Although her ship had long since anchored in Yilong Wharf, she still felt nauseous. That sensation intensified as the Harbor came into view. She emerged in the town, feeling like she was inches from hurling up her breakfast and lunch.
It wasn't seasickness. No, her nausea was born of dread. There were so many ways today could go wrong that she was terrified. Every part of her wanted to turn around and go home. She could write a letter making up some excuse.
No, she decided. She put this off long enough. Arlecchino wanted this and by the Tsaritsa, she would not go home after coming so far.
Steeling her resolve, Arlecchino stepped into Liyue Harbor. Luggage in hand, she followed the directions through the sprawling city along the alleyways. Soon, she arrived at the apartment.
She gulped. Her heart pounded so fast she thought it might explode.
Slowly, she stepped forward, her knuckles rapping the door. The chains unlocked behind it. A pale-eyed woman with long white hair, Adeptal robes, and crimson ropes greeted her.
"Hello, Arlecchino. How was your trip here?"
"F-fine, thank you."
Shenhe invited her inside.
Arlecchino opened her suitcase and took out a bottle of wine. She offered it to Shenhe, who graciously accepted.
"I will treasure this forever."
Arlecchino blinked. "You could also…drink it, if you like."
"Perhaps I will. Come, sit down. Can I get you anything?"
"Just some tea would be nice," Arlecchino replied.
Shenhe boiled a pot while Arlecchino sat at the table. The apartment was humble but comfortable. It had a kitchen—more like a closet, really—a table with two chairs, a sofa, and a bedroom. There were scant decorations, save a framed photograph of Aether hanging on the back wall. Everything smelled of Qingxin.
Shenhe placed a cup for Arlecchino on the table. She tasted it and nearly choked on how bitter it was.
"My goodness," she murmured. "Did you just put Qingxin right into the pot?"
"Is that not the way one makes tea?"
Arlecchino, not wanting to be ruder, finished her drink. She and Shenhe sat opposite each other in total silence. Arlecchino felt sweat trail down her neck. Her tongue stalled. Did she suggest they just jump right into it or should she use more tact? How exactly did one go about this sort of interaction?
Luckily for her, Shenhe came out and said it, "Shall we make love now?"
Arlecchino, blushing crimson, nodded.
"Excellent," said Shenhe. "It will be strange doing this without Aether, but I will manage. Shall I bring you to my bedroom?"
Arlecchino nodded again. Shenhe scooped her up like a princess and carried her into the back. She gently laid the Knave on the bed, then she crawled on top of her. Snow hair framed her immaculate pale face. Slowly, Shenhe closed her eyes and came in close. Arlecchino found her heart racing faster and faster.
Her breaths filled Arlecchino's senses. She closed her eyes, arched her face, and puckered her lips.
You don't deserve love!
Arlecchino stiffened. Shenhe paused over her, eyes awash with confusion. Slowly, full of shame, Arlecchino turned her face away from Shenhe.
"I… I'm sorry," Arlecchino murmured. "I'm…nervous."
"I understand," said Shenhe. "Perhaps, we can cuddle instead?"
"Y-yes."
Shenhe positioned herself behind Arlecchino, acting as a big spoon. Her embrace was rather pleasant. One long arm wrapped around Arlecchino's waist. A generous bust and hips pressed into hers, and thighs touched.
It was pleasant.
Arlecchino wished she could reach out and take Shenhe's hand. The thought thrilled her, but it made her scared beyond belief.
"Are you comfortable?" asked Shenhe.
"Yes," she replied.
"I am glad."
Silence.
"Shenhe?"
"What is it?"
"Would you please fondle me?"
Shenhe reached around. She unbuttoned Arlecchino's vest and tenderly massaged the left and then the right breast. Everything was to the point with her. Each touch meant to achieve maximum satisfaction. Arlecchino bit her lip.
"You are satisfied," Shenhe observed. "You prefer intimacy looking away from someone?"
"It is easier not looking at someone," she said.
"I see," said Shenhe. "So you choose this position because you find it more comfortable."
"I suppose…"
Arlecchino wasn't sure what made her say what she said next. Normally, she didn't talk in length about her life with anyone except Aether. But now, she broke that rule.
"I only hugged one person in all my life. Whenever I try holding Aether face-to-face, I think of her and… I can't. Even though she was born into a hard life, she always smiled. She could be so naïve, and yet… she was my best friend."
Shenhe studied Arlecchino.
"You loved her."
Arlecchino choked on a pang in her throat.
Shenhe brushed her gray hair. She leaned over and planted a tender kiss on Arlecchino's neck. The Knave shivered both excited and afraid.
"Thank you for telling me," said Shenhe. "It must be very painful."
"It has been."
"This person? Do I remind you of her?"
Arlecchino snorted, letting out a rare laugh. "Not in the slightest. She was much more jovial and personable."
"Do I resemble her physically?"
"No. I have never seen you as a replacement for her."
Shenhe paused. "Then, why did you request me for a three-way?"
"W-well, because," Arlecchino swallowed. "You are … attractive."
"I see," said Shenhe with a smile on her voice. "I am flattered. I hope one day, you will be ready to go all the way. I hope that we too may become friends."
Shenhe continued fondling Arlecchino's breasts in silence. Slowly, with great trepidation, Arlecchino brought her hands up. Her hands, scarred to a charred black, enfolded into Shenhe's snowy hands. They were surprisingly quite warm.