For Valentine's Day, Gaia Online had an event where you could send out cards to other users and attach gifts. With each one you were able to send a message along with it; you were also able to send the gift anonymously.
I decided to send out a story to selective users...
Each message had to be under 500 characters, which was the hardest part to do D:
Within a week we had our first kiss.
Within a month we vowed our love.
Within a year we were wed.
But it only took seconds to realize what we've done. The subtle changes pushed us away. Our romance to never be what it was. The cold embrace of the blade seemed to grow closer to each our hearts.
The nights grew longer but our hearts did not yearn for the embrace of what we once had. No... it thirst for others who have been hurt.
And we have no qualms about pulling at the heartstrings
-The Exs
It is questionable at first the intentions we may have but with careful study you may see. He once romanced my heart; filled life with passion and filled me with Excitement. heart beating stronger means the blood pumps out faster. Slow, tender kisses...the thing I love most, seconded only to his warm embrace. But he came home with lipstick on his collar. A shade not mine. He caressed me gently as I averted my eyes, but the seed had already been planted. The horror begun. He will pay.
--The Exs
My driving nature is my love-- her heart beats along with mine. It is the gentle reminder of our connection to each other. I'd give the world to see her smile again, but since that day she gives me none anon. And it brings me to tears I shall not show but moves me to find the cause of her pain. For I shall fight without fear in search of her lost smile, so that one day soon we shall have what we had. She watches me leave from afar--I'm sure concerned-- but I know she'll wait.
--The Exs
My heart inert. He left searching for himself and in this time I must bide I allow myself a sip of port. The wheels faint now, steadily gaining speed as they drift out of my life. He'll have his just deserts now. I wash the remains of the brake fluid as I was myself from him. I cross to the bed and make myself up; when the police come I want to look my best. Nearly finished now all that's left is the lipstick. Black is too morbid, a deep crimson will do.
--The Exs
From the man--This is typically when the user stopped posting anywhere else and waited for the next message
Keys, check. The mirror, check. Seat belt, always. She gives me a wave from her window; I smile back. The flower shop is the first on my trip, if I can't find the one who's responsible, I'll at least be there to hold her tight-- It's just at the bottom of the hill. Our hilltop view is magnificent during dusk... But something feels quite off as I make the penultimate turn. As if the world itself is against me. But I'll defy society itself for my love. She controls my heart.
--The Exs
Tremble..terrible. My hands have been shaking. What have I done? An ornate letter... the new shade of crimson. All part of his plan--benevolent in cause. I look at the clock, fifteen past the hour; he must already be at the bottom. I fall to my knees. One hell of an anniversary. Well love, this one you've outdone yourself. You knew this was my favorite color--the gift was amazing. I'll join you tonight for dinner...I hope I'm sent to the same as you. Till death do us part. I love you.
--The Exs
I don't believe in angels or demons. I don't believe in karma. But after today, I'm just not sure. The tug once again, direct from the heaven above... or below? I slow the car--No. I don't. I can't. I kill the ignition, emergency brake. Gaining momentum. I glance behind and a trail follows... this was fate. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there to give you the ring. A strong cut to the right, a tear leaves my eye. Not like this. Not now. Not before I have my chance to prove my worth to you.
--The Exs
The darkest hour of my life. My heart racing. My breath weak. The sound of sirens racing past me...past me? Today was to be our day. Shattered glass around me, I grab the small box. The flowers will have to wait. Panicked voices all around. I tell them to wait-- I'll live long enough. All I want to see is my love. I amble slowly up the street, protesting the others around. Clutching a small black box. Our house in clear view-- although my vision was blurred. I opened the door. Honey?
--The Exs
White walls. Completely white walls. The waiting room is a prison. My injuries have healed nearly now, but I fear the worst for the other. I look back on that day as my worst. The red light keeping at bay ends it's duty and the doctor emerges. He walks past me, eyes missing mine. I die in that moment. A thousands times a death, but to the world around me they see nothing. All tales must come to a close and so does ours. Not the ending you may have thought however.
--The Exs
I had a girl told me she cried after this. I'm not sure if she was kidding or not.
Coda. The musical term for the end of the tale. And this is our finale. Left with an array of questions. That's just our way. But let us conclude. We invite you to share our tale in hopes that the man's unrequited love find the way to the woman. But what happens to the two? Or was it three? The letter found by the woman read in plain words "I love you. I always will. This lipstick is the first of many gifts... wait for me tonight, I'll make you smile like you make me."
--The Exs
I crouched beside his bed. He smiled at me. The doctor couldn't tell me but I knew his time was short. I confessed. It hurt me to see his smile fade. The rope around my neck tightened. I felt weightless. The door opened and I could hear him shout. I faded--but his face went blank. Never was I so alone. I whispered "I'm sorry" but it fell upon deaf ears. I started to sob. I sentenced him to death, but he saved me from myself. The rhythmic beating slowed. He held my hand. Flatline.
--The Exs
The Exs are willing to answer one question.
And one alone.
You've been given each side of the puzzle, but we question if you were able to place the pieces. A story emerges one that pulls at the heartstrings, but not for the sake to keep others away--No we do it to share our romantic story-- And to keep those who have forgotten love's power. It's the one thing that can overcome all obstacles.
Question: Are we at fault, together or alone? Are we the Executioners of our love? Or merely players?
I'd answer the question at this point and present them with the final message:
We told you the story would not end as you expected. People die everyday. But not everyone lives. But on our day, not a life was lost. Not him. Not myself. And not our love. For we will always be together. In this life and the next. We watched the sun set that night. Hand in hand. From our hilltop view. We've worked though our past. And we look forward to our future. Together. Never again will we, The Exs, be apart.
--The Lovers, Together will will conquer the world.
