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<<nobr>><<audio "romance" stop>><</nobr>> //Are you ready to face your hardest challenge yet from being with Chris? His parents. Ignore the threat of supernatural creatures coming after you, the questions and lack of answers you’re given. Because when Chris gets a call from his parents inviting him to dinner to meet you, you know that this is possibly the biggest challenge you’ll ever face. And no, you can’t bring your blade or gun.// ''Just a heads up. There are three sexy endings to discover within the story, meaning your choices matter. Not only that, but there are choices that will affect your dinner with his parents as well.'' [[Play the Game]] [[Credits]]
<<set $name = "Unknown">> <<set $gender = "Unknown">> <<set $showec = false>> <<set $agender = "Not Chosen">> <<set $trans = false>> <<set $transknown = false>> <<set $dom to 0>> <<set $sub to 0>> <<set $con to 0>> <<set $imp to 0>> <<set $notimp = false>> <<set $chris to 5>> <<set $pillowtalk = false>> <<set $bothered = false>> <<set $mad = false>> <<set $sharegift = false>> <<set $bestgift = false>> <<set $flowers = false>> <<set $candles = false>> <<set $mug = false>> <<set $kitchen = false>> <<set $elegant = false>> <<set $affordable = false>> <<set $sexy = false>> <<set $bet = false>> <<cacheaudio "theme" "audio/thegifttimegaveus.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "jazz" "audio/diningouttonight.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "romance" "audio/myheartdances.mp3">>
© 2020 Bum Studios | 13Leagues ~~Version 1.0.0 //Never a Regret// is a short story existing in the Superstition series. It contains strong language, sexual content, as well as trigger warnings dealing with sexual orientation and gender and thus is rated 18+. Reader discretion is advised.~~
<a href="https://13leaguestories.tumblr.com/"><img src="images/logo.png"></a>
[[Credits]]
If you're playing this game it's because you're a patreon and have supported me. You're an amazing person and I am eternally gracious for your support. Thank you so much! Stay safe and healthy out there! All images are copyright by Bum Studios Productions. All audio is licensed under Bum Studios Productions and courtesy of AudioBlocks and Envato. Copyright infringement is punishable by law. CG Art done by [[Grigoriy Romanov aka Everybery.|https://www.deviantart.com/everybery]] <<return>>
Before you begin, let's get the important information out of the way first. Please state your name. <<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Nice to meet you, $name.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> [[Next->Gender]]
Choose your pronouns. <<link 'Your intended pronouns.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> And now your gender?//Unlike in some stories, your gender will change the course of this one.// [[Male.|EC][$gender = "male"]] [[Female.|EC][$gender = "female"]] [[Nonbinary.|EC][$gender = "nonbinary"]] [[Transgender Female.|EC][$trans = true; $gender = "female"]] [[Transgender Male.|EC][$trans = true; $gender = "male"]]
<<if $gender is "nonbinary">>\ This story contains mature content that will be rated M or 18+. Though a majority of the scenes will contain such content, it is still possible to hide the explicit content. If you choose to [[Show Explicit Content|QuestionNon][$showec to true]] then the material will appear. If you wish to not see this content, then please choose [[Hide Explicit Content|Start][$showec to false]]. <<else>>\ This story contains mature content that will be rated M or 18+. Though a majority of the scenes will contain such content, it is still possible to hide the explicit content. If you choose to [[Show Explicit Content|Start][$showec to true]] then the material will appear. If you wish to not see this content, then please choose [[Hide Explicit Content|Start][$showec to false]]. <</if>>\
Would you like to disclose your assigned gender at birth for sexual content purposes? If you would not like to disclose this information then do know that the scenes will be changed accordingly. [[Yes, my assigned gender at birth was male.|Start][$agender = "male"]] [[Yes, my assigned gender at birth was female.|Start][$agender = "female"]] [[No thanks, I don't wish to disclose this information.->Start]]
Great! Here we go, I hope you enjoy. Press the title image below to start the game. <<message 'Click here for further tips'>>\ <ul>\ <li>Impressing Chris's parents will change the course of dinner. But also note how you treat Chris as his reactions may change as well.</li> <li>Your romantic choices towards Chris will change the final romance scene you get. Push up against his comfort zones and be assertive (dom), show him what he’s missing and how obedient you could be (sub), or just flirt and remind him why he loves you (conventional).</li> </ul>\ <</message>>\ [img[images/title.png][Intro]]
<<nobr>><<audio "theme" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.35>><</nobr>> I let out a long hum as I stretch out along the bed, following it up with a groan as the morning’s beams shine through the curtains. I turn away, compelling my brain to forget about the previous infringement and to let me go back to sleep. It takes only a couple seconds to realize that the rising sun wasn’t to blame at all, but the vibrating sound coming from the end table farthest away from me. The side closest to Chris. “Babe,” I murmur, tapping the body beside me. The vibration continues, and Chris produces no sound to let me know that he was cognizant. “Chris,” I growl this time, nudging him with my feet. I hear him produce a low incoherent grumble, tugging on the covers and shifting position before laying still. [[Hit him with a pillow.][$pillowtalk = true]] [[Shake him awake.][$chris -=1]] [[The ringing will stop, go back to sleep.][$chris +=1]]
Part of me protested as I sat up and grabbed ahold of one of the pillows that adorned the bed, I was still sleepy, and my brain refused to accept the fact that it couldn’t return to such state. “Chris!” I growl, bringing the pillow straight down onto his face. “Most folks wake up their boyfriend with a kiss or some shit,” he mumbles, grabbing the pillow and yanking it from my hands. Instead of tossing it away, he brings it close to his body and snuggles into it. I roll my eyes and point at his phone, realizing after the gesture was made that his eyes were still closed. <a data-passage="NR1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I groan as I sit up, nudging Chris as my brain attempts to further wake up. I was trying to rouse Chris when I wasn’t even fully up. My muscles cry as I poke Chris harder, my arm going limp and warning me to not try the action again. “Chris, I’m too sleepy to be doing this. Get up!” He makes no sound, causing me to believe that he was still deep in sleep, my voice and shoves were probably some distant annoyance to him. I shake him harder, sighing dramatically as I collapse onto his chest. “Ah,” he huffs in pain before playfully tapping the side of my head, “do you sharpen your chin or something?” I roll my eyes at his words. <a data-passage="NR1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I make a mental note to check the caller ID once I was actually coherent and awake. If it was one of the others, then they would feel every inch of my wrath. The ringing stops, and with a satisfied smile, I get comfortable and attempt to fall back asleep. //Ring. Ring.// One eye pops open as I stare straight ahead. It was evident that whoever was calling wasn’t about to stop, and the more my brain was processing the world around me, the farther I was getting away from falling back asleep. I turn to look at the slumbering man and nudge him as hard as I can. <a data-passage="NR1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Pick up your phone, Chris.” A few seconds tick by before he flips over so that he was now lying on his back. His eyes move to his now noiseless phone before glancing back at me. “It was ringing a second ago, and will probably ring again,” I inform, “don’t look at me like I’m crazy.” He chuckles, grabbing me as he pulls me closer to his body, “if you wanted me awake, you just had to say so.” “I wanted you awake the first time it rang,” I state blankly. “Don’t make that face,” he whines, placing a light kiss on my forehead and then another on the bridge of my nose, “you make my heart hurt whenever you pout.” “Without my beauty sleep, you’re going to get a whole lot more than just a pout,” I smirk, closing my eyes as I bask in the attention Chris shows me, his kisses now trailing along my neck as he bypasses my lips. “Beauty sleep,” he snorts, “don’t make me laugh.” [[Push him out of bed.]] [[Time for another pillow to the face.]] [[Groan and just try to sleep.]]
Before Chris can anchor himself or figure out what was about to happen, I shift my position and with my legs, push him out of bed. A content smile makes its way onto my face when I hear a loud thud a half-second later. “I could get plenty of sleep if it wasn’t for your fat ass taking up all the bed,” I remark, scooting to the edge of the bed and getting to my feet. Chris’s head pops into view, and he looks unamused as he crawls back onto the bed. <a data-passage="NR2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Before Chris knows what hit him,<<if $pillowtalk>> again, I grab another pillow and slap him softly with it.<<else>> I grab a pillow and slap him softly with it.<</if>> He laughs, causing me to thump him with it a few more times before he finally grabs my wrist, stopping me. With his free hand, he grabs the pillow and tosses it to the side, and I see it as the perfect chance for me to escape. I wiggle free as he does this, scooting to the edge of the bed and out of his reach, finally getting to my feet. <a data-passage="NR2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I groan dramatically and grab a pillow, plopping it over my head as if that would allow sleep to reenter my bones and grant a few extra hours of sleep. “What are you doing?” Chris asks, moving the pillow. I slap his hand away and replace it. “Trying to get what you don’t believe is beauty sleep,” I say in a joking manner, sneering when he removes the pillow again, this time moving it out of my reach. With an overexaggerated groan, I roll out of his grasp and scoot to the edge of the bed. Getting to my feet before turning to him. <a data-passage="NR2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/cg.jpg" style="float:right"> He uses my absence to strike a relaxed and highly sexual pose along the bed, my eyes taking in the scene slowly. His chest was exposed, the sheets being pushed down so that it hid only his extremities from view. But also allowing for my imagination to run wild as my eyes sweep across his muscular arms, to his sculpted chest, and then finally to his thick legs where a few veins manage to be seen. “You know, if you had let me finish, I was going to say you’re always beautiful, so beauty sleep isn’t needed.” “You should talk faster,” I snort, watching as he stretches, causing the sheets to shift and giving me an excellent view of his Adonis belt. “You’re right,” he whispers, cocking his head to the side and smiling coyly up at me, “tell me what I can do to make up for my phone’s inability to shut up.” [[“Let me have my way.”][$dom +=1]] [[“Take me.”][$sub +=1]] [[“Cuddle session?”][$con +=1]]
I wrap my arms around his neck as I match his smile, my glance continuously moving and then lingering on his lips. “For once, you can let me have my way with you.” He moans, leaning up and moving the covers that were now becoming tangled in his feet. “Babe,” he starts, attempting to hide the blush that suddenly appears on his cheeks. “It’s a no?” It’s a no, isn’t it?” I ask, hoping to lessen the tension that declared his forehead its new domain. I move forward to straddle his lap. “I just thought, why not try again.” He leans in and kisses me slowly, a long and intimate kiss that has my toes curl and my heartbeat pick up. Whether its intention was to awaken certain parts of me, I don’t know, but it does. I groan against his lips, and it was as if I had flipped a switch. The kiss turns from carefree to fervent as he presses his lips down upon mine harder, his tongue flickering against my lips until I part them. My body heats up, and I feel a moan originating in the back of my throat as he pulls me closer to his chest. I grind my hips against him, feeling his manhood press itself against me. I roll my hips, shivering at the pleasure that shoots through me as well as the feeling of his member hardening. Wanting to feel the friction once again, I pick up my speed and press myself deeper into his lap, Chris groaning against my lips, causing all of my senses to heighten. <a data-passage="NR3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I move forward to straddle his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck. “You can always take me.” He huffs, rolling his eyes and glancing away, but he does a poor job of extinguishing the flame that appears in them. “Your version of take me, and mine is two different things.” “That’s what your mouth says, not your body,” I tease, letting my hand explore him until it reaches his manhood, my brow rising as I feel how hard he already was. I lean forward and whisper in his ear, “you can’t tell me you’ve never imagined it. You doing whatever you want to me? Me at your mercy?” I flick my tongue along his earlobe before sucking on it. He groans as he moves his face until his lips were slamming against mine. Whether he would ever admit it, the kiss was answer enough. It was forceful and dominant, claiming something that the rest of him was far too scared or nervous to command. My body heats up, and I feel a moan originating in the back of my throat as he pulls me closer to his chest. I grind my hips against him, feeling his manhood press itself against me. I roll my hips, shivering at the pleasure that shoots through me as well as the feeling of his member hardening. Wanting to feel the friction once again, I pick up my speed and press myself deeper into his lap, Chris groaning against my lips, causing all of my senses to heighten. <a data-passage="NR3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I move forward to straddle his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Well, since you’re offering. I think I’m in the mood for a nice little cuddle session before the day actually begins.” He grins, grabbing my waist and flinging me down to the bed. I snort as he hovers over me, holding himself steady by his forearms before bending down to kiss the tip of my nose. His lips travel to my lips, where he kisses me slowly, a long and intimate kiss that has my toes curl and my heartbeat pick up. When he finally pulls back, he lays beside me and brings me taut against his chest, one hand keeping me in place as the other runs featherlight touches along my body. “If you leave this room without falling back asleep, then I’m counting that as a personal failure,” he says against my ear, kissing the side of my head. I snort, “where’s your guitar?” “Don’t tempt me, $name. I have half a mind to go get it and strum something, but that means I have to leave you, and I am way too comfortable,” he sighs happily. He snuggles close just as his phone rings. “Nope,” he exclaims, reaching for it, “I am not –,” he trails off as his eyes hit the screen. He slowly works his arm from around me and sits up, sighing before picking up the phone and pressing the speaker button. <a data-passage="NR3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $dom >=1 or $sub >= 1>>\ He wraps his arms around my waist as I continue to grind against his hips, his hold tightening as he focuses on nibbling my neck. He thrusts his hips upward, causing both of us to pull apart. “Morning sex?” he grumbles, and I nod, the two of us just about to strip when the phone rings. “Nope,” he exclaims, reaching for his phone, making sure to keep me in his hold so that I couldn’t move, “I refuse to be cock-blocked by a damn ph-,” he trails off as his eyes read the screen. He releases me and moves to his side of the bed, sighing before picking up the phone and pressing the speaker button. <</if>>\ “Hey, mom, what’s up?” My eyes widen, of course, I knew of Chris’s mother, but I had only met the woman once or twice. She was a nice lady, but that was as much as I could say about her. That was mostly due to me never getting to properly know her, she seemed to like me, and back then, that was enough. “Chris, is that how you greet me?” a ringing voice shouts from the other side of the phone. “Mom!” he says with fake enthusiasm, “hello, it’s so nice to hear from you. What do you want?” “Oh geez, is this a bad time?” Chris’s eyes dart to mine, an answer already prepared, but his cocked brow tells me that he was wondering what I thought. [[Nod.][$dom +=1]] [[Shake my head.][$con +=1]] [[Let him answer.][$sub +=1]]
I nod my head, and he smirks, “yea, mom. Really bad timing.” “Is it work?” she questions. “Yea,” he snorts, “I’m trying to get a promotion, and my boss doesn’t really appreciate the fact that you called me about ten times already.” “We’re your parents so he can get over it,” a far gruffer voice says in the background, and all of the relaxedness in Chris’s posture is whooshed away and replaced by tension. “Yes, sir,” he grumbles. “Oh, hush, Ryan,” his mother chuckles, “that’s my fault, honey. I was ranting the other day about how I never get to see my only boy anymore. We miss you.” Chris sighs, his eyes darting to the ceiling, “yea, I miss you too, mom.” “That reminds me! How’s New Bern? You still live there, right?” “Yes, mom.” <a data-passage="NR4"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I shake my head, and though Chris frowns, he answers his mother, “no, you’re fine.” “She better be,” a far gruffer voice says in the background, “she’s your mother.” I watch as all of the relaxedness in Chris’s posture is whooshed away and replaced by tension. “Yes, sir,” he grumbles. “Oh, hush, Ryan,” his mother chuckles, “that’s my fault, honey. I was ranting the other day about how I never get to see my only boy anymore. We miss you.” Chris sighs, his eyes darting to the ceiling, “yea, I miss you too, mom.” “That reminds me! How’s New Bern? You still live there, right?” “Yes, mom.” <a data-passage="NR4"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Yea, it actually is. I’m trying to get ready for work.” “What? You can’t get ready and talk to us at the same time?” a far gruffer voice questions in the background, and all of the relaxedness in Chris’s posture is whooshed away and replaced by tension. “Yes, sir,” he grumbles. “Oh, hush, Ryan,” his mother chuckles, “that’s my fault, honey. I was ranting the other day about how I never get to see my only boy anymore. We miss you.” Chris sighs, his eyes darting to the ceiling, “yea, I miss you too, mom.” “That reminds me! How’s New Bern? You still live there, right?” “Yes, mom.” <a data-passage="NR4"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Great,” I hear his dad shout, “we’re in town. We want to see you.” I don’t know which shocks me more, the fact that his parents had just sprung this on him, or the fact Chris didn’t seem wholly blindsided by his father’s words. He stays silent, and I can see the gears turning, trying to think of something. “You …” his mother’s soft voice begins, etched with concern and worry, “you do want to see us, right?” “Of course,” Chris says hastily, following it up with a sigh, “we can get lunch or dinner or something. I can show you around New Bern too, make it a whole thing.” His mother squeals in delight, and I shift so that I was now sitting on the edge of the bed. Chris’s eyes glance over to me, but they don’t linger, going back to his phone. “We can finally meet the woman you’ve been talking so much about.” <<if $gender isnot "female">>I grit my teeth at the words, throwing an accusing glare at Chris who continues to pay little to no attention to me.<</if>> “Yea, I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he says and finally gazes over at me. <a data-passage="NR5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Oh hush, bring her to meet us. She sounds amazing, and it sounds like you’re serious about her. Me and your father will go easy on her, especially if she makes you feel as good as you seem to convey.” “We’ll see,” Chris tells his parents, finishing up the conversation by telling them that he’ll text them the information later. He turns his attention to me. “Sorry.” <<if $gender is "female">>\ “Why are you apologizing to me?” He shrugs his shoulders, rubbing his forehead. A minute ago, he looked so lively and awake, now he looked like he had spent the last few nights tossing in his sleep. “So, are you really going to go and meet your parents?” “Yea,” he tells me, standing and walking to the foot of the bed, “I do miss them, and it’ll be great to actually catch up and show them that I’m fine.” “Hmm,” I hum, “meeting your parents. Well, I already met your mother, but this is going to be interesting.” Chris snorts, bending down and placing a single kiss to my forehead, “yea, you’re not going.” [[“What!? Why not?”][$chris -=1; $bothered = true]] [[“I’m fine with that, but why not?”][$chris +=1]] [[“Oh, thank goodness.”]] <<else>>\ “No, it’s totally fine. I honestly think this is going to be fun. I get to meet your parents, dress up like a woman, and make it seem like I’m some normal person dating some normal guy.” “Ugh, don’t start, $name. I never told them that you’re a woman, I didn’t even mention your gender.” “Why not?” <<if $gender is "nonbinary">>\ “Because if I told my parents that I’m dating someone nonbinary, then my mom will just reply with, ‘does that mean they’re not black?’ And trying to explain something to her is like explaining to your dog why he shouldn’t lick his balls and then your face right after. That doesn’t even count my dad. So, yea, I didn’t really bring it up.” [[“Did you just compare your mom to a dog?”][$chris +=1]] <<elseif $gender is "male">>\ “Because if I told my parents that I’m dating a guy, then my dad would disclaim me, and suddenly, I have no parents. So, yea, I didn’t really bring it up.” [[“Who cares if he disclaims you?”][$chris -=1]] <<else>>\ “Because if I told my parents that I’m dating someone who’s trans, then my mom would just reply with, ‘oh dear, they’re afraid of trains?’ And trying to explain something to her is like explaining to your dog why he shouldn’t lick his balls and then your face right after. That doesn’t even count my dad. So, yea, I didn’t really bring it up.” [[“Did you just compare your mom to a dog?”][$chris +=1]] <</if>>\ [[“Did you ever try?”]] [[“That kind of hurts, Chris.”][$chris -=1]] [[“I understand why.”][$chris +=1]] <</if>>\
I pout, eyes wide in disbelief. “What!? Why not?” “Because alone, I can lie my ass off. With you, I have to make sure both of us are on the same page and,” he snorts impatiently, “and I don’t want you seeing //that// side of me.” “What side of you?” I question, standing and following him to the bathroom. “That weird ‘yes, sir’ ‘no, sir’ act I have to put on to appease my dad. I’m already trying to figure out how I’m going to lie to them about what I do and why I never finished college.” He pauses, his eyes widening. “Shit, they’re definitely going to ask about that. Fuck.” “Chris,” I start, but he seems far too deep in his own mind to be concerned with me. I take a step forward, and he shakes his head, shooing me out of the bathroom’s doorway and then closing the door. I lift my fist to knock but decide against it, he needed to think this through, and the least I could do was allow him that. We’ll talk about it later. <a data-passage="NR6"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I was indifferent about the entire thing, not wanting to go but not totally against making an appearance. “I’m actually fine with that, it’s your call. But can I at least ask why?” “Because alone, I can lie my ass off. With you, I have to make sure both of us are on the same page and,” he snorts impatiently, “and I don’t want you seeing //that// side of me.” “What side of you?” I question, standing and following him to the bathroom. “That weird ‘yes, sir’ ‘no, sir’ act I have to put on to appease my dad. I’m already trying to figure out how I’m going to lie to them about what I do and why I never finished college.” He pauses, his eyes widening. “Shit, they’re definitely going to ask about that. Fuck.” “Chris,” I start, but he seems far too deep in his own mind to be concerned with me. I take a step forward, and he shakes his head, shooing me out of the bathroom’s doorway and then closing the door. I lift my fist to knock but decide against it, he needed to think this through, and the least I could do was allow him that. We’ll talk about it later. <a data-passage="NR6"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Oh, thank goodness,” I chuckle flicking imaginary sweat off my forehead, “I was really dreading everything just then.” Chris relaxes but the fact that he had already made up his mind about my attendance was still tottering on the edge of my mind. “Why though?” “Because alone, I can lie my ass off. With you, I have to make sure both of us are on the same page and,” he snorts impatiently, “and I don’t want you seeing //that// side of me.” “What side of you?” I question, standing and following him to the bathroom. “That weird ‘yes, sir’ ‘no, sir’ act I have to put on to appease my dad. I’m already trying to figure out how I’m going to lie to them about what I do and why I never finished college.” He pauses, his eyes widening. “Shit, they’re definitely going to ask about that. Fuck.” “Chris,” I start, but he seems far too deep in his own mind to be concerned with me. I take a step forward, and he shakes his head, shooing me out of the bathroom’s doorway and then closing the door. I lift my fist to knock but decide against it, he needed to think this through, and the least I could do was allow him that. We’ll talk about it later. <a data-passage="NR6"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I pause my rant and replay the words he had just said, “did you just compare your mom to a dog? Even more specifically, a dog licking his balls?” “No, I compared explaining things to my mom to a dog. That’s completely fine.” He walks towards the bathroom, and I stand then follow. “So, you didn’t tell your mom the truth because you were afraid of some questions?” “You make it seem like those questions are simple. It’s not like I’m telling her that you’re a vegetarian or a Democrat.” “Your parents would be okay with those things?” “Nah, that was a horrible example,” he sighs, stepping up to me and placing his forehead on mine, “I didn’t tell them because I wanted them to get to know how amazing you were because you just are, not because of what exists in between your legs …” he rolls his eyes and smirks, “that’s for me only.” I slap his chest but smile. His smile vanishes, “you still mad at me?” [[“Yes. This conversation isn’t over.”][$chris -=1; $mad = true]] [[“Kinda, but I understand why.”]] [[“No, I’m not mad.”][$chris +=1]]
“Who cares if he disclaims you?” I shout. “I do!” he shouts right back, “his views are fucked up, and I completely disagree with them, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love him, he’s still my dad. I can still love him without loving his viewpoints.” “Even if it fucks up our relationship?” “Why do his views, or anything to do with him, have to affect our relationship? I’m dating you, not him. He’s not even that active in my life for you to be worried about him.” He sighs, taking a step closer and places his forehead on mine. “I didn’t tell them because I wanted them to get to know how amazing you were because you just are, not because of what exists in between your legs …” he rolls his eyes and smirks, “that’s for me only.” I slap his chest but smile. His smile vanishes, “you still mad at me?” [[“Yes. This conversation isn’t over.”][$chris -=1; $mad = true]] [[“Kinda, but I understand why.”]] [[“No, I’m not mad.”][$chris +=1]]
“Did you ever try to tell them?” “Of course, I did. You’re part of my life, mentioning you isn’t exactly the easiest thing to avoid. They’re the ones who just jumped the gun and start assuming your gender. Every time I talk to them, I have a mental breakdown about how to break the news to them. And seeing that they’re not in my life like that, I just don’t see why I need to in the end.” ‘Because it’s important to me. You’re assuming that they’ll just take it horribly.” He sighs, “not everyone is as cool and supportive as your uncle, $name. If my grandpa was around, then you’d bet your ass I would’ve told him about you.” He takes a step closer and places his forehead on mine. “I didn’t tell them because I wanted them to get to know how amazing you were because you just are, not because of what exists in between your legs …” he rolls his eyes and smirks, “that’s for me only.” I slap his chest but smile. His smile vanishes, “you still mad at me?” [[“Yes. This conversation isn’t over.”][$chris -=1; $mad = true]] [[“Kinda, but I understand why.”]] [[“No, I’m not mad.”][$chris +=1]]
“You know, Chris, that kind of hurts.” “Would you have liked for my mom to have called me, and then you hear her, or my dad call you a faggot or some other horrible insult? Would you rather be wondering if my parent’s words got to me every time I talk to them, knowing damn well they’re telling me that I shouldn’t be with someone like you? Or, and this is my last one, but would you like me to be some depressing pile of shit because my parents don’t love me because of some shit that has nothing to do with them?” “Exactly, that’s just it. If it doesn’t concern them, then why not tell them?” “Because that’s not good odds,” he points out obviously, “not telling them is a win/win, besides now because you’re obviously pissed. But telling them is a lose/lose, I lose my parents. and if you don’t think that will affect me. then you’re wrong.” He grabs my hands and yanks me closer towards him, his eyes pleading for me to understand. He rests his forehead against mine, “I didn’t tell them because I wanted them to get to know how amazing you were because you just are, not because of what exists in between your legs …” he rolls his eyes and smirks, “that’s for me only.” I slap his chest but smile. His smile vanishes, “you still mad at me?” [[“Yes. This conversation isn’t over.”][$chris -=1; $mad = true]] [[“Kinda, but I understand why.”]] [[“No, I’m not mad.”][$chris +=1]]
“I understand why you didn’t tell them. It hurts still, but it’s not because I don’t get it. Not everyone is like my uncle, there are still bigots out there, and those bigots have children.” “Yes,” he chuckles, “but can you not say it like I’m just my father’s son or something. I don’t share his views about a lot of things.” He sighs as he comes and rests his forehead on mine, “I didn’t tell them because I wanted them to get to know how amazing you were because you just are, not because of what exists in between your legs …” he rolls his eyes and smirks, “that’s for me only.” I slap his chest but smile. His smile vanishes, “you still mad at me?” [[“Yes. This conversation isn’t over.”][$chris -=1; $mad = true]] [[“Kinda, but I understand why.”]] [[“No, I’m not mad.”][$chris +=1]]
“Yes,” I say simply, not even understanding why he had to ask, “this conversation isn’t over.” He groans and pulls away, “I really don’t know what else you want me to say.” He walks into the bathroom and turns to me. “If I told them, it ends bad. I don’t tell them, it ends bad. I can’t win. I never win.” He seems to be more so talking to himself as he closes the door, continuing to rant as he does whatever he needs to, and I leave the room. <a data-passage="NR6"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Kinda, but I understand why. So, I guess just give me time to get over this and stuff.” He frowns, but he nods his head graciously, closing the door to the bathroom. I stare at it for a second longer before leaving the room. <a data-passage="NR6"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“No, I’m not mad.” What was me being mad going to change anyway? Chris smiles thankfully and leans in and gives me a chaste kiss, especially compared to the kisses we had shared before his mother called. “I’m going to take a shower,” he tells me, closing the door a second after. With that entire conversation done and no point in returning to bed, I leave the room. <a data-passage="NR6"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” I hear Bradley declare as I enter the kitchen. He sits at the large rectangular island with his laptop open in front of him, a half-eaten energy bar lying beside him, and two energy drinks waiting to either be discarded or consumed. Across from him sits Zillah, who seems far too eager to argue whatever was being discussed. “No, correction,” Zillah starts, “that was the smartest thing your little ears will ever hear in your entire lifetime. Rahim, back me up.” I glance around and see Rahim sitting on the counter, the blender in his lap, and Amari beside him as they look it over. “I’m not about to get pulled into your stupid conversation,” he growls, peering up and spotting me, “ask, $name.” “Morning, $name!” Amari says in a cheerful tone, waving her hand before Rahim calls her to focus in again. [[“Nope, leave me out of it.”]] [[“What’s being discussed?”]] [[“Breakfast first, then arguing.”]]
“No!” I shout, glaring at Rahim, “no,” I then repeat to the two at the table. “Whatever you two are arguing about this time, leave me out of it.” “You don’t even know what it’s about,” Bradley points out, but I shake my head as I open the fridge and look it over, grabbing some juice and then looking for a muffin. “It doesn’t matter,” Bradley follows up, “if you need someone to help defend your point, then your point must not be solid.” Zillah stiffens, pointing an accusing finger at Bradley, but I tune them out, looking over at Rahim and Amari. “You guys decided to sleep in?” Amari asks me, grabbing a screwdriver and sparing me a glance before fiddling with the bottom of the blender. “Tried to, but Chris kept getting calls.” “Don’t you hate that,” Sydero snorts as she enters the kitchen, walking straight to the fridge and placing her water bottle inside. “That’s why you put that motherfucker on silent when you’re trying to ...” She starts humping the air, causing Bradley to shout and throw a balled-up napkin at her. <a data-passage="NR7"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“That depends,” I begin, “what’s being discussed?” Zillah points his thumb in Bradley’s direction, “Bradley here thinks that if aliens invaded, then they would probe us and experiment on us but otherwise let us live. I pointed out that they would probably just take us apart, take what they want, and our resources and be done with it. Destroying the planet later.” With eyes wide, I glance over at Rahim, who makes eye contact with me and rolls his eyes in annoyance. “Why would they blow up the entire planet? I’m surprised your tiny brain can even imagine aliens,” Bradley shouts at him. Zillah stiffens, pointing an accusing finger at Bradley, but I tune them out, looking over at Rahim and Amari. “You guys decided to sleep in?” Amari asks me, grabbing a screwdriver and sparing me a glance before fiddling with the bottom of the blender. “Tried to, but Chris kept getting calls.” “Don’t you hate that,” Sydero snorts as she enters the kitchen, walking straight to the fridge and placing her water bottle inside. “That’s why you put that motherfucker on silent when you’re trying to ...” She starts humping the air, causing Bradley to shout and throw a balled-up napkin at her. <a data-passage="NR7"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I shake my head as I walk further into the kitchen and over to the fridge, “I need food in my system first.” “Mortals,” Zillah scoffs, “the fact that you need sustenance just proves you’re weak.” My face contorts as I look at him, grabbing some juice, “the only ‘mortal’ here is Bradley. And he could kick your ass with one hand tied behind his back.” “?He’s right, I could.” Zillah stiffens, pointing an accusing finger at Bradley, but I tune them out, looking over at Rahim and Amari. “You guys decided to sleep in?” Amari asks me, grabbing a screwdriver and sparing me a glance before fiddling with the bottom of the blender. “Tried to, but Chris kept getting calls.” “Don’t you hate that,” Sydero snorts as she enters the kitchen, walking straight to the fridge and placing her water bottle inside. “That’s why you put that motherfucker on silent when you’re trying to ...” She starts humping the air, causing Bradley to shout and throw a balled-up napkin at her. <a data-passage="NR7"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I pout as I take a seat at the island, “what are you guys’ thoughts on meeting the parents of the person you’re dating?” Syd snorts, taking the seat beside me but sitting on the island instead of the chair, “what’s dating?” “Isn’t it typically the parents who set you up?” Zillah asks. “Most of the people I know don’t have parents anymore,” Amari chimes in. “Yes,” Bradley cackles evilly, “let me meet your parents so I can then go on a rant about how mine died.” “Parents are overrated,” Rahim says lastly. [[“None of you are normal.”]] [[“I’m asking the group with no parents.”]] [[“I was hoping one of you would give me something helpful.”]]
“None of you guys are remotely normal or helpful.” “Look who’s talking,” Zillah huffs. “So, let me guess,” Sydero hums, “you want to meet Chris’s parents, but he doesn’t want you to?” “Were you listening in this morning?” “Nope, the two of you just remind me of some horribly done soap opera who doesn’t understand the words ‘chill.’ This problem was bound to happen sooner or later.” “Yea,” Zillah shouts, “like when Angela asked Nathan why he never introduced her to his parents, and Nathan told her it was because they were dead.” “But they were dead, remember,” Bradley asks, “Angela thought Nathan was lying and then went through Nathan’s stuff and found out that he was honest about it. That’s why Nathan broke up with her.” <a data-passage="NR8"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I open my mouth to say something before stopping, realization coming over me, “I just realized that I’m asking the one group who has no parents, or, has horrible relationships with their parents.” “Damn,” Bradley draws out, “you don’t have to go and remind us, $name.” “So, let me guess,” Sydero hums, “you want to meet Chris’s parents, but he doesn’t want you to?” “Were you listening in this morning?” “Nope, the two of you just remind me of some horribly done soap opera who doesn’t understand the words ‘chill.’ This problem was bound to happen sooner or later.” “Yea,” Zillah shouts, “like when Angela asked Nathan why he never introduced her to his parents, and Nathan told her it was because they were dead.” “But they were dead, remember,” Bradley asks, “Angela thought Nathan was lying and then went through Nathan’s stuff and found out that he was honest about it. That’s why Nathan broke up with her.” <a data-passage="NR8"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I was hoping that just one of you, doesn’t matter who, was going to give me something helpful. I can see that I was hoping for too much.” Zillah erupts into laughter, “sounds like this group’s tagline.” “So, let me guess,” Sydero hums, “you want to meet Chris’s parents, but he doesn’t want you to?” “Were you listening in this morning?” “Nope, the two of you just remind me of some horribly done soap opera who doesn’t understand the words ‘chill.’ This problem was bound to happen sooner or later.” “Yea,” Zillah shouts, “like when Angela asked Nathan why he never introduced her to his parents, and Nathan told her it was because they were dead.” “But they were dead, remember,” Bradley asks, “Angela thought Nathan was lying and then went through Nathan’s stuff and found out that he was honest about it. That’s why Nathan broke up with her.” <a data-passage="NR8"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“No, no,” Rahim sighs, “that was Trish. Angela told Trish, and so she took it upon herself to go through Nathan’s stuff. Plus, that was Nathan’s biological parents, his adoptive parents are still alive. Angela is just too stupid to realize that Nathan, being scared of commitment, was using that as his fallback.” “That’s a bit unfair, Nathan isn’t necessarily scared of commitment but what it means to date someone like Angela. She’s like, a total superstar and he’s just some ordinary guy who can hold his fingers steady long enough to take a decent photo,” Bradley tells him. “He’s an idiot anyway,” Amari huffs, “Angela deserves someone better.” “Like who? Martin?” Zillah laughs. Sydero hums in thought, “isn’t Martin gay?” “No, just a super asshole. He had sex with Ben to blackmail him with it later. No one will believe Ben anyway since Martin is this stand-up guy, and Ben is an ex-convict,” Rahim answers. [[“What the fuck?!”]] [[“Cute, now back to me.”]] [[“But what did Ben do to him?”]]
“What the fuck are you guys talking about!?” I shout, causing their eyes to all zero back in on me. “Syd kinda got all of us hooked on this soap opera called All My Woes,” Amari explains. “We get together every Wednesday to watch it.” “Why am I now just hearing about this?” I keep the sadness from my voice, wondering why I wasn’t invited to it. “That’s your date night with Chris, so you’re never here,” Rahim comments. “Yea, remember all the times you guys get back and find us in the living room talking about something?” Bradley questions, “that’s our discussion period. There’s a lot to unpack after every episode.” Chris walks into the kitchen wearing a nice faded t-shirt and some dark blue jeans. <a data-passage="NR9"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Cute, glad you guys are all enjoying whatever you’re talking about, but back to me. I’m in a selfish mood.” “At least you admit it,” Zillah grumbles. “Am I supposed to be okay with this? Am I supposed to be mad that he straight up told me ‘no you’re not meeting them?’” “Did you actually talk to him about this? Or did you wait until he hopped into the shower to come out and here and rant?” Rahim questions, producing a low sigh when I send him a glare. Chris walks into the kitchen wearing a nice faded t-shirt and some dark blue jeans. <a data-passage="NR9"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“But what did Ben ever do to him?” I ask in shock. “Ben assaulted Martin’s brother because Martin’s brother – what was that bitch’s name?” Zillah questions. “Abraham,” they all say in unison. “Ah, Abrahoe, thank you guys for reminding me. Abrahoe is a professor who molested and blackmailed his best friend while they were in uni. So, Ben paid his car, his house, and him a visit. Obviously, he went to jail.” “But,” Amari pipes up, catching my attention next, “what Ben doesn’t know is that Trish was there when Martin had sex with him and even recorded it because she wanted to show Angela later.” “That woman is the nosiest person on the show, but damn, you can’t help but love her,” Sydero laughs. Chris walks into the kitchen wearing a nice faded t-shirt and some dark blue jeans. <a data-passage="NR9"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $mad>>\ “Morning, everyone who isn’t currently mad at me.” I grimace and glare at him as everyone turns silent, looking between the two of us. “What about you tell them why I’m mad, Chris.” He grabs the orange juice and turns to me with a mocking smile, “if you guys had conservative parents who judged every tiny thing, would you tell them about your partner?” Sydero tries to keep herself from laughing, “what’s a partner?” “Again, isn’t it typically the parents who set people up? Shouldn’t they already know these things?” Zillah asks. “Most of the people I know don’t have parents anymore,” Amari repeats from earlier. “Parents are overrated,” Rahim reiterates, his tone more irritated than last time. “Yes,” Bradley cackles evilly, “let me tell my dead parents about my partner! They can be disappointed with me, even in death.” I glance over at Chris with a knowing smirk, “yea, they’re no help. I already ranted about you.” <<else>>\ “Morning, everyone.” “$name was telling us about how you won’t let ?him meet your parents,” Bradley smiles. “Surprise, surprise,” Chris says, sending a sharp glare my way. “I think you should let $name meet your parents,” Sydero comments, a simple smile on her face. “Seriously?” I question, and she shrugs. “It’s been quiet around here without any hunts, whatever happens at that dinner will be entertaining to hear about.” “It must be nice to live such a drama-free life,” Chris hisses, only earning a laugh from Sydero. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="NR10"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $mad>>\ “I think you should let $name meet your parents,” Sydero comments, a simple smile on her face. “Seriously?” I question, and she shrugs. “It’s been quiet around here without any hunts, whatever happens at that dinner will be entertaining to hear about.” “It must be nice to live such a drama-free life,” Chris hisses, only earning a laugh from Sydero. <</if>>\ “I actually agree,” Amari starts, “not with the whole entertainment thing but just letting ?him meet them. What’s the worst that can happen?” “They break up,” Rahim grunts, cutting the blender on and then immediately off when sparks shoot out. Zillah chuckles, and Rahim, without turning around to face him, shoots him a bird. “Chris’s parents disown him, and they break up,” Bradley adds on. “Chris is kicked out of the house, his parents disown him, and they break up,” Zillah says next. <a data-passage="NR11"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Alright!” Amari shouts, bristling, “what’s the best that can happen?” Everyone is silent, causing Amari’s eye to twitch as she turns to face Chris. “Honestly, I keep forgetting that we’re in a room full of …” “Assholes,” Sydero shouts in between bites of an energy bar, helping her out. Amari nods her thanks before continuing. “That word. You seem to love your parents, and you love $name, why not merge the two? The worst thing you can do is just not do it and then, later on, wonder ‘what if.’ For all, you know your parents may accept it later. And if they don’t, then they don’t.” She nervously shifts from one foot to the other, “I like to think we’re all family, so at least we support you.” [[“That was beautiful.”]] [[“This is one fucked up family.”]] [[“Why not, Chris?”]]
I rub my eye, smiling at Amari in thanks, “that was beautiful, Amari. Really.” She wiggles in happiness, much like a dog whose excitement couldn’t be controlled. “Hey, how about giving a pep talk to this blender next,” Rahim grunts, “because it’s still not working, and if we don’t fix it, half of us are in trouble.” “It’s called buy a new one, you dimwit!” Sydero points out, Rahim turning to her, and we all immediately take our leave. Chris and I walk into the living room, the fighting between Sydero and Rahim still audible but not as distracting as it would’ve been if we stayed. He sits on one side of the sofa, and I eye the areas that I could sit. [[Sit next to him.][$chris +=1]] [[Sit on his lap.][$chris +=1]] [[Sit on the far side.][$chris -=1]]
I look around the kitchen and raise a brow, “this is one fucked up family.” “Those are the best ones,” Amari exclaims, though she seems to doubt her words a second after, “aren’t they?” “No,” Zillah corrects, “you’re thinking about Claire’s family. We’re more of Martin’s family.” “We are not!” Bradley shouts, slapping Zillah harshly. “Hey, how about giving a pep talk to this blender next,” Rahim grunts, “because it’s still not working, and if we don’t fix it, half of us are in trouble.” “It’s called buy a new one, you dimwit!” Sydero points out, Rahim turning to her, and we all immediately take our leave. Chris and I walk into the living room, the fighting between Sydero and Rahim still audible but not as distracting as it would’ve been if we stayed. He sits on one side of the sofa, and I eye the areas that I could sit. [[Sit next to him.][$chris +=1]] [[Sit on his lap.][$chris +=1]] [[Sit on the far side.][$chris -=1]]
“Why not, Chris?” I ask, more to him than the group. He sighs, tilting his head back. “Hey, how about giving a pep talk to this blender next,” Rahim grunts, “because it’s still not working, and if we don’t fix it, half of us are in trouble.” “It’s called buy a new one, you dimwit!” Sydero points out, Rahim turning to her, and we all immediately take our leave. Chris and I walk into the living room, the fighting between Sydero and Rahim still audible but not as distracting as it would’ve been if we stayed. He sits on one side of the sofa, and I eye the areas that I could sit. [[Sit next to him.][$chris +=1]] [[Sit on his lap.][$chris +=1]] [[Sit on the far side.][$chris -=1]]
I sit next to him, and he gives me a small smile of appreciation. “Do you really want to meet them? Knowing all the shit that’s liable to happen?” “I’ll answer that after you tell me whether or not you want me to. And don’t just say no because you think they’re going to hurt my feelings. I’m mature.” He runs his hand down his face, “it’s not about you being mature, $name. It’s about how I’m going to react if they say something I don’t like about you. I’m not about to just sit there and let them say whatever because they’re my parents. And I say that now but just you wait, we’ll go to dinner, they’ll say something, and I’ll just freeze up. I’ve never backtalked my parents. Ever.” “Then we leave,” I suggest. “If the dinner turns sour, then we’ll give each other //that// look and we’ll leave.” “You really want to meet them, huh?” [[“Only if you want me to meet them.”]] [[“I really do.”][$chris +=1]] [[“No, not really.”][$chris -=1]]
I saunter over to where he sat and plop myself down on his lap, raising a brow to see if he would be okay with my new seat. He smirks, hands enveloping me as he pulls me closer, kissing my neck before pulling back and relaxing. Or at least relaxing the best he can with what the conversation was about to center around. “Do you really want to meet them? Knowing all the shit that’s liable to happen?” “I’ll answer that after you tell me whether or not you want me to. And don’t just say no because you think they’re going to hurt my feelings. I’m mature.” He runs his hand down his face, “it’s not about you being mature, $name. It’s about how I’m going to react if they say something I don’t like about you. I’m not about to just sit there and let them say whatever because they’re my parents. And I say that now but just you wait, we’ll go to dinner, they’ll say something, and I’ll just freeze up. I’ve never backtalked my parents. Ever.” “Then we leave,” I suggest. “If the dinner turns sour, then we’ll give each other //that// look and we’ll leave.” “You really want to meet them, huh?” [[“Only if you want me to meet them.”]] [[“I really do.”][$chris +=1]] [[“No, not really.”][$chris -=1]]
I eye the empty areas and decide to sit on the far end of the sofa that Chris had claimed. I get comfortable and turn towards him, quickly spotting the annoyance and sadness in his eyes due to the distance. “Do you really want to meet them? Knowing all the shit that’s liable to happen?” “I’ll answer that after you tell me whether or not you want me to. And don’t just say no because you think they’re going to hurt my feelings. I’m mature.” He runs his hand down his face, “it’s not about you being mature, $name. It’s about how I’m going to react if they say something I don’t like about you. I’m not about to just sit there and let them say whatever because they’re my parents. And I say that now but just you wait, we’ll go to dinner, they’ll say something, and I’ll just freeze up. I’ve never backtalked my parents. Ever.” “Then we leave,” I suggest. “If the dinner turns sour, then we’ll give each other //that// look and we’ll leave.” “You really want to meet them, huh?” [[“Only if you want me to meet them.”]] [[“I really do.”][$chris +=1]] [[“No, not really.”][$chris -=1]]
“Well,” I start, drawing out the word, “only if you want me to meet them. If this is really something you don’t want me doing, then I’ll respect that and back off. I’ll let you have your little Parent Day, and I’ll just stay here with the others.” Chris drags his hands down his face before groaning, nodding his head, “I do. It would mean the world to me if they met you and then approved, and that was the end of that. I don’t know if that’ll happen, but why not see? The worse …” Chris starts to say but then stops himself, shaking his head as I assume that he didn’t wish to think about it. Instead, he gets to his feet and looks at me. “You should go get ready then. I’ll text them and tell them that we’ll meet them for dinner. But we need to go shopping first.” [[“Oh, are you buying?”][$sub +=1]] [[“For what?”][$con +=1]] [[“I’m already regretting this.”][$dom +=1]]
“I really do. This could be a big step forward for us. If it ends badly, I don’t know, but I do think this is something we should do. I want to meet them and tell them about us. If they can’t be happy, then it’s no longer in our hands. That’s their problem.” Chris nods, his eyes drifting to the floor for a second before he sighs and stands. “You should go get ready then. I’ll text them and tell them that we’ll meet them for dinner. But we need to go shopping first.” [[“Oh, are you buying?”][$sub +=1]] [[“For what?”][$con +=1]] [[“I’m already regretting this.”][$dom +=1]]
I snort, “no, not really. But whether you show it or not, I know this means a lot to you, and so, I’ll go.” “It doesn’t mean that much to me,” he mumbles, but I can spot the corners of his mouth twitch into a slight curve. He claps his hands and gets to his feet. “You should go get ready then. I’ll text them and tell them that we’ll meet them for dinner. But we need to go shopping first.” [[“Oh, are you buying?”][$sub +=1]] [[“For what?”][$con +=1]] [[“I’m already regretting this.”][$dom +=1]]
“Oh,” I chuckle, doing the opposite of what he just suggested as I relax deeper into the sofa. “Are you buying?” “Anything that precious heart of yours desires,” Chris mumbles, bending down to kiss the corner of my mouth, giving it a teasing bite before drawing back. “Now go get ready. You take hours to prepare.” “I do not!” “Last date night will disagree with you.” He chuckles, walking away like he was on a mission. I head back into the room and take a shower to get prepared for the shopping trip, throwing on some casual clothing and looking myself over before leaving the room. I walk back into the living room, stopping short when I see Chris standing to the side, talking to Sydero, who's smirking. He sees me and quickly finishes up the conversation, throwing me an innocent smile before harshly saying something to Syd. She waves his words away as she walks towards me, winking before heading towards the direction of her room. I wait until I hear Sydero’s door close before looking at Chris, “what was that about?” “I don’t know, but then, whoever does with her?” Chris questions grabbing my hand and yanking me out of the house. <a data-passage="NR12"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“For what?” I question, perking up and leaning forward. “I want to get my mother a present, flowers or something, I don’t know. And I need to make sure that our outfits match the vibe of the place we’re going. My dad said they made reservations at this fancy place.” “Well, isn’t that exciting?” I say, getting to my feet and walking to the room to prepare. I head back into the room and take a shower to get prepared for the shopping trip, throwing on some casual clothing and looking myself over before leaving the room. I walk back into the living room, stopping short when I see Chris standing to the side, talking to Sydero, who's smirking. He sees me and quickly finishes up the conversation, throwing me an innocent smile before harshly saying something to Syd. She waves his words away as she walks towards me, winking before heading towards the direction of her room. I wait until I hear Sydero’s door close before looking at Chris, “what was that about?” “I don’t know, but then, whoever does with her?” Chris questions grabbing my hand and yanking me out of the house. <a data-passage="NR12"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Wow,” I laugh, “I’m already starting to regret agreeing to this now.” “Nope,” he huffs, grabbing my hands and pulling me from my seat, “you already agreed and got me excited, so there are no take-backs. Get your fine ass in the room and change.” “You should come and help me,” I tease, flirtatiously winking at him as I go. “I would, but I need to do something first,” he tells me, his attention already off me as he walks in the opposite direction of the room. I head back into the room and take a shower to get prepared for the shopping trip, throwing on some casual clothing and looking myself over before leaving the room. I walk back into the living room, stopping short when I see Chris standing to the side, talking to Sydero, who's smirking. He sees me and quickly finishes up the conversation, throwing me an innocent smile before harshly saying something to Syd. She waves his words away as she walks towards me, winking before heading towards the direction of her room. I wait until I hear Sydero’s door close before looking at Chris, “what was that about?” “I don’t know, but then, whoever does with her?” Chris questions grabbing my hand and yanking me out of the house. <a data-passage="NR12"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We drive to the shopping district in New Bern, hand in hand, as we look in the shops’ windows to figure out which to enter first. “What does your mother like anyway?” “She’s a simple woman,” Chris answers, stopping in front of a perfume store, “she’d love something simple, but she’s always been a fan of people taking risks.” He chuckles as he looks at me, “those risks usually have like, 40% chance of succeeding, but it’s a risk for a reason.” “So then what are you going to get her?” “Play it safe, probably some perfume,” he answers, waving the worry of actually trying too hard away. “You want me to put both of our names on this?” [[“Yes.” Say the gift is from both of you.][$sharegift = true]] [[“No.” Pick out a separate gift for his mother.]]
“Yea,” I tell him, following him into the perfume store. “Great, then you can tell me what scent to give her.” I nod in agreement, sticking close as we peruse the shelves, stopping here and there to sample some of the things before moving on. “Are there any scents she prefers?” I ask as I sample one, immediately shaking my head at the tangy scent that infiltrates my nose. “Subtle, sophisticated scents,” he tells me, sampling another, “frankly I just call them the friendly old woman smells.” I roll my eyes as I begin to look for what he had described, summoning him over to the racks that hold multiple perfumes in classy bottles. “How about this one?” Chris asks, squirting one of the bottles towards me, and I shout, trying to escape before the smell could claim me. The last thing I wanted was to walk around smelling like, in Chris’s words, friendly old woman. Chris, knowing precisely what he did, erupts into laughter, having to lean on a nearby rack to keep himself upright. “Oh, that’s hilarious,” I sneer, grabbing one of the bottles and spraying him. He jolts backward, but his reaction is too slow to actually allow him to escape the squirt. He snorts before grabbing another bottle, chasing me around the rack as he tries to get a good spray in. I round a pillar trying to avoid him but also manage to blast him when an employee walks up, clearing her throat. She glances from me to Chris, both of us wide-eyed and frozen in our spot. <a data-passage="Yes1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I tap my chin in thought before shaking my head. “I’m going to get her a separate gift.” Chris stops, raising an eyebrow as he glances over at me, “are you trying to compete?” “What? No, I’m not the competitive type,” I chuckle sarcastically, already attempting to think through what his mother might want. Chris snorts as he leans over and boops my nose, “game on.” Without waiting for me to stop him or goad him on, he rushes into the perfume store, leaving me to figure out what I should get his mother. He didn’t give me much to go on, and seeing that he was now in competition mode, he probably wouldn’t help me out further. He said she was simple but that she liked risks. Seeing that Chris said that perfume was playing it safe, I decide to go with something that isn’t that. I continue walking down the sidewalk, my eyes darting from one store to the next in an attempt to figure out what to get. [[Call the gang.]] [[Guess.]]
“Sorry, ma’am,” he starts when my finger slips, causing me to spray another burst of the fragrance straight at the employee. Though I didn’t think it possible, my eyes widen even more in horror, while Chris bursts out in laughter, turning so that his back was now to us. “I am so sorry, I really didn’t mean to do that,” I try to reassure her, but she looks less than pleased. My apologies falling off of her like water on plastic. I’m sure Chris laughing didn’t help either. “I’m going to ask that the two of you either buy something or leave.” I nod my head vigorously, again apologizing as she turns and walks away. I shoot a glare at Chris, who has finally straightened up from his fit, only to delve back into another when he sees my face. I walk back to the rack and place the bottles down, trying my best to put them back strategically so that the employee wouldn’t have to fix it later. Chris sighs as he does the same, a broad smile still beautifying his face. <a data-passage="Yes2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“This is oddly domestic,” I point out and then poke out my bottom lip in thought, “a lot of stuff we do now is, huh?” “Yea, and I love it. Waking up and fighting over who’s going to make up the bed, or who’s going to clean what in the bathroom.” He sighs contently as he leans on the wall, “I mean, I know it’s weird and trivial, but I really do love it. Like when we’re picked to be the ones who have to cook or when I’m at the store, and you call me, begging me to grab you some snacks.” He fights against the smile that appears and loses. “It’s not stupid,” I tell him, slinging one of my arms around his neck, “especially my snacks, I live for those chocolate turtles.” “Anything I can do for you, I will,” he whispers, hugging me and bringing me close. We separate at the sound of someone clearing their throat, the worker from earlier just a few feet away and not happy to see us still not being productive customers. “God damnit, we’re going,” Chris shouts with a smirk, grabbing a perfume set and stomping past her. <a data-passage="NR13"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Come on, we still need to go shopping for these outfits.” We place our bags in the car before walking further down the sidewalk of the shopping center, entering an upscale boutique. On one wall rests the women’s section, and on the other, men’s. “How fancy are we talking?” I question as I look at one outfit, my eyes almost popping out of their sockets when I see the price. “Pretty upscale, it’s no New York restaurant, but it’s fancy from what I saw on the website. You got this, right?” “Yea,” I say, my voice trailing off as I turn to face him. “Great, I’m going to go talk to the tailor. Rahim said that he’s half-fae and they know one another, so I’m going to go name-drop and hope that I can get these pants looked at right now and for a discount. Meet me in the car?” I nod, and he rushes away in the direction of the supposed tailor. Leaving me to look over my options. <a data-passage="NR14"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I take out my phone and call the gang, sighing as I have to call each of them separately since Chris was in this group as well. “What?” Zillah questions in a not so happy tone, though I suppose he was never pleased. “Whoa, who pissed in your cereal?” “Bradley!” Zillah shouts and snickering is heard on the other side. “We really can’t talk right now,” Amari tells me, “is there something you need?” I frown, trying to figure out what they could all possibly be doing. “I’m at the store, and I need ideas on what I should get Chris’s mother.” “A new husband from what it sounds like,” Sydero huffs, the soft ringing of something in the background follows her response. “I don’t think that was the right chord,” Rahim notes, and I hear something thump against something else, followed by Rahim making what sounds like a groan and growl. <a data-passage="Gang2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I suppose I would have to guess and just hope that she liked whatever I picked out. [[Give her flowers.][$bestgift = true; $flowers = true; $imp +=1]] [[Buy a candle set.][$candles = true]] [[Look for a cute mug.][$mug = true]]
“Play nice,” Amari shouts before suggesting to me, “how about a candle or one of those diffusers? I’ve always wanted one of those.” “$name said for the mom, not you,” Bradley scolds, “just give her flowers.” “That’s boring as hell, give her oven mitts and a kitchen apron,” Zillah tells me. “And that’s sexist as hell,” Rahim corrects, “ignore all of them, $name. Give her something cute that’ll make her laugh, maybe a coffee mug or a card.” I pause, waiting to hear if Sydero had something to say, “Syd?” “I gave my suggestion, give that woman a new husband … or a dildo.” That immediately causes all of them to argue, and I hang up the phone before I can be brought into it and forget what I was doing. I had options now, that was something I didn’t have before. [[Give her flowers.][$bestgift = true; $flowers = true; $imp +=1]] [[Buy a candle set.][$candles = true]] [[Look for a cute mug.][$mug = true]] [[Get her an apron and mitts.][$bestgift = true; $kitchen = true; $imp +=1]]
I go into the store that advertises their fresh flowers and decide on a wrapped bouquet full of exotic appearing flowers varying in shades of blues, greens, and whites. I pay and leave, meeting Chris back on the sidewalk. “What do you think?” I question, passing the flowers over to him. A hint of annoyance and envy crosses his face before he smiles, holding up the small bag that holds his perfume, “I think I won.” “I think you’re scared of competition,” I tease as I take a step closer to him. “Is that what you think?” Chris snickers, another step forward. “I think you know you’ve lost, so you’re just trying to save face,” I tell him, taking that last step so that we were now inches away from each other, neither of us refusing to drop the others gaze. “You know what I think?” he inquires, his hand lightly grazing over my jaw, his next words soft with no edge, “I think I really would like to kiss you right now.” //In the end, making a bet will only count for dom and sub. If you want a vanilla scene then do not choose the bet.// [[“Then what’s stopping you.”][$con +=1]] [[“Let’s make a bet.”][$bet = true]]
I decide to go with a candle set, choosing one that comes with a lotus flower holder. Three candles were included, all a different scent that the box said should rejuvenate the senses and the house. It also says that the candles were long-lasting but who knows if that was true. I buy the set and leave the store, meeting back up with Chris on the sidewalk. “So, what do you think?” I ask, opening the bag and showing off the candle set to him. A hint of annoyance and envy crosses his face before he smiles, holding up the small bag that holds his perfume, “I think I won.” “I think you’re scared of competition,” I tease as I take a step closer to him. “Is that what you think?” Chris snickers, another step forward. “I think you know you’ve lost, so you’re just trying to save face,” I tell him, taking that last step so that we were now inches away from each other, neither of us refusing to drop the others gaze. “You know what I think?” he inquires, his hand lightly grazing over my jaw, his next words soft with no edge, “I think I really would like to kiss you right now.” //In the end, making a bet will only count for dom and sub. If you want a vanilla scene then do not choose the bet.// [[“Then what’s stopping you.”][$con +=1]] [[“Let’s make a bet.”][$bet = true]]
After some deliberation, I decided to go with a cute coffee mug that had the words ‘Don’t Mess with Mama Bear.’ Hopefully, she would like it, even if she didn’t use it. I shrug and buy it before leaving the store, waiting a few extra minutes for Chris to join me. “Alright, so what do you think?” I question, unwrapping the mug just enough for him to see it. He snorts and, with a wide grin and a gleam in his eyes, holds up the small bag that holds his perfume, “I think I won.” “I think you’re scared of competition,” I tease as I take a step closer to him. “Is that what you think?” Chris snickers, another step forward. “I think you know you’ve lost, so you’re just trying to save face,” I tell him, taking that last step so that we were now inches away from each other, neither of us refusing to drop the others gaze. “You know what I think?” he inquires, his hand lightly grazing over my jaw, his next words soft with no edge, “I think I really would like to kiss you right now.” //In the end, making a bet will only count for dom and sub. If you want a vanilla scene then do not choose the bet.// [[“Then what’s stopping you.”][$con +=1]] [[“Let’s make a bet.”][$bet = true]]
I end up going with Zillah’s suggestion, it wasn’t a bad one, and if she liked cooking, then it could actually be the best one. I buy a cute matching set that says, ‘Wine and Dine’ and go and purchase it before leaving the store. I only have to wait a few extra minutes before Chris joins me. “Here’s what I got,” I start, showing him what rests inside my bag, “what do you think?” He snorts and, with a wide grin and a gleam in his eyes, holds up the small bag that holds his perfume, “I think I won.” “I think you’re scared of competition,” I tease as I take a step closer to him. “Is that what you think?” Chris snickers, another step forward. “I think you know you’ve lost, so you’re just trying to save face,” I tell him, taking that last step so that we were now inches away from each other, neither of us refusing to drop the others gaze. “You know what I think?” he inquires, his hand lightly grazing over my jaw, his next words soft with no edge, “I think I really would like to kiss you right now.” //In the end, making a bet will only count for dom and sub. If you want a vanilla scene then do not choose the bet.// [[“Then what’s stopping you.”][$con +=1]] [[“Let’s make a bet.”][$bet = true]]
I close my eyes, relaxing in the closeness, “then what’s stopping you?” I murmur up against his lips. Nothing more needed to be said as he pulls me close, pressing his lips firmly against mine and claiming them right there. It wasn’t the most risqué kiss, but it was just as passionate as those we shared in the past, filled with love and need, and I would even say pride. “Ew,” I hear a kid squeal as her mother shoots us an apology and drags the kid along. We break apart, rolling our eyes with wide grins. <a data-passage="NR13"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I lean in, my lips ghosting across his skin and causing him to shiver, “let’s make a bet.” He takes a step back and raises a brow, nodding for me to continue. “If your mother likes my gift more, then you can ask for whatever you want. If I win,” I chew on my lip but then take a deep breath in and proceed, “then I <<if $dom gt $sub>>get to have my way with you.”<<else>>want you to have your way with me.”<</if>> He rolls his eyes at my words but doesn’t immediately say no, he rocks his head back and forth before shrugging his shoulders. “Alright, deal.” “So, what do you want if you win?” “Let me think about it.” <a data-passage="NR13"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $gender is "female">>\ I had a few options, all different, and requiring me to try them on. The first was a classy white pencil dress with silver floral embroidery-stitched upon it. It was probably just what this situation called for, but the price tag was not. We hadn't had a hunt in a while, and spending all of my money and Chris's on a dress I would never wear again wasn't really high on my to-do list. The second was a beautiful all-black jumpsuit with no sleeves. The top of the jumpsuit went straight across before dipping down to make a V at where one's cleavage would be. I smirk at my appearance. It was fancy restaurant appropriate, but even better than that, I could just see Chris's inability to focus on anything but me. The last option was a white shirt, a medium grey blazer, and lighter grey trousers. It was formal enough to wear to a restaurant but also to wear again with different circumstances, and that price tag wasn't about to leave me crying in the corner. I guess I had to make a decision. [[White pencil dress.|NR15][$classy = true; $imp +=1]] [[Black jumpsuit.|NR15][$sexy = true]] [[Blazer and trousers.|NR15][$affordable = true]] <<elseif $gender is "male">>\ I had a few options, all different, and requiring me to try them on. The first was a classy burgundy suit that was nontraditional but also brow-raising and trendsetter material. Looking at myself, I felt like I should own the restaurant we were going to. The problem with all of these thoughts, though, was obviously the price. We hadn’t had a hunt in a while, and spending all of my money, and Chris’s on a suit I’d never wear again made my stomach churn. My second option was a V-cut dark blue button-down paired with grey chino shorts. A simple yet affordable option that was just fancy enough to blend in with the restaurant. I could also wear this again. My last option was ankle cut pants with a long sleeve deep V-cut shirt with a vest that allowed a good portion of my upper chest to be seen, but not enough to be seen as risqué instead of classy. It was teetering, though, but that was the point. I was thinking of Chris as I modeled the outfit and how he would probably be unable to look away upon seeing me. I guess I had to make a decision. [[Burgundy suit.|NR15][$elegant = true; $imp +=1]] [[Button down and chino shorts.|NR15][$affordable = true]] [[Vest and pants.|NR15][$sexy = true]] <<else>>\ I had a few options, all different, and requiring me to try them on. The first was a classy burgundy suit that was nontraditional but also brow-raising and trendsetter material. Looking at myself, I felt like I should own the restaurant we were going to. The problem with all of these thoughts, though, was obviously the price. We hadn’t had a hunt in a while, and spending all of my money, and Chris’s on a suit I’d never wear again made my stomach churn. The second was a beautiful all-black jumpsuit with no sleeves. The top of the jumpsuit went straight across before dipping down to make a V at where one's cleavage would be. I smirk at my appearance. It was fancy restaurant appropriate, but even better than that, I could just see Chris's inability to focus on anything but me. The last option was a white shirt, a medium grey blazer, and lighter grey trousers. It was formal enough to wear to a restaurant but also to wear again with different circumstances, and that price tag wasn't about to leave me crying in the corner. I guess I had to make a decision. [[Burgundy suit.|NR15][$elegant = true; $imp +=1]] [[Black jumpsuit.|NR15][$sexy = true]] [[Blazer and trousers.|NR15][$affordable = true]] <</if>>\
I go and pay for the outfit that I chose and head to the car, relaxing while I wait for Chris to come back out. Once he does, we head back home, seeing that we only had a few hours to get ready. Soon, it’s time for dinner. I stare into the mirror at my reflection, wondering yet again if this was a good idea. <<if $gender is "female">>\ There were a few ways this could go wrong. Despite Chris’s love for his parents, they hardly ever saw eye to eye, and putting myself in the middle seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. What would I say if they asked about my career or where I saw myself in five years? And then, I groan as I think about the notorious baby question. At this point in my life, that really wasn’t a question I wanted to entertain. <<if $trans>>My jaw clenches as I gaze at myself, should I tell them I was trans? Was that any of their business? <</if>> <<else>>\ It was obviously important to Chris, even though he did his hardest to dissuade me, but maybe he was right? What if this was making matters worse? Could I even back out at this point? <</if>> <a data-passage="NR16"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a low and long whistle, I turn on my heel to see Chris leaning on the doorframe, his eyes traveling every inch of my body, taking it all in as he bit down on his lip. He licks his lips and, with a smirk, tilts his head to the side. “I’m second thinking this whole dinner thing,” he says, pushing himself off the frame and approaching me. He wraps his arms around my waist and yanks me closer, running his fingers over my cheek, “I kinda just want to have you to myself. Forget my parents and anyone else.” His eyes once again dart downwards to my outfit, “I’m actually jealous that I have to share this view with others.” [[Grab his tie and yank him closer. “I’m already yours.”][$dom +=1]] [[Blush and straighten my clothes. “I’m all yours after.”][$sub +=1]] [[Hold his hands. “No need for that.”][$con +=1]]
I grab his tie and yank him closer to me, close enough to where his lips were now hovering just inches away from my own. “I’m already yours, so they’ll just have to suck it up and get over it, don’t you think?” “You’re right,” he leans in, his lips about to touch mine when he suddenly moves me out of the way so that he could see himself fully in the mirror, “plus, I’m the real snack here. Look at me.” “Chris!” I blurt with a laugh, playfully slapping his arm. He interlocks our fingers and pulls me towards him, kissing me deeply before letting his lips trail down my neck. I stop him though, grabbing his chin, “none of that. You’ll mess up all my hard work.” I gesture to myself, and he rolls his eyes but nods. <a data-passage="NR17"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I blush, attempting to straighten my clothes as Chris’s smoldering gaze continues to watch me, “I’m all yours after we’re done with the dinner.” He fakes an irritated groan, “but I want you now.” He brings me closer, burying his face into the crook of my neck. My body begins to heat up as I feel him swipe his tongue against my skin, nibbling, and sucking. His hand begins to wander, but I stop him, fanning myself once he takes a step back. “Af … after,” I stammer, trying to cool down. He snickers but nods. <a data-passage="NR17"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I reach out to take his hands in mine, “you know there’s no need for that. I’m yours, and I don’t see anyone else.” “Really, not even Rahim?” he teases, “because, I’m going to be honest, Rahim is definitely Man Crush Monday material.” I laugh as he tugs me closer, placing a soft kiss on my forehead. “No, not even Rahim.” “Oh, well, then I’m just letting you know that I would definitely leave you for him. I’m just waiting for senpai to notice me.” I gasp and lightly hit him as I continue laughing. He interlocks our fingers and places a kiss on my palm before releasing me. <a data-passage="NR17"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<audio "theme" fadeout>><<audio "jazz" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.40>><</nobr>> I fight back a shudder as I step inside the restaurant that Chris’s parents had told us to meet them at. My eyes go from one large chandelier to the next. It then decides to go to the champagne color palette that the restaurant decided to go with, darker tones mixing with the light browns and creams to give an elegant touch to the room. The tablecloths appeared to be made of silk and the chairs a lovely fabric that I probably wouldn’t be able to name. The décor was minimal and was mostly just embroidery along the walls or mirrors that reflected the room back to those sitting. To add to that were the patrons sitting down, champagne flutes in their hands, their arms and wrists covered with expensive jewelry. Even their laughs sounded egotistical. I imagine the last time the gang decided to eat out, it was a diner where the most elegant person was a five-year-old in a pretty summer dress, ketchup on the side of her cheek. Chris leans over to me as we wait in line, “are you okay?” [[“This is panic inducing?”]] [[“I’m underdressed.”]]
“This is panic-inducing,” I tell him, looking down at my own clothing, my heart skipping a beat as I raise my gaze to the couple in front of me. They had a child with them whose eyes were trained on me, and even he seemed to out dress me. “Are you sure this is the place?” I question, and he nods, opening his phone and showing me the text. “Babe, as long as you don’t spill the Merlot, then you’re fine.” <<if $sexy>>\ I glance over at him, seeing the hunger and lust in his eyes as he stares at me, Merlot was the last thing on his mind. “My eyes are up here, cowboy,” I smirk, and he rolls his in response. He snorts as he leans over to whisper in my ear, “and I know exactly what I want to mount next.” It was now my time to snort, pushing him away and raising a brow, “was that the best you could come up with?” “It was either that or say that later tonight I was going to tame you. That sounded even worse,” he snickers awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. <<else>>\ I glance over at him, realizing that unlike me, he was calm. “Why do I get the feeling that this isn’t your first time doing something like this?” He rolls his neck and shrugs, “because it’s not. My family isn’t wealthy, but they are upper-middle class. And my dad tried to make stuff like this a family tradition that we would do every month or so.” He grabs my hand and places a kiss on it. “Relax.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="NR19"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m,” I start, catching the gaze of the child in front of me. His crisp suit looked like it cost more than my entire wardrobe, and he only appeared five. “I am so underdressed.” <<if $elegant>>\ “I’d be damned if you are. You know how much that outfit of yours cost?” he snorts. “No, you’re totally fine, stop worrying.” He grabs my hand to place a kiss. <<elseif $affordable>>\ He sighs, raising a brow towards me, “I told you to get whatever you wanted when we were shopping.” “I was never going to wear half of the crap I saw ever again, at least this I will,” I tell him and gesture to my clothes.” “Then why are you upset? You knew what you were doing when you picked it out.” “How was I,” I start to argue but close my mouth as the couple and their child in front of us step away. <<else>>\ “I disagree. I think you’re just right, actually. Plus, your appearance alone puts everyone here to shame. I know you have me thirsting,” he jokes though there’s a serious tone to his words. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="NR19"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $elegant>>\ The maître d nods at us, his eyes barely scanning us as they fall back down to the tablet in front of him. <<elseif $sexy>>\ The maître d nods at us, his eyes lingering on me before darting over to Chris, who clears his throat. A light blush forms on his cheeks before they fall back down to the tablet in front of him. <<else>>\ The maître d nods to us, or well, he nods at Chris. His gaze freezes on me, raising a brow as he looks me over, snorting before looking down at his tablet. <</if>>\ “Reservation name?” “R. Richardson, two members of our party might be here already.” “Indeed, they are. Char,” he calls out, and a young woman steps forward, “please take them to Table 24. Enjoy your dinner.” Following Char, I realize that every step was bringing me closer and closer to the moment of truth. To meeting Chris’s parents. Was I really ready for this? I glance over at Chris, whose real thoughts aren’t shown, his eyes resting on the back of the young woman guiding us, but his mind seemed to be far away. [[Hold his hand.][$chris +=1]] [[Continue walking.][$chris -=1]]
I reach out and grasp his hand, intertwining our fingers, and then giving his hand a light squeeze. He shoots me a light smile, and then it disappears a second later, his gaze now on a table in the middle of the section that we had walked in. “Chris!” an older woman shrieks, standing from the table and rushing to his side. She throws her arms around him, and he does the same, tightening his grasp as he picks her up. “Oh, my beautiful boy.” Chris’s mother, Martha, looked like she had last time I had seen her. Her light ivory skin had a few aging spots, but the heavy makeup that she wore caused them to look less significant than usual, as well as doing just enough to allow her soft brown eyes to pop. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a tight classy bun with not a hair out of place. She wore a stylish and tasteful black dress that stopped near her calves, her heels properly accentuating the curve of her legs. I hear someone clear their throat and look to see Chris’s dad rise from his seat. And suddenly, I see where Chris got most of his looks. He wore a grey and blue suit that reminded me more of a CEO than that of a man out with his family for dinner. He had a stern face, making me want to stay out of his line of sight as much as possible. Dark thick eyebrows and piercing, cold blue eyes didn’t exactly help much either. His dark brown hair was brushed back, only a strand or two out of place, but something told me that was on purpose. He seemed like a man that was used to getting what he wanted. <a data-passage="NR20"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I gaze down at his hand but decide to keep walking, my mind more so focused on my pounding heart than on Chris. I take another look at my outfit before raising my gaze when someone squeals. “Chris!” an older woman shrieks, standing from the table and rushing to his side. She throws her arms around him, and he does the same, tightening his grasp as he picks her up. “Oh, my beautiful boy.” Chris’s mother, Martha, looked like she had last time I had seen her. Her light ivory skin had a few aging spots, but the heavy makeup that she wore caused them to look less significant than usual, as well as doing just enough to allow her soft brown eyes to pop. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a tight classy bun with not a hair out of place. She wore a stylish and tasteful black dress that stopped near her calves, her heels properly accentuating the curve of her legs. I hear someone clear their throat and look to see Chris’s dad rise from his seat. And suddenly, I see where Chris got most of his looks. He wore a grey and blue suit that reminded me more of a CEO than that of a man out with his family for dinner. He had a stern face, making me want to stay out of his line of sight as much as possible. Dark thick eyebrows and piercing, cold blue eyes didn’t exactly help much either. His dark brown hair was brushed back, only a strand or two out of place, but something told me that was on purpose. He seemed like a man that was used to getting what he wanted. <a data-passage="NR20"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Chris turns to his father and nods before looking at me, “this is,” he begins, but his mother squeals again, throwing her arms around me next. I instantly move the gift that I had brought her out of the way, accepting the hug. “Calm down, Martha,” Chris’s father sighs, “we are in public.” He retakes his seat, narrowing his eyes on me. “$name Roe!” she exclaims happily, drawing back, “I didn’t think I’d see you again. I’m so glad to know that you and Chris are still friends. You were probably the only one of Chris’s friends I could stand,” she chuckles. Her eyes sweep over my outfit, taking me in, “<<if $elegant>>goodness dear, look at you, all grown up. You look amazing.<<elseif $sexy>>well, don’t you look … appealing. You look beautiful, dear, don’t mind me. I only wish I was still young.<<else>>you certainly look … put together. Chris, my dear, did you tell ?him where we would be dining?<</if>>” She waves her own words away before looking at the gift we had brought her. “Is that for me?” I nod and pass it over to her. <a data-passage="NR21"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $bestgift>>\ <<if $flowers>>\ She grabs the flowers and cradles them, peering at each individually. “This is so beautiful, $name. My, do you have an eye for flowers. If only some men shared that same eye,” she says and throws a look at her husband. “I’m a man. What should I know about flowers?” he asks uncaringly. She rolls her eyes and thanks me one more time. <<else>>\ She grabs the bag and unveils what’s inside, laughing as she looks over the apron and mitts. “I love to cook, $name. How did you know?” I shrug and smile at both her excitement and for taking Zillah up on his suggestion, who would’ve guessed he’d be onto something. “Thank you, dear. Thank you so much.” <</if>>\ “I got you this,” Chris says, giving her his bag. She opens it up with even more enthusiasm but deflates a little at what rests inside, “aw, you’re too kind, sweetie.” She tells him and kisses his cheek before taking a seat. <<if $bet>>\ Chris pouts, and I laugh. “Is it safe to say that you like my gift more?” I question, and she nods as if it that shouldn’t have been a question. I exchange a look with Chris, and he just pushes me away before taking the seat across from his father. <</if>>\ <<elseif $sharegift>>\ She opens it and unveils the perfume set, “oh, I know this fragrance. I was about to run out as well. It’s my favorite.” She winks and thanks us, moving the bag to the floor. <<else>>\ <<if $mug>>\ She grabs the bag and unveils the mug inside, her smile faltering before she places a less genuine one on, “I love it, $name, thank you so much.” She gives her husband a look before clearing her throat. <<else>>\ She grabs the bag and unveils the candle set inside, her smile faltering before she places a less genuine one on, “I love it, $name, thank you so much.” She sits the bag down on the floor, Ryan peering inside. “Hmm,” he starts, “don’t you have like three more of those at home?” “We have company, sweetie,” Martha reminds him, the fake smile still plastered on her face. <</if>>\ “I got you this,” Chris says, giving her his bag. She opens it up with cautious action, sighing happily, “one of my favorite fragrances, thank you, sweetie.” She tells him and kisses his cheek before taking a seat. <<if $bet>>\ I pout, and Chris laughs. “Is it safe to say that you like my gift more?” he questions, and Martha gives him a motherly reprimanding glare that, whether she knew or not, answered his question. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ Once we’re all seated, Chris’s father clears his throat, his eyes on me, “I don’t think we’ve ever met,” his father starts, extending his hand, “I’m Ryan Richardson.” [[Shake it quickly.]] [[Nod at him.]] [[Shake his hand firmly.][$imp +=1]]
I reach forward and shake it quickly, barely finishing the handshake before bringing my hand back to my side. Ryan raises a brow but says nothing, still frowning as he looks over at Chris. <<if $gender is "female">>\ “I thought you were going to bring your girlfriend to meet us,” Martha asks, her eyes widening, visibly excited as she looks at me, “are you two dating?” <<if $trans>>\ Chris doesn’t immediately answer as he glances over at me, waiting to see if I would tell them or not. [[Tell them I’m trans.][$transknown = true]] [[Keep it to myself, they don’t need to know.]] <<else>>\ “Yes, mom, no need to get overly excited.” “How can I not,” she asks, swooning, “not only do I learn that you’re still friends with $name, but I learn that you’re dating her? This is wonderful news.” “Though I find it funny that I only hear about her today,” Ryan points out, frowning as he takes a sip of his water. <a data-passage="NR22"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if $gender is "male">>\ “I thought you were going to bring your girlfriend to meet us,” Martha asks, “did she decide not to come and so you decided to bring $name instead?” “Mom, Dad,” Chris starts, appearing like he just wanted to disappear. I couldn’t blame him; here it comes. “$name is my boyfriend.” Both stare at Chris, Ryan finally laughing and rolling his eyes. “Yes, Chris, we can see that. You’ve already told us. Now, the girl you’re dating, why didn’t she want to come?” <<else>>\ “I thought you were going to bring your girlfriend to meet us,” Martha asks, “did she decide not to come and so you decided to bring $name instead?” “Mom, Dad,” Chris starts, appearing like he just wanted to disappear. I couldn’t blame him; here it comes. “$name is my partner.” Both stare at Chris, Ryan finally laughing and rolling his eyes. “That doesn’t answer the question, Chris. We didn’t want to meet your best friend slash co-worker. Now, the girl you’re dating, why didn’t she want to come?” <</if>>\ “No,” Chris moans, leaning forward, “$name is my partner. The two of us are seeing each other romantically.” Martha performs a low yelp as her silverware hits the rim of the bowl in front of her. She clears her throat, her eyes glancing in Ryan’s direction. Ryan says nothing, his eyes darting back and forth between the two of us, every second he looks to be getting angrier. “Chris,” he starts, “can we talk outside?” “No,” Chris says lazily, looking over at me, fear bright in his eyes as he opens his hand. [[Take his hand.][$chris +=1]] [[Refuse.][$chris -=1; $imp +=1]] <</if>>\
I look from his hand to him, nodding in greeting but doing nothing more. Ryan’s eyebrows shoot up in shock, but he doesn’t say anything, his attention turning to Chris. <<if $gender is "female">>\ “I thought you were going to bring your girlfriend to meet us,” Martha asks, her eyes widening, visibly excited as she looks at me, “are you two dating?” <<if $trans>>\ Chris doesn’t immediately answer as he glances over at me, waiting to see if I would tell them or not. [[Tell them I’m trans.][$transknown = true]] [[Keep it to myself, they don’t need to know.]] <<else>>\ “Yes, mom, no need to get overly excited.” “How can I not,” she asks, swooning, “not only do I learn that you’re still friends with $name, but I learn that you’re dating her? This is wonderful news.” “Though I find it funny that I only hear about her today,” Ryan points out, frowning as he takes a sip of his water. <a data-passage="NR22"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if $gender is "male">>\ “I thought you were going to bring your girlfriend to meet us,” Martha asks, “did she decide not to come and so you decided to bring $name instead?” “Mom, Dad,” Chris starts, appearing like he just wanted to disappear. I couldn’t blame him; here it comes. “$name is my boyfriend.” Both stare at Chris, Ryan finally laughing and rolling his eyes. “Yes, Chris, we can see that. You’ve already told us. Now, the girl you’re dating, why didn’t she want to come?” <<else>>\ “I thought you were going to bring your girlfriend to meet us,” Martha asks, “did she decide not to come and so you decided to bring $name instead?” “Mom, Dad,” Chris starts, appearing like he just wanted to disappear. I couldn’t blame him; here it comes. “$name is my partner.” Both stare at Chris, Ryan finally laughing and rolling his eyes. “That doesn’t answer the question, Chris. We didn’t want to meet your best friend slash co-worker. Now, the girl you’re dating, why didn’t she want to come?” <</if>>\ “No,” Chris moans, leaning forward, “$name is my partner. The two of us are seeing each other romantically.” Martha performs a low yelp as her silverware hits the rim of the bowl in front of her. She clears her throat, her eyes glancing in Ryan’s direction. Ryan says nothing, his eyes darting back and forth between the two of us, every second he looks to be getting angrier. “Chris,” he starts, “can we talk outside?” “No,” Chris says lazily, looking over at me, fear bright in his eyes as he opens his hand. [[Take his hand.][$chris +=1]] [[Refuse.][$chris -=1; $imp +=1]] <</if>>\
I lean forward and grasp his hand in a firm handshake, making sure to keep all of those tips on shaking hands at the forefront of my mind. He gives me a quick smile before we both release the other’s hand and lean back in our seat. Ryan then shifts his attention over to Chris. <<if $gender is "female">>\ “I thought you were going to bring your girlfriend to meet us,” Martha asks, her eyes widening, visibly excited as she looks at me, “are you two dating?” <<if $trans>>\ Chris doesn’t immediately answer as he glances over at me, waiting to see if I would tell them or not. [[Tell them I’m trans.][$transknown = true]] [[Keep it to myself, they don’t need to know.]] <<else>>\ “Yes, mom, no need to get overly excited.” “How can I not,” she asks, swooning, “not only do I learn that you’re still friends with $name, but I learn that you’re dating her? This is wonderful news.” “Though I find it funny that I only hear about her today,” Ryan points out, frowning as he takes a sip of his water. <a data-passage="NR22"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if $gender is "male">>\ “I thought you were going to bring your girlfriend to meet us,” Martha asks, “did she decide not to come and so you decided to bring $name instead?” “Mom, Dad,” Chris starts, appearing like he just wanted to disappear. I couldn’t blame him; here it comes. “$name is my boyfriend.” Both stare at Chris, Ryan finally laughing and rolling his eyes. “Yes, Chris, we can see that. You’ve already told us. Now, the girl you’re dating, why didn’t she want to come?” <<else>>\ “I thought you were going to bring your girlfriend to meet us,” Martha asks, “did she decide not to come and so you decided to bring $name instead?” “Mom, Dad,” Chris starts, appearing like he just wanted to disappear. I couldn’t blame him; here it comes. “$name is my partner.” Both stare at Chris, Ryan finally laughing and rolling his eyes. “That doesn’t answer the question, Chris. We didn’t want to meet your best friend slash co-worker. Now, the girl you’re dating, why didn’t she want to come?” <</if>>\ “No,” Chris moans, leaning forward, “$name is my partner. The two of us are seeing each other romantically.” Martha performs a low yelp as her silverware hits the rim of the bowl in front of her. She clears her throat, her eyes glancing in Ryan’s direction. Ryan says nothing, his eyes darting back and forth between the two of us, every second he looks to be getting angrier. “Chris,” he starts, “can we talk outside?” “No,” Chris says lazily, looking over at me, fear bright in his eyes as he opens his hand. [[Take his hand.][$chris +=1]] [[Refuse.][$chris -=1; $imp +=1]] <</if>>\
I sigh, not wanting nor wishing to keep this from them. This was part of me, and I was proud of myself. I wasn’t about to hide that. “I am dating Chris,” I start, “but I’m also a trans woman.” Ryan raises a brow, and Chris grabs my hand as a massive, untamed smile appears on his face. His mother’s eyes widen as she sits stiffly in her seat, her eyes moving to her husband. “What the hell does that mean?” he questions, the words coming out in a growl. “It means that she was born a guy but then transitioned into being a woman,” Chris says matter of factly, clicking his tongue as if this was supposed to be elementary. I don’t know which Ryan seems more upset about, the fact that I dared sit in front of him and tell him that or that Chris knew and seemed perfectly fine with it. <a data-passage="NR22"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Honestly, it had nothing to do with them, and I didn’t want to make what could be a decent dinner, awkward and horrible on either of our parts. I glance at Chris and smile before turning to his parents. “Yea, I’m his girlfriend.” Chris nods, respecting my decision, “no need to get all excited.” “How can I not,” she asks, swooning, “not only do I learn that you’re still friends with $name, but I learn that you’re dating her? This is wonderful news.” “Though I find it funny that I only hear about her today,” Ryan points out, frowning as he takes a sip of his water. <a data-passage="NR22"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I take his hand with a hopeful smile, and he, in turn, shoots me a gracious smile, placing a kiss on the back of my hand. His father looks ready to blow a blood vessel. Thankfully, we’re saved by a waiter. “May I get you something to drink, and have you all decided on what you would like to eat this evening?” Despite being upset, Ryan manages to calm down just enough to flash the waiter a bright smile. “Yes sir, I would like the Pans-seared Duck Liver Foie Gras, and my beautiful wife here will take the Soupe au Truffes.” He glares over at us. “Monte Cristo and a glass of Merlot, please,” I say, clearing my throat and wishing there was a fan somewhere close. “Grilled US Prime Beef Sirloin,” Chris answers, never taking his eyes off his father as he passes the waiter both of our menus. “I’ll have the same for a drink.” The table descends into silence. <a data-passage="NR23"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Judging by the tension of the table, the last thing I wanted to do right now was make it worse. I shake my head, and Chris frowns, bringing his hand back to his side. Thankfully, we’re saved by a waiter. “May I get you something to drink, and have you all decided on what you would like to eat this evening?” Despite being upset, Ryan manages to calm down just enough to flash the waiter a bright smile. “Yes sir, I would like the Pans-seared Duck Liver Foie Gras, and my beautiful wife here will take the Soupe au Truffes.” He glares over at us. “Monte Cristo and a glass of Merlot, please,” I say, clearing my throat and wishing there was a fan somewhere close. “Grilled US Prime Beef Sirloin,” Chris answers, never taking his eyes off his father as he passes the waiter both of our menus. “I’ll have the same for a drink.” The table descends into silence. <a data-passage="NR23"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Thankfully, we’re saved by a waiter. “May I get you something to drink, and have you all decided on what you would like to eat this evening?” Despite being upset, Ryan manages to calm down just enough to flash the waiter a bright smile. “Yes sir, I would like the Pans-seared Duck Liver Foie Gras, and my beautiful wife here will take the Soupe au Truffes.” He glares over at us. “Monte Cristo and a glass of Merlot, please,” I say, clearing my throat and wishing there was a fan somewhere close. “Grilled US Prime Beef Sirloin,” Chris answers, never taking his eyes off his father as he passes the waiter both of our menus. “I’ll have the same for a drink.” The table descends into silence. Ryan staring into his half-eaten bowl of caviar, his posture stiff and his jaw, more so. <a data-passage="NR23"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I grab my stuff, and he does the same, sighing as he glances over at me, “you ready?” “As I’ll ever be.” He lingers by the door before looking over his shoulder at me. “Before we go, promise me one thing. No matter how this day ends, we won’t be pissed off at each other for it. We won’t let two old people tell us what we should and shouldn’t do.” I hug him, and he tugs me closer, burying his face in my shoulder as he hugs me tightly. He opens the door to the room, and we both leave, yelling goodbye to the others if they were even present before exiting the house. <a data-passage="NR18"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Remember that’s your son,” I hear Martha whisper, shooting Ryan a reprimanding look before peering back down at her soup. <<if $gender is "female" and $transknown is false>>\ “Yes, Martha, you’re right.” His eyes flicker to me, and he clears his throat, nodding. <<else>>\ “Yes, Martha, and I didn’t raise our son to be a faggot.” “Ryan,” Martha chides, but Chris just laughs. “Is that the best you got? I was hoping for something that’ll hurt my feelings at the bare minimum.” “A nice family dinner,” his mom sighs. “That’s not family!” Ryan exclaims, pointing his spoon at me. “$name’s more family than you are,” Chris points out, only calming down when I rest my hand on his shoulder. Ryan attempts to ignore the movement, his eyes staying on Chris, but I can see them flicker to my hand, anger increasing before he wills himself to look back at Chris, the cycle restarting. <</if>>\ “So, $name,” Martha suddenly says, “you and Chris went to the same college, yes? Did you graduate?” [[“I got a job offer.”]] [[“No, I dropped out.”][$chris +=1]] [[“Yes, I did.”][$chris -=1; $imp +=1]]
“I got a job offer,” I tell them, it wasn’t entirely true, but it also wasn’t a complete lie. “That offer must’ve been very enticing for you to just quit when you were so close to the end,” Ryan points out. “It was actually.” “I doubt it,” he says matter of factly. Most places would want to see a degree or at least some experience. Something tells me you have neither.” I hold my tongue only because of Chris’s hand on my thigh, he squeezes and throws me a look. The table once again descends into silence. I needed that food to get here quickly. [[“What is it that you both do?”][$imp +=1]] [[“Why are you so hostile?”][$chris -=1]] [[“I really think we all got off on the wrong foot.”][$imp +=1]]
“Unfortunately, no. I dropped out my junior year.” “Huh,” Ryan grunts, “same as Chris. So, I suppose I have you to blame for corrupting my son<<if $gender is "female" and $transknown is false>>.<<else>>, well corrupting him further anyway.<</if>>” The table once again descends into silence. I needed that food to get here quickly. [[“What is it that you both do?”][$imp +=1]] [[“Why are you so hostile?”][$chris -=1]] [[“I really think we all got off on the wrong foot.”][$imp +=1]]
“Yes, I did,” I lie, flashing her a smile. “I’m proud of you, if only Chris had done the same,” she says, tossing him a look, “I never understood why he just decided to throw away three years and not pursue his degree at the least.” “I could’ve always lied and just said I did,” Chris points out, tossing me a look when he said ‘lie’. “I would’ve known,” Martha snaps, “graduation, remember?” Chris rolls his eyes, but I notice his mother holding back tears, her gaze falling to her lap. The table once again descends into silence. I needed that food to get here quickly. [[“What is it that you both do?”][$imp +=1]] [[“Why are you so hostile?”][$chris -=1]] [[“I really think we all got off on the wrong foot.”][$imp +=1]]
“What is it that you do both do?” I question, hoping to steer the conversation away from us. I had no doubt that it would find its way back, but at least this way we could both have a break. “I’m a stay at home wife,” Martha tells me, soon interrupted by her husband. “I’m the CEO of a large family business, Richardson Enterprises. Passed down to me by my father and passed down to him by his father.” I fail to see the point of Ryan telling me this until my eyes fall on Chris, who is doing everything within his power to stay quiet. He glares at his father, and Ryan grows quiet, glaring right back. Martha shifts towards me, whispering her next words under her breath, “as you might have assumed, sweetie, Chris was supposed to take over the business.” “Ah, mighty cliché,” I point out, and she shrugs, straightening back up in her seat. The conversation that follows is civilized, shockingly. Mostly of Ryan speaking to Chris and ignoring my presence. But Martha makes up for this by posing her simple questions to me. <a data-passage="NR24"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Why are you so hostile?” I question. “Excuse me?” he asks in shock. “Babe, seriously,” Chris starts, whispering in my ear, his tone pleading. “No. This entire dinner will go nowhere if everyone’s going to do nothing but insult the other. No one came here to disrespect you, sir.” “And yet, I’m feeling disrespected.” I sigh, throwing my arms up. It was like arguing with a cement wall. The table descends into a long and torturous silence, only off-put by Chris whispering to me, and Martha whispering to her husband. <a data-passage="NR24"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I really think we all got off on the wrong foot. Perhaps we can start over?” <<if $gender is "female" and $transknown is false>>\ “No need,” Ryan says, waving my words away, “you’re right. No reason we can’t all be civilized to one another and turn this dinner around.” I glance over at both Chris and his mother, both of their brows raised as they look Ryan over in confusion. I clear my throat and sigh, I suppose we would see if he was serious or not. The conversation that follows is civilized, shockingly. Mostly of Ryan speaking to Chris and ignoring my presence. But Martha makes up for this by posing her simple questions to me. <<else>>\ “Unless you’re leaving, then there’s no way to start over,” Ryan tells me, clearing his throat as he sets his attention on his phone. The table descends into a long and torturous silence, only off-put by Chris whispering to me, and Martha whispering to her husband. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="NR24"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Well, my //uncle// works at a factory. Both of my parents died when I was young.” “Oh, dear, you have my condolences. You poor thing,” Martha consoles, placing her hand on top of mine and giving me a sympathetic smile that I nod in gratitude for. “A factory you say,” Ryan asks, his attention on his food, “what does he do?” “Don’t answer,” Chris growls, rolling his eyes. “No need to answer now, I can already tell that he’s a common worker.” “Is there something wrong with that?” I question, cocking my head to the side. “No, of course not. Someone needs to follow while those who can lead, do so.” “Alright,” Martha suddenly says, drawing attention to her, “how about your future plans? What are you guys thinking?” Ryan opens his mouth to say something, but Martha sends him a glare, they have a silent conversation, and he finally yields. [[“We haven’t talked much about future.”][$chris +=1]] [[“We have big plans!”][$chris -=1; $imp +=1]] [[“It’s complicated.”][$chris +=1]]
“I would if I could but both of my parents are dead so I can’t really say anything about that.” “Oh, my apologies,” Ryan says, the first thing out of his mouth that sounded even remotely genuine and not attacking, “so, you’re an orphan?” “No, my uncle raised me. He works at a factory.” “Ah, so then what does he do?” “Don’t answer,” Chris growls, rolling his eyes. “No need to answer now, I can already tell that he’s a common worker.” “Is there something wrong with that?” I question, cocking my head to the side. “No, of course not. Someone needs to follow while those who can lead, do so.” “Alright,” Martha suddenly says, drawing attention to her, “how about your future plans? What are you guys thinking?” Ryan opens his mouth to say something, but Martha sends him a glare, they have a silent conversation, and he finally yields. [[“We haven’t talked much about future.”][$chris +=1]] [[“We have big plans!”][$chris -=1; $imp +=1]] [[“It’s complicated.”][$chris +=1]]
“My mother is a doctor, and my father is a small-town lawyer, mostly dealing with small settlements, but he once ran with the big boys when we lived in the city.” “Interesting,” Ryan exclaims, actually seeming interested, “what caused him to give that up?” “He just wanted a break and to raise his family in a quieter setting. I guess he still loved being a lawyer, though, since he just opened up his own small firm.” “Good for him. I used to think moving to a smaller town might be wise as well, but, with my business, it wouldn’t have worked out.” Chris groans, stabbing his steak, “yea, I’m sure that thought stayed in your mind for a total of five seconds before you went back to thinking about yourself.” Ryan’s eyes widen in shock at Chris’s outburst. “Alright,” Martha suddenly says, drawing attention to her, “how about your future plans? What are you guys thinking?” Ryan opens his mouth to say something, but Martha sends him a glare, they have a silent conversation, and he finally yields. [[“We haven’t talked much about future.”][$chris +=1]] [[“We have big plans!”][$chris -=1; $imp +=1]] [[“It’s complicated.”][$chris +=1]]
“Dinner,” a perky waiter expresses with a large tray in his hands, another trailing him close by. I don’t know if he read the mood of the table before approaching, but I was glad for his jovial manner. The two walk around the table, delivering our food to us before doing some unneeded bow and leaving us to it. Thankfully, the conversation is small and kept at a whisper. Otherwise, it’s quiet, and we all silently eat. “Remind me tomorrow to take us out to get pizza or something with the others,” Chris whispers to me, a small smile appearing on my face. “We should force them to dress up.” “Can you imagine them eating at a place like this?” Chris snickers, and I attempt and fail. Just trying to picture Zillah in a suit, Sydero not terrorizing everyone, and Bradley not going above and beyond in his snooty imitation causes me to snort, shooting an apologizing look to the couple sitting across from me. “$name,” Ryan begins, “tell me of your family. What is it that your mother and father do?” [[“My uncle works at a factory.”][$chris +=1]] [[“I would if I could.”][$chris +=1]] [[“My mother is a doctor and my father a lawyer.”][$chris -=1; $imp +=1]]
“Uh,” I glance over at Chris, who looks back at me with a raised brow, “we haven’t really discussed our future.” Ryan coughs, quickly sipping some of his drink before chuckling, “well, that’s new. Chris once could never shut up about his dreams and his future, even when I disagreed. Now you’re telling me it just doesn’t come up?” “I’m saying that we have other things to worry about than what we’re going to do ten years from now,” I correct. “Yet another uncharacteristic change in my boy.” <<if $imp >=5>>\ “I will admit,” Ryan says, clearing his throat, “I perhaps judged you far too harshly upon first seeing you, $name. I don’t agree with you being with my son, but you are, as I’ve said, a surprise.” I open my mouth to respond when Chris beats me to it, his head cocked to the side, a heavy frown on his face, and his eyes drilling a hole into the table. “That was probably the shittiest apology I’ve ever heard.” <a data-passage="Imp1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ Silence is about to settle when Ryan clears his throat, seeming to speak more to himself than the rest of us, “well, this meeting has been vastly disappointing and a true waste of time and money.” “I wonder whose fault that is?” Chris ponders sarcastically. “I would say yours and you thinking that we would accept,” his eyes move to me, “your friend.” “Not my friend, my partner. Why can’t you just accept this? Why must you make it into such a big deal?” <a data-passage="NonImp1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I grab Chris’s hand and shoot them both smiles, “we have big plans, actually.” “Oh, do tell,” Ryan comments, more in a challenge than merely out of curiosity. “Big house, fulfilling jobs, children running about. Perfect lifestyle,” I say, Chris, raising a brow but saying nothing to contradict my words. <<if $gender is "female" and $transknown is false>>\ “I will admit that … that isn’t what I thought you’d say. But I’m happy to know that you’re both working to better yourselves,” Ryan answers, scratching his beard and wearing the faintest of smiles. <<else>>\ “And how will the children part come in? You’re looking to adopt?” he questions, and I nod. <</if>>\ “Of course, those children deserve a chance as much as any other.” Ryan frowns but nods his head, a faint smile daring to appear. <<if $imp >=5>>\ “I will admit,” Ryan says, clearing his throat, “I perhaps judged you far too harshly upon first seeing you, $name. I don’t agree with you being with my son, but you are, as I’ve said, a surprise.” I open my mouth to respond when Chris beats me to it, his head cocked to the side, a heavy frown on his face, and his eyes drilling a hole into the table. “That was probably the shittiest apology I’ve ever heard.” <a data-passage="Imp1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ Silence is about to settle when Ryan clears his throat, seeming to speak more to himself than the rest of us, “well, this meeting has been vastly disappointing and a true waste of time and money.” “I wonder whose fault that is?” Chris ponders sarcastically. “I would say yours and you thinking that we would accept,” his eyes move to me, “your friend.” “Not my friend, my partner. Why can’t you just accept this? Why must you make it into such a big deal?” <a data-passage="NonImp1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Um,” I glance over at Chris who raises a brow, “it’s complicated. “Well, uncomplicate it,” Ryan groans, “it was a straightforward question. Do you have plans or not?” “Our jobs don’t exactly give us much time to think about children. We’re always moving from one place to another.” “That’s not complicated at all,” Ryan points out with an annoyed tone, “just say that you’re focusing on your jobs. We’re all adults here.” “Are we?” Chris questions, but his father refuses to entertain him with a response. <<if $imp >=5>>\ “I will admit,” Ryan says, clearing his throat, “I perhaps judged you far too harshly upon first seeing you, $name. I don’t agree with you being with my son, but you are, as I’ve said, a surprise.” I open my mouth to respond when Chris beats me to it, his head cocked to the side, a heavy frown on his face, and his eyes drilling a hole into the table. “That was probably the shittiest apology I’ve ever heard.” <a data-passage="Imp1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ Silence is about to settle when Ryan clears his throat, seeming to speak more to himself than the rest of us, “well, this meeting has been vastly disappointing and a true waste of time and money.” “I wonder whose fault that is?” Chris ponders sarcastically. “I would say yours and you thinking that we would accept,” his eyes move to me, “your friend.” “Not my friend, my partner. Why can’t you just accept this? Why must you make it into such a big deal?” <a data-passage="NonImp1"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Chris,” Martha starts, but Chris ignores her, his attention wholly on his father, whose eyes have narrowed. “You basically just said, you’re not as horrible as a person as I previously thought, but you’re still not good enough for my son. You don’t know me, dad, you can’t have an opinion about who I fall in love with.” My eyes widen, something only Martha seems to notice. She gives me a sad but genuine smile. “Well, you’re highly dramatic, now aren’t you? I do think I know my own son, and I know that you’re settling for less right now.” “Less!? You did not just say that?” Chris glances from me to his dad, staring around as if he was on a show and the restaurant, the audience. “If anyone could be doing better right now, it’s $name. You should see those we hang out with, I’m like the last person you’d pick for your team.” Chris’s voice shakes as he says the words, and I lean over to touch his shoulder. <<if $chris >=6>>\ He calms down immediately, grabbing my hand and pressing a desperate kiss to it. His eyes meet mine before moving back to his father. Despite the glance being fast, it was easy to spy the pain and need that rests within them. The need to leave this behind. <<else>>\ He snaps his arm back and looks at me with sadness in his eyes. He clears his throat and gets to his feet, “have a good dinner. I’m excusing myself.” He walks over to his mother and kisses her forehead, ignoring her protests before kissing the top of my head. “I’ll be outside.” <</if>>\ [[Leave.]] [[Stay.]]
I grab a napkin and wipe my mouth, I wasn’t that hungry anyway, the conversation had made sure of that. <<if $chris >=6>>\ “I think it’s best for all of us if Chris and I go.” “What?” Ryan questions, “is this how you both deal with conflict? You run from it?” His gaze narrows on Chris, “you see what ?he turned you into? Soft and weak, nothing like the man I thought I was raising.” “Can we please go,” Chris murmurs to me, his voice trembling and straining to be anything more than a whisper. “You walk away from this table, and the family that you have will be all you have. You will be dead to us.” Chris squeezes his eyes closed as he turns away from his father, his head hanging and his body shaking. [[“He’s got a better family.”]] [[“Let’s just go.”]] [[Flick him off.]] <<else>>\ “What?” Ryan questions, “is this how you deal with conflict now? You run from it?” His gaze narrows on Chris, who has paused, “you see what ?he turned you into? Soft and weak, nothing like the man I thought I was raising.” He begins to walk again, choosing not to answer his father. “You walk away from this table, and the family that you have will be all you have. You will be dead to us.” He continues to go. [[“He’s got a better family.”]] [[Flick him off.]] <</if>>\
I watch as Chris departs, capturing the attention of those sitting nearby, all eyes on him as he goes. I stay where I am, my eyes on my lap as an awkward silence decides to linger. “When did he get so emotional?” Ryan questions, glancing at me and then to Martha as if one of us had the answers he sought. [[“So, you’d lose your only son?”]] [[“Do you love him?”]]
“Because it is a big deal!” Ryan shouts, banging his fist on the table, only calming down when he feels the restaurant’s eyes swivel in his direction. In a quieter yet still as aggressive voice, “you’re dating this <<if $gender is "female" and $transknown is false>>girl who we both know is below you. We’ve given you so many better options, and you choose her? We set you up for success, and you squander it.”<<else>>… this person. We did not raise you like this.”<</if>> <<if $gender is "female" and $transknown is false>>\ “Do you hear yourself, dad? You’re talking about the woman I’m dating, the woman I chose. That should be enough.” “But it’s not. Marriage isn’t something you waste on petty dalliances.” “Surprised you know a word that big,” I grumble, the table ignoring me if they did hear me. “Ah, because,” Chris’s eyes dart to his mother, who gives him a pleading look, and after a breath, he settles, “apologize.” “Your apology is accepted.” “Nope,” he snorts, “not what I meant. I mean, you need to apologize to $name.” [[“He doesn’t have to.”][$notimp = true]] [[Sit quietly.][$notimp = true]] [[“Yea, what he said.”][$notimp = true]] <<else>>\ “You barely raised me to begin with.” “This is your grandfather’s fault,” he turns his ire to his wife, “I told you that your father was disgusting and now look what happened.” With a shout, Chris stands up, “firstly, my grandfather was a hero, and though it won’t be me, I really hope you say that to the wrong person one day, and they just punch you square in the jaw. Secondly, why is this anyone’s fault?! I’m in love with $name, and you’re too busy judging ?him on what rests between ?his legs and what ?he looks like. I bet you didn’t know that $name has saved me more times than I can probably count? That ?he’s one of the bravest people I’ve ever met. Would drop everything to help someone who needs help. $name’s been through shit and still has the strength to keep going forward.” My eyes widen as he leans in. “So, you can shut the fuck up and deal with it because you’re pathetic.” “Oh, my apologies that I don’t appreciate a complete stranger coming into my son’s life and changing him.” I freeze at his words, and like a shark smelling water, he turns his gaze to me. “You did this to my boy, you made him into some god-forbidden monster. You did!” [[Leave. Now.][$notimp = true]] [[Argue right back.][$notimp = true]] <</if>>\
“Chris, he doesn’t have to,” I try, but Chris waves me away, not wanting to hear it. “Yea, he does. Because he’s been nothing but a nasty old man this entire dinner and I’m tired of acting like it’s fine. So, apologize.” “I will do no such thing.” “Then don’t call me your son.” Chris stands, turning to leave. “Chris,” his mother calls, her voice cracking in horror. “Mom, I love you, but I can’t anymore. This entire dinner, I’ve had to hear him talk crap about the woman I love like that’s fine.” My heart clenches at the word, the entire restaurant now looking at Chris, “and literally, the only reason why I didn’t just jump across the table was because of her. And now he doesn’t even have the balls to apologize? If he can’t be okay with my decisions, then I don’t want him in my life.” <a data-passage="NonImp5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I say nothing, glancing up at Ryan in hopes of figuring out what was going through his mind. It wasn’t hard to pinpoint the moment his genuine turned to shock and outrage. “I will do no such thing.” “Then don’t call me your son.” Chris stands, turning to leave. “Chris,” his mother calls, her voice cracking in horror. “Mom, I love you, but I can’t anymore. This entire dinner, I’ve had to hear him talk crap about the woman I love like that’s fine.” My heart clenches at the word, the entire restaurant now looking at Chris, “and literally, the only reason why I didn’t just jump across the table was because of her. And now he doesn’t even have the balls to apologize? If he can’t be okay with my decisions, then I don’t want him in my life.” <a data-passage="NonImp5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Yea, what he said. Apologize,” I argue, leaning in and giving a pointed look at Ryan, who seems to just grow more offended if that was even possible. “I will do no such thing.” “Then don’t call me your son.” Chris stands, turning to leave. “Chris,” his mother calls, her voice cracking in horror. “Mom, I love you, but I can’t anymore. This entire dinner, I’ve had to hear him talk crap about the woman I love like that’s fine.” My heart clenches at the word, the entire restaurant now looking at Chris, “and literally, the only reason why I didn’t just jump across the table was because of her. And now he doesn’t even have the balls to apologize? If he can’t be okay with my decisions, then I don’t want him in my life.” <a data-passage="NonImp5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<audio "jazz" fadeout>><<audio "theme" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.35>><</nobr>> <<if $chris >=6>>\ I wrap my arm around Chris, gazing over at his father in disgust, “then I guess it’s great that he’s got a better family now. Hope you choke on your duck.” With that, I lead Chris out of the restaurant, keeping him close as we weave in and out of those walking past, their brows raised in curiosity. With Chris leading, I walk towards the car, only to pause when Chris continues on past it, walking towards the park that rests beyond. <<else>>\ I turn to Ryan in disgust, “then I guess it’s great that he’s got a better family now. Hope you choke on your duck.” With that, I leave the restaurant to catch up with Chris, pausing when I see him continue on past the car, walking towards the park that rests beyond. <</if>>\ “Chris?” I question, picking up my pace to catch up with him, “are you okay?” “No, I’m not okay!” he shouts, stopping and throwing his hands in the air in frustration. Sadness descends upon me as I watch tears roll down his already damp cheeks, his eyes watery, and his body trembling as he tries to control himself. “I was praying that that meeting would go well, $name. This is why I didn’t want you to come.” <a data-passage="FHO2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<audio "jazz" fadeout>><<audio "theme" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.35>><</nobr>> “Let’s just go, we really don’t need to be here any longer.” Chris nods frantically, already walking forward as his dad says something else, but I tune him out, I didn’t want to be affected by his poison any longer. With Chris leading, I walk towards the car, only to pause when Chris continues on past it, walking towards the park that rests beyond. “Chris?” I question, picking up my pace to catch up with him, “are you okay?” “No, I’m not okay!” he shouts, stopping and throwing his hands in the air in frustration. Sadness descends upon me as I watch tears roll down his already damp cheeks, his eyes watery, and his body trembling as he tries to control himself. “I was praying that that meeting would go well, $name. This is why I didn’t want you to come.” <a data-passage="FHO2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<audio "jazz" fadeout>><<audio "theme" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.35>><</nobr>> <<if $chris >=6>>\ “Come on,” I encourage, squeezing Chris’s arm and motioning for him to follow me. He does, and as we go, I flick his father off, twirling my finger around in a circle, moving my hand from side to side, and then flexing the single finger up and down. As soon as we’re about to leave the section we were seated in, I turn to face Ryan and flick him off with both fingers, shooting him my meanest glare. With Chris leading, I walk towards the car, only to pause when Chris continues on past it, walking towards the park that rests beyond. <<else>>\ As I go, I flick his father off, twirling my finger around in a circle, moving my hand from side to side, and then flexing the single finger up and down. As soon as I’m about to leave the section we were seated in, I turn to face Ryan and flick him off with both fingers, shooting him my meanest glare. I leave the restaurant to catch up with Chris, pausing when I see him continue on past the car, walking towards the park that rests beyond. <</if>>\ “Chris?” I question, picking up my pace to catch up with him, “are you okay?” “No, I’m not okay!” he shouts, stopping and throwing his hands in the air in frustration. Sadness descends upon me as I watch tears roll down his already damp cheeks, his eyes watery, and his body trembling as he tries to control himself. “I was praying that that meeting would go well, $name. This is why I didn’t want you to come.” <a data-passage="FHO2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Yea, your dad’s an ass. But you did warn me. Was he always like that?” “Weird enough, I didn’t realize how bad it was until now. Before I never introduced anyone to him, only I heard all the shit that he had to say, and I was so used to it that it didn’t seem as bad.” I glance over at him, and he snickers softly, “yea, that sounds really horrible.” “Hey, look at me,” I whisper, wiping my thumbs over his cheeks to do away with the tears, “remember what we promised each other before going in? We won’t let this come between us. I don’t blame you. I agreed to come, remember? I’m sorry you had to sit through all that. We both can take the blame, how about that?” “Fuck that,” he murmurs, pressing his lips to mine in desperation, his lips slightly damp and a hint of salt coating them. He pulls back but refuses to let me go, “that’s all on my dad. Or ex-dad. Fuck him.” I chuckle, pulling back so that I could see all of him, only to find him studying me as if committing my image to memory. <a data-passage="Imp5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Hey, it’s okay,” I attempt, but Chris shakes his head. “It’s not, and don’t make it seem like it is. What would your uncle do if he heard that?” “No offense, but your dad might not be alive anymore,” I chuckle, causing Chris to do so as well. “Hey, look at me,” I whisper, wiping my thumbs over his cheeks to do away with the tears, “remember what we promised each other before going in? We won’t let this come between us. I don’t blame you. I agreed to come, remember? I’m sorry you had to sit through all that. We both can take the blame, how about that?” “Fuck that,” he murmurs, pressing his lips to mine in desperation, his lips slightly saturated and a hint of salt coating them. He pulls back but refuses to let me go, “that’s all on my dad. Or ex-dad, fuck him.” I chuckle, pulling back so that I could see all of him, only to find him studying me as if committing my image to memory. <a data-passage="Imp5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You wanted to punch him? I wanted to punch him! I stayed in my seat because I was just envisioning all the possible ways to punch him in the face.” “Your mastery of restraint is simply amazing, darling,” he laughs, sighing as his laughter trails off, and his eyes fall to the ground. “Hey, look at me,” I whisper, wiping my thumbs over his cheeks to do away with the tears, “remember what we promised each other before going in? We won’t let this come between us. I don’t blame you. I agreed to come, remember? I’m sorry you had to sit through all that. We both can take the blame, how about that?” “Fuck that,” he murmurs, pressing his lips to mine in desperation, his lips slightly saturated and a hint of salt coating them. He pulls back but refuses to let me go, “that’s all on my dad. Or ex-dad, fuck him.” I chuckle, pulling back so that I could see all of him, only to find him studying me as if committing my image to memory. <a data-passage="Imp5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I eye him for a minute, not knowing how this felt due to being raised with Uncle Matheus. My decisions were always supported, even if they made little sense to my uncle at the time. I didn’t know what it felt like to worry about losing the love of someone I cared about all because I was different and not ‘ideal.’ “So, you’d lose your only son?” I ask, watching as he stiffens. I wondered what he looked like when he was relaxed, something I have yet to see. “Don’t talk to me like you have any right to. Like you understand how hard it is to be a parent.” “Must be so hard, you know not accepting your children for stupid things,” I sigh, waving my hand. “Do not sit here and lecture me, you’re a child.” <a data-passage="Imp2_2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I stare at Ryan for a while, attempting to see if there was something more profound about him that I just wasn’t able to spot earlier. Maybe beneath everything, there was a man who just wanted the best for his son, yet too confused to know what that was. And yet, even with my skills of observation, I find nothing. “Do you love him?” I find myself asking, mentally rolling my eyes but now curious. “Of course, I do,” he huffs. “Do you? Because when you love someone, you can’t just choose what parts to love, you love them as a whole, or you don’t love them at all.” “Don’t tell me how to deal with my son, okay?” “I’m not,” I say calmly, the ability to speak smoothly shocking me since underneath it all I felt like a volcano finally ready to erupt, “I’m just trying to understand how you can look at Chris and not see what I see. This amazing man who will do anything for the ones he loves. Who would rather hear your mouth than keep me a secret from you because he can’t imagine you two not in his life. In college, he would tell me stories about you and how he grew up. And no matter how much he ranted, he still wanted your approval. He craved to just have you tell him that you were proud of him.” <a data-passage="Imp2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“And I am,” Ryan says rather defensively, shooting his wife a look, perhaps requesting backup. Martha shies away, wiping her eyes to rid herself of the tears. “But how –” I shake my head and stand, “there’s always a but, huh?” I breathe in and then exhale, “thank you for dinner. Goodbye, Mr., and Mrs. Richardson.” I turn on my heel, and with the last shred of dignity that I possess, leave but not before I feel someone grab my hand, I turn to see Martha, tears running down her eyes. “I’m so sorry for how savagely we both acted. It means so little right now, but I truly am. Please, go make sure my son is okay.” She squeezes my hand, “and take care of him. He has such a huge heart, and he deserves someone who looks at him like you do.” She releases me, not waiting for me to say anything more as she makes her way back to the table. I turn and go. <a data-passage="Imp3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<audio "jazz" fadeout>><<audio "theme" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.35>><</nobr>> It doesn’t take me long at all to find Chris, leaning up against the car, taking multiple deep breaths and watching the gusts of cold air as he exhales. “I really wish I had an e-cig right now,” he tells me as I approach, “I told myself not to bring one because whatever happens, I won’t be shocked by. I’m stupid.” “Hey,” I scold, “don’t do that to yourself.” “And what was that with you?” “Huh?” I question, turning to him. “Half of the crap you said in there was a lie. Why did you lie?” [[“I was trying to make this easier.”]] [[“I was put on the spot.”]]
“I was trying to make this easier for us. You told me all of this crap about your parents, and I thought that if I could at least make it seem like I had that fulfilled, then this dinner would go by much easier. I didn’t think it would piss you off.” He wraps his arms around my waist, resting his head on mine, “it only made me mad because it seemed like you were hiding how incredible you are. You don’t need to lie to be amazing. If my parents can’t see that, then that’s not really your fault, it’s theirs.” He sniffles, releasing me and taking a few steps back as he violently rubs the tears away. “Hey, look at me,” I whisper, wiping my thumbs over his cheeks to do away with the tears, “remember what we promised each other before going in? We won’t let this come between us. I don’t blame you. I agreed to come, remember? I’m sorry you had to sit through all that. We both can take the blame, how about that?” <a data-passage="Imp4"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I was put on the spot. I knew telling the truth wasn’t what they wanted to hear, so lying just became so much more desirable. Especially since it seemed to at least alleviate some of the awkwardness. I was just trying to make this better. I didn’t think it would piss you off.” He wraps his arms around my waist, resting his head on mine, “it only made me mad because it seemed like you were hiding how incredible you are. You don’t need to lie to be amazing. If my parents can’t see that, then that’s not really your fault, it’s theirs.” He sniffles, releasing me and taking a few steps back as he violently rubs the tears away. “Hey, look at me,” I whisper, wiping my thumbs over his cheeks to do away with the tears, “remember what we promised each other before going in? We won’t let this come between us. I don’t blame you. I agreed to come, remember? I’m sorry you had to sit through all that. We both can take the blame, how about that?” <a data-passage="Imp4"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Fuck that,” he murmurs, pressing his lips to mine in desperation, his lips slightly saturated and a hint of salt coating them. He pulls back but refuses to let me go, “that’s all on my dad. Or ex-dad, fuck him.” I chuckle, pulling back so that I could see all of him, only to find him studying me as if committing my image to memory. “What?” “Please never stop smiling,” he murmurs. “As long as I have you, I doubt I’ll be able to.” I initiate the hug, wrapping my arms around him and squeezing all my love behind the action. He holds nothing back either, his arms refusing to budge or let go. We existed in each other’s arms for that time, nothing else mattered. <a data-passage="NR25"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I have one last thing to show you, will you let me?” he reaches his hand out, and I glance from it to him, my heart aching at the potential heartbreak in his eyes. “Please, $name.” I place my hand in his, and a broad smile causes all other emotions to flee as he pulls me through the coolly lit park. We walk to the center, and I follow him up the sizeable beautiful gazebo in the middle. We hung out here as a group a couple of times, relaxing and just enjoying our time. I raise a brow as Chris finally releases my hand, nervously fiddling with the folds of his jacket and taking multiple deep breaths. “I … um, kinda planned this. If the night sucked then, this was supposed to make it better. I was going to do one that I wrote, but I suck at writing, I really do,” he laughs, making no sense as he sways back and forth on his heel. “Chris?” I question, taking a step towards him in worry, but he stops me, shaking his head. “If I keep thinking about this, then I won’t ever do it. And I’ve been really wanting to do it for a while to. Sucks that I actually chose this night.” He shakes his head and snaps his fingers, still appearing highly agitated as the sweet sounds of a piano fill the air. I gaze over at the classical white piano to see Sydero, winking at me before concentrating back on what she was doing. My eyes fall off of her and land on Chris as he begins to sing. <a data-passage="NR26"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Hearing Chris sing was rare, he, like many, believed his voice was dreadful and was better equipped to scare away crows and not serenade hearts. But it was a lie. His singing voice was a beautiful sonorous sound that, with more practice and training, could almost be described as soulful. It was smooth and powerful, easily causing one to feel the emotion he felt whenever he did choose to sing. And now, here he was. “And you can tell everybody this is your song. It may be quite simple, but now that it’s done.” On all sides of the ceiling railings of the gazebo, a row of sparks goes off, cascading down in magnificent golden ripples. Even the park lights flicker on and off as if dancing to the notes that Sydero plays from the piano. The atmosphere feels magical, causing me to forget about the dinner earlier, to forget about everything but the man singing in front of me. A light blush refuses to leave as he continues to sing his soul out, his eyes on me, and refusing to move despite how nervous he was, “so, excuse me forgettin’, but these things I do. You see, I’ve forgotten if they’re green or they’re blue. Anyway, the thing is ... what I really mean.” He laughs, choking up on his own singing, “yours are the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen.” I hear a slightly higher pitch voice that harmonizes perfectly with his, adding to the atmosphere. I relax completely as I watch him, ignoring the flips that my heart does and how every now and then, a shiver runs down my spine. <a data-passage="NR27"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I hope you don’t mind; I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words.” He drags out the note perfectly, taking a hesitant step towards me, “how wonderful life is while you’re in the world.” His notes linger before fading, the only sound is that of the sparks still falling and Sydero’s last notes. [[Jump into his arms.]] [[Kiss him.]] [[Applause.]]
I rush forward and jump into his arms, my brain unable to think of words as I pull him close, refusing to let go. “Any regrets?” he whispers in my ear, and my heart finally explodes. “Never.” “That was wonderful, who knew you had it in you, Christopher,” Bradley hollers, breaking the moment as our eyes move to him. “I swear, Bradley,” Syd growls, rising from behind the piano, “must you ruin everything?” “I ruin nothing,” he snorts. “You definitely ruined their little moment,” Rahim agrees, popping up from the place he was hiding and gesturing to us. Chris rolls his eyes, “thanks for the help, guys.” <a data-passage="NR28"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I eliminate the distance between us and press a searing kiss to his lips, one full of need and want and love and desire. Every emotion I had just felt standing there came out, my tongue and actions speaking a language words could never truly convey. His lips part and my tongue surge past his lips, exploring areas that it knew well. Chris’s hand runs down my neck, holding me even closer and deepening the kiss. “Any regrets?” he whispers in my ear, and my heart finally explodes. “Never.” “That was wonderful, who knew you had it in you, Christopher,” Bradley hollers, breaking the moment as our eyes move to him. “I swear, Bradley,” Syd growls, rising from behind the piano, “must you ruin everything?” “I ruin nothing,” he snorts. “You definitely ruined their little moment,” Rahim agrees, popping up from the place he was hiding and gesturing to us. Chris rolls his eyes, “thanks for the help, guys.” <a data-passage="NR28"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Not knowing what else to do, I clap as loud and hard as possible, screaming and trying to make up for what should’ve been an entire stadium of people. Chris chuckles, rolling his eyes and still fighting a losing war against his red cheeks. He grabs me and pulls me into a tight hug. “Any regrets?” he whispers in my ear, and my heart finally explodes. “Never.” “That was wonderful, who knew you had it in you, Christopher,” Bradley hollers, breaking the moment as our eyes move to him. “I swear, Bradley,” Syd growls, rising from behind the piano, “must you ruin everything?” “I ruin nothing,” he snorts. “You definitely ruined their little moment,” Rahim agrees, popping up from the place he was hiding and gesturing to us. Chris rolls his eyes, “thanks for the help, guys.” <a data-passage="NR28"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Of course,” Amari shouts from right behind us, causing both of us to jump, “that was so incredible. I want to do it again. We should’ve totally made this into like a concert! Did anyone record that?” “We were all busy,” Zillah reminds her, “who would’ve had time to record it?” Amari places her hand on her hip, cocking her head to the side as she glares down at Zillah, “let’s be honest here, Rahim did all the work with the lights.” Zillah sputters, “how dare you!” Sydero sighs as the four continue to debate their parts, her eyes drifting from Chris to me before looking down at her watch. “I can hold everyone here for at least an hour or two. You might want to go make use of that empty house.” I open my mouth to respond, but Chris is already yanking me away, yelling his farewells over his shoulder as he rushes towards the car. <a data-passage="NR29"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I’m not exactly sure what the distance was between the house and the park, but we make it back home in what feels like five minutes. The entire car ride was mostly of me talking about Chris’s voice and wanting to know behind the scenes, and Chris just blushing and trying to downplay it all. I unlock the door and cut on the light, only for Chris to cut it back off. [[Cut it back on.][$dom +=1]] [[Leave it off.][$sub +=1]] [[“I can’t see where I’m going.”][$con +=1]]
I cut it back on, raising a brow as he raises an identical one, cutting it right back off. We go back and forth, finally I win as I slap his hand and push him backwards, laughing as he dramatically falls backwards until his legs hit the sofa. “I’m wounded! My legs!” “I didn’t even hit your legs you idiot,” I point out, stopping at the edge of the sofa, looking down at him. “Ah, my hand! I’m wounded.” “You’re such a baby.” “No need for name calling.” Chris sighs as he lets his head hit the back of the sofa, “today’s been … interesting.” “Feeling any differently about that dinner?” <a data-passage="NR30"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I leave it off, letting my knowledge of the living room guide me forward. I feel Chris’s hand rest itself on the small of my back and the two of us find our way to the sofa. Chris sighs as he lets his head hit the back of the sofa, “today’s been … interesting.” “Feeling any differently about that dinner?” <a data-passage="NR30"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I can’t see where I’m going,” I point out calmly, refusing to take a step further. We’ve lived here long enough for me to know the living room area by heart, but that was also putting trust in the others. It wasn’t rare for them to leave something lying around on the floor to stub my toe on. “Then let me be your eyes,” Chris jokes, taking my hand in his. We make it two steps before I hear him hit something, and he groans in frustration. “Who just leaves that shit sitting around?” I laugh as I picture where we may be and then make my way towards the lamp that I believe is sitting close by. Flicking it on, I turn to Chris who's avoiding my gaze, pouting. “Oh, don’t be such a baby,” I tease as he walks past me to take a seat on the sofa. Chris sighs as he lets his head hit the back of the sofa, “today’s been … interesting.” “Feeling any differently about that dinner?” <a data-passage="NR30"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
My chest aches, and I feel bile threaten my stomach and throat. Tears prickle my eyes, and before I could shed them, I push away from the table and quickly dart away. I need as much space between myself and all of this as possible. <<include 'NonImp2'>>
“Your son is old enough to think for himself!” I shout back, not caring about the eyes swiveling towards us. “It’s not my fault that you’re living in the past and can’t seem to dig your head out of your own ass.” “Who do you think you are talking to me like that?” “$name Roe. Who the hell do you think you are parading around like your name means anything? I’ve never even heard of your business, so it must not be that impressive. You’re a pathetic excuse for a father and a husband, and I really do hope Martha leaves your ass. And even better, leaves you broke. Because she deserves better. You’re disgusting.” I grab my things and turn on my heel, marching away and flicking him off before I turn the corner. <a data-passage="NonImp2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<audio "jazz" fadeout>><<audio "theme" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.35>><</nobr>> I keep walking, refusing to look back as each and every eye watches me leave. Some of the patrons dart behind their hands and whisper, others just raise their nose in disgust. I walk faster, my chest suddenly feeling like it was about to collapse on itself. I needed air. “Move,” I murmur to a couple who happen to be in my way. I push them apart and pick up my pace, not slowing until I was near the car. But even then, I keep moving forward, afraid to stop. I close my eyes, hoping to readjust myself to the world. But Ryan’s words continue to strike me, my brain refusing to let them go, to forget every nasty thing he said. The pure resentment and loathing in his eyes, and how disappointed he was in his own son because of me. My heart clenches, and I let out a cry. “$name!” Chris shouts, by my side a minute later, tugging me into a tight hug that I can’t squirm out of. “Stop, I want to be alone,” I whimper, pushing him away, but he only pulls me right back. “Well, you’re shit out of luck, okay? Damn this is all my fault, I should’ve never let you meet them,” he murmurs aside. I feel his body shake, and I move back far enough to see him on the edge of breaking down. <a data-passage="NonImp3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Chris, what’s wrong?” I question, anger now settling over me as I envision what could’ve happened after I stormed out. Did his parents say something else? Chris erupts into laughter that sounds far too despondent to make me think that it originated from a happy thought. “It hurts me to see you cry,” he whispers once his laughter has died down. He cups my face and places a single kiss on the tip of my nose. “It hurts so much. We should’ve left a long time ago. That food wasn’t worth it.” He tugs me back into him in another crushing hug, this one feeling more like a plea against a goodbye. That as soon as we separate, we would never see one another again, and he refused to accept it. “That duck looked like shit,” I joke, hoping to cheer both of us up. And though it’s muffled, I hear him chuckle, and it does wonders for my mood. “I’m a horrible fucking boyfriend,” Chris finally says, drawing back, “I knew this was probably going to happen, and I still just let it. I just threw you in there.” “You didn’t throw me, I walked into it. Don’t try to place an unneeded burden on your shoulders.” “I just really hoped.” <a data-passage="NonImp4"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Yea, I know you did. No one can fault you for that.” I take his hand, and I walk him over to a park bench, both of us immediately leaning on the other as if it was instinct. “Anything happen after I left?” “Yea, I threw my mashed potatoes at my dad.” I sit up and, with wide eyes, look at Chris, who rolls his eyes. “You know I didn’t do that. As soon as you ran out, I was right behind you. I had to apologize to that one couple you shoved out of your way, though. They looked so scared.” “They should be,” I huff, puffing my cheeks out only for Chris to poke me. I swat his hand away, “let’s go.” I rise, but Chris’s hand around my wrist pulls me right back down. “Not until I get a laugh or at least a smile out of you.” “Chris,” I groan, shrieking in surprise when he begins to tickle my sides, nuzzling my neck and then blowing a raspberry. The laugh that flows out of me is as natural as always, free of stress and anxiety. “Oh, there it is, the most beautiful thing,” Chris sighs happily, pulling me further into his lap and holding me there. We stay just like that, neither of us wishing to move. Until finally, Chris gets up and looks down at me. <a data-passage="NR25"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You’re going to just turn your back on your family for some girl barely worth your time?” <<if $chris >=6>>\ “Oh, you bet,” he answers, turning his gaze to me, “we agreed on a look, right? I’m giving you that look now.” I snicker as I roll my eyes and stand, grabbing his outstretched hand. <<else>>\ “I said shut up!” Chris yells, grabbing my hand and yanking me after him. <</if>>\ “You walk away from this table, and the family that you have will be all you have. You will be dead to us.” Chris squeezes his eyes closed as he turns away from his father, his head hanging and his body shaking. [[“He’s got a better family.”]] [[“Let’s just go.”]] [[Flick him off.]]
I rise slowly, a sarcastic smile on my face, though, the longer I look him over, the more the smile disappears and is replaced by nothing but a frown. One that I find I have hardly any energy to maintain. “I feel bad for you, Mr. Richardson. Chris is a great person, and you’ll never know how great because of your short-sighted mind.” I nod to myself, ignoring the words that spill from his mouth and take my leave. I get up and begin to walk away when I feel someone grab my hand, I turn to see Martha, tears running down her eyes. “I’m so sorry for how savagely we both acted. It means so little right now, but I truly am. Please, go make sure my son is okay.” She squeezes my hand, “and take care of him. He has such a huge heart, and he deserves someone who looks at him like you do.” She releases me, not waiting for me to say anything more as she makes her way back to the table. I turn and go. <a data-passage="Imp3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<audio "theme" fadeout>><<audio "romance" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.50>><</nobr>> “You’re okay with me playing the sub?” “That means you’re doing what I say or something, right?” “Yea, I’m practically at your mercy, and you do whatever you want.” He scrunches his face up at my words, “well, you’d be a service top. You know someone who plays the role of dom more to …” I trail off as he gives me a look. “If you end up liking this, then I can teach you all that later.” He nods, appearing to not trust his words, but a small smile appears, and he nods once again. “So, I just do what I want with you?” “I mean, there’s a lot more to submission than you just ordering me to do things,” I chuckle, “but to keep this simple for you. You can just have your way with me. And I can take roughness, you don’t have to treat me like some fragile doll. Does that help you understand what I want?” He snorts, nuzzling into my neck, “you mean what I want?” <a data-passage="Sub2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $notimp>>\ “Nah, fuck em,” he answers simply, playing with his fingers with a heavy frown, “if they don’t want to get to know you as a person, then who cares. It’s not about to make me change my mind. I love you, and that’s the end of that.” I sit beside him, “you know, that’s the second time you’ve said that today.” “I say I love you all the time, stop playing,” he laughs, playfully nudging my shoulder. “Yea, but the way you said it today is different. Not saying that it doesn’t make my heart leap any other time, but you said it with pride, you know.” “No, no idea,” he grins, kissing my jaw. <<else>>\ “It went okay, don’t you think? I mean, it could’ve gone far better if my dad wasn’t a giant dick with legs and a mouth, but surprisingly, it got better towards the end. I’m not too mad about it. What about you?” “I agree. Considering how bad it could be, that wasn’t the worst-case scenario.” “I’m happy, though,” he says, leaning in and kissing my jaw. <</if>>\ I turn my head to capture his lips, starting off by merely pecking them until I finally abandon the action in favor of pressing our lips against one another. I gently place my hands on the sides of his face and keep him close, my tongue probing his lips until they are allowed entrance. His hands run over my body, leaving a trail of scorching heat as they trail farther and farther. Absentmindedly, I moan in his mouth, causing him to pull back. His eyes darken as he gazes at me, one thing only on his mind now. <a data-passage="NR31"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $bet>>\ <<if $bestgift>>\ “You know,” I say as he tugs me back towards him, “we had a bet.” He pauses, looking me over as if trying to figure out how serious I was. A flash of discomfort appears on his face, and I sigh as I kiss the side of his mouth. Replacing my lips with my thumb as I run them down to his chin. “It’s okay, we don’t have to.” He grabs my hand and kisses my palm, “no, I um … I want to.” “You what?” I couldn’t say that his words didn’t shock me. Sex with Chris was great, and nothing was wrong with it, but I had always wanted to occasionally throw some other things, and Chris has always been apprehensive about it. “Chris,” I start, but he stops, placing kiss after kiss on my face, pausing only to speak, “I’m serious. Let’s do it. The worst that can happen is that I just not enjoy it at all and go back to basic sex. Which I don’t see a problem with, but hey, if you want to, then lets.” <<else>>\ “You know,” I say as he tugs me back towards him, “we had a bet.” “Yea, and I recall you losing.” I nod, a bit sad that I did lose since my reward would have been so great. “Alright, so did you ever figure out what you want?” He stares at me for what feels like forever, “to please you. So whatever you want, I'm okay with.” My eyes widen with shock and hope. “Chris,” I start, but he stops, placing kiss after kiss on my face, pausing only to speak, “I’m serious. Let’s do it. The worst that can happen is that I just not enjoy it at all and go back to basic sex. Which I don’t see a problem with, but hey, if you want to, then lets.” <</if>>\ <<if $dom gte $sub>>\ <a data-passage="Dom"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="Sub"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<elseif $dom and $sub gte $con>>\ “Wait, wait,” I start, blushing as I try one last time to get Chris to step out of his comfort zone. “Can we do it my way?” He pauses, looking me over as if trying to figure out how serious I was. A flash of discomfort appears on his face, and I sigh as I kiss the side of his mouth. Replacing my lips with my thumb as I run them down to his chin. “Forget I said anything,” I say, about to claim his lips once again when he stops me. He grabs my hand and kisses my palm, “no, I um … I want to.” “You what?” I couldn’t say that his words didn’t shock me. Sex with Chris was great, and nothing was wrong with it, but I had always wanted to occasionally throw some other things, and Chris has always been apprehensive about it. “Chris,” I start, but he stops, placing kiss after kiss on my face, pausing only to speak, “I’m serious. Let’s do it. The worst that can happen is that I just not enjoy it at all and go back to basic sex. Which I don’t see a problem with, but hey, if you want to, then lets.” <<if $dom gte $sub>>\ <a data-passage="Dom"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="Sub"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “We should move this to the room, right?” I question, gazing down at the sofa we were currently on, “no one wants to sit on a sofa after … that.” “Ugh, come on. You’re such a horrible tease,” Chris growls, grabbing my hand and yanking me to my feet. He throws his arm over my shoulder as we both quickly walk to his room, which might as well be mine as well. Chris doesn’t bother to close the door, seeing that we had the house to ourselves. Softly, as if I was some fragile creature that could easily break under his weight, he lowers me to the door. The kiss we share simple and caring, the hidden desire rising slowly, as if understanding that it could take however long as it needed to. <a data-passage="Con"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<nobr>><<audio "theme" fadeout>><<audio "romance" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.50>><</nobr>> “You’re okay with me being the dom?” “That means you taking over, right?” “Yea, you do what I say, when I say it. Unless you wanted to play the role as a brat,” I start, seeing the confusion overtake his face. “If you end up liking this, then I can teach you all that later.” He nods, appearing to not trust his words, but a small smile appears, and he nods once again. “You’re going to take it easy on me, right?” he questions, shifting nervously. “Of course, I won’t throw you into the deep end.” He frowns, seeming to not believe me. “How about a safe word? Might make you feel better?” “Sure, let’s go with,” he stops to think, “lasagna?” I nod and lick my lips gazing around as I work out what I wanted to do. This might be a one-time thing, and it wasn’t like I could go as far as I would like, seeing that Chris was a first-timer. Whatever I did needed to be simple but still mind-blowing for both of us. I make up my mind and, with a smirk, grab his hand and pull him towards the bedroom, stopping at the door. <a data-passage="Dom2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<audio "theme" fadeout>><<audio "romance" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.50>><</nobr>> Chris’s hands wander my body as I rest beneath him, his mouth soon following as he gently travels down to my neck and then to my chest. “Seeing you today all dressed up was not easy,” he whispers against my skin, pulling back and looking my outfit over. There’s a softness in them, filled with such an intense love and desire that I was having trouble figuring out which one would win out. “I just kept thinking how fast I would rip your clothes off and have you,” he says, hovering over me, his fingers lightly tracing my jaw and then cheek. The emotion in his eyes causes my heart to clench, my breath escaping me as he slowly leaned in and placed the gentlest of kisses. “But right now, I just really want to just make love to you. Take my time to make sure I worship you to the best of my ability.” He places a kiss on my shoulder and then on my collarbone, “to show you how much I adore you.” His words send a tremor through me, heat pooling in my gut and traveling downwards. He runs his hands down the length of my body, only pausing to remove my clothing and toss them to the side. Each kiss he rests he softly breathes, the chill causing me to tremble underneath him, my need for him increasing. “Chris,” I almost whimper, images of what would soon happen flashing into my mind, “I need you.” He places a kiss to my chest, his hand slowly massaging my inner thigh and rising. “Then you’ll have me,” he murmurs, just loud enough for me to hear. <a data-passage="Con2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You gonna be okay?” Chris chuckles, stroking my back. “I can’t feel my legs,” I laugh. “Good, means I did my job. I don’t want you moving anyway.” He wraps his muscular arms around me and deposits me on the bed, hovering over me and kissing my forehead. “I’m going to go grab us some water.” “With your dick all out?!” I shout after him. “Hell yea! The only time I can walk around this house without caring. I’m going to enjoy this.” I sigh, grabbing Chris’s pillow and bringing it closer, I wanted to be surrounded in everything his. His scent, the feeling of his touch, how he left me feeling loved and weak. “Here you go,” Chris says, walking back in, his body glistening from the sweat and causing me to try for a round two. I thank him from the bottle and, in a few gulps, drink half of it. With the feeling of contentment settling onto my shoulders, I cuddle up next to him, hugging him tightly and nuzzling into his chest. The dinner was light-years away, feeling like it hadn’t even happened that night. I was only concerned about existing in Chris’s embrace. “Fuck, I love you,” he murmurs against my skin, his hand stroking up and down my arm. “I just really need you to know that.” [[“Tell me one more time.”]] [[“I love you too.”]]
I lean upwards to look at him, a smirk replacing my easygoing smile, “I had no idea, and I might still not believe it. Maybe if you tell me one more time, though.” He clears his throat and pulls away from me before screaming, “I love you, $name!” I erupt into laughter, not being able to control it. “You’re lucky we don’t have neighbors.” “I agree, they would’ve heard your moaning.” “Alright, that’s it,” I snort, grabbing a pillow and hitting him with it. <<if $pillowtalk>>\ “Really? A repeat of this morning?” And as if to back up his words, his phone rings. He frowns and leans over to see who was calling, his frown deepening. <<else>>\ “Really? You want to have a pillow fight at zero dark thirty? Let’s do it.” I’m unable to disagree, blaming it on how tired I am when his phone rings. He frowns and leans over to see who was calling, his frown deepening. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="NR33"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I love you too,” I murmur, turning so that I could place a kiss on the corner of his mouth. We both draw back, our eyes catching, and neither of us strong enough to look away. Chris’s gaze was like a lighthouse, and for my soul, I was the ship. It was always a guiding calmness that brought me hope, reminding me of the most important things without any words needing to be exchanged. It was a gaze that just made me want to try to live my life to the fullest. I shudder at the emotions that pass through me, placing my forehead against his cheek, just wanting to be near him, wanting to feel his skin on mine. “I will never get tired of hearing those words from you?” he says softly, my hold around him tightening. The ringing of a phone brings us both out of our thoughts, pulling out a loud groan from Chris. <a data-passage="NR33"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Who is it?” “My mom.” “Are you going to answer?” He looks from his phone to me, putting his attention back on it, and a few seconds later, the vibrating stops. “What did you do?” “Turned that shit off,” he yawns, nuzzling into my chest as he lays back down, a content smile on his face, “I’m spending time with you. Whatever she wants can wait until tomorrow. Probably in the afternoon, too, I want that morning sex you promised me.” “I promised nothing,” I huff, a long yawn escaping past my lips. “What if I pout and try to do puppy eyes?” His attempt is atrocious, and I move his face away as he keeps getting closer and closer. <a data-passage="End"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m ignoring you now,” I sing, turning my back to him, smiling softly when he chooses to wrap his arms around me and place a light kiss upon my shoulder. “Whatever,” I hear him snicker, “mornings are always the best with you. Sex or no sex.” I yawn for the second time, struggling to keep my eyes open as I hum in question. “And why is that?” “Simply because your beautiful face is the first thing I see when I wake up. The sun on your skin and you look at peace. It’s all I could ever want.” I fight for a response, but my body gives out, I hear his words and can produce nothing more than another hum, this one far more content. “Goodnight, $name.” [img[images/title.png][Setup]]
<<if $showec>>\ He reaches over and grabs the lube,<<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">> applying it to my vagina<<else>>applying it to my ass<</if>> before inserting a finger. A small moan makes it past my lips as I close my eyes, easily becoming adjusted and then preparing for the next finger. “Can’t lie and say I don’t prefer you like this,” he whispers in my ear, inserting a third, causing me to bite down on my bottom lip. I rock my hips against Chris’s fingers, my chest shuddering as they go deeper. And suddenly, I needed more. I open one eye to look at Chris, and he instantly understands the look. “You sure?” Chris asks, curling his finger and causing me to gasp in shock and pleasure. “I’m not sure you’re actually //there// yet.” He then scissors his fingers, and I push my hips further towards them. “I thought this was no teasing?” I moan. “Babe, I can’t help myself, you’re beautiful when you’re flustered,” he laughs, pressing his lips to mine in a quick kiss. I open my mouth to retort, but he does it again, hooking his fingers and coming so close to hitting my sweet spot that I moan louder. I shiver in want and need, wanting to know nothing more than Chris. If I thought I needed him before, then I definitely did now. I shift, and Chris chuckles, removing his fingers and letting me readjust so that I could ride him. Chris places his back on the headboard, refusing to look away from me as I situate, hovering just over his hard cock. I shudder, my usual reaction whenever I looked upon his thick girth. Chris was of average length, but he definitely wasn’t average girth, never a complaint left my mouth when he was inside me. My only complaint being that he was going to kill me one of these days. <<else>>\ He reaches over and grabs the lube, applying it before inserting a finger. A small moan makes it past my lips as I close my eyes, relishing in the feeling. “Can’t lie and say I don’t prefer you like this,” he whispers in my ear, inserting another, causing me to bite down on my bottom lip. I rock my hips against Chris’s fingers, my chest shuddering. And suddenly, I needed more. I open one eye to look at Chris, and he instantly understands the look. “You sure?” Chris asks, curling his finger and causing me to gasp in shock and pleasure. “I’m not sure you’re actually //there// yet.” He then scissors his fingers, and I push my hips further towards them. “I thought this was no teasing?” I moan. “Babe, I can’t help myself, you’re beautiful when you’re flustered,” he laughs, pressing his lips to mine in a quick kiss. I open my mouth to retort, but he does it again, hooking his fingers and coming so close to hitting my sweet spot that I moan louder. I shiver in want and need, wanting to know nothing more than Chris. If I thought I needed him before, then I definitely did now. I shift, and Chris chuckles, removing his fingers and letting me readjust so that I could get on top of him. Chris places his back on the headboard, refusing to look away from me as I situate myself. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Con3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ I sink down, squeezing my eyes shut as he enters me and letting my mouth fall open, the moan slowly working its way out past my lips, louder than I thought it would be. My eyes flutter open, Chris smirking up at me as if he already knew what I was thinking. “Go ahead and say it,” he smiles. I refuse, only stopping when he grabs my hips and then brings me down farther, this time pulling out a whimper like scream. “Fuck, Chris!” I shout, hitting his chest. He rumbles with laughter, my hands vibrating as I allow them to rest on top of him. “Not my fault you’re so tight,” he chuckles, holding onto my waist as I settle upon him further, getting used to his size. I roll my hips, finally getting the moan I so craved out of Chris. It was long and sensual, his head falling back as he encouraged me to keep going, a task that I wanted to do but struggled. I was only partially down, and his hard cock was already filling me, lighting up every nerve that I had, and close enough to hit my spot. “Chris, when is the last time we had sex?” I question, slowly pushing further down, having to stop, again trying to adjust myself. “Fuck, I don’t know. Does it matter?” “Yes,” I moan, leaning forward and whimpering, “because this makes it feel like it’s been forever.” <<else>>\ I sink down, squeezing my eyes shut and letting my mouth fall open, the moan slowly working its way out past my lips, louder than I thought it would be. My eyes flutter open, Chris smirking up at me as if he already knew what I was thinking. “Go ahead and say it,” he smiles. I refuse, only stopping when he grabs my hips and then brings me down farther, this time pulling out a whimper like scream. “Fuck, Chris!” I shout, hitting his chest. He rumbles with laughter, my hands vibrating as I allow them to rest on top of him. “Not my fault you’re so tight,” he chuckles, holding onto my waist as I settle upon him further, getting used to his size. I roll my hips, finally getting the moan I so craved out of Chris. It was long and sensual, his head falling back as he encouraged me to keep going, a task that I wanted to do but struggled. I was only partially down and every nerve was already lit up. “Chris, when is the last time we had sex?” I question, slowly pushing further down, having to stop, again trying to adjust myself. “Fuck, I don’t know. Does it matter?” “Yes,” I moan, leaning forward and whimpering, “because this makes it feel like it’s been forever.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Con4"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ “Need some help?” I nod, not trusting my words as my eyes flutter close, letting out a loud and drawn out moan as he grabs my waist and makes me sink down the rest of the way. “God!” I groan, finally as far down as I could be, already out of breath. Chris lifts me up before bringing me back down, developing a slow but steady pace. “Fuck you feel so good,” he groans, tilting his head back. I run my hands down his chest, fiddling with his chest hair as my other hand <<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>begins to play with my clitoris.<<else>>grab my hard member and pumps it.<</if>> Chris places his mouth upon mine, him leaning forward, causing him to hit a totally new angle that I wasn’t prepared for. His actions were still slow and steady, speeding up only at specific times that caused me to throw my head back. He quickly grabs my head and brings me back to his lips, swallowing the moan that I let out. The kiss was as sensual and loving as any other, nothing rough about it. It was a kiss that rocked my core, made my chest blossom, and, if I wasn’t being drilled by him, probably cause me to start imagining the future. <<else>>\ “Need some help?” I nod, not trusting my words as my eyes flutter close, letting out a loud and drawn out moan as he grabs my waist and makes me sink down the rest of the way. “God!” I groan, finally as far down as I could be, already out of breath. Chris lifts me up before bringing me back down, developing a slow but steady pace. “Fuck you feel so good,” he groans, tilting his head back. I run my hands down his chest, fiddling with his chest hair. Chris places his mouth upon mine, him leaning forward, causing him to hit a totally new angle that I wasn’t prepared for. His actions were still slow and steady, speeding up only at specific times that caused me to throw my head back. He quickly grabs my head and brings me back to his lips, swallowing the moan that I let out. The kiss was as sensual and loving as any other, nothing rough about it. It was a kiss that rocked my core and made my chest blossom. My nails dig into his chest as a wave of pleasure skyrockets through me. He was right there; a few more well-aimed thrusts and I would be putty. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Con5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ My toes curl as Chris shifts me slightly so that he could better pick up his hips and thrust upwards. My nails dig into his chest as a wave of pleasure skyrockets through me. He was right there; a few more well-aimed thrusts and I would be putty. “Chris,” I somehow manage to say, “right there.” Chris listens and thrusts again, causing me to moan his name. That familiar peak was in sight, the blossoming of something warm that coils in my stomach before starting to travel lower. Chris continues his thrusts, slowing them down and somehow causing it all to increase tenfold. His tip feeling like it was in my stomach. I close my eyes as I stop playing with myself, trying to balance myself as I got closer and closer. Part of me cursing that I was so close, meaning that this was coming to an end. This feeling, this was a feeling I never wanted to stop feeling. I moan due to another wave of pleasure as Chris brings my hips down and thrusts upwards slowly, pushing his cock as deep as he can. “Fuck!” I shout, my body no longer under my control as I lean forward, panting as I begin to cum, Chris’s hand finding a use as he,<<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>slowly runs circles along my clit, soaking his hand in my juices.<<else>>jacks me off, my cum spurting all over his hand and chest.<</if>> I try to stop my shaking, but it becomes near impossible. That and the warmth of Chris’s chest was something I never wanted to rise from. <<else>>\ “Chris,” I somehow manage to say, “right there.” Chris listens and thrusts again, causing me to moan his name. That familiar peak was in sight, the blossoming of something warm that coils in my stomach before starting to travel lower. Chris continues, slowing them down and somehow causing it all to increase tenfold. I moan due to another wave of pleasure. “Fuck!” I shout, my body no longer under my control as I lean forward, panting as I finally reach my peak. I try to stop my shaking, but it becomes near impossible. That and the warmth of Chris’s chest was something I never wanted to rise from. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="NR32"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You are insufferable.” I cock my head to the side and look him up and down, “so what is it that you want?” He pulls away from me, gazing around the living room in thought. Biting his bottom lip, he stands up and walks away. At first, I assume he’s heading towards his room, but he makes a right instead of a left, and I raise a bewildered brow. “Chris?” I call out, receiving no answer. Where was this man going, and what was he thinking? I get up, about to follow when I spot him heading back towards me, one of his large towels on his shoulders and with something else behind his back. “What did you just go and do?” He grabs my wrist and yanks me back towards the couch, laying out the towel to cover it. “No talking, just doing,” he tells me, pausing and turning to me with wide cautious eyes, “please?” “Babe, I can’t take you seriously if you’re going to be nice about it,” I laugh, sitting on the arm of the sofa and stretching, making sure to do it in the most seductive way possible. “Isn’t there supposed to be some kind of safe word for this?” I chuckle, burying my face in my hands as I hold back the rest of my laugh. “That’s typically for more hardcore stuff, but we can do a safe word if it’ll make you feel better. How about lasagna?” Chris nods, finally showing me what he had been hiding behind his back. My vibrator. My mouth hangs open as I look from it to Chris’s smug face. <a data-passage="Sub3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“How did you even know where I put it?” “You’re not that creative, $name. There are only so many places to hide a vibrator. But I’ve always actually wanted to do something like this,” he blushes, “just never had the balls to ask. Now, it seems like I don’t need to.” Chris tosses me a look, “strip, now.” I open my mouth to defy him, but remember that this was his first time, he probably didn’t know how to handle defiance properly. I strip slowly, starting with my pants and underwear when he hoists me up and deposits me in the middle of the sofa, obviously impatient and taking me off guard. <<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>\ I’m unable to bring this to his attention as he licks my core, taking it in his mouth before moving and pressing the vibrator against it. He slides it up and down, running his finger alongside it, occasionally dipping it past my folds and causing my body to shudder in delight. “You’re a tease,” I manage to murmur, craving more. “Shut up,” he says simply, the tone causing me to close my mouth immediately. The afterthought of me doing what he ordered hitting as well, this might not be so bad. He runs the vibrator up and presses it closer to my clitoris, making me groan as I try to sink towards it, just as he removes it. <<else>>\ I’m unable to bring this to his attention as he licks a trail from my abdomen to my groin, taking my erection in his mouth before moving and pressing the vibrator against my asshole. He slides it up and down, running his wet finger alongside it, occasionally dipping it inside and causing my body to shudder in delight. “You’re a tease,” I manage to murmur, craving more. “Shut up,” he says simply, the tone causing me to close my mouth immediately. The afterthought of me doing what he ordered hitting as well, this might not be so bad. He runs the vibrator closer to my aching hole, making me groan as I try to sink towards it, just as he removes it. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I’m unable to bring this to his attention as he licks a trail from my abdomen to my groin, taking me and using the vibrator to help him. He slides it up and down, running his wet finger alongside me, occasionally dipping it inside and causing my body to shudder in delight. “You’re a tease,” I manage to murmur, craving more. “Shut up,” he says simply, the tone causing me to close my mouth immediately. The afterthought of me doing what he ordered hitting as well, this might not be so bad. He runs the vibrator closer to my ache, making me groan as I try to sink towards it, just as he removes it. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Sub4"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>\ “No moving,” he tells me, and I whimper but nod my head in understanding. He switches the setting to low and runs it up my stomach and then chest and across my nipples. I release another needy moan, part of me wanting to swat the vibrator away. Chris trails it back down to my clit, pressing it firmly up against my core as he increases the vibrancy. His lips capture my next moan as he hovers over me, his free hand cupping and squeezing my titty. But they soon make the journey south, both the vibrator and his fingers working me and doing a good job of tearing me apart. “Chris,” I manage to whimper with his mouth still claiming me as his. He gives me one last kiss before shifting, kneeling between my legs, and replacing the vibrator with his mouth. The change in feeling causes me to groan, but I’m not able to adjust as he presses the vibrator back up against my clit. My back arches as I dig my fingers into his hair, needing something to ground me as I squirm and wiggle. He inserts two of his fingers, and I cry out. <<else>>\ “No moving,” he tells me, and I whimper but nod my head in understanding. He switches the setting to low and runs it up my stomach and then chest and across my nipples. I release another needy moan, part of me wanting to swat the vibrator away. Chris trails it back over to my backside, pressing it firmly up against me as he increases the vibrancy. His lips capture my next moan as he hovers over me, his free hand slowly jacking me off. Both the vibrator and his hand working me and doing a good job of tearing me apart. “Chris,” I manage to whimper with his mouth still claiming me as his. He gives me one last kiss before shifting, kneeling between my legs, and replacing his hand with his mouth. My back arches as I dig my fingers into his hair, needing something to ground me as I squirm and wiggle. He inserts two of his fingers into my tight hole and I cry out. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “No moving,” he tells me, and I whimper but nod my head in understanding. He switches the setting to low and runs it up my stomach and then across my chest. I release another needy moan, part of me wanting to swat the vibrator away. Chris trails it back down, pressing it firmly up against me as he increases the vibrancy. His lips capture my next moan as he hovers over me. “Chris,” I manage to whimper with his mouth still claiming me as his. He gives me one last kiss before shifting, kneeling between my legs, and taking me. My back arches as I dig my fingers into his hair, needing something to ground me as I squirm and wiggle, crying out in pleasure. <</if>>\ “Chris, I’m so close,” I say, shivering and then freezing when the sensation disappears. All of it. My body screams, and I’m forced to blink a couple of times to realize that Chris was now smirking at me. “Did you really just edge me?” <a data-passage="Sub5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“No, idea what that means,” he snorts, grabbing my jaw with a forceful hand, “but you’ll come when I tell you too.” I’m too dumbfounded to speak, and so I nod, but Chris harshly taps my chin, narrowing his eyes. “Use your words, $name.” “Yes, sir.” Fuck. I blink a few times to get over my initial shock to see Chris shedding his pants, my entire body shaking when I spot his erect cock. Chris was of average length, but he definitely wasn’t average in girth, it was a shock that he hadn’t killed me yet. My legs shake, and my core heats up and hums in anticipation. With the cockiest smirk I’ve ever seen him wear, he falls onto the sofa, looking from me to his cock expectantly. [[“Or what?”]] [[Obey.]]
<<if $showec>>\ I lick his shaft, trying to focus my attention on my task though I’m aware that the vibrator is getting closer and closer to my hole. I pull away from his cock right as he inserts it, working it in and causing me to moan. “Looks like you’re gonna lose,” he points out. I go back to preparing him, lubing him up so that I can take him into my mouth easier. My eyes widen when the setting suddenly changes to an excruciating slow vibration. “My bad,” Chris laughs, though he does nothing to show that his words were true, he continues to tease me, my body howling. I take Chris’s erection into my mouth as I whimper due to him again changing the setting, trying to control myself when I really just wanted to fall apart. “The sight of you right now,” Chris whispers to me, “my cock in your mouth and a vibrator up your <<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>pussy<<else>>ass<</if>>.” I end up choking on his words, causing him to erupt into laughter. I try to zone him out, taking more of him in my mouth, pleasure ricocheting in my chest, and my legs shaking due to the vibrating. My peak was so close. <<else>>\ I try to focus my attention on my task though I’m aware that the vibrator is getting closer and closer. I pull away as he inserts it, drawing a long moan from my lips. “Looks like you’re gonna lose,” he points out. I go back to preparing him to make this easier for me. My eyes widen when the setting suddenly changes to an excruciating slow vibration. “My bad,” Chris laughs, though he does nothing to show that his words were true, he continues to tease me, my body howling. I take Chris as I whimper due to him again changing the setting, trying to control myself when I really just wanted to fall apart. “The sight of you right now,” Chris whispers to me. I try to zone him out, taking more of him in my mouth, pleasure ricocheting in my chest, and my legs shaking due to the vibrating. My peak was so close. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="OrWhat3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Or what?” Before, I told myself not to get bratty. He wasn’t ready for it, but that cocky grin of his was a bit too self-confident. Bringing him down a peg was something that needed to be done. He cocks his head to the side, his typically cool blue eyes having gotten much darker, “if I have to say it, then you’re not going to like what I do.” A shiver runs down my spine, and I bite my lip, refusing to move and obey. He leans in, his lips about to meet mine when instead he rises, appearing like he’s about to go. “Wait, no, I’m sorry,” I squeak. <<if $showec>>\ “Oh, you will be,” he laughs. Was this seriously the same Chris from like ten minutes ago, the one who seemed far too shy to be doing this? He grabs the vibrator and turns back towards me, wiggling it around before returning to the couch, this time closer to me. I’m about to point such thing out when he grabs the back of my neck and moves me, his cock inches from my face. “This is what’s going to happen. You’re going to suck me off, and I’m going to insert this vibrator. If you come before I do, I’m walking off.” I groan as he cuts the vibrator on, sliding it down my back. I look up at him, and he looks down at me in confusion, “what are you waiting for?” I lick my lips and turn my focus to his member. <<else>>\ “Oh, you will be,” he laughs. Was this seriously the same Chris from like ten minutes ago, the one who seemed far too shy to be doing this? He grabs the vibrator and turns back towards me, wiggling it around before returning to the couch, this time closer to me. I’m about to point such thing out when he grabs the back of my neck and moves me, sitting right next to me. “This is what’s going to happen. You’re going to suck me off, and I’m going to insert this vibrator. If you come before I do, I’m walking off.” I groan as he cuts the vibrator on, sliding it down my back. I look up at him, and he looks down at me in confusion, “what are you waiting for?” I lick my lips and do what he says. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="OrWhat2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ I lick my lips as I resituate myself so that I was now between his legs. My eyes flutter from him to his ready cock, and I lean in, placing a single kiss, smiling to myself when I feel the slightest shiver overcome him. I trail my tongue up and down his shaft, doing it a few more times to get it lubed up properly before taking him into my mouth. I shift my jaw slightly to get used to his size, this was probably going to leave my jaw aching, but I wanted to pull every moan I could get out of Chris. I slowly take him in, going farther and farther. Chris groans, his hand on my head before sliding down my neck and then to my shoulders, digging his fingers in just enough to make a tingle race down my spine. <<else>>\ I lick my lips as I resituate myself so that I was now between his legs. I lean in, placing a single kiss upon him, smiling to myself when I feel the slightest shiver overcome him. I prepare him before taking him into my mouth. I slowly take him farther. In response, Chris groans, his hand on my head before sliding down my neck and then to my shoulders, digging his fingers in just enough to make a tingle race down my spine. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Obey2"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ “You’re shaking, babe,” he points out, but there’s not a hint of care in his voice, I almost even think I hear a hint of amusement. If I prolonged this, then that was it. I squeeze my mouth around Chris’s cock and begin to fondle his balls, his moans pushing me to keep going. I carefully trail my teeth, just enough to add a different sensation and to get Chris further to the edge. “Fuck!” he shouts, rolling the vibrator around and causing me to want to scream out as well. I suck harder, as the usual feeling of my orgasm hits me. I was so close. My eyes roll up as I almost pause my actions, I was right there. Thankfully, Chris comes before me. Still in my mouth, I feel his dick spasming, and I draw back just enough to catch his load. I’m unable to move completely when my release also comes. I relax on the sofa, trying to catch my breath but failing. I didn’t even notice that the vibrator had been removed, I was so caught up in everything happening. <<else>>\ “You’re shaking, babe,” he points out, but there’s not a hint of care in his voice, I almost even think I hear a hint of amusement. If I prolonged this, then that was it. I try harder to get Chris further to the edge. “Fuck!” he shouts, rolling the vibrator around and causing me to want to scream out as well as the usual feeling of my orgasm hits me. I was so close. My eyes roll up as I almost pause my actions, I was right there. Thankfully, Chris comes before me. I’m unable to move completely when my release also comes. I relax on the sofa, trying to catch my breath but failing. I didn’t even notice that the vibrator had been removed, I was so caught up in everything happening. <</if>>\ I move my jaw around, wasn’t as bad as I thought, but it definitely felt a bit stiff. <a data-passage="Sub6"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Come over here,” is all he says, getting up from his spot and walking to the arm of the sofa. I bite my lip, knowing exactly what was about to come. I follow him, and once I’m close enough, he grabs me and bends me over the ledge. <<if $showec>>\ “You ready?” he questions, the tip of his dick brushing my opening. “Fuck, no,” I whimper, still undone from earlier. He pauses, and I wiggle my ass, pressing it against him the best I can to show him that I didn’t mean my words. With that understanding, he lines himself back up and pushes into me. A moan immediately leaves my lips, the vibrator doing little to prepare me for what Chris was working with. I can feel him spread me as he pushes deeper and deeper, my body shaking in utter pleasure. I bury my face into the sofa as I curse, knowing that he was only halfway in and already filling my hole. <<else>>\ “You ready?” he questions. “Fuck, no,” I whimper, still undone from earlier. He pauses, and I wiggle my butt, pressing it against him the best I can to show him that I didn’t mean my words. With that understanding, he lines himself back up and pushes into me. A moan immediately leaves my lips, the vibrator doing little to prepare me for what Chris was working with. My body shaking in utter pleasure as he pushes deeper. I bury my face into the sofa as I curse. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Sub7"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ “Fuck, $name, just like that,” he groans, and in response, I hum, causing him to curse under his breath. I take more of him in, working my mouth closer and closer to his base, running my tongue along him, and using just a bit of teeth. I hear Chris growl, feeling his hands curl in my hair, and I stop, knowing precisely what was about to happen, and allowing it. Chris works my head up and down his dick slowly at first as if to see if I had a problem with him guiding me. I let my eyes meet his, giving him all the permission he needed. His hand tightens, and the movements get harsher, pushing my head further down his cock as he groans out in pleasure. I can feel his member hitting the back of my throat, a small part of me wanting to gag, but it never occurs. I hum again as he mouth-fucks me, causing him to curse and moan louder. I see him throw his head back, and he releases me, but I don’t remove my mouth. Allowing him to cum in my mouth and catching it all, swallowing it while looking him in the eye. <<else>>\ “Fuck, $name, just like that,” he groans, and in response, I hum, causing him to curse under his breath. I take more of him in, running my tongue along him, and using just a bit of teeth. I hear Chris growl, feeling his hands curl in my hair, and I stop, knowing precisely what was about to happen, and allowing it. Chris works my head up and down slowly at first as if to see if I had a problem with him guiding me. I let my eyes meet his, giving him all the permission he needed. His hand tightens, and the movements get harsher, pushing my head further as he groans out in pleasure. I hum again as he goes, causing him to curse and moan louder. I see him throw his head back, and he releases me, but I don’t remove my mouth. Cleaning him up all while looking him in the eye. <</if>>\ I move my jaw around, oh yea, it was going to be stiff in the morning. <a data-passage="Sub6"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ “You always feel so good, $name,” he growls into my ear, “tight as fuck.” He pulls on my hair, and I let out another moan as he begins to thrust in and out. Fucking me harder as he increases his pace. I can feel his tip hit my stomach, and I move to press a hand on his chest as if trying to get a break. He immediately grabs my hand and pins it behind my back, causing me to growl, my mouth refusing to close as a silent moan moves past my lips. He drills me harder and harder, the pleasure mounting with every violent pump. “Let me hear you,” Chris says, and I stop holding back, my moan and whimpers coming out full force. “You like it when I abuse that tight ass hole of yours, huh?” He questions, pressing a searing kiss to my neck. “Fuck, yes!” I shout, my peak showing itself for the second time. Chris slows down just enough to move my leg up onto the sofa’s arm before pushing back in, the new angle hitting the one spot that needed to be thoroughly itched. He doesn’t slow down whatsoever, his pace causing the entire sofa to move forward. And I fall apart. <<else>>\ “You always feel so good, $name,” he growls into my ear. He pulls on my hair, and I let out another moan, his pace increasing. I can feel his tip hit my stomach, and I move to press a hand on his chest as if trying to get a break. He immediately grabs my hand and pins it behind my back, pulling a growl from me. My mouth refuses to close as a silent moan moves past my lips, the pleasure mounting with every violent pump. He presses a searing kiss to my neck, and my peak shows itself for the second time. Chris slows down just enough to move my leg up onto the sofa’s arm before pushing back in, the new angle hitting the one spot that needed to be thoroughly itched. He doesn’t slow down whatsoever, his pace causing the entire sofa to move forward. And I fall apart. <</if>>\ My eyes flutter open, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I look around, realizing that I was now in Chris’s bed. <a data-passage="NR32"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Once we’re in this room, you do what I say, understand?” Before he can answer in any way, I grab his shirt and bring him towards me, his eyes widening in shock and lust spilling into his eyes. “Or else you don’t get to play,” I say in my most dominating and sultry voice. A part of me worries it won’t work due to Chris not knowing, but the way he trembles underneath me makes me think twice. I smirk; this should be fun. I walk into the room with Chris right behind me, and I sit on the bed, “strip now.” Looking uncomfortable with being put on the spot, he shifts but begins to do as I say. His suit jacket and shirt are the first thing to go. As he works, I let my eyes travel down his well-toned body, and I can tell that he’s flexing, which makes me bite down on my bottom lip as I imagine dominating him. I shiver in anticipation. <<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>\ He finishes, and I motion for him to come to me, and he does, watching me nervously but with a hint of anticipation. I take his chin in my hand, “I’m going to sit here, and you’re going to eat me out until I’m happy. Understand?” He nods immediately, even relaxing as he begins to work my pants down and then my underwear. His eyes meet mine as he runs his tongue along my already wet clit. He separates my folds and then flicks his tongue over me, before inserting it and curling it. I shudder, my head falling back as he continues his work, inserting two fingers and scissoring me. <<else>>\ He finishes, and I motion for him to come to me, and he does, watching me nervously but with a hint of anticipation. I take his chin in my hand, “I’m going to sit here, and you’re going to suck my dick until I’m happy. Understand?” He nods immediately, even relaxing as he begins to work my pants down and then my boxers. His eyes meet mine as he runs his tongue along my erect member, and then along the underside. He spits along it, lubing it before taking me in his mouth, traveling further and further down my shaft. I shudder, my head falling back as he continues his work, picking up his speed and using his hand to pump me. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ He finishes, and I motion for him to come to me, and he does, watching me nervously but with a hint of anticipation. I take his chin in my hand, “I’m going to sit here, and you’re going to pleasure me. Understand?” He nods immediately, even relaxing as he begins to work my pants down and then my underwear. His eyes on me the entire time he works to do as I asked. I feel a flutter of excitement in my gut, spreading to the lower part of my stomach, and heating up my core. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Dom3"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>\ I draw back, my body erupting in pleasure when he whimpers. Grabbing his chin, I tilt his face up to look at me, “want me to sit on your face?” “Yes, $name,” he pants, his eyes fluttering closed as he leans in for a kiss. I roll my eyes and smirk, he could have that if he did a good job. I move so that I was hovering over him, watching as he anxiously leans forward, and I move away, waiting until he calmed down before lowering myself back down. His tongue practically attacks my vagina, slurping, and eating me out like his life depended on it. I grind up against his face, biting my lip and throwing my head back in ecstasy, letting the feeling of Chris’s tongue awaken me. “Fuck, aren’t you a good boy,” I tease, leaning up. “Please,” he squirms, about to sit up but stopping himself, remembering what happened last time. I lower myself back down, and once again, he comes forward. I run my hands through his hair as I moan, running my hand over my clitoris as Chris pushes himself further into me. I move off of him, my mouth hitting his as I taste both his want and me along his tongue and lips. I wonder if he knew he would come this undone this fast, I sure knew I didn’t expect it. I actually expected more bewildered glances and actions. <<else>>\ I grab him by the hair and yank his head off of me, my body erupting in pleasure when I hear the nice little plop and hear him whimper. I tilt his head back harshly, “get on the bed and suck it.” “Yes, $name,” he pants, his eyes fluttering closed as he moves himself to the bed. I raise a brow, quickly calming my face before Chris can see the expression. This was a position I never thought I’d see him in, him on his hands and knees, begging for my cock. I wasn’t too upset by it either though. “What are you waiting for?” I question and he leans forward to retake me into his mouth and goes back to sucking me off. I groan as I run my fingers through his hair, grabbing a handful and forcing him deeper. He doesn’t fight me as I move his head back and forth, biting my bottom lip as the pleasure explodes in my stomach and then moves to every other part of me. Fuck, it was a crime for someone to be able to suck dick this good. The smallest thought of his dad picturing his son like this almost makes me laugh, but I keep it in. Especially when I feel his tongue curl around my dick, making me moan. I pull him off my dick. “Fuck, aren’t you a good boy,” I tease, leaning up. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I draw back, my body erupting in pleasure when he whimpers. Grabbing his chin, I tilt his face up to look at me, “want more?” “Yes, $name,” he pants, his eyes fluttering closed as he leans in for a kiss. I roll my eyes and smirk, he could have that if he did a good job. I move so that I was hovering over him, watching as he anxiously leans forward, and I move away, waiting until he calmed down before lowering myself back down. He practically devours me, and I throw my head back in ecstasy, letting the feeling of Chris awaken me. “Fuck, aren’t you a good boy,” I tease, leaning up. “Please,” he squirms, about to sit up but stopping himself, remembering what happened last time. I lower myself back down, and once again, he comes forward. I run my hands through his hair as I moan, soon moving off of him, my mouth hitting his as I taste both his want. I wonder if he knew he would come this undone this fast, I sure knew I didn’t expect it. I actually expected more bewildered glances and actions. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Dom4"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>\ “Hmm, Chris,” I hum, tapping his cheek, “what do you want?” “I want you,” he whimpers, squirming underneath me. The feeling of him doing such a thing caused me to feel ten times more powerful. “Do you think you deserve to be inside of me?” I ask, leaning down to his ear, flicking my tongue across his earlobe. “Yes, $name,” he begs, and I smile. “Then let’s reward you,” I say up against his lips, pulling away a moment later, “get on the bed.” He does so, his entire body shivering as he lies there. “Keep your hands behind your head.” I watch as he does exactly what I say, not even blinking. “Wow, Chris. Who would’ve known you’d be such a good boy?” I ask, sitting on his lap, brushing my ass along his hard cock. “Did you know?” “No, ma’am,” he shivers, a small bit of a smile coming onto his face. <<else>>\ “Please,” he squirms, about to lean back in but pauses, looking to me for permission. I allow him, growling as he immediately takes me all back into his mouth, deep throating me. I bite down hard on my bottom lip as I can feel the tip of my member hit the back of his throat. I end up coming without telling him and he takes my entire load, glancing up at me as I watch him swallow. My mouth hits his a second later, allowing me to taste both his want and me along his tongue and lips. I wonder if he knew he would come this undone this fast, I sure knew I didn’t expect it. I actually expected more bewildered glances and actions. “Hmm, Chris,” I hum, tapping his cheek, “what do you want?” “I want you,” he whimpers, squirming underneath me. The feeling of him doing such a thing caused me to feel ten times more powerful. “Do you think you deserve to be inside of me?” I ask, leaning down to his ear, flicking my tongue across his earlobe. I shiver when he says … “Yes, $name,” he begs, and I smile. “Then let’s reward you,” I say up against his lips, pulling away a moment later, “get on the bed. Hands and knees.” He does so, his entire body shivering as he positions himself like I said. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Hmm, Chris,” I hum, tapping his cheek, “what do you want?” “I want you,” he whimpers, squirming underneath me. The feeling of him doing such a thing caused me to feel ten times more powerful. “Do you think you deserve me?” I ask, leaning down to his ear, flicking my tongue across his earlobe. “Yes, $name,” he begs, and I smile. “Then let’s reward you,” I say up against his lips, pulling away a moment later, “get on the bed.” He does so, his entire body shivering as he awaits my next order. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Dom5"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>\ In a slow, mesmerizing manner, I trail my finger down his jaw, playing with the heavy stubble sitting there. I rise up and slowly lower myself onto him, moving my hips in a circular manner right over his tip. He whines, a growl escaping his lips as he thrusts his hips upward. Already predicting this, I move up, laughing as he buries his face into the cover. “Ah, Chris, you almost had it. How about you make me sit on your cock,” I growl, my eyes glancing over to his hands. They twitch but they don’t move from where he kept them. I say nothing but I know Chris sees the pride in my eyes, it was kind of hard to imagine that this was his first time doing this. Finally, I lower myself, moaning as I push myself further and further down, feeling his dick spread my walls the further it went. “God, Chris,” I moan, leaning forward and causing both of us to hiss. “There’s no reason for you to be this big.” “All for you,” he snorts, and I kiss him deeply as I work my hips and finish getting situated. I then begin to start a pace, rising and falling and feeling his cock fill me entirely. I continue to ride him, clenching my eyes closed as I pick up pace. <<else>>\ “Wow, Chris. Who would’ve known you’d be such a good boy?” I ask, taking up position behind him, brushing my dick along his ass. “Did you know?” I go and grab the lube applying it to my finger and then to his ass, sliding in a finger right as he answers. “No, $name,” he cries, a small smile appearing on my face. I move so that I could now see his expression and, in a slow, mesmerizing manner, I trail my finger down his jaw, playing with the heavy stubble sitting there before placing the gentlest kiss upon his lips. I move back before he, or I for that matter, could deepen it. I line myself up over his hole and then slide into him, giving both of us time to adjust. “Fuck,” he whines, a low growl escaping his lips as he readjusts himself. “Come on now, Chris. You can take this dick, can’t you?” “Can I?” he growls just as I push deeper into him. “That kind hurt my feelings,” I say in mock sadness, pulling myself out of him, “I might need you to beg for it now.” <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Wow, Chris. Who would’ve known you’d be such a good boy?” I ask, patting his cheek and then letting my hand wander downward to feel him. “Did you know?” “No, ma’am,” he shivers, a small bit of a smile coming onto his face. In a slow, mesmerizing manner, I trail my finger down his jaw, playing with the heavy stubble sitting there. I’m about to let him have me when he gets overly eager and I immediately move away from his grasp. In response, he whines, a growl escaping his lips as he buries his face into the cover. “Now come,” I tell him, wanting to feel nothing but him, wanting to feel every part of him. The words barely leave my mouth before his arms shoot out and grab my waist, starting a new pace, one much faster and one that hits deeper than before. I bite my lip, my legs shaking as I try to keep up but fail. I’m surrounded by nothing but the sounds of our grunts and the slapping of flesh. This wasn’t hitting the one spot I needed it to hit. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Dom6"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>\ “Use your hands,” I shout at him, wanting to feel nothing but him, wanting to feel every part of him inside of me. The words barely leave my mouth before his arms shoot out and grab my waist, starting a new pace, one much faster and one that hits deeper than before. I bite my lip, my legs shaking as I try to keep up but fail. I’m surrounded by nothing but the sounds of our grunts and the slapping of flesh. This wasn’t hitting the one spot I needed it to hit. I swat Chris’s hands away and dismount him, yanking him after me as I get on all fours. He doesn’t need to be told twice as he grabs my waist and plows into me, causing me to throw my head back in ecstasy. “Right there, Chris,” I shout. “Yes, $name.” His thrusts go deeper, as I guide one of his hands to my breasts, letting him squeeze them and toy with my nipples. My release blooms and I arch my back, clawing the bedsheets as Chris changes the angle ever so subtly. I don’t say anything though, mostly because it hits everything and more. <<else>>\ “Please $name,” he begs, “I need your dick, please!” I raise a brow at all the words that spill out, and before he can finish his sentence, I slide back inside of him, smirking at the hiss he releases. I work in and out, tightening my grip on his waist as I thrust deeper. Chris matches my pace, grabbing the sheets tightly as he tries to steady the movement of his hips. “God, $name,” he whimpers, “why are you so fucking big.” “Oh, you like it,” I murmur, nipping at his skin and pulling another hiss for him, “you like it when I punish this tight ass hole of yours. Don’t you?” I don’t immediately get a response and as punishment I thrust my dick into him further. “Yes, fuck yes!” “Good boy.” I deliver a kiss to his back, continuing to pound into him as I snake one hand around him and grab hold of his cock. I pump him and feel him shiver profusely beneath me. “Don’t you dare come,” I order him, and he whines, his fingers gripping the sheet tighter. I go as deep as I can and pick up my pace, feeling my own release coming up. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Dom7"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ I swat Chris’s hands away and resituate the both of us. He doesn’t need to be told twice as he grabs my waist once again and drives me crazy. “Right there, Chris,” I shout. “Yes, $name.” His thrusts go deeper. My release blooms and I arch my back, clawing the bedsheets as Chris changes the angle ever so subtly. I don’t say anything though, mostly because it hits everything and more. “Fuck, I’m there,” I shout, feeling the heat pool out of me, my legs shivering as I collapse on the bed, my breath coming out rapidly. Chris falls with me, wrapping his arms around me, moving my hair out of my face as he lays kiss after kiss upon my forehead. “That wasn’t too bad,” I point out with a smirk. He looks away, fighting the blush but not admitting anything. <a data-passage="NR32"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if $gender is "female" or $agender is "female">>\ “Fuck, I’m coming,” I shout, feeling the heat pool out of me, my legs shivering as I collapse on the bed, my breath coming out rapidly. Not a moment later I feel Chris’s hips jerk against me and feel his load release inside of me. I turn to see his dick covered in his own cum as well. “Fuck,” Chris says in embarrassment. “Clean me up,” I say in mock annoyance, rolling onto my back as he immediately gets to it. I guess this was a plus of never being able to actually get pregnant, things like this didn’t affect me, just left me a sticky mess. I watch as Chris trails his tongue across my clit, lapping up his own cum and even inserting his tongue as if he could clean the inside of me up as well. Once he’s done, Chris wraps his arms around me, moving my hair out of my face as he lays kiss after kiss upon my forehead. “That wasn’t too bad,” I point out with a smirk. He looks away, fighting the blush but not admitting anything. <<else>>\ “Not until I come anyway,” I tell him, and he nods. A few more pumps and I come undone, releasing my load into him, and filling his hole up. I remove my hand and smack his ass, turning him over and going back to jacking him off, taking his tip in my mouth as I wait for him to finish. He comes a few seconds later and I clean him up. We both relax on the bed, though Chris gets up a few minutes later to go clean himself up. “That wasn’t too bad,” I shout to him. “Oh, fuck you.” I snicker, relaxing further into his blankets. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="NR32"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I know, I didn’t mean to –” Chris silences me, tugging me into his arms, burying his face into my chest. I hug him close, stroking his hair as I hold him. “That’s not it,” he sobs, “I didn’t want you to hear all that. To hear all that negative shit.” He pulls back and cups my face, gently resting his forehead on mine. “$name, you’re the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. Every time he opened his mouth, I wanted to punch him for you. I never want to have you hear anything like that.” [[“Yea, your dad’s an ass.”]] [[“Hey, it’s okay.”]] [[“I was about to hit him myself.”]]
“What?” “Please never stop smiling,” he murmurs. “As long as I have you, I doubt I’ll be able to.” I initiate the hug, wrapping my arms around him and squeezing all my love behind the action. He holds nothing back either, his arms refusing to budge or let go. We existed in each other’s arms for that time, nothing else mattered. <a data-passage="NR25"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>