#laia x ezel
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I could not cope with being Laia Burnell. How is she meant to choose?
Ezel
Pros: Kind, respectful, intelligent, handsome, devoted, passionate, likes books and art, you have a lot of history together.
Cons: Doesn't warn you about bloodstained crime scene corridors, his ghost contemplated getting a bit murder-y back in the fifteenth-century, overshadowed by his uncle/brother/great great grandpa, might still secretly make creepy pebble art as a hobby.
I only tried Ezel's route out of morbid curiosity, but... *whispers* it's actually really good? He's very well suited to Laia, and the moment a LI talks books I'm a lost cause. Plus he's so respectful and caring whilst still being passionate? Ezel, you are a lovely green flag.
Mehmed
Pros: Sexy, obsessively-devoted, rich, owns a fortress, mysterious, passionate, intelligent, patron of the arts and sciences, calculating, a lot of shared history.
Cons: Obsessive, no, like, *really* obsessive, ominously secretive, vanishes randomly, may or may not be partially trapped in the wall, doesn't get on with your friends, not all the shared history is 'great' (to put it mildly).
And he knows that because he lost Lale and realised nobody could replace her 🥺 Everything about this scene was perfect (apart from goddamn Vlad doing his Elsa impression before they could kiss 😑).
Noe
Pros: Charming, intelligent, witty, sexy, mischievous, caring, can magic you up a new look/pet/missing brooch, powerful to have on side, no Lale/Ottoman Empire baggage.
Cons: Tied you to a tree and offered you up to Vlad as a snack a few weeks ago, reluctant workaholic, bad at opening up emotionally, almost set your mom on fire, massive flirt.
"All his care and comfort" 😭. The transformation of this demon from carefree fuck buddy to loving boyfriend has been beautiful to witness.
TLDR: I'm glad I'm not Laia, because deciding between them would be horrible (okay, I'd personally pick Noe, but that's not really the point). Each of them has such good chemistry with Laia 😭
#The DLS LI are all so good!#I need to try Sandra's route too#Nothing against Leo. He just gives me 'boyfriend who'd want you to watch him at the gym vibes'. That's not my jam.#The only one I don't like much is Vlad😅#Sorry Vlad...#dracula a love story#rc mehmed#laia x noe#laia x mehmed#laia x ezel
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As Romance Club Update draws near, I couldn't help but canalise my frustration for the lack of DALS episode with some memes...
But at least:
#rc dracula a love story#romance club#dracula a love story#mehmed x mc#rc mehmed#rc laia#rc lale#dracula: a love story#Rc Vlad#Rc Leo#Rc Sandra#Rc Hasan#Rc Aslan#Rc Ezel
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Laia and the Barbie Outfits She'd Politely Force Each LI to Wear With Her On Halloween
Laia and Leo
Laia and Vlad
Laia and Noe
Laia and Sandra
Laia and Ezel
Laia and Mehmed
#i love my husband more than i love most pixels#but.#also‚ get the ezel one? cause lale helped him cross the river? hehe#romance club#dracula a love story#dracula: a love story#leo x laia#vlad x laia#mehmed x mc#noe x laia#mysilliness#charactersas
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That one scene from the very beginning of Kimi no na wa/Your name is so Laia x Ezel (aka modern Lale x Hasan), just listen:
'Once in a while when I wake up, I find myself crying. The dream I must have had I can never recall. But the sensation that I’ve lost something lingers for a long time after I wake up. <...> I am always searching for something... Or someone.'
#HE'S BEEN WAITING FOR HER FOR FIVE HUNDRED YEARS#AND HE DOESN'T EVEN REMEMBER#BUT THEIR LOVE TRANSCENDS EVEN DEATH#help i'm losing my mind#they are so>>>#romance club#bitch speaks#dracula a love story#laia burnell#rc hasan#rc lale#ezel soydan
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DLS Pairings As IICHLIWP Songs
Vlad x MC x Leo
Noe x MC
Sandra x MC
Mehmed x MC
Hasan x MC
Single Route
#I've hit the audio limit for the post‚ but‚ The Lighthouse for Mehmed x MC too#romance club#dracula a love story#vlad x laia x leo#noe x laia#sandra x mc#mehmed x mc#hasan/ezel x mc#q#charactersas
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Why I Think RC Has Trouble Sticking Their Landings
(Or, a pantser talks about structure and DLS for like 8 paragraphs)
My short answer: Because these stories are first drafts
Longer answer: ⬇️
1) (Lack of) Developmental editing
RC's model has its authors write long stories 2-4 chapters at a time. As much as the authors might perfect these chapters, they have no way to change something later on if they realize a scene no longer matches the big picture. An author may revise and make a batch of 4 flawless chapters, but it still doesn't mean they will fit the story seamlessly.
Developmental editing, according to this article, "involves feedback on the big picture of a […] writing piece. A developmental editor will critique structural elements like the plot, characters, theme, and organization of ideas." They also say that this kind of editing is recommended after the first or second draft.
So this type of revision would help an author make sure every character has its place (too many LIs and uneven LI screentime could be fixed), that characterization is consistent, that the plot is clear and moving at a good pacing, etc.
In DLS, for example, things that might be revised after a developmental editing: Leo's introduction scenes not matching his characterization later on, the Leo/Vlad rivalry that seems a bit strange in hindsight, more prominent role and scenes for Sandra, a more consistent progression in Noe/Laia and Ezel/Laia routes, fairer distribution of LI scenes (🫠), Laia's character motivations, the plot mysteries might be revealed to the reader a bit earlier, etc.
But these stories are arguably first drafts that will never be revised holistically (like Choices stories are/used to be, as far as I'm aware), so problems that only become clear once you're further along might not be fixed satisfactorily (or at all).
What sort of problems? Well...
2) Structure, part I
So the visual novel medium is fairly recent, right? Choose Your Own Adventure stories have existed for a while, but, I'm pretty sure, not in the scale of RC stories. 3 seasons demand a lot of story. And the thing is, I'm not sure there is a lot of guidance out there regarding story structure for interactive stories? Not that I've found, at least.
This is a problem, I think, because even if these authors follow the existing material on story structure (Save the Cat, Hero's Journey, Classic 3 Act, Seven-Point Structure, etc.), they will have to do the work of adapting it for a visual novel that A) has 3 seasons as a default, and B) 3 seasons of more or less equal length.
Look, it absolutely can be done! But my point is, I think it's generally uncharted territory and requires a lot of problem-solving. It's not just figuring what must happen in this story for it to be satisfying, it's also deciding when each thing must happen in a way that fits the requirements of three seasons and their finales, which must all fit together, but also be individually exciting and balance setup and payoff. And there is no way to go back and fix it if you realize you messed up the pacing somewhere! Not to mention…
3) Structure, part II: Routes
Not only do they have to figure out plot and structure (without being able to revise the finished story as a whole), but they also need to figure out and balance at least 4 different dynamics. As in, when it gets established, how to keep those dynamics fresh even after they get together, and how to synchronize MC's development with that relationship and its milestones. And again, it's not like there is a manual or a right answer. You have to write and fix afterwards — except they can't 😀. So if an author realizes later on that x couple needed a scene earlier on, or that they rushed things, or any other problem, there is nothing to be done except maybe add more scenes that might stand out from whatever they're trying to correct.
A tiny example of this problem in DLS would be Leo and Laia telling Derya that they're dating, which is clearly a correction of the scene in 4x02 where Laia called him "a friend" because "[she] thought it went against local customs to make a show of pre-marital relationships". In 2019 Istanbul. It would just make more sense if she had just called him her boyfriend in the first place.
4) Authors
I'll admit I'm least informed about this one, but based on a few interviews I've read with the authors, it seems some of them have never written fiction or visual novels before…? I could be wrong! But! Imagine being new to this medium and having to figure all of that ⬆️ out, with the limitations that RC's model brings. I'm not sure how much training and/or assistance they get in this entire process. It just seems a lot for one person.
And I have no answers for any of this, by the way! I don't work there, I don't know how the company works or how it doesn't. This is just my tentative opinion based on my limited experience with writing. It's extremely hard, and I genuinely cannot imagine trying to do any of that ⬆️ in the first place, but especially if I had to get it right on the first try.
Every writing advice on Earth recommends multiple drafts on longform writing because it's impossible to make your story the best it can be on the first attempt. So I think the RC endings often being unsatisfying might be, mainly, a consequence of that.
#romance club#the examples are all DLS because that's what I'm like‚ qualified to talk about djkfghfdkjg#this is just my personal opinion! i could be very wrong on all accounts‚ but it's an explanation that makes sense to me atm
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soft slippers, old clothes, old jokes
(leo x laia | 1662 words | fluff, post-4x02 | on ao3)
The room Has— Ezel placed them in is bright; nicely decorated in a pleasant enough, neutral color scheme. There is no reason it makes her as unsettled as it does.
Though, of course, that might just be Ezel. She had been loving Istanbul, before another figure who probably had his own supernatural agenda showed his face.
The only good part of being here is that they allowed Leo and her to share the room. The silence between them is a comfortable one as they unpack, his presence enough to assure her it will all be fine.
"So," Leo breaks the silence in a joking tone, and Laia has an inkling what he'll say next. "I'm your friend?"
Heat burns her face. She refuses to look up, focusing on folding their clothes.
"I'm sorry, I panicked. I didn't want to offend the women. The place seemed like a sort of sanctuary, and I didn't know if they would ask us to leave, so I—"
The words fail her when he steps closer. When she looks up, the glint in his eyes seems to bring out the green. It's a familiar look — a lion pinpointing how to make a move on his favorite prey.
Anticipation flutters in her stomach.
"But, friend?" He pretends to pout. One hot, big calloused hand touches her hip. He throws the shirt he was supposed to be folding somewhere in the direction of the bed, and neither of them turns to look if it reached the mattress.
Leo continues, "Don't get me wrong. I will always be here for you." Leo combines his words with burying his face on her neck. She doesn't know how he does it — makes every touch feel new, even when she — or her soul, at least — has known him for a whole lifetime already.
His finger traces her abdomen up and down, lighting a fire low in her stomach.
"But I thought I had made my feelings clear." His nose slowly brushes against her neck.
"You have, and I have, I just—"
A kiss right above her collarbone steals her words.
Laia likes him so much. It's not a realization, it's not new. But it's just— How does he always find new ways to make her smile, to make things better? How does he surprise her like that? She just wants this to never end, to make him feel a fraction of what he gives her, because if she does, he'll know he's the most loved man in the world.
Counterintuitively, Laia gathers all her strength and gently pushes him away. He goes easily, blinking at her in a silent question.
"Did I hurt you? I really didn't mean to..." Laia exhales, tries again. "You're the most important thing to me. I just didn't know if it was appropriate to tell them that."
Leo somehow softens even more, and Laia realizes that they truly are okay. Their feelings had been clear, and her boyfriend/soulmate was just doing that thing again where he quietly takes her mind off of their problems.
He kisses her cheek.
"I love you, swallow," is all he says. If her legs weaken a bit, that's between her and her god.
"I love you, too." So much. It's funny to think that she'd been afraid of saying it, once. As if her and the enormity of her feelings would ever be anything but safe with him.
When he kisses her now, it's slower, softer, just reveling in the other's presence as one would a sunny day. Basking in the familiarity and the knowledge of what the other likes best: his hands tracing her back, her fingers cupping the back of his head, both keeping the other close. Her biting his lower lip. Stroking the sides of his stomach, his beautiful chest.
Eventually, his hands go down to her thighs and lift her up as if she weighs nothing, so their necks can get a break. Laia hadn't noticed it'd started to ache, but he had. Supported by him and the wall he presses her against, she automatically embraces him closer, lets her hands appreciate his familiar body.
She doesn't know for how long they kiss, but eventually she rests her head on his shoulder, and he limits himself to kissing her head now and then.
This close to him, Laia allows herself to think that maybe it will be okay. Maybe they'll find Mephis, and get Vlad back, and have the most normal, boring life ever after that. Sure, she has no idea how, yet, but she has Leo by her side, so how bad could it be, really?
As if on cue, a thought, not new, creeps into her mind again. A little suspicion she can't find it in herself to say out loud yet. The idea is enough to break her. She doesn't know what she'll do if it's true.
But if it is true, her silence is unfair to him, and she can't bear that either.
"What is it?" Leo asks, voice low.
Laia almost laughs; would have, if this didn't speak directly to her biggest fear. One of her biggest fears, anyway.
"How did you—"
"You got tense. Stopped playing with my hair too." She can hear his fake pout, and this time her small smile is real.
Laia takes a deep breath. She survived the balaur, Karnivan, and the bite. If she is destroyed now, she might recover too, one day.
"I was just thinking about the bright place. And, about Ur." She pauses. "He said he... wanted to talk to you?"
She doubts Leo notices how he stops caressing her thigh as he takes her words into consideration. Then he adjusts his grip on her and carries her to the enormous bed. He easily avoids the open suitcase he'd been working on — just gently places her down and climbs in beside her. The two of them move into one of their favorite positions, facing each other and hand in hand. His thumb caresses hers.
Gently, he asks, "What do you want to know?"
Laia hesitates. "Well, Raphi told me something interesting about... guardians."
He nods. "He told me too," Leo says, and Laia braces herself. "I know what you're thinking."
"So, you know."
"That I'm your guardian, yeah." Leo's smile is so soft, so happy, that all her worries vanish for a moment. Nothing can be wrong if Leo is smiling like this. Her heart skips a beat.
"Then..."
He waits, only speaks when he sees that she can't find the words. "He said that I was chosen because I chose you, as Aslan. That I rejected my sacred mission to be by your side." One hand leaves hers so he can cup her cheek, and she leans into the touch immediately. Part of her is shy under his gaze, uncomprehending of how someone can love that hard. The other part knows she's looking back the same way.
"You're worried I chose you because I'm your guardian, but it's the other way around," Leo says. "They made me your guardian because they already knew I would always choose you."
Sudden unshed tears burn her eyes, tenderness steals her breath.
"And," Laia starts, unsure. She focuses on the familiar hand on her face, on his gentle eyes. "Are you happy with that choice?"
His smile... There is no universe where Laia is worthy of that love. But there is no universe where she would not fight to be deserving of it.
Leo kisses her hand. "I am."
He lets her process that for a moment, lets all her worry fade into relief.
Then his eyes acquire a mischievous glint that makes her heart skip a beat.
"Even if you want us to be just friends."
"Oh my— Leo!"
As he laughs, Laia decides to attack him. She hugs him, which, sure, might not be considered a war move by most people, but then again, they have never felt what it's like to bury their faces on his chest.
And they never will, Laia thinks, smug. He's mine.
The attack works. He stops teasing her in favor of stroking her hair, which is a good outcome for all involved. Peace settles in her for the first time in weeks.
That is, until Leo clears his throat. He tightens his embrace on her for a second before saying, "You know. It would— I mean, since we've cleared things up, what do you think of—" Laia caresses his back in silent support, and he must understand her, because he kisses the top of her head and finishes, "Would you consider moving in with me, one day?"
She hides her smile on the crook of his neck.
"Of course, yes. I would love that." Delight overcomes her as he holds her tighter, as dreamy visions of sharing her life with him like that fill her mind. "I have to figure out my lease, and Millie, but, yes, we should definitely talk about it as soon as this ends."
It takes him a moment before he speaks. When Laia looks up, he looks the same way he did the first time she told him she loved him, all soft and bright. He just says, "Okay."
"Okay," Laia echoes, trying and failing to contain her smile. She kisses his flushed cheek, lies in her rightful place in his arms again.
It's quiet, safe, and perfect. Like their own sunny bubble in that cold dark chapel was, or their own little house in an empire who didn't care for them. It's their space. Just them.
Laia doesn't know how they'll solve everything this time, but they will, because she needs this for a long, long time, and she refuses any scenario where she won't have it. She will assure that future for them, and nothing would—
Leo breaks the silence and her train of thought. "And just to clarify, I don't mean moving in as friendly roommates, but as romantic lovers—"
"Leo!"
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