Chapter Text
To say that some days in Ragunna were busier than others would be underselling it. The final battle against the Dark Tide felt like a lifetime ago and yet, reverberations from that conflict were still felt all over Rinascita. Something which could not be more evident as Carlotta Montelli sat in her estate and looked over the schedule set up for her by the ever reliable Zani.
A lot of good came out of the conflict, the strengthened bonds with Septimont being key among them, but that in itself led to a whole new array of work and assignments.
Not that she was complaining. She’d never complain, she was prepared for all of this and more. Still. Even she had to admit it could get to be a bit much. Just a tad.
As if reading her mind, Zani appeared with tea which was made in the exact way she liked to have it. She’s never surprised that Zani knows what to make, more so that Zani always knows when to provide, always before Carlotta even thinks of it.
With a smile, Zani turned to depart, although Carlotta knew full well she’d be just out of sight on the rare occasion anything happened. It’d be a few more days before Averardo Vault required her back again, until that moment came, Carlotta appreciated her constant and reliable company.
Carlotta was half way down the current file displayed on her terminal when she felt something…off. She’d gone through rigorous and constant training for years that naturally allowed her to feel when something wasn’t right. Most Resonators in her position needed to have this kind of awareness lest the worst come to pass. She also knew that Zani had picked up on whatever it was as well.
Placing her teacup aside, Carlotta stood from her seat and walked out onto the balcony. She looked off into the horizon, it didn’t take long before she spotted it, something was heading for the Montelli Quarter at a rather impressive speed.
It seemed to be a lone figure cutting across the sky. Carlotta couldn’t fight the smile forming on her face as she made her way outside. She passed by Zani who seemed to have realized the same thing and resigned herself to leaning against the nearest wall.
Once outside, Carlotta came to a stop, waiting as the figure drew ever closer. She would never mistake the person approaching for anyone else, the black hair, clothes, and those brilliant golden eyes.
Rover touched down not too far from her, as soon as she looked up and their eyes locked, she smiled as well.
“Greetings, Catseye. Usually only those with an appointment are allowed into the Montelli Quarter to see me.”
Rover checked her pockets before shrugging.
“I must’ve misplaced mine. Will that be a problem?”
Carlotta turned slightly.
“Will it, Zani?”
The other woman shook her head.
“I’ll let it slide. Keep one piece of paperwork off my desk.”
Rover thanked her.
“You’re the best, Zani!”
Without another word, the woman vanished from sight.
Now that they were alone, Carlotta gave her Catseye a closer look up and down her form. She seemed a little out of sorts to say the least. Her clothing looked a little roughed up, she had some dirty marks along her skin and her hair was…frizzy.
“You look a mess.”
She said with a smile, Rover gave herself a once over.
“Oh. I suppose I am. I did fly straight here from…yeah.”
Carlotta laughed and as she expected, Rover brought her arm up and scratched the back of her head. Cute.
“I don’t believe anyone in the Montelli Quarter requested you for anything so…urgent. Did you receive a call from someone in Ragunna? I can assist you in finding them.”
Rover seemed confused for a bit before shaking her head.
“Nothing of that sort…I actually came here to see you.”
Carlotta did not betray the surprise she felt, instead she took a few steps forward.
“Here I am. What can I help you with, Catseye?”
Then something strange happened, Rover fell silent. It seemed to be a very contemplative silence. Rover’s eyes began to dart back and forth, she whispered a few things to herself. She seemed lost.
After a few moments, Carlotta laughed.
“Oh my, have you forgotten why you came here?”
“No.”
“Would you like some tea? Perhaps take a seat and take some time to-”
“No, no. I’m fine…I just came here to see you.”
Carlotta froze in place this time, now her own words failed her for a few moments.
“You…already said that.”
“I know.”
Carlotta opened her mouth to ask why, but she could only imagine it would lead to them dancing in circles. Not that there was any problem with that.
“Well, if that’s all then I suppose we can simply talk. I’d like to hear about your most recent adventures, Catseye.”
Rover smiled, she seemed satisfied with that. The pair sat and Rover began to talk about where she’d been, what she’d seen and the people she was helping. Zani appeared briefly to provide Rover with her specific drink as well as dropping off Carlotta’s tea she had left inside.
During a lull in the conversation, Rover began to observe Carlotta who picked up her teacup and took a sip. Elegant as always.
She didn’t know why. At least she didn’t think she knew why she found herself so…drawn to this woman.
Carlotta caught her gaze and smiled, in that moment Rover was thrown back to what felt like ages past. Her conversation with Qiuyuan when things were at their bleakest, how she looked for someone to find strength in and found herself staring into the eyes she was looking at now.
“Catseye?”
Rover brought a hand to her chest.
“Carlotta…”
The Montelli heir tilted her head, Rover fought with herself to figure out how to say what it is she wanted to say but nothing was working.
“You know, if you ever want to speak to me about anything you could just call me on your terminal. I’ll always answer.”
Rover was pulled out of her thoughts, looking at Carlotta once more.
“...that sounds like a hefty promise. I could be on the other side of Solaris, you could be asleep or the signal could-”
“Barring unforeseen circumstances. You’ll always have my aid, Catseye.”
Rover smiled.
“Thank you…and yes I could’ve called you but I-”
“You wanted to see me?”
Rover nodded causing Carlotta to shake her head.
“Well, I don’t know if you are aware of this but the Terminal has this function that allows it to project an image of whoever you’re calling.”
Rover laughed.
“I’m aware of that, Carlotta but thanks for telling me.”
“Its not that I don’t appreciate your company, Catseye but I don’t think there is much reason to drop whatever it is your doing and wherever you are to come all the way back here and-”
“I needed to see you.”
Carlotta raised an eyebrow.
“...the terminal-”
Rover stood up then.
“No I…I needed to see you.”
Carlotta slowly stood up.
“I…this is hard to explain but…I just. You. You give me a sense of peace that I can’t find anywhere else.”
Carlotta swallowed but said nothing as Rover began to pace and formulate her thoughts.
“It’s hard for me to understand…I’ve spoken to Abby about it at length. I figured he could help me…but it's beyond him as well. I just know that it all comes back to you.”
“What does?”
Rover shrugged.
“When things get tough. When I’m out there and having a difficult time with the TDs or…them. Whatever it is…I find myself thinking of you and it doesn’t seem so hard anymore.”
Carlotta moved closer to Rover who had stopped pacing to face her.
“I hesitate to believe you have such frequent troubles.”
Rover laughed at that.
“Maybe not…some days just leave me tired and when I am worn out, I think of you.”
“What do you think of me?”
Rover shook her head.
“Everything. I can see your face so clearly in my mind at times and I just…”
Carlotta froze as now Rover took steps toward her.
“I need to see you.”
Rover brought one of her hands up.
“I need to…”
She placed it along Carlotta’s face. The Montelli heir saw the moment her hand made contact, Rover seemed to let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, some weight was lifted off her back and she seemed calm. Her eyes were no longer darting, her breathing was normal, she was at peace.
Rover gently ran her hand along Carlotta’s cheek, in response, Carlotta closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. She’d seen all the things Rover was capable of, the power she could wield and the devastation she could rain down on those who deserved it.
Yet this touch was so soft. So tender.
Carlotta brought one of her hands up and placed it on Rover's, keeping her hand right where it was.
“This is what you wanted? My Catseye?”
Rover breathed out.
“Yes.”
Rover took another step forward, her other hand moved up and came to rest on Carlotta’s waist, as it often did when they danced together amidst the chaos of their battles in days long past.
“Why?”
Rover tilted her head.
“Why what?”
“Why did you fly all the way here to see me…for this? Is there something you wanted to say?”
Rover searched her mind.
“I’m…not sure…I think…”
Rover took another step forward, she and Carlotta were almost flush with one another.
“I think…”
Carlotta took this chance to bring up her other hand and place one finger on Rover’s lips.
“If you aren’t certain…that’s okay. Don’t force it.”
“But-”
“I don’t want you to force what aren’t sure about, Catseye.”
They were so close, and yet as Carlotta observed her precious Catseye, she could see that layer of confusion and doubt still evident in her eyes.
“I’m right where I want to be…I’m not confused about this.”
“Maybe not. But you are incredibly important, Catseye. There are a lot of people out there who could use your help…many more beyond this one soul you met here in Rinascita.”
“You’re not just any one soul, Carlotta…you are much more than that.”
Carlotta smiled. She already knew for certain, she’s known for a while now what she truly felt for her Catseye. But she never dared voice it aloud, whether those feelings would be returned or not, she never thought it right to bound this beautiful woman before her to anyone, even herself.
Then there was the sound of an alert, Rover jumped back in surprise before retrieving her terminal to answer the call.
Carlotta took that time to realize how warm she felt, was she blushing?
Taking a deep breath, Carlotta waited for the call to be over. Rover turned back to her slowly but said nothing.
“I take it you have to go?”
Rover nodded once.
“Then I suggest you do, don’t keep those who need you waiting.”
Rover wanted to say that she didn’t want to go, she wanted to repeat that she needed Carlotta. That she needed to express this feeling within her but the words refused to coalesce into something sensible.
“You have a very important responsibility, as do I. Shirking that would be poor form, wouldn’t it?”
“...do you not want me to stay?”
Carlotta took a deep breath.
“As the Montelli Heir, I suggest you go…but as Carlotta…”
The pair locked eyes and Rover understood what Carlotta wouldn’t voice aloud.
“I’ll be back.”
“I look forward to that day, very much.”
“Stay safe until then.”
Carlotta smiled.
“You do the same…my Catseye.”
Rover’s hands were antsy, all she did was touch Carlotta’s cheek, yet it stirred within her something deep and profound. She wanted to experience that feeling again but at this moment she had a duty to uphold.
Turning around, Rover took a running start before jumping into the air and flying away.
Carlotta watched her go for some time. It wasn’t until she could no longer see Rover when she heard those familiar heels behind her.
“Did I do the right thing, Zani?”
There was silence before Carlotta laughed and added.
“I know you heard and probably saw everything. You don’t have to deny it.”
“I’m split between saying yes you did the right thing and criticizing you for not kissing her.”
“Zani!”
The taller woman laughed.
“She is a truly unique figure in all of Solaris and she flew from who knows where just to see you. Carlotta. I know you’re my boss and you have no reason to answer this question but…why send her away?”
“You know why, Zani.”
With a heavy sigh, the woman moved to retrieve the teacups.
“I suppose I do…you won’t regret that decision will you?”
“No.”
Carlotta turned to look out to the horizon.
“...she’ll come back…maybe then she’ll know what to say.”
Zani left Carlotta on her own for a few moments to clean the dishes. When she returned, she retrieved the terminal Carlotta was looking at earlier and handed it to her.
“Back to the grind.”
“Indeed.”
Zani returned to her work. Carlotta began to head inside, stopping one last time to turn and look up to the sky.