Falling Doesn't Feel So Bad (Tartaglia x Reader)

Chapter 13

In the days following that little episode, Y/N decided it would be for the best if she took a little break from Liyue.

She packed a small bag and set off early in the morning. 'Finally, some time to myself.' She thought, as the bridge to Mondstadt came into view. Seagulls were scattered on the path into the City of Freedom, they flew away fast enough when they saw the approaching girl.

With a welcoming smile from both the guards at the gates, Y/N stepped into Mondstadt. She hadn't been here in so long, and yet the atmosphere was the same as she remembered. Light music was playing from shops in the city and there was a comfortable buzz of civilians going about their daily business. Ascending the steps to the inn she was going to be staying at, Y/N noticed that some people were giving her odd looks.

"Y/N? Is that you?"

Her head snapped in the direction of the first shop on the left. There was a girl with black silky hair, cut into a bob waving at Y/N. It took her a minute to remember, then it came flooding back. When she had first received her vision, Y/N went back to Mondstadt and talked to the receptionist at the adventures' guild, it was there that she learned just how difficult it would be to become part of the organization. Katheryne gave the girl all the tips she needed, and now after all these years, Y/N had finally returned.

"Archons, how you've grown up!" The woman exclaimed, coming out from behind the stand and pulling YN into a bone crushing hug. The younger girl laughed in joy and returned the hug.

"It's been forever! How have you been?"

"I've been great! Busy as ever, lots of new adventurers have joined so I'm kept on my toes. I remember hearing quite a few years ago that you made it into the Liyue adventure guild, now look at you! Everyone in all of Teyvat knows your name!"

Y/N felt her cheeks heat up at the praise she was receiving. "I owe a lot of it to you Katheryna, all those tips you gave me came in very helpful."

The older woman scoffed and gave Y/N a small, playful slap on the wrist.

"Don't be so modest Y/N, you did all the work, I'm so happy it all worked out for you. If things were going well though, then why have you decided to come back to Mondstadt? Are you just visiting or do you have business here?"

For a moment the girl pondered, trying to come up with a believable excuse as to why she left Liyue for a bit.

"All the quests and commissions in Liyue for the next couple of weeks are too easy for me to do apparently! Katheryn in Liyue said 'Give the other adventurers a chance'. And so here I am. I'll be staying here for the next while, I was kind of hoping you would have some commissions or quests for me?"

Katheryn was chuckling light heartedly at Y/N. She could still see the young girl she met all those years ago in Y/N, but there was also something else. It was clear something sinister had happened to her, her once soft E/C eyes had become sad and tired looking. However, Katheryn knew it wasn't her place to pry and Y/N probably wouldn't want to talk about it anyways, so she dropped it.

"Come to me whenever you feel like it Y/N, I'm sure I can find you some commission or quest to do while you stay here."

Y/N grinned at Katheryn, "Thank you so much! Now, I'm feeling a little bit tired after that journey, so I might head to my hotel room."

The older woman gave the girl a soft smile, "That's a good idea Y/N. Rest up and take it easy. I'll see you soon, great to finally see you again kiddo."

With a final hug, Y/N left Katheryn behind and made her way to the hotel she would be staying in. From her hotel room she could hear cheers and chatter from the building next door, which she assumed to be a pub. Y/N had spotted the sign on her way into the reception, 'Angels Share' was the name of the pub.

'I'll pay that place a visit while I'm here, what harm could it be?'

Y/N sighed and sat down on her bed, she had finally put the clothes she had packed in their allocated drawers. Her H/C locks were damp from the shower she took a little while ago, but she had never felt so refreshed. The stars outside the widow were shining beautifully, small shining dots in a sea of darkness.

The girl stood up and walked over to the outfit she had laid out earlier. It wasn't anything to fancy, just a basic evening dress that showed her figure a little more than her adventurers' clothes normally would, perfect for a night out. Once she had dried her hair fully and gotten ready, Y/N took a quick glance at herself in the mirror and smiled.

'I feel pretty.'

The pub was packed with locals, so it was no surprise when Y/N received a few odd looks the moment she looked in.

A seat was free right at the bar, so she sat down next to this tall looking man dressed in blue.

"My oh my, I surely would have remembered someone as beautiful as you if you were a local." A smooth deep voice drawled. Y/N's eyes met a pair of blue teal ones. A blush made it's way onto the girls face as she took in the man before her. His hair was navy, silky and long, his skin smooth, void of any blemishes. One eye was watching Y/N with playful interest and the other was covered by an eye patch. She took note of the charming mans cryo vision, which was hooked onto a belt around his waist.

"I'm from Liyue, just here on a little erm.... work trip shall we say?"

The man chuckled, his voice was so velvety, Y/N didn't want him to stop speaking.

"Ah I see, well then....."

"Y/N."

"Well then Y/N, it'd be my honor to show a lady as pretty as yourself around Mondstadt."

Y/N giggled, this man really was something else. "I'd like that a lot." She smiled gently. He returned the smile but then his eyes widened.

"Wait... Y/N... as in Y/N L/N?" He questioned in surprise.

"Yep, that's me." Y/N exclaimed. Immediately his eyes lit up in excitement.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Y/N! I've heard so many things about you!"

"Nice to meet you to, oh archons! Where are my manners? What's your name?"

"My name is Kaeya."