Chapter Text
It was a quiet evening, with the Angel's Share devoid of its usual raucous patrons, and Diluc basked in the rare calm as he cooked.
He had given the whole of his staff a paid week-long holiday as thanks for their hard work during the past year, taking advantage of the post-harvest lull to ensure they got a proper break. In return, they had made him promise to close the bar for the week (and limit his vigilante escapades) as to not overwork himself, with Adelinde going as far as to write a letter to the Traveller asking that they help keep an eye on him.
As expected of the ever diligent Honorary Knight, they organised a week full of simple commissions to keep him occupied, and asked his three usual teammates to accompany him for the coming week.
It had become a tradition of sorts for the four of them to share a meal together before tackling whatever the day had ahead of them, but it had been several months since their last excursion together, and so they'd organised a meal for this evening, before the commissions began in earnest the next day. Given that the others were all currently staying in Central Mondstadt, and that Angel's Share would be closed, Diluc had suggested that they dine there and offered to cook for the evening.
He had just finished plating the Tahchin when he heard the side door unlock, opening to reveal Mondstadt's beloved Deaconess, one of Liyue's famed Exorcists, and the Knight's own Librarian - who each offered their greetings with a smile.
"Oh my... Diluc, have you been practising with my recipes?" Lisa teased, gesturing to the Sumeran dishes he'd prepared as Barbara and Chongyun took their seats, marvelling at the dishes laid out.
"It would be rude not to make use of such a gift" he remarked in turn, before turning to Chongyun. "I've prepared some Cold Noodles for you as well, and there's additional ice in storage if you need it."
"Ah! Thank you Master Diluc!" Chongyun exclaimed, eyes shining with unrestrained joy and comfort to be among friends.
"Everything looks incredible, and I'm glad to see you in better health" Barbara added, giving a clap in delight.
Another rush of fondness coiled around Diluc's heart. "The medicine you provided worked excellently, and with any luck my cooking should be adequate"
"More than adequate, if prior experience is anything to go by Diluc" Lisa reminded him, shaking her head a little, "I assume your tea set will be in its usual place?"
He hummed his assent as he finished preparing the last of the night's dishes, blanketed in a warmth that could only come from good company.
Diluc let a gentle smile settle on his face - he had missed this feeling, and would continue to savour it in the coming week.