Innocent Moves - Diluc X Reader

Chapter 5 - The Dance

It was already Friday evening. Amber was rummaging through her draws to try and find herself some heels to wear. I had slept at hers last night. She insisted on it so we could spend the night trying on different outfits and see which one fit me best for the dance.

I had slept at the winery the entirety of last week at master Dilucs request, he didnt want me to be alone, especially not now that I was considered to be a fatui target. Over the course of the week, we had barely even glanced at each other, I tried my best to keep out of his hair as to not overstep anymore boundaries. Although on Wednesday night he offered me a game of chess, which I politely declined out of fear of looking like a fool.

Amber was finally satisfied with a pair of flaming red heels that complemented her dress perfectly. She pulled me up so we could both look in the mirror together. She looked beautiful, and honestly, I didnt look too bad either, admiring myself in one of ambers old dresses. It was black with hints of gold glittering through it, paired with my usual pair of black boots. I cant walk in heels. She clapped enthusiastically, agreeing that we both looked pretty good.

It was a beautiful evening as amber, and I started to walk up to the cathedral where the Favonius ball was held. I admired all the other gorgeous men and women that followed the crowds, giggling with each other excited about the night ahead.

"Hello Amber, and who is this lovely young lady with you?" A gentleman who I presume was the bouncer asked, bowing his head. Lady? how very formal.

Amber told him that I was her plus one for the night and he smiled and let us enter the hall.

It was stunning, the usual chairs that filled the room had been poshed aside leaving an empty space for dancing and right at the end of the room was a stage covered in green cloth and decorated with an orchestra, the beaming bard Venti stood in the middle holding a lyre, strumming gently on the strings. To the left of the hall was a long table packed with hundreds of different drinks and beverages glowing with all sorts of colours. A sign read: 'courtesy of the Dawn winery', butterflies began to form in the pit of my stomach.

Shortly after us, the room had filled with all sorts of wealthy people, even some people from outside of Mondstad had shown up. One of the travellers, I believe her name was Lumine, was dancing with a ginger haired man I had never seen before, and Kaeya, well Kaeya was dancing with 3 women at the same time, none of them I recognised.

Even Amber had got up to dance, I just remained leaning against the doors, twiddling my thumbs minding my own business until Mater Jean had made her way to the stage wearing one of the most beautiful gowns I had ever seen.

"Attention everyone," she smiled, tapping a spoon against her glass, "Welcome to the annual Favonius ball, have fun, and try not to drink too much, Im talking about you Kaeya! Anyway everyone, enjoy your evening!" She curtsied and left the stage leaving Venti and his band to play.

Everyone was dancing, drinking, and having a good time. I was just sitting on a chair, enjoying the atmosphere, watching as people laughed and sang along with the music.

On the other side of the room, I noticed Master Diluc, His arms crossed, leaning perfectly still against the wall, a scowl across his face, anyone could tell that he definitely didnt want to be here, he looked as if he would literally rather do anything else.

Maybe I should ask him to dance? The worst he could do is say no. Everyone else was already partnered up and out of everyone here, the only person I wanted to dance with was him. Listen to how childish I sound. Y/n you are not crushing on master Diluc. But after all, its just a dance. Just one dance. It couldn't hurt.

I waltzed over to him, having far too much confidence than I should have, and stood in front of him, he didnt react at all, just stared back at me.