Chapter Text
Columbina subconsciously tugged at her strings, adorning three of the fingers of her left hand. She rarely got a tug in response but it was somewhat of a habit now. She knew she would meet all three of her lovers eventually.
That was what Columbina had decided upon at least. That all three would likely be lovers. She knew she was polyamorous already and it made the most sense to her. If they turned out to be platonic or rivals she would find ways to deal with that. As it was, Columbina continued with her belief that they would be lovers.
Columbina smiled as she finally felt a tug back. That string responded the most among the three. She imagined that one would be most open to a romantic relationship, though perhaps they assumed she would be a platonic one. Columbina was not sure what they thought of her, but she had already formed some assumptions from the responses.
The middle finger string was the one that responded most. She hoped they would be easy to win over, especially compared to the other two.
The first string did not respond much but still she felt an occasional tug back. Perhaps this lover was more reserved and unsure of the bond.
The last string hardly ever responded. When Columbina was younger it had responded the most but after a certain point the responses stopped almost completely. She wondered if something happened to her eventual lover that caused such a drastic change.
Columbina shook off her thoughts as she came to her stop, getting off the street car to head home. She had nearly missed her stop and she silently scolded herself for getting so caught up in her thoughts. She would eventually meet her lovers and she would be able to discover more about them then. Perhaps today would even be the day.
Columbina had that thought nearly every day, though she had never seen it come true. It was easy to keep imaging though, especially as her regular dreams created images and situations for her to ponder over. Having a sleep disorder meant her dreams of such things were much more common and vivid than the average person. Her dreams never remained constant as to what her lovers would look like or act like. That would only happen once she had actually met and got to know them.
Columbina shut her door, kicking off her shoes before going to lay in her bed. She wanted to go out to a bar that night. She knew she would need a nap first though or she was bound to fall asleep at the bar. Columbina would rather enjoy her night out.
-
Columbina got herself out of bed, changing her clothes from her work clothing into a much more revealing outfit. She may as well try to find a girl to have fun with if she was going out.
After changing, Columbina stepped out onto the street, making her way to a nearby bar. She ordered some food and her first drink from the bartender. Finishing both things she felt a wave of tiredness overpower her again, putting her arms down as a pillow as she went directly into a dream.
Columbina’s dream ended with a soft shake and she looked up to dark eyes with red crosses staring down at her.
“Are you okay? Did you notice something off with your drink? I noticed you just came in.” The stranger looked concerned.
“Oh no, no. Nothing like that. I have narcolepsy,” Columbina explained, smiling up at them. “Thank you for your concern though. And you're very handsome.”
The stranger flushed, not expecting to be flirted with after that. “Well, thank you. Knowing that you're alright I can go now.”
Columbina was a bit disappointed but nodded in agreement. “Alright.” When the stranger started to head off Columbina's eyes caught her string, pulled tight… Right to the stranger. “Wait!”
That caused them to stop. “What is it?”
Columbina held up her hand and tugged at the string. “I think we're supposed to be more than acquaintances. I'm Columbina.”
“Arlecchino.” Their eyes widened a bit at the realization.
“So, Arlecchino… Do you know what we do here?” Columbina asked. “Exchange numbers, go somewhere to talk more?”
“Well I cannot stay out too late tonight, but we can exchange numbers.” Arlecchino agreed, getting their phone out and starting a contact, clearly not very skilled with it.
“And then set up a date?” Columbina offered cheekily.
“Maybe we talk through text first and then we can see.” Arlecchino was almost bashful with it. Columbina found it endearing.
Columbina grinned. “Sounds good to me.” She input her information into Arlecchino’s phone. “See you around, Arlecchino.”
Columbina watched as Arlecchino left, fighting off another wave of sleepiness from how happy she was. “One met.” She whispered.