bakerstreet | old timey drinks

[ it's easy to find himself being nicer to Lumine than he might the normal patron. the list of why is moderately long, but perhaps most importantly, he senses a kindred spirit. she leaves Mondstadt for long periods of time and shows up when she sees fit. nothing here calls her name anymore — at least not in terms of finding her brother. yet here she is, still finding trouble to insert herself into one way or another. he knows quite a lot about that. ]

Good to hear. Not particularly surprising, mind you. Just let me know if you'd like something cold for that swelling.

[ not that it isn't a good look on her. toughest, smallest lady he's had the pleasure of knowing. Diluc keeps his hands busy while Lumine savors her order, wiping down excess moisture in the area from someone who had just left prior to her arrival. he lets out a breathless laugh when he glances at her through the corner of his eye and sees the way she looks eating one of those precious grapes of his.

she's such a foodie. cute. ]

You haven't picked up on it yet? There's multiples of me, all throughout Mondstadt. One posted in Liyue, even. We keep ourselves busy.

[ the breathless sound of his laughter makes her breath catch.

it's so rare to hear it, sweeter than the precious grapes on her tongue. her expression softens briefly, reserved just for him. it's easier to slot herself in here with diluc, to feel at ease with him, to want to be close for as long as she can spare the time.

he's one of the reasons why she keeps coming back around, spending a few days here and there before she leaves.

she takes another sip of grape juice, amusement alight in her eyes as she regards him. ]

That's very challenging for me. How will I ever decide which one is my favourite?

I don't know, but choose wisely. We're known to get possessive of the things we can't have.

[ he is by no means Kaeya when it comes to being equipped with a silver tongue, but there are rare moments where he's comfortable enough to let a sly comment pass. even if Lumine looks like she could enjoy a healthy 12-hour nap right about now, they're having a very tongue-in-cheek conversation. Diluc would be lying to himself if he said he doesn't enjoy the chance to rub some of the edge off of his shoulders and just enjoy a particular moment.

there's only one redhead for her to worry about tonight, at least. none of the "others" have to know she chose here and him tonight. ]

Is there any reason why you're feeling out-of-sync? Happy to lend an ear. Comes with the job description.

[ he even slings a towel over his shoulder to really sell his bartender image. what slick moves! ]

[ lumine catches that sly comment, and she feels her heart skip a beat despite herself. she's no shrinking violet, but surely the most eligible bachelor of mondstadt must know the extent of his charm outside of his bank account.

although, right now diluc is playing up the part of a slick, charming bartender, and lumine is more than willing to play with the chosen version of him.

light fingers tracing over the rim of her glass, her gaze lingers on his shoulders before flickering up to meet his. ]

It's one of those days where nothing seems to line up right. [ she pauses, then thoughtfully says. ]

Although this is a nice reprieve.

[ he might have a sliver of cognizance towards his own image. it's not something he likes to use to his benefit often, and he is hardly interested in things such as skirt-chasing or sowing his seeds throughout Mondstadt. there is a reason the rumor mills have so little to use on him ever since he returned.

but... Lumine makes it easy to remember he's still a young man who should live every now and again. bringing some red to her cheeks that isn't from getting into fistfights with Barbatos knows what is enough for now. seems like she could use the distraction. ]

I'm hardly one interested in things like fate and destiny. That being said, consider the events of your day. If anything had gone slightly different, would you be sitting in my stool right now?

[ not that sitting in front of him on this ordinary day is worth the cuts and bruises she has earned as badges. never. he'd much rather she be snuggling Paimon in bed right now than to be in discomfort. ]

There is time yet for your evening to yield something memorable. Something that makes all the out-of-sync moments you've had worth it. Or not. Who knows.

[ after all, he's just a bartender. ]

[ lumine will beg to differ on the bartender thing. diluc expresses interest without prying, gentle in his words even as he smoothly flirts, slick underneath that proper gentlemanly demeanor. his indifference to fate and destiny is something that resonates with her, and she contemplates his questions for a brief moment. ]

Maybe I should be thankful for these events, [ she says at length, holding his gaze evenly. ] it seems that my time with you is yielding something memorable.

[ quietly bold; lumine has never been one for passivity. she cannot stay for long, but it doesn't mean that she can't make the most of these fleeting moments.

she offers a small, fleeting smile, no less genuine. ]

Would you like to have dinner with me?

[ he knows how to do the job that's given to him. bartending while abstaining from alcohol makes for a very proficient worker behind the counter, even if he has to witness everyone collectively lose their common sense the further an evening goes on. Lumine is one of the rare ones seeking something purely sweet and refreshing as opposed to a hearty ale or full-bodied wine.

considering how little he gets to enjoy sober conversations at this hour, it shouldn't be surprised that he finds reason to root his feet down in front of her and enjoy it. she seems to be savoring something as well, though he isn't sure if it's the juice or... perhaps a particular person who has caught her eye. ]

I'm flattered, but it's far too soon to say that, don't you think? The grapes are good but not that good. Give yourself some more time before you decide.

[ he flashes her a smirk before turning around to put some glassware up. Diluc freezes when her question hits his ears. Lumine is indeed a bold lady. asking the young lord out on a date of sorts? there's a moment where he can feel his cheeks tinge with warmth. he won't make anything out of it. dinner can be simple if they want it to be.

when he turns around, he leans into the counter and towards her, keeping his voice low as he replies. ]

I... could be convinced. It'd have to be a late dinner, though. Charles isn't around to take over. Are you willing to stay up a bit longer for me?

[ i wasn't talking about the grapes.

but some things don't have to be said, do they?

nonetheless, in that split second's freeze, lumine expects a refusal. a gentle rebuff, perhaps, for crossing the line from flirtation to something a little more concrete. but something lifts in her chest (and then promptly flutters like a wild, uncaged thing) when he leans over, words low, and asks if she would stay up longer for him.

is he absolutely certain the grape juice has no alcohol content in it?

inaudibly exhaling the breath she hadn't realised she'd held, she can't help a flicker of bemused annoyance at herself. she'd faced far worse things, and yet it's a handsome young lord with a matching penchant for trouble and violence that gets under her skin.

but then again, is it the faintest hint of a blush she sees on his cheeks? perhaps it's a trick of the light, just like hers. dinner can be what they want it to be. dinner can be when lumine finally discovers for herself if diluc's lips are as soft as she'd long thought they would be.

until then, diluc has work to do. ]

Late dinner it is. [ she smiles briefly and tilts her head, curious. ] How can I help?

[ after all, she's become quite adept at making drinks! ]

[ maybe Diluc would have denied himself the curiosity in most other scenarios. he's aware he doesn't have the time, mental or perhaps even emotional capacity to deal with anything remotely close to the process of courting someone. but... he's capable of getting away with it if Lumine is the one who's willing to pursue, is he not? that's what he will tell himself to convince his mind that there is nothing wrong about sharing a meal with the Traveler. "meal".

so he'll play along. see what fruits are born from the seeds planted by the pretty lady. he had no intention of patrolling the streets after his shift ended anyway, so it should be harmless for all involved. hopefully. potentially. ]

No ma'am. You're my patron until last call comes. Afterwards, you can choose to be whatever you want for me.

[ suggestive wording, to say the least. but Lumine would likely pick up on how assertive his tone has become when he straightens back up and runs his eyes up and down the top half of her leaning frame. she won't be working herself any harder than she has already. not under him at least. Diluc nudges her glass closer to her as a way of making sure she keeps drinking in case she feels the need to try and argue with him about it. ]

Finish that and I can make you something stronger. If you would like, that is.

[ "you can choose to be whoever you want for me."

lumine's mouth is dry. a part of her wonders if diluc knows what he sounds like, saying something like that. or if he knows the effect he has on her, with the effortless command of a man used to having his way with others.

at this point, it's impossible not to be at least a little warm under the collar under that once-over, so to speak, the faintest widening of her eyes a dead giveaway to his effect. and she's supposed to be the one with the experience. goodness. ]

There isn't any alcohol in this, is there?

[ because she swears the heat in her cheeks are from the alcohol. definitely. and it's definitely not from how her traitorous mind is continuously supplying suggestions as to what she could be just for him. or what it'll be like to taste him instead of grape juice, to feel the heat of his body for herself, underneath the vest and shirt. hell, they're both adults, and somehow she feels like a teenager, with her libido damn near running wild.

diluc really is one hell of a bartender, isn't he? ]

[ he doesn't think he's going out of his way to get a rise out of her. if there's anything he knows Lumine needs beyond grape juice and perhaps a stiff drink, it's a distraction. Diluc knows all too well how it feels to get to the end of a day with new scars added to the collection and even more blood staining his hands. the only difference is that he doesn't have a bar he can seek solace in. he's the bartender.

so at least he can give her that, and silently admit to himself that he's finding both entertainment and attraction in prodding the girl. her question on if her grape juice might be spiked with something heavier makes a half-smile creep up on his face. he tilts the glass in his direction, fake-studying it for a few seconds before setting it back down. it's almost uncharacteristic of him, but he dips his gloved index finger into the juice, taking it to his mouth to give a soft suck. ]

Hm... maybe. Maybe not. You'll tell me if you start feeling something, I'm sure.

[ it's nice to be of some assistance to Lumine. she's done a lot for his city, even when she could get nothing in return. ]

I can get you some water instead? I would hate to leave you parched.

[ diluc gives her the perfect sort of distraction that she needs, from that lowkey playfulness to the way he samples the grape juice from her glass like he doesn't know exactly what goes in it.

it rouses something in her, a fondness and a simmering curiosity and impulse to want more, to gently press and see what else comes of it. lumine isn't oblivious; she knows there's something here, undefined and nascent, but always present in some measure whenever they meet. she huffs a soft chuckle at that, her eyes trained on his lips just for those few moments before flicking back to focus on his face.

it's sweet, really, and lumine takes another sip after, unable to help her own answering mischief. ]

You'll need more than just that dab to be sure. Why don't you have a taste?
[ she shifts the glass forward, turning it so that she offers him the side she had directly sipped from, the barest tinge of juice still on the rim. there is a flicker of answering playfulness in the offer of the indirect kiss, of attraction, and she's enjoying how all of this is unfolding. oh, she can tease him too; after all, lumine is not the only one in need of a fine distraction. ]

I might want something other than water.

[ Lumine might have been subject to several strokes of bad luck today and/or tonight, but she should count her blessings that no other costumers have come by to steal away her bartender's attention. he finds himself reluctantly satisfied with that as well. while it might hurt his bottom line in terms of profits by the time he closes up for the night, it's not every night that he has her sitting in front of him, ready and willing to poke and be prodded in return.

at the second offering of her drink, the way his shoulders lift and lips curl indicates he laughs without letting the sound leave him. he sees what she is doing. Lumine knows how to play cute to her benefit far better than she should be allowed, and if it were anyone else, he'd likely leave them hanging and wanting for more. he considers, for a moment, on making her work for it...

... but he says to hell with it. he did start this. Diluc brings the glass to his lips, tipping it back and letting the faint outline of her lips press into that of his own. a small amount of juice glides onto his tongue and to the back of his throat, and his Adam's apple bobs up and down with a satisfied sigh. for added "mischief", he lets his tongue just faintly flick the rim of the glass before sliding it back to her. ]

No alcohol. You know I hate the stuff. It is a rather nice juice, though, if I may say so.

[ she's distracting him well enough. her last comment has him thoughtful as to where she'd go with this. with a pause, he leans back in. ]

And what would that be? Don't leave me guessing.

[ it truly is a stroke of luck, lumine is not entirely keen on having her bartender's attention divided from her, even if she knows that it ought to. after all, diluc's running a business, not a charity. but diluc rises to the occasion so easily, so impressively, that lumine selfishly wants his attention on their banter, each exchange more loaded than the last.

her gaze follows his every move, from the way his lips press over the outline of hers on the glass, to the elegant line of his throat, and the way his adams apple bobs as he swallows. the briefest flash of pink of his tongue, as if chasing the mark she'd left, does a number on her.

she takes the glass back when he leans in, her thumb absently swiping over where diluc's lips have been. it's unfair, she thinks, for him to be this sensuous and proper at the same time. her toes curl as the image of him and the glass is forever seared into her brain, but turnabout is fair play, isn't it? delicately, she smears her thumb over the bottom of her soft, plump lower lip, as if tracing the taste of him.

when he leans in, she boldly reaches out to lightly curl her fingers over a stray, crimson lock of his hair, barely touching him. it's a teasing gesture, and she leans forward, too, watching him under her lashes. ]

I'll tell you when your shift ends. [ she murmurs. then, an echo of his earlier question: ] Will you wait for me?

[ turnabout is fair play. he respects that. even with that in mind, he can't help but clear his mind and look away for a split second as he watches her thumb press into her own mouth. any healthy amount of hormones would coerce his mind to replace that thumb with a variety of things. she undoubtedly knows this and chooses to entice him anyway, and he's briefly exasperated at how easy it is to exasperate him.

but he recalibrates soon enough. he can't let his patron believe she has a hold on him so easily. even as she toys with his hair, he remains close, eyes narrowing into a more intimate gaze. he won't accept that vague answer. not one bit. ]

I have a talent for coercing information out of people when I need to. What if I don't want to wait?

[ if anyone knows first-hand, it is her. she can likely seek comfort in the fact that he wouldn't treat her like he would a member of the Abyss Order. far from it. he just knows a thing or two about getting inventive with loosening tongues if push comes to shove. ]

[ she knows, and she presses her advantage because that's what diluc will (and did) do, isn't it? it delights her when she sees the look in his eyes, intense and breathtaking. oh, what she would do to get a glimpse of his thoughts and what he wants.

but diluc's impatience is revealing enough as to his state of mind, and her heart skips a beat when he expresses what he wants to know. lumine is very aware of his skill in information-extraction, and is only grateful that less ruthless methods are likely to be employed on her. probably.

right?

lumine wonders what he's like when he's pushed, drawn to the way he stays close, the look in his eyes that pulls her in and makes her want more. she offers a ghost of a smile, barely an inch from him, so that she can see his lovely lashes.

goodness. he's so handsome. she's met more than her fair share of men, but diluc... this man stands out from the crowd. her lips part, meeting the challenge. gently playful, she murmurs, ]

Then make me tell you, Master Diluc. Coerce me.

[ of course she'd play along. she won't go about spilling her desires of something that is non-water so easily. he always admires a worthy challenge, but he didn't think he'd be chewing on a strategic approach while stationed at the bar tonight. no claymore in sight, and besides, she seems like she has met her quota on spars — perhaps even exceeded it.

he will need to go about this differently. it's tempted to remain rooted in his current position, the same one where he can feel her breath on him and vice versa, but he doesn't. he pulls back once more, but only to walk over to the side of the bar where people can enter and exit as they see fit. ]

I suppose I'll have you working under me after all. Come on over. Let me show you a thing or two.

[ she did this to herself! he would have been perfectly content with her parking that cute backside of hers down onto the stool and enjoy her relaxation. now he has to take this seriously, and there's consequences to that. ]

... Drink recipes, to be precise. Don't want you getting the wrong idea.

I'd love to work under you, in any form that it takes.

[ lumine says innocently like the demon she is, because she knows exactly what it sounds like, and she intends for him to take that in every single sense of the word. after all, he's making her think about it in great detail, to check her own impulses when it comes to being under diluc.

hopping off the barstool gamely, lumine is more than happy to help him out behind the counter. for drink recipes, of course; mostly. interested in where he might be going with this and the potential of learning more of what diluc might like to drink, she pipes up again with another question. ]

Should I put on an outfit like yours, too? To show that I work at a bar and all.

[ honorary knight, and now an honorary bartender! ]

[ there's no particular way he can take that as innocent when it comes from her. does that make him a hypocrite? most likely. that doesn't change the fact that his brows visibly furrow as he once again draws pictures in his mind of antics that would get the both of them in trouble. he'd think Lumine would want nothing more than to take it easy tonight, but she's laying it on as thick as he is.

instead of insisting she rest up, he's putting her on her feet and to work. how shameful. truly not the gentleman he once thought he was. ]

No, no. You look perfect as is. Would hate to make you undress for the wrong reasons.

[ he's just happy he has the wherewithal to keep up. as soon as she's on the other side of the bar, he steps behind her. in both hands are two halves of a shaker, but instead of simply handing it to her, he leans forward to stack them on the counter. his chest brushes against her back and his hips just briefly kiss the hem on her skirt. next is a glass of lower end whiskey, simple syrup and a lemon. something to test with. ]

Fetch for some fresh ice under the bar. Slowly. No need to rush things.

[ she might begin to understand that his focus may not be simply teaching her cocktails. ]

[ is it really shameful if lumine likes both the gentlemanly and the not-so-gentlemanly side of him? especially when he tells her sleekly suggestive things like not wanting her to be undressed for the wrong reasons? that thought in her head takes root and makes her think of all the right reasons to get undressed, the idea that she could unzip the back of her dress and hold his attention, holding that intense, crimson gaze.

the thought of it makes her shiver with warm anticipation, as does the heat of his body so close to hers, with only layers of fabric between them, she can feel it, the warmth of his chest barely brushing against her back where her dress and scarf doesn't quite cover. it ignites a low, simmering yearning in the pit of her stomach, but two can definitely play at this game.

after all, it's what draws them to each other, right? she barely pays attention to the items he has in his hand, not when he's so close. she lowers herself under the bar to retrieve the ice as he commands, the rustle of her skirt against the seam of his neatly tailored trousers, the bucket in her hand.

it's so easy to indulge in a myriad fantasies just like this, where she's out of sight underneath the bar counter. it's easier still to take her time and take full advantage of her current position. instead of getting off her knees once the small ice bucket is half-full, she only turns around to look up at him, according him the full view down her pretty white dress, the valley between her full, perky breasts. her expression guileless, with only the wickedly mischievous gleam in her eyes giving the game away.

he makes her heart race, and it's time for payback. she tilts her head, coming perfectly level with the zipper of his pants, and more than happy to keep a precious couple of inches between them just because. ]

Mm. Did you want to fill it all up?

[ heh.

........yeah. she went there. ]

[ what kind of problem is he setting up for himself? he's acting as if he's been partaking in his own inventory. ask any Knight of Favonius or member of the Adventurer's Guild and they would say he takes his job way too seriously. yet here Diluc is, exchanging flirtations and idle teases while becoming progressively more aware of the tension that is budding between them.

it's too late to walk it back. even if he could, he doesn't think he wants to. Lumine seems to be willing and eager to play with fire, and fortunately for her, she's found someone who knows that element all too well.

Diluc's stiff in more ways than one by the time she follows directions and disappears underneath the counter. he knows what this looks like. she knows what it looks like. while part of him wants to step away and give her room to breathe, the majority wants to stand there and ensure she feels his presence. it wouldn't last long anyway. she'd be back up and—

—ah. well. about that. she's turned around and presented herself to him in as suggestive of a way as possible, leaving Diluc pursing his lips together in a mixture of amusement and approval. Lumine is giving him far too good of a view for it to be anything else. ]

Don't bother. You're not in much mood for water, after all.

[ Diluc pries his eyes off of her long enough to survey the room. most of who is left at this hour are upstairs. maybe there's one or two stragglers around the corner, but they are either nursing their drinks or fast asleep. when he sighs, she can probably tell he's surprising himself in what he is about to do...

... but it doesn't stop his gloved fingertips inching the front of his zipper. with a slow, methodical tug, she can hear the metal teeth loosening themselves up bit by bit. he stops about halfway, all the more hopeful that he is teasing her as much as she is teasing him. ]

It wouldn't happen to be this, would it? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[ there's nothing as heady as seeing the elegant, composed master of dawn winery give in, just a little, to the teasing. she can see the amusement and approval in his eyes, can hear the barest whisper of his soft sigh, and she wonders if she can draw more out of him in private.

and she wonders, too, what he looks like when he comes undone. her gaze lingering on his gloved fingers, focusing on the teeth of his zipper, lumine knows exactly what she wants. of course, they're both adults, aren't they? she knows what he wants, too, and she intends to give it to him. ]

It's this.

[ she confirms, delicately nudging his fingers off the zipper so that she can splay her hand over the warm bulge of his cock, gently curling over the shape of him. she smiles up at him, quietly fond.

there is much to enjoy and like about diluc, and as her thumb eases into his half-open zipper to stroke over the shaft of his tucked cock, rubbing him through the thin fabric of his underwear, she continues quietly. ]

And more. I've always wanted to know what your lips taste like.

[ she slips her thumb out and rises, gently zipping him back up. she stays close when she's on her tiptoes, even if she can barely reach his ear. ]

But I want you all to myself in private.

[ oh, she got him hook line and sinker.

this is what happens when anyone underestimates Lumine. not that he was, but his belief that he had an advantage over her earned him his own shock. she teased him through his pants, whetting his appetite and leaving him lightheaded in arousal as she affirms his suspicions and then some. just as he thinks he might find his cock out in the open of his own establishment, red with arousal and bobbing in the air... he's tucked right back into his own clothed prison.

Diluc can't help but laugh in disbelief. he's not even mad. he just didn't give her enough credit until this very moment. ]

Lesson learned and then some. [ with her words and her touches, he at least knows he didn't overstep. that's good. it should at least mean he's allowed to bring a hand onto her thigh, running it up just under her dress to kiss his leather tips along her skin. he doesn't stop until he's resting them right under the swell of her ass. ] Maybe I am the one in need of some water.

[ she'd probably notice that the pink on his cheeks is not from the lights after all. his boldness has him more vulnerable than he had been a few seconds ago, but he's brushing it off well enough. ]

And you'll have me for that "dinner" in due time. But for now, let's... ahem, squeeze some lemons. Turn around whenever you want.

[ his boldness is absolutely charming, as is his vulnerability. it's rare for him to allow anyone else to see him as he is, and lumine knows that she's privileged, to catch a glimpse of his desire and to touch him just like that.

she's not immune to his charm either. the butter-soft, warm leather tracing over the swell of her ass makes her shiver, the warmth pooling in the pit of her stomach making her heart flutter. he makes her want more. he makes her think about his fingertips on her skin, calloused from his proficient use of the claymore, sliding underneath her underwear to where she's wet and waiting —

— she exhales the breath she doesn't remember holding, looking up at the blush on his fair cheeks. ]

You make it hard to turn around.

[ she admits, her eyes on his face, quietly admiring. wanting. her fingers come to trace down the inside of his wrist where his hand is on her, slipping in between the leather so she traces a lazy circle on his palm. ]

Touch me without your gloves during dinner?

[ reluctantly, she turns around, reaching for the lemons. ]

[ he didn't realize how much he nailed it on the head when he had asked her if her "facade of innocence" had disappeared. not until very, very recently. Lumine's got him in the palm of her hand without having to work for it, unlike so many others who fight for just a few minutes of his attention. maybe it isn't surprising considering her broad list of skills, talents and accomplishments she's made for herself in such a short period of time.

oh well. Diluc is far from ashamed. not when she is literally filling the palm of his hand. he gives her a single, tense squeeze, one that's needy enough to almost lift her off her feet. if he had his other hand on her, it would have been all but guaranteed. alas, everything is in moderation right now. for the best, or so he tries to convince himself to save the pained aches running down the length of his thigh. ]

Yes, well. You make things hard in general. We create predicaments for each other, you know.

[ she does eventually turn around, leaving him brushing into her backside harder than he had been the last time she was facing the other way. Lumine might be disappointed to find that he's pulled his hand away from her just a few seconds after she runs her fingers along the leather — worse yet, he had pulled away completely. Diluc says nothing as he kneels down to pull a fresh egg out from his chilled storage box.

when he returns, he drops said egg off in front of her before re-appearing where he's sure they're both happy about keeping consistent. the only difference? his gloves were taken off while he was gone. when she feels his hands again, they're still warm. just a different type of warm. he's less intrusive this time, almost purposely teasing her as he curls naked fingers along the back of her arm. ]

Why wait? I'm not the one making drinks. You wanted to work for me so badly. —Roll the lemons against the wood. It'll... ahem. Pull all the juices out. Then slice it in half and squeeze one into the glass.

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