HEY some disclaimers: I don't condone this kind of behavior in any way! (should have said this wayy sooner lol)

Some insight:
I wrote Strings of Fate when I was in a super abusive relationship with my then-best friend, so it's a compilation of all those years I spent with her (just a bit exaggerated). I'm still very much a beginner story writer/artist, so I don't want anyone to think that the intention of the last few updates was to be romantic.

I was really pleased all of you guys called Dave out like that because what he did /was/ super shitty. It wasn't meant to be romantic in any sort of way, and I'm trying very hard to convey that. Clark and Dave (and Mitch eventually!) are very flawed and manipulative people, and this story is about them trying to fix their characters.

If you or someone you know is dealing with abusive people, please know that you have so many more options than you realize!
I know how tiny and closed-off the world seems when you stand by someone so draining and domineering, and how hard it is to see your self worth, but know that you deserve better! The world is brighter than you realize, and as hard as it is to cut off years of friendship, it will be so worth it. I can breathe easy now, and I hope all of you can too.

Don't tolerate this behavior from anyone! Be strong, you're worth it!

I want to apologize to everyone I scared with the last update. Hopefully the next chapter will shed some light on their characters!