I’m so fascinated by Manfred’s relationships with Fransizka and Miles. I think he does love Fran in his own unhealthy way, treating her as a passion project almost, something to build into something he deems worthy, I imagine he would get her whatever she wanted if she excelled, but was still neglectful to her, and borderline cruel if she failed. I think he never cared about miles, miles is nothing more than a trophy to him, proof that Gregory couldn’t escape him even in death, the only reason he trained him is simply because he relishes in the fact Gregory couldn’t, it’s a cruel punishment for him, an act of total dominance
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part two to this post <33
Tartaglia knows he's done wrong when you brush past him without so much as a glance, features sharp and cold, so different from the sweet, kind person he knew years ago. when he saw the look in your eyes, he had nearly shivered. where was that telltale twinkle, that always glinted happily when you saw something wonderful that you simply had to show him? where was the quirk in your lips when you thought of something funny or mischievous? and where was the gentleness in your hands, your gaze, that you directed to everyone you loved?
he shivers, and wonders if that's what he looked like when he crawled back out of the Abyss, all those years ago. Foul Legacy whines as he watches you leave, and Tartaglia has to restrain himself from transforming and running after you right then and there- his Abyssal side was particularly attached to you, perhaps even more than Tartaglia himself was, if that was even possible.
he watches you in the Harbor, peering out of the corner of his eye as his agents ramble on about something unimportant. he sees how you talk to people; politely, but not kindly, a business transaction and nothing more; and he wonders how alone you might be. aren't you lonely, barely talking to anyone outside of work? don't you want friends to support and lift your spirits through the darkest days?
but it's clear that the answer is no, no you don't. for every interaction ends as quickly as it began, and you step away with the same polite expression you always had now, steeled resolve underneath your calm exterior.
you don't trust anyone anymore.
Tartaglia knows you never had many friends as a child- you always said you preferred to have a few close friends than several distant ones- ah. guilt stabs his chest. he remembers that day, the day you cried in front of him, *because* of him. Foul Legacy had hated him that day, growling and hissing on the edge of his subconscious. how dare he treat you like that? the person who comforted him and held his hand and reassured him when he felt he couldn't possibly live up to his family's standards. the person who promised to remain by his side forever if he swore to do the same.
the person who had saved his sanity in the Abyss, and the person who calmed Foul Legacy's rage even on the stormiest of nights. how dare he. how dare he.
Tartaglia chokes on his silent tears, thanking the Archons that he's in the countryside of Liyue instead of the Harbor. he wipes his tears and sighs, and Foul Legacy mumbles with him, clearly displeased and restless.
then his senses perk at the sound of voices, and he makes his way through the grass to investigate. Treasure Hoarders- of course, they always operate in these areas. they're snickering and nodding, and he's about to turn and leave, in no mood for a fight tonight, when he sees what they're all looking at.
you. sitting calmly by a tree and immersed in some book. you look peaceful, unaware of the Hoarders watching you a ways up the hill, and Childe feels his blood boil.
there's a growling sound from somewhere deep in his throat, and before he can blink the Treasure Hoarders are laying dead, covered in claw marks. Foul Legacy coughs, then wheezes and doubles over, not accustomed to being used right after his weekly sparring sessions. Tartaglia feels like he's floating, only partially awake, but Foul Legacy's concern is so strong that they both feel rising worry when he turns towards where you are.
you're fine. you didn't hear a thing, simply continuing to read your book like nothing happened, and Foul Legacy rumbles quietly in relief before keeling over in a dead faint and taking Tartaglia with him.
but he knows now what he must do. he'll protect you from the shadows, keeping you from harm to make up for the way he himself harmed and broke your heart. perhaps then, he can inch closer, let you know that you can open up again to him, and apologize to you. perhaps he can someday hold you close and take you to wonderful places and satisfy Foul Legacy's crave for your attention, your love.
perhaps one day, he can leave "Tartaglia" behind and be Ajax to you again.
tagging: @ifelloutofbed
(oh btw feel free to send me brainrot related to this. slow burn/slow regaining of trust is my jam)
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Napoleon, running in: Peril, would you take a bullet for me?
Illya: ...yes?
*Gaby angrily bursts into the room*
Napoleon, running away: GREAT, thanks!
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