Basta - Headcanons
he enjoys training the young boys the blackjackets pick up on the streets to add to their little mafia-army - unlike the adults, who only respect him out of fear, the boys somewhat look up to him for his skills in knife-combat and his macho-demeanor (of course they still dread his anger and short temper and their adoration fades as they grow older - but one or two of them keep their attachement to Basta, maybe because he reminds them of their own fathers or because their understanding of a healthy mentor-mentee-relationship is so twisted they can't detach themselves properly - who knows?)
he reeaaally craves to have a family on his own - he would never admit it or tell anyone, but he often lays awake at night, imagining a different life, one where Roxane chose him instead of Dustfinger, where he didn't reach for the knife but for the hand of the women he loved and took her with him, somewhere far away where neither the fire raisers nor the adderhead could reach them and where they'd start a little family on their own little farm
at the same time he has really conflicting and binding feelings towards Capricorn - he's like his father, his saviour, he gives him purpose and power and a home and I think during inkheart he's too far gone that he'd still consider running away with the woman he loved - he'd rather stay in the position he is, as Capricorns first in command - but preferably with someone who loved and cherished and supported and believed in him, someone who'd wait for him when he got home after a long day of tormenting people, someone who'd keep him company - who'd ENJOY his company, who'd bring him meals and coffee when he had bridge duty at night, someone he could show off to the other men and who wouldn't withdraw when he throws his tantrums, but someone who'd stay and bandage his bruised hand when he'd hit the wall in his rage, someone who'd kiss him goodnight and goodmorning
that someone would have to be tough, patient and restrained - because putting up with Basta is NOT easy, he's short tempered, easily jealous, distrustful, desensitized to violence, nasty, unsocial, impulsive, sadistic and a HAND FULL of work
but he's also immensly loyal, and cunning, and resourceful, and courageous, and relentless, and dedicated, and intense and passionate, and confident (at least he acts like he is), and aware to details, and protective of the ones he loves
he's the kind of guy who would stay with you no matter what - I don't think Basta would be capable to leave his partner for another (not only because there wouldn't be anyone else who would put up with him, but also because once you're his, he only has eyes for you, you're his and he's yours, and that's it)
he'd remember every little detail he noticed about you - the gum you liked, the songs you hummed while working, the soft way you'd say 'okay' when you didn't want to argue but were still hurting, how you'd lit up for the tiniest joys like spring rain or a lovely flower he picked up for you, the way you'd tuck your hair behind your ear when you were about to read something to him you loved
he would think of all these little details when he was away from you, running errands or looking for copies of Inkheart, and his heart would ache for you - he'd give you the longest and tightest hugs when he got back to you, taking in your scent, enjoying the familiar and comforting feeling of your body against his
he'd also grow terribly anxious that someone else would hit on you while he was gone, or that you got hurt or something else happened that would take you away from him (he'd always have one of his boys back in the village to keep an eye out for you and let you talk to him on the phone)
yes, he's a cruel, hateful and violent (fictional) man, but he's also human (even if only imagined) and he's craving the same as everyone else: love and acceptance
