Ok but have you thought that maybe Dante has such strong softening tendencies in him that he makes Lotus more open around him too
(just some Dantus hcs :3)
Yeah, I think he is a ragebaiter but when it matters he will listen and will be supportive without any fine print to it. And since it comes from him out of all people... Also one of... Few influences in Lotus' life that had sorta kinda normal behaviors related to showing affection??
I think Dante lies about a lot of things when it benefits him but ironically he's extremely honest and straightforward when it comes to relations. When he hates you he will make your existence hell but it also means that if he likes you he will try his best to be supportive like his parents were. And in unusual ways too because his brain functions on noticing details and collecting data (that he can use for or against you).
To Lotus dealing with him is funny and interesting, even though he knows he can easily be pissed by him, there's just something intriguing about a guy who is genuinely intelligent and knowledgeable (something Lotus strives to be) who decided he just wants to use it to swag his life away while the world burns and acts invincible despite being just a mortal. Where did you get this pride from bro!!! And his gremlin cat face aughhh it touches a spot in Lotus' heart
Besides the ways in which he's trying to bait are SO intricate sometimes that it genuinely deserves an award, Lotus can't even be mad for too long