Chapter Text
It had been a total of 17 days since the theater or Fatui had heard from Odette.
Vodyanitsa stared at the clock that hung above her dressing room mirror. Time seemed to go by much slower without her dear colleague. She was laying stomach down on the plush couch, her long, dark hair draping over her body. That’s how she’d been for the last couple of hours.
Alyosha was in the room with her, both having seemingly nothing to do but wait for Odette’s return. Tugarin rested his head on Alyosha’s legs, which granted him a scratch behind the ear.
“You don’t mind if Tugarin is on the couch, right?”
The only thing that disturbed the silence that hung between Alyosha and Vodyanitsa was the sound of broken melodies pouring out of Odette’s music box.
“Vodyanitsa?”
“Hmm?” Vodyanitsa turned her head after hearing her name. She must’ve spaced out.
Alyosha sighed. “I asked if it was okay for Tugarin to be on the couch.” he deadpanned.
Vodyanitsa narrowed her eyes. “Why are you asking? He always climbs up and I’ve never cared,” she turned to look at the music box which still played broken sounds, “I don’t think the theatre staff care either.”
Tugarin tilted his head at Alyosha, who just nodded. He jumped down from the couch and made his way up to Vodyanitsa. He managed to capture her attention and got a few pats out of it, which he was very pleased with.
Vodyanitsa sat up and gave Tugarin more cuddles. She seemed to brighten up a bit. Alyosha smiled seeing his friend look better.
“We should probably head to my home now.”
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The snow swirled around Alyosha and Vodyanitsa as they walked towards Alyosha’s second home. They were planning on talking about some Rokot related things, and couldn't risk being overheard by a civilian in Sretomorozsk. That did mean having to walk though more of the biting cold. The water imp wasn't bothered by the harsh weather, but Alyosha had his hood up in an attempt to stay warm.
The frostfairy flowers swayed with the wind, their bright yellow accents sticking out like a sore thumb in this land of ice and snow. Vodyanitsa stopped to pluck one from the ground and put it in her hair. Its lighter colours contrasted her dark hair perfectly.
Soon, Alyosha’s cabin came into view. Tugarin ran up to it excitedly and started circling around the general area of the entrance. Alyosha and Vodyanitsa made their way towards Tugarin, opening the cabin door and welcoming the warmth it provided.
Tugarin flopped down on his bed, uninterested in what happens next.
Alyosha set up the furnace by placing some Kresnik Kristall into its compartment.
Vodyanitsa sat down at a vanity that was placed in the corner and started brushing her long hair.
“Did you hear about the situation in Rankova Zorya?” Alyosha asked as he finished up with the furnace.
Vodyanitsa turned to face her friend as she replied, “You mean the allegations of someone stealing Kresnik Kristall? I’ve heard of it,” she tilted her head, “what about it?”
Alyosha started wandering around the kitchen cabinets, looking for something to eat, no doubt, “Tugarin and I did some investigating recently and I think we found where the Kristall went.” He kept rummaging around the cabinets, looking for something in particular.
“Alyosha, what are you looking for?” Vodyanitsa inquired.
He made a little sound of frustration. “I swear I still had some fox meat left but I can't find any…”
Vodyanitsa rolled her eyes, “You have all kinds of vegetables and fruit though.”
“Pretty sure Tugarin likes meat.”
“Can't argue with that.” The siren shrugged, finally finished up with her hair.
Alyosha walked over to the door where his gun was leaned up against and put it in his holster. Tugarin quickly figured out what was happening and immediately jumped up. He began whining and his whole body shook with excitement.
Vodyanitsa went over to the very happy dog, slathering him in over-the-top pats and cuddles. This only boosted the dog’s energy.
After she was done, Tugarin jogged over to Alyosha and stuck to his side, waiting to leave.
“Be back soon!” Vodyanitsa said cheerfully
Alyosha nodded and opened the door, letting the cold air rush in for a moment, and stepped outside before closing the door.