A/N: This is my gift to @genshin-latte from the secret santa we had on a discord server~ It’s mostly fluff and the reader + Diluc messing around, but I hope you like it!
Word Count: 600+
“You’re going to get sick if you stay out too long, you know.”
You turn around to address the redhead, playfulness entering your voice. “You think I’d give in to the cold this easily? I’m hurt - I’ll have you know I spend my days adventuring, so this is nothing.”
“Even so,” Diluc makes his way toward you, exiting the doors of the manor. “The cider is ready.”
Humming, you nod as if that explains everything. “I see. In that case I’ll comply for the sake of the drinks, we wouldn’t want them to get cold.”
“I’m honored for your consideration.” He shakes his head, but not without the hint of a smile. “It’s one of our specialties year-round, but is especially popular for this season. If it doesn’t agree with your palette for whatever reason, however, we can always change to hot chocolate.”
“A child’s drink, huh?” You duck into the warmth of the building with Diluc, tapping your chin. “Well, it is a universal favourite for a reason. I definitely wouldn’t mind feeling a bit nostalgic.”
“Just a bit?” Diluc almost scoffs. “I’d say you’re living life as freely as any youth.”
You place a hand over your heart in mock-hurt, though part of you has to admit that it’s nice to see him joking along. “In that case, I’d be living true to Mondstadt’s ideals, wouldn’t I? The city of freedom and wine…” You start to check off the points on your fingers. “Freedom, check. And wine…” A look is cast around your surroundings, then finally falling on DIluc. “I’d say that’s checked off as well. You are the owner of all this, after all.”
This time he does scoff, trapping your hands with his own. They’re gloved as usual, but the contact is still distracting. “Nice to know I’ve been reduced to that.”
You can’t help but laugh as you look up at him, near enough that you notice the crimson in his eyes. “You’re the one that called me a child!”
“I never said that,” Throughout the banter, you’ve both leaned closer to one-another. “Though now that you have, I won’t deny it either.”
Diluc interrupts you before you can retort, sealing your thoughts with a short kiss. It tastes vaguely of grapes, and you wonder in your fuzzy state if the cider was getting cold. Though practically speaking, the fireplace and his presence is more than enough to keep you warm.
How unfair. You think as he leads you to the couches, hands still linked. You distracted me.
Even in the crisp winter, the scent of wine drifts about the estate. This time it’s accompanied by that of pine and spices; however you’re still unsure of who decided this year called for a tree. (In light of your presence, the staff managed to convince Diluc it’d be nice to decorate. But looking at things now, they seemed to be enjoying this more than either of you.)
You’re pleasantly surprised by a plate of baked treats next to your drinks. It certainly did feel festive, settling next to Diluc while surrounded by all this.
You look at him to say something, only to notice the expression he’s wearing.
Cheesy, Diluc eyes the decorations around you, then the snacks. This whole place… Why did I allow them to do as they wished?
Suppressing a smile, you take a sip of the cider, noting the delicate dance of sweet and tart flavours. A glance between the cookies and Diluc is all it takes for him to give you a look.
“Not a word. I didn’t ask for them.”
You nod, hiding your expression behind your mug. “It’s rather cute though, especially the sugar hearts and gingerbread men.”
He sighs, taking one for himself. “I suppose as long as no one else witnesses this, it’s fine.”
It would be fun to tease Diluc, but having a moment to yourselves was nice.
Yeah, you decide, taking another bite. This wouldn’t be too bad of a secret.