Chapter Text
(Y/n) sauntered into the bar. It's not the type of place she would often frequent, but as the saying goes, there's always a first time for everything. Warm orange lights emitting from the vintage looking chandelier in the middle of the room. Dark furniture complimenting the wooden flooring. Slow jazz music playing in the background accompanied by the clinking of glassware and soft chatters of the well-dressed patrons. She thought such place felt a little too classy and homey for a mere bar, but then again it's not like she has ever been to one. Besides, she only chose to come here because her brother recommended it to her.
Now in movies, people who came alone would usually sit by the counter. It didn't take long for her to find the solo seats, they should be furthest from the entrance, close to the walls. As she took her seat, she wondered what would she get. The only alcoholic drink she ever had was the one served during parties, gatherings and dinners. In the movies, people of her predicament would often opt for 'the strongest drink you have'. She came with that in mind but now she isn't even sure what that meant or whether or not she wanted it. Her fingers fumbled with the strap of her bag, anxiously pondering her situation. Not realizing the man who called her for the umpteenth time.
A hand waved in front of her face. "Excuse me, miss?".
Startled, she quickly apologized and that was when she noticed the most striking pair of scarlet eyes she had ever seen. Striking, yet nonchalant. Perhaps tiresome even. If she thought his eyes were striking, then his hair was really something else. Very much red. Wild curls put up in a high ponytail. His face though, looked very young. And handsome if she might add. (Y/n) thought that only men as old as her eldest uncle would be a bartender. But she suppose he would be a young staff in training. Not that she's complaining to have such eye candy attending to her.
"Sorry."
"Yes, you've said that already." he replied curtly. His hand occupied with wiping a scotch glass.
(Y/n) laughed awkwardly. Trying to brush off the embarrassment she felt. As if the one she had during dinner a few hours ago wasn't enough. "Yes- sorry. Again. But what was it you were saying?"
"I asked what would you like to have." He put away the glass in his hand and took another one to wipe.
"Oh! Um..." she thought nervously. She skimmed through the dozens of bottles displayed on the shelves behind him. "the strongest drink you have. Please.".
His hands stopped moving. Gently putting down the glass and the cloth, he stare straight into her eyes. "I take it this is your first time in a bar, if not the first time actually drinking."
"I-I've had my fair share of drinking!" Her ears feeling a bit warm all of a sudden. "We had wine during dinner parties. And champagne!"
"I see." His stoic demeanor was broken with a slight raise of his lips and a tiny crinkle at the edge of his eyes. It was subtle, but (y/n) noticed it immediately.
"Well then Mr..." her eyes narrowed at him whilst maintaining a polite smile. Feeling slightly annoyed at the fact that this man seem to ridicule her.
"Diluc."
"Mr. Diluc," it crossed her mind briefly what peculiar name he has. "What would you drink in a bar then?"
Diluc chuckled softly and (y/n) decided at that moment she like the sound of his voice. It was simply gentle. "I don't drink. At least not if I could help it."
"A bartender who doesn't drink?" How interesting. "Surely one must be able to know and appreciate the tastes of the beverages being served to their customers to be a good bartender. Or is it some sort of rule imposed on junior staffs here at your workplace?"
Diluc placed a fist over his mouth as his body shook lightly. He didn't know whether to feel annoyed or amused with this young lady. And he wasn't sure whether to laugh at the workplace rule she assumed (which to be honest sounds like a good idea to start implementing) or the fact that she thought he was a junior staff. He wasn't sure how to describe her overall vibe yet he had to admit, she was somewhat adorable in a funny way. And he found that endearing. He noticed her doe like eyes looking peeved. However, her smile seemed to be that of joy now rather than the polite one she wore.
"I see the pot calls the kettle black."
"My apologies, I didn't mean to offend you. To answer your question, I simply don't drink that's all. But I can assure you that I'm no amateur in my job and I know what is being served to my patrons. So for me to better serve you, care to share what occasion that you needing for 'the strongest drink' available?"
The smile that (y/n) unknowingly had, faltered as she recalled dinner. Ah, yes. The reason why she came here in the first place. Funny how she had actually forgotten that one hour disaster in the midst of interacting with Diluc.
"I had a blind date a few hours ago." it was actually a marriage matchmaking between two corporate families but he doesn't have to know that. "And I messed it up."
"Surely it can't be that bad?" Diluc asked with a neutral tone as he continued with his interrupted task of cleaning glassware. Already back into his earlier nonchalant demeanor.
"My mother... has expectations for it." Especially since it was with the son of one of her rich country club friends. (Y/n) suppose now she will never hear the end of how her mother can never face her friends again. "She hopes to see me married."
"That... sucks. What happened during the blind date?" He paused for a moment. Noticing her pained silence. "You don't have to talk about it if it make's you uncomfortable."
"Thank you." But she did want to talk about it. She felt like wanting to rid of her uneasiness from her chest and somehow it just felt right talking to him about it. "Well, what happened was this guy turned out to be my friend's sorry excuse of an ex so I actually knew about him beforehand. I never met him, but hearing about him from my friend was enough to form my opinion on him."
"Then why bother going to this blind date?"
"Because it was my mother who arranged it."
"I see... Say, you only ever drank wine and champagne right?" his question answered with a nod. "Well, we don't know how tolerable you are with alcohol. I can only assume you're a lightweight seeing as you don't drink much and I'm not really sure if I want you to be wasted by the end of the night. But since you wanted a little bit of a kick, I think I'll whip up something simple for a first timer like you. Anyways, carry on with your story."
"Right. So our families met up for dinner today. And long story short, after dessert I passed the smoking area on my way to the restroom and overheard him talking on the phone on how I would make a better trophy wife than my friend. I decided at that moment that I would politely decline him later. But when we were back at our seats for tea, I may or may not have snapped when he began spouting nonsense about him being a good husband and being the definite model wife, like how could someone be so hypocritical and two-faced and before I know it, I was already standing with an empty teacup in my hand all the while listening to him yelling in pain and angrily pointing out that I ruined his Valentino suit."
(Y/n) was out of breath at this point. Felt like she had finished a marathon. Moments of the chaos flashed before her eyes again. The guy's parents froze with astonishment. Her parents looking very disappointed. The only one there to support her was her eldest brother. Who quickly whisked her away and have the chauffer send her to this bar. Telling her he never liked that prick anyway and that he'll always have her back. Promising he'll catch up later when he is done dealing with this matter.
"That must have been rough." Diluc was sure that this one hell of an odd blind date and that families and talks of marriage should have not been involved. Being the only one in his family left, he never had to comply to others' wishes and expectations and the only difficulty he experienced is that he only have himself to rely on. However, what (y/n) had gone through was still difficult in on it's own.
"I can't say I fully understand how you feel. But I think that what you did was quite admirable."
"The fact that I threw tea on him in front of his family?" (Y/n) felt her cheeks getting warm. He said she was admirable.
"The fact that you will not tolerate bullshit." Diluc gave her a kind smile. "Not many can actually do it. Things might look awful now, but you actually managed to dodge a bullet there. Your family will thank you for that."
"Thank you." (y/n) muttered. Her intuition was correct. Talking to him did feel right. Hell it is right!
Diluc slides a glass of pink liquid towards her. "A drink as promised. And since this is your first, it's on the house."
"What's this?" she brought the drink to her face. Smells fruity.
"A Cosmopolitan. Mix of vodka, fresh lime juice, cranberry and Cointreau." he stared at her tentatively.
She took a sip. Noting the sweet and fresh taste. "I think I might like it."
A sense of relief washed over him. He was hoping it was to her liking. "A toast to dodging a bullet I suppose." He raised a glass of purple drink.
"I thought you said you simply don't drink?" a playful grin graced her face.
"Grape juice."
"A toast it is." she laughed heartily before gulping the drink in one go. "Oh, I think I'd like more of that Cosmo. Thank you."
~~~~~~~~~~
Albedo's eyes darted across the room. Searching for a certain young lady. Being a frequent customer of this bar he knew the layout very well. His gaze stopped when he finally detected his target. With brisk steps he approached the counter. There he sees his little sister resting her head on the table. A black waistcoat draped over her sleeping figure. He was about to wake her when his wrist was grasped.
"I'm sorry but are you acquainted with the young lady?"
"Yes Diluc." Albedo smiled politely. "She's my sister."
Diluc stared at Albedo for a few more minutes before letting his wrist go. They don't look alike. But that polite smile seemed to be a family trait.
"Is this the how you should treat a loyal patron of your establishments, Diluc?" Albedo said, only to be responded with an annoyed look. "I was merely joking. Don't take it too seriously. You know how much I enjoy hanging out at your bar. The ambience is relaxing and comfortable to my liking."
"I didn't know you have a younger sister."
"There are a lot of things you don't know about me." the polite smile never leaving his face. Yet his eyes twinkled in mirth. "(Y/n), wake up now. (Y/n)? Ah, she's out cold. I guess I'll have to carry her home. I believe this is yours."
Diluc took the black waistcoat. So her name is (y/n). He didn't get the chance to ask her earlier. (Y/n), he'll remember it. He silently hope that she would visit again. He found that he enjoyed her company and her presence seemed to bring him joy. But the only reason she came was because needed to drink her troubles away. Will she want to visit again when her problems have been solved. He sincerely hoped she does.
"My sister is quite the charming young lady, isn't she?" Albedo didn't miss the way the bartender was gazing gently towards her. "I don't think you're a prick. And being a wine tycoon, I'd say you're on par with our family."
There goes that tiresome look again. "Your point?"
"I'm just saying." Albedo chuckled before carrying (y/n) on her back. "You have my number right? If you're not quick, mother might just set her up with another man."
With that Albedo left the bar, humming a happy tune to himself. Leaving Diluc to continue his duties behind the counter. And Diluc thought of the business card Albedo left him and how he might have to free his schedule for next weekend.