(set: $LOVE to 0)(set: $GUILT to 5)(if: (history:) contains "Start")[*You can't see anything. It's dark. Come on.*
It's dark.
[[feel around]]](else:)[It's dark.
[[look around|Start]]
[[feel around]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: (history:) contains "feel around")[*Yes.* There's a person next to you. You can hear them breathing. You can't really see them.
[[use my phone]]](else:)[You're in a bed. The sheets feel really good against your naked, hairy body. You have a morning-wood kind of boner and it rubs against the sheets in a funny way. Kind of ticklish. Your entire body hurts when you move--everything is sore, everything is hungover already. With your hand, you feel your cell phone by your side. There is a person next to you in the bed.
[[use my phone]]
[[a person?|feel around]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You click on the home button of your cell phone. A small portion of the room is illuminated--you see a lamp by the beside table. You can see long hair next to you. Their breathing is slow and steady. They're in a deep, deep sleep.
[[turn on the lamp]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You can finally see the person next to you. She's face down in her pillow, big, curvy butt in the air. Nude. Not something you're used to. It's her apartment, obviously. Why didn't you end up at home last night? The decorations are girly and light, and, even in the darkness of the early morning, you can see that the walls are a subtle pink. There are solo cups everywhere. Some of the stuff from the dresser has been knocked onto the floor.
You can hold up your phone to your face now without being blinded.
[[seems like I have text messages]]
[[ignore them]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You look at your phone, turning the brightness down even more as to not wake up the lady next to you. You have a few texts from Robert.
[[read them]]
(link: "ignore them")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "ignore them")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You click through the messages from Robert.
"Luke??"
"Luke where did you go"
"?? I am going home"
[[reply]]
(link: "ignore")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "ignore them")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Looking around the room a bit more, you see a condom wrapper on the floor. Things kind of smell funky.
[[get up get up get up]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 1)You send a quick text to Robert saying that you ended up at a friend's house.
[[I need to orient myself now|ignore them]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You get out of bed and fish around on the floor for your clothes. As you get dressed, the woman in the bed stirs slightly. You go into her adjoining bathroom to keep the noise down.
Immediately you step on a used condom that is on the floor. You flick it off. In the mirror, which is slightly cracked, you see your face. You're unshaven and tired, deep brown eyes looking haggard and upset. You're spinning a little bit. Drunk still, obviously.
*It would probably be best if you got out of there.*
[[but I'm so drunk. I can't leave now|no, I want to stay]]
[[yes, I should leave]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 5)You go back and get in bed with the woman. You fall into a deep, drunk sleep.
In the morning, quite early, the woman stirs and wakes you up. She seems to want to be intimate. Confused and still unsure of what happened last night, you excuse yourself and exit her apartment. She protests, but retires back to her bed to sleep off the rest of her hangover. On the street, you hail a cab in the morning light. Your head hurts too much to figure out what happened last night. *At least you're not spinning anymore.* You finally get home and get into your apartment.
[[finally home|and when I wake up?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Fully dressed, you head as quietly as you can out the door. You hail a cab on the street after a few minutes of trying, give him your address, and relax in the cab on your way. You drift in and out of sleep with the rocking of the taxi. *What happened last night?*
You haven't pieced together much when you get back to your place. You fumble with some cash, then fumble with your keys, and then fumble with your clothes, hands shaking, as you try and get into your bed. You're finally alone. You fall into a deep sleep.
[[and when I wake up?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Your apartment is pretty dark in the morning. You don't have windows that face the East. You wander around your apartment aimlessly. You sit on the couch for a bit but the TV in the living room feels like it is looming over you like a monolith. You go to your bedroom but the small space is claustrophobic. However, you see some of Robert's clothes strewn across the bed. One of your favourite sweaters of his. The smell comforts you. Nothing else feels like home with this bad of a hangover. You wish he was here with you. Can't even think about last night. Eventually you end up absentmindedly making eggs in your kitchen.
You get a text from Robert.
[[read it|read 2]]
(link: "ignore it")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "ignore 2")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
It says:
"Are you home safe?"
[[reply|reply 2]]
(link: "ignore")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "ignore 2")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE - 2)Your eggs are finished. You eat in silence. Well, there's no one else around to talk to. You live alone. So who else would you be eating with?
As you eat, you check your daily planner. You're supposed to have lunch with Robert and his friend Colin today. Colin. Colin. You totally were at a party last night with a guy named Colin.
Robert left his Tumblr open on his computer.
[[check my Facebook]]
[[Tumblr]]
[[leave the computer]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 2)You reply quickly:
"yes, i am. thanks babe"
[[my eggs are ready]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Your eggs are finished. The smell makes you a bit nauseated, but you push through it. You eat in silence. Well, there's no one else around. So why would there be anything other than silence? The sound of your fork scraping against the plate makes your eyes throb.
As you eat, you check your daily planner. You're supposed to have lunch with Robert and his friend Colin today. Colin. Colin. You totally were at a party last night with a guy named Colin.
Robert left his Tumblr open on your computer.
[[check my Facebook]]
[[Tumblr]]
[[leave the computer]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*Clearly you did something wrong last night. Clearly. Who was that woman? How did she manage to get you back to her place last night?* Your head throbs. *How did you turn straight last night?* Your head throbs again. *What are sexualities anyway? What is sex? Did you have sex?*
You get a text message from an unknown number.
[[read it|Lucy text]]
[[ignore it|accidental]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*Yes, it seems you did. You probably cheated on Robert.*
[[does he know?]]
[[who else was there?|does he know?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*Colin. You did meet a Colin at the party last night. Maybe it's a different guy--or maybe he wouldn't know anyway. Maybe you were secretive about your... adultery.*
[[today is going to be awful|I should get ready for lunch]]
[[I need to snap out of this|I should get ready for lunch]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You figure you should get ready. When you're in the shower, you hear your door open. Robert is the only one with a key, so it's gotta be him. You can hear him come in, close the door, get a glass of water, open his cell phone, you can hear all of this, and you're still in the shower. How long have you been in the shower? He comes and knocks on the door eventually.
"Babe?"
[[yes?]]
[[say nothing|yes?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
A pause. "Are you OK?"
[[yes, I'm fine, one second]]
[[get in here]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You towel off and open the door. Robert is there dressed totally normally. His pale skin looks a bit paler than usual.
[[he's fine|I'm a monster I'm a monster]]
[[can't tell if he's OK|I'm a monster I'm a monster]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 2)(set: $sex to 1)(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 5)There is a pause, then a small giggle. Robert opens the door and comes into the bathroom. He undresses, gets in the shower with you.
You guys enjoy each other. *Lucky you. You bastard.*
[[I'm a monster I'm a monster]]
[[that was fun|I'm a monster I'm a monster]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $LOVE >= 4)[You get dressed and head out for lunch. Robert puts his hand on your thigh as you drive. You get to the restaurant and outside is Colin, waiting for you guys. You can't tell if you remember him or not from the party.
(link: "walk up slowly")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "go meet him")]
[[walk up quickly|go meet him]]](else:)[You get dressed and head out for lunch. You guys don't really talk, a little bit of small talk as you drive. You get to the restaurant and outside is Colin, waiting for you guys. You can't tell if you remember him or not from the party.
(link: "walk up slowly")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "go meet him")]
[[walk up quickly|go meet him]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $scroll is 1)[Just in case, you make a point to shake Colin's hand and firmly state how nice it is to meet him. If he has met you before, he gets the point and doesn't say anything. Either way, Colin is a perfectly nice guy. He grew up with Robert apparently. He looks at you with kindness, which is welcome, but when you stare at his face, you still can't tell if he was at the party or not.
The three of you go inside and are seated.
What do you want to talk about?
[[puppy videos]]
[[racial inequality]]
[[art]]
[[the weather]]](elseif: $tumblr is 1)[Just in case, you make a point to shake Colin's hand and firmly state how nice it is to meet him. If he has met you before, he gets the point and doesn't say anything. Either way, Colin is a perfectly nice guy. He grew up with Robert apparently. He looks at you with kindness, which is welcome, but when you stare at his face, you still can't tell if he was at the party or not.
The three of you go inside and are seated.
What do you want to talk about?
[[racial inequality]]
[[art]]
[[the weather]]](else:)[Just in case, you make a point to shake Colin's hand and firmly state how nice it is to meet him. If he has met you before, he gets the point and doesn't say anything. Either way, Colin is a perfectly nice guy. He grew up with Robert apparently. He looks at you with kindness, which is welcome, but when you stare at his face, you still can't tell if he was at the party or not.
The three of you go inside and are seated.
What do you want to talk about?
[[art]]
[[the weather]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $ALL to $PICS + $PEACH + $PARTY + $BIRTHDAY)(set: $tumblr to 1)Robert's Tumblr dashboard is filled with pornography, mostly. Inserted every now and then there are memes about Pokemon, drag queens, and tattoo designs. He reblogs mostly things he calls "shitposts," but you don't really know what that means. The latest article he posted is about racial inequality or some shit, something you don't understand at all. A black kid was killed in Missouri by a police officer. It's sad, but reading all about race theory confuses you.
[[scroll on]](if: $ALL <= 3)[
You can also go back to your Facebook.]
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $scroll to 1)The next post is about baby animals. It's a video of a small dog who lost his voice barking and now sounds all hoarse. It's pretty cute, but the video is short and you get bored.(if: $ALL <= 3)[
You can also go back to your Facebook.]
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 2)You bring up videos of puppies. You see Robert light up, and he begins going on and on about the videos he has watched recently. Skateboarding bulldogs. Speaking huskies. You mention the video of the dog with the hoarse voice you watched. He swoons. Colin laughs and adds a few things.
What should you talk about next?
[[racial inequality|racial 2]]
[[art|art 2]]
[[the weather|weather 2]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 1)Robert looks surprised at you. Colin and him engage in a deep conversation about police ethics, leaving you behind, but Robert tries every now and then to include you in the conversation by explaining complex ideas. You nod and smile. Robert seems pleased.
What should you talk about next?
(if: $scroll is 1)[[[puppy videos|puppy 2]]
][[art|art 2]]
[[the weather|weather 2]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Robert smiles, and the three of you talk about the new exhibit at the Modern Art Museum. It's not a very interesting conversation. None of you are terribly thrilled.
What should you talk about next?
(if: $scroll is 1)[[[puppy videos|puppy 2]]
[[racial inequality|racial 2]]
](elseif: $tumblr is 1)[[[racial inequality|racial 2]]
][[the weather|weather 2]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE - 1)Robert scrunches his face up like he is disappointed. The conversation is almost immediately changed.
What should you talk about next?
(if: $scroll is 1)[[[puppy videos|puppy 2]]
[[racial inequality|racial 2]]
](elseif: $tumblr is 1)[[[racial inequality|racial 2]]
][[art|art 2]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
When you bring up police violence, Robert looks surprised. However, the conversation is intelligent, and the two of them do their best to include you. Sometimes it goes over your head. Robert can tell.
Robert gets up to go to the bathroom.
[[guess I'll talk to Colin]]
(link: "ignore Colin")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "ignore Colin")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Robert looks a little bored. You pretty much just talk to Colin about an installation at the MFA where birds play a guitar. He likes the concept.
Robert gets up to go to the bathroom.
[[guess I'll talk to Colin]]
(link: "ignore Colin")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "ignore Colin")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE - 1)Robert visibly rolls his eyes and says, "Can't think of anything else to say?"
He gets up from the table angrily and goes to the bathroom.
[[guess I'll talk to Colin]]
(link: "ignore Colin")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "ignore Colin")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 1)Robert giggles, then you guys talk about puppies for a bit. Robert brings up the video of the hoarse dog you were watching earlier. Colin knew one that had a poodle on stilts. Or something.
Robert gets up to go to the bathroom.
[[guess I'll talk to Colin]]
(link: "ignore Colin")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "ignore Colin")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You look at Colin, thinking of what to say. You blurt out something innocuous about what part of town he lives in.
"I told you where I live last night." He pauses. "We met last night."
Your heart sinks a tiny bit. Just a bit.
[[did we?]]
[[yes. we did.]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
He chuckles. "Yeah. You were pretty drunk."
[[I know|yes. we did.]]
[[stay quiet|yes. we did.]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
He looks around the restaurant a bit. "Did you have fun? At the party?"
[[yes|affirmative]]
[[it was OK]]
[[not at all]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT - 1)(set: $LOVE to $LOVE - 1)He frowns. "Well. Lucy says hi, then."
Robert comes back and sits down. He looks at both of you, unsure. You guys get the bill.
[[pay evenly]]
[[pay for Robert]]
(link: "pay for everyone")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "pay for it all")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
He gives a slightly crooked smile. He doesn't say anything.
Robert comes back from the bathroom. He sits, you guys quietly (but nicely) enjoy the rest of your meals. The bill comes.
[[pay evenly]]
[[pay for Robert]]
(link: "pay for everyone")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "pay for it all")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 2)(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)He smiles a little. "Yeah, it was a drag. Karen's got a nice place though. Weird roommates, though."
Robert comes back. You all finish your meal quickly, then split the bill.
[[pay evenly]]
[[pay for Robert]]
(link: "pay for everyone")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(goto: "pay for it all")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You all pay, and then you say goodbye to Colin outside.
[[look at Robert|and now Robert]]
[[smile at Robert|and now Robert]]
[[don't say anything to Robert|and now Robert]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 1)He smiles as you pay for his share.
You say goodbye to Colin outside.
[[look at Robert|and now Robert]]
[[smile at Robert|and now Robert]]
[[don't say anything to Robert|and now Robert]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Robert rolls his eyes slightly as you pay for everything. (if: $LOVE >= 5)[He's still smiling, though. ]Colin thanks you a bunch after insisting to pay for himself. You still pay for him and say goodbye outside.
[[look at Robert|and now Robert]]
[[smile at Robert|and now Robert]]
[[don't say anything to Robert|and now Robert]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $LOVE >= 8)[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 2)Robert, smiling at you, comes up and wraps his arms around you. He puts his head in the nook of your neck, taking a deep breath and relaxing into you.
"I love you."
[[what can I say to that?]]
[[I love you too]]](elseif: $LOVE >= 1)[Robert smiles at you.
"Wanna head home? Back to your place?"
[[sure]]
[[I kind of want to be alone]]](else:)[Robert glares at you.
"Take me home."
[[I guess I have no choice]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE - 3)You say nothing. You hesitate. You feel Robert tense in your arms. He pulls away.
*What are you doing?*
[[I know...]]
[[be quiet|I know...]]
[[I'm horrible|I know...]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 1)He kisses you passionately.
*What are you doing?*
[[what?]]
[[shut up|what?]]
[[whatever|what?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
He smiles. You guys begin to head to the car.
*Well. That was almost a disaster.*
[[really? why?|why do you say that?]]
[[for real|why do you say that?]]
[[I think it actually was a disaster|why do you say that?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE - 1 )He frowns.
"Oh... OK. Well. That's fine. Can you drive me home?"
You guys get in the car.
*Why did you say that?*
[[what else could I say?]]
[[I didn't know what to do|what else could I say?]]
[[I had to say it|what else could I say?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You guys get in the car. In silence, you drive Robert home. When you're at his place, he gets out without another word and slams the door.
*How do you feel?*
[[horrible]]
[[not bad]]
[[could be better]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*You cheated on him. And you're still stringing him on. I would tell him if I were you.
How do you feel?*
[[not bad]]
[[could be better]]
[[horrible]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*Come on. Colin totally knows. Doesn't he?
How do you feel?*
[[could be better]]
[[not bad]]
[[horrible]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*I guess you're right. You shouldn't lie to him anymore.
How do you feel?*
[[horrible]]
[[not bad]]
[[could be better]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 3)*Good.*
[[so then what happens?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT - 1)*Well. Aren't you nice.*
[[so then what happens?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*You can say that again.*
[[so then what happens?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You guys get in the car and begin to go back to your place. (if: $LOVE >= 5)[He puts his hand on your thigh. As usual.](else:)[He seems a bit nervous as you drive. He wrings his shirttails.] You get to your place and go upstairs.
*How do you feel?*
[[not bad]]
[[could be better]]
[[horrible]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: (history:) contains "I guess I have no choice")[Well. You're alone at your home. (if: $tumblr is 1)[Robert's Tumblr is still open. ]It feels extra lonely in there. *So yes, what happens? What can you really do? Do you want to see Robert?
You should apologize. So you pick up your cell phone. That's right, you don't have a choice. You call him. And tell him you want him to come over. Is that alright?*
[[I guess it has to be]]
[[no, I don't want to call him]]](elseif: (history:) contains "what else could I say?")[Well. You're alone at your home. (if: $tumblr is 1)[Robert's Tumblr is still open. ]It feels extra lonely in there. *So yes, what happens? What can you really do? Do you want to see Robert?
You should apologize. So you pick up your cell phone. That's right, you don't have a choice. You call him. And tell him you want him to come over. Is that alright?*
[[I guess it has to be]]
[[no, I don't want to call him]]](else:)[You're at your house with Robert. (if: $tumblr is 1)[His Tumblr is still open. (if: $LOVE >= 3)[He giggles about how you were looking at it. ]]You guys don't have much to talk about right now. But you somehow end up in bed.
[[really? in bed?]]
(link: "nice")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT - 1)(goto: "really? in bed?")]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
He agrees to come over, but when he's there, you guys don't really have much to talk about. At least he doesn't have much to say. So you guys just end up in bed.
[[really? in bed?]]
(link: "nice")[(set: $GUILT to $GUILT - 1)(goto: "really? in bed?")]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $GUILT >= 8)[*Yeah.* You're in bed. With Robert. You're not doing anything, you're not fucking. You're both just kind of laying there. He's reading a book. You're pretending to play with your phone.
*Maybe you should talk to him. About that woman.*
[[I should]]
[[I can't hurt him]]
[[I can at least tell him about my night]]](elseif: $GUILT >= 3)[*Yeah.* You're in bed. With Robert. You're not doing anything, you're not fucking. You're both just kind of laying there. He's reading a book. You're pretending to play with your phone.
*Maybe you should talk to him. About that woman.*
[[I can't hurt him]]
[[I can at least tell him about my night]]](else:)[*Yeah.* You're in bed. With Robert. You're not doing anything, you're not fucking. You're both just kind of laying there. He's reading a book. You're pretending to play with your phone.
*Maybe you should talk to him. About that woman.*
[[I can at least tell him about my night]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You blurt it out.
[[I think I slept with someone last night]]
[[I fucked someone last night|I think I slept with someone last night]]
[[I cheated on you|I think I slept with someone last night]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You begin slowly.
[[when I left Karen's party last night...]]
[[I should have been more responsive to you last night|when I left Karen's party last night...]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $GUILT >= 7)[As you two sit in bed, Robert begins speaking. He's clearly not reading as deeply as you thought.
"What did you do last night after you left that party?"
[[nothing really]]
[[something bad]]](else:)[As you two sit in bed, Robert begins speaking. He's clearly not reading as deeply as you thought.
"What did you do last night after you left that party?"
[[nothing really]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT - 7)He doesn't move.
[[Robert?]]
[[stay silent|Robert?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
His ears perk up.
"Yeah, I know. I lost you."
[[I know. I'm sorry]]
[[weird night|I know. I'm sorry]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $GUILT >= 8)[He clears his throat.
"What did you do?"
[[nothing really]]
[[just danced with some friends|nothing really]]
[[something bad]]](else:)[He clears his throat.
"What did you do?"
[[nothing really]]
[[just danced with some friends|nothing really]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 2)(set: $LOVE to $LOVE - 1)He clears his throat and returns to his book.
You better keep talking.
[[what did you do last night?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
He pauses.
"What?"
[[I think I slept with someone last night]]
[[I fucked someone last night|I think I slept with someone last night]]
[[I cheated on you|I think I slept with someone last night]]
[[nothing, nevermind|nothing really]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
He shifts a bit.
"Nothing. I was at home. Had some wine. Texted you. Texted Colin. Then fell asleep."
[[he's acting weird|what's wrong with him?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $LOVE >= 10)[Robert turns and looks to you. His eyes are half closed and slightly watery. He forces a smile. It wavers on the corners, twitching and curved.
"I... I know. Colin told me. He heard you in the bedroom at Karen's party. Didn't see you who went in with, though."
[[baby...]]
[[stay quiet|baby...]]](elseif: $LOVE >= 1)[Robert turns and looks at you. He clenches his jaw and is clearly thinking. It feels like eternity as you wait for him to speak. You can almost see your heart beating through your chest, vibrating your shirt.
"I know. Colin told me. He heard you in the bedroom at Karen's party. Saw you go in and then heard... stuff."
[[oh]]
[[stay quiet|oh]]](else:)[Robert doesn't even turn to look at you. He puts his book down.
"I know."
[[how?]]
[[stay quiet|how?]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
"Listen, Luke," he begins, "Thank you. For telling me.(if: $sex is 1)[" He slowly continues: "I kind of wish you'd told me before we fucked today. But I'm glad you told me.] Would've been worse to keep it from me."
He pauses.
"Who was he?"
[[uh...]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
"Luke. I wish. Why couldn't you--... I wish you had told me earlier.(if: $sex is 1)[ I wish you had told me before we fucked today. But. Really.] I guess. Why couldn't I have heard it from you first? I..."
He pauses.
"Who was he?"
[[uh...]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
"...Colin told me. He saw you go into a bedroom at Karen's party and then later heard noises. Or something. I wish you had told me yourself.(if: $sex is 1)[ I especially wish you had before we fucked. But I guess that's just how you function.]"
He pauses.
"Who was he?"
[[uh...]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
"What?"
[[it was a woman]]
[[just some guy]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT - 2)His face wrinkles in disgust. Then it changes to confusion. Then back to disgust. Then to confusion again. He can't make up his mind, can he?
[[wait it out|give him a break]]
[[try to be physical|give him a break]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 2)"OK. Well. If it's someone I know..." He pauses. "Maybe not. Sorry."
[[no, no, it's fine]]
[[yeah. sorry|no, no, it's fine]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*He was texting Colin.*
[[oh shit]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*You need to bring it up.*
[[fine|I should]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $LOVE >= 8)[He flashes you a sad smile.
"Luke? I... I really appreciate you telling me. I really appreciate it. This is... this is an issue. But. Thank you. OK?"
[[ok]]](elseif: $LOVE >= 3)[He looks you in the eye.
"Thanks for telling me. Thanks..." He trails off. "Thanks for telling me. I... I appreciate it. I need to take a shower."
He gets up and goes to the bathroom.
[[Robert...]]](else:)[He gets up out of the bed abruptly.
"Alright. I'm going."
Before you can say anything, he speeds out the bedroom door, through the living room, and slams the living room door.
[[I deserve this...]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $LOVE >= 6)[After another moment, he begins:
"OK. Well. That's... weird. I mean. That's weird. But. Thank you for telling me."
Another pause.
"A woman?"
He gives off a small chuckle. You both laugh a bit, but slowly, his laughter begins to take on a sad note. He holds his face in his hands.
"Luke. I. Have to think about this more. But. Thanks for telling me. I don't forgive you. But..."
He trails off. You guys return to silently sitting next to each other.
[[I really do love you]]](elseif: $LOVE >= 3)[After a moment, he begins:
"A woman. A woman?"
You nod.
"Really. A woman. Wow. OK. Well. I guess. What. Am I not enough? Luke?"
You don't really know what to say. He sits in the bed with you for another moment.
"I think I'm gonna go."
[[yes. that's a good idea]]](else:)[After another moment, Robert shoots up from the bed and heads to the living room. You follow him. He's collecting his stuff; he can't even look at you. Finally, he gets to the front door.
Sadly, he says, "A woman."
He leaves.
[[fuck]]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Robert, though he doesn't cuddle up to you as usual, stays in the bed. He seems to be reading. Probably thinking. Things seem to be OK.
*Though why did you lie?*
[[and now what?|2]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Robert goes to the bathroom. You wait in the bed. *Let him think. He needs the time.*
[[and now what?|2]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Robert is gone. You're alone.
[[and now what?|1]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
"I love you, too."
[[and now what?|2]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
He's gone. *Maybe you'll see him again. I'd call him tomorrow, if I were you.*
[[and now what?|1]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
Robert is gone.
[[and now what?|1]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $LOVE >= 8)[He left, but you know you can call him the next day. You guys will talk about it. Maybe you can work things out? I think he'll listen.
**Things are rocky, but you're comfortable talking about it!**
How much does Robert love you? A higher score means you were nicer to him!
$LOVE
How bad do you feel? A lower score means you alleviated more guilt!
$GUILT
(link:"play again?")[(gotoURL:"Robert.html")]](elseif: $LOVE >= 3)[Well, he left, but you feel comfortable calling him again sometime. Not yet. Maybe eventually. Give him a week maybe?
**Things aren't awful but you guys really need space.**
How much does Robert love you? A higher score means you were nicer to him!
$LOVE
How bad do you feel? A lower score means you alleviated more guilt!
$GUILT
(link:"play again?")[(gotoURL:"Robert.html")]](else:)[He's gone, but you can't get yourself to call him. Something is weighing on you. Seriously, you should just move on. You fucked up your relationship and your life.
**This realationship is over. You failed!**
How much does Robert love you? A higher score means you were nicer to him!
$LOVE
How bad do you feel? A lower score means you alleviated more guilt!
$GUILT
(link:"play again?")[(gotoURL:"Robert.html")]]
(print: window.setBodyClass((passage:)'s tags))
(if: $LOVE >= 8)[Things are fine. Great, even. Robert... he's fine. You're fine. You made a mistake, but hey, we're all human.
**Good job! Your relationship survived!**
How much does Robert love you? A higher score means you were nicer to him!
$LOVE
How bad do you feel? A lower score means you alleviated more guilt!
$GUILT
(link:"play again?")[(gotoURL:"Robert.html")]](elseif: $LOVE >= 3)[Well, he stayed, but things are a little rocky. You have a lot of work to do. Seriously, is there some way to make him forgive you? Only time will tell...
**Your relationship is doing well. But things aren't perfect!**
How much does Robert love you? A higher score means you were nicer to him!
$LOVE
How bad do you feel? A lower score means you alleviated more guilt!
$GUILT
(link:"play again?")[(gotoURL:"Robert.html")]](else:)[Well. Shit is rough. He may have stayed, but seriously, what's wrong with you? He's probably going to leave you. Take your time and seriously reconsider how you handle your boyfriend.
**You kind of fucked up. Robert is very unhappy!**
How much does Robert love you? A higher score means you were nicer to him!
$LOVE
How bad do you feel? A lower score means you alleviated more guilt!
$GUILT
(link:"play again?")[(gotoURL:"Robert.html")]]
(print: window.setBodyClass((passage:)'s tags))
<div class="love_meter_footer">And you think: *Robert and I... *(if: $LOVE >= 10)[*we're doing fine.*](elseif: $LOVE is 9)[*it's almost perfect.*](elseif: $LOVE is 8)[*I'm not worried.*](elseif: $LOVE is 7)[*we're gonna be alright.*](elseif: $LOVE is 6)[*we're almost safe.*](elseif: $LOVE is 5)[*it could be worse.*](elseif: $LOVE is 4)[*he needs more.*](elseif: $LOVE is 3)[*he's slipping away.*](elseif: $LOVE is 2)[*try harder.*](elseif: $LOVE is 1)[*we're just on the edge.*](else: $LOVE is <= 0)[*might as well be over.*]</div>
(print: window.setBodyClass((passage:)'s tags))
Colin and you sit in silence for a few moments. Finally, he speaks up.
"We met last night."
Your heart sinks a tiny bit. Just a bit.
[[did we?]]
[[yes. we did.]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $CHECK to 1)You have three notifications on Facebook. The first one is telling you that you were tagged in three photos. The second one is a birthday notification for Robert's aunt. The third is a comment on your most recent profile picture.
You also have one message.
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $PICS to 1)You've been tagged in three photos. One is of you and your friends you went to the party with last night. The second is you and a bunch of girls. The third is you and one girl. Looks kind of like the woman from last night.
[[untag the pictures]]
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $BIRTHDAY to 1)You click on the birthday notification. Robert's aunt, who you met a few years ago at a party, looks super old now. You remember her being very pleasant but using too much perfume.
[[wish her happy birthday]]
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $PEACH to 1)Someone commented on your photo (a picture of you and Robert standing in front of the pier downtown) The comment is:
"🍑🍑"
[[reply|reply peach]]
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $PARTY to 1)You have one message. It's from a girl named Karen. It says:
"Hey luke!
"thanks for coming to our party. looks like you had fun ;) was nice meeting you officially last night! <3<3"
[[reply|reply message]]
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 1)You write on her wall a generic happy birthday message.
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 1)You write back:
"🍆🍆"
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)You reply to her message.
"Yeah, thanks for having us all over. Was a lot of fun"
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 1)(set: $LOVE to $LOVE + 2)You click through and untag all of the pictures from the party.
(display: "computer")
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $LOVE to $LOVE - 2)*You probably should have.* Because he calls you instead. And he doesn't sound happy.
[[invite him over|I guess it has to be]]
[[let him talk]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
He rambles a bit, upset and disoriented, and then says that he's coming over. That he's already on his way.
[[tell him I'll see him soon|I guess it has to be]]
[[don't say anything and hang up|I guess it has to be]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
The text reads:
"Hey! It's Lucy. Was super fun meeting you last night ;-) hit me up again sometime :-)"
[[reply|reply lucy]]
[[ignore|round two?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
You reply to Lucy.
[[yeah, fun to meet you too]]
[[sorry, not interested]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(set: $GUILT to $GUILT + 2)She almost immediately sends back a text:
"We gotta go for round two ;)"
[[round two?]]
[[can't look at my phone anymore|round two?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
After a pause, she replies:
"Oh. That's too bad. I thought we had chemistry."
[[chemistry?|round two?]]
[[well that's over|round two?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
*This is all starting to make sense.*
[[I think I cheated on Robert]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")
(if: $CHECK is 1)[(if: $PICS is 0)[ [[photos]]
](if: $BIRTHDAY is 0)[ [[birthday]]
](if: $PEACH is 0)[ [[comment]]
](if: $PARTY is 0)[ [[messages]]
](if: $tumblr is 0)[ [[Robert's Tumblr|Tumblr]]]
[[leave the computer]]](else:)[ [[check my Facebook]]]
In trying to ignore the text, you accidentally open it. The text reads:
"Hey! It's Lucy. Was super fun meeting you last night ;-) hit me up again sometime :-)"
[[reply|reply lucy]]
[[ignore|round two?]]
(display: "LOVEMETER")