*

[ she remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes downcast as she processed his words. the room seemed to grow quieter, the weight of the silence heavy with the implications of what had been said. her posture didn't shift, but there was a subtle change in her demeanor- the set of her shoulders seemed to acknowledge the truth in his stern declaration, while her eyes, when they finally met his again, carried a mix of understanding, resignation, and a quiet mourning for the innocence they had lost. ]

@supervixit    ( ..& )   ( his face hardened, his eyes losing any trace of warmth. ) we've changed, ( he corrected, ) the world we live in now doesn't entertain the same illusions. we've had to adapt, to harden. that's what changed.

what's changed? [ she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with a deep-seated sadness that seemed to color the air around them. her eyes, once bright with the anticipation of a story's conclusion, now searched his face with a longing for understanding, for the connection that used to be so easy. there was a subtle plea in her gaze, a desire to find the brother who once wove tales of adventure and magic, now juxtaposed against the man who dealt in the starkness of their present. ]

( polar opposites as they were, they had forged a bond so strong that it could be deemed unbreakable. they were the perfect balance— vince was the one who was needed during hard times, and chris was the level-headed one, the one who instilled passion in people's hearts. ) don't forget admired,, ( the other spoke, sliding his shirt on, covering the tattoo on the upper, right side of his chest— a phoenix caught in a spider's web. ) ... and better looking—

@ofrisks    ( ..& )   that's where we diverge, ( he stated, his voice carrying a hint of irritation. ) i sought to be the one everyone feared, whereas you chase after being the one they love. ( with a sharp twist of his water bottle's cap, he took a substantial gulp, as if the mere mention of 'love' was something he needed to cleanse from his system. )

and that is why they love me more,, ( he mused, words highlighted by his british accent as he tilted his head back to allow the water in his bottle to drip down his throat, face and hair, which he shook to get the water out. )

@supervixit    ( ..& )   i've already made it damn clear to everyone, ( he snapped, his tone harsh, the big brother in him overriding his leadership role. ) you're off-limits, seraphina. i've set that boundary, and it's not moving. don't test me on this. ( his posture was confrontational, his body leaning forward as if to emphasize his point, his words a final warning that his protective measures were non-negotiable, his anger a clear sign he would not tolerate any challenge to his decision. )

you don't get to choose who i fall for or befriend, [ she retorted, her tone firm, laced with an edge of rebellion. ] i'm not some child you need to shield from every shadow. i'll navigate my relationships, romantic or otherwise, on my own terms. [ her stance was one of challenge, her arms uncrossing to emphasize her words, her posture speaking of someone ready to assert her independence. ] your warnings are noted, but you're not the keeper of my heart or my choices.

@supervixit    ( ..& )   ( his eyes narrowed, the protective brother overshadowing the leader, his voice taking on a harsh, almost menacing tone. ) stay away from them, sera, (  he warned, his words sharp as a blade. ) i'm not just your leader here; i'm your brother, and i won't have you mixing with my friends like that. it's not just about proving your worth; it's about keeping you safe from complications you can't even fathom. ( his posture was intimidating, his stance one of someone ready to enforce his will. ) fomance with them? not happening. not under my watch. ( his gaze was stern, a clear indication that this was non-negotiable, his tone suggesting he'd guard her from such entanglements with a ferocity only a protective older brother could muster. )

[ her gaze was intense, the fire in her eyes a beacon of her defiance, her look piercing through to his core. her  jaw was clenched, the tightness in her face betraying her inner turmoil. her voice was sharp, like the edge of a blade, slicing through the air with precision. ] stop using potential as a cover for your severity, [ she challenged, her tone a mix of frustration and determination. her words were not just a retort but a call for change. ] if you believe in what i can be, then guide me, don't just criticize, [ she insisted, her voice gaining strength with each word. ] and don't forget, [ she said, standing taller, her hands dropping from her defensive cross to emphasize her point, ] I'm part of dauntless, not just your little sister to be shaped by your will. [ her posture was confrontational, her eyes demanding he see her for who she was within the faction, not just through the lens of their sibling relationship. her entire demeanor shouted for acknowledgment as a peer, someone to be respected and trained, not just a project under his command. ]

@supervixit    ( ..& )  ( vincent's face was set in stone, his eyes like flint, showing no signs of backing down. his jaw was firm, a muscle twitching slightly, the only outward sign of the internal battle between his role as a leader and his feelings as a brother. his voice was sharp, a blade of command rather than a soft touch of reconciliation. ) i'm not singling you out, sera, ( he said, his tone cutting through the air with the precision of someone used to being obeyed. ) my responsibility is to prepare everyone in this faction, you included. if it feels like i'm tougher on you, it's because i see potential in you that others don't have to match. ( his words were deliberate, each one chosen to reinforce his stance rather than to yield. ) but don't mistake my rigor for personal vendetta, ( he continued, his posture unyielding, his feet planted firmly on the ground as if to emphasize he would not retreat from this conversation. ) i'll look at how i do things, but don't expect me to coddle you or treat you with kid gloves. you're not just my sister here; you're a dauntless member. ( his gaze didn't waver, his body language a fortress of resolve, acknowledging her words but not conceding any ground, suggesting a possible reevaluation of his methods but not a retreat from his standards or expectations. )

[ her gaze was fiery, a mix of irritation and hurt evident in her eyes. her voice was resolute, laced with the sting of her discontent. ] overly sensitive? [ she questioned, her tone thick with disbelief. ] you label this as overreacting when you're harsher on me than on anyone else? i'm not the bottom of the barrel, but you sure make me feel like it. [ her stance was one of assertiveness, her arms folded across her chest, a sign of her standing her ground. ] you highlight every tiny error i make for all to see, while others skate by with less scrutiny. don't exaggerate my response when you're the one exaggerating my slip-ups. [ her look was confrontational, urging him to acknowledge the inconsistency in his approach, her words a clear demand for equitable treatment rather than an appeal for sympathy. ]