Archive of Our Own

Sandrone had 'died'.

Or to be more accurate, all her functions had ceased that night the frost moon was brought down from the real sky into Teyvat's false sky. She utterly failed to see the look of defeat on Dottere's face as her formula succeeds, has failed to see Columbina return... Even though she accounted for all of that possibility happening, it still twisted something within her chest, and left an almost bitter taste in her mouth.

At least it's guaranteed that Columbina will return. It should be.

Her calculations had never failed her before... Except whenever it involves a certain stupid dove.

Those were her thoughts as she lied there at the side of the battlefield like a discarded doll. She can vividly feel, and see each one of her modules giving up as time passed by, all her processes coming to a halt one by one as more error popups came into her view... And yet, her last bit of processing power is still being spent at the thought of that girl. Yes, that's why her plan has to succeed, otherwise all of this would seem even more stupid.

Her mind scrambled to search for a certain memory on moon prayer night, the image of that hug and the ghost touch it left until to this moment, still burning her everything.

I'll miss you too, Columbina... I'll... Miss you ugh...

She should've hug back. She should've said that stupid melodrama and sentimental nonsense right in front of her even if her pride and ego were to take a hit. At least I would've seen her laugh. She should've run after her, not simply watch her leaving back. What's the use of having motor control if she doesn't use it for times like that? The use of her vocal module, when she can't even speak her mind?

So many what ifs, and all so useless.

She does have a backup plan, but while it's a guarantee that both her and Pulonia's core will certainly be used again to built 'them'... Would it still be them? The possibility of data loss is high, and while that possibility almost made her think of simply trashing her core to forever remain asleep, she decided not to, all for that small glimmer of chance.

A chance so small it almost rendered herself speechless because despite her reasoning, against all odds, a large part of her was desperate to still try.

All because she wants to return, and to see that stupid face again... And above all else...

Columbina... Don't you dare cry for me.

... Forget me.

She told Arlecchino not to tell Columbina about her request. Anyone but her, lest she failed and just gives her false hope. If that happens, then that would be more than humiliation she can endure. Telling her about her backup plan, only for it to not work... Or it might work, but not in the way she wants. The thought of them reuniting as she face Columbina with no memory makes her wants to crawl away from somewhere to anywhere. Anywhere but in front of her.

Because wouldn't she just be hurting that girl if she were to return with no memory?

Or would it at least offer some comfort to have her back, 'alive' once again? If that were to happen, would you stay by my side Columbina? And bother me still?

But whatever happens, she won't even know if she can't remember.

Amidst the darkness, Sandrone had the illusion of someone calling Columbina's name, then a familiar voice, calling hers. She felt a familiar warmth embracing her, and as strange as it is, she felt home. Hah... Where even is home?

With a flicker of processing power left, a conversation between her and Columbina played into her mind.

"How about you, Sandrone? What sort of place would you like to live in?"

"What?"

"You asked me that question before, but I also want to hear your answer."

"... Somewhere quiet, where I can do my research freely and in peace."

"Hmm, if I behave myself, will you take me with you?"

"What... What are you trying to say?!"

Alain. Sandrone called his name in her mind. Her creator... Her father, was it? She might have an answer to his question now, but just like how she won't be able to answer him right in front of his face anymore, she also won't have a chance to fulfill that newfound wish of hers. Just like how her first ever desire for that man to get well was never fulfilled. This must be what it means to have the toughest luck. Lousiest work and toughest luck... She has long forgotten who said that to her, but this time, at least let the former be false and the latter be true.

Whoever told her that must be someone memorable at least, but why can't she remember, she wondered. Must be someone from the Fatui either way. The Fatui...

It wasn't a place she would call home, but sometimes, it did feel like one, not just because of Columbina but also because of Arlecchino, Rosalyn, and the others.

It's something I'll never admit even in death, and here I am, 'dying'.

But... Rosalyn went away first, returning only as as an empty casket. Then, Capitano. He liked dragging Childe with him to her tea parties, but when he decided to finally make Natlan his resting place, Childe started to voluntary invites himself, and then... Columbina went away, whereabouts unknown.

Columbina did tell her about her plan of leaving, and she advised her against doing it only for that stupid girl to not listen. But it's inevitable. A cage made of ice should no longer hold back a beautiful dove, instead she should fly free where she wants to roam.

So Sandrone simply watched, until she couldn't anymore. It was like fighting a losing battle, the conclusion she's been denying, finally catching up to her.

She cared about those tea parties more than she let on. She saw Rosalyn and the others as friends, and was devastated to see them go one by one. So when even Columbina went away, she could no longer pretend.

In the first place, in front of that girl, whatever facade of indifference she has is definitely useless. Everything crumbled when the possibility of losing Columbina for good made it's presence known. That girl can fly wherever she wish as long as she's alive... And happy, but to watch her fly to an unknown abyss? Sandrone would...

Would what?

Even she would use the pretext of saving the world to save her? Hah. At the same time, she found herself asking if that's all there is to it because she knows what she don't like, and she certainly wouldn't like the world to just end like that, certainly not because she's kind or whatever, but because unexpectedly, his wold managed to have things she can't let go. Alain's first wish was to travel, then his second was to save the world — the second one being something she used to scoffed at, and yet, despite that, and despite her questioning Alain once if she should inherit that will of him only to be denied, in the end, look where her end led her.

Really... It's all stupid. All of these thoughts. If she could, she'd really like to blame all of it on that girl.

Columbina, don't you dare forget me.

...Think of me even if just once.

—"Sandrone, I'm hungry." Sandrone stopped, her body immediately turning towards that voice.

Columbina appeared by the door, looking as graceful as ever. The mask was in placed on her face, and as she made her way towards them, Sandrone immediately nodded towards the researcher, "Go now." — who immediately left the room. She watched him leave without even throwing back a glance. Good. Their conversation was done anyway, she just finished giving her instructions.

"I'm sorry, did I interrupt you two?" Columbina hovered near her, and when Sandrone looked at her again, the mask was already gone.

"No." She simply said, "And if you're hungry, why look for me?" She made her way towards the set of table and chairs in the room. A table and two chairs, how convenient. Pulling one of the chair out, she gave Columbina a look. Smiling at her, Columbina floated towards her then sat at the chair she pulled.

"Thank you, Sandrone."

It's because you just stood there!

Sandrone said nothing despite the ticklish feeling those words gave her. She sat down on the chair opposite of Columbina, her hands immediately moving to serve them coffee.

"I thought you might have baked something but other than that, I want to eat with you." Columbina said and the hand holding the teacup shook a little, almost unnoticeable.

"Clearly, I didn't bake anything. If you wanted me to bake something for you, then you should've told me." She put the teapot down, pushing Columbina's teacup towards her. Wait... That sounds like I'll bake whenever she wants me to...

"If I tell you, willl you really do it for me, Sandrone?" Columbina blinked her eyes at her innocently, and Sandrone swear she could see a bit of mischief in there, but it was being covered by those shining eyes that resembles the sky when in it's most beautiful color.

"Hah! As if. It will only work if I'm also in the mood to bake something." She looked away. It should be the truth, but as those words left her lips, and as Columbina continue to look at her with those eyes, those words felt nothing but lies.

Columbina smiled, "Then I hope you'll always be in the mood to bake, after all, I love everything you make."

"Of course, I expect nothing less. It's me who made them after all." She heard herself replying almost automatically.

This might be dream.

Sandrone thought for who knows how many does this make. Ironic, considering that she doesn't even dream. But isn't all of this too good to be true? While she literally could recall the memory of her 'death' vividly as if it just happened a second ago because it's finally stored again in her data storage, it just... Feels like that. One moment, she was 'dying', then the next second, Columbina was embracing her confused self who haven't completely recovered her memory yet, then next...

Sandrone felt a poke on her left cheek and she immediately looked up, blinking, "What?"

Instinctively, a hand raised up to caress the cheek where Columbina had poked her. She frowned. Despite the burning feeling it left, the culprit in front of her simply smiled, "Back to earth?"

Sandrone had the illusion that besides the finger Columbina used to poke her cheeks, she used another, but this one poked her right into her core. Because it's irritating!

It this what it means to survive death? Now she has to survive Columbina?

"... I'll be able to finish my business soon. We'll leave for Natlan tomorrow morning, so be prepared."

Columbina nodded, "That's nice. I'm excited to travel with you. Hmm.. Then I'll walk around Fontaine for a while, I might see something we can bring with us on our travel." She stood up, looking bouncier than usual, "I want to go with you but... I know you'll be busy. I'll just buy something for you." She sounded disappointed when she said the first part of the sentence, but also immediately cheered up. Sandrone raised an eyebrow at her. Hah... When did you even learn to be so considerate?

Then she skipped over to Sandrone's side.

Sandrone tensed up, "What?"

"Can I have a kiss?" Columbina didn't betray her expectations of her this time. The girl tilted her head a little to the side, her gaze now glued to Sandrone's face who's entire face quickly burned hot. She almost recoiled for no reason but she didn't, her mind scrambling to find any coherent thought or words she could use.

"You—!" She attempted to start, but the next words just disappeared. She... She just... Ugh, Columbina!

"Oh. We can't?" Columbina backed away a little, only a little. Her gaze remained on Sandrone, who then caught sight of the feather on top of that head, limping a little when those words were said. Sandrone gritted her teeth. Columbina knows. She definitely knows she can't stand that stupid tone of hers and that feather! It's both like a challenge, or a provocation. Stupid, stupid, stupid... No! Don't fall for it!

However, just as Columbina was about to take another step back, Sandrone reached out to hold her wrist.

"Who said that? Whatever, do your worst. At least you had the mind to ask this time." Did I dug my own grave by implying last time that she should warn me first before... Before doing something like this? She lifted her chin up a little, closing her eyes. 1 second passed... 2, then 3... 4... She opened one eye to see just what's taking this girl so long, only to be met with Columbina's eyes. Sandrone's eyes widened, but the kiss quickly came. The touch there felt as soft as ever, leaving a ghost touch that makes her want to bite her own lips.

Columbina pulled away as quickly as she leaned in, as if knowing the fury that would soon erupt because of what she did, "See you later, Sandrone."

Then she bounced away, leaving Sandrone to watch her leaving back and the closing of the door.

Columbina!

Sandrone screamed in her mind, but in reality, she remained silent, her hand automatically raising to cover her lips. It's not even real skin, and yet... How can a touch linger this much?

She shook her head. Go away, useless thoughts. Really... All of this feels unreal. She never believed in miracles, only in statistics and data, and yet, what is this if not a miracle? To be sitting here, with all of her memory finally intact once more. Granted, her memory were lacking when she came into being again and it was truly a stroke of luck and miracle that the some memories related to Columbina which she stored in her inner core survived.

She woke up and then the first thing she saw were those memories, and her name, playing like a malfunctioning radio in her mind. Columbina. Columbina Hyposelenia. Colum... bina.

Of course, it was a disaster when they saw each other again with her memory still not fully intact, but... Here they are now. Alain. See for yourself what your technology has granted me. Even after all of that chaos, she still managed to return to that girl's side.

"Sometimes, it feels... hotter whenever you kiss me on the lips, Sandone."

Sandrone almost choked on her coffee, her head whipping left and right despite the awareness that both her and Columbina are currently at their hotel room in Natlan. They just arrived earlier this day after she finished tying up all the loose ends of her business in Fontaine, so the moment they entered the room, Sandrone expected to see Columbina immediately lie down on the bed, and lie down she did, and then she also threw that statement which almost burned her circuits.

Hotter... Kiss... What!

With her hands shaking a little, Sandrone put the teacup back down on the table, "Columbina! Watch your words for Teyvat's sake! You can't just say that!"

From lying on her chest with her elbows propping her up, Columbina turned around to lie on her back while still facing Sandrone, "What is there to watch out for?" The mask on her face has vanished again the moment they entered the room, and Sandrone has to face that stupid and innocent face and eyes without any hindrance.

"That nonesense about getting... Getting hotter whenever I... You know!" Sandrone's face burned despite not sustaining any damage.

The culprit, however, remained as serene and confused as ever, "But... It's true. Whenever our lips touch, it feels warm on the chest, but also ticklish... Almost like it leaves me wanting for a more... closer and intimate contact." Columbina narrates, as if seriously pondering why she feels that way. The frown that decorated her face didn't wear down her face but blinded Sandrone more instead.

"Stop!" Stop before you say even more outrageous things!

But of course, as always, instead of listening to her, Columbina sat up, staring at her for a brief moment before asking, "Can we kiss?" Stupid question, stupid eyes, stupid Columbina!

Sandrone can't figure out why, but she feels more flustered than usual. It must be because of that stupid thing she said!

"No!" She answered almost automatically, but Columbina got up from the bed and walked towards the table where she was sitting. Watching her, Sandrone forced her brain to shut up as it kept telling her to move. She does want to, but for some reason unknown, which seems to be the norm with this girl, her brain and motor control seems to be completely misaligned with one another.

Before she could form a more coherent thought, Columbina was already in front of her.

Without any warning, the girl plopped down on the floor, resting her head on Sandrone's lap as she looks up, "Really no?"

This has to be on purpose!

The physical contact burned. Columbina's hair felt ticklish on her skin, but more than that, her thoughts were reduced to nothing. Sandrone wanted to hiss, but being looked at by those eyes, all she could do was stare back and utter a weak, "Fine. Do whatever you want, just stop talking nonsense."

Columbina practically beamed at that, and Sandrone would've glared at her more if the next course of events didn't shook her core because Columbina stood up and placed herself... In her lap. In my lap?! Sandrone eyes widened, and feeling the hands holding on to her neck, she froze even further.

What... What is this position?

She forced herself to calm down. Surely, this is nothing. There's absolutely no reason why she should panic. It's not like this is their 1st kiss. Ever since Columbina kissed her when they first reunited again in Fontaine's Research Institute, she never stopped asking for a kiss every time she felt like it, and every time, Sandrone would burn with embarrassment, would try to refuse, but will end up saying yes, then the cycle repeats. Sometimes though, the cycle breaks, and it's Sandrone who then initiates the kiss.

Only sometimes! Especially when Columbina won't shut up!

"Sandrone, hug me." Said girl whispered in her ears. It gave her the feeling of things... crawling right into her core and stomach. Not uncomfortable. Not discomfort, but... Panicking, embarrassing...

How is she even this energetic?! Isn't she supposed to be tired?!

After all when this girl went back from walking yesterday, she brought a lot of things with her, even handing her a bottle shaped like her with her face on it. Sandrone had looked at that bottle as if it was her greatest enemy while Columbina narrated how she met this cool female artist who make custom bottles.

Then... They had lunch together, but it was in the afternoon when Columbina told her that she'll briefly go visit the Frost Moon Scion. Briefly... As if Fontaine and Nod-krai isn't separated by vast stretches of ocean. Good for her, for being a Moon Goddess.

After asking her a bunch of questions, and giving her multiple warnings and reminders, Sandrone had sent her away with a glare. After that, she returned her focus on her own work, further letting herself drown in things she quickly wanted done lest they couldn't start their travel tomorrow. At times however, she found her self distracted at the thought of Columbina. Only at times!

It was 8 in the evening when Columbina returned, bringing with her even more things Sandrone had no idea where to put. It's a good thing I built Pulonia quickly again. Unfortunately for Sandrone, even when the clock hit the start of a new day, she's still stuck at her table, but the unfortunate part isn't that but the fact that Columbina insisted  on staying up late with her. It was only around 2 in the morning that she finished up all her work. So they slept, woke up at 4 in the morning, then went straight to Natlan with Pulonia who Sandrone left outside the door.

"Sandrone." A kiss on the cheek burned her, her attempt to distract her mind burning along with it.

"Shut up! I will!" Hesitantly, Sandrone raised her hands to hug Columbina. Her palm pressed flat on her sides, not firm, just... Existing and almost hovering, "Happy now?" She grumbled.

"Yes, very." Another kiss on the cheek as if to tell her she did good. Sandrone made a noise that couldn't be described with words.

Now, everything truly is in fire. Her brain, this usually cold husk, all because of the body in front of her, touching her wherever she please, and kissing her whenever and wherever she wants. Stupid... Doing whatever she wants, and she too, stupid, letting her do whatever she wants. Because they're lovers now. The thought of that word alone can still send her brain into a frenzy. Her hold on Columbina's waist tightened. Then what's wrong with me also doing what I want?

Sandrone burried her head into Columbina's shoulder, muttering, "It's not only you who feel hotter, idiot." She then feel the girl stiffened. She pulled away but let her hands remain where they belong.

The sight that welcomed her stunned her.

Columbina's gaze were downcast, her usually pale and flawless skin, painted in striking red. What? Sandrone blinked her eyes, having suspicions that it's malfunctioning because how can this girl react like this just because of what she said?

"Sandrone... I don't know why, but hearing you say that made me feel more... restless." Hearing that, Sadrone gritted her teeth, wanting to curse. What? What the hell... Who's the more restless one here, she wonders. That should be my line!

After all, it's still a huge mystery how on earth can this girl make her feel things she's not even supposed to feel? Let's admit it now, yes, Sandrone has an emotion module which Alain said and she will quote, is optimal, but while that alone shouldn't guarantee to make her feel human, she has... humanity. She can feel emotions... And she does have friends... She learned the feeling of sadness, happiness, hate, even guilt, she now know too, but love? That intense emotion similar to the one that pushed Alain and Rene to reach their goal even at the cost themselves? Even then, it might not even be the same thing.

But it's undeniable — what she did for that emotion called love.

"Do you even hear yourself? You sound like...  You sound like you want us to touch each other more, like you want more than a kiss." Sandrone said, almost whispering.

Columbina blinked, "More than a kiss..." She said, as if analyzing the words, then she nodded, "Yes, that's it. I want to do more, Sandrone. If it's like that... Would we touch each other the way humans do when they perform the ritual for creating a new life?" She genuinely sounded curious and interested. Sandrone on the other hand, was completely baffled.

What... Ritual...

Sandrone's face continued to burn, whether it's purely because of embarrassment though or also because of some kind of fury she can't describe, she can't tell, "Columbina—you... ! You're not seriously calling that a ritual, are you? And again, are you hearing yourself?!" Sandrone had the urge to hold her shoulders instead and shake her hard because despite her sensors telling her that all her functions are stable and working, she's still having a hard time believing that they're really talking about something so intimate. Not just talking...

"Of course. If it's with Sandrone... I wouldn't mind doing that too." If Sandrone could die from words alone, then perhaps that statement alone would be enough to kill her, the cause being overheating.

But then, the potential murderer only continued, "I want to touch you, and I also want you to touch me... Is that bad—" Columbina couldn't finish her words, or to be more accurate, Sandrone didn't let her, using both of her hands to cover that lips that likes to spout nonsense. It's not that great of a move, because Sandrone can feel the softness of those lips pressed against her palm, and she immediately thought of taking them off, only to come to the conclusion that it will kill her more if she does take it off.

"Enough." She stated, her gaze unexpectedly holding itself against Columbina's except that it probably looks like she's desperately pleading for her to stop.

Columbina blinked, her gaze observing her closely. Then, she slowly nodded. Sandrone finally brought down her hands, and just when Sandrone both lamented and celebrated the lost of tension, Columbina giggled.

"What?" She asked, her tone bordering on disbelief at the audacity of this girl to laugh after all of that.

In reality, Sandrone had to pressed her lips in a thin line to suppressed a frustrated scream. I can't handle it anymore. It... Burns too much. She thought, but then... But why? How could it feel so satisfying? The contact... This intimicy... Her thoughts only further confirmed that despite being a machine, she's certainly acting very human in the way she's being so conflicting. Perhaps she would come to regret that she stopped Columbina at this moment in the future. But not now.

Another poke on the cheek, "You're skin is red Sandrone, and it's hot."

Sandrone scoffed, then weakly muttered, "Who's fault is that..." Then, she stared at Columbina for a moment, and made a decision.

"Are you serious about what you said earlier?" She asked, but didn't wait for an answer, "You better be, or else I'll really be angry, but think about it more because it's... It's not that simple. Just kissing and doing more than that is very different, you hear? Even this..." With a determined expression, she pulled Columbina closer, the girl letting out a quiet gasp that fueled Sandrone's waning confidence and determination. Then, she allowed one hand to remain on her waist, while the other went behind Columbina's face, then—

Their lips met once more, but this time, the kiss is very different from all the other kiss they had.

It started light, lips pressing to another, until Sandrone lightly traced Columbina's lips with her tongue, the feeling of it, sending a shiver to both of them. Columbina's hands automatically moved to hold Sandrone's shoulders, her lips opening a little to due to surprise, and that's all Sandrone needed, and soon, the surprise turned into a soft surrender. Sandrone took full advantage of the opening, her tongue exploring with deliberate, slow intensity, a huge contrast to her temper. The soft sigh that left Columbina's lips against Sandrone's made surviving all the chaos earlier worth it.

Columbina's hold on Sandrone's shoulders tightened, pulling her closer, and instinctively, Sandrone also did the same, her hand that was on Columbina's face, going to the back of Columbina's neck.

For a moment, it felt like there was only two existence in the world. Her and Columbina. It's an addicting feeling. That thought, and this kiss, and Columbina. Perhaps the future I mentioned earlier where I would come to regret my actions is now.

Even then, feeling Columbina tapping her shoulder lightly, she pulled away. She then caught a brief sight of Columbina's red face, a rare embarrassed expression, before the girl let herself seemingly fall on her arms, hiding her face on her neck as her hands move to Sandrone's back, pulling her into a tighter hug.

Sandrone could hear Columbina's uneven breathing, the hard thump of her heart, and the warmth of her skin, reminding her that all of this is real.

I... Don't need air the way you do, nor do I have a human heart. I also don't have the warmth you carry.

And yet, she can somehow feel all of those clearly right at this moment that she's not sure anymore if it's only because of the girl in her arms or if she somehow magically manifested all of that in her as well.

"... Unfair." Columbina suddenly said, her breathing now calm, "You stopped me, but you did all of that, wouldn't that just make me want more?" Sandrone also let her head lean on Columbina, her hands moving to hug her waist.

"... No. Think about it more." Sandrone didn't change her mind, but she's already missing whatever they had earlier. Stupid. Stupid Columbina. Do you think it's only you? I... Also want you to touch me. I also want to touch you more. But... she still couldn't help but think about the possibility of all this just being Columbina's whims. Sure, this girl has lots of those, but she's genuine nonetheless. Kind and sincere in all of her actions, even the mischievous ones, but what if Sandrone isn't good enough? What if she makes Columbina regret this?

The issue had never been with Columbina, but her...

— Sandrone felt a sudden sting on her shoulder. Not hard enough to hurt, and even so light that it feels ticklish. What... Did Columbina just bite me?!

Columbina pulled away a little, her gaze clashing into Sandrone's who felt seen under them.

"I will, Sandrone, but... I'm just going to get the same answer over and over again. It'll never change, after all, I love you." Then she smiled before giving her a quick peck on the lips, "But alright, I'll let you run away for now." Ah... Just when I thought the fire can finally die down. In the end, perhaps, it could never be extinguished.

That's... Great.

That day, they spent the whole afternoon sleeping in their hotel room. Sandrone weren't able to use the schedule she made for their 1st day in Natlan. She took into account that they would only be able to look around at noon, but instead of doing so, they just ended up sleeping in because Columbina dragged her with her to bed. Of course, it was Columbina who quick fell asleep first, and then... Within each other's embrace, feeling that warmth and security Sandrone would never trade for anything in the world, she let herself rest.

Sadrone stood there in front of the stove. From the bed, Columbina could see her back, the key spinning steadily. The sight sent a dose of warmth to Columbina's chest that almost made her not want to move. She could just stay there and watch Sandrone until the of time, but if she were to do that then she wouldn't be able to do more than that so she moved in silence but with purpose, making her way towards Sandrone. Peeking from Sandrone's shoulder and confirming that it should be safe, she let herself ambush her into a hug from behind.

Sandrone let out a startled noise, "Columbina!"

"Good morning, Sandrone." She whispered. Slowly, Sandrone also softened in her embrace, and Columbina's hold only tightened on her waist. I missed this. A lot.

"... Morning. Now, could you let go? I'm making breakfast for us here so if you want to help, then go and set up the table." Sandrone said, but she didn't pull away from the hug nor did she push Columbina. She just let her as usual, giving her the choice to do what she wants. Columbina giggled, then leaned in to kiss her cheek before pulling away.

"Of course." Sandrone let out another noise, grumbling to herself as Columbina made her way to to the plate and utensils holder, getting 2 sets of plate, along with a spoon and fork before placing it on the table. Then, she hovered around Sandrone again, asking, "Is there anything else I can do to help?"

"Teacups, and the teapot here. Be careful, it's hot."

"Anything else?"

"Here, take this Gateau Dashbord on the table."

"Anything else?"

"... Check the Garlic Baguette for me in the oven. Just tell me what it looks like."

After 20 minutes or so, the two of them finally sat on the chairs. There are 4 dish on the table, 2 desserts, and 2 savory meal — Sandrone called them Tasses Ragout and Cream of Mushroom Soup. She'll remember them, and of course, Columbina devoured everything while showering Sandrone with praises.

"Slow down."

"But I love everything you make, Sandrone."

"And neither I nor my creations are going anywhere." Columbina beamed at that.

After that, they could finally proceed with the schedule they couldn't do yesterday. They went around everywhere they could for the day; the stadium, then they visited the People of the Spring afterwards and throughout all of that, Columbina was scolded 3 times for almost giving Sandrone a heart attack. Sandrone's words, not mine. First was when she suddenly got surrounded by a swarm of cheerful saurian, second was when she had accidentally stood far too close at the end of the cliff, and third was when she just let herself walk towards the water, wanting to swim. It's definitely more than 3 times...

Then, she insisted on dragging Sandrone with her to join her to one of the springs but not before asking her multiple times if it'll be okay for her to get wet.

Sandrone just got rebuilt... What if something goes wrong?

"Oh, shut up! You're the one who insisted on this so quit worrying, I told you all of my functions are already back to normal." In the end, it was actually Sandrone who had to drag Columbina with her to the spring. Then—

"Sandrone." Columbina hit Sandrone with a splash of water, laughing.

"Ugh, Columbina!" Sandrone tried to shield her face with her hands which of course to no avail. So Columbina had to run away with Sandrone chasing her. At one point however, Columbina tripped on something, then Sandrone tried to catch her only for both of them to fall with Sandrone ending up on top, but instead of getting up immediately, she chose to hug Sandrone, not letting her get up. Then she had a thought that the world truly is both a mysterious and wonderful place, because it's amazing how she can feel so happy doing the most silly things with Sandrone.

And the most mysterious out of all of this is Sandrone actually letting her.

Sandrone... I thought about it too, whether I deserve you.

But she also quickly came to the conclusion that it's a useless thought. Why talk about who's deserving of who, when it's not you who get to decide that? You... Simply decide who you want to spend time with, and if that other person also feels the same way, then that's a great coincidence. The first surprise of her life might have been the moon prayer night, but the second... Or perhaps, the actual first one, was when she met Sanrone, Arlecchino, Rosalyn, and the others in the Fatui, but she failed to realize it then, that she managed to form real, genuine bonds with them.

"Hey! Let go already!" Sandrone struggled to get up, giggling, Columbina finally let go of her. That's fine. Now, she can let go knowing that eventually, they'll return to each other because they're both alive, they have a lot of time, and they both chose each other.

And now, this tool box for Freminet which is definitely the one who could best put such tools to good use, lest she accidentally give it to Lynette to cause chaos.

After that, they proceeded to buy a few more other stuff for the other kids; toys, and a bunch of other souvenirs and natlan local specialties, then they made a stop at a bakery to buy a few boxes of sweets before they went straight to a courier service to have them delivered right away to the house of hearth.

"There, done. As for Nod-krai... Since we're going to make a stop there before heading to Sumeru, then let's just buy a few things a day before we leave." Sandrone said, but Columbina didn't reply.

"What?" Why isn't she saying anything?

But soon, unease turned into embarrassment when Columbina spoke again, giggling, "It's like... we're preparing to take you home to meet my family, Sandrone."

"What... What are you saying!" Sandrone's face immediately burned, "I met Lauma and the others before already!" They have no intention of being loud, they don't need to announce to the whole world that Columbina is hers, and she's also Columbina's... But they also don't intend to hide it. Whoever could see and figure it out, then let them. They have nothing to hide.

Then, Sandrone went silent, her thoughts drifting to Alain. If the Alain and Columbina met each other, without a doubt, she would've die because she wouldn't be able to handle the headache those two will cause her. She let herself smile at the thought of it.

"Whatever. Let's just go." Columbina smiled, then reached for her hand. Sandrone then intertwined their fingers.

So in the end, she'll really end up following wherever this girl goes. Well... If she's to meet Columbina's family officially this time, then she must look her best. Her brain had to pause at that because what on teyvat is she even thinking? She swear it's Columbina's fault. But then... She also suddenly realized.

Alain, ironically, I actually fulfilled your 2nd wish, and now, I'm fulfilling your 1st wish as well.