Fly Away, Promising To Return (DilucxReader)

Ch 9

"Diluc!" I open our front door, exhausted from my long day of work. Hearing their voice is always so relieving. I see they have a new face mask on. Considering they always try to get me to relax when I come home, they'll offer me it. I smile slightly at the thought."I was heading to bed soon, but my face mask came in this afternoon! Want to try it out?" I can't help but smile just a little more, it's just as I thought.

"Sure." I sit on the couch, pulling my tie down slightly. I feel as (Y/N) lets my hair loose and redo my ponytail, it's low and not well done. Even so, having them play with my hair has me less tense. "Tell me, what have you been doing." They start applying the face mask and I quiet down, closing my eyes.

"Well, you know I like to paint. I've been trying to get back into it, and recently someone opened up an art class in our side of town. Definitely closer than the one in downtown.." It's practically a massage, I'm glad they started to do something they liked. With me not being home often, I'm sure they get bored a lot. "I'll be going tomorrow to see the instructor, the class, and most likely sign up. I can't wait to start..!" Their excitement causes their voice to crack, and I manage to stifle a small laugh. "As I was looking online, I found some information on him. His name is Kaeya." Hearing his name I'm tense again, knowing him he's about to be all over them."Sorry, did it get in your nose?" I grumble slightly, my brow furrowing a tad. Maybe I can talk them out of this. "But anyways, I'll try getting one of the others to join with me. It's costly however, so it's unlikely. Even so, I'll at least try to get Lisa or Sucrose to try for the first week. First week is free.. leading up to fees of 400$ a month but only 3,000$ for the full year. I'm sure Ningguang or Childe will give me sugar till my teeth rot." They giggle, I don't mind it. Kaeya however, is going to be a problem. "Just kidding of course." They give me a small kiss, as a sign they've finished. I open my eyes, still laying back. "Now you let it sit for.." They check their phone, and I watch their movements closely. "5 minutes, so right at 11." They smile at me, but I can't manage one now. "Green suits you."

"Even if it close.. it's uh expensive. The other one was much less. Are you sure? I'd pay for your gas expenses while you pay for the classes." They were so adamant on being dependent when it came to their art classes, but Kaeya changes things. I can't help but want to keep them away from his grabby hands.

"Well.. the drive downtown, or bus, train, or any mode of transportation, would be really long. We're on the outskirts of town, I feel like this one would be more worth my time." I crosses my arms, sitting up just a tad. They cross their legs and slouch while sitting. "I already said I'd be covering all of my expenses, so don't worry." I sigh in slight frustration, I haven't told them about him at all. It might cause problems I'm not willing to get into right now.

"All right, if you find yourself in any trouble I'll be here." If anything, they'll let me know if Kaeya tries something. Or I'm hoping.

"I'll tell you if something happens, don't worry about me. So anyways, what about you?" Managing the bar has been a pain with the sudden dropping of workers. Seeing (Y/N) on Sunday's has been some type of downtime for me. Things have been going well recently however.

"We've managed to hire another two bartenders, made a business deal with florists across the street, and even managed to get a deal with a popular champagne company. Overall well, however I am very much exhausted." They smile at me.

"Have you eaten yet? Or maybe you'd like something to drink, don't overwork yourself, ok?" They hold my hand, I wish I was able to spend more time with them.

"I'll try not to, but no promises.. are there any leftovers? What did you eat earlier." Maybe I'll try getting Charles to take over for me soon again.

"Just some garlic sandwiches, there's two left if you want them?" I nod, leaning back to relax on the couch. When I first met (Y/N) they seemed so free, it almost seems like I'm tying them down. "I'll go wash off this face mask and head to bed, goodnight." They leave with one final smile, I eat quickly and wash up.

I see they're sleeping, I get into bed and pull on the blanket. They always come to me when I do, it's quite endearing. They come over and lay their head on my chest, spreading their arm across my chest. As if a side hug. "What have I said about hogging the blanket.." They murmur. I put my hand on their head slowly stroking their hair. I've seen it helps them sleep, I smile as I watch them smile just a little wider. How can someone be so adorable?

By morning I'm gathering my documents and heading back to work. These financial issues aren't solving themselves. I make myself some breakfast and wrap it up for later. I'll eat it once I'm in my office. I clean up and hurry out, hoping that I don't wake up (Y/N). I see Jean is bringing in a few bouquets for tonight's dinner time. A couple's specialty night. I may be saving her business, but the more and more she warms up to me, the more trouble she's causing me. I can't say I mind too much, it's lonely without (Y/N) here. I hope she doesn't end up having trouble with Kaeya.

"Diluc!" She calls out to me, Charles taking the flowers to the back.

"Prepare the lighting in a few Charles, thank you." I turn back to Jean, who has the last of flowers. "Hello, Jean. I hope your car troubles have been taken care of?" She's had a few family troubles as well.

"Well, Klee wrote on the seats, but otherwise it's fine." She gives me a slight smile, which I return half heartedly.

"Have you had breakfast yet? I know I sent you the arrangements rather late, I'd hate to know you got to work on them right away." She gives me a sheepish look.

"Well..." According to the little I've talked to Klee, she's not great at putting herself first.

"Charles, have one of the cooks make Jean a nice breakfast." I go behind the counter and take a few drink orders, until Charles comes back with a breakfast.

"Thank you.. I really don't know how I'll repay you for all you're doing for me." I just nod and head back to my office, Jean has me behind on a few documents. I hear a knock at my door some time later, it's for the lighting.

"Yes... it doesn't work. From (Y/N)'s color theory tips, blue would work better. Have some of the waiters take these flowers back, I need to make new arrangements." The customers have enjoyed the new flowers these past days, I can't have a mess up now. I cross over to Jean's shop and head in. "About the flowers you've sent over for tonight," she gives me a nervous look, "I was wondering if you could switch them to be more blue. The lighting would work much better."

"Yeah no problem, I'll tell Flora to start on the bouquets right away.." She punches in a few numbers and writes adjustment on the receipt before handing it to me. For my book keeping of course.

"Boo." Someone whispers. I turn around quickly a little surprise on on face, I wasn't expecting (Y/N) to be here. "Hey, I came to say hello. Thought I'd check out the florist shop while I was here." They turn to look at Jean. "I'm sure making a deal with you cheered him up, he's had a rough month." They pat my cheeks with a smile, they're not wrong but still.

"Right." I'm a little embarrassed, but keep my cool tone. "Anyhow, I should be getting back to the bar." They follow behind me smiling, I can feel it. "You came to say hello?" It's not often they do, but I do hope they continue to. "You're usually only here Sundays."

"Well, I wanted to see the florist shop. How'd the two of you come about this deal?"