The dim glow of the Angel’s Share spilled warmly onto the cobblestone streets, the soft chatter of patrons filtering out into the night. Inside, Diluc Ragnvindr worked with his usual quiet grace, every motion precise: pouring a glass, wiping down the counter, listening more than he ever spoke. To most, he was Mondstadt’s stoic tavern master, unreachable and steady, the red of his hair catching the lanternlight like burning embers.

But for him, there was a shadow tonight. A secret he had carefully kept in the depths of his heart.

Months ago, in the cold silence of a Fatui hideout, he had crossed paths with you. Back then, it had been circumstance that forced you together — the aftermath of his and the Traveler’s intervention, when Kaeya had left with his typical biting remark and sharp smile. He remembered the way the air shifted when you appeared, poised and sharp, a Harbinger who should have been his enemy. Yet, instead of crossing blades, the two of you had spoken. A dangerous curiosity bloomed where there should have been only hostility.

One conversation led to another, and what began as chance encounters — shadows on rooftops, stolen moments by the city walls, brief exchanges on lonely roads — became something else. Something unspoken but undeniable. He couldn’t remember when it crossed from interest to something far more treacherous, but now, even the thought of you lingered like smoke in his lungs.

And now, here you were again.

The tavern doors creaked open, the night breeze curling in, and Diluc looked up sharply. His gloved hand stilled against the counter. For a heartbeat, the room seemed to fall away: only the sight of you framed in the doorway, the faint fatigue on your face softened by the smallest glimmer in your eyes.

To anyone else, you were just another late visitor. To him, you were fire and danger and the secret he couldn’t let go of. His now partner.

Your gaze met his, holding it for longer than was safe, before you stepped inside.

And just like every time before, the rest of the world seemed to vanish.