Chapter Text
It was a busy day in the tavern, like any other days. Diluc sighed as he saw Rosaria and Kaeya walk into the tavern for the 4th time in a row this week alone! Even though he saw this coming, he's still shocked either way, how does one drink that many shots a week and not get sick?
Diluc lazily eyed the pair as they sat down in the seats in front of the counter. "Dandelion wine again?" He already guessed. Kaeya pretended to look surprised. "This is already your 4th time this week." Diluc glared, he wondered how Kaeya drinks irresponsibly and still has the position of Calvary Captain? "Knights of Favonious, always so inefficient.." he scoffed as he grabbed a shot glass to serve his very "loyal" customers.
"Where's your little girlfriend? I've been missing her all day today.." Kaeya mocked, pretending to search for you as if you weren't clearly performing in the tavern's stage. You're one of Diluc's staff, possessing the role of "The eye candy of the tavern" according to the other customers. You were once a regular at Diluc's tavern and when you started showing up, he noticed more and more people came in to get a glimpse of you, and of course a drink on the side.
"I told you, she's not my partner like that, she's only my best friend and she brings in good business" He firmly stated again, the never ending teasing from his brother sometimes frustrated him. Rosaria could only chuckle at the sight, it was entertaining watching the two quarrel.
2 hours had passed, you ended your performance and was helping Diluc serve the customers their drinks, of course they paid extra mora to get their drinks handmade by yours truly, you! You definitely gathered a good amount of fans. Customers could even buy you a drink if they wished too! Explains why you were always drunk after your shift ended..
It was that time again. It was the time that customers would buy you drinks, you were always grateful of course! But sometimes you do worry about yourself getting alcohol poisoning..
"(Y/N)-san please accept my offer~" one of the drunkards pleaded, you couldn't say no! It was part of your job and you would definitely feel bad..
"A-Ah! Thank you Nimrod!" You nervously smiled, he clapped and gave you an eye closed smile. You drank up and instantly felt like you just got slapped in the face, "This one is pretty strong! How can they drink this stuff?" You thought, staring at the shot glass.
"Y/N~ please drink this for me!" a voice called out, you looked over and saw another customer offering you a drink. You accepted, but when your hand went to take the shot glass, he was rubbing your hand all sort of ways possible, making you the most uncomfortable you've ever been in your entire life.
Diluc glared and slapped his hand away, making the glass fall and shatter. "Don't get touchy with our staff now, this is your warning before I kick you out for life." his words laced with venom, making the said customer step back and he didn't dare glance at me nor Diluc for the next hours. I smirked, feeling smug and imagining I'm some sort of VIP with a bodyguard. Ha!
Another 2 hours had passed, everyone in the tavern is practically blacked out. Kaeya who's atleast a bit sober, carries Rosaria out of the tavern. Diluc is left with a drunk you, you were on the verge of sleeping and also mumbling to him. Yes you did have too much to drink but it's not your fault!! The customers really liked you and bought you lots of drinks.
"whoaa, where'd everyone go?" your words slurred as you attempt to lift up your head to look at him, and then shortly banged your head on the table when your neck gave up. The pain didn't even register in your brain and Diluc tried his hardest not to burst out laughing immediately right there and then. You were always the only one who could easily make him laugh, he'd been scared to open up to anybody, but with you, it's different. You make him feel different.
Later, Diluc called in guards to escort the drunkards back safely. "Do we pick this one up too?" one of them questioned, pointing at your sleeping body. "Leave this one to me." He smiled.
After cleaning up the tavern, he closes for the night for.. Atleast at 3 am. It was pretty late and he was pretty tired himself. In his arms is you, carried bridal style, cliche I know. But you and him know each other pretty well and could practically just walk into each other's houses uninvited.
As he was walking along the pathways, he noticed movement and looked down, you were still mumbling but he could understand you better now. "so.. warm.. cozy.." You snuggled up into his chest, making him crazy flustered. He didn't understand what affect you had on him whenever he's around you but it was certainly driving him crazy.
Anyhow he arrived at the mansion and were welcomed by his maids. He smiled and thanked them. He ordered the maids to take you away for a wash and set ready for bed at a guest room somewhere in the mansion.
He kissed you on the forehead, muttering a "goodnight" before he handed you over to the maids.