scott’s thing with transactional relationships is really interesting though. I do think it’s mostly just bleed because it shows up everywhere. you can see it really clearly in last life in the way he treats pearl, and esmp1 in the way he treats jimmy, although there are obviously countless other examples. I want something from you so I’m going to be extra nice and affectionate towards you until I’ve done enough for you to give it to me. you did something that I feel puts me in your debt so I’m going to do something special for you in return to absolve myself of owing you anything. of course it’s always a hierarchy with himself at the top, but he gets very uncomfortable when he feels indebted to someone. he’ll often weaponise gifts or affection: I was nice to you earlier, you can’t kill me; why would you be mean to me, I literally gave you some food or resources or weapons. buying affection and friendship and survival. he acts like he thinks he’s owed compliments or presents or consideration, but it makes him deeply uncomfortable when someone else has done ‘more’ than he has. as always, it goes back to his need for control.