part two to this <33

your first week as Dottore's assistant was... interesting. interesting in the way that you'd never seen his lab before this, as the only people allowed inside were himself and the scarce few subordinates he trusted enough to not mess anything up, and interesting how Dottore's segments loved popping up out of nowhere and giving you a good fright.

you learned to listen for footsteps really well afterwards.

other than that, being Dottore's assistant wasn't exactly a joy. Pantalone had been reluctant to give you, one of his most level-headed agents, over to the mad doctor, and now you know why. Dottore was unpredictable and morbidly curious about the world's inner workings, and his segments often started bickering with each other, leaving you to run around trying to complete all the tasks they were supposed to do, not to mention that you're not exactly why you're here in the first place- Dottore hasn't said a word about the strange beast who hugged you in the hall, only making sure you're out of the lab by a certain time.

until one day he beckons you towards a door leading deeper into the lab with an ominous smile, opening the door a crack and shooing you inside, the words "He's calmer today." hissing out from underneath the bird beak-shaped mask. you hesitantly step inside, a deep sense of foreboding blooming in your chest.

then the door slams shut and your heart drops.

you know there's no point in begging Dottore to open the door- when he wants to test something, he'll see it to its conclusion no matter what- but when you hear a familiar growl you almost consider pleading anyways. instead you press your back against the wall, pulling out the small blade all Fatui agents are given even though your hands are shaking with fear. perhaps if you're quick and smart, you'll get out of here with only an arm or leg lost.

claws scrape on the floor as the monster approaches, familiar crimson mask and horns coming into view. but when its- his gaze settles on you, the angry growls from before immediately die into concerned trills, head lowering to your height. you watch, astonished, as the creature clicks affectionately to you, snuggling into your stomach, and you slowly lower your knife and allow it to drop to the ground. tentatively you begin petting the fluffy ginger hair before you, and the beast begins purring contentedly, much like the day you met him, now nuzzling into your lap and forcing you to slide to a sit. but you don't mind, and simply continue running your fingers through his thick coppery hair, a nervous smile twitching at the sides of your lips.

is... the monster crying?

the door suddenly swings open and you snap your head towards Dottore as the monster bristles and growls, leaping to your defense. the Harbinger simply chuckles and places a hand on your shoulder, wide grin showing razor-sharp teeth, and the creature balks, a fearful whimper slipping from his fanged maw as he obediently backs into the furthest corner, single eye trained on Dottore's hand. you hear more than see the Harbinger's smile when he speaks,

"Wonderful, the first experiment with Tartaglia was a complete success."

...Tartaglia?