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Guests begin to trickle out of the tavern, one by one—each saying their goodbyes to the one and only Master Diluc. He proceeds to clean out the tables and taking the glasses from each as he offers a warm and kind smile to everyone. He may be a vigilante of Mondstat and may seem like someone intimidating to a few men but appealing to some women but all in all, he was still an excellent bartender who tended to everyone's requests.
The redhead surveys the second floor one last time, making sure no one forgot something before closing the lights and heading back down. At the corner of his eye, he notices a certain... green bard, hunched over at the counter, one hand still holding a half-empty bottle.
Diluc shakes his head, clicking his tongue then says, "You know, you really should stop drinking 'til you pass out. It's quite odd to see an archon in such a way" He waits for a response but only receives calm and steady breathing.
Is he... asleep?
Diluc heads closer to the other side to check and sure enough, his eyebrows rose—slightly shocked at the peaceful face the latter had. The way his eyelashes rest on his skin and his cheek smooshed up against his arm as drool slightly trails down his face. Diluc can't help but feel his chest become full. Subconsciously, he places his hand on the bard's head—atop his classic headdress.
A small smile creeps up at the corner of his lips.
Upon noticing his actions, he quickly takes back his hand and stands up before lightly coughing to himself, looking around as if checking if someone saw it. The redhead then takes his coat and settles it on Venti's back as an extra precaution that he doesn't get cold. The bard moves for a bit, offering a soft groan as his grip on the bottle loosens. Diluc's heart rose a little. There would definitely be no end to his teasing if he gets caught red handed, but to his luck, Venti stayed asleep.
The clock in his pocket ticked as he delicately slides the bottle out of the archon's hand and packs it up. After wiping the table, he rests on the seat next to Venti's. It was weird...? if Diluc were to phrase it that this... archon of theirs was just so irresistible.
Quietly, he leans in and plants a soft kiss on Venti's cheek, allowing his lips to slightly stay before going back. It was on impulse especially with the sudden swirl of emotions. It was like some sort of wind was dragging him on to do more and keep him close. Protect him. Treasure him yet... something pulled him back.
He didn't want to lose anyone again.
The morning came and the sun had risen. The tavern was opening in just a few hours.
Venti decides to wake up as he groggily yawns, eyes doing its best to open up. His shoulders felt heavy so he checks and once his hand touches the fabric, he turns to look at the dark color then to his side and see a sleeping redhead. He smiles, giving Diluc's hair a soft stroke but once eyes begin to flutter open, Venti got up, placed the coat on the counter and runs out.
Diluc doesn't miss the slight blush on the bard's face.
