Ruina-Imagines

I can see Romero having an appreciation for the arts, something made of spirit, grace, removed from the pitiless gluttony he has seen so frequently in his field of work. Something refined, etched into careful detail with steady patience. It’s a romantic view in that regard.

So when you are something frailer? He only takes greater importance to his work. There are many nasty, foul vermin crawling around the City at night, but he can find some pride in extermination; for at least one of the cruelest fates, falling prey to bloodfiends, would not be a concern for you. 

The good news is he’d be quite the supportive type. Art is likely a difficult hobby to pursue in the city because not many can afford the free time. He’d much rather take the brunt of a dangerous job if it means you can avoid something more perilous yourself.

That said, not like you’d be entirely free of work on your own. The City isn’t that lenient of a place! But he’d much prefer you take some safer alternative, if such a thing exists. 

He doesn’t really read to me as someone who would overstep into your professional life? Maybe have advice, but you are to make your own choices on your own time. Just as he values professionalism in his own workplace, who would he be to dictate yours? Would that not make him indistinguishable from mindless things?

On a similar note he’d likely try to keep his work and you separate. It’s not as though you’re uninformed of what the Fanghunt office does, nor does he keep you in the dark of how to protect yourself (though you may be an unlikely target, never is it impossible). Sure, it’s mostly vials of water because you lack the physical prowess, but even that is more defense than someone untaught has.

It is a sentiment shared across the office to accept death rather than the fate of a bloodbag, but loss is still loss. He is able to express something more tender and brittle with you, voicing discontentment at how those employed before his office are usually naive to what they’re getting into.

I think that he’d be able to acknowledge not everyone has a grudge like he does– how could they when they do not know how quick these creatures are to surrender to their base instincts? And part of him knows the likes of these people may include you. 

That upon hearing a pleading bloodfiend you may be susceptible to some manipulation. Pity, perhaps. Maybe something worse, something more concerned. It’s not your fault, they can be convincing with words.

And is he wrong? Not quite. It may be agreed upon by his office that those bit and turned are to be killed as mercy, but not to you. Meaning such a fate would not deter your care, even if it’d be the end of you.

So. I’m a little iffy on how meeting again after this point would work in canon. Given if you’re weaker there’s no way in hell you’d be tagging along to La Manchaland (also not apart of the office so double reason why that wouldn’t happen). But then again, he’s also dead in canon, and not here so.. We can bend the rules a bit. 

Say La Manchaland doesn’t implode. Or maybe it does, but not yet. Even now enthralled to the command of higher kindred Romero has been shown to try and retaliate against his instinct. Being condemned to an endless parade he has no loyalties with. Perhaps after a span of time he is able to harness this will and flee, just as Cassetti did.

Alternatively?? In hearing that there are those expelled from La Manchaland you set off to search for him, knowing that if there’s one place he has vanished off to it would be there? Horrible idea. Could work. Maybe. 

Either way, whether he finds you or you find him it’s a harrowing experience. Becoming victim to the one thing you detest will be; though now that distaste would extend to himself as well. And you? Someone that he valued? He’d never hurt you, but how could he be certain?

Romero’s prediction would be right, it’s something worse. Concern for him in spite of what he’s become. He may have some more autonomy as time goes on, and he lacks loyalty to the family he left, but he’s been reduced to some shambling starved mess. 

Still! For a newer bloodfiend, I feel the guy would have a decent control on bloodthirst. Self-resentment does that to you, just look at Curiambro! You’re probably safe. Probably.

If you manage to keep him around he’d insist on you keeping vials of water at all times. Maybe his existing knowledge would still be able to preserve you. At least for a while until you adapt to this.. Situation.

This is also true in the around-La-Manchaland scenario. If anything moreso because if there’s one thing he trusts even less it’d be other bloodfiends. Not going anywhere near you, no, not at all, sorry not sorry.

It still is Romero after all, and with some time and your own stubborn decision to remain and treat him the same, that old self will come to surface. It’s a good thing.. As much as he may pester you to his own delight. 

Speaking of which, any lessons of what is ‘proper’ he learned in his VERY tedious time of the parade will be enforced upon you. For his own entertainment of course. Bad posture while designing something? I think not. Eating impolitely? Unheard of!

(To which makes you wonder if he’s starting to make things up because the only thing bloodfiends are eating is people. And he wants to talk about table manners? ..Sure)

No matter how you stare him down after, mild irritation, exasperation, whatever, he will thrive on the reaction. May insist on some clever excuse to it pertaining to your health, he’s not as cunning as he thinks he is.

Always would he prefer your work over the theme park’s, far too much red over there! Or worse, purple; had there been no inkling to creativity? He speaks like he himself is not infected, and in ways he does separate himself from them still.

There would still be some apprehensions to indulging in any hunger, he’d be persistent on retaining some sort of humanity (if possible) for you. Maybe it is to not seem a hypocrite, though a bit too late for that. You treat him like he’s human, so he attempts to live that way, even if obnoxiously so from time to time.

For all of the technology in the city, there are still certain things that seem unobtainable even with sufficient wealth. A cure or long-time remedy to fend off Linton’s feeble health is upon one of those. 

Illness is a frustrating thing, especially for a younger individual who may see his siblings flourishing when he is not. As it has been stated that the Edgar family is renowned in fixer circles, and likely not saddled with the same sickness he is.

Which, with the strain we’ve seen affluent families put on their children in the city, I’d not be surprised if Linton felt more like the runt of the litter than anything. He is an heir, and yet struggles against his own constitution?

He’d much prefer you over any butler, anyways. Even with what brooding complaints he might have, it’s aimed more at the feeling of his own frailty than you. He knows this even as a kid, but it’s a lot easier to lament about it indiscriminately. He’d be far more distressed to have you gone, anyways.

Which gives you a bit of an advantage, I do not imagine that many get away with being so boisterously spirited in a place as drab and depressing as the Edgar Manor. For reason, too, that sort of ‘ungraceful’ behavior may be chastised. 

If you were told off or exchanged from some other maid the family ought not be surprised when Linton’s health drops. One’s spirit does greatly account for wellbeing after all, and T corp doesn’t do a great job on that. You’re pretty much what’s keeping life engrossing to him at all.

..Even if it means letting him get away with things you’d been advised against. Hey, every kid deserves to be a kid! And it’s not like you’d let any form of great injury come to him. The manor wants to shelter him, and those sort of things just aren’t fair to impose on someone curious.

These things help him feel a little more self-serving, a little less reliant, even if slightly. Could have also assisted in defensive or combative training! As the butlers and maids themselves are very capable.

You’ve seen him more cheerful as a kid than likely anyone else. Not wanting to douse those things that bring joy. Because they’re fleeting, far and few in between. 

That said, do expect to be busy with orders. He still will use that to his advantage, it’s what he’s been taught to do, and you are his butler there to fulfill what tasks he has set out. This will carry on all throughout his life, but it does not do proper justice to how he does appreciate you.

In many ways you are an exception to his perceptions of people; your talkative and rowdy traits would have him scornful should it be anyone else. It’s very contrasting to his attempts to have a more detached and disinterested demeanor.

You’ve seen him at his weakest after all. Persisted even so, and while the man was prone to insecurity the way you heeded him was earnest, not just out of some contractual obligation. Trust like that is hard to earn with him, it’s a fickle thing, but even so he holds it for you.

I can see that faith being bolstered during sibling arguments! Of course in any high-stakes family such as the Edgar’s fights would be pretty rough. And with ever-broiling insecurities he can feel backed further into a corner.

On one hand a portion of him may reason that you are acting purely because it is your job to do so; but it was not an order that prompted you to behave this way. If anything, you could get in more trouble for this behavior against other members of the family. The most beneficial thing in your case would be to stand idly by.

You can see from where his cruelty has been adopted, but he is less so with you. Even if your concern may be seen as overbearing at points and he waves you away to some other task, he won’t be irate in any consequential way if you linger.

His tolerance for you compared to any butler is far higher. Even if you happen to be uncooperative at times, you’re presented with more leniency. You’re the closest and most consistent thing he’s had to a friend and caretaker.

Meaning that if you were to at times challenge him on certain perspectives he’d be more inclined to listen to you. It’s hard to adjust to anything so set-in-stone when he can be pretentious, but he’d alleviate a bit. Since part of him knows he’s a hypocrite in keeping you around.

I imagine it’d be such a shame to see what he’s been reduced to. For as much as you tried to foster what excitement he had, what is left is more like a husk he’s forcing himself into. It worsened over time as his health had.

If you weren’t going to settle for that then you have the best chance of anyone to try and pry him from the gloom. There is no one willing to confront him; and for those who will, no one that would out of worry. It isn’t easy, but you may be able to force out some earnest reflection on what he’s feeling– because without that prompting he’d never admit it aloud.

He is both stubborn and has surrendered himself to this mindset of isolation, and it’s most of what anyone knows him for anyways. But you know him better than any, so if someone is going to pry up what things he’s enjoyed in the past to try and evoke some kind of contentment you’d be best equipped.

Maybe it's a matter of meeting new people?? Then again might be difficult when he is so.. Unapproachable. Hey, you’ve surely learned patience over the years. I can’t imagine you’d have the most thrilling bunch of coworkers so that wouldn’t help his case. Just hope he isn’t so quick to judge anyone new (spoiler: it’s a tall ask). Please get the guy some friends maybe he wont be so soggy and miserable

In a sweeter regard I do think what optimism you might have would aid his mood even if a little. It reminds him of childhood in a comforting way, and in that same line of thought you’d be called over to just speak.

Don Quixote as a partner is, as you’d guess, easily excitable. She revels in your time together, fantasizing about your adventures as two brave heroes who gallantly traverse the lands! 

Hand-in-hand, any new experience she wishes to rush forward will always be with you to accompany it.. Even if you aren’t aware that you’re going to be involved. Nonetheless! No time to think, for she’s devised a plan for your own enjoyment!

It’s the eccentricities and solid code of justice she upholds that are so charming, her lack of shame to step in when no one else would. And considering you’ve found yourself in a romantic situation with her, you’re likely well aware of all her mannerisms. Perhaps participating in them yourself!

I do think that she would do well with someone who either shares that energy, or knows how to listen intently and treat her with a mutuality. And in return, she’d listen to you a tad more! A tad. That’s more than the majority of the sinners can succeed in herding her, so they’re already grateful.

It isn’t that she doesn’t retain what you tell her or ward her of, rather that when the thought surges of something she must do, it’s an impulse. Most often it’s acting without considering the consequences, and it might take a soft nudge or similar to bring her back to reality.

But trust me, she tries to absorb what you tell her, especially if you regale her with your own travels. The imagery plays out visible before her eyes; you, standing tall and proud as the lighting hits just right or! Or! Maybe it’s more of a tragic tale, one of woes.. But fret not! You will be back on your own feet in no time, that she knows!

Don Quixote would not stand whatsoever for any slander on your name. Any rude comments, she’s practically scrambling to retort before you can even process what was said. It doesn’t matter whether you took it personally or not. You may have to defuse the situation lest Outis will need to strangle her back again.

It doesn’t sit right with her that people can get away with saying or doing such vicious things when it coincides with what she’s passionate about. She’d voice this to you, about how you shouldn’t tolerate such behavior. It’s more complicated than that, but getting that through will be difficult.

Perhaps.. It is just the more noble route for a knight to extend the grace of mercy and forgive, yes! That ought to be it! She finds her way around eventually, even if it’s through her own peculiar mind loops.

When I consider it, I do think that she would be quite good at communicating about being upset. She feels strongly, and voices that. And in instances where she may not, it is rather easy to tell when she is disgruntled or put down.

I don’t think all too many arguments would occur as she wouldn’t want to fight with you. Her perspective is more prone to mending when it comes to you. Which you might have to be a bit wary of. She trusts in you absolutely, but that also means not quite being able to accept you doing wrong– which isn’t humanly possible. So keep an eye out. It’s good to acknowledge that the perspective she comes to should be one that she believes. 

(Not saying this blind following would extend to blatantly cruel things that go against her definition of justice. As in saying you can’t just kick a child in an alleyway and give a thumbs up and go along the way. She’d have an adverse reaction. But if you’re with her, doubt that would be much of a situation you run into to begin with.)

With dates it's rare you’re sitting in just one place, but that’s the fun of it! Often they’re her idea, given it usually spurs from one thing she overheard through the fixer forums she’d read and wanted to try. She is motivated often by things she wants to do, but this doesn’t mean she won’t go places you ask. You just have to remind her.

Getting into her canto and post canto there is a lot of change to unpack. Learning that she herself was one of the bloodfiends she so despised, that the others were family, and what happened to her father is a major strain.

I don’t think she’d want to face or acknowledge you at that time, truthfully. You may be outright ignored. She’s picking up the pieces of her own history, and it’s distressing that she does care for you, that she can’t simply return to her family because there are things holding her back. (She does have other reasons contending for why she stuck with the sinners, of course, but focusing on you)

Her own self-definition is really being challenged, and with that comes another reason she tries to avoid you; with all her self-loathing she entirely expects for you to no longer want to be with her. She’s not the same person you believed her to be, who you’d grown to love, so why would you? She believes she has (wrongly) already figured out your decision.

Surprise. That's a flawed train of thought. Of course you care! It might take some expressing in your words that she is still herself, just as she was long ago, just as she is as a sinner. She still truly felt those things, did she not? And it wasn’t as though she was intentionally lying.

It is a rough canto for the both of you, but you make going forward a lot more approachable, possible. She chooses to go forward with the enthusiasm you’re used to, but so are you aware and appreciative of her more grounded moments.

She has greater control in her impulses now. Still not happy if people are being rude to you. But you’re able to talk her down from certain things without as much resistance. 

She was already quite loyal, but I think it’s rooted even deeper now. In a way your accompaniment helps her avoid falling into the blind mistakes and cycles of the past.

Not going to lie it may be a bit of an awkward subject to broach at first; being a bloodfiend that is. There is no easy way to bring it up, but highly recommend doing so in private. It allows her to be more earnest without needing to upkeep the title of Don Quixote.

Expect a lot of patience to be needed. Chances are she won’t feel ready to acknowledge or confront it all. She trusts you, she does, but it’ll take time. 

Ohhh I do imagine there is a great regret she feels after the LCB checkup event with her attacking the rest of the sinners and you. Being so overwhelmed with bloodthirst that you aren’t rationally in charge of your own actions is a terrifying experience, especially when it can come to harm you.

But it might prove to offer the window you need to talk one-on-one, learn more about what it is she goes through, and confirm that no, she is not some beast. You still love her, and it need not be something she deals with on her lonesome.

As the very first assistant to awake in the library you were likely a very confused, albeit not entirely surprised individual. Working at Lobotomy Corporation had sort of taught you that the end is very rarely ever truly the end, and though you weren’t wholly privy to all the personal lives of your superiors.. You could deduce whatever Angela was plotting may mean your final slumber was not yet in reach.

But when waking up you were at least expecting to come face to face with the sephirah you can grow accustomed to.. Who was this guy?? Not that it was disappointing just mildly confusing. Sure, as you’d come to realize the Sephirah were no longer confined to machines but.. Pretty sure ‘Roland’ wasn’t on the roster.

Though this will take place post-ruina I want to give some context to the kind of bond and experiences shared from the beginning of it all. That includes your first impression to this allegedly bumbling and inconspicuous.. Guy.

Either way when you ask Angela she simply gives the answer that he stumbled in here. Strange.. but you don’t get paid enough to question it. Actually, you don’t get paid at all.

He’s easy to get along with though and unfamiliar with the history and workings of the Library itself, so it’s only natural that you’d end up getting along. His casual sort of demeanor while he walked in on.. Whatever the Library happened to be entertaining and refreshing.

And as the first assistant to wake up in this place, you served as a guide. He was the patron librarian of the sector, but at least in the beginning, you seemed to take on more of the duty of that title. 

You were reliable and someone he could turn to about questions for the other patron librarians that he didn’t quite want to ask Angela about.. Especially considering how some had a distaste towards her. You didn’t have all the answers in the world, but you had a deeper understanding of the situation than he could.

Roland’s fresh take as a person, someone whose life before all this didn’t revolve around Lobotomy Corporation.. It intrigued you. It was only fair that your interest grew deeper in him, whatever way that may have manifested.

To be completely truthful he did, even then, consider you someone he was close to, or hoped to be. He could sympathize with your position, your fate being sealed in this Library from the very beginning, and maybe that made his feelings towards Angela even more complex. 

Though you had come to accept this long ago, he found it difficult to understand himself. How could you be happy like this? He never explicitly brought it up, but there were suggestions and questions of how you could be… so satisfied with how your life came to be. He wanted to know how you could cope with this tragedy when he himself could not cope with his own.

He had always left his own life story vague and out of the picture. Most people in the city have a reason for doing that, you didn’t pry. But you were no stranger, far from it. There was something more, something ulterior perhaps in motive, you could tell even then. 

He was no Grade 9 fixer. Perhaps Angela, with her lack of knowledge of the city outside of L. Corp was fooled, or the other Sefirot (outside of Gebura) who hailed from Nests.. But as you had known him the longest you could tell he was omitting much.

Now as we know with the course of the Library he did grow to genuinely enjoy and in ways be friends with Angela, however there was still a resentment and animosity he hid away. One that you found yourself catching glimpses of (not aimed at you of course).

You may ask if he’s alright, check in with him, but he’ll quickly brush it off. Something about it being a ‘slight irritation with Angela’s stubbornness, you know how it is’. It’s more than that, you can tell. 

Truth be told, you want to reach out to Roland. You want him to be able to confide in you the same way that he has allowed you to confide in him. But that just wasn’t ever plausible, and it was a bit bittersweet. He didn’t allow himself to have this vulnerability be reciprocated, no, not now. Now while there was so much he was dealing with. Not when he inevitably planned to bring ruin to this place. 

The day of the betrayal there was an overall sense of gloom and dread. A foreboding, his behavior was different. Something was different. You hadn’t ever quite been given the cold shoulder like this.

It does sting quite a lot. To see him willing to throw away all his time in the Library, to face him like that, to at last learn why he was here in the first place. He is consumed by a despair that you could not have done anything about. You never would have really been able to offer a remedy. You never would have been able to be an influential figure like you hoped.

You were made to do many difficult things in your time. But to have to come to terms with the fact that Roland may be no more after such a fight. That you may be no more. 

The aftermath of the fight was a heavy one. Ultimately, he chose to forgive Angela. There was a relief to that, but facing him was tense. He did carry a guilt, especially for you because of his dishonesty.

You understand why he did what he did. Learning it all, what was of Angelica, he had a life before the Library, and it was torn away. You did too long, long ago. It’s easy to forget, however, when so much time has passed.

Was it selfish to want to be someone important to his life? Maybe you were a bit angry, but it was hard to be when you had a feeling that this would happen. 

He doesn’t expect your reaction to be a positive one. You were overall who he was closest to after all, and besides Angela the one most impacted. If you had a contempt for him.. Well he’d have to face up to it.

But you didn’t. Sorrow for what could have never been, or never was, yes.. But no hatred. That was almost worse. 

He knows that you time and time again had tried to lend help to him, to help him unburden his troubles. And time and time again you were shut down, dismissed. It must’ve felt one-sided. 

He couldn’t let that happen, to let you happen, not when he was in mourning and so stuck in his head. 

It’s awkward facing you. He sways back and forth ever so slightly, hand in pocket. He’s the first to speak.. Sort of? It’s more of a not-so-subtle throat clear and “..so..”. Look confronting people was never his strong suit okay. 

It’s so familiar though, that stupidly endearing inability to make conversation when things are tense. Before you know it you’re talking again. But now you’re talking to who you can be certain is him.

You are not Angelica, you acknowledge that, but at last he is being open. He is allowing you to be someone crucial to him– allowing himself to have someone else crucial. It might not quite be the same, but it’s progress, and you respect him deeply.

No more keeping things from you, that much is an agreement. You learn more about his own experiences, and his own (poorly) explained feelings on the matter. There is a level of transparency you’d never had before.

This is a woman who has been through a lot, done a lot too. Not all things she may see as warranting forgiveness. She is saddled with a personal sense of responsibility to see things to the end even if it takes sacrifice. 

But she is loyal, deeply so, fiercely so. And should she place trust in you then so too will she abide by your will. She has an undeniable sense of faith for those who she believes even if some of their suggestions or ideas.. Are not the ones she would find herself making.

Outis is used with working in high-caliber strictly professional settings where everything is meticulously planned out. This makes for her sociability to be a bit difficult with those she considers inept.

She aims to impress and this no doubt extends to you. High-strung in public everything must be perfect, whatever outings you have she has organized and outlined them so you can’t even fathom a moment of concern.

She wants everything to be up to par for you which often means that people aren’t free from her scrutiny. While this might work well in a work setting, it can extend outside and to times when it’s not necessary. 

What she does comes from the genuine hope of making things more enjoyable for you but it can be a bit much. It can end up making things more stressful when she is so focused on managing the menial things and holding others to absurd standards –not even for herself, but for you.

However she will listen when you tell her to stand down. Once again it isn’t malicious just misguided. 

There is an incredibly homely and domestic quality to her that comes more naturally when it is just you two. A refuge where after the long day’s work, after all is said and done, she can return to the hearth that you offer.

You’ll find that her cooking is better than what you can find at restaurants anyway. We know from the Hell’s Chicken event that she prepares food from the heart, and there is nothing as cozy as a homecooked meal. It allows her to be more relaxed and whatnot when away from the buzz of people.

Not to say that her confrontational nature is always a bad thing. If people are treating you rudely, or you are off-put or uncomfortable by something there is not a universe where she’d sit by idly. 

If you are adverse to conflict yourself it can be incredibly difficult to speak up and let people down easily. This is not even a thought that crosses her mind. Someone is heckling you? Damn right it might lead to conflict, but there is no justification in her mind for you to be treated poorly like this. People are often dissuaded or give up once they see how undeterred she is.

She doesn’t experience anxiety when she is stepping in for you because she sees it as a reasonable action. That said, you might be a bit anxious and fear escalation. If you communicate this to her, even if she doesn’t fully understand why, she will tone it down a notch.

That doesn’t mean she will do nothing, but you can rest knowing that perhaps with a derisive comment towards them sprinkled in here or there that she will acquiesce and leave with you. 

I do believe that there is little that you could do that would stop making her love you. It is unconditional because she has done many awful things, and yet you love her still. She doesn’t believe herself to be entirely worthy of the love you give, but she will vow to return it. 

I do not think Outis would be overly affectionate in the traditional sense when it comes to in public or in front of those she knows. It’s not a case of being embarrassed by it, but more of an act of safety. A woman with a history like hers means one who has been in many situations where loved ones can be held at a point of ransom. Wouldn’t be surprised if she had quite a few enemies.

The sinners would probably think you were more of a superior than her partner, funny enough. But seeing how much more relaxed you are with her, and even physically affectionate it sort of clues them in.

Might become a point of teasing for some of the more devious sinners, but they would quickly learn not to. It’s one thing to face a lecture on their inadequacy from her, it’s entirely another to bring up her personal life. There’s a sense of immediate wrongdoing and foreboding that most would rather not experience again.

There is an unmistakable tenderness in her regard to you. Every action she does is another pledge to you. For as much as she would do for you, she greatly enjoys acts of service in return. Take her coat off her shoulders, brew her some tea, maybe even draw a relaxing bath, do what work you can for her so that she doesn’t have to worry.

Outis’ time spent with you is one she can unwind in, a seldom opportunity otherwise. To say she would be appreciative when you try to support this is an understatement. 

I’m sorry I just thought about her coming home with flowers for you and a tear came to my eye. I can see it. After trudging through the day and poor weather at last she returns with a bouquet. It’s nothing super extravagant, perhaps an assortment of hydrangea or whatever your favorite flower is.

Speaking of which, on her journey, I can see her returning to you with keepsakes that remind her of you. Most of these are picked up when she’s trailing behind the others and are stored safely in her room until she sees you next.

You can not tell me this woman doesn’t have a little locket with your picture in it. She’s viewing that thing periodically and it helps remind her why she is doing what she is doing.

Anything you give her that she can smuggle onto Mephistopheles or herself she will hold tight. Not the superstitious type, but finds your gifts to bring some kind of prosperity even if it’s logically because of a shift of mindframe.

I can’t help but think her hands would be very nice to hold, they are worn and weathered, but she has a firm grip, a grounding one. 

Yi Sang, after the decline of the League of Nine Litterateurs has fallen into a deep depression after the absence of genuine companionship. Things became muddied and bitter between people, and the sight of people he once regarded as friends bickering took a toll on the heart.

Of course after his canto he found a reason to continue on, and no doubt the company of the sinners has helped rebuild a circle of people he can enjoy time with. But you know who he would really enjoy time with? You.

Even before the two of you were together I believe he would harbor a fondness to you the moment you began to inquire about his thoughts in earnest. Sure, you were far more talkative than him, and it wasn’t exclusively he who you spoke to, but you lacked a certain level of remoteness that many in the city held.

He isn’t the person to typically initiate conversation or activities unprompted, and this is especially the case pre-canto. He’s in a pit of social destitution, held back by the lingering nostalgia of what once was, and what is left now. You can tell he’s in a moment of deep introspection by how he stares off into nowhere. 

You’d likely have to take the initiation with conversation which seems to be not a problem. Though he does have an air of melancholy, and he feels that he is lacking of a wholeness and enrichment, initiating conversation with him would be pleasant.

He is a very good listener and will divulge interest if you reciprocate it. Even if at the time he may make little comments regarding what you’re saying, he does commit it to memory at times when depressive it mentally straining and exhausting to speak.

Not to say he doesn’t enjoy responding as well, and once you decide to stick around, you will hear a lot more of what he has to share. Yi Sang thinks. A lot. He is always thinking about something, somewhere, at some place and time, usually with some kind of philosophical undertone. He has the thought and vibrant prose of a poet, and it’s not lost in speech.

Although the sinners have grown accustomed to his speaking mannerisms how much of it is genuine understanding of what he’s saying and simply nodding their heads along is.. Arguable.

He doesn’t do it intentionally, but sometimes all he’s met with are blank stares and vague gestures. That’s where you’re lucky to come in! Having spent much time at his side, and with an affinity for all his peculiar charms and poetry, you can help things be much more digestible.

Think as in how Sinclair translates for Ryoshu. It’s almost a miracle you’re at his side because more often than not people will stare blankly to you to parse it more understandably. 

I do think Yi Sang is a bashful type with someone who is not afraid to give him attention. Not in an overtly nervous way, but in a body language way. Tucked shoulders and a slightly dipped head with a small smile he just can’t seem to get rid of. 

You don’t really have shame when it comes to adhering to his side. Quite the heavy contrast to what he’s been used to. How he seems to tense up and try to carry on a conversation with whoever he is talking to. It might come across as him being averse to touch but ohhh he is not. Don’t you fret.

He savors it and always pines for it, he’s just not used to it. The idea of a connection so casual and absentminded as to hold onto one another is lovely to him, it’s just getting into the process of oh. Oh wait I can do that now.

He is a lot more relaxed, leaning into the touch and resting his own head upon your shoulder when you sit besides one another,

I do think he would look at someone he admires, such as you, with almost glassy eyes. You know when you’re in the city and it’s just been rainfall, and you can see the blurry reflection of all the street lamps and lights? That. Don’t know how else to describe it but that.

Yi Sang has had a rough time sharing his discoveries only for them to be taken and turned into something he never purposed them for. He has been exploited a lot for his proficiency. Even so, if he had the opportunity to make something for you he would take it. Maybe it’s not the city’s new singularity, but he crafts with an idealistic intent. And he hopes –yearns for– you to understand what he made the same way he does.

Rather than speaking up on things that may bother him, such as the resting unease after a particularly foul fight on the bus, he often stews on them. Realistically the sinners will be back and at it again but sometimes it just hits a little too close to home; a dryness to the tongue and a heavy heart.

And so, in search of comfort and stability, he may wander to your side. Leaning ever so slightly to your side which is a silent communication and outreach for contact. You are a sort of grounding force, and if he can hear your happy chatter and unbothered expression he knows that it will all be alright.

I wouldn’t say he trails you, but he’s lingering around. He wishes for human connection, those shared moments in the presence of others far more than he could anything materialistic. 

He sees you as a beacon of life if that makes sense?? Your vibrancy, your attentiveness, it lingers on his mind. You are such an enriched person, an endless pool, an endless wealth of what it means to live. He loves you in the very epitome of the word. In the way where it curls and it encompasses and it’s beautiful. No moment is wasted in your presence.

You often help him draw lines and boundaries that prevent him from falling into the same patterns of people using him. He is an empathetic person, and in such it’s difficult to hate those who wrong him truly. If he understands why they do then often, even if he is aware of what harm might circle back to him, he can not necessarily blame them– or at times perhaps he can but he acknowledges the reason behind what they do. 

With all this, it becomes easy to let things happen and accept it as such. But if you are the opposite to him, I strongly doubt you will just let this be. Though he deeply cares with a silent veneration, you love louder.

So be there to help him be more than just stepping stones, and he will deeply appreciate it. He is more than a tool, but himself; it is he who you are there for, and who you desire to remain with. 

It is true that his outwardly brash nature is what a lot of people are initially met with, especially if they happen to be of some authoritative stance, but that’s mainly because of his own preconceived judgements. He’s a rather reasonable and good man otherwise.. Just a bit quick to jump to opinions.

If he doesn’t feel as though you are demanding respect from anyone then you have quite a decent chance of getting along. Talk to him as though he’s an actual person and you’ll find he’s pretty cooperative unless what you’re telling him to do is something he deems as outrageous.

Even though I lovingly call him an idiot, he’s quite the opposite. Heathcliff is a very apt man. We’ve seen this during Canto II with how he diverts the attention of the casino guards. He’s just a bit impulsive in some cases in the same sense that Don is. If he sees something he considers to be wrong, insulting, or similar he is quick to action if no one else is. He’s very good with short-term solutions but doesn’t immediately consider the implications for the long term. That’s Faust’s job. He’s clever and witty.

His recklessness also stems from the fact that death isn’t actually a problem for him (poor Dante), so not much is stopping him from speaking his mind. Unless the situation is really dire he has no desire to shut his mouth. Will still mutter under his breath.

He would immediately get along a lot better with you if you share any kind of similar passions in disrupting the system, calling people out, and overall being very blunt on the blatant ignorance and audacity some people have. While not to say the other sinners don’t agree, they just typically don’t really comment on it either. To have someone else that he can rant with and be brutally honest with? Ohhh that is just going to fuel the flames.

Would find you funny as hell if you insult the smug, sleazy workers of the city you happen to run into. Even better if it’s directly in their faces. Will back you up even if you don’t know each other much at this point because it’s entertaining. 

I believe that you have a pretty solid chance of getting along even if you don’t immediately call out someone to their face so long as he overhears you complaining about it later. Not all people have the confidence he does, and sometimes it’s easier for you to let it be in the moment as long as it’s not too treacherous or there’s quips here and there.

The most crucial part in befriending him is first and foremost about establishing a sense of likemindedness. If he doesn’t see you as an agreeable person, then chances are he won’t think well of you either. You don’t have to be as loud about it as he is but even stating something along the lines of ‘That is wrong and it needs to be acknowledged and not smoothed over’ after the fact works for him.

I think that it would be a lot more difficult for him to see eye to eye with someone who so compliantly follows along with orders and seems indifferent to the cruelty and justice around them. There needs to be some kind- any kind of proof that you have humanity and aren’t willing to stay complicit with continuing what is seen as morally wrong by him.

He’s a very passionate guy which can be a little difficult to navigate because he can very easily get lost to more aggressive feuds or grudges, in these situations he’s a bit unreachable in that he is very unlikely to hear others out. When it calms down though his opinion may alter slightly especially the longer he knows a person. Still sticks very close to his own truth nonetheless.

With this it becomes easier to talk to him because there’s no longer that  preconceived notion he holds over you, whatever it may be. You might find him even gravitating more near you or valuing your opinions a little higher than the others. When Faust is droning on he tends to tune her out, but whatever you’re saying he’s more encouraged to listen in on. There isn’t much of a difference in the moment, but you’ll notice that he’s completely forgotten what Faust has advised whereas he brings up a note that you mentioned instead.

Don’t expect the bickering to go anywhere. Friend or not, there will still be snide remarks here and there, though if you’re on good terms with him they’re meant in a more playful snarky way as opposed to a genuine complaint. Best be quick witted yourself.

You’re one of the few who can get away with insulting him without paying the typical price of being smacked over the head unconscious with his bat! Something that has happened an unnecessary amount of times with the other sinners much to the displeasure of Dante. Don’t expect to be completely devoid of being pushed around though. I imagine him to be the type of person to slam his hands around your shoulder with such force that it will completely knock the wind out of you for a joke.

Heathcliff is sort of hard to reach emotionally, even if you two get along very well. It can be kind of difficult to delve deeper into his own problems no matter how good on terms you are with him. He’s approachable in the way that his inferiority complex makes it extremely unlikely for him to ever mention his own shortcomings or communicate his distress in a way other than anger. Heathcliff does not want to have someone pity him, and above all he doesn’t want to be seen as weak.

It’s very hard to navigate, there’s hardly a right answer of how to go about it because it’s something that’s so emotionally fuelled that your best case scenario is just trying to listen and be more casual about it if something ever did get brought up. It’s a sore spot, don’t be surprised or feel bad if he snaps at you because he feels like you’re trying to be his therapist, it’s a spur of the moment thing and he’d feel bad afterwards. He just wants to be seen as a person.

Try to pry very little, what small trace amounts you get from him of his own personal experiences is something you’ll just have to take. Heathcliff might seem to be in particularly pissy and broody moods from time to time, whether from a bad interaction or something deeper, you can ask him what happens but if he says to drop it then it's recommended you do.

I feel like he isn’t ready to unpack everything, he finds it unneeded and a hindrance to get all sappy and focus on how he feels. That said I don’t know if there ever would be a proper time… aside from his canto.

You become his complaining buddy. He will trash talk either the others or some unpleasant person you’ve met while at work. It’s honestly fascinating some of the most obscure and abhorrent insults he can construct, beat only by Ryoshu of course. Her’s is just vulgar.

I love Dante but lord do they need this extra help. Both recovering memories from amnesia with no clue on how they got here, in charge of a group of unruly sinners who get killed practically every single mission, and going through excruciating pain every time they have to bring them back. Not pleasant!

Honestly a bit of a pushover and I say that with love. Do I blame them? No, but sometimes someone else needs to help out a little around here. And that someone happens to be you, which Dante is very grateful for, if not a little… Concerned.

You seem to be the only one aside from Sinclair maybe who pays attention to the strain that bringing people back puts on them, whenever anyone approaches them for trivial injuries you snag them into your grasp and usher them to sit down.

They look up to you a bit for your strong sense of self, and lack of fear when it comes to dragging people back into their seats no matter the complaints so you can patch them up. Some are easier and more patient than others, some are a little more rowdy (cough Heathcliff cough Ryoshu cough). Still, you seem to have no fear putting someone into a headlock so you can bandage them even if your main skill isn’t meant to be combat.

Dante has witnessed you firsthand tackle sinners to the floor who were about to be staggered with very little sense of self preservation. Despite being so determined that the people around you are in good shape, it doesn’t seem to extend to you in your mind.

Will insist that you need to be just as aware of your own quality as you do anyone else’s. Surprisingly not that afraid of scolding you, probably because they know you won’t retaliate. It’s all out of care too.

As stubborn as you are, you are very appreciated by your colleagues, even ones like Heathcliff who may complain but ultimately are thankful. You have a sense of authority without even intending to, many follow your advice because they know that you’ll just haul them back to bed.

As for your and Dante’s relationship, I can see them being initially intimidated but glad for your assistance. You even check in on them from time to time, claiming that they are as important of a patient as anyone else. They’re a bit confused because they don’t directly participate in fighting, but you reason that the pain they feel from rewinding time counts as enough of a reason to look out for them. 

They do make the mental note to just comply with you if ever they get injured themselves. Your sheer will to keep people in best condition, including the force you are willing to apply to do so, is something they do not want to reckon with.

I imagine that if they did get injured and attempted to leave, likely with the reasoning of ‘the sinners need me to bring them back’, a single glare from you would shut them up and sit them down. You tell them that they can resurrect them later, right now they are not budging.

Despite not really having a face to make expressions with you have learned to understand how they feel from body movement alone. When other sinners are pestering them to heal them back up, and you visibly see the hesitance, then you will step in. 

You don’t really see Dante as your manager (sorry bud lot.

Dante doesn’t actually know the first thing about healing. They just rewind back time and through some miasma of events everyone is back in one piece. Watching you get to work yourself is so interesting because you actually know what you’re doing. They will stare over at you to try and figure out what is going on and take little notes, like you’re teaching them.

Upon your repeatedly voiced concerns, your colleagues have learned to stop relying on Dante to fix the smallest of wounds, most of them at least. Your manager appreciates this greatly as it gives them a breather from the repeated experience.

When neither of you are busy and some questions have been brought about, Dante will come to you to ask them. It’s easy to forget that they remember almost nothing about the city or who they are, but they find that you seem to be willing to answer even the most minute of inquiries.

You are a lifesaver both literally and figuratively and they appreciate that you take some weight off their shoulders. That said, you also give them constant heart attacks by the fact you are not afraid to plunge into extreme danger to drag someone else out. Are you two exploring a building and you hear someone familiar yelling outside? You will do whatever you can to get to them quickly even if that means jumping out a two story window. It’s like a summoning call for you.

Dante is very adamant on restoring you even if you tell them not to. They see it as the least they can do when you’re so willing to sacrifice yourself not only for the sinners, but them. Your words to stop letting people walk all over them come back to bite you, because they will not take no for an answer.

Generally more comfortable in coming to you for advice considering the trust that you have gained from them. They quite literally have been thrusted into a position they know almost nothing about, and chances are if they don’t learn fast then things are about to go downhill real fast. You yourself aren’t a manager – you’re a medic, but your decisive nature is something they respect even if you can throw yourself impulsively into situations to save another. 

Considering how you put others before yourself, you likely are on the more empathetic or compassionate side too, even if it may not show in the same way that Dante’s does. Obtaining the Golden Boughs is a rigorous and emotional process for every sinner, and Dante doesn’t always know what to do. There isn’t ever one clear answer, but they may come to you for how they should approach it.

The confusing things going on in their own head never really got to be talked about until it came to you. Not always are they looking for a fix, because a lot of the time there isn’t one, but just someone to rely on.

Dante is adorable, and I think that a large reason why you care deeply for them is because of how they are like a fresh canvas, free from the city’s imposed expectations. They’re just some honest, worried person who has yet to become shut off to being vulnerable like so many have. It’s refreshing, and yes most of that is caused from memory loss, who they were beforehand is a complete mystery, but that doesn’t change who they are in the moment.

Rodya’s casual demeanor and confidence make her a partner who is not afraid of complimenting you and being affectionate when she sees fit. Given her general indifference to others’ opinions this includes when in the presence of others so long as you yourself do not mind.

At first it can be a bit difficult to tell whether or not she’s interested in you, or just being friendly like she is with any other. You’ll find though that through lingering touches, devoting more time alongside you, as well as almost trying to impress you in some ways that it is the first option.

Fret not though if you’re a bit oblivious. Much of what Rodya does is just her winging it. She is not devoid of anxieties, in fact she has plentiful self doubt, it is just hidden under a guise of boldness. I can see her confessing as a risky and impulsive jump into the unknown as she does with many things.

She’s very observant of the body language and the mood of others, being quite the empathetic and compassionate person. This extends especially to people she hangs around in particular. Even if you’re doing a good job at hiding something she will be able to sniff it out.

Has an excellent ability to raise the moods in solemn situations, assuming that they aren’t bad enough that it would be inappropriate to do so. If you’re having an off day, you can worry not because Rodya will manage to pull you out of it. Whether it’s by words, or actions, she knows what to do and hates just leaving you upset.

Very physically and verbally affectionate! This tall woman will randomly walk up behind you and drape her arms over your shoulders in a hug if you’re shorter than her, resting her head sideways on your shoulder. Encourages you to sit next to her, and if this is on the bus sorry to whoever was next to her but they’re kind of getting kicked out of their seat

I wouldn’t describe her as needy by any means, but she is quite the tease. If you’re in the middle of something that requires your full attention, she might huff about it. It’s all fun and games though, she doesn’t actually mind.

You might expect that being in a relationship with this woman would be rather eventful due to her relatively strong personality, but something you’ll find is that a lot of the time she just enjoys sitting in silence and small talk with you. She’s an extroverted individual who’s good with people, but that doesn’t take away the fact that sometimes she just needs to slow down from everything.

Sometimes you can catch her staring at you or whatever it is you’re doing, occasionally accompanied by a question or two as she props her face up in her hands, leaning over to look. Honestly kind of nosy, might even scare you if you aren’t paying attention because you’ll just suddenly hear “Whatcha working on, hmm?” over your shoulder. Chances are she won’t be leaving without an answer too.

You can always tell when she wants a favor from you because she will get a certain tone of voice and a loose, mischievous smile. Doesn’t even need to open her mouth because next thing you know she’s wrapping her arm around you and going “Heyyyy~ You busy?” Makes it out to be something really big she’s asking of you when it usually isn’t really much of a problem. Definitely will call you any nicknames if she has them for you. If you’re unavailable for it she won’t press too much either, usually just accepts it and finds someone else or does it herself.

Teases you a lot. Prepare for it, because it comes in basically any form or way she sees opportunity for. If you’re shorter than her, this includes holding things away from you, randomly picking you up. Will enjoy flustering you and getting on your nerves in an impish way (nothing too serious). I do recommend establishing some boundaries if there are anything off limits, because even though they can seem a bit rude she does it out of love and in a play-fight manner. 

RIP if you don’t like PDA because she will almost never leave your side and will be very vocal about her care for you. You seem embarrassed? That encourages her more. Is constantly leaning on you, playing with your hair, holding onto you, whatever it may be. There is no subtleness.

The good news is she isn’t absolutely unbearable, while you two have become a bit of an infamous couple, she has enough decency that people don’t dread being in the same room as you. A lot of the time the reason you’re so aware is because you’re the recipient.

Rodion will take risks for fun all in the sake of having a good time and dragging you along. Takes rules more like suggestions, and if you’re on a date and she sees a scenic place behind chain link gates and ‘no-trespassing’ signs she will find a way to convince you to come along. To her unless they are explicitly very dangerous private properties, it’s all fair game as long as no one sees you, right?

If you’re as adventurous as her, great! Though admittedly that will probably get you into some messes. If you’re a bit apprehensive she is a very smooth talker, and will encourage you to come along and that there’s nothing to worry about. I mean, look at the place, it’s completely vacant! No need to fret, you’re just taking a peek.

Whether you realize it or not you will be coming with her unless you genuinely convince her otherwise. She keeps a very close eye on you, reassuring you and settling down in a spot with a beautiful view.

She is all for trying new things, and depending on just how intricate and fun it is to get to, you might end up having a new hangout area in the city if you’re staying there for a bit. Some place up and away from the usual buzz of the population. Just you two.

If you do get caught well.. Rodya’s charisma has had to save you one too many times. Usually it’s only by thugs on the street or those part of lesser syndicates, still through carefully selected words you usually get of there without a scuffle. 

She laughs about it later, to her that’s just part of the fun, and even if you are a bit anxious her bright attitude to the situation will help you loosen up too. For now, you’ll have to settle in a familiar place, but you got an interesting story out of it!

Without a doubt takes you to get drinks and the two of you are so rambunctious, she finds everything funny and because of her stupid humor, even if you aren’t under the influence you can’t help but laugh along. Tears are in her eyes as she’s wheezing and grabbing onto you for support, nearly collapsing in her seat.

The Road Home is quite a joyous individual with those they find trustworthy and friendly! This is only expanded even further if you’re their favorite agent, after all you’re someone who must love adventure and friends as much as they do.

Will speak of their friends happily, wanting you to meet them and join the group, insisting that you would fit right on in. A lot of the people in the facility are so unfriendly or stoic, it makes them feel lonely or unwelcome, but you’re different in that you will listen to their optimistic rambling and entertain their thoughts.

They’re surprisingly pretty easy to deal with if you ignore the times they’ve breached and dropped houses on people, they don’t really hold any kind of ill intent and really just want to go home which is.. Relatable.

Will happily tell you the stories of their journey, how they’ve met the others, and nag at you to come with. It’s quite nice in contrast to the usual gloom and sad energy of the facility where it seems as though hopeful thinking is so easy to snuff out. Whether or not you genuinely think going with them could become a reality it still stands as a bonding point.

Even though they are much more child-like, and their stories fantastical, there are many parts you find mirroring your day-to-day life. Abnormalities are based on human desires and experiences after all.. So it’s not too surprising but still.

When they aren’t getting carried away in their own stories they will ask you a lot of questions about where you came from and such. Depending on your upbringing some of these can unintentionally dive into some more darker aspects of your past you might want to try and tiptoe around, but you know that’s not their intention.

Stares at you with literal stars in their eyes, an expression of awe on their face as you describe the most mundane of tasks you do. It could be cleaning the dishes and they would think you’re so cool, looking up to you like you’re an older sibling.

If there are other members of their little group within the same place you work at you’ll notice that they become a lot less aggressive towards you, likely because of the Road Home’s explanation. How this actually occurred though is a bit more of another question considering management doesn’t really like letting them get together like that.. A tad concerning but hey! That’s a problem from another time.

You’ve been assigned to work with them top priority over anyone else, and this is because you’ve adapted and learned a way to talk them out of more.. Dangerous breaches. Of course they’re a bit upset over the wrench in their plans to leave, but they also don’t wish harm upon people which their actions might end up doing. If you promise to help them find a more peaceful way then they may be more obligated to bide their time for now instead of breaking out.

Their short form will circle around you, occasionally ducking and hiding behind your legs whenever they see something intimidating, believing that you will protect them. And let’s be truthful, you will.

Sometimes they get stuck in places and struggle to get out because they don’t really have arms. This doesn’t happen a lot because they know how to maneuver, it’s been that way their whole life after all, but there are moments where you need to pull them out of wherever they’ve trapped themself in. They’re a curious being so that’s also a reason this happens a bit more frequently than it should.

They occasionally talk about the wizard who took her friends and much more, a tearful look in their big eyes as they recall the events. It very easily can activate overprotectiveness in you because no one wants to see them sad.

You have to assure them that whoever this ‘mean wizard lady’ is, there is no reason to worry about her getting to you. Might additionally need to explain that when you can’t always visit them it’s because work is holding you up, not because you are in danger (even though that one is a bit of a lie).

Takes some convincing but through their sniffling they will eventually nod their head. Through their descriptions though you can’t help but wonder if this ‘wizard’ they’re describing is more of an embodiment of Lobotomy Corporation with separating their friends and preventing them from going home.. It’s truly unfortunate that they aren’t able to be in better living conditions than this containment cell.

They don’t blame you by any means but the Road Home does not like your job and the things they make you do. They’ve seen the way some of the other abnormalities act, dubbing them as ‘mean people you shouldn’t have to deal with’. 

At times you have to explain that you’re a bit restricted in what you can and can not do, and this confuses them a little bit. Why can’t you have freedom to leave whenever? Why do you have to be stuck here? Why do those people put you in harmful situations? It’s a nuanced topic but that’s a bit hard to explain to what’s basically a child.

This makes them all the more determined to take you with them, a place where you and their other friends can all have fun and celebrate! They reason that as long as you all stick together that you can get through anything, and that includes this mean corporation making you do tough stuff.