Autumn Leaves 2

ChapelR's LinkKey macro:\n\nwww.reddit.com/r/twinegames/comments/5t73zc/keyboard_driven_twining_tutorial/?st=jd1ych2w&sh=9a420d5b\n\n[[Back to Start|Start]]

<<timed 2s>>...\n<<next>>\n"Autumn Leaves II"\n<<next>>\nmade for AceJam in 2018\n<<next>>\nby Communist Sister Interactive\n<<next>>\n...\n<<next>>\nThank you for playing! I hope you enjoyed this sequel to the last game.\n<<next>>\nIn some ways it has been cathartic to think about my own experiences of asexuality and hand them off to a fictional character.\n<<next>>\nI am looking forward to playing everyone else's entries and seeing the wide range of different stories told, different experiences shared, different viewpoints.\n<<next>>\nThe nice thing about the queer community is that there are so many different takes on things.\n<<next>>\nI hope that you have found something in this game that speaks to you.\n<<next>>\nAnd if not, well, I hope you enjoyed it anyway.\n<<next>>\nTake care,\n<<next>>\nFreya C\n<<next>>\n[[Back to Start|Start]]\n[[Programming Credits|Code credits]]\n<</timed>>

It’s a beautiful autumn afternoon. The clouds in the sky are still letting little patches of sunlight through, and there’s a nice breeze.\n\nThe breeze feels nice on your cheek, as it stings, and as blood trickles down the back of your throat.\n\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You hear one pair of footsteps making a run for it. After a second, Autumn leans over you, blocking out a ray of sun.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“George? Are you okay?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear whilst leaning on her spade and looking down at you, concerned.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You’re glad she didn’t get beat up. Just you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I’m fine.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> You reach up to touch your cheek where it stings, and to dab at the drip of blood coming from your nose. You play it cool.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “You should see the other guy.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn smiles sadly. After a second she looks up.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Charlie’s run off. There’s two teachers coming over.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Great. You know how this is going to go.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I’m going to get into trouble again.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “You probably are too. Sorry.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn shakes her head.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Don’t apologise. Thank you for defending me.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It doesn’t feel like it was that way around. The image of Autumn brandishing a spade to scare off Charlie — after you’d both gotten hits in — is burned into your mind.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>[[“You too.”|ChapterOne]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

You stop to take a breath and push your fringe away from your eyes, dripping water down your face.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn looks dumbfounded for a moment, before letting out a tiny, relieved laugh as her cheeks blush.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I don’t think you’re dumb as shit, George.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Uh…. Thanks.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She giggles.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I’m sorry for yesterday. But… I do like you, George.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“…I’m happy that you like me.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You feel a dumb smile break out on your face, and your heart feels like it’s going to explode out of your chest.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You take a few breaths to steady yourself, and the two of you stare at each other through the rain.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn leans her head on her hand.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“What do we do now, George?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You look down at the ground for a moment. You hadn’t really planned this far.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Um… I don’t know.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I want to make something work.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“In… whatever form that takes.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn looks happy. Really happy. You almost can’t stand looking at her expression — not can’t stand as in it hurts, can’t stand as in you think you’re going to burn up.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“We can work it out, George.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Whatever you’re comfortable with. I won’t pressure you.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I mean… at least holding hands would be nice, maybe.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I can do that!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You feel the impulse to climb the wall and hold Autumn’s hand, just to prove it.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“How about now?!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn snorts a surprisingly ugly laugh.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“You’re really serious, aren’t you.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You nod in response, feeling the rain drip down onto your legs.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I’m sorry. My Dad’s home and, it’s still kind of exclusion, I…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I can’t let you in right now.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You kinda thought this would happen on the bike ride over. It’s still disappointing.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It must show on your face, because Autumn suddenly looks concerned.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Sorry! But, um, I’ll call you later. And…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“…see you before school on Monday, maybe?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Okay. Cool. Um, I’ll… head back.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Make sure you dry off! Don’t get a cold now…”\n[[~|ChapterFiveText5]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

That last little bit from Autumn is what echoes in your head on the bike ride back.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It dawns on you, this is why you like her.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>After what now, in hindsight, was a painfully embarrassing performance—\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>—And you are so glad none of your friends saw that, how you’d explain it you haven’t a clue—\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>—Anyway, after that… she’s still nice and concerned and caring. Don’t get a cold.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>What a dork.\n[[~|Epilogue]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>\n

That’s…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You put the phone down for a moment and your eyes defocus as you think.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>First off, Autumn is so nice?? Wtf?\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But also you feel awful because it’s not that you’re not into her, you are, and…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You really don’t want it to come across that way.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>This is a mess.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You have to clear this up.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Your fingers hesitate over the phone keys for a moment.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>No. You should call her instead. You can’t think how to phrase everything you think and feel into 160 characters.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You call and nervously hold the phone to your ear.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The number you have dialled is not available. Please leave a message after the tone.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>No. No no no.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Maybe Autumn’s online instead. You clamber out of bed and boot your computer up whilst pacing around.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>What do you want?\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You want…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You don’t want to just forget things.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You… don’t specifically want to redo everything from yesterday again.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>As you blink you see Autumn sat on top of you again.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>A sad expression on her face.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Your computer finishes booting up. You open up messenger and…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Not online.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You groan and lean your head on your hands.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>...\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You think about the situation.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Sure, you could send a text, but there’s no guarantee Autumn will get it. Or read it.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>And… you’d be sending ten texts, probably.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Whatever. It’s a last resort.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You pause for a moment, looking at your phone screen.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…it’s not the last resort. You could just go over there.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You look outside at the rain.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Who cares! Getting this right is more important than staying dry!\n[[~|ChapterFiveText3]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

You arrive at Autumn’s place drenched, your bike skidding to a halt.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>There’s a car outside. A big black SUV, mud splashes covering the bottom half.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>That’s new. You look past it at the lounge window, which is vaguely illuminated. You can’t see through the net curtains very well, but it looks like someone’s in there.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Someone not Autumn.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Hmmm…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The only family member she’s mentioned is her father.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>And you really don’t want the first time you meet her father to be whilst you’re soaking wet and emotional.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You go around to the side. Autumn’s window should be…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>There it is. Her light’s on too, though you can’t see much else from this angle.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You hunt around on the ground for something light. You grab a few little twigs and start throwing them at the window.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>After the third twig, you pause for a moment. A shadow moves between the light and the window, and peers out.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn’s face morphs through a few different expressions — surprise, concern, sadness — before she unlocks the window and pulls it upwards.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“George! What are you…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“You’re soaked…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You take a deep breath.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I don’t care! I’m… I’m…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The carefully rehearsed speech you prepared on the bike ride her goes blank. You scrabble for words and it comes out more direct than you planned.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I don’t want to forget about yesterday!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn opens her mouth to reply, but you continue.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“It’s not you! I think, um, I think you’re really great and I like you a lot and, I think I like you more than a friend.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“And… it sounds dumb as shit that I’m saying it but, last night, it’s not about you it’s, um… me.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I’m not comfortable with, uh, being all intimate and stuff. But I’m, I’m, um, I’m comfortable around you. With you.”\n[[~|ChapterFiveText4]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

You’ve never been a fan of labels. Your experience with them at school is mostly through insults.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But this, here, being able to put your own label to something and not have it forced upon you…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It confirms something.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You wonder when Autumn first had this same moment of recognition.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You’ve kind of skirted around the whole trans thing with her. You haven’t asked. You didn’t want to be rude or make a fuss about it.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She hasn’t brought it up directly, either.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You don’t care about it other than to not make it an issue. You care for Autumn, as a person, as someone who gets you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You’ve heard your friends mention it more than she has. Not… particularly nicely. With about all the respect a bunch of teenagers are usually able to give.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You wonder what the reaction will be to you two being some kind of item.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It scares you. Not so much for you. I mean, you’ve been off school for punching back. No big deal.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But you don’t want Autumn to get any stick.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The image of her wielding a spade in your defence flashes before your eyes.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Ha, maybe you shouldn’t worry about that so much.\n[[~|EpilogueText3]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

You don’t remember falling asleep. You must have, eventually.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Now you’re awake. You slept in later than usual and the house is quiet except for the sound of rain again.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Well…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You probably weren’t going anywhere with Autumn today anyway.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Not after yesterday.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You groan and roll over onto your side and stare at the palms of your hands.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>That wasn’t how you wanted anything to go.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>With a groan you stretch your arms out, and grab your phone out of habit.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>One text from Autumn.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>...\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Hi George. Sorry about yesterday and making you uncomfortable. It’s ok if you’re just not into me. Let’s just forget it and be friends still x\n[[~|ChapterFiveText2]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

<<set $blush to "no">><<set $kiss to 2>>AUTUMN LEAVES II\n\na game made for Acejam 2018\n\n(it is highly suggested you play [[Autumn Leaves|https://communistsister.itch.io/Autumn-Leaves]] prior to this.)\n\nTip: Where you see a ~, you can press Spacebar to advance.\n\n[[Begin|Prologue]]\n[[End]]

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You wake up feeling almost kind of cheerful.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>This ain’t so bad, to be home from school. I mean…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Okay, your parents were kind of irritated… and disappointed…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Urgh.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Better at least try and stay in their good books.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Your eyes stray over your bag, still sat by your desk.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Maybe you should start some of the exclusion homework.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…….later.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Okay, it’s later and you’re regretting starting the homework. Specifically the maths. Usually you kind of not quite almost a little bit slightly copy your friend’s answers.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It’s not that you’re bad at maths.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Not quite.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>A little bit.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Anyway, whether you’re good or bad at it doesn’t matter as long as you get it done to a sort of standard that the teacher won’t immediately hand back.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Okay, let’s do this.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You pump yourself up for the third time, and immediately pick up your phone instead.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>What are you doing.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…you look at your contacts list for a moment.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn’s going to be at home, too. And she’s smart.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…You think she’s smart. She seems it. At the very least, she’s the year above and has probably done this homework before.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You boot up your computer. Maybe she’s online.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She is! You calm yourself and play it cool. You don’t want to annoy her or anything by talking to her all the time.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You’re juuuuuust on that edge where you kinda feel like you don’t need an excuse to talk to her every time. You could just start a conversation.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Just do it.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>[[Talk to Autumn|ChapterTwoText2]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

G: Hi\n<<timed 2s>>A: Hiii George!\n<<next 2s>>A: How are you?\n<<next 2s>>G: bored lol\n<<next 2s>>G: stuck on homewrok\n<<next 2s>>G: *homework\n<<next 2s>>A: Awhh\n<<next 2s>>A: did you want any help?\n<<next 2s>>A: as long as its not patronising!\n<<next 3s>>How can Autumn be such a perfect cinnamon roll? You hesitate before replying, keeping your cool.\n<<next 2s>>G: yes pls\n<<next 2s>>G: u good at maths?\n<<next 2s>>A: I’m not bad at it. Lets see if I can help :)\n<<next 3s>>The two of you go over your homework for a while. Autumn’s pretty good at answering the questions. The way she talks through your working on Probabilities even makes more sense, and as you reach the end of this worksheet you feel like you understand it better than before.\n<<next 5s>>G: i think i get it a bit better??\n<<next 2s>>G: u should be a teacher lol\n<<next 2s>>A: Awh thanks. I tried to make it easy to follow :)\n<<next 2s>>G: yeh seriusoly thanks!\n<<next 2s>>G: *seriously\n<<next 2s>>A: it’s okay.\n<<next 2s>>A: I was kinda bored today anyway\n<<next 2s>>A: So this made a change!\n<<next 2s>>G: yeh exclusion gets super dull\n<<next 2s>>G: last time i snuck out\n<<next 2s>>A: Gasp\n<<next 2s>>A: Whaaat? Arent you meant to nt be out during school hours?\n<<next 2s>>A: *not\n<<next 2s>>G: well i gues but…. Im bored as hell lol\n<<next 2s>>G: and its not like i deserved to be excluded\n<<next 2s>>G: or you!!\n<<next 2s>>A: you’re right\n<<next 2s>>A: it’s stupid :(\n<<next 2s>>An idea springs to mind, and you try to restrain an excited grin as you type.\n<<next 2s>>G: we should go out tomorrow\n<<next 2s>>G: theres sumwhere i think youd like\n<<next 5s>>A: if you’re sure it will be ok then ok!\n<<next 2s>>A: My dad isn’t home tomorrow\n<<next 2s>>A: as long as we stay away from too many people!\n<<next 2s>>G: dont worry, its out the way\n<<next 2s>>G: have u got a bike?\n<<next 2s>>A: I do :)\n<<next 2s>>A: I will need to check it but I think it should be fine\n<<next 1s>>G: ok cool\n\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Oh wow. And now you can’t think about anything else than tomorrow. You hope Autumn will like what you’re planning but, really, it involves plants so she probably will.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You hope she will, anyway. Most of you is itching to leave just to not sit in your room and be bored, but…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But part of you wants to see Autumn smile and have a nice time.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You don’t want her to be bored either.\n[[~|ChapterThree]]<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</timed>>

Chapter Three\n\n(Thursday)\n\n[[~|ChapterThreeText1]]

You say goodbye at the door.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn waves unenergetically as you get on your bike.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You didn’t argue or anything.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>That… would almost have been nicer.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>This just leaves you with a tight feeling in your stomach.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Like you’ve somehow let her down.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn saying it’s not your fault is technically correct but still doesn’t help you feel any better.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You like her, dammit. After a few days you can admit that to yourself, at least.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>So… why doesn’t that extend to physically, too?\n[[~|ChapterFive]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

<<set $blush to "no">>\n<<set $kiss to 2>>

You have no idea what that means.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Uhh… I mean, I’m kinda cool—“\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“No, dummy. It means asexual. I read it before somewhere.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“So… you don’t feel any attraction to people sexually. To… me.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Is that… an actual thing? You hadn’t heard the phrase before.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But the idea that it’s not just a you-thing but one that others feel is… relieving.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It would kind of explain this whole situation that is happening right here.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>This situation where you feel like you really like Autumn but also don’t want her sat on top of you kissing you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I should probably get off your lap.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Um. Sorry.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Don’t be…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn’s voice quivers a little as she speaks. Every single tiny part of those two words feels horrible and makes you feel terrible.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She looks away from you and climbs off you. Off the bed.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She walks over to the TV and turns it off without a word.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Uh…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I’m sorry. Please forget this happened.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Autumn, I don’t—“\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“No, it’s, it’s fine. It’s my fault for, for making you do something you didn’t, um, didn’t want to.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>When she turns back to you she’s smiling a very unconvincing smile.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“It’s stopped raining. Um…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Maybe you should… go home for today.”\n[[...|ChapterFourText8]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

It’s warm.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You feel overwhelmed and close your eyes on instinct.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn feels hesitant at first, but after a moment her hand turns and she grasps yours between her fingers.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She kisses you harder and you feel yourself pressed against the headboard.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You can feel the tickle of her hair on your cheek. The smell of her perfume. Did she usually wear that?\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She stops and draws back for a second. You open your eyes to see her staring into yours, deep brown irises mesmerising. She takes a breath and you remember, oh, right, you need to breathe.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Um…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Shhh.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn leans closer and climbs on top of you, legs either side as she sits on your lap.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She pushes a bit of hair bit of hair behind her ear and looks at you with a nervous smile.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You don’t know what to do. What to say.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You feel like a rabbit caught in headlights.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Y’know, cute headlights, at least. But…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>This feels weird.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn leans in and kisses you again.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>For a moment everything feels fine. It feels great. The whole world has disappeared and it’s just you two.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But… it goes. And it’s Autumn kissing you with… much more enthusiasm than you’re returning.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You suddenly feel the last few days of every feeling you’ve had for her play through your mind.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Even after talking yourself out of it, it’s obvious you have a crush on her, or something like that.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>So… why doesn’t this feel right?\n[[...|ChapterFourText6]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

As the rain continues to fall a short while later, you’re sat at Autumn’s desk, the last of your homework in front of you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Your feet are dry, at least, in fluffy blue-and-pink striped socks.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Can’t believe you’re doing homework…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “But it’s friday already. I don’t want to work on it over the weekend…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She had a point. You groan and turn your attention back to your own.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It’s kind of nice working together, though. Even if you don’t like the homework itself.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…Wait, you think this is nice?\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Your friends can never know you think doing homework is nice, even on occasion.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You stifle a little laugh and Autumn looks at you suspiciously.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “What?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “It’s, uh, nothing. Just…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “My mates would laugh at this, y’know. Just doing homework.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn shrugs gently and looks back at her own work.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “It’s kind of nice, though… working together. Even if you don’t like the work itself.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Woah. Took the words right out your head.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Ha, um, I thought like the exact same thing.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>To your surprise, Autumn blushes and her pen pauses for a second. She glances sideways at you for a second.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I’m nearly finished. How much have you got left?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Uh, this page and the next.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Well. Sooner we both finish, sooner we can do something else instead.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She raises her head to look out the window. It’s still raining outside.\n[[~|ChapterFourText3]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

“What do you mean you haven’t seen the Lion King?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I dunno, I just don’t watch much disney.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “We should watch it now, then. If… you want to.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You don’t really care what you watch. It’s still chucking it down outside and… watching a film with Autumn sounds nice either way.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She crosses the room and fiddles with her TV for a moment, sorting out the channel and putting in the dvd.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>When done, she picks up the remote and flops onto the bed.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn glances at you, then scoots up to the side with a smile.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>This is cool. Just act casual, George. You’ve watched a film whilst sat in the same bed as a friend before. No big deal.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You take your spot and exaggerate just how relaxed your posture is. One knee up with your arm resting on it.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Your other hand, closest to Autumn, feels weird to put anywhere.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>A brief image of the around-the-shoulder move comes to you and you fight off the idea.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You just let it rest on the bed between you instead.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…You realise a short while in that you’re not really concentrating.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>This isn’t really your kind of film. But Autumn seems into it, at least.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Your eyes start to wander around the room.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You glance over at the desk, where your finished homework sits.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You glance at the window, where a few cute charms are hanging from one of the handles.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You glance down at your hand, resting on the bed.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn’s hand is resting next to it.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Not quite touching, but close.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>A sudden impulse flares up in your head.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>[[Put your hand on hers.|ChapterFourText4a]]\n[[Don’t put your hand on hers.|ChapterFourText4b]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

The sky doesn’t look quite as happy the next morning.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You look at it from bed and hope that all the rain stays in the clouds.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You look at it from the breakfast table, chewing toast in silence whilst your dad makes a flask of coffee.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You look at it from the window five minutes before leaving the house.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Sky still looks alright. Just a bit grey, is all.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>...\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>By the time you reach Autumn’s house, you and your bike are soaked.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It picked exactly the moment you were halfway there to chuck it down with rain.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn answers the doorbell, aghast.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Oh, George! You’re drenched! Come in, quick.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She steps back and gestures for you to come in. You hesitate to wheel your bike inside but Autumn gestures for you to do so anyway, leaning it up against the wall for you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I’ll get you a towel. Um, you can leave your jumper on the hook…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She points to a coatstand and runs upstairs. You stand in the hallway, shrugging off your wet hoody and watching rain drip off your fringe.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>When Autumn returns, she passes you the towel whilst looking apologetic.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I’m sorry, George.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “What for?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I’d hoped to show you the old train track, but…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She gestures to outside and the rain. After a second you laugh.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “You don’t have to apologise for that!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I know… but you’ve cycled here and gotten wet and we won’t be heading out now.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You shrug and take your damp shoes off, leaving them on the doormat.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Well, whatever, I’m here now. Let’s just…. hang out or something.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn takes a breath as if to say something, then lets it out and just smiles instead. She glances down at your feet.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Ok. Sure. Let me get you some dry socks, at least.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She starts to go back upstairs, before turning and beckoning for you to follow.\n[[~|ChapterFourText2]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

You fumble for your phone in sudden determination to help Autumn. You check the time - it should be lunchtime at school - and call a friend. Joe answers with a laugh.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Oi oi Georgie! You only went and got excluded again didn’t ya?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Yeah, Charlie tried it on again. It’s fucking unfair, y’know?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Yeah totally. Here, Liz spotted him this morning on the way in, he’s home too with the biggest black eye, you musta fuckin decked him.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You absentmindedly rub your face, still sore. When you checked your eye in the mirror this morning it was bruised.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I tried. It… don’t feel like much.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Joe goes quiet on the other end of the line for a moment.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Sorry, dude. I shoulda been there to back you up.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Don’t worry about it. I… had help anyway.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Yeah?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Actually, that’s kinda, uh, I need to pull a favour.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“What? You want us to beat him up more? He’s got a lot of mates…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Nah that’s not it. You know, uh, that garden I’ve been helping at? Can you water the plants there on tuesday and thursday?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Joe goes quiet again for a moment, and you feel a little embarrassed.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Whaaaaat you mean where you’ve been hanging out with that tr- that girl?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Yea—“\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“You got a crush on her or something? I thought you was gay?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Shut up, it’s not like that. She got excluded too and I feel bad.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Yeahhhh of course, mate. Whatever. I’ll go water your plants for your girlfriend.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“She’s not—“\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I gotta go now. I’m in SCHOOL, in case you forgot. Have fun at home for a week.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You sigh after they hang up, a little frustrated.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It’s not like you *like* Autumn or anything. You just don’t want her to be sad.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn cares a lot about her plants, and… she was nice enough to help you when you got in a fight so… so you should help her, too.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Yeah.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>When you text Autumn to tell her you’ve got a friend to water her plants, she is ecstatic.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>A (text): Thank you so much!! Im glad my plants will be ok for the week :) <<print $kiss>>\n[[~|ChapterTwo]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

<<if $blush is "yes">>A: (blush emote)<<else>>A: grrr :P<<endif>>\n<<timed 2s>><<next 2s>>A: I’m serious though!\n<<next 2s>>G: yeah ok i get it\n<<next 1s>>G: …\n<<next 2s>>G: leave it with me\n<<next 2s>>A: ??? What do you mean?\n<<next 2s>>G: ill see if i can pull a favoru\n<<next 1s>>G: *favour\n<<next 2s>>A: !!1\n<<next 2s>>A: if you could!! that would be really good!\n<<next 3s>>A: they only need watering maybe today and thursday but if you can somehow then that would be really good <3\n<<next 1s>>G: ok\n<<next 1s>>G: ill let u know\n<<next 1s>>A: :) :)\n<<next 2s>>A: I have to go now because dad is making lunch\n<<next 2s>>A: but have a nice day George!\n<<next 1s>>G: thanks\n<<next 1s>>G: you too!\n<<next 1s>>A: :) xx\n<<next 1s>><div id="choices">\s\n<<link "G: x">>\n\t<<replace "#choices">>G: x\n<<timed 2s>>A: *Autumn* has logged off\n<<next 2s>>[[Log off.|ChapterOneText4]]<</timed>><</replace>>\n<</link>>\n<<link "G: xx">>\n\t<<replace "#choices">>G: xx\n<<timed 2s>>A: *Autumn* has logged off\n<<next 2s>>[[Log off.|ChapterOneText4]]<</timed>><</replace>>\n<</link>>\n<<link "G: xxx">>\n\t<<replace "#choices">>G: xxx\n<<timed 2s>>A: *Autumn* has logged off\n<<next 2s>>[[Log off.|ChapterOneText4]]<</timed>><</replace>>\n<</link>>\n\n\s</div><</timed>>

G: U get excluded too?\n<<timed 5s>>A: Hii yes I did\n<<next 2s>>A: :(\n<<next 1s>>G: Ugh\n<<next 1s>>G: sorry\n<<next 2s>>G: its bullshit\n<<next 3s>>A: my dad got a bit angry about it\n<<next 2s>>G: what?! but its not ur fault!!\n<<next 3s>>A: no I mean angry at the school! :)\n<<next 2s>>G: oh\n<<next 1s>>G: thats cool then\n<<next 2s>>G: he sounds cool. my parents just kinda gave up telling me off abt it\n<<next 2s>>A: :/\n<<next 3s>>A: well you did the right thing George! And don’t let anyone tell you any different!\n<<next 2s>>G: thanks…\n<<next 2s>>G: heres to a boring week lol\n<<next 2s>>A: I don’t mind being home, really\n<<next 1s>>A: but…\n<<next 2s>>G: ????\n<<next 2s>>A: I’m worried about my plants\n<<next 1s>>A: I cant go in and water them for a week now\n<<next 2s>>G: …\n<<next 2s>>G: your more worried about ur plants than bein excluded?\n<<next 2s>>A: don’t make fun of me, meanie!\n<<next 1s>>G: sorry\n<<next 1s>>G: its just…\n<<next 1s>>[[Cute|ChapterOneText3][$blush = "yes"]]\n[[Funny|ChapterOneText3][$blush = "no"]]\n<</timed>>

Autumn and you talk on the phone twice over the weekend.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You give her the home phone number because both of you are probably going to run out of credit otherwise.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Sneaking the handset away to your bedroom, you chat about lots of things. Conversation just… flows.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She brings up that thing again. Asexual.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn spends lots of time online reading about trans stuff and is aware of this as, like, a thing.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She sends you a few websites to look at and you read up on it a little.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>People describe the same thing you feel.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Or, don’t feel, would be more accurate.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You always thought that you’ve not really liked anyone properly because you blank out when it comes to be intimate.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>That the crude sexual thoughts your friends have and discuss was normal, and that you were abnormal for not having them.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But you read stuff like this on pages, stories like this on blogs and forums.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You see something of yourself in what people describe, the part of you that's hard to find in others.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The part that made you question who you are and who you like because what you do and don’t feel didn’t match what TV and friends say.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But it's here, online, a mirror showing a person you only now recognise as yourself.\n[[~|EpilogueText2]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

Chapter Two\n\n(Wednesday)\n\n[[~|ChapterTwoText1]]

Epilogue\n\n[[~|EpilogueText1]]

To hell with it. Your feelings for Autumn outweigh any fear of being singled out even more.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Hell, everyone thinks you’re gay already. Maybe this’ll just get them off your back.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>And if they don’t…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The two of you can fight the world off, together.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You meet up with her before school on Monday.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You sort of walk past her road on the way. It’s a bit of a detour for you to meet on the corner of her road.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Not that you mind at all.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>When you see her, you realise it’s the first time you’ve stood next to her, within touching distance, since everything you two have said.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The air between you is different. You don’t really know how to react. Being sleepy doesn’t help.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You blush and look down at your feet.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Um… hi.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn giggles a little.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Hi to you as well.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She leans close and takes your hand, surprising you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Is this okay?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Uh. Yeah. It’s cool.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You walk to school hand-in-hand.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It feels okay.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Better than okay, to be honest, it feels really nice and you think you can tackle anything today, so long as your heart calms down eventually.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You don’t know where things will go from here. How they’ll go.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But you’re excited to find out, together.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The two of you.\n[[~ ~ ~|End]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

Chapter One\n\n(Tuesday)\n\n[[~|ChapterOneText]]

You hesitate for a moment, glancing away. Autumn sighs and looks at the ground.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Forget I said that, I’m just being dramatic.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She goes to stand up and brushes her hands off on her skirt. She doesn’t look at you as she starts to walk back to the path.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You think about stopping her, but as she passes you she grimaces and lightly punches you in the shoulder.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Don’t look so sympathetic. Who wants to be delicate anyway?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I don’t think it’s—“\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Delicate gets you beaten up. Tough just gets you excluded to spend time with cool kids like you and your secret hideout.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She sort of smiles, a little bit, before walking off and beckoning for you to follow.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>[[“Come on. I should head back.”|ChapterThreeText6]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

Your alarm goes off as usual.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You lean over and turn it off and go back to sleep.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Well, you try to.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It’s not coming easily this morning. The sun’s barely creeping through the blinds, but that’s not stopping you from drifting back to sleep.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Exclusion always feels dumb to you. The first time it was kind of like a holiday, until day three, when you tired of throwing a ball at the wall for hours on end.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>...\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You open your eyes at stare at the ceiling.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You wonder if Autumn’s staring at her ceiling in the same way, ignoring her alarm clock in the same way, also excluded.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>...\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Urgh. You feel bad for dragging Autumn into this.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You’re kinda grateful that she did so, though.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It’s nice to have someone come to your side. And…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She did look kinda badass with that spade.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>...\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You get up eventually to check your phone. One message from a friend.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“yo heard u got excluded again. that why Chaz Hall’s got a black eye?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The text puts a defiant smile on your face.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>...\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>...\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You’re sat at your computer, half-assedly trying to learn a song on guitar when a little notification pops up on your screen.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn’s online. Guess they did get excluded.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>[[You start to chat.|ChapterOneText2]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

Autumn Leaves II

Chapter Four\n\n(Friday)\n\n[[~|ChapterFourText1]]

You look at her hand for a moment.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\nThe churning feeling in your stomach is too much. You can’t brave it.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\nYou look up to see Autumn staring intently at you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\n“Uh, Autumn?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\nShe glances down at your hands. With a tiny smirk she places her hand on top of yours.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\n…This is unexpected. You don’t move it. You just look back at her, surprised.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\nAutumn doesn’t say anything for a moment.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\nThen she leans forward and kisses you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\n[[Oh.|ChapterFourText5]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>\n

You move your hand and gently put it on Autumn’s.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\nIt’s warm and soft. She twitches slightly but doesn’t move it away.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\nYour stomach churns in excitement and fear. After a second you feel dumb and look back up at her.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\n“Sorry, um—“\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\nAutumn leans forward and kisses you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>\n[[Oh.|ChapterFourText5]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

You open your mouth to reply and the words stick in your mouth. Autumn looks at you as you hesitate, before glancing away and sighing.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Forget I said that, I’m just being dramatic.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She stands and brushes her hands off on her skirt, and goes to walk past you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You stop her and your eyes meet.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> ”W-wait! You are, um, I think you’re kind of pretty.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Kind of?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Uh, no, really pretty. And delicate. Except when you’re like, threatening some bully with a spade. But that’s cool too!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn blushes and looks away from you, covering her face in embarrassment.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I thought you were some cool kid at first.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “But I guess you’re just a big dork.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She punches you on the shoulder playfully, a smile back on her face.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>[[“Come on, let’s head back.”|ChapterThreeText6]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

You walk through more of the wood together, wheeling your bike next to you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The two of you have been quiet for a few minutes.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Not uncomfortably so. Just walking and looking at things.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn’s looking at plants and trees. You’re kind of doing the same, but…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Maybe she sees something in them you don’t. You just see trees, branches bare where the leaves have fallen off and crunch underfoot.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It’s nice either way, though. The company is nice. And it beats being sat in your room.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>After a moment, Autumn’s head twitches to the side as she spots something in the wood.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Oh!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She leaves the path and crouches down a short way off. You follow her off the path and spot a patch of flowers, nestled in the crook of a tree.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “They’re Cyclamen.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She looks at the flowers, gently touching one with an outstretched hand.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “It’s strange to see them all on their own here.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Reckon someone planted them?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Oh, no, probably not. But they seem so lonely, I haven’t seen any others around…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The two of you stare at the little flowers for a moment. As Autumn gently coos at them, you fight the urge to laugh.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “You know your flowers, huh?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I like them. They’re pretty and delicate and smell nice.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She turns to look back at you with a kind of bittersweet look.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “You know… everything I want to be.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You feel a sudden pang of sympathy in your chest as you look at Autumn’s expression.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You should say something in response. Tell her she is all of those.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>[[You’re already pretty and delicate. |ChapterThreeText5a]]\n[[Say nothing.|ChapterThreeText5b]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

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The bike ride back is quiet. You wonder if Autumn’s as lost in thoughts as you are.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You can’t help but think about her.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It’s not…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You’re pretty sure you don’t like her like her.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>At least, whenever your friends say they like a girl, the way they describe it ends in a bunch of… sexual fantasies about that person.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You haven’t got any for Autumn. You never have for any girl.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You were pretty sure you were gay, too, on account of that, and because you thinks guys are kinda pretty too.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Not… that you have any particular sexual thoughts about them either. They’re just, like, aesthetically pleasing.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>><<if visited ("ChapterThreeText5a")>>…and Autumn is, too. But that’s not the point.<<else>>…and you guess Autumn is, too. But that’s not the point.<<endif>>\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You want her to be happy and you like spending time with her.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But that’s not the same thing, right?\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>That’s just what you feel for a friend.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Probably.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It’s probably normal to feel regret when waving goodbye to her that you can’t stay longer.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You go to cycle back home.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Wait!\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Your chest lurches and you turn back to face Autumn, standing in her doorway.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Come by again tomorrow.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I’ll take you somewhere I know this time.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“You sure?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Definitely. This was much more fun than sitting at home again.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>On the cycle home, you nearly hit a lamppost.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Because you’re not really looking where you’re going.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You’re just replaying Autumn, standing in her doorway, [[waving at you and smiling.|ChapterFour]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

Your eyes snap open this morning. It’s sunny, the rays just gently peeking through the blinds.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You grin and sit up, ready for the day.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It’ll be fun. First day out of the house since exclusion.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Well… you shouldn’t really be in a “public place”. You could get in trouble.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But it’s not like the woods are public, really. Kind of.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>And you’ve done this before, after all. You’re a pro.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>A pro sneaking-out-the-house-whilst-excluded-for-dumb-reasons-er.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…Maybe you shouldn’t be super proud of that fact.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But whatever! You’re gonna show Autumn a good time!\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You wait until your parents have both left for work, before sneaking out with your bike.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Everyone should be at school by now, but you take the back roads anyway, cycling through housing estates.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You vaguely know the area Autumn lives in - it’s not a big town, after all - but you’ve never been there before.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You keep an eye out for an apple tree she mentioned. Apparently it’s right on the corner to her road.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…but it’s the middle of autumn, and without apples actually ON the tree, you haven’t the foggiest what one looks like.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Eventually you spot the roadsign instead, and follow it with relief.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Just as you spot her house, number 23, your chest starts to get a little tight.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You try and shake it off. This is silly. You’ve hung out with her plenty of times.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…but only at school. Not outside school.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You wonder what kind of clothes she wears outside school.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You wonder what kind of expression she has outside school.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You wonder, as you press the doorbell and hear the little chimes, if you should have dressed up more.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>...\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>After a short time, the sound of footsteps running down the stairs echoes through the door to you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It opens and Autumn is standing there, beaming, panting slightly.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>A: “Hi, George! Sorry, I hope you weren’t standing there long!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You blink, trying not to stare at her outfit, before grinning a stupid, nervous grin.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Uh — no, it’s cool, I, uh, just got here.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Oh, good. I was busy with my bike…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She looks suddenly apologetic, and sighs.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I’m sorry, George, I went to get my bike out this morning and it’s got a flat.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You open your mouth to say something, but an idea sparks in your head, and the words in your mouth instantly change.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>[[“s’alright. You can ride on the back of mine if you want.”|ChapterThreeText2]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>>\n

After a few minutes, the path widens out as you enter the woods properly. You slow down and let Autumn hop off the back, glancing at her as she looks around.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “So, uh, this is it.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I think I came here with my dad before…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn's eyes widen and she looks suddenly fretful.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “B-but this is nice! I like the countryside any time.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The two of you start walking, wheeling your bike alongside as you follow the track through the woods. Autumn skips to walk next to you, hands behind her back.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “You close to your dad?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “…I guess I am. He’s kinda quiet, since…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She trails off and her eyes look in to the distance. You sense a sore topic.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>After a few seconds you clear your throat.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Here, I’ll show you something your dad won’t’ve. Follow me.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You turn your bike off the path and climb the earth bank up to the top. Turning around, Autumn is trying to follow you up. You reach out a hand for her but she doesn’t spot it, and gets to the top without it.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The two of you pick your way through the trees as you lead Autumn by memory, spotting the trees you remember from years of being down here.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>After a few minutes, you come to a small patch of trees thick with low, slim branches, shielding a hidden clearing from the path.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You lead Autumn around to the side, where there’s still a hole in the branches to duck under. You leave your bike on the ground and crouch down to enter.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Inside, you gesture triumphantly at a pile of old logs.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “It’s my bro’s old hideout!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You point out the walls, the little doorway, the patch inside cleared of debris, the two logs that suffice for seating. They’re all covered in old leaves, and you brush them off as you give Autumn the tour.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Me and my older brother made it years back. Haven’t been here in ages…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “It’s… nice!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Looks like you had lots of fun!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You grin and rub the back of your neck, mildly embarrassed.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn walks around the hideout, peering at all the plants that have grown through the logs. You hop over one low wall and perch on a stump, watching her.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>[[After a minute she looks up at you and smiles back.|ChapterThreeText4]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

This is the first time you’ve actually had someone else ride on your bike behind you. Most of your mates have their own, fully functioning bike.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It feels… good.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Well, functionally, it’s a bit harder to steer with the weight of an extra person over the back wheel, and you’re kind of scared that if you hit a pothole Autumn will lose her grip and fall off.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>But, emotionally, it’s good.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You glance back to see her staring over your shoulder. She smiles and you smile back.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Where are we going?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Woods near my gaff. I, uh, played there as a kid. Think you’ll like it.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn beams, before glancing away. She looks at a man walking his dogs on the other side of the street as you pass.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Okay. We probably shouldn’t be around too many people anyway…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Is this your first time being excluded?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You glance back and see her nod.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “I don’t usually get into trouble…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She hesitates before continuing.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “But this is silly. I don’t know why we were sent home for a week. Just for defending—“\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You hit a pothole and she squeaks as she jumps on her seat.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “You alright?!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Yeah…. Just surprised.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>After a second, you feel Autumn’s arms wrap around your stomach. You glance down and swallow.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Is th-this okay?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “Y-yeah, it’s cool…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You keep cycling, trying to keep a grin off your face. At least she can’t see it from behind.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>It takes ten minutes to cross town again to your road, then another five to follow the path leading off alongside the main road. Eventually you take a turning off, onto a small, signposted dirt track.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn sits behind you quietly, gazing around at the hedges either side of you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>The track gets a little rougher as you get closer to the woods, and each time you hit a bump you feel her clutch her arms a little tighter.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Maybe you should start aiming for the bumps intentionally.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>No, that’s stupid. Absolutely not.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>…\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>You steer into a particularly large bump and Autumn lets out another squeak. Your heart skips a beat as she adjusts her grip to hold on tighter.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> “S-sorry…I keep nearly falling off…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>> [[“s’cool. We’re nearly there.”|ChapterThreeText3]]<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>\n

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“…stop.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn freezes, and after a moment leans back to look at you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“What’s wrong?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Your heart feels like it’s going to split from looking at her expression.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I don’t know. This… doesn’t feel right.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“…I don’t know what right feels like.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“But I’m not… comfortable.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn looks distraught, and gently traces a hand down your cheek. You try not to flinch away from it.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“You don’t like this?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“…I don’t think so.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn is quiet for a moment, before looking away from you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“You can just say if it’s me.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“That’s not it! It’s not you. I mean, I thought before I usually like guys…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn’s expression drops and she tenses up on top of you.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>George, you idiot.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Fuck. Sorry, that’s not, I didn’t — you’re a girl, y’know, 100 percent.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I… it’s not about who, uh who you are.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I just don’t wanna, like… do this. Make out. Have sex or, uh, whatever.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn blushes and covers her mouth with a hand.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I-I wasn’t planning on have sex straight away, George!”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“I mean… probably not.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She looks down at you, cheeks red. Your cheeks feel pretty much the same colour.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“Oh. Good. I mean, uh, not good, but, um…”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>Autumn lets out a tiny laugh as you fumble for words again, but she sighs afterwards.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“You’re really not into this?”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“No. I… haven’t ever been before, either.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“It’s just me. I don’t know. Some fucking weird thing or whatever.”\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>She thinks to herself for a moment, quietly looking down at you. She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear.\n<<linkkey '~' 'spaceAct' rpl>>“You could be ace.”\n[[~|ChapterFourText7]]\n<</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>><</linkkey>>

Freya C / @spdrcstl

Chapter Five\n\n(Saturday)\n\n[[~|ChapterFiveText1]]