Synopsis: You finally take Thoma on the trip home he's deserved for so long. It has a big impact on him, bigger than you thought it would be . . .

Theme(s): Fluff, some Angst

Relationship: Dating

Word Count: 3428

Enjoy! ;)

Thoma Comes Home

"Keep going . . . I got you . . . Hey, no peeking!" you laughed as you guided your blindfolded boyfriend down the path.

"Come on, Y/N," Thoma whined, clinging onto you for dear life. "Are we almost there?"

"Just there . . . Okay, you can take off your blindfold now!"

"About time!"

You stepped back and giggled as Thoma ripped the blindfold off. His face immediately dropped at the sight. His eyes widened. The blindfold slipped from his hand.

"Oh my gosh . . ." He clasped a hand over his mouth. "OH-"

"Surprise!" you laughed, clapping your hands. "What do you think?"

Thoma was shaking his head, laughing in disbelief. He looked so cute, the way he was trying to process it. He buried his face in his hands. You suddenly felt a bit nervous.

"Are you okay?"

"Ye- yeah, I'm good." Thoma gazed up at you and sighed happily. "I knew it . . . I knew you were taking me to Mondstadt!"

Before you could react, he threw his arm you around your waist and hoisted you up in the air. You squealed in delight and hugged him back as he put you down to smother you with kisses.

"Thank you, Y/N. Thank you so much."

"You're wel- mmf!" As his lips landed on yours, you couldn't resist kissing him back. You pressed in hard, almost sucking on his lips, taking his face in your hands so you could kiss him more. You only separated to take quick short breaths. You felt a little disappointed when he pulled back completely, slowly catching his breath.

"So, uh . . ." He chuckled. "I take it you didn't bring me all the way here just to make out?"

"What? Of course not! You started it!" you laughed, playfully poking him in the ribs. "What do you wanna do then?"

"Tell you what," Thoma smiled at you. "Why don't you lead the way?"

"O- okay!" You realized that after going to all the effort to bringing your boyfriend home, you hadn't exactly thought about what you were going to do there.

Nevertheless, you took his hand and walked him down the bridge towards Mondstadt's entrance.

"Aww, look at the pigeons!" said Thoma, pointing at a large flock on the bridge. He leaned forwards with his hand outstretched. "Y/N, you wouldn't happen to have any bread on you by any chance, would ya?"

Unfortunately, in his excitement, he got a little bit too close to the pigeons. The entire flock immediately flew away, getting an "awww" out of him.

"HEEEEY!" a little boy shrieked. "You scared the pigeons away!"

Oh great. You'd visited Mondstadt enough times to know how obsessed this kid was about his pigeons. Heck, a newcomer could approach the pigeons and the little brat would pounce on you for scaring them.

"We were just gonna feed them," you muttered.

"But I was feeding the pigeons!"

You pursed your lips. "Listen here you little-"

"Sorry, Timmie!" Thoma said cheerily. "Won't do that again!"

"Who are you?" the brat scowled.

"You don't remember me?" Thoma laughed, crouching down to the kid's level. "It's me, Thoma! I was out of Mondstadt for a couple of years! You've gotten so big since last time I saw you! Still enjoy playing with birds?"

Little Timmie looked up at Thoma and nodded contently.

"Good boy. You keep looking after those pigeons then. Bye!"

Timmie waved goodbye to Thoma with the first smile you thought you'd seen since you met the kid. You gawked at your boyfriend as he rose up to take your hand.

"Shall we grab a bite to eat? Is the Good Hunter still open?"

"Ye- yeah!" You were still trying to process what the heck had just happened.

"How did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"I can't talk to that kid without him screaming and telling on me."

"Timmie?" Thoma chuckled. "He just cares a lot about birds. Nothing wrong with that. He could grow up to be a great ornithologist!"

You had no idea what that last word was, but you didn't care. You squeezed Thoma's hand and rubbed your head off his shoulder. He had such a way of finding happiness in situations that would drive you insane.

"Just try not to disturb the pigeons too much. I know that's easier said than done when they're on the bridge like that!" said Thoma, laughing. "But I imagine they're one of the few things making Timmie happy. I heard his father died when he was really small. It's ha- it's gotta be hard for him."

"Oh . . . okay," you said, and immediately started regretting all the times you'd killed some of those pigeons to spite the kid. You found yourself gazing back at him for a while. You then glanced back at your boyfriend. Was it your imagination or had his head dropped a little?

"Thoma? Are you-"

"Huh?" He snapped out of whatever trance he was in and flashed you his signature warm smile.

"I'm absolutely fine, m'love!" Before you could question him any further, he tugged on your hand and led you straight to the Good Hunter.

"Is that Sara? Hi!"

If you hadn't already known Thoma was originally from Mondstadt, it wouldn't have been hard to guess it.

If anything, it would have been harder to tell that he had been out of there for years.

He mingled so well with everyone. Passerbys were quick to light up and approach him and say all kinds of things.

"Is that really you?"

"I haven't seen you in years!"

"Where'd you get that outfit? I'd say you've been in Inazuma for a while!"

"Is this your girlfriend?"

"I didn't know you were dating!"

"Isn't she pretty?"

It was making it a little bit difficult to enjoy your Sweet Madame and Cream Stew. Of course, Thoma thrived with all the attention. And it was quite nice to know that people you considered friends seemed to like someone you loved so much . . .

You didn't know if he had caught you zoning out or not, but Thoma put his arm around your shoulder, bringing you back to him, the Good Hunter and the growing crowd. It made you jump a little. They were still asking Thoma all sorts of questions like how he had felt after his accident, if was he still sailing, how his parents were doing . . . With all the chatter going on, you almost didn't notice Thoma ask something in your ear.

"Huh?"

"Wanna get outta here?"

You opened your mouth to protest that you couldn't let your social limit stop him from mingling in his own homeland. But Thoma took your hand and quickly led you away with a smile, simply waving goodbye to all the Mondstadters.

"Where to next, m'love?"

"Well, um . . . W- wanna get a drink? There's two really good taverns. Actually, let's go to this one," you said, leading him straight over to the Angel's Share.

You were greeted by soothing lyre music at the entrance. There were a few drunkards scattered round, sitting by themselves with only their thoughts and alcohol. You and Thoma smiled at each other and sat together at the bar where you were greeted by a tall red haired bartender.

"What will you two be having then?" It wasn't the warmest of welcomes- ironic for a Mondstadter with a Pyro vision.

"M'love?" Leave it to Thoma to add some warmth to the atmosphere with his smile.

"Two Dandelion Wines please!" You tried not to snort as you noticed Thoma's eyes widen a little. The bartender nodded and prepared some silver goblets and ice. You immediately placed some Mora on the bar before Thoma could even consider it. This was your treat for him after all.

"You had to get wine, didn't ya?" Thoma chuckled, rubbing his forehead.

"It's Mondstadt's specialty! And it's more authentic here! Please don't tell me you're gonna get drunk on a full stomach!"

"Not good with alcohol?" the bartender asked your boyfriend, his lips raising slightly to form a small smirk.

"Ehhh. Not the best," said Thoma laughing awkwardly. He noticed the bartender curiously eyeing his attire and cried "I'm a Mondstadter, I swear!"

The bartender just shrugged it off, giving you a bit of a funny look. "It's a good thing she didn't take you to the Cat's Tail. The bartender there would have had a lot to say."

"That's exactly why I didn't take you there!" you laughed. "I still remember that bartender! She went OFF on me for having a wine!"

"Really?" Thoma raised an eyebrow.

You suddenly gave him a playful mischievous smirk. "I'd love to see how you'd react to her. She's got cat ears and a tail!"

"Not that she'd appreciate you petting them," the bartender butted in when Thoma's eyes lit up. "There you go." He handed you two glistening silver goblets, filled with iced Dandelion Wine. Thoma chuckled a little awkwardly. You couldn't help giggling yourself.

"Have you never had Dandelion Wine at all?"

"M'love, you know how I am with alcohol," Thoma chuckled. "But I've had the odd sip. I'll admit, it tastes nice." With that, he picked up the goblet and took a small sip.

"Mmm. Tastes the same as I- nooooo," he went as a mischievous grin spread across your face.

"Say it," you chuckled.

"I don't have the voice!" You both laughed at the thought.

"I dare you."

"Alright, alright!" Thoma raised his goblet and gave you the most deadpan face he could muster.

"Dandelion Wine tastes the same as I remember. But where are those who- HIC!" You burst into a fit of laughter as Thoma clasped his hand over his mouth, grabbing onto his stomach with the other as he laughed uncontrollably. The bartender rolled his eyes at the pair of you.

"Actually, that reminds me." You cocked your head. "You told me before you came to Inazuma because you wanted to give your father some Dandelion Wine. I don't think I actually . . . met . . ." You trailed off as your boyfriend slowly sat up straight. His face had suddenly turned genuinely deathly serious. His eyes were glazed with something you couldn't identify, but knew wasn't the alcohol. Even a lightweight like him could handle a sip.

"Thoma?"

He was just sitting there . . . You grabbed his shoulder, getting worried. But he just looked at you and gave a less than happy smile.

"Excuse me one moment."

He gave you a hasty pec and quickly left the tavern. Your stomach dropped.

Something was wrong.

You rushed out the tavern, leaving your barely touched wine goblets on the bar. As you walked out, you spotted your boyfriend sitting at one of the outdoor tables, his face hidden in his hands.

"Thoma?" You couldn't sit down next to him fast enough. "Are you okay?" You scolded yourself for the stupid question. Of course he wasn't okay.

"What did I say?" You took his arm, trying not to grab. You felt a lump in your throat as Thoma slid his hands down his face. Though he glared straight ahead, you could see that his green eyes were wet and shimmery. He pressed his nose to try and hide his sniffing.

You immediately threw your arms around him. "Did I upset you? I'm so sorry."

"No, it's okay." Thoma took hold of your arms, his head drooping. "You were bound to ask eventually. The truth is . . ." He swallowed and took a deep breath. You felt him starting to tremble.

"I never got to see my dad . . ." His grip on your arms tightened. "He, uh . . ." He sniffed. "When I landed in Inazuma, I found out he . . . he . . . sorry-"

His voice cracked. He clasped his hands over his crumbling face to try and hide himself bursting into tears. You stood up from your seat and wrapped your arms around your sobbing boyfriend as tight as they could possibly go. You showered him with all the the kisses you had.

"It's okay," you whispered between kisses. "You don't need to say anymore." You didn't think you would be able to handle him telling what you had already figured out.

You began rocking him side to side, scattering more kisses over his head, stroking his golden hair. Some passers by stared at you in concern, but you didn't mind them. You nuzzled your face into your boyfriend's head, humming a tune you often used to soothe yourself when you were sad. You made sure to give him all the time he needed to cry it out.

When the crying calmed down, you sat slowly sat back down, keeping your arms around his shoulders. Thoma sniffed and wiped his pinkened eyes, trying to muster a brave smile.

"Sorry about that," he sighed.

"Nooooooo nonono." You gave his wet cheek a quick peck. "It's okay. Really it is."

Thoma sighed again, his smile genuinely growing a little. He slid his arm around your waist and pulled you closer into his body.

"You're the best, you know that?" He squeezed you tight to put emphasis on his words. "This whole trip . . . it's so thoughtful of you. One of the kindest things someone's ever done for me." His head sunk a little bashfully. "And here I am, crying like an idiot."

"Awww." You reached out to stroke his cheek. Your thumbs wiped away some of the tears he'd missed. "It's okay to cry . . . Really, I don't mind. Is it overwhelming?"

Thoma nodded. "Yeah, a bit. I haven't been here in so long . . . And then to suddenly arrive here . . . And everyone being so keen to see me . . . I guess that's it." He swallowed and tried to laugh it off. "I think I'm just overwhelmed."

You gazed up at him, feeling a little sorry. "Do you miss him?"

You scrunched up your eyes at the stupid question. Of course Thoma missed his father!

But Thoma glanced down at you and gave you a small smile.

"Yeah I do . . ." He always understood that for all your silly questions, there was never any nasty intent. That was one of your favourite things about him. You gazed lovingly at him and slowly noticed him returning that look. His hand reached up for your face.

"At least whenever I miss him, I can talk to you . . . You don't mind, right?"

"Of course not . . . You can talk to me about whatever you want." You squeezed his hand on your face. "That's what I'm here for."

Thoma smiled, resting his forehead on yours. "Thank you, Y/N . . . You have no idea how lucky I am to have you."

Your heart melted for him. You threw your arms around him, letting out a little moan when he embraced you back. You considered bringing out up lucky oomori which he had given to you shortly after you had started dating. It had so much emotional value to him- practically a family heirloom. And all you had done was give him a Windwheel Aster.

An idea suddenly crossed your mind. You rose from your seat and took hold of Thoma's hand. He blinked up at you, looking a little confused.

"M'love? W- what about your wine?"

You smiled down at him, tugging on his hand. You didn't care about the wine. All you cared about was making his trip home the best trip he would ever be on. You certainly hoped this idea of your would help.

"Come with me . . ."

Even though you led the way, you kept slowing down to match your boyfriend's pace. Half of the time, you weren't even sure he knew where you were going. He kept on pausing to take in his surroundings. You imagined this was an area he recognized, but felt like he was seeing for the first time again.

The few times he gazed round, you snuck a moment to crouch down and pick a Windwheel Aster. He must have been really lost in nostalgic thoughts because he hadn't even noticed the growing bunch of them in your hand.

As you passed a Statue of the Seven, Thoma's eyes landed on the large tree ahead of you. He let out a small gasp, picking up his pace a little.

"I remember this tree," he murmured, walking over and resting his hands on the bark. "I used to play here when I was a kid . . ." His head dropped a little. "That was a long time ago," he sniffed.

With his back turned, you took the time you needed to pick enough Windwheel Asters to make an entire bouquet's worth.

"You wanna sit down for a moment?"

"Yeah . . . that's a good idea." Thoma sighed and turned around, sliding down the tree until he was sitting facing the view. He gazed up at you as you approached him carrying the bouquet of Windwheel Asters in your hands and a smile on your face.

"Oh wow." He hid his reddening face in his hands as you handed it to him. "Y/N . . ."

Your smile grew a little wider as you sat down next to him and scooted up for a cuddle. He slid his arm tight around you and kissed you tenderly on the forehead.

"You like it?"

"M'love . . ." Thoma sighed, gazing lovingly at you with shimmering green eyes. "You don't have to ask. Of course I like it. I love it." He glanced down at the bouquet in his hand and suddenly narrowed his eyes. "However . . ."

You lowered your eyebrows as he scrutinized the bouquet a little more closely.

"Maybe you picked one too many flowers."

"What? Oh I'm sorry-"

Thoma gave you a playful smile and picked out a Windwheel Aster. He raised it towards your head and planted in your hair, getting a giggle out of you.

"That's better."

You laughed again, glancing down at the flowers.

"Yeah, maybe you're right," you smirked, reaching down for another one of them. "Maybe it just has one too many." You picked out the biggest freshest Windwheel Aster and planted it in Thoma's hair to match you. It complemented his red jacket and golden hair so well. He beamed at you and kissed you on the lips. You shut your eyes and kissed him back, tenderly brushing his warm cheek. The two of you separated after a while and snuggled under the shade of the tree, taking in the luscious view with shades of gleaming green grass and golden orange sunset.

"This is nice," Thoma whispered, making you beam and kiss him on the cheek. "Honestly, Y/N . . ." He gave you a small squeeze. "Thank you . . . Thank you, so much . . ."

"You're more than welcome," you murmured, resting your head on his shoulder. "You know . . . you can stay here as long as you like. It's your homeland after all."

You felt your boyfriend sink more into the tree as you spoke. You placed a hand on his chest and began making gentle loving strokes.

"And I want you to know that I'm always gonna be here for you. If you need me to be there or help you or talk to you about anything that's troubling you-" You patted him on the chest. "I'm here for you. I always will be."

Thoma's head was bent. You could tell by the look on his face that he had heard every word you had said. He was usually so easy to read, but for once, you couldn't identify the look on his face. The expression was solemn. And yet his eyes shimmered.

He heaved a heavy sigh. He squeezed you a little tighter. And then he slowly gazed up at you. His face slowly began to lighten up into one of the warmest smiles you had ever seen from him.

"I love you, Y/N." He reached out to cup your face in his hand. "I love you so much."

He shut his eyes and leaned in for a kiss. You just managed to whisper "I love you too" before his lips landed on yours. You pushed right back with all your passion, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. The more you kissed, the more you sank into the ground together, until you both slipped completely into a laying position. You both gasped as you fell but laughed as you realized you were okay.

So you both sighed contently. Thoma pulled you into his chest, tucking his chin under your head, fixing the Windwheel Aster in your hair. You snuggled up to his chest, listening to his settling heartbeat feeling his body and arms sinking around you.

A small smile spread across your face.

It was nice that Thoma had finally settled home. He deserved it more than anything.

Well I hope you liked that! And I hope you enjoyed some of the cameos! Obviously, I could have had a lot more, but then this would be much longer than a oneshot.

But seriously Mihoyo, please let my boi go home (like why do people from Sumeru get to go to Mondstadt?) Or at least debunk my headcanon about Thoma's dad . . .

If you liked this story or ones before it and agree Thoma deserves more love, be sure to Follow and Fav! And be sure to suggest prompts for me to consider!

Anyways, I'll see you next time!