[September Catch-All]

[phoenixblessed]

⌛ Who: Diluc Ragnvindr & YOU
⌛ What: TDM things, general prompts, closed prompts, drop me a prompt to answer if you like!
⌛ When: All through September
⌛ Where: Noted in prompts
⌛ Warnings: None yet, will edit as required

+ [CLOSED] Aether
+ [CLOSED] Kaeya
+ [OTA] Coffeeshop AU
+ [CLOSED] Venti
+ [OTA] Bar work, AKA who needs sleep?

Comments

Closed to Aether (@brilliantdiamond)

[phoenixblessed]

[In the forest outside of Kyoto, Diluc makes his way up the not-quite-gentle slope of a hill that overlooks the tops of the trees. One side of it ends in a sharp drop, leaving the view from the edge unhindered by the canopy, but the walk up isn't terribly kind for someone who isn't used to the level of exertion.

Luckily for Diluc... he is.

It's getting dark, and as he nears the edge of the cliff he lightly sets down the pack he's carrying and stretches his arms above his head, working a knot out of his shoulder.]

Hmmn.

[Diluc had needed a little needling to agree to come out here, but he has to admit... The air is fresh and crisp, the walk definitely did him some good, and the view is... stunning. As for the company--]

Aether, [He calls over his shoulder, not expecting the Traveller to be far behind.] here's fine, isn't it?

[brilliantdiamond]

[As the view of the stars above opens up before them, Diluc will turn get see the smile that spreads over Aether's face. He's been looking forward to this quite a bit, especially given it wasn't entirely safe for him to make far trips into the wilderness alone in his condition. Getting this far from the city lights made looking up at the stars all the better.]

It's perfect! We can almost see the whole night sky from here.

[He sets his own pack down before walking just past Diluc to a nice grassy patch a safe distance from the edge, taking a seat -- and then patting the spot next to him for Diluc to sit.]

Have you ever noticed the planet's rings? You can only really see them at night, when you're high up enough. Looks like we can see them really well from here!

[phoenixblessed]

Mm.

[He lets out the sound of acknowledgement softly, his hands resting lightly on his hips as he looks up at the sky. It's certainly something, and nothing like the sky at home. Aether had been very correct in saying that.

So absorbed in looking up, he almost misses his companion inviting him to sit down. After a moment, he joins Aether on the grass and stretches his long legs out in front of him, leaning back on his hands. The heels of his palms grind lightly against the grass and dirt.

It's nice.]

I've never noticed them before. [And... he smiles. It's barely there. An almost imperceptible upwards tilt of the corner of his mouth. Aethers enthusiasm is infectious.] They're beautiful.

[brilliantdiamond]

[Perhaps it's testament to how genuine his excitement is that he doesn't actually notice the smile at first. His eyes are too busy looking up at the stars.]

Aren't they? It's not common for a planet like this to have rings. I read that there's another planet in the same solar system as this one that has even bigger rings around it, but it's probably too far away to see very clearly...

[He glances at Diluc and-- yeah, that's all it takes for his hair to tint red again at the ends. He's just gonna look back up again and pretend it didn't happen.]

[phoenixblessed]

[That smile lingers faintly as he looks up, tracing the lines of the rings spread across the sky and the stars dotted behind them. He never really does give himself time to relax, and it's difficult to say how long he'd be able to sit here like this without getting restless.

For now, though, it's fine.

He feels Aether's eyes on him and glances across just in time to spot the Traveller quickly looking away. Even in the swiftly gathering darkness it's not difficult to see the tint of red against his light blonde hair. Diluc hadn't mentioned it the first time it happened, but this time--]

I didn't expect that would happen so quickly. [It's strange, seeing the effects his company has on the young man.] Your hair, that is. I assume it means what I think it does.

[brilliantdiamond]

[Well, now there's a red tint to his cheeks, too--]

We were friends back on Teyvat already, so I can why it happened so quickly. But I don't think it takes much for a bond to form anyway.

I've actually noticed it on you, too. Back in the cafe-- your eyes looked like they were turning the same color as mine.

[Which he very pointedly didn't point out at the time.]

Closed to Kaeya (@icepatch)

[phoenixblessed]

[After spending some time at Moonkicks Coffee House listening to the support group and drinking some passable coffee, Diluc finds himself feeling... good. Though he hadn't really... volunteered much himself, overall, he's still hit with that light sense of euphoria upon leaving.

It's a light enough touch that he isn't alarmed by it. Maybe it was just that spending time around people being supportive to one another made him feel all fuzzy inside. Whatever it is, he doesn't take it straight home.

Instead, he spends some time just walking, and eventually settles himself on an outdoor table at a restaurant in Zhongguo Town. It's there, leaning back in his seat with a small appetiser and a glass of grape juice, that he feels eyes on him. A familiar gaze. Diluc sighs and looks around, quickly finding the source.]

Ah.

[He looks back at the table again, and idly runs the side of his thumb against the condensation gathering on the outside of his glass.]

It's you.

[icepatch]

It’s me.

[It really was by sheer coincidence that they were at the same restaurant. Kaeya may be slowly growing his network of eyes and ears already, but it had only been a month with a good chunk spent elsewhere. He had his work cut out for him! But that also didn’t mean he hadn’t been aware of what Diluc had been up to on some days.

It was with an easy grin and a sip of his wine that he replied.]

That was certainly a cute date you had with our dear traveler, all so he could get some cake.

[Kaeya was actually very pleased when he had seen them. He couldn’t quite bite back some of the jealousy because Aether had told him that he wanted to go on a date with Kaeya once before. However, Diluc had also appeared to be enjoying himself and that in itself was enough for Kaeya. His former sworn brother may hate his guts right now but that feeling wasn’t mutual and likely never would be. As long as Diluc eventually let other people in, that’s all that mattered to Kaeya, even if he would forever feel a bit lost as he was no longer one of those people.]

Please tell me you enjoyed the food, at least.

[phoenixblessed]

[Kaeya has a way of getting under Diluc's skin with even the most innocent of comments. Had anyone else noted that he had been spending time with Aether that day he might have brushed it off, or in the very least not looked so immediately irritated that it had been noticed.]

That's really none of your business, is it. [He says eventually, letting the words ride out over a quiet sigh.]

And it was not a date.

[Diluc does, at least, sound more casually dismissive than outright hateful. He sips his juice and then adjusts his position to pick up his fork and spear a morsel from his plate.]

Stop spying on me. Or at least have the courtesy to not let me know about it so blatantly. It's impolite.

[icepatch]

[Hey, it was some progress even if Kaeya wasn’t entirely sure of the reason behind Diluc’s milder than usual reaction. But he’ll take it.]

I wasn’t spying! [Yes, he was.] I just happened to see you two at that delightful bakery. Sheer coincidence.

[Kind of.

But he couldn’t help the chuckle as he bit into his own food. So basically, continue to spy and not tell him? Don’t give him that much power, Diluc! Except that’s what he did anyway usually, especially during the Darknight Hero evenings just to be sure Diluc actually made it home. Would that continue here, he wondered.]

Did you enjoy yourself, at least?

[phoenixblessed]

[Quite certain Kaeya will continue to spy on him regardless of what he says, Diluc simply settles on not caring about it. If it's happening, he doesn't want to know. It isn't as if he hasn't been doing the same thing, but he has the good grace to not mention it.]

... Why does it matter to you, Kaeya?

[Is he being evasive? Yes. Absolutely. He'd had a nice time, but he'd learned some... troubling things. Things that had been playing on his mind since.]

I believe Aether enjoyed himself.

[That's the only thing Diluc really feels is an important take from the whole affair.]

[icepatch]

[Another casual sip of the rather delightful wine followed by a soft sigh.]

You wouldn’t like the answer.

[Because he cared. Because he couldn’t just turn off his emotions and throw away the fondness he had for the man he grew up with and wanted to make sure was happy. He knew Diluc had the capability of moving on, it was Diluc’s own fault that he was letting his anger poison himself for all these years.]

Well, I guess that’s something.

[He had been here before Diluc arrived so his meal was just about done. But, as he had a bottle of wine to polish off, he settled in to refill his glass. He swirled the dark liquid for a moment.]

Can you do me a favor? Regarding our dear traveler, that is.

OTA - Coffeeshop AU

[phoenixblessed]

[He hadn't noted the lack of coffee. It isn't his drink of choice and the lack of it hadn't been a problem. He does, however, notice when it makes a sudden comeback. Kannai is a little out of his way, but Diluc likes to keep himself appraised of developments and since Nippon gives him a lot of ground to cover... he decides to stop in for a drink.

Since he arrives late in the day, the after hours group is just setting up when he finishes his coffee. He had been sitting mostly alone for that time, not minding his own company, but he drifts over to the gathering refugees and quietly listens in to a few of the discussions.

One of the more long-term refugees prompts him to speak. Not impolitely, but an amicable prod of sorts. Diluc only gives a small shake of his head.]

Perhaps later. [And he smiles, just a little, the expression having the effect of softening the stern line of his jaw and taking a few years off him all at once.] You're all giving me a lot to think about.



(this one is also open to finding him at another outreach group at a later date, as he might show up at a few of these!)

Stalking u

[icepatch]

[It wasn't exactly a secret that Kaeya liked his wine, but that also didn't mean he didn't enjoy other drinks. He hadn't really noticed the lack of coffee until it was suddenly exploding in popularity all over again. It was something different than tea and booze, though. So, he had figured he could give it a go. It actually wasn't bad coffee either, although he was certain he probably better elsewhere.

Still, it was something different and he decided that he would buy some for his apartment, it would save him money in the long run while he continued to figure out just what kind of occupation he should try. Having a monthly stipend meant he was in no rush, but he really didn't like not working, contrary to popular belief. So, spoils in hand and a fresh cup to go, Kaeya made his way out of the coffee shop just before they started setting up for that support group. And yes, he did noticed a certain redhead within but there was really no reason to engage this time around and he wasn't entirely interested in listening in on a support group.]

🔪🔪🔪🔪

[phoenixblessed]

[He doesn't expect to see Kaeya here. His request (demand) that the other man not make his monitoring of him so obvious seemed to have been taken to heart since their last conversation. So Diluc decides, for once, to give Kaeya the benefit of the doubt and assume that it's just a coincidence they happen to be in the same coffee shop today.

And it would be easy to just let him go. Don't speak to him. But--]

Kaeya.

[He's holding a chair, about to move to to where he's being directed by someone to place it. The daytime layout of the shop doesn't quite suit the idea of a support group.]

They need another pair of hands. Get over here.

[icepatch]

[Kaeya really wasn't in the mood for Diluc to start accusing him of stalking and spying and--

Wait, what? He couldn't help the slight incredulous look thrown at the redhead because... really?]

Since when do you order me around?

[And why for that matter? Kaeya, in general, wasn't opposed to helping but this just seemed too weird even for him. He sighed and shook his head, even as one of the other helpers urged that 'you're a customer so you're not obligated to--!' but Kaeya already set his things down and waved his to dismiss it all.]

It's fine. He'll just buy me another if it gets cold.

[phoenixblessed]

[Why? Because he can, in all honesty, and he's more surprised that Kaeya actually responds to it positively than he would have been had he simply ignored the demand firm suggestion and left with his coffee.

He hears what one of the helpers says and the younger man's response, and lets out a soft 'tch'. Well, if he must. Diluc does have some sense of decency.]

It's fine. [The agreement - an unintentional echo of Kaeya's words - comes on a light sigh as he takes the chair he's holding to the right spot.] Just let him know what needs moving. It will take less time with two of us.

a venti venti walked into a bar.

[notgrande]

[ This is a bar that he hasn't visited before, and therefore doesn't have any established relationship with bartenders who have an understanding of his age. There's a few here who don't like it when he's in his typical body, and he's decided that rather than cause a hassle - he's going to use an option he has - shapeshifting.

This form is nice. Taller, broader, soft wavy hair and no braids - though the hair still glows green. He dresses in the traditional clothes here - a Kimono, though he is absolutely not wearing it properly. It's hanging off his shoulders. He's bare enough that the Archon Markings on his chest are visible. They'll glow in the right company, he's discovered.

When he walks into the bar, he wasn't expecting to see Diluc, though he's also not surprised. He takes a seat a the bar, propping an elbow up onto it, and leaning in. ]

Fancy seeing you here.

[ A hum. ]

maybe he should have ducked

[phoenixblessed]

[Diluc had wasted very little time in securing multiple places of employment. Not only did it give him something to do with his time (and who needs more than four hours of sleep a night), the bars were also as much he hub of gossip as the Angel's Share was. He could learn a great deal by simply listening.

When someone new walks in he's standing behind the bar absent-mindedly polishing a few glasses, taking advantage of a lull in customers to do some tidying up and check the stock. Had Venti been his normal shape Diluc would have noticed him immediately, but his concentration is distant enough that he only really sees the man when he looks up.

And Diluc, for lack of any other appropriate reaction to what is in front of him, stares.]

--Venti.

[By the Seven--

His grip on the glass he's holding slackens and he sets it down on top of the bar before he drops it. The faintest flush of pink colours the tops of his cheekbones, though it would be hard to say if it was down to annoyance or embarrassment. He looks annoyed, but then he always does.]

What- [Treacherously, his voice cracks just slightly. Diluc clears his throat.] I've already made my policy with regards to buying your drinks quite clear.

admittedly, i laughed really hard.

[notgrande]

[ He laughed a little because Diluc's words don't surprise him at all. But what does surprise him is that flush of pink in his cheeks, though it could just be an annoyed fluster, he supposes. He shuffles through the coin purse he has on his hip and gets out a little bit of money for now. ]

I'm not asking you to buy me drinks.

[ No mention as to how he got this money, and he doesn't know if Diluc cares. It's all legal as far as he knows, so that's what matters. ]

Though I'd never object to a drink from you~

[ A wink. ]

A few places pay me to perform. [ Some just pay for meals or clothes. All of them work out well for him here. ]

I haven't been here before - and what a pleasant surprise!

GOOD

[phoenixblessed]

[Tch!

This is just absurd. Though he should have known that Venti would be capable of something like this he didn't honestly think he'd ever see it with his own eyes. It's--

Annoying.]

Obviously I'm going to have to find another place of employment. [He doesn't mean this, not entirely, but of all the bars he might have walked into while looking like this why did the bard have to come into this one.]

What can I get for you? They don't sell dandelion wine here.

[notgrande]

[ He is absolutely winking at Diluc. He can see the signature annoyance directed at him. He lets out a playful hum as he considers for a moment what he'd like to drink. ]

I'll take a glass of uki wine. And how about your most popular red wine, too.

[ Two things, of course. Diluc knows him well enough to know that those two glasses will be gone in no time flat. He'll even set the money up on the counter for Diluc to collect before he pours them - as if that's proof. ]

You know - when I first got here, I got a bottle of Dandelion wine. I haven't cracked it open yet, I was going to share it with a few friends but things happened, so I haven't had the opportunity yet. You and I should share it sometime.

[ Does he know that it means that he drinks the whole bottle? Yes. ]

[OTA] Bar work, AKA who needs sleep?

[phoenixblessed]

[It likely wouldn't have surprised anyone who knew him even the slightest amount that Diluc had never had any intention of relaxing into the various delights that Nippon had to offer. He doesn't do well with idleness, and with the lack of a business to oversee or any Abyss Order to spend his nights searching out, he quickly gains himself work in at least three separate bars.

While it's mostly evening and night work, there's a few daytime shifts thrown in. Who needs sleep? At best he might get four or five hours a night anyway, so he might as well be doing something.

It's easy enough to make himself stand out. Now and then - though not enough to make it be expected of him - he will delight a patron or two with a sly trick with a glass or a cocktail shaker, and he's adept at sliding a glass down the bar to a waiting customer's hand. Really, the only thing that can come up as a problem is that he never seems to smile, but he'd challenge any person to try and tell him what to do with his face when they're paying him to do a good job, not to be smiling.

And he does do a good job. (Being attractive doesn't hurt either, when it tends to bring the ladies in... and the men.)

Diluc finishes up an order, placing the glass down and taking the payment. He turns to the next person waiting then, and whether he knows them or not he greets them in exactly the same way--]

Good evening. What can I get for you.

[sonicblade]

[The bar came highly recommended mostly for the drinks, but he heard no shortage of comments about the bartender themselves. Cloud wasn't the least bit interested as long as they made good drinks and he really wanted a drink right now.

At least the rumors weren't really exaggerating about the bartender. Fiery red hair was definitely the stand out feature of the gentleman. He took a moment to think about what he could get, but to be honest, it's been awhile. The last time he drank anything alcoholic was in Thebes and while Cid sometimes had things in Radiant Garden... well, he tended to hide that particular stash and it was almost always some kind of hard liquor that Cloud didn't always care for. Get some variety, Cid!]

What would you recommend?

[He figured Nippon would have it's own specialties and with all the refugees around things were bound to change or evolve.]

[phoenixblessed]

Hmm...

[Without knowing what the man likes, he can only make a very broad recommendation. But this place... it has a wide variety.]

That depends.

[He steps back slightly so he can gesture to the bottles lined up behind him.] If you want a cocktail, I can make something to your tastes. If it's wine, there's a particular red that comes highly recommended. There's also a house beer on tap. [For this, he indicates a keg balanced in a wooden cradle behind the bar.

Then he moves back to his previous position, resting one forearm lightly against the wooden bar top.]

The specialty here is a sake brewed from a family recipe. I can't give a personal recommendation, I'm afraid. I don't drink.