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<<nobr>> <<audio "moments" stop>> <<endnobr>> //What if the Aleyn’s never wanted you or couldn’t afford you and your dragon? And so they handed you over to the nearest orphanage they could find?// //In this alternate timeline, you grew up amongst several other orphans in Thorncliff, one of the orphans you meet goes by the name of Shader Ausley. Can you finally get Shader to reveal his feelings for you? And just how far will he go to protect you?// ''A quick heads up. First, some of these choices will affect the ending you receive and the romance scene you get with Shader. There are three routes in all.'' [[Play the Game]] [[Credits]]
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© 2019 Bum Studios Productions | 13Leagues ~~Version 1.0.0 //Thorns// is a short story existing in the Riders of Abauruth series. It contains strong language, references to alcohol, sexual content, and thus is rated 18+. Reader discretion is advised.~~
<<set $name = "Unknown">> <<set $gender = "Unknown">> <<set $showec = false>> <<set $a_gender = "Not Chosen">> <<set $necklace = false>> <<set $lucky to 0>> <<set $thief to 0>> <<set $marked to 0>> <<set $dom to 0>> <<set $sub to 0>> <<set $switch to 0>> <<set $rowan = false>> <<set $bartop = false>> <<set $kisshim = false>> <<cacheaudio "theme" "audio/medieval.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "tavern" "audio/woodland_fantasy.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "kiss" "audio/love_and_romance.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "restraint" "audio/romance_piano.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "moments" "audio/moments_to_remember.mp3">>
If you're playing this game it's because you're a patreon and have supported me. Which I will never be able to thank you enough for. Thank you all so much! And Happy Holidays. All images are copyright by Bum Studios Productions. All audio is licensed under Bum Studios Productions and courtesy of AudioBlocks and Envato. Copyright infringement is punishable by law. CG Art compliments to FreckleF0x. <<return>>
Before you begin, let's get the important information out of the way first. Please state your name. <<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Nice to meet you, $name.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> [[Next->Gender]]
[[Credits]]
Choose your pronouns. <<link 'Your intended pronouns.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> And now your gender? [[Male.|EC][$gender = "male"]] [[Female.|EC][$gender = "female"]] [[Nonbinary.|EC][$gender = "non-binary"]]
<<if $gender is "non-binary">>\ This story contains mature content that will be rated M or 18+. Though a majority of the scenes will contain such content, it is still possible to hide the explicit content. If you choose to [[Show Explicit Content|QuestionNon][$showec to true]] then the material will appear. If you wish to not see this content, then please choose [[Hide Explicit Content|Intro][$showec to false]]. <<else>>\ This story contains mature content that will be rated M or 18+. Though a majority of the scenes will contain such content, it is still possible to hide the explicit content. If you choose to [[Show Explicit Content|Intro][$showec to true]] then the material will appear. If you wish to not see this content, then please choose [[Hide Explicit Content|Intro][$showec to false]]. <</if>>\
Would you like to disclose your assigned gender at birth for sexual content purposes? If you would not like to disclose this information then the scenes will be changed accordingly. [[Yes, my assigned gender at birth was male.|Intro][$a_gender = "male"]] [[Yes, my assigned gender at birth was female.|Intro][$a_gender = "female"]] [[No thanks, I don't wish to disclose this information.->Intro]]
<<audio "theme" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.50>> ''“Get back here, you wretch of a child!”'' You snicker as you glance back, smirking at the old man who thought chasing you was both possible and wise. Perhaps you should go easy on him, his wife passed away a few days ago, and since then he’s been the target of every thief in the immediate area. You continue on, about to make up your mind on which way to go when you hear him utter behind you, “please. That was hers.” You freeze at his words, not turning around but not running off either. You know who he’s referring to, and the way he says it, it sounds like he was genuine. Were you really going to steal the man’s dead wife’s necklace? Though, your mind chooses to point out if not you then someone else, and their guilt had probably been sold a long time ago. [[Give it back.]] [[Keep it and go.][$necklace = true]]
Darn morals! You sigh and turn to him, stretching your hand out so that he could grab the stolen necklace. He freezes, staring at you and then the chain. With shaky hands, that was probably more so because of how tired he was, he grabs the necklace and holds it close to his chest. “Thank you so much,” he says to you, his eyes growing teary. [[“Yea, yea. Whatever.”]] [[“Tell no one.”]] [[“I’m not a monster.”]]
You sold your guilt along with your morals sometime ago. Frankly, they didn’t earn you as much coin as you would have hoped. Your grip tightens on the necklace as you shoot down the nearest alley, leaving the man to his screams and shouts. He’d get over it, he’ll have no choice. And, if he was smart, he would hurry and go back to his shop, who knows how many other thieves were helping him with his inventory. You go down a busy street that was nicknamed Daft Street, named after the tourists that normally populated it. They were so into their own world that they never felt their pockets grow lighter, or that their fancy watches were taken off their person. It was the best street, but in a place like Thorncliff, it wasn’t without its dangers. The guards that watched this place acted more like elite hawks. Sometimes stationed on the rooftops, keeping watch for any child that looked like they didn’t belong. [[Continue->Next1]]
“Yea, yea. Whatever,” you grumble as you turn your back to him and start down the alleyway you were going to escape down earlier. As you go, you try to figure out how much that necklace would’ve netted you. Maybe fifteen coins at best, which was a small number to some but for you, was a two-day meal. You go down a busy street that was nicknamed Daft Street, named after the tourists that normally populated it. They were so into their own world that they never felt their pockets grow lighter, or that their fancy watches were taken off their person. It was the best street, but in a place like Thorncliff, it wasn’t without its dangers. The guards that watched this place acted more like elite hawks. Sometimes stationed on the rooftops, keeping watch for any child that looked like they didn’t belong. [[Continue->Next1]]
“Tell no one, understand?” you warn, and he nods as if you just threatened to re-steal the necklace. You glance at him and then look at the necklace, grumbling to yourself as you turn to head down the alleyway nearby. As you go, you try to figure out how much that necklace would’ve netted you. Maybe fifteen coins at best, which was a small number to some but for you, was a two-day meal. You go down a busy street that was nicknamed Daft Street, named after the tourists that normally populated it. They were so into their own world that they never felt their pockets grow lighter, or that their fancy watches were taken off their person. It was the best street, but in a place like Thorncliff, it wasn’t without its dangers. The guards that watched this place acted more like elite hawks. Sometimes stationed on the rooftops, keeping watch for any child that looked like they didn’t belong. [[Continue->Next1]]
“I’m not a monster,” you tell him, your eyes softening as you give him a small smile, “you have my condolences.” He nods, thanking you under his breath again and again. You leave him there, walking over to the nearby alleyway. As you go, you try to figure out how much that necklace would’ve netted you. Maybe fifteen coins at best, which was a small number to some but for you, was a two-day meal. You go down a busy street that was nicknamed Daft Street, named after the tourists that normally populated it. They were so into their own world that they never felt their pockets grow lighter, or that their fancy watches were taken off their person. It was the best street, but in a place like Thorncliff, it wasn’t without its dangers. The guards that watched this place acted more like elite hawks. Sometimes stationed on the rooftops, keeping watch for any child that looked like they didn’t belong. [[Continue->Next1]]
Thorncliff was known for two things, to you anyway, its markets and its orphans. For some odd reason, everyone loved to dump their unwanted children in Thorncliff. That and Thorncliff had a horrid reputation for taking parents away. And so, most children here were orphans. The lucky ones were able to become apprentices and save enough to leave. But those were the lucky ones. Most of you walked the path of thievery. It meant there was always stiff competition, especially for anyone who didn’t run in a gang. It also meant the prisons were less for adults and more so for unruly no good orphans who either got caught, tried to steal from someone with actual weight behind their name, or had the misfortune of being turned in by another orphan who had more to lose. You found yourself in the prisons at least once a month, at the minimum. Mostly due to … [[Getting caught.][$lucky +=2]] [[Stealing from important people.][$thief +=2]] [[Being snitched on.][$marked +=2]]
…getting caught. You weren’t the best thief to ever grace Thorncliff’s streets. You were one of those almost lucky kids. Seeing that you had decent manners, a dragon, and a somewhat okay grasp on your magic, you found yourself doing odd jobs more often than not. You managed to make enough to feed yourself every now and then, but it also meant you never really perfected the craft of stealing like others. [[Continue->Next2]]
… stealing from important people. It wasn’t your fault that you could never really tell the difference between a merchant and some pompous, almost noble. Though, there was that one time you pickpocketed a guard … in uniform … Hunger drove you to some desperate and incredibly stupid acts. But everyone knew that you were one of the best thieves that Thorncliff ever put out, you find to take solace in at least that. [[Continue->Next2]]
… being snitched on. It wasn’t that you stepped on other’s toes, not purposely, of course ... well, not in the beginning anyway. Others just seemed to love to test you, regardless of how many times you prove it rash. The main problem was that you just weren’t a fan of the gangs, and you definitely weren’t a fan of rules. The more prominent groups like to think they were in charge, that if they ordered something, then everyone, regardless of affiliation, had to fall in line. You weren’t about to. If you wanted to be told what to do and what to steal, then you’d just join the stupid Thieves Guild. And so, you got snitched on since you were a pretty good thief, a damn good fighter, and the gangs hated being ignored and told no. [[Continue->Next2]]
You bend down and pick up a rock, skipping it across the dirt ground as you make your way towards home, otherwise known to the residents as Orphan Row. The orphanage was once surrounded by pretty trees, pretty houses, and a flourishing market. But as the number of orphans grew, and the town officials cared less about giving the orphanage resources it needed, everything began to distance itself. Now, well now, it was just as low as any other shantytown. Grass dared not grow, sickness flourished, food was rare, and dirt came in abundance. The houses were abandoned, and so the empty shelters were divvied up by the gangs. If you weren’t in a group, you weren’t allowed in. Such was life. “Look who decided to finally show up,” a familiar voice sings cheerfully from above. You glance up to see a man smirking down at you, the wind causing his hair to blow perfectly into his face, almost giving him a heroic look. But that look was offset by the slum background of Orphan Row. You learned a long time ago that Orphan Row was never getting better and heroes were not made from thieves. “Is there a reason why you’re standing on top of a bunch of boxes?” He shrugs as he takes a step down, “the breeze is better up here.” He begins his descent, sitting on the box nearest to the ground. <<if $necklace>>\ “I’m guessing that whatever you got was good, right? You seem pretty proud of yourself.” [[“I’m always proud of myself.”]] [[“Nope, it’s just a beautiful day.”]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->Next2.1]] <</if>>\
“That says very little,” you huff with a broad smile, “I’m always proud of myself.” “How humble of you,” Shader snorts, “come on, really, what did you get? Lucas told me he saw you being chased by Thompson earlier. Whatever you managed to grab must have been important if he left his whole store unattended.” “You have Lucas watching me now?” you ask, raising a brow and meeting Shader’s gaze. He tries and fails to hide the blush that abruptly springs upon his cheeks, clearing his throat as he attempts to lie. Lucky for him, another distraction saunters forward. “Look who it is,” the muscular boy shouts, opening his arms wide as he gazes from you to Shader, “we got the King of Rats and $name.” [[Continue->Next3]]
You take a long whiff in, trying to keep from gagging on the feculent air. “It’s just a beautiful day, can I not enjoy it?” Shader raises a brow, gazing around at your surroundings before chuckling softly. “Sure, if you find shit and dirt attractive. I won’t judge you and your … tastes. I’m just curious because Lucas told me he saw you being chased by Thompson earlier. Whatever you managed to grab must have been important if he left his whole store unattended.” “You have Lucas watching me now?” you ask, raising a brow and meeting Shader’s gaze. He tries and fails to hide the blush that abruptly springs upon his cheeks, clearing his throat as he attempts to lie. Lucky for him, another distraction saunters forward. “Look who it is,” the muscular boy shouts, opening his arms wide as he gazes from you to Shader, “we got the King of Rats and $name.” [[Continue->Next3]]
“Shouldn’t everyone carry that kind of air,” you twirl your finger around, motioning to the area that surrounds you, “it’s either that or risk being jumped by one of you hooligans.” “Hooligans? Come on, I would rather be called a thief. And don’t try and change the conversation, Lucas told me that he saw Thompson chasing after you earlier.” “You have Lucas watching me now?” you ask, raising a brow and meeting Shader’s gaze. He tries and fails to hide the blush that abruptly springs upon his cheeks, clearing his throat as he attempts to lie. Lucky for him, another distraction saunters forward. “Look who it is,” the muscular boy shouts, opening his arms wide as he gazes from you to Shader, “we got the King of Rats and $name.” [[Continue->Next3]]
You shrug your shoulders and lightly kick a pudgy rock over with mild interest, “I just didn’t find anything today. No big deal.” “Really? Because Lucas told me he saw Thompson chasing after you earlier.” “You have Lucas watching me now?” you ask, raising a brow and meeting Shader’s gaze. He tries and fails to hide the blush that abruptly springs upon his cheeks, clearing his throat as he attempts to lie. Lucky for him, another distraction saunters forward. “Look who it is,” the muscular boy shouts, opening his arms wide as he gazes from you to Shader, “we got the King of Rats and $name.” [[Continue->Next3]]
“Hell you want, Rowan?” Shader questions, pushing himself off the boxes and then being greeted by three of Rowan’s lackeys, each of them waiting and hoping for Shader to do something stupid. Rowan doesn’t answer him. Instead, he mosies up to you, what many would guess to say is a charming smile, replaces his aggravation. “$name, you’re looking as attractive as ever. Tell me, when are you going to leave this pile of shit and start running with a real king?” [[Hide behind Shader.][$sub +=2]] [[Insult him.][$dom +=2]] [[Flirt right back ... kinda.][$switch +=2]]
You back up slowly, positioning yourself neatly behind Shader. It does little to please Rowan, which wasn’t a concern of yours anyway. But it did wonders for Shader’s confidence. He stands straighter, his eyes narrowing on Rowan and his group. You notice him whispering words to himself and glance down at his balled-up fist. A spark of fire ignites and then dies, restarting the cycle as it waits for its master to send it forth. “Because hiding behind him is going to do what exactly?” Rowan asks, leaning on the boxes that Shader had once deemed his seat. Acting on his words, four of Rowan’s gang members move in and grab Shader, forcing him to the ground. “Stop!” you shout as Shader successfully beats back one but doesn’t manage to get the rest. There were just too many of them. “Or what?” Rowan resounds with a raised brow, looking from you to Shader, wiggling his brow. [[Continue->Hide1]]
“That’s a great question, mind pointing to me where this real king stands? All I see is a few orphaned tramps who probably pissed on themselves at least twice today.” Rowan seems unimpressed, but then again, he always was when it came to you. His feelings, or whatever he liked to call it, (sometimes you believed it was his own self-inflated ego) always had him hearing whatever he wanted to. His members, though, they seem far more insulted, and their attention is taken off of Shader and placed upon you. “Don’t really get the question,” Rowan says, motioning to himself like it was as apparent as Orphan Row being in a state of deterioration. “We don’t expect you to understand. Divines know you don’t have enough brain cells for thinking,” Shader snorts, earning a rough push from one of Rowan’s members. This seems to spark an unseen force as you move forward, but Rowan is now standing in front of you, keeping you away from Shader, who disappears behind four of his brutes. “You are much to angry sometimes, you know that, $name?” Rowan asks you, lightly fiddling with your uncombed hair. You move to swat his hand away, but he moves before your hand can connect. [[Continue->Insult1]]
You weren’t about to kiss Rowan’s feet, but it wasn’t wise to piss him off either. You reap the benefits of being the one thing Rowan could never grasp but desperately wanted to. And you weren’t about to stop collecting those perks right now. “Come back to me when you’ve successfully taken over the entire district.” “I’m practically there,” he laughs, scooting in a little closer, a gleam in his eye. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Shader lean back and forth, part of him wanting to pull away and the other wanting to push Rowan away from you. “And why do I get the feeling that even if I do, you’ll just prolong this until I take over Thorncliff?” You lean in, your face inches away from Rowan’s. You hear Shader produce a low growl, whether he was warning you or Rowan, you don’t know. “Because you know me that well. Can’t let this be too easy.” Rowan takes your hand in his and places a light kiss, his rough lips scraping across your hand, “believe me, I love a good chase.” He tells you goodbye before shifting his attention to Shader, shoulder checking him as he walks away, doing it hard enough for Shader to fall. When Shader gets back to his feet, he moves to retaliate, but you grab ahold of his shoulder, bringing him back to the safety of your side. [[Continue->Flirt1]]
Great! Here we go, I hope you enjoy. Press the title image below to start the game. <<message 'Click here for further tips'>>\ <ul>\ <li>The three different scenes for Shader (the scene with the art is universal) can be influenced by how you flirt and behave around him. Make the first move or take the initiative (dom), let him come to you, or let him fight for you (sub), or always try to meet him halfway or play the field wisely (switch).</li> <li>It is possible to not be faithful to one stat (for example, you choose a mix of dom and sub. The majority stat will be used, or the default (switch) stat.</li> <li>If you choose ''Show Explicit'' and ''do not'' disclose your assigned sex at birth then try and go the switch or sub route. Otherwise your sexual content will be limited.</li> </ul>\ <</message>>\ [img[images/title.png][Start]]
He wrinkles his nose, staring up and down at you. “I know that look, you came back emptyhanded, didn’t you?” “What makes you think that?” “You’re just carrying an air about you that says I don’t have shit in my pockets.” [[“Shouldn’t everyone carry that air?”]] [[“I just didn’t find anything today.”]]
“Please, Rowan. Shader didn’t do anything to you.” “Today. The rat always finds himself pissing me off, though.” Regardless of his words, Rowan tells his members to stop, turning towards you, “because you asked nicely.” Before you are able to reply, Rowan rounds the gang up, and they depart. You race to Shader’s side, helping him up and seeing that he was now sporting a few extra bruises. “Are you okay?” you ask, wishing you had a clean towel to help wipe the excess dirt from his face. “I’ll be fine,” he growls, pushing you away lightly, pausing at his actions before muttering something to himself and turning his back to you. “What did I miss?” a new voice asks, walking around a corner and towards you. You smile at the newcomer, officially making your gang-less group complete. Lucas was Shader’s friend first, and for someone who seemed highly charismatic and far nicer than his counterpart, Lucas didn’t trust you much in the beginning. It took some time and a lot of years, but the two of you could now rely on one another. When the three of you worked together, it didn’t matter who your opponent was, gang leaders, nobles, guards, or just some unfortunate merchant, they were all in trouble. [[Continue->Next4]]
“Let’s go. We have business elsewhere,” he tells the others in his group. They move away from Shader and you now see that he sports a few more bruises. He spits out a wad of blood towards the departing gang, mumbling to himself. “Assholes, the lot of em,” he shouts, turning to you and then stopping. He double thinks himself and instead turns his back to you, wiping off his face with his equally dirty shirt. “Let me help, Shader,” you start, taking a single step forward before he growls a warning. “What did I miss?” a new voice asks, walking around a corner and towards you. You smile at the newcomer, officially making your gang-less group complete. Lucas was Shader’s friend first, and for someone who seemed highly charismatic and far nicer than his counterpart, Lucas didn’t trust you much in the beginning. It took some time and a lot of years, but the two of you could now rely on one another. When the three of you worked together, it didn’t matter who your opponent was, gang leaders, nobles, guards, or just some unfortunate merchant, they were all in trouble. [[Continue->Next4]]
With your hands still keeping him beside you, Shader turns his head to observe you, “and here I thought you had set that prick right. You’re still flirting with him?” <<if $marked>>\ “I’m not about to anger one of the most powerful gang leaders in Thorncliff, Shader. Especially when the other ones don’t like me much, and I get perks from being the only person who has Rowan’s eye.” <<else>>\ “I’m not about to anger one of the most powerful gang leaders in Thorncliff, Shader. Especially when I get perks from being the only person who has Rowan’s eye.” <</if>>\ “Yea, whatever you say,” Shader mumbles, shaking your hands off of him and moving away. “Just –” he starts but is unable to finish. “What did I miss?” a new voice asks, walking around a corner and towards you. You smile at the newcomer, officially making your gang-less group complete. Lucas was Shader’s friend first, and for someone who seemed highly charismatic and far nicer than his counterpart, Lucas didn’t trust you much in the beginning. It took some time and a lot of years, but the two of you could now rely on one another. When the three of you worked together, it didn’t matter who your opponent was, gang leaders, nobles, guards, or just some unfortunate merchant, they were all in trouble. [[Continue->Next4]]
“Oh, nothing,” Shader answers, spitting out dirt and turning to his friend, “just another wholesome and fun confrontation with King of the Shitpile himself.” Lucas magically produces a dingy cloth from somewhere and holds it out to Shader, who takes it in thanks, “might wanna be careful. The Abandoned have officially become the most powerful group on the Row. The Fallen Tears didn’t even try to fight him when he walked into their territory the other day.” [[“I bet there was a lot of fallen tears that night.”]] [[“Why the horrible names.”]] [[“Did he take their territory too?”]] [[“I’m still working on our name.”]]
You attempt to rein in your chortle, “I bet there were a lot of fallen tears that night.” You let the laugh escape, growing quiet when you see the two boys looking at you with unimpressed looks. “You get it, right? Fallen Tears, having their territory taken, so they were crying and –” “Yes, yes, $name, we get it. You don’t have to embarrass yourself more by explaining the horrible pun,” Lucas smirks. “Let’s just get back,” Shader grumbles, moving both of you out of his way as he starts to walk towards the center of Orphan Row. Lucas’s smirk vanishes as he looks from you to Shader, realization lighting up his features. You fall in behind Shader by a few steps, enough of a gap between him and you for Lucas to lean in and whisper without risking him overhearing. “You do know he hates fighting in front of you.” “What?” you question in both shock and disbelief, “he fights plenty of people in front of me.” [[Continue->Next5]]
“Why all the horrible names? Gosh, we get it, we’re all orphans with tragic pasts, you don’t have to have a tragic name as well.” “Ha! The fact that there’s a group called the Tragic Ones does not help,” Lucas laughs, causing you to join in. “Let’s just get back,” Shader grumbles, moving both of you out of his way as he starts to walk towards the center of Orphan Row. Lucas’s smirk vanishes as he looks from you to Shader, realization lighting up his features. You fall in behind Shader by a few steps, enough of a gap between him and you for Lucas to lean in and whisper without risking him overhearing. “You do know he hates fighting in front of you.” “What?” you question in both shock and disbelief, “he fights plenty of people in front of me.” [[Continue->Next5]]
“Did he take their territory too?” If so, then that would mean more than half of Orphan Row was now under The Abandoned's rule. “Yes, but like always, he said that they can stay. He won’t kick them out unless they give him a reason. It would seem he’s got another splinter group under him,” Lucas sighs dramatically. “Let’s just get back,” Shader grumbles, moving both of you out of his way as he starts to walk towards the center of Orphan Row. Lucas’s smirk vanishes as he looks from you to Shader, realization lighting up his features. You fall in behind Shader by a few steps, enough of a gap between him and you for Lucas to lean in and whisper without risking him overhearing. “You do know he hates fighting in front of you.” “What?” you question in both shock and disbelief, “he fights plenty of people in front of me.” [[Continue->Next5]]
“I’m still working on our name, it’s kind of a tossup between The Hopeless Ones and Orphan Thieves. I feel like that second one is a little too on the nose,” you tell them, Shader mimicking him vomiting and Lucas shaking his head quickly. “All of those are horrible, and I need you to stop before I stop acting like I know you. As your friend, I’m telling you that naming groups is not your thing,” Lucas tells me, placing his hand on my shoulder. “Let’s just get back,” Shader grumbles, moving both of you out of his way as he starts to walk towards the center of Orphan Row. Lucas’s smirk vanishes as he looks from you to Shader, realization lighting up his features. You fall in behind Shader by a few steps, enough of a gap between him and you for Lucas to lean in and whisper without risking him overhearing. “You do know he hates fighting in front of you.” “What?” you question in both shock and disbelief, “he fights plenty of people in front of me.” [[Continue->Next5]]
“Yea, out there. Out there, he’s known as the Ghost. The one thief no guard has ever been able to grab or even see. Here, he’s Shader, the boy whose parents were killed by a fire that he couldn’t save them from. Most of the orphans either despise him or look down at him for having parents that cared, come on, you know that.” “Yea, but what does that have to do with him fighting in front of me?” “Fighting people like Rowan, orphan to orphan, it’s not a battle he can win, ever. He’s going to lose in here, and he doesn’t ever want you to see that.” [[“I probably don’t help matters with Rowan.”][$switch +=1]] [[“I would never judge him for that.”][$sub +=1]] [[“He knows I’ll have his back.”][$dom +=1]]
You scratch the back of your in abashment, “I probably don’t help matters with Rowan either.” Lucas snorts, “at least you can admit it. Trust me, I understand why you do it. If I had the most powerful leader here under my charm, then I’d play the same game. I think Shader gets it too, but … well, we both know Shader’s horrible with his feelings. Is it really that hard to see how he feels about you?” “Yes?” you find yourself replying. Lucas wasn’t giving Shader enough credit, the boy wasn’t just horrible, the act of watching Shader deal with his feelings was dreadful and torturous all on its own. There were times where you thought the two of you were almost there, ready to say what your heart desired most, and then there were times that you thought Shader wanted you to disappear. You knew he cared for you as a friend, but getting him to go anywhere beyond that was an undertaking all on its own. Small things like him telling Lucas to watch you while you were out. Or him popping up out of the blue just to see how your day was. And then there were times such as these, where he offers nothing but a cold shoulder and a mumble. [[There was one time that I told him how I felt.]] [[I had Lucas find out how Shader felt.]]
“I would never judge him for that. You can’t win them all.” Lucas sighs in exasperation, “you are both so tragic, it hurts my eyes. That’s not my point, $name. You know damn well he doesn’t want your sympathy, he wants to make you feel as safe as possible. We both know Shader’s horrible with his feelings, but is it really that hard to see how he feels about you?” “Yes?” you find yourself replying. Lucas wasn’t giving Shader enough credit, the boy wasn’t just horrible, the act of watching Shader deal with his feelings was dreadful and torturous all on its own. There were times where you thought the two of you were almost there, ready to say what your heart desired most, and then there were times that you thought Shader wanted you to disappear. You knew he cared for you as a friend, but getting him to go anywhere beyond that was an undertaking all on its own. Small things like him telling Lucas to watch you while you were out. Or him popping up out of the blue just to see how your day was. And then there were times such as these, where he offers nothing but a cold shoulder and a mumble. [[There was one time that I told him how I felt.]] [[I had Lucas find out how Shader felt.]]
“He knows that I’ll have his back if it ever comes down to a real fight.” Lucas sighs in exasperation, “that’s not my point. He doesn’t want you to have to protect him, $name. We both know Shader’s horrible with his feelings, but is it really that hard to see how he feels about you?” “Yes?” you find yourself replying. Lucas wasn’t giving Shader enough credit, the boy wasn’t just horrible, the act of watching Shader deal with his feelings was dreadful and torturous all on its own. There were times where you thought the two of you were almost there, ready to say what your heart desired most, and then there were times that you thought Shader wanted you to disappear. You knew he cared for you as a friend, but getting him to go anywhere beyond that was an undertaking all on its own. Small things like him telling Lucas to watch you while you were out. Or him popping up out of the blue just to see how your day was. And then there were times such as these, where he offers nothing but a cold shoulder and a mumble. [[There was one time that I told him how I felt.]] [[I had Lucas find out how Shader felt.]]
It was about a year or so after you had begun to call him a friend. The three of you had just finished stealing a set of jewels from one of the Baron’s advisors, and you were coming back from a hardy meal that you had been able to pay for. Lucas was walking with some guy who was definitely going to be his bedmate for the night, while you and Shader took up the back. For some reason, you felt brave, confident about your feelings. And so, you told him. Shader believed you wanted more coin or something else from him. It would seem that the probability of you liking him, especially you telling him this after your big score, was too good to be true. The two of you fought for a week before you finally just let it go. It was either that or to continue avoiding Shader. And, whether you liked it or not, you did like him too much to keep ignoring him like such. By now, most of the orphans knew how you felt about Shader. Perhaps that was one of the reasons why Rowan seemed to be so keen on getting you, it was a way of taking something else from Shader. Maybe Rowan had the right idea, maybe he didn’t. It wasn’t a question whether or not Rowan could properly steal you from Shader’s side, he couldn’t. But you were curious about how Shader would feel about such a thing. <<if $switch >=1>>Hence why you continued to flirt with him despite Shader warning you against it.<</if>> [[Continue->Next6]]
Lucas knew so much because you had enlisted his help in finding out how Shader felt about you. It was about a year or so after you had begun to call them both your friend. Things were going great, your belly was full more often than not. Your dragon was healthy, and you had fresh clothes to prance around in. For almost a week, you flirted with Shader, to no prevail. There was no way the man was that dense, and so you asked Lucas for help. He, always the romantic and one of the nosiest people you knew, accepted right away. The information he came back with was less than ideal. From what Lucas told you, Shader viewed you as merely a friend. The only clue that he thought of you as more was the way Lucas described his eyes wandering and how his cheeks would take on the slightest hint of rose. Lucas swore these were all signs that Shader wasn’t exactly sure, but you had your doubts. By now, most of the orphans knew how you felt about Shader. Perhaps that was one of the reasons why Rowan seemed to be so keen on getting you, it was a way of taking something else from Shader. Maybe Rowan had the right idea, maybe he didn’t. It wasn’t a question whether or not Rowan could properly steal you from Shader’s side, he couldn’t. But you were curious about how Shader would feel about such a thing. <<if $switch >=1>>Hence why you continued to flirt with him despite Shader warning you against it.<</if>> [[Continue->Next6]]
Your group makes it to Orphan Row’s square, or the pitiful excuse of one anyway. There was once a fountain here with a statue of some high and mighty Baron. Now there was just a pile of gravel circling one pipe that would occasionally shoot out water. And when that happened, it was wise to stay away. The square would immediately be filled with orphans seeking out clean water, and the ordeal usually left several orphans bloody and sprawled across the mud. It earned the ruined fountain the nickname the Blood Spout. The rim of the spray was even permanently died red, some thinking that someone had actually painted it but all of you knowing that it was actually someone’s dried up blood. You walk into the only building that had somehow maintained its purpose over the years, the orphanage. There was a handful of beds and even fewer mats that lay across the floor. Some of the inhabitants had stolen blankets and used that. Others had gone for an even more unconventional method and grabbed rocks and logs from outside. If one was lucky, they had a pet dog or a companion to cuddle up with, if one wasn’t then they prayed to the Divines that the night wasn’t cold and that the sun would rise soon. Rising with the sun and seeing fellow orphans who hadn’t survived the night wasn’t rare, and many saw it as a chance to loot. It was one of the reasons so many threw their lot in with the gangs, they had much better accommodations. “The one day I need the Blood Spout to shoot some water, and it doesn’t,” Shader finally says once we get to our corner. He was still using Lucas’s cloth to clean himself up, and he was still avoiding your gaze. [[Continue->Next7]]
You don’t allow for the silence to set in, which would probably be what Shader wanted. “So, why are you mad at me exactly?” “I’m not mad,” he grumbles, still avoiding looking your way, “I’m just dirty and want to be clean.” “You’ve been far dirtier, trust me, I’ve seen it.” He doesn’t reply, going back to his duty of scrubbing his face clean. Frankly, you don’t even know what you did. This was like any other day, the only difference being whether Shader wanted to act prickly or not. But, it would be a lie to say that you haven’t been noticing the frequency of it. His hot and cold temper, his uncaring behavior one moment abruptly turning into one of genuine care. “You would be done by now if you’d just let me help,” you mumble, eyes widening when Shader thrusts the dirty cloth towards you. “Fine, you win,” he bites the inside of his cheek before surrendering, “can you please help me?” [[Continue->Next8]]
Lucas’s absence brings in a silence that neither Shader nor you attempt to wave away. He seems much more eager to ignore you, putting distance between the two of you and scrubbing at the caked mud on his face. Even when he gets a spot, he seems to continue rubbing it. Frankly, you don’t even know what you did. This was like any other day, the only difference being whether Shader wanted to act prickly or not. But, it would be a lie to say that you haven’t been noticing the frequency of it. His hot and cold temper, his uncaring behavior one moment abruptly turning into one of genuine care. “You would be done by now if you’d just let me help,” you mumble, eyes widening when Shader thrusts the dirty cloth towards you. “Fine, you win,” he bites the inside of his cheek before surrendering, “can you please help me?” [[Continue->Next8]]
“You’re a magi, right?” Lucas asks, plopping himself on his mat and then poorly mimicking a magi, “just pull the water from the air.” “Yea, that’s not how that works.” Lucas shoots you a glance before smiling evilly, “well, I’m sure $name would love to help you clean up.” You choke on air as Shader narrows his gaze on a more than pleased Lucas. “And if not, then I’m sure you have something else to discuss. I’m going to see if I can find Mariatta. Do everything I wouldn’t do,” he calls back over his shoulder. [[Question Shader about why he’s mad.]] [[Let the silence resume.]]
With a small smile, you take the cloth from him and go over to a dirty water basin. You clean the fabric of grime as much as possible, a complicated task if only because unclean water does not beget a clean washcloth. Rinsing as much mud from it as possible, you go back to Shader’s side and begin lightly tending to the remaining areas. You can feel your heart slow considerably as you scrub at his face, delicately running your fingers down his sunburnt skin. To make matters worse, he seems interested in something on your face, your eyes. He doesn’t look away as you help him clear the grime away, his lips parted as if to say something. An unspoken tension rises between the two of you, one so thick that no blade could cut through it with one swing. Every moment the seconds tick by, it gets thicker, your hands shaking as you can feel the heat rise off of Shader. There was one area left, a small scrape near his scar. You go for it when Shader catches your wrist, stopping you. “Don’t worry about that, I’ll get it later.” “In other words, the rain will get it. Come on, it’s the last bit, let me do this.” Shader moves you away once again, the look in his eye, commanding you to leave it be. You remind yourself of his sensitivity about his scar, about his past in general … his sensitivity in everything. [[Walk away.][$switch +=1]] [[Just get ready for bed.][$sub +=1]] [[Try and talk to him about it.][$dom +=1]]
With a defeated and irritated sigh, you get to your feet and leave him to do whatever he was going to do next. You walk down the orphanage’s endless halls, your eyes glancing from one grimy picture to the next. You were more shocked that the frames still found themselves decorating the walls. Each of them reminding you of when the orphanage was actually in its prime. You were but a babe during those days. The stop at one picture, the only picture that any of you actually cared about. Perhaps that’s why you kept the others up, to remind yourselves that their current state of being was well deserved. Whereas this picture, cleaner than anything in its immediate area, was a beacon. “Is everything okay?” The woman in the picture now stood beside you, though she was much older. Her once brown hair had greyed, leaving only a few strands to retain their once hickory brown shade. The area under her eyes now home to bags, her forehead wrinkled in what sometimes looked like permanent thought. “Mariatta,” you greet her with a soft smile, “did Lucas find you?” “That boy came by to annoy me,” she chuckles, “but you are avoiding the question.” Nothing could get past Mariatta. She didn’t play favorites, but you always liked to imagine that she had a soft spot for you and Lucas; otherwise, she wouldn’t put up with Lucas’s shenanigans like she did and wouldn’t always go the extra mile to make you comfortable. [[Continue->WA1]]
You gather your things and begin making your bed as comfortable as you can. It was a tedious job. Sleeping on a wooden ground with nothing but two blankets to cushion you wasn’t your ideal sleeping arrangement. But you were used to it, and complaining helped no one. “$name,” you hear Shader whisper, barely even a whisper as you almost think a ghost had said your name. You turn towards him but see his back to you, perhaps you had only thought he had said something. With your bed now made, you lie down. Before you drift off to sleep, you hear Lucas’s voice, sounding unhappy though your consciousness had faded too far for you to know why. You release yourself to your dreams, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. [[Tomorrow ...->Next9]]
“Keeping me out isn’t going to help either of us,” you sigh, throwing your head back and looking at the ceiling as if it was going to give you some clue to Shader’s mood swings. “Whoever said I was keeping you out?” he asks, half of his attention on making his bed for the night. “Your actions?” you question with a raised brow, staring at his back. “So, now you’re assuming?” “You’re making this into an argument when it doesn’t have to be.” He throws his pillow down and finally looks at you, looking ready to pounce, “I didn’t want you touching my scar, you’re going to whine about it now?” Your nose twitches in anger as the two of you continue staring at one another. “And, I’m here to break you two up,” Lucas sings, albeit nervously as he looks between the two of you, “guess we all know whose playing middle spoon tonight.” Neither you or Shader respond as you put your backs to each other, both of you trying to hurry and make your beds to lay down. You can feel Lucas’s eyes on you the entire time. There was one thing Lucas hated more than not seeing the two of you together, and that was seeing the two of you pissed off at one another. You lay your head down, closing your eyes tight as you prepare for tomorrow and whatever it brings. [[Tomorrow ...->Next9]]
When the orphanage was first created, she was one of the women hired to tend to the kids. When the orphanage began to plummet in despair, she was the only one who stayed. The worse it got, the more you thought you would wake up and see her gone, but she never did. She continued to take care of all of you, trying to help you the best she could. She was the one constant in all of your lives. She chose to live in squalor with the children she’s grown to love than tuck tail and run. And for that, she had everyone’s respect. You all feared the day where she would not rise. “Shader is ... well, being Shader.” “No shock there,” she snickers, coughing before sighing, “that boy will always be a mystery to me. Even though I’ve known him for so long.” “You and me both.” “I’m guessing you still haven’t tried telling him about how you feel.” “So he can accuse me of something? No. And before you say it, no, I don’t think he likes me. I think I’m just a good friend to him.” “Well that’s obviously not true. He doesn’t treat Lucas like he treats you. He doesn’t look at Lucas or anyone the way he looks at you.” [[Continue->WA2]]
“What do you mean?” She sighs wistfully like she imagined some handsome knight, “Shader looks at you like you’re the most dazzling star in the sky, $name. Dare I even say that he looks at you like you’re the moon on the starriest of nights, bold and beautiful. And before you ask,” she gives me a reprimanding look, “I do enjoy watching him look at you. Odd, but it always warms my heart to see that spark light up within him when I once thought it snuffed out.” “I never would’ve known,” you say, biting the inside of your cheek. “Of course not. Shader would rather die than have you know. But that’s the problem.” Mariatta sets her hand on your shoulder and turns you to look at her, “$name, all I want for you kids is to be happy. Though I’d rather that happiness come from you getting the hell out of here, if that means stealing and running from guards then fine. But happiness. And from what I can see, happiness is you and Shader. Don’t throw it away because he’s too stupid to see it as well.” You hug Mariatta, and she lightly kisses your forehead before walking further down the hall. You go the other way, back to your little area, happy to see that Lucas had returned, alleviating any awkward air. You lay down and take a deep breath. Tomorrow. Tomorrow you’ll take a step towards that happiness. [[Tomorrow ...->Next9]]
The next day you find yourself walking beside Lucas, listening to plan after plan, not saying it aloud but knowing that each one would fail in their own unique way. “Or, we could just,” he trails off, stopping as he squints and then sighs, “you think all of these are horrible, don’t you?” Lucas, wanting to help you, has been attempting to come up with plans to force Shader to reveal how he felt about you. There were a hundred reasons why his plans would all end in smoke, though you weren’t about to interrupt him to tell him that. Especially since you were much more focused on the task before you. [[Hiding from one of the gangs.][$marked +=1]] [[Waiting to cash in some things.][$lucky +=1]] [[Scoping out a potential mark.][$thief +=1]]
Because you’re you, you somehow managed to piss off yet another gang. This one had nothing to do with Rowan’s group and therefore cared little about the unspoken rule of leaving you alone. You also can’t honestly blame them for wanting to have your head, you did steal almost their entire chest of goodies. At the moment, you were hiding from them, and Lucas offered to help you out. Shader, when you woke up, he was gone. Not even Lucas knowing where he had run off too. “I’m not trying to dissuade you, so I chose to keep quiet,” you tell Lucas, offering him a sympathetic smile that he sighs dramatically at. “Do you even care anymore?” [[“Not really, no.”][$dom +=1]] [[“I do but at what cost?”][$switch +=1]] [[“Yes, you have no idea.”][$sub +=1]]
You had brought a few things to one of the fences in Thorncliff, hoping that she could get you a good deal on everything that you had delivered. She said it would take a while to go through her books and find what has been requested, and so you had some time. You decided to stay close but to look around for any easy targets or to hear what the word on the street was. Since some of the stuff you turned in was gained by Lucas’s help, you told him that if he came with you, then you’ll give him a cut. Shader, when you woke up, he was gone. Not even Lucas knowing where he had run off too. “I’m not trying to dissuade you, so I chose to keep quiet,” you tell Lucas, offering him a sympathetic smile that he sighs dramatically at. “Do you even care anymore?” [[“Not really, no.”][$dom +=1]] [[“I do but at what cost?”][$switch +=1]] [[“Yes, you have no idea.”][$sub +=1]]
There was an interesting target that had captured your attention, you’ve been following him ever since. It just so happened that Lucas was also trailing the man, and thus, you both decided to join up and watch him together. So far, he was shaping up to be a high mark, dense too since Lucas had screamed at least twice in agitation since you’ve begun following him together. Shader, when you woke up, he was gone. Not even Lucas knowing where he had run off too. “I’m not trying to dissuade you, so I chose to keep quiet,” you tell Lucas, offering him a sympathetic smile that he sighs dramatically at. “Do you even care anymore?” [[“Not really, no.”][$dom +=1]] [[“I do but at what cost?”][$switch +=1]] [[“Yes, you have no idea.”][$sub +=1]]
“Not really, no,” you tell him with a shrug. You don’t say anything else, but before you look away from Lucas, you can tell that he knew you were lying. You were, kinda. You didn’t really care about Shader and his feelings at the moment since he had a tendency to piss you off. But later, you would, and so you were curious about whatever plan Lucas ended up coming up with. “Don’t say that,” Lucas whispers, “you two are the best things that ever happened to me, and I just want you both to be happy.” “That’s nice, Lucas, but imagine this. Imagine that this works, and Shader tells me how he feels, we agree to work this out or something. What then? Does he act differently? Or does he act the same, and now we’re both unhappy because he wasn’t ready?” Lucas grumbles, “if it’s up to Shader, then he’ll never be ready.” His eyes widen, and he cocks his head to the side, a smile encroaching onto his face, growing in width. “What?” “I think I have the perfect plan.” “Well?” [[Continue->No1]]
“I do, but at what cost?” you say to him, sighing, “perhaps I’m too negative, but I doubt that whatever we come up will work. Shader will either figure it out and get pissed off, or he won’t, and everything will continue as is. And let’s imagine that this works and Shader tells me how he feels, we agree to work this out or something. What then? Does he act differently? Or does he act the same, and now we’re both unhappy because he wasn’t ready?” “What?” “I think I have the perfect plan.” “Well?” Lucas stops and chooses to pace before me, “Shader has a horrible way of always believing that anything that happens is in response to something else. Normal people, like you and me, who have control of their emotions would only opt to ask someone out when we’re in good spirits or at least neutral ones. But Shader, he always believes that if things are good, something’s wrong. That everyone wants or needs something. And so, we take the one variable that we can manipulate, and do so.” “I’m not understanding, Lucas.” [[Continue->Next10]]
“Yes,” I sigh, feeling my heart twist in my chest, “you have no idea. But it hurts too. I put myself out there, and half the time, Shader just kicks my feelings to the side. It’s not a dance I like to repeat.” “I understand,” Lucas sighs. “And, let’s for a minute imagine that this works, and Shader tells me how he feels, we agree to work this out or something. What then? Does he act differently? Or does he act the same, and now we’re both unhappy because he wasn’t ready?” “What?” “I think I have the perfect plan.” “Well?” Lucas stops and chooses to pace before me, “Shader has a horrible way of always believing that anything that happens is in response to something else. Normal people, like you and me, who have control of their emotions would only opt to ask someone out when we’re in good spirits or at least neutral ones. But Shader, he always believes that if things are good, something’s wrong. That everyone wants or needs something. And so, we take the one variable that we can manipulate, and do so.” “I’m not understanding, Lucas.” [[Continue->Next10]]
“Later, we’re all supposed to go out thieving together. If we purposely ruin it, make it one of the worst jobs ever, then we’ll all be in a bad mood. You’ll then suggest that the two of you go to the Painted Wyvern, the only place that can destress Shader, because of course. Then you get him to tell you.” You pause, thinking over his words when your mind finally catches up, “you want to take out the one variable, the happy one, to make it seem like there’s no ulterior motive. Because who wouldn’t want to get drunk after a particularly horrible job? And he’ll be more likely to cooperate since it’ll seem I’m just as pissed.” “Exactly.” [[“That’s genius!”][$dom +=1]] [[“But he’ll be drunk.”][$sub +=1]] [[“Why not?”][$switch +=1]]
Lucas stops and chooses to pace before me, “Shader has a horrible way of always believing that anything that happens is in response to something else. Normal people, like you and me, who have control of their emotions would only opt to ask someone out when we’re in good spirits or at least neutral ones. But Shader, he always believes that if things are good, something’s wrong. That everyone wants or needs something. And so, we take the one variable that we can manipulate, and do so.” “I’m not understanding, Lucas.” [[Continue->Next10]]
“That’s genius!” you yell, throwing your arms around Lucas, who laughs coyly. “Well, I do try.” “Why haven’t we thought of this before?” you question once releasing him. “We did, remember? After that one great job, we just never tried to do it when he’s unhappy. We usually all give Shader a wide berth when he’s upset.” You nod, remembering that the last time you went out drinking together, Shader was still just as cautious when drinking. He only let his guard down when he was upset. Lucas claps and nods, thrilled that he finally came up with something, “then we’ll commence with Operation Thorns tonight.” “Operation Thorns?” “Yea, because Shader’s behavior is like the thorns, and his true emotions are the rose. You got to get past all the thorns to get to the rose. And then later live with dealing with those exact same thorns if you want to forever appreciate the rose.” “That was almost beautiful,” you laugh but nod your head. Ready for the day to speed forward so that you could start. [[Later that day ...->Next11]]
“But,” you start, “he’ll be drunk.” “And? Drink makes loose tongues wag.” “But isn’t that,” you trail off, trying to come up with a suitable word but failing. You understood what Lucas was saying, but getting Shader drunk just seemed like cheating, as if you weren’t playing fair. But then, that made little sense as well, this wasn’t a game that all players played fairly. In addition, playing fairly has yet to help you. “Nevermind.” Lucas claps and nods, thrilled that he finally came up with something, “then we’ll commence with Operation Thorns tonight.” “Operation Thorns?” “Yea, because Shader’s behavior is like the thorns, and his true emotions are the rose. You got to get past all the thorns to get to the rose. And then later live with dealing with those exact same thorns if you want to forever appreciate the rose.” “That was almost beautiful,” you laugh but nod your head. Ready for the day to speed forward so that you could start. [[Later that day ...->Next11]]
“Why not?” you say with a shrug, “nothing else has yet to work, so I might as well exhaust all possible scenarios.” Lucas claps and nods, thrilled that he finally came up with something, “then we’ll commence with Operation Thorns tonight.” “Operation Thorns?” “Yea, because Shader’s behavior is like the thorns, and his true emotions are the rose. You got to get past all the thorns to get to the rose. And then later live with dealing with those exact same thorns if you want to forever appreciate the rose.” “That was almost beautiful,” you laugh but nod your head. Ready for the day to speed forward so that you could start. [[Later that day ...->Next11]]
The day does as you wish. As you wait, you smooth out some of the wrinkles in Lucas’s plan with him. And once you’re both happy, you go your separate ways to prepare. Lucas heads back home to tell one of the gangs about the object that you were going to ‘attempt’ to steal later. Shader has had his eye on it for some time, not long enough for him to go on a rampage to figure out how he managed to let it slip through his grasp, but long enough to make your plan put him farther over the edge. The two of you agreed that the best way to piss Shader off without him retaliating against the both of you was to … [[Tip off a guard obsessed with catching him.][$lucky +=1; $marked +=1]] [[Intercept Rowan’s group.][$thief +=1]]
Though it was true that the guards didn’t know who Shader was, never having seen him before and referring to him only as Ghost, one guard was obsessed with his capture. You didn’t know all the details, just that he had a bone to pick with Ghost, and most of the others thought him crazy for being so caught up with one thief amidst hundreds. To make it even worse for the guy, he wasn’t the most competent. Whether he was always a bit clueless or if his obsession just made it worse, you don’t know. Neither do you care as all of this was just a means to help you in the end. You wait on the corner for the two boys to join you, once they are at your side, Operation Thorn is put into action. Either this would work, and you would have some semblance of how Shader felt about you, or this would all backfire, and you would still be in the same spot you were before. The plan was a win-win, only because the second win meant you lost nothing. “What’s the plan then, Ghost?” Lucas questions with a smirk, furthering anger Shader, who seemed to despise either of you mentioning the street name. “Simple enough, we head toward the house where the gem is. Lucas, you’ll be the distraction, like always. $name will be the lookout, you’ll watch for guards and to give Lucas the signal, so you need to have a fairly good vantage point. And I’ll steal the gem. Nothing difficult, we’ve done this plenty of times.” Both you and Lucas nod, though when you gaze at one another, it’s easy to see how troublesome this mission was going to soon become. [[Continue->Next12]]
By far the best way to get Shader pissed off was to have him go into the job with a foggy head, a task that Rowan had mastered some time ago. You heard from Lucas, who heard from someone else, who had heard from their partner in Rowan’s group that they were doing a walk-by in the market. Intercepting them was easy enough, and Rowan would never pass up a moment to antagonize Shader. Especially if you were in attendance. You wait on the corner for the two boys to join you, once they are at your side, Operation Thorn is put into action. Either this would work, and you would have some semblance of how Shader felt about you, or this would all backfire, and you would still be in the same spot you were before. The plan was a win-win, only because the second win meant you lost nothing. “What’s the plan then, Ghost?” Lucas questions with a smirk, furthering anger Shader, who seemed to despise either of you mentioning the street name. “Simple enough, we head toward the house where the gem is. Lucas, you’ll be the distraction, like always. $name will be the lookout, you’ll watch for guards and to give Lucas the signal, so you need to have a fairly good vantage point. And I’ll steal the gem. Nothing difficult, we’ve done this plenty of times.” Both you and Lucas nod, though when you gaze at one another, it’s easy to see how troublesome this mission was going to soon become. [[Continue->Next12][$rowan = true]]
Following behind Shader, you dart down alleyways and hide in the shadowy corners of buildings. You climb up houses and jump from rooftop to rooftop. It was time. <<if $rowan>>\ Shader takes a single step out of the alley when a figure swiftly appears, their hands curled around Shader’s shirt as they push him into a nearby wall. You hear multiple people chuckle behind him, Rowan’s gang. “Look at the filth I caught,” Rowan smirks, his grip tightening as Shader stares dagger at him, “you tryna steal from our spot?” “No one even knew you were here, Rowan. Get off me,” Shader growls, pushing him back, but Rowan doesn’t budge. He opens his mouth to say something when his eyes flicker over to you and Lucas. As if he didn’t exist, Rowan releases Shader and swaggers over to you, his eyes sweeping over your body like you were a rare and beautiful jewel. Rowan grabs something from his pocket and tosses it in the air, you take note, hypnotized by the golden pocket watch that now rests in his clutches. The sun striking it and causing it to shine brighter than anything you’ve ever seen. “Do you know what I could buy with the coin I get from this?” he purrs, his finger lightly trails down your jaw and comes to rest on your chin, “anything your heart wants.” He leans in closer to say more when his body goes hurling into the wall. “Touch ?him again, and I’ll break your fingers,” Shader shouts, far angrier than what you suspect. You give Lucas a sidelong glance, noticing that he was at odds with himself on what to do. [[Break whatever is about to happen up.]] [[Take a step back and watch this unfold.]] <<else>>\ You had tipped off the guard about where Shader, or Ghost, would be. He should appear at any minute, ready to arrest him. He would get close, but he wouldn’t succeed, that much you knew. Either you and Lucas would stop him, or Shader would find a way to undermine him and get free. You just needed to wait. Though not for long. Shader takes a single step out of the alley when a figure suddenly appears, their hands curled around Shader’s arm as they jerk him forward. The guard pauses when he sees the rest of you, his eyes wild as he tries to figure out which one of you was Ghost. “Ghost,” he barks, “give him to me, and I’ll let the rest of you go.” The guard doesn’t see it, but you can see the darkness swarm in Shader’s eyes, his eyes lowering to where the man has him in his grasp. “Now!” the guard shouts. [[Take him on.]] [[Say I’m Ghost.]] <</if>>\
“How about you both quit it. We’ll go one way, Rowan, you and your group, can go the other.” Rowan dismisses you with a roll of his eyes, his attention still on Shader, whose focus is on you. There’s a soft look existing in his eye, the meaning behind it though, unknown. Rowan, to walk away as the victor of this, squeezes your shoulder. “Whatever you want, beautiful.” The softness in Shader’s eyes is burned away by both his words and the fact that he did indeed touch you again. He moves to retaliate, but you’re stopping him, your arms out, and holding him back as he stares wildly at a retreating Rowan. Once Rowan is gone, Shader moves away from you and shouts, picking up a brick and launching it at a wall. “No need to destroy architecture,” Lucas groans, but sends you a small smile, “we were doing something before we were rudely interrupted, were we not?” It takes a few more minutes for Shader to calm down, and once he’s ready to move, he’s still fuming. [[Continue->Next13]]
You take two steps back and look between the two boys, ready to see what would happen. Lucas appears at your side and leans in, speaking under his breath, “you sure it’s a good idea not to intervene?” “Two guys fighting over you, would you interrupt?” you question. Lucas looks ready to argue but concedes to the point you make, pouting. “Alright,” Rowan laughs and then holds out his hand, “then do it.” A war is fought on Shader’s face, one full of fear and want. He stands frozen, his eyes on Rowan’s outstretched hand. A few seconds tick by before Shader hangs his head, biting his cheek as Rowan laughs. “See, I thought so,” Rowan stands behind me, his hands on my shoulders as he glares at Shader before he looks at me. “If you’re looking at him for protection, then I would try somewhere else, someone who actually can give it to you.” You glance over at a raging Shader, watching as his fists curl up more and more. He moves to retaliate, but you’re stopping him, your arms out, and holding him back as he stares wildly at a retreating Rowan. Once Rowan is gone, Shader moves away from you and shouts, picking up a brick and launching it at a wall. “No need to destroy architecture,” Lucas groans, but sends you a small smile, “we were doing something before we were rudely interrupted, were we not?” It takes a few more minutes for Shader to calm down, and once he’s ready to move, he’s still fuming. [[Continue->Next13]]
You peer over at Lucas, who nods imperceptibly. Shader notices and blinks twice, one of the cues you had agreed upon a long time ago. As soon as Shader agrees with your silent plan, you count to five. As soon as you say five, you rush forward at the same time as Lucas. The man appears shocked, his free hand going towards his sheathed sword, but Shader trips him and relinquishes his hold on him. You deliver a palm attack to his face while Lucas sends all the force behind his punch into his stomach. He groans in agony, and the three of you dart off. You run down the streets, making sure to stay in the area because of the target, but keep a low profile so that the guard doesn’t find you. It takes a few minutes for him to lose track of you, a few more for him to give up entirely, and scream at no one in particular for his own incompetence. As soon as he leaves, the three of you leave your hiding place and regroup. Lucas seems excited, but Shader was the opposite, he grumbles and curses underneath his breath, looking ready to light something on fire. You touch his shoulder and notice him visibly calm down, his eyes wide as he looks at you. “It’s fine. We got out of there, and we’re back to the mission, let’s go.” Shader nods. [[Continue->Next13]]
You clear your throat and take a step forward. “What are you doing?” Lucas growls. “I’m –,” you begin but are unable to finish. Well, you could finish if that was what you wanted. But you choose not to when you see Shader twist his arm, inevitably twisting the man’s arm and causing the guard to release him. Shader kicks out his legs and then pins him down on the ground. He applies pressure to part of the man’s neck, causing him to fall unconscious. It was all quick and relatively painless, but then Shader glances up at you in anger. “What the hell were you about to do?” “He saw your face,” you growl back, “I wasn’t about to let him think that you were Ghost.” “Who cares?” he shouts, “now he thinks it’s you. If he remembers what you look like, he’ll tell all his buddies, and you’ll have to watch your back every time you go out.” “I have to watch my back anyway,” you shrug. Shader seems like he wasn’t ready to stop arguing just yet, but Lucas stops him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Does it matter? He’s unconscious, and we have a gem to grab.” Shader doesn’t seem happy about abandoning the argument, but he concedes, nodding. [[Continue->Next13]]
You continue on, reaching the house and taking your positions. Lucas draws the woman and her husband out of the house, frantically asking them for help. He tells them that his family was mugged, and though the couple seems sympathetic to his words, they also look unbothered. You hear them go into a long-winded speech about the orphan thieves and how dastardly they all were. You applaud Lucas from your current spot, his face was as terrified as ever as if hearing about such ruffians caused him to want to pee himself. You’re so into Lucas’s acting that you hardly notice Shader trying to catch your attention. He gives you the signal to tell Lucas to stop, and he retreats. You make a bird-like whistle, Lucas thanking the couple before joining you. “Think it worked?” he asks when he makes it to your side. “Which part? Getting him pissed off or the gang actually coming by to steal the gem?” “Both.” You turn the corner into a nearby alley just in time to see one of Shader’s fireballs fizzle out as it makes contact with the ground. He shouts, looking ready to pull out his hair. “I’m guessing something happened that you weren’t prepared for?” Lucas questions. “The gem was gone! Who the hell got here before me?” he yells, kicking the building and then whimpering in pain. [[Go to him.][$sub +=1]] [[Stay where I am.][$dom +=1]] [[Question him.][$switch +=1]]
You go to his side, cautiously placing your hand on his back for comfort. At the touch of you, he stiffens and moves away, hiding his face from you in shame. The action, whether you admit it or not, hurts a piece of you. It wasn’t an action you weren’t used to, he typically distanced himself when he was hurting. But at that moment, it just seemed to dig far deeper than usual. “It’s just one gem,” you point out, “they’ll be more of them, and we’ll take them for ourselves just like we always do.” “That gem was,” he trails off, his eyes landing on you, crinkling as they take you in. His head drops, and he shakes it in defeat, “that gem was my one way.” “Your one way what?” Lucas questions, his back stiffening, “your one way out of here?” “No,” Shader immediately says, wincing as if the accusation was physical, “it … I wanted to …” He clears his throat and does his best to make it seem like it was all in the past, “it doesn’t matter. It’s gone.” Shader moves to go, Lucas’s eyes widening as they meet yours. “Hey, Shader,” Lucas shouts, stopping the boy, “how about we go find it then. Or something better?” [[Continue->Next14]]
You stay where you are, gazing at Shader as he continues his miniature temper tantrum. Lucas, realizing that you weren’t about to be of any help, takes a step towards him. “Come on, Shader, there are other jewels out there.” “You don’t understand,” he shouts, throwing another fireball carelessly. Thankfully, the buildings in this area were all made out of crusty old brick and, therefore, not readily flammable. “That gem was,” he trails off, his eyes landing on you, crinkling as they take you in. His head drops, and he shakes it in defeat, “that gem was my one way.” “Your one way what?” Lucas questions, his back stiffening, “your one way out of here?” “No,” Shader immediately says, wincing as if the accusation was physical, “it … I wanted to …” He clears his throat and does his best to make it seem like it was all in the past, “it doesn’t matter. It’s gone.” Shader moves to go, Lucas’s eyes widening as they meet yours. “Hey, Shader,” Lucas shouts, stopping the boy, “how about we go find it then. Or something better?” [[Continue->Next14]]
“What was so important about that gem anyway? They’ll be more of them,” you point out, Lucas nodding. “You both don’t understand,” he shouts, throwing another fireball carelessly. Thankfully, the buildings in this area were all made out of crusty old brick and, therefore, not readily flammable. “That gem was,” he trails off, his eyes landing on you, crinkling as they take you in. His head drops, and he shakes it in defeat, “that gem was my one way.” “Your one way what?” Lucas questions, his back stiffening, “your one way out of here?” “No,” Shader immediately says, wincing as if the accusation was physical, “it … I wanted to …” He clears his throat and does his best to make it seem like it was all in the past, “it doesn’t matter. It’s gone.” Shader moves to go, Lucas’s eyes widening as they meet yours. “Hey, Shader,” Lucas shouts, stopping the boy, “how about we go find it then. Or something better?” [[Continue->Next14]]
“No, like I said, it doesn’t matter.” “Well, today was a disappoint beyond anything else,” you say next, moving in to begin the final piece of the plan, “I’m going to go get drunk at the Painted Wyvern, anyone up for coming along?” Shader weakly raises his hand, and Lucas scoffs. “No, thank you. I have … other ways of putting a smile on this face. Today his name is Jacob.” With that, Lucas leaves you, and with Shader by your side, the two of you walk towards the Painted Wyvern. Your heart thumps with every step. Was this it? Was this night going to go as you planned, or was it about to be another wasted attempt? You glance over at Shader, his gaze on the ground, and his hands stuffed into his pockets. He looks defeated. You can’t help but wonder if maybe all of this just wasn’t meant to be. Perhaps in another life, you were the one meant for him. That perhaps all you had to do was offer him a smile and some positive words to pick his mood back up. Maybe you were the shoulder he cried on and told all of his secrets to, you were the one he trusted. If that much was true, then you were jealous of the other you. They seem to have it easy, to put it mildly. [[Continue->Next15]]
<<silently>> <<audio "theme" fadeout>> <<audio "tavern" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.50>> <</silently>> The Painted Wyvern tavern was experiencing a slow day, or at least for the moment, it seemed that way. The popular destination for all of the outcasts that, for some reason, called Thorncliff home. Despite its rough appearance, it was a safe haven. And no guard, not even the captain, was crazy enough to grace the place with their presence out of fear that they’ll be shanked. The gangs who had issues with one another left it at the door, giving each other a wide berth inside. The place was shady, that much was to be expected, underhanded deals went down, and once faithful people were made cheaters. And yet, all of you were oddly protective of the establishment. With Shader close at your side, the two of you approach the bar counter and take a seat, hearing the hearty laugh of the barkeep as he approaches. “If it isn’t my two favorite miscreants,” the muscular man says, leaning forward on his forearms to be on you and Shader’s level. “Hey, Tree,” you greet with a relaxed smile. “How’s Mariatta doing? She ready to accept my proposal yet?” [[Continue->Next16]]
“One of the jobs ended up failing, horribly,” you tell him, and he hums in understanding. All Shader hears is a hum, but you watch as Tree gives you a pointed look and then looks at Shader, mimicking him hugging someone. Sometimes you hated that everyone knew how you felt about Shader. You clear your throat, causing him to stop and grin sheepishly. “A pitcher, Tree, please.” “Sure, but I’m not allowing this one to get drunk, it took me ages to replace the roof,” Tree grunts. Shader picks his head up, “come on, that was one measly fireball.” “And the roof is wooden.” “Well, who told you to go and make a stupid decision like that?” Tree grumbles, pointing his thumb in Shader’s direction, but looking at you, “I expect you to keep an eye on this one.” You say nothing as Tree walks off to get you what you ordered. Once he delivers it, the two of you find a quiet table out of sight and begin drinking. [[Take it slow.]] [[Cheers!]]
“Can we get a pitcher, Tree?” “Sure, but I’m not allowing this one to get drunk, it took me ages to replace the roof,” Tree grunts. Shader picks his head up, “come on, that was one measly fireball.” “And the roof is wooden.” “Well, who told you to go and make a stupid decision like that?” Tree grumbles, pointing his thumb in Shader’s direction, but looking at you, “I expect you to keep an eye on this one.” You say nothing as Tree walks off to get you what you ordered. Once he delivers it, the two of you find a quiet table out of sight and begin drinking. [[Take it slow.]] [[Cheers!]]
You take your time, still trying to figure out how you were going to bring this topic up. For now, it was best to let Shader get a few drinks in him. It’ll loosen him up, and he won’t just complain the entire time about how bad the mission went. You pour drink after drink, the conversation starting off terse and desultory before your tongues loosen and your minds wander. You bring up jobs and events that have happened that cause you both to laugh. You speak of your dragons and how you both felt about not being able to see them as much as you would like. You talk about Mariatta and Lucas, about Orphan Row and Thorncliff. But you don’t speak of you, and you don’t speak of him. The conversation flows easily and your laughs grow louder and louder. [[Continue->Next17]]
While Shader was drinking to hopefully forget the day, you were hoping to forget the week, and what you were going to soon do. If you were about to make a fool of yourself, you at least could blame it on the drink, say it was the alcohol or that you had found some strange sense of liquid courage. You pour drink after drink, the conversation starting off terse and desultory before your tongues loosen and your minds wander. You bring up jobs and events that have happened that cause you both to laugh. You speak of your dragons and how you both felt about not being able to see them as much as you would like. You talk about Mariatta and Lucas, about Orphan Row and Thorncliff. But you don’t speak of you, and you don’t speak of him. The conversation flows easily and your laughs grow louder and louder. [[Continue->Next17]]
You roll your eyes, “you know she’s never going to leave the orphanage.” “Yea, and don’t get me wrong, I love you kids … well, some of you. But maybe it’s time she start living for herself, and you guys to encourage her.” “Ugh, don’t make me feel even worse than I already am, Tree,” Shader whimpers, his voice muffled by his sleeve. Tree raises a brow and gives you a look. [[Tell him.]] [[Just order a pitcher.]]
You’re waiting on your next drink, your mind feeling like it was swimming through a warm, intoxicating brew. The music, whether in reality it had or not, seemed to grow immensely, the beat causing small ripples to appear occasionally before disappearing and leaving behind absolute stillness. You glance towards Shader, who happily skips back to you, the liquid in the new pitcher he was bringing over sloshing and escaping its confines. “Stop,” you whine playfully, “you’ll spill all of it.” He doesn’t stop, and with a broad smile, he pours some in his mug and then immediately drinks it, holding his empty cup towards yours. “Cheers to tonight!” You raise a brow. Shader was known to get lost in the drink, but this was different. Most times, he embraced it. Drinking was as natural to him as anything else, which caused you to worry most of the time. But this, this wasn’t lost, this was more of him seeking something. Every drink proved to not hold what he was inquiring for, and so his hunt continued. “What’s tonight?” you ask, tapping his mug with yours. He sets it down and begins to hop from one foot to the other in time with the music that the band was playing. “Tonight? Tonight I decide.” He skips through the crowd, and your eyes widen as you watch him dance with random people. Decide, decide what? [[Stare on in bewilderment.]] [[Keep close to him.]] [[Ask Tree what he put in your drinks.]]
Your jaw drops as you watch Shader, the grumpiest person you know, dance with random strangers. The mood of the tavern turns jovial, everyone laughing and participating as they each grab partners and join in. In just a matter of minutes, Shader had turned the slow-moving bar into a fast pace one, as if a celebration was in order. He dances back to your side, laughing with the most carefree expression you’ve ever seen. “Shader, are you okay?” you question as he dances towards the bar. Tree having to move even quicker now as more and more requests for drinks came. “I am not okay, but isn’t that the point?” He hoists himself onto the counter, his feet thumping against it harshly as he dances in his seated position. “I’m baffled and a tad bit scared.” “Lighten up, $name, isn’t that what you always tell me?” For a minute, you assume that he figured out what you and Lucas did. But then, wouldn’t he be upset? Unless that was why he was acting this way. There was a good chance he knew, but an even better one that he didn’t. It was half in half. Usually, that would make you feel somewhat okay about it, but you were worried. This entire night would go up in flames, literally, if he had found out. But then, that was if he was upset about it. Your thinking is interrupted by Shader and his hand. You glance at him to see that he was now standing on the bar, a mug in one hand, and his other outstretched towards you. [[Continue->Next18]]
With worry guiding your actions, you keep close to Shader’s departing figure. He moves through the crowd, and you do as well, being pulled into a few dances against your will before you finally catch up to him at the bar. He has hoisted himself up, begging Tree to pour him another. With a sigh and a lost look in your direction, Tree does as he is asked. “Shader, I really don’t think another drink is a good idea. Are you okay?” you question, wanting to pry the drink from his hands, but knowing that it’ll probably just spill all over you. “I am not okay, but isn’t that the point?” “I’m baffled and a tad bit scared.” “Lighten up, $name, isn’t that what you always tell me?” For a minute, you assume that he figured out what you and Lucas did. But then, wouldn’t he be upset? You’re unable to think more about it as Shader thrusts his hand in front of your face. [[Continue->Next18]]
You weave your way through the dancing crowd until you reach Tree, “what did you put in our drinks if I may ask?” “Don’t worry, I’ve been asking myself the same thing. I had to taste the stuff I was giving to the two of you. Thought it didn’t ferment right or something. You sure you didn’t do anything?” “I did nothing. I’m as shocked as you. I’m beginning to think that he’s planning on doing something, he said tonight is when he decides.” “Well, I can’t say I’m going to stop him,” you throw Tree a desperate look, and he shrugs. “Tree!” Shader shouts, hopping up onto the bar. You notice that there was plenty of room, but he chooses to plop down right in front of you, now being captured between his legs as he swings them. You blush, keeping your eyes on Tree, whose attention is on Shader. “Another one, my good sir.” Tree looks ready to decline, but Shader laughs, “I have a pouch of coin with your name on it.” “And that’s all you need to say.” He fills up another and hands it to Shader before turning his attention to some of the other patrons who now wish to embrace the atmosphere that Shader created. [[Continue->AskTree1]]
<<link [img[images/dancewithme.jpg]] >><</link>> “Dance with me?” You gaze from his hand to his bashful face, a red blush claiming its place upon his cheeks. You don’t know what’s wrong with him, but something tells you that a chance like this won’t ever arise again. [[Get up there with him.]] [[Tell him you’ll dance with him on the floor.]]
“Shader, are you okay?” you question, still very much aware of where you stand. Thankfully, or perhaps not so thankfully, Shader hops up onto the counter, dancing back and forth. “I am not okay, but isn’t that the point?” “I’m baffled and a tad bit scared.” “Lighten up, $name, isn’t that what you always tell me?” For a minute, you assume that he figured out what you and Lucas did. But then, wouldn’t he be upset? You’re unable to think more about it as Shader thrusts his hand in front of your face. [[Continue->Next18]]
You grab his hand, and somehow he manages to help you up onto the bar without losing his own balance. Was he as drunk as you thought he was? Noticing your new station, the musicians begin to play a much livelier beat, one whose dance you and Shader both knew. The Thorncliff nobles had their jigs, but so did you peasant folk, and yours was much more fun. In what you would call perfect rhythm, you and Shader perform the dance. Every beat in sync and every step was taken at the same time. The rhythm of the music was your guide, and both of you were willing to follow it anywhere. All of the bouncing suddenly gets the better of you, your body reminding you that despite what Shader might be feeling, you were quite tipsy. You lurch to the side into Shader, but his hands are there to steady you. He pulls you close as the two of you attain your balance once again. Despite almost causing both of you to go tumbling down, you find yourself laughing. Your chest hurting as the noise around you grows and grows. You open your eyes, taking note of the hands that are still wrapped around your body. You’re shocked to see Shader’s face as close as it was. The moment freezes, everything slows, until you realize that only the two of you now existed in this paramount moment. You were in his arms, his grip not loosening around you. He was right there, his face so close, his lips screaming at you to capture them with yours. The only music you can hear is the soft melody of your own heart, yearning for something you were still too sober to grasp. [[Kiss him.][$kisshim = true; $bartop = true]] [[Pull back.]]
You trust that the bar will hold you, but don’t believe that Shader’s drunkenness will keep him up there. “I’ll dance with you down here,” you say with a hopeful smile, and he doesn’t argue. He drinks everything in the mug before coming down, grabbing your hand, and pulling you towards an area where you have more room. The band begins to play a much livelier beat, one whose dance you and Shader both knew. The Thorncliff nobles had their jigs, but so did you peasant folk, and yours was much more fun. In what you would call perfect rhythm, you and Shader perform the dance. Every beat in sync and every step was taken at the same time. The rhythm of the music was your guide, and both of you were willing to follow it anywhere. All of the bouncing suddenly gets the better of you, your body reminding you that despite what Shader might be feeling, you were quite tipsy. You lurch forward into Shader, but his hands are there to steady you. He pulls you close as the two of you attain your balance once again. Despite almost causing both of you to go tumbling down, you find yourself laughing. Your chest hurting as the noise around you grows and grows. [[Continue->Floor1]]
<<silently>> <<audio "tavern" fadeout>> <<audio "kiss" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.70>> <</silently>> To hell with it. You surge forward, and his lips touch yours, both of you are swept up in shock and unknown territory. Your heart screams, your pulse races. He tasted like the best kind of whiskey, warm and unnaturally easy to swallow. The taste and feel of him overpowering every sense you have. You believe he’s going to pull back, practically expect him too. <<if $bartop>>The two of you were standing on top of a bar, sharing your first kiss.<<else>>The two of you were surrounded by strangers, sharing your first kiss.<</if>> You’ve thought about it, of course, many times, in fact. And not one of those times did you picture this being the setting, the atmosphere, the feeling. Despite the strange circumstance, you couldn’t ask for anything better. Shader practically devours you, treating you like you were his first taste of water after days without. Your lips were his salvation, and every second he spent kissing you was him paying his penance. He yanks you closer and closer, refusing to believe that he can’t pull you any closer than you already were. You were drunk alright because there was no way you were kissing Shader Ausley. [[Continue->Kiss1]]
<<silently>> <<audio "tavern" fadeout>> <<audio "restraint" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.70>> <</silently>> And like you said to yourself moments before, too sober to grasp. This isn’t how you wanted your first kiss to go, a possible mistake or regret. The thought causes your heart to lurch viciously, the idea of Shader feeling regret over kissing you. No, it wasn’t something you wanted. You pull back and cover up everything with an embarrassed smile. “Guess I’m drunker than I thought, huh?” you question, but Shader doesn’t move, the intense look in his eye never wavering. “$name … I,” he raises his hand, and you can feel the ghost of his touch along your jaw. You suck in a breath as your needs grow, the heat radiating off of him, pushing you more towards a place of regret. Despite your entire being screaming at you, you catch his hand and lower it. “It’s okay, you’re drunk. You’ll forget this tomorrow.” Hopefully, you both would. He chuckles and nervously glares at the ground, “no, I wish I was, though, or at least drunker than I am now. If I was as drunk as I wanted to be, then I would’ve asked you already. A part of me wouldn’t be screaming to stop and leave.” You stay quiet, and he picks his gaze up to look at you. [[Continue->PB1]]
<<silently>> <<if $kisshim>>\ <<audio "kiss" fadeout>> <<else>>\ <<audio "restraint" fadeout>> <</if>>\ <<audio "theme" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.50>> <</silently>> <<if $kisshim>>\ “So, let me get this straight,” Lucas interrupts, causing you to stop short to avoid running into him. “You got drunk, <<if $bartop>>you danced on top of the bar<<else>>you danced together<</if>>, and then you kissed him? You, $name, kissed Shader?” You nod. “Oh my gosh, so it worked. Our plan worked! I mean, kinda. He totally didn’t come home last night, but he kissed you back!” Lucas shakes his head, “he kissed you. That’s all that matters. He kissed you!” He shouts it to the heavens like it was news that everyone needed to hear. <<else>>\ “So, let me get this straight,” Lucas interrupts, causing you to stop short to avoid running into him. “You got drunk, <<if $bartop>>you danced on top of the bar<<else>>you danced together<</if>>, you were about to kiss him, didn’t and instead he told you how he felt, how he really felt?” You nod. “Oh my gosh, so it worked. Our plan worked! I mean, kinda. He totally didn’t come home last night, but he admitted it!” Lucas shakes his head, “he admitted his feelings for you. That’s all that matters. He spoke it into existence!” He shouts it to the heavens like it was news that everyone needed to hear. “Yes, the plan worked, but Shader’s gone, and we have no idea where he’s at.” <</if>>\ “Oh, I have a few ideas, but I can’t just stop what I’m doing to go and look for him.” You glare at him, unimpressed, “and why not?” “Well, not right at this moment. I have to do this favor someone asked of me first. Otherwise, I’ll have one too many gang members breathing down my neck and trying to call it justice.” [[Help him.][$marked +=1]] [[Go do my own thing.][$thief +=1]] [[Attempt to find Shader myself.][$lucky +=1]]
“I’m sorry, for … everything. For pushing you away when you only want to help, or shouting at you when you’re only trying to have my back, for not trusting you or for saying the cruelest things because I think that’s the best option. I want you to hate me. I want you to just get up and not come back, but I don’t? I don’t,” he stops and blinks, and though no tears fall, his eyes grow considerably watery. “Shader, what are you saying?” you ask breathlessly. He stares at you in yearning, both hands lightly grabbing both sides of your face, “it’s just a matter of time before you’re taken away from me. Before something happens.” “Why would I be taken away from you?” “Because something always happens. There’s not a single thing in this world that hasn’t been, and I … I don’t think I can live with myself if something happens to you. Or if I do or say something to push you away for good. I tell myself to do it now, do it while I’m aware of it because it’ll hurt less. But that’s stupid thinking, and yet, I do it.” He hangs his head, his body shaking as he tries to get a handle on his emotions. “What I’m saying, $name, is that if you’re going to leave. Please, for the love of the Divines, do it now. Because I won’t be able to handle it if you do it later?” Your mind is hitting on every point at once, refusing to calm down and focus on one thing. Where did this come from? Why now? Is this what he was speaking about earlier? Was this why he decided to get drunk the way he did, he needed just as much courage as you did? [[Continue->PB2]]
<<if $bartop>>\ You’re unable to answer when someone clears their throat behind you, and you jump apart, both of you gazing down at a smiling Tree. “Trust me when I say that I’m happy to see progress. Just not on my bartop.” With a wild blush, the two of you scramble down. You look at Shader, and he looks back at you, both of you at a loss for words. <<else>>\ You’re jostled by someone caught up in dancing, almost stumbling, but Shader again is able to right you. The two of you find yourself staring at each other, both of your minds recounting what he had just said. <</if>>\ Shader takes a step closer to you when his face falls, his entire demeanor comes crashing down. “I’ll see you later. I just, I need to think.” You don’t go after him, your mind agreeing with his words. You stand there, the music continuing, but your spirit no longer following it. [[The Next Day...->Next19]]
You open your eyes, taking note of the hands that are still wrapped around your body. You’re shocked to see Shader’s face as close as it was. The moment freezes, everything slows, until you realize that only the two of you now existed in this paramount moment. You were in his arms, his grip not loosening around you. He was right there, his face so close, his lips screaming at you to capture them with yours. The only music you can hear is the soft melody of your own heart, yearning for something you were still too sober to grasp. [[Kiss him.][$kisshim = true; $bartop = true]] [[Pull back.]]
<<if $bartop>>\ Someone clears their throat behind you, and you jump apart, both of you gazing down at a smiling Tree. “Trust me when I say that I’m happy to see this. Just not on my bartop.” With a wild blush, the two of you scramble down. You look at Shader, and he looks back at you, both of you at a loss for words. <<else>>\ You’re jostled by someone caught up in dancing, almost stumbling, but Shader again is able to right you. With the kiss ended, the two of you find yourself staring at each other, realizing what had just happened. <</if>>\ Shader takes a step closer to you when his face falls, his entire demeanor comes crashing down. He takes a step back, and then another. “Fuck! Fuck!” he whispers to himself, “fuck, I messed up!” He shakes his head, and before you can process what’s going on he bolts. Leaving your body and mind in a stupor, and your heart screaming. [[The Next Day...->Next19]]
“I have nothing better to do, and I’d rather not stew in my own thoughts about Shader and where he might be. So, I’ll accompany you.” “I’m good with that, I want to know everything about what happened anyway.” You nod your head, less than surprised by what Lucas says. You walk through the town with him, telling him everything you remember about last night, pausing at times to answer questions or to discuss further about something that happened. Lucas is more than astonished to learn about Shader’s dancing, especially since you both thought you knew all of his drinking habits. After Lucas completes his errands, he leaves your side, promising to find you if he hears anything about Shader or his whereabouts. Without an ear to listen, and a voice to periodically interrupt you, you are left with your thoughts and all the storm clouds that come with them. [[Continue->Next20]]
“Understood, there’s a potential mark I want to check out anyway,” you tell him, stopping in your tracks since the area was the opposite way. “What kind of mark?” Lucas questions, not entirely that curious but asking regardless. “One that’s new to power and money, so they don’t really know how to handle it all just yet.” “An easy target,” Lucas smirks, “but also really dangerous in the long run.” “Which is why I said potential. I’ll see how smart or stupid he is. You’ll tell me if you hear anything from or about Shader, right?” “Of course.” With that said, you go your separate ways. You track your target and watch him for sometime before deciding that you’ll need to either make a move soon or wait longer. He seems foolish enough, but you were a seasoned enough thief to know that that wasn’t always the best cue to go off of. He could be acting aloof, or he could still be getting used to everything, and a thief’s worst enemy was a fast learner. But that’s not the only issue you have. You find focusing hard when your mind continually drifts back to Shader. Shader and everything that had taken place last night. [[Continue->Next20]]
“It’s fine, I’m going to start looking for him now.” “You sure that’s the smartest thing to do?” Lucas asks, cocking his head slightly to the side, “Shader values being alone on an average day, I can’t even begin to picture how much he would cherish it after the night you two had.” “True. But we both know that Shader has a thing for overthinking, and that’s the last thing I need right now. Better to find him and force a conversation before he can retreat too far within himself.” “Well, good luck to you. If I hear anything before you, I’ll attempt to find you to tell you.” With a nod of thanks and a farewell, the two of you go your separate ways. You start your search for Shader in the obvious places, Orphan Row, and the roof that the three of you typically hang out. You go by the Painted Wyvern and then to some of Shader’s more reclusive spots, including the market. You find him nowhere, not even in the places you know he usually withdraws to when he wants to think. As you go, all you can think of is the events of last night. They race through your mind with no signs of stopping or slowing down. [[Continue->Next20]]
<<if $kisshim>>\ You think about his lips gracing yours, the immediate hunger as the both of you devoured the other. No one had taken charge, and possibly that’s why the kiss was so chaotic. Or maybe that was you making excuses for no reason. The kiss was chaotic because two souls were finally released to finally do so. You knew how long you’ve wanted to hold Shader, how much you’ve desired to claim his lips, and taste him. But how long has he been craving it? That kiss made it seem like he’s been wanting it for about as long as you, possibly even longer. At that moment, whether charged by a buzz in the head and a tingle on the edge of the tongue or not, you had wanted so much all at once. You wanted Shader’s feelings, his being, his body, and his soul. You wanted everything that made Shader, Shader. And you were ready to deal with both the flaws and the perfections. You wanted him, all of him, every piece. In a way … you still did. That kiss had awakened something inside of you, something that you feared had the opposite effect on Shader. <<else>>\ You think about his body so close to yours, the need and want clear in his eyes, and the words that were coming out of his mouth. Everything he said rushed through your mind, causing your core to warm but your body to shiver. Hearing him say how much he needed you, cared for you, it awakened something entirely different. At that moment, whether charged by a buzz in the head and a tingle on the edge of the tongue or not, you had wanted so much all at once. You wanted Shader’s feelings, his being, his body, and his soul. You wanted everything that made Shader, Shader. And you were ready to deal with both the flaws and the perfections. You wanted him, all of him, every piece. In a way … you still did. His words had your mind thinking up scenarios and worlds that were far from your reality. Worlds where the two of you were growing old together or going on your first date. Worlds that existed for another version of you, but you desperately wished for. Maybe … just maybe, you can have it. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Next21]]
<<if $kisshim>>\ You meet back up with Lucas later, a broad smile on his face. “Either you found yourself a new beau, or you have information on Shader.” It was apparent which you cared more for. “I’m not one hundred percent sure since I didn’t go that way to check. But I think he might be in this old hideout that the two of us used to use before Rowan went after him.” “Why didn’t I know anything about this?” you inquire with a suspicious brow. Lucas shrugs, “I didn’t trust you.” Made sense. He probably had to twist Shader’s arm for him to keep quiet about it and not include you. Lucas gives you the directions, and you set off, hoping that Shader was present or else you would be back at square one. [[Continue->KH1]] <<else>>\ You’re leaving the market when you see him for the first time that day. He seems to have been waiting on you, propped against the wall with his gaze on the dirt ground. As you approach, he glances up, unsurprised to see you. Neither of you says anything, both of you gazing at one another, waiting for the other to say something. “We should talk,” he says, sighing and motioning for you to follow behind him. [[“You’re right, we do.”][$dom +=1]] [[“About what?”][$switch +=1]] [[Silently follow behind him.][$sub +=1]] <</if>>\
“What happened yesterday?” you begin, “you bolted before any of us could,” you trail off as you try to figure out the right words to say. “Before either of us could figure out what had happened.” “I know what happened,” he growls, “a mistake is what happened.” “Ah, yes,” you chuckle, “that’s what anyone wants to hear regarding their first kiss.” “Don’t!” Shader shouts, pressing his pointer finger into your chest, “don’t say it.” “You’re being childish.” “I don’t care. That shouldn’t have ever happened.” “But it did!” you say, anger mounting, “you can’t just take it back.” “Leave, $name,” he tells you tiredly. [[Continue->WH1]]
“We need to talk,” you begin, “about what happened last night, that kiss.” “Don’t!” Shader shouts, pressing his pointer finger into your chest, “don’t say it.” “You’re being childish.” “I don’t care. That shouldn’t have ever happened.” “But it did!” you say, anger mounting, “you can’t just take it back.” “Leave, $name,” he tells you tiredly. “No, not until we talk about this. You said you weren’t that drunk, and though I suppose your memory is all of a sudden faulty, you kissed me back.” “It was a mistake,” he repeats, running his hands through his hair and then down his face. [[“It wasn’t for me!”]] [[“What else is a mistake?”]] [[“Why am I surprised?”]]
“Shader … I …” you struggle to find the right words to describe how you feel. You can already tell that he regretted everything, but you didn’t. No matter how much you tell yourself that it shouldn’t have happened, you don’t regret doing it. And whether or not he would admit it, he kissed you back. “That kiss.” “Don’t!” Shader shouts, pressing his pointer finger into your chest, “don’t say it.” “You’re being childish.” “I don’t care. That shouldn’t have ever happened.” “But it did!” you say, anger mounting, “you can’t just take it back.” “Leave, $name,” he tells you tiredly. “No, not until we talk about this. You said you weren’t that drunk, and though I suppose your memory is all of a sudden faulty, you kissed me back.” “It was a mistake,” he repeats, running his hands through his hair and then down his face. [[“It wasn’t for me!”]] [[“What else is a mistake?”]] [[“Why am I surprised?”]]
“Well, it wasn’t for me!” you shout back, your body trembling as the words escape through your lips. Shader seems taken back, waiting for you to continue. “You keep saying that everything was a mistake, but do you ever stop and think about what that means? What was a mistake? You kissing me, having feelings for me, knowing me?” You continue to ask him when he slams his body into you, his lips claiming yours for the second time. The kiss isn’t the same, in a way, it’s much more forceful and probing. Before it was desperate and needy, a kiss that had been longing to free itself from its confines. This one wasn’t a mess, but you wouldn’t describe it as calculating either. It more so reminded you of someone trying to figure something out, searching for an answer with your mouth being the hiding spot and Shader’s tongue, the seeker. His hands grip your arms, and his body heat causes your senses to heighten until something else takes over, something that cuts your common sense off. You knew it as desire. <<if $dom > $sub>>\ <<if $dom > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneDom]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\ <<elseif $sub > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneSub]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\
“What else is a mistake, huh Shader? It seems like no matter what happens, as long as it’s between us, it’s a mistake.” He stiffens, but he doesn’t stop you, allowing you to continue. “Meeting me, was that a mistake? Letting me get close enough and trusting me, that a mistake too? In fact, what isn’t a mistake? Because it seems like no matter what I do, what I try, it’s all a mistake. And it definitely gets tiring. I’m –” You’re unable to finish as he slams his body into you, his lips claiming yours for the second time. The kiss isn’t the same, in a way, it’s much more forceful and probing. Before it was desperate and needy, a kiss that had been longing to free itself from its confines. This one wasn’t a mess, but you wouldn’t describe it as calculating either. It more so reminded you of someone trying to figure something out, searching for an answer with your mouth being the hiding spot and Shader’s tongue, the seeker. His hands grip your arms, and his body heat causes your senses to heighten until something else takes over, something that cuts your common sense off. You knew it as desire. <<if $dom > $sub>>\ <<if $dom > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneDom]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\ <<elseif $sub > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneSub]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\
“Why am I surprised? Something happens, and you instantly regret it, like always. I don’t know who you’re punishing more, you or me.” Shader stiffens but allows you to continue without interrupting. “For once, can you just be real with me? Tell me what you want. Do you want me to leave or go? To stop talking to you because I can definitely –.” You’re unable to finish as he slams his body into you, his lips claiming yours for the second time. The kiss isn’t the same, in a way, it’s much more forceful and probing. Before it was desperate and needy, a kiss that had been longing to free itself from its confines. This one wasn’t a mess, but you wouldn’t describe it as calculating either. It more so reminded you of someone trying to figure something out, searching for an answer with your mouth being the hiding spot and Shader’s tongue, the seeker. His hands grip your arms, and his body heat causes your senses to heighten until something else takes over, something that cuts your common sense off. You knew it as desire. <<if $dom > $sub>>\ <<if $dom > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneDom]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\ <<elseif $sub > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneSub]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\
<<silently>> <<audio "theme" fadeout>> <<audio "moments" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.50>> <</silently>> <<if $kisshim>>\ In one swift move, you grab him by the shirt and turn so that his back was now against the wall, and you were pressed up against him. <<else>>\ You surge forward and meet his lips, only realizing later that your actions were perhaps, ill-advised. And yet, when you try and take a step back, Shader doesn’t allow it. His hands curl up in your shirt as he keeps you right where you are, your lips meeting, and your tongue demanding entrance. He gives it, and you explore, regaining control as you stop worrying about your actions and just live in the moment. You move away for only a minute, smirking at the near-silent whimper that leaves his lips. You do so to only shift the two of you, his back now against the wall as you press your body close. <</if>>\ Your lips meet his again as your hands begin to wander, exploring Shader’s body. Taking in every dip and every crevice that meant a deep scar was present. You slowly raise his shirt, wondering if he would stop you. When he doesn’t, your hands crawl up his stomach, and you feel him pause his frantic actions to shudder at your touch. “You just gonna tease me this entire time?” he questions, biting his lip as he looks you in the eye. You take a step closer so that you were almost towering over him, your forehead inches from his. “I’m going to do whatever I want,” you smirk, and his eyes widen, “you made me wait this long, seems only fair that I return the courtesy.” He shivers again, but this time it’s because of where you choose to move your lips. You lightly nip and suck at his neck as your hands continue their journey. You were determined to explore every inch of him. To mark him as yours and since he seemed so willing, you didn’t want him to leave this place ever doubting how you felt about him again. <<if $kisshim>>\ Along with your hands, your attention shifts lower and lower. Low enough to where you hear Shader gasp and squirm in place. He would move back if it wasn’t for the wall directly behind him. You gaze up in curiosity to see the brightest blush you’ve ever seen on his cheeks. “You don’t have to,” he mumbles, attempting to again move away. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Dom1]]
<<silently>> <<audio "theme" fadeout>> <<audio "moments" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.50>> <</silently>> <<if $kisshim>>\ He presses himself closer to you, one hand keeping you from escaping while the other grabbed your wrists and held them above your head. <<else>>\ He surges forward and meets your lips, only realizing later that his actions were perhaps, ill-advised. And yet, when he stops and attempts to take a step back, you don’t allow it. You bring him right back, exterminating any kind of doubt. His hands curl up in your shirt as he keeps you right where you are, your lips meeting, and his tongue demanding entrance. You give it, and he explores and regains control as you stop worrying about your actions and just live in the moment. He moves away for only a minute, smirking at the near-silent whimper that leaves your lips. He presses himself closer to you, one hand keeping you from escaping while the other grabbed your wrists and held them above your head. <</if>>\ Your lips meet again as his hands begin to wander, exploring your body, taking in every dip and every curve. He raises your shirt, his cold hands causing you to shiver as they travel farther and farther north. [[“Please, Shader.”]] [[“Such a tease.”]]
<<silently>> <<audio "theme" fadeout>> <<audio "moments" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.50>> <</silently>> <<if $kisshim>>\ In one swift move, you grab him by the shirt and turn so that his back was now against the wall, and you were pressed up against him. <<else>>\ You surge forward and meet his lips, only realizing later that your actions were perhaps, ill-advised. And yet, when you try and take a step back, Shader doesn’t allow it. His hands curl up in your shirt as he keeps you right where you are, your lips meeting, and your tongue demanding entrance. He gives it, and you explore, regaining control as you stop worrying about your actions and just live in the moment. You move away for only a minute, smirking at the near-silent whimper that leaves his lips. You do so to only shift the two of you, his back now against the wall as you press your body close. <</if>>\ Your lips meet his again as your hands begin to wander, exploring Shader’s body. Taking in every dip and every crevice that meant a deep scar was present. You slowly raise his shirt, wondering if he would stop you. When he doesn’t, your hands crawl up his stomach, and you feel him pause his frantic actions to shudder at your touch. “You just gonna tease me this entire time?” he questions, biting his lip as he looks you in the eye. You take a step closer so that you were almost towering over him, your forehead inches from his. “I’m going to do whatever I want,” you smirk, and his eyes widen, “you made me wait this long, seems only fair that I return the courtesy.” He shivers again, but this time it’s because of where you choose to move your lips. You lightly nip and suck at his neck as your hands continue their journey. You were determined to explore every inch of him. To mark him as yours and since he seemed so willing, you didn’t want him to leave this place ever doubting how you felt about him again. <<if $kisshim>>\ Before you can go further, he grabs your arms and brings you closer, whispering in your ear, “you have no idea how much I’ve been waiting for this. So trust me when I say that you’ll get whatever you dish out.” “Is that a challenge, Shader?” you smirk with a raised brow. Neither of you seek to answer as your lips crash into one another, both of you fighting for command. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Switch1]]
“You’re right,” you say, stepping up beside him, “we definitely do. You got a place in mind, I’m guessing?” “Yea, come on.” He leads the way, and you follow after him quietly, using this time to think about what he might say. He seems level headed enough, but Shader wasn’t the most stable guy when it came to his emotions. Believing that that was no longer true only because of one night seemed foolish, but it could be possible, right? Or maybe that wasn’t even the point. Perhaps he was just tired, something you have been for some time. You arrive at a rundown cabin, taking note that despite it’s rustic and dilapidated look, it still looked better than any building along Orphan Row. You enter with Shader and take a moment to gaze around. It was barren, a single bed and dresser to the side with a table and an aged appearing oven. Nothing immediately grabs your attention, and so you put it back on Shader. “We need to talk?” you remind him, raising a brow. He nods and waves your words away as if trying to forget about your presence entirely. He sighs a few times, looking to get ready to speak before suddenly stopping and reining the words right back in. Shader turns to you, the two of you standing right in front of each other, only a few feet apart. Was he about to take it all back? Talk about how much he regretted saying what he did and that you should forget last night entirely? Was it even possible to forget? To forget that the boy in front of you shared your feelings, your wants, … your desires? <<if $dom > $sub>>\ <<if $dom > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneDom]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\ <<elseif $sub > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneSub]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\
“About what?” you ask as innocently as possible. It was obvious what this was about to be about, but why not make him sweat some? Shader raises a brow, and then his eyes widen, and a small blush appears on his cheeks, “you … you don’t remember what happened last night, do you?” You raise a brow, handed an intriguing opportunity. You could either behave as if you had no clue what he was referring to and see if he would try and back out. Or, you could just come clean and get this over with. [[Act clueless.]] [[“I was joking.”]]
You say nothing, offering only a subtle nod of the head to tell him that you would follow him. It seems that was all he needed, and he begins leading. He seems level headed enough, but Shader wasn’t the most stable guy when it came to his emotions. Believing that that was no longer true only because of one night seemed foolish, but it could be possible, right? Or maybe that wasn’t even the point. Perhaps he was just tired, something you have been for some time. You arrive at a rundown cabin, taking note that despite it’s rustic and dilapidated look, it still looked better than any building along Orphan Row. You enter with Shader and take a moment to gaze around. It was barren, a single bed and dresser to the side with a table and an aged appearing oven. Nothing immediately grabs your attention, and so you put it back on Shader. “We need to talk?” you remind him, raising a brow. He nods and waves your words away as if trying to forget about your presence entirely. He sighs a few times, looking to get ready to speak before suddenly stopping and reining the words right back in. Shader turns to you, the two of you standing right in front of each other, only a few feet apart. Was he about to take it all back? Talk about how much he regretted saying what he did and that you should forget last night entirely? Was it even possible to forget? To forget that the boy in front of you shared your feelings, your wants, … your desires? <<if $dom > $sub>>\ <<if $dom > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneDom]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\ <<elseif $sub > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneSub]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\
“I remember going to the Painted Wyvern and us dancing, but everything after that is kinda fuzzy.” You shake your head and rub your temples, “please tell me I didn’t do something stupid.” “No. But things were said, maybe talking about it will, I don’t know, remind you. Or if you think hard enough, you’ll remember something. Come on though.” He begins walking, and as you follow, you start going over what might happen. He didn’t back off, he even prompted you to remember. You don’t know how this conversation will go, but you were more than curious. You arrive at a rundown cabin, taking note that despite it’s rustic and dilapidated look, it still looked better than any building along Orphan Row. You enter with Shader and take a moment to gaze around. It was barren, a single bed and dresser to the side with a table and an aged appearing oven. Nothing immediately grabs your attention, and so you put it back on Shader. “We need to talk?” you remind him, raising a brow. He nods and waves your words away as if trying to forget about your presence entirely. He sighs a few times, looking to get ready to speak before suddenly stopping and reining the words right back in. Shader turns to you, the two of you standing right in front of each other, only a few feet apart. Was he about to take it all back? Talk about how much he regretted saying what he did and that you should forget last night entirely? Was it even possible to forget? To forget that the boy in front of you shared your feelings, your wants, … your desires? <<if $dom > $sub>>\ <<if $dom > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneDom]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\ <<elseif $sub > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneSub]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\
You wave his worry away, “I was just joking. Someone has to pick up this heavy mood.” He doesn’t chuckle, he doesn’t even smile. “Come on.” He leads the way and you follow after him quietly, using this time to think about what he might say. He seems serious enough, but Shader wasn’t the most stable guy when it came to his emotions. Believing that that was no longer true only because of one night seemed foolish, but it could be possible, right? Or maybe that wasn’t even the point. Perhaps he was just tired, something you have been for some time. You arrive at a rundown cabin, taking note that despite it’s rustic and dilapidated look, it still looked better than any building along Orphan Row. You enter with Shader and take a moment to gaze around. It was barren, a single bed and dresser to the side with a table and an aged appearing oven. Nothing immediately grabs your attention, and so you put it back on Shader. “We need to talk?” you remind him, raising a brow. He nods and waves your words away as if trying to forget about your presence entirely. He sighs a few times, looking to get ready to speak before suddenly stopping and reining the words right back in. Shader turns to you, the two of you standing right in front of each other, only a few feet apart. Was he about to take it all back? Talk about how much he regretted saying what he did and that you should forget last night entirely? Was it even possible to forget? To forget that the boy in front of you shared your feelings, your wants, … your desires? <<if $dom > $sub>>\ <<if $dom > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneDom]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\ <<elseif $sub > $switch>>\ [[Continue->SceneSub]] <<else>>\ [[Continue->SceneSwitch]] <</if>>\
<<if $kisshim is false>>\ Along with your hands, your attention shifts lower and lower. Low enough to where you hear Shader gasp and squirm in place. He would move back if it wasn’t for the wall directly behind him. You gaze up in curiosity to see the brightest blush you’ve ever seen on his cheeks. “You don’t have to,” he mumbles, attempting to again move away. <</if>>\ <<if $showec>>\ “Hmm, I know,” you chuckle, undoing the buttons and fastenings of his pants, “but I want to so badly.” You hear Shader inhale sharply as you free his bulge, raising a brow at what you’re faced with. Lucas officially owed you coin. A while back, the two of you betted that one of Shader’s reasons was because of his genital size, it was evident that that wasn’t going to be a problem. You lean in and let out a hot breath, swiping your tongue across the head of his cock to judge how Shader would react. Like you expect, he produces a gasp-like whimper sound. You were pretty sure that Shader was a virgin, and no one had ever been this close to the man’s erection. “You don’t,” Shader begins, taking your teasing ways to be that of second-thinking. Before he can finish his sentence, you wrap your lips around his length, inch by inch, taking more of him into your mouth. You hear him curse breathlessly as you move your tongue over his cock, paying extra attention to the underside as you begin to bob your head. While your mouth works, you grab the base of his erection in your hand and begin to move it up and down, speeding up after a while. You tighten your lips around him, smirking to yourself as you hear his moans grow louder. You take his full length into your mouth, just as Shader begins to rocks his hips, grinding up against your mouth. You slow him down, warning him with your actions that you were in charge here. He nods his head in understanding, and you go back to it. As you go, you catch the hint of pre-cum on your tongue. <<else>>\ “Hmm, I know,” you chuckle, undoing the buttons and fastenings of his pants, “but I want to so badly.” You hear Shader inhale sharply as you free him and then take him into your mouth. He produces a gasp-like whimper sound. You were pretty sure that Shader was a virgin, and no one had ever been this close to the man. You hear him curse breathlessly as you work, paying extra attention to every little thing, learning what he likes and what he doesn’t. His moans grow louder, and at one point he begins to rocks his hips. You slow him down, warning him with your actions that you were in charge here. He nods his head in understanding, and you go back to it. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Dom2]]
<<if $showec>>\ “Shit,” he growls loudly, “this is better than I imagined.” You can’t help it. With a plop, you remove your lips from Shader’s erection and lean back, raising a brow. <<else>>\ “Shit,” he growls loudly, “this is better than I imagined.” You can’t help it. You remove your lips from Shader and lean back, raising a brow. <</if>>\ “You’ve imagined me on my knees in front of you?” He blushes again, the confident Shader you’ve grown accustomed to transformed into something entirely different. “You haven’t?” [[“Maybe once or twice.”]] [[“Tell me what else you imagined.”]]
“Maybe once or twice,” you tell him as you rise, bringing his body close to yours as you capture his lips once again. He pulls back and gives you a harsh look, “don’t play games.” You chuckle as you guide his head back to your lips, right before you engage in another kiss, you say, “stop talking.” <<if $kisshim>>\ You take his hand and guide him towards the lone bed that rests in the corner of the room. Once there, you push him down and straddle his lap, immediately moving to remove his shirt as you grind your hips down onto his erection. You take note of every noise he makes, every whimper and moan, every time his body shivers or he bites his cheek. When he gets more comfortable with you, you would then begin exploring his fantasies, but until then, this was enough. You travel down his body with light kisses and sharp nips, gauging how rough he liked it. Your hands grip his member and teasing his sack. The feeling of Shader beneath you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making. Every little thing was turning you on, pushing you to keep going. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. <<else>>\ You take his hand and guide him towards the lone bed that rests in the corner of the room. Once there, you push him down and straddle his lap, immediately moving to remove his shirt as you grind your hips over his. You take note of every noise he makes, every whimper and moan, every time his body shivers or he bites his cheek. When he gets more comfortable with you, you would then begin exploring his fantasies, but until then, this was enough. You travel down his body with light kisses and sharp nips, gauging how rough he liked it. The feeling of Shader beneath you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making. Every little thing was turning you on, pushing you to keep going. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. <</if>>\ “You sure you want to do this?” you question, eyes widening in shock when Shader brings your lips to his and gives you a fierce kiss. [[Continue->Dom3]]
You rise so that you were now looking at him once again, “tell me what else you imagined.” He’s quiet, and you don’t bother pushing him, knowing this was all new to him. You bring his body close to you, touching him and planting light kisses along his cheek before sucking on his earlobe. “Not much,” he lies, and you nip at him as a consequence, he yelps, “I’m serious. I just imagined it all with you.” Your lips ghost across his face as he yearns for you to meet his lips. “Your lips, your touch, your body … I just always wanted you.” <<if $kisshim>>\ You take his hand and guide him towards the lone bed that rests in the corner of the room. Once there, you push him down and straddle his lap, immediately moving to remove his shirt as you grind your hips down onto his erection. You take note of every noise he makes, every whimper and moan, every time his body shivers or he bites his cheek. When he gets more comfortable with you, you would then begin exploring his fantasies, but until then, this was enough. You travel down his body with light kisses and sharp nips, gauging how rough he liked it. Your hands grip his member and teasing his sack. The feeling of Shader beneath you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making. Every little thing was turning you on, pushing you to keep going. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. <<else>>\ You take his hand and guide him towards the lone bed that rests in the corner of the room. Once there, you push him down and straddle his lap, immediately moving to remove his shirt as you grind your hips over his. You take note of every noise he makes, every whimper and moan, every time his body shivers or he bites his cheek. When he gets more comfortable with you, you would then begin exploring his fantasies, but until then, this was enough. You travel down his body with light kisses and sharp nips, gauging how rough he liked it. The feeling of Shader beneath you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making. Every little thing was turning you on, pushing you to keep going. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. <</if>>\ “You sure you want to do this?” you question, eyes widening in shock when Shader brings your lips to his and gives you a fierce kiss. [[Continue->Dom3]]
<<if $showec and $a_gender isnot "Unknown">>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $a_gender is "female">>\ “Just let me fuck you,” he whispers, his tone pleading, “I //need// to feel you.” You sneer as you draw back, tugging his hair down so that he was looking you in the eye, “sure, just know whose still in charge.” To your shock and pleasure, Shader nods like his life depended on it. It would seem that he would do anything to please you. You position yourself over Shader, guiding him into you. You apply pressure and sink down, muffing your moan in Shader’s chest as he voices his groan. He guides your hip down and his upwards, going slowly so that he could become accustomed to the fill and size of you. And then he begins to pick up his pace, stroking and hitting spots that feed into your desire. You dig your nails into Shader’s chest as you groan into his ear, shouting in surprise when his thrusts hit points that desperately needed to be scratched. “Shader,” you moan, grabbing one of his hands and guiding it to the area that your clitoris rests. With your hand guiding his, you show him what you want, your pleasurable cries growing as your entire body begins to shake from the pleasure. “What else do you want?” he asks breathlessly, “I’ll do whatever you want me to.” You bite your lip as you begin to experience the euphoric feeling that many associated with drinking, not precisely drunk but tipsy. Everything felt lighter, weightless almost. You were relaxing on a cloud, the world’s only purpose was to please you. <<else>>\ “Just let me fuck you,” he whispers, his tone pleading, “I need to feel you inside me.” You draw back, placing a light kiss on his forehead before you move to do as he asked. “Flip over,” you tell him, and once he does, you spit on your hand to lube his opening. As you do so, you lean in and whisper into his ear, “this is going to hurt, no doubt. So tell me what you want.” Shader nods his head furiously before you go back to your task, once done, you slowly begin to insert yourself. As soon as you push in, you hear him gasp, moving away from you but not enough to undo the work you had just completed. You wait, letting both of you get familiar with the feeling before proceeding. You close your eyes and bite down hard on your lip as Shader’s moans take you deeper and deeper into his tightness. “Don’t stop,” he says to you, “please, don’t stop.” “Hmm, what do you need?” you ask, increasing the length and power of your strokes. He’s about to answer when he gasps, his fingers clutching the sheet beneath you as he digs his head into the mattress, muffling the sound of his cries. <</if>>\ <<else>> “Just let me fuck you,” he whimpers, his tone pleading, “I //need// to feel you.” You sneer as you draw back, tugging his hair down so that he was looking you in the eye, “sure, just know whose still in charge.” To your shock, and pleasure, Shader nods like his life depended on it. It would seem that he would do anything to please you. You position yourself over Shader, the two of you become accustomed to one another before picking up the pace. You dig your nails into Shader’s chest as you groan into his ear, shouting in surprise as you scratch an itch that desperately needed it. “Shader,” you moan, your pleasurable cries growing as your entire body begins to shake from the pleasure. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Dom4]]
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $a_gender is "female">>\ You kiss Shader, biting his bottom lip and teasing him with your tongue. “Faster,” you say against his lips, and he does what you ask, his pace quickening, the sounds of flesh slapping against flesh surrounding you. Your heart was racing, your breathing escalating, the pleasure reaching its peak. “I’m going to come,” Shader whimpers, and you immediately rise off of him with a content plop. Before he can question you or begin his descent down, you turn and take his length into your mouth, stroking him towards his release. You squeak in shock when you feel a warm mouth cover your vagina, Shader’s tongue flicking against your lips and venturing inside of you. You grind your hips closer to him, whimpering as you try to focus on your task. Your legs shake, and you can taste the pre-cum on your tongue. Both of you come at the same time, both of you trembling as you explode your release in the presence of the other. You move from on top of him, collapsing and out of breath and energy as your body shudders. <<else>>\ “You! Damn, $name, don’t stop.” “Wouldn’t dream of it,” you chuckle, thrusting into him harder and harder, your entire body experiencing the thrill. The feeling of Shader tightening around your member, of flesh hitting flesh, his gasps times so perfectly with every stroke. “Turn back over,” you growl, pulling out of him so that you could change position. He whimpers but does as you say. His back was now on the bed, and you could properly see every face he made. You immediately went right back in, pushing his legs apart as you drill into him, watching his eyes squeeze close, then open in pleasure. You find his lips, slowing your pace down but going deeper than before. He gasps in your mouth, your name on the tip of his tongue. “$name!” he manages to say, finally sending you over the edge. You cum as soon as you pull out, decorating his legs and the bed. You collapse, out of breath and energy as your body shudders. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “What else do you want?” he asks breathlessly, “I’ll do whatever you want me to.” You bite your lip as you begin to experience the euphoric feeling that many associated with drinking, not exactly drunk but tipsy. Everything felt lighter, weightless almost. You were relaxing on a cloud, the world meant only to please you. You kiss Shader, biting his bottom lip and teasing him with your tongue. The pace quickens and the sounds of your body combining is all around you. Your heart races and your breathing escalates, the pleasure reaching its peak. Both of you hit that point at the same time, shaking as you slowly begin to descend. You move from on top of him collapsing and out of breath and energy as your body shudders. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Dom5]]
“How was that?” you whisper, still trying to figure out if this was all real. Shader sits up, refusing to make eye contact as he stares at the bed, “it wasn’t bad, was it?” “Heck no. Was it for you?” “Of course not, I loved it. I mean,” he clears his throat, trying to kill the excitement in his voice, “it was good. I wouldn’t be against doing that again. With you,” you hear him mumble, “you probably ruined anyone else for me anyway.” “I live to impress.” [[Continue->Next22]]
You get up and stretch, gazing around the small unfurnished room a second time before looking back at Shader. His nude body was stretched out across the bed, allowing you a perfect visual memory of your first time together. The small beads of sweat speckling his body, his lean but muscular frame on display, the way his chest rose and fell. “$name,” he begins, leaning forward and wiping his brow. “Please tell me this wasn’t the last time we’ll do this?” “Of course not. Unless you want me to disappear?” Shader surges forward and grabs your hand, yanking you back to the bed and beside him. You think he’s about to kiss you, but you’re happily surprised when he instead nuzzles his face into the crook of your neck, holding you close. “No. I don’t ever want you to leave my side.” “And I won’t.” “And if Rowan ever touches you again, he’s a dead man,” he snarls, his face contorting into anger. “He’s not taking you away from me.” [[Continue->Next23]]
“You keep mentioning that. Is this about Rowan taking the crown from you?” Once, Shader was the King of Orphan Row, though he hated the title more than anything. He simply helped everyone and made sure everyone was fed. Orphan Row wasn’t that bad then, dirty, but you could stand it. And then Rowan came in and at one point, he and Shader were friends, even Lucas feeling a bit left out. But then Rowan suddenly betrayed him. Shader was arrested, and Rowan took all that he could before Shader returned. They’ve been enemies ever since, though it’s been more so because of Rowan’s actions. Shader’s embrace tightens, and you begin to stroke his hair, “you really don’t know how long I’ve been trying to hide this from you. I kept telling myself that if he could take all of that, why couldn’t he take you? And so I told myself to never let you in. But you’re pretty sneaky.” [[“Thanks.”]] [[“I’m here for you until the end.”]] [[“I didn’t try to be.”]]
“Thanks,” you joke, “I try my hardest to be that one thorn in everyone’s side.” “You sure? I feel like I was more of a thorn than you ever could be.” “Yea … that’s true.” You chuckle as Shader pulls back and gives you an unamused frown, “but I’m happy that we made it to here. Despite your determination to push me away.” “I’m sorry,” he whimpers, reminding you more of a pup than the Shader you knew, “I know it doesn’t mean much now, but you will never understand how much it hurt. Every time you walked away, or I felt like I hurt your feelings or knew I drove you away. I kept telling myself that I’ll get used to it, that it won’t hurt so much. But that was only true the first time I did it. Every time after, it hurt more and more. There were even some nights that I left because I couldn’t be near you knowing that I hurt you. It killed me.” His embrace tightens, and he attempts to push himself closer if it was at all possible. “I’m so sorry.” You shush him, wrapping your arms around him and staying like that for a while. [[Continue->End]]
“I’m here for you until the end, Shader. I promise.” He pulls back and narrows his eyes, “don’t promise something you can’t keep.” With a small smile, you gently caress his cheek and give him the gentlest kiss, the two of you have shared yet. “I promise.” “Good,” he mumbles, tightening his embrace, “because I really can’t imagine my life without you.” [[Continue->End]]
You chuckle, “I certainly didn’t try to be. I tried to make it as obvious as the sky was blue, you just always seemed to ignore me.” “Yea, I just told myself that you were playing around or something like that. The more I told myself that, the more I believed it. But you don’t know how much it hurt. How at night, I had to settle on dreaming about being with you or how I told myself that pushing you away and pissing you off was smarter.” “And now?” “And now,” he said, pressing his lips to your cheek and then the corner of your lips, “I feel like the biggest idiot.” “Good,” you murmur before kissing him. [[Continue->End]]
That night, you lie in Shader’s arms, your heart rising to the sky and even beyond. You allow yourself to drift off to the sound of his beating heart, your eyes closing as he pushes himself closer to you. Your world goes dark as you enter sleep, the last thing you hear him whisper being, “don’t leave.” “Never.” The words leave your lips, and with one last sigh, you enter sleep. You don’t dream of a different world, you were quite happy with the one you were in. [img[images/title.png][Setup]]
“Please, Shader,” you whimper, squirming as your body yells its need for him. “Please what?” he asks, shocking you with his boldness. You were pretty sure Shader was a virgin, and yet, here he was taking control like he was the one with years of experience under his belt. “I need you,” you tell him, “I want you.” “Then you’ll have me,” he tells you. “I’ve been waiting way too long to do this,” he whispers into your ear as his hands continue their mission. “Every time I close my eyes, I see you, and I’ve been aching to know how you feel under me. “Show me,” you say breathlessly, and he nods. He roughly sucks at your neck, pulling your clothes away as he sinks further and further down, taking his time to mark you as his. Everywhere you feel his breath, you feel the warmth of his tongue next. You could feel how long he’s waited for this exact moment. “Are you sure?” you question. Shader doesn’t answer; instead, he shows you just how sure he is. [[Continue->Sub1]]
“You’re such a tease,” you tell him with a smirk. “I try,” he says, matching the smirk but his having a more devilish appearance. You were pretty sure Shader was a virgin, and yet, here he was taking control like he was the one with years of experience under his belt. “I’ve been waiting way too long to do this,” he whispers into your ear as his hands continue their mission. “Every time I close my eyes, I see you, and I’ve been aching to know how you feel under me. “Show me,” you say breathlessly, and he nods. He roughly sucks at your neck, pulling your clothes away as he sinks further and further down, taking his time to mark you as his. Everywhere you feel his breath, you feel the warmth of his tongue next. You could feel how long he’s waited for this exact moment. “Are you sure?” you question. Shader doesn’t answer; instead, he shows you just how sure he is. [[Continue->Sub1]]
<<if $showec and $a_gender isnot "Unknown">>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $a_gender is "female">>\ Shader gets lower and lower until he was on his knees, his breath ghosting over your wetness, hidden by nothing but your pants. It purrs to no one but him, and Shader was happy to give it what it wanted. You feel your breathing speed up as the cold air hits your sensitive area, Shader wasting no time as he ran his hand through your clit, feeling your wetness and smirking. “Shut up,” you growl with a shuddering pant, your legs growing weak as you imagine what was to come. His breath ghosts across the sensitive skin, your head hitting the wall behind you as his tongue makes contact. He wraps both of his arms around your thighs and holds you still, his tongue spreading apart your lips so that he could taste you fully. Your legs shiver, warning you that they’ll give up if this goes any further, but you pay little attention to them. He sucks and moves his tongue in ways you didn’t know he could. You move to grab onto Shader’s hair but he gives you a look that tells you to keep your hands where they are, and you do as he says. Instead, you focus on the warmth of his mouth. You would have to question later how he learned this, or if it was just something he knew to do. “Fuck, you taste better than I could’ve imagined,” he tells you, inserting a finger as he continues to toy with you. “Shader, if you,” you tell him and he allows you to guide him to your clitoris. He teases it and your right leg gives way as a violent shudder speeds through you. <<else>>\ Shader gets lower and lower until he was on his knees, his breath ghosting over the bulge in your pants. It shouted to no one but him for freedom, and Shader was happy to give it. You felt your breathing speed up as your erection was freed, Shader wasting no time as he ran his tongue from your balls, over the underside of your cock, and then to the tip. “Shader,” you say with a shuddering pant, your legs growing weak as you imagine what was to come. He takes you in, slowly at first and then more and more. “Hmm?” he questions, your eyes widening as the sound causes your member to vibrate, your back hitting the wall as the sensation. He sucks harder, one hand working the shaft of your erection as the other fondles your balls. You move to grab onto Shader’s hair, but he gives you a look that tells you to keep your hands where they are, and you do as he says. Instead, you focus on the warmth of his mouth, the way he moves up and down, moving his tongue in ways you didn’t think he could. You would have to question later how he learned this, or if it was just something he knew to do. “Fuck, you taste better than I could’ve imagined,” he tells you, licking his lips as he leaves your member. “So, you thought about this, did you?” you chuckle softly, feeling your body tighten as you were closing in to your release. “For so long,” he tells you, standing and taking your hand in his as he guides you towards the lone bed that rests in the corner of the room. Once there, he pushes you down and straddles your lap, grinds his erection onto yours. You take note of every noise he makes, every whimper and moan, every time his body shivers or he bites his cheek. When he gets more comfortable with you, you would then begin exploring his fantasies, but until then, this was enough. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ Shader gets lower and lower until he was on his knees, his breath ghosting over your sensitive area, hidden by nothing but your pants. You feel your breathing speed up as the cold air hits you, Shader wasting no time as he seeks to pleasure you. Your legs grow weak as you imagine what was to come, and your head hitting the wall behind you as pleasure overtakes your being. He wraps both of his arms around your thighs and holds you still, devoting all of his attention to you. Your legs shiver, warning you that they’ll give up if this goes any further, but you pay little attention to them. You move to grab onto Shader’s hair but he gives you a look that tells you to keep your hands where they are, and you do as he says. Instead, you focus on the warmth of his mouth. You would have to question later how he learned this, or if it was just something he knew to do. “Fuck, you taste better than I could’ve imagined,” he teases it and your right leg decides now is the best time to give up as a violent shudder speeds through you. He catches you and chuckles, “I hope that meant it was good.” He guides you towards the lone bed that rests in the corner of the room. Once there, he pushes you down and straddles your lap, grinding against you. You take note of every noise he makes, every whimper and moan, every time his body shivers or he bites his cheek. When he gets more comfortable with you, you would then begin exploring his fantasies, but until then, this was enough. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Sub2]]
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $a_gender is "female">>\ He catches you and chuckles, “yep, keeping that area in mind.” He guides you towards the lone bed that rests in the corner of the room. Once there, he pushes you down and straddles your lap, grind his erection against your core. You take note of every noise he makes, every whimper and moan, every time his body shivers or he bites his cheek. When he gets more comfortable with you, you would then begin exploring his fantasies, but until then, this was enough. He licks his fingers and before you can protest, he inserts two fingers into you, smirking when he catches your eye. You’re about to question this smirk when he uses his thumb to rub your clitoris, your back arching as pleasure richochets through you. The feeling of Shader on top of you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making, the way his eyes lit up because of you. Every little thing was turning you on. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. “Shader,” you pant weakly, “stop playing around and just fuck me!” Shader chuckles, removing his fingers. You shiver in anticipation, your entire body preparing to take whatever Shader was going to give you. He removes his pants and you bite your lip as you eye his member. It wasn’t average size but it wasn’t monstrous either, if anything Lucas owed you coin for saying that he guessed Shader was small. He separates your legs enough and slowly begins to inch inside of you. Your groan escapes into the world, biting hard on your bottom lip as he pushs himself further and further in. “Shit!” Shader whimpers, stopping for a moment to catch his breath and squeeze your thighs, “you feel so fucking good around me.” You raise your hips, encouraging him to keep going, to go deeper and deeper and he does. Your back arches as your insides scream in pleasure, your entire body shaking as you get adjusted to Shader’s size. Your moaning grows as Shader begins to slowly pull back and then pushed back in, going further with every slow thrust. <<else>>\ He licks his fingers, and before you can question his intention, he rubs the opening of your ass, smirking when he catches your eye. Your eyes widen as he lubes your hole and then inserts his finger. You groan as you get adjusted to the feel, soon slipping in another finger. The feeling of Shader on top of you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making, the way his eyes lit up because of you. Every little thing was turning you on, pushing you to keep going. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. “Shader,” you pant, “stop playing around and just fuck me!” Shader chuckles, applying more lube to the area before directing you and then hovering before you. You shiver in anticipation, your entire body preparing to take whatever Shader was going to give you. He separates your legs enough and then slowly begins to inch inside of you. You groan into the pillow beneath you, biting hard on your bottom lip as he pushed himself further and further in. “Shit!” Shader whimpers, stopping for a moment to catch his breath and squeeze your thighs, “you feel so fucking good around me.” You flex and straight, encouraging him to keep going, to go deeper and deeper, and he does. Your back arches as your insides scream in pleasure, your entire body shaking as you get adjusted to Shader’s size. Your moaning grows as Shader begins to slowly pull back and then pushes back in, going further with every slow thrust. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ He licks his fingers, and before you can question his intention, he continues to tease you, smirking when he catches your eye. You hold your breath, releasing it with a gasp when the two of you connect. You groan as you get adjusted to the feeling. The feeling of Shader on top of you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making, the way his eyes lit up because of you. Every little thing was turning you on, pushing you to keep going. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. “Shader,” you pant, “stop playing around!” Shader chuckles, before doing as you suggest. You groan into the pillow beneath you, biting hard on your bottom lip. “Shit!” Shader whimpers, stopping for a moment to catch his breath and squeeze your thighs, “you feel so fucking good.” You flex and straight, encouraging him to keep going, to go deeper and deeper, and he does. Your back arches as your insides scream in pleasure, your entire body shaking. Your moaning grows as Shader begins to slowly pull back and then pushes back in, going further with every slow thrust. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Sub3]]
You open the door when you’re immediately blindsided by a figure, your back hitting the weak wooden wall, and a few pieces of rubble fall onto your face. “$name?” Shader growls, loosening his grip on you but not completely moving. His entire body is stiff as he regards you, trying to figure out why you were here. “Thought I’d find you here,” you snicker, though it’s humorless. Just looking at him causes you to remember his lips on yours, and his body pressed so close. You notice his eyes flickering down to your lips, it would seem you’re not the only one. [[“What happened yesterday?”][$switch +=1]] [[“We need to talk.”][$dom +=1]] [[“Shader … I …”][$sub +=1]]
“No, not until we talk about this. You said you weren’t that drunk, and though I suppose your memory is all of a sudden faulty, you kissed me back.” “It was a mistake,” he repeats, running his hands through his hair and then down his face. [[“It wasn’t for me!”]] [[“What else is a mistake?”]] [[“Why am I surprised?”]]
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $a_gender is "female">>\ “Shit, shit, shit,” you repeat as he gets as deep as he can go. Shader, realizing this as well, begins to pick up his pace, his strokes quickening and his thrusts going deeper than you originally thought. It felt like the tip of his member was reaching into your stomach, causing you to feel a mix of both pain and pleasure with every thrust. Shader’s nails dig into your hips, holding you still as he works. He readjust himself, releasing your legs so that he was now hovering over you, keeping himself up by his hands. He leaves random kisses all over your face but you were hardly feeling them. His new position had allowed him to hit a whole other area. The feeling was intoxicating, taking you to a place you didn’t know existed. Alcohol couldn’t do this, stealing couldn’t come close, this was something entirely different. Shader’s moans tell you that he was agreeing. Both of you pondering why or how you lived without this for so long. “Shader,” you squeak out, feeling your peak and Shader growls in agreement. He went faster, your moans being swallowed by the sound of flesh slapping flesh. Shader pulls out at the last minute, his hot release decorating your stomach, followed by his tongue as he cleans you. You feel your muscles tighten and contract, a weird feeling that could amost be compared to you having to pee. Shader lowers himself as soon as your juices come flooding out, and he licks them all up. Your breathing is harsh as you lay there, Shader collapsing beside you as he brings you closer. You couldn’t feel your legs, couldn’t really feel anything but your own racing heart. <<else>>\ “Shit, shit, shit,” you repeat as he gets as deep as he can go. Shader, realizing this as well, begins to pick up his pace, his strokes quickening, and his thrusts going deeper than you initially thought. It was hitting every spot you needed, a mix of both pain and pleasure, causing you to groan and beg for more. Shader’s nails dig into your hips, holding you still as he works. He leans forward, dotting your back with loving kisses, and inconsequently, allowing him to hit a whole other area. The feeling was intoxicating, taking you to a place you didn’t know existed. Alcohol couldn’t do this, stealing couldn’t come close, this was something entirely different. Shader’s moans tell you that he was agreeing. Both of you pondering why or how you lived without this for so long. <<if $gender is "male" or $a_gender is "male">>\ “Shader,” you squeak out, feeling your peak and Shader growls in agreement. He went faster, your moans being swallowed by the sound of flesh slapping flesh. Shader pulls out at the last minute, his hot release decorating your back, followed by his tongue as he cleans you. You feel your muscles tighten and contract, Shader, turning you over just in time to cover your member with his mouth and swallow your cum. Your breathing is harsh as you lay there, Shader collapsing beside you as he brings you closer. You couldn’t feel your legs, couldn’t really feel anything but your own racing heart. <<else>>\ “Shader,” you squeak out, feeling your peak and Shader growls in agreement. He went faster, your moans being swallowed by the sound of flesh slapping flesh. Shader pulls out at the last minute, his hot release decorating your back, followed by his tongue as he cleans you. You feel your muscles tighten and contract, Shader, turning you over just in time to lick up your own cum. Your breathing is harsh as you lay there, Shader collapsing beside you as he brings you closer. You couldn’t feel your legs, couldn’t really feel anything but your own racing heart. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Shit, shit, shit,” you repeat as the pressure inside of you mounts. It was hitting every spot you needed, a mix of both pain and pleasure, causing you to groan and beg for more. Shader’s nails dig into your hips, holding you still as he works. The feeling was intoxicating, taking you to a place you didn’t know existed. Alcohol couldn’t do this, stealing couldn’t come close, this was something entirely different. Shader’s moans tell you that he was agreeing. Both of you pondering why or how you lived without this for so long. “Shader,” you squeak out, feeling your peak approaching and Shader growls in agreement. He went faster, your moans being swallowed by the sound of flesh slapping flesh. You both release around the same time, Shader making quick work of everything that you expel. Your breathing is harsh as you lay there, Shader collapsing beside you as he brings you closer. You couldn’t feel your legs, couldn’t really feel anything but your own racing heart. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Sub4]]
“How was that?” he asks, a hint of worry and fear in his voice. You close your eyes and try to control your breathing, “that was amazing. I can’t really find a word to describe it.” “Good,” he hums, “because you probably ruined anyone else for me anyway.” “I live to impress.” [[Continue->Next22]]
<<if $kisshim is false>>\ Before you can go further, he grabs your arms and brings you closer, whispering in your ear, “you have no idea how much I’ve been waiting for this. So trust me when I say that you’ll get whatever you dish out.” “Is that a challenge, Shader?” you smirk with a raised brow. Neither of you seek to answer as your lips crash into one another, both of you fighting for command. <</if>>\ <<if $showec>>\ You keep eye contact with him as you undo the buttons and fastenings of his pants. He inhales sharply as you free his bulge, raising a brow at what you’re faced with. Lucas officially owed you coin. A while back, the two of you betted that one of Shader’s reasons was because of his genital size, it was evident that that wasn’t going to be a problem. You lean in and let out a hot breath, swiping your tongue across the head of his cock to judge how Shader would react. Like you expect, he produces a gasp-like whimper sound. You were pretty sure that Shader was a virgin, and no one had ever been this close to the man’s erection. You wrap your lips around his length, inch by inch, taking more of him into your mouth. You hear him curse breathlessly as you move your tongue over his cock, paying extra attention to the underside as you begin to bob your head. <<else>>\ You keep eye contact with him as you undo the buttons and fastenings of his pants. You hear Shader inhale sharply as you free him and then take him into your mouth. He produces a gasp-like whimper sound. You were pretty sure that Shader was a virgin, and no one had ever been this close to the man. You hear him curse breathlessly as you work, paying extra attention to every little thing, learning what he likes and what he doesn’t. His moans grow louder, and at one point he begins to rocks his hips. He takes a fistful of your hair and guides your mouth, and you allow it, relishing in and listen to the sweet sounds passing through his lips. “Fuck!” he gasps and you stop him to move off. “Don’t need you cumming just yet,” you chuckle, taking his hand and guiding him to the bed. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Switch2]]
<<if $showec>>\ While your mouth works, you grab the base of his erection in your hand and begin to move it up and down, speeding up after a while. You tighten your lips around him, smirking to yourself as you hear his moans grow louder. You take his full length into your mouth, just as Shader begins to rocks his hips, grinding up against your mouth. He takes a fistful of your hair and guides your mouth, and you allow it. Fucking him your mouth as you take him all in and listen to the sweet sounds passing through his lips. “Fuck!” he gasps and you stop him to move off. “Don’t need you cumming just yet,” you chuckle, taking his hand and guiding him to the bed. <</if>>\ Once there, he moves at the last minute, pushing you down and straddling your lap. You moan as he grinds on top of you. You take note of every noise he makes, every whimper and moan, every time his body shivers or he bites his cheek. When he gets more comfortable with you, you would then begin exploring his fantasies, but until then, this was enough. [[Continue->Switch3]]
<<if $showec and $a_gender isnot "Unknown">>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $a_gender is "female">>\ He licks his fingers and before you can protest, he inserts two fingers into you, smirking when he catches your eye. You’re about to question this smirk when he uses his thumb to rub your clitoris, your back arching as pleasure richochets through you. The feeling of Shader on top of you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making, the way his eyes lit up because of you. Every little thing was turning you on. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. “Shader,” you pant weakly, “stop playing around and just fuck me! Before I take charge again.” Shader chuckles, removing his fingers, and surrendering. You shiver in anticipation, your entire body preparing to take whatever Shader was going to give you. He removes his pants and you bite your lip as you eye his member. It wasn’t average size but it wasn’t monstrous either, if anything Lucas owed you coin for saying that he guessed Shader was small. He separates your legs enough and slowly begins to inch inside of you. Your groan escapes into the world, biting hard on your bottom lip as he pushs himself further and further in. “Shit!” Shader whimpers, stopping for a moment to catch his breath and squeeze your thighs, “you feel so fucking good around me.” You push your hips into him, forcing him to keep going, to go deeper and deeper. Your back arches as your insides scream in pleasure, your entire body shaking as you get adjusted to Shader’s size. Your moaning grows as Shader begins to slowly pull back and then pushes back in, going further with every slow thrust. <<else>>\ He licks his fingers, and before you can question his intention, he rubs the opening of your ass, smirking when he catches your eye. Your eyes widen as he lubes your hole and then inserts his finger. You groan as you get adjusted to the feel, soon slipping in another finger. The feeling of Shader on top of you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making, the way his eyes lit up because of you. Every little thing was turning you on, pushing you to keep going. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. “Shader,” you pant weakly, “stop playing around and just fuck me! Before I take charge again.,” Shader chuckles, removing his fingers, and surrendering. He applies more lube to the area before directing you and then hovering before you. You shiver in anticipation, your entire body preparing to take whatever Shader was going to give you. He separates your legs enough and then slowly begins to inch inside of you. You groan into the pillow beneath you, biting hard on your bottom lip as he pushed himself further and further in. “Shit!” Shader whimpers, stopping for a moment to catch his breath and squeeze your thighs, “you feel so fucking good around me.” You flex and straight, encouraging him to keep going, to go deeper and deeper, and he does. Your back arches as your insides scream in pleasure, your entire body shaking as you get adjusted to Shader’s size. Your moaning grows as Shader begins to slowly pull back and then pushes back in, going further with every slow thrust. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ He licks his fingers, and before you can question his intention, he continues to tease you, smirking when he catches your eye. You hold your breath, releasing it with a gasp when the two of you connect. You groan as you get adjusted to the feeling. The feeling of Shader on top of you wasn’t what was giving you so much energy and excitement. It was the noises he was making, the way his eyes lit up because of you. Every little thing was turning you on, pushing you to keep going. You were Shader’s first, that by itself was enough to excite you. “Shader,” you pant weakly, “stop playing around before I take charge again.” Shader chuckles, removing his fingers, and surrendering. You groan into the pillow beneath you, biting hard on your bottom lip. “Shit!” Shader whimpers, stopping for a moment to catch his breath and squeeze your thighs, “you feel so fucking good.” You flex and straight, encouraging him to keep going, to go deeper and deeper, and he does. Your back arches as your insides scream in pleasure, your entire body shaking. Your moaning grows as Shader begins to slowly pull back and then pushes back in, going further with every slow thrust. <</if>>\ [[Take charge.]] [[Let him continue.]]
“How was that?” he asks, a hint of worry and fear in his voice. You close your eyes and try to control your breathing, “that was amazing. I can’t really find a word to describe it. And you?” “Amazing as well … makes me feel even stupider for waiting this long. Um, what do they call what we just did?” “Huh?” “The whole switch back and forth? I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t that, which isn’t a bad thing. I’m just curious.” You shrug, “you’re better off asking Lucas. Seems like we’re the same though, we can play both roles.” He hums in understanding, “well, you probably ruined anyone else for me anyway.” “I live to impress.” [[Continue->Next22]]
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $a_gender is "female">>\ Despite how good this felt, you were ready to take charge and shock him even further. You wanted to see more of submissive Shader. You put a hand to his hips and then scoot away from him, causing him to growl and look at you in shock. As soon as he sees you, he realizes what was about to take place, but you act before him. You wrap your legs around his waist and, with all your might, flip him. You stare down at him as he stares up at you with wide eyes. “I love seeing you below me,” you purr, and he chuckles, settling his hands on your waist. “Can’t say I don’t appreciate the view.” “Tell me, Shader. Why are you so cocky for a virgin?” He blushes, but he doesn’t look away. “I’m comfortable with you,” he whispers, “I feel like even if I do everything wrong, you won’t judge me.” You plant a long and devout kiss on his lips, sneakily positioning yourself over his member and guiding him into you. He gasps into your mouth, his breath hitching as you ride him. You roll your hips slowly, picking up speed and circling your hip after a while. You throw your head back as you experience the feel of his length inside of you, hitting spots that make you want to scream out in pleasure. <<else>>\ Despite how good this felt, you were ready to take charge and shock him even further. You wanted to see more of submissive Shader. You scoot away from him, causing him to growl and look at you in shock. As soon as he sees you, he realizes what was about to take place, but you act before him. You grab him and easily flip him. You stare down at him as he stares up at you with wide eyes. “I love seeing you below me,” you purr, and he chuckles, settling his hands on your waist. “Can’t say I don’t appreciate the view.” “Tell me, Shader. Why are you so cocky for a virgin?” He blushes, but he doesn’t look away. “I’m comfortable with you,” he whispers, “I feel like even if I do everything wrong, you won’t judge me.” You plant a long and devout kiss on his lips, sneakily positioning yourself near his ass. He gasps into your mouth, his breath hitching as your member presses up against him, demanding entrance. You push a bit more until you feel yourself slipping in, Shader’s nails digging into your flesh as his breathing picks up. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ Despite how good this felt, you were ready to take charge and shock him even further. You wanted to see more of submissive Shader. You scoot away from him, causing him to growl and look at you in shock. As soon as he sees you, he realizes what was about to take place, but you act before him. You grab him and easily flip him. You stare down at him as he stares up at you with wide eyes. “I love seeing you below me,” you purr, and he chuckles, settling his hands on your waist. “Can’t say I don’t appreciate the view.” “Tell me, Shader. Why are you so cocky for a virgin?” He blushes, but he doesn’t look away. “I’m comfortable with you,” he whispers, “I feel like even if I do everything wrong, you won’t judge me.” You plant a long and devout kiss on his lips, as the two of you connect once again. You plant kiss after kiss along his neck and jaw. <</if>>\ [[Continue->TC1]]
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $a_gender is "female">>\ “Shit, shit, shit,” you repeat as he gets as deep as he can go. Shader, realizing this as well, begins to pick up his pace, his strokes quickening and his thrusts going deeper than you originally thought. It felt like the tip of his member was reaching into your stomach, causing you to feel a mix of both pain and pleasure with every thrust. Shader’s nails dig into your hips, holding you still as he works. He readjust himself, releasing your legs so that he was now hovering over you, keeping himself up by his hands. He leaves random kisses all over your face but you were hardly feeling them. His new position had allowed him to hit a whole other area. The feeling was intoxicating, taking you to a place you didn’t know existed. Alcohol couldn’t do this, stealing couldn’t come close, this was something entirely different. Shader’s moans tell you that he was agreeing. Both of you pondering why or how you lived without this for so long. “Shader,” you squeak out, feeling your peak and Shader growls in agreement. He went faster, your moans being swallowed by the sound of flesh slapping flesh. Shader pulls out at the last minute, his hot release decorating your stomach, followed by his tongue as he cleans you. You feel your muscles tighten and contract, a weird feeling that could amost be compared to you having to pee. Shader lowers himself as soon as your juices come flooding out, and he licks them all up. Your breathing is harsh as you lay there, Shader collapsing beside you as he brings you closer. You couldn’t feel your legs, couldn’t really feel anything but your own racing heart. <<else>>\ “Shit, shit, shit,” you repeat as he gets as deep as he can go. Shader, realizing this as well, begins to pick up his pace, his strokes quickening, and his thrusts going deeper than you initially thought. It was hitting every spot you needed, a mix of both pain and pleasure, causing you to groan and beg for more. Shader’s nails dig into your hips, holding you still as he works. He leans forward, dotting your back with loving kisses, and inconsequently, allowing him to hit a whole other area. The feeling was intoxicating, taking you to a place you didn’t know existed. Alcohol couldn’t do this, stealing couldn’t come close, this was something entirely different. Shader’s moans tell you that he was agreeing. Both of you pondering why or how you lived without this for so long. <<if $gender is "male" or $a_gender is "male">>\ “Shader,” you squeak out, feeling your peak and Shader growls in agreement. He went faster, your moans being swallowed by the sound of flesh slapping flesh. Shader pulls out at the last minute, his hot release decorating your back, followed by his tongue as he cleans you. You feel your muscles tighten and contract, Shader, turning you over just in time to cover your member with his mouth and swallow your cum. Your breathing is harsh as you lay there, Shader collapsing beside you as he brings you closer. You couldn’t feel your legs, couldn’t really feel anything but your own racing heart. <<else>>\ “Shader,” you squeak out, feeling your peak and Shader growls in agreement. He went faster, your moans being swallowed by the sound of flesh slapping flesh. Shader pulls out at the last minute, his hot release decorating your back, followed by his tongue as he cleans you. You feel your muscles tighten and contract, Shader, turning you over just in time to lick up your own cum. Your breathing is harsh as you lay there, Shader collapsing beside you as he brings you closer. You couldn’t feel your legs, couldn’t really feel anything but your own racing heart. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Shit, shit, shit,” you repeat as the pressure inside of you mounts. It was hitting every spot you needed, a mix of both pain and pleasure, causing you to groan and beg for more. Shader’s nails dig into your hips, holding you still as he works. The feeling was intoxicating, taking you to a place you didn’t know existed. Alcohol couldn’t do this, stealing couldn’t come close, this was something entirely different. Shader’s moans tell you that he was agreeing. Both of you pondering why or how you lived without this for so long. “Shader,” you squeak out, feeling your peak approaching and Shader growls in agreement. He went faster, your moans being swallowed by the sound of flesh slapping flesh. You both release around the same time, Shader making quick work of everything that you expel. Your breathing is harsh as you lay there, Shader collapsing beside you as he brings you closer. You couldn’t feel your legs, couldn’t really feel anything but your own racing heart. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Switch4]]
<<if $showec and $a_gender isnot "Unknown">>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $a_gender is "female">>\ “Damn, you feel good,” he says breathlessly, and you smirk but continue focusing on your actions. He hits one spot, and your eyes widen as you suddenly feel your body stiffen, feeling like it was ready to release everything. “Same here,” Shader says, reading your face. You ride him for a while longer, before picking yourself off of him with a satisfying plop. You turn and take his length into your mouth, stroking him towards his release, purring in pleasure when you feel a warm mouth cover your vagina, Shader’s tongue flicking against your lips and venturing inside of you. You grind your hips closer to him, whimpering as you try to focus on your task. Your legs shake, and you can taste the pre-cum on your tongue. Both of you come at the same time, both of you trembling as you explode your release in the presence of the other. You move from on top of him, collapsing and out of breath and energy as your body shudders. <<else>>\ “Fuck! Fuck!” he shouts and you plant kiss after kiss along his neck and jaw, “don’t stop,” he commands and you do as he asks. You pick up speed, going deeper and deeper with each stroke. “Damn, you feel good,” you say breathlessly. You hit one spot, and watch as Shader screams in ecstasy. “I’m close, really close.” You feel your own member twitch in anticipation. “Same here,” you say. You drive into him a few more times before removing yourself with a satisfying plop. You turn and take his length into your mouth, stroking him towards his release, purring in pleasure when you feel a warm mouth cover your own, Shader’s tongue flicking against the tip and venturing down the shaft. You push your hips closer to him, whimpering as you try to focus on your task. Your legs shake, and you can taste the pre-cum on your tongue. Both of you come at the same time, both of you trembling as you explode your release in the presence of the other. You move from on top of him, collapsing and out of breath and energy as your body shudders. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Don’t stop,” he commands and you do as he asks, picking up speed. “Damn, you feel good,” you say breathlessly. “I’m close, really close,” he tells you. “Same here,” you say. You drive into him a few more times before removing yourself with a satisfying plop. The two of you clean each other up before you move from on top of him, collapsing and out of breath and energy as your body shudders. <</if>>\ [[Continue->Switch4]]