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

In the Quiet of Morning

In the Quiet of Morning

The world outside our window was a frozen expanse of white, the snow-covered landscape of Snezhnaya stretching out as far as the eye could see. The harsh, biting cold of the region was a constant presence, an unforgiving reminder of the land we called home. But here, in the warmth of our bed, it was as though the rest of the world didn't exist.

I stirred slightly, feeling the soft, luxurious sheets beneath me and the comforting weight of the blankets that cocooned us in warmth. The early morning light filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. But the most comforting presence of all was Arlecchino, lying beside me, her body pressed close against mine.

I opened my eyes slowly, taking in the sight of her. She was still asleep, her usually sharp features softened in the tranquility of slumber. Her long white hair spilled across the pillows, some dark strands falling in front of her face, a stark contrast against the pale fabric. I couldn't help but smile at the sight—Arlecchino, the feared Harbinger, looked almost peaceful, vulnerable even, as she slept beside me.

Careful not to wake her, I reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face. The touch was light, barely there, but it was enough to make her stir. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing the sharp, intense gaze that could strike fear into the hearts of even the most hardened warriors. But now, as she looked at me, that intensity was replaced with something much softer, something reserved only for moments like this.

"Good morning," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath.

She blinked a few times, as if shaking off the remnants of sleep, and then a small, rare smile curved her lips. "Good morning," she murmured back, her voice still husky from sleep.

For a moment, we just lay there, looking at each other, soaking in the quiet intimacy of the moment. There was no need for words; the connection between us was strong, a silent understanding that only deepened with time. It was in these moments, away from the harsh demands of the world outside, that I saw the side of Arlecchino that few others ever glimpsed—the side that was tender, loving, and deeply protective.

She shifted closer, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me into her embrace. I gladly nestled against her, resting my head on her chest, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. It was a sound that grounded me, made me feel safe in a world that was often anything but.

Her hand moved up to gently stroke my back, her touch light and soothing. "Did you sleep well?" she asked, her voice low and soft, the sound of it vibrating against my cheek.

"I did," I replied, my voice equally soft. "It's hard not to when you're here."

She chuckled quietly, the sound warm and comforting. "I'm glad," she said, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "I want you to feel safe. To be safe."

"I always feel safe with you," I assured her, my hand finding hers and intertwining our fingers. "No matter what's happening outside, when I'm with you, I feel like nothing can touch us."

She tightened her hold on me, and I could feel the subtle tension in her body—the unspoken worry that she couldn't always protect me from the dangers that lurked in the shadows of her world. But I knew better. Arlecchino would do anything to keep me safe, to shield me from the darkness that came with being a Harbinger. She had already done so much, sacrificing parts of herself for my safety and happiness.

We lay in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying the closeness, the warmth of each other's bodies. The world outside continued on, cold and indifferent, but in our little haven, there was only us—only the love and tenderness that we shared.

Eventually, she spoke again, her voice softer, more contemplative. "Sometimes I wonder... if I'm doing enough. If I can really keep you safe, keep you happy."

I lifted my head to look at her, my heart aching at the vulnerability in her voice. "You do more than enough," I said firmly, cupping her face in my hands. "You've given me more than I ever could have asked for. Your love, your protection, your time... all of it means the world to me. And it's more than enough."

Her eyes searched mine, as if looking for any hint of doubt, but all she would find was sincerity and love. Slowly, she leaned in and kissed me, her lips gentle against mine. It wasn't a kiss filled with the fiery passion she often showed, but one that spoke of deep affection, of a love that was as steady and unyielding as the winter outside.

When we parted, she rested her forehead against mine, her breath warm against my lips. "I love you," she whispered, her voice so soft it was almost lost in the stillness of the room.

"I love you too," I whispered back, my heart swelling with emotion. "More than anything."

We stayed like that, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside forgotten. In that moment, there was nothing but us—no responsibilities, no threats, just the warmth of our bed and the love that filled the space between us. It was a rare, precious moment of peace, one that we both cherished deeply.

As we lay there, the morning light slowly brightening the room, I knew that no matter what challenges the day might bring, we would face them together. And in the quiet of the morning, in the warmth of our bed, I found my strength in her, just as she found hers in me.

And I knew that as long as we had each other, we could weather any storm.