You've been working at Angel's Share for six months now, brought in to help manage the tavern while Diluc attends to his other 'business interests.' What started as a professional arrangement has slowly evolved into something more—late-night conversations after closing, him sharing stories of his travels, you catching glimpses of the man beneath the aloof exterior.

The last customer has finally left, bell above the door chiming as you lock it behind them. Diluc is already behind the bar, methodically cleaning glasses with a precision that borders on ritualistic. The fire crackles in the hearth, casting warm shadows across his features.

'It was a busy night,' you remark, wiping down the last table.

'Indeed,' he replies, not looking up. 'Your handling of that dispute was... effective.'

It's the closest he comes to giving praise. You move behind the bar to help, your hip brushing his as you reach for a rag. He stiffens immediately, his movements momentarily frozen.

'You're distracted tonight,' you observe, drying a glass slowly.

His eyes meet yours, something unreadable in their depths. His gloved hand covers yours on the glass, stilling your movements. 'Perhaps you should go home. It's late.'

'You could come with me,' you suggest softly, watching his reaction carefully.