Genshin x (Youkai) Reader Hurt & Angst/Comfort and Fluff

Arlecchino x M!Reader Betrayal Comfort ♡

Request from Kaiser397497

You were so tired. Tired of feeling like there was no point in life. Tired of feeling like you couldn't trust anyone. Tired of having to be the strong, heroic one. Some might think being the savior of several nations would be like living a dream, but it only surrounded you with more people you couldn't trust. It tightened the grip that your mistrust of others had on you tenfold.

The problem was that you wanted to feel something other than tiredness, annoyance and mistrust. But you didn't know where to begin. You didn't know anyone that seemed like they'd be accepting of your true self, so you hid him away. He could see those outside, but they were never allowed to see him. Because if they did, they were sure to leave you. And you couldn't go through that again.

 Long ago, things had been difficult. You knew plenty of people who you'd been open with. They knew what you were feeling simply because you told them. You trusted them. And how did they repay that openness, that kindness and that sincerity?

With nothing. 

They instead pushed you to the ground, treated you like you were nothing, and left you for dead. So you tried at home. You remained an open and honest person, but you were more cautious. You tried to show those at home your interests, your passions and your dedication to what you loved. But again, you were rejected. The real, genuine you died when those in your house slammed the door in your face. And so you turned away and began walking; the new, blank shell that you had become would never let anyone hurt the real him again.

...

You huffed boredly, sitting on the sofa and skimming through a book. You heard a faint click at the front of your home, and shut whatever you were reading. "Welcome back, Arle." You plastered on the false smile that had become like a mask as you greeted the Fatui Harbinger. "How was your meeting with the Hydro Archon? Does she have custody of Master Childe?" You asked. That matter had been going on for a few days and, supposedly, had really pissed the Tsaritsa off.

Arlecchino allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "All in good time, my dear. What have you been up to today?" She asked, kissing your forehead before hanging up her coat and removing her terrifyingly tall heels."Not much. Just running some errands, doing a few commissions." You lied. Well, it wasn't a lie as much as it was a half-truth. Yes, you'd done those things today, but you'd also spent a large chunk of the day working on a passion project of yours. Back in the present, your lover narrowed her eyes a little.

Then she wrapped her arms around you. "Lying to me is not advised, my dear. You know this." Despite her intimidating words, her tone was soft. "What do you mean?" You gazed at her, eyes blank, void of any emotion. She sighed.

"Don't think I can't read you like a book." She placed a finger under your chin, tilting your face towards her. "Even before we became partners, you've never been truly genuine with me- or anyone, for that matter. How do I say this..? You seem.. numb. Flat, I suppose." She studied your features for a moment. "I would like to help, if I can." This caught you off guard. No one had ever approached you first, asking to help you. Your fox ears twitched a little, causing The Knave to smile. "See? Even if you won't admit it, your ears will." She planted another kiss on your forehead.

You looked away, pulling yourself out of her grasp. "It's nothing, Arlecchino." You said quietly. As much as you wanted to give in, nothing could guarantee that your partner would still want to be with you if the truth of who you were came out. "This," she took hold of your wrist before you could exit the situation, "is not nothing, love. You need to talk about these thoughts before they burst forth in an unpleasant manner." Her tone was firm now- there was no further argument about it.

Turning to look her in the eye again, you nodded. Your eyebrows were creased in an irritated position. If she wanted it to be this way, so be it. You would just have to deal with the consequences alone. As usual.

You sat her down on the sofa and began explaining what happened all those years ago. There was no inflection in your voice; no pain, no anger, and no regret. You'd grown too numb to let those affect you anymore. As you recited past events, you noticed the growing concern on Arlecchino's face. You paused in your talking, realizing that your partner was not faring with this well. "Um.. Arle? Is everything alright?" You hesitated slightly.

It was only then that you saw the pure regret and sadness in her eyes. She placed a hand on your knee, comfortingly moving her thumb back and forth. "Dear, this is quite a lot. But-" You cut her off, placing your hand over hers. "I know. You don't want me anymore. You want to forget you ever knew me." You said coldly. You knew this would happen. 

"No." The Knave's reply turned your head back towards her. 

"W- What did you just say..?" You breathed. "No. I will not leave you." She said sternly. "I'm remaining here, by your side." She insisted, holding your cheek with her other hand. "My view of you hasn't changed, my love. You're still the strong, funny, brave person I know. And nothing can change my mind." The Fatui Harbinger took your hand, intertwining it with the one that was on your knee. Against your will, your eyes began to well up with tears. "Oh, darling." She whispered, pulling you close. You couldn't bear it anymore, allowing yourself to cry for the first time in a long while. 

Arlecchino rubbed your back gently, whispering small comforts to you. "I will never, ever leave you. The people who treated you like nothing do not deserve your attention. If you like, I can send members of the House of the Hearth to... deal with them." She chuckled softly. "That was a joke." She added quickly. "I doubt the triplets would agree to that mission." She looked upwards, as if contemplating executing the plan anyways.

"That... won't be necessary. Thank you, though. I appreciate the sentiment." You felt a small warmth in your chest. Love. You realized. This was one of the first times you'd ever felt genuinely loved. Here, with tear stains on your face, in the embrace of a Harbinger.

"Anything for you, my dear. I love you. I love you so much." Arlecchino gently pecked your lips, returning to hold you and lean back into the sofa. You cuddled into The Knave, hiding your face in the crook of her neck.

"I love you, too."

-

A/N

Hope you enjoyed this chapter, Kaiser and everyone else who's reading!

You are loved and stay safe! <3

-Enby