"Not romantically, if that's what you're thinking. More in the sense of partners on the police force." Although that's not quite right either, it's the closest analogue he has.

But what she says about the Metaverse... There's something still vicious in this Akechi, and it's showing just a little of its teeth as he says, "I'm sorry that happened," in a tone that suggests less genericized sympathy and more do you need help hiding a body? He continues, "Though that explains why you're more familiar with cognitive tricks than most. I presume you've awakened a Persona, then?"