VN Ren'Py The Missing Part [Ch. 2] [jPk vns]

[m0us3r]

In a way, it makes this game a "create your own story"- instead of a "choose your own adventure"- game.

OK, nothing wrong with that.

I think our different views on MC, Sarah and their behavior can be rooted in differences in our personalities or even cultural backgrounds. Or even the fact that as a kid I had a dog, and you probably hadn't.

Seriously, I think this simple detail might shift a person's view on acceptable or natural ways of friendliness.

I won't further discuss that because it's about your and my personality, def'ly off topic here.

The point of playing these games isn't unlocking the lewd and getting off for me. It's the journey.

OK, OK.

I exaggerated a little. You wouldn't be the first one to say that my sense of humor is sh*t.

In my head canon, my MC is tepid about Sarah pressuring him to get tested for CHD. He also doesn't drunkenly stumble into her bed (which I thought was a weird choice to make consciously).

Yeah, you didn't have a dog! Right?

Seriously though, the need in human (or animal) warmth is not something that should be necessarily controlled by your conscious persona.

Or maybe I'm just a manwhore at heart.

Possible too.

That said, from a narrative perspective, I see some signs that the dev will create "reset points" and will allow 2nd or even 3rd jump-on points. I'm confident that after being intimate with Sarah, the MC will have the "That was fun, but I don't want a relationship (yet)"-talk. Both to allow players to engage with other LI without feeling guilty about cheating, and to allow reluctant MCs/players to have a slower buildup.

Oh yes. I liked how she expressed this at the rooftop terrace. We spend this NOW together, and then we'll see.

That's the thing... I didn't feel that click. I can rationalize it, but I didn't feel it. Their relationship, to me, feels utilitarian. Maybe every relationship is utilitarian in some way, and I'm just being too much of a romantic. Or maybe I'm just not picking up on the MC's love language.

I believe it's your personal perspective. To me, yes, it might be a little egotistic if I accept the woman's warmth, not really planning to go [deeply] ahead with her, but also it's natural. We warm animals want warmth.

So it's not "romantic" in a sense like "true love", but it's not utilitarian either. Because it's not some calculation, it's basic need of warmth. They both needed that, don't say it's "utilitarian".

Could be short-sighted or not quite noble, but not utilitarian.

Her remark of [...] which I thought was her hiding her disappointment with a joke, I still found tasteless. If jokes contain a kernel of truth, then she betrayed an intent there.

So? She is a direct woman, I like that.

She is not in her head, not in some constraints of what is "rightful" or not.

Desires are a biologically conditioned, natural part of our life, and she sees no need to be ashamed of that or mask that with anything.

If I can fantasize: as a nurse, she probably had tons of opportunities to develop cynicism (and probably she did), but she also retained a great heart, truly caring for people.

Later she'll ...

kk, we dig different girls, noted.

she calls him a baby. I don't understand why she needs to insult (even jokingly)

Again, that might be a cultural thing. In my country almost no one would consider that an insult.

C'mon, even British and American cultures do differ in their manner of everyday expression, so no wonder if the dev doesn't have quite the same views on verbal etiquette as you do.

I was surprised that Americans can call you "idiot" or "doofus" etc., even in professional discussions, when in my country it's considered inappropriate.

They are strangers, she has no idea what his boundaries are...

For me, it's OK if people test and violate each other's boundaries (perhaps in a friendly manner?), as long as they mean well and are attentive and sensitive to each other's state of mind.

As Lao Tsu would say, politeness was born when people ceased to be natural.

And part of me feels that the MC just lets it all slide because he's only there for the distraction.

Or maybe he just feels that she tries to be a friend.

And don't forget his long-time exposure to Ben (who managed to be his bestie!)...

I would expect her to use more positive language instead, building people up.

Gawd.. You still believe in political correctness?

OK, OK, disclaimer: in no way I intended my words to be belittling or something. Just hear me that it is quite possible to view that in a different light.

I'm just saying.

For me, her seeming overbearing also conflicts with the MC's history with his mother. I don't think he wants to be mothered, he could very well have a disdain for it.

IMO her "careless" attitude is exactly what helps to overcome those associations with "mothering".

Instead of "mother" she acts like a tomboy if you wish - kinda my impression of Ella too - fucking unceremonious but a caring one.

I couldn't imagine a better friend, if you ask me.

Someone with whom you could drop all considerations of what is proper and unoffensive etc., and just be yourself.

Maybe it was a choice in an older version, but in the current version there's no choice to talk to the old man or not.
Or am I misunderstanding the event you're referencing?

Yeah, I mean, you didn't object against that event. I mean, for me my first reaction would be to say, "Go screw yourself". But I would probably think to not be rude and bear with that talk.

All I was saying that cuddling was like that, an attempt to share some warmth with you, from a person that has it hard too.

Maybe he doesn't feel safe enough with her yet
...
proves that he is able to open up and talk about it if the situation is right.

I guess that's a possible interpretation.

If retracting his hand from her breast would lead to a sad talk, that would be up to the dev to decide.
...

OK.

When the man approached the MC, I wanted to turn him down. But after the conversation, I was glad we had it.
I thought the MC looking at all the empty seats was a nice touch, betraying him considering telling the guy to fuck off.
It indicated to me that the MC is someone who prefers to suffer in silence, but I think he was also grateful for the distraction, and likely considered that the man approached because he needed it.

Uh-huh.

Her caring quality becomes (almost ?) overbearing toward the MC.

IMHO, that's what friends do.

They care, and if it bothers you, well, get used to it.

Or - perhaps - part with those friends, if it suits you better.

But with the MC never witnessing her at her best, is he in the right mental state to look deeper than how she portrays herself? If he's just there to be distracted, does he even care?

Again, that's up to us players to interpret.

I believe even if I would see the story only through MC eyes, I could recognize a caring soul.

And if those souls can have desires, attitudes etc., that shouldn't fool us, besides, after long time with Ben, Vicky, Ella, who proven to be precious to you, despite all their quirks.

I also think she's too affectionate and overly familiar with the MC for the short time they've known each other, though this is likely informed by my own bias. For me, hugs and cuddling are intimate acts. Culturally, we only hug our loved ones occasionally, it isn't used as a greeting. Cuddling is reserved for children or an intimate partner.

Yeah, to me that's rather endearing. Like I said, I had a dog.

 

[Quetzzz]

He was raising a daughter. Not uncommon after losing your partner to have no interest, especially if said partner dies early. Unhealthy....perhaps....even more so now. But again, let's just let the MC wallow forever and end up lonely, twisted, embittered and depressed.

Meaningless sex is the road to happiness now?
If the MC wanted to fuck around, he could've. Maddy went to school, giving the MC plenty of time to get his dick wet somewhere. If he were interested in it, he could've easily done it.

Seeing things that aren't there. When was she pushy exactly? Giving a nudge I'll admit yes, but pushy towards Linda? Linda could also say no, you know people do have their own agency to stop things. And really, you're really going to sit there and try and tell me at times people don't need a nudge to do something, in the right direction? If you do...I'll spend the rest of the day on the floor laughing.

Of course Linda is game, she's been pining after the MC for years. So when Linda comes along and says, "Hey, I got a plan. Let's buy skimpy outfits, and we'll see about seducing MC", why wouldn't she agree? Well, looking at Linda's meek behavior the previous week, I doubt she would've been game immediately. I'm sure that Vicky had to convince her the plan was sound and her best shot at getting anything from the MC. You have to admit that the Linda we saw at the lake house was in stark contrast to the Linda we saw a few days earlier.
The way she was pushy toward Linda is about her pep talk in the car, and the fact that she's the entire driving force behind this event. Let's be real, without Vicky, Linda wouldn't have been at the lake house, so Vicky pushed her to do it.

No idea at all where you get any of this, given none of it is actually shown, hinted at or even insinuated. Again, seeing what you want to see and coming to a conclusion that is not presented.

To be fair, half this game is us guessing what drives its characters. Why would my extrapolation of Vicktoria clearly manipulating a situation be out of bounds? Why can't I assign her a negative trait for displaying such behavior?

He hasn't looked at anyone (as far as we are aware) as his wife died and he was taking care of his daughter and for most of that time, didn't even go to the damn office. So on the odd occassion he did go...oh no, a guy grieving and taking care of a toddler didn't notice a woman giving him the eye so therefore he is not interested in her. Are you actually being serious right now???

Again, if he wanted to get his dick wet, he would've had the time. I think it's also disingenuous to talk about a toddler when Maddy was 8. Sure, maybe the first years were too busy for the MC, but after Maddy went to Kindergarten, I'm sure he would've met a bunch of horny MILFs.
And no, how could the MC even notice Linda's gaze if he was entirely closed off to the idea of being with another woman? And why does Vicky think that this has changed, or needs to change, due to last month's events? This is why I call Vicktoria's behavior hubris. She thinks she knows best, but even in the best possible light, it's a Hail Mary at best.

 

[Maviarab]

So it's not "romantic" in a sense like "true love", but it's not utilitarian either. Because it's not some calculation, it's basic need of warmth. They both needed that, don't say it's "utilitarian".

One could argue you contradicted yourself.

The very fact both parties need something...and both parties offer the same thing...makes it exactly what you think it isn't. Look, forget love, romance...just a construct of different feelings. Every single relationship....every one...be it sexual, best friends...is a transaction (as an independant adult). No different to a business deal.

Go dating? You're offering something and you're looking/wanting for something. So is the other person. Most don't wish to accept that or even realise it...but you want something out of said relationship, could be stability, prestige, moving up in class, money, power....kids...plain companionship, it really doesn't matter. You do still want something from the other person, and so do they.

All relationships are transactional and utalitarian. What matters is does the other person want what you're offering and vice-versa.

Cold perhaps but still true. Love can come later.

 

[BobTheDuck]

I don't think Vicky had any way of knowing (or realizing) that Linda was about to ask the MC out. She just had bad timing.
I don't mind her being brash, or speaking truth. I dislike the manipulation and her claiming she knows best. In reality, what she considers best for the MC, could very well be her own projection. Maybe sex makes her happy, and that's why she created this plan with Linda?

She's also a control freak, I think. She decided what's best for Ben, and Ben will listen.

Of course Vicky didn't know, but that doesn't mean she didn't put her foot in it. She made a situation where something delicate could happen, and then rushes around like an elephant. Her manipulation/claims that she knows best... well I just she a proactive friend. I have annoying friends like that, and I put up with them because they also have other qualities. Regarding sex, well, we already know she and Ben have a high drive. Most people also assume they're normal and everyone is kinda like them. It's not a crime. She's just a bit obnoxious. But it's also to me remembered that she and Linda are very close friends for a long time. Ben does the same to some extent with Hailey. Both he and Vicky are trying different ways to get the MC out of dwelling too much on things.

I don't like it when friends do stuff like this, but it's pretty unavoidable, and I'd say it's out of character to think VIcky's doing it for any other reason than helping the MC. He's known Vicky before he met Ella remember - she can take liberties and be obnoxious in the ways only OG friends can.

Yeah, I think a programming error spoiled that alternative path. When going to the office after spending the night at Sarah's, Ben insinuates that he and the MC had gotten drunk the night before This error only appears if he doesn't invite her to the special place.
It's also not that I don't want to be on Sarah's path... So far my MC tolerates her, at least. And in his current state of mind, I doubt that any other LI would get him to engage with them.

Well, it's just worth trying it just to see. It's a different scene, which I'm glad is there.

 

[Maviarab]

Meaningless sex is the road to happiness now?

As is plainly obvious to everyone in this thread, you do love to take shit out of context don't you and see/read wehat you want? Even if you didn't, are you oblivious to how most of the world works?

Like I said, we're done here. Pointless continuing this.

 

[Boehser Onkel]

View attachment 4661166

yup
right move
its better than game or movie today here

the best promotion for a game is a active community who discuss the game from different points of view
even if it gets hot sometimes

 

[m0us3r]

Every single relationship....every one...be it sexual, best friends...is a transaction (as an independant adult). No different to a business deal

 

[Dessolos]

Well I just played the update not sure what the opinion of Ella's sister is on this thread. I know a discord im on a few people want her to be a LI. For me however I have no interest in her because of the model feels weird to me as redhead because of this game and another and the fact to me it would feel a weird to date and romance your dead wife's sister that looks like her and share the same name of your dead daughter

Overall I really liked the update can't wait for Hailey content the most. Still undecided who my favorite is but for me Hailey overtook Lisa so now it's between Sarah and Hailey. Speaking of Sarah man I can't wait for her to realize who our daughter was. Also I have to say is it just me but I found it kind of hard to get into the date because of her appearance I mean it was a good date but I kept thinking almost the entire time I wish she kept her natural look and just put a dress on instead of getting dolled up. It wasn't until the end of it I ended up getting used to it.

 

[Quetzzz]

I think our different views on MC, Sarah and their behavior can be rooted in differences in our personalities or even cultural backgrounds. Or even the fact that as a kid I had a dog, and you probably hadn't.

Seriously, I think this simple detail might shift a person's view on acceptable or natural ways of friendliness.

Yeah, absolutely. This story also hits very close to home, and I think I'm not considering the other characters' point of view enough. I'm definitely more invested in the MC's ordeal and his perspective than trying to empathize with the other characters.

Yeah, you didn't have a dog! Right?

You're right about that.
My grandparents had one, but... err... sent him to the farm after he bit my hand when I was a child.

Seriously though, the need in human (or animal) warmth is not something that should be necessarily controlled by your conscious persona.

I didn't express myself clearly. It was more about the dichotomy of the player getting a conscious choice about a drunken and semi-aware action the MC can do. It's a very meta choice, in a way, as if remote controlling the MC to go sleep in Sarah's bed.

To be honest, the "should" in your sentence confuses me. When I look at children, up to a certain age, they'll just snuggle because they feel like it. Then they suddenly grow out of it and are very selective with who they cuddle. I don't think I know anyone who hugs people more than they do animals, either.

I believe it's your personal perspective. To me, yes, it might be a little egotistic if I accept the woman's warmth, not really planning to go [deeply] ahead with her, but also it's natural. We warm animals want warmth.

Yeah, that's fair. I don't think I can entirely identify with that due to perceiving it as an inherent intimate act between adults.

So? She is a direct woman, I like that.

Sure... But what if you've been celibate for 8 years. Wouldn't those expectations make you uncomfortable? Suddenly, it's not just about spending time together and distracting yourself, but about her wanting/expecting you to do something you haven't done in years and is intrinsically linked to your wife and daughter.
That he hallucinated about Ella telling him to let go, doesn't mean he actually can. I guess I'm wondering if this could trigger his fight or flight response. And if it does, is his method freezing?

Again, that might be a cultural thing. In my country almost no one would consider that an insult.

C'mon, even British and American cultures do differ in their manner of everyday expression, so no wonder if the dev doesn't have quite the same views on verbal etiquette as you do.

Sure, I can grant you that, but this requires of me that I always and consciously interpret her words in the best light possible... And that might not be the intent either.
I think my suggestion of changing it to an unequivocal positive wording would help. Certainly while they're still getting to know each other.
I didn't mind Charlotte or Vicky calling him names, it fit, and with Vicky there's a deep understanding and friendship.

For me, it's OK if people test and violate each other's boundaries (perhaps in a friendly manner?), as long as they mean well and are attentive and sensitive to each other's state of mind.

As Lao Tsu would say, politeness was born when people ceased to be natural.

Now I'm imagining Sarah as a hippie.
Honestly, if Sarah is testing his boundaries here, then she'd be getting the indication that she could go a lot further with it. There's really no significant reaction from the MC to it. Now, this is more of an aside because I do agree with you that these remarks are innocent.

Or maybe he just feels that she tries to be a friend.

Yeah, when interpreting Sarah's teasing in the best light possible, sure. But then I'm reminded of "I wouldn't want to belong to a club that would have me as a member" But, I consider that it's possible that her trying so hard is what actually makes the MC feels safe around her. Still, first impressions tend to linger.

Gawd.. You still believe in political correctness?

OK, OK, disclaimer: in no way I intended my words to be belittling or something. Just hear me that it is quite possible to view that in a different light.

Hah! No, I don't think words are violence. Strangers can call me whatever, I don't care. My friends can call me whatever, and we'll have a laugh. Acquaintances are on thinner ice. And to circle back to TMP, an acquaintance is what Sarah is at that point in time.
I'm also thinking that there's no way that Sarah would call any of her patients a baby (unless they're an actual baby, of course), and while she could be holding back due to her professional attitude (like her putting on a smile when entering Maddy's room), I can't help but think that this habit could become ingrained. Much like how some people who care for small children have a difficult time turning off their cutesy voice.

Also, for context, this is Sarah's expression when she says, "You're such a baby." This really is a nitpick, but she looks very deadpan.
View attachment 1742402658766.webp

IMO her "careless" attitude is exactly what helps to overcome those associations with "mothering".

Instead of "mother" she acts like a tomboy if you wish - kinda my impression of Ella too - fucking unceremonious but a caring one.

I couldn't imagine a better friend, if you ask me.

Someone with whom you could drop all considerations of what is proper and unoffensive etc., and just be yourself.

Huh, interesting.
Yeah, I think I can see that... His mother had an agenda, while Sarah can be taken at face value. I'll need to keep this in mind when I replay in a few weeks. Who knows, she might leave me with a better impression with that context.
Though... "Does it look like you have a choice? If you want me in your life, you're going to have to take care of your health."
This ultimatum made me wonder, does the MC actually want her in his life, and why? But this leads back to the question of what Sarah's true intent is, and how the MC perceives her. I think it'll be a while before I'll shake the feeling that she's far too familiar, even with the best of intentions.

Or - perhaps - part with those friends, if it suits you better.

If they don't respect my boundaries, that's what usually happens. My friends are patient, and know that if I say we'll talk later, that we will talk later.
The MC desperately doesn't want to be anywhere close to the hospital, but Sarah is keeping him while badgering him about why he was there. Just her asking is forcing him to think about it. I can imagine this being a very stressful situation for him. I think it wouldn't be undeserved if he holds that against Sarah a bit, certainly with the history of the overbearing mother.

I believe even if I would see the story only through MC eyes, I could recognize a caring soul.

And if those souls can have desires, attitudes etc., that shouldn't fool us, besides, after long time with Ben, Vicky, Ella, who proven to be precious to you, despite all their quirks.

Right, but is he in the right mental state to recognize it? If you're agonizing about your loss and looking for distraction, can you make an actual human connection and look deeper than the surface?
Of course, these choices are left to the player, so ultimately it's about what I notice and want him to see or do.

 

[Quetzzz]

I don't like it when friends do stuff like this, but it's pretty unavoidable, and I'd say it's out of character to think VIcky's doing it for any other reason than helping the MC. He's known Vicky before he met Ella remember - she can take liberties and be obnoxious in the ways only OG friends can.

Personally, I don't believe in true altruism. And seeing as Vicky is grieving as well, she might think that by getting the MC laid she'll get her friend back. People have motivations to do what they do, and I find the timing of her actions suspect, as well as how she's chosen to go about it.

Maybe she learned that the MC was dating which makes her want to slot in Linda? In my playthrough, she couldn't have known about the MC dating. I told them nothing on the first day about meeting anyone while at the table. And my MC didn't go to the special place with anyone either.

It's really the way she goes about it that makes me doubt her intentions. Why the manipulation? She isn't one to hold her tongue otherwise. Why not protect her longtime friend Linda from potentially getting rejected in her face? I mean, what's so difficult about checking in with the guy first, see where he's at? What is this if not hubris?

 

[Ghost'']

The Missing Part [Ch.2] Unofficial Android Port

Spoiler: Android Port Features

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

You must be registered to see the links

- 837mb


My Android Ports have a 2nd Persistent save location. So, even if you uninstall the game, the saves will remain Intact.

Saves location: Storage/0011/Game-name


You can also join my discord server for more and support me.

You must be registered to see the links

You can also join 0011 discord server

You must be registered to see the links

If you like my works please support me.

You must be registered to see the links

Android Port Updated..

 

[Boehser Onkel]

Well I just played the update not sure what the opinion of Ella's sister is on this thread. I know a discord im on a few people want her to be a LI. For me however I have no interest in her because of the model feels weird to me as redhead because of this game and another and the fact to me it would feel a weird to date and romance your dead wife's sister that looks like her and share the same name of your dead daughter

Overall I really liked the update can't wait for Hailey content the most. Still undecided who my favorite is but for me Hailey overtook Lisa so now it's between Sarah and Hailey. Speaking of Sarah man I can't wait for her to realize who our daughter was. Also I have to say is it just me but I found it kind of hard to get into the date because of her appearance I mean it was a good date but I kept thinking almost the entire time I wish she kept her natural look and just put a dress on instead of getting dolled up. It wasn't until the end of it I ended up getting used to it.

i think this is exactly the point of the writing and model- if she's going to be a LI
mc gets his family back so to say (weird idea ik)

 

[Boehser Onkel]

Personally, I don't believe in true altruism. And seeing as Vicky is grieving as well, she might think that by getting the MC laid she'll get her friend back. People have motivations to do what they do, and I find the timing of her actions suspect, as well as how she's chosen to go about it.

Maybe she learned that the MC was dating which makes her want to slot in Linda? In my playthrough, she couldn't have known about the MC dating. I told them nothing on the first day about meeting anyone while at the table. And my MC didn't go to the special place with anyone either.

It's really the way she goes about it that makes me doubt her intentions. Why the manipulation? She isn't one to hold her tongue otherwise. Why not protect her longtime friend Linda from potentially getting rejected in her face? I mean, what's so difficult about checking in with the guy first, see where he's at? What is this if not hubris?

yeah
there is this comment from vicki this evening
"That was the first time he's spoken positively about another woman since Ella died"
except my mc told nothing about any woman

a slip at the writing

 

[Quetzzz]

yeah
there is this comment from vicki this evening
"That was the first time he's spoken positively about another woman since Ella died"
except my mc told nothing about any woman

a slip at the writing

Yeah, I also made a note of that one, together with:
"You're acting like talking to women and taking a nap is something remarkable for me."

 

[DevinHesi]

You must be registered to see the links

An eventful week, at least for me, comes to an end after the public release. Compared to the prologue and chapter 1, chapter 2 has received quite a lot of attention. Many thanks from me for that.

It was funny to see that what has often been told to me by other developers has now also happened to me. The range from complete garbage to the best game of all time was covered. Also in terms of the Li's everything was there. Either throw away all but one Li, all Li's are great, all Li's are bad, or replace the existing main Li's with the misc characters. I take that as a compliment and am glad that every character in the game seems to have at least one thing about them that made someone like them.

A personal note, not to my patreons, but to anyone else reading this. My first posings, renders, and written words began on the first of September 2024. I am aware that I have room to grow and improve the quality of the game. As a novice in basically everything that goes into creating an AVN, I'm not set up to create something great or even think about turning this into a masterpiece. But at least I'm willing to try and see where the journey takes me. So, patience.

Regarding Chapter 3.

Just to make it official, I've started the production (3D posing & rendering) of chapter 3.

I already gave rough numbers in the last post. These will probably increase as I have to fill in gaps here and there. In general, the chapter will be bigger than chapter 2 as there are many events that need a bit more depth. In particular, I'm looking forward to 2 conversations that I've been longing for since the start of development and can now finally visualize.

Due to my little break I was a bit more active with communication for the last 3 weeks on certain forums. I will now dial that down pretty much to zero with the start of the production of chapter 3. I do this in my spare time and want to put all the time I have available into the game itself. In general, for those of you who are new, a brief overview of my working methods. I've built all the sets and written and translated the dialogues. Now I go into my little chamber, close the door for 3-4 months and only come out when the new chapter is finished. Once a week, usually on Fridays, there is an update for members on the number of scenes posed and images rendered.

Regular Friday posts will begin on March 28, 2025.

The additional financial support has brought me a little closer to my goal of getting to plus minus zero, at least for the future development not including what I already put into the game. For people who are interested in an annual membership, unfortunately I can't offer you this at the moment because Patreon has certain requirements for that. These are a minimum support of 200 Euro/USD for 3 months in a row. If I am lucky enough for this to happen at some point, I will be happy to pass this on to you with discounts in the form of an annual membership.

That's it for this time. Until next week.

 

[Aramintha]

Very good update really enjoyed the cliffhanger my only petpeeve is that Sarah had horrible looking makeup, weird skin tone and looked really bad in general also the hairstyle dint help it looked ugly she honestly sort of creeped me out during the date it was such a downgrade.

 

[risky0]

I liked a girl who wasn't LI again. The VN world is so cruel to me. Emily had good potential. I don't know if it's sad or happy that the fourth LI bears the name of Mc's daughter and the face of his ex-wife, this game gives me mixed feelings. It's good that Mc is given a chance to make amends and Madelyn probably has the same disease as her sister, Madelyn's story will be interesting for sure.

 

[Krytax123]

Personally, I don't believe in true altruism. And seeing as Vicky is grieving as well, she might think that by getting the MC laid she'll get her friend back. People have motivations to do what they do, and I find the timing of her actions suspect, as well as how she's chosen to go about it.

Maybe she learned that the MC was dating which makes her want to slot in Linda? In my playthrough, she couldn't have known about the MC dating. I told them nothing on the first day about meeting anyone while at the table. And my MC didn't go to the special place with anyone either.

It's really the way she goes about it that makes me doubt her intentions. Why the manipulation? She isn't one to hold her tongue otherwise. Why not protect her longtime friend Linda from potentially getting rejected in her face? I mean, what's so difficult about checking in with the guy first, see where he's at? What is this if not hubris?

Bro youre making a waaaaay to big deal out of vicky trying to casually set something up with linda, its just a little try and nothing really to lose but possibly something positive out of it for both MC and Linda.

Manipulation and hubris are entirely out of proportion for something like that, and adult people usually dont go to their friends to ask for their friends if there is some sexual/romantic interest ... you "introduce" them to each other and let them figure it out themself.

 

[Quetzzz]

Bro youre making a waaaaay to big deal out of vicky trying to casually set something up with linda, its just a little try and nothing really to lose but possibly something positive out of it for both MC and Linda.

Maybe, maybe not. I'm not saying you're wrong, but my interpretation is what I subjectively think of it.
I don't see it as casual at all, with the amount of planning that went into it.

And "nothing to lose", I don't agree with either. If the MC isn't open yet to starting anything with any woman, then acting prematurely can waste Linda's opportunity.

Honestly, if Linda had gotten a chance to speak before Vicky barged in, I would've taken her up on her offer of spending time together. He was saying that he's looking for distraction, so her offer to distract him would've been appealing. But, Vicky's meddling and remarks made me not want to play her game.

Manipulation and hubris are entirely out of proportion for something like that, and adult people usually dont go to their friends to ask for their friends if there is some sexual/romantic interest ... you "introduce" them to each other and let them figure it out themself.

It's not that Linda and the MC are strangers to each other. Linda has been with the company from the start. And I don't necessarily mean that Vicky had to ask the MC what he thought about Linda in a "Do you like-like her?"-way. I mostly expected Vicky to check in with the MC about where he is mentally. At this point, Vicky has no idea if the MC is even entertaining the idea of being intimate with anyone, while the possibility of being intimate with the MC is the majority of her discussion with Linda.
This is why I call it hubris. A few days ago the MC was still living at their house doing nothing, having no motivations and barely a will to live. While I think one of her motivations is to help the MC, she's also deciding that this is the right time and the right thing to do for him.

What she does here goes way further than advising Linda to: "Dress yourself sexy, try to catch his eye and make him see you like a woman to be desired." She's manipulating the events with the tact of a bull in a china shop.

And, just to be clear, I'm not saying that Vicky is acting maliciously. I'm sure whatever she did was with the best of intentions, fueled by her own motivations. I just think she was misguided and went about it the wrong way.
In this AVN, it seems to me that everyone seems to have some positive character traits that went into overdrive, turning negative. Why couldn't Vicky be acting out of her own grief here? Could she be forcing the issue with the hope that the MC and Linda do hook up, making her part of the family? Or maybe she wants to be the one who fixes the MC, and Linda liking the MC made her the best candidate? Why now? Why this way?

Anyway, I'm going to replay the game on the charity path to see some events I missed while doing Sarah's path. Maybe I'll get a bit more insight.

 

[Krytax123]

Maybe, maybe not. I'm not saying you're wrong, but my interpretation is what I subjectively think of it.
I don't see it as casual at all, with the amount of planning that went into it.

And "nothing to lose", I don't agree with either. If the MC isn't open yet to starting anything with any woman, then acting prematurely can waste Linda's opportunity.

Honestly, if Linda had gotten a chance to speak before Vicky barged in, I would've taken her up on her offer of spending time together. He was saying that he's looking for distraction, so her offer to distract him would've been appealing. But, Vicky's meddling and remarks made me not want to play her game.


It's not that Linda and the MC are strangers to each other. Linda has been with the company from the start. And I don't necessarily mean that Vicky had to ask the MC what he thought about Linda in a "Do you like-like her?"-way. I mostly expected Vicky to check in with the MC about where he is mentally. At this point, Vicky has no idea if the MC is even entertaining the idea of being intimate with anyone, while the possibility of being intimate with the MC is the majority of her discussion with Linda.
This is why I call it hubris. A few days ago the MC was still living at their house doing nothing, having no motivations and barely a will to live. While I think one of her motivations is to help the MC, she's also deciding that this is the right time and the right thing to do for him.

What she does here goes way further than advising Linda to: "Dress yourself sexy, try to catch his eye and make him see you like a woman to be desired." She's manipulating the events with the tact of a bull in a china shop.

And, just to be clear, I'm not saying that Vicky is acting maliciously. I'm sure whatever she did was with the best of intentions, fueled by her own motivations. I just think she was misguided and went about it the wrong way.
In this AVN, it seems to me that everyone seems to have some positive character traits that went into overdrive, turning negative. Why couldn't Vicky be acting out of her own grief here? Could she be forcing the issue with the hope that the MC and Linda do hook up, making her part of the family? Or maybe she wants to be the one who fixes the MC, and Linda liking the MC made her the best candidate? Why now? Why this way?

Anyway, I'm going to replay the game on the charity path to see some events I missed while doing Sarah's path. Maybe I'll get a bit more insight.

I disagree and let me tell you, its hard to be around a depressed person you care about, it makes you feel helpless. If you ask a depressed person "Yo you up to having some sexy time with a girl?", he says no and its done but you may be able to set up some scenario where he/she feels comfortable and distracted by their usual worries and is able to enjoy themself.

She is "pushy" in a sense that shes trying to get him out of his shell as its obviously doing nothing good for him (and by extension herself and ben).

Ben and Vicky are out of ideas what to do and just try whatever is possible to help him to get a drive for living again. Kinda everything is worth a try at this point and better than him being alone at home in his thoughts.

So you can either try to come up with solutions like working again or meeting girls(which can backfire/not work) or do nothing and hope for the best for the person to get out of their hole themself. Problem with doing nothing is that youre gonna blame yourself if the worst case happens and it DID happen in this AVN, MC was considering jumping.

You make it sound like "why didnt she just waited until he was ready?!" but there may would never have been a "ready" again, even less if he would have taken the jump. I feel you fail to consider how fucked up the MCs mind state is and how helpless Ben and Vicky are/feel.

You expect them to watch their friend dying slowly and call it "meddling" when they try to change something about it.

MC is an adult and can always simply say no to anything if he really doesnt want to and Linda obviosuly seemed to be crushing on him for quite some time already but struggling to make a move on her boss, so vicky gave her a push and kinda greenlighted it.

Vicky even tried to prepare Linda to not get too much expecations even if a one time thing works out, which takes pressure from the situation for the mc from my pov.

I really dont get why you feel so strongly about this, would you be this annoyed by the behavior too if it would be ben trying to set his bro up? Or is it because of loyality to ella that you feel its not right?