The crisp Mondstadt air swirled with fallen leaves, painting the streets in hues of orange and red. Despite the chill, a nervous energy crackled around Furina. Today was her first date with Arlecchino, meticulously planned under the guise of "reconnaissance."
Furina, in a borrowed Mondstadt coat (slightly too big but undeniably cute), fidgeted with a crimson hair clip – a "subtle" nod to Arlecchino's Fatui affiliation hidden amongst her usual Fontaine curls. Across the table, Arlecchino, surprisingly relaxed in a simple blouse and dark pants, raised an eyebrow.
"Relax, Fontaine," Arlecchino said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Unless your intel involves high-speed chases, this tavern brawl should be manageable."
Furina huffed, a faint blush creeping on her cheeks. "Very funny. I just...don't usually do this." Dates, that is. Especially not with someone as enigmatic (and slightly intimidating) as Arlecchino.
As if sensing her thoughts, Arlecchino leaned forward. "Neither do I," she admitted, a rare vulnerability in her voice.
The tavern bustled around them, oblivious to the undercurrent of nerves and newfound connection. They started with harmless topics – the latest gossip from their respective nations, the merits (and demerits) of their masks. Yet, with each shared laugh and stolen glance, the conversation deepened.
Furina learned about Arlecchino's childhood fascination with Snezhnaya's harsh beauty, a stark contrast to her composed exterior. Arlecchino, in turn, was surprised by Furina's hidden passion for historical artifacts, a stark contrast to her playful demeanor.
The "reconnaissance" took a delightful detour when a group of drunk bards started a particularly out-of-tune rendition of a love ballad. Furina, unable to resist, launched into a hilarious improvised counter-melody, complete with dramatic gestures. Arlecchino, to Furina's surprise, burst into genuine laughter, the sound as rare and captivating as a blooming Edelweiss in the snow.
The date ended with a playful duel – not of blades, but of wits. They traded riddles and childhood stories, each one revealing a new facet of the other. As the moon cast its silvery glow, they stood outside the tavern, a comfortable silence settling between them.
"This wasn't exactly 'reconnaissance,' was it?" Furina finally admitted, a sheepish grin on her face.
Arlecchino's smile was soft, almost shy. "Perhaps not," she conceded. "But it served its purpose."
Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. This covert "mission" had yielded an unexpected reward – a connection that promised something far more thrilling than mere intel.
With a playful wink, Furina leaned in. "Then, Harbinger," she murmured, "shall we consider this a successful first... mission briefing?"
Arlecchino's lips curved into a genuine smile. "Only if there's a follow-up," she replied, her voice a secret melody in the cool Mondstadt night.
