I See Some Discussion / Sad Headcanons About Whether Or Not The LaDS Guys Are Actually In Love With Present-day

I see some discussion / sad headcanons about whether or not the LaDS guys are actually in love with present-day MC or if they are only with her because of who she reminds them of, if they would leave present-day MC if given the choice, etc, and everyone is making themselves so sad.

I can only really talk about Sylus, but here's my take - in my head, I think he absolutely recognizes that present MC is not the same person as past MC. I think this frustrated and upset him in the beginning, when he clearly expected that he and MC would be able to quickly pick up where they left off, and he complains there must be something wrong with MC if she's unable to resonate with him. I think at this point he definitely wishes he could have his ruthless sorceress back.

I think as a little time goes on, and hinted at in Captivating Moment, he's putting together his own pieces and he's got to know MC a little more. He can see she's still bold and feisty, which he likes, but she doesn't have such a bitter heart that's consumed by revenge, and she's also kind, and playful. I think that's new for him, and I think he likes it, a lot. She's happy here, so much more happy, and I think that makes him happy. I think in Nightplumes, in my head at least, this is where he’s really realizing he can let his guard down and be more playful with this MC. I just love his reaction when she puts the snow down his neck, like she’s done something that’s surprised him, and he’s surprised by his reaction to it. I think if Sylus was somehow given the choice to stay here, or go back and be with his sorceress again, I think he'd choose to stay here.

That's my thoughts anyway.