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The last little one had finally fallen asleep for the night after reading them a bedtime story, and this was your cue to retire for the night. Arlecchino had been away to Fontaine and wasn’t due back for at least a few more days. You were very excited to see her again as it had been weeks since she had left. You showered, made a pot of herbal tea, and had your favorite by Yae Publishing in hand when the bedroom door opened up slowly.
She wasn’t even looking at you, just a gaze cast to the side as she shut the door behind her. Almost seeming like she didn’t want to make eye contact, but she never made any advancements from the door. Arlecchino never cast her eyes up from space, which was concerning to you, as she had never had this look on her face. Albeit not far off from her normal look, you could tell the difference. Eyes ever so slightly wider than usual, eyebrows knitted together tighter than she’d ever allow most others to witness.
“Arlecchino?” She snapped out of her trance-like state at the sound of your voice to look up at you. Her mouth was slightly open and her expression a bit clearer. By now, your book was put aside, and you had made your way to the edge of the bed to come closer to her, startled by her appearance; the most shaken you’ve ever seen her.
“Rosalyne… S-she.. She’s gone, she…” You have most certainly never heard your beloved stutter like this before and rushed to her side to embrace her.
“Sit, please.” She did as you asked but just stared towards the ground as she sat on the edge of your bed whilst collecting her thoughts.
“I just received word that she was unsuccessful on her mission in Inazuma. She’s…” She trailed off again, he voice higher than normal. Knowing how much her colleague meant to her, your heart felt pained to see her in this state. Ever reserved and stoic, you wanted to be there for her on the rare occasion she did choose to express her emotions, now being one of the first.
“I’m so sorry, Peruere.” Better words couldn’t be found, so you just hugged her. She didn’t reciprocate at first, just staring off blankly again, and you gave her the silence and time she needed. Right now she just needed to be near you for support, it seemed, and talking wasn’t going to do much but distract. She was still, but as she slowly let down the walls she had up since she heard the terrible news, the same ones she normally has up for every situation.
Knowing that she was safe to now let go and just feel, the slight tremble soon turned into a more aggressive shake. She turned to you, briefly making eye contact with you, before burying her face into your shoulder and clinging to you at last, she wanted to the whole time but just couldn’t. The short glance at her features was heartbreaking; you didn’t know Signora well and couldn’t share your wife’s pain, but seeing your lover in such a state was painful nonetheless.
The only noises you could hear were her breaths picking up in pace, but you knew she was finally allowing herself to cry, given the wetness you felt dampening your shoulder. Arms reach under yours and wrap around your waist, pulling you closer to her tightly. The hug was probably tighter than she realizes, but you say nothing and snake your own arms around her, rubbing her back slowly in large circles. Cries become more audible, sniffles and an almost gasp or panting sound as she shook with her breaths.
You two stay like this a while, though you aren’t sure how long and it doesn’t really matter to you anyway. Arlecchino is your focus right now. Her quiet sobs slow down as the minutes pass, eventually she sits up and looks away from you as to not let you see her face. You grab her hand to hold in yours but look away from her to make her feel more comfortable. You know that this was a lot for her to open up as it is.
“Will you be alright if I go get you some water? Maybe you can take a warm shower, it might help as well.” All you have in response is a small hum in agreement. You are pulled back once more when you stand up to walk away. Her head rested on your stomach, holding you close again.
“Thank you.” She whispered. Rubbing her back once more, you lean down to kiss the top of her head, and she lets go.
“You are welcome, my love.”