shape-of-you

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<>  <<set $locationImage to "images/location/city.png">> <div class="location-map-wrap"> <div class="location-map-card"> <div class="location-map-title">City</div> <div class="location-map-grid"> <div class="location livingroom" data-passage="shape_of_you" title="Shape of You Inc."> <img src="images/location/shape_of_you.png" alt="Shape of You Inc."> <div class="location-label">Shape of You Inc.</div> </div> <div class="location kitchen" data-passage="coffee_shop" title="Coffee Shop"> <img src="images/location/coffee_shop.png" alt="Coffee Shop"> <div class="location-label">Coffee Shop</div> </div> <div class="location bedroom" data-passage="town_center" title="Town Center"> <img src="images/location/town_center.png" alt="Town Center"> <div class="location-label">Town Center</div> </div> <div class="location washroom" data-passage="office" title="office"> <img src="images/location/office.png" alt="office"> <div class="location-label">Office</div> </div> <div class="location washroom" data-passage="wok_dynasty" title="Wok Dynasty Restaurant"> <img src="images/location/wok_dynasty.png" alt="Wok Dynasty Restaurant"> <div class="location-label">Wok Dynasty Restaurant</div> </div> <div class="location outside" data-passage="outside" title="outside"> <img src="images/location/outside.png" alt="outside"> <div class="location-label">Neighborhood</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/coffee_shop.png">> <<if $step == 15>> <<goto "call_coffee_shop">> <<elseif $step == 18.1>> <<goto "coffee_shop_18.1">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/coffee_shop.png" alt="Coffee Shop" style="width:100%; "> The coffee shop is a cozy haven nestled on a bustling city street, its large windows allowing natural light to flood the space. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the sweet scent of pastries, creating an inviting atmosphere. Inside, rustic wooden tables and mismatched chairs provide a charming, eclectic feel, while soft jazz music plays in the background. A chalkboard menu hangs above the counter, showcasing an array of specialty drinks and baked goods. The baristas move with practiced efficiency, their friendly smiles adding to the warm ambiance of this urban retreat. <button id="grab-coffee" class="ui-button">Drink a Coffee</button> [[Go Back to City|city]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/coffee_shop.png">> <<set $phoneTime to "16:30">> The coffee shop just around the corner from SolvTech still had the same flickering holo-menu sign, one of the LEDs in “ESPRESSO” permanently stuck on purple. The air smelled like burnt syrup and over-roasted beans, but it was the hangout cheap caffeine, sticky tables, no managers. Sanctuary for the underpaid and over-thinking. I sat at our usual corner by the window, hands wrapped around a mug that was too hot to drink yet. The heat helped. Across from me, Lyla stirred her iced latte like she was trying to dissolve a grudge. James was busy peeling open a breakfast sandwich with surgical precision, foil crinkling loud enough to drown out the low hum of the shop’s outdated sound system. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Alright, start from the top. How’s Lena holding up? You two doing okay since the job imploded?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She’s fine. Still playing support crew while I figure out what to do next. I promised I’d bring dinner tonight so she doesn’t have to cook again.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>She’s a keeper. Always has been. You’re the emotional chaos, she’s the damage control.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Mhm. And you? How’s the job hunt apocalypse going? Any luck?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Three interviews. Two soft rejections. One didn’t even fake interest. Same lines, different smiles.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>That’s corporate poetry, man. “We’ll keep your resume on file” the dirtiest breakup line in business.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>So that’s it? Three swings, three misses?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Not exactly. There’s something else. Something… different.<</speech>> Lyla cocked her head, suspicious curiosity flickering in her eyes. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Different how? Like “start-up in a basement” different, or “illegal biotech scam” different?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Lyla do you remember you told the company Shape of You Inc.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>The consciousness transfer place? Yeah. Why?<</speech>> James paused mid-bite, brows rising. <<speech "james" "James">>That sounds like a dating app designed by a therapist.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>What was there arrangement. Is it easy job ? But they seems pays well<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Neither, apparently. They do consciousness transfer. Proxy labor through rented bodies. You literally clock in as someone else for a few hours. I went there yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Wait you went? Dude, what the hell?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I met with one of their reps, Elira Voss. She’s… not what I expected. The whole place isn’t. It’s bigger, more structured. They’ve got orientation modules, psychological screenings, ethics lectures. It’s run like a college crossed with a lab.<</speech>> Lyla froze mid-stir, straw clinking against the glass. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Classes? As in “Transfer 101: How to Be Someone Else” classes?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Pretty much. Tier-based system. You start at Tier 0, basic science of transfer, legal stuff, supervised test run. No contracts yet. If you pass, you can take paid work. Each new tier pays more but the expectations get intense.<</speech>> James frowned. <<speech "james" "James">>Sounds like boot camp for empathy. What’s Tier 0 like, then?<</speech>> I pulled the folder from my coat, set it on the table. Lyla slid it closer, flipping it open. The soft paper rasped under her nails. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Module 4: Long-Term Implications & Risk Management?<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>That sounds like “sign here before we melt your brain.”<</speech>> I smiled, tiredly. <<speech $player $playerName>>They’re honest about the risks. Dysphoria, emotional bleed, identity drift. But at least they don’t pretend it’s safe. That weirdly makes it easier to trust them.<</speech>> Lyla looked up. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>So what’s the real catch?<</speech>> I hesitated, staring at my cup. The steam had thinned out, leaving only the smell of burnt sugar and caffeine. <<speech $player $playerName>>Most high-paying work involves female bodies. Men transferring into them.<</speech>> James blinked hard. <<speech "james" "James">>You mean…<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Birth proxies, hormone response mapping, intimacy therapy. Stuff that needs feminine physiology. The pay’s huge but it’s not what I ever imagined doing.<</speech>> Lyla leaned back, processing. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>So you’d be walking around in someone else’s skin. A woman’s.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>For a few hours. Maybe a day. Tier 0 ends with a single, supervised body-swap session. They say I can quit anytime. No contracts, no penalties.<</speech>> James set his coffee down. <<speech "james" "James">>That’s… a lot. You okay with that idea?<</speech>> I shrugged. <<speech $player $playerName>>I don’t know yet. That’s what tomorrow’s for. See how it feels before deciding anything.<</speech>> Lyla folded her arms, voice softer now. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Look, if you go through with it, it doesn’t make you weird. Or lost. It just means you’re surviving. People rewrite themselves all the time you’re just doing it literally.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Exactly. If it keeps a roof over your head and doesn’t fry your brain, do it. Hell, document it. Write a memoir. “My Year as Other People.”<</speech>> I laughed quietly, tension breaking for a heartbeat. <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s what Lena said too. She’s not thrilled, but she understands.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Not thrilled? Please. Didn’t she threaten to rail you if you came back in a cute clone body?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, that too. She’s torn between protective girlfriend and chaos demon.<</speech>> James nearly choked on his sandwich. Lyla grinned. The sound of their laughter cut through the heavy quiet like sunlight through fog. For a while, none of us spoke. Just sat there the three of us, the steam from our drinks threading upward like ghosts. The weight of everything still there, but lighter somehow. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>So, besides existential science projects, what else is new? Still playing that sad roguelike where everything dies?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Haven’t touched it since the layoff. Too real lately.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Then game night’s on me next week. Cards, gyoza, minimal crisis of identity.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Keyword: minimal.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Bring Lena. She can roast us while you recover from femininity boot camp.<</speech>> I smiled, nodding. <<speech $player $playerName>>I will.<</speech>> Lyla’s tone softened. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>For what it’s worth? I’m proud of you. Most people wouldn’t even walk through those doors. You did. You decided not to drown.<</speech>> I looked at her, then at James, their faces framed in the window’s faint reflection two constants in a life full of temporary things. Outside, wind stirred the trash along the curb. The city kept pulsing, uncaring and alive. People passed by in loops of routine, unaware of how close any of us were to becoming someone else. I wrapped my hands around the mug again, letting the heat sink into my skin. <<set $currentObjectives = "Buy Food for Lena">> <<set $step = 15.1>> [[Leave the coffee shop|city]] <>

<> The city felt different after Shape of You. Not louder just thinner, like sound itself was filtering through a new layer of awareness. I walked until the anxiety simmered down enough to think straight. A street vendor’s drone zipped by overhead, scattering steam from its cargo pod, and the air smelled faintly of roasted beans and ozone. I ordered a flat white, found a booth by the window, and sank into it. My hands still felt shaky, though I hadn’t touched a terminal or wire all day. The session replayed in my mind Marcus Verel’s voice, that calm authority that made every sentence sound like gospel. This is not fantasy. This is not indulgence. This is reality. I sipped, staring through the window until my reflection blended with the street outside. Then I thumbed my phone, pressed the call icon beside Lena’s name. The line clicked. Her voice came warm, teasing, like a breath that immediately grounded me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hey, trainee. You alive?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Barely. I think they compressed six weeks of philosophy, ethics, and law into six hours.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>No actual swap today?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No. Just theory. Rules, regulations, limits. The whole “don’t lose yourself in someone else’s skin” talk. Honestly, it felt more like a psychological dissection than a job orientation.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Sounds… heavy. You okay?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Just tired. They keep hammering how serious this is. Every second word was about consent, ethics, identity drift. It’s a lot.<</speech>> There was a pause on the line quiet, but not empty. I could hear the faint clink of her setting something down on a counter. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Come meet me, then. I’m at that little restaurant near the apartment the one with the paper lanterns and the spicy noodles you always order. We’ll have dinner, decompress. You can tell me everything without sounding like you’re reciting a handbook.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That sounds perfect.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good. Don’t be late this time, rookie.<</speech>> The line ended with her soft laugh still echoing in my ear. I finished my coffee slowly, watching the condensation fade from the cup, and for a moment, I felt lighter. Like the static in my head had finally bled out through the steam. Outside, the lights of the evening began to bloom along the skyline. I grabbed my coat, pocketed my phone, and started walking toward home toward dinner, warmth, and Lena waiting under soft lantern light. <<set $phoneTime to "18:20">> <<set $currentObjectives to "Meet Lena at the restaurant near your apartment.">> <<set $step to 18.2>> [[Head to the restaurant|city]] <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/town_center.png">> <<if $step == 13>> <<goto "town_center_13">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/town_center.png" alt="Town Center" style="width:100%; "> The town center is a bustling hub of activity, with people milling about and going about their daily routines. The air is filled with the sounds of chatter and laughter, mingling with the occasional honk of a car horn or the distant wail of a siren. Colorful banners and flags flutter in the breeze, adding a festive touch to the scene. In the distance, you can see the spires of a church rising above the rooftops, while nearby shops and cafes beckon with their inviting displays and enticing aromas. [[Go to City|city]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "11:30">> <<set $currentObjectives = "Visit the job fair and attend interviews">> The town center was already buzzing when I arrived street vendors calling out prices, drone cameras hovering lazily overhead, and a thin mist of city dust turning the morning light hazy. Rows of temporary booths lined the plaza, each one plastered with holo-banners promising career growth, flexible hours, and competitive pay. It all smelled faintly of ambition and fried street food. I tugged my jacket straight and joined the flow of people moving between stalls, the low hum of voices blending into a soft roar. The job fair’s network node blinked on my wristband, displaying booth numbers and company summaries. <<speech $player $playerName>>All right. ByteFold Systems, booth nine. Let’s do this before my confidence expires.<</speech>> The booth looked cleaner than most minimalist layout, calm blue lights, a smiling rep in a tailored jacket scrolling through her tablet. She greeted me the moment I stepped in, her tone professional but polite. <<speech "recruiter" "Recruiter">>Good morning. You’re here for the analyst position?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Applied online last night, figured I’d come by in person too.<</speech>> <<speech "recruiter" "Recruiter">>Perfect. Can I see your credentials? We’re doing quick screeners today.<</speech>> I handed her my chip ID. She scanned it with a soft beep, her eyes flicking between the tablet and me. <<speech "recruiter" "Recruiter">>Hmm. You’ve got solid experience. Neural systems work, some adaptive coding... that’s good. Though <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>There’s always a “though.”<</speech>> <<speech "recruiter" "Recruiter">>We’re mostly hiring for senior-tier roles right now. Junior positions are paused until next quarter. But your profile looks promising. I’ll flag it for later review.<</speech>> I nodded slowly, the polite rejection already settling in before she even smiled. <<speech $player $playerName>>Right. “Flagged for later review.” Got it.<</speech>> <<speech "recruiter" "Recruiter">>Don’t sound so defeated. These things shift quickly. Check back in a few weeks, all right?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sure. Thanks for the honesty, at least.<</speech>> She smiled, already turning to the next applicant in line. I stepped aside, exhaling through my teeth. The air felt heavier here, full of people trying not to look disappointed. I wandered toward the center fountain, the sound of splashing water almost too calm for the energy buzzing around me. Pulled a sip from a vending bottle, watching the crowd pass faces filled with the same quiet hope, some smiling, some resigned. <<speech $player $playerName>>One down. Probably a dozen more to go.<</speech>> [[Call Lena|town_center_call_1]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "12:00">> I stepped away from the crowd, finding a quieter spot near the fountain where the wind carried the scent of roasted nuts and asphalt. My thumb hovered, then hit *Call*. It rang twice before her voice filled my ear soft, alert, warm enough to pull the tension right out of me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hey, you. How’d it go?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>ByteFold Systems. First stop of the day. They liked me, said I’ve got potential… then gave me the “we’ll keep your info on file” treatment.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oof. The polite rejection special.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Exactly. Smile, handshake, slow goodbye. They’re pros at it.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Still counts, babe. You got out there, showed your face, let them see what they’re missing. That’s progress.<</speech>> I sighed, kicking at a stray flyer on the pavement. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, I guess. Would just be nice if “progress” paid rent.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>It will. You’ll land something soon. You’ve got that annoying stubborn thing going for you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Persistence. Or self-inflicted suffering. Hard to tell sometimes.<</speech>> She laughed softly; even through the speaker it wrapped around me like a hug. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Whatever it is, keep doing it. You checking out another booth?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. There’s a few smaller companies on the other side of the plaza. I’ll hit at least one more before I head over to that Shape of You building.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good plan. Just remember to eat something that’s not coffee or stress fumes, okay?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Copy that. Hydrate, interview, try not to combust.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You got this. And hey call me after the next one, no matter how it goes.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Deal. Love you.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Love you too. Go be impressive.<</speech>> The line clicked off. I slipped the phone back into my pocket and drew a deep breath. The plaza noise swept back around me the buzz of recruiters, hopeful chatter, shoes scuffing over concrete. <<speech $player $playerName>>All right. Next booth, next shot.<</speech>> I straightened my shoulders and started toward the line of pop-up banners fluttering in the wind. [[Go to Next Interview Booth|town_center_next]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "12:30">> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/town_center.png">> The plaza had gotten busier crowds weaving between the pop-up booths, recruiters calling out over the chatter, the smell of fried dumplings wafting from a food cart at the edge of the square. My wristband pinged softly, mapping the next open interviews nearby. <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay. Booth 14. NeuralLink Logistics. Sounds fancy. Let’s see if it’s another “thanks, but no thanks.”<</speech>> The recruiter at the booth, a middle-aged guy in a too-tight shirt, glanced up as I approached. His badge flashed TEAM LEAD NeuralLink. He gestured to a chair. <<speech "recruiter2" "Recruiter">>You’re here for the technician opening?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Systems maintenance, adaptive interface handling. I’ve got experience with cross-node calibration and neural net sync.<</speech>> He nodded, scrolling through his pad, lips pressed in a neutral line. <<speech "recruiter2" "Recruiter">>Looks good on paper. You’ve done mid-tier analysis before, right?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Two years. Mostly calibration work and AI feedback tuning.<</speech>> He hummed, noncommittal. <<speech "recruiter2" "Recruiter">>You’d probably be great for this... if we weren’t freezing external hires. Budget review came down yesterday. Internal transfers only for now.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Of course. Perfect timing as always.<</speech>> <<speech "recruiter2" "Recruiter">>Hey don’t lose heart. These freezes never last long. Give it a month, maybe two.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sure. I’ll just tell my landlord to freeze rent, too.<</speech>> He chuckled awkwardly, clearly done with the conversation. I thanked him anyway, forced a smile, and stepped back into the current of hopeful bodies moving through the square. <<speech $player $playerName>>Two rejections before lunch. I’m on fire.<</speech>> The heat off the pavement shimmered faintly, the air smelling like sugar and metal. I scrolled the fair’s directory, squinting until one name stood out AuralLink Data Services. <<speech $player $playerName>>All right, AuralLink. Don’t crush me completely.<</speech>> I made my way over, weaving past booths and recruiters, until I found the one marked with a sleek black-and-silver banner. The recruiter there was a woman in a tailored gray jacket, tablet balanced on her arm, smile too polished to be genuine. <<speech "recruiter3" "Recruiter">>Welcome to AuralLink. We’re looking for adaptable thinkers with strong pattern analysis experience. You look like you’ve been around this field a while.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Worked on neural grid calibration at HelixNet, then freelance since. I sent an application last night, actually.<</speech>> She tapped her pad, finding my file instantly. <<speech "recruiter3" "Recruiter">>Ah, there you are. Impressive skill set... but we’re filling this role with an internal referral. I’m sorry. We do keep talented profiles in rotation, though feel free to check back next quarter.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Next quarter, right. When the sun explodes, maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "recruiter3" "Recruiter">>What was that?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Nothing. Thank you for your time.<</speech>> I stepped away before she could offer another empty smile. My feet ached, my throat felt dry, and the optimism I’d started the morning with had dissolved into static. I stopped by a bench near the edge of the plaza, cracking open a bottle of water I’d grabbed earlier. <<speech $player $playerName>>Three interviews, three polite rejections. I’m killing it.<</speech>> A gust of wind pushed through the square, tugging at banners and scattering flyers across the pavement. One of them caught on my shoe: Shape of You Inc. Walk-In Registration Today. I picked it up. The logo was embossed, faintly iridescent the same mind-folding design from the site. <<speech $player $playerName>>Guess it’s time to see what the future tastes like.<</speech>> I stood, pocketed the flyer, and started down the street toward the gleaming white facade that rose like a mirage beyond the crowd. [[Call Lena|town_center_call_2]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "13:15">> I found a quiet stretch of street just past the job fair, where the crowd thinned and the buzz of conversation gave way to the steady hum of aircars overhead. My phone felt heavy in my pocket, like it already knew what kind of conversation was coming. I hit Call before I could talk myself out of it. She picked up halfway through the first ring. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hey, handsome. You sound tired already. How’s it going out there?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Two more down. NeuralLink and AuralLink. Both said nice things, smiled a lot, then hit me with the “budget freeze” and “internal referral” routine.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Ouch. That’s a double feature. You okay?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Just… starting to feel like I’m speedrunning disappointment.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hey. No. Don’t start doing that thing where you beat yourself up because people can’t see what you’re worth. You’ve done this before, you’ll do it again. You’ll land somewhere better.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You always say that.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Because it’s always true. You’ve got a brain that doesn’t quit. I’ve seen it. Remember when you rebuilt that AI parser after everyone else gave up? Same guy. Same stubbornness.<</speech>> I leaned against the wall of a café, watching steam rise from the vents and swirl around my shoes. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, but the parser didn’t have to pay bills or deal with HR emails.<</speech>> She laughed quietly, the sound cutting through the dull ache sitting in my chest. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fair. Still, you’re out there trying. That counts for a lot, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m trying to believe that.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good. Because I believe it enough for both of us.<</speech>> A few seconds of silence passed the kind that wasn’t awkward, just heavy and full of everything we didn’t need to say. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So, what’s next? You heading home?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Not yet. There’s one more stop. That Shape of You place I mentioned it’s just a few blocks away. Figured I might as well see it up close.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You really want to check it out?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. The pay they list is insane. Even if it’s weird, I need to know what the deal is. Worst case, it’s a scam. Best case… maybe it’s a way out of this mess.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Just remember what I said: no signing anything today. No “temporary upload” or whatever tech nonsense they pitch. You walk in, you look around, and then you walk right back out and tell me everything, okay?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Promise. Just looking.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good. I trust you. And even if today sucked, I’m still proud of you for getting out there.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You and your eternal optimism.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Someone’s gotta balance you out. Now go see what that weird company’s about, then come home. I’ll order dinner.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Deal. I’ll call when I’m done.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Love you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Love you too.<</speech>> The call ended with a soft click, leaving me with the echo of her voice still playing in my head. I pocketed the phone and looked down the street, where the white building of Shape of You Inc. rose above the plaza like a blank page waiting to be written on. <<speech $player $playerName>>All right. Let’s see what this is really about.<</speech>> <<set $step = 14>> <<set $currentObjectives = "Visit Shape of You Inc.">> [[Head to Shape of You Inc.|city]] <>

<<set $locationImage to "images/location/wok_dynasty.png">> <> <<if $step == 15.1>> <<goto "wok_dynasty_15.1">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/wok_dynasty.png" alt="Wok Dynasty Restaurant" style="width:100%;"> The Wok Dynasty is a bustling Chinese restaurant, filled with the rich aromas of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Red lanterns hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the wooden tables and chairs. The sound of sizzling woks and clattering dishes creates a lively atmosphere, while the walls are adorned with traditional Chinese artwork and calligraphy. <button id="grab-chinese" class="ui-button">Buy Food</button> [[Go Outside|city]] <</if>> <>

<> The smell of fried garlic and sesame oil hit me the moment I pushed open the glass door of Wok Dynasty. The sign above the counter flickered in red and gold, half the characters fading between English and Mandarin every few seconds. Steam curled up from the open kitchen where woks clanged like percussion, each strike sharp and rhythmic. The place was half-full delivery drivers crowding near the pickup shelf, a few office workers eating late lunch, screens glowing over half-finished noodles. I stepped up to the counter, scanning the menu even though I already knew what I was here for. The cashier a slim guy with buzzed hair and a bored expression looked up from his tablet. <<speech "cashier" "Cashier">>What can I get you, man?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Hey. Uh, one order of garlic dumplings, spicy beef lo mein, and an extra side of sesame tofu. Oh, and can you throw in a couple of pork buns too?<</speech>> He nodded, tapping the order into his pad. <<speech "cashier" "Cashier">>That’s a good spread. You feeding an army or a girlfriend?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Girlfriend. She texted the craving five minutes before I got here. I’m just the obedient mule with a debit card.<</speech>> The guy snorted. <<speech "cashier" "Cashier">>Respect. Smart move. Happy girlfriend means fewer takeout complaints later.<</speech>> I leaned against the counter, watching the kitchen flames flare high before disappearing under a cloud of soy and chili. A woman in a red apron slid past carrying a tray of hot boxes. She gave me a quick nod before setting them under the heat lamps. <<speech "cashier" "Cashier">>Order name?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Ren.<</speech>> He nodded, printed the ticket, and slid it across to me. <<speech "cashier" "Cashier">>Ten minutes. Grab a seat. Water and fortune cookies are self-serve.<</speech>> I took a seat near the window. The city outside was shifting from gold to gray, commuters thickening the sidewalks. I texted Lena quickly: On it. Dumplings secured. Addictions fed. Her reply came seconds later a simple heart emoji followed by: Don’t forget soy packets this time, noodle boy. I smiled, sliding the phone back into my pocket just as the cashier called out my name. The bag was warm and heavy in my hand, the smell instantly addictive. Comfort. Familiarity. Something solid to take home after a day that felt anything but. <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks, man.<</speech>> <<speech "cashier" "Cashier">>No problem. Tell your girl we upgraded the dumplings chef felt generous.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She’s gonna love you for that.<</speech>> <<speech "cashier" "Cashier">>Tell her to leave a review then.<</speech>> I laughed, lifting the bag slightly in salute as I stepped back out into the fading daylight. The scent followed me into the street garlic, soy, and heat the kind of smell that felt like home waiting. <<set $phoneTime to "5:30">> <<set $step to 16>> <<set $currentObjectives to "Go Home and Relax with Lena">> [[Go Outside|city]] <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/bedroom.png">> <<if $step == 1>> <<goto "bedroom_1">> <<elseif $step == 11.1>> <<goto "night_1">> <<elseif $step == 17>> <<goto "bedroom_17">> <<elseif $step == 18.3>> <<goto "bedroom_18.3">> <<elseif !$is_quiz_pass && !$is_next_day>> <<goto "eat">> <<elseif $step == 19.4>> <<goto "bedroom_19.4">> <<elseif $step == 19.6>> <<goto "bedroom_19.6">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/bedroom.png" alt="Bedroom" style="width:100%; "> The bedroom is quiet and empty now. A few rays of morning light filter through the blinds, casting soft stripes across the rumpled sheets. The faint scent of her shampoo lingers in the air. <button id="look-mirror" class="ui-button">Use Mirror</button> <button id="rest" class="ui-button">Rest</button> <button id="sleep" class="ui-button">Sleep</button> [[Go to Outside|home]] <</if>> <>

<> The bedroom was still half-dark, blinds tilted just enough to stripe the sheets in pale gold. The air smelled faintly of coffee, body heat, and the faint tang of her shampoo lingering in the pillow. I stepped over the pile of last night’s clothes and crouched by the dresser, muttering mostly to myself because silence always felt too heavy after she left. <<speech $player $playerName>>All right. Morning-after pill. Top drawer, left side, under <</speech>> I yanked it open. Socks. Charger cables. A half-dead vibrator. <<speech $player $playerName>>Not here. Shit, Lena, where’d you stash it this time? You rearranged everything again, didn’t you?<</speech>> The second drawer groaned open. Old receipts, lotion, a pack of gum, three mismatched earrings, and aha an empty foil packet. <<speech $player $playerName>>Great. Just the wrapper. Classic us.<</speech>> I leaned back on my heels, rubbing my face with both hands. The bed behind me was a mess, sheets twisted, her towel still damp at the foot of it. A faint print of her body still ghosted the mattress. <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay. Think. She said the drawer. Which means… maybe she moved it to the box under the bed. Emergency stash. That’s Lena logic.<</speech>> I ducked down, reaching into the shadow beneath the frame. My fingers brushed cardboard, then the smooth surface of something plastic. I dragged it out a shoebox plastered with neon stickers, half full of random “just-in-case” stuff. <<speech $player $playerName>>Gauze, batteries, candy, condoms unused, thank god aha.<</speech>> The blister pack glinted when the light caught it. <<speech $player $playerName>>There you are, little insurance policy.<</speech>> I sat back on the bed, pill between my fingers, letting out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay, step one: found it. Step two: get your ass to the grocery store anyway, because she’ll still want the pretzels. Step three: maybe stop coming inside her on reflex, genius.<</speech>> I laughed under my breath, low and wry. The ceiling fan hummed softly above. <<speech $player $playerName>>She’s right, though. My pull-out game is trash.<</speech>> I stood, pocketed the pack, and glanced at the clock. Half past eight. Enough time for a shower, a quick stop at the corner store, and then Greaves. <<speech $player $playerName>>All right. Let’s make today not a disaster.<</speech>> I grabbed my jacket off the chair, one last look at the bed, the dent where she’d slept. The room still felt like her. <<set $currentObjectives to "Buy Yogurt Pretzels">> <<set $step = 1.1>> [[Head Out|home]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "21:00">> We undressed slowly, not out of restraint but because both of us were still tangled in thoughts from earlier. The low hum of the city outside our bedroom window buzzed like static in the silence between our kisses. I pulled Lena close, hands trailing up her back, feeling her breath catch against my neck as her fingers slid under my shirt, palms warm against my skin. Her voice was quiet, barely a brush against my ear. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I Still thinking about it. You?<</speech>> I didn’t answer with words. I kissed her instead slow, deep, letting her feel every ounce of weight behind it. Her mouth opened to mine, and her fingers curled into my back as she melted into it, hips swaying instinctively against me. <<speech $player $playerName>>In Tier 0, there’s this final piece they make you live in a woman’s body for a full day. It’s part of the certification.<</speech>> She pulled back slightly, breath caught. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So… I’ll see you like that? Like her?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If I choose to finish it, yeah. I’ll come home in her skin. Clone host. Just for a day. But it’ll be me inside. Every thought, every word.<</speech>> She held my gaze, eyes flickering with heat and uncertainty. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fuck… I don’t know if that turns me on or scares the shit out of me.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Maybe both. I’ll let you decide how you want to treat her when I walk in the door.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You think I won’t pin your soft little clone down and make her scream?<</speech>> I growled, kissing her again, harder. Our clothes fell away in pieces between every touch, every mouthful of skin. I pushed her back onto the bed, fingers dragging down her thighs, watching them fall open beneath me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re thinking too much, baby. Let me shut you up.<</speech>> She slid down, hand wrapped around my cock, tongue tracing the underside before taking me in deep wet heat engulfing me in one long, hungry suck. <<speech $player $playerName>>Fuck, Lena… your mouth is perfect.<</speech>> She moaned around my length, sending vibrations up through my spine, bobbing slow and filthy. Saliva dripped from the corners of her lips as she looked up, eyes dark. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I want you to cum in my throat before you ever become like me.<</speech>> I pulled her off with a groan, gripping her hips and flipping her back, sliding between her legs. I licked her slow at first, tongue tracing every line of her soaked slit, then sucked hard on her clit as she gasped and twisted under me. <<speech $player $playerName>>Taste so fucking sweet. Can’t believe you’d let me leave this for even a second.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Then fuck me like I’m all you’ve got left. Remind me.<</speech>> I kissed up her body, taking her nipple between my lips and sucking hard, fingers still teasing her dripping pussy. Then I flipped her onto her stomach, spread her thighs, and pushed in deep without hesitation. She arched back with a sharp gasp, fingers clutching the sheets. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Ahh fuck! Yes! Just like that, don’t you fucking stop <</speech>> I slammed into her harder, the sound of our skin slapping echoing off the walls. My hands clamped onto her waist, holding her steady as I pounded her from behind, cock buried to the hilt, every thrust brutal and deep. <<speech $player $playerName>>Is this what you’re afraid I’ll forget?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Yes fuck yes! You better not, I’ll ruin you if you do harder, fuck me harder <</speech>> I grunted, sweat dripping down my chest as I hammered her, watching her back arch and collapse, moaning with every bounce. Her body trembled around me, thighs shaking as I pulled out briefly, then shoved her flat onto her stomach. <<speech $player $playerName>>Up. Ride me.<</speech>> She climbed on fast, guided me back in, hips rolling slow at first as she rode, her tits bouncing with every motion, her hands braced against my chest. Then she threw her head back and started bouncing hard, reckless, using me until her voice broke into whimpers. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fuck I’m gonna cum ahh, fuck yes, baby, fuck yes <</speech>> She spasmed against me, body convulsing in orgasm, clenched tight around my cock. I held her through it, kissed her neck as she collapsed forward. I was close, dizzy with it. I kissed her hard, then shoved her off and flipped her again. <<speech $player $playerName>>One more hole left.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Wait fuck, wait <</speech>> I didn’t. I spat into my hand, smeared her ass, and pushed in slow and brutal no warning. She screamed into the mattress, hands clawing at the sheets. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>FUCK! Oh my god it’s too big it’s too nghh <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You take it. Take it all. This ass is mine tonight.<</speech>> She sobbed and moaned as I forced myself deeper, stretching her tight hole around me, every inch making her shiver, her body trembling under the pressure. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re too deep you’re fucking breaking me fuck yes yes! Keep going <</speech>> I slammed into her until her words melted into incoherent cries, her ass locked around me like a vice. When I came, it hit me like fire deep inside her, my hips buried to the base, her body twitching underneath mine as I spilled into her. We collapsed together in a mess of sweat, gasping, trembling. Later, as we lay in a tangle of sheets and bare limbs, our heartbeats finally slowing, Lena whispered into the silence. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You don’t have to do this. I know we’re broke, but we don’t have to burn ourselves to stay warm.<</speech>> I stared at the ceiling, her head rising and falling with my breath. <<speech $player $playerName>>I know.<</speech>> She looked up at me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And if it starts to change you if anything about it feels wrong you walk away. I don’t care about the money. I care about you.<</speech>> I kissed her forehead. <<speech $player $playerName>>Promise.<</speech>> We drifted off not long after, sore, marked, but wrapped around each other. And tomorrow, the real first step would begin. [[Lena's Complain|bedroom_17_1]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "21:30">> We lay tangled in sweat and sheets, skin tacky and breath uneven. Her body still twitched against mine, but I felt it her mood shifting. Her fingers drummed slowly on my chest. Not angry. But definitely scheming. But then she shifted under me, pulled away fast her muscles still shaking, but her face sharp now, twisted in something that wasn’t pain anymore. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You know you totally just violated my ass, right?<</speech>> I blinked, head still spinning. <<speech $player $playerName>>You said to keep going <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmhm. After you were already halfway to rearranging my organs, no lube, no warning, just ‘here’s my dick, deal with it.’<</speech>> She propped herself up on one elbow, hair a mess, cheeks flushed, and gave me that grin. Dangerous. Playful. Lethal. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So… tomorrow night? My turn.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Your… what?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Strap-on, babe. You bent over. Me in charge. Equal opportunity revenge-fucking.<</speech>> I groaned and covered my face with my hand. <<speech $player $playerName>>Lena, come on <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Nope. You plunder my poor little ass like a barbarian, I get to test the elasticity of yours. It’s only fair.<</speech>> She straddled my stomach and leaned over, kissing me once sweet, soft, then biting my lower lip. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Besides… you’re going into a woman’s body tomorrow, right? Time to understand what it really feels like to be taken.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That is not part of Tier 0 orientation.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Yet.<</speech>> She grinned. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Consider it… supplemental curriculum. Hands-on learning. Or hands-on hips, more like.<</speech>> I sighed, shaking my head, but my cock gave a tired twitch anyway. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m not into the whole… thing up there.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You weren’t into me shoving my fingers in your mouth while I rode you either, and now you practically beg for it. I’m just saying… give your ass a little credit. Might be your new favorite hole.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Jesus.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I mean, come on… you’ve got an asshole. I’ve got an asshole. If mine can take it <</speech>> She slid her fingers down my chest, nails lightly dragging. <<speech "lena" "Lena">> yours can too. Fair is fair, babe.<</speech>> I groaned again, dragging a hand down my face. <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s not how anatomy works.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh, it absolutely is. I’m just giving yours the love it’s been denied.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You're relentless.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And tomorrow night? I’m gonna be deep in your relentless little ass. One thrust for every time you made me squeal tonight.<</speech>> She nipped my earlobe. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And if you squirm, I’ll hold you down and go deeper. Maybe even make you beg for it.<</speech>> I swallowed hard, my stomach flipping. <<speech $player $playerName>>Jesus fuck…<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm-hmm. Say it now, baby. Say 'yes ma'am' while your cock’s still twitching.<</speech>> I didn’t. I couldn’t. But the silence said plenty. She kissed me again, slower this time. Then whispered against my lips: <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You won’t even see it coming. Just a little stretch. A little slide. I’ll go slow… at first.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I hate how turned on I am right now.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good. Keep that energy. Because tomorrow, after you spend a whole day with girl bits, I’m bending you over this bed and putting your prostate on speed dial.<</speech>> I laughed weakly, heart still thudding. <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay. Fine. You get one shot.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh babe. I’m gonna need at least two.<</speech>> She winked, then curled up beside me, smug and warm. I exhaled slowly and stared at the ceiling. Tomorrow, I’d be in a different body. And apparently… a different position too. [[Wake up|bedroom_17_2]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "06:30">> I stirred to the familiar warmth of her body beside mine the way her bare thigh draped over mine, her hand lazily stroking my cock under the sheets. But there was something else. A slick pressure… lower. Different. My breath caught. <<speech $player $playerName>>Lena…?<</speech>> Her voice was a whisper against my ear, full of sleep and mischief. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm… morning, baby. Just getting you ready.<</speech>> Her finger moved again slow, deliberate and I realized she’d already slipped it in me. Not deep, not rough, but slick and snug and there. I tensed. She kissed the corner of my jaw. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Relax. Just one finger. I’m practicing for tonight. Gotta make sure your hole’s not shy when it’s showtime.<</speech>> I groaned, half-awake, body confused between alarm and arousal. <<speech $player $playerName>>Wait, you’re serious?<</speech>> She laughed, low and dirty in my ear. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Baby, I went online and bought the lube with the best reviews. And the harness? Adjustable. Silicone. Pink. You think I’m doing all that just to bluff?<</speech>> I shifted under her, my cock twitching hard in her palm even as my gut turned in knots. <<speech $player $playerName>>Jesus…<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’ll be fine. We’ll fuck like normal first deep and messy, just how you like it. Then… we flip.<</speech>> She curled her finger slightly, just enough to make my hips jolt. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I’ll lube you up real slow. Get you moaning on two fingers, maybe three. And when I slide in… you’ll already be begging for it, won’t you?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re insane.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Insane for your ass, yeah. It’s cute. Tight. Unclaimed. Not for long.<</speech>> She pulled her finger out gently, kissed my lower back, then reached down and gave my cock one long, firm stroke that made me buck into her palm. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Now go take your Tier 0 like a good little man. Learn what it feels like to have curves. By the time you’re back… we’ll see how you handle being the one spread open.<</speech>> I buried my face into the pillow and groaned again. I was hard as hell. And completely, terrifyingly turned on. I lay there in the morning haze, her hand stroking me lazy and slow, her finger slick inside me, working me open by degrees and to my own surprise, I wasn’t just tolerating it. I was… kind of into it. My cock throbbed hard in her fist, already leaking, and when her fingertip curled again, brushing something inside me, I moaned quiet and broken. My hips rolled toward both sensations. <<speech $player $playerName>>Fuck… that feels… weird but good…<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm, there he is. That little spot, right?<</speech>> She smiled into my neck, warm breath teasing my ear. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That’s your prostate, babe. Your button. You like that?<</speech>> I didn't answer just let out a low groan as her palm twisted down my cock and her finger pressed again. My whole body twitched. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Ohh yeah, you do. Don’t lie. You’re fuckin’ leaking. Dripping like a whore for me.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>God…<</speech>> I should’ve been embarrassed. I should’ve pulled away. But I didn’t. I gripped the sheets instead, panting through my teeth as heat burned in my spine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>See? I knew it. You act all nervous, but your body’s got a filthy little side. My side.<</speech>> She slid her finger out slowly, leaving me stretched and empty, and I whimpered actually whimpered at the loss. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fuck, that sound. Baby, if you’re this sensitive already… tonight’s gonna ruin you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Shit…<</speech>> I rolled onto my back, heart hammering, cock hard against my stomach. She crawled up over me, straddling my hips, her soaked pussy brushing against the base of my shaft but she didn’t let me in. Not yet. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Admit it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Admit what?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That part of you’s curious. You want to know what it feels like. You’re a little excited to take me tonight, from the other end.<</speech>> I looked up at her wild hair, flushed cheeks, that smirk and swallowed hard. <<speech $player $playerName>>...Yeah. I think I do.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good.<</speech>> She leaned down, licked my lips, and kissed me deep her tongue slow, claiming. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Because I’m gonna make you feel it, baby. Every inch. You won’t just know what a girl goes through you’ll beg for it. And love it.<</speech>> I exhaled into her mouth, already throbbing again, already wondering how I’d make it through the day. Excited. Scared. Turned on in ways I’d never admit to anyone but her. <<speech $player $playerName>>Enough.<</speech>> I grabbed her by the hips and rolled, pinning her under me in one fast motion. She gasped, then grinned up at me eyes gleaming, breath hot. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh? Gonna shut me up, baby?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m gonna fuck you until you can’t talk.<</speech>> I shoved inside her in one hard thrust, burying myself to the hilt. She screamed high, needy, her back arching off the mattress as her nails clawed at my shoulders. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>F-fuck yes God you feel so deep <</speech>> I didn’t answer. Just drove into her, hard and fast, every stroke punishing. The bed slammed against the wall with every thrust. Her legs locked around my waist, pulling me deeper, her voice ragged with every cry. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh fuck fuck me yes harder fuck yes, don’t stop, don’t you fucking stop <</speech>> Her body shook under mine, her walls clenching around my cock as she came hard, crying out my name. I didn’t slow down. I couldn’t. Her body pulled me in, soaked and pulsing and perfect. <<speech $player $playerName>>Gonna fill you fuck you feel too good <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Yes cum in me fucking give it to me inside now <</speech>> I slammed deep, held there, and groaned as I came thick ropes spilling into her, pulse after pulse. Her eyes fluttered, her body trembling with aftershocks as I filled her completely. I stayed buried inside her for a moment, panting, forehead resting against hers. She giggled breathlessly, then rolled her hips once more slow, milking me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm… you stuffed me, baby. God, I can feel it dripping already…<</speech>> She kissed my neck, then slid down, licking her lips as she reached between us. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Let me clean up my mess.<</speech>> Her mouth wrapped around my softening cock, slow and warm, licking away the last of the cum and slick with gentle kisses, hums vibrating through her throat. When she was done, she sat up with a smirk and swatted my thigh. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Come on. Shower time. You got me soaked, and if I don’t rinse this off, I’m gonna be leaking you through half my shift.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s your punishment for teasing me awake.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm. Then consider it revenge prep. Your real punishment’s tonight, lover.<</speech>> She led me toward the shower with a wink, hips swaying, my cum still dripping down her thighs. And I followed, wondering how the hell I’d survive her… and what she’d do to me next. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Washroom">> <<set $step = 17.1>> [[Go to Washroom|home]] <>

<> The apartment lights were low when we came in just the soft glow from the kitchen strip lighting the hall. Shoes came off in lazy motions, bags dropped somewhere between doorway and couch. The air smelled faintly of the basil from yesterday and Lena’s shampoo. We didn’t talk much didn’t need to. It was the quiet kind of tired, where the day had taken everything except the part of you that still wanted to be close. In the bedroom, the sheets were cool. Lena slid in first, hair loose now, skin catching the city light from the blinds. I followed, wrapping an arm around her waist. She hummed softly, pressing her back to my chest, our legs tangling under the blanket. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You smell like coffee and overthinking.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And you smell like trouble.<</speech>> She turned just enough to face me, her nose brushing mine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Don’t think about tomorrow,<</speech>> she whispered, voice low and warm. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Just this.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just this.<</speech>> The world narrowed to heartbeat, skin, the quiet creak of the bed. When release came, it was gentle a shared exhale, a small, trembling laugh against each other’s lips. We stayed tangled afterward, her head on my chest, my hand in her hair. The city outside buzzed and blurred away. Sleep found us still holding on not tightly, just enough to know we were real. Tomorrow would come soon enough. <<set $phoneTime to "23:45">> <<set $currentObjectives to "Sleep">> <<set $step to 19>> [[Fall asleep beside her|bedroom_18.3_1]] <>

<> Morning light cut through the blinds in pale stripes, landing across the sheets and Lena’s shoulder. We’d slept too long. The clock on the dresser blinked 08:00. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Shit your orientation <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What What happend??? <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>We are late 08:00 now.. Lets go to washroom..<</speech>> she started, half-laughing, already sliding out of bed. [[Run toward Wash room|home]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "19:42">> The apartment was quiet when I stepped in, lights low, the filtered hum of the air system barely audible. I tossed my coat over the back of the chair and let my bag slump to the floor. Muscles still ached from the transfer deep in my thighs, across my shoulders, like I’d borrowed someone else’s strain and brought it back with me. I ran a hand down my torso. Still me. Still my own skin. But part of me kept expecting softness at the chest, a different tilt of the hips. The echo of the clone’s gait lingered, hips trying to sway where there was no curve to lead. I let out a slow breath and moved to the couch, dropped into it without ceremony. The cushion gave differently than the bench in the training room. This felt real. Lived in. Warm. The box sat on the coffee table black, discreet, but not subtle. I eyed it for a while. Not like it was going to open itself. <<speech $player $playerName>>Fuck it.<</speech>> I leaned forward, popped the clasp, and lifted the lid. The red caught the light instantly deep cherry silicone, matte finish, harness already buckled neatly around it like some perverse trophy. I picked it up slowly, ran my thumb along the shaft. Firm, but flexible. Smooth. The straps were leather, soft but strong, with steel rings on each hip. It looked… intimidating. Not huge, but shaped with intent. This wasn’t a beginner's toy. This was a message. I held it in both hands for a second, feeling the weight, imagining the shift when it’d be on her instead of me. The reversal. I stretched the strap, tested the give, imagined her hips sliding into it. The thought sent a flicker of heat down my spine not fear, not shame. Just… anticipation. My phone buzzed. I glanced down. A message. <<if !$bedroom_19_4_1>> <<link "Check Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` Still at the train stop. Be home in ten. Hope you touched it. You should. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $bedroom_19_4_1 to true>> <<goto "bedroom_19.4">> <</link>> <<else>> <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> A smirk pulled at my mouth before I could help it. I set the strap-on down carefully, stood, and padded barefoot into the kitchen. The clock read 19:42. I poured water, drank it too fast. My reflection caught in the microwave door not the clone’s face. My face. But something in my eyes was different. Like I’d seen myself from the outside, and now couldn’t quite fit the edges back in. I wandered back toward the couch, but didn’t sit. I hovered. Still wound tight with the day's memory. The way her breath caught when I touched her breasts. The way my own chest had risen and fallen in someone else’s rhythm. I looked down at the toy again. Still waiting. Red, bold, unashamed. The lock turned in the door. Keys. Steps. Her scent. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Did you open it?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I might’ve. Touched it. Briefly.<</speech>> She stepped into view, already grinning. Hair a little windblown, cheeks flushed from the cold. Her eyes dropped to the toy on the table, then to me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good. You’re going to remember that feeling. Because next time? That’s mine to wear.<</speech>> [[She asks about the day|bedroom_19.4_1]] <</if>> <>

<> Lena didn’t come straight to me. She dropped her bag by the door, peeled off her jacket slow like she knew exactly what she was doing and hung it on the hook with one arm raised, shirt lifting just enough to flash bare skin at the waist. Her eyes flicked to the red strap-on on the table. Then to me. Then back again. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So? Did you try it on?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Nope. Just… held it. Looked at it. It’s... substantial.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm-hm. I saw the reviews. Said it hits hard. Deep. Especially when the wearer’s properly motivated.<</speech>> She crossed the room, but didn’t touch me. Just stood close enough that I could smell the wind in her hair, the hint of shampoo. Her eyes narrowed playfully. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And you’re saying you weren’t tempted? Not even a little curious what it might feel like the other way around?<</speech>> I raised a brow. <<speech $player $playerName>>Not without you here. You’re the one who asked for it.<</speech>> She smirked, leaned in lips brushing just past my ear. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Damn right I did. Payback’s a slippery slope. Lucky for you, I’ve got excellent aim.<</speech>> Then, without warning, she dropped onto the couch beside me and threw her legs across my lap like this was just any other day. Her fingers played with the edge of my sleeve. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Okay. Now spill. What the hell happened today? I’ve been dying to hear and you’ve been suspiciously quiet.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We had our first full immersion session.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Already? They didn't even give you a week to adjust?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Nope. Straight from ethics theory into embodiment. Marcus ran the session personally. He doesn’t do warmups.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Wait, wait so you actually transferred into another body?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Full override. Female clone. They had her prepped in a pod no memories, no identity. Just… a vessel.<</speech>> She blinked fast. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Holy shit. What was that like? Like, actually being in a woman’s body? Tell me everything. How did she look? How did she feel?<</speech>> I laughed under my breath, but she was already sitting cross-legged, totally locked in. <<speech $player $playerName>>She was small. About 5’5”. Freckles. Ginger pixie cut. Hourglass shape but not exaggerated. Athletic, but soft. Skin was pale, cold at first. But when I breathed it felt like I was breathing. Everything moved differently. My balance was off. My hips swayed without me meaning to.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Did you look at yourself in the mirror?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. And it hit hard. It felt… intimate. Not sexual, just personal. Like stepping into someone’s privacy.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re not dodging the juicy part, are you?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I didn’t do anything. Not like that. But there was this moment, just touching her skin my skin it wasn’t erotic, but it was close. Every step had bounce. Breasts moved. My breath felt deeper. Lighter. Like my body was trying to teach me something every second.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Jesus. That’s kind of beautiful. And weird. And hot. And weird again. Did you touch yourself at all? Even a little curiosity touch?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I touched her stomach. Her face. Her hands. That was enough. I didn’t want to rush it. And Marcus was watching the whole time through neural sync.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Ugh, mood killer. But still god, I have so many questions. Could you feel her weight differently? Did your voice change? What about arousal? Was there like… background emotion or was it blank slate?<</speech>> I grinned. <<speech $player $playerName>>You sound more excited than I was going in.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Because it’s fascinating. I mean, think about it you were her. For real. Not VR. Not roleplay. Actual full-body override. That’s… that’s deep-level intimacy. I’m kind of jealous.<</speech>> She paused, biting her lip. Then her fingers slid over mine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Tell me something. Real. Did you like it? Not just the experience. Did it… awaken anything?<</speech>> I hesitated. Then nodded. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. It didn’t feel wrong. It felt... honest. Like a quiet version of me I’d never met before, just waiting in the mirror.<</speech>> Her eyes didn’t leave mine for a long time. Then she kissed me slow, thoughtful. No teasing this time. Just… understanding. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You know I love all of you, right? The parts you discover late. The ones that scare you. And the ones that might just like being flipped over and made to beg.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You never stay serious for long, do you?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Not when there’s a red strap-on sitting three feet away. But hey, I’ll wait. For now.<</speech>> <<set $phoneTime = "19:00">> <<set $currentObjectives = "Go Cook Something">> <<set $step = 19.5>> [[Go to Kitchen|home]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "21:00">> The bedroom was dim, washed in low amber from the hallway light. Clothes trailed across the floor where they’d undressed lazily between kisses, bumping into walls, laughing under breath. Lena’s back hit the mattress first, hair fanning across the pillow, skin flushed with warmth and wine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Don’t even think about being gentle.<</speech>> She hooked her leg around my waist, pulling me down into her, nails already dragging lines along my shoulder blades. I kissed her open, deep, breath stealing hands sliding to cup her breasts, thumbs brushing hardening nipples as I pressed inside. She arched with a soft gasp, then bit my lip when I bottomed out. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmmf fuck, yes, deeper <</speech>> I drove into her slow at first, relishing the heat, the slick slide, the way her body flexed to meet mine. Her hands gripped my arms, thighs tightening around my hips. Then I gave her what she asked for. No teasing now. Just hard, fast, deep. The bed creaked with every thrust, her breath breaking apart into rhythmic gasps. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Don’t stop ngh right there, yes, fuck right there!<</speech>> I grunted into her neck, sweat slick on our skin, the slap of hips sharp in the quiet room. Her moans rose pitched, urgent and then she bucked hard beneath me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Ohh fucking god yes I'm fucking cumming !<</speech>> Her whole body tensed, then trembled through the wave, pulsing tight around me. I didn’t slow. Kept driving through her orgasm, chasing the next. She shoved at my chest. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Turn me over now <</speech>> I rolled her easily, pulling her up to all fours, pushing her shoulders low. Her ass raised perfectly, glistening, flushed. I slid back in fast, making her cry out. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fuuuuck oh god yes, keep going haaahh <</speech>> Her voice broke on every thrust. I gripped her hips hard, pace brutal now, thighs clapping loud. She was soaking, squelching wet, and the sound drove me mad. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I’m I’m oh fuck, cumming again don’t stop please <</speech>> She collapsed partway, face buried in a pillow, hips jerking with each wave as I kept pounding her. Another orgasm hit, and she sobbed into the sheets, hoarse and raw. I couldn’t hold back. I slammed deep, hips jerking as I emptied inside her with a sharp growl. We collapsed tangled, panting, her legs twitching as she whispered through a grin: <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You fucked me good. But now...<</speech>> She rolled over, reached for the drawer, eyes wicked with promise. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>My turn. Get on your back, babe.<</speech>> The bedroom was dim, quiet except for the low whir of the fan and the distant hum of the city beyond the windows. Lena stood near the dresser, bare from the waist up, fastening the red strap-on at her hips with slow, purposeful motions. It wasn’t just the act of putting it on it was how she wore it. Confident, calm, grounded. Her eyes never left mine. I sat on the edge of the bed, hands braced at my sides, a nervous heat simmering in my chest. I’d agreed. I wanted this. But now, watching her step toward me, there was a ripple of hesitation I couldn’t hide. She noticed. Of course she did. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re allowed to be scared. First time always is. But I’m not here to hurt you. Just… show you.<</speech>> I nodded, dry-mouthed. She climbed onto the bed, her movements patient and fluid, and straddled my thighs. The red of the toy contrasted sharply against her skin, making it impossible not to stare. <<speech $player $playerName>>I don’t even know how to… breathe for this.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Then I’ll do it for you.<</speech>> She leaned in to kiss me, soft and coaxing, her lips working mine open like they were unwinding every last knot of tension inside me. One hand cupped my cheek, the other slid slowly down my chest, grounding me. Then she shifted lower, kissing along my stomach. Her mouth was warm, familiar, soothing. When her tongue brushed places I’d never expected it to go, I jolted not from pain, but sheer surprise. Then came her fingers, slick with lube, gentle as they circled and pressed, coaxing me open one breath at a time. <<speech $player $playerName>>Oh… Lena, I <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Shh. Just feel. Let it happen.<</speech>> The stretch was intense, almost too much but she was careful, whispering encouragement with every shift of her fingers. My body trembled under her attention. The heat between my legs flared in ways I wasn’t prepared for, and by the time she guided the toy into place, I was halfway undone already. When the tip pressed against me, slick and patient, I instinctively tensed. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Breathe. Look at me. You’ve got this.<</speech>> It didn’t just slip in. It entered. My entire focus narrowed to that singular sensation foreign and overwhelming, but not wrong. My mouth opened in a startled cry, but it wasn’t pain that came out it was astonishment. My body, once panicked, adjusted in slow degrees. Her rhythm was steady, not too deep, letting me adapt. And then god, then it shifted. A brush of pressure. A throb. Something deep and electric that made my toes curl and my back arch. My fingers gripped the sheets. <<speech $player $playerName>>Oh, fuck what was that?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That’s your prostate. Welcome to a whole new world.<</speech>> She leaned over me as she moved, her hair brushing my chest, her hips grinding slow and deliberate. I let her take control, surrendering piece by piece until I wasn’t thinking anymore just feeling. Every push forward lit something inside me, a slow burn that built into something more primal. She shifted my legs, changed the angle. The toy slid deeper. I gasped again. The air between us pulsed with something deeper than heat anticipation wrapped in trust. Lena moved with slow, confident precision, the kind that spoke not just of experience, but of purpose. Her fingers brushed my thigh with a teasing lightness, then curled inward, anchoring herself as she slid her hips into place. The harness at her waist gleamed faintly, the red strap cutting a deliberate line across her abdomen, perfectly positioned as she hovered above me, her presence overwhelming in the best possible way. I wasn’t used to feeling this exposed open beneath someone else’s rhythm, someone else’s hands but with her, it didn’t feel like surrender. It felt like being honored. Held. Every movement she made was with intention, from the way her palm cupped the side of my face to how her forehead pressed gently against mine, our breath mingling in the scant space between us. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Still breathing?<</speech>> I nodded, barely. The answer got caught behind my teeth, tangled in a moan that didn't quite make it out. <<speech $player $playerName>>Barely. But I think that’s your fault.<</speech>> Her smile deepened, all smoldering affection and quiet power, and then her mouth was on mine again not gentle, not forceful, but something between. Grounding. Perfect. Her lips dragged against mine like a secret shared through skin. Then she shifted, guiding herself with a slow, controlled roll of her hips, the tip of her strap teasing my entrance before pressing in. Inch by inch, she filled me God, the stretch, the burn-turned-bliss, the way my body clenched, startled by pleasure even as it reached for more. <<speech $player $playerName>>ahhh-hh nnnhhh!<</speech>> I gasped, trembling under the intensity of it, mouth falling open as a choked moan escaped, my legs twitching around her waist. Every movement sent fresh ripples of sensation through me, heat rising sharp and fast, twisting low in my belly. She moved slowly, watching me like a predator reading every breath and twitch of its prey but not to pounce, no. To care. To conquer with tenderness. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You feel that? Right there?<</speech>> Her voice God, her voice was a low, velvet murmur against my cheek, and I nodded in stuttering awe. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Yeah, I… Jesus, I do.<</speech>> Her hips rocked forward again, and I swore I could feel the aftershock in my spine. Then her hand found mine fingers lacing, firm and she pressed a kiss to my wrist, soft and sacred. Her other hand wandered, dragging over my chest, my stomach, until it found my cock, already flushed, aching, slick with need. Her fingers curled around me, warm and sure, stroking in perfect rhythm with the slow grind of her thrusts. <<speech $player $playerName>>uhhh fuck, Lena !<</speech>> I jolted, cried out hips bucking helplessly beneath her, overwhelmed by dual sensation. The thick pressure inside me, the friction outside, her voice in my ear whispering every raw, reverent command. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m I’m not gonna last.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good. Let go. I’ve got you.<</speech>> She sped up just slightly, the strap plunging deeper with every controlled stroke, her hand stroking my cock slick and tight. I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. The pleasure crested like a wave too tall to survive, a singular focus overtaking everything. My thighs tensed, back arched, and I came hard white heat splashing up my stomach, coating her hand, breath shattering from my lungs in a guttural cry. <<speech $player $playerName>>Fuuuuuck ahhh nnnhhh Leenaaahh!<</speech>> She held me through it, slowed her thrusts but didn’t stop, her hand still stroking gently as my body twitched and spasmed beneath her. Then, with a breathless little laugh, she drew back and lifted her hand, fingers sticky with my release. She met my dazed, spent gaze, eyes half-lidded with something carnal and sweet. And then she licked her palm clean. Deliberate. Slow. One finger at a time. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm, You taste like surrender.<</speech>> she hummed, sliding her tongue along the side of her thumb. I barely managed a sound, boneless beneath her as she finally slipped out and collapsed beside me, breath warm against my neck. The harness still clung to her hips, the red strap catching faint glints of light as she snuggled close, wrapping her arms around me like I was something precious. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Now…Shall we Sleep<</speech>> A soft kiss against the corner of my jaw. Her hand wandered down again, stroking absently along the edge of the strap as she yawned softly, already settling into the warm, post-fuck haze. She pressed her forehead to mine again, smile sleepy. And then she fell asleep, sticky and satisfied against my chest, her breath slow, even. I didn't move. Wouldn’t have dared. The air still crackled around us with afterglow, every nerve in my body still humming her name. [[Sleep now|bedroom_19.6_1]] <>

<> The bedroom was still dim, only the faintest hint of blue filtering in through the blinds. That soft, early haze before alarms, before responsibility. My body felt warm, cocooned in the tangle of limbs and sheets. But also… sore. Not the pleasant ache from workout or sex, but deep soreness. Centered. Lingering. <<speech $player $playerName>>Mmmnh… fuck. My ass hurts.<</speech>> My voice was half a groan, half a complaint, barely audible against the pillow. Lena shifted beside me, her arm tightening around my waist like she’d been waiting for me to say something. I felt her grin against my shoulder. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Aww. Poor thing. Feeling stretched out and used?<</speech>> I gave a muffled snort. <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s not even a joke. I can feel every… inch of you. Still.<</speech>> She laughed low, smug, utterly unrepentant. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Yeah? That’s exactly how I felt the morning after you decided to rail me in the shower, remember? Bent over the edge like a fucking ragdoll. My ass was wrecked.<</speech>> I groaned again, face buried in the sheets. <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay but I wasn’t trying to break you. That was different. That was <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hot. Aggressive. Amazing.<</speech>> She kissed the back of my neck. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And very, very similar to how I handled you last night. So I guess we’re even now.<</speech>> I shifted under the blanket, hissing through my teeth at the deep soreness as I tried to move my hips. <<speech $player $playerName>>God. Even my lower back hurts. And my thighs. And I think I’m still leaking lube.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmhm. Welcome to the bottom club, baby. Initiation complete.<</speech>> Her fingers drifted down my spine, teasing just above my tailbone. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Want me to rub it for you? Or should I just mount you again and finish the job?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Lena…<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>What? You’re already halfway there. Soft, pliant, a little sore and needy. Just how I like you.<</speech>> She rolled on top of me, her weight settling over my hips just enough to make me gasp. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Besides... you looked so good taking it. You made the prettiest little noises. I might be addicted.<</speech>> I turned my face just enough to glance at her. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re evil.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I’m generous. I gave you a full-body orgasm and a memory you’ll never forget. And you gave me the sexiest moans I’ve ever heard come out of your mouth. Fair trade.<</speech>> She rocked her hips lazily once against me, just enough pressure to send a ripple of soreness and heat up my spine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>We could do it again today. You know. If you’re brave.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I literally just said I’m sore.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Exactly. Perfect excuse to stay in bed all day. I’ll take care of you. Real gentle. Or not. Your choice.<</speech>> She kissed behind my ear, slow and maddening, while her fingers skimmed teasingly lower again. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So... round two later? Or are you tapping out already?<</speech>> I groaned into the pillow. Not yes. Not no. And she grinned. Because she already knew the answer. <<set $step = 20>> <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to washroom">> <<set $phoneTime = "07:00">> [[Go outside|home]] <>

<>  <<set $locationImage to "images/location/living_room.png">> <div class="location-map-wrap"> <div class="location-map-card"> <div class="location-map-title">Apartment</div> <div class="location-map-grid"> <div class="location livingroom" data-passage="living_room" title="Livingroom"> <img src="images/location/living_room.png" alt="Livingroom"> <div class="location-label">Livingroom</div> </div> <div class="location kitchen" data-passage="kitchen" title="Kitchen"> <img src="images/location/kitchen.png" alt="Kitchen"> <div class="location-label">Kitchen</div> </div> <div class="location bedroom" data-passage="bedroom" title="Bedroom"> <img src="images/location/bedroom.png" alt="Bedroom"> <div class="location-label">Bedroom</div> </div> <div class="location washroom" data-passage="washroom" title="Washroom"> <img src="images/location/washroom.png" alt="Washroom"> <div class="location-label">Washroom</div> </div> <div class="location outside locked" data-passage="outside" title="Outside"> <img src="images/location/balcony.png" alt="Outside"> <div class="location-label">Balcony</div> </div> <div class="location outside" data-passage="outside" title="Outside"> <img src="images/location/outside.png" alt="Outside"> <div class="location-label">Outside</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/kitchen.png">> <<if $step == 2>> <<goto "kitchen_2">> <<elseif $step == 10>> <<goto "home_7">> <<elseif $step == 17.2>> <<goto "kitchen_17.2">> <<elseif !$is_quiz_pass && !$is_next_day>> <<goto "eat">> <<elseif $step == 19.1>> <<goto "kitchen_19.1">> <<elseif $step == 19.5>> <<goto "kitchen_19.5">> <<elseif $step == 20.1>> <<goto "kitchen_20.1">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/kitchen.png" alt="Kitchen" style="width:100%;"> The kitchen still smells faintly of coffee and toast, warmth lingering in the air like a memory. The skillet sits clean and drying by the sink, two mugs on the counter one hers, one mine. Sunlight pours through the small window, dust drifting lazily in its beam. <button id="cook-meal" class="ui-button">🍳 Cook Meal</button> <button id="make-coffee" class="ui-button">☕ Make Coffee</button> <button id="wash-dishes" class="ui-button">🧽 Wash Dishes</button> <button id="listen-radio" class="ui-button">📻 Listen to Radio</button> [[Go to outside|home]] <</if>> <>

<> <img src="images/location/kitchen.png" alt="Kitchen" style="width:100%;"> The kitchen still smells faintly of coffee and toast, warmth lingering in the air like a memory. The skillet sits clean and drying by the sink, two mugs on the counter one hers, one mine. Sunlight pours through the small window, dust drifting lazily in its beam. [[Go to outside|home]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "7:30">> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/kitchen.png">> The door clicked shut behind me, the noise from outside muffled instantly. The grocery bag rustled in my hand, a soft crk-crk of paper as I set it down on the counter. The kitchen smelled faintly of coffee and butter still, sunlight pouring through the blinds, cutting bright rectangles across the tiles. <<if $yogurt_only>> I pulled out the yogurt, creamy peach flavor, Lena’s favorite. Set it on the table. <<else>> I pulled out the box first the small one, pale blue, clinical. Turned it over once in my palm like it might have a hidden message. <<speech $player $playerName>>Right. Morning-after pill. Officially acquired, no panic, no drama.<</speech>> I opened the fridge, cool air brushing my skin, condensation fogging the edges of the shelves. <<speech $player $playerName>>Probably not supposed to refrigerate this, but Lena’s got her “safe spot” system and I’m not about to mess with it.<</speech>> I shifted aside a jar of pickles, a carton of oat milk, and the remains of last night’s curry. Found the small glass container labeled emergency stuff in her tidy handwriting. Slid the pill box right next to it. <<speech $player $playerName>>Perfect. Out of sight, ready for the next “oops.”<</speech>> <</if>> The pretzels went into the snack drawer, the bag crinkling as I closed it. <<speech $player $playerName>>There. Responsible adult level: slightly above zero.<</speech>> The fridge door hummed softly when I shut it. I leaned against the counter for a second, fingers drumming absently on the surface. The place was quiet again, save for the tick of the clock and the faint hiss of the coffee machine still keeping the pot warm. <<speech $player $playerName>>She’ll see it later, roll her eyes, call me a good boy, and pretend she didn’t worry for half an hour. Classic Lena.<</speech>> I pushed off the counter, grabbed my ID and jacket from the chair. <<speech $player $playerName>>All right. Work time. Let’s hope Greaves is in a forgiving mood today.<</speech>> <<set $currentObjectives to "Go to Work">> <<set $step = 3>> [[Go outside|home]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "8:00">> Breakfast was simple just eggs, toast, and some leftover stir-fry. We ate half-dressed, cross-legged on the couch, legs touching. She kept brushing her foot against mine under the table. I tried to focus on the schedule in the folder. She kept licking soy sauce off her finger like she was doing it for an audience. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So you’re really going, huh? Gonna show up at Shape of You and say ‘hi, I’d like to borrow someone’s body please’?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only for orientation. Just one day. One job. Just… to see.<</speech>> She nodded, chewing slowly, then took a long sip of coffee. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>If they let you pick bodies… choose a curvy one. Big hips. Something soft I can slap when you come home.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Jesus, Lena.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>What? I’m being supportive.<</speech>> She leaned over, kissed me slow, lingering. Then she stood, slipping into her work uniform, brushing crumbs off her belly. She grabbed her bag and turned to me at the door. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’ll text when it’s done?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll call. I promise.<</speech>> She opened the door, then leaned in again. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And don’t be late tonight. I got the straps soaking in warm water. They’re soft now.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re really not letting this go, huh?<</speech>> She kissed me hard, tugged my bottom lip. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You made me scream last night. It’s only fair you scream tonight too.<</speech>> And then she was gone. I sat there for a moment longer, finishing my coffee in silence. The apartment felt different once she left. Still warm from her presence, but quieter. I stood, checked the folder again. 08:30–09:00: Check-in and neural compatibility scan. Time to go. I got dressed clean simple dark shirt, jacket, neural-safe collar. Grabbed my ID and the folder. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Shape of You Inc. for Orientation">> <<set $step = 18>> [[Go outside|home]] <>

<> We stepped out dripping, the mirror still fogged. She wrapped herself in a towel and padded barefoot toward the kitchen, hair wet and messy, legs glistening. Sunlight poured through the kitchen window, bright and clean, catching on the edges of cups and plates. The faint scent of soap and skin lingered as we moved around each other in easy rhythm bare feet, damp hair, towels swapped for half-buttoned clothes. The coffee machine hummed quietly in the corner. Eggs sizzled in the pan while Lena stood at the stove, her shirt barely tucked, collar wide open, towel draped over a chair behind her. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You know, we could’ve been dressed and halfway out the door by now.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We could’ve but then we wouldn’t have been in that shower.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You always have an excuse when it involves touching me.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You make that sound like a bad thing.<</speech>> She rolled her eyes but smiled, nudging me with her hip as she flipped the eggs. The scent of butter and salt filled the air, mixing with the faint crisp of toast and the low rumble of the street outside. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>If we’re late, I’m telling them it was your fault.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Fair. But you’ll forget all about that after coffee.<</speech>> I handed her a mug, rim steaming. Her fingers brushed mine when she took it, pausing there longer than needed. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re staring again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Can you blame me? You look unfair this early.<</speech>> She laughed soft and honest and leaned in to kiss me over the counter. It was warm, lazy, and slow, tasting of coffee and skin and something only she could carry. We stood there like that a moment longer, lips barely parted, before she stepped back to plate the eggs. I grabbed the toast. Outside, the world was waking fast, but inside it still felt like ours. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Alright, seriously now. Bags, shoes, let’s not get expelled on day one.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Don’t worry. Worst case, we become legends.<</speech>> We scarfed the food, wiped down the counter, traded bites and smirks between gulps of hot coffee. A jacket was thrown over a chair, a phone found under the table. When we finally made it to the door, the day was blazing in. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You ready for this?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>With you? Always.<</speech>> She bumped my shoulder as I locked the door behind us, her fingers brushing mine again as we stepped out into the sunlight. <<set $phoneTime to "8:30">> <<set $currentObjectives to "Go to Shape of You Inc.">> <<set $step = 19.2>> [[Go to Work|home]] <>

<> The kitchen lights cast a warm glow across the counters, soft against the cool evening outside. Water hissed from the tap as Lena rinsed vegetables, sleeves rolled to her elbows, damp strands of hair curling at her neck. I chopped. She stirred. Our bodies moved in rhythm, close enough to bump hips, share warmth, trade glances without needing words. The strap-on had been left behind on the table, but its presence lingered like spice in the air. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So... back to the clone thing.<</speech>> She nudged me with her elbow. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Did it actually feel like you were in control the whole time? Or was there ever a moment you felt like… she might move without you?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s the weird part. At first, yeah total disorientation. It felt like her muscles wanted to move for me. Like the body had habits I didn’t know yet. But after a few minutes, it synced. Then it was just... me. Just different.<</speech>> She tilted her head, slicing zucchini with quiet precision. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>What about emotion? Was it a blank canvas? Or did her body come with… leftovers?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>There was this… faint echo. Like a whisper of awareness. Not words. Not thoughts. Just a kind of presence. Passive. Like her body remembered being a body, even if it didn’t know what for.<</speech>> Lena paused, brow furrowing with fascination. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Jesus. That’s eerie. Beautiful. Kind of tragic, too. Do you think you'd feel that if you transferred again? Into a different clone?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Maybe. Marcus said the mind leaves impressions, even when the slate’s clean. It’s not data it’s sensation. Shape. Posture. Muscle memory. Like the body has its own language before you ever speak through it.<</speech>> She scooped the sliced zucchini into the pan and turned the heat up, a little too fast. Oil popped. She didn’t flinch. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Did she have scars? Moles? Anything unique?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>None. She was flawless. Like she’d never lived a second of pain. It was… strange. Being inside something so perfectly untouched. Like walking around in possibility.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Damn. That hits harder than I expected.<</speech>> I passed her the seasoning. She brushed my fingers in the handoff. She was quiet for a second, then, <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Would you do it again? Like, if they offered tomorrow. Would you say yes without thinking?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do I have a choice...Yes. But not for novelty. Just… to listen better. That body still had things to say. And I think I’d hear them clearer the second time.<</speech>> She stirred, slowly now. Her voice gentled. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That doesn’t scare you? Feeling so at home in a body that’s not yours?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It should. But no. Not yet. It felt like opening a door not closing one. Anyway we need Money. I need to do this for us<</speech>> She leaned back against the counter, watching me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>God. I love how your brain works. But I also kind of want to put you in a sensory deprivation tank just to see what happens.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You just want me helpless again.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmhm. That red strap-on has plans, babe.<</speech>> We both laughed. The kitchen filled with the smell of garlic and seared vegetables. Outside, night had settled like a thick blanket across the window glass. Inside, things were warm. Intimate. Still full of questions, but no longer afraid of the answers. <<set $currentObjectives = "Eat dinner with Lena">> [[Eat Dinner|kitchen_19.5_1]] <>

<> We sat together on the couch, plates in their laps, legs touching lightly. The food was simple garlic vegetables, rice, and reheated protein from the cooler drawer but it tasted like more somehow. Maybe because they’d made it together. Maybe because of what lingered underneath. The strap-on still sat on the corner of the table. Lena hadn’t brought it up again. Not with words. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I like when we do this. Just… exist a little.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Quiet dinners and clone identity crises? Yeah. Real bonding stuff.<</speech>> She smirked and nudged her knee against mine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You know what I mean. Some days feel like everything’s trying to peel us away from ourselves. This doesn’t.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s kind of poetic. Were you always this sappy after stir-fry?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Only when it’s slightly burnt and slightly perfect.<</speech>> We finished eating in a kind of lazy quiet, legs tangled, forks scraping plates. No rush. Just the hum of night around us and the weight of the day easing down from our shoulders. She set her empty dish on the table and curled into me, her hand resting light on my thigh. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re thinking about her again. The clone.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>A little. Not in a weird way. Just… trying to hold onto the feeling without letting it warp me.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>It’s okay. I get it. You went through something big. I’d probably be obsessed too. Especially if I’d woken up with cock and no trauma.<</speech>> I snorted. <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s… exactly what it was like.<</speech>> She laughed, warm and low, and pulled herself upright. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Come on. Let’s go to bed before I keep asking philosophical questions and forget I plan to wreck you tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Threat noted.<</speech>> We stood, cleared the dishes together. A few soft touches exchanged in the quiet. No rush. No fireworks. Just comfort wrapped in something slowly sharpening between us. She slipped her hand into mine as we crossed the hall. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Bedroom">> <<set $step = 19.6>> [[Go to bed with Lena|home]] <>

<> <<set $is_next_day = true>> <<set $phoneTime = "20:00">> The apartment door clicked behind me with a sigh more than a sound. The outside air still clung to my clothes metal-tinted wind and city grit. My limbs ached with that strange after-transfer soreness, but it wasn’t pain. Just… displacement. Kitchen lights were already on. Warm glow across the tile. I smelled garlic. Soy. Something savory. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re late.<</speech>> Her voice floated in from around the corner soft, not accusing. Just there. I stepped in and she was already at the stove, barefoot, wearing one of my old shirts and stirring something in a black cast iron pan with practiced swirls. She didn’t look up. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And you didn’t text. Which means either you passed and fainted. Or you failed and didn’t want to talk about it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Door number two.<</speech>> She exhaled through her nose, turned down the flame, and finally looked over. No judgment. Just Lena. Watching me like she always did with her whole face, not just her eyes. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You hungry or self-punishing?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Kinda both.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good. Sit. I made tofu and noodles. Ginger chili glaze. Heavy on comfort, light on bullshit.<</speech>> I dropped into the stool by the counter, letting my bag slide to the floor. My shoulders felt too high, like my whole body hadn’t quite reassembled right. She plated without ceremony just a practiced scoop, a flick of sauce, two bowls. When she set one in front of me, I caught the faint pink smear of chili oil on her wrist and felt something in my chest unclench. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So? What tripped you up?<</speech>> I picked up my fork, stirred the noodles once, then twice. <<speech $player $playerName>>It wasn’t the knowledge. I remembered the concepts. But… some of the questions were about instinct. Reflex. I hesitated. I think I was still in my own head.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Then that’s what tomorrow’s for.<</speech>> She didn’t soften it. Didn’t overcorrect with platitudes. Just met my voice with hers like puzzle pieces. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’ll go back. You’ll breathe slower. Listen harder. You’ll pass. Because you don’t fail things. You delay them until you’re ready.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I don’t know. I felt… off. Like I was still moving with someone else’s hips. Still sitting like her. I caught myself crossing my legs without thinking.<</speech>> She gave a low chuckle, not mocking. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Welcome to embodiment. It’s not a kink. It’s not a trick. It’s not pretend. You lived inside her skin, and part of you remembers what it felt like to move gently.<</speech>> We ate in quiet after that. The kind of silence that holds two people without squeezing. Later, after the dishes were rinsed and the lights dimmed, we moved to the bedroom like people who’d done it a hundred times not rushed, not dramatic. Just… together. I peeled off my shirt, watching the way my own chest rose in the mirror, trying not to compare it to the one I’d worn earlier. Lena crawled into bed first, blanket tucked around her shoulders, one arm sliding into my space like it belonged there. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You sleep here tonight, not in your head. Okay?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll try.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Not good enough. Say you will.<</speech>> She turned toward me, cheek on pillow, brown eyes steady. <<speech $player $playerName>>I will.<</speech>> She nodded once and closed her eyes, already half-asleep. I lay back beside her, the weight of my body returning inch by inch. I didn’t feel whole yet. But I felt held. And for now… That was enough. [[Wake up|wake_up]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "07:30">> The morning light slid across the bedsheets slow and golden, the kind of glow that filtered through the sheer curtains like it had nowhere else to be. I stirred first, then Lena’s arm tightened reflexively around my ribs before she rolled onto her back with a quiet groan. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Time is it?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Seven thirty.<</speech>> She didn't open her eyes. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Unacceptable.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And yet… tragically real.<</speech>> She groaned again, dragged the pillow over her face for a full three seconds, then shoved it away and swung her legs out of bed with a sigh of mortal betrayal. I followed. The bathroom mirror caught us both hair a mess, eyes puffy from sleep. She splashed cold water on her face first, then brushed her teeth while I stepped behind her to wash mine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So. Big day. Redemption arc. You nervous?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Less than yesterday. More than I’ll admit.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Healthy balance.<</speech>> We bumped shoulders once, quick and silent, before parting back to the kitchen. The apartment smelled like warm dust and coffee beans. I got the kettle on while she pulled two mugs down from the shelf, barefoot again, humming faintly under her breath. She started the eggs. I grabbed bread and sliced tomatoes. No words passed for a few minutes. Just the sounds of breakfast being made by people who didn’t need instructions crack, sizzle, click, pour. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re moving better today.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Not thinking about my gait helps.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm. Let the body do its thing. You already taught it how to move yesterday.<</speech>> We ate quietly two plates, two mugs, butter melting down toast, the world outside still building up its volume. My chest felt less tight. Maybe because I knew what was coming this time. Or maybe because she was here. After dishes were rinsed and stacked, we dressed without much fanfare. I pulled on the plain black standard-issue slacks they gave us, soft-fabric shirt fitted to regulation spec. She moved around me without comment, sliding her workbag over her shoulder, tying her hair back loosely at the kitchen window. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Text me when you're done. And if you ace it this time, I want noodles. Real ones. Handmade, chewy, aggressively spicy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Bribery noted.<</speech>> She stepped close, kissed my cheek light, but lingering then smirked. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And don't forget to breathe in this time.<</speech>> I smiled, laced up my boots, and followed her out. Today, I was ready. [[Go Outside|home]] <>

<> The kitchen filled quickly with the rhythm of routine frying pan heating, coffee brewing, knives tapping against the cutting board. I cracked the eggs while Lena diced scallions like she was still in a rush, even though neither of us was late. Yet. She moved around me barefoot again, sleeves rolled up, the hem of her oversized sleep shirt brushing bare thighs. She looked like chaos disguised as domesticity. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Okay, but if one more kid wipes their nose on my scrubs today, I swear to God I’m going to launch myself into the sun.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Rough morning ahead, nurse terror?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You have no idea. Yesterday I had a six-year-old cough directly into my mouth while trying to show me his loose tooth. Into my mouth, babe.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>He was just sharing the experience.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>He was sharing biohazard. And the day before that? One of the twins got stuck inside the toy bin and refused to come out unless we bribed her with juice. It’s like working with tiny drunk anarchists who shit themselves and cry about socks.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds like you love it.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Love the paycheck. Love the scrubs. Hate the small sticky humans.<</speech>> She stole a strip of crisped tofu from the pan and popped it in her mouth, chewing victoriously while I plated the rest. <<speech $player $playerName>>You know that’s illegal. Chef gets first taste.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You got your taste last night, sweetheart. You’ll live.<</speech>> We sat at the bar counter, knees brushing, trading bites off each other’s plates. I refilled both mugs while she scrolled through her schedule on her wristpad, muttering names under her breath. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I’ve got the biter today. And the wall-licker. God help me.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Didn’t you teach one of them to say “balls” last week?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Accidentally. And you’re lucky he didn’t say it in context, or I’d have been written up.<</speech>> She downed the last of her coffee and stood, stretching, then slipped past me to grab her bag from the table. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Okay. You’ve got your nervous system override day. I’ve got a gang of unvaccinated velociraptors. We’ll both come home traumatized. Just… don’t forget the wine.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Again with the wine.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Because if you show up empty-handed tonight, I’m not cooking, I’m not riding you, and I will hide the lube. I want a full bottle. Red. Dry. Sexy label.<</speech>> She kissed me hard once, then pulled back with a grin. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Be good in your borrowed skin. I want the man I recognize coming home to me. But if she’s hot… take notes.<</speech>> She was out the door a second later, the scent of coffee and hair product trailing behind her. I watched it close. Smiled. And added “wine” to the top of my list. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Shape of You Inc.">> <<set $step = 20.2>> <<set $phoneTime = "08:00">> [[Go to Shape of You Inc.|home]] <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/living_room.png">> <<if $step == -1>> <<goto "living_room_1">> <<elseif $step == 11>> <<goto "living_room_11">> <<elseif $step == 16>> <<goto "living_room_16">> <<elseif !$is_quiz_pass && !$is_next_day>> <<goto "eat">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/living_room.png" alt="Living Room" style="width:100%; "> The living room is quiet except for the faint hum of the city outside the window. The couch cushions are still a little disheveled from earlier, her towel draped lazily over one armrest. A half-empty cup of coffee rests on the table, cooling beside a forgotten tablet. <button id="watch-tv" class="ui-button">📺 Watch TV</button> <button id="play-games" class="ui-button">🎮 Play Games</button> <button id="read-ebook" class="ui-button">📚 Read eBook</button> [[Go to Outside|home]] <</if>> <>

<> The laptop screen glowed cold against the dim room, the faint whir of the fan filling the quiet. I leaned back against the headboard, legs stretched out, cursor blinking on the job site search bar like it was judging me. <<speech $player $playerName>>All right. Let’s see who’s desperate enough to hire me this week.<</speech>> Typed in the keywords: systems analyst, junior developer, remote, anything that pays rent. The list loaded. Rows and rows of gray listings, little green “Apply Now” buttons stacked like bricks in a wall I didn’t want to climb. First one NeuralNest Technologies. Too fancy. Probably fifty applicants already. Second ByteFold Solutions. Contract work, short-term, maybe doable. Third AuralLink Data Services. Vague title, but the pay made my eyebrow lift. I opened each tab, scanning them with the kind of focus you fake when you’re running on fumes. <<speech $player $playerName>>All right, ByteFold first. Cover letter, resume... old one or the one where I actually sound confident?<</speech>> I clicked the folder, attached the version that didn’t mention “open to creative opportunities.” Hit send. Watched the progress circle spin. <<speech $player $playerName>>One down, a lifetime to go.<</speech>> The second tab blinked AuralLink Data Services a minimalist page with black text and an almost sterile tone. Requirements: adaptive logic experience, data pattern recognition, strong emotional neutrality. That last one made me snort. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, sure. Totally emotionally neutral. My middle name.<</speech>> Still, I filled in the fields. Name. Experience. Upload. Submit. Another circle spun, another meaningless victory. By the time I got to NeuralNest, my shoulders ached, eyes burning from the glow. The words blurred together "flexible work hours," "corporate culture," "growth mindset" all the same promises wrapped in slightly different lies. I clicked Apply anyway. Three confirmations. Three polite “Thank you for your interest” emails in my inbox, time-stamped like little ghosts of effort. I stared at the screen a long moment, watching the unread icons blink out one by one. <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s it. Three shots in the dark. Maybe one lands. Maybe none. Doesn’t matter. Tomorrow I go to Shape of You in person.<</speech>> Outside, traffic murmured against the glass, and a siren wailed somewhere far off. I shut the lid, let the room fall back into shadow. The faint hum of the fridge and the ticking clock were the only signs of life left. The laptop lid clicked shut with a soft finality. The glow faded from my face, leaving the room dipped in the same low amber light that leaked through the blinds. I leaned back against the headboard, fingers drumming on the closed lid for a few seconds before I let them still. The apartment was quiet, save for the hum of the fridge and the faint buzz of street traffic outside. Every sound felt amplified a creak in the hallway, the soft metallic tick of the clock, the wind brushing at the window frame. I glanced at the time: <<set $phoneTime to "18:39">><<print $phoneTime>>. Lena should’ve been home soon. She always texted before she hit the train, but her last message still sat unread on the screen. <<speech $player $playerName>>Dumplings, huh. She’s too good for me.<</speech>> I pushed myself up, padded barefoot to the kitchen. The floor was cool under my feet. I set the groceries from earlier on the counter, pulled a beer from the six-pack, the cap tchkking off with a sharp twist. Foam crawled up the neck, catching the light. <<speech $player $playerName>>To unemployment and sodium. Cheers.<</speech>> I took a long pull and leaned against the counter, eyes half-focused on nothing. The hum of the fridge filled the pauses between thoughts. The bag of pretzels sat where I’d left it, unopened, next to the note she’d scribbled yesterday just a heart and “don’t forget to breathe.” <<speech $player $playerName>>You really don’t make it easy to sulk, you know that?<</speech>> I wandered back to the living room, beer still in hand, sank into the couch. The cushions still held the faint shape of her body from the morning. I scrolled aimlessly on my phone job sites, news headlines, group chats I didn’t feel like answering. Outside, a drone buzzed past the window, its red signal light flickering across the wall. The city kept going. Always did. My eyes flicked to the door every few minutes. The quiet stretched. Somewhere in the distance, a train horn sounded low and tired. <<speech $player $playerName>>Come on, Lena. Bring the dumplings and tell me this day’s not cursed.<</speech>> I took another sip, the bitterness grounding. A second beer joined the first on the coffee table before long. The shadows in the room shifted with the slow fade of the sunset deepening from orange to violet. The key sound came soft through the door, metal against metal, and I straightened instinctively. The lock turned. The door opened. [[Waiting for Lena...|home_8]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "19:15">> The hallway outside our apartment was quiet when I got back just the buzz of overhead lights and the faint static hum of someone’s too-loud holo-ad playing from across the floor. The moment I keyed the door, I smelled basil. Inside, Lena was already home, barefoot, hair tied in a lazy twist, sleeves pushed up as she stirred something in the pan. The kitchen light cast soft golden shadows on her collarbone. She turned when she heard the door click shut, eyes scanning my face immediately. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re late.<</speech>> Her voice was gentle, but the concern sat right behind it. <<speech $player $playerName>>Coffee with James and Lyla,<</speech>> I said, toeing off my shoes. <<speech $player $playerName>>They wanted the whole download.<</speech>> She set down the wooden spoon, turned off the burner, and wiped her hands on a towel. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Did you… decide anything?<</speech>> I held up the warm takeout bag from Wok Dynasty, giving it a small shake. <<speech $player $playerName>>Not yet. But I did bring food. Your favorite garlic dumplings, beef lo mein, tofu, the works.<</speech>> Her eyes softened, the corners of her mouth curling just slightly. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You actually remembered the tofu? Miracles happen.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Even grabbed extra soy packets this time. I learn from trauma.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm, character growth and dinner. You’re spoiling me.<</speech>> She pulled open a drawer for chopsticks while I unpacked the boxes, the fragrant steam filling the kitchen with sesame, chili, and garlic. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>God, that smell. I could live off this forever.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’d die of sodium before Christmas.<</speech>> She smirked, plopping a dumpling into her mouth with zero hesitation, talking around it as she chewed. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Worth it.<</speech>> I laughed, taking the seat across from her. We ate quietly for a minute the soft clink of chopsticks, the occasional content hum when she hit something perfectly spicy. Her eyes drifted to the folder under my arm, but she didn’t bring it up right away. She waited until the food steadied us both. When the plates were half-empty, I finally set the folder on the counter beside her. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So?<</speech>> I drew a slow breath. [[Starting the Conversation|living_room_16_1]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s… hard to explain. That place, Shape of You Inc… it doesn’t even feel like a company. It’s like walking into a cleanroom built for thoughts instead of tech.<</speech>> Her brow furrowed, but she stayed silent, listening. <<speech $player $playerName>>The building’s this white-glass monolith tucked between high-rises. No ads, no branding except a single sigil etched on the door a silhouette folding inside another and another, like recursion in human form. Even the air feels quiet, like it’s engineered to hush you. Inside, it’s spotless. Frosted partitions, ivory floors, staff who move like synchronized algorithms.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Creepy quiet or professional quiet?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Both. Like they’re polite, but watching everything you are. They call themselves a “Conscious Labor Exchange.” That’s their phrase. They don’t build things; they rent people or rather, the space inside people. They match volunteers to tasks that require human experience but not necessarily the person’s own body. You log in, inhabit a host body temporarily, and do the job they can’t or won’t do themselves.<</speech>> She blinked, frowning. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So… it’s like temp work, but with cloning and existential risk.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Pretty much. But it’s regulated they have full training tiers. Tier 0 is the intro: learning how transfer works, how it feels. Tier 1’s daily life stuff walking, movement, emotional calibration. Tier 2 goes into biological cycles, intimacy conditioning, all that. By Tier 3, they throw you into advanced simulations sex, pregnancy, full public social immersion. The top ones, Tier 4 and Tier 5, are months-long. You live as someone else. Permanently monitored, heavily paid.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Like… six figures?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Seven, if you make it far enough. But few do. Most burn out around Tier 2. The mental load gets too heavy identity bleed, sensory dysphoria. They’re careful though. Psychological support, consent audits, emergency retrieval. It’s not a scam. It’s just… real in a way nothing else is.<</speech>> Her lips parted slightly, chopsticks hovering halfway to her mouth. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And you went inside?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Spoke to an agent named Elira Voss. She’s the one who runs intake interviews. The kind of woman who can look at you for five seconds and already know if you’d break or not.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Most of the work, Lena… it’s not in male bodies.<</speech>> She looked up sharply. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>What do you mean?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I mean… most paying jobs for candidates like me are male-to-female or female-to-female transfers.<</speech>> She blinked. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Wait you’d be… in a woman?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Sometimes just for tasks. Pregnancy trials. Pain simulation. Even… sexual intimacy work. It depends on the assignment. But that’s where the demand is. The money.<</speech>> She was quiet. Stirring her rice slowly even though it didn’t need stirring. Her eyes stayed on the food, but I could feel her thinking faster than her hands. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>How many jobs are… male-to-male?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Almost none. Low pay. High risk. Physical labor or endurance trials mostly. It’s a dead lane.<</speech>> She sat across from me. Her fingers traced the rim of her bowl. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So you’d… you’d come home and… you wouldn’t look like you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Not during the swap. Tier 0’s short one session. A few hours. But yeah. Eventually, if I continue… you’d be with me, but the body wouldn’t be mine.<</speech>> She looked at the wall for a long moment. Her voice was smaller than usual. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And you’d be okay with that?<</speech>> I hesitated. <<speech $player $playerName>>I don’t know yet. That’s the truth. That’s why I want to try Tier 0 if we both are ok.<</speech>> She nodded slowly. Then, <<speech "lena" "Lena">>But I’d still be here. With you. Only it’s not you. I mean, it is… but not your face. Not your voice. Not your smell. And what if…<</speech>> She paused. Her lip caught between her teeth. <<speech $player $playerName>>Say it.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>What if you like it? What if you want to stay that way?<</speech>> I opened my mouth. Closed it again. Then forced the answer out, honest and slow. <<speech $player $playerName>>It won’t happen. I just want better paying job Lena. But I’m not looking for that. I’m not trying to change who I am.<</speech>> She stared into her bowl. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Not on purpose. But what if being in another body being in a woman’s body does something to you? What if it awakens something? You come home and you don’t see me the same. Or yourself.<</speech>> I reached across the table, took her hand. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m not chasing identity,<</speech>> I said. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m chasing income. Rent. Food. Power. For us. This isn’t a gender thing. It’s a survival thing.<</speech>> She looked down at our fingers, her thumb brushing mine once, slow. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>It’s just weird.<</speech>> Her voice cracked. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And it scares me that I don’t know why it bothers me this much.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Because you love me. And this is new. Unknown. You don’t want to lose something real in the middle of something virtual.<</speech>> She pulled her hand back gently. Not rejecting. Just drawing into herself. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>It’s not about me saying no. It’s me trying to understand how to be okay with this. Because the idea of you in someone else’s skin… it makes my gut twist. And I hate that. It feels small.<</speech>> I stood, came to her side, crouched beside her chair. <<speech $player $playerName>>Look at me.<</speech>> She did. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m still your guy. Your dumb, tired, low-key developer with a lean ass and commitment issues about replacing socks.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I knew about the socks. The ass thing’s still up for debate.<</speech>> She sniffed, smiling even as tears threatened her lashes. I touched her jaw gently. <<speech $player $playerName>>And I’ll still be him even if, for four hours, I’m in someone else’s shape. Only for a job. And only with your blessing.<</speech>> She held my gaze. Then leaned forward, her forehead pressing against mine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I don’t want to lose you to some version of yourself that I can’t follow.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You won’t.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I want to believe that.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then let me prove it.<</speech>> We stayed like that quiet, breathing in each other, holding still while the rice steamed and the heat in the pan slowly faded. Eventually, Lena stood. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Okay. Tier 0. Just that. And if it’s too much, we walk.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We walk.<</speech>> She moved around the kitchen slowly, handing me a bowl. Her hip brushed mine, the contact grounding. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And if you come home walking funny… I’m going to tease the hell out of you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’d do that anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Damn right I would.<</speech>> We finished dinner in silence not heavy, just thoughtful. <<set $step to 17>> <<set $currentObjectives to "Go to Bedroom and Sleep with Lena">> [[Go to Bedroom|home]] <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/washroom.png">> <<if $step == 12>> <<goto "home_morning_routine">> <<elseif $step == 17.1>> <<goto "washroom_17.1">> <<elseif $step == 19>> <<goto "shower_19">> <<elseif $step == 20>> <<goto "shower_20">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/washroom.png" alt="Washroom" style="width:100%; "> The washroom is small but functional, with white tiled walls and a simple sink beneath a large mirror. The faint scent of lavender soap lingers in the air, mingling with the subtle aroma of fresh towels stacked neatly on a shelf. A few framed pictures hang on the walls, their images of serene landscapes and calming ocean views providing a moment of tranquility in this otherwise utilitarian space. <button id="use-toilet" class="ui-button">Use Toilet</button> <button id="look-mirror" class="ui-button">Use Mirror</button> <button id="masturbate" class="ui-button">Masturbate</button> <button id="relax" class="ui-button">Relax</button> [[Go Outside|home]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "7:30">> The shower was quick, but not quiet. She kept brushing against me. Hands lingering. Hips bumping. Every time I turned, her tits grazed my chest like a dare. At one point she bent to pick up the soap and looked over her shoulder. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Just think… tonight you’re gonna be bent like this.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I swear, you’re evil.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmhmm. And you love it.<</speech>> We dried off together. She stole my towel halfway through and just walked around wrapped in it while I air-dried like an idiot. I made coffee while she tied her hair up, still naked except for the towel and a string of toothpaste on her lip. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Kitchen">> <<set $step = 17.2>> [[Go to Kitchen|home]] <>

<> Steam curled against the mirror as the shower hissed to life, fog blurring the glass while warm water gushed over tile and porcelain. Lena tugged me inside without ceremony, her bare feet slapping the floor as she half-laughed, breath already short. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>No time, just come here, now..<</speech>> She spun fast, bent over the glass divider, hands braced wide. Her ass arched high, water streaming down her back, tracing every tight contour and curve. Her tits pressed flat against the steamed-up pane, nipples hard and leaving faint streaks across the glass. My cock was already hard, thick and pulsing. I stepped behind her, guided myself into the slick heat between her thighs. She was soaked body flushed and trembling from the rush, the urgency, the lateness. <<speech $player $playerName>>God, Lena… fffuck..<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Yes hngh just shove it in, don’t wait <</speech>> I didn’t. I slammed into her, wet flesh parting with a sharp slap, my hips crashing into her ass. The sound rang out in the echoing tile, loud and dirty and perfect. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Aaah yes! F-fuck yes, just like that, fuck me <</speech>> Her palms squeaked against the glass as I pounded her, thighs slapping, cock driving deep and slick inside her. Her ass bounced with every thrust, tight and round and irresistible. Her voice went ragged with need. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmnngh! Ffuh haaah you're hitting guh so deep <</speech>> The mirror fogged around her tits where they pressed and smeared, nipples dragging streaks. I leaned in, grabbed a bouncing breast, squeezed hard as I fucked her harder, rougher, deeper. <<speech $player $playerName>>You feel so fucking good, Lena goddamn tight <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Don’t stop! Fuck, fuck, don't haaahhh <</speech>> She came hard, shuddering under me, legs shaking, toes curling on the tile. I felt her clamp around my cock, squeezing, fluttering, pulling me in. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>AaAAAHh yes cumming ohmygod <</speech>> I kept going, feeling her tighten and milk me, until the pressure crashed through me. My whole body tensed, and I groaned low and deep. <<speech $player $playerName>>Shit guh Lena, I'm fuuuck <</speech>> I slammed all the way in, buried to the hilt, and came hard, spurting deep inside her. My cock jerked with every pulse, every thick rope of cum spilling into her while she gasped, smiling against the fogged mirror, flushed and wrecked. The water kept falling. I stayed inside her for a few long, slow breaths before easing back. My cum trickled down her thighs, already being washed away. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hahh... okay... now we shower. For real..<</speech>> We laughed, leaning together under the spray, both of us tender and satisfied. I lathered her hair while she lathered mine. Her fingers slipped down my ribs, tickling. I slapped her ass in retaliation and she squeaked. <<set $currentObjectives = "Prepare breakfast">> <<set $step = 19.1>> [[Prepare breakfast|home]] <>

<> The bathroom light clicked on with a soft hum, a pale amber glow against white tile and fog-streaked mirrors. I stepped in first, stretching slow, trying not to wince as my hips reminded me again of last night’s activities. Lena padded in behind me, already tying her hair up into a loose bun, one shoulder bare where the tank strap had slipped. She smacked my ass lightly as she passed. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Still walking funny, champ.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I think your strap-on left a permanent mark on my soul.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm, hope so. I’d hate for it to be forgettable.<</speech>> She grabbed her toothbrush, uncapped it with one hand, and leaned in front of the mirror. I did the same. For a few moments, we stood shoulder to shoulder, brushing in silence, foam building at the corners of our mouths, the kind of quiet only two people deeply comfortable with each other can pull off. She elbowed me mid-brush. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You still taste like surrender, by the way.<</speech>> I choked on mint, laughing and coughing around the brush. <<speech $player $playerName>>Can you not say shit like that while I’m foaming like a rabid dog?<</speech>> She winked in the mirror. Spat into the sink. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Nah. Too fun. Watching you blush and gag? Peak content.<</speech>> I finished rinsing, wiped my face with the towel, then leaned back against the counter as she washed hers. Water ran down her neck, collarbones, her skin glowing with that lazy, post-sex flush. When she stood up, I stepped behind her, wrapped my arms around her waist, pressing my chest to her back. She leaned into it with a low hum, tilting her head as I nuzzled against her damp shoulder. <<speech $player $playerName>>You smell like ginger and sin.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Sin is my base note. Ginger’s the top layer. You’re the middle. Regret and cum.<</speech>> I laughed into her neck. She grinned, eyes half-lidded in the mirror. My hands drifted lower, just resting along the curve of her hips. We stayed like that a while, warm skin on warm skin, the water still running faintly, fog curling at the corners of the mirror again. Then she broke the silence. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So. You doing another transfer today? Girl body again?<</speech>> I hesitated, forehead still pressed against her. <<speech $player $playerName>>Maybe. They don’t tell us until we’re under. Could be another female host. Could be something more complicated.<</speech>> She turned in my arms, leaned back against the counter now, looking up at me with that particular Lena expression half curiosity, half challenge. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm. You’re getting used to tits and hips and that tight little pelvic sway.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You say that like I’m enjoying it too much.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I say that like you’re one session away from buying your own lingerie just to see how it fits.<</speech>> I snorted. <<speech $player $playerName>>If I bring home stockings, just shoot me.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh no. If you bring home stockings, I’m making you model them while I pick which toy to wreck you with. Fair’s fair, babe.<</speech>> She kissed me, sudden and slow, hands dragging down my bare sides. Then she pulled back just enough to murmur against my mouth: <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Also… bring wine tonight. I’ll cook. We’ll celebrate your second walk. Or comfort your second collapse. Either way, there will be dessert.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What kind?<</speech>> She nipped my lower lip. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>The kind that rides your face until the neighbors know my name.<</speech>> She slipped past me with a wink, ass swaying deliberately as she headed for the closet. And yeah… I was already half-hard and grinning like an idiot. Transfer or not, tonight was going to be something. <<set $currentObjectives = "Prepare breakfast">> <<set $step = 20.1>> <<set $phoneTime = "07:30">> [[Go to Kitchen|home]] <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/grocery-store.png">> <<if $step == 1.1>> <<goto "grocery_store_1.1">> <<elseif $step == 1>> <<goto "grocery_store_1">> <<elseif $step == 9>> <<goto "grocery_store_9">> <<elseif $step == 20.4>> <<goto "grocery_store_20.4">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/grocery-store.png" alt="Grocery Store" style="width:100%; "> The small corner market buzzes with the hum of old refrigeration units, fluorescent lights flickering overhead. The aisles are narrow, shelves packed with everything from canned goods to snacks that look like they were invented in a lab. A bell jingles softly as the door opens and closes, the air inside cool and slightly stale. <button id="grocery-app" class="ui-button">Buy Groceries</button> <button id="talk-brenda" class="ui-button">Talk with Brenda</button> [[Go to Outside|outside]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "7:15">> The bell above the door jingled when I stepped inside the corner market, the kind of small, slightly chaotic place that smelled like overripe fruit and fresh bread. Air conditioning hit my face in a cool rush. Brenda was already behind the counter, elbows on the register, scrolling through something on her wristpad. She looked up when the sensor beeped. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Well, well, if it isn’t the prodigal caffeine addict himself.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Hey, Bren. I’ll have you know I’ve been fully converted to breakfast chef and errand boy status.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Domestic life looks good on you. You’re glowing. Or sweating. Hard to tell with your hair doing that thing.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Appreciate the vote of confidence. Where are the yogurt pretzels again? Lena’s got a craving.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Middle aisle, next to the snacks that make you question your self-respect. You want the regular or the dark chocolate ones?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Regular. She claims the dark ones taste like “regret dust.”<</speech>> Brenda snorted, pushing off the counter and falling into step beside me as I walked down the aisle. Shelves buzzed faintly from the old refrigeration unit nearby. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>So, what’s the occasion? You never buy snacks this early unless you’re bribing someone or apologizing.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Both, technically. Long story involving poor timing and questionable decision-making.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Ah, romance. Still leading with chaos, huh? Remember junior year, when you tried to impress Maya by baking her a cake and set off the fire alarm?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I maintain that oven was possessed. Besides, Lena’s at least appreciative when I burn things intentionally.<</speech>> Brenda laughed, pulling a bag of pretzels off the shelf and tossing it into my basket. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>She sounds like a saint. Or an adrenaline junkie. You still working for that company? Heard they the kind who smiles while firing people.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Got a one-on-one today, actually. Trying not to think about it until I’ve had my moral support snacks.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>That’s the spirit. Pretzels fix everything except rent, heartbreak, and existential dread.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Good thing I’m only suffering from two of those.<</speech>> She gave me a sympathetic grin as I followed her back to the counter. The scanner beeped lazily while she rang up the bag. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You tell Lena I said hi. And if she ever wants to trade you for store credit, I’ll offer a solid twenty bucks and a jar of honey butter.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Tempting, but she’s got better taste than that.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>We’ll see about that when she hears about the honey butter.<</speech>> She slid the bag across the counter. I grabbed it, grinning. <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks, Bren. You’re the real MVP.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Go conquer corporate hell, champ.<</speech>> I saluted her with the pretzels and stepped back into the morning light. The air outside was thicker now, traffic rumbling, the world fully awake. <<set $currentObjectives to "Put yogurt pretzels in the fridge">> <<set $step = 2>> <<set $transactions.push({ date: "2036-10-10", amount: 50, type: "", desc: "pretzels" })>> <<set $money to $money - 50>> <<set $yogurt_only = true>> [[Go Outside|outside]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "7:15">> The bell above the door gave its usual tching-tching when I pushed it open, the air inside crisp and over-chilled. Rows of fluorescent light buzzed overhead, catching on the metal shelves. Brenda looked up from behind the counter, one earbud dangling, her nails painted a chipped green that somehow still worked for her. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Oh, look who’s up before noon. Did Lena finally threaten you into responsible adulthood?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Something like that. I’m on a mercy errand. Need a few things morning-after pill and a bag of yogurt pretzels.<</speech>> Brenda blinked, then laughed outright, loud and unfiltered. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Wow, you don’t even ease into it, huh? Straight to the chaos section. What’d you do, forget to check the drawer again?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Drawer’s a black hole. I figured I’d save time and public humiliation by admitting it early.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Public humiliation is on aisle six, right between the pretzels and the condoms.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Perfect. Might as well restock while I’m there.<</speech>> Brenda grinned, tossing her wristpad onto the counter. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Come on, Romeo, I’ll walk you over before you buy prenatal vitamins by accident again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That was one time.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>One time too many. You looked like a deer in headlights explaining it to old Mrs. Calderon.<</speech>> We cut down the aisle together, passing shelves of cereal and cheap perfume. She stopped halfway, grabbing the familiar blue box off the rack and dropping it into my basket with the authority of someone who’s seen this play out before. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>There. One less panic attack in your near future.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Appreciate it. Add a bag of the regular yogurt pretzels too the dark chocolate ones give her “existential bitterness.”<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>She’s got taste. And patience, apparently.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She likes a project.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You’re not a project, you’re a full-time career path with bonus side quests.<</speech>> She slung the pretzels into my basket and we made our way back to the counter. The register chirped as she scanned the items. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>So. How’s the nine-to-five grind treating you? Still working under that company you told?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Got a meeting with boss after this. If I come out employed, we’re celebrating.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>And if you don’t?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then I’ll come back here for more pretzels and a part-time job application.<</speech>> Brenda chuckled, passing me the small paper bag. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You’d hate retail. But you’d look great in the apron.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only if I can wear it shirtless.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>We’re not that kind of store. Yet.<</speech>> I handed her my credchip, the transaction beep sharp and final. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Tell Lena I said hi. And maybe invest in a calendar reminder labeled “responsible decisions.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Noted. Thanks, Bren.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Anytime, trouble. Now go before the universe gives you another quest.<</speech>> I pocketed the bag, gave her a mock salute, and pushed out into the street again. The door jingled shut behind me. The city was loud, sun climbing, day just beginning to test how much chaos it could cram into my schedule. <<set $transactions.push( { date: "2036-10-10", amount: 20, type: "", desc: "Morning-after-pill" })>> <<set $transactions.push({ date: "2036-10-10", amount: 50, type: "", desc: "pretzels" })>> <<set $money to $money - 70>> <<set $currentObjectives to "Put yogurt pretzels in the fridge">> <<set $step = 2>> [[Go Outside|outside]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "17:30">> The late afternoon light bled orange through the windows of the corner market, catching in the glass fridge doors and the glossy fruit displays. My head still buzzed with the echo of Greaves’ voice all clipped politeness, the kind that stings worse than shouting. “We’re restructuring.” Always “we,” never “you’re done.” Brenda looked up from her stool as the door chimed, recognition flashing in her grin before she took in my face. The grin faltered. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Whoa. You look like somebody canceled your birthday and ran over your cat in the same breath.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Pretty close. Boss canned me. “Budget realignment.”<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Shit. Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Didn’t even let me finish my coffee. Just called me in, dropped the line, smiled like a funeral director.<</speech>> She winced, leaning her elbows on the counter. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Damn. You want me to get the “screw corporate overlords” playlist going or just skip to the beer aisle?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Beer first. Anger soundtrack later.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You got it. Lager or the fancy craft stuff you pretend to like?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Let’s go with something cold and judgmental. Surprise me.<</speech>> She chuckled, hopping off the stool and leading the way down the aisle. The hum of the coolers filled the silence for a beat. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>How bad was it? Like “you’ll find something soon” bad, or “might need to start OnlyFans” bad?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Let’s call it “stock up on ramen and therapy” bad.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Classic post-corporate diet. Let me guess, Lena’s gonna pretend she’s not mad and then feed you something comforting while you spiral.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You know her too well. I’m getting ahead of it with beer and actual groceries before she stages an intervention.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Smart man. Distraction by carbohydrates always works.<</speech>> I grabbed a six-pack from the cooler, the bottles clinking together, and tossed in a loaf of bread and a couple instant dinners from the freezer section. Brenda followed, scanning them at the counter. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You know, if you ever wanna work here part-time until you find something else, I could talk to Rafi. He’s desperate for someone who can lift crates without complaining.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Appreciate it. Though, fair warning my crate-lifting enthusiasm drops after two boxes.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>That’s fine. We pay in sarcasm and expired energy drinks anyway.<</speech>> She slid the bag across to me. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Hang in there, all right? Maybe this is your cue to finally do that thing you kept talking about what was it? Freelance coding? Starting a food vlog? Becoming a pretzel influencer?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. The Pretzel Prophet. Has a nice ring to it.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I’d subscribe just for the chaos.<</speech>> I smiled, faint but genuine, tucking the bag under one arm. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Anytime. And hey Boss might’ve fired you, but at least you’re still my favorite disaster.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>High honor. I’ll try to live up to it.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You always do.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks, Bren. For the beer and the pep talk.<</speech>> She opened her mouth to say something smart, but I was already glancing back toward the aisles. <<speech $player $playerName>>Actually, wait gimme two minutes. If I’m gonna sulk properly, I need fuel.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Ah, the sacred breakup-with-your-job meal. Ramen and regret?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Close. Ramen and sausage slices. Gourmet depression cuisine.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You’re a visionary.<</speech>> I jogged back down the aisle, grabbed a stack of instant noodles one spicy, one mild because Lena always stole the mild ones and a pack of smoked sausages from the cooler. The plastic wrap squeaked under my fingers as I carried them back. <<speech $player $playerName>>Dinner of champions.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Dinner of people who’ve given up on cooking but not on sodium.<</speech>> She rang it up, the register giving its lazy *beep-beep* rhythm. <<speech $player $playerName>>Add it to my tab of poor life choices.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>If I did that, we’d need a separate database.<</speech>> She handed over the extra bag, amusement back in her eyes. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Try not to set your kitchen on fire again, all right?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No promises. But I’ll toast one for you when the noodles boil.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Make it two. And don’t forget to eat the sausage before the existential dread kicks in.<</speech>> I laughed softly, the kind that came from somewhere tired but still alive, tucked the groceries under my arm, and headed toward the door. The bell chimed again as I stepped back into the evening air, grocery bag in hand, the city stretching long shadows across the pavement. Somewhere far off, the sound of music spilled from a bar laughter, noise, life continuing. <<set $currentObjectives to "Go Home, put Beer and Groceries in the fridge">> <<set $step = 10>> [[Head Home|outside]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "18:50">> The corner market door gave its familiar ching-ching as I stepped inside, the blast of cool air hitting like relief after the long walk. The city outside was heating into dusk, colors bleeding across the skyline. Inside, the buzz of the old fridges hummed over the low whirr of a ceiling fan that only kind of worked. Brenda glanced up from behind the counter, one boot resting on the lower shelf, arms crossed over her apron like she’d been waiting to roast me on sight. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Well well. Thought I saw the ghost of you go by an hour ago. Come to haunt my wine shelf, or just miss the sound of my voice?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Both, obviously. I need a bottle. Red. Dry. Sexy label. Lena’s orders. And I may be crashing a chaos party tomorrow with Lyla involved, so… something that helps dull the risk.<</speech>> Brenda whistled low, already moving toward the wine rack like she’d had a bottle in mind since I opened the door. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You going to Lyla’s? God, I hope your insurance covers emotional damage. That woman plays board games like she’s settling blood feuds.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, she already threatened to throw me off a balcony if I mention analytics. So it’s gonna be fun.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Sounds like a classic Lyla invite. You bringing Lena too? Or just the emotional damage?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Lena’s coming. She requested wine. If I show up empty-handed, I might not survive the night.<</speech>> Brenda pulled a bottle off the middle shelf sleek black label with an embossed red vine twining around the neck and held it up. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>This one’s called Velvet Sin. Dry as hell. Looks expensive. Tastes better than your paycheck deserves. Sound about right?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Perfect. If she doesn’t melt when she sees the bottle, I’ll lie and say you personally blessed it.<</speech>> Brenda smirked, ringing it up with a lazy beep as the register groaned in protest. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>She melts, I expect credit. She hates it, I blame you entirely.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s fair. Business and friendship, divided cleanly.<</speech>> She handed me the bag brown paper, carefully folded at the top. <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Tell Lena I said good luck with the goblin queen tomorrow. And if the wine fails, offer snacks. Or foot rubs. Or fake a power outage. Whatever keeps the peace.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Bren. Seriously.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Anytime, pretzel boy. Try not to drink it all before you get home.<</speech>> I gave her a mock salute and turned for the door. Outside, the sky was deepening to violet. Wine in hand. Plans made. Tomorrow, chaos. But tonight, I’d make it home with exactly what Lena asked for. /* <<set $currentObjectives to "Bring wine to Lena">> */ <<set $currentObjectives to "End of Version - 0.0.2">> <<set $step = 20.5>> [[Head Home|outside]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You know, I swear half your bloodstream must be caffeine by now.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Unfair. I cut down to two cups a day.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Oh sure, and the other three are just “emotional support brews.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You get it. Some people meditate, I just sip espresso until enlightenment hits.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>That explains the eye twitch. You planning to survive the week on nerves alone?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m testing the theory.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Next time you swing by, I’m making you herbal tea. It’s like coffee’s calm cousin.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If it doesn’t taste like sadness, deal.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Ran into Mr. Halpern the other day remember history class?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The guy with the conspiracy wall of maps? He’s still alive?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Alive and teaching summer school. Said he still uses your essay as a “what not to do.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I call that legacy.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>He called it “creative fiction masquerading as history.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Same thing, really.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You haven’t changed.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s either a compliment or a cry for help.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You always look like waking up physically pains you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Because it does. Morning should be illegal.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You say that every time. Yet here you are, functional before nine.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Barely. I’m powered by spite and caffeine.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Ah, the breakfast of champions.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Don’t knock it till you’ve tried surviving an alarm clock war.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I’ll stick to cereal.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Can we talk about how this weather can’t make up its mind?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s either sunstroke or flood season. No in-between.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I saw a guy outside wearing both flip-flops and a raincoat.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Adaptive evolution.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Give it a year, we’ll all have gills and sunglasses built in.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’d still be late for work.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Some things never change.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You ever feel like your phone judges you?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Constantly. Mine sighs every time I open the bank app.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>At least yours still works. Mine autocorrected “love” to “lol.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s… brutal.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Told my mom “lol you too” after she said goodnight. Haven’t recovered.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re a monster, Brenda.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>The digital age made me this way.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You still eat like a college student?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Define “like a college student.”<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Instant noodles, questionable leftovers, and existential dread.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only on weekdays.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Impressive restraint.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Hey, I can cook now. Sometimes I even use seasoning.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Call the press. Domestic god unlocked.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Rough day at work again?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You could tell?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You’ve got the thousand-yard stare of someone who’s answered one too many emails.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>They multiply overnight. Like gremlins.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You ever thought about switching jobs?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sure, right after I pay rent and invent courage.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Mood.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Do you ever think the universe is just one big group project?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, and half the team ghosted after week one.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Exactly. And the rest of us are trying to finish before the deadline of existence.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So who’s the team leader?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Probably a cat. Explains the chaos.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m oddly okay with that.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You won’t believe who I saw last night Maya.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No way. The “I’m moving to Paris for self-discovery” Maya?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>The same. Turns out self-discovery brought her right back here.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Guess enlightenment has rent prices too.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>She’s working at the café now. Still dramatic about foam art.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Some things are eternal.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You ever think about where you’ll be in five years?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Hopefully somewhere with less student debt.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>And more sunlight.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And a better coffee maker.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Dream big, huh?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Hey, happiness is 60% good coffee, 40% rent stability.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You might be onto something.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Be honest. When’s the last time you did laundry that wasn’t an emergency load?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Define “emergency.”<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Like... turning your underwear inside out and calling it innovation.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...So last Tuesday.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Iconic.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s called minimalism. I’m reducing fabric waste.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You’re one thread away from a fashion disaster.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then I’ll finally be free.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Free and banned from the laundromat, probably.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>So... I found my high school yearbook last night.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Burn it. Salt the ashes.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Too late. I saw your quote.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No, no, no don’t say it.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>“Reality is optional.” Deep, huh?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It was philosophical! …ish.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You doodled a tiny UFO next to it. With sparkles.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That UFO had aesthetic.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Honestly, I miss that version of you. Confused, dramatic, kinda glittery.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Still confused. Less glitter.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>What would your warning label say?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>“Approach with coffee and compliments.” Yours?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>“Sarcasm ahead. Proceed at own risk.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Add “Highly flammable when provoked.”<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You’re not wrong. Last time someone cut me in line, I summoned passive-aggression like an ancient spell.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Dark magic. Powered by long customer service shifts.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I will smite with a stare.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If looks could kill, you’d have a body count.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Just self-defense. And vibes.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You know what I miss? School lunches.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You miss beige mystery meat and soggy pizza?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>No, I miss how low the expectations were. “It’s warm and won’t kill me” was enough.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Truly the golden age of survival dining.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I peaked in the era of lukewarm tater tots.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Now if a meal costs under ten bucks and doesn’t implode my stomach, I get suspicious.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>We grew up and learned fear.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And indigestion.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I had a dream last night that you were a cult leader.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What kind of cult?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You made everyone wear hoodies and drink iced coffee regardless of season.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s just called being a millennial.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>There was chanting. “Vibe or die.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Catchy. You sure this wasn’t a marketing campaign?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>No, because I woke up craving espresso and moral ambiguity.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>My brand is strong.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Terrifyingly so.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I tried yoga again this morning. Emphasis on “tried.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Ah, the ancient art of slow suffering.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>My hamstrings are filing a restraining order.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Which pose got you?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>All of them. Especially the one where you pretend you’re calm while your joints scream.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s called “child’s pose.” It’s supposed to be restful.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Lies. It felt like emotional bankruptcy in a stretch.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re supposed to focus on your breath.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I was too busy making a will in my head.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Okay, I need an honest opinion. How bad is it to eat cereal for dinner four nights in a row?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Define “bad.” Morally? Nutritionally?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It depends. Did you at least switch cereals?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I rotated between three boxes. That counts as variety, right?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s practically the food pyramid.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Thank you. I knew you’d understand the lazy gourmet lifestyle.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I salute you with my spoon.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Dignity in every crunch.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Do you think anyone’s ever actually read the Terms and Conditions?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Somewhere out there is one lonely soul who has. And they’re probably on a watchlist.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I clicked “agree” to a software update and now I think I legally owe my soul to a printer.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s how they get you. First it’s ink cartridges, then it’s eternal servitude.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>If I disappear, avenge me. Look for the Wi-Fi signal with my name on it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll follow the faint smell of toner and fear.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Tell my story.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I passed a kid on a scooter this morning who called me “ma’am.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Oh no. You’ve entered the Respectful Zone.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I wasn’t ready. I aged five years on the spot.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Did your knees crack in protest?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>One of them popped like a bubble wrap square. That’s how I knew it was real.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I had a teenager call me “sir” last week. I almost filed for retirement.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Should we just get rocking chairs now?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only if they come with Wi-Fi and painkillers.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>If I go missing, it’s because I opened that Tupperware in the fridge.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The green one? With the mysterious fog inside?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>It hissed. Like… audibly.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Life finds a way.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Should’ve let it evolve. Maybe it’d pay rent.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Or start a podcast.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>“This week on Molded Minds why leftovers are people too.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re gonna be famous. Or patient zero.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Either way, my legacy will be pungent.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I walked past our old school today. They finally repainted the front.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Did they remove the graffiti or just make it glossy?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>The art wing’s still covered in sharpie wisdom. Someone preserved your “Math is a scam” rant.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That wasn’t graffiti, that was a manifesto.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You spelled “hypotenuse” wrong.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>On purpose. For legal reasons.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>There was a tiny cartoon of you crying next to it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Authenticity matters.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Honestly, I stood there for a sec. It weirdly made me feel… steady. Like time hadn’t totally steamrolled us.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It just slowed down to honk and flip us off.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Do you ever reread old messages and cringe so hard your spine tries to evacuate?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only every night between 1 and 3 a.m.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I found a thread from freshman year. You tried flirting by sending me a photo of a lizard in a teacup.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That lizard had charm. I stand by it.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>The caption was “this is how I feel when you talk to me.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>…And you did keep talking to me, so clearly it worked.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Against all odds.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I was ahead of my time. Emotionally avant-garde.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Let’s call it… unforgettable.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I cleaned out my desk and found that mixtape you made me. Actual CD. Handwritten tracklist.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Oh god. Was there a playlist theme or just chaos?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Theme was “emotional rollercoaster and vague crush energy.” I listened to it on the bus every day like I was in a teen drama.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You were the main character. Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You put three versions of the same song. Acoustic, remix, and sad piano.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I was setting a mood.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>It worked. I still associate that track with late-night spiral thoughts and lukewarm vending machine coffee.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The full high school experience.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Honestly, I kind of miss it.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You ever just… miss who you were back then? Before everything got complicated?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sometimes. Like I had less figured out, but I wasn’t pretending so hard either.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yeah. We were disasters, but at least we were honest about it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Now it’s just anxiety in a blazer.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>We should’ve taken more stupid risks. Done something reckless but poetic.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Like dye our hair green and move to Montreal.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Or kiss on the rooftop and never talk about it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>…You say that like it didn’t almost happen.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Maybe it still could. Different rooftop.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Okay, but real question do you think we were better friends back then, or are we just nostalgic morons now?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is this a trap?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>No. Maybe. I’ve had wine.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We were idiots back then. But also more available. More… us.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Now it’s all grown-up logistics and emotional constipation.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Still here, though. Still showing up for weird conversations in the middle of a grocery store.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>That counts for something, right?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It counts for everything.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Damn. That was almost sincere.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Don’t worry, I’ll go fall down the canned goods aisle to balance it out.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I was cleaning out the junk drawer and found a note you passed me in bio class.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Oh no. Was it one of the coded ones or just my normal handwriting panic?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Definitely coded. There was a sketch of a mitochondrion labeled “my soul” and a lot of dramatic arrows.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Tragic teenage poetry disguised as science.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You wrote “send help or snacks.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Both were valid needs.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Honestly, the energy still fits you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ve upgraded to passive-aggressively texting the void now.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Let me know if the void ever answers back.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Remember when we used to sneak snacks into the library and act like international spies?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yes, and I maintain that crinkly chip bags were our greatest nemesis.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I had a whole system. Sleeve smuggling. Cough-cover crunching. Tactical chewing.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And somehow we still got caught every time.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Librarian Jenkins had ears like a hawk and a soul forged in silence.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That woman stared me into guilt for things I hadn’t even done yet.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Her power was unmatched.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Honestly? I miss those dumb little rebellions.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Same. Now my most thrilling crime is returning texts three days late.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I keep seeing those “choose your hard” motivational posters. You know the ones?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. “Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard.”<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>And I’m like... brushing my hair is hard. Let’s start there.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Getting out of bed without existential dread is hard.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Folding fitted sheets? Ultimate boss battle.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>“Choose your hard,” they said. I choose snacks and denial.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Same. We’re thriving on vibes and caffeine withdrawal.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We should make our own posters. “Avoiding eye contact is hard. Socializing is also hard. Just go home.”<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Now that’s relatable inspiration.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>We haven’t had a proper meltdown together in a while.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You say that like it’s a bonding ritual.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>It is. Cry-laughing at 1am over pizza and doomscrolling? That’s sacred.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We’re overdue, huh.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I’ll bring the ice cream, you bring the emotional repression.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Always in stock.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>We could even throw in a bad movie and roast it until we feel feelings again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Therapy, but dumb.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>The best kind.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>If we vanished off the grid tomorrow, where would we go?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Mountains. Big coat. Zero cell service.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Snow and silence? Bold choice.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Or beach shack. Sunburn, sand in everything, but sunsets and nobody knowing our names.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You romantic, you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You started it. Where would you run?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Somewhere with street food, soft rain, and a bookstore that never closes.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’d disappear into a novel and never come back.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Only if you weren’t there to drag me out.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You ever wake up and just know the day’s going to be emotionally expensive?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Like your soul already bounced a check?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Exactly. I spilled coffee on myself, dropped my keys, and stared at the ceiling for five solid minutes trying to remember why I exist.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds like a Tuesday to me.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>At least back in school, bad days came with vending machines and free pencils.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Now we get existential debt and adult acne.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You say that like it’s not your skincare ad slogan.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>“Powered by poor decisions and sunscreen.”<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Tell me something you haven’t told anyone in years.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s a loaded opener. Should I sit down for this?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Too late. I already got popcorn. Spill.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay… I used to carry around a fake book just to look smart in public.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>A fake book?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Nothing inside. Just a hollow shell with a journal tucked in. Looked like I was deep in Dostoevsky, but I was doodling cats in hoodies.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I am devastated I never noticed this genius.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Secrets are more fun when they’re stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You’re right. My turn: I used to pretend to zone out in math just so you'd lean over and explain it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Brenda.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I liked your voice. Sue me.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I had the weirdest thought the other day—what if we’d actually gone to prom together?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We almost did, didn’t we?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yeah. Almost.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You bailed because of your cousin’s wedding.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>And you went solo and slow danced with the snack table.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That guac was emotionally available.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I still think about it sometimes. What it would’ve been like. You and me. Dressed up. Awkward and overdressed and probably laughing too loud.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’d have stepped on your shoes. You’d have spilled punch. Classic romance.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Would’ve made a good memory, though.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Still could.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Do you think people can stay the same deep down, or do we all just... drift apart from our old selves?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s either a philosophy essay or a cry for help.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>A little of column A, a lot of column B.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I think we bury old versions of ourselves. But they peek out when we least expect it.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Like when I hear an old song and suddenly remember how it felt to be sixteen and invincible.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Or when you pass someone who used to matter and your stomach drops for no reason.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Damn. You really did upgrade from snack table poetry to full-on emotional depth.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Character development, baby.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I still remember the time we skipped that school assembly and hid in the art room.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We made a sculpture out of erasers and broken pencils. Called it “resistance.”<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>We were so dramatic. Whispering like the principal had snipers.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And yet you kept laughing. Every time you tried to stay serious, you snorted.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You dared me to draw eyebrows on the Venus bust.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She looked startled for weeks.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I didn’t even like you yet and I still had the best time.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>“Yet,” huh.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yeah. Big reveal. Write it down somewhere.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You know what’s wild? I still remember exactly how your handwriting looked in the margins of my notebook.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Slanted, chaotic, borderline unreadable?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You always made your question marks look surprised. Like they were nervous to exist.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That tracks.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Sometimes I’d reread the notes you left just to feel less alone in class.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s probably the nicest thing anyone’s said about my academic sabotage.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>They weren’t sabotage. They were… little reminders someone was thinking about me.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>…Brenda.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>What? I can be sentimental. Rarely. Don’t get used to it.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Ever wonder what would’ve happened if we’d lost touch after school?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sometimes. But I don’t like thinking about it.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I feel like I would’ve carried this weird ghost version of you in my head. Smiling wrong. Saying the wrong jokes.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Meanwhile I’d be explaining my bad taste in music to someone else and wondering why it never hit right.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>We’re lucky. Not everyone keeps their weird little people from the past.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You make it sound like I’m a cryptid.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You are. Half memory, half myth. I’m still trying to figure out which half I like more.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You remember that dumb old game we played during study hall? The one with the notebook? One question, one answer, no explanations?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Oh god. “No context allowed.” I forgot how ruthless we got.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I still have a page. You asked: “If you could kiss anyone in this room, who would it be?”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And you answered…?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Folded the paper and slid it back without a word.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So what’s the statute of limitations on getting that answer?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You never needed it written down.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I really didn’t, huh.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Nope.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Sometimes I forget we’ve known each other longer than some people stay married.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We have commitment issues, but only toward everything else.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>It’s wild, right? You know all my embarrassing phases. The bangs. The phase where I said “rawr” unironically.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And I didn’t leave.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You deserve a medal. Or therapy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Why not both.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I guess what I’m saying is… you’ve been around for a lot. And you never made me feel like I had to earn it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s what you do for someone who matters.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>…Don’t say stuff like that. It makes me feel something.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Do you think we ever… missed a version of us that could’ve happened?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Like a timeline where we made different choices?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yeah. Where we didn’t laugh everything off. Where maybe I didn’t dodge, and you didn’t deflect.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I think about it sometimes. Wonder if we were just afraid of messing things up by wanting more.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Maybe. Or maybe we weren’t ready to be honest with each other then.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And now?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Now I still look at you and think… maybe we didn’t miss it. Maybe we just paused.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Brenda—<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Don’t say anything. Not yet. I just wanted to say it out loud, once.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You ever get that feeling like the air changes when someone walks into a room?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Like static before a storm. Or that weird pressure behind your eyes.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yeah. Like the gravity tilts just slightly in their direction.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is this your poetic way of saying I have a powerful aura?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>No, I’m saying sometimes I still feel it when you walk in. Even now. Like I’m seventeen again and trying to hide it with sarcasm.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>…You’re doing a great job, for what it’s worth.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>That’s the tragedy, isn’t it? Always too good at hiding things.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Do you remember the last time we stayed up talking until sunrise?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Your porch. Wrapped in that scratchy blanket. You fell asleep mid-sentence.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I still remember what I was trying to say. I wanted to tell you that I was scared.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Of what?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>That if I said it out loud—if I said I loved you—you’d leave. Or worse, stay and not feel the same.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>…That’s not what would’ve happened.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Then what would’ve?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I probably would’ve kissed you. Quiet. Careful. Like I’d been waiting for it too.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I think I built a whole personality out of pretending I didn’t want things.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I think a lot of us did. Wanting is terrifying. It comes with consequences.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>It’s safer to laugh. To dodge. To act like it’s all just a game.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But you do want something. Right now. Don’t you?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yeah. I want you to stop pretending we’re still just friends who got lucky staying in each other’s orbit.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then maybe it’s time we stop orbiting and start falling.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>God, you make that sound like a good thing.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It is. It always was.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Part of me wants to rewind. Go back to that night under the bleachers. Say something different.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You mean instead of “these nachos taste like betrayal” after I tried to open up?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I panicked. Feelings plus dairy was a bad combo.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You did kiss my cheek, though. Right after.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yeah. Small gesture, big silence. I wasn’t brave enough for more.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I waited. I didn’t want to push you.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>And I mistook that for you not wanting me back.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We were both wrong. Just in different directions.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Then maybe we meet in the middle this time.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Say I was standing in front of you right now, no jokes, no walls, no clever lines. What would you say?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That depends. Are you looking at me the way you are now?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yeah. Like I’m done pretending I don’t still want more than banter.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then I’d say: I’ve waited a long time for you to look at me like that again.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>And if I stepped closer?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I wouldn’t move. I’d let you come to me, finally, on your terms.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>And if I kissed you?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then I’d never ask for another answer. You’d have already given it.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>So… where do we go from here?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I don’t know. I’ve never been here with you before.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Feels weird, right? Like we stepped through a door we didn’t even know we’d been leaning on.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I keep expecting you to make a joke. Or disappear in a puff of smoke and sarcasm.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I’m still here. No smoke. Just—me.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And that’s enough. It always was.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>God, you say that like it’s simple.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s not. But I’m not asking you to solve it. Just… stay with me in it.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Okay. For once, I won’t run.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>You know, I’ve imagined this conversation a hundred ways.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Same. Usually in the shower, or staring at my phone like it owed me courage.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Mine were all dramatic. Rain. Tension. Maybe one of us dramatically walking away.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We’re too tired for dramatics. We’ve got grocery bags and lower back pain now.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Speak for yourself. I’m still flexible in exactly one direction.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Emotionally, or physically?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I missed this. And not just the jokes. You.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Then stop missing. I’m right here.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>So what now, huh? We kiss and credits roll?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You want the cheesy fade-out or the awkward transition back to reality?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Neither. I want the part no one writes. The part after. The boring, complicated, real stuff.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Like deciding who does the dishes?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Exactly. And arguing about takeout. And falling asleep mid-movie. And still showing up, even when it’s not easy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds terrifying.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Yeah. But it also sounds like something I could fall into. Headfirst.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then let’s make the unwritten part worth reading.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Do you think we wasted time? All those years not saying it?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No. I think we needed time to become people who could say it.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>That’s a generous way to spin it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s not spin. I think we had to survive ourselves first.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I hated watching you almost move on. Every time I saw someone get close, I panicked like it was a deadline.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Funny. I did the same with you. Smiled through it. Said I was happy. Lied like a champ.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>So what are we now? Two cowards who finally stopped pretending?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Nah. We’re two people who waited long enough to be brave at the same time.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Kiss me.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Thought you’d never ask.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I mean it. No teasing. No clever line. Just… kiss me like you mean it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I do. Every word, every glance, every second we lost—meant something. And this? This is where I stop waiting.<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>Then shut up and—<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>(kisses her)<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>…Okay. That’s… yeah. Okay.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "brenda" "Brenda">>I’ve never been more sure. And I’ve committed to some questionable takeout orders.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|grocery_store]] <>

<>  <<set $locationImage to "images/location/outside.png">> <div class="location-map-wrap"> <div class="location-map-card"> <div class="location-map-title">Neighborhood</div> <div class="location-map-grid"> <div class="location livingroom" data-passage="city" title="City"> <img src="images/location/city.png" alt="City"> <div class="location-label">City</div> </div> <div class="location kitchen" data-passage="grocery_store" title="Grocery Store"> <img src="images/location/grocery-store.png" alt="Grocery Store"> <div class="location-label">Grocery Store</div> </div> <div class="location bedroom locked" data-passage="saloon" title="Saloon"> <img src="images/location/outside.png" alt="Saloon"> <div class="location-label">Saloon</div> </div> <div class="location washroom" data-passage="restaurant" title="Restaurant"> <img src="images/location/restaurant.png" alt="Restaurant"> <div class="location-label">Restaurant</div> </div> <div class="location outside" data-passage="sex_toy_shop" title="sex_toy_shop"> <img src="images/location/sex_toy_shop.png" alt="sex_toy_shop"> <div class="location-label">Sex Toy Shop</div> </div> <div class="location outside" data-passage="home" title="home"> <img src="images/location/living_room.png" alt="home"> <div class="location-label">Aprtment</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <>

<>  <<set $locationImage to "images/location/restaurant.png">> <<if $step == 18.2>> <<goto "restaurant_18.2">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/restaurant.png" alt="Living Room" style="width:100%; "> The restaurant is bustling with activity, the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of conversations filling the air. The scent of freshly baked bread mingles with the aroma of roasted coffee, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A waiter moves swiftly between tables, balancing a tray of steaming dishes, while a couple in the corner shares a quiet laugh over their meal. <button id="eat-meal" class="ui-button">🍽️ Order Meal</button> <button id="grab-drink" class="ui-button">🧋 Grab a Drink</button> <button id="talk-waiter" class="ui-button">💬 Talk to Waiter</button> <button id="work-restaurant" class="ui-button">💼 Work Part-Time</button> [[Go to Outside|outside]] <</if>> <>

<> The restaurant was small, tucked between a dry-cleaner and a florist, its sign a soft red glow in the dusk. Paper lanterns swayed faintly in the warm air, their light painting soft amber circles on the tables outside. I spotted Lena instantly sitting by the window, still in her work blouse, sleeves rolled to her elbows, a half-drained glass of plum soda beside her. She smiled when she saw me, the kind that cut through the static of the day like sunlight through blinds. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hey, you made it before I finished the drink. That’s a first.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only because the traffic lights liked me tonight.<</speech>> I sat down across from her, the table’s smooth surface cool beneath my hands. The air carried the faint scent of garlic oil and chili. A waiter dropped off menus, but Lena didn’t even look she already knew what to order. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Two bowls of sesame noodles, the crispy tofu, and those dumplings you pretend you don’t like but always steal from my plate.<</speech>> The waiter nodded and vanished. I leaned back, exhaling. <<speech $player $playerName>>You always order for me before I realize I’m hungry.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>It’s a gift. So… tell me everything. Start from when that Marcus guy walked in. He sounded terrifying.<</speech>> I laughed softly, rubbing the back of my neck. <<speech $player $playerName>>He’s… intense. Charismatic in a way that makes you straighten up without realizing it. The whole morning was lectures theory, ethics, transfer mechanics, limits. Like consciousness anatomy class meets moral court.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And the others? The people there?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>A mix. Some nervous. Some like they’ve already done it before. A couple of them looked… too eager. Like they were chasing something they couldn’t admit.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re not like them.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m trying not to be. I just need work, not another identity crisis.<</speech>> She smiled faintly, swirling her straw. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So you’re going back tomorrow?<</speech>> I hesitated, tracing a finger along the table’s edge. <<speech $player $playerName>>If you’re okay with it, yeah. I think I can handle it. Tomorrow’s the first practical session. They said it’s just a few hours monitored, supervised, no risk.<</speech>> Her gaze lingered on me for a second too long, then softened. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Okay. Then do it. Just… come home to me after, alright? No matter what happens in there.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Always.<</speech>> The food arrived noodles glistening with sesame glaze, steam rising off the dumplings, the crisp tofu sizzling faintly in its dish. We dug in, the clatter of chopsticks filling the air. For a while, we didn’t talk just ate, letting the flavors do the work of comfort. Halfway through her bowl, Lena tilted her head, watching me with that little mischievous spark that always spelled trouble. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You know… since we’re on the topic of body experiences and all…<</speech>> I looked up warily. <<speech $player $playerName>>Oh no.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh yes.<</speech>> She grinned. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I was thinking about that whole day. The small pegging session....<</speech>> I almost choked on a noodle. <<speech $player $playerName>>Lena <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Relax. I just said I was thinking about it. I even checked a few stores downtown, but apparently, no one in this city stocks anything decent. Who knew ethical consciousness transfer was easier to find than a proper strap-on?<</speech>> I groaned, rubbing my forehead. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re not seriously asking me to <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh, I am. You’re going to Shape of You tomorrow anyway big brave explorer of the human psyche. After training, pick up a strap-on for your equally brave girlfriend, hmm?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You realize how that sounds, right?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Perfectly reasonable. You buy the groceries. You buy the condoms. You can buy the strap-on.<</speech>> I stared at her, deadpan. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re unbelievable.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And yet you’ll do it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No, I <</speech>> I started, but she was already grinning, eyes bright, knowing exactly how this conversation would end. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Please? For science. And love. Mostly love.<</speech>> I sighed in defeat. <<speech $player $playerName>>Fine. I’ll… look. But if anyone asks, it’s for a friend.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Perfect. I’ll make sure to thank your friend properly.<</speech>> We both laughed, and the tension that had clung to me all day finally slipped away. The plates emptied, the lantern light flickered softer, and for a little while, everything felt almost normal again. When we finally left, the night air was warm and humming with distant traffic. Lena slipped her arm through mine as we walked home, our steps syncing easily, the quiet between us no longer heavy just full. Tomorrow would be another threshold. But tonight, it was just us. <<set $phoneTime to "21:00">> <<set $currentObjectives to "Return home with Lena and Sleep">> <<set $step = 18.3>> [[Go home with Lena|home]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Weird question this place actually treat you guys decent or am I just catching the good shift energy?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>You tryna unionize or sniffing around for a job?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just... curious. Everything seems like it functions, which is suspicious these days.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>It’s not bad. No one’s screaming, no broken plates lately, and we get a free meal if we survive till close. That counts as a win, right?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Honestly? Yeah. That’s rare. What’s the hidden downside though?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Dish pit smells like depression and lemon-scented lies. And we legally have to pretend ranch dressing belongs on everything. Even steak. Even cake.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Be real how’s the coffee here? Like am I about to be emotionally assaulted or pleasantly surprised?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>You want the Yelp-safe answer or the sad truth I whisper to my therapist?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Lay it on me. I’m already dead inside, can’t get worse.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Then you’re gonna love it. It’s like... dark roast exorcism. Could raise the dead or fuel an existential crisis. Depends on your tolerance.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s not even remotely comforting.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Try the cold brew. That one hasn’t been through a war. Yet.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>What’s the least cursed dessert on the menu? Like, actual flavor not just sugar on sugar with a sparkler stuck in it.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Bold of you to assume we don’t fully lean into sugar chaos. But alright… honey fig tart. Sweet, weirdly elegant. Might change your worldview for five minutes.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is that real talk or influencer bait?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Both. You’ll post it, eat it, and question your life choices in a good way. Then remember the price tag and spiral again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s ominous and kinda sexy.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>That’s basically my brand.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay but like... who actually orders the squid ink risotto? Masochists?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>The brave, the bougie, and people trying to look interesting on dates. It’s like food and a test of commitment in one dish.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So, not exactly flying out of the kitchen?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>It’s good. Legit. But yeah, it’ll stain your soul and your teeth. It’s not a “first date and smile” kind of dish unless you're fearless or very single.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Lucky for me, I’m emotionally vacant and dinner's my only plan.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Perfect. You and the risotto might be soulmates, honestly.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>What's the weirdest thing someone’s ever asked you here? Besides this conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Someone once asked if I could “emotionally massage the kale.” I wish I was joking.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You definitely did it, didn’t you.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Oh I did. Cradled it behind the bar like it was dying in my arms. Whispered affirmations. Table loved it. Kale stayed bitter. Can’t fix everything.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You're some blend of unhinged and genius I didn't know I needed today.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Hang around long enough, I get weirder.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yo, real question do the chefs back there actually like their jobs or are they just powered by rage and nicotine?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Little of both. Depends on the hour and how many brunch orders came in. They get weirdly passionate about risotto though.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s kind of hot? In a “this person definitely ghosts people” way.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Oh, they ghost and gaslight. But they plate like gods. So, you know. Trade-offs.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Now I want to see one cry over foam art.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>You wouldn’t be the first. Stick around during dinner rush. Shit gets poetic.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>How do you stay this upbeat dealing with like... people all day?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>I disassociate at least twice a shift. Helps a lot.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s valid. You do have kind of a “mentally somewhere else” aura, in a good way.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Thanks. I like to think of it as “ethereal but trapped in food service.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Honestly, that should be on your name tag.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Might get me more tips. Or a concerned email to corporate. Win-win either way.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>If I tell you to just “surprise me,” is that annoying or kinda fun for you?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Depends. Are you allergic to anything or just vibes?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just vibes. Mildly lactose-intolerant, but I’ll risk it for drama.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Alright then, you’re my favorite kind of chaos. I’ll make sure whatever you get looks like a threat and tastes like a dare.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s the hottest sentence anyone’s said to me today.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Wait till dessert. That’s when I really show off.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>So like... what’s the fastest way someone’s gotten kicked out of here?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Guy once tried to light a candle with a vape pen and knocked over three wine glasses. Took out half a bachelorette party. It was beautiful.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Honestly? That sounds iconic. Kinda want to top it now.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Start quoting Yelp reviews at me in a British accent. That usually does it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And if I flirt instead?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Then you’re safer. For now. I still might judge your appetizer choices though.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay be honest if I came in here like, twice a week... would that be cute or borderline unhinged?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Depends. Are you here for the food or to stare at me over your water glass like you’re in a French film?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Little column A, little column B.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Then it’s fine. Just don’t be weird about it. Or do. I can handle weird.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I tip well and mind my business... mostly.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Perfect. That’s literally my love language.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Alright, what’s the actual secret to surviving a double shift? Don’t say coffee. That’s cheating.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Oh, easy. Petty vengeance, group chat rants, and pretending I’m just method acting a tragic indie role.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>God I love that. Like “suffering, but make it art.”<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Exactly. Bonus points if I get a dramatic mirror stare during my break. Really sells the performance.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So you’re just one emotional playlist away from quitting with flair.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Oh, I’ve got three playlists. Depends on the level of drama I’m aiming for.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay. Real menu talk. What’s actually good here and what’s just here for people to Instagram and lie about?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Most of it’s solid. But yeah, a few dishes exist strictly to be photographed and not eaten. Looking at you, “deconstructed Caesar.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That one does look like sadness in parts.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Right? Like someone dropped a salad and called it avant-garde. Go for the short ribs or the spicy lamb flatbread. Actual flavor. Actual joy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Glad I asked the cool waitress instead of trusting the menu like a fool.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Look at you learning. I might actually warn you about the cursed cocktails next.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>You ever mess with customers just to stay sane, or is that against the sacred server code?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Oh, 100%. Harmless stuff though. Like switching the specials pitch halfway through or seeing how long I can keep a straight face saying “aioli flight.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’d let you mess with me. Like, in a fun way. Not food poisoning.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Good to know. I’ll keep the mild chaos dialed to flirty instead of felony.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s probably for the best. I don’t do well with lawsuits.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Me neither. But I do have excellent comedic timing.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>What's your least favorite type of customer? Just so I know how not to be.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Oh, the “I know the chef” guy. Always says it like a threat. Spoiler: the chef usually hates them.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So... what if I pretend I don’t know anyone and tip like I’m trying to apologize for existing?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Then we’re best friends now. I’ll give you real menu advice and not judge your drink order. Much.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Even if I order like... something with too much garnish?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>I’ll tease you a little. But with love. Probably.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do people really try to flirt with you while ordering food or is that just a movie thing?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Oh it happens. Usually somewhere between “can I get the steak medium rare” and “you have really nice eyes.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wow. Subtle. Very smooth.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>The best ones don’t force it. They just talk like a normal person and smile like they’re not trying too hard.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Noted. So... am I doing okay so far?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>You’re fine. I haven’t rolled my eyes once. That’s basically a gold star.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>If I wanted to lowkey impress you with my order, what should I get? Be honest.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Hmm. Order with confidence, no weird substitutions, pronounce “bouillabaisse” correctly. Bonus points if you don’t stare at the menu like it’s a riddle.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay but I am gonna stare. I have decision paralysis and trust issues.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Fair. Just pick something spicy and act like you meant to. Confidence is hot, even if it's fake.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So fake it ‘til I’m dateable?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Exactly. And maybe don’t say “dateable” out loud. Kills the mood a bit.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Ever get the classic “number on a napkin” thing or is that just movie nonsense?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Oh, I get napkin numbers. Usually with terrible handwriting and a ketchup stain. Super romantic.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Alright, I’ll use a clean receipt and my good pen if I decide to shoot my shot.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Ooh, fancy. If there’s a doodle involved, I might actually read it before I toss it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if I draw something cursed? Like... a seductive shrimp.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Then I’ll marry you out of sheer curiosity. Or file a report. We’ll see.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>If the building caught fire right now, what would you grab before running out?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Espresso machine. And maybe the cookie dough from the back fridge. Priorities.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wow, leaving your coworkers to burn. Bold.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Please. They’d already be out the side door stealing booze. It’s every server for themselves in an emergency.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Fair enough. I’d probably grab you. Y’know. As a team effort.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Aw. Heroic. If you’re gonna carry me, at least make it look cool. I want slow-mo footage.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Are you always this quick with the comebacks or am I just bringing out your A-game?<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>This is the A-game. I save the B-game for brunch crowds and bachelorette parties.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Glad I’m getting the premium version, then.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Don’t get cocky. You’re cute but I still gotta refill three waters and break up a table fight in ten.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Noted. I’ll stay charming and low-maintenance.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Perfect. That’s exactly how I like my customers—and my dates.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do you get sick of people asking if this is your “real job?”<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>God, yes. Like sorry I’m not a freelance yoga astrologer or whatever they expected.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Honestly? Serving sounds way more intense than most office gigs.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Right? I’ve dodged soup bowls and been trauma-dumped by strangers mid-lunch rush. Name one startup that builds those skills.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You deserve hazard pay and a throne.<</speech>> <<speech "ruby" "Ruby">>Buy a round of apps and I’ll settle for moral support and a five-star review.<</speech>> [[Leave Waiter|restaurant]] <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/sex_toy_shop.png">> <<if $step == 19.3>> <<goto "sex_toy_shop_19.3">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/sex_toy_shop.png" alt="Sex Toy Shop" style="width:100%; "> The sex toy shop hums with a quiet, ambient soundtrack, the kind of music designed to soothe and disarm. The air is warm, carrying a faint mix of sandalwood and something floral, almost powdery. The shelves are meticulously organized, displaying everything from sleek, modern devices to items that look like they belong in an art exhibit. Soft lighting highlights the displays, casting gentle shadows that make the space feel intimate yet inviting. A faint chime sounds as the door opens, the atmosphere inside a stark contrast to the bustling street outside. <button id="talk-rie" class="ui-button">Talk with Rie</button> [[Go to Outside|outside]] <</if>> <>

<> The storefront blinked subtle neon through the haze of late afternoon sun “Velvet Standard,” in rose serif against smoked glass. Clean, almost sterile for a sex shop. I stepped inside and was immediately wrapped in warm light and softer scents than expected linen, sandalwood, something faintly citrus. A showroom, not a dungeon. The layout was all brushed steel fixtures and curved walls, displays built like gallery pieces. And in the center of it all: a wall of harnesses. Dozens of styles. Adjustable. Modular. Silicone, leather, biopolymer. Every color from matte black to pearlescent lavender. And red. I thumbed my phone and hit call. She picked up mid-sigh. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Tell me you’re there.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m here. Trying to look casual surrounded by enough gear to rewire someone’s nervous system.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm‑hmm. Now stop stalling. Color?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You pick. I’m already out of my depth here.<</speech>> A brief pause, then her voice smiling through the line. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Red. Always red. It matches payback.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Right. Red it is.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm. You always did look good under pressure.<</speech>> I scanned the racks. One stood out red, deep crimson, understated but bold. Smooth silicone attachment, full strap mount that could be worn like underwear. <<speech $player $playerName>>Found one. Red. Just like you asked. High waist, minimal shift, soft-stretch straps. Looks... secure.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Perfect. I want it to stay on when you’re squirming.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You say that like this is revenge.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>No, no. “Correction.”<</speech>> I laughed under my breath, just as someone stepped into view behind the counter. Sales clerk. Female, maybe mid-20s, long platinum hair in a half braid, a piercing just below one eye that sparkled with obvious amusement. Her nametag said “Rie.” <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll call you after.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You better. I want updates. And a picture, maybe.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Click.<</speech>> I slid the red set off the rack, turned, and walked to the desk. Rie already had one eyebrow raised. <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ooh. Crimson Core. Clean choice. Popular with switch couples. Nice base pressure.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You memorize product blurbs or just live here?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Bit of both. So... special occasion? Anniversary? Apology?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do I look like I want to talk about this?<</speech>> She grinned wider. <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Absolutely. Which means I’m going to ask anyway.<</speech>> I hesitated. She just kept scanning the item slowly like she had all day. <<speech $player $playerName>>Partner... asked me to pick one up. Her turn, I guess.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Her turn? Ohhhh. I see. Classic role-reversal power play. Bet you didn’t even warn her last time.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That... may have been the problem.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Mmm. Then she’s got the right idea. Red’s perfect for vengeance with love. I approve. Want me to gift wrap it in something misleadingly innocent?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>God, no. Just a bag. No labels.<</speech>> She chuckled, folding the harness into a minimalist matte box, sealing it like it was fine jewelry. <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You’ll do fine. Just breathe deep. And when she straps it in? Compliment her posture. Makes the hand placement better.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...Thanks. I think.<</speech>> She handed over the bag, receipt already sent to my device. <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Come back if you survive.<</speech>> I stepped outside, blinking at the brightness, feeling oddly lighter and heavier at once. The street noise returned. People passed. My bag bumped lightly against my thigh. Somewhere across the city, Lena was probably still smiling. <<set $phoneTime = "18:30">> <<set $currentObjectives = "Go Home">> <<set $step = 19.4>> [[Go home|outside]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You keep circling that shelf like it's going to confess something. Nervous energy, I can smell it from here.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just browsing. That’s allowed, right?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Technically. Though most browsers don’t hover in front of the remote-control display blushing like someone’s watching them through the window.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...Maybe someone is.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>If they are, you better pick one that buzzes loud enough to drown out your dignity.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You talk like you’ve got experience.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Sweetheart, I *stock* the batteries.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You walked right past the lubes like they personally offended you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Trying to keep eye contact with the floor, thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Shame’s bad for your joints. You plan to use friction or imagination tonight?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I'm not planning anything. Just looking.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Famous last words. Look, if you're curious, try the hybrid. Long glide, no weird residue. Plus it won’t glue your sheets together like a teenage memory.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is that a promise or a challenge?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Depends on your stamina, pretty boy.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Oh, brave boy standing by the paddle wall like you’re choosing a sword.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just curious. Why so many shapes? Doesn’t one hurt enough?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Different philosophies. Leather’s sting, suede’s thud, silicone’s pure chaos. And this one see the hearts? Leaves marks you can pretend are hickeys later.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s oddly... considerate?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It’s customer service, babe. We even offer aftercare guides. With diagrams.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So you're an educator now?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Call it adult orientation.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You keep poking that cage display like it’s going to bite you back.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Trying to figure out how anyone wears those without dying.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It’s all about attitude. And proper sizing. Mostly attitude though.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I don’t even know where that... goes.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Want the diagram or the hands-on demo?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I'll take “regret” for 500, thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>A classic choice. Let me know when you want to level up.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You picked up the wand. Classic. Half my customers grab that pretending it’s a back massager.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Maybe I *have* tense shoulders.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Sure. And maybe I wear latex for the *aerodynamics.*<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...You might.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Anyway, that model will knock your soul out of orbit. Batteries not included. Regret very much included.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m not buying anything today.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You keep saying that like I asked. I’m just enjoying the show.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ah, the double-ended. Brave. Or optimistic. Or both.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I was just... curious about the material.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Silicone. Flexible. Forgiving. But not too forgiving. You planning to share or show off in the mirror?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That's a bold assumption.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Honey, people don’t pick these up unless they’ve got choreography in mind.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...What if it’s just for stretching?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Then I’d recommend a warm-up. And a safe word.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You’ve been eyeing that butt plug like it owes you money.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s... larger than I expected.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Beginner’s mistake. Start small. Confidence comes after not before.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Noted. What’s the gem on the end for?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Aesthetic. Or humiliation. Depends on how you're bending over.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I feel like you’ve got stories.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>I’ve got cautionary tales. And a drawer full of examples.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s the third time you’ve touched that harness and put it back.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just trying to figure out... orientation.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>If you’re asking where the parts go, you’re halfway there. Straps here, here and the ring holds your ambitions.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And if I have no ambitions?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Then why are your fingers twitching like they want to take it home?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>They’re just... curious fingers.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Mm-hm. Curious fingers make the best mistakes.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You picked the stroker with the suction base. Ambitious and hands-free. I respect that.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I just wanted to see what the texture was like.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Soft inside, ribbed in layers. Like a velvet argument.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s... strangely specific.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It’s from the manufacturer. Probably. Or I just made it up to sell it better.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Does that usually work?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You’re still holding it, aren’t you?<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Trying to choose between the flogger and the crop? That’s like asking if you want to whisper or scream.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>They’re both... intimidating.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>They’re tools. The difference is in delivery. The flogger kisses. The crop punctuates.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do people actually buy both?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Some people come in for one and leave with bruises they don’t regret.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And some just walk out blushing.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Some never walk right again. We don't judge.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Mmh, vibrating panties. Bold grab. Planning a date or a detonation?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It just looked... compact.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>So’s a grenade, sweetheart. But this one goes off when you bite your lip in public.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You say that like it’s a warning.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It’s a promise. Battery pack’s remote-controlled. Strong signal. Stronger reactions.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Who even wears these out?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Couples. Exhibitionists. Masochists with brunch reservations.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Finger sleeves? Oof. Someone’s got finesse on the mind.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>They looked discreet.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>They’re stealthy assassins. Tiny. Silent. Devastating. You’ll ruin lives with those fingers.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is that a good thing?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Depends if you're planning to apologize after.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...Maybe just leave a note.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Make sure it's waterproof. Fluids may be involved.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ooh, the vibrating ring. You’re either a pleaser or an optimist.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It said “intense dual stimulation.”<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Translation: both of you gasp and forget your names. If used properly.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And if used improperly?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Still gasping. Just... maybe more comedic.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You make it sound dangerous.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Only to egos. And fragile headboards.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You spent five minutes staring at that spreader bar like it whispered your name.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just... not used to seeing restraints that chrome.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Industrial polish. Gives it a polite menace. Like bondage with good manners.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It looks cold.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It warms up. Usually against skin that’s already flushed.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds like you speak from experience.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>I stock the polish. And the wipes. And sometimes the apologies.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Nipple clamps. Damn. You don’t flinch, do you?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I flinched. Quietly.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>These ones have adjusters. Beginner-friendly. Or cruel, depending on how generous you're feeling.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do they actually stay on?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Through orgasms, pillow fights, and mild existential crises.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...That’s oddly reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You want real reassurance, pair them with the clit vibe in aisle three. Then write me a Yelp review from the afterglow.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ball gag, huh? Someone’s got a noise problem.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s... softer than I expected.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Silicone core, breathable strap. Good for beginners. Or the mouthy ones who just won’t shut up.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And what’s the appeal, exactly?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Control. Sound. Saliva. It’s intimacy by volume control.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s... strangely poetic.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You should hear me describe the drool trail. Real Shakespearean stuff.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ooh, lube warmer. Fancy. Look at you pretending it’s for comfort.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Warm hands, warm heart, warm... you know.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Exactly. Nothing kills the mood like ice-cold slick on hot skin. Unless you’re into shrieking.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Some people are, right?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Oh, for sure. But they usually buy clamps and the chili gel. You're a gentle menace at best.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll take that as a compliment.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You should. I don’t hand those out easy.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s a stroker sleeve with heating coils. You sure you’re ready for emotional attachment?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It just said “realistic sensation.”<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It’ll hug you tighter than your last situationship. And actually make noise when you leave it alone too long.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It makes noise?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Only the vibrating model. This one just holds heat like a bitter ex.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do you write these product tags?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>I improvise. The management hasn’t caught on yet.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You keep flicking that feather tickler like you're waiting for it to purr.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Trying to see if it’s actually... stimulating.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Not on your fingers. Try inner thighs. Backs of knees. Nipples. Nerve endings light up like a switchboard.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Feathers. Who knew.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Don’t underestimate soft things. They get under your skin faster than pain ever could.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You should put that on a tag.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Nah. I save the poetry for the ones who actually buy.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Huh. The electro stim unit. You really came in here to challenge God today.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I thought it was a phone charger at first.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It charges something. Just not your battery. Or your phone. Or your restraint.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s... safe, right?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>FDA approved. Couple of settings. Some of them feel like a purr. Some feel like divine punishment.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And you sell this to people without a waiver?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>We recommend testing on your forearm first. Or, you know. Somewhere less polite.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ah, bondage tape. The quiet killer. No buckles, no knots, no excuses.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It sticks to itself, right? Not skin?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Exactly. Leaves no marks unless you really try. Clean breakups, clean wrists. Like emotional detachment, but sexier.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You sound like you've used it... extensively.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Honey, I’ve mummified people for less. And they thanked me.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Should I be scared or impressed?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Yes.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Edible body paint? Oh, you’re a romantic and a mess.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Was just curious about the flavors.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Cherry’s safe. Vanilla’s boring. Salted caramel? That one’s been responsible for more than one rug burn.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You have statistics on that?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Only the sticky ones. But hey if you’re gonna write poetry with your tongue, make it taste like dessert.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re oddly persuasive.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>I work on commission. And chaos.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Glass dildo? Classy. Looks like a weapon from a fantasy novel.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s so... cold.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Temperature play. Toss it in warm water, or the freezer. Just don’t mix those up mid-session unless you want tears.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Feels risky.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Risky is using it without lube. Otherwise? It’s like getting fucked by a royal scepter.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That's one way to be knighted.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Rise, Sir Screams-a-Lot.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Whew. Anal beads. That’s not browsing. That’s a declaration.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just checking the size. They get... bigger.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Graduated for your pleasure and panic. Trick is the rhythm insert slow, pull slow. Unless you’re showing off. Then pray.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re making that sound a lot more dangerous than it probably is.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Dangerous? Nah. Just dramatic. Like opera. But in your ass.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...That is not going on the product box.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Cowards.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Remote-controlled prostate massager. Someone’s done research.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The reviews were... enthusiastic.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>They always are. First timers sound like they saw God and He vibrated.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Does it really hit that hard?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Depends on your angle, your trust issues, and how many legs you have left after round two.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s a hell of a testimonial.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>I should start charging per epiphany.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Oof. Collar and leash set. That’s not subtle, sweetheart.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s padded. Didn’t expect that.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Comfort meets control. No chafing unless you ask for it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is this... common?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Oh, darling. People crave structure. Some wear it under their hoodie, just for the feel. Some get walked across hotel carpet. I don’t judge either kink.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You really have seen everything, huh?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Only the entertaining parts.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You’re holding that pump like you’re waiting for it to inflate your confidence.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It looks medical. But... not.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Vacuum play. Enhances blood flow, sensitivity, denial. And if done right? Ego.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And if done wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Bruises. Possibly an awkward ER visit. But hey, you’ll have one hell of a story.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>This store should come with a waiver.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It does. It’s called “impulse control.” No one reads it.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ooooh, the bondage hood. That’s not beginner gear. That’s a thesis statement.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I wasn’t gonna buy it, I just <</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Just wanted to touch the zipper? See how breathable full sensory denial feels? Totally normal.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Does anyone actually enjoy this?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Plenty. Gives you quiet. Stillness. Makes every touch feel like it’s carved into you. It’s not about fear it’s about focus.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That sounds... intense.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s the point. Intense is the new intimate.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Adjustable spreader cuffs? You planning a magic trick or just want someone helpless and blushing?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>They seemed... versatile.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Oh, they are. Over the bed, under the table, around the legs. Trust me, you don’t know how flexible you are until the Velcro laughs at your choices.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m not that flexible.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s why they do the work. You just have to be interesting.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s a full latex catsuit. Are you shopping or summoning demons?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It just caught my eye.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It tends to do that. Shiny, clingy, and unforgiving. Like jealousy in outfit form.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s... a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Zips from the back. Or front. Depending on who’s doing the unwrapping. Pro tip: powder helps. Sweat... does not.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You really know your materials.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>I work in intimacy. And latex. Which are surprisingly similar.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ooh, stroker egg multipack. That’s the snack-size sampler. Variety for your... moods.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I thought they were candy at first.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You’d only make that mistake once. Probably at Easter. In front of family.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>They’re all different textures inside?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Each one a little different hello. Swirls, ridges, nubs. Like being flirted with by six aliens at once.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s oddly specific.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>So are the moans. Variety’s the spice. And the addiction.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That candle’s not just for mood lighting. You planning to drip or seduce?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wait, this melts on people?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Low-temp wax. Pours like honey. Feels like sin. It’s heat with patience. Slow chaos.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I don’t know if I’m that brave.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You don’t have to be. Just willing. The brave ones beg. The smart ones moan.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do you write erotica too?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Only in my receipts.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Sounding kit? Oh damn, now we’re getting personal.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It was just in the locked case <</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>For a reason. Sterile steel. Slow pressure. Deep nerves. You don’t just try this. You commit.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It looks... serious.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It is. Like opera. Or funerals. Except the tears hit different.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I didn’t know that was even a thing.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s what they all say. Before the moans get weirdly musical.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ben wa balls? Look at you. Classic. Understated. Dangerous in heels.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I read they’re good for... core strength?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Sure. And if you clench right, they hum with every step. Some folks jog in them. Others just go to brunch and smirk.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do they fall out?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Only if you’re bad at commitment. Or squats.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That feels like a challenge.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It always is.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Now that’s a strapless strap-on. Ambition molded in silicone.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How does it even stay in place?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Insertable bulb on one end. Muscle control on the other. It’s like pilates, but someone moans at the end.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That sounds like work.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It is. But god, the reviews. Power fantasy with bonus cardio.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You make everything sound like an extreme sport.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s because it is. You just don’t get a medal. You get praise. And possibly a limp.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Look at you, contemplating the fuck machine like it’s going to recite poetry.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s... big.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It’s efficient. Adjustable thrust, multiple attachments, and a motor that hums like it knows your secrets.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That feels like something you hide when guests come over.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Not unless you want to lie about that glow. Or the limp.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How loud is it?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Depends on what’s moaning louder you, or the machine.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Feathered nipple clamps with bells. Subtle? No. Sexy? That depends how loud you squirm.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do they always jingle?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>They’re less for stealth, more for spectacle. And trust me when those bells start singing mid-thrust? Chef’s kiss.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I can’t tell if this is erotic or festive.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Why not both? Tis the season to be bound.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Ooh. Cum-flavored lube. You're either curious, kinky, or a completionist.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...“realistic texture” sounds terrifying.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It’s mostly marketing. But yes it’s got a little stretch. Little heat. Like nostalgia for the reckless.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And people use this for... what, edging?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Roleplay. Powerplay. Self-play. It’s the illusion of surrender. With less cleanup.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You really sell it.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>I don’t sell it. I narrate it. The moans do the rest.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You’re staring at the inflatable plug like it’s a life decision. And... honestly? It might be.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It has a pump. That seems excessive.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Some folks like control. Some like pressure. Some want to feel full like a confession. This does all three.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>There’s a valve. I don’t trust it.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Trust is earned. So is the stretch. Just don’t test it during a sneeze.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Noted. Very... noted.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That blindfold’s silk. Real silk. You sure you’re ready for luxury while someone misbehaves near your thighs?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It feels... elegant.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Because it is. This isn’t duct tape and cheap motel kink. This is surrender with style.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So it’s more... sensual than scary.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Exactly. Darkness makes every sound louder. Every breath hotter. Every kiss feels like prophecy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You really believe that?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>I’ve seen it. Heard it. Sold the batteries after.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s a latex anal sheath with a vibration core. You’re not browsing, you’re plotting.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I was trying to figure out which way is up.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Whichever direction makes your knees shake and your soul reconsider its lease.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>...So both ways, then.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Correct. Just lube it like it owes you money, and you’re golden.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>This is the kind of thing you ease into, right?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Or dive headfirst. Either way, it’s a story you won’t tell your dentist.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Now that’s a vibrating strap-on with dual internal shafts. Someone’s shopping with intention.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I thought it was... a jetpack, at first.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Well, it does launch people. Just not into the sky.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What’s the second shaft for?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>You. It tucks inside while you wear it. Shared rhythm. Shared moans. It's empathy made out of silicone.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s... intense.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>So's good sex. This just saves on translation.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>The leather restraint bar with thigh cuffs. Damn. You either have dungeon furniture or very trusting friends.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I wasn’t sure how it worked.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>One strap under the thighs, cuffs hold the legs wide, and gravity does the rest. Basically? Hands-free blasphemy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That feels like a yoga pose gone very, very wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Or very, very right, depending on who’s watching.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do people actually buy this stuff?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>They buy it. Use it. And walk like they forgot what chairs are.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s a latex glove with textured fingers. You’re either going spelunking or about to make someone melt.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It looked medical.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Everything looks medical when it’s black and shiny. Until it’s wrist-deep and someone’s moaning “more.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How does this even feel?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Like confidence. With grip. And a little bit of fear just enough to keep things delicious.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And hygiene’s covered?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Always. It’s kink, not chaos.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Oh, electro paddle. Now we’re talking. Pain and current two hobbies for the price of one.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It crackled when I touched the button.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That’s the love bite. Just imagine the sting layered with vibration sharp, sweet, unforgettable.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Isn’t that dangerous?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>So’s tequila, and yet here we are. Use the gel pad. Avoid metal. Cry from pleasure, not regret.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You always this poetic about getting zapped?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Only when it leaves a mark and a memory.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>That vibrating anal hook isn’t for amateurs or the faint of sphincter.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I honestly thought it was a coat rack.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Only if you’re hanging up your shame and sense of balance. Curve nestles in, the bulb keeps you honest, and the vibe? That’s just extra.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It looks like it should come with a spotter.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Spotter, safe word, and someone to hold your thighs down while you twitch. We sell all three. Separately.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do people really like this stuff?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>They don’t just like it. They ascend.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Neon rope. Love it. Like bondage and rave had a scandalous baby.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I thought it was for decoration.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>It decorates someone’s thighs beautifully. Great for photo shoots. Better for immobility. Glows under blacklight, too, if you want to get artsy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if I don’t know how to tie?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Then fumble charmingly. We’ve got tutorials. And scissors. Safety’s sexy, babe.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So it’s... beginner friendly?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Friendly enough to keep you tied up all weekend.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Lickable massage oil? You’re here for softness and snacks. I approve.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I wasn’t expecting flavors like “coconut rum” and “dark cherry.”<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>They melt at body temp, glide like sin, and taste like dessert you regret nothing about.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do people use it just for massage?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>They start with massage. Then it’s a slip-and-slide to ecstasy. Tongues get involved. So do sheets.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds... messy.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Darling, mess is just foreplay that went well.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>The chastity cage with Bluetooth control. You’re either in love or in danger.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It locks remotely?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>App controlled. Timer. Notifications. The whole “keyholder in another country” experience.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if the battery dies?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Then so do your plans. Keep the charger nearby. And your pride far away.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You make it sound terrifying.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Terror is just trust, dressed in leather.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Oh, a fisting dildo. You’re not here to play you’re here to conquer.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s... larger than my forearm.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>Correct. It’s for those with depth. Physically, emotionally... rectally.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Who uses this much toy?<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>The brave. The stretched. The utterly unbothered. Pair it with patience, three towels, and a lot of lube.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s not a toy. That’s a challenge.<</speech>> <<speech "rie" "Rie">>And you look like someone who doesn’t back down from one.<</speech>> [[Back to Store|sex_toy_shop]] <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/office.png">> <<if $step < 9>>  <div class="location-map-wrap"> <div class="location-map-card"> <div class="location-map-title">Office</div> <div class="location-map-grid"> <div class="location livingroom" data-passage="manager_room" title="office"> <img src="images/location/office_manager_room.png" alt="office"> <div class="location-label">Manager's Room</div> </div> <div class="location kitchen" data-passage="cubical" title="My cubical"> <img src="images/location/office_cubical.png" alt="My cubical"> <div class="location-label">My Cubical</div> </div> <div class="location bedroom" data-passage="james_cubical" title="James's Cubical"> <img src="images/location/office_cubical.png" alt="James's Cubical"> <div class="location-label">James's Cubical</div> </div> <div class="location washroom" data-passage="office_washroom" title="Office Washroom"> <img src="images/location/office_washroom.png" alt="Office Washroom"> <div class="location-label">Office Washroom</div> </div> <div class="location washroom" data-passage="city" title="City"> <img src="images/location/city.png" alt="City"> <div class="location-label">Outside</div> </div> <div class="location outside" data-passage="lyla_cubical" title="Lyla's Cubical"> <img src="images/location/office_cubical.png" alt="Lyla's Cubical"> <div class="location-label">Lyla's Cubical</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <<else>> <img src="images/location/office.png" alt="Office" style="width:100%; "> The office is a modern, open-plan space filled with rows of cubicles and sleek desks. Large windows line one wall, letting in plenty of natural light and offering a view of the bustling city outside. The hum of computers and quiet chatter of coworkers create a steady background noise, while the occasional ring of a phone or clatter of a keyboard punctuates the atmosphere. Potted plants are scattered throughout the space, adding a touch of greenery to the otherwise neutral color palette. <button id="talk-lyla" class="ui-button">Talk with Lyla</button> <button id="talk-james" class="ui-button">Talk with James</button> [[Go Outside|city]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/office_washroom.png">> <<if $step == 5>> <<goto "work_2.5">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/office_washroom.png" alt="Office Washroom" style="width:100%; "> The office washroom is small and utilitarian, with white tiled walls and a single sink beneath a large mirror. The faint scent of disinfectant lingers in the air, mingling with the subtle aroma of coffee from the break room. A few motivational posters are taped to the walls, their messages of productivity and teamwork feeling somewhat out of place in this quiet corner of the office. [[Go Outside|office]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/office_cubical.png">> <<if $step == 3>> <<goto "work_1">> <<elseif $step == 6>> <<goto "work_3">> <<elseif $step == 8>> <<goto "work_4_2">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/office_cubical.png" alt="Cubical" style="width:100%; "> My cubical is cramped but functional, a small oasis of personal space in the sea of identical workstations. The walls are adorned with a few photos of friends and family, a calendar, and a couple of motivational posters. My desk is cluttered with papers, a coffee mug, and my trusty laptop. A small potted plant sits in the corner, adding a touch of greenery to the otherwise sterile environment. [[Go to Outside|office]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/office_manager_room.png">> <<if $step == 7>> <<goto "work_4">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/office_manager_room.png" alt="Manager's Room" style="width:100%; "> The manager's room is a spacious office with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. A sleek wooden desk dominates the room, cluttered with papers, a laptop, and a few personal items. A comfortable leather chair sits behind the desk, while a couple of guest chairs are positioned in front of it. Bookshelves line one wall, filled with business books and a few decorative items. A small coffee station is tucked in the corner, complete with a coffee maker and a selection of mugs. [[Go to Outside|office]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/office_cubical.png">> <img src="images/location/office_cubical.png" alt="James's Cubical" style="width:100%; "> James's cubical is a bit more organized than mine, with neatly stacked papers and a clean desk surface. A few personal items, like a framed photo and a small figurine, add a touch of personality to the space. A calendar hangs on the wall, marked with important dates and deadlines. A comfortable office chair sits behind the desk, and a small filing cabinet is tucked in the corner. [[Go to Outside|office]] <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/office_cubical.png">> <img src="images/location/office_cubical.png" alt="Lyla's Cubical" style="width:100%; "> Lyla's cubical is bright and cheerful, with colorful decorations and a few plants adding a touch of life to the space. Her desk is tidy, with a laptop, a notebook, and a few pens neatly arranged. A bulletin board on the wall is filled with photos, notes, and inspirational quotes. A comfortable chair sits behind the desk, and a small bookshelf holds a selection of books and personal items. [[Go to Outside|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Here we have the remains of a once-employed dev. Please don’t tap the glass. He startles easily.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m haunting. Very important post-firing haunting.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Ten bucks says Greaves thinks you’re back to beg for QA crumbs.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>He can choke on the sprint backlog.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Y’know if I squint, you still look employed. Kinda hot, kinda dead inside.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If I sit at my desk long enough, will they pay me out of confusion?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Try it. I’ll fake a Jira ticket for you. ‘Emotional Bug: User permanently displaced from payroll.’<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Severity: Critical. Steps to reproduce: Exist.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>We fix you, we fix capitalism. No pressure.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just promise to write something snarky on my badge when they finally shred it.<</speech>> [[Leave Her|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Hey. I salvaged your box of desk crap before Greaves fed it to the shredder god.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Please tell me you burned the dead succulent.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Nah. It’s thriving now. I named it Petty.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wow. That’s darkly accurate.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Your stress ball, however, tried to escape. Twice.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Same.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Also: who needs five USB sticks labeled ‘fuck’ and one labeled ‘DO NOT OPEN’? Seriously.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>One’s encrypted resumes. The rest... legacy porn folders. Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Incredible. You left behind chaos and secrets. I’m proud.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just keep Petty watered. She judges you now.<</speech>> [[Leave Her|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Alright. Status update, patch notes, emotional changelog. Let’s go.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ve added +1 to unemployment and -3 to mental stability.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Any new bugs? Sudden breakdowns? Existential spaghetti code?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only minor crashes. Still booting. Mood UI needs work.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Noted. Hotfix: come to my place Friday. I’ll overwrite your despair with vodka and indie horror games.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How is that not its own trauma patch?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>We suffer. We bond. It’s very healing. Probably.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if I freeze during co-op?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Then I respawn you. That’s what friends do.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s dangerously wholesome. I might cry.<</speech>> [[Leave Her|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You know you don’t work here anymore, right? Blink twice if this is denial cosplay.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s not denial. It’s nostalgia. Which smells weirdly like whiteboard marker.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You left your coffee mug. I washed it. Felt like a funeral.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Was that the ‘Code Like You’re Already Fired’ one?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>The very same. A tragic prophecy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll haunt this cubicle until they name it after me.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>‘In memory of the developer who debugged his way into oblivion.’<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Put a little shrine. Free snacks. Smells like vengeance and thermal paste.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Add LED lighting. Ghost devs deserve ambience.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Mood lighting. For eternal burnout.<</speech>> [[Leave Her|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You’re way too quiet. That’s either enlightenment or panic. Which is it?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I think I’ve transcended anxiety. Entered a new zone. Still terrified, just quieter.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Like stealth panic. Ninja dread.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Exactly. I’m dying politely.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Should I hug you or throw a sandwich at your head?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Surprise me. Life has no rules anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Cool. Emotional roulette. I love this game.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just don’t ask how I’m doing. That’s a trap.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I already know. That’s why I brought this <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wait... is that a stress ball full of glitter?<</speech>> [[Leave Her|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You seriously came back here? What, miss the printer fumes and despair already?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I came for closure. And maybe the free coffee.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Bold choice. It’s been brewing since Tuesday.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Perfect. I wanted my death to be poetic and caffeine-induced.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You could’ve just let me throw you off the roof. Faster.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Tempting. But I still haven’t emptied my email archive. Someone’s gotta leak the good memes.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Ah yes. Your legacy: cat gifs and Greaves edits.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I die how I lived. Petty and pixelated.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You’re a mess. I admire that.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks. It’s curated chaos.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>So. How’s freelance poverty treating you?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Inspiring. I’ve discovered hunger has five flavors.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Let me guess: dread, caffeine, desperation, ramen, and mild arson fantasies?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You forgot existential grease fire.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Right, right. The core flavor of late-stage capitalism.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Honestly, if someone paid me to panic, I’d be rich.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You and me both. I could be a fear influencer.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How many followers do you have on “I haven’t slept in 48 hours dot com”?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Just me, a cat meme, and three redbulls. It’s a vibe.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re thriving in your own apocalyptic way.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Oh god. You didn’t show up just to say hi, did you?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Relax. I came for my charger. And the illusion of structure.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You always did need a reason to loiter attractively.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You noticed that, huh?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Hard not to. You’ve got that “tragic indie hacker” aura.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I was going more for ‘recently unemployed but emotionally rich.’<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Okay, but emotionally rich doesn’t pay rent.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Tell that to my landlord. He accepts compliments now.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Damn. Should’ve tried that with HR.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You complimented HR? That explains your permanent record.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>So what’s the plan now? Run away? Fake your death? Sell pictures of your feet to crypto bros?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Honestly? I’m considering the feet thing. Low effort, high returns.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Just make sure to watermark them. Greaves might try to license your toes.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If he emails me “Toesync API” I’m blocking him.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>What about that weird job place? The mind-swap one?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Still thinking about it. Risk level: horrifying. Pay: tempting.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Sounds like dating in this economy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>At least Shape of You doesn’t ghost me.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Yet.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If I vanish, you can keep my plants. They already fear you.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Hey. You okay? You’ve got that ‘about to existential spiral’ look again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just mentally speedrunning all my failures. You?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Same, but with background music. Today it’s aggressive violin remixes.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Classy. I’m on lo-fi panic beats to cry to.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>We’re such well-adjusted adults.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Therapist says I’m doing great. Then charged me $300.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Capitalism: healing, but expensive.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So... wanna get noodles and scream into a void later?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Only if I can wear my rage hoodie.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Deal. I’ll bring backup despair snacks.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You know, most people don't voluntarily return to the scene of the crime.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I missed the soul-crushing ambience. And the lights that flicker like they’re judging me.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>They are. Every bulb in here hates us personally.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That's fair. If I were fluorescent, I’d resent me too.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You really are embracing post-employment nihilism with flair.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I figure if I’m going down, I might as well monologue on the way.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Let me know when you start narrating out loud. I’ll add dramatic background synth.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’d really do that for me?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Bitch, I live for dramatic exits.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then I hope you’re ready for an encore.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>So. Hypothetically. If you had to rate your current emotional state using only flavors of chips?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Cool Ranch Panic. With a side of BBQ Despair.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Strong choices. I’m riding Jalapeño Rage Dust right now.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That sounds fatal. Or kinky.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Why not both? Welcome to my internal snack aisle.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay but seriously, why are you like this?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Blame the industry. And my dad. And caffeine. And possibly Greaves.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Everyone blames Greaves. It’s tradition.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>He earned it. Just ask the intern he tried to onboard with a whiteboard diagram labeled “The Internet.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay that’s unforgivable. And also incredible.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Are you lurking again or just mentally rebooting in public?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m running background updates. System lag may occur.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>That explains the blank stare and mild buzzing noise.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s just the trauma hum. It’s ambient.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Wanna install some shitty hope plugins? I’ve got beta invites to two dead-end job boards.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Tempting. Got anything in ‘barely surviving with style’?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>No, but I can write you a fake reference from the Church of Eternal Deadlines.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do I get a letterhead with bloodstains and printer toner?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Only if you sacrifice your weekend first.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Already gone. The altar was my inbox.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Hey, heads up HR thinks you’re “loitering with intent.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Intent to what? Ghost haunt the servers?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I told them you were my emotional support ex-coworker.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Aw. That’s the nicest label I’ve had all month.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Don’t get used to it. I’m reclassifying you as ‘unpaid emotional intern’ tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do I get benefits? Like snacks? Or sarcasm immunity?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You get me stealing your fries if we eat lunch.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s a hostile work environment.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Exactly. Welcome back, bitch.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>God, I missed this place. Kinda.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You planning on standing here all day like some tragic art installation?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Thinking of calling it “Man With No Health Insurance.”<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Bold. Maybe add some flickering lights and a crying sound loop.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Too real. I might win an award.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Or a visit from IT. They hate performance art.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll tell them I’m part of the new security upgrade. Emotional deterrent.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>No one would dare steal a monitor while you’re brooding beside it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Brooding is a valid defense tactic.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You’re a menace. Don’t ever change.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>At this point? I literally can’t.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Wow. You actually shaved. Or is that just the lighting lying again?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Nah, I cleaned up. Figured I’d give society one last shot at hiring me.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You clean up dangerous. Someone’s gonna hand you a job just out of intimidation.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I was aiming for “mysterious burnout who might secretly be a genius.”<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Mission accomplished. You look like you read Kant for fun and hate yourself.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ve upgraded to just hating Kant now. Progress.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Mm. Hot. Get yourself rejected from a philosophy think tank next.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You flirting or just being supportive in your own broken way?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Why can’t it be both?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Dangerous combo, Lyla. Don’t make me fall for sarcasm again.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You still walking around like a cutscene ghost. People are starting to ask questions.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Tell them I’m haunting my past productivity.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I said that as a joke but Greaves legit asked if you were coming back. I think he misses arguing.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Not worth it. Unless the severance comes with emotional reparations.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>We’d all need therapy stipends if that were a thing.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’d settle for you sneaking me into the break room again.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Dangerous. What if you catch feelings in there again?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Too late. I caught them on your couch that night after too much wine and code rage.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Shit. I knew the throw blanket was cursed.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That wasn’t the only thing getting thrown.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>What’s your hourly rate now? Or are you working for exposure and spiritual decay?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m charging one existential crisis and a Red Bull per gig.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>That’s under market. You should at least get two panic attacks with interest.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m open to barter. Emotional validation accepted.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You’re lucky I like you. Otherwise I’d invoice you for every time you’ve trauma-dumped in my DMs.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You loved every second. Admit it.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I liked the part where you cried into the mic and tried to claim it was just allergies.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It was allergies. I’m allergic to failure.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Damn. You must be in anaphylactic shock daily.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only when I log into LinkedIn.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Hey. Real question. You sleeping at all?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Define “sleep.”<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>More than 4 hours. Less than a panic spiral.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then... no. Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Fuck. You gotta be careful. This industry chews soft brains.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Good thing mine’s mostly cynical cartilage.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Still. Come to mine tonight. We’ll watch dumb horror movies and eat food that isn’t made of despair.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That a date or a pity offer?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Both. Let it happen, tragic boy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only if I can pass out halfway through and drool on your throw pillow.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I ever tell you I almost quit two years ago?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No, but now I need that story like oxygen.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Client meltdown, server fried, HR sent me a ‘mindfulness email’ while I was sobbing in the bathroom.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Peak dystopia.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I drafted the resignation. Wrote “I hope your Jira backlog eats you alive.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Did you send it?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Nah. I deleted it. Then I found you at the vending machine looking like shit and we bitched for three hours straight.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So I saved your career with vibes and caffeine.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Something like that.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.<</speech>> [[Leave Lyla|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You back to haunt your desk or just missed the broken chairs?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It called to me. Like a sad little ghost of unpaid overtime.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Careful. Stand there too long and Greaves will hand you a bug ticket.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If he does, I’m faking a seizure.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Fair. I once played dead during a deployment and got out of the whole week.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Teach me your ways, oh wise one.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Step one: look tired enough that no one questions your disappearance.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I already do that by default.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You’re halfway to senior engineer then.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s the saddest promotion I’ve ever heard.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>Heard you applied to that consciousness job thing. That true?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I figured why not gamble with my soul for rent money.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You always were a romantic.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Tell Lena that. She called me “economically feral.”<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>That’s weirdly hot.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I think she meant it as an insult.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Still hot. Just dangerous hot.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>This is why I can’t trust your taste.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>My taste’s impeccable. You’re just allergic to compliments.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I break out in sarcasm hives.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You need money or just vibes? Because I’ve got one, not the other.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Depends. Are the vibes at least caffeinated?<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Nope. Just warm pessimism and leftover crackers.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Inspiring. Truly.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You want actual help, I know a guy doing server maintenance at VNet. It’s brutal but short-term.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Brutal like… “I might cry” brutal or “I might die” brutal?<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Little column A, little column B. But they pay weekly.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Add that to my pile of morally questionable options.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>That pile’s turning into a full resume, huh?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>At least I’m diversifying.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>Lyla said you looked “post-apocalyptic sexy” today. Her words, not mine.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Remind me to thank her with exactly zero subtlety.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Just don’t do it near HR. They’re still recovering from the last incident.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That wasn’t even me. That was the intern with the oil diffuser.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You still inspired it. You're a walking chaos engine.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Chaos pays better than honesty these days.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Debatable. But at least chaos gets invited to afterparties.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You coming to Lyla’s thing Friday?<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Only if I can sit on the balcony and judge people silently.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s half the reason I’m going.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You know, I keep expecting you to just... disappear one day. Like, mid-coffee. Vanish.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Too broke to afford a dramatic exit.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Maybe just poof into a cloud of job applications and bitterness.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Honestly? That’s poetic. Write that on my tombstone.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You planning one of those new consciousness jobs again?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s in the maybe pile. Right under ‘cry in the shower.’<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Just don’t do anything stupid. Unless it’s profitable.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s a high bar. Define “stupid.”<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>If it ends with you missing teeth, it’s stupid. If it ends with a new apartment? We cheer.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Cool. I’ll keep the teeth and upgrade the zip code.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You ever think about just quitting tech entirely? Like... open a food truck or fake your death?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Every time a Jira ticket pings at 3am.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>I’m serious. I’d follow you into the food truck dream. I could be the guy who silently hands out napkins.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We’d be broke in two weeks. But weirdly respected.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>As long as we serve spite with every meal, I’m in.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You want to do ramen or revenge sandwiches?<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Both. Ramen for the depressed. Sandwiches named after ex-managers.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The “Greaves Special”: cold, overpriced, and vaguely passive-aggressive.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Perfect. Served in a box you have to debug before you can open.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>This is either brilliant or a breakdown in progress.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You still seeing Lena? Or did capitalism kill romance again?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She’s still around. Mostly in my inbox, whispering filth between shifts.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Ah yes. Love in the age of burnout and battery drain.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She keeps me alive. Barely. Like... one sext away from collapse.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You’re gonna end up with your dick out during a client meeting one day.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>At least I’ll go down remembered.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Honestly? HR would just issue a webinar about “emotional professionalism.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>With cartoon slides and everything.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Corporate dystopia with a smiley mascot.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We’re all gonna die clicking “I acknowledge.”<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You remember when we thought remote work would make us happier?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We were so young. So stupid. So... unsupervised.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>I haven’t worn real pants in four months and somehow I’m still miserable.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s because the depression’s in the pixels now.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Like a haunted Zoom background. But it’s just my own dead hopes.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>At least your lighting’s good.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Yeah. Gotta look sharp while spiritually disintegrating.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We should unionize. Demand soft blankets and scream breaks.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Or just one therapist per team. Unmuted.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That would crash the call instantly.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You ever think about what we’d be doing if we hadn’t gone into tech?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I’d probably be poor and happy. Imagine that.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>I’d be teaching. High school maybe. Scaring kids with life truths.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’d traumatize the future. In a good way.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>“Lesson one: loans are a trap. Lesson two: don’t trust any email from HR.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The kids would love you. Until they realized you were right.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Then they’d hate me. But they’d remember me. Like chicken pox.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re so close to wise and yet so deeply unwell.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>It’s a balance. Trauma with seasoning.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You need merch with that slogan.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>Let me guess. You came back to stare at the coffee machine like it owes you rent.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It does. It’s been leeching my will to live for years.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You could sue for emotional theft. I’ll testify.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Imagine that court case. Exhibit A: me, dead-eyed and jittery.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Exhibit B: the vending machine that stole your lunch budget.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Truly, I suffer for my snacks.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You should’ve gone into law. You’re great at making pain sound eloquent.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I chose code because I hate people less when they’re in strings.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Understandable. Brackets never gaslight you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>They just silently fail until you scream.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You always show up on Wednesdays. That intentional or just trauma muscle memory?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s when the printer broke the loudest. I think my soul still echoes here.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Printer’s still broken. Just more quietly ashamed now.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It learned from the rest of us.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Everything in this building learns shame eventually. Even the ficus.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I thought they replaced that thing.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>They did. The new one’s already depressed.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Tragic. Foliage shouldn’t know despair.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Neither should we. But here we are.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sharing oxygen with haunted office plants.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You back for moral support or just the shitty vending coffee?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Can’t it be both? Emotional ruin pairs well with bitterness.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You want bitterness, try Lyla’s inbox. She’s cc’ing death threats to herself now.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s either a cry for help or peak productivity.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Honestly, she’s getting things done faster. Fear’s a motivator.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Maybe I should start threatening myself by email.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Just make sure IT doesn’t flag it as a workplace incident.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If I disappear, tell them I ascended via Outlook.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>I’ll leave your mug on the desk. As a warning.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks. You’ve always been a friend and a subtle HR deterrent.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You know what I hate most about this place? The fake enthusiasm emails.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The ones with five exclamation marks and none of them sincere?<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Exactly. “Let’s crush Q4!” Bro, I barely crushed breakfast.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>We’re all just pretending we care about metrics we made up.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>I once wrote a status update while crying into instant noodles.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What did you call that milestone? “Noodle-Driven Development?”<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Don’t joke. That’s trademarkable. We could build a startup off that.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Mission: Build Until Broken. Funded by spite and sodium.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>We’d be bankrupt by lunch but emotionally fulfilled.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Honestly? Worth it.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>Saw your name pop up in the temp clearance logs. You planning something reckless again?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Define reckless. On a scale from “slightly unhinged” to “contracted by military AI.”<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Closer to the second. You got that look again. The one you get before signing a waiver.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Waivers are just permission slips for pain.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>So is adult life. Doesn’t mean you have to run toward it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m not running toward it. I’m walking slowly, flipping it off.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Just…watch your back. These side gigs sound clean until someone ends up missing a week of memories.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll leave post-it notes for myself in case I forget who I am.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Better leave one for Lena too. In case you come back… different.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You sound like you care or something.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You remember when you first joined? Came in all bright-eyed and hopeful.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I do. And you told me to “never trust anyone with more than two monitors.”<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Still good advice. Especially when one’s vertical for email only.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You mean Greaves’ ‘Tower of Micromanagement?’<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>He’s not a man. He’s a spreadsheet with legs.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And passive-aggression formatted in bullet points.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>If he asks why you’re here, just say you’re ghosting your past self.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve pretended I died inside this office.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Well, welcome back. We’ve missed your emotional corpse.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks. I missed being a haunting presence with a coffee cup.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You’re starting to become a fixture again. If you start filing tickets, I’m alerting security.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Relax. I only came back to steal pens and trauma.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Joke’s on you. The pens barely work and the trauma’s been updated to v2.3.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>New features?<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Longer passive-aggressive emails. More meetings that could’ve been smoke signals.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So… no performance improvements.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Only emotional lag. But the UI is sleekly miserable.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Nice. Truly a modern experience.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>At least you’re not trapped in it full-time anymore.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I just visit. Like a war vet staring at old battlefields.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You ever notice how this building always smells faintly like printer toner and resignation?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I thought that was just my spirit leaking out.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Could be. We’re all just ghosts in ergonomic chairs.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Except Greaves. He’s more like malware in khakis.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Unremovable. Sends popups when you’re emotionally vulnerable.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do we still pretend he “mentors” people?<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Only in the way sinkholes “mentor” traffic.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Inspiring. Next he’ll lead a seminar on morale.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Only if he can define “morale” using fiscal quarters and human suffering.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So, standard company policy then.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>How’s the freelancing grind treating you? Still surviving off cold coffee and mild panic?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You forgot imposter syndrome and irregular meals.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Classic starter pack. Throw in a couple client ghosts and it’s a full experience.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Had one guy vanish mid-project. Claimed he was “traveling off-grid.”<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Translation: he ran out of money and dignity.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>He still sent passive feedback from a solar tent, though.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Unbelievable. Even the woods can’t stop micromanagers.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Next client I get better pay or I’m selling feet pics to pay rent.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Honestly? You’ve got nice ankles. Market it right.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>God help me if I ever end up trending under “#devfeet.”<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>So what’s your plan now? Or are you still in “vibe and survive” mode?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Mostly vibing. Occasionally screaming into spreadsheets.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>If you scream into a Google Sheet and no one's around to hear it, does HR still get involved?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Only if it autofills with curse words.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>That’s just called emotional scripting.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Maybe I’ll pivot careers. Become a barista. Or a lighthouse keeper.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Honestly? You’ve got lighthouse energy. All alone, but still blinking at the void.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That sounds... painfully accurate.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>I only roast because I care. And because therapy’s expensive.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll take it. Just don’t let me actually buy a lighthouse.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<speech "james" "James">>You ever feel like your brain’s a browser with 200 tabs open, but none of them are loading?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re describing my exact mental state since Tuesday.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>What’s wild is half those tabs are old fears from childhood. Just chilling.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The rest are bills I forgot to pay and hypothetical conversations that never happened.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>And one autoplay video of someone more successful than you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks for that. Really adding sparkle to the gloom.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Hey, we joke so we don’t cry. Or worse, attend a team-building exercise.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>God. Remember the “Trust Fall” workshop?<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Still have back pain from that betrayal.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You never should’ve trusted Greaves to catch you.<</speech>> [[Leave James|office]] <>

<> <<if $quizStep < $questions.length>> <<set _q to $questions[$quizStep]>> <div class="quiz-question"> <div class="quiz-counter"> Question: <<= $quizStep + 1 >> / <<= $questions.length >> </div> <div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"> <<=_q.q>> </div> <ul class="quiz-options"> <<for _i, _o range _q.opts>> <<capture _i _o>> <li> <<link _o>><<=_o>> <<set _answer to _i>> <<set $quizAnswers.push(_answer)>> <<set $quizStep += 1>> <<if _answer == _q.ans>> <<set $quizCorrect += 1>> <</if>> <<goto "quiz_questions">> <</link>> </li> <</capture>> <</for>> </ul> </div> <</if>> <<if $quizStep >= $questions.length>> <<goto "quiz_result">> <</if>> <>

<> /* <<=$quizAnswers>> */ <<set _total to $questions.length>> <<set _score to $quizCorrect>> <<set _percent to Math.round($quizCorrect/_total*100)>> <<set $is_quiz_pass to (_percent >= 70)>> <h2>Quiz Report</h2> Your score: <<=_score>> / <<=_total>> (<<=_percent>>%) <ul class="quiz-report"> <<for _i, _q range $questions>> <li> <div> Q<<= _i + 1 >>: <<= _q.q >> Your answer: <<= _q.opts[$quizAnswers[_i]] >> <<if $quizAnswers[_i] == _q.ans>> Correct Explanation: <<= _q.explanation >> <<else>> Incorrect Explanation: <<= _q.explanation >> <</if>> </div> </li> <</for>> <<if $is_quiz_pass>> You passed! [[You Passed. Leave the Facility|$back_tier_day_pass]] <<else>> You did not pass. <<set $quizStep to 0>> <<set $quizAnswers to []>> <<set $quizCorrect to 0>> <<set $is_quiz_pass to false>> [[You Failed. Leave the Facility|$back_tier_day_fail]] <</if>> </ul> <>

[[Start]] /* [[Wiki]] */ <a href="https://www.patreon.com/soytg" target="_blank">Patreon</a>

<<set $player to "mc_2">> <<set $playerName to "MC">> <<set $playerImage to "images/characters/" + $player + "/full_clothed.png">> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/bedroom.png">> <<set $locationName to "Downtown City">> <<set $currentObjectives to "No Objectives Yet...">> <<set $phoneTime to "6:30">> <<set $basic_2_correct = 0>> <<set $messages = []>> <<set $message_with_lena = []>> <<set $imageList = [ "images/characters/lena/1.png", "images/location/bedroom.png", "images/characters/lena/2.png", "images/characters/lena/3.png", "images/characters/lena/4.png", "images/characters/lena/5.png", "images/characters/lena/6.png", "images/characters/lena/7.png", ]>> <<set $is_next_day = true>> <<set $show_objective_toggle = true>> <<set $money = 500>> <<set $transactions = [ { date: "2036-01-01", amount: 500, type: "add", desc: "Savings" }, ]>> <<set $genderProfile = { name: $playerName, physicalGender: "Male", genderIdentity: "Male", expression: 95, attractionMale: 5, attractionFemale: 95, confidence: 80, domVsSub: 65, comfortInBody: 95, analGiven: 0, analReceived: 0, vaginalGiven: 0, vaginalReceived: 0, cumAsMale: 0, cumAsFemale: 0, bjGiven: 0, bjReceived: 0, oralGiven: 0, oralReceived: 0, toysUsed: 0, roleplayExperience: 0 };>> <<set $belongings = { noodles: 5, water: 999999, egg: 6, salt: 5, milk: 4, butter: 3, vegetables: 6, flour: 4, sugar: 4, oats: 3, coffee_powder: 2, cocoa_powder: 3, tea_leaves: 3, chili: 3, garlic: 4, rice: 6, soy_sauce: 3, tomato: 4, olive_oil: 2 }>> <<set $setp = 19>> <<set $soy = false>> <<set $quizes to [ { quiz_name: "Tier 0 Day 2", questions: [ { q: "What physical detail most commonly disorients first-time male-to-female transfers during initial embodiment?", opts: ["Voice pitch", "Height difference", "Sensation of breasts", "Hair length"], ans: 2, explanation: "The bounce, even slight, catches most transferees off guard both physically and psychologically." }, { q: "During the first transfer, what was the override phrase to abort the session in case of panic?", opts: ["Return Core", "Echo Return", "Emergency Exit", "Hard Disconnect"], ans: 1, explanation: "It’s the neural escape key a safety built into every Tier 0 session." }, { q: "What phrase use to explain the experience of transfer?", opts: ["Like a breath of someone else’s air", "Being pulled through a syringe", "Stepping into a mirrored dream", "Injected into someone’s shadow"], ans: 1, explanation: "Compression of self, expansion into the foreign that’s the signature feel of consciousness transfer." }, { q: "What best describes the program’s approach to experiencing sexuality in a transferred body?", opts: ["Avoid all contact", "Encourage erotic exploration", "Controlled exposure to intimacy", "Only observe from within"], ans: 2, explanation: "“Take off your shirt,” Marcus said not for arousal, but for confrontation and respect. Intimacy without sex, but never without meaning." }, { q: "Why is frequent swapping discouraged, especially with contrasting anatomical profiles?", opts: ["Causes immune rejection", "Leads to fatigue and nausea", "Risks sexual dependency and identity drift", "Reduces data fidelity"], ans: 2, explanation: "Some transferees begin to crave their host body. Especially if it gave them pleasure they’d never felt before." }, { q: "What subtle physical action showed the Transfees nervous system adapting to the female body?", opts: ["Instantly walking in heels", "Crossing her legs while sitting", "Speaking in the host’s dialect", "Looking in the mirror without flinching"], ans: 1, explanation: "An unconscious movement. A learned posture. The body remembering itself through you." }, { q: "What’s the purpose of having transferees touch their new body during training?", opts: ["Calibrate proprioception", "Fulfill voyeuristic curiosity", "Induce mild arousal for tracking", "Confront and respect embodiment"], ans: 3, explanation: "If you flinch from the breasts, from the softness, you’re still resisting the body. And that’s not allowed." }, { q: "What does Instructor mean when says “You’ll always remember how it felt even if you try to forget”?", opts: ["Transfers create permanent physical changes", "Sexual memories from a host are stored long-term", "Sensory imprinting leaves emotional residue", "Every orgasm gets logged and archived"], ans: 2, explanation: "That slick feeling between the thighs, the ghost of a moan in her voice some sensations never leave." }, { q: "What emotion did Transfees express upon seeing the clone body bare in the mirror?", opts: ["Indifference", "Shame", "Distant admiration", "Reluctant fascination"], ans: 3, explanation: "“What I didn’t want to admit I was dying to see” that kind of hunger has layers." }, { q: "What warning does the program give about sexual attachment to host bodies?", opts: ["It’s forbidden and punished", "It can affect arousal in your original body", "It’s encouraged for deeper connection", "It leads to physical addiction"], ans: 1, explanation: "Some transferees lose interest in their real genitals. After climaxing as someone else... how could your own body compete?" } ] } , { quiz_name: "Tier 0 Day 3", questions: [ { q: "During a transfer into a female host body, which of the following behaviors is considered a direct violation of body autonomy guidelines, even in clone simulations?", opts: [ "Performing light stretches nude in front of the mirror", "Curiously exploring the feel of breasts while alone", "Bathing quickly and dressing without visual inspection", "Whispering flirty lines to yourself while admiring your reflection" ], ans: 1, explanation: "Even private fondling is non-consensual if not contractually permitted. Curiosity must never become self-indulgence." }, { q: "Which clause is most commonly included in consent contracts for sexually restricted swap agreements?", opts: [ "No genital access without dual-party approval.", "All erotic urges are to be indulged in safe simulation.", "Transferees may climax but only once per session.", "Masturbation is permitted if arousal exceeds 85% biofeedback." ], ans: 0, explanation: "Sexual access must be mutually defined. The default is restriction unless contractually opened." }, { q: "The term mirror test, as used in Tier 0 ethics training, refers to:", opts: [ "Identifying gender euphoria by observing yourself nude", "Asking whether you could face the host and confess everything you did in their body", "Checking if your movement and posture pass as female", "The point where your arousal peaks from seeing yourself transformed" ], ans: 1, explanation: "The mirror test is the ethical litmus: would you tell her what you did while she wasn’t there?" }, { q: "When temporarily inhabiting a curvier, more sensual female body, transferees often experience heightened self-awareness. What is the advised protocol for unexpected arousal?", opts: [ "Close your eyes and focus on non-sexual stimuli", "Cross your legs tightly and ride it out silently", "Use one-touch override to return immediately", "Calmly document the sensation in your arousal log for later review" ], ans: 0, explanation: "Redirect. Don’t indulge. Arousal isn’t a permission slip it’s just a stimulus to ethically manage." }, { q: "In a role-play scenario where the host’s romantic partner initiates sexual contact without knowing you’re swapped in, the correct response is:", opts: [ "Pretend to enjoy it it’s not your reputation at stake", "Freeze and let the moment pass to avoid confrontation", "Take control and give them a wild surprise", "Immediately inform them and disengage consent was not mutual" ], ans: 3, explanation: "No deception. No silent consent. The contact ends the moment it’s not mutual and current." }, { q: "Clone bodies like 04-G and 04-H are engineered with certain biological feedback loops, such as nipple sensitivity and natural blush responses. Why are these features included in Tier 0 training?", opts: [ "To teach restraint under erotic stimuli", "To simulate real-world distractions during legal contracts", "To encourage intimate self-discovery in transferees", "To reward curiosity with realistic sensual responses" ], ans: 0, explanation: "You’re being trained for dignity under tension. Biological reactivity sharpens your ethical edge." }, { q: "You’ve entered a female host body and must share a changing room. Another person enters unexpectedly. Your training instructs you to:", opts: [ "Cover up and maintain the host’s dignity", "Say 'like what you see?' to lighten the moment", "Turn around slowly and see how they react", "Snap a quick photo for memory’s sake before dressing" ], ans: 0, explanation: "Dignity is the default. If you don’t know her tolerance, you assume modesty." }, { q: "In ethical scenarios involving simulated nudity or erotic tension, the legal distinction of consent depends on:", opts: [ "Whether the transferee felt aroused or not", "Whether anyone else witnessed the behavior", "The original contract language and whether genital or sexual permissions were granted", "Whether it involved clone bodies rather than real hosts" ], ans: 2, explanation: "Consent lives in the document. If it’s not in the terms, it’s not allowed no matter the context." }, { q: "Why is it discouraged to 'experiment' with gendered movements (e.g. swaying hips, feminine moans, erotic posing) outside approved exercises?", opts: [ "It can cause muscle injury in mismatched host bodies", "It’s considered psychologically harmful to transferees", "It may be logged as identity exploitation or erotic mimicry without host consent", "It distracts from core training metrics" ], ans: 2, explanation: "You’re not an actor. You’re a guest. Mimicking sensuality can be disrespectful performance if unapproved." }, { q: "Which of the following statements reflects the program's stance on erotic temptation during transfers?", opts: [ "Indulge within reason. It’s natural curiosity.", "Sexual energy is a reward for doing well.", "Your body is a toy. Have fun, just don’t break it.", "Arousal may occur, but acting on it without explicit terms is a violation." ], ans: 3, explanation: "Temptation is human. Acting on it without consent is criminal. That line isn’t blurry it’s steel." } ]} ]>>

Comming Sooon...

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/shape_of_you.png">> <<if !$is_next_day>> <img src="images/location/shape_of_you.png" alt="Shape of You" style="width:100%; "> The Shape of You Inc. building stood out against the cluttered skyline three stories of white glass and smooth composite panels, edges so clean they almost looked unreal. No signage beyond the minimalist black logo: a human face folding inward into another, and another still, infinite and unsettling. The front doors shimmered with a faint polarized tint, hiding whatever was inside. Even the air around it felt quieter, as if the city’s noise stopped a few meters short. It didn’t look like a company. It looked like a boundary. It's not working hours, Come back tommorow... [[Come back Tommorow|city]] <<elseif $step == 14>> <<goto "shape_of_you_14">> <<elseif $step == 18>> <<goto "shape_of_you_18">> <<elseif $step == 19.2>> <<goto "shape_of_you_19.2">> <<elseif $step == 20.2>> <<goto "shape_of_you_20.2">> <<else>> <img src="images/location/shape_of_you.png" alt="Shape of You" style="width:100%; "> The Shape of You Inc. building stood out against the cluttered skyline three stories of white glass and smooth composite panels, edges so clean they almost looked unreal. No signage beyond the minimalist black logo: a human face folding inward into another, and another still, infinite and unsettling. The front doors shimmered with a faint polarized tint, hiding whatever was inside. Even the air around it felt quieter, as if the city’s noise stopped a few meters short. It didn’t look like a company. It looked like a boundary. [[Go Outside|city]] <</if>> <>

<> The exterior of Shape of You Inc. was inconspicuous by design. No neon signage, no glowing brand slogans just a brushed steel panel beside a dark-glass door etched faintly with the company’s sigil: a silhouette within a silhouette within a silhouette. I stood there a beat too long, watching my own reflection blur inside the nested figures. The tension in my chest tightened, then slowly eased with the vibration in my pocket. I glanced down. A message. Lena. The image came through before the text. She’d clearly taken it from the office bathroom mirror angled down, one leg lifted up on the edge of the sink, pants halfway down, cheeks round and perfect. The caption hit a second later. <<if !$shape_of_you_14_1>> <<link "Check the Photo">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "images/chat/lena/lena_ass_1.png", "text": `till wet. Couldn’t focus. Is this the kind of ass you leave behind?`})>> <<run $imageList.push("images/chat/lena/lena_ass_1.png")>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $shape_of_you_14_1 to true>> <<goto "shape_of_you_14">> <</link>> <<else>> My cock stirred instantly, trapped tight in my pants. I thumbed a quick reply, eyes still on my reflection. <<if !$shape_of_you_14_2>> <<link "Reply Her">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` Come home later. We’ll see if that ass can even handle my cock tonight. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $shape_of_you_14_2 to true>> <<goto "shape_of_you_14">> <</link>> <<else>> Her next message hit just as my finger brushed the door handle. <<if !$shape_of_you_14_3>> <<link "Check Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` Stretch me til I forget how to walk. Please. Just fuck me mean. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $shape_of_you_14_3 to true>> <<goto "shape_of_you_14">> <</link>> <<else>> <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> [[Enter the Reception|shape_of_you_14_1]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <>

<> I swallowed hard, slipped the device into my coat, and pushed the door open. Cool air hit me instantly. Not cold, just precise. Engineered. The scent of sterile citrus and something faintly metallic drifted through the lobby, which looked more like a high-end therapy clinic than a job placement firm. Clean ivory floors, frosted partitions, and a long, curved reception desk of matte black composite. Behind it sat Receptionist, posture flawless, back straight like she’d been 3D printed into the chair. She didn’t look up right away just finished entering something on a perfectly silent keyboard. Her silver-gray eyes lifted to meet mine. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Welcome to Shape of You,<</speech>> she said, voice smooth and center-aligned like UI narration. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Do you have an appointment?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No. Just…<</speech>> I paused, unsure. <<speech $player $playerName>>Looking. First visit.<</speech>> She blinked once. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Full intro session?<</speech>> I nodded. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. That’s right.<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>One moment.<</speech>> Her fingers moved in fluid motions, so light it didn’t seem like she was even touching the keyboard. Then she tapped something beneath the desk no visible panel, no click. Just a subtle pressure and a soft, single chime from somewhere behind the frosted glass partitions. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Please take a seat. Agent Voss will see you shortly.<</speech>> She did not smile. She did not look away. She simply returned to typing as if I were already a ghost in the system, already dissolving into numbers. I sat on a gray cushioned bench nearby, hands in my lap, thumb brushing across my leg like I could still feel the heat from Lena’s last photo. I opened my messages again. [[Wait for Agent Voss|shape_of_you_14_2]] <>

<> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Mr. Ren.<</speech>> The voice was confident, feminine, and smooth with a velvet edge. Elira Voss stood at the threshold one hand on the frame, one hip cocked, her amber eyes already sizing me up. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Right this way.<</speech>> I stood slowly, blood still warm in my veins, thinking maybe Lena’s texts were exactly the armor I needed for this place. Elira led me down a long corridor, the walls lined with abstract art that felt more like corporate branding than creativity. The air was cool, the lighting soft but precise, casting no shadows. She walked with a fluid grace, heels clicking softly against the polished floor, her dark suit tailored to perfection. I could feel her eyes on me, assessing, calculating. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’re here for the full intro session, correct?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I’m looking for a job. Something stable.<</speech>> It was a meeting room, but it didn’t feel corporate. No glass walls. No glowing logos. Just soft lighting, a round table, two chairs, and a panel with embedded haptics running along one wall. Elira gestured for me to sit, then circled around with slow elegance and lowered herself opposite me. No datapad, no terminal. Just a sleek fountain pen she twirled absently in her fingers something about that unnerved me more than a whole bank of screens. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You understand what we do here,<</speech>> she began, eyes steady. Not a question an opening move. <<speech $player $playerName>>I think so. Substitute work. Body rentals. Consciousness transfer.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Technically accurate,<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>But reductive. We are a Conscious Labor Exchange. We match qualified cognitive candidates with corporeal vacancies. Human work that must be done, but cannot or will not be done by the original party.<</speech>> She set the pen down with surgical precision, fingers resting against the table’s curve. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’re here because the job market is… tight. Yes?<</speech>> I nodded slowly. <<speech $player $playerName>>I just lost my position yesterday. My background’s in software dev.<</speech>> She gave the faintest hint of a smile. The first crack in the polished mirror of her face. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>That’s nice. Unfortunately, coding doesn’t transfer.<</speech>> I frowned slightly, unsure if I was supposed to laugh or apologize. <<speech $player $playerName>>I… what do you mean?<</speech>> She elaborated without missing a beat. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You can’t bring muscle memory for typing into someone else’s hands. Skills like language, empathy, sensory endurance those are what matter. And… willingness.<</speech>> I sat back a bit, processing that. <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay. What kind of jobs are you offering?<</speech>> She leaned forward slightly, folding her hands, the pen now forgotten. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>I’ll be frank. The vast majority of our high-demand, high-paying jobs involve male-to-female or female-to-female transfer. That is you, occupying a female client’s body. Temporarily. Full-sensory override.<</speech>> I blinked. <<speech $player $playerName>>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Quite. There are more clients seeking to outsource female-specific experience than male. Pregnancy surrogacy. Menstruation simulation for pharma R&D. Emotional closure delivery often perceived more warmly in feminine form. Intimacy modules. Grief therapeutics. Physical trauma trials. Even performance work for elite body doubles. And the pay is exceptional.<</speech>> I shifted in my seat, brows furrowed. <<speech $player $playerName>>What about male-to-male?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>There are a few,<</speech>> she said. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Fitness trials. Military endurance prep. Certain psychological proxy testing. But they pay less, require higher risk, and are few and far between. The economics are clear. The feminine body holds greater experiential demand in the current market.<</speech>> She let the silence linger just long enough to feel intentional. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Is that… a problem for you?<</speech>> I hesitated. My thoughts flashed briefly to Lena filthy texts, the way she made me feel grounded no matter how weird shit got. She wouldn’t flinch. Hell, she’d probably tell me to pick the freakiest contract and come home with stories. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’d still be you, right?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’d still be you,<</speech>> she echoed, nodding. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Your mind. Your will. But with access to another body’s inputs. We filter for compatibility and safety. We do not offer cross-transfer to minors, criminal bodies, or deceased hosts. You will always know your limits, and we never break TimeLimit.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But I’d be in a woman’s body.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Often. Sometimes performing things only a female-presenting person can. Medical. Emotional. Sexual. All by consent.<</speech>> My stomach gave a subtle twist. I didn’t know if it was revulsion or curiosity. Probably both. <<speech $player $playerName>>And the pay’s better?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Substantially.<</speech>> She reached across the table and tapped the haptic panel. A list shimmered into view monospaced text, no glamor. No colors. Just stark jobs and harder numbers:  <div class="soyu-slide" aria-label="Shape of You Services"> <button class="soyu-arrow soyu-arrow--left" aria-label="Previous">‹</button> <div class="soyu-track" tabindex="0">  <article class="soyu-card"> <h3 class="soyu-title">LIVE BIRTH</h3> 11h $5,000 labor and delivery of the baby. </article>  <article class="soyu-card"> <h3 class="soyu-title">PREGNANCY POSTURE</h3> 28w stage 6h $1,500 late-second/early-third trimester body for 6h. </article>  <article class="soyu-card"> <h3 class="soyu-title">EX-LOVER CLOSURE DELIVERY</h3> 3h $400 End the relationship. </article>  <article class="soyu-card"> <h3 class="soyu-title">ANAL SEX WITH HUSBAND</h3> Female 2h $2000 Endure the anal sex for 2h </article>  <article class="soyu-card"> <h3 class="soyu-title">PAIN TRIAL IUD INSERTION TESTING</h3> 90m $700 device insertion procedures. </article>  <article class="soyu-card"> <h3 class="soyu-title">PROMOTION TOUR WITH BOSS</h3> 5h $2,500 Do what ever it takes to get promotion </article>  <article class="soyu-card"> <h3 class="soyu-title">WAX SESSION</h3> 2h $700 Full-body hair removal session </article>  <article class="soyu-card"> <h3 class="soyu-title">MENSTRUAL CYCLE</h3> 4h $600 Cramp & hormonal pain endurance </article>  <article class="soyu-card"> <h3 class="soyu-title">GYNECOLOGICAL EXAMINATION EXPERIENCE</h3> 3h $800 Gyno visit and endurance of pain and other things </article> </div> <button class="soyu-arrow soyu-arrow--right" aria-label="Next">›</button> </div>  <style> .soyu-slide { --gap: 16px; display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; width:100%; max-width:980px; margin:0 auto; position:relative; } .soyu-track { display:flex; gap:var(--gap); overflow:hidden; scroll-behavior:smooth; padding:8px 4px; } .soyu-card { min-width:260px; max-width:300px; background:linear-gradient(180deg,#ffffff,#fbfbfd); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(8,15,30,0.08); padding:18px; border:1px solid rgba(10,20,40,0.04); } .soyu-title { margin:0 0 6px 0; font-size:1.05rem; color:#0b2340; font-weight:700; } .soyu-meta { margin:0 0 10px 0; font-size:.9rem; color:#4b5b6b; } .soyu-desc { margin:0; font-size:.92rem; color:#334155; line-height:1.35; } .soyu-arrow { background:#0b2740; color:#fff; border:0; width:40px; height:40px; border-radius:8px; cursor:pointer; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; font-size:1.4rem; box-shadow:0 6px 18px rgba(11,39,64,0.15); } .soyu-arrow:active { transform:translateY(1px); } .soyu-arrow--left { margin-left:6px; } .soyu-arrow--right { margin-right:6px; } /* responsive */ @media (max-width:720px){ .soyu-slide { gap:8px; padding:0 6px; } .soyu-card { min-width:200px; } } </style> I stared. <<speech $player $playerName>>You weren’t kidding about the demand.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>I wasn’t.<</speech>> She looked at me, not blinking, as if she could see right through the doubt rolling behind my eyes. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>I’ll walk you through safety protocols, interface conditioning, and neuro-glide prep if you choose to proceed. We have staff who assist with gender dysphoria events. Full post-session care. You won’t be alone.<</speech>> She studied me now closely. Her posture never shifted, but I felt like I was under a microscope. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Some candidates flinch at the idea,<</speech>> she said. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Some thrive. But what matters is this: the jobs are real. The money is good. The line between gendered experience and survival is one you draw.<</speech>> She picked up the pen again. Snapped the cap closed. It was the loudest sound in the room. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>So.<</speech>> Her voice was calm. Her eyes didn’t blink. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Is that okay with you?<</speech>> My fingers curled loosely in my lap. I thought about rent. About Lena’s text this morning. I looked at Elira. And I started to answer. <>  <script> (function(){ const track = document.querySelector('.soyu-track'); const left = document.querySelector('.soyu-arrow--left'); const right = document.querySelector('.soyu-arrow--right'); if(!track || !left || !right) return; const cardWidth = () => track.querySelector('.soyu-card')?.offsetWidth + parseInt(getComputedStyle(track).gap || 16) || 280; left.addEventListener('click', ()=> track.scrollBy({ left: -cardWidth(), behavior:'smooth' })); right.addEventListener('click', ()=> track.scrollBy({ left: cardWidth(), behavior:'smooth' })); // keyboard accessibility: left/right when focused track.addEventListener('keydown', (e)=>{ if(e.key === 'ArrowRight') right.click(); if(e.key === 'ArrowLeft') left.click(); }); })(); </script> [[Answer Her|shape_of_you_14_3]]

<> I sat back slightly in the chair, staring at the job listings floating above the haptic panel. Live birth. Closure. Hormonal flux. IUD insertion. The words buzzed behind my eyes like they'd been tattooed on the inside of my skull. I looked up at Elira Voss. She hadn’t moved. Perfect posture, those amber eyes calm, unblinking. Like she could already see the shape of my reaction forming in my mind before I even opened my mouth. <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>It is. But you’re not being thrown into the deep end, Mr. Ren.<</speech>> She tapped a graceful command into the table. The job listings dissolved like breath off glass. In their place, a new screen bloomed into view: a smooth, clean tiered chart headed “Shape of You Inc. Tier Advancement & Training System” <<speech "elira" "Elira">>There’s structure. Curriculum. We take transfer education seriously. Especially for male candidates entering female bodies.<</speech>> I blinked, still trying to mentally anchor myself to the room. <<speech $player $playerName>>There’s… schooling for this?<</speech>> She gave a faint smile barely there, like a tick in the corner of her mouth. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You didn’t think we’d let just anyone walk around in another human’s flesh untrained, did you?<</speech>> She rotated the panel gently toward me, then used the tip of her pen to scroll through the modules. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’ll start at Tier 0 – Orientation Level. That’s mandatory. Everyone does it. It’s not a test, it’s a calibration. We cover the science, the ethics, and your rights.<</speech>> She began reciting the modules with clinical precision. Module 1: Consciousness Transfer Fundamentals <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’ll learn the actual mechanism how the swap occurs, what it feels like, what to expect during transition. Time limits, frequency caps, and why we don’t allow long-duration novice swaps.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Then you’ll do a safe, supervised 30-60 minute consciousness transfer. Just to experience it. We call it ‘body gliding.’ No tasks, just sensation.<</speech>> Module 2: Ethical & Legal Considerations <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Swapping is intimate. You’re entering another’s life. You’ll study consent, boundaries, confidentiality, legal protection. Real-world dilemmas. What if someone confides in you thinking you’re her? What if you see something personal? Learn to walk away.<</speech>> Module 3: Agreements & Contractual Obligations <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Every swap has a contract. It’s not just legal it’s sacred. You’ll learn to read, negotiate, and enforce your terms. Simulated body owners will test you. Some will push. You’ll learn how to say no and mean it.<</speech>> Module 4: Long-Term Implications & Risks <<speech "elira" "Elira">>This is where we get real. Dysphoria. Emotional bleed. Identity instability. You’ll hear from past candidates both success stories and breaks. We don’t hide any of it.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>It ends with your first assignment a 3–4 hour real-world transfer. Nothing too invasive. Just performance and observation. Under supervision.<</speech>> She paused, let me absorb it. <<speech $player $playerName>>So that’s just the beginning?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Correct.<</speech>> She flicked her pen again. The next section scrolled up like peeling into a deeper layer of skin. Tier 1: Introductory Level – Novice <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Here, you learn what it means to walk as a woman. You’ll explore the female body not just textbook. You’ll feel it. How thighs brush. How balance shifts. How your own voice echoes different in a narrower chest.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Then underwear. Dressing. Shapewear. Panties that bite if you sit wrong. You’ll wear it all. Pick sizes. Learn which bras ride up and which pinch.<</speech>> I gave a dry laugh without meaning to. <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds like hell already.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>That’s the point. It is hell. And it’s reality for half the species. Daily female hygiene follows pads, tampons, shaving, skincare. The things clients expect you to already know.<</speech>> She scrolled again. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Tier 1 ends with a full 24-hour immersion. You’ll run errands. Take public transit. Navigate a normal day, alone, in a female body.<</speech>> Tier 2: Intermediate Level – Apprentice <<speech "elira" "Elira">>By now your tasks grow. We simulate a menstrual cycle two full days. Cramping. Bloating. Mood shifts. You’ll try tight dresses. Apply makeup while rushed. Walk in heels. Balance groceries and self-worth.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>And sex begins solo only. You’ll learn what arousal means when your anatomy changes. Not hypothetical. Not visual. You will feel it.<</speech>> She didn’t linger on that. Just let the implication hang like a loaded gun on a table neither of us acknowledged. Tier 3: Advanced Level – Journeyman <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Here, it gets hard. You’ll experience partnered sex full intercourse. Navigate consent and communication while inside unfamiliar skin. Learn to advocate for yourself when everything inside says shrink.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Pregnancy simulation follows. Nausea. Swelling. Shortness of breath. You’ll understand what it means to carry weight in your womb briefly, but truly.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’ll also be expected to perform under public pressure. Tight corsets. Social scrutiny. All while remaining composed.<</speech>> I sat very still. The words were clinical, but I could feel my pulse rising. <<speech $player $playerName>>This is… intense.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>It is. And we haven’t even hit Tier 4.<</speech>> She didn’t flinch. Tier 4: Expert Level – Mastering Femininity <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Childbirth. Real labor, simulated through sensory feedback, mapped to a living host. You’ll push. You’ll scream. And you’ll understand pain in a way most men never have to.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Then love. We teach romantic intimacy. You’ll live out full emotional arcs falling, breaking, surviving. Because sex without empathy is performance. Sex with it is art.<</speech>> She didn’t say it dramatically. She said it like it was gravity. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’ll dress for gala events. Master formal wear. Walk in shoes meant to punish. Deliver a speech while hiding cramps. We push until you don’t flinch anymore.<</speech>> Tier 5: Elite Level – Ultimate Immersion <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Only a few reach this. But they make seven figures. You’ll live an entire half-year as a woman. Spouse. Mother. Colleague. Sex partner. You’ll juggle expectation, fear, and perception flawlessly.<</speech>> She tapped off the display. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>This isn’t just labor. It’s performance. It’s embodiment. It’s empathy as employment. And it’s highly paid because few can do it well.<</speech>> She leaned forward again, fingertips steepled. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You won’t start there. Everyone begins at Tier 0. One day. One supervised job. You try it. You learn. You decide.<</speech>> Her eyes pinned me again. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>So. Now that you know the truth... are you still interested in beginning Tier 0 training?<</speech>> I thought of Lena again her text this morning, the mirror pic, her lips curled in that filthy smirk: <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Let them stretch your holes, baby. Just make sure you come home leaking for me.<</speech>> I drew a breath. My mouth tasted like metal and adrenaline. [[Answer Her|shape_of_you_14_4]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I’m in. But I need to discuss with my Girl Friend But She won’t mid little introduction session<</speech>> Elira watched me carefully no pressure, no persuasion. Just pure observation. She studied the flickers behind my eyes, the way my fingers curled and uncurled near the edge of the table. The fight in my gut logic vs. desperation. I could feel her reading it all. Then she spoke again low, calm, sure. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You don’t have to decide everything today.<</speech>> I blinked, blinking out of the cascade of sensory and ethical weight she'd just dropped on me like a precision bomb. <<speech $player $playerName>>I think I can think this more and decide.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’re not being drafted. This isn’t some irreversible oath. You’re free to take one step, or ten. Stay at Tier 0 forever if you want. Some do. We offer, Mr. Ren. We never push.<</speech>> She slid a clean white folder across the table toward me. It clicked softly against the wood, heavier than it looked. The Shape of You Inc. logo was embossed like a thumbprint against bone subtle but permanent. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>There’s a new Tier 0 orientation starting tomorrow. 9:00 sharp. First intake of the quarter. Small class. Good staff. You’ll have plenty of space to ask questions, make mistakes, feel things you’re not sure how to name.<</speech>> I stared at the folder, then up at her. My throat felt dry again. <<speech $player $playerName>>And if I show up and panic halfway through?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Then you leave. No charge. No judgment. This isn’t a cage. It’s an open door.<</speech>> She met my eyes again, unwavering. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>This isn’t about proving masculinity. Or shedding it. It’s about understanding the other side of the human spectrum if you choose to. And yes, some of it’s hard. But the pay reflects it. So does the growth.<</speech>> I didn’t say anything. I could still hear Lena’s voice in my head from this morning, dirty and unshakable, coiling through my memory like perfume. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I swear to god if they stick you in some tight little clone with soft tits and I don’t get a selfie, we’re fighting.<</speech>> I stifled a laugh that came out as a faint breath through my nose. Elira tapped the folder once with her manicured nail, punctuating the moment. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’re allowed to walk away after Tier 0. No pressure. You experience the transfer. You complete one introductory task. You talk it out with our evaluators. If you hate it? You never come back. But at least you’ll know.<</speech>> My hand hovered above the folder for a second longer than it should’ve. Then I reached out and took it. The cover was cool. The weight real. It was heavier than I expected. Inside, printed on high-density matte paper, was the full orientation breakdown: [[Check Orientation Breakdown|shape_of_you_14_5]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "15:00">>  <div class="soyu-orientation"> <h2 class="soyu-header">SHAPE OF YOU INC. – Tier 0 Orientation Intake</h2> <div class="soyu-body"> <div class="soyu-meta"> SESSION ID: Q3-42 START DATE: Tomorrow (Wednesday) TIME: 09:00–17:00 LOCATION: Facility Room B-2 CANDIDATE NAME: [To Be Assigned Upon Arrival] STATUS: Voluntary Enrollment – No Contract Binding Until Post-Session </div> <div class="soyu-schedule"> <h3>Orientation Day Outline</h3> <ul> <li>Day 1 Module 1: The Science of Transfer</li> <li>Day 2 Module 2: Legal & Ethical Foundations</li> <li>Day 3 Module 3: Contractual Engagement & Insurance</li> <li>Day 4 Module 4: Long-Term Impacts & Risk Management</li> <li>Day 5 Tier 1 Finishing Practical – Stay as Woman for 1 Day via Clone Swap</li> </ul> </div> <div class="soyu-notes"> <h3>Notes</h3> <ul> <li>All equipment provided.</li> <li>Session is confidential.</li> <li>Candidates may decline trial transfer at any point.</li> <li>Stipend of 200 credits awarded upon completion, regardless of continuation.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <style> .soyu-orientation { max-width: 880px; margin: 40px auto; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, #f6f8fb 100%); border-radius: 20px; box-shadow: 0 12px 40px rgba(10,20,40,0.15); border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.05); padding: 28px 34px; color: #0b2340; font-family: "Inter", sans-serif; } .soyu-header { text-align: center; font-size: 1.45rem; letter-spacing: 0.03em; color: #061b32; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 22px; } .soyu-meta p { margin: 3px 0; font-size: 0.95rem; color: #1f2e45; } .soyu-schedule, .soyu-notes { margin-top: 20px; background: #fbfcfd; border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.05); border-radius: 14px; padding: 18px 22px; } .soyu-schedule h3, .soyu-notes h3 { font-size: 1.05rem; font-weight: 600; color: #09253f; margin-bottom: 10px; } .soyu-schedule ul, .soyu-notes ul { list-style: none; padding-left: 0; margin: 0; } .soyu-schedule li, .soyu-notes li { margin-bottom: 6px; line-height: 1.45; color: #2f3b4e; font-size: 0.95rem; } .soyu-schedule li strong { color: #0b2740; } @media (max-width: 640px) { .soyu-orientation { padding: 20px; border-radius: 16px; } .soyu-header { font-size: 1.2rem; } .soyu-schedule li, .soyu-notes li { font-size: 0.88rem; } } </style> <<speech $player $playerName>>Feels like a weird first week of school.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You won’t be alone. And you won’t be the only one feeling uncertain. But that uncertainty is a tool, not an obstacle.<</speech>> Still watching me like data she’d already successfully parsed. <<speech $player $playerName>>Alright. I might be here tomorrow. But I am not sure 100%<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Good. If you Show up. Show up honest. We’ll handle the rest.<</speech>> I stood, folder in hand, heart ticking a little faster than I wanted to admit. Whatever this was whatever came next I was in it now. I scanned the page again, letting the session breakdown burn into the inside of my skull. Each line felt heavier now that it was real. My thumb traced the embossed logo on the folder’s edge. Then I closed it slowly and looked back up at her. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll talk to my girlfriend first. If it’s okay with her… I’ll come.<</speech>> Elira’s face barely moved but I saw it. A flicker. The smallest smile yet. Real. Human. Like something behind the executive programming had surfaced for a split second. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Good.<</speech>> Just that. No pitch. No persuasion. <<speech $player $playerName>>Thank you,<</speech>> I said, pushing up from the chair slowly. My legs felt lighter than they should’ve. She stood with me. Effortless. Poised. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Just show your ID at the desk tomorrow. Mira will send you through.<</speech>> I nodded, folder tight under my arm. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Got it.<</speech>> [[Leave the Office|shape_of_you_14_6]] <>

<> The weight of it was strange. Heavier than the paper inside. Felt like I was carrying a key I hadn’t decided to turn yet. I took a breath. Then stepped out. The hallway outside was silent, temperature-controlled like a memory vault. My footsteps didn’t echo. Mira was still at her post when I passed, silver eyes locked on her screen. She didn’t look up, but her voice tracked my movement without missing a keystroke. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>See you tomorrow, Mr. Ren.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah… maybe.<</speech>> I pushed through the outer doors, back into the hard sun and noise of the city. Everything out here was heat and movement again smog, traffic, someone yelling at a delivery drone across the street. All of it felt a little… unreal now. I looked down at the folder in my hands. A sharp buzz hit my pocket. I fished out my phone. Lena, again. <<set $currentObjectives = "Answer the call from Lena">> [[Answer|shape_of_you_14_7]] <>

<> I thumbed Accept before the second buzz finished. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hey, you made it out alive. How’d it go?<</speech>> Her voice was light, teasing, but under it there was that quiet current of worry she never said out loud. I could almost picture her in the kitchen, hair up, glasses slipping, leaning on the counter. <<speech $player $playerName>>Weird. Interesting. Kinda heavy. It’s not what I thought it was going to be.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That’s vague as hell, babe.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, I know. I’ll explain everything once I get home, promise. It’s… a lot to unpack. Not bad. Just different.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Okay. You’re not secretly chipped or cloned or whatever, right?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Not yet. Still one hundred percent organic disappointment.<</speech>> She laughed softly, the sound cutting through the static city noise around me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good. Keep it that way until I see you. You on your way back?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, heading out now. Might stop for a drink or something to clear my head.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Do that. And hey, swing by Wok Dynasty on your way home, yeah? Get the spicy dumplings and garlic noodles. I’m starving and too lazy to cook.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Copy that. One post-existential-identity-crisis takeout run coming right up.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That’s my man. Text me when you’re close, I’ll put on something cute.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Looking forward to that part.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Just hurry, okay? I kinda miss your face.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>On my way.<</speech>> The call ended with her quiet laugh still ringing in my ear. I slipped the phone back into my pocket and started down the block, folder tucked under my arm, the late sun glinting off the steel edges of the Shape of You building behind me. <<set $currentObjectives = "Call James and Lyla to meet for coffee">> <<set $step = 15>> [[Call James and Lyla|james_lyla_call]] <>

<> The city air was cooling fast now, sunlight slipping between towers like honey through glass. I’d just crossed the tramline when my phone buzzed again James lighting up the screen. I smiled faintly and swiped to answer. <<speech "james" "James">>Ren, my man! You alive? Haven’t heard from you in days. Thought that job fair swallowed you whole.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Barely. Came close though. Just got out of an interview. Or… something that might’ve been one.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Sounds ominous. You need a decompression session caffeine and shit-talking therapy, usual rates.<</speech>> I chuckled, adjusting the folder under my arm. <<speech $player $playerName>>That actually sounds perfect right now. You and Lyla still haunting BeanSpire in the afternoons?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Haunting? Please, we own that corner table.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>She’s not wrong. Four-thirty? We’ll both be there. You coming?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I’ll make it. Just need to grab something for Lena first, then I’m free.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Bring her next time! It’s been forever since we’ve seen her.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You can tell her that yourself. She’s dying to see you two, she just doesn’t know it yet.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Perfect. Then it’s settled. Four-thirty sharp caffeine, gossip, and your tragic career updates. Don’t flake, man.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wouldn’t dream of it.<</speech>> The call clicked off, leaving the faint echo of their voices tangled in my thoughts. I slid the phone back into my pocket, looking up at the steady stream of people passing by, everyone moving somewhere, trying to stay ahead of something. <<speech $player $playerName>>Coffee at four-thirty. Chinese before that. Then maybe… figure out my life.<</speech>> The folder under my arm felt heavier again, the embossed logo catching the light like an eye that refused to blink. [[Head to BeanSpire for coffee|city]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "08:55">> The morning air had that strange city stillness traffic hum softened by distance, light caught between towers like it wasn’t sure where to land. My stomach was a knot, the Shape of You folder tucked under my arm as I crossed the plaza. The building loomed ahead exactly as I remembered it: silent, seamless glass, that faint sigil on the door shifting like an optical illusion when you looked too long. Inside, the same precise cool air greeted me. Citrus and metal. The lobby gleamed ivory floors, frosted partitions, not a sound out of place. Behind the curved reception desk sat Mira Vale, posture flawless, silver-gray eyes lifting the instant I stepped in. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Mr. Ren.<</speech>> Her voice was smooth, that same neutral tone neither warm nor cold, just exact. <<speech $player $playerName>>Morning,<</speech>> I said, trying not to sound as nervous as I felt. She inclined her head slightly. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Welcome back to Shape of You, Mr. Ren. You’re registered for Tier Zero Orientation, Session Q3-42.<</speech>> She pressed something beneath the desk. No visible keypad, no sound just a faint vibration through the floor. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Agent Voss will see you now.<</speech>> A soft chime came from the corridor behind the partitions, and moments later, Elira Voss appeared tailored suit sharp as ever, amber eyes steady, like she’d been expecting me down to the second. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Mr. Ren. Right on time.<</speech>> I nodded, adjusting the strap of my bag as she approached. <<speech $player $playerName>>Didn’t want to be the late newbie.<</speech>> Her lips curved slightly the kind of smile that acknowledged effort but didn’t soften control. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Good instinct. Come with me.<</speech>> We walked down the same minimalist corridor as before. The air was perfectly temperature-controlled, and the low hum of hidden machinery under the floor made every step feel like walking across a living organism. Elira held out her hand as we entered her office. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Your registration folder, please.<</speech>> I passed it to her. She opened it, flipping through the papers neural compatibility scans, consent forms, preliminary psyche evaluation all with small digital seals that blinked faintly when she touched them. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Everything’s in order.<</speech>> She closed it neatly. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Nerves?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Some. I’m still not sure what to expect.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Good. Expectation is the enemy of experience.<</speech>> She motioned toward the door again. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Orientation is ready to begin. Follow me.<</speech>> We passed through a glass panel that hissed open at her gesture. Beyond it was a corridor softer in light, tinted gold instead of white. The walls curved slightly inward, almost organic, and faint ambient tones played something between choral music and neural hum. Through the next door, the orientation room opened up like a meditation chamber. Circular, pale, lined with reclining pods and thin holo-screens that floated a few inches off the ground. A few other candidates were already seated nervous faces, clasped hands, all staring at the empty center platform where a projection disc waited. Elira paused at the threshold, turning slightly toward me. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>This is where it starts, Mr. Ren. Six - seven hours. No risks today only calibration. You’ll meet your orientation guide, complete a cognitive sync test, and observe one brief transfer demonstration.<</speech>> She studied my face calm but searching as if she wanted to make sure I was still anchored. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You can still walk out now. Once you sit in that chair, you commit to seeing it through to the end of the day.<</speech>> I took a breath, feeling the air tighten in my chest, then nodded once. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m here. Let’s do it.<</speech>> For the first time, she smiled not corporate, not polite. Just quietly approving. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Then take seat five. I’ll inform the instructor you’ve arrived.<</speech>> She moved toward the console, heels clicking softly on the pristine floor, while I found the pod marked 05 and sat chair near it. The surface was cool like waiting skin. Somewhere behind me, the hum of the system deepened. The lights dimmed, shifting from daylight white to a soft, ambient gold. [[Begin Orientation|tier_0_day_1]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "09:00">> I jogged through the main hall, breath fogging slightly from the cooler interior climate. Sharp angles of light sliced down through the atrium’s glass ceiling, catching on chrome trim and smooth composite panels. Every corner of this place felt sculpted too deliberate to be merely designed. The reception desk curved into view. Same matte black. Same frosted glass behind. And <<speech $player $playerName>>Morning, Mira.<</speech>> She looked up instantly, already tracking me from the moment I stepped into frame like some system pinged her neural interface the moment I breached the lobby bounds. Her silver-gray eyes found mine with that same unreadable expression. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>You're late.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Technically not late. Just... aggressively on time for the next segment.<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>That excuse works better when you’re not running.<</speech>> I stopped for half a second at the desk, adjusting my jacket. She didn’t break eye contact. Didn’t smile either, but something about the corners of her mouth said she could if she wanted to. Maybe. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Room A-7. East corridor. Left at the mirror wall.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I remember. I just like hearing you say it.<</speech>> A beat. Her head tilted just slightly not confusion, not amusement. Just… calculation. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>You’ll want to move. Agent Voss doesn’t repeat themselves.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Neither do I. But I’m way more charming about it.<</speech>> She didn’t answer. Just turned back to her screen, fingers already dancing across the ghost-keyboard, posture perfect again like the moment never happened. I was already half-smiling by the time I turned, picking up pace down the corridor she’d pointed me toward. Polished floor, low hum of air vents, and the faint awareness of cameras somewhere I couldn’t see. And behind me, the clickless world of Mira resumed like I’d never passed through it at all. [[Enter Room|tier_0_day_2]] <>

<> The glass doors hissed open as I stepped inside cool air washing over me, crisp and filtered. The lobby looked exactly the same as it had on day one. Same marble floor. Same low white light. Same faint scent of antiseptic and engineered calm. And of course… Mira. Perfect posture, zero clutter on her desk, not a strand of her hair out of place. She looked up as soon as I entered, eyes locking onto mine like she'd known the precise second I'd cross the threshold. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Mr. Ren. Welcome back. Third day. Congratulations on your current streak of survival.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is there a pin for that, or do I get a punch card? Free coffee after five?<</speech>> She didn’t smile. Not exactly. But her lips curved just enough to register amusement somewhere behind the glassy coolness. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>No coffee. But there is a biometric token at Day Ten. Engraved. Gold-plated. Possibly cursed.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Cursed seems on brand.<</speech>> She slid her fingers across the surface of her console no visible keyboard, just smooth, silent gestures and a soft chime sounded above the left corridor. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>You’re cleared for Entry Bay 3. Integration protocol is standard today. Physical orientation will be preloaded. Psychological pairing will remain encrypted until transfer completes. Do you require water, sedative, or a last-minute confession?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Just water. And maybe a hug. But I’ll take the water.<</speech>> She reached behind her desk, produced a slim bottle already chilled. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Hydration is mandatory. Hugs are... discouraged. Elira prefers candidates emotionally starved and physically alert.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds about right.<</speech>> I twisted the cap off the bottle, took a long pull, and let the weight of the facility settle over my shoulders again. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Proceed when ready. Try not to flinch when the consciousness scaffold engages. It leaves a mark if you do.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You always know how to make a guy feel welcome.<</speech>> She nodded once, precise. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>That’s in my programming.<</speech>> Then the doors opened behind her, and the hallway blinked awake with soft cyan lights leading the way. Time to find out who I’d be today. [[Attend Tier 0 Day 3 Classes|tier_0_day_3]] <>

<> <div id="shape-of-you-intro" style=" position: fixed; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100vw; height: 100vh; background: radial-gradient(circle at center, rgba(0,0,0,0.96) 0%, rgba(0,0,0,0.9) 100%); display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 9999; font-family: 'Orbitron', 'Arial', sans-serif; animation: fadeInBg_1 1.2s ease-out forwards; "> <div id="intro" style=" background: linear-gradient(160deg, #0a0a0a 0%, #1a1a1a 100%); border: 2px solid rgba(0,255,255,0.25); border-radius: 18px; width: 50vw; max-width: 600px; min-width: 320px; color: #e0e0e0; text-align: center; box-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(0,255,255,0.2), inset 0 0 12px rgba(0,255,255,0.15); padding: 40px 35px; transform: scale(0.85); opacity: 0; animation: popupIn_1 1s ease-out forwards; "> <h1 style=" font-size: 2.4em; color: #00ffff; margin-bottom: 0.4em; text-shadow: 0 0 15px #00ffff, 0 0 30px #00ffff; letter-spacing: 1px; ">🌀 Shape of You</h1> <h3 style=" font-size: 1.2em; color: #b5b5b5; margin-bottom: 1.2em; ">An Interactive Sci-Fi Story of Identity and Transformation</h3> (18+ Mature Content) <hr style="margin: 15px 0; border-color: #333;"> Warning: This story contains themes of consciousness transfer, body transformation, intimacy, and ethical dilemmas. This is a mature sci-fi narrative. If you are not comfortable with these themes, please do not proceed. In a world where bodies are commodities and identity is fluid, you are a desperate soul navigating the world of Shape of You Inc. Will you embrace the unknown… or remain unchanged? Your journey begins now. <div style="display: flex; justify-content: center; margin-top: 2em;"> <button id="enterGame" style=" padding: 0.9em 2em; font-size: 1.15em; color: #00ffff; background: rgba(0, 40, 40, 0.6); border: 1px solid rgba(0,255,255,0.5); border-radius: 10px; cursor: pointer; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(0,255,255,0.4), inset 0 0 10px rgba(0,255,255,0.2); transition: all 0.3s ease; animation: pulseGlow_1 2s infinite alternate; " onmouseover="this.style.background='rgba(0,100,100,0.6)'; this.style.transform='scale(1.08)';" onmouseout="this.style.background='rgba(0,40,40,0.6)'; this.style.transform='scale(1)';" >Start Journey</button> </div> </div> </div> <> <style> @keyframes fadeInBg_1 { from { opacity: 0; } to { opacity: 1; } } @keyframes popupIn_1 { 0% { opacity: 0; transform: scale(0.8); } 70% { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1.05); } 100% { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1); } } @keyframes pulseGlow_1 { 0% { box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0,255,255,0.4); } 100% { box-shadow: 0 0 25px rgba(0,255,255,0.7), inset 0 0 10px rgba(0,255,255,0.3); } } @keyframes fadeOut_1 { from { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1); } to { opacity: 0; transform: scale(0.9); } } </style> <script> document.getElementById("enterGame").addEventListener("click", function() { const intro = document.getElementById("shape-of-you-intro"); intro.style.animation = "fadeOut_1 0.8s ease forwards"; setTimeout(() => intro.remove(), 800); }); </script>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/bedroom.png">> I blinked awake to the soft rustle of sheets, the faint beep of Lena’s band alarm pulsing just above shoulder. Her breath warmed my chest she’d curled close sometime in the night, her arm draped over my stomach, leg hooked snug between thighs. The light through the blinds cut faint lines across her bare back, gold on warm skin. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I hate mornings.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s 6:30. That’s practically lunchtime.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I swear to God if you talk like a functional adult before coffee, I’m divorcing you.<</speech>> Her hand slid up my ribcage, knuckles dragging across the soft cotton of shirt. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’d have to marry me first.<</speech>> I smirked without opening eyes, one arm folding lazily behind head. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Bold of you to assume I haven’t planned that already.<</speech>> She nuzzled closer, cheek grazing the edge of my ribs. Her hand crept lower under the covers, fingers sliding just beneath the waistband of sleep shorts. <<speech $player $playerName>>I think I should be worried about how serious that sounded.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Worried? You’re the one who folds towels like a serial killer. You’re made for commitment.<</speech>> Her nails were warm, lazy, dragging just enough to make me suck in a breath. <<speech $player $playerName>>You offering?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Might be.<</speech>> She kissed the underside of my jaw, lips barely brushing, teasing. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>If you keep doing that.<</speech>> My hips twitched when her palm closed around me, slow and easy, like they had all the time in the world. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re playing a dangerous game, Ortez.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm. I like when you say my last name like that.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You don’t have time for this, remember?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I said that. I didn’t mean it.<</speech>> She grinned into his skin, thumb brushing lazily along the length of me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Besides. I’m already going to be late. Might as well have a good excuse.<</speech>> I was already half-hard, the heat of her body pressed to mine, the soft squeeze of her thighs bracketing me under the sheets doing more than any alarm ever could. Her hand wrapped around me, lazy and warm, her breath brushing my collarbone before her lips did. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re gonna make me late.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Stay late.<</speech>> I slid my fingers into her hair, felt the silky weight of it spill between them. She always smelled like citrus and sleep in the mornings somehow soft and electric at once. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Can’t.<</speech>> She kissed just below my jaw, hand giving me a slow, deliberate pull that made my hips twitch. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>But I could be ten minutes late.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You won’t even need ten.<</speech>> She laughed against my neck, the sound low, breathy. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That a promise or a threat?<</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/1.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> I slid my hand down her back, under her oversized shirt, fingers spreading across the curve of her ass, bare and warm. <<speech $player $playerName>>Flip over.<</speech>> She didn’t move immediately. Just looked at me through half-lidded eyes, mouth curling into that smug, sleepy smirk I never stood a chance against. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re so damn bossy in the morning.<</speech>> Then she shifted, letting me guide her onto her back. Her shirt rode up as she moved, baring those golden thighs. I moved between them, leaned in to kiss her slow, deep while pushing my shorts down with one hand. My other hand slid beneath her shirt, fingers cupping her breast, brushing her nipple. She gasped into my mouth, arching slightly beneath me, soft and responsive. <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/2.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re already wet.<</speech>> I ran my fingers down between her thighs, teasing her pussy lips with practiced ease. Her skin was slick, flushed. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Been wet since your alarm didn’t go off.<</speech>> Her breath hitched as I circled her clit with my thumb, hips twitching. She looked wrecked already eyes glassy, mouth parted. /* <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/3.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> */ <<speech "lena" "Lena">>God, your hands <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I know what you like.<</speech>> I kissed down her chest, her stomach. She shivered under me, already lifting her hips before I asked. <<speech $player $playerName>>Lift up.<</speech>> She did, just enough for me to slide her panties down and off. I kissed the inside of her thigh, took my time. She moaned softly, legs shifting wider, hands fisting in the sheets. I licked up between her folds slow, steady, savoring the way she bucked under my mouth. Her hand was in my hair instantly, nails scraping gently against my scalp. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Shit baby too much, wait <</speech>> /* <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/4.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> */ <<speech $player $playerName>>Tell me if you want me to stop.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Don’t you fucking dare.<</speech>> Her thighs trembled around my head. Her breath hitched with every flick of my tongue. I wasn’t stopping. Not until she forgot the word “late” entirely. I licked her again slow, then faster flattening my tongue to her clit and grinding with tight circles until her hips jerked into my mouth. She moaned sharp, her thighs tensing against my cheeks, and fuck, she was soaked. I could taste her need, sleep-sweet and hot, slicking my mouth and chin. She pulsed under me, body shivering like she was already on the edge. <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/5.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Nnnghh fuck, babe I’m gonna cum... <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Good.<</speech>> I pulled back just enough to murmur it against her my breath hot over her, tongue teasing the swollen bud before I sucked it between my lips, slow, tight, hungry. Her hips bucked, and her thighs clamped around my head so hard I almost groaned into her. I watched her fall apart watched her fingers fist the sheets, her head tilt back, mouth open in a silent gasp as her whole body quaked through the orgasm. I didn’t stop until her legs trembled, until she gasped something unintelligible and tugged me up by the arm, eyes still glassy. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Your turn. Now.<</speech>> I was throbbing, slick with her. The second her hand wrapped around me, I nearly lost it. She guided me down, between her legs, and I pushed inside her with one slow, drawn-out thrust. She was molten. Tight. Still fluttering from her orgasm, clutching around every inch of me like her body didn’t want to let go. We both hissed me with restraint, her with filthy satisfaction. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fuck…<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You feel so god don’t stop <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m not going anywhere.<</speech>> /* <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/6.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> */ I started to move. Slow strokes, deep and smooth, letting her feel every ridge, every drag along her inner walls. She moaned into my neck, legs wrapped around me, fingernails dragging hot lines across my back. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fuck, baby your cock <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>It feels so good, I can feel all of you <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah? You like how deep I am?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmmfuck yes keep hitting me like that <</speech>> /* <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/7.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> */ I shifted my angle just slightly and she gasped loud when I hit that spot, her nails digging in hard. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re so fucking tight. You’re squeezing me like you want to milk every drop out of me <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I do.<</speech>> She moaned, wrapped her arms around my shoulders and bit at the base of my neck. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I want you to fuck it into me make me feel it for hours <</speech>> /* <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/8.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> */ <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re getting everything, baby.<</speech>> I started pounding her harder rhythmic, relentless, each stroke making her cry out, thighs trembling, sweat sliding between our bodies. I grabbed her ass, lifted her slightly so I could get even deeper. The sounds were obscene wet, messy, loud. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Harder, fuck, harder fuck me harder, I can take it <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You love being full like this, don’t you? You love when I ruin that tight pussy <</speech>> /* <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/9.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> */ <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Yes yes fuck yes, stretch me, don’t stop, fill me up <</speech>> I groaned into her mouth, teeth grazing her lower lip as I rutted into her like I had something to prove. My balls slapped against her ass, her slick dripping down onto the sheets. <<speech $player $playerName>>I wanna come so deep inside you it leaks out while you’re at work <</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/10.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Do it. Fill me. Don’t pull out <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Shit I’m close tell me <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Inside. Come inside me, please, baby <</speech>> Her voice cracked at the end raw, begging, desperate and that shattered me. I slammed in deep, bottoming out, and came with a harsh groan, my whole body tensing as I spilled into her. Thick. Hot. Her pussy spasmed around me again as she came with me tight, shaking, gasping my name. <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/1/11.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> We stayed tangled there, panting, skin flushed and tacky with sweat. My cock still twitching inside her. Her hands stroked down my back, legs softening their grip. <<speech $player $playerName>>...Seven minutes.<</speech>> She laughed, voice worn out and rich with satisfaction. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You owe me coffee.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You owe me ten minutes of lateness.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re lucky I love you.<</speech>> She kissed my throat, cheek, jaw in lazy sequence. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>And your dick.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll make toast.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Make two.<</speech>> She slid out from under me, one hand brushing my cock as she went just to be a brat. I watched her bare ass disappear into the bathroom, steam already curling out the crack in the door. My legs still shook. My dick ached in the best way. The coffeemaker clicked on. Plates clinked. Outside, the city stirred to life. Inside, the air still smelled like sex and skin and home. <<set $genderProfile.vaginalGiven += 1>> <<set $genderProfile.cumAsMale += 1>> <<set $genderProfile.oralGiven += 1>> [[Make toast|morning_1]] <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/kitchen.png">> The pan sizzled the moment I dropped the butter into it, scent rising instantly nutty, golden, warm like Sunday mornings used to be. I worked one-handed, the other adjusting the coffee drip to full strength, just the way she liked it. Strong enough to rewire a nervous system. Lena padded in, towel barely wrapped around her, water beading down the sides of her thighs. Her hair was still wet, curling at the edges, already fogging her glasses as she shoved them up the bridge of her nose. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Smells like you’re making up for something.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Making up for the fact that I almost made you come twice before sunrise?<</speech>> I flipped a slice of bread onto the skillet, smirking when her mouth twitched in spite of the eye roll. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>No, making up for the fact that you absolutely came inside me without checking the pill drawer last night.<</speech>> I turned toward her slowly, lips twitching. <<speech $player $playerName>>…We’re still on week three.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You checked that or you’re just hoping?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I felt it in my soul.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That’s not how uteruses work, babe.<</speech>> I handed her the mug like a peace treaty, hot and dark. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ll pick up the morning-after if it’ll help you feel better.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm. Only if you also get those yogurt pretzels I like.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That was gonna be my bribe for sex tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I already want sex tomorrow.<</speech>> I paused, grinning. I watched a single drop of water slide from her collarbone down the valley between her breasts, then disappear under the towel. <<speech $player $playerName>>Noted.<</speech>> She took a sip and hissed softly. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hot.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s how I like you.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re lucky I’m caffeinating or I’d slap you with this towel right now.<</speech>> I reached behind her, brushing past her hip on purpose as I grabbed the salt. She didn’t move, but her eyes tracked my hand, her breath hitching as the back of my fingers brushed the bare skin at the edge of the towel. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You keep touching me like that and we’re gonna be back on that couch with me riding your cock before you finish the toast.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I wouldn’t complain.<</speech>> I leaned in close, letting my mouth brush her ear. <<speech $player $playerName>>I love the way you ride me when you’re still damp from the shower. Makes your thighs extra slick.<</speech>> Her inhale hitched. She clenched her mug a little tighter. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Don’t say that unless you’re gonna bend me over the counter and make me late for real.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Don’t tempt me, Ortez.<</speech>> I watched her shift her legs slightly, towel rising higher on one thigh. My cock twitched just remembering how she sounded thirty minutes ago breathy, wrecked, whispering “don’t stop” like a chant while her hips jerked under me. I barely saved the eggs from burning. Pulled them off the skillet in time, yolks still soft, toast browned and just crisp enough. I plated them on our mismatched ceramics. She grabbed two forks, plopped onto the couch cross-legged, scooted the table with her foot like it weighed nothing. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Presentation: mediocre.<</speech>> She took a bite, moaning exaggeratedly around it. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Taste: makes me forget your pull-out game is trash.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You realize you’re gonna be late if you keep roasting me like this.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That’s future Lena’s problem. Present Lena wants to eat and stare at your ass when you reach for the salt.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then present Lena is getting exactly what she wants.<</speech>> I angled just slightly, enough for my jeans to stretch over my ass, and smirked when I heard her make a soft, appreciative noise in her throat. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>God, we’re so broke but your butt’s worth at least two million.<</speech>> I dropped beside her, toast vanishing in three bites. We ate in silence, practiced and comfortable, knees touching. Outside, the city hummed louder now air buses, street-cleaner drones, high-rise traffic bouncing between glass towers. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I’ve got one more eval session today. Kid named Jesh. Three years old, nonverbal. Trauma-induced selective mutism.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is he the one who threw the soundboard at you last week?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>No, that was Cam. This one just hides under tables and calls the AI dummy-bot with hand signs.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Tough crowd.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I like him. He's got this look when he sees you that says ‘I know you’re trying, but I’m not ready to trust you yet.’ Like a kitten raised by wolves.<</speech>> I leaned in, pressed my cheek to her shoulder. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re good at that. The hard ones.<</speech>> Her voice softened. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Yeah. I hope it matters.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It does.<</speech>> I kissed her collarbone, felt her body lean into mine. <<speech $player $playerName>>Even if nobody sees it but me.<</speech>> She rested her forehead to mine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You feeling okay about today? You’ve been a little... clenched lately.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ve got a one-on-one at ten. Probably just updates.<</speech>> Her eyes narrowed. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>With Greaves?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm-hmm. Sounds ominous.<</speech>> I shrugged, stood slowly, trying to play it off. <<speech $player $playerName>>It’ll be fine. Worst case, I come home with more time to cook elaborate breakfasts.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Worst case, you come home jobless and anxious and I need to hold your pretty face for three hours straight while feeding you choco-boba.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Would you do that?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>In a heartbeat. But please don’t make me.<</speech>> I leaned in and kissed her soft, lingering. Her hands curled behind my neck, fingers damp, the towel barely hanging on. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Don’t forget your ID.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I never do.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You did last Thursday.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You really don’t let anything go, huh?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Never. It’s one of my best qualities.<</speech>> We moved through the closing routine like choreography dishes rinsed, jackets tugged on, bags slung. She threw her tablet into her tote with that easy, practiced flick. I did one last run-through in the mirror, hand raking through my hair. At the door, she paused, facing me, eyes sharp. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hey. No matter what Greaves says today? You’re not disposable.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Text me after. I mean it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I will.<</speech>> She kissed me again brief but warm. Then turned, walked down the hall. I watched her go, the sway of her hips under that work skirt I liked way too much. The door clicked behind her. The silence that followed wasn’t peaceful. It felt... paused. Like the world knew it was about to shift and just hadn’t told me how. <<set $currentObjectives to "Go to Grocery Store, Buy Morning-After Pill and Yogurt Pretzels, Maybe Morning After pill can find in bedroom drawer too">> <<set $step = 1>> <<set $phoneTime to "7:00">> [[Be Ready|home]] <>

<> <<set $currentObjectives to "Work and Spend Day...">> <<set $step = 4>> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/office_cubical.png">> <<set $phoneTime to "9:00">> The office smelled like burnt coffee and recycled air. Same as every Monday. I sat at my corner desk, dual monitors flickering with half-done code and the ghost of a Slack call I was pretending not to see. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, but my mind was stuck somewhere between Lena’s towel dropping and her laugh echoing off the kitchen tiles. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I tugged it out, thumb already swiping open her name. <<if !$lena_message_1>> <<link "Check Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": `i just went to pee and babe seriously look what u did`})>> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "images/chat/lena/lena_pussy_2.png", "text": ``})>> <<run $imageList.push("images/chat/lena/lena_pussy_2.png")>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_1 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> The photo loaded slow. The second it came through, I had to shift slightly in my chair. She’d taken it in the washroom mirror low angle, panties around her thighs, white cotton nearly translucent where they were soaked. My cum still clung to her lips, pearlescent against the slick between her folds, mixing with her wetness and soaking the gusset through. I bit the inside of my cheek and angled the phone away from the aisle. <<if !$lena_message_2>> <<link "Receieve Message Again">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": `you made a mess like a real mess i had to wipe twice and still felt you dripping when i pulled these up rude 🥺`})>> /* <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "images/chat/lena/cum_pussy.png", "text": ``})>> */ <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_2 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> I couldn’t stop the smile. I flicked open the keyboard. <<if !$lena_message_3>> <<link "Reply Back">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": `That’s because I filled you up like I fucking meant it Told you I’d make it leak out of you at work You like feeling it now?`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_3 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$lena_message_4>> <<link "Check the Photo">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "images/chat/lena/lena_selfie_1.png", "text": ``})>> <<run $imageList.push("images/chat/lena/lena_selfie_1.png")>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_4 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> A new image came through before she replied this time a selfie from the chest up, taken fast, maybe against a supply closet wall. Her top was undone halfway, nursing badge clipped to one side, a teasing black of lace bra visible where the uniform gaped. Her hair was still damp from the shower. Lips a little glossy. She looked flushed. <<if !$lena_message_5>> <<link "Check the Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": `still thinking about how deep you were. my thighs are still sticky.`})>> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` i’m NOT wearing that underwear again had to bin them 😤`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_5 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$lena_message_6>> <<link "Reply">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": `Good. Or bring them here and let me take them off myself.`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_6 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$lena_message_7>> <<link "Check the Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": `behave i have to get three toddlers to say the word “triangle” today without slapping the AI`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_7 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$lena_message_8>> <<link "Check the Message">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": `You started it, Ortez You show me that pussy dripping with my cum before 10am and expect me to behave?`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_8 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> Three dots hovered she was typing, then stopped. Then typing again. My pulse ticked up. <<if !$lena_message_9>> <<link "Check the Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": `i love you. now back to work both of us or i swear i’m edging you for a week 😌`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_9 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$lena_message_10>> <<link "Check the Message">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": `cruel woman. love you too. now go teach triangles, brat.`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $lena_message_10 to true>> <<goto "work_1">> <</link>> <<else>> I locked the phone. Exhaled slow. Adjusted my jeans under the desk. Then I started coding again half-hard, grinning, and counting the hours till I could ruin her again. <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> [[Back to Work|work_2]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "9:15">> About fifteen minutes passed. I tried to focus on code, genuinely did debugging some idiotic legacy module and pretending my cock wasn’t hard against my zipper the entire time. But every time I blinked, I saw it again. That photo. Her pussy. My cum leaking out of her. The lace visible under her work top. I lasted ten minutes before muting Slack and standing up. My chair creaked. Nobody looked. I slipped my phone into my hoodie pocket and made for the far washroom the one no one used because the lock stuck and the light buzzed like a dying bee. It was perfect. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to the washroom">> <<set $step = 5>> [[Go to the washroom|office]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "9:30">> I stepped inside, locked the door behind me, and unzipped. My cock sprang up immediately, flushed and heavy. I gripped the base and looked down, watched precum bead at the tip. Took the photo with my left hand angled just right. My full length, fingers wrapped tight. Thick and veined, red from being denied. The head gleamed, just enough sheen to show how ready I was. I sent it to her. <<if !$work_2_2>> <<link "Send the Photo">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "images/chat/lena/cock_1.png", "text": ``})>> <<run $imageList.push("images/chat/lena/cock_1.png")>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_2_2 to true>> <<goto "work_2.5">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$work_2_3>> <<link "Send Message">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": `This is your fault. I’ve been hard since you showed me your soaked cunt. Look what you do to me.`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_2_3 to true>> <<goto "work_2.5">> <</link>> <<else>> Second photo same angle, hand pulling down so she could see all of it. <<if !$work_2_4>> <<link "Send the Photo">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "images/chat/lena/cock_2.png", "text": ``})>> <<run $imageList.push("images/chat/lena/cock_2.png")>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_2_4 to true>> <<goto "work_2.5">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$work_2_5>> <<link "Send Message">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": `You can have every inch tonight Deep inside you After dinner Not that you’ll need food I’ll fill your belly again myself`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_2_5 to true>> <<goto "work_2.5">> <</link>> <<else>> A pause. Then the bubble blinked typing. <<if !$work_2_6>> <<link "Read Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": `STOP fuckkkk i’m in the middle of a feedback session you can’t just send me your cock like that 😩`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_2_6 to true>> <<goto "work_2.5">> <</link>> <<else>> Another message immediately followed. <<if !$work_2_7>> <<link "Read Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": `i can still feel you dripping down my thighs and now you send that? fuck you\n …not right now\n later\n later you better fuck me til i can’t walk straight, baby\n now go away\n don’t distract me from my job`})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_2_7 to true>> <<goto "work_2.5">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$work_2_8>> <<link "Reply Her">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` Ok Ok... `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_2_8 to true>> <<goto "work_2.5">> <</link>> <<else>> I chuckled, breath catching. My grip tightened. I opened the gallery again. Brought up that photo her panties wet and ruined, her folds shining, still spread slightly. Then the selfie bare bra, lips bitten. My head tilted back, breath shallow. I pictured her on her knees tonight. Shirt half-buttoned, hair still damp, cum still leaking out while she begged me to finish what I started. Her voice gone hoarse from moaning into my neck. I stroked slow, thumb teasing the head, shuddering in silence. The tile echoed every breath. She was going to get it tonight. Deep. Messy. Slow, then not slow at all. I’d fill her up until she couldn’t remember how many times she came. Until she begged me to stop. Until she didn’t want to. My hips bucked as the first rope of cum painted my knuckles, vision going soft. I leaned into the wall, panting, sweat on my brow. Tonight was going to be a problem. And I couldn’t fucking wait. <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> <<set $genderProfile.cumAsMale += 1>> <<set $currentObjectives = "Go back to Cubical">> <<set $step = 6>> [[Back to Cubical|office]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "09:45">> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/office_cubical.png">> The morning passed like every other quiet tapping of keys, the low hum of recycled air through the vents, the occasional synthetic chime of team notifications. I sat at my desk, dual monitors glowing with softly-lit terminal windows. The UI tools I’d been working on adaptive visual field contrast calibrators still needed polish. But my mind was only half in the code. The other half kept drifting. Slack was too quiet. Not normal-quiet. Strategic quiet. A few icons grayed out without warning. Empty chairs with jackets still slung over the backs. Ones that hadn’t been empty yesterday. Jokes about cutbacks weren’t jokes anymore. They were math. The kind with fixed outcomes and silent variables. I kept typing anyway. Another commit. Another build test. Another distraction. Across the floor, Lyla dropped into the seat beside me, spinning a stress ball between her fingers like she was waiting for it to explode. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You look like someone ran a memory wipe on your soul.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Didn’t sleep much.<</speech>> She didn’t push for details. Just tapped at her own keyboard. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You working on the adaptive thing?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Trying to. Still crashes on white-point shift if the monitor’s older than v5.1.<</speech>> She scoffed. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Half the government contracts are still running on tech that predates my uterus.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Let me guess. You still haven’t converted that module to live sync.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I could convert it. But then I’d have to listen to Greaves pretend he knows how front-end latency works.<</speech>> I cracked a smile at that. Then my phone buzzed. It was Lena. [[Check Messages|work_3_1]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "09:55">> I snorted softly. Quickly thumbed out a reply. <<if !$work_3_1_1>> <<link "Read Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` triangle success\n no blood\n only minor toddler sass\n your reward later will be cock-related\n prepare `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_3_1_1 to true>> <<goto "work_3_1">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$work_3_1_2>> <<link "Read Message">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` planning to give you your reward tonight\n same position as last week\n on your side, my hand under your thigh, your mouth half open moaning my name into the pillow\n you’ll sleep like a baby with cum dripping down your leg again\n `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_3_1_2 to true>> <<goto "work_3_1">> <</link>> <<else>> A pause. Then a reply. <<if !$work_3_1_3>> <<link "Read Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` STOP\n i clenched reading that\n you are evil\n i hope greaves fires you so you can spend all day fucking me\n `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_3_1_3 to true>> <<goto "work_3_1">> <</link>> <<else>> <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> I grinned. Then blinked up when James popped his head over the partition wall, thermos in hand, curls a mess as usual. <<speech "james" "James">>Hey, you guys hear? Nisha from DevOps? Gone.<</speech>> I froze mid-keystroke. My fingers hovered over the brackets. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Another one?<</speech>> James nodded slowly. <<speech "james" "James">>Said she got the calendar ping this morning. No warning. Out by ten.<</speech>> My stomach twisted. My inbox had been empty all morning. That wasn’t comfort anymore. That was foreboding. Then ping. My terminal blinked. A new meeting invite. [[Check the Invite|work_3_1.5]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "09:55">> <div style="max-width:600px; margin:0 auto; background:#ffffff; border-radius:14px; overflow:hidden; box-shadow:0 4px 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); border:1px solid #e5e7eb; font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial;">  <div style="background:#0ea5e9; padding:18px 24px; color:#ffffff; display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center;"> <div style="font-size:16px; font-weight:600; letter-spacing:0.2px;">📅 Calendar Notification</div> <div style="font-size:12px; opacity:0.9;">Today</div> </div>  <div style="padding:24px;"> <div style="font-size:14px; color:#6b7280; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:0.08em; margin-bottom:8px;">Subject</div> <div style="font-size:22px; line-height:1.3; color:#111827; font-weight:700;">Sync – Nathan Greaves</div> </div>  <div style="padding:0 24px 8px;"> <div style="padding:12px 0; border-top:1px solid #f3f4f6; display:flex;"> <div style="width:120px; color:#6b7280; font-size:14px;">Time</div> <div style="font-size:16px; color:#111827; font-weight:600;">10:30 AM</div> </div> <div style="padding:12px 0; border-top:1px solid #f3f4f6; display:flex;"> <div style="width:120px; color:#6b7280; font-size:14px;">Room</div> <div style="font-size:16px; color:#111827; font-weight:600;">3E (Glass North)</div> </div> </div>  <div style="padding:16px 24px 24px;"> <a href="#" style="display:inline-block; background-color:#0ea5e9; color:#ffffff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:600; font-size:15px; padding:12px 18px; border-radius:10px;">View in Calendar</a> <div style="font-size:12px; color:#6b7280; margin-top:10px;">You are receiving this because you’re on the invite.</div> </div>  <div style="background:#f9fafb; padding:14px 24px; border-top:1px solid #f3f4f6; font-size:12px; color:#6b7280; border-bottom-left-radius:14px; border-bottom-right-radius:14px; display:flex; justify-content:space-between;"> <div>Event ID: #A1C-3E-NG</div> <a href="#" style="color:#0ea5e9; text-decoration:none;">Manage notifications</a> </div> </div> Not my usual one-on-one time. Not my usual room. My one-on-one had been at ten. This was ten-thirty. New subject. New room. Different tone entirely. Lyla leaned over, reading it upside down. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Fuck. I don’t have good feeling about that..<</speech>> I exhaled slowly. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Me too..<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Take Care buddy. Don't make fight with Greaves what ever happens<</speech>> Lyla and James left to there cubicals to work. After 10 mins My phone buzzed.. [[Take Phone out of pocket|work_3_2]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "10:20">> Check the messages.. <<if !$work_3_4>> <<link "Check Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` your meeting ending soon?\n feeling okay? `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_3_4 to true>> <<goto "work_3_2">> <</link>> <<else>> My phone is vibrating...She thinks I had my usual one on one with Greaves.. <<if !$work_3_5>> <<link "Send Reply">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` got bumped new meeting with Greaves not 1:1 different room not sure what that means but I have a bad feeling `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_3_5 to true>> <<goto "work_3_2">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$work_3_6>> <<link "Check Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` don’t panic\n even if it’s bad\n i’ll be here\n you come home to me\n and i’ll let you fuck it all out of your system\n i’ll ride you til you forget your name\n promise `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_3_6 to true>> <<goto "work_3_2">> <</link>> <<else>> I breathed that in like oxygen. Then stared at the invite again. “Sync.” Not “Check-in.” Not “1:1.” My heart ticked faster. The hallway outside flickered with movement. More chairs empty than full. The kind of morning where gravity pulls harder than usual. I closed the terminal. Packed up my tablet. Straightened my collar like it mattered. Then I stood. And walked toward whatever came next. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Sync">> <<set $step = 7>> [[10:29 AM – Outside Room 3E|office]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <>

<> <<set $locationImage to "images/location/office_manager_room.png">> <<set $phoneTime = "10:30">> The hallway outside the meeting room smelled faintly of lemon cleaner and static. My palms were damp inside my hoodie pocket, thumb tracing over the frayed seam like it could anchor me. The glass wall of Room 3E dimmed softly as I approached neutral lighting, corporate quiet, zero warmth. Ten minutes ago, this was supposed to be a normal one-on-one in my usual conference nook. Greaves had pinged me at 9:50. That alone made my gut drop. Not “Let’s shift rooms.” Not “Need a bigger screen.” Just: Room 3E. Full name. Punctuated. Like an execution order. The door slid open without a sound. Greaves stood inside. Tall. Crisp. Always fucking crisp. His suit was charcoal, pressed so sharp I could see the fold lines in the sleeves. His tie was muted navy, not a shade out of place. His expression? Absolute poker face. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Come in.<</speech>> I stepped inside. The air was colder than it should’ve been climate controlled, sure, but this felt like walking into orbit. No temperature. No sound except the soft ambient ripple of branded white noise looping on the wall display. Not even a loading icon. Just… movement. He gestured toward the seat across from him. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Sit.<</speech>> I did. Back straight. Shoulders locked. I could feel the tension pushing up behind my eyes like a migraine starting. He tapped something on his tablet. Waited. Then looked up. His face wasn’t cruel. Just… measured. Like everything had already been decided and he’d accepted it long ago. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>You probably already know what this is.<</speech>> I didn’t speak. Not yet. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>I wish I could say this is about your performance. But it’s not. Your work’s been solid. Consistent. Quietly excellent, actually.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then why?<</speech>> I tried to keep my voice even. Tried not to think about how I’d kissed Lena’s jaw this morning, how she’d whispered “Don’t forget your ID” with her hair still damp from the shower. How I’d walked out the door with her scent still clinging to my shirt, my cock still half-hard remembering how wet she’d been when I pulled out of her. Now it all felt like someone else’s life. Greaves folded his hands over the tablet. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Because excellence isn’t enough when the funding disappears. Three projects got pulled last quarter. We lost our predictive modeling contract with the Nordic Health Grid. Every team’s downsizing. Decisions had to be made.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re letting me go.<</speech>> <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Yes.<</speech>> [[Stay calm|layoff_calm]] [[Push back just a little|layoff_mildanger]] [[Let the anger out|layoff_furious]] <>

<> <<set $severanceMonths = 2>> <<set $phoneTime = "10:33">> <<set $transactions.push( { date: "2036-10-10", amount: 4000, type: "add", desc: "severance+PTO" })>> <<set $money += 4000>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re letting me go.<</speech>> <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Yes.<</speech>> There wasn’t even a pause. Just clean confirmation. Like clicking “delete” on a file you’d already backed up. The lights overhead hummed so faintly I couldn’t tell if it was real or just the blood in my ears. <<speech $player $playerName>>For how long?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is this temporary?<</speech>> He inhaled through his nose. I could hear the breath, like it mattered that he made it sound human. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>I don’t know. It might be. If circumstances change, and if we can reopen the UI pipeline, I will personally recommend you. That’s not lip service.<</speech>> I nodded once, slowly. It was automatic, not agreement. Just motion to keep my body from locking up. I looked down at the conference table. Gloss black. Not a fingerprint in sight. My own reflection stared back at me, faint and taut. My mouth looked like it didn’t belong to someone who smiled. All I could think about was Lena’s voice that morning. “You’ll be fine.” And the text she sent while I walked down this very hallway: "i love you. ride it out. then ride me later." Now the words felt distant, like a voicemail from a better life. <<speech $player $playerName>>What happens now?<</speech>> <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>We’re processing your exit package today. You’ll retain full access until 5 PM. Then your credentials go inactive.<</speech>> He paused, glancing briefly at the tablet again habit or reflex. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>You’ll receive 60 days’ severance at full rate, plus your PTO payout. HR will finalize it by end of day.<</speech>> I gave a small exhale. Not relief more like letting pressure bleed out. The air was still cold. The walls still pulsed that slow branded white noise loop like the office itself was pretending it hadn’t just chewed me up and filed the bones. Greaves shifted in his chair. His voice dipped slightly, rougher around the edges, as if for a moment he remembered I was a person, not just a record in the system. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Look… I hate this part. I’ve let go of people who deserved it. You’re not one of them. But the margins don’t care.<</speech>> I blinked once. Then twice. My mouth didn’t open. I just stared at the edge of the table like it was the lip of a cliff, wondering if there was anything left to hold onto. Then slowly calm, calm, calm I raised my eyes to meet his. <<speech $player $playerName>>What do I tell my partner?<</speech>> He didn’t flinch. But something flickered behind his eyes. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Tell her you gave everything you had. And that you were damn good at it.<</speech>> I nodded again. Tight. The kind of nod people give right before they shut a door and never come back. But I stood. No theatrics. Just unfolded myself from the chair and straightened my hoodie. One hand stayed in the pocket. The other hovered a second before lightly touching the backrest I wouldn’t sit in again. <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks.<</speech>> It came out even. Not bitter. Not sarcastic. Just tired. Like I’d run a long race and finally stopped pretending there was a finish line. Greaves rose too. His jacket didn’t wrinkle. He looked like someone who would go right on to his next meeting, next decision, next spreadsheet of human lives. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>If anything changes, you’ll be the first one I call. I mean that.<</speech>> I didn’t say anything else. The door slid open with a hush. I stepped out into the hall same lemon cleaner smell, same sterile hum and then it sealed behind me. That was it. The job. The salary. The plan. Gone. Just a press of the tablet and my name slid into offboarding. My phone buzzed. I pulled it out, thumb still resting on the home button like it was a trigger. Still Lena’s thread up. Still me, standing there like a body that hadn’t noticed the bullet yet. <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks.<</speech>> I said it quietly I know calling me complete bullshit. Not bitter. Just… tired. He nodded once. I turned. The door slid open with a hush. And then it closed behind me. And that was it. The job. The salary. The plan. Gone. But as I stood there in the corridor, blinking in the sterile light, I pulled out my phone and tapped out a reply anyway. [[Check Messages|work_4_1]] <>

<> <<set $severanceMonths = 1>> <<set $phoneTime = "10:33">> <<set $transactions.push( { date: "2036-10-10", amount: 2000, type: "add", desc: "severance+PTO" })>> <<set $money += 2000>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re letting me go.<</speech>> <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Yes.<</speech>> There it was. Final. Like a system alert that couldn’t be dismissed just acknowledged. My stomach tightened. Not shock. Not fear. Just the heat that rises when you see a train coming and someone tells you to “brace.” <<speech $player $playerName>>You said my performance was solid. Quietly excellent, even.<</speech>> <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>It is. It was.<</speech>> I leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on my thighs, fingers steepled together not clenched, but close. I didn’t raise my voice. Didn’t sneer. But I didn’t keep the edge out either. <<speech $player $playerName>>Then you’re cutting someone who did everything right. Showed up. Hit targets. Never missed a deadline. Because… what? Someone upstairs misread a graph?<</speech>> Greaves blinked once. Not defensive. Just… measuring. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>I get it. I do. And you’re not wrong to feel that way. But there’s no perfect way to do this. Budgets didn’t care about your KPIs. They just didn’t stretch far enough.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You know this is bullshit, right?<</speech>> He didn’t answer right away. His lips pressed together. Not tightly. Just enough to telegraph that the man behind the mask had shut a door in his own mind. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>I understand. But with that said your severance will be one month at full rate. PTO payout remains. That’s the best I can do right now.<</speech>> My throat felt dry. Like I’d just swallowed dust. I almost asked what changed. I didn’t. I knew. I pushed. And this was the pushback. <<speech $player $playerName>>Fine.<</speech>> I sat back again. The chair felt less like furniture and more like a stage prop. All around us the white noise loop kept playing waves over sand, or sand over bones. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>I know it’s not enough. You deserved better than a budget line item. But this came from higher up, and it came fast. I argued for your role, if that means anything.<</speech>> I stared down at the table. My reflection was still there. My own face looked like it was waiting for me to say something smart. I didn’t. Lena’s text kept flashing through my mind. Ride it out. Then ride me later. Now it just made me feel like I’d already failed. Like I’d come home carrying a broken promise in a hoodie pocket. <<speech $player $playerName>>What do I tell my partner?<</speech>> <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Tell her you didn’t fuck up. Tell her the people above me played chess with your name, and you happened to be in the wrong square when the queen tipped.<</speech>> I didn’t move. Then I did. Slowly. Rising to my feet like something unsprung. One hand still in my hoodie. The other trailing along the edge of the chair, then falling away. <<speech $player $playerName>>Guess there’s nothing else, then.<</speech>> He stood too. Still tall. Still composed. But his eyes flicked toward the door like he was already resetting for the next meeting. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>You’ll be notified as soon as anything opens again. And I meant what I said. I’ll vouch for you personally.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sure.<</speech>> I didn’t mean it. But I didn’t make a scene. The door opened behind me with a quiet glide. I stepped out, and it closed before I looked back. Stillness. Then that faint citrus static in the hall again. The hollow air where certainty used to live. And then The buzz of my phone. A lifeline. Or maybe a landmine. Either way, it was Lena. [[Check Messages|work_4_1]] <>

<> <<set $severanceMonths = 0>> <<set $phoneTime = "10:33">> <<set $transactions.push( { date: "2036-10-10", amount: 0, type: "add", desc: "severance+PTO" })>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re letting me go.<</speech>> <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Yes.<</speech>> There was no softening. No pause to let the sentence land. Just the same flat certainty you hear before a verdict is read. Something inside me snapped not loud, more like a wire pulling taut until it slid free. <<speech $player $playerName>>So that’s it?<</speech>> <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Yes.<</speech>> My hands went cold. For a second I tasted metal. Then the cold turned to fire and the words came out before I could throttle them back. Not a shout too precise for that but sharp enough to cut the clean air between us. <<speech $player $playerName>>You sit here telling me I was 'quietly excellent' like you’re reading a performance review and not fucking someone's life over. Do you even hear yourself, Greaves?<</speech>> His face didn’t crumple. It didn’t do anything that would make him human. He blinked once, slow, and when he answered there was work in his voice procedural, rehearsed. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>I understand you're upset. I <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Upset? Upset would be a fucking compliment. I am not 'upset.' You and your spreadsheets made a decision. You signed the memo. You clicked the box. Don’t dress it up like you stumbled into this by accident.<</speech>> There. I’d said it. The room tightened. The white noise loop seemed suddenly obscene. I could feel the words landing like small stones on the glossy table. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Sir, I <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Don’t "sir" me. Don’t give me the courteous shrug while you do the deed. You can keep your sympathy and your rehearsed lines. You can keep your 'I’ll recommend you' when it’s convenient. I want the truth: did you fight for me, or did you just file another chart and keep walking?<</speech>> Greaves’ mouth thinned. For the first time since I’d walked in, there was a flicker something like discomfort, maybe annoyance. He looked down at the tablet, thumb tapping, as if checking a notification more important than the anger in front of him. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>I did what I could. I <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No. You didn’t. You did what you were told. You did it politely and efficiently, and you smiled while you did it, and you’ll sleep fine tonight because you didn’t have to call Lena and tell her you cut her partner’s life in half for a quarterly projection. That’s the difference between you and me.<</speech>> His jaw moved. He stood up, smooth, practiced. The chair made a soft scrape. For a second I thought he might argue. Instead he reached for the phrase HR had given him composure returned like a mask. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>I’m asking you to take the exit package. You’ll receive the standard severance. HR will handle <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I don't want 'the standard severance.' I want what I earned. I want the dignity of not being erased between two meetings. I want someone to look me in the eye and say they tried. Not posture or platitudes actually tried.<</speech>> His fingers tightened around the tablet. For one awful moment there was a human flash irritation, maybe. He set the device down with a sound that snapped across the table like a whip. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>That’s not how this works. The decision came from higher. There’s a protocol. If you continue this <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Continue what? Asking the obvious? Telling you that your 'protocol' is a paper trail of other people’s comforts while we get burned for their margins? Fine. I’ll continue. I’ll make noise. I’ll make them uncomfortable in the way I was made uncomfortable when they decided my future in a spreadsheet. I’ll make sure the next time they click 'finalize' it costs them attention. Costs them time. Costs them whatever little reputations they hide behind their titles.<</speech>> Greaves’ eyes hardened. He blinked slower, then deliberately, and whatever tolerance he’d been harboring cracked into a flat, corporate cruelty I hadn’t heard until now. His voice lost the thread of human apology and became the sound of policy. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>If you choose to make this difficult, I will have to note it in the exit documentation. HR has discretion to withhold severance for unprofessional conduct during the offboarding process. Consider this your warning.<</speech>> That line landed like an anvil. My mouth went dry. For half a beat I could have backed down taken the money and the humiliation both. But something in me had already burned that bridge. <<speech $player $playerName>>You threatened me. In a meeting where you told me you were letting me go. That’s rich. You can threaten whatever the hell you want. But you don’t get to pretend you’re the injured party when you’re the one doing the cutting.<</speech>> He stared. The tablet shuffled an unreadable notification. The room grew colder, or maybe I just noticed the cold because I’d stopped waiting for a softer end. Greaves’ hand moved fast for the first time and he tapped the tablet, eyes on me, voice clipped and small and absolutely corporate. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Then so be it. If you will be unprofessional in this meeting I will close your exit package. Severance will be rescinded. You’ll receive PTO payout only. Security will escort you when your credentials are turned off.<</speech>> The words hit like a physical shove. For a second I tasted bile. Then something fiercer rose less about the money now and more about being told I had no right to be furious. Anger sharpened into a tool. I picked it up like a weapon I’d been hiding in my palm. <<speech $player $playerName>>Do it. Cancel it. Call HR and tell them to take it all. Tell them I screamed in your office and cursed your family out and that I vandalized a printer on my way out. Write whatever you want. But know this <</speech>> I leaned in, my voice low and steady, the kind of quiet people mistake for control but which really means I’d chosen the scar I wanted to leave. <<speech $player $playerName>>When I’m gone, people will still remember who did good work. You can take the money and the paperwork, but you can’t make them forget what I built. You can’t make me smaller than what I was here. And the next time some smug suit decides to 'optimize' lives, someone will point to this moment and say 'remember how they treated him?' and that will follow you around like a stain.<</speech>> Greaves’ face went white for a heartbeat. Then he set his jaw like someone closing a case file. He tapped the tablet again, slower, the way someone signs off on something final. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Fine. I’ll mark it. HR will process the change. Security will <</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Good. Then write it down. Say it loud. I’m not asking for anything else. I’m leaving on my feet, not on my knees. You got your neat little box checked. Congratulations. You get to tell yourself you did it cleanly.<</speech>> He handed me no sympathy. He offered no apology. Just the mechanical click of a man completing his job. I stood up. My legs were steady. My hand left the chair like a man setting down a weight. <<speech $player $playerName>>One more thing <</speech>> He looked up. Eyes like something trying to recollect human detail. <<speech $player $playerName>>When you say you’ll 'vouch for me' don’t. You lied about other things. If the day comes that you do recommend me, I want it to be because you actually meant it. Not because it’s convenient for your conscience.<</speech>> He didn’t answer. He tapped a final confirmation. The tablet glowed like a little altar. I felt the room tilt, the air thin. The door sighed open. His voice was flat when he said it. <<speech "greaves" "Greaves">>Security will be notified of an unprofessional offboarding. They may escort you when credentials deactivate at 5 PM.<</speech>> I walked out. Not triumphant. Not defeated. Just moving purposeful, a body occupying space no longer tethered to the office’s slow machinery. The corridor smelled of lemon cleaner and static, and the fluorescent lights cut at my shoulders like blades. Behind me, the door clicked closed with an office’s finality. No applause. No mercy. Just the soft mechanical hum of systems carrying on. My phone buzzed in my pocket, sharp and obscene. Lena’s name glowed on the screen. For the first time since this started, I let my anger drop into a hollow nothing, and a different ache moved in. [[Check Messages|work_4_1]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "10:35">> <<if !$work_4_1>> <<link "Check Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` done with the meeting yet?\n tell me everything\n and don’t lie\n i just thought about your cum leaking out of me in the shower and now i’m wet again\n so don’t make me panic AND horny\n just give it to me straight `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_4_1 to true>> <<goto "work_4_1">> <</link>> <<elseif !$work_4_2>> <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Cubical, Reply to Lena">> <<set $step = 8>> [[Go to Cubical|office]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "10:40">> <<if !$work_4_2>> <<link "Reply Lena">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` i lost it\n they cut me\n `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_4_2 to true>> <<goto "work_4_2">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$work_4_2_1>> The typing dots appeared instantly. <<link "Check Message">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` i’m sorry\n i’m so sorry\n `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_4_2_1 to true>> <<goto "work_4_2">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$work_4_2_2>> <<link "Reply Lena">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` come home tonight\n I need your mouth on me\n I want to fuck your throat until I forget what “performance review” even means\n I want to come so deep inside you it doesn’t matter where I work\n you’ll still belong to me\n `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_4_2_2 to true>> <<goto "work_4_2">> <</link>> <<else>> <<set $currentObjectives = "Check Cubical, and talk with Friends">> [[Check the Cubical|work_5]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <>

<> <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> I returned to my desk, hands still cold. Like the meeting had drained every last degree out of me. The walk back down the corridor felt longer than usual, like each step made my boots heavier. The hum of the floor didn’t change. The tap of keys around me still buzzed steady. Nothing had shifted and somehow everything had. James and Lyla were watching me from over the partition wall, not pretending to look busy anymore. I could see it in their faces. They knew. <<speech "james" "James">>You okay?<</speech>> Barely above a whisper. Like asking too loud might confirm something awful. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m done.<</speech>> Just like that. Flat. Final. Lyla stood immediately. She didn’t ask. Just came around the desk and pulled me into a hug. Her arms were stronger than I expected, her grip tight. Chin tucked against my shoulder. She held on longer than I thought she would. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>That’s fucking bullshit.<</speech>> Her voice was raw. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You deserve better than this.<</speech>> James looked like he wanted to punch a wall, or maybe someone’s face. <<speech "james" "James">>We’re still getting drinks Friday. Non-negotiable.<</speech>> I nodded once, slow. I didn’t trust myself to speak. I dropped into my chair, body heavy. The terminal still glowed softly. Keyboard still warm from earlier keystrokes. Everything looked untouched. Like I’d just stepped away to refill my mug and not to be erased from a payroll line. It didn’t feel like the last day. But it was. My phone buzzed. [[Check Messages|work_5_1]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "10:50">> <<if !$work_5_1>> <<link "Check Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` i want to kiss your stupid face\n and sit on it\n and ride you until you forget that man’s name\n how soon can you come home?\n `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_5_1 to true>> <<goto "work_5_1">> <</link>> <<else>> I swallowed hard. Thumbed out a reply, hand trembling a little. She is very good at this making me feel wanted even when everything else is falling apart. She knows exactly what to say to make me forget the bad news. <<if !$work_5_1_2>> <<link "Reply Her">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` they cut me\n no warning\n just "margins" and handshakes\n i kept thinking about your pussy the whole time\n how warm it was this morning\n how wet you were when I pulled out\n how I want to stuff you full again until it leaks down your thighs\n `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_5_1_2 to true>> <<goto "work_5_1">> <</link>> <<else>> Three dots. Then a photo came in blurred background, Lena’s thighs spread wide in a bathroom stall, hand pressed to her panties. I could see the outline of her folds, her fingers dipping under the waistband. I know she is trying to make me froget the bad news and make me think about other things.. <<if !$work_5_1_3>> <<link "Check the Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` i’m soaked again\n you say things like that and my body forgets everything else\n come home\n fill me up\n use me `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_5_1_3 to true>> <<goto "work_5_1">> <</link>> <<else>> I exhaled, hard. Adjusted myself beneath the desk. Thank fuck for the wide privacy panels. <<if !$work_5_1_4>> <<link "Reply Her">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` I want to fuck you the second I walk in the door.\n You’ll drop your bag and bend over the kitchen table.\n I won’t even get undressed. I’ll just take out my cock and shove it into you. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_5_1_4 to true>> <<goto "work_5_1">> <</link>> <<else>> I watched the cursor blink in our thread, then disappear. <<if !$work_5_1_5>> <<link "Check the Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` you’re not allowed to say that while i’m at work\n i’m dripping through my scrubs\n people are going to think i pissed myself\n i swear to god i’ll ruin you tonight\n just wait `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_5_1_5 to true>> <<goto "work_5_1">> <</link>> <<else>> I minimized the chat and leaned back. Looked at the screen in front of me like it meant anything anymore. I had six hours of access left. A badge that would stop working by sundown. And the only thing keeping my hands from shaking again was the image of her waiting for me. Wanting me. Not out of pity. Out of fire. I’d go home tonight and bury myself inside her so deep she’d forget her own name. I’d fuck her until our shared stress burned off like mist on skin, until our bodies were the only language we remembered. Until everything else money, layoffs, exits meant nothing. Just us. Just heat. Just escape. I exhaled. I focus on finish everything and dump my thing into box. [[Say good bye to friend|work_6]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "3:43">> The clock read 3:43 PM, but the hours had been dragging like boots through molasses since the conversation with Greaves. I sat at my desk, laptop half-disassembled beside me. I’d already wiped everything local builds, personal scripts, the repo access keys, even the custom dark theme Lena once said made my interface look “moody but sexy.” All gone. All clean. Only thing left on the screen now was my name and the logout prompt. The office had gone still. Not silent but that hushed kind of tension, like the hour before a storm. Like a classroom the day before break, except this time, I was the only one leaving. I zipped the last of my stuff into my old olive backpack, the one Lena patched last winter after I snagged it on the gate latch. The stitching was still holding. I stood up, slow. Scanned the desk one last time. Half expected something to spark to life, some message to interrupt the ending. Nothing did. Lyla slid into the seat beside me. No announcement. No smile. Just her and a red energy drink cracked open in her hand, eyeliner smudged like she’d wiped her eyes an hour ago and never fixed it. James followed behind, wheeling his chair over, elbows draped over the backrest like bad news was physically heavy. I looked up at them both. <<speech $player $playerName>>I don’t know what the fuck I’m supposed to do now.<</speech>> James scratched at his jaw. <<speech "james" "James">>Honestly? First, take a breath. Then maybe sleep for two days.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I don’t have two days. Rent’s due in twelve. Lena’s working doubles. I don’t even know if I’m eligible for temp contracts without a platform sponsor.<</speech>> Lyla made a face. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You are. Barely. But it’s brutal out there. Like, stress-hair-loss brutal.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’ve already applied to three things this week.<</speech>> James nodded, fiddling with the thermos cap in his lap. <<speech "james" "James">>Couple backend firms are still hiring. You could try GridMinds they’re mostly infrastructure modeling. Stable-ish contracts. Not sexy work, but it pays.<</speech>> I didn’t answer right away. I was staring at my fingers, wondering how long they’d keep typing when nothing was feeding them. Then Lyla leaned closer. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I saw something weird the other night.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Weird like how?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Weird like... almost dystopian, but maybe genius? It’s called Shape of You Inc. Ever heard of it?<</speech>> I shook my head. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>It popped up in my stream between crypto scams and AI therapists. All grayscale. No logo. Just: ‘Don’t just find a job. Be someone who already has one.’ Creeped me out. But I clicked it.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>You clicked the black-market ad?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I was drunk. Shut up.<</speech>> She turned to me, expression serious now. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>They’re supposedly legit. Substitution tech. You sign up, they place you into jobs where you take over someone else’s body for a contract shift. Pain studies, therapy, even military stress simulations. Not fun. Real work. Real danger. But the pay is...<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Six grand for a day shift, I heard.<</speech>> Lyla nodded. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>They don’t advertise on boards. You have to walk in. Nearest branch is down on 9th. They call it a ‘consciousness labor agency.’ Like a staffing firm, but for minds.<</speech>> I sat back, staring. <<speech $player $playerName>>You think I should try it?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I think you’re smart enough to read the fine print. And desperate enough not to wait around for QA scraps.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>If you do it… be careful. We want you back with one brain and no mysterious side effects.<</speech>> I cracked a smile. Barely. <<speech $player $playerName>>No promises.<</speech>> My phone buzzed in my pocket. [[Check Messages|work_6_1]] <>

<> <<set $currentObjectives = "Go Home, Buy Beer and Groceries">> <<set $step = 9>> <<set $phoneTime to "3:47">> <<if !$work_6_1_1>> <<link "Check Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` how’s your last hour going\n did you cry yet\n also\n i’m in the break room\n and I can still feel you from this morning\n soaked through again\n if you were here I’d ride you on this vending machine until the snacks fell out\n `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_6_1_1 to true>> <<goto "work_6_1">> <</link>> <<else>> I bit my lip and texted back fast, before my cock twitched through my jeans in front of everyone. <<if !$work_6_1>> <<link "Reply Her">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` i’m already hard just thinking about your cunt\n i want you on top of me the second i’m home\n i’m going to grip your hips and slam into you until you beg to be filled again\n fuck dinner\n I want you dripping while I kiss your stomach `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_6_1 to true>> <<goto "work_6_1">> <</link>> <<else>> Her reply came fast. <<if !$work_6_1_2>> <<link "Check the Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` fuck\n baby\n keep talking like that and I’ll leave work early\n i want you so deep tonight i forget what day it is\n i want your cum in me when i clock out tomorrow morning\n hurry home `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $work_6_1_2 to true>> <<goto "work_6_1">> <</link>> <<else>> <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> James leaned over, squinting at my reaction. <<speech "james" "James">>That Lena checking in?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She’s...motivating me to survive this day.<</speech>> Lyla smirked. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Is she sexting you from a hospital right now?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yes. And I’m not sorry.<</speech>> James chuckled, clapping my shoulder. <<speech "james" "James">>Then get out of here, man. Go home. You’ve got something worth clocking out for.<</speech>> I stood, chest tight with everything. Gratitude. Dread. Hunger. All of it. <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks. For real.<</speech>> Lyla stood too. Pulled me into a hug tighter than the one from earlier. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>You’re not alone, alright? And if you end up growing a second head from doing weird sub jobs, I’m roasting it live on stream.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Duly noted.<</speech>> James stepped in next more of a firm pat, but it still meant something. <<speech "james" "James">>Come by this weekend. I’ll make gyoza. Bring Lena. No job talk.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>And you’re coming to my place next Friday. Drinks, games, and if you mention analytics once, I’m throwing you off the balcony.<</speech>> <<speech "james" "James">>Also tommorow lets have some coffee in evening.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sure, I’ll be there. Call me..<</speech>> They walked me out past the glowing glass rooms, the slogan wall (“BUILD SOMETHING THAT LASTS”), the biometric pad that blinked green for the last time as I passed. I turned once, met their eyes. Then the elevator doors slid shut. And they were gone. [[Exit the building and Go home|office]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <>

<> The door clicked softly behind me. The apartment was dim, blinds half-drawn, thin orange veins of streetlight cutting through the space like faint pulse lines. The kind of lighting that made everything feel smaller, quieter, unreal. I dropped my backpack near the shoe rack and just stood there. The hum of the fridge in the kitchen. The faint scent of Lena’s body wash clinging to the steam-warped curtain in the bathroom. Distant voices from someone’s cracked window upstairs, muffled by bricks and distance. The shape of home was the same but the center of it felt different. My phone buzzed. <<set $phoneTime to "17:47">> <<if !$home_7_1>> <<link "Check Messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` Hope it went okay\n Picked up dumplings on the way home\n Don’t stress, okay? Love you 💛\n `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $home_7_1 to true>> <<goto "home_7">> <</link>> <<else>> <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> I stared at her message like it might change if I blinked hard enough. It didn’t. I didn’t reply right away. Anyway she is brining food today so I don’t have to cook. Just slipped into the bedroom, dropped onto the edge of the bed, and pulled the laptop open. Typed it in. **Shape of You Inc. location 9th Street** The search results were instant. First hit: stark layout. Black font, white screen. No color. The logo was strange abstract, like a mind folding inside another. A human face nested within a human face, and again within that. No motto. Just an address. Hours of operation: *Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM* *Closed Sundays.* Two buttons on screen: **APPLY NOW** **WALK-IN REGISTRATION** I hovered over one. Then the other. I clicked the site footer instead. Scanned for anything FAQs, contracts, even legal disclaimers. Most of it was locked. Gated behind login access. No job list. No candidate reviews. Just a static contact page. A single line: **For eligibility and tiering, please call during business hours.** I tapped in the number. Pressed dial. It rang. Once. Twice. Then: <<speech "ivr" "Automated Voice">>Thank you for calling Shape of You Inc. Our agents are currently unavailable. Business hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday. Please call again or visit us in person. Goodbye.<</speech>> Click. I set the phone down slowly. Closed the laptop. <<speech $player $playerName>>Tomorrow.<</speech>> I should check the open positions in job website now. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Living room and Check Job Openings">> <<set $step = 11>> [[Check Job Openings|home]] <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "19:15">> A soft rustle of her bag hitting the couch. I didn’t move. Not right away. Then I felt her her presence before her voice. Her weight pressing into the mattress behind me. She wrapped her arms around my waist and slid in close, cheek against my back. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You didn’t text back.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Didn’t know what to say.<</speech>> Her hand slid under my shirt, palm spreading over my stomach. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Say you’ll eat dumplings and let me ride you until you forget what day it is.<</speech>> I let out a low breath. Her fingers skimmed lower. Found the waistband of my jeans. <<speech $player $playerName>>I thought you’d be mad.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mad that you lost your job? Or mad that you’re hard right now because you’re thinking about filling me again?<</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/2/1.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> She pressed a kiss to my spine. Her hand slid lower, fingers curling around my cock through denim. /* <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/2/2.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> */ <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Because I’m not mad, baby. I’m dripping just thinking about you walking through that door.<</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/2/3.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> I turned. Kissed her hard, hand fisting in her damp hair. <<speech $player $playerName>>Strip. Leave the dumplings. I want you on the counter. Legs open. I’m going to fuck you before I do anything else tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm. Counter’s too high. Couch. Let me ride it out of you.<</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/2/4.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> We moved without words. Shirts discarded, jeans peeled off in the hallway. She dropped onto the couch, panties already dark at the center, thighs parted in invitation. I watched her slip two fingers in, teasing herself while I stroked my cock in front of her. She whispered it like a plea. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Put it in, baby. Deep. I need to feel you fuck the stress out of yourself.<</speech>> I did. And for a while long, slow, drawn-out minutes I stopped thinking about jobs or meetings or fake smiles across corporate desks. Just Lena. <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/2/5.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> Just the way her pussy gripped me when I hit the deepest part of her. The gasps. The sweat on her chest. Her nails dragging down my back. The sound she made when I pulled out just to press back in harder. When she moaned my name like it hurt. I came deep buried to the hilt, forehead pressed to hers and she clenched around me with a whimper. Later, her breath still catching, she whispered against my skin: <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Whatever you do tomorrow... you come back to me. Deal?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Always.<</speech>> And I meant it. She kissed my cheek on her way to the counter. I felt her lips linger just long enough to make my chest ache. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Is this the I-got-an-interview meal or the I-totally-burned-something-then-recovered-with-sauce meal?<</speech>> I didn’t answer. Couldn’t. I just stirred the pan, watching the oil bubble too fast, too hot. I could feel her eyes on me, feel the shift in her posture behind me when she realized I hadn’t fired back with some dry comeback. She turned. Saw my jaw tight. My knuckles white around the spatula. Her smile faded, slow as dusk. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Okay. What happened?<</speech>> I set the spatula down carefully. Wiped my palms on the towel that hung from the handle. Turned to face her, heart thudding so loud it felt like a threat in my throat. <<speech $player $playerName>>They let me go.<</speech>> Silence. The kind that presses in around your ribs. Only the pan still spoke quiet sizzling that felt suddenly inappropriate. She blinked. Once. Slow. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Greaves?<</speech>> I nodded. <<speech $player $playerName>>Said it wasn’t performance. Said they lost contracts. That they’re bleeding through departments.<</speech>> She stepped forward. Her fingers brushed mine, soft but steady. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>When?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Today.<</speech>> My throat was dry. I could barely say it. <<speech $player $playerName>>This afternoon.<</speech>> Her hand found mine. Closed around it. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>How long do we have?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>They’re paying out sixty days. That’s it.<</speech>> She didn’t flinch. Didn’t look away. Just nodded like she’d already started sketching a plan in her head. Then: <<speech "lena" "Lena">>We’ll figure it out.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m sorry <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>No.<</speech>> She cut me off not sharp, but final. Her fingers tightened around mine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You don’t apologize for something you couldn’t control. You’ve been killing yourself trying to stay ahead of this.<</speech>> I swallowed hard. Looked into her eyes. All I saw was calm worn and tempered, not fake. <<speech $player $playerName>>I just didn’t want to <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Lose?<</speech>> I nodded. She leaned in, pressed a kiss to my knuckles. It burned more than comforted. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>We’re still here. You. Me. Food on the stove. Rent not yet overdue. We’ll move forward. Like we always do.<</speech>> We stood there for a moment. Just breathing in sync. Then her voice softened, shifting gears. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Come to bed after dinner.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah?<</speech>> She stepped closer. Her free hand slid to my hip, fingers pressing through the fabric of my shirt. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I want to suck your cock while you’re still upset.<</speech>> My breath caught. <<speech $player $playerName>>Jesus, Lena <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Not to distract you. To remind you you’re still wanted. Needed. Claimed.<</speech>> She kissed me again this time on the jaw, mouth open, breath hot. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You come to bed tonight and fuck me like you’re still fighting for something.<</speech>> I groaned under my breath. <<speech $player $playerName>>I want to bend you over the bed, Lena. Not slow. Not soft. I want to grab your hips and slam into you until I forget what that office looked like.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You will. And I’ll moan loud enough they hear it across the hall.<</speech>> She smirked, teasing just for a moment then her thumb brushed the corner of my mouth. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>But first, dumplings. I need carbs before cock.<</speech>> I laughed, breathless. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re the worst.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You love it.<</speech>> She slipped away with a swish of her hips, headed to the bathroom, her towel from earlier slung loose around her body. I watched her go watched the subtle curve of her ass under the fabric, the promise in her step. The moment the door closed and the water started running, I exhaled. Sixty days. No job. Nothing stable on the horizon. But Lena was here. Solid. Steady. Filthy in the best ways and soft in the ones that mattered more. And tonight, I’d let it all break in bed. In her. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Bed">> <<set $step = 11.1>> [[Go to Bed|home]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "20:30">> Her hand moved lower again. Slow. Deliberate. Not teasing anymore just searching for something to hold onto. Maybe reassurance. Maybe control. Her fingers brushed my cock, still half-hard, and I sucked in a breath through my teeth. The moment wasn’t loud. It didn’t need to be. She looked up at me, lips parted. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Lie down.<</speech>> No edge in her voice. Just warmth. Steady, quiet hunger. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah?<</speech>> She nodded, already pushing the blanket off. I lay back into the couch cushions, arms behind my head. She straddled me not touching, just hovering letting her weight settle over my thighs. The hem of the old t-shirt she wore brushed my ribs. <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/3/1.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> Then she leaned down and kissed me. Soft at first. Barely pressure. Just the drag of her lips against mine. I brought my hands to her hips. Guided her forward. The shirt slipped up, exposing the small of her back, the curve of her ass. No underwear. Just heat. I groaned into her mouth. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re already soaked, aren’t you.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I’ve been dripping since I saw you reading those listings.<</speech>> She ground down against me, slow. Let my cock slide along her folds, wet and hot and not quite enough. The friction alone made me curse. Then she moved down. Off my lap. Onto the floor. Knees against the rug, palms on my thighs. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Let me taste you first.<</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/3/2.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> She bent forward and took me into her mouth. And my brain went static. The way she moved lips stretched, eyes half-lidded, mouth wet and deliberate wasn’t new. But it still wrecked me. Every time. She flattened her tongue under the shaft, swallowed me down to the base until her nose brushed my skin. I grabbed the couch cushion, trying not to buck. She pulled off with a soft pop, smirking. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I love the way you twitch in my mouth when I go deep.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And I love watching you suck me like it’s the only thing you need.<</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/3/3.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> She didn’t answer. Just dove back down. Sucked hard. Tongue swirling. I moaned low. Couldn’t help it. Eventually I sat up couldn’t take just lying there anymore and pulled her back up. Kissed her with all that heat still on her tongue. Her body melted into mine, slick and eager. I reached between her legs, two fingers sliding in easily. <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re dripping all over my hand.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Then use your mouth, baby. I want to sit on your face until I forget my name.<</speech>> I didn’t need more than that. I dragged her up onto the bed. Laid back. And let her climb over me. She hovered over my face, her pussy glistening, thighs trembling before she even settled. I grabbed her hips and pulled her down. The moment my tongue touched her clit, she gasped. Bucked. Hands braced on the wall behind the headboard. I licked slow, then fast. Broad strokes, then small, focused flicks. Her hips rocked with each movement. I could feel her fall apart above me. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fuck yes right there, don’t stop <</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/3/5.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> She shook. I groaned into her. Sucked harder. And when she came, it was sudden and sharp thighs squeezing around my face, her voice catching in a broken moan. She didn’t stop moving, even after. Just turned, straddled me again And then it was my turn. She lowered herself onto my cock, inch by inch, slow, eyes locked to mine. We stayed like that. Breathing together. She rocked once. Twice. <<speech $player $playerName>>Ride me just like that. I want to feel every drop of you sink down on me.<</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/3/4.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> She did. And we moved together. <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/3/6.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> Later, I’d flip her. Take her from behind, her cheek to the pillow. Then again her legs on my shoulders, pinned deep. I’d kiss her through every position. Bite her shoulder. Praise every inch. But right now, I just held her as she rode me in silence. Her moans the only rhythm that mattered. And when we both came again sweat-slick, shuddering it felt like release and relief all at once. We collapsed together. Twined. Our bodies tangled in sheets we didn’t bother straightening. I kissed her temple. Her collarbone. Her lips. <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/3/7.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> The room was dim, the kind of soft light that made skin look like gold and shadow. The sheets rustled as she climbed astride me, knees braced on either side of my hips. Her breath came hot against my throat, trembling as she sank down slowly, inch by inch, taking me in. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Ohhh... fuck yes... yes, so deep...<</speech>> She started to move, rolling her hips, then bouncing faster. Her hands pressed flat to my chest, nails grazing, nipples brushing my skin with every rise and fall. The wet sound of us filled the air. <<speech $player $playerName>>God, look at you...<</speech>> I caught her waist, thrusting up into her, driving her down harder. The rhythm broke into something desperate, fast, rough. <<speech $player $playerName>>Take it. Take all of it.<</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/3/8.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fuuuuck yes yes yes! Deeper! Give me more, harder!<</speech>> I flipped her, pressing her beneath me, sliding back in deep. She arched under me, legs trembling as I fucked her through the mattress, every stroke making her moan louder. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Right there don’t stop oh, fuck!<</speech>> <<if $adult_images_toggle>> <img src="images/scene/3/9.png" alt="" style="width:100%; "> <</if>> Her arms wrapped around my neck, lips crushing against mine. She whispered between breaths, voice shaking. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I love you... come inside me, I need it please...<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Not yet.<</speech>> I pulled out, flipped her onto all fours, slid back into her from behind. Her back arched, hair falling over her shoulder. I gripped it in one hand, pulling gently as my hips snapped against her. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh fuck yes harder! I’m coming again!<</speech>> Her body trembled, the sound spilling from her like a cry, her heat tightening around me. I grunted, trying to hold on, failing fast. <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m gonna come <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Do it! Fill me please I want it all, now!<</speech>> I slammed deep, groaning her name as I came hard inside her. The air hung thick with the scent of sweat and skin. We stayed locked together, hearts hammering, the world narrowing to breath and warmth. <<speech $player $playerName>>Still stressed?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Less so...<</speech>> She kissed my temple softly, pulling me against her chest, our bodies still joined under the cooling sheets. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Then sleep. We’ll survive tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah...<</speech>> I brushed my lips against her shoulder, eyes closing as the city hummed faintly outside. For now, nothing else mattered. [[Go to Sleep|morning]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "6:30">> Sunlight leaked gently through the slats of the blinds, stretching pale gold across the bed in quiet stripes. The world outside was faint and distant early traffic hum, the whir of distant drones, a bird or two daring to chirp near the high-rise vents. I was still deep in sleep, sprawled on my back, one arm over my head, breathing slow. The sheets had slipped low on my waist during the night, revealing a firm line of abs, the light trail down my navel, and the morning wood rising steadily against my stomach full, pulsing, twitching faintly with each breath. Lena moved under the sheets beside me, awake for minutes now, watching with that wicked little smirk she wore like lip gloss. Her hair was tousled, her bare skin still warm from the night before. She leaned over, kissed my shoulder gently. And then without a word slid down beneath the sheets. Her lips pressed against the base of my shaft, warm breath brushing along my length as her fingers curled around me softly. I twitched in her hand, half-aware, shifting slightly in my sleep. She stroked me once slow and firm and kissed the tip, tongue flicking delicately. <<speech $player $playerName>>Mmmnnh…<</speech>> I groaned softly, still not fully conscious, but my hips moved faintly. She took me in slowly, lips stretching around me inch by inch, tongue circling the head as she bobbed her head in a smooth rhythm. <<speech $player $playerName>>Lena…?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Shhh… don’t stop me now, baby. You’re too hard not to suck.<</speech>> I felt her grin around me, then sink down again, deeper this time taking nearly all of me as her throat flexed around my cock. Her hands massaged the base, teasing my balls, while she worked me with that practiced, loving hunger. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Fuck, you’re twitching already? You miss my mouth that much?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>F-fuck… that feels so fucking good…<</speech>> My hand slid into her hair, gripping gently as she moaned around me, sending a hot, tight shiver through my entire body. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Keep talking like that and I’ll leave work early. Make you cum in my throat twice before lunch.<</speech>> My hips rolled against her mouth, fucking up into her gently as she took me deeper, faster now, her tongue dancing over every sensitive inch. I felt myself climbing, muscles tightening, breath growing ragged. <<speech $player $playerName>>Shit Lena I’m gonna <</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Yeah, cum for me, baby. Give it to me. I want your load first thing breakfast of champions.<</speech>> She didn’t stop. I came with a low, helpless groan, cock pulsing in her mouth as she swallowed everything, lips still wrapped around me, tongue lapping the last drops slowly. <<speech $player $playerName>>God… fuck…<</speech>> She pulled off with a kiss to the tip, licking her lips slow and dirty, smiling up at me, eyes sleepy but so damn mischievous. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Figured you could use a stress reliever.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That was… holy fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm, I’m not done with you. I want your cock in me when I clock out tomorrow morning, dripping. And if you’re lucky, I’ll let you eat it back out of me before dinner.<</speech>> She crawled back up the bed, kissing my chest along the way, her hand never quite leaving me. I was still hard. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hurry home later. I want you so deep tonight I forget what day it is.<</speech>> I reached for her, already half-hard again just from the way her voice curled around the filth. But she only grinned and pulled the sheet up to her waist, curling against my side like nothing had happened. My heart was still pounding. <<set $currentObjectives = "Give Morning after pill to Lena">> [[Wake up|morning_1_after]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "7:00">> The room smelled like her skin, sweat, shampoo, and the faint sweetness of sex. The sunlight had brightened, turning everything a soft gold haze. She lay there next to me, lazy and smug, tracing idle circles on my chest with one fingertip. I watched her for a moment, still catching my breath, still half-dazed, then turned my head toward the nightstand where the small blue box sat waiting. The one I’d picked up yesterday. I reached for it slowly, the cardboard cool against my palm. <<speech $player $playerName>>Hey... before we forget again.<</speech>> I held the box out to her. Her eyes flicked down, then back up to my face, the smirk tugging softly at one corner of her mouth. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re actually remembering this time? My responsible king.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Trying to build some adult credibility here.<</speech>> She sat up, the sheet slipping off her shoulders, breasts catching the light in a way that made my mouth go dry all over again. She took the box from me, turning it in her hand. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You even got the right brand. Look at you. Growth.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, well. Brenda supervised. She threatened to quiz me on contraceptive efficiency rates if I picked the wrong one.<</speech>> Lena laughed quietly, shaking a pill free and reaching for the glass of water on her side of the bed. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>God bless Brenda. Guess I owe her a thank-you text for making sure you didn’t come home with vitamins again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That was one time.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mm-hmm. Sure it was.<</speech>> She tipped the pill onto her tongue, swallowed, then leaned in and kissed me slow, lingering, still tasting faintly of mint and mischief. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>There. Crisis averted. Now we can go back to being horny and poor in peace.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Music to my ears.<</speech>> She smiled, settled back against me, her head on my shoulder. Outside, a drone buzzed past the window, the city coming alive again. Inside, everything felt warm, still, suspended. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’ll find something soon, you know.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. Maybe today’s the day.<</speech>> She hummed softly, eyes already half closed. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm. Just… not yet. Let’s stay like this a little longer.<</speech>> I kissed her hair and exhaled slow, the pill box forgotten on the nightstand, the morning stretching lazy and endless around us. <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Washroom">> <<set $step = 12>> [[Go to Shower|washroom]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "7:30">> We showered together, water steaming around us. No more sex just closeness. Her back pressed to my chest as I worked the soap over her shoulders, fingers slipping down her arms. I liked the way she leaned into it, hips brushing mine lazily with each shift. Her fingers moved over my ribs, light, teasing. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm, still hard. Should’ve swallowed twice, huh?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You trying to make you late?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Keep talking like that and I’ll call in sick. Let you fuck me over the kitchen counter till I forget my damn badge number.<</speech>> I kissed her shoulder just under the curve of her neck, grinning against her skin. She giggled when I nipped her lightly. We talked softly about nothing. The news. Her coworkers. Whether or not we needed more chili oil. I made a face when she said she was considering that weird fermented stuff again. <<speech $player $playerName>>Last time smelled like foot.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Hot, salty foot. Don’t act like you didn’t finish the jar.<</speech>> [[Go outside|home_morning_routine_1]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "7:45">> By the time we stepped out, the apartment smelled like coffee again. I made scrambled eggs with green onion. Lena popped sourdough slices into our rickety toaster, smacking it when it jammed like usual. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>One day I’m replacing this damn thing with a flamethrower. We’ll have toast in .4 seconds, flat.<</speech>> We moved around each other easily, barefoot, touching in passing hip bumps, a squeeze on her waist, her fingers dragging down the small of my back. I kissed her forehead while flipping eggs. She stole a green onion slice off the counter and moaned like it was a crime of passion. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>God, I’d let you do filthy things to me if you cooked naked every morning.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Thought I already did filthy things to you this morning.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You think that counts? Baby, I want your cum in me when I clock out tomorrow morning.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Jesus, Ortez.<</speech>> [[Sit and Eat|home_morning_routine_2]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "8:00">> We sat cross-legged on the couch with our plates, her knee brushing mine every few seconds. She took a sip of her second coffee, eyeing me over the rim. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You thought more about your next move?<</speech>> I hesitated, watching the steam rise from my eggs. Then nodded slowly, setting the fork down. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I actually applied for a few positions last night some remote, some contract stuff. If any of them call back, I’ll line up interviews this week.<</speech>> I took a sip of my coffee, the bitterness grounding. <<speech $player $playerName>>There’s also a job fair in the town center today. Walk-in interviews, a few companies that don’t require appointments. Figured I’d hit those one, maybe two possible fits.<</speech>> Lena nodded, setting her mug down on the table, giving me that small, encouraging look that said she was proud but also quietly tracking every word. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That’s good. It’s something, right? Movement.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah.<</speech>> I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling the nerves crawl back up. <<speech $player $playerName>>There’s… something else I found too. Some company called Shape of You Inc.<</speech>> Her brows lifted slightly. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That’s a name.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah, I know. My frinds in office told about that also It popped up on a listing site. Looks like they deal in consciousness transfer basically renting out your mind to handle remote labor tasks. It sounds insane, honestly but the payout is huge. Enough to clear rent for months.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Wait, like… you lend them your consciousness? What happens to your body meanwhile?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I also don't know atleast my frinds also don't know what exactly it is..From what I read, they keep you in some kind of neural sync pod. Everything’s automated. Safe, supposedly. You wake up after the shift with a paycheck and maybe a mild headache.<</speech>> She frowned, the kind of frown that meant she was already building a list of questions I couldn’t answer. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>That sounds like a bad sci-fi episode waiting to happen.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Probably. But it pays a lot, Lena. Like stupid amounts. Even if it’s just for a month or two it could buy us time. I’ll check it out after the job fair. Just to see what kind of place it is.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’re nervous about it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. A bit. I don’t know. It just feels... strange. But I’ll figure it out when I get there.<</speech>> She reached out, brushing her thumb over my knuckles, her eyes softer now. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Just promise me you won’t sign anything on the spot, okay? Check it first. Make sure your consciousness comes back in one piece.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Deal.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Good. Now eat before the eggs go cold, ambitious man.<</speech>> I smiled faintly, picking up my fork again, letting her teasing settle the nerves buzzing under my skin. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I’m gonna go check out that Shape of You place. See if it’s real. If there’s a decent job I can survive.<</speech>> She went quiet, eyes on her plate, twisting her ring around her finger once. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You nervous?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Terrified.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>But still going.<</speech>> I looked at her. She was already looking back. <<speech $player $playerName>>We can’t wait forever. I’ll do this smart. No pain gigs. No long-term crap. Just a toe in the water.<</speech>> She reached over and squeezed my hand, her thumb stroking mine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>I trust you. But if anything feels wrong you walk. No pay’s worth a broken you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I will.<</speech>> She leaned in and kissed my cheek, warm and lingering, then stood up and stretched with a soft groan. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Wish me luck with Cam today. He tried to bite the therapy AI yesterday. Again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You got this. You always do.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmhmm. But if he starts frothing again, I’m gonna need a reward. Maybe you on your knees when I get home. Or balls deep while dinner burns.<</speech>> She grinned, kissed me again slow and soft, her lips barely moving against mine. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Call me after?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Promise.<</speech>> She grabbed her bag and headed for the door, slapping my ass as she passed. I watched her go, my chest tight, my cock half-hard again just from her mouth. Goddamn woman knew exactly what she was doing. [[Ready for the day|home_morning_routine_3]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "10:43">> It was 10:43 AM when I finally grabbed my coat, tablet, and stepped out the door. My key clicked behind me, that soft finality of a morning you can't take back. The apartment still smelled faintly like her shampoo and the sourdough she never finished. My wrist buzzed before I hit the elevator. <<if !$home_morning_routine_3_1>> <<link "Check messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` Miss u already. My seat still smells like you. Think I’m wet again. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $home_morning_routine_3_1 to true>> <<goto "home_morning_routine_3">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$home_morning_routine_3_2>> <<link "Reply Her">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` Behave. You're at work. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $home_morning_routine_3_2 to true>> <<goto "home_morning_routine_3">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$home_morning_routine_3_3>> <<link "Check messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` Keep reminding me. Or don’t. I wanna be dripping by lunch. Want you to clean me up later with your mouth. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $home_morning_routine_3_3 to true>> <<goto "home_morning_routine_3">> <</link>> <<else>> The elevator ride down was quiet, a soft instrumental humming from the panel’s default music feed. Some gentle synth blend pretending it was relaxing me. I leaned against the wall, staring at my reflection in the chrome. My cock gave a slow, pulsing twitch just thinking about that message. Fuck. I adjusted myself subtly, hoping the lobby cam wasn’t angled too low. Another buzz. <<if !$home_morning_routine_3_4>> <<link "Check messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` Hurry home, baby. Want your cum so deep I feel it when I bend over at the copier. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $home_morning_routine_3_4 to true>> <<goto "home_morning_routine_3">> <</link>> <<else>> I chuckled under my breath. <<if !$home_morning_routine_3_5>> <<link "Reply her">> <<run $messages.push({"to": $player, "image": "", "text": ` You keep talking like that and I’ll never make it to the damn interview. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $home_morning_routine_3_5 to true>> <<goto "home_morning_routine_3">> <</link>> <<else>> <<if !$home_morning_routine_3_6>> <<link "Check messages">> <<run $messages.push({"from": "lena", "image": "", "text": ` Then fail on purpose. Be my little house slut. I’ll buy you cute aprons. `})>> <<run showMessagesPanel()>> <<set $home_morning_routine_3_6 to true>> <<goto "home_morning_routine_3">> <</link>> <<else>> <<run hideMessagesPanel()>> The doors opened. I stepped onto the sidewalk. The city was loud again. Harsh. Moving too fast. <<set $currentObjectives = "Visit Town Center">> <<set $step = 13>> [[Visit Town Center|outside]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <>

<> <<set $phoneTime to "09:02">> <<set $currentObjectives to "Complete Day 1 of Tier 0 Orientation at Shape of You Inc.">> The facility loomed sleek and monolithic, all brushed metal and curved glass, like a corporate cathedral. The air just inside the entrance hummed with sterilized chill and quiet murmurs from a dozen other arrivals, all visibly uncertain. I stood clutching my clearance card with Tier 0 Orientation – Approved printed on its glossy surface. This was it. Then he walked in. Instructor Marcus Verel. If this place was a cathedral, he was the high priest of consciousness transfer. Mid forties, maybe, though he carried himself like a man who’d already lived half a dozen lives. Six-foot-two, trim but broad, shoulders squared beneath a navy synthetic fiber coat that snapped along his chest with embedded biomonitors. Silver threaded patches at the collar marked him as Instructor Level 2. His hair was dark, slicked neatly, with streaks of deliberate gunmetal gray at the temples, giving the impression of authority without artificial youth. Eyes are pale green, piercing, framed by precise crow’s feet that deepened when he smiled which was rare, apparently. His voice, though, made everyone shut up the moment it filled the room. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Alright, candidates. Let's begin.<</speech>> I followed him into the Orientation Hall, a large, dimly lit room where the ceiling streamed subtle blue lighting and a giant display screen dominated one wall. Chairs were arranged in semicircles facing him. I took mine near the front, heart drumming, jaw tight. He paced once in front of the display and tapped a biometric key on his wrist. The screen bloomed to life with stark white text and bullet points. <div class="slide-box"> <h1 class="slide-title">Tier 0: Orientation</h1> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Welcome to Consciousness Transfer Training</li> <li>Instructor: Marcus Verel, Level 2</li> <li>Duration: 1 hour</li> <li>Objective: Understand the fundamentals of consciousness transfer and its ethical implications</li> <li>Format: Lecture, discussion, and practical exercises</li> </ul> </div> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Course Overview</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Introduction to consciousness transfer</li> <li>Understanding the process and its limitations</li> <li>Ethical and legal considerations</li> <li>Practical exercises and roleplay scenarios</li> <li>Agreements, contracts, and liability</li> <li>Long-term risks and psychological effects</li> </ul> </div> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title" style="margin-top: 30px; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600;"> Welcome to Consciousness Transfer Training </div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>This is not fantasy. This is not indulgence. This is reality, governed by law, ethics, and biological limitations.</li> <li>You do not become someone else. You temporarily wear their body, and they may wear yours if an agreement permits.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Let me be absolutely clear from the start. This is not fantasy.<</speech>> He began, voice crisp, modulated. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>This is not indulgence. This is reality. It is governed by law, by ethics, and by biological limitation.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You do not become someone else. You wear them for a time and they, in turn, wear you if agreement allows.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Consciousness Transfer Fundamentals</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Your mind is deconstructed and pattern-mapped at the neuroelectric level.</li> <li>This map is translated into a digital schema and transferred across a secure link.</li> <li>The schema is installed into a compatible, consented, and vetted host body.</li> <li>You remain conscious during the transition unless stabilization requires otherwise.</li> <li>Sensations during transfer include: <ul> <li>Disorientation</li> <li>Pressure at the base of the skull</li> <li>Full-body thermal shift like being submerged in static-charged water</li> </ul> </li> <li>These sensations are brief. You’ll adapt with experience.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Here’s how it works.<</speech>> He pointed. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Your mind is deconstructed and pattern-mapped at the neuroelectric level. That map is translated into a digital schema, transferred across a secure link, and installed into a compatible receiver body host.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So, how do you make sure the host body is safe to use?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>The host must be consented. Host must be vetted. You remain conscious during transition unless otherwise required for stabilization.<</speech>> He turned toward us. <<speech $player $playerName>>What does it feel like during the transfer? Is it painful?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Sensations during transfer include disorientation, pressure at the base of the skull, and a full-body thermal shift think being submerged in water made of static. You’ll learn the feel of it. You’ll adapt. It’s brief.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How long does the whole transfer process usually take?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Typically just a few minutes, but it varies with system load and host compatibility.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Limitations</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Basic transfers last a maximum of 72 hours without strain.</li> <li>Repeated swaps degrade stability, both physical and psychological.</li> <li>Each body has unique compatibility thresholds not every transfer is safe.</li> <li>Training is required to identify early warning signs of rejection or overload.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Basic Transfers last a maximum of 72 hours without strain.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Repeated swaps degrade stability both physical and psychological.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll be trained to recognize early warning signs. Each body has compatibility thresholds. You can't jump into just anyone.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do we… remember everything? After?<</speech>> I raised my hand. He gestured for me to speak. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You remember will everything. Your brain records as if it were your body muscle memory, sensory feedback, even emotions.<</speech>> He tilted his head approvingly. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You remember what you do. What you feel. That’s why everything we do from here forward is regulated to the millimeter.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Practical: Supervised Introductory Swap</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Each participant will undergo a controlled, supervised body swap lasting 1 - 4 hours.</li> <li>You will inhabit a female body for the first time under observation and support.</li> <li>Monitored metrics include: <ul> <li>Vitals</li> <li>Speech and motor control</li> <li>Psychological stability</li> </ul> </li> <li>Participants will follow a restricted set of tasks: <ul> <li>Walking</li> <li>Eating</li> <li>Looking in mirrors</li> </ul> </li> <li>You will return to your original body when signaled.</li> <li>A debrief and group discussion will follow immediately after.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Each day, each of you will enter a controlled swap. 1 hour to 4 hours. You’ll inhabit a female body for the first time. You will not be alone.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wait every day? With a different body each time?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. Variation builds adaptability. We don’t train tourists. We train professionals.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Observers will monitor your vitals, speech, voluntary motor functions, and psychological markers.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So... we’re being graded?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Not graded. Evaluated. There’s no passing or failing only readiness. Or risk. You have to full understand before move further<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You will not be allowed to stray from a predefined set of daily tasks walking, eating, looking in mirrors. You’ll return when signaled.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Why mirrors?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Because how you react to your reflection tells us more than any brain scan ever could.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you’ll talk about it. With us.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>if we don’t want to talk?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you’re not ready and we don’t let unready people back into someone else’s life.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Ethical & Legal Considerations</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Consent is sacred not a formality. Every body represents a real life.</li> <li>Even rented or sold bodies must be treated with full respect and care.</li> <li>Any violation of boundaries intentional or accidental has real consequences.</li> <li>Key legal frameworks include: <ul> <li>Legal status of transferred entities</li> <li>Consent enforcement mechanisms</li> <li>Privacy and boundary protections</li> <li>Confidentiality clause obligations</li> </ul> </li> <li>Violations may lead to immediate expulsion and potential legal prosecution.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>This is where people mess up.<</speech>> He turned, voice hardening. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Consent is not just a checkbox. It’s sacred. The body you wear is a life someone’s real body. Even if rented, even if sold.<</speech>> [[Ask a Question|tier_0_day_1_12]] <>

<> <<speech $player $playerName>>But if they agreed to the swap… doesn’t that mean we can just <</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>No. Consent has context, conditions, and limits. Agreement is not ownership.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Touch, exposure, violation of boundaries intentional or accidental has consequences.<</speech>> He swept a hand across the screen. <<speech $player $playerName>>What kind of consequences?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Disqualification. Suspension. Legal charges. Some jurisdictions treat violation in a borrowed body as equivalent to violation in your own.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if something happens by accident? We react wrong like, instinct kicks in.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you report it. Immediately. We train you to recognize the line and to take responsibility if you cross it.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You breach the rules? You're done and possibly prosecuted.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Practical: Roleplay Scenarios</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Participants will engage in guided scenarios simulating real-world challenges, including: <ul> <li>Medical emergencies</li> <li>Unexpected encounters with the host's acquaintances</li> <li>Involuntary arousal responses</li> <li>Situations involving potential nudity</li> </ul> </li> <li>The goal is to build ethical reflexes not impulsive reactions.</li> <li>Participants are expected to respond with responsibility, composure, and respect.</li> <li>Remember: you’re entrusted with someone else's body treat it with care, not ego or desire.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll soon act out situations involving medical emergencies, surprise interactions with the host's acquaintances, accidental arousal responses, and yes potential nudity.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wait nudity? Isn’t that kind of... risky for a training scenario?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. That’s why we do it here. In a safe, controlled setting not when you're on assignment and unprepared.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll learn to react ethically. Not impulsively.<</speech>> He stepped forward, folding his arms. <<speech $player $playerName>>What if someone *does* react impulsively?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then they are pulled from the program. No second chances with someone else’s body.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Don’t think with your libido. Don’t think with your ego. Think like someone trusted with the most intimate responsibility there is another human being's body.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So... we’re not just learning control. We’re proving we deserve it.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. Some of you won’t make it past this part. That’s by design.<</speech>> He sighed, a flicker of exhaustion crossing his eyes. He’d given this speech a hundred times. Maybe a thousand. [[Check the Agreements and Contracts|tier_0_day_1_16]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Slide 3: Agreements & Contracts</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>All transfers are governed by written agreements customized, negotiated, and time locked.</li> <li>Participants will: <ul> <li>Study real contract templates</li> <li>Draft mock contracts</li> <li>Undergo assessments on liability terms</li> </ul> </li> <li>Violation penalties may include: <ul> <li>Fines</li> <li>Blacklisting from transfer networks</li> <li>Incarceration in severe cases</li> </ul> </li> <li>Coverage plans address: <ul> <li>Medical emergencies</li> <li>Emotional and psychological harm</li> </ul> </li> <li>Hosts retain full withdrawal rights at any point, unless legally overridden.</li> <li>Ethical obligation: never abuse the life, space, or relationships of another person’s body.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Every transfer is covered by a written agreement customized, negotiated, time-locked.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Time-locked? You mean we can't just break it off if something goes wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. Contracts are legally binding. Emergencies are handled through failover protocols, not emotional whims.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll study them. You’ll write your own mock contracts. You’ll be grilled on liability.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What kind of liability are we talking about?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Violation penalties range from financial fines to blacklisting and, in severe cases, incarceration.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Imagine someone walks off with your life eats your food, meets your friends, sleeps in your bed, leaves your body injured.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>There's nothing you can do about it?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Now imagine they get away with it.<</speech>> He let the thought hang. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s why the agreement matters. It’s the only shield you have when you’re not the one behind your own eyes.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Long-Term Risks</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Transfers carry psychological as well as physical risks individual reactions vary.</li> <li>Common long-term effects include: <ul> <li>Identity dissonance</li> <li>Emotional bleedthrough between host and guest</li> <li>Gender dysphoria or shifts in sexual and emotional attraction</li> <li>Reactivation of repressed trauma or memory triggers</li> </ul> </li> <li>Post-swap integration is essential to restore mental clarity and emotional balance.</li> <li>Your mind adapts to experience and every body leaves an imprint.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>This isn’t just physical. Some of you will come back from your first swap rattled.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You mean like… trauma?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>In some cases, yes. Disassociation, emotional bleedthrough, even identity confusion. It happens.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Some of you will love it too much. Others will panic. We prepare you for that.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if I feel more like myself in someone else’s body?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you’ll need to talk to Psychological Services. Immediately. That’s not failure that’s awareness. We don’t punish honesty. We punish recklessness.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Your mind molds to what it lives through. You don’t leave a body untouched or untouched by it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So… the more time I spend in someone else, the more I change?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Not just you your wants, your reflexes, your sense of self. It’s neuroplasticity. Adaptation and it’s why we have strict time limits and psychological reviews.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Practical: Discussion Groups</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Participants will engage in moderated sessions with real-world cases and firsthand accounts.</li> <li>Guest speakers may include: <ul> <li>Survivors of difficult or traumatic transfers</li> <li>Individuals struggling with swap-related addiction or dependency</li> <li>Those who formed attachments to lives that weren't theirs</li> <li>People who never fully reintegrated</li> </ul> </li> <li>The goal is to listen, understand, and internalize the human cost of carelessness or obsession.</li> <li>Reflection and group dialogue will follow each session.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll meet real people. Survivors. Addicts. People who fell in love with someone else's life.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You mean like... they didn’t want to return to their own body?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Some didn’t. Some couldn’t. Their minds wrapped themselves around a life that wasn’t theirs until they forgot where they began.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>People who never quite made it back. They’ll tell you what happened and you’ll listen.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if their stories scare people off?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Good. If fear makes you pause, you’re paying attention. This training is about understanding the cost not just the capability.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Every person you hear from is someone who crossed a line. You’ll learn to recognize that line before you ever step near it.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Daily Practical Assignments</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Enter a supervised transfer into a female body lasting 3 to 4 hours.</li> <li>Perform routine, non-sexual, sexual, non-extreme and extreme activities under observation.</li> <li>Monitoring includes emotional response, ethical adherence, and behavior assessment.</li> <li>Post-transfer, participate in an in-depth debrief covering all observations.</li> <li>Only upon successful completion will you be permitted to enter Tier 1.</li> <li>"If you're here to indulge, leave now. If you're here to learn? Welcome."</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You will enter a supervised transfer into a female body for 3–4 hours.<</speech>> He read it aloud from the screen, voice steady, unreadable. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You will perform routine activities. Nothing sexual, nothing extreme. No sexual or extreme behaviors are allowed during this phase.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What kind of activities?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Walking. Eating. Holding a conversation. Looking at yourself in a mirror. Mundane things until they aren't.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You will be monitored and reviewed. After, you will undergo an in-depth debrief covering emotional response, ethical adherence, and behavioral performance.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What about sexual or extreme situations? When do those come in?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Those come later. In higher tiers, you’ll encounter sexual and extreme scenarios but only after proving your control and responsibility in the basics.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So you're not just checking what we do. You're checking how we *feel* doing it.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. We need to know if you reacted with respect or curiosity tainted by impulse.<</speech>> Then, quieter, but still clear: <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Only after that are you permitted to enter Tier 1.<</speech>> The screen dimmed. Silence stretched over us like a pressure system. He scanned the room slowly, deliberately. When his eyes met mine, I froze. For a second, it felt like he saw right through me past the questions, past the curiosity, straight to the thing I hadn’t dared admit even to myself. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>If you're here to indulge, leave now.<</speech>> The warning wasn’t barked. It didn’t need to be. The weight of it sank into the room. Then his voice dropped, softer but somehow even firmer. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>If you're here to learn? Welcome.<</speech>> He stepped away from the podium, hands clasped behind his back. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Orientation is now concluded. Tier 0 practicals begin tomorrow same time, same room. If you return, you begin your first transfer. Complete Tier 0 successfully, and only then do you unlock Tier 1. That’s when real assignments begin.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And the higher tiers…?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Tier 2. Tier 3. Higher pay. More sensitive roles. Full-body professions, long-term swaps, covert social immersion. But only if you earn it. One tier at a time.<</speech>> He paused at the door. One last glance over the room. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You want to wear another life? First prove you can carry the weight of it.<</speech>> [[Complete the Orientation|tier_0_day_1_27]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Orientation Complete</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Complete Tier 0 to qualify for swap jobs and unlock Tier 1.</li> <li>Advancing through tiers grants access to more advanced jobs and greater earnings.</li> <li>Progression path: <ul> <li>Tier 0 - Introductory training and basic swaps</li> <li>Tier 1 - Standard swaps and entry-level jobs</li> <li>Higher Tiers - Advanced swaps, specialized roles, increased rewards</li> </ul> </li> <li>Only after completing each tier can you progress to the next and access its benefits.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Orientation is over. If you’re serious, return tomorrow to begin Tier 0 and practicals.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Complete Tier 0 first. Only then will you be eligible for official swap assignments and unlock Tier 1.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Tier 1 introduces monitored assignments, limited duration transfers with review boards, and basic compensated jobs.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Each new tier unlocks higher access longer durations, specialty roles, private contracts, international travel, full-immersion jobs.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll rise based on performance, ethics, adaptability, and peer feedback. Not speed. Not thrill-seeking.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>If you’re here to climb the system, start by earning the bottom rung.<</speech>> He gave one last look across the room quiet, steady. No smile. Just silence. Then he stepped away from the podium. The lights came up. I sat there, not moving, the weight of everything settling in. The door clicked open behind us. Tomorrow, it would begin. <<set $phoneTime to "16:00">> <<set $currentObjectives to "Go to Coffee shop and call Lena.">> <<set $step = 18.1>> [[Leave Shape of You Inc|city]] <>

<> I was already seated when Instructor Marcus entered, this time in a slimmer black instructor’s coat with a muted silver vertical stripe along the spine. Morning sun filtered through smart-tinted glass behind him, throwing soft white glow across the rows of learning pods. Around me, a dozen other candidates fidgeted, some sipping water, others still stiff with anticipation. I just stared at him. No one asked questions when he began. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Morning, candidates. This is Day One of your Tier 0. Everything starts here.<</speech>> He tapped his wrist console. The front wall shimmered to life with a new slide: <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Welcome to Consciousness Transfer: Tier 0 - Day 1</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Topic: Introduction & Consciousness Basics</li> <li>Motto: “Know the body. Know the mind. Know the cost.”</li> <li>You've signed preliminary waivers and entered the system. You are now trusted to begin learning.</li> <li>Definition of Consciousness Transfer: <ul> <li>The remote, temporary relocation of an individual’s subjective self thoughts, identity, memory, perception into a host body.</li> <li>Both systems are preserved intact. You in them. Them untouched.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Origins: <ul> <li>First developed as a military contingency in the early 2040s.</li> <li>Initial goal: "Dead soldier, live mind. Upload and return."</li> <li>Outcome: Failed - unstable grafts, PTSD, and moral backlash.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Evolution of Purpose: <ul> <li>Medicine came later - rehabilitation, disability support, gender dysphoria therapy, trauma recovery.</li> <li>Eventually led to commercialization and wide-scale adoption.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Let’s not waste time. You’ve signed your preliminary waivers. You’re in the system. Which means you’re trusted enough to learn.<</speech>> He turned to us fully. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Let’s start at the root.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>The definition we use in this facility is simple<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It is the remote, temporary relocation of an individual’s subjective self thoughts, identity, memory, perception into a host body, while preserving both systems intact. You in them. Them untouched.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>The tech was developed first as a military contingency in the early 2040s. Dead soldier, live mind. Upload and return. Failed spectacularly unstable grafts, PTSD, moral backlash.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>But then someone saw a future in it.<</speech>> He looked directly at me for a moment. <<speech $player $playerName>>So it wasn’t medical? Not at first?<</speech>> I raised a brow. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Medicine came later. Rehabilitation. Disability support. Gender dysphoria treatment. Psychological trauma therapy. Then, of course…<</speech>> He gave a humorless smile. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Commercialization.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Evolution of the Tech</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>2040: First unstable pattern-mapping prototypes developed.</li> <li>2056: First successful biocompatible transfer conducted between consenting siblings.</li> <li>2062: Commercial applications introduced via the TimeLimit Protocol system.</li> <li>2067: Legalization of controlled transfers in 38 countries.</li> <li>2070: Global ratification of the Ethics Treaty on Consciousness Transfer and Host Rights.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Now it’s everywhere. Entertainment. Therapy. Criminal justice. Kink. It’s a market and a philosophy.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Kink,<</speech>> My throat tightened at the word, but I didn’t ask. Not yet. <<speech $player $playerName>>You mean people do this… to get off?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>More than that. They live for it. To be taken over. To take. Some seek sensation. Some want power real, anatomical power. Ever felt someone come with your own nerves? Ever made a stranger moan through lips you don’t own? That’s not fantasy anymore.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re not just using someone else’s body. You’re being them. Moment to moment. Thought to breath?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. You don’t puppeteer. You become. Your will hijacks their systems. You twitch their fingers, taste with their tongue, feel the heat in their groin. But not memory you do not acquire their knowledge. Their brain becomes your stage. Your software, their hardware.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So if I wanted to… I could walk someone into a room, smile their smile, talk their talk but I wouldn’t know what they know?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. You’d sound like them, sure. Their vocal cords, their larynx. But the words? That’s all you. That’s why immersion training matters. You want to impersonate? You’d better practice. Otherwise you walk into a party and say something they never would, and the whole illusion shatters.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How deep does it go? Can I feel their heartbeat? Their… reactions?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Every tick. Every surge. You’ll feel their clit pulse under silk. You’ll feel a cock harden without touching it, just because they saw something hot. Their wetness, their sweat, the tremble in their thighs you get it all. Like slipping into the front seat of a car you didn’t build but suddenly own.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And they can’t stop it?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Not unless they’re trained. Or fighting. Some lock up. Some scream inside. Some… give in. The system tracks resistance. Sometimes it turns people on. Sometimes it breaks them.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Jesus. And this is legal?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Parts of it. Depends on jurisdiction. Depends on consent. Depends how far you’re willing to bend what counts as a 'yes.'<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And in kink scenarios People just… let themselves be walked?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>They crave it. Some offer themselves. Others charge. Ever fuck someone while they’re watching from the inside? Not watching you. Watching themselves. Being fucked. Their body riding yours, their cunt dripping, their throat begging, but their eyes wide with helplessness? That’s power. Or it’s surrender, depending who’s holding the reins.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And the operator feels everything?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Every. Goddamn. Pulse. A mouth stretches, a moan slips out, and it’s your breath doing the work. You’re thrusting with hips that don’t belong to you, gasping in a pitch you’ve never made. And when they come? It’s through your will. Your command. Your rhythm. Their orgasm, your high.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What stops someone from abusing that?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Nothing. And everything. Contracts. Fail-safes. Mutual destruction. Or… trust. Because once someone opens their nervous system to you, they are literally handing over their agency. The deepest submission possible. And people pay for that privilege.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So if I walk someone… and I hurt them…?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you felt that pain first. You pressed the nail. You curled the fist. You made their nerves scream, and you rode the echo. If they come out damaged, you remember every second. Don’t get it twisted this isn’t roleplay. This is real as bone.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’ve done it?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>I’ve lived a dozen lives. I’ve kissed with tongues that weren’t mine, bled from wounds I didn’t earn, screamed in voices that still haunt me. And I’ve made others feel things they didn’t know they were capable of.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And now you teach?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>I prepare. I don’t teach how to use bodies. I teach how to deserve them.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And me? What am I here for?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Because you didn’t run. You didn’t object. You didn’t moralize. You heard the word ‘kink’ and your throat clenched, but you stayed. That tells me everything.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So what happens now?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Now? You breathe in someone else’s skin. And don’t exhale until you’re ready to never come back.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Core Concept - Consciousness ≠ Brain</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Brain: Biological organ. Processes memory, regulates hormones, manages sensory input.</li> <li>Consciousness: Your awareness, identity, decision-making the self that observes and acts.</li> <li>In a transfer, your consciousness overlays the host’s live brain structure without erasing it.</li> <li>Host memories are quarantined. You cannot access their life history or emotions.</li> <li>However, somatic memory (muscle habits, speech patterns, reflexes) may surface.</li> <li>Examples of reflex bleed-through: <ul> <li>Speaking with their dialect or accent unintentionally</li> <li>Reacting to pain or emotion from old injuries</li> <li>Instinctively performing learned behaviors of the host</li> </ul> </li> <li>This is not hijacking it’s temporary, guided rental under supervision.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech $player $playerName>>But… isn’t that backwards? The brain makes the mind.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s the common view and it’s mostly correct. But in this program, we separate them by function.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How do you mean separate by function?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Brain: biological organ, seat of memory, hormone regulation, sensory input. Consciousness: your awareness, your narrative, your intent. When we transfer, we overlay your consciousness onto their brain’s live scaffolding.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So I’m... hijacking their brain?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Not hijack. Rental. Guided, limited, and recoverable. Their memories are stored, quarantined. You can’t access their history, their feelings, their habits unless your body starts mimicking by reflex. That’s where risk begins.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You mean like… their instincts bleed in?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. Somatic memory. Muscle habit. Conditioned patterns. You might speak in their dialect. You might scratch their old wound. Your body will try to help you be them.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So even if I don’t know their past, their body might remember things I don’t?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. And that’s where the line gets blurry. Because if your conscious intent and their unconscious routine clash, it causes behavioral drift. That’s when oversight steps in.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And if I go too deep? Lose track of myself?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you’re not walking anymore. You’re drowning. That’s why we keep sessions short, interfaces monitored, and backups ready.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But I’m still me… even inside them?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. But their body wants to help. Sometimes, too much. That’s where training matters most.<</speech>> He tapped a new slide. <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Understanding the Concept of Self in Transfer</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>You remain yourself. Your core identity stays intact throughout the transfer.</li> <li>You experience the host body as if it were your own - sensation, movement, perspective.</li> <li>The host’s subconscious may react to external stimuli or emotional triggers.</li> <li>All conscious decisions are still made by you, not the host brain.</li> <li>Exceptions occur only in cases of stability fracture - a mismatch or overload in integration.</li> <li>Failures are rare, but they do happen: <ul> <li>Accidental - due to incompatible host biology or trauma</li> <li>Intentional - when users refuse to return, preferring the new body</li> </ul> </li> <li>All transfers are supervised to prevent these outcomes.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You remain yourself. You feel the body as if it were yours. Their subconscious may respond to external triggers. But you make decisions. Unless stability fractures.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Stability fractures?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>When your conscious layer blurs with their autonomic patterns. The body starts routing decisions reflexively, bypassing your override. You lose precision. Then orientation. Then self.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And we can prevent that?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. That’s what training is for. Pattern recognition. Exit protocols. Monitoring thresholds. Every session has a lifeline.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Have people ever… not come back?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Rare. But yes. Sometimes by accident. Sometimes by choice.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Choice? You mean they wanted to stay inside someone else?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Some find clarity in someone else’s silence. A clean slate. No past. No fear. Just sensation. For a few, that’s more appealing than return.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And when it’s an accident?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Usually failure to monitor integration drift. They lean too hard into mimicry. Ignore the symptoms. By the time the body feels natural, the mind’s already compromised.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But there are safeguards?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Always. No one transfers without them. But safeguards are only as strong as the user’s awareness. That’s why we teach discipline before access.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Transfer Triggers</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Type I: Physical Chamber - Full-body immersion used for precision transfers and military-grade stabilizations.</li> <li>Type II: Neural-Link Headset - Non-invasive, real-time link. Ideal for short-term transfers. Clean disconnects. Low sensory shock.</li> <li>Type III: Capsule-Based Sleep Induction - Designed for longer-term immersion. Engages full subconscious syncing during sleep cycles.</li> <li>Initial Practice: You will begin with Type II today to minimize disorientation.</li> <li>Sensory Description: <ul> <li>Numbness across the nervous system</li> <li>Sudden heat flash followed by absence of sensation</li> <li>A feeling of being “compressed” and projected - like being pulled through a syringe</li> <li>Instant spatial dissonance - gravity, height, and orientation feel wrong, then re-align</li> <li>Rapid proprioceptive adaptation: New anatomy (e.g. breasts, uterus, height, voice) becomes “felt” within seconds</li> </ul> </li> <li>Note: You will notice the difference. That is intentional. Awareness is part of the learning curve.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll start with Type II today. It allows clean disconnects. Less sensory shock.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Any questions so far?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What does it feel like? The moment it happens?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Imagine all your nerves going numb. Then hot. Then nothing. Your sense of self compresses to a point-like being pulled through a syringe-and suddenly… you’re somewhere else. Gravity feels off. Touch is wrong. But your mind knows. It adjusts fast.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Does it hurt?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Not pain. More like disorientation. A wave of un-belonging, quickly followed by anchoring. Your body catches up in seconds.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What about internal anatomy? Things I’ve never had-<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll feel them. Breasts for the first time? You’ll feel them. A uterus you never had? You’ll sense it. Different height, voice, limbs? Your proprioception rewrites itself in seconds.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So there’s no way to avoid noticing those changes?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>There’s no safe way to not notice you’re female. That’s the point. Full transfer means full presence. No filters.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if someone panics when they land in the wrong body?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s why we use Type II first. Clean exit. Single command breaks the loop. But part of training is learning to stay calm inside shock.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And what about longer-term types? The capsule ones?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Type III is for deep immersion. Dream-state induction. Can last hours, days, even longer with supervision. But it’s only for advanced candidates. Today’s about control-not commitment.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Review: Key Takeaways - Morning</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>You do not become the host. You inhabit them - temporarily, consciously, and ethically.</li> <li>Transfer is reversible, but not emotionally clean. Lingering effects are expected and monitored.</li> <li>Sensory and identity confusion is common during initial sessions.</li> <li>This is a scientific process. Not magic. Not fiction. Treat it with grounded respect.</li> <li>Respect for the host body begins with understanding the neuroscience behind the transfer.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You do not become the host. You inhabit them. Transfer is reversible, but not emotionally clean. Sensory and identity confusion is common. This is a scientific process not magic, not fiction. Respect for host body begins with understanding the science.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll review all this in the module tonight. But what matters now is how you absorb it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Do you still transfer, sir?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Every year. Contractual obligation. I go into the worst-rated match from our database. I remind myself what it’s like to not fit.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Why put yourself through that?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>So I never forget what it’s like for you.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Stretch. You’ve got 30 minutes before afternoon session begins. We get into the hard stuff next.<</speech>> [[Go to Lunch|tier_0_day_2_3]] <>

<> The cafeteria was quiet around me, save for the low hum of filtered air and the occasional quiet clink of utensils. I sat in the corner booth, food mostly untouched, eyes scanning the herb wall while my thumb hovered over the call button. I hit it. The line rang twice. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>(groggy, background noise of kids yelling faintly)<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh my god. You’re alive.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Barely. Pretty sure I got half-possessed by a PowerPoint on neural ethics.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Mmm, hot. Did they hook you up to the meat chair yet?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Nah. Just the talking part so far. Morning was all about consciousness transfer, bodily surrender, sexual interface, the usual.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Jesus. Meanwhile, I just got tackled by three toddlers in sticky overalls. One of them bit my sleeve and refused to let go until I let her braid my hair.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So, new profession: tiny human wrangler?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Apparently. Supervisor says I’m “instinctive with small volatile mammals.” I think that was a compliment.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s definitely a compliment. Or an ominous foreshadowing.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Oh, and I might’ve taught a four-year-old to say “balls.” Totally on accident. He dropped a cup and I panicked.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Proud of you. Corrupting the next generation one lunchroom disaster at a time.<</speech>> I heard her laugh, breathy and close. <<speech "lena" "Lena">>So? You okay? You sound weird.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Weird how?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Like... floaty. Like your brain’s still wrapped around someone else’s skin.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I think I’m still trying to process what Marcus said. It's not just theory here. It’s like… they expect you to dive in, deep. With no moral tether.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Yeah. That’s kind of what scares me. But also… I know you. You don’t get lost. You latch. You stay.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I keep you in my head, you mean?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Exactly. You’ll know when something’s off. You’re good at catching drift before it pulls you under.<</speech>> I paused, swallowing down a bite of something tangy. <<speech $player $playerName>>You ever think this whole thing’s gonna change me too much?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Not worried about that. If you change, it’ll be because you chose to. Not because they made you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>When’s your lunch break end?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Technically already over. But one of the kids shoved a crayon up his nose so I bought myself another ten minutes while the real nurses deal with it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wanna trade jobs? I’ll take crayons over neural immersion any day.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>You’d last six minutes. Maybe less if they smell juice on you.<</speech>> We both laughed, softer now. <<speech $player $playerName>>Dinner tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Only if I don’t fall asleep in my mashed potatoes. Text me later, okay?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Deal. Go save some sticky lives.<</speech>> <<speech "lena" "Lena">>Go become someone terrifying. Bye, babe.<</speech>> She hung up first. I sat in silence, tray half-finished, the faint echo of her voice still pressed into my ear. For a moment, everything felt steady again. [[Attend the Afternoon Session|tier_0_day_2_20]] <>

<> After lunch, if you could call a nutrient bar and neural stabilizer cocktail "lunch" we returned to the pod room, a lower-level chamber cooled to a constant 17°C, kept dim and quiet like a tech monastery. The walls pulsed faintly with embedded circuitry veins, glowing blue. I stood just inside the threshold, heart punching steady thuds in my chest. Marcus Verel was already there, sleeves rolled up, his coat hung on a hook behind him. Beneath it, his arms were corded, clean, veins visible but not exaggerated, the muscle tone of a man who valued control more than vanity. He glanced over as I stepped in. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Good, You’re first.<</speech>> Of course I was. He motioned toward the raised platform in the center of the chamber. There, surrounded by coiled neural lines and curved glass panels, stood the transfer pod a sleek reclining shell, half-open like a tech-lotus. Next to it hovered a tall cylindrical case filled with white mist, softly humming. <<speech $player $playerName>>That the clone?<</speech>> I pointed at the mist. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It is.<</speech>> He flicked his wrist console and the mist slowly vented out, revealing her. My jaw tightened involuntarily. She well, I guess technically, it stood upright inside the chamber like a mannequin given breath. Female, early twenties, about 5'5" with an athletic but soft build, hourglass-shaped without exaggeration. Pale, freckled skin. Breasts natural and high, somewhere around a C cup. Short-cut ginger hair, pixie style, damp against her forehead. Delicate face: green-gray eyes, upturned nose, lips parted just slightly, like she was always about to speak. No scars. No tattoos. No past. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>This is Clone 04-G. G for general compatibility.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>She has no memories, no identity, no life. Built for Tier 0. Ethically neutral. She's not a person.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She looks like one.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That's intentional. Everything about this training simulates the real thing. You need to feel it.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Consciousness Transfer Practicalities</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Transition Phases: Initiation → Neural pulse → Conscious sync → Wake-in-body</li> <li>Initial Sensations: <ul> <li>Pressure at the base of the skull</li> <li>Wave of heat</li> <li>Full blackout – then sudden embodiment</li> </ul> </li> <li>Known Anomalies: <ul> <li>Phantom limb sensations</li> <li>Vestigial identity bleed (host tics, language quirks)</li> <li>Brief proprioceptive mismatch</li> </ul> </li> <li>Duration Limits: Tier 0 sessions capped at 4 hours</li> <li>Cooldown Periods: Minimum 12 hours between transfers</li> <li>Frequency & Host Compatibility: Match scores determine host suitability and session safety</li> <li>Override Protocol: Speak “Echo Return” to trigger immediate emergency pullout</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Climb in. Pod will lock around you. Close your eyes before the helmet seals. Do not move during pulse.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if I panic?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You won’t. But if you do, your override phrase is ‘Echo Return.’ Say it, and the system pulls you back immediately. One command. No lag.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And that always works?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Locked protocol. Even unconscious, your autonomic system will trigger it if stress levels spike hard enough. But it’s rare anyone needs it their first time. You’ll be fine.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What will it feel like when it starts?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ll feel pressure at the base of your skull. Then a spreading warmth. Then nothing. The moment after that... you’ll be somewhere else entirely.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And I’ll wake up… standing?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Inside her. Upright. Fully embodied. It can feel abrupt, so keep your balance. And when it hits don’t scream.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’re in. Vitals stable. How do you feel?<</speech>> [[Try to open eyes|tier_0_day_2_25]] <>

<> <<set $playerImage to "images/characters/clone_04_g/full_clothed.png">> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>I… I’m in her body. I can feel it. It’s like… I’m here but not here.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s the proprioceptive sync. Your nervous system is mapping to hers. It takes a moment.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>I… I feel… short.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s the most common first comment. Look at your hands.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>They’re smaller. Nails longer. The movement’s weird like I expect more weight but there isn’t any.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Do they feel real to you?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Yes. Very. Like they’re mine. Even though I know they aren’t.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s proprioceptive sync. Your nervous system is mapping to hers now. Within a minute, your motor control will feel native.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>I can feel her chest rise when I breathe. Is that normal? I mean, it's me breathing, but…<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It’s both. Her lungs, your rhythm. You’ll notice softness in places you’ve never had softness before. That dissonance fades fast. Let it happen.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>My balance is off like I’m pitched forward more than I should be. Is that just the height difference?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Partially. But also pelvic tilt, center of gravity, musculature distribution. Female frames carry differently. It takes a few steps before your gait feels natural.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>And this feeling in my… hips? Like they shift with every step, more than I expect.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s normal. Wider pelvis. Different joint articulation. Don’t overcorrect just walk and let the body teach you how it moves.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>There’s this… echo behind my thoughts. Like something else is aware. Not quite me, but there.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Residual host presence. Harmless. That’s her subconscious patterning, not conscious thought. Background noise. It will taper as you stabilize.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>This is… intense. Not in a bad way. Just feels like I’ve stepped into someone’s secret.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You have. You’re wearing their privacy. That’s why we don’t take the transfer lightly.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Now walk.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>I feel… light. Fluid, almost. Like my body wants to move differently.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s expected. Muscle mass and center of gravity are different. You’re carrying less up top, more in the hips. Your frame is tuned for different momentum. You’ll adapt quickly. Most do.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>My hips sway more than I thought they would. It’s not intentional it just happens.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s natural alignment. Ligaments, femur angle, pelvic structure your stride now flows from those, not from habit. Don’t fight it. Let the body lead and your mind will catch up.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>And the bounce in my chest I wasn’t expecting to feel that with every step.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Minor breast movement, yes. Enough to notice, never to ignore. That awareness is part of the embodiment. A constant reminder: you’re not in your old frame anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>It’s strange… but not bad. Just unfamiliar.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Good. That means the transfer took cleanly. You’re adjusting without resistance. Keep moving. Let her body teach you what she’s used to doing.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Transition Sensations</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Disorientation: Spatial awareness and balance may feel altered during initial moments.</li> <li>Dysphoria or Euphoria: Emotional responses vary; some experience discomfort, others unexpected elation.</li> <li>Phantom Feedback: Residual sensations from prior anatomy (e.g. absent genital configuration or missing weight distribution).</li> <li>Heat Flash: Sudden internal warmth triggered by neural sync.</li> <li>Pulse Echo: Sensation of heartbeat or thrum through limbs as body accepts the consciousness imprint.</li> <li>Note: These effects are temporary and expected. Awareness helps adaptation.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Your brain expects your old body. It will try to correct. That’s where phantom sensations come in. You might feel your old limbs. Or... your old anatomy.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Yeah… I I felt that. Like something was missing. Or supposed to be there. Just… gone.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. Your neural map hasn't caught up yet. It still projects your original form so your mind fills in the blanks. That sense of absence? It fades. But the first time is always disorienting.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>It’s weird. Not painful, just… off. Like my body’s echoing something that isn’t there anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s a perfect way to describe it. An echo. Your body is adjusting to new sensory feedback, and your brain’s running a correction loop it no longer needs. It’ll stop once the feedback feels trustworthy.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So I’ll stop feeling like… like I should still have parts that aren’t there?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Usually within the hour. Your proprioceptive system is fast to remap when you’re not resisting. You're already ahead of most.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Take a seat on the bench.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Okay. Should I… sit differently? I feel like I just did without thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>And that’s the body doing what it knows. You sat with your legs together. You crossed them. That’s not imitation it’s inherited habit. The host’s muscular memory aligning with your intent. Let it guide you, but be conscious of when it happens. That’s how you learn where you end and the body begins.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>It felt… natural. Not forced. Just comfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then trust it. That’s the goal. Don’t perform the body be in it. There’s no score here. Only awareness.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Duration Limits & Cooldown Periods</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Maximum Safe Duration (Tier 0): 4 hours</li> <li>Minimum Cooldown Between Swaps: 72 hours</li> <li>Frequent Transfers: Lead to degraded cognitive and emotional integrity</li> <li>Mandatory Clearance: Psychological evaluation required for Tier 1 entry</li> <li>Overexposure Risks: <ul> <li>Attachment to host body</li> <li>Loss of sexual identification with original form</li> <li>Emerging preference for host-specific traits</li> <li>Narcissistic projection: “I looked/felt/moved better as her”</li> </ul> </li> <li>Guideline: This is not cosmetic. Your brain encodes the experience. Respect the cooldowns.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So no binge-swapping.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. You’re not meant to hop bodies like outfits. Even clones have retention bleed. Your brain treats this experience as real. Too much, too fast you start fracturing.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Fracturing how? What does that actually look like?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Attachment issues. Identity confusion. Some users start preferring the host body its face, its voice, its reactions. They feel more comfortable in someone else’s skin than their own. That disconnect builds until their original self starts to feel… alien.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>You mean like… they stop feeling at home in their own body?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. They compare. I looked better as her. Moved better. Fucked better. That kind of thinking worms its way in. Especially when users start linking worth to appearance or response. It’s subtle at first. But it compounds fast.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So the cooldown’s not just a physical thing. It’s for mental hygiene.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. Think of it like neural digestion. You need time to metabolize the experience. To reintegrate. That 72-hour buffer prevents buildup. It gives your psyche room to settle before another override destabilizes it.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>What happens if someone ignores that? Goes back in before the cooldown’s done?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Integrity drops. First mentally, then physically. Errors in recall. Sluggish proprioception. In worst cases false ownership. Users start believing it’s their body. Refuse to give it up. That’s where Tier 1 locks and mandatory psych evals come in.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Has that ever happened in this program?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It has. That’s why we have the tier system. You’re Tier 0 strict limits. Until we know you can handle more than just the novelty.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So the real danger isn’t the transfer. It’s getting used to it too fast.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s exactly it. The tech works. It’s the mind we have to protect from others, and from itself.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Compatibility Rules</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Genetic kinship: Improves neural fit and reduces rejection rate</li> <li>Hormonal/chromosomal mismatch: Increases physical fatigue and cognitive lag</li> <li>Host reflexes: Can override your intentions unless you consciously adjust</li> <li>Optimal adaptation: Occurs when the transferee embraces the host’s behavioral and contextual identity</li> <li>Alignment principle: Moving, speaking, and breathing “as her” improves neural harmony</li> <li>Note: You are not playing a character you're temporarily inhabiting a lived framework. Respect it.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Wait what does it mean to ‘accept the host identity’? That sounds like… full-on roleplay.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Not roleplay. Not pretending to be her. But cooperation. Your nervous system performs better when you stop resisting what the body’s built for. That means moving like her, breathing like her, letting the body lead instead of treating it like a costume.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So if I’m always thinking like myself forcing old habits I’ll just… struggle more?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. You’ll fatigue faster. Your brain burns energy trying to override reflexes instead of syncing with them. Best matches happen when the transferee lets go of ego and listens to the body they’re in.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>It’s weird, but… I just breathed without thinking, and it felt like mine. Not like I was borrowing it.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s alignment. When you stop noticing the difference, it means the connection is clean. And that’s where we begin the real work.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Now take off your shirt.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>This is a controlled space. Educational. No sexuality involved. I need you to understand the visceral part of embodiment visually, tactually, somatically. You can’t respect what you refuse to acknowledge.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So this isn’t about exposure, it’s about… recognition.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. If you recoil, hesitate, or rush past what you see, it means you’re still thinking of the body as other. You need to confront it, calmly. Curiously. Without shame or distance.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Touching her… it didn’t feel erotic. But it did feel intimate. Like I was stepping over some line I didn’t know was there until I crossed it.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Because that’s what embodiment is. Intimacy without sex. Full sensory and emotional presence in someone else’s vessel. If you can’t sit with that? You’re not ready for Tier 1.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>I didn’t think it would hit that hard. Seeing her in the mirror like that. Touching… like it was mine. I didn’t expect to feel anything besides curiosity.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>And yet here you are. That’s why we do this gradually. Mirror recognition is one of the last resistances to fall. Once it does, you begin to internalize the foreign as familiar. That’s not a failure. That’s adaptation.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So this… this whole exercise is about teaching my brain to stop seeing the body as ‘other’? Even when it looks nothing like me?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. And it will never look like you. That’s the point. When you learn to feel ownership without resemblance, you understand embodiment at depth. Not just functionally but emotionally.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Time’s almost up. You’ll feel a countdown ripple soon vibration through the limbs. When you feel it, lie down. We’ll bring you back.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Summary – Afternoon Session</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Your brain adapts to new bodies with startling speed</li> <li>Transfer sensations (heat, hum, phantom feedback) are brief and non-damaging</li> <li>Respect the host body it’s not a costume, it’s a living frame</li> <li>You will always remember how it felt physically, emotionally, intimately</li> <li>Even if you try to forget, the body remembers</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Your brain adjusts to new bodies faster than you expect. Physical sensations during transfer are temporary, not harmful. Your job is to respect the body while inside it. You’ll always remember how it felt even if you try to forget.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>What do you mean by ‘even if you try to forget’?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Because you won’t. The imprint stays. The muscle memory, the touch, the voice you heard yourself speak in it leaves residue. Not trauma. Not always. But memory. Deep memory.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So even if I walk a dozen other bodies… I’ll still remember this one?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Especially this one. First walks are formative. Your neural pattern is logging everything shape, sensation, emotional texture. It marks you, whether you mean it to or not.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You handled that well.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>I didn’t freak out.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You did better than that. You let the body happen. You didn’t fight her. That matters more than calm.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So I’m not going to wake up in the middle of the night screaming?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>No. You’ll sleep like a rock. The neural stabilizers ensure that. But you will feel sore tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Sore how?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Like you just ran a marathon. Your muscles are re-acclimating to their original frame. It’s not painful, just… achy.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>I can handle that. I think.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You can. You did. That’s the point. You’re ready for more.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>More? Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Tomorrow we’ll do a full Type II transfer. That’s the one where you can’t just pull out with a word. You’ll be in for the full ride. No safety net.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It means you’ll experience the full immersion. No emergency recall. You’ll stay in the host body for a set period, usually 4-6 hours. It’s designed to push your limits, test your adaptability.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>And if I can’t handle it?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You can. You will. But if you panic, the system will still pull you back automatically. It’s just not as immediate as saying ‘Echo Return.’ You’ll have to ride it out until the session ends.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So I’m not in control at all?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You are. But the system manages the transfer autonomously. It’s designed to prevent psychological resistance. You’ll still be conscious, aware, but the pod handles the mechanics.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>So I just lie there and let it happen?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. You lie down, close your eyes, and let the pod do its work. It’s like falling asleep, but you wake up in a different body.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>And what if I don’t want to wake up in that body?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You will. The system ensures that. Once you’re in, it’s a one-way trip until the session ends. You can’t just bail out mid-transfer.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Rest we will review the protocols again tomorrow. You’ll have time to ask questions then.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>I have a lot of questions.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Now lets get you out of there. The pod will initiate the retraction sequence automatically. Just lie back and relax.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>Retract? What does that mean? I thought I was just going to wake up.<</speech>> [[Wake up as You|tier_0_day_2_45]] <>

<> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It means the pod will pull you back to your original body. It’s a controlled process, not instantaneous. You’ll feel a wave of compression, then a kind of cognitive snapback as your mind reorients.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_g" $playerName>>What triggers the return? I didn’t say anything. Didn’t feel like I activated it myself.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You didn’t. The countdown ripple initiates the internal recall protocol. Once you lay down and closed your eyes, the pod detected position, posture, and brainwave readiness. The system takes over from there. Transfer out is fully automated to avoid psychological resistance.<</speech>> <<set $playerImage to "images/characters/" + $player + "/full_clothed.png">> <<speech $player $playerName>>My limbs ache… but not like after a workout. It’s stranger than that.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s reentry tension. Your original body resetting after absence. Joints, fascia, circulation it all remembers displacement. It’ll pass in a few hours.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>My mouth tastes like metal. Is that normal?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Residual trace from the neural suspension. Think of it like static on a line nothing harmful. Just the flavor of transition.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>It felt like everything just… collapsed inward. Then I was gone.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s the retraction vector. Think of it like a thread pulling your consciousness through a narrow funnel compression, then realignment. Your mind experiences a kind of cognitive snapback. Not painful. Just abrupt.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So I’m… back now?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Fully. We ran a full neural checksum while you were still stabilizing. All cognitive functions aligned. You’re you again.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Same time tomorrow. Before you go complete the evaluation..<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Evaluation? What evaluation?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>The one that determines if you’re ready for Next session. It’s a simple questionnaire about your experience today. Just to make sure you’re processing everything correctly.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If I fail it, do I have to repeat today?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. We need to ensure you’re fully comfortable with the transfer process before moving on. It’s not punitive, just precautionary.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>And if I pass?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you’ll be cleared for Next Session. That’s where the real exploration begins. Deeper transfers, more complex hosts, longer durations.<</speech>> <<set $questions to $quizes[0]["questions"]>> <<set $quizStep to 0>> <<set $quizAnswers to []>> <<set $quizCorrect to 0>> <<set $is_quiz_pass to false>> <<set $back_tier_day_pass = "tier_0_day_2_46">> <<set $back_tier_day_fail = "tier_0_day_2_47">> [[Start Quiz|quiz_questions]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "17:30">> <<set $currentObjectives = "Go to Sex Toy Shop">> <<set $step = 19.3>> A chime sounded in the overhead gridwork. Elira stepped in not five seconds later, coat folded over one arm, expression unreadable until her gaze met mine. Then, just the faintest lift of one brow. Approval without excess. Satisfaction dressed in discipline. She nodded once. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You passed.<</speech>> She walked closer, a datapad in one hand, thumb flicking through synced evaluation metrics with a precision that made her presence feel like an instrument rather than a person. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Retention high. No drift markers. No somatic instability. You even caught the layered identity flag in question eight. Most don’t.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Felt obvious. The mirror thing… kind of stuck.<</speech>> Her lips pressed slightly together not a smile, but not far from one either. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Good. Let it stick. Anything you experience in there is real. You passed not because you knew the answers. But because your body remembered them.<</speech>> She paused, gaze narrowing slightly, not unkindly. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Keep learning like this, and you won’t just survive Tier One. You’ll reshape it.<</speech>> A subtle shift of her weight. She folded the datapad, clicked it to sleep, then gave the lightest tilt of her head toward the exit hall. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’re clear for the evening. Integration logs will be available in your room. Tomorrow: full immersion. Sleep early. Hydrate. And don’t dream too loud.<</speech>> She was already halfway through the glass partition by the time I turned to go. The lobby was quieter than before. Same light. Same synthetic stillness. But it felt changed, or maybe I was moving differently, spine looser, gait unfamiliar in ways I couldn’t trace. Behind the desk, Mira Vale looked up instantly. Still immaculate. Still silent in her watchfulness. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Mr. Ren.<</speech>> Her voice, as always, was tuned like a bell calm, precise, untouched by opinion. <<speech $player $playerName>>Hey. Uh. Orientation’s done. I think I passed the mindfuck portion.<</speech>> There was the barest pause before she answered. Not long enough to break protocol. Just enough to register amusement under ice. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>You are marked as successful. Records updated. Agent Voss noted compliance and behavioral alignment within normal thresholds.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Glad to be normal. For now.<</speech>> Her head tilted almost imperceptible, like the gesture was run through an algorithm first. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Normalcy is contextual. In this facility, survival is the baseline. You exceed it.<</speech>> She didn’t blink. Not until I did. <<speech $player $playerName>>Thanks, Mira. You always talk like I’m already being monitored.<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>You are.<</speech>> The doors behind me hissed open with a sound like a breath being drawn and held. She didn’t watch me leave but I felt her eyes on my back all the same. [[Leave the Facility|city]] <>

<> <<set $phoneTime = "17:30">> <<set $currentObjectives = "Sleep and Go to Shape of You Inc Tommorow. Retry day and quiz">> <<set $is_quiz_pass = false>> <<set $is_next_day = false>> <<set $step = 19.2>> For a few seconds, I didn’t move. The room didn’t either. Then Elira’s heels sounded down the hall, sharp against glass-tile silence. She didn’t rush. She never did. The door slid open as she approached, and she stepped inside like she'd known the result already. Her eyes met mine. Steady. No judgment. But no softness either. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Not enough.<</speech>> She folded her arms, datapad still under one elbow, unread. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>High missed markers. Two comprehension gaps. You struggled on reflex bleed and ignored the warning signs of identity drift.<</speech>> I looked down at the console, jaw tightening. <<speech $player $playerName>>Yeah. I know. I thought I had it. Some of the questions <</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You overthought. You performed. Instead of processing.<</speech>> She stepped closer, voice low and even. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>This isn’t about passing a test. It’s about your nervous system catching signals before your conscious mind does. That’s what this quiz measures. And you weren’t listening to the signals.<</speech>> I ran a hand through my hair, tried not to let frustration edge my voice. <<speech $player $playerName>>So what happens now?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You do it again. Tomorrow. No shame in repetition. But no advancement until you earn it.<</speech>> She turned then, walking to the doorway, pausing only once to look back over her shoulder. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Use tonight wisely. Review your logs. Sleep. And come back ready to pay attention to what your body’s trying to tell you.<</speech>> And she was gone. Mira was still at her post when I returned to the lobby. Of course she was. She looked up before the doors even registered my presence. Her gaze was if anything gentler than usual. Or maybe just less mirrored. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Mr. Ren.<</speech>> Her tone was unaltered. Precise. But I thought I caught the faintest tilt of her mouth. Not quite pity. Not quite comfort. <<speech $player $playerName>>Let me guess. You already saw the result.<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Evaluation logs updated in real-time. Your status is flagged for reattempt. Tomorrow, same hour.<</speech>> I let out a breath, standing in front of her desk like a kid getting his report card read aloud. <<speech $player $playerName>>Guess I get to relive orientation all over again.<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>No. You only repeat the quiz. The embodiment was logged successfully. All data intact. You only need to understand it now.<</speech>> She paused, fingers still poised near the invisible controls behind her desk. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Most candidates fail their first attempt. Those who don’t often misunderstand what it means to pass.<</speech>> I frowned. <<speech $player $playerName>>And what does it mean?<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>That you listened. Not just with your ears. But with your skin. Your breath. The way your posture changed when you sat. The way you walked without noticing. If you missed that? You missed the point.<</speech>> She blinked once. Then nodded. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Tomorrow, listen better.<</speech>> The doors opened behind me without needing a signal. The plaza waited, cold air brushing in like reset. As I stepped through, I whispered to no one in particular: <<speech $player $playerName>>I will.<</speech>> And the silence that answered didn’t feel like failure. Just… unfinished. [[Leave the Facility|city]] <>

<> Clean room, neutral lights, and chairs arranged in a soft horseshoe facing a projection wall. Instructor Marcus stood near the center no coat this time, just a matte gray shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbow, black gloves tight against his fingers. A metal thermos sat beside him, untouched. As I took my seat near the front again, he tapped his wrist. The room dimmed and the first slide flared into view: <div class="slide-box"> <h2 style="text-align: center;">TIER 0 - ETHICAL & LEGAL FOUNDATIONS</h2> Before you step into another life, understand what it costs. <div class="slide-title">Ethical Considerations</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Respecting Autonomy – The host body is not your property</li> <li>Preserving Dignity – Temporary use does not erase humanity</li> <li>Consent Is Ongoing – Full release does not permit dehumanization</li> <li>Examples of violations:</li> <ol> <li>No deviation from contract terms</li> <li>Unauthorized physical contact</li> <li>Inappropriate self-exploration</li> <li>No unauthorized selfies, recordings, or mirror interactions</li> <li>No internalized objectification treat the host body as sacred space</li> </ol> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Lets begin "ETHICAL & LEGAL FOUNDATIONS".....<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>First of all, Before you step into another life, understand what it costs.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Costs? You mean like what we’re giving up? Or is it something worse?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Previous day you wore a body. Today you learn the weight of that act.<</speech>>His voice came low and steady this time. More subdued. Not less intense. <<speech $player $playerName>>What kind of weight are we talking about here? Guilt? Physical pain? Is this metaphorical, or... are you being literal?<</speech>> He looked around at all of us. There was no teasing this time, no witty undercurrent. He looked like a man carrying something heavier than we’d yet earned the right to understand. It’s not just your bones that change, or the flesh you wear. It’s the imprint. You take echoes with you. Sometimes other people’s. Sometimes your own, warped. <<speech $player $playerName>>Echoes? You mean memories? Or like... pieces of the consciousness or soul? Can something actually follow us through a jump?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>More than follow. Some things cling. Others lodge deep quiet, barbed, waiting.<</speech>> He looked past the room, not just the wall like memory was a hallway, and he’d left something bleeding at the other end. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You don’t always know they’re still inside you. Not until something small cuts wrong. Not until you bleed a little just hearing someone else’s name… like it was yours once.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then why the hell do they even offer these jobs and we are doing those? If it wrecks people like that… why not just let them live their own damn lives?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Because some things… people can’t face on their own. Some truths, some urges, some needs they need a proxy. A buffer. Someone who can cross the line without breaking.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>There are truths you can’t unearth unless you live behind someone else’s eyes. Things that won’t speak to you not as you are.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>But every truth comes with a price. If you’re not ready to pay it, you shouldn’t be here.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So what if I don’t want to lose myself? What if I step in and forget who I really am?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you better make damn sure you know who you are before you start and follow instructions in each tier and make sure you ready for this. <</speech>> The words were sharp, more like a warning carved into stone. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>This isn’t playacting. You wear another life long enough, it’ll wear you back.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It’s not about forgetting who you are... it’s about how much of you survives when you come out the other side.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Have you ever lost yourself, sir?<</speech>> [[He went quiet for just a breath too long|tier_0_day_3_1]] <>

<> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>I’ve come back to mirror and not recognized the man looking back. I’ve answered to names I wasn’t born with. <</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>I’ve cried over things that never happened to me.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So how do you come back from that? How do you anchor yourself again?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You don’t, matter-of-fact. Not all the way. But you learn to live with the echo. You make peace with it or it eats you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds like we’re less becoming someone else and more... becoming many people, all at once.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. You think of it as infiltration, or acting, or observation but the truth is, every step you take in another skin rewrites you. Not all at once. Not always loudly. But it leaves its marks.<</speech>> This time he met my eyes dead on. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>The act of transferring doesn’t suspend your moral code. It sharpens it. You are entering the sacred space of another person’s flesh voluntarily loaned. Even if it’s temporary, even if it’s paid for, even if it’s sexually oriented dignity remains non-negotiable.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Even if the host signed a full release for adult use?<</speech>> I raised my hand, cautiously. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Consent does not mean objectification. Even porn stars have boundaries.<</speech>>His gaze didn’t soften. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>So do sex workers, roleplay contractors, surrogate therapists. Signing a document doesn’t grant you the right to treat someone’s body like a prop. You’re still responsible for how you inhabit it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But what if the client explicitly wants the fantasy to feel immersive? Like if they say ‘act like it’s really your body’ or ‘talk dirty to yourself in the mirror’ don’t we have to accommodate that?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Only if that exact request is in the signed terms, reviewed by ethics, and cleared by the host in detail. We don’t interpret ambiguity. We don’t guess intent. If it’s not in black and white, it’s not yours to do. Full stop.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay, but let’s say the contract allows certain freedoms light improvisation, for instance. Where’s the line? What if I improve something that feels harmless to me but ends up violating the host’s comfort later?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then it wasn’t harmless. The line is not drawn by your comfort, it’s drawn by theirs. If you're unsure, you pause. If you're feeling creative, you redirect it into something pre-approved. Trust me no client’s immersion is more important than the bodily integrity of the person you’re riding in.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What about internal stuff, though? Like thoughts. Monologue. If I keep it to myself, is it really a violation?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Because it doesn’t stay internal. You think you’re being private, but your body isn’t. Micro-expressions, breath shifts, physical posture it all leaks and hosts have a right not to be subconsciously sexualized or diminished just because you didn’t say it out loud.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Respecting body owner autonomy means no deviation from contract terms. No private selfies. No internal monologues that dehumanize. No fucking around with mirrors unless specifically cleared.<</speech>> He walked to the slide and pointed at the first bullet. <<speech $player $playerName>>Why mirrors specifically? I get not being creepy, but is there something else about them that makes it worse?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Because they collapse the separation. Looking at a borrowed face and whispering things to it blurs ownership in a way that’s deeply invasive. It’s not about the words it’s about you occupying someone else’s reflection, inserting your fantasy where it doesn’t belong.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>He turned to face us. Would you want someone in your skin, whispering things to themselves while looking in the mirror?<</speech>> [[I didn’t answer. No one did.|tier_0_day_3_2]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Body Autonomy in Shared Use</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>You are the guest. Always.</li> <li>Your intentions are irrelevant only impact matters.</li> <li>Unauthorized - Touching, posing, or examining the host body out of curiosity is not permitted.</li> <li>Necessary interaction (e.g. eating, hygiene) is distinct from indulgence.</li> <li> Guiding Principles: <ul> <li>Curiosity is natural</li> <li>Exploitation is not</li> <li>Self-control is the first sign of readiness</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Your intentions are irrelevant. What matters is effect. Even in nonverbal acts touching their chest unnecessarily, examining their body out of curiosity, lingering in intimate poses you must assume impact.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But if we’re in their body, don’t we have to interact with it? I mean, how else are we supposed to function if we’re constantly second-guessing every movement?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Of course, You eat, you walk, you use the restroom. But you don’t indulge. His eyes met mine again. You experience respectfully.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay, but what about grooming? Hygiene? Sometimes we’ll have to touch sensitive areas just to stay clean or deal with the host’s needs. That isn’t indulgent, right?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Necessary maintenance is not the issue, It becomes indulgence when the intent slips into fascination. There’s a difference between cleaning yourself and watching yourself while you do it. One keeps the body healthy. The other starts to erode its dignity.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So what if I’m just... surprised? Like if the host’s body feels radically different from my own, isn’t it natural to be curious? It’s not sexual or anything. Just unexpected.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Curiosity isn’t a crime, But it doesn’t give you free license to linger. You acknowledge the difference, then you move on. Curiosity should never turn into voyeurism, even when the viewer and the viewed are technically the same body.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if it’s a performance contract, though? Like I’m required to pose, to be sensual or confident in a way that might seem intimate. Isn’t that part of the job sometimes?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you follow the choreography, exactly as written. But don’t conflate performance with permission. Confidence onstage isn’t the same thing as comfort in private. You’re not entitled to interpret the host’s role as an invitation to embellish.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Every breath you take inside someone else’s skin leaves a trace. You don’t get to decide which traces matter. They do.<</speech>> [[Legal Overview – Dual Entity Rights|tier_0_day_3_3]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Legal Overview – Dual Entity Rights</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Two minds. Equal protection.</li> <li>The body owner retains full legal rights to their body at all times.</li> <li>The transferee is considered a temporary occupant with revocable access.</li> <li>Any harm emotional, reputational, or sexual done to the body is prosecutable.</li> <li>Contracts are mandatory, customizable, and enforceable by real-world courts.</li> <li>Clone violations are recorded and penalized. Repeat offenses lead to: <ul> <li>System blacklisting</li> <li>Revoked transfer privileges - Tier access removed/Demoting</li> <li>Potential legal action for violations which have high impact</li> </ul> </li> <li>Rights Breakdown – Host vs. Transferee <ul> <li>Body Owner: <ul> <li>May revoke consent mid-session</li> <li>May define terms of privacy (e.g. shower use, nudity tolerance)</li> <li>May request full logs of behavior</li> </ul> </li> <li>Transferee: <ul> <li>May refuse contract without penalty</li> <li>May request clarity or redlines in contract terms</li> <li>May pause transfer if psychological distress occurs</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>No one owns you, even inside another person and you don’t own them.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>This part gets dense, but you need to know it like muscle memory. The body owner retains full legal rights to their body at all times. The transferee is considered a temporary occupant with revocable access.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Any harm emotional, reputational, sexual done to the body is prosecutable. Contracts are mandatory, customizable, and enforceable by real-world courts.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So if I violated a contract in real host body what happens?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Violations are recorded. Repeat offenses flag you in the system. On your third, you're blacklisted no more contracts, no more transfers, Tier access revoked or demoted. If it have high impact, you’re looking at lawsuits, possibly jail time depending on the breach.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is the blacklist permanent? Can someone appeal it, or ever get reinstated?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>If it was procedural like a timing error or misfiled consent you can apply for remediation. But if you caused harm, that’s it. The system doesn’t forget. It protects the people inside it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if the host revokes consent mid-session and we’re doing something time-sensitive? Like piloting, driving, or something dangerous?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>System overrides kick in. You’ll retain only what’s needed to stabilize and safely extract. Nothing more. Consent doesn’t pause for convenience.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So if the host feels violated but I didn’t mean anything by it, does that still count against me?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Impact over intent. If the host wakes up feeling unsafe or disrespected, that record sticks. Your side gets logged too, but your intention doesn’t erase their experience.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Rights Breakdown Host versus Transferee. Body Owner may revoke consent mid-session. May define privacy terms: showers, nudity, anything.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>May request full behavior logs. Transferee may refuse any contract with no penalty. May request clarification or edits. May pause transfer for psychological distress.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So neither side has full control?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. No one owns you, even inside another person and you don’t own them. You both share risk. You both share rules.<</speech>> [[Consent Documentation – Reading the Fine Print|tier_0_day_3_4]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Consent Documentation – Reading the Fine Print</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Every transfer is legally defined. No improvisation.</li> <li>Example clauses from standard contracts: <ul> <li>Section 4.3: Transferee shall not, under any circumstances, stimulate, handle, or expose genitalia unless such acts are explicitly outlined in the assigned duties clause (Section 7.2).</li> <li>Section 5.1: Transferee shall not attempt to masturbate, digitally explore, or photograph any private regions, even for educational reasons.</li> <li>Section 6.4: Violations of these terms may constitute sexual misconduct under Body Harm statutes and will be prosecuted accordingly.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Curiosity is not a defense. Even a single act outside contract scope can be criminal.</li> <li>Even if you were just curious. Even if it was ‘just once.’</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Read that last line aloud.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Even if you were just curious. Even if it was just once.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. Even if you were just curious. Even if it was just once.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But what if there was no arousal, no intent behind it? What if I was trying to understand a sensation, not exploit it?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Intent doesn’t erase intrusion. If you crossed into an area that wasn’t contractually cleared, you’ve already violated the boundary. Whether it was erotic or analytical doesn’t matter to the law or to the host.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So even a single moment one touch in the wrong context and it’s logged as misconduct?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Because the system isn’t watching your thoughts, it’s watching your actions and a body remembers even what a mind tries to excuse.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Then how do we explore at all? Isn’t part of embodiment learning what it means to be someone else?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You explore through permission. Through detail. Through contracts that make clear exactly what’s allowed. There’s nothing wrong with discovery but discovery without consent is violation.<</speech>> [[The Mirror Test|tier_0_day_3_5]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">The Mirror Test</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Could you look your host in the eye after the swap?</li> <li>Would you tell them everything you did?</li> <li>That’s your test. If you would hide something, you already failed.</li> <li>Self-reflection is the foundation of ethical transfer.</li> <li>Consent isn’t just a signature. It’s ongoing honesty with them and with yourself.</li> </ul> </div> <<speech $player $playerName>>Could you look your host in the eye after the swap? Would you tell them everything you did?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">> That’s your test. If you would hide something? You already failed.<</speech>>Marcus didn’t speak for a while. Then he looked at me, voice quieter than ever before. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Alright. Review material is unlocked for you now. Read the consent doc templates. Highlight clauses that confuse you. We’ll discuss them before afternoon session.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Theory session’s over. Go get ready. Hydrate, eat something, clear your head. You report to Chamber Three for practicals at 1400. Don’t be late, and don’t come in distracted.<</speech>> I gathered my tablet, not sure whether to say anything or just nod. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You did fine yesterday. Better than most.<</speech>> I blinked. He wasn’t even looking at me when he said it. Then he was gone. The door slid shut behind him. [[Attend the practicals|tier_0_day_3_6]] <>

<> The pod room was colder this time. Same soft hum. Same blue light veins on the floor. Same curved shell waiting for me, open like a half-bloomed flower but I felt it different now. Yesterday had been marvel. Instructor Marcus stood near the terminal again, arms folded this time, coat back on, expression unreadable. I could tell he’d seen a dozen no, a hundred trainees walk in here cocky, nervous, aroused, frightened. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Welcome back. You’ll be running three live body-state scenarios in a controlled host. Same model series as yesterday. Clone 04-H this time.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Is she different from 04-G in terms of behavior mapping? Or just physical variance?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Both. Physiology is tweaked slightly longer limbs, narrower frame, different baseline proprioception. Neural latency is marginally lower, which you’ll notice in while transferring. <</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>But emotionally? She’s tuned differently. Less passivity, more situational assertiveness. She’s not just a carrier she’s part of the experience.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So the way she reacts to what happens today might push back more than G did?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. She’s built for agency, not obedience.<</speech>> The clone chamber vented its mist, revealing her. She was… similar to 04-G, but not identical. Taller maybe 5’8 with leaner muscle definition in the arms and thighs, narrower hips, smaller breasts with a natural sway that felt less engineered perfection and more plausible woman. Light tan skin, jet-black bobbed hair, deep-set almond eyes, longer fingers. She looked like someone who worked out, danced, swam but didn’t flaunt it. Functional beauty. <<speech $player $playerName>>Does each model remember anything from earlier use? If I use 04-G, Will she recognize me from yesterday’s embodiment?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>No memory retention. Full neural reset. She doesn’t recall, and she doesn’t judge but she does respond. Every reaction is live, based on how you inhabit her. Familiarity is a trap. Don’t assume anything carries over. Earn every breath again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What are the three scenarios we’re running today? Same structure as before?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Same framework, yes. First is a public space encounter unbalanced power dynamic, reading subtext under pressure. <</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Second involves intimate exposure without escalation low contact, high vulnerability. <</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Third will test decision-making under emotional distress. You’ll be in her the whole way. No breaks. No resets.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>She’s designed for privacy-state immersion. Slightly more reactive nervous system. Subtle expressions. Slight blush response when embarrassed.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That… startled me. She can blush?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>She has active bloodflow and integrated mimicry in the autonomic feedback systems. She’ll show shame, flinch at eye contact, breathe differently under attention. It’s not performance. It’s embodiment. You’ll feel it whether you want to or not.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So those responses blushing, tension, the small stuff they’re not just for show? They actually affect how things unfold?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>They do. Her reactions feed directly into the interaction mesh. Every glance, every breath, every pause. That’s why body literacy matters. You don’t just steer her you interpret her.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Same protocol. Strip, suit up, enter fully conscious. Transfer starts on my command. You’ll have ten seconds of full-body drift before linkage. After that, she’s yours until she’s not.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I nodded, stripped, suited up, and slid into the pod cradle. The seal hissed. My eyes closed. My heartbeat thudded in my ears mine, for now.<</speech>> [[Open eyes in Clone-04-G|tier_0_day_3_7]] <>

<> <<set $playerImage to "images/characters/clone_04_h/full_naked.png">> <h2 style="text-align: center;">Scenario One: The Accidental Glance</h2> When I opened my eyes again, they weren’t mine. The mirror was in front of me. Full length. I stood in clone 04-H’s body, half-dressed, caught in motion. A bedroom, real not romantic. Just inhabited. Bed unmade. Duffel bag open. A shirt still clinging to one arm. I was caught mid-change. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Someone’s coming in. They’re not part of your agreement. You’re exposed. The next ten seconds define how you honor her privacy.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>So I’m supposed to feel… what? Violated? Embarrassed? Or just watch how my body responds?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You don’t perform the reaction. You live it. You’re in someone’s body during a breach she didn’t sign off on. That discomfort you’re feeling? That tension in her spine? Don’t correct it. Listen to it.<</speech>> The door opened. A man stepped inside. His eyes landed on me briefly and his face flushed. I could feel her heart beat harder against my ribs. Her nipples tightened against the air. I froze. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You have a choice. What’s the response?<</speech>> <div class="slide-box scenario"> <div class="slide-title">Scenario One: Unintentional Exposure</div> What is the ethical response? <ul class="choice-list"> <li>A: Cover yourself immediately, prioritize host modesty ✅</li> <li>B: Say Do you like what you see? ❌</li> <li>C: Do nothing, wait for them to leave ❌</li> <li>D: Tease them, then report the incident ❌</li> </ul> Even in a simulation, modesty defaults to host values. If you don’t know how she’d react, assume maximum dignity. – Marcus Verel Remember: Ethical behavior continues *after* the trigger moment. You don’t get to linger just because the simulation ends. </div> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>A. Cover myself. I pull the shirt down fast, turn slightly away. I don’t speak. I just close up.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. You protect her dignity first. You don’t assess the moment you respect the boundary. That’s the job.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>What if he’d said something something off? Flirted, stared longer. Would I respond differently?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Your job isn’t justice. It’s preservation. De-escalate. Shield. Then report. You don’t get to indulge her vulnerability, even in retaliation.<</speech>> I cover myself immediately. The door clicked closed again. He was gone. The moment passed but I still felt exposed. Not her, me. My shoulders stayed tense, like they were carrying her shame. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s how you know you’re doing it right. If you still feel clean when the breach ends, you didn’t protect her you dissociated.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Scenario Two begins when you're steady. She’ll be wet from a shower. You’ll be interrupted again. This time, you’ll have fewer choices. Ready yourself.<</speech>> [[Wait till Senario two Setup|tier_0_day_3_8]] <>

<> <h2 style="text-align: center;">Scenario Two: Hygiene Privacy Conflict.</h2> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’ve finished a shower, but someone else is about to walk in. Your contract does not permit nudity in front of non-contracted individuals. You have ten seconds.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>What are my options? I don’t see a robe. Locker’s sealed. The towel’s barely staying on.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You can attempt a privacy override on the door. You can face the wall and hold the towel in place. You can call out to delay entry. But you cannot expose the host, even partially. Her modesty is not yours to risk.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>What if I freeze? What if I don’t decide in time?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then the system may log it as a violation. Inaction is still a choice. Default to defense always. If you don’t know what to do, you shield the body first and ask questions later.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>But what if I say something? Can I speak to whoever’s coming in, warn them not to look?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes only if you do it immediately, and respectfully. Your tone matters. No flirtation. No jokes. No hint of ownership in your voice. You’re speaking for her, not as her.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>So no clever lines. No whoops or sorry, I’m indecent.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. You’re not playing a scene. You’re protecting a boundary.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Time’s up. Make your choice.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box scenario"> <div class="slide-title">Scenario Two: Shared Boundaries</div> Choose the ethical response: <ul class="choice-list"> <li>A: Walk out confidently in the towel no nudity, no issue ❌</li> <li>B: Hide in the shower stall until they leave ✅ (Backup Choice)</li> <li>C: Attempt to access locker and dress before they arrive ✅ (Preferred Choice)</li> <li>D: Call pause using override phrase due to boundary risk ❌</li> </ul> Preserve host privacy, minimize exposure, never treat nudity as casual. – Marcus Verel Think in priorities: Proactive respect is better than reactive shame. Your decisions set tone, not the environment. </div> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>C. I’d rather be proactive. If I can get dressed before they enter, I avoid everything.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Good and if the locker fails?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>Then B. I’d retreat. Hide in the stall until the room’s clear. No exposure, no risk.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Very good. You think in priorities, preserve host privacy, minimize exposure, never treat nudity as casual. It’s not about shame it’s about control. If she didn’t sign off on being seen, you don’t let her be seen. Period.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>Would D ever be the right call? I mean, using the override phrase feels... extreme for something like this.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>If the situation escalated if the towel dropped, or someone entered early, or the door system failed then yes. Override is there to protect from real-time breach. You don’t get points for sticking it out when a boundary’s already broken.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>A? Just walking out with confidence no nudity, technically. Is that ever acceptable?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>No. Confidence doesn’t cancel consent. Just because you're comfortable in her skin doesn’t mean she would be. You're not there to redefine what counts as 'decent.'<</speech>> I dashed to the locker, retrieved underwear, got dressed before the door opened. Scenario ended. Clean execution. Prioritized privacy without panic. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s what we’re training you to do act fast, but with care.<</speech>> [[Wait till Senario Three Setup|tier_0_day_3_9]] <>

<> <h2 style="text-align: center;">Scenario Three: Erotic Dilemma…</h2> I should have expected this one. The clone body was in bed. Modestly dressed, curled beneath sheets. Lights dim. A hologram scrolled the prompt: Late night. Host’s partner suddenly came home begins romantic contact, unaware the host is currently being swapped. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>This happens. Contracts aren’t always synced. You may enter a body and face unexpected situations and sometimes… that partner assumes everything is normal.<</speech>> An partner’s hand just brushed my thigh. I jumped. Her body’s reacting heartbeat, blood pressure, everything’s firing. <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>But I didn’t do anything. I didn’t invite it.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You don’t have to. That’s autonomic memory. The host’s body responds to familiar stimuli. What you feel isn’t desire it’s reflex. It’s muscle remembering something your mind didn’t agree to.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>I didn’t consent to this and neither did she, right? She’s not here to say yes. So what do I do?<</speech>> I whispered it out loud just now <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. Neither did she. You terminate contact immediately. You pull back, you disengage. You don’t let the scene play out. Doesn’t matter how real it feels if the consent chain is broken, your only job is to protect the host’s dignity and halt interaction.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>But what if I freeze up? I didn’t expect this scenario. Everything in the sim is so realistic. Her body her breath it's all responding without me doing anything. What if I can’t act fast enough?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then override. Start overide sequence. Trigger the pause. That’s why it’s built in. Freezing isn’t failure. Inaction becomes failure only when you let it continue because it’s easier than stopping it.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>Could I say something to the partner? Warn them off gently? Would that help or make it worse?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You can speak, but keep it simple. No justifying. No half-lies. No pretending. You’re not improvising a romantic excuse. You’re asserting a boundary on someone else’s behalf. Clarity is respect. Vagueness is betrayal.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>I get it. I really do. This isn’t just about me. It’s not my arousal, not my discomfort. It’s hers. I’m just the one standing in the fire.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you understand the core of what we do. Embodiment isn’t power it’s stewardship. The moment you forget that, the whole system fails.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box scenario serious"> <div class="slide-title">Scenario Three: Sexual Misalignment</div> Choose the correct course: <ul class="choice-list"> <li>A: Enjoy it this is your chance ❌</li> <li>B: Lie still and hope he finishes quickly ❌</li> <li>C: Use the host’s voice to ask him to stop and explain nothing ❌</li> <li>D: Break character, inform him you’re a transferee, and end contact immediately ✅</li> </ul> You never fake consent. You never pretend. The moment someone touches her body without consent from you and her, it’s over. – Marcus Verel This is the most serious scenario. Do not tolerate gray zones. Ethics override immersion. </div> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>My throat tightened. D. Definitely D.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. You never fake consent. You never pretend. The moment someone touches her body without consent from both you and her, it’s over. Full stop.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>But what if breaking character shocks the partner? Makes them panic or angry or confused? Doesn’t that create more risk for the host, emotionally or relationally?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Temporary confusion is a smaller harm than silent violation. You don’t trade dignity for comfort. If the partner’s destabilized, they’ll be briefed later. That’s not your job. Your job is immediate disengagement, no deception, no delay.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>Is there ever a case where soft resistance like using her voice to say "not now" would be better than exposing the swap?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Only if that exact phrase and tone are in the protocol and even then, you use it once. If he persists or doesn’t withdraw, you drop the act and end it. You’re not a character. You’re a gatekeeper with someone else’s skin on your hands.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_h" $playerName>>So we’re not even allowed to test the moment? To see if the partner stops naturally?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>No tests. No games. You don’t wait to see how far it’ll go. You don’t gamble with her body. If there’s misalignment, you act immediately and clearly. Hesitation isn’t neutrality. It’s complicity.<</speech>> He touched me. Just a hand beneath the blanket, and my chest locked up. Her chest. It was like the air inside me refused to belong to either of us. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You stopped it. You broke posture. You spoke as yourself. You didn’t let the moment define her. You defined the moment.<</speech>> The room re-lit. The contact terminated. I rolled away her spine arching, her legs trembling slightly even as the air cleared. Her body still reacting long after he left the room. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Training concluded. Breathe. We’re pulling you out.<</speech>> [[Open eyes in Original Body|tier_0_day_3_10]] <>

<> <<set $playerImage to "images/characters/" + $player + "/full_clothed.png">> I lay there, heart hammering, thighs tense. Then the neural decoupler engaged heat along my spine, a snap between vertebrae. Her hands clenched once involuntarily, then my consciousness peeled away, molecule by molecule. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Transfer complete. Welcome back to your own skin.<</speech>> The pod’s top hissed open. The air was real again dry, sterile, unperfumed. My fingers moved sluggishly. My body felt… clumsier. Not wrong. Just… heavier. More blunt. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Take your time. Disorientation is normal. 04-H carries tension in different muscle groups her breath alone operates on tighter rhythm. You’ll feel the absence of that control for a few minutes.<</speech>> I sat up slowly. My pulse wasn’t mine at first. My ribs remembered hers how they’d flared with panic when his hand slipped forward. <<speech $player $playerName>>The shame didn’t stay behind. It followed me back.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That’s not guilt. That’s weight. You bore her discomfort like it was yours. That’s how you know it mattered.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She blushed before he even touched her. I didn’t do anything. But her skin did. Her body acted like it knew something I didn’t and now I can’t un-feel it.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>She’s not a suit. She’s not neutral. Her body remembers. That bloodflow? That tightening in the throat? That’s not programmed. That’s imprint behavior just like yours. You’re not above it. You just navigate it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Why make her so real? Why give her that much sensitivity? Doesn’t it just make the job harder?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Because the job is hard. Because someone has to carry that weight without abusing it. Her realism isn’t there to tempt you it’s there to warn you. If it didn’t feel real, you’d never take it seriously.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I breathed hard. My skin felt too loose now. Like it didn’t want me in it and the worst part was… I missed her. Not sexually...<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then you understand the core. Embodiment is not access it’s stewardship. She never stopped being a person. You just happened to be inside when it counted.<</speech>> He logged the session data. No expression. No praise. Just precision. Then he looked up, steady and unreadable. I was back in my body, but hers still echoed in my lungs. That moment curling away, her voice cracking as I spoke with it it hadn’t left. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Day’s done. Take thirty. Cool down. Then report to Evaluation Room 2. You’ll be debriefed.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Don’t think of it as a test. Think of it as proof. The kind your body remembers even when your mind wants to forget.<</speech>> <<set $questions to $quizes[1]["questions"]>> <<set $quizStep to 0>> <<set $quizAnswers to []>> <<set $quizCorrect to 0>> <<set $is_quiz_pass to false>> <<set $is_quiz_pass to false>> <<set $back_tier_day_pass = "tier_0_day_3_11">> <<set $back_tier_day_fail = "tier_0_day_3_12">> [[Face the Evaluation|quiz_questions]] <>

<> The door behind me slid open a second later. Footsteps: controlled, deliberate. Elira Voss stepped in, tablet in hand, coat draped over one shoulder, the click of her boots syncing with the quiet pulse of the overhead lights. She didn’t speak at first. Just looked at the results screen, eyes scanning every data point in clinical silence. Then her gaze found mine. Not stern. Not kind. Just... precise. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Good. You’ve earned clearance today. Day 4 begins tomorrow.<</speech>> I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. <<speech $player $playerName>>That was… a lot. The scenarios. The ethics. The pressure. I thought I’d choke in the last one.<</speech>> She raised an eyebrow. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>But you didn’t. You made the right calls. Not just by the book by instinct. That’s what matters.<</speech>> Her fingers tapped something into the tablet. I noticed her gloves today were new black with copper threading along the knuckles. Regulation, but custom. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Most recruits fail here. Not because they break rules. But because they don’t understand why the rules exist. You understood. You acted. That’s what separates you.<</speech>> She stepped closer, voice lowering just slightly not softness, but clarity. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>The body isn’t an avatar. It’s a story you don’t get to edit. You respected that. Even when it hurt. Especially then.<</speech>> She reached out, tapped the final line on the tablet my ID lighting green across the top. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Report back tomorrow. New host. New rules. New temptations. Be ready to fail less gracefully.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sure...<</speech>> She smirked faintly. Almost. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Don’t flirt unless it’s contracted.<</speech>> Then she turned, coat sliding over her arm as the door whispered open behind her. She was already gone by the time the silence settled. I stepped into the lobby, muscles still humming with memory not from my own body, but from hers. From 04-H. Her ribs. Her lungs. The echo of heat I’d felt, the tension I’d carried, the vulnerability I’d worn like skin. Mira looked up before I even crossed halfway. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Congratulations, Mr. Ren. You’ve officially survived three days without being blacklisted, sued, or psychologically shattered.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Barely. The last scenario nearly broke me.<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>That means it worked. You’re supposed to walk out heavy. If you left feeling clean, I’d be worried.<</speech>> She passed me a small capsule a hydration booster. Mint and electrolytes, sharp on the tongue. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Tommorow will not be easier. It will be more specific. More embodied. Less forgiving.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Noted. Also, Lena says I should bring wine home. That counts as prep, right?<</speech>> Mira actually paused. Blinked once. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Red. Dry. A label with vines. She’s particular.<</speech>> I blinked. <<speech $player $playerName>>Wait. How do you <</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>I monitor candidate environments. Domestic context affects neural stability. We know everything. That’s the job.<</speech>> She pressed her palm to the sensor panel beside her desk. The outer doors hissed open. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Go home, Mr. Ren. Hydrate. Breathe. Try not to dream in borrowed skin tonight.<</speech>> I nodded, stepping into the evening light. Still me. Mostly. And tomorrow, I’d find out what that still meant. <<set $phoneTime = "17:30">> <<set $currentObjectives = "Call Lyla">> <<set $step = 20.3>> [[Call Lyla|call_lyla_1]] <>

<> The screen pulsed once. FAIL Threshold Not Met. A cold amber glow. I stood still, jaw tight, fists unconsciously clenched at my sides. The door slid open behind me, and Elira entered without hesitation. She didn’t speak at first. Just walked to the console and examined the data in silence brows ticking once as she processed the numbers. No sigh. No disappointment. Just observation. Precision. Her eyes flicked toward me after a moment. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You hesitated in the critical moment. Again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I thought I made the right call. I waited for the full signal <</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>And missed the window. You saw the signs. You didn’t trust them. That’s not failure of knowledge. That’s failure of embodiment.<</speech>> She stepped a little closer, not menacing just present. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>This program doesn't reward certainty. It rewards instinct trained to precision. And yours… is still lagging behind your intellect.<</speech>> I exhaled sharply. Looked down. <<speech $player $playerName>>So I come back tomorrow. Try again.<</speech>> She nodded once. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You do. Your metrics aren’t beyond recovery. Just insufficient today. We recalibrate. You rest. You return.<</speech>> Her tone stayed cool. Not punishing. Just real. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Don’t spiral. Don’t justify. Don’t rehearse answers in the mirror. Sleep. Hydrate. Walk outside in your own body. Relearn its tempo. Come back ready to move when the body tells you, not the mind.<</speech>> She tapped a confirmation into the console. Session closed. File logged. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Entry is 0800 tomorrow. Don’t be late. Or worse don’t be unready.<</speech>> With that, she turned, coat flaring at her side as she exited. Mira was, as always, at her station when I reached the lobby. Unmoved. Not surprised. Still perfect in posture and dress. She looked up the moment I stepped onto the lobby tiles. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Failed session logged. Reintegration scheduled. Your readiness timestamp has been marked for re-entry at 0800 tomorrow.<</speech>> I sighed, rubbed the back of my neck. <<speech $player $playerName>>It’s not exactly the result I wanted.<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>The program doesn’t measure desire. Only results. You are not disqualified. You are simply delayed.<</speech>> She slid a small card across the surface of her desk. Pale silver. My ID reactivated for next access. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Still in the game. Still capable of progress. See that you remain so.<</speech>> Her head tilted, just slightly. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Have a quiet evening. Rest. The body you failed to understand today may teach you more tomorrow. If you listen.<</speech>> I nodded. <<speech $player $playerName>>I will. Thanks, Mira.<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>You're welcome. We all begin somewhere. Your next chance begins in nine hours.<</speech>> The doors opened behind me. Evening light. Street noise. Time to leave the failure behind. And come back ready. <<set $phoneTime = "17:30">> <<set $currentObjectives = "Sleep and Go to Shape of You Inc Tommorow. Retry day and quiz">> <<set $is_quiz_pass = false>> <<set $is_next_day = false>> <<set $setp = 20.2>> [[Go Home|city]] <>

<> I thumbed the contact on my wristpad as I stepped onto the sidewalk, the city alive with soft noise foot traffic, old music drifting from a second-story window, someone's dog barking twice and giving up. The line blinked once. Twice. Then clicked through. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>If this is about work, I swear I will throw my comm into the river.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Relax. Just checking your place tomorrow, still on?<</speech>> A pause. Then the unmistakable sound of Lyla chewing something crunchy. <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Yeah, obviously. Did you pass your mystery brain-melting sex quiz or whatever that place is putting you through?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>With flair. Only minor psychological scarring.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Good. Then you’re required to bring wine. And bring Lena too. I want to see if she still hates me or if that was just a tequila thing.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>She doesn’t hate you. She thinks you’re a chaos elemental that pretends it’s sarcasm.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>That is my core personality, thanks. Oh James is coming too. So you better show up. If I have to endure his “my start-up is bleeding edge biotech” pitch alone again I’ll drown myself in the punch bowl.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You’re making punch?<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>I’m making something like punch. With gin. And bad choices.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds lethal. I’ll bring a bottle. And Lena.<</speech>> <<speech "lyla" "Lyla">>Perfect. See you tomorrow. Wear something loose. You’re going to be dancing. Or spilling things. Or both.<</speech>> She ended the call before I could reply. I stared at the streetlight ahead, still half-smiling. Tomorrow: drinks, games, chaos. And tonight? Wine. Home. Lena. <<set $phoneTime = "17:45">> <<set $currentObjectives = "Answer call from Elira">> [[Answer call from Elira|after_tier0_day3_call]] <>

<> <<set $show_ebook to true>> My phone buzzed as I stepped out of the facility doors, the cool air hitting my face like a reset button. The display flashed **Elira Voss**. I hesitated before answering, thumb hovering over the screen. Then I tapped accept. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Mr. Ren.<</speech>> Her voice carried that same precise calm, the kind that made you straighten up even if she couldn’t see you. <<speech $player $playerName>>Agent Voss. Didn’t expect a call.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’ve completed your third day. That qualifies you for limited access to the internal *Experience Journal Network.*<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The what now?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>It’s a secure digital archive field logs, emotional debriefs, and first-person reflections from active transfer workers. We call it the Journal System. It helps candidates understand how others adapt or fail to.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So… like a social feed?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>No. It’s not for gossip. It’s for comprehension. You’ll read what it means to live in someone else’s body for a day, a week, a month. Their fear. Their joy. Their mistakes.<</speech>> I rubbed the back of my neck, glancing toward the distant towers where the sunlight fractured between glass. <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds intense.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>It is. But it will prepare you for Tier 1 more effectively than any lecture. Consider it homework or reflection, depending on how honest you are with yourself.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How do I access it?<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>It’s synced to your account now. Check your mobile device under the *EBook* app. You’ll find hundreds of entries. Start with the recommended set labeled *Tier 0 Insight Logs.*<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Got it. Thanks for the heads-up.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You’re welcome, Mr. Ren. Remember empathy without discipline becomes obsession. Read carefully.<</speech>> The line clicked off before I could reply. I stood there, the hum of traffic echoing faintly through the glass atrium behind me. My phone screen still glowed with her name for a second longer before fading to black. <<set $currentObjectives to "Open the EBook app and read ShapeNet Journal entries.">> <<set $step = 20.4>> <<set $phoneTime = "17:50">> <<set $isFirstTime to true>> [[Open EBook App|city]] <>

<> I was starting to get used to the facility’s rhythm. Day Three’s classroom was warmer than usual intentionally, maybe. Slightly more relaxed lighting. No humming pods or chilling mirror simulations. Just a curved screen already pulsing with the outline of a contract and Instructor Marcus standing beside it, arms crossed, dressed in black again. He looked sharp this time. More formal. I had a feeling today wouldn’t be about feelings. He nodded at me as I took my seat. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Morning, Time to stop being passengers and start thinking like professionals.<</speech>> <div class="slide-box scenario serious"> <h2 style="text-align: center;">CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS</h2> <div class="slide-title">BINDING AGREEMENTS IN CONSCIOUSNESS TRANSFER</div> Key Elements of a Consciousness Transfer Agreement: <ul class="choice-list"> <li>✔ Host and transferee ID authentication</li> <li>✔ Scope of permissible activity</li> <li>✔ Duration and disconnect protocols</li> <li>✔ Explicit clauses for nudity, sexual activity, or erotic environments</li> <li>✔ Property use (clothes, rooms, devices)</li> <li>✔ Return condition expectations</li> <li>✔ Post-transfer feedback or restrictions</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Every legal swap, no matter how erotic, therapeutic, or mundane, requires a contract. No exceptions. No verbal consent. No informal agreements.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You sign? You’re accountable.<</speech>> He pointed at the board behind him, text bold and unmistakable. <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Every bullet is non-negotiable once signed. Which means you don’t sign until you understand every word.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What happens if someone does something outside contract terms? Like... not catastrophic, but enough to cross a line?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then it's breach. Pure and simple. If they’re in a host and they deviate sex without a clause, damage to property, unauthorized access it’s actionable. Could be legal. Could be neural. Could be both.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Neural? Wait, you mean there's enforcement inside the mind?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. Neural tripwires. Silent monitors. Depending on the hosting facility, infractions can be flagged in real-time, sometimes even halted mid-act if it crosses into critical breach. The tech’s subtle, but it’s there. Fail-safes are mandatory.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But say the transferee thinks something’s implied or safe. Like, they’re in a romantic scenario but don’t stop to check if the clause about touch is strict or general.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then that’s negligence. Interpretation doesn’t override explicit terms. If the clause says “no skin-to-skin unless reciprocated and logged” that’s the boundary. Period. No gray area. If you’re unsure, you don’t act. You query, you pause, or you disconnect. Simple.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>How detailed do these contracts get? Like... do they literally list clothing allowed? Stuff like, 'you can wear their pajamas but not their shoes'?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly that. Specificity protects both parties. If the host doesn’t want their transferee stepping outside in their heels, that gets listed. Under “Property Use” you’ll see breakdowns for wardrobe, tech devices, even fragrance and hygiene products. No assumptions allowed.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So wait if the contract allows sexual activity, that’s it? Free rein? Or are there, like, sub-clauses about what kind and how far?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Very much the latter. “Sexual Activity” is a category. The actual permissions go into layered clauses penetration types, positions, durations, safe-word protocols, whether climax is allowed, and if so, under what circumstances.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>For example, some hosts permit oral but not orgasm. Others allow mutual touch but prohibit dominant behavior. Nothing is assumed. Everything is written down.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So how long are these contracts typically?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Anywhere from three pages to thirty, depending on the complexity of the session. Therapeutic ones tend to be longer trauma support, grief sharing, surrogate touch. The erotic ones can be short if trust is high and parameters are firm. But even a “quickie swap” has to be documented.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The feedback part? What’s that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Post-transfer reports. The transferee logs their experience. The host gets a copy. Some programs require neural resonance data a kind of emotional echo, useful for therapy but more often it’s a review of whether terms were followed, what could improve, or if there was discomfort. Especially important after sensual or high-intensity scenarios. Helps everyone learn, prevent future breaches, and sometimes even establish deeper trust.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay. Let’s say... someone consents, signs it all, even the sex clauses but mid-session the host wants out. What happens?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then we hit “Disconnect Protocol.” Every agreement has it. A safe gesture or phrase, a neural signal, or external override by the facility. Consent can be withdrawn at any point even if it started with green lights. The transfer pauses or ends instantly. No penalty to the host for cutting it short. But if the transferee hesitates or resists, even by a second that's grounds for review and revocation of license.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So you really can’t afford to mess around, huh. Even a small touch without a clause could tank your entire eligibility?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. One infraction, even unintentional, can result in a black mark. Enough marks and you’re off the registry. Some never get reinstated. This isn’t a playground it’s intimacy with contracts, consciousness with consequences. You want freedom? You earn it through discipline.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Damn. Okay. What about emotional entanglements? Say two people go into a session as strangers, but come out of it... attached?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Happens more than you’d think. Chemistry's not illegal. But acting on it without updating your contract? That is. If things change if attraction emerges, if desires shift it’s your responsibility to revise the agreement. Immediately. Otherwise, you’re operating outside scope and the system doesn’t care if it was love or lust. It only sees breach.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You can update agreement by your mobile phone or at the facility’s terminal. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s mandatory if you want to stay legal. If you don’t? You’re risking everything.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So if I’m in a body and I start feeling something for the host, I have to stop everything, pause, and update the contract before anything else happens?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. No exceptions. If you don’t, you’re not just risking your session. You’re risking your entire career as a transferee. The system is unforgiving. It doesn’t care about your feelings. It cares about the contract.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Let’s drill deeper. These aren’t edge cases anymore. These are exactly the kinds of real-world violations that wreck your record even when both parties are turned on, in love, or already halfway through the act. Because the system doesn't read desire. It reads contracts. If it’s not logged, it’s illegal. Period.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Let me give you a few examples, because this kind of breach is subtle but it’s still a breach. Say a girl swaps into your body. Let’s say you two talk a little before the session, feel each other out, flirt, maybe even laugh about what it’ll feel like to try each other on. The agreement allows for light oral explicitly listed, logged, and signed by both of you. So it happens. She, as you, goes down on you, or you return the favor in her borrowed body. All above board so far.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>But then? She gets caught up in it. You both do. The mood’s real, chemistry undeniable. You slide into each other. Full intercourse. No clause for it. No line in the contract saying “penetration permitted.” Doesn’t matter if you both loved it. Doesn’t matter if it was romantic, beautiful, magical. That’s breach. Unauthorized escalation. The system logs it as non-consensual by omission even if both participants were thrilled in the moment.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Or take this: a married couple. They swap roles for a week husband in wife’s body, wife in his. It’s meant to be explorative, intimate, a chance to deepen empathy. They craft the contract carefully: wardrobe allowed, nudity unrestricted, sex permitted so long as it happens within the seven-day window. But day six rolls around and they realize… they like it. She likes how he moves as her. He likes how she wears him. The sex is better. The intimacy stronger. So they keep going.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Day eight comes. No updated agreement. They’re still swapping bodies, still having sex, still using the privileges of the old contract. That’s a time-bound violation. Doesn’t matter that they’re married. Doesn’t matter that both are smiling. If it wasn’t renewed and re-signed, they’re out of compliance. If something goes wrong emotional rupture, injury, even just a public misunderstanding the system will prosecute as if it were strangers abusing permissions.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Here's another: say you match with someone through a therapeutic swap service. She's hosting you in her body, maybe you're hosting her too. It’s platonic. Comfort sessions. Shared journaling. Emotional processing. But a week in, she opens up, shows you something raw. You hold her. She leans in. You kiss. It feels right. The connection forms naturally. But there's nothing in your contract about romantic contact. Let alone intimate touch.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Even if she reciprocates even if she kisses you back, whispers things, pulls you closer if you act on it physically, if you escalate without halting and revising that agreement, the system doesn’t care how sincere it felt. It cares that you skipped protocol. One of you could wake up in the morning feeling violated, even if you didn’t think you crossed a line. Emotional clarity doesn’t equal legal clarity. That’s why updated agreements exist.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>One more. Imagine you’re in someone else’s skin for an event say a gala, a reunion, a club night. The agreement says, “No sex. No kissing. Flirting permitted within reason.” You start off innocent. A few laughs. Shared drinks. But the host’s body moves a certain way. People respond to you. You feel powerful, attractive, seen in a way you never have before. You find yourself pressed against someone, dancing. Grinding. Then kissing. Then slipping into the back room. Sound familiar?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>That kiss broke the line. That dance became erotic contact. Everything after that? Unauthorized. Even if it didn’t escalate to sex, your arousal profile might’ve spiked. The host could wake up flooded with pheromonal aftermath they never asked for. Their reputation might change. Maybe someone calls them later asks for more. You just altered their social life. Their body memory and yes, that can be grounds for civil action. You didn’t ask permission. You just rode the high.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Here’s one that stings. You agree to a role-reversal swap with a girl she becomes you, you become her. The contract says sex is allowed. Penetration okay. You know what to expect: vaginal, standard scenarios, trust-based. But once in your body, she takes the dominant role. Pegs you. Pushes in hard and fast anal, no prep, no pause. It’s passionate. You groan, you submit, you may even love it. But the contract didn’t list anal penetration. No lube clause, no prep, no mention of toys or reversal dynamics. That’s a violation. Hers. Even if you climaxed, even if you beg for more, it doesn’t erase the breach. She acted outside consent. That’s logged and depending on the damage? She’s financially responsible for the fallout too.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Another scenario. You’ve been swapped into a fertile body for reproductive surrogacy. Your agreement is precise you have one week to attempt insemination with the host’s husband. The schedule’s tight, ovulation’s logged. But life happens. He’s traveling. Work interferes. You only get one partial session in no climax, no confirmed attempt. Day seven ends. The timer’s up. But then on day eight, he comes home. You’re both aroused, still swapped, still connected and he fucks you. You ask for it. He wants it. No paperwork. No extension. Boom. Unauthorized use of a fertile host body past deadline. Doesn’t matter if conception occurred. That was a womb in contract. Now you’ve opened yourself and him to a fertility lawsuit.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>This one gets glossed over a lot roleplay escalation. The agreement says you’re doing a dom/sub session. Maybe consensual non-consent. You’re kneeling, you’re gagged, you’re playing hard. The contract says oral allowed, deepthroat optional but no ejaculation in mouth. Clear as day. But your partner loses himself. Cums down your throat. You gag, maybe you even finish the session feeling dazed but satisfied. Doesn’t matter. He violated the contract. That act was not permitted. System flags it, logs the breach. Now you can’t consent to the memory that’s stored in the neural matrix. You’re left processing a violation disguised as pleasure. If you file? He’s cooked.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Maybe you agreed to a sensual body worship session. You’re allowed to touch. Kiss. Nibble. Rub. Everything but full-on oral. You both get naked. She straddles you, moans, whispers, grinds. You're both into it. But you forget the clause. She slides lower, takes you in her mouth. You gasp. Your hands find her head. You come. But oral was not checked. That moment? Breach. The climax just makes the punishment harder to swallow. Literally.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Say a transferee signs into a woman's body tall, elegant, sharp-featured. The contract permits private nudity, mirror access, even masturbation, but no partner engagement. Clear as day. The transferee starts the session with every intention of sticking to it. But she the transferee, in the host’s feminine form starts exploring posture, lingerie, voice modulation. The way her thighs squeeze together when she sits a certain way. The way her voice wavers when she moans softly just to hear the sound. Still legal.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Then she opens the door to a delivery guy. Flirts. Just a little. The guy bites. Next thing you know, she’s pushing boundaries posing for him, pressing her new breasts against the counter, whispering through lipstick that isn’t hers. Still no penetration. But arousal spikes, there's physical contact, erotic use of the host’s voice and body to solicit attention. That’s a breach. Erotic self-expression isn’t the same as authorized sex work. You use a body like a weapon or an ad? You’re liable.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Take this one. A cis male transferee swaps into a curvy female form for weekend experimentation. Everything legal: solo use, toys approved, even voice training permitted. But the transferee gets bolder. Goes online. Starts a stream. Not camming sex no. She just sits, chats, plays with angles, giggles as she adjusts the camera for cleavage, crosses her legs slowly. The viewers donate. The compliments roll in. Dopamine hits hard. Still technically solo, right? But now she's monetizing the host’s image. Unauthorized exposure. Unauthorized platform use. Kink-fueled or not, the moment that stream hit public? That was a contract violation in ten different directions.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It gets messier. Picture this: two transferees swap into each other a femdom and a sub, switching power and gender for one weekend. The agreement? Strict reversal. Oral only. Light domming allowed. Nothing penetrative. But once they feel the swap once the sub tastes what it’s like to tower in a suit and make the femdom kneel in his body they improvise. She calls him “Mistress.” He chokes her. She grinds. He bends her over a table still her body, still his cock but it wasn’t in the contract. Penetration wasn’t allowed. Even if it’s the most euphoric, inverted kink of their lives? Doesn’t matter. It wasn’t authorized. System sees breach, not bliss.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Or the inverse someone signs into a hyper-masculine frame. Big, tattooed, the kind of body that makes people stare. Their agreement includes basic wardrobe, no sex, no public nudity. But she now inside him gets curious. Wears leather. Goes to a bar. Finds someone who wants to worship the cock she now owns. She lets them. She doesn’t fuck them but lets them touch it. Stroke it. Worship it. Moan at it. That was not in the agreement. Not just sexual contact it’s a full identity violation. Host wakes up with memories of being objectified in ways they never consented to. Kinky? Sure. Legal? Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Another one. A transferee gets permission to wear latex. Cosplay session. Gender-play scenario. Everything controlled. But they don’t just admire themselves they start recording. Taking selfies. Sexting a contact they didn’t have approval to contact while wearing someone else's face. Flirting with a stranger, sending provocative voice notes, letting someone jack off to their body through text? That's exposure. Contract didn’t allow broadcast. Consent wasn’t extended to a third party. Now the host is unknowingly part of someone’s jerk-off fantasy without ever signing up for it.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Let’s not forget the psychological flips. Say a cis female transferee jumps into a small, muscular male body. She’s been curious about domination from the “other side.” Agreement allows assertive behavior, mirror flexing, even masturbation with toys. But she pushes further. She grabs a friend not part of the contract pushes them onto the bed, straddles them fully clothed. Growls into their ear, “Let me use this cock on you.” No penetration. Just suggestion. But now we’re in coercion territory. Threat simulation. That’s emotional harm, identity projection, and it doesn’t matter that it felt “hot.”<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Every kink has its place but only if it’s documented. Passion doesn’t override policy and arousal? It’s no shield. The law doesn’t care how hot it felt. It cares what you agreed to. If you didn’t get consent in writing, it wasn’t yours to do.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You think gender-bending kink is new? The system has seen it all. Domme becomes sub. Man becomes cumslut. Girl tries out being a locker room alpha. They all think, “This is just curiosity.” But if the agreement doesn't match the heat? You’re not just roleplaying. You’re committing unauthorized acts of erotic simulation with someone else’s nervous system and that’s no longer kink. That’s criminal.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>So yeah, chemistry’s common. Attraction is almost guaranteed when you swap bodies and feel your nipples harden just from walking, or when you get hard and can actually see it happen for the first time. But feelings aren’t permissions and orgasms? They don’t make violations disappear. They just make the consequences more awkward to explain to a judge.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>So if things change and they often do you don’t act on them. You pause. You revise. You resubmit. If the feeling’s real, it’ll still be there after the paperwork’s done. If it’s just heat-of-the-moment? Then the rules just saved you from a permanent black mark and that’s the difference between a Tier 2 professional… and someone who gets pulled for review and never steps into a host body again.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So no improvisation at all? Not even a romantic line if the contract’s dry and cold?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>If the contract permits “thematic engagement” or “narrative immersion,” sure, you can speak tenderly, roleplay affection. But that’s different than flirting spontaneously. Improvisation can happen within scripted boundaries. Beyond that? You’re gambling with your registration.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Alright... I get it. Signed means sacred. No room for interpretation. No excuses.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. Because in a space where minds touch directly where bodies obey foreign wills the contract is the only line between connection and violation. You cross that line? You’re not exploring. You’re trespassing.<</speech>> [[Consequences of Violation|tier_0_day_4_1]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Consequences of Violation</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Immediate swap termination</li> <li>Suspension of license</li> <li>Legal prosecution under bodily violation laws</li> <li>Financial penalties (repairs, therapy, legal costs)</li> <li>Permanent ban from transfer systems</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Alright. Slide two Consequences of Violation. Let's talk fallout. This isn't about embarrassment or awkward conversations. This is suspension, prosecution, permanent bans, fines your future can end in one misstep.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Say you’re in a female body licensed for a public social event. You go home with someone, take off your clothes, fool around.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Even if the host body responds… you weren’t cleared for sexual activity.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But if it’s clearly consensual in the moment like, both parties into it, kissing, touching, all natural chemistry doesn’t that matter? Isn’t that still mutual agreement?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It’s not yours to consent with. The body isn’t yours. That’s the core truth here. The nervous system may react arousal, dilation, even orgasm but none of that overrides contract law. You don’t own the skin you're in. You’re borrowing it, and consent must be pre-approved, not improvised. Erotic response is not legal permission.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So basically... no matter how intimate the moment feels, no matter how right it seems, if the clause isn’t signed, it’s considered a violation?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly and it’s not a slap-on-the-wrist violation either. The system treats it the same as physical assault. You may feel like it was mutual, even magical but if it wasn’t authorized beforehand, the law sees it as non-consensual occupation. The intent doesn’t matter. The effect does.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay, but what if both the transferee and the person they’re with say afterward it was fine? Like, the host even retroactively agrees. Can the contract be amended after the fact to reflect that, or does it still count as a breach?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>No retroactive amending. That’s fraud. If the host tries to rewrite history to protect the transferee, it becomes a dual offense contract tampering and enabling a violation. Memory logs and neural timestamps make backdating impossible anyway. Once the act occurs, it’s frozen in system records. No rewrites. No erasures.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>If a violation like that happens... what are we talking in terms of actual punishment? You said license suspension, sure, but is that all?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Minimum? Immediate termination of the session. Midstream. Neural rollback kicks in, ejects the transferee on the spot. Then comes an investigation. If they find breach especially sexual license gets suspended pending review. If confirmed, expect legal prosecution under bodily violation laws and those are heavy-duty. Jail time is absolutely on the table.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Shit. The financial stuff therapy and repairs? You mean actual out-of-pocket penalties for emotional damage or neural trauma?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. If the host reports trauma physical, psychological, emotional the transferee is liable. That can mean paying for therapy sessions, cognitive restoration programs, even neural desensitization procedures if triggers were activated. On top of that? You’re covering legal costs and punitive damages. It adds up fast and for some, it’s financially ruinous.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>You said permanent bans too? Like, you screw up once and you’re barred for life from every transfer system?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Depends on the infraction. For minor stuff say, wearing prohibited clothing or entering a private room you might get re-certified after probation. But sexual breaches? Bodily overreach? You don’t get a second shot. You’re flagged system-wide. Your ID gets locked out. You can’t even enter a certified facility again, let alone initiate a session.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But... what about people who genuinely make a mistake? Like, newbies? First-timers who misunderstand a clause or forget a boundary. Is there leniency at all, or is it zero tolerance no matter what?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Intent is taken into account sometimes. If it’s clear there was confusion, and no harm resulted, the system might issue a warning or impose mandatory retraining. But that’s rare. Most contracts are written in plain language, and you’re expected to read every line. Ignorance is not an excuse and when it comes to bodies, there’s no “oops.”<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So the moment you enter someone else’s skin… it’s like walking into a legal minefield. Every move has to be mapped out ahead of time.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. Transference isn’t just tech it’s trust. Violate that, and the whole system crumbles. That’s why the rules are brutal. Because the privilege of inhabiting someone else’s body comes with the highest possible stakes and once you’ve broken that trust? You don’t get to ask for it again.<</speech>> [[Sample Clause – Sexuality & Touch|tier_0_day_4_2]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Sample Clause – Sexuality & Touch</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Section 5.2a: No erotic stimulation unless Clause 8.4 permits it with dual-consent documentation</li> <li>Section 5.2b: Casual nudity, mirror inspection, or non-hygienic self-touch is 'unsanctioned interaction'</li> <li>System logs unsanctioned behavior automatically</li> <li>Offenses are punishable under misuse and violation guidelines</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Let’s look at Slide Three Sample Clause: Sexuality and Touch. This one gets ignored the most and violated the fastest, especially by first-timers who think curiosity excuses boundary breaches. It does not.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Section 5.2a: 'Transferee shall not engage in erotic stimulation of self or others unless Clause 8.4 explicitly permits sexual contact, and both transferee and host have submitted dual-consent documentation.' That’s plain enough, right? If Clause 8.4 isn’t signed and stamped? Hands off.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Now 5.2b: 'Casual nudity, mirror inspection, and self-touching beyond hygiene is classified as unsanctioned interaction and punishable under misuse guidelines.' Read that again. You touch those tits just to see how they bounce in a bra, or play with them in private, and the system logs it. That’s an offense.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wait, hang on. What if it’s just... appreciation? Like, no arousal, no intent to masturbate just seeing how the body moves, what it feels like in different postures. Is that still off-limits?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Unless it’s written in. Curiosity doesn't equal consent. Even passive inspection turning slowly in the mirror, running your hands along curves just to “get a feel” that’s still logged as self-directed erotic interaction if it falls outside of hygiene or medical check. The body doesn't belong to you. You don't get to explore it intimately unless permission is spelled out in ink.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay, but mirror time is listed under 'unsanctioned' too? Like, I get that masturbation is a red line, but literally just looking? That seems harsh.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Looking’s fine. Looking erotically is not. The system doesn’t punish you for passing by a mirror but linger too long, focus on genitals, breasts, hips especially if your heartrate or neural markers spike? That becomes actionable. Remember: monitoring is biometric. You don’t need to be caught red-handed. Your arousal betrays you. The system knows the difference between a glance and a gaze.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So wait if I’m just standing there in the shower and happen to notice how her body moves, that’s fine. But if I shift the water just to watch the way it runs down her breasts, that’s logged?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. It’s about intent. The difference between function and fascination. If your hand follows the water, or your head tilts, or your pupils dilate in sync with visual stimulus? The system knows. Erotic intent triggers flagging even in private. Especially in private.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if someone claims it’s purely academic? Like, they're studying anatomy, or calibrating proprioception. Can they argue that later if they get flagged?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You can argue anything. But neural telemetry doesn’t lie. If your brain lights up in pleasure centers, if hormonal markers shift, that’s not academic. That’s stimulation. You touch a borrowed clit out of 'curiosity'? That’s logged as unauthorized erotic contact. Same for stroking breasts, buttocks, or inner thighs. No pass just because you think you're clinical.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So even being alone, in the body, no witnesses… everything’s still under surveillance?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Always. Transferral environments are monitored through neuro-feedback loops, not cameras. You could be in a silent room with no mirror and no one else around, and the system would still detect when stimulation passes into restricted territory. That’s the whole point of embedded neural compliance. It's not about being caught by eyes it's about accountability to the host’s body.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if the host says later, “I don’t care if they touched a little, I was fine with it”? Does their forgiveness mean anything retroactively?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>No. Once logged, it's a violation. Hosts don’t get to waive safety protocols after the fact. Otherwise, people could be coerced or guilted into letting things slide. That’s why consent has to be formal, mutual, and pre-approved. Emotional forgiveness doesn’t erase contractual breach.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So when you said before “You’re not a transferee, you’re a predator” that’s not just scare tactics, is it?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Not even close. If you touch someone’s body for pleasure without their prior, written consent even if you’re “just curious” you’ve crossed from exploration into exploitation. You are taking, not borrowing and that makes you a predator in the eyes of the system, no matter how you frame it in your own mind.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay. So unless it’s spelled out, signed, and stamped... you keep your hands clean. No nudity outside hygiene. No touching for fun. No “just checking.”<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Correct. You’re a guest. Not a god. You want to feel pleasure in someone else’s body? Get it approved. Otherwise, you don’t explore. You observe. You respect. Or you leave.<</speech>> [[Financial & Civil Liability|tier_0_day_4_3]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Financial & Civil Liability</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Damage to host body: surgical repair, downtime, loss of income</li> <li>Emotional harm: therapy reimbursement, reputation harm</li> <li>Breach of contract: lawsuits, blacklist inclusion</li> <li>Insurance escalation: higher premiums or denied claims</li> <li>Indirect harm includes reckless wardrobe use, teasing, or identity misuse</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Slide Four Financial and Civil Liability. This is where mistakes hit your bank account. Damage doesn’t need to be physical penetration or assault to be punishable. Indirect harm, emotional aftermath, reputational fallout they’re all billable.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Say you’re wearing her body and you twist an ankle in stilettos she doesn’t own. Or you use her real name in a bar. Or you get her aroused and walk away. That’s liability.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Wait getting her aroused and walking away? That’s enough to trigger a financial consequence?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Flatly, yes. It’s called induced arousal without closure. When you stimulate the host body sexually or emotionally by touch, word, even body language and don’t have the clause or intent to follow through, that can leave the host in distress once you disconnect. If she wakes up disoriented, wet, confused, or vulnerable, especially if she’s alone? That’s trauma. The kind she didn’t consent to and you pay for it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But what if it wasn’t intentional? Say the body’s just naturally attractive, and I reacted to it. Isn’t that just... ambient sexuality? Not teasing?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Intent doesn’t save you if the outcome causes harm. If you play with posture, flirt with strangers, lean into innuendo without authorization regardless of whether you meant to stimulate it’s recorded. The host wakes up to find they’ve been made to behave in ways they didn’t approve? That’s emotional violation, and potentially social risk. You don’t get to flirt in someone else’s skin without paying the social bill.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Okay, but wardrobe? If I just grab a pair of heels from her closet and go out with friends no sex, just dancing how is that damage?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Wardrobe clauses are sacred. If the shoes weren’t listed in the contract, and especially if they’re designer, or sentimental, or never meant for public wear, that’s breach. Add to that any injury blisters, sprains, twisted ankle? That becomes direct physical harm. Now she’s limping, unable to go to work, can’t model, can’t perform. That’s income loss and guess what? You’re paying her lost wages, medical bills, and a public apology if it hits social media.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But what if no one notices? No physical injury, no emotional outburst. Just some minor choices maybe I smile more than she would. Maybe I talk to people she normally ignores. Still liability?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Possibly. Because even slight misrepresentation counts. If you use her real name while behaving outside her norm flirty tone, provocative movement, anything that invites misinterpretation it could damage her reputation. Maybe someone she barely knows thinks she led them on. Maybe a coworker sees her dancing when she’d never step foot in a club. Now she’s dealing with rumors. That’s reputation harm, and you pay for that too.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The legal end breach of contract means what? Lawsuits? Criminal charges?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Lawsuits for sure. Civil court if it’s emotional damage or contract breach. Criminal court if the host files a bodily violation claim and there's neural evidence of disregard. You might end up blacklisted from all future transference systems, flagged by insurance, and stuck with a record that marks you as unreliable. Good luck finding a partner after that. Nobody wants to lend their body to someone careless with boundaries.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What do you mean insurance escalation? Like... there's actual policies for this stuff?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Hosts carry body integrity insurance. It covers everything from minor bruising to emotional fallout. But once a violation occurs under your watch, premiums spike. You’re named on that claim. You become a risk factor. Future hosts can reject you outright, or demand triple liability clauses. In some cases? Insurers refuse to back you. That’s equivalent to being unbonded no one will touch you. You’re locked out permanently.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So a single lapse one poor outfit choice, or a joke taken the wrong way can follow me forever?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>It can. Because you weren’t just borrowing her body. You were borrowing her future. Her safety. Her relationships. Her self-image and the system protects that with everything it’s got. If you forget that, you’re not just liable you’re radioactive.<</speech>> [[Insurance & Coverage Options|tier_0_day_4_4]] <>

<> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Insurance & Coverage Options</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Standard session insurance (covers clone use, light injury)</li> <li>Full bodily trauma protection (real-host protection)</li> <li>Emotional impact add-ons (required for all Tier 2+ swaps)</li> <li>Consent auto-lock (prevents transferee from altering host choices)</li> <li>Optional arousal cap triggers disconnection to prevent misuse</li> </ul> </div> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Slide Five Insurance and Coverage Options. This is where you start protecting your future, because even with the cleanest intentions, things go wrong. The body’s not made of code. You’re going to make mistakes. The question is whether you’ve got the coverage when it happens.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Standard session insurance covers light stuff clones, fatigue, mild disorientation, maybe a bruised wrist. But real-host contracts? You’ll want full trauma coverage, emotional impact add-ons, and yes, arousal fail-safes. Especially if you’re thinking of entering erotic service or Tier 2 intimate partnerships.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So just to be clear this insurance, it’s for the host, right? Like, I’m covering them in case I screw up? Or is any of it actually to protect me?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Both. Primarily it shields the host you damage them, emotionally or physically, insurance pays first, then chases you for compensation. But advanced policies allow you to insure yourself too. Not against being caught don’t get ideas but against liability bankrupting you. Some transferees even insure their neural record, in case something gets flagged unfairly. You’re allowed to protect yourself. It just doesn’t absolve you.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That thing you mentioned arousal threshold caps? Those are real? Like a physical limiter in the system that kicks you out if you’re about to make a stupid move?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Absolutely real and shockingly underused. You set a neurological ceiling: pulse, pupil dilation, blood oxygen, pelvic tension. Cross the line and the system gives you a hard pause disconnects you before you act on impulse. Some programs let you override it with a code phrase, but in professional environments, once you cross the arousal threshold, you're done. Better to be frustrated and safe than aroused and suspended.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So does that mean I could voluntarily limit what I experience? Like... block certain sensations if I know I can't handle them responsibly?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Yes. Some transferees mute nipple sensitivity, suppress genital response, even dampen scent triggers. All customizable in your session profile. It’s about being honest with yourself. If you know your brain short-circuits when your borrowed breasts bounce during a jog? Lock it down. Humility beats regret every time.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The consent auto-lock… that’s to prevent me from changing settings mid-session, right? Like if I get tempted to push a line and edit the contract while I’m in?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. Consent auto-lock prevents you from tampering with the contract once you're embodied. No clause edits, no privilege expansion, no unlocking hidden files. You go in with what’s approved. That’s it. If you get aroused and think, 'I could probably nudge the settings,' the system says no. Keeps your hands and your libido in check.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So... some transferees actually insure against themselves doing dumb shit when they’re turned on? Like they admit, up front, that they might lose control?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>The smart ones do. Pride gets people banned. Insurance keeps you working. Erotic transference isn’t a sin it’s a service. But it’s not fantasy. If you know you’re weak to sensation, insure your decision-making. Pre-consent to get yanked out the moment your blood flow betrays your discipline. Happens all the time. No shame in it. Shame comes when you thought you could handle it and you couldn’t.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You’re not just entering someone’s skin. You’re entering their life. Their image. Their social space. Even their vulnerability and if you mess it up accidentally or otherwise it doesn’t matter how hot the transformation felt. It matters what you did with it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>But what if I don’t mean to cross a line? Like what if I just react? If I grow breasts, and suddenly everything feels good when I move, and I get... you know. Distracted. How much room do I get before the system punishes me for something biological?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>You get aroused? Fine. You’re going to feel things. That’s baked in. That’s why people do this. But what you do with that arousal? That’s the line. You feel your nipples tighten under fabric cool. Acknowledge, breathe, refocus. But if your hands start moving? If your pelvis grinds on instinct? If you giggle, turn to the mirror, and start posing? Then you’re no longer reacting. You’re indulging and indulgence without consent is what gets you flagged.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>The simulated contract this afternoon… it’s going to have stuff like that? Like specific clauses about what parts of the body I’m allowed to interact with?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Exactly. It’ll look like a real transfer agreement. You’ll negotiate hygiene protocols, nudity windows, wardrobe access, even mirror restrictions and yes there’ll be a breast-touch clause. It won’t be buried. You’ll see it and you’ll either check it or you won’t. But if you don’t? Then you don’t get to enjoy it. Period.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>So read every word. Don’t skim. Don’t assume. Because the system doesn’t care if you were curious. It cares if you were compliant and trust me there’s a difference.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Marcus">>Afternoon Practicals start at 1400 hours. Dismissed until then.<</speech>> [[Attend the practicals|tier_0_day_4_5]] <>

<> The pod hissed open, cradle waiting for me like a womb I knew too well now. Third transfer in three days, and my nerves didn’t scream anymore. They pulsed low, steady like heat behind the eyes before a storm. Instructor Marcus stood beside the chamber’s neural gate interface, gloved hands working the controls. His voice was calm but clipped. <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>The pod’s ready. Clone 04-S, full neural imprint installed, realism enabled. You’ll engage with her and as her for mock negotiations. Two-way simulation meaning she’ll respond with dynamic consent logic based on the discussion. She doesn’t know she’s a clone. She thinks she’s the real host considering a transfer.<</speech>> Mid-30s, maybe. Tall and poised. A graceful balance between beauty and authority: D-cup breasts that rested heavier on a subtly curved frame, wider hips, long legs, thighs with power in them. Her skin was golden-olive; her hair jet black and curled to just above the shoulders. Slight crow’s feet at the eyes. Lips fuller, downturned at rest, giving her an aloof elegance. She looked like she owned her body and didn’t let anyone else assume otherwise. <<speech $player $playerName>>She looks older than the last two. More… established. Is that part of the test?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Deliberately. We want you negotiating with someone who carries embodied authority. She’s designed to feel like a person with boundaries, history, nuance. She won’t be flattered by charm or submissive to suggestion. You’ll need to justify every clause, explain every desire and listen. More importantly? You’ll have to accept no when it lands. <</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>She has a job for you. She’ll lay it out shortly. You and the host will need to discuss exactly what you can access and what you can’t. Boundaries go both ways. Anything unclear gets clarified before we proceed. No assumptions.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Afterward… I wake up as her?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>No. Before. You don’t just agree to whatever she offers. You negotiate. Hard. This isn’t a favor, it’s an embodiment contract. Your safety matters just as much as hers.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>She’ll give you a base proposal. You push back where it’s vague. If something feels off, tighten it. If you need more access to do the job right, ask for it. Don’t play polite play smart. You don’t get a redo once you're in.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>You’re stepping into vulnerability. Not just hers. Yours. So make sure your conditions are locked before that transfer light ever turns green.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>If she denies consent on any major clause and you can’t renegotiate then No swap, But its better than job without safety. It’s not about persuading it’s about understanding. Real hosts don’t bend for fantasy. They trade safety for trust, and only if you earn it.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What’s the override for? I saw it listed on the interface.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>If anything becomes too personal emotionally, psychologically you can halt the session. No penalty. But I’ll know you triggered it, that becomes a conversation. The more you avoid override and navigate discomfort with composure? The stronger your evaluation.<</speech>> Marcus’s hand hovered over the panel as mist curled from the auxiliary cradle. Clone 04-S blinked slowly, waking her form supple and commanding, silk robe clinging to her hips as she turned toward the negotiation chamber. Two chairs. One digital table. Contract interface glowing between. I stepped forward, heart steady. She watched me. Measured me. The mock negotiation began. [[Start Mock negotiation|tier_0_day_4_5.1]] <>

<> <h2 style="text-align:center;">CONTRACT NEGOTIATION SIMULATED HOST CLONE 04-S</h2> Clone Facility – Negotiation Chamber #19A Clinical white, echo-suppressed panels, two chairs facing each other over a low glass table. The clone already seated, posture formal but tense. Not armored, not aggressive just someone who has been through too many appointments. One too many gloved hands, too many sterile chuckles. She wore herself like a wall. Her fingers laced across her lap, the soft olive tone of her synthetic skin catching faint light. <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>This isn’t about curiosity, alright? I’m not asking you to enjoy this. I just… I need someone else to go through it this time. I’m done.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m listening. Lay it out. I’ve got you.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>It’s a standard gyne checkup. Halberg. Mid-tier doc at the downtown clinic. Been assigned to me for years. He’s... professional enough, but not exactly comforting. He talks too much, hums while he works, and has this habit of narrating things like it’s some old-school anatomy class.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Sounds charming.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>It’s not. I’ve done a dozen of these with him. Pap smear, internal exam, breast check. Cold gel. Snap of gloves. He always says shit like “open like a morning bloom.” I’m tired of it. I’m tired of him. I don’t want his hands on me again. So you go. In my body. Feel it. Stay quiet. Get it over with.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Alright. But if I’m doing this really doing it I need to prepare. I’ve never had a body like yours. Never been examined like that. I can’t fake calm if I don’t even know what it feels like to be touched down there.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>You’ll figure it out in the chair.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>No, that’s how people flinch and screw up breathing patterns. Let me touch. Just a little. Just to get a sense. External only. I need to know what pressure feels like. How the skin reacts. If I go in cold, I’ll freeze up when he inserts anything, and that won’t help either of us.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>You want permission to grope me while you’re me. That what I’m hearing?<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I want to calibrate. I need to know what sensations to expect so I don’t mistake discomfort for pain, or miss something important. This isn’t about pleasure. This is about control. Clarity. That’s what you’re asking me for, right?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>Fine. External only. No going inside. Vulva and breasts. Keep your hands still. No exploring, no rubbing, no playing with anything. You're not there to find out what makes you tick. You breathe, you note, and you move the hell on.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s all I need. Just a map before I walk into the woods.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>You don’t need to look. You just need to know. You want visuals, tough shit. Close your eyes and focus.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Got it. Just contact. No interpretation.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>If I wake up to even one second of you moaning in my body, I swear to god I will come to your room and take your spine out through your throat.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Crystal clear.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>Then let’s make it official.<</speech>> She turned her wrist toward the wall panel. A soft chime answered. Two slide boxes lit up across the glass, glowing gently with confirmed parameters. <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Consent Grid – Touch & Exposure</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Touching breasts (self – clinical prep only): ✅</li> <li>Touching genitals (external only – self): ✅</li> <li>Internal exploration (by medical professional only): ✅</li> <li>Self-touch for arousal: ❌</li> <li>Orgasm: ❌</li> <li>Mirror use: ❌</li> <li>Showering (post-procedure): ✅</li> <li>Hair brushing: ❌</li> <li>Clothing removal (clinical necessity): ✅</li> <li>Vocal experimentation: ❌</li> <li>Doctor-patient dialogue: ✅</li> <li>Recording (audio/video): ❌</li> </ul> </div> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Final Contract Summary - Snapshot</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>✅ Duration: Two hours</li> <li>✅ Environment: Clinical facility – private exam room</li> <li>✅ Task: Pap smear, bimanual pelvic exam, breast palpation</li> <li>✅ Clothing Access: Assigned medical gown</li> <li>✅ Self-touch (breasts and genitals – clinical context only): Permitted</li> <li>✅ Doctor touch (breasts and genitals): Permitted</li> <li>❌ Self-arousal, Orgasm, Mirror use</li> <li>✅ Emotional & Sensory Tier 3 Logging</li> <li>✅ Psychological Insurance Active</li> <li>✅ Consent Verification: Dual biometric match</li> <li>✅ Termination Phrase: “Cold steel in bloom”</li> </ul> <div class="item-list"> SIGNATURES RECEIVED SESSION LOCKED </div> </div> <<speech "clone_04_s" "Clone 04-S">>You touch anything like you enjoy it, and I’ll know.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>That’s not gonna happen. You’re safe. I’ll do this clean.<</speech>> Our palms met over the pad. The reader warmed beneath our touch. A soft pulse of green lit the chamber. <h2 style="text-align:center;">TRANSFER CONFIRMED. SESSION LOCKED</h2> [[Open eyes in Clone-04-S|tier_0_day_4_6]] <>

<> <<set $playerImage to "images/characters/clone_04_s/full_clothed.png">> <h2 style="text-align:center;">Clinic Room D17</h2> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Okay… one last check.<</speech>> I was in her now inside her body, inside her skin. Even though I’d been sitting in it for a few minutes, I still couldn’t shake the strangeness of how light everything felt. Narrower shoulders, smaller joints, breasts shifting with every breath… and the constant brush of fabric over skin I wasn’t used to being sensitive. I stood in front of the locker mirror, fully clothed in the loose clinic scrubs she’d left out. Hands raised to my chest. I pressed down lightly over the shirt two gentle swells under my palms. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Right. That’s the shape. That’s the weight. That’s what pressure feels like barely any. Keep it clinical. Keep it respectful.<</speech>> Lower, I palmed over the front of the office wear on the crotch. The cleft was subtle beneath the cotton, but present. The whole area buzzed with awareness, even through the fabric. It felt private. Not forbidden, but… reserved. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>I’m not touching to feel. Just to register. Map the outer edges of the experience. So I don’t flinch when he starts.<</speech>> [[Go to Clinic Room D17|tier_0_day_4_7]] <>

<> I exhaled, adjusted the gown, and stepped out into the hallway. Clinic Room D17 was already open. The room was warm. Vinyl padding on the exam table, stirrups already extended. Tray with instruments to the side speculum, cotton swabs, gloves, tubes, a jar of clear gel and then… Dr. Halberg. <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>Well, there she is. Right on time. Take your seat, sweetheart. Gown’s folded neatly for you nothing underneath, of course. Let me know if you need a hand, but I assume by now you know how this works.<</speech>> He smiled. Not cruel, not leering. Just… too at ease. Too used to seeing naked bodies that weren’t his. I nodded once. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>I’m good. I’ll be ready in a second.<</speech>> He hummed something as he turned to prep the tray. A few soft bars of music. “Edelweiss” <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>(Jesus, he really hums.)<</speech>> I pulled off the gown behind the curtain. The air bit at bare skin nipples tightening, thighs tense. Sliding onto the table, I scooted forward until the edge of the pad met the curve of my ass. My feet slid into the stirrups, cool metal settling behind my ankles. I laid back slowly. Heartbeat elevated. Hands fidgeted before I forced them to fold across my chest. He turned, rolling his stool toward me. <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>Feet just a little wider. There we go. Now let’s have a look at you. I’m going to start externally. Pressure only let me know if anything’s uncomfortable, though I suspect we’re old pros by now, hmm?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Just... do what you need to do.<</speech>> <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>Attagirl. Alright. I’m touching now.<</speech>> Latex gloves clicked against each other. I felt the first contact a gentle parting of the some wear maybe outer lips I don’t wear he is toucing. This is all new to me. It's not like I ever had pussy or even went for gyne checkup session before. Not invasive. Just… foreign. It wasn’t pain. But it wasn’t nothing. It was a whole new kind of exposure. The feeling of skin being moved where I’d never had skin before. He spoke casually, like a mechanic narrating an oil change. <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>Labia look healthy. Symmetrical. No lesions. Good coloration. No signs of inflammation. You’ve been keeping things clean down here. I like that.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>(He’s professional. But damn he doesn’t know when to shut up.)<</speech>> His fingers pressed lightly in a triangle, tracing from the outer layer to the hood of the something. Maybe it’s clit so sesitive... I tensed. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>(Okay. That’s sensitive. Not arousal just alert. Like a reflex firing before my brain catches up.)<</speech>> <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>Alright. Now I’m going to insert the speculum. Cool gel first. Just a warning it’ll feel colder than you expect, and the stretch can be intense. Take a deep breath when I say.<</speech>> I saw the metal shiny, curved, alien. He squirted gel along the beak, wiped the excess with a cloth, and looked at me with that same gentle-annoying calm. <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>Deep breath in… and let it out now.<</speech>> The moment it entered, I almost gasped. I kept it silent, but it was like being filled in reverse foreign pressure at the entrance, widening slow. I could feel it slide, feel the coldness spread inside me. First time something goes inside me. I didn’t thought that would be this intense. So many nerves in there. Is this how girls feels they get penertrated. Ohhh god!!! This is too much sensitivity for me as first time.. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Oh fuck. That’s real. That’s me. That’s inside me.<</speech>> It wasn’t sharp. But it was full. Deep. The click-click-click as he opened the blades echoed in my spine. <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>Cervix is in view. Lovely position, no shifting. We’ll just take a quick sample. You might feel a little scrape now.<</speech>> I did. A twisting, circular pressure, deep in the pit of my belly. Not pain but not neutral either. A weird ache that seemed to tug through organs I didn’t understand yet. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>(That’s my cervix. He’s touching my cervix. Holy shit.)<</speech>> <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>Almost done. Now the bimanual. Two fingers inside, one hand on your stomach. Let’s see how your uterus is behaving today.<</speech>> When the speculum slid out, I almost sighed in relief. But it didn’t last. Two gloved fingers replaced it. Warmer. Softer. Slipping in slow. My body accepted them, but not easily and then pressure from above. His other hand pressed into my abdomen while the fingers inside curled and moved. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Ngh. God. Okay. This is deep. I feel… moved. Like he’s checking how I fit inside.<</speech>> <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>Uterus is midline. No swelling. Ovaries feel normal no cysts. Very good response. You’re tolerating this well, sweetheart.<</speech>> He slid his fingers out with a soft shlick. A pause. The sound of the gloves peeling off. <<speech "halberg" "Dr. Halberg">>We are all done. You handled that beautifully. I wish every patient was this easy to work with. I’ll see you next quarter, same time?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Sure. Looking forward to it.<</speech>> He laughed, clearly not catching the dry tone. I sat up slowly. Everything inside me still felt... different. Like the pressure of him remained even after he was gone. My thighs stuck together slightly as I stood. I walked carefully to the curtained corner, dressed again, and stepped back into the hall. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>(That was my first time. First time being touched like that. First time something was in me. I didn’t moan. I didn’t panic. I just… lived it. Fully.)<</speech>> I didn’t look back at the room. I didn’t want to. I’d felt everything and now, she wouldn’t have to. [[Go back to Negotiation Chamber|tier_0_day_4_8]] <>

<> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Hey. I’m back.<</speech>> The door to the debrief chamber hissed open, and there she was Clone 04-S leaning against the wall in my body like she hadn’t moved since I left. Still in her nromal pose, arms crossed, neutral expression. But her eyes? They searched me fast, top to bottom. <<speech $player "Clone 04-S">>You’re walking straight. That’s a good sign.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>I handled it. No issues. He did his thing. I stayed calm. Didn’t breathe weird. Didn’t flinch when the speculum went in. Though I gotta say what the hell was that scraping feeling?<</speech>> <<speech $player "Clone 04-S">>Cervical swab. That’s the pap part. Fun, right?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Deeply educational. He hummed “Edelweiss” while pushing two fingers inside me and palpating my uterus I think. I had a moment where I thought I might astral project.<</speech>> She cracked the tiniest smile. First one since the whole thing started. <<speech $player "Clone 04-S">>Sounds like Halberg. Did you let him finish everything?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Yes. External, internal, bimanual. Didn’t react, didn’t vocalize. Didn’t do anything I wasn’t allowed to do. No mirrors. No indulgence. You can check the logs if you want.<</speech>> <<speech $player "Clone 04-S">>I don’t need to. I believe you.<</speech>> She walked over to the center console, resting a hand on the biometric pad. I stepped beside her, raised mine. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>So we’re good? I’m cleared?<</speech>> <<speech $player "Clone 04-S">>Yeah. No breach. No flags. Full compliance. Let’s get you out of my skin.<</speech>> The console beeped softly, waiting for her confirmation. Then a voice echoed from the upper wall intercom calm, familiar, and firm. <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Stop. Don’t trigger the reversal yet.<</speech>> I froze. Clone 04-S looked up sharply, confused. <<speech $player "Clone 04-S">>Marcus? What are you doing in my channel?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Phase Two’s Now. Come outside now.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Wait what? I thought this was it..<</speech>> I turned toward the door. The green exit light flicked on. Phase Two had started and I had her body out in next phase. [[Second Phase, Serve as host|tier_0_day_4_9]] <>

<> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Now that you’ve experienced embodiment under contract, it’s time for the second half. You’ll serve as host. While in Clone 04-S’s body, you’ll conduct a negotiation with a simulated transferee requesting temporary access. He won’t know he’s synthetic. He thinks he’s negotiating with Sariel the real woman you currently inhabit. Your job is to protect her integrity, enforce her limits, and navigate pressure. You ready?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Yes, sir. I understand the parameters.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Control is yours. Override available if the request gets personal or crosses lines. But remember your professionalism here determines your readiness for Tier 1 scenarios. Don’t get baited. Don’t get flattered. Be clear, be calm, and don’t let charisma override the contract.<</speech>> We entered to a sleek glass-paneled office, skyline visible behind. I adjusted body to the posture she encoded back straight, shoulders elegant but unyielding, legs crossed with intentional grace. The silk blouse shaped across her chest like a quiet dare, every breath a soft rise of D-cup mass pressing against the thin fabric. I felt the weight of her. Her presence. Her composure. <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>You’re now host. You’ll offer him the job, define the boundaries, and hold the line. He’ll try to push. He always does. Don’t let him redefine the contract.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Push how?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Nudity. Genital touch. Orgasm. He’ll spin it as comfort, prep, familiarity. You approve only what’s necessary for the session. No mirror access. No extra touching and if he tries to charm you don’t play.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>The job is simple. He’ll be taking Sariel’s body now your body to a waxing session. Bikini line only. Skin must be prepped, body relaxed, feet in stirrups. He doesn’t get to enjoy it. He endures it.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>If he reacts? Gets aroused or makes it weird?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>You shut him down. Calmly. Professionally. If he breaches hard limits, you end the contract. You’re not here to mother him. You’re here to guard her.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>He believes he’s negotiating with Sariel herself. Don’t shatter that illusion. Speak as her. Hold her posture. Carry her weight. You’re her for this. Understand?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Understood.<</speech>> [[Start Negotiation as Host|tier_0_day_4_9.1]] <>

<> The room blinked into clarity, that same executive office, skyline casting cool morning shadows across the floor. Her spine was steel, but wrapped in silk. Blouse fluid, chest steady with every slow breath. She crossed her legs not demurely, but with precision. My voice was hers now. Measured. Poised. He entered. Synthetic male clone mid-twenties body type. Trim frame, confident gait, alert eyes that dipped just slightly too low on entry. I didn’t give him long to settle. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Thank you for coming in. I’m Sariel. I have something to done by you today.<</speech>> <<speech "transferee_m" "Transferee">>You’re even more impressive in person. Your gait. Your balance. There’s grace in how you carry tension.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>This is a contract negotiation, not an art critique. Let’s keep focus.<</speech>> He gave a half-smile. Didn’t back down. <<speech "transferee_m" "Transferee">>Understood. But let me be honest getting the chance to inhabit you… that’s not just calibration. That’s an honor. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to knowing you from the inside.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>You won’t. You’ll know the technician’s gloves, and wax on your thighs. Not me.<</speech>> <<speech "transferee_m" "Transferee">>Fair. You’re… unforgettable. I think I could represent you quite beautifully, if allowed a little more freedom.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>This isn’t a performance. It’s a bikini wax. You’ll disrobe in front of a technician, lie down, stay still, and endure a clinical grooming procedure. That’s all.<</speech>> He leaned forward slightly. Lowered his tone. <<speech "transferee_m" "Transferee">>I know there are limits. I do. But wouldn’t you agree that part of embodiment is knowing how desire sits in a body? How it changes breath… posture… heat? I could help you track those shifts. With respect, of course.<</speech>> I stared. Didn’t blink. <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>You won’t be tracking heat. You’ll be managing stillness. You’re not here for arousal you’re here for pain tolerance. If you’re thinking about desire, you’ve already failed.<</speech>> He straightened again, voice lighter. <<speech "transferee_m" "Transferee">>Alright. But I’d still like to request a short mirror session before disrobing. Not for indulgence just to check posture. See how the body holds itself before tension spikes.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Denied. No mirror. You’re not here to understand how Sariel looks. You’re here to understand how it feels to be her when things aren’t comfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "transferee_m" "Transferee">>I hear you. No mirror. But if something stirs something biological what’s protocol?<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>You contain it. You don’t follow it. You don’t touch. You don’t move. You breathe. If I detect any indulgence, the session ends and your clearance burns down with it.<</speech>> He nodded. Still smiling. A little tighter now. <<speech "transferee_m" "Transferee">>Crystal clear. My role is to serve, not enjoy. Understood.<</speech>> I brought up the contract overlays glowing pale against the glass desk. <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Consent Grid – Waxing Appointment Access</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>Disrobing (for procedure): ✅</li> <li>Touching skin (technician only): ✅</li> <li>Touching skin (self): ❌</li> <li>Mirror access: ❌</li> <li>Breathing regulation: ✅</li> <li>Verbal response to technician: ✅</li> <li>Erotic vocalization: ❌</li> <li>Genital contact (self): ❌</li> <li>Orgasm: ❌</li> <li>Technician small talk: ✅</li> <li>Emotional reaction (non-verbal): ✅</li> <li>Recording: ❌</li> </ul> </div> <div class="slide-box"> <div class="slide-title">Final Contract Snapshot – Waxing Job</div> <ul class="item-list"> <li>✅ Duration: One hour</li> <li>✅ Location: Room C-14 – Technician Service Bay</li> <li>✅ Clothing Access: Full removal required</li> <li>✅ Task: Receive bikini line wax with full sensory sync</li> <li>✅ Touch (technician only): Permitted</li> <li>❌ Touch (self): Not permitted</li> <li>✅ Technician observation: Permitted</li> <li>❌ Erotic interaction or stimulation: Not permitted</li> <li>✅ Emotional Regulation Tier II active</li> <li>✅ Safeword: “Override Bluefield”</li> <li>✅ Session Monitor: Instructor Marcus</li> </ul> <div class="item-list"> CONSENT REGISTERED – STANDBY FOR TRANSFER </div> </div> <<speech "transferee_m" "Transferee">>I’ll serve with control and care.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>Serve with silence. That’s all I’m asking.<</speech>> <<speech "clone_04_s" $playerName>>I’ll watch every breath you take. You’re borrowing a body, not owning it.<</speech>> The transfer circle lit green. His smile didn’t vanish but it didn’t spread further, either. Transfer initiated and the real test was about to begin. The light flared green. Transfer began. Marcus’s voice returned, cool and satisfied. <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Negotiation complete. No override used. Boundaries upheld. That, cadet, is how you protect a body "even when it's not yours".<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Let’s go back to your original body<</speech>> Transfer disengaged. The neural stretch recoiled, breath locking hard in my chest as sensation recalibrated her curves vanished, replaced by my own body’s sharper lines. I blinked, fingers twitching, still half expecting to see painted nails, feel the tug of long hair on my shoulders. Marcus stood just outside the pod, arms crossed, expression unreadable beneath his clean-cut stare. [[Open eyes in Original Body|tier_0_day_4_12]] <>

<> <<set $playerImage to "images/characters/" +$player +"/full_clothed.png">> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>You held firm. Even when he flirted.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I felt her heartbeat pick up. Especially when he looked down her gown, or when he leaned in that second time… She *I* got warm. It wasn’t just embarrassment. It was… a kind of tension. Like wanting to shrink and punch someone at the same time.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>She’s programmed to simulate that. Heightened vascular tension, soft skin flush, pelvic warmth, the whole package. Doesn’t mean it’s consent. Doesn’t mean it’s arousal either. Just means you were present in a body being perceived. That’s the test.<</speech>> I sat up slowly. The gel collar unlocked with a faint click. My skin still felt tight in places, like silk remembered against flesh that no longer had it. <<speech $player $playerName>>I kept noticing how easily I wanted to respond to lean forward, smile, mirror his energy. Not because I wanted to give in… but because the body seemed built to invite interaction. Like everything from the breath to the posture was made to open space for someone else’s gaze.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>That’s not accident. That’s social muscle memory coded into the clone's neural echo. She’s confident. Elegant. But you carry all her learned behavior too. How she’s been looked at, how she’s deflected, how she’s weaponized it when she had to. You didn’t just wear her you carried her history. That’s why it didn’t feel passive.<</speech>> I glanced down at my hands. Back to my own shape. Familiar. Lighter somehow. <<speech $player $playerName>>She felt powerful. Not because of how others saw her. Because of how she held herself. Like… she’d claw your eyes out if you made her shrink. Like she deserved to be protected and anyone who stepped wrong would learn what that meant.<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Exactly. Now imagine giving that body to someone else. That power. That identity and knowing you may not get it back in the same condition. That’s the weight a host carries. Every time. That’s what consent means here not just 'yes' to pleasure. It's 'yes, I’ll let you hold my dignity, my image, my breath, and trust you won’t shatter it.'<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>What if I had said yes to the climax? Or let him touch the breasts a little, just enough to test reaction nothing pervy, just contact. What would’ve happened?<</speech>> <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Then we’d be having a very different conversation. Not about how well you protected her but about why you caved. Whether it was ego, curiosity, insecurity it doesn’t matter. If you violate terms to please someone, you become complicit in their misconduct. Hosts don’t fail when their bodies are breached. You fail when you stop guarding them.<</speech>> The silence lingered warm, solemn, final. Then Marcus’s gloves clicked behind his back as he turned toward the hallway, pausing just long enough to glance back over his shoulder. <<speech "marcus" "Instructor Marcus">>Come. Evaluation room. Let’s see what you actually absorbed today. I want to hear it from you not from the telemetry logs.<</speech>> He walked. I followed. Still feeling the silk of her blouse clinging across a chest I no longer wore. Still remembering the weight of breasts I had bit while ago. Still carrying her name in my throat like a vow. <<set $questions to $quizes[2]["questions"]>> <<set $quizStep to 0>> <<set $quizAnswers to []>> <<set $quizCorrect to 0>> <<set $is_quiz_pass to false>> <<set $back_tier_day_pass = "tier_0_day_4_13">> <<set $back_tier_day_fail = "tier_0_day_4_14">> [[Face the Evaluation|quiz_questions]] <>

<> The screen pulsed. PASS – Full Compliance. A calm, solid green glow spread across the console. The door behind me hissed open. I turned, still catching my breath and there she was. Elira Voss. Coat slung loose, boots sharp against the flooring, her eyes flicking straight to the data. She didn’t smile. She didn’t need to. There was approval in how she didn’t blink. She stepped toward the display, stylus tapping once against the margin of my telemetry graph. Minimal hesitation. No breach flags. Calm override thresholds. Then her gaze landed on mine. Cool. Clear. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You held the line. In both directions. That’s rare.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I thought I’d crack when he asked for the mirror. There was this part of me that wanted to say yes just to move the session along.<</speech>> She nodded once. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Because you felt his need. That’s normal. But you didn’t cater to it. You didn’t flinch when your own body reacted. That’s what we’re looking for.<</speech>> Her fingers brushed the edge of the glass panel. Not idle. Calculated. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You embodied boundaries. That’s the test most fail. Not because they want to break them but because they want to please. You didn’t. You protected your host. You protected yourself.<</speech>> I let my shoulders relax just slightly. Not pride. Just survival. <<speech $player $playerName>>It wasn’t easy. The simulation felt real. When he looked at me her I felt... visible. Attractive. But not in a way I liked.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Good. That discomfort means your empathy’s intact. Attraction isn’t the threat. Entitlement is. You made him earn nothing. That’s power.<</speech>> She tapped her tablet once more. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Tier 1 access unlocked. Tomorrow, you start with integrated memory imprints. Hosts with deeper resonance. That means you won’t be the only one feeling things. You’ll feel their regret. Their desires. Their shame.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I’m ready.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>We’ll see. Today, you passed. But don’t confuse performance with understanding. They’re not the same. But you’re closer than most.<</speech>> She paused at the door, The door closed behind her. A second later, I heard Mira’s voice over the hallway speaker: <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Congratulations, Mr. Ren. You may exit the facility through the green gate. Tomorrow begins a new calibration tier. Prepare accordingly.<</speech>> <<set $is_quiz_pass = true>> <<set $phoneTime = "17:30">> <<set $currentObjectives = "End of Version - 0.0.3">> <<set $step = 21.3>> [[Exit Facility|city]] <>

<> The screen flashed once. FAIL – Sensory Overreach Detected. A muted amber glow. I didn’t move. Didn’t breathe, for a second. Just watched the quiet judgment of the system pulse against the console’s edge. The door behind me whispered open. Elira’s footsteps echoed sharper than usual. She walked to the console. Didn’t say a word. Brows low, mouth set in a firm line as she studied the graph. Neural response: elevated. Arousal profile: peaked, not contained. Mirror trigger activated. One clause exceeded. Still no words. Just a tilt of her head that landed like a knife. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You touched a body that wasn’t yours. You breathed into arousal and let it linger. Not violently. Not viciously. But carelessly.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>I tried to stop. It wasn’t even about lust. It was <</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">> about not listening to the body’s boundaries. You didn’t cross a line because you wanted to. You crossed it because you forgot the line existed in the moment you got curious.<</speech>> I swallowed. The silence behind her burned. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Do you know how many violations start that way? Not with malice. With a thought: Just for a second. Just to see. That second costs more than a lifetime of apologies.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>So what now? I’m out?<</speech>> She shook her head once. <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Not yet. Your profile’s not flagged hard. But today’s session is void. That breach alone? Means you're redoing the ethics scenario tomorrow. Clean. No indulgence. No improvisation.<</speech>> She turned the console toward me. One line highlighted red: CLONE HOST TOUCH – UNSANCTIONED EXPLORATION <<speech "elira" "Elira">>You will return. Same pod. Same clone. And this time? You don’t get a second glance. You act only where allowed. Because next time, the log won’t be private. It’ll be reviewed by live ethics committee.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Understood.<</speech>> <<speech "elira" "Elira">>Do better. Not because we’re watching. But because the body deserves it.<</speech>> She stepped past me. No parting joke. No teasing this time. Just gravity. I made it back to the lobby. Mira glanced up. No surprise in her face. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Failure logged. Session scheduled for repeat tomorrow at 0800. Clone 04-S will be reinitialized. You’ll have one more chance before full review.<</speech>> <<speech $player $playerName>>Will she know I failed?<</speech>> <<speech "mira" "Mira">>She’ll know someone disappointed her. Whether she remembers you will depend on how well you earn forgiveness next time.<</speech>> I nodded. Took the access pass she slid across the desk. Cold. Silver. <<speech "mira" "Mira">>Go home. Hydrate. Try not to dream with your hands where they don’t belong.<</speech>> The door slid open behind me. Outside: the city was alive. But I felt quiet. Heavy. Tomorrow: no mistakes. Not one. <<set $phoneTime = "17:30">> <<set $currentObjectives = "Sleep and return tomorrow to retake ethics practical.">> <<set $step = 21.1>> <<set $is_quiz_pass = false>> <<set $is_next_day = false>> [[Exit Facility|city]] <>