A Barkeep And His Poet

1,500 Mora

After leaving Kaeya's house yesterday, I go on patrol. Meeting up with Rosaria so that we could look at different sides of Mondstadt.

I've never been so relieved to make it to my bed.

After sleeping through the day, I decide to work at the bar. I saw Charles when I walked into the winery this morning. A black eye and a busted lip. Kaeya took care of my rumor problem.

Taking my place at the bar, I scan the room. Looking for Venti, I realize. Looking for his green clothes and mischievous smile.

When he walks in, I feel relieved. I haven't seen him in days, and after Charles and my conversation with Kaeya about Charles, I was worried.

"Master Diluc!" He calls, and I almost smile. My face flushes red and I don't know why but my body heats up. My vision no doubt. Ok, a little doubt.

"What can I do for you, Venti?" I say, my voice monotone, the way I've trained myself to respond to him. But he seems determined today, keeping eye contact.

"Some dandelion wine please." He smiles, pulling out a small bag. "And look! I even brought mora this time."

That does make me smile. Instead of a glass, I give him the whole bottle, counting out the price with him. 1,500 mora.

"But that's the cost of a single drink?" It's more of a question than a statement.

"Think of it as an apology. For Charles. And a thank you for everything you've done for the city." For a split second he looks at me like I'd lost my mind, but then quickly decided that he shouldn't question it.

"Thank you, Master Diluc." I find that I wish he would call me Diluc. Nothing in front of it. Just my name.

I nod, going to serve another customer.

The rest of the night goes like this. Serving customers, Venti giving me 1,500 mora for a bottle of wine.

Kaeya even comes in with Rosaria. Both of them sitting a few seats down from Venti.

"Two Death After Noon please, Master Diluc," Kaeya says, shoving a bag of mora towards me.

Mixing the two drinks, I feel someone watching me. Turning to give Kaeya the drinks, I see that it's Venti. Drunk, but looking at me intently.

I raise an eyebrow at him, causing him to speak.

"You look really pretty with your hair up like that."

It takes me by surprise, my face heating up. No one compliments me like that. The high ponytail starts to feel itchy where it falls on my back.

"Uh, thank you?" He giggles at my response and all I can think is 'I wish you were sober'.

Though, if he was sober he wouldn't have said it. Is it backhanded? I don't normally wear my hair like this. The hair ties tight at the top of my head.

"No like, you're really pretty." He states, his cheeks pink.

"Someone has an admirer." Kaeya snorts, looking from me to Venti. 

I can't think of an answer so I don't speak, giving other customers their drinks.

Rosaria snickers and I look over. Venti looks defeated, taking a big swig of wine.

"Thank you for the compliment, Venti." He smiles at me with newfound determination.

Slumping over, he hiccups, almost falling off of the stool. His smile big, like I just gave him candy.

After a bit, he falls asleep, and I hear Kaeya laugh again. Looking over at him, he smiles. "He likes you," Kaeya whispers shouts, drunk off his ass. 

"I would hope so. It would be awkward if he disliked his bartender." I say, confused. This only makes Rosaria laugh next to Kaeya. 

"He means that Venti likes you romanticly, Diluc." She snorts, also feeling the alcohol. 

I shake my head at them, making them laugh again. "Alright, it's late. Go home, get some rest" I sigh. Laughing again, they leave, and I'm stuck with a sleeping Venti.

I clean everything but the stool he's sitting on, hoping he'll wake up. When he doesn't, I poke his face. He just readjusts, moving away from my hand. It's adorable.

Finally, I pick him up bridal style. Taking him to the bedroom on the third floor. He can sleep there tonight.

He shifts in my arms, burying his face into my chest. My vision is making me warm again. 

Pulling the blanket back I carefully lay him down, but he clings to me. His hands have a tight hold on my shirt. He wakes a bit when I remove his hands. Slight grumbles and a sleepy moan escapes his lips when his head meets the pillow. As I turn to leave he says something.

"What?" I didn't hear him.

"They were right. I do like you."

I go to sit on the floor next to him. Pushing the hair out of his face. 

"I would hope so, I consider you a friend," I say and he frowns. 

"Not like that. I like like you." He says with his eyes closed. He's half asleep and struggling to stay awake.

"What does that mean, Venti?" My vision makes the room warmer than ever before, my face flushing pink.

"I want you to like me." He mumbles, pulling the blanket up.

"I do like you, Venti, you're my friend." 

"I want you to love me, Diluc." My name, he said my name.

"Say it again?" Even half asleep he looks confused. "Say my name again."

"Diluc." He whispers. Archons, I wish he was sober.

"You can stay here tonight. We can talk in the morning," I whisper.

"I don't want to talk, you'll reject me." He yawns, rolling over. And I start to think. Will I reject him? I've never thought about it. Liking someone has never crossed my mind, I've been so busy.

I have the night to make a decision, and then I'll talk to Venti. "We'll see, Wind Sprite." The pet name just rolled off my tongue and I find that it feels right. 

I have a lot to think about.