you want some lip chap?

-Knows partners shouldn’t keep secrets from each other

-Proceeds to tell girlfriend potentially confidential information

All of those discussions are from like 2 years ago, but I get the general sense was that a lot of people likely chose him initially since he’s one of the more cuter bachelors, got the ick, and decided to perceive his displays of affection and bids for connection as harassment… lol

Arvio is immature and naive. Even though he’s no stranger to struggle, it’s kind of clear his parents and sister likely shielded him from some of the harsher repercussions of living in poverty. Also given the fact he used to be bullied, he seems to tie his survival to his reputation. He wants to be liked to avoid mistreatment, and if you don’t like him, he’ll try hard to attempt to change your perception of him, often through schemes.

He applies his work ethic to interpersonal relationships, thinking that if he keeps working hard he’ll get the outcome he wants. But people are too complex for that!

This influences his behavior in a relationship by making him excessively doting. He has a fear of disappointing you and will make attempts to appease even when you show no discontent towards him. He spent a whole week trying to greet you every morning and when his health started to deteriorate (losing sleep), he struggled to tell you he couldn’t stop by every morning anymore. And when he finally does, he follows it up with a bunch of sweet talk so you won’t be too upset about it.

All the while, he’ll probe you from time to time for confirmation that you like him just as much as he likes you. (“How come you never get jealous..?” “What do you love more, me or your workshop—? no wait, don’t answer that” “I had a nightmare you left me and a big bird took me away… you won’t leave me right?”) Even when he catches you cheating and you choose not to mend the relationship with the apology bear, he writes you saying that he’s disappointed in you not trying to explain yourself because he just wanted proof that you care.

I like how he doesn’t impose his preference for barehanded fighting onto him, I think it shows he is invested in seeing Burgess get stronger and to be reasonably able to defend himself, even with the added help of a weapon.

Pen carries himself with a lot of bravado, and displays an obnoxiously hypermasculine personality all meant to distract from his fear of failure and weakness. But it’s interesting and kind of charming to see how perceptive and adjustable he can be when it comes to weakness in others.