TFS Q&A Session (Patreon)

Question: "To all of the ROs: Do you believe in love at first sight? Soul mates?"

Answer:

There is a high chance that your MC has watched (er, tolerated? Binged?) The Titanic or The Notebook at least once with B, who does 'believe' in both ideas. However, they view these things as happening to other people or stuff that's meant to be in movies, a nice ideal. They would need to experience this kind of love to then be like: “Oh.” Perhaps your MC will be able to help.

So, it's more of a 'it's complicated' than a clear 'yes' or 'no with B. Selective belief? 

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In spite of being a romantic (hmm, more so high romance or regency romance stuff) at heart, S is disinclined to believe in love at first sight and a true soul mate, but they do think certain people seem to fit together. It isn't ‘magical' or ‘predestined', instead coming from mutual care, hard work, and time. There are billions of people in the world. They don't know if it would be extremely frightening or comforting to only have one who is designed just for you, one chance.

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This is an intriguing question for R, considering their Verner heir status along with some courtship teachings and what they have witnessed growing up, which has influenced their view of romance. For better or worse, they're aware that they are under certain expectations. Has that ever stopped R from believing they have a soul mate, possibly even using that secret daydream as an escape from it all? No. They do believe in soul mates, but they aren't sure if they deserve one.

Love at first sight is looked on less favorably by R; they know better than most how people are rarely what they seem, so it just seems unlikely to them. Second sight seems more realistic.

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For all of J's dutiful practicality, they do have a very big heart that's become more guarded over the years. At one point in time, J did believe in both of these types of connections, but now it has whittled down to soul mates. Even then, you would have a hard time getting them to admit that this type of love exists. It's better to consider J's actions for this particular question—how they do not take notice of anyone else aside from the MC (and R, if on the JR poly route), how they tend to keep their head down by concentrating on their work, how it seems they're almost abstaining from certain connections, and how the Detective has a reputation around the station and Fernweh. They're something to look at, but don't touch.

(Obviously, that last line is the perspective of some townsfolk, not me. I'll hug J.)

They wish they could leave the concept of ‘soul mates' in their childhood, but they can't…

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“I can speak for myself,” Mal asserts in a tone that lacks an ounce of its usual smoothness, pleasantness sheared away to be replaced with something cutting. They fluidly rise from their chair, stalking closer to where you're seated and reveling in the sensation of your eyes being exclusively on them because they don't need an omniscient mouthpiece. Are you transfixed, or anticipating their answer, possibly desiring it for your own confirmation? “I believe in both, but I prefer the idea of soul mates to love at first sight. Some pairings are meant to be, no matter what…” Mal offers you an enigmatic smile after saying that; there's no need to waste words.

You know they'd do anything for you.

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Honestly, me being called a 'mouthpiece' was pretty nice of Mal, all things considered. 🤔

As I mentioned earlier in the Content Schedule, Mal's answers have a tendency to be a little… unique, possibly even unreliable at times; however, this fits with their character in TFS!