#barem x reader

*I think he would be more threatened by a man who has Makima’s heart, so to speak. Lots more resentment there since that’s really driving home the cuck themes and such. However, a woman being the one to capture Makima’s eye is a little different. Barem reads to me as a benevolent misogynist (? Or just plain misogynist at times. Who knows). Point is, he doesn’t take a relationship between women too seriously and is more willing to be partial towards you. Best case scenario is that he considers you a potential third.

To be fair, he isn't exactly wrong. Everyone has their higher-ups, and if they sniff out that the head of experimental division 4 is being partial to one employee... well, Makima's access to you hinges on the success of this experimental division and how well she plays along with Public Safety.

Of course, her one true love that is destined in this world is Pochita, and while she figures out how to free him from his flesh prison known as "Denji", you're a good companion. No substitute, of course. Makima desires connection, so a shared interest and agreeable temperament might be what draws her to you. That is, don't be like Denji.

(But also, don't be so serious that you remind her of those managers of hers).

Where Barem fits into all of this... there isn't much about their relationship in the manga other than Barem feels as though Makima still owns his heart. Whether he even meant this romantically, who knows. Makima might have been more partial to Barem over the other hybrids*, she probably wasn't cozying up to him or revealing her true feelings.

*I have a long-standing headcanon that her favorite among the hybrids was Katana Man, only because he also hated Denji for mostly the same reasons she did. hee hee hee.

I don't think there's ever a true throuple, just Barem third-wheeling occasionally and Makima allowing it. She trusts him to spend time with you. He squeezes himself in where he can, and he (kind of) tries to see what she sees in you once he realizes that you won't be going away anytime soon. He can't understand why Makima would pick you (human) as her confidant over him (devil). Shouldn't there already be that mutual trust and built-in connection with him and Makima?

Barem fundamentally misunderstands Makima; therefore, he misunderstands your relationship with her. He can insert himself on outings that you two take; he can "help" you watch the dogs whenever Makima goes on a business trip, and he can also shoo you away when he's trying to get some alone time with Makima.

Whether Barem sees you as a roadblock or a bonus depends on a lot of factors. He does try to be amicable, just to not look bad in front of Makima (and so maybe you'll put a good word in for him). When he thinks about it, perhaps having you stick around isn't that bad. You guys can be like a family: a husband, his wife, and their pet-human-third-thing. Besides, you don't shed fur or bark and growl at him every time he comes by. Much better than those dogs.

I will say he is more receptive to someone more submissive taking the role of the family pet. He's not above "helping" you learn your place (when Makima isn't around), but, you know.

Post-Makima death.

There is a non-zero chance that you're handed off to Barem anyway. I stand by the notion that PS and the Chainsaw Man Church were in kahoots and that Barem was still working with them this whole time. Besides, what else are they going to do with you? Your handler (Makima) is gone, and you probably know too much for them to let you go on your merry way.

Sure, you could go "live a normal life," but PS would always have their eyes on you. Besides, Barem's a good worker. They trust him enough with you; one less assignment on their desk.

Without Makima there as a buffer, Barem's free to do whatever he wants with you. Ranges from being a halfway decent boyfriend, projecting Makima onto you, possibly blaming you for her death, dressing you up in her clothes, etc.