𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒

AFTER BUSINESS HOURS

You swirled the glass of dandelion wine as you gazed down on Diluc, silently cleaning the bar as more and more people began to leave the tavern. You know that the redhead could feel your stare, evident in his rigid stature, shoulders tense and brows slightly furrowed.

A chuckle left your lips. It was always quite a delightful pastime for you to be here in Angel's Share, mingling with the townspeople of Mondstat while having a taste of the finest wines out there. Plus, who wouldn't want to be in the presence of the one and only Diluc Ragnvindr.

The tavern fell silent once the last customer left. the lingering smell of dandelion wine was strong, feeling your insides and clouding your already hazy mind. Sipping the last drop from your glass, you stood up, the floor creaking underneath your weight. This caught the redhead's attention, locking eyes with yours.

"As usual, you're still here," he sighed, gently placing down the utensils he was once holding.

"Why, of course," you chuckled, leaning against the wooden railings. "After all, I might be the only person ever so willing to accompany you, Master Diluc~"

At first, he didn't say anything, only tending to the wine collection behind him. You continued to lean forward, half your body already too far from your centre of gravity. "Don't do that," he ordered, continuing his chore. "You might fall and hurt yourself."

The tone of his voice was firm, but you could hear a twinge of concern laced within it.

You hummed, not heeding his words. It might be the alcohol's effect on you but you felt light as a feather, air playfully gazing at your skin, making you shudder from the cold. As if magic happened, you felt arms wrap around you. A smooth texture of silk and warmth enveloped you as you blinked away the haziness.

"You never do listen, do you?" Diluc's voice rang close, his breath kissing your ears and neck.

Ah, I fell, you finally concluded, seeing yourself in the arms of the redhead, his face gazing down at you.

You merely smiled and wrapped your arms around his neck. He stilled for a moment, before relaxing his entire body. "Why should I when I know you'll always catch me," you murmured, leaning your cheek on his chest, your body becoming at ease when you heard the thumping of his heart. "Oh and for the record, I'm not drunk."

"You fell from the second floor."

"I'm not that drunk, then."

He chuckled, vibrations from his chest making you smile. He walked to the bar and slowly sat you in the high chair. You whined from the lack of warmth and your eyes landed on something behind him. There, at the far end corner of the tavern was a phonograph.

If your memory serves you correctly, it was newly invited some time ago and Diluc had bought one directly from the original creator. Beside the phonograph was a small table with a box full of vinyl. Bards, mainly venti, would use it as background music with their preferred instrument.

Diluc, seeing as you weren't looking at him, followed your gaze. A small smile etched his lips once he realized what you were looking for. "Quite a shame we weren't able to use it tonight," he said, "I brought one of my favourites vinyl to play but the bard wanted to sing traditionally."

Your attention shifted to him once you registered what he just said. "Really now, Master Diluc?" you purred, crossing your legs and leaning your head on your palm. "The night's still young! let's have some fun—I could certainly go for another glass of dandelion wine. why not play it? I'm quite curious about what your taste in music is."

"You already have your fair share of it," he stated, walking to the corner and picking up a vinyl from the box. "But, I suppose I could entertain your neverending energy."

You swore he looked at you in a teasing manner, eyes closed and a smirk on his face.

But you didn't have the time to analyze it as he placed the vinyl on the phonograph, putting the needle on it. Immediately, a piece of almost festive music rang, filling in the silence in the tavern. Numerous sounds of instruments danced across the air, making you giddy and excited.

"I never peg you to enjoy this type of music, Master Diluc," you confessed, watching Diluc as he went to where you were seated, "I must say, I'm delightfully surprised."

"I'm glad it satisfied your curiosity," he softly laughed, running his fingers through his loose hair. He then offered a hand towards you, a smirk etching itself on his lips.

You rose a brow at him, intrigued. "Oho? is the great Master Diluc asking me for a dance?" you teased.

"I did promise to entertain you tonight," he hummed, taking a hold of your hand and gently pulling you to his chest. "So then, care to sway with me, darling?"