like a weight was lifted from his shoulders, Thoma knew that he wasn’t the only one to feel like that.
On a grey afternoon, Thoma decided to ask a more personal question about an anterior time period than when the kitsune was living in Liyue. The housekeeper didn’t know where he found the courage to be so daring, but maybe those sakura shrimp crackers Naoya had prepared and the fact he was almost feeling back to normal comforted him enough and allowed him to find the confidence to tackle the delicate subject that was on his mind for a while. Why did Naoya and Ayato never talk about that period of time?
«Hey, I have a question.» Thoma asked evasively as he was seated on the makeshift futon under him and swept the sakura shrimp crackers’ crumbs that were left on his thighs.
«Ask away.» Naoya answered, not raising his eyes from the scroll he was reading.
«Can you tell me about your childhood?» Thoma inquired with a neutral tone.
Naoya inhaled sharply as if an old wound would suddenly be painful again. «Hum, is there anything to say?»
«Ah come on, giving me a hard time right after I’ve been so sick? I know Ayato and you spent a lot of time together back then.» After finishing his sentence Thoma held Naoya’s gaze. Truth be told, the housekeeper didn’t feel targeted by it, as the kitsune’s focus was further behind him, staring blankly at the intangible options before him.
Naoya pushed back a strand of his maroon hair out of his face before continuing. «What do you want to know?»
«When did you meet and what was it like to grow up with him? Anything that you think is noteworthy.»
«Well I don't remember a time when I didn't know him per se. I was raised by the shrine maiden in Narukami and would always meet him at different cultural events and festivals.»
Naoya paused and Thoma let him order his thoughts without pressing him.
«Before I knew it we became best of friends and we would snuck out together to escape the formalities of the events where we were to represent our respective faction. Most of the time we would meet where the Narukami trail starts - which aligned with the front of the Kamisato estate, and then go out and about, sometimes exploring the Chinju Forest and other times just watching the sea and talking about how we would recreate the whole world. As you know our views would often clash, but we didn’t care.» The kitsune chuckled at the memories. Thoma nodded and smiled to convey that he was paying attention.
«At first I was shyer when it came to meeting other kids, but Ayato would introduce me to everybody in such a gentle manner that I started to make a lot of acquaintances, something I didn’t think was possible back when I was stuck in the ivory tower the Narukami Shrine could represent. For a while we even had a little gang that we met during the boring adult gatherings we were made to assist. The group was composed of other people that didn’t necessarily fit in. We would meet each saturday evening in the abandoned temple right in front of Mount Yougou.»
«The red one not too far from the hole that leads to the Sacred Sakura Tree?»
«Yes that one. We can go visit it when we go back if you want.»
«I’d like that but who were those other kids?» Thoma questioned, ever so curious about that time period that wasn’t often talked about.
«When everyone was able to make it we were a little bit less than 10. Hum… the group counted the Kamisato siblings, Kujou Sara, Naganohara Yoimiya, Kaedehara Kazuha, Arataki Itto and my fellow Narukami Shrine attendee Kuki Shinobu. We would mostly do what pre-teenagers did and despite the fact that we couldn't all be there for each other on a daily basis we enjoyed our little gatherings.»
«What happened to the group?»
«Well we all knew it was an ephemeral thing. As time would pass some would stop coming and we would hear the adults talk about them indirectly. Kuki-chan’s parents were really strict and put so much pressure I even barely saw her at the shrine. Kazuha-san’s whole clan basically collapsed and he became a wandering samurai. For the rest we mostly got caught up with the looming tasks and responsibilities that would guide us to adulthood.»
«So that’s when you stop seeing Ayato-san as well?» Thoma guessed.
«Not exactly, Ayato and I were always a unit, gang or no gang we would still make time to see each other. The more time I spent with him and the more I felt we would grow up and remain as we were forever. However, even as Eternity’s servant, I kinda knew this wasn’t realistic.» Naoya’s traits contorted into an expression where reminiscence, bitterness and sorrow mixed together. Thoma shifted his position and grabbed the kitsune’s hand.
«You don’t have to continue and you can take all the time that you need.»
«Thank you. A little while before I saw you for the first time at the estate something happened to me that was too big for me to overcome. On his end, Ayato’s parents were under increased pressure which had repercussions on him as well. At this point, Ayato and I relationship just deteriorated and I did nothing to salvage it. Something like 6 months went by and Ayato had to step up as the next commissioner while I left for Liyue.» Naoya could feel his eyes being filled with water and raise his head towards the ceiling to keep the tears from crossing his eyelids. Thoma pulled on the kitsune’s hand and brought him in for a tight hug.
In the closeness of their embrace Thoma was surprised to find the faint scent of Wisteria nested in the crook of the kitsune’s neck. In a way the flowery scent matched Naoya's essence perfectly with the sweet and powdery top notes comparable to the scent of lilac or peonies, making way to an underlying fresh and springy scent that concluded on a small hint of wispy musk. The more he smelled the scent, the finer it got and the more he wanted to hold the kitsune. To evade the feeling, Thoma maintained his hold, but started to playfully rock from side to side until they both fell on the housekeeper’s futon, earning a string of laughter from the kitsune.
«Thank you for sharing your story with me, although I feel bad for bringing you to the verge of tears.» Thoma acknowledged.
«What tears? It actually felt great to talk about it with someone that has both an inside and outside perspective. You are a great listener, each time you nodded reassured me in some way.» Naoya admitted.
From then on, Thoma and Naoya alike felt the bond between them deepened. They weren’t two expedition buddies anymore, they had moved on from that stage. Thoma was also feeling much better and started to work around the home base and took on the task of cooking the meals. It was now possible for the kitsune to briefly leave the house to go on expeditions or do some Guhua forms in the front yard while still checking in from time to time to make sure Thoma was ok or if he needed something.
One morning, Thoma decided to join Naoya while he was exercising outside under the maple trees. It was still early in the day so the sun rays were soft and pleasant on the skin and Thoma relished the idea of getting some vitamin D. The housekeeper just sat quietly on the ground basking in the morning glow, not too far so he could watch the kitsune’s prowess. If he was honest with himself, Naoya recognised he was a bit infatuated to have the strawberry blonde man as an audience, but he still did his best to complete his forms before joining the housekeeper.
«I don’t remember having anyone watching me during my training aside from my master.» Naoya stated.
«You know you are really graceful? Your movements are so fluid as if your body was always meant to move that way. It was almost hypnotizing.» Thoma complimented.
Naoya felt the heat rise on his face and looked away trying to regain his composure. «It’s rare that I’m told I’m graceful with the stature I have.» Naoya snickered to divert the attention.
«Would you show me?» Thoma candidly asked.
The kitsune brought back his gaze on his companion.
«I mean, only if it doesn’t bother you?»
«You are never a bother, but I’m not sure if I would make a good teacher.»
Fast-forward to Naoya chuckling at the way Thoma was too concentrated on executing the Guhua pose itself to notice how stiff all of his muscles were.
«May I correct your posture?» Naoya asked.
«Uh wait, let me regain my balance, yeah, ok.»
The Guhua expert proceeded to adjust Thoma’s position from his feet to his hips and torso, and helped extend the housekeeper’s arms. Once he was satisfied he even applied a little more pressure at key points, so Thoma could really feel the deep stretch of his muscle fibers.
That last one was maybe a little too much for the first 30 minutes of learning Guhua forms so the kitsune had pity for the man and helped Thoma to sit back down on the ground and take a little break.
«That was intense, you do every pose so easily that I would have never guessed the amount of control it required. I’m impressed Nao-rin.» Thoma teased while bumping his shoulder against his friend’s shoulder.
«Well I have a lot of experience, so it’s normal. You were pretty good for your first time.» Naoya retorted. The kitsune laid down on his back and added: «What are you going to teach me in exchange, Thoma-chi.»
«Is that the nickname you chose for me?»
«Don’t question it or it loses its charm. Right Thoma-chi.»
«If you say so.» Thoma accepted feigning indifference, albeit wanting to hear Naoya say his nickname many more times. Thoma cleared his throat and continued: «Well I can teach you many things once we get back, but for now I wanted to gift you something for taking care of me.» Thoma got up and went inside the house to bring back a present. «Here, I hope that you like it.»
«Did you knit that scarf for me.» Naoya asked with incredulous eyes wide opened.
«Of course I did, why do you look so surprised? I chose black because it goes with a lot of things and your clothes are of darker shades usually.»
«It does fit my colour palette very well.» Naoya looked down at the scarf and with extreme care wrapped it around his neck. He looked almost scared that he would pull a thread and make the whole scarf come undone.
«You should trust my skills. I make sturdy stuff when I knit.» Thoma added with a smile and secured the scarf tighter around the kitsune’s neck.
Naoya didn’t know what touched him so much with this gesture, but he didn’t really need to know for the time being. The kitsune got up, only a bit taller than the housekeeper and hugged him tightly. Thoma heard the muffled voice of his friend paired with the fanning of his breath against his nape: «Thank you. I like it.»
The housekeeper smiled even more reveling in the blissful moment. The Kitsune turned around to dry the unwanted tears that made an apparition in the corners of his eyes. Thoma didn’t mention it, feeling like Naoya already reached his emotional output for the day, maybe more for the week or month.
«Should we finish getting ready for the day?»
«Yes, if you want I can make Katsu sandwiches with a side of sakura shrimp crackers for when we are out on expedition.»
