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</div><b>Name:</b>Marcus Heidrich<br/><b>Age:</b>28<br/><b>Sexuality:</b>Heterosexual<br/><b>Hometown:</b>München, Germany.<br/><b>Date/Time:</b>Tuesday, 6th of July, 2021. Evening.<br/><b>Location:</b>Villa backyard<br/><b>Wearing:</b>Everything seen on the photo.<br/><b>Coupled With:</b>Claire De La Roch (<a class="username" data-user-id="3317" data-username="Mehlia" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/3317/">Mehlia</a>)<br/><b>Tagging:</b>Claire De La Roch (<a class="username" data-user-id="3317" data-username="Mehlia" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/3317/">Mehlia</a>), Victor Lundquist (<a class="username" data-user-id="5510" data-username="TopNotch" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/5510/">TopNotch</a>), Hans Huisman (<a class="username" data-user-id="6928" data-username="insidioustorment" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/6928/">insidioustorment</a>), Dominika Nikolaev and Brook Allen (<a class="username" data-user-id="9157" data-username="Sarita" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/9157/">Sarita</a>), Olivia Williams, Daniel Delgado (<a class="username" data-user-id="2019" data-username="Mellifluous" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/2019/">Mellifluous</a>), and once more, the best for last, Claire De La Roch (<a class="username" data-user-id="3317" data-username="Mehlia" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/3317/">Mehlia</a>)<br/><b>Last vibe:</b><b><a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DIWjbOFd5AOw&amp;hash=0155093eef130bfadda6a162910cf16b" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWjbOFd5AOw" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank"><b>Carry on!</b></a></b><br/><hr class="bbc-hr"/><br/><div style="text-align: center"><b><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(184, 49, 47)">WARNING: A LONG-ASS POST!</span></b>​</div><br/><div style="text-align: justify">Not even a full minute after Marcus sat down and already he was called once more to stand, and this time his gut was not resting easy. At the final announcement, he let out a soft, short breath. He would lie if he said that the outcome was predictable or that he was at peace with how it ended... only this last day felt as if it carried some meaning to him, the only moment when he felt <i>alive</i>. What was more surprising was that Dominika was to follow him. And if he was to truly lament someone's misfortune, then it had to be the one that she and Hans shared. Marcus only had bits and fractions of the full story, and yet to him, if there ever was a spark for true love on this Island, it lied in waiting between those two. <i>Only</i> those two.<br/>
<br/>
Then followed the arbitrary gratefulness toward the host, for participation, time, and everything that followed. But if he left now, without a word, that would not be right, it would not make him feel that peace. Perhaps a word or two? It wouldn't hurt, would it? Besides, it was very likely that he may never see any of them again. Will there ever be a better time to tell them what he thinks than now?<br/>
<br/>
And he didn't look back, keeping his back to Claire the entire time. There was no malice in his action, merely a small act to maintain his focus, lest he trips on his own words... and he <i>would</i> trip. When he was certain that the floor was his, he took a deep breath. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I can safely say that these few days have been the, most challenging, tense, and... by far most emotionally charged ones. Far more than defending the thesis before the professor who really does not like your existence, let alone has to listen to your words and write down your grade."</span> He chuckled, looking down at his hands. The thumb of his right hand was rubbing the palm of the left one, removing some imaginary smear that was not there, to begin with.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"It felt like three months if I am being honest. That is barely enough time to properly meet a person and yet some already managed to fall in love. Many more got their hearts broken. What should I say? Whom should I mention?"</span> a pause, followed by a hard swallow of saliva <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I like symmetry. It is relaxing, it spells order to me so... let's say, three men and three women. Ja? Ja. So I'll start by saying that I met the luckiest man alive here and what I was most impressed with was his own dedication to following his own path... and he follows it well. That man, over there-" </span>he pointed toward Victor <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"-has probably tried to seduce Fortuna in his past life."</span> he grinned, ear to ear <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Probably the Lady still had some residual feelings... After the first day I thought someone might behead him. Well..."</span> he tilted his head left and right a few times <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Maybe kleine Victor (small Victor). And yet, you stand as a testament to my bad judge of character."</span> Then he turned to look at Victor, straight into the man's eyes <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"My advice is... don't give up. You, more than anyone, can overcome difficulties. This? This is a setback, a hurdle on the track. If you can't jump over it, go around it and do <i>not</i> give up."</span><br/>
<br/>
A short pause, a few seconds that carried felt like as if a star could be born and die before the final grain of sand passed through to signalize the end of it <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Some stories are meant to become epics. Victor may have been a lover or just... pinched behind of the Lady Luck, but someone else made a grander story. <i><i><i>Brünnhilde und Siegfried...</i></i></i> The princess and the hero. The story tells about this, beautiful Walküre (Valkyrie) cursed to wait asleep on a mountain unless someone comes for her. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie)-"</span> he pointed with an open hand toward Dominika, and a few moments later he moved that hand to point toward Hans <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Und der Held (and The Hero). You won't find a man more worthy to stand before the valkyrie... and actually, dare to kiss her. Siegfried was a fearless hero, and is there a better way to describe Hans than fearless? And you are, without a doubt, Siegfried among us, Hans."</span> he smiled and the next sentence carried a more light-hearted tone, and he spoke it rather quickly <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Just keep in mind it is a German story so don't expect the best of endings."</span> laughter followed, and Marcus resumed with usual, accent-heavy tone <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"But some legends... they can change. Don't let it end so soon and most certainly not like this. Slip your number into her bag when she is not looking."</span> He grinned wide and offered a wink toward the man himself.<br/>
<br/>
That was two guys... not bad, he was making progress, though his speech was not yet at its end. The next person... well... it made for conflicting thoughts, dating all the way back to the first day. Amusing... he was reminiscing as it was months in the past and not a few days ago. But he could not leave without a word <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I regret a lot of things. Mostly I regret my chronic passiveness.</span>" he turned and looked toward Liv and beheld that she was happy. No, she did not need any heavy words of regret. It was enough that she was happy, and in turn, in some weird sense, it made him happy too <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I really admire your passion."</span> Marcus said, his hands were now behind his back <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I did say that I thought you may be the only person on the Island that has an honest job. For all I know, that may still be true. Too late to ask now. I do admire your dedication, your calling and I believe that you will succeed whatever you set your mind upon. For the record..."</span> he paused, his mouth still open, voiceless. There should be a moment of regret. And yet, nothing... the looming sensation of anxiety has all but evaporated to make room for something else <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"For the record, I am proud of you. With the amount of heartache you felt... I was fearful for you. You have no idea how happy I am to be wrong. So keep going. Leave the shattered pieces behind and love will find you."</span><br/>
<br/>
His eyes scanned the circle of people, gaze lingering upon each of them for but a heartbeat. There was but one more man of whom he would speak... and he would speak honestly <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"This show, this... game... It really shows what lies behind the masks. We are so... consumed in trying to find out who our partner is to the point where we scarcely have time to talk to others."</span> he looked up from his palm, one that he was starring at just a few moments ago <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I misjudged some people here, in this circle. That was my sin and I carry the brand with me."</span> his gaze landed upon Daniel <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I did not like your rejection of Olivia and I failed to account that... I based your judgment on my perspective, not yours. I failed to include 'heart' into those parameters. For that, I apologize. If anyone has a chance to win this game... I think that might be you. Granted, at this point, I do not know if your victory will be with the one you love or simply one with whom you are paired. I understand what you did. I understand why you did it, even if I do not approve. Leaving that behind, I will be sincere and say good luck."</span><br/>
<br/>
There was a slight itch in Marcus' throat. The speech was not that long, and yet already he felt a bit parched. Just a bit more... there is no room to slip now. His smile, a bit playful and a bit devious, could have betrayed his intention and direction, at least by the one whom he was about to face. And still, his back was turned to Claire. It had to be like this... he had to maintain his focus. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Fräulein Barbie!"</span> he exclaimed, his accent strong and his voice louder. Truth be told, Marcus was quite happy with the name <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I regret not having a bit more time to talk to you. You are the second most cheerful person I know on this Island... and by the time I spoke to you, there was already pain in you. I regret I won't have the chance to talk to you when you have healed properly. That dream... the boat, sailing between islands... I am becoming fond of it quickly."</span> Marcus smiled, knowing that she will understand <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"You are the last one who deserved everything that happened. Even though I had nothing to do with it... I feel regret that you had to go through all of that. Move on, don't let your feelings linger on unworthy. Who knows! Maybe I will get to see you at your best, yet! I will be watching you..."</span> he paused and cleared his throat, once more repeating his quick succession of words to make it a bit more comedic <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Nothing ominous, natürlich (of course), it's just that this place has so many cameras."</span> he made a motion with a finger, a circular swing to allude to numerous cameras that dotted the premises <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Not sure if I will watch tonight but, maybe tomorrow. Most certainly when you least expect it so... keep the covers on. Or not!"</span> He laughed, quite heartily at his own words and numerous implications. But soon, the laughter died and with a genuine smile, he nodded toward her <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"You deserve the luck of the world, Fräulein. More than most here."</span><br/>
<br/>
Finally, he let out a long sigh, his chest a bit lighter and his head... well his head felt much lighter than that, though for a different reason. He looked down at his hands. The left one had three digits extended, the right one had only two <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I am missing one here... Did I forget someone?"</span> He smiled. So far, he mentioned three men and two women. Dom was a bonus along the way when he spoke to Hans. Marcus was by no means bad at mathematics. Quite the contrary, he excelled at it... and his memory was strong. There was no way he could miss the count, no. This was for dramatic effect. There was but one more girl he had to mention, one that started the list but had to be the last...<br/>
<br/>
It was time. Time to face that one girl.<br/>
<br/>
Hands slowly fell by his sides and just as slowly, Marcus turned to face the one person he did not wish to start with. Otherwise, everything else would be rendered useless. And for the longest so far since he took the stage, Marcus was silent. What words could he conjure now? No, no, no- There were plenty. The real difficulty was just but a fraction of them and not all of them. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"There are... so few things I know about you."</span> he spoke softly, flattening his accent as much as he could, just as if it was not known from the fact where he was from <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I know you are from ummm...Aix-en-Provence. I firmly believe I butchered that pronunciation!"</span> he chuckled, only now showing that he was actually nervous <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I know you love blueberries, I know that you like traveling. I also know that you have strong feelings for someone here."</span> Marcus said, not saying the name, though he did look back toward Dom. He did not wish to show any form of audacity and mention himself <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"And that is... not enough, really. That is not nearly enough to say that I am satisfied. I wanted to know more about you."</span> he looked down again, staring at his palm as his fingers twisted rings on his hand. His lips flattened and edges curved up and down... showing his little 'glitch' one more time <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"It's hard, trying to come up with a speech on spot."</span> he laughed <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"It's even harder not to say everything I have in mind... and I had to save this speech for last. Everything I said so far... it came from here-"</span> he pointed at his forehead <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"But what I need to say now... it comes from here-"</span> he closed his hand, lowered it and gently pressed his fist against his own chest.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Thank you." he uttered, words were spoken in half-whisper "I need to lead with that. For reasons beyond me, you gave me a chance. I know I am not the best of men, and still you had the nerve to give me that tiniest of chances."</span> he chuckled, feeling his anxiety increase with every word uttered <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I am a man who overthinks things. The moment I wake up, it is a... umm... Americans say 'clusterfuck' so I'll go with that. The moment I wake up, it is a clusterfuck of thoughts. What to eat, where to go, when to exercise, what obligations I have today, whom I need to call, from whom I need to expect a call, how much time should I allocate to each of them, did I pay my electricity bill, is my laptop charged, how long can I use it before I need to find a socket and it's... an utter mess. I plan things because when I plan things, I know how they will turn out. My victories come from fulfilling my own expectations and that is... very boring for most people. But do you know what happened when you pushed yourself on your toes and kissed me?"</span> he paused, his smile grew as he watched her beautiful, blue eyes "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">Nothing. Nothing happened, it was a complete flatline in my head and I could not think. My head, this little mess of a world, became completely clear... and I have not felt that before, not nearly to that degree. Everything after that... the interview room... it was just one spike of new sensation after another. The kiss was a flatline but the moment those doors closed behind, it was a pulse that reminded me that I am... alive! I do not know if I left any mark on your life or if leaving will be met with any emotion. There will be plenty of chances for you, with a better man or woman than I. But I want you to know that you left a mark on me. And I regret not being able to be here a bit longer, next to you. But it was one hell of a day, longer than a year. For that, for all of that... Thank you."</span><br/>
<br/>
Whether it was customary or not, he stepped forth and leaned down before Claire. His hands cupped her cheeks and he placed a soft kiss upon her lips. He did not wish to make things difficult or to give her any dilemmas. Marcus was but one man, one number in a much larger code. When the kiss broke, he smiled at her once more time <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I won't say goodbye, but I do not know if we will ever meet. So instead, with a little bit of hope left that I will keep, I will say... Auf Wiedersehen."</span><br/>
<br/>
That was it... all the words he had were spent, all the sentiments conveyed. He turned to look Islanders and rose his hand. He lost, and yet, in a way, he won too. Clenched fist up in the air was his last declaration. For lovers, for friends, for Islanders, and for the world. And with that done, he went to start packing.​</div>