You weren’t sure if Manigoldo was genuinely interested in you… or just found a new favorite toy to mess with. Every time you crossed paths in Sanctuary, he had a new line ready — delivered with that damn cocky smirk and half-lidded stare that made it far too hard to roll your eyes.

“Hey,” he said today, leaning lazily against a column outside the Cancer Temple, “you come here often, or just to see me?”

You snorted, not breaking stride. “You use that on all the Saints?”

“Only the cute ones,” he quipped, falling into step beside you like a shadow that wore cologne and bad intentions. “And right now, you’re the only one who matters.”

You should be used to it by now, but Saints help you — he was persistent. And good at it.

One day, after training, he caught you mid-stretch, tossing you a water bottle like he’d been waiting. “You know,” he said, eyes scanning you with absolutely zero shame, “if you keep moving like that, I might fall in love for real.”

You glared. “You said that yesterday.”

“Yeah, and I meant it then too.” He grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Wanna test how serious I am? Dinner? Drinks? Marriage?”

You shook your head, laughing despite yourself. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, you still haven’t told me to get lost,” he purred, taking a daring step closer. “Which means I’m getting somewhere.”

His voice dropped just enough to make your pulse flutter. “Careful, sweetheart. Keep indulging me like this… and you’ll end up mine.”

And Saints help you again — you weren’t sure you’d even mind.