“Omg I’m melting here. Thanks to my friend for giving me this idea.”
Words: 1318
Genre: fluff, modern AU, gn!reader
The long week has finally ended. The last customer has left the bar and you can close it. Clean all the tables and prepare them for the next day. Wiping out glasses and plates in the kitchen. As it's only you it will take a while to do all of this. All your colleagues are either having a day off or have already ended. You offered to be the last one, closing the business.
You didn't mind it as it's just a Sunday and the restaurant is closing at 10 pm instead of usual midnight. Lately you have been taking extra shifts just to make extra cash. It's not like you are struggling with money, it's quite the opposite. You can be sure your beloved would support you in need.
But you wanted to make extra money and buy him something. Still being quite uncertain what it will be. Maybe something practical such as a new coat. Something that he would use everyday and think of you.
Just dreaming of the idea makes you feel butterflies in your stomach. Speaking of which, you didn't eat anything yet. It was quite embarrassing to serve food and drinks to customers while your belly was growling. Once you come home you will raid the fridge and won't leave anything untouched.
Last night you made a salad so there will be this and you could add some bread and salami. Just everything you can find. You are hungry and don't care what you will eat. You are food motivated right now! Cleaning the last table and once it's done you can turn off lights and get home.
Jogging through the night city's streets. Avoiding dark alleys. Maybe you should have call Diluc to pick you up but you are not sure if he is awake. Your shifts are kinda everywhere. One day you have a day shift next two days night shift or whole week night ones. Which simply creates this bad situation where you can barely see each other. Since he always leaves to work early morning and comes in afternoon.
Yes, he waits for you. Says ‘welcome home’ and lil cuddles but then you go to sleep. There's nothing much to it. And as you are taking extra shifts lately you really see him just for a few moments before falling to bed. Sometimes he was already asleep whereas you quietly snuggled next to him. Maybe he would briefly wake up, recognizing the second half of the bed is cold no more.
Pulling you closer before drifting back to sleep. This little act of his makes you always weak. He wants to keep you close no matter what but your work times are against it. Unless you change jobs and find something more free evenings friendly.
It took you over one hour to get home. Meaning with all of that cleaning and walking. You look across the block of apartments, the lights are off. You were right he is probably sleeping already. Sighing for yourself and walking inside the building. Waiting for the elevator to take you up to your floor.
Carefully opening the lock, you don't want to wake him up as he is a light sleeper. Sliding inside and fishing for your phone to use it as a flashlight. You could have turned on lights but you can't be bothered now. You are hungry and the fridge is close. You are so hungry that you can smell something yummy in the air.
Well just if you knew. Diluc was doing his best tonight. Cooking your favorite food, preparing it on the table, lighting up candles. He was impatient and nervous. Waiting for you to finally open the door to the kitchen.
He never been into overly romantic stuff. Yes he would buy you a heart shaped gingerbread with words 'I love you'. But for that you will have to make puppy eyes. Rather than buying you silly stuff he would do something that would help you to relax.
Cooking the late dinner was one of those things. His cooking is not something extra but he tried his best, he always does when it's for you. He is aware that you might not find it really fancy, the taste might not be the same as from your mother. But there's no way back now. The food is done, candles are lit and you are in the next room.
As soon as you open the door you are greeted by the light of the candles on the table. Next thing you notice is Diluc standing nearby the door. Something is odd about him and it takes you a whole ten seconds to realize what it is. He has your apron around him. You don't know if you should say 'aww' or giggle. He looks adorable. His crimson hair is tied loose, hanging over his left shoulder.
"Hello?"
You greet him, kinda confused what's going on. You thought he was asleep and what’s with the candles?
"Welcome home, uh..." He is nervous, a lot. And nobody can blame him for it. "I... I wanted to... you looked tired lately and you know we barely saw each other. So I thought of making you dinner for tonight, it might not look the best but it tastes good, I guess?"
You jump at him, wrapping arms around his torso. Snuggling into his chest, making cute noises. You are unable to say anything. Everything you try to say just gets mixed together. Diluc has made all of this for you? You can't believe it. You are about to cry.
When you compose yourself and look up at him. You see how much he is nervous but trying his best to wait for your response.
"Diluc, I... I don't know what to say. I'm touched. I feel like crying but also I'm extremely happy and want to keep hugging you like this. And oh my, that apron looks dangerously hot on you!"
You pull away to take a proper look at him. He should take it on more often. You can't pinpoint the exact reason but it looks way too good on him.
Diluc's cheeks turns red. He has forgotten about the apron. He used it while cooking as the food was bubbling a lot. Not wanting to have dirty clothes. And just now when you make remarks about it he feels embarrassed. But also happy. You seem to be enjoying yourself.
"I... uh, thank you, Love. Sorry for borrowing it."
"It's alright. You could do it more often. You know as a surprise! I no longer feel tired, thanks to you. I was considering writing to you if you could pick me up but... I thought you will be sleeping already."
You admit while playing with the loose hair on the side of his face. Sometimes gently brushing his cheek with your finger tips. He puts his hand on yours, looking down into your eyes.
"You could have. I'd gladly drive for you. We would need to warm up the food anyway."
"Oooh! Food! What food?"
You are excited. You know Diluc can cook and you love his cooking. But it's usually you who cooks before going to work.
"The stew you love so much~"
He says as he leans closer, eyes half lidded as he looks into your eyes. He’s barely a few inches away from your lips.
"Oh god. You are the best. I love you, you know that?"
You grin as you kiss his lips, pulling him closer. His hands are immediately on your sides, exploring. You are melting under his touch. It's been a while after all. Before he gets carried away by his touch starvation he pulls away. You pout at him. He gives you apologetic smile.
"First we will feed you, then take a shower."
"What’s next?"
He smiles at your eagerness. Kissing your forehead.
“Talked with a friend about how bad bus drivers are where I live and how many times I landed on somebody or somebody has landed on me. Somehow felt like to write a short fic about it, ended up being more from real life than I dare to admit. N-no! it’s not like that!”
Words: 2714
Genre: fluff, modern AU, gn!reader
"-and that's it for today. Don't forget to review, the exam will mostly contain questions based on this topic. The results will gradually affect your grades."
With those words the professor has left the room. It was the last class of the day and obviously he didn't want to waste any minute. Hurrying to his car not to get caught in traffic.
You were idly sitting at your desk, not even paying attention to others packing their stuff and leaving the classroom. You are slowly the last person in the room. You didn't listen most of the time and had no idea what the professor was talking about. Your mind was drifting everywhere, it's too hard to stay focused on classes. Especially when your mind is overflowing with ideas.
Last night you had talked with one of your friends. You two knew since elementary school and despite choosing different schools and paths you remained in contact. She knew everything about you including the passion for writing. It was just a hobby of yours. You had never planned it to be your career.
In fact not so many knew about it. People around you knew you were writing something in your notebook. But you are a student, probably writing some notes for school or something. And you always hid your writings when somebody was approaching. Even if they asked what you were doing you just said 'rewriting my school notes, hehe.'
Except that one friend nobody has any idea about your passion. Perhaps it's for the best as you are really shy about it. The thought of other people seeing what you write or how you write is kind of terrifying. Publishing your stories never crossed your mind until your friend got fed up one day. Telling you to just go and publish it. There was no room for negotiations.
Your shyness slowly disappeared, at least when it came to publishing your works online. People didn't know you, your name or who you are. They knew you under a nickname and that's it. You felt safe and happy as you got quickly recognized and fans were leaving supportive comments.
Writing is your way to express yourself and your emotions. Talking to people face to face is quite harder. You don't have the time to think it through and usually say the first thing which comes to your mind. Sometimes ending up saying some weird stuff which embarrasses you. That's why you rather don't initiate talk or talk really rarely.
You are most talkative around your best friend and family. Everything else is just giving you anxious feelings. You'd love to start talking with others, especially if they are talking about something you are also interested in. But you are simply not that kind of person who would randomly join in and talk. Sometimes you wish all conversations could happen in written form, that way you would be the star.
You wanted to pull out your notebook and write down some of your thoughts but you realized where you are. Looking around the classroom, it's only you. Sighing for yourself. It will have to wait until you arrive at your apartment. Quickly packing all books into your fancy bag and rushing to your locker.
You were actually sharing the locker with another person but they are sick at the moment. Their half is clean as ever, books neatly folded, cup and coffee hidden in the back part of the locker. They actually made you into the coffee addicted person you are now. At first you didn't like it but eventually fell in love with the bitter flavor.
Sometimes you fetch some latté on your way home, thinking of where you would be without caffeine. It's probably one of the best things which happened to you during your university days. So many sleepless nights as you were studying for exams or writing until early morning.
Changing into your comfy shoes, wrapping a scarf around your neck and dressing into the coat you loved so much. It's so warm and cool looking, makes you feel badass whenever you wear it. One last glance over your stuff in the locker in case you had forgotten about something. All set. Time to catch a bus.
Knowing about you had missed all early buses and will probably get stuck in traffic. Which is fine by you, your earbuds and music is ready. Luckily you didn't have to wait for too long at the bus stop. But it was enough for your cheeks to start freezing. As always you stood at your usual spot. Not feeling like sitting as you do it the whole day at school and home.
Wrapping one arm around the pole, leaning a bit at it. There's not many people with you on the bus and so you can monopolize the pole and the area around it. You put down your bag as it was quite heavy and your shoulder was starting to hurt. Pulling the phone out of your pocket and browsing news.
Not really paying attention, just mindlessly scrolling through articles. Sometimes reading the first few sentences before you go back and keep scrolling.
As expected the bus was moving slowly, the delay was getting worse and worse. Checking the time, you had already spent here over ten minutes. If the bus had moved by a few meters, it's a lot, let's say that. Delays are quite normal at this hour so you don't really sweat it. Looking back to your screen, resuming your news browsing.
After a couple of minutes the bus finally got out of the major traffic and quickly catching up with the delay. As expected the ride was faster than usual, hopefully still within the speed limits. However you won't know this, all you know is the roundabout you will reach soon won't be funny. It's quite a steep one and even if the driver will take it very slowly you will have a hard time balancing yourself.
You are prepared, actually holding tight the pole instead of leaning on it. You have a perfect posture to keep yourself stable. Maybe your grip on the pole is a bit too convulsive. As you feel unpleasant pressure in your wrist. The moment you ease the grip a little, feeling how your feet are sliding. Before you tighten your grip again you fly forward. Trying your best not to crash into the person who was sitting there.
Despite all of your efforts you land on them. You are in shock but more than that you are embarrassed. As you tried to pull back and regain your posture. Feeling hands on your shoulders. Apologies are about to roll out of your lips but they are faster.
"Hey, are you alright?"
Up until now you didn't realize it's a guy you fell on. His long crimson locks tied into a ponytail. At first you thought you had landed on a woman. But his hoarse voice assured you he is anything but a female. You are too close to him for your comfort, his scent already entered your nose. Feeling how heat is rising in your cheeks. This is bad. His crimson eyes were darting around your face, looking for any sign of injury.
'This is embarrassing, say something you idiot!'
"Uh, yea. I... I'm terribly sorry!"
Your voice nearly betrayed you. The last word could be barely heard which made you even more wishing to just be able to vanish. Staring at the male unable to think what to say. Feeling relieved when the bus has stopped as he lets go his hold on you. If you could, you could have dug yourself in a ten meters deep hole and never climb up.
Quickly murmuring out another apology. Grabbing your bag and jumping out of the bus. It doesn't matter if your stop is still far away. You'd rather walk the rest or wait for another bus than stay in that one.
It was already dark outside when you arrived at your place. Freezing and tired. Trying not to think of what happened earlier but you couldn't get the male's scent out of your nose. It was like he is still next to you, the sweet smell of vanilla.
You let it be as you tossed the bag into a corner in your room. You are too hungry to think about anything. Making some quick cup noodles and eating them while going through another writing and editing session.
Days were passing by. Always the same: school, ride home and then either study or write. You had forgotten about what happened a few days ago, not even mentioning it to your close friend who had been hanging out with you here and now in chat.
It's Friday and you are feeling like chugging one quick latté. Perhaps you will sit there for a while and write a bit. You sure do like the atmosphere in café shops especially with playing jazz. Sitting in your corner, peeking at other customers here and now. Just to be sure nobody is approaching you.
You ordered your regular and are waiting for the waitress. In the meantime you pull out your small notebook and read through the latest ideas. You usually write short things there, like drabbles which sometimes turn into much longer stories.
When a cup with your favorite drink landed on the table you looked up and shot a quick smile at the waitress. She answered with the same gesture before checking on other customers.
You fished for a pen in your bag. As soon as the tip of the pen touched the paper, a group of guys entered the shop. You didn't look up to check on them. Why would you anyway? You came here to chill after school, enjoy your drink and possibly write a few lines. Well maybe if you did check, then you would have noticed the redhead from before.
He was dragged here by his friends as they got this stupid idea to look at girls. Starting here at café and moving to other public places. He didn't want to. He is kind of tired after the long week but that's also the reason why he is here. Too tired to search for excuses. And he knew he would need valid ones especially for his little brother whose idea was all of this.
As he sat with them, quite unbothered by their talk about the waitress who just took their order. Pulling out his phone to finish reading something he started during lunch break. He agreed to tag along not join into their jewelry observations as they call it. They could be talking about anything and he wouldn't pay mind to it.
Only to be brought back to reality when Childe snatched his phone away. Grinning at him.
"C'mon Diluc, your social media can wait. Cute girls won't~"
The scarlet haired male rolled eyes at the ginger.
"For your information, reading stories is not the same as browsing twitter."
"Oh? What I am hearing? I didn't know my big bro is into reading inappropriate stories."
Diluc shot a glare at the bluenette. Reconsidering if it's worth his time to argue about it. If anyone is reading smuts here, it's Kaeya. Why is he hanging out with his brother again?
Childe waved with his phone in front of his face in a very taunting manner. But didn't evade when Diluc reached for it, sliding it back into his coat. Looking around the café and then he noticed you. He was not sure if it's really you, the person who fell on him on the bus a few days ago. But when you looked up to take a sip of your latté he saw your face.
Something inside of him felt like to get up and go talk to you. But he can't. Or? Can he talk to you? A total stranger whom he met only once and under strange circumstances? For some reason he really wanted to greet you at least. He resisted the urge for long enough, at least until Kaeya didn't notice where he was looking and said something about it.
Grabbing his cup and slowly approaching you. He didn't know what he was doing or why he was doing it. When he was close enough to your table, clearing his throat, asking if he could join you.
Your eyes shoot up to the not so familiar voice. Widening when you realized it's the same guy from back then. Feeling like your stomach was being squished. Just when you had forgotten about that embarrassing moment.
All what you managed was a nod, observing how he sat at the chair opposite of you. Nervously smiling at him. What should you say? This is awkward.
"Um-"
You both started in unison, exchanging embarrassed looks. You motioned to him to start.
"Hi, uh. Hope I'm not disturbing?"
"No... not at all."
You put your hand over the notebook instinctively. It's a habit of yours, hiding it from anyone's eyes.
"I'm Diluc and you are-"
"That person who landed on you on the bus, yes that’s me."
You deadpanned. Can't help it but smile a little, finding it funny. The guy who you fell at, the one who should be mad at you. He is trying to talk to you and what's better he also seems to be nervous while talking. Feeling a bit relieved as it probably won't be only you embarrassing themselves.
He chuckled a little at your words. Kind of wishing to know you more than just a person who fell on him. When you tried to apologize once again he stopped you, saying it's fine. To change the topic he asked for your name and where were you going back then.
When he found out you are also an university student he felt relieved a bit and more at ease. You had something in common, something you both could relate to. As the talk between you warmed up enough, when the first uneasiness faded. You talked about your hobbies, of course you didn't want to tell him about your big passion and said you are reading.
Which wasn't that much far from reality but unlike him you didn't read from known authors or big titles. In fact most of your reading were stories from other passionate writers, mixed with random novels here and now.
"Oh, I also happen to read stories posted on the web. Some people are really talented."
He admits and flashes you something that one could describe as a slight smile? But really quick so your brain barely registers it.
"Hey um, I know this will be strange. But I kind of enjoy our talk, it's much more..." He trailed off as he was thinking how to put it without saying anything bad about his companions. Who are probably scheming or coming up with various ideas how to use this against him.
"What I mean is, you act like a person in your age unlike my brother."
You tried not to laugh too much. Giggles escaping your lips. Truth to be told you were also enjoying this little talk between the two of you. This was probably the very first conversation you had with a stranger. And they didn't seem to mind your awkwardness.
It feels like you two understand each other. Both are interested in literature, have to deal with school troubles and have something unique to each of you.
Looking up into his ruby eyes. "Yeah. I'm enjoying this too. Why didn't I fall on you earlier?!"
Both of you laughed at that remark.
"If you don't mind, we could do this more often?"
"You mean me falling on you on the bus or drinking coffee?"
"The latter. If I see you on the same bus I'll make sure you sit."
You two had talked more after this. Way longer than both of you expected. When Diluc checked the table where his companions were sitting before he noticed they are gone. He didn't think of checking his phone. But once he does he will find a message from his brother.
「'Seems like you had found somebody to spent night with, don't worry about your lil bro and enjoy~ 😘 '」
