at last! | diluc raginvindr

one.

Friday, 7:24 p.m.

Who would've thought that you'd end up in Diluc Ragnvindr's arms on a Friday evening?

No one. That's who. He was cold and bitter. Wealthy, too. Despite his seemingly dismissive attitude, he was a real gentleman. A trait that would be expected from a nobleman, although uncommon these days. An uncomfortable cough came from Diluc, one that caused you to slowly move your head and meet his gaze. His hold on you did not falter. Meaning his gloved hands remained on the small of your back as you held onto his shoulders for support.

How embarrassing. How exciting.

Warmth spread across your face and up to the tips of your ears then down to your shoulders. That's when you knew that you had it, and oh boy did you have it bad.

"My apologies," the nobleman spoke eloquently, "I should have been paying more attention to where I was going."

A strange guttural sound left your throat as you attempted to respond in a somewhat normal fashion.

"Oh no, no. I am so, so sorry! I should've been more careful," you blurted.

Diluc's hands left your waist and an amused glint crossed his scarlet eyes. A quiet chuckle then escaped from his lips.

"Please, I insist it was my own fault. Allow me to make it up to you."

He looked away letting out a hum as if deep in thought before glancing back at you again and speaking once more.

"But if you still feel the need to return the favor, then perhaps you could be of assistance to me as well," Diluc finished with a satisfied look.

If only he knew where your mind went after that statement.

At that point, you couldn't even respond properly. Instead, you shook your head in agreement like a lost puppy in need of guidance.

The nobleman stuck out his hand towards you, "Diluc Ragnvindr, Head of Dawn Winery."

"Y/N L/N, just a humble adventurer," you responded while playing your hand into his firm grip.

"More like Y/N L/N, hopeless romantic and awkward jester," you thought to yourself as you grimaced, his hand letting go of yours. You frowned slightly at the empty feeling.

"A pleasure to meet you, Y/N. Now," Diluc paused for a moment, "Would you be willing to lend a hand down at my tavern? We're short on staff for the evening."

"Of course!" you grinned, albeit nervously as you had no knowledge of working in a tavern. After all, who would turn down a night with Diluc?

Once again he stuck out his hand, this time as an offering to escort you to the tavern. A rush of excitement traveled through your limbs and you swiftly grabbed his hand in return. Diluc turned to face a different direction, taking your body in tow with him causing you to stumble a bit. Looking up at him for a mere second it looked as if he was concerned for a moment before he went back to his stoic self.

"Well, we'd best be on our way then if we want to be there on time," he proceeded, and his hand faintly squeezed yours.

A quick thought flashed through your mind when his hand squeezed yours. You wondered if he was enjoying the physical contact between the two of you. He must've been lonely all the time, right? His father passed away when he had just turned eighteen, and he and his adopted brother, Kaeya, had gone separate ways after. It was common knowledge around Mondstadt. Did he ever spend much time with anyone?

Suddenly being pulled in a new direction by Diluc had brought you back to reality. The two of you strolled along the cobblestone path until you reached a decent sized building. The words Angel's Share donned a wooden sign that hung by the door, and wooden seats and tables were placed around the outside. Throughout all of your visits to Mondstadt you never once stopped by there. It wasn't a luxurious tavern, not like something you might find in Liyue. It was surprisingly humble and cozy. Considering its owner was wealthy the discovery was quite shocking. However, there was something so soft about it.