#ideal versions

Ooh, interesting question! (I was going to answer it straight but some of the characters wanted to answer it for themselves… so it’s in-character.)

1. Iain: He rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t know… sad? Like… we try our best every day. I mean, sure, we’ve all made mistakes and there are things I wish were different but–part of life is bungling along, striving to be better. If there was a version of myself who just was and there was no reason for it, or at least not something achievable? I think that could be a little disheartening. No ill will, but… not so cool.”

2. Alice: “I am the ideal version of me.”

3. Stephanie: “Better in every single way? I mean, that’s an interesting proposal, but what are they? A doppleganger? An alternate universe? They might walk like you, talk like you, but they’re not really you, are they? There’s only one you. Or, well, me. It’d be fun to run some tests though!”

4. Charleston: He snorts. “There’s shit all about my life that’s ‘ideal.’ I’m happy with who I am, and some ‘perfect’ version of myself? Perfect by whose definition? He’d still have the same shitty past, he’d make the same stupid choices. Or he wouldn’t be me, and if he is me, there’s nothing to envy about him.”

5. Zaria: “I would love to meet this perfect version of myself. We can see if she is as superior as she seems to think.”

6. Tom: “The only thing that the ‘ideal’ version of myself would have that I don’t is Marie. Maybe he’s a better pack leader, a better businessman, maybe a better father. But he doesn’t have my Josie, or my pack and family. So I would hope he enjoys his life and what he has.”

7. Karyn: “Excuse me? Ah hell no. She had better teach me all her tricks or else then we’ll get into a fight.”

8. Leo: “So, uh… nice to meet him? Or me? I mean… I guess I’d want to know how he got to be the way he is? Except–not too many spoilers. I want to learn for myself, not be handed like a cheat book or something.”

9. Tadea: “Show-off.”

10. Michael: “That’s–I mean, I know I’ve made mistakes but–but I’m trying to own up for them and he can’t just–he can’t just come in like Mister Perfect and everything is fine that’s not–he wasn’t here, he doesn’t know–not real! Fake!”

11. Sabriel: “Good. She can help with some of the paperwork then.”

12. Ramiel: “Well, it’s easy to be a better version of yourself when the standard is so low, isn’t it?”

13. Iro: “Darling, she’s certainly not better. That said, double the fun, am I right?”

14. Aelius: He doesn’t say anything, but the slant of his mouth and the tightness around his eyes indicates he doesn’t seem to like