{SLIGHT-SMUT! WILL
POST START AND END!}

——————

The room was dark except for the soft, flickering glow of the fireplace casting long shadows on the walls. Furina lay nestled under the plush covers of the grand bed, her breathing soft and even as she slept. The quiet crackle of the fire added a comforting rhythm to the night, its warmth enveloping the room.

Somewhere in the darkness, the faint sound of a door creaking open broke the silence. Heavy footsteps moved carefully across the floor, deliberate and muffled, as if their owner was trying not to wake the sleeping Archon. Arlecchino had returned.

In the adjoining bathroom, a soft clatter echoed—the sound of a glass bottle being set down on the marble countertop. Low, quiet grunts of discomfort followed, barely audible but enough to stir Furina from her sleep. Her lashes fluttered, and she shifted under the blankets, slowly coming to consciousness.

The dim light of the fireplace illuminated the outline of the slightly ajar bathroom door. Furina frowned, sitting up in bed as she pushed her tousled hair out of her face. She could hear the sound of water running and the occasional hiss of pain. Curious and concerned, she reached for the robe draped over a nearby chair.

It was one of her favorites, an indulgence she had treated herself to long ago—a sheer, glamorous robe made of delicate fabric that shimmered faintly in the firelight. Feathered ruffles adorned the hem and sleeves, giving it a touch of old-Hollywood elegance. She slipped it on, tying the sash loosely at her waist, and padded softly across the room.

Pushing the bathroom door open a little more, Furina peeked inside. The sight before her made her breath catch.

Arlecchino stood by the sink, her shirt discarded and her chest bound, revealing fresh wounds that marred her otherwise flawless skin. Deep gashes crisscrossed her side, and bruises were already beginning to bloom across her ribs and shoulders. Her gloved hands trembled slightly as she dabbed at one of the cuts with a cloth soaked in antiseptic, her jaw tight as she suppressed the pain.

"Arlecchino," Furina's voice broke the silence, soft but tinged with worry.

Arlecchino froze, her red eyes darting to meet Furina's reflection in the mirror. For a moment, she seemed ready to deflect, to wave Furina away, but the concern in the Archon's gaze gave her pause.

"You should be sleeping," Arlecchino said gruffly, her voice low but firm.

Ignoring her, Furina stepped further into the bathroom, her robe trailing behind her like a misty shadow. "What happened to you?" she asked, her tone gentle but insistent as she approached.

"It's nothing," Arlecchino replied, turning her head away as she resumed tending to her wounds. "Just a minor... disagreement during the mission."

Furina's frown deepened as she moved closer, her eyes scanning the injuries with a mixture of sadness and determination. Without asking, she took the cloth from Arlecchino's hand, her slender fingers brushing against the taller woman's.

"Sit down," Furina said softly but firmly, gesturing to the small stool near the sink.

Arlecchino hesitated, clearly unused to being fussed over, but Furina's unwavering gaze left no room for argument. With a resigned sigh, she lowered herself onto the stool, watching silently as Furina dampened the cloth and knelt beside her.

The sheer elegance of Furina's robe contrasted starkly with the gritty reality of the scene, but she didn't seem to care. Her delicate hands worked with surprising steadiness as she carefully cleaned the wounds, her touch gentle but precise.

"Who did this to you?" Furina asked quietly, breaking the silence as she dabbed at a particularly deep gash on Arlecchino's side.

Arlecchino grunted softly, her hands gripping the edges of the stool. "It's part of the job. You don't need to worry about it."

Furina frowned, her movements pausing for a moment. "Don't dismiss my question. You came back like this, and I have a right to know."

Arlecchino sighed, tilting her head back as she closed her eyes briefly. "There was... resistance. The mission involved dealing with some of Fontaine's old enemies. Let's just say they didn't take kindly to my methods."

Furina's brows furrowed as she resumed cleaning the wound, her voice softening. "You're always so willing to throw yourself into danger. Why?"

"It's what I've always done," Arlecchino replied, her voice calm but edged with weariness. "It's who I am. It's what I'm good at."

Furina shook her head, setting the cloth aside and reaching for a roll of bandages. "That's no excuse to neglect your own well-being. You may think you're invincible, but you're not."

Arlecchino smirked faintly, though there was little humor in it. "I didn't realize you cared so much, dew drop."

Furina's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't rise to the bait. "Of course I care," she said softly, her gaze fixed on the task at hand. "You've done so much for me... I can't stand seeing you like this."

Arlecchino's smirk faded, replaced by a faint, almost imperceptible softness in her eyes. She reached out, her gloved hand brushing against Furina's cheek as she spoke. "You're too kind, dew drop-. Too kind for someone like me."

Furina shook her head, her voice firm despite the emotion in her eyes. "You don't get to decide what you deserve, Arlecchino. Not anymore."

For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air between them heavy with unspoken emotions. Then, with a faint smile, Furina secured the last bandage and sat back on her heels.

"There," she said softly. "You'll heal, but only if you stop being so reckless."

Arlecchino chuckled lightly, the sound low and rough. "I'll consider it. For you."

Furina's lips curved into a small smile, and for the first time that night, the tension in the room seemed to ease. As she stood and turned to leave, Arlecchino's voice stopped her.

"Thank you," she said quietly, the words simple but heartfelt.

Furina glanced back, her smile softening as she nodded. "Always."

With that, she slipped out of the bathroom, leaving Arlecchino to sit in silence, her gaze lingering on the doorway long after Furina had gone.

Arlecchino stood up in the dim light of the bathroom for a moment longer, her wounds carefully bandaged and her thoughts quieter now. She reached into the pocket of her coat, her gloved fingers brushing against something smooth and cold. Slowly, she pulled out a small black box, its leather exterior slightly worn from being carried around for weeks.

Her crimson eyes softened as she opened it, revealing a ring nestled inside. The centerpiece was a stunning blue sapphire cut into the shape of a rose, its delicate petals glittering with an almost ethereal glow. Surrounding the sapphire were small ruby leaves, their deep red hues contrasting beautifully against the cool blue. The craftsmanship was flawless, every detail intentional and intricate, as though the ring itself was crafted with Furina in mind.

A faint smile tugged at Arlecchino's lips, one rare and unguarded. She closed the box gently, holding it tightly in her hand for a moment before slipping it behind her back. With purposeful steps, she left the bathroom and made her way toward Furina.

The Archon was seated at her desk, a small pile of papers spread before her. She wore a simple, elegant night-gown, her hair loosely tied back. The glow of a nearby lamp illuminated her delicate features as she read over each document with care, her brow furrowed slightly in concentration.

Arlecchino paused in the doorway for a moment, watching her. There was something captivating about the way Furina carried herself now—a quiet grace that hadn't always been there. The thought stirred something deep within Arlecchino, something that urged her forward.

Without a word, she crossed the room silently. Furina didn't seem to notice her presence until Arlecchino slipped her arms around her from behind, pulling her gently but firmly against her chest. Furina let out a small gasp, startled at first, but she quickly relaxed when she realized who it was.

"Arlecchino," Furina murmured softly, setting down the paper she had been holding.

Arlecchino pressed a slow, lingering kiss to the side of Furina's neck, her lips brushing against the Archon's soft skin. "You've been working too much, dew drop," she murmured against her neck, her voice low and teasing.

Furina shivered slightly, her cheeks flushing as she tilted her head instinctively, giving Arlecchino more access. "I—I have responsibilities," she stammered, though her voice was noticeably weaker as Arlecchino's kisses trailed lower.

"You also have me," Arlecchino countered, her hands sliding down Furina's sides and settling on her hips. She gave them a light squeeze, holding her firmly but gently. "And I think you've earned a break."

Furina's breath hitched as she tried to regain her composure, but Arlecchino's presence made it difficult. "Darling , I—"

"Shh," Arlecchino whispered, turning her head to press another kiss to Furina's jawline. Her free hand reached up, brushing Furina's hair aside as she leaned down to speak softly into her ear. "Just let me take care of you for once."

Furina sighed, leaning back into Arlecchino's embrace as she felt the tension in her body begin to melt away. "You're impossible," she muttered, though there was no real bite to her words.

Arlecchino chuckled softly, her voice warm and husky. "I could say the same about you, dew drop."

Her hand moved from Furina's hip, reaching behind her back to retrieve the black box. She hesitated for only a moment, the faintest flicker of uncertainty crossing her features before she steeled herself.

"I've been holding onto this for a while," Arlecchino said quietly, her voice softer now as she pulled the box into Furina's view.

Furina turned her head slightly, her eyes widening as she looked down at the box in Arlecchino's hand. "What is that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arlecchino smiled faintly, her crimson eyes locked onto Furina's as she slowly opened the box, revealing the sapphire-and-ruby ring nestled inside. The firelight caught the gems, making them glimmer brilliantly.

"It's for you," Arlecchino said simply, her voice steady but filled with an emotion that she rarely allowed herself to express. "A reminder of everything you've brought into my life. Of how much you mean to me. Even if this isn't exactly how you would picture getting proposed to.. but-.."

Furina's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the ring, her hand trembling slightly as she reached out to touch it. "Arlecchino, it's beautiful," she murmured, her voice filled with awe.

"It's yours," Arlecchino said, her tone resolute as she gently took Furina's hand in her own. "If you'll have it. If you'll have me."

Furina's gaze shifted from the ring to Arlecchino, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I... I don't know what to say," she admitted, her voice trembling.

Arlecchino smiled, brushing her thumb gently over the back of Furina's hand. "Say yes," she whispered, leaning in closer until their foreheads nearly touched.

Furina's lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, she leaned into Arlecchino's touch, her heart racing as she allowed herself to be vulnerable in a way she never had before. The answer was clear in her eyes, and Arlecchino knew it.

The ring remained between them, a symbol of their bond, as Furina leaned up to press a soft kiss to Arlecchino's lips. It was a quiet, unspoken promise—a beginning.

———————-

The sunlight filtered softly through the tall windows of the estate's living room, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden floors and rich furnishings. Furina sat elegantly on a plush loveseat, her back straight and her posture poised as she sipped delicately from a porcelain teacup. Her fingers, slender and graceful, rested lightly on the saucer, the blue sapphire-and-ruby ring glinting faintly in the light.

She wore a flowing navy-blue gown with intricate lacework along the hem and neckline, perfectly complementing the ring on her finger. Her hair was styled neatly, a few loose strands framing her delicate features. There was an air of quiet confidence about her, though her expression was serene and composed, her eyes glancing occasionally toward Arlecchino.

Arlecchino sat beside her, though her focus was directed at the group of clients seated across from them. Her posture was relaxed but commanding, leaning back in her chair with one leg crossed over the other, her sharp crimson eyes fixed on the discussion at hand. She wore her usual dark attire, tailored perfectly to her form, giving her the look of someone who was always in control.

The conversation was businesslike, voices low but purposeful. Furina wasn't entirely paying attention to the details—it was something about logistics and operations. Instead, she found herself watching Arlecchino, the way her tone shifted depending on whom she addressed, the subtle gestures of her hand that conveyed authority without being overbearing.

She took another sip of tea, her gaze dropping briefly to the sapphire ring on her finger. A small, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips as she traced her thumb lightly over its smooth surface. It still felt surreal, wearing something so personal, so meaningful, yet it brought her a quiet sense of comfort.

"Dew drop..," Arlecchino's voice broke through her thoughts. Furina blinked, glancing up to meet her fiancée's gaze. Arlecchino was looking at her with a subtle softness that contrasted with her usual sharp demeanor. "Are you comfortable?" she asked, her tone quieter than it had been during the meeting.

Furina nodded, offering a polite smile. "Perfectly," she replied, her voice gentle but clear. "Please, don't let me interrupt."

Arlecchino's lips curved into the faintest smirk before she returned her attention to the conversation. Furina's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before she turned her attention to the tea tray on the table. She picked up a small pastry, taking a delicate bite as she listened idly to the ongoing discussion.

One of the clients, a middle-aged man with a shrewd expression, glanced briefly at Furina, his gaze flickering to the ring on her finger. "I must say, Madame Furina," he began, his tone polite but inquisitive, "you wear that ring beautifully. A fine choice, if I may add."

Furina looked up, a slight blush rising to her cheeks at being addressed so directly. She gave a gracious nod, her fingers brushing the ring instinctively. "Thank you," she said simply, her voice tinged with pride. Her gaze shifted to Arlecchino, who gave her a subtle nod of approval before resuming the conversation with the clients.

The hours passed quietly, the business discussions eventually winding down. Furina remained composed throughout, her presence elegant yet unobtrusive. When the clients finally stood to leave, Arlecchino rose to see them out, exchanging a few final words before returning to Furina.

Arlecchino sat beside her again, her expression softening as she leaned slightly closer. "You handled yourself well," she murmured, her voice low so only Furina could hear. "I know this isn't your usual scene."

Furina set down her teacup, meeting Arlecchino's gaze with a small smile. "It's different, but... I don't mind," she admitted. "I quite enjoy sitting by your side."

Arlecchino chuckled softly, reaching over to brush a stray strand of hair from Furina's face. "You do more than just sit, dew drop. You shine." Her words were quiet, but they carried a weight that made Furina's cheeks flush slightly.

Furina reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "I think the same of you," she whispered, her thumb brushing over Arlecchino's knuckles. For a moment, the world outside the estate seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their quiet, shared peace.

The warmth of the afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows, casting a golden glow over the lavish living room. Furina, still seated gracefully, let out a quiet sigh as she savored the last sip of her tea. But her moment of composure didn't last long—not with Arlecchino sitting so close, her presence like a slow-burning fire at Furina's side. 

Arlecchino leaned in, as her hand resting against the others thigh, her breath warm against Furina's ear as she murmured, "You looked so elegant today, mon cœur. Almost like you belonged on display... but I much prefer having you all to myself." 

Furina shivered at the husky tone of her voice, though a small giggle slipped past her lips. "You always say the most dangerous things," she murmured, turning slightly to meet Arlecchino's gaze. 

Arlecchino smirked. "And yet, you never run." She pressed a soft kiss to the side of Furina's neck, trailing her lips just below her ear. "Maybe you like it." 

Furina's cheeks burned, but she couldn't deny the truth. She did like it. More than she cared to admit. She laughed again, leaning into Arlecchino's touch, her body reacting instinctively to the teasing. 

Arlecchino took the moment to slide an arm around Furina's waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush against each other. "I wonder," she whispered, her voice laced with mischief, "how long it would take to have that pretty dress on the floor." 

Furina gasped softly, her fingers tightening around Arlecchino's sleeve. A giggle bubbled past her lips, half-flustered, half-intrigued. "Then..." she trailed off, her voice light, daring. 

Arlecchino smirked, her crimson eyes gleaming. Without hesitation, she stood and, in one smooth motion, turned the lock on the door before returning to Furina's side. 

SLIGHT-SMUT STARTS HERE!

The next thing Furina knew, she was being gently pushed back against the plush couch, her breath hitching as Arlecchino hovered over her. "You have no idea how tempting you are," Arlecchino murmured before capturing Furina's lips in a deep, lingering kiss. 

Furina melted beneath her, her fingers curling into the fabric of Arlecchino's coat as she responded to the kiss. It was slow at first, teasing, coaxing—until Arlecchino deepened it, her hands roaming, exploring. One hand traced up Furina's side, while the other ventured lower, skimming over her thighs, her touch sending shivers down Furina's spine. 

A quiet gasp left Furina's lips as Arlecchino's fingers brushed against her most sensitive area, teasing through the fabric of her dress. 

But just as the air grew heavier, just as Furina's breaths became unsteady— 

END

Knock. Knock.

Both women froze. Furina's wide, dazed eyes met Arlecchino's in disbelief. Arlecchino let out a slow exhale, her forehead pressing against Furina's shoulder for a brief moment before she huffed a quiet laugh. 

"Of course," she muttered, voice laced with frustration. 

Furina giggled breathlessly, still slightly dazed from the moment. "Perhaps next time, you should remember to pick a room without interruptions." 

Arlecchino smirked, pressing a lingering kiss to Furina's jaw before slowly sitting up. "Oh, trust me, next time there won't be any interruptions." 

Furina straightened herself, adjusting her dress with slightly trembling fingers as the knocking persisted. Arlecchino sighed before standing up and unlocking the door with a roll of her eyes. 

Whoever dared to interrupt them had better have a good reason.

The Harbinger walked out as Furina caught a glimpse of a man, probably a messenger she assumed. She sat there slightly annoyed as she picked up a book and began to read the vanilla pages that occupy her.

—————

Arlecchino sighed as she shut the door behind her, her fingers still tingling from where they had touched Furina. The moment had been perfect—until it wasn't. She rolled her shoulders back, adjusting her coat as she approached the waiting guard.

The man stood stiffly, holding a sealed letter in his gloved hands. His gaze flickered to Arlecchino, then briefly past her, his brows raising ever so slightly. Arlecchino frowned.

"What?" she asked, crossing her arms.

The guard hesitated before clearing his throat. "Forgive me, but... is Lady Furina well? It seems that she—" his eyes darted to the faint, reddish mark just peeking out from the high collar of Furina's dress "—has been... marked."

Arlecchino smirked at his obvious discomfort, leaning lazily against the wall. "And?" she drawled, watching him squirm.

The guard quickly averted his gaze. "N-Nothing, Lady Arlecchino." He swiftly extended the letter toward her. "This arrived from Snezhnaya. It bears the Cryo Archon's seal."

Arlecchino's smirk faded as she took the letter, tearing open the wax seal with a sharp flick of her fingers. The parchment was thick, the ink dark and precise.

Her eyes scanned the words, her jaw tightening with every line.

To: The Knave,

Your absence from your duties in Snezhnaya has not gone unnoticed. Your... distractions have been tolerated long enough. You are to return immediately.

Your continued defiance will be met with consequences. Do not mistake my patience for indulgence.

Do not keep me waiting.

- The Tsaritsa

Arlecchino let out a slow breath, folding the letter neatly before slipping it into her coat pocket. Her fingers drummed against the fabric, her mind already weighing her options.

The guard shifted uncomfortably. "My lady...?"

Arlecchino exhaled through her nose. "She's getting impatient."

"She doesn't seem pleased that you've lingered here," the guard remarked cautiously.

Arlecchino's eyes flicked up to him, sharp as daggers. "No, she doesn't."

A tense silence settled between them before the guard hesitantly spoke again. "If you do not return...?"

Arlecchino let out a quiet chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "Then she'll send someone to drag me back."

Her gaze darkened as she thought about what that could mean. The Tsaritsa didn't make idle threats. If she was truly displeased, she wouldn't hesitate to act—whether that meant sending another Harbinger after her or making an example of someone else.

She had been granted more freedom than most, but even she was not untouchable.

The guard hesitated. "And what of the Lady Furina?"

Arlecchino's expression hardened. Furina. The woman who had somehow tangled herself into Arlecchino's life, into her mind, into her bed. The woman she had once struck down, only to find herself unable to truly let go.

"She stays here," Arlecchino said firmly.

"And if the Cryo Archon demands otherwise?"

Arlecchino's grip tightened at her side. "She can demand all she wants."

The guard lowered his head in acknowledgment. He knew better than to question her further. "Shall I prepare a response?"

Arlecchino exhaled slowly before turning toward the door. "No," she said. "Not yet."

Because no matter how much the Cryo Archon demanded her return, Arlecchino wasn't ready to leave just yet. Not when there was still unfinished business. Not when Furina was still here.

And certainly not when she had no intention of letting anyone else lay a claim on what was hers.

Arlecchino stood outside the door for a long moment, her hand hovering just above the handle. The letter from the Tsaritsa burned in her pocket, heavy with expectation. This was inevitable. She had always known she would not be allowed to linger forever.

Still... it had never felt real until now.

With a slow exhale, she turned the handle and stepped inside.

Furina sat on the couch, her legs tucked neatly beneath her as she absentmindedly flipped through a book. The fire crackled beside her, casting soft golden light across her delicate features. She looked peaceful—something Arlecchino had rarely seen in her before.

But the moment the door clicked shut, Furina looked up, her sharp blue eyes locking onto Arlecchino. She immediately caught the tension in the air, the stiffness in Arlecchino's posture.

"What happened?" Furina asked, setting the book aside.

Arlecchino didn't answer right away. She crossed the room, pulling the letter from her pocket and tossing it onto the table. Furina frowned, reaching for it. As her eyes moved over the words, her expression darkened.

"She wants you to leave," Furina murmured, her voice quieter than usual.

"She's getting impatient," Arlecchino corrected, sitting down beside her. "I've been away too long. I knew this was coming."

Furina swallowed, gripping the letter tightly. "And if you don't go?"

Arlecchino smirked, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Then she'll send someone else to bring me back."

Furina's fingers trembled slightly against the parchment. "So... you're going?"

Arlecchino exhaled through her nose, leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees. "I have to."

A tense silence settled between them. The only sound was the fire cracking in the hearth. Furina's hands slowly curled into fists.

"For how long?" she finally asked.

Arlecchino hesitated. "I don't know."

Furina's breath hitched. She set the letter down carefully, as if it might shatter in her hands. "And what happens to me?"

Arlecchino turned her gaze to her, studying the way Furina's lower lip trembled, the way her hands clenched at the fabric of her dress.

"You stay here," Arlecchino said firmly. "You'll be safe. I'll make sure of it."

Furina let out a bitter laugh. "Safe? Without you here? You know they'll come for me."

"I won't let that happen." Arlecchino reached out, taking Furina's wrist, her thumb brushing over the scar that still lingered there. "I'm not leaving you unprotected."

Furina stared down at their hands, her expression unreadable.

"You said youd married me to protect me," she murmured. "But if you leave, what stops them from forcing me back to Fontaine? From using me?"

Arlecchino's grip tightened. "I won't let them."

Furina shook her head. "You won't be here."

Arlecchino's jaw clenched. She didn't have an answer for that—not one that would satisfy Furina.

Silence stretched between them once more.

Then, Furina suddenly shifted, pulling herself into Arlecchino's lap and wrapping her arms around her neck. The gesture caught Arlecchino off guard, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she held Furina close, her fingers curling into the fabric of her dress.

"You always do this," Furina whispered against her shoulder. "You come into my life, you make me trust you, and then you leave."

Arlecchino closed her eyes, pressing her lips against Furina's hair. "I'll come back."

Furina shook her head against her. "You can't promise that."

"I will," Arlecchino said, firmer this time. "No one—not the Tsaritsa, not Fontaine—will keep me from you."

Furina didn't respond. She just held her tighter.

And for the first time in a long time, Arlecchino wished she could stay.

——————-
Hello my little lake Lillie's<3! How are you all doing? :3 I hope you enjoyed this chapter and most likely will have a few smut chapters! But I will mark them! Also lain is making a combat soon!!! But sorry for the late update! Theres still a bug so it makes it tricky we to write but hey we writers find a way around it! But I hope you enjoyed this chapter and might post again later tonight <3!
-Lady Furina De Fontaine~