Chapter Text
They say if you want to find someone who suffered great loss, you go to the place of their highest achievement. Or happiness.
Columbina, for many reasons, found herself entangled within Fontaine not long after the… "events" in Nod-Krai calmed and ebbed away enough for the Moon Goddess to step away. But mainly, undeniably, it was to seek out as close to her beloved marionette as she possibly could be. Marionette, marionette, what way was correct in referring to her? For not only was she a literal marionette, but also Columbina's Marionette…
Truthfully, the Moon Goddess didn't care much for this "film", or whatever it was called. She was in a way, enamored to have so many people care for and dote on her, even if it was just for a story. But it was nice to have support in her re-tracing, her pursuit, of her relationship with dearest Sandrone. It was quite a surprise for the former Hydro Archon to be amongst those… but, well, Columbina paid it no mind. Not her divinity, not her hilichurls (not her circus, not her monkeys).
Ah, but she made so many new friends—not limited to just divine beings now. And the Traveler was also there, and Columbina always appreciated that blonde bumble of energy accompanied by the energetic flying companion. The enigmatic Chiori certainly reminded Columbina just a bit of her own darling.
So all in all, even if the story didn't have such a happy—and truly, incandescently happy—ending, Columbina would have appreciated her trip to Fontaine nonetheless. Of course she doesn't at all regret her meeting with Sandrone, or re-meeting. There were very, very few things Columbina would sacrifice that for… if she thought about it deeply, even the safety of Nod-Krai was honestly at risk if it meant a happy and healthy marionette.
There were few moments in her long lifespan that Columbina would describe herself as happy. Of course, for the most part, she was content. But there was a keen difference. She was content when she floated along with the Frostmoon Scions centuries ago, not knowing any other life. She was content when the Tsaritsa granted her safety, prestige, and boundless resources that she had no interest in. She was mostly content in floating throughout the gardens, basking in the false moonlight every evening. She was even content in those most boring meetings of the Harbingers, where Pierro truly did nothing but manage to yap her to sleep.
But Columbina was indescribably happy in the moments with Sandrone, which became less and less fleeting as the years passed by. What began as brief, cordial interactions caused only by the responsibilities of their work evolved into tea parties after hours, singing duets that Columbina assumed both roles for outside of Sandrone's door, her nap times in Sandrone's impossibly comforting bed, and much more. These moments were partially how Columbina knew something was wrong with Dottore, that ill-advised doctor, and encouraged her to desert from the Fatui.
She had bigger things to worry about than losing her pension and retirement plan.
The months that followed were some of, if not the most harrowing times of Columbina's life (and pray to it that nothing in the future ever emerges to match or surpass such). But a phrase that Lauma likes to say… what was it again? All's well that begins? No… all's well that ends well, yes, that was it. So if it was ever necessary, Columbina would throw herself through yet another moon gate, for she had not a single shred of doubt in her cherished friends and companions. Ah, perhaps that was a good way to test one's care for her…? She would have time to analyze that later.
Yet even in consideration of everything previously stated, Columbina was never happier in her life—and most likely never would be—than the moment she sensed her Sandrone's presence among the lands of Teyvat again! The concentrations of kuuvahki in Fontaine were quite bare and sparse, and only followed wherever Columbina's presence was, but it was enough for her with the Trilunar Authority to sense Sandrone's presence a mile away, once she concentrated for it. And she only did in that moment by mere accident!
It was, decidedly, not a mere accident that she immediately teleported Sandrone and herself to Silvermoon Hall, separated from the world and all that it relies on and that relies on it.
"You avoided me… why?" It appeared even the all-knowing, talented, genius, one of a kind Sandrone could not directly answer that question. But Columbina didn't find it infuriating, not like how Sandrone would if it were herself dodging Sandrone's questions (as she often did). Instead, being held by Sandrone so tightly gave Columbina all the answers she needed.
It was especially pleasant when she teleported them back and the kameras were rolling, unbeknownst to Sandrone, so Columbina could capture the moment and re-watch as many times as she wished. (But with the power of the moons, Columbina could have done that as many times as she wanted without outside assistance.)
Sandrone's flustered face… that was something Columbina would never get used to (nor did she want to)!
🕊️⚙️
In the days that followed, Columbina continued to trail Sandrone any and everywhere she went. If there was somewhere that Sandrone forbade her from going, well, it wasn't like you could really stop the Trilunar Goddess from doing what she pleased.
Teyvat should be glad that this Trilunar Goddess had no particular care for world domination. In a sense, though, she actually did, for if anyone asked, Sandrone was her world—
"S-an-dro-ne," Columbina hummed out like the name alone was its own lullaby, testing out each syllable, singing them out.
Two centuries ago, that would have definitely irritated the poor marionette. But today she paid no mind, not even a huff or an eyeroll was Columbina granted as she floated throughout the workshop, repeating Sandrone's name like a song.
"S-an-dro-ne," Columbina repeated, paying extra emphasis to certain syllables. In these moments she kept her blindfold off, but her eyes remained closed as she quite literally floated—or rather, flew— throughout the air. Columbina drifted mid-air throughout the room, appearing weightless as if she were a feather. Gravity itself had no real hold on her, after all, that was one of her domains.
"Sandrone," Columbina whispered right into Sandrone's ear as she floated behind the working doll, who was diligently attempting repairs on her newest creation, F-fashion artist geometric—ah, that wasn't right but it didn't matter. Sandrone simply called it 'Fagio' for the most part.
Though Columbina had quickly floated away to the other side of the room then, still mindlessly carelessly drifting throughout the room, she didn't miss the sound of a crash and a bang, followed right after by Sandrone's shout.
"COLUMBIIIIINAAAA!" Sandrone dragged out the vowels, a slight growl at the edge of her voice. Columbina giggled at that and though barely two feet away in distance, used her powers to teleport herself right into Sandrone's outstretched arms, enveloping herself, though that was certainly not why Sandrone had reached over to angrily gesture at Columbina.
"How many times do I have to tell you NOT to disturb me when I'm working! All my work for the last hour… gone! I am dealing with very intricate and tiny wires here." Sandrone, despite her apparent anger, did not move away from Columbina's sudden closeness. In fact, she seemed rather unsurprised by it. Perhaps, by now, she had gotten used to it, like many of Columbina's antics. Sandrone instead wrapped her arms slightly closer around Columbina's body, as if to pull her in for a hug, just stopping short to grab the goddess by her shoulders instead. Definitely not in an affectionate way, though. Totally.
"But… are you not Teyvat's greatest mind? Surely you don't mean to say that mere wires are causing you trouble?" Columbina tilted her head to the side in question, staring straight up at Sandrone (even with her eyes technically closed, Sandrone could feel Columbina's unabashed glare). Though the two were generally the same height, Sandrone's "revival" seemed to include an extra inch on her height, for whatever reason. Or maybe it was due to her new clothes?
It mattered not. Columbina actually rather liked it, it made teasing Sandrone all the more fun. Plus, if she really wanted to, her physical form was not of much concern to Columbina. She could, if she desired, simply make herself taller. Or perhaps float a little higher in the air. Perhaps one day, that would make quite a good prank on her dear Sandrone.
"T-that is not what I said!" Sandrone sputtered and began to shake Columbina back and forth by the shoulders. "How is it that you only hear a deranged version of whatever I say, I wonder…" Sandrone rolled her eyes. "Ugh, whatever. Just please let me focus on fixing this, then we can go on a walk, okay?"
"You promise?" Columbina asked, and if she had a tail, that would most certainly now be wagging quite fast back and forth. Hmm, perhaps that's another not bad idea.
Sandrone seemed taken aback by that at least, for her cheeks began to sport a rather visible blush. "I—yes, Columbina. I promise." She responded, her voice without any of the previous anger.
"Then that is all the reassurance I need. I'll see you in one hour and not a minute later, Sandrone." Columbina half-giggled at the end and took the opportunity of close proximity (that Sandrone was allowing more and more these days) to poke at Sandrone's very, very soft cheek once. Before the marionette could slap Columbina's hand away or move back, Columbina teleported herself out of the workshop.
Out of the workshop… and to the House of the Hearth.
It wasn't common to have three Fatui Harbingers centralized in one nation at the same time other than Snezhnaya; yet while Sandrone was still on a temporary leave from the Fatui for very understandable reasons (her death and all, which Columbina did not enjoy recalling at all), and given that Columbina was actually an ex-Harbinger now, and simply the House of the Hearth being based in Fontaine, there was no reason for an ordinary citizen to fear their presence these days.
When Columbina was not bothering adoring Sandrone, she spent much of her time with her other dear companion, Arlecchino.
"Countless times you visit the House, and yet not once do you enter through the front door, which has a very clear WELCOME mat for visitors," Arlecchino commented in jest, though without raising her head from her focus on the papers on her desk.
"It's no fun I no longer surprise you," Columbina commented and floated over closer.
"I take pride in being unable to be surprised by anybody, Columbina. The one scare you gave me years ago was enough for a lifetime," Arlecchino paused. "Though I have no doubt that, if you wished, you could certainly sneak up upon me."
Columbina chuckled at that, neither confirming nor denying Arlecchino's assessment (which was true).
"Has Sandrone kicked you out again?" Arlecchino looked up to meet Columbina's eyes.
"I'll return in an hour." Columbina answered, again, not confirming nor denying her statement.
"The children would be more than happy to play with you in the meantime. I'm rather tied up with some paperwork at the moment, but I do believe Lyney and Lynette are around presently. I could call them for you."
"You? Trapped by paperwork?"
"Such is the boring life of a diplomat, yes."
"Mm, if that's the case, why do I sense Furina's presence on the other side of the door?" A comment that would shake even the strongest wills, but for the Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers, she remained unshakeable.
"You must be mistaken." Arlecchino smiled and at that moment, Columbina sensed Furina's presence seemed to trail down the hall until it was harder to detect. "Now, let me call forth someone to keep you company." Arlecchino snapped her fingers then, which glowed a gentle crimson red, and then a second later Columbina heard a knock on the office door.
Knock knock!
"Come in." Arlecchino directed.
Enter Lyney, the fabulous magician, and his wonderful cat-like sister, Lynette.
"Father." They greeted simultaneously and bowed in unison as well. Ooh, a tad eerie.
Columbina had a very strong urge to touch the girl's cat ears… were those real? Was she just like a developed kuuvahki? Hmm… briefly, she wonders if she should mention the time that Arlecchino wore cat ears in an attempt to appease her "daughter" more. What a great Moon-Prayer Night that was, excluding what happened right after…
"Please, stand and greet our guest." Arlecchino beckons and motions to Columbina.
"Lady Columbina," Lyney greeted without missing a beat, standing up and gesturing out with his hat in respect.
"It's lovely to see you again." Lynette, that was her name, followed up with.
"Please entertain our guest for the next hour," Arlecchino instructed. "While she is currently in the dog house."
"Eh?" Columbina glanced over at her former colleague, not understanding the idiom. Lyney and Lynette seemed to understand enough though, for Lyney magically appeared in front of Columbina then and dazzled her with a card trick.
"Come with us, dear Moon Goddess! We have a variety of new tricks we'd love to show, if you'd like!"
Columbina was always fascinated with how the mortals entertained themselves, so off she went, letting herself be trailed along by Lynette as Lyney orchestrated their departure in a puff of red smoke.
🕊️⚙️
The House of the Hearth had no shortage of space. Columbina floated along behind the siblings as they guided her through not unfamiliar corridors.
They arrived at what appeared to be a makeshift stage in one of the larger common rooms, decorated by deep red curtains. Several younger children were scattered about, doing whatever they did Columbina had no clue, but upon seeing their elder siblings arrive with a guest (and not just any guest) they all scrambled to stand.
"At ease, at ease!" Lyney called out grinning. He twirled his cane once, twice, three times, and on the third time, it burst into a shower of golden sparks that reformed into a bouquet of Lumidouce Bells. These he presented to Columbina with a deep bow. "For our most esteemed audience member."
Columbina accepted the flowers with a delighted hum. They smelled lovely. She tucked one behind her ear and let the rest float in the air beside her, to which several of the younger children gasped.
"Ah," Columbina breathed. "You've improved since I last saw you perform."
"You flatter me." Lyney's grin widened. "But you haven't seen anything yet. Lynette, if you would—"
"Already in position." Lynette's voice came from somewhere behind the curtain, though Columbina could have sworn the girl had been standing beside her not two seconds prior. Columbina could track the movements of most beings with relative ease through kuuvahki detection, but alas the magicians seemed to have some tricks up their sleeves. Literally and metaphorically.
Columbina resisted, with monumental effort, the urge to fly over and touch her cat ears.
"Now then!" Lyney clapped his hands together and addressed the room. "Ladies, gentlemen, children, and divine celestial entities." He pointed and winked in Columbina's direction. "I present to you, Lyney's Spectacle of Phantasmagoria!"
Lyney's card tricks had always been impressive, but it was clear he had improved even more so. Cards danced between his fingers like they were alive, forming shapes mid-air of a bird, a cat, and then most impressively, what appeared to be a crescent moon.
"For you," he greeted, flicking the moon shaped card toward Columbina. It spun through the air and landed gently in her open palm, where it shimmered once before dissolving into… moonlight? Columbina tilted her head at that.
"Did Arlecchino teach you that?" Columbina asked, turning the residual light over between her fingers.
"A magician never reveals his secrets," Lyney deflected smoothly, but the slight change in his heartbeat told Columbina enough. Arlecchino had been teaching her children some tricks involving Pyro manipulation. Ah, how sweet of her.
Lynette emerged then from Lyney's hat and landed gracefully on the stage, one hand raised, holding three silver rings.
"For our next act," Lynette announced, "we require a volunteer from the audience." Her gaze had not moved from directly on Columbina. "You."
"Me?" Columbina pressed a hand to her chest in mock surprise, already floating toward the stage. "Oh, I hope you're not going to saw me in half. I'm told that's rather uncomfortable."
"We would never," Lyney assured. "Though between you and me, I'm not entirely sure a saw would work on you anyway."
The trick involved the three rings that Lynette linked and unlinked while Lyney distracted her with flourishes and misdirection. But the true spectacle came when Lynette slipped one ring over Columbina's wrist and it phased through her arm entirely, passing through as if Columbina's physical body was merely an illusion part of their show.
The other children still around erupted into applause and gasps. Lyney transitioned into his next routine of a complex illusion involving mirrored boxes and smoke.
"And for our grand finale," Lyney announced, pulling a deck of cards from thin air. He fanned them out before Columbina with an expectant look. "Pick a card, any card!"
Columbina hummed, her closed eyes somehow still conveying an expression of deep contemplation. Her fingers hovered over the deck, trailing along the edges. She could, of course, simply use her senses to determine which card was which. She could peer through every layer of this trick and dismantle it from within. But where was the fun in that?
She drew the Queen of Hearts.
"Now, please don't show me." Lyney averted his gaze dramatically, one hand covering his eyes. "Think of it. Picture it in your mind. Let it consume your every thought—"
"You're asking quite a lot," Columbina murmured, interrupting. "My every thought is rather occupied at present." Yes, occupied with the image of a certain marionette's flustered face, but that was neither here nor there.
"Then merely think of it a little bit!" Lyney amended.
He snapped his fingers. The deck in his hand exploded into a cascade of cards that rained upward and when they settled, every single card in the air bore the face of the Queen of Hearts.
The children cheered. Lynette, with a small smile that was barely perceptible, produced a single card from behind her ear that written on it said: Was it this one?
Lyney took a sweeping bow, hat against his chest, grinning ear to ear. "We live to entertain."
"You do it wonderfully," Columbina replied and she reached forward to ruffle Lyney's hair which clearly startled the magician, for he nearly dropped his hat. Lynette standing just beside him, seemed to tense imperceptibly. But then Columbina's fingers merely moved, ruffling nothing but leaving behind a faint silver shimmer in Lyney's hair that faded after a moment.
"A gift," Columbina said. "A blessing from the Moon Goddess. Good luck for your next show."
Lyney's eyes widened then softened, warmth encroaching his stage persona. "You're too kind, Lady Columbina."
"I'm simply in a good mood." She glanced toward Lynette and reached out and this time did poke one of the cat ears.
It was incredibly soft.
Lynette's ears flattened against her head, and she took one step backward. "Please do not do that."
"Apologies," Columbina said, not sounding apologetic in the slightest.
"I believe our time together draws to a close," Columbina announced, already beginning to drift toward the ceiling. The Lumidouce Bells floating beside her drifted down, one landing gently in Lyney's hat, another tucked itself behind Lynette's ear, and the rest dispersed among the watching children who received them with delight.
"It was our pleasure," Lyney responded, sweeping into another bow. "Please, come again anytime."
And then, between one blink and the next, Columbina was simply no longer there. The space where she had been retained a faint luminescence that faded within seconds, and the only evidence of her presence was the faint shimmer that was still caught in Lyney's hair.
"Well," Lyney hummed and turned to his sister. "That went rather well."
Lynette's ear (the one Columbina had touched) was still flattened. "Please give me a hat like yours next time, Lyney."
🕊️⚙️
Columbina materialized in Sandrone's workshop one hour later, not a single minute late.
She was, though, a bit early. She couldn't help herself.
Sandrone was, as expected, still hunched over her workbench. Fagio was in pieces across the surface, though notably more assembled pieces than before.
"Your hour is up," Columbina announced, manifesting directly behind Sandrone, close enough that her breath ghosted across the back of Sandrone's neck.
To Sandrone's credit, she did not flinch. She did, however, set down her tools very pointedly.
"I'm aware." Sandrone's voice was flat. "I was in fact counting."
"Were you counting down the minutes until you could see me again?" Columbina cooed, draping herself over Sandrone's shoulders from behind, her weightlessness making the gesture less of an imposition or burden at all.
"I was counting down the minutes of peace I had remaining." Sandrone countered, but she did not shrug Columbina off. Instead, her hands came up to adjust her collar, which was absolutely not an excuse to brush against Columbina's arms. Absolutely not.
"Peace? With those tiny, troublesome wires?" Columbina tilted her head, resting her chin atop Sandrone's shoulder. "Are they still giving you quite the hard time?"
"They were NOT giving me a hard time—" Sandrone whipped her head to the side, bringing them nose to nose. The proximity clearly startled her more than Columbina, for the marionette's cheeks immediately flushed a rather fetching rosy color. "You—how close are you—back up—"
"You promised me a walk." Columbina did not back up. If anything, she nuzzled closer.
"I—yes. I did." Sandrone closed her eyes, which was a gesture Columbina found endlessly endearing, for when Sandrone closed her eyes, the faint marks along her joints dimmed slightly. Columbina really wondered how automaton devices worked, especially Sandrone. "Let me put my tools away."
"I'll wait." Columbina did not move from her position draped over Sandrone's shoulders.
"You could wait from further away."
"So I could do many things."
"Columbina."
"S-an-dro-ne."
After a moment of silence, Sandrone exhaled strongly and stood, Columbina sliding off her shoulders like water off glass. The goddess righted herself mid-air, resuming her typical hovering position, and watched with undisguised adoration as Sandrone organized her workspace.
"Stop staring," Sandrone grunted without looking over.
"But I always stare." Columbina replied.
Sandrone's hands faltered for just a fraction until she turned to face Columbina fully.
The Marionette had changed in a few ways since her "revival". Yes she was just a smidge taller, but now she also carried a quality that was rather hard to articulate. More present, perhaps. More… emotional? More organic? But the joints that marked her as a constructed being were more visible in her new attire, and Columbina thought they were beautiful.
"Well?" Sandrone extended her hand, that was totally not an invitation at all. "The Court of Fontaine, I presume?"
"Where else?" Columbina drifted down until her feet touched the ground. Sandrone had once, in a moment of rare and precious vulnerability, admitted that she preferred when Columbina walked beside her rather than floated above. Something about equality of presence.
Columbina took Sandrone's hand. Sandrone's fingers twitched but did not retract.
"If you teleport us—"
"We'll walk," Columbina assured. "If that's what you wish, dear Sandrone."
"Ugh—Columbiiiinaaa!"
🕊️⚙️
The Court of Fontaine was, expectedly, bustling with activity. Citizens milled about here and there, going about their daily activities. Children chased each other through the plazas, very alive like how Columbina had seen Nasha Town occasionally.
Sandrone walked beside her with precise steps in perfect posture, no less to be expected of the Lord Artificer's greatest creation.
"Do you want to hold my arm?" Columbina offered, presenting her elbow.
"No."
"Are you sure? The cobblestones are quite uneven here."
"I am a mechanical genius with perfect balance calibration. I do not need—"
A stone shifted beneath Sandrone's foot. She did not stumble exactly, but the timing was so perfect that Columbina could not suppress the giggle that escaped her.
"Did you do that?" Sandrone hissed.
"I would never," Columbina smiled sweetly.
Sandrone's eyes narrowed. The flush on her cheeks that had calmed was now reignited. "You are insufferable."
"So I've been told," Columbina hummed. "For how many years now?"
"And yet the message never seems to reach that ancient brain of yours, assuming there is one in your head."
"Ancient?" Columbina gasped. "How cruel, Sandrone. I'm only—well." She paused. "How old am I, actually? I lose track."
"I'm not helping you calculate your own age." Sandrone huffed.
They passed by a Fontainian café and Columbina felt her attention caught by the display of cakes in the window. Specifically, a small layered confection adorned with sugar flowers.
"Oh," Columbina hummed. "That looks like you."
Sandrone stopped walking. "How, pray tell, does a cake look like me?"
"It's beautiful and I want to consume it entirely."
"We are in PUBLIC," Sandrone hissed instantly, her voice dropping to a tone that Columbina found absolutely delightful. The marionette's face had achieved a new shade of red now. "You cannot—simply—say things like that—in the middle of—"
"Would you prefer I said it in private?" Columbina asked with pure innocence.
"I would prefer you never said it at all!"
"But that would be lying, and I don't lie to you, Sandrone."
The marionette made a sound like a screech, perhaps her gears had rubbed together the wrong way. Her hands clenched at her sides, her joints clicking with the movement.
"I'm buying the cake," Columbina decided, already drifting toward the café entrance.
Sandrone followed her inside, which was, in Columbina's vast experience, the same thing as agreement.
🕊️⚙️
They sat inside or rather, Sandrone sat rigidly in a chair while Columbina perched on hers like a bird at a small table near the window. Columbina had ordered the cake and a pot of tea, despite Sandrone's protestation that they were supposed to be on a walk, not a detour.
"A walk can include stops," Columbina countered, taking a sip of tea. "Otherwise it's just... transportation."
"That is not—" Sandrone pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine. Fine. But we are not sitting here for more than twenty minutes."
"Twenty minutes," Columbina agreed with no intention of following that at all.
The cake arrived, delicate and pretty on a porcelain plate. Columbina picked up the tiny fork provided and took the smallest, most deliberate bite possible. She kept her eyes more closed than usual, if that even made sense, and made a sound of contentment that was, perhaps, a tad more expressive than the cake warranted.
Sandrone was looking at the wall now, very intently.
"Are you sure you don't want a bite?" Columbina offered, holding the fork across the table.
"No."
"Your new form might have updated taste receptors, no? Have you tested?"
That got Sandrone's attention. Her eyes flickered to the fork, then to Columbina, then back to the fork. The gears turning in those eyes was quite literally visible.
Sandrone reached for the fork.
"I can feed—"
"Absolutely not." Sandrone's hand closed over Columbina's, prying the fork free. Their fingers overlapped for a moment and then the fork was free, and Sandrone, with the most dignified expression possible, took a bite.
"...Hm."
"Well?" Columbina leaned forward with her chin on her hands.
"Sweet. Some complex flavor compounds I can't currently identify without further analysis." Sandrone set the fork down. "Satisfactory data point. Experiment concluded."
"Did you like it, though?"
"I was not testing that variable."
"Sandrone."
"It was rather... not unpleasant."
Columbina beamed.
"I'll find you more things to try," Columbina declared, resuming her own consumption of the cake.
"That sounds like it could take a while."
"Years, perhaps," Columbina agreed. "We do have time, after all."
Some things were better left to progress at their own pace.
🕊️⚙️
When they resumed their walk, the Court was now into its early evening bustle.
"Do you want to see the fountain in the central plaza?" Columbina asked. "I'm told it's quite romantic in the evening light."
"W-what?! Columbina, I have no need for a, a romantic fountain."
"But do you want?"
Sandrone's stride faltered. "Hmph… well, the engineering of Fontaine's water systems is admittedly impressive."
"Is that a yes?"
"For my scientific interest."
"Ah." Columbina smiled, deliberately brushing her arm against Sandrone's once more. "How very scientific of you to want to look at a romantic fountain with me."
"It's not—I didn't say romantic—YOU said romantic—"
"Did I? How careless of me."
"C-COLUMBIIINAAA." Sandrone stopped walking entirely, turning to face the goddess in the middle of the sidewalk. "Must you do this? This—this constant—"
"Constant what?" Columbina asked and she looked up at Sandrone. "What am I doing, Sandrone?" Columbina was many things but with Sandrone, she was never dishonest.
"Make… make me feel things," Sandrone turned to look away and crossed her arms. "You should know I have not finished calibrating my enhanced body."
Oh.
Oh, that was—
"Take all the time you need," Columbina smiled and was even tempted to open her eyes that moment.
Sandrone held her gaze and then turned on her heel, resuming their walk at a brisker pace. Her ears were decidedly pink.
They walked and half-floated toward the central plaza and if Sandrone's hand found Columbina's somewhere between the café and the fountain, well… that was simply data collection too.
🕊️⚙️
The fountain was quite romantic in the evening. Water cascaded in spiraling patterns which Sandrone made note of immediately, analyzing the pressure differentials and valve timings.
"The rotation mechanism is elegant but outdated," Sandrone assessed, squinting. "I could improve the efficiency."
"I have no doubt." Columbina sat on the fountain's edge, her feet dangling. Her reflection shimmered below, and next to it, the circular body of the moon in the sky reflected. Quite ironic.
"Truly, if I had the time—"
"Sandrone." Columbina patted the stone beside her. "Sit."
She did.
"This is nice," Columbina noted.
"It's adequate," Sandrone conceded.
Normally, Columbina could not resist filling every moment with Sandrone's name, and Sandrone typically could not resist filling every quiet moment with complaints about Columbina filling every quiet moment with her name. But here now, in the evening glow of the Fontainian fountain, neither did.
"Columbina." Sandrone's voice was barely above a whisper, but Columbina would hear her anywhere at any time.
"Mm?"
"When we go back." She paused. "You may... continue to be present in the workshop."
Columbina's heart sang. She literally felt kuuvahki vibrate around her.
"Won't I distract you?" Columbina asked, managing somehow to maintain her calm for now. Sandrone would certainly be mad at her if she burst out in public right now.
"Certainly." Sandrone groaned. "But data suggests my work is... less satisfactory when you're not present."
"Sandrone—"
"Do NOT make this a thing."
"I would never."
"Just one condition," Sandrone added, her voice recovering some of its usual sharpness—the armor she wore against her own softness. "You are not to say my name in my ear while I'm holding equipment."
"What about when you're not holding equipment?"
"Ugh, I… we'll negotiate."
Columbina's smile could have powered the entire fountain.