Chapter Text
Diluc hated the summer. It was a heat that was absolutely inescapable, and this year felt even worse since his apartment no longer had air conditioning. It maybe could have possibly been his fault that it broke, trying to fit it somewhere.
He tried, okay! He tried to fix it onto the wall himself, figuring he was handy enough. But he got frustrated and broke the damn thing. So here he was, trudging through the streets of Mondstat, under the blazing heat of the sun, trying to find SOME place that was cool. He also admitted that, although he ran the most popular bar in Mondstat, large groups of people just weren't his thing unless it was tied to business. So he figured that, maybe, to escape the sweltering heat, he could focus on business. He tried. He really, REALLY did. But he almost set his place on fire before deciding to pick up the phone, check some papers, and meet up at a business that had ties with the alcohol industry to see if he could gain another business partner.
Diluc Ragnvindr was a name to be recognized, to be sure, the other man squawking slightly over the phone before there was a rustling, and a smooth, baritone voice slid into his ears, making Diluc feel something he hadn't experienced before. Just that one interaction was enough. Well, enough to greatly pique his interest and desire to see the person behind the voice. It made him feel like a teenager, lusting after his teacher just because of their voice alone. Diluc composed himself, despite the fact that he looked like a sweaty rat at the moment.
He took the brass knocker in his hand, banging loudly on the door, enjoying the brief shade the building offered. Maybe it would have been best to take a vehicle, instead. Diluc shook his head, the business was close enough to walk and he felt no need to be a show off like Kaeya.
The door was a classic ancient oak that looked more like it belonged to a castle, rather than a winery. The door creaked open, and a familiar face greeted him. "Aether? What are you doing here?" The blonde let out a chuckle, ushering Diluc inside, "Summer job." He explained.
"Lumine's boyfriend kinda gave me a foot in the door, so to speak. And Mr Zhongli makes this a great place to work, even if it's just for the summer." Diluc gave a hum at the explanation, glancing around the building as Aether did his thing, barely listening to the boy. "I'll have to have you wait here, Diluc, Mr Zhongli will be with you shortly. Can I get you anything to drink? Maybe a sample?" Diluc gave Aether a wave of dismissal, "A glass of water is fine, Aether. Thank you." Aether bowed slightly before scurrying out of the room.
Diluc gave a sigh of relief, almost melting into the chair with relief now that he was somewhere that had decent air conditioning. A quick glance around showed him that this was a conference room of sorts, but it wasn't stuffy like most were.
It had large windows that showed off the extensive beauty of the vineyard, the sun glinting off of the water that clung to the vines as the automatic sprinkler system was activated every now and then. Diluc knew how important it was to keep them cool in the summer, lest they sour.
Diluc had to hand it to whomever was in charge; he was thoroughly impressed so far. He could catch hints of wine and other alcohol, but it was never something that overpowered the senses, but instead held hints of a sweetness lingering in the air. Diluc was already feeling that this would certainly benefit both of them as this was a new winery that was seeking out prospective places to sell their beverages, and if the meeting went well, then it certainly could turn into a profitable exchange.
Diluc turned when he heard Aether speak, coming into the room with a glass of water. "Here you are, Mr Zhongli will be with you shortly. He appreciates your patience. He's currently wrapping up a meeting with the other employees right now."
Aether spun on his heels, a brilliant smile flashing on his face. Aether was a dear friend of his, so seeing how well he was being treated was another positive for Diluc, not to mention the fact that the other employees were being addressed personally.
Diluc took the glass, taking a super of the water, the refreshing liquid soothing his parched throat and certainly bringing down his temperature. He stood, then, moving around the room, glancing out the large windows, noting that very little heat escaped from them into the room.
He almost hated to admit it, but he was so lost in his thoughts, he didn't hear the sound of footsteps, nor the door opening. "My apologies, Master Ragnvindr." Came that smooth, silky, voice he'd heard on the phone earlier. He suppressed a shiver as it slid over him like silk.
Diluc turned from his view through the window, breath catching in his throat slightly at the sight of the man standing before him. The stance proudly exuded power and confidence, the deep, rich, eyes that reminded him of the sky when it was that rich golden color, the sun caught in between that moment before the sky turned pink as the sun set beyond the horizon. Long flowing locks that made him think of the richest chocolate, melted and poured into a mould as it was tied back at the nape of the neck, tapering off into caramel.
Diluc swallowed thickly, feeling the heat return as he tried to casually take another sip of the cold beverage in his hand. "I'm sure you're a busy man, and I appreciate you meeting me upon such short notice." Diluc rounded the table, setting the glass down before he stood in front of the other male, offering his hand out. Zhongli eagerly took Diluc's in his, grip firm, but not bruising. To Zhongli, the man before him was a sight to behold. Red locks that could make even the juiciest tomato jealous, eyes that made him think of hot coals, simmering under a long extinguished fire. Even though Zhongli wore gloves, he could feel how smooth the others hands were, how not a single callous was present, how it slid smoothly against the fabric. The man's face showed he wasn't a stranger to hard work, either.
A smile broke out on his face, releasing Diluc's hand from his, gesturing to the comfortable chairs seated at the table. "Please, have a seat, we can talk of business here without interruptions. I shall have Aether bring us a small sample bottle if you'd like." Ah, the offer to taste the wares was certainly a good offer, it was also beneficial that it wasn't something that was pushed onto Diluc, giving him a chance to refuse if he so chose to do so. "Please. I would certainly like to know what it is like before I start selling."
Zhongli nodded, gesturing to a petite woman, speaking to her softly. "Right away. I shall inform him to bring that bottle at once." She turned on her heel, leaving the room as well. The two of them spoke idly of business matters until Aether returned, a tray with two glasses and a bottle seated carefully on the tray. But just as soon as Aether made it into the room, he stumbled, the tray sent flying forward. In the blink of an eye, not only had Zhongli caught Aether with an arm around his waist, but had somehow managed to save both the glasses and the wine. Apologies spilled from Aether's lips, sincerity radiating off of him. Zhongli simply smiled, setting the glasses and bottles onto the table after setting Aether back on his feet. "Just remember to balance the tray better." He said softly, not a hint of disappointment or any chastising tone apparent in his voice.
It was good to know that Zhongli treated even those who were on the lowest career branch with kindness. That would certainly drive people to work for the man. "My apologies," he said as Aether scurried out of the room.
"Oh, it's no trouble at all. It's something that happens sometimes." Diluc responded, keeping up the air of professionalism. Another smile graced Zhongli's face, and Diluc swore he felt his heart skip a beat.
"Shall we?" Zhongli offered, holding up a glass, opaque liquid shimmering in the cup. "Let's." Diluc took the offered glass, peering at the liquid, giving it a sniff, before taking a small sip. He had to admit that, despite the light color, flavor danced on his tongue.
The taste of the alcohol was still there, but it was muted so as to let the natural flavor of the fruit shine through. Diluc hummed, the preparation of how it was made filling his mind. "Roasted slowly over shouldering coals, then left in a room of poplar shavings for..." Diluc paused, thinking. "For twenty four hours... soaked in a ceder barrel for, 5 years at least?" Zhongli's eyes sparkled with amusement as he took a sip of his own wine. "Well, the fabled rumours of Diluc Ragnvindr knowing his wine by a simple taste are true." Zhongli chuckled, Diluc gave a polite smile, tucking his hand under his chin as he closed his eyes for a moment. "And do I detect some essence of glaze lilies as well?" Surprise shone clearly on Zhongli's face, smile still gracing his lips. "You are correct."
"Well, if this is just a small taste of what your business has to offer, then I'm certain we can find plenty of people who would be interested in this. If you're interested as well, we can keep a few selections for those who wish to partake in the bottle and not just the glass."
Ah, what an interesting offer, Zhongli mused. They certainly would gain if they had such an agreement. "That certainly sounds like a deal that would benefit us both greatly. I shall have some of my favourites shipped to Angel's share soon. It will be a pleasure doing business." Zhongli offered his hand once again, Diluc taking it. Their hands lingered for a moment and Zhongli stroked his thumb across those sharp knuckles. "I do hope I shall see more of you, Master Diluc." Those eyes shone with intent and Diluc felt his heart race.
"It would be my pleasure." Diluc responded, a feeling telling him he would probably be seeing the man outside of business eventually. But for now, an amicable business proposal was off to a start between the two men, both of them benefiting in more ways than one.