Anything for you (Ayato x Thoma)

Chapter VI

 A few months passed, and summer began, which meant everyone's work became even more tiring. For the Yashiro commission, summer brought almost twice the work. Thoma on the other hand was very happy for with the sun came ripened fruit and more options when it came to recipes. He went to the market every day and sometimes helped merchants carry crates. He assisted fellow housekeepers around the Kamisato household when he finished his chores. He always looked forward to evenings when Ayato came home but those nights became fewer and fewer. After all, the Yashiro commission was responsible for the festivals in Inazuma and those often took place in summer. So, to distract himself he trained with Ayaka who taught him how to use his vision and weapon.
-You've gotten a lot better Thoma! she praised him as her wooden sword flew out of her hand.
-Thank you, my lady, but that's because I had a good teacher. They smiled at each other as they decided to take a break. That was in the morning when the temperature was still low, but later in the afternoon, it got a lot warmer.
-Ugh, this heat is unbearable, complained Ayaka as she pulled out a blue fan, do you have this kind of weather in Mondstadt?
-Not usually, it depends on the year, Thoma replied.
-If the Sakoku decree ever gets abolished will you take me to Mondstadt? Ayaka looked at him expectantly.
-Of course! I'd love to, but do you think your brother would be able to come too? Thoma asked, immediately regretting this question. Ayaka looked at him from behind her fan hesitantly,
-I know you like Ayato a lot, but you know he barely even has time for himself.
-I know, I'm the one who reminds him to eat and drink every day, they both sighed, wishing to spend more time with the clan head.
Three days had passed, it was around noon and Thoma had been staring absent-mindedly at the estate gates hoping to see a certain blue-haired man. He had to blink several times and pinch himself when said man walked through the gate and into the courtyard.
- My Lord! You're back! he said excitedly, like a dog when its owner returns from a long day of work.
-It's good to see you too Thoma, he replied in a tired voice. Ayato had dark circles under his eyes and was dragging his feet across the ground. Thoma, having noticed this decided to say something.
-My Lord, let me help you. Is there anything you need? Would you like a warm bath?
-Thoma, I'm fine, don't worry, but there is something I would like to discuss with you. Let's go to my office.
And so, Thoma followed Ayato to his office without another word. They sat down, Thoma felt nervous for Ayato didn't seem to be in a good mood.
-Thoma, a few months back, when you arrived in Inazuma, you attacked someone of the Yashiro commission, he closed his eyes and frowned, it just bothers me to know someone as gentle and kind as you would do something so aggressive. So, I want to know the circumstances of your arrival in full detail and the reason behind your assault. Please be honest.
Thoma was sweating, what would happen after he told him? Would he not understand and through him out? Or worse, kill him? He looked away from Ayato and down at the ground, he was fiddling with his fingers.
-I... I came to Inazuma to visit my dad. But the boat I took sank because of the storm surrounding Inazuma and washed up on a beach on Narukami island. When I woke up a man was holding a sword at my throat. I swear, if... if it weren't for that I would have never hurt him. I didn't mean to injure him badly, Thoma started crying, imagining the worst-case scenario, but since I had already knocked him out, I decided to steal his uniform. I didn't want to get attacked again so... I, please... I didn't have any other choice, please understand I never meant to hurt him badly, just enough to slow him down, he tried to hold back his tears, I really care about you and Ayaka, and I don't want to leave your sides...Please...
-Oh Thoma..., said Ayato as he took the sobbing Thoma in his arms, I didn't mean to scare you, please don't cry. I won't make you leave, I promise.
They stayed that way for a while and Ayato only spoke again once Thoma had finished crying.
-Do you feel a little better now?, the commissioner asked while caressing the blond's head, Thoma, I want you to know I value you far too much to get rid of you, I would never even dream of doing so.
-Really?
-Really.
They both stayed silent, they felt safe in each other's embrace. Ayato had found a comfort he hadn't felt for a very long time.
- My Lord..., Thoma said quietly.
-Hmm? The commissioner hummed in response.
-Um... if... you ever need someone to rely on, I'm always here, Thoma stated hoping it would make Ayato talk to him more often.
-Thank you, I appreciate it, he said as he tightened his arms around Thoma.