Fabricated Mask

‘When I heard that Pantalone was getting married, I assumed that it would be to you.’ Columbina stated.

Dottore choked on air, he almost fell off of his seat in an attempt to steady himself. ‘Pardon…?’ He croaked out in shock.

Columbina hummed elegantly, watching Pantalone dance with the woman.

‘Why on Teyvat would he marry me—‘ Dottore looked exceedingly flustered, ignoring the flutter in his chest that appeared at the thought.

‘I thought you were in a relationship,’ She spoke as if this was common knowledge, even raising her eyebrow as if Dottore was the one who had gone mad.

‘No— not at all…’ Dottore muttered: mortified. He ran a hand through his hair in an embarrassment.

‘Oh, okay,’ She accepted this response, ‘I was going to suggest kidnapping him until she gives up and finds someone else.’ Columbina flashed him a wide, slightly eerie smile.

Dottore rolled his eyes. ‘I don’t care if they get married,’ He lied.

***

Or, Dottore battles jealousy and denial surrounding his feelings for Pantalone. Will he make sense of his own emotions before his business partner marries someone else?