Chapter Text
Click. Clack. Tak. Tap Tap Tap.
The signage now flipped on to the other side to start yet another day at Angel’s Share.
Tucked away in the corner of suburbs rest a humble cafe, away from the bustling streets of the urban. It’s not as fancy as the others but it has an ambiance that would take you back in time. The woody interior just with the light touch of warm light relaxes the eyes paired with serene music similar to the whistles of the wind on the greenfields. Not to mention, the smell of coffee reeks all over the place. You’ll definitely know that the beans are newly roasted, grounded, and brewed to perfection.
And behind this perfection is a man standing straight and tall, meekly hand grinding the beans he got from the early public market, bulk buying newly roasted beans. His red fiery hair mixes well with the reddish-orange interior. You’ll know for sure that he’s part of the whole place. That.. probably is an understatement.
This cafe’s furnishings wouldn’t be completed without the main attraction: the barista and the owner of the said cafe, Diluc Ragnvindr.
“Ah.. uhmm g-good morning..” The barista is too focused on grinding his fresh bean with his manual coffee grinder to even notice there’s already a customer fidgeting right in front of him.
“Uhmm…”
“Mhmn?” Not a really barista-like response for his very first customer-- ever. It’s been a week now and finally, he got a customer-- surprisingly. No advertisement and promotion. The cafe had just formed out of nowhere and sticking so out of place in the suburbs.
“I’vebeenseeingyouraroundthemarketplacebuyingcoffeebeansandi’msorryforfollowingyoueverydaymayIknowyournameplease?”
“...” If Diluc has to be honest, he didn’t get a single word to understand from this girl in front of him. He’s just weirded out but as a barista, he runs through his memory what needs to be done.
“Americano? Caramel Macchiato? Espresso?”
“Donna.”
“Sorry, we don’t have that here.” Diluc moves to retrieve the freshly grounded beans, placing them on the percolator. He skillfully pours the kettle of hot water with much grandiose.
“T-that! That’s my name..” Deflated and defeated, the girl admitted that this gentleman is not someone that would take an interest in anybody. “Your name.. What--”
“Your order?” Diluc cuts her off again as he measures the drips his percolator makes. In return, he just hears struggling noises from the lady as she points to what he’s making. Diluc nods in agreement that she indeed got a nice taste to want what he’s currently making.
“Please sit anywhere you want. I’ll bring you your cup soon.”
“I’ll just.. Take it out” The lady is flushing red from embarrassment for even trying to hit on this barista. She just wants to save herself from more embarrassment, but she’s not a quitter! As Diluc fixed the hot drip coffee in a nice cup with a protective sleeve, Donna wrote her contact details on a piece of paper hurriedly.
“Here’s your order, that would be 86 mora.”
“Call me!” She slams the 500 mora and the piece of paper she wrote her contact details on. Diluc just looks at the counter and at the lady retreating fast with her cup of coffee. He saw her stop on her tracks and sips the coffee only to spew it out instantly.
Diluc fidgets his chin, wondering if he did something wrong with the process of tending to the bar. But he’s sure that he made everything perfectly. He looks at the number scribbled on the piece of paper and raises it up to the air like a curious thing.
“Call me… huh..” The thing is, Diluc doesn't have any mobile devices nor he knows how ‘call’ even works. He retrieved the 500 mora and wondered if this is the tip that the barista book guide is talking about. It seems like there’s nothing wrong with his customer service approach. He’ll stick with this then. He nods at himself as a sign of commendation for his good service and first income.
“What to do with this then..” He kind of feels bad if he’ll be throwing the piece of paper so he set it aside on a clear box and wrote a label.
Your Number Here
Just to be safe if more customers are giving him this kind of paper in the future. He dropped down the first paper he received and hums in agreement to his logic.
And he’s actually right. More ladies come to the cafe just to buy take-out coffees but they still sit inside the cafe just to steal glances at the famous barista because of his looks and infamous because of the coffee he serves. These ladies are not even taking a sip which actually makes Diluc frown but he doesn’t mind. As long as he’s getting his income, there’s nothing he can do after he sells his product. It’s no longer his property.
But he took a glance at the ‘Your Number Here’ box and sighs. He needs another one.
A chime resounds the room as the door opens to welcome yet another customer. This time, a dark-skinned and blue-haired man walks in hurriedly, seemingly out of breath as he enters with a bouquet of white lilies in his arms.
Kaeya huffs slightly as he tries to catch his breath. Meeting someone new while breathless is definitely not a good impression. Even if he did rush to finish up this simple bouquet of white lilies with lady ferns and white yarrows. It wasn’t his best product, but it will have to do for this occasion.
He assesses the premises, taking note of the ambiance, and hums in appreciation. It held a different atmosphere from all of the other shops around the vicinity and Kaeya finds himself falling a little in love in the quaint little shop. Though, the numerous female customers in the shop make him raise an eyebrow.
He knows all of the ladies, in fact, many of them are frequent customers of his store. Customers who love to visit him and his little flower shop to have a chat or purchase a flower or two for a loved one.
Sara is sitting with Blanche as they put their heads together, whispering and giggling to themselves, and he could see Marjorie sitting on the next table with a gleam in her eyes. There was nothing unusual about their attitudes, having seen them acting the same way when they visit his shop.
What makes him takes a double back is the sight of Diona scribbling angrily at one corner of the shop, glaring right in front of her as if plotting a murder. Kaeya carefully steps away from her corner, to avoid incurring her unknown fury.
As he walks closer to the counter, he almost trips at the sight of the ice-cold Lyudmila who held a look of pure happiness with Mikhail sitting right beside her. The only way he can describe Mikhail’s expression is...the look of pure suffering. Perhaps sending a lotus on his way during his next free time as condolence would be for the best, even if he did not know what it will be for.
Kaeya passes by Glory with her untouched cup of steaming espresso and finally reaches the counter, where all of the attention in the store seems to gather -- the most handsome and sexiest man he has ever laid his eye on.
Holy shit, sweet Barbatos.
Is it illegal for someone to be that hot? Can he call the FBI now? Hello? Someone, please arrest this illegal man for the crime of being way too handsome and giving Kaeya a fucking heart attack just by standing there while doing absolutely nothing.
The simple bouquet that he had hurriedly prepared seems like a dead weight in his arms right now. The sheer inadequacy of the bouquet when met with the barista is a pure disgrace and comparing their beauty is like comparing heaven and hell.
Wait. Is he in heaven now!?
It was only due to his years of customer service that did not reduce him to a drooling mess and instead, he pasted a smile on his lips and present with the inadequate bouquet to the redhead.
“You are the owner of this establishment, yes?”
Snapped out of his own introspection, Diluc eyed the man in front of him, sizing him up already. Tall, dark, and handsome, not gonna lie. Though he looks a little disheveled, probably because of haste, it doesn’t even make a dent in his overall appearance.
“Yes I am, are you in a hurry Mister? I can whip up something fast for take-out. What’s your order?”
His gaze falls to the bouquet of beautiful flowers in his arms. He’ll probably meet someone, Diluc deduced.
“Call me Kaeya. Kaeya Alberich,” Kaeya smoothly introduces himself. Smoothly, smooth as butter, no waver in his voice or anything. He doesn’t sound as if he is ready to drop everything and worship the ground the redhead is on. No, not at all.
“...” Diluc blinks momentarily at the sudden introduction. He just nods as a sign of acknowledgment that he hears his name. “Mhmn. Your order--”
“I work at the flower shop right in front of your store. This bouquet is for you as well-wishes for the future of your shop.” After cutting Diluc off, Kaeya pushes the bouquet closer to him, the charming smile that makes ladies swoon is easily turned on. Does he want Diluc to swoon? Yes, ab-so-lute-ly yes.
Ah, he’s wrong. Definitely, the flower is not for the person he’s meeting but for him. He eyed the white lilies that stand out in pure contrast to the theme of his store. If this is well-wish for him for his business prosperity, then he won’t take this gesture against Kaeya.
Now, Kaeya is regretting his choice of flowers. Gloxinia would have been a perfect choice here and he wants to weep at the sight of white lilies. He couldn’t just take them back when he just offers them right?
Diluc gently takes the bouquet of white lilies, slightly grazing the back of Kaeya’s hand with his fingertips, making Kaeya jolts in surprise. He brings it towards his chest and smells the sweet note of the lilies complementing the strong smell of the roasted beans. He smiles softly at Kaeya and voices out his ‘thank you’.
It is official. Kaeya is dead. He is killed by a man who he doesn’t even know the name of. No, not a man. An Angel. He has been graced by the presence of an angel, and his soft touch and smile are lethal and that sweet voice is to die for. Where has this angel been and why did he only come to his life now!?
He could not help but notice that white suits the barista well. It makes him really really pretty. Maybe bringing the white lilies isn't such a bad choice after all.
“Mr. Alberich, so you’re the owner of the fragrant flower store just right across my cafe…” He ponders as he really doesn’t look at his surroundings at all. And it’s a surprise that such a man could handle such a business. This is why appearances can always be deceiving, he shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.
No, whoever said that Kaeya is pouting should get their eyes checked, because they are clearly wrong and require glasses to see properly. The pure disappointment at Diluc calling his last name is devastating, Kaeya doesn’t think he can go on anymore and isn’t it a common courtesy to offer your own name as well? He sighs and smiles fondly while nodding in agreement to the barista’s statement. Somehow, it had only made the redhead look cute and endearing in his eye.
Diluc blinks in confusion at the look on Kaeya’s face puzzled how he earns such...An adorable pout. He shakes his head a little and bows at him like common courtesy. “I’m new to this area, please take care of me from today onwards.” He’s really missing out to greet other businesses around his premises. Where is his decency? He sighs to himself.
Kaeya bows back at him gracefully, as if he is not having a crisis in his mind right now. Though, he is amused at how serious Diluc is. “Likewise, I will be in your care as well.”
It is official, they are married and no one can tell Kaeya otherwise. What do you mean no? They just exchange their vows and the rest of the customers are their witnesses, he couldn’t feel their burning stares either.
“As a return gesture, drink is on me.” Diluc sets aside the flower and swiftly moves inside the counter to prepare a cup of espresso for Kaeya. “Ah. Please sit in unoccupied spaces, I’ll bring your cup to you shortly.”
“Thank you for your kindness,” Kaeya moves to sit at the perfect seat, the counter seat that is the closest to Diluc, and rest his head on his palm, making no effort to conceal the fact that he is ogling at the redhead. Kaeya got captivated by the smooth and practiced movements as Diluc makes his cup of espresso, and the small sway of his hips is just the icing on the cake.
As soon as Diluc finishes his fresh brew, he places down the cup in front of Kaeya and proceeds to wipe the already impeccable countertop gracefully. “Enjoy the coffee, Mr. Alberich.” With that final cue, he moves to wipe the already clean cups. There’s really nothing much to do now so he’s making himself do something.
Again, Kaeya deflated at the sound of his last name. The barista is too formal for his own good, and he vows to get him to call him by his first name if it’s the last thing he does. “Just call me Kaeya, Buttercup. You don’t have to be that formal with me here.”
He never did say it will be a complex plan. Sometimes being straightforward is the best right?
Diluc raises a brow with the sudden name-calling but he pays it no mind. You can say he’s used to this. Being called with various names inside and outside the store. He only sighs and curtly nods at Kaeya. There's no way he can go informal to him, that's not how he was taught to address a person he just met.
Kaeya takes his cup of espresso and sips it carefully, and it is only by pure determination that he managed to not spit it out onto the table and swallows the liquid forcefully down his throat. He smiles wearily and places the cup of coffee (?) down.
...Is this still coffee?
Kaeya is pretty sure that the barista had used coffee beans, but this cup of espresso...is blacker and bitter than his soul. That is when he has a startling realization, none of the customers he had seen were drinking any of their coffee. The only reason why this place has so many customers is because of the barista’s handsome face.
Kaeya couldn’t help but find himself having the same goal as the rest of the customers. He takes the cup with the weariness of a veteran and delicately sips the content, not showing any discontent on his expression.
Diluc didn’t notice that he’s been staring at Kaeya sipping the coffee he served him. It’s the first time he saw a customer drink his coffee inside the cafe’s premises. Ah right, Kaeya’s not even a customer himself. He’s just here to show common courtesy as businesses under the same district.
Ah. He pounds his fist to his palm. That’s when it hits him something that he needs to do. He needs to change the ‘Your Number Here’ box. He removes the already filled box and places a new one, with a new label. He nods in satisfaction before moving his gaze to the flower. He needs to place it inside a vase with water too to prolong its life.
“What is the box for?” Kaeya couldn’t help but ask. Having arrived at no conclusions for the existence of the box in a coffee shop. Collecting customers’ numbers...isn’t it a breach of privacy or something? He blinks in shock, is the barista some kind of criminal prying on pure-hearted souls like him!?
The barista looks at him and sighs a little. “It’s for the customers who give me their numbers… for me to call them?.” He changes the unimportant topic to a very urgent one. “How can I prolong its life?” He’s referring to the White Lilies.
Kaeya snaps out of his spiraling thoughts at Diluc’s voice, staring at the box and the barista a little disbelievingly. He lets out a short laugh at his replies and his flippant remarks at his admirers’ numbers. Just how oblivious he is? Ah, he prays that his number would not find itself in that little box and be forgotten amongst the rest. He looks at the lilies before meeting Diluc’s eyes. “Do you have a vase?”
“... Hmmn...” Diluc didn’t consider flowers inside his cafe so he doesn’t have one. “I...I don’t have one..”
A chuckle left Kaeya’s lips, somehow, he is expecting that answer. How adorable. He takes up his cup of espresso and down all of its content, wincing internally at the bitterness before placing it down. He stood up and held out his hand. “Why don’t you return me the flowers and I can take care of it for you? You can collect them at my shop after your work, what do you think?”
Is this an excuse for Diluc to visit him after work? Yes, of course. The idea of seeing Diluc again later in the day causes his smile to widen. Ah, he does hope the barista would agree to it.
Diluc ponders for a while if the proposal of the flower shop owner is actually good. In fact, he knows that it’s beneficial for him but he doesn't want to cause any trouble to the guy. “Wouldn’t that trouble you mister? Well, if it’s not too much to ask then I will indulge with your suggestion.”
Kaeya grins, “It won’t be any trouble.” In fact, he welcomes the idea. Anything to have a little more time with the charming barista.
Diluc hums at his acknowledgment. He side-eyed at the empty cup and smiles a little, though it’s barely unnoticeable. “It seems you have taken a liking to the coffee I made. Well then, I will bring one later when I drop by your shop.”
If Kaeya is any less skilled, a grimace would have crossed his expression but he is an expert in masking -- the perks of being in customer services. He holds onto his smile and nods, “That would be great, I look forward to having your coffee again.”
He doesn’t need his taste buds anyway, Kaeya is sure of that. What’s a little sacrifice in the grand scheme of things right?
Diluc nods at his anticipation to have his coffee once again. This is the first time he gets a direct compliment about it (not really) as he was so tired of always hearing about his looks. He’s acknowledging this neighboring shop owner’s tastes, truly a respectable man indeed. He took the lilies in his arms and gave them gently back to Kaeya. “Thank you once again for welcoming me to this area.”
Kaeya takes back the bouquet and hums thoughtfully, before carefully taking out a stem of white lily from the bundle. He snaps the stem of the lily and reaches over to the barista, delicately slotting the flower behind Diluc’s ear. Diluc blinks at the sudden gesture but he doesn't flinch away from it, letting Kaeya just do what he wants. But his expression shows judging eyes paired with that slightly raised brow. Diluc is utterly confused.
“I wish I am able to welcome you sooner, Buttercup.” Kaeya brushes against Diluc’s cheek lightly and leans back, cradling the rest of the bouquet in his arms as he appraises the barista. “White looks good on you.” Diluc blinks profusely at what just transpires. The touch of Kaeya’s fingertips just happened in less than a second but the sensation still lingers on his cheeks.
“Uhh...” But black and red is his favorite color. “I didn’t consider the color before, white is too bright for me.” He gently raises his hand to touch the white lily, resting on his ear. “I’ll still take that as a compliment. Thank you, Mr. Alberich.”
The ladies inside the store almost pop out their eyes from their sockets at what they just witnessed. They wouldn’t deny that these two are the current hotshots of Mondstadt and seeing them together and interacting to boot are too much eye candy for a day. Much to the show that they are witnessing, they deduced that the two are already close with all the flowers and subtle touches they’ve witnessed Kaeya made. And with the hive thinking of the ladies, they can’t help but squeal a little thinking what this is all about. Ahh. Women. Intuition. And jumping to conclusions.
‘If they can’t have the hot barista to notice them, then it’s fine if it’s Sir Kaeya.’ They won’t have any complaints about the matter! In fact, it would lessen the catfight inside the ladies' circle so it’s all win-win for them. They just sigh at the dreamy visuals between the two men. It’s not that bad if they have to be honest.
Kaeya sighs at the stubbornness of the man in front of him, he would get him to say his first name next time. The prospect of having a ‘next time’ instantly brightens Kaeya’s mood. He pushes his chair back to its original position and bows to Diluc, giving him a wink. Unfortunately, wearing an eyepatch has only made Diluc wonder why the man is blinking his eye towards him.
With a particular flower in mind as today’s main event speeds through his mind, Kaeya says pleasantly, “See you later, Sweetpea.”
“Ragnvindr, Diluc” Diluc looks at Kaeya sternly and then curtly nods. “That’s my name.”
And that’s when the whole cafe falls silent. Finally, the mysterious barista has a name, and sure as heck, it would spread like a wildfire to the whole district. Almost everyone wants to know the new guy’s name. And knowing this is all thanks to Kaeya.
Kaeya straightens his back and answers with a radiant smile, his lone eye sparkling in happiness. He cradles the bouquet a little closer to his chest as he softly repeats after the barista, “Diluc…”
He gives a warm chuckle and speaks a little louder, “It is nice meeting you, Diluc.”
Diluc was taken aback by being addressed by his first name instantly. It’s not a common thing for a stranger or acquaintances to be called by their first name, at least not from the place he came from. It’s reserved for someone who’s very close to you. He wouldn’t deny that he’s iffy about this but that’s what you get for transferring to a different place. Culture shock is inevitable.
“Mhhmn. The pleasure is mine…” He coughs a little to clear his throat. As the saying goes, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ , that’s what he just needs to do then. “K-kaeya.” He clears his throat again, averting his gaze. But that slight tinge of pink on his cheek is evident. Doing something he’s not used to is embarrassing.
The blush on Kaeya’s face mirrors Diluc’s, not expecting his name to be uttered so beautifully by the stubborn man. He could feel his heart thumping wildly in his chest at the sight of Diluc blushing with the white lily accentuating the redness. Ah, he had really fallen deeply and so quickly too.
The Gloxinia flowers that he wanted to give have already found themselves in Kaeya’s chest as the series of velvety, bell-shaped flowers bloomed gently.
Flowers meaning:
- White lily: Blessings, Humility, Devotion, Wealth, and Prosperity
- Lotus - Compassion
- Gloxinia: Love at first sight
- Buttercups: Passion and Love
- Sweetpea: Thank You for a Lovely Time