#|ic|diluc

[protectivemuses]

Diluc doesn't think much about the circus he finds himself at currently, considering he was only there to make sure none of his security members were messing up their jobs. Because while they were security at events during the day, they were the same mafia members he depended on at night when things needed to be handled. It was just a good thing he had the Dawn Winery to cover up any suspicions from him, playing off as a simple bar owner.

But, he also can't help the glare he's now giving one of his own security members as they try to suppress a giggle at the way the heat colors Diluc's cheeks. "Pardon the rudeness, but I have important matters I need to go attend to at the Bar. I simply stopped by here to assure my staff isn't misbehaving." Granted, he knew that some of the performers knew who they really were, considering the mafia was paired with the theives, but Diluc could never be too careful not to reveal himself either way.

It made it easier if even the thieves didn't know who he was.

@lovesfolly

[protectivemuses]

[ restrain ] my muse uses handcuffs to restrain your muse [for diluc]

your muse = sender and my muse = receiver

They had wanted to try something new, and it made sense. They hadn't been able to see each other as much this week due to extra business meetings for the winery, but also due to Eros' performance schedule being a little more hectic this time. So when they had time together and things had gotten heated between them, who was Diluc to deny Eros? After all, what did a mafia boss and tavern owner look like being scared of handcuffs?

He tugs on them once they're locked, reassuring both of them that any amount of pulling on them wouldn't risk hurting him. "Seem pretty secure. Shouldn't be too much of a problem, at least. So what made you want to try these? Something you've done before or just saw them and wanted to use them?"

[protectivemuses]

“If someone had warned me I would end up here… I would still have chosen you. I’ll always choose you.” ~🐋Childe to Diluc

Diluc stares at him, a bit of disbelief mixing into his expression. "I always heard Fatui members were stubborn, but now you're just proving the case." Luckily, the tavern was closed so they didn't have to worry about anyone walking in on them. "You should know the kind of risk you took to come in here, especially if someone would have seen you. Mondstadt isn't exactly kind all that much to the Fatui. I can only imagine what would happen should you get caught here, and especially be caught talking to me."

"Although I suppose you're also quite lucky considering it's dark and most residents should be inside now. It'll make leaving here easier. And should you need a place to stay for the night, I'll be returning to the Winery, so you can be welcome to come along with me considering the staff will all have gone home for the night so no one will be there to see you or catch you entering."

[protectivemuses]

Tiny wife has come to crawl into Diluc's lap. Pressing little kisses to his face and then his lips.

Diluc pauses from the paperwork he's looking over for the Tavern concerning inventory and orders, moving his arms to wrap around the other to hold them close. "There you are. Guess I've stayed out longer than I meant to already. Apologies. But you seem in a very good mood, so I take it you've had a good day?" He hums, returning a few of the kisses in between talking.

[protectivemuses]

"Just lonely." Meng Yao mumbles, getting in between her parents with a soft hum. Taking his fingers in her tiny hand. "I love you, Baba. G'night."

Just lonely, huh? Diluc makes note of that. He'd find a way to fix that, however he could. "Of course, sweetie." He's pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head as he wraps his fingers around her hand, both to secretly promise she's safe, and also to reassure that he's there. "Love you too, sweet girl. Get some sleep, goodnight." And for extra measure, there's another kiss to the top of her head as he rests his free arm around her and her mother.

[protectivemuses]

Meng Yao crawls into bed between Diluc and her sleeping mother. Quietly tugging on his shirt. "Baba? Hey- hey Baba? Can I cuddle?"

Diluc sleepily opens his eyes at the tugging, having become a light sleeper once Eros came into his life and now along with Meng Yao. "Hm? Sure thing, sweetie. Did you have a nightmare, or do you just want some cuddles?" He asks, lifting the blanket enough for her to be able to scoot under it in between the two to help avoid her from getting cold.

[protectivemuses]

❝ what is it going to take for you to talk to me ? ❞ ~🍃Jean to Diluc

Diluc locks up the door to the Angel's Share, turning at the familiar voice. "To talk to you? It sounds like you're implying I've been avoiding you. I assure you that is not the case. As Acting Grand Master, I know you have more on your plate than most, so I avoid interrupting you unless necessary. But it doesn't mean I don't want to talk to you. In fact, if I can still speak with Kaeya, it should go without saying I have no problem speaking with you. Have I really made you think as such that I wasn't speaking to you on purpose out of dislike?"

[protectivemuses]

"Someone asked me the other day if I just see Gallagher when I look at you. I hope you know that's not the case." Robin points out, a bit shy. "I like you."

Diluc hums as he works on finishing cleaning up the glasses that had been used through the day, turning to glance at her as she speaks. "I suppose I can't say I'm surprised. I mean, considering once what happened, I had to fill in his spot, I guess it would make sense for someone to think you see me as a simple bartender like him." He chuckles, setting the final glass down before wiping off his hands and setting the cloth down.

"But don't worry your head, princess. I don't think that's the case at all." He adds with a playful tease, considering their bond by now. "But I like you too. So the feeling is mutual, if that hasn't been obvious."