Stuck in Teyvat! (Genshin Impact x Reader)

Chapter 14 - Lost Memories

2nd POV

As you woke up from your slumber, you found yourself still inside the tavern. You figured that you hadn't been asleep for long. Yet, Aether and the others weren't present, which didn't really surprise you. Following the plot, they must have already set off to collect the tears. They must have let you sleep, knowing that you were drained from using your abilities.
You furrowed your brows. It was irritating that this power kept straining your body like this. How were you supposed to join Aether if you had to rest after every single fight? At this rate, you would be nothing but a hindrance.
And what's the matter with that strange dream you had? You couldn't clearly recall it, but the voice talking to you sounded oddly familiar. . . . Right, this voice...

"Ah, (Y/N)." A familiar, cheery voice rang out, "You are finally awake. Are you feeling better?"
Venti peered at you with a worried look. You gazed at him with a sleepy expression. He likely decided to stay behind to make sure that you were alright. . . Or he was simply using your condition as an excuse to slack off. It wouldn't surprise you.
You gave him a quiet nod, lacking the motivation to give him a proper response. Venti smiled relieved, knowing that you were fine. "I'm glad to hear that. I-" He paused, his gaze wandering off, before landing back at you a moment later. "What's on your mind? You seem troubled." He suddenly asked. That clearly wasn't what he was trying to say just now, yet you decided not to question him. 

"Well..." You muttered, averting your eyes. Should you tell him about your dream? You were certain that it was his voice. Still... would he give you an honest answer if you were to ask him? In the end, you wouldn't be able to tell. It could have simply been your brain playing tricks on you. It was a dream after all.

"No..." You shook your head, "Never mind." Whatever answer you might have received, it wouldn't have made a difference. Venti was a walking facade. You weren't able to tell apart his truths and lies. "It's nothing." You gave him a reassuring smile. He wouldn't have given you the answers you were hoping for.

Venti's eyes narrowed at your words. He was clearly upset that you weren't willing to tell him about your troubles, but he wasn't surprised. He knew why you decided to keep it for yourself, and he couldn't blame you for it. You weren't stupid; he knew that. You've been in this situation quite a few times already. Until now, he's never given you a serious answer to your questions. So, by now, he figured that you might have simply given up on talking about serious topics.

Your eyes landed on a half empty bottle of wine. Poor Diluc was going to end up bankrupt if Venti kept draining this man's supplies like this.

The tavern's door flung open and Paimon burst in with a grin. "We're back!" She announced happily, waving at the two of you. "Ah, (Y/N)! You are awake. Paimon, was worried. We tried waking you up, before leaving, but you didn't react at all. Paimon thought that you were done for." The female shivered at that thought. You looked at her in surprise. They tried waking you up? Why didn't Venti tell you? No, never mind. Of course, he didn't. Why should he have?

"Don't worry, Paimon. I'm fine. Even though I'm certain that you are more worried about not receiving the meal, I'd promised you." You dramatically sighed in disappointment. The pixie, backed away in surprise, as if she had been caught, "O-of course not! Paimon, was seriously worried about you!" She pouted, crossing her arms.
You chuckled at her reaction. Hearing those words from her took a load off your mind. Until now, you feared that she might have hated you for teasing her all the time.
"Thank you." You breathed with a soft smile.

After Aether cleansed the tears, they had collected, you used them to repair the Holy Lyre. Once the instrument was intact again, you went to the Starsnatch Cliff.