Starting with the most emotionally closed-off character in today's selection, we have Tristan (Pet Projects). Coming from an environment where he was constantly used and discarded and has seen a lot of the ugly side of people, Tristan is extremely wary and always tries to gauge others’ intentions. He keeps his emotions under tight wraps so that he’s not easily manipulated. There are only a select few people he trusts enough to even start letting them in. But even with those few, he will often put up a front when he isn’t at his best out of fear that he’ll be a burden on them and they’ll abandon him. That front includes a lot of deflection and sarcasm (much to the chagrin of his gang’s medic, Avery). The moments when he does allow himself to be vulnerable or emotionally expressive are few and far between.
Outgoing and congenial, Khalil (dis-colour RP) may appear at first glance to be very open with others. His interactions with most, however, are surface-level, and depending on the situation, he may opt to say what the other person wants to hear in order to avoid confrontation. He started doing this to please his strict mother and continued people-pleasing to avoid trouble with the Facility staff. Afraid to truly open up to others after his family’s betrayal, there are only a handful of people – his found-family at the Facility – with whom he feels comfortable enough to freely express himself.
Kita (Eternal Rain universe) is another one who might surprise you. Yes, she’s extremely extraverted, spontaneous and eager to make things fun and exciting for everyone. She’s very chatty and doesn’t seem to have much trouble creating a good rapport with most people. However, she’s so focused on making things fun and creating a good mood that she doesn’t want to be a downer and is embarrassed to cry in front of people. So, she avoids talking about the things she’s struggling with, like her issues with forgiving her father, who recently reinserted himself into her life after going MIA on her and her sister for years following their mother’s death. Kita does occasionally talk with Toki about more serious topics, but it takes a good bit of prodding to get it out of her.
Finally, we have a true open book, Asha (Dreamer). In her quest for friendship, she takes the initiative to put herself out there first. Asha places a high value on honesty and open communication, and she holds herself to the same standard – so much so that she’s not afraid of saying things that might be considered “cringey” or mushy. Others may be a little put off by her straightforwardness, but it’s how she shows her friends clearly how much she cares.
