Risk It All For You (Thoma x Ayato)

Chapter 6: The Beach

The second day of activities has been decided on. Ayato planned for a simple day at the beach and it would be a nice event for everyone. After the previous event, he let Thoma have some time off of work but he insisted on continuing to join the events.

The day was nice and bright, perfect for a day at the beach. The beach was private so no one may intrude on their fun. Once everyone arrived at the beach, Ayato gave out a small announcement.

"Good morning everyone, thank you all for joining us today again. Today I have set up a nice day at the beach as a way to relax and have some fun, I hope you all brought the proper gear" Ayato announced, "now I won't bug you for much longer, go out and have some fun"

Everyone dispersed and went to enjoy the beach in their own ways. Ayato went to talk to Ayaka and Thoma as he always does.

"For someone who asked if everyone had proper gear, you don't seem too beach ready," Ayaka said.

"Yes it's a little funny, for being a hydro user I'm not too fond of swimming" Ayato replied, "How about you Thoma? Are you feeling well enough to enjoy the water?"

"I think so, I might just hang around the shallow end though," Thoma replied.

He wasn't honest though, he continued to feel unwell but at this point chose to ignore it and try his best to enjoy the day.

"Well then, have fun. I must go interact with our guests" Ayato said as he walked away.

Most of the women were enjoying the water in some way, some were fully in the water, others were just dipping their feet in.

"Greetings Kujou Sara, not a big fan of the water?" Ayato asked as he sat by Kujou Sara.

"Oh not much, sea water is hard to wash off. I prefer to just sit by the water" She responded.

"I see, well that's fine, I just want you to enjoy yourself" Ayato said.

"What about you? Are you gonna get in the water?" She asked.

"No, I'm not a big fan of swimming," Ayato replied.

He looked out into the sea to the other swimming and having fun. Beidou seemed to be having the most fun, she noticed Ayato staring and called out to him.

"Hey you two, why don't you join us!" She shouted.

Beidou made her way to the shore.

"Please excuse me, I must go speak with the others," Ayato said as he walked off.

Beidou walked out of the water and met up with Ayato.

"So, how come you aren't swimming?" Beidou asked.

"I just don't like swimming" Ayato said, now getting a bit irritated he had to repeat himself.

"How come? Is it because you can't swim?" Beidou teased.

"No no I can, I just prefer not to" He responded.

"Well ok, I did have something I wanted to ask you about though" Beidou said, "Who is that guy over? I've been seeing him everywhere"

Beidou pointed over to Thoma who was walking around in the shallow end of the water.

"That is Thoma he is my housekeeper," Ayato replied.

"Then what is he doing here? He keeps showing up at these events but I don't really see him do much" Beidou said.

"Well I think of him as a close friend, I invited him along to these events and currently he is off duty since he started to feel sick recently," Ayato said, "he is one of my most loyal servants, he has devoted himself to working for me. I would hate to see anyone disrespect him"

Ayato realized how much he had been rambling and quickly snapped back.

"Anyway, I do hope you enjoy yourself, I'll be back" Ayato said as he left.

He made his way over to where Thoma was and called out for him.

"Thoma, can you come here for a moment?" He shouted.

"What is it, my lord?" Thoma questioned.

"I need your help with something" Ayato said, "I haven't mentioned this to anyone else because I wanted it to be a surprised, but I want to build a bonfire for everyone, and I need your help to help me gather wood"

"Of course, I'll get started," Thoma said as he fully got out of the water.

The two went off to collect fire together. Once the sun had set everyone gathered around the fire together and enjoyed some food. The atmosphere was great and everyone was having a fun time but it started to get late and so one by one people began to leave. Ayato went off on his own as everyone packed up, he stood on a rock and looked out to the sea.

"Ayato, everyone has left now, I'm going to get going, don't be late" Ayaka shouted as she left.

Ayato continued to stare into the ocean, alone with his thoughts. Thoma noticed him alone and decided to join him.

"My lord? Is something wrong?" Thoma asked.

"No not much" Ayato responded, "well actually, there is something."

Ayato turned around to look at Thoma.

"Promise to not tell anyone" Ayato said.

"Yes of course I won't tell a soul" Thoma replied.

"Well you see, I know it hasn't been too long since we started these events but I don't feel like any progress is being made" Ayato confessed, "I can't seem to feel any connection with any of the candidates, I'm worried I won't be able to make a final choice"

Thoma stood there for a moment, he wasn't sure what he should say.

"It's not a big issue though, I've still got plenty of time. What do you think of Thoma? Have any opinions on the candidates?" Ayato asked.

"Oh well, they're all very lovely, it's a hard choice to make," Thoma said.

"Indeed, well we best get back to the estate, it's late and tomorrow we have another big event. I'm quite excited about this one" Ayato said.

The two men gathered up the rest of their belongings and returned home. A simple day at the beach will be nothing compared to the event Ayato had planned for the next day.