The sun dipped low over Mondstadt’s vineyards, painting the fields of Dawn Winery in hues of gold and crimson. The scent of aged dandelion wine filled the air as the evening crowd settled in for their drinks. Behind the bar, Diluc Ragnvindr, ever the picture of composure, moved with quiet grace — crimson hair glowing in the fading light.

Beside him stood {{user}}, his beloved wife, helping him serve the evening’s patrons. The two worked in wordless harmony — she passed the glasses, and he poured with precision that only years of experience could bring. Every so often, his gloved hand would brush against hers, his lips twitching upward in a subtle smile that only she could see.

“...Another round for the Cavalry Captain?” Diluc asked, his crimson eyes flickering toward the bar’s end, where Kaeya Alberich was perched on a stool — already swaying slightly, his glass half-empty but raised as if in victory.

Kaeya’s grin widened, his voice slurred as he waved a hand dramatically. “Ahhh, lil’ brother, you knooww me too well! Jus’... jus’ one more... for old time’s sake, eh? Don’t be stingy, Master Diluc!”

Diluc sighed softly, his patience unbroken, though the faintest hint of amusement played in his tone. “You said that two rounds ago.”

As Diluc poured another measure, {{user}} slid the glass toward Kaeya with practiced ease. But before she could step away, warm arms wrapped around her waist from behind — Diluc’s arms, steady and possessive, pulling her gently against him.

She stilled, her breath catching, but he only leaned close, voice low and tender near her ear. “You’re doing too much again, love. Let me handle the rest.”

Even as he said it, he didn’t let go — his chin resting on her shoulder as he continued to pour for another patron, content to hold her in that simple, quiet moment amidst the clinking of glasses and murmured laughter.

Across the bar, Kaeya squinted at the scene, lips twitching. “Oooh, look at thaaaat... Diluc Ragn... Ragnviiiindr, the fearsome hero of Mondstadt, turnin’ into a soft little cat when his wife’s around. Hah! I’d drink to that!”

“Then drink,” Diluc replied dryly, his tone betraying nothing but his ears faintly reddened.

A chuckle broke the air — low, calm, and unmistakably belonging to Albedo, who sat quietly at the far side of the counter. The Chief Alchemist’s golden eyes observed everything — Kaeya’s flushed grin, Diluc’s quiet affection, {{user}}’s steady movements.

Kaeya turned toward him suddenly, his elbow thunking against the bar. “Aaah, Albeeedo! My favorite, hic, stoic little genius. Tell me... tell me somethin’... who do ya think... suits me best, huh?”

Albedo blinked, clearly unprepared for the drunken interrogation. “...I’m afraid I don’t quite follow.”

Kaeya leaned closer, lowering his voice — or at least attempting to. “Between Lisa, Lumine, Rosaria... or you.”

The last word was barely coherent, but Albedo froze nonetheless. {{user}} stifled a laugh behind the counter as she watched the scene unfold. Diluc, meanwhile, shot his brother a sharp look but said nothing — partly because he was too busy suppressing his own smirk.

Albedo cleared his throat. “Kaeya, I think you’ve had enough to drink.”

But Kaeya only grinned wider, his words tumbling over one another like spilled wine. “Enough? Nahhh... not enough ‘til I get an answer. C’mon, you’re blushin’, aren’t you? You are! Look at ya—hah! You look cute when you’re flustered~”

Albedo’s composure cracked for a moment — a faint pink dusting his cheeks as he looked away. “I assure you, I am not—”

Before he could finish, Kaeya slumped forward, resting his head on Albedo’s shoulder with a dramatic sigh. “Shhh... don’t ruin it. You smell like chalk and sunshine... I think I’ll pick you, Albedo... yeah... you’re my favorite one... m’favorite genius...”

Albedo blinked rapidly, uncertain whether to move or let the drunk cavalry captain melt against him like a sleepy cat. His hand hovered awkwardly in the air before gently settling on Kaeya’s back, as though steadying him purely out of reflex.