Columbina:Aether, may I pick your brain about something?
Aether:*fixing engine* Hmm? Is it about Sandrone? Trying to get a kiss?
Columbina:That step has been taken already.
Aether:Oh, good for you. And good for me. This is much faster than Ineffa.
Columbina:I’m surprised you knew it was Sandrone related.
Aether:You’ve been staring at a Fontaine.
Columbina:Hehe, I suppose I’m getting obvious. Anyways, I’d like to go further before she has to return to work. I know technically there isn’t a rush, and that we’ll meet again. Even so….I feel as if I’ve wasted too much time with my long term relationships. How should I approach the subject?
Aether:You know her better than me. Are you sure I’m the person to ask.
Columbina:It’s because I know her so well. If I don’t bounce ideas off of someone who thinks a bit more like her, I’m bound to get a big reaction in the opposite direction.
Aether:Self awareness is important. Did you worry this much between us?
Columbina:No. Your signs were more…obvious. I could tell there was a great deal of emotion you were holding back whenever we were close. Sandrone on the other hand is much more difficult to read with this.
Aether:*red* Well now I feel silly.
Columbina:Why? I don’t see fault in the way you feel. It is genuine and pleasant. I think it’s wonderful to be understood with few words.
Aether:In that case, you have your answer.
Aether:I don’t think you need to fully comprehend Sandrone’s thought process; at least not with this. As long as you’re genuine and upfront, she can read your own earnestness and understand it’s a serious matter. Sandrone knows you just as well as you know her. And between you and me, I’m sure she’s thought about this step in your relationship as well.
Columbina:…*smiles* I suppose you’re right. Being meticulous is in her nature. *looks at Teyvat* I’m glad I asked. I feel a greater sense of ease.
Columbina:You’ve also seem to be getting to know her better as well.
Aether:If you try to catch two fish, you might end up with none. Might wanna take it slow.
Columbina:Said the fisherman with a pond.
Aether:Believe me, I am bait at best.
Columbina:I don’t think so. You might be the pond itself, inviting and ever welcoming.
Aether:That might be the nicest way anyone has ever described my relationship lifestyle.
Columbina:May I ask your opinion on Sandrone for the future? I’ll heed your advice in the meantime.
Aether:She’s a nice person. Kinda reminds me of Furina; definitely wasn’t a fan at first. To be honest, aside from fighting alongside her, I wouldn’t say my opinion changed much until recently. *lays back* There’s many ways to be strong, but I think having the strength to cry is the most important. She’s…human. In every way that counts. All that said, I’m positive her tolerance for me is an hour at a time.
Columbina:*looks down at him* Five minutes longer than me. I’m jealous.
Aether:Haha! Now look who’s selling themselves short?
Columbina:Did you fix the engine?
Aether:Nope. That’s okay though. I kinda just wanted to tinker again. Felt calming.
Columbina:Maybe in the future, Sandrone could help with this project. Though we might need more than hour for meaningful progress.
Aether:Sneaky, sneaky. Nefer has taught you well. I will stop by for tea tomorrow and socialize. I’m sure you’ll give her many things to talk about today. Heh, so spoiled.
Columbina:*grins* May the moonlight always bless you.
Sandrone:*opens door* Huh? You actually knocked for once? And at this hour of all time. What is it?
Columbina:Hello Sandrone. If you don’t mind, I’d like to progress our relationship. Physically that is.
Columbina:Hmmm. Perhaps I should’ve used a few more words?
On the other side, the clockwork girl rests her forehead on the door as she tries to process this spike of emotion.
Sandrone:There’s something seriously wrong with her! Who just comes out and says something like that!?
Columbina:Umm, Sandrone? It doesn’t have to happen tonight. I only thought it best to tell you where my thoughts settled. If you need time, that’s fine. Although….
Columbina:I just…I’d really like to take the opportunity we do have; before you have to leave me again.
It wasn’t new information to Sandrone that her heart could break, but it didn’t make it feel less bad hearing the concern Columbina’s voice. The door opened without much hesitation. Still, there was a moment of silence as they locked eyes again.
Sandrone:*red* It would be daft to tell you that your fears aren’t unfounded, but…I do hope you know I have no intention of “leaving” you. Consider what happened in Nod Krai a freak accident if it helps. And as for your original reason for being here…I…
Sandrone:Despite my wealth of knowledge and expertise in many things, practical experience in this specific field is lacking, to put it mildly. So…you better be okay with that and take initiative!
Columbina:✨I will gladly take lead~✨
Sandrone:Can you sound a little less excited please!?
