Betrayal was the one thing that lead everyone into their doom. Betrayal was the thing that got children dismissed from the house of the heart. Betrayal was a punishment in her eyes. Betrayal meant weakness, being unloyal. So why would she, out of everyone be the one to fall in love with someone? She, the one who had sworn to never love again after it had lead to nothing but pain and memories.

Arlecchino knew it was foolish, falling for the one close to Fontaines archon, the girl she should hold just as much dislike against as the archon herself. They were traitors to her, the people that could sit over tea and cake while the nation held people that would only survive by fighting. Children that had to pretend to survive another day, one she had been.

but there had been something about you that had drawn her in. She had told herself it was a simple act of weakness, emotions lead to pain after all. Her curse worsened with too strong emotions and everyone she loved would be gone eventually. But she had invited you eventually. Especially as the children had noticed she was acting different than usual whenever it came to the topic of Fontaines archon and everyone near her.

Arlecchino had sworn it'd be just a simple invite to some tea, yet it had turned into her heart being locked onto you, one visit turning into another, turning into an introduction to the children, turning into you staying over quite often without either of you naming it. The unspoken words held more sincerity than any word she could say, any word filled with doubt and her confidence of losing her own strength over feelings she had decided she shouldn't be allowed to have. And still, she'd never blame you. She'd carry you across Teyvat if your feet hurt too much to walk.

She had become more distant over the last month, one might blame it on Stress, work responsibilities, the children. Others might blame it on the self doubt. She had been over for discussions over tea with the archon, Lady Furina, so you were close by, as usual. She had wanted to just leave. Not out of spite, out of trying to hold back whatever she had been feeling. But you had been faster with catching her at the door, standing in front of it to keep it close as if she wasn't strong enough to just shove you aside. She never would.

"Don't play door guard now.. I have business to return to."