#whenever that is...

I think you’re right in that I believe Muriel could potentially warm up to Julian-- and honestly my thoughts on this might be a bit skewed because I haven’t played any of Muriel’s route yet--- BUT

I think Muriel’s feelings on Julian might be similar to his feelings on the apprentice simply because of what the apprentice and Julian ‘put’ Asra through IE a lot of emotional pain. Obviously, they didn’t mean to do that (I don’t believe), but the apprentice did put Asra through grief because of their death while Julian was sorta just an escape for that emotional sorrow and also didn’t help Asra that much through healing terms. I feel like Muriel just sees the apprentice and Julian as Asra’s quick fixes for going through his own healing, and because Asra and Muriel are so close Muriel wouldn’t really like that. 

That being said, one on one time with Julian and the apprentice would CERTAINLY help with that healing and realizing just how good of people the apprentice and Julian could be, ESPECIALLY with mutual healing between the three of them. A lot of the early start of the relationship has to do with past healing- and I think especially between Muriel and Julian there would be quite a bit of respect coming on both ends as time goes on. 

Muriel’s insistance that Julian’s self-blame (in terms of the plague and the apprentice dying because of his lack of interference) is not needed REALLY helps Julian out, and in turn Julian’s dedication and hard work to become a better and healing man would definitely rub off on Muriel and make him appreciate the doctor more. 

As far as headcanons are concerned- Julian sort of helps Muriel reluctantly become a more outspoken and socially active (although not nearly as much as Julian is) person, and they both become more forward in terms of relationships. They still tend to counter each other in personality and wants, but they also move forward in a unique way. 

I think a poly relationship with them and MC would be difficult seeing as they counter each other so much. Although the respect and perhaps affection is there, I feel like Muriel would just get too overwhelmed by Julian sometimes. As long as Julian is willing to slow down for Muriel’s sake, it might be easier to traverse a potential relationship between the three of you. 

MC might end up playing the middle man a lot, a sort of bridge to help them coincide and bond even more. I can definitely see, while in a relationship, Muriel slowly becoming more forward with Julian in a physical sense- although it is slow. Intimacy between the two would be taken slowly and carefully, although it may be easier with MC in the picture. There is A LOT of cuddling and backrubs involved, and trio baths help in easing the nerves and heightening the romance. 

The further into the relationship the three become, the more Julian feels comfortable in becoming ‘spontaneous’ in the bedroom- going as far as to squeeze Muriel from behind and kiss between his shoulders despite the grumble he receives in turn. He’ll always get a reluctant smooch back if he asks for it though- and it’s always with a little, embarrassed smile. 

a. drama

b. people yelling

c. brief dinner shenanigans

d. fuyuki getting at least two lines of dialogue (the first time since he and ren were in a group together!)