Harlequin Hearts // Arlecchino Genshin Impact x Female Reader One-Shots

In the Shadows, I Stand

In the Shadows, I Stand

The streets of Snezhnaya were as cold and unforgiving as ever, the icy wind cutting through the heavy furs you wore, biting at your skin. The sun had long since set, leaving the city shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the dim glow of street lamps and the occasional flicker of light from a window.

You walked beside Arlecchino, her presence commanding, even in the quiet of the night. She moved with an effortless grace, her dark coat billowing behind her, her expression as stern and unreadable as ever. But you knew her better than anyone, could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her jaw clenched ever so slightly.

Tonight had been difficult. A meeting with high-ranking Fatui officers had dragged on longer than expected, the discussions heated and draining. Arlecchino had been as sharp and decisive as always, but you could sense the weariness beneath her composed exterior. As her partner, both in love and in life, you were acutely aware of the burdens she carried, the constant pressure she faced.

You wished you could take some of that weight from her shoulders, but you knew better than to offer. Arlecchino was fiercely independent, proud, and she would never willingly burden you with her struggles. But that didn't mean you couldn't be there for her, couldn't stand by her side and support her in your own way.

As you walked through the narrow streets, heading back to the estate, you noticed a group of men lingering in the shadows, their eyes trained on Arlecchino. They were rough-looking, their clothes worn and tattered, faces hardened by a life of hardship. You could feel their animosity even before they spoke, the air around them thick with resentment.

"Look at her," one of them muttered, his voice low but laced with venom. "Strutting around like she owns the place. Who does she think she is?"

Another snorted, his tone mocking. "The 'Knave,' huh? All high and mighty with her Fatui friends. Doesn't care about us common folk, does she?"

You felt a surge of anger rise within you at their words, your fists clenching at your sides. You knew Arlecchino had heard them, too—her eyes narrowed slightly, her stride unbroken, but you could see the tension in her posture, the way her hand hovered just a little too close to the hilt of her blade.

They didn't know her, not like you did. They didn't understand the sacrifices she made, the lengths she went to protect those she cared about. All they saw was the mask she wore, the facade she maintained to keep herself—and you—safe.

"Hey!" one of the men called out, louder this time, emboldened by the lack of response. "We're talking to you, Fatui scum! You think you're better than us?"

Arlecchino didn't stop, didn't even acknowledge them, but you could see the way her jaw tightened, the way her eyes hardened. The men's taunts grew louder, more aggressive, and you felt your heart race, your anger flaring hotter.

You couldn't let this go on. You wouldn't.

Without a second thought, you stepped forward, placing yourself between Arlecchino and the group of men. They paused, taken aback by your sudden movement, their sneers faltering as they took in your determined expression.

"Back off," you said, your voice steady, cold, a sharp contrast to the warmth you usually reserved for Arlecchino. "You don't know who you're dealing with."

The leader of the group sneered, stepping forward with a swagger that was more bravado than anything else. "Oh, and who are you to tell us what to do? Her little lapdog?"

You didn't flinch, didn't back down. Instead, you squared your shoulders, meeting his gaze with an intensity that made him pause.

"I'm someone who won't let you insult her," you replied, your voice low and dangerous. "If you know what's good for you, you'll walk away. Now."

There was a tense silence as the man glared at you, his eyes narrowing as he weighed his options. The others shifted uneasily behind him, their bravado faltering under the weight of your unwavering stare. They hadn't expected resistance, hadn't expected someone to stand up to them—especially not for someone like Arlecchino.

Finally, the leader scoffed, spitting on the ground at your feet. "Not worth our time," he muttered, motioning for his men to follow him. "Let's go."

They slunk back into the shadows, their presence fading into the night as quickly as they had appeared. You stood your ground, watching them go until you were sure they were gone, your heart still pounding in your chest.

It wasn't until you felt a hand on your shoulder that you finally let yourself relax. You turned to find Arlecchino watching you, her expression unreadable, but her eyes—those sharp, intelligent eyes—were filled with something that looked almost like pride.

"You didn't have to do that," she said softly, her voice carrying a note of something rare—gratitude, perhaps, or something deeper.

You shook your head, reaching up to place your hand over hers. "Yes, I did," you replied, your voice just as soft. "No one talks to you like that. Not while I'm here."

For a moment, Arlecchino said nothing, her eyes searching yours, as if she was looking for something. Whatever she found must have satisfied her, because the tension in her shoulders eased, her grip on your shoulder tightening slightly before she let go.

"I'm not used to being protected," she admitted quietly, her gaze dropping to the ground for a brief second before meeting yours again. "It's... new."

You smiled gently, stepping closer to her, your hand slipping down to entwine with hers. "You don't always have to be the protector, Arle. You can let me take care of you, too."

Arlecchino's eyes softened, and for a moment, the cold, calculating Fatui Harbinger was gone, replaced by the woman you loved—the woman who, beneath all the layers of control and strength, was just as vulnerable, just as human as anyone else.

"I know," she murmured, her thumb brushing over the back of your hand. "But it's not easy."

"I'm not asking for easy," you replied, your voice filled with warmth. "Just let me stand by your side. Let me be there for you, like you are for me."

Arlecchino nodded slightly, her expression thoughtful. "You already do," she said quietly, her voice tinged with something tender, something that made your heart swell.

You leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, a silent promise that you would always be there, always stand by her side, no matter what. She returned the kiss, her grip on your hand tightening, as if she was holding on to that promise with everything she had.

When you finally pulled away, the night was still and quiet around you, the wind having died down, leaving only the two of you standing together, hand in hand.

"Let's go home," you whispered, your voice gentle, filled with love.

Arlecchino nodded, a small, rare smile gracing her lips as she squeezed your hand. "Yes," she agreed softly. "Let's."

And together, you walked through the darkened streets, your steps in sync, the cold of the night forgotten in the warmth of each other's presence. The world around you might be harsh and unforgiving, but with her by your side, you knew you could face anything.