Chapter Text
The sky in nod krai hung heavy, the downpour inevitable. Jahoda clung to her scarf, usual exposed outfit replaced with something more water proof. Her limbs ached as she made her way down stream away from Nasha town, heavy boots trudging against muddy paths.
Jahoda was heading to a place she found unexpected comfort in. She knew she was there when portable mechanical parts lay strewn about or random sheets of metal up against makeshift structures. The Clink-Clank Krumkake craftshop was in sight, the heavy crane lifting monotonously.
Jahoda grinned against her scarf as she heard a small, whiny voice coming from behind the main building - shouting demands and barking orders like a tiny leader. Technically she was, considering her place of operations.
Cape fluttering through the wind, Jahoda turned the corner, leaning up against a metal drain pipe. Aino and Ineffa were there, the likely pair. Aino was waffling while Ineffa held an umbrella. Neither noticed her, so she decided to clear her throat, and two pairs of wide eyes looked up at her.
“Presence detected.” Ineffa said in her usual robotic tone.
“I didn't think you could get any more bossy, Aino, but here we are.” Jahoda grinned, looking between the two.
Aino, the little kid genius grinned, a spanner in one hand and a jam sandwich in the other. She promptly dropped both as she leapt over her recent invention, bounding into Johoda's arms.
“You're back! You're back, you're back!” Aino giggled as she clung to her like a baby monkey.
Jahoda held her gladly, golden eyes softening at the young girl, “I am.”
“You were gone for approximately 41 days.” Ineffa said.
Jahoda looked over at the robot, heart squeezing. She was dressed in her usual outfit except for the oversized yellow duck rain coat. Her porcelain like face was covered in rain droplets, bangs affected by the spring weather the most. Her optic sensors zoomed in and out, as if studying her.
“You appear in physical decline by 35% since the last time we engaged. Would you like me to engage in my care mode?” Ineffa questioned, head tilting.
“I'm fine Ineffa, really, I'm just excited to be back. I have some gifts for you in my bag that you may like Aino, stuff for you too Ineffa.” Jahoda said, slinging her bag off of her shoulder.
“What took you so long anyway! We missed you here, dummy.” Aino pouted, soft grey eyes sad rather than angry.
Jahoda hesitated, her trip was,, rough so to speak. Nef had her on a very difficult mission, one where she had to go to somewhere called Inazuma. It wasn’t the best experience of her life to say the least.
The blonde placed the young girl down gently, trying her best not to wince as she bent her knee. She dug through her bag, digging out the gifts she brought. Aino lit up, small fists coming up to her face as she gasped. She immediately plucked them out her hand examining them.
“Where did you get these?! These are so rare to come across.” Aino explained.
They were like an energy source or something, Jahoda only knew what they were because Aino had been talking about them awhile ago. They were a purple crystal that buzzed when you touched it.
“They're scattered all over Inazuma actually, only took a bit of mining them out.” Jahoda said, hand rubbing the back of her neck, exhaustion seeping through.
“Thank you, thank you! I will put these to good use, I already have an invention for them! I'll be right back.” Aino said, almost tripping over her own welly boots as she scattered off.
Jahoda's grin lessened as the pink haired girl went around the corner, knowing she was going to be lectured by a worried robot. Her gaze turned to Ineffa, her blue eyes scanning her still. Jahoda stood with a groan, which had Ineffa reflexively reach out, dropping the umbrella - but Jahoda held her hands up.
“I'm fine ya bolt muncher, it's just a sore leg.” Jahoda said.
“My modules for caretaking are automatic when pain is present..” Ineffa explained.
Jahoda bit her cheeks, she wasn't a child - and definitely didn't need taking care of. She scowled at Ineffa, annoyed this was the first conversation they were having instead of anything else. All 41 nights she was gone she wondered what Ineffa would say to her when she returned, how it would go.
“I don't need you to take care of me, Ineffa. That's not why I came.” Jahoda sighed.
Ineffa looked at her, as if denying her help went against every protocol in her database, and it likely did. But unexpectedly she nodded, stepping back, promptly picking the umbrella back up.
“Understood. I shall remain neutral.” Ineffa said.
Jahoda sighed, dusting herself off. Her bones ached as she lent down and grabbed Ineffa's gift from her bag. She had seen it at the Inazuma market and her mind shot right back to,, well her. It was a beautiful cog like mechanism with a blue gem in the centre, like Ineffa was there with her strangely.
But she didn't know if this was the right time.
As if on cue, Aino came around the corner, yapping and holding various things. Jahoda nodded and continued to listen, but the beautiful pendant she got Ineffa felt like it burnt in her hand as she gripped it tightly.
>>
Aino invited her to eat over while she waited for Nefer to get back in town to complete her mission. It left Jahoda in a stand by mode, which she didn't particularly like - but Ineffa's cooking was always good. Aino was like a little honey bee, buzzing around their cluttered home - distracted by everything. This gave Jahoda time to drift towards the small kitchen, where Ineffa was diligently making food for them all.
“Can I help?” Jahoda questioned, leaning against the doorway for support.
Ineffa looked up, blue eyes almost glowing with concentration. She blinked, wiping a bit of flour off her perfect jaw.
“I do not require assistance, cooking is one of my multi-functions.” Ineffa informed.
“Just because you're a good chef doesn't mean I can't help you.” Jahoda sighed.
Ineffa continued to work slower, as if considering Jahoda's request, “You are hurt, I think it would be best if you rested. The furniture we have is optimally made.”
Jahoda rolled her eyes, sighing heavily, "Didn't you miss me, clanker?”
Ineffa paused her movement another fraction, the krumkake batter dripping off the whisk, “Your absence was noticeable.”
Jahoda's heart prickled a little, “That's it?"
"That is all." Ineffa confirmed.
"41 days and all I've got is 'noticeable'?" Jahoda huffed, feeling her cheeks burn a little hotter.
"Would you prefer statistical data?” Ineffa questioned, blue eyes flicking over to her, not cold, just Ineffa.
“No I,, I don't know what I prefer.” Jahoda said, clenching her hand around the pendant that was stored in her pocket.
“Rest helps decision processing.” Ineffa explained.
“I don't want rest, Ineffa.” Jahoda grumbled.
“Stubbornness is a sign of acknowledgement." Ineffa stated,"You are favouring your left leg, and are hiding bruises under your collar.”
“Well your stubbornness to keep trying to help me is also noticeable, Ineffa.” Jahoda grumbled.
She kicked off the wall she was leaning on and hobbled her way over to the couch. She sat on the floor in front of it, not wanting to prove anything right. Ineffa whisked away while Jahoda bubbled. Her prosthetic arm pinched, and she decided to take it off for the time being. Clanker stuff was annoying her anyway.
Aino came back after a bit, showing Jahoda some collectable toys that were new in Nasha town apparently. They were apparently called Doridoris’ - which made it particularly obvious where they came from. Throughout it all though, her eyes did wonder occasionally over to where Ineffa was busy in the kitchen. Aino, despite not being socialised much, picked up on the vibe.
“Did she deny you the sugary krumkakes too? I hate when she does that,,” Aino gently whispered.
Jahoda blinked, “Is it that noticeable?”
“Oh so she did huh? Maybe we can make a plan to steal the sugar jar and-” Aino started, eyes lighting up like she was fixing a grand machine.
“No, no,, she's just treating me like a kid - no offence.” Jahoda sighed.
“None taken, I like being a kid.” Aino smiled.
“Yeah, well, Ineffa seems to think I'm a second child to take care of.” Jahoda said.
“Well you are kind of acting like one.” Aino said.
“Excuse me?” Jahoda glared.
“You refuse to sit down on the sofa, even though you are noticeably hurt, you go on crazy adventures and you eat as many sweet treats as you want!” Aino explained.
“I'm just tryna visit after a hard mission.” Jahoda grumbled.
“She missed you too ya know.” Aino stated, playing with her plushes on the table.
Jahoda's heart ached, “What do you mean?”
“Well she kept setting out three plates for one, your coffee mug was cleaned every day despite no one using it and also she sat outside just,, staring alot. I needed to check her mainframe - but it all seemed fine.” Aino explained.
Jahoda felt like she was swimming, head a little wobbly. That stupid robot.
Ineffa, as if on cue, came over with plates in hand as she served Aino and Jahoda and herself. She set the small coffee table perfectly, kneeling down to her own plate after she was finished. Ineffa did it like clock work, mechanical and perfect.
Jahoda looked at her, golden eyes scanning Ineffa's. Ineffa stared back, blank as always. Jahoda glanced away, defeated. She didn't know what she expected from her really, the care robot trying to care for her. She just thought Ineffa would have just,, been more emotional - emotional like she was being. Jahoda felt silly and hurt for working herself up.
She ate the food despite being conflicted and her mouth melted, it really was a 5 star dish. Aino and herself talked idly while Ineffa stayed quiet, just observing. It was a nice meal and Jahoda was at least grateful to have a warm meal in her tummy after being so cold lately.
After the clean up and more messing around, Aino was off to bed. She insisted on staying up but Ineffa merely picked up the small girl and carried her to her room. Not without a fuss and bargaining of course. Jahoda sat there for what felt like forever, listening to the heavy storm outside. She closed her eyes, thinking of what she was going to do.
Her mind drifted to the dumb robot she was struggling over, of her blue eyes and baby blue hair. Jahoda bit her lip, mind picturing her perfectly structured face and fitting outfit. The way her long legs and delicate hands moved. Jahoda shook her head, as if she was dusting away her thoughts.
She decided to pull out Ineffa's gift, she ran her fingers along the grooves of the Inazuman metal, her own eyes almost reflecting in the stone in the middle. She found it her first week there and kept it on herself ever since. Every night she'd just stare at it, almost expecting it to move - to do something. However it stayed neutral, cold and shining.
>>
Jahoda dozed off at some point, sticky eyes blinking open to the sound of a whistling kettle and a blanket she definitely wasn't snuggling before, around herself. She looked over to the kitchen and Ineffa stood in her stand by mode, eyes dulled.
She was tempted to fall back asleep once more but she knew if she did it would be morning in no time. Jahoda sat up, stretching her legs like a small cat. This triggered Ineffa to start herself up, mechanical sounds pushing out her joints.
“Movement detected.” Ineffa logged.
Jahoda, still stretching, grumbled, “It's just me oil drinker, and what's with the blanket?”
“Your core temperature was at a less optimal degree, the solution was a blanket. Humans can survive in cold temperatures with proper-”
“Alright yappertron, I get it. I know how my body works just fine.” Jahoda stated.
Ineffa tilted her head, looking at the blonde. Her blue loose hair, that was never usually down when she saw her, fell into her face, making her look almost innocent.
“What?” Jahoda furrowed her brows.
“My internal database is collecting more data.” Ineffa stated, eyes twitching like how a camera took photographs.
Jahoda got up, coming over to Ineffa, leaning against the kitchen island, “For what?”
Ineffa blinked, turning to the kettle to pour a cup of something, coffee by the smell of it.
“I don't have enough visual data on you, when you left I didn't have as much to go through.” Ineffa stated.
Jahoda felt her face burn at Ineffa's bluntness, “You were collecting data on me?”
“Correct.” Ineffa nodded, sliding a cup towards Jahoda, “Please drink, I added 3 sugars.”
“Hold on a sec there, let me rephrase, why are you collecting data on me?” Jahoda leaned in, eyebrows furrowed.
Ineffa blinked, “Hm, my modules make you a high priority individual, if I had to assume.”
“Why?” Jahoda continued to probe.
“I'm not quite sure of the reasoning.” Ineffa simply stated.
Jahoda scowled, “Is that why you cleaned my coffee cup everyday?”
Ineffa paused, looking past her to Aino's room, “Ah, I assume Aino told you that information?”
“Indeed she did, why would you do that?” Jahoda asked once more.
“To keep it clean.”
“Well yes, but I wasn't using it.” Jahoda countered.
“Cleanliness is important. It's efficient to clean things properly.” Ineffa said, turning around to start cleaning the coffee machine, as if automatic.
Jahoda grumpily walked around the counter, despite her hobble, pulling Ineffa back to face her. Ineffa looked down at Jahoda's hand on her arm, her pointed ears twitching - but seemingly not out of distress.
“So why did you sit outside in the dark waiting for me to come back?” Jahoda finally said, huffing like she was out of breath.
This made the robot pause, a rare show of her eyebrows furrowing, “I didn't know you knew that.”
“Well Aino is a chatter box, so it wasn't hard to get out of her. Tell me why, Ineffa. I just need to know.” Jahoda clenched her fists.
“Your cortisol levels are increasing significantly, I suggest drinking your coffee with three sugars to alleviate your stress.” Ineffa prompted, lifting her hand to cover Jahoda's.
Delicate as always with her.
Jahoda then decided it was enough and she dug through her pocket to find the pendant she had got for Ineffa.
Her heart fell.
She rushed over to the sofa she dozed off on as best she could, digging through the cushions and the blanket she had been wrapped in, but no. Where was it? Where did she put it?!
“Are you seeking something?” Ineffa questioned, “I have a selection of things you may be missing.”
Jahoda turned and Ineffa was pulling out things from the kitchen drawers. First a hair tie, then a scarf, a notepad, one of her gloves. All her things, random tiny things that she didn't care for, were there.
“You,,” Jahoda was at a loss for words.
Why in Teyvat did she have all that?
“I did also find this, as I was sweeping. I assumed you dropped it when you fell unconscious.” Ineffa said, holding up the pendant.
The metal matched her perfectly, she knew it would, the blue stone glowing the exact shade of her eyes. The moonlight caught it through a tiny window at the top of the ceiling, glinting brilliantly.
“I,,” Jahoda's lower lip wobbled, “It's for you.”
“I appreciate the hair tie, scarf, notebook, and the glove. They have a designated spot now.” Ineffa said.
That made Jahoda laugh, an actual laugh, “You dumb robot.”
Ineffa tilted her head, still holding the pendant in the same place. Jahoda walked over slowly, leaning against the counter, touching the pendant. It spun gently, the metal glistening. Jahoda's golden eyes looked up into Ineffa's.
“The pendant, Ineffa. The pendant is for you. It's your gift from when I was away.” Jahoda admitted, almost defeated.
Ineffa looked at the pendant like she suddenly just found it in her hand. She touched it, letting it spin again, admiring the craftsman ship.
“I have nothing to give you for this.” Ineffa said.
“You don't have to give me anything, it's a gift. I saw it and it immediately reminded me of you. Throughout my whole trip it did.” Jahoda sighed, rubbing her achy neck.
“Its metallic compound seems to be the same material that my limb plates are made from. The stone also seems to be a rare gem found in Fountaine. This pendant is of significant quality, valued at around 50,000 mora.” Ineffa described it.
“Well, yeah. It's yours now.” Jahoda smiled.
Ineffa looked at it once more, “Thank you, Jahoda. Your place in my life has no mora value attached to it. Your presence is significant to me. I will wear it with you in mind.”
Jahoda felt her cheeks prickle, dipping her face downward, to hide whatever was creeping on her face. Ineffa's lovely voice saying sweet things to her was worth every mora, every stubborn moment, and every heart ache.
“Would,, would you er,,” Jahoda was at a loss of her words, fumbling the ball incredibly.
Thankfully, Ineffa let out a rare amused laugh, robotic but still genuine, “You appear to be 75% more shy. Have I done something to cause this sudden change?”
Jahoda stuck out her lip, looking at Ineffa, “Shut it, clanker.”
“Would you perhaps be asking to assist in putting the pendant on me?” Ineffa questioned.
“Don't make a big deal out of it, will ya?” Jahoda huffed.
Despite it all, she hobbled her way behind Ineffa, collecting the pendant from her. Her human hand shook while her robotic one didn't, which was a strange feeling. Ineffa was surprisingly warm as Jahoda came closer, her body core radiating heat. Jahoda bit her lip, trying her best to chill out. It was just Ineffa, her friend, nothing more.
Ineffa then pulled her long hair to the side, exposing her nape. Ineffa turned her head, looking behind herself at Jahoda. Blue eyes watching. Jahoda slung the necklace around Ineffa's neck, her hand shaking while she tried to clasp it together.
“Are you nervous, Jahoda?” Ineffa questioned, voice uncharacteristically low - cutting right through her nerves.
Jahoda let go of the pendant accidentally, and she chased it over Ineffa's shoulder so it wouldn't fall. She caught it luckily before it hit the counter but now she was very close to Ineffa, arm reaching over her, her face close enough so she could see every detail on Ineffa's face.
Ineffa was unfazed though, staring.
“I'm so sorry, I did NOT mean to do that.” Jahoda squeaked out, backing off.
“You do not need to be frightened, my attack protocols are not malfunctioning.” Ineffa said.
Jahoda would face palm but she feared her shaky hand wouldn't land on her face. Jahoda instead raked her finger through her fridge, taking a deep breath.
“I'm not scared, Ineffa. Well, not of that.” Jahoda sighed.
“You are showing signs of fear; shakiness, dilated pupils, uneven voice and excessive sweating.” Ineffa said, turning around to face her, “I am your ally, not foe. Please do not be afraid.”
A small shudder ran up Jahoda's spine, not sure how to react, “I'm not afraid of you Ineffa.”
“Then what are you afraid of?” Ineffa questioned simply.
The storm outside, the rain and the thunder, matched the noise in Jahoda's head. She tried to think of something but came up short.
“You are not afraid of me." Ineffa reiterated.
"No."
"You are not afraid of the pendant."
"No."
"You are not afraid of physical proximity." Ineffa said, taking a step forward
"Ineffa,,," Jahoda's voice strained, body freezing up.
"Then what variable am I missing?” Ineffa questioned.
“Nothing, I er,,, I'm okay.” Jahoda stated.
“Your body signals convey something different. You aren't cold, in fact you are 20% warmer than usual with no external factors.” Ineffa said, stepping closer a bit more.
“Ineffa,, please,,” Jahoda said, looking away.
“Do you need to sit down? I can assist you.” Ineffa said, now standing a few inches away.
“I'm fine! Ineffa please, I'm fine.” Jahoda squirmed, backing herself against the counter but Ineffa followed.
Ineffa leaned in, analytical as always, observing everything on Jahoda's face. Jahoda felt very exposed, she was at the clankers stupid mercy and yet she is still standing there - they both were.
There was a long pause, then Ineffa spoke, "I may have identified the missing variable."
Jahoda's soul left her body.
How did she know? Was it written on her face? Is she that obvious? Darn her nerves, always acting up at the worst times. Their friendship will be over, it will be too awkward. Ineffa can replay the awful moment back to her until she disappears into the abyss.
"You are experiencing pain from your injuries.” Ineffa deduced.
Jahoda let out the breath she was holding in, grateful at the robots utter lack of social cues regarding anything. Her heart was beating incredibly fast as she turned, almost out of breath. This dumb clanker nearly caught her. This was too close.
“Yeah, yeah that's it, yes.” Jahoda said.
“It is very apparent, yes. I will get Aino to place this on me once it is morning again.” Ineffa nodded, stepping back, “Would you like me to lift you?”
Jahoda glared, “Absolutely not, I can walk.”
“Your stability is decreasing as we speak.” Ineffa commented.
Jahoda hobbled her way back over to the sofa, Ineffa in tow, “I may get going now, Nef is probably back and I need to get my pay check.”
“That is the least desirable outcome. I do not recommend you go.” Ineffa said, shaking her head.
Jahoda threw on her jacket and beanie, “I don't think you have a say in my schedule, lunkhead.”
“That is correct, I manage only 2 schedules in total, however your schedule is not optimal and could lead to more injury due to the storm.” Ineffa stated.
“I don't care, I walked through lightning storms in Inazuma, this is fine.” Jahoda said, still getting prepared to leave.
Ineffa stepped in front of the door, blocking Jahoda's way.
“Ineffa move, I need to leave.”
“I can not allow you to leave the premises, it is a risk to your health.” Ineffa stated.
“Ineffa.” Jahoda growled, coming up closer to her.
“Jahoda.”
“Move. I need to go.” Jahoda stated.
“Please do not.” Ineffa said softly.
This made Jahoda pause, “Do you think I will stay because you said please?”
“It was a 50/50 chance of success.” Ineffa confirmed.
Jahoda sighed loudly, still trying to calm her heart, “You really don't make this easy, do you?"
"I have attempted to make several things easier for you this evening.”
“Oh, by giving me a heart attack?” Jahoda grumbled, throwing her bag back down.
“That was not my intention.”
“Nothing ever is.” Jahoda sighed, turning away.
Ineffa really doesn't want her to go,, she could sneak out when Ineffa powers down but then again she doesn't really wanna walk to Nasha town right now. Jahoda sighed once more, turning back.
“Fine, I'll stay, but no funny business.” Jahoda pointed at her.
“I don't indulge in any business that involves amusement.” Ineffa nodded.
Jahoda smiled, rolling her eyes at her.
>>