Buried Love 22.09

,,,,,,,,,

He smiles at you. "It'll all be ok, $name. I need to put a blindfold on you now, so that you really get the impact of the big reveal. An airlock will be attached to the sub and you'll just walk through it with someone guiding you and into your new home. Another crew member will tell you when you can take the blindfold off. All ok?" [[Can't speak...too...terrified.]] [["So you really can't tell me where we're going?"]]

He smiles at you. "Loving your confidence, $name. I need to put a blindfold on you now, so that you really get the impact of the big reveal. An airlock will be attached to the sub and you'll just walk through it with someone guiding you and into your new home. Another crew member will tell you when you can take the blindfold off. All ok?" [[A blindfold? Kinky.]] [["So you really can't tell me where we're going?"]]

He chuckles under his breath as he gently reaches around and ties the silk scarf that acts like a blindfold. As the world plunges into darkness the reality sinks in. This is it. Your chance to meet the person of your dreams. The information you've been given so far is super vague, mostly that you should expect a magical time. Oh, and that you should pack a wooden stake, some salt and a silver bullet. You'd laughed nervously at that instruction. Sure, you'd never dated a vampire or werewolf before...but they wouldn't be putting you into danger...would they? [[You feel a hand gently leading you and take a deep breath as you walk forward. Here you go!]]

The sound of the female crew member chattering to you as she leads you to god knows where is helping to calm your nerves. "...and babe, honestly, I've seen the people they've put in there and just...wow. I'm jealous. I wonder if they'll let me apply for the next season..." It feels like you'd been walking for hours, but in reality it's probably been a minute. You still can't understand where you are. You were in a submarine, and it didn't rise to the surface of the ocean, so it must mean you're underwater. God. What if this is actually some kind of horror show and you're about to be fed to the sharks? [[Can't be any worse than some of my ex-partners.]] [[Maybe I shouldn't have spent four hours choosing my outfit for today, it's too gorgeous to be shark food.|Can't be any worse than some of my ex-partners.]]

You smile to yourself. "Glad you're feeling relaxed, $name, because it's time for you to go and start the next chapter of your life. Whatever happens in there, things will never be the same again." Oop, there go the butterflies again. "Ok, I'll push the button to open the door and tell you when to step forward. Take two big steps and then take your blindfold off. Then it's over to you. Good luck! Ready?" And with no wait for a response you feel the hand that has been guiding you move quickly away from your arm. The world suddenly spins. There is no sound apart from the swish of an automatic door and then... "Ok, two big steps and then blindfold off." [[Take the steps into the unknown.]]

You take the steps forward and are suddenly hit by a rush of heat and the sound of laughter and splashing. You slowly reach up and remove the blindfold. Your eyes take a moment to adjust to the bright light, but it takes even longer for your brain to process what it's seeing. You're underwater, but in a giant dome that looks like it's made of bubble wrap. Inside that bubble is what can only be described as a holiday resort. In front of you is a giant kidney shaped swimming pool and a huge bar and kitchen over to the left. There's more to take in, but your eyes are drawn to the group of people swimming in the pool. They don't look like they've just arrived...they look settled. Coupled up in fact. Just how long have they been here you wonder as you watch a girl with hair so blonde it's almost white wrapping her arms around the neck of a man so gorgeous he seemed as unreal as this bubble world. They haven't noticed you yet and it's time to make your first move. [[Call out loudly and wave. It's time all attention was on you.]] [[Walk over to the bar and get a drink. They'll come to you.]]{ (set: $romancealex to 0) (set: $friendalex to 0) (set: $romanceaayush to 0) (set: $friendaayush to 0) (set: $romancerota to 0) (set: $friendrota to 0) (set: $romanceabe to 0) (set: $friendabe to 0) (set: $romanceeli to 0) (set: $friendeli to 0) (set: $romancecerri to 0) (set: $friendcerri to 0) (set: $romancekafele to 0) (set: $friendkafele to 0) (set:$friendzein to 0) (set:$friendfleur to 0) (set:$romancecatarina to 0) (set:$friendcatarina to 0) (set:$friendlily to 0) (set:$friendbrandon to 0) (set:$friendisoke to 0)}

{(set:$fleurintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-right shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Serw5rl.jpg"></div><div class="main-right"><span class="fleur" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Fleur...</span> Fairy <div id="fairy"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/2mctAJD.gif" class="iconemojis"></div> 21 <b>From:</b> Bath, UK <b>Likes:</b> Flowers (Duh), avocados & street dancing <b>Dislikes:</b> Pollution & Marmite</div></div>') (alert:$fleurintro)}Before your hand has returned to your side you find yourself wrapped up in a rose scented hug. You step back to look at who has just attached themselves to you and find yourself looking into the face of one of the most beautiful girls you've ever seen. The water from the pool was still sitting in tiny droplets on her dark skin but somehow her hair was still dry, a halo of pink curls. Your brain tried to process how she could have ever got from the pool to where you are standing so quickly, but it was quickly distracted by the blur of questions. "Babe! I'm so happy to meet you! We knew someone was going to be joining us soon, and here you are! Ooh, I wonder what's going to happen next. Have they told you? Is there a recoupling?" [["I uh, I think...sorry...what was that again?"]] [["You've all been here for a day already? I'm late to the party?"]]

{(set:$alexintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left imageshadow"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RcwFjTC.png"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="alex" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Alexandru...</span> Werewolf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/j12CVtZ.gif" class="wolfshadow iconemojis"> 26 <b>From:</b> Romania but now lives in London <b>Likes:</b> David Bowie, Denim and Daydreaming <b>Dislikes:</b> Meat and silver bullets</div></div>')} (alert:$alexintro)He watches you walk towards him with a slight smile on his lips and a raised eyebrow. You pick up one of the cocktails conveniently sat on a tray on the bar and take a sip as you sit on the stool without saying a word. You see him turn his head slightly so that he's facing you and then he holds out his drink at a slight angle. You meet his drink with yours. "Cheers," he says. "And what might a $genderdescriptlower like you be doing in a place like this?" You notice the sparkle in his blue eyes as he watches you and waits for a response. [["Good question, I have absolutely no idea. One minute I was on a submarine holiday, next minute I'm in some kind of holiday resort bubble."]] [["Oh, you know, I heard this place does the best Pina Coladas, and serves up a great selection of men who hide behind giant pineapples."]]

{(set:$alexintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left imageshadow"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RcwFjTC.png"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="alex" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Alexandru...</span> Werewolf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/j12CVtZ.gif" class="wolfshadow iconemojis"> 26 <b>From:</b> Romania but now lives in London <b>Likes:</b> David Bowie, Denim and Daydreaming <b>Dislikes:</b> Meat and silver bullets</div></div>')} (alert:$alexintro)As you walk over to the stool you pick up one of the cocktails conveniently sat on a tray on the bar and take a sip as you sit on the stool without saying a word. You see him leaning forward slightly to be able to see you around the edge of the inflatable pineapple. You try to play it cool but it's impossible and you find yourself smiling down at your drink as he bats the pineapple to one side and moves to the stool next to you in one smooth movement. "Well hi," he says. "And what might a $genderdescriptlower like you be doing in a place like this?" You notice the sparkle in his blue eyes as he watches you and waits for a response. [["Good question, I have absolutely no idea. One minute I was on a submarine holiday, next minute I'm in some kind of holiday resort bubble."]] [["Oh, you know, I heard this place does the best Pina Coladas, and serves up a great selection of men who hide behind giant pineapples."]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +5) }A low chuckle escaped and he strokes his hand along the stubble on his jaw. "Ah yes, welcome to the Buried Love holiday island. You'll love it here. I have a feeling that you're here to make life interesting. It's been all smiles and laughter since we all arrived yesterday. That can't make good television." [["You've all been here for a day already...so I'm late to the party?"]] [["So I'm the drama bomb about to explode, huh?"|"You've all been here for a day already...so I'm late to the party?"]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +10) }He laughs and takes another sip of his drink. "Well, now that they do. I have a feeling that the truth is that you're here to make life interesting. It's been all smiles and laughter since we all arrived yesterday. That can't make good television." [["You've all been here for a day already...so I'm late to the party?"]] [["So I'm the drama bomb about to explode, huh?"|"You've all been here for a day already...so I'm late to the party?"]]

He smiles as he runs a hand through his dark hair. "Yeah, we all got coupled up yesterday. Don't worry, everyone knew something had to happen to shake things up. It's all good." He looks thoughtful for a moment before remembering where he is. "Anyway, where are my manners? I'm Alexandru, or Alex." He shrugs slightly and then holds out his hand. [[Take his hand and give it a brief business like shake while introducing yourself.]] [[Take his hand and introduce yourself, letting your hand linger for just a moment too long before breaking the touch.]]

As your hands touch briefly you're shocked at how hot his hand feels. It's hot in this bubble dome, but not that hot. You quickly pull your hand away and stare at the palm of your hand for a moment. "Oh yeah, sorry, I tend to run a bit warm. It's a werewolf thing, you know how it is." But you don't get a moment to process that you've just shared a moment with a werewolf because you realise that your presence has just been rumbled. "What!" "Oh my god!" "I can't believe it." "Oh good, this is about to get interesting." [[Turn and face the welcome party.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +5) }As your hands touch a warmth runs through his hand into yours. A feeling of electricity runs throughout your body and you're not sure that you want to break the moment. But then the heat of his hand suddenly feels like fire. You quickly pull your hand away and stare at the palm of your hand for a moment. "Oh yeah, sorry, I tend to run a bit warm. It's a werewolf thing, you know how it is." But you don't get a moment to process that you've just shared a moment with a werewolf because you realise that your presence has just been rumbled. "What!" "Oh my god!" "I can't believe it." "Oh good, this is about to get interesting." [[Turn and face the welcome party.]]

(alert:"Meet Alexandru... Werewolf 26 From Romania but now lives in London Likes:David Bowie, Denim and Daydreaming Dislikes: Meat and silver bullets")

"Oh sorry my lovely! I should explain, we all arrived yesterday and got coupled up. I'm Fleur and I'm coupled with Zein who is an absolute babe. I lucked out with them, honestly." She waves her hand in the general direction of the group of people who are approaching at a more...normal...speed. "So, tell me about yourself. Who are you?" You only manage to get as far as "I'm $name...," before the rest of the group arrive. [[Turn to face the welcome party.]]

{(set:$rotaintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-right imageshadow"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ske79x7.png"></div><div class="main-right"><span class="rota" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Rota...</span> Valkyrie <img src="https://i.imgur.com/jpRsJ9t.gif" class="iconemojis"> Ancient Myth Level of Old <b>From:</b> Valhalla <b>Likes:</b> Mead, Cats & Sour Sweets <b>Dislikes:</b> Pumpkin Spice & Dishonourable Death</div></div>')(alert:$rotaintro) (set:$catarinaintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-right shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/VeTlueC.jpg"></div><div class="main-right"><span class="catarina" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Catarina...</span> Bruxa <img src="https://i.imgur.com/8CRoQvu.gif" class="iconemojis"> 27 <b>From:</b> Brazil <b>Likes:</b> Moonlight, Red Wine & Dancing <b>Dislikes:</b> People who follow the crowd, British Cooking')(alert:$catarinaintro)}Rota and Catarina are the next to introduce themselves, and as you look at the three girls standing in front of you, you're in immediate awe. It isn't just their beauty, but they all embody a sense of absolute power. Rota is statuesque, her red hair blowing in a breeze that doesn't even exist. She shakes your hand with such force that it tingles. Catarina has a quieter power. Dark and mysterious but with a warmth to her smile. She nods her head in a hello as she wraps a red sarong around her waist. As they stand, not speaking and just...watching you...you worry that they are judging you for coming in late and potentially stealing their partners. But before the paranoid voice in your head can really take control you hear an amused voice speak... [["Room for another in the welcome wagon?"]]

{(set:$fleurintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-right shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Serw5rl.jpg"></div><div class="main-right"><span class="fleur" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Fleur...</span> Fairy <div id="fairy"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/2mctAJD.gif" class="iconemojis"></div> 21 <b>From:</b> Bath, UK <b>Likes:</b> Flowers (Duh), avocados & street dancing <b>Dislikes:</b> Pollution & Marmite</div></div>') (alert:$fleurintro)}Before your hand has returned to your side you find yourself wrapped up in a rose scented hug. You step back to look at who has just attached themselves to you and find yourself looking into the face of one of the most beautiful girls you've ever seen. The water from the pool is still sitting in tiny droplets on her dark skin but somehow her hair is dry, a halo of pink curls. Within seconds Fleur is asking you approximately one million questions, without seeming to need to take a breath. "What's your name, where are you from, what do you do, what have you seen about the show?" "Give $gender2lower a moment to catch $genderpossessive2 breath, Fairy". "Yes, Fleur, there will be lots of time for questions. $gender1upper might be a bit terrified, poor thing." [[You turn to face your saviours.]]

{(set:$abeintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-right shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/lxamwgM.jpg"></div><div class="main-right"><span class="abe" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Abe...</span> Human <img src="https://i.imgur.com/lubV4Ii.gif" style="display: inline; height: 1.1em; margin: -2px 0 -6px 0;"> 26 <b>From:</b> Berlin <b>Likes:</b> Peace, Reading, Pancakes <b>Dislikes:</b> Can\'t think of anything <i>(suspicious, no?)</i>')(alert:$abeintro)}As Abe introduces himself you find yourself drawn to his smile. "So unless I'm mistaken, you're another human. Well...welcome! I was honestly so worried about being surrounded by so much power, so much magic, but everyone has been so friendly, I've hardly thought about the fact I'm a mere mortal." You're momentarily speechless, the reality of the situation hitting you for a moment, and you can see your stunned reflection in his glasses. Just then you notice someone new sauntering over to you from the bar. [["Oh, dragged yourself away from the bar, huh?"]] [[Smile sweetly.]]

{(set:$alexintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left imageshadow"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RcwFjTC.png"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="alex" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Alexandru...</span> Werewolf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/j12CVtZ.gif" class="wolfshadow iconemojis"> 26 <b>From:</b> Romania but now lives in London <b>Likes:</b> David Bowie, Denim and Daydreaming <b>Dislikes:</b> Meat and silver bullets</div></div>')} (alert:$alexintro)He laughs and shrugs, "Someone has to be last. Maybe I was hoping the last impression would be the most effective." "Oh my God Alex, the bullshit meter just imploded" Zein cuts in. He grins and as you catch his eye you notice the sparkle in them and make a note to find out more about him. "Hmm, well two people aren't joining the welcome wagon apparently," Fleur interjects. She folds her arms and looks at the couple who are still pressed against each other in the pool, the girl's arms still locked around the guy in a posture that could easily be interpreted as possessive. [[Well, maybe they're shy and I should go and say hello.]] [[Um. Rude. Maybe it's time to bring the party to them.]]

{(set:$alexintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left imageshadow"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RcwFjTC.png"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="alex" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Alexandru...</span> Werewolf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/j12CVtZ.gif" class="wolfshadow iconemojis"> 26 <b>From:</b> Romania but now lives in London <b>Likes:</b> David Bowie, Denim and Daydreaming <b>Dislikes:</b> Meat and silver bullets</div></div>') (alert:$alexintro)}He smiles back, but doesn't speak. There's a sparkle in his eyes which suggests he has more to say. Instead he waves his hand in a small greeting. "Hmm, well two people aren't joining the welcome wagon apparently," Fleur interjects. She folds her arms and looks at the couple who are still pressed against each other in the pool, the girl's arms still locked around the guy in a posture that could easily be interpreted as possessive. [[Well, maybe they're shy and I should go and say hello.]] [[Um. Rude. Maybe it's time to bring the party to them.]]

{(set:$lilyintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/GpVvhT5.jpg"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="lily" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Lily...</span> Demon <img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZiYVFKc.gif" class="iconemojis"> Time is for Mere Mortals <b>From:</b> Hell <b>Likes:</b> Sushi, Souls & Supernatural <b>Dislikes:</b> Salt, Double Denim & Discrimination</div></div>') (alert:$lilyintro) (set:$aayushintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left imageshadow"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fosdQHa.png"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="aayush" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Aayush...</span> Vampire <img src="https://i.imgur.com/4UTAQvj.gif" class="iconemojis"> 321 and 3/4 From: Liverpool / India <b>Likes:</b> Daylight, Garlic and Wooden Stakes <b>Dislikes:</b> Vampire Cliches (see above)</div></div>') (alert:$aayushintro)}The girl doesn't detach herself from him, but does manage to turn slightly and look at you. "Hey babe," she says. "I'm Lily. Sorry for not coming over to welcome you, but honestly, I just can't take my hands or eyes off this one for a second." Her hand grazes lightly down the chest of the 'one' she is talking about. He's even more beautiful close up and as he watches you with his dark eyes you have a feeling you might also struggle detaching yourself from him. If you were ever lucky enough to get attached that is. [["That's ok babe, I get it, maybe I should do something to help part the two of you."]] [["Wow, you're so attached already? That's so cute!"]]

{(set:$lilyintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/GpVvhT5.jpg"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="lily" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Lily...</span> Demon <img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZiYVFKc.gif" class="iconemojis"> Time is for Mere Mortals <b>From:</b> Hell <b>Likes:</b> Sushi, Souls & Supernatural <b>Dislikes:</b> Salt, Double Denim & Discrimination</div></div>') (alert:$lilyintro) (set:$aayushintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left imageshadow"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fosdQHa.png"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="aayush" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Aayush...</span> Vampire <img src="https://i.imgur.com/4UTAQvj.gif" class="iconemojis"> 321 and 3/4 From: Liverpool / India <b>Likes:</b> Daylight, Garlic and Wooden Stakes <b>Dislikes:</b> Vampire Cliches (see above)</div></div>') (alert:$aayushintro)}The couple both cry out before bursting into laughter. "Hey babe, what an entrance," the girl says. "I'm Lily. Sorry for not coming over to welcome you, but honestly, I just can't take my hands or eyes off this one for a second." Her hand grazes lightly down the chest of the 'one' she is talking about. He's even more beautiful close up and as he watches you with his dark eyes you have a feeling you might also struggle detaching yourself from him. If you were ever lucky enough to get attached that is. [["That's ok babe, I get it, maybe I should do something to help part the two of you."]] [["Wow, you're so attached already? Sweet!"]]

You look over at the pair again and take a deep breath. There was something about them that made them an intimidating couple. Still, this was no time for fear. You were trapped in some kind of bubble world with them, might as well try to make friends. [[Wave sweetly and call out 'hi'.]] [["Walk quietly over to the pool and wait for them to notice you."|Wave sweetly and call out 'hi'.]]

You walk over to the pool and put your hand on your hip. [[Wave sweetly and call out 'hi'.]] [[Pop your hip, give it your best sass and call out 'room for another' before jumping into the pool.]]

He smiles at you. "There'll be loads of snacks waiting for you in a minute, trust me, $name. I need to put a blindfold on you now, so that you really get the impact of the big reveal. An airlock will be attached to the sub and you'll just walk through it with someone guiding you and into your new home. Another crew member will tell you when you can take the blindfold off. All ok?" [[A blindfold? Kinky.]] [["So you really can't tell me where we're going?"]]

You take a deep breath and walk with confidence. As you approach the bar you realise that someone is sat in the far corner, half hidden behind a giant inflatable pineapple. Your heart pounds in your chest for a moment as you realise you're about to meet one of your new housemates, or bubblemates. You can't see much other than a dark head bent down slightly over a drink. [[Go and sit on the bar stool next to him.]] [[Go and sit on the stool at the opposite end of the bar.]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily -10) }Lily's face turns from sweetness to a deep frown and you're sure you can see red flashing in her eyes. She starts to speak, "I highly doubt it...," but before she can finish her sentence Aayush detaches himself from her and moves over to meet you in one smooth movement. "Hey. Aayush. Most definitely not attached to anyone and absolutely intrigued to hear what your plan is." He smiles at you, seemingly unaware of the girl who now looks like she wants to murder you. He looks deep into your eyes when he speaks... "Please excuse my poor manners. It's nice to meet a $genderdescriptlower as...real as you." You blink, unsure of whether it was a compliment. Suddenly feeling like prey in the stare of its predator. [["Dude, I am no snack. Kindly back away."]] [["I...um...I...pineapples."]] [["Nice to meet you. Even nicer to hear you aren't attached."]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +10) }Lily smiles and starts to speak, but not before Aayush detaches himself from her and moves over to meet you in one smooth movement. "Hey. Aayush. Most definitely not attached." He smiles at you, seemingly unaware of the girl who now looks like she wants to murder you stood behind him. He looks deep into your eyes when he speaks... "Please excuse my poor manners. It's nice to meet a $genderdescriptlower as...real as you." You blink, unsure of whether it was a compliment. Suddenly feeling like prey in the stare of its predator. [["Dude, I am no snack. Kindly back away."]] [["I...um...I...pineapples."]] [["Nice to meet you. Even nicer to hear you aren't attached."]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +10) }Lily smiles and starts to speak, but not before Aayush detaches himself from her, jumps out of the pool and moves over to meet you in one smooth movement. "Hey. Aayush. Most definitely not attached." He smiles at you, seemingly unaware of the girl who now looks like she wants to murder you still in the pool behind him. He looks deep into your eyes when he speaks... "Please excuse my poor manners. It's nice to meet a $genderdescriptlower as...real as you." You blink, unsure of whether it was a compliment. Suddenly feeling like prey in the stare of its predator. [["Dude, I am no snack. Kindly back away."]] [["I...um...I...pineapples."]] [["Nice to meet you. Even nicer to hear you aren't attached."]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -5) }Aayush seems shocked and starts to shake his head, "Oh no...that's not what I'm trying to...uh." He's interrupted by a screaming sound which you are startled to realise is coming from your wrist. You stare in confusion at the silver bracelet you'd been asked to wear by one of the crew members back on the sub. You hear Fleur call out to you, "Babe, you've got a message, just press the red gem to play it". [[Well I guess you'd better press that gem.]]

Aayush smiles, his face a picture of confusion. "I mean...yes...I think there are some over by the bar," he says. You put your palm to your forehead. What the hell was that? Apparently Aayush has the ability to make you forget words. You make another attempt at forming a coherent sentence, but you're interrupted by a screaming sound which you're startled to realise is coming from your wrist. You stare in confusion at the silver bracelet you'd been asked to wear by one of the crew members back on the sub. You hear Fleur call out to you, "Babe, you've got a message, just press the red gem to play it." [[Well I guess you'd better press that gem.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }Aayush smiles, and brushes a lock of wet hair from his forehead. "Ok, so we've agreed it's nice. Why don't we go and get a drink? I'd love to hear more about what features on your 'nice' list?" You struggle for a second. Should you spend more time bonding with the group, or try to get some bonding of another kind happening with Aayush? But before you can form an answer your thoughts are interrupted by a screaming sound which you're startled to realise is coming from your wrist. You stare in confusion at the silver bracelet you'd been asked to wear by one of the crew members back on the sub. You hear Fleur call out to you, "Babe, you've got a message, just press the red gem to play it." [[Well I guess you'd better press that gem.]]

A booming voice fills the air around you. "$name, welcome to the first Buried Love location. Your own underwater paradise. These couples may have been living in Tiki heaven for the last 24 hours, but now you're here to mix things up. The general public have been voting for who they'd like to send you on your first date with, and now the votes are in. The three Buried Lovers with the most votes are Alex, Aayush and Rota. $name, it's now up to you to decide on two of them to take on dates." You blink as the voice disappears as quickly as it arrived. Silence descends across the group as everyone waits for your answer. You slowly look around, trying to read expressions. Everyone is smiling apart from Lily, although from her expression you aren't sure if she wants to cry, scream or kill you. Perhaps it's all 3. This is it...time to make the first decision that could change your life forever. [[Play Day 1 Part 2...People are Strange]]

{(set: $dateno to 0) }<div class="chaptertitle">Day 1. Part 2. People are Strange.</div> A cough echoes around the bubble and the booming voice speaks again. "Um. $name. You really do need to pick now." You take a deep breath and get ready. "The person I want to go on a date with first is..." [["Aayush"]] [["Alex"]] [["Rota"]]

{(set: $date1 to "Aayush") (set: $dateno to $dateno +10) (set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }Before the name has even finished leaving your mouth you feel a chill rip through your body. You look briefly at Aayush and see him smiling, but your attention is quickly drawn to Lily. A cloud of black smoke is swirling around her, in stark contrast to her white hair and pale skin. Her face looks like she's equal parts angry and sad, and you're not sure whether to feel guilty or terrified. Catarina walks over to Lily and puts a hand on her shoulder before whispering something to her quietly. Lily looks in your direction before saying "Ugh, whatever" and spinning on her heels to walk in the opposite direction to where you and Aayush are now stood. You hadn't even noticed him moving to stand by you, and turn to him. [["Uh, do you need to go and check if Lily's ok?"]] [["Do I need to start sleeping with one eye open?"]]

{(set: $date1 to "Alex") (set: $dateno to $dateno +10) (set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }Alex smiles at you, his happiness at being chosen shining through his calm exterior. The other Buried Lovers turn to look at Catarina and you realise she must be his current partner, but there's no sign of annoyance on her face. She smiles and calls over, "have fun," before returning to sipping the cocktail which seems to have materialised in her hand, as if by magic. "$name and Alex...it's time for you to go on your date. And what better way to get to know each other than a romantic beach picnic?" the booming voice announces. Alex turns to you, "Well, shall I lead the way to the beach?" You start to nod, but then the reality of just how odd this environment is hits you. [["Wait...how is there a beach in this bubble when we're literally in the middle of the ocean?"]] [[Wait...we're in an underwater bubble...where the hell is this sunshine coming from?]] [[You know what? The less I think about this place the calmer I feel, let's do this date.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) (set: $date1 to "Rota") (set: $dateno to $dateno +10) }Rota looks surprised to have been chosen but walks over to where you're standing. As she walks towards you, you forget to breathe for a moment. Her hair is blowing behind her, giving the appearance of someone who is walking towards a wind machine. Although there's no machine and the air is completely still. You can see Abe behind her, his face showing annoyance, and a line forming between his eyebrows as he frowns at the back of the girl who he was evidently coupled with. But Rota doesn't give him a second look, and in a few seconds she is stood beside you. You realise that she must be over six foot tall without the aid of heels. The voice is back, and you make a mental note to ask someone where it's coming from. "$name and Rota...it's time for your date. Get ready to get shaken, and maybe even stirred. Please make your way to the bar". Rota groans slightly "If this isn't to do with mead I'm going to struggle. Still...I'm really happy you chose me. Shall we head over there?" She points in the direction of the bar. [["Uh, Abe looks kinda upset, do you need to talk to him first?]] [["Let's do this"]]

Alex runs his hand through his hair. Clearly amused. "I mean...if you think the beach is the weirdest concept in this place, then you've got some shocks ahead. You'll see it in a minute. It's not a real beach...more...a man made construction of sand." He shrugs his shoulders. "But hey...our picnic is ready...shall we make our way there?" [["..ok but how is it even sunny in here?"]] [[You know what? The less I think about this place the calmer I feel, let's do this date.]]

Alex points up and your eyes follows the direction of his finger to see an intricate rigging of lights. "Say hello to Mr Sun. Not all of our new housemates are so fond of sunshine. I guess that's why they've put us all down here. I'm already missing the feel of sunrays on my skin, I can't lie," he grins. "Wait until you see it at night. It'll take your breath away." [["But seriously...how is there a beach when we're in a dome? We can't be beside the seaside...we're in the seaside."]] [[You know what? The less I think about this place the calmer I feel, let's do this date.]]

For a moment Alex looks as though he wants to take your hand, but instead he tucks his hands in his pockets and bobs his head in the direction he clearly wants you to follow. [[Link your arm in his while you walk.]] [[Shout 'race you' and run ahead.]] [[Walk along quietly beside him.]]

Alex points up and your eyes follows the direction of his finger to see an intricate rigging of lights. "Say hello to Mr Sun. Not all of our new housemates are so fond of sunshine. I guess that's why they've put us all down here. I'm already missing the feel of sunrays on my skin, I can't lie," he grins. "Wait until you see it at night. It'll take your breath away." [[You know what? The less I think about this place the calmer I feel, let's do this date.]]

Alex runs his hand through his hair. Clearly amused. "I mean...if you think the beach is the weirdest concept in this place, then you've got some shocks ahead. You'll see it in a minute. It's not a real beach...more...a man made construction of sand." He shrugs his shoulders. "But hey...our picnic is ready...shall we make our way there?" [[You know what? The less I think about this place the calmer I feel, let's do this date.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +5) }Alex looks at you and smiles. "I hope there's food. I'd been nursing a drink at that bar for two hours before you arrived, but forgot to eat." You realise how hungry you are at the moment and nod in agreement. There's something incredibly comfortable about walking beside him, and the heat his body is radiating doesn't bother you. You let out a little sigh of relaxation and he looks at you again, his eyebrow raised, but you just smile and keep walking. Alex leads you to an area behind the bar. You see the beach immediately. A little sandy cove lined with palm trees. No sea, of course, but strategically placed shells and the sounds of the ocean playing mean that if you sat down and closed your eyes you could probably pretend. You can see the picnic laid out. A cute blue checked blanket with a white picnic basket placed to one side, and a bucket with a bottle of something just waiting to be drunk. Alex stops at the top of the three small steps which lead down to the cove. "After you," he says, waving his hand towards the step. [[Take your shoes off and run to the picnic.]] (link-goto: "Ask Alex for a lift...your shoes are stylish and painful. In equal measure.", "Ask Alex for a lift...your shoes are stylish and painful. in equal measure")

You're not sure what to say, but find the silence with Alex is comfortable. You find yourself occasionally stealing a sideways look in his direction. He doesn't seem to mind the quiet, his face calm and relaxed, no sign that he is searching for something to say. Alex leads you to an area behind the bar. You see the beach immediately. A little sandy cove lined with palm trees. No sea, of course, but strategically placed shells and the sounds of the ocean playing mean that if you sat down and closed your eyes you could probably pretend. You can see the picnic laid out. A cute blue checked blanket with a white picnic basket placed to one side, and a bucket with a bottle of something just waiting to be drunk. Alex stops at the top of the three small steps which lead down to the cove. "After you," he says, waving his hand towards the step. [[Take your shoes off and run to the picnic.]] (link-goto: "Ask Alex for a lift...your shoes are stylish and painful. In equal measure.", "Ask Alex for a lift...your shoes are stylish and painful. in equal measure")

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +5) }You hear him laugh, but give the run everything you've got, your legs enjoying the feel of working again after too long of being sat in that sub. Then you realise you have absolutely no idea where you're going. You're following a path round to the right, but it seems to be taking you to the Tiki huts. You come to a stop and spin round to see where Alex is, and see him stood at the fork in the path, arms folded and smiling. "Uh $name...that's where we sleep, and while I agree naps are great, I'm not sure the two of us snuggling down for some shut eye is going to bring in the viewers these guys want." He points a finger from each hand into the air above him. "Unless you've got a different kind of date in mind, in which case yes, these guys...," his fingers wave again, "...will be very happy with you." You turn and go back to where he's stood, but before you can reach him he yells 'race you!' and runs towards the bar. You pick up speed again as you laugh and follow him and he leads you to an area behind the bar. You see the beach immediately. A little sandy cove lined with palm trees. No sea, of course, but strategically placed shells and the sounds of the ocean playing mean that if you sat down and closed your eyes you could probably pretend. You can see the picnic laid out. A cute blue checked blanket with a white picnic basket placed to one side, and a bucket with a bottle of something just waiting to be drunk. Alex stops at the top of the three small steps which lead down to the cove. "After you," he says, waving his hand towards the step. [[Take your shoes off and run to the picnic.]] (link-goto: "Ask Alex for a lift...your shoes are stylish and painful. In equal measure.", "Ask Alex for a lift...your shoes are stylish and painful. in equal measure")

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +5) }You bend down and quickly remove your shoes, casting them aside and running towards the picnic. Alex joins you, matching your pace. You quickly reach the picnic and sit down on the blanket, facing each other. You look at the picnic basket and the ice bucket with the champagne. [[Take the lead and open the champagne.]] [[Head into the picnic basket...it's food time.]] [[Wait and see what Alex does next]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +5) }Alex laughs, but doesn't miss a beat and before you can blink he's scooped you up into his arms as if it's no effort. You wrap your arms around his neck and your legs dangle over his arm. His arms carry you confidently and you realise that the gorgeous smell that hits you isn't being pumped into the dome. It's him. He smells like a forest on a summer's morning. What the hell kind of cologne is that? You quickly reach the picnic and he carefully places you down on the picnic blanket. You both sit down and face each other. You look at the picnic basket and the ice bucket with the champagne. [[Take the lead and open the champagne.]] [[Head into the picnic basket...it's food time.]] [[Wait and see what Alex does next]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +5) }As you work on opening the champagne Alex opens the picnic basket and starts laying the food out. There's bread, olives, cheese, salad and strawberries and cream. You pour a glass of champagne and pass it to Alex before pouring your own. Alex thanks you and raises a glass to yours. "To the start of getting to know each other. Cheers." As your glasses meet, Alex asks you a question, a genuine look of interest on his face. "So $name, honestly, what made you decide to come on this show? Stuck in a bubble with a load of non-humans?" You take a moment to think before answering. What are you doing here? [["Well the people I've dated so far have been a who's who of human crap. This can't be worse."]] [["I'm just looking for love. I'm hoping I'll find that I've been looking in the wrong places."]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +10) }You dive straight into the picnic basket and start rummaging through its contents. Alex laughs. "I like your priorities." He begins opening the champagne and you start pulling all of the food out of the basket. There's bread, olives, cheese, salad and strawberries and cream. Alex pours a glass of champagne and passes it to you before pouring his own. You take the glass and raise it to Alex before taking a sip. He smiles and looks into your eyes. "To the start of getting to know each other. Cheers." As your glasses meet, Alex asks you a question, a genuine look of interest on his face. "So $name, honestly, what made you decide to come on this show? Stuck in a bubble with a load of non-humans?" You take a moment to think before answering. What are you doing here? [["Well the people I've dated so far have been a who's who of human crap. This can't be worse."]] [["I'm just looking for love. I'm hoping I'll find that I've been looking in the wrong places."]]

Alex dives straight into the picnic basket. He clearly wasn't kidding about being hungry. He lays out the contents. There's bread, olives, cheese, salad and strawberries and cream. It looks delicious. He works on the champagne next, pouring a glass of champagne and passing it to you before pouring his own. You take the glass and raise it to Alex before taking a sip. He smiles and looks into your eyes. "To the start of getting to know each other. Cheers." As your glasses meet, Alex asks you a question, a genuine look of interest on his face. "So $name, honestly, what made you decide to come on this show? Stuck in a bubble with a load of non-humans?" You take a moment to think before answering. What are you doing here? [["Well the people I've dated so far have been a who's who of human crap. This can't be worse."]] [["I'm just looking for love. I'm hoping I'll find that I've been looking in the wrong places."]]

Alex chuckles and takes a sip of drink. "Well, I can't argue with that." He looks around the spread of food and picks up a strawberry. As he rolls the stem between his fingertips he turns to you. "Ok, your turn. I'm an open book. Ask me anything." [["What are you looking for from the show?"]] [["What's your type?"|"What are you looking for from the show?"]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +5) }Alex smiles and takes a sip of drink. "Yeah, I can relate to that." He looks around the spread of food and picks up a strawberry. As he rolls the stem between his fingertips he turns to you. "Ok, your turn. I'm an open book. Ask me anything." [["What are you looking for from the show?"]] [["What's your type?"|"What are you looking for from the show?"]]

He runs his hand along his jaw and looked thoughtful. "Good question. I think I'm trying to push myself out of my comfort zone, meet different people, maybe work out what my type actually is. I'm with Cat at the moment but it seems like it's more of a friend thing." He shrugs his shoulders slightly before continuing. "I uh...I haven't dated anyone who isn't part of the werewolf community. I guess that hasn't worked out well for me...so here I am...and hey...it already seems to be working out much better for me". He looks into your eyes as he pauses again. You feel like your heart stops for a second. What is this feeling? It's like an energy running through you and you have to fight the urge to reach out and touch him. He breaks the moment by leaning back slightly. "So...any other questions for me?" You watch him still rolling the same strawberry stem between his fingertips. [["Cream with that strawberry?"]]

He shakes his head slightly. "Nope, just the fruit thanks. I've been vegetarian for years and I'm trying to make the move to being vegan." You sit in quiet bemusement. A vegetarian...werewolf? He can see the disbelief and laughs. "Yeah, I know. It doesn't go well with the wolf lifestyle, huh? It's not a popular choice with my family if I'm honest, but it's something that feels right for me." He looks serious for a moment, a small line forming between his eyebrows as he frowns slightly. But then he seems to shake the thought off and takes a bite of the strawberry and another sip of champage. Curiosity gets the better of you and the next question tumbles out of your mouth before you know it's happening. [["So you're a werewolf, huh? What's that like?"]] [["Are you in control of what you do when you're a wolf...are you...dangerous?"]]

"Ah, the big question. What took you so long?" His voice is serious, but the sparkle in his eyes suggests he really doesn't mind. "Well I've been a Were since birth, so honestly I've never known anything different. Although I think that might be part of my problem. It's literally all I've known. My Dad is pack leader, wants me to follow in his paw prints. And I just...just don't know if that's me." He stops himself. "Well that was about to get too deep too soon. To cut a long story short...it's an odd life and I can never meet my parent's expectations." He lays down on the blanket and you find yourself automatically laying down beside him, looking into the roof of the dome. The thick material of the dome means that the ocean beyond it looks distorted, but you're fairly sure you can see a shark circling just above where you're laying. He props himself on his side, resting on his elbow and you turn your head to look up at him. He really is beautiful. But is a conflicted werewolf the kind of person you were here to meet? [[Um...Yes. And I'd quite like to kiss him now please.]] [[Um...Yes. I wonder if he'll kiss me.]] [[Maybe...it's too soon to tell.]]

He looks serious. "Yeah, I'm aware. It's not quite like the old B movies. I can become a wolf, but with my consciousness. Although the wolf in me has some values that are slightly different to mine. He's certainly not a vegetarian, for one. But no, god, no danger. I'd never be here if there was a risk of that." The smile returns. "I'm a protector not a fighter." He lays down on the blanket and you find yourself automatically laying down beside him, looking into the roof of the dome. The thick material of the dome means that the ocean beyond it looks distorted, but you're fairly sure you can see a shark circling just above where you're laying. He props himself on his side, resting on his elbow and you turn your head to look up at him. He really is beautiful. But is a conflicted werewolf the kind of person you were here to meet? [[Um...Yes. And I'd quite like to kiss him now please.]] [[Um...Yes. I wonder if he'll kiss me.]] [[Maybe...it's too soon to tell.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }You mirror his posture, propping yourself up on your elbow and smile. You realise his eyes are two different shades of blue. You've never seen eyes like them. You find yourself moving closer to him. There's no sound apart from the sounds of the ocean being pumped into the dome. They fill your head for a moment, swirling around as you try to gather your thoughts. You're on a TV show, and you've hardly been in this dome for more than an hour. But every part of you wants to kiss the man in front of you right now. Your eyes travel to his lips, and you see that there is a slight smile playing on them. Before you know what's happening you close the gap between you, your lips finding his. The moment you connect a fire runs through your body and you have to resist the urge to run your hands into his hair, grabbing him, pulling him on top of you. Instead the kiss is gentle, deep but slow. His lips are soft and his tongue moves with yours. The softness is a contrast to the heat you can feel building inside you, and the slight scratch of his beard on your face does nothing to take the edge off the heat. He reaches a hand up and gently runs a thumb along your cheekbone. He tastes delicious...strawberries and champagne...and that coupled with his smell means all of your senses feel like they're truly alive for the first time. You're glad you're lying down because your head is spinning. Too soon, you are interrupted by the booming voice you're already starting to hate. "$name and Alex. Your date is over. Please make your way back to the pool." [[Ugh. Seriously? Well I suppose I'd better go back to the pool.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }He looks down at you. "This feels weird when we've only just met," he says in a voice close to a whisper, "but uh...I'd quite like to kiss you now..." You feel heat rise to your cheeks and nod slightly. Before you know what's happening he closes the gap between you, his lips finding yours. The moment you connect a fire runs through your body and you have to resist the urge to run your hands into his hair, grabbing him, pulling him on top of you. Instead the kiss is gentle, deep but slow. His lips are soft and his tongue moves with yours. The softness is a contrast to the heat you can feel building inside you, and the slight scratch of his beard on your face does nothing to take the edge off the heat. He reaches a hand up and gently runs a thumb along your cheekbone. He tastes delicious...strawberries and champagne...and that coupled with his smell means all of your senses feel like they're truly alive for the first time. You're glad you're lying down because your head is spinning. Too soon, you are interrupted by the booming voice you're already starting to hate. "$name and Alex. Your date is over. Please make your way back to the pool." [[Ugh. Seriously? Well I suppose I'd better go back to the pool.]]

You keep chatting, although the subject doesn't go back to his werewolf roots. Instead you learn that he loves the music of the 80's and that David Bowie is his absolute favourite. But just as you're finding out why 'The Princess Bride' is his favourite movie of all time that familiar voice booms out again. "$name and Alex. Your date is finished. Please make your way to the pool." [[Well I suppose I'd better go back to the pool]]

As you walk back you find youself wishing that the walk was longer because there is so much you want to know about him. But you arrive at the pool far too quickly. [[Before you've even reached the pool the voice booms out again.]].

You both move apart and look at each other. You see that his cheeks are as flushed as you imagine yours are, and he smiles as he says "For the record, this rates as a pretty amazing first date. I hope there are more." As you walk back you find youself wishing that the walk would last forever because there is suddenly so much you want to know about him. But you arrive at the pool far too quickly. [[Before you've even reached the pool the voice booms out again.]]

(if: $dateno < 12) ["$name, there's no rest for the wicked. It's time to pick who your second date will be with." $date1 smiles, places a hand lightly on your arm and says, "Until next time?" before walking away. [[So who is it going to be?]] ]\ (if: $dateno > 15) ["Well, $name, you've finished your dates. Time for relaxation...although I'll be back...soon". Your head is spinning and you realise that you badly need to sit. [[Head over to the sun loungers.]] ]

(if:$date1 is "Alex") [Do you want to date [["Aayush"]] or [["Rota"]]?]\ (if:$date1 is "Rota") [Do you want to date [["Alex"]] or [["Aayush"]]?]\ (if:$date1 is "Aayush") [Do you want to date [["Alex"]] or [["Rota"]]?]

You leave your date behind and walk to the sun loungers, suddenly needing some space. The journey...this place...the dates all whirl around in your head, and you gladly sit down. You feel full of excitement but also full of nerves. The dates were amazing, but what next? You're still single, and it seems like some serious drama is on the horizon if that's going to change any time soon. As if reading your thoughts, your bracelet screams at you and you press the gem again. You hold your breath, waiting for the booming voice to return. You realise that the voice is going to need a name if it's going to keep controlling your life like this. [[What should the boomer be called?]]

Rota puts her hand on her hip. "The boy has shown me absolutely no interest so far, so I can't imagine why he's upset." Seemingly with no effort she raises her voice and calls out loudly "Abe, what's wrong?" Abe seems flustered and a forced smile appears on his face "Oh nothing, really, you go, have fun. I'm fine. Go" and he waves his hand in the direction on the bar, a little too manically. Rota turns back to you "The boy seems fine. Shall we?" And she's walking towards the bar before you have time to react. [[I guess you'd better follow her]]

Without waiting for a response Rota starts walking towards the bar, her gold bikini reflecting the light from the lamps on the roof. Her hips sway as she walks, and you suddenly realise that you're so entranced by the view that you've forgotten you should actually be following her. [[I guess you'd better follow her]]

You run slightly to catch up but find that even at her normal pace you are having to almost half-jog to be able to match the pace her long legs set. She looks at you "I wondered where you'd gone. Thought maybe you'd realised you'd said the wrong name. The last thing I expected was someone who looks like you coming in and choosing me. But thank you" You're stunned for a second, both by her honesty and by the concept that Rota has any kind on insecurity. [["Rota. Have you seen you? Of course I meant to pick you"]] [["I uh...I..can't keep up and talk at the same time..too fast...can't breathe"]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +5) }Rota stops in her tracks and looks at you, her green eyes fixed on your face. "$name, if that's a line then don't bother. If it's the truth then thank you. Sincerely". You arrive at the bar and find yourself too out of breath to respond for a second, so choose to slump over the bar slightly instead. Rota picks up a card on the bar and begins to read "Buried Lovers, welcome to your own personal cocktail bar. Here you'll find ingredients for every cocktail imaginable. The only problem is we don't have any recipes, so let your imagination go crazy. Oh, and you can only drink the cocktails your date prepares". Rota places the card down "I honestly have never had a cocktail in my life. I apologise in advance for whatever monstrosity I create". As she begins to pull different kinds of juice out of the fridge you have a look at the different ingredients available and decide what to make. What cocktail are you going to mix? [[Long Island Ice Tea|Mojito]] [[Mojito]] [[Pornstar Martini|Mojito]]

You begin gathering the ingredients and putting them into the parrot shaped cocktail shaker placed on the bar. Rota is muttering under her breath and reading the labels on every spirit bottle. You find yourself fascinated to know more about her, and try to break her concentration by asking a question. [["So you're a Valkyrie huh, what's that like?"]] [[How is mead the only alcohol you've ever tried?]] [[Your bikini is gorgeous. Where's it from?]]

Rota puts the bottle of vodka she's been holding down on the bar before laughing. It's a beautiful sound that rings throughout the dome. "Where I'm from it's the only thing worth drinking. My Valkyrie girls are all mead drinkers. We can drink the men in Asgard under the tables. Thor likes to think he's tough, but he's got the constitution of a kitten in comparison to the Valkyrie. Women sometimes drink red wine, but I try not to do what is expected of me. Well, I'm here after all. My family are going to be so angry". For a moment she looks incredibly vulnerable. The strength gone. You find another question tumbling out. [["Rota, what are you doing here? On this show?]]

{(set: $friendrota to $friendrota +5) }Rota puts down the bottle of vodka she's holding and then looks down at her body. The gold bikini would be at risk of looking tacky on most bodies, but on Rota it just looks...perfect. Rota waves a hand down her body "Oh this? I have absolutely no idea. I arrived in this place wearing my armour and before I knew it I had a whole team of people around me measuring me up and throwing all kinds of clothes at me. I have no need of anything but my armour in Asgard. This place is so strange to me. So focused on clothes and trivial things, it's going to take me a while to adjust". For a moment she looks incredibly vulnerable. The strength gone. You find another question tumbling out. [["Rota, what are you doing here? On this show?]]

{(set: $friendrota to $friendrota +5) }Rota puts the bottle of vodka she's been holding down on the bar and looks thoughtful. "It's...well...everything. Literally. My entire life. It's all I do, all I am, all I think about. Living up to my role and my duties. Battle, death and honour. I'm not sure how I'm going to feel in here. Thinking about things like love...cocktails...you...that's so strange for me". For a moment she looks incredibly vulnerable. The strength gone. You find another question tumbling out. [["Rota, what are you doing here? On this show?]]

You focus on trying to keep up and arrive at the bar. You collapse onto a stool and reflect for a moment that you need to get fitter if you're going to keep up with this girl. Rota picks up a card on the bar and begins to read "Buried Lovers, welcome to your own personal cocktail bar. Here you'll find ingredients for every cocktail imaginable. The only problem is we don't have any recipes, so let your imagination go crazy. Oh, and you can only drink the cocktails your date prepares". Rota places the card down "I honestly have never had a cocktail in my life. I apologise in advance for whatever monstrosity I create". As she begins to pull different kinds of juice out of the fridge you have a look at the different ingredients available and decide what to make. What cocktail are you going to mix? [[Long Island Ice Tea|Mojito]] [[Mojito]] [[Pornstar Martini|Mojito]]

Rota tucks a lock of hair behind her ear and looks down at her hands, a slight blush in her cheeks. You feel bad for a moment, the last thing you want to do is make her feel awkward. You're about to tell her to ignore the question, when she gives her answer. "I want to find love. Nothing more. If I'm in here the Valkyrie will leave me alone. They won't want to appear on Television. If I'd just run away to Earth they would have found me and made me go back. So this is it. My chance at love". As quickly as the moment of vulnerability arrived, it disappears and Rota returns to pouring things into the cocktail shaker. You finish making her drink. [[Slide the drink along the bar to her]] [[Walk over to her and hold a straw up for her to take a sip]]

You slide the drink over to her, and she confidently catches it. She lifts the straw to her mouth and your eyes are drawn to her full lips as they wrap around the straw. As she drinks her eyes widen. She pulls away and looks at you, licking her lips slowly, clearly savouring the taste. "That is...delicious. I don't think I've ever tasted anything like it. Do you want to try yours? I don't know what I'm doing so it could taste awful". [["Yeah sure, pass it over"]] [["Why don't we link arms and drink at the same time?"]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +5) }You walk over to Rota and hold the cocktail in your hand. With your free hand you hold the straw up for her, inviting her to take a sip. She stops shaking the cocktail shaker in her hand and puts it down and leans over to take a sip. Your eyes are drawn to her full lips as they wrap around the straw. Her face is close to yours and as her hair falls forward a smell of a meadow hits you. As she drinks her eyes widen. She pulls away and looks at you, licking her lips slowly, clearly savouring the taste. "That is...delicious. I don't think I've ever tasted anything like it. Do you want to try yours? I don't know what I'm doing so it could taste awful". [["Yeah sure, pass it over"]] [["Why don't we link arms and drink at the same time?"]]

Rota walks over to you and passes you the drink. It's ..delicious. It tastes of berries and vodka and...ginger? You're suddenly aware of just how close you are, and just how easy it would be to kiss her. [[It's too soon. Just keep drinking]] [[Kiss Rota]] [[Wait and see if Rota kisses you]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +5) }You cringe inwardly at suggesting such a cheesy move, but as she pours your drink into a glass and passes it to you, you can't deny the rush of excitement at the thought of being close to her. You each hold your drinks and then link your arms, bringing the straw to your mouth you take a sip and it's ..delicious. It tastes of berries and vodka and...ginger? You're suddenly aware of just how close you are, and just how easy it would be to kiss her. [[It's too soon. Just keep drinking]] [[Kiss Rota]] [[Wait and see if Rota kisses you]]

The two of you keep sipping your drinks, Rota exclaiming with delight at how delicious it is, clearly also pleased that you're enjoying yours as well. Just as you wonder if there is time to make another drink, that familiar voice breaks your train of thought. "$name and Rota. Your date is over. It's time to make your way back to the pool". [[Head back to the pool]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }You take one more sip for courage and then look at Rota, who is also looking at you, an emotion flashing in her green eyes which you can't quite read. You find yourself slowly closing the small gap between your mouths. Rota also moves forward and your mouths meet in moment of pure fire. Her lips are so soft, and you can taste the cocktail you made, mixing with the delicious concoction she had made for you. The kiss is hesitant at first, but the intensity builds, and your spare hand grasps the bar because you suddenly feel as though your legs could give way underneath you.Your tongues move together until Rota pulls back slightly from the kiss and traces the outline of your lips with the tip of her tongue. Your legs threaten to give way again and then the kiss ends. Rota looks at you, a huge smile on her face. "That cocktail I made tastes good! Well..you taste good. That was just..." But before she can finish her sentence the booming voice is back, declaring it's time for your moment to end. "$name and Rota. Your date is finished. Make your way back to the pool". [[Ugh. Talk about terrible timing. Time to go back]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }You stop drinking and look into Rota's eyes. There is an emotion flashing in her green eyes which you can't quite read. You slowly put your drinks down. Rota is blushing again. It somehow makes her even more attractive. "$name, I think I'd like to kiss you. Would that be ok? I don't want to do anything to damage your honour" The voice in your head laughs at that idea...that ship sailed long ago...but instead you just smile slightly and nod. Rota cups your face in her hands and your lips meet. The kiss is hesitant at first, but the intensity builds, and your spare hand grasps the bar because you suddenly feel as though your legs could give way underneath you. You let go of the bar and reach your hand up into her hair, pulling her closer to you and kissing her back deeply. Your tongues move together until Rota pulls back slightly from the kiss and traces the outline of your lips with the tip of her tongue. Your legs threaten to give way again and then the kiss ends. Rota looks at you, a huge smile on her face. "That cocktail I made tastes good! Well..you taste good. That was just..." But before she can finish the sentence, the booming voice is back, declaring it's time for your moment to end. "$name and Rota. Your date is finished. Make your way back to the pool". [[Ugh. Talk about terrible timing. Time to go back]]

You both look at each other and smile. Rota leans forward for one last quick kiss on the lips. "I really hope we get to spend some more time together, $name". You both turn and start walking back. As you look over to the pool you realise that although it felt as though you were in another world with Rota, you really weren't, and it seems like Abe might have been swimming in the pool the whole time. Oops. Did he see anything? You shrug it off. Nothing you can do about that now, and Rota really doesn't seem interested in him. [[Before you've even reached the pool the voice booms out again.]]

You both start walking back to the pool and you realise that Abe has been swimming in the pool the whole time. Phew, probably a good thing that the two of you didn't kiss because he would have definitely been able to see you. [[Before you've even reached the pool the voice booms out again.]]

Aayush shakes his head and rubs his temple with his fingers for a moment. "No," he responds. He's smiling now, but it doesn't seem completely natural. "Lily is just way too intense for me. We've known each other a day. She's beautiful, but really, she needs to chill." You raise an eyebrow at him, wondering why he's saying this to you and not Lily. But before you can test him further, the booming voice is back. "$name and Aayush. It's time for your date. Please make your way to the relaxation hut, where some special visitors are waiting to help ease your tension." You look to Aayush. [["Relaxation Hut?"]] [["Well this sounds perfect. I could do with some tension relief right now. Shall we?"]]

{(set: $friendaayush to $friendaayush +5) }Aayush laughs. "No," he responds, smiling. "Lily is intense but she wouldn't hurt a fly I'm sure of that. I think there are some people here you need to watch out for. Lily isn't one of them." You raise an eyebrow at him, wondering who he's talking about. But before you can test him further, the booming voice is back. "$name and Aayush. It's time for your date. Please make your way to the relaxation hut, where some special visitors are waiting to help ease your tension." You look to Aayush. [["Relaxation Hut?"]] [["Well this sounds perfect. I could do with some tension relief right now. Shall we?"]]

Aayush runs a hand though his dark hair. "Yeah, I haven't been in there yet, but it's over by the huts we sleep in. No idea what's in there, but I think we're about to find out. Shall I lead the way?" He puts out his hand to you, inviting you to hold it. [[Take his hand and let him lead the way.]] [[Awkwardly high five his hand and shout, "Let's Go!"]]

{(set: $friendaayush to $friendaayush +5) }Aayush smiles. "Me too. I haven't been in there yet, I don't think anyone has, but it sounds like the perfect venue for right now. Shall I lead the way?" He puts out his hand to you, inviting you to hold it. [[Take his hand and let him lead the way.]] [[Awkwardly high five his hand and shout, "Let's Go!"]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }You take his extended hand. His skin is incredibly smooth, but cold and a chill runs through you for a second. The feeling doesn't last long as it's replaced by a heat that starts at your core as you look at him. You're not sure you've ever been so close to another human who looks as perfect as Aayush. It's like looking at a photograph that has had every kind of beautification filter applied to it. You remember for a moment that he's a vampire and have a sudden moment of wondering what possessed you to choose him. Surely this was dangerous. The blood running through your veins must be a lure to him. But as he smiles and looks at you, his dark eyes impossible to read, you rationalise that the show producers wouldn't be putting you in any kind of danger. You're heading towards the Tiki huts, and you find that you've lost the ability to make small talk. You're not sure if it's his appearance or his cool exterior, but something is causing your brain to forget all words. Aayush has a slight look of worry on his face. "$name, are you ok?" [["Uh yeah, just submarine-lag I think."]] [["Just a bit...in awe I think."]]

Aayush laughs, "That's some energy you have $name. Ok, no hand holding, but at least let me lead the way. I have the advantage of knowing where we're going, after all." You nod and follow Aayush in the direction of the Tiki huts. You wonder which one you'll be sleeping in. You try to sneak a look at the boy walking along beside you. You're not sure you've ever been so close to another human who looks as perfect as Aayush. It's like looking at a photograph that has had every kind of beautification filter applied to it. You remember for a moment that he's a vampire and have a sudden moment of wondering what possessed you to choose him. Surely this was dangerous. The blood running through your veins must be a lure to him. But as he smiles and looks at you, his dark eyes impossible to read, you rationalise that the show producers wouldn't be putting you in any kind of danger. You find that you've lost the ability to make small talk. You're not sure if it's his appearance or his cool exterior, but something is causing your brain to forget all words. Aayush has a slight look of worry on his face. "$name, are you ok?" [["Uh yeah, just submarine-lag I think."]] [["Just a bit...in awe I think."]]

Aayush nods. "Yeah, I get that. It's weird for me because I don't normally need to sleep, so tiredness just isn't something I feel, but that submarine trip was really disorientating. Definitely my least favourite method of travel so far". You try to process the fact that he never sleeps, but fail. You both reach a Tiki hut which is larger than the ones that surround it. "Here we are," Aayush says as he extends his hand in the direction of the door. [["After you."]] [[Go through the door.]]

Aayush nods. "Yeah, I understand that. In all my years I've seen a lot of things, but this place? It's going to take some beating. I'd heard of holiday retreats like this...for people like me...but I'd never believed they were real until yesterday." You decide not to confess that the awe is more directed towards him than your environment. You both reach a Tiki hut which is larger than the ones that surround it. "Here we are," Aayush says as he extends his hand in the direction of the door. [["After you."]] [[Go through the door.]]

{(set: $friendaayush to $friendaayush +5) }You step back to allow Aayush to go into the hut first. You hear him exclaim 'nice!' as he steps through the door, and then, "Oh hi, you're the relaxation team I assume?" You follow quickly behind and see that he's talking to two men who are each stood by a massage table. The room is quite dark, but little flickering candles scattered throughout the space provide a warm glow. "Hi, welcome to the relaxation hut," one of the hut inhabitants says. "Please pick a massage table and lay down." Aayush looks at you, his normal cool exterior slightly flustered "Ok, this is actually quite intense. Do you have a table preference?" [["The one on the left."]] [[The one on the right|"The one on the left."]]

You walk into the hut and your eyes take a moment to adjust to the darkness. You jump slightly when you realise two men are stood by two massage tables. Aayush is following you and notices you jump, "Are you ok?...Oh!" "Hi, welcome to the relaxation hut," one of the hut inhabitants says. "Please pick a massage table and lay down." Aayush looks at you. There are hundreds of tiny candles scattered around the space and you can see that his normally cool exterior is slightly flustered, "Ok, this is actually quite intense. Do you have a table preference?" [["The one on the left."]] [["The one on the right."|"The one on the left."]]

You pick a table and lie down on it, putting your face into the conveniently placed gap. As you stare at the floor of the hut you wonder how this date is going to be even slightly romantic. You can't even see each other. Aayush is obviously having similar thoughts. "Well I'm really happy to have more time to get to know you..." You both call out in surprise when something cold is dropped onto your backs. You hear Aayush ask what it is, and his masseur explains that it's a special kind of clay mud, that is supposed to relax muscles and purify the skin. "I'm not going to lie to you, I'm more tense now that I have been for about fifty years," you hear Aayush respond. You can't help the laugh that escapes. The mud warms quickly as it's rubbed over your back, and you can actually feel the tension of the past few hours easing from your muscles. [[Sigh in contentment as you start to relax.]] [[Ask Aayush how he's feeling.]]

A small sigh escapes as your body continues to relax. Your mind has stopped racing for the first time since arriving in the dome, and it's giving you some space to think through everything you've experienced so far. You don't know how long you're there, silent, but then you feel your masseur's hands move away and hear him speak. "It's time for you both to be alone. You can continue the massage, or you can go and wash the mud off in the shower next door and then end the date. The choice is yours." You hear Aayush speak, "I vote that we stay in here for a bit longer, but it's totally up to you, $name." [["Uh...continue the date...it hasn't really started yet."]] [["I'm not feeling this...it's time to get this stuff off of me!"]]

{(set: $friendaayush to $friendaayush +10) }The question comes out quietly, it seems wrong to make much noise in this environment, but Aayush hears you "I mean...this isn't really my kind of thing, I'm not going to lie to you right now. I have managed to live for this many years without being covered in mud, and I'm not sure I needed to change the habit of a lifetime. I'd like to get to know you better as well if I'm honest. Although, if I could see you it would help." You feel your masseur's hands move away and hear him speak. "It's time for you both to be alone. You can continue the massage, or you can go and wash the mud off in the shower next door and then end the date. The choice is yours." Aayush speaks next, "I vote that we stay in here for a bit longer, but it's totally up to you, $name." [["Uh...continue the date...it hasn't really started yet."]] [["I'm not feeling this...it's time to get this stuff off of me!"]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }"As you wish," you hear your masseur say, and then the opening and closing of a door followed by silence. You sit up and perch on the edge of the bed. Aayush has done the same, and is already sat up. He watches you carefully, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Ok, you make mud sexy. Teach me how to do that." As you look over at him, you're not sure he needs any education in that particular subject area. You see the small pots of clay over to one side of the hut. [[Go and pick one up and get to work on Aayush's torso.]] [[Sit and wait for Aayush to make the next move.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -5) }Aayush sounds disappointed when he says, "Yeah, fair enough. This stuff feels really weird and I think it's starting to dry on my back." He stands up and looks at you. Do you want a hand in the shower or do want to go solo? [[Head into the shower by yourself, it's probably safest.]] [[You can control yourself, suggest you shower together to 'save time'.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) (set: $friendaayush to $friendaayush +5) }You walk over and pick up one of the small bowls and return to standing in front of Aayush. You dip your finger in the mud. [[Run it down his chest.]] [[Decorate his face.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }You sit perched on the edge of the table and Aayush makes his way over to the bowls of mud. As he picks one up he turns back to you and bites his bottom lip before asking, "Now what shall I do with this?" But he's clearly not expecting an answer and is quickly stood in front of you. He slowly runs a finger of mud down your neck and then across your collarbone. His touch sends your heart racing and as he encourages you to lie back by gently pushing your shoulders, it takes all of your restraint to stop yourself grabbing him and pulling him down on top of you. Instead you feel his fingers drawing shapes on your bare stomach. You can feel the fire spreading into your stomach from his touch, in spite of the coolness of his fingers. "$name?" Your eyes shoot open. You hadn't even realised you'd closed them. "How would you feel about me kissing you?" [[Nod..you'd feel pretty happy about that.]] [["Not yet Aayush...let's stick with the mud."]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }You slowly run your hand down his muscular chest. His skin feels so smooth and yet so solid. The mud doesn't warm up in the same way as it did when it was applied to your body. Aayush shifts slightly where he's sitting. "Ok, now this, this is a mud massage I can get on board with." Your hand stops on his taught stomach and returns to the pot. But before you can cover him with any more mud, Aayush moves forward slightly. As you look into his eyes you feel a little bit like a rabbit caught in the headlights. "$name...as much as I'm starting to love the mud there's something else I'd rather do right now. Can I kiss you?" [[Drop the bowl and kiss him first.]] [["Let's stick to the mud for this date"]]

{(set: $friendaayush to $friendaayush +5) }You slowly run your finger down his forehead and nose, marvelling for the millionth time at how perfect his features are. Your finger continues its journey over his mouth and chin, until it rests on his collarbone. Aayush shifts slightly where he's sitting. "Ok, now this, this is a mud massage I can get on board with," he says. Your hand returns to the pot. But before you can cover him with any more mud, Aayush moves forward slightly. As you look into his eyes you feel a little bit like a rabbit caught in the headlights. "$name...as much as I'm starting to love the mud there's something else I'd rather do right now. Can I kiss you?" [[Drop the bowl and kiss him first.]] [["Let's stick to the mud for this date"]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }The bowl drops to the floor, spilling the mud everywhere, but you're too wrapped up in what is about to happen to even notice. You move your clay covered hands to each side of his face and quickly bring your mouth to his. The kiss is deep and you lose yourself into the feel and taste of him. His hands move to your back, bringing you in closer to him. You start to push him backwards with your body, the heat of the kiss pushing you on to want more of him. But as you start to climb up onto the table, Aayush breaks the kiss. "God you're hot, $name. But lets give this some time. I think there could be something here...but I need to be sure it's real." You step back, your cheeks flushed. What just happened? If Aayush hadn't stopped this, you're not sure how far it would have gone. You're saved by the booming voice. "$name and Aayush. Your date is almost over. It's time to get clean and make your way back to the pool." [[Head into the shower by yourself, it's probably safest.]] [[You can control yourself, suggest you shower together to 'save time'.]]

Aayush smiles and nods. He looks weirdly relieved. You return to working with the mud until his face and torso are almost covered. Just as you're about to suggest maybe it's your turn to get covered in mud the booming voice interrupts you. "$name and Aayush. Your date is almost over. It's time to get clean and make your way back to the pool." [[Head into the shower by yourself, it's probably safest.]] [[You can control yourself, suggest you shower together to 'save time'.]]

You push the door open you find yourself stood outside again. Over to the right is an outdoor shower. You walk over to it and turn the water on. It's a bit cooler than you would ordinarily like, but know it might help the heat that is running through your body. You let the water run over your body and use your hands to wipe off the mud. It's soothing and you realise your body feels amazing. You swap with Aayush, who looks relieved to be freeing himself from his mud cocoon. The booming voice of annoyance speaks again. "$name and Aayush. Your date is over make your way back to the pool." [[Time to head back to the pool.|Ugh. Just when things were getting interesting. I guess I should go back to the pool.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }You take Aayush's hand and lead him in the direction you assume the shower is. But when you push the door open you find yourself stood outside again. Over to the right is an outdoor shower. You walk over to it and turn the water on. It's a bit cooler than you would ordinarily like, but know it might help the heat that is running through your body. You're still holding Aayush's hand, and let go of it to turn him around. You slide your hands down his back, wiping the mud off. As you reveal his skin beneath the mud and you can see his muscular back in it's full glory, you wonder when you'll find part of him that isn't perfect. You bite your lip as you bet that there isn't any part that isn't perfect, and wonder if you'll get to test that hypothesis. The booming voice of annoyance speaks again. "$name and Aayush. Your date is over. Please make your way back to the pool." [[Ugh. Just when things were getting interesting. I guess I should go back to the pool.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }Aayush drops the bowl to the floor and places his hands on the table, leaning over you until his lips meet yours. The kiss is deep and you lose yourself into the feel and taste of him. Your hands reach up and link around the back of his neck and you start to pull him towards you, the heat of the kiss pushing you on to want more of him. But suddenly Aayush breaks the kiss. "God you're hot, $name. But lets give this some time. I think there could be something here...but I need to be sure it's real." You step back, your cheeks flushed. What just happened? If Aayush hadn't stopped this, you're not sure how far it would have gone. You're saved by the booming voice. "$name and Aayush. Your date is almost over. It's time to get clean and make your way back to the pool." [[Head into the shower by yourself, it's probably safest.]] [[You can control yourself, suggest you shower together to 'save time'.]]

Aayush smiles and nods. He looks weirdly relieved. He returns to working with the mud until your stomach is covered in intricate shapes. Just as you're about to suggest maybe it's his turn to get covered in mud the booming voice interrupts you. "$name and Aayush. Your date is almost over. It's time to get clean and make your way back to the pool." [[Head into the shower by yourself, it's probably safest.]] [[You can control yourself, suggest you shower together to 'save time'.]]

You both start walking back, the heat of the dome quickly drying you as you walk. You find yourself thinking about the boy walking quietly beside you, feeling that he's still a bit of an enigma. A gorgeous enigma. But an enigma none-the-less. [[Before you've even reached the pool the voice booms out again.]]

{(set: $boomer to (prompt: "What do you want to call the booming voice that seems to have so much power? Killjoy? Buzzkill?",""))(set: $boomer to (upperfirst:$boomer)) (if: $boomer is "")[(set: $boomer to (either: "Buzzkill", "Killjoy", "Partypooper"))] }"$name," $boomer starts. "You've had the chance to go on two dates. I neglected to tell you earlier that you now need to couple up with one of the three Buried Lovers the public selected for you. Will you choose someone you went on a date with, or play a wildcard? The choice is yours. But choose carefully. Your future depends on it." You mutter to yourself, 'laying it on a bit thick there $boomer, but ok, I see you, I'll play this game'. $boomer continues, "You have one hour to get ready and then make your decision. I'll be back then." Marvellous, you think to yourself as you lie down and put your palm to your forehead. Time to put that thinking hat on. Who will it be? [[Go to Day 1 Part 3 - 'I Can't Decide'.]]

<div class="chaptertitle">Day 1. Part 3. I Can't Decide.</div> As you close your eyes and lie back on the lounger you wonder if getting changed in order to make the decision is really necessary. Rolling over to the designated spot is all you have energy for. But even through your closed eyelids you get the sense that the lights in the dome are starting to lower and the artificial night is on its way. Presumably that means some kind of evening wear is needed. Just as you prepare to try and find out where your clothes are, and just where you’re supposed to get ready, you suddenly become very aware that you’re not alone. You open one eye and turn to your left to see Zein sat on their side, head propped up on their hand, watching you. You don’t need to turn to know who is on your right. The smell of roses has already filled your nose. Zein is the first to speak. “So, $name. What are you going to do? It’s the talk of the bubble right now.” Fleur nods emphatically. “Zein is so right. I don’t think anyone knows who you’re going to pick, but I have a feeling Rota, Aayush and Alex would all like to spend more time with you.” [[“You guys are not helping.”]] [[“Can I just pick all three?”]]

Fleur looks genuinely apologetic. “Oh we’re sorry, $name. Honestly. Let us help.” Zein still has their head resting on their hand. “Yeah. Oh! Let’s play a game. I’m going to ask a question and you really quickly say the first answer that comes into your mind. You’d be amazed at how often the answer we need is buried deep inside us. The amount of wasted wishes I’ve granted to people who already have the thing they most desire, but just can’t see it. It’d break your heart”. It seems like you don’t have a choice and so you sit upright. Fleur runs to sit by Zein, so fast she could be flying. “Ok…first question…and remember…first answer that comes into your mind.” Zein clears their throat with a dramatic cough before continuing. "Easy one to start…what’s your favourite colour?” [[Green|Any colour.]] [[Black|Any colour.]] [[Pink|Any colour.]] [[Blue|Any colour.]] [[The colour of the sky at dusk]]

Fleur laughs. “I mean…that answer is a mood but I don’t think that’s in the spirit of the game. I wish we could help you, it must be so difficult coming in late and making this decision.” Zein still has their head resting on their hand. “Yeah. Oh! Let’s play a game. I’m going to ask a question and you really quickly say the first answer that comes into your mind. You’d be amazed at how often the answer we need is buried deep inside us. The amount of wasted wishes I’ve granted to people who already have the thing they most desire, but just can’t see it. It’d break your heart." It seems like you don’t have a choice and so you sit upright. Fleur runs to sit by Zein, so fast she could be flying. “Ok…first question…and remember…first answer that comes into your mind.” Zein clears their throat with a dramatic cough before continuing. "Easy one to start…what’s your favourite colour?” [[Green|Any colour.]] [[Black|Any colour.]] [[Pink|Any colour.]] [[Blue|Any colour.]] [[The colour of the sky at dusk]]

Zein nods. “Ok. Good start. Next question. Now they’re going to get tougher. What’s your big ambition?” [["To find love and be happy."]] [[To travel the world. See everything there is to see]] [[To know the script for every episode of Spongebob]]

Zein runs a hand through their hair. “Ok, that was a bit extra, but a good start. Next question. Now they’re going to get tougher. What’s your big ambition?” [["To find love and be happy."]] [[To travel the world. See everything there is to see]] [[To know the script for every episode of Spongebob]]

Fleur smiles. "You are so in the right place to do that, I can just feel that true love is waiting for you." She waves her hands around, signalling that it could be in the dome. “Ooh, I’ve got one!” Fleur bounces slightly where she's sittting. “What do you most look for in a partner?” [["Honesty…and they’ve got to be good with their hands. For making food. Obviously."|ideal partner]] [["Humour…and they’ve got to be good with their mouth…for telling jokes. Obviously."|ideal partner]] [["Nothing much. Just honesty, humour, passion, drive, intelligence, creativity, a body that won’t quit..."|ideal partner]]

“Hard agree with that ambition,” Zein responds, “and a deep-water bubble world has to be a good place to start.” “Ooh, I’ve got one!” Fleur bounces slightly where she's sitting. “What do you most look for in a partner?” [["Honesty…and they’ve got to be good with their hands. For making food. Obviously."|ideal partner]] [["Humour…and they’ve got to be good with their mouth…for telling jokes. Obviously."|ideal partner]] [["Nothing much. Just honesty, humour, passion, drive, intelligence, creativity, a body that won’t quit..."|ideal partner]]

Zein looks at you with an eyebrow raised. “Dream big, $name, dream big.” “Ooh, I’ve got one!” Fleur bounces slightly where she's sitting “What do you most look for in a partner?” [["Honesty…and they’ve got to be good with their hands. For making food. Obviously."|ideal partner]] [["Humour…and they’ve got to be good with their mouth…for telling jokes. Obviously."|ideal partner]] [["Nothing much. Just honesty, humour, passion, drive, intelligence, creativity, a body that won’t quit..."|ideal partner]]

Zein laughs. “Ha! Ok. Follow that thought…who do you want to couple up with?" [["Rota."|First thought Rota]] [["Aayush."|First thought Aayush]] [["Alex."|First thought Alex]] [["All three?"]]

{(set: $firstthought to "Rota") (set: $friendrota to $friendrota +10) (set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }Fleur’s eyes widen and she claps her hands. “Oh. My. God! You are going to be too gorgeous together. Beautiful! Rota is going to be so happy. I didn’t want to say anything before, but she hardly smiled yesterday, and I haven’t seen her stop smiling since you arrived.” Her face drops slightly. “Oh but poor Abe. He’s so quiet it’s impossible to tell, but I think he might really like her.” Fleur stops herself, realising she’s really not helping again. “But that isn’t something for you to worry about. You have to follow your heart. What if she’s your one? Ooh only twenty minutes until you get to choose her!” You sit up in horror. Where has the time gone? It really is time to go and pick out that outfit. You look around again, trying to work out where you’re supposed to go. Shouldn’t there be crew members…or just…someone…to help you navigate your way in this place. You stand up and look in the direction of the huts, and hear a voice to your right. Smooth and sultry. A voice that reminds you of drinking red wine in the middle of a vineyard at dusk. You register for a second that it’s an oddly specific comparison, but then realise you don’t have time for these random musings. “Hey, $name. Want me to show you which hut is yours?” The voice belongs to Catarina and you smile gratefully. She nods her head in the direction of the huts. [[Follow Catarina to the huts.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) (set: $friendaayush to $friendaayush +10) (set: $firstthought to "Aayush") }Zein’s eyes widen slightly as they look at you. “I think you’d be good for Aayush, but Lily is going to be mad. Are you ready for that storm? I mean. She could bring a literal storm into this dome. Or a plague. Actually, best we don’t think about it. You’re following your heart, right? That’s the important thing.” Fleur claps her hands again. "Ooh only twenty minutes until you get to choose him!" You sit up in horror. Where has the time gone? It really is time to go and pick out that outfit. You look around again, trying to work out where you’re supposed to go. Shouldn’t there be crew members…or just…someone…to help you navigate your way in this place. You stand up and look in the direction of the huts, and hear a voice to your right. Smooth and sultry. A voice that reminds you of drinking red wine in the middle of a vineyard at dusk. You register for a second that it’s an oddly specific comparison, but then realise you don’t have time for these random musings. “Hey, $name. Want me to show you which hut is yours?” The voice belongs to Catarina and you smile gratefully. She nods her head in the direction of the huts. [[Follow Catarina to the huts.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) (set: $friendalex to $friendalex +10) (set: $firstthought to "Alex") }Zein shouts, “Hell yeah, who wouldn’t?” Fleur looks at them in mock horror. Zein grins. “Ok. You know I only have eyes for you babe. But seriously, good choice. I could see you two being endgame. The chemistry was so clear from the first time you met." Fleur nods in agreement. “Honestly, I swear there were sparks. It’ll be interesting for Alex though…hasn’t he only dated Werewolves in the past?” She shrugs. “Not that it should matter. He’s here for a reason. Ooh only twenty minutes until you get to choose him!" You sit up in horror. Where has the time gone? It really is time to go and pick out that outfit. You look around again, trying to work out where you’re supposed to go. Shouldn’t there be crew members…or just…someone…to help you navigate your way in this place. You stand up and look in the direction of the huts, and hear a voice to your right. Smooth and sultry. A voice that reminds you of drinking red wine in the middle of a vineyard at dusk. You register for a second that it’s an oddly specific comparison, but then realise you don’t have time for these random musings. “Hey, $name. Want me to show you which hut is yours?” The voice belongs to Catarina and you smile gratefully. She nods her head in the direction of the huts. [[Follow Catarina to the huts.]]

{(set: $firstthought to "all of them") }Zein nods, their face a picture of exaggerated seriousness. “Well now that really is a mood. I don’t think our resident boomer,” they point into the air, presumably referring to $boomer, "is going to allow that somehow. But still…you’ve got at least twenty minutes until you need to choose." You sit up in horror. Where has the time gone? It really is time to go and pick out that outfit. You look around again, trying to work out where you’re supposed to go. Shouldn’t there be crew members…or just…someone…to help you navigate your way in this place. You stand up and look in the direction of the huts, and hear a voice to your right. Smooth and sultry. A voice that reminds you of drinking red wine in the middle of a vineyard at dusk. You register for a second that it’s an oddly specific comparison, but then realise you don’t have time for these random musings. “Hey, $name. Want me to show you which hut is yours?” The voice belongs to Catarina and you smile gratefully. She nods her head in the direction of the huts. [[Follow Catarina to the huts.]]

Catarina smiles at you as you walk. It’s a small smile, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. “So, $name, how does it feel to be the bombshell of the dome?” [[Amazing. The power is exhilarating.]] [[Uh…I’d quite like this bombshell to be diffused so I can chill with a margarita on the sun loungers.]] [[I just can’t wait to be coupled up to be honest.]]

{(set: $friendcatarina to $friendcatarina +5) }Catarina laughs. “Good! I hate it when I see people shying away from their own power. Embrace it. As long as you don’t pick Alex of course. If you do that I will be forced to curse you to a life of imperfect eyebrows. Imagine that”. She looks at you out of the corner of her eye and bursts out laughing when she sees your look of confusion. “Sorry. I’m joking. Alex is an absolute sweetheart but he’s not the one for me, and I am definitely not the one for him. You might be though. He’s been different since you arrived. A bit more…upbeat? A bit less propping up the bar.” [["That’s good to know."|Arrive at the hut.]] [["I’m not interested in Alex."|Arrive at the hut.]]

Catarina laughs. “It'll soon be over and there will be plenty of time for that. As long as you don’t pick Alex of course. If you do that I will be forced to curse you to a life of imperfect eyebrows. Imagine that.” She looks at you out of the corner of her eye and bursts out laughing when she sees your look of confusion. “Sorry. I’m joking. Alex is an absolute sweetheart but he’s not the one for me, and I am definitely not the one for him. You might be though. He’s been different since you arrived. A bit more…upbeat? A bit less propping up the bar.” [["That’s good to know."|Arrive at the hut.]] [["I’m not interested in Alex."|Arrive at the hut.]]

Catarina smiles. “Ah, a $genderdescriptlower who knows what $gender1lower wants. As long as you don’t pick Alex of course. If you do that I will be forced to curse you to a life of imperfect eyebrows. Imagine that.” She looks at you out of the corner of her eye and bursts out laughing when she sees your look of confusion. “Sorry. I’m joking. Alex is an absolute sweetheart but he’s not the one for me, and I am definitely not the one for him. You might be though. He’s been different since you arrived. A bit more…upbeat? A bit less propping up the bar.” [["That’s good to know."|Arrive at the hut.]] [["I’m not interested in Alex."|Arrive at the hut.]]

Catarina raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything else. Instead she points to the door of the Tiki hut at the far end of a long line. “They’ve put your suitcase in that one, so I guess that’s home for you now.” Your eyes follow the direction of her finger and you smile at her in thanks. Catarina enters her own hut, which is at the opposite end to yours. You wonder if Alex is in there as well, and realise that you have no idea what the sleeping arrangements actually are in this place. You walk to the hut and push open the door. Your suitcase is sat in the middle of a minimalist room which just contains a double bed, a set of drawers, a small wardrobe and a full length mirror. You walk over to the wardrobe, you've never seen the clothes it contains before, but every item is stunning. You undress and choose an outfit. It fits perfectly. It’s almost like it was made for you. $boomer chooses that moment to bellow at you. “$name. It’s decision time. Make your way to the fire pit to confirm who you will be coupling up with”. You resist the urge to throw the shoe that is in your hand at the wall. You haven’t even had a chance to finish getting ready. [[Check yourself in the mirror and realise you are absolutely perfect as you are and don’t stress it.]] [[Quickly finish getting ready. They can wait.]]

You blow a kiss at the mirror and smile back at yourself. You wonder where the fire pit is. You hadn’t seen it earlier, but you’re sure someone will show you the way. Maybe Catarina is still in her hut. You take a deep breath and sit down for a moment, gathering your thoughts. Being trapped in a drama dome might be a bad idea, but right now you just have a flutter of excitement in your chest as you wonder what the rest of the day will bring. [[You’ve got this. Time to go outside and make that decision.]]

As you walk outside and down past the huts you try knocking on some doors but there’s no answer. You decide to head back to the pool, and as it comes into view you realise that there was no need to worry about finding the fire pit. Apparently in this dome ‘fire pit’ didn’t mean a small metal construction with gentle flames burning. It meant a tower of flames seven feet high, seemingly coming straight out of the ground. You can see everyone stood around the fire chatting and your stomach does a full somersault. [[Keep walking]]

You walk over to the group. Zein catches your eye and smiles and Fleur mimes a strong arm and mouths “you’ve got this”. You look around the group and most people greet you with a smile. Even Lily, although for a second you feel like her face is distorted with anger, but when you blink there is nothing but a serene face with an angelic smile looking back at you. It’s only Abe who looks serious. Perhaps he really does like Rota. You try a small wave at him and he nods his head at you in response. You think back to the moment earlier when Zein asked you who you wanted to couple up with. Although you’d said $firstthought then, it really was decision time now. You look to Aayush who is talking to Catarina, his hands in the pockets of his trousers, much to the annoyance of Lily who is trying to hold onto his arm. Could some time with a ridiculously handsome vampire help make your time in the dome interesting? But was there more to him than his looks? Then there’s Rota. She’s stood sipping from a giant tankard. When she sees you looking she stops and smiles, a slight blush in her cheeks. You have a feeling that life would be anything but dull in a couple with Rota. A curl of red hair falls across her forehead and she quickly tucks it away again. Abe suddenly blocks your view, seemingly asking Rota a question. Your eyes move to your final potential match. Alex. He’s stood in a grey sweater and jeans, one hand in his pocket and the other running through his hair. He catches you looking and grins, putting his finger to his forehead in a mock salute. You can’t deny that getting to know him better is an attractive idea. $boomer returns with a cough. “$name and the other Buried Lovers. Please be advised that this is broadcasting live so avoid swearing. It’s time for $name to choose $genderpossessive2 new partner and break a couple up. Alex, Rota and Aayush, the public voted for one of you to be in a couple with $name. Please line up in front of the fire pit. At a safe distance, naturally.” The trio dutifully line up. It’s time. $boomer announces with an air of drama. “$name. The time is now. Please confirm who you wish to couple up with.” (link-goto: "Take a deep breath... this is it.", "Take a deep breath...this is it.")

You look around the group one last time before speaking. [[“The person I want to couple up with is Aayush.”]] [[“The person I want to couple up with is Rota.”]] [[“The person I want to couple up with is Alex.”]]

{(set: $coupled to "Aayush") (set: $couple1 to "Aayush") (set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) (set: $friendlily to $friendlily -10) }Aayush smiles but you are only able to see his face for a second as a wall of black smoke suddenly forms between you. Even more disconcerting is that the wall of black smoke seems to be screaming 'I will kill you' at you. Lily. Her distorted face appears through the smoke, hair flying in all directions, eyes burning brighter than the fire behind her. “Why couldn’t you have picked Alex or Rota? Why MY man?” You’ve never taken a Demon’s man before so this is new territory for you., and you wonder what to do next. [[Apologise.]] [[Shout. “Back off I’ve got salt.” She doesn’t need to know it’s a lie.]]

{(set: $coupled to "Rota") (set: $couple1 to "Rota") (set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }Rota drops the empty tankard she was still clutching and looks at you in shock. “I never thought,” she starts to say, but is interrupted by Abe tapping her on the shoulder and whispering in her ear. She looks at him before answering, a note of confusion in her voice. “No, don’t do that. Go and have fun. I won’t be back.” You struggle to stifle a shocked laugh at the bluntness in her rebuff. She walks over to you without looking back, and you are stunned again by just how gorgeous she looks. The producers clearly decided that gold was the colour palette for all of her clothes, and she’s changed into a gold slip dress which has hundreds of tiny sequins picking up the lights in the ceiling. It clings to every curve of her body. She’s literally dazzling, and you feel your stomach flip as the space between you closes. [[Close the remaining gap by running over to her for a kiss.]] [[Wait for her to reach you. Best to avoid rubbing it into Abe’s face, after all.]]

{(set: $coupled to "Alex") (set: $couple1 to "Alex") (set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }Alex’s face breaks out into a smile that is enough to melt you. He runs over to you and wraps you in a hug, effortlessly spinning you around with your feet off the ground. He puts you back down but then seems to remember something, and runs over to Catarina and says something quietly. She laughs and kisses him on the cheek. You can hear her say, “Alex, go, I’ll be fine.” He walks back over to you. “Sorry about that. I went on a little rollercoaster of being happy to get to spend time with you, to feeling worried that Catarina is now on her own. The first emotion wins though. Hands down. No competition. I’m excited to see where this goes. Thank you for choosing me.” You look into his eyes, the sparkle seems even brighter than usual, and you can’t tell if the heat you can feel is coming from him or the blazing fire behind him. [[Take his hand and suggest you go somewhere quiet to talk.]] [[Kiss him. There’s no time like now, after all.]] [[Wait to see what your next instruction is.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +5) }You link your fingers through his, and he clearly reads your mind. “Shall we head over to the cove? Have some quiet time?" His hand is warm in yours and a buzz of electricity runs through your fingers and up your arm. Before you can answer $boomer cuts in. “$name and Alex. You are now officially a couple. Catarina, unfortunately you are now single. There will be no eviction tonight, but it will be upon us soon and being single means you’re vulnerable. Get talking to the other Buried Lovers. Or you could always steal Alex back.” $boomer laughs, apparently happy to see your indignant face. “Alex and $name. There is a candlelit dinner waiting for you by the bar. Please make your way there now." Alex looks at you. “A bar date! Romance isn’t dead after all. Shall we head over there?” [[Walk over to the bar with Alex.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }You have a strong feeling that any time not spent kissing his lips is wasted time. Your lips meet his and you’re not sure if it’s the fact you're now in a couple, or just the giant burning pit you’re stood near, but your whole body feels like its suddenly hit by a surge of energy, followed by a sense that your legs are about to give way. You can feel him rest his hand on the small of your back, and the absolute certainty that there’s no way he’ll let you fall rushes through you. Just as your lips part and your tongues meet, $boomer cuts in. “$name and Alex. Please detach your lips for a moment. You are now officially a couple. Catarina, unfortunately you are now single. There will be no eviction tonight, but it will be upon us soon and being single means you’re vulnerable. Get talking to the other Buried Lovers. Or you could always steal Alex back.” $boomer laughs, apparently happy to see your indignant face. “Alex and $name. There is a candlelit dinner waiting for you by the bar. Please make your way there now.” Alex looks at you. “A bar date! Romance isn’t dead after all. Shall we head over there?” [[Walk over to the bar with Alex.]]

You have an awkward moment of realising that every pair of eyes in the dome are pointed in your direction. Lily is positively beaming at you, Rota is looking sadly at you while drinking from another tankard of mead, and Zein is giving you a thumbs up. Luckily $boomer breaks the awkwardness of the moment. “$name and Alex. You are now officially a couple. Catarina, unfortunately you are now single. There will be no eviction tonight, but it will be upon us soon and being single means you’re vulnerable. Get talking to the other Buried Lovers. Or you could always steal Alex back.” $boomer laughs, apparently happy to see your indignant face. “Alex and $name. There is a candlelit dinner waiting for you by the bar. Please make your way there now.” Alex looks at you. “A bar date! Romance isn’t dead after all. Shall we head over there?” [[Walk over to the bar with Alex.]]

As you approach the bar you see that the food is laid out on the actual bar counter, and the two tealight candles are doing little to add any kind of romantic atmosphere. Alex looks at you and rolls his eyes. “We can do better than this. Particularly with that lot,” he points back in the direction of your dome-mates who are all stood watching the two of you walk away, “watching our every move. Shall we grab some food and go and sit in the beach cove?” [[“Shall we just skip the food and head straight there?”]] [[“Yes! But let’s grab all of this food. It looks way too delicious to waste.”]]

Alex laughs. “It's tempting but that would be a crime against good food. And it's kinda important that I don't get hungry at night.” You both look at the spread of food. All of the parts of some delicious smelling vegetable fajitas are spread across the bar. Carrying them all in one go is going to be a mission impossible. Alex appears to have other ideas as he starts stacking the different plates and bowls along his arm. It’s like watching some kind of physical challenge in a game show on TV, and you’re a bit worried that removing everything is going to be a very messy game of human Jenga. Alex smiles at your look of shock. “Wolf by night, waiter in my Uncle’s Romanian restaurant by day. Both family businesses, both equally challenging in their own way. Although the pain of being a wolf most definitely does not compare to catering for a wedding party of sixty of my relatives. Actual hell, right there.” Questions about the pain he’s just mentioned are waiting to tumble out of your mouth, but now doesn’t seem like the right time. You have a suspicion that Alex is someone who will open up about different things when he’s ready to, anyway. He nods to the two remaining dishes, containing guacamole and tortilla wraps. “Grab those would you? I’d try to stack them as well to show off, but I have a feeling we’d be eating floor crap if I did.” [[Something about seeing his strong arms laden with dishes is doing something to you right now. Bite your lip before asking “How would a kiss affect your amazing dish balancing skills?”]] [[Just take the bowls. This is no time for games. There’s food to be eaten|Move to the beach.]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +10) }Alex laughs. “We are so on the same wavelength.” You both look at the spread of food. All of the parts of some delicious smelling vegetable fajitas are spread across the bar. Carrying them all in one go is going to be a mission impossible. Alex appears to have other ideas as he starts stacking the different plates and bowls along his arm. It’s like watching some kind of physical challenge in a game show on TV, and you’re a bit worried that removing everything is going to be a very messy game of human Jenga. Alex smiles at your look of shock. “Wolf by night, waiter in my Uncle’s Romanian restaurant by day. Both family businesses, both equally challenging in their own way. Although the pain of being a wolf most definitely does not compare to catering for a wedding party of sixty of my relatives. Actual hell, right there.” Questions about the pain he’s just mentioned are waiting to tumble out of your mouth, but now doesn’t seem like the right time. You have a suspicion that Alex is someone who will open up about different things when he’s ready to, anyway. He nods to the two remaining dishes, containing guacamole and tortilla wraps. “Grab those would you? I’d try to stack them as well to show off, but I have a feeling we’d be eating floor crap if I did.” [[Something about seeing his strong arms laden with dishes is doing something to you right now. Bite your lip before asking “How would a kiss affect your amazing dish balancing skills?”]] [[Just take the bowls. This is no time for games. There’s food to be eaten|Move to the beach.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }Alex’s eyes widen. “I mean, I’ve never tested it, and I have a feeling that with you it’s going to go very wrong. But that’s a risk I’m willing to take. In the name of science, only, you understand.” You place your hands to either side of his face and slowly and softly kiss his lips. His arms seem steady and strong until you trace along his top lip with your tongue and he moans slightly, his right arm dropping a tiny amount. With a crash, the bowl of salsa smashes to the floor. You both look down at it and then back at each other. “Totally worth it,” he says, a smile playing on his lips. “But shall we get the rest of this to the cove and relax?” [[Grab the last bowls and walk to the cove|Move to the beach.]]

You feel a rush of excitement about what could lie ahead as you walk to the beach. Who really is this boy who is making the butterflies in your stomach beat a rhythmic pattern with their wings? You arrive at the beach and lay everything out, taking each dish carefully from Alex’s arms and placing it down on the blanket that had been abandoned on the sand from earlier. As you finish and sit down, Alex takes a moment. "$name, I meant to say earlier that you look gorgeous tonight." You sense that he wants to say something else. But instead he looks a bit embarrassed and you smile and reach up for his hand, encouraging him to sit on the blanket with you. He looks relieved and sits down. You busy yourselves with building your fajitas for a minute. The lights in the dome have now almost been dimmed to pure darkness, and so you both work at speed before it’s impossible to see. You take a bite and look over at Alex who has just done exactly the same thing and is watching you thoughtfully while he eats. [[“Have I got food on my face? Stray guacamole?”]] [[“How are you feeling about me stealing you?”]] [[“Damn these fajitas are fine.”]]

“Ha! No. Although I still think you'd make it look cute. Oh god, that was cheesier than these nachos. I was just wondering how you’re feeling about your decision. Happy? Any regrets? Any plan to ask Zein for a wish that allows you to turn back time?” [[“Wait…they can do that?”]] [[Answer with a kiss.]]

“Ha, I’m not sure it was theft. I was yours to take. In more ways than one. It’s part of the game…and well…I wanted you to pick me. I can’t wait to see what happens next if I’m honest. It’s a new feeling for me. But more importantly, what about you? Are you happy with your decision? Any regrets? Any plan to ask Zein for a wish that allows you to turn back time?" [[“Wait…they can do that?”]] [[Answer with a kiss.]]

“You’ll hear no disagreement from me. The only thing missing is a decent beer. Sorry to interrupt the food talk but can I just ask something? Are you happy with your decision? Any regrets? Any plan to ask Zein for a wish that allows you to turn back time?” [[“Wait…they can do that?”]] [[Answer with a kiss.]]

Alex clasps his hands to his heart and falls backwards. "Ouch! I mean, yes, I don't think there's much that Zein can't do, but still. Painful answer, $name!" He lies on his back and looks at the ceiling. "It almost makes me not want to show you what's up there." He points upwards. [[Look up.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }You look into his eyes and see a vulnerability that surprises you. The last light of the day is highlighting his features and he’s never looked more stunning. You put your food to one side, any hunger pangs forgotten and get up to walk around the picnic blanket before kneeling down in front of him. You take his own plate and put it to one side as well. There are no complaints from Alex. You can see another type of hunger there. As you lean forward to kiss him he wraps his arms and hands around and under you, and in one movement moves you forward so that you’re sat on his legs. You wrap your own legs around him and move even closer until your bodies are pressed together. You realise you’ve forgotten to breathe in that moment and take a deep breath before losing yourself into a kiss. His hands press on your back, while your own run into his hair. Everything about him is pure heat. It runs through you in a way that is so different to anything you’ve experienced before. As your tongues meet you have a moment of wondering if you can just do this, all day, every day. You can feel your entire body responding to him and his touch and as he pulls away from the kiss slightly to bite on your bottom lip a small moan escapes. He pulls back slightly and clears his throat. “I’m not always so great at reading human signals. Am I right in interpreting your answer as yes, you’re happy with your choice? 'Cause Zein’s probably still around.” You open your eyes to find that the ‘daylight’ has gone but it’s been replaced by a softer light. You look into his face before smiling and nodding. In another quick movement he picks you up and moves you to be lying beside him. You look at him in bemusement as he lies down too and points up to the sky. [[Look up.]]

You gasp when you realise what he’s pointing at. A million tiny lights that could easily be the stars of the night sky are littered across the roof of the dome. It’s beautiful and as Alex reaches across to hold your hand you feel like this is one of those perfect moments. “I hope we get to do this for real under the night’s sky at some point,” he says so quietly it’s almost a whisper. [[Whisper back “Same.”]] [[“Slow down there mister. We’re on day one.”]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }Alex smiles and squeezes your hand. You lay there in silence just watching the stars. There’s no awkwardness in the quiet between you. It feels natural and you turn your head slightly to look at Alex who is still looking at the stars, his face peaceful and a slight smile on his lips. The peace is broken by $boomer. “Ten minutes until full lights out. Please make your way to your huts, Buried Lovers. And…remember the rules!” You look at Alex in confusion and he laughs. “Wow, they really didn’t tell you anything before dropping you in this place, huh? The dome falls into absolute darkness at a certain time each day and we aren’t allowed to leave our huts while it’s like that. Aayush’s theory is that it’s so they can do maintenance on the dome, he swears he’s seen people sneaking around with lamps on their foreheads. Catarina’s theory is that it’s designed to keep those of us who are more…uh…easily harmed…safe. Personally I think it’s probably a mix of the two.” He sighs. “Well we’d better head back, but this has been an amazing evening.” He brings your hand up to his mouth and kisses it lightly. [[Start making your way back to your hut.]] [[“Do we have to end this here?”]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex -5) }A small wave of hurt moves across Alex’s face, but it’s gone as quickly as it arrived. “Sorry, I just thought uh, you know, even if just as friends. Anyway, even the artificial stars are beautiful, huh?” The two of you lay in silence but the peace is broken by $boomer. “Ten minutes until full lights out. Please make your way to your huts, Buried Lovers. And…remember the rules!” You look at Alex in confusion and he laughs. “Wow, they really didn’t tell you anything before dropping you in this place, huh? The dome falls into absolute darkness at a certain time each day and we aren’t allowed to leave our huts while it’s like that. Aayush’s theory is that it’s so they can do maintenance on the dome, he swears he’s seen people sneaking around with lamps on their foreheads. Catarina’s theory is that it’s designed to keep those of us who are more…uh…easily harmed…safe. Personally I think it’s probably a mix of the two.” He sighs. “Well, we’d better head back, but this has been a great evening.” [[Start making your way back to your hut.]] [[“Do we have to end this here?”]]

The two of you quietly pack up the dishes and start taking them back to the bar. You suddenly have a strong urge to not be outside when full darkness descends and you’re sure you can feel the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. After depositing all of the empty dishes you both walk towards the huts and Alex stops at the end of the path. “So I’m not saying this with any kind of expectation that there was any plan other than this,” Alex says, the words tumbling out quickly, “but no one is allowed into each other’s huts at night at the moment. I’m guessing the producers didn’t tell you that either. I’m pretty sure the reasoning is linked to Catarina’s theory about keeping us safe. But yeah. That’s a rule.” [[Shrug. "Fair enough. More space for me."]] [[Well in that case I’d better make this moment count|Well if I can’t share my hut with Alex I guess I’d better make this moment count.]]

Alex turns to look at you. “So I’m not saying this because I think that you’re suggesting we spend the night together,” he raises an eyebrow and pauses, waiting for you to confirm either way if that was what you meant. When no confirmation is forthcoming he continues. “No one is allowed into each other’s huts at night at the moment. I’m guessing the producers didn’t tell you that either. I’m pretty sure the reasoning is linked to Catarina’s theory about keeping us safe. But yeah. That’s a rule. And we should probably get moving.” You suddenly have a strong urge to not be outside when full darkness descends and you’re sure you can feel the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. The two of you quietly pack up the dishes and start taking them back to the bar. After depositing all of the empty dishes you both walk towards the huts and Alex stops at the end of the path. [[“Thanks for a lovely evening. See you tomorrow.”]] [[Well if I can’t share my hut with Alex I guess I’d better make this moment count.]]

Alex laughs and shakes his head slightly. "Ok, a $genderdescriptlower who likes $genderpossessive2 space. I'm on the same page. Anyway, I have a feeling you snore." He grins at your look of indignation. Alex insists on walking you to the door of your hut and waits until you’re inside before leaving. You start getting ready for bed, and then lie, staring at the ceiling of your hut, thinking about everything that has happened today, and what might happen tomorrow. As you turn off the oil lamp by your bed and plunge your room into darkness you’re sure you can hear the sound of scratching outside your door but dismiss it as your imagination, and slip into a restless sleep filled with dreams of wolves and sharks and being trapped inside a bubble. [[Go to Day 2 Part 1 – "Pure Morning"]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +5) }You reach your arms around Alex and pull him into a tight hug. He reciprocates and you feel his warmth running through you. You both pull apart and the mental clock in your head is telling you that you’re fast running out of time until darkness descends. Alex insists on walking you to the door of your hut and waits until you’re inside before leaving. You start getting ready for bed, and then lie, staring at the ceiling of your hut, thinking about everything that has happened today, and what might happen tomorrow. As you turn off the oil lamp by your bed and plunge your room into darkness you’re sure you can hear the sound of scratching outside your door but dismiss it as your imagination, and slip into a restless sleep filled with dreams of wolves and sharks and being trapped inside a bubble. [[Go to Day 2 Part 1 – "Pure Morning"]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }You estimate you have two minutes until darkness and decide that you need to make that time count. You move your mouth to Alex’s ear and whisper 'thank you for a lovely evening' before gently biting his earlobe. You hear him inhale sharply and feel his arms wrap around you, pulling you close. Your lips find each other and you savour the feel of him touching you. The kiss is deep and your whole body reacts to it, as your fingers reach into his hair, pulling him even closer. He pulls away and puts his forehead to yours. “It’s actually physically hurting to say this but we need to get inside our huts. I can’t risk you being in danger.” Alex insists on walking you to the door of your hut and waits until you’re inside before leaving. You start getting ready for bed, and then lie, staring at the ceiling of your hut, thinking about everything that has happened today, and what might happen tomorrow. As you turn off the oil lamp by your bed and plunge your room into darkness you’re sure you can hear the sound of scratching outside your door but dismiss it as your imagination, and slip into a restless sleep filled with dreams of wolves, sharks and being trapped inside a bubble. [[Go to Day 2 Part 1 – "Pure Morning"]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +5) }You take a step back and put your hands out. “Lily, I’m sorry. Really. I didn’t want to upset you. I just…I had to pick someone and Aayush is the person I think is best suited to me.” The rage doesn’t seem to be subsiding, and the wall of smoke is growing larger, towering over you and it’s starting to feel like it’s closing in on you. You can vaguely hear Aayush shouting at her to stop, but the blood is pumping so loudly in your brain it all starts to fade away. The smoke touches your skin and you can feel it burning. Just as you’re sure you’re about to die you hear someone speaking in a language you don’t know, but in a voice you definitely recognise. Catarina. She is holding a large vase and shouting words at the monster that was Lily about five minutes ago. The smoke starts to be pulled in the direction of the vase and suddenly vanishes. Catarina looks at you. “I’ll talk to her. It’ll be ok. Although I hope for everyone’s sake that you’re serious about the decision you just made.” Aayush runs over to you and puts his hands on your arms. “$name, are you ok? I’m so sorry. I knew she’d be pissed but I never thought she’d be that pissed.” [[“Oh yeah, yeah I’m fine. It’s just a daily occurrence for me that a demon tries to destroy me.”]] [[“I’ve been better Aayush, not going to lie.”]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily -5) }As you shout at the smoke it somehow just starts to get more furious and the word 'Liar' is screamed into your face with such force that your hair blows backwards. Apparently she knows you don’t have any salt on you. The rage doesn’t seem to be subsiding, and the wall of smoke is growing larger, towering over you and it’s starting to feel like it’s closing in on you. You can vaguely hear Aayush shouting at her to stop, but the blood is pumping so loudly in your brain it all starts to fade away. The smoke touches your skin and you can feel it burning. Just as you’re sure you’re about to die you hear someone speaking in a language you don’t know, but in a voice you definitely recognise. Catarina. She is holding a large vase and shouting words at the monster that was Lily about five minutes ago. The smoke starts to be pulled in the direction of the vase and suddenly vanishes. Catarina looks at you. “I’ll talk to her. It’ll be ok. Although I hope for everyone’s sake that you’re serious about the decision you just made.” Aayush runs over to you and puts his hands on your arms. “$name, are you ok? I’m so sorry. I knew she’d be pissed but I never thought she’d be that pissed.” [[“Oh yeah, yeah I’m fine. It’s just a daily occurrence for me that a demon tries to destroy me.”]] [[“I’ve been better Aayush, not going to lie.”]]

Aayush looks at you for a moment, seemingly trying to determine your mood. You realise his cooling touch is helping the burning patch on your arm where the smoke touched you. “I probably deserve sarcasm,” he responds, “but I really am sorry.” Before you can answer $boomer cuts in. “$name and Aayush. You are now officially a couple. Lily, unfortunately you are now single". The sound of a roar fills the dome, but is quickly silenced. “There will be no eviction tonight, but it will be upon us soon and being single means you’re vulnerable. Get talking to the other Buried Lovers. Or you could always steal Aayush back.” $boomer laughs, apparently happy to see the rage on your face. “Aayush and $name. There is a candlelit dinner waiting for you by the bar. Please make your way there now." Aayush looks at you. “A bar date! Romance isn’t dead after all. Shall we head over there?” [[“Yes, hopefully there will be vodka.”]] [[“I’m feeling a bit tired after what just happened. Could you carry me over there?”]]

Aayush runs a hand through his hair. “I can see that. What can I do to help? Anything?” You realise his cooling touch is helping the burning patch on your arm where the smoke touched you. Before you can answer $boomer cuts in. “$name and Aayush. You are now officially a couple. Lily, unfortunately you are now single.” The sound of a roar fills the dome, but is quickly silenced. “There will be no eviction tonight, but it will be upon us soon and being single means you’re vulnerable. Get talking to the other Buried Lovers. Or you could always steal Aayush back.” $boomer laughs, apparently happy to see the rage on your face. “Aayush and $name. There is a candlelit dinner waiting for you by the bar. Please make your way there now." Aayush looks at you. “A bar date! Romance isn’t dead after all. Shall we head over there?” [[“Yes, hopefully there will be vodka.”]] [[“I’m feeling a bit tired after what just happened. Could you carry me over there?”]]

Aayush solemnly nods his head. “I promise to you that I will make you any drink you want, any time you want it for as long as we’re both still in this dome. And I’m a man of my word. Shall we?” He takes his hands off your arms and extends one in the direction of the bar. [[Walk to the bar.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }Aayush laughs “It would be my pleasure. It seems like it’s the very least I can do in this situation.” He scoops you easily into his arms, and as you wrap your arms around his neck you find yourself forgetting what has just happened, and relaxing. You’re fairly sure that vampires are supposed to be threatening beings, so why do you feel so safe in his arms right now? [[Be carried to the bar.|Walk to the bar.]]

As you approach the bar you see that the food is laid out on the actual bar counter, and the two tealight candles are doing little to add any kind of romantic atmosphere. Aayush looks at you. “$name, I think we can do better than this. And it might be better for you…I mean us…if we’re not quite as exposed to…uh…other eyes. Do you feel like moving this to the relaxation hut? This food,” he waves his hand at the delicious smelling fajita ingredients on the counter, “isn’t really to my palette, but I’ll transport it all in there, if you like.” You’re not sure where Lily is right now, but if she does appear again it does seem like it would be a sensible idea to avoid being within her sight. [[“Sounds like a plan.”]] [[“Ok, but let me carry this pitcher of cocktail over as well.”]]

Aayush seems to visibly relax. “Ok, good. You wait here. It will only take a moment” he calls over to Zein “Zein…keep an eye out for a minute will you?” Zein raises a thumb in confirmation, and before you can blink Aayush has disappeared. Instead, a blur that could perhaps be the handsome vampire is disappearing in the direction of the hut. You gasp when you realise that half of the food is also missing. Thirty seconds later Aayush is back by your side. “Just one more moment and we’re ready to go.” Before the question of what the hell is going on can leave your mouth he’s gone again, and so is the rest of the food and a giant pitcher of margarita. He quickly returns, not a hair out of place, “Ok, it’s ready when you are.” [[“Uh. Flash? I am hardly going to travel at normal speed now I’ve seen what you can do.”]] [[High speed travel has never been your thing. Walk over to the relaxation hut with Aayush.]]

Aayush seems to visibly relax. “Of course. You wait here. It will only take a moment.” He calls over to Zein, “Zein…keep an eye out for a minute will you?” Zein raises a thumb in confirmation, and before you can blink Aayush has disappeared. Instead, a blur that could perhaps be the handsome vampire is disappearing in the direction of the hut. You gasp when you realise that half of the food is also missing. Thirty seconds later Aayush is back by your side. “Just one more moment and we’re ready to go.” Before the question of what the hell is going on can leave your mouth he’s gone again, and so is the rest of the food and a giant pitcher of margarita. He quickly returns, not a hair out of place “Ok, it’s ready when you are.” [[“Uh. Flash? I am hardly going to travel at normal speed now I’ve seen what you can do.”]] [[High speed travel has never been your thing. Walk over to the relaxation hut with Aayush.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }Aayush raises an eyebrow and leans over to whisper “get ready” into your ear. He puts an arm behind your knees and the other behind your back and scoops you up into his arms. You feel safe and secure, and wrap your arms around his neck. He smiles at you, and up close it’s absolutely dazzling. Suddenly you’re moving, but it isn’t like any kind of movement you’ve experienced before. There’s no sense of running, no feet pounding on the ground. It feels more like flying. You try to keep your eyes open to see how fast you’re travelling, but it’s too much, your head starts to spin and you close your eyes. It seems like it’s only a second later when Aayush announces “and here we are,” before opening the door to the hut. You’re still clinging to his neck and realise your eyes are still clamped shut. [[Open your eyes|Step inside.]]

The two of you walk over to the hut. Aayush tucks his hands in his pockets as he walks, seemingly unsure what to do with them. You puzzle again at this boy who seems to swing from exuding pure confidence, to being shy. He smiles at you, and it’s dazzling. “I prefer travelling at this speed if I’m honest. It allows me to see the small details. Appreciate what’s around me.” He looks at you again and you feel like your legs might buckle under the intensity of the gaze. The huts aren’t far away, and even at this speed you arrive quickly. Aayush holds open the door to the hut and invites you in. [[Step inside.]]

You gasp as you look at what’s in front of you. Aayush hasn’t only transported all of the food and the cocktail jug. He’s also found and lit hundreds of tiny tea lights. There’s no furniture left in the room, only a blanket on the floor with the food spread out. Sheets are pinned to the wall and then stretched up to the centre point of the ceiling. It gives the impression of being in your very own Tiki blanket fort. It looks romantic and cosy and your head and heart battle between amazement that he managed to achieve this in a matter of two minutes, and a sense of being overwhelmed by just how beautiful it looks. Aayush is positively beaming as he sees the look of wonder on your face. “I thought it was the least I could do. You know…after what happened earlier.” [[“Well this makes up for it. Thank you.”]] [[“It might take more than sheets and candles.”]] [[Enough tension…and enough words. Answer with a kiss.]]

Aayush smiles, clearly pleased that his efforts have been noticed. You look around the hut again, smiling at how beautiful it looks in the candlelight. Tiredness suddenly takes over, the adrenaline of the Lily incident clearly leaving your body, and you gratefully sit down on the rug and eye up the jug of cocktail waiting for you. [[Get that drink.]]

Aayush nods solemnly. "And I intend to keep trying until it's enough." You smile despite yourself and sit down on the blanket. A bead of water is working its way down the cocktail jug, and you suddenly realise you need a drink. Badly. [[Get that drink.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }You look at Aayush. Speechless in that moment. As your eyes meet you feel a rush of something go through your body. Not electricity, more like a tidal wave running through your blood stream. Without thinking you move your lips to his. He responds, still holding you comfortably in his arms. His lips are still cool and soft and you marvel at how sweet he tastes as your tongues find each other. Your arms are still wrapped around his neck and your fingers move up into his hair, lightly scratching backwards and forward along the hair at the nape of his neck. Aayush breaks the kiss first and looks at you, his face serious. “I think you may get me into a lot of trouble, $name. My biggest challenge.” You look at him, puzzled. You know that you’re no push over, but you’re not sure what the ‘challenge’ element is. “Ok, time for us to properly relax,” Aayush says, lowering your feet to the ground. You feel wobbly on your feet, but Aayush still has his arm around your back, and he steadies you. You sit on the blanket, relieved to be able to hide just how wobbly you still feel. You’re not sure if it’s still your travels to the dome catching up with you, or the experiences in the dome. Either way, a cocktail would be amazing right now. [[Get that drink.]]

As you reach over for the pitcher and pour a drink, Aayush sits down opposite you. The candle flame dances across his face and he’s looking at you seriously. “$name. You look absolutely stunning. It shouldn’t have taken me so long to tell you that." His serious look softens slightly. "Your oufit left me speechless when I saw you earlier." He doesn’t wait for a reaction and instead looks down at all of the food spread out. “I miss this.” [[Do you want to just take a bite?]] [[Why can’t you eat it?]]

He looks up at you, something flashing in his eyes which you haven’t seen before. “Well now that’s on offer I wouldn’t normally say no to. But I’m in here for a reason, and so I’ll have to say no, but thank you.” He looks at your bemused face and suddenly realises you were referring to the fajita you’d just made. He looks flustered. “Oh, no, I can’t eat food anymore. The mess I’d make if I tried certainly wouldn’t add any kind of romance to the evening.” You busy yourself with building your fajitas for a minute, trying not to think about the type of bite he was referring to, and to think of a topic of conversation that is less tense. Aayush is definitely a closed book, but you have a feeling that if you can get the front cover to open, he’ll be a hell of a read. You take a bite and look over at Aayush and realise he’s watching you thoughtfully and you decide to try again with the conversation. [[“Have I got food on my face?”]] [[“How are you feeling about me stealing you from Lily?”]]

“Oh, I can’t eat food anymore. The mess I’d make if I tried certainly wouldn’t add any kind of romance to the evening.” His voice is dismissive, and it seems to be a topic of conversation he doesn’t want to talk about. You busy yourself with building your fajitas for a minute, trying to think of a topic of conversation that is less tense. Aayush is definitely a closed book, but you have a feeling that if you can get the front cover to open, he’ll be a hell of a read. You take a bite and look over at Aayush and realise he’s watching you thoughtfully and you decide to try again with the conversation. [[“Have I got food on my face?”]] [[“How are you feeling about me stealing you from Lily?”]]

“No," he replies, "I was just wondering how you’re feeling about your decision to couple up with me. From my perspective I wanted you to pick me. I feel like you’re the reason I’m here. I know that sounds strange, but I hope you’ll come to understand. But how are you feeling? Any regrets? I can’t imagine that having an angry demon in your face has positively reinforced your decision?” [[“I could have done without the angry demon, I can’t deny that.”]] [[Kiss him.]]

“Although events after you chose me might not have indicated this, I really was yours to take. In more ways than one. It’s part of the game. But more importantly, I wanted you to pick me. I feel like you’re the reason I’m here. I know that sounds strange, but I hope you’ll come to understand. But more importantly, what about you? Are you happy with your decision? Any regrets I can’t imagine that having an angry demon in your face has positively reinforced your decision?” [[“I could have done without the angry demon, I can’t deny that.”]] [[Kiss him.]]

As you answer him you look into his eyes and feel your breath catch in your chest. Sparks of fire from the tealights are mixed with a dark brooding that seems to have a magnetic effect on you and your body and mind suddenly want to be closer to him. Without knowing what you’re doing you cast your food to one side and climb across the rug on all fours, scattering food and cocktails everywhere, but without even registering that you just destroyed your outfit. You start to push him backwards, until he’s laying back with you straddling him. You lean over him and your voice whispers 'I want you' in his ear without you knowing where it came from. Aayush’s hands suddenly grab your shoulders and push you back. “No you don’t,” he says. Not angry, a note of resignation in his voice. He stands up and leaves you kneeling on the rug surrounded by food. “You think you want me. But it’s not real.” [[“Uh, tell that to a very specific part of my body which very much wants you right now.”]] [[“What…what just happened?”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }You look into his eyes and feel your breath catch in your chest. Sparks of fire from the tealights are mixed with a dark brooding that seems to have a magnetic effect on you and your body and mind suddenly want to be closer to him. Without knowing what you’re doing you cast your food to one side and climb across the rug on all fours, scattering food and cocktails everywhere, but without even registering that you just destroyed your outfit. You reach him and kneel, placing your hands behind his neck. You lean forward and kiss him hungrily, pressing yourself into him. Your tongue catches the sharpness of one of his canine teeth but it doesn’t scare you. Instead it spurs you on and you start to push him backwards, until he’s laying back with you straddling him. You lean over him and run your tongue along his neck. Your mind is nothing but a swirling mass. What was in that cocktail? This isn’t like you. You’d at least normally wait until thirty minutes into the date. But your voice whispers 'I want you' in his ear without you knowing where it came from. Aayush’s hands suddenly grab your shoulders and push you back. “No you don’t,” he says. Not angry, a note of resignation in his voice. He stands up and leaves you kneeling on the rug surrounded by food. “You think you want me. But it’s not real.” [[“Uh, tell that to a very specific part of my body which very much wants you right now.”]] [[“What…what just happened?”]]

Aayush laughs, apparently in spite of himself. “Trust me, $name, I probably want you even more, but we’ve got to do this the right way. There’s something in me, the darker side of me, which means that I can get any human I want with a click of my fingers. But I’m bored of that. I don’t want that. I want something real. That thing that just happened? That wasn’t real. That wasn’t you.” [[“I politely beg to differ.”]] [[“Well, what do we do? How do we know what’s real?”]]

He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "There’s something in me, the darker side of me, which means that I can get any human I want with a click of my fingers. But I’m bored of that. I don’t want that. I want something real. That thing that just happened? That wasn’t real. That wasn’t you.” [[“I politely beg to differ.”]] [[“Well, what do we do? How do we know what’s real?”]]

He shakes his head slightly. “You’re going to have to trust me on this one. We should take this slow. If you’re with me because you have a fetish for getting bitten by a vamp then this probably isn’t going to work out for longer than one night. If you’re with me because you want to see what’s here, what’s between us, then trust me. It’s a long game but I get the feeling it will be worth it on the long run.” [[“I’m here for the long game”]] [[“I’m going to have to think about this.”]]

He shrugs. “We’re going to have to take things slow. Learn where we stand with each other. If we jump straight in it’s going to get difficult. If you’re with me because you want to see what’s here, what’s between us, then trust me. It’s a long game but I get the feeling it will be worth it on the long run.” [[“I’m here for the long game”]] [[“I’m going to have to think about this.”]]

Aayush smiles at you, it’s warm and genuine, and it’s the most human you’ve seen him look since you stepped foot in the dome. You wonder who the human behind the vampire is, and feel a flutter of excitement at the thought of finding out. Aayush kneels back down in front of you. “Although,” he reaches up and strokes your cheek with his thumb, “going slow doesn’t mean having no fun at all." He bites his bottom lip. It takes all of your willpower to avoid looking into those eyes again. “$name, my fajita covered beauty, may I ask for one kiss?” [[“I need more space to think. Shall we just clean up for now?”]] [[Nod.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -10) }Aayush nods and simply says “Understood.” There is no note of annoyance at the rebuttal as he continues, "Shall we tidy up?" The two of you start scooping everything that was spilled into the bowls. The rug is going to need a serious clean, there’s no saving it. Your peaceful work is interrupted by $boomer. “Ten minutes until full lights out. Please make your way to your huts Buried Lovers. And…remember the rules!” You look at Aayush in confusion and he laughs. “Wow, they really didn’t tell you anything before dropping you in this place, did they? The dome falls into absolute darkness at a certain time each day and we aren’t allowed to leave our huts while it’s like that. My theory is that it’s so they can do maintenance on the dome, I’m sure I’ve seen people sneaking around with lamps on their foreheads. Catarina’s theory is that it’s designed to keep those of you who are more…uh…easily harmed…safe.” He shrugs. “Well we’d better head back, but this has been an amazing evening. I’m excited to see where this goes my fajita $genderdescriptlower.” You look down and realise that it’s going to take more than a bit of tidying to clean up the mess you’ve made of your outfit, as a piece of salsa drops off onto the floor. [[Make your way back to your hut.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -10) }Aayush nods and simply says 'Understood' but without a note of annoyance at the rebuttal. The two of you start scooping everything that was spilled into the bowls. The rug is going to need a serious clean, there’s no saving it. Your peaceful work is interrupted by $boomer. “Ten minutes until full lights out. Please make your way to your huts Buried Lovers. And…remember the rules!” You look at Aayush in confusion and he laughs. “Wow, they really didn’t tell you anything before dropping you in this place, did they? The dome falls into absolute darkness at a certain time each day and we aren’t allowed to leave our huts while it’s like that. My theory is that it’s so they can do maintenance on the dome, I’m sure I’ve seen people sneaking around with lamps on their foreheads. Catarina’s theory is that it’s designed to keep those of you who are more…uh…easily harmed…safe.” He shrugs. “Well we’d better head back, but this has been an amazing evening. I’m excited to see where this goes my fajita $genderdescriptlower.” You look down and realise that it’s going to take more than a bit of tidying to clean up the mess you’ve made of your outfit, as a piece of salsa drops off onto the floor. [[Make your way back to your hut.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }Aayush smiles and it’s gentle and warm, “Close your eyes,” he whispers. His face is so close that his breath tickles your face. You do as you're asked and feel him gently take your chin between his thumb and forefinger and guide your mouth up to his. This kiss is gentle, as his lips press against yours. There is no coursing fire through your veins. Instead, a kaleidoscope of butterflies flutter throughout your body and settle in your stomach. His lips are cool, but they feel somehow comforting. In that moment you can’t imagine ever wanting to kiss any other lips. You keep your hands purposefully by your side, and instead allow Aayush to slowly graze the back of his fingers down the side of your neck. Your whole body reacts with a shiver of excitement and you can feel Aayush smiling against your mouth. He slowly pulls away and you open your eyes. [[“I…that was…that felt…”]] [[“Meh…I’ve had better kisses.”]]

The two of you quietly leave the relaxation hut and walk to the neat row of huts which you’ll be calling home. You suddenly have a strong urge to not be outside when full darkness descends and you’re sure you can feel the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. As you reach the door to your hut Aayush places a gentle hand on your shoulder. “I guess no one has told you that going into another person’s hut is absolutely forbidden at the moment. I don’t think that would be a good idea for us anyway…yet…but I just thought you should know that rule. I’m pretty sure the reasoning is linked to Catarina’s theory about keeping you safe.” [[Fair enough. More space for me.|Go into your hut.]] [[Nod and stand awkwardly wondering how to say goodnight.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }Aayush’s breath escapes in a rush. “It was, I felt it too”. You can’t escape the butterflies that are still beating their wings, and the excitement about what is ahead for you builds. Before you can say anything else $boomer interrupts. “Ten minutes until full lights out. Please make your way to your huts Buried Lovers. And…remember the rules!” You look at Aayush in confusion and he laughs. “Wow, they really didn’t tell you anything before dropping you in this place, did they? The dome falls into absolute darkness at a certain time each day and we aren’t allowed to leave our huts while it’s like that. My theory is that it’s so they can do maintenance on the dome, I’m sure I’ve seen people sneaking around with lamps on their foreheads. Catarina’s theory is that it’s designed to keep those of you who are more…uh…easily harmed…safe…” He shrugs. “Well we’d better head back, but this has been an amazing evening. I’m excited to see where this goes my fajita $genderdescriptlower." You look down and realise that it’s going to take more than a bit of tidying to clean up the mess you’ve made of your outfit, as a piece of salsa drops off onto the floor. [[Make your way back to your hut.]]

Aayush laughs, and you find yourself joining him as he responds with “Ha! Ok…must do better. Challenge accepted.” Your laughter is interrupted by $boomer. “Ten minutes until full lights out. Please make your way to your huts Buried Lovers. And…remember the rules!” You look at Aayush in confusion and he laughs again “Wow, they really didn’t tell you anything before dropping you in this place, did they? The dome falls into absolute darkness at a certain time each day and we aren’t allowed to leave our huts while it’s like that. My theory is that it’s so they can do maintenance on the dome, I’m sure I’ve seen people sneaking around with lamps on their foreheads. Catarina’s theory is that it’s designed to keep those of you who are more…uh…easily harmed…safe…” He shrugs. “Well we’d better head back, but this has been an amazing evening. I’m excited to see where this goes my fajita $genderdescriptlower.” You look down and realise that it’s going to take more than a bit of tidying to clean up the mess you’ve made of your outfit, as a piece of salsa drops off onto the floor. [[Make your way back to your hut.]]

You’re trying to resist the urge to kiss Aayush goodnight when he cups your face in his hands and slowly leans forward to kiss you gently. The butterflies hadn’t left you, but they go into overdrive at the feel of his mouth again. He pulls away and places a soft kiss on your forehead murmuring, “Goodnight and sweet dreams,” before stepping away and gesturing his hand to the door of your hut. [[Go into your hut.]]

As you walk inside and then turn to close the door behind you, you see that Aayush is stood peacefully waiting for you to be safe inside before leaving. You start getting ready for bed, and then lie, staring at the ceiling of your hut, thinking about everything that has happened today, and what might happen tomorrow. As you turn off the oil lamp by your bed and plunge your room into darkness you’re sure you can hear the sound of scratching outside your door but dismiss it as your imagination, and slip into a restless sleep filled with dreams of black smoke, bats and being trapped inside a bubble. [[Go to Day 2 Part 1 – "Pure Morning"]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }You can’t wait a moment longer to be with her, and run over to her. She looks surprised for a second, but then doesn’t skip a beat before scooping you into a hug and spinning you round. As you come to a stop you look up at her. Her cheeks are flushed, and her green eyes are flashing with excitement. “I’ve never,” she starts, but she doesn’t get to finish the sentence because your lips have found her. The kiss is soft and quick, but it’s enough to assure you that you’ve made the right choice. Your whole body feels alive, just being near her, as if all the energy of the galaxy is flowing out of her through that curly red mane. You hear a deep groan and look behind Rota to see Abe sat on a step by the fire pit, his head in his hands, his glasses temporary removed and on the floor. [[Feel bad for Abe and go and speak to him.]] [[He’s only known her for a day. Focus on time with your girl instead.]]

It doesn’t take long before Rota is stood in front of you, wrapping you up in her arms in a hug that makes your whole body feel like it’s just been hit with a bolt of pure energy and power. You try to find the words to say how happy you are in that moment, but your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a deep groan. You look behind Rota to see Abe sat on a step by the fire pit, his head in his hands, his glasses temporary removed and on the floor. [[Feel bad for Abe and go and speak to him.]] [[He’s only known her for a day. Focus on time with your girl instead.]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +10) }You look at Rota, and quietly point in Abe’s direction. She shrugs but doesn’t seem to have any objection with you going and talking to him. You walk over and sit next to him on the step. He looks up at you. “Oh. Hey.” [["Are you ok?"]]

You try and block Abe’s obvious upset from your mind. Catarina soon goes and sits beside him, putting a comforting arm around his shoulder. You return your attention to Rota, but before you can say anything $boomer cuts in. “$name and Rota. You are now officially a couple. Abe, unfortunately you are now single. There will be no eviction tonight, but it will be upon us soon and being single means you’re vulnerable. Get talking to the other Buried Lovers. Or you could always steal Rota back.” $boomer laughs, apparently happy to see your indignant face. “Rota and $name. There is a candlelit dinner waiting for you by the bar. Please make your way there now.” Rota looks at you. “I’ve never had a candlelit dinner before. This is going to be amazing!?” [[Take her hand and walk over to the bar.]] [[Start running towards the bar and shout ‘last person there makes all of the cocktails!’]]

Abe tried to force a smile. “Yeah. Yeah sure. I just…didn’t expect to be single so soon. I haven’t achieved what I came here to do.” He looks over at Rota. “Rota is clearly happy with your choice…go and enjoy your time with her. She’s amazing. Honestly. One day with her and I’m already questioning everything I thought I knew.” He picks up his glasses and puts them on before looking at you again. “I’m not sure what I expected to be honest. Us mere mortals can’t play with fire and not get burned. Now go, but remember you might need armour of a different kind to deal with Rota.” [[Run back to Rota.]]

You try to shake off Abe’s words as you stand beside Rota again, but before you can say anything $boomer cuts in. “$name and Rota. You are now officially a couple. Abe, unfortunately you are now single. There will be no eviction tonight, but it will be upon us soon and being single means you’re vulnerable. Get talking to the other Buried Lovers. Or you could always steal Rota back.” $boomer laughs, apparently happy to see your indignant face. “Rota and $name. There is a candlelit dinner waiting for you by the bar. Please make your way there now.” Rota looks at you. “I swear I’ve never had a candlelit dinner before. This is going to be amazing!?” [[Take her hand and walk over to the bar.]] [[Start running towards the bar and shout ‘last person there makes all of the cocktails!’]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +5) }You extend your hand, and Rota happily takes it, her fingers linking with your comfortably. For a moment you wonder what atrocities this hand has had to deal with. How many dead bodies it has dragged out of battle. But then you realise that's not exactly romantic date conversation and bite your tongue to stop yourself saying anything stupid. Rota seems comfortable with the silence as you walk, her attention seemingly on the dinner that lies ahead. As you approach the bar you can see that the food is laid out on the actual bar counter, and the two tealight candles are doing little to add any kind of romantic atmosphere. You're about to suggest that you take the food somewhere else, but before you can form the sentence, Rota sits down on a bar stool. [[Sit next to her.]] [[Drag a stool to the other side of the bar and sit opposite her.]]

You start running. Before you can even finish the sentence, Rota has overtaken you, her strong legs pounding across the AstroTurf lawn. You hear her call out to you, "Come on! They'll be no food left by the time you get here." You don't admit defeat and keep running until you reach the bar. As you approach the bar you can see that the food is laid out on the actual bar counter, and the two tealight candles are doing little to add any kind of romantic atmosphere. You're about to suggest that you take the food somewhere else, but before you can form the sentence, Rota sits down on a bar stool. [[Sit next to her.]] [[Drag a stool to the other side of the bar and sit opposite her.]]

{(set: $position to "beside") }You choose to sit on the stool next to Rota. It’s positioned so close that your legs are touching slightly, but Rota doesn’t seem to mind, and you definitely don’t. You look at the feast of food that has been spread along the bar. Every possible ingredient for the worlds best fajitas is within reach, but as you start to make one you notice Rota poking some guacamole with a spoon, a look of confusion on her face. “What kind of vegetable is this? It looks like something I sneezed up after uncovering a long-buried crypt.” [[“It’s guacamole…avocado. And omg gross.”]] [[“A crypt? What was that like?”]]

{(set: $position to "opposite") }You drag a stool around to the other side of the bar, the stool legs making a loud scraping noise as they travel. You realise that the stool itself is as light as a feather and you could have just carried it with less fuss. You sit down opposite Rota, a spread of every type of fajita ingredient imaginable separating you. As you look at Rota you notice that she’s poking some guacamole with a spoon, a look of confusion on her face. “What kind of vegetable is this? It looks like something I sneezed up after uncovering a long-buried crypt.” [[“It’s guacamole…avocado. And omg gross.”]] [[“A crypt? What was that like?”]]

''Hey babe, before you continue you'd better save your game:'' (if: (saved-games:) contains $_saving_slot)[(link: "Save $_saving_filename.") [(if: (save-game: $_saving_slot, $_saving_filename+". Day 1.1 End"))[Game saved!] (else:)[Sorry, I couldn't save your game.] ]] (else: )[(link: "Wait. How did you bypass the Saving Station? Luckily you can set up an emergency save by clicking here.") [(set: $_saving_slot to "save000", $_saving_filename to (prompt: "Enter something:", "Save 000")) (save-game: $_saving_slot, $_saving_filename+". Day 1.1 End")[Game saved!] ]]

But as you answer you realise that Rota isn’t listening. Instead, a spoon of chopped chillies is making its way into her mouth. You try to stop her, but it’s too late. They’ve gone. You sit waiting for a reaction, but there isn’t one. Instead Rota shrugs slightly and moves to folding an empty tortilla into a little parcel, and biting the edge. You realise it’s like you’re watching an alien who has just landed on earth, and is experiencing everything for the first time. As that thought rests in your mind, you realise that is a fairly accurate description. You are sat, about to share food, with a girl whose experiences are so unlike yours. You suddenly worry that there will be no way of bridging the two different universes you inhabit. But then, just like that, Rota says something that reels you straight back in. “$name, I want you to know that I came on this show to start living. But I think I might have found something better. Someone I want to experience that living with.” She suddenly looks flustered “I mean, even just as friends or…” [[Forget the food. Kiss her.]] [[“I get the feeling that experiencing things with you would never be dull.”]]

Rota looks at you, a look of confusion on her face. “You’ve never been in a crypt? But that was a word I learned from your language. I mean, I think it was a crypt. It was a giant room full of dead people. Oh, and Draugr. That’s why we were there to be honest, to destroy them once and for all. There was rumour of them coming to Earth. Imagine. Your world overrun by Draugr.” She throws her head back and laughs at the thought. You consider asking what the hell a Draugr is, but decide against it. Your head has reached its maximum weird level for today. You realise you’re sat, about to share food, with a girl whose experiences are so unlike yours. You suddenly worry that there will be no way of bridging the two different universes you inhabit. But then, just like that, Rota says something that reels you straight back in. “$name, I want you to know that I came on this show to start living. But I think I might have found something better. Someone I want to experience that living with.” She suddenly looks flustered “I mean, even just as friends or…” [[Forget the food. Kiss her.]] [[“I get the feeling that experiencing things with you would never be dull.”]]

(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10)\ (if: $position is "beside") [You turn on your stool so that you're facing Rota. Her cheeks are still slightly blushed and you reach up and gently trace her cheekbone with your thumb. The contrast of her strength with her innocence is confusing and captivating in equal measure. You slowly lean forward and kiss her. It's gentle at first, but then you feel Rota breath in deeply before moaning into your mouth, and the kiss deepens. The spice of the chillies hits you but you don't care. It all feels too good. Too perfect. Rota's hands are in your hair and you stand and step forward, moving between her legs, your bodies pressed together.]\ (if: $position is "opposite") [You suddenly need to be closer to Rota, and slide the different dishes of food to one side. One falls to the floor with a large crash, but you don't notice. Rota looks surprised but pleased, a slight smile playing on her mouth. The contrast of her strength with her innocence is confusing and captivating in equal measure. You lean over the bar, and Rota mirrors you, until your lips meet. The kiss is gentle at first, but then you feel Rota breath in deeply before moaning into your mouth, and the kiss deepens. The spice of the chillies hits you but you don't care. It all feels too good. Too perfect. You sit on the bar and swing your legs over, wrapping them around her waist.] The moment is interrupted by the arrival of a funky disco beat. You look around to realise that the bar area has transformed into a disco. The floor a pulsing mass of colours, and disco balls suspended from the top of the dome twirl and spread a rainbow of light. You shake your head for a moment, unable to understand how this place even exists. Rota looks mesmerised by the lights. She starts to move to the disco beat and you have an idea. [["Want to dance?"]]

{(set: $friendrota to $friendrota +5) }Rota smiles slightly and shrugs her shoulders, a look of mock innocence on her face. "I think I could say the same about you." The moment is interrupted by the arrival of a funky disco beat. You look around to realise that the bar area has transformed into a disco. The floor a pulsing mass of colours, and disco balls suspended from the top of the dome twirl and spread a rainbow of light. You shake your head for a moment, unable to understand how this place even exists. Rota looks mesmerised by the lights. She starts to move to the disco beat and you have an idea. [["Want to dance?"]]

Rota looks at you, her eyes wide. "I've never...I don't know. I mean...yes!" You take her hand and lead her over to the makeshift dance floor. [[Teach her some classic disco moves.]] [[Hold her close and work those hips.]]

{(set: $friendrota to $friendrota +5) }As the beat continues you take Rota on a tour of all of the cheesy dance moves you know. Rota embraces each one, her face beaming as she moves to the music. The lights bounce off her dress, and she's more mesmerising than the disco balls. She spins on the spot, her hands reaching above her head, her hair flying around her. "I looooove this," she cries out. You realise you might be watching someone experience their first moment of pure freedom and a wave of inexplicable emotion runs through you. She stops twirling and looks at you, concerned. "$name, are you ok? You look so serious. You're not regretting your decision to couple up with me are you?" [["No. The opposite. I was just thinking about how beautiful you are."]] [["Well. I mean. You are a lot for me to get my head around."]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +5) }The song changes and a falsetto voice is begging you not to leave him this way. You place a hand on one of her hips and begin moving in time to the beat. Rota is awkward at first, her movements restrained, but it only takes a moment before you can see the music run through her, and her movements relax. As the singer begs you to 'set them free' Rota spins away from you for a moment. She closes her eyes and spins on the spot, her hands reaching above her head, her hair flying around her. "I looooove this," she cries out. You realise you might be watching someone experience their first moment of pure freedom and a wave of inexplicable emotion runs through you. She stops twirling and looks at you, concerned. "$name, are you ok? You look so serious. You're not regretting your decision to couple up with me, are you?" [["No. The opposite. I was just thinking about how beautiful you are."]] [["Well. I mean. You are a lot for me to get my head around."]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }Rota smiles at your words and moves to be stood in front of you. She cups your face in her hands and leans forward to kiss you. [[Return the kiss.]] [[Back away.]]

Rota doesn't look hurt by your response. She just nods and stops dancing, looking thoughtful. "I am, it's true. I guess you have to work out whether you think we could have something that makes that effort worth your while." She looks back at the bar. "Will you show me how I'm actually supposed to eat that food? I'm guessing there's some kind of construction involved. Honestly, give me a chicken drumstick any day." You nod and start giving Rota a lesson in Fajita construction, but the lesson is paused by $boomer. “Ten minutes until full lights out. Please make your way to your huts Buried Lovers. And…remember the rules!” You look at Rota in confusion and she laughs. “Now it's your turn to be confused! The dome falls into absolute darkness at a certain time each day and we aren’t allowed to leave our huts while it’s like that. Aayush’s theory is that it’s so they can do maintenance on the dome, he swears he’s seen people sneaking around with lamps on their foreheads. Catarina’s theory is that it’s designed to keep those of you who are more easily damaged safe." She quickly takes a bite of food "Well I guess we should get you back to your hut." [[Walk back to the Tiki Huts.]]

You return her kiss. As a different track starts playing you both start moving rhythmically to the music, alternating between kissing and dancing. Your heart feels so full in that moment that it could explode. The joy is interrupted by $boomer. “10 minutes until full lights out. Please make your way to your huts Buried Lovers. And…remember the rules!” You look at Rota in confusion and she laughs. “Now it's your turn to be confused! The dome falls into absolute darkness at a certain time each day and we aren’t allowed to leave our huts while it’s like that. Aayush’s theory is that it’s so they can do maintenance on the dome, he swears he’s seen people sneaking around with lamps on their foreheads. Catarina’s theory is that it’s designed to keep those of you who are more easily damaged safe." She looks sadly at the disco floor "Well I guess we should get you back to your hut." [[Walk back to the Tiki Huts.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota -5) }You step backwards and Rota immediately does the same. "I'm sorry. I read the moment wrong." She looks around, apparently desperate to change the subject. She looks back at the bar. "Will you show me how I'm actually supposed to eat that food? I'm guessing theres some kind of construction involved. Honestly, give me a chicken drumstick any day." You nod and start giving Rota a lesson in Fajita construction, but the lesson is paused by $boomer. “10 minutes until full lights out. Please make your way to your huts Buried Lovers. And…remember the rules!” You look at Rota in confusion and she laughs. “Now it's your turn to be confused! The dome falls into absolute darkness at a certain time each day and we aren’t allowed to leave our huts while it’s like that. Aayush’s theory is that it’s so they can do maintenance on the dome, he swears he’s seen people sneaking around with lamps on their foreheads. Catarina’s theory is that it’s designed to keep those of you who are more easily damaged safe." She quickly takes a bite of food "Well I guess we should get you back to your hut." [[Walk back to the Tiki Huts.]]

The start the walk back to the huts, which is far too short. As insane as time spent with Rota is, you find yourself wanting more. As you reach the path leading up to your hut you turn to her. [["Do we really have to end things here?"]]

Rota turns to look at you. “No one is allowed into each other’s huts at night at the moment. I think the reasoning is linked to Catarina’s theory about keeping you mortals safe. But there will be more time tomorrow,” she smiles and reaches over to stroke your cheek with her thumb before continuing, "and I can't wait to see what a new day brings with you." [["I feel the same."]] [["Well let's make this goodnight count."]]

You suddenly feel shy as she gazes at you. You realise that you have a flutter of excitement in your stomach as you wonder what tomorrow will bring. You reach your arms around Rota and pull her into a tight hug. She reciprocates and you find yourself lost in a sea of her hair, which still smells like heaven. You both pull apart and the mental clock in your head is telling you that you’re fast running out of time until darkness descends. Rota insists on walking you to the door of your hut and waits until you’re inside before leaving. You start getting ready for bed, and then lie, staring at the ceiling of your hut, thinking about everything that has happened today, and what might happen tomorrow. As you turn off the oil lamp by your bed and plunge your room into darkness you’re sure you can hear the sound of scratching outside your door but dismiss it as your imagination, and slip into a restless sleep filled with dreams of flying horses, giant women slaying zombies and being trapped inside a bubble. [[Go to Day 2 Part 1 – "Pure Morning"]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }You lean over and whisper goodnight into her ear, stopping to gently kiss her earlobe, before trailing light kisses along her jaw and to her mouth. Rota reaches down and holds the back of your thighs, lifting you until your legs are wrapped around her waist. She supports you without any evidence of a strain, and you press against her as your tongues explore. You can feel a fire inside you which is different to anything you've experienced in the dome so far. It feels like a mix of wanting this woman, but also feeling incredibly and completely powerful. Like the two of you could conquer galaxies together". Rota stops this kiss first, worried about the time, and insists on walking you to the door of your hut and waits until you’re inside before leaving. You start getting ready for bed, and then lie, staring at the ceiling of your hut, thinking about everything that has happened today, and what might happen tomorrow. As you turn off the oil lamp by your bed and plunge your room into darkness you’re sure you can hear the sound of scratching outside your door but dismiss it as your imagination, and slip into a restless sleep filled with dreams of flying horses, giant women slaying zombies and being trapped inside a bubble. [[Go to Day 2 Part 1 – "Pure Morning"]]

(set: $day to "Day 2")\ <div class="chaptertitle">Day 2. Part 1. Pure Morning.</div> You wake up to the sound of $boomer announcing that it's time for you and $couple1 to make your way to the Shriek Shack. You remember seeing a sign for it leading up behind your hut, but had hoped you wouldn't be visiting it so soon. The name doesn't exactly fill your heart with happiness. You rub the sleep out of your eyes. At least it's a chance to see $couple1 again. You change into your favourite poolside outfit. No harm in making a good impression on your second day and inspect your face in the mirror. You don't look any different. (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[No sign that you spent a romantic evening with a Valkyrie, an actual goddess of the skies](if: $couple1 is "Alex")[No sign that you spent a romantic evening with the most adorable boy you've ever known, who just happens to be a Werewolf](if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[No sign that you spent a romantic evening with the most complex and yet beautiful vampire boy your teenage fantasies could have ever dreamed of]. Your stomach flips when you realise that you're about to be reunited, and here you are wasting time checking yourself out. {(if: $couple1 is "Alex")[ [[Go and meet Alex in the shack.]] ] (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[ [[Go and meet Aayush in the shack.]] ] (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[ [[Go and meet Rota in the shack.]] ]}

<div class="maincontent"><div class="floatright"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/PlLB7qn.png" class="imageshadow"></div>\ You follow the sign and find a building that looks completely out of place in the dome. Rather than the tropical Tiki vibe that everything else seemed to be themed around, you’re faced with a building that looks more like a rundown shed that would be found lurking in the corner of a dilapidated garden. A crow is perched on top, staring at you with one beady black eye. It ‘caws’ at you as you approach, and you feel a chill run through your body. Luckily that feeling is quickly replaced by a rush of warmth when you open the door and see Aayush is already waiting for you. He’s sat in an imposing red velvet chair, which looks made for him, and he gracefully stands when he sees you. “$name. You look as stunning now as you did last night. I've never been more grateful to actually be able to experience a morning,” he says as he walks over. [[Say “Good Morning” and then hug him|Hug him good morning.]] [[Say “Good Morning” and then kiss him|Kiss him good morning]] [[Say “Good Morning” and then mutter something about morning breath and go and sit down|"Good Morning Aayush."]] <div class="spacer" style="clear: both;"></div></div>

<div class="maincontent"><div class="floatright"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/zhAZipS.png"></div>\ You follow the sign and find a building that looks completely out of place in the dome. Rather than the tropical Tiki vibe that everything else seemed to be themed around, you’re faced with a building that looks more like a rundown shed that would be found lurking in the corner of a dilapidated garden. A crow is perched on top, staring at you with one beady black eye. It ‘caws’ at you as you approach, and you feel a chill run through your body. Luckily that feeling is quickly replaced by a rush of warmth when you open the door and see Alex is already waiting for you. He’s sat in an imposing red velvet chair and jumps up when he sees you. “’Morning, $name. You’re a sight for sore eyes,” he beams at you and walks over. [[Say “Good Morning,” and then hug him.]] [[Say “Good Morning,” and then kiss him.]] [[Say “Good Morning,” and then mutter something about morning breath and go and sit down.]] <div class="spacer" style="clear: both;"></div></div>

<div class="maincontent"><div class="floatright"><img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/528329422848131085/880135223155777556/Rota_-_sleepwear_-_flirty_scaled.png" class="imageshadow"></div>\ You follow the sign and find a building that looks completely out of place in the dome. Rather than the tropical Tiki vibe that everything else seemed to be themed around, you’re faced with a building that looks more like a rundown shed that would be found lurking in the corner of a dilapidated garden. A crow is perched on top, staring at you with one beady black eye. It ‘caws’ at you as you approach, and you feel a chill run through your body. Luckily that feeling is quickly replaced by a rush of warmth when you open the door and see Rota is already waiting for you. She’s sat in an imposing red velvet chair and jumps up when she sees you. “Good Morning, $name. You look as perfect now as you did last night. I haven't slept, I was so happy after our date,” she says as she strides over. [[Say “Good Morning” and then hug her.]] [[Say “Good Morning” and then kiss her.]] [[Say “Good Morning” and then mutter something about morning breath and go and sit down|Good Morning Rota.]] <div class="spacer" style="clear: both;"></div></div>

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +5) }You smile at him as you wish him a good morning. He’s still wearing his pyjama bottoms and he looks as adorable now as he did last night. You wrap him in a hug, which he returns, picking you up and spinning you around before putting your feet back on the ground. You stand for a moment and look into his smiling face. His eyes are sparkling more than ever and a part of you wonders if you’re the reason for that sparkle. But before you can muse on that further, $boomer starts speaking at you out of a TV screen mounted to the wall. “$name and Alex, please sit. It’s time for questions not hugging.” $boomer is officially getting on your last nerve and it’s only day 2. [[Stick your tongue out at the screen as you sit down.]] [[Flip the screen the bird as you sit down.]] [[Take the higher ground and sit down demurely. No point aggravating the beast]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }Alex is still wearing his pyjama bottoms and he looks as gorgeous now as he did last night. You gently rest your hands on his chest and look up at him as you whisper a quiet “Good Morning”. You can feel the beat of his heart pounding through your hands and you close your eyes for a moment. When you open them you find that he’s looking at you quizzically. “Everything ok…?” he asks. You reach up and trace the outline of his lips lightly, before meeting them with your own in a light kiss. The moment your lips meet the heat is there, running through you. The kiss is quick and gentle, but it’s enough to awaken the fire, and you wonder how things can possibly feel so intense so quickly. You pull apart and look into his face. His eyes are sparkling more than ever and a part of you wonders if you’re the reason for that sparkle. But before you can muse on that further, $boomer starts speaking at you out of a TV screen mounted to the wall. “$name and Alex, please sit. It’s time for questions not kissing.” $boomer is officially getting on your last nerve and it’s only day 2. [[Stick your tongue out at the screen as you sit down.]] [[Flip the screen the bird as you sit down.]] [[Take the higher ground and sit down demurely. No point aggravating the beast]]

As you mutter about having terrible morning breath you make your way over to the giant red velvet chair in the middle of the room. Alex laughs at you. “I admire your honesty $name. Probably the same for me to be honest. I wonder what’s going to happen next?” he asks as he joins you on the seat. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and you don't want to know what it does to liars.”]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +5) }You’re sure you can hear an indignant sniff as you stick your tongue out at the screen in front of you. Alex laughs and sits next to you, so close you can feel the heat from his body reflecting off your bare skin. “I wonder what’s going to happen next?” he asks, his face amused. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and you don't want to know what it does to liars.”]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +10) }You’re sure you can hear a shocked gasp as you extend your middle finger to the screen in front of you. Alex bursts into laugher as he sits next to you, so close you can feel the heat from his body reflecting off your bare skin. “Wow, provoke the beast why don’t you, $name? I wonder what’s going to happen next?” he asks, his face amused. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and you don't want to know what it does to liars.”]]

You go and take a seat. The velvet is soft on your skin, but the seat is uncomfortably hard, like it’s trying to make sure you aren’t comfortable. Alex sits next to you, so close you can feel the heat from his body reflecting off your bare skin. “I wonder what’s going to happen next?” he asks, his face intrigued. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and you don't want to know what it does to liars.”]]

You turn to Alex to find that he's also looking at you, his eyes wide, and you're not sure it's mock surprise at this point. "I …I’m not prone to lying, but I’m a little bit scared now. You know how when someone accuses you of something and you get all flustered, even if you haven’t done anything?” [[“God yes. I’m terrified.”]] [[“Nope. Normally when someone accuses me it’s because I have done something.”]] [[Raise a suspicious eyebrow. “Not planning to lie are you, Alex?”]]

You look around the room as you answer, wondering just how the shack knows if you lie. And just what it’ll do to you… You suddenly feel nervous, your throat dry. It doesn’t feel any better when $boomer speaks again. "Ok. First question from the public. $name, this one is for you. Are you happy with your choice to couple up with Alex?" [[Tell the truth. “Yep. It was absolutely the right decision. Have you seen him?”]] [[Lie. “Uhhhh….yes.” I mean…he’s sitting right there, you don’t want to hurt his feelings.]] [[Tell the truth. “I’m not sure if I’m honest, I think someone else might have caught my eye."]]

You adopt your best mischievous face, and Alex looks at you, his eyebrow slightly raised and a look of intrigue on his face. “Ok, bad $genderdescriptlower $name is someone I could get down with.” Before you delve into Alex’s bad $genderdescriptlower desires any further $boomer speaks again. "Ok. First question from the public. $name, this one is for you. Are you happy with your choice to couple up with Alex?" [[Tell the truth. “Yep. It was absolutely the right decision. Have you seen him?”]] [[Lie. “Uhhhh….yes.” I mean…he’s sitting right there, you don’t want to hurt his feelings.]] [[Tell the truth. “I’m not sure if I’m honest, I think someone else might have caught my eye."]]

You look at Alex who shifts in his seat. “No! Honest!” he looks at his hands. “You’re making my palms sweat.” He smiles a crooked smile and looks around the room. “How does this place even know if we lie?” Before you can work out whether you’re sat in a giant lie detector $boomer speaks again "Ok. First question from the public. $name, this one is for you. Are you happy with your choice to couple up with Alex?" [[Tell the truth. “Yep. It was absolutely the right decision. Have you seen him?”]] [[Lie. “Uhhhh….yes.” I mean…he’s sitting right there, you don’t want to hurt his feelings.]] [[Tell the truth. “I’m not sure if I’m honest, I think someone else might have caught my eye."]]

{(set: $truth1 to "somoneelselie") (set: $romancealex to $romancealex -10) }{(live: 0.2s)[|red>[A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} $boomer speaks, a note of absolute glee in their voice. “Oh dear, $name. It would seem you have a penchant for lies.” Alex grabs his chest. “Wounded. I’m wounded.” But then he laughs “It’s all good. It’s early days, I get that. I hope I can change your mind.” He shrugs and turns, waiting for his question. You turn back to the screen and glare at the black void. What kind of torture chamber is this, exposing your feelings after one day? “Well let’s see if Alex is capable of telling the truth as you're clearly not. Alex, the public would like to know if you’re happy $name chose you, or if there’s someone else you’d rather be coupled with?” Alex looks at you and makes a big performance out of thinking about his answer. “I’m not…hmm…well I guess there is that person who…” But he stops teasing and playfully bumps you with his shoulder. “Couldn’t be happier. Can’t believe my luck if I’m honest. Although I’m a bit sad that $name isn’t feeling the same.” You pause and wait. {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[It only takes a second before the room flashes green. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">It only takes a second before the room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Alex pretends to wipe his brow. “Phew. Nailed it”. $boomer is clearly relishing their role as inquisitor and doesn’t miss a beat before moving onto the next question. “Ok. This is the last question…for now. Do you still have feelings for someone on the outside of the dome? $name, you go first.” [[Tell the truth. “No. I’m very glad to be about as far away from my exes as humanly possible right now.”]] [[Tell the truth. “I mean. I might still have some feelings. They don’t just disappear. Why? Who told you what?”]] [[Lie. “No, none. Nope sir. Not me.”]]

{(set: $truth1 to "somoneelse") (set: $romancealex to $romancealex -10) }Alex looks at you with sad eyes. “Who? Actually…don’t tell me…” {(live: 0.2s)[|green1>[His sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light. (if: time > 1.2s)[(replace: ?green1)[<span style="color:green;">His sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} “Well done, $name. It seems like you told the truth. Let’s see if Alex is capable of doing the same. Alex, the public want to know if you’re happy $name chose you, or if there’s someone else you’d rather be coupled with?” Alex looks at you and makes a big performance of thinking about his answer. “I’m not…hmm…well I guess there is that person who…” But he stops teasing and playfully bumps you with his shoulder “Couldn’t be happier. Can’t believe my luck if I’m honest. Although I’m a bit sad that $name isn’t feeling the same.” You pause and wait. {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[It only takes a second before the room flashes green. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">It only takes a second before the room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Alex pretends to wipe his brow. “Phew. Nailed it.” $boomer is clearly relishing their role as inquisitor and doesn’t miss a beat before moving onto the next question. “Ok. This is the last question…for now. Do you still have feelings for someone on the outside of the dome? $name, you go first.” [[Tell the truth. “No. I’m very glad to be about as far away from my exes as humanly possible right now.”]] [[Tell the truth. “I mean. I might still have some feelings. They don’t just disappear. Why? Who told you what?”]] [[Lie. “No, none. Nope sir. Not me.”]]

{(set: $truth1 to "therightone") (set: $romancealex to $romancealex +5) }Alex beams at you when he hears your answer "I'm relieved. I thought it was going well but..." {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[His sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light. (if: time > 1s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">His sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} “Well done, $name. It seems like you told the truth. Let’s see if Alex is capable of doing the same. Alex, the public want to know if you’re happy $name chose you, or if there’s someone else you’d rather be coupled with?” Alex looks at you and makes a big performance out of thinking about his answer. “I’m not…hmm…well I guess there is that person who…” But he stops teasing and playfully bumps you with his shoulder “Couldn’t be happier. Can’t believe my luck if I’m honest.” You pause and wait. {(live: 0.2s)[|green2>[It only takes a second before the room flashes green. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?green2)[<span style="color:green;">It only takes a second before the room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Alex pretends to wipe his brow. “Phew. Nailed it”. $boomer is clearly relishing their role as inquisitor and doesn’t miss a beat before moving onto the next question. “Ok. This is the last question…for now. Do you still have feelings for someone on the outside of the dome? $name, you go first.” [[Tell the truth. “No. I’m very glad to be about as far away from my exes as humanly possible right now.”]] [[Tell the truth. “I mean. I might still have some feelings. They don’t just disappear. Why? Who told you what?”]] [[Lie. “No, none. Nope sir. Not me.”]]

{(set: $truth2 to "therightone") }{(live: 0.2s)[|green>[The room flashes green. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">The room flashes green.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} Alex looks over. His face more serious than you've seen it before. "Looks as though we might have something in common." Ex talk isn't your favourite subject, but he looks so serious that you make a mental note to see if you can understand more about whatever...or whoever...hurt him so badly. $boomer repeats the question, this time aimed at Alex. Alex answers confidently with a strong “No,” before continuing, “I meant what I said. This place is providing some very welcome solitude for me from some…one…very bad mistake.” {(live: 0.2s)[|red>[The room flashes red. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} You look at Alex in surprise. He looks more shocked than you and his cheeks flush red as he looks around at the flashing lights. He looks at you. “I was telling the truth, seriously. Maybe they need to be more specific about what they mean by feelings.” [[“Hmm. You doth protest too much Alex.”|He lies.]] [[“Your rosy cheeks are telling a different story.”|He lies.]]

{(set: $truth2 to "somoneelse") }{(live: 0.2s)[|green>[The room flashes green. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">The room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Alex looks over. His face is neutral as he shrugs and looks back at the screen. “That’s only normal isn’t it?” He turns back to you. “Although if they suddenly appear in the dome I’ll be waging a war with the green eyed monster, obviously.” $boomer repeats the question, this time aimed at Alex. Alex answers confidently with a strong “No,” before continuing, “this place is providing some very welcome solitude for me from some…one…very bad mistake.” {(live: 0.2s)[|red>[The room flashes red. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} You look at Alex in surprise. He looks more shocked than you and his cheeks flush red as he looks around at the flashing lights. He looks at you. “I was telling the truth, seriously. Maybe they need to be more specific about what they mean by feelings.” [[“Hmm. You doth protest too much Alex.”|He lies.]] [[“Your rosy cheeks are telling a different story.”|He lies.]]

{(set: $truth2 to "somoneelselie") }{(live: 0.2s)[|red>[A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Alex looks over. His face is neutral as he shrugs and looks back at the screen. “That’s only normal isn’t it?” He turns back to you. “You don’t need to hide that kind of thing you know.” $boomer repeats the question, this time aimed at Alex. Alex answers confidently with a strong “No,” before continuing, “this place is providing some very welcome solitude for me from some…one…very bad mistake.” {(live: 0.2s)[|red2>[The room flashes red. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?red2)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} You look at Alex in surprise. He looks more shocked than you and his cheeks flush red as he looks around at the flashing lights. He looks at you. “I was telling the truth, seriously. Maybe they need to be more specific about what they mean by feelings. We were both found to be lying, after all. Actually, maybe the shack is just a bit broken.” [[“Hmm. You doth protest too much Alex.”|He lies.]] [[“Your rosy cheeks are telling a different story.”|He lies.]]

Alex sits forward for a moment and runs his hands through his hair. "This might be a story for another time. It's messy and painful and I get a twisting feeling in my chest when I think about it. It might be a bit early for that, you know?" You're about to say you understand. It's day two after all, and there will be time to understand what has just happened, but $boomer speaks over you. "Looks like the two of you have some things to talk about. Luckily for you, we have arranged a breakfast for you. Please make your way over to the pool area and be sure to use the time wisely. You never know when things will change on Buried Love." You look at each other and roll your eyes. You're relieved to know that Alex is already as fed up with $boomer as you are. He holds out his hand to you and says "Shall we?" [[Make your way to the breakfast with Alex.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +5) }You smile at her as you wish her a good morning. She’s still wearing her pyjamas but the red satin two piece looks stunning on her, the shorts emphasising just how long her legs are. You make a mental note to congratulate whoever bought her clothes. Their eye for what would suit her was perfect, and shopping for a Valkyrie must be a nerve wracking experience. You wrap her in a hug, which she returns, picking you up and spinning you around before putting your feet back on the ground. You stand for a moment and look into her smiling face. Her eyes are sparkling more than ever and a part of you wonders if you’re the reason for that sparkle. But before you can muse on that further, $boomer starts speaking at you out of a TV screen mounted to the wall. “$name and Rota, please sit. It’s time for questions not hugging.” $boomer is officially getting on your last nerve and it’s only day 2. [[Stick your tongue out at the screen and sit down.]] [[Flip the screen the bird and sit down.]] [[Take the higher ground and sit down quietly. No point aggravating the beast.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }Rota is still wearing her pyjamas but the red satin two piece looks stunning on her, the shorts emphasising just how long her legs are. You make a mental note to congratulate whoever bought her clothes. Their eye for what would suit her was perfect, and shopping for a Valkyrie must be a nerve wracking experience. You gently rest your hands on her arms and look up at her as you whisper a quiet “Good Morning”. The electricity from the touch runs through you and you close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feel of her soft skin, and the meadow smell which still somehow surrounds her. “Everything ok…?” she asks, clearly puzzled by the silence. You reach up and trace the outline of her lips lightly, before meeting them with your own in a light kiss. The moment your lips meet the attraction is there, pulling you towards her. The kiss is quick and gentle, but it’s enough to awaken the fire, and you wonder how things can possibly feel so intense so quickly. You pull apart and look into her face. Her eyes are sparkling more than ever and a part of you wonders if you’re the reason for that sparkle. But before you can muse on that further, $boomer starts speaking at you out of a TV screen mounted to the wall. “$name and Rota, please sit. It’s time for questions not kissing.” $boomer is officially getting on your last nerve and it’s only day 2. [[Stick your tongue out at the screen and sit down.]] [[Flip the screen the bird and sit down.]] [[Take the higher ground and sit down quietly. No point aggravating the beast.]]

As you mutter about having terrible morning breath you make your way over to the giant red velvet chair in the middle of the room. Rota laughs. “It'll be nothing compared to being in a room full of mead drinking warriors who don't believe in flossing. I wonder what’s going to happen next?” she asks as she joins you on the seat. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and it really hates liars.”]]

{(set: $friendrota to $friendrota +5) }You’re sure you can hear an indignant sniff as you stick your tongue out at the screen in front of you. Rota laughs and sits next to you, so close the smooth skin of her thigh grazes against your own. She mimics you and sticks her tongue out at the screen before exclaiming "That felt good!" “I wonder what’s going to happen next?” she asks, her face still amused. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and it really hates liars.”]]

{(set: $friendrota to $friendrota +10) }You’re sure you can hear a shocked gasp as you extend your middle finger to the screen in front of you. Rota bursts into laughter as she sits next to you, so close the smooth skin of her thigh grazes against your own. “Ha! Apparently that's language we share between Earth and Asgard. So deserved. That voice is annoying me as well. And I question its honour, if I'm honest. I wonder what’s going to happen next?” she asks, her face amused. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and it really hates liars.”]]

You go and take a seat. The velvet is soft on your skin, but the seat is uncomfortably hard, like it’s trying to make sure you aren’t comfortable. Rota sits next to you, so close the smooth skin of her thigh grazes against your own. “I wonder what’s going to happen next?” she asks, her face amused. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and it really hates liars.”]]

You turn to Rota and find that she looks completely relaxed. The idea of the shack being some kind of giant lie detector apparently doesn’t phase her. She looks at you and shrugs. “I don’t believe in lying. I don’t believe in liars for that matter. Nothing to worry about here. Unless you’re planning to lie.” The last statement isn’t even an accusation, it’s a matter of fact statement, and you squirm in the seat slightly, worried about the accuracy of the measure of truth in this place, and about what you might be asked. [[“Nope, no lying here, just a bit nervous about the idea of the shack having some kind of truth power.”]] [[“You…never lie?”]]

Rota takes your hand. “I know this place must seem so strange, but just go with it. I’ve seen all kind of items and buildings infused with all kinds of magic. A shack with the ability to determine lies is the very least of our worries, trust me. Once, I accidentally used a hairbrush that was cursed so that when I used it my hair turned into snakes. They were kind of cute to be honest, but I had to get the curse lifted, I couldn’t get any sleep.” You laugh in amazement as you realise there are about a thousand fantastical stories waiting to be told by Rota, and each of them would be entirely unbelievable, and completely true. Before you can ask how the curse was lifted $boomer speaks again "Ok. First question from the public. $name, this one is for you. Are you happy with your choice to couple up with Rota?" [[Tell the truth. “Yep. It was absolutely the right decision. Have you seen her?”]] [[Lie. “Uhhhh….yes.” I mean…she’s sitting right there…you don’t want to hurt her feelings.]] [[Tell the truth. “I’m not sure if I’m honest, someone else might have caught my eye."]]

Rota looks deadly serious when she answers. “It’s not honourable. Tell the truth and face the consequences of your truth, that’s how I live life. Has it got me into trouble a few times? I mean…yes. Once I told a cyclops he had really bad breath. He was furious. Smashed a table and a chair in an effort to fight me. Who knew Cyclops were so sensitive about dental hygiene? He lost a few teeth in that fight as well, just to add salt to the wound.” She sits back and makes herself comfortable, and you laugh as you realise there are about a thousand fantastical stories waiting to be told by Rota, and each of them would be entirely unbelievable, and completely true. Before you can ask how the curse was lifted $boomer speaks again. "Ok. First question from the public. $name, this one is for you. Are you happy with your choice to couple up with Rota?" [[Tell the truth. “Yep. It was absolutely the right decision. Have you seen her?”]] [[Lie. “Uhhhh….yes.” I mean…she’s sitting right there…you don’t want to hurt her feelings.]] [[Tell the truth. “I’m not sure if I’m honest, someone else might have caught my eye."]]

{(set: $truth1 to "therightone") (set: $romancerota to $romancerota +5) }Rota beams at you when she hears your answer. "I'm relieved. I thought it was going well but..." {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[Her sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light. (if: time > 1s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">Her sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} “Well done $name. It seems like you told the truth. Let’s see if Rota is capable of doing the same. Rota, the public want to know if you’re happy $name chose you, or if there’s someone else you’d rather be coupled with?” Rota looks at you and smiles. "Absolutely. Things just feel...right. That's new for me. I couldn't be happier". You pause and wait. {(live: 0.2s)[|green2>[It only takes a second before the room flashes green. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?green2)[<span style="color:green;">It only takes a second before the room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Rota smiles. “I really meant it. Thank you for choosing me.” $boomer is clearly relishing their role as inquisitor and doesn’t miss a beat before moving onto the next question. “Ok. This is the last question…for now. Do you still have feelings for someone on the outside of the dome? $name you go first.” [[Tell the truth. “I’m very glad to be about as far away from my exes as humanly possible right now, so no.”]] [[Tell the truth. “I might still have some feelings. They don’t just disappear. Why? Who told you what?”]] [[Lie. “No, none. Nope sir. Not me. No way”]]

{(set: $truth1 to "somoneelselie") (set: $romancerota to $romancerota -10) }{(live: 0.2s)[|red>[A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} $boomer speaks, a note of absolute glee in their voice. “Oh dear $name. It would seem you have a penchant for lies.” Rota frowns. “You really don't need to lie to spare my feelings". She moves away slightly. You turn back to the screen and glare at the black void. What kind of torture chamber is this, exposing your feelings after one day? “Well let’s see if Rota is capable of telling the truth as you're clearly not. Rota, the public would like to know if you’re happy $name chose you, or if there’s someone else you’d rather be coupled with?” Rota looks at you and answers. "Absolutely. Things just feel...right. Until just now that is." You pause and wait. {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[It only takes a second before the room flashes green. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">It only takes a second before the room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} “I really meant it. Please just try to be honest with me though.” $boomer is clearly relishing their role as inquisitor and doesn’t miss a beat before moving onto the next question. “Ok. This is the last question…for now. Do you still have feelings for someone on the outside of the dome? $name, you go first.” [[Tell the truth. “I’m very glad to be about as far away from my exes as humanly possible right now, so no.”]] [[Tell the truth. “I might still have some feelings. They don’t just disappear. Why? Who told you what?”]] [[Lie. “No, none. Nope sir. Not me. No way”]]

{(set: $truth1 to "somoneelse") (set: $romancerota to $romancerota -10) }Rota looks at you her eyes sad. “Thank you for telling the truth. It's important I know where I stand and...” {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[Her sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light. (if: time > 1s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">Her sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} “Well done, $name. It seems like you told the truth. Let’s see if Rota is capable of doing the same. Rota, the public want to know if you’re happy $name chose you, or if there’s someone else you’d rather be coupled with?” Rota looks at you and smiles. "Absolutely. Things just feel..right. That's new for me. I couldn't be happier, although I'm now sad that $name isn't feeling the same." You pause and wait. {(live: 0.2s)[|green2>[It only takes a second before the room flashes green. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?green2)[<span style="color:green;">It only takes a second before the room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Rota smiles. “I really meant it. Thank you for choosing me”. $boomer is clearly relishing their role as inquisitor and doesn’t miss a beat before moving onto the next question. “Ok. This is the last question…for now. Do you still have feelings for someone on the outside of the dome? $name, you go first” [[Tell the truth. “I’m very glad to be about as far away from my exes as humanly possible right now, so no.”]] [[Tell the truth. “I might still have some feelings. They don’t just disappear. Why? Who told you what?”]] [[Lie. “No, none. Nope sir. Not me. No way”]]

{(set: $truth2 to "therightone") }{(live: 0.2s)[|green>[The room flashes green. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">The room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Rota looks over. Her face is serious as she says "I'll avenge whatever they did to you. Just ask." Before you can stand down the Valkyrie attack $boomer repeats the question, this time aimed at Rota. Rota answers confidently with a strong “No,” before continuing “I've never even been in a relationship.” {(live: 0.2s)[|red2>[The room flashes red (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?red2)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red </span>(stop: )]] ]]} and you look at Rota in complete shock. She looks more surprised than you and her cheeks flush bright red as she looks around at the flashing lights. She looks at you. “I was telling the truth. I've never been in a relationship, or dated. It's wrong. Faulty magic.” [[“Hmm. You doth protest too much Rota.”|She lies]] [[“Your rosy cheeks are telling a slightly different story.”|She lies]]

{(set: $truth2 to "somoneelse") }{(live: 0.2s)[|green>[The room flashes green. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">The room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Rota looks over. Her face is calm as she says "Thank you for being truthful". $boomer repeats the question, this time aimed at Rota. Rota answers confidently with a strong “No,” before continuing, “I've never even been in a relationship.” {(live: 0.2s)[|red>[The room flashes red. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} You look at Rota in complete shock. She looks more surprised than you and her cheeks flush bright red as she looks around at the flashing lights. She looks at you. “I was telling the truth. I've never been in a relationship, or dated. It's wrong. Faulty magic.” [[“Hmm. You doth protest too much Rota.”|She lies]] [[“Your rosy cheeks are telling a slightly different story.”|She lies]]

{(set: $truth2 to "somoneelselie") }{(live: 0.2s)[|red>[A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Rota looks over, her face is serious as she says, "Seriously, you don't need to lie. I'm not going to be angry at you for having feelings. Just please. Don't lie." $boomer repeats the question, this time aimed at Rota. Rota answers confidently with a strong “No,” before continuing, “I've never even been in a relationship”. {(live: 0.2s)[|red2>[The room flashes red. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?red2)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} You look at Rota in complete shock. She looks more surprised than you and her cheeks flush bright red as she looks around at the flashing lights. She looks at you. “I was telling the truth. I've never been in a relationship, or dated. It's wrong. Faulty magic.” [[“Hmm. You doth protest too much Rota.”|She lies]] [[“Your rosy cheeks are telling a slightly different story.”|She lies]]

Rota sits forward for a moment and scoops all of her hair to one side. "This might be a story for another time. I'm telling the truth, I've never been in a relationship. But there is one person I care about. But not like that. At least, I don't think it's like that. I'll tell you about her later. If you want to know." You're about to say you understand. It's day two after all, and there will be time to understand what has just happened, but $boomer speaks over you. "Looks like the two of you have some things to talk about. Luckily for you, we have arranged a breakfast for you. Please make your way over to the pool area and be sure to use the time wisely. You never know when things will change on Buried Love." You look at each other and roll your eyes. You're relieved to know that Rota is already as fed up with $boomer as you are. She holds out her hand to you and says "Shall we?" [[Make your way to the breakfast with Rota.]]

You step outside the shack, and blink into the bright light of the dome. You hadn’t realised just how dark it was in the shack. As soon as you step outside the crow starts cawing again. Only now it feels more like it might be laughing at you. [[Turn around and give the crow your best, “Shut up, or else, and I really mean it,” stare,]] [[Keep walking, ain’t no crow raining on the parade of your first full day in the dome.]]

You step outside the shack, and blink into the bright light of the dome. You hadn’t realised just how dark it was in the shack. As soon as you step outside the crow starts cawing again. Only now it feels more like it might be laughing at you. [[Turn and give the crow your best “Shut up, or else, and I really mean it” stare.]] [[Keep walking, ain’t no crow raining on your parade today.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }You smile at him as you wish him a good morning, a little breathless from the sight of him in his pyjama bottoms and nothing else. He still looks every inch the perfect man, like someone reached into a hidden part of your brain and carved out someone so handsome you could never have even fully imagined him. You remember his wish to take things slowly and wrap him in a hug, which he returns. It's just about the best hug you've experienced, his arms fitting around you perfectly. The coolness of his body is forgotten as the heat starts to rush through you at his touch. You pull away, and stand for a moment and look into his smiling face. His dark eyes are sparkling in a way that they weren't yesterday and a part of you wonders if you’re the reason for that sparkle. But before you can muse on that further, $boomer starts speaking at you out of a TV screen mounted to the wall. “$name and Aayush, please sit. It’s time for questions not hugging.” $boomer is officially getting on your last nerve and it’s only day 2. [[Stick your tongue out at the screen and sit down.|Tounge]] [[Flip the screen the bird and sit down.|Bird]] [[Take the higher ground and sit down quietly.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }You smile at him as you wish him a good morning, a little breathless from the sight of him in his pyjama bottoms and nothing else. He still looks every inch the perfect man, like someone reached into a hidden part of your brain and carved out someone so handsome you could never have even fully imagined him. Your voice catches in your throat slightly, and Aayush notices and smiles, looking into your eyes and not backing away. You gently rest your hands on his chest. His skin feels so smooth, but there's no heart beat, and you're distracted for a moment as your brain tries to wrestle with this information. But the electricity from the touch runs through you and you close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feel of him, and the tingles that are gradually working their way through your body. “Everything ok…?” he whispers. You reach up and trace the outline of his lips lightly, before meeting them with your own in a light kiss. The moment your lips meet the attraction is there, pulling you towards him. The kiss is quick and gentle, but it’s enough to awaken the fire, and you wonder how things can possibly feel so intense so quickly. You remember Aayush's request to take things slowly and pull apart, looking into his face. His dark eyes are sparkling in a way that they weren't yesterday and a part of you wonders if you’re the reason for that sparkle. But before you can muse on that further, $boomer starts speaking at you out of a TV screen mounted to the wall. “$name and Aayush, please sit. It’s time for questions not kissing.” $boomer is officially getting on your last nerve and it’s only day 2. [[Stick your tongue out at the screen and sit down|Tounge]] [[Flip the screen the bird and sit down|Bird]] [[Take the higher ground and sit down quietly.]]

As you mutter about having terrible morning breath you make your way over to the giant red velvet chair in the middle of the room. Aayush laughs. “It definitely won't be the worst thing I've smelt in my time on this Earth. I once spent five years locked in a tomb, although I guess that's a story for another day... I wonder what’s going to happen next?” he asks as she joins you on the seat. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Please get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and it really hates liars.”]]

You’re sure you can hear an indignant sniff as you stick your tongue out at the screen in front of you. Aayush laughs and sits next to you, so close that his sweet but spicy scent hits you and you realise that sitting this close to him could be all kinds of dangerous. “I wonder what’s going to happen next?” he asks, his face amused. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Please get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and it really hates liars.”]]

You’re sure you can hear a shocked gasp as you extend your middle finger to the screen in front of you. Aayush lets out a low chuckle as he sits next to you, so close that his sweet but spicy scent hits you and you realise that sitting this close to him could be all kinds of dangerous. “Wow, provoke the beast why don’t you, $name? I wonder what’s going to happen next?” he asks, his face amused. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Please get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and it really hates liars.”]]

You go and take a seat. The velvet is soft on your skin, but the seat is uncomfortably hard, like it’s trying to make sure you aren’t comfortable. Aayush sits next to you, so close that his sweet but spicy scent hits you and you realise that sitting this close to him could be all kinds of dangerous. “I wonder what’s going to happen next?” he asks, his face amused. You don’t have to wonder for long, as $boomer starts speaking from the screen in front of you. [[“The public have been submitting some questions they want you to answer. Please get ready to tell the truth. The Shriek Shack knows if you don’t, and it really hates liars.”]]

You turn to Aayush to find that he's also looking, but you're sure his calm eyes aren't mirroring yours, which are now looking panicked by the concept of being sat in some kind of giant lie detector shack. Aayush shrugs slightly. "I don't think there's a lie detector in existence, even the magical kind, which can deal with the fact that I don't have a heartrate, a pulse, any of the little tell-tale signs of a liar. It's got me out of a difficult situation once or twice..." [[Smile sweetly "There's more than one way to spot a liar.”]] [[Raise a suspicious eyebrow “Not planning to lie are you Aayush?”]]

Aayush turns to you, amusement in his eyes. “Ah, quite the detective, huh? You’re right of course, there’s eye movements, the way someone moves their head…their hands. Someone would need to be alive for a very long time to be able to train themselves in a way that would mean they would never get found out, huh?” He smiles softly “I have no intention of lying to you. I'm an open book. You can flick through my pages all you like. I hope you can trust me." Before you can imagine flicking through anything of Aayush's $boomer speaks again "Ok. First question from the public. $name, this one is for you. Are you happy with your choice to couple up with Aayush?" [[Tell the truth. “Yep. It was absolutely the right decision. Have you seen this man?”]] [[Lie “Uhhhh….yes” I mean…he’s sitting right beside you…you don’t want to hurt his feelings]] [[Tell the truth “I’m not sure, someone else might have caught my eye."]]

Aayush laughs. "Look at this face. Is this the face of a liar?" He stops laughing and looks serious. "No, no intention of lying to you. I'm an open book. You can flick through my pages all you like. I hope you can trust me." Before you can imagine flicking through anything of Aayush's $boomer speaks again "Ok. First question from the public. $name, this one is for you. Are you happy with your choice to couple up with Aayush?" [[Tell the truth. “Yep. It was absolutely the right decision. Have you seen this man?”]] [[Lie “Uhhhh….yes” I mean…he’s sitting right beside you…you don’t want to hurt his feelings]] [[Tell the truth “I’m not sure, someone else might have caught my eye."]]

{(set: $truth1 to "therightone") (set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +5) }Aayush smiles at you, and his usually cool expression lights up when he hears your answer. "I'm so happy to hear that..." {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[His sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light. (if: time > 1s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">His sentence is interrupted as the entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} “Well done, $name. It seems like you told the truth. Let’s see if Aayush is capable of doing the same. Aayush, the public want to know if you’re happy $name chose you, or if there’s someone else you’d rather be coupled with?” Aayush looks at you and taps his finger on his chin. "I'm not sure. I'm finding $gender2lower a bit hard to read and ugh...the morning breath..." But he stops teasing and puts his arm around you. “Couldn’t be happier. Can’t believe my luck if I’m honest. Time with $name is a dream. Time with Lily was a nightmare.” You pause and wait. {(live: 0.2s)[|green2>[It only takes a second before the room flashes green. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?green2)[<span style="color:green;">It only takes a second before the room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Aayush looks at you, his eyebrows wagging. "See, told you I could beat the lie detector." He chuckles when he sees your indignant face. $boomer is clearly relishing their role as inquisitor and doesn’t miss a beat before moving onto the next question. “Ok. This is the last question…for now. Do you still have feelings for someone on the outside of the dome? $name, you go first.” [[Tell the truth. “No. I’m very glad to be about as far away from my exes as humanly possible right now”|Truthexes]] [[Tell the truth. “I mean. I might still have some feelings. They don’t just disappear. Why? Who told you what?”|Truthfeelings]] [[Lie. “No, none. Nope sir. Not me”|lie exes]]

{(set: $truth1 to "somoneelselie") (set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -10) }{(live: 0.2s)[|red>[A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} $boomer speaks, a note of absolute glee in their voice. “Oh dear $name. It would seem you have a penchant for lies.” Aayush turns his body to be fully facing you and looks deep into your eyes. "Well that's understandable, I guess, it's only day two, but I'll have to see what I can do to make sure I've got your full attention." He reaches out his hand, lightly stroking the back of your hand with his thumb. The same force that you've felt around him before runs through you, and suddenly lie detecting is the very last thing on your mind. You drag yourself away from his eyes and turn back to the screen and glare at the black void. What kind of torture chamber is this, exposing your feelings after one day? “Well let’s see if Aayush is capable of telling the truth as you're clearly not. Aayush, the public would like to know if you’re happy $name chose you, or if there’s someone else you’d rather be coupled with?” Aayush looks at you and taps his finger on his chin. "I'm not sure. I'm finding $gender2lower a bit hard to read and ugh...the morning breath..." But he stops teasing and puts his arm around you “Couldn’t be happier. Can’t believe my luck if I’m honest. Time with $name is a dream. Time with Lily was a nightmare.” You pause and wait. {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[It only takes a second before the room flashes green. (if: time > 6s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">It only takes a second before the room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Aayush looks at you, his eyebrows wagging. "See, told you I could beat the lie detector." He chuckles when he sees your indignant face. “Ok. This is the last question…for now. Do you still have feelings for someone on the outside of the dome? $name, you go first.” [[Tell the truth. “No. I’m very glad to be about as far away from my exes as humanly possible right now”|Truthexes]] [[Tell the truth. “I mean. I might still have some feelings. They don’t just disappear. Why? Who told you what?”|Truthfeelings]] [[Lie. “No, none. Nope sir. Not me”|lie exes]]

{(set: $truth1 to "somoneelse") (set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -10) }Aayush turns his body to be fully facing you and looks deep into your eyes. {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[The entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light. (if: time > 1s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">The entire room is suddenly bathed in a green light.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} "Well that's understandable, I guess, it's only day two, but I'll have to see what I can do to make sure I've got your full attention." He reaches out his hand, lightly stroking the back of your hand with his thumb. The same force that you've felt around him before runs through you, and suddenly lie detecting is the very last thing on your mind. “Well done, $name. It seems like you told the truth. Let’s see if Aayush is capable of doing the same. Aayush, the public want to know if you’re happy $name chose you, or if there’s someone else you’d rather be coupled with?” Aayush looks at you and taps his finger on his chin. "I'm not sure. I'm finding $gender2lower a bit hard to read and ugh...the morning breath..." But he stops teasing and puts his arm around you. “Couldn’t be happier. Can’t believe my luck if I’m honest. Time with $name is a dream. Time with Lily was a nightmare.” You pause and wait. {(live: 0.2s)[|green2>[It only takes a second before the room flashes green. (if: time > 6s)[(replace: ?green2)[<span style="color:green;">It only takes a second before the room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Aayush looks at you, his eyebrows wagging. "See, told you I could beat the lie detector." He chuckles when he sees your indignant face. $boomer is clearly relishing their role as inquisitor and doesn’t miss a beat before moving onto the next question. “Ok. This is the last question…for now. Do you still have feelings for someone on the outside of the dome? $name, you go first.” [[Tell the truth. “No. I’m very glad to be about as far away from my exes as humanly possible right now”|Truthexes]] [[Tell the truth. “I mean. I might still have some feelings. They don’t just disappear. Why? Who told you what?”|Truthfeelings]] [[Lie. “No, none. Nope sir. Not me”|lie exes]]

{(set: $truth2 to "therightone") }{(live: 0.2s)[|green>[The room flashes green. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">The room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Aayush looks over. "That's something I can relate to. Maybe one day we can compare stories. It might be cathartic." Ex talk isn't your favourite subject, but he looks so serious that you make a mental note to talk to him about it at some point. $boomer repeats the question, this time aimed at Aayush. Aayush pauses and shifts slightly in his seat before answering “No”. His answer is short and sweet and you wait to see what happens next. {(live: 0.2s)[|red>[The room flashes red. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} You look at Aayush who has lost some of his cool and calm exterior. "Maybe I'm not so good at beating lie detectors after all. Or maybe they need to be more specific about what they mean by feelings.” [[“Well, well, Mr Lie Detector Beater, I guess you've met your match in the shack”|Aayush lies]] [[“Is that...a hair I now see out of place Aayush? Feeling flustered?”|Aayush lies]]

{(set: $truth2 to "somoneelse") }{(live: 0.2s)[|green>[The room flashes green. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">The room flashes green. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Aayush looks over. "Some healthy competition is never a bad thing. Of course...they're outside the dome and you're inside it, so I guess I have a slight advantage. I'd be interested in knowing more" he shrugs "if you're happy to talk about it, that is." $boomer repeats the question, this time aimed at Aayush. Aayush pauses and shifts slightly in his seat before answering “No”. His answer is short and sweet and you wait to see what happens next. {(live: 0.2s)[|red>[The room flashes red. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} You look at Aayush who has lost some of his cool and calm exterior. "Maybe I'm not so good at beating lie detectors after all. Or maybe they need to be more specific about what they mean by feelings.” [[“Well, well, Mr Lie Detector Beater, I guess you've met your match in the shack.”|Aayush lies]] [[“Is that...a hair I now see out of place Aayush? Feeling flustered?”|Aayush lies]]

{(set: $truth2 to "somoneelselie") }{(live: 0.2s)[|red>[A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. (if: time > 0.7s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">A loud alarm sounds and the room starts flashing red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} Aayush turns to look at you, confused. "Some healthy competition is never a bad thing. You really don't need to lie about this kind of thing with me. I'm not some obsessive vampire in a teen romance." $boomer repeats the question, this time aimed at Aayush. Aayush pauses and shifts slightly in his seat before answering “No”. His answer is short and sweet and you wait to see what happens next. {(live: 0.2s)[|red2>[The room flashes red. (if: time > 5s)[(replace: ?red2)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red. </span>(stop: )]] ]]} You look at Aayush who has lost some of his cool and calm exterior. "Maybe I'm not so good at beating lie detectors after all. Or maybe they need to be more specific about what they mean by feelings.” [[“Well, well, Mr Lie Detector Beater, I guess you've met your match in the shack”|Aayush lies]] [[“Is that...a hair I now see out of place Aayush? Feeling flustered?”|Aayush lies]]

Aayush sits back in the chair. "Well that's embarrassing. I genuinely don't think I know who or what that's about. I mean, I've been around a long time. I've loved and lost...oh." You're about to ask what he's just realised when you see the pain that flashes in his eyes, but $boomer speaks over you. "Looks like the two of you have some things to talk about. Luckily we have arranged a breakfast. Please make your way over to the pool area and be sure to use the time wisely. You never know when things will change on Buried Love." You look at each other and roll your eyes. You're relieved to know that Aayush is already as fed up with $boomer as you are. He holds out his hand to you and says "Shall we?" [[Make your way to the breakfast with Aayush.]]

You step outside the shack, and blink into the bright light of the dome. You hadn’t realised just how dark it was in the shack. As soon as you step outside the crow starts cawing again. Only now it feels more like it might be laughing at you. [[Turn and give the crow your best “Shut up, or else, and I really mean it” stare|aayushcrowstare]] [[Keep walking, ain’t no crow raining on your parade today|aayushcrow]]

You don’t even give the crow a second glance, instead you link arms with Alex and make your way to the pool. The noise of the crow mocking you follows you the whole way, and even after it stops the sound is still bouncing around your head. Luckily when you reach the pool there is every kind of breakfast food waiting for you, laid out on a giant banquet. The other couples are already sat in their pairs, apart from Catarina who is sat with Fleur and Zein. “God, after that stress shack I’m starving,” Alex exclaims, eyeing up the breakfast banquet in front of you. “Shall we grab some food and find someplace quiet to chat?” You nod as you look at the options in front of you and wonder where to start. [[Grab some fruit salad. Start the day right.]] [[Grab some pastries. Sugar is what you need to recover from that shack.]] [[Take about as much as you can carry.]]

You walk over to the selection of fruits and marvel at the selection. Every type of fruit you can imagine is laid out in front of you, in perfectly cut pieces. You wonder how and where they’re keeping everything fresh, but decide that’s a geeky thought for another day. Instead you help yourself to a selection of your favourites and then make your way to the nearest table. You follow Alex who is using his waiter skills to full effect, carrying cereal, fruit, pastries and what looks like vegan sausages, back to the table. You look back at the table – where the hell did he find the sausages? He grins at you as you both sit at an ornate garden table in the furthest corner of the pool. “Help yourself to any of this. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so just kind of grabbed everything.” He looks down for a moment. “I’m suddenly aware that I’m still wearing my pyjamas. I was just so happy to be seeing you this morning that I made my way straight to the shack when I got the message. God, I sound like a right melt, don’t I?” [[Bite your lip. “Alex, babe, you can just wear those anytime you like.”]] [[“It’s all good, my type happens to be pyjama wearing werewolves with apparently huge appetites”]] [[“Yeah, I’ll let you off this once, but next time I expect you to be dressed in your finest clothes for breakfast…by a pool…in a dome”]]

You walk over to the selection of pastries and wonder how many you can take without appearing to have a pastry problem. Every type of pastry you can imagine is laid out in front of you, with some that you’ve never seen added in for good measure. You settle for two, but remind yourself you can always go back for more. They’re still warm and you wonder how and where they’re preparing everything, but decide that’s a geeky thought for another day. You make your way to the nearest table, following Alex who is using his waiter skills to full effect, carrying cereal, fruit, pastries and what looks like vegan sausages, back to the table. You look back at the table – where the hell did he find the sausages? He grins at you as you both sit at an ornate garden table in the furthest corner of the pool. “Help yourself to any of this. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so just kind of grabbed everything.” He looks down for a moment. “I’m suddenly aware that I’m still wearing my pyjamas. I was just so happy to be seeing you this morning that I made my way straight to the shack when I got the message. God, I sound like a right melt, don’t I?” [[Bite your lip. “Alex, babe, you can just wear those anytime you like.”]] [[“It’s all good, my type happens to be pyjama wearing werewolves with apparently huge appetites”]] [[“Yeah, I’ll let you off this once, but next time I expect you to be dressed in your finest clothes for breakfast…by a pool…in a dome”]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +5) }You watch carefully to see how Alex stacks plates up his arms and carries them in his hands and try to copy his arrangement. You manage a bowl of cereal, some poached eggs, toast, and a fruit salad, and start carefully following Alex over to a table in the far corner of the pool area. Alex reaches the table before you and turns to watch you approach. But there’s no time to notice him watching you. Every ounce of concentration is on the bowls and plates you’re carrying. You make it to the table, but just as you do the plate of eggs starts to slip and fall. You feel a woosh of cool air beside you and before you know it, Aayush is stood beside you holding the plate. He puts it on the table with a flourish and a “For you,” before running back to his table with Lily, shooting you a smile before he sits down. “Smooth,” Alex mumbles, before helping to dismantle your breakfast stash. The two of you look at the tabletop which is now absolutely packed with food and laugh. He looks down for a moment. “I’m suddenly aware that I’m still wearing my pyjamas. I was just so happy to be seeing you this morning that I made my way straight to the shack when I got the message. God, I sound like a right melt, don’t I?” [[Bite your lip. “Alex, babe, you can just wear those anytime you like.”]] [[“It’s all good, my type happens to be pyjama wearing werewolves with apparently huge appetites”]] [[“Yeah, I’ll let you off this once, but next time I expect you to be dressed in your finest clothes for breakfast…by a pool…in a dome”]]

He chuckles, it’s a low, deep sound and it does things to you. You suddenly find that food is quite far from your mind. You look into his eyes and see that there’s a strong possibility he’s feeling the same. (if: $truth1 is "therightone")[He smiles down at the table and then looks up at you. “I’m not normally the insecure type, but I have to admit I got a rush of happiness earlier when you said that you’d made the right decision in choosing me. Aayush and Rota are some tough competition. I’m not sure why you chose me, but I’m so happy you did." [[Lean over the table to kiss him.]] [[Shrug and start eating “It was an easy choice.”]]]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelse")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my chest when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. You can tell me to piss off, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush."]] [["It was Rota."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."]] [["I’d rather not say."]]]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelselie")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my chest when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. You can tell me to piss off, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush."]] [["It was Rota."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."]] [["I’d rather not say."]] [["The shack was wrong. You honestly were my first choice."]] ]

"Noted," he says, smiling. "Pyjamas all day every day. And yeah, my appetite is huge, I can't lie. I think it's something to do with my were genes...we're constantly burning calories." (if: $truth1 is "therightone")[He looks down at the food and then up at you. “I’m not normally the insecure type, but I have to admit I got a rush of happiness earlier when you said that you’d made the right decision in choosing me. Aayush and Rota are some tough competition. I’m not sure why you chose me, but I’m so happy you did." [[Lean over the table to kiss him.]] [[Shrug and start eating “It was an easy choice.”]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelse")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my chest when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. You can tell me to piss off, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush."]] [["It was Rota."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."]] [["I’d rather not say."]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelselie")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my chest when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. You can tell me to piss off, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush."]] [["It was Rota."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."]] [["I’d rather not say."]] [["The shack was wrong. You honestly were my first choice."]] ]

He bows his head, playing along with the mock disapproval in your voice. "It won't happen again, I promise. Pyjamas for such high society as this dome really won't do." (if: $truth1 is "therightone")[He looks down at the food and then up at you. “I’m not normally the insecure type, but I have to admit I got a rush of happiness earlier when you said that you’d made the right decision in choosing me. Aayush and Rota are some tough competition. I’m not sure why you chose me, but I’m so happy you did." [[Lean over the table to kiss him.]] [[Shrug and start eating “It was an easy choice.”]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelse")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my chest when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. You can tell me to piss off, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush."]] [["It was Rota."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."]] [["I’d rather not say."]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelselie")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my chest when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. You can tell me to piss off, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush."]] [["It was Rota."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."]] [["I’d rather not say."]] [["The shack was wrong. You honestly were my first choice."]] ]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }You reach forward to pick a strawberry out of the fruit salad and stand slightly, leaning forward to run it slowly across Alex’s lips before inviting him to take a bite, which he happily does. You lean forward further and kiss him, enjoying the taste and smell of the fruit, mixed with the taste and smell of… him. He lightly bites your lip, and a shock of excitement runs through you. You wonder if it would be poor breakfast etiquette to sweep the food onto the floor and slide over the table to sit on his lap. But you find some restraint and sit back down. He leans forward. “This is just, you’re just, I don’t think I can put it into words,” he sighs, “but I do think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the shack. My ‘lie’.” [["I'm listening."]]

He joins you, picking through the fruit salad first, and holding out a strawberry, inviting you to take a bite. You do and marvel at its sweetness. As Alex bites into the remaining part of the berry, he watches you, his eyes peaceful but focused. He sighs. “I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the shack. My ‘lie’.” [["I'm listening."]]

Alex looks over to Aayush. "Well, I can't blame you. I've never met anyone like him. He's perfect. Or at least, he seems perfect. Be careful of that though, things that seem perfect are often deeply flawed." He shrugs. "Well, things will work out the way they're supposed to, I'm almost sure of it." You sense that a distance has just formed between you slightly, an invisible wall in front of Alex, presumably designed to guard his heart. Alex sighs and puts the piece of toast he's eating down. "I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the hut. My 'lie'." [["I'm listening."]]

Alex looks over to Rota. "Oh wow. She's stunning. I've never met anyone like her. My jaw hits the floor every time she starts one of her stories. Well, things will work out the way they're supposed to, I'm almost sure of it." You sit quietly for a time, both eating and looking around the villa. You sense that a distance has just formed between you slightly, an invisible wall in front of Alex, presumably designed to guard his heart. Alex sighs and puts the piece of toast he's eating down. "I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the hut. My 'lie'." [["I'm listening."]]

Alex looks around the group of people sat around the pool. "Well, that could make things interesting. It doesn't matter anyway, things will work out the way they're supposed to, I'm almost sure of it." You sense that a distance has just formed between you slightly, an invisible wall in front of Alex, presumably designed to guard his heart. Alex sighs and puts the piece of toast he's eating down. "I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the hut. My 'lie'." [["I'm listening."]]

Alex just nods and starts picking through the food in front of him. "I totally get it. This place is public enough. It doesn't matter anyway, things will work out the way they're supposed to, I'm almost sure of it." You sense that a distance has just formed between you slightly, an invisible wall in front of Alex, presumably designed to guard his heart. Alex sighs and puts the piece of toast he's eating down. "I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the hut. My 'lie'." [["I'm listening."]]

Alex smiles slightly and nods. "That's fair enough. How in the hell was it supposed to work anyway? There were no wires or anything." He starts picking through the food, and you do the same. You can tell his mind is somewhere else and put your spoon down quietly, watching and waiting for the words that you can sense are in the air. He sighs. "I think I owe you an explanation about what happened with me. My 'lie'. I'm not sure I can blame a faulty lie detector." [["I'm listening."]]

Alex takes a bite out of a croissant and looks thoughtfully into the distance. “So I’ve only had one really long term relationship. Three years. Felt like fifty. She’s a Were as well, and it just wasn’t….healthy, you know? I wasn’t what she wanted, and she just constantly tried to change me. The thing that scared me most was that I suddenly realised that the person she was trying to shape me into was my Dad. The pack leader.” He shivers slightly and you reach out to take his hand. He smiles at you, grateful for the gesture, and squeezes your hand gently. “So, I ended it. It wasn’t easy. I even got back together with her again, believed her when she said she’d stop criticising me. But yeah…she didn’t stop. We’ve been apart for eleven months now and I know I never want to get back together with her. But…I guess part of me will always have feelings for her, you know? I think that’s what the lie detector was picking up.” [[“Are you still in contact?”]] [[“I’ve been there, I totally get it”]]

Alex shakes his head. "No. She kept trying, but about three months ago she just stopped. I hope she’s ok, but I’m glad to be about as distant from her as I can possibly be, you know?" He looks thoughtfully at you. (if: $truth2 is "therightone")["So from your answer earlier, you're pretty happy to be in here, and away from your exes, huh? I'm not going to push you for information, but just know that I'm here to talk if you want to. I really appreciate you listening to me. It meant a lot." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if he turned up here..."]] ]\ (if: $truth2 is "somoneelse" or "somoneelselie")["I know the question earlier kind of revealed that you still have a complicated situation with someone outside. I'm not going to push you for information, but just know that I'm here to talk if you want to. I really appreciate you listening to me. It meant a lot." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if he turned up here..."]] ]

Alex looks instantly relieved. “So you don’t think I’m some kind of monster for cutting her off? She’s tried to make contact but I just couldn’t. And right now, I’m so glad to be about as far away as possible.” He looks thoughtfully at you. (if: $truth2 is "therightone") ["So from your answer earlier, you're pretty happy to be in here, and away from your exes, huh? I'm not going to push you for information, but just know that I'm here to talk if you want to. I really appreciate you listening to me. It meant a lot." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if he turned up here..."]]] (if: $truth2 is "somoneelse" or "somoneelselie")["I know the question earlier kind of revealed that you still have a complicated situation with someone outside. I'm not going to push you for information, but just know that I'm here to talk if you want to. I really appreciate you listening to me. It meant a lot." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if he turned up here..."]] ]

You watch Abe press the button, and before you have a chance to prepare yourself $boomer is back, louder than ever. “Buried Lovers, you’ve had time to talk over breakfast, but now it’s time to really see how well you know each other in a more figurative sense. Please make your way to the beach and get ready to play your first game, Heightened Senses.” There’s a pause before $boomer continues. “Oh, and can you all please ensure you’ve changed out of your pyjamas first. Honestly.” You look at Alex and you both burst into laughter. Alex grins. “Well, that’s me told. I’ll meet you by the beach. And $name? Thanks for listening. It meant a lot.” You smile and nod. As you watch his muscular back disappear as he saunters in the direction of his hut, you wonder what the game will involve. But still, at least if it’s a game it should be fun. Right? Right? [[Go to Day 2 Part 2 - Blindsided]]

Alex is about to say something, but a shout from the other side of the pool attracts your attention. You hear Abe call out “Guys! The thing on my wrist! I think it must be message time.” [[Wait for the big announcement.]]

Alex's eyes grow wide and he's about to say something, but a shout from the other side of the pool attracts your attention. You hear Abe call out “Guys! The thing on my wrist! I think it must be message time.” [[Wait for the big announcement.]]

You turn around quickly and stare at the crow. It stops making any noise at first, and shuffles on its feet, but as soon as you turn around it starts making that noise again, its mocking tone following you all the way back to the pool, as you link arms with Rota. Luckily when you reach the pool there is every kind of breakfast food waiting for you, laid out on a giant banquet. The other couples are already sat in their pairs, apart from Abe who is sat with Fleur and Zein. “I find myself absolutely consumed with hunger! It must be the stress of that shack,” Rota exclaims, nodding her head in the direction you just came from. “Shall we grab some food and find someplace quiet to talk?” You nod as you look at the options in front of you and wonder where to start. [[Take some fruit salad. Start the day right.]] [[Take some pastries. Sugar is what you need to recover from that shack.]] [[Grab about as much as you can carry.]]

You don’t even give the crow a second glance, instead you link arms with Rota and make your way to the pool. The noise of the crow mocking you follows you the whole way, and even after it stops the sound is still bouncing around your head. Luckily when you reach the pool there is every kind of breakfast food waiting for you, laid out on a giant banquet. The other couples are already sat in their pairs, apart from Abe who is sat with Fleur and Zein. “I find myself absolutely consumed with hunger! It must be the stress of that shack,” Rota exclaims, nodding her head in the direction you just came from. “Shall we grab some food and find someplace quiet to talk?” You nod as you look at the options in front of you and wonder where to start. [[Take some fruit salad. Start the day right.]] [[Take some pastries. Sugar is what you need to recover from that shack.]] [[Grab about as much as you can carry.]]

You walk over to the selection of fruits and marvel at the selection. Every type of fruit you can imagine is laid out in front of you, in perfectly cut pieces. You wonder how and where they’re keeping everything fresh, but decide that’s a geeky thought for another day. Instead you help yourself to a selection of your favourites and then make your way to the nearest table. You follow Rota who has a plate piled high with sausages and bacon. You look back at the table – where the hell did she find the sausages? She smiles at you as you both sit at an ornate garden table in the furthest corner of the pool. “Help yourself to any of this. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so just kind of grabbed everything that looked filling.” She looks down for a moment and blushes slightly “I’m suddenly aware that I’m still wearing my pyjamas. I was just so happy to be seeing you this morning that I made my way straight to the shack when I got the message. But now I realise I must look ridiculous. Sat here with a plate of meat and red satin.” [[Bite your lip “Rota, babe, you can just wear those anytime you like. You look anything but ridiculous.”]] [[“It’s all good, my type happens to be Valkyrie who love nothing more than a bowl of sausages and bacon and chilling out in red satin.”]] [[“Yeah, I’ll let you off this once, but next time I expect you to be dressed in your finest clothes for breakfast…by a pool…in a dome...under the sea.”]]

You walk over to the selection of pastries and wonder how many you can take without appearing to have a pastry problem. Every type of pastry you can imagine is laid out in front of you, with some that you’ve never seen added in for good measure. You settle for two, but remind yourself you can always go back for more. They’re still warm and you wonder how and where they’re preparing everything, but decide that’s a geeky thought for another day. You follow Rota who has a plate piled high with sausages and bacon. You look back at the table – where the hell did she find the sausages? She smiles at you as you both sit at an ornate garden table in the furthest corner of the pool. “Help yourself to any of this. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so just kind of grabbed everything that looked filling.” She looks down for a moment and blushes slightly. “I’m suddenly aware that I’m still wearing my pyjamas. I was just so happy to be seeing you this morning that I made my way straight to the shack when I got the message. But now I realise I must look ridiculous. Sat here with a plate of meat and red satin.” [[Bite your lip “Rota, babe, you can just wear those anytime you like. You look anything but ridiculous.”]] [[“It’s all good, my type happens to be Valkyrie who love nothing more than a bowl of sausages and bacon and chilling out in red satin.”]] [[“Yeah, I’ll let you off this once, but next time I expect you to be dressed in your finest clothes for breakfast…by a pool…in a dome...under the sea.”]]

You manage to stack a bowl of cereal, some poached eggs, toast, and a fruit salad, and start carefully following Rota over to a table in the far corner of the pool area. Rota reaches the table before you and turns to watch you approach. But there’s no time to notice her watching you. Every ounce of concentration is on the bowls and plates you’re carrying. You make it to the table, but just as you do the plate of eggs starts to slip and fall. You feel a woosh of cool air beside you and before you know it, Aayush is stood beside you holding the plate. He puts it on the table with a flourish and a “For you,” before running back to his table with Lily, shooting you a smile before he sits down. “His ego outweighs his value,” Rota mumbles, before helping to dismantle your breakfast stash. The two of you look at the tabletop which is now absolutely packed with food and laugh. She looks down for a moment and blushes slightly. “I’m suddenly aware that I’m still wearing my pyjamas. I was just so happy to be seeing you this morning that I made my way straight to the shack when I got the message. But now I realise I must look ridiculous. Sat here with a plate of meat and red satin.” [[Bite your lip “Rota, babe, you can just wear those anytime you like. You look anything but ridiculous.”]] [[“It’s all good, my type happens to be Valkyrie who love nothing more than a bowl of sausages and bacon and chilling out in red satin.”]] [[“Yeah, I’ll let you off this once, but next time I expect you to be dressed in your finest clothes for breakfast…by a pool…in a dome...under the sea.”]]

She smiles, it’s a gentle smile but it fills her eyes with happiness. As you look into her eyes you realise that food is quite far from your mind. You see that there’s a strong possibility she’s feeling the same. (if: $truth1 is "therightone")[She smiles down at the table and then looks up at you. “I’m not normally the nervous type, but I have to admit I had a weird fluttering feeling in my stomach when you got asked the question about choosing me. I'm so relieved you think you made the right decision, because I feel it too. Aayush and Alex are some tough competition. I’m not sure why you chose me, but I’m so happy you did." [[Lean over the table to kiss her.]] [[Smile and start eating “It was an easy choice.”]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelse")[She looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. Although, thank you for being brave enough to say it to my face. I judge myself for asking, but who would you have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush."|Rota Aayush]] [["It was Alex."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice"|Rota someone else]] [["I’d rather not say"|Rota rather not]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelselie")[She looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. I can't judge you for the lie after what happened with me. I'm sorry about that. Really. I judge myself for asking, but who would you have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush"|Rota Aayush]] [["It was Alex."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice"|Rota someone else]] [["I’d rather not say"|Rota rather not]] [["The shack was wrong. You honestly were my first choice"|Rotashackwrong]] ]

"Well this is a perfect situation then" she says, smiling "this fabric is definitely nicer to wear than my armour. I love how it feels on my skin. So smooth.". (if: $truth1 is "therightone")[She smiles down at the table and then looks up at you. “I’m not normally the nervous type, but I have to admit I had a weird fluttering feeling in my stomach when you got asked the question about choosing me. I'm so relieved you think you made the right decision, because I feel it too. Aayush and Alex are some tough competition. I’m not sure why you chose me, but I’m so happy you did." [[Lean over the table to kiss her.]] [[Smile and start eating “It was an easy choice.”]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelse")[She looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. Although, thank you for being brave enough to say it to my face. I judge myself for asking, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush"|Rota Aayush]] [["It was Alex."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice"|Rota someone else]] [["I’d rather not say"|Rota rather not]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelselie")[She looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. I can't judge you for the lie after what happened with me. I'm sorry about that. Really. I judge myself for asking, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush"|Rota Aayush]] [["It was Alex."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice"|Rota someone else]] [["I’d rather not say"|Rota rather not]] [["The shack was wrong. You honestly were my first choice"|Rotashackwrong]] ]

Rota doesn't understand that you're being sarcastic at first, and looks genuinely embarrassed. Although as she looks at your face closely and sees the smile that is starting to play around your lips, she breaths a sigh of relief and smiles. “So I haven’t offended you? Good.” (if: $truth1 is "therightone")[She smiles down at the table and then looks up at you. “I’m not normally the nervous type, but I have to admit I had a weird fluttering feeling in my stomach when you got asked the question about choosing me. I'm so relieved you think you made the right decision, because I feel it too. Aayush and Alex are some tough competition. I’m not sure why you chose me, but I’m so happy you did." [[Lean over the table to kiss her.]] [[Smile and start eating “It was an easy choice.”]]]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelse")[She looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. Although, thank you for being brave enough to say it to my face. I judge myself for asking, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush"|Rota Aayush]] [["It was Alex."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice"|Rota someone else]] [["I’d rather not say"|Rota rather not]]]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelselie")[She looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. I can't judge you for the lie after what happened with me. I'm sorry about that. Really. I judge myself for asking, but who would have rather chosen?" [["It was Aayush"|Rota Aayush]] [["It was Alex."]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice"|Rota someone else]] [["I’d rather not say"|Rota rather not]] [["The shack was wrong. You honestly were my first choice"|Rotashackwrong]] ]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }You reach forward to pick a strawberry out of the fruit salad and stand slightly, leaning forward to run it slowly across Rota’s lips before inviting her to take a bite, which she happily does. You lean forward further and kiss her, enjoying the taste and smell of the fruit, mixed with the taste and smell of her. You sit back down and she leans forward. “You make my legs feel weak, $name. It's a good job you're never near me in battle. I don't think I'd perform well,” she sighs, “but I do think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the shack. My ‘lie’.” [["Ok, I'm listening"]]

She joins you, picking through the fruit salad first, and holding out a strawberry, inviting you to take a bite. You do and marvel at its sweetness. As Rota bites into the remaining part of the berry, she watches you shyly. She's such a fascinating mix of strength and vulnerability that you think you could watch her all day. She sighs. “I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the shack. My ‘lie’.” [["Ok, I'm listening"]]

Rota looks over to Aayush. "Well, he's certainly been graced by the Gods with looks, but I'm not sure what else is there. It doesn't matter anyway, things will work out the way they're supposed to. They always do." You sense that something has just shifted between the two of you and that a Valkyrie shield has been placed firmly along the middle of the table. Rota sighs and puts the piece of bacon she's eating down. "I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the hut. My 'lie'." [["Ok, I'm listening"]]

Rota looks over to where Alex is sat. "Alex is a good choice. A kind man. I feel there's something troubling him though. It doesn't matter anyway, things will work out the way they're supposed to. They always do." You sense that something has just shifted between the two of you and that a Valkyrie shield has been placed firmly along the middle of the table. Rota sighs and puts the piece of bacon she's eating down. "I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the hut. My 'lie'." [["Ok, I'm listening"]]

Rota looks around the group of people sat around the pool. "Well, that could shake things up again. It doesn't matter anyway, things will work out the way they're supposed to. They always do." You sense that something has just shifted between the two of you and that a Valkyrie shield has been placed firmly along the middle of the table. Rota sighs and puts the piece of bacon she's eating down. "I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the hut. My 'lie'." [["Ok, I'm listening"]]

Rota just nods and starts picking through the food in front of her. "I totally get it. Your privacy is important. It doesn't matter anyway, things will work out the way they're supposed to, I'm sure of it." You sense that something has just shifted between the two of you and that a Valkyrie shield has been placed firmly along the middle of the table. Rota sighs and puts the piece of bacon she's eating down. "I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the hut. My 'lie'." [["Ok, I'm listening"]]

Rota smiles and nods. "I understand. It doesn't matter anyway, things will work out the way they're supposed to. They always do." You sense that something has just shifted between the two of you and that a Valkyrie shield has been placed firmly along the middle of the table. Rota sighs and puts the piece of bacon she's eating down. "I think I owe you an explanation for what happened in the hut. My 'lie'." [["Ok, I'm listening"]]

Rota tucks a lock of hair behind her ear before taking a deep breath and speaking, her words tumbling out faster than normal, her usual restraint and control gone. “I think maybe that cursed shack picked up that I’ve been lying to myself about something. It’s true that I haven’t ever been in a relationship, but I think perhaps I’ve been in love.” She rips a corner off a piece of toast and eats it absentmindedly. "Her name was Herja. Another Valkyrie, and for a while she was everything to me. We’d ride into battle together, destroy anyone who looked like they might damage a hair on each other’s heads. She was fearless. Brutal. I was in awe.” She drops the piece of toast on the plate. “But nothing ever happened between us. Something... bad... happened in battle once, someone got killed unnecessarily, and I saw Herja differently after that. Not that anything could have happened anyway, if I haven’t mentioned before, romance isn’t exactly welcomed in the word of the Valkyrie. One night stands with men drunk on mead? Sure. Love? Not a chance.” She looks deeply sad and you can see that remembering Herja hasn’t been easy. You reach out to take her hand, squeezing it gently and Rota looks at you and smiles. “Thank you for listening, $name. The last thing I expected was to start my day realising hidden feelings. They won’t get in the way again.” [[“It's ok, we've all got hidden crushes.”]] [[“If she was here now, how would you feel?”]]

Rota looks relieved. “Thank you for saying that. I struggle sometimes to know whether what I feel is normal, because I’m never really allowed to feel. That’s why being here is so great, I can start understanding who I am.” She looks thoughtfully at you. (if: $truth2 is "therightone") ["So from your answer earlier, you're pretty happy to be in here, and away from your past loves? I'm not going to push you for information, but just know that I'm here to talk if you want to. Not that I'll have any advice to offer, but talking has just helped me so I'd like to do the same for you." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of very bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if she turned up here..."]] ]\ (if: $truth2 is "somoneelse" or "somoneelselie")["I know the question earlier revealed that you still have a complicated situation with someone outside. I'm not going to push you for information, but please know that I'm here to talk if you want to. Not that I'll have any advice to offer, but talking has just helped me so I'd like to do the same for you." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of very bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if she turned up here..."]] ]

Rota’s eyes widen. “Terrified for all of you. Like I’d need to fight her to the death. Trust me, if there’s one person you don’t want to be stuck in a bubble in the ocean with it’s her. She’s going to be furious when she finds out I’ve come here,” her eyes dart around at the fixed cameras, “and spoken about her.” She shakes her head and takes a huge bite out of a pastry. “But that won’t happen. No way.” She looks thoughtfully at you. (if: $truth2 is "therightone") ["So from your answer earlier, you're pretty happy to be in here, and away from your past loves? I'm not going to push you for information, but just know that I'm here to talk if you want to. Not that I'll have any advice to offer, but talking has just helped me so I'd like to do the same for you." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of very bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if she turned up here..."]] ]\ (if: $truth2 is "somoneelse" or "somoneelselie")["I know the question earlier revealed that you still have a complicated situation with someone outside. I'm not going to push you for information, but please know that I'm here to talk if you want to. Not that I'll have any advice to offer, but talking has just helped me so I'd like to do the same for you." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of very bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if she turned up here..."]] ]

Rota is about to say something, but a shout from the other side of the pool attracts your attention. You hear Abe call out “Guys! The thing on my wrist! I think it must be message time.” [[Wait for the big announcement.|announcerota]]

Rota nods emphatically and she's about to say something, but a shout from the other side of the pool attracts your attention. You hear Abe call out “Guys! The thing on my wrist! I think it must be message time.” [[Wait for the big announcement.|announcerota]]

You watch Abe press the button, and before you have a chance to prepare yourself $boomer is back, louder than ever. “Buried Lovers, you’ve had time to talk over breakfast, but now it’s time to really see how well you know each other in a more figurative sense. Please make your way to the beach and get ready to play your first game, Heightened Senses.” There’s a pause before $boomer continues. “Oh, and can you all please ensure you’ve changed out of your pyjamas first. Honestly.” You look at Rota who blushes “Well, that’s me told. I’ll meet you by the beach. And $name? Thanks for listening. It meant a lot.”. You smile and nod. As you watch her hips swaying as she confidently walks towards the huts, you wonder what the game will involve. But still, at least if it’s a game it should be fun. Right? Right? [[Go to Day 2 Part 2 - Blindsided]]

You turn around quickly and stare at the crow. It stops making any noise at first, and shuffles on its feet, but as soon as you turn around it starts making that noise again, its mocking tone following you all the way back to the pool, as you link arms with Aayush. Luckily when you reach the pool there is every kind of breakfast food waiting for you, laid out on a giant banquet. The other couples are already sat in their pairs, apart from Lily who is sat with Fleur and Zein. You look in her direction and wonder if any drama is about to happen, but she just looks up at you both and waves, smiling sweetly. You wave back, and so does Aayush, who somehow manages to mutter through his smile "Don't trust her". “I find myself consumed with hunger and unable to eat a single thing. It must be the stress of that shack,” Aayush said with a sigh. He picks up a solid metal cup with a lid and a straw, with 'For Aayush only' written on the side in an almost intelligible scrawl. He turns to you. "I'll go and get a seat for us someplace quiet". You nod as you look at the options in front of you and wonder where to start. [[Start with some fruit salad.]] [[Start with pastries. Sugar is what you need to recover from that shack.]] [[Grab as much as you can carry, you might as well have Aayush's share as well.]]

You don’t even give the crow a second glance, instead you link arms with Aayush and make your way to the pool. The noise of the crow mocking you follows you the whole way, and even after it stops the sound is still bouncing around your head. Luckily when you reach the pool there is every kind of breakfast food waiting for you, laid out on a giant banquet. The other couples are already sat in their pairs, apart from Lily who is sat with Fleur and Zein. You look in her direction and wonder if any drama is about to happen, but she just looks up at you both and waves, smiling sweetly. You wave back, and so does Aayush, who somehow manages to mutter through his smile "Don't trust her". “I find myself consumed with hunger and unable to eat a single thing. It must be the stress of that shack,” Aayush said with a sigh. He picks up a solid metal cup with a lid and a straw, with 'For Aayush only' written on the side in an almost intelligible scrawl. He turns to you. "I'll go and get a seat for us someplace quiet." You nod as you look at the options in front of you and wonder where to start. [[Start with some fruit salad.]] [[Start with pastries. Sugar is what you need to recover from that shack.]] [[Grab as much as you can carry, you might as well have Aayush's share as well.]]

You walk over to the selection of fruits and marvel at the selection. Every type of fruit you can imagine is laid out in front of you, in perfectly cut pieces. You wonder how and where they’re keeping everything fresh, but decide that’s a geeky thought for another day. Instead you help yourself to a selection of your favourites and then make your way to the table Aayush has selected. You can see he's placed the cup with his name on under his seat. Aayush notices you looking and smiles his dazzling smile. "It's empty. I'm a quick drinker." You're not sure you believe him, but just nod and go along with it. If he's hiding it from you there's probably a reason, and you've been dealing with enough new information over the past twenty-four hours. He looks down for a moment and then laughs to himself. “It would seem that I was so excited to meet you in the shack this morning that I forgot to get dressed. I suddenly feel very scruffy in these pyjama bottoms in comparison to the glamour you're exuding in that outfit.” [[Bite your lip. “Aayush, babe, you can just wear that outfit anytime you like. I'm starting to think you'd make a burlap sack look stylish.”]] [[“Yeah, I’ll let you off this once, but next time I expect you to be dressed in your finest clothes at all times, even for breakfast…by a pool…in a dome...under the sea.”]]

You walk over to the selection of pastries and wonder how many you can take without appearing to have a problem. Every type of pastry you can imagine is laid out in front of you, with some that you’ve never seen added in for good measure. You settle for two, but remind yourself you can always go back for more. They’re still warm and you wonder how and where they’re preparing everything, but decide that’s a geeky thought for another day. You make your way to the table Aayush has selected. You can see he's placed the cup with his name on under his seat. Aayush notices you looking and smiles his dazzling smile. "It's empty. I'm a quick drinker." You're not sure you believe him, but just nod and go along with it. If he's hiding it from you there's probably a reason, and you've been dealing with enough new information over the past twenty-four hours. He looks down for a moment and then laughs to himself. “It would seem that I was so excited to meet you in the shack this morning that I forgot to get dressed. I suddenly feel very scruffy in these pyjama bottoms in comparison to the glamour you're exuding in that oufit.” [[Bite your lip. “Aayush, babe, you can just wear that outfit anytime you like. I'm starting to think you'd make a burlap sack look stylish.”]] [[“Yeah, I’ll let you off this once, but next time I expect you to be dressed in your finest clothes at all times, even for breakfast…by a pool…in a dome...under the sea.”]]

You manage to stack a bowl of cereal, some poached eggs, toast, and a fruit salad, and start carefully making your way over to the table Aayush has selected. Every ounce of concentration is on the bowls and plates you’re carrying. You make it to the table, but just as you do the plate of eggs starts to slip and fall. You feel a woosh of cool air beside you and before you know it, Aayush is holding the plate. He puts it on the table with a flourish and a “For you,” before sitting back down. You smile at him gratefully, as he helps unstack the rest of the food and places it on the table. As you sit down you can see he's placed the cup with his name on under his seat. Aayush notices you looking and smiles his dazzling smile. "It's empty. I'm a quick drinker". You're not sure you believe him, but just nod and go along with it. If he's hiding it from you there's probably a reason, and you've been dealing with enough new information over the past twenty-four hours. He looks down for a moment and then laughs to himself. “It would seem that I was so excited to meet you in the shack this morning that I forgot to get dressed. I suddenly feel very scruffy in these pyjama bottoms in comparison to the glamour you're exuding in that outfit.” [[Bite your lip. “Aayush, babe, you can just wear that outfit anytime you like. I'm starting to think you'd make a burlap sack look stylish.”]] [[“Yeah, I’ll let you off this once, but next time I expect you to be dressed in your finest clothes at all times, even for breakfast…by a pool…in a dome...under the sea.”]]

He smiles and places his elbows on the table and rests his head on his hands, looking intently into your eyes as he responds "I could definitely say the same to you". As you sit there, locked under his gaze you realise that food is far from your mind. You see that there’s a strong possibility he’s feeling the same. (if: $truth1 is "therightone")[He lifts his head off his hands. “I’m not always one to show my emotions too soon, but I have to admit I got a rush of happiness earlier when you said that you’d made the right decision in choosing me. Rota and Alex are some tough competition. I’m not sure why you chose me, but I’m so happy you did." [[Lean over the table to kiss him.|leankissaayush]] [[Smile and start eating “It was an easy choice”|aayush easy choice]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelse")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. My over-inflated ego is forcing me to ask who you'd have rather been with, although my sense of pride is hating me for doing so?" [["It was Rota."|Aayush Rota]] [["It was Alex.|Aayush Alex"]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."|Aayush someone else]] [["I’d rather not say"|Aayush rather not]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelselie")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. No judgement about the lie, but my over-inflated ego is forcing me to ask who you'd have rather been with, although my sense of pride is hating me for doing so?" [["It was Rota."|Aayush Rota]] [["It was Alex.|Aayush Alex"]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."|Aayush someone else]] [["I’d rather not say."|Aayush rather not]] [["The shack was wrong. You honestly were my first choice."|Aayushshackwrong]] ]

He bows his head, playing along with the mock disapproval in your voice. "Trust me, it won't happen again. I'll be wearing all or nothing when I'm with you from this moment on." He looks at you with a smile playing across his lips. (if: $truth1 is "therightone")[He lifts his head off his hands. “I’m not always one to show my emotions too soon, but I have to admit I got a rush of happiness earlier when you said that you’d made the right decision in choosing me. Rota and Alex are some tough competition. I’m not sure why you chose me, but I’m so happy you did." [[Lean over the table to kiss him|leankissaayush]] [[Smile and start eating “It was an easy choice”|aayush easy choice]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelse")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. My over-inflated ego is forcing me to ask who you'd have rather been with, although my sense of pride is hating me for doing so?" [["It was Rota."|Aayush Rota]] [["It was Alex.|Aayush Alex"]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."|Aayush someone else]] [["I’d rather not say."|Aayush rather not]] ]\ (if: $truth1 is "somoneelselie")[He looks down at the table and then up at you. “I’m not normally the jealous type, but I have to admit I did feel a little kick in my stomach when it turned out you’d have rather been coupled up with someone else. No judgement about the lie, but my over-inflated ego is forcing me to ask who you'd have rather been with, although my sense of pride is hating me for doing so?" [["It was Rota."|Aayush Rota]] [["It was Alex.|Aayush Alex"]] [["Someone who wasn’t even a choice."|Aayush someone else]] [["I’d rather not say."|Aayush rather not]] [["The shack was wrong. You honestly were my first choice."|Aayushshackwrong]] ]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }You pick up a strawberry and slowly trail it around your mouth before taking a bite. Aayush might not be able to eat the same food as you, but he might as well enjoy the taste. You stand up and lean forward, resting your hands on the table until your lips meet his. He pulls back slightly and then runs his tongue along your lips slowly. It's enough to make you want to sweep the table contents onto the floor. Your legs feel wobbly and you sit back down. Aayush also sits back and looks thoughtful for a moment, before looking into your eyes, his face serious. "I think I owe you an explanation for my reaction in the hut, the 'lie'." [["I'm listening."|Aayushlistening]]

Aayush looks over at Rota. "She is glorious, I'll give you that. It's rare I'm in awe of someone, but there's a strength within her that I haven't seen before. It doesn't matter anyway, if I've learned anything in my time on this earth it's that things will go their own way and there is absolutely no point in worrying. If things don't work out between us then I wish you happiness with the beautiful Valkyrie. Let's leave it at that." You sense that a distance has just formed between you slightly, as Aayush sits back further in his chair. You wonder if the boy who doesn't have a heartbeat is still worried that he might get hurt. "Anyway," he continues "I think I owe you an explanation for my reaction in the hut, the 'lie'." [["I'm listening."|Aayushlistening]]

Aayush looks over to Alex. "The wolf? Really? He and I are very different, not least the fact we're at opposite ends of the temperature spectrum. I'm surprised." He shrugs. "It doesn't matter anyway, if I've learned anything in my time on this earth it's that things will go their own way and there is absolutely no point in worrying. If things don't work out between us then I wish you happiness with the wolf boy. Let's leave it at that." You sense that a distance has just formed between you slightly, as Aayush sits back further in his chair. You wonder if the boy who doesn't have a heartbeat is still worried that he might get hurt. "Anyway" he continues "I think I owe you an explanation for my reaction in the hut, the 'lie'." [["I'm listening"|Aayushlistening]]

Aayush looks at the group of people sat around the pool and raises an eyebrow when he looks back at you. "Well, that could make things interesting. It doesn't matter anyway, if I've learned anything in my time on this earth it's that things will go their own way and there is absolutely no point in worrying. If things don't work out between us then I wish you happiness with whoever it is. Let's leave it at that." You sense that a distance has just formed between you slightly, as Aayush sits back further in his chair. You wonder if the boy who doesn't have a heartbeat is still worried that he might get hurt. "Anyway," he continues "I think I owe you an explanation for my reaction in the hut, the 'lie'." [["I'm listening."|Aayushlistening]]

Aayush just nods and sits back in his chair. "I totally get it. This place is public enough. It doesn't matter anyway, if I've learned anything in my time on this earth it's that things will go their own way and there is absolutely no point in worrying. If things don't work out between us then I wish you happiness with whoever it is. Let's leave it at that." You sense that a distance has just formed between you slightly, as Aayush sits back further in his chair. You wonder if the boy who doesn't have a heartbeat is still worried that he might get hurt. "Anyway," he continues, "I think I owe you an explanation for my reaction in the hut, the 'lie'." [["I'm listening"|Aayushlistening]]

Aayush smiles and nods. "Ah, the old 'the equipment is broken' reasoning. It doesn't matter anyway, if I've learned anything in my time on this earth it's that things will go their own way and there is absolutely no point in worrying. If things don't work out between us then I wish you happiness with whoever it is. Let's leave it at that." You sense that a distance has just formed between you slightly, as Aayush sits back further in his chair. You wonder if the boy who doesn't have a heartbeat is still worried that he might get hurt. "Anyway" he continues "I think I owe you an explanation for my reaction in the hut, the 'lie'." [["I'm listening."|Aayushlistening]]

"I'm glad to hear that," he says, smiling as he watches you start to pick your way through the food. He picks up a strawberry and you look at him in surprise, until you realise that he's picked it up to feed you. You take a slow bite, staring into his eyes while you slowly lick your lips. "Hmm," he says, the deep rumbling noise coming from his throat, "watching you eat that strawberry is the first time I've enjoyed food in a very long time". He sits back and sighs. "I think I owe you an explanation for my reaction in the hut, the 'lie'." [["I'm listening."|Aayushlistening]]

He leans forward again and has the air of someone who has a painful story to tell. "So, I was in love at one point in my life. It was the 1960's and I was waiting to see a band when I first saw her. They became quite famous I think. You wait to hear the inevitable 'Beatles' or 'Rolling Stones' but Aayush doesn't name the band and instead continues his story. "Her name was Sarah and she wasn't like anyone I'd met before. She was only twenty, and she was full of life and energy, and when she found out what I am she didn't seem to care. She wasn't attracted to that side of me, but she wasn't repulsed either. She just seemed to love me for being...me. It was the freest I'd felt for a long time. Not ageing can feel like a prison at times, but it didn't when I was with her." His eyes look slightly glazed, and you know that he's in a place far away from here. He shakes his head slightly and sits back. "And so that's that. I did have feelings. In the 60's. I'm guessing the shack picked up on that." You try to do the math in your head of how old Sarah must be now. [["Are you still in contact with her?"]] [["If the shack is to be believed you didn't leave those feelings in the 1960s."]]

Aayush shakes his head slowly. "No, I, I lost her. I can't. Ugh. I can't talk about it. But she's not here any more. It's not a breakfast story. Sorry." You reach out and take his hand, reassuring him that it's absolutely fine. The pain flashing in his eyes means that you regret asking and wish your mind hadn't gone completely blank so that you could change the subject. "Thanks for listening to that, $name," he strokes the back of your hand with his thumb. "I don't really talk about Sarah so I'm not sure why I've just decided to do so on national TV." He looks thoughtfully at you. (if: $truth2 is "therightone")["So from your answer earlier, you're pretty happy to be in here, and away from your past loves? I'm not going to push you for information, but just know that I'm here to talk if you want to. I've built up quite the back catalogue of disastrous relationships." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of very bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape"|aayushlotsofexes]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if he turned up here..."|aayushoneex]] ]\ (if: $truth2 is "somoneelse" or "somoneelselie")["I know the question earlier revealed that you still have a complicated situation with someone outside. I'm not going to push you for information, but please know that I'm here to talk if you want to. I've built up quite the back catalogue of disastrous relationships." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of very bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."|aayushlotsofexes]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if he turned up here..."|aayushoneex]] ]

Aayush looks like you've just stuck a knife into his heart. "I, I lost her. The feelings didn't leave when she did, I guess. I can't. Ugh. I can't talk about it. But she's not here any more. It's not a breakfast story. Sorry." You reach out and take his hand, reassuring him that it's absolutely fine. The pain flashing in his eyes means that you regret asking and wish your mind hadn't gone completely blank so that you could change the subject. "Thanks for listening to that, $name," he strokes the back of your hand with is thumb "I don't really talk about Sarah so I'm not sure why I've just decided to do so on national TV." He looks thoughtfully at you. (if: $truth2 is "therightone")["So from your answer earlier, you're pretty happy to be in here, and away from your past loves? I'm not going to push you for information, but just know that I'm here to talk if you want to. I've built up quite the back catalogue of disastrous relationships." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of very bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape"|aayushlotsofexes]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if he turned up here..."|aayushoneex]] ]\ (if: $truth2 is "somoneelse" or "somoneelselie")["I know the question earlier revealed that you still have a complicated situation with someone outside. I'm not going to push you for information, but please know that I'm here to talk if you want to. I've built up quite the back catalogue of disastrous relationships." [["There isn't just one ex, just a whole line of very bad decisions, all building up to a sense of needing to escape."|aayushlotsofexes]] [["Yeah, there's one ex I'm really happy to be away from. There's no feelings there now, apart from strong dislike. But god, if he turned up here..."|aayushoneex]] ]

Aayush nods emphatically and is about to say something, but a shout from the other side of the pool attracts your attention. You hear Abe call out “Guys! The thing on my wrist! I think it must be message time”. [[Wait for the big announcement|announceaayush]]

Aayush nods and he shoots a look in Lily's direction before starting to speak, but a shout from the other side of the pool attracts your attention. You hear Abe call out “Guys! The thing on my wrist! I think it must be message time”. [[Wait for the big announcement|announceaayush]]

You watch Abe press the button, and before you have a chance to prepare yourself $boomer is back, louder than ever. “Buried Lovers, you’ve had time to talk over breakfast, but now it’s time to really see how well you know each other in a more figurative sense. Please make your way to the beach and get ready to play your first game, Heightened Senses”. There’s a pause before $boomer continues. “Oh, and can you all please ensure you’ve changed out of your pyjamas first. Honestly”. You look at Aayush and you both burst into laughter. Aayush shakes his head “Well, that’s me told. I’ll meet you by the beach. And $name? Thanks for listening. It meant a lot”. You smile and nod. Your eyes can't help but watch as he saunters in the direction of his hut, and you wonder what the game will involve. But still, at least if it’s a game it should be fun. Right? Right? [[Go to Day 2 Part 2 - Blindsided]]

<div class="chaptertitle">Day 2. Part 2. Blindsided.</div> You tear your eyes away from the disappearing view of $couple1 and start to make your way to the beach, following behind Abe and Lily who seem to be leading the way. Lily links her arm with him, and you see his back tense slightly as he moves his body away from her, before shaking his head and relaxing when she says something that makes him laugh. You hear the sound of light footsteps running up beside you and turn to see Fleur, looking as fresh and beautiful as ever, her pink curls bouncing as she rushes to catch up. She links her arm with yours, copying Lily’s move, and smiles at you. “Sooo...how was breakfast? How are things going with $couple1? You looked super comfortable with each other. Although for a while it looked like the conversation was serious.” [[“Things are going great. I can’t believe how happy I feel and it’s only day two.”]] [[“Things are...ok...I’m staying cautious.”]] [[“Things are just bad. Awful. I made the worst decision.”]]

Fleur looks genuinely delighted to hear how happy you are, and your heart warms to her that little bit more. “I’m so happy to hear that! The spark between you both is so clear, and honestly, $couple1 has been like a different person since you arrived. So the serious chat wasn’t about you guys then?" (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[\ [[“Nah, it just turns out Rota is still crushing on a Valkyrie from home”]] [[“Nope.” No need to give any more information, you’re not sure Rota would want you to anyway.]] [[“Gossip much, Fleur?”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[\ [[“Nah, it just turns out Alex has got some baggage the size of this bubble with one of his exes”]] [[“Nope.” No need to give any more information, you’re not sure Alex would want you to anyway.]] [[“Gossip much, Fleur?”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[\ [[“Nah, it just turns out Aayush has still got some feelings for someone from his distant past.”]] [[“Nope.” No need to give any more information, you’re not sure Aayush would want you to anyway.]] [[“Gossip much, Fleur?”]]]

Fleur turns to you, her look of surprise suggesting that isn't the response she was expecting. “Oh, well it's always sensible to be cautious, it's only day two I guess. I do think $couple1 has been like a different person since you arrived. So I guess the serious chat was about you guys then?" (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[\ [[“Nah, it just turns out Rota is still crushing on a Valkyrie from home”]] [[“Nope.” No need to give any more information, you’re not sure Rota would want you to anyway.]] [[“Gossip much, Fleur?”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[\ [[“Nah, it just turns out Alex has got some baggage the size of this bubble with one of his exes”]] [[“Nope.” No need to give any more information, you’re not sure Alex would want you to anyway.]] [[“Gossip much, Fleur?”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[\ [[“Nah, it just turns out Aayush has still got some feelings for someone from his distant past.”]] [[“Nope.” No need to give any more information, you’re not sure Aayush would want you to anyway.]] [[“Gossip much, Fleur?”]]]

Fleur turns to you, her face a picture of serious concern. “Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, it's only day two I guess. Plenty of time to get to know other people. So I guess the serious chat was about you guys then?" (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[\ [[“Nah, it just turns out Rota is still crushing on a Valkyrie from home”]] [[“Nope.” No need to give any more information, you’re not sure Rota would want you to anyway.]] [[“Gossip much, Fleur?”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[\ [[“Nah, it just turns out Alex has got some baggage the size of this bubble with one of his exes”]] [[“Nope.” No need to give any more information, you’re not sure Alex would want you to anyway.]] [[“Gossip much, Fleur?”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[\ [[“Nah, it just turns out Aayush has still got some feelings for someone from his distant past.”]] [[“Nope.” No need to give any more information, you’re not sure Aayush would want you to anyway.]] [[“Gossip much, Fleur?”]]]

Fleur looks at you, clearly waiting for some elaboration. When none is forthcoming, she clears her throat slightly before continuing "Oh, well that's good. I guess Rota..." But her voice trails off as you both round the corner to the beach and see that a stage has been built in the middle of the sand, about two feet off the ground. Nine black velvet chairs are lined up in a row, again looking completely out of place in the beach environment. Lily and Abe are already on the stage, and Lily is twirling something that looks suspiciously like a blindfold around one finger. Abe looks at his wrist, which is flashing again. He waits for the group to assemble around him on the stage and then presses the button. You wince as you wait for $boomer’s voice to start speaking. But there’s nothing but silence. Then a loud sigh. You look around and realise that $couple1 is still missing. “Where is $couple1?” $boomer asks, making no attempt to hide their annoyance at being kept waiting. “I can hardly start without you all being here.” “Sorry! I’m here!” you hear $couple1 call out, running over to the group, stopping to catch your eye and smile before calling into the sky “It was you who told me to get dressed!” (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Do you want to [[smile at Alex but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to him]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Do you want to [[smile at Rota but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to her]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Do you want to [[smile at him but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to Aayush]]?]

Fleur looks hurt by the suggestion. "No! Honestly. I'm just interested in how things are going. I feel so lucky to have meet Zein so quickly, and I just hope everyone has some of that luck. I'm sorry, forget I said anything..." But her voice trails off as you both round the corner to the beach and see that a stage has been built in the middle of the sand, about two feet off the ground. Nine black velvet chairs are lined up in a row, again looking completely out of place in the beach environment. Lily and Abe are already on the stage, and Lily is twirling something that looks suspiciously like a blindfold around one finger. Abe looks at his wrist, which is flashing again. He waits for the group to assemble around him on the stage and then presses the button. You wince as you wait for $boomer’s voice to start speaking. But there’s nothing but silence. Then a loud sigh. You look around and realise that $couple1 is still missing. “Where is $couple1?” $boomer asks, making no attempt to hide their annoyance at being kept waiting. “I can hardly start without you all being here.” “Sorry! I’m here!” You hear $couple1 call out, running over to the group, stopping to catch your eye and smile before calling into the sky “It was you who told me to get dressed!” (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Do you want to [[smile at Alex but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to him]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Do you want to [[smile at Rota but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to her]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Do you want to [[smile at him but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to Aayush]]?]

Fleur looks at you, clearly waiting for some elaboration. When none is forthcoming, she clears her throat slightly before continuing "Oh, well that's good. I guess Alex..." But her voice trails off as you both round the corner to the beach and see that a stage has been built in the middle of the sand, about two feet off the ground. Nine black velvet chairs are lined up in a row, again looking completely out of place in the beach environment. Lily and Abe are already on the stage, and Lily is twirling something that looks suspiciously like a blindfold around one finger. Abe looks at his wrist, which is flashing again. He waits for the group to assemble around him on the stage and then presses the button. You wince as you wait for $boomer’s voice to start speaking. But there’s nothing but silence. Then a loud sigh. You look around and realise that $couple1 is still missing. “Where is $couple1?” $boomer asks, making no attempt to hide their annoyance at being kept waiting. “I can hardly start without you all being here.” “Sorry! I’m here!” you hear $couple1 call out, running over to the group, stopping to catch your eye and smile before calling into the sky “It was you who told me to get dressed!” (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Do you want to [[smile at Alex but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to him]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Do you want to [[smile at Rota but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to her]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Do you want to [[smile at him but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to Aayush]]?]

Their voice is more overbearing than ever. “Now we’re ALL here...I can explain what you need to be doing” then all sense of annoyance is dropped, and they sound more like a gameshow host when they speak again. “Welcome to Heightened Senses. The game where we learn that love at first sight might be overrated. Please take a seat and put on the blindfold that has been provided.” (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Alex puts his arm further around you, gently pulling you close and whispering “I can think of a game I’d rather be playing with that blindfold.”]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[His arm tightens around your shoulders slightly as he whispers “Throw in some handcuffs and you’ve really got yourself a game.”]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Rota puts her arm further around you, and leans over, before speaking loud enough for anyone on the stage to hear, the art of whispering apparently one she hasn't mastered. “I once accidentally walked in on Thor playing a similar game, only it involved just two people and a lot of liquid chocolate. I didn’t really get it at the time, but I’m realising that with you it could be a lot of fun.”] You blush in spite of yourself and follow $boomer’s orders, taking a seat and slowly putting on the blindfold. Two blindfolds in two days. This was becoming a habit. You bite your lip as you imagine the fun you could have with a blindfold and some one on one time and wonder if $boomer would notice if you forgot to leave it on the stage at the end of the game. $boomer continues. “In this game you have to see if you can guess who your fellow Buried Lovers are while blindfolded. BUT,” there was the drama again, “you can only use three senses - hearing, taste and touch to help each other work out who you are. In turn you’ll each be able to take off your blindfold. Pick up a card from the table on the centre on the stage and see which sense you are permitted to use on the person of your choice. You can, of course, use your sense of smell throughout to help you guess, if you are that way inclined. If you guess wrong, you’ll be disqualified. If you use a sense not on the card you'll be disqualified. Clear? Good. The first person to go will be notified via their bracelet.” Your head spins as it tries to understand the rules of the game. You fear the chances of you breaking one of the rules is fairly high. You all sit in silent darkness for a few seconds, which feel more like minutes. An “ooh!” which sounds suspiciously like Zein breaks the silence, and you hear bare feet padding across the stage. You hear a small gasp followed by a giggle. Definitely Fleur. You hear the sound of skin brushing against skin and something about the dark silence coupled with the sound makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. This is intense. You realise you’ve lost any sense of time. You keep hearing little giggles, followed by a sigh, which is definitely one of contentment and not frustration. But then you hear the unmistakable sound of lips meeting. You wonder how long you’re all going to sit here just...listening to what is clearly a make-out session between Zein and Fleur. $boomer answers the question for you. “Zein and Fleur. You are both disqualified. You can only use one sense with each person, the sense listed on the card, and that was most definitely two.” You hear Zein call out “Dude! That was touching. Our lips were touching.” $boomer responds, clearly not used to being challenged. “No, that was TASTE”. Zein mutters “Should have been clearer about the rules,” and then you hear Fleur, “It’s ok babe, let’s go and sit over there and watch. The bonus is we can use all of our senses now, so we’re the winners really.” You hear them walk across the stage and then jump in your seat as your bracelet starts to vibrate and emit a gentle hum. It must be your turn. [[Take off your blindfold.]]

You look around, blinking at the light while your eyes adjust. You see Fleur and Zein sat on the sand to the side of the stage, but their attention is definitely only on each other. You look around at the remaining islanders. Who do you want to test first? [[Alex|Alexsensep1]] [[Rota|Rotasensep1]] [[Aayush|Aayushsensep1]] [[Catarina|Catrinasensep1]] [[Lily|Lilysensep1]] [[Abe|Abesensep1]]

{(set: $sensep1 to "Alex") }Hmm...good choice. You walk up to the table and pick up a card, reading the word on it. [[Touch]]

{(set: $sensep1 to "Rota") }Hmm...good choice. You walk up to the table and pick up a card, reading the word on it. [[Touch]]

{(set: $sensep1 to "Aayush") }Hmm...good choice. You walk up to the table and pick up a card, reading the word on it. [[Touch]]

{(set: $sensep1 to "Catarina") }Hmm...good choice. You walk up to the table and pick up a card, reading the word on it. [[Touch]]

{(set: $sensep1 to "Lily") }Hmm...interesting choice. You walk up to the table and pick up a card, reading the word on it. [[Touch]]

{(set: $sensep1 to "Abe") }Hmm...interesting choice. You walk up to the table and pick up a card, reading the word on it. [[Touch]]

{(set: $sensec1 to "Touch") }(if: $sensep1 is "Alex")[You walk over to Alex and look down at him wondering where to start touching him. He looks almost nervous in his blindfold and a sense of power flows through you. He bites his lip slightly as he waits for whatever is about to happen next. You start by running your foot up his shin and then run it back down again. [[That’s enough...time for a guess]] [[Keep going]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Aayush")[You walk over to Aayush and look down at him wondering where to start touching him. He looks as confident as ever, his mouth curled into a half smile, and you wonder if there’s anything you can do that would cause that to waiver, even slightly. You start by running your foot up his shin and then run it back down again. [[That’s enough...time for a guess]] [[Keep going]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Abe")[You walk over to Abe and look down at him wondering where to start touching him. He looks terrified, and you wonder for a second if you’ve made a mistake choosing him for this. You’ve hardly interacted with each other, and he always seems so...distant. You wonder whether this game is a chance to see if he can loosen up and to get to know him better. You start by running your foot up his shin and then run it back down again. [[That’s enough...time for a guess]] [[Keep going]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Catarina")[You walk over to Catarina and look down at her wondering where to touch her. She mouths a little ‘oh’ of surprise before smiling confidently. It might be the sexiest smile you’ve ever seen. You start by running your foot up her shin and then run it back down again. [[That’s enough...time for a guess]] [[Keep going]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Rota")[You walk over to Rota and look down at her wondering where to touch her. She smiles confidently, although a slight blush on her cheeks tells you that she’s a bit nervous about what might be about to happen next. You have a moment of wondering what the other Valkyrie would think of one of their own sat, blindfolded and at the whim of a mortal. But Rota didn’t seem to mind, and as she shifts in her seat slightly you can’t help but stare at her long legs. You start by running your foot up her shin and then run it back down again. [[That’s enough...time for a guess]] [[Keep going]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Lily")[You walk over to Lily and look down at her wondering where to touch her. As she sits in front of you, she looks completely different. Her face has a vulnerability and she seems almost shy. She seems surprised to find someone stood in front of her, and you wonder if she already knows it’s you. Demons have powers that would give an advantage over a blindfold. Don’t they? You start by running your foot up her shin and then run it back down again. [[That’s enough...time for a guess]] [[Keep going]] ]

(if: $sensep1 is "Alex")[You use your hands to part his legs slightly, and cause him to shift in his seat with anticipation. You make him wait a moment by slowly walking around the chair. Alex’s usual relaxed posture is tense as he sits more upright, waiting for your next move. When you're stood in front of him again you step between his legs and then place your hands on his thighs. You can feel how muscular they are and have to stop your imagination from running away with you. You press your body against his torso and slowly roll down and then back up again, making sure that as much of you as possible is touching as much of him. You hear him gasp slightly as you roll up his torso and he shifts in his seat again. You resist the urge to run your fingers over him. There will be time for that, and being disqualified sounds like a mood killer. As you step away and look down, you see that he’s smiling ever so slightly but then he says something that makes you tingle. Your name. The word you’ve heard a million times before, but it comes out as a growl of wanting. (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[The sound does something to you, and you wonder if you'll get any alone time with him. And soon.]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush" or "Rota")[The sound does something to you, and as much as you love time with $couple1 you can’t help but wonder if some time with Alex would also be fun.] [[Walk back to your seat.]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Aayush")[You use your hands to part his legs slightly, and cause him to shift in his seat with anticipation, and you realise you might be having an effect. You make him wait a moment by slowly walking around the chair. Aayush’s usual confident posture is seeming to be more nervous as he waits for your next move. When you're stood in front of him again you step between his legs and then place your hands on his thighs. You can feel how muscular they are and have to stop your imagination from running away with you. You press your body against his torso and slowly roll down and then back up again, making sure that as much of you as possible is touching as much of him. You hear him gasp slightly as you roll up his torso and he shifts in his seat again. You resist the urge to run your fingers over him. There will be time for that, and being disqualified sounds like a mood killer. As you step away and look down, you see that his smile is gone, and he says one word. Your name. It’s the word you’ve heard a million times before, but as he speaks, it seems to take on a new meaning, his voice is smooth but there is something under the surface. Desire? (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[The sound does something to you, and you wonder if you'll get any alone time with him. And soon.]\ (if:$couple1 is "Alex" or "Rota")[The sound does something to you, and as much as you love time with $couple1 you can’t help but wonder if some time with Aayush would also be fun.] [[Walk back to your seat.]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Abe")[You use your hands to part his legs slightly, and Abe clears his throat and shifts in his seat. You realise you might be having an effect. You take a moment to watch his face to check if he’s comfortable with this and see his face is relaxed and a smile is playing on his lips. It might be the first time you’ve seen him smile. You make him wait a moment by slowly walking around the chair. Abe sits completely still as he waits for your next move. When you're stood in front of him again you step between his legs and then place your hands on his thighs. You can feel how muscular they are and for a moment your imagination runs away with you. You press your body against his torso and slowly roll down and then back up again, making sure that as much of you as possible is touching as much of him. You hear him gasp slightly as you roll up his torso and he shifts in his seat again. You can’t deny that a part of you is intrigued by the effect you seem to be having on this guy who has hardly spoken two words to you, and you wonder if some time getting to know him better would be time well spent. As you step away and look down, you see that he is now fully smiling and he lets out a chuckle before saying your name in his deep voice. Although you can’t see his eyes, his face looks transformed by the smile and as you walk away you wonder whether the little flutter you can feel in your stomach is just the after effect of the power trip, or if it’s something more. [[Walk back to your seat.]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Catarina")[You use your hands to part her legs slightly, and Catarina laughs, clearly amused by the situation. She’s holding the sides of the chair seat and taps her nails on the wood as she waits for your next move. You make her wait a moment by slowly walking around the chair. Catarina continues tapping her nails on the chair, tapping a rhythmic tune. When you're stood in front of her again you see the smile is still there, and one eyebrow is raised, arching above the fabric of the blindfold, enquiring when you’ll be making your next move. You step between her legs and then place your hands beside her on the chair. You feel her reach her thumb up to stroke the back of your hand. The gesture is gentle but confident and you find yourself distracted for a moment as you feel a shot of electricity run through you at her touch. You shake your head slightly and remember where you are, and what you’re supposed to be doing. You press your body against her torso and slowly roll down and then back up again, your chest and stomach lightly grazing hers as you move. You feel her press against you slightly as you roll back up her torso. The electricity was back again. You step away and look down, your body tingling and see that she’s smiling. She laughs before speaking “Well now that was an unexpected treat. Thank you, $name”. As you walk away you wonder whether the little flutter you can feel in your stomach is just the after effect of the power trip, or if it’s something more. [[Walk back to your seat.]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Rota")[You use your hands to part her legs slightly, and she shifts in her seat, moving her long legs even further apart. She is still sitting confidently, back straight, hands resting on her thighs. If it wasn’t for the slight blush that still played on her cheeks you’d think she did this kind of thing every day. You make her wait a moment by slowly walking around the chair. Rota’s posture doesn’t change, she seems frozen, waiting for you to make your next move. When you’re stood in front of her again you step between her legs and then place your hands on her thighs. You can feel how strong they are, the muscles solid underneath her smooth skin, and have to stop your imagination from running away with you. You press your body against her and slowly roll down and then back up again, making sure that as much of you as possible is touching as much of her, your chest and stomach grazing along her as you move. You hear her gasp slightly as you roll up her torso and she shifts in her seat. It’s the first sign that your moves are having an effect on her and she smiles. Her hands reach up to remove the blindfold, but she manages to stop herself just in time, and sits on her hands instead, apparently trying to resist any temptation. As you step away and look down, you see that she’s still smiling but is now shaking her leg slightly, her foot bobbing up and down in...frustration...excitement? When she says your name it comes out like a rush of air. The word hovers in the air, soft and inviting. (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[The sound does something to you, and you wonder if you'll get any alone time with her. And soon.]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush" or "Alex")[The sound does something to you, and as much as you love time with $couple1 you can’t help but wonder if some time with Rota would also be fun.] [[Walk back to your seat.]] ]\ (if: $sensep1 is "Lily")[You feel nervous about touching Lily again and take a deep breath. This might be the only moment you have in your entire life where you can get flirty with a demon. You use your hands to part her legs slightly, and Lily laughs, clearly amused by the situation. She shrugs her shoulders slightly and then moves her legs so they’re wider apart, providing you with enough room to stand between them, clearly sensing what your next move was going to be. You make her wait a moment by slowly walking around the chair. When you’re stood in front of her again you see the smile is still there. Her smile is beautiful and for a moment you feel sad that you haven’t seen much of it so far. You step between her legs and then place your hands beside her on the chair. As you start to lean forward she does the same, pressing against your body. You feel a flash of fire as your bodies touch, and you’re not sure you enjoy the sensation. It feels like an actual fire is burning inside your body, working its way out. You shake your head slightly and remember where you are, and what you’re supposed to be doing. You lightly roll your body down hers and then back up again, trying to avoid touching her as much as possible. You never want to feel that sensation again. Ever. You step away and look down, your body still feeling burning hot and see that she’s smiling. She laughs before speaking “Well now that was an unexpected treat. Thank you, $name”. As you walk away you wonder what the hell that just was, and just how you can ensure you never feel it again. [[Walk back to your seat.]] ]

You sit down and put your blindfold back on, grateful for the darkness to allow you to gather your thoughts. You hear the sounds of chairs scraping on the stage as people stand up, giggles when cards are read, the sounds of whispering in ears, skin grazing skin, mouths meeting. Each person guessing correctly. As you sit you realise that it’s possibly one of the most intense experiences of your life. If this is what the first game is like, where the hell will the show go from here? Your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a familiar voice. “Hi.” It was $couple1, sounding nervous. You hear the sound of whispering. It was so quiet it was impossible to make any words out. It was more of a scratching sound. But then there was a word you recognised. $name. Followed by more scratching and whispering. What was $couple1 being told? There's a moment of silence and then $couple1’s voice speaks out, still sounding nervous. “That was uh...Lily.” “Correct!” announces $boomer. You make a note to try and find out what she’d said. And why you heard your name. The next person is already standing and you hear the sound of kissing. Your stomach jumps slightly when you hear Abe say “$name.” “Incorrect Abe! That was Catarina. You are disqualified, please make your way off the stage,” $boomer announces, and you sense there may have been some relief in the announcement that the game was not going to last forever. Your breath stops as you realise someone is now standing in front of you. [[Get ready...it’s time to use those senses.]]

(if: $sensep2 is "Alex")[You slowly put your finger in his mouth and see his mouth curl into a smile around it. You feel the tip of his tongue slowly lick along the underside of your finger. The feel of his tongue sends flutters through your body. As you slowly remove your finger he sits back and smiles as he says your name. Followed by one word. “Delicious.” [[Sit back down]]]\ (if: $sensep2 is "Aayush")[You slowly put your finger in his mouth and see his mouth curl into a smile around it. You feel him bite down lightly on your finger, his tongue lightly flicking your fingertip, before releasing you. As you slowly remove your finger he sits back and smiles as he says your name followed by “I wouldn't mind tasting more.” [[Sit back down]]]\ (if: $sensep2 is "Rota")[You slowly put your finger in her mouth and see her face look surprised at first. But it’s seconds before her tongue swirls around your finger, and her lips close around it, slowly moving along it until your finger is free again. As you look at her stunned she sits back and smiles as she says your name, followed by “Tastier than any Asgardian sword”. [[Sit back down]]]

(if: $sensep2 is "Alex")[You lean forward, your hands held behind your back to ensure you don’t get accused of using more than one sense. Your lips meet and there is no hesitation from Alex, who responds confidently. The kiss is gentle but it’s enough to make your legs wobble. You explore the taste of him for a moment with your tongue, before starting to pull away. Alex lightly traces your lips with the tip of his tongue and you stand up before you fall down. He makes a low deep noise in his throat that lies somewhere between a hum and a growl, before exhaling. “Wow.” He says it quietly, and you know that it was meant only for you. [[Sit back down]]]\ (if: $sensep2 is "Aayush")[You lean forward, your hands held behind your back to ensure you don’t get accused of using more than one sense. Your lips meet and there is no hesitation from Aayush, who responds confidently. His lips are cool and smooth, and your mouths move together as if standing on a stage kissing in the middle of a bubble dome was the most natural thing in the world. You explore the taste of him for a moment with your tongue, before starting to pull away. Aayush apparently can't resist the urge to taste you a while longer, and gently bites your bottom lip. He releases it and you step back, suddenly feeling like you need to be sat down before you fall down. He smiles as he confidently says your name before saying quietly "A taste I definitely want more of." [[Sit back down]]]\ (if: $sensep2 is "Rota")[You lean forward, your hands held behind your back to ensure you don’t get accused of using more than one sense. Your lips meet and there is no hesitation from Rota. She moves forward in her seat slightly. Your mouths move together as if standing on a stage kissing in the middle of a bubble dome was the most natural thing in the world. You explore the taste of her for a moment with your tongue, before starting to pull away. Rota makes a small humming sound before moving even further forward on the seat, to keep your lips touching for just a moment longer. You feel the hum through your lips, and it sends tiny vibrations through your body. She sits back and smiles as she confidently says your name. You have a feeling that your cheeks might be more flushed than hers, and you can still feel her lips on yours as you walk across the stage. [[Sit back down]]]

You take a step back and wait for $sensep1's guess, not imagining for a second that it could be correct. Surely there was nothing distinctive about the touch of your foot? The sound of your name surprises you and you look down at $sensep1, wondering if any supernatural power were at play. [[Walk back to your seat.]]

(if: $couple1 is "Rota")[\ You know who it is that has put a hand on the back of the chair and now seems to be leaning towards you, even before the tickle of their whisper reaches your ear. Rota. You didn’t need any sense but smell around her. The smell of a wild meadow surrounds you, and you resist the urge to reach up and touch her, to put your hands in her hair. Her voice reaches you. “I cannot lie. I’m sad I picked the ‘hearing’ sense because something about you sitting there blindfolded is making me think of all the things I’d like to do with you.” She pauses “If you’d want me to of course.” And there was the Rota you were growing to understand more and more by the hour. Beautiful. Powerful. And completely unaware of any effect she might have on you. [[Whisper back “I will absolutely hold you to your word” before answering loudly “Rota”]] [[Answer loudly “Rota”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Alex")[\ You know who it is that walks around you, so close you’re almost touching, but not close enough to get disqualified, before he even speaks. You can feel the warmth of him. Smell him. You want to reach out and feel him under your fingertips and so instead you sit on your hands, knowing that they’ll betray you. He stands behind the chair, resting his hands on it, and leans forward to whisper, his mouth so close it’s almost kissing your ear. You feel his breath tickling your skin and it sends a wave of tingles that travel through you. They don’t make it any easier to resist touching him. He only says four words when he leans forward. “You. Me. That blindfold.” You can almost hear him smiling as he speaks and know that he’s finding this whole thing amusing. [[Whisper back “Is that an indecent proposal? If it is then sign me up” before answering loudly “Alex”]] [[Answer loudly “Alex”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[\ You know who it is that is standing in front of you before he speaks. You can feel him in every part of you. He leans forward, and you feel the air move as he places his hand on the back of the chair. The air around you cools and as he leans over to your ear, the chill of his breath on your skin causes the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up. He stands, his mouth close to your ear, the sound of nothing but his breath for what feels like an eternity, and by the time he speaks you’re all but ready to rip off your blindfold, and all of his clothes along with it. He makes a humming noise, the vibration travelling through your ear. “Hmmm. That’s long enough.” And with that you feel him stand up. [[Whisper “I will seek revenge for that tease vamp boy” before answering loudly “Aayush”]] [[Answer loudly “Aayush”]]]

You hear Rota say "Good" and then the sound of her walking away. “Correct.” $boomer announces. The game continues. Catarina and Lily end up getting disqualified, and you wonder how their supernatural skills were beaten by a game. You calculate that leaves you, Rota, Alex and Aayush on the stage. Apparently the Universe wants to keep you linked to this trio of people. Your bracelet vibrates and you take off your blindfold. Time for round two. You walk to pick up a card from the centre of the stage and read the word printed on it ‘Taste’. Who do you want to choose? [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Aayush, please]] [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Alex, please]] [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Rota, please]]

“Correct.” $boomer announces. The game continues. Catarina and Lily end up getting disqualified, and you wonder how their supernatural skills were beaten by a game. You calculate that leaves you, Rota, Alex and Aayush on the stage. Apparently the Universe wants to keep you linked to this trio of people. Your bracelet vibrates and you take off your blindfold. Time for round two. You walk to pick up a card from the centre of the stage and read the word printed on it ‘Taste’. Who do you want to choose? [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Aayush, please]] [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Alex, please]] [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Rota, please]]

You hear Alex laugh as he answers "It absolutely is" before hearing his footsteps as he walks back to his chair. “Correct.” $boomer announces. The game continues. Catarina and Lily end up getting disqualified, and you wonder how their supernatural skills were beaten by a game. You calculate that leaves you, Rota, Alex and Aayush on the stage. Apparently the Universe wants to keep you linked to this trio of people. Your bracelet vibrates and you take off your blindfold. Time for round two. You walk to pick up a card from the centre of the stage and read the word printed on it ‘Taste’. Who do you want to choose? [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Aayush, please]] [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Alex, please]] [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Rota, please]]

Aayush leans forward one more time whispering "I'm counting on it" before you hear his footsteps walking back to his chair. “Correct.” $boomer announces. The game continues. Catarina and Lily end up getting disqualified, and you wonder how their supernatural skills were beaten by a game. You calculate that leaves you, Rota, Alex and Aayush on the stage. Apparently the Universe wants to keep you linked to this trio of people. Your bracelet vibrates and you take off your blindfold. Time for round two. You walk to pick up a card from the centre of the stage and read the word printed on it ‘Taste’. Who do you want to choose? [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Aayush, please]] [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Alex, please]] [[I’d like some tasty blindfold time with Rota, please]]

{(set: $sensep2 to "Aayush") }You walk over to Aayush and look down at him. If this is about him tasting you then you’re going to have to put...something...into his mouth. He looks as self assured as ever as he waits to see what happens next, the corner of his mouth curved into a smile. You wonder if there's anything you can do to cause his composure to waiver, if only for a second. [[Put your finger into his mouth.]] [[Kiss him|sense kiss]]

{(set: $sensep2 to "Alex") }You walk over to Alex and look down at him. If this is about him tasting you then you’re going to have to put...something...into his mouth. He looks almost nervous in his blindfold and a sense of power flows through you. [[Put your finger into his mouth.]] [[Kiss him|sense kiss]]

{(set: $sensep2 to "Rota") }You walk over to Rota and look down at her. If this is about her tasting you then you’re going to have to put...something...into her mouth. Her full lips are smiling slightly, inviting you to make your next move, although the rosy tint to her cheeks indicates that being this vulnerable isn't something she's used to. [[Put your finger into her mouth|Put your finger into his mouth.]] [[Kiss her|sense kiss]]

You sit back down as you wonder how this is going to play out from now on. Rota, Aayush and Alex are so different that telling them apart is going to be easy. You’re surprised to find that someone is standing in front of you again, but you have no sense of who. Surely it wasn’t $couple1 again. Not so soon. Although you wouldn’t complain if it was. Whoever it is gently picks up your hand. Their touch is warm, and you quickly rule out Aayush. They guide your arm up into the air, until you’re stretching it out above your head, and then they slowly trail their fingers down the inside of your arm. Normally a move like this would make you giggle, the inside of your arms is your most ticklish spot. But this didn’t make you want to do anything other than melt into the seat. The touch wasn't like anything you've ever felt. It was equal parts gentle and electrifying. Your body relaxed and then woke up at the same time. Whose fingers were these? They seemed a bit too delicate for Alex and Rota. The only person you could really believe would have such a light and magical touch was Fleur, but you’re sure she’s still absorbed in time with Zein. You decide to throw a name out there, any name, just because you want to know whose touch that was. But a sound distracts you. The sound of a chair scraping backwards and then falling over. Followed by a growl and a shout of “Fuck. What the actual fuck”. It’s Alex, you don’t need your sight to tell you that. [[Time to end the game. Take off your blindfold and see what is happening]]

{(set:$eliintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/3gqqRO9.jpg"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="eli" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Eli...</span> Elf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/SDArPFe.gif" class="iconemojis"> 25 <b>From:</b> Larvik (Norway) / the world <b>Likes:</b> Outdoor adventure, mellow beats and perfectly mixed drinks <b>Dislikes:</b> Feeling trapped, the expectations of his family and deforestation</div></div>') (alert:$eliintro)}You take off your blindfold to find that you are staring into the smiling face of a man with dark brown eyes and the blondest hair you’ve ever seen. His hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and you catch sight of his ears, realising he has to be an elf or some other magical woodland being. His smile is definitely doing something magical to you right now as he holds his hand out, his face amused “Elthalion, but you can call me Eli. It’s a pleasure to meet you, $name”. You shake his hand and feel the same weird sensation of calm mixed with something more powerful run up your arm. But you realise you took your blindfold off for a reason and murmur an apology as you step around him and look to see what has happened to Alex. He’s backing away from a petite girl with long brunette hair, who is smiling coyly at him. “Alex, babe, I was expecting more of a welcome than this. Aren’t you pleased to see me?" (if: $couple1 is "Alex")[You take one look at Alex’s face and have no doubt who this girl is. His ex. The one he was happy to be far away from, and was now trapped in the ocean depths with. Alex is just shaking his head and muttering “I can’t believe they’ve...you’ve…” [[Walk over and put your arm around him.]] [[Go and introduce yourself to the new girl.]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Rota" or "Aayush")[You have no idea who the girl is, but you can see that she’s having a bad effect on Alex. [[Go up to him and try and lead him away from her.]] [[Go and say hello to the new girl.]]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +10) (set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }You walk over to Alex and put your arm around his waist, pulling him towards you. His body is tense at first but then he leans into you, clearly relieved to have your support. He looks at you and starts to speak “It’s her, the one I..” “'Her', honestly, babe,” the new girl interjects, “anyone would think we hadn’t shared a bed more times than I can count. I’m Cerridwen, or Cerri for the non-Welsh amongst us,” she smiles sweetly. "And of course, I know who you are." [[Be friendly, you know what they say about keeping your enemies close.]] [[Barely acknowledge her. Supporting Alex is your priority right now.]]

You walk up to the new girl, standing squarely between her and Alex. She smiles sweetly at you. “Ah, you must be the welcoming committee. I’m Cerridwen, or Cerri for the non-Welsh amongst us. I’m sorry that Alex appears to have lost the power of speech, or I’m sure he’d be introducing us by now. It’s ok though, I know who you are.” [[Be friendly, you know what they say about keeping your enemies close.]] [[Barely acknowledge her. Supporting Alex is your priority right now.]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +10) }You ignore the new girl and walk up to Alex and see that Catarina and Abe have had the same idea. Abe is speaking in his low deep voice. “Honestly mate, you’ve got this. Don’t let her have this effect on you. Ruin your time here. You’re with Catarina. It’s all good.” You’re shocked. It’s the most you’ve heard him say, and the most human he’s ever been. Alex catches your eye and says two words that explain everything “my ex”. You feel a dainty finger tap you on the shoulder and turn to find the new girl standing behind you, smiling sweetly. (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[“I’m Cerridwen, or Cerri for the non-Welsh amongst us,” the sweet smile doesn’t falter, “and I know who you are. You’re coupled with Aayush aren’t you? He’s enough to take your breath away, isn’t he? But such a shame he’s being so reserved with you...physically.” You screw up your eyes slightly and stare at this girl. You’re just forming a response that will cut her back down to size, but $boomer, who has clearly decided they have been quiet for long enough, speaks up. “$name, Alex, Aayush and Rota. You are all disqualified for removing your blindfolds. No prizes for any of you today. Although perhaps the real prize is your new Buried Lovers. Get ready for a welcome party tonight, and make sure you dress to impress. Cerridwen and Elthalion please make yourself comfortable." Cerri turns and smiles at Aayush “Oh, don’t worry, I intend to.” Your chest tightens as you notice how smug she looks right now. Things are about to get messy.]\ (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[“I’m Cerridwen, or Cerri for the non-Welsh amongst us” the sweet smile doesn’t falter “and I know who you are. You’re coupled with Rota aren’t you? I think our elf boy has got a bit of a thing for her” she points a finger, and your eyes follow the direction she’s pointing in, where Eli is saying something to Rota that is making her laugh. “But still, I’m sure you don’t have anything to worry about, right? A mortal and a Valkyrie. What could possibly go wrong?” You screw up your eyes slightly and stare at this girl. You’re just forming a response that will cut her back down to size, but $boomer, who has clearly decided they have been quiet for long enough, speaks up. “$name, Alex, Aayush and Rota. You are all disqualified for removing your blindfolds. No prizes for any of you today. Although perhaps the real prize is your new Buried Lovers. Get ready for a welcome party tonight, and make sure you dress to impress. Cerridwen and Elthalion please make yourself comfortable.” Eli turns and smiles at Rota “Oh, I don’t think I’m going to have any issues there”. Your chest tightens as you notice his eyes fixed on her and only her. Rota’s own eyes search for yours and she starts to walk over to you. As she puts an arm around you, you can’t help but notice Eli and Cerri exchange a look. Things are about to get messy.]\ Play [[Day 2 Part 3 - Hungry Like the Wolf]]

You decide that you really don’t need any more drama in your day, and walk up to say hello. She smiles as you approach, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[“I’m Cerridwen, or Cerri for the non-Welsh amongst us” the sweet smile doesn’t falter “and I know who you are. You’re coupled with Aayush aren’t you? He’s enough to take your breath away, isn’t he? But such a shame he’s being so reserved with you...physically.” You screw up your eyes slightly and stare at this girl. You’re just forming a response that will cut her back down to size, but $boomer, who has clearly decided they have been quiet for long enough, speaks up. “$name, Alex, Aayush and Rota. You are all disqualified for removing your blindfolds. No prizes for any of you today. Although perhaps the real prize is your new Buried Lovers. Get ready for a welcome party tonight, and make sure you dress to impress. Cerridwen and Elthalion please make yourself comfortable.” Cerri turns and smiles at Aayush “Oh, don’t worry, I intend to.” Your chest tightens as you notice how smug she looks right now. Things are about to get messy.]\ (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[“I’m Cerridwen, or Cerri for the non-Welsh amongst us,” the sweet smile doesn’t falter, “and I know who you are. You’re coupled with Rota aren’t you? I think our elf boy has got a bit of a thing for her” she points a finger, and your eyes follow the direction she’s pointing in, where Eli is saying something to Rota that is making her laugh. “But still, I’m sure you don’t have anything to worry about, right? A mortal and a Valkyrie. What could possibly go wrong?” You screw up your eyes slightly and stare at this girl. You’re just forming a response that will cut her back down to size, but $boomer, who has clearly decided they have been quiet for long enough, speaks up. “$name, Alex, Aayush and Rota. You are all disqualified for removing your blindfolds. No prizes for any of you today. Although perhaps the real prize is your new Buried Lovers. Get ready for a welcome party tonight, and make sure you dress to impress. Cerridwen and Elthalion please make yourself comfortable.” Eli turns and smiles at Rota “Oh, I don’t think I’m going to have any issues there.” Your chest tightens as you notice his eyes fixed on her and only her. Rota’s own eyes search for yours and she starts to walk over to you. As she puts an arm around you, you can’t help but notice Eli and Cerri exchange a look. Things are about to get messy.] Play [[Day 2 Part 3 - Hungry Like the Wolf]]

{(set: $friendcerri to $friendcerri +10) (set:$cerriintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/BfrnZKO.jpg"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="cerri" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Cerri...</span> Werewolf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/j12CVtZ.gif" class="wolfshadow iconemojis"> 24 <b>From:</b> London (originally Wales) <b>Likes:</b> Feeling accepted, rare steak, winning (at everything) <b>Dislikes:</b> Loneliness, feeling like she\'s not good enough and people who aren\'t part of the pack</div></div>') (alert:$cerriintro)}You introduce yourself anyway, trying to keep your voice light and friendly, but aware that sarcasm was dripping from every word. You want to make sure Alex knows you’re supporting him too, and so turn to smile at him and mouth “It’s going to be ok.” He nods and starts to respond, but $boomer, who has been suspiciously quiet, chooses this moment to interrupt. “$name, Alex, Aayush and Rota. You are all disqualified for removing your blindfolds. No prizes for any of you today. Although perhaps the real prize is your new Buried Lovers. Get ready for a welcome party tonight, and make sure you dress to impress. Cerridwen and Elthalion please make yourself comfortable”. Cerri turns and smiles at Alex “Oh, don’t worry, I intend to.” Your chest tightens as you notice how smug she looks right now. Things are about to get messy. Play [[Day 2 Part 3 - Hungry Like the Wolf]]

{(set: $friendcerri to $friendcerri -10) (set:$cerriintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-left shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/BfrnZKO.jpg"></div><div class="main-left"><span class="cerri" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Cerri...</span> Werewolf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/j12CVtZ.gif" class="wolfshadow iconemojis"> 24 <b>From:</b> London (originally Wales) <b>Likes:</b> Feeling accepted, rare steak, winning (at everything) <b>Dislikes:</b> Loneliness, feeling like she\'s not good enough and people who aren\'t part of the pack</div></div>') (alert:$cerriintro)}You nod your head slightly at her and then turn back to Alex. Abe and Aayush are both stood with him, speaking in low voices. You wonder how much they know about his relationship with Cerri. You smile at him to try and reassure him that this is going to be ok. “Honestly mate, you’ve got this. Don’t let her have this effect on you. Ruin your time here. You’re with $name. It’s all good.” Abe smiles at you and you’re shocked. It’s the most you’ve heard him say, and the most human he’s ever been. [[“Abe’s right, don’t let her ruin this experience.”]] [[“I will throw hands for you Alex, if that’s what’s needed. You should know that.”]]

Alex nods, but his face is still telling a different story. $boomer has been suspiciously quiet, and clearly decides it’s time to rectify that. “$name, Alex, Aayush and Rota. You are all disqualified for removing your blindfolds. No prizes for any of you today. Although perhaps the real prize is your new Buried Lovers. Get ready for a welcome party tonight, and make sure you dress to impress. Cerridwen and Elthalion please make yourself comfortable.” Cerri turns and smiles at Alex. “Oh, don’t worry, I intend to.” Your chest tightens as you notice how smug she looks right now. Things are about to get messy. Play [[Day 2 Part 3 - Hungry Like the Wolf]]

That’s enough to make Alex laugh, and you’re relieved to see his face transform into the relaxed Alex you met yesterday. “That’s good to know,” he says to you softly. $boomer has been suspiciously quiet, and clearly decides it’s time to rectify that. “$name, Alex, Aayush and Rota. You are all disqualified for removing your blindfolds. No prizes for any of you today. Although perhaps the real prize is your new Buried Lovers. Get ready for a welcome party tonight, and make sure you dress to impress. Cerridwen and Elthalion please make yourself comfortable.”. Cerri turns and smiles at Alex “Oh, don’t worry, I intend to.” Your chest tightens as you notice how smug she looks right now. Things are about to get messy. Play [[Day 2 Part 3 - Hungry Like the Wolf]]

Fleur’s eyes widen for a second, but then she turns to you and smiles. “Well, we’ve all got our baggage from the past, right? I’m not sure we’d be here if we didn’t. I wonder what this game is going to be? Knowing this place it won’t be a simple game of…” But her voice trails off as you both round the corner to the beach and see that a stage has been built in the middle of the sand, about two feet off the ground. Nine black velvet chairs are lined up in a row, again looking completely out of place in the beach environment. Lily and Abe are already on the stage, and Lily is twirling something that looks suspiciously like a blindfold around one finger. Abe looks at his wrist, which is flashing again. He waits for the group to assemble around him on the stage and then presses the button. You wince as you wait for $boomer’s voice to start speaking. But there’s nothing but silence. Then a loud sigh. You look around and realise that $couple1 is still missing. “Where is $couple1?” $boomer asks, making no attempt to hide their annoyance at being kept waiting. “I can hardly start without you all being here.” “Sorry! I’m here!” you hear $couple1 call out, running over to the group, stopping to catch your eye and smile before calling into the sky “It was you who told me to get dressed!” (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Do you want to [[smile at Alex but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to him]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Do you want to [[smile at Rota but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to her]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Do you want to [[smile at him but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to Aayush]]?]

You smile at Alex and he grins, clearly amused by the fact he's annoyed $boomer. For a moment it looks as though he's going to cross the stage to stand near you, but before he gets a chance to move, $boomer speaks. [[Listen to what they say.]]

Alex smiles at you as you walk across the stage to stand next to him. He leans over to whisper “Wow, I’ve really pissed off $boomer this time, huh?” You feel a flutter of happiness that he’s also adopted your name for the ever-present force. He lightly rests his hand on the small of your back, and you enjoy the warmth that radiates through you. You lean over and whisper “I think it might be impossible to avoid pissing them off to be honest”. Alex is about to answer again when $boomer speaks. [[I suppose you’d better listen to what they say.]]

You smile at Rota and she smiles, her face showing no sign of concern that she's just annoyed $boomer. For a moment it looks as though she's going to cross the stage to stand near you, but before she gets a chance to move, $boomer speaks. [[Listen to what they say.]]

Rota smiles at you as you walk across the stage to stand next to her. Her happiness that you've made an effort to be near her is painted across her face. She declares loudly “It seems that $boomer is annoyed with me. Perhaps they need to make up their mind. Get changed or be here on time, I can hardly do both?” You stifle a laugh as you feel a flutter of happiness that she’s also adopted your name for the ever-present force. You have a feeling $boomer has met their match in Rota. She lightly places her arm around your waist. You're just about to ask Rota what she thinks the game will be when $boomer speaks. [[I suppose you’d better listen to what they say.]]

You smile at Aayush and he sends a dazzling smile in return, clearly inoring the fact he's annoyed $boomer. For a moment it looks as though he's going to cross the stage to stand near you, but before he gets a chance to move, $boomer speaks. [[Listen to what they say.]]

Aayush's face breaks into a dazzling smile as you walk across the stage to stand next to him. He doesn't look phased by $boomer's annoyance in the slighest. He leans over to whisper “I think $boomer might need some action. Seems a little...tense” and you feel a flutter of happiness that he’s also adopted your name for the ever-present force. He lightly rests his arm around your shoulders. You lean over and whisper “I think $boomer's problems might run deeper than one night of fun, you know?” Aayush is about to answer again when $boomer speaks. [[I suppose you’d better listen to what they say.]]

Fleur looks at you, clearly waiting for some elaboration. When none is forthcoming, she clears her throat slightly before continuing "Oh, well that's good. I guess Aayush..." But her voice trails off as you both round the corner to the beach and see that a stage has been built in the middle of the sand, about two feet off the ground. Nine black velvet chairs are lined up in a row, again looking completely out of place in the beach environment. Lily and Abe are already on the stage, and Lily is twirling something that looks suspiciously like a blindfold around one finger. Abe looks at his wrist, which is flashing again. He waits for the group to assemble around him on the stage and then presses the button. You wince as you wait for $boomer’s voice to start speaking. But there’s nothing but silence. Then a loud sigh. You look around and realise that $couple1 is still missing. “Where is $couple1?” $boomer asks, making no attempt to hide their annoyance at being kept waiting. “I can hardly start without you all being here.” “Sorry! I’m here!” you hear $couple1 call out, running over to the group, stopping to catch your eye and smile before calling into the sky “It was you who told me to get dressed!” (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Do you want to [[smile at Alex but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to him]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Do you want to [[smile at Rota but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to her]]?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Do you want to [[smile at him but stay where you are]] or [[move round to stand next to Aayush]]?]

Their voice is more overbearing than ever. “Now we’re ALL here...I can explain what you need to be doing,” $boomer says, all sense of annoyance dropped. They sound more like a gameshow host when they next speak. “Welcome to Heightened Senses. The game where we learn that love at first sight might be overrated. Please take a seat and put on the blindfold that has been provided.” After a dramatic pause $boomer continues. “In this game you have to see if you can guess who your fellow Buried Lovers are while blindfolded. BUT,” there was the drama again, “you can only use three senses - hearing, taste and touch to help each other work out who you are. In turn you’ll each be able to take off your blindfold. Pick up a card from the table on the centre on the stage and see which sense you are permitted to use on the person of your choice. You can, of course, use your sense of smell throughout to help you guess, if you are that way inclined. If you guess wrong, you’ll be disqualified. If you use a sense not on the card you'll be disqualified. Clear? Good. The first person to go will be notified via their bracelet.” Your head spins as it tries to understand the rules of the game. You fear the chances of you breaking one of the rules is fairly high. You all sit in silent darkness for a few seconds, which feel more like minutes. An “ooh!” which sounds suspiciously like Zein breaks the silence, and you hear bare feet padding across the stage. You hear a small gasp followed by a giggle. Definitely Fleur. You hear the sound of skin brushing against skin and something about the dark silence coupled with the sound makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. This is intense. You realise you’ve lost any sense of time. You keep hearing little giggles, followed by a sigh, which is definitely one of contentment and not frustration. But then you hear the unmistakable sound of lips meeting. You wonder how long you’re all going to sit here just...listening to what is clearly a make-out session between Zein and Fleur. $boomer answers the question for you. “Zein and Fleur. You are both disqualified. You can only use one sense with each person, the sense listed on the card, and that was most definitely two.” You hear Zein call out “Dude! That was touching. Our lips were touching.” $boomer responds, clearly not used to being challenged. “No, that was TASTE”. Zein mutters “Should have been clearer about the rules,” and then you hear Fleur. “It’s ok babe, let’s go and sit over there and watch. The bonus is we can use all of our senses now, so we’re the winners really.” You hear them walk across the stage and then jump in your seat as your bracelet starts to vibrate and emit a gentle hum. It must be your turn. [[Take off your blindfold.]]

<div class="chaptertitle">Day 2. Part 3. Hungry Like the Wolf</div> (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Alex looks at you and leans over, whispering quietly, “Feel like going for a chat before we get ready for tonight?” You look around the group and see some mixed emotions on the faces of your dome-mates. Rota is looking happy, Fleur is looking excited, Aayush is looking amused and then there was Alex. You weren’t sure how to read his expression. A chat would probably be a good idea right now, and he looks as though he could use it. [[Link your arm with his “Absolutely, let’s go.”]] [[“Uh yeah, I guess.”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Aayush walks straight over to you, leaving Cerri staring after him. He smiles his most charming smile. “Feel like a chat before we get ready for tonight?” You look around the group and see some mixed emotions on the faces of your dome-mates. Rota is looking happy, Fleur is looking excited, Alex is looking a little like he might be sick. Aayush is looking completely unphased by the new arrivals, and you wonder what it will take to break his calm exterior. He holds out his hand. [[Take his hand “Absolutely, let’s go.”]] [[“As long as we're quick.”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Rota walks straight over to you, leaving Eli staring after her. She smiles, clearly happy to be back by your side. “I'm not sure any of this drama involves us,” she says in a matter of fact way. "Shall we make the most of it and find somewhere to talk?" You look around the group and see some mixed emotions on the faces of your dome-mates. Fleur is looking excited, Alex is looking a little like he might be sick. Aayush is looking completely unphased by the new arrivals, and you wonder what it will take to break his calm exterior. Rota also seems unphased, and also clearly unaware that Eli was watching her with love in his eyes. [[Take her hand. “Absolutely, let’s go.”]] [[“As long as we're not too long.”]]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +10) }Alex looks relieved as he smiles at you, although you notice that the smile isn’t quite reaching his eyes. The usual sparkling blue looks deeper and darker than before and something is swimming in there. Anger? Frustration? Fear? You look over to Cerri. You know they had a bad relationship, and being stuck here with her can’t be much fun, but she doesn’t seem like someone to be afraid of. Unless you’re afraid she’s about to steal your partner of course. That is a very legitimate fear, and the slight smile on her lips as she looks at Alex suggests that you are absolutely within your rights to prepare for war. You hear Alex’s stomach growling and realise breakfast was a while ago now, in a simpler time that just involved talking about bad breakups, not actually sharing your space with them. [[“Let’s go find someplace quiet and I’ll grab us some food.”]] [[Keep quiet. He can sort himself out if he’s hungry.]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex -10) }Alex shuffles on his feet, looking uncertain about whether to leave or not, sensing that you'd rather stay with the group. He looks sad, and there's something else etched across his face. Anger? Frustration? Fear? You look over to Cerri. You know they had a bad relationship, and being stuck here with her can’t be much fun, but she doesn’t seem like someone to be afraid of. You hear Alex’s stomach growling and realise breakfast was a while ago now, in a simpler time that just involved talking about bad breakups, not actually sharing your space with them. [[“Let’s go find someplace quiet and I’ll grab us some food.”]] [[Keep quiet. He can sort himself out if he’s hungry.]]

{(set: $friendalex to $friendalex +10) }Alex nods. “I think I know the place we should go. I’m getting good at finding the hidden spots in this place.” The two of you say goodbye to the others, who are all still chatting on the beach. Lily is the only person standing silently, her arm around Aayush and staring in Cerri’s direction, a look of stone cold dislike on her face. It might be the first time you warm to Lily. You walk back to the kitchen area in silence. Alex doesn’t volunteer any words, and you’re not in the mood for testing him right now. As you reach the kitchen you stop and turn to face him. Alex looks at you and spontaneously reaches forward to kiss your forehead. It’s an affectionate move and it surprises you. He brushes a lock of your hair off your forehead as he speaks quietly. “I’ll get some lunch with you, my uncle always says two pairs of hands make lighter work. And I have a feeling I’m going to regret not spending as much time with you as possible.” He sounds sad as he speaks, and you wonder what’s happened to the chilled boy you met yesterday. Is this the effect his ex is having on him already? [[Kiss him gently. “Ok, let’s get some food and find that quiet nook.”]] [[Start opening the cupboards to look for some food “Honestly, tone down the melancholy. It’s Day 2, we have so much time left.”]]

The two of you walk back to the centre of the dome and you grab some food for yourself on the way. Alex points to the far end of the dome. “There’s a small building behind that with this quirky little garden area. Let’s head over there.” You look in the direction he’s already started walking in and wonder what the hell a small building and garden is doing in this place, but decide that’s a concern for another day. [[Make your way over to the garden.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +5) }You gently kiss him and you’re happy to see the sparkle return in his eyes almost immediately. The two of you quickly grab some supplies and then Alex nods his head in the direction of a bamboo fence at the rear of the dome. “There’s a small building behind that with this quirky little garden area. Let’s head over there.” You look in the direction he’s already started walking in and wonder what the hell a small building and garden is doing in this place, but decide that’s a concern for another day. [[Make your way over to the garden.]]

Alex looks taken aback for a moment but then slowly nods. "Yeah, I guess you're right, I think I'm a bit shocked still. Drama isn't my usual style, but clearly I wear melancholy well." He points in the direction of a bamboo fence at the rear of the dome. “There’s a small building behind that with this quirky little garden area. Let’s head over there.” You look in the direction he’s already started walking in and wonder what the hell a small building and garden is doing in this place, but decide that’s a concern for another day. [[Make your way over to the garden.]]

As you walk around the fence you pause for a moment to look at what’s in front of you. A small rectangular one-storey white building is sat with a small enclosed garden at either end. The windows all have blinds blocking any view of what might be inside, but the gardens are identical in their layout, with a small fire pit and a wooden swing seat with fairy lights wrapped around the frame, and comfy looking cushions scattered on the seat. You imagine how snug and romantic it would be after dark, but then remember that there is no ‘after dark’ in this place. Alex turns to you, looking more like himself again. “Shall we?” he asks, extending his hand to the swing seat. [[Sit carefully.]] [[“Hell yeah I wanna rock.” Throw yourself onto the seat.]]

Alex shakes his head. "Honestly? I have no idea. I think I'm still shocked. I know the producers of the show will be rubbing their hands together in happiness. What great television. It was blatantly all set up wasn’t it, the lie detector, the confession and then boom! She’s kissing my ear.” [[“She was doing what to your what now?”]]

Alex laughs despite himself. “Trust me, you were like the best kind of surprise yesterday. Today’s surprise is,” he pauses and takes another bite before swallowing and continuing, "not so welcome. I know the producers of the show will be rubbing their hands together in happiness. What great television. It was blatantly all set up wasn’t it, the lie detector, the confession and then boom! She’s kissing my ear.” [[“She was doing what to your what now?”]]

You sit carefully, trying your best to keep the seat still as you lower onto it. Falling flat on your back is not a look you're going for. Not now, at least. You snuggle back into the cushions and hold out an apple to Alex from your stash. He takes a giant bite and looks thoughtful. You sense it’s time to talk. [[“How are you feeling about things?”]] [[“Sooo...Cerri...and here I was thinking I was the bombshell, huh?”]]

He laughs as the two of you sit on the seat and look at the food that is still in your arms. The seat immediately starts to swing as you sit on it, and it’s large enough for you to be able to tuck your legs up to the side. You snuggle back into the cushions and hold out an apple to Alex from your stash. He takes a giant bite and looks thoughtful. You sense it’s time to talk. [[“How are you feeling about things?”]] [[“Sooo...Cerri...and here I was thinking I was the bombshell, huh?”]]

Alex looks at you, his eyes wide for a second as he reads your face. “It was for two seconds, at the most. I smelt her before I felt her and just had to get through the shock before I could get away from her. I honestly can’t believe she’s here. I’m not sure what her endgame is. Me? Getting me to walk out of here and back to the pack? Making me miserable?” [[Play it cool “Well I guess we’ll find out in time.”]] [[Fuck that, answers are needed. “So does this change things between us?”]]

Alex looks at you, his eyes trying to read your face. "I guess we will. Whatever happens they’ve put two new people in here for a reason. Have to give the viewers what they want. We’d be naive to think this was going to be a smooth ride, right?” You nod and thoughtfully pop a grape into your mouth. You know the boy has a point. You’ve seen enough dating shows to know that they thrive on emotional drama. You’re just not sure at the moment how you’re going to react when it starts. How do you feel about possibly being separated from Alex if there’s a recoupling? [[I will burn this place down. Sure we’re surrounded by water. But it will still burn.]] [[It’ll suck for a bit but I’ll go with the flow and see what happens]] [[It’ll be a relief to be honest. I didn’t sign up for any angsty ex crap]]

Alex tries to rest his apple on his knee, and doesn’t notice when it rolls onto the floor. He shakes his head as he speaks. “God no. Honestly $name, you’re the best thing that has happened to me in ages.” He stops and thinks for a moment, the next words coming out in an unusual rush for him. “Even if this just becomes a friendship, or whatever, you know, no pressure,” he takes a deep breath and continues, his voice back to normal. “But yeah, you’re the only person I’m interested in. I’m just...worried about what might be around the corner. They’ve put two new people in here for a reason. Have to give the viewers what they want. We’d be naive to think this was going to be a smooth ride, right?” You nod and thoughtfully pop a grape into your mouth. You know the boy has a point. You’ve seen enough dating shows to know that they thrive on emotional drama. You’re just not sure at the moment how you’re going to react when it starts. How do you feel about possibly being separated from Alex if there’s a recoupling? [[I will burn this place down. Sure we’re surrounded by water. But it will still burn.]] [[It’ll suck for a bit but I’ll go with the flow and see what happens]] [[It’ll be a relief to be honest. I didn’t sign up for any angsty ex crap]]

(set: $separatefeelings to "hate")You decide to keep your thoughts to yourself for now, and instead close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of slowly rocking backwards and forwards as Alex controls the rhythm of the seat with his feet which are still firmly on the ground. There’s no denying this would be a great spot for some alone time with Alex, but you have a feeling that the looming threat of Cerri might be a bit of a mood killer. Alex’s thoughts still seem to be elsewhere. “To be honest, I think my strongest theory is that the pack have sent Cerri in here to get me to go home.” He looks straight into a camera which is mounted on the wall of the strange white building. “Is that it? Dad? Hating the fact I’m doing something for myself and not the pack for once? Thought you’d send in the one person who would remind me of everything. My duty.” he laughs, but there’s no humour there and your heart clenches for a moment as you realise how much hurt he seems to carry with him. “Well if that is the case they’ve failed spectacularly. They’ve just sent in the one person that will remind me why I’m doing this. Why it’s important.” He looks at you and then rolls his eyes. “God I’m being a depressing date, huh? How about we change the subject. I’m sorry. How was that challenge for you? Before the drama obviously. The blindfolds were insanely hot.” (if:$sensep1 is "Alex" and $sensep2 is "Alex")[You think back to the feel of your body touching Alex in the dark. The feel of his mouth on you. You blush. Alex smiles “It meant a lot that you picked me for both turns. The whole game was the hottest experience of my life I swear.” [[“Boy, just wait, that was only the start.”]] [[“Absolutely, same.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Alex" and $sensep2 is not "Alex")[You think back to the challenge and blush. Alex shrugs. “I’m a little bit disappointed we didn’t get some more time to explore each other in the dark, but I guess you had other...ideas. I’m not going to ask you who you chose, it’s none of my business I guess, but I hope it was...fun”. [[“You really can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Sorry, babe, if I’d had a third try it would have been you.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is "Alex" and $sensep2 is not "Alex")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Alex smiles. “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” You wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You really can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Hmm..it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Alex" and $sensep2 is "Alex")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Alex smiles “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” You wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You really can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Hmm..it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]

(set: $separatefeelings to "meh")You decide to keep your thoughts to yourself for now, and instead close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of slowly rocking backwards and forwards as Alex controls the rhythm of the seat with his feet which are still firmly on the ground. There’s no denying this would be a great spot for some alone time with Alex, but you have a feeling that the looming threat of Cerri might be a bit of a mood killer. Alex’s thoughts still seem to be elsewhere. “To be honest, I think my strongest theory is that the pack have sent Cerri in here to get me to go home.” He looks straight into a camera which is mounted on the wall of the strange white building. “Is that it? Dad? Hating the fact I’m doing something for myself and not the pack for once? Thought you’d send in the one person who would remind me of everything. My duty.” he laughs, but there’s no humour there and your heart clenches for a moment as you realise how much hurt he seems to carry with him. “Well if that is the case they’ve failed spectacularly. They’ve just sent in the one person that will remind me why I’m doing this. Why it’s important.” He looks at you and then rolls his eyes. “God I’m being a depressing date, huh? How about we change the subject. I’m sorry. How was that challenge for you? Before the drama obviously. The blindfolds were insanely hot.” (if:$sensep1 is "Alex" and $sensep2 is "Alex")[You think back to the feel of your body touching Alex in the dark. The feel of his mouth on you. You blush. Alex smiles “It meant a lot that you picked me for both turns. The whole game was the hottest experience of my life I swear.” [[“Boy, just wait, that was only the start.”]] [[“Absolutely, same.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Alex" and $sensep2 is not "Alex")[You think back to the challenge and blush. Alex shrugs. “I’m a little bit disappointed we didn’t get some more time to explore each other in the dark, but I guess you had other...ideas. I’m not going to ask you who you chose, it’s none of my business I guess, but I hope it was...fun”. [[“You really can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Sorry, babe, if I’d had a third try it would have been you.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is "Alex" and $sensep2 is not "Alex")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Alex smiles. “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” You wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You really can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Hmm..it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Alex" and $sensep2 is "Alex")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Alex smiles “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” You wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You really can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Hmm..it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]

(set: $separatefeelings to "love")You decide to keep your thoughts to yourself for now, and instead close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of slowly rocking backwards and forwards as Alex controls the rhythm of the seat with his feet which are still firmly on the ground. There’s no denying this would be a great spot for some alone time with Alex, but you have a feeling that the looming threat of Cerri might be a bit of a mood killer. Alex’s thoughts still seem to be elsewhere. “To be honest, I think my strongest theory is that the pack have sent Cerri in here to get me to go home.” He looks straight into a camera which is mounted on the wall of the strange white building. “Is that it? Dad? Hating the fact I’m doing something for myself and not the pack for once? Thought you’d send in the one person who would remind me of everything. My duty.” he laughs, but there’s no humour there and your heart clenches for a moment as you realise how much hurt he seems to carry with him. “Well if that is the case they’ve failed spectacularly. They’ve just sent in the one person that will remind me why I’m doing this. Why it’s important.” He looks at you and then rolls his eyes. “God I’m being a depressing date, huh? How about we change the subject. I’m sorry. How was that challenge for you? Before the drama obviously. The blindfolds were insanely hot.” (if:$sensep1 is "Alex" and $sensep2 is "Alex")[You think back to the feel of your body touching Alex in the dark. The feel of his mouth on you. You blush. Alex smiles “It meant a lot that you picked me for both turns. The whole game was the hottest experience of my life I swear.” [[“Boy, just wait, that was only the start.”]] [[“Absolutely, same.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Alex" and $sensep2 is not "Alex")[You think back to the challenge and blush. Alex shrugs. “I’m a little bit disappointed we didn’t get some more time to explore each other in the dark, but I guess you had other...ideas. I’m not going to ask you who you chose, it’s none of my business I guess, but I hope it was...fun”. [[“You really can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Sorry, babe, if I’d had a third try it would have been you.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is "Alex" and $sensep2 is not "Alex")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Alex smiles. “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” You wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You really can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Hmm..it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Alex" and $sensep2 is "Alex")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Alex smiles “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” You wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You really can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Hmm..it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]

There's a glint of amusement in his eyes as he responds. "I'm not sure I can wait. With everything that happened at the end of the game I may have accidentally put this in my pocket." He pulls out the blindfold. "For another time, of course". There's a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in his ear. Whispering your name. You haven’t really spent much time talking to her yet, and can’t imagine what she could have been saying, but from the looks she’s shot you once or twice you have a feeling it won’t be good. [[Let it go. You’ve got enough tension brewing with Cerri.]] [[“So what did Lily whisper to you? Just, you know, out of interest?”]]

He grins at you. "I have a confession. With everything that happened at the end of the game I may have accidentally put this in my pocket." He pulls out the blindfold. "For another time, of course." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in his ear. Whispering your name. You haven’t really spent much time talking to her yet, and can’t imagine what she could have been saying, but from the looks she’s shot you once or twice you have a feeling it won’t be good. [[Let it go. You’ve got enough tension brewing with Cerri.]] [[“So what did Lily whisper to you? Just, you know, out of interest?”]]

He chuckles, but the sound doesn't sound completely genuine, and you wonder if he's actually a bit hurt by your choice. He runs a hand through his hair and shrugs. "It's what we're here for, right?". There's a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in his ear. Whispering your name. You haven’t really spent much time talking to her yet, and can’t imagine what she could have been saying, but from the looks she’s shot you once or twice you have a feeling it won’t be good. [[Let it go. You’ve got enough tension brewing with Cerri.]] [[“So what did Lily whisper to you? Just, you know, out of interest?”]]

He runs a hand through his hair and shrugs. "I guess it's what we're here for, right? Finding the right person." There's a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in his ear. Whispering your name. You haven’t really spent much time talking to her yet, and can’t imagine what she could have been saying, but from the looks she’s shot you once or twice you have a feeling it won’t be good. [[Let it go. You’ve got enough tension brewing with Cerri.]] [[“So what did Lily whisper to you? Just, you know, out of interest?”]]

He chuckles. "I mean, I didn't want to say it, but any time together with a blindfold is going to be a good thing." He runs a hand through his hair and shoots you a look that suggests there's more he wants to say, but doesn't. There's a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in his ear. Whispering your name. You haven’t really spent much time talking to her yet, and can’t imagine what she could have been saying, but from the looks she’s shot you once or twice you have a feeling it won’t be good. [[Let it go. You’ve got enough tension brewing with Cerri.]] [[“So what did Lily whisper to you? Just, you know, out of interest?”]]

You decide to park that conversation for another day, and you both fall into a pensive silence. Alex sits up slightly and tap the palm of his hand to his forehead. "I can’t believe that I haven’t mentioned the new guy. Fuck. So self absorbed with Cerri, huh? What was his name again? I saw him stood in front of you when I first ripped my blindfold off, but it’s all a bit of a blur.” [[“Eli. Yeah, he picked me, what can I say, I’m pretty irresistible.”]] [[“Eli. His touch is unlike anything I’ve ever felt to be honest.”]] [[“Eli. Well, it’s something longer than that, like something out of Lord of the Rings. But yeah, Eli.”]]

Alex frowns for a minute and looks genuinely puzzled. “Lily didn’t whisper...oh, wait.” He stares into the distance. “It’s weird, I can remember her whispering but I can’t remember any words. It felt more like a scratching in my brain. Like something was in there, rooting around, trying to find something interesting. At the time it felt pretty grim to be honest, but then after I had this moment of calm. And this desire to be near you.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I forgot that happened. I also can’t believe that I haven’t mentioned the new guy. Fuck. So self absorbed with Cerri, huh? What was his name again? I saw him stood in front of you when I first ripped my blindfold off, but it’s all a bit of a blur.” [[“Eli. Yeah, he picked me, what can I say, I’m pretty irresistible.”]] [[“Eli. His touch is unlike anything I’ve ever felt to be honest.”]] [[“Eli. Well, it’s something longer than that, like something out of Lord of the Rings. But yeah, Eli.”]]

Alex chuckles and bobs his head playfully in agreement. “Yup. You’ll get no argument from me. Who can blame him?” He sighs. “I think we’re supposed to be getting ready for the party. As much as I want to hide here with you for the next 18 days, I feel like $boomer is going to frown upon that, you know? Plus, if I forget about the fact I need to avoid my ex, I’m looking forward to spending the evening with you.” He smiles, and you take a moment to inspect his lips. [[There’s always time for a kiss.]] [[You’re out of time. Stick a breadstick in his mouth and go back to your shack.]]

Alex looks lost for words, but then manages to say “That's...nice? I'll look forward to being touched by him, I guess.” He sighs. “I think we’re supposed to be getting ready for the party. As much as I want to hide here with you for the next 18 days, I feel like $boomer is going to frown upon that, you know? Plus, if I forget about the fact I need to avoid my ex, I’m looking forward to spending the evening with you.” He smiles, and you take a moment to inspect his lips. [[There’s always time for a kiss.]] [[You’re out of time. Stick a breadstick in his mouth and go back to your shack.]]

Alex suddenly sits up a bit straighter, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Imagine. What if he knows Gandalf?” He gasps, and you're not entirely sure he's joking as he continues "Imagine if Gimli turns up as a Buried Lover." He grins, clearly imagining the carnage of the fellowship arriving in the dome. He sighs. “I think we’re supposed to be getting ready for the party. As much as I want to hide here with you for the next 18 days, I feel like $boomer is going to frown upon that, you know? Plus, if I forget about the fact I need to avoid my ex, I’m looking forward to spending the evening with you.” He smiles, and you take a moment to inspect his lips. [[There’s always time for a kiss.]] [[You’re out of time. Stick a breadstick in his mouth and go back to your shack.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }You wonder at how this boy even exists, with his sexy growls, cute words and even cuter face. You lean forward and cup his face in your hands, slowly resting your lips on his. It’s a gentle kiss, but tells him everything he needs to know about your plans for the evening. When he pulls away you see that he's looking like the Alex you met yesterday again. Calm, happy and absolutely irresistible. [[It's time to get ready.]]

You pop a breadstick into his mouth, and he takes a bite, before pointing it in the direction of the Tiki huts. You're happy to see that he looks more like the Alex of yesterday. Calm, happy and absolutely irresistible. [[It's time to get ready.]]

You both head back to your huts and get ready for the party. When you get inside you have a shower and then head straight to the wardrobe. The selection of outfits is completely different to yesterday, but equally perfect. You're not sure what kind of magic this is, or if it's just an expert shopper, but whatever it is, you'd like to take it home with you. You take your time getting ready, enjoying the space to make sure you feel like the very best version of you. You’re just finishing when you hear a knock at the door. You open it and find Alex standing there. He’s wearing his already classic choice of sweater and jeans, but somehow manages to make them seem perfectly styled. He grins when he sees you and steps back for a moment putting his hands up and exclaiming “I’m stunned". He holds out his hand to you and says “party time?” You smile to yourself, feeling confident and trying to ignore the knot of tension in your stomach that appears when you think about seeing Cerri again. You join him in walking back to the centre of the dome. The others have already arrived, and you’re struck again by just how stunning every person is. Most of the group are sitting on the ground around the pool, drinks in hands, and chatter filling the air. You notice that Abe is sat at the firepit by himself, Eli is at the bar making an elaborate looking drink and Cerri is sat at the edge of the pool, her feet dipped in the water as she kicks them backwards and forwards. Alex squeezes your hand. “I‘m just going to catch up with Aayush for a second, I feel like he has to have dealt with a situation like Cerri before.” You smile and nod. You don’t have the heart to tell him it’s very unlikely that Aayush has found himself trapped in a dome in the middle of the ocean with his ex-girlfriend and millions of people watching. You start to walk towards Fleur and Zein, longing for some of their lighthearted banter, but stop yourself, realising that this was an opportunity to get to know someone else more. You look around the three people who are separate from the group. Who do you want to talk to? [[Abe|Abe Party Chat]] [[Eli|Eli Party Chat]] [[Cerri|Cerri Party Chat]]{ (set: $partychat1 to 0)}

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +10) (set: $partychat1 to $partychat1 +10) }Abe looks surprised to see you walking towards him, but shuffles over on the bench slightly to give you room to sit next to him comfortably. He isn’t wearing his glasses this evening, and as he looks up at you, the flames from the firepit are reflected in his eyes. “Hey,” he says as you sit down next to him, “intense day, huh?” You laugh and nod. As you try to think of something to say, you wonder why you’re finding time with the only other human in this place so strange. Your eyes look sideways and watch him staring into the flames, and realise it’s possibly because he’s impossible to read. You have one of those moments where you try so hard to think of something to say that your mind goes completely blank. Abe shocks you by being the person to fill the silence. “Thanks for coming to sit with me. I’m not sure I’m fitting in here, so uh, it’s appreciated.” You find yourself warming to him slightly and the words finally arrive. [[“So what made you sign up for Buried Love?”]] [[“How are things going with Rota?”]]

{(set: $partychat1 to $partychat1 +10) (set: $friendeli to $friendeli +10) }Eli beams at you as you walk over, his wrist still working the cocktail shaker in his hand. “$name! Join me for a Dusky Warbler?” The look on your face makes him laugh. "It’s a cocktail...gin, mint, cloudy lemonade. The perfect thirst quencher for being stuck in a drama bubble.” A Dusky Warbler might be just what you need to take the edge off this day. You nod and say thank you. He smiles confidently. “I spent a summer mixing cocktails in Manhattan. It was wild. Stick with me and I’ll make sure there’s a party on your tastebuds anytime you need it.” He pours the drink into a glass and adds a piece of mint on top with a flourish. “Get your lips around that. I have a feeling you’re already at the point where you need it.” He wasn’t wrong, and you take a sip. It’s delicious, and the taste dances on your tongue. You find yourself intrigued by the elf boy who can also mix cocktails so adeptly. It doesn’t seem like a skill needed in many forests. Unless you’ve been missing out on a lot of amazing parties. He places his elbows on the bar, and props his head on his hands, staring at you as intently as you were clearly just staring at him. “I find you intriguing as well $name” he says, a slight smile on his lips. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you more. What makes you tick. Apart from Were boys of course, I don’t need to be an astute elven prince to be able to see that. Although being one definitely helps.” [["Prince?"]] [[“And what makes you tick?"]]

{(set: $partychat1 to $partychat1 +10) }You take a deep breath and walk over to Cerri. She doesn’t stand up, and continues splashing her feet in the water. [[Greet her but stay standing.]]

He chuckles, and it’s a deep sound that seems to come from some hidden part of him. “My dad suggested it, thought I should get to know some different...people. He submitted my application to be honest. Otherwise I’d never be here. But I kind of owe him to at least try this.” He turns to you. “I can see how well you’re clicking with everyone. For the first day I told myself that maybe it was because I was human, you know, that I couldn’t click with anyone. But I think it’s just me. Who I am.” [[“Maybe try talking to them instead of sitting over here?”]] [[“You’ve absolutely got this. Come back to the group with me.”]]

He shakes his head. "I don't think they're going well. She's amazing. It's not her. It's me. I don't think I can match her lifeforce. She just...glows with it, doesn't she?" He turns to you. “I can see how well you’re clicking with everyone. For the first day I told myself that maybe it was because I was human, you know, that I couldn’t click with anyone. But I think it’s just me. Who I am.” [[“Maybe try talking to them instead of sitting over here?”]] [[“You’ve absolutely got this. Come back to the group with me.”]]

Abe blinks a couple of times before nodding. “Ok, you make a valid point. Sitting over here by myself isn’t helping at all, huh?” He stands up and you both walk back to the group together. You sit with Zein and Fleur and Abe joins you, soon happily chatting with them about his first crush. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Aayush are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|Eli Party Chat]] [[Cerri|Cerri Party Chat]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

Abe chuckles again. “Ok, you make a valid point. Sitting over here by myself isn’t helping at all, huh?” He stands up and you both walk back to the group together. You sit with Zein and Fleur and Abe joins you, soon happily chatting with them about his first crush. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Aayush are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|Eli Party Chat]] [[Cerri|Cerri Party Chat]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

The rest of the party passes in a blur of laughing, chatting and dancing. The highlight is trying to teach Rota some classic dance moves, which results in your stomach aching from laughing. But then, like the hammer of doom, Fleur's bracelet shrieks and you hear $boomer’s cough echoing through the dome. “Buried Lovers. They say that a change is as good as a rest, and we do so want you to feel rested and relaxed. To help you with that there will be a recoupling tomorrow evening.” (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[There’s a murmur around the group, and you feel Alex’s arm tighten around your shoulder slightly. But $boomer isn’t finished yet. “Of course, it’s important to make our new Buried Lovers feel comfortable, so they’ll have first choice.” You hear Alex echoing your thoughts “Well shit. Fuck. $boomer can actually go to hell. Wait. We’re already there.” You turn and face him, trying to find something positive to say, but the weird feeling in your stomach stops the words arriving. (if: $separatefeelings is "hate" or "meh")[Instead you wrap your arms around him and hug him, wondering what kind of hell tomorrow will bring.]\ (if: $separatefeelings is "love")[You try to hide it from your face, but a part of you is excited to see what might happen next.]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[There’s a murmur around the group, and you feel Aayush’s arm tighten around your shoulder slightly. But $boomer isn’t finished yet. “Of course, it’s important to make our new Buried Lovers feel comfortable, so they’ll have first choice.” Your hear Aayush groan "So predictable.” You turn and face him, wanting to ask him how he really feels about the announcement. It's impossible to read from his face. (if: $separatefeelings is "hate" or "meh")[Instead you wrap your arms around him and hug him, wondering what kind of hell tomorrow will bring.]\ (if: $separatefeelings is "love")[You try to hide it from your face, but a part of you is excited to see what might happen next.]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[There’s a murmur around the group, and you feel Rota’s arm tighten around your shoulder slightly. But $boomer isn’t finished yet. “Of course, it’s important to make our new Buried Lovers feel comfortable, so they’ll have first choice.” Rota doesn't say anything and so you turn to face her, waiting for her reaction. You're surprised to see her stoic face looking worried. Has she finally realised that Eli is interested in her? "If either of them pick you I don't know what I'll do," is all she mutters. You consider trying to explain again that she's equally likely to be chosen, but sense it would be pointless. (if: $separatefeelings is "hate" or "meh")[Instead you wrap your arms around her and hug her, wondering what kind of hell tomorrow will bring.] \ (if: $separatefeelings is "love")[You try to hide it from your face, but a part of you is excited to see what might happen next.]] [[Play Day 3 Part 1 ‘Wake Up’]]

You decide not to stoop to her level, literally, and say ‘hi’, but stay standing, trying to resist the urge to fold your arms in annoyance as she continues to splash her feet and stare across the pool. You follow her line of sight and realise that it’s Alex and Aayush she’s starting at. You almost laugh when you see Lily’s face staring over at Cerri, looking a little like she’d be very happy to drag her into the pool by her ankles and leave her there. Lily is clearly worried that Cerri has her sights set on her man, and she’s not the only one. Finally Cerri looks up at you. “Oh hi babe, I was lost in my memories for a second there. How rude of me. It’s so nice to see you again, $name.” Her words lack any sincerity and a faint boiling rage is bubbling in your chest. [[“I’m not here for small talk. What are you doing here? Did the pack send you?”]] [[“Girl, I swear, if you call me babe one more time I’m throwing you to the sharks.”]]

The smile disappears from Cerri’s face and she looks at you, her lip curling into a sneer. "Who are you to mention the pack to me? You don't know anything about them. And they're everything to me, and to Alex, even if he won't admit it.” She leans back slightly and her voice returns to being sweet and light, and so very fake “Anyway, what am I doing here? Finding love of course. Isn't that what we're all doing?” She waves her hand over to the group of people. “Now hurry back to the group, little chihuahua, it’s dangerous for you to be playing with the wolves, and I’ve got some thinking to do.” You look at her, absolutely speechless. [[Walk back to the others, no need to make a scene. Yet.]] [[Push her into the pool with your foot.]]

The smile disappears from Cerri’s face as she looks at you and responds. “I’d like to see you try Babe. I’m not sure your mortal self would be able to stand up to me. I’ve got the power of a pack within me. You’ve presumably just got whatever bland food you chose for breakfast.” She leans back slightly and her voice returns to being sweet and light, and so very fake. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I don’t need to fight you. I’ll be getting him back without any effort. You think you can compete with the pull of the pack? Please. He may be all puppy eyes with you now, but just wait and see.” She waves her hand over to the group of people. “Now hurry back to the group, little chihuahua, it’s dangerous for you to be playing with the wolves, and I’ve got some thinking to do.” You look at her, absolutely speechless. [[Walk back to the others, no need to make a scene. Yet.]] [[Push her into the pool with your foot.]]

You walk back to the group. Alex runs over to you and puts his arm around you as you both walk back to the group. He leans over and whispers “You look like you're ready to murder someone. What happened?” You can hear concern in his voice, but you shake your head. You don't want to add to his stress. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[He smiles. "Ok, just don't let her get to you. Hey, my bracelet has just buzzed and told me to go the shriek shack. God knows why, but I'll see you in a minute." You decide to kill time by speaking to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|Eli Party Chat]] [[Abe|Abe Party Chat]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

{(set: $friendcerri to $friendcerri -10) }With a ‘sorry babe’ you push her into the pool in one quick motion. The group all turn and start cheering and whooping, clearly unaware that she didn’t just fall in. Apart from Lily who is giving you a thumbs up. You strut back to the group, leaving Cerri to climb out of the pool. Alex jogs over to you and puts his arm around you as you both walk back to the group. He leans over and whispers “What just happened?” There is amusement in his voice, and you just shrug and pull your most innocent face. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[He smiles. "Well, I approve. Hey, my bracelet has just buzzed and told me to go the shriek shack. God knows why, but I'll see you in a minute." You decide to kill time by speaking to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|Eli Party Chat]] [[Abe|Abe Party Chat]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

(set: $dateno to 0) (set: $dateno to $dateno +10) (if: $dateno < 12)[] (if: $dateno > 15)

"Yeah, I don't like to talk about it." You raise a suspicious eyebrow, considering calling him out on the fact it's taking ten seconds for him to drop it into a conversation. But he continues, "My mum is the Elven Queen of her Forest, so I'm Prince by birth. My dad is a South Korean teacher. Their story is the most romantic thing I've ever heard, I'll tell it to you one day if you're interested. I think maybe I'm looking for my own tale to tell, you know?" He picks up the glass you’ve rested back down on the bar, and takes a sip. “Damn I really am good.” He puts it back down and pats the bar with his hands. He stops and quietly watches you. You distract yourself by taking another sip of the cocktail. “What’s this?” you turn to find Zein walking over. “Cocktails? Man, you didn’t tell us you could make cocktails.” Eli laughs “You have to discover my talents, I’m not just going to put them out there for you all to find straight away. Where would the mystery be in that?” He smiles at you. “By the way, something that makes me tick is people who don’t know just how beautiful they are.” Then he turns and starts gathering supplies to make more cocktails and the moment is gone. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Aayush are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Abe|Abe Party Chat]] [[Cerri|Cerri Party Chat]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

He picks up the glass you’ve rested back down on the bar, and takes a sip. “Damn I really am good.” He puts it back down and pats the bar with his hands. “What makes me tick? Beauty. Nature. Exploring new places. Exploring new people.” He stops and quietly watches you. You distract yourself by taking another sip of the cocktail. “What’s this?” you turn to find Zein walking over. “Cocktails? Man, you didn’t tell us you could make cocktails.” Eli laughs. “You have to discover my talents, I’m not just going to put them out there for you all to find straight away. Where would the mystery be in that?” He smiles at you “Something else that makes me tick is people who don’t know just how beautiful they are.” Then he turns and starts gathering supplies to make more cocktails and the moment is gone. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Aayush are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Abe|Abe Party Chat]] [[Cerri|Cerri Party Chat]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

{(set: $friendaayush to $friendaayush +10) }Aayush smiles at you as his fingers link with yours. You realise your body is no longer shocked by how cool he feels and you squeeze his hand ever so slightly. You take one last look around the group and see Alex being hugged by Catarina. You can see how much he’s hating all of this drama, and feel for him. There’s a little part of you that is relieved that it wasn’t one of Aayush’s ex partners arriving to stir the pot, although from the look Cerri was shooting his way, you’re not even slightly confident that she hasn’t got her sights set on him. You catch her eye and she smiles sweetly at you, blowing a kiss before waving goodbye. It was the least sincere goodbye you’ve ever experienced in your life. “She seems friendly,” Aayush says, and you look at him, stunned. He manages to keep a straight face for about thirty seconds before breaking into a smile and affectionately squeezing your hand. “Just kidding. Her smiles are probably the fakest thing I’ve ever seen. She’s looking for trouble, I can almost smell it on her. Poor Alex.” Your stomach rumbles, and you realise breakfast suddenly seems like it was a long time ago. [[“Let’s go find someplace quiet and I’ll grab something to eat.”]] [[Keep quiet. It can’t be fun for him watching you eat all the time.]]

{(set: $friendaayush to $friendaayush -10) }Aayush looks uncertain for the first time clearly sensing that you'd rather stay with the group. There’s a little part of you that is relieved that it wasn’t one of Aayush’s ex partners arriving to stir the pot, although from the look Cerri was shooting his way, you’re not even slightly confident that she hasn’t got her sights set on him. You catch her eye and she smiles sweetly at you, blowing a kiss before waving goodbye. It was the least sincere goodbye you’ve ever experienced in your life. “She seems friendly,” Aayush says, and you look at him, stunned. He manages to keep a straight face for about thirty seconds before breaking into a smile and affectionately squeezing your hand. “Just kidding. Her smiles are probably the fakest thing I’ve ever seen. She’s looking for trouble, I can almost smell it on her. Poor Alex.” Your stomach rumbles, and you realise breakfast suddenly seems like it was a long time ago. [[“Let’s go find someplace quiet and I’ll grab something to eat.”]] [[Keep quiet. It can’t be fun for him watching you eat all the time.]]

You decide that you can always grab something later, and instead follow Aayush back to the centre of the dome. Aayush nods his head in the direction of a bamboo fence at the rear of the dome. “There’s a small building behind that with this little garden area. Let’s head over there.” You look in the direction he’s already started walking in and wonder what the hell a small building and garden is doing in this place, but decide that’s a concern for another day. [[Make your way over to the garden|Aayushmakeyourwayovertothegarden]]

Aayush nods “I know just the spot, I was exploring last night.” The two of you say goodbye to the others, who are all still on the beach. Lily is the only person standing silently, looking lost. You make a mental note to try and talk to her. Yes, she may have tried to kill you, but was that a reason to hold a grudge? Really? Possibly. You walk back to the kitchen area in a happy silence, a flutter of excitement in your stomach when you realise you still have the rest of the day to spend with Aayush. Aayush is clearly feeling just as happy and when you reach the kitchen counter he confidently puts his arms under yours and lifts you onto the kitchen counter in one confident move. He quickly closes the gap between you and looks at your lips for a moment, murmuring “I think that taking things slow might be my biggest challenge yet.” [[Kiss him, might as well really challenge the boy.]] [[Hop off the counter and get some food.]]

You slowly and gently kiss him, your hands holding his face as you lean forward slightly. You hear him take a sharp breath before pushing closer to you, his tongue exploring your mouth. With a low moan he steps back. “Right, let’s get you some nourishment and go and talk some more.” You nod, taking the hint that he wants to get to know you more, and quickly grab some fruit. You realise that you still know very little about him, and a chance to talk could only be a good thing. Aayush nods his head in the direction of a bamboo fence at the rear of the dome. “There’s a small building behind that with this little garden area. Let’s head over there.” You look in the direction he’s already started walking in and wonder what the hell a small building and garden is doing in this place, but decide that’s a concern for another day. [[Make your way over to the garden.|Aayushmakeyourwayovertothegarden]]

You quickly grab some fruit. You realise that you still know very little about Aayush, and a chance to talk could only be a good thing. Aayush nods his head in the direction of a bamboo fence at the rear of the dome. “There’s a small building behind that with this little garden area. Let’s head over there.” You look in the direction he’s already started walking in and wonder what the hell a small building and garden is doing in this place, but decide that’s a concern for another day. [[Make your way over to the garden.|Aayushmakeyourwayovertothegarden]]

As you walk around the fence you pause for a moment to look at what’s in front of you. A small rectangular one-storey white building is sat with a small enclosed garden at either end. The windows all have blinds blocking any view of what might be inside, but the gardens are identical in their layout, with a small fire pit and a wooden swing seat with fairy lights wrapped around the frame, and comfy looking cushions scattered on the seat. You imagine how snug and romantic it would be after dark, but then remember that there is no ‘after dark’ in this place. Aayush turns to you, “Shall we?” he asks, extending his hand to the swing seat. [[Sit demurely.]] [[Try half laying on the seat and bring Aayush with you.]]

You carefully sit down on the seat, taking every precaution to make sure you don't fall straight on the floor. Aayush moves quickly to be lying down along the back of the seat behind you. You have no idea how he moves so quickly or lightly, but realise he'll make an excellent cushion. You lean back on him and stare at the artificial sky. This seems like a perfect moment to see if you can work out what’s going on in his head with the new arrivals. [[“So, uh, Cerri was definitely shooting some looks your way.”]] [[“I can’t believe I only got to be the bombshell for one day. Cerri is something, huh?”]]

You throw yourself onto the seat and the movement of the swing knocks Aayush off his feet so he ends up falling forward onto the seat. For any normal person it would have resulted in a clumsy attempt to sit up. But not for Aayush. In one smooth movement he is lying along the seat, with you nestled against his chest and his arms around you. It’s another reminder that you’re coupled with no ordinary boy. Every move he makes is quick, calculated and elegant. He leans forward and whispers in your ear, “If I didn’t know better I’d think you just did that on purpose.” You pretend not to hear the accusation, and take a bite out of your apple. You lean back on him and stare at the artificial sky. This seems like a perfect moment to see if you can work out what’s going on in his head with the new arrivals. [[“So, uh, Cerri was definitely shooting some looks your way.”]] [[“I can’t believe I only got to be the bombshell for one day. Cerri is something, huh?”]]

Aayush laughs. "Yeah, she's trouble. I can feel it. Poor Alex. Did you see his face? I’ll try to talk to him later, see how he is. I feel bad, I knew something was up when I felt her fingers graze along my back before she walked over to him. I could tell it was someone new, I should have raised the alarm before she made her way across the stage, but I had no idea it would be his ex." [[“She grazed her fingers along your what now?”]]

Aayush laughs. “$name...you were the kind of explosive that lights up a place. More like a firework, I’d say. Cerri? She’s something very different. She’s about to go nuclear, I can feel it. Poor Alex. Did you see his face? I’ll try to talk to him later, see how he is. I feel bad, I knew something was up when I felt her fingers graze along my back before she walked over to him. I could tell it was someone new, I should have raised the alarm before she made her way across the stage, but I had no idea it would be his ex." [[“She grazed her fingers along your what now?”]]

Aayush leans forward and puts his lips to the top of your head and you sense he’s smiling. “It was nothing in comparison to how I feel when you touch me”. You feel a shiver of excitement run through your body as you think about how much fun it would be to explore all of him. Yesterday he’d definitely suggested he was in this for the long game, but with Cerri arriving, and drama on the horizon, you wonder for a moment if that could change. [[Play it cool. “Well I guess we’ll just wait and see what happens next.”]] [[Fuck that, answers are needed. “So are you still feeling the same about us as you were yesterday?”]]

Aayush nods. "I guess we will. I couldn’t be more intrigued to see where this goes. Am I a little worried about what might happen if Cerri gets to pick someone to couple with? Yes. There’s no point denying that she’s giving me some meaningful stares. I’m not returning them, but that doesn’t mean much here. I think she’ll pick Alex. He’s clearly the reason she’s here. I guess we’d be naive to think this was going to be a smooth ride.” You nod thoughtfully. You know he has a point. You’ve seen enough dating shows to know that they thrive on emotional drama. You’re just not sure at the moment how you’re going to react when it starts. How do you feel about possibly being separated from Aayush if there’s a recoupling? [[I will burn this place down. We may be surrounded by water. But it will still burn]] [[It’s not great but I’ll go with the flow and see what happens.]] [[It’ll be a relief to be honest. All this tortured waiting to get physical stuff is so not my style.]]

Aayush’s lips are still resting on the top of your head and he murmurs “More so,” before leaning back slightly. “I’m not usually the guy with the big declarations. Trust Me. It’s not part of the Vampire culture to even think like that. So I meant every word I said. I feel different with you. It was instant. I couldn’t be more intrigued to see where this goes. Am I a little worried about what might happen if Cerri gets to pick someone to couple with? Yes. There’s no point denying that she’s giving me some meaningful stares. I’m not returning them, but that doesn’t mean much here. I think she’ll pick Alex. He’s clearly the reason she’s here. I guess we’d be naive to think this was going to be a smooth ride.” You nod and thoughtfully pop a grape into your mouth. You know he has a point. You’ve seen enough dating shows to know that they thrive on emotional drama. You’re just not sure at the moment how you’re going to react when it starts. How do you feel about possibly being separated from Aayush if there’s a recoupling? [[I will burn this place down. We may be surrounded by water. But it will still burn]] [[It’s not great but I’ll go with the flow and see what happens.]] [[It’ll be a relief to be honest. All this tortured waiting to get physical stuff is so not my style.]]

(set: $separatefeelings to "hate")You decide to keep your thoughts to yourself for now, and instead close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of being quiet. Aayush is proving to be a surprisingly comfortable cushion. There’s no denying this would be a great spot for some alone time with him, but you remember Aayush’s request to go slow. and you're not sure how restrained you can be right now. Aayush also seems to be in a thoughtful place. Although when he speaks you realise that his thoughts haven’t been on the physical, and you sit up to look at him as he talks to you. “Being in here is providing me with some serious thinking time. I’ve kind of realised I haven’t done much of that in a very long time.I keep myself busy so I don’t have to. I run twenty different companies to make sure my time is so consumed that I don’t have space. But in here I do, and it sort of hurts. There’s just so many memories. So many losses. Sometimes I try to remember my mother, to think about what my life was before I became this. But I can’t. She’s not there anymore. I just feel an aching in my chest, which shouldn't even be possible anymore, there’s no beating heart to ache." He looks at you and runs his hand through his still perfect hair. “God I’m being a depressing date. I’m sorry. How about we change the subject. How was that challenge for you? Before the drama obviously. The blindfolds were incredibly hot.” (if:$sensep1 is "Aayush" and $sensep2 is "Aayush")[You think back to the feel of your body touching Aayush in the dark. The feel of his mouth on you. You blush. Aayush smiles. “Thank you for picking me for both turns. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so ready to grab someone and get straight to the fun stuff.” [[“Oh Aayush, you’ve felt nothing yet, that was only the start.”]] [[“Almost every moment is pretty much like that for me so welcome to my world.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Aayush" and $sensep2 is not "Aayush")[You think back to the challenge and blush. Aayush looks like he’s trying to read your face. “I’m disappointed we didn’t get some more time to explore each other in the dark, but I guess you had other...ideas. I’m not going to ask you who you chose, I'm not sure I want to know, but I hope it was...fun.” [[“You can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Sorry Aayush, if I’d had a third try it would have been you.”]]] (if:$sensep1 is "Aayush" and $sensep2 is not "Aayush")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Aayush smiles. “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” He smiles, and you wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Aayush" and $sensep2 is "Aayush")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Aayush smiles. “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” He smiles, and you wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]

(set: $separatefeelings to "meh")You decide to keep your thoughts to yourself for now, and instead close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of being quiet. Aayush is proving to be a surprisingly comfortable cushion. There’s no denying this would be a great spot for some alone time with him, but you remember Aayush’s request to go slow. and you're not sure how restrained you can be right now. Aayush also seems to be in a thoughtful place. Although when he speaks you realise that his thoughts haven’t been on the physical, and you sit up to look at him as he talks to you. “Being in here is providing me with some serious thinking time. I’ve kind of realised I haven’t done much of that in a very long time.I keep myself busy so I don’t have to. I run twenty different companies to make sure my time is so consumed that I don’t have space. But in here I do, and it sort of hurts. There’s just so many memories. So many losses. Sometimes I try to remember my mother, to think about what my life was before I became this. But I can’t. She’s not there anymore. I just feel an aching in my chest, which shouldn't even be possible anymore, there’s no beating heart to ache." He looks at you and runs his hand through his still perfect hair. “God I’m being a depressing date. I’m sorry. How about we change the subject. How was that challenge for you? Before the drama obviously. The blindfolds were incredibly hot.” (if:$sensep1 is "Aayush" and $sensep2 is "Aayush")[You think back to the feel of your body touching Aayush in the dark. The feel of his mouth on you. You blush. Aayush smiles. “Thank you for picking me for both turns. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so ready to grab someone and get straight to the fun stuff.” [[“Oh Aayush, you’ve felt nothing yet, that was only the start.”]] [[“Almost every moment is pretty much like that for me so welcome to my world.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Aayush" and $sensep2 is not "Aayush")[You think back to the challenge and blush. Aayush looks like he’s trying to read your face. “I’m disappointed we didn’t get some more time to explore each other in the dark, but I guess you had other...ideas. I’m not going to ask you who you chose, I'm not sure I want to know, but I hope it was...fun.” [[“You can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Sorry Aayush, if I’d had a third try it would have been you.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is "Aayush" and $sensep2 is not "Aayush")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Aayush smiles. “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” He smiles, and you wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]] (if:$sensep1 is not "Aayush" and $sensep2 is "Aayush")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Aayush smiles. “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” He smiles, and you wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]

(set: $separatefeelings to "love")You decide to keep your thoughts to yourself for now, and instead close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of being quiet. Aayush is proving to be a surprisingly comfortable cushion. There’s no denying this would be a great spot for some alone time with him, but you remember Aayush’s request to go slow. and you're not sure how restrained you can be right now. Aayush also seems to be in a thoughtful place. Although when he speaks you realise that his thoughts haven’t been on the physical, and you sit up to look at him as he talks to you. “Being in here is providing me with some serious thinking time. I’ve kind of realised I haven’t done much of that in a very long time.I keep myself busy so I don’t have to. I run twenty different companies to make sure my time is so consumed that I don’t have space. But in here I do, and it sort of hurts. There’s just so many memories. So many losses. Sometimes I try to remember my mother, to think about what my life was before I became this. But I can’t. She’s not there anymore. I just feel an aching in my chest, which shouldn't even be possible anymore, there’s no beating heart to ache." He looks at you and runs his hand through his still perfect hair. “God I’m being a depressing date. I’m sorry. How about we change the subject. How was that challenge for you? Before the drama obviously. The blindfolds were incredibly hot.” (if:$sensep1 is "Aayush" and $sensep2 is "Aayush")[You think back to the feel of your body touching Aayush in the dark. The feel of his mouth on you. You blush. Aayush smiles. “Thank you for picking me for both turns. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so ready to grab someone and get straight to the fun stuff.” [[“Oh Aayush, you’ve felt nothing yet, that was only the start.”]] [[“Almost every moment is pretty much like that for me so welcome to my world.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Aayush" and $sensep2 is not "Aayush")[You think back to the challenge and blush. Aayush looks like he’s trying to read your face. “I’m disappointed we didn’t get some more time to explore each other in the dark, but I guess you had other...ideas. I’m not going to ask you who you chose, I'm not sure I want to know, but I hope it was...fun.” [[“You can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“Sorry Aayush, if I’d had a third try it would have been you.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is "Aayush" and $sensep2 is not "Aayush")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Aayush smiles. “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” He smiles, and you wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Aayush" and $sensep2 is "Aayush")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Aayush smiles. “Thanks for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business. But I hope it was...fun.” He smiles, and you wonder how much he’s itching to ask the question. [[“You can’t blame me for seizing an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...I wonder how I can make it up to you…”]]]

There's a glint of amusement in his eyes as he responds, "I’ve never cursed my resolve to wait more than I am in this moment. Oh, and I may have accidentally put this in my pocket". He pulls out the blindfold "For another time, of course." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in his ear. Whispering your name. You haven’t spoken to her since the moment you chose Aayush, and you have a feeling that whatever she said, it wasn’t good. [[Let it go. There’s enough tension brewing.]] [[“So what did Lily whisper to you?”]]

He smiles at you. "It’ll be worth the wait. Oh, and I have a confession. With everything that happened at the end of the game I may have accidentally put this in my pocket." He pulls out the blindfold "For another time, of course." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in his ear. Whispering your name. You haven’t spoken to her since the moment you chose Aayush, and you have a feeling that whatever she said, it wasn’t good. [[Let it go. There’s enough tension brewing.]] [[“So what did Lily whisper to you?”]]

He doesn't respond, and there are no emotions on his face. No anger, no humour. Impossible to read. He breaks the silence by nodding. "You've got to play this in the way you want to play it." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in his ear. Whispering your name. You haven’t spoken to her since the moment you chose Aayush, and you have a feeling that whatever she said, it wasn’t good. [[Let it go. There’s enough tension brewing.]] [[“So what did Lily whisper to you?”]]

A slight smile plays on Aayush's lips. "I'm not going to argue that it wasn't a wasted opportunity. I might be able to think of a way to make it up to me. I also might have accidentally forgotten to leave the blindfold on the stage." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in his ear. Whispering your name. You haven’t spoken to her since the moment you chose Aayush, and you have a feeling that whatever she said, it wasn’t good. [[Let it go. There’s enough tension brewing.]] [[“So what did Lily whisper to you?”]]

You decide to park that conversation for another day, and you both fall into a pensive silence. Aayush sits up slightly. "I can’t believe that I haven’t mentioned the new guy, Eli. I saw he had taken a shine to you. He reminds me of another Elf I dated a while back, although he didn’t have Eli’s dark eyes. So mysterious. How was it taking off your blindfold and seeing him there?” [[“Yeah, he picked me, what can I say, I’m pretty irresistible.”]] [[“His touch is unlike anything I’ve ever felt to be honest”]] [[“You, uh, dated an elf?”]]

Aayush frowns for a minute and looks genuinely puzzled. “Lily didn’t whisper...oh, wait.” He stares into the distance. “It’s weird, I can remember her whispering but I can’t remember any words. It felt more like a scratching in my brain. Like something was in there, rooting around, trying to find something interesting. I’ve felt it before with someone who had dark powers. They’re the only ones who can read Vampire minds.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I forgot that happened. I also can’t believe that I haven’t mentioned the new guy, Eli. I saw he had taken a shine to you. He reminds me of another Elf I dated a while back, although he didn’t have Eli’s dark eyes. So mysterious. How was it taking off your blindfold and seeing him there?” [[“Yeah, he picked me, what can I say, I’m pretty irresistible.”]] [[“His touch is unlike anything I’ve ever felt to be honest”]] [[“You, uh, dated an elf?”]]

Aayush laughs and nods in agreement. “You’ll get no argument from me. Who can blame him?” Your mind registers for a second that perhaps it isn’t Cerri that is presenting competition for Aayush’s affections, but you push it away again. He’s been clear with you that you’re the only person he wants to be with. Hasn’t he? He sighs. “I think we’re supposed to be getting ready for the party. As much as I want to hide here with you for the next 18 days, I feel like $boomer is going to frown upon that. Plus, I’m looking forward to spending the evening with you.” He smiles, and you take a moment to inspect his lips. [[There’s always time to kiss those lips.]] [[You’re out of time. Go back to your shack.]]

Aayush is silent for a moment. “That will have been the natural magic that runs through him. It's most definitely intoxicating.” Your mind registers for a second that perhaps it isn’t Cerri that is presenting competition for Aayush’s affections, but you push it away again. He’s been clear with you that you’re the only person he wants to be with. Hasn’t he? He sighs. “I think we’re supposed to be getting ready for the party. As much as I want to hide here with you for the next 18 days, I feel like $boomer is going to frown upon that. Plus, I’m looking forward to spending the evening with you.” He smiles, and you take a moment to inspect his lips. [[There’s always time to kiss those lips.]] [[You’re out of time. Go back to your shack.]]

Aayush just nods. "A long time ago now. But he was a lot of fun. Pure energy, always ready for an adventure. Every minute of every day. I sense you might have a similar energy." Your mind registers for a second that perhaps it isn’t Cerri that is presenting competition for Aayush’s affections, but you push it away again. He’s been clear with you that you’re the only person he wants to be with. Hasn’t he? He sighs. “I think we’re supposed to be getting ready for the party. As much as I want to hide here with you for the next 18 days, I feel like $boomer is going to frown upon that. Plus, I’m looking forward to spending the evening with you.” He smiles, and you take a moment to inspect his lips. [[There’s always time to kiss those lips.]] [[You’re out of time. Go back to your shack.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }You wonder for the millionth time how this boy even exists, with his perfect looks, beautiful words and intriguing past. You lean forward and cup his face in your hands, slowly resting your lips on his. It’s a gentle kiss, but tells him everything he needs to know about your plans for the evening. When he pulls away you see that his eyes are glinting with a wanting that makes your stomach flip. He looks absolutely irresistible, but you know right now isn’t the time for that, for so many reasons. [[It's time to get ready for the party.]]

You both sit up and Aayush stands first, holding a hand out to you. You take it and stand up, your head still full of the things you've just discovered about him and thoughts of what might happen next. [[It's time to get ready for the party.]]

You both head back to your huts and get ready for the party. When you get inside you have a shower and then head straight to the wardrobe. The selection of outfits is completely different to yesterday, but equally perfect. You're not sure what kind of magic this is, or if it's just an expert shopper, but whatever it is, you'd like to take it home with you. You take your time getting ready, enjoying the space to make sure you feel like the very best version of you. You’re just finishing when you hear a knock at the door. You open it and find Aayush standing there. He’s wearing his already classic choice of white shirt, waistcoat and jeans, he looks perfectly styled. He smiles when he sees you and steps back for a moment putting his hands to his chest and raising an eyebrow, quietly whispering “I’m stunned. How do you make everything so sexy?” He holds out his hand to you and says “Party time?” You smile to yourself, feeling confident and trying to ignore the nervous butterflies in your stomach that have just arrived at the thought of what might happen if there’s a recoupling. You join him in walking back to the centre of the dome. The others have already arrived, and you’re struck again by just how stunning every person is. Most of the group are sitting on the ground around the pool, drinks in hands, and chatter filling the air. You notice that Abe is sat at the firepit by himself, Eli is at the bar making an elaborate looking drink and Cerri is sat at the edge of the pool, her feet dipped in the water as she kicks them backwards and forwards. Aayush squeezes your hand. “I‘m just going to catch up with Alex for a second, see if I can give him some advice on how to deal with Cerri.” You smile and nod, happy to see that he’s being supportive. You start to walk towards Fleur and Zein, longing for some of their lighthearted banter, but stop yourself, realising that this was an opportunity to get to know someone else more. You look around the three people who are separate from the group. Who do you want to talk to? [[Abe|AbepartychatAayushroute]] [[Eli|ElipartychatAayushroute]] [[Cerri|CerripartychatAayushroute]]{ (set: $partychat1 to 0)}

{(set: $partychat1 to $partychat1 +10) (set: $friendabe to $friendabe +10) }Abe looks surprised to see you walking towards him, but shuffles over on the bench slightly to give you room to sit next to him comfortably. He isn’t wearing his glasses this evening, and as he looks up at you, the flames from the firepit are reflected in his eyes. “Hey,” he says as you sit down next to him, “intense day, huh?” You laugh and nod. As you try to think of something to say, you wonder why you’re finding time with the only other human in this place so strange. Your eyes look sideways and watch him staring into the flames, and realise it’s possibly because he’s impossible to read. You have one of those moments where you try so hard to think of something to say that your mind goes completely blank. Abe shocks you by being the person to fill the silence. “Thanks for coming to sit with me. I’m not sure I’m fitting in here, so uh, it’s appreciated.” You find yourself warming to him slightly and the words finally arrive. [[“What made you sign up for Buried Love?”]] [[“How are things with Rota?”]]

{(set: $partychat1 to $partychat1 +10) (set: $friendeli to $friendeli +10) }Eli beams at you as you walk over, his wrist still working the cocktail shaker in his hand. “$name! Join me for a Dusky Warbler?” The look on your face makes him laugh. "It’s a cocktail...gin, mint, cloudy lemonade. The perfect thirst quencher for being stuck in a drama bubble.” A Dusky Warbler might be just what you need to take the edge off this day. You nod and say thank you. He smiles confidently. “I spent a summer mixing cocktails in Manhattan. It was wild. Stick with me and I’ll make sure there’s a party on your tastebuds anytime you need it.” He pours the drink into a glass and adds a piece of mint on top with a flourish. “Get your lips around that. I have a feeling you’re already at the point where you need it.” He wasn’t wrong, and you take a sip. It’s delicious, and the taste dances on your tongue. You find yourself intrigued by the elf boy who can also mix cocktails so adeptly. It doesn’t seem like a skill needed in many forests. Unless you’ve been missing out on a lot of amazing parties. He places his elbows on the bar, and props his head on his hands, staring at you as intently as you were clearly just staring at him. “I find you intriguing as well $name,” he says, a slight smile on his lips. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you more. What makes you tick. Apart from Vampire boys of course, I don’t need to be an astute elven prince to be able to see that. Although being one definitely helps.” [[“You're a Prince?"]] [[“And what makes you tick, Eli?"]]

{(set: $partychat1 to $partychat1 +10) }You take a deep breath and walk over to Cerri. She doesn’t stand up, and continues splashing her feet in the water. [[Say hello, but stay standing.]]

He chuckles, and it’s a deep sound that seems to come from some hidden part of him. “My dad suggested it, thought I should get to know some different...people. He submitted my application to be honest. Otherwise I’d never be here. But I kind of owe him to at least try this.” He turns to you “I can see how well you’re clicking with everyone. For the first day I told myself that maybe it was because I was human, you know, that I couldn’t click with anyone. But I think it’s just me. Who I am.” [[“You could always try talking to them instead of sitting over here?”]] [[“You’ve got this. Come back to the group with me.”]]

He shakes his head. "I don't think they're going well. She's amazing. It's not her. It's me. I don't think I can match her lifeforce. She just...glows with it, doesn't she?" He turns to you. “I can see how well you’re clicking with everyone. For the first day I told myself that maybe it was because I was human, you know, that I couldn’t click with anyone. But I think it’s just me. Who I am.” [[“You could always try talking to them instead of sitting over here?”]] [[“You’ve got this. Come back to the group with me.”]]

Abe blinks a couple of times before nodding. “Ok, you make a valid point. Sitting over here by myself isn’t helping at all, huh?” He stands up and you both walk back to the group together. You sit with Zein and Fleur and Abe joins you, soon happily chatting with them about his first crush. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Aayush are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|ElipartychatAayushroute]] [[Cerri|CerripartychatAayushroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

Abe chuckles again. “Ok, you make a valid point. Sitting over here by myself isn’t helping at all, huh?” He stands up and you both walk back to the group together. You sit with Zein and Fleur and Abe joins you, soon happily chatting with them about his first crush. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Aayush are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|ElipartychatAayushroute]] [[Cerri|CerripartychatAayushroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

"Yeah, I don't like to talk about it." You raise a suspicious eyebrow, considering calling him out on the fact it's taking ten seconds for him to drop it into a conversation. But he continues "My mum is the Elven Queen of her Forest, so I'm Prince by birth. My dad is a South Korean teacher. Their story is the most romantic thing I've ever heard, I'll tell it to you one day if you're interested. I think maybe I'm looking for my own tale to tell, you know?" He picks up the glass you’ve rested back down on the bar, and takes a sip. “Damn, I really am good.” He puts it back down and pats the bar with his hands, quietly watching you. You distract yourself by taking another sip of the cocktail. “What’s this?” you turn to find Zein walking over. “Cocktails? Man, you didn’t tell us you could make cocktails.” Eli laughs “You have to discover my talents, I’m not just going to put them out there for you all to find straight away. Where would the mystery be in that?” He smiles at you “You should know that something that makes me tick is people who don’t know just how beautiful they are.” Then he turns and starts gathering supplies to make more cocktails and the moment is gone. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Aayush are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Abe|AbepartychatAayushroute]] [[Cerri|CerripartychatAayushroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

He picks up the glass you’ve rested back down on the bar, and takes a sip. “Damn, I really am good.” He puts it back down and pats the bar with his hands “What makes me tick? Beauty. Nature. Exploring new places. Exploring new people.” He stops and quietly watches you. You distract yourself by taking another sip of the cocktail. “What’s this?” you turn to find Zein walking over. “Cocktails? Man, you didn’t tell us you could make cocktails.” Eli laughs. “You have to discover my talents, I’m not just going to put them out there for you all to find straight away. Where would the mystery be in that?” He smiles at you “Something else that makes me tick is people who don’t know just how beautiful they are.” Then he turns and starts gathering supplies to make more cocktails and the moment is gone. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Aayush are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Abe|AbepartychatAayushroute]] [[Cerri|CerripartychatAayushroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

You decide not to stoop to her level, literally, and say ‘hi’, but stay standing, trying to resist the urge to fold your arms in annoyance as she continues to splash her feet and stare across the pool. You follow her line of sight and realise that it’s Alex and Aayush she’s starting at. You almost laugh when you see Lily’s face staring over at Cerri, looking a little like she’d be very happy to drag her into the pool by her ankles and leave her there. You feel relieved that her anger isn't being directed at you for once. Finally Cerri looks up at you. “Oh hi babe, I was lost in my thoughts for a second there. Just thinking how beautiful Aayush is looking over there. That waistcoat just does something to me. His style is so different to Alex's. How rude of me. It’s so nice to see you again, $name.” Her words lack any sincerity and a faint boiling rage is bubbling in your chest. [[“I’m not here for small talk. Kindly back off from the flirty Aayush eyes please.”]] [[“I swear, if you call me babe one more time I’m throwing you to the sharks.”]]

The smile disappears from Cerri’s face and she looks at you, her lip curling into a sneer. "Who are you to tell me what to do?” She leans back slightly and her voice returns to being sweet and light, and so very fake. “Anyway, I'm here to find love. Isn't that what we're all doing? If love comes in the form of a brooding Vampire with a killer sense of style, then it is what it is.” She waves her hand over to the group of people. “Now hurry back to the group, little chihuahua, it’s dangerous for you to be playing with the wolves, and I’ve got some thinking to do.” You look at her, absolutely speechless. [[Walk back to the others, no need to make a scene.]] [[Who the hell is she calling chihuahua? Push her into the pool with your foot.]]

The smile disappears from Cerri’s face as she looks at you. “I’d like to see you try Babe. I’m not sure your mortal self would be able to stand up to me. I’ve got the power of a pack within me. You’ve presumably just got whatever bland food you chose for breakfast.” She leans back slightly and her voice returns to being sweet and light, and so very fake. “Anyway, I'm not sure your suave Vampire boy would approve of making a scene. I think you might need to up your game if you're going to keep him.” She inspects her nails and then waves her hand over to the group of people. “Now hurry back to the group, little chihuahua, it’s dangerous for you to be playing with the wolves, and I’ve got some thinking to do.” You look at her, absolutely speechless. [[Walk back to the others, no need to make a scene.]] [[Who the hell is she calling chihuahua? Push her into the pool with your foot.]]

You walk back to the group. Aayush walks over to you and puts his arm around you as you both walk back to the group. He leans over and whispers “You look like you're ready to murder someone. What happened?” He sounds almost amused. You decide not to feed his ego by thinking you were fighting over him and so just shrug. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[He smiles. "Well, just don't let her get to you. Hey, my bracelet has just buzzed and told me to go the shriek shack. God knows why, but I'll see you in a minute." You decide to kill time by speaking to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|ElipartychatAayushroute]] [[Abe|AbepartychatAayushroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

{(set: $friendcerri to $friendcerri -10) }With a ‘sorry babe’ you push her into the pool in one quick motion. The group all turn and start cheering and whooping, clearly unaware that she didn’t just fall in. Apart from Lily who is giving you a thumbs up. You strut back to the group, leaving Cerri to climb out of the pool. Aayush jogs over to you, and for a moment you wonder if Cerri was right and he's going to disaprove, but instead he puts his arm around you as you both walk back to the group. He leans over and whispers “What just happened?” amusement in his voice, and you just shrug and pull your most innocent face. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[He smiles "Well, I'm sure she deserved it. Hey, my bracelet has just buzzed and told me to go the shriek shack. God knows why, but I'll see you in a minute." You decide to kill time by speaking to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|ElipartychatAayushroute]] [[Abe|AbepartychatAayushroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

{(set: $friendrota to $friendrota +10) }Rota smiles at you as her fingers link with yours. Your hands fit perfectly together. You marvel at the softness of her skin, which seems to be hiding the harshness of her life, and the actions this hand has had to make. You take one last look around the group and see Alex being hugged by Catarina. You can see how much he’s hating all of this drama, and feel for him. For a moment you’re relieved that Rota doesn’t have any ex-partners to arrive unannounced. A visitation from the Valkyrie she mentioned earlier also seemed unlikely. Although there was always Eli. He definitely seemed to be a present danger. You catch his eye and he smiles a slightly crooked smile, his eyebrow cocked, his expression inquiring. “Eli has a good energy,” Rota says, and you look at her, trying to work out if she means anything more by that. Her face is the usual picture of open innocence and so you make the decision to park the concern. For now. “Cerri’s looking for trouble though,” she continues, “Alex may be about to lose his calm exterior!" Her stomach rumbles, and you realise breakfast was a long time ago. [[“Let’s grab us some food and find somewhere to sit.”]] (link-goto: "Say nothing, Rota’s a grown woman. She can get some food if she wants to.", "Say nothing, Rota’s a grown woman. She can get some food. if she wants to")

{(set: $friendrota to $friendrota -10) }Rota looks at you, making no effort to disguise the fact that your lack of enthusiasm has hurt her. You look back to the group, wishing you could spend more time with them, and catch Eli's eye. He smiles a slightly crooked smile, his eyebrow cocked, his expression inquiring. “Eli has a good energy,” Rota says, and you look at her, trying to work out if she means anything more by that. Her face is the usual picture of open innocence and so you make the decision to park the concern. For now. “Cerri’s looking for trouble though,” she continues, “Alex may be about to lose his calm exterior". Her stomach rumbles, and you realise breakfast was a long time ago. [[“Let’s grab us some food and find somewhere to sit.”]] (link-goto: "Say nothing, Rota’s a grown woman. She can get some food if she wants to.", "Say nothing, Rota’s a grown woman. She can get some food. if she wants to")

Rota nods. “I know just the spot, I was exploring on the first morning.” The two of you say goodbye to the others, who are all still on the beach. Alex seems to be relaxing slightly and is talking to Cerri. He even smiles. You walk back to the kitchen area in a comfortable silence. You start to ask Rota about Eli a couple of times, but don’t want to ruin the peace. You’re not sure what you’ll do with the answer anyway. There’s no point in ruining the rest of the afternoon. As you approach the kitchen counter Rota throws herself onto it. As she sits on the worktop and swings her legs she pulls you closer to her. You close the gap, standing in between her legs and look into her eyes. They’re sparkling with happiness and you feel yourself being drawn towards her, wanting to touch her. [[Kiss her, it’s always the right time for a kitchen kiss.]] [[Pull her off off the counter and get some food.]]

You walk back to the center of the dome in a comfortable silence. When you get there Rota nods her head in the direction of a bamboo fence at the rear of the dome. “There’s a small building behind that with this little garden area. Let’s head over there.” You look in the direction she’s already striding in and wonder what the hell a small building and garden is doing in this place, but decide that’s a concern for another day. [[Make your way over to the garden.|Rotamakeyourwayovertothegarden]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +5) }You look at her rose coloured lips and slowly and gently kiss her, your hands moving to rest on her waist as the kiss deepens. You feel her moan happily and your hands graze up her body into her hair. You both pull away, breathless. Rota looks deep into your eyes. “I’m not sure I could ever tire of doing that. With you. But we should get some food. We have to keep our strength up if we’re going to get through this.” You laugh at Rota making it sound like you were about to enter battle, but then wonder if she’s right. You grab some food and Rota nods her head in the direction of a bamboo fence at the rear of the dome. “There’s a small building behind that with this little garden area. Let’s head over there.” You look in the direction she’s already striding in and wonder what the hell a small building and garden is doing in this place, but decide that’s a concern for another day. [[Make your way over to the garden.|Rotamakeyourwayovertothegarden]]

You grab some fruit and Rota nods her head in the direction of a bamboo fence at the rear of the dome. “There’s a small building behind that with this little garden area. Let’s head over there.” You look in the direction she’s already striding in and wonder what the hell a small building and garden is doing in this place, but decide that’s a concern for another day. [[Make your way over to the garden.|Rotamakeyourwayovertothegarden]]

As you walk around the fence you pause for a moment to look at what’s in front of you. A small rectangular one-storey white building is sat with a small enclosed garden at either end. The windows all have blinds blocking any view of what might be inside, but the gardens are identical in their layout, with a small fire pit and a wooden swing seat with fairy lights wrapped around the frame, and comfy looking cushions scattered on the seat. You imagine how snug and romantic it would be after dark, but then remember that there is no ‘after dark’ in this place. Rota turns to you, her face shining with happiness. “Isn’t it an amazing place? I think I might dream to live somewhere like this. One day,” she says, and you marvel again at the girl who has the universe at her fingertips, and wants only a small building with a cute garden. You both walk over to the swing seat. [[Push Rota down onto the seat and then climb on top of her.]] [[Sit carefully at one end.]]

You place your hands on Rotas shoulders and gently push her down into the seat. As she lands, the seat starts to swing and you fall on top of her. It isn’t the sexy move you’d imagined, but it achieves the same end goal. You sit on her lap, your knees resting either side of her legs, and feed her one of the few grapes that didn’t just get crushed. She takes it, allowing her lips a moment longer than needed around your finger tips. For someone who seemed so innocent yesterday she certainly seemed to be becoming more confident in her own sex appeal. You feel lucky to be the person that awakening is aimed at, because she’s never looked more beautiful than right now. You smile down at her and she smiles back. You both seem so comfortable in each other’s company that it seems like a perfect moment to see if you can work out what’s going on in her head with the new arrivals. Well, one new arrival in particular. [[“So, uh, Eli was definitely shooting some looks your way.”]] [[“So I only got to be the bombshell for one day. Cerri is something, huh?”]]

You sit carefully down on the seat. Rota chooses to throw herself down, and the seat starts violently rocking backwards and forwards. You laugh, and sit in happy silence as the seat slows to a more gentle movement. You both seem so comfortable in each other’s company that it seems like a perfect moment to see if you can work out what’s going on in her head with the new arrivals. Well, one new arrival in particular. [[“So, uh, Eli was definitely shooting some looks your way.”]] [[“So I only got to be the bombshell for one day. Cerri is something, huh?”]]

She looks surprised. “Was he? I didn’t notice. I thought maybe he was taken with you. He’s definitely an interesting person. I’ve spent some time with Elves before. They’ve always got the best stories and are perfect to go on adventures with. I was quite surprised he got away with touching both of us in that challenge though. I did wonder who it was when he grazed his fingers down my neck. I thought maybe it was you, but when I took my blindfold off and saw him I realised.” [[“He grazed his fingers down your what now?”]]

Rota shakes her head. “You’re still the bombshell. Well, you’re my bombshell. When I first saw you it was like something exploded in my chest. Cerri isn’t a bombshell. She’s barely a spark. I’m sure she’s here for trouble. If she hurts Alex I’ll happily fight her for him. I sense he has too much honour to do that for himself.” You study her face and see that she is absolutely not joking. “Eli is an interesting person. I’ve spent some time with Elves before. They’ve always got the best stories and are perfect to go on adventures with. I was quite surprised he got away with touching both of us in that challenge though. I did wonder who it was when he grazed his fingers down my neck. I thought maybe it was you, but when I took my blindfold off and saw him I realised.” [[“He grazed his fingers down your what now?”]]

Rota repeats herself, clearly thinking you hadn’t heard her. “His fingers down my neck. I should have known it wasn’t you, I didn’t feel the same tingle that runs through my veins whenever we touch. I’m sure it didn’t mean anything. He probably just touched everyone on his way to you." You highly doubt that. There was definitely something in his eyes when he was looking at Rota. You could hardly blame him. She’s the most stunning creature you’ve ever seen, let alone touched. Kissed. Was he about to come between you? And would Rota let him? [[Play it cool “Well I guess we wait and see what happens next.”]] [[Fuck that, answers are needed “Where’s your head at, you know, about us?”]]

Rota nods her agreement. "We can’t let things like this impact us. Leave it in the hands of the Universe. She has our fate in her hands.” You thoughtfully pop a grape into your mouth. You know she has a point. You’ve seen enough dating shows to know that they thrive on emotional drama, and worrying about won’t make it go away. Won’t make Eli go away. How do you feel about possibly being separated from Rota if there’s a recoupling? [[I will burn this place down. We may be surrounded by water. But it will burn.]] [[It’s not great but I guess I’ll leave it up to the Universe and see what happens.]] [[It’ll be a relief to be honest. I’m not sure I made the right decision.]]

Rota looks at you, apparently confused. “My head is right here. With you. Where else would it be?” She watches you for a moment, reading your eyes. “You look worried. Are you worried about us? About the new boy? I’ve never felt as happy and able to be myself as I do with you. You don’t need to worry. It’s wasted energy. You can’t let things like this impact you. Leave it in the hands of the Universe. She has our fate in her hands.” You nod and thoughtfully pop a grape into your mouth. You know she has a point. You’ve seen enough dating shows to know that they thrive on emotional drama, and worrying about won’t make it go away. Won’t make Eli go away. How do you feel about possibly being separated from Rota if there’s a recoupling? [[I will burn this place down. We may be surrounded by water. But it will burn.]] [[It’s not great but I guess I’ll leave it up to the Universe and see what happens.]] [[It’ll be a relief to be honest. I’m not sure I made the right decision.]]

(set: $separatefeelings to "hate")You decide to keep your thoughts to yourself for now, and instead close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of being quiet, and the gentle movement of the swing as Rota slowly pushes it backwards and forwards with her feet. There’s no denying this would be a great spot for some proper alone time with her, but you know time is against you, and you’re still a little on edge about the new arrivals. Rota also seems to be in a thoughtful place, and she is the first to break the quiet. “I keep thinking about what life will be like after this. I’ll have to go back to the Valkyrie, but I can’t imagine how the person I’m already realising I am will fit back into that world,” she pauses, “I suppose they might be so angry with me that they banish me. That might not be a bad thing.” She looks worried, and you’re just about to use her ‘trust in the universe’ speech back at her, when she smiles. “Look at me worrying. I need to follow my own advice. Enjoy every moment we have. Like that last game we played. The most fun I’ve ever had. Games back home generally involve swords. The peril levels are far greater. How was the game for you?” (if:$sensep1 is "Rota" and $sensep2 is "Rota")[You think back to the feel of your body touching Rota in the dark. The feel of her mouth on you. You blush. Rota smiles. “Thank you for picking me for both turns. I still can’t understand why you chose me above all the others, but it makes me happier than I can say.” [[“Rota, I will always choose you first.”]] [[“How could I resist you in a blindfold?”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Rota" and $sensep2 is not "Rota")[You think back to the challenge and you blush. Rota looks serious. “I wish we had more opportunity to explore each other in the dark, but I understand you had other priorities. I respect that.” [[“I just...seized an opportunity.”]] [[“Sorry Rota, if I’d had a third try it would have been you.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is "Rota" and $sensep2 is not "Rota")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Rota smiles. “Thank you for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business." [[“I just...seized an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Rota" and $sensep2 is "Rota")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Rota smiles. “Thank you for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business." [[“I just...seized an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...”]]]

(set: $separatefeelings to "meh")You decide to keep your thoughts to yourself for now, and instead close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of being quiet, and the gentle movement of the swing as Rota slowly pushes it backwards and forwards with her feet. There’s no denying this would be a great spot for some proper alone time with her, but you know time is against you, and you’re still a little on edge about the new arrivals. Rota also seems to be in a thoughtful place, and she is the first to break the quiet. “I keep thinking about what life will be like after this. I’ll have to go back to the Valkyrie, but I can’t imagine how the person I’m already realising I am will fit back into that world,” she pauses, “I suppose they might be so angry with me that they banish me. That might not be a bad thing.” She looks worried, and you’re just about to use her ‘trust in the universe’ speech back at her, when she smiles. “Look at me worrying. I need to follow my own advice. Enjoy every moment we have. Like that last game we played. The most fun I’ve ever had. Games back home generally involve swords. The peril levels are far greater. How was the game for you?” (if:$sensep1 is "Rota" and $sensep2 is "Rota")[You think back to the feel of your body touching Rota in the dark. The feel of her mouth on you. You blush. Rota smiles. “Thank you for picking me for both turns. I still can’t understand why you chose me above all the others, but it makes me happier than I can say.” [[“Rota, I will always choose you first.”]] [[“How could I resist you in a blindfold?”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Rota" and $sensep2 is not "Rota")[You think back to the challenge and you blush. Rota looks serious. “I wish we had more opportunity to explore each other in the dark, but I understand you had other priorities. I respect that.” [[“I just...seized an opportunity.”]] [[“Sorry Rota, if I’d had a third try it would have been you.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is "Rota" and $sensep2 is not "Rota")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Rota smiles. “Thank you for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business." [[“I just...seized an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Rota" and $sensep2 is "Rota")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Rota smiles. “Thank you for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business." [[“I just...seized an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...”]]]

(set: $separatefeelings to "love")You decide to keep your thoughts to yourself for now, and instead close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of being quiet, and the gentle movement of the swing as Rota slowly pushes it backwards and forwards with her feet. There’s no denying this would be a great spot for some proper alone time with her, but you know time is against you, and you’re still a little on edge about the new arrivals. Rota also seems to be in a thoughtful place, and she is the first to break the quiet. “I keep thinking about what life will be like after this. I’ll have to go back to the Valkyrie, but I can’t imagine how the person I’m already realising I am will fit back into that world,” she pauses, “I suppose they might be so angry with me that they banish me. That might not be a bad thing.” She looks worried, and you’re just about to use her ‘trust in the universe’ speech back at her, when she smiles. “Look at me worrying. I need to follow my own advice. Enjoy every moment we have. Like that last game we played. The most fun I’ve ever had. Games back home generally involve swords. The peril levels are far greater. How was the game for you?” (if:$sensep1 is "Rota" and $sensep2 is "Rota")[You think back to the feel of your body touching Rota in the dark. The feel of her mouth on you. You blush. Rota smiles. “Thank you for picking me for both turns. I still can’t understand why you chose me above all the others, but it makes me happier than I can say.” [[“Rota, I will always choose you first.”]] [[“How could I resist you in a blindfold?”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Rota" and $sensep2 is not "Rota")[You think back to the challenge and you blush. Rota looks serious. “I wish we had more opportunity to explore each other in the dark, but I understand you had other priorities. I respect that.” [[“I just...seized an opportunity.”]] [[“Sorry Rota, if I’d had a third try it would have been you.”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is "Rota" and $sensep2 is not "Rota")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Rota smiles. “Thank you for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business." [[“I just...seized an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...”]]]\ (if:$sensep1 is not "Rota" and $sensep2 is "Rota")[You think back to touching $sensep1 in the dark, and the feel of $sensep2’s mouth and blush. Rota smiles. “Thank you for picking me for one of the goes. I’m not going to ask who you chose for the other try, it’s none of my business." [[“I just...seized an opportunity.”]] [[“To be honest, it was a wasted opportunity for more time with you...”]]]

Rota's face breaks into the biggest smile and her cheeks flush red as she says "I hope you know I feel the same. This is all so new but so amazing. I can't imagine not wanting to spend it with you." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in her ear. Whispering your name. You haven't really spoken to Lily much, so you have no idea what it was about, but have a feeling it wasn't good. [[Let it go. Getting into a fight with Lily seems like a bad move.]] [[“Rota, what did Lily whisper to you, during the game?”]]

Rota blushes "I definitely couldn't resist you." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in her ear. Whispering your name. You haven't really spoken to Lily much, so you have no idea what it was about, but have a feeling it wasn't good. [[Let it go. Getting into a fight with Lily seems like a bad move.]] [[“Rota, what did Lily whisper to you, during the game?”]]

Rota nods "I still don't understand how all of this works, but if you saw it as an opportunity to be taken, then that's understandable." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in her ear. Whispering your name. You haven't really spoken to Lily much, so you have no idea what it was about, but have a feeling it wasn't good. [[Let it go. Getting into a fight with Lily seems like a bad move.]] [[“Rota, what did Lily whisper to you, during the game?”]]

Rota nods. "I still don't understand how all of this works, but if you saw it as an opportunity to be taken, then that's understandable." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in her ear. Whispering your name. You haven't really spoken to Lily much, so you have no idea what it was about, but have a feeling it wasn't good. [[Let it go. Getting into a fight with Lily seems like a bad move.]] [[“Rota, what did Lily whisper to you, during the game?”]]

Rota smiles very slightly. "I feel like we'll have a lot of other opportunities." There’s a pause and you suddenly remember the scratching sound of Lily whispering in her ear. Whispering your name. You haven't really spoken to Lily much, so you have no idea what it was about, but have a feeling it wasn't good." [[Let it go. Getting into a fight with Lily seems like a bad move.]] [[“Rota, what did Lily whisper to you, during the game?”]]

You decide to park that conversation for another day, and you both fall deep in thought as you think through the game again. Eventually Rota looks at the articifical sky, which is dimming very slightly. “I think we’re supposed to be getting ready for the party. I can't believe I have to pick anouther outfit. But I am looking forward to spending the evening with you.” She smiles, and you take a moment to inspect her lips. [[There’s always time to kiss Rota.]] [[You’re out of time. Head back to your hut to get ready,]]

Rota frowns for a minute and looks genuinely puzzled. “Lily didn’t whisper...oh, wait.” She stares into the distance. “It’s weird, I can remember her whispering but I can’t remember any words. It felt more like a scratching in my brain. Like something was in there, rooting around, trying to find something interesting. At the time it felt awful to be honest, but then after I had this feeling of calm. And this desire to be near you.” She shakes her head. “I can’t believe I forgot that happened." You both fall deep in thought as you think through the game again. Eventually Rota looks at the articifical sky, which is dimming very slightly. “I think we’re supposed to be getting ready for the party. I can't believe I have to pick anouther outfit. But I am looking forward to spending the evening with you.” She smiles, and you take a moment to inspect her lips. [[There’s always time to kiss Rota.]] [[You’re out of time. Head back to your hut to get ready,]]

You feel at peace in this little hideaway. You could almost forget you're on a reality TV show under the sea. You wish you could stay here longer. [[Sadly it's time to get ready, make your way back.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }You look into her face and wonder for the millionth time how she exists. Her beauty and her strength are unlike anything you've experienced before. She reaches her lips to yours before you can finish thinking about wanting to kiss her, and the connection is instant. As her tongue finds yours you press your body against her, not even noticing the swing moving underneath you. The kiss is quick but perfect and leaves you wishing you could stay in this quiet spot a while longer. [[Sadly it's time to get ready, make your way back.]]

You both head back to your huts and get ready for the party. When you get inside you have a shower and then head straight to the wardrobe. The selection of outfits is completely different to yesterday, but equally perfect. You're not sure what kind of magic this is, or if it's just an expert shopper, but whatever it is, you'd like to take it home with you. You take your time getting ready, enjoying the space to make sure you feel like the very best version of you. You’re just finishing when you hear a knock at the door. You open it and find Rota standing there. She's wearing another gold dress which clings to every curve. Her face lights up when she sees you. "You're gorgeous,” she holds out her hand to you, “party time?” You smile to yourself, feeling confident and trying to ignore the butterflies that have just arrived in your stomach at the thought of what might happen if there’s a recoupling. You join her in walking back to the centre of the dome. The others have already arrived, and you’re struck again by just how stunning every person is. Most of the group are sitting on the ground around the pool, drinks in hands, and chatter filling the air. You notice that Abe is sat at the firepit by himself, Eli is at the bar making an elaborate looking drink and Cerri is sat at the edge of the pool, her feet dipped in the water as she kicks them backwards and forwards. Rota squeezes your hand. “I'm just going to catch up with Alex for a second, see if I can give him some advice on listening to the Universe. He still looks so tortured.” You smile and nod, happy to see that she’s being supportive. You start to walk towards Fleur and Zein, longing for some of their lighthearted banter, but stop yourself, realising that this was an opportunity to get to know someone else more. You look around the three people who are separate from the group. Who do you want to talk to? [[Abe|Abepartychatrotaroute]] [[Eli|Elipartychatrotaroute]] [[Cerri|Cerripartychatrotaroute]]{ (set: $partychat1 to 0)}

{(set: $partychat1 to $partychat1 +10) (set: $friendabe to $friendabe +10) }You haven't really spoken to Abe after taking his partner and he looks surprised to see you walking towards him, but shuffles over on the bench slightly to give you room to sit next to him comfortably. He isn’t wearing his glasses this evening, and as he looks up at you, the flames from the firepit are reflected in his eyes. “Hey,” he says as you sit down next to him, “intense day, huh?” You laugh and nod. As you try to think of something to say, you wonder why you’re finding time with the only other human in this place so strange. Your eyes look sideways and watch him staring into the flames, and realise it’s possibly because he’s impossible to read. You have one of those moments where you try so hard to think of something to say that your mind goes completely blank. Abe shocks you by being the person to fill the silence. “Thanks for coming to sit with me. I’m not sure I’m fitting in here, so uh, it’s appreciated.” You find yourself warming to him slightly and the words finally arrive. [[“What made you sign up for Buried Love, Abe?”]] [[“I'm sorry about Rota.”]]

{(set: $partychat1 to $partychat1 +10) (set: $friendeli to $friendeli +10) }Eli beams at you as you walk over, his wrist still working the cocktail shaker in his hand. “$name! Join me for a Dusky Warbler?” The look on your face makes him laugh. "It’s a cocktail...gin, mint, cloudy lemonade. The perfect thirst quencher for being stuck in a drama bubble.” A Dusky Warbler might be just what you need to take the edge off this day. You nod and say thank you. He smiles confidently. “I spent a summer mixing cocktails in Manhattan. It was wild. Stick with me and I’ll make sure there’s a party on your tastebuds anytime you need it.” He pours the drink into a glass and adds a piece of mint on top with a flourish. “Get your lips around that. I have a feeling you’re already at the point where you need it.” He wasn’t wrong, and you take a sip. It’s delicious, and the taste dances on your tongue. You find yourself intrigued by the elf boy who can also mix cocktails so adeptly. It doesn’t seem like a skill needed in many forests. Unless you’ve been missing out on a lot of amazing parties. You want to ask him difficult questions about whether he has his sights set on Rota, but he's just too charming. He places his elbows on the bar, and props his head on his hands, staring at you as intently as you were clearly just staring at him. “I find you intriguing as well $name,” he says, a slight smile on his lips. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you more. What makes you tick. Apart from Valkyrie girls of course, I don’t need to be an astute elven prince to be able to see that. Although being one definitely helps.” [[“Prince...Eli?"]] [[“And what makes you tick, Eli? Also Valkyrie girls?"]]

{(set: $partychat1 to $partychat1 +10) }You walk over to Cerri, wondering how she's feeling about the drama she seems to be causing. She doesn’t stand up, and continues splashing her feet in the water, ignoring you. [[Say hello.]]

He chuckles, and it’s a deep sound that seems to come from some buried part of him. “My dad suggested it, thought I should get to know some different...people. He submitted my application to be honest. Otherwise I’d never be here. But I kind of owe him to at least try this.” He turns to you. “I can see how well you’re clicking with everyone. For the first day I told myself that maybe it was because I was human, you know, that I couldn’t click with anyone. But I think it’s just me. Who I am.” [[“How about trying talking to them instead of sitting over here?”]] [[“Abe, you’ve got this. Come back to the group with me”]]

He smiles. "No apology needed, $name. It's the game. I know that. Rota shines too bright for me, anyway. You two seem perfect together." He sighs and turns to you. “I can see how well you’re clicking with everyone. For the first day I told myself that maybe it was because I was human, you know, that I couldn’t click with anyone. But I think it’s just me. Who I am.” [[“How about trying talking to them instead of sitting over here?”]] [[“Abe, you’ve got this. Come back to the group with me”]]

Abe blinks a couple of times before nodding. “Ok, you make a valid point. Sitting over here by myself isn’t helping at all, huh?” He stands up and you both walk back to the group together. You sit with Zein and Fleur and Abe joins you, soon happily chatting with them about his first crush. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Rota are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|Elipartychatrotaroute]] [[Cerri|Cerripartychatrotaroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

Abe chuckles again. “Ok, you make a valid point. Sitting over here by myself isn’t helping at all, huh?” He stands up and you both walk back to the group together. You sit with Zein and Fleur and Abe joins you, soon happily chatting with them about his first crush. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Rota are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|Elipartychatrotaroute]] [[Cerri|Cerripartychatrotaroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

"Yeah, I don't like to talk about it". You raise a suspicious eyebrow, considering calling him out on the fact it's taking ten seconds for him to drop it into a conversation. But he continues, "My mum is the Elven Queen of her Forest, so I'm Prince by birth. My dad is a South Korean teacher. Their story is the most romantic thing I've ever heard, I'll tell it to you one day if you're interested. I think maybe I'm looking for my own tale to tell, you know?" He picks up the glass you’ve rested back down on the bar, and takes a sip. “Damn I really am good.” He puts it back down and pats the bar with his hands. He stops and quietly watches you. You distract yourself by taking another sip of the cocktail. “What’s this?” you turn to find Zein walking over. “Cocktails? Man, you didn’t tell us you could make cocktails.” Eli laughs. “You have to discover my talents, I’m not just going to put them out there for you all to find straight away. Where would the mystery be in that?” He smiles at you “Something else that makes me tick is people who don’t know just how beautiful they are.” Then he turns and starts gathering supplies to make more cocktails and the moment is gone. There will be time to grill him about Rota, and you have no intention of doing it in front of an audience. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Rota are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Abe|Abepartychatrotaroute]] [[Cerri|Cerripartychatrotaroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

He laughs. "Ah, and so now we get to the big question. Am I after your girl? I have my eye on a few people. One of them is standing in front of me now. Two of them are stood by the pool. Who knows what will happen next? But to answer your question. What makes me tick? Beauty. Nature. Exploring new places. Exploring new people.” He stops and quietly watches you. You distract yourself by taking another sip of the cocktail, unsure of how to react to his clear interest in both you and Rota. “What’s this?” you turn to find Zein walking over. “Cocktails? Man, you didn’t tell us you could make cocktails.” Eli laughs. “You have to discover my talents, I’m not just going to put them out there for you all to find straight away. Where would the mystery be in that?” He smiles at you “Something else that makes me tick is people who don’t know just how beautiful they are.” Then he turns and starts gathering supplies to make more cocktails and the moment is gone. There will be time to grill him about Rota, and you have no intention of doing it in front of an audience. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[You see that Alex and Rota are still deep in conversation and decide to speak to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Abe|Abepartychatrotaroute]] [[Cerri|Cerripartychatrotaroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

You say 'hello', and follow her line of sight and realising that it’s Rota and Alex she’s starting at. Finally Cerri looks up at you. “Oh hi babe, I was lost in my thoughts for a second there. Just wondering what those two are talking about. Well, just listening actually. One of the many bonuses of being a Were is excellent hearing.” She stands up in front of you. "So, how are things going with Rota? It must be intimidating being with a Valkyrie." [[“Not even slightly intimidating. And it's perfect, thank you so much for your concern.”]] [[“It's fine, thanks,” you don't need to justify yourself to her.]]

"Oh, that's quite surprising," she says, her big blue eyes full of shock, "I thought maybe she would be better with someone a little more magical. Maybe Eli." She looks around the dome. "And you'd maybe be better suited with someone a little more...human. Abe?" You're surprised at the rage that bubbles up inside you at the suggestion you aren't good enough for Rota. [[Push her into the damn pool.]] [[Let it go. Rise above it.]]

"Oh, that's quite surprising," she says, her big blue eyes full of shock. "I thought maybe she would be better with someone a little more magical. Maybe Eli." She looks around the dome "And you'd maybe be better suited with someone a little more...human. Abe?" You're surprised at the rage that bubbles up inside you at the suggestion you aren't good enough for Rota. [[Push her into the damn pool.]] [[Let it go. Rise above it.]]

{(set: $friendcerri to $friendcerri -10) }With an ‘oops sorry babe, I slipped’ you push her into the pool in one quick motion. The group all turn and start cheering and whooping,clearly unaware that she didn’t just fall in. You strut back to the group, leaving Cerri to climb out of the pool. Rota jogs over to you, her face shocked. She leans over and whispers “What just happened, did she say something to you?" But you just shrug and pull your most innocent face. You don't want Rota to get her sword and go all Valkyrie on Cerri's ass. Not yet, at least. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[She smiles. "Well, I'm sure she deserved it. My bracelet has just buzzed and told me to go the shriek shack. I don't know why, but I'll see you in a minute." You decide to kill time by speaking to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|Elipartychatrotaroute]] [[Abe|Abepartychatrotaroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[(link-goto: "Get back to the party.")]

You give her your best death stare, and spin on your heels. As you strut back to the group, Rota jogs over to you. She leans over and whispers “Are you ok? What just happened? You look furious. Did she say something to you?" But you just shrug. You don't want Rota to get her sword and go all Valkyrie on Cerri's ass. Not yet, at least. (if:$partychat1 is <12)[She smiles. "Ok, well if you need me to talk to her just let me know. I know where my sword is. My bracelet has just buzzed and told me to go the shriek shack. I don't know why, but I'll see you in a minute." You decide to kill time by speaking to one more loner. Who’s it going to be? [[Eli|Elipartychatrotaroute]] [[Abe|Abepartychatrotaroute]] ]\ (if:$partychat1 is >15)[\ [[Get back to the party.]] ]

{(set: $day to "Day 3") }<div class="chaptertitle">Day 3. Part 1. Wake Up</div> You wake up and stare at the ceiling of your hut. For a brief moment you have a flutter of excitement when you register where you are. This place, and these people, are so unreal you wouldn’t have been surprised to wake up in your own bed and realise that it’s all a dream. But then the reality of the drama that is looming hits and your stomach tightens slightly. (if: $separatefeelings is "hate")[The thought of being separated from $couple1 is just painful. It may be early days, but there’s something there, and you want to explore it more. But $boomer clearly has other ideas. The rational part of your brain is telling you it’ll be fine, there’s so much time left that even it you're temporarily separated from $couple1, there will be plenty of time to rectify that. But there’s another part of your brain, scratching away, suggesting that maybe, just maybe $couple1 will be happier in a new couple. (if: $couple1 is "Alex")[Although you find that hard to really believe when you remember how Alex has looked for the last day. His face when he heard that Cerri would be picking first tonight. Or his face as he kissed you goodnight. As you walked back to your huts after the big announcement you’d both agreed to enjoy today, to not dwell on it, but something in his face told you it wasn’t going to be that easy, and you were sure your face was reflecting the same thing back to him. But still, there was clearly something between Alex and Cerri at some point, what if being near her lit that spark again?]\ (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[Aayush seems happy with you, and he made it clear that he has no interest in Cerri, but what if spending more time with her sparks something in him? She’s stunning afterall, and has a lot more understanding of the world he inhabits. Then there was Eli, who may not have shown any interest in Aayush so far, but you can’t help but feel he’s another threat. You shake your head slightly and remind yourself of his face when he kissed you goodnight. He’d insisted on walking you back to your hut after the big announcement, and although he’d seemed calm about what was coming today, his kiss had lingered that moment longer than before.]\ (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[Rota seems so oblivious of Eli’s attraction to her that she didn’t seem worried when she walked back to the huts with you after the big announcement. The fact she’s so wrapped up in getting to know you is adorable, but you can’t help but feel that she’s being naive. She seems so happy with you, but she’s so new to relationships. What if Eli could turn her head? Maybe she’d feel a spark with him as well. It would be difficult not to. As she’d kissed you goodnight her kiss had lingered that moment longer than before and you’d wondered if perhaps she did realise that things were about to change.] You shake your head in frustration. There’s no point in dwelling. It’s a new day and you’re in a place that is the stuff of fantasy. Time to shake off these thoughts and get ready for the day.]\ (if: $separatefeelings is "meh")[You’re still not sure about how you feel about the idea of being split up at the recoupling. You love spending time with $couple1, but at the same time it’s only day 3, and you’re here for an adventure. Being coupled with someone new might be a good thing. Or...it might not. You shake your head and laugh to yourself. Who knew that two days in an underwater bubble could cause so much turmoil? You realise that there’s no point in dwelling on things. It’s a new day and you’re in a place that is the stuff of fantasy. Time to shake off these thoughts and get ready for the day.]\ (if: $separatefeelings is "love")[But it’s a nervous kind of excitement that flutters there. You’re not sure $couple1 is the one for you, and this would throw the doors open to get to know some of the others people and explore your options. Speaking of which, there’s no point sitting around thinking, you’ve got some grafting to do.] [[Get ready for the day]]

You get showered and ready to face the day. You check your reflection one last time before leaving the hut and smile. Whatever the day holds it’s going to be a lot more interesting than life back home. The light in the dome seems extra bright when you step outside and you turn back to pick up some sunglasses before closing the door behind you. There’s no sign of $couple1 yet, and no answer when you knock, and so you make your way to the pool area. You stop in your tracks when you see the only person sat there is Lily. (if: $couple1 is "Alex" or "Rota")[You still feel like you have no idea who Lily is, apart from a girl who seems absolutely infatuated with Aayush. She makes you feel nervous, like you can’t find the words you want to say when you’re around her, and so you’ve avoided her a little bit. You realise that this is your opportunity to change that, and find out what is going on behind those red eyes, so you resolve to try and bond with her over breakfast. She’s sitting at the kitchen bar with her back to you, absentmindedly picking at a piece of toast, and so you grab some breakfast of your own and make your way over to her. She looks surprised when you sit on a stool near her, but then you think you see a flash of a smile as she speaks. “Hi, $name. I’m surprised to see you here so early.” You realise you have no idea what the time actually is and stare wide eyed at the clock on the cooker which is telling you it’s only six o’clock. [[Make out like you meant to get up so early. “Oh, you know, early bird...worm.”]] [[“I don’t think I’ve ever seen this time of day before. I’m scared and confused.”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[Your stomach tightens as you stand and wonder what to do next. Her reaction when you chose Aayush is still burned into your brain. But she’s just looked up and seen you, there’s no way back without making her think you're avoiding her. The tension between you has been so difficult that avoiding her has just been the best path. But you sensed yesterday that she might be as wary of Cerri as you are, and you could do with an ally right now. Plus, you still feel like you have no idea who Lily is, apart from a girl with a temper who seems absolutely infatuated with Aayush. You realise that this is your opportunity to change that, and find out what is going on behind those red eyes, so you resolve to try and bond with her over breakfast. Or at least find out if she still a) hates you and b) has her sights set on Aayush. She’s sitting at the kitchen bar absentmindedly picking at a piece of toast, and so you grab some breakfast of your own and make your way over to her. [[Nervously ask if you can sit down.]] [[Sit down confidently. She doesn’t own this place]]]

Lily smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Would that worm be in the shape of Eli or Cerri? I have a feeling they both have their eye on Aayush, but I can see why you’d be worried about $couple1 as well. I don't think I’ll cope if one of them picks Aayush. I don’t know what I’ll do.” You take a moment to register that Lily’s so concerned. Maybe $couple1 isn’t about to get stolen after all. Although as you look at her furrowed brow, you have a feeling she’ll always be worried that someone else is about to steal Aayush away from her. Her obsession with him is just so strong, so quickly. You sense this is an opportunity to find out more about her, although you should probably tread carefully if you want to keep your head. [[“So you and Aayush got pretty deep within two days. Where do you think his head is at?”]] [[“Is there no one else you’d be happy to couple up with?”]] [[“Girl, tell me about it. I feel the same way.”]]

Lily smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. "Perhaps your brain is telling you there's no time to waste in order to protect your relationship. Cerri and Eli aren't wasting time, are they? I have a feeling they both have their eye on Aayush, but I can see why you’d be worried about $couple1 as well. I don't think I’ll cope if one of them picks Aayush. I don’t know what I’ll do.” You take a moment to register that Lily’s so concerned. Maybe $couple1 isn’t about to get stolen after all. Although as you look at her furrowed brow, you have a feeling she’ll always be worried that someone else is about to steal Aayush away from her. Her obsession with him is just so strong, so quickly. You sense this is an opportunity to find out more about her, although you should probably tread carefully if you want to keep your head. [[“So you and Aayush got pretty deep within two days. Where do you think his head is at?”]] [[“Is there no one else you’d be happy to couple up with?”]] [[“Girl, tell me about it. I feel the same way.”]]

Lily’s beautiful face breaks into a scowl for a second and you’re worried you’ve said something wrong, but her forehead smooths and she puts down the piece of toast and smiles serenely at you. “It’s like we’re meant to be together, I’m sure of it. I can’t remember feeling such an instant connection. Vampire boys aren’t my usual type, if I’m honest. But Aayush is just something else. He isn’t like the other Vamps I know. He isn’t obsessed with feeding and sex. If I didn’t know better I’d say his soul is still intact. But that can’t be right.” She pauses for a moment and looks into the distance dreamily. “I never imagined I’d meet someone like him when I signed up for this show.” [[“Good point. What is a demon doing on a dating show? Slim pickings in hell?”]] [[“What do you look for in a partner?”]]

Lily’s beautiful face breaks into a scowl for a second and you’re worried you’ve said something wrong, but her forehead smooths and she puts down the piece of toast and smiles serenely at you. “No. There’s no one in here that makes me feel as happy as he does. I can’t imagine being in anyone else’s arms at all. It’s Aayush or nothing for me. So you can see why I’m so worried.” She pauses for a moment and looks into the distance dreamily. “I never imagined I’d meet someone like him when I signed up for this show”. [[“Good point. What is a demon doing on a dating show? Slim pickings in hell?”]] [[“What do you look for in a partner?”]]

Lily smiles serenely at you. “I highly doubt that, $name. I can see you really like $couple1, but I honestly don’t think your feelings compare to what I’m going through at the moment. It may only be the third day, but Aayush is my everything.” She pauses for a moment and looks into the distance dreamily. “I never imagined I’d meet someone like him when I signed up for this show.” [[“Good point. What is a demon doing on a dating show? Slim pickings in hell?”]] [[“What do you look for in a partner?”]]

As the words leave your mouth you’re worried that you might have overstepped your boundaries with her, when you see the red in her eyes flash. But instead of looking angry she laughs. “You could say that. You could also say that my fellow demons are far too obsessed with themselves and with misery. Combine the two and you end up with a boring date. Completely self-obsessed and unable to understand why you don’t want to hear about the way they manipulated this human, or that human. Or whatever dull argument they had with an angel that week.” She yawns, as if to emphasise her point. “I’m looking for more. I want a man with a different kind of fire in his eyes. I want someone passionate. That cares about me. About others. Someone who can look beyond hell. Someone who can offer me freedom, but also fights for the freedom of others. I honestly thought I’d be in here looking for a mortal boy. But Aayush has taken me by surprise and I can’t wait for our relationship to keep developing,” she looks down at the counter, “that is, if I don’t lose him forever tonight.” [[“Melodramatic much? You can probably recouple with him another time.”]] [[“So mortals are your usual type?”]] [[“You won’t lose him, it’ll be ok”]]

Her eyes look surprisingly soft when she answers. “I want a man who has something other than the fires of hell burning in his eyes. I want someone passionate. That cares about me. About others. Someone who can look beyond hell. Someone who can offer me freedom, but also fights for the freedom of others. I honestly thought I’d be in here looking for a mortal boy. But Aayush has taken me by surprise and I can’t wait for our relationship to keep developing,” she looks down at the counter, “that is, if I don’t lose him forever tonight." [[“Melodramatic much? You can probably recouple with him another time.”]] [[“So mortals are your usual type?”]] [[“You won’t lose him, it’ll be ok”]]

Lily laughs, but there is a sneer to it which causes your back to prickle with annoyance. “I don’t think you understand. When I say I don’t know what I’ll do if someone else couples with Aayush tonight, I mean it literally. There’s a dark side to me I have very little control over. I have a feeling that things are going to end badly.” You’re startled by the threat, and start to wonder what the hell the producers of the show are doing putting a volatile Demon in an underwater bubble. But as you look at her you realise that she looks sad, and her voice sounds almost wobbly when she speaks again. “I hate that I can’t control it. It’s ended relationships in the past. I just...want this to work. My Father was once so annoyed with my disobedience and interest in humanity that he took away my demon powers and made me mortal. It was the happiest I’ve ever been. I felt so free. Able to be myself, without this ‘demon’ identity weighing me down. I even met a boy and went on a cinema date. Bliss. But Father saw I was happier and dragged me straight back down to hell.” She drops her toast on the counter and stares at it sadly. “So here I am, destined to always mess things up, to be angry, terrifying. Alone." You’re trying to gather the courage to tell Lily that she’s the only person who can really control that when she shakes her head and smiles at you. “Anyway, here I am talking about my problems, and I haven’t even asked how things are going with $couple1. The two of you seem great together, but how are things really going, underneath the surface? Do you think your head could be turned?” This question again. You take a moment to reflect on how you’re feeling now the reality of the fact it’s recoupling day has sunk in. [[“Things are great, my head isn’t turning anywhere.”]] [[“At this point I’m just not sure. My head could be turned by the right person.”]] [[“My head is ready to spin. It’s not working between us.”]]

Lily nods. “Yes. But things always end so...badly with them. Either I become overly obsessed with them, and they try to end the relationship because it overwhelms them, and then I get angry, and well, that isn’t good for anyone. Or Father steps in and makes them fall in love with someone else so I can’t be happy.. He absolutely hates it when I’m happy. Says it goes against my Demon nature. He was once so annoyed with my disobedience and interest in humanity that he took away my demon powers and made me mortal. It was the happiest I’ve ever been. I felt so free. Able to be myself, without this ‘demon’ identity weighing me down. I even met a boy and went on a cinema date. Bliss. But Father saw I was happier and dragged me straight back down to hell.” She drops her toast on the counter and stares at it sadly. “So here I am, destined to always mess things up, to be angry, terrifying. Alone.” You wonder how to tell Lily that she seems to be becoming equally as obsessed with Aayush, without her ripping your head off. Literally. But then Lily shakes her head and smiles. “Anyway, here I am talking about my problems, and I haven’t even asked how things are going with $couple1. The two of you seem great together, but how are things really going, underneath the surface? Do you think your head could be turned?” This question again. You take a moment to reflect on how you’re feeling now the reality of the fact it’s recoupling day has sunk in. [[“Things are great, my head isn’t turning anywhere.”]] [[“At this point I’m just not sure. My head could be turned by the right person.”]] [[“My head is ready to spin. It’s not working between us.”]]

Lily smiles. “Thank you, you’re so sweet to say that. I really hope you’re right, but I’m just not sure. I’m not used to things working out with boys I like. It always goes wrong. Either I destroy it through getting obsessed with the boy, or Father steps in and ends it for me. He absolutely hates it when I’m happy. Says it goes against my Demon nature. He was once so annoyed with my disobedience and interest in humanity that he took away my demon powers and made me mortal. It was the happiest I’ve ever been. I felt so free. Able to be myself, without this ‘demon’ identity weighing me down. I even met a boy and went on a cinema date. Bliss. But Father saw I was happier and dragged me straight back down to hell.” She drops her toast on the counter and stares at it sadly. “So here I am, destined to always mess things up, to be angry, terrifying. Alone.” “Anyway, here I am talking about my problems, and I haven’t even asked how things are going with $couple1. The two of you seem great together, but how are things really going, underneath the surface? Do you think your head could be turned?” This question again. You take a moment to reflect on how you’re feeling now the reality of the fact it’s recoupling day has sunk in. [[“Things are great, my head isn’t turning anywhere.”]] [[“At this point I’m just not sure. My head could be turned by the right person.”]] [[“My head is ready to spin. It’s not working between us.”]]

{(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +20)] (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +20)] (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush+20)] }(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Lily smiles, “That’s great news”. You wonder why she seems so happy. Because you haven’t got your eyes on Aayush, maybe? “I really hope it works out for you guys. It’s cute seeing him around you. Cerri definitely isn’t the girl for him either, did you see how he was when she arrived? How he changed? That girl is bad news, and if a demon thinks that then she really is trouble.” You nod, you can’t disagree with her. Cerri hasn’t exactly endeared herself to you so far. The two of you fall into a relaxed silence as you eat, and you’re surprised to realise how natural eating toast with someone who could probably destroy you with a click of her fingers actually is. Yesterday’s challenge jumps into your mind again. Now would be a good opportunity to find out exactly what Lily said to $couple1, but are you ready for the fight with a demon if it was bad?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Lily smiles. “That’s great news.” You wonder why she seems so happy. Because you haven’t got your eyes on Aayush, maybe? “I really hope it works out for you guys. Seeing how soft Rota is around you fills me with hope that maybe I can find that as well. She seems to transform from fearless warrior to fluffy kitten when she's around you. If she can do that, then maybe I can shake off my inner demon as well.” You smile at the thought of Rota being a kitten, but Lily's pure happiness for you both surprises you. Yesterday’s challenge jumps into your mind again. Now would be a good opportunity to find out exactly what Lily said to $couple1, but are you ready for the fight with a demon if it was bad?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Lily’s face turns dark and falls for a second, and then she quickly shakes her head and looks at you. “Well good. I guess. If you’d split us up for no good reason that would be a difficult...conversation, wouldn’t it?” She mutters something you can’t understand, and it reminds you of the whisper into Aayush’s ear in the challenge. Now might be a good time to find out what she said. But are you ready for the fight with a demon if it was bad?] [[Bring it on, I’ve got my salt. I can take her.]] [[Leave it. It doesn’t matter at this point.]]

{(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[(set: $romancealex to $romancealex -10)] (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[(set: $romancerota to $romancerota -10)] (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -10)] }(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Lily scowls. "I'm sorry to hear that. I thought the two of you had something. Alex is going to be devastated." She looks furious and you wonder if it's really that she's upset for Alex, or if she is worried you might have eyes for Aayush. The two of you fall into an uneasy silence as you eat. Yesterday’s challenge jumps into your mind again. Now would be a good opportunity to find out eactly what Lily said to $couple1, but are you ready for the fight with a demon if it was bad?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Lily scowls. "I'm sorry to hear that. I thought the two of you had something. Rota is going to be devastated." She looks furious and you wonder if it's really that she's upset for Rota, or if she is worried you might have eyes for Aayush. The two of you fall into an uneasy silence as you eat. Yesterday’s challenge jumps into your mind again. Now would be a good opportunity to find out eactly what Lily said to $couple1, but are you ready for the fight with a demon if it was bad?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Lily's face lights up at first, full of hope, but it's replaced by a look of pure rage within seconds, and the temptation to jump off the bar stool and run away almost overpowers you. "Let me get this right." You cringe as she starts speaking, her voice quiet and controlled, but laced with absolute menace. "You split us up, turned Aayush's head, took away my chance for happiness, and you're not even into him. I wish I'd never said what I said to him during the challenge now." Yesterday’s challenge jumps into your mind again. Now would be a good opportunity to find out eactly what Lily said to $couple1, but are you ready for the fight with a demon if it was bad?] [[Bring it on, I’ve got my salt. I can take her.]] [[Leave it. It doesn’t matter at this point.]]

You take a deep breath and get ready to ask the question. But before the words form on your lips, Lily’s head snaps up and she looks at you, an amused smile playing on her lips. (if: $couple1 is "Alex")[“Oh,” she says, “you want to know what I whispered to Alex yesterday? I’m surprised it’s taken this long. If that had been someone whispering to Aayush, I would have known what was said word for word by now.” She smiles. “I think the answer might surprise you. Although, I can see why you might be worried. My whisper is easily forgotten. It’s useful as a Demon to be able to plant messages and instructions in the heads of others without them realising it. So I’m guessing Alex couldn’t even tell you what I said?” You shake your head, more curious than ever about what she had said. “Well,” she shrugs “I told Alex to hold onto you. That I can see that you’re good for him. That you’re the one for him. That he should fight for you if he needs to.”]\ (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[“Oh,” she says, “you want to know what I whispered to Rota yesterday? I’m surprised it’s taken this long. If that had been someone whispering to Aayush, I would have known what was said word for word by now.” She smiles. “I think the answer might surprise you. Although, I can see why you might be worried. My whisper is easily forgotten. It’s useful as a Demon to be able to plant messages and instructions in the heads of others without them realising it. So I’m guessing Rota couldn’t even tell you what I said?” You shake your head, more curious than ever about what she had said. “Well,” she shrugs, “I told Rota to hold onto you. That I can see that you’re good for her. That you’re the one for her. That she should fight for you if she needs to.”]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[“Oh,” she says, “you want to know what I whispered to Aayush yesterday? I’m surprised it’s taken this long.” She watches you closely. “I think the answer might surprise you. Although, I can see why you might be worried. My whisper is easily forgotten. It’s useful as a Demon to be able to plant messages and instructions in the heads of others without them realising it. So I’m guessing Aayush couldn’t even tell you what I said?” You shake your head, more curious than ever about what she had said. “Well,” she shrugs, “I told Aayush that he should be with someone who makes him happy. That he’s felt enough pain and loneliness. That if it’s you that makes him happy then so be it.”] [[She said what now? “W...why would you say that?”]] [[Alright, this is freaking you out and this conversation can end now “Oh, ok, thanks.”]] [[Well this got heavy quick. “I mean I’m not even sure about the relationship yet. It's been two days."]]

You decide that you have enough drama in your life, without provoking a demon, and return to eating your toast. You hear noises behind you and turn to see some of the others have arrived and are gathering their breakfast. Zein and Fleur are sat with their legs in the pool, each eating an apple, and Catarina has opted to sit at one of the tables, and is sipping something out of a teacup. Tea, presumably. Who do you want to go and talk to next? [[Zein & Fleur|Zeinbreakfastchat]] [[Catarina|Catarinabreakfastchat]]

(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Lily’s face is calm but still amused. “Because it’s true. You are good for him. Anyone can see that he’s spent too much time in the Were community. That Cerri is poison for his happiness. He’s so different around you. Relaxed. Himself. I like Alex and I want him to be happy. Of course...you’ve still got to work out if he’s definitely the one for you...I'm not saying that. That's for you to work out.”]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Lily’s face is calm but still amused “Because it’s true. You are good for her. Anyone can see that she’s spent her life being devoted to the Valkyrie. She's learning so much about herself while she's with you. It's beautiful to see. Of course...you’ve still got to work out if she’s definitely the one for you...I'm not saying that. That's for you to work out.”]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Lily’s face is calm. “Because I honestly just want him to be happy. I want that happiness to be with me. But I...I think I have to be honest with myself and realise that he’s happier with you.” Her maturity catches you off guard, and you watch her with suspicion. Is she telling the truth or luring you into a trap?] You hear noises behind you and turn to see some of the others have arrived and are gathering their breakfast. Zein and Fleur are sat with their legs in the pool, each eating an apple, and Catarina has opted to sit at one of the tables, and is sipping something out of a teacup. Tea, presumably. You have a sudden desire to have a conversation with someone who doesn't cause a creeping tension throughout your body. Who do you want to go and talk to next? [[Zein & Fleur|Zeinbreakfastchat]] [[Catarina|Catarinabreakfastchat]]

Lily smiles serenely as she answers. "You're so very welcome, $name." You hear noises behind you and turn to see some of the others have arrived and are gathering their breakfast. Zein and Fleur are sat with their legs in the pool, each eating an apple, and Catarina has opted to sit at one of the tables, and is sipping something out of a teacup. Tea, presumably. You have a sudden desire to have a conversation with someone who doesn't cause a creeping tension throughout your body. Who do you want to go and talk to next? [[Zein & Fleur|Zeinbreakfastchat]] [[Catarina|Catarinabreakfastchat]]

{(set: $friendzein to $friendzein +10) }You mutter a goodbye to Lily and walk over to the pool, where Zein and Fleur are still sitting, their feet dangling in the water. Zein grins as you approach, and Fleur’s face lights up as she greets you. “$name! Join us! We were just talking about what we think today is going to bring.” A little part of you was hoping they were talking about anything other than the drama of the day, but you guess it’s to be expected. Zein turns to you and asks “Fun early morning chat with Lily?” They both look at you, waiting for a response. [["About as much fun as removing each hair from my body, one at a time."]] [["Joyful, it was a conversation that lifted my soul. Not at all intense."]] [["It was ok, surprisingly."]]

{(set: $friendcatarina to $friendcatarina +10) }You mutter a goodbye to Lily and walk over to where Catarina is sitting, trying hard to stop your walk turning into more of a run. You see a smile is playing on her lips as she brings the teacup up to her mouth. She takes a small sip, watching you over the brim of the cup, and waving her hand at the seat. You take the hint and sit down. Catarina places her cup back on its saucer and sits back. The smile still lingering as she watches you. “Fun early morning chat with Lily?” She raises an eyebrow as she waits for your response. [["About as much fun as removing every single hair from my body, one at a time."]] [["Oh yes, it was a conversation that lifted my soul. Not at all intense."]] [["It was surprisingly ok."]]

You quietly mutter the question, nervously running your hand through your hair. This seems like a bad idea. Terrible in fact. Lily doesn’t respond. Instead, she just stares down at the counter, picking tiny crumbs off her piece of toast and putting them into a tiny pile. After standing awkwardly for what seems like an eternity (but is probably only thirty seconds) you decide you’re going to have to speak. You sense that Lily quite literally has all the time in the world to sit here, and you most definitely don’t. You sit down next to her and take a nervous breath before continuing. [[“Uh, hi Lily. How are you this morning?”]] [[“Alright, shall we get this over and done with? Talk about Aayush?”]]

You sit straight on a bar stool beside Lily, sitting upright and trying to seem confident, even if a little part of your brain is screaming at you for potentially aggravating a demon. But Lily doesn’t respond. Instead, she just stares down at the counter, picking tiny crumbs off her piece of toast and putting them into a tiny pile. After sitting in silence for what seems like an eternity (but is probably only thirty seconds) you decide you’re going to have to speak. You sense that Lily quite literally has all the time in the world to sit here, and you most definitely don’t. [[“Uh, hi Lily. How are you this morning?”]] [[“Alright, shall we get this over and done with? Talk about Aayush?”]]

{(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10)] (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10)] (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10)] }(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Lily looks at you seriously. “I'm sorry to hear that. For Alex I mean, he's going to be sad if he loses you.” You wonder if she's more worried that your head might have been turned by Aayush. "Well if you guys do split up," she continues, "then Cerri definitely isn’t the girl for him either, did you see how he was when she arrived? How he changed? That girl is bad news, and if a demon thinks that then she really is trouble.” You nod, you can’t disagree with her. Cerri hasn’t exactly endeared herself to you so far. The two of you fall into a relaxed silence as you eat, and you’re surprised to realise how natural eating toast with someone who could probably destroy you with a click of her fingers actually is. Yesterday’s challenge jumps into your mind again. Now would be a good opportunity to find out eactly what Lily said to $couple1, but are you ready for the fight with a demon if it was bad?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Lily looks at you seriously. “I'm sorry to hear that. For Rota I mean, she's going to be sad if she loses you.” You wonder if she's more worried that your head might have been turned by Aayush. The two of you fall into a relaxed silence as you eat, and you’re surprised to realise how natural eating toast with someone who could probably destroy you with a click of her fingers actually is. Yesterday’s challenge jumps into your mind again. Now would be a good opportunity to find out eactly what Lily said to $couple1, but are you ready for the fight with a demon if it was bad?]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Lily's face turns to a look of pure rage, and the temptation to jump off the bar stool and run away almost overpowers you. "Let me get this right." You cringe as she starts speaking, her voice quiet and controlled, but laced with absolute menace. "You split us up, turned Aayush's head, took away my chance for happiness, and you're not even sure about him? I wish I'd never said what I said to him during the challenge now." Yesterday’s challenge jumps into your mind again. Now would be a good opportunity to find out eactly what Lily said to $couple1, but are you ready for the fight with a demon if it was bad?] [[Bring it on, I’ve got my salt. I can take her.]] [[Leave it. It doesn’t matter at this point.]]

(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Lily’s face is calm but still amused. “Well I can see the truth, even if you're not there yet. You are good for him. Anyone can see that he’s spent too much time in the Were community. That Cerri is poison for his happiness. He’s so different around you. Relaxed. Himself. I like Alex and I want him to be happy. Of course...you’ve still got to work out if he’s definitely the one for you...I'm not saying that. That's for you to work out.”]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Lily’s face is calm but still amused. “Well I can see the truth, even if you're not there yet. You are good for her. Anyone can see that she’s spent her life being devoted to the Valkyrie. She's learning so much about herself while she's with you. It's beautiful to see. Of course...you’ve still got to work out if she’s definitely the one for you...I'm not saying that. That's for you to work out.”]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Lily scowls at you. "Well you'd better make your mind up and soon. Just know that if you hurt him I'll be there. Waiting."] You hear noises behind you and turn to see some of the others have arrived and are gathering their breakfast. Zein and Fleur are sat with their legs in the pool, each eating an apple, and Catarina has opted to sit at one of the tables, and is sipping something out of a teacup. Tea, presumably. You have a sudden desire to have a conversation with someone who doesn't cause a creeping tension throughout your body. Who do you want to go and talk to next? [[Zein & Fleur|Zeinbreakfastchat]] [[Catarina|Catarinabreakfastchat]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +5) }Lily looks up at you, her eyes staring but not blinking. It’s entirely disconcerting, and you regret you early morning decision to come and speak to her. “How am I?” she asks. She taps her chin with one long black fingernail before asking again, “How. Am. I?” Shit. This isn’t going to be pleasant, is it? “Well, $name, I feel a little bit like my heart has been ripped out through my chest.” You’re about to ask if Demons even have hearts, but decide better of it when she continues. “And as you’re the person that absolutely ripped it out, I’d have thought you would have known that? You took my man. My chance of happiness. Ugh, whatever.” She returns to her pile of crumbs, reaching for another piece of toast. [[“Melodramatic much, Lily? You’d only been with him a day when I arrived.”]] [[“I’m sorry for any pain my decision caused you. Really. I am.”]]

Lily snorts. You're not sure if it's a snort of laughter or anger. Or both. But it gets a reaction. "Oh, look who's a brave little mortal all of a sudden." Her red eyes fix on you, and you have a strong desire to flee. “Well, $name, what shall we talk about? How you ripped my heart out through my chest?” Shit. This was a bad idea. What a way to start a day. “Hmmm...or," your stomach sinks when you realise she hasn't finished, "how you took my man? Hardly gave him any time to get to know him. Even though Alex and Rota were clearly interested in you. Is that the kind of thing we should talk about?” She reaches for another piece of toast. [[“Melodramatic much, Lily? You’d only been with him a day when I arrived.”]] [[“I’m sorry for any pain my decision caused you. Really. I am.”]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily -5) }Lily snorts. “If you think this is melodramatic, you’ve seen nothing yet. I could destroy you.” Her eyes flash red as she stares at you. But then just as quickly as the anger arrives, it disappears. Her eyes soften and she looks down at her hands. “I’m sorry. I don’t even mean that. I can’t...seem to stop it. The dark side of me. I have a feeling that things are going to end badly in here for me. I shouldn’t be here. I can’t control it. I thought I could, but the way I felt about losing Aayush has shown me that I can’t." You start to wonder what the hell the producers of the show are doing putting a volatile Demon in an underwater bubble. But as you look at her you realise that she looks sad, and her voice sounds almost wobbly when she speaks again. “I hate that I can’t control it. It’s ended relationships in the past. I just...want this to work. My Father was once so annoyed with my disobedience and interest in humanity that he took away my demon powers and made me mortal. It was the happiest I’ve ever been. I felt so free. Able to be myself, without this ‘demon’ identity weighing me down. I even met a boy and went on a cinema date. Bliss. But Father saw I was happier and dragged me straight back down to hell.” She drops her toast on the counter and stares at it sadly. “So here I am, destined to always mess things up, to be angry, terrifying. Alone.” [[“I’m sorry your Father did that.”]] [[“Being human isn’t great either. It’s a mess in fact.”]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +5) }Lily's face softens, and she looks genuinely surprised by your apology. “I’m sorry. For how I've behaved towards you. I can’t...seem to stop it. The dark side of me. I have a feeling that things are going to end badly in here for me. I shouldn’t be here. I can’t control it. I thought I could, but the way I felt about losing Aayush has shown me that I can’t." You start to wonder what the hell the producers of the show are doing putting a volatile Demon in an underwater bubble. But as you look at her you realise that she looks sad, and her voice sounds almost wobbly when she speaks again. “I hate that I can’t control it. It’s ended relationships in the past. I just...want this to work. My Father was once so annoyed with my disobedience and interest in humanity that he took away my demon powers and made me mortal. It was the happiest I’ve ever been. I felt so free. Able to be myself, without this ‘demon’ identity weighing me down. I even met a boy and went on a cinema date. Bliss. But Father saw I was happier and dragged me straight back down to hell.” She drops her toast on the counter and stares at it sadly. “So here I am, destined to always mess things up, to be angry, terrifying. Alone.” [[“I’m sorry your Father did that.”]] [[“Being human isn’t great either. It’s a mess in fact.”]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +10) }Lily looks surprised and she tucks a lock of her pure white hair behind her ear. “Thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone that before. It’s interesting to me that I told you.” She pauses and looks at you. Her stare is still intense and you shift in your seat slightly, almost feeling like your skin is burning. You’re relieved when she breaks the stare and looks down at her own hands before speaking again. “I have a feeling we’d have been friends. If you hadn’t, you know, stolen the potential love of my life.” You’re shocked. [[“We could still be friends?”]] [[“Is there really no one else that has caught your eye?”]]

Lily laughs. "That may be true. I'd say that there is less torture and pain, but from what I've observed, I'm not sure that's true. It's interesting to me how terrible behaviour is often attributed to being 'possessed by demons', when the truth is that demons have had absolutely nothing to do with it. It's interesting, $name, you're not really like other humans I've met." She stops talking without quantifying her statement and her stare is intense. You’re relieved when she breaks the stare and looks down at her own hands before speaking again. “I have a feeling we’d have been friends. If you hadn’t, you know, stolen the potential love of my life.” You’re shocked. [[“We could still be friends?”]] [[“Is there really no one else that has caught your eye?”]]

Lily shakes her head. “No. I don’t think we can. I don’t think you understand how rare it is for me to find someone I click with in the way I did with Aayush. I know it wasn’t for long, but he’s everything I want in a man. Powerful and confident but with a kindness that is so rare. If I didn’t know better I’d say he still had his soul. He seems to care about others so strongly. But...he’s with you now. And he seems so happy. That makes me angry. That’s not right, is it? I should be happy that he’s happy.” She angrily brushes her hand through the pile of breadcrumbs and sends them flying through the air and scattering across the floor. “Anyway, the most important thing at the moment is keeping him away from Cerri. That girl is pure poison. And I’m sure she wants him. Well, she wants to use him to make Alex jealous. Aayush deserves someone who wants to really be with him and make him happy. Even if that isn’t me.” [[“Nah, she’s going to pick Alex...isn’t she?”]] [[“I guess we’ll have to just wait and see.”]] [[“Ok Lily, how do we destroy her? Teach me your ways.”]]

Lily shakes her head. “No. Absolutely not. I don’t think you understand how rare it is for me to find someone I click with in the way I did with Aayush. I know it wasn’t for long, but he’s everything I want in a man. Powerful and confident but with a kindness that is so rare. If I didn’t know better I’d say he still had his soul. He seems to care about others so strongly. But...he’s with you now. And he seems so happy. That makes me angry. That’s not right, is it? I should be happy that he’s happy.” She angrily brushes her hand through the pile of breadcrumbs and sends them flying through the air and scattering across the floor. “Anyway, the most important thing at the moment is keeping him away from Cerri. That girl is pure poison. And I’m sure she wants him. Well, she wants to use him to make Alex jealous. Aayush deserves someone who wants to really be with him and make him happy. Even if that isn’t me.” [[“Nah, she’s going to pick Alex...isn’t she?”]] [[“I guess we’ll have to just wait and see.”]] [[“Ok Lily, how do we destroy her? Teach me your ways.”]]

Lily shakes her head. “You really need to get better at reading people if you're going to survive in here. There's no way she's going to pick Alex straight away. It'll be Aayush. And it's up to us to do something about it. Get her out of the way. We could banish her to hell? Turn her into a gargoyle? Make a plague of flies swarm around her constantly?” She sighs “The truth is, I don’t think there’s much we can do. If I go all ‘demon chick’ again I’m getting kicked out of this show, the producers warned me it would happen.” You realise that Lily needs to step out of this situation. She’s too volatile. It’s up to you to decide if Aayush is worth fighting for. Lily looks at you thoughtfully, as if she’s reading your mind. “I’ve been so consumed with sadness that I’m not coupled up with him anymore that I haven’t even considered that you might not be into continuing things with him. How are you feeling?” The ‘are’ was spoken with extra volume, and you feel her eyes staring into you before you speak. [[“Things are great, my head isn’t turning anywhere.”]] [[“At this point I’m just not sure. My head could be turned by the right person.”]] [[“My head is ready to spin. It’s not working between us.”]]

Lily glares at you, the red in her eyes flashing again. She seems to be waiting for you to say more and when you don't she begins tapping her nails on the bar. Eventually she speaks. "How are you so calm about this? Don't you want to do something to make sure he's protected from her? Get her out of the way?” You realise that Lily needs to step out of this situation. She’s too volatile. It’s up to you to decide if Aayush is worth fighting for. Lily looks at you thoughtfully, the annoyance gone from her face. “I’ve been so consumed with sadness that I’m not coupled up with him anymore that I haven’t even considered that you might not be into continuing things with him. How are you feeling?” The ‘are’ was spoken with extra volume, and you feel her eyes staring into you before you speak. [[“Things are great, my head isn’t turning anywhere.”]] [[“At this point I’m just not sure. My head could be turned by the right person.”]] [[“My head is ready to spin. It’s not working between us.”]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +10) }Lily smiles at you, and it’s the first time you see her eyes light up. “Now you’re talking my language. We could banish her to hell? Turn her into a gargoyle? Make a plague of flies swarm around her constantly?” She sighs. “The truth is, I don’t think there’s much we can do. If I go all ‘demon chick’ again I’m getting kicked out of this show, the producers warned me it would happen.” You realise that Lily needs to step out of this situation. She’s too volatile. It’s up to you to decide if Aayush is worth fighting for. Lily looks at you thoughtfully, as if she’s reading your mind. “I’ve been so consumed with sadness that I’m not coupled up with him anymore that I haven’t even considered that you might not be into continuing things with him. How are you feeling?” The ‘are’ was spoken with extra volume, and you feel her eyes staring into you before you speak. [[“Things are great, my head isn’t turning anywhere.”]] [[“At this point I’m just not sure. My head could be turned by the right person.”]] [[“My head is ready to spin. It’s not working between us.”]]

Catarina nods slightly. “I can imagine it was awkward. But, $name, Lily is a complex creature. A demon with a huge heart, who perhaps feels a little too much and doesn’t know how to handle it. It’s good you tried talking to her. Many wouldn’t.” She shakes her head slightly and sighs. “I don’t think this is a good environment for her, I have no idea what the people in control here were thinking. Well, yes I do actually, viewing figures. Money. Do you ever question your decision to come on this show?” [["Uh...have you seen who I'm coupled with? No. No regrets|“Not much. Only every second of every day I’m here.”]] [[“Not much. Only every second of every day I’m here.”]]

Catarina laughs. “I can imagine it was awkward. But, $name, Lily is a complex creature. A demon with a huge heart, who perhaps feels a little too much and doesn’t know how to handle it. It’s good you tried talking to her. Many wouldn’t.” She shakes her head slightly and sighs. “I don’t think this is a good environment for her, I have no idea what the people in control here were thinking. Well, yes I do actually, viewing figures. Money. Do you ever question your decision to come on this show?” [["Uh...have you seen who I'm coupled with? No. No regrets|“Not much. Only every second of every day I’m here.”]] [[“Not much. Only every second of every day I’m here.”]]

Catarina smiles at you. "You did a brave thing, talking to her, I admire you for it. It would be too easy to label her as the 'bad demon'. But Lily is a complex creature. A demon with a huge heart, who perhaps feels a little too much and doesn’t know how to handle it. It’s so good you tried talking to her. Many wouldn’t.” She shakes her head slightly and sighs. “I don’t think this is a good environment for her, I have no idea what the people in control here were thinking. Well, yes I do actually, viewing figures. Money. Do you ever question your decision to come on this show?” [["Uh...have you seen who I'm coupled with? No. No regrets|“Not much. Only every second of every day I’m here.”]] [[“Not much. Only every second of every day I’m here.”]]

Catarina laughs, it’s a deep sultry sound. “It could definitely be worse. Things seem to be going well for you in here. From the outside at least. I guess things aren’t always as they seem.” As she stops talking you watch her, wondering if she’s trying to extract some kind of gossip out of you. But one look at her calm and slightly disinterested face tells you that isn’t the case. Finally, someone who doesn’t want to ask you the ‘where’s your head at’ question. A quiet moment falls between you, but there’s no awkwardness to the silence. You realise this is a good opportunity to understand Catarina a little better. [[“How about you...do you question your decision to be on the show?”]] [[“What are you looking for in a partner?”]]

Catarina nods. “Honestly $name, I do. There isn’t anyone in here at the moment I feel connected with. I’m not sure there will be. I need something from a partner which I haven’t seen here. A depth that makes my whole body tingle.” She wiggles her fingers in the air as she says ‘tingle’ and you laugh a little. [[“Lifelong struggle to find the tingle, huh?”]] [[“Girl, tell me about it. The elusive tingle. Still on my own mission to find that.”]]

Catarina sighs slightly, turning her teacup on its saucer. "I'm not sure anymore, but whatever it is, I'm not finding it in here. I need something from a partner which I haven’t seen here. A depth that makes my whole body tingle.” She wiggles her fingers in the air as she says ‘tingle’ and you laugh a little. [[“Lifelong struggle to find the tingle, huh?”]] [[“Girl, tell me about it. The elusive tingle. Still on my own mission to find that.”]]

Catarina smiles. “Oh yes, it’s why I’m here. I know that I can make any man fall madly in love with me. It comes with my profession. I can also know what he’s thinking and feeling and use that to my advantage. But it’s never real. I can never feel it in my soul. That’s what I want. That sense that you want someone, and they want you back so badly, that you’re both going to combust if it doesn’t happen.” [[“Uh...your profession? You mean spells and stuff?”]] [[“Catarina honey, I think that’s just called lust.”]]

Catarina raises her eyebrows at you, clearly surprised. "I thought you might be finding it with $couple1. I'm sorry to hear that's not the case. It's so hard isn't it? To find the perfect match. It's why I’m here. I know that I can make any man fall madly in love with me. It comes with my profession. I can also know what he’s thinking and feeling and use that to my advantage. But it’s never real. I can never feel it in my soul. That’s what I want. That sense that you want someone, and they want you back so badly, that you’re both going to combust if it doesn’t happen.” [[“Uh...your profession? You mean spells and stuff?”]] [[“Catarina honey, I think that’s just called lust.”]]

Catarina smiles and shrugs. “Yes $name...and stuff. It’s one of the reasons I’m in here. I’ve been forbidden from using my magic to control anyone. They even made me sign an agreement before I arrived that I wouldn’t use my powers. I may have already broken that once or twice already...but with Lily in here I think that’s probably for the best. The poor girl is too confused." She shrugs."Anyway, I want something real. Love. it’s been a long time since I’ve allowed myself to connect with anyone. Apart from my cat, I love him heart and soul, of course.” You're starting to notice a pattern. Magical, beautiful and powerful people, all trapping themselves in an artificial bubble in order to find something that feels real. [[“Have you been in love before?”]]

Catarina throws her head back and laughs. “You may have a point, $name, perhaps I am just looking for someone whose clothes I want to rip off. But whatever it is I'm looking for, I think I have a better chance of finding the real version in here. It’s the only reason I’m in here, if I'm honest. I’ve been forbidden from using my magic to control anyone. They even made me sign an agreement before I arrived that I wouldn’t use my powers. I may have already broken that once or twice already...but with Lily in here I think that’s probably for the best. The poor girl is too confused." She shrugs. "Anyway, I want something real. Love. it’s been a long time since I’ve allowed myself to connect with anyone. Apart from my cat, I love him heart and soul, of course.”. You're starting to notice a pattern. Magical, beautiful and powerful people, all trapping themselves in an artificial bubble in order to find something that feels real. [[“Have you been in love before?”]]

Catarina’s face changes slightly and she sits back in her seat, the calm exterior shifting, and you know you’ve hit a nerve, and wonder if it was a question too far. But as you’re about to tell her to ignore you and not answer she responds. “Yes. Pure love. But the heartbreak when he was unfaithful was more than I could cope with. It brought out a side of me I’m not proud of. I wanted revenge. And I got it.” [[“What happened to him?”|“What?!”]] [[“Omg girl, what did you do? Kill him?”]] [[Just leave it, it’s none of your business anyway.]]

Catarina nods solemnly. “Yes, yes I did. It’s not something I’m proud of, it just happened.” You sit staring at her in shock, until her face crumples into a smile and she bursts into laughter. Her eyes sparkle as she looks at you again. “What do you think I am $name? Some kind of wicked witch of the West? No, I didn’t kill him. I did something...else.” [[“What?!”]] [[Just leave it, it’s none of your business anyway.]]

Catarina leans across the table, before continuing. “Well. It came to light quite quickly that he had been sleeping with another girl behind my back for months. Lying to me the whole time. And honestly, I was so in love that I wasn’t even looking for the lies. I’d stopped trying to read him. I just trusted him completely. So finding them together in our bed was a harsh slap of truth. I’d let my guard down. So I decided that I wouldn’t let him do this to anyone else ever again. The little toad boy wasn’t going to get away with his lies." She stops talking and starts drinking her tea, in a gesture that seems to suggest the story is finished. [[“But WHAT DID YOU DO?”]]

You decide you don't need to know about Catarina's past, and the two of you continue your conversation with a less dramatic theme until her eyes dart behind you. “Hmm, I think I need to get some more tea.” She picks up her cup and gracefully stands up, moving back to the breakfast banquet. Before you can turn to see what she was looking at you feel a pair of hands on your eyes. (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[You recognise the feel of the cool smooth skin of your visitor. As Aayush leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Aayush, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease. “Ah, good morning Alex, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together.”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Alex")[You recognise the feel of the warm skin of your visitor. As Alex leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Alex, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease. “Ah, good morning Aayush, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together.”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[You can smell Rota's intoxicating scent, and have no doubt who the hands belong to. As Rota leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Rota, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease “Ah, good morning Cerri, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together”]]]

She sits back and smiles. “A little curse that means he can never lie again. If he tries he can only make a sound that exposes him for being the toad he is.”. She makes a little ‘Ribbit’ noise and you can’t help the smile that spreads across your face. “Every now and then,” she continues, “when I remember how much he hurt me, I call him and ask him a question that will inevitably lead to a lie, just to hear him ribbit and croak at me.” The smile drops from her face. “But I’m not proud of it. It’s so cliche. I always promised myself I would use my talents for good. Not for petty revenge.” [[“Sounds like you’ve done womankind some good if he can never lie to them again.”]] [[“Maybe when you get out of here you should just lift the curse and move on?”]]

{(set: $friendcatarina to $friendcatarina +5) }A smile plays on her lips. “Ah, maybe” her eyes dart behind you. “Hmm, I think I need to get some more tea.”She picks up her cup and gracefully stands up, moving back to the breakfast banquet. Before you can turn to see what she was looking at you feel a pair of hands on your eyes. (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[You recognise the feel of the cool smooth skin of your visitor. As Aayush leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Aayush, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease. “Ah, good morning Alex, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together.”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Alex")[You recognise the feel of the warm skin of your visitor. As Alex leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Alex, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease. “Ah, good morning Aayush, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together.”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[You can smell Rota's intoxicating scent, and have no doubt who the hands belong to. As Rota leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Rota, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease “Ah, good morning Cerri, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together”]]]

Catarina nods. “Ah, maybe, although it doesn't sound as fun.” Her eyes dart behind you. “Hmm, I think I need to get some more tea.” She picks up her cup and gracefully stands up, moving back to the breakfast banquet. Before you can turn to see what she was looking at you feel a pair of hands on your eyes. (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[You recognise the feel of the cool smooth skin of your visitor. As Aayush leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Aayush, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease. “Ah, good morning Alex, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together.”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Alex")[You recognise the feel of the warm skin of your visitor. As Alex leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Alex, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease. “Ah, good morning Aayush, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together.”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[You can smell Rota's intoxicating scent, and have no doubt who the hands belong to. As Rota leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Rota, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease “Ah, good morning Cerri, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together”]]]

You turn to look at him and see he’s smiling. He also looks breathtaking. You’re definitely never going to get used to that. He holds out his hand and you take it, standing up in such a way that the distance between you is almost non existent as you stand in front of him. [[Step back.]] [[Time to make it non existent, you need to be closer to those lips.]]

“Ouch. I knew I had to keep an eye on that wolf.” Amusement is playing on his voice, and as you turn to look at him you see he’s smiling. He also looks breathtaking. You’re definitely never going to get used to that. He holds out his hand and you take it, standing up in such a way that the distance between you is almost non existent as you stand in front of him. [[Step back.]] [[Time to make it non existent, you need to be closer to those lips.]]

You turn to look at him and see he’s smiling. He also looks slightly sleepy but very, very gorgeous. You’re definitely never going to get used to that. He holds out his hand and you take it, standing up in such a way that the distance between you is almost non existent as you stand in front of him. [[Take a step back.]] [[You need to be closer to those lips, close that gap.]]

“Ouch. I knew I had to keep an eye on that vampire.” Amusement is playing on his voice, and as you turn to look at him you see he’s smiling. He also looks breathtaking. You’re definitely never going to get used to that. He holds out his hand and you take it, standing up in such a way that the distance between you is almost non existent as you stand in front of him. [[Take a step back.]] [[You need to be closer to those lips, close that gap.]]

You turn to look at her and see she’s smiling. She also looks like a beautiful godess. You’re definitely never going to get used to that. She holds out his hand and you take it, standing up in such a way that the distance between you is almost non existent as you stand in front of her. [[Step back and make some room.]] [[Make the space non existent, you need to be closer to those lips.]]

“Ouch. I knew I had to keep an eye on that wolf.” Amusement is playing on her voice, and as you turn to look at her you see she’s smiling. She also looks like a beautiful godess. You’re definitely never going to get used to that. She holds out her hand and you take it, standing up in such a way that the distance between you is almost non existent as you stand in front of her. [[Step back and make some room.]] [[Make the space non existent, you need to be closer to those lips.]]

Zein winces. “Ouch, that bad, huh? Lily is an intense one, that’s for sure. I hadn’t met any demons before this experience, I wonder if they’re all like this.” Fleur shakes her head. “No, they’re not. I’ve met demons before. They’re normally cold, calculating and in control. Lily has an uncertainty within her. I think that’s what is making her so confused. The demons I’ve met wouldn’t have got attached in the way she has to Aayush. They don’t give affection. They take.” She shrugs and takes a bite out of her apple. “At least, that’s my experience. But I think there’s something about Lily which means she’s incredibly important. Could signify change the kind of which we’ve never seen. But she’s got to get there first, realise what she can be.” Zein’s mouth drops open slightly. “You haven’t said any of this before. I didn’t know you had such demonic insight!” Fleur smiles. “Well babe, that’s why it’s great we’ve got so much time to get to know each other. I’m sure there’s plenty we don’t know yet.” She smiles coyly. “But I’m looking forward to finding out.” A silence falls and you sit beside them, also dangling your feet in the water. You’re intrigued by this couple who have formed so quickly, and wonder if everything between them is the sunshine and rainbows it appears to be. [[“So how are you two feeling about the recoupling today?”]] [[“You two are the actual cutest, I swear.”]]

Zein laughs. "That bad, huh? Lily is an intense one, that’s for sure. I hadn’t met any demons before this experience, I wonder if they’re all like this." Fleur shakes her head. “No, they’re not. I’ve met demons before. They’re normally cold, calculating and in control. Lily has an uncertainty within her. I think that’s what is making her so confused. The demons I’ve met wouldn’t have got attached in the way she has to Aayush. They don’t give affection. They take.” She shrugs and takes a bite out of her apple. “At least, that’s my experience. But I think there’s something about Lily which means she’s incredibly important. Could signify change the kind of which we’ve never seen. But she’s got to get there first, realise what she can be.” Zein’s mouth drops open slightly. “You haven’t said any of this before. I didn’t know you had such demonic insight!” Fleur smiles. “Well babe, that’s why it’s great we’ve got so much time to get to know each other. I’m sure there’s plenty we don’t know yet.” She smiles coyly. “But I’m looking forward to finding out.” A silence falls and you sit beside them, also dangling your feet in the water. You’re intrigued by this couple who have formed so quickly, and wonder if everything between them is the sunshine and rainbows it appears to be. [[“So how are you two feeling about the recoupling today?”]] [[“You two are the actual cutest, I swear.”]]

Zein looks surprised. “Really? I mean, that's great but I have to admit I find her really intense. I hadn’t met any demons before this experience, I wonder if they’re all like this.” Fleur shakes her head. “No, they’re not. I’ve met demons before. They’re normally cold, calculating and in control. Lily has an uncertainty within her. I think that’s what is making her so confused. The demons I’ve met wouldn’t have got attached in the way she has to Aayush. They don’t give affection. They take.” She shrugs and takes a bite out of her apple. “At least, that’s my experience. But I think there’s something about Lily which means she’s incredibly important. Could signify change the kind of which we’ve never seen. But she’s got to get there first, realise what she can be.” Zein’s mouth drops open slightly. “You haven’t said any of this before. I didn’t know you had such demonic insight!” Fleur smiles. “Well babe, that’s why it’s great we’ve got so much time to get to know each other. I’m sure there’s plenty we don’t know yet.” She smiles coyly. “But I’m looking forward to finding out.” A silence falls and you sit beside them, also dangling your feet in the water. You’re intrigued by this couple who have formed so quickly, and wonder if everything between them is the sunshine and rainbows it appears to be. [[“So how are you two feeling about the recoupling today?”]] [[“You two are the actual cutest, I swear.”]]

Zein is the first to answer. “Oof Bro, not so good if I’m honest. Fleur doesn’t think we have anything to worry about, but I’m finding it hard to believe that neither of them are interested in her. I don’t think she realises just how amazing she is.” Fleur reaches up and gently runs her hand through Zein’s short dark hair. “I don’t think you realise just how much of a catch you are” she turns to look at you. “$name, tell Zein, would you? I can’t seem to get them to listen.” [[“Zein you need to listen to Fleur, you’re a catch. She should be just as worried as you are.”]] [[“Zein, I’d couple with you in a heartbeat if you were single.”]] [[“I’m staying out of this.”]]

{(set: $friendzein to $friendzein +5) }Zein smiles and looks softly at Fleur. "We are, thank you for noticing. I'm worried that something is going to happen though, things don't normally go this well for me. I spend my time making other people's wishes come true. It doesn't happen for me. Fleur doesn’t think we have anything to worry about, but I’m finding it hard to believe that neither of the new people are interested in her. I don’t think she realises just how amazing she is.” Fleur reaches up and gently runs her hand through Zein’s short dark hair. “I don’t think you realise just how much of a catch you are” she turns to look at you. “$name, tell Zein, would you? I can’t seem to get them to listen.” [[“Zein you need to listen to Fleur, you’re a catch. She should be just as worried as you are.”]] [[“Zein, I’d couple with you in a heartbeat if you were single.”]] [[“I’m staying out of this.”]]

{(set: $friendzein to $friendzein +5) }Zein blushes slightly, just adding to their cuteness. “Thanks, I guess” they say, staring down at the apple in their hand. “I’m not used to this world. People spending time with me because of me, not because they want something from a wish.” Fleur smiles softly. “Well get used to it, this is your future. Everyone is going to want to spend time with you, and there won’t be a wish to be granted in sight.” It’s impossible not to feel like you’re witnessing love in its purest form unfolding in front of you, and you can’t help but wonder if you’re really a third wheel in this conversation. Fleur senses your discomfort and turns her head to look at you. “Anyway, whatever happens, we’ve still got plenty of time to make it right, haven’t we?” [[“Yeah, let’s stay positive and enjoy our time here.”]] [[“Unless we get kicked out I guess.”]]

{(set: $friendzein to $friendzein +5) }Zein blushes slightly, just adding to their cuteness. “Thanks,” they say, staring down at the apple in their hand. You're sure you hear Fleur let out a little gasp, but Zein continues talking before you can reasure her you're not planning to turn Zein's head. “I’m not used to this world. People spending time with me because of me, not because they want something from a wish.” Fleur smiles softly. “Well get used to it, this is your future. Everyone is going to want to spend time with you, and there won’t be a wish to be granted in sight.” It’s impossible not to feel like you’re witnessing love in its purest form unfolding in front of you, and you can’t help but wonder if you’re really a third wheel in this conversation. Fleur senses your discomfort and turns her head to look at you “Anyway, whatever happens, we’ve still got plenty of time to make it right, haven’t we?” [[“Yeah, let’s stay positive and enjoy our time here.”]] [[“Unless we get kicked out I guess.”]]

Fleur scowls at you slightly, and Zein looks down at the water. "Well it's true Zein. Trust me. Anyway, whatever happens, we’ve still got plenty of time to make it right, haven’t we?” [[“Yeah, let’s stay positive and enjoy our time here.”]] [[“Unless we get kicked out I guess.”]]

“Exactly! This whole experience is so much fun. We have to enjoy every moment.” Fleur’s voice is bubbly again, her excitement clear. Zein is still far more subdued. Their usual cool charm seems to be missing and you wonder what it was that made them apply to be on the show. [[“So why did you both sign up to Buried Love?”]]

A silence falls until Zein mutters "Well, that was a mood killer". Zein and Fleur are suddenly far more subdued than normal. Zein's usual cool charm and Fleur's bubbly persona seem to be missing and you wonder what it was that made them apply to be on Buried Love. Surely they must realise the harsh reality of this kind of dating show? [[“So why did you both sign up to Buried Love?”]]

Fleur jumps in to answer first. “I thought it would be fun. A good way to spend a few weeks. If I’m honest I also thought it would be a good way of promoting my floristry business. I didn’t actually expect to find someone so amazing so quickly.” The smile she shoots in Zein’s direction is full of affection. “So I think my goal has changed, or at least maybe I’m being a bit more honest about what that goal really was. Love. Proper heart pounding, fireworks exploding love. I’m not sure I’ve felt that before, but if it’s anything like what I’m feeling now, then sign me up.” Zein and Fleur look at each other and then kiss. And then keep kissing. It’s awkward and you shuffle along the pool slightly so you don’t feel like you’re intruding in their moment. You look around the dome but can’t see anyone else to talk to. You’re just about to give up hoping that Zein might come up for air and tell you why they signed up and wander back to the huts to find $couple1, when you feel hands on your eyes. (if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[You recognise the feel of the cool smooth skin of your visitor. As Aayush leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Aayush, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease. “Ah, good morning Alex, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together.”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Alex")[You recognise the feel of the warm skin of your visitor. As Alex leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Alex, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease. “Ah, good morning Aayush, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together.”]]]\ (if: $couple1 is "Rota")[You can smell Rota's intoxicating scent, and have no doubt who the hands belong to. As Rota leans down and whispers in your ear “Good Morning” you feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck react. [[“Good morning Rota, care to join me?”]] [[It’s time to tease “Ah, good morning Cerri, I’m so happy to see you’ve realised your feelings for me. Please join me so we can plot our new relationship together”]]]

You step back slightly to create some room between you. Aayush doesn't seem to notice. "I didn't realise you are such an early bird, $name," he says, seeming amused. You smile at him and explain your early morning conversation with Lily. His eyes widen. “How did that go? Actually, don’t tell me. You’re still in one piece, that’s all that matters.” He runs a hand through his hair “I know I was trying to play it cool yesterday, but I’m actually starting to feel quite worried that I’m about to have less time to spend with you. That probably isn’t something I should admit. But I’m not sure I have the patience for games anymore. I really like you $name. I like how I feel when I’m around you. How you don’t make me feel like...well...a vampire.” You sense that he’s trying to gauge how you’re feeling about things. You haven’t seen him this vulnerable before, and you realise you owe him some honesty about how you’re feeling. [[“I like you as well Aayush. I don’t want us to get split up. It's who you are that’s important, not what.”]] [[“Ok, but it’s early days, there’s plenty of time for us to get to know other people, so maybe put on the breaks for now.”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }You step forward and close the gap, your hands resting on Aayush’s arms. He looks at you and murmurs “If I’d known you were such an early bird I would have made an effort to be here waiting for you hours ago”. He places a finger under your chin and guides your mouth up to his. The kiss is gentle and quick but you feel the same intoxication run through your body at the feel of him touch you. You know you’re going to have to get that under some kind of control if things are ever going to progress. You smile at him and explain your early morning conversation with Lily. His eyes widen. “How did that go? Actually, don’t tell me. You’re still in one piece, that’s all that matters.” He runs his fingers along a strand of your hair. “I know I was trying to play it cool yesterday, but I’m actually starting to feel quite worried that I’m about to have less time to spend with you. That probably isn’t something I should admit. But I’m not sure I have the patience for games anymore. I really like you, $name. I like how I feel when I’m around you. How you don’t make me feel like...well...a vampire.” You sense that he’s trying to gauge how you’re feeling about things. You haven’t seen him this vulnerable before, and you realise you owe him some honesty about how you’re feeling. [[“I like you as well Aayush. I don’t want us to get split up. It's who you are that’s important, not what.”]] [[“Ok, but it’s early days, there’s plenty of time for us to get to know other people, so maybe put on the breaks for now.”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +200) }Your words cause a smile to break out on Aayush’s face and it’s the most human you’ve ever seen him look. He’s suddenly a young man exploring the world, finding love, being open and vulnerable. He leans forward and lightly presses his lips to your forehead. “I’m happy to hear that. It makes me think that even if some drama is on the horizon today, maybe it’ll all work out ok anyway.” You’re still slightly stunned by this new side to him, and wonder what it is about you that’s making him open up so much. He can clearly read your thoughts and chuckles to himself “I’m really not playing it cool am I? I’m sorry. I don’t want to be too needy. I’m just not used to feeling connections any more. With anyone, if I’m honest, romantic or otherwise. So this is actually feeling like a new thing for me. I’m excited to see where it progresses.” He rocks on his feet. “Anyway, enough deep talk, fancy a swim?” he nods his head in the direction of the pool. However, in a move that symbolises day three is going to be as chaotic as one and two, $boomer suddenly jumps into life with an announcement. “Buried Lovers, in case you have forgotten, there will be a recoupling tonight, and our new residents will have first choice. However that hardly seems fair when they haven’t had a chance to get to know you. Elthalion and Cerridwen...you can now pick two islanders to take on two separate dates. Elthalion, in acknowledgement of the fact you haven’t even woken up yet, you have ten minutes to decide who to choose.” You look around and realise that the elven boy is the only person who hasn’t gathered around the pool. As you gaze around you catch Cerri’s eye and she smiles sweetly at you, her arms crossed over her chest. She then looks at Aayush and uncrosses her arms to allow her to blow a kiss in his direction. Your heart sinks. You have no doubt that Aayush is about to be one of her date choices. It seems like he might finally realise it to, as he looks at you with a frown. [[Send a message - grab him for a kiss.]] [[Smile and wave back. There’s no way she’s getting to you]] [[Walk away with your head held high. You can rise above this.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -100) }Aayush's eyes darken for a moment before a look of pain creeps across it. He’s suddenly a young man exploring the world, being open and vulnerable, not the CEO vampire who could kill you in one bite. He looks down at the ground before looking at you again. "Thank you for your honesty. You're right. It's early days. I'm not sure what response I should have expected by day 3. Sorry, I hope I haven't made things awkward between us." You're about to try and reassure him, you may not be sure he's the one for you, but you don't like seeing him uncomfortable, but $boomer suddenly jumps into life with an announcement. “Buried Lovers, in case you have forgotten, there will be a recoupling tonight, and our new residents will have first choice. However that hardly seems fair when they haven’t had a chance to get to know you. Elthalion and Cerridwen...you can now pick two islanders to take on two separate dates. Elthalion, in acknowledgement of the fact you haven’t even woken up yet, you have ten minutes to decide who to choose.” You look around and realise that the elven boy is the only person who hasn’t gathered around the pool. As you gaze around you catch Cerri’s eye and she smiles sweetly at you, her arms crossed over her chest. She then looks at Aayush and uncrosses her arms to allow her to blow a kiss in his direction. You have no doubt that Aayush is about to be one of her date choices. It seems like he might finally realise it to, as he looks at you with a frown. [[Smile and wave back. There’s no way she’s getting to you]] [[Walk away with your head held high. You can rise above this.]]

You reach up and place a hand on the back of Aayush’s neck, bringing him towards you for a kiss. You can feel him smiling against your lips as his mouth reaches yours, and he’s clearly aware of the message you’re sending. He places his arm along the small of your back and then dips your backwards, for the kind of kiss you’ve only ever seen in movies. You raise one leg in the air and let the kiss completely take over. You feel completely safe in Aayush’s arms, and melt into him as he pulls away slightly and licks his lips, smiling down at you. He brings you back up to standing and pretends to smooth his hand along his hair. “Well that gave her something to look at, huh?” he asks, still smiling. You nod and take his hand, leading him to the spot where everyone else had gathered. There’s still no sign of Eli, and you all stand awkwardly, everyone clearly nervous about what was going to happen next. Finally, Eli arrives, sauntering up to the group. “‘Morning” he says through a yawn. “Apparently I’m late for creating some drama”? Cerri looks exasperated. “We’re supposed to be choosing people to take on dates. I’m going to start. For my first date, I choose…” Her eyes scan the group, and you hold your breath. “Aayush.” His name lands like a bomb, and he squeezes your hand. Eli stretches before speaking. “Well that’s convenient, because I’d like my first date to be $name.” You jump when you hear your name. You hadn’t expected that. You look at Eli, who is stood calmly, a smile playing on his lips. You then look at Aayush, open mouthed. You're both going on dates. Things are about to change. Aayush looks at you, a wry smile on his face “Well babe, I guess it’s time we really put this to the test.” You nod and look over to Eli who’s patiently waiting for you to walk over to him. You’re going on a date with an Elf. Aayush is about to go on a date with a werewolf. What could possibly go wrong? [[Play Day 3 Part 2 'Playing with these bows and arrows'.]]

You smile sweetly and wave back, causing Cerri to scowl. That clearly wasn't the response she was looking for from you. Aayush looks at you and holds out his hand. "Well, shall we see what this place has in store for us next?" You nod and take his hand, leading him to the spot where everyone else had gathered. There’s still no sign of Eli, and you all stand awkwardly, everyone clearly nervous about what was going to happen next. Finally, Eli arrives, sauntering up to the group. “‘Morning” he says through a yawn. “Apparently I’m late for creating some drama?” Cerri looks exasperated. “We’re supposed to be choosing people to take on dates. I’m going to start. For my first date, I choose…” Her eyes scan the group, and you hold your breath. “Aayush.” His name lands like a bomb, and he squeezes your hand. Eli stretches before speaking. “Well that’s convenient, because I’d like my first date to be $name.” You jump when you hear your name. You hadn’t expected that. You look at Eli, who is stood calmly, a smile playing on his lips. You then look at Aayush, open mouthed. You're both going on dates. Things are about to change. Aayush looks at you, a wry smile on his face. “Well babe, I guess it’s time we really put this to the test.” You nod and look over to Eli who’s patiently waiting for you to walk over to him. You’re going on a date with an Elf. Aayush is about to go on a date with a werewolf. What could possibly go wrong? [[Play Day 3 Part 2 'Playing with these bows and arrows'.]]

You start to walk away, but $boomer steps in. "Uh, can you all gather by the pool please. $name, that means you." Aayush is watching you and holds out his hand. "Well, shall we see what this place has in store for us next?" You walk back to him and nod and take his hand, leading him to the spot where everyone else had gathered. There’s still no sign of Eli, and you all stand awkwardly, everyone clearly nervous about what was going to happen next. Finally, Eli arrives, sauntering up to the group. “‘Morning” he says through a yawn. “Apparently I’m late for creating some drama”? Cerri looks exasperated. “We’re supposed to be choosing people to take on dates. I’m going to start. For my first date, I choose…” Her eyes scan the group, and you hold your breath. “Aayush.” His name lands like a bomb, and he squeezes your hand. Eli stretches before speaking. “Well that’s convenient, because I’d like my first date to be $name.” You jump when you hear your name. You hadn’t expected that. You look at Eli, who is stood calmly, a smile playing on his lips. You then look at Aayush, open mouthed. You're both going on dates. Things are about to change. Aayush looks at you, a wry smile on his face. “Well babe, I guess it’s time we really put this to the test.” You nod and look over to Eli who’s patiently waiting for you to walk over to him. You’re going on a date with an Elf. Aayush is about to go on a date with a werewolf. What could possibly go wrong? [[Play Day 3 Part 2 'Playing with these bows and arrows'.]]

You step back slightly to create some room between you. Alex notices the gesture, but doesn't say anything. "I didn't realise you are such an early bird, $name" he says, seeming amused. You explain your early morning conversation with Lily. He smiles. “I love that you tried talking to her, I know she can be intense but I don't think she's a bad person, underneath it all.” His smile drops as he runs a hand through his hair. "So today is the day, huh? I'm trying to feel more upbeat about it." A slight smile returns to his lips. "The time I spent with you yesterday definitely helped." He looks around for a moment, seemingly checking who is nearby. You have no doubt that he's looking for Cerri. He can't see her and so continues. "I can't believe I'm being this person, but before the drama of the day unfolds I just really wanted to let you know that I like you. A lot. I knew it from the first moment I saw you. I'm not a love at first sight kind of guy. But there's something about you. Something that gives me a sense that I can just be myself. So whatever happens, thank you for that." He looks at you, his blue eyes fixed onto yours, and you know he's trying to read how you're feeling about things. [[“I like you as well Alex. I don’t want us to be split up. I want to see what this thing between us is.”]] [[“It’s early days, there’s plenty of time for us to get to know other people, so maybe put on the breaks for now.”]]

You step forward and close the gap, your hands resting on Alex’s arms. He looks at you and murmurs “If I’d known you were such an early bird I wouldn't have been wasting time sleeping like some kind of idiot”. He cups your face with his hands and brings his mouth to yours. The kiss is soft but there is something else hidden underneath it. You've had a few goodbye kisses in the past, and something about this is reminding you of that. You return his kiss, running your hands up his back. Eventually he breaks away and looks at you quizzically. "What are you doing out here so early?" You explain your early morning conversation with Lily. He smiles when he hears the reason. “I love that you tried talking to her, I know she can be intense but I don't think she's a bad person, underneath it all.” His smile drops as he runs a hand through his hair. "So today is the day, huh? I'm trying to feel more upbeat about it." A slight smile returns to his lips. "The time I spent with you yesterday definitely helped." He looks around for a moment, seemingly checking who is nearby. You have no doubt that he's looking for Cerri. He can't see her and so continues. "I can't believe I'm being this person, but before the drama of the day unfolds I just really wanted to let you know that I like you. A lot. I knew it from the first moment I saw you. I'm not a love at first sight kind of guy. But there's something about you. Something that gives me a sense that I can just be myself. So whatever happens, thank you for that." He looks at you, his blue eyes fixed onto yours, and you know he's trying to read how you're feeling about things. [[“I like you as well Alex. I don’t want us to be split up. I want to see what this thing between us is.”]] [[“It’s early days, there’s plenty of time for us to get to know other people, so maybe put on the breaks for now.”]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +200) }Alex's face breaks into a smile so warm it makes you feel like you're glowing and he leans forward to kiss you softly. You can feel his smile through the kiss. "I'm so happy you said that. I would understand if you wanted to get to know the others" he grins "but I'm telling myself that whatever happens with a recoupling we'll still be able to spend time together. They can't force me to spend time with her." His smile drops "Can they?" he shakes his head slightly before looking up. “Anyway, enough deep talk, fancy a swim?” He nods his head in the direction of the pool. However, in a move that symbolises day three is going to be as chaotic as one and two, $boomer suddenly jumps into life with an announcement. “Buried Lovers, in case you have forgotten, there will be a recoupling tonight, and our new residents will have first choice. However that hardly seems fair when they haven’t had a chance to get to know you. Elthalion and Cerridwen...you can now pick two islanders to take on two separate dates. Elthalion, in acknowledgement of the fact you haven’t even woken up yet, you have ten minutes to decide who to choose.” You look around and realise that the elven boy is the only person who hasn’t gathered around the pool. As you gaze around you catch Cerri’s eye and she smiles sweetly at you, her arms crossed over her chest. She then looks at Alex and uncrosses her arms to allow her to blow a kiss in his direction. Your heart sinks and you can see Alex tense out of the corner of your eye. You try to imagine how hard it would be if it was one of your exes standing there instead. [[Send her a message - grab him for a kiss.]] [[Smile sweetly and wave back. There’s no way she’s getting to you.]] [[Walk away. You can rise above this.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex -100) }Alex's expression changes from nervousness to sadness and his brow furrows slightly, but he tries to force a smile as he says "That's fair enough. I thought I was taking a bit of a risk. I hope I haven't made things awkward between us". You're about to reassure him when $boomer suddenly jumps into life with an announcement. “Buried Lovers, in case you have forgotten, there will be a recoupling tonight, and our new residents will have first choice. However that hardly seems fair when they haven’t had a chance to get to know you. Elthalion and Cerridwen...you can now pick two islanders to take on two separate dates. Elthalion, in acknowledgement of the fact you haven’t even woken up yet, you have ten minutes to decide who to choose.” You look around and realise that the elven boy is the only person who hasn’t gathered around the pool. As you gaze around you catch Cerri’s eye and she smiles sweetly at you, her arms crossed over her chest. She then looks at Alex and uncrosses her arms to allow her to blow a kiss in his direction. You can see Alex tense out of the corner of your eye. You try to imagine how hard it would be if it was one of your exes standing there instead. [[Smile sweetly and wave back. There’s no way she’s getting to you.]] [[Walk away. You can rise above this.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }You reach up and place a hand on the back of Alex’s neck, bringing him towards you for a kiss. You can feel him smiling against your lips as his mouth reaches yours, and he’s clearly aware of the message you’re sending. He runs his hands down your back and then places them on your thighs, confidently encouraging you to raise your legs. You happily allow him to lift you, and wrap your legs around his waist, not breaking the kiss for a moment. You let the kiss completely take over and feel completely safe in his arms. When you finally break the kiss you open your eyes to see him smiling and he spins you round before you slowly lower your feet to the ground. “Well that gave her something to look at, huh?” he asks, still smiling. You nod and take his hand, leading him to the spot where everyone else had gathered. There’s still no sign of Eli, and you all stand awkwardly, everyone clearly nervous about what was going to happen next. Finally, Eli arrives, sauntering up to the group. “‘Morning” he says through a yawn. “Apparently I’m late for creating some drama”? Cerri looks exasperated. “We’re supposed to be choosing people to take on dates. I’m going to start. For my first date, I choose…” Her eyes scan the group, and you hold your breath. “Alex.” His name lands like a bomb, and you hear him mutter "Of course she does". Eli stretches before speaking. “Well that’s convenient, because I’d like my first date to be $name.” You jump when you hear your name. You hadn’t expected that. You look at Eli, who is stood calmly, a smile playing on his lips. You then look at Alex, open mouthed. You're both going on dates. Alex looks at you and his face is surprisingly calm. “Well who would have seen this drama coming, huh? Time to ride the storm. I'll see you on the other side." You nod slowly and look over to Eli who’s patiently waiting for you to walk over to him. You’re going on a date with an Elf. Alex is about to go on a date with a werewolf, who also happens to be his ex. What could possibly go wrong? [[Play Day 3 Part 2 'Playing with these bows and arrows'.]]

You smile sweetly and wave back, causing Cerri to scowl. That clearly wasn't the response she was looking for from you. Alex looks at you and holds out his hand. "Well, shall we see what this place has in store for us next?" You nod and take his hand, leading him to the spot where everyone else had gathered. There’s still no sign of Eli, and you all stand awkwardly, everyone clearly nervous about what was going to happen next. Finally, Eli arrives, sauntering up to the group. “‘Morning” he says through a yawn. “Apparently I’m late for creating some drama”? Cerri looks exasperated. “We’re supposed to be choosing people to take on dates. I’m going to start. For my first date, I choose…” Her eyes scan the group, and you hold your breath. “Alex.” His name lands like a bomb, and you hear him mutter "Of course she does". Eli stretches before speaking. “Well that’s convenient, because I’d like my first date to be $name.” You jump when you hear your name. You hadn’t expected that. You look at Eli, who is stood calmly, a smile playing on his lips. You then look at Alex, open mouthed. You're both going on dates. Alex looks at you and his face is surprisingly calm. “Well who would have seen this drama coming, huh? Time to ride the storm. I'll see you on the other side." You nod slowly and look over to Eli who’s patiently waiting for you to walk over to him. You’re going on a date with an Elf. Alex is about to go on a date with a werewolf, who also happens to be his ex. What could possibly go wrong? [[Play Day 3 Part 2 'Playing with these bows and arrows'.]]

You start to walk away, but $boomer steps in "Uh, can you all gather by the pool please. $name, that means you." Alex is watching you and holds out his hand. "Well, shall we see what this place has in store for us next?" You walk back to him and nod and take his hand, leading him to the spot where everyone else had gathered. There’s still no sign of Eli, and you all stand awkwardly, everyone clearly nervous about what was going to happen next. Finally, Eli arrives, sauntering up to the group. “‘Morning” he says through a yawn. “Apparently I’m late for creating some drama”? Cerri looks exasperated. “We’re supposed to be choosing people to take on dates. I’m going to start. For my first date, I choose…” Her eyes scan the group, and you hold your breath. “Alex.” His name lands like a bomb, and you hear him mutter "Of course she does". Eli stretches before speaking. “Well that’s convenient, because I’d like my first date to be $name.” You jump when you hear your name. You hadn’t expected that. You look at Eli, who is stood calmly, a smile playing on his lips. You then look at Alex, open mouthed. You're both going on dates. Alex looks at you and his face is surprisingly calm. “Well who would have seen this drama coming, huh? Time to ride the storm. I'll see you on the other side." You nod slowly and look over to Eli who’s patiently waiting for you to walk over to him. You’re going on a date with an Elf. Alex is about to go on a date with a werewolf, who also happens to be his ex. What could possibly go wrong? [[Play Day 3 Part 2 'Playing with these bows and arrows'.]]

You step back slightly to create some room between you. If Rota notices she doesn't say anything. "I didn't realise you are such an early bird, $name," she says, genuine confusion in her voice. You smile at her. “Oh I Couldn't sleep so I just wandered out here and ended up having a conversation with Lily." Her eyes widen. “Wow, was that intense? I still haven't spent any time with her. She intimidates me. It takes a lot to intimidate me.” She pauses and runs her hand along a length of hair, before twisting it around her finger in a gesture that makes her seem nervous. It's so unlike any gesture you've seen her do before that you instantly realise that something is very wrong. When she starts to speak again you realise what that something is. "So, $name, I have a question I wanted to ask. Because I had a vision last night that the recoupling doesn't end with us together, and I'm starting to think that there is something in your Eli theory." You desperately want to interrupt and ask her what she means by 'had a vision' but she doesn't give you a chance. "I feel like I should tell you that I very much wish to stay coupled with you. I don't think I can recall another who I wanted to spend time with as much as you. I feel like there's so much I want to explore...well...with you." She stops and looks at you intently. You know that saying that won't have been easy for her and sense that she’s trying to gauge how you’re feeling about things. You haven’t seen her this vulnerable before, and you realise you owe her some honesty about how you’re feeling. [[“I like you as well Rota. I don’t want us to get split up. I want to explore things with you.”]] [[“It's early days, there’s plenty of time for us to get to know other people, so maybe put on the breaks for now”]]

You step closer, your body lightly grazing hers, and rest your hands on her arms. The side of her mouth curves into a smile and something flashes in her eyes. You can see how much her confidence around you is growing every day. As your eyes rest on her lips, you find yourself licking your own lips without even thinking about it. You lean forward and close the tiny gap between you, your mouth finding hers. She responds, her hands resting on your lower back. The kiss is gentle, slow, and perfect. Eventually you break apart and smile at each other. You see Rota is blushing slightly. "I didn't realise you are such an early bird, $name" she says, genuine confusion in her voice. You smile at her. “Oh I Couldn't sleep so I just wandered out here and ended up having a conversation with Lily." Her eyes widen. “Wow, was that intense? I still haven't spent any time with her. She intimidates me. It takes a lot to intimidate me.” She pauses and runs her hand along a length of hair, before twisting it around her finger in a gesture that makes her seem nervous. It's so unlike any gesture you've seen her do before that you instantly realise that something is very wrong. When she starts to speak again you realise what that something is. "So, $name, I have a question I wanted to ask. Because I had a vision last night that the recoupling doesn't end with us together, and I'm starting to think that there is something in your Eli theory." You desperately want to interrupt and ask her what she means by 'had a vision' but she doesn't give you a chance. "I feel like I should tell you that I very much wish to stay coupled with you. I don't think I can recall another who I wanted to spend time with as much as you. I feel like there's so much I want to explore...well...with you." She stops and looks at you intently. You know that saying that won't have been easy for her and sense that she’s trying to gauge how you’re feeling about things. You haven’t seen her this vulnerable before, and you realise you owe her some honesty about how you’re feeling. [[“I like you as well Rota. I don’t want us to get split up. I want to explore things with you.”]] [[“It's early days, there’s plenty of time for us to get to know other people, so maybe put on the breaks for now”]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +200) }Rota's face breaks into a smile so soft it makes your chest tingle. She takes your hand and strokes it lightly. "I'm so happy you said that. I would understand if you wanted to get to know the others," she says solemnly, "but I have to confess I'm relieved." She looks around the dome. "So the only thing that will get in our way will be the fate deemed by $boomer. The voice that's trickier than Loki." Rota looks thoughtful for a moment and her eyes seem focussed on something far away. But after a moment she shakes her head. “Anyway, there's nothing we can do about what might happen today, so shall we wash our cares away with a swim?” She points to the pool. However, in a move that symbolises day three is going to be as chaotic as one and two, $boomer suddenly jumps into life with an announcement. “Buried Lovers, in case you have forgotten, there will be a recoupling tonight, and our new residents will have first choice. However that hardly seems fair when they haven’t had a chance to get to know you. Elthalion and Cerridwen...you can now pick two islanders to take on two separate dates. Elthalion, in acknowledgement of the fact you haven’t even woken up yet, you have ten minutes to decide who to choose.” You look around and realise that the elven boy is the only person who hasn’t gathered around the pool. You realise that this could be your last moment alone with Rota for a while, so sure are you that you haven't misread Eli's signals. [[Make it count - kiss her]] [[Wait for Eli to arrive.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota -100) }Rota's face falls and the light in her eyes seems to darken as she looks at the ground. "Thank you for your honesty $name. That's the last time I'll speak of us as anything more than friends. I don't want to make you uncomfortable." Her eyes widen. "I haven't made you uncomfortable, have I?" You're just about to reassure her when $boomer suddenly jumps into life with an announcement. “Buried Lovers, in case you have forgotten, there will be a recoupling tonight, and our new residents will have first choice. However that hardly seems fair when they haven’t had a chance to get to know you. Elthalion and Cerridwen...you can now pick two islanders to take on two separate dates. Elthalion, in acknowledgement of the fact you haven’t even woken up yet, you have ten minutes to decide who to choose.” You look around and realise that the elven boy is the only person who hasn’t gathered around the pool. You realise that this could be your last moment alone with Rota for a while, so sure are you that you haven't misread Eli's signals. But you've made your decision, so perhaps it's for the best. For now, at least. [[Wait for Eli to arrive.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }You place your arms around Rota's neck and her eyes light up. Your eyes struggle to focus on anything other than her lips and you find yourself drawn towards her, your lips meeting for a kiss that starts softly but builds in intensity. You feel a fire run through you and you moan into her mouth slightly. The sound surprises both of you and the little "Oi oi" you hear that is undoubtedly said by Zein causes you both to burst into laughter. Rota leans forward and whispers in your ear. "I'd quite like to hear you make that sound again" and you look at her, shocked. Rota might be the hottest girl you've ever met, but flirting isn't usually her strength. It fills your heart that she seems to be relaxing more and more with every day you get to know her. You realise that everyone else has started gathering, and so take Rota's hand, leading her to the spot where everyone else had gathered. There’s still no sign of Eli, and you all stand awkwardly, everyone clearly nervous about what was going to happen next. Finally, Eli arrives, sauntering up to the group. “‘Morning” he says through a yawn. “Apparently I’m late for creating some drama?” Cerri looks exasperated. “We’re supposed to be choosing people to take on dates. I’m going to start. For my first date, I choose…” Her eyes scan the group “Alex”. His name lands like a bomb, and you hear him mutter "Of course she does". Eli stretches before speaking “Well I’d like my first date to be $name, if $gender1lower can forgive me for keeping $gender2lower waiting, of course.” You jump when you hear your name. You hadn’t expected that. You look at Eli, who is stood calmly, a smile playing on his lips. You then look at Rota, open mouthed. She just looks at you, her cheeks flushed slightly and says "I knew it," in a tone that wasn't angry, but was laced with disappointment. She forces a smile. "Have a good time, tell me all about it when you get back, ok?" You nod slowly and look over to Eli who’s patiently waiting for you to walk over to him. You’re about to go on a date with an Elven prince. What could possibly go wrong? [[Play Day 3 Part 2 'Playing with these bows and arrows'.]]

You both wait in silence for a moment, before realising that everyone is gathering to one spot, and so slowly and wordlessly wander over to join them. There’s still no sign of Eli, and you all stand awkwardly, everyone clearly nervous about what was going to happen next. Finally, Eli arrives, sauntering up to the group. “‘Morning” he says through a yawn. “Apparently I’m late for creating some drama?” Cerri looks exasperated. “We’re supposed to be choosing people to take on dates. I’m going to start. For my first date, I choose…” Her eyes scan the group “Alex”. His name lands like a bomb, and you hear him mutter "Of course she does". Eli stretches before speaking “Well I’d like my first date to be $name, if $gender1lower can forgive me for keeping $gender2lower waiting, of course.” You jump when you hear your name. You hadn’t expected that. You look at Eli, who is stood calmly, a smile playing on his lips. You then look at Rota, open mouthed. She just looks at you, her cheeks flushed slightly and says "I knew it," in a tone that wasn't angry, but was laced with disappointment. She forces a smile. "Have a good time, tell me all about it when you get back, ok?" You nod slowly and look over to Eli who’s patiently waiting for you to walk over to him. You’re about to go on a date with an Elven prince. What could possibly go wrong? [[Play Day 3 Part 2 'Playing with these bows and arrows'.]]

{(set:$gender1lower to "she")(set:$gender1upper to "She")(set:$gender2lower to "her")(set:$gender2upper to "Her")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Hers")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "hers")(set:$genderdescriptupper to "Girl")(set:$genderdescriptlower to "girl")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "her")(set: $genderpossessive2upper to "Her")(set: $genderreflexive to "herself") }"She/ her," you reply, wondering just what information about you is written on that clipboard. But he quickly makes a note of your answer and then throws the clipboard down on a nearby table. "$name, are you ready? Two minutes until we arrive, and then the fun really begins." [[Smile nervously and nod. ]] [[Hell yeah I am. Bring. It. On. ]] [[Have you got any snacks? I'm famished.]]

{(set:$gender1lower to "he")(set:$gender1upper to "He")(set:$gender2lower to "him")(set:$gender2upper to "Him")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "His")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "his")(set:$genderdescriptupper to "Boy")(set:$genderdescriptlower to "boy")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "his")(set: $genderpossessive2upper to "His")(set: $genderreflexive to "himself") }"He/ Him," you reply, wondering just what information about you is written on that clipboard. But he quickly makes a note of your answer and then throws the clipboard down on a nearby table. "$name, are you ready? Two minutes until we arrive, and then the fun really begins." [[Smile nervously and nod. ]] [[Hell yeah I am. Bring. It. On. ]] [[Have you got any snacks? I'm famished.]]

{(set:$gender1lower to "they")(set:$gender1upper to "They")(set:$gender2lower to "them")(set:$gender2upper to "Them")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "their")(set: $genderpossessive2upper to "Their")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "theirs")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Theirs")(set: $genderreflexive to "themself")(set:$genderdescriptlower to "person")(set:$genderdescriptupper to "Person") }"They/ Them," you reply, wondering just what information about you is written on that clipboard. But he quickly makes a note of your answer and then throws the clipboard down on a nearby table. "$name, are you ready? Two minutes until we arrive, and then the fun really begins." [[Smile nervously and nod. ]] [[Hell yeah I am. Bring. It. On. ]] [[Have you got any snacks? I'm famished.]]

You quickly run to the bathroom and finish getting ready. You’re sure you can hear a ‘tut’ of disapproval from $boomer but carry on anyway. As you finish putting your shoes on you wonder where the fire pit is, but there’s no time to worry or gather your head. $boomer declares, “Please go to the fire pit now, $name. This is not a negotiable timeframe.” [[You’ve got this. Time to go outside and make that decision.]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }You run over to him with a smile and throw your arms around his neck. No point in making a drama out of this, and any date is going to be fun. The fact he’s stunning helps, of course. He wraps his hands around your waist and hugs you back. “Alright, $name, I’m enjoying the energy you’re bringing to this. Shall we get away from here? I suddenly feel like millions of eyes are staring at me. Which I don’t normally mind, but in here it feels like something else, you know?” You’re about to tell him that you absolutely do know, but $boomer cuts in. “$name and Eli, make your way over to the beach for your date.” Eli salutes and puts out his arm to you. “Join me, won’t you?” he says in an exaggerated way, which you’re fairly sure is mocking $boomer, and you can’t help the little laugh that erupts. [[Link your arm with his and start walking.]] [[Ignore his arm but start walking in the direction of the beach.]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }You take one deep breath and slowly, calmly walk over to him. You lock eyes with him as you close the gap between you, and see him raise one eyebrow in amusement, his dark eyes somehow sparkling as he watches you. When you’re almost in front of him he bows with a flourish of his arm. “Thank you for gracing me with your company, $name" he says, still bowed, but looking up at you in amusement. You’re about to tell him he’s very welcome, but $boomer cuts in. “$name and Eli, make your way over to the beach for your date.” Eli salutes and puts out his arm to you. “Join me, won’t you?” he says in an exaggerated way, which you’re fairly sure is mocking $boomer, and you can’t help the little laugh that erupts. [[Link your arm with his and start walking.]] [[Ignore his arm but start walking in the direction of the beach.]]

The whole situation feels completely overwhelming. And Eli is a whole new level of intimidating. An Elven Prince? What will you even be able to talk about? You focus your eyes on the ground and walk towards the tall blonde figure in front of you, only looking up when you’re standing beside him. You find him smiling at you, his face gentle, apparently sensing your nerves. “Don’t be nervous,” he says quietly, “I don’t bite, unlike some of these guys.” He points to Alex and Aayush and you find yourself smiling in amusement at their faces of indignation. You suddenly feel much calmer and you’re about to reply, but $boomer cuts in. “$name and Eli, make your way over to the beach for your date.” Eli salutes and puts out his arm to you. “Join me, won’t you?” he says in an exaggerated way, which you’re fairly sure is mocking $boomer, and you can’t help the little laugh that erupts. [[Link your arm with his and start walking.]] [[Ignore his arm but start walking in the direction of the beach.]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }Eli smiles at you. “Lead the way. This bubble world still messes with my head if I’m honest, no idea what direction I need to walk in from one moment to the next. I mean, I watched the first day online and it just sort of looked like they were all on a beach, but it kind of hits differently when you’re here, huh?” He doesn’t wait for a response, and instead reaches into his pocket and produces an apple, bringing it up to his mouth for a bite. He looks back at you. “I’m sorry, how rude. Want a bite?” You look at the bright green apple in his hand, he’s offering you the side that doesn’t now have a huge bite mark. Just how big is this boy's mouth? You shake your head, trying to stop your imagination wandering, and Eli takes it as a response to his question, rather than an attempt to get your train of thought under control, bringing the apple back up to his mouth, making a crunching noise as he takes another bite. You look at him carefully. His blonde hair is pulled up into a high ponytail which has been plaited. The side of his head is shaved, and an intricate tattoo of leaves is winding its way up his neck and then across his scalp. It’s one of the most delicate tattoos you’ve ever seen, and something about it is tempting you to reach out and stroke your finger along it. As your eyes move to study the large black earring he has through one ear, and the gold septum piercing that is moving as he chews, his dark eyes flash down at you. “Like what you see?” he asks. [[Blush and change the subject.]] [[Might as well own it. “I mean...yes, it would be hard not to.”]]

You start walking in the direction of the beach, doing your best to politely ignore his arm. Eli quickly catches you up. "It's a good job one of us knows where they're going. This bubble world still messes with my head if I’m honest, no idea what direction I need to walk in from one moment to the next. I mean, I watched the first day online and it just sort of looked like they were all on a beach, but it kind of hits differently when you’re here, huh?” He doesn’t wait for a response, and instead reaches into his pocket and produces an apple, bringing it up to his mouth for a bite. He looks back at you. “I’m sorry, how rude. Want a bite?” You look at the bright green apple in his hand, he’s offering you the side that doesn’t now have a huge bite mark. Just how big is this boy's mouth? You shake your head, trying to stop your mind asking such questions, and Eli takes it as a response to his question, rather than an attempt to get your train of thought under control, bringing the apple back up to his mouth, making a crunching noise as he takes another bite. You look at him carefully. His blonde hair is pulled up into a high ponytail which has been plaited. The side of his head is shaved, and an intricate tattoo of leaves is winding its way up his neck and then across his scalp. It’s one of the most delicate tattoos you’ve ever seen. As your eyes move to study the large black earring he has through one ear, and the septum piercing that is moving as he chews, his dark eyes flash down at you. “Like what you see?” he asks. [[Blush and change the subject.]] [[Might as well own it. “I mean...yes, it would be hard not to.”]]

You attempt to change the subject to asking about his journey to the dome, but he just smiles. “I'm not going to hide the fact that I could study you for hours. Although damn, every single person in here is stunning, huh? If I didn’t know better I’d think that the dome had some kind of magical filter it was applying to all of us.” You look at him, wide eyed, your brain trying to process this conspiracy theory and he laughs. “I’m joking. We’re all just hot as hell. It’s why we’re here. I do think that some things might not be exactly what they seem in this place though.” [[“What do you mean?”]] [[Don’t bite, your brain can’t cope with any more conspiracy theories today]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }He smiles. “I could study you for hours as well. Although damn, every single person in here is stunning, huh? If I didn’t know better I’d think that the dome had some kind of magical filter it was applying to all of us”. You look at him, wide eyed, your brain trying to process this conspiracy theory and he laughs. “I’m joking. We’re all just hot as hell. It’s why we’re here. I do think that some things might not be exactly what they seem in this place though.” [[“What do you mean?”]] [[Don’t bite, your brain can’t cope with any more conspiracy theories today]]

<div class="chaptertitle">Day 3. Part 2. Playing with these bows and arrows.</div> Eli stands and watches you, a slight smile playing in the corner of his mouth. You wonder if he’s secretly enjoying the drama of it all. Your feet are frozen to the spot, until you hear a whispered voice say “$name, I think you’re supposed to be going on a date”. You look at Fleur, then back at $couple1 and then over to Eli. [[What are you waiting for? He’s gorgeous and he’s chosen you, run over to him and give him a hug.]] [[This is no time for nerves, so he’s an Elven Prince with a bone structure to die for, hold your head high and walk over.]] [[Yeah. This is all a bit overwhelming. Nervously walk over and stand by him.]]

{(set: $friendeli to $friendeli +10) }He lowers his voice, presumably so $boomer doesn’t hear, although you think that might be an impossible task. “Well, when Cerri and I arrived they brought us in through a different entrance. I don’t think I could even tell you where it was now, but there were some props over there that look decidedly..uh...unbeach like.” A cough booms out through the dome. “Eli and $name, kindly stop chatting and make your way to your date,” $boomer demands. Eli rolls his eyes. “Right, because talking isn’t appropriate behaviour for a date.” Another loud cough. “Alright, alright, I get the hint. No spoilers.” Eli shouts at the roof, and you laugh at how annoyed he already is, although you’re disappointed that you’re clearly not going to find out more. For now, at least. You wonder how dangerous a late night exploration mission would actually be. He looks at you and smiles. "This is my very first actual date, you know, so no pressure." [["Wait. Have you seen you? How is that possible?"]]

You decide not to ask what he's referring to, you're starting to believe that the safest philosophy to follow in this place is 'ignorance is bliss'. Eli doesn't seem to notice, and continues. “When Cerri and I arrived they brought us in through a different entrance. I don’t think I could even tell you where it was now, but there were some props over there that look decidedly..uh...unbeach like.” A cough booms out through the dome. “Eli and $name, kindly stop chatting and make your way to your date” $boomer demands. Eli rolls his eyes. “Right, because talking isn’t appropriate behaviour for a date”. Another loud cough. “Alright, alright, I get the hint. No spoilers.” Eli shouts at the roof, and you laugh at how annoyed he already is, although you're slightly relieved he isn't going to be able to tell you any more details. He looks at you and smiles. "This is my very first actual date, you know, so no pressure." [["Wait. Have you seen you? How is that possible?"]]

Eli grins at you. “Honestly? I’ve been on so many adventures with a killer hangover, or still drunk from the night before, that I think it actually improves my aim these days.” You have a mental image of Eli surrounded by other Elves, armed with their bows, stalking through the forest, and your head spins with the craziness of the whole situation. He hands you a bow and a basket of arrows. You look at the weapon now in your hands. Have you ever used a bow and arrow before? [[Yes, I’m a pro]] [[Like..once...it didn’t go well.]] [[Never...this is going to be interesting.]]

Eli nods his head slightly, and quickly works to open the bottle. "I don't need to be asked twice," he replies, handing you a glass of champagne. "Cheers!" He meets your glass with his. You both take a sip and look around you at the kit that has been provided. Eli hands you a bow and a basket of arrows, and you reluctantly put down your glass and take them from him. You look at the weapon now in your hands. Have you ever used a bow and arrow before? [[Yes, I’m a pro]] [[Like..once...it didn’t go well.]] [[Never...this is going to be interesting.]]

You hold the bow comfortably, and walk over to the white marker that had been drawn in line with the target, placing an arrow in the bow. Eli joins you at the adjacent target. He turns to look at you. “You seem pretty confident with that. I was going to offer a lesson, but it doesn’t look like you need it. If there is anything I can help with, just ask.” Hmm, some archery tuition would be a good chance to get up close and personal, even if you don’t need it. What do you want to do? [[“I could always use some tuition from an actual elf.”]] [[“No tuition needed, thanks, but just let me know if there’s anything I can help you with.”]]

You hold the bow awkwardly, and walk over to the white marker that had been drawn in line with the target, removing an arrow from the basket and trying to put it into the bow. Eli joins you at the adjacent target. He turns to look at you, his face relaxed. “If there is anything I can help with, just ask.” Hmm, some archery tuition would be a good chance to get up close and personal, and you're not exactly a pro. What do you want to do? [[“I could always use some tuition from an actual elf.”]] [[“No tuition needed, thanks, but just let me know if there’s anything I can help you with.”]]

You hold the bow awkwardly, and walk over to the white marker that had been drawn in line with the target, removing an arrow from the basket and then dropping it again trying to put it in the bow. Eli joins you at the adjacent target. He turns to look at you, as you bend over to pick up the arrow that is now at your feet, a slight smile is playing on his lips but there's nothing condescending about it as he says “If there's anything I can help with, just ask”. Hmm, some archery tuition would be a good chance to get up close and personal, and you have a feeling this is going to be a disaster. What do you want to do? [[“I could always use some tuition from an actual elf.”]] [[“No tuition needed, thanks, but just let me know if there’s anything I can help you with.”]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }Eli drops his bow on the floor and stands behind you, his tall lean form so close that if you stepped back even an inch you’d be touching. You feel his hands on your shoulders, and he adjusts your posture, his movements gentle but firm. He then moves his hands to lightly rest over yours on the bow, and straightens the bow ever so slightly. You can feel his breath lightly tickling your cheek as he checks the line of the bow and arrow with the target. “I’d say you’re pretty perfect.” He speaks quietly into your ear in a way that makes your heart skip a beat. “Amazing posture, good stance. I think you’ve got a chance of a bullseye there.” He doesn't move, remaining close enough to you that although he's not touching it feels as if the small gap between you is filled with electricity. You pull the string of the bow back further and watch as the arrow shoots forward, making a whooshing sound as it travels through the air. It lands just above the centre. [[“Close enough.”]] [[Damn it, you can do better. It helps if you don’t have a tall, hot elf distracting you of course.]]

Eli laughs. "I'll be sure to do that, $name. I'm always up for honing my skills, and I've been told I'm an excellent student." You watch him stand at the target, his strong arms pulling the string of his bow back with ease. He closes his eyes and then takes aim, quickly releasing the arrow. You watch, fascinated. The arrow shoots straight to the centre of the target, so quickly that your eyes can’t follow its movement. [[“Show off” you tease.]] [[“Uh, you’re going to have to teach me how to do that.”]] [[Pretend you weren’t watching and practice your own aim.]]

Eli nods. “Absolutely. I think my guidance might have hindered, not helped”. He grins, and walks back over to his bow and picks it up with an arrow. He closes his eyes and then takes aim, quickly releasing the arrow. You watch, fascinated. The arrow shoots straight to the centre of the target, so quickly that your eyes can’t follow its movement. [[“Show off” you tease.]] [[“Uh, you’re going to have to teach me how to do that.”]] [[Pretend you weren’t watching and practice your own aim.]]

Eli steps back. “That was almost perfect $name. I think my guidance might have hindered, not helped.” He grins, and walks back over to his bow and picks it up with an arrow. He closes his eyes and then takes aim, quickly releasing the arrow. You watch, fascinated. The arrow shoots straight to the centre of the target, so quickly that your eyes can’t follow its movement. [[“Show off” you tease.]] [[“Uh, you’re going to have to teach me how to do that.”]] [[Pretend you weren’t watching and practice your own aim.]]

Eli turns to you and grins. “You can take the elf out of the forest, but you can’t take the forest out of the elf.” His grin is contagious and you find yourself smiling back at him. He has a different energy to anyone else in the dome so far, and you find yourself relaxing by the second. The two of you shoot a few more arrows and then Eli pauses and looks over at you. “Hey, $name, how about we make this more interesting?” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the half eaten apple from earlier. “Want to see if I can shoot this off your head? William Tell style?” You look down at the apple core and back up at him, processing the craziness of this suggestion. He’s clearly an expert with a bow and arrow, but do you really trust him enough to let him try? [[“Yeah, let’s do it, but mess up my hair and we’re going to have issues.”]] [[“Nah, I kinda like my face.”]] [[“How about I shoot it off your head instead?”]]

Eli turns to you and grins. “I'll give you personal lessons any time you want them, $name.” His grin is contagious and you find yourself smiling back at him. He has a different energy to anyone else in the dome so far, and you find yourself relaxing by the second. The two of you shoot a few more arrows and then Eli pauses and looks over at you. “Hey, $name, how about we make this more interesting?” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the half eaten apple from earlier. “Want to see if I can shoot this off your head? William Tell style?” You look down at the apple core and back up at him, processing the craziness of this suggestion. He’s clearly an expert with a bow and arrow, but do you really trust him enough to let him try? [[“Yeah, let’s do it, but mess up my hair and we’re going to have issues.”]] [[“Nah, I kinda like my face.”]] [[“How about I shoot it off your head instead?”]]

Eli turns to you, but when he sees you're focusing on your own target and not him, he returns to shooting arrows, each one hitting the centre of his target. He walks up to his target and retrieves the arrows. As he walks back to the markers he looks at you and you notice something flashing in his eyes. Trouble? “Hey, $name, how about we make this more interesting?” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the half eaten apple from earlier. “Want to see if I can shoot this off your head? William Tell style?” You look down at the apple core and back up at him, processing the craziness of this suggestion. He’s clearly an expert with a bow and arrow, but do you really trust him enough to let him try? [[“Yeah, let’s do it, but mess up my hair and we’re going to have issues.”]] [[“Nah, I kinda like my face.”]] [[“How about I shoot it off your head instead?”]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }Eli raises his eyebrow. “Amazing! I like a $genderdescriptlower who takes risks.” He hands you the apple, and signals for you to stand in front of the target with a flourish of his hand. You walk over and then turn to face him, placing the apple on your head. You’re fairly sure you should feel nervous right now, but as you look at his tall, strong form and smiling face you feel nothing other than calm. Eli puts an arrow in the bow and pulls back the string. You take a deep breath. “$name, just look into my eyes,” he calls across, and you find yourself looking into his dark eyes. Even at a distance you can see the mischief sparkling in them. With a confident wink at you he releases the arrow and time slows down. You can feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as the arrow moves towards you. But it’s in your peripheral vision, because your eyes are still fixed on his. Nothing else matters at that moment. The arrow hits the apple and breaks the spell. Your mouth drops open as you step away and see the arrow and apple on the ground behind you. You look back and see Eli running towards you. “That was awesome! You didn’t even flinch!” He cries out before wrapping you in a hug. He steps back and looks at you. “You’re quite surprising, you know that?” He looks back at the table with the champagne still on it. “How about we finish that drink and get to know each other better?” he asks. [[Follow him back to the table.]]

Eli shrugs and replies, "Fair enough." He looks back at the table with the champagne still on it. “How about we finish that drink and get to know each other better?” he asks. [[Follow him back to the table.]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +20)Eli bursts into laughter. }“Alright, $name! You're definitely surprising. You want to shoot this off my head? Sure. Why not. What could go wrong?" You blink at him. When you'd suggested this you hadn't actually expected him to say yes. Surely this was dangerous? Eli senses your hesitation. "Trust me when I say you've got this. You can do it. I have total faith." Something about how calm he is also relaxes you, and you find yourself wanting to try this more than anything. Eli walks over to stand in front of your target, and places the apple on his head. You hold your bow up, and place an arrow in the string. As you pull it back you take a moment to watch him. He's standing very straight, a very slight smile on his lips. He winks once at you and then closes his eyes. "Just trust your instincts," he calls across to you. In that moment there isn't anyone else in the world apart from the two of you, and you can feel a connection to him that is unlike anything you've ever experienced. You carefully line up the bow and arrow, and with one deep breath let go of the arrow. You watch it move through the air as if it's moving in slow motion. You hold your breath, unable to focus on anything other than the arrow moving towards Eli's face. The arrow hits the apple and breaks the spell. Your mouth drops open as Eli steps away and points to the apple on the floor. “That was amazing! That took so much courage!” He cries out before running towards you and wrapping you in a hug. Your heart is hammering in your chest and you're sure he can feel it as he wraps you in his arms. He steps back and looks at you. “You’re quite surprising, you know that?” He looks back at the table with the champagne still on it. “How about we finish that drink and get to know each other better?” he asks. [[Follow him back to the table.]]

He hands you a glass of champagne and then looks around. “How about we go and sit on the patch of sand they’ve left uncovered?” You smile and nod, and the two of you stroll over to the patch of sand. You look through the material of the dome and have another moment of amazement that you’re deep in the ocean right now. This place is unreal, and you wonder again what it was that Eli saw when he first entered the dome. He looks at you as you walk “This place is kind of a trip, huh? I’m not sure what I was expecting when I signed up for this, but I could never have imagined what being here would feel like. It's making my head spin.” You sense you’ve got an opportunity to understand more about this Elven Prince. [[“Why did you sign up to Buried Love?”]] [[“What’s life as an Elven Prince like?”]]

You reach the sand as you ask the question, and Eli sits down, stretching his legs out, and leaning back slightly, propping himself up on his elbow. He takes a sip of champagne and looks at you as you join him on the sand. “It’s something I’ve been asking myself over the past twenty four hours, to be honest,” he replies. “If it even has been twenty four hours. Who can tell what the time is in here? In theory this place is my worst nightmare, I hate feeling trapped. I need my freedom. I need to be able to run. But I just want to find something, with someone special” he pauses and grins at you “and I thought this place would be full of extraordinary people, and I was so right about that.” You’re about to ask him what that something he wants to find actually is, but he continues. “I’m a big disappointment to my mother. Huge in fact. In all honesty, although trapping myself in a deep sea bubble is an extreme way of escaping the disappointment I cause her, I do think that’s also a bit of the reason why I’m here. I can just be, and explore, without her watching. There’s no way she’ll ever be near a television.” He smiles and looks deep into your eyes. “My parents found each other in the craziest way. A Korean teacher and an Elven Queen who lives in the darkest depths of a Norwegian forest. Fate bringing them together and falling deeply and madly in love. That’s the dream. I want to find my own fairytale. That person who completes my story. Someone to travel with, laugh with, cry with. Just...be with. You know?” He looks slightly vulnerable for the first time since arriving in the dome, but just as quickly as that vulnerability appeared, it’s gone again, and he looks at you with an eyebrow raised. “Hmm, look at you getting me to open up. Now it’s your turn. Could you see yourself wanting to get to know someone like me better? Are you open to that?” He hasn’t explicitly said it, but you’re sure that he’s asking about whether you’re interested in him romantically. You think about $couple1 and then look at Eli. He hasn’t asked you anything about how you’re feeling about your relationship with $couple1, he just seems interested in what you think about him. You wonder if that’s his way of dealing with the fact he might be about to hurt someone in the dome. Can you see yourself ending things with $couple1 and getting together with Eli? [[There’s no way you’re going anywhere near Eli. “No, you’re not my type….romantically.”]] [[You’re not sure, you need more time. “I’m not sure. You’re great but it’s complicated. Let’s see how things go?”]] [[Hell to the yeah. Bite your lip and respond. “I’m very open to that.”]]

You reach the sand as you ask the question, and Eli sits down, stretching his legs out, and leaning back slightly, propping himself up on his elbow. He takes a sip of champagne and looks at you as you join him on the sand. "Well," he starts to reply, and you hold your breath, captivated by the beautiful stories of Elven royalty you're surely about to hear, "it's a bit shit to be honest." You look at him, shocked, and he laughs before taking another drink. “Sorry. I should elaborate. I’m a big disappointment to my mother. Huge in fact. In all honesty, although trapping myself in a deep sea bubble is an extreme way of escaping the disappointment I cause her, I do think that’s also a bit of the reason why I’m here. I can just be, and explore, without her watching. There’s no way she’ll ever be near a television.” He smiles and looks deep into your eyes. “My parents found each other in the craziest way. A Korean teacher and an Elven Queen who lives in the darkest depths of a Norwegian forest. Fate bringing them together and falling deeply and madly in love. That’s the dream. I want to find my own fairytale. That person who completes my story. Someone to travel with, laugh with, cry with. Just...be with. You know?” He looks slightly vulnerable for the first time since arriving in the dome, but just as quickly as that vulnerability appeared, it’s gone again, and he looks at you with an eyebrow raised. “Hmm, look at you getting me to open up. Now it’s your turn. Could you see yourself wanting to get to know someone like me better? Are you open to that?” He hasn’t explicitly said it, but you’re sure that he’s asking about whether you’re interested in him romantically. You think about $couple1 and then look at Eli. He hasn’t asked you anything about how you’re feeling about your relationship with $couple1, he just seems interested in what you think about him. You wonder if that’s his way of dealing with the fact he might be about to hurt someone in the dome. Can you see yourself ending things with $couple1 and getting together with Eli? [[There’s no way you’re going anywhere near Eli. “No, you’re not my type….romantically.”]] [[You’re not sure, you need more time. “I’m not sure. You’re great but it’s complicated. Let’s see how things go?”]] [[Hell to the yeah. Bite your lip and respond. “I’m very open to that.”]]

{(set: $elihope to "no") (set: $elifirstkiss to "no") (set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli -10) }Eli smiles and nods “Well it's good to know where I stand. I'm still all in for getting to know you. You know, as friends and all of that.” The two of you fall into gentle conversation about each other, your passions, your pet peeves. Who you are and where you want to be. You learn that Eli is pansexual, and that his family accepts his sexuality completely. He explains that it isn’t his love life that his mother judges, it’s the fact that he spends every possible moment away from his elven tribe travelling the world and experiencing new things. The expectation is that he’ll lead his tribe soon and she’s concerned that he won’t be ready to settle into that life. “And the truth is, I think she might be right, you know? The idea of spending the rest of my life in that forest? Just no. It’s not me.” He shrugs. “But I love my parents and I don’t want to hurt them.” He looks at you and laughs. “Sorry, I never talk about this stuff. Let’s get back to something else”. He empties his glass of champagne and then looks at you as if he's about to ask another question, but before he can $boomer interrupts. "$name and Eli. Your date is over. It's time for Eli to make his way back to the pool and choose his next date." Eli looks at you and rolls his eyes. You smile at him. You may not be interested in him romantically, but he's been great company for the afternoon. [[Walk back to the pool with Eli.]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +5) (set: $elihope to "maybe") }Eli smiles and nods. “I respect that. I get the feeling everything in here is going to be complicated. Well let’s see how this goes.” The two of you fall into gentle conversation about each other, your passions, your pet peeves. Who you are and where you want to be. You learn that Eli is pansexual, and that his family accepts his sexuality completely. He explains that it isn’t his love life that his mother judges, it’s the fact that he spends every possible moment away from his elven tribe travelling the world and experiencing new things. The expectation is that he’ll lead his tribe soon and she’s concerned that he won’t be ready to settle into that life. “And the truth is, I think she might be right, you know? The idea of spending the rest of my life in that forest? Just no. It’s not me.” He shrugs. “But I love my parents and I don’t want to hurt them.” He looks at you and laughs. “Sorry, I never talk about this stuff. Let’s get back to something else.” He empties his glass of champagne and then looks at you. “Let’s get back to something that interests me a lot more. You.” You shift where you’re sitting, wondering what question is about to come next. He’s studying your face intently. “Where do you see things going in here for you?” he asks. You pause for a moment, waiting to see if there’s any more to the question, but it doesn’t seem like there is. He shifts forward slightly, and your faces are suddenly much closer. You could answer him with a kiss, if you wanted to seize the opportunity, and the sparkle in his eyes is suggesting he would be open to that. [[Nope. I’m loyal. No kissing for me, thank you. “Oh, you know, I see myself having some fun, meeting some great people. Trying to avoid getting killed by a demon.”]] [[It’s not every day you get a chance to kiss an Elven Prince. “I don’t know where I see things going in the long term, but right now I’d quite like to kiss you.”]]

{(set: $elihope to "yes") (set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +20) }Eli's face breaks into another smile. “I'm really happy to hear that. I suddenly feel like signing up to this underwater prison was the right decision.” The two of you fall into gentle conversation about each other, your passions, your pet peeves. Who you are and where you want to be. You learn that Eli is pansexual, and that his family accepts his sexuality completely. He explains that it isn’t his love life that his mother judges, it’s the fact that he spends every possible moment away from his elven tribe travelling the world and experiencing new things. The expectation is that he’ll lead his tribe soon and she’s concerned that he won’t be ready to settle into that life. “And the truth is, I think she might be right, you know? The idea of spending the rest of my life in that forest? Just no. It’s not me.” He shrugs. “But I love my parents and I don’t want to hurt them.” He looks at you and laughs. “Sorry, I never talk about this stuff. Let’s get back to something else.” He empties his glass of champagne and then looks at you. “Let’s get back to something that interests me a lot more. You.” You shift where you’re sitting, wondering what question is about to come next. He’s studying your face intently. “Where do you see things going in here for you?” he asks. You pause for a moment, waiting to see if there’s any more to the question, but it doesn’t seem like there is. He shifts forward slightly, and your faces are suddenly much closer. You could answer him with a kiss, if you wanted to seize the opportunity, and the sparkle in his eyes is suggesting he would be open to that. [[Nope. I’m loyal. No kissing for me, thank you. “Oh, you know, I see myself having some fun, meeting some great people. Trying to avoid getting killed by a demon.”]] [[It’s not every day you get a chance to kiss an Elven Prince. “I don’t know where I see things going in the long term, but right now I’d quite like to kiss you.”]]

{(set: $elifirstkiss to "no") }You move away from him slightly, and the moment is gone. Instead the two of you return to comfortable chatter. Eli empties his glass of champagne. "Ok, I've got a question for you..." “Eli and $name.” $boomer bellows out of the sky. “It’s time to end your date. Such bad timing. Eli it’s time for you to pick your second date. Please make your way to the pool and make your decision.” Eli smiles “I'll wait for next time for that question. I’m sorry we have to get back, if I’m honest.” The feeling is mutual, and the reality of having to go back to the group, back to $couple1 hits you. You nod and then both stand up “Until next time?” he asks. [[“Next time.”]]

{(set: $elifirstkiss to "yes")(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }Eli looks at your lips and back up to your eyes. He doesn’t say anything, he just shifts forward slightly and closes the gap between you. Your hand finds its way to the back of his neck, and your fingers lightly graze along the skin underneath his ponytail. He’s stunning. The energy flashing in his dark eyes is magnetic, it makes your skin tingle. His lips meet yours and you close your eyes, lost in the feel of him. His hands cup the sides of your face and you hear him inhale before deepening the kiss, gently parting your lips with his tongue. You can taste the champagne, and smell his intoxicating woody scent. The combination of that and the feel of him is making your head spin. Any thoughts of anyone else, any other place or time, have floated out of your head to the top of the dome. There’s only him. The feel of his tongue against yours. He makes a noise of pleasure in his throat and reaches an arm around behind you, pulling you even closer to him. Your fingers press into his neck, wanting him as close as possible in that moment. “Eli and $name,” $boomer bellows out of the sky. “It’s time to end your date. Such unfortunate timing. Eli it’s time for you to pick your second date. Please make your way to the pool and make your decision.” You break apart and Eli smiles. “That was a perfect answer. I’m sorry we have to get back, if I’m honest.” The feeling is mutual, and the reality of having to go back to the group, back to $couple1 hits you. You nod and then both stand up “Until next time?” he asks. [[“Next time.”]]

The two of you walk slowly back to the group. Cerri is already standing by the pool, a slight scowl on her face. “Where the hell have you two been? It’s time for the second dates.” She calls out to you both. “We’ve been on our very important first date.” Eli replies. “Which apparently went better than yours.” That just causes Cerri to huff. $couple1 catch your eye, clearly wondering just how well it went. (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[$boomer steps in to break the tension, in their usual style of only causing more tension. “Eli, Cerri has already selected her next date will be Aayush. Please select your next date.” Eli leans towards you and whispers in your ear “Sorry about this.” You look at him, confused for a second, but his next words make everything clear. “Rota". He calls out. "I’d like my next date to be with Rota.” Rota walks over to him, but her eyes are fixed on your face, her eyes searching yours. “Speak later?” she asks, and you nod. Eli looks between you. “Sorry this is awkward. Genuinely. You’re both just very intriguing to me.” You shrug and smile, it’s all part of the game, you know that. But as you watch them walk off together, the most stunning and striking couple you’ve ever seen, you can’t help but feel nervous about what’s going to happen next. You’ll find out soon enough.]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[$boomer steps in to break the tension, in their usual style of only causing more tension. “Eli, Cerri has already selected her next date will be Alex. Please select your next date.” Your eyes dart to Alex, who is looking miserable, and then back to Aayush who is looking relieved. Is he pleased because he thinks that means she’ll recouple with Alex? Or because he knows the date will be a car crash and she might choose him for the recoupling? You try to avoid your thoughts wandering in that direction, and look to Eli, interested in what his decision will be. “Rota." He calls out. "I’d like my next date to be with Rota.” Abe looks crestfallen, and Rota walks over to him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “C’mon elf boy, let’s do this” she says, throwing her arm around his shoulders. Eli looks between you “You’re both very intriguing to me.” You shrug and smile, it’s all part of the game, you know that. But as you watch them walk off together, the most stunning and striking couple you’ve ever seen, and then see Aayush walking towards you, closing the gap, you can’t help but wonder what’s going to happen next. You’ll find out soon enough.]\ (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[$boomer steps in to break the tension, in their usual style of only causing more tension. “Eli, Cerri has already selected her next date will be Aayush. Please select your next date.” Your eyes dart to Aayush, who is looking happy, although the stormy black cloud next to him in the vague shape of Lily most definitely is not. Trouble is clearly brewing between Lily and Cerri, and you’re more than happy to support the demon girl in that battle. You look to Eli, interested in what his decision will be. “Rota." He calls out. "I’d like my next date to be with Rota”. Abe looks crestfallen, and Rota walks over to him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “C’mon elf boy, let’s do this,” she says, throwing her arm around his shoulders. Eli looks between you. “You’re both very intriguing to me.” You shrug and smile, it’s all part of the game, you know that. But as you watch them walk off together, the most stunning and striking couple you’ve ever seen, and then see Alex walking towards you, closing the gap, you can’t help but wonder what’s going to happen next. You’ll find out soon enough.] [[Go to Day 3 Part 3 'Heads will Roll'.]]

The two of you walk slowly back to the group. Cerri is already standing by the pool, a slight scowl on her face. “Where the hell have you two been? It’s time for the second dates,” she calls out to you both. “We’ve been on our very important first date,” Eli replies, “which apparently went better than yours." That just causes Cerri to huff. $couple1 catches your eye clearly wondering just how well it went. (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[$boomer steps in to break the tension, in their usual style of only causing more tension. “Eli, Cerri has already selected her next date will be Aayush. Please select your next date.” Eli leans towards you and whispers in your ear “Sorry about this.” You look at him, confused for a second, but his next words make everything clear. “Rota". He calls out. "I’d like my next date to be with Rota.” Rota walks over to him, but her eyes are fixed on your face, her eyes searching yours. “Speak later?” she asks, and you nod. Eli looks between you. “Sorry this is awkward. Genuinely. You’re both just very intriguing to me.” You shrug and smile, it’s all part of the game, you know that. But as you watch them walk off together, the most stunning and striking couple you’ve ever seen, you can’t help but feel nervous about what’s going to happen next. You’ll find out soon enough.]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[$boomer steps in to break the tension, in their usual style of only causing more tension. “Eli, Cerri has already selected her next date will be Alex. Please select your next date.” Your eyes dart to Alex, who is looking miserable, and then back to Aayush who is looking relieved. Is he pleased because he thinks that means she’ll recouple with Alex? Or because he knows the date will be a car crash and she might choose him for the recoupling? You try to avoid your thoughts wandering in that direction, and look to Eli, interested in what his decision will be. “Rota." He calls out. "I’d like my next date to be with Rota”. Abe looks crestfallen, and Rota walks over to him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “C’mon elf boy, let’s do this” she says, throwing her arm around his shoulders. Eli looks between you “You’re both very intriguing to me.” You shrug and smile, it’s all part of the game, you know that. But as you watch them walk off together, the most stunning and striking couple you’ve ever seen, and then see Aayush walking towards you, closing the gap, you can’t help but wonder what’s going to happen next. You’ll find out soon enough.]\ (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[$boomer steps in to break the tension, in their usual style of only causing more tension. “Eli, Cerri has already selected her next date will be Aayush. Please select your next date.” Your eyes dart to Aayush, who is looking happy, although the stormy black cloud next to him in the vague shape of Lily most definitely is not. Trouble is clearly brewing between Lily and Cerri, and you’re more than happy to support the demon girl in that battle. You look to Eli, interested in what his decision will be. “Rota." He calls out. "I’d like my next date to be with Rota”. Abe looks crestfallen, and Rota walks over to him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “C’mon elf boy, let’s do this,” she says, throwing her arm around his shoulders. Eli looks between you. “You’re both very intriguing to me.” You shrug and smile, it’s all part of the game, you know that. But as you watch them walk off together, the most stunning and striking couple you’ve ever seen, and then see Alex walking towards you, closing the gap, you can’t help but wonder what’s going to happen next. You’ll find out soon enough.] [[Go to Day 3 Part 3 'Heads will Roll'.]]

<div class="chaptertitle">Day 3. Part 3. Heads will Roll</div> (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[You turn to face Alex as he walks towards you. His face is difficult to read and your mind is ripped away from your date with Eli and thrown into a swirling mass of questions about how his date with Cerri went. Did he feel any of the old sparks? Did she try to get him to leave the dome and go pack to his pack? Is he happy? Is he sad? What is that expression on his face right now? He stands in front of you and you muse on the two options available to you. Play it cool, or ask him at least one of the questions swirling around inside. [[I’m as cool as an actual cucumber, thanks. “Hey.”]] [[Uh. I am not cool. “How did your date go? Did you have fun? Did she talk about the pack?”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[You turn to face Aayush as he slowly walks towards you. His face is calm and your mind starts racing about how his date with Cerri went. You can't imagine he'd be the perpetual frown on her face, but maybe she was different around him? Speaking of faces ...what is that expression on his right now? As he comes closer he looks almost...amused. He stands in front of you and you muse on the two options available to you. Play it cool, or ask him at least one of the questions swirling around inside. [[I’m as cool as an ice cube right now. “Hey.”]] [[Uh. I am not cool. “How did your date go? Did you have fun? Do you love her already?”]]]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[You had felt lost as you watched Rota disappear into the distance with Eli. You wondered if they'd have the same date or if the dome had something else planned for Eli's second date. Luckily Zein notices and comes over to talk to you. The two of you sit on two sun loungers and idly talk, but you find you can't really concentrate. Your mind is in a very different part of the dome, wondering what is happening between a certain Elf and Valkyrie. Zein grins at you. "Wow, bro, you really are smitten, huh? I'd feel the same if it was Fleur, so I understand completely. I honestly can't believe how quickly some of us have formed connections in here, you know? Like..is it real? Sometimes when I'm with Fleur I can't believe it's real. It's just. Well. Wow." You smile. Zein struggling for words is a rare occurrence, and you're sure it's because they've fallen for Fleur hard. You wonder how Zein is feeling about the recoupling. [["Are you worried about the recoupling tonight? That you might lose Fleur?"]] [["Let's hope the connection continues after the recoupling, huh?"]]]

You keep your cool and greet him with a smile. “Hey,” he replies with a little bob of his head. You both regard each other quietly, apparently testing who will be the first person to break. It’s Alex who gives in first. His slightly crooked grin makes your heart skip a beat. “So uh, I feel like I should be asking you how your date with Eli went, although maybe I’ll need a drink to hear that answer” he says. He raises an eyebrow, his face a picture of intrigue and dread. The contrasting emotions, coupled with his attempt to keep seeming like he’s cool about the situation cause you to burst into laughter. (if:$elihope is "yes")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you were open to getting to know him better. That meant ending things with Alex. Probably soon. Should you tell him?]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you weren’t sure whether you’d consider recoupling with him. But you hadn’t firmly closed that door. You look at Alex and wonder whether you should be honest with him and admit that you’re a little bit tempted.]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You’d told Eli that there was no way you’d consider recoupling with him and you’d meant it. That doesn’t mean you don’t want Alex to sweat a little.] But he clearly isn’t in the mood to grill you right now. Instead he holds his hand out to you. “I genuinely could use a drink. Shall we go to the bar?” he asks, one eyebrow still raised. [[Take his hand.]] [[Ignore his hand and start walking.]]

The questions come out of you in a rush of air, and when you stop to get your breath back you see the familiar sparkle return in his eyes, and the slightly crooked smile playing around the edges of his lips. He runs his hand through his hair and nods in the direction that Cerri and Aayush have just left in. “Oh, that date? Best date ever.” He stops for a moment and you stand and stare, open-mouthed. He keeps smiling as he continues “If by best you mean the actual worst. I mean...we’re talking about one of the most horrific hours of my life. Ever. I think I need a drink to recover. Want to join me? I can tell you all about the car crash. Still, I think it’ll have made for great TV, which is clearly the only thing these dicks care about.” You hear a cough of disapproval from $boomer and the frown on your forehead melts as you look at him, still grinning, his eyes darting over to the bar hopefully. It would be a good chance to get to find out more about what Cerri wants. Who she wants. But he did just mess with your head for a second there. [[“Uh, you owe me a drink after faking me out.”]] [[“You don’t have to ask me twice. I need one too. Let’s go!”]]

Alex nods. “That’s fair. I can’t believe you couldn’t just tell from my face how bad it was. Unless I was numb from the shock.” He laughs again and shakes his head. “Anyway, I should be asking you how your date with Eli went. Although maybe I’ll really need a drink to hear that answer.” He raises an eyebrow as he says that last sentence and you laugh. (if:$elihope is "yes")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you were open to getting to know him better. That meant ending things with Alex. Probably soon. Should you tell him?]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you weren’t sure whether you’d consider recoupling with him. But you hadn’t firmly closed that door. You look at Alex and wonder whether you should be honest with him and admit that you’re a little bit tempted.]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You’d told Eli that there was no way you’d consider recoupling with him and you’d meant it. That doesn’t mean you don’t want Alex to sweat a little.] But he clearly isn’t in the mood to grill you right now. Instead he holds his hand out to you. “I genuinely could use a drink. Shall we go to the bar?” he asks, one eyebrow still raised. [[Take his hand.]] [[Ignore his hand and start walking.]]

He laughs. "I do love a $genderdescriptlower who knows what they want. Speaking of which, I should probably be asking you if you've decided that an Elven Prince is really what you want. Although maybe I’ll need more than one drink to hear that answer.” He raises an eyebrow as he says that last sentence, clearly acknowledging that he isn't being even slightly subtle, and you laugh. (if:$elihope is "yes")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you were open to getting to know him better. That meant ending things with Alex. Probably soon. Should you tell him?]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you weren’t sure whether you’d consider recoupling with him. But you hadn’t firmly closed that door. You look at Alex and wonder whether you should be honest with him and admit that you’re a little bit tempted.]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You’d told Eli that there was no way you’d consider recoupling with him and you’d meant it. That doesn’t mean you don’t want Alex to sweat a little.] But he clearly isn’t in the mood to grill you right now. Instead he holds his hand out to you. “I genuinely could use a drink. Shall we go to the bar?” he asks, one eyebrow still raised. [[Take his hand.]] [[Ignore his hand and start walking.]]

You take his hand and enjoy the warmth that envelopes you. The familiar tingle shoots up your arm and you squeeze his hand slightly. He smiles and leads you towards the bar. The others are in the pool. Catarina and Fleur seem absorbed in teaching Abe some kind of synchronised swimming routine and you shake your head as you watch them, amused at Abe’s face of complete concentration. They’re clearly all too busy to listen to your conversation with Alex, and so you know that this will be an opportunity to really know how his date went. You reach the bar and you turn to Alex to ask him what he wants to drink, but the question doesn’t escape your lips. You’re suddenly very aware of how close he is. [[Kiss him. It’s been like...half a day since you had a chance to taste those lips.]] [[Stop getting distracted. “What would you like to drink?”]]

You pretend not to see his outstretched hand, and instead start walking in the direction of the bar. Alex quickly catches you up and jokes, “Ok, beeline to the bar, I get it.” The two of you walk in silence, and it isn’t awkward, you can’t imagine Alex ever really making things awkward, but it does feel like there are questions hanging in the air between you both. You reach the bar quickly and you turn to him. [[Ask him what he’d like to drink|Stop getting distracted. “What would you like to drink?”]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }Your arms wrap around his neck and you bring your lips to his without a word. He responds hungrily, biting your bottom lip before lifting you effortlessly at the waist and placing you so that you’re sitting on the bar. “Kissing you is all I wanted to do the whole time I was on that date,” he murmurs before meeting your lips with his again. “Aww look how much they missed each other!” Fleur calls across from the pool and Alex looks at Fleur and then back to you, playfully rolling his eyes. “There’s just no such thing as alone time in this place, huh?” he asks. "Although I'm really hoping we can do something about that soon." He walks around the bar and looks in the fridge “Ok, I can offer you ...uh...pineapple juice, or pineapple juice. Or something which looks like it might belong to Aayush.” He looks back at you and you think for a moment. [[“Pineapple juice will have to do then!”]] [[“Some of your finest pineapple juice please barman.”]] [[“I’ll pass, thanks.”]]

Getting drinks and then asking about his date seems like a priority right now. But before you can ask the question, he’s already bending down and looking in the fridge. “Sorry,” he says grinning sheepishly, “I didn’t mean to jump in but the waiter inside me is sometimes more ferocious than the wolf.” He looks back down at the open fridge. “Ok, I can offer you ...uh...pineapple juice, or pineapple juice. Or something which looks like it might belong to Aayush.” He looks back at you and you think for a moment. [[“Pineapple juice will have to do then!”]] [[“Some of your finest pineapple juice please barman.”]] [[“I’ll pass, thanks.”]]

Alex nods and removes the top from the bottle, pouring it into a glass. “I guess it could be worse, huh?” he says as he carefully hands you the glass, clearly sensing your annoyance. The two of you take a seat at the bar, and you take a sip of your drink. Alex is unusually quiet and you wonder if it’s because he’s waiting to ask you about your date with Eli, or if he’s still recovering from his own date. You can’t deny that part of you is itching to know what Cerri’s game plan is, and there are so many questions swirling in your head. The main one being what the hell is going to happen at the recoupling tonight. Alex puts his glass down and then turns to you, a slight smile on his lips and an eyebrow raised. “Ok, who’s going to break first and ask the questions that are clearly on our minds about the dates. Actually, no, you go first. Ask me anything. I don't want to put you on the spot.” You exhale and take a moment. [[Ask Alex about his date]]

Alex removes the top from the bottle and then pours it into a glass. “I guess they need to restock. Where the hell did all the beer and spirits go?” You shrug. The whole place is a mystery to you. Unfathomable. The two of you take a seat at the bar, and you take a sip of your drink. Alex is unusually quiet and you wonder if it’s because he’s waiting to ask you about your date with Eli, or if he’s still recovering from his own date. You can’t deny that part of you is itching to know what Cerri’s game plan is, and there are so many questions swirling in your head. The main one being what the hell is going to happen at the recoupling tonight. Alex puts his glass down and then turns to you, a slight smile on his lips and an eyebrow raised. “Ok, who’s going to break first and ask the questions that are clearly on our minds about the dates. Actually, no, you go first. Ask me anything. I don't want to put you on the spot.” You exhale and take a moment. [[Ask Alex about his date]]

Alex nods “Fair enough” he replies, before pouring himself a drink. The two of you take a seat at the bar, and you watch quietly as Alex drinks. He’s unusually quiet and you wonder if it’s because he’s waiting to ask you about your date with Eli, or if he’s still recovering from his own date. You can’t deny that part of you is itching to know what Cerri’s game plan is, and there are so many questions swirling in your head. The main one being what the hell is going to happen at the recoupling tonight. Alex puts his glass down and then turns to you, a slight smile on his lips and an eyebrow raised. “Ok, who’s going to break first and ask the questions that are clearly on our minds about the dates. Actually, no, you go first. Ask me anything. I don't want to put you on the spot.” You exhale and take a moment. [[Ask Alex about his date]]

You take a moment, a little part of you is relieved you're not the first one asking the questions. You're still not sure how you'd describe your date with Eli. Alex leans over the bar slightly and then turns to you. “Ask me anything. No secrets here.” [[“Did Cerri explain why she’s here?”]] [[“Did you feel any of the old spark with her?”]]

Alex spins his glass on the counter and then looks at you. “Honestly? I think she’s just here to punish me. There was no hint at all that she wants me back because of love. Not that I would even think about that anyway,” he adds quickly, before continuing. “I think that the pack is pissed that I’ve done this and so they’ve sent her in here to make sure I have the worst time possible and leave. She spent the whole date telling me that I’d made a huge mistake and that I needed to go home and take up my rightful place as Alpha. It was exhausting.” He shakes his head and looks down at the bar for a minute before continuing. “She told me I was nothing without them. Without her. She’s here to make sure I understand that, apparently.” You take a moment to process that. Imagining having such a controlling and manipulating force in your life. “I guess the producers jumped at the suggestion because they thought it would create a love triangle when they saw how...well how happy I was from the second you walked in here.” He blushes for a moment and looks down at his drink before looking sideways at you, and catching your eye. [[“So she’s not after you? What about Aayush?”]] [[“From the second I walked in here?”]]

Alex is half way through taking a sip of his drink when you ask the question, and he almost spits it out. He turns to look at you, his face entertained. “I- did you think I was exaggerating when I got back from the date? I really wasn’t. It was terrible. The only spark was the burning rage in my stomach at the way she kept speaking about me...and you.” His face has lost its amused expression and he shakes his head. "I think she’s honestly just here to punish me. There was no hint at all that she wants me back because of love. Not that I would even think about that anyway” he adds quickly, before continuing “I think that the pack is pissed that I’ve done this and so they’ve sent her in here to make sure I have the worst time possible and leave. She spent the whole date telling me that I’d made a huge mistake and that I needed to go home and take up my rightful place as Alpha. It was exhausting.” He shakes his head and looks down at the bar for a minute. “She told me I was nothing without them. Without her. She’s here to make sure I understand that, apparently.” You take a moment to process that. Imagining having such a controlling and manipulating force in your life. “I guess the producers jumped at the suggestion because they thought it would create a love triangle when they saw how...well how happy I was from the second you walked in here.” He blushes for a moment and looks down at his drink before looking sideways at you, and catching your eye. [[“So she’s not after you? What about Aayush?”]] [[“From the second I walked in here?”]]

He looks over to where Aayush and Cerri last stood before going on their date. "Aayush is more her type. Confident, successful, powerful. I’m not sure whether he’d be into her, although I get the feeling he likes a challenge. She seems...different around him. Happy, even.” [[“Wait. So you think she likes Aayush? She might pick him?”]] [[“She’s going to choose you at the recoupling tonight, isn’t she?”]]

Alex turns so he’s facing you. “The very second.” he says quietly and you feel your heart flutter. But the moment is gone as quickly as it arrives and he downs the rest of his juice with such determination that it might as well be whisky. “I don’t understand why they can’t leave me alone. They’re just going to be pushing me further away. And Cerri is just going to be full of anger and resentment towards me the whole time. She should just pick Aayush. He’s more her type anyway. Confident, successful, powerful.” [[“Wait. So you think she likes Aayush? She might pick him?”]] [[“She’s going to choose you at the recoupling tonight, isn’t she?”]]

Alex shakes his head. “It will never be that simple with her. She’ll choose making me miserable over her own happiness. I can guarantee it. She may not have any love for me, but sometimes I think her actions are fuelled by hate. Or at least her actions towards me are." He looks sad in that moment and you reach out and place a hand on his arm. [[“Maybe she'll surprise us.”]] [[“Maybe it’ll all work out for the best.”]]

Alex runs a hand through his hair. “I think it’s likely, yeah. If the pack order is to stick close to me and get me to leave, then there’s no way she’s going to deviate from that path, even if it makes her miserable.” He looks sad in that moment and you reach out and place a hand on his arm. [[“Maybe she'll surprise us.”]] [[“Maybe it’ll all work out for the best.”]]

Alex looks at you thoughtfully for a moment before shrugging one shoulder. "Yeah maybe. Although I have a feeling that $boomer’s gang will make sure that tonight involves the maximum amount of drama possible.” You realise the light in the dome has dimmed slightly and that the recoupling is inching closer. Alex drums a rhythm on the bar counter and then turns to you. “So is it my turn to ask about your date?” You nod and wait to see what he wants to know. He asks a question so simple, but with so much meaning behind it. “So. How was it?” He tilts his head to one side slightly, and a lock of dark hair falls across his forehead. You sense that he’s trying hard to seem chilled, but his eyes are flashing with something that tells you that your answer is going to be important to him. [[“Honestly? It was a great date but he’s no match for you.”]] [[“It was so dull. I missed you the whole time.”]] [[“It was great. Really great. He’s just...amazing.”]]

Alex nods. “That’s true. Although I have a feeling that $boomer’s gang will make sure that tonight involves the maximum amount of drama possible.” You realise the light in the dome has dimmed slightly and that the recoupling is inching closer. Alex drums a rhythm on the bar counter and then turns to you. “So is it my turn to ask about your date?” You nod and wait to see what he wants to know. He asks a question so simple, but with so much meaning behind it. “So. How was it?” He tilts his head to one side slightly, and a lock of dark hair falls across his forehead. You sense that he’s trying hard to seem chilled, but his eyes are flashing with something that tells you that your answer is going to be important to him. [[“Honestly? It was a great date but he’s no match for you.”]] [[“It was so dull. I missed you the whole time.”]] [[“It was great. Really great. He’s just...amazing.”]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }Alex looks visibly relieved as you answer. “Eli seems like an incredible guy so I can only imagine how great the date was. I’m guessing it was a lot more relaxed than mine,” he laughs. “Although a date with a hungry tiger would have been more chilled than mine.” He looks at you quietly for a moment. “You don’t have to tell me, of course, but did anything uh, happen between you guys? I mean, I’ve seen him, I wouldn’t judge you.” His tone of voice suggests that he might not judge you, but it sure would hurt him like hell. (if:$elifirstkiss is "yes")[You think back to the kiss. It was just once, and it didn’t mean anything, although it was a little bit magical. Should you be honest? Or hide the truth? Can anything truly be hidden in this place? [[Tell the truth. “I did kiss him. Once. It just sort of happened.”]] [[Lie “Nope, nothing happened.”]] [[“I don’t really see why I should have to answer that.”]] ]\ (if:$elifirstkiss is "no")[You don’t have anything to hide and you feel relieved. [[“Nothing happened between us.”]] [[“I don’t really see why I should have to answer that.”]] ]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +20) }Alex laughs at your answer. "Eli? Dull? You've met him, right? Although I'm not going to pretend that I'm not a little relieved to hear I was on your mind. You were definitely on mine." His eyes sparkle, and you shift in your seat slightly. "Anyway, I’m guessing it was a lot more relaxed than mine,” he laughs. “Although a date with a hungry tiger would have been more chilled than mine.” He looks at you quietly for a moment. “You don’t have to tell me, of course, but did anything uh, happen between you guys? I mean, I’ve seen him, I wouldn’t judge you.” His tone of voice suggests that he might not judge you, but it sure would hurt him like hell. (if:$elifirstkiss is "yes")[You think back to the kiss. It was just once, and it didn’t mean anything, although it was a little bit magical. Should you be honest? Or hide the truth? Can anything truly be hidden in this place? [[Tell the truth. “I did kiss him. Once. It just sort of happened.”]] [[Lie “Nope, nothing happened.”]] [[“I don’t really see why I should have to answer that.”]] ]\ (if:$elifirstkiss is "no")[You don’t have anything to hide and you feel relieved. [[“Nothing happened between us.”]] [[“I don’t really see why I should have to answer that.”]] ]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex -20) }Alex shifts in his seat and you can see him jut his jaw out slightly, clearly fighting the urge to show his emotions about your evaluation. "Well that's, uh, great. I guess. He does seem like an incredible guy. Who wouldn't love spending time on a date with him? I'm a little bit jealous he didn't pick me," he says with a forced upbeat tone in his voice. He looks at you quietly for a moment. “You don’t have to tell me, of course, but did anything uh, happen between you guys? I mean, I’ve seen him, I wouldn’t judge you.” His tone of voice suggests that he might not judge you, but it sure would hurt him like hell. (if:$elifirstkiss is "yes")[You think back to the kiss. It was just once, and it didn’t mean anything, although it was a little bit magical. Should you be honest? Or hide the truth? Can anything truly be hidden in this place? [[Tell the truth. “I did kiss him. Once. It just sort of happened.”]] [[Lie “Nope, nothing happened.”]] [[“I don’t really see why I should have to answer that.”]] ]\ (if:$elifirstkiss is "no")[You don’t have anything to hide and you feel relieved. [[“Nothing happened between us.”]] [[“I don’t really see why I should have to answer that.”]] ]

Alex's eyes lose their sparkle for a moment and he nods slowly. "Well thanks for being honest. I sort of wish I hadn't asked. Ignorance is bliss. Although I know it shouldn't bother me, really. We've been together for two days...I get it. It's just-" his sentence fades away and has no resolution. You're relieved you've told the truth. Eventually he seems to process the information. "Ok, well, what a day, huh?" That's all he says, and the two of you fall back into silence. Your stomach tightens when you realise the light has shifted again. It really is going to be the evening soon. You hear the sound of unfamiliar laughter and turn to realise that it’s Cerri returning from her date with Aayush. She’s smiling and laughing at something he’s just said and she looks like a completely different person to the angry scowling girl you’ve known so far. If Aayush makes her so happy why the hell wouldn’t she pick him? This loyalty to the demands of the pack is something that is going to take a while to understand. There is one person who is clearly not intrigued to see how happy Aayush and Cerri are together, and that’s Lily. A dark cloud is swarming around her, and Cat is whispering something into her ear, while also drawing some kind of symbol in the air with her finger. You wonder for a moment just how dangerous Lily is, but then a far more pressing concern weighs down on you. What’s going to happen at the recoupling tonight. As if he’s reading your mind, Alex looks into your eyes as he says “$name, I just want to check we’re on the same page. If I get to choose tonight it’ll be your name I’m saying..if..if that’s what you want. I just wanted to check after this afternoon with Eli. The kiss doesn't change the fact I'd like to keep exploring what this is between us, but I understand if it's changed things for you, and I'll step away.” [[Smile “One hundred percent. And the same for me”]] [[You’re really not sure what you want. Still. “Let’s leave it up to fate.”]] [[You know it isn’t Alex you want to move forward with in this game. “Please don’t Alex. There’s someone else I’m hoping to couple with tonight.”]]

You pause for a moment before answering. You're not sure you want to see the hurt in his eyes if you tell him the truth. Plus it could make things difficult for you. How is one little lie going to hurt? You answer as nonchalantly as possible, but there's a possibility that you sound a little too much like you're trying to be relaxed, because Alex pauses and studies your face for a moment. But then he smiles and replies, “I’m cringing inside that I even asked that question, but I’m not going to deny that I’m happy to hear that.” A pang of guilt hits you in the chest, but it's too late now. You just hope he won't find out the truth. But you don't think Eli will tell him, and who else is there? $boomer. Your stomach tightens when you realise the light in the dome has shifted again. It really is going to be the evening soon. You hear the sound of unfamiliar laughter and turn to realise that it’s Cerri returning from her date with Aayush. She’s smiling and laughing at something he’s just said and she looks like a completely different person to the angry scowling girl you’ve known so far. If Aayush makes her so happy why the hell wouldn’t she pick him? This loyalty to the demands of the pack is something that is going to take a while to understand. There is one person who is clearly not intrigued to see how happy Aayush and Cerri are together, and that’s Lily. A dark cloud is swarming around her, and Cat is whispering something into her ear, while also drawing some kind of symbol in the air with her finger. You wonder for a moment just how dangerous Lily is, but then a far more pressing concern weighs down on you. What’s going to happen at the recoupling tonight. As if he’s reading your mind, Alex looks into your eyes as he says “$name, I just want to check we’re on the same page. If I get to choose tonight it’ll be your name I’m saying..if..if that’s what you want. If spending time with Eli has changed your mind I respect that and I'll step away, but I'd rather you were honest with me now.” [[Smile “One hundred percent. And the same for me”]] [[You’re really not sure what you want. Still. “Let’s leave it up to fate.”]] [[You know it isn’t Alex you want to move forward with in this game. “Please don’t Alex. There’s someone else I’m hoping to couple with tonight.”]]

You answer in a matter of fact tone and Alex sits back on his stool, before turning to you with a smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, I deserve that response," he replies. "I'll drop that topic." The two of you sit quietly and you look around the dome. Your stomach tightens when you realise the light has shifted again. It really is going to be the evening soon. You hear the sound of unfamiliar laughter and turn to realise that it’s Cerri returning from her date with Aayush. She’s smiling and laughing at something he’s just said and she looks like a completely different person to the angry scowling girl you’ve known so far. If Aayush makes her so happy why the hell wouldn’t she pick him? This loyalty to the demands of the pack is something that is going to take a while to understand. There is one person who is clearly not intrigued to see how happy Aayush and Cerri are together, and that’s Lily. A dark cloud is swarming around her, and Cat is whispering something into her ear, while also drawing some kind of symbol in the air with her finger. You wonder for a moment just how dangerous Lily is, but then a far more pressing concern weighs down on you. What’s going to happen at the recoupling tonight. As if he’s reading your mind, Alex looks into your eyes as he says “$name, I just want to check we’re on the same page. If I get to choose tonight it’ll be your name I’m saying..if..if that’s what you want. If spending time with Eli has changed your mind I respect that and I'll step away, but I'd rather you were honest with me now.” [[Smile “One hundred percent. And the same for me”]] [[You’re really not sure what you want. Still. “Let’s leave it up to fate.”]] [[You know it isn’t Alex you want to move forward with in this game. “Please don’t Alex. There’s someone else I’m hoping to couple with tonight.”]]

You answer confidently, relieved that you hadn’t been tempted by the Elven Prince. Alex smiles. “I’m cringing inside that I even asked that question, but I’m not going to deny that I’m happy to hear that.” You laugh, his face looks so relieved that there would be no point in him denying it anyway. You take a moment to study his face, wondering at how someone who seems so confident one minute, can seem so unsure the next. Although the uncertainty always seems to be about you. Is that just the effect you have on him? Your stomach tightens when you realise the light in the dome has shifted again. It really is going to be the evening soon. You hear the sound of unfamiliar laughter and turn to realise that it’s Cerri returning from her date with Aayush. She’s smiling and laughing at something he’s just said and she looks like a completely different person to the angry scowling girl you’ve known so far. If Aayush makes her so happy why the hell wouldn’t she pick him? This loyalty to the demands of the pack is something that is going to take a while to understand. There is one person who is clearly not intrigued to see how happy Aayush and Cerri are together, and that’s Lily. A dark cloud is swarming around her, and Cat is whispering something into her ear, while also drawing some kind of symbol in the air with her finger. You wonder for a moment just how dangerous Lily is, but then a far more pressing concern weighs down on you. What’s going to happen at the recoupling tonight. As if he’s reading your mind, Alex looks into your eyes as he says “$name, I just want to check we’re on the same page. If I get to choose tonight it’ll be your name I’m saying..if..if that’s what you want.If spending time with Eli has changed your mind I respect that and I'll step away, but I'd rather you were honest with me now.” [[Smile “One hundred percent. And the same for me”]] [[You’re really not sure what you want. Still. “Let’s leave it up to fate.”]] [[You know it isn’t Alex you want to move forward with in this game. “Please don’t Alex. There’s someone else I’m hoping to couple with tonight.”]]

{(set: $couple1recouple2 to "Yes") (set: $romancealex to $romancealex +50) }Alex beams back at you. “How did I get so lucky? What were the chances of someone as amazing as you being in this bubble under the sea? And that you actually like me?” But you don’t get to answer. It’s time for $boomer to interrupt. Again. “Well Buried Lovers, the dates are over and the dome is growing dark. That can only mean one thing. It’s time for the recoupling! Please gather at the firepit and get ready to greet a very special guest.” You look at Alex, and see his eyes are also reflecting uncertainty. A special guest can never be a good thing. Still, it’s time to see what is going to happen next. Will you get to live in blissful happiness in the dome? Unlikely. [[Hold out your hand to Alex and walk to the firepit together]] [[Look at Alex and nod your head in the direction of the firepit. “Shall we?”]]

{(set: $couple1recouple2 to "Maybe") }Alex looks at you quizzically. “Fate? Ok. Although I think fate may come in the form of an annoyed Welsh werewolf.” He runs a hand through his hair "I do understand if you're not sure, $name. Honestly." But you don’t get to answer. It’s time for $boomer to interrupt. Again. “Well Buried Lovers, the dates are over and the dome is growing dark. That can only mean one thing. It’s time for the recoupling! Please gather at the firepit and get ready to greet a very special guest.” You look at Alex, and see his eyes are also reflecting uncertainty. A special guest can never be a good thing. Still, it’s time to see what is going to happen next. Will you get to live in blissful happiness in the dome? Unlikely. [[Hold out your hand to Alex and walk to the firepit together]] [[Look at Alex and nod your head in the direction of the firepit. “Shall we?”]]

{(set: $couple1recouple2 to "No") (set: $romancealex to $romancealex -100) }Alex visibly moves backwards on his stool like he's avoiding a punch. You feel like honestly is the best approach, even if it does cause some temporary hurt. But the two of you have been together for two days and there are other options to explore. Alex nods and looks down. "Ok, I appreciate your honesty. Can I ask who you want to couple with?" But you don’t get to answer. It’s time for $boomer to interrupt. Again. “Well Buried Lovers, the dates are over and the dome is growing dark. That can only mean one thing. It’s time for the recoupling! Please gather at the firepit and get ready to greet a very special guest.” You look at Alex, and see his eyes are also reflecting uncertainty. A special guest can never be a good thing. Still, it’s time to see what is going to happen next. Will you get to live in blissful happiness in the dome? Unlikely. [[Look at Alex and nod your head in the direction of the firepit. “Shall we?”]]

Alex takes your hand, lacing his fingers with yours. The two of you walk over to the firepit quietly, and you notice that a silence has fallen throughout the dome. Noone is talking. Everyone seems to be lost in their own thoughts. Uncertainty is hanging in the air. The silence is suddenly broken by a shout from Cat. “Antonia! What in the name of-” You look to Alex and then the pair of you jog over to see what has caused the outburst from Cat. You arrive at the firepit to find that the visitor is a middle aged woman, with long dark hair and bright red lipstick. She’s sitting at a table with a purple velvet blanket draped over it. You look at Cat, who seems to be annoyed. [[“Cat, are you ok? Who-”]]

Alex nods and the two of you walk over to the firepit quietly. You notice that a silence has fallen throughout the dome. Noone is talking. Everyone seems to be lost in their own thoughts. Uncertainty is hanging in the air. The silence is suddenly broken by a shout from Cat. “Antonia! What in the name of-” You look to Alex and then the pair of you jog over to see what has caused the outburst from Cat. You arrive at the firepit to find that the visitor is a middle aged woman, with long dark hair and bright red lipstick. She’s sitting at a table with a purple velvet blanket draped over it. You look at Cat, who seems to be annoyed. [[“Cat, are you ok? Who-”]]

“That,” Cat interrupts, “is my Aunt Antonia. She’s meddled in my love life for as long as I can remember, and apparently I’m not safe in here either.” You try to understand what Cat’s aunt could possibly be doing at the recoupling, and fail. Was she joining the show? But how awkward would that be for Cat? “Now, Catarina,” Antonia says in a deep sultry voice that causes Eli to exclaim ‘Oh my’, his amusement clear. Antonia continues, “I’m just here to help fate take its course. No other motive. Not that you couldn’t use some help, Catarina. You are hardly lighting the world’s screens with burning passion, are you?” You look at Cat, open-mouthed and see that her cheeks are burning red. You’re not sure if it’s embarrassment or anger, but think it’s probably a mix of the two. You’re still uncertain about Antonia’s role in all of this, and for the first time you’re relieved to hear $boomer, hoping that clarity will be provided. “Buried Lovers. We know that these decisions can be a difficult thing and so we’ve enlisted Antonia, who will help to channel fate in deciding what order you will all get to choose your new couples in. That is, of course, after our new residents have made their decision.” You hear Eli exhale, and see Aayush exchange a glance with Cerri. What does that mean? Is she going to pick him? Is there any chance at all that fate will support you in having some kind of control over what happens next?” Antonia moves her hands and reveals that they have been resting over a deck of cards. You can see an ornate pattern on them which reminds you of the kind of design on tarot cards. She picks up the cards and shuffles them. Then slowly and deliberately she picks the card on the top of the deck and places it down, face up, tapping it with a long purple nail before declaring... “The Elf” You peer over at the table, and see that the card has an illustration of Eli on it. He’s holding a bow and arrow, his blonde hair flowing out around him. It’s beautiful. But then so is he. Eli steps forward. He looks at you. [[You return his stare. You’ve stopped breathing without even realising it.]]

(if:$elihope is "yes")[You made it clear on your date that you were interested in recoupling with him, and he seemed to be interested. Didn’t he? But you don’t know how his date with Rota went. Eli mouths ‘Sorry’ at you, followed by ‘speak later’ before turning his eyes to Rota. “The girl I want to couple with has left me speechless with her power and beauty. I’ve always wanted to know more about the universe beyond the rock I call home, and I have a feeling that exploring it with her would be an adventure I’d never forget.” Your stomach sinks and you know the name that is about to escape his lips before he’s even said it. “Rota.” Rota smiles and walks confidently over to Eli, slapping him on the shoulder when she reaches his side. You look over at Abe whose face looks about as forlorn as you’re feeling right now. You feel a huge disappointment. The date had gone so well that you were sure he’d pick you.]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[You told Eli you weren’t sure about recoupling with him. It was too big a decision in that moment. But it means you’re really not sure what is about to happen. What name is about to fall from his Elven lips? Eli mouths ‘Speak later’ at you before turning his eyes to Rota. “The girl I want to couple with has left me speechless with her power and beauty. I’ve always wanted to know more about the universe beyond the rock I call home, and I have a feeling that exploring it with her would be an adventure I’d never forget.” You know the name that is about to escape his lips before he’s even said it. “Rota.” Rota smiles and walks confidently over to Eli, slapping him on the shoulder when she reaches his side. You look over at Abe whose face looks devastated. You’re not sure how to feel in this moment.]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You told Eli that you weren’t interested in coupling up with him, but there is still a little flutter of excitement in your stomach as you wonder what name is going to fall off those Elven lips. Eli mouths ‘Speak later’ at you before turning his eyes to Rota. “The girl I want to couple with has left me speechless with her power and beauty. I’ve always wanted to know more about the universe beyond the rock I call home, and I have a feeling that exploring it with her would be an adventure I’d never forget.” You know the name that is about to escape his lips before he’s even said it. “Rota.” Rota smiles and walks confidently over to Eli, slapping him on the shoulder when she reaches his side. You look over at Abe whose face looks devastated. You wonder who he’ll couple up with now. He doesn’t seem to have formed an attachment to anyone.] But there isn’t time to dwell because Antonia has placed another card down. “The She-Wolf,” she says, the words rolling off her tongue with a purr. [[Look at Cerri and wait for her decision]]

Cerri steps forward. “This decision is an easy one. I’m in here with a very clear purpose, and that is to make someone from my past realise what he’s missing out on. That person is Alex.” You hear Alex let out a growl of frustration. (if:$couple1recouple2 is "Yes")[Your heart sinks. You didn’t need a card to tell you that this was going to happen, but there had still been a glimmer of hope that Cerri would choose Aayush instead. You wonder if throwing a nearby plastic flamingo at her would be a bad move. You look at Alex, and he looks back at you before leaning forward to whisper “This is fine. It won’t be forever.” [[Nod and look at the ground. You don’t want Cerri to see how much hurt she’s causing]] [[Wrap your arms around him. Make this moment one to remember.]] ]\ (if:$couple1recouple2 is "Maybe")[Your heart sinks. Although you’re not sure whether you want to stay coupled with him, the thought of him being coupled with Cerri is just too much. She’ll make him miserable and it isn’t fair. You look to Alex, and he looks back at you before shrugging and saying “Well, there it is. Although if you decide that you do want to couple up with me in the future I’ll be waiting.” [[Smile and nod. No point making a bad situation worse.]] [[Hug Alex. You have a feeling he’s going to need all of the support he can get.]] ]\ (if:$couple1recouple2 is "No")[Your heart sinks. Although you don’t want to be coupled with him any more, you hate the idea of her making his life miserable just to prove a point. You look to Alex, and he looks back at you before shrugging and saying “Well, there it is. Although if you decide that you do want to couple up with me in the future I’ll be waiting.” [[Smile and nod. No point making a bad situation worse.]] [[Hug Alex. You have a feeling he’s going to need all of the support he can get.]] ]

Annoyance that Cerri is using Alex like this runs through your veins, and part of you wants to shout at her. But instead you nod and look at the ground. Not wanting her to see the upset that is burning in your eyes. You know this is a game. Not forever. There will be a chance for you to spend more time with him. But you can’t help but feel frustrated that isn’t happening for you right now. Alex squeezes your hand and then walks over to stand by Cerri. You stand alone, looking around the group and wondering what is going to happen next. Will you get to choose? And who would you couple with now? But fate has clearly decided to make you wait. “The Genie,” Antonia declares, and you watch as Zein steps forward, looking unusually nervous. They are clearly going to choose Fleur, so why be so nervous? “The person I want to couple with is the most magical being I could have ever imagined. She makes me feel whole in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of. The person I want to couple with is Fleur.” Fleur squeals with happiness, and for the first time you notice beautiful opalescent wings behind her. Where did they come from? She half runs and half floats across the stage and into Zein’s arms. They both look ecstatic to be together and you realise you’re not the only one who has been worried about tonight’s recoupling. You look to Alex and you notice that both he and Cerri are looking at Zein and Fleur wistfully. Before you can consider what those looks mean you hear Antonia announce “The Hunter”. [[You look around the group, confused. Who was the hunter?]]

Annoyance that Cerri is using Alex like this runs through your veins, and part of you wants to shout at her. Instead you nod and then wrap your arms around him. He leans forward and buries his head into the crook of your neck. You take a moment to appreciate the feel and smell of him, before unwrapping your arms and taking a step back. You know he’s right. This is a game. Not forever. There will be a chance for you to spend more time with him. But you can’t help but feel frustrated that isn’t happening for you right now. Alex squeezes your hand and then walks over to stand by Cerri. You stand alone, looking around the group and wondering what is going to happen next. Will you get to choose? And who would you couple with now? But fate has clearly decided to make you wait. “The Genie,” Antonia declares, and you watch as Zein steps forward, looking unusually nervous. They are clearly going to choose Fleur, so why be so nervous? “The person I want to couple with is the most magical being I could have ever imagined. She makes me feel whole in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of. The person I want to couple with is Fleur.” Fleur squeals with happiness, and for the first time you notice beautiful opalescent wings behind her. Where did they come from? She half runs and half floats across the stage and into Zein’s arms. They both look ecstatic to be together and you realise you’re not the only one who has been worried about tonight’s recoupling. You look to Alex and you notice that both he and Cerri are looking at Zein and Fleur wistfully. Before you can consider what those looks mean you hear Antonia announce “The Hunter”. [[You look around the group, confused. Who was the hunter?]]

You smile and nod at Alex, trying to look reassuring, although the look on his face is suggesting you've failed miserably. "It's been fun," he says quietly, before walking over and standing next to Cerri. You stand alone, looking around the group and wondering what is going to happen next. Will you get to choose? And who would you couple with now? But fate has clearly decided to make you wait. “The Genie,” Antonia declares, and you watch as Zein steps forward, looking unusually nervous. They are clearly going to choose Fleur, so why be so nervous? “The person I want to couple with is the most magical being I could have ever imagined. She makes me feel whole in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of. The person I want to couple with is Fleur.” Fleur squeals with happiness, and for the first time you notice beautiful opalescent wings behind her. Where did they come from? She half runs and half floats across the stage and into Zein’s arms. They both look ecstatic to be together and you realise you’re not the only one who has been worried about tonight’s recoupling. You look to Alex and you notice that both he and Cerri are looking at Zein and Fleur wistfully. Before you can consider what those looks mean you hear Antonia announce “The Hunter”. [[You look around the group, confused. Who was the hunter?]]

You give Alex a quick hug. Irrespective of the fact you're not sure he's the one for you, you still hate seeing how fed up he's looking in this moment. Alex hugs you back and then looks over to Cerri. "It's been fun," he says quietly, before walking over and standing next to Cerri. You stand alone, looking around the group and wondering what is going to happen next. Will you get to choose? And who would you couple with now? But fate has clearly decided to make you wait. “The Genie,” Antonia declares, and you watch as Zein steps forward, looking unusually nervous. They are clearly going to choose Fleur, so why be so nervous? “The person I want to couple with is the most magical being I could have ever imagined. She makes me feel whole in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of. The person I want to couple with is Fleur.” Fleur squeals with happiness, and for the first time you notice beautiful opalescent wings behind her. Where did they come from? She half runs and half floats across the stage and into Zein’s arms. They both look ecstatic to be together and you realise you’re not the only one who has been worried about tonight’s recoupling. You look to Alex and you notice that both he and Cerri are looking at Zein and Fleur wistfully. Before you can consider what those looks mean you hear Antonia announce “The Hunter”. [[You look around the group, confused. Who was the hunter?]]

With a cough Abe steps forward. “I guess that’s me. Just going by the picture”. You look at the card and see that it’s a depiction of Abe standing, looking down at the world, with a weapon in his hand. It doesn’t align with the quiet boy you’ve met, and you look back at him, intrigued. Abe starts to speak, his eyes focused on the ground. “Uh well, I’m choosing this $genderdescriptlower because I think we might have some things in common and uh, I’m looking forward to getting a chance to understand them better.” His eyes move from the ground and he looks into your eyes before saying “$name.” Your head spins slightly. He’s just said your name. But you’ve hardly interacted with him at all. “Uh, if that’s ok,” he finishes, clearly reading the confusion in your face and feeling awkward. [[Walk over to stand by Abe.]]

{(set: $coupled to "Abe") }You catch $couple1’s eye before making your way to where Abe is standing. He smiles at you as you walk over, and you notice for the first time how gentle his deep brown eyes are. “I’m sorry,” he leans over and whispers. [[“Nothing to be sorry for, Abe, I’m looking forward to getting to know you”]] [[“It’s alright. Although I’m not sure why you picked me.”]] [[“Yeah, you should be.”]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +20) }Abe breathes a sigh of relief and visibly relaxes. “Ok good” he says in his deep voice. Your attention is drawn back to the rest of the group. Cat, Aayush and Lily are the only people left. Antonia places the next card down and declares “The Vampire.” Lily looks relieved and smiles at him as he steps forward, but you can see that Aayush is looking worried. It isn’t an emotion you would have ever equated to the suave vampire and your stomach tightens when you realise what is about to happen. A heart is about to get broken. A very dangerous heart. Aayush starts to speak in his usual smooth and calm voice “The person I’d like to couple up with has intrigued me from the start. She has a quiet power which is very attractive to me. I came into this place hoping to find someone I could imagine opening my very closed heart to and I...I-” he stutters slightly, and you’re sure you can see him sidestep away from Lily. “I would like to see if a new coupling will help with that.” You feel a cold wind sweep across the dome, it’s force almost pushing you over. Abe rests his hand on your back, helping you to stay standing, and you look at him gratefully. The black storm is back, rolling around Lily as she watches Aayush, her already pale skin now the purest white and her eyes flashing with pure fire. “Aayush-” Cat starts to say, a warning note in her voice, but Aayush shakes his head and looks at her “I have to.” He takes another step away from Lily. “The person I want to couple with is Catarina.” Lily wails and the sound causes everything in the dome to shake. The water in the pool flies into the air and then lands back in the pool with such a force that it spills over the edges, lakes of water quickly forming around the edge. Cat starts to speak. “Lily, I didn’t know. I don’t want-” but none of her words calm the storm of fury that is emanating from Lily. Lily throws her hands forward and without touching him sends Aayush flying across the firepit, until he lands at your feet. You look around, realising that this situation is going to keep escalating, and $boomer clearly isn’t planning to intervene. You wonder if there’s anything you can do to help. You feel like you understand Lily better after your early morning conversation with her. [[Uh. No. I’m staying the hell out of this, thanks.]] [[Try to help.]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +5) }Abe breathes a sigh of relief and quietly mumbles, "I just thought it would be good to get to know each other." Your attention is drawn back to the rest of the group. Cat, Aayush and Lily are the only people left. Antonia places the next card down and declares “The Vampire.” Lily looks relieved and smiles at him as he steps forward, but you can see that Aayush is looking worried. It isn’t an emotion you would have ever equated to the suave vampire and your stomach tightens when you realise what is about to happen. A heart is about to get broken. A very dangerous heart. Aayush starts to speak in his usual smooth and calm voice “The person I’d like to couple up with has intrigued me from the start. She has a quiet power which is very attractive to me. I came into this place hoping to find someone I could imagine opening my very closed heart to and I...I-” he stutters slightly, and you’re sure you can see him sidestep away from Lily. “I would like to see if a new coupling will help with that.” You feel a cold wind sweep across the dome, it’s force almost pushing you over. Abe rests his hand on your back, helping you to stay standing, and you look at him gratefully. The black storm is back, rolling around Lily as she watches Aayush, her already pale skin now the purest white and her eyes flashing with pure fire. “Aayush-” Cat starts to say, a warning note in her voice, but Aayush shakes his head and looks at her “I have to.” He takes another step away from Lily. “The person I want to couple with is Catarina.” Lily wails and the sound causes everything in the dome to shake. The water in the pool flies into the air and then lands back in the pool with such a force that it spills over the edges, lakes of water quickly forming around the edge. Cat starts to speak. “Lily, I didn’t know. I don’t want-” but none of her words calm the storm of fury that is emanating from Lily. Lily throws her hands forward and without touching him sends Aayush flying across the firepit, until he lands at your feet. You look around, realising that this situation is going to keep escalating, and $boomer clearly isn’t planning to intervene. You wonder if there’s anything you can do to help. You feel like you understand Lily better after your early morning conversation with her. [[Uh. No. I’m staying the hell out of this, thanks.]] [[Try to help.]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe -20) }Abe shifts uncomfortably on his feet, quietly repeating "Sorry." Your attention is drawn back to the rest of the group. Cat, Aayush and Lily are the only people left. Antonia places the next card down and declares “The Vampire.” Lily looks relieved and smiles at him as he steps forward, but you can see that Aayush is looking worried. It isn’t an emotion you would have ever equated to the suave vampire and your stomach tightens when you realise what is about to happen. A heart is about to get broken. A very dangerous heart. Aayush starts to speak in his usual smooth and calm voice “The person I’d like to couple up with has intrigued me from the start. She has a quiet power which is very attractive to me. I came into this place hoping to find someone I could imagine opening my very closed heart to and I...I-” he stutters slightly, and you’re sure you can see him sidestep away from Lily. “I would like to see if a new coupling will help with that.” You feel a cold wind sweep across the dome, it’s force almost pushing you over. Abe rests his hand on your back, helping you to stay standing, and you look at him gratefully. The black storm is back, rolling around Lily as she watches Aayush, her already pale skin now the purest white and her eyes flashing with pure fire. “Aayush-” Cat starts to say, a warning note in her voice, but Aayush shakes his head and looks at her “I have to.” He takes another step away from Lily. “The person I want to couple with is Catarina.” Lily wails and the sound causes everything in the dome to shake. The water in the pool flies into the air and then lands back in the pool with such a force that it spills over the edges, lakes of water quickly forming around the edge. Cat starts to speak. “Lily, I didn’t know. I don’t want-” but none of her words calm the storm of fury that is emanating from Lily. Lily throws her hands forward and without touching him sends Aayush flying across the firepit, until he lands at your feet. You look around, realising that this situation is going to keep escalating, and $boomer clearly isn’t planning to intervene. You wonder if there’s anything you can do to help. You feel like you understand Lily better after your early morning conversation with her. [[Uh. No. I’m staying the hell out of this, thanks.]] [[Try to help.]]

You choose not to say or do anything. This isn't your problem, and messing with a demon seems like a bad idea. Instead Cat whispers something quietly to her. At first there is no change in the rageful storm that swirls around her. “Why?” she asks Aayush, looking up at him. “I don’t think I’m right for you, and I don’t think you’re right for me,” he responds, crouching down so he’s the same height as her “I think this would be a relationship of conflict and unhappiness. Life is too short for that Lily, and if a vampire is telling you that then you know it’s the truth.” You see a red tear working its way down Lily’s face, and the sight breaks your heart. But then the fire from the pit changes form and takes on a humanoid appearance. “Lillian.” The name is whispered, but the sound echoes through the dome. Lily looks around, her face scared. “D-Dad?” she asks. “Stop making a fool out of me and get home. Now.” The fire forms a fist and pulls her towards the pit. Lily doesn’t put up a fight and looks defeated as she’s dragged across the ground. “I-I’m sorry” are the last words she says before she’s consumed by the fire and disappears. You look to Cat, terrified for Lily. “Her father has summoned her home. She’ll be ok. She’s tough,” Cat says by way of explanation, although the tears in her eyes suggested that she was equally worried for her friend. You stare at the firepit which has returned to its normal blaze, and wonder what will happen next for Lily. “Well,” $boomer says, interrupting your chain of thought, “that saves us having to evict her I suppose. Still, a little rude to just arrive like that. I’ll be having words.” You wonder just how powerful $boomer thinks they are if they’re planning to take on Lily’s father. $boomer continues, “Well everyone, congratulations on your new couples. May you find eternal happiness together.” “Well that’s ominous,” Abe mutters under his breath, so quiet that only you can hear it, and you find a laugh escaping. You’re aware it could be hysteria, but whatever it is, you look at him gratefully. “I uh, I understand if you’d like to go and speak to $couple1” he says quietly “I’ll wait here.” [[“Thank you.” Go and speak to Alex.]] [[You realise this is a chance to see why Eli didn’t pick you “Actually, I wouldn’t mind catching up with Eli.”]] [[“No, that’s ok. I’m exhausted. I think it’s time for bed.”]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +100) }You take a deep breath and shout across at Lily. You remind her that she’s in here to be something different than her father. That she needs to control her anger if she’s going to achieve that. At first there is no change in the rageful storm that swirls around her. But as you remind her that she deserves to be loved, but that love can’t be forced, she calms slightly, until eventually she collapses to the floor. “Why?” she asks Aayush, looking up at him. “I don’t think I’m right for you, and I don’t think you’re right for me,” he responds, crouching down so he’s the same height as her “I think this would be a relationship of conflict and unhappiness. Life is too short for that Lily, and if a vampire is telling you that then you know it’s the truth.” You see a red tear working its way down Lily’s face, and the sight breaks your heart. But then the fire from the pit changes form and takes on a humanoid appearance. “Lillian.” The name is whispered, but the sound echoes through the dome. Lily looks around, her face scared. “D-Dad?” she asks. “Stop making a fool out of me and get home. Now.” The fire forms a fist and pulls her towards the pit. Lily doesn’t put up a fight and looks defeated as she’s dragged across the ground. “I-I’m sorry” are the last words she says before she’s consumed by the fire and disappears. You look to Cat, terrified for Lily. “Her father has summoned her home. She’ll be ok. She’s tough,” Cat says by way of explanation, although the tears in her eyes suggested that she was equally worried for her friend. You stare at the firepit which has returned to its normal blaze, and wonder what will happen next for Lily. “Well,” $boomer says, interrupting your chain of thought, “that saves us having to evict her I suppose. Still, a little rude to just arrive like that. I’ll be having words.” You wonder just how powerful $boomer thinks they are if they’re planning to take on Lily’s father. $boomer continues, “Well everyone, congratulations on your new couples. May you find eternal happiness together.” “Well that’s ominous,” Abe mutters under his breath, so quiet that only you can hear it, and you find a laugh escaping. You’re aware it could be hysteria, but whatever it is, you look at him gratefully. “I uh, I understand if you’d like to go and speak to $couple1” he says quietly “I’ll wait here.” [[“Thank you.” Go and speak to Alex.]] [[You realise this is a chance to see why Eli didn’t pick you “Actually, I wouldn’t mind catching up with Eli.”]] [[“No, that’s ok. I’m exhausted. I think it’s time for bed.”]]

You smile at Abe again and then walk over to Alex. Your head is swimming with everything that has just happened, and you don’t even care that Cerri is standing by him, glaring at you. You walk up to him and hug him, burying your face in his chest, and as he wraps his arms around you, you feel safe again. “It’ll be ok,” he whispers, “I promise.” You look into his blue eyes and see that he really believes that. “I’ll always be here for you. Whatever happens” he says, slightly louder, and you hear Cerri huff. $boomer speaks again, although sounds uncharacteristically shaky. “Uh, it would seem that someone wants to have a word with me. I’d better go. Buried Lovers please make your way to safety. Uh. I mean your huts. There is some dinner waiting for each of you inside your huts. The banquet planned for tonight has been cancelled.” You didn’t even know there was supposed to be a banquet, but you’re relieved you don’t have to be sociable tonight. Alex brings your palm to his mouth and very lightly kisses it. “See you tomorrow?” he asks. You smile and nod, before turning back to see Abe patiently waiting for you. You walk over to him and he extends his hand in the direction of the path leading to the huts. “Let me make sure you get home safely.” You’ve felt moments of danger in this dome before, but seeing the rage of Lily and the power of her father was terrifying, and you found yourself feeling relieved that Abe was offering his company for the short walk to the hut. [[Follow Abe.]]

Abe nods with understanding in his eyes. You don’t have to look far to find Eli as when you turn around you find him standing behind you. (if:$elihope is "yes")[“$name. I thought I should explain why I didn’t pick you.” You wait silently for his explanation, your arms crossed. You made it clear you were interested in him, and he had seemed to reciprocate that. He shifts on his feet slightly, and it’s the first time you’ve seen a crack in his confidence. “It’s just that I felt something between us, and I know you said you’d be interested in us getting to know each other better, but I have a feeling that if we coupled up that would be it until the end. Game Over. I’m not sure I could resist you if I spent more time with you. But things between you and $couple1 seem really complicated, and I want to give you time to work through that, and to give me space to check that I haven’t fixated on the first magical creature I dated in here. You’re about to correct the ‘magical creature’ statement, but then all of his words tumble around in your head, causing you to feel simultaneously frustrated and confused. He hasn’t picked you because he thinks the two of you could have something serious? Is this some kind of Elven commitment phobia that no one warned you about? [[“So you’re just using Rota?”]] [[“Ok fine, whatever. I’m making no promises that I’ll be waiting around.”]] ]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[“$name. I thought I should explain why I didn’t pick you.” You wait silently for his explanation. You hadn’t been sure if you wanted to couple up with him, but you’re intrigued to see why he didn’t choose you. The spark between you had seemed so strong. He shifts on his feet slightly, and it’s the first time you’ve seen a crack in his confidence. “It’s just that I felt something between us, and I know you said you weren’t sure about recoupling with me and so I thought I’d give us some space to work through what that spark was before we’re forced into a couple situation. All of his words tumble around in your head. It sort of makes sense to take some more time, but wouldn’t it make more sense to get to know each other in a couple. And what about Rota? You’re starting to worry that he’s playing with her emotions. [[“So you’re just using Rota?”]] [[“Ok fine, whatever. I’m making no promises that I’ll be waiting around.”]] ]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[Although you told Eli you weren’t interested in him, there’s a part of you that is still intrigued to find out what it is that he wants to talk to you about. “$name, I just wondered if I could speak to you for a minute?” He shifts on his feet slightly, and it’s the first time you’ve seen a crack in his confidence. “I just wanted to say that although you said you weren’t interested, I’m still here if you’d like to change your mind.” You stare at him, open mouthed. He shakes his head. “Ok no, that sounded creepy. I just mean that I find you really intriguing and would love to get to know you better”. You’re about to ask him where Rota stands within all of this, but $boomer speaks again, although sounds uncharacteristically shaky. “Uh, it would seem that someone wants to have a word with me. I’d better go. Buried Lovers please make your way to safety. Uh. I mean your huts. There is some dinner waiting for each of you inside your huts. The banquet planned for tonight has been cancelled.” You didn’t even know there was supposed to be a banquet, but you’re relieved you don’t have to be sociable tonight. “Talk more tomorrow?" Eli asks and you nod absentmindedly, your brain now focused on the danger warning $boomer has just dropped. You look around and see Abe waiting patiently for you. You walk over to him and he extends his hand in the direction of the path leading to the huts “Let me make sure you get home safely.” You’ve felt moments of danger in this dome before, but seeing the rage of Lily and the power of her father was terrifying, and you found yourself feeling relieved that Abe was offering his company for the short walk to the hut. [[Follow Abe.]] ]

Abe nods quietly and extends his hand in the direction of the path leading to the huts. “Let me make sure you get home safely.” You’ve felt moments of danger in this dome before, but seeing the rage of Lily and the power of her father was terrifying, and you found yourself feeling relieved that Abe was offering his company for the short walk to the hut. [[Follow Abe.]]

Abe pushes his round rimmed glasses further up the bridge of his nose, before putting his hands in his pockets. There was no attempt to hold your hand or put his arm around you. Instead there is a quiet and solid companionship as he walks beside you back to the huts. As you walk past the huts he points to one. “That’s mine. If you need me I’ll be in there. I feel like I won’t sleep tonight. Can’t imagine why. It’s been such a calm evening.” He looks at you with a deadpan expression and you half snort, half laugh. When you reach your hut you turn to say goodbye. [[Hug him.]] [[Wave and walk into your hut...it’s time to see that feast]]

You turn and wrap your arms around him, muttering ‘thank you’. There’s something quietly comforting about his presence. The intimidating figure on his card is so different to the man in front of you. He seems surprised at first but relaxes into the hug, placing his hands on your back and he responds. “No problem.” You break the hug and turn to open your hut, stopping to wave a final goodbye before stepping inside. $boomer wasn’t joking. There’s a table full of food inside your hut, although you’re not sure how hungry you are. Your legs feel weak and you collapse onto your bed. You’re coupled with Abe, not $couple1. You aren’t even coupled with the person who had asked you on a date. You’ve got no idea what being coupled with Abe is going to be like, although there’s a little part of you that’s intrigued to find out. And Lily is gone. Your heart clenches again and you wonder how she is. You hope you’ll get to see her again, to check she’s alright. Before you can think anymore about everything that has happened, sleep consumes you. Which is probably a good thing, because if you were awake the quiet sound of a girl a long way from here gently crying would probably break your heart. [[Go to Day 4 Part 1 'Lonely Boy'.]]

You wave goodbye and walk into your hut, muttering ‘thank you’. You hear him reply with “No problem” as you close the door behind you. $boomer wasn’t joking. There’s a table full of food inside your hut, although you’re not sure how hungry you are. Your legs feel weak and you collapse onto your bed. You’re coupled with Abe, not $couple1. You aren’t even coupled with the person who had asked you on a date. You’ve got no idea what being coupled with Abe is going to be like, although there’s a little part of you that’s intrigued to find out. And Lily is gone. Your heart clenches again and you wonder how she is. You hope you’ll get to see her again, to check she’s alright. Before you can think anymore about everything that has happened, sleep consumes you. Which is probably a good thing, because if you were awake the quiet sound of a girl a long way from here gently crying would probably break your heart. [[Go to Day 4 Part 1 'Lonely Boy'.]]

Eli looks surprised by the accusation. “No! She hasn’t been having much fun with Abe and so we agreed that we’d couple up to give us both more time to test the water. She’s amazing. I can’t deny I’m intrigued. But there’s no romantic spark there at the moment. Let’s talk some more. Just the two of us. When we’ve had a chance to get over what has just happened." Before you can reply $boomer speaks again, although sounds uncharacteristically shaky. “Uh, it would seem that someone wants to have a word with me. I’d better go. Buried Lovers please make your way to safety. Uh. I mean your huts. There is some dinner waiting for each of you inside your huts. The banquet planned for tonight has been cancelled.” You didn’t even know there was supposed to be a banquet, but you’re relieved you don’t have to be sociable tonight. “Tomorrow?" Eli asks and you nod absentmindedly, your brain now focused on the danger warning $boomer has just dropped. You look around and see Abe waiting patiently for you. You walk over to him and he extends his hand in the direction of the path leading to the huts. “Let me make sure you get home safely.” You’ve felt moments of danger in this dome before, but seeing the rage of Lily and the power of her father was terrifying, and you found yourself feeling relieved that Abe was offering his company for the short walk to the hut. [[Follow Abe.]]

Eli looks amused which frustrates you even more. You're about to snap at him to stop smiling but he replies with something that causes the words to pause on your lips. "If we're supposed to be together, which I kind of think we are, then it'll work out. We'll get that fairytale. But what's a fairytale without some tension before the big finale?" Before you can reply $boomer speaks again, although sounds uncharacteristically shaky. “Uh, it would seem that someone wants to have a word with me. I’d better go. Buried Lovers please make your way to safety. Uh. I mean your huts. There is some dinner waiting for each of you inside your huts. The banquet planned for tonight has been cancelled.” You didn’t even know there was supposed to be a banquet, but you’re relieved you don’t have to be sociable tonight. “Tomorrow?" Eli asks and you nod absentmindedly, your brain now focused on the danger warning $boomer has just dropped. You look around and see Abe waiting patiently for you. You walk over to him and he extends his hand in the direction of the path leading to the huts “Let me make sure you get home safely.” You’ve felt moments of danger in this dome before, but seeing the rage of Lily and the power of her father was terrifying, and you found yourself feeling relieved that Abe was offering his company for the short walk to the hut. [[Follow Abe.]]

You keep your cool and greet him with a smile. Aayush tilts his head slightly to one side and asks, "Are you ok? You seem...tense?" Damn his vampire senses. He's seen right through you. You mumble a response about being hangry and he smiles. "Ah yes, I know that feeling very well. Although my angry when hungry side can have slightly more...difficult side effects." You smile, happy to be back in the company of this impossible boy. Some time away from him has somehow made him even more stunning to look at, and as his eyebrow arches up you suddenly realise you're staring at him. “So from the look on your face right now am I right to assume that I haven't lost you to the gorgeous elf yet? Your eyes kind of look like they're trying to devour me." You laugh in a mix of embarrassment and amusement, because he's not wrong. (if:$elihope is "yes")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you were open to getting to know him better. That meant ending things with Aayush. Probably soon. Should you tell him?]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you weren’t sure whether you’d consider recoupling with him. But you hadn’t firmly closed that door. You look at Aayush and wonder whether you should be honest with him and admit that you’re a little bit tempted.]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You’d told Eli that there was no way you’d consider recoupling with him and you’d meant it. That doesn’t mean you don’t want Aayush to sweat a little. If vampires can sweat, that is.] But he clearly isn’t in the mood to grill you right now. Instead he holds his hand out to you. “I could use some quiet time with you. Shall we go to the bar?” he asks, one eyebrow still raised. [[Nod and take his hand.]] [[Ignore his hand and start walking to the bar.]]

The questions tumble out of you in a rush and Aayush bursts out laughing. "That's a lot of big questions in a short period of time. And love? Why yes, I asked her to marry me, in fact." You can feel the blood rush to your cheeks. Why is it so impossible to keep cool around him? "To answer your questions properly. It was...adequate. Cerri was surprisingly funny. But no, no love. And more importantly, nothing compared to you." You smile, happy to be back in the company of this impossible boy. Some time away from him has somehow made him even more stunning to look at, and as his eyebrow arches up you suddenly realise you're staring at him. “So from the look on your face right now am I right to assume that I haven't lost you to the gorgeous elf yet? Your eyes kind of look like they're trying to devour me." You laugh in a mix of embarrassment and amusement, because he's not wrong. (if:$elihope is "yes")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you were open to getting to know him better. That meant ending things with Aayush. Probably soon. Should you tell him?]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[However, the laugh quickly silences when you remember the truth of the date. You’d told Eli that you weren’t sure whether you’d consider recoupling with him. But you hadn’t firmly closed that door. You look at Aayush and wonder whether you should be honest with him and admit that you’re a little bit tempted.]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You’d told Eli that there was no way you’d consider recoupling with him and you’d meant it. That doesn’t mean you don’t want Aayush to sweat a little. If vampires can sweat, that is.] But he clearly isn’t in the mood to grill you right now. Instead he holds his hand out to you. “I could use some quiet time with you. Shall we go to the bar?” he asks, one eyebrow still raised. [[Nod and take his hand.]] [[Ignore his hand and start walking to the bar.]]

You take his hand and realise that his coolness no longer seems unusual to you. It's just part of him. It's somehow soothing and you can feel the tension being released from your shoulders. He smiles and leads you towards the bar. The others are in the pool. Catarina and Fleur seem absorbed in teaching Abe some kind of synchronised swimming routine and you shake your head as you watch them, amused at Abe’s face of complete concentration. They’re clearly all too busy to listen to your conversation with Aayush, and so you know that this will be an opportunity to really find out how his date went. You reach the bar and you turn to Aayush, unsure whether you should be offering him a drink. Does he drink anything but his uh...special drinks? But the question doesn’t escape your lips. You’re suddenly very aware of how close he is. [[Kiss him. It’s been like...half a day since you had a chance to taste those lips and that has to be a crime,]] [[Stop getting distracted. “Do you, uh, want anything?”]]

You pretend not to see his outstretched hand, and start walking. He confidently matches your stride and is walking beside you quietly. The others are in the pool. Catarina and Fleur seem absorbed in teaching Abe some kind of synchronised swimming routine and you shake your head as you watch them, amused at Abe’s face of complete concentration. They’re clearly all too busy to listen to your conversation with Aayush, and so you know that this will be an opportunity to really find out how his date went. You reach the bar and you turn to Aayush, unsure whether you should be offering him a drink. Does he drink anything but his uh...special drinks? [["Do you, uh, want anything?"|Stop getting distracted. “Do you, uh, want anything?”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }Your arms wrap around his neck, your fingers gently stroking his hair. The intoxication of being around him hits you again and as you look at him you notice a hunger in his eyes that hasn't been there before. In that moment you just want to be close to him and you bring your lips to his without a word. He responds hungrily before breaking the kiss to tease you with his tongue. You find yourself completely breathless. “Tasting you is all I wanted to do the whole time I was on that date,” he murmurs before meeting your lips with his again. “Aww look how much they missed each other!” Fleur calls across from the pool and Aayush looks at Fleur and then back to you, his eyes still flashing with wanting. “I may have just got carried away, but you're too irresistible,” he says, running a hand through his hair. "Let me go and check if there's anything for me in that fridge." He opens the fridge and you hear him say "Phew there is" and then “Ok, I can offer you ...uh...pineapple juice, or pineapple juice.” He looks back at you and you think for a moment. [[“Some of your finest pineapple juice please, sir.”]] [[“Ugh. I’ll pass, thanks”]]

Getting drinks and then asking about his date seems like a priority right now. But before you can ask the question, he’s already bending down and looking in the fridge. “Sorry” he says “I didn’t mean to jump in but I was just checking whether there was anything in here for me. For later." So he's still hiding his diet from you. He looks back down at the open fridge. “Ok, I can offer you ...uh...pineapple juice, or pineapple juice.” He looks back at you and you think for a moment. [[“Some of your finest pineapple juice please, sir.”]] [[“Ugh. I’ll pass, thanks”]]

Aayush removes the top from the bottle and then pours it into a glass, adding a straw before passing it to you. You wonder where all of the other drink has gone, but give up. At this point everything seems so surreal that it's probably just a glitch in the computer programme you're all living in. The two of you take a seat at the bar, and you take a sip of your drink. You wonder if Aayush will ever drink in front of you. At that thought another image pops into your head. Aayush drinking from you. You feel a rush of blood to your head and sip your drink. It's easy to forget that he's not entirely human as you look at him stood in his shorts. But there was no denying the power in that kiss. Aayush is unusually quiet and you wonder if it’s because he’s thinking about the kiss, or waiting to ask you about your date with Eli. You can’t deny that part of you is dying to know how the date went and there are so many questions swirling in your head. The main one being what the hell is going to happen at the recoupling tonight. Aayush grins, flashing his beautiful white teeth. “I promised myself I wouldn't ask much about your date, but I have a feeling that until we talk about our dates, we'll never be able to talk about anything else. So...to save the conversations of our future you go first. Ask me anything about my date.” You exhale and take a moment. [[Ask Aayush about his date]]

Aayush nods and says, "Fair enough. I don't think I'd be a fan either." The two of you take a seat at the bar, drinkless, and you wonder if Aayush will ever drink in front of you. At that thought another image pops into your head. Aayush drinking from you. You feel a rush of blood to your head. It's easy to forget that he's not entirely human as you look at him sitting in his shorts. But there was no denying the power in that kiss. Aayush is unusually quiet and you wonder if it’s because he’s thinking about the kiss, or waiting to ask you about your date with Eli. You can’t deny that part of you is dying to know how the date went and there are so many questions swirling in your head. The main one being what the hell is going to happen at the recoupling tonight. Aayush grins, flashing his beautiful white teeth. “I promised myself I wouldn't ask much about your date, but I have a feeling that until we talk about our dates, we'll never be able to talk about anything else. So...to save the conversations of our future you go first. Ask me anything about my date.” You exhale and take a moment. [[Ask Aayush about his date]]

You take a moment, thinking through what questions you want to ask, trying to avoid asking too many. Aayush sits, quietly regarding you and waiting for your question. You wonder whether to start with a casual, or go straight to something more direct. [[“What did you do on the date?”]] [[“How much did you enjoy the date?”]]

Aayush sits back slightly when you ask the question. "Well we were sent to the relaxation hut. But when we got inside it looked completely different. They'd set it up with these pottery wheels and so we were trying, and failing to make a pot. It was fun to try, but honestly I just made a blob. Cerri's was marginally better." He pauses. [["Sounds messy."]] [["I wish I'd been there with you instead."]] [[Keep quiet]]

"Straight to the point," Aayush says, smiling. "It wasn't the worst hour of my life. We were sent to the relaxation hut. But when we got inside it looked completely different. They'd set it up with these pottery wheels and so we were trying, and failing to make a pot. It was fun to try, but honestly I just made a blob. Cerri's was marginally better." He pauses. [["Sounds messy."]] [["I wish I'd been there with you instead."]] [[Keep quiet]]

Aayush nodded "Yeah. It was." He reaches over and puts a hand over yours for a moment. "You know I'd rather have been getting messy with you, right? I don't want to keep repeating myself in case I start sounding like some kind of love-sick vampire in a book, but every moment with you is about one thousand times better than a moment with anyone else." You can't help the smile that appears on your face as you look into his dark eyes. But you know that it might not be Aayush's choice who he gets to spend time with. It all depends on whether Cerri is going to choose Aayush or Alex. [["Did Cerri seem to enjoy the date?"]] [["Did anything uh...happen between the two of you?"]]

He reaches over and puts a hand over yours for a moment. "You know I'd rather it was you I was with, right? That the date would have been perfect if you were there instead? I don't want to keep repeating myself in case I start sounding like some kind of love-sick vampire in a book, but every moment with you is about one thousand times better than a moment with anyone else." You can't help the smile that appears on your face as you look into his dark eyes. But you know that it might not be Aayush's choice who he gets to spend time with. It all depends on whether Cerri is going to choose Aayush or Alex. [["Did Cerri seem to enjoy the date?"]] [["Did anything uh...happen between the two of you?"]]

You stay quiet and wait to see what Aayush says next. You're not sure how you feel about the fact he clearly enjoyed the date, but you don't want him to know that. He reaches over and puts a hand over yours for a moment. "You know I'd rather have been on that date with you, right? I don't want to keep repeating myself in case I start sounding like some kind of love-sick vampire in a book, but every moment with you is about one thousand times better than a moment with anyone else." You can't help the smile that appears on your face as you look into his dark eyes. But you know that it might not be Aayush's choice who he gets to spend time with. It all depends on whether Cerri is going to choose Aayush or Alex. [["Did Cerri seem to enjoy the date?"]] [["Did anything uh...happen between the two of you?"]]

Aayush shrugs. "I think she did, yeah. But that's not what you're really asking is it. You're asking the question that's on my mind as well. Is she going to pick me at the recoupling?" You nod. That's the big question right now. "I can't read her, if I'm honest. She was making it clear she was interested in me, even though I made it clear the feelings weren't mutual. That said, I think she'll pick Alex because she's clearly on some kind of mission. But there's no warmth there when she speaks about him. No affection. So I think coupling with him will make her miserable. So I guess it depends on what she's really looking for from this experience." You process that for a second. [["So really, you have no idea. She could pick you."]] [["Ok, I'll tell myself that it's Alex she's here for, and that's who she'll pick."]]

Aayush pauses, and you swear your heart stops beating as you wait for his answer. "Apart from making pottery?" he asks eventually, a slight smile on his lips. You roll your eyes and confirm that yes, you're asking about more than pottery. "Not a thing," he replies. "No kissing, no her succumbing to my vampire charms. But I have to be honest with you. I think that was just because I made it clear that I wasn't there for that. Cerri was..well..making it clear she's interested. But I'm guessing the question on both of our minds is will she choose me at the recoupling?" You nod. If Cerri is interested then surely there's a risk of that happening? "I can't read her, if I'm honest. I think she'll pick Alex because she's clearly on some kind of mission. But there's no warmth there when she speaks about him. No affection. So I think coupling with him will make her miserable. So I guess it depends on what she's really looking for from this experience." You process that for a second. [["So really, you have no idea. She could pick you."]] [["Ok, I'll tell myself that it's Alex she's here for, and that's who she'll pick."]]

Aayush nods. “That pretty much sums up the situation. Whatever happens, I have a feeling that $boomer’s gang will make sure that tonight involves the maximum amount of drama possible.” You realise the light in the dome has dimmed slightly and that the recoupling is inching closer. Aayush taps his fingers lightly on the bar counter and then turns to you. “So is it my turn to ask about your date?” You nod and wait to see what he wants to know. “Did you have fun?” he asks. A question so simple, but with so much potential for hurt. He looks quietly into your eyes and you see that his are flashing with something that tells you that your answer is going to be important to him. [[“It was a great date but he’s no match for you.”]] [[“I missed you the whole time. It was so dull.”]] [[“Honestly? It was great. Really great. He’s just...amazing.”]]

Aayush smiles. “I think focusing on the positive but preparing for the worst is the best option right now. Whatever happens, I have a feeling that $boomer’s gang will make sure that tonight involves the maximum amount of drama possible.” You realise the light in the dome has dimmed slightly and that the recoupling is inching closer. Aayush taps his fingers lightly on the bar counter and then turns to you. “So is it my turn to ask about your date?” You nod and wait to see what he wants to know. “Did you have fun?” he asks. A question so simple, but with so much potential for hurt. He looks quietly into your eyes and you see that his are flashing with something that tells you that your answer is going to be important to him. [[“It was a great date but he’s no match for you.”]] [[“I missed you the whole time. It was so dull.”]] [[“Honestly? It was great. Really great. He’s just...amazing.”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }Aayush looks visibly relieved as you answer. “Eli seems like an incredible guy so I can only imagine how great the date was. And he's stunning,” he smiles. “If you weren't here I think I would have been interested in a date with him myself.” You raise an eyebrow at him, interested in this revelation. He looks at you quietly for a moment. “Not that I would blame you, but did anything happen between you both? You can, of course choose not to indulge my curiosity.” You can't quite judge his tone. He doesn't sound like he's worried. Just...interested. (if:$elifirstkiss is "yes")[You think back to the kiss. It was just once, and it didn’t mean anything, although it was a little bit magical. Should you be honest? Or hide the truth? Can anything truly be hidden in this place? [[Tell the truth. “I did kiss him. I got caught up in the moment.”]] [[Lie. “No, nothing happened.”]] [[“I don’t really think I should have to answer that.”]] ]\ (if:$elifirstkiss is "no")[You don’t have anything to hide and you feel relieved. His tone of voice might suggest he wouldn't mind, but you'd rather not be testing that. [[“No, nothing happened between us.”]] [[“I don’t really think I should have to answer that.”]] ]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +20) }Aayush eyes soften as you answer, and he chuckles. “I can't imagine him being dull, but thank you for indulging me like that. Eli's stunning,” he smiles. “If you weren't here I think I would have been interested in a date with him myself.” You raise an eyebrow at him, interested in this revelation. He looks at you quietly for a moment. “Not that I would blame you, but did anything happen between you both? Even if it was dull? You can, of course choose not to indulge my curiosity.” You can't quite judge his tone. He doesn't sound like he's worried. Just...interested. (if:$elifirstkiss is "yes")[You think back to the kiss. It was just once, and it didn’t mean anything, although it was a little bit magical. Should you be honest? Or hide the truth? Can anything truly be hidden in this place? [[Tell the truth. “I did kiss him. I got caught up in the moment.”]] [[Lie. “No, nothing happened.”]] [[“I don’t really think I should have to answer that.”]] ]\ (if:$elifirstkiss is "no")[You don’t have anything to hide and you feel relieved. His tone of voice might suggest he wouldn't mind, but you'd rather not be testing that. [[“No, nothing happened between us.”]] [[“I don’t really think I should have to answer that.”]] ]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -20) }Aayush nods. “I understand that. Eli seems like an incredible guy so I can only imagine how great the date was. And he's stunning,” he smiles. “If you weren't here I think I would have been interested in a date with him myself.” You raise an eyebrow at him, interested in this revelation. He looks at you quietly for a moment. “Not that I would blame you, but did anything happen between you both? You can, of course choose not to indulge my curiosity.” You can't quite judge his tone. He doesn't sound like he's worried. Just...interested. (if:$elifirstkiss is "yes")[You think back to the kiss. It was just once, and it didn’t mean anything, although it was a little bit magical. Should you be honest? Or hide the truth? Can anything truly be hidden in this place? [[Tell the truth. “I did kiss him. I got caught up in the moment.”]] [[Lie. “No, nothing happened.”]] [[“I don’t really think I should have to answer that.”]] ]\ (if:$elifirstkiss is "no")[You don’t have anything to hide and you feel relieved. His tone of voice might suggest he wouldn't mind, but you'd rather not be testing that. [[“No, nothing happened between us.”]] [[“I don’t really think I should have to answer that.”]] ]

Aayush's eyebrow shoots up. "Oh? Interesting. Well thank you for your honesty. Although now I'm thinking that ignorance is bliss." Aayush falls quiet for a moment, and you find yourself watching him struggle for words, which seems alien to him. You're relieved you've told the truth. Eventually he seems to process the information. "Ok, well, tonight is going to be really interesting in that case." That's all he says, and the two of you fall back into silence. Your stomach tightens when you realise the light has shifted again. It really is going to be the evening soon. You hear the sound of arguing and turn to realise that it’s Cerri returning from her date with Alex. He looks miserable and your heart goes out to him. Your eyes scan across to someone who you hadn't even noticed when you'd walked over to the bar. Lily. She's watching you and Aayush intently, and you're fairly sure she heard every word you've said. You're also fairly sure she's going to be annoyed that not only did you steal Aayush, but now you've kissed someone else behind his back. You wonder for a moment just how dangerous Lily is, but then a far more pressing concern weighs down on you. What’s going to happen at the recoupling tonight? As if he’s reading your mind, Aayush looks into your eyes as he says “$name, I just want to check we’re on the same page. If I get to choose tonight it’ll be your name I’m saying. Not Cerri. Not Lily. Irrespective of everything else, it's you I want to be with. Your kiss with Eli doesn't change anything for me, it's still you that I want to continue this experience with, but if it's changed your mind I respect that and will step away.” [[Smile “I feel the same.”]] [[You’re really not sure what you want. “I'm not sure. Let’s leave it up to fate.”]] [[You know it isn’t Aayush you want to move forward with in this game. “Please don’t Aayush. There’s someone else I’m hoping to couple with tonight.”]]

You pause for a moment before answering. How is one little lie going to hurt? You answer as nonchalantly as possible, but Aayush can clearly read you and he studies your face for a moment. But then he smiles and replies “Well, thank you for answering.” A pang of guilt hits you in the chest, but it's too late now. You just hope he won't find out the truth. But you don't think Eli will tell him, and who else is there? $boomer. Your stomach tightens when you realise the light has shifted again. It really is going to be the evening soon. You hear the sound of arguing and turn to realise that it’s Cerri returning from her date with Alex. He looks miserable and your heart goes out to him. Your eyes scan across to someone who you hadn't even noticed when you'd walked over to the bar. Lily. She's watching you and Aayush intently, and you're fairly sure she heard every word you've said. You're also fairly sure she's going to be annoyed that not only did you steal Aayush, but now you've kissed someone else behind his back. Oh, and lied to Aayush about it. You wonder for a moment just how dangerous Lily is, but then a far more pressing concern weighs down on you. What’s going to happen at the recoupling tonight? As if he’s reading your mind, Aayush looks into your eyes as he says “$name, I just want to check we’re on the same page. If I get to choose tonight it’ll be your name I’m saying. Not Cerri. Not Lily. Irrespective of everything else, it's you I want to be with. If spending time with Eli has changed your mind I respect that and I'll step away, but I'd rather you were honest with me now.” [[Smile “I feel the same.”]] [[You’re really not sure what you want. “I'm not sure. Let’s leave it up to fate.”]] [[You know it isn’t Aayush you want to move forward with in this game. “Please don’t Aayush. There’s someone else I’m hoping to couple with tonight.”]]

Aayush's eyebrow shoots up. Aayush nods "That's fair. I'm mortified I even asked if I'm honest. It's not my normal style, promise." The conversation pauses and your stomach tightens when you realise the light has shifted again. It really is going to be the evening soon. You hear the sound of arguing and turn to realise that it’s Cerri returning from her date with Alex. He looks miserable and your heart goes out to him. Your eyes scan across to someone who you hadn't even noticed when you'd walked over to the bar. Lily. She's watching you and Aayush intently, and you're fairly sure she heard every word you've said. (if:$elifirstkiss is "yes")[You're also fairly sure she's going to be annoyed that not only did you steal Aayush, but now you've kissed someone else behind his back. ]You wonder for a moment just how dangerous Lily is, but then a far more pressing concern weighs down on you. What’s going to happen at the recoupling tonight? As if he’s reading your mind, Aayush looks into your eyes as he says “$name, I just want to check we’re on the same page. If I get to choose tonight it’ll be your name I’m saying. Not Cerri. Not Lily. Irrespective of everything else, it's you I want to be with. If spending time with Eli has changed your mind I respect that and I'll step away, but I'd rather you were honest with me now.” [[Smile “I feel the same.”]] [[You’re really not sure what you want. “I'm not sure. Let’s leave it up to fate.”]] [[You know it isn’t Aayush you want to move forward with in this game. “Please don’t Aayush. There’s someone else I’m hoping to couple with tonight.”]]

Aayush looks surprised. "Oh? Well, thank you for humouring me and answering. I'm embarrassed I even asked. I'm also a little surprised you were able to resist, and I have to be honest. I'm happy to hear it. I hope that's ok." Your heart softens as you watch this incredibly powerful man look so vulnerable for a second, like he really doesn't realise just how amazing he is. Your stomach tightens when you realise the light has shifted again. It really is going to be the evening soon. You hear the sound of arguing and turn to realise that it’s Cerri returning from her date with Alex. He looks miserable and your heart goes out to him. Your eyes scan across to someone who you hadn't even noticed when you'd walked over to the bar. Lily. She's watching you and Aayush intently, and you're fairly sure she heard every word you've said. You wonder for a moment just how dangerous Lily is, but then a far more pressing concern weighs down on you. What’s going to happen at the recoupling tonight? As if he’s reading your mind, Aayush looks into your eyes as he says “$name, I just want to check we’re on the same page. If I get to choose tonight it’ll be your name I’m saying. Not Cerri. Not Lily. Irrespective of everything else, it's you I want to be with. If spending time with Eli has changed your mind I respect that and I'll step away, but I'd rather you were honest with me now.” [[Smile “I feel the same.”]] [[You’re really not sure what you want. “I'm not sure. Let’s leave it up to fate.”]] [[You know it isn’t Aayush you want to move forward with in this game. “Please don’t Aayush. There’s someone else I’m hoping to couple with tonight.”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +50) (set: $couple1recouple2 to "Yes") }Aayush smiles, and his eyes light up. "I really didn't think that I'd meet someone who makes me feel like this. It's been a long time, and I just want to tell you-” But you don’t get to know what it is he wants to tell you. It’s time for $boomer to interrupt. Again. “Well Buried Lovers, the dates are over and the dome is growing dark. That can only mean one thing. It’s time for the recoupling! Please gather at the firepit and get ready to greet a very special guest.” You look at Aayush, and see his eyes are also reflecting uncertainty. A special guest can never be a good thing. Still, it’s time to see what is going to happen next. Will you get to live in blissful happiness in the dome? Unlikely. [[Hold out your hand to Aayush and walk to the firepit together]] [[Look at Aayush and nod your head in the direction of the firepit. “Shall we?”]]

{(set: $couple1recouple2 to "Maybe") }Aayush nods. "I'm not a huge believer in fate. I think we make our own fate. But I respect your answer. Although I do just want to say-" But you don’t get to know what it is he wants to tell you. It’s time for $boomer to interrupt. Again. “Well Buried Lovers, the dates are over and the dome is growing dark. That can only mean one thing. It’s time for the recoupling! Please gather at the firepit and get ready to greet a very special guest.” You look at Aayush, and see his eyes are also reflecting uncertainty. A special guest can never be a good thing. Still, it’s time to see what is going to happen next. Will you get to live in blissful happiness in the dome? Unlikely. [[Hold out your hand to Aayush and walk to the firepit together]] [[Look at Aayush and nod your head in the direction of the firepit. “Shall we?”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush -100) (set: $couple1recouple2 to "No") }Aayush moves backwards, like he's just been pushed in the chest. "Well thank you for your honesty. I would have hated making that mistake. There is just one thing I wanted to tell you-" But you don’t get to know what it is he wants to tell you. It’s time for $boomer to interrupt. Again. “Well Buried Lovers, the dates are over and the dome is growing dark. That can only mean one thing. It’s time for the recoupling! Please gather at the firepit and get ready to greet a very special guest.” You look at Aayush, and see his eyes are also reflecting uncertainty. A special guest can never be a good thing. Still, it’s time to see what is going to happen next. Will you get to live in blissful happiness in the dome? Unlikely. [[Look at Aayush and nod your head in the direction of the firepit. “Shall we?”]]

Aayush takes your hand, squeezing it gently, clearly thankful for the gesture. The two of you walk over to the firepit quietly, and you notice that a silence has fallen throughout the dome. Noone is talking. Everyone seems to be lost in their own thoughts. Uncertainty is hanging in the air. The silence is suddenly broken by a shout from Cat. “Antonia! What in the name of-” You look to Aayush and then the pair of you jog over to see what has caused the outburst from Cat. You arrive at the firepit to find that the visitor is a middle aged woman, with long dark hair and bright red lipstick. She’s sitting at a table with a purple velvet blanket draped over it. You look at Cat, who seems to be annoyed. [[“Are you ok, Cat? Who-”]]

The two of you walk over to the firepit quietly, and you notice that a silence has fallen throughout the dome. Noone is talking. Everyone seems to be lost in their own thoughts. Uncertainty is hanging in the air. The silence is suddenly broken by a shout from Cat. “Antonia! What in the name of-” You look to Aayush and then the pair of you jog over to see what has caused the outburst from Cat. You arrive at the firepit to find that the visitor is a middle aged woman, with long dark hair and bright red lipstick. She’s sitting at a table with a purple velvet blanket draped over it. You look at Cat, who seems to be annoyed. [[“Are you ok, Cat? Who-”]]

“That,” Cat interrupts, “is my Aunt Antonia. She’s meddled in my love life for as long as I can remember, and apparently I’m not safe in here either.” You try to understand what Cat’s aunt could possibly be doing at the recoupling, and fail. Was she joining the show? But how awkward would that be for Cat? “Now, Catarina,” Antonia says in a deep sultry voice that causes Eli to exclaim ‘Oh my’, his amusement clear. Antonia continues, “I’m just here to help fate take its course. No other motive. Not that you couldn’t use some help, Catarina. You are hardly lighting the world’s screens with burning passion, are you?” You look at Cat, open-mouthed and see that her cheeks are burning red. You’re not sure if it’s embarrassment or anger, but think it’s probably a mix of the two. You’re still uncertain about Antonia’s role in all of this, and for the first time you’re relieved to hear $boomer, hoping that clarity will be provided. “Buried Lovers. We know that these decisions can be a difficult thing and so we’ve enlisted Antonia, who will help to channel fate in deciding what order you will all get to choose your new couples in. That is, of course, after our new residents have made their decision.” You hear Eli exhale, and see Cerri shoot a look in Aayush's direction. What does that mean? Is she going to pick him? Is there any chance at all that fate will support you in having some kind of control over what happens next?” Antonia moves her hands and reveals that they have been resting over a deck of cards. You can see an ornate pattern on them which reminds you of the kind of design on tarot cards. She picks up the cards and shuffles them. Then slowly and deliberately she picks the card on the top of the deck and places it down, face up, tapping it with a long purple nail before declaring... “The Elf.” You peer over at the table, and see that the card has an illustration of Eli on it. He’s holding a bow and arrow, his blonde hair flowing out around him. It’s beautiful. But then so is he. Eli steps forward. He looks at you. [[Return his stare. You’ve stopped breathing without even realising it.]]

(if:$elihope is "yes")[You made it clear on your date that you were interested in recoupling with him, and he seemed to be interested. Didn’t he? But you don’t know how his date with Rota went. Eli mouths ‘Sorry’ at you, followed by ‘speak later’ before turning his eyes to Rota. “The girl I want to couple with has left me speechless with her power and beauty. I’ve always wanted to know more about the universe beyond the rock I call home, and I have a feeling that exploring it with her would be an adventure I’d never forget.” Your stomach sinks and you know the name that is about to escape his lips before he’s even said it. “Rota.” Rota smiles and walks confidently over to Eli, slapping him on the shoulder when she reaches his side. You look over at Abe whose face looks about as forlorn as you’re feeling right now. You feel a huge disappointment. The date had gone so well that you were sure he’d pick you.]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[You told Eli you weren’t sure about recoupling with him. It was too big a decision in that moment. But it means you’re really not sure what is about to happen. What name is about to fall from his Elven lips? Eli mouths ‘Speak later’ at you before turning his eyes to Rota. “The girl I want to couple with has left me speechless with her power and beauty. I’ve always wanted to know more about the universe beyond the rock I call home, and I have a feeling that exploring it with her would be an adventure I’d never forget.” You know the name that is about to escape his lips before he’s even said it. “Rota.” Rota smiles and walks confidently over to Eli, slapping him on the shoulder when she reaches his side. You look over at Abe whose face looks devastated. You’re not sure how to feel in this moment.]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You told Eli that you weren’t interested in coupling up with him, but there is still a little flutter of excitement in your stomach as you wonder what name is going to fall off those Elven lips. Eli mouths ‘Speak later’ at you before turning his eyes to Rota. “The girl I want to couple with has left me speechless with her power and beauty. I’ve always wanted to know more about the universe beyond the rock I call home, and I have a feeling that exploring it with her would be an adventure I’d never forget.” You know the name that is about to escape his lips before he’s even said it. “Rota.” Rota smiles and walks confidently over to Eli, slapping him on the shoulder when she reaches his side. You look over at Abe whose face looks devastated. You wonder who he’ll couple up with now. He doesn’t seem to have formed an attachment to anyone.]\ But there isn’t time to dwell because Antonia has placed another card down. “The She-Wolf,” she says, the words rolling off her tongue with a purr. [[Wait for Cerri's decision.]]

Cerri steps forward. “This decision hasn't been easy. I’m in here with a very clear purpose, and that is to make someone from my past realise what he’s missing out on. But someone else has turned my head, and I'm wondering if the original target of my affections isn't what I want after all.” You sense Aayush tensing beside you and see Alex's eyes widen in surprise. She continues, "The person I'd like to couple up with is Aayush." (if:$couple1recouple2 is "Yes")[Your heart sinks. You'd tried to prepare yourself for the worst, but you'd still been hopeful she'd pick Alex. You wonder if throwing a nearby plastic flamingo at her would be a bad move. You look at Aayush, and he looks back at you before leaning forward to whisper, “This is fine. It won’t be forever.” [[Nod and look at the ground. You don’t want the She-Wolf to see how much hurt she’s causing]] [[Wrap your arms around him in an embrace. Make this moment one to remember.]] ]\ (if:$couple1recouple2 is "Maybe")[Your heart sinks. Although you’re not sure whether you want to stay coupled with him, the thought of him being coupled with Cerri is just too much. Particularly if she's using him to get back at Alex. He deserves so much more than that. You look to Aayush, and he looks back at you before calmly saying “Well, perhaps this will give you the time you need to work out who you want to be with. If you decide that you do want to couple up with me in the future I’ll be waiting.” [[Nod and smile. No point making a bad situation worse.]] [[Hug Aayush.]] ]\ (if:$couple1recouple2 is "No")[Your heart sinks. Although you don’t want to be coupled with him any more, you hate the idea of her using him to make Alex jealous. You look to Aayush, and he looks back at you before calmly saying “Well, perhaps this will give you the time you need to work out who you want to be with. If you decide that you do want to couple up with me in the future I’ll be waiting.” [[Nod and smile. No point making a bad situation worse.]] [[Hug Aayush.]] ]

Annoyance that Cerri seems to be using Aayush to make a point to Alex about what's he's missing runs through your veins, and part of you wants to shout at her. But instead you nod and look at the ground. Not wanting her to see the upset that is burning in your eyes. You know he’s right. This is a game. Not forever. There will be a chance for you to spend more time with him. But you can’t help but feel frustrated that isn’t happening for you right now. Aayush squeezes your hand and then walks over to stand by Cerri. Out of the corner of your eye you notice a black cloud forming in the sky, but your head is too full of what is happening with the recoupling to really take in the danger that is brewing. You stand alone, looking around the group and wondering what is going to happen next. Will you get to choose? And who would you couple with now? But fate has clearly decided to make you wait. “The Genie,” Antonia declares, and you watch as Zein steps forward, looking unusually nervous. They are clearly going to choose Fleur, so why be so nervous? “The person I want to couple with is the most magical being I could have ever imagined. She makes me feel whole in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of. The person I want to couple with is Fleur.” Fleur squeals with happiness, and for the first time you notice beautiful opalescent wings behind her. Where did they come from? She half runs and half floats across the stage and into Zein’s arms. They both look ecstatic to be together and you realise you’re not the only one who has been worried about tonight’s recoupling. You look to Alex and you notice that both he and Cerri are looking at Zein and Fleur wistfully. Before you can consider what those looks mean you hear Antonia announce “The Hunter”. [[You look around the group in confusion. Who was the hunter?]]

Annoyance that Cerri seems to be using Aayush to make a point to Alex about what's he's missing runs through your veins, and part of you wants to shout at her. But instead you wrap your arms around him and he leans forward and buries his head into the crook of your neck. You take a moment to appreciate the feel of his cool skin, before unwrapping your arms and taking a step back. You know he’s right. This is a game. Not forever. There will be a chance for you to spend more time with him. But you can’t help but feel frustrated that isn’t happening for you right now. Aayush squeezes your hand and then walks over to stand by Cerri. Out of the corner of your eye you notice a black cloud forming in the sky, but your head is too full of what is happening with the recoupling to really take in the danger that is brewing. You stand alone, looking around the group and wondering what is going to happen next. Will you get to choose? And who would you couple with now? But fate has clearly decided to make you wait. “The Genie” Antonia declares, and you watch as Zein steps forward, looking unusually nervous. They are clearly going to choose Fleur, so why be so nervous? “The person I want to couple with is the most magical being I could have ever imagined. She makes me feel whole in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of. The person I want to couple with is Fleur.” Fleur squeals with happiness, and for the first time you notice beautiful opalescent wings behind her. Where did they come from? She half runs and half floats across the stage and into Zein’s arms. They both look ecstatic to be together and you realise you’re not the only one who has been worried about tonight’s recoupling. You look to Alex and you notice that both he and Cerri are looking at Zein and Fleur wistfully. Before you can consider what those looks mean you hear Antonia announce “The Hunter”. [[You look around the group in confusion. Who was the hunter?]]

You smile and nod at Aayush, and he looks at you expressionless for a moment. "It's been fun," he says quietly before walking over and standing next to Cerri. You stand alone, looking around the group and wondering what is going to happen next. Will you get to choose? And who would you couple with now? But fate has clearly decided to make you wait. “The Genie” Antonia declares, and you watch as Zein steps forward, looking unusually nervous. They are clearly going to choose Fleur, so why be so nervous? “The person I want to couple with is the most magical being I could have ever imagined. She makes me feel whole in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of. The person I want to couple with is Fleur.” Fleur squeals with happiness, and for the first time you notice beautiful opalescent wings behind her. Where did they come from? She half runs and half floats across the stage and into Zein’s arms. They both look ecstatic to be together and you realise you’re not the only one who has been worried about tonight’s recoupling. You look to Alex and you notice that both he and Cerri are looking at Zein and Fleur wistfully. Before you can consider what those looks mean you hear Antonia announce “The Hunter”. [[You look around the group in confusion. Who was the hunter?]]

You give Aayush a quick hug. Irrespective of the fact you're not sure he's the one for you, you still hate to think he's going to be stuck in a couple he isn't happy in. Alex hugs you back and then looks over to Cerri. "It's been fun," he says quietly before walking over and standing next to Cerri. You stand alone, looking around the group and wondering what is going to happen next. Will you get to choose? And who would you couple with now? But fate has clearly decided to make you wait. “The Genie” Antonia declares, and you watch as Zein steps forward, looking unusually nervous. They are clearly going to choose Fleur, so why be so nervous? “The person I want to couple with is the most magical being I could have ever imagined. She makes me feel whole in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of. The person I want to couple with is Fleur.” Fleur squeals with happiness, and for the first time you notice beautiful opalescent wings behind her. Where did they come from? She half runs and half floats across the stage and into Zein’s arms. They both look ecstatic to be together and you realise you’re not the only one who has been worried about tonight’s recoupling. You look to Alex and you notice that both he and Cerri are looking at Zein and Fleur wistfully. Before you can consider what those looks mean you hear Antonia announce “The Hunter”. [[You look around the group in confusion. Who was the hunter?]]

{(set: $coupled to "Abe") }You catch $couple1’s eye before making your way to where Abe is standing. He smiles at you as you walk over, and you notice for the first time how gentle his deep brown eyes are. “I’m sorry,” he leans over and whispers. [[“Nothing to be sorry for, I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”]] [[“It’s alright. Although honestly, I’m not sure why you picked me.”]] [[“Yeah, Abe, you should be.”]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +20) }Abe breathes a sigh of relief and visibly relaxes. “Ok good,” he says in his deep voice. Your attention is drawn back to the rest of the group. Cat, Alex and Lily are the only people left. Lily is staring at Cerri with undisguised rage. Antonia places the next card down and declares “The Werewolf.” Lily's eyes look between Alex and Cat. She already knows the outcome, and a mix of emotions is running across her face. Hurt, anger, confusion, frustration. You realise that you aren't the only person who has lost Aayush today. Cerri was the one person who Lily didn't want to see Aayush coupled up with. Who she doesn't trust. Alex seems oblivious of the storm that is brewing to one side of him as he starts to speak. "I'm so relieved to be able to couple with this person. She's been an amazing friend from day one, and I'm happy to stick with her until someone sweeps her off her feet. The person I want to couple with is Catarina." Catarina stands by Alex, but her eyes are darting over to Lily, clearly very aware of the trouble that is brewing. You feel a cold wind sweep across the dome, it’s force almost pushing you over. Abe rests his hand on your back, helping you to stay standing, and you look at him gratefully. The black storm is back, rolling around Lily as she watches Aayush standing by Cerri, her already pale skin now the purest white and her eyes flashing with pure fire. "Lily," $boomer announces, "you are not in a couple." But $boomer's announcement is drowned out by a noise reverberating through the dome. Lily wails and the sound causes everything in the dome to shake. The water in the pool flies into the air and then lands back in the pool with such a force that it spills over the edges, lakes of water quickly forming around the edge. Lily throws her hands forward and without touching him sends Aayush flying across the firepit, until he lands at your feet. You look around, realising that this situation is going to keep escalating, and $boomer clearly isn’t planning to intervene. You wonder if there’s anything you can do to help. You feel like you understand Lily better after your early morning conversation with her. [[Uh. No. I’m staying the hell out of this, thank you.]] [[Try to help Lily]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +5) }Abe breathes a sigh of relief and quietly mumbles, "I just thought it would be good to get to know each other." Your attention is drawn back to the rest of the group. Cat, Alex and Lily are the only people left. Lily is staring at Cerri with undisguised rage. Antonia places the next card down and declares “The Werewolf.” Lily's eyes look between Alex and Cat. She already knows the outcome, and a mix of emotions is running across her face. Hurt, anger, confusion, frustration. You realise that you aren't the only person who has lost Aayush today. Cerri was the one person who Lily didn't want to see Aayush coupled up with. Who she doesn't trust. Alex seems oblivious of the storm that is brewing to one side of him as he starts to speak. "I'm so relieved to be able to couple with this person. She's been an amazing friend from day one, and I'm happy to stick with her until someone sweeps her off her feet. The person I want to couple with is Catarina." Catarina stands by Alex, but her eyes are darting over to Lily, clearly very aware of the trouble that is brewing. You feel a cold wind sweep across the dome, it’s force almost pushing you over. Abe rests his hand on your back, helping you to stay standing, and you look at him gratefully. The black storm is back, rolling around Lily as she watches Aayush standing by Cerri, her already pale skin now the purest white and her eyes flashing with pure fire. "Lily," $boomer announces, "you are not in a couple." But $boomer's announcement is drowned out by a noise reverberating through the dome. Lily wails and the sound causes everything in the dome to shake. The water in the pool flies into the air and then lands back in the pool with such a force that it spills over the edges, lakes of water quickly forming around the edge. Lily throws her hands forward and without touching him sends Aayush flying across the firepit, until he lands at your feet. You look around, realising that this situation is going to keep escalating, and $boomer clearly isn’t planning to intervene. You wonder if there’s anything you can do to help. You feel like you understand Lily better after your early morning conversation with her. [[Uh. No. I’m staying the hell out of this, thank you.]] [[Try to help Lily]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe -20) }Abe shifts uncomfortably on his feet, quietly saying "Sorry." Your attention is drawn back to the rest of the group. Cat, Alex and Lily are the only people left. Lily is staring at Cerri with undisguised rage. Antonia places the next card down and declares “The Werewolf.” Lily's eyes look between Alex and Cat. She already knows the outcome, and a mix of emotions is running across her face. Hurt, anger, confusion, frustration. You realise that you aren't the only person who has lost Aayush today. Cerri was the one person who Lily didn't want to see Aayush coupled up with. Who she doesn't trust. Alex seems oblivious of the storm that is brewing to one side of him as he starts to speak. "I'm so relieved to be able to couple with this person. She's been an amazing friend from day one, and I'm happy to stick with her until someone sweeps her off her feet. The person I want to couple with is Catarina." Catarina stands by Alex, but her eyes are darting over to Lily, clearly very aware of the trouble that is brewing. You feel a cold wind sweep across the dome, it’s force almost pushing you over. Abe rests his hand on your back, helping you to stay standing, and you look at him gratefully. The black storm is back, rolling around Lily as she watches Aayush standing by Cerri, her already pale skin now the purest white and her eyes flashing with pure fire. "Lily," $boomer announces, "you are not in a couple." But $boomer's announcement is drowned out by a noise reverberating through the dome. Lily wails and the sound causes everything in the dome to shake. The water in the pool flies into the air and then lands back in the pool with such a force that it spills over the edges, lakes of water quickly forming around the edge. Lily throws her hands forward and without touching him sends Aayush flying across the firepit, until he lands at your feet. You look around, realising that this situation is going to keep escalating, and $boomer clearly isn’t planning to intervene. You wonder if there’s anything you can do to help. You feel like you understand Lily better after your early morning conversation with her. [[Uh. No. I’m staying the hell out of this, thank you.]] [[Try to help Lily]]

You choose not to say or do anything. This isn't your problem, and messing with a demon seems like a bad idea. Instead Cat whispers something quietly to her. At first there is no change in the rageful storm that swirls around her. But eventually she collapses to the floor. “Why?” she asks Aayush, looking up at him. "Why didn't you want to be with me? I would have given you everything." “I don’t think I’m right for you, and I don’t think you’re right for me,” he responds, crouching down so he’s the same height as her. “I think this would be a relationship of conflict and unhappiness. Life is too short for that Lily, and if a vampire is telling you that then you know it’s the truth. I'm not in the couple I want to be in at the moment, but that's ok because I will be. And maybe you can find someone who makes you feel like that. But that person isn't me.” You see a red tear working its way down Lily’s face, and the sight breaks your heart. But then the fire from the pit changes form and takes on a humanoid appearance. “Lillian.” The name is whispered, but the sound echoes through the dome. Lily looks around, her face scared. “D-Dad?” she asks. “Stop making a fool out of me and get home. Now.” The fire forms a fist and pulls her towards the pit. Lily doesn’t put up a fight and looks defeated as she’s dragged across the ground. “I-I’m sorry” are the last words she says before she’s consumed by the fire and disappears. You look to Cat, terrified for Lily. “Her father has summoned her home. She’ll be ok. She’s tough,” Cat says by way of explanation, although the tears in her eyes suggested that she was equally worried for her friend. You stare at the firepit which has returned to its normal blaze, and wonder what will happen next for Lily. “Well,” $boomer says, interrupting your chain of thought, “that saves us having to evict her I suppose. Still, a little rude to just arrive like that. I’ll be having words.” You wonder just how powerful $boomer thinks they are if they’re planning to take on Lily’s father. $boomer continues. “Well everyone, congratulations on your new couples. May you find eternal happiness together.” “Well that’s ominous,” Abe mutters under his breath, so quiet that only you can hear it, and you find a laugh escaping. You’re aware it could be hysteria, but whatever it is, you look at him gratefully. “I uh, I understand if you’d like to go and speak to $couple1” he says quietly “I’ll wait here.” [[“Thank you.” Go and speak to Aayush. ]] [[You realise this is a chance to see why Eli didn’t pick you “Actually, I wouldn’t mind catching up with Eli.”]] [[“No, that’s ok. I’m exhausted. I think it’s time for bed.”]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +100) }You take a deep breath and shout across at Lily. You remind her that she’s in here to be something different than her father. That she needs to control her anger if she’s going to achieve that. At first there is no change in the rageful storm that swirls around her. But as you remind her that she deserves to be loved, but that love can’t be forced, she calms slightly, until eventually she collapses to the floor. “Why?” she asks Aayush, looking up at him. "Why didn't you want to be with me? I would have given you everything." “I don’t think I’m right for you, and I don’t think you’re right for me,” he responds, crouching down so he’s the same height as her. “I think this would be a relationship of conflict and unhappiness. Life is too short for that Lily, and if a vampire is telling you that then you know it’s the truth. I'm not in the couple I want to be in at the moment, but that's ok because I will be. And maybe you can find someone who makes you feel like that. But that person isn't me.” You see a red tear working its way down Lily’s face, and the sight breaks your heart. But then the fire from the pit changes form and takes on a humanoid appearance. “Lillian.” The name is whispered, but the sound echoes through the dome. Lily looks around, her face scared. “D-Dad?” she asks. “Stop making a fool out of me and get home. Now.” The fire forms a fist and pulls her towards the pit. Lily doesn’t put up a fight and looks defeated as she’s dragged across the ground. “I-I’m sorry” are the last words she says before she’s consumed by the fire and disappears. You look to Cat, terrified for Lily. “Her father has summoned her home. She’ll be ok. She’s tough,” Cat says by way of explanation, although the tears in her eyes suggested that she was equally worried for her friend. You stare at the firepit which has returned to its normal blaze, and wonder what will happen next for Lily. “Well,” $boomer says, interrupting your chain of thought, “that saves us having to evict her I suppose. Still, a little rude to just arrive like that. I’ll be having words.” You wonder just how powerful $boomer thinks they are if they’re planning to take on Lily’s father. $boomer continues. “Well everyone, congratulations on your new couples. May you find eternal happiness together.” “Well that’s ominous,” Abe mutters under his breath, so quiet that only you can hear it, and you find a laugh escaping. You’re aware it could be hysteria, but whatever it is, you look at him gratefully. “I uh, I understand if you’d like to go and speak to $couple1” he says quietly “I’ll wait here.” [[“Thank you.” Go and speak to Aayush. ]] [[You realise this is a chance to see why Eli didn’t pick you “Actually, I wouldn’t mind catching up with Eli.”]] [[“No, that’s ok. I’m exhausted. I think it’s time for bed.”]]

You smile at Abe again and then walk over to Aayush. Your head is swimming with everything that has just happened, and you don’t even care that Cerri is standing by him, glaring at you. You walk up to him and hug him, burying your face in his chest, and as he wraps his arms around you, you feel safe again. “We'll be together again soon,” he whispers, “I promise.” You look into his dark eyes and see that he really believes that. “We'll still be able to spend time together. The coupling thing is all pretty much a farce if there's no attraction,” he says, slightly louder, and you hear Cerri huff. $boomer speaks again, although sounds uncharacteristically shaky. “Uh, it would seem that someone wants to have a word with me. I’d better go. Buried Lovers please make your way to safety. Uh. I mean your huts. There is some dinner waiting for each of you inside your huts. The banquet planned for tonight has been cancelled.” You didn’t even know there was supposed to be a banquet, but you’re relieved you don’t have to be sociable tonight. Aayush brings your hand to his mouth and very lightly kisses your fingertips “See you tomorrow?” he asks You smile and nod, before turning back to see Abe patiently waiting for you. You walk over to him and he extends his hand in the direction of the path leading to the huts. “Let me make sure you get home safely.” You’ve felt moments of danger in this dome before, but seeing the rage of Lily and the power of her father was terrifying, and you found yourself feeling relieved that Abe was offering his company for the short walk to the hut. [[Follow Abe.]]

Zein looks thoughtful before answering. "I'm not worried about who I want to choose, and I feel confident that Fleur would choose me. But am I worried that someone else will choose her before I can? Yeah. Maybe. There's an odd number of us in here, and someone is going to be fighting for survival. If they use Fleur for that I'll be pissed." Zein pops a grape into their mouth. "And I'm also crippled by the insecurity of thinking that someone better than me is going to arrive and sweep her off her feet any second. That goes without saying. Are you worried about that as well? Well, I guess Rota could be being swept at this very moment." You're just about to respond when the sound of laughter ringing through the dome distracts you. You know that laugh so well already. Rota. "Oop, don't look now but Eli and Rota are back," Zein says, sitting up on the lounger. [[Look. Now.]] [[Play it cool. Wait and see if Rota comes to you.]]

You realise that sounded a bit blunt and turn to Zein, who looks a little bit like they've been slapped. "I mean...yeah. Let's hope. I'm not worried about who I want to choose, and I feel confident that Fleur would choose me. But am I worried that someone else will choose her before I can? Yeah. Maybe. There's an odd number of us in here, and someone is going to be fighting for survival. If they use Fleur for that I'll be pissed." Zein pops a grape into their mouth. "And I'm also crippled by the insecurity of thinking that someone better than me is going to arrive and sweep her off her feet any second. That goes without saying. Are you worried about that as well? Well, I guess Rota could be being swept at this very moment." You're just about to respond when the sound of laughter ringing through the dome distracts you. You know that laugh so well already. Rota. "Oop, don't look now but Eli and Rota are back," Zein says, sitting up on the lounger. [[Look. Now.]] [[Play it cool. Wait and see if Rota comes to you.]]

There's no chance that you can wait to see Rota and Eli's return and you sit upright, and stand up, turning around to face the direction of the laugh. Rota and Eli are doubled up laughing and Rota smacks him on the back and exclaims, "Elf! We are so going there one day!" As Rota finishes speaking she looks up and sees you. "$name!" she calls out. "Why are you just stood there staring at us?" You cringe. Rota is clearly using her usual tact and diplomacy. [[Play it cool. "Oh just doing my stretches."]] [[Cool is a dot in the distance to you. "Oh, uh, I'm uh just, uh, watching."]]

You stay still, closing your eyes and doing your very best to pretend like Eli and Rota's return was phasing you in the slightest. You hear Rota laugh again, followed by, "Elf! We are so going there one day." They're...making plans for the future. What? You sit upright, all pretence of not caring gone, and then stand up, turning around to face the direction of the laugh. Rota and Eli are doubled up laughing, but when she straightens up she sees you. "$name!" she calls out "Why are you just stood there staring at us?" You cringe. Rota is clearly using her usual tact and diplomacy. [[Play it cool. "Oh just doing my stretches."]] [[Cool is a dot in the distance to you. "Oh, uh, I'm uh just, uh, watching."]]

"Oh! Let me join you" she calls over, before turning to Eli and continuing "that was fun! See you around elf boy." You find yourself smiling as she jogs over to you. She's every inch the goddess you said goodbye to an hour ago, but there's something sparkling her eyes as she approaches you that is completely new. Zein mumbles something about leaving the two of you alone and is suddenly gone. You have no idea where they went, but you have other questions on your mind at the moment. Questions like...how did Rota's date with Eli go. Rota steps closer to you. [[You can't resist hugging her.]] [[Kiss her. It's been too long already.]] [[Sit back down on the lounger.]]

"Well let me join you and see what you're watching," she calls over, before turning to Eli and continuing. "That was fun! See you around elf boy." You find yourself smiling as she jogs over to you. She's every inch the goddess you said goodbye to an hour ago, but there's something sparkling her eyes as she approaches you that is completely new. Zein mumbles something about leaving the two of you alone and is suddenly gone. You have no idea where they went, but you have other questions on your mind at the moment. Questions like...how did Rota's date with Eli go. Rota steps closer to you. [[You can't resist hugging her.]] [[Kiss her. It's been too long already.]] [[Sit back down on the lounger.]]

You wrap your arms around her and become lost in the meadow smell of her hair. She returns the hug, squeezing you gently with her arms, and you know she's making an effort not to squeeze you too hard. The two of you stay like that for a moment. Quiet. You've only been apart for an hour. Why does it feel like it's been a day? "Aww look at them! Back together!" Fleur calls from the pool, where her and Catarina had been seemingly trying to teach Abe some kind of synchronous swimming routine for the past hour. You break the hug and sit down on the lounger. Rota sits on the one that had been occupied by Zein moments before, and turns to you. "Well Eli is quite the entertainer," Rota says, slapping her thigh and laughing at the memory of some unknown thing. Your curiosity can't stand it any longer. It's time to find out what the situation is, but you have a feeling it's going to get messy. (if:$elihope is "yes")[You told Eli that you were interested in him. But had he had the same conversation with Rota? Your stomach flips at the thought of how messy all of this could get. Even worse, what if Rota wasn't interested in him, and you now have to tell her that you are? How is this bubble world so complex?]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[You told Eli that you weren't sure if you were interested in him, but what if he'd had the same conversation with Rota? Your stomach flips at the thought of how messy all of this could get. What if you were both a little bit tempted by Eli...and what if he was a little bit tempted by both of you?]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You’d told Eli that there was no way you’d consider recoupling with him and you’d meant it. But that doesn't mean that Eli didn't have the same conversation with Rota, and that she might have given him a different answer.] [[Brace yourself to uncover the truth.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }Your eyes move to her lips, and she has clearly read your mind. She cups your face with her hands and brings her lips to yours. She tastes like strawberries and you wonder whether their date involved food. "Aww look at them! Back together!" Fleur calls from the pool, where her and Catarina had been seemingly trying to teach Abe some kind of synchronous swimming routine for the past hour. You break the kiss and sit down on the lounger. Rota sits on the one that had been occupied by Zein moments before, and turns to you. "Well Eli is quite the entertainer," Rota says, slapping her thigh and laughing at the memory of some unknown thing. Your curiosity can't stand it any longer. It's time to find out what the situation is, but you have a feeling it's going to get messy. (if:$elihope is "yes")[You told Eli that you were interested in him. But had he had the same conversation with Rota? Your stomach flips at the thought of how messy all of this could get. Even worse, what if Rota wasn't interested in him, and you now have to tell her that you are? How is this bubble world so complex?]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[You told Eli that you weren't sure if you were interested in him, but what if he'd had the same conversation with Rota? Your stomach flips at the thought of how messy all of this could get. What if you were both a little bit tempted by Eli...and what if he was a little bit tempted by both of you?]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You’d told Eli that there was no way you’d consider recoupling with him and you’d meant it. But that doesn't mean that Eli didn't have the same conversation with Rota, and that she might have given him a different answer.] [[Brace yourself to uncover the truth.]]

Sit down on the lounger. Rota sits on the one that had been occupied by Zein moments before, and turns to you. "Well Eli is quite the entertainer," Rota says, slapping her thigh and laughing at the memory of some unknown thing. Your curiosity can't stand it any longer. It's time to find out what the situation is, but you have a feeling it's going to get messy. (if:$elihope is "yes")[You told Eli that you were interested in him. But had he had the same conversation with Rota? Your stomach flips at the thought of how messy all of this could get. Even worse, what if Rota wasn't interested in him, and you now have to tell her that you are? How is this bubble world so complex?]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[You told Eli that you weren't sure if you were interested in him, but what if he'd had the same conversation with Rota? Your stomach flips at the thought of how messy all of this could get. What if you were both a little bit tempted by Eli...and what if he was a little bit tempted by both of you?]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You’d told Eli that there was no way you’d consider recoupling with him and you’d meant it. But that doesn't mean that Eli didn't have the same conversation with Rota, and that she might have given him a different answer.] [[Brace yourself to uncover the truth.]]

You watch her quietly for a moment and think through the questions you'd like to ask. Rota scoops her long red hair over one shoulder, and it tumbles down. It's captivating. Distracting. "$name, are you ok? I hope you know you can tell me anything" she says, her face a picture of innocent confusion. You guess that love triangles aren't common in Asgard. What do you want to ask her? [[Keep it subtle. "So how was your date?"]] [[Subtle isn't Rota's style. "So what did you think of Eli?"]]

Rota smiles and her eyes light up. "It was so much fun. It was a picnic so it was just a chance to talk to him. I really think I could imagine going on some adventures with him. He's so carefree in comparison to some Elves I've spent time with. I love the fact he's not trying to please his family. It's something I'm starting to relate to. You know?" You nod and plaster a smile on your face. So they really did have a good time. Rota nods her head to the side and watches you. In a moment of understanding that shows some growth in how she reads human emotion she says, "Oh wait, you want to know if I'm interested in recoupling with him?" You nod. She shakes her head. "No. If you weren't in here then yes. I can see I'd have a lot of fun with him. But there was nothing like that spark I felt with you. That was...unlike anything I've ever felt. I'd be a fool not to continue the journey with you and see where this goes." You wonder how Eli feels about Rota. He's going to get to choose first, so that's the important factor in all of this. [["Did Eli suggest he was into you?"]] [["But do you think Eli would choose to recouple with you?"]]

Rota pauses for a moment, her face a picture of concentration. Finally she answers. "I'm not...sure. I'm not good at reading signals, in case you haven't noticed" she smiles before continuing "he was laughing a lot. And smiling. We talked about me visiting his homeland, and him trying some mead for the first time. But really, none of that felt...romantic. Or as far as I understand romantic to feel." Rota stops and watches you closely before continuing, "How did your date go? The same as that? Are you...are you interested in him?" She asks the question as if the possibility only just entered her mind. You take a deep breath and choose your words carefully. [["Honestly? It was a great date but he's nothing compared to you."]] [["It was kinda dull. I just wanted you to be there."]] [["I have to be honest. I loved every minute of it. He's just...amazing."]]

Rota smiles and her eyes light up. "I think he's the person in here I will form a friendship with. He's so funny. And free. I feel like I can learn a lot from him. Imagine going on adventures with him. The fun we'd have! I love the fact he's not trying to please his family. It's something I'm starting to relate to. He's great, isn't he?" You nod and plaster a smile on your face. So they really did have a good time. Rota nods her head to the side and watches you. In a moment of understanding that shows some growth in how she reads human emotion she says, "Oh wait, you want to know if I'm interested in recoupling with him?" You nod. She shakes her head. "No. If you weren't in here then yes. I can see I'd have a lot of fun with him. But there was nothing like that spark I felt with you. That was...unlike anything I've ever felt. I'd be a fool not to continue the journey with you and see where this goes." You wonder how Eli feels about Rota. He's going to get to choose first, so that's the important factor in all of this. [["Did Eli suggest he was into you?"]] [["But do you think Eli would choose to recouple with you?"]]

Rota slowly shakes her head. "No, I don't think so. We laughed a lot, but nothing felt romantic, or as far as I understand romantic to feel." Rota stops and watches you closely before continuing, "How did your date go? The same as that? Are you...are you interested in him?" She asks the question as if the possibility only just entered her mind. You take a deep breath and choose your words carefully. [["Honestly? It was a great date but he's nothing compared to you."]] [["It was kinda dull. I just wanted you to be there."]] [["I have to be honest. I loved every minute of it. He's just...amazing."]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }Rota can't hide her happiness at hearing that and her eyes light up. "I felt the same," she says. "I was so excited to get back from the date because I just wanted to see you again, and tell you about it." She looks at the ground "I did wonder if you would be won over by his charms though. He's very beautiful to look at, isn't he?" [["Not as beautiful as you."]] (link-goto: "\"He was the ultimate temptation. But no, not a chance that he would be able to charm me away.\"", "\"He was the ultimate temptation. But no, not a chance that we would be able to charm me away.\"") [[Change the subject.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +20) }Rota laughs as she says, "I can't imagine time with Eli ever being dull, but I understand the sense of just wishing that we were together. I was so excited to get back from the date because I just wanted to see you again, and tell you about it." She looks at the ground. "I did wonder if you would be won over by his charms though. He's very beautiful to look at, isn't he?" [["Not as beautiful as you."]] (link-goto: "\"He was the ultimate temptation. But no, not a chance that he would be able to charm me away.\"", "\"He was the ultimate temptation. But no, not a chance that we would be able to charm me away.\"") [[Change the subject.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota -20) }Rota's cheeks flush red and she nods. "I guess we...felt a bit different about things then," she says quietly. "I loved every moment of the date but the whole time I couldn't wait to get back here, and just wanted to see you. I imagined how much fun the three of us could have on adventures together." She looks at the ground. "I did wonder if you would be won over by his charms. He's very beautiful to look at. From the tone of your voice I'm thinking that I was right to wonder" [["Not as beautiful as you."]] (link-goto: "\"He was the ultimate temptation. But no, not a chance that he would be able to charm me away.\"", "\"He was the ultimate temptation. But no, not a chance that we would be able to charm me away.\"") [[Now isn't the time. Change the subject.|Change the subject.]]

Rota reaches forward and places her hand lightly on your leg. "I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that you haven't had your head decapitated by him." It takes you a moment to realise she presumably means 'head turned by him' but the idea of a decapitation in a dating game just seems to fit in this dome, and so you decide not to correct her. You become aware of Abe watching the two of you. He's still in the pool, and Fleur is chatting to him about something, but he doesn't seem to be listening. You realise there's a good chance that he developed feelings for her in the first couple of days, and could still be hurting. [[That's his problem.]] [[Ask Rota if she has spoken to Abe since the last recoupling.]]

Rota smiles and you notice something sparkling in her eyes. Excitement? Happiness? Whatever it is, you want to see more of it there. "I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that you haven't had your head decapitated by him." It takes you a moment to realise she presumably means 'head turned by him' but the idea of a decapitation in a dating game just seems to fit in this dome, and so you decide not to correct her. You become aware of Abe watching the two of you. He's still in the pool, and Fleur is chatting to him about something, but he doesn't seem to be listening. You realise there's a good chance that he developed feelings for her in the first couple of days, and could still be hurting. [[That's his problem.]] [[Ask Rota if she has spoken to Abe since the last recoupling.]]

You attempt to steer the conversation in another direction, and ask Rota whether she had any childhood pets. The answer is, of course, no, although she did befriend a giant rat-like creature who could speak. You become aware of Abe watching the two of you. He's still in the pool, and Fleur is chatting to him about something, but he doesn't seem to be listening. You realise there's a good chance that he developed feelings for her in the first couple of days, and could still be hurting. [[That's his problem.]] [[Ask Rota if she has spoken to Abe since the last recoupling.]]

The situation with Abe and Rota is really none of your business. You look back at the pool and see that he's returned to swimming. You still don't feel like you've really got to know him and wonder if you ever will. He's just so quiet. Rota fills the silence. "I felt a very strange emotion while you were on the date. It was like a twisting in my chest and I felt a rush of blood in my body. It wasn't like anger. Or passion. It was...well...strange. I imagined the two of you together and it just got worse. What do you think it could have been?" You know with absolute certainty that Rota has experienced her first feelings of jealousy. [["Ah. That would be the green eyed monster."]] [["You were feeling jealous, Rota."]]

Rota pauses for a minute, thinking, and then shakes her head. "No. Why would I have? There isn't anything to say to him. There really was nothing between us. He was kind, but so quiet. I had the sense that he had an awful lot he wanted to say, but kept holding it back. Very odd." You shrug and then turn back to the pool. Abe has returned to swimming. You understand what Rota means. The boy is so quiet it's hard to know who he really is. Perhaps that will change? Rota fills the silence that has fallen between the two of you. "I felt a very strange emotion while you were on the date. It was like a twisting in my chest and I felt a rush of blood in my body. It wasn't like anger. Or passion. It was...well...strange. I imagined the two of you together and it just got worse. What do you think it could have been?" You know with absolute certainty that Rota has experienced her first feelings of jealousy. [["Ah. That would be the green eyed monster."]] [["You were feeling jealous, Rota."]]

Rota's eyes widen "The what? And how do I defeat it?" You laugh and explain that it was jealousy. "Oh" Rota says "I didn't like how jealousy felt. In that case I think I'll try to avoid that particular monster." You smile. If only it was that easy. Rota continues "Although I guess that does take me to my next question." You watch her, waiting to hear what it is that she wants to ask. "I'm not very good at reading situations that don't involve epic battles for life and death, so I just wanted to ask...would you like to couple up with me again at the recoupling this evening? I know we've talked about this before, but things can change." Ah, the big question. You know it's likely that Eli will pick one of you as you were both his choices for the date. But what if that doesn't happen. What would you want to happen? [["I don't even need to think about that. My answer is yes, I want to continue this adventure with you."]] [[You're really not sure what you want. "Rota, I think we should just trust in the Universe. Let's see what happens."]] [["I want to couple with someone else, I'm sorry."]]

"Oh" Rota says "I in that case I didn't like how jealousy felt. I think I'll try to avoid it in the future." You smile. If only it was that easy. Rota continues "Although I guess that does take me to my next question." You watch her, waiting to hear what it is that she wants to ask. "I'm not very good at reading situations that don't involve epic battles for life and death, so I just wanted to ask...would you like to couple up with me again at the recoupling this evening? I know we've talked about this before, but things can change." Ah, the big question. You know it's likely that Eli will pick one of you as you were both his choices for the date. But what if that doesn't happen. What would you want to happen? [["I don't even need to think about that. My answer is yes, I want to continue this adventure with you."]] [[You're really not sure what you want. "Rota, I think we should just trust in the Universe. Let's see what happens."]] [["I want to couple with someone else, I'm sorry."]]

{(set: $couple1recouple2 to "Yes") (set: $romancerota to $romancerota +50) }Rota smiles, and her eyes light up. "I really didn't think that I'd meet someone who makes me feel like this. It's been a long timeI feel so lucky, and I just want to tell you-” But you don’t get to know what it is she wants to tell you. It’s time for $boomer to interrupt. Again. “Well Buried Lovers, the dates are over and the dome is growing dark. That can only mean one thing. It’s time for the recoupling! Please gather at the firepit and get ready to greet a very special guest.” You realise the light around you has been dimming. You look at Rota, and see her eyes are also reflecting uncertainty. A special guest can never be a good thing, and you know that it's likely Eli will choose one of you tonight. But who? Still, it’s time to see what is going to happen next. Will you get to live in blissful happiness in the dome? Unlikely. [[Hold out your hand to Rota and walk to the firepit together]] [[Look at Rota and nod your head in the direction of the firepit. “Shall we?”]]

{(set: $couple1recouple2 to "Maybe") }Rota nods. I normally advocate leaving things up to the Universe, but I have to admit that I think this is something that we should know the answer to. In our gut. But I respect your answer. I just want to tell you-” But you don’t get to know what it is she wants to tell you. It’s time for $boomer to interrupt. Again. “Well Buried Lovers, the dates are over and the dome is growing dark. That can only mean one thing. It’s time for the recoupling! Please gather at the firepit and get ready to greet a very special guest.” You realise the light around you has been dimming. You look at Rota, and see her eyes are also reflecting uncertainty. A special guest can never be a good thing, and you know that it's likely Eli will choose one of you tonight. But who? Still, it’s time to see what is going to happen next. Will you get to live in blissful happiness in the dome? Unlikely. [[Hold out your hand to Rota and walk to the firepit together]] [[Look at Rota and nod your head in the direction of the firepit. “Shall we?”]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota -100) (set: $couple1recouple2 to "No") }Rota looks sad for a moment, but then composes herself. "I respect your honesty, $name. I would rather you tell the truth, even if it hurts. In that case, I wish you luck in your future adventure. Although, I do want to tell you-" But you don’t get to know what it is she wants to tell you. It’s time for $boomer to interrupt. Again. “Well Buried Lovers, the dates are over and the dome is growing dark. That can only mean one thing. It’s time for the recoupling! Please gather at the firepit and get ready to greet a very special guest.” You realise the light around you has been dimming. You look at Rota, and see her eyes are also reflecting uncertainty. A special guest can never be a good thing, and you know that it's likely Eli will choose one of you tonight. But who? Still, it’s time to see what is going to happen next. Will you get to live in blissful happiness in the dome? Unlikely. [[Look at Rota and nod your head in the direction of the firepit. “Shall we?”]]

Rota takes your hand, squeezing it with such tenderness that you know she's trying very hard to be gentle. The two of you walk over to the firepit quietly, and you notice that a silence has fallen throughout the dome. Noone is talking. Everyone seems to be lost in their own thoughts. Uncertainty is hanging in the air. The silence is suddenly broken by a shout from Cat. “Antonia! What in the name of-” You look to Rota and then the pair of you jog over to see what has caused the outburst from Cat. You arrive at the firepit to find that the visitor is a middle aged woman, with long dark hair and bright red lipstick. She’s sitting at a table with a purple velvet blanket draped over it. You look at Cat, who seems to be annoyed. [[“Are you ok, Cat? Who is-”]]

The two of you walk over to the firepit quietly, and you notice that a silence has fallen throughout the dome. Noone is talking. Everyone seems to be lost in their own thoughts. Uncertainty is hanging in the air. The silence is suddenly broken by a shout from Cat. “Antonia! What in the name of-” You look to Rota and then the pair of you jog over to see what has caused the outburst from Cat. You arrive at the firepit to find that the visitor is a middle aged woman, with long dark hair and bright red lipstick. She’s sitting at a table with a purple velvet blanket draped over it. You look at Cat, who seems to be annoyed. [[“Are you ok, Cat? Who is-”]]

“That,” Cat interrupts, “is my Aunt Antonia. She’s meddled in my love life for as long as I can remember, and apparently I’m not safe in here either.” You try to understand what Cat’s aunt could possibly be doing at the recoupling, and fail. Was she joining the show? But how awkward would that be for Cat? “Now, Catarina,” Antonia says in a deep sultry voice that causes Eli to exclaim ‘Oh my’, his amusement clear. Antonia continues, “I’m just here to help fate take its course. No other motive. Not that you couldn’t use some help, Catarina. You are hardly lighting the world’s screens with burning passion, are you?” You look at Cat, open-mouthed and see that her cheeks are burning red. You’re not sure if it’s embarrassment or anger, but think it’s probably a mix of the two. You’re still uncertain about Antonia’s role in all of this, and for the first time you’re relieved to hear $boomer, hoping that clarity will be provided. “Buried Lovers. We know that these decisions can be a difficult thing and so we’ve enlisted Antonia, who will help to channel fate in deciding what order you will all get to choose your new couples in. That is, of course, after our new residents have made their decision.” You hear Eli exhale, and he shoots a look at Rota and then you. His normally relaxed face has tension etched across it. What does that mean? He still isn't sure? He knows he's about to cause drama? Antonia moves her hands and reveals that they have been resting over a deck of cards. You can see an ornate pattern on them which reminds you of the kind of design on tarot cards. She picks up the cards and shuffles them. Then slowly and deliberately she picks the card on the top of the deck and places it down, face up, tapping it with a long purple nail before declaring “The Elf.” You peer over at the table, and see that the card has an illustration of Eli on it. He’s holding a bow and arrow, his blonde hair flowing out around him. It’s beautiful. But then so is he. Eli steps forward. He looks at you. [[You’ve stopped breathing without even realising it. Return his stare. ]]

(if:$elihope is "yes")[You made it clear on your date that you were interested in recoupling with him, and he seemed to be interested. But he clearly has a connection with Rota as well.]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[You told Eli you weren’t sure about recoupling with him. It was too big a decision in that moment. But it means you’re really not sure what is about to happen. He clearly had a connection with Rota as well. What name is about to fall from his Elven lips?]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You told Eli that you weren’t interested in coupling up with him, but does that mean that he'll now choose Rota?] Eli mouths ‘Sorry’ at you, followed by ‘speak later’ before turning his eyes to Rota. “The girl I want to couple with has left me speechless with her power and beauty. I’ve always wanted to know more about the universe beyond the rock I call home, and I have a feeling that exploring it with her would be an adventure I’d never forget.” Your stomach sinks and you know the name that is about to escape his lips before he’s even said it. [[Wait for the name to drop.]]

"Rota" he says, his eyes fixed on her. (if:$couple1recouple2 is "Yes")[Your heart sinks. You knew this was inevitable, but it doesn't make it hurt less. Rota turns to you and speaks in a tone that is uncharacteristically quiet. "This is only temporary. You said earlier that you wanted us to recouple, and for as long as you want that, I can promise it will happen." She leans forward and gently kisses your cheek before turning and standing stoically beside Eli, who is looking increasingly uncomfortable.]\ (if:$couple1recouple2 is "Maybe")[Your head spins as you take in the reality. As much as you said to Rota that you weren't sure what you wanted to happen next, you're not sure that this is the outcome you wanted. Rota turns to you. "This is only temporary, if you want it to be. As you said, trust in the Universe." She then rests a hand on your shoulder before walking away and standing stoically beside Eli, who is looking increasingly uncomfortable.]\ (if:$couple1recouple2 is "No")[Your head spins as you take in the reality. As much as you said to Rota that you didn't want to couple with her anymore, this isn't the alternative you wanted. Rota turns to you and bows her head before walking away and standing stoically beside Eli, who is looking increasingly uncomfortable.] But there isn’t time to dwell because Antonia has placed another card down. “The She-Wolf” she says, the words rolling off her tongue with a purr. [[Listen to Cerri's decision.]]

Cerri steps forward. “This decision hasn't been easy. I’m in here with a very clear purpose, and that is to make someone from my past realise what he’s missing out on. But someone else has turned my head, and I'm wondering if the original target of my affections isn't what I want after all.” You've been so absorbed in what has been happening between Eli, Rota and yourself that you haven't even picked up that there might be something happening between Cerri and someone else. She continues, "The person I'd like to couple up with is Aayush." A rumble echoes through the dome and you notice Cat has her hand on Lily's shoulder. Aayush smiles and walks over to stand by Cerri. He looks...relieved. You stand alone, looking around the group and wondering what is going to happen next. Will you get to choose? And who would you couple with now? But fate has clearly decided to make you wait. “The Genie,” Antonia declares, and you watch as Zein steps forward, looking unusually nervous. They are clearly going to choose Fleur, so why be so nervous? “The person I want to couple with is the most magical being I could have ever imagined. She makes me feel whole in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of. The person I want to couple with is Fleur.” Fleur squeals with happiness, and for the first time you notice beautiful opalescent wings behind her. Where did they come from? She half runs and half floats across the stage and into Zein’s arms. They both look ecstatic to be together and you realise you’re not the only one who has been worried about tonight’s recoupling. You look to Alex and you notice that both he and Cerri are looking at Zein and Fleur wistfully. Before you can consider what those looks mean you hear Antonia announce, “The Hunter”. [[Who is the hunter? You look around the group in confusion.]]

With a cough Abe steps forward. “I guess that’s me. Just going by the picture.” You look at the card and see that it’s a depiction of Abe standing, looking down at the world, with a weapon in his hand. It doesn’t align with the quiet boy you’ve met, and you look back at him, intrigued. Abe starts to speak, his eyes focused on the ground. “Uh well, I’m choosing this $genderdescriptlower because I think we might have some things in common and uh, I’m looking forward to getting a chance to understand them better.” His eyes move from the ground and he looks into your eyes before saying, “$name.” Your head spins slightly. He’s just said your name. But you’ve hardly interacted with him at all. You broke up his last couple. Wasn't this going to be...awkward? “Uh, if that’s ok,” he finishes, clearly reading the confusion in your face and feeling awkward. [[Walk over and stand by Abe.]]

{(set: $coupled to "Abe") }You catch $couple1’s eye before making your way to where Abe is standing. He smiles at you as you walk over, and you notice for the first time how gentle his deep brown eyes are. “I’m sorry,” he leans over and whispers. [["It's ok, Abe. I'm looking forward to getting to know you."]] [[“Don't apologise. Although honestly, I’m not sure why you picked me.”]] [[“You kinda should be, Abe.”]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +5) }Abe breathes a sigh of relief and quietly mumbles, "I just thought it would be good to get to know each other." Your attention is drawn back to the rest of the group. Cat, Alex and Lily are the only people left. Lily is staring at Cerri with undisguised rage. Antonia places the next card down and declares “The Werewolf.” Lily's eyes look between Alex and Cat. She already knows the outcome, and a mix of emotions is running across her face. Hurt, anger, confusion, frustration. You realise that you aren't the only person who has lost Aayush today. Cerri was the one person who Lily didn't want to see Aayush coupled up with. Who she doesn't trust. Alex seems oblivious of the storm that is brewing to one side of him as he starts to speak. "I'm so relieved to be able to couple with this person. She's been an amazing friend from day one, and I'm happy to stick with her until someone sweeps her off her feet. The person I want to couple with is Catarina." Catarina stands by Alex, but her eyes are darting over to Lily, clearly very aware of the trouble that is brewing. You feel a cold wind sweep across the dome, it’s force almost pushing you over. Abe rests his hand on your back, helping you to stay standing, and you look at him gratefully. The black storm is back, rolling around Lily as she watches Aayush standing by Cerri, her already pale skin now the purest white and her eyes flashing with pure fire. "Lily," $boomer announces, "you are not in a couple." But $boomer's announcement is drowned out by a noise reverberating through the dome. Lily wails and the sound causes everything in the dome to shake. The water in the pool flies into the air and then lands back in the pool with such a force that it spills over the edges, lakes of water quickly forming around the edge. Lily throws her hands forward and without touching him sends Aayush flying across the firepit, until he lands at your feet. You look around, realising that this situation is going to keep escalating, and $boomer clearly isn’t planning to intervene. You wonder if there’s anything you can do to help. You feel like you understand Lily better after your early morning conversation with her. [[Uh. No. I’m staying the hell out of this.]] [[See if there is anything you can do to help Lily]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +20) }Abe breathes a sigh of relief and visibly relaxes “Ok good” he says in his deep voice. Your attention is drawn back to the rest of the group. Cat, Alex and Lily are the only people left. Lily is staring at Cerri with undisguised rage. Antonia places the next card down and declares “The Werewolf.” Lily's eyes look between Alex and Cat. She already knows the outcome, and a mix of emotions is running across her face. Hurt, anger, confusion, frustration. You realise that you aren't the only person who has lost Aayush today. Cerri was the one person who Lily didn't want to see Aayush coupled up with. Who she doesn't trust. Alex seems oblivious of the storm that is brewing to one side of him as he starts to speak. "I'm so relieved to be able to couple with this person. She's been an amazing friend from day one, and I'm happy to stick with her until someone sweeps her off her feet. The person I want to couple with is Catarina." Catarina stands by Alex, but her eyes are darting over to Lily, clearly very aware of the trouble that is brewing. You feel a cold wind sweep across the dome, it’s force almost pushing you over. Abe rests his hand on your back, helping you to stay standing, and you look at him gratefully. The black storm is back, rolling around Lily as she watches Aayush standing by Cerri, her already pale skin now the purest white and her eyes flashing with pure fire. "Lily," $boomer announces, "you are not in a couple." But $boomer's announcement is drowned out by a noise reverberating through the dome. Lily wails and the sound causes everything in the dome to shake. The water in the pool flies into the air and then lands back in the pool with such a force that it spills over the edges, lakes of water quickly forming around the edge. Lily throws her hands forward and without touching him sends Aayush flying across the firepit, until he lands at your feet. You look around, realising that this situation is going to keep escalating, and $boomer clearly isn’t planning to intervene. You wonder if there’s anything you can do to help. You feel like you understand Lily better after your early morning conversation with her. [[Uh. No. I’m staying the hell out of this.]] [[See if there is anything you can do to help Lily]]

You choose not to say or do anything. This isn't your problem, and messing with a demon seems like a bad idea. Instead Cat whispers something quietly to her. At first there is no change in the rageful storm that swirls around her. But eventually she collapses to the floor. “Why?” she asks Aayush, looking up at him. "Why didn't you want to be with me? I would have given you everything." “I don’t think I’m right for you, and I don’t think you’re right for me,” he responds, crouching down so he’s the same height as her, “I think this would be a relationship of conflict and unhappiness. Life is too short for that Lily, and if a vampire is telling you that then you know it’s the truth.” You see a red tear working its way down Lily’s face, and the sight breaks your heart. But then the fire from the pit changes form and takes on a humanoid appearance. “Lillian.” The name is whispered, but the sound echoes through the dome. Lily looks around, her face scared. “D-Dad?” she asks. “Stop making a fool out of me and get home. Now.” The fire forms a fist and pulls her towards the pit. Lily doesn’t put up a fight and looks defeated as she’s dragged across the ground. “I-I’m sorry,” are the last words she says before she’s consumed by the fire and disappears. You look to Cat, terrified for Lily. “Her father has summoned her home. She’ll be ok. She’s tough,” Cat says by way of explanation, although the tears in her eyes suggested that she was equally worried for her friend. You stare at the firepit which has returned to its normal blaze, and wonder what will happen next for Lily. “Well,” $boomer says, interrupting your chain of thought, “that saves us having to evict her I suppose. Still, a little rude to just arrive like that. I’ll be having words.” You wonder just how powerful $boomer thinks they are if they’re planning to take on Lily’s father. $boomer continues, “Well everyone, congratulations on your new couples. May you find eternal happiness together.” “Well that’s ominous,” Abe mutters under his breath, so quiet that only you can hear it, and you find a laugh escaping. You’re aware it could be hysteria, but whatever it is, you look at him gratefully. “I uh, I understand if you’d like to go and speak to $couple1,” he says quietly. “I’ll wait here.” [[“Thank you.” Go and speak to Rota.]] [[You realise this is a chance to see why Eli chose Rota instead of you “Actually, I wouldn’t mind catching up with Eli.”]] [[You feel like you'd like to be alone. “No, that’s ok. I’m exhausted. I think it’s time for bed.”]]

{(set: $friendlily to $friendlily +100) }You take a deep breath and shout across at Lily. You remind her that she’s in here to be something different than her father. That she needs to control her anger if she’s going to achieve that. At first there is no change in the rageful storm that swirls around her. But as you remind her that she deserves to be loved, but that love can’t be forced, she calms slightly, until eventually she collapses to the floor. “Why?” she asks Aayush, looking up at him. "Why didn't you want to be with me? I would have given you everything." “I don’t think I’m right for you, and I don’t think you’re right for me,” he responds, crouching down so he’s the same height as her. “I think this would be a relationship of conflict and unhappiness. Life is too short for that Lily, and if a vampire is telling you that then you know it’s the truth.” You see a red tear working its way down Lily’s face, and the sight breaks your heart. But then the fire from the pit changes form and takes on a humanoid appearance. “Lillian.” The name is whispered, but the sound echoes through the dome. Lily looks around, her face scared. “D-Dad?” she asks. “Stop making a fool out of me and get home. Now.” The fire forms a fist and pulls her towards the pit. Lily doesn’t put up a fight and looks defeated as she’s dragged across the ground. “I-I’m sorry,” are the last words she says before she’s consumed by the fire and disappears. You look to Cat, terrified for Lily. “Her father has summoned her home. She’ll be ok. She’s tough,” Cat says by way of explanation, although the tears in her eyes suggested that she was equally worried for her friend. You stare at the firepit which has returned to its normal blaze, and wonder what will happen next for Lily. “Well,” $boomer says, interrupting your chain of thought, “that saves us having to evict her I suppose. Still, a little rude to just arrive like that. I’ll be having words.” You wonder just how powerful $boomer thinks they are if they’re planning to take on Lily’s father. $boomer continues, “Well everyone, congratulations on your new couples. May you find eternal happiness together.” “Well that’s ominous,” Abe mutters under his breath, so quiet that only you can hear it, and you find a laugh escaping. You’re aware it could be hysteria, but whatever it is, you look at him gratefully. “I uh, I understand if you’d like to go and speak to $couple1,” he says quietly. “I’ll wait here.” [[“Thank you.” Go and speak to Rota.]] [[You realise this is a chance to see why Eli chose Rota instead of you “Actually, I wouldn’t mind catching up with Eli.”]] [[You feel like you'd like to be alone. “No, that’s ok. I’m exhausted. I think it’s time for bed.”]]

You smile at Abe again and then walk over to Rota. Your head is swimming with everything that has just happened, and you don’t even care that Eli is standing by her, looking awkward. You walk up to her and hug her, and the second you smell her meadow hair and feel her strong arms wrapping around you, you feel safe again. “It’ll be ok,” she whispers, “remember to trust the universe.” You look into her green eyes and see that she really believes that. "We'll be able to keep spending time together," she continues, before slapping Eli on the back. "I'm sure Elf Boy won't mind." You have a feeling Eli wouldn't dare disagree, but when he says, "Of course not," he sounds sincere. He looks into your eyes and you struggle to read what emotion is flashing in his, but your brain is too full of confusion. Adding another mystery isn't going to help. $boomer speaks again, although sounds uncharacteristically shaky. “Uh, it would seem that someone wants to have a word with me. I’d better go. Buried Lovers please make your way to safety. Uh. I mean your huts. There is some dinner waiting for each of you inside your huts. The banquet planned for tonight has been cancelled.” You didn’t even know there was supposed to be a banquet, but you’re relieved you don’t have to be sociable tonight. Rota brings your palm to her mouth and very lightly kisses it. “See you tomorrow?” she asks. You smile and nod, before turning back to see Abe patiently waiting for you. You walk over to him and he extends his hand in the direction of the path leading to the huts “Let me make sure you get home safely.” You’ve felt moments of danger in this dome before, but seeing the rage of Lily and the power of her father was terrifying, and you found yourself feeling relieved that Abe was offering his company for the short walk to the hut. [[Follow Abe.]]

Abe nods with understanding in his eyes. You don’t have to look far to find Eli as when you turn around you find him standing behind you. (if:$elihope is "yes")[“$name. I thought I should explain why I didn’t pick you.” You wait silently for his explanation, your arms crossed. You made it clear you were interested in him, and he had seemed to reciprocate that. Instead he's broken up the couple you were in by choosing Rota. He shifts on his feet slightly, and it’s the first time you’ve seen a crack in his confidence. “It’s just that I felt something between us, and I know you said you’d be interested in us getting to know each other better, but I have a feeling that if we coupled up that would be it until the end. Game Over. I’m not sure I could resist you if I spent more time with you." His words tumble around in your head, causing you to feel simultaneously frustrated and confused. He hasn’t picked you because he thinks the two of you could have something serious? Is this some kind of Elven commitment phobia that no one warned you about? [[“So you’re just using Rota? You've split us up to just kill time with her?”]] [[“Whatever, Eli. I’m making no promises that I’ll be waiting around.”]] ]\ (if:$elihope is "maybe")[“$name. I thought I should explain why I didn’t pick you.” You wait silently for his explanation. You hadn’t been sure if you wanted to couple up with him, but you’re intrigued to see why he didn’t choose you. The spark between you had seemed so strong, and Rota hadn't felt a romantic spark with him. He shifts on his feet slightly, and it’s the first time you’ve seen a crack in his confidence. “It’s just that I felt something between us, and I know you said you weren’t sure about recoupling with me and so I thought I’d give us some space to work through what that spark was before we’re forced into a couple situation." All of his words tumble around in your head. It sort of makes sense to take some more time, but wouldn’t it make more sense to get to know each other in a couple. And what about Rota? You’re starting to worry that he’s playing with her emotions. [[“So you’re just using Rota? You've split us up to just kill time with her?”]] [[“Whatever, Eli. I’m making no promises that I’ll be waiting around.”]] ]\ (if:$elihope is "no")[You told Eli you weren't interested in him but if there was no romantic spark with Rota why did he have to break up your couple? It doesn't seem fair. “$name, I just wondered if I could speak to you for a minute?” He shifts on his feet slightly, and it’s the first time you’ve seen a crack in his confidence. “I just wanted to say that although you said you weren’t interested, I’m still here if you’d like to change your mind.” You stare at him, open mouthed. He shakes his head. “Ok no, that sounded creepy. I just mean that I find you really intriguing and would love to get to know you better. I chose Rota because I think we'll have fun, but I am sorry for splitting you guys up.” You’re about to ask him where Rota stands within all of this, but $boomer speaks again, although sounds uncharacteristically shaky. “Uh, it would seem that someone wants to have a word with me. I’d better go. Buried Lovers please make your way to safety. Uh. I mean your huts. There is some dinner waiting for each of you inside your huts. The banquet planned for tonight has been cancelled.” You didn’t even know there was supposed to be a banquet, but you’re relieved you don’t have to be sociable tonight. “Talk more tomorrow?" Eli asks and you nod absentmindedly, your brain now focused on the danger warning $boomer has just dropped. You look around and see Abe waiting patiently for you. You walk over to him and he extends his hand in the direction of the path leading to the huts “Let me make sure you get home safely.” You’ve felt moments of danger in this dome before, but seeing the rage of Lily and the power of her father was terrifying, and you found yourself feeling relieved that Abe was offering his company for the short walk to the hut. [[Follow Abe.]] ]

You feel protective of Rota and the words come out in a rush of anger. Eli looks surprised by the accusation. “No! She's amazing and I'll treat her with nothing but respect. I had to choose someone, so I chose someone who I'd have fun with. But there’s no romantic spark there at the moment. Let’s talk some more. Just the two of us. When we’ve had a chance to get over what has just happened." Before you can reply $boomer speaks again, although sounds uncharacteristically shaky. “Uh, it would seem that someone wants to have a word with me. I’d better go. Buried Lovers please make your way to safety. Uh. I mean your huts. There is some dinner waiting for each of you inside your huts. The banquet planned for tonight has been cancelled.” You didn’t even know there was supposed to be a banquet, but you’re relieved you don’t have to be sociable tonight. “Tomorrow?" Eli asks and you nod absentmindedly, your brain now focused on the danger warning $boomer has just dropped. You look around and see Abe waiting patiently for you. You walk over to him and he extends his hand in the direction of the path leading to the huts “Let me make sure you get home safely.” You’ve felt moments of danger in this dome before, but seeing the rage of Lily and the power of her father was terrifying, and you found yourself feeling relieved that Abe was offering his company for the short walk to the hut. [[Follow Abe.]]

He laughs. It's a beautiful sound. "Yep, dating virgin right here. It's not exactly part of Elven culture to take people out for dates. Things just sort of... happen, and I guess I've taken that philosophy with me out into the world beyond the Forest. I've had random hook-ups. You know how it is, meeting people in bars, on the beach, dancing in a club. But nothing... deeper than that." He looks thoughtful for a moment, starts to say something, but then stops. [["Maybe your experience here will change that."]] [["So you've never had a proper relationship?"]]

He smiles softly as he says "That's the plan." You’ve arrived at your date destination and you look around. A large wooden platform has been erected which covers the beach, and you can see two large targets have been placed on stands on the wooden base. Eli groans. “Oh wow, an archery date with an Elf. How original.” The two of you walk onto the platform and you see two bows, and two baskets of arrows to one side, placed by a table which has a bottle of champagne and two glasses on it. “Now you’re talking,” he says, walking over and taking hold of the bottle. [[“Alcohol and arrows, what could possibly go wrong?”]] [[“Pour a glass for me, would you?"]]

Eli's eyebrow shoots up as he looks at you. "How do you define a 'proper' relationship?" He laughs. "No, by traditional standards I haven't had a proper relationship. And that's ok. Although I'm on the hunt for something special. Maybe I'll find that here." You’ve arrived at your date destination and you look around. A large wooden platform has been erected which covers the beach, and you can see two large targets have been placed on stands on the wooden base. Eli groans. “Oh wow, an archery date with an Elf. How original.” The two of you walk onto the platform and you see two bows, and two baskets of arrows to one side, placed by a table which has a bottle of champagne and two glasses on it. “Now you’re talking,” he says, walking over and taking hold of the bottle. [[“Alcohol and arrows, what could possibly go wrong?”]] [[“Pour a glass for me, would you?"]]

(unless: (saved-games:) contains "Autosave" or "file A")[<div class="chaptertitle">Welcome To Buried Love!</div>](else:)[<div class="chaptertitle">Welcome Back To Buried Love!</div>] //Welcome to your next big adventure. <span style="text-shadow: 0px 1px 1px #00c3a7;">Buried Love</span>. The show where we test whether romance really is dead. When your friends entered you into this dating show you never thought you'd get selected, but here you are, a moment away from potentially meeting the love of your life. Fed up with seeing you get picked up and dropped by a long line of emotionally deficient partners of the human variety, your friends decided to take your fate in their own hands and enter you into a dating show with a supernatural and mythical twist. It's been years since the doors were thrown wide open and everyone realised that the creatures of myth, fantasy and legend were real, but appear on reality television... now that's new.// ''Aug '21 update:'' * Get yourself ready for a little bit of drama, a sprinkling of peril and a whole lot of romance! * 20 save slots and autosave! You can now save and load at any point in the game from the top menu! * Custom pronouns! * [[Profiles|PROFILES]] with detailed information on your fellow Buried Lovers! They also reflect your relationships<div id="beatingheart" class="alex"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div><img src="https://i.imgur.com/AUfQm8O.png" class="friend"> and show who you coupled with! And you can see your sneaky kisses<img src="https://i.imgur.com/14dVZ8i.gif" class="kissing"> too! ''//Save/ Load Guidance - iOS//'' Unfortunately save files don't work well on iOS devices and so android/ windows devices are recommended. If you do use an apple device, the Opera browser seems to be the best for saving files. {(link: "Start a new game")[(goto: "Get Name")]<br> (if: (saved-games:) contains "Autosave")[(link: "Continue from autosave")[(load-game: "Autosave")]<br>] (if: (saved-games:) contains "Slot 1" or "Slot 2" or "Slot 3" or "Slot 4" or "Slot 5" or "Slot 6" or "Slot 7" or "Slot 8" or "Slot 9" or "slot 10" or "Slot 11" or "Slot 12" or "Slot 13" or "Slot 14" or "Slot 15" or "Slot 16" or "Slot 17" or "Slot 18" or "Slot 19" or "Slot 20")[(link: "Load saved game")[(goto: "LOAD")] (from Aug '21 release onwards)<br>] (if: (saved-games:) contains "file A")[(link: "Continue from old save")[(load-game: "file A")] (pre Aug '21 save file, not recommended)]}

{(set: $day to "Day 1")(if: $name is "")[(goto: "Get Name")] (if: $name is "Type your name here")[(goto: "Get Name")] (if: $name is "Babe, please, type your name for real")[(goto: "Get Name")] (if: $name is "Honestly? Just type your name, geez")[(goto: "Get Name")] (if: $name is "You're stubborn, huh?")[(goto: "Get Name")] (set: $name to (upperfirst:$name)) }<img src="https://i.imgur.com/1x6fV6f.jpg" width="300" height="300" alt="Logo"> <div class="chaptertitle">Day 1. Part 1. Highway to Hell.</div> Welcome to your next big adventure, $name. Buried Love. The show where we test whether romance really is dead. When your friends entered you into this dating show you never thought you'd get selected, but here you are, a moment away from potentially meeting the love of your life Fed up with seeing you get picked up and dropped by a long line of emotionally deficient partners of the human variety, your friends decided to take your fate in their own hands and enter you into a dating show with a supernatural and mythical twist. It's been years since the doors were thrown wide open and everyone realised that the creatures of myth, fantasy and legend were real, but appear on reality television...now that's new. You've just been on quite the adventure to get here involving planes, trains and now a submarine. As you sit in the enclosed space wondering just what you've got yourself into, and where you're going, one of the crew members taps you on the shoulder. He's holding a clipboard in front of him and he frowns as he looks at it. "Hmm we seem to have one important piece of information missing. How should we refer to you?" [[She/ Her]] [[He/ Him]] [[They/ Them]] [[Custom Pronouns]] [[Gender-fluidity]]

{(unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "no-header")[<div class="small"><tw-icon tabindex="0" alt="Undo" title="Undo">↶</tw-icon><tw-icon tabindex="0" alt="Redo" title="Redo">↷</tw-icon> <div style="text-align:right;">(if: (passage:)'s tags contains "profiles")[(link-goto: "RETURN", $lastpassage) | ](else:)[(if: $genderfluid is 1)[(link-goto: "PRONOUNS", "genderfluid") | ]][[SAVE]] | [[LOAD]] | [[PROFILES]] | (link-repeat: "RESTART")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(reload:)]</div></div>]  (unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "nosave")[ (save-game: "Autosave", "Autosave") ]}

{(set: $lastpassage to "") (set: $day to 0)(set: $coupled to 0)(set: $couple1 to 0) (set:$gender1lower to "")(set:$gender1upper to "")(set: $genderdescriptlower to "")(set: $genderdescriptupper to "")(set:$gender2lower to "") (set:$gender2upper to "")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "")(set:$genderpossessive2upper to "")(set: $genderreflexive to "")(set:$genderfluid to 0)}

{(set: $day to "Day 4") }<div class="chaptertitle">Day 4. Part 1. Lonely Boy</div> Your eyes shoot open and you stare at the ceiling of your hut, your brain struggling to work out where you are for a moment. The screaming noise isn’t helping you to focus. The...screaming...noise? You groan when you realise that it’s coming from the bracelet on your wrist. It’s been blissfully quiet lately, but apparently $boomer has decided that you’re getting too much rest. You angrily tap the gem on the bracelet and prepare yourself for the inevitable instruction. “Good Morning, $name! There’s no time for sleep. You’ve got some questions to answer. Make your way to the Shriek Shack.” You put the pillow over your head in the hope that you can fall back asleep and pretend this isn’t happening. It took a long time for sleep to arrive last night after everything that happened, and it just seems cruel to make you get up this early. “Now,” $boomer booms out. You throw the pillow to one side and muse on whether you have time to have a shower. In $boomer’s estimation, probably not, but who knows what today has in store, and you’d quite like to feel fresh for it. [[Take that shower.]] [[Better get to the shack straight away.]]

You decide that feeling ready to start the day is more important than pleasing $boomer and so you have a shower and take your time getting ready. You’re sure you hear a few ‘tsk’ noises, but don’t really care. After what happened to Lily yesterday it’s going to take a lot to frighten you, and $boomer isn’t it. When you’re ready you leave your hut and take a slow stroll to the shack. There isn’t any sign of anyone else being up yet. The dome is eerily quiet. You wonder if Abe is going to be in the shack, and hope this isn’t going to be an incredibly awkward conversation in front of him. The thought of the drama of the lie detector is causing your head to ache. But when you get inside you are only greeted by the red velvet chair. [[Sit down and wait.]] [[Sit with your legs draped over the arm. Might as well be comfortable.]]

You're not in the mood for an argument with $boomer this morning, and so you make your way straight to the shack. As you walk along the path you realise that there isn’t any sign of anyone else being up yet. The dome is eerily quiet. You wonder if Abe is going to be in the shack, and hope this isn’t going to be an incredibly awkward conversation in front of him. The thought of the drama of the lie detector is causing your head to ache. But when you get inside you are only greeted by the red velvet chair. [[Sit down and wait.]] [[Sit with your legs draped over the arm. Might as well be comfortable.]]

You’ve never been one to sit demurely in a chair, and you don’t intend to start now. You make yourself comfortable, and wait. Eventually you hear a voice, although it isn’t $boomer. The voice is softer and you find yourself relaxing as they speak, a subtle accent discernible in their words. “Good morning $name. Sorry for getting you here so early but I just have a few questions to ask you, I hope that’s ok?” The question is asked so nicely it’s impossible to do anything other than smile and nod. “Great! Ok, well, uh, the first question is...how do you feel about being coupled up with Abe?” You think about how to answer this. [[“Abe seems lovely, but he wouldn’t have been my first choice.”]] [[“Pissed off to be honest. Last night was a joke.”]] [[“I’m pretty happy about it actually. I’m looking forward to getting to know him.”]]

(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[“Oh yes, that’s understandable. How do you feel about seeing Alex and Cerri coupled up together?” [[“Like I’ve been slapped? Like I want to just make the pain go away? I pretty much hate that girl, ok?”]] [[“It’s not exactly a picnic. But I feel like it won’t be for long. I know Alex is still all in for me, and I definitely feel the same way.”]] [[“I’m worried for him. He doesn’t look happy. But it wasn’t him I wanted to couple with last night.”]] ]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[“Oh yes, that’s understandable. How do you feel about seeing Aayush and Cerri coupled up together?” [[“Like I’ve been slapped? Like I want to just make the pain go away? I pretty much hate that girl, ok?”|Aayush and Cerri hate]] [[“It’s not exactly a picnic. But I feel like it won’t be for long. I know Aayush is still all in for me, and I definitely feel the same way.”]] [[“Honestly? I wish him well, but it wasn’t him I wanted to couple with last night.”]] ]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[“Oh yes, that’s understandable. How do you feel about seeing Rota and Eli coupled up together?” [[“Like I’ve been slapped? Like I want to just make the pain go away? Don't mention that elf to me, ok?”]] [[“It’s not exactly a picnic. But I feel like it won’t be for long. I know Rota is still all in for me, and I definitely feel the same way.”]] [[“Honestly? I wish her all the best, but it wasn't Rota I wanted to couple up with last night.”]] ]

(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[“Oh dear. But he's such a nice boy. Don't go breaking his heart now. How do you feel about seeing Alex and Cerri coupled up together?” [[“Like I’ve been slapped? Like I want to just make the pain go away? I pretty much hate that girl, ok?”]] [[“It’s not exactly a picnic. But I feel like it won’t be for long. I know Alex is still all in for me, and I definitely feel the same way.”]] [[“I’m worried for him. He doesn’t look happy. But it wasn’t him I wanted to couple with last night.”]] ]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[“Oh dear. But he's such a nice boy. Don't go breaking his heart now. How do you feel about seeing Aayush and Cerri coupled up together?” [[“Like I’ve been slapped? Like I want to just make the pain go away? I pretty much hate that girl, ok?”|Aayush and Cerri hate]] [[“It’s not exactly a picnic. But I feel like it won’t be for long. I know Aayush is still all in for me, and I definitely feel the same way.”]] [[“Honestly? I wish him well, but it wasn’t him I wanted to couple with last night.”]] ]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[“Oh dear. But he's such a nice boy. Don't go breaking his heart now. How do you feel about seeing Rota and Eli coupled up together?” [[“Like I’ve been slapped? Like I want to just make the pain go away? Don't mention that elf to me, ok?”]] [[“It’s not exactly a picnic. But I feel like it won’t be for long. I know Rota is still all in for me, and I definitely feel the same way.”]] [[“Honestly? I wish her all the best, but it wasn't Rota I wanted to couple up with last night.”]] ]

(if:$couple1 is "Alex")[“Oh, interesting. This should make for good television. How do you feel about seeing Alex and Cerri coupled up together?” You choose to ignore the 'good television' comment, sensing that they're just trying to wind you up. [[“Like I’ve been slapped? Like I want to just make the pain go away? I pretty much hate that girl, ok?”]] [[“It’s not exactly a picnic. But I feel like it won’t be for long. I know Alex is still all in for me, and I definitely feel the same way.”]] [[“I’m worried for him. He doesn’t look happy. But it wasn’t him I wanted to couple with last night.”]] ]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[“Oh, interesting. This should make for good television. How do you feel about seeing Aayush and Cerri coupled up together?” You choose to ignore the 'good television' comment, sensing that they're just trying to wind you up. [[“Like I’ve been slapped? Like I want to just make the pain go away? I pretty much hate that girl, ok?”|Aayush and Cerri hate]] [[“It’s not exactly a picnic. But I feel like it won’t be for long. I know Aayush is still all in for me, and I definitely feel the same way.”]] [[“Honestly? I wish him well, but it wasn’t him I wanted to couple with last night.”]] ]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[“Oh, interesting. This should make for good television. How do you feel about seeing Rota and Eli coupled up together?” You choose to ignore the 'good television' comment, sensing that they're just trying to wind you up. [[“Like I’ve been slapped? Like I want to just make the pain go away? Don't mention that elf to me, ok?”]] [[“It’s not exactly a picnic. But I feel like it won’t be for long. I know Rota is still all in for me, and I definitely feel the same way.”]] [[“Honestly? I wish her all the best, but it wasn't Rota I wanted to couple up with last night.”]] ]

“Oh dear. How very difficult for you,” the voice says. There’s a pause. “I suppose,” you brace yourself for whatever is coming next, “that because he’s only ever dated other werewolves, there’s a risk he could realise that Cerri is the one for him.” You pause and stare at the screen. Suddenly feeling less favourable about the gentle voice. You work through it all in your head. Alex has been so clear that he’s interested in pursuing things with you...and that his time with Cerri isn’t something he wants to relive...but is there still a chance that she could turn his head? [[“Not a chance.”]] [[“I guess...maybe.”]] [[Sigh. “Yes, it’s a risk. I’m not naive to that fact."]]

“Ah yes, well that’s a positive attitude to have,” the voice says. There’s a pause. “Although,” you brace yourself for whatever is coming next, “he’s only ever dated other werewolves, so do you think there’s a risk he could realise that Cerri is the one for him?” You pause and stare at the screen. Suddenly feeling less favourable about the gentle voice. You work through it all in your head. Alex has been so clear that he’s interested in pursuing things with you...and that his time with Cerri isn’t something he wants to relive...but is there still a chance that she could turn his head? [[“Not a chance.”]] [[“I guess...maybe.”]] [[Sigh. “Yes, it’s a risk. I’m not naive to that fact."]]

“Oh. I wasn't expecting that response.” the voice says. "And who did you want to couple up with? If you don't mind me asking." You look at the screen, musing on whether now is the time to admit this. [["I do mind you asking."]] [["I'm just happy with how it worked out, ok? Abe is great."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Eli."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Rota."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Aayush."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Catarina."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Cerri."]]

“Oh dear. How very difficult for you,” the voice says. There’s a pause. “I suppose,” you brace yourself for whatever is coming next, “that Aayush is very hesitant to be in a relationship with a human, so there’s a risk he could realise that Cerri is the one for him.” You pause and stare at the screen. Suddenly feeling less favourable about the gentle voice. You work through it all in your head. Aayush has been so clear that he’s interested in pursuing things with you...and that he isn't interested in Cerri...but is there still a chance that she could turn his head? [[“Not a chance.”|Aayushnotachance]] [[“I guess...maybe.”|AayushIguess]] [[Sigh. “Yes, it’s a risk. I’m not naive to that fact.|aayushrisk]]

“Ah yes, well that’s a positive attitude to have,” the voice says. There’s a pause. “I suppose,” you brace yourself for whatever is coming next, “that Aayush is very hesitant to be in a relationship with a human, so there’s a risk he could realise that Cerri is the one for him.” You pause and stare at the screen. Suddenly feeling less favourable about the gentle voice. You work through it all in your head. Aayush has been so clear that he’s interested in pursuing things with you...and that he isn't interested in Cerri...but is there still a chance that she could turn his head? [[“Not a chance.”|Aayushnotachance]] [[“I guess...maybe.”|AayushIguess]] [[Sigh. “Yes, it’s a risk. I’m not naive to that fact.|aayushrisk]]

“Oh. I wasn't expecting that response.” the voice says. "And who did you want to couple up with? If you don't mind me asking." You look at the screen, musing on whether now is the time to admit this. [["I do mind you asking."]] [["I'm just happy with how it worked out, ok? Abe is great."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Eli."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Rota."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Alex."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Catarina."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Cerri."]]

“Oh dear. How very difficult for you,” the voice says. There’s a pause. “I suppose,” you brace yourself for whatever is coming next, “that Eli and Rota travel in similar fantastical circles. They'll have so much to share. So there’s a strong risk they could fall for each other.” You pause and stare at the screen. Suddenly feeling less favourable about the gentle voice. You work through it all in your head. Rota has been so clear that she’s interested in pursuing things with you...and that she isn't interested in Eli...but is there still a chance that he could turn her head? [[“Not a chance.”|rotanotachance]] [[“I guess...maybe.”|rotaIguess]] [[Sigh. “Yes, it’s a risk. I’m not naive to that fact".|rotarisk]]

“Ah yes, well that’s a positive attitude to have,” the voice says. There’s a pause. “Although,” you brace yourself for whatever is coming next, “that Eli and Rota travel in similar fantastical circles. They'll have so much to share. So, there’s a strong risk they could fall for each other.” You pause and stare at the screen. Suddenly feeling less favourable about the gentle voice. You work through it all in your head. Rota has been so clear that she’s interested in pursuing things with you...and that she isn't interested in Eli...but is there still a chance that he could turn her head? [[“Not a chance.”|rotanotachance]] [[“I guess...maybe.”|rotaIguess]] [[Sigh. “Yes, it’s a risk. I’m not naive to that fact".|rotarisk]]

“Oh. I wasn't expecting that response.” the voice says. "And who did you want to couple up with? If you don't mind me asking." You look at the screen, musing on whether now is the time to admit this. [["I do mind you asking."]] [["I'm just happy with how it worked out, ok? Abe is great."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Eli."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Aayush."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Alex."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Catarina."]] [["I wanted to couple up with Cerri."]]

The softness in the voice shifts and the next comment sounds more like a sneer. “Such confidence.” There’s another pause. “$name, tell me, what are you really hoping to get out of Buried Love?” The words seem laced with accusation, although you have no idea why. Surely it’s obvious? [[“I’m here to find love, of course."]] [[“Mostly just spending some good times with a group of people I wouldn’t normally get to hang with.”]] [[“Oh, you know, fame and fortune.”]] [[“At this point? Mostly just trying to stay alive.”]]

The softness in the voice shifts and the next comment sounds more like a sneer. “Oh dear. Doubting your connection already? That can't be a good sign.” There’s another pause. “$name, tell me, what are you really hoping to get out of Buried Love?” The words seem laced with accusation, although you have no idea why. Surely it’s obvious? [[“I’m here to find love, of course."]] [[“Mostly just spending some good times with a group of people I wouldn’t normally get to hang with.”]] [[“Oh, you know, fame and fortune.”]] [[“At this point? Mostly just trying to stay alive.”]]

The softness has returned. “Yes, of course. That’s what you said before entering the dome as well. So it must be true.” The passive aggressive tone is making the hairs on your neck stand up, far more than $boomer has ever managed. “And what are you hoping for from your day with Abe?” Abe. The boy you’re coupled with. Quiet mysterious Abe. You wonder where he is. [[“Well he isn’t my type at all, but getting to know him as a friend sounds like a good plan.”]] [[“I...I don’t know. He could be my type but as you know I’m interested in someone else so let’s just say that I’m sure it’ll be nice to get to know him better.”]] [[“Oh, you know. The usual. Drama. Heartbreak. Tension. I don’t know. He seems like someone I could fall for, and I’m open to that, so let’s just say I hope I get a chance to spend some quiet time with him.”]]

There's a sniff. "That's not really in the spirit of the show. Although I'm sure our most discerning viewers won't put up with that for long." The passive aggressive tone is making the hairs on your neck stand up, far more than $boomer has ever managed. “And what are you hoping for from your day with Abe?” Abe. The boy you’re coupled with. Quiet mysterious Abe. You wonder where he is. [[“Well he isn’t my type at all, but getting to know him as a friend sounds like a good plan.”]] [[“I...I don’t know. He could be my type but as you know I’m interested in someone else so let’s just say that I’m sure it’ll be nice to get to know him better.”]] [[“Oh, you know. The usual. Drama. Heartbreak. Tension. I don’t know. He seems like someone I could fall for, and I’m open to that, so let’s just say I hope I get a chance to spend some quiet time with him.”]]

There's a sniff. "That's not really in the spirit of the show. You may get famous for the wrong reasons, with that attitude." The passive aggressive tone is making the hairs on your neck stand up, far more than $boomer has ever managed. “And what are you hoping for from your day with Abe?” Abe. The boy you’re coupled with. Quiet mysterious Abe. You wonder where he is. [[“Well he isn’t my type at all, but getting to know him as a friend sounds like a good plan.”]] [[“I...I don’t know. He could be my type but as you know I’m interested in someone else so let’s just say that I’m sure it’ll be nice to get to know him better.”]] [[“Oh, you know. The usual. Drama. Heartbreak. Tension. I don’t know. He seems like someone I could fall for, and I’m open to that, so let’s just say I hope I get a chance to spend some quiet time with him.”]]

There's a giggle. "Good luck with that. If only you had a strong relationship in here, I'm sure your partner would protect you." The passive aggressive tone is making the hairs on your neck stand up, far more than $boomer has ever managed. “And what are you hoping for from your day with Abe?” Abe. The boy you’re coupled with. Quiet mysterious Abe. You wonder where he is. [[“Well he isn’t my type at all, but getting to know him as a friend sounds like a good plan.”]] [[“I...I don’t know. He could be my type but as you know I’m interested in someone else so let’s just say that I’m sure it’ll be nice to get to know him better.”]] [[“Oh, you know. The usual. Drama. Heartbreak. Tension. I don’t know. He seems like someone I could fall for, and I’m open to that, so let’s just say I hope I get a chance to spend some quiet time with him.”]]

{(set: $abetype to "no") }You can hear the tight-lipped smile in the voice that responds, “Yes, quite nice, I’m sure. This isn't 'Buried Friendship'.” You wait for the next question to be thrown at you, but a knock on the door of the shack saves you. You turn to see Abe’s head appearing through a gap he’s created by opening the door just wide enough for him to be able to see in, but apparently not wide enough for his body. You’re about to greet him, but the voice steps in. “Abe! How delightful. Although it’s $name’s turn for questions it would be lovely to ask you just one question. Do come in and join us!” Abe looks confused for a moment and looks at you before stepping inside the shack. He ignores the voice and turns to you. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. My bracelet buzzed earlier and they told me to come and collect you and then take you back to your hut. I’m not sure w-” But he doesn’t get a chance to finish his sentence before the voice is asking him the same question it just asked you. “What are you hoping for from your first day being coupled with $name, Abe?” Abe clears his throat slightly and reaches his hand up to absentmindedly play with a dreadlock that keeps falling across his forehead. His dark eyes meet yours again before he replies. “I’m just hoping that I get to find out more about $name,” he pauses and you’re surprised to see a small smile curving the corners of his lips. “And that $gender1lower learns I’m not just a strange guy who doesn't talk much. I am that, of course, but I also have a strange habit of saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. It’ll be nice for $gender2lower to learn that as well. Oh, and that I make a perfect cup of tea. See? There’s so much for us to learn about each other.” His eyes are sparkling with amusement as he looks at you, and you know that he’s purposefully giving a closed answer to the voice to try and keep things private. “Well, that’s very insightful, Abe,” the voice replies, and you’re slightly relieved to hear that the passive aggressiveness isn’t just aimed at you. Abe shrugs and looks at you, “Shall we follow orders and get back to your hut? I have a suspicion that breakfast is involved.” You realise this means that they’re doing their best to make sure you don’t spend time with anyone else over breakfast. You’re not sure how you feel about that, but Abe is looking so happy in this moment that resisting him would just feel cruel. [[“Hell yes, let’s get out of here.”]] [[“If we must.”]] [[“Oh, but I’m enjoying the delightful questions in here so much. Can’t we stay longer?”]]

{(set: $abetype to "maybe") }You can hear the tight-lipped smile in the voice that responds, “Yes, quite nice, I’m sure.” You wait for the next question to be thrown at you, but a knock on the door of the shack saves you. You turn to see Abe’s head appearing through a gap he’s created by opening the door just wide enough for him to be able to see in, but apparently not wide enough for his body. You’re about to greet him, but the voice steps in. “Abe! How delightful. Although it’s $name’s turn for questions it would be lovely to ask you just one question. Do come in and join us!” Abe looks confused for a moment and looks at you before stepping inside the shack. He ignores the voice and turns to you. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. My bracelet buzzed earlier and they told me to come and collect you and then take you back to your hut. I’m not sure w-” But he doesn’t get a chance to finish his sentence before the voice is asking him the same question it just asked you. “What are you hoping for from your first day being coupled with $name, Abe?” Abe clears his throat slightly and reaches his hand up to absentmindedly play with a dreadlock that keeps falling across his forehead. His dark eyes meet yours again before he replies. “I’m just hoping that I get to find out more about $name,” he pauses and you’re surprised to see a small smile curving the corners of his lips. “And that $gender1lower learns I’m not just a strange guy who doesn't talk much. I am that, of course, but I also have a strange habit of saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. It’ll be nice for $gender2lower to learn that as well. Oh, and that I make a perfect cup of tea. See? There’s so much for us to learn about each other.” His eyes are sparkling with amusement as he looks at you, and you know that he’s purposefully giving a closed answer to the voice to try and keep things private. “Well, that’s very insightful, Abe,” the voice replies, and you’re slightly relieved to hear that the passive aggressiveness isn’t just aimed at you. Abe shrugs and looks at you, “Shall we follow orders and get back to your hut? I have a suspicion that breakfast is involved.” You realise this means that they’re doing their best to make sure you don’t spend time with anyone else over breakfast. You’re not sure how you feel about that, but Abe is looking so happy in this moment that resisting him would just feel cruel. [[“Hell yes, let’s get out of here.”]] [[“If we must.”]] [[“Oh, but I’m enjoying the delightful questions in here so much. Can’t we stay longer?”]]

{(set: $abetype to "yes") }You can hear the tight-lipped smile in the voice that responds, “Yes, quite nice, I’m sure. I guess we will just have to see what happens between you.” You wait for the next question to be thrown at you, but a knock on the door of the shack saves you. You turn to see Abe’s head appearing through a gap he’s created by opening the door just wide enough for him to be able to see in, but apparently not wide enough for his body. You’re about to greet him, but the voice steps in. “Abe! How delightful. Although it’s $name’s turn for questions it would be lovely to ask you just one question. Do come in and join us!” Abe looks confused for a moment and looks at you before stepping inside the shack. He ignores the voice and turns to you. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. My bracelet buzzed earlier and they told me to come and collect you and then take you back to your hut. I’m not sure w-” But he doesn’t get a chance to finish his sentence before the voice is asking him the same question it just asked you. “What are you hoping for from your first day being coupled with $name, Abe?” Abe clears his throat slightly and reaches his hand up to absentmindedly play with a dreadlock that keeps falling across his forehead. His dark eyes meet yours again before he replies. “I’m just hoping that I get to find out more about $name,” he pauses and you’re surprised to see a small smile curving the corners of his lips. “And that $gender1lower learns I’m not just a strange guy who doesn't talk much. I am that, of course, but I also have a strange habit of saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. It’ll be nice for $gender2lower to learn that as well. Oh, and that I make a perfect cup of tea. See? There’s so much for us to learn about each other.” His eyes are sparkling with amusement as he looks at you, and you know that he’s purposefully giving a closed answer to the voice to try and keep things private. “Well, that’s very insightful, Abe,” the voice replies, and you’re slightly relieved to hear that the passive aggressiveness isn’t just aimed at you. Abe shrugs and looks at you, “Shall we follow orders and get back to your hut? I have a suspicion that breakfast is involved.” You realise this means that they’re doing their best to make sure you don’t spend time with anyone else over breakfast. You’re not sure how you feel about that, but Abe is looking so happy in this moment that resisting him would just feel cruel. [[“Hell yes, let’s get out of here.”]] [[“If we must.”]] [[“Oh, but I’m enjoying the delightful questions in here so much. Can’t we stay longer?”]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +5) }Abe smiles and walks back to the shack door, opening it with a flourish and standing back to let you walk through first. There’s something different about his demeanour. Perhaps it’s just that he actually seems relaxed for once. You haven’t noticed before just how tall he is. He seems to work hard to fade into the background, but as he stands holding the door open, you’re taken aback by how powerful his presence is in the room. You step back out into the dome and blink at the brightness of the lights. The two of you walk back towards your hut. Abe is silent but it doesn’t feel awkward for once. His quiet companionship is a relief in comparison to the tension of the shack. In the distance you see a scattering of other dome mates going into each other's huts. Zein grins and waves at you as they knock and enter Fleur’s hut. As you approach Rota’s shack you feel a tap on your shoulder and turn to find Eli standing behind you. “Good morning gorgeous,” he says. “‘Morning beautiful,” Abe responds, his deep voice speaking in such a deadpan way that you can’t help but laugh at this unexpected side of Abe. Eli’s eyes also crinkle in amusement and he turns to Abe. “You really are looking stunning this morning,” he says, regarding Abe with amusement, before turning to you. “You’re one lucky $genderdescriptlower, being able to spend time with Abe, all alone in your hut. Why are they breaking their own rules, and getting us to go into each other’s spaces, do you think? Have they decided we’re no longer a danger to each other? Things could be about to get really interesting if that’s the case.” You think for a moment, it does seem strange that they’re allowing you to share some quiet time like this. [[“Probably because the two humans are now coupled and so they’ve decided we don’t pose a threat to each other.”]] [[“They’re probably hoping things will get hot and heavy over the croissants. Maybe the ratings are poor.”]] [[“Who knows what they’re up to. I’m just glad there’s food. I’m starving.”]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe -5) }Abe looks uncertain, but as he stands holding the door open, you’re taken aback by how powerful his presence is in the room. You step back out into the dome and blink at the brightness of the lights. The two of you walk back towards your hut. Abe is silent but it doesn’t feel awkward for once. His quiet companionship is a relief in comparison to the tension of the shack. In the distance you see a scattering of other dome mates going into each other's huts. Zein grins and waves at you as they knock and enter Fleur’s hut. As you approach Rota’s shack you feel a tap on your shoulder and turn to find Eli standing behind you. “Good morning gorgeous,” he says. “‘Morning beautiful,” Abe responds, his deep voice speaking in such a deadpan way that you can’t help but laugh at this unexpected side of Abe. Eli’s eyes also crinkle in amusement and he turns to Abe. “You really are looking stunning this morning,” he says, regarding Abe with amusement, before turning to you. “You’re one lucky $genderdescriptlower, being able to spend time with Abe, all alone in your hut. Why are they breaking their own rules, and getting us to go into each other’s spaces, do you think? Have they decided we’re no longer a danger to each other? Things could be about to get really interesting if that’s the case.” You think for a moment, it does seem strange that they’re allowing you to share some quiet time like this. [[“Probably because the two humans are now coupled and so they’ve decided we don’t pose a threat to each other.”]] [[“They’re probably hoping things will get hot and heavy over the croissants. Maybe the ratings are poor.”]] [[“Who knows what they’re up to. I’m just glad there’s food. I’m starving.”]]

{(set: $friendabe to $friendabe +5) }Abe laughs and walks back to the shack door, opening it with a flourish and standing back to let you walk through first. There’s something different about his demeanour. Perhaps it’s just that he actually seems relaxed for once. You haven’t noticed before just how tall he is. He seems to work hard to fade into the background, but as he stands holding the door open, you’re taken aback by how powerful his presence is in the room. You step back out into the dome and blink at the brightness of the lights. The two of you walk back towards your hut. Abe is silent but it doesn’t feel awkward for once. His quiet companionship is a relief in comparison to the tension of the shack. In the distance you see a scattering of other dome mates going into each other's huts. Zein grins and waves at you as they knock and enter Fleur’s hut. As you approach Rota’s shack you feel a tap on your shoulder and turn to find Eli standing behind you. “Good morning gorgeous,” he says. “‘Morning beautiful,” Abe responds, his deep voice speaking in such a deadpan way that you can’t help but laugh at this unexpected side of Abe. Eli’s eyes also crinkle in amusement and he turns to Abe. “You really are looking stunning this morning,” he says, regarding Abe with amusement, before turning to you. “You’re one lucky $genderdescriptlower, being able to spend time with Abe, all alone in your hut. Why are they breaking their own rules, and getting us to go into each other’s spaces, do you think? Have they decided we’re no longer a danger to each other? Things could be about to get really interesting if that’s the case.” You think for a moment, it does seem strange that they’re allowing you to share some quiet time like this. [[“Probably because the two humans are now coupled and so they’ve decided we don’t pose a threat to each other.”]] [[“They’re probably hoping things will get hot and heavy over the croissants. Maybe the ratings are poor.”]] [[“Who knows what they’re up to. I’m just glad there’s food. I’m starving.”]]

Eli raises his eyebrow as he regards the two of you. “If that’s the theory they’re working on then I think they may have some shocks in store. That’s an interesting idea though…” He looks thoughtful for a moment but then shakes his head. “It’s easier not to second guess things in this place, isn’t it? Well enjoy your breakfast, and $name, if you can tear yourself away from Abe today, I’d love to catch up properly.” He flashes you a smile which somehow contains a mix of genuine warmth and uninhibited flirting. Before you can respond he’s knocking an elaborate rhythm on Rota’s door. You hear her voice calling, telling him to come in, but don’t see her. You turn back to Abe who is patiently waiting, but seemingly watching you carefully, his eyes studying your face. You have a feeling he’s reading your body language and wonder whether he’s been able to read the swirling emotions of the past three days through your expressions. “Shall we?” he asks, pointing to your hut, and you nod as the two of you quickly close the gap to the door. This time it’s your turn to hold the door open and you welcome Abe into your makeshift home. He whistles as he walks in through the door and looks around. “Wow, this is nice.” [[“Yeah, it’s ok.”]] [[“Isn’t it the same as your place?”]]

Eli raises his eyebrow as he regards the two of you. “Is that something that's likely to happen between you? Actually don't answer that. I don't want to know". He smiles. "Although...if you'd like company for that activity, I could join you both...” You can feel Abe tense beside you and Eli laughs. “Sorry Abe, I'm only joking. Well enjoy your breakfast, and $name, if you can tear yourself away from Abe today, I’d love to catch up properly.” He flashes you a smile which somehow contains a mix of genuine warmth and uninhibited flirting. Before you can respond he’s knocking an elaborate rhythm on Rota’s door. You hear her voice calling, telling him to come in, but don’t see her. You turn back to Abe who is patiently waiting, but seemingly watching you carefully, his eyes studying your face. You have a feeling he’s reading your body language and wonder whether he’s been able to read the swirling emotions of the past three days through your expressions. “Shall we?” he asks, pointing to your hut, and you nod as the two of you quickly close the gap to the door. This time it’s your turn to hold the door open and you welcome Abe into your makeshift home. He whistles as he walks in through the door and looks around. “Wow, this is nice.” [[“Yeah, it’s ok.”]] [[“Isn’t it the same as your place?”]]

Eli laughs. “Simple pleasures, right?” He looks thoughtful for a moment but then shakes his head. “Well enjoy your breakfast, and $name, if you can tear yourself away from Abe today, I’d love to catch up properly.” He flashes you a smile which somehow contains a mix of genuine warmth and uninhibited flirting. Before you can respond he’s knocking an elaborate rhythm on Rota’s door. You hear her voice calling, telling him to come in, but don’t see her. You turn back to Abe who is patiently waiting, but seemingly watching you carefully, his eyes studying your face. You have a feeling he’s reading your body language and wonder whether he’s been able to read the swirling emotions of the past three days through your expressions. “Shall we?” he asks, pointing to your hut, and you nod as the two of you quickly close the gap to the door. This time it’s your turn to hold the door open and you welcome Abe into your makeshift home. He whistles as he walks in through the door and looks around. “Wow, this is nice.” [[“Yeah, it’s ok.”]] [[“Isn’t it the same as your place?”]]

As you look around your room, your attention is quickly drawn to the fact that your bed is missing, and in its place is a large square table which is covered in a yellow tablecloth and has all kinds of breakfast foods carefully arranged on top. Abe pulls back one of the chairs from the table and gestures to it, clearly inviting you to sit. [[Sit in the chair he’s pulled out for you.]] [[Sit on the other chair.]]

He turns back to you. “I mean, yes, but I wanted to be polite.” You watch him, not sure if he’s joking. But your attention is quickly drawn to the fact that your bed is missing, and in its place is a large square table which is covered in a yellow tablecloth and has all kinds of breakfast foods carefully arranged on top. Abe pulls back one of the chairs from the table and gestures to it, clearly inviting you to sit. [[Sit in the chair he’s pulled out for you.]] [[Sit on the other chair.]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +5) }Abe looks strangely endearing as he holds the back of the chair, and you walk over to it and sit down. As he walks to the other side of the table you truly notice him for the first time. He’s always so covered up...a man in glasses and tweed in a tropical dome, looking horribly out of place at any given moment. But this morning he’s wearing a short sleeved white shirt which contrasts beautifully against his dark skin, and you find your eyes drawn to his forearms as he reaches over and picks up the jug of fruit juice. They look...well...strong. They’re the arms of a man who lifts heavy objects all day every day. You’ve heard him mention working in a book shop before, but there must be more to him. Intriguing. This wasn’t how you’d imagined spending your morning, but you realise you’ve got a perfect opportunity to understand more about what makes Abe tick, and you intend to use the time wisely. You both help yourself to food and drink and then there’s a pause as you watch each other across the table. This is your chance. [[“What do you like doing Abe, when you’re not hanging around under the sea that is?”]] [[“Tell me more about your job, Abe. Being surrounded by books everyday sounds like heaven.”]]

Abe awkwardly sits down on the chair he's holding. As he sits you truly notice him for the first time. He’s always so covered up...a man in glasses and tweed in a tropical dome, looking horribly out of place at any given moment. But this morning he’s wearing a short sleeved white shirt which contrasts beautifully against his dark skin, and you find your eyes drawn to his forearms as he reaches over and picks up the jug of fruit juice. They look...well...strong. They’re the arms of a man who lifts heavy objects all day every day. You’ve heard him mention working in a book shop before, but there must be more to him. Intriguing. This wasn’t how you’d imagined spending your morning, but you realise you’ve got a perfect opportunity to understand more about what makes Abe tick, and you intend to use the time wisely. You both help yourself to food and drink and then there’s a pause as you watch each other across the table. This is your chance. [[“What do you like doing Abe, when you’re not hanging around under the sea that is?”]] [[“Tell me more about your job, Abe. Being surrounded by books everyday sounds like heaven.”]]

He looks nervous at first but then quietly says one word. "Reading." He takes a careful bite of a piece of toast, before continuing. "Well, just books in general. I actually own a bookshop. Haven't I mentioned that to you? There’s something about being surrounded by old books. The life contained within their pages.” He takes another bite of toast. “I’ve always loved history. Finding out about the past somehow helped me to make more sense of the present. So being surrounded by so much history fills my heart with happiness. I love being able to pass that history on to other people through helping them find the perfect book. I love fiction as well, however. There are so many imperfect characters in the books. So flawed. And yet somehow, they’re revered. It gives me hope that we can all move on from the stories of our ancestors. That our flaws can be understood. Rationalised.” He pauses and you find yourself caught up in his words, a piece of food in your hand is still paused mid-air as you listen to him speaking. “I think I also feel-” But he stops himself and looks at you. “Sorry, I could talk about books all day but it must be boring for you.” [[“Are you kidding? I love books. What were you going to say?]] [[“A bit. Shall we change the subject?”]]

His eyes absolutely light up. “Yes, I actually own a bookshop. It really is heaven. It’s a dream come true to be honest. When I was much younger, I thought I was going to have to follow a different career path, but when this opportunity presented itself to me, I jumped at it. There’s something about being surrounded by old books. The life contained within their pages.” He takes a careful bite of a piece of toast, before continuing. “I’ve always loved history. Finding out about the past somehow helped me to make more sense of the present. So being surrounded by so much history fills my heart with happiness. I love being able to pass that history on to other people through helping them find the perfect book. I love fiction as well, however. There are so many imperfect characters in the books. So flawed. And yet somehow, they’re revered. It gives me hope that we can all move on from the stories of our ancestors. That our flaws can be understood. Rationalised.” He pauses and you find yourself caught up in his words, a piece of food in your hand is still paused mid-air as you listen to him speaking. “I think I also feel-” But he stops himself and looks at you. “Sorry, I could talk about books all day but it must be boring for you.” [[“Are you kidding? I love books. What were you going to say?]] [[“A bit. Shall we change the subject?”]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +10) }Abe smiles, and it’s probably one of the most real things you’ve seen since entering the dome. He looks at the table and then back at you, his dark eyes shining with something you can’t quite read. “Thank you for humouring me. I was going to say that I feel so safe with books. They can hold so many difficult stories...or truths... and don’t make any judgement. I think they might be just about the only thing in the world that I feel truly free around.” He chuckles. “And now I sound like a crazy man with a book fetish.” [[“No, not at all. I get you.”]] [[“Yeah, maybe dial down the intensity a tiny bit.”]] [[“Nothing wrong with a fetish or two…”]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe -10) }Abe nods and looks down at his hands for a moment before continuing. "Uh what do you do when you’re not trapped in a deep sea bubble?” [[“I’m a student.”]] [[“I'm a book editor.”]] [[“I’m an artist.”]] [[“I’m a scientist.”]] [["I'm a small business owner."]] [[“I’m a pharmacist.”]] [[Well...it’s none of these...let me be more specific.]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +5) }Abe breathes a sigh of relief. “Ok, phew. Although seriously, enough intense ‘me’ talk. I’d love to understand more about you, $name. What do you do when you’re not busy getting yourself cut off from everything you know and love by entering a deep sea bubble?” A smile is playing around the corner of his lips again and he takes a bite of toast, waiting patiently for your answer. You find yourself smiling back at his description. It is kind of like you’ve left your entire world behind you. But it will still be there when you leave this place. Right?! [[“I’m a student.”]] [[“I'm a book editor.”]] [[“I’m an artist.”]] [[“I’m a scientist.”]] [["I'm a small business owner."]] [[“I’m a pharmacist.”]] [[Well...it’s none of these...let me be more specific.]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe -5) }Abe nods and looks down at his hands for a moment before continuing. "Uh what do you do when you’re not trapped in a deep sea bubble?” [[“I’m a student.”]] [[“I'm a book editor.”]] [[“I’m an artist.”]] [[“I’m a scientist.”]] [["I'm a small business owner."]] [[“I’m a pharmacist.”]] [[Well...it’s none of these...let me be more specific.]]

Abe almost chokes on a piece of toast. “Ok, that was unexpected. I'm not sure I've ever..." He shakes his head. "Well, I’d love to understand more about you, $name. What do you do when you’re not busy getting yourself cut off from everything you know and love by entering a deep sea bubble?” A smile is playing around the corner of his lips again and he takes a bite of toast, waiting patiently for your answer. You find yourself smiling back at his description. It is kind of like you’ve left your entire world behind you. But it will still be there when you leave this place. Right?! [[“I’m a student.”]] [[“I'm a book editor.”]] [[“I’m an artist.”]] [[“I’m a scientist.”]] [["I'm a small business owner."]] [[“I’m a pharmacist.”]] [[Well...it’s none of these...let me be more specific.]]

{(set: $occupation to "student") }Abe smiles. “So, we have found the second thing we have in common. Both humans. Both have a passion for knowledge. I haven’t managed to find much in common with anyone else here. I’ve tried, really, but their lives just seem so different, you know? My father would be so disappointed in me. When I lost my coupling with Rota I was sure I was going to leave before I’d achieved what I was aiming for.” You watch him intently. He suddenly looks as if he has said too much, and makes an attempt to change the subject. “Anyway, I wonder what the producers have in store for us today?” You pause, wondering whether to pick him up on his statement. [[Uh yeah, I’m not letting that slide. “So wait, you weren’t sad because you were interested in Rota? What was your aim? What were you worried about?”]] [[Let it slide. “Never-ending drama, I’m sure.”]]

{(set: $occupation to "book editor") }Abe smiles. “So, we have found the second thing we have in common. Both humans. Both have a career involving books. I haven’t managed to find much in common with anyone else here. I’ve tried, really, but their lives just seem so different, you know? My father would be so disappointed in me. When I lost my coupling with Rota I was sure I was going to leave before I’d achieved what I was aiming for.” You watch him intently. He suddenly looks as if he has said too much, and makes an attempt to change the subject. “Anyway, I wonder what the producers have in store for us today?” You pause, wondering whether to pick him up on his statement. [[Uh yeah, I’m not letting that slide. “So wait, you weren’t sad because you were interested in Rota? What was your aim? What were you worried about?”]] [[Let it slide. “Never-ending drama, I’m sure.”]]

{(set: $occupation to "artist") }Abe smiles. “So, we have found the second thing we have in common. Both humans. Both have a passion for the arts. I admire anyone who can create anything in any medium. It's such a gift to the world. I haven’t managed to find much in common with anyone else here. I’ve tried, really, but their lives just seem so different, you know? My father would be so disappointed in me. When I lost my coupling with Rota I was sure I was going to leave before I’d achieved what I was aiming for.” You watch him intently. He suddenly looks as if he has said too much, and makes an attempt to change the subject. “Anyway, I wonder what the producers have in store for us today?” You pause, wondering whether to pick him up on his statement. [[Uh yeah, I’m not letting that slide. “So wait, you weren’t sad because you were interested in Rota? What was your aim? What were you worried about?”]] [[Let it slide. “Never-ending drama, I’m sure.”]]

{(set: $occupation to "scientist") }Abe smiles. “So, we have found the second thing we have in common. Both humans. Both have a desire to understand more about the world around us. I haven’t managed to find much in common with anyone else here. I’ve tried, really, but their lives just seem so different, you know? My father would be so disappointed in me. When I lost my coupling with Rota I was sure I was going to leave before I’d achieved what I was aiming for.” You watch him intently. He suddenly looks as if he has said too much, and makes an attempt to change the subject. “Anyway, I wonder what the producers have in store for us today?” You pause, wondering whether to pick him up on his statement. [[Uh yeah, I’m not letting that slide. “So wait, you weren’t sad because you were interested in Rota? What was your aim? What were you worried about?”]] [[Let it slide. “Never-ending drama, I’m sure.”]]

{(set: $occupation to "business owner") }Abe smiles. “So, we have found the second thing we have in common. Both humans. Both help people get the things they want and need. I haven’t managed to find much in common with anyone else here. I’ve tried, really, but their lives just seem so different, you know? My father would be so disappointed in me. When I lost my coupling with Rota I was sure I was going to leave before I’d achieved what I was aiming for.” You watch him intently. He suddenly looks as if he has said too much, and makes an attempt to change the subject. “Anyway, I wonder what the producers have in store for us today?” You pause, wondering whether to pick him up on his statement. [[Uh yeah, I’m not letting that slide. “So wait, you weren’t sad because you were interested in Rota? What was your aim? What were you worried about?”]] [[Let it slide. “Never-ending drama, I’m sure.”]]

{(set: $occupation to "pharmacist") }Abe smiles. “Wow, pharmacology is so fascinating. I've read many books on the subject. It would be great to discuss some of the science one day. I haven’t managed to find much in common with anyone else here. I’ve tried, really, but their lives just seem so different, you know? My father would be so disappointed in me. When I lost my coupling with Rota I was sure I was going to leave before I’d achieved what I was aiming for.” You watch him intently. He suddenly looks as if he has said too much, and makes an attempt to change the subject. “Anyway, I wonder what the producers have in store for us today?” You pause, wondering whether to pick him up on his statement. [[Uh yeah, I’m not letting that slide. “So wait, you weren’t sad because you were interested in Rota? What was your aim? What were you worried about?”]] [[Let it slide. “Never-ending drama, I’m sure.”]]

Abe clears his throat and takes a slow drink of water before responding. You sense that he’s gathering his thoughts together before replying, and you resist the urge to fill the silence. After a moment, which seems to last forever, he replies. “I-uh-I-” He swallows. “I mean, I was in awe of Rota. She’s a literal goddess, isn’t she? But no, I didn’t feel anything, uh, romantic. Although I’m not sure I’ll feel that for anyone in an environment like this, you know? I’d imagine romance will be difficult.” You stare at him, your mouth slightly open. What is he doing here then? He hardly seems like a fame seeker. Quite the opposite, in fact. He sighs. “So why am I here? I think I’m trying to prove to myself that I’m still ‘me’ when I’m around supernatural beings.” You’re about to ask him what he means but he continues hurriedly. “I mean, you know, because they’re so perfect. So...otherworldly. I was interested in whether an owner of a small bookshop in Berlin could hold his own around them.” There’s something in his answer that isn’t ringing true and you try again to read his eyes, but fail. He pushes his chair back. “I’m just going to the bathroom. If that’s ok?” You nod, and are about to say ‘of course’ but he’s disappeared before the first word leaves your lips. He looks truly uncomfortable. The Abe of a few moments ago talking about his love of books is long gone. The awkward and closed off boy is back. He must be hiding something...but what? You can’t imagine what his reason for being in here could be. What could require so much secrecy? Your mind flashes back to the card that Antonia placed down for him at the ceremony yesterday. Abe stood above the world, looking down at it, a weapon in his hand and a determined look on his face. What was the weapon again? A crossbow maybe? That had to mean something, didn’t it? What did the character pictures represent? Were they literal? Or a metaphor? You wish you’d taken more time to study them. You wonder what your card will look like. A bemused $genderdescriptlower sitting on a seabed scratching their head in confusion with a million tiny fish watching seems appropriate at the moment. Abe finally returns, although he’s been so long that you’ve finished your breakfast. “Sorry, I just realised that I hadn’t done my morning meditation and I didn’t want to miss it. A peaceful mind is so important, don’t you think?” You blink at him, wondering if he’s really expecting you to believe that’s why he disappeared. Do you want to ask him about his card and what it meant? [[Uh yes. “So, the card Antonia put down for you was interesting...and the title...what do you think that meant?”]] [[Nah. Time to change the subject. “So do you have any pets, Abe?”]]

Abe nods. "That seems to be likely, if $boomer's previous actions are anything to go by." He stands up. “I’m just going to the bathroom. If that’s ok?” You nod, and are about to say ‘of course’ but he’s disappeared before the first word leaves your lips. As you wait for him to return your mind flashes back to the card that Antonia placed down for him at the ceremony yesterday. Abe stood above the world, looking down at it, a weapon in his hand and a determined look on his face. What was the weapon again? A crossbow maybe? That had to mean something, didn’t it? What did the character pictures represent? Were they literal? Or a metaphor? You wish you’d taken more time to study them. You wonder what your card will look like. A bemused $genderdescriptlower sitting on a seabed scratching their head in confusion with a million tiny fish watching seems appropriate at the moment. Abe finally returns, although he’s been so long that you’ve finished your breakfast. “Sorry, I just realised that I hadn’t done my morning meditation and I didn’t want to miss it. A peaceful mind is so important, don’t you think?” You blink at him, unsure how to answer. Do you want to ask him about his card and what it meant? [[Uh yes. “So, the card Antonia put down for you was interesting...and the title...what do you think that meant?”]] [[Nah. Time to change the subject. “So do you have any pets, Abe?”]]

Abe sits back down and rests his hands on the table. “Oh, the hunter?” His voice is nonchalant. Perhaps too much so. “It’s not something I’m proud of. Some of my ancestors were poachers. Notorious for it, in fact. I think it must be a reference to that. And the picture? That intrigued me as well. I thought maybe it’s to do with my love of history. That the world fascinates me. Or perhaps it's a reference to my cat Maya. She's quite the hunter.” You wait for any acknowledgement of the weapon in his hand, but there isn’t one. Instead he busies himself with pouring some tea. He looks out of the small window at the front of your hut. “Well that’s strange. It looks completely dark out there.” You’re sure he’s trying to change the subject, but your eyes still follow his over to the window. You hadn’t noticed due to the lights fitted to the ceiling of your hut, but he’s right. It’s so dark it’s almost like someone has closed a shutter across the window. You walk over to the window and reach out. There’s no shutter and your hand disappears through the window and into the darkness. Abe follows you, standing beside you, close enough that his arm brushes yours lightly, before he shuffles over very slightly so that you aren’t touching. For a moment there was a jolt of electricity through your arm, and it tingles where he touched it. He twists his head to see if he can see anything. You do the same, but there is nothing other than the purest black. Your eyes suddenly catch sight of a flash of yellow light in the distance followed by a rustling sound. Leaves? Abe looks at you. “Well this is odd. What was that light? Shall we go and explore?” “NO!” $boomer interjects, before coughing. “I mean uh, Buried Lovers, we are preparing a lovely surprise for you. A challenge, if you will. Please refrain from leaving your huts until instructed to do so. It will be worth the wait. Until then, please do enjoy this music I’ve selected for you.” Your hut is suddenly filled with the sound of ominous organ music. It conjures images of ancient black and white horror movies. It’s quite possibly the least relaxing music ever. Abe’s smile is back. “So uh, I guess today won’t be any different in the drama stakes, will it?” he shouts over the music. You shake your head, wincing at the noise. “It’s painful, huh?” he asks, still raising his voice to be heard over the music. He raises his hands to the sides of your head, clearly planning to try and shield your ears. “May I?” he asks, before touching you. [[Nod, anything that blocks out that noise.]] [[Shake your head, you’ve got your own hands, no need for his.]]

Abe smiles and nods. "I do, yes. I have a cat called Maya. I love her very much. She keeps me company in my shop every day. I'd be lost without her, I think." He suddenly looks towards the window. “Well that’s strange. It looks completely dark out there.” Your eyes still follow his over to the window. You hadn’t noticed due to the lights fitted to the ceiling of your hut, but he’s right. It’s so dark it’s almost like someone has closed a shutter across the window. You walk over to the window and reach out. There’s no shutter and your hand disappears through the window and into the darkness. Abe follows you, standing beside you, close enough that his arm brushes yours lightly, before he shuffles over very slightly so that you aren’t touching. For a moment there was a jolt of electricity through your arm, and it tingles where he touched it. He twists his head to see if he can see anything. You do the same, but there is nothing other than the purest black. Your eyes suddenly catch sight of a flash of yellow light in the distance followed by a rustling sound. Leaves? Abe looks at you. “Well this is odd. What was that light? Shall we go and explore?” “NO!” $boomer interjects, before coughing. “I mean uh, Buried Lovers, we are preparing a lovely surprise for you. A challenge, if you will. Please refrain from leaving your huts until instructed to do so. It will be worth the wait. Until then, please do enjoy this music I’ve selected for you.” Your hut is suddenly filled with the sound of ominous organ music. It conjures images of ancient black and white horror movies. It’s quite possibly the least relaxing music ever. Abe’s smile is back. “So uh, I guess today won’t be any different in the drama stakes, will it?” he shouts over the music. You shake your head, wincing at the noise. “It’s painful, huh?” he asks, still raising his voice to be heard over the music. He raises his hands to the sides of your head, clearly planning to try and shield your ears. “May I?” he asks, before touching you. [[Nod, anything that blocks out that noise.]] [[Shake your head, you’ve got your own hands, no need for his.]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +5) }You nod, and Abe gently cups his hands over your ears. You hadn’t realised how large they are, and they effectively muffle the noise. Warmth radiates into your skin. It’s a comforting sensation, and you watch his face as he stands looking out of the window again. Eventually he looks back down and smiles at you. It’s the same genuine warm smile he had earlier and you find yourself more confused than ever by the boy with the bookshop and the big secret. Could it be bad? Could someone this polite and gentle really have something dark up his sleeve? The two of you wordlessly watch each other and await your next instruction. What does $boomer have planned for you? And just how complicated will it make things? [[Play Day 4 Part 2 - ‘Through dangers untold’]]

You place your hands over your ears and look at him. He's watching you quietly, without covering his own ears, and then looks out of the window again. You find yourself more confused than ever by the boy with the bookshop and the big secret. Could it be bad? Could someone this polite and gentle really have something dark up his sleeve? The two of you wordlessly await your next instruction. What does $boomer have planned for you? And just how complicated will it make things? [[Play Day 4 Part 2 - ‘Through dangers untold’]]

{(set: $occupation to (prompt: "To add in your personalised occupation complete the sentence 'I'm a.....'",""))(if: $occupation is "")[(set: $occupation to "temp worker")] }Abe smiles. "You're a $occupation? I'm interested to find out more. I haven’t managed to find much in common with anyone in here. I’ve tried, really, but their lives just seem so different, you know? My father would be so disappointed in me. When I lost my coupling with Rota I was sure I was going to leave before I’d achieved what I was aiming for.” You watch him intently. He suddenly looks as if he has said too much, and makes an attempt to change the subject. “Anyway, I wonder what the producers have in store for us today?” You pause, wondering whether to pick him up on his statement. [[Uh yeah, I’m not letting that slide. “So wait, you weren’t sad because you were interested in Rota? What was your aim? What were you worried about?”]] [[Let it slide. “Never-ending drama, I’m sure.”]]

You sit down quietly and wait. Eventually you hear a voice, although it isn’t $boomer. The voice is softer and you find yourself relaxing as they speak, a subtle accent discernible in their words. “Good morning $name. Sorry for getting you here so early but I just have a few questions to ask you, I hope that’s ok?” The question is asked so nicely it’s impossible to do anything other than smile and nod. “Great! Ok, well, uh, the first question is...how do you feel about being coupled up with Abe?” You think about how to answer this. [[“Abe seems lovely, but he wouldn’t have been my first choice.”]] [[“Pissed off to be honest. Last night was a joke.”]] [[“I’m pretty happy about it actually. I’m looking forward to getting to know him.”]]

There's a sniff and then a quiet, "Ok, I was only asking. No need to be like that." After a pause the questions continue. “$name, tell me, what are you really hoping to get out of Buried Love?” The words seem laced with accusation, although you have no idea why. Surely it’s obvious? [[“I’m here to find love, of course."]] [[“Mostly just spending some good times with a group of people I wouldn’t normally get to hang with.”]] [[“Oh, you know, fame and fortune.”]] [[“At this point? Mostly just trying to stay alive.”]]

There's a giggle. "Ah, the elven prince. Must have been quite a shock that he chose Rota over you. How embarrassing." After a pause the questions continue. “$name, tell me, what are you really hoping to get out of Buried Love?” The words seem laced with accusation, although you have no idea why. Surely it’s obvious? [[“I’m here to find love, of course."]] [[“Mostly just spending some good times with a group of people I wouldn’t normally get to hang with.”]] [[“Oh, you know, fame and fortune.”]] [[“At this point? Mostly just trying to stay alive.”]]

There's a shocked pause and then, "How interesting. I don't think I saw that one coming. The Valkyrie, eh? I wonder if you've missed your chance." After another pause the questions continue. “$name, tell me, what are you really hoping to get out of Buried Love?” The words seem laced with accusation, although you have no idea why. Surely it’s obvious? [[“I’m here to find love, of course."]] [[“Mostly just spending some good times with a group of people I wouldn’t normally get to hang with.”]] [[“Oh, you know, fame and fortune.”]] [[“At this point? Mostly just trying to stay alive.”]]

There's a shocked pause and then, "How interesting. I don't think I saw that one coming. The vampire, eh? I wonder if you've missed your chance." After another pause the questions continue. “$name, tell me, what are you really hoping to get out of Buried Love?” The words seem laced with accusation, although you have no idea why. Surely it’s obvious? [[“I’m here to find love, of course."]] [[“Mostly just spending some good times with a group of people I wouldn’t normally get to hang with.”]] [[“Oh, you know, fame and fortune.”]] [[“At this point? Mostly just trying to stay alive.”]]

There's a shocked pause and then, "How interesting. I don't think I saw that one coming. The bruxa, eh? I'm not sure she's shown any attraction to you." After another pause the questions continue. “$name, tell me, what are you really hoping to get out of Buried Love?” The words seem laced with accusation, although you have no idea why. Surely it’s obvious? [[“I’m here to find love, of course."]] [[“Mostly just spending some good times with a group of people I wouldn’t normally get to hang with.”]] [[“Oh, you know, fame and fortune.”]] [[“At this point? Mostly just trying to stay alive.”]]

There's a snort of laughter and then, "How interesting. A big fan of enemies to lovers, I see." After another pause the questions continue. “$name, tell me, what are you really hoping to get out of Buried Love?” The words seem laced with accusation, although you have no idea why. Surely it’s obvious? [[“I’m here to find love, of course."]] [[“Mostly just spending some good times with a group of people I wouldn’t normally get to hang with.”]] [[“Oh, you know, fame and fortune.”]] [[“At this point? Mostly just trying to stay alive.”]]

There's a shocked pause and then, "How interesting. I don't think I saw that one coming. The werewolf, eh? I wonder if you've missed your chance." After another pause the questions continue. “$name, tell me, what are you really hoping to get out of Buried Love?” The words seem laced with accusation, although you have no idea why. Surely it’s obvious? [[“I’m here to find love, of course."]] [[“Mostly just spending some good times with a group of people I wouldn’t normally get to hang with.”]] [[“Oh, you know, fame and fortune.”]] [[“At this point? Mostly just trying to stay alive.”]]

<div class="chaptertitle">Day 4. Part 2. Through dangers untold</div> You’re sitting opposite Abe at the table. He’d given up trying to shield you from the noise about twenty minutes ago, when it became apparent that this wasn’t going to be a short term imprisonment in your hut. It’s been half an hour so far, in fact. Half an hour of the kind of organ music designed to chill you to the bone. Although right now it is just succeeding in causing you to have a hoarse throat through the attempt at having a casual conversation with Abe. The two of you have been shouting smalltalk questions and answers across the table in a feeble attempt at distracting yourselves from both the noise and the nerves about what $boomer has planned next. Whatever it is, it seems unlikely that it’s a treat. You’ve learned that Abe loves classical music (no surprise there), that he has an ambition to set up a cat rescue centre one day (that was a little more surprising), and that his favourite food is cod thai. Although he might have said pad thai. Your lipreading still needs work. It’s your turn to ask another question and you think for a moment. You could keep up the lighthearted questioning...or dig a little deeper. [[“What was the first book you remember reading?”]] [[“Why don’t you think you’ll find romance in here?”]]

You shout the question, but Abe mimes to you that he can’t hear you. You inhale and prepare to shout again. It’s like being in the world’s worst nightclub. But as you repeat the question the music suddenly stops and you find your shouting voice filling the now silent space. Abe laughs. “Ok. Now the whole dome knows about my cold, cold heart.” You grin sheepishly and wait for his answer. “It’s not that I don’t think I could fall for someone here. The right person. It’s just that I think being...romantic...would be difficult, with so many eyes watching. So much pressure. It would be like school again, when I was being pressured to kiss a girl called Elsa in the playground. It was too forced. I just...froze. I need to be able to do things quietly. In my own time. I’m not sure this is the right environment for that.” He’s looking down at the table as he speaks, but when he finishes, his eyes raise to yours, and he watches you through his thick dark lashes. You haven’t noticed how long they are until now. “I don’t think anyone here would have the patience for that. Or perhaps I should say that I don’t think the person I’m interested in would have the inclination to sit around and wait.” You watch him quietly across the table, your ears still ringing with the terrible music, but able to pick up the pointed tone in his voice when he says that last sentence. Surely he’s not suggesting that you’re the one he’d want to spend time getting closer with? Isn’t life in this place complicated enough? Abe’s bracelet suddenly screams, causing him to jump off his chair. He stares at you in shock before laughing. “Ok, this place has got me spooked.” He quickly presses the gem and the voice fills the dome. “Buried Lovers. It’s time for your next challenge. Only two of you can win, but it will take some time and perseverance to get to the prize. But what a prize it is. Some quiet time with the domemate who has currently captured your heart? Surely that’s worth any amount of hardship. Please make your way to the area that used to be the pool.” Abe looks at you, his eyebrows raised in shock. “Used to be the pool..what have they…?” You look out of the window and see that it’s lighter outside, but still not full daylight. [[Open the door to your hut.]]

You open the door and look outside. The light in the dome is dimmed, and the sky effect is a murky grey instead of the usual bright blue. Creepy. Great, just what this place needed. Abe stands behind you and looks outside. “Well that’s...unusual. Shall we go and see what they have planned for us?” [[Walk to the pool area with Abe. Sorry, I mean the area that used to be the pool.]]

The two of you walk quietly along. You can see the other couples ahead of you and one by one you hear them gasp as they turn the corner. It’s only a few seconds before you can see why. The area that used to be the pool, loungers and bar is now what appears to be a giant maze built of hedges that are at least eight foot tall. “Hmm I wonder if it’s a maze or a labyrinth,” you hear Abe mutter. But there doesn’t seem to be time to question what the difference is, as everyone starts piling into the narrow gap that seems to be the entrance to the maze. “First two people to the centre of the labyrinth get the prize,” $boomer announces. “Oh, so it’s a labyrinth. That should make life easier,” Abe says confidently. You look at him open mouthed, your brain still uncertain what you’re seeing or how it being a labyrinth is going to make this any easier. In the dim light you can see $couple1 disappearing through the entrance, closely followed by Eli. You pick up speed, already realising that having the hut the furthest away from the pool area has put you at an immediate disadvantage. Surely everyone will be ahead of you anyway? As you walk through the opening to the labyrinth you stop in your tracks. There are four large wooden doors a few metres in front of you. (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[You can see Rota starting to go through the door on the furthest right. She pauses and looks back at you, her eyes searching your face. She wants you to follow her. But where is Eli? You look over to see his blonde form disappearing through a door to the far left. Abe looks at you. “Well, I guess their strategy is to split up so one of them has a better chance of making it to the centre first. I think I’m going to go through that door.” He points to the door second to the left. “You’re welcome to explore with me if you’d like, but if you’d rather spend time with Rota I understand. You freeze for a moment. Which door should you go through? And why is this all seeming so pressured? Like it means something...more. What do you want to do? [[Follow Rota.]] [[Go through the door Eli has just disappeared through.]] [[Explore with Abe.]] [[Go through the closed door you haven’t seen anyone travel through yet.]] ]\ (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[You can see $couple1 starting to go through the door on the furthest right. He pauses and looks back at you, his eyes searching your face. He wants you to follow him. But where is Cerri? You look over to see Eli disappearing through a door to the far left, but no sign of Cerri. Abe looks at you, clearly understanding what is happening. “Well, I guess their strategy is to split up so one of them has a better chance of making it to the centre first. I think I’m going to go through that door.” He points to the door second to the left. “You’re welcome to explore with me if you’d like, but if you’d rather spend time with $couple1 I understand." You freeze for a moment. Which door should you go through? And why is this all seeming so pressured? Like it means something...more. What do you want to do? [[Follow Alex.]] [[Go through the door Eli has just disappeared through.]] [[Explore with Abe.]] [[Go through the closed door you haven’t seen anyone travel through yet.]] ]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[You can see $couple1 starting to go through the door on the furthest right. He pauses and looks back at you, his eyes searching your face. He wants you to follow him. But where is Cerri? You look over to see Eli disappearing through a door to the far left, but no sign of Cerri. Abe looks at you, clearly understanding what is happening. “Well, I guess their strategy is to split up so one of them has a better chance of making it to the centre first. I think I’m going to go through that door.” He points to the door second to the left. “You’re welcome to explore with me if you’d like, but if you’d rather spend time with $couple1 I understand. You freeze for a moment. Which door should you go through? And why is this all seeming so pressured? Like it means something...more. What do you want to do? [[Follow Aayush.]] [[Go through the door Eli has just disappeared through.]] [[Explore with Abe.]] [[Go through the closed door you haven’t seen anyone travel through yet.]] ]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe -10) (set: $romancerota to $romancerota +20) (set: $mazechoice to "Rota") }You know this is a good opportunity to spend some more time with Rota, and see how you work as a team. You look at Abe, your eyes apparently telling him your answer. There’s a pause while you both look at each other, and you miss seeing a sad look on Rota’s face as she disappears through the door. Abe smiles, although it does little to hide the disappointment in his eyes. “Understood. Good luck. You never know, I may see you in the centre later. Just remember...a labyrinth has a linear path to the centre...well, in this case...four paths, so you shouldn’t find yourself meeting a lot of deadends. Although I’m sure they have a few tricks up their sleeves. Stay safe.” With that he strides to the door and confidently opens it, walking through with his head held high. For a moment you’re all alone. You look back to the door Rota has just disappeared through. She can’t have gone far, and you hurry to the door and turn the large iron handle. It’s surprisingly heavy, but you manage to pull it open and step through. In front of you is a dimly lit passage, lined with the bushes that tower above you. There’s no sign of Rota, not even a hint of her red hair disappearing into the distance, and so you take a deep breath and step forward. Just one foot after the other. You look up to the top of the dome. You can just about see its bubbled exterior through the gloomy light, and you find it strangely comforting to know that it’s still out there. [[Your feet carry you forward until you reach a turn.]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe -10) (set: $mazechoice to "Eli") (set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +20) }You know this is a good opportunity to spend some more time with Eli, and see how you work as a team. You look at Abe, your eyes apparently telling him your answer. There’s a pause while you both look at each other, and you miss seeing Eli look over his shoulder at you before disappearing through the door. Abe smiles, although it does little to hide the disappointment in his eyes. “Understood. Good luck. You never know, I may see you in the centre later. Just remember...a labyrinth has a linear path to the centre...well, in this case...four paths, so you shouldn’t find yourself meeting a lot of deadends. Although I’m sure they have a few tricks up their sleeves. Stay safe.” With that he strides to the door and confidently opens it, walking through with his head held high. For a moment you’re all alone. You look back to the door Eli has just disappeared through. He can’t have gone far, and you hurry to the door and turn the large iron handle. It’s surprisingly heavy, but you manage to pull it open and step through. In front of you is a dimly lit passage, lined with the bushes that tower above you. There’s still no sign of Eli and so you take a deep breath and step forward. Just one foot after the other. You look up to the top of the dome. You can just about see its bubbled exterior through the gloomy light, and you find it strangely comforting to know that it’s still out there. [[Your feet carry you forward until you reach a turn to the right.|Eli carry on]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +20) (set: $mazechoice to "Abe") }You know this is a good opportunity to spend some more time with Abe, you’re intrigued by him, and hopefully spending some more time with him will help him to relax and open up more. Abe looks at you, his brow furrowed at first as if he’s worried about something, but as you look back at him and show no sign of following $couple1 through the door his face breaks into a warm smile. “Oh wow, I wasn’t expecting that. I thought maybe you were joking. Thank you for offering to keep me company. I think we have a good chance of winning if we stick together. Just remember...a labyrinth has a linear path to the centre...well, in this case...four paths, so we shouldn’t find ourselves meeting a lot of deadends. Although I’m sure they have a few tricks up their sleeves. Shall we go?” You nod and follow Abe who is already confidently striding towards a door and confidently opens it, looking through before stepping back and allowing you to walk through first. The light is dim but you can see that you’re about to step into a corridor lined by the hedges. It seems to stretch ahead for miles. What are you about to get yourself into? A labyrinth with someone like $boomer in charge seems like it could be a mistake. Just one foot after the other. You look up to the top of the dome. You can just about see its bubbled exterior through the gloomy light, and you find it strangely comforting to know that it’s still out there. Abe walks through the door behind you and stands to your side. As you stand beside him you feel his strength, which he so casually hides behind his tweed jackets. “Shall we?” he asks, his deep voice polite but calm. Apparently the labyrinth doesn’t phase him at all. [[Walk ahead until you reach a turn to the right.]]

{(set: $mazechoice to "Catarina") (set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe -10) }You look to the empty door and back to Abe. Something flashes in his eyes. Disappointment? Hurt? But instead of articulating what he’s feeling he just smiles and says, “Ok, following your own path? I admire that. Good luck to you. You never know, I may see you in the centre later. Just remember...a labyrinth has a linear path to the centre...well, in this case...four paths, so you shouldn’t find yourself meeting a lot of deadends. Although I’m sure they have a few tricks up their sleeves. Stay safe.” With that he strides to the door and confidently opens it, walking through with his head held high. For a moment you’re all alone. You look to the only door you haven’t seen someone walk through and then walk over to it, reaching out and turning the large iron handle. It’s surprisingly heavy, but you manage to pull it open and step through. In front of you is a dimly lit passage, lined with the bushes that tower above you. There’s no sign of anyone ahead and you shake off the fear that perhaps you should have chosen to do this with someone by your side. You’re following your own path. You’ve got this. You take a deep breath and step forward. Just one foot after the other. You look up to the top of the dome. You can just about see its bubbled exterior through the gloomy light, and you find it strangely comforting to know that it’s still out there. You look up to the top of the dome. You can just about see it’s bubbled exterior through the gloomy light, and you find it strangely comforting to know that it’s still out there. [[Your feet carry you forward until you reach a turn.|Catarinamoveforward]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe -10) (set: $mazechoice to "Alex") (set: $romancealex to $romancealex +20) }You know this is a good opportunity to spend some more time with Alex, and see how you work as a team. You look at Abe, your eyes apparently telling him your answer. There’s a pause while you both look at each other, and you miss seeing a sad look on Alex’s face as he disappears through the door. Abe smiles, although it does little to hide the disappointment in his eyes. “Understood. Good luck. You never know, I may see you in the centre later. Just remember...a labyrinth has a linear path to the centre...well, in this case...four paths, so you shouldn’t find yourself meeting a lot of deadends. Although I’m sure they have a few tricks up their sleeves. Stay safe.” With that he strides to the door and confidently opens it, walking through with his head held high. For a moment you’re all alone. You look back to the door Alex has just disappeared through. He can’t have gone far, and you hurry to the door and turn the large iron handle. It’s surprisingly heavy, but you manage to pull it open and step through. In front of you is a dimly lit passage, lined with the bushes that tower above you. There’s still no sign of Alex and so you take a deep breath and step forward. Just one foot after the other. You look up to the top of the dome. You can just about see its bubbled exterior through the gloomy light, and you find it strangely comforting to know that it’s still out there. [[Your feet carry you forward until you reach a turn to the right.]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe -10) (set: $mazechoice to "Aayush") (set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +20) }You know this is a good opportunity to spend some more time with Aayush, and see how you work as a team. You look at Abe, your eyes apparently telling him your answer. There’s a pause while you both look at each other, and you miss seeing a sad look on Aayush’s face as he disappears through the door. Abe smiles, although it does little to hide the disappointment in his eyes. “Understood. Good luck. You never know, I may see you in the centre later. Just remember...a labyrinth has a linear path to the centre...well, in this case...four paths, so you shouldn’t find yourself meeting a lot of deadends. Although I’m sure they have a few tricks up their sleeves. Stay safe.” With that he strides to the door and confidently opens it, walking through with his head held high. For a moment you’re all alone. You look back to the door Aayush has just disappeared through. He can’t have gone far, and you hurry to the door and turn the large iron handle. It’s surprisingly heavy, but you manage to pull it open and step through. In front of you is a dimly lit passage, lined with the bushes that tower above you. There’s still no sign of Aayush and so you take a deep breath and step forward. Just one foot after the other. You look up to the top of the dome. You can just about see its bubbled exterior through the gloomy light, and you find it strangely comforting to know that it’s still out there. [[Your feet carry you forward until you reach a turn to the right.|followaayushmaze]]

You turn the corner and jump when you see a figure at the end of the path. Your hand flies up to your forehead in surprise. It’s only when you see the figure’s hand also raise that you realise you’re looking at a reflection of yourself. A mirror. You walk forward, closing the gap. There is another turn ahead, this time to the left, but the mirror is distracting you and you find your feet walking towards it, instead of taking the path that would surely be leading you to the centre. As you get closer you can see that it’s a mirror with gold edging. Grotesque faces are carved into the gold and the sight of their grimacing images causes a shiver to go down your spine. But you can’t tear your eyes away from the mirror. The reflection staring back at you is definitely your own. But something is...different. The reflection’s hands aren’t at its sides like yours are. They’re out to the sides, palms facing upwards. A green light is emanating out of them, and you see that your face is locked in a furious grimace. Your eyes aren’t your own either. They’re glowing with a bright white light. You look beautiful and terrifying. Powerful and lost. A swirling mass of contradictions fills your head, but then you hear a voice that snaps you away from this strange reflection. Alex. “Argh!” You turn left and run towards the sound, until you find Alex on the floor with a vine of leaves curling it’s way around his ankle. [[Ask him if he needs help.]] [[Jump straight in to help him.]]

"Are you ok? Do you need any help?" Alex looks at you with surprised eyes. "You chose...I mean, yes please! Kinda tied up here." You don’t waste any time, and kneel down beside him, wrapping your fingers around the end and pulling it away from him. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look up at him in shock. Even in this gloomy light you can see the blue sparkling in his eyes. “Well, thank you. I had a moment of thinking that I was going to be the first werewolf in history to be destroyed by an overgrown houseplant.” [[“Why didn’t you wait for me at the door?”]] [[“Glad I could be here to rescue you.”]] [[“That’s me, killer of houseplants. Stick with me and you’ll be safe.”]]

You don’t waste any time, and kneel down beside him, wrapping your fingers around the end and pulling it away from him. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look up at him in shock. Even in this gloomy light you can see the blue sparkling in his eyes. “Well, thank you. I had a moment of thinking that I was going to be the first werewolf in history to be destroyed by an overgrown houseplant.” [[“Why didn’t you wait for me at the door?”]] [[“Glad I could be here to rescue you.”]] [[“That’s me, killer of houseplants. Stick with me and you’ll be safe.”]]

Alex looks at you with surprised eyes at the question. “I did, but then I saw how Abe was looking at you, and thought I saw the same thing in your eyes so I felt sure you were sticking with him. I'm happy I was wrong. Do you feel like exploring the rest of this place with me?” You’re sure you can see him blushing, and wonder for a moment where Cerri is. You hadn't seen her entering the maze. [[Hold out your hand to him as an answer.]] [[Nod and start making your way through the maze.]]

Alex grins at you as he stands up. “If all of my rescuers look like you I'll make sure I get in trouble more often. I’m happy you chose the same door as me. I felt sure you were sticking with Abe. Feel like exploring the rest of this place with me?” You’re sure you can see him blushing, and wonder for a moment where Cerri is. You hadn't seen her entering the maze. [[Hold out your hand to him as an answer.]] [[Nod and start making your way through the maze.]]

Alex grins at you as he stands up. “Ok, no houseplants in our future. Noted. Uh, I mean, I’m happy you chose the same door as me. I felt sure you were sticking with Abe. Feel like exploring the rest of this place with me?” You’re sure you can see him blushing, and wonder for a moment where Cerri is. You hadn't seen her entering the maze. [[Hold out your hand to him as an answer.]] [[Nod and start making your way through the maze.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }He smiles and takes your hand in his, enveloping you with his warmth. It hasn’t even been a day since you were this close, but somehow it already feels like it’s been too long. “I don’t know where the she-wolf is, by the way. She ran ahead shouting about needing to win, but I don’t know if she chose the same door as me. Not that it matters. She knows where she stands, even if she isn’t accepting the truth of the situation.” You’re itching to ask what’s been happening since you last spoke, but you know there’s a competition to win, and the possibility of spending some quiet time with Alex is a big motivator. You look past him at the long corridor stretching out in front of you. Just how big is this place. You feel him squeeze your hand. “We’ve got this, come on.” You both start to walk, although there is no end in sight. “How does this place even exist? This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. I even had an early morning swim before I got forced into Cerri’s hut for the most awkward breakfast in the history of time.” You look sideways, wondering if he’s going to elaborate, but no explanation comes. You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“Magic?”]] [[“Maybe this place is just made up of building blocks, and they can change it really quickly?”]]

Alex walks comfortably beside you. You sense he's itching to hold your hand, although he doesn't make a move to. “I don’t know where the she-wolf is, by the way. She ran ahead shouting about needing to win, but I don’t know if she chose the same door as me. Not that it matters. She knows where she stands, even if she isn’t accepting the truth of the situation.” You’re itching to ask what’s been happening since you last spoke, but you know there’s a competition to win, and the possibility of spending some quiet time with Alex is a big motivator. You look past him at the long corridor stretching out in front of you. Just how big is this place. “We’ve got this, come on.” You both start to walk, although there is no end in sight. “How does this place even exist? This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. I even had an early morning swim before I got forced into Cerri’s hut for the most awkward breakfast in the history of time.” You look sideways, wondering if he’s going to elaborate, but no explanation comes. You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“Magic?”]] [[“Maybe this place is just made up of building blocks, and they can change it really quickly?”]]

Alex nods. “Seems likely, doesn’t it? Imagine if they’ve got their own genie to construct this place however they want? Or a witch. I’m guessing Catarina could create this place with a click of her fingers. Makes you wonder what else they’ve got in store. I kind of assumed we’d be chilling by a pool for our whole stay.” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, honestly, I don’t really care what the environment is like, to be honest, as long as I’m spending it with people I like,” he leans over and whispers. “That’s you, by the way, in case I’m being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“Alex, you’re never too subtle.”]] [[“The feeling’s mutual.”]]

Alex looks at you in bemusement. “I mean, maybe. Although I can't help but feel something else is at work here. Imagine if they’ve got their own genie to construct this place however they want? Or a witch. I’m guessing Catarina could create this place with a click of her fingers. Makes you wonder what else they’ve got in store. I kind of assumed we’d be chilling by a pool for our whole stay.” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, honestly, I don’t really care what the environment is like, to be honest, as long as I’m spending it with people I like,” he leans over and whispers. “That’s you, by the way, in case I’m being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“Alex, you’re never too subtle.”]] [[“The feeling’s mutual.”]]

Alex smiles and then looks ahead. “This corridor doesn’t seem to be ending, does it? I know it has to, but really, what if we’re stuck here forever, walking down an eternal corridor. Non-stop entertainment for the viewing public.” You’re about to tell him to stop with the theories when he pauses for a moment, and you stop walking as well. “Wait, I think I can see something ahead. Hopefully it’s another door. Maybe the final door? Let’s keep going.” The two of you pick up speed. You still can’t see anything ahead, but you have faith in Alex. As you walk your foot suddenly catches on something and you hear a ‘click’. Alex stops in his tracks, his eyes still fixed ahead. “Wait, that isn’t a door.” The noise of a loud rumble fills the corridor, and your eyes can just make out something large heading towards you. “There’s a boulder or something, and it’s rolling towards us,” Alex says, a note of panic in his voice. Well, this is fun. What do you want to do to get out of this situation? [[Um. Ran back in the other direction, of course.]] [[Maybe just like, squeeze really tightly against the wall and hope for the best?]]

Alex blushes slightly and a happy smile plays on his lips, as a thoughtful silence falls between you. Eventually he breaks the silence. “This corridor doesn’t seem to be ending, does it? I know it has to, but really, what if we’re stuck here forever, walking down an eternal corridor. Non-stop entertainment for the viewing public.” You’re about to tell him to stop with the theories when he pauses for a moment, and you stop walking as well. “Wait, I think I can see something ahead. Hopefully it’s another door. Maybe the final door? Let’s keep going.” The two of you pick up speed. You still can’t see anything ahead, but you have faith in Alex. As you walk your foot suddenly catches on something and you hear a ‘click’. Alex stops in his tracks, his eyes still fixed ahead. “Wait, that isn’t a door.” The noise of a loud rumble fills the corridor, and your eyes can just make out something large heading towards you. “There’s a boulder or something, and it’s rolling towards us,” Alex says, a note of panic in his voice. Well, this is fun. What do you want to do to get out of this situation? [[Um. Ran back in the other direction, of course.]] [[Maybe just like, squeeze really tightly against the wall and hope for the best?]]

The shape moving towards you is filling the space and the only option you can see is to run. Fast. You wordlessly grab Alex's hand and pull him in the opposite direction. He immediately springs into action and runs beside you. A noise comes from behind you. Howling wolves. You turn around and see it's still only the boulder, but it's definitely getting closer, and it seems to have something etched into it's surface. It's moving too fast for you to be able to see it properly but are those eyes? You have a sudden feeling that you're being watched by a pack of wolves. "Let me carry you!" Alex shouts over at you. You know he's strong enough to carry you, but is that your style? [[Be carried by a gorgeous werewolf while also being saved from being squashed by a giant boulder? Yeah. That is absolutely my style.]] [[Nah, I'll keep running thanks.]]

You push yourself against the wall, wondering what Alex will do. You know he’s a fast runner, he could probably escape. But instead he stands next to you, placing himself closer to the boulder than you. Is he trying to protect you? “I think I would have chosen to try running, but I’ll support your choice,” he says, his voice somehow amused. You hold your breath, pushing yourself as close to the leafy surface behind you. The boulder is rolling closer, and you’re starting to wonder whether he’s right and you should have tried to run instead. They wouldn’t do something to put you in actual danger though, surely? As the boulder rolls nearer your head is full of the sound of howling wolves. It's terrifying and you know you can't just stand here and wait. You look around Alex and see that the boulder has eyes etched into its surface. The eyes of a wolf. [[Take hold of Alex's hand and run!]] [[Shout run and then go for it!]]

You stand up, and Alex stands beside you. You both look around and realise you seem to be in a corridor very similar to the one you just left. Fortunately it seems to involve less boulders. You look to the left and to the right. Which way do you want to go? [[Left]] [[Right]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +20)(set: $day4kiss to "Alex") }You place your hands on his chest and lean forward. You feel his hands go to your back, his fingers lightly tracing up and down your spine. He’s clearly in no rush to get anywhere, and as your lips meet his you immediately sense just how much he’s been missing you. He returns the kiss hungrily, his tongue meeting yours. He tastes delicious and part of you wonders how long it will be before you can have more Alex time. But your mind is quickly brought back to the present moment when he takes hold of your shoulders and rolls you over so you’re on your back. You’re sure you hear a little growl in his throat as he leans forward and kisses your neck, and in that moment you lose all sense of where you are. Giant boulders and any kind of prize are the furthest thing from your mind. It’s all about Alex, and the heat running through you as his hands graze down your sides and rest on your thighs. Alex pulls back ever so slightly, although still manages to gently pull and bite your lip as he breaks the kiss. He smiles and reaches up to run a hand through his hair, holding himself above you with his remaining arm. You can see the muscles working and that doesn’t help the place your mind has gone to. “We,” he says, leaning forward and kissing your collarbone, “need to get that prize. What if it’s some proper alone time? What if it’s a recoupling choice?” He finishes his sentence with another kiss, this time on your neck. “Although I’ve missed this. Don’t think for a second that I want to move. But you know... what if?” You know he’s right. But if the prize is something lame like ice lollies you are going to have words with $boomer. [[Bite his lip and then get up.]] [[Nod your agreement and get up.]]

You playfully lean up and bite his lip before agreeing. Alex’s eyes roll into the back of his head before he looks back at you. “You’re not making this easy.” You smile at him, knowing that was the point. Alex stands up and you follow him. The two of you look around. It’s a dark corridor in exactly the same style as the one you just made a quick exit from. You look to the left and to the right. Which way do you want to go? [[Left]] [[Right]]

You stand up and Alex follows you. The two of you look around. It’s a dark corridor in exactly the same style as the one you just made a quick exit from. You look to the left and to the right. Which way do you want to go? [[Left]] [[Right]]

You turn left and start walking at a quick pace. You realise you’re listening for another noise that might indicate you’ve just triggered some kind of life threatening trap. “Oh no...no no no.” You look at Alex in alarm. What has he seen? Not another boulder, surely. [[“What’s wrong?”]]

You turn right and start walking at a quick pace. Unfortunately you hit a dead end, and look around nervously in case its another trap. "C'mon, we'll just go the other way. Clearly no one else has made it to the centre, so we've got this," Alex says, his voice still upbeat. As you walk you realise you’re listening for another noise that might indicate you’re just triggered some kind of life threatening trap. “Oh no...no no no.” You look at Alex in alarm. What has he seen? Not another boulder, surely. [[“What’s wrong?”]]

He shakes his head as he says one word. “Twins.” You look at him in confusion. Twins aren’t scary...what is he…? But then your eyes pick out their shape in the distance and as you grow closer you realise that they aren’t just any twins. They’re identical twins, in identical clothes, holding hands and just ...staring with blank eyes. The kind of twins that cliche horror movies always cast. You laugh. What are they going to do? Chant something at you? The two boys look as though they’re probably about sixteen, but they’re both dressed in white shirts with large frills and trousers that can only be described as pantaloons. They have bright white hair, and their skin looks just as pale. They can’t be new residents of the dome, can they? They look so...young. “At least they aren’t terrifying girls with frilly blue dresses,” Alex murmurs and then just looks at you. “The Shining? You know?” You can’t help the laugh that escapes. He seems genuinely spooked. As you reach the point where they’re standing they bow their heads slightly in perfect unison. “Greetings,” they say in voices that are surprisingly deep. “H...hi,” Alex just about manages. “You’ve reached your final destination in the maze. Congratulations. Our brothers at the other doors haven’t flagged they’ve received a winner yet, so pass this last test, and the prize will be yours. Are you ready?” You wait to see if there is any other explanation on its way, but quickly realise there isn’t. [[“Yep, we’ve got this. What’s the test?”]] [[“I...guess we are?”]] [[“Nope, you’re freaking me out. Not ready.”]]

Alex turns to you and smiles. “I love your confidence.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Alex looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I knew Cerri had chosen a different door and I needed some time away from her. And...and because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Alex shifts on his feet and you notice he’s blushing. “And...I was hoping I would casually find out how things were going with Abe.” He looks at you and holds his hands out. “Not that you have to tell me, obviously. I know it’s none of my business, really I do. I just...find you’re on my mind. A lot.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Alex is clearly still interested, he’s made that clear in his answer. Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Alex. I’m still certain he’s the one for me in here and I wanted to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Alex. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Alex. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

Alex turns to you. “We can do this.” His voice is confident, although his eyes are starting darting over to the twins nervously. The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Alex looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I knew Cerri had chosen a different door and I needed some time away from her. And...and because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Alex shifts on his feet and you notice he’s blushing. “And...I was hoping I would casually find out how things were going with Abe.” He looks at you and holds his hands out. “Not that you have to tell me, obviously. I know it’s none of my business, really I do. I just...find you’re on my mind. A lot.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Alex is clearly still interested, he’s made that clear in his answer. Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Alex. I’m still certain he’s the one for me in here and I wanted to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Alex. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Alex. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

Alex turns to you and smiles gently. “They're freaking me out as well, but we've got this. Look at what we just managed to get through together.” You both take a deep breath and focus your attention on the twins, who look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Alex looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I knew Cerri had chosen a different door and I needed some time away from her. And...and because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Alex shifts on his feet and you notice he’s blushing. “And...I was hoping I would casually find out how things were going with Abe.” He looks at you and holds his hands out. “Not that you have to tell me, obviously. I know it’s none of my business, really I do. I just...find you’re on my mind. A lot.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Alex is clearly still interested, he’s made that clear in his answer. Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Alex. I’m still certain he’s the one for me in here and I wanted to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Alex. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Alex. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Alex reaches over and gently squeezes your hand. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that was romantic,” Alex leans over and whispers in your ear. “I don’t know why I’ve never seen that demon quote on a Valentine’s Day card.” He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door.]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Alex looks over and smiles. "I'm glad you followed your instinct and followed me." “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that was romantic,” Alex leans over and whispers in your ear. “I don’t know why I’ve never seen that demon quote on a Valentine’s Day card.” He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door.]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Alex looks over, his eyes thoughtful, but he doesn't say anything. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that was romantic,” Alex leans over and whispers in your ear. “I don’t know why I’ve never seen that demon quote on a Valentine’s Day card.” He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door.]]

As you step through into the darkness you hear someone say ‘Oh’ in a disappointed tone behind you. But the door closes blocking off your view. You both walk down another dark corridor. Your hand reaches to the side and touches leaves. “I wonder where this is taking-” Alex starts to say, but suddenly a dim light is turned on and you can see your surroundings. You’ve stepped into a rectangular space that is still enclosed by the tall hedges, but this time they have a thousand tiny lights glittering between their leaves, casting a gentle glow over a wooden floor and a table in the centre with food and drink on it. A “Wow” escapes your lips. It looks beautiful. Like a fairy grotto. Gentle classical music starts playing. It sounds familiar, but you couldn’t name the composer. As the two of you walk to the table $boomer interrupts the music. “Congratulations $name and Alex. You have made it to the centre of the Labyrinth first. Quite surprising. But perhaps your fellow Buried Lovers weren’t quite as quick to expose their truth. Your prize is some quiet time together. Please can the other Buried Lovers return to their huts.” You imagine Abe and Cerri returning to an empty hut and wonder how they feel about this news. You can only imagine the rage Cerri is feeling, and a loud snarl seems to echo through the labyrinth, as if in response. Alex smiles at you. “I didn’t think we’d get some time alone so soon after yesterday.” He rubs his hand along his jawline and you can hear the scratch of his stubble. The music starts playing again. It’s beautiful and you close your eyes for a moment, taking in the delicate notes that are filling the air. When you open your eyes you find Alex watching you, his face peaceful and his eyes sparkling. “Shall we?” He says, and you’re not sure if he’s referring to the food or the music. [[Follow Alex to the table and sit down.]] [[Take his hand and lead him a space on the floor to dance.]]

You follow him to the table and sit down. It’s covered in different tapas dishes and Alex has a plate full of food quicker than you can blink. As the two of you settle down to eat Alex asks “So what was the weirdest part of the Labyrinth for you?” [[Oh almost getting crushed by a boulder.]] [[The twins. Definitely the twins.]] [[The mirror.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }“Let’s dance,” you say, taking his hand and leading him over to a space on the new wooden flooring. As you reach the space you turn and wrap your arms around his neck. Alex quietly mutters “This might be the first time in my life that I’m happy someone hasn’t prioritised food.” He grins before wrapping his arms around you. You close your eyes, taking in the sound of the music and the smell and feel of Alex. It feels like the two of you are in another place. Another time. The drama of the dome melts away and you pull him closer to you. There’s no sense of time in this space, and you have no idea how long the two of you spend quietly moving to the music. The lack of conversation isn’t awkward. It’s exactly what you need. If someone had told you a week ago that you’d be slow dancing with a werewolf in the middle of a labyrinth you would never have believed them. That kind of thing didn’t happen in real life. It happened to teenage girls in romance novels. Not you. And yet….here you are. You wonder just what dating a werewolf would involve. Danger? Seeing a side of him you don’t like? But you push those thoughts away. There will be time for that, and this isn’t it. You hear Alex’s stomach rumble and pull away from him. He smiles sheepishly. “I didn’t really eat anything at breakfast. My companion didn’t exactly make me feel...comfortable.” Your eyes widen. Knowing how much the boy loves breakfast, that must have been difficult. You lead him back to the table. It’s covered in different tapas dishes and Alex has a plate full of food quicker than you can blink. As the two of you settle down to eat Alex asks “So what was the weirdest part of the Labyrinth for you?” [[Oh almost getting crushed by a boulder.]] [[The twins. Definitely the twins.]] [[The mirror.]]

Alex looks surprised. "Really? I actually kind of enjoyed that part. Is that weird? I think I just trusted that they weren't going to actually kill us on national TV. The producers are bad, but not that bad. At least, I hope they're not." He sighs. "The mirror actually scared me more, I think." He shakes his head but doesn't elaborate. The two of you go back to eating and chatting. All thoughts of scary twins and the dangers you've just faced are pushed to the back of your mind. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that tapas is actually his favourite kind of food because he loves the shared experience of eating it. You also learn that he has a dream of travelling to the Galapagos Islands one day, and the wildlife there fascinates him. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Alex’s are completely rooted in the 1980’s he sits back in his chair. “This has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that there haven’t been some other uh...amazing...moments with you, but this? Just talking to you without anyone over our shoulders? This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just puts another forkful of patatas bravas in his mouth. [[“I hope we do as well.”]] [[Keep quiet.]]

Alex visibly shudders. "Oh yeah, they were terrifying. Imagine if it turns out they're joining us for the show. I'd run screaming." He sighs. "The mirror scared me more, I think. Although I'm not sure how that's possible." He shakes his head but doesn't elaborate. The two of you go back to eating and chatting. All thoughts of scary twins and the dangers you've just faced are pushed to the back of your mind. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that tapas is actually his favourite kind of food because he loves the shared experience of eating it. You also learn that he has a dream of travelling to the Galapagos Islands one day, and the wildlife there fascinates him. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Alex’s are completely rooted in the 1980’s he sits back in his chair. “This has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that there haven’t been some other uh...amazing...moments with you, but this? Just talking to you without anyone over our shoulders? This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just puts another forkful of patatas bravas in his mouth. [[“I hope we do as well.”]] [[Keep quiet.]]

“Definitely the mirror. What was that all about?” you answer. Alex’s eyes widened. “Oh, the same for me. That was just dark. I’d take a hundred boulders over that mirror. Any day. What did you see in it?” [[Tell the truth. “Me standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looking furious about something.”]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”]]

Alex drops the piece of food he’s eating onto his plate and looks intently at you. “Well that’s interesting. I wonder what it means? Are you hiding some magical powers in those gorgeous hands?” You laugh it off but the image still floats in your mind. “Mine was just my worst nightmare really. I was in my wolf form, standing on the edge of a cliff, howling up at the moon. But my pack was there as well. They were ripping each other to shreds. It was,” he shudders, “awful.” He resumes eating, leaving you to stare at him in shock. That sounds a lot more gruesome than your reflection. What do they mean? The two of you go back to eating and chatting. All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that tapas is actually his favourite kind of food because he loves the shared experience of eating it. You also learn that he has a dream of travelling to the Galapagos Islands one day, and the wildlife there fascinates him. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Alex’s are completely rooted in the 1980’s he sits back in his chair. “This has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that there haven’t been some other uh...amazing...moments with you, but this? Just talking to you without anyone over our shoulders? This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just puts another forkful of patatas bravas in his mouth. [[“I hope we do as well.”]] [[Keep quiet.]]

Alex looks surprised. "Really? That's weird. Wait until you hear what mine was!" You wait to hear his experience, wondering if it was as weird as your own. “Mine was just my worst nightmare really. I was in my wolf form, standing on the edge of a cliff, howling up at the moon. But my pack was there as well. They were ripping each other to shreds. It was,” he shudders, “awful.” He resumes eating, leaving you to stare at him in shock. That sounds a lot more gruesome than your reflection. What do they mean? The two of you go back to eating and chatting. All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that tapas is actually his favourite kind of food because he loves the shared experience of eating it. You also learn that he has a dream of travelling to the Galapagos Islands one day, and the wildlife there fascinates him. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Alex’s are completely rooted in the 1980’s he sits back in his chair. “This has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that there haven’t been some other uh...amazing...moments with you, but this? Just talking to you without anyone over our shoulders? This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just puts another forkful of patatas bravas in his mouth. [[“I hope we do as well.”]] [[Keep quiet.]]

{(set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }Alex's eyes light up, although he doesn't say anything. The next time he speaks he’s returned to your earlier conversation. “I love David Bowie’s music the most. Honestly. It’s something in his lyrics and the tone of his voice. Child me was obsessed with that movie he was in where he was the goblin king. This place should have been a dream come true to be honest,” he smiles before continuing. “Actually, maybe it is. This feels kind of dreamlike.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing from an unknown source. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Here we go again,” Alex says, smiling wryly. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

You decide not to say anything, and wait to see if Alex is going to share the rest of the sentence. But he doesn’t, and the next time he speaks he’s returned to your earlier conversation. “I love David Bowie’s music the most. Honestly. It’s something in his lyrics and the tone of his voice. Child me was obsessed with that movie he was in where he was the goblin king. This place should have been a dream come true to be honest,” he smiles before continuing. “Actually, maybe it is. This feels kind of dreamlike.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing from an unknown source. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Here we go again,” Alex says, smiling wryly. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

You wordlessly grab Alex's hand and pull him in the opposite direction. He immediately springs into action and runs beside you. "About time!" you hear him shout over the sound of the howling wolves, but he sounds amused not angry. You feel like it's gaining on you. If only you hadn't lost time. "Let me carry you!" Alex shouts over at you. You know he's strong enough to carry you, but is that your style? [[Be carried by a gorgeous werewolf while also being saved from being squashed by a giant boulder? Yeah. That is absolutely my style.]] [[Nah, I'll keep running thanks.]]

You shout 'Run!' before taking off in the direction you just came from. He immediately springs into action and runs beside you. "About time!" you hear him shout over the sound of the howling wolves, but he sounds amused not angry. You feel like it's gaining on you. If only you hadn't lost time. "Let me carry you!" Alex shouts over at you. You know he's strong enough to carry you, but is that your style? [[Be carried by a gorgeous werewolf while also being saved from being squashed by a giant boulder? Yeah. That is absolutely my style.]] [[Nah, I'll keep running thanks.]]

You find the breath to shout. "Ok!" The word hasn't fully left your mouth before you find yourself swept into his arms. He picks up speed instantly. So he was slowing his pace to make sure you aren't left behind. 'Click' What was that? "You have to be kidding me!" Alex shouts, looking ahead. There's another boulder making it's way towards you. You're trapped. “Well this has been fun,” Alex says in a voice that seems to be masking some fear. “We should do it again some time. Although next time just remind me that I’ll need a Fedora and a whip.” He wraps his body around you, pressing you into the hedge, clearly trying to act like some kind of human shield. Is he crazy? He’s a werewolf, not a gargoyle made of stone. But just as the rumble and howl of the boulders is so loud that you can barely think, the leaves give way behind you, sending you both flying backwards. You somehow land on top of Alex, his arms still wrapped around you as if trying to wrap you in a protective cocoon. His eyes are shut at first, but he slowly opens them and looks up at you. “Hi,” he says, his slightly crooked grin back in place on his lips. You look down at him, you can feel his heart pounding through his chest. Or is that your heart? You hear the sound of the boulders colliding, but it suddenly seems very far away. Adrenaline is running through your veins and you work out your next move. [[Roll off him and stand up. You’ve got a prize to win.]] [[Maybe this moment is better than the prize? Kiss him.]]

You'd rather trust your own legs. 'Click' What was that? "You have to be kidding me!" Alex shouts, looking ahead. There's another boulder making it's way towards you. You're trapped. The two of you press yourselves up against the hedge and you close your eyes, wondering for a second if this is really the end, “Well this has been fun,” Alex says in a voice that seems to be masking some fear. “We should do it again some time. Although next time just remind me that I’ll need a Fedora and a whip.” But just as the rumble and howl of the boulders is so loud that you can barely think, the leaves give way behind you, sending you both flying backwards. You both end up flat on your backs, staring at the top of the dome. Alex starts laughing. [[Join him. What the hell even just happened?]] [[This is no time for laughter. There's a prize to win!]]

The two of you look at each other and then start laughing. This whole place is insane. Crazy. Eventually you both stand up and brush yourselves down. You seem to be in a corridor similar to the one you just left. Fortunately it seems to involve less boulders. You look to the left and to the right. Which way do you want to go? [[Left]] [[Right]]

You stand up, and Alex stops laughing and then stands beside you. You seem to be in a corridor very similar to the one you just left. Fortunately it seems to involve less boulders. You look to the left and to the right. Which way do you want to go? [[Left]] [[Right]]

You turn the corner and jump when you see a figure at the end of the path. Your hand flies up to your forehead in surprise. It’s only when you see the figure’s hand also raise that you realise you’re looking at a reflection of yourself. A mirror. You walk forward, closing the gap. There is another turn ahead, this time to the left, but the mirror is distracting you and you find your feet walking towards it, instead of taking the path that would surely be leading you to the centre. As you get closer you can see that it’s a mirror with gold edging. Grotesque faces are carved into the gold and the sight of their grimacing images causes a shiver to go down your spine. But you can’t tear your eyes away from the mirror. The reflection staring back at you is definitely your own. But something is...different. The reflection’s hands aren’t at its sides like yours are. They’re out to the sides, palms facing upwards. A green light is emanating out of them, and you see that your face is locked in a furious grimace. Your eyes aren’t your own either. They’re glowing with a bright white light. You look beautiful and terrifying. Powerful and lost. A swirling mass of contradictions fills your head, but then you hear a voice that snaps you away from this strange reflection. Eli. “Uh you should actually be asking before you touch me there! Hey!” What’s happening to him? You turn left and run towards the sound, until you find Eli on the floor with a vine of leaves curling it’s way around his upper thigh, seemingly pulling him towards the wall. [[Ask him if he needs help.|Elihelpask]] [[Jump straight in to help him.|Elihelp]]

"Uh, are you ok? Can I help?" you ask Eli, and he looks at you in surprise, all thoughts of the vine seemingly paused as he registers who is standing in front of him. "That would be appreciated, thank you, this vine is getting a bit intimate for my liking." He somehow manages a dazzling smile, even though the vine seems to be tightening around him by the second. You kneel down beside him, wrapping your fingers around the vine that is tightening around his thigh and pulling it away from his body. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look up at him in shock. Even in this gloomy light you can see the amusement in his eyes as he looks at you and then down at your hands which are now resting on his thigh. “Well, hey. I’m surprised to see you here, although eternally grateful that you’ve stopped me from becoming some attractive plant food.” You suddenly realise you’re still touch his thigh and move your hands away. You’re not sure where you stand with the elven prince, but you’re hoping that this labyrinth will be a chance to find out. [[“Surprised because you didn’t expect me to choose to follow you after what happened yesterday?”]] [[“That’s me, killer of plants. Stick with me and you’ll be safe.”]]

You don’t waste any time, and kneel down beside him, wrapping your fingers around the vine that is tightening around his thigh and pulling it away from his body. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look up at him in shock. Even in this gloomy light you can see the amusement in his eyes as he looks at you and then down at your hands which are now resting on his thigh. “Well hey there, $name. I’m surprised to see you here, although eternally grateful that you’ve stopped me from becoming some attractive plant food.” You suddenly realise you’re still touch his thigh and move your hands away. You’re not sure where you stand with the elven prince, but you’re hoping that this labyrinth will be a chance to find out. [[“Surprised because you didn’t expect me to choose to follow you after what happened yesterday?”]] [[“That’s me, killer of plants. Stick with me and you’ll be safe.”]]

Eli smiles. “Something like that, yeah. You looked really comfortable around Abe this morning as well, so even if you decided not to follow $couple1, I thought you’d probably follow him.” He gets to his feet and holds out a hand to help you. “Not that I’m complaining. Inside I’m pretty much jumping with joy. I’ve been wanting to talk to you properly all day. To check...well, to check you understand the decision I made yesterday.” You stand up and find yourself looking into his dark eyes which look unusually serious. “The decision I’ve pretty much been kicking myself for every minute since.” He grins, the seriousness gone. “Basically, sorry I’m an idiot.” (if: $elifirstkiss is "yes")[Standing this close to him, your mind is taking back to the kiss you shared on the date. The feel of his hands on you, around you. The temptation to kiss him again is causing your heart to pound in your chest. But you manage to pull yourself away from the magnetic force around him. He needs to sweat a bit more after not picking you yesterday. [[“Yeah, you are a bit. Maybe stay away from kissing people you’re not sure about coupling up with in the future?”]] [[“It’s ok. I understand. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen, right?”]] ]\ (if: $elifirstkiss is "no")[You've resisted the urge to kiss him once before, but as you stand this close to him you can feel some kind of magnetic force pulling you closer. What is it about this boy? [[“Yeah, I mean, you did flirt. A lot. Maybe don't do that if you have no interest in someone?”]] [[“It’s ok. I understand. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen, right?”]] ]

Eli laughs. “I normally fight against anything green being destroyed, but as long as it's only plants that have a killer instinct, I think we'll be ok.” He gets to his feet and holds his hand out to help you. “I need to tell you that my insides pretty much jumped with joy when I saw you. I’ve been wanting to talk to you properly all day. To check...well, to check you understand the decision I made yesterday.” You stand up and find yourself looking into his dark eyes which look unusually serious. “The decision I’ve pretty much been kicking myself for every minute since.” He grins, the seriousness gone. “Basically, sorry I’m an idiot.” (if: $elifirstkiss is "yes")[Standing this close to him, your mind is taking back to the kiss you shared on the date. The feel of his hands on you, around you. The temptation to kiss him again is causing your heart to pound in your chest. But you manage to pull yourself away from the magnetic force around him. He needs to sweat a bit more after not picking you yesterday. [[“Yeah, you are a bit. Maybe stay away from kissing people you’re not sure about coupling up with in the future?”]] [[“It’s ok. I understand. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen, right?”]] ]\ (if: $elifirstkiss is "no")[You've resisted the urge to kiss him once before, but as you stand this close to him you can feel some kind of magnetic force pulling you closer. What is it about this boy? [[“Yeah, I mean, you did flirt. A lot. Maybe don't do that if you have no interest in someone?”]] [[“It’s ok. I understand. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen, right?”]]]

Eli clutches his chest and steps back like he's been hit in the chest by something heavy. “Ouch. I did deserve that. Point noted.” He holds out his hand to you. “If you forgive me, will you do me the honour of escorting you around this delightful place? When I say escort, I mean stop me from freaking out from the feeling that I’m a little bit trapped in here?" [[Take Eli’s hand.]] [[Just nod and start walking.]]

Eli’s grin transforms into a full smile. “You get it. Thank you, gracious one.” He bends forward in an elaborate bow and you laugh in spite of yourself. He stands up straight and holds out his hand to you. “Will you do me the honour of escorting you around this delightful place? When I say escort, I mean stop me from freaking out from the feeling that I’m a little bit trapped in here?" [[Take Eli’s hand.]] [[Just nod and start walking.]]

Eli looks shocked, his eyes serious. “I did...I do ...have interest. Apparently I'm terrible at explaining myself, but please believe that at least.” He holds out his hand to you. “If you forgive me, will you do me the honour of escorting you around this delightful place? When I say escort, I mean stop me from freaking out from the feeling that I’m a little bit trapped in here?" [[Take Eli’s hand.]] [[Just nod and start walking.]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }You take Eli’s hand. The two of you walk together comfortably, like it’s the most natural thing to be taking a stroll through this strange place. Eli seems unusually quiet, and you have a sense that he wants to say something but keeps stopping. He breaks the silence in the end. “I wonder how Rota is getting on? We decided to split up. I think she’s quite the independent spirit to be honest. We’re both similar in that way. She’s great but there’s no romantic spark. Just, you know, throwing that comment out there.” He looks sideways at you, clearly waiting for a reaction. [[Don’t give him one. “Rota will be fine in this labyrinth. She the strongest person in here, no doubt at all.]] [[Smile and nod. “Comment caught and understood.”]]

You ignore Eli's outstretched hand and start walking. He pretends he was just raising his hand to brush a stray piece of vine from his shorts and joins you. The two of you walk together comfortably, like it’s the most natural thing to be taking a stroll through this strange place. Eli seems unusually quiet, and you have a sense that he wants to say something but keeps stopping. He breaks the silence in the end. “I wonder how Rota is getting on? We decided to split up. I think she’s quite the independent spirit to be honest. We’re both similar in that way. She’s great but there’s no romantic spark. Just, you know, throwing that comment out there.” He looks sideways at you, clearly waiting for a reaction. [[Don’t give him one. “Rota will be fine in this labyrinth. She the strongest person in here, no doubt at all.]] [[Smile and nod. “Comment caught and understood.”]]

Eli nods his agreement. “Yeah, I pity any foliage that gets tangled up with her, to be honest.” You both keep walking, although there is no end in sight. “How does this place even exist? This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. I even had an early morning swim with Alex before I saw you outside Rota’s hut.” You look sideways, wondering if he’s going to elaborate, but no explanation comes. You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“Magic?”|EliMagic]] [[“Maybe this place is just made up of building blocks, and they can change it really quickly?”|Elibuildingblocks]]

Eli beams at you. "Ok, good. Good catching." You both keep walking, although there is no end in sight. “How does this place even exist? This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. I even had an early morning swim with Alex before I saw you outside Rota’s hut.” You look sideways, wondering if he’s going to elaborate, but no explanation comes. You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“Magic?”|EliMagic]] [[“Maybe this place is just made up of building blocks, and they can change it really quickly?”|Elibuildingblocks]]

Eli nods. “Seems likely, doesn’t it? This is some powerful level of magic. Zein level, maybe. Perhaps they have their own genie doing their bidding?” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, honestly, I don’t really care what the environment is like, to be honest, as long as I’m spending it with people that make my heart skip a beat,” he leans over and whispers. “That’s you, by the way, in case I’m being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“Eli, you’re never too subtle.”]] [[“The feeling’s mutual, Eli.”]]

Eli laughs before turning to you. “Oh. You were serious? Oh, well, maybe. Although I think some kind of powerful magic is more likely. Zein level, maybe. Perhaps they have their own genie doing their bidding?” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, honestly, I don’t really care what the environment is like, to be honest, as long as I’m spending it with people that make my heart skip a beat,” he leans over and whispers. “That’s you, by the way, in case I’m being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“Eli, you’re never too subtle.”]] [[“The feeling’s mutual, Eli.”]]

Eli's eyes are full of amusement when he looks at you. “I have been told that once or twice. Although really, what's the point in being subtle, it only leads to conf-"” But he stops talking and points ahead of you. “Wait, I think I can see something ahead. Hopefully it’s another door. Maybe the final door? Let’s keep going.” The two of you pick up speed. You still can’t see anything ahead, but you have faith in Eli. As you walk your foot suddenly catches on something and you hear a ‘click’. Eli stops in his tracks. “What was that? That didn’t sound good.” A loud creaking noise deafens you, and then there’s the sound of whooshing air. “Shit! Get back!” Eli takes hold of your shoulders and pulls you backwards. You both stumble and fall over and you turn to him in confusion, but you don't need to ask him what’s wrong, because you become very aware of exactly what he was protecting you from. Exactly where you were just standing is a large blade on a pendulum, swinging backwards and forwards. You can’t see what it’s attached to, but the blade is so sharp that it’s slicing into the labyrinth on either side as it swings backwards and forwards, sending leaves and branches flying around you. You look at the door on the other side of it and then back to Eli. He looks at you. “Are you ok? That was unexpected. What should we do next?” [[“Um. Ran back in the other direction, of course.”]] [[“Maybe just like,run really fast when the blade is at the top of its swing.”]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }Eli looks shocked. “Wait, it is? Phew! I thought I was going to have to serve you the best cocktails you’ve ever tasted every day, in order to see that smile again. I really do regret-” But he stops talking and points ahead of you. “Wait, I think I can see something ahead. Hopefully it’s another door. Maybe the final door? Let’s keep going.” The two of you pick up speed. You still can’t see anything ahead, but you have faith in Eli. As you walk your foot suddenly catches on something and you hear a ‘click’. Eli stops in his tracks. “What was that? That didn’t sound good.” A loud creaking noise deafens you, and then there’s the sound of whooshing air. “Shit! Get back!” Eli takes hold of your shoulders and pulls you backwards. You both stumble and fall over and you turn to him in confusion, but you don't need to ask him what’s wrong, because you become very aware of exactly what he was protecting you from. Exactly where you were just standing is a large blade on a pendulum, swinging backwards and forwards. You can’t see what it’s attached to, but the blade is so sharp that it’s slicing into the labyrinth on either side as it swings backwards and forwards, sending leaves and branches flying around you. You look at the door on the other side of it and then back to Eli. He looks at you. “Are you ok? That was unexpected. What should we do next?” [[“Um. Ran back in the other direction, of course.”]] [[“Maybe just like,run really fast when the blade is at the top of its swing.”]]

Eli looks back down the corridor you’ve just walked through. “There’s nothing that way but getting out of here as losers. And as much as I want to get out of here, I want to win that prize with you more.” He looks back to the blade. “Hmm I wonder.” Before you can ask what he’s wondering he’s flying through the air and has wrapped himself around the thick wooden handle of the swinging blade. He holds onto it, before turning to you and waving. “The view from up here is stunning, $name, you should join me and see it”. You shake your head incredulously. The boy pretty much just flew through the air. There is no way you can do that. [[“If I join you it will be because I’ve managed to get myself chopped into a million pieces that have scattered in every direction.”]] [[“Uh no, I don’t think so.”]] [[“You just go ahead without me. You might as well win the prize with someone else.”]]

Just as you speak the blade picks up speed. Eli laughs. "Weird. It's almost like someone is listening, huh?” He looks back to the blade. “Hmm I wonder.” Before you can ask what he’s wondering he’s flying through the air and has wrapped himself around the thick wooden handle of the swinging blade. He holds onto it, before turning to you and waving. “The view from up here is stunning, $name, you should join me and see it”. You shake your head incredulously. The boy pretty much just flew through the air. There is no way you can do that. [[“If I join you it will be because I’ve managed to get myself chopped into a million pieces that have scattered in every direction.”]] [[“Uh no, I don’t think so.”]] [[“You just go ahead without me. You might as well win the prize with someone else.”]]

Before you’ve finished speaking, Eli has jumped back off the swinging blade and is standing in front of you. "There's no way I'm letting that happen to you. I think I've got an idea." He reaches into the pocket of his shorts and pulls out something which looks like a penknife. If a penknife was beautifully carved with a language that you've never seen before. He pulls a section out of the top and unfolds it into three hooks, and then pulls it away from the device. A thin golden coloured rope unfurls itself and you watch Eli, stunned by what you’re seeing. [[“Wait. How did all of that come out of that tiny device?”]] [[“Is that like...an Elven multitool?”]]

Before you’ve finished speaking, Eli has jumped back off the swinging blade and is standing in front of you again. “Don't worry, I think I've got an idea.” He reaches into the pocket of his shorts and pulls out something which looks like a penknife. If a penknife was beautifully carved with a language that you've never seen before. He pulls a section out of the top and unfolds it into three hooks, and then pulls it away from the device. A thin golden coloured rope unfurls itself and you watch Eli, stunned by what you’re seeing. [[“Wait. How did all of that come out of that tiny device?”]] [[“Is that like...an Elven multitool?”]]

Before you’ve finished speaking, Eli has jumped back off the swinging blade and is standing in front of you again. “Oh no, no. You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I think I’ve got an idea.” He reaches into the pocket of his shorts and pulls out something which looks like a penknife. If a penknife was beautifully carved with a language that you've never seen before. He pulls a section out of the top and unfolds it into three hooks, and then pulls it away from the device. A thin golden coloured rope unfurls itself and you watch Eli, stunned by what you’re seeing. [[“Wait. How did all of that come out of that tiny device?”]] [[“Is that like...an Elven multitool?”]]

Eli smiles and raises an eyebrow. “Elven secrets. We're good at hiding things in plain sight.” You feel like there's something hidden behind his words, and look at him, puzzled. He laughs. "See? I warned you. Our emotions are no exception." Eli looks back at the blade. “Are you ready to do this, princess? I’m going to attach this to the handle and use it as an anchor to swing us both up there. I’ll hold you around the waist, so just hold onto me. It’ll be fine. Trust me.” You’re not sure what part of that sentence to unpick first. [[“Princess?”]] [[“You’re going to tie it to what now, and then swing to where exactly.”]]

Eli smiles and nods. “It is indeed. You know the Elven motto. Always be prepared.” You have a strong suspicion that’s not actually an Elven motto, but now doesn’t seem to be the time, and you’re fairly sure Eli is teasing you anyway. “Are you ready to do this, princess? I’m going to attach this to the handle and use it as an anchor to swing us both up there. I’ll hold you around the waist, so just hold onto me. It’ll be fine. Trust me.” You’re not sure what part of that sentence to unpick first. [[“Princess?”]] [[“You’re going to tie it to what now, and then swing to where exactly.”]]

You raise a bemused eyebrow at him wondering what kind of crazy has just consumed him. He grins at you. “You’re the Leia to my Luke, right? You know that scene in Star Wars where they swing across the gap? Iconic. Wait. That would mean you’re my sister. Forget that analogy.” He wraps his arms around you. “Ok, no time to waste, hang on to me.” You know this is your best chance of getting past that thing. It seems to be swinging even faster and watching it is making you feel dizzy. Eli swings the hook above your heads a few times and then throws it in the direction of the blade handle. It effectively wraps around the thick wood, and Eli’s arm is pulled backwards and forward in time with the blade as he holds onto the end. “Ok, I’m going to try and fly us up and backwards a bit so we have enough trajectory to get up there together. Just hold on and trust me.” Fly. Did he just say fly? Before you can question him, he’s crouching down and then you feel yourself flying upwards next to him. You close your eyes as he moves you both through the air in the direction of the blade. You can feel the strength of his grip on you. It feels like he’s never going to let you go. The next thing you’re aware of is the feel of the ground underneath your feet. It’s the softest landing and you open your eyes to look at him in amazement. He’s smiling down at you. His face is relaxed and confident as ever. There’s no sign that he’s just performed some kind of airbourne magic. You look behind you and see that the blade is now slowing down. Gradually it stops moving and disappears into the darkness it came from. But not before Eli retrieves his grappling hook and folds it back into the device he’s still carrying. You suddenly have an overwhelming sense that there is a lot you’ll need to learn if you’re going to be spending more time with this boy. The two of you are still wrapped in a half embrace, and you can feel the gentle beat of his heart. You stand for a moment, quietly, and he looks at you softly. Is he going to kiss you? He leans towards you. He really is going to kiss you. “Shall we get that prize then?” he whispers in your ear. His breath tickles your skin and there’s a possibility you’re legs are going to give way. But there’s no kiss. [[“Yes, fine. Whatever. Can’t think of anything else we could be doing.”]] [[“Yeah, let’s do this!”]]

He wraps his arms around you. “Ok, no time to waste with further explanations, hang on to me.” You know this is your best chance of getting past that thing. It seems to be swinging even faster and watching it is making you feel dizzy. Eli swings the hook above your heads a few times and then throws it in the direction of the blade handle. It effectively wraps around the thick wood, and Eli’s arm is pulled backwards and forward in time with the blade as he holds onto the end. “Ok, I’m going to try and fly us up and backwards a bit so we have enough trajectory to get up there together. Just hold on and trust me.” Fly. Did he just say fly? Before you can question him, he’s crouching down and then you feel yourself flying upwards next to him. You close your eyes as he moves you both through the air in the direction of the blade. You can feel the strength of his grip on you. It feels like he’s never going to let you go. The next thing you’re aware of is the feel of the ground underneath your feet. It’s the softest landing and you open your eyes to look at him in amazement. He’s smiling down at you. His face is relaxed and confident as ever. There’s no sign that he’s just performed some kind of airbourne magic. You look behind you and see that the blade is now slowing down. Gradually it stops moving and disappears into the darkness it came from. But not before Eli retrieves his grappling hook and folds it back into the device he’s still carrying. You suddenly have an overwhelming sense that there is a lot you’ll need to learn if you’re going to be spending more time with this boy. The two of you are still wrapped in a half embrace, and you can feel the gentle beat of his heart. You stand for a moment, quietly, and he looks at you softly. Is he going to kiss you? He leans towards you. He really is going to kiss you. “Shall we get that prize then?” he whispers in your ear. His breath tickles your skin and there’s a possibility you’re legs are going to give way. But there’s no kiss. [[“Yes, fine. Whatever. Can’t think of anything else we could be doing.”]] [[“Yeah, let’s do this!”]]

Eli looks genuinely confused, but you don't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing your frustration and so start walking. He's probably right anyway, that blade has cost you valuable time. You walk up to the closed door and slowly push it open, nervous you’re about to find another trap. But there’s nothing ahead apart from another long dark corridor and so the two of you start walking along it. There’s none of Eli’s usual chatter. He seems focussed on your surroundings, his eyes darting about, looking for danger. “Oh ho. What do we have here?” he says, looking ahead. You look at him in alarm. What has he seen? You can only see the shadow ahead still. But then your eyes pick out their shape in the distance and as you grow closer you realise that there are two people standing in your way. Twins, in fact. Identical twins, in identical clothes, holding hands and just ...staring with blank eyes. The kind of twins that cliche horror movies always cast. You laugh. What are they going to do? Chant something at you? The two boys look as though they’re probably about sixteen, but they’re both dressed in white shirts with large frills and trousers that can only be described as pantaloons. They have bright white hair, and their skin looks just as pale. They can’t be new residents of the dome, can they? They look so...young. As you reach the point where they’re standing they bow their heads slightly in perfect unison. “Greetings,” they say in voices that are surprisingly deep. “Hi. I’m loving the vibe guys. Gothic horror. Outstanding.” Eli’s voice is warm and calm. Is there nothing that causes his chilled persona to waiver? The twins continue. “You’ve reached your final destination in the maze. Congratulations. Our brothers at the other doors haven’t flagged they’ve received a winner yet, so pass this last test, and the prize will be yours. Are you ready?” You wait to see if there is any other explanation on its way, but quickly realise there isn’t. [[“Yep, we’ve got this. What’s the test?”|Eliready]] [[“Nope, you’re freaking me out. Not ready.”|Elitwinsfreaked]]

You know he’s right, if you’re going to win you need to keep moving. But if the prize is something lame like ice lollies you are going to have words with $boomer. You walk up to the closed door and slowly push it open, nervous you’re about to find another trap. But there’s nothing ahead apart from another long dark corridor and so the two of you start walking along it. There’s none of Eli’s usual chatter. He seems focussed on your surroundings, his eyes darting about, looking for danger. “Oh ho. What do we have here?” he says, looking ahead. You look at him in alarm. What has he seen? You can only see the shadow ahead still. But then your eyes pick out their shape in the distance and as you grow closer you realise that there are two people standing in your way. Twins, in fact. Identical twins, in identical clothes, holding hands and just ...staring with blank eyes. The kind of twins that cliche horror movies always cast. You laugh. What are they going to do? Chant something at you? The two boys look as though they’re probably about sixteen, but they’re both dressed in white shirts with large frills and trousers that can only be described as pantaloons. They have bright white hair, and their skin looks just as pale. They can’t be new residents of the dome, can they? They look so...young. As you reach the point where they’re standing they bow their heads slightly in perfect unison. “Greetings,” they say in voices that are surprisingly deep. “Hi. I’m loving the vibe guys. Gothic horror. Outstanding.” Eli’s voice is warm and calm. Is there nothing that causes his chilled persona to waiver? The twins continue. “You’ve reached your final destination in the maze. Congratulations. Our brothers at the other doors haven’t flagged they’ve received a winner yet, so pass this last test, and the prize will be yours. Are you ready?” You wait to see if there is any other explanation on its way, but quickly realise there isn’t. [[“Yep, we’ve got this. What’s the test?”|Eliready]] [[“Nope, you’re freaking me out. Not ready.”|Elitwinsfreaked]]

Eli turns to you and smiles. “I love your confidence.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Eli looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I wanted some time to explore by myself, and I wanted to give Rota the freedom I know she needs” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Eli laughs. “You’re really going to make me lay it all out there for everyone, huh? I was hoping that $name would follow me, and I could use this labyrinth as an opportunity to tell $gender2lower that I’m an idiot, and should have coupled up with $gender2lower yesterday.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Eli is clearly still interested, he’s made that clear in his answer. Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Eli. I wanted to spend more time with him. I think he could be ‘the one’ for me in this dome.”]] [[“I followed Eli. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Eli. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

Eli turns to you and smiles gently. “It's ok. We've got this, I'm sure we have.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Eli looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I wanted some time to explore by myself, and I wanted to give Rota the freedom I know she needs” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Eli laughs. “You’re really going to make me lay it all out there for everyone, huh? I was hoping that $name would follow me, and I could use this labyrinth as an opportunity to tell $gender2lower that I’m an idiot, and should have coupled up with $gender2lower yesterday.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Eli is clearly still interested, he’s made that clear in his answer. Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Eli. I wanted to spend more time with him. I think he could be ‘the one’ for me in this dome.”]] [[“I followed Eli. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Eli. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +20) }The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Eli leans towards you and whispers, “The feeling is mutual.” The twins cough in unison and then continue. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that was romantic,” Eli leans over and whispers in your ear. “I’m not sure why people don’t use that demon quote in their wedding vows.” He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door.|DoorwithEli]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Eli leans towards you and whispers, “Thank you for following your instinct.” The twins cough in unison and then continue. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that was romantic,” Eli leans over and whispers in your ear. “I’m not sure why people don’t use that demon quote in their wedding vows.” He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door.|DoorwithEli]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Eli quietly watches you without saying a word. The twins cough in unison and then continue. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that was romantic,” Eli leans over and whispers in your ear. “I’m not sure why people don’t use that demon quote in their wedding vows.” He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door.|DoorwithEli]]

As you step through into the darkness you hear someone say ‘Oh’ in a disappointed tone behind you. But the door closes blocking off your view. You both walk down another dark corridor. Your hand reaches to the side and touches the leaves that are still lining the path. “Is it weird that I’m incredibly excited to see whe-” Eli starts to say, but suddenly a dim light is turned on and you can see your surroundings. You’ve stepped into a rectangular space that is still enclosed by the tall hedges, but this time they have a thousand tiny lights glittering between their leaves, casting a gentle glow over a wooden floor and a table in the centre with food and drink on it. A “Wow” escapes your lips. It looks beautiful. Like a fairy grotto. Gentle classical music starts playing. It sounds familiar, but you couldn’t name the composer. As the two of you walk to the table $boomer interrupts the music. “Congratulations $name and Eli. You have made it to the centre of the Labyrinth first. Quite surprising. But perhaps your fellow Buried Lovers weren’t quite as quick to expose their truth. Your prize is some quiet time together. Please can the other Buried Lovers return to their huts.” You imagine Abe and Rota returning to an empty hut and wonder how they feel about this news. Eli smiles at you. “I feel like I’ve been luckier than I deserve in being able to spend some quiet time with you so soon after yesterday.” The music starts playing again. It’s beautiful and you close your eyes for a moment, taking in the delicate notes that are filling the air. When you open your eyes you find Eli watching you, his face peaceful and his eyes full of something you’re not sure you’ve seen there before. “Shall we?” He says, and you’re not sure if he’s referring to the food or the music. [[Follow Eli to the table and sit down.]] [[Take Eli’s hand and lead him a space on the floor to dance.]]

You follow Eli to the table and sit down. The two of you begin picking through the dishes of food and chatting about your lives outside of the dome. The lighthearted conversation feels like it's hiding something deeper and eventually Eli clears his throat. “I need to tell you something.” You wait for him to elaborate. Eli continues, “I need to tell you that I meant everything I said about regretting my decision. I thought that spending some more time apart would help test what this thing I’m feeling is. But really, it’s just making me feel miserable. Like I’m wasting precious time getting to know you. But..” You wait, not liking the sound of that ‘but’. He sighs. “But, the truth still remains that I’m not sure how to do this thing. This whole couple thing. I’m terrified I’m going to mess it up. And terror isn’t something I’m used to dealing with.” [[“I understand, Eli. But the terror isn’t enough of a reason for us to keep avoiding being together. Work through the fear, and it could be everything we hoped for.”|tableworkthrough]] [[“Well maybe you’re still not ready for us to be a couple? If that’s the case I’d rather you’re open about it.”|tablenotready]] [[“To be honest I’m not sure what I want, or who I want to be with, so there’s no point even talking about this.”|tablenopoint]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }“Let’s dance,” you say, taking his hand and leading him over to a space on the new wooden flooring. As you reach the space you turn and face him. There’s something crackling in the small space between you. A complicated mix of everything from the past twenty four hours, maybe? You both hold each other gently, and move to the music wordlessly. You close your eyes, taking in the sound of the music and the smell and feel of Eli. It feels like the two of you are in another place. Another time. The drama of the dome melts away and you pull him closer to you. There’s no sense of time in this space, and you have no idea how long the two of you spend quietly moving to the music. The lack of conversation isn’t awkward. It’s exactly what you need. If someone had told you a week ago that you’d be slow dancing with an elven prince in the middle of a labyrinth you would never have believed them. That kind of thing didn’t happen in real life. It happened to people in fantasy novels. Not you. And yet… here you are. Eventually Eli pulls away and clears his throat. “I need to tell you something.” You wait for him to elaborate. Eli continues, “I need to tell you that I meant everything I said about regretting my decision. I thought that spending some more time apart would help test what this thing I’m feeling is. But really, it’s just making me feel miserable. Like I’m wasting precious time getting to know you. But...” You wait, not liking the sound of that ‘but’. He sighs. “But, the truth still remains that I’m not sure how to do this thing. This whole couple thing. I’m terrified I’m going to mess it up. And terror isn’t something I’m used to dealing with.” [[“I understand, Eli. But the terror isn’t enough of a reason for us to keep avoiding being together. Work through the fear, and it could be everything we hoped for.”]] [[“Well maybe you’re still not ready for us to be a couple? If that’s the case I’d rather you’re open about it.”]] [[“To be honest I’m not sure what I want, or who I want to be with, so there’s no point even talking about this.”]]

You talk softly, appreciating the fact he’s opening up to you like this, and he smiles and nods. “You’re right. I know you’re right. There’s actually something else I’ve been meaning to tell you since you rescued me from the overgrown foliage earlier.” He gently places a finger under your chin. “I’d quite like to kiss you.” [[At last! Kiss him first.]] [[No thanks. Suggest you go and get some food instead.]]

Eli shakes his head. "I think my sleepless night has taught me that isn't the case. I want to spend more time with you, and only you. If that means coupling up with you, then I hope that a recoupling happens soon. There’s actually something else I’ve been meaning to tell you since you rescued me from the overgrown foliage earlier.” He gently places a finger under your chin. “I’d quite like to kiss you.” [[At last! Kiss him first.]] [[No thanks. Suggest you go and get some food instead.]]

Eli nods. "Understood. Thank you for your honesty. Shall we go back to the table and get some of that food? It look delicious and I'm fairly sure there's some wine waiting for us." [[Go back to the table with Eli. |No thanks. Suggest you go and get some food instead.]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +20)(set: $day4kiss to "Eli") }You move your lips to his and kiss him gently. He responds, his lips moving slowly at first, before running his hand up the sides of your body and then pulling you closer towards him. The kiss becomes filled with the lost time of the last day and as Eli moves to kissing your jawline you’re sure your knees are going to give way. He moves his mouth to your ear. “I can’t believe I deprived myself of this feeling last night,” he whispers and your stomach flips as you wonder just what kind of thing you might get up to in the evenings to come. Eli steps away from you slightly. “I don’t want to waste any more time getting to know you. Let’s sit and talk. Tell me everything about yourself. I want to be able to write a book on the wonder that is $name by the end of this date.” You laugh and lead him back to the table. It’s covered in different tapas dishes and Eli picks an olive out of a bowl and pops it into his mouth before screwing his face up. “I forgot I don’t actually like those.” As the two of you work your way through the dishes Eli asks “So what was the weirdest part of the Labyrinth for you?” [["Oh almost getting sliced by a giant blade."]] [["The twins. Has to be the twins."]] [["That mirror."]]

You both walk to the table and sit down and begin picking through the dishes of food and chatting about your lives outside of the dome. Eli picks an olive out of a bowl and pops it into his mouth before screwing his face up. “I forgot I don’t actually like those.” As the two of you work your way through the dishes Eli asks “So what was the weirdest part of the Labyrinth for you?” [["Oh almost getting sliced by a giant blade."]] [["The twins. Has to be the twins."]] [["That mirror."]]

“Ah, would you judge me if I said I actually enjoyed the excitement of that little challenge. It was the mirror for me. That was just so strange. What did you see in it?” [[Tell the truth. “Me standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looking furious about something.”|elimirrortruth]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”|elimirrorlie]]

Eli laughs. “I'm actually sad that they aren't new dome mates. Imagine the tension they'd bring. It was the mirror for me. That was just so strange. What did you see in it?” [[Tell the truth. “Me standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looking furious about something.”|elimirrortruth]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”|elimirrorlie]]

“Definitely the mirror. What was that all about?” you answer. Eli nods emphatically. “Oh, the same for me. That was just so strange. What did you see in it?” [[Tell the truth. “Me standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looking furious about something.”|elimirrortruth]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”|elimirrorlie]]

Eli looks intently at you. “Magical and powerful, huh? Sounds about right from what I’ve seen so far.” You laugh it off but the image still floats in your mind. “Mine was just my worst nightmare really. I was tied to a tree at home. Everyone in the village was gathered around me, asking me for advice about all kinds of things. But the tree was on fire, and I was just stuck there watching in silence.” He resumes eating before pausing to say, “I guess we don’t have to scratch too far under the surface to know what that means huh?” He Shudders. “Let’s change the subject. This is too beautiful a moment to ruin.” The two of you go back to eating and chatting. All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you are actually coupled with Abe and have no idea when the next recoupling will be. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that he has never had a pet, and the concept is completely alien to him, although he did once have a companion crow called Bartram who brought him his first silver ring. You also learn that he once spent a summer in Ibiza working as a DJ. The contrast of the two parts of his life is so stark that you wonder how he balances the two. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Eli’s vinyl collection sounds so vast it would probably fill this dome twice over, he leans forward and rests his hands on the table. “This has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Being here with you and just understanding who you are outside of this craziness. This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just takes another sip of drink. [[“I hope we do as well.”|Elihopedo]] [[Keep quiet.|Elikeepquiet]]

Eli looks intently at you. “Really? I was sure it was set up to show us all something...horrible. Interesting. “Mine was just my worst nightmare really. I was tied to a tree at home. Everyone in the village was gathered around me, asking me for advice about all kinds of things. But the tree was on fire, and I was just stuck there watching in silence.” He resumes eating before pausing to say, “I guess we don’t have to scratch too far under the surface to know what that means huh?” He Shudders. “Let’s change the subject. This is too beautiful a moment to ruin.” The two of you go back to eating and chatting. All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you are actually coupled with Abe and have no idea when the next recoupling will be. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that he has never had a pet, and the concept is completely alien to him, although he did once have a companion crow called Bartram who brought him his first silver ring. You also learn that he once spent a summer in Ibiza working as a DJ. The contrast of the two parts of his life is so stark that you wonder how he balances the two. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Eli’s vinyl collection sounds so vast it would probably fill this dome twice over, he leans forward and rests his hands on the table. “This has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Being here with you and just understanding who you are outside of this craziness. This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just takes another sip of drink. [[“I hope we do as well.”|Elihopedo]] [[Keep quiet.|Elikeepquiet]]

{(set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }Eli smiles. "So now we just need $boomer to let that happen, huh?" His eyes are sparkling, reflecting the fairylights around you. You feel like he wants to say something else. But he doesn’t, and the next time he speaks he’s returned to your earlier conversation. “My favourite music out of all the genres? It has to be funk. Watching the sunrise, sipping a drink and chilling to some killer beats? Heaven, right there. A bit like this space we’re in right now, to be honest.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing from an unknown source. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Excellent. I thought it had been a while since we had a drama injection,” Eli says, smiling. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

You decide not to say anything, and wait to see if Eli is going to share the rest of the sentence. But he doesn’t, and the next time he speaks he’s returned to your earlier conversation. “My favourite music out of all the genres? It has to be funk. Watching the sunrise, sipping a drink and chilling to some killer beats? Heaven, right there. A bit like this space we’re in right now, to be honest.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing from an unknown source. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Excellent. I thought it had been a while since we had a drama injection,” Eli says, smiling. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

You turn the corner and jump when you see a figure at the end of the path. Your hand flies up to your forehead in surprise. It’s only when you see the figure’s hand also raise that you realise you’re looking at a reflection of yourself. A mirror. You walk forward, closing the gap. There is another turn ahead, this time to the left, but the mirror is distracting you and you find your feet walking towards it, instead of taking the path that would surely be leading you to the centre. As you get closer you can see that it’s a mirror with gold edging. Grotesque faces are carved into the gold and the sight of their grimacing images causes a shiver to go down your spine. But you can’t tear your eyes away from the mirror. The reflection staring back at you is definitely your own. But something is...different. The reflection’s hands aren’t at its sides like yours are. They’re out to the sides, palms facing upwards. A green light is emanating out of them, and you see that your face is locked in a furious grimace. Your eyes aren’t your own either. They’re glowing with a bright white light. You look beautiful and terrifying. Powerful and lost. A swirling mass of contradictions fills your head, but then you hear a voice that snaps you away from this strange reflection. Rota. “Set me free. I command you!” You turn left and run towards the sound, until you find Rota pressed against the wall, vines wrapped around her chest, pulling her tighter. [[Ask Rota if she needs help.]] [[Go and help Rota.]]

You run up to her and ask, "Are you ok? Do you need any help?" Rota looks at you, temporarily stunned. "You're here! Yes...yes please." You don’t waste any time, and wrap your fingers around the vine and start to pull, expecting some resistance. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look up at her in shock. Even in this gloomy light you can see her face relax when she sees you. “I’ve fought many dangers in my life, but being saved from a piece of foliage? That is something new. Thank you $name, honestly, I’m indebted to you. I- I’m surprised and happy to see you here.” [[“In that case why didn’t you wait for me at the door?”]] [[“Always happy to assist. I specialise in rescuing Valkyrie from surprising situations.”]] [[“That’s me babe, killer of houseplants. Protector of Valkyrie.”]]

You don’t waste any time, and run to her, closing the gap between you. You wrap your fingers around the vine and start to pull, expecting some resistance. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look up at her in shock. Even in this gloomy light you can see her face relax when she sees you. “I’ve fought many dangers in my life, but being saved from a piece of foliage? That is something new. Thank you $name, honestly, I’m indebted to you. I- I’m surprised and happy to see you here.” [[“In that case why didn’t you wait for me at the door?”]] [[“Always happy to assist. I specialise in rescuing Valkyrie from surprising situations.”]] [[“That’s me babe, killer of houseplants. Protector of Valkyrie.”]]

Rota pulls the remnants of the vines off her and throws them to the floor, scowling at them before muttering something about missing her sword. She turns back to you, her face surprised. “I did. Of course I did. But then I saw how Abe was looking at you, and thought I saw the very same look in your eyes so I felt sure you were going to explore with him.” Rota's eyes search your face for a moment before she speaks again. "As you're here, I-I assume that you’ll be exploring this place with me?” Her eyes are sparkling with something you’re fairly sure is happiness, and you wonder for a moment why Rota and Eli aren’t together. [[Link your arm with her as an answer.]] [[Nod and make your way through the next part of the labyrinth.]]

Rota pulls the remnants of the vines off her and throws them to the floor, scowling at them before muttering something about missing her sword. She turns back to you, and her smile returns. “Well that's good to know. I do often find myself in some unusual situations. Speaking of which, as you're here can I assume that you’ll be exploring this place with me?” Her eyes are sparkling with something you’re fairly sure is happiness, and you wonder for a moment why Rota and Eli aren’t together. [[Link your arm with her as an answer.]] [[Nod and make your way through the next part of the labyrinth.]]

Rota pulls the remnants of the vines off her and throws them to the floor, scowling at them before muttering something about missing her sword. She turns back to you, and her smile returns. “A houseplant? Is that what that thing was? Well I’ll be prepared if any others appear and try to take us hostage. I-I assume that you’ll be exploring this place with me?” Her eyes are sparkling with something you’re fairly sure is happiness, and you wonder for a moment why Rota and Eli aren’t together. [[Link your arm with her as an answer.]] [[Nod and make your way through the next part of the labyrinth.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }A blush spreads across her cheeks and she pulls you closer towards her. It hasn’t even been a day since you were this close, but somehow it already feels like it’s been too long. “Things are not excellent with the elf boy, by the way. I’m somewhat relieved that he chose for us to explore separately. I feel bad, but it is what it is.” You wait for any kind of elaboration, but none is forthcoming. You’re itching to ask what’s been happening since you last spoke, but you know there’s a competition to win, and the possibility of spending some quiet time with Rota is a big motivator. You look past her at the long corridor stretching out in front of you. Just how big is this place? “This place holds no fear for us. I’ve never felt stronger than right now. Let’s get that prize.” Your head spins at the idea of this powerful girl feeling stronger with you by her side, and there’s a little flutter of happiness in your chest, as you take a deep breath, and the beautiful meadow scent that you’ve been missing all day hits you. You both start to walk, although there is no end in sight. “I have to admit that this place intrigues me. I’ve been in Labyrinths before, and I’ve fought many monsters hiding in the centre, but they’re usually ancient structures. They aren’t usually built where a swimming pool was, only moments earlier. It does make me wonder what forces are in control here.” You look sideways, wondering if she’s going to elaborate, but no explanation comes. You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“Could it be magic?”]] [[“Maybe this place is just made up of building blocks and they can just pick and choose what it looks like?”]]

Rota walks beside you, quietly at first, but you can sense that she wants to say something. “Things are not excellent with the elf boy, by the way. I’m somewhat relieved that he chose for us to explore separately. I feel bad, but it is what it is.” You wait for any kind of elaboration, but none is forthcoming. You’re itching to ask what’s been happening since you last spoke, but you know there’s a competition to win, and the possibility of spending some quiet time with Rota is a big motivator. You look past her at the long corridor stretching out in front of you. Just how big is this place? “This place holds no fear for us. I’ve never felt stronger than right now. Let’s get that prize.” Your head spins at the idea of this powerful girl feeling stronger with you by her side, and there’s a little flutter of happiness in your chest, as you take a deep breath, and the beautiful meadow scent that you’ve been missing all day hits you. You both start to walk, although there is no end in sight. “I have to admit that this place intrigues me. I’ve been in Labyrinths before, and I’ve fought many monsters hiding in the centre, but they’re usually ancient structures. They aren’t usually built where a swimming pool was, only moments earlier. It does make me wonder what forces are in control here.” You look sideways, wondering if she’s going to elaborate, but no explanation comes. You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“Could it be magic?”]] [[“Maybe this place is just made up of building blocks and they can just pick and choose what it looks like?”]]

Rota nods. “Indeed. That does seem to be the most likely answer. It’s important to be cautious around someone using magic at this level. The confusion and deceit that they can cause could be enough to turn a person mad. I’ve seen it happen before. Warlock’s using their powers to distort reality and causing those around them to question everything they thought they knew.” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, I can’t really complain about whatever the cause of this is, because it means I can spend time with the person that makes my heart feel happy.” Rota leans towards you. “That’s you, in case I was being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“Rota, you’re never too subtle.”]] [[“I feel the same, Rota.”]]

Rota looks at you, confused. “Building...blocks? Are they infused with magic? Because they would have to be in order to create this labyrinth so quickly. It’s important to be cautious around someone using magic at this level. The confusion and deceit that they can cause could be enough to turn a person mad. I’ve seen it happen before. Warlock’s using their powers to distort reality and causing those around them to question everything they thought they knew.” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, I can’t really complain about whatever the cause of this is, because it means I can spend time with the person that makes my heart feel happy.” Rota leans towards you. “That’s you, in case I was being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“Rota, you’re never too subtle.”]] [[“I feel the same, Rota.”]]

Rota nods seriously. "That's good to know. I sometimes struggle with the nuances of language." Her head suddenly snaps up and she looks around. “I feel like I can sense something. Someone. Someone with anger in their core. I can often sense an enemy before I see them, and I’m getting that sense now. Keep alert, $name, I fear that all is not what it seems in here.” You look around, the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. If this place wasn’t spooky enough, the threat of some kind of impending danger is just adding to your desire to turn and go back the way you came. But you have a Valkyrie for company. What could really be lurking behind these hedges? More killer plants? “Wait, there’s a turn ahead. Perhaps the final door will be there and we can claim our prize? Let’s keep going.” The two of you keep walking, but Rota maintains a steady pace, continually looking around and cursing her lack of weapons. As you walk your eyes suddenly catch sight of two figures either side of the turning. They look like two suits of armour, posed holding their swords across the path. Are they the danger that Rota can sense? You look to her to warn her, but her eyes are fixed on something else. Something in the shadows ahead. She places her arm across you to stop you moving forward. “We have a problem. Stay here.” You squint into the darkness, trying to work out what Rota is talking about. The suits of armour are still motionless. Rota’s eyes are darting around the space, and your stomach flips when you see the look in her eyes. She’s...worried. “Get back. Run!” She shouts this at you over her shoulder, while at the same time running towards the suits of armour. Just as she pulls one of the swords out of the armour’s grip you see what has caused her to go into battle mode as it emerges from the shadows. It looks like a Gargoyle. With one exception. It isn’t sitting still on a building. Instead it's moving towards Rota swinging a hammer. All seven feet of it. Rota roars and swings the sword, which collides with the hammer. You can feel your heart pounding. Surely they wouldn’t be putting you in any real danger? Your brain races, working out what to do next. [[Listen to Rota and stay back. She’s fought much worse than this.]] [[Get the other sword and try to help her.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }Rota smiles and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. But the moment is lost when her head suddenly snaps up and she looks around. “I feel like I can sense something. Someone. Someone with anger in their core. I can often sense an enemy before I see them, and I’m getting that sense now. Keep alert, $name, I fear that all is not what it seems in here.” You look around, the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. If this place wasn’t spooky enough, the threat of some kind of impending danger is just adding to your desire to turn and go back the way you came. But you have a Valkyrie for company. What could really be lurking behind these hedges? More killer plants? “Wait, there’s a turn ahead. Perhaps the final door will be there and we can claim our prize? Let’s keep going.” The two of you keep walking, but Rota maintains a steady pace, continually looking around and cursing her lack of weapons. As you walk your eyes suddenly catch sight of two figures either side of the turning. They look like two suits of armour, posed holding their swords across the path. Are they the danger that Rota can sense? You look to her to warn her, but her eyes are fixed on something else. Something in the shadows ahead. She places her arm across you to stop you moving forward. “We have a problem. Stay here.” You squint into the darkness, trying to work out what Rota is talking about. The suits of armour are still motionless. Rota’s eyes are darting around the space, and your stomach flips when you see the look in her eyes. She’s...worried. “Get back. Run!” She shouts this at you over her shoulder, while at the same time running towards the suits of armour. Just as she pulls one of the swords out of the armour’s grip you see what has caused her to go into battle mode as it emerges from the shadows. It looks like a Gargoyle. With one exception. It isn’t sitting still on a building. Instead it's moving towards Rota swinging a hammer. All seven feet of it. Rota roars and swings the sword, which collides with the hammer. You can feel your heart pounding. Surely they wouldn’t be putting you in any real danger? Your brain races, working out what to do next. [[Listen to Rota and stay back. She’s fought much worse than this.]] [[Get the other sword and try to help her.]]

{(set: $gargoylefight to "no") }Gargoyle fighting isn't something you signed up to when you stepped foot into this bubble dome, and so you step back and watch Rota as she roars in the face of the gargoyle, her sword high above her head. She swings the sword in a circle and aims for the gargoyle. It hits the side of its head and you see a huge stone ear fall to the floor and crumble. This only seems to anger the ...statue and it swings its hammer at Rota. Luckily she manages to duck and roll out of the way, and the hammer crashes into the ground, becoming completely stuck in the ground. Rota seizes the opportunity and throws herself through the air, her sword slicing into stone. The next thing you see is Rota falling to the floor amidst a pile of rubble. Dust from the rocks fills the air, and you both start to cough. Rota quickly gets to her feet and holds out her hand. “Quick! Let’s go!” [[Take her hand and run.]] [[Just run.]]

{(set: $gargoylefight to "yes") (set: $romancerota to $romancerota +20) }Your eyes quickly find the sword which is still in the hands of the suit of armour, and you run over to it. The gargoyle is building up to another swing of its hammer, and Rota is standing her ground, red hair flying around her, sword held out in front and shouting all kinds of things at it in a language unknown to you. You take hold of the sword, and have a moment when you stumble, surprised by how heavy it is. You look back just in time to see Rota knocked to the ground, the gargoyle standing above her silently. It raises its arms again, and you know it's now or never. [[Sneak up behind the gargoyle quietly and hit it with the sword.]] [[Let out your best roar and charge at it with the sword.]]

You quietly walk behind the gargoyle. It's so consumed by the rage that it's directing at Rota that it doesn't even notice you. You raise your sword and bring it down on its shoulder, just as Rota brings her own sword down on its head. Before you can react the noise of crushing rock hits your ears and you look up to see the gargoyle has transformed into a pile of rocks. Dust from the rocks fills the air, and you both start to cough. Rota quickly gets to her feet and stands above you, holding out her hand. “Quick! Let’s go!” [[Take her hand and run.]] [[Get up without her help.]]

You fill your lungs with air and then charge at the gargoyle. Startled by the noise emanating from you it slowly turns and Rota seizes the opportunity to roll away and pick up her sword again. You use all of your strength to swing your sword up and hit the gargoyle’s chest, but unfortunately Rota has the same idea and your swords clash, causing you both to fall backwards. Before you can react the noise of crushing rock hits your ears and you look up to see the gargoyle has transformed into a pile of rocks. Dust from the rocks fills the air, and you both start to cough. Rota quickly gets to her feet and stands above you, holding out her hand. “Quick! Let’s go!” [[Take her hand and run.]] [[Get up without her help.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }You take her hand and she quickly pulls you to your feet. The two of you run through the turning that the suits of armour are no longer blocking, and keep running until the craziness of what has just happened is far behind you. Eventually you both stop, and you turn to Rota. The face that greets you isn’t one full of shock or fear. She looks...happy. (if:$gargoylefight is "yes")[“That was quite the battle, $name! Fighting by your side was, well, exhilarating! I could do that every day.” Rota stops for a moment and frowns. “Wait. Are you ok? I should have asked that first. My apologies. That must have been a lot for you to deal with.” You look at her sparkling eyes. She looks more beautiful than ever before, in spite of the layer of dust now covering her. [[What better way to celebrate defeating a gargoyle than with a kiss? Kiss her.]] [[“Oh yeah, I’m fine. I should have guessed I’d be threatened by some kind of moving statue today, huh?”]] ]\ (if:$gargoylefight is "no")["That was quite the battle!" Rota's eyes are sparkling from the excitement of the battle. She looks more beautiful than ever before. But before you can admire her a moment longer she turns on her heels and starts walking down an empty corridor. "Let's keep going!" [[Follow Rota down the corridor.]] ]

You pretend not to notice her hand and stand up. The two of you run through the turning that the suits of armour are no longer blocking, and keep running until the craziness of what has just happened is far behind you. Eventually you both stop, and you turn to Rota. The face that greets you isn’t one full of shock or fear. She looks... happy. (if:$gargoylefight is "yes")[“That was quite the battle, $name! Fighting by your side was, well, exhilarating! I could do that every day.” Rota stops for a moment and frowns. “Wait. Are you ok? I should have asked that first. My apologies. That must have been a lot for you to deal with.” You look at her sparkling eyes. She looks more beautiful than ever before, in spite of the layer of dust now covering her. [[What better way to celebrate defeating a gargoyle than with a kiss? Kiss her.]] [[“Oh yeah, I’m fine. I should have guessed I’d be threatened by some kind of moving statue today, huh?”]] ]\ (if:$gargoylefight is "no")["That was quite the battle!" Rota's eyes are sparkling from the excitement of the battle. She looks more beautiful than ever before. But before you can admire her a moment longer she turns on her heels and starts walking down an empty corridor. "Let's keep going!" [[Follow Rota down the corridor.]] ]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +20)(set: $day4kiss to "Rota") }You don’t have any words to answer Rota and instead run your hands into her hair. You move together and your lips meet in a kiss that is filled with a mix of adrenalin and pure wanting. Rota seems as lost in the kiss as you are, her hands working up your back. You push her backwards slightly until she’s pressed against the hedge, your lips still hungry for hers. She moans quietly as her hands keep exploring your back, and you press against her, losing all sense of everything around you. The labyrinth, gargoyle and any kind of prize are the furthest thing from your mind. It’s all about Rota, and the heat running through you as her hands graze down your sides, kneading at your skin hungrily. But then there’s a cracking sound and the two of you fall through the hedge and onto the floor. You both look at each other, startled, and then burst into laughter. “Somebody is telling us we should hurry and get that prize,” Rota murmurs before kissing you gently one last time. The two of you get up and look around. You’re in a corridor much like the one you’ve just left. Rota turns to you. “Your choice which way we go. If we’re lucky maybe we’ll find another foe to defeat.” Her face is still, and you’re not sure if she’s joking. [[“Let’s go left”|Rota left]] [[“Let’s go right”|Rota right]]

Rota watches you quietly. "Is that sarcasm? I feel that it might be. The gargoyle was quite unexpected, wasn't it? Still, we always need to be prepared for danger. Most importantly, the battle was won. Speaking of which, we should make our way through this place and claim our prize. Let's go!" There's a sense of urgency in Rota, and you quickly follow her. You look around. You’re in a corridor much like the one you’ve just left. Rota turns to you. “Your choice which way we go. If we’re lucky maybe we’ll find another foe to defeat.” Her face is still, and you’re not sure if she’s joking. [[“Let’s go left”|Rota left]] [[“Let’s go right”|Rota right]]

There's a sense of urgency in Rota, and you quickly follow her. You look around. You’re in a corridor much like the one you’ve just left. Rota turns to you. “Your choice which way we go. If we’re lucky maybe we’ll find another foe to defeat.” Her face is still, and you’re not sure if she’s joking. [[“Let’s go left”|Rota left]] [[“Let’s go right”|Rota right]]

You turn left and start walking at a quick pace. You realise you’re constantly scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. “Oh, there’s our next battle,” Rota exclaims and you look at her in alarm. What has she seen? Not another gargoyle, surely. [[“Rota, what’s wrong?”]]

You turn right and start walking at a quick pace. You realise you’re constantly scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. You find yourself facing a wall of leaves and Rota mutters something under her breath. You both retrace your footsteps and turn left. The corridor looks identical to the one you just left, and you start to wonder if $boomer is playing games. “Oh, there’s our next battle,” Rota exclaims and you look at her in alarm. What has she seen? Not another gargoyle, surely. [[“Rota, what’s wrong?”]]

She shakes his head as she answers. “We have company.” You look at her in confusion. Who…? But then your eyes pick out their shape in the distance and as you grow closer you realise that there are two people standing in front of you. Not just any two people. They’re identical twins, in identical clothes, holding hands and just ...staring with blank eyes. The kind of twins that cliche horror movies always cast. You laugh. What are they going to do? Chant something at you? The two boys look as though they’re probably about sixteen, but they’re both dressed in white shirts with large frills and trousers that can only be described as pantaloons. They have bright white hair, and their skin looks just as pale. They can’t be new residents of the dome, can they? They look so...young. As you reach the point where they’re standing they bow their heads slightly in perfect unison. “Greetings,” they say in voices that are surprisingly deep. “I should have picked up a sword before we left the pile of rubble,” Rota murmurs, eying the twins suspiciously. “You’ve reached your final destination in the maze. Congratulations. Our brothers at the other doors haven’t flagged they’ve received a winner yet, so pass this last test, and the prize will be yours. Are you ready?” You wait to see if there is any other explanation on its way, but quickly realise there isn’t. [[“Yes, we’ve got this. What’s the test?”|Rota test certain]] [[“I...think we are?”|Rota test uncertain]] [[“No, you’re freaking me out. I’m not ready.”]]

Rota turns to you and smiles. “I admire your courage, $name. Let’s get that prize.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Rota looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” She stops speaking, clearly comfortable that she’s answered the question. The twins study her face and then say in unison, “And?” Rota looks at you, embarrassment flushing her cheeks, before returning to the twins. “And I was feeling jealous about Abe spending time with $name and wanted to speak to $gender2lower to see if there was an attraction there. Between them, I mean” She looks at you. “I’m sorry. I’m not really sure what this feeling is, but I just wanted to know what you’re thinking about him. Or me. I want to know what you’re thinking about me.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but someone the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Rota is clearly still interested, she’s made that clear in her answer. Why did you follow her through the door? [[“I followed Rota. I’m still certain she’s the one for me in here and I wanted to spend more time with her.”]] [[“I followed Rota. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with her.”]] [[“I followed Rota. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

Rota turns to you. “Of course we're ready. We can do this together.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Rota looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” She stops speaking, clearly comfortable that she’s answered the question. The twins study her face and then say in unison, “And?” Rota looks at you, embarrassment flushing her cheeks, before returning to the twins. “And I was feeling jealous about Abe spending time with $name and wanted to speak to $gender2lower to see if there was an attraction there. Between them, I mean” She looks at you. “I’m sorry. I’m not really sure what this feeling is, but I just wanted to know what you’re thinking about him. Or me. I want to know what you’re thinking about me.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but someone the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Rota is clearly still interested, she’s made that clear in her answer. Why did you follow her through the door? [[“I followed Rota. I’m still certain she’s the one for me in here and I wanted to spend more time with her.”]] [[“I followed Rota. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with her.”]] [[“I followed Rota. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

Rota turns to you. “You're ready, $name. I believe in you.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Rota looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” She stops speaking, clearly comfortable that she’s answered the question. The twins study her face and then say in unison, “And?” Rota looks at you, embarrassment flushing her cheeks, before returning to the twins. “And I was feeling jealous about Abe spending time with $name and wanted to speak to $gender2lower to see if there was an attraction there. Between them, I mean” She looks at you. “I’m sorry. I’m not really sure what this feeling is, but I just wanted to know what you’re thinking about him. Or me. I want to know what you’re thinking about me.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but someone the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Rota is clearly still interested, she’s made that clear in her answer. Why did you follow her through the door? [[“I followed Rota. I’m still certain she’s the one for me in here and I wanted to spend more time with her.”]] [[“I followed Rota. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with her.”]] [[“I followed Rota. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +20) }The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Rota reaches over and squeezes your hand. The twins continue. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that is an interesting way of looking at relationships,” Rota leans over and whispers in your ear. “Although I am looking forward to getting to know your demons. Is that unusual?” You laugh and shake your head, any concern about what’s through the door melting away. [[Step through the open door with Rota.]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Rota looks at you. "I'm glad you followed your instinct." The twins continue. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that is an interesting way of looking at relationships,” Rota leans over and whispers in your ear. “Although I am looking forward to getting to know your demons. Is that unusual?” You laugh and shake your head, any concern about what’s through the door melting away. [[Step through the open door with Rota.]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Rota watches you quietly before returning her gaze to the twins. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that is an interesting way of looking at relationships,” Rota leans over and whispers in your ear. “Although I am looking forward to getting to know your demons. Is that unusual?” You laugh and shake your head, any concern about what’s through the door melting away. [[Step through the open door with Rota.]]

As you step through into the darkness you hear someone say ‘Oh ’in a disappointed tone behind you. But the door closes, blocking off your view. You both walk down another dark corridor. Your hand reaches to the side and touches leaves. Suddenly a dim light is turned on and you can see your surroundings. You’ve stepped into a rectangular space that is still enclosed by the tall hedges, but this time they have a thousand tiny lights glittering between their leaves, casting a gentle glow over a wooden floor and a table in the centre with food and drink on it. A “Wow” escapes your lips. It looks beautiful. Like a fairy grotto. Gentle classical music starts playing. It sounds familiar, but you couldn’t name the composer. As the two of you walk to the table $boomer interrupts the music. “Congratulations $name and Rota. You have made it to the centre of the Labyrinth first. Quite surprising. But perhaps your fellow Buried Lovers weren’t quite as quick to expose their truth. Your prize is some quiet time together. Please can the other Buried Lovers return to their huts.” You imagine Abe and Eli returning to an empty hut and wonder how they feel about this news. Rota smiles at you. “I didn’t dream that we’d get some alone time so soon after yesterday.” . The music starts playing again. It’s beautiful and you close your eyes for a moment, taking in the delicate notes that are filling the air. When you open your eyes you find Rota watching you, her eyes flashing with an intensity that almost takes your breath away. This Labyrinth has been the most intense experience in the dome so far, but somehow it’s also been the most magical. It’s given you the chance to understand more about who Rota is. To see her warrior side in action. “Shall we?” She says, and you’re not sure if she’s referring to the food or the music. [[Follow Rota to the table and sit down.]] [[Take Rota’s hand and lead her to a space on the floor to dance.]]

{(set: $rotadance to "no") }You both walk over to the table and sit down. It's covered with different tapas dishes and you talk Rota through the ones you recognise. She looks fascinated. "Such tiny bowls of food. For sharing you say? I like this approach. This whole place has been surprising." She takes a bite of the nearest dish to her, causing her eyes to widen. “Delicious! What an adventure. I found the gargoyle battle fun. That mirror, though? That wasn't fun." You watch her closely and see fear in her eyes. [[“What did you see Rota, if you don’t mind sharing?”]]

{(set: $rotadance to "yes") (set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }“Let’s dance,” you say, taking her hand and leading her over to a space on the new wooden flooring. As you reach the space you turn and wrap your arms around her. Rota seems nervous at first but closes her eyes and begins moving slowly to the music, placing her hands on your hips, and then the small of your back. You close your eyes, taking in the sound of the music and the feel of Rota. Her body holds such strength, and yet there is also a softness and vulnerability which very few people get to see. It feels like the two of you are in another place. Another time. The drama of the dome melts away and you pull her closer to you. There’s no sense of time in this space, and you have no idea how long the two of you spend quietly moving to the music. The lack of conversation isn’t awkward. It’s exactly what you need. If someone had told you a week ago that you’d be slow dancing with a Valkyrie in the middle of a labyrinth you would never have believed them. That kind of thing didn’t happen in real life. It happened to people in fantasy movies. Not you. And yet….here you are. You wonder just what dating a valkyrie would involve. Danger? Being with someone who would always have to put her position first. Someone who doesn’t even live on the same planet as you. But you push those thoughts away. There will be time for that, and this isn’t it. You sigh in contentment as Rota lightly runs her nails up your back and to the back of your neck. She pulls away slightly and smiles at you. “This is one of the most perfect moments in my life. How is it for you? Worth the peril, I hope?” [[“Oh absolutely, I’d take a gargoyle of doom any day if it ended in your arms.”]] [[“Hmm, I’m not sure, ask me at the end of the date if the brush with death at the hands of a gargoyle was worth it.”]]

Rota brings your fingers to her mouth and lightly kisses them. “That’s good to know. I found the gargoyle battle fun. That mirror, though? That wasn’t fun.” You step back slightly, watching her face. [[“What did you see Rota, if you don’t mind sharing?”]]

Rota smiles. "I think you'll find it was. I found the gargoyle battle fun. That mirror, though? That wasn’t fun.” You step back slightly, watching her face. [[“What did you see Rota, if you don’t mind sharing?”]]

Rota nods. “I don’t have anything to hide from you. I saw myself hiding in this small stone hut on top of a cliff. The skies were filled with Valkyrie and they were raining fire down upon me. Everything around me was on fire. The flames were scorching my skin. I don’t think I want to know what it means.” Rota looks sad and you gently tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. She looks into your eyes, searching for something. “What did you see?” [[Tell the truth. “I was standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looked furious about something.”|Rota mirror truth]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”|Rota mirror lie]]

Rota looks intently at you. “Well that might confirm something about you that I already thought I knew. You’re very powerful.” You laugh it off but the image still floats in your mind. (if:$rotadance is "yes")[The magic of the moment is broken and the two of you walk over to the table and sit down, sharing the food between you.]\ (if:$rotadance is "no")[You both fall silent, consumed with the memory of the mirror. Eventually you return to eating and drinking.] All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that Rota has an older brother who she was constantly compared to growing up. Her parents are more proud of him, even though he spends most of his time drunk in taverns, than they are with Rota’s life as a Valkyrie. You also learn that she has a secret desire to own a small holding and breed goats and sheep, and that learning how to knit is on her bucket list. After a conversation about why Rota hates pumpkin spice after an eventful trip to a coffee shop in London, she sits forward and places her hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that I haven’t enjoyed every second with you. But this? Just talking to you without anyone nearby? This is everything I wanted from this place. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” She looks down and you sense that she wants to say something else, but instead she just takes another drink of mead from the tankard that has clearly been left for her. [[“I hope we do as well, Rota.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Rota. Keep quiet.]]

Rota looks intently at you. “Well that is surprising. I'd expected the mirror to show you more than that.” You laugh it off but the image you can't speak of still floats in your mind. (if:$rotadance is "yes")[The magic of the moment is broken and the two of you walk over to the table and sit down, sharing the food between you.]\ (if:$rotadance is "no")[You both fall silent, consumed with the memory of the mirror. Eventually you return to eating and drinking.] All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that Rota has an older brother who she was constantly compared to growing up. Her parents are more proud of him, even though he spends most of his time drunk in taverns, than they are with Rota’s life as a Valkyrie. You also learn that she has a secret desire to own a small holding and breed goats and sheep, and that learning how to knit is on her bucket list. After a conversation about why Rota hates pumpkin spice after an eventful trip to a coffee shop in London, she sits forward and places her hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that I haven’t enjoyed every second with you. But this? Just talking to you without anyone nearby? This is everything I wanted from this place. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” She looks down and you sense that she wants to say something else, but instead she just takes another drink of mead from the tankard that has clearly been left for her. [[“I hope we do as well, Rota.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Rota. Keep quiet.]]

{(set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }As you reply her face lights up. There's excitement in her eyes still, but now it's mixed with something else. Hope? Happiness? You wonder if Rota will say anymore about your journey together. But she doesn’t, and the next time she speaks she’s returned to your earlier conversation. “I do remember something about that visit to the coffee shop. I may have hated the taste of the hot drink, but I loved the lights that were lining the streets when I walked outside. It was magical. There were couples walking together, wrapped in large coats, carrying large bags of unidentifiable items. But they all looked so happy that I thought the lights were casting some kind of magical power on everyone. Much like the lights here.” She gestures at your surroundings. As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Here we go again,” Rota says, placing her tankard down and waiting for the drama to unfold. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

You decide not to say anything, and wait to see if Rota asks you again, in a more direct way. But she doesn’t, and the next time she speaks she’s returned to your earlier conversation. “I do remember something about that visit to the coffee shop. I may have hated the taste of the hot drink, but I loved the lights that were lining the streets when I walked outside. It was magical. There were couples walking together, wrapped in large coats, carrying large bags of unidentifiable items. But they all looked so happy that I thought the lights were casting some kind of magical power on everyone. Much like the lights here.” She gestures at your surroundings. As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Here we go again,” Rota says, placing her tankard down and waiting for the drama to unfold. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

The two of you run through the turning that the suits of armour are no longer blocking, and keep running until the craziness of what has just happened is far behind you. Eventually you both stop, and you turn to Rota. The face that greets you isn’t one full of shock or fear. She looks...happy. (if:$gargoylefight is "yes")[“That was quite the battle, $name! Fighting by your side was, well, exhilarating! I could do that every day.” Rota stops for a moment and frowns. “Wait. Are you ok? I should have asked that first. My apologies. That must have been a lot for you to deal with.” You look at her sparkling eyes. She looks more beautiful than ever before, in spite of the layer of dust now covering her. [[What better way to celebrate defeating a gargoyle than with a kiss? Kiss her.]] [[“Oh yeah, I’m fine. I should have guessed I’d be threatened by some kind of moving statue today, huh?”]] ]\ (if:$gargoylefight is "no")["That was quite the battle!" Rota's eyes are sparkling from the excitement of the battle. She looks more beautiful than ever before. But before you can admire her a moment longer she turns on her heels and starts walking down an empty corridor. "Let's keep going!" [[Follow Rota down the corridor.]] ]

You turn the corner and jump when you see a figure at the end of the path. Your hand flies up to your forehead in surprise. It’s only when you see the figure’s hand also raise that you realise you’re looking at a reflection of yourself. A mirror. You walk forward, closing the gap. There is another turn ahead, this time to the left, but the mirror is distracting you and you find your feet walking towards it, instead of taking the path that would surely be leading you to the centre. As you get closer you can see that it’s a mirror with gold edging. Grotesque faces are carved into the gold and the sight of their grimacing images causes a shiver to go down your spine. But you can’t tear your eyes away from the mirror. The reflection staring back at you is definitely your own. But something is...different. The reflection’s hands aren’t at its sides like yours are. They’re out to the sides, palms facing upwards. A green light is emanating out of them, and you see that your face is locked in a furious grimace. Your eyes aren’t your own either. They’re glowing with a bright white light. You look beautiful and terrifying. Powerful and lost. A swirling mass of contradictions fills your head, but then you hear a voice that snaps you away from this strange reflection. Is that Catarina? “You can bind my hands but you have no control over my tongue!” You turn left and run towards the sound, until you find Catarina pressed against the wall, vines wrapped tightly around her wrists and hands, binding them together and presumably trying to stop her using the power you know they contain. [[Ask Catarina if she needs help.]] [[Go and help Catarina.]]

You call out. "Cat! Are you ok? Can I help?" Catarina turns to you. "Oh wow, I'm so happy to see you! Yes please, I seem to be a little bit tied up!" You don’t waste any time, and run to her, closing the gap between you. You wrap your fingers around the vines and start to pull, expecting some resistance. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look at her in shock. Catarina quickly pulls the last of the vines off her wrists and then throws her arms around you, wrapping you in a hug that almost knocks you off your feet. She steps back and you see a huge smile on her face. “$name! What are you even doing here on your own? I was so sure that I was going to be tied up to that hedge for the remainder of this challenge, but here you are. My hero. That was some plant killing power you have.” She watches you thoughtfully, looking at your hands and then back up to your face. [[“That’s me. Killer of plants. Never ask me to look after your houseplants.”]] [[“Just lucky I think. Must have found a weak point.”]]

You don’t waste any time, and run to her, closing the gap between you. You wrap your fingers around the vines and start to pull, expecting some resistance. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look at her in shock. Catarina quickly pulls the last of the vines off her wrists and then throws her arms around you, wrapping you in a hug that almost knocks you off your feet. She steps back and you see a huge smile on her face. “$name! What are you even doing here on your own? I was so sure that I was going to be tied up to that hedge for the remainder of this challenge, but here you are. My hero. That was some plant killing power you have.” She watches you thoughtfully, looking at your hands and then back up to your face. [[“That’s me. Killer of plants. Never ask me to look after your houseplants.”]] [[“Just lucky I think. Must have found a weak point.”]]

Catarina laughs. “I’ll definitely remember that. Well, I’m so happy you found me. They just came out of nowhere. Are you on your own? I think I’d expected to see $couple1 with you, or Abe, or even Eli. Did you ditch everyone? [[“Yeah, I just felt like having some time exploring this place by myself.”]] [[“I could ask you the same question.”]]

Catarina nods. “Well that's quite a skill to have. It'll be you I look to for help when a plant next chooses to attack. I’m so happy you found me. They just came out of nowhere. Are you on your own? I think I’d expected to see $couple1 with you, or Abe, or even Eli. Did you ditch everyone? [[“Yeah, I just felt like having some time exploring this place by myself.”]] [[“I could ask you the same question.”]]

Catarina raises an eyebrow as she listens to your answer, but then smiles. “I think we might be quite similar. I felt the same. I walked into the labyrinth, saw all of those doors and then decided I really wanted to do this without the pressure of working as part of a couple.” She brushes the last of the vine leaves that are still clinging to her flowing black skirt. “That said, I would be absolutely delighted if you would consider keeping me company on this journey?” You think about your answer. There’s no polite way of saying no, and this place would probably feel a bit less intimidating with Catarina by your side. [[“Absolutely! I’d love the company. Let’s do this!”]] [[“Yeah sure, I guess.”]]

Catarina laughes. "You raise a valid point, and what an excellent way to avoid the question. I just walked into the labyrinth, saw all of those doors and then decided I really wanted to do this without the pressure of working as part of a couple.” She brushes the last of the vine leaves that are still clinging to her flowing black skirt. “That said, I would be absolutely delighted if you would consider keeping me company on this journey?” You think about your answer. There’s no polite way of saying no, and this place would probably feel a bit less intimidating with Catarina by your side. [[“Absolutely! I’d love the company. Let’s do this!”]] [[“Yeah sure, I guess.”]]

Catarina’s smile lights up her face, even in this dim light. “Ok, let’s do this! I wonder what the prize is going to be? I feel like it could be ours though. Particularly with your plant killing skills. Just work your magic on these hedges and we can walk straight to the centre!” You both laugh and start to walk, you take the next left turn but there’s no end in sight. “Imagine if the prize in the centre is actually our perfect partner.” Catarina’s voice is a half whisper, and she wiggles her fingers in the air as she speaks. “Wouldn’t that be some kind of magic?” You wonder just who Catarina’s perfect partner would be. It seems like the dome isn’t offering them to her. She continues, “Although really, how does this Labyrinth even exist? I feel like anything is possible at this point. This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. ” You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“I guess it’s magic?”|Catarinamagic]] [[“I guess maybe this place is just made up of building blocks?”|catarinabuildingbricks]]

Catarina can sense your lack of enthusiasm, and watches you quietly. When she speaks again her voice is calm but there's an edge of disappointment. “Ok, well hopefully this will be fun. Let's see if the non-couple couple can win this thing. You can always say if you want to split up again. I won't be offended.” You both start to walk, you take the next left turn but there’s no end in sight. “Imagine if the prize in the centre is actually our perfect partner.” Catarina’s voice is a half whisper, and she wiggles her fingers in the air as she speaks. “Wouldn’t that be some kind of magic?” You wonder just who Catarina’s perfect partner would be. It seems like the dome isn’t offering them to her. She continues, “Although really, how does this Labyrinth even exist? I feel like anything is possible at this point. This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. ” You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“I guess it’s magic?”|Catarinamagic]] [[“I guess maybe this place is just made up of building blocks?”|catarinabuildingbricks]]

A smile plays on Catarina's lips. “Honey, I know magic and this isn’t it. There’s a lot I can do with a few carefully chanted words and a click of my fingers,” she raises her fingers in the air, her long nails painted black today, and clicks her fingers together. “But this? No. Something bigger is at play here. Something...more. I just don’t know what. Although if my theory about the producers using family connections is right…” Catarina stops speaking and just finishes with a little ‘hmm’ noise. But instead she laughs and shakes her head, her loose black curls tumbling around her shoulders as she moves. “Well, whatever it is, if they could hurry up and put my soulmate in here, that would be fabulous.” There’s the mention of her perfect partner again. Her soulmate. [[“What are you looking for in your soulmate, Catarina?”]] [[“Maybe they’re already here?”]]

A smile plays on Catarina's lips. “Honey, it's going to take more than building blocks to have achieved this. This is something bigger. Something...more. More than even ordinary magic. I just don’t know what. Although if my theory about the producers using family connections is right…” Catarina stops speaking and just finishes with a little ‘hmm’ noise. But instead she laughs and shakes her head, her loose black curls tumbling around her shoulders as she moves. “Well, whatever it is, if they could hurry up and put my soulmate in here, that would be fabulous.” There’s the mention of her perfect partner again. Her soulmate. [[“What are you looking for in your soulmate, Catarina?”]] [[“Maybe they’re already here?”]]

You’re still walking along the never evening corridor, but Catarina slows down slightly when you say those words, and looks at you. "Somebody kind. Somebody loyal. Somebody exciting. Somebody that makes my world a swirling mass of stars. Beautiful. Awe inspiring. Everything.” She laughs. "So, not much really." “And what about you, $name, have you found your one true love in the form of our mysterious bibliophile?” [[“Abe? Maybe. I’m still keeping my options open.”]] [[“Abe? He isn’t the one for me.”]]

You’re still walking along the never evening corridor, but Catarina slows down slightly when you say those words, and looks at you. Her voice is serious when she speaks again. “Oh, maybe. I’m not ruling that out. I think perhaps if they are here I’m not ready to see it. My tea leaves told me a few interesting things yesterday, but I think I’ll keep that a secret for now. I’m not ready for the ears at the end of the cameras to hear my business.” She looks up and you see a camera filming you, poorly camouflage beneath some artificial leaves. “And what about you, $name, have you found your one true love in the form of our mysterious bibliophile?” [[“Abe? Maybe. I’m still keeping my options open.”]] [[“Abe? He isn’t the one for me.”]]

Catarina smiles and nods. “Very wise indeed. I’m using a similar strategy. Hopefully we’ll both find the one who makes our stomachs feel full of butterflies soon.” She places a hand on your shoulder gently, and you feel something deep inside you. Your own butterflies, perhaps? But just as quickly as her hand arrives, she removes it and waves it in the air. “I think there is a turning ahead. I can feel a change in the air. Let’s keep going. I can almost taste the wine that is surely part of our prize.” She licks her lips, as if savouring the taste of something, before moving forward at a quicker pace. You follow her, hopeful that the end might be around the next corner, all thoughts of soulmates temporarily forgotten. You both reach the turning at the same time, but are surprised to find yourselves facing a deadend. “Well this can’t be right,” Catarina murmurs, walking forward and running her fingers through the leaves of the hedge, as if she’s testing whether it’s real. You turn and look around. Perhaps there’s a switch or a lever? Something that will open the path for you. You suddenly see something metallic sticking out of the hedge, at the entrance to the turn. You walk up to it, and see that it’s attached to a metallic face that has been half hidden by the foliage, and very easy to miss in this dark light. You reach out and clear away the leaves. It seems to be a mask, it’s eyes wide, it’s tongue sticking out. It’s as grotesque as the carvings that surrounded the mirror. “Hey look at this!” you call over your shoulder. “Maybe it’s a switch.” You reach forward and touch the tongue, wondering if you can push it down. “$name, no!” you hear Catarina shout out at you. Just in time to hear the hiss of something escaping the mask. Something that smells sweet. Something that makes you feel like you’re really sleepy. Like it’s time to sleep. To fall fast asleep. Sleep. [[You fall to the floor.]]

Catarina nods. “What a shame. You did look great together earlier. Well, hopefully we’ll both find the one who makes our stomachs feel full of butterflies soon.” She places a hand on your shoulder gently, and you feel something deep inside you. Your own butterflies, perhaps? But just as quickly as her hand arrives, she removes it and waves it in the air. “I think there is a turning ahead. I can feel a change in the air. Let’s keep going. I can almost taste the wine that is surely part of our prize.” She licks her lips, as if savouring the taste of something, before moving forward at a quicker pace. You follow her, hopeful that the end might be around the next corner, all thoughts of soulmates temporarily forgotten. You both reach the turning at the same time, but are surprised to find yourselves facing a deadend. “Well this can’t be right,” Catarina murmurs, walking forward and running her fingers through the leaves of the hedge, as if she’s testing whether it’s real. You turn and look around. Perhaps there’s a switch or a lever? Something that will open the path for you. You suddenly see something metallic sticking out of the hedge, at the entrance to the turn. You walk up to it, and see that it’s attached to a metallic face that has been half hidden by the foliage, and very easy to miss in this dark light. You reach out and clear away the leaves. It seems to be a mask, it’s eyes wide, it’s tongue sticking out. It’s as grotesque as the carvings that surrounded the mirror. “Hey look at this!” you call over your shoulder. “Maybe it’s a switch.” You reach forward and touch the tongue, wondering if you can push it down. “$name, no!” you hear Catarina shout out at you. Just in time to hear the hiss of something escaping the mask. Something that smells sweet. Something that makes you feel like you’re really sleepy. Like it’s time to sleep. To fall fast asleep. Sleep. [[You fall to the floor.]]

You wake up and look around your bedroom. It’s exactly how you left it. What a weird dream. Imagine being on a dating show in an underwater bubble. (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Imagine coupling up with a Valkyrie. A fiery goddess with flowing red hair who seems to become a vulnerable kitten in your presence.]\ (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Imagine coupling up with a boy with a heart of gold, and a tendency to unleash his wild side every full moon.]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Imagine coupling up with a vampire so charming but so kind that he doesn’t want to manipulate you and so keeps himself in constant control.] You laugh and shake your head. Ridiculous. You hear a knock on your bedroom door and walk over to it, opening it up. Standing in the doorway is a girl so beautiful she takes your breath away. Her dark eyes are tearful and she whispers something to you. So quiet it’s barely audible. “$name, meu amor. Volte para mim.” [[Invite her in.]] [[Close the door and go back to sleep.]]

You smile and step back, welcoming her in with your hand, but she smiles sadly. “No, I can’t come in there. I need you to come with me. We still have some things we need to do. Some places we need to explore. Together. I’m going to need you to follow me. You understand? Please. Take my hand.” She looks so worried. Why is this mysterious girl in your home, looking like she’s just lost someone very special to her. Perhaps you’d better help her. [[Take her hand.]]

You're really not sure what she's doing there and you're feeling so sleepy. You push the door closed and walk back to your bed, falling into its softness and closing your eyes. "$name! I need you to come with me." You yawn. Why won't the beautiful girl let you sleep? "$name? Are you there?" She clearly isn't going to go away. You reluctantly get out of bed again and walk over to the door, opening it. The girl is still standing there, her forehead now furrowed with worry. “I need you to come with me. We still have some things we need to do. Some places we need to explore. Together. I’m going to need you to follow me. You understand? Please. Take my hand.” She looks so worried. Why is this mysterious girl in your home, looking like she’s just lost someone very special to her. Perhaps you’d better help her. [[Take her hand.]]

You take her hand. It’s soft and warm, and you immediately feel sleepy again. But instead you follow her out of your room and down a long corridor. So long and dark. Why don’t you remember this place? Eventually Catarina stops walking and turns you so that you’re facing her. She smiles and gently kisses your forehead, before stepping back. “Ok $name. It’s time to wake up.” She clicks her fingers and everything goes black. [[Wake Up]]

You sit bolt up right, looking around and trying to understand where you are. The Labyrinth. You’re in the Labyrinth. In Buried Love. With Catarina. The girl who is crouching in front of you. Her face etched with worry. When she sees you look around her face breaks into a smile. “$name, I thought I’d lost you there for a second. Welcome back to the real world.” [[“Thanks. I think. What just happened?”]] [[“Lost me? What do you mean lost me?”]]

You look worriedly at Catarina. “It was that mask. That was some serious sleep potion in that gas it sprayed all over you. I think it could have knocked you out for a couple of days at least. I was worried you’d miss so much. Well, and that I’d miss you.” You nod slowly, taking in what has just happened. As you look into her eyes two words are still floating around in your head. Meu Amor. My Love. You must have dreamt them. Catarina stands up and holds her hand out to you. “Well sleepy head, we need to get moving if we’re going to win that prize.” You stand up, stumbling at first but quickly steadying yourself. Catarina offers the crook of her elbow to you. [[Link arms with her.]] [[Ignore it and just start walking.]]

You look worriedly at Catarina. She wraps you in a hug. “Oh no, I’m sorry. I just meant to sleep. That was some serious sleep potion in that gas. I think it could have knocked you out for a couple of days at least. I was worried you’d miss so much. Well, and that I’d miss you.” You nod slowly, taking in what has just happened. Catarina pulls away from you slightly, her hands resting on your shoulders still. As you look into her eyes two words are still floating around in your head. Meu Amor. My Love. You must have dreamt them. Catarina stands up and holds her hand out to you. “Well sleepy head, we need to get moving if we’re going to win that prize.” You stand up, stumbling at first but quickly steadying yourself. Catarina offers the crook of her elbow to you. [[Link arms with her.]] [[Ignore it and just start walking.]]

{(set: $romancecatarina to $romancecatarina +5) }You link your arm through the crook of her elbow and the two of you look around you. The way that had been blocked up by a wall has now opened up. Perhaps the mask was the key, afterall, and so you both continue your journey. You continue walking down the corridor, this time in silence. All words seem to have left your mind, although the silence doesn’t feel awkward. You look ahead, surely you must be there soon? It feels like you’ve been here for hours. “Oh, so that’s what is next.” You look at Catarina in alarm. What has she seen? [[“Catarina, what’s wrong?”]]

You politely ignore her arm and start walking. The way that had been blocked up by a wall has now opened up. Perhaps the mask was the key, afterall, and so you both continue your journey. You continue walking down the corridor, this time in silence. All words seem to have left your mind, although the silence doesn’t feel awkward. You look ahead, surely you must be there soon? It feels like you’ve been here for hours. “Oh, so that’s what is next.” You look at Catarina in alarm. What has she seen? [[“Catarina, what’s wrong?”]]

She shakes her head as she answers, her voice amused. “We have company.” You look at her in confusion. Who…? But then your eyes pick out their shape in the distance and as you grow closer you realise that there are two people standing in front of you. Not just any two people. They’re identical twins, in identical clothes, holding hands and just ...staring with blank eyes. The kind of twins that cliche horror movies always cast. You laugh. What are they going to do? Chant something at you? The two boys look as though they’re probably about sixteen, but they’re both dressed in white shirts with large frills and trousers that can only be described as pantaloons. They have bright white hair, and their skin looks just as pale. They can’t be new residents of the dome, can they? They look so...young. As you reach the point where they’re standing they bow their heads slightly in perfect unison. “Greetings,” they say in voices that are surprisingly deep. “You’ve reached your final destination in the maze. Congratulations. Our brothers at the other doors haven’t flagged they’ve received a winner yet, and the first person to reach us wasn’t a truth teller. So pass this last test, and the prize will be yours. Are you ready?” You wait to see if there is any other explanation on its way, but quickly realise there isn’t. [[“What’s the test? We’re ready, whatever it is.”|readycatarina]] (link-goto: "“Does it involve sleep gas?”", "“Does is involve sleep gas?”")

Catarina turns to you. “I love your confidence.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Catarina inspects her nails and then looks at the twins. “Because I hadn’t found the person I wanted to explore this place with yet.” She stops speaking, clearly comfortable that she’s answered the question. The twins study her face and then say in unison, “And?” Catarina looks back at her nails and then sighs. “Fine. And because I was secretly hoping $name would choose this door so that we could spend some time together.” She looks at you. “You’re my closest friend in here now that Lily has gone. I’m sorry if that sounds weird. I know we haven’t spent much time together. I just feel like I can trust you. Be myself with you.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. What about you? Why did you chose the empty door? [[“I wanted to see where the empty door would lead me. I’m still uncertain about who I want to be with.”]] [[“I was secretly hoping Catarina would be behind the door I chose. I wanted to spend more time with her.”]]

Catarina smiles. “At least we now know our connection will bring you back if you do fall under a sleep spell again.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Catarina inspects her nails and then looks at the twins. “Because I hadn’t found the person I wanted to explore this place with yet.” She stops speaking, clearly comfortable that she’s answered the question. The twins study her face and then say in unison, “And?” Catarina looks back at her nails and then sighs. “Fine. And because I was secretly hoping $name would choose this door so that we could spend some time together.” She looks at you. “You’re my closest friend in here now that Lily has gone. I’m sorry if that sounds weird. I know we haven’t spent much time together. I just feel like I can trust you. Be myself with you.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. What about you? Why did you chose the empty door? [[“I wanted to see where the empty door would lead me. I’m still uncertain about who I want to be with.”]] [[“I was secretly hoping Catarina would be behind the door I chose. I wanted to spend more time with her.”]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Catarina looks at you, looking like she wants to say something, but instead she looks back at the twins, her arms folded, waiting for the next instruction. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Why are identical twins who dress the same always so damn dramatic?” Catarina whispers to you. She grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door with Catarina.]]

{(set: $romancecatarina to $romancecatarina +10) }The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Catarina looks at you, her eyebrow raised and her face thoughtful. She opens her mouth as if she's about to say something, but then closes it again. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Why are identical twins who dress the same always so damn dramatic?” Catarina whispers to you. She grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door with Catarina.]]

As you step through into the darkness you hear someone say ‘Oh’ in a disappointed tone behind you. But the door closes, blocking off your view. You both walk down another dark corridor. Your hand reaches to the side and touches the leaves. Suddenly a dim light is turned on and you can see your surroundings. You’ve stepped into a rectangular space that is still enclosed by the tall hedges, but this time they have a thousand tiny lights glittering between their leaves, casting a gentle glow over a wooden floor and a table in the centre with food and drink on it. A “Wow” escapes your lips. It looks beautiful. Like a fairy grotto. Gentle classical music starts playing. It sounds familiar, but you couldn’t name the composer. As the two of you walk to the table $boomer interrupts the music. “Congratulations $name and Catarina. You have made it to the centre of the Labyrinth first. Quite surprising. But perhaps your fellow Buried Lovers weren’t quite as quick to expose their truth. Your prize is some quiet time together. Please can the other Buried Lovers return to their huts.” The music starts playing again. It’s beautiful and you close your eyes for a moment, taking in the delicate notes that are filling the air. When you open your eyes you find Catarina watching you, her dark eyes sparkling. “Shall we?” She says, and you’re not sure if she’s referring to the food or the music. [[Follow Catarina to the table and sit down.]] [[Invite Catarina to dance, but keep it light and friendly. This definitely isn’t a romantic thing.]] [[Take Catarina’s hand and lead her a space on the floor to dance. You’re not sure what this thing is between you but this could be a good time to find out.]]

You walk over to the table and sit down. You both help yourself to some food and sit quietly. Catarina is the first to break the silence. “The mirror intrigued me. Did you see it? I’m not sure what kind of magic it contained, but the image was quite startling. It showed me with faceless people holding my ankles and wrists. There was a beautiful light to my left but they were stopping me getting to it. I think it probably means that I let people hold me back, but I’m not exactly sure.” She pauses and studies your face intently. “What did you see?” [[Tell the truth. “I was standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looked furious about something.”|Cat mirror truth]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”|Cat mirror lie]]

{(set: $friendcatarina to $friendcatarina +10) }“Let’s dance,” you say. Catarina smiles and nods. The two of you walk to the dance floor together. This moment might not be exactly what the producers had planned, but as you dance with Catarina you realise you feel more relaxed than you have since stepping into the dome. In this moment there's no pressure. No expectations. Just the two of you enjoying each other's company. Catarina hugs you. "This is perfect. Thank you so much for choosing that particular door. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be sharing this with. I’m starting to wish the tea leaves had told me something different.” [[“What did they tell you?”]] [[Leave it. You’ve had enough craziness for today, and it’s time for food.]]

{(set: $romancecatarina to $romancecatarina +10) }“Let’s dance,” you say. Gently reaching towards her hand. She confidently takes your hand and the two of you walk to the dance floor together. As you look at her you realise you’ve stopped breathing for a moment. There’s an electricity crackling between you both which has literally taken your breath away. “Are you ok?” Catarina asks, her face concerned, but something that looks a little bit like excitement flashing in her eyes. “It’s not what I said about you being the person I’m closest to is it? There’s just something about you that I can’t put my finger on. Like we’re going to be in each other’s lives until our last breath.” She laughs. “Sorry, that wasn’t any less intense, was it? Shall we just dance, and I promise I’ll be quiet. [[Place your hands on her shoulders.]] [[Place your hands on her hips.]]

You place your hands lightly on her hips and start moving gently to the flow of the music. Catarina closes her eyes, smiling softly, and so you close yours as well, taking in the sound of the music and the feel of Catarina. She has her hands resting on your shoulders, her fingers resting lightly on the back of your neck. It feels like the two of you are in another place. Another time. The drama of the dome melts away as you gently move in time with the music. There’s no sense of time in this space, and you have no idea how long the two of you spend lost in your own world. The lack of conversation isn’t awkward. It’s exactly what you need. If someone had told you a week ago that you’d be dancing with a bruxa in the middle of a labyrinth you would never have believed them. That kind of thing didn’t happen in real life. It happened to people in fantasy novels, not you. And yet….here you are. You wonder what this thing you’re feeling crackling between you is. Attraction, romance or just a growing bond of friendship? You have no idea how to read Catarina. She pulls away slightly and smiles at you. “This is perfect. Thank you so much for choosing that particular door. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be sharing this with. I’m starting to wish the tea leaves had told me something different.” [[“What did they tell you?”]] [[Leave it. You’ve had enough craziness for today, and it’s time for food.]]

You place your hands lightly on her shoulders and start moving gently to the flow of the music. Catarina closes her eyes, smiling softly, and so you close yours as well, taking in the sound of the music and the feel of Catarina. She has her hands resting on your hips. It feels like the two of you are in another place. Another time. The drama of the dome melts away as you gently move in time with the music. There’s no sense of time in this space, and you have no idea how long the two of you spend lost in your own world. The lack of conversation isn’t awkward. It’s exactly what you need. If someone had told you a week ago that you’d be dancing with a bruxa in the middle of a labyrinth you would never have believed them. That kind of thing didn’t happen in real life. It happened to people in fantasy novels, not you. And yet….here you are. You wonder what this thing you’re feeling crackling between you is. Attraction, romance or just a growing bond of friendship? You have no idea how to read Catarina. She pulls away slightly and smiles at you. “This is perfect. Thank you so much for choosing that particular door. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be sharing this with. I’m starting to wish the tea leaves had told me something different.” [[“What did they tell you?”]] [[Leave it. You’ve had enough craziness for today, and it’s time for food.]]

Catarina smiles. "If it was really just the two of us here I would tell you. But no. Too many eyes and ears are spying on us. Let’s just say that apparently love will be coming my way soon but I have to be careful if it’s going to find me.” She smiles, but looks almost pained. “Anyway, shall we get some food? I’m starving.” Any moment between the two of you is now gone and you walk over to the table and sit down. You both help yourself to some food and sit quietly. Catarina is the first to break the silence. “The mirror intrigued me. Did you see it? I’m not sure what kind of magic it contained, but the image was quite startling. It showed me with faceless people holding my ankles and wrists. There was a beautiful light to my left but they were stopping me getting to it. I think it probably means that I let people hold me back, but I’m not exactly sure.” She pauses and studies your face intently. “What did you see?” [[Tell the truth. “I was standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looked furious about something.”|Cat mirror truth]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”|Cat mirror lie]]

You both help yourself to some food and sit quietly. Catarina is the first to break the silence. “The mirror intrigued me. Did you see it? I’m not sure what kind of magic it contained, but the image was quite startling. It showed me with faceless people holding my ankles and wrists. There was a beautiful light to my left but they were stopping me getting to it. I think it probably means that I let people hold me back, but I’m not exactly sure.” She pauses and studies your face intently. “What did you see?” [[Tell the truth. “I was standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looked furious about something.”|Cat mirror truth]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”|Cat mirror lie]]

Catarina looks intently at you. “Well that might confirm something about you that I already thought I knew. You’re very powerful.” You laugh it off but the image still floats in your mind. Thankfully, the conversation turns to general chatter and you learn more about each other. You learn that Catarina once had a career in politics, but found herself constantly casting spells on her colleagues in order to encourage them to care for others before themselves. It was exhausting for her, and so instead she followed her family business and opened a small shop where she sells crystals, but really works on spells with her familiar all day. There’s a pause in the conversation, and Catarina sits forward resting her hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Just talking to you. It’s been amazing. You’re an intriguing person. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” She looks down and you sense that she wants to say something else, but instead she returns to her glass of red wine. [[“I hope we do as well, Catarina.”]] [[Just keep quiet.]]

Catarina looks intently at you. “Well that's surprising news. I'm sure it was cursed to expose a hidden truth. Does that really mean you don't have any?” You laugh nervously. What could your hidden truth be? Thankfully, the conversation turns to general chatter and you learn more about each other. You learn that Catarina once had a career in politics, but found herself constantly casting spells on her colleagues in order to encourage them to care for others before themselves. It was exhausting for her, and so instead she followed her family business and opened a small shop where she sells crystals, but really works on spells with her familiar all day. There’s a pause in the conversation, and Catarina sits forward resting her hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Just talking to you. It’s been amazing. You’re an intriguing person. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” She looks down and you sense that she wants to say something else, but instead she returns to her glass of red wine. [[“I hope we do as well, Catarina.”]] [[Just keep quiet.]]

{(set: $romancecatarina to $romancecatarina +10) }Catarina eyes hold yours for a moment before she returns to her wine and idle chatter. “I’ve already promised Alex that we’ll go on a moonlit vigil together. Abe is interested as well, which surprised me. You’d be welcome as well, of course! The moonlight is so beautiful. Much like this place.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Ah ha, let the drama recommence,” Catarina says, her face amused. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

You decide not to say anything, and Catarina returns to idle chatter. “I’ve already promised Alex that we’ll go on a moonlit vigil together. Abe is interested as well, which surprised me. You’d be welcome as well, of course! The moonlight is so beautiful. Much like this place.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Ah ha, let the drama recommence,” Catarina says, her face amused. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

You talk softly, appreciating the fact he’s opening up to you like this, and he smiles and nods. “You’re right. I know you’re right. Anyway, that's probably enough deep talk." You sigh. The moment is gone. Eli picks an olive out of a bowl and pops it into his mouth before screwing his face up. “I forgot I don’t actually like those.” As the two of you work your way through the dishes Eli asks “So what was the weirdest part of the Labyrinth for you?” [["Oh almost getting sliced by a giant blade."]] [["The twins. Has to be the twins."]] [["That mirror."]]

Eli shakes his head. "I think my sleepless night has taught me that isn't the case. I want to spend more time with you, and only you. If that means coupling up with you, then I hope that a recoupling happens soon. Anyway, that's probably enough deep talk." Eli picks an olive out of a bowl and pops it into his mouth before screwing his face up. “I forgot I don’t actually like those.” As the two of you work your way through the dishes Eli asks “So what was the weirdest part of the Labyrinth for you?” [["Oh almost getting sliced by a giant blade."]] [["The twins. Has to be the twins."]] [["That mirror."]]

Eli nods. "Ok, message received. Let's change the subject." Eli picks an olive out of a bowl and pops it into his mouth before screwing his face up. “I forgot I don’t actually like those.” As the two of you work your way through the dishes Eli asks “So what was the weirdest part of the Labyrinth for you?” [["Oh almost getting sliced by a giant blade."]] [["The twins. Has to be the twins."]] [["That mirror."]]

You turn the corner and jump when you see a figure at the end of the path. Your hand flies up to your forehead in surprise. It’s only when you see the figure’s hand also raise that you realise you’re looking at a reflection of yourself. A mirror. You walk forward, closing the gap. There is another turn ahead, this time to the left, but the mirror is distracting you and you find your feet walking towards it, instead of taking the path that would surely be leading you to the centre. As you get closer you can see that it’s a mirror with gold edging. Grotesque faces are carved into the gold and the sight of their grimacing images causes a shiver to go down your spine. But you can’t tear your eyes away from the mirror. The reflection staring back at you is definitely your own. But something is...different. The reflection’s hands aren’t at its sides like yours are. They’re out to the sides, palms facing upwards. A green light is emanating out of them, and you see that your face is locked in a furious grimace. Your eyes aren’t your own either. They’re glowing with a bright white light. You look beautiful and terrifying. Powerful and lost. A swirling mass of contradictions fills your head, but then you hear a voice that snaps you away from this strange reflection. Aayush. “What the!” You turn left and run towards the sound, until you find Aayush pressed against the wall, vines wrapped around his chest, pulling him tighter. [[Ask Aayush if he needs help.]] [[Go and help him.]]

"Are you ok? Do you need any help?" Aayush looks at you, his face immediately lighting up with a smile so big that he looks the happiest you've seen him so far. "You're here? You're here!" The smile is replaced with his usual charm in a second. "Some help would be great. I'm not adverse to being tied up, but this isn't what I'd have in mind." You don’t waste any time, and run to him, closing the gap between you. You wrap your fingers around the vine and start to pull, expecting some resistance. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look up at him in shock. Even in this gloomy light you can see his eyebrow raised in amusement. “Well it’s been a very long time since I needed to be saved. It’s a feeling I’m quite enjoying. Thank you for rescuing me from an eternity of being in an intimate relationship with a hedge.” [[“More importantly, why didn’t you wait for me at the door?”]] [[“Always happy to assist. I specialise in rescuing overly confident vampires.”]] [[“That’s me babe, killer of houseplants. Stick with me and you’ll be safe.”]]

You don’t waste any time, and run to him, closing the gap between you. You wrap your fingers around the vine and start to pull, expecting some resistance. Surprisingly, it crumbles away in your hands and you look up at him in shock. Even in this gloomy light you can see his eyebrow raised in amusement. “Well it’s been a very long time since I needed to be saved. It’s a feeling I’m quite enjoying. Thank you for rescuing me from an eternity of being in an intimate relationship with a hedge.” [[“More importantly, why didn’t you wait for me at the door?”]] [[“Always happy to assist. I specialise in rescuing overly confident vampires.”]] [[“That’s me babe, killer of houseplants. Stick with me and you’ll be safe.”]]

Aayush looks surprised. "I did. But then I saw you and Abe looking at each other and thought you'd decided to explore with him. That he'd captured your interest." He closes the gap between you slightly. “But here you are. Would you consider making our next date exploring this labyrinth together?” His eyes are sparkling with something you’re fairly sure is happiness, and you wonder for a moment where Cerri is. You hadn't seen her entering the maze. [[Link your arm with his as an answer.]] [[Nod and continue to make your way through the maze.]]

Aayush laughes as he brushes stray leaves off his shirt. "Overly confident? That's how you see me? Interesting." His eyes are serious when he looks at you again. “Well contrary to my reputation, I'm surprised to see you here. I felt sure the tall, dark mysterious Abe had captured your interest when I saw you looking at him. But as you're here shall we make our next date exploring this labyrinth together?” His eyes are sparkling with something you’re fairly sure is happiness, and you wonder for a moment where Cerri is. You hadn't seen her entering the maze. [[Link your arm with his as an answer.]] [[Nod and continue to make your way through the maze.]]

Aayush continues to look amused as he brushes stray leaves off his shirt. “Turns out we both have our dark sides, huh? I have to confess I’m happy to see you. I felt sure the tall, dark mysterious Abe had captured your interest when I saw you looking at him. Shall we make our next date exploring this labyrinth together?” His eyes are sparkling with something you’re fairly sure is happiness, and you wonder for a moment where Cerri is. You hadn't seen her entering the maze. [[Link your arm with his as an answer.]] [[Nod and continue to make your way through the maze.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }He smiles, flashing his brilliant white teeth, and places one of his hands cooly over yours. It hasn’t even been a day since you were this close, but somehow it already feels like it’s been too long. “I don’t know where the she-wolf is, by the way. She ran ahead shouting about needing to win, but I don’t know if she chose the same door as me. Not that it matters. I’ve been as clear as I can with her that my interests lie elsewhere.” You’re itching to ask what’s been happening since you last spoke, but you know there’s a competition to win, and the possibility of spending some quiet time with Aayush is a big motivator. You look past him at the long corridor stretching out in front of you. Just how big is this place. He strokes the back of your hand with his thumb. “We’ve got this, come on.” You both start to walk, although there is no end in sight. “How does this place even exist? This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. I even had an early morning drink at the bar before I got forced into Cerri’s hut for an incredibly dull breakfast.” You look sideways, wondering if he’s going to elaborate, but no explanation comes. You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“Uh. Magic?”]] [[“Maybe this place is just made up of building blocks?”]]

You start walking, and Aayush walks beside you, his hands in his pockets. He looks down at the floor before speaking. “I don’t know where the she-wolf is, by the way. She ran ahead shouting about needing to win, but I don’t know if she chose the same door as me. Not that it matters. I’ve been as clear as I can with her that my interests lie elsewhere.” You’re itching to ask what’s been happening since you last spoke, but you know there’s a competition to win, and the possibility of spending some quiet time with Aayush is a big motivator. You look past him at the long corridor stretching out in front of you. Just how big is this place. He strokes the back of your hand with his thumb. “We’ve got this, come on.” You both start to walk, although there is no end in sight. “How does this place even exist? This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. I even had an early morning drink at the bar before I got forced into Cerri’s hut for an incredibly dull breakfast.” You look sideways, wondering if he’s going to elaborate, but no explanation comes. You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“Uh. Magic?”]] [[“Maybe this place is just made up of building blocks?”]]

Aayush nods. “At this point that does seem like the most sensible suggestion. It’s interesting. I’ve seen magic at work many times, and I understand it’s power, but this is just something else. The speed at which it works is just, well, unlike anything. It does make me wonder who exactly is in control here. A witch, warlock, genie or something...darker, maybe?” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, whoever or whatever is behind this change is absolutely fine with me if it gets me away from the she-wolf, and able to spend more time with the $genderdescriptlower I’m interested in,” he leans over and whispers. “That’s you, by the way, in case I’m being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“Aayush, you’re never too subtle.”]] [[“I feel the same.”]]

Aayush nods slowly. “I mean...yes? Possibly. But a transformation this quick? There has to be something else involved...magic? But if that's it then it still confuses me. I’ve seen magic at work many times, and I understand it’s power, but this is just something else. The speed at which it works is just, well, unlike anything. It does make me wonder who exactly is in control here. A witch, warlock, genie or something...darker, maybe?” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, whoever or whatever is behind this change is absolutely fine with me if it gets me away from the she-wolf, and able to spend more time with the $genderdescriptlower I’m interested in,” he leans over and whispers. “That’s you, by the way, in case I’m being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“Aayush, you’re never too subtle.”]] [[“I feel the same.”]]

Aayush smiles, flashing his perfect white teeth at you, but doesn't say anything. His smile turning to a frown as he looks ahead. “I can see perfectly in this light, but honestly these corridors just seem to go on forever. I’m having a flashback to exploring some particularly unpleasant catacombs at one point in my distant past. Hopefully we won’t be trapped here like those people were…” You’re about to ask him to elaborate when he pauses for a moment, and you stop walking as well. “Wait, there’s a turn ahead. Perhaps the final door will be there and we can claim our prize? Let’s keep going.” The two of you pick up speed, although you have a feeling that Aayush is still purposefully slowing himself down for your benefit. You still can’t see anything ahead, but you have faith in Aayush. As you walk your foot suddenly catches on something and you hear a ‘click’. Aayush stops in his tracks, his eyes flashing in all directions. “What was that? I can hear something...” But he doesn’t finish the sentence. Instead the floor beneath the two of you opens up, and before you know what’s happening you’re falling. You feel Aayush’s hand reach out to grab you, but instead it brushes your arm. The next thing you’re aware of is the solid ground underneath you, causing you to exhale, winded. You try to catch your breath as you look around, but all you can see is darkness. You’re not sure where Aayush is. You can’t feel him near you. A noise from above distracts you and you look up to see Aayush hanging over the edge of the hole, his fingertips holding onto the floor of the labyrinth, stopping him from falling into the pit with you. He really does have good reflexes. Well, this is fun. You stand up and Aayush calls down “Are you ok?” Apart from the shock of the fall you feel fine. [[“Yeah, all good, just sort of wishing I had your quick reflexes.”]] [[“I’m not sure. I might need a full body exam from a hot vampire to know if I’m really ok.”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }Aayush pulls you slightly closer, his smile turning to a frown as he looks ahead. “I can see perfectly in this light, but honestly these corridors just seem to go on forever. I’m having a flashback to exploring some particularly unpleasant catacombs at one point in my distant past. Hopefully we won’t be trapped here like those people were…” You’re about to ask him to elaborate when he pauses for a moment, and you stop walking as well. “Wait, there’s a turn ahead. Perhaps the final door will be there and we can claim our prize? Let’s keep going.” The two of you pick up speed, although you have a feeling that Aayush is still purposefully slowing himself down for your benefit. You still can’t see anything ahead, but you have faith in Aayush. As you walk your foot suddenly catches on something and you hear a ‘click’. Aayush stops in his tracks, his eyes flashing in all directions. “What was that? I can hear something...” But he doesn’t finish the sentence. Instead the floor beneath the two of you opens up, and before you know what’s happening you’re falling. You feel Aayush’s hand reach out to grab you, but instead it brushes your arm. The next thing you’re aware of is the solid ground underneath you, causing you to exhale, winded. You try to catch your breath as you look around, but all you can see is darkness. You’re not sure where Aayush is. You can’t feel him near you. A noise from above distracts you and you look up to see Aayush hanging over the edge of the hole, his fingertips holding onto the floor of the labyrinth, stopping him from falling into the pit with you. He really does have good reflexes. Well, this is fun. You stand up and Aayush calls down “Are you ok?” Apart from the shock of the fall you feel fine. [[“Yeah, all good, just sort of wishing I had your quick reflexes.”]] [[“I’m not sure. I might need a full body exam from a hot vampire to know if I’m really ok.”]]

"Not quick enough to stop you from falling." He sounds almost annoyed with himself. You look up to see him quickly pulling himself up and out of the hole. He stands looking back down into the pit. “I’m guessing there’s no secret passage to the exit hiding down there?” You still can’t see anything, but reach out with your hands, feeling the edges of the pit with your hands. You’re about to confirm that there isn’t anything down there when you feel a switch on the wall. “There’s a switch,” you call up to him, as your fingers get ready to press the switch. “Wait don’t pr-” Aayush starts to shout, but too late. In your disorientated state you’re already turning it on. The pit is suddenly filled with light, and you look around. Apart from torches of fire now casting a flickering light around you, you can’t see anything else to be concerned about. Before you can call up to tell him everything is fine, Aayush has jumped down and is standing in front of you, his eyes look panicked and they’re darting between the floor and your face. He pulls you into the centre of the pit. “Get on my back. Quickly.” [[“Well this is a weird time for some kind of spider monkey kink, but ok.”]] [[“Uh, there has to be another way to get out of here.”]]

You hear him laugh, and look up to see him quickly pulling himself up and out of the hole. He stands looking back down into the pit. “I’m guessing there’s no secret passage to the exit hiding down there?” You still can’t see anything, but reach out with your hands, feeling the edges of the pit with your hands. You’re about to confirm that there isn’t anything down there when you feel a switch on the wall. “There’s a switch,” you call up to him, as your fingers get ready to press the switch. “Wait don’t pr-” Aayush starts to shout, but too late. In your disorientated state you’re already turning it on. The pit is suddenly filled with light, and you look around. Apart from torches of fire now casting a flickering light around you, you can’t see anything else to be concerned about. Before you can call up to tell him everything is fine, Aayush has jumped down and is standing in front of you, his eyes look panicked and they’re darting between the floor and your face. He pulls you into the centre of the pit. “Get on my back. Quickly.” [[“Well this is a weird time for some kind of spider monkey kink, but ok.”]] [[“Uh, there has to be another way to get out of here.”]]

You grin at him as you respond, but see that he isn’t laughing. Before you can ask him what’s wrong the answer becomes evidence, as a wall of spikes appears to your left. If he hadn’t pulled you to the center of the pit you have a horrible feeling you wouldn’t still be in one piece. Aayush doesn’t give you any more time to deliberate, and instead takes your arm and pulls you behind him, before taking both of your arms and pulling you up onto his back. “Crouch with me!” he shouts over his shoulder, and you follow his lead, crouching to the ground, as a metallic noise behind you tells you that another wall is now covered in spikes. You can feel all of the muscles in his body tense, before he launches his body upwards. Surely he can’t make this jump? Especially not with you on his back. But he does, and the two of you land on the ground above the pit in one smooth movement. You’re lying on your back at the edge of the opening to the pit and you look back down into the space that you’re fairly sure could have killed you. All four walls are now covered in spikes, creating a tiny space in the middle that would have been your only refuge. You look back up, and see Aayush watching you. “I’m going to have to give you a lesson in not pressing random switches,” he says. At first you’re not sure if he’s angry or amused, but the smile that is threatening to escape his lips gives him away. As you watch his face, your heart still pounding in your chest, you see the power he holds for the first time. His strength and agility aren’t human. He’s not human. But damn he’s beautiful. Adrenaline is running through your veins and you work out your next move. [[Stand up. You’ve got a prize to win.]] [[Maybe this moment is the prize. Kiss him.]]

He shakes his head, his eyes serious. "We can discuss my weird request later. Please. I need to get you out of here." Before you can ask him what’s wrong the answer becomes evidence, as a wall of spikes appears to your left. If he hadn’t pulled you to the center of the pit you have a horrible feeling you wouldn’t still be in one piece. Aayush doesn’t give you any more time to deliberate, and instead takes your arm and pulls you behind him, before taking both of your arms and pulling you up onto his back. “Crouch with me!” he shouts over his shoulder, and you follow his lead, crouching to the ground, as a metallic noise behind you tells you that another wall is now covered in spikes. You can feel all of the muscles in his body tense, before he launches his body upwards. Surely he can’t make this jump? Especially not with you on his back. But he does, and the two of you land on the ground above the pit in one smooth movement. You’re lying on your back at the edge of the opening to the pit and you look back down into the space that you’re fairly sure could have killed you. All four walls are now covered in spikes, creating a tiny space in the middle that would have been your only refuge. You look back up, and see Aayush watching you. “I’m going to have to give you a lesson in not pressing random switches,” he says. At first you’re not sure if he’s angry or amused, but the smile that is threatening to escape his lips gives him away. As you watch his face, your heart still pounding in your chest, you see the power he holds for the first time. His strength and agility aren’t human. He’s not human. But damn he’s beautiful. Adrenaline is running through your veins and you work out your next move. [[Stand up. You’ve got a prize to win.]] [[Maybe this moment is the prize. Kiss him.]]

You both stand up and look around. You’re standing on the other side of the pit to the one you were at when it opened up. “I can see the path branches ahead,” Aayush says. “Your choice which way we go. Just no...switches, ok?” He grins at you. [[“Let’s go left”]] [[“Let’s go right”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +20)(set: $day4kiss to "Aayush") }You reach up and link your hands around the back of his neck. “Oh?” Aayush asks, before lowering himself so that his face is closer to yours. “Is danger a turn on of yours, $name? And there was me thinking I’ll be forever protecting you from any potential threats.” You bring him closer, closing the gap between your lips, and kiss him hungrily. You don’t know if it’s the adrenaline, the memory of how his body felt as he jumped out of the pit, or the usual intoxication you feel around him, but it’s the most delicious kiss, and for a moment Aayush seems as lost in it as you are. He comfortably holds himself in place on one arm, and with the other lightly traces his fingers up your side. He moves his lips from yours and moves them to your ear, his cool breath tickling you as he whispers. “You really are the most addictive temptation, you know?” Then as he kisses your neck you lose all sense of everything around you. The labyrinth, spike pit and any kind of prize are the furthest thing from your mind. It’s all about Aayush, and the heat running through you as his hands graze down your sides and rest on your thighs, his fingers kneading at your skin hungrily. But then, his own switch is turned off, and he pulls away before standing up, brushing his clothes down. “We,” he says, looking down at you, “need to get that prize. It could be some alone time, and I have no intention of losing that opportunity.” You know he’s right. But if the prize is something lame like ice lollies you are going to have words with $boomer. [[Reach out and ask for his help standing up.]] [[Nod your agreement and stand up by yourself.]]

Aayush confidently pulls you to your feet. The two of you look around. You’re standing on the other side of the pit to the one you were at when it opened up. “I can see the path branches ahead,” Aayush says. “Your choice which way we go. Just no...switches, ok?” He grins at you. [[“Let’s go left”]] [[“Let’s go right”]]

You turn left and start walking at a quick pace. You realise you’re listening for another noise that might indicate you’ve just triggered some kind of life threatening trap. “Oh, so that’s what is next.” You look at Aayush in alarm. What has he seen? Not another boulder, surely. [[“Aayush, what’s wrong?”]]

You turn right and start walking at a quick pace. Unfortunately you find yourself faced with a deadend and so retrace your steps and go in the other direction. You realise you’re listening for another noise that might indicate you’ve just triggered some kind of life threatening trap with every step you take. “Oh, so that’s what is next.” You look at Aayush in alarm. What has he seen? Not another boulder, surely. [[“Aayush, what’s wrong?”]]

He shakes his head as he answers. “We have company.” You look at him in confusion. Who…? But then your eyes pick out their shape in the distance and as you grow closer you realise that there are two people standing in front of you. Not just any two people. They’re identical twins, in identical clothes, holding hands and just ...staring with blank eyes. The kind of twins that cliche horror movies always cast. You laugh. What are they going to do? Chant something at you? The two boys look as though they’re probably about sixteen, but they’re both dressed in white shirts with large frills and trousers that can only be described as pantaloons. They have bright white hair, and their skin looks just as pale. They can’t be new residents of the dome, can they? They look so...young. “I feel like I’ve met these two before. In a different time.” Aayush sounds uncharacteristically nervous. Are these twins vampires? As you reach the point where they’re standing they bow their heads slightly in perfect unison. “Greetings,” they say in voices that are surprisingly deep. “Hello again,” Aayush replies coldly. “You’ve reached your final destination in the maze. Congratulations. Our brothers at the other doors haven’t flagged they’ve received a winner yet, so pass this last test, and the prize will be yours. Are you ready?” You wait to see if there is any other explanation on its way, but quickly realise there isn’t. [[“Yes, we’ve got this. What’s the test?”]] [[“I...think we are?”]] [[“No, you’re freaking me out. Not ready.”]]

Aayush turns to you and smiles. “We absolutely do have this. Let’s get that prize.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Aayush looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Aayush shifts on his feet and sighs. “And I was feeling jealous about Abe spending time with $name and wanted to speak to $gender2lower to see if there was an attraction there.” He looks at you. “Not that you’re mine to feel jealous about, I just...find myself wishing that it could have been us having breakfast together.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Aayush is clearly still interested, he’s made that clear in his answer. Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Aayush. I’m still certain he’s the one for me in here and I wanted to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Aayush. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Aayush. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

Aayush turns to you and smiles. “Of course we are. Look what we've just achieved. Let’s get that prize.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Aayush looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Aayush shifts on his feet and sighs. “And I was feeling jealous about Abe spending time with $name and wanted to speak to $gender2lower to see if there was an attraction there.” He looks at you. “Not that you’re mine to feel jealous about, I just...find myself wishing that it could have been us having breakfast together.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Aayush is clearly still interested, he’s made that clear in his answer. Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Aayush. I’m still certain he’s the one for me in here and I wanted to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Aayush. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Aayush. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

Aayush turns to you and smiles softly. “Trust me when I say that you're safe. I won't let anything happen. Not that you need protecting. Let’s get that prize.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Aayush looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Aayush shifts on his feet and sighs. “And I was feeling jealous about Abe spending time with $name and wanted to speak to $gender2lower to see if there was an attraction there.” He looks at you. “Not that you’re mine to feel jealous about, I just...find myself wishing that it could have been us having breakfast together.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Aayush is clearly still interested, he’s made that clear in his answer. Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Aayush. I’m still certain he’s the one for me in here and I wanted to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Aayush. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Aayush. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +20) }The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Aayush reaches over and gently squeezes your hand. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that certainly set the mood,” Aayush leans over and whispers in your ear. “Shall we begin comparing our demons for compatibility?” He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door with Aayush.]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Aayush reaches over and gently squeezes your hand. "I'm happy you followed your instinct." The twins continue. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that certainly set the mood,” Aayush leans over and whispers in your ear. “Shall we begin comparing our demons for compatibility?” He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door with Aayush.]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Aayush watches you quietly. He looks like he wants to say something, but no words arrive. The twins continue. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “Well that certainly set the mood,” Aayush leans over and whispers in your ear. “Shall we begin comparing our demons for compatibility?” He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door with Aayush.]]

As you step through into the darkness you hear someone say ‘Oh’ in a disappointed tone behind you. But the door closes, blocking off your view. You both walk down another dark corridor. Your hand reaches to the side and touches leaves. Suddenly a dim light is turned on and you can see your surroundings. You’ve stepped into a rectangular space that is still enclosed by the tall hedges, but this time they have a thousand tiny lights glittering between their leaves, casting a gentle glow over a wooden floor and a table in the centre with food and drink on it. A “Wow” escapes your lips. It looks beautiful. Like a fairy grotto. Gentle classical music starts playing. It sounds familiar, but you couldn’t name the composer. As the two of you walk to the table $boomer interrupts the music. “Congratulations $name and Aayush. You have made it to the centre of the Labyrinth first. Quite surprising. But perhaps your fellow Buried Lovers weren’t quite as quick to expose their truth. Your prize is some quiet time together. Please can the other Buried Lovers return to their huts.” You imagine Abe and Cerri returning to an empty hut and wonder how they feel about this news. You can only imagine the annoyance Cerri is feeling, and a loud snarl seems to echo through the labyrinth, as if in response. Aayush smiles at you. “I didn’t think we’d get some time alone so soon after yesterday.” He runs his hand through his hair, in a gesture you’re starting to realise means he’s thinking about something. The music starts playing again. It’s beautiful and you close your eyes for a moment, taking in the delicate notes that are filling the air. When you open your eyes you find Aayush watching you, his dark eyes flashing with an intensity that almost takes your breath away. Again. “Shall we?” He says, and you’re not sure if he’s referring to the food or the music. [[Follow Aayush to the table and sit down.]] [[Take Aayush’s hand and lead him a space on the floor to dance.]]

The two of you walk over to the table and sit down. Aayush follows his usual routine of encouraging you to eat, but not touching the enclosed bottle that is clearly there for him. “I've enjoyed sharing this adventure with you $name. Although, the part I could have done without was that mirror.” You watch him quietly, remembering your own experience. “I don’t normally have a reflection in old mirrors,” he continues, clearly wanting to share. “But I could see myself in that mirror. Unfortunately.” He falls silent. [[“What did you see Aayush, if you don’t mind sharing?”|aayushtablemirror]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }“Let’s dance,” you say, taking his hand and leading him over to a space on the new wooden flooring. As you reach the space you turn and wrap your arms around his neck. Aayush holds you confidentently and you feel yourself melt into him as your bodies move slowly. You close your eyes, taking in the sound of the music and the feel of Aayush. It isn’t his coolness that you notice anymore. It’s the strength his body holds. It feels like the two of you are in another place. Another time. The drama of the dome melts away and you pull him closer to you. There’s no sense of time in this space, and you have no idea how long the two of you spend quietly moving to the music. The lack of conversation isn’t awkward. It’s exactly what you need. If someone had told you a week ago that you’d be slow dancing with a vampire in the middle of a labyrinth you would never have believed them. That kind of thing didn’t happen in real life. It happened to teenage girls in romance novels. Not you. And yet….here you are. You wonder just what dating a vampire would involve. Danger? Growing old with a man who never ages? But you push those thoughts away. There will be time for that, and this isn’t it. You sigh in contentment as Aayush lightly runs his hand down your back. He pulls away slightly and smiles at you. “This is perfect. How is it for you? Worth the journey through the labyrinth?” [[“Oh absolutely, I’d take a pit of death any day if it ended in your arms.”]] [[“Hmm, I’m not sure, ask me at the end of the date if the brush with death was worth it.”]]

Aayush lightly kisses your forehead. “That’s good to know. Although, honestly the weirdest part for me was that mirror.” You step back slightly, watching his face. “I don’t normally have a reflection in old mirrors,” he continues, clearly wanting to share his experience. “But I could see myself in that mirror. Unfortunately.” He falls silent. [[“What did you see Aayush, if you don’t mind sharing?”]]

Aayush laughs. “Ok, I'll work hard to make it worth it. Honestly the weirdest part for me was that mirror.” You step back slightly, watching his face. “I don’t normally have a reflection in old mirrors,” he continues, clearly wanting to share his experience. “But I could see myself in that mirror. Unfortunately.” He falls silent. [[“What did you see Aayush, if you don’t mind sharing?”]]

Aayush smiles. “I don’t mind sharing anything with you. I saw myself, in a place that I think was my first home. I was carrying about eight different people on my back. My...my family. I haven’t been able to remember their faces. But there they were. There were vampires, clawing at my legs, their faces all distorted. And I just looked...scared.” You feel a shudder go through his body. He looks into your eyes, searching for something. “What did you see?” [[Tell the truth. “I was standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looking furious about something.”|aayushmirrortruth]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”|aayushmirrorlie]]

Aayush looks intently at you. “Well that’s interesting. I wonder what it means? Are you hiding some magical powers in these gorgeous hands?” He takes one of your hands in his and pretends to study it. You laugh it off but the image still floats in your mind. The magic of the moment is broken and the two of you walk over to the table and sit down. Aayush follows his usual routine of encouraging you to eat, but not touching the enclosed bottle that is clearly there for him. All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that he has recently developed a love for playing the guitar, and has been known to perform at the odd open mic night in the bars of Liverpool. You also learn that he has a secret desire to trace his family. To see if he has any living ancestors, but something keeps stopping him from doing it. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Aayush’s are as diverse and eclectic and lost in time as him, he sits forward and rests his elbows on the table, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that I haven’t enjoyed every second with you. But this? Just talking to you without anyone over our shoulders? This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Aayush.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Aayush. Keep quiet.]]

Aayush looks intently at you. “Well that’s surprising. I was sure it was there to expose something about us. Do you have no dark secrets for it to expose?" You laugh off the question but the image of what you saw still floats in your mind.The magic of the moment is broken and the two of you walk over to the table and sit down. Aayush follows his usual routine of encouraging you to eat, but not touching the enclosed bottle that is clearly there for him. All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that he has recently developed a love for playing the guitar, and has been known to perform at the odd open mic night in the bars of Liverpool. You also learn that he has a secret desire to trace his family. To see if he has any living ancestors, but something keeps stopping him from doing it. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Aayush’s are as diverse and eclectic and lost in time as him, he sits forward and rests his elbows on the table, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that I haven’t enjoyed every second with you. But this? Just talking to you without anyone over our shoulders? This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Aayush.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Aayush. Keep quiet.]]

{(set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }Aayush smiles, his eyes lighting up again. You wait to see if he says anything else, but the next time he speaks he’s returned to your earlier conversation. “I remember in the 1930’s I saw an orchestra perform this song at an open air theatre in Cornwall. It was the most stunning venue. Candles lit, the ocean stretching out behind the musicians. I remember just closing my eyes and absorbing the music. It was beautiful. Much like this moment.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Here we go again,” Aayush says, smiling wryly. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

You decide not to say anything, and wait to see if Aayush asks you again, in a more direct way. But he doesn’t, and the next time he speaks he’s returned to your earlier conversation. “I remember in the 1930’s I saw an orchestra perform this song at an open air theatre in Cornwall. It was the most stunning venue. Candles lit, the ocean stretching out behind the musicians. I remember just closing my eyes and absorbing the music. It was beautiful. Much like this moment.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Here we go again,” Aayush says, smiling wryly. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

The two of you walk along quietly, and you wonder if this was a mistake. You’re not going to find out much about Abe if the two of you don’t talk to each other. You turn the corner and jump when you see a figure at the end of the path. Your hand flies up to your forehead in surprise. It’s only when you see the figure’s hand also raise that you realise you’re looking at a reflection of yourself. A mirror. You walk forward, closing the gap. There is another turn ahead, this time to the left, but the mirror is distracting you and you find your feet walking towards it, instead of taking the path that would surely be leading you to the centre. “I’m not sure we should-” Abe says beside you, but as his eyes fix on the mirror he also starts walking towards it. As you get closer you can see that it’s a mirror with gold edging. Grotesque faces are carved into the gold and the sight of their grimacing images causes a shiver to go down your spine. But you can’t tear your eyes away from the mirror. The reflection staring back at you is definitely your own. But something is...different. The reflection’s hands aren’t at its sides like yours are. They’re out to the sides, palms facing upwards. A green light is emanating out of them, and you see that your face is locked in a furious grimace. Your eyes aren’t your own either. They’re glowing with a bright white light. You look beautiful and terrifying. Powerful and lost. A swirling mass of contradictions fills your head. But then a voice beside you snaps your attention away from the mirror. Abe. “No, no. No. It’s not true.” He’s speaking quietly and shaking his head, backing away from the mirror, but his eyes fixed on his reflection. You look back but can’t see Abe in the reflection, it’s just your own image reflected back at you, still emanating the strange light. Abe’s voice is shaky when he starts speaking again. “We should go, we’ve got some distance to close if we’re going to get to the centre before the others.” You wonder what he’s just seen. [[“Abe, are you ok?”]] [[“What did you see?”]] [[“Sure, let’s get out of here.”]]

Abe blinks a couple of times, before pushing his glasses higher up the bridge of his nose. “Yes, I’m ok, thank you for your kindness, $name. Just taken aback by the figures carved around the edge of the mirror, they are quite the grotesque sight, aren’t they?” Abe clearly doesn’t want to talk about what he’s seen in the mirror, and he has a point about the fact the two of you need to get moving. You both start to walk, taking the turn to the left but quickly realising there is no end in sight. “Imagine if the Goblin King is in the centre, twirling his glass balls.” You look at Abe, surprised by his change in tone. “You know, like that movie,” he explains, clearly reading the surprise in your face. He continues, “I think I just can’t understand how this place even exists? This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. Then we get shut in your hut, and boom it’s a giant Labyrinth. The Goblin King would be the least weird thing to experience today. ” You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“I guess it’s magic?”]] [[“I guess maybe this place is just made up of building blocks?”]]

Abe blinks a couple of times, before pushing his glasses higher up the bridge of his nose. “Oh nothing, Just me looking tired. I was also taken aback by the figures carved around the edge of the mirror, they are quite the grotesque sight, aren’t they?” Abe clearly doesn’t want to talk about what he’s seen in the mirror, and he has a point about the fact the two of you need to get moving. You both start to walk, taking the turn to the left but quickly realising there is no end in sight. “Imagine if the Goblin King is in the centre, twirling his glass balls.” You look at Abe, surprised by his change in tone. “You know, like that movie,” he explains, clearly reading the surprise in your face. He continues, “I think I just can’t understand how this place even exists? This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. Then we get shut in your hut, and boom it’s a giant Labyrinth. The Goblin King would be the least weird thing to experience today. ” You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“I guess it’s magic?”]] [[“I guess maybe this place is just made up of building blocks?”]]

Abe clearly doesn’t want to talk about what he’s seen in the mirror, and he has a point about the fact the two of you need to get moving. He looks gratefully at you and you both start to walk, taking the turn to the left but quickly realising there is no end in sight. “Imagine if the Goblin King is in the centre, twirling his glass balls.” You look at Abe, surprised by his change in tone. “You know, like that movie,” he explains, clearly reading the surprise in your face. He continues, “I think I just can’t understand how this place even exists? This was a swimming pool a few hours ago. Then we get shut in your hut, and boom it’s a giant Labyrinth. The Goblin King would be the least weird thing to experience today. ” You think about what you saw and heard this morning, but none of it really explains how the labyrinth came to appear so quickly, or how it is you’re walking on astroturf instead of wading through water. You try to find a sensible answer, but fail. [[“I guess it’s magic?”]] [[“I guess maybe this place is just made up of building blocks?”]]

Abe nods. “At this point that does seem like the most sensible suggestion. It’s just a lot for our mortal brains, isn’t it? I’ve read a few books about witchcraft and magic, but none have ever touched on the kind of power it would take to create this,” he gestures to the hedges either side of you. “It’s just a lot. A lot of power.” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, I’m grateful to the creator of this Labyrinth, whoever they are, because it’s giving me time with someone I really want to get to know better.” He looks down at the ground and tucks a dreadlock behind his ear. “That’s you, by the way, in case I’m being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“You can be quite hard to read.”]] [[“I feel the same, Abe.”]]

Abe looks at you for a moment, a slight frown on his face. “Although it's a lot for our mortal brains, I think some more powerful forces are at play here. I’ve read a few books about witchcraft and magic, but none have ever touched on the kind of power it would take to create this.” He gestures to the hedges either side of you. “It’s just a lot. A lot of power.” Your eyes widen as you try to work through what this means. “Still, I’m grateful to the creator of this Labyrinth, whoever they are, because it’s giving me time with someone I really want to get to know better” he looks down at the ground and tucks a dreadlock behind his ear. “That’s you, by the way, in case I’m being too subtle.” You can’t hide the smile. [[“You can be quite hard to read.”]] [[“I feel the same, Abe.”]]

Abe smiles and nods. "I have been told that once or twice." His smile turns to a frown as he looks ahead. “I can’t see perfectly in this light, but honestly these corridors just seem to go on forever. Did you know that in ancient Greek mythology Labyrinths were built to keep the minotaur trapped. Maybe that’s actually what is at the centre waiting for us. Maybe he’ll be a new domemate.” he chuckles before looking down at you. “I shouldn’t joke, should I. It’s actually quite probable that we’re about to have a confrontation with a Minotaur.” You laugh at the seriousness of his face, and he breaks into another smile. “Although really, what minotaur could pose a threat for us?” His hand lightly brushes yours and your breathing pauses for a moment. Is he going to hold your hand? Instead he brings it to his chest, apparently bothered by a piece of invisible dirt on his shirt. He looks ahead again. “Wait, I think there’s another turn. Perhaps the final door will be there and we can claim our prize? Or fight our Minotaur? Let’s keep going.” You can see where he’s pointing to, and the two of you pick up speed. As you walk your foot suddenly catches on something and you hear a ‘click’, quickly followed by a loud bang behind you. As you spin on your heels you see that a hedge has blocked the path you’ve just walked along. You look at Abe and see that his forehead has screwed up in concern. “Well that’s…” Another loud bang behind you, and you both turn to find another hedge now blocking the path you were going to take. There’s a scraping noise behind you. Abe turns around. “Uh, I’m fairly sure that hedge just moved closer.” You turn to see, but as soon as your back is turned a scraping sound can be heard behind you. [[“They’re moving as soon as we take our eyes off them. Let’s take one each.”]] [[Stay silent, you don’t want to sound silly. Whoever heard of moving hedges?]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +10) }Abe looks at you, his face alive with a bright smile. He looks so different when he smiles. It just seems like it’s a rare expression for him, although he seems to be relaxing more and more in your company. His arm lightly brushes against yours as you walk, and you feel the warmth shoot through you. His smile turns to a frown as he looks ahead. “I can’t see perfectly in this light, but honestly these corridors just seem to go on forever. Did you know that in ancient Greek mythology Labyrinths were built to keep the minotaur trapped. Maybe that’s actually what is at the centre waiting for us. Maybe he’ll be a new domemate.” he chuckles before looking down at you. “I shouldn’t joke, should I. It’s actually quite probable that we’re about to have a confrontation with a Minotaur.” You laugh at the seriousness of his face, and he breaks into another smile. “Although really, what minotaur could pose a threat for us?” His hand lightly brushes yours and your breathing pauses for a moment. Is he going to hold your hand? Instead he brings it to his chest, apparently bothered by a piece of invisible dirt on his shirt. He looks ahead again. “Wait, I think there’s another turn. Perhaps the final door will be there and we can claim our prize? Or fight our Minotaur? Let’s keep going.” You can see where he’s pointing to, and the two of you pick up speed. As you walk your foot suddenly catches on something and you hear a ‘click’, quickly followed by a loud bang behind you. As you spin on your heels you see that a hedge has blocked the path you’ve just walked along. You look at Abe and see that his forehead has screwed up in concern. “Well that’s…” Another loud bang behind you, and you both turn to find another hedge now blocking the path you were going to take. There’s a scraping noise behind you. Abe turns around. “Uh, I’m fairly sure that hedge just moved closer.” You turn to see, but as soon as your back is turned a scraping sound can be heard behind you. [[“They’re moving as soon as we take our eyes off them. Let’s take one each.”]] [[Stay silent, you don’t want to sound silly. Whoever heard of moving hedges?]]

Abe nods. “Very astute. I’ll keep my eyes on this one.” The two of you fix your eyes on a wall, your backs to each other. You try to avoid blinking, but when it gets too much and you succumb to a blink the hedge inches forward, causing you to step backwards until your back is touching Abe’s. You can feel butterflies in your stomach, but you have no idea if they’re from the touch, or from fear. Abe reaches down and strokes your hand with his, clearly sensing the change in you and reading it as fear. “Well this isn’t a sustainable solution, and it isn’t moving us any closer to that prize. I think I have a solution, but we’re going to have to move quickly. I’m pretty sure I can climb over the hedge in front of you. If you could climb on my back and keep your eyes fixed on the other hedge, that should stop it moving closer.” He pauses, waiting for your reaction. You’re aware that you could insist that you do the climbing, but that hedge is tall, and Abe has to be at least 6’4”. The hedges are still quite far apart for now, but how long will that last. Not long in light of the fact you need to blink again. [[“Ok, let’s do this. We’ll need to quickly swop sides first.”]]

Abe speaks first. "They're moving as soon as well take our eyes off them. I’ll keep my eyes on this one.” The two of you fix your eyes on a wall, your backs to each other. You try to avoid blinking, but when it gets too much and you succumb to a blink the hedge inches forward, causing you to step backwards until your back is touching Abe’s. You can feel butterflies in your stomach, but you have no idea if they’re from the touch, or from fear. Abe reaches down and strokes your hand with his, clearly sensing the change in you and reading it as fear. “Well this isn’t a sustainable solution, and it isn’t moving us any closer to that prize. I think I have a solution, but we’re going to have to move quickly. I’m pretty sure I can climb over the hedge in front of you. If you could climb on my back and keep your eyes fixed on the other hedge, that should stop it moving closer.” He pauses, waiting for your reaction. You’re aware that you could insist that you do the climbing, but that hedge is tall, and Abe has to be at least 6’4”. The hedges are still quite far apart for now, but how long will that last. Not long in light of the fact you need to blink again. [[“Ok, let’s do this. We’ll need to quickly swop sides first.”]]

“You’re amazing,” Abe says, awe in his voice, but you have no idea why. Ok, let’s spin on the count of three. One, two, three.” The two of you spin around, your backs still pressing together. Then Abe starts walking towards the hedge he’s now looking at, and you walk backwards. He still has a hand resting on yours, and he squeezes your hand one time before reaching forward and taking hold of the branches. You know what you need to do next and with your head still craning backwards, you turn your body to face him and wrap your arms around his neck. He takes his hands off the branches and places them on the back of your upper thighs. You take the hint and wrap your legs around his waist. As you wrap yourself around him, your eyes still fixed on the hedge, you feel like you’ve stopped breathing. His body doesn’t react to the weight of you in the slightest. It contains a strength you’re not sure you’ve felt before. It’s taking every ounce of self restraint to resist turning around to see him. You can feel your heart pounding in your chest. Apparently Abe can feel it as well. “Are you ok?” he asks, his voice worried. “Your heart…” [[“Yeah, just feeling a bit stressed about the whole walking foliage thing, you know?”]] [[“I-"I’m fine. It’s just uh...something. Shall we get moving?”]]

Abe chuckles, it’s a deep noise that reverberates through you and does nothing to help your heartbeat. “Understood. Let’s get you as far away from them as possible.” With that you can hear him taking hold of the hedge again, and with a little grunt he lifts you both off the ground. He climbs carefully, seeming to take time to find the right footing and branches to hold onto. Blink. The hedge moves again. You hold on tightly, but feel strangely safe wrapped around this man who you hardly know. As he reaches the top he speaks. “Ok, I’m going to look at your hedge. You look at this one and then climb over the top. You should be able to climb down without much effort.” [[“And just leave you here on this side of the hedge? Not a chance.”]] [[“Ok, that should be fine.”]]

Abe nods and responds with one word, which seems to reverberate around the labyrinth. "Absolutely." With that you can hear him taking hold of the hedge again, and with a little grunt he lifts you both off the ground. He climbs carefully, seeming to take time to find the right footing and branches to hold onto. Blink. The hedge moves again. You hold on tightly, but feel strangely safe wrapped around this man who you hardly know. As he reaches the top he speaks. “Ok, I’m going to look at your hedge. You look at this one and then climb over the top. You should be able to climb down without much effort.” [[“And just leave you here on this side of the hedge? Not a chance.”]] [[“Ok, that should be fine.”]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +10) }Abe sounds almost happy when he replies. “It’s fine, honestly, we’ll move quickly and I’ll be right behind you. Ok, let’s swap. Now.” He doesn’t give you time to protest, and you turn your head back to the hedge you now need to attach yourself to. He’s angled himself so it’s easy for you to climb onto the thick top, and you do so quickly. “That’s great!” he says, encouraging you. “Now climb down and I’ll follow you.” You start the descent, keeping your eyes fixed on the leafy wall in front of you, making sure it doesn’t throw you both off. When you’re half way down you’re relieved to see Abe following you. But as soon as he climbs fully onto the side you’re on you hear a scraping noise and know that means that the hedge that isn’t being watched is closing the gap. As you reach the bottom you feel the force of the two hedges meeting, making you stumble as your feet find the ground again. Unfortunately Abe is still only half way down, and the force throws him backwards, causing him to fly through the air and land with a loud ‘thud’. (link-goto: "Check if he's ok.", "Check he’s ok.") (link-goto: "Check if you’re ok.", "Check you’re ok.")

You turn your head back to the hedge you now need to attach yourself to. He’s angled himself so it’s easy for you to climb onto the thick top, and you do so quickly. “That’s great!” he says, encouraging you. “Now climb down and I’ll follow you.” You start the descent, keeping your eyes fixed on the leafy wall in front of you, making sure it doesn’t throw you both off. When you’re half way down you’re relieved to see Abe following you. But as soon as he climbs fully onto the side you’re on you hear a scraping noise and know that means that the hedge that isn’t being watched is closing the gap. As you reach the bottom you feel the force of the two hedges meeting, making you stumble as your feet find the ground again. Unfortunately Abe is still only half way down, and the force throws him backwards, causing him to fly through the air and land with a loud ‘thud’. (link-goto: "Check if he's ok.", "Check he’s ok.") (link-goto: "Check if you’re ok.", "Check you’re ok.")

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +10) }You kneel beside him and ask if he’s ok. His glasses have bounced off and are sitting by him, and so you carefully pick them up and dust them off. Abe looks up at you, his eyes taking a moment to focus on you, before bringing a hand up to his head. “Oof, yeah I’m in one piece. I think. Thank you for checking.” [[Hand him his glasses. “Thank you for letting me climb down first, I see what you did there.”]] [[Just hand him his glasses.]]

You check you're ok. Everything seems to be in once piece. You look to Abe who is retrieving his glasses from the floor. He puts on the glasses and stands up, brushing himself down. “Ok, we’re probably quite behind, unless everyone has been dealing with a similar, uh, challenge.” Challenge? More like a near death experience being crushed by foliage. “We should get moving.” Adrenaline is running through your veins and you work out your next move. “I can see the path branches ahead,” Abe says. “Your choice which way we go.” You’re not feeling like walking down any more hedge lined corridors, but know there is still that prize at the centre. [[“Um, Which has less hedges? Left, I guess”]] [[“Um, Which has less hedges? Right, I guess”]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +10) }Abe takes them and smiles, sitting up and resting on his elbow. “It was nothing.” Your faces are so close they’re almost touching and for a moment you have a feeling that Abe is about to kiss you. But instead he puts on his glasses and stands up, brushing himself down. “Ok, we’re probably quite behind, unless everyone has been dealing with a similar, uh, challenge.” Challenge? More like a near death experience being crushed by foliage. “We should get moving.” Adrenaline is running through your veins and you work out your next move. You know he’s right, and the moment is clearly gone. “I can see the path branches ahead,” Abe says. “Your choice which way we go.” You’re not feeling like walking down any more hedge lined corridors, but know there is still that prize at the centre. [[“Um, Which has less hedges? Left, I guess”]] [[“Um, Which has less hedges? Right, I guess”]]

Abe takes them and smiles, sitting up and resting on his elbow. Your faces are so close they’re almost touching and for a moment you have a feeling that Abe is about to kiss you. But instead he puts on his glasses and stands up, brushing himself down. “Ok, we’re probably quite behind, unless everyone has been dealing with a similar, uh, challenge.” Challenge? More like a near death experience being crushed by foliage. “We should get moving.” Adrenaline is running through your veins and you work out your next move. You know he’s right, and the moment is clearly gone. “I can see the path branches ahead,” Abe says. “Your choice which way we go.” You’re not feeling like walking down any more hedge lined corridors, but know there is still that prize at the centre. [[“Um, Which has less hedges? Left, I guess”]] [[“Um, Which has less hedges? Right, I guess”]]

You turn left and start walking at a quick pace, keeping a careful eye on the hedges around you. “Oh, so that’s what is next.” You look at Abe in alarm. What has he seen? [[“Abe, what’s wrong?”]]

You turn right and start walking at a quick pace, keeping a careful eye on the hedges around you. Unfortunately you soon reach a dead end and so turn around, retracing your steps. “Oh, so that’s what is next.” You look at Abe in alarm. What has he seen? [[“Abe, what’s wrong?”]]

He shakes his head as he answers, his voice quiet. “We have company.” You look at him in confusion. Who…? But then your eyes pick out their shape in the distance and as you grow closer you realise that there are two people standing in front of you. Not just any two people. They’re identical twins, in identical clothes, holding hands and just ...staring with blank eyes. The kind of twins that cliche horror movies always cast. You laugh. What are they going to do? Chant something at you? The two boys look as though they’re probably about sixteen, but they’re both dressed in white shirts with large frills and trousers that can only be described as pantaloons. They have bright white hair, and their skin looks just as pale. They can’t be new residents of the dome, can they? They look so...young. As you reach the point where they’re standing they bow their heads slightly in perfect unison. “Greetings,” they say in voices that are surprisingly deep. “You’ve reached your final destination in the maze. Congratulations. Our brothers at the other doors haven’t flagged they’ve received a winner yet, and the first person to reach us wasn’t a truth teller. So pass this last test, and the prize will be yours. Are you ready?” You wait to see if there is any other explanation on its way, but quickly realise there isn’t. [[“What’s the test? We’re ready, whatever it is.”]] (link-goto: "“Does it involve hedges?”", "“Does is involve hedges?”")

Abe turns to you. “We? We really do have this. Let’s get that prize.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Abe looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Abe shifts on his feet and coughs. “And I wanted to test whether the spark I thought I sensed earlier was really there.” He looks at you. “I’m sorry if that makes you feel awkward.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Abe is feeling a spark between you. But what about you? Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Abe. I’m feeling that spark as well and I wanted to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Abe. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Abe. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

Abe turns to you. “If it does we'll be fine. Let's win that prize.” The twins look you both dead in the eye and speak in unison again. “Your final test is simple. The answer to a question.” You have a sneaky suspicion this isn’t going to be easy. “Why did you choose the path you took into the labyrinth?” Abe looks at you and then back at the twins. “Because I was hoping that $name would choose the same door.” He stops speaking, clearly comfortable that he’s answered the question. The twins study his face and then say in unison, “And?” Abe shifts on his feet and coughs. “And I wanted to test whether the spark I thought I sensed earlier was really there.” He looks at you. “I’m sorry if that makes you feel awkward.” The twins smile and nod. “That’s the truth. We can see it.” Their eyes land on your face. “And you? Why did you choose the door?” Your throat closes under the weight of their stare. It’s not even a big question, but somehow the way they’re looking at you is making you feel like it’s the most important question you’ve ever answered. Abe is feeling a spark between you. But what about you? Why did you follow him through the door? [[“I followed Abe. I’m feeling that spark as well and I wanted to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Abe. I still don’t know where my head’s at, but my instinct was to spend more time with him.”]] [[“I followed Abe. I’m not sure why. It just...happened that way.”]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +20) }The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Abe looks at you, looking like he wants to say something, but instead he looks back at the twins, waiting for the next instruction. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “I think they might have been worse than the hedges,” Abe whispers to you. He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door with Abe.]]

The twins nod and speak in unison again. “This is your truth. Congratulations. You are both the first truth sayers and so can enter the centre of the labyrinth.” Abe looks at you, looking like he wants to say something, but instead he looks back at the twins, waiting for the next instruction. “Now go. Have fun. But remember, we are all searching for someone whose demons play well with our own. It is your job to find out if your demons are compatible.” With their final statement, the door behind them swings open and they each step to one side, bowing at the waist and pointing their hands towards the open door. There’s no light through the door and you wonder what you’re about to step into, but you’ve come this far and you know that this is just one more step into your future. “I think they might have been worse than the hedges,” Abe whispers to you. He grins at you, and any concern about what’s through the door melts away. [[Step through the open door with Abe.]]

As you step through into the darkness you hear someone say ‘Oh’ in a disappointed tone behind you. But the door closes, blocking off your view. You both walk down another dark corridor. Your hand reaches to the side and touches leaves. Suddenly a dim light is turned on and you can see your surroundings. You’ve stepped into a rectangular space that is still enclosed by the tall hedges, but this time they have a thousand tiny lights glittering between their leaves, casting a gentle glow over a wooden floor and a table in the centre with food and drink on it. A “Wow” escapes your lips. It looks beautiful. Like a fairy grotto. Gentle classical music starts playing. It sounds familiar, but you couldn’t name the composer. As the two of you walk to the table $boomer interrupts the music. “Congratulations $name and Abe. You have made it to the centre of the Labyrinth first. Quite surprising. But perhaps your fellow Buried Lovers weren’t quite as quick to expose their truth. Your prize is some quiet time together. Please can the other Buried Lovers return to their huts.” He runs his hand through his hair, in a gesture you’re starting to realise means he’s thinking about something. The music starts playing again. It’s beautiful and you close your eyes for a moment, taking in the delicate notes that are filling the air. When you open your eyes you find Abe watching you, his dark eyes thoughtful. “Uh. Shall we?” He says, and you’re not sure if he’s referring to the food or the music. [[Follow Abe to the table and sit down.]] [[Take Abe’s hand and lead him a space on the floor to dance.]]

The two of you walk over to the table and sit down. Abe holds the chair for you again, and waits until you’ve got some food before helping himself. He seems to carefully consider every movement, every action before he takes it. Always making sure that you’re prioritised. He’s unlike anyone you’ve ever spent time with in the mortal world. Where do men like him hide? Speaking of hiding. You suddenly wonder what it was that he saw in the mirror that caused him to react so strongly. Would now be a good time to ask him what he really saw? [[Uh yeah it would. “Speaking of this crazy place, what did you see in the mirror?”|abemirrorsitting]] [[Why ruin the mood? Keep quiet.|abenotmirrorsitting]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +20) }“Let’s dance,” you say. Gently reaching towards his hand. He follows your lead and moves his hand to yours. You lead him to the centre of the floor. As you look at him you realise you’ve stopped breathing for a moment. There’s an electricity crackling between you both which has literally taken your breath away. “Are you ok?” Abe asks, frowning as he looks into your eyes. “We can sit down if that’s better?” In response you rest your hands on his shoulders, and he responds by gently placing his hands on your hips, leaning forward and whispering, “Is that ok?” [[Nod and rest your head on his chest, moving closer.]] [[“Maybe we need a bit more space.”]]

You rest your head on his chest. You can hear the pounding of his heart, beating rhythmically. You close your eyes, taking in the sound of the music and the feel of Abe. He is still touching you tentatively, but it feels like the two of you are in another place. Another time. The drama of the dome melts away as you gently move in time with the music. There’s no sense of time in this space, and you have no idea how long the two of you spend lost in your own world. The lack of conversation isn’t awkward. It’s exactly what you need. If someone had told you a week ago that you’d be slow dancing with a mysterious man in the middle of a labyrinth you would never have believed them. That kind of thing didn’t happen in real life. It happened to women in romance novels. Not you. And yet….here you are. You wonder just what life with Abe would be like. You still feel like you hardly know him. Would it be a life of secrecy? Of never really understanding who he is? But you push those thoughts away. There will be time for that, and this isn’t it. He pulls away slightly and smiles at you. “This is perfect. Thank you so much for choosing to spend time with me. I really never imagined I’d have moments like this in here. If this is my only one it was worth signing up for Buried Love. How are you feeling?” That’s a difficult question to answer at the moment and you pause. You’re feeling confused, if you’re honest with yourself, but this doesn’t seem like the time or place for that conversation. [[“Oh, a little bit bemused by what has happened in this labyrinth I think. But ok.”]] [[“I’m also feeling like this is a perfect moment.”]]

You step back very slightly, leaving space between you, and Abe gently removes his hands from your hips. You close your eyes, taking in the sound of the music and the feel of Abe. He is still touching you tentatively, but it feels like the two of you are in another place. Another time. The drama of the dome melts away as you gently move in time with the music. There’s no sense of time in this space, and you have no idea how long the two of you spend lost in your own world. The lack of conversation isn’t awkward. It’s exactly what you need. If someone had told you a week ago that you’d be slow dancing with a mysterious man in the middle of a labyrinth you would never have believed them. That kind of thing didn’t happen in real life. It happened to women in romance novels. Not you. And yet….here you are. You wonder just what life with Abe would be like. You still feel like you hardly know him. Would it be a life of secrecy? Of never really understanding who he is? But you push those thoughts away. There will be time for that, and this isn’t it. He pulls away slightly and smiles at you. “This is perfect. Thank you so much for choosing to spend time with me. I really never imagined I’d have moments like this in here. If this is my only one it was worth signing up for Buried Love. How are you feeling?” That’s a difficult question to answer at the moment and you pause. You’re feeling confused, if you’re honest with yourself, but this doesn’t seem like the time or place for that conversation. [[“Oh, a little bit bemused by what has happened in this labyrinth I think. But ok.”]] [[“I’m also feeling like this is a perfect moment.”]]

Abe nods. "That's understandable. I'm glad we experienced it together, though." You think back to the twins, the hedges of death and the mirror. The mirror. Would now be a good time to ask him what he really saw? [[Uh yeah it would. “Speaking of this crazy place, what did you see in the mirror?”]] [[Why ruin the mood? Keep quiet.]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +10) }Abe’s face breaks into another one of his rare but contagious smiles. “Phew, I’m relieved the Labyrinth hasn’t scarred you for life.” You think back to the twins, the hedges of death and the mirror. The mirror. Would now be a good time to ask him what he really saw? [[Uh yeah it would. “Speaking of this crazy place, what did you see in the mirror?”]] [[Why ruin the mood? Keep quiet.]]

Abe pauses. “Oh, it was just my reflect-” He stops speaking and steps away, shaking his head. “No wait, that’s not the truth. I need to be honest with you. I saw myself standing over a man but I had a dagger in my hand and I...I think I was going to kill him. I looked so...angry. But the worst thing was that I was here. In this dome. What do you think it means?” You notice his hands are shaking. [[Reassure him. “Mine was absolute nonsense as well. I’m sure it’s just this place messing with our heads.”]] [[“Man? What man?”]]

"Shall we go and explore what food they're laid out for us?" Abe asks, and you sense the moment you've just shared has passed. The two of you walk over to the table and sit down. Abe holds the chair for you again, and waits until you’ve got some food before helping himself. He seems to carefully consider every movement, every action before he takes it. Always making sure that you’re prioritised. He’s unlike anyone you’ve ever spent time with in the mortal world. Where do men like him hide? All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. Instead you learn more about each other. You learn that he has a younger sister who he spent a lot of time raising when they were younger. You also learn that he has a cat called Maya who he worships. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Abe has no idea who any bands from the last twenty years are, he sits forward resting his hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Just talking to you with no pressure? It’s been amazing. You’re an intriguing person. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Abe.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Abe. Keep quiet.]]

You can see him visibly relax. “Yeah I’m sure you’re right. I didn’t recognise him. Sorry, I feel like I’ve ruined the beautiful moment. Shall we go and get some food?" The two of you walk over to the table and sit down. Abe holds the chair for you again, and waits until you’ve got some food before helping himself. He seems to carefully consider every movement, every action before he takes it. Always making sure that you’re prioritised. He’s unlike anyone you’ve ever spent time with in the mortal world. Where do men like him hide? All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. Instead you learn more about each other. You learn that he has a younger sister who he spent a lot of time raising when they were younger. You also learn that he has a cat called Maya who he worships. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Abe has no idea who any bands from the last twenty years are, he sits forward resting his hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Just talking to you with no pressure? It’s been amazing. You’re an intriguing person. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Abe.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Abe. Keep quiet.]]

You can see him tense. “I don't know. I really didn't recognise him. Sorry, I feel like I’ve ruined the beautiful moment. Shall we go and get some food?" The two of you walk over to the table and sit down. Abe holds the chair for you again, and waits until you’ve got some food before helping himself. He seems to carefully consider every movement, every action before he takes it. Always making sure that you’re prioritised. He’s unlike anyone you’ve ever spent time with in the mortal world. Where do men like him hide? All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. Instead you learn more about each other. You learn that he has a younger sister who he spent a lot of time raising when they were younger. You also learn that he has a cat called Maya who he worships. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Abe has no idea who any bands from the last twenty years are, he sits forward resting his hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Just talking to you with no pressure? It’s been amazing. You’re an intriguing person. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Abe.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Abe. Keep quiet.]]

{(set: $romanceabe to $romanceabe +10) }Abe's eyes light up and he looks as though he wants to say something. But he doesn’t, and the next time he speaks he’s returned to your earlier conversation. “We have an old radio in the book shop, but it just plays music from the past. It wouldn’t feel right listening to anything else in the company of the books.” He sits back and laughs. “And I’ve just realised I sound a little bit like a crazy person. Let’s go back to admiring the beauty of this moment.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Here we go again,” Abe says, his face serious. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

You decide not to say anything, and wait to see if Abe mentions it again, in a more direct way. But he doesn’t, and the next time he speaks he’s returned to your earlier conversation. “We have an old radio in the book shop, but it just plays music from the past. It wouldn’t feel right listening to anything else in the company of the books.” He sits back and laughs. “And I’ve just realised I sound a little bit like a crazy person. Let’s go back to admiring the beauty of this moment.” As you look around the space you’re in it’s hard to disagree. The lights are still twinkling in the leaves, and the music is still gently playing. But if time in this dome has taught you anything, it’s that $boomer and the gang will try their best to stop you relaxing for any length of time, and now is no different. Your bracelet screams and you both look at it, angry at its intrusion. “Here we go again,” Abe says, his face serious. You roll your eyes and press the gem. “Buried Lovers. Please make your way to the Hell Pit. I have some exciting news to share.” $boomer’s voice is full of drama and you groan. Can’t you just stay here for a while longer? Apparently not. [[Play Day 4 Part 3 Under the Cover of Darkness]]

{(live: 0.2s)[|red>[The room flashes red. (if: time > 2s)[(replace: ?red)[<span style="color:red;">The room flashes red.</span>(stop: )]] ]]} {(live: 0.2s)[|green>[The room flashes green. (if: time > 3s)[(replace: ?green)[<span style="color:green;">The room flashes green.</span>(stop: )]] ]]}

{(unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "no-footer")[<div class="footer-1"> (if: $day is 0)[] (elseif: $day is not 0)[$day. ] (if: $coupled is not 0)[Coupled with $coupled.] (elseif: $couple1 is not 0)[Coupled with $couple1.]</div>] (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "profiles")[<div class="footer-2">(link-goto: "RETURN", $lastpassage)</div>]}

When you've finished saving your game please click on 'Return to game'. {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 1") [Slot 1: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 1") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 1", $_saving_filename_1)) [Game "$_saving_filename_1" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_1 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 1") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 1"))[(set: $_saving_filename_1 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 1"))(if: $_saving_filename_1 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_1 to "BL Slot 1")](save-game: "Slot 1", $_saving_filename_1)[Game "$_saving_filename_1" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 1 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 1"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_1 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 1"))(if: $_saving_filename_1 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_1 to "BL Slot 1")](save-game: "Slot 1", $_saving_filename_1)[Game "$_saving_filename_1" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 2") [Slot 2: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 2") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 2", $_saving_filename_2)) [Game "$_saving_filename_2" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_2 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 2") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 2"))[(set: $_saving_filename_2 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 2"))(if: $_saving_filename_2 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_2 to "BL Slot 2")](save-game: "Slot 2", $_saving_filename_2)[Game "$_saving_filename_2" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 2 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 2"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_2 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 2"))(if: $_saving_filename_2 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_2 to "BL Slot 2")](save-game: "Slot 2", $_saving_filename_2)[Game "$_saving_filename_2" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 3") [Slot 3: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 3") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 3", $_saving_filename_3)) [Game "$_saving_filename_3" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_3 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 3") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 3"))[(set: $_saving_filename_3 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 3"))(if: $_saving_filename_3 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_3 to "BL Slot 3")](save-game: "Slot 3", $_saving_filename_3)[Game "$_saving_filename_3" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 3 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 3"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_3 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 3"))(if: $_saving_filename_3 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_3 to "BL Slot 3")](save-game: "Slot 3", $_saving_filename_3)[Game "$_saving_filename_3" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 4") [Slot 4: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 4") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 4", $_saving_filename_4)) [Game "$_saving_filename_4" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_4 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 4") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 4"))[(set: $_saving_filename_4 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 4"))(if: $_saving_filename_4 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_4 to "BL Slot 4")](save-game: "Slot 4", $_saving_filename_4)[Game "$_saving_filename_4" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 4 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 4"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_4 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 4"))(if: $_saving_filename_4 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_4 to "BL Slot 4")](save-game: "Slot 4", $_saving_filename_4)[Game "$_saving_filename_4" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 5") [Slot 5: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 5") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 5", $_saving_filename_5)) [Game "$_saving_filename_5" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_5 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 5") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 5"))[(set: $_saving_filename_5 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 5"))(if: $_saving_filename_5 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_5 to "BL Slot 5")](save-game: "Slot 5", $_saving_filename_5)[Game "$_saving_filename_5" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 5 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 5"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_5 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 5"))(if: $_saving_filename_5 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_5 to "BL Slot 5")](save-game: "Slot 5", $_saving_filename_5)[Game "$_saving_filename_5" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 6") [Slot 6: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 6") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 6", $_saving_filename_6)) [Game "$_saving_filename_6" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_6 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 6") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 6"))[(set: $_saving_filename_6 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 6"))(if: $_saving_filename_6 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_6 to "BL Slot 6")](save-game: "Slot 6", $_saving_filename_6)[Game "$_saving_filename_6" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 6 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 6"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_6 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 6"))(if: $_saving_filename_6 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_6 to "BL Slot 6")](save-game: "Slot 6", $_saving_filename_6)[Game "$_saving_filename_6" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 7") [Slot 7: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 7") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 7", $_saving_filename_7)) [Game "$_saving_filename_7" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_7 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 7") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 7"))[(set: $_saving_filename_7 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 7"))(if: $_saving_filename_7 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_7 to "BL Slot 7")](save-game: "Slot 7", $_saving_filename_7)[Game "$_saving_filename_7" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 7 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 7"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_7 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 7"))(if: $_saving_filename_7 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_7 to "BL Slot 7")](save-game: "Slot 7", $_saving_filename_7)[Game "$_saving_filename_7" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 8") [Slot 8: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 8") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 8", $_saving_filename_8)) [Game "$_saving_filename_8" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_8 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 8") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 8"))[(set: $_saving_filename_8 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 8"))(if: $_saving_filename_8 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_8 to "BL Slot 8")](save-game: "Slot 8", $_saving_filename_8)[Game "$_saving_filename_8" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 8 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 8"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_8 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 8"))(if: $_saving_filename_8 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_8 to "BL Slot 8")](save-game: "Slot 8", $_saving_filename_8)[Game "$_saving_filename_8" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 9") [Slot 9: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 9") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 9", $_saving_filename_9)) [Game "$_saving_filename_9" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_9 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 9") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 9"))[(set: $_saving_filename_9 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 9"))(if: $_saving_filename_9 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_9 to "BL Slot 9")](save-game: "Slot 9", $_saving_filename_9)[Game "$_saving_filename_9" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 9 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 9"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_9 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 9"))(if: $_saving_filename_9 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_9 to "BL Slot 9")](save-game: "Slot 9", $_saving_filename_9)[Game "$_saving_filename_9" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 10") [Slot 10: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 10") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 10", $_saving_filename_10)) [Game "$_saving_filename_10" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_10 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 10") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 10"))[(set: $_saving_filename_10 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 10"))(if: $_saving_filename_10 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_10 to "BL Slot 10")](save-game: "Slot 10", $_saving_filename_10)[Game "$_saving_filename_10" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 10 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 10"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_10 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 10"))(if: $_saving_filename_10 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_10 to "BL Slot 10")](save-game: "Slot 10", $_saving_filename_10)[Game "$_saving_filename_10" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 11") [Slot 11: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 11") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 11", $_saving_filename_11)) [Game "$_saving_filename_11" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_11 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 11") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 11"))[(set: $_saving_filename_11 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 11"))(if: $_saving_filename_11 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_11 to "BL Slot 11")](save-game: "Slot 11", $_saving_filename_11)[Game "$_saving_filename_11" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 11 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 11"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_11 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 11"))(if: $_saving_filename_11 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_11 to "BL Slot 11")](save-game: "Slot 11", $_saving_filename_11)[Game "$_saving_filename_11" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 12") [Slot 12: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 12") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 12", $_saving_filename_12)) [Game "$_saving_filename_12" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_12 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 12") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 12"))[(set: $_saving_filename_12 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 12"))(if: $_saving_filename_12 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_12 to "BL Slot 12")](save-game: "Slot 12", $_saving_filename_12)[Game "$_saving_filename_12" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 12 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 12"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_12 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 12"))(if: $_saving_filename_12 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_12 to "BL Slot 12")](save-game: "Slot 12", $_saving_filename_12)[Game "$_saving_filename_12" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 13") [Slot 13: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 13") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 13", $_saving_filename_13)) [Game "$_saving_filename_13" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_13 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 13") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 13"))[(set: $_saving_filename_13 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 13"))(if: $_saving_filename_13 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_13 to "BL Slot 13")](save-game: "Slot 13", $_saving_filename_13)[Game "$_saving_filename_13" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 13 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 13"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_13 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 13"))(if: $_saving_filename_13 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_13 to "BL Slot 13")](save-game: "Slot 13", $_saving_filename_13)[Game "$_saving_filename_13" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 14") [Slot 14: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 14") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 14", $_saving_filename_14)) [Game "$_saving_filename_14" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_14 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 14") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 14"))[(set: $_saving_filename_14 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 14"))(if: $_saving_filename_14 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_14 to "BL Slot 14")](save-game: "Slot 14", $_saving_filename_14)[Game "$_saving_filename_14" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 14 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 14"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_14 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 14"))(if: $_saving_filename_14 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_14 to "BL Slot 14")](save-game: "Slot 14", $_saving_filename_14)[Game "$_saving_filename_14" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 15") [Slot 15: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 15") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 15", $_saving_filename_15)) [Game "$_saving_filename_15" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_15 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 15") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 15"))[(set: $_saving_filename_15 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 15"))(if: $_saving_filename_15 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_15 to "BL Slot 15")](save-game: "Slot 15", $_saving_filename_15)[Game "$_saving_filename_15" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 15 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 15"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_15 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 15"))(if: $_saving_filename_15 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_15 to "BL Slot 15")](save-game: "Slot 15", $_saving_filename_15)[Game "$_saving_filename_15" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 16") [Slot 16: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 16") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 16", $_saving_filename_16)) [Game "$_saving_filename_16" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_16 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 16") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 16"))[(set: $_saving_filename_16 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 16"))(if: $_saving_filename_16 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_16 to "BL Slot 16")](save-game: "Slot 16", $_saving_filename_16)[Game "$_saving_filename_16" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 16 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 16"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_16 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 16"))(if: $_saving_filename_16 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_16 to "BL Slot 16")](save-game: "Slot 16", $_saving_filename_16)[Game "$_saving_filename_16" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 17") [Slot 17: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 17") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 17", $_saving_filename_17)) [Game "$_saving_filename_17" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_17 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 17") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 17"))[(set: $_saving_filename_17 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 17"))(if: $_saving_filename_17 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_17 to "BL Slot 17")](save-game: "Slot 17", $_saving_filename_17)[Game "$_saving_filename_17" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 17 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 17"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_17 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 17"))(if: $_saving_filename_17 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_17 to "BL Slot 17")](save-game: "Slot 17", $_saving_filename_17)[Game "$_saving_filename_17" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 18") [Slot 18: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 18") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 18", $_saving_filename_18)) [Game "$_saving_filename_18" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_18 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 18") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 18"))[(set: $_saving_filename_18 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 18"))(if: $_saving_filename_18 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_18 to "BL Slot 18")](save-game: "Slot 18", $_saving_filename_18)[Game "$_saving_filename_18" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 18 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 18"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_18 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 18"))(if: $_saving_filename_18 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_18 to "BL Slot 18")](save-game: "Slot 18", $_saving_filename_18)[Game "$_saving_filename_18" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 19") [Slot 19: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 19") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 19", $_saving_filename_19)) [Game "$_saving_filename_19" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_19 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 19") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 19"))[(set: $_saving_filename_19 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 19"))(if: $_saving_filename_19 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_19 to "BL Slot 19")](save-game: "Slot 19", $_saving_filename_19)[Game "$_saving_filename_19" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 19 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 19"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_19 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 19"))(if: $_saving_filename_19 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_19 to "BL Slot 19")](save-game: "Slot 19", $_saving_filename_19)[Game "$_saving_filename_19" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 20") [Slot 20: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 20") (link:"Save") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 20", $_saving_filename_20)) [Game "$_saving_filename_20" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]](set: $_saving_filename_20 to (saved-games:)'s "Slot 20") | (link:"Rename") [(if:(save-game:"Slot 20"))[(set: $_saving_filename_20 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 20"))(if: $_saving_filename_20 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_20 to "BL Slot 20")](save-game: "Slot 20", $_saving_filename_20)[Game "$_saving_filename_20" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]](else:)[(link:"Slot 20 (empty)")[(if:(save-game:"Slot 20"))[ (set: $_saving_filename_20 to (prompt: "Enter something:", (saved-games:)'s "Slot 20"))(if: $_saving_filename_20 is 0 or "")[(set: $_saving_filename_20 to "BL Slot 20")](save-game: "Slot 20", $_saving_filename_20)[Game "$_saving_filename_20" saved at (current-time:)! (link-goto: "Return", $lastpassage)]]]]}

//Please click the save file you want to load.// {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Autosave")[Autosave: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Autosave"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Autosave")]]](else:)[No saved game in Autosave.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 1")[Slot 1: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 1"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 1")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 1.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 2")[Slot 2: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 2"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 2")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 2.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 3")[Slot 3: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 3"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 3")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 3.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 4")[Slot 4: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 4"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 4")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 4.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 5")[Slot 5: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 5"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 5")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 5.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 6")[Slot 6: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 6"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 6")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 6.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 7")[Slot 7: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 7"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 7")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 7.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 8")[Slot 8: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 8"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 8")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 8.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 9")[Slot 9: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 9"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 9")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 9.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 10")[Slot 10: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 10"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 10")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 10.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 11")[Slot 11: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 11"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 11")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 11.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 12")[Slot 12: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 12"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 12")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 12.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 13")[Slot 13: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 13"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 13")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 13.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 14")[Slot 14: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 14"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 14")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 14.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 15")[Slot 15: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 15"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 15")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 15.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 16")[Slot 16: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 16"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 16")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 16.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 17")[Slot 17: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 17"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 17")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 17.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 18")[Slot 18: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 18"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 18")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 18.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 19")[Slot 19: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 19"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 19")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 19.]} {(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 20")[Slot 20: (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot 20"). [(link-repeat: "Load")[(confirm: "Are you sure?")(load-game:"Slot 20")(goto: $lastpassage)]]](else:)[No saved game in Slot 20.]}

{<div class="profiles">[[<div class="alex prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/3010ee85dd5556fbe1aedd4885b7f196/55d92fed48ef726e-a1/s400x600/aece31f85cfad4eb7e9f1b37cad13151f68ba6e9.jpg"><div class="alex profiles-text">Alex❤</div></div></div>->Alex]] [[<div class="aayush prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/5bdcd08f5d4be23a3136e1c7fe2d54fa/55d92fed48ef726e-65/s400x600/480ede25b65a90969eca6eaef0162989d9af156f.jpg"><div class="aayush profiles-text">Aayush❤</div></div></div>->Aayush]] [[<div class="rota prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/357e9f01bd5ff76c1c885bcede2344f2/55d92fed48ef726e-b6/s400x600/a4397dc967aba19c7accd8e277748aae4addd2cd.jpg"><div class="rota profiles-text">Rota❤</div></div></div>->Rota]] [[<div class="eli prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/3b1b56335300d049c7424df3e03b4a71/55d92fed48ef726e-47/s400x600/0d5d2892b68861e37779ff33aacd648cb725b7a8.jpg"><div class="eli profiles-text">Eli❤</div></div></div>->Eli]] [[<div class="abe prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/9bc82dff96c4a693246f4b2b1a7d2925/55d92fed48ef726e-a9/s400x600/f4e085a6b424f02bf10463dc6fb21660a1347523.jpg"><div class="abe profiles-text">Abe❤</div></div></div>->Abe]] [[<div class="catarina prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/26df7b8d18e750534c974abbf715e850/55d92fed48ef726e-0a/s400x600/a9659e5cc15b1a64373aa1d0f0b92a2250de7911.jpg"><div class="catarina profiles-text">Catarina❤</div></div></div>->Catarina]] [[<div class="cerri prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/28ba43e10a80ef00d3a5934b5c0d5084/55d92fed48ef726e-28/s400x600/33f3d9d622b1b57fd732a44fc293afee56cf8a42.jpg"><div class="cerri profiles-text">Cerri❤</div></div></div>->Cerri]] [[<div class="lily prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/24aa41ca8010f88dc46ff665111bab3c/55d92fed48ef726e-01/s400x600/9362d4bdf6ae06d5eb99fe61b7f1cb17cf082133.jpg"><div class="lily profiles-text" style="text-shadow:1px 1px 1px #990f02;">Lily</div></div></div>->Lily]] [[<div class="zein prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/ff6ac89dca8f05657e848536c8c40e82/55d92fed48ef726e-7e/s400x600/4f02faaa4455cd681890dcecdc4c9b24167ae535.jpg"><div class="zein profiles-text">Zein</div></div></div>->Zein]] [[<div class="fleur prof"><div class="prof-2"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/d189f99fbf9958f04e2bf18c65778060/55d92fed48ef726e-96/s400x600/f4c2b338cb5988eb3709cdc36d7159f02f3851c1.jpg"><div class="fleur profiles-text">Fleur</div></div></div>->Fleur]] </div>}

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/3010ee85dd5556fbe1aedd4885b7f196/55d92fed48ef726e-a1/s400x600/aece31f85cfad4eb7e9f1b37cad13151f68ba6e9.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' {(if: $couple1 is "Alex")[<span class="iconify heart alex" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>](else:)[<span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>]}<span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>(if: $day4kiss is "Alex")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/14dVZ8i.gif" class="kissing">] ''Name:'' <span class="alex">Alexandru Lupei</span> (if:$romancealex >= 200)[<div id="beatingheart" class="alex"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romancealex >= 50)[<div id="flipheart" class="alex"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romancealex <= -50)[<div id="brokenheart"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-broken-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (if:$friendalex >= 100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/L3JziXA.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendalex <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' 26 ''Height:'' 5'10" / 178cm ''Class:'' Werewolf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/j12CVtZ.gif" class="wolfshadow iconemojis"> ''Occupation:'' Waiter ''Location:'' London <div class="blockquote alex">//I'm trying to find my place. The place where I'm good enough. When I get there I'll find the person who accepts me for just being me.//</div></div></div> ''Is he a Love Interest?'' Yes. ''Why is he on Buried Love?'' Alex has spent too long within the werewolf community and is feeling suffocated by the expectation that he’ll follow in his father’s footsteps and become the pack Alpha. He sees Buried Love as a way of escaping the suffocation of his family’s expectations. He’s only ever dated werewolves, and he’s hoping that meeting new people will open his eyes to what true love, outside of the pack, can really feel like. Importantly, he’s hoping to find someone who accepts him for who he is. ''What are his top 5 character traits?'' Affectionate, protective, warm, empathetic, romantic. ''What is his love language?'' Quality Time. Alex loves nothing more than quiet time with people he cares for. If that quiet time also involves lying under the stars then that’s even better. He’ll give his partner his undivided attention and will always think of new adventures to take them on so they can experience the world together. ''What makes him happy?'' Alex’s happy place is being outside, under the stars, listening to David Bowie. He’s a retro boy and loves the music of the 80s. He’s happiest when he feels free to explore nature, and has been known to disappear for a few weeks with nothing but a few supplies in a rucksack. Spending time with wildlife helps him recharge and build his strength up to deal with life at his Uncle’s restaurant, and the politics of the pack. ''What makes him sad?'' Alex’s inner-wolf means that he always feels a bit of torment. The cruelty that comes with the werewolf pack is something he activity fights against, and has become a vegetarian in an attempt to find some balance. Alex hates any kind of segregation or hierarchy, and the thought of being Alpha fills him with dread. But ultimately what makes him saddest of all is the thought that he won’t get to follow his own path and be free. ''What is his deepest fear?'' The thought of hurting someone when he’s in his wolf form fills him with terror. He’s managed to keep it under control until now, but there have been negative influences in his life, including his ex-girlfriend, who have been hellbent on setting it free. ''What can you expect from a relationship with him in Buried Love?'' Alex’s nature is gentle and caring, and that will shine through on his route. He’ll never waiver from adoring you, so deep is the connection and trust he holds. But expect some pure angst due to the damage a bad relationship has done to him, and his need to reconcile who he really is, and whether that means leaving the pack life once and for all.

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/5bdcd08f5d4be23a3136e1c7fe2d54fa/55d92fed48ef726e-65/s400x600/480ede25b65a90969eca6eaef0162989d9af156f.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' {(if: $couple1 is "Aayush")[<span class="iconify aayush heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>](else:)[<span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>]}<span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>(if: $day4kiss is "Aayush")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/14dVZ8i.gif" class="kissing">] ''Name:'' <span class="aayush">Aayush Kapadia</span> (if:$romanceaayush >= 200)[<div id="beatingheart" class="aayush"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romanceaayush >= 50)[<div id="flipheart" class="aayush"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romanceaayush <= -50)[<div id="brokenheart"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-broken-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (if:$friendaayush >= 100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/tlh9dFA.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendaayush <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' 321 (24 when turned) ''Height:'' 6'2" / 188cm ''Class:'' Vampire <img src="https://i.imgur.com/4UTAQvj.gif" class="iconemojis"> ''Occupation:'' CEO ''Location:'' Liverpool, UK <div class="blockquote aayush">//"You can live a thousand lives and still experience very little if your heart stays closed. It's time for mine to let someone in."//</div></div></div> ''Is he a Love Interest?'' Yes. ''Why is he on Buried Love?'' Aayush has experienced a fairly significant loss in the past, and he closed his heart off and put all of his time and energy into his business instead. However, after seeing the power of true love in two of his friends, he realised that loss is part of love and it’s time to open up again. Bored with how easy his life has become, and the circle of rich vampires that surround him, he decided to push himself and applied for Buried Love - hoping to find that person who he can truly open up to again. ''What are his top 5 character traits?'' Confident, charming, passionate, focused, principled. ''What is his love language?'' Giving Gifts - Aayush lives a minimalist lifestyle now after becoming exhausted with the sheer volume of possessions he has in his life, but that doesn’t mean he gets any less joy from giving gifts to people he cares about, and he holds his memories of giving people things that make them happy with the highest regard. Money means nothing to him and so he holds as much weight to a small gift with a personal meaning as he does gifting someone a car. The greatest gift of all is receiving his trust. ''What makes him happy?'' The smallest moments shared with others make him the happiest. Anything that helps to remind him of his humanity. Shared laughter, tears and kisses make him happy, and forming connections with people who see beyond his vampire exterior. Due to his persuasive powers he is happy when he feels like someone is enjoying his company for who he is, not because his vampire charms have drawn them towards him. ''What makes him sad?'' Loss of love has brought him a lot of sadness in the past, although that is something that he is coming to terms with. Inequality and poverty make him sad, and he invests all of the profits from his company into supporting families suffering from poverty, particularly in India. He also has a passionate dislike for vampire stereotypes, and sparkling vampires? Forget about it. Although that causes more annoyance than sadness. ''What is his deepest fear?'' That he’ll lose control. It’s something that haunts him every day, a constant fear that plays at the back of his mind. He hasn’t lost control yet. But could it happen? ''What can you expect from a relationship with him in Buried Love?'' Aayush’s route is one that will take its time. His naturally passionate nature means that things will get spicy very easily, but he’ll withdraw from you if he feels it’s going too far. That is to protect you as much as it is to protect him. Breaking through his past pain, and building trust, will be the way to developing something that will last way beyond the dome…and you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/357e9f01bd5ff76c1c885bcede2344f2/55d92fed48ef726e-b6/s400x600/a4397dc967aba19c7accd8e277748aae4addd2cd.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' {(if: $couple1 is "Rota")[<span class="iconify rota heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>](else:)[<span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>]}<span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>(if: $day4kiss is "Rota")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/14dVZ8i.gif" class="kissing">] ''Name:'' <span class="rota">Rota Liefsdottir</span> (if:$romancerota >= 200)[<div id="beatingheart" class="rota"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romancerota >= 50)[<div id="flipheart" class="rota"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romancerota <= -50)[<div id="brokenheart"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-broken-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (if:$friendrota >= 100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/KnenZoB.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendrota <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' 25 ''Height:'' 6'0" / 183cm ''Class & Occupation:'' Valkyrie <img src="https://i.imgur.com/jpRsJ9t.gif" class="iconemojis"> ''Location:'' Asgard <div class="blockquote rota">//"How can someone be so powerful and feel so weak? It's time for me to find my own strength and follow my heart."//</div></div></div> ''Is she a Love Interest?'' Yes. ''Why is she on Buried Love?'' Rota’s entire life has been devoted to the Valkyrie and she has started to question whether there is something more. Or someone more. Rota found out about Buried Love during one of her escapes to Earth (she has an obsession with sour sweets and can be found in sweet shops in her full armour) and thought it seemed like the perfect escape. The Valkyrie are too proud to be on television and so Rota applied thinking that it would mean that they would leave her alone, giving her space for the first time in her life. She’s never been in a romantic relationship but she’s all in when it comes to finding one. ''What are her top 5 character traits?'' Honest, faithful, brave, captivating, straightforward. ''What is her love language?'' Acts of service - love is new to Rota and she’ll express it through acts of service. Some little. Some big. Some might even be life-saving. ''What makes her happy?'' Rota is at her happiest when she’s around people she can trust and who show her respect. She loves adventure, and also a little bit of danger, and has a hidden rebellious streak, which she loves to set free every now and then. Drinking mead also makes her happy… although don’t challenge her to a drinking competition… she’ll drink you under the table. She has a strong work ethic, and is happy when she feels that she’s done a good job. In Buried Love, nothing will make her happier than spending time with you and discovering all of the little joys that life has to offer. ''What makes her sad?'' Feeling like she’d been lied to, or that people are withholding the truth. ''What is her deepest fear?'' Very little scares Rota, but she is afraid of living her life without experiencing true love. ''What can you expect from a relationship with Rota in Buried Love?'' Rota is an endgame Love Interest. Her route will be full of watching her grow as she experiences new things with the MC and starts to understand what affection and love really are. There will be some challenges in how blunt she is, and how difficult she finds it to read emotion at times, but there’s no amount of challenge that outweighs the joy of being with her. Oh, and you should probably prepare for some action-packed drama of mythical proportions at some point in the game because you know… Valkyrie.

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/3b1b56335300d049c7424df3e03b4a71/55d92fed48ef726e-47/s400x600/0d5d2892b68861e37779ff33aacd648cb725b7a8.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' <span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span><span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>(if:$elifirstkiss is "yes")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/14dVZ8i.gif" class="kissing">](if: $day4kiss is "Eli")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/14dVZ8i.gif" class="kissing">] ''Name:'' <span class="eli">Elthalion Half-Elven (Eli)</span> \ (if:$romanceeli >= 200)[<div id="beatingheart" class="eli"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romanceeli >= 50)[<div id="flipheart" class="eli"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romanceeli <= -50)[<div id="brokenheart"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-broken-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (if:$friendeli >= 100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/8WmRuTg.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendeli <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' 25 ''Height:'' 5'11" / 180cm ''Class:'' Elf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/SDArPFe.gif" class="iconemojis"> ''Occupation:'' Bartender / DJ ''Location:'' Larvik (Norway) / the world <div class="blockquote eli">//"I've lived in the shadows of my parents' fairytale for too long. It's time for me to find my own... and the person I want to write it with."//</div></div></div> ''Is he a Love Interest?'' Yes. ''Why is he on Buried Love?'' Eli loves getting to know new people and was attracted to the idea of doing that in the most intense way possible. He’s also all about the adventure…and what bigger adventure than a dating show in a deep sea bubble? However - if you scratch under the surface with Eli it’s clear that he’s really there chasing the fairytale love that he’s seen in his parents… but importantly… he’s doing it in his own way, and without their oversight and influence. ''What are his top 5 character traits?'' Adventurous, curious, funny, fearless, perceptive. ''What is his love language?'' Words of affirmation - Eli is confident in the use of language, and will tell anyone who listens how amazing you are, and loves to hear it back. He’s not shy about pointing out moments of attraction and can use his words to make your heart stop for a second. Tell him why you care about him and he’ll be yours. ''What makes him happy?'' Eli loves being outdoors exploring, and although he normally travels solo, the idea of a round the world adventure with someone he loves by his side is one of his happiest daydreams. He cares about the environment and is happy when he’s around people that feel the same. He also loves people watching, and getting to know new people. Eli gets a rush from bartending and he’s very good at it. Having a crowd of people in awe while he prepares every drink to perfection gives him a buzz. ''What makes him sad?'' Eli may fight against the expectations of his Elven heritage, but he is proud of the connection he has with the forest he grew up in, and any kind of damage to trees breaks his heart. He once camped out in the branches of an ancient oak free for days in an attempt to stop it being cut down. And if you look really deep inside him - the thing that makes him saddest the most is the idea of losing touch with his parents because of the life he’s choosing. ''What is his deepest fear?'' Being trapped. Literally or metaphorically. He can’t stand the idea of imprisonment. Which makes a deep sea bubble an even more interesting location for him to have chosen! ''What can you expect from a relationship with him in Buried Love?'' Eli’s lack of experience of serious relationships and how they work will mean that things are slow to start. He definitely isn’t a player, but his need to only commit himself to ‘the one’ means that he will keep some of his deeper feelings hidden. But play things right, and he’ll be your happy ever after. Until then… get ready for a lot of fun, adventure, oh…and flirting.

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/9bc82dff96c4a693246f4b2b1a7d2925/55d92fed48ef726e-a9/s400x600/f4e085a6b424f02bf10463dc6fb21660a1347523.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' <span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span><span class="iconify abe heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>(if: $day4kiss is "Abe")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/14dVZ8i.gif" class="kissing">] ''Name:'' <span class="abe">Abraham Jannsen</span> (if:$romanceabe >= 200)[<div id="beatingheart" class="abe"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romanceabe >= 50)[<div id="flipheart" class="abe"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romanceabe <= -50)[<div id="brokenheart"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-broken-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (if:$friendabe >= 100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/tyK4WLv.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendabe <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' 26 ''Height:'' 6'4" / 193cm ''Class:'' Human <img src="https://i.imgur.com/lubV4Ii.gif" style="display: inline; height: 1.1em; margin: -2px 0 -6px 0;"> ''Occupation:'' Bookshop owner ''Location:'' Berlin, Germany <div class="blockquote abe">//"We're all hiding from something, and for me it's the past. Can I escape that and live for my future? Can I find someone who accepts me? That's what I'm here to find out."//</div></div></div> ''Is he a Love Interest?'' Yes. ''Why is he on Buried Love?'' Abe’s father signed him up in an attempt to encourage Abe to break down the wall of isolation he’s built around himself since finding out some difficult news. Abe’s respect for his father outweighs everything and so he agreed to take part. He’s never associated with any supernatural beings before and is hoping that Buried Love will help him to build some bonds and change his world view. Looking for love isn’t his first priority, but there is a hidden part of him that is hopeful. ''What are his top 5 character traits?'' Caring, quiet, intelligent, dependable, responsible. ''What is his love language?'' Quality Time - Abe will happily give a person he cares about his undivided attention. For Abe, quality time is curling up together in front of a fire, with a book and a glass of wine. That said - although he’s quiet, he’ll try anything once and is surprisingly courageous. As long as it’s positive time with the person he loves, he’s all in. ''What makes him happy?'' Abe is at his happiest when he feels he’s made a connection with people, which is why his years of solitude have hurt him so much. He loves quiet chats, and those moments of bonding that can happen over the most random thing. However, since he was eighteen his main happiness has come from reading about history. He’s become fascinated by the stories of the past, and in particular the stories of supernatural beings, and how they came to be. Give him a quiet room and an ancient book and he’s content. But happy? No. It’s going to take someone special to unlock that part of him again. ''What makes him sad?'' Cruelty, prejudice and discriminatory behaviour. Unfortunately he feels unable to step in when he sees it happen, so great is his terror of what he might do, and so he keeps quiet, meaning he carries a constant burden of inaction. His other sadness comes from the lack of meaningful relationships in his life, and that is something he’s hoping to change. ''What is his deepest fear?'' Abe has a secret. His greatest fear? People finding out. ''What can you expect from a relationship with him in Buried Love?'' Abe’s route is the slowest of slow burns, but it will be worth every moment. He’s quiet and considered and will always put MC first. But his fears, and the secret that he carries, are a big burden. When he finds himself at the centre of drama in the dome, it’ll be his relationship with MC that gets him through it. And when he drops the fears he carries? That’s when he’s ready to properly open his heart.

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/26df7b8d18e750534c974abbf715e850/55d92fed48ef726e-0a/s400x600/a9659e5cc15b1a64373aa1d0f0b92a2250de7911.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' <span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span><span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>(if: $day4kiss is "Catarina")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/14dVZ8i.gif" class="kissing">] ''Name:'' <span class="catarina">Catarina Belo</span> (if:$romancecatarina >= 200)[<div id="beatingheart" class="catarina"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romancecatarina >= 50)[<div id="flipheart" class="catarina"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romancecatarina <= -50)[<div id="brokenheart"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-broken-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (if:$friendcatarina >= 100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/AUfQm8O.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendcatarina <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' 27 ''Height:'' 5'7" / 170cm ''Class:'' Bruxa (witch) <img src="https://i.imgur.com/8CRoQvu.gif" class="iconemojis"> ''Occupation:'' Owns a crystal shop ''Location:'' Rio de Janeiro, Brazil <div class="blockquote catarina">//"I can have anything I want in the palm of my hand, and yet it amounts to nothing. I'm looking for something... real."//</div></div></div> ''Is she a Love Interest?'' Yes. ''Why is she on Buried Love?'' Catarina is searching for her soulmate. She wants the fireworks, the butterflies, the feeling like the world has stopped spinning. She’s had her heart broken in the past and so has built a wall around it. Only the person she feels is her soulmate will be able to breakthrough that wall and form a relationship with her. She’s very aware that her magic means that she can sometimes manipulate things in relationships, and so she’s chosen to come on Buried Love knowing that her magic will be strictly controlled, and she won’t be able to give into temptation and use any of the spells she has on the tips of her fingers. ''What are her top 5 character traits?'' Passionate, loving, generous, captivating, mysterious. ''What is her love language?'' Physical touch - Catarina is all about the tender caresses, the hugs, the slight touches on arms and shoulders. She’s very tactile and uses her hands for flirting as well as showing affection. ''What makes her happy?'' Being curled up with her cat, a good book and a glass of red wine. Catarina is at her happiest when she’s feeling content and settled. Unfortunately her sense of contentment has been linked to being in a relationship in the past, and so she has worked hard to try and disassociate the two. She also finds happiness in seeing other people overcome their demons and actively works to help people do just that. ''What makes her sad?'' Seeing other people feeling sad. Catarina is incredibly empathic and easily absorbs the emotions of others. It’s something she struggles with in the dome, which is why you’ll often find her on her own with a cup of tea, or exploring the dome. It gives her a break from the feelings of others. ''What is her deepest fear?'' Catarina has two incredibly deep fears. The first is that she’ll lose control of her magic and hurt people. The other is that she won’t find the love she’s looking for. The idea of missing her soulmate fills her with dread. ''What can you expect from a relationship with Catarina in Buried Love?'' A slowburn. Catarina can be a love interest - but only if you exhibit the traits she’s looking for, so make your decisions carefully. You can also expect some frustration as you wait for her to realise what is right under her nose.

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/28ba43e10a80ef00d3a5934b5c0d5084/55d92fed48ef726e-28/s400x600/33f3d9d622b1b57fd732a44fc293afee56cf8a42.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' <span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span><span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span>(if: $day4kiss is "Cerri")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/14dVZ8i.gif" class="kissing">] ''Name:'' <span class="cerri">Cerridwen (Cerri) Blethyn</span> (if:$romancecerri >= 200)[<div id="beatingheart" class="cerri"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romancecerri >= 50)[<div id="flipheart" class="cerri"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (elseif:$romancecerri <= -50)[<div id="brokenheart"><span class="iconify" data-icon="clarity:heart-broken-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span></div>]\ (if:$friendcerri >= 100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/UFHKRjs.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendcerri <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' 24 ''Height:'' 5'4" / 162.5cm ''Class:'' Werewolf <img src="https://i.imgur.com/j12CVtZ.gif" class="wolfshadow iconemojis"> ''Occupation:'' Personal assistant ''Location:'' London (originally Wales) <div class="blockquote cerri">//"The only thing that matters is the pack. But a female wolf has something more to prove. I have to get to the top. No matter what the cost is."//</div></div></div> ''Is she a Love Interest?'' Surely not. Not a girl who is so obsessed with her pack that there’s no room left in her heart. Unless… ''Why is she on Buried Love?'' The wolf pack have sent her in to retrieve Alex. They’re beyond pissed at Alex for shutting himself away from them and know that his complex past with Cerri will be the thing that breaks him. Cerri doesn’t question the demand for a second. It’s how things work. The pack bark an order at her and she obeys. But once she’s in the dome things might feel a little different for Cerri and perhaps she’ll realise her true motivation… ''What are her top 5 character traits?'' Arrogant, brave, loyal, judgemental, passionate. ''What is her love language?'' Cerri’s love language is very hidden because she has never allowed herself to really love another person. But under the hard surface her love language is ‘acts of service’. She’ll do anything to help the people she cares about. No matter how big or small. At the moment that manifests itself in her dedication to the pack, but crack through her heart and her devotion will shine through. ''What makes her happy?'' Feeling accepted. Cerri has to fight hard for acceptance in the wolf community. A petite brunette from Wales could easily get lost amongst the brutality of the pack, but Cerri has worked to earn their respect, and she’s at her happiest when she feels like she truly belongs and has a family around her who have her back. Her guilty pleasure is cheesy romantic comedies, but she will only watch them when she’s on her own. ''What makes her sad?'' Loneliness and any sense that she isn’t good enough, or that she’s anything ‘less’ because she’s a woman in a man’s world. She has a lot of sadness about how other female werewolves get treated although she doesn’t show it in front of the pack. Instead she swallows the sadness down until it eats away at her. ''What is her deepest fear?'' Being cast out of the pack and finding herself alone again. It’s something that scares her so much she has nightmares about it happening and will sometimes wake up crying with fear. ''What can you expect from a relationship with her in Buried Love?'' Cerri is hard to get to know, but if you take the time you might be surprised by who she really is under her cold exterior. Crack through the protective shell around her and you might just find someone with a passionate heart and the desire to be truly loved…although you’ll have to really want to see it. Forming a relationship of any kind won’t be easy, but it can be done!

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/24aa41ca8010f88dc46ff665111bab3c/55d92fed48ef726e-01/s400x600/9362d4bdf6ae06d5eb99fe61b7f1cb17cf082133.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' <span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span><span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span> ''Name:'' <span class="lily">Lily</span> (if:$friendlily >= 100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/0pzRrEt.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendlily <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' Timeless ''Height:'' 5'3" / 160cm ''Class:'' Demon <img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZiYVFKc.gif" class="iconemojis"> ''Occupation:'' Wreaking havoc ''Location:'' Hell <div class="blockquote lily">//What if I can't find someone who can accept me for who I am? I need to find someone. They have to be out there.//</div></div></div> ''Is she a Love Interest?'' No. ''Why is she on Buried Love?'' Lily is looking for love. Nothing more. Nothing less. Before entering Buried Love she has struggled to find happiness. The weight of her father’s judgement and control has stopped her from being able to live her own life. Lily hopes that by being in the dome she’d be protected from him, and that she might find someone who loves her for who she is. For someone who seems so confident on the outside, she is really insecure, and she’s looking for someone who won’t judge her or criticise her. She’s had quite enough of that in her life. ''What are her top 5 character traits?'' Quick-tempered, insecure, kind, passionate, loyal. ''What is her love language?'' Physical touch. ''What makes her happy?'' Lily is still searching for what makes her happy. The closest she came to happiness was when her father took all of her powers away and she lived as a human. Simple things like going shopping, making coffee and watching a movie gave her complete joy. But within her day to day life as a demon happiness is a vague concept she’s unable to connect with. ''What makes her sad?'' Lily hates seeing people being discriminated against and nothing makes her sadder than seeing people feeling disempowered. She actively fights for equality and is often mocked by other demons for standing up for people. ''What is her deepest fear?'' Being alone. Being her father. Being trapped in hell. ''What can you expect from a friendship with Lily in Buried Love?'' On an Aayush route Lily can be hard to deal with. Her anger at MC is overwhelming. But you never know when you’ll need a demon by your side, so maybe a little bit of kindness would go a long way.

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/ff6ac89dca8f05657e848536c8c40e82/55d92fed48ef726e-7e/s400x600/4f02faaa4455cd681890dcecdc4c9b24167ae535.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' <span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span><span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span> ''Name:'' <span class="zein">Zein Najm</span>(if:$friendzein >= 100)[ <img src="https://i.imgur.com/3VrtG9C.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendzein <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' 22 ''Height:'' 5'5" / 165cm ''Class:'' Genie <img src="https://i.imgur.com/nhqJjO8.gif" style="display: inline; height: 1.4em; margin: -8px 0 -1px 0;"> ''Occupation:'' Granting wishes for the greedy ''Location:'' Istanbul, Turkey <div class="blockquote zein">//"I'm bored of pandering to the greed of men. It's time for me to take control of my destiny. To find someone to share it with."//</div></div></div> ''Are they a Love Interest?'' No. ''Why are they on Buried Love?'' Zein’s life has been spent granting wishes for other people, mostly greedy men who use their wishes to grow their wealth and manipulate others. Since the age of sixteen Zein’s world has mostly been an ornate purple bottle, and they see Buried Love as a way of escaping that world. After the shackles were cut from their last wish taker, Zein decided to break free before being tied to another human. The need for connection and something more than what they know burns quietly inside them. As long as their bottle remains free from greedy hands they’ll have a chance to discover more about themselves… and love… in the underwater bubble, and maybe make a wish or two of their own for the person they fall in love with. ''What are their top 5 character traits?'' Quick-witted, loyal, relaxed, practical, funny. ''What is their love language?'' Acts of service - Zein’s adult life has been spent doing things for others, and they bring that forward into their relationships. They’ll quietly do things for the person they love, but in contrast to the wishes they resentfully grant, when Zein is doing something for someone they actually care about, it gives them a little flutter of happiness in their heart. It makes Zein feel complete in a way they hadn’t known was possible. ''What makes them happy?'' Zein is happiest when quietly chatting with people they feel close to. Too much of their life has been spent in isolation, and being around people in Buried Love brings them a lot of happiness and contentment. So much so, that the thought of returning to their old life is clawing away in their head, filling them with dread. Zein also loves bad movies. Like… really bad movies. Think Sharknadotopuss vs Beezilla. Zein maintains that the films are so bad that they’re good, although most people beg to differ. Whatever the attraction is, Zein has a back catalogue of so many films to watch during quiet nights in their bottle, and the escape they bring is exquisite. ''What makes them sad?'' Greed makes Zein sad, and they’ve seen too much of it. Watching the world crumble, and knowing that they could do so much to help if only their bottle could land into the hands of someone who deserves it. But the bottle has to be found, not given, and it’s Zein’s biggest sadness that so far it has only been found by people that use it for their own gain. Zein is relaxed by nature, and tries to take things in their stride, but every now and then the frustration and sadness gets too much. To have so much power and not be able to use it is torture beyond belief. ''What is their deepest fear?'' That they’ll never really know life outside of the bottle and servitude. Buried Love is their first attempt at escape, and it means the world, but the idea of returning to a life of granting wishes to make the rich richer fills them with dread. They also fear finding themselves working for someone truly evil. Someone who uses their powers for more than wealth. It hasn’t happened so far, but Zein is painfully aware it could, and just what that could mean for the world if it does happen. ''What can you expect from a friendship with them in Buried Love?'' Zein will be a loyal friend who will always be there to talk to you during moments of uncertainty. They’ll have your back no matter what. They may throw some sarcastic wit in for good measure, but that just adds some light to some difficult moments. Zein is the most powerful person in the dome, but they’re also the most unassuming. If a drama free chat is what you’re looking for, then Zein is the person for you, although they may occasionally need you to remind them that they are absolutely worthy of Fleur’s attention because under the surface Zein has some deep insecurities. Give Zein the right advice and they’ll get more from your friendship than they could have ever imagined.

<div class="separate-profiles"><aside class="aside aside-1"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/d189f99fbf9958f04e2bf18c65778060/55d92fed48ef726e-96/s400x600/f4c2b338cb5988eb3709cdc36d7159f02f3851c1.jpg"></aside><article class="main"><div class="profile">''Coupled:'' <span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span><span class="iconify heart" data-icon="clarity:heart-solid" style="margin-bottom:-4px; height: 1em;"></span> ''Name:'' <span class="fleur">Fleur O'Rinn</span>(if:$friendfleur >= 100)[ <img src="https://i.imgur.com/cLLz25t.png" class="friend">]\ (if:$friendfleur <= -100)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/eZQLv3Y.gif" class="enemies">] ''Age:'' 21 ''Height:'' 5'1" / 155cm ''Class:'' Fairy <div id="fairy"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/2mctAJD.gif" class="iconemojis"></div> ''Occupation:'' Florist ''Location:'' Bath, UK <div class="blockquote fleur">//"Finding a place where I'm free to stretch my wings and be myself is my dream. Finding someone to share that with? Even Better."//</div></div></div> ''Is she a Love Interest?'' No. ''Why is she on Buried Love?'' Honestly? Fleur signed up because she thought it sounded like fun. Fleur has a supportive family and lots of friends outside of the bubble, and isn’t escaping from anything, unlike so many of her domemates. But there’s something deep inside Fleur which she doesn’t realise until she’s in Buried Love. She isn’t comfortable with openly sharing her magical side with humans and keeps her wings hidden. The more time she spends in the dome, the more comfortable she is with herself, and that’s when she really starts to blossom. ''What are her top 5 character traits?'' Affectionate, energetic, friendly, curious, sociable. ''What is her love language?'' Words of affirmation - Fleur will shower people she cares about with words of love. ''What makes her happy?'' Nature, peace and dancing are her 3 go-tos if she needs a happiness boost, although Fleur is happy 99% of the time. She finds happiness even in the darkest corners and is a ray of light for people who are struggling to find their own happiness. ''What makes her sad?'' People not realising their true worth makes Fleur sad, and she’ll spend most of her time trying to lift them up. She also gets sad if she things she’s upset someone. She never means to, but sometimes her energetic side, coupled with a tendency to be curious (which could be interpreted as gossiping) do mean that she causes upset and distrust. ''What is her deepest fear?'' Fleur worries a lot about the environment. She turns that worry into proactive action and does a lot of environmental work educating kids in urban areas about the environment and nature. Her biggest fear is Mother Nature giving up on us. ''What can you expect from a friendship with Fleur in Buried Love?'' Fleur will be your best friend forever, if you give her a chance. But be warned - she’ll pull you for a lot of chats and you might need to offer some support to her for her relationship with Zein. Fleur has never had a serious relationship and finds herself out of her depth quickly.

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(if: not ((passage:)'s tags contains "menu"))[(set: $lastpassage to (passage:)'s name)]

Saves Slots: { (set: _saves to (saved-games:)) (for: each _name, ...(datanames: _saves))[ <br>Slot: _name - File Name: (print: _saves's (_name)) ] }

{(if: $gender1upper is "")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")] (if: $gender1lower is "")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")] (if: $gender2upper is "")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")] (if: $gender2lower is "")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")] (if: $genderpossessiveupper is "")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")] (if: $genderpossessivelower is "")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")] (if: $genderdescriptupper is "")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")] (if: $genderdescriptlower is "")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")] (if: $genderpossessive2 is "")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")] }Your pronouns: $gender1lower / $gender2lower / $genderpossessive2 / $genderpossessivelower / $genderreflexive. You want to be refered as $genderdescriptlower. (if: $genderfluid is 0)[](elseif: $genderfluid is 1)[You are gender-fluid. ] Is that correct? (link: "Yes")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns Continue")] (link: "No")[(goto: "Custom Pronouns")]

Firstly, you want to be refered as: <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|personp>[$genderdescriptlower]</span> * (link-repeat:"person")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to "person")(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]] * (link-repeat:"something different")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to (prompt: "You want to be refered as (i.e. 'person)?", $genderdescriptlower))(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(if: $genderdescriptlower is "")[(replace:?personp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter how you want to be refered as!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]]] And secondly, please confirm your pronouns: |theyp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span>(if: $gender1lower is not "")[ / ]]|themp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span>(if: $gender2lower is not "")[ / ]] |theirp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span>(if: $genderpossessive2 is not "")[ / ]] |theirsp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span>(if: $genderpossessivelower is not "")[ / ]] <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|themselfp>[$genderreflexive]</span> * (link-repeat: "Xe / xem")[(set:$gender1lower to "xe") (set:$gender1upper to "Xe")(set:$gender2lower to "xem")(set:$gender2upper to "Xem")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Xyrs")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "xyrs")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "xyr")(set: $genderreflexive to "xemself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * (link-repeat: "Ze / zir")[(set:$gender1lower to "ze") (set:$gender1upper to "Ze")(set:$gender2lower to "zir") (set:$gender2upper to "Zir")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Zirs")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "zirs")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "zir")(set: $genderreflexive to "zirself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * Custom pronouns //(click "change" to enter)//: ** Subject (i.e.them): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|theychange>[$gender1lower]</span> (link-repeat: "|theychangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $gender1lower to (prompt: "Enter Subjective i.e. 'they'", $gender1lower))(set: $gender1upper to (upperfirst: $gender1lower))(if: $gender1lower is "")[(replace:?theyp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Subjective pronouns!</span>](replace:?theychange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Subjective pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower]]] ** Object (i.e. them): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|themchange>[$gender2lower]</span> (link-repeat: "|themchangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $gender2lower to (prompt: "Enter Objective i.e. 'them'", $gender2lower))(set: $gender2upper to (upperfirst: $gender2lower))(if: $gender2lower is "")[(replace:?themp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Objective pronouns!</span>](replace:?themchange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Objective pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> /](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower]]] ** Possessive Determiner (i.e. their): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|theirchange>[$genderpossessive2]</span> (link-repeat: "|theirchangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $genderpossessive2 to (prompt: "Enter Possessive Determiner i.e. 'their'", $genderpossessive2))(set: $genderpossessive2upper to (upperfirst: $genderpossessive2))(if: $genderpossessive2 is "")[(replace:?theirp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive Determiner pronouns!</span>](replace:?theirchange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive Determiner pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2]]] ** Possessive (i.e. theirs): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|theirschange>[$genderpossessivelower]</span> (link-repeat: "|theirschangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $genderpossessivelower to (prompt: "Enter Possessive Pronoun i.e. 'theirs'", $genderpossessivelower))(set: $genderpossessiveupper to (upperfirst: $genderpossessivelower))(if: $genderpossessivelower is "")[(replace:?theirsp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive pronouns!</span>](replace:?theirschange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower]]] ** Reflexive (i.e. themself): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|themselfchange>[$genderreflexive]</span> (link-repeat: "|themselfchangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $genderreflexive to (prompt: "Enter Reflexive Pronoun i.e. 'themself'", $genderreflexive))(if: $genderreflexive is "")[(replace:?themselfp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Reflexive pronouns!</span>](replace:?themselfchange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Reflexive pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]]] (link-repeat: "[Confirm]<pron|")[{ (if: $gender1upper is "" or $gender2upper is "" or $genderpossessiveupper is "" or $genderdescriptupper is "" or $genderpossessive2 is "" or $genderreflexive is "")[(replace: ?pron)[<span style="color:red;">Enter your pronouns and gender!</span><br>Confirm]] (else:)[(goto:"Confirm")]}]

"$gender1upper/ $gender2upper," you reply, wondering just what information about you is written on that clipboard. But he quickly makes a note of your answer and then throws the clipboard down on a nearby table. "$name, are you ready? Two minutes until we arrive, and then the fun really begins." [[Smile nervously and nod. ]] [[Hell yeah I am. Bring. It. On. ]] [[Have you got any snacks? I'm famished.]]

{(set: $name to (prompt: "And the next member of our extraordinary dating show is called....?","")) (if: $name is "")[(set: $name to (prompt: "Uh... Babe, I need your name", "Type your name here"))] (if: $name is "Type your name here")[(set: $name to (prompt: "Haha, very funny but I really do need your name, Babe", "Type your name for real"))] (if: $name is "Type your name for real")[(set: $name to (prompt: "BABE, NAME, NOW", "Just type your name geez"))] (if: $name is "Just type your name geez")[(set: $name to (prompt: "And the cycle starts again","You're stubborn, huh?"))] (if: $name is "You're stubborn, huh?")[(goto: "Welcome to Buried Love")] (else:)[(goto: "Welcome to Buried Love")] }

Aayush smiles. “I don’t mind sharing anything with you. I saw myself, in a place that I think was my first home. I was carrying about eight different people on my back. My...my family. I haven’t been able to remember their faces. But there they were. There were vampires, clawing at my legs, their faces all distorted. And I just looked...scared.” You feel a shudder go through his body. He looks into your eyes, searching for something. “What did you see?” [[Tell the truth. “I was standing, with this...light coming out of my hands. My face just looking furious about something.”|aayushmirrortruthsitting]] [[Lie. “Oh I just saw myself in an empty room.”|aayushmirrorliesitting]]

Aayush looks intently at you. “Well that’s interesting. I wonder what it means? Are you hiding some magical powers in these gorgeous hands?” He takes one of your hands in his and pretends to study it. You laugh it off but the image still floats in your mind. "Let's talk about anything and everything not to do with this place. I want to know who you are." Aayush says as he leans forward slightly. All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that he has recently developed a love for playing the guitar, and has been known to perform at the odd open mic night in the bars of Liverpool. You also learn that he has a secret desire to trace his family. To see if he has any living ancestors, but something keeps stopping him from doing it. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Aayush’s are as diverse and eclectic and lost in time as him, he sits forward and rests his elbows on the table, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that I haven’t enjoyed every second with you. But this? Just talking to you without anyone over our shoulders? This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Aayush.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Aayush. Keep quiet.]]

Aayush looks intently at you. “Well that’s surprising. I was sure it was there to expose something about us. Do you have no dark secrets for it to expose?" You laugh off the question but the image of what you saw still floats in your mind. "Let's talk about anything and everything not to do with this place. I want to know who you are." Aayush says as he leans forward slightly. All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. As are any thoughts about the fact you aren’t actually in a couple at the moment. Instead you learn more about each other. It’s the truly private time you’ve been craving. You learn that he has recently developed a love for playing the guitar, and has been known to perform at the odd open mic night in the bars of Liverpool. You also learn that he has a secret desire to trace his family. To see if he has any living ancestors, but something keeps stopping him from doing it. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Aayush’s are as diverse and eclectic and lost in time as him, he sits forward and rests his elbows on the table, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Not that I haven’t enjoyed every second with you. But this? Just talking to you without anyone over our shoulders? This is perfect. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Aayush.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Aayush. Keep quiet.]]

You push all thoughts of the mirror to one side. Instead you learn more about each other. You learn that he has a younger sister who he spent a lot of time raising when they were younger. You also learn that he has a cat called Maya who he worships. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Abe has no idea who any bands from the last twenty years are, he sits forward resting his hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Just talking to you with no pressure? It’s been amazing. You’re an intriguing person. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Abe.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Abe. Keep quiet.]]

You can see him visibly relax. “Yeah I’m sure you’re right. I didn’t recognise him." All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. Instead you learn more about each other. You learn that he has a younger sister who he spent a lot of time raising when they were younger. You also learn that he has a cat called Maya who he worships. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Abe has no idea who any bands from the last twenty years are, he sits forward resting his hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Just talking to you with no pressure? It’s been amazing. You’re an intriguing person. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Abe.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Abe. Keep quiet.]]

You can see him tense. “I don't know. I really didn't recognise him. Please can we change the subject?" All thoughts of the mirror are pushed to one side. Instead you learn more about each other. You learn that he has a younger sister who he spent a lot of time raising when they were younger. You also learn that he has a cat called Maya who he worships. After a conversation about your musical tastes, and the realisation that Abe has no idea who any bands from the last twenty years are, he sits forward resting his hands on the table. “This really has been my favourite part of this whole experience. Just talking to you with no pressure? It’s been amazing. You’re an intriguing person. I hope we get to do more of this soon...” He looks down and you sense that he wants to say something else, but instead he just gets up and puts a different record on the record player, before rejoining you. [[“I hope we do as well, Abe.”]] [[You don’t want to make that commitment to Abe. Keep quiet.]]

<div class="chaptertitle">Day 4. Part 3. Under the Cover of Darkness</div> You look at $mazechoice and then around the space the two of you have just shared. Surely $boomer isn’t expecting you to go back through the labyrinth to get out? You’re not sure if you have the energy to cope with the peril again. Or those twins. Ugh, or the mirror. As if reading your thoughts, $boomer’s voice surrounds you again. “$mazechoice and $name. Please move to the centre of the room. We have some, uh, construction work to do in order to support a speedy journey for you.” (if:$mazechoice is "Alex")[Alex looks at you across the table. “Well, it was great while it lasted. It’s strange how easy it is to forget that we’re in this underwater bubble being told what to do by someone with a loud voice and terrible timing. Well, I forget it when I’m with you, at least. I guess we should follow orders before we find ourselves being chased by another boulder.” He offers his hand to you. [[Take Alex’s hand and walk to the centre of the room.]] [[Politely ignore it and just walk to the centre of the room with Alex.]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Aayush")[Aayush looks at you across the table. “Well, unfortunately all perfect moments must end. I’m looking forward to the next moment we share. Perhaps $boomer’s announcement will move us one step closer to that. Shall we make our way as instructed? The last thing we want is to find ourselves in another pit.” He offers his hand to you. [[Take Aayush’s hand and walk to the centre of the room.]] [[Politely ignore it and just walk to the centre of the room with Aayush.]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Rota")[Rota looks at you across the table. “I find myself thinking that $boomer has too much power at this point. I’ve known some egotistical deities in my time, but they would pale into insignificance under the weight of this one's sense of importance. It really has been lovely spending this time with you, but I suppose we should follow orders, just in case there is another gargoyle waiting for us. I hope you know I’d fight a thousand gargoyles for you. Any day.” She offers her hand to you. [[Take her hand and walk to the centre of the room.]] [[Politely ignore it and just walk to the centre of the room with Rota.]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Eli")[Eli looks at you across the table. “I’d happily go through any number of giant blade swinging perils to share some time like this again. I wonder what $boomer has planned next. Swimming through a swamp of crocodiles in order to be able to have ten minutes of quiet time together? Giant wrestling to have the privilege of a quick kiss?” He pauses and then smiles. “I’d absolutely do both of those things by the way, just to clarify. But I suppose we should obey for now. I don’t really want another giant blade to swing through the sky at us. It would definitely kill the mood.” He offers his hand to you. [[Take Eli’s hand and walk to the centre of the room.]] [[Politely ignore it and just walk to the centre of the room with Eli.]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Abe")[Abe looks at you across the table and coughs gently to clear his throat. He seems nervous again. The wall of Abe seems to have been rebuilt and you can sense him retreating by the second. “Well, that was a lot of fun. I’ve really enjoyed spending this time with you. Thank you.” The formality of his thank you makes you smile and Abe follows your lead, the seriousness in his face disappearing again. “That was a bit formal, wasn’t it? Damn it. I feel like I just regressed back to awkward Abe. I promise I’ll try to resist the next time he rears his silent and formal head.” He holds his hand to his chest in a gesture of mock commitment and you laugh. He laughs and it’s a deep sound that causes your stomach to flutter. “I guess we should go before $boomer just starts closing the walls around us again.” [[Walk to the centre of the room with Abe.]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Catarina")[Catarina looks at you across the table. “Well my intriguing companion, it would seem our quiet time is over. But perhaps the news $boomer wishes to share is that we’re getting some new dome mates. Maybe a soul mate or two.” She wiggles her eyebrows at you, and you smile in spite of yourself. “This has certainly been an adventure. I feel like I understand you so much more after visiting your mind during your slumber. You’re remarkable. I hope we get to spend some more time together soon. But until then, I suppose we should go and find the others.” [[Walk to the centre of the room with Catarina.]] ]

{(set: $alexhand to "yes") (set: $romancealex to $romancealex +10) }You reach across and take his outstretched hand. The warmth you’ve already grown to expect envelopes you. The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Alex sighs. “There it is. I thought maybe we’d have a little bit of time without having to visit it after yesterday. If the news is that those twins are new domemates I may have to move out. I’m sorry. I’ll be waiting on the outside.” He shudders and you can’t help but laugh at just how terrified of them he seems to be. “Let’s do this, then,” Alex says, squeezing your hand gently. [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

{(set: $alexhand to "no") }The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Alex sighs. “There it is. I thought maybe we’d have a little bit of time without having to visit it after yesterday. If the news is that those twins are new domemates I may have to move out. I’m sorry. I’ll be waiting on the outside.” He shudders and you can’t help but laugh at just how terrified of them he seems to be. “Let’s do this, then,” Alex says. [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

You both pick your way through the remains of the hedge and start walking along the path. It’s nighttime in the dome, and the path is lit with spotlights, guiding your way to where the other Buried Lovers are already gathered. It seems surreal to be seeing them all chatting and laughing after the intense experience you’ve just shared. You reach the pit and join the circle. (if:$alexhand is "yes")[As you stand next to Fleur, your eyes scan the group, quickly landing on Abe. He smiles and nods at you, before his eyes flicker down and see your hand linked with Alex’s. He doesn’t acknowledge it, but you see him look to the ground, before returning to his conversation with Zein. Your eyes continue scanning until they find Cerri. You’re surprised you’re still able to stand due to the look of pure and unfiltered hatred Cerri is giving you at this moment. You try to look away but find you can’t. Possibly because you’re afraid she’s going to leap across the pit at you, at any moment. “Alex, baby, why don’t you come and stand over here with me?” She calls across. Alex shakes his head and calmly replies, “No, I’m where I should be, thanks.” You hear a growl and you wait nervously for a distraction. ]\ (if:$rotahand is "yes")[As you stand next to Fleur, your eyes scan the group, quickly landing on Abe. He smiles and nods at you, before his eyes flicker down and see your hand linked with Rota’s. He doesn’t acknowledge it, but you see him look to the ground, before returning to his conversation with Zein. Your eyes continue scanning until they find Eli. He looks to you, then to Rota, before smiling and giving a casual salute. ]\ (if:$aayushhand is "yes")[As you stand next to Fleur, your eyes scan the group, quickly landing on Abe. He smiles and nods at you, before his eyes flicker down and see your hand linked with Aayush’s. He doesn’t acknowledge it, but you see him look to the ground, before returning to his conversation with Zein. Your eyes continue scanning until they find Cerri. You’re surprised you’re still able to stand due to the look of pure and unfiltered hatred Cerri is giving you at this moment. You try to look away but find you can’t. Possibly because you’re afraid she’s going to leap across the pit at you, at any moment. “Aayush, sweetie, why don’t you come and stand over here with me?” She calls across. Aayush answers calmly, his usual amount of charm dripping from every word, “That’s very kind, but I’m exactly where I should be so I’ll stay here.” You hear a growl and you wait nervously for a distraction.]\ (if:$elihand is "yes")[As you stand next to Fleur, your eyes scan the group, quickly landing on Abe. He smiles and nods at you, before his eyes flicker down and see your hand linked with Eli’s. He doesn’t acknowledge it, but you see him look to the ground, before returning to his conversation with Zein. Your eye’s continue to scan the group. $couple1 watches you intently before staring at the flames which suddenly seem to grow in size. They cause an orange glow to sprad across $couple1's face, and it does nothing to ease the feeling that there is a difficult conversation on your horizon. You look around, waiting for any kind of distraction to break the tension.]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Abe")[As you stand next to Fleur, your eyes scan the group. $couple1 watches you intently before staring at the flames which suddenly seem to grow in size. They cause an orange glow to spread across $couple1's face, and it does nothing to ease the feeling that there is a difficult conversation on your horizon. You look around, waiting for any kind of distraction to break the tension.]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Catarina")[As you stand next to Fleur, your eyes scan the group, quickly landing on Abe. He smiles and nods at you before returning to his conversation with Zein. $couple1 seems to be avoiding your gaze and you wait for something, anything, to break the tension. ]\ (if:$elihand is "no")[As you look around the group there is a tension in the air. $couple1 seems to be avoiding your gaze and you wait for something, anything, to break the tension.]\ (if:$alexhand is "no")[As you look around the group you can feel the tension crackling in the air. You wait for something, anything, to break the tension.]\ (if:$aayushhand is "no")[As you look around the group you can feel the tension crackling in the air. You wait for something, anything, to break the tension.]\ (if:$rotahand is "no")[As you look around the group you can feel the tension crackling in the air. You wait for something, anything, to break the tension.] The distraction comes in the form of $boomer. “Buried lovers! I’m sure you’ll all join me again in congratulating $name and $mazechoice on their big win. Aren’t they lucky to have been able to share a romantic date together?” $boomer continues. “But a labyrinth isn’t enough excitement for us. No, no, no. We can’t have you all getting too relaxed can we? Tomorrow evening there will be another recoupling! No evictions this time. Instead there will be a chance to find true love once more. And trust me when I say you’re going to want to be with someone your heart desires for day 6. We have quite the treat waiting for you!” You can feel the ripple of energy as it moves around the group. A recoupling could change everything again. Who will get to choose first? If it’s you, who will you pick? You feel a pull on your arm and turn to find Fleur looking beside herself with excitement. “$name, we need to regroup. Now. I need the gossip. Every detail.” You look back to $mazechoice apologetically as you’re pulled towards the path that leads to the beach, which apparently still exists. You find that fact strangely reassuring. Once you’re out of earshot Fleur speaks quietly. “Sorry to drag you away, I just thought you could maybe use a little headspace. You looked a bit stunned at the announcement, and honestly you could cut the tension in the air with a knife. How are you doing?” [[“I’m fine. Well I was fine. No saving needed, thanks.”]] [[“Yeah, I’m not sure how I am. It’s a lot to process isn’t it? A chat would be good, thank you.”]] [[“I’m ok I think. But yeah, the tension around the pit wasn’t great.”]]

{(set: $aayushhand to "yes") (set: $romanceaayush to $romanceaayush +10) }You reach across and take his outstretched hand. The coolness you’ve already grown to expect envelopes you. The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Aayush sighs very slightly. “There it is. Our little haven has been ripped open. Who would have thought that a space filled with ominous mirrors, spike pits and spooky twins would have turned into such a safe haven. I think I blame the company for causing me to become attached.” He smiles at you before looking back to the space that had been a wall only seconds earlier. “Let’s return to the dome,” Aayush says, squeezing your hand gently. [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

{(set: $aayushhand to "no") }The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Aayush sighs very slightly. “There it is. Our little haven has been ripped open. Who would have thought that a space filled with ominous mirrors, spike pits and spooky twins would have turned into such a safe haven. I think I blame the company for causing me to become attached.” He smiles at you before looking back to the space that had been a wall only seconds earlier. “Let’s return to the dome,” Aayush says. [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

{(set: $rotahand to "yes") (set: $romancerota to $romancerota +10) }You reach across and take her outstretched hand. You can feel her strength emanating through her touch. The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Rota makes a frustrated noise. “Well there it is. The path back to the others. Just a little wile longer would have been nice. Unless...unless the news we’re about to hear is something positive. I can’t imagine there would be another coupling ceremony so soon, but what if. Maybe that’s the real prize.” Rota’s voice is full of excitement and you find yourself getting caught up in the face that there could be another ceremony. “Let’s do this, then,” Rota says, squeezing your hand gently. [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

{(set: $rotahand to "no") }The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Rota makes a frustrated noise. “Well there it is. The path back to the others. Just a little wile longer would have been nice. Unless...unless the news we’re about to hear is something positive. I can’t imagine there would be another coupling ceremony so soon, but what if. Maybe that’s the real prize.” Rota’s voice is full of excitement and you find yourself getting caught up in the face that there could be another ceremony. “Let’s do this, then,” Rota says. [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

{(set: $elihand to "yes") (set: $romanceeli to $romanceeli +10) }You reach across and take his outstretched hand. The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Eli grins. “Woo. Our path back to the drama centre of the dome. I can’t wait. Although in all seriousness, I can’t wait to find out if this is going to be some good news for us. You never know.” He laughs. “Sorry, I just realised how naive I sound.” He looks back to the space that had been a wall moments earlier. “Ok, my blade swinging partner, let’s do this” Eli says, squeezing your hand gently. [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

{(set: $elihand to "no") }The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Eli grins. “Woo. Our path back to the drama centre of the dome. I can’t wait. Although in all seriousness, I can’t wait to find out if this is going to be some good news for us. You never know.” He laughs. “Sorry, I just realised how naive I sound.” He looks back to the space that had been a wall moments earlier. “Ok, my blade swinging partner, let’s do this” Eli says. [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Abe jumps slightly at the noise. “Well, there we go. The path back to the others. Back to being watched,” he sighs. “Sorry, that was a bit melancholic. I have a feeling that the big announcement will be a recoupling and I’m not sure if that’s good news.” He shrugs. “Let’s do this, then.” [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

The two of you walk to the centre of the room and stand together waiting to see what $boomer has planned. A crashing noise behind you provides your answer, and you spin on your heels to see the farthest wall has collapsed into a pile of branches and leaves, exposing the path you recognise as leading you to the hell pit. By your judgement that means that this part of the labyrinth is built on the deep end of the pool. Weird. Catarina laughs. “The drama of this place, honestly. Destroy an entire wall rather than just make a door. Well, $name, the Hell Pit awaits.” [[Walk to the Hell Pit together.]]

Fleur giggles nervously. “Sorry. I just think everyone is getting super serious really quickly, and it’s causing so much drama. You seem to find yourself at the centre of so much of it. I just wanted you to know that I’m here to talk to any time.” “And me.” You turn to find Zein jogging along the path behind you. “I hope it’s ok for me to join you guys. No one is talking over by the pit. They’re all just kind of standing there in silence. It’s beyond awkward.” “Of course babe. We were just talking about the drama in this place,” Fleur responds, taking Zein’s hand and kissing it gently. “Yeah,” Zein replies, and you see they’re blushing at the touch of Fleur’s lips. “I think one day in here seems to feel like a month, so everyone’s emotions are heightened." Fleur nods. "That's so true babe. It would be nice if the recoupling meant that everyone is just settled for a little while, you know?” [[“Yeah, maybe that’ll happen.”]] [[“Well you guys are settled, at least.”]] [[“There is no chance that we’re going to be allowed to settle any time soon.”]]

Fleur nods. “I think everyone is getting super serious really quickly, and it’s causing so much drama. You seem to find yourself at the centre of so much of it. Just know that I’m here to talk to any time.” “And me.” You turn to find Zein jogging along the path behind you. “I hope it’s ok for me to join you guys. No one is talking over by the pit. They’re all just kind of standing there in silence. It’s beyond awkward.” “Of course babe. We were just talking about the drama in this place,” Fleur responds, taking Zein’s hand and kissing it gently. “Yeah,” Zein replies, and you see they’re blushing at the touch of Fleur’s lips. “I think one day in here seems to feel like a month, so everyone’s emotions are heightened." Fleur nods. "That's so true babe. It would be nice if the recoupling meant that everyone is just settled for a little while, you know?” [[“Yeah, maybe that’ll happen.”]] [[“Well you guys are settled, at least.”]] [[“There is no chance that we’re going to be allowed to settle any time soon.”]]

Zein sighs. “Unlikely. They need to make things dramatic for our adoring public.” The three of you reach the beach and sit down on the sand. There are no lights on and it’s so dark you can barely see them. “Hmm, I can do something about this,” Fleur mutters to herself. Then with a click of her fingers her wings appear, stretching out behind her, and casting a glow of pale light around you. They’re stunning and you catch yourself staring at them. “I don’t know why you hide them, Fleur,” Zein says affectionately. “They’re a part of you.” Fleur laughs and points at you. “Because when they’re on show people tend to look like that.” You shake your head and break your stare. [[“Sorry, they’re just so beautiful. You’re so beautiful, I mean.”]] [[“It’s just not every day you see someone with glowing wings, you know?”]]

Zein sighs. “Hopefully. Unless the producers decide to create more drama. You know, for the adoring public's pleasure.” The three of you reach the beach and sit down on the sand. There are no lights on and it’s so dark you can barely see them. “Hmm, I can do something about this,” Fleur mutters to herself. Then with a click of her fingers her wings appear, stretching out behind her, and casting a glow of pale light around you. They’re stunning and you catch yourself staring at them. “I don’t know why you hide them, Fleur,” Zein says affectionately. “They’re a part of you.” Fleur laughs and points at you. “Because when they’re on show people tend to look like that.” You shake your head and break your stare. [[“Sorry, they’re just so beautiful. You’re so beautiful, I mean.”]] [[“It’s just not every day you see someone with glowing wings, you know?”]]

Zein sighs. “Yeah, you’re right, I know you are. They need to make things dramatic for our adoring public.” The three of you reach the beach and sit down on the sand. There are no lights on and it’s so dark you can barely see them. “Hmm, I can do something about this,” Fleur mutters to herself. Then with a click of her fingers her wings appear, stretching out behind her, and casting a glow of pale light around you. They’re stunning and you catch yourself staring at them. “I don’t know why you hide them, Fleur,” Zein says affectionately. “They’re a part of you.” Fleur laughs and points at you. “Because when they’re on show people tend to look like that.” You shake your head and break your stare. [[“Sorry, they’re just so beautiful. You’re so beautiful, I mean.”]] [[“It’s just not every day you see someone with glowing wings, you know?”]]

Fleur smiles at you. “Thank you, $name. That means a lot, really. I’m so used to hiding who I am around humans. I guess it’ll just take me a little while to get comfortable with it.” She reaches out and affectionately pats your hand. “How are you feeling after the maze experience? It was quite something, huh? Zein and I kept getting distracted. We didn’t even make it to the door. How did you guys do so well?” (if:$mazechoice is "Alex")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Alex kept us moving forward. It was thanks to him, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Alexteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Alexsselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Aayush")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Aayush kept us moving forward. It was thanks to him, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Aayushteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Aayushsselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Abe")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Abe kept us moving forward. It was thanks to him, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Abeteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Abesselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Eli")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Eli kept us moving forward. It was thanks to him, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Eliteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Elisselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Rota")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Rota kept us moving forward. It was thanks to her, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Rotateamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Rotasselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Catarina")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Catarina kept us moving forward. It was thanks to her, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Catteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Catsselfmaze]] ]

Fleur looks uncomfortable. “That's true. That's why I’m so used to hiding who I am around humans. I guess it’ll just take me a little while to get comfortable with it.” She shakes her head slightly and then smiles. “How are you feeling after the maze experience? It was quite something, huh? Zein and I kept getting distracted. We didn’t even make it to the door. How did you guys do so well?” (if:$mazechoice is "Alex")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Alex kept us moving forward. It was thanks to him, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Alexteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Alexsselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Aayush")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Aayush kept us moving forward. It was thanks to him, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Aayushteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Aayushsselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Abe")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Abe kept us moving forward. It was thanks to him, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Abeteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Abesselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Eli")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Eli kept us moving forward. It was thanks to him, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Eliteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Elisselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Rota")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Rota kept us moving forward. It was thanks to her, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Rotateamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Rotasselfmaze]] ]\ (if:$mazechoice is "Catarina")[\ [["Oh, we had our distractions, but Catarina kept us moving forward. It was thanks to her, really."]] [[“We worked together. It was a great bit of teamwork.”|Catteamwork.]] [[“It was all down to me.”|Catsselfmaze]] ]

Fleur nods. “I can imagine that Alex would be great in that kind of situation. We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and Alex worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Alex. Still feeling those werewolf vibes, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? Abe maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Alex was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Alex was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Alex might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and Alex worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Alex. Still feeling those werewolf vibes, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? Abe maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Alex was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Alex was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Alex might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur looks surprised. “Well check you out. Labyrinth expert! We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and Alex worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Alex. Still feeling those werewolf vibes, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? Abe maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Alex was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Alex was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Alex might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “I can imagine that Aayush would be great in that kind of situation. We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Aayush. Still feeling those vampire vibes, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? Abe maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Aayush was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Aayush was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Aayush might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Aayush. Still feeling those vampire vibes, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? Abe maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Aayush was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Aayush was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Aayush might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur looks surprised. “Well check you out. Labyrinth expert! We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Aayush. Still feeling those vampire vibes, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? Abe maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Aayush was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Aayush was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Aayush might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “I can imagine that Abe would be great in that kind of situation. We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Abe. I know it'll have meant a lot to him as well. Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? $couple1 maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Abe was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Abe was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Abe might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Abe. I know it'll have meant a lot to him as well. Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? $couple1 maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Abe was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Abe was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Abe might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur looks surprised. “Well check you out. Labyrinth expert! We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Abe. I know it'll have meant a lot to him as well. Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? $couple1 maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Abe was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Abe was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Abe might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “I can imagine that Eli would be great in that kind of situation. We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Eli. Wanting to explore what coupling with the Elven Prince would be like, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? $couple1 maybe, or Abe?” [[“No, Eli was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Eli was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Eli might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Eli. Wanting to explore what coupling with the Elven Prince would be like, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? $couple1 maybe, or Abe?” [[“No, Eli was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Eli was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Eli might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur looks surprised. “Well check you out. Labyrinth expert! We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Eli. Wanting to explore what coupling with the Elven Prince would be like, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? $couple1 maybe, or Abe?” [[“No, Eli was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Eli was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Eli might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “I can imagine that Rota would be great in that kind of situation. We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Rota. Still feeling those Valkyrie vibes, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? Abe maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Rota was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Rota was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Rota might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Alex. Still feeling those werewolf vibes, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? Abe maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Rota was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Rota was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Rota might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur looks surprised. “Well check you out. Labyrinth expert! We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I love that you chose to follow Alex. Still feeling those werewolf vibes, huh? Were you even slightly tempted to follow someone else? Abe maybe, or Eli?” [[“No, Rota was the only choice for me.”]] [[“I did think about it, but I think I made the right decision. Exploring with Rota was fun.”]] [[“Yeah, following Rota might have been a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen to get to know someone else a bit better.”]]

Fleur nods. “I can imagine that Cat would be great in that kind of situation. We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I'm so intrigued that you ended up exploring with Catarina. How did that happen?” [[“I went through an empty door and found Cat. It was as simple as that.”]] [[“I was hoping I'd find her, and luckily I did!”]] [[“I was hoping to find someone else, if I'm honest.”]]

Fleur nods. “We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I'm so intrigued that you ended up exploring with Catarina. How did that happen?” [[“I went through an empty door and found Cat. It was as simple as that.”]] [[“I was hoping I'd find her, and luckily I did!”]] [[“I was hoping to find someone else, if I'm honest.”]]

Fleur looks surprised. “Well check you out. Labyrinth expert! We kinda failed at the first challenge there. We hit a branch in the path and couldn’t agree which way to go. I was sure the left was a dead end, but Zein was adamant it was the quickest route.” Zein laughs. “I was wrong apparently. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did lead us straight into the path of a giant spider. Luckily Fleur is apparently able to build a friendship with all living creatures, and so it just followed us around the labyrinth instead. Of course, we had to keep stopping so that Fleur could pet it. I’m sure that’s why we didn’t make it to the centre first.” Fleur squeals at Zein. “Not fair! Steven was a bit scared. I think someone had made him giant and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was reassuring him. It was more likely to be the fact you tried to find a route that didn’t involve talking to the twins!” You watch them both playfully argue about the choices they made in the Labyrinth, and feel secretly pleased to hear that you and $mazechoice worked so well together. Fleur eventually admits defeat and looks back at you. “Anyway, I'm so intrigued that you ended up exploring with Catarina. How did that happen?” [[“I went through an empty door and found Cat. It was as simple as that.”]] [[“I was hoping I'd find her, and luckily I did!”]] [[“I was hoping to find someone else, if I'm honest.”]]

Fleur claps her hands together, her face a picture of delight. “I’ve loved you guys together from day one. Does that mean you’re going to choose him tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask him to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Alex for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseAlexroute]]

Fleur smiles. “Well, I've loved you guys together from day one. Does that mean you’re going to choose him tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask him to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Alex for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseAlexroute]]

Fleur's eyes look at you sadly. “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. What a wasted opportunity. What does that mean for your recoupling choice tomorrow?” You quietly think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Alex for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseAlexroute]]

{(set: $recoupling3desire to "Alex") }Fleur squeals so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Babe, I am so happy for you. Honestly. The connection between you has been crazy from the start. I’m so excited to see where things go for you guys.” Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

Fleur's eyes grow wide. Zein laughs. "You've done it now, $name, you're going to have to tell her who or we won't hear the end of it." Fleur looks offended and then laughs. "Ok, I was going to protest and say that's not true. But it absolutely is true. Who are you hoping to couple up with instead?" Ok, here it is. Who have you got your eye on in this crazy little dome you're currently calling home? [["Aayush"|couple3hopeaayush]] [["Rota"|couple3hoperota]] [["Eli"|couple3hopeeli]] [["Abe"|couple3hopeabe]] [["Cerri"|couple3hopecerri]] [["Catarina"|couple3hopecatarina]]

Zein watches you quietly for a moment, seemingly deciding whether to say something. “Oh, it’s continually one of the most exhausting experiences of my life, but that’s a story for another day.” You want to understand what they mean by that, but you’re interrupted by Fleur who is clutching three giant cocktails in her tiny hands. Fleur hands you both and sits back down. “This place is so weird. Who would have thought a giant labyrinth would appear in the middle? It’s almost like everything here has been designed to mess with our heads. I mean, who knows what the dome will look like tomorrow?” “Back to the beach vibes,” Zein quickly replies. “I mean, I’m guessing that’s where they’re going next. They’ll want the beautiful people back in their swimming costumes. It’s all about the viewers, after all.” There’s a tone in Zein’s voice that causes you to watch them carefully. But their face is giving nothing away, and with a smile Zein turns back to you. “Speaking of messing with our heads, I wonder whether anyone else will be joining us or if this is it.” [[“Surely this has to be everyone. How could the dome cope with anyone else?”]] [[“I kinda hope soon. It’d be good to mix things up.”]]

Zein nods. "Yeah, I just don't trust the producers. I'm sure they'll mess it up for us again. I've been lucky so far with Fleur, but I can't imagine they'll keep making it easy for us. I also keep thinking about what is coming next. I wonder whether anyone else will be joining us or if this is it.” [[“Surely this has to be everyone. How could the dome cope with anyone else?”]] [[“I kinda hope soon. It’d be good to mix things up.”]]

Zein laughs. “True. We are a handful. But I think we’ve been missing something since Lily left. I feel like they’ll bring a new person in soon.” Fleur wraps her arms around Zein’s neck. “As long as they keep away from my gorgeous genie then the more the merrier.” Zein kisses Fleur’s forehead. “I’m not going anywhere. At least unless you want me to.” They look softly at each other and you shift awkwardly, wondering if you could politely excuse yourself. There are other conversations you’d quite like to be having right now. Fleur snaps her eyes away from Zein. “Sorry babe. My head spins when I’m around this one.” She points to Zein, who grins. “I can’t believe I’m in one of ‘those’ couples for the first time in my life. The kind who are soft and fluffy and cause other people to want to throw something at them. I never thought I would find the one for me.” [[“The one? Babe, it’s been what...five days, since you met?”]] [[“Ah that’s...nice.”]] [[“You guys are actually too cute. I can’t cope.”]]

Zein laughs. “Not enough drama around here for you? Not some more competition in the mix?” Fleur wraps her arms around Zein’s neck. “As long as they keep away from my gorgeous genie then the more the merrier.” Zein kisses Fleur’s forehead. “I’m not going anywhere. At least unless you want me to.” They look softly at each other and you shift awkwardly, wondering if you could politely excuse yourself. There are other conversations you’d quite like to be having right now. Fleur snaps her eyes away from Zein. “Sorry babe. My head spins when I’m around this one.” She points to Zein, who grins. “I can’t believe I’m in one of ‘those’ couples for the first time in my life. The kind who are soft and fluffy and cause other people to want to throw something at them. I never thought I would find the one for me.” [[“The one? Babe, it’s been what...five days, since you met?”]] [[“Ah that’s...nice.”]] [[“You guys are actually too cute. I can’t cope.”]]

Fleur looks a little bit like you've just slapped her. She blinks at you a few times before shaking her head, her pink curls bouncing. “Ok, message received, enough fluffy talk. Anyway, how are you going to approach the conversations you clearly need to have tonight?” Conversations? Fleur’s right, you probably do have at least two people you should speak to about tomorrow. It’s impossible to know if the cards are going to play in your favour at the recoupling, but some grafting never hurts. Although some honest conversations might. You’re about to answer when a very nervous sounding $boomer speaks. “Uh can all Buried Lovers please make their way back to their huts now. Please. Like. Right now.” Wait. Return to your hut now? But you’ve got people you need to talk to. Is this just another power play? Just to make things difficult. You’re about to say something when you hear a noise in the darkness. A hissing sound. It sounds like it’s saying “mine...soon”. Zein’s body tenses. “Did you hear that?” You say ‘yes’, but your voice sounds more like a squeak. The sound is still reverberating around your head. “Right, I’m getting you both back to your hut now, the producers haven’t mentioned this.” Even in your confused state your brain registers that it’s odd that Zein would expect the producers to run everything past them. Fleur stands up and takes hold of your hand and pulls you to your feet. “I think it’s time we get to a better lit area. Something feels wrong. Very wrong.” The three of you reach the path that is now stretching behind the labyrinth and back to the row of huts, thankful for the lights that are guiding your way. Fleur looks to you once you’re back in a fully lit area. “Are you ok? That was weird?” [[“Yeah, a bit spooked but I’m ok.”]] [[“A bit freaked out to be honest. What was that noise?”]] [[“Yeah, it takes more than a whisper to scare me.”]]

“Right, we need to stop with this. $name, how are you going to approach the conversations you clearly need to have tonight?” Conversations? Fleur’s right, you probably do have at least two people you should speak to about tomorrow. It’s impossible to know if the cards are going to play in your favour at the recoupling, but some grafting never hurts. Although some honest conversations might. You’re about to answer when a very nervous sounding $boomer speaks. “Uh can all Buried Lovers please make their way back to their huts now. Please. Like. Right now.” Wait. Return to your hut now? But you’ve got people you need to talk to. Is this just another power play? Just to make things difficult. You’re about to say something when you hear a noise in the darkness. A hissing sound. It sounds like it’s saying “mine...soon”. Zein’s body tenses. “Did you hear that?” You say ‘yes’, but your voice sounds more like a squeak. The sound is still reverberating around your head. “Right, I’m getting you both back to your hut now, the producers haven’t mentioned this.” Even in your confused state your brain registers that it’s odd that Zein would expect the producers to run everything past them. Fleur stands up and takes hold of your hand and pulls you to your feet. “I think it’s time we get to a better lit area. Something feels wrong. Very wrong.” The three of you reach the path that is now stretching behind the labyrinth and back to the row of huts, thankful for the lights that are guiding your way. Fleur looks to you once you’re back in a fully lit area. “Are you ok? That was weird?” [[“Yeah, a bit spooked but I’m ok.”]] [[“A bit freaked out to be honest. What was that noise?”]] [[“Yeah, it takes more than a whisper to scare me.”]]

Fleur smiles softly. "We really are. So, $name, how are you going to approach the conversations you clearly need to have tonight?” Conversations? Fleur’s right, you probably do have at least two people you should speak to about tomorrow. It’s impossible to know if the cards are going to play in your favour at the recoupling, but some grafting never hurts. Although some honest conversations might. You’re about to answer when a very nervous sounding $boomer speaks. “Uh can all Buried Lovers please make their way back to their huts now. Please. Like. Right now.” Wait. Return to your hut now? But you’ve got people you need to talk to. Is this just another power play? Just to make things difficult. You’re about to say something when you hear a noise in the darkness. A hissing sound. It sounds like it’s saying “mine...soon”. Zein’s body tenses. “Did you hear that?” You say ‘yes’, but your voice sounds more like a squeak. The sound is still reverberating around your head. “Right, I’m getting you both back to your hut now, the producers haven’t mentioned this.” Even in your confused state your brain registers that it’s odd that Zein would expect the producers to run everything past them. Fleur stands up and takes hold of your hand and pulls you to your feet. “I think it’s time we get to a better lit area. Something feels wrong. Very wrong.” The three of you reach the path that is now stretching behind the labyrinth and back to the row of huts, thankful for the lights that are guiding your way. Fleur looks to you once you’re back in a fully lit area. “Are you ok? That was weird?” [[“Yeah, a bit spooked but I’m ok.”]] [[“A bit freaked out to be honest. What was that noise?”]] [[“Yeah, it takes more than a whisper to scare me.”]]

Zein nods. “Yeah, I’m the same to be honest. I don’t know what that noise was, but it felt like it was scratching at my brain. Probably just $boomer messing with us. I’m still getting you both straight home and safe. No arguments.” You’re not inclined to argue, and the three of you reach your hut in no time. You look around to see if you can see $recoupling3desire. “Yessss.” The hiss. Nope. The conversation can wait. “You two get inside,” Zein says. It feels more like an order than a request, but you’re not inclined to argue. “I’m going to look around for a minute and then retreat myself.” “Stay safe babe.” Fleur says, kissing Zein before going inside. You step inside your own hut and quickly close the door. How much drama can one day bring? Seriously. You look around the hut, your head spinning. Today has been insane. Surely things have to calm down tomorrow, right? The breakfast table, and any traces of your morning with Abe, have been removed. [[Climb onto your bed.]]

Zein's eyes widen. “You're braver than me. I don’t know what that noise was, but it felt like it was scratching at my brain. Probably just $boomer messing with us. I’m still getting you both straight home and safe. No arguments.” You’re not inclined to argue, and the three of you reach your hut in no time. You look around to see if you can see $recoupling3desire. “Yessss.” The hiss. Nope. The conversation can wait. “You two get inside,” Zein says. It feels more like an order than a request, but you’re not inclined to argue. “I’m going to look around for a minute and then retreat myself.” “Stay safe babe.” Fleur says, kissing Zein before going inside. You step inside your own hut and quickly close the door. How much drama can one day bring? Seriously. You look around the hut, your head spinning. Today has been insane. Surely things have to calm down tomorrow, right? The breakfast table, and any traces of your morning with Abe, have been removed. [[Climb onto your bed.]]

You climb on your bed, listening for any sounds outside, but everything is quiet. So tomorrow will bring another recoupling. Another shake-up. More drama. Hopefully less labyrinth peril, and much less whispering. There’s only one thing for it. Time for some sleep. Day 5 Part 1 ‘Kicking My Heart Around’ is coming soon!

Fleur claps her hands together, her face a picture of delight. “I’ve loved you guys together from day one. Does that mean you’re going to choose him tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask him to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Aayush for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseaayushroute]]

Fleur smiles. “Well I’ve loved you guys together from day one. Does that mean you’re going to choose him tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask him to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Aayush for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseaayushroute]]

Fleur's eyes look at you sadly. “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. What a wasted opportunity. What does that mean for your recoupling choice tomorrow?” You quietly think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Aayush for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseaayushroute]]

Fleur looks at you with her eyes wide, her face a picture of delighted surprise. “So you guys have got a connection, huh? I didn't see that coming! But you'd be the cutest couple! Does that mean you’re going to choose him tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask him to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Abe for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseAberoute]]

Fleur looks at you with her eyes wide. “So you guys have got a connection, huh? I didn't see that coming! But you'd be the cutest couple! Does that mean you’re going to choose him tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask him to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Abe for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseAberoute]]

Fleur's eyes look at you sadly. “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. What a wasted opportunity. What does that mean for your recoupling choice tomorrow?” You quietly think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Abe for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseAberoute]]

Fleur claps her hands together and squeals. "You'll be the most gorgeous couple, I can't cope with how much I want to see you guys together! Does that mean you’re going to choose him tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask him to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Eli for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseEliroute]]

Fleur smiles. "That sounds hopeful! I can't cope with how much I want to see you guys together! Does that mean you’re going to choose him tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask him to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Eli for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseEliroute]]

Fleur's eyes look at you sadly. “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. What a wasted opportunity. What does that mean for your recoupling choice tomorrow?” You quietly think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Eli for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseEliroute]]

Fleur claps her hands together, her face a picture of delight. “I’ve loved you guys together from day one. Does that mean you’re going to choose her tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask her to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Rota for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseRotaroute]]

Fleur smiles. “Well I’ve loved you guys together from day one. Does that mean you’re going to choose her tomorrow, if you get a choice? Or ask her to choose you?” You laugh at her excitement, but then think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Rota for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseRotaroute]]

Fleur's eyes look at you sadly. “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. What a wasted opportunity. What does that mean for your recoupling choice tomorrow?” You quietly think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [[“It’s Rota for me, definitely. I’m all in.”]] [[“No, there’s someone else I want to couple with.”|someoneelseRotaroute]]

Fleur's eyes are sparkling with excitement. "Or maybe it was fate bringing you together. Was there a spark? Would you want to couple up with her if you get a chance?" You think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [["There really was a spark. I think I do want to couple up with her, and get to know her better."]] [["No, I don't want to couple up with her. There's someone else for me."]]

Fleur's eyes are sparkling with excitement. "It's like fate brought you together. So was there a spark? Would you want to couple up with her if you get a chance?" You think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [["There really was a spark. I think I do want to couple up with her, and get to know her better."]] [["No, I don't want to couple up with her. There's someone else for me."]]

Fleur's eyes looks sad. "Aw that's too bad. It seems like fate wanted to bring you guys together, though. So how was it? Was there a spark, and would you want to couple up with her? Or the 'someone else' you were hoping to find?" You think through your answer. It feels like the answer you give right now could be important. [["There really was a spark. I think I do want to couple up with her, and get to know her better."]] [["No, I don't want to couple up with her. There's someone else for me."]]

{(set: $recoupling3desire to "Aayush") }Fleur squeals so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Babe, I am so happy for you. Honestly. The connection between you has been crazy from the start. I’m so excited to see where things go for you guys.” Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

Fleur's eyes grow wide. Zein laughs. "You've done it now, $name, you're going to have to tell her who or we won't hear the end of it." Fleur looks offended and then laughs. "Ok, I was going to protest and say that's not true. But it absolutely is true. Who are you hoping to couple up with instead?" Ok, here it is. Who have you got your eye on in this crazy little dome you're currently calling home? [["Alex"|couple3hopealex]] [["Rota"|couple3hoperota]] [["Eli"|couple3hopeeli]] [["Abe"|couple3hopeabe]] [["Cerri"|couple3hopecerri]] [["Catarina"|couple3hopecatarina]]

{(set: $recoupling3desire to "Abe") }Fleur squeals so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Babe, I am so happy for you. Honestly. He's so sweet and kind. I think he'll make you so happy. I’m so excited to see where things go for you guys.” Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

Fleur's eyes grow wide. Zein laughs. "You've done it now, $name, you're going to have to tell her who or we won't hear the end of it." Fleur looks offended and then laughs. "Ok, I was going to protest and say that's not true. But it absolutely is true. Who are you hoping to couple up with instead? Is it $couple1?" Ok, here it is. Who have you got your eye on in this crazy little dome you're currently calling home? [["Alex"|couple3hopealex]] [["Rota"|couple3hoperota]] [["Eli"|couple3hopeeli]] [["Aayush"|couple3hopeaayush]] [["Cerri"|couple3hopecerri]] [["Catarina"|couple3hopecatarina]]

{(set: $recoupling3desire to "Eli") }Fleur squeals so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Babe, I am so happy for you. Honestly. The attraction between you has been so obvious from that first moment at the blindfold challenge. I’m so excited to see where things go for you guys.” Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

Fleur's eyes grow wide. Zein laughs. "You've done it now, $name, you're going to have to tell her who or we won't hear the end of it." Fleur looks offended and then laughs. "Ok, I was going to protest and say that's not true. But it absolutely is true. Who are you hoping to couple up with instead? Is it $couple1?" Ok, here it is. Who have you got your eye on in this crazy little dome you're currently calling home? [["Alex"|couple3hopealex]] [["Rota"|couple3hoperota]] [["Abe"|couple3hopeabe]] [["Aayush"|couple3hopeaayush]] [["Cerri"|couple3hopecerri]] [["Catarina"|couple3hopecatarina]]

{(set: $recoupling3desire to "Rota") }Fleur squeals so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Babe, I am so happy for you. Honestly. The connection between you has been crazy from the start. I’m so excited to see where things go for you guys.” Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

Fleur's eyes grow wide. Zein laughs. "You've done it now, $name, you're going to have to tell her who or we won't hear the end of it." Fleur looks offended and then laughs. "Ok, I was going to protest and say that's not true. But it absolutely is true. Who are you hoping to couple up with instead?" Ok, here it is. Who have you got your eye on in this crazy little dome you're currently calling home? [["Alex"|couple3hopealex]] [["Aayush"|couple3hopeaayush]] [["Eli"|couple3hopeeli]] [["Abe"|couple3hopeabe]] [["Cerri"|couple3hopecerri]] [["Catarina"|couple3hopecatarina]]

{(set: $recoupling3desire to "Catarina") }Fleur squeals so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Babe, I am so happy for you. Honestly. I didn't see this coming but I’m so excited to see where things go for you guys.” Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

Fleur's eyes grow wide. Zein laughs. "You've done it now, $name, you're going to have to tell her who or we won't hear the end of it." Fleur looks offended and then laughs. "Ok, I was going to protest and say that's not true. But it absolutely is true. Who are you hoping to couple up with instead? Is it $couple1?" Ok, here it is. Who have you got your eye on in this crazy little dome you're currently calling home? [["Alex"|couple3hopealex]] [["Rota"|couple3hoperota]] [["Eli"|couple3hopeeli]] [["Aayush"|couple3hopeaayush]] [["Cerri"|couple3hopecerri]] [["Abe"|couple3hopeabe]]

(set: $recoupling3desire to "Aayush")\ (if:$couple1 is not "Aayush")[Fleur exclaims so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Whaaaat! I didn't see that coming at all! When you didn't choose to couple up with him I know that he was gutted. But I've hardly seen you guys talking. Oh wow. $couple1 is going to be crushed. Oh, and Abe!” Zein coughs. “But we absolutely support your decision, right?” Fleur nods emphatically. "Of course. We're behind you, no matter what. You have to follow your happiness, right?"]\ (if:$couple1 is "Aayush")[Fleur squeals so loudly that you're sure the whole dome heard. "He'll be so happy! Ah! I'm so happy you're getting back together!"] Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

(set: $recoupling3desire to "Rota")\ (if:$couple1 is not "Rota")[Fleur exclaims so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Whaaaat! I didn't see that coming at all! When you didn't choose to couple up with her I know that she was gutted. But I've hardly seen you guys talking. Oh wow. $couple1 is going to be crushed. Oh, and Abe!” Zein coughs. “But we absolutely support your decision, right?” Fleur nods emphatically. "Of course. We're behind you, no matter what. You have to follow your happiness, right?"]\ (if:$couple1 is "Rota")[Fleur squeals so loudly that you're sure the whole dome heard. "She'll be so happy! Ah! I'm so happy you're getting back together!"] Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

(set: $recoupling3desire to "Eli")\ Fleur exclaims so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Whaaaat! I didn't see that coming at all! After he didn't choose you...and you didn't choose to find him in the labyrinth? Oh wow. $couple1 is going to be crushed. Oh, and Abe!” Zein coughs. “But we absolutely support your decision, right?” Fleur nods emphatically. "Of course. We're behind you, no matter what. You have to follow your happiness, right?" Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

(set: $recoupling3desire to "Cerri")\ Fleur exclaims so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Whaaaat! But she's done nothing other that direct her bad attitude towards you. Oh wow. $couple1 is going to be crushed. Oh, and Abe!” Zein coughs. “But we absolutely support your decision, right?” Fleur nods emphatically. "Of course. We're behind you, no matter what. You have to follow your happiness, right?" Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together if you can get through the tension. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

(set: $recoupling3desire to "Catarina")\ Fleur exclaims so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Whaaaat! I didn't see that coming at all! What a shame you didn't get to spend time with her in the maze to see if there's a spark. Oh wow. $couple1 is going to be crushed. Oh, and Abe!” Zein coughs. “But we absolutely support your decision, right?” Fleur nods emphatically. "Of course. We're behind you, no matter what. You have to follow your happiness, right?" Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

(set: $recoupling3desire to "Abe")\ Fleur squeals so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “I'm so surprised but so happy! He has the kindest heart, I just know it. Oh wow. $couple1 is going to be crushed.” Zein coughs. “But we absolutely support your decision, right?” Fleur nods emphatically. “Of course. We're behind you, no matter what. You have to follow your happiness, right?” Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

(set: $recoupling3desire to "Alex")\ (if:$couple1 is not "Alex")[Fleur exclaims so loudly that you’re sure the whole dome must have heard her. “Whaaaat! I didn't see that coming at all! When you didn't choose to couple up with him I know that he was gutted. But I've hardly seen you guys talking. Oh wow. $couple1 is going to be crushed. Oh, and Abe!” Zein coughs. “But we absolutely support your decision, right?” Fleur nods emphatically. "Of course. We're behind you, no matter what. You have to follow your happiness, right?"]\ (if:$couple1 is "Alex")[Fleur squeals so loudly that you're sure the whole dome heard. "He'll be so happy! Ah! I'm so happy you're getting back together!"] Zein grins. “I honestly think you’re going to have so much fun together. If this place actually allows it, you know. I’m still nervous that they’re going to mess with us at the recoupling tomorrow.” Fleur stands up. “Oh babe, you worry too much. Have faith. Are you guys ok if I leave for a minute to get a drink? I’ll be right back.” Zein nods and pulls a small bottle out of their pocket. It glows and emits a faint light. It’s enough that you can at least see each other. “Sure babe. See you in a minute.” Zein shrugs and smiles. “Meet my portable home. I take it everywhere with me. The producers weren’t happy, but I said it was a condition of me being here.” You look at Zein, stunned. The producers didn’t seem the type to accept any kind of deal or shift of power. They must have really wanted Zein in the show. [[“Wow. What’s it like to actually have won a power battle with those guys?”]] [[“So you’re a bit worried about the recoupling?”]]

{(set:$zeinintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-right shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/h7W0YLk.jpg"></div><div class="main-right"><span class="zein" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Zein...</span> Genie <img src="https://i.imgur.com/nhqJjO8.gif" style="display: inline; height: 1.4em; margin: -8px 0 -1px 0;"> 22 <b>From:</b> Their bottle...or Turkey <b>Likes:</b> Raki, Escape Rooms & Bad Movies <b>Dislikes:</b> People who wish for 1000 wishes')(alert:$zeinintro)}So this was the other half of Fleur's couple. Zein is more reserved in their welcome and pats you on the arm. "Alright? Has Fleur filled you in? I'm guessing that from the speed she both moves and talks, the answer is yes?" You smile and nod. Zein continues, "In that case, welcome. We're a pretty amazing group, even if I do say so myself, you'll fit right in." A deep voice draws your attention. [["Yeah, I'd second that."]]

{(set:$zeinintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-right shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/h7W0YLk.jpg"></div><div class="main-right"><span class="zein" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Zein...</span> Genie <img src="https://i.imgur.com/nhqJjO8.gif" style="display: inline; height: 1.4em; margin: -8px 0 -1px 0;"> 22 <b>From:</b> Their bottle...or Turkey <b>Likes:</b> Raki, Escape Rooms & Bad Movies <b>Dislikes:</b> People who wish for 1000 wishes')(alert:$zeinintro)}Zein is more reserved in their welcome and pats you on the arm. "Alright? Has Fleur filled you in? I'm guessing that from the speed she both moves and talks, the answer is yes?" You smile and nod. Zein continues, "In that case, welcome. We're a pretty amazing group, even if I do say so myself, you'll fit right in." A deep voice draws your attention. [["Yeah, I'd agree with that."]]

{(set:$abeintro to '<div class="dialog-flex"><div class="aside-right shadowcentered"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/lxamwgM.jpg"></div><div class="main-right"><span class="abe" style="font-weight:bold;">Meet Abe...</span> Human <img src="https://i.imgur.com/lubV4Ii.gif" style="display: inline; height: 1.1em; margin: -2px 0 -6px 0;"> 26 <b>From:</b> Berlin <b>Likes:</b> Peace, Reading, Pancakes <b>Dislikes:</b> Can\'t think of anything <i>(suspicious, no?)</i>')(alert:$abeintro)}As Abe introduces himself you find yourself drawn to his smile. "So unless I'm mistaken, you're another human. Well...welcome! I was honestly so worried about being surrounded by so much power, so much magic, but everyone has been so friendly, I've hardly thought about the fact I'm a mere mortal." You're momentarily speechless, the reality of the situation hitting you for a moment, and you can see your stunned reflection in his glasses. Fleur fills the silence. "Hmm, well two people aren't joining the welcome wagon apparently." Fleur folds her arms and looks at the couple who are still pressed against each other in the pool, the girl's arms locked around the guy in a posture that could easily be interpreted as possessive. [[Well, maybe they're shy and I should go and say hello.]] [[Um. Rude. Maybe it's time to bring the party to them.]]

Firstly, today you want to be refered as: <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|personp>[$genderdescriptlower]</span> * (link-repeat:"girl")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to "girl")(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]] * (link-repeat:"boy")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to "boy")(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]] * (link-repeat:"person")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to "person")(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]] * (link-repeat:"something different")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to (prompt: "You want to be refered as (i.e. 'person)?", $genderdescriptlower))(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(if: $genderdescriptlower is "")[(replace:?personp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter how you want to be refered as!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]]] And secondly, please confirm your pronouns: |theyp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span>(if: $gender1lower is not "")[ / ]]|themp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span>(if: $gender2lower is not "")[ / ]] |theirp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span>(if: $genderpossessive2 is not "")[ / ]] |theirsp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span>(if: $genderpossessivelower is not "")[ / ]] <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|themselfp>[$genderreflexive]</span> * (link-repeat: "She / her")[(set:$gender1lower to "she")(set:$gender1upper to "She")(set:$gender2lower to "her")(set:$gender2upper to "Her")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Hers")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "hers")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "her")(set: $genderpossessive2upper to "Her")(set: $genderreflexive to "herself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * (link-repeat: "He / him")[(set:$gender1lower to "he")(set:$gender1upper to "He")(set:$gender2lower to "him")(set:$gender2upper to "Him")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "His")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "his")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "his")(set: $genderpossessive2upper to "His")(set: $genderreflexive to "himself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * (link-repeat: "They / them")[(set:$gender1lower to "they")(set:$gender1upper to "They")(set:$gender2lower to "them")(set:$gender2upper to "Them")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "their")(set: $genderpossessive2upper to "Their")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "theirs")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Theirs")(set: $genderreflexive to "themself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * (link-repeat: "Xe / xem")[(set:$gender1lower to "xe") (set:$gender1upper to "Xe")(set:$gender2lower to "xem")(set:$gender2upper to "Xem")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Xyrs")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "xyrs")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "xyr")(set: $genderreflexive to "xemself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * (link-repeat: "Ze / zir")[(set:$gender1lower to "ze") (set:$gender1upper to "Ze")(set:$gender2lower to "zir") (set:$gender2upper to "Zir")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Zirs")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "zirs")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "zir")(set: $genderreflexive to "zirself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * Custom pronouns //(click "change" to enter)//: ** Subject (i.e.them): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|theychange>[$gender1lower]</span> (link-repeat: "|theychangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $gender1lower to (prompt: "Enter Subjective i.e. 'they'", $gender1lower))(set: $gender1upper to (upperfirst: $gender1lower))(if: $gender1lower is "")[(replace:?theyp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Subjective pronouns!</span>](replace:?theychange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Subjective pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower]]] ** Object (i.e. them): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|themchange>[$gender2lower]</span> (link-repeat: "|themchangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $gender2lower to (prompt: "Enter Objective i.e. 'them'", $gender2lower))(set: $gender2upper to (upperfirst: $gender2lower))(if: $gender2lower is "")[(replace:?themp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Objective pronouns!</span>](replace:?themchange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Objective pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> /](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower]]] ** Possessive Determiner (i.e. their): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|theirchange>[$genderpossessive2]</span> (link-repeat: "|theirchangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $genderpossessive2 to (prompt: "Enter Possessive Determiner i.e. 'their'", $genderpossessive2))(set: $genderpossessive2upper to (upperfirst: $genderpossessive2))(if: $genderpossessive2 is "")[(replace:?theirp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive Determiner pronouns!</span>](replace:?theirchange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive Determiner pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2]]] ** Possessive (i.e. theirs): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|theirschange>[$genderpossessivelower]</span> (link-repeat: "|theirschangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $genderpossessivelower to (prompt: "Enter Possessive Pronoun i.e. 'theirs'", $genderpossessivelower))(set: $genderpossessiveupper to (upperfirst: $genderpossessivelower))(if: $genderpossessivelower is "")[(replace:?theirsp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive pronouns!</span>](replace:?theirschange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower]]] ** Reflexive (i.e. themself): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|themselfchange>[$genderreflexive]</span> (link-repeat: "|themselfchangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $genderreflexive to (prompt: "Enter Reflexive Pronoun i.e. 'themself'", $genderreflexive))(if: $genderreflexive is "")[(replace:?themselfp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Reflexive pronouns!</span>](replace:?themselfchange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Reflexive pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]]] (link-repeat: "[Return]<pron|")[{ (if: $gender1upper is "" or $gender2upper is "" or $genderpossessiveupper is "" or $genderdescriptupper is "" or $genderpossessive2 is "" or $genderreflexive is "")[(replace: ?pron)[<span style="color:red;">Enter your pronouns and gender!</span><br>Return]] (else:)[(goto: $lastpassage)]}]

Firstly, today you want to be refered as: <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|personp>[$genderdescriptlower]</span> * (link-repeat:"girl")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to "girl")(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]] * (link-repeat:"boy")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to "boy")(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]] * (link-repeat:"person")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to "person")(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]] * (link-repeat:"something different")[(set: $genderdescriptlower to (prompt: "You want to be refered as (i.e. 'person)?", $genderdescriptlower))(set: $genderdescriptupper to (upperfirst: $genderdescriptlower))(if: $genderdescriptlower is "")[(replace:?personp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter how you want to be refered as!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?personp)[$genderdescriptlower]]] Secondly, please confirm your pronouns: |theyp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span>(if: $gender1lower is not "")[ / ]]|themp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span>(if: $gender2lower is not "")[ / ]] |theirp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span>(if: $genderpossessive2 is not "")[ / ]] |theirsp>[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span>(if: $genderpossessivelower is not "")[ / ]] <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|themselfp>[$genderreflexive]</span> * (link-repeat: "She / her")[(set:$gender1lower to "she")(set:$gender1upper to "She")(set:$gender2lower to "her")(set:$gender2upper to "Her")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Hers")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "hers")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "her")(set: $genderpossessive2upper to "Her")(set: $genderreflexive to "herself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * (link-repeat: "He / him")[(set:$gender1lower to "he")(set:$gender1upper to "He")(set:$gender2lower to "him")(set:$gender2upper to "Him")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "His")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "his")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "his")(set: $genderpossessive2upper to "His")(set: $genderreflexive to "himself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * (link-repeat: "They / them")[(set:$gender1lower to "they")(set:$gender1upper to "They")(set:$gender2lower to "them")(set:$gender2upper to "Them")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "their")(set: $genderpossessive2upper to "Their")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "theirs")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Theirs")(set: $genderreflexive to "themself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * (link-repeat: "Xe / xem")[(set:$gender1lower to "xe") (set:$gender1upper to "Xe")(set:$gender2lower to "xem")(set:$gender2upper to "Xem")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Xyrs")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "xyrs")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "xyr")(set: $genderreflexive to "xemself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * (link-repeat: "Ze / zir")[(set:$gender1lower to "ze") (set:$gender1upper to "Ze")(set:$gender2lower to "zir") (set:$gender2upper to "Zir")(set:$genderpossessiveupper to "Zirs")(set:$genderpossessivelower to "zirs")(set:$genderpossessive2 to "zir")(set: $genderreflexive to "zirself")(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> / ](replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]] * Custom pronouns //(click "change" to enter)//: ** Subject (i.e.them): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|theychange>[$gender1lower]</span> (link-repeat: "|theychangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $gender1lower to (prompt: "Enter Subjective i.e. 'they'", $gender1lower))(set: $gender1upper to (upperfirst: $gender1lower))(if: $gender1lower is "")[(replace:?theyp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Subjective pronouns!</span>](replace:?theychange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Subjective pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?theyp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender1lower</span> / ](replace:?theychange)[$gender1lower]]] ** Object (i.e. them): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|themchange>[$gender2lower]</span> (link-repeat: "|themchangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $gender2lower to (prompt: "Enter Objective i.e. 'them'", $gender2lower))(set: $gender2upper to (upperfirst: $gender2lower))(if: $gender2lower is "")[(replace:?themp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Objective pronouns!</span>](replace:?themchange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Objective pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?themp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$gender2lower</span> /](replace:?themchange)[$gender2lower]]] ** Possessive Determiner (i.e. their): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|theirchange>[$genderpossessive2]</span> (link-repeat: "|theirchangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $genderpossessive2 to (prompt: "Enter Possessive Determiner i.e. 'their'", $genderpossessive2))(set: $genderpossessive2upper to (upperfirst: $genderpossessive2))(if: $genderpossessive2 is "")[(replace:?theirp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive Determiner pronouns!</span>](replace:?theirchange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive Determiner pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?theirp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessive2</span> / ](replace:?theirchange)[$genderpossessive2]]] ** Possessive (i.e. theirs): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|theirschange>[$genderpossessivelower]</span> (link-repeat: "|theirschangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $genderpossessivelower to (prompt: "Enter Possessive Pronoun i.e. 'theirs'", $genderpossessivelower))(set: $genderpossessiveupper to (upperfirst: $genderpossessivelower))(if: $genderpossessivelower is "")[(replace:?theirsp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive pronouns!</span>](replace:?theirschange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Possessive pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?theirsp)[<span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">$genderpossessivelower</span> / ](replace:?theirschange)[$genderpossessivelower]]] ** Reflexive (i.e. themself): <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|themselfchange>[$genderreflexive]</span> (link-repeat: "|themselfchangelink>[📝change]")[(set: $genderreflexive to (prompt: "Enter Reflexive Pronoun i.e. 'themself'", $genderreflexive))(if: $genderreflexive is "")[(replace:?themselfp)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Reflexive pronouns!</span>](replace:?themselfchange)[<span style="color:red;">Enter Reflexive pronouns!</span>]](else:)[(replace:?themselfp)[$genderreflexive](replace:?themselfchange)[$genderreflexive]]] And lastly, are you gender-fluid and want to change your pronouns midgame? <span style="border-bottom: 3px solid #00c3a7;">|genderfluid>[(if: $genderfluid is 0)[No](elseif: $genderfluid is 1)[Yes]]</span> * (link-repeat: "Yes")[(set: $genderfluid to 1)(replace:?genderfluid)[Yes]] * (link-repeat: "No")[(set: $genderfluid to 0)(replace:?genderfluid)[No]] (link-repeat: "[Confirm]<pron|")[{ (if: $gender1upper is "" or $gender2upper is "" or $genderpossessiveupper is "" or $genderdescriptupper is "" or $genderpossessive2 is "" or $genderreflexive is "")[(replace: ?pron)[<span style="color:red;">Enter your pronouns and gender!</span><br>Confirm]] (else:)[(goto:"Confirm")]}]

Profiles: friends {(set: $friendalex to 100) (set: $friendaayush to 100) (set: $friendrota to 100) (set: $friendeli to 100) (set: $friendcatarina to 100) (set: $friendfleur to 100) (set: $friendcerri to 100) (set: $friendzein to 100) (set: $friendabe to 100) (set: $friendlily to 100) }(link-goto:"Alex - beating heart + sneaky kiss", "testromancealexfull") (link-goto:"Aayush - beating heart + sneaky kiss", "testromanceaayushfull") (link-goto:"Rota - beating heart + sneaky kiss", "testromancerotafull") (link-goto:"Eli - beating heart + sneaky kisses", "testromanceelifull") (link-goto:"Catarina - beating heart + sneaky kiss", "testromancecatarinafull") (link-goto:"Abe - beating heart + sneaky kiss", "testromanceabefull") (link-goto:"Cerri - beating heart + sneaky kiss", "testromancecerrifull") (link-goto:"Zein & Fleur - enemy", "testzeinenemy")

Profile: sneaky kisses + beating heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "Alex") (set: $couple1 to "Alex") (set: $romancealex to 200) }(link-goto:"Alex - turning heart", "testromancealexturn")

Profile: sneaky kisses + beating heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "Aayush") (set: $couple1 to "Aayush") (set: $romanceaayush to 200)}(link-goto:"Aayush - turning heart", "testromanceaayushturn")

Profile: sneaky kisses + beating heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "Rota") (set: $couple1 to "Rota") (set: $romancerota to 200) }(link-goto:"Rota - turning heart", "testromancerotaturn")

Profile: sneaky kisses + beating heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "Eli") (set:$elifirstkiss to "yes") (set: $couple1 to "Eli") (set: $romanceeli to 200)} (link-goto:"Eli - turning heart", "testromanceeliturn")

Profile: sneaky kisses + beating heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "Catarina") (set: $couple1 to "Catarina") (set: $romancecatarina to 200) }(link-goto:"Catarina - turning heart", "testromancecatarinaturn")

Profile: sneaky kisses + beating heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "Abe") (set: $couple1 to "Abe") (set: $romanceabe to 200) }(link-goto:"Abe - turning heart", "testromanceabeturn")

Profile: sneaky kisses + beating heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "Cerri") (set: $couple1 to "Cerri") (set: $romancecerri to 200) }(link-goto:"Cerri - turning heart", "testromancecerriturn")

Profile: turning heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romancealex to 50) }(link-goto:"Alex - broken heart", "testromancealexbroken")

Profile: turning heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romanceaayush to 50)}(link-goto:"Aayush - broken heart", "testromanceaayushbroken")

Profile: turning heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romancerota to 50) }(link-goto:"Rota - broken heart", "testromancerotabroken")

Profile: turning heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set:$elifirstkiss to "no") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romanceeli to 50) }(link-goto:"Eli - broken heart", "testromanceelibroken")

Profile: turning heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romancecatarina to 50) }(link-goto:"Catarina - broken heart", "testromancecatarinabroken")

Profile: turning heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romanceabe to 50) }(link-goto:"Abe - broken heart", "testromanceabebroken")

Profile: turning heart + friends {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romancecerri to 50) }(link-goto:"Cerri - broken heart", "testromancecerribroken")

Profile: broken heart + enemies {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romancealex to -50) (set: $friendalex to -100) }(link-goto:"Back to friends", "testfriends")

Profile: broken heart + enemies {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romanceaayush to -50)(set: $friendaayush to -100) }(link-goto:"Back to friends", "testfriends")

Profile: broken heart + enemies {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romancerota to -50)(set: $friendrota to -100) }(link-goto:"Back to friends", "testfriends")

Profile: broken heart + enemies {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set:$elifirstkiss to "yes") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romanceeli to -50)(set: $friendeli to -100) }(link-goto:"Back to friends", "testfriends")

Profile: broken heart + enemies {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romancecatarina to -50)(set: $friendcatarina to -100) }(link-goto:"Back to friends", "testfriends")

Profile: broken heart + enemies {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romanceabe to -50)(set: $friendabe to -100) }(link-goto:"Back to friends", "testfriends")

Profile: broken heart + enemies {(set: $day4kiss to "") (set: $couple1 to "") (set: $romancecerri to -50)(set: $friendcerri to -100) }(link-goto:"Back to friends", "testfriends")

{(set: $friendzein to -100)(set: $friendfleur to -100)}Profile: fluer & zein are enemy (link-goto:"Back to friends", "testfriends")