"It's like we opened a hotel," Ayato said, observing Thoma and Childe, who had been staying there for more than six months. Thoma choked on his soup, and Childe raised his eyebrows. "Um," Thoma tried to explain, but Childe stopped him. "I have something to say to you," Childe said, holding Thoma's hand tightly, making Thoma more anxious. Ayato furrowed his eyebrows. "I want Thoma to talk. I don't know you. I thought I was giving you a free pass just because Thoma treated you since the arrow accident," Ayato said sarcastically.
Thoma felt his heart race, the pressure of Childe's grip almost painful. He cast a nervous glance at Ayato, who was now watching them both with a mix of curiosity and irritation. "Childe, let me," Thoma said, gently trying to extricate his hand. Childe hesitated for a moment before releasing him, his expression softening just a bit. "Lord Ayato, it's true that Childe has been here for quite a while, but there's a reason," Thoma began, choosing his words carefully. "When he was injured, we couldn't just leave him to fend for himself. He needed time to heal."
Ayato leaned back, crossing his arms. "And six months wasn't enough?" Childe felt like he was being mocked by a blueberry as he stared sharply at Ayato. "It's not just about healing physically," Thoma continued, his voice steady despite his nerves.
"Hey, blueberry boy, let's get this straight," Childe interjected, drawing both Thoma's and Ayato's attention. Thoma was taken aback, while Ayato looked curious. "About what?" Ayato asked, his tone challenging. Thoma knew what Childe was about to say.
Thoma's heart raced as he anticipated Childe's words. He wasn't ready to come out, to reveal the truth of their relationship. What if Ayato looked at him differently? Although he tried to convince himself he didn't care, his mind was in chaos. But Childe's grip on his hand tightened, silently reassuring him that they were in this together.
Childe took a deep breath. "About why I'm here," he began, glancing at Thoma before returning his gaze to Ayato. Ayato's eyebrows raised slightly, but he remained silent, allowing Childe to continue.
"I know this might be a shock, but Thoma and I... we're together. We've been dating for a while now," Childe said, his voice steady and confident. Thoma felt his face heat up, but he forced himself to meet Ayato's gaze. There was a flicker of something in Ayato's eyes—surprise, perhaps, but also a hint of understanding.
Ayato sighed, rubbing his temples. "I see," he said finally. "I had my suspicions, but I wanted to hear it from you. Thoma, I'm quite disappointed that I heard great news from another person and not from you." Thoma's eyes widened in relief, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. Childe smiled, happy to see his boyfriend's reaction.
Ayato nodded. "But know this, Childe. If you hurt him in any way, there will be consequences." Childe scoffed. "Of course, I'm going to treat him way better than any lover does. And I'm not just 'another person,' I'm his boyfriend," he said proudly, his chest puffed out slightly. Thoma laughed, finding Childe's confidence endearing.
Ayato leaned back in his chair, his demeanor softening slightly. "Well then, I suppose welcome to the family, Childe. Just remember, this is still my house, and there are rules." Thoma smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "I won't forget, Lord Ayato. Thank you."
Thoma squeezed Childe's hand, silently thanking him for his bravery. Childe smiled at Thoma, his eyes conveying, "Yeah, you should be proud of me."
"First rule, no flirting in front of food. Behave. Thoma, can you get me another bowl?" Ayato smiled at Thoma. Thoma laughed at Ayato's sudden shift in tone, from cold and stern when addressing Childe to sweet and gentle when speaking to him. "Of course, Lord Ayato," he said, standing up to fetch another bowl of soup. Childe gave Ayato a look, half-amused, half-annoyed.
