Between2Worlds [Story] 06/04

I always had the feeling it came more from her side than from his.
At first she may have been just curious, and then thought herself into having a crush (idk if that makes sense, like, you keep thinking about someone more and more, until you feel like you have a crush on them), and then stubborn enough to pursue a relationship bc he was so different than anyone she knew (also, let's be honest, someone that risks their life for you will always be somehow attractive, even if it was just out of plain human decency  )
He on the other side, seemed very passive, and it feels he rather dated her bc she was pursuing him. Then she's cute, has courage, and is always supportive about him. What's not to like here?
The whole relationship feels more like one out of convenience and curiosity, but what exactly it is worth, will probably only be shown in S2.
So far they had almost zero time spending as a couple, and when they finally had towards the end, the real problem surfaced.
They don't understand each other.
Athena wants him to leave his world and live a normal life, but he doesn't want to (or he would have done that long time ago), and he is still longing for that always supportive, always sweet girl she once was.
I know in the last chapter they had a talk, but that is not enough. I also don't think Curtis giving up his life for Athena will work. He needs to want it by himself. And I doubt Athena understands fully what it means to have a criminal mindset (bc that's what Curtis has, he was raised like that)

I see where you’re coming from. So much perspective has been given from Athena’s point of view. For Curtis, we’re forced to make a decision on the rare times that his pov is featured and the rest from his actions. Is what is shown enough to show his feelings for her? Is he pushing her away for her or his benefit? Are there deeper feelings behind his actions? Do those feelings match hers in strength and meaning?
I think I’ve explained the hidden nuances (well it’s not really hidden or nuance but I’m not sure what to call it) in the final chapter. So I don’t want to bore you again here :sweat_smile:

14.3 & 4. were def some of my favourite chapters. I love genius and smart villains, and Masato is someone I fear and respect a lot!
16.4/5. It was dirty. I can't find any other words for it. I really enjoyed the pictures and the narrative though. In a way, Curt's possessiveness makes perfect sense if you look where he comes from, and what he thinks he may lose.
The more I think about it, the more I like what you wrote there. Ahhhh, all that potential for character development, or- destruction

I’ve said this and I’ll say it again. Thank you so much for calling out the chapter as it is -- dirty is the perfect word. In fact, I’m considering renaming the chapter to it. Possession is good but dirty is perfect.

I did like the poem. Now it may be a language barrier, but I couldn't really apply it much to the pictures. the summary at the end helped. No, I didn't think it was cringy.

Ah my bad. The poem is the meaning of their actions in the pictures. If Athena and Curtis were to stop all movement and had to express themselves through dialogue, that would be what they say to each other in those moments (maybe not as poetically but you know :lol: ). Instead, they didn’t and went along with their plans. So my reason for pairing the poem and pictures together was to imply that even though no words were spoken, the poem was the true meaning behind their kisses -- a goodbye to who they once were (Yimi’s interpretation), an expression of pain and loss (Plumbob’s), or something much deeper (lone_cat’s) etc. (I’m crediting the idea to the owner because they aren't mine and there’s no right or wrong. In fact everything is pretty much spot on because there’s so many ways to view this chapter.)

If you think more about it, it actually wasn't out of character. Look at his training, his upbringing, the role models he had. He may have some natural goodness in him, something he learned from Rue, and he's able to form genuine affection. He found Athena, and she became very precious to him, now that he feels threatened to lose her, he can only react according to what he has learned, fight for her with claws and teeth. I think it that moment he is not able to see that he trespasses a boundary he never should.
In CH17 you hinted that he felt something was wrong there, but if he can truly change, only time can tell.

Here is a cookie <3 :cookie: That was beautiful to read.

Thank you so much. I didn’t reply everything but that’s because they were valuable feedback which were clear and everything was immensely helpful. :>