Arlecchino was only half-reading the book. While her eyes scanned the pages, her mind kept watch on that peculiar girl behind the banister.
She'd been at this for a whole hour now. It was getting annoying.
That green-haired girl had been watching her ever since she joined the UHA. Arlecchino was used to getting odd stares and hostile treatment. When you're a Fatui, it comes with the job description. But this Collei girl seemed more hostile than most.
After a month together, the girls treated her like one of them, even Furina. All except the ranger girl. That one avoided her and all other Fatui whenever she could.
The Knave didn't expect they'd ever be friends, not that it bothered her.
What did bother her? The waiting.
Arlecchino had dealt with shy kids before. In her experience, you had to let them make the first move. Be too aggressively kind and you might spook them.
She flipped the page, trying to invest herself in the plot. Bide your time, she thought, in time, the child will come to you.
Another half an hour passed in silence. Finally, Collei descended the staircase and inched to the couch where Arlecchino sat. The Knave heard the girl's legs shake.
"H-hello."
Arlecchino lowered the book and offered a polite smile. That seemed to ease the girl's mind a bit.
"Hello, Collei."
Silence.
"So, um… what're you reading?"
She showed her the cover of a rather lengthy titled light novel. Collei's purple eyes widened.
"You read light novels?"
"Not usually, but the children seem to enjoy them, so I like to peruse the books before they read them. It helps me ensure they don't read anything age-inappropriate."
"Oh, I see."
She flipped another page. Collei shifted on her feet nervously.
"Um… I…"
"Collei? Why are you talking to me?"
She flinched.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I bothering you?"
"No, that's not why I asked." She softened her voice. "You've steered clear of me since I came to the Serenitea Pot. Why are you making an effort to speak to me now?"
The teenager shrugged. "I dunno. I figured…you're important to Aether, so I should at least try to know you better."
"Hm."
Collei sighed.
"Okay, fine. The truth is I don't want to be scared of you anymore."
Arlecchino put down her book and affixed Collei in a gentle gaze. The junior forest ranger squirmed a little.
"Fatui scare me, but Aether likes you, so I want to like you too. The only way I'm going to do that though is if I spend time with you."
"You're a brave girl."
"Nah."
"I'm serious. Very few people are bold enough to approach me and speak so casually."
Collei blushed, clearly pleased by the praise.
"So then," said Arlecchino. "You wish us to be friends?"
"If … it's not too much to ask."
"I'm having a tea party with Furina and Navia this afternoon. Would you care to join?"
"Oh, uh, I don't know much about tea parties…"
"I'm sure you'll learn. You seem like a bright person."