SI Ultimate

{$kmaxup(set: $footer to false) }You've reached that moment of your day now, walking down the carpeted hall, the murmuring of other residents coming from the closed doors on either side. It's late, but you had to finish something; $color[(link-show: "your boss", ?boss)] was expecting it on her desk in the morning. |boss)[(set: $boss to true)$fade[She's the commissioner—the highest authority in the city, appointed by the governor. She is, to put it mildly, terrifying, and you live in fear of displeasing her.] ]But now, you can forget that. Already feeling the tension dropping from your shoulders, you (link-reveal: "open your door.")[== $fade[You expected $color[(link-show: "Kel", ?kel)] to be on the couch, but instead he's lying on the floor on his stomach, facing away from you, toward the open $color[(link-show: "balcony", ?apt)] door. His head turns toward you as you push the door shut.|kel)[ $fade[Kel is a few inches shorter than you, dark-haired and dark-eyed. He always looks very casual, his hair a little tousled. He's got the sunniest smile you've ever seen.]]|apt)[ $fade[Your apartment is only a single room, but it's a large one, and the balcony is one of its best features. Tonight is balmy, with a nice breeze coming in.]] [[Give him a bemused smile. "What are you doing?"->cat.1]] [[Greet him with a simple "Hi."->hi1.1]] (link-reveal-goto: "Flop onto the couch with a sigh.", "1.5")[$krAdd(set: $flop to true)]]

{$kmindown }"Oh—nothing," Kel says, rolling over and sitting up, offering you a smile in return. [[Don't press him.->1.3]] [["No, really." You offer Kel a hand to pull him to his feet. "I'm curious."->cat.2]]

{(set: $kelStand to true)$kmaxup }"Hi," Kel answers, scrambling to his feet and offering you a smile. "How are you?" You almost wish he wouldn't ask; he knows you don't like to talk about work. (link-reveal-goto: "Step forward and take his hands. \"Better now that I'm back with you.\"", "1.5")[$krAdd(set: $hands to true)] [["Oh, you know."->1.3]]

{$ymaxup(set: $evade to true) }Kel (if: not $kelStand)[gets to his feet and ]closes the balcony door, then turns (if: $kelStand)[back] to you. "Was today okay?" Honestly, you have nothing interesting to say about it, and would rather just forget all the stressful moments. [["Oh, it was the usual."->1.5]] (link-reveal-goto: "\"I'd rather not talk about it.\"", "robe.1")[(set: $yw to it+1)]

{(set: $catknown to true)(set: $kr to it-1)(set: $askKel to true) }Kel's smile deepens, and after rising with your assistance, he turns to peer out the balcony door. "There's a cat who's been hanging around recently. I'm trying to befriend her, but she's still pretty jumpy." |cat2>[[["Oh, that's nice. Well, I'm going to have a drink before bed..."->drink.1]] (link-show: "Ask about the cat.", ?asks)] |asks)[(replace: ?cat2)[$fade[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Do you have a name for her?\"", "cat.3")[(set: $catName to true)] (link-reveal-goto: "\"What's she look like?\"", "cat.3")[(set: $catApp to true)]]]]

Kel shuts the balcony door before turning to you. (if: $catName)["I've been calling her Agate, I'm not sure why, well maybe it was because..."(set: $cat to "Agate")](if: $catApp)["She's brown, with darker brown stripes, and she's kind of small, but with big feet..."] As Kel continues, you... [[Get yourself a drink.->drink.2]] (link-reveal-goto: "Sit down on the couch and take off your shoes.", "1.5")[(set: $ysit to true)] [[Just listen.->cat.4]]

{(set: $KelOfferDrink to true)(if: $hands)[Kel looks down at your joined hands; you can't see his expression. "Well, did you want ](else:)[(if: $catknown)[(if: (history:)'s last is "cat.4")["I hope so." ]Kel follows you to stand beside the couch(if: (history:)'s last is "cat.3")[, finishing up his explanation]. "Anyway, do you want ](else-if: $flop)[In the corner of your eye, Kel gets to his feet, and moments later you feel his hands lightly on your shoulders. "Hi. Want ](else:)[Kel gives you a sympathetic look. "Well, did you want]] a drink before bed?"} [["No, I think I'll just go to sleep. Are you ready?"->sleep.1]] [["Sure, that sounds nice."->drink.1]]

{(set: $drink to true, $wine to true)$kmindown (if: $kelgot)[(if: not $ysit)[You take a seat on the couch](else:)[You settle further into the couch], and soon, Kel brings you ] (else-if: $flop)[You haul yourself to your feet and pour yourself ](else:)[You pour yourself ]a glass of $color[(link-show: "wine", ?wine)](if: $flop and not $kelgot)[, then resettle on the couch while Kel closes the balcony door. ](else-if: not $kelgot)[ and take a seat on the couch].}|wine)[$fade[ It's a rich, dry, expensive red—one of the luxuries you can afford in this position.]](if: (history:)'s last is "cat.3")[ "Anyway..." Kel trails off. You realize you weren't quite paying attention at the end there.] [[Hold up your glass. "Did you want any?" (You say it teasingly; Kel doesn't like the taste.)->drink.3]] [[Take a long sip. "So, how was your day?"->drink.4]] [[Sit and drink quietly.->quiet1.1]]

{(set: $krmin to it-1)(set: $krmax to it+1) }"...Anyway, I think I'm close to making friends with her. Just need to give it a little more time, so she's confident she can trust me." |cat>[(link-reveal-goto: "Take a seat on the couch. \"Maybe I'll get to meet her sometime.\"", "1.5")[(set: $kr to it-1)(set: $ysit to true)] (link-reveal: "\"Maybe just keep the befriending to the balcony?\" you joke. \"Don't want her getting hair on my robes.\"")[ (replace: ?cat)[$fade["Maybe just keep the befriending to the balcony?" you joke. "Don't want her getting hair on my robes." (display: "tease.1")]]]]

{(set: $kr to it+1) }Kel smiles, but only slightly. (if: not (visited: "drink.3"))[Usually he seems to enjoy your teasing...] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Hey, is something wrong?\"", "1.15")[$ywSub] (if: not $drink)[(set: $earlysleep to true)[["Well. Time to sleep?"->sleep.1]] ](else:)[(link-reveal-goto: "If he wanted to talk about it, he would have said something. \"Well. Time to sleep?\"", "1.END")[(set: $yeah to true)]]

(set: $robehelp to true, $kelkind to true)Kel comes up behind you to help pull your heavy governmental $color[(link-show: "robe", ?robe)] from your shoulders. "You seem tired, do you want to just go to sleep?"|robe)[ $fade[The robe is dark green, and not a pleasant garment to spend the day in during the summer months. You feel much better clad only in the thinner, lighter under-robe. But it's a status symbol; even if it was permitted, you wouldn't dream of going to work without it.]] (link-goto: "\"I think I'll have a drink first.\"", "drink.1") [["Yeah, that sounds nice. Are you ready to sleep?"->sleep.1]]

{(if: $sorry1)["It's fine," Kel says. He (if: $kelsit)[gets up and ]heads for the washroom. ](else:)["(if: $ok)[Okay](else-if: $yeah)[Yeah](else-if: $gnight)[Good night](else:)[Sure]," Kel answers.]} {(if: $inbed)[You close your eyes, ](else:)[You go to bed(if: $ksleep)[ when he does],] and soon you're $dissolve[[asleep.->2.1]] (set: $hands to false, $kelsit to false, $inbed to false, $ysit to false, $flop to false, $drink to false) }

{(set: $drink to true) (if: (history:)'s last is "cat.2")[Kel shuts the balcony door and turns to you. "I can get it for you."(set: $KelOfferDrink to true, $kelkind to true)](else-if: $robehelp)["Okay," Kel answers, turning away to hang the robe on its hook.] (else-if: $flop)[Kel's hands lift from your shoulders, and he goes to the wine cabinet.(set: $kelkind to true)](else:)["Okay," Kel answers, and goes to the wine cabinet.(set: $kelkind to true)]} |choices>[(if: $KelOfferDrink and (history:)'s last is "cat.2")[(link-reveal: "Give him a soft smile. \"Thanks.\"")[(set: $kelgot to true)(replace: ?choices)[Give him a soft smile. "Thanks." $fade[(display: "drink.2")]]] ](else-if: $KelOfferDrink and $flop)[(link-reveal-goto: "Sit forward to pull off your shoes. \"Thanks.\"", "drink.2")[(set: $kelgot to true)] ](else-if: not $robehelp)[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Thanks.\"", "drink.2")[(set: $kelgot to true)] ](if: $KelOfferDrink)[$ymaxup(link-reveal:"\"Oh, thanks, but I can get it myself.\"")[(set: $yw to it+1)(replace: ?choices)["Oh, thanks, but I can get it myself." $fade[(display: "drink.2")]]] ](else:)[$kmaxup [[Get yourself a drink.->drink.2]] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Would you mind getting it for me?\"", "drink.2")[(set: $kr to it+1)(set: $kelgot to true)]]]

(if: $kr <= 3)[Kel gives you an exaggerated disgusted face, making you laugh.](else:)[He shakes his head. "No, I'm good." Usually he seems to enjoy your teasing...] |d3>[(if: $kr >4)[ [["Is something wrong?"->1.15]] ](link-reveal: "\"Come sit?\"")[ (replace: ?d3)[$fade["Come sit?" (display: "sit.1")]]] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Well, I think I'm just going to finish this and go to sleep... How about you?\"", "sleep.1")[(set: $earlysleep to true)]]

$krSub(if: not $kelsit)[Kel takes a seat beside you. ](set: $kelsit to true)(if: $kr <=3)["It was fine," he answers. "I spent a while at the pigeon roost, they have some new birds. One's almost all black, I haven't seen that before."(set: $pigeons to true) $kmaxup You're not entirely sure what Kel gets out of his visits to the pigeons, but he seems to enjoy it.](else:)["It was fine." You wait for more; usually Kel is chattier. But apparently he isn't feeling talkative tonight either, because he stays silent.] (if: $kr >3)[ [[Nod and take another drink.->quiet1.1]] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Well. Sleep now?\"", "sleep.1")[(set: $earlysleep)] ](if: $pigeons)[(link-reveal-goto: "Poke his side. \"If you keep hanging around up there, I'm going to start worrying you'll turn into a pigeon and fly away from me!\"", "tease.1")[(set: $pigeoncomm to true)] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Huh, interesting. Well, ready to sleep?\"", "1.END")[(set: $yeah to true)]]

(set: $ksleep to true)After a bit, Kel says, "I think I'm going to go to sleep, I'm tired." (link-reveal-goto: "You're also ready. \"Yeah, me too.\"", "1.END")[(set: $ok to true)] [["Already?" You'd hoped to spend more time with him...->1.15]]

{(set: $kelsit to true)$krSub $kmindown $ymindown }Kel takes a seat beside you, drawing his legs up onto the couch. |s1>[ (link-reveal-goto: "\"How was your day?\"", "drink.4")[(set: $askKel to true)] (link-reveal: "Lean your head on his shoulder.")[ (replace: ?s1)[$fade[You lean your head on his shoulder. (display: "sit.2")]]]]

{$kmaxup $kmindown }(if: $ksleep)[Kel gives you an apologetic glance. "Yeah, sorry."](else:)[Kel shakes his head as if waking himself up from a daze. "No, sorry. I'm just tired."](set: $ksleep to true) |115>[(link-reveal: "\"You don't have to be sorry.\"")[$krSub(replace: ?115)["You don't have to be sorry." (show: ?1152)]] (link-reveal: "\"It's okay.\"")[(replace: ?115)["It's okay." (show: ?1152)]]] |1152)[Kel stays quiet. (if: $drink)[You take another sip of wine.] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Well, guess it's time to sleep.\"", "1.END")[(set: $yeah to true)] (link-reveal-goto: "(if: $drink)[Set down your drink](else:)[Lay your hand on his cheek] and kiss him.", "kiss.1")[(set: $kiss to it +1)]]

{(set: $shoulderlean to true) $ywSub $kmindown }(if: $kr <=3)[Kel strokes your hair.](else:)[Kel remains still.] [[Have a quiet moment together as you finish your drink. ->quiet1.1]] [[Drink has given you more fortitude for conversation. "So. How was your day?"->drink.4]] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Well. Time for bed?\"", "1.END")[(set: $yeah to true)]

{(set: $kr to it+1)(set: $kiss to it+1) Kel kisses you back briefly, then pulls away(if: $kelsit and not $shoulderlean)[ and rests his head on your shoulder instead(set: $shoulderrest to true)].(if: $ksleep)[ "Like I said, I'm tired..."]} You feel slightly rejected... (if: $inbed)[(link-reveal-goto: "...but you just settle in to sleep. \"Good night, Kel.\"", "1.END")[(set: $gnight to true)] ](else-if: $shoulderrest)[(link-reveal-goto: "...but you just stroke his hair. \"Right. Time to sleep?\"", "1.END")[(set: $yeah to true)] ](else:)[(link-reveal-goto: "...but you just say, \"Right. Time to sleep?\"", "1.END")[(set: $yeah to true)] ](if: $ksleep)[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Right. Sorry.\"", "1.END")[(set: $sorry1 to true)] ](else:)[ [["Sorry."->kiss.2]] ]

{ (set: $cheevs to (a:)) (set: $color to (link-style: (text-color: #047F93))) (set: $fade to (t8n: "fade")) (set: $cat to "the cat") (set: $arrow to (link-replace: "➤")) (set: $dissolve to (transition-depart:"dissolve") + (transition-time: 6s)) (set: $krSub to "(set: $kr to it-1)") (set: $krAdd to "(set: $kr to it+1)") (set: $ywSub to "(set: $yw to it-1)") (set: $ywAdd to "(set: $yw to it+1)") (set: $kmaxup to "(set: $krmax to it+1)") (set: $kmindown to "(set: $krmin to it-1)") (set: $ymaxup to "(set: $ywmax to it+1)") (set: $ymindown to "(set: $ywmin to it-1)") (set: $footer to false) }

{(set: $krmax to 8)(set: $ywmax to 7) }You wake to the distant sound of the morning bell—another work day lies ahead. Kel is (if: $kr >=3)[no longer beside you, which is $color[(link-show: "unusual", ?job)]...](else:)[$color[(link-show: "still asleep", ?job)] beside you.] |job)[$fade[Unlike you, he doesn't have to get up and go to work; he quit his job when he moved in with you, since you make enough money to support you both. He was concerned about no longer bringing in money for his family, but you give him some regularly to pass on to them.]](if: $kr <=2)[ It would be nice to chat with him, and see his smile, before you leave for the day... ](if: $kr >=3)[ <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>You sit up and (link-reveal: "glance around the room.")[ $fade[Kel isn't here... but the balcony door is open.] $kmaxup $fade[(link-reveal: "Call his name.")[ "Kel?" Kel doesn't answer. Maybe he can't hear you from out there. $krAdd ]]$fade[<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> [[Get up and go to the balcony.->balcony.1]] ]] ](else:)[$ymindown [[...but you don't want to disturb his sleep. Slip from the bed quietly.->wake.1]] (link-reveal-goto: "Kiss his cheek, hoping he'll wake up at least a little bit.", "wake.1")[$ywSub(set: $inbed to true)]]

{(set: $footer to true) }You are **Yaan**, a $color[(link-show: "city official", ?gov)] who earned your position through lots of hard work and despite nearly debilitating anxiety. |gov)[$fade[Specifically, you're the head of the City of Zelio's Property Department. It took years of schooling to get even the lowly clerk job you started with, but from there, you were able to work your way up. ] ]With such a coveted position comes a private apartment in the ritzy goverment Complex, and it's always such a relief to get home and be away from the stressors of work. Especially now that you have (link-reveal: "Kel.")[== $fade[You first knew him as the happy-go-lucky delivery boy who would come by your office with messages. You chatted him up because his presence was so refreshing compared to the condescension from your co-workers and the demands of the citizens. He was happy to just talk, to get to know you—as much as you let him—and tell you about himself. And now... he's your boyfriend. You get to (link-goto: "come home","1.2") to him, every day.]

{$kmaxup $kmindown (if: $earlysleep)["I'm not tired quite yet," Kel replies. ](else:)[(if: $flop)[Kel squeezes your shoulders briefly before his hands lift away. ](else-if: $robehelp)[Kel steps away to hang the robe on its hook. ](else-if: $hands)[Kel slips his hands free of yours. ](else:)[Kel makes a considering face.] "Mmm, not quite yet..."] } (link-reveal-goto: "\"That's fine. We'll talk more tomorrow.\"", "1.END")[(set: $kr to it-1)(set: $ok to true)] [["Come lie down with me while I fall asleep, then?"->sleep.2]]

{(set: $kr to it+1)(set: $inbed to true)$kmaxup }Kel obliges you, and soon you're both lying in $color[(link-show: "bed", ?bed)], Kel on his back, you on your side facing him. |bed)[ $fade[Your bed is large and comfortable—much more so than the worn, thin mattress you grew up sleeping on.]] (link-reveal-goto: "Kiss his cheek. \"Good night, Kel.\"", "1.END")[(set: $gnight to true)] [[Move closer and kiss him.->kiss.1]]

{$ywAdd $ymaxup(set: $ok to true) "Oh no, it's fine," Kel assures you. "//I'm// sorry, I'm just not feeling it..."} (if: not $drink)[ [["It's okay. I'm tired anyway..."->1.END]] ](link-reveal-goto: "You're still kind of bothered, but you shrug. \"It's fine.\"", "1.END")[(set: $yw to it+1)]

{ (set: $yw to 5) (set: $kr to 5) (set: $wait to false) (set: $inbed to false) (set: $balcony to false) (set: $boss to false) (set: $theatertalk to false) (set: $walkoutend to false) (set: $fam to false) (set: $lie to false) (set: $night to false) (set: $nightleave to false) (set: $krmax to 5) (set: $krmin to 5) (set: $ywmax to 5) (set: $ywmin to 5) (set: $kiss to 0) (set: $drink to false, $catName to false, $catApp to false, $kelStand to false) (set: $hands to false) (set: $ksleep to false) (set: $catknown to false) (set: $hug to false) (set: $balconyhug to false) (set: $worry to false) (set: $disappear to false) (set: $drink to false, $wine to false) (set: $ysit to false) (set: $kelgot to false) (set: $kelsit to false) (set: $shoulderrest to false) (set: $flop to false) (set: $robehelp to false) (set: $KelOfferDrink to false) (set: $pigeons to false) (set: $shoulderlean to false) (set: $askwhy to false) (set: $balconykiss to false) (set: $no to false) (set: $why to false) (set: $pigeoncomm to false, $pigeoncomm2 to false) (set: $askwhat to false, $badsleep to false) (set: $sorry1 to false, $defensive to false) (set: $couldcome to false, $yaanIn to false, $door to false) (set: $earlysleep to false, $morning to false, $shown to false) (set: $us to false, $other to false, $another to false, $goin to false, $askKel to false) (set: $tomorrow to false, $up to false, $washroom to false) (set: $catcomm to false, $ok to false, $yeah to false, $gnight to false, $massage to false, $stopit to false) (set: $awake to false, $4kiss to false, $better to false, $agate to false, $callout to false, $theater to false, $theater1 to false, $but to false, $kept to false, $goodreason to false, $body to false, $sorry2 to false, $complexsorry to false, $evade to false, $kelkind to false, $busy to false, $famhouse to false, $refuse to false) }

(unless: $inbed)[Behind you, ]Kel shifts, and(unless: $inbed)[ you turn to see] his eyes blink open. "Morning," he says with a soft smile. {|wake>[(link-reveal-goto: "(if: $inbed)[Flop down beside him again. ]\"I wish I didn't have to go to work...\"", "2.5")[(set: $flop to true)] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> (unless: $inbed)[$ymaxup(link-reveal: "\"Sorry, I was trying not to wake you...\" <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>")[ (replace: ?wake)[$fade["Sorry, I was trying not to wake you..."<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>$ywAdd(set: _sorry to true)(display: "wake.2")]]] ](link-reveal: "\"Good morning. Did you sleep all right?\"")[ (replace: ?wake)[$fade["Good morning. Did you sleep all right?"<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>(set: _sorry to false)(display: "wake.2")]]]]}

{(set: $balcony to true)$ymindown }There he is, standing at the railing wearing your dressing gown, looking out onto the $color[(link-show: "courtyard", ?yard)]. |yard)[$fade[Surrounded on all sides by the residential wings of the Complex, it's nicely landscaped with paths and trees and makes for a nice, private space where children play and adults walk or sit on nice days.]] (link-reveal-goto: "Walk up behind him and wrap your arms around him.", "balcony.2")[(set: $balconyhug to true)$ywSub] [["Morning."->balcony.2]]

{$kmindown $kmaxup }"Good morning," Kel says, (if: $balconyhug)[twisting slightly in your arms](else:)[briefly glancing at you] before turning back. He's silent then, just looking out. (if: $balconyhug)[ [[Kiss his neck.->kiss2.1]] ](else:)[ [[Step up next to him and gaze out also.->balcony.3]] ](link-reveal-goto: "\"What are you doing up so early?\"", "balcony.3")[$krSub(set: $askwhy to true)]

{$krAdd(set: $balconykiss to true)(set: $kiss to it+1) His skin is cold from the morning air. He doesn't react in any way that you can tell.} (if: $kr <=4)[ [["Are you okay?"->2.5]] ](else:) [ [["Are you okay?"->kiss2.2]] ](link-reveal-goto: "Let go to stand next to him.", "balcony.3")[(set: $balconyhug to false)]

"Oh yeah, I'm fine." (if: $balconyhug)[You can't see his face from this angle. ]You're not sure if you believe him... [[...but you don't want to press him if he doesn't want to talk yet.->2.7]] (link-reveal-goto: "...so you ask, \"Are you sure?\"", "2.5")[$krSub]

{$kmaxup (if: $askwhy)["I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep," Kel answers. (if: $kr >=7)["I didn't want to bother you, so I came out here."] (else-if: $catknown)["I came out here to see if $cat was around, but no luck."] (else:)["It's a nice morning."]] (else:)[Kel stays silent, and you remain standing at the railing side by side.]} You need to start getting ready for work soon... (if: $askwhy and $catknown)[$kmindown [["Where do you think she lives?"->cat2.1]] ](link-reveal-goto: "\"Come talk while I get ready to go?\"", "2.7")[(set: $goin to true)$krAdd] (link-reveal-goto: "\"What are you planning to do today?\"", "2.7")[(set: $askwhat to true)]

(if: $goin and not $askwhat)[Kel follows you inside.(set: $balcony to false, $goin to false, $up to true)] (if: $no)["Okay. I understand. Then ](else-if: $other)[Kel is quiet for a long moment before saying, "Well, then ](else:)["]I think I'll go visit my $color[(link-show: "family", ?fam)](if: not $askwhat and not $couldcome)[ today," he comments(if: $up and not $washroom)[ as you head to the washroom](else-if: $washroom)[, getting up himself].](else-if: $askwhat and not $balcony)[," he says, sitting up in bed.](else-if: $other)[."](else:)[," Kel answers.] {|fam)[$fade[(set: $fam to true)You've never met Kel's family; frankly, you're a bit scared of them. He's got two moms and two younger sisters at home, and while he's never said so in so many words, you're pretty sure they $color[(link-show: "disapprove", ?disapprove)] of your relationship.]|disapprove)[$fade[ You understand why—a well-off official getting their son to quit his job and move in with him... But you and Kel aren't like that.]]<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>] }(unless: (visited: "harp.1"))[ [["Don't you have a harp lesson?"->harp.1]] ](if: $couldcome)[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Good. Anyway, I have to get ready...\"", "2.END")[(set: $goin to true, $busy to true)] ](link-goto: "\"That sounds nice.\"", "fam.1")

{$krSub }"I don't know. She could be someone's pet, and they let her wander as she pleases. Or maybe she has a little nest somewhere..." (link-goto: "Nod. \"I should start getting ready...\"", "2.7")

{(set: $couldcome to true)$kmaxup $ymaxup }(if: $balconykiss is true)[Instead of answering, Kel abruptly asks, "Could I come with you today? ](else:)["I could come with you today," Kel suggests brightly. "]Keep you company, $color[(link-show: "like I used to", ?used)]?"|used)[ $fade[Back when he brought your messages, when he'd take a seat across your desk or lean against the doorframe, saying he should go but lingering to chat, answering your questions about his life...]] Sadly, it's not an option. At worst, (if: not $boss)[$color[(link-show: "your boss", ?boss)]](else:)[your boss] would find out and be angry, and at best, your colleagues would make snide/crude remarks that you'd never want to subject Kel to. |boss)[(set: $boss to true)$fade[(Your boss is the commissioner—the highest authority in the city, appointed by the governor. She is, to put it mildly, terrifying, and you live in fear of displeasing her.)]] (if: $yw >=7)[(link-reveal-goto: "Let out a short laugh. \"Why would you want to?\"", "harp.1")[$ywAdd(set: $why to true)] ](link-reveal-goto: "\"I wish you could, but no, sorry. They wouldn't like it.\"", "2.7")[$krAdd(set: $no to true)] [[Dodge the question. "Don't you have a harp lesson today?"->harp.1]]

{$ymaxup $kmaxup "$color[(link-show: "Enthil", ?harp)]'s sick, so (if: $why)[no harp lesson, and I don't really know what else to do with myself... (if: $pigeoncomm)[ You said so yourself, I can't hang around the pigeons all day.]](else:)[today's was canceled. I feel so silly about it anyway, when am I ever going to need to play the harp?]"} |harp)[ $fade[It was your suggestion—and your money—that resulted in Kel getting harp lessons from the elderly teacher, a parent of one of your fellow officials. Other unemployed Complex residents take lessons from him, so why not Kel?]][ You don't really have time to discuss this now...] (if: $balcony)[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Sorry, I should go get ready...\"", "2.END")[(set: $goin to true, $busy to true)] ](else:)[ (link-reveal-goto: "\"Sorry, I need to get ready...\"", "2.END")[(set: $busy to true)] ](if: (visited: "2.7"))[ [["Well, enjoy the visit with your family, then."->fam.1]] ](else:)[(if: $couldcome)[$kmaxup(link-reveal-goto: "\"Well, I //wish// you could come with me, but they wouldn't like it.\"", "2.7")[$krAdd(set: $no to true)] (link-reveal-goto: "\"There have to be other things you'd like better than sitting around with me, though.\"", "2.7")[$ywAdd(set: $other to true)]]]

{$krAdd $kmaxup (if: $another and $balcony)["Sure," Kel says. ] (if: $goin and $balcony)[(set: $balcony to false)You head inside, while Kel remains out on the balcony.] (else-if: $balcony and not $goin)[(set: $balcony to false)You have to hurry up and get ready; you go inside, and Kel follows. Soon, you bid him goodbye and] (else-if: $inbed)[(if: not $another)["Okay," Kel answers.] (else:)["Yeah, sure," Kel says. ] (if: $kr >2)[He lies back down and stays in bed while you get ready and ](else:)[He gets up and gets dressed while you get ready, and kisses you goodbye before you ] ](else:)["Okay." Kel turns away to change his clothes, while you get ready and ] (set: $inbed to false, $balcony to false) $dissolve(link-goto: " leave for work.", "Scene 3 start")}

{(set: $krmax to 13)(set: $krmin to 2)(set: $ywmax to 9)(set: $ywmin to 2) $ymaxup }It's evening now, and you arrive back at your apartment—tired, as usual, but also as usual, looking forward to seeing Kel. You open the door... to a dim room. The lamps aren't lit. (link-reveal: "\"Kel?\"")[== $fade[You turn the knob for the gas, and the lamps flicker to life. But Kel isn't here. The balcony door is closed; you open it and peer out, just in case, but no Kel. (if: $catknown)[No cat, either.] (link-reveal-goto: "Pour yourself a drink.", "3.1")[$ywAdd(set: $drink to true)] [[Pace.->3.1]]]

{$kmaxup }You (if: $drink)[pour a glass of (if: not $wine)[$color[(link-show: "wine", ?wine)]](else:)[wine] and take a seat on the couch](else:)[pace around the room]. |wine)[$fade[(It's a rich, dry, expensive red—one of the luxuries you can afford in this position.) ]]Ever since he moved in, Kel's always been here waiting for you at the end of the day. You didn't quite realize how much you'd come to count on that until now. How much you'd forgotten what it was like to come home to an empty apartment, with no one here to greet you. (link-reveal: "You keep (if: $drink)[sipping](else:)[pacing] as the last of the light drains away.")[== $fade[ You don't know why Kel wouldn't be here. Where else would he be? Did he decide to stay overnight at his family's and not think to let you know?] $fade[Finally, the door opens, and Kel walks in. (if: $drink)[You jump up.] (link-reveal-goto: "\"//There// you are.\"", "3.3")[$krAdd] (link-reveal-goto: "Go to him and take his hands. \"You're back. I was worried.\"", "3.3")[(set: $hands to true)(set: $worry to true)]]

{$kmaxup }"Sorry, I stayed at my family's longer than I thought I would." (if: $hands)[(if: $kr >= 6)[Kel pulls his hands free to wave them in the air.](else:)[Kel squeezes your hands before slipping his free.](set: $hands to false)](else:)[Kel gestures with one hand.] "But Yaan, they're going to tear down the old $color[(link-show: "theater", ?theater)]!" Those words immediately conjure an image of the deed you spent all day poring over. |theater)[$fade[The theater in Kel's neighborhood was closed decades ago and has sat, empty and unused, owned by the City, ever since. Recently you received an offer on the property from an out-of-town buyer, and you're working on finalizing the terms of the sale now.]] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Oh, yeah, I know...\"", "3.5")[(set: $worry to false)] (if: not $worry)[ [["I was worried about you when I got back and you weren't here."->3.5]](set: $worry to true) ](link-reveal-goto: "\"Kel, you can't just disappear on me like that.\"", "3.5")[(set: $disappear to true, $worry to true)$krAdd]

{$kmaxup }(if: $worry)[(if: $disappear)[Kel frowns at you. "I told you I'd be visiting my family. (if: $kr >6)[I didn't 'disappear'.] Anyway, ](else:)["]I'm fine, I just lost track of time. But the theater—everyone](else:)["But everyone] I know loves it, they all talk about how great it was, and people have always hoped it would reopen again..." Meanwhile, (if: not $boss)[$color[(link-show: "your boss", ?boss)]](else:)[your boss] is just happy to have it off the City's hands. |boss)[(set: $boss to true)$fade[She's the commissioner—the highest authority in the city, appointed by the governor. She is, to put it mildly, terrifying, and you live in fear of displeasing her.]] [["We've got other theaters, Kel."->other.1]] [["I wish it could, but no one's been interested. It's been vacant for so long..."->3.7]]

{$krAdd $kmaxup $ymaxup }"They're not the same," Kel returns. "They're not for us, they're for..." Instead of finishing, he just waves a hand. (link-reveal-goto: "\"Of course they're for you, they're for everyone.\"", "other.2")[$krAdd] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Who do you mean by 'us'?\"", "other.2")[$ywAdd(set: $us to true)]

{$kmaxup $kmaxup $ymaxup $ymaxup }(if: (history:)'s last is "3.5")["But does it really have to be demolished?" Kel insists. "Why can't the City keep it until someone wants to run it again?" ](else-if: $defensive)[Kel turns away and slips off his shoes. "Well, I still don't understand why they have to tear down the old one..." ](else:)[Kel remains silent. ]You've got a slight headache, first the worry over Kel and now this... (if: $drink)[You sit back down and take another drink of your wine.] (if: not $drink)[$ymaxup(link-reveal: "You weren't going to drink tonight, but you pour yourself a glass of wine.")[ {$fade[Kel watches you, not speaking. ]}(set: $drink to true)$ywAdd] ](link-reveal-goto: "\"Can we talk about this more tomorrow? I had another long day...\"", "3.9")[$ywAdd(set: $tomorrow to true, $busy to true)] (link-reveal-goto: "\"I know it's sad. But at the end of the day, it's just a building. I'm sure whatever replaces it will be nice.\"", "3.9")[$krAdd]

{$kmaxup $kmaxup $krAdd }(if: $tomorrow)["...Sure," Kel answers. (if: $kr <8)[He steps behind you to massage your tight shoulders.(set: $massage to true, $kelkind to true)](if: $kr >= 15)[His tone is flat.]](else:)[Kel sighs, and doesn't say anything else.] (if: $catknown)[$kmindown(link-reveal-goto: "\"I kept an eye out for your cat friend, but no sign of her.\"", "3.END")[$krSub(set: $catcomm to true)] ](if: $pigeons)[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Next time you're going to be out late, can you try to let me know? Send a pigeon.\" Nudge him teasingly.", "3.END")[(set: $pigeoncomm2 to true)] ][["Sleep now?"->3.END]]

{$kmaxup }Kel gives you a dubious look. (if: $us)["//Us.// People like me and family.](else:)["You really think that?] That big, new one down the block? My family's never going to go there. Even if we could afford it, we know we wouldn't be welcome." You kind of know what he means... |other2>[(link-reveal: "...but you still feel defensive. \"It's not //that// expensive.\"")[$krAdd (replace:?other2)[$fade[...but you still feel defensive. "It's not //that// expensive." Kel turns away and slips off his shoes. "Well, I still don't understand why they have to tear down the old one..." "Frankly, because no one wants it."->3.7]] "Look, I wish it didn't have to happen, but..."->3.7]] ]] ] (link-reveal:"...and you feel a little bad. \"I'm sorry, I get it.\"")[ (replace:?other2)[$fade[...and you feel a little bad. "I'm sorry, I get it." Kel just keeps looking at you—waiting. "But for that theater to reopen again, someone has to step up to buy the building and run it. And so far, no one has."->3.7]] "But there's nothing to be done now."->3.7]] ]]]]

{(if: $catcomm)["Aww, too bad," Kel answers, glancing wistfully at the balcony door. "Maybe she'll be around tomorrow." (if: $kr <8)[ (if: $massage)[ His hands move down your chest to undo the clasps of your robe(if: not $drink)[, and you sigh with relief as he lifts it from your shoulders].] (else:)[ He turns back to you, giving you a brief smile.]]] (else-if: $pigeoncomm2)[ (if: $kr <8)[Kel rolls his eyes, but he's smiling. "Well, to do that I'd first have to bring a pigeon //with// me..."] (else:)[$kmaxup $krAdd "Yeah, sure," is all Kel says.]] (else-if: $massage)[Kel's hands lift away again. "Okay." ](else:)["Okay," Kel answers.]} You both get ready for bed, and before long, you're $dissolve(link-goto: "asleep.", "4.start")

{(set: $krmax to 19)(set: $ywmax to 13) }You are **Kel**, and you never expected to end up here. You were happy in your old life, living with your family, spending your days running around the city delivering messages. You enjoyed meeting different people, chatting with recipients—although the wealthy ones tended to either barely acknowledge you, or only do so in order to make suggestive remarks. But then you met (link-reveal: "Yaan.")[== $fade[Despite being a government official, he treated you like a person from the start. He wanted to know about you, about your life… he genuinely enjoyed your company. And you were drawn in by his earnestness. He was down-to-earth, perhaps veering toward cynical, but that made sense considering how stressed he always was over his job. $arrow[$fade[You loved being able to distract him, to make him smile and ease the worry lines on his face. When he asked you to move in here, you were caught off guard, but also flattered. It was new and exciting and you had no reason to say no. But [[lately...->4.start2]] ]]]

Lately you've been feeling (if: $kr >=15)[frustrated. Stifled. It seems like he doesn't care about //you// anymore, but just about what you can do for him.](else-if: $kr >5)[a little bit... neglected. A little bit... used.](else-if: $kr <=5)[distant from him. Like you just aren't connecting like you used to.] When the two of you started this arrangement, you made sure to clarify that you were committing to each other as equals—that this wasn't going to be him paying you for companionship. But (if: $kr >=15)[while that may not literally be happening, it's sure starting to feel like it...](else-if: $kr >5)[you're starting to worry that, in essence, that is what your relationship has become...](else:)[you're getting a little uneasy, wondering if that's where your relationship is headed...] And then there was (link-reveal: "last night.")[== $fade[ You went to bed still bothered about Yaan's response to your concern about the theater. This morning, you stayed in bed while he got ready for work. (if: $worry)[After his reaction to your being out late, you stayed around the Complex today: visiting](else:)[You then spent the day entertaining yourself at the Complex: visiting] the (if: not $pigeons)[$color[(link-show: "pigeon roost", ?pigeons)]](else:)[$color[(link-show: "pigeons", ?pigeons)]]|pigeons)[$fade[ (you've loved the roost since you first happened upon it on one of your Complex explorations; so many pretty, gentle birds to pet and admire)]], making faces at the little kid from the apartment across the courtyard, chatting with your friends who work in the kitchen. When you mentioned the theater, one of them asked, "Isn't Yaan the head of the Property Department?"(set: $evade to true) $arrow[==$fade[You never paid much attention to what, exactly, he does—especially given that he's never seemed interested in telling you anything about it—but they're right. Which means he would have been involved in or overseen the sale of the theater. But apparently he didn't think to mention that... Now, you're lying on the couch, watching the shadows cast by the gas lamps, [[waiting for him to come home.->4.1]]]]

Finally the door opens. Yaan's gaze fixes on you, and you can practically see the relief in his eyes. "You're here."(if: $kr >=15)[ That's right, here waiting for him, where you're supposed to be.] (if: $kr >=15)[(link-reveal-goto:"\"Are you the one who signed off on the theater demolition?\"", "4.3")[$ywAdd] ][["Hi."->hi4.1]] [["Yeah, so, about the theater..."->so.1]]

{$ymaxup $ymaxup $kmaxup }Yaan comes up to stand beside the couch; normally you would pull up your legs so he could sit down… |choices>[(link:"...which you do.")[ (replace:?choices)[...which you do. Yaan takes a seat by your feet, leaning back with a sigh. (show:?links)(set: $ysit to true)] ] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>(link:"...but this time you don't.")[$ywAdd $krAdd (replace:?choices)[...but this time you don't. Yaan remains standing awkwardly. (show:?links)] ] ] |links)[(link-reveal-goto:"\"Are you the one who signed off on the theater demolition?\"", "4.3")[$ywAdd] [["How was your day?"->hi4.2]] ]

{$kmaxup $ymaxup (if: $yw >10)[Yaan heaves a sigh, shoulders slumping. His fingers move to undo his robe. "Yes... but it's not because I want to tear it down!" ](else:)[Yaan winces(if: not $ysit)[, his gaze dropping from yours](else:)[ and casts you a quick, apologetic glance]. "Don't be mad…"]} (if: not $kelsit)[You sit up to fully face him. ](link-reveal-goto: "\"Why didn't you mention that yesterday?\"", "4.5")[$krAdd] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Does this mean you could do something to stop it?\"", "4.5")[$ywAdd (set: $stopit to true)]

(if: $yw >10)[Yaan just groans in response.](else:)[Yaan shrugs. "Same old..."] (if: $ysit)[He bends to untie his shoes.](else:)[He steps away and starts undoing his robe.] (link-reveal-goto:"\"So... are you the one who signed off on the theater demolition?\"", "4.3")[$ywAdd] [["So, about the theater..."->so.1]]

(if: not $stopit)["I didn't want to upset you," Yaan says with a helpless shrug. "Anyway, we](else:)["No..." Yaan meets your eyes for a brief moment. "We] had an inspection done, just today, and the building's in bad condition; it isn't safe." (link-reveal: "\"It can't be repaired?\"")[ $fade["Maybe it could," Yaan replies, "but the buyer isn't interested in that."]] [["I just wish you'd told me..."->4.7]]

{$kmaxup }(if: $yw >=9)["I should have." Yaan takes a step forward and reaches out to clasp your hands in his. "Forgive me?"](else:)[Yaan looks at you, his exhausted eyes full of regret. "I'm sorry, I really wish I had..." $krSub] (if: $kr >=8)[You're not feeling particularly forgiving right now... {(link-reveal-goto: "(if: not $ysit)[Stand up and kiss](else:)[Kiss] him to avoid answering.", "kiss4.1")[$krAdd $ywSub]<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> (link-reveal-goto: "Lie, because it seems pointless to try to get through to him. \"(if: $yw >=9)[Yeah, i](else:)[I]t's fine.\"", "4.END")[$krAdd (set: $lie to true)]} ](else:)[You have a hard time staying mad at him, even now. (link-reveal: "...But you can't quite let it go this easy.")[(show: ?forgive)(set: $but to true) (link-reveal-goto: "Keep your unease to yourself and kiss him.", "kiss4.1")[$ywSub] ]<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>(if: $yw >=9)[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Yeah. I forgive you.|forgive)[.. but, I don't know, if something like this happens again... can you just be honest with me?]\"", "forgive.1")[$krSub]] (else:)[(link-reveal-goto: "\"It's okay. I forgive you.|forgive)[.. but, I don't know, if something like this happens again... can you just be honest with me?]\"", "forgive.1")[$krSub]] ]

(if: $yw <=5)["Wait," Yaan says, pulling back, searching your face. "Are you sure you're okay?" (if: $kr >10)[You don't see a point in being honest with him. ][["Yeah, I'm fine. Let's just go to sleep."->4.END]] (if: $kr <=10)[(link-reveal-goto: "Give him a real answer. \"Yeah, just, I don't know, if something like this happens again... can you just be honest with me?\"", "forgive.1")[(set: $but to true)]] ](else:)[(set: $kiss to it+1)Yaan kisses you back, pulling you closer to him. Which makes you feel worse. [[Turn your head away. "Anyway, you were tired, right?"->4.END]] ]

(if: $lie)["Good," Yaan says, closing his eyes for a moment, nodding. "Well. Time to sleep?" ](if: $kr <15)[(set: $inbed to true)The two of you $dissolve[[go to bed.->5.1]] ] (else:)[The two of you (link-reveal: "go to bed.")[== (set: $badsleep to true) $fade[But you sleep badly. You keep waking up, drifting off, repeat. (if: $4kiss)[You still feel used, and like Yaan didn't really get what you were saying. ](else-if: $better)[Yaan promised he'd do better, but he never really gave a good explanation of the theater, so you want to ask him to lay it all out, not exactly a test but kind of... ]Finally, as it's starting to get light out, you can't get back into sleep at all. [[Get up and go out to the balcony. It'll be a change, at least.->balcony5.1]] (link-reveal-goto: "Stay in bed.", "5.1")[(set: $inbed to true, $awake to true)] ]]

(set: $cat to "Agate")You open the balcony door to find that Agate(if: not $catknown)[, the cat you've been working on befriending,(set: $catknown to true)] is there. You smile at the sight of her, standing on the railing, frozen as she stares at the door, ears flattened, slightly hunched, ready to flee. "Hey," you reassure her, "it's just me." |bal1>[(link-reveal: "Stand still.")[(replace: ?bal1)[Stand still. Agate relaxes, ears rising. (set: $agate to true) [[Pet her.->bal5.2]]] ] (link-reveal: "Step toward her.")[(replace: ?bal1)[Step toward her. Agate launches herself onto the neighboring balcony, vanishing into the night. (link-reveal-goto: "Oops. Give up on this and go back to bed.", "5.1")[(set: $inbed to true, $awake to true)] [[Stand on the balcony alone.->bal5.2]] ]]]

{(if: $inbed and $awake)[You're lying in bed, still awake, when the morning bell rings. Beside you, Yaan stirs.] (else-if: $balcony)[You're still on the balcony (if: $agate)[(alone; Agate left a bit ago, off to carry out her cat business) ]when the morning bell rings. Soon after, Yaan comes out.] (else:)[You wake up to the morning bell. Yaan stirs beside you. (set: $inbed to true)]} (if: $kr <=5)[While you may have let the subject go last night, Yaan still hasn't fully addressed all your questions about the theater... (link-reveal-goto: "\"Hey. Can we talk about the theater a little more?\"", "5.3")[(set: $theater1 to true)] [[But you don't feel like bringing it up again. You stay in bed while Yaan gets ready and leaves.->dont.2]] ](else:)[|51>[(link-reveal: "You don't feel like talking to him this morning.")[(replace: ?51)[$fade[You don't feel like talking to him this morning. You pretend to be asleep, and Yaan gets out of bed slowly, as if to avoid bothering you. [[You stay in bed while he gets ready and leaves.->dont.2]] ]]] (link-reveal: "You're ready to really talk.")[ (replace: ?51)[$fade[You're ready to really talk. (if: $inbed)[You push yourself up into a sitting position, looking down at Yaan as he blinks his eyes open and focuses on your face.] (link-reveal-goto: "\"I told you I didn't want to be kept.\"", "TALK.1")[(set: $kept to true)] [["Yaan... what am I to you?"->TALK.1]] (if: $kr >=20)[ [["I'm done."->done.1]] ]]]]]]

{$ymindown $ymaxup $kmaxup }"You should meet them sometime," Kel adds, glancing sidelong at you. |fam1>[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Yeah. Sometime.\"", "2.END")[$ywAdd] ](link-reveal:"\"...Truth be told, I'm kind of nervous to...\"")[(hide: ?fam1)$ywSub $fade["You don't have to be," he quickly assures you. "I mean, they'll make a show of 'Hrmm, who are you to be dating our son-slash-brother,' but they won't //mean// it, they'll like you once they get to know you..." All of this is just making your anxiety level spike. (link-reveal-goto: "\"Can we talk about this another time?\"", "2.END")[$krAdd (set: $another to true)]]]

"(if: _sorry)[It's okay." Kel sits up and stretches his neck. "I'm ready to get up anyway.](else:)[Yeah," Kel answers, letting out a contented sigh, "I did.](if: $inbed)[ You should go get ready, right?]" (if: $inbed)[ (link-reveal-goto: "Roll over and wrap your arms around him. \"Not yet...\"", "wake.3")[$ywSub] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Yeah.\" You sigh and reluctantly (if: $flop)[get up again](else:)[rise and head to the washroom(set: $washroom to true)].", "2.7")[(set: $inbed to false)(set: $up to true)] ](else:)[(link-reveal-goto: "Head over to the washroom, glancing back to ask Kel, \"What are you planning to do today?\"", "2.7")[(set: $askwhat to true)(set: $washroom to true)] (link-reveal-goto: "\"Good.\" Hold out your hand to help him up.", "2.7")[(set: $up to true)(if: _sorry)[$ywSub]]]

{$kmaxup }Kel laughs into your shoulder. He smells nice. (link-reveal: "Kiss him.")[ {$krAdd(set: $kiss to it+1) He kisses you back briefly, then pulls away. "You don't want to be late..."} (link-reveal-goto: "\"Yeah.\" You sigh and get up.", "2.7")[(set: $up to true)]] [["I wish I didn't have to go."->2.5]]

} $krAdd Kel's fingers dig into your tight muscles. It's bliss. (link-reveal: "\"Thank you.\"")[ "Sure," Kel says, but it sounds a little flat, a little distant. (if: $yw <8)[(link-reveal-goto: "\"We can talk about the theater more tomorrow, I promise.\"", "3.END")[$krSub] ][["That's good for now. Let's just go to bed."->3.END] ] (link-reveal: "\"You don't have to do this...\"")[ "It's fine," Kel says. You're not sure if you believe him, but it seems pointless to push. You let another minute pass. [["Anyway. Time to sleep?"->3.END] ]

(if: $yw >=9)[Yaan sighs. "Right. I did say we'd talk about that..."](else:)["Right," Yaan answers. "What questions do you have?"] You sit up to fully face him. (set: $kelsit to true) (link-reveal:"\"Are you the one who signed off on the demolition?\"")[ (display: "4.3")]

{$ymaxup $kmaxup $krAdd }Yaan hesitates, just looking at you; he looks haggard, exhausted. "Could we wait till tomorrow? I'm sorry, I know that's what I said yesterday, but I've had such a long day..." You're not sure what's going to be any different about tomorrow... [[...but you decide to trust him. "Okay."->4.END]  (link-reveal: "...so you say, \"Actually, I really want to talk about it now.\"")[$ywAdd "Okay." Yaan sinks down on the couch, then looks back at you, waiting. (link-goto:"\"Are you the one who signed off on the demolition?\"", "4.3")]

Yaan's eyes widen(if: $inbed)[, and he scooches himself up so he's half-sitting]. (if: $yw >10)["Kel, what are you talking about?" he asks, staring at you. "Where is this coming from?"](else:)["Oh, Kel..."](if: $kept or (history:)'s last is "dont.3")[ "Do I mean anything to you?" you ask. "Do you actually care about me?"] {(link-reveal: "You shake your head before going on.")[<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> $fade[(if: not $askKel)[(link-reveal: "\"You don't show any interest in my life.\"")[(set: $callout to true)] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> ](if: $evade)[(link-reveal: "\"You never talk to me about your life.\"")[(set: $callout to true)] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> ](if: $kiss >=2)[(link-reveal: "\"You only seem to care about me for my body.\"")[(set: $callout to true, $body to true)] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> ](link-reveal: "\"You never really listened when I was talking about the theater.\"")[(set: $callout to true)] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> (link-reveal: "\"You weren't honest with me about the theater.\"")[(set: $callout to true)]]<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>] }<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>[[You've said enough.->TALK.2]]

"What?" Yaan looks at you with incredulity. "What do you mean?" It only makes you angrier. |done>[(unless: (visited: "TALK.1"))[ [["I told you I didn't want to be kept."->TALK.1]] ](link-reveal: "\"I'm tired of being... whatever I am to you.\"")[(replace: ?done)[$fade["I'm tired of being... whatever I am to you." (display: "done.2")]]]]

(if: $theater1)[A cold realization seeps into your gut. You're not a priority in Yaan's life. The signs have been there for a while, but it took this last, clear demonstration to make you finally grasp it. Now that you have, you](else:)[You've been giving Yaan chance after chance, and he just keeps failing you. You can't take it anymore. You] pack up your meager things and [[walk out of the Complex, with no intention of coming back.->kl.yaan]]

(if: $theatertalk)[You're Yaan. (if: not $boss)[$color[(link-show: "Your boss", ?boss)]](else:)[Your boss] is standing up from where she's been sitting across your desk from you, giving you a brisk compliment, and walking out. |boss)[(set: $boss to true)$fade[(She's the commissioner—the highest authority in the city, appointed by the governor. She is, to put it mildly, terrifying, and you live in fear of displeasing her.)]] You've listened to the clock chime every quarter hour since she arrived for an impromptu meeting. You couldn't say, "Sorry, I need to go home to have a serious talk with my boyfriend." You're now going to arrive back //later// than you normally do. You hastily collect the theater file and then [[hurry to your apartment.->kl.yaan2]] ]{(else:)[ You're Yaan. As you leave the office tonight, you find that you aren't looking forward to arriving back like you normally do. You're not exactly //dreading// seeing Kel, but you wonder if he'll still be a little withdrawn and sad, like he was last night. If he is, you'll feel bad, and guilty... and that will not be relaxing. With steps a little slower than normal, you approach your door and [[open it.->kl.yaan2]]]}

{$kmaxup $kmaxup $kmaxup $kmaxup (set: $busy to true)(set: $inbed to false) (if: $kr >20)[You spend the day bored and restless, too distracted to focus on anything. (if: $badsleep)[Eventually you end up taking a nap in the courtyard, until a dog wakes you up by licking your face. That's pretty much the highlight of your day.] You really don't know if discussing the theater with Yaan is going to make you feel better or not...] (else:)[You have an okay day, nothing special about it, the upcoming talk with Yaan always at the back of your mind. If he thoroughly explains the situation, at least then you'll understand why you're going to lose the theater—and more than that, you'll see that he cares enough to actually take that time.]} Finally, (link-reveal: "evening comes.")[== $fade[You're not sure what Yaan meant by "early"—two hours before he normally gets back? One and a half? One? Well, clearly not any of those, because he hasn't shown up yet... $krAdd (link: "Keep waiting.")[$krAdd(if: $kr >8 and not $shown)[(show: ?giveup)]You try to read a book, but your mind can't focus on the words. (link: "Keep waiting.")[$krAdd(if: $kr >8 and not $shown)[(show: ?giveup)](if: $catknown)[You check the balcony for $cat,](else:)[You wander out to the balcony, looking for Agate, the cat you've been working on befriending,] but she isn't there to distract you. (link: "Keep waiting.")[$krAdd(if: $kr >8 and not $shown)[(show: ?giveup)]"Early" is officially impossible now. And still Yaan doesn't come. (link-goto: "Keep waiting.", "yaan return")]]] (if: $kr >8)[(set: $shown to true)[[Give up on him.->Kel leaves]] ]|giveup)[<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>[[Give up on him.->Kel leaves]] ]]

"Yaan?" You stand by the bed, looking down at him sleeping. "Hey, Yaan?" He shifts and his eyes open slightly. "Hmm?" whether he comes or not depends on yw [Go back to bed->5.1] [Go back to the balcony alone->bal5.2] agate is gone

You stand there looking out over the silent $color[(link-show: "courtyard", ?court)], only two or three windows glowing from behind their curtains. (if: $agate)[Agate rubs against your hand, purring.(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"pet"))] |court)[$fade[In contrast, your family just has a tiny backyard, shared with the people who live on the floor above. It's utilitarian, not for leisure; the privy is out there, it's where you hang clothes to dry, where you pluck chickens for dinner... Even if this courtyard is shared with all the other Complex residents, it still seems so luxurious.] ](link-reveal-goto: "Go back to bed.", "5.1")[(set: $inbed to true, $awake to true)] (link-reveal-goto: "Stay out here.", "5.1")[(set: $balcony to true)]

{$kmaxup }Yaan (if: not $callout)[looks at you, as if waiting, but when you don't say any more he ]rubs his eyes and shakes his head a little. "I'm sorry, I've just been under so much stress lately—I didn't mean to neglect you, I didn't mean to make you think…" (if: $callout)[$krAdd] (if: $night)[ $dissolve[[Give him a long, sad look. "Is anything going to change?"->7.yaan]] ](else:)[|talk2>[(link-reveal-goto: "\"The theater...\"", "5.3")[(set: $theater to true)] (if: $kr >=20)[(link-reveal: "\"That's not an excuse.\"")[(replace: ?talk2)["That's not an excuse." Yaan opens his mouth again, but doesn't immediately say anything. (link-reveal-goto: "Wait.", "5.3")[(set: $wait to true)] (unless: (visited: "done.1"))[ [["You know what? I'm done."->done.1]] ](else:)[ [["I'm leaving."->done.2]] ]]]]]]

But Kel isn't here—not in the room, not on the balcony. Looking around more closely... you notice that his things are gone. (if: $theatertalk)[He's left. For good, it seems.](else:)[ You can't believe he would just leave, without a word. Apparently he was more upset with you about the theater situation than you realized. You sink down onto the couch, almost too shocked to process...] (link-reveal: "You can't just let him go like this.")[$ywSub But what are you going to do, track him down and (if: $theatertalk)[then //promise// you won't fuck up again? What reason will he have to believe you?](else:)[offer one big, blanket apology for everything you might have done to hurt him?] (link-reveal: "But you can't bear to let him go like this.")[(hide:?let)$ywSub (if: $theatertalk)[There has to be something you can do, something that will prove you really do care about him. Something that will back up your apology, convince him it's genuine. Even if he won't take you back... you want him to know that you really are sorry.](else:)[You really do wish you'd been upfront with him about the theater from the start. You want him to know you meant that. Maybe there's something you can do to show him...] [[The theater...]] ]] |let>[(link-reveal-goto: "Let him go.", "kl.yaan.epi")[(set: $walkoutend to true)(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"let"))]]

{(set: $krmin to 9)(set: $famhouse to true)(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"fam")) You're Kel. You're back with your $color[(link-show: "family", ?fam)], who welcomed you with open arms and have mostly refrained from saying they told you so. Which is kind, but unneccessary; the first thing you said when you walked in the door, and they all looked up at you in surprise, was, "You were right." |fam)[$fade[<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>You've always been close with them; you're the middle child of five, and while you all got into the expected squabbles growing up, overall you got along. And you've always felt loved by your moms, even at their most harried. Your older two siblings have moved out, so it was just you and the two youngest at home, until you left too...]]<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> }Now, you're sitting on the floor before the fire playing a post-dinner game of cards with your two sisters, while your moms sit in chairs on either side. You're focused on the game—your youngest sister has a fierce competitive streak, and it's a good distraction from the dull ache in your heart. But then someone knocks at your door. $arrow[==$fade[Your heart stops for a second. It can't be... he wouldn't... One of your moms answers it; she's blocking the view so you can't see who it is. But you hear his voice. Yaan. Your mom turns her head and gives you a sort of skeptical, questioning look. |back>[(link-reveal: "You don't want to talk to him.")[(replace: ?back)[You don't want to talk to him. (link-reveal-goto: "\"Tell him to go away.\"", "no.1")[$ywAdd] [[Scramble to your feet and approach. "Please leave."->no.1]] ] ] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>(link-reveal: "Despite yourself, you want to know what he came here to say.")[$krSub(replace: ?back)[Despite yourself, you want to know what he came here to say. (link-reveal-goto: "Nod at her.", "listen.1")[(set: $yaanIn to true)] [[Get up and go to the door.->listen.1]] ]]]]

(set: $theatertalk to true){ (if: $theater1)["Oh—sure..." Yaan answers. "Just—I don't really have time now, but I can come back early today, and we can do it then?"] (else:)[(if: $theater)["Yes—do you want to talk about it more?" Yaan answers quickly. "] (else-if: not $wait)["Is this because of the theater? Do you want to talk about it more?" Yaan answers quickly. "] (else-if: $wait)[Yaan shakes himself out of his daze. "Look, Kel, we can talk more about the theater. ] I can show you the reports, I can explain it further, whatever you want. I mean"—he winces slightly—"not right now, but I'll come back early today, I promise, to allow plenty of time."]} His eyes hold yours, face expectant, concerned. |53>[(link-reveal: "\"...Okay.\"")[$krSub (replace: ?53)[$fade["...Okay." Yaan looks relieved. "Okay," he echoes. He leans in to lightly kiss your forehead. "We'll talk then." (if: $inbed)[You lie back down, and](else:)[You stay on the balcony while] $dissolve[[he gets ready and leaves.->6.start]] ]]] (if: (visited: "done.1"))[ [["No, sorry. I meant what I said."->complex breakup]] ](else:)[(if: $kr >20)[ [["Actually, I'm done."->done.1]] ]]]

(if: $yw <10)["Hey." He sounds a little hesitant; a little questioning.](else:)["Up early again," Yaan comments.] [["I'm done."->done.1]] [[Pretend everything's fine.->dont.2]]

"Kel..." Yaan blinks as if in disbelief. "Where is this coming from?" |done>[(if: $kr <10)[(link-reveal: "Give him one last chance.")[(replace: ?done)[Give him one last chance. (if: not (visited: "TALK.1"))[ [["I told you I didn't want to be kept."->TALK.1]] ](if: not (visited: "TALK.2"))[ [["Where do you think? You've been treating me like... your //pet//."->TALK.2]] ](else-if: not (visited: "5.3"))[ [["The theater..."->5.3]] ](else-if: (visited: "yaan return"))[ [["Look, just... tell me about the theater."->one last chance]] ](else:)[...Actually, you don't have it in you. ]]] ](if: $inbed and not (visited: "5.3"))[ [[You're done trying to talk to him. "I've leaving, Yaan."->5.3]] ](else:)[ [[You're done trying to talk to him. "I've leaving, Yaan."->complex breakup]] ]]

Before your mother can say anything, Yaan interjects. (if: $yw >=16)["All right." You can hear the defeat in his voice. "I'll go." A moment later, your mother closes the door.(set: $famhouse to false) [[The two of you really are done now.->yaan breakup epi]] ](else:)["Wait, Kel... please, the only thing I'm asking is that you hear me out. Just—let me apologize, that's all." $krSub |no>[(link-reveal: "Nothing he has to say could change your mind at this point. \"No.\"")[(set: $famhouse to false)(set: $refuse to true)(replace: ?no)[Nothing he has to say could change your mind at this point. "No." "All right," Yaan says. You can hear the defeat in his voice. "I'll go." A moment later, your mother closes the door. [[The two of you really are done now.->yaan breakup epi]] ]] [["...Okay, fine."->listen.2]]]]

{(if: $yaanIn)[Your mom steps aside, and Yaan steps foward, into $color[(link-show: "your house", ?HOOK)]. |HOOK)[$fade[It’s a simple, comfortable space, but to him it probably looks cramped and shabby. Scuffed wood floor under a worn rug, your youngest sister’s pencil sketches tacked to the walls. Only two bedrooms, one for the parents, the other for all the kids.] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>]His gaze quests over the room, his eyes wide and desperate. Something on his face changes when it lights on you, although you can't say exactly what. A softening, perhaps? But maybe that's wishful thinking. "Hi," he says, voice coming out a little breathless. "Can... can we talk?"] (else:)[Your mom steps aside when you approach, glancing between you and Yaan. There he is, standing with his face full of uncertainty, the bottom of his robe spattered with mud. "Kel," he says, his gaze fixing on your face. It comes out a little breathless, a little desperate. "Hi. Can we talk?"]} (if: $kr >25)[ [[You're having second thoughts. "What's the point?"->no.1]] ][["...Yeah. Let's talk."->listen.2]]

You say the words, and you mean them, because you want to give him another chance. Because you understand how stressed he always is. {(if: $but)["Yes," he assures you quickly.](else:)["Thank you," he answers, letting out a relieved sigh.](if: $yw >=10)[ He kisses you. $krAdd (set: $4kiss to true)] (else:)[(set: $better to true)]} (if: $4kiss)[ [[Turn your head away. "Anyway, you were tired, right?"->4.END]] ](else:)[ [["Well. Time to sleep?"->4.END]] ]

{(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"dumped"))(set: $walkoutend to true) Yaan stares at you, face frozen. As if he can't believe this is real. Which only emphasizes that this is the right choice. You feel a pang, but it's not for Yaan. It's for your past self, who entered this relationship with no reservations, fully expecting it to bring you nothing but joy. Your past self was a naive fool.} (if: $inbed)[You scramble out of bed, hastily change, and grab the few things you have here that you care about. All the while, Yaan doesn't stir from the bed.](else:)[You turn away and hastily pack up the few things you have here that you care about. Yaan sinks down onto the couch, staring at the floor.] (link-reveal: "Turn to face him one last time. \"Goodbye, Yaan.\"")[ (if: $yw <10)[Finally, he moves. "Kel..." His voice breaks over the word. But it's too late for him to change your mind.](else:)[Yaan remains still, speechless.]]{ <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> [[Walk out.->yaan breakup epi]]}

Finally, the door opens, and Yaan practically stumbles through it, fumbling to shut it behind him and then hurrying up to you. "Kel! I'm so sorry. It was the commissioner, she came by right as I was getting ready to go, and she wanted to sit down and discuss—well, it doesn't matter, but she only just left, I'm so sorry..." He looks flustered, his breathing slightly heavy, his face red—as if he ran here, or at least walked quite rapidly. |return>[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Oh... I guess that's a good reason...\"", "one last chance")[$krSub (set: $goodreason to true)] (link-reveal: "\"I can't believe you couldn't even keep your word.\"")[(replace: ?return)[$fade["I can't believe you couldn't even keep your word." Yaan doesn't answer, just stands there looking miserable. (if: $kr <20)[ [[...You decide to give him one last chance. "All right, fine, let's talk about the theater."->one last chance]] (unless: (visited: "done.1"))[ [["You know what? I'm done."->done.1]] ](else:)[ [["It's too late, Yaan. I'm done."->complex breakup]] ]]]]]]

(if: (history:)'s last is "complex breakup")[You're Yaan. You watch as Kel walks away, shutting the door firmly behind him. You remain still for minutes after he's gone, unable to do anything else. ](else-if: (history:)'s last is "no.1")[You're Yaan. Kel's mother closes the door in your face. You wait for a long moment... but it doesn't open again. Slowly, dejectedly, you begin to trudge back to the Complex. ](else-if: $famhouse is true)[You're Yaan, standing in the street watching Kel getting further and further away. He doesn't look back. All you can do is stare after him, hardly believing that this really is the end.(if: (history:)'s last is "7.end")[ Not even baring your soul to him was enough to atone for your past mistakes.] ](else:)[You're Yaan, (if: $night)[standing frozen in your room](else:)[sitting frozen on the floor] as Kel gathers his meager belongings. You wish you could find it in yourself to jump up, ask him to wait, promise you'll do better, be better... but you don't know if such a promise would be true. Mechanically, you (if: not $night)[get up and ]go out to the balcony to let him leave in peace. ]Abstractly, you understand why he (if: $walkoutend)[left](else:)[was done giving you chances]. Later, you'll even conclude that he's much better off without you. But right now, you just feel empty, and so utterly alone. [[➤->kel breakup epi]]

{(if: $famhouse)[You're Kel, walking away from Yaan, who doesn't try to follow. (if: (visited: "yfail"))[You can't believe he tracked you down only to repeat the same shit. Empty words, expressing no actual understanding of why you were upset.](else-if: (visited: "7.end"))[And you're glad of that. You're done giving him chances. Done giving him opportunities to hurt you.<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>]] (else-if: $refuse)[You're Kel, surrounded by your family, with Yaan firmly shut out of your life. In the future, maybe you'll wonder if you should have heard him out, but right now, you're just angry that he would come here after you already made it clear that you were done with him. It doesn't matter that he took the effort to find you; you weren't about to give him a chance to hurt you again.<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>] (else-if: $walkoutend)[You're Kel. (if: $nightleave)[You hurried back to your family's house in the dark, and now](else:)[You're back with your family, and] they're comforting you and resisting the urge to say they told you so. They don't need to, anyway; the first thing you said when you walked in the door, and they all looked up at you in surprise, was, "You were right." (if: not $fam)[They warned you that entering a relationship with a rich official likely wouldn't end well, and lo and behold...]<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br> It hurts. That Yaan would neglect you like he has been; that he wouldn't put in the effort to change. You wish you could give your past self a smack and ask him what he was thinking.]} But you're okay, now. You have your family, there to give you hugs or rage against Yaan as appropriate.(unless: $cheevs contains "saved")[ Even when the theater is torn down, and you have to watch the place you loved, even if you'd never been inside, be reduced to rubble, you're okay.] ...Well, maybe you're not okay quite yet. But you will be. <div class="center">[[THE END]]</div>

{(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"saved")) }(if: $theatertalk)[Right—the theater. You were going to go through all this stuff with Kel tonight. Maybe you can find something that'll offer a better explanation, or give him hope... [[Sit down and start looking.->back to kel]]]{(else:)[ Maybe, if you can show him the assessor's report and explain the issues with the building in detail, he'll understand why the demolition is happening—and he'll see that you care enough to share that information witih him. You stand up again and [[head back to the office.->back to kel]] ]}

(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"happy"))You're Yaan, and Kel's forgiveness has burst the dam in your chest. He's holding you now, his head resting on your shoulder, his face nuzzling into your neck. He sniffs a little, while you hold him tightly, trying and failing to keep the tears from your own eyes. [[➤->kel happy end.1]]

(if: $goodreason)[Yaan visibly relaxes, his shoulders dropping a bit. "Okay. Let's talk about the theater now, look, I brought the file..." He](else:)["Okay." Yaan] takes a seat on the floor, still wearing his robe, and spreads out papers across the coffee table. You sit down next to him and lean in, (if: (history:)'s last is "done.1")[skeptical that this will make a difference at this point, but [[ready to listen just in case.->ks.yaan]] ](else:)[ [[hoping this will make a difference...->ks.yaan]] ]

(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"imminent"))You're Yaan. You're so relieved that everything is okay. That you're not losing Kel. [[➤->breakup imm kel.1]]

(set: $sorry2 to true)"No, I... Kel..." Yaan pauses under a streetlamp and turns to look at you. You stop before him, watching, waiting. "I'm sorry," he finally gets out. "About not keeping my promise, about… everything. The commissioner came by and roped me into a long discussion, and I couldn't bring myself to send her away, but—I should have. I wish…" Yaan closes his eyes for a second and pulls in a long breath. This is already more than you ever expected. Yaan had a good reason for blowing you off; it wasn't because he doesn't care. But... doesn't he //always// have a good reason? Maybe his so-called good reasons aren't actually good enough. $dissolve[[Just look at him, waiting for more.->7.yaan]]

You're Kel. Part of you is still holding back, a little, on guard lest you get hurt again. And maybe that's okay, for now, but you hope with time it'll fade away—that you won't need it. That Yaan will prove himself worthy of your trust. For now... you want to give him this chance. [[➤->yaan happy end.2]]

(if: $yaanIn)[You follow](else:)[You grab your coat to join] Yaan outside, casting a quick glance over your shoulder at your family. They're variously looking confused, miffed—in your one mom's case, ready to get up and go after you. But you shake your head slightly, and shut the door behind the two of you. $arrow[$fade["Let's walk?" Yaan asks softly, and you stay by his side as he proceeds down the street. After a few moments of silence, he says, "So... they're not going to demolish the theater. I was looking at the paperwork again, and I found something—the assessor's report contained falsified information. There isn't anything wrong with the building at all; the buyer bribed him to undervalue it so they could get the property for cheap." That news fills you with relief... |listen>[(link-reveal: "...But you're going to need more from Yaan than that.")[(replace: ?listen)[...But you're going to need more from Yaan than that. (if: $theatertalk)[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Is that supposed to fix everything?\"", "theater sorry")[$ywAdd] [["So... is that all you wanted to say?"->theater sorry]] ](else:)[ (link-reveal-goto: "\"Is that supposed to fix everything?\"", "7.yaan")[$ywAdd] [["So... is that all you wanted to say?"->7.yaan]] ]]] (link-reveal-goto: "...And that takes precedence over your other emotions. You throw your arms around him.", "hug.1")[$krSub]]]]

{(set: $hug to true) }For a second Yaan stands still, a bit stiff even, but then his arms come up to hug you back. (if: $kr <=7)[It feels nice. For the first time in a while, you feel... cared for by him. And a bubble of hope rises from your pit of despair. [[Stay like that.->7.yaan]] ](else:)[|hug>[(link-reveal: "Oops, that was too much. Pull away.")[(set: $hug to false)(replace: ?hug)[Oops, that was too much. Pull away. (if: $theatertalk)[ [["Um. Anyway. Was that all, or...?"->theater sorry]] ](else:)[(link-reveal: "\"Um. Anyway. Was that all, or...?\"")[(replace: ?hug)[Oops, that was too much. Pull away. "Um. Anyway. Was that all, or...?" You (if: $famhouse)[step](else:)[sit] back, eyes on his face, [[waiting to see what else he's got.->7.yaan]] ]]]] ] [[Stay like that.->7.yaan]] ]]

You're Yaan. (if: $famhouse)[This has all been a whirlwind](else:)[Your head is spinning from what Kel just said], and now { (if: $night)[he's looking at you, waiting. It's slowly dawning on you exactly how much is at stake here...] (if: (history:)'s last is "listen.2" or (history:)'s last is "theater sorry")[Kel's looking at you with an unreadable mask in place of his usual expressiveness. Your heart is thumping hard against your chest; your palms are clammy with sweat. This is, undoubtedly, your last chance.] (if: (history:)'s last is "hug.1")[(if: $hug)[, of all things, Kel is hugging you.](else:)[Kel's looking at you with a softer expression than before. The moment feels so precious and fragile; you don't want to ruin it by saying the wrong thing...]]} (if: not $hug)[(link-reveal: "Reach out and touch his hand.")[ (if: $body)[$krAdd](if: $kr >5)[Kel doesn't react, just waits.](if: not $body and $kr <=5)[Kel leans slightly closer to you.]] ]<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>(link-reveal: "\"Kel...\" you start.")[ [["You make me happy."->good]] (if: $sorry2)[ [["I mean it, I really am sorry."->bad]] ](else:)[ [["I'm so sorry."->bad]] ]]

(if: (history:)'s last is "7.yaan" or (history:)'s last is "complex sorry")[Of course that's not enough on its own.](else:)[Kel wears an almost dazed expression, but still doesn't speak.] You swallow. Why is this more terrifying than your annual performance review? |good>[(if: $yw >10)[(link-reveal: "...You can't bring yourself to say anything else.")[(replace: ?good)[...You can't bring yourself to say anything else. You close your mouth and look at Kel, (if: $famhouse)[willing him to take you back](else:)[hoping he'll forgive you] [[even without a pretty speech.->yfail]] ]] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>](link-reveal: "Tell Kel what he means to you.")[(replace: ?good)[Tell Kel what he means to you. $fade[(if: $pigeons or $catknown)[(link-reveal: "\"I love your love of animals.(if: $pigeons)[ I may not quite //understand// your affection for the pigeons, but it's endearing.](if: $pigeons and $catknown)[ And](if: $catknown)[(if: $pigeons)[ it's](else:)[ It's] really sweet how you're working on befriending that cat.]\"")[(show: ?better)] ](if: $kelkind)[(link-reveal: "\"You're so kind and thoughtful.\"")[(show: ?better)] ](link-reveal: "\"I appreciate how passionate you are about the things you care about.\"")[(show: ?better)] (link-reveal: "\"I feel at home with you in a way I never have before, not with anyone else, not anywhere else.\"")[(show: ?better)] (unless: (visited: "bad"))[|better)[ [[Pause and wait for Kel to respond.->bad]] ] ](else:)[|better)[(link-reveal: "That's enough. You swallow and say the most important part. \"I'm sorry I lost sight of that. But I'm going to do better from now on.\"")[ $fade[Now you've said all you had to say. You pull in a breath and [[watch Kel, waiting for his response.->7.end]] ]]]]]]]]

You're Kel, (if: $famhouse)[standing in the street with](else:)[still sitting on the floor beside] Yaan, uncertain if he's done or said enough to convince you to trust him again... |fail>[(link-reveal: "But you want to give him one more chance.")[(replace: ?fail)[But you want to give him one more chance. [["Okay. It's all fine. Let's just clear the slate and... start over?"->breakup imm yaan.1]] ]] (link-reveal: "Yeah. You decide he definitely hasn't.")[(set: $walkoutend to true)(set: $nightleave to true)(replace: ?fail)[Yeah. You decide he definitely hasn't. (if: $famhouse)["Sorry, but... you're too late." You turn on your heel and [[walk away.->yaan breakup epi]] ](else:)["...I can't do this anymore, Yaan," you say. "I'm leaving." You get up and start packing your things, [[without looking back at him.->yaan breakup epi]] ]]]]

(if: (history:)'s last is "7.yaan" or (history:)'s last is "complex sorry")[Of course, that's not enough on its own...](else:)[Kel wears an almost dazed expression, but still doesn't speak.] |bad>[(if: $yw >10)[(link-reveal: "...But that's all you've got.")[(replace: ?bad)[...But that's all you've got. You close your mouth and look at Kel, (if: $famhouse)[willing him to take you back](else:)[hoping he'll forgive you] [[even without a pretty speech.->yfail]] ]] <tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>](link-reveal: "Admit the various ways you've fucked up.")[(replace: ?bad)[Admit the various ways you've fucked up. $fade[(link-reveal: "\"I've been so preoccupied with myself.\"")[(show: ?promise)] (if: $kiss >=2)[(link-reveal: "\"I was only focusing on how having you around benefited me.\"")[(show: ?promise)] ](link-reveal: "\"I stopped thinking about what you needed, or wanted.\"")[(show: ?promise)] (if: $busy)[(link-reveal: "\"I haven't made time for you.\"")[(show: ?promise)] ](link-reveal: "\"I let you become my lowest priority.\"")[(show: ?promise)] (unless: (visited: "good"))[|promise)[ [[Pause and wait for Kel to respond.->good]] ] ](else:)[|promise)[(link-reveal: "That's enough. You swallow and say the most important part. \"But I'm going to do better from now on, I promise.\"")[ $fade[Now you've said all you had to say. You pull in a breath and [[watch Kel, waiting for his response.->7.end]] ]]]]]]]]

You're Kel, (if: $famhouse)[standing in the street with](else-if: $night)[standing facing](else:)[still sitting on the floor beside] Yaan, having just listened to him say the most heartfelt, honest things you've ever heard from him. Now he's simply looking at you, all his hopes hanging on this moment. |end>[(link-reveal: "Even after all that, you can't bring yourself to trust him again.")[(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"dumped"))(replace: ?end)[Even after all that, you can't bring yourself to trust him again. (if: $famhouse)["Sorry, but... you're too late." You shake your head sadly, meet his eyes one last time, then [[turn on your heel and walk away.->yaan breakup epi]] ](else:)["Sorry, but... I can't do this anymore, Yaan," you say. "I'm leaving." You get up and start packing your things, (link-reveal-goto: "without looking back at him.", "yaan breakup epi")[(set: $walkoutend to true)(set: $nightleave to true)]]]] (link-reveal: "You look into his eyes and... you believe him.")[(replace: ?end)[You look into his eyes and... you believe him. "You mean it," you whisper, as tears well up in your eyes, and you (if: $famhouse or $night)[step forward](else:)[lean forward] and [[wrap your arms around him.->yaan happy end.1]] ]]]

(text-size: 1)[Achievements!] Endings: 1: (if: $cheevs contains "happy")[Happy ending!] 2: (if: $cheevs contains "dumped")[Yaan got dumped] 3: (if: $cheevs contains "imminent")[A breakup is on the horizon...] 4: (if: $cheevs contains "let")[Yaan let Kel go] 5. (if: $cheevs contains "donttalk")[Kel never tried to talk to Yaan] Bonus: 🐈 (if: $cheevs contains "pet")[You petted the cat!] 🏛️ (if: $cheevs contains "saved")[You saved the theater from demolition!] 👩‍👩‍👧‍👧 (if: $cheevs contains "fam")[You met Kel's family] (if: (history:)'s last is "Start")[(link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last)](else:)[ [[Credits]] (link-goto: "Replay", "1.1")]

{<div class="center"> A game by <a href="https://tabithaoconnell.com" target="_blank">Tabitha O'Connell</a> <br> Based on the novella //Structural Integrity// by Tabitha O'Connell </div>} Thanks to: Somnium, Chapel, Hituro, CD, and Lapin Lunaire from the Twine Discord for coding answers and assistance Tim, Wynn, and Talli, playtesters Juniper Lake Fitzgerald for the cover art! {<div class="center"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last) </div>}

You're Yaan. Exhausted as ever, wracked with guilt over being late getting back to Kel, wishing you'd had the backbone to tell the commissioner that you had a prior engagement tonight and couldn't talk about marketing additional city-owned properties. But you didn't, so you'll just have to deal with (if: $goodreason)[the knowledge that you let him down. Again.](else:)[Kel's disappointment in you. The memory of the look he gave you when you walked in still stings, even though you know you deserved it.] But now you're sitting on the floor beside him, looking over the theater paperwork, (if: $yw >15)[ [[hoping this doesn't take too long so that you can get to bed.->ks.yaan.bad]] ](else:)[ [[ready to answer whatever questions he has.->ks.yaan.good]] ]

You show him the draft of the deed, not yet signed, with the sale price. "What does someone in Genden want with this land anyway?" he asks, and you shrug. (link-reveal: "\"They don't need to give a reason why they want to buy.\"")[== Next the assessor's report, justifying the relatively low price due to the building being in poor condition. "It really got that bad in that short a time?" Kel asks, frowning at the paper. (link-reveal: "\"Well, it's been closed for decades...\"")[== Kel glances up at you then, slightly sheepish. "I didn't mean since the closure. My older sibs snuck inside a few years ago, and I think it was fine then..." You swallow your affront at Kel's siblings breaking into city property; that's not the issue right now. Honestly, he has a point. You shuffle through the rest of the papers in the file until you get to the last assessment report, from two years ago. With no structural issues reported. |ksgood>[ [[It's probably nothing. You want to finish this and sleep.->ks.yaan.bad]] (link-reveal: "This warrants looking into...")[==(replace: ?ksgood)[This warrants looking into... $fade[You lay the two reports side by side. Vastly different value assigned to the building, too. Kel squints at them and then looks up at you. "Yeah, see?" It's not unusual that you'd do an updated assessment before a sale. But in this case, the buyer specifically requested it when they first expressed interest to the city. Suddenly, you have a suspicion... (link-goto: "\"I think this is a lie.\"", "ks.yaan.good2")]]]

"...and that's it," you finish, having briefly shown Kel the letter of interest from the buyer, the assessor's report, and the deed. "Everything's in order for the sale. There's no reason for us not to go through with it." Kel nods slowly. "Sure," he says, sounding subdued. "I get it." |ksbad>[(link-reveal: "\"All right, well, let's sleep now.\"")[(replace: ?ksbad)["All right, well, let's sleep now." "Okay," Kel says. So [[you do.->breakup imm yaan.1]] ]] (link-reveal: "\"Is something still wrong?\"")[(replace: ?ksbad)["Is something still wrong?" (if: $kr <20)["No, it's fine," Kel answers, shaking his head, standing up and stretching. "Let's sleep, I know you're tired." [["Okay."->breakup imm yaan.1]] [["Wait, no, you still seem bothered..."->complex sorry]] ](else:)["...Yeah, it is," Kel answers after a few long moments of silence. "You put me last, again." |2>[(link-reveal-goto: "\"Oh, Kel, I'm so sorry...\"", "complex sorry")[(set: $sorry2 to true)] (link-reveal: "\"Please can we not do this now? I'm so fucking tired...\"")[(replace: ?2)["Please can we not do this now? I'm so fucking tired..." "...Okay," Kel says. "That's fine. It can wait." You're grateful to him for being so patient. [[Soon, you both go to bed.->breakup imm yaan.1]] ]]]]]]]

{(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"saved")) An hour later, you're back with Kel again, having brought your suspicions to the commissioner, who validated them and is going to get to the bottom of it all first thing tomorrow.} "So?" Kel asks as you close the door behind you again. And you tell him: you're likely right, which would mean the sale is off. Which would mean no demolition. (if: $kr <20)["Yaan!" He grins and hugs you, then steps back self-consciously.](else:)[He smiles softly. "Wow," he says, as if in disbelief. "That's great."] (link-reveal-goto: "Meet his eyes. \"If I'd paid more attention to your concerns, I might have found this before. I'm sorry, Kel.\"", "ks.7.yaan")[(set: $sorry2 to true)] [[Put your hands on his waist and kiss his forehead. "I'm glad I could fix it for you."->breakup imm yaan.1]]

(set: $inbed to false)Now it's just you, alone in the apartment. |dont>[(if: $kr >5)[ [[You're done. You're leaving.->Kel leaves]] ](link-reveal: "Another day of trying to find ways to entertain yourself...")[(replace: ?dont)[$fade[Another day of trying to find ways to entertain yourself... $fade[(set: $night to true)In the evening, Yaan arrives back slightly later than normal. He greets you with a simple "Hi" and a long sigh, and turns to pull off his shoes. |dont2>[(link-reveal-goto: "You just accept that this is the way things are going to be.", "dont talk")[(set: $cheevs to it + (a:"donttalk"))] (if: $kr >5)[(link-reveal: "You need to talk to him.")[(replace: ?dont2)[You need to talk to him. "Yaan..." you start, and he looks up at you. $fade[ [["I told you I didn't want to be kept."->TALK.1]] [["What am I to you?"->TALK.1]] [["I'm done."->done.1]] ]]]]]]]]]]

(if: $kr <20)[Kel shrugs. |sry>[(link-reveal: "\"We can talk about it tomorrow?\"")[(replace: ?sry)["We can talk about it tomorrow?" "Sure," Kel answers. You both [[go to bed.->breakup imm yaan.1]] ]] (if: $yw <=10)[(link-reveal: "You realize you have some things you want to say to him...")[(replace: ?sry)[You realize you have some things you want to say to him... [["Kel... I want you to know that you make me happy."->good]] [["I mean it, Kel, I really am sorry..."->bad]] ]]]] ](else:)[Kel doesn't say anything, but just looks at you, waiting. |sry2>[(link-reveal: "But you've said all you have to say. You stay quiet.")[(replace: ?sry2)[But you've said all you have to say. You stay quiet. "...All right," Kel says. "Thanks. Let's sleep." [[You agree.->breakup imm yaan.1]] ]] [["Really, I mean it."->bad]] [["You make me happy, you know."->good]]]]

(if: $inbed)[(if: $yw <10)["Kel?" Yaan asks softly. [["Hi. I'm gonna sleep longer."->dont.2] [[Pretend to be asleep.->dont.2] ](else:)[Yaan gets out of bed slowly, as if to avoid bothering you. [[Stay in bed->dont.2] ]](else:)[(if: $yw <10)["Hey." He sounds a little hesitant; a little questioning.](else:)["Up early again," Yaan comments.] (if: (visited: "done.1"))[ [["I'm done."->done.1] —was going to write something different if this was the case but idk if it's even possible?? guess we'll find out... ](else:)[["I'm done."->done.1] [[Pretend everything's fine->dont.2] ]

{(if: $footer is true)[ (set: $yw to 5) (set: $kr to 5) (set: $krmax to 5) (set: $krmin to 5) (set: $ywmax to 5) (set: $ywmin to 5) (set: $kiss to 0) (set: $drink to false, $catName to false, $catApp to false, $kelStand to false, $boss to false, $wait to false) (set: $hands to false) (set: $ksleep to false) (set: $catknown to false) (set: $hug to false) (set: $balcony to false) (set: $balconyhug to false) (set: $inbed to false) (set: $worry to false) (set: $disappear to false) (set: $drink to false, $wine to false) (set: $ysit to false) (set: $kelgot to false) (set: $kelsit to false) (set: $shoulderrest to false) (set: $flop to false) (set: $robehelp to false) (set: $KelOfferDrink to false) (set: $pigeons to false) (set: $shoulderlean to false) (set: $askwhy to false) (set: $balconykiss to false) (set: $no to false) (set: $why to false) (set: $pigeoncomm to false, $pigeoncomm2 to false) (set: $askwhat to false, $badsleep to false) (set: $sorry1 to false, $defensive to false) (set: $couldcome to false, $yaanIn to false, $door to false) (set: $earlysleep to false, $morning to false, $shown to false) (set: $us to false, $other to false, $another to false, $goin to false, $askKel to false) (set: $tomorrow to false, $up to false, $washroom to false) (set: $catcomm to false, $ok to false, $yeah to false, $gnight to false, $massage to false, $stopit to false) (set: $awake to false, $4kiss to false, $better to false, $agate to false, $night to false, $callout to false, $theater to false, $theater1 to false, $but to false, $kept to false, $goodreason to false, $body to false, $sorry2 to false, $complexsorry to false, $theatertalk to false, $walkoutend to false, $evade to false, $kelkind to false, $busy to false, $famhouse to false, $refuse to false, $fam to false, $lie to false, $nightleave to false)]}

Kel looks at you, face serious again. He doesn't say anything, just... waits. (if: not $hug)[(link-reveal: "Reach out and touch his hand.")[ (if: $body)[$krAdd](if: $kr >5)[Kel doesn't react.](if: not $body and $kr <=5)[Kel leans slightly closer to you.] ]]<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>(link-reveal: "\"Kel...\" you start.")[ [["You make me happy."->good]] (if: $sorry2)[ [["I mean it, I really am sorry."->bad]] ](else:)[ [["I'm so sorry."->bad]] ]]

You're Kel. There's still a riot of discontent, of distrust, inside you, but you do your best to quell it. You try to believe Yaan—you really want to, you want him to deserve this second—no, third, fourth, countless—chance you've given him. [[➤->breakup imm yaan.2]]

You're Kel. It's happening again. Both of you sliding right back into your old patterns. [[➤->breakup imm yaan.3]]

You're Kel. You're not sure why you're still here. Maybe, soon, you won't be. <div class="center">[[THE END]]</div>

You're Yaan. You can't //help// it if your work keeps you late. You can't //help// it if you're exahausted when you get home, and can't pay attention to Kel's little stories. [[➤->breakup imm kel.2]]

You're Yaan. You can feel Kel pulling away; he's quieter, less exuberant. But you don't fucking know how to fix it. [[➤->breakup imm kel.3]]

You're Yaan. (if: $cheevs contains "saved")[You take Kel to the theater. ]You leave work on time every day. (if: $catknown)[You meet $cat. ]You ask Kel about his day, and really listen to his answers. You check in with him once in a while to make sure he's feeling good about your relationship. And, wonder of wonders... it's better this way. He reminds you of the man you first met—you hadn't realize how much he'd slipped away from that. Every day you don't just look forward to coming home to him; you marvel at how lucky you are to have him in your life. [[➤->kel happy end.2]]

You're Kel. Yaan keeps his promise. He's open in a way he never was before—he gives you actual answers when you ask how his day was; he's more affectionate, and tells you things like "I appreciate you" and "I love you." He meets your family, properly, even though it nearly has him shaking with anxiety. And they admit to you, later, that they actually like him pretty well. <div class="center">[[THE END]]</div>

You break out the wine. Abstractly, you understand why he left. Later, you'll even conclude that he's much better off without you. But right now, you just feel empty, and so utterly alone. [[➤->kel breakup epi]]

<br> <br> <div class="center"> <div class="title">(text-size: 1.75)[''Structural Integrity'']</div> <br> (text-size: 1)[ [[Play->1.1]] ] <br> [[How to Play->info]] [[Achievements->THE END]] [[Credits]] </div>

(color: #047F93)[''Blue''] links are optional and will give you additional information. (color: #931804)[''Red''] links advance the story. Your choices will impact how the story plays out! There isn't a goal; no win/lose (unless you choose to think of it that way), just different possible routes the story can go. <div class="center"> (link-goto: "Back", (history:)'s last) </div>

(if: $inbed)[(if: $yw <10)["Kel?" Yaan asks softly, the bed shifting as he sits up. [["Hi. I'm gonna sleep longer."->dont.2] [[Pretend to be asleep.->dont.2] ](else:)[Yaan gets out of bed slowly, as if to avoid bothering you. [[Stay in bed.->dont.2] ]](else:)[(if: $yw <10)["Hey." He sounds a little hesitant; a little questioning.](else:)["Up early again," Yaan comments.] [["I'm done."->done.1] [[Pretend everything's fine.->dont.2] ]

You don't see a point in trying to bring up any of your concerns to Yaan. It would be so much work emotionally, and you don't really have confidence that it would do any good. Things really aren't //that// bad, anyway; it's not like Yaan is mistreating you. You can keep going like this. It will be fine. [[➤->dont talk.end1]]

You're Yaan. Over the coming days, you notice that Kel seems a little subdued, but when you ask him about it, he says he's fine. So you believe him. [[➤->dont talk.end2]]

You're Kel. When you next visit your family, they all ask if something's wrong, if something happened. You tell them no, because it's the truth, isn't it? $arrow[$fade[You can sense it coming, though. Eventually, Yaan's going to do, or not do, something, and it'll finally be the last straw, enough to shake you out of your complacency and push you to finally make the hard choice. The theater wasn't quite it—although it was close, and when it inevitably is torn down, you almost wish it had been—but it's going to happen before long. And when it does... //then// you'll walk away. <div class="center">[[THE END]]</div>]]