#this is simply true
Whenever I see a hypothetical ShinCelty split being discussed, I always hear it as being Celty leaving Shinra. The sentiment is that Celty is the one settling in their relationship. But to be honest, I really see it the other way around.
This isn’t to say that I’m flipping on my stance on their power dynamic. I still believe Celty is stronger, more capable, and more socially connected than Shinra is. She could crush him like a bug if she wanted to, that much is clear. If she ever truly wanted to leave him, there isn’t a thing he could possibly do to stop her.
That’s the rub though - if she wanted to. And that’s why I think the fate of their relationship is ultimately more in Shinra’s hands. Shinra obsesses over trying to understand and give Celty what she needs and wants. Normally this would be a recipe for co-dependency. But here? Shinra is just too damn good at it. If Celty ever was unhappy, Shinra would both notice quickly and know how to fix it. He gets her so well that it would be unsettling were it not approached with the most affectionate of intention. As stands, Shinra is able to nurture Celty and help her become more secure and happier as a person.
But can one really say the same for Celty? Does Celty really get Shinra in the same way? If Shinra, for whatever reason, ever decided Celty wasn’t worthwhile, would Celty know how to change that? As a wealthy doctor, Shinra would probably have little issue finding someone else. Hell, even in canon Kasane falls for him. Celty, on the other hand, would probably have a lot more trouble finding someone like Shinra. Someone who sees her being a dullahan as a positive rather than as something to compromise on. After all, why is it that Shinra believes Celty is so worthwhile? His affections are more overt than hers, but what is driving them is far less clear.
So yeah, ultimately, while Celty is unquestionably more powerful than Shinra, I think their relationship is ironically more valuable for her than it is for him. I also believe that if it was ever to end, it would be because Shinra willed it, not that other way around.
It’s just another layer of nuance and complexity to what really is one of the most fascinatingly written relationships I’ve come across.
