*temp aposi ""
*temp ntognow ""
*temp approach ""
*temp nkisswhat ""
*temp fsat ""
*temp fpos ""

[b]CHAPTER EIGHT - ALL RESEARCH AS WELL AS M'S AND F'S COMBAT SCENES[/b]

[i][b]In the Detective's Bedroom, Early Morning[/i][/b]

With the threat of not only the Trappers but the Anunnaki hanging around, it's decided Unit Bravo and I should stick together for the next few days.

Whether that's for them to protect me from Trappers, or me to protect them from the Anunnaki…I'm not entirely sure.

*if ((humanchoice = "tinatruth")or(humanchoice = "tinafail"))
	*goto chap8_tinaopening
*elseif ((humanchoice = "verdatruth")or(humanchoice = "verdafail"))
	*goto chap8_verdaopening
*else
	*goto chap8_tvopening
	
*label chap8_tvopening
As I shut the door to my room, I drag my phone out of my pocket and search through my contacts, pressing Tina's name when it scrolls up.

Being away from the station is fine for a couple of hours, but a few days might cause suspicion. Hopefully Tina can provide some solid cover.

It only takes a few rings before it connects.

"Hey, what's up?" she asks, the slight echo to her voice letting me know she's at the station.

*choice
	#"I have a bit of a teensy favour to ask…."
		"I may have a bit of a teensy favour to ask you…," I elongate the words for emphasis, "please?"
		
		"Depends on what it is," she replies, the squeak of her chair piercing down the line as she shifts. "What do you need?"
		
		I pause in the hallway and lean against the wall, wondering how best to word my request. "I'm following a lead with Unit Bravo for the kidnapping case. Do you think you could cover for me at the station for a while?"
		
		*if ((romance = "none")or(romance = ""))
			"Yeah, of course I will," she says without hesitation. "Stay safe."
			
			[i]I'll try[/i].
			
			I end the call and continue on down the maze of hallways.
			*goto chap8_decide
		*else
			"Following a lead?" she chuckles. "Is that what the kids are calling it these days?"
			
			*if ((charming <= 35)or(friendly <= 35))
				I roll my eyes. "Seriously?"
				
				"Oh, come on. You practically laid that one out for me. Or maybe you're more interested in laying—"
				
				"Will you cover for me?" I splutter before she can finish.
				
				"Yeah, of course I will," she says after another smattering of laughter. "Stay safe."
				
				[i]I'll try[/i].
				
				I end the call and continue on down the maze of hallways.
				*goto chap8_decide
			*elseif ((bold >= 75)or(sarcastic >= 75))
				"With all of them? That would take a hell of a lot of stamina," I reply with a deep laugh of my own.
				
				"I'd be willing to try."
				
				I shake my head, even if my smile remains. "So, will you do it?"
				
				"Yeah, of course I will," she says after another smattering of laughter. "Stay safe."
				
				[i]I'll try[/i].
				
				I end the call and continue on down the maze of hallways.
				*goto chap8_decide
			*else
				"Really?" I ask, arching a brow even if she can't see it.
				
				"I couldn't resist," she replies after another smattering of laughter. "I'll make sure no one knows you're gone, don't worry. Stay safe."
				
				[i]I'll try[/i].
				
				I end the call and continue on down the maze of hallways.
				*goto chap8_decide
	#"Wow, you're there early. Were you bored?"
		"Wow." I momentarily pulling the phone away from my ear to check the clock before replacing it. "You're there early. Were you bored at home?"
		
		"There's nothing to do living alone, okay? So please tell me you have something to brighten the doldrum of my day." She adds a dramatic sigh to her equally dramatic question.
		
		I chuckle and lean against the wall. "Possibly. I'm following a lead with Unit Bravo, and I was hoping you could cover for me while I'm gone?"
		
		"Not exactly thrilling work. But yeah, I can probably manage that. Stay safe."
		
		[i]I'll try[/i].
			
		I end the call and continue on down the maze of hallways.
		*goto chap8_decide
	#"Uh, nothing much, but I do really need you."
		"Uh, nothing much," I begin before pausing my steps so I can lean against the wall. "But I do really need you."
		
		There's a slight pause before she replies, "I'm flattered, $!{name}, really. But you know I don't see you that way." She sniggers at her own joke. "Even if you did make my knees go a little weak when we first met."
		
		*if ((sarcastic >= 75)or(charming >= 70))
			"Oh really?" I ask through drawn out words, pushing myself off the wall. 
			
			"Don't worry, the feeling passed as soon as you opened your mouth," she snipes.
			
			*if (gender = "male")
				I can't hold back a laugh. "You really know how to make a guy feel special, Tina."
				
				"I do what I can," she replies through a chuckle of her own. "So, what is it you need from me?"
				*goto chap_ngnum
			*elseif (gender = "female")
				I can't hold back a laugh. "You really know how to make a girl feel special, Tina."
				
				"I do what I can," she replies through a chuckle of her own. "So, what is it you need from me?"
				*goto chap_ngnum
			*else
				I can't hold back a laugh. "You really know how to make me feel special, Tina."
				
				"I do what I can," she replies through a chuckle of her own. "So, what is it you need from me?"
				*goto chap_ngnum
		*elseif ((friendly >= 70)or(sarcastic <= 30))
			"I think you're just being nice," I reply, hoping she can hear the smile through my words. 
			
			"And you're far too modest, $!{name}. If I looked like you, I'd be flaunting it everyday." She sighs. "Anyway, what is it you need from me?"
			*goto chap_ngnum
		*else
			I push myself up from the wall as my brows shoot up. "You never told me that."
			
			"Don't worry, the feeling passed quick enough," she says through a chuckle.
			
			"Wow, I don't know if I'm complimented or offended." I hope she can hear the smile through my words.
			
			"I think it was a compliment…at least the first part," she replies through a laugh of her own. "So, what is it you need me for?"
			*goto chap_ngnum
	#"I need you to do something for me."
		"I need you to do something for me," I say, getting straight to the point.
		
		"No hello? No, 'Hey Tina, how's it going?' Just straight to the orders, huh?" She breathes out a sharp breath. "Your promotion has really changed you."
		
		I rub at my forehead as I draw to a stop. "I'm kind of in a hurry."
		
		"It's all right. I'll forgive you…at least this time," she comments through a light chuckle. "So, what do you need?"
		*goto chap_ngnum
		
*label chap8_verdaopening
As I shut the door to my room, I drag my phone out of my pocket and search through my contacts. My thumb hovers over Verda's name.

He's the only one who knows I'm working with Unit Bravo on this case, as well as their true identities, so he's likely the only who could properly cover for me at the station while I'm away.

[i]But will he?[/i]

He's already terrified enough without me dragging him further into it. But how else can I explain my absence? I'm starting to run out of believable excuses….

I suck in a breath, press my thumb down, and listen for it to connect.

It rings. For a very long time.

Until Verda finally picks up.

"Detective $!{surname}," he croaks from the other end, an awful tightness to the way he says my name.

I hold back a wince.

*choice
	#Hesitate. "Hey Verda…I, uh, I have a favour to ask."
		I hesitate, half-wondering and half-hoping there might be a friendly greeting tacked onto his statement.
		
		There isn't, so I speak instead to fill the horribly dragging silence. 
		
		"Hey Verda," I begin, clearing my throat at the slight awkward strain to the words. "I have a favour to ask."
		
		"You are my superior, Detective. You don't need to ask favours," he retorts.
		
		I halt in the corridor as a sting carves through me at his terse statement. "Verda…."
		
		A strong sigh sounds from the other end. "I'm sorry, $!{name}. That was uncalled for. I will help if I can. What is it you need?"
		*goto chap8_verdanext
	#Tense laugh. "I can really sense how happy you are to hear from me."
		The palpable disquiet from Verda's end of the call has a bubble of nervous laughter spilling out of me. 
		
		"I can really sense how happy you are to hear from me," I eek out.
		
		"That's not…," he begins to stutter in reply before cutting the words short. "I'm sorry, Detective. Is there something you need?"
		*goto chap8_verdanext
	#Ignore the tension. "I need you to do something for me."
		I can almost feel Verda's disquiet seep through the phone, but I brush it away to get to the task at hand. "I need you to do something for me."
		
		"Of course. You are my superior, Detective. I will do as you ask," he replies, the words sharp enough to slice through the previous unease.
		
		His biting tone makes my steps falter, but frown through it and push on once again. "I have some…other business I need to take care of. Will you cover for me at the station?"
		
		Dead air greets me, long enough that I glance at my phone's screen to make sure the call is still connected.
		
		"And this 'other business' would relate to…." He cuts himself off, but I can guess his meaning.
		
		"Yes, [i]that[/i] other business," I affirm.
		
		I can't even hear him breathe before he hurries out, "As you need, Detective."
		
		The call clicks off, and I drop my gaze to the floor as my chest squeezes, but I ignore the sensation as best as I can before continuing on down the maze of hallways.
		*goto chap8_decide
	#Wait for a hello. "Well, this just got super awkward."
		I leave the space between us quiet in the hopes there will be a cheerful—or even just polite—greeting tacked onto the end of his statement.
		
		But none follows.
	
		"Well, this just got super awkward," I mumble, trying to break through the disquiet that lingers from the other end of the call.
		
		"Is there something you actually need, Detective?" he prompts through terse words.
		*goto chap8_verdanext
	#"I need to ask a favour, but you don't have to agree."
		"I need to ask a favour," I begin, sensing the disquiet growing from his end and quickly adding, "but you don't have to do it."
		
		"You are my superior, Detective. It's my job to do as you order," he replies in a toneless voice that makes me bite at my lip.
		
		"Come on, Verda…."
		
		A sigh seeps through the phone. "I'm sorry. That was unnecessary. Of course, I will try to help. What do you need?"
		*goto chap8_verdanext
*label chap8_verdanext

"I need to take some time away from the station. Would you be able to cover for me while I'm away?"
		
Dead air greets me, long enough that I glance at my phone's screen to make sure the call is still connected.

"And the reason for your time away is due to…," another silent pause before, "[i]other[/i] business?"

"Yes, [i]that[/i] kind of other business," I affirm.

I can't even hear him breathe before he hurries out, "I will do my best, Detective."

The call clicks off, and I drop my gaze to the floor as my chest squeezes. It takes a moment before I can continue on down the maze of hallways.
*goto chap8_decide

*label chap8_tinaopening
As I shut the door to my room, I drag my phone out of my pocket and hit the contact for Tina. I'm just hoping she'll be willing to cover for me while I'm gone.

It only rings twice before she answers.

"Good morning," she drawls with less enthusiasm than usual. I glance at the clock and the early hour, which explains it. "What's up?"

"I have a favour to ask," I begin.

There's a brief pause before she replies, "Has this got anything to do with…[i]the supernatural[/i]." She quietens to a whisper as she speaks the last part.

*choice
	#"It does, but it's probably not as exciting as you're hoping."
		"It does," I reply, scrunching up my face a little. "But it's probably not anywhere near as exciting as you're hoping for."
		
		"Anything is better than sitting here staring at Douglas," she quips. "What do you need?"
		
		I shift the phone to my other ear as I continue on down the hall. "Would you be able to cover for me for the next while? I need to stick close to Unit Bravo."
		
		"I'd be sticking as close as possible to them too." Her lewd chuckle reverberates down the phone.
		
		I purse my lips to avoid a sigh. "Would that be okay?"
		
		"Sure. It's not like anything is going on here. I doubt anyone will even know you're gone."
		
		*if ((charming >= 70)or(sarcastic >= 70))
			I rest a hand on my chest even though she can't see it. "Well now, that hurts."
			
			She sighs. "You know what I mean."
			
			I smile. "Yeah. Thanks, Tina. I'll talk to you soon."
			
			She makes a hum of agreement before I click to finish the call and continue on down the maze of hallways.
			*goto chap8_decide
		*else
			"Thanks, Tina. I'll talk to you soon."
			
			She makes a hum of agreement before I click to finish the call and continue on down the maze of hallways.
			*goto chap8_decide
	#Chuckle. "We should probably come up with a code word."
		I pause in the hallway to let out a soft laugh. "You know, we should probably come up with some kind of code name if we're going to keep talking about them."
		
		"What on Earth could we use that wouldn't attract attention?" she asks, but then pauses. "Actually, apart from around Bobby, you could probably just call them vampires and not get a reaction. People are too hung up on their own lives to listen to other people these days."
		
		*if ((sarcastic <= 30)or(friendly >= 70))
			"People are just…busy. It's not that they don't care, I'm sure," I reply with a slight frown. 
			
			She snorts. "You only say that because you actually like being nice to people. How many are actually nice back?"
			
			"A lot," I begin before pursing my lips. "At least sixty-percent of them."
			
			"Those aren't great numbers." I can hear her chair squeak from the other end as she shifts. "But what was it you needed?"
			*goto chap_ngnum
		*elseif ((friendly <= 30)or(optimist <= 35))
			"You're right. I guess we can stick with calling them what they are without anyone giving a damn," I agree with a release of breath.
			
			"Hey, that makes it easier for us, right?" I can hear her chair squeak from the other end as she shifts. "But what was it you needed?"
			*goto chap_ngnum
		*else
			"Cynical much?" I reply through a smile she can't see but will hopefully be able to hear.
			
			"Realisitic more like. Why do you think I like to live in books and games? Reality isn't all it's cracked up to be." I can hear her chair squeak from the other end as she shifts. "But what was it you needed?"
			*goto chap_ngnum
	#Sigh. "Unfortunately, yes. Sorry."
		I pause in the corridor to let out a sigh. "Unfortunately it does, yes. Sorry."
		
		"Why are you sorry? I love helping out with this stuff. Unless it's something that means I don't get the chance to be involved with it…." Her voice trails with a flicker of hope.
		
		"Then I'm doubly sorry."
		
		*if ((charming <= 30)or(friendly <= 30))
			*if (friendly <= 30)
				"Wow, not just one apology from my super-stoic ex-partner but two?" Her gasp echoes down the phone. "I should have recorded this call."
				
				I roll my eyes. "About that favour?"
				
				"Oh yeah," she says, a chuckle on her voice. "What do you need?"
				*goto chap_ngnum
			*else
				"Wow, not just one apology from my super-intimidating ex-partner but two?" Her gasp echoes down the phone. "I should have recorded this call."
				
				I roll my eyes. "About that favour?"
				
				"Oh yeah," she says, a chuckle on her voice. "What do you need?"
				*goto chap_ngnum
		*else
			She laughs softly. "Ah, it's okay. I figured it wouldn't be. So, what do you need?"
			*goto chap_ngnum
	#"You know, not every time I call involves the supernatural."
		I halt in the hallway and tilt my head closer to the phone. "You know, not every call I make to you is about the supernatural."
		
		"…Is this one?"
		
		I purse my lips and hesitate. "Well, yeah."
		
		She laughs. "Don't worry. I'm happy to hear from you even if it's just a personal call."
		
		"You'd just rather I had a supernatural with me when I do?"
		
		"One that's single, if possible," she adds, her laughter still clinging to each word. 
		
		I roll my eyes. "I'll do my best in the future. Now, about that favour?"
		
		"Sure. What do you need?"
		*goto chap_ngnum
	#"…Yeah."
		I hesitate before finally pushing out a reply. "…Yeah."
		
		"Do I get to be involved?"
		
		"…No."
		
		Her sigh almost batters against my eardrum. "Well, it doesn't hurt to ask. So, what do you need?"
		*goto chap_ngnum
*label chap_ngnum
		
"I was wondering if you could cover for me for a while at the station? I need to stick around here," I explain.

"Sure. It's not like much is happening here anyway, unless you count Douglas getting to level thirty-five on his app," she replies. 

"Thanks, Tina. I'll talk to you soon."

She makes a hum of agreement before I click to finish the call and continue on down the maze of hallways.
*goto chap8_decide

*label chap8_decide
*page_break
*if (bookthreedefense = "research")
	*if (romance = "adamnate")
		*goto chap8_lt
	*elseif (romance = "nate")
		*goto chap8_rn
	*elseif (romance = "felix")
		*goto chap8_rf
	*elseif (romance = "mason")
		*goto chap8_rm
	*elseif (romance = "adam")
		*goto chap8_ra
	*else
		*goto chap8_rfriend
*else
	*if (romance = "adamnate")
		*finish Next Chapter
	*elseif (romance = "adam")
		*finish Next Chapter
	*elseif (romance = "felix")
		*goto chap8_cf   
	*elseif (romance = "nate")
		*finish Next Chapter
	*elseif (romance = "mason")
		*goto chap8_cm
	*else
		*finish Next Chapter

*label chap8_lt
*page_break
Pushing open the door to the kitchen, I halt in the doorway as I stare over $!{nate}, $!{adam}, and $!{felix}.

They're all huddled around the table, $!{nate} hunched over a set of papers with ${adam} glancing over ${n_his} shoulder. On the opposite side, $!{felix} tilts a chair back onto its legs. $!{f_his} head is angled towards the ceiling with a distinct air of boredom.

"Everything okay?" I ask as I head further into the room.

Both ${adam} and ${nate} instantly swing their heads around to face me.

*if (ntogether = "true")
	*if (gender = "female")
		"Good morning," ${nate} calls in a melodic way that instantly brightens my morning. $!{n_she} pushes away from the table to stand and walk to me, wrapping an arm about my waist. $!{n_she} draws me close and plants a kiss on my temple.
		*goto chap8_rlt2
	*else
		"Good morning," ${nate} calls in a melodic way that instantly brightens my morning. $!{n_she} pushes away from the table to stand and walk to me, wrapping ${n_his} arms about my middle. $!{n_she} draws me close and plants a kiss on my temple.
		*goto chap8_rlt2
*else
	"Good morning," ${nate} calls in a melodic way that instantly brightens my morning.
	
	The warm buzz from ${n_his} smile fizzles through me right to my toes…at least until I catch sight of ${adam}.

	$!{a_his} lips roll together as ${a_his} eyes meet mine before ${a_she} snaps ${a_his} head away. I swivel my gaze into the empty space of the room as my heart makes a painful thud against my ribs.
	*goto chap8_rlt3
	
*label chap8_rlt2
	
The warm buzz from the gesture fizzles through me right to my toes…at least until I catch sight of ${adam}.

$!{a_his} lips roll together as ${a_his} eyes meet mine before ${a_she} snaps ${a_his} head away. I swivel my gaze into the empty space of the room as my heart makes a painful thud against my ribs.
*goto chap8_rlt3

*label chap8_rlt3

"What are you all up to?" I ask to fill the invading quiet.

*if (bookthreedefense = "research")
	*if (ntogether = "true")
		"Trying to set the patrol schedules around the research we'd planned to do," $!{nate} explains, moving us both closer to the table so that I can look over the papers.
		*goto chap_rlt4
	*else
		"Trying to set the patrol schedules around the research we'd planned to do," $!{nate} explains while gesturing for me to move closer so that I can look over the papers.
		*goto chap_rlt4
*else
	*if (ntogether = "true")
		"Trying to set the patrol schedules around your combat training," $!{nate} explains, moving us both closer to the table so that I can look over the papers.
		*goto chap_clt4
	*else
		"Trying to set the patrol schedules around your combat training," $!{nate} explains while gesturing for me to move closer so that I can look over the papers.
		*goto chap_clt4
		
*label chap_rlt4

"Right," I say with a nod. "I'd forgotten about that."

"They're also trying to decide which one gets to stay with you and help with that research," ${felix} comments, leaning forward and resting ${f_his} elbows on the table in order to join the conversation. "The rest of us have to keep the patrols up, so only one of these two can stay with you." There's a strain to the way ${f_she} says that statement, even more so in the slight wrinkle of ${f_his} nose.
*goto chap_lt5

*label chap_clt4

"Right," I say with a nod. "I'd forgotten about that."

"They're also trying to decide which one gets to stay with you and help with training," ${felix} comments, leaning forward and resting ${f_his} elbows on the table in order to join the conversation. "The rest of us have to keep the patrols up, so only one of these two can stay with you." There's a strain to the way ${f_she} says the statement, even more so in the slight wrinkle of ${f_his} nose.
*goto chap_lt5

*label chap_lt5

"Oh…." The simple word spills from me as I avoid making eye contact with either of the expectant vampires.

*if (ntogether = "true")
	*if (n_man = "man")
		*if (mc_height = "very tall")
			"I offered straight away, obviously," $!{nate} says, smiling at me as ${n_she} presses ${n_his} side closer against mine. "But ${felix} suggested that you may want a more…strict companion to help you through the task."
			*goto chap_lt6
		*else
			"I offered straight away, obviously," $!{nate} says, smiling down at me as ${n_she} presses ${n_his} side closer against mine. "But ${felix} suggested that you may want a more…strict companion to help you through the task."
			*goto chap_lt6
	*else
		*if ((mc_height = "very tall")or(mc_height = "tall"))
			"I offered straight away, obviously," $!{nate} says, smiling at me as ${n_she} presses ${n_his} side closer against mine. "But ${felix} suggested that you may want a more…strict companion to help you through the task."
			*goto chap_lt6
		*else
			"I offered straight away, obviously," $!{nate} says, smiling down at me as ${n_she} presses ${n_his} side closer against mine. "But ${felix} suggested that you may want a more…strict companion to help you through the task."
			*goto chap_lt6
*else
	"I offered straight away," ${nate} says, smiling at me across the table. "But ${felix} suggested that you may want a more…strict companion to help you through the task."
	*goto chap_lt6
			
*label chap_lt6

[i]Thanks so much, ${felix}…[/i]. Even though I grumble the thought silently, it seems the youngest vampire can sense my frustration by the way ${f_she} shrugs at me.

"I would be willing to offer my skills. If you should want them, Detective," ${adam} offers, sending the room into another silence that seems to puncture my lungs and make my breath shiver.

$!{felix} angles back in ${f_his} chair again, none of the usual teasing in ${f_his} eyes, but an unusual seriousness creasing ${f_his} brow. "So, I guess it's up to you."

*choice
	*if (bookthreedefense = "research") #Tackle research with ${adam}.
		*set ltdefense "adam"
		*goto chap8_ltwhoa
	*if (bookthreedefense = "research") #Tackle research with ${nate}.
		*set ltdefense "nate"
		*goto chap8_ltwhon
	*if (bookthreedefense = "combat") #Train with ${nate}.
		*set ltdefense "nate"
		*goto chap8_ltwhon
	*if (bookthreedefense = "combat") #Train with $!{adam}.
		*set ltdefense "adam"
		*goto chap8_ltwhoa
		
*label chap8_ltwhon
I glance between the two of them, my heart following the motion and swinging like a pendulum in my chest. 

*if (ntogether = "true")
	*if (n_man = "man")
		I reach up to spread my hand against ${nate}'s chest. "I'll go with ${nate}." Before I can stop myself, I meet ${adam}'s eye and feel a hollow well form in the pit of my stomach. "At least this time."
		
		$!{nate} wraps ${n_his} fingers around mine with a smile so full of affection that it almost fills the void.
		*goto chap_ltwhon1
	*else
		I reach out to wrap my arm around ${nate}'s waist in return. "I'll go with ${nate}." Before I can stop myself, I meet ${adam}'s eye and feel a hollow well form in the pit of my stomach. "At least this time."
		
		$!{nate} beams a smile so full of affection that it almost fills the void.
		*goto chap_ltwhon1
	*label chap_ltwhon1	
	
	But when ${n_she} turns back to look at the room, the expression falls away on seeing the tight pain that winces across ${adam}'s features.
	
	The commanding agent does well to school ${a_his} expression back quickly, but I can feel the tension that tugs through ${nate} beside me. $!{n_she} casts ${n_his} gaze down.
	
	"Then I am no longer needed here," ${adam} states, turning on the spot to march from the room.
	
	I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.
	
	Instead, ${nate}'s arm slides away from me, and ${n_she} takes off after ${adam} with ${n_his} hands outstretched.
	
	The door clicks shut behind them.
	*goto chap8_ltfcomment
*else
	I step closer to the table where ${nate} is sat. "I'll go with ${nate}." Before I can stop myself, I meet ${adam}'s eye and feel a hollow well form in the pit of my stomach. "At least this time."
		
	$!{nate} beams a smile so full of affection that it almost fills the void.
	
	But when ${n_she} turns back to look at the room, the expression falls away on seeing the tight pain that winces across ${adam}'s features.
	
	The commanding agent does well to school ${a_his} expression back quickly, but I can feel the tension that tugs through ${nate} beside me. $!{n_she} casts ${n_his} gaze down.
	
	"Then I am no longer needed here," ${adam} states, turning on the spot to march from the room.
	
	I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.
	
	Instead, ${nate} springs from ${n_his} seat and takes off after ${adam} with ${n_his} hands outstretched.
	
	The door clicks shut behind them.
	*goto chap8_ltfcomment

*label chap8_ltwhoa
I glance between the two of them, my heart following the motion and swinging like a pendulum in my chest. 
		
*if (ntogether = "true")
	"I'll go with ${adam}," I say before quickly turning to ${nate}. "At least this time."
	
	$!{n_she} attempts a smile, but it doesn't reach ${n_his} eyes, and ${n_his} arm slides away from around me instantly. "Of course."
	
	There's no warmth behind the words, no emotion, no nothing. I swallow down the hitch which forms in my throat.
	
	*if (bookthreedefense = "research")
		"I will gather up the materials necessary for tomorrow," ${adam} states, stepping closer towards me.
		*goto chap8_ltwho2
	*else
		"I will set up the training area ready for tomorrow," ${adam} states, stepping closer towards me.
		*goto chap8_ltwho2
	*label chap8_ltwho2
	
	$!{nate} retreats a step back, and ${adam} instantly freezes in place, a slight shift of a frown on ${a_his} features.
	
	*if (bookthreedefense = "research")
		$!{a_she} dares a quick glance at me before turning and marching towards the door. "I will meet you here in the morning, Detective." $!{a_she} then disappears through the doorway.
		*goto chap8_ltwho3
	*else
		$!{a_she} dares a quick glance at me before turning and marching towards the door. "I will meet you in the clearing near the warehouse tomorrow morning, Detective." $!{a_she} then disappears through the doorway.
		*goto chap8_ltwho3	
	*label chap8_ltwho3
	
	I shift my focus to ${nate}, the gap between us growing as ${n_she} retreats yet another step from me. 
	
	"I'll talk to you later," ${n_she} mumbles, not meeting my eye, before following the same exit as ${adam}.
	
	The door slams shut behind ${n_him}, making me wince.
	*goto chap8_ltfcomment
*else
	"I'll go with ${adam}," I say before quickly looking to ${nate}. "At least this time."
	
	$!{n_she} drops ${n_his} gaze to the table, leaning back and folding ${n_his} hands together. "Of course."
	
	There's no warmth behind the words, no emotion, no nothing. I swallow down the hitch which forms in my throat.
	
	*if (bookthreedefense = "research")
		"I will gather up the materials necessary for tomorrow," ${adam} states, stepping closer towards me.
		*goto chap8_ltwho2z
	*else
		"I will set up the training area ready for tomorrow," ${adam} states, stepping closer towards me.
		*goto chap8_ltwho2z
	*label chap8_ltwho2z
	
	$!{nate} flicks ${n_his} head over to look at the motion, and ${adam} instantly freezes in place, a slight shift of a frown on ${a_his} features.
	
	*if (bookthreedefense = "research")
		$!{a_she} dares a quick glance at me before turning and marching towards the door. "I will meet you here in the morning, Detective." $!{a_she} then disappears through the doorway.
		*goto chap8_ltwho3aa
	*else
		$!{a_she} dares a quick glance at me before turning and marching towards the door. "I will meet you in the clearing near the warehouse tomorrow morning, Detective." $!{a_she} then disappears through the doorway.
		*goto chap8_ltwho3aa
	*label chap8_ltwho3aa
	
	I shift my focus to ${nate} as ${n_she} pushes ${n_him}self up from the chair. 
	
	"I'll talk to you later," ${n_she} mumbles, not meeting my eye, before following the same exit as ${adam}.
	
	The door slams shut behind ${n_him}, making me wince.
	*goto chap8_ltfcomment

*label chap8_ltfcomment
*if ((highfriend = "felix")or(felixf >= 10))
	*if (callme = "Detective")
		"I'm sorry, $!{name}," $!{felix} mutters from behind me.
		*goto chap8_ltfcommentnamenick
	*else
		"I'm sorry, $!{callme}," $!{felix} mutters from behind me.
		*goto chap8_ltfcommentnamenick
	*label chap8_ltfcommentnamenick
		
	I swing around, thankful to have someone else to focus on. "For what?"
	
	"For pushing this, I suppose," ${f_she} explains with a heavy sigh and falling back into ${f_his} chair. "But you have to understand that…we're family. This mess you all have going on…." $!{f_she} waves ${f_his} hand towards me and then at the door where the others left. "It affects all of us, not just you three."
	
	*choice
		#Look away. "…I don't know what mess you're talking about."
			I hold ${f_his} eye for a moment more before forcing my gaze away. "…I don't know what mess you're talking about."
			
			"Oh good, because another one of you in the deep depths of denial is really going to sort all of this out," ${f_she} replies with a scoffed laugh.
			
			I hold back the sigh which wants to release.
			
			I glance over my shoulder when ${f_his} hand rests gently on my back. 
			
			"Don't get too far into this without saying something. It'll just hurt more in the end if you wait." $!{f_his} voice is barely more than a croaked whisper through ${f_his} creased expression. $!{f_his} lips part as if to say something more, but ${f_she} just offers a small smile before patting my back and heading out of the room.
			
			I release a breath and glance to the floor, a tightness twisting in in my chest, knowing ${f_she}'s right.
			*goto chaplt_scenechoice
		#Sigh. "It's not like it's a voluntary thing, you know."
			"It's not exactly a voluntary thing, you know," I reply, releasing a heavy sigh after the words and rubbing at my neck.
			
			"I get that. Love isn't controllable, which is part of what makes it so fun." $!{f_she} examines me before shrugging. "Or not quite so fun in your case."
			
			I flop into a chair and stare at the ground, only glancing up when ${f_his} hand rests gently on my back.
		
			"Don't get too far into this without saying something. It'll just hurt more in the end if you wait." $!{f_his} voice is barely more than a croaked whisper through ${f_his} creased expression. $!{f_his} lips part as if to say something more, but ${f_she} just offers a small smile before patting my back and heading out of the room.
			
			A tightness twists in in my chest as I realise ${f_she}'s right.
			*goto chaplt_scenechoice
		#Frown. "This is our business, ${felix}. Not yours."
			I frown over at ${f_him}. "This is our business, ${felix}. Not yours."
			
			"Didn't I just say it doesn't affect only you guys?" ${f_she} fires back before standing up with a sigh. "I get that this whole thing is between you guys. But maybe…don't let it drag on too long. It's just going to hurt everyone more if you wait."
			
			I watch ${f_him} leave, a tightness twisting in in my chest, knowing ${f_she}'s probably right.
			*goto chaplt_scenechoice
		#Shrug. "I'm sure if I just ignore it all, it will go away."
			I bounce my shoulders up before leaning against the sideboard. "I'll just handle this as I handle all my other emotional problems."
			
			"How's that?" ${f_she} asks.
			
			"Ignore them until they go away, usually."
			
			$!{f_she} breathes out a laugh and stands up to walk towards me, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "You really think you're going to be able to ignore them?"
			
			I glance at the door where the two vampires had left. "No, I suppose not."
			
			"Don't get too far into this without saying something. It'll just hurt more if you wait." $!{f_his} voice is barely more than a croaked whisper through ${f_his} creased expression. $!{f_his} lips part as if to say something more, but ${f_she} just offers a small smile before patting my arm and heading out of the room.
			
			I watch ${f_him} leave, a tightness twisting in in my chest, knowing ${f_she}'s right.
			*goto chaplt_scenechoice
		#Slump into chair. "I know. Sorry."
			*if (mc_haircut = "bald")
				I slump into the nearby chair, hunching forward and running my hands over my head. "I know. I'm sorry, ${felix}."
				*goto chap8_ltfsorry
			*elseif (mc_haircut = "very short")
				I slump into the nearby chair, hunching forward and running my hands over my hair. "I know. I'm sorry, ${felix}."
				*goto chap8_ltfsorry
			*else
				I slump into the nearby chair, hunching forward and running my hands through my hair. "I know. I'm sorry, ${felix}."
				*goto chap8_ltfsorry
			*label chap8_ltfsorry
			
			My gaze is pulled up when ${f_she} walks over to rest a gentle hand on my back. "It's not like it's your fault. Love isn't exactly something we can control. But maybe don't get too far into this without saying something. It'll just hurt more if you wait." $!{f_his} voice is barely more than a croaked whisper through ${f_his} creased expression. $!{f_his} lips part as if to say something more, but ${f_she} just offers a small smile before patting my back and heading out of the room.
			
			I watch ${f_him} leave, a tightness twisting in in my chest, knowing ${f_she}'s right.
			*goto chaplt_scenechoice
*else
	"Well, that could have gone better," ${felix} quips.

	I turn on ${f_him} with a scowl.
	
	$!{f_she} holds up ${f_his} hands. "Hey, you guys started this mess, not me."
	
	I release a breath and look back to the door, a tightness twisting in in my chest, knowing ${f_she}'s right.
	*goto chaplt_scenechoice

*label chaplt_scenechoice
*if (ltdefense = "adam")
	*if (bookthreedefense = "research")
		*page_break
		[i][b]At the Kitchen. The Next Morning[/i][/b]
		
		*goto chap8_ra2
	*else
		*finish Next Chapter
*else
	*if (bookthreedefense = "research")
		*page_break
		[i][b]At the Warehouse's Library. The Next Morning[/i][/b]
		
		*goto chap8_rn2
	*else
		*finish Next Chapter

*label chap8_rn

Seeing as I'm staying with the group, it was decided we might as well take the opportunity to do the research on the Anunnaki we'd discussed. I already agreed to meet $!{nate} in the library, so I make my way there.
*page_break
*goto chap8_rn2

*label chap8_rn2
Swinging open the door to the impressive vault of knowledge within, I expect to see ${nate} already huddled over a table surrounded by stacks of half-open books and a notepad nearly filled.

Instead, I do see ${nate}, but ${n_she}'s balanced against the edge of the polished wood table, adopting a heart-racing smile as soon as I enter.

I tilt myself sideways slightly to check the empty table behind ${n_him}. "Are we not doing research today?"

*if (ntogether = "true")
	*if (natefirstkiss = "")
		"We are," ${n_she} replies, pushing ${n_him}self up to walk closer towards me. A spark of fizzling heat erupts between us as ${n_she} draws to a close stop in front of me. I let out a slow breath to dispel some of the warmth.
		*goto chap8_rn3
	*else
		*if (n_man = "man")
			*if (mc_height = "very tall")
				"We are," ${n_she} replies, pushing ${n_him}self up to walk closer towards me. As ${n_she} approaches, I lean forward in order to return the light kiss ${n_she} offers, the warm taste of ${n_him} covering my mouth.
				*goto chap8_rn3
			*elseif (mc_height = "tall")
				"We are," ${n_she} replies, pushing ${n_him}self up to walk closer towards me. As ${n_she} approaches, I turn my head up in order to return the light kiss ${n_she} offers, the warm taste of ${n_him} covering my mouth.
				*goto chap8_rn3
			*else
				"We are," ${n_she} replies, pushing ${n_him}self up to walk closer towards me. As ${n_she} approaches, I tip toe in order to return the light kiss ${n_she} offers, the warm taste of ${n_him} covering my mouth.
				*goto chap8_rn3
		*else
			*if ((mc_height = "very tall")or(mc_height = "tall"))
				"We are," ${n_she} replies, pushing ${n_him}self up to walk closer towards me. As ${n_she} approaches, I lean forward in order to return the light kiss ${n_she} offers, the warm taste of ${n_him} covering my mouth.
				*goto chap8_rn3
			*else
				"We are," ${n_she} replies, pushing ${n_him}self up to walk closer towards me. As ${n_she} approaches, I tip toe in order to return the light kiss ${n_she} offers, the warm taste of ${n_him} covering my mouth.
				*goto chap8_rn3
*else
	"We are," ${n_she} replies, pushing ${n_him}self up to walk closer towards me. A spark of fizzling heat erupts between us as ${n_she} draws to a close stop in front of me. I let out a slow breath to dispel some of the warmth.
	*goto chap8_rn3
*label chap8_rn3

"So why no books?" I enquire, arching a brow and glancing about the tome-filled space. "I mean, you usually have research on the go by the time I arrive."

*if (ntogether = "true")
	*if (gender = "female")
		"Well," ${n_she} begins, sliding ${n_his} arms around my waist to hug me close against ${n_his} chest. "I thought you might like to take the research outside. It seems far too lovely a day to waste shut up in here."
		*goto chap8_rn4
	*else
		"Well," ${n_she} begins, sliding ${n_his} arms around my middle to hug ${n_him}self close against my chest. "I thought you might like to take the research outside. It seems far too lovely a day to waste shut up in here."
		*goto chap8_rn4
*else
	"Well," ${n_she} begins, ${n_his} gaze dancing over me as I take a step closer, as though I'm drawn forward without noticing. "I thought you might like to take the research outside. It seems far too lovely a day to waste shut up in here."
	*goto chap8_rn4
*label chap8_rn4

Sunshine spreads its golden glow through the small windows at the top of the room, illuminating the tops of the bookcases but not daring to fall on the delicate books.

"I guess that might be nice," I reply.

*if (ntogether = "true")
	"Wonderful! Follow me." $!{n_she} steps back, letting ${n_his} arms fall away from around me, but only so as ${n_she} can wrap ${n_his} hand around mine instead. 
	*goto chap8_rn5
*else
	"Wonderful! Follow me." $!{n_she} makes to step past me, wrapping ${n_his} hand around mine as ${n_she} goes. 
	*goto chap8_rn5
*label chap8_rn5

I follow eagerly as ${n_she} leads me out of the library.
*page_break
As we open a concealed side door of the warehouse I'd never noticed before, ${nate} shies away with a wince as the sun bursts into the darkened corridor inside.

"You okay?" I ask, squeezing ${n_his} hand. 

$!{n_she} smiles over ${n_his} shoulder at me. "I'm fine, thank you. Come on. I've got it all set up," ${n_she} comments. Once again ${n_she} leads me, but now out into the summer's day that's already delightfully warm this early in the morning.
	
I shake my head as I trail behind ${n_him}, weaving around a hedge of overgrown bushes. "Set up? What do you—" Beyond the leafy barrier is an entire picnic spread. A selection of the sandwiches, fruit, fresh sliced veggies, and pies already laid out on a green-checked blanket. The scene is completed by an old-fashioned hamper picnic basket, as well as small stacks of books creating a small fence about the scene, topped off with a jug of orange juice.
	
"Wow…," I breathe out, unsure what else to say.

*if (ntogether = "true")
	$!{n_she} tugs me closer by the hand and smiles. "I hope you like it."
	*goto chap8_rn7
*else
	$!{n_she} tangles ${n_his} fingers further into mine and smiles. "I hope you like it."
	*goto chap8_rn7
*label chap8_rn7
*choice
	*if (ntogether = "true") #Kiss ${n_his} cheek and hug ${n_him}. "I love it. Thank you so much."
		*if ((mc_height = "very tall")or(mc_height = "tall"))
			*if (gender = "female")
				I turn on the spot, throwing my arms around ${n_his} neck and planting a kiss on ${n_his} cheek. "I love it," I whisper into ${n_his} ear, enjoying the shiver that I can feel run through ${n_him}. "Thank you so much."
				*goto chap8_rn8
			*else
				I turn on the spot, wrapping my arms around ${n_his} neck and planting a kiss on ${n_his} cheek. "I love it," I whisper into ${n_his} ear, enjoying the shiver that I can feel run through ${n_him}. "Thank you so much."
				*goto chap8_rn8
		*else
			*if (gender = "female")
				I turn on the spot, bouncing onto tiptoes so I can throw my arms around ${n_his} neck and plant a kiss on ${n_his} cheek. "I love it," I whisper into ${n_his} ear, enjoying the shiver that I can feel run through ${n_him}. "Thank you so much."
				*goto chap8_rn8
			*else
				I turn on the spot, reaching up so I can wrap my arms around ${n_his} neck and plant a kiss on ${n_his} cheek. "I love it," I whisper into ${n_his} ear, enjoying the shiver that I can feel run through ${n_him}. "Thank you so much."
				*goto chap8_rn8
	*if (ntogether = "") #Hug ${n_him}. "It's amazing. Thank you so much."
		*if ((mc_height = "very tall")or(mc_height = "tall"))
			*if (gender = "female")
				I turn on the spot, throwing my arms around ${n_his} neck in a hug. "I love it," I whisper into ${n_his} ear, enjoying the shiver that I can feel run through ${n_him}. "Thank you so much."
				*goto chap8_rn8
			*else
				I turn on the spot, wrapping my arms around ${n_his} neck in a hug. "I love it," I whisper into ${n_his} ear, enjoying the shiver that I can feel run through ${n_him}. "Thank you so much."
				*goto chap8_rn8
		*else
			*if (gender = "female")
				I turn on the spot, bouncing onto tiptoes so I can throw my arms around ${n_his} neck in a hug. "I love it," I whisper into ${n_his} ear, enjoying the shiver that I can feel run through ${n_him}. "Thank you so much."
				*goto chap8_rn8
			*else
				I turn on the spot, reaching up so I can wrap my arms around ${n_his} neck in a hug. "I love it," I whisper into ${n_his} ear, enjoying the shiver that I can feel run through ${n_him}. "Thank you so much."
				*goto chap8_rn8
	#Chuckle. "What would you have done if I'd said no to coming outside?"
		I can't help but turn to ${n_him} with a gentle chuckle. "What would you have done if I'd said no to coming outside after you'd done all of this?"
		
		"Then I would have told you I'd get research set up and moved all of this inside as though it was the plan all along," ${n_she} replies.
		
		I nod, keeping my smile firmly in place. "Very smooth."
		
		"I try," ${n_she} says with a small shrug.
		
		"I don't think you need to try and be smooth. It seems to radiate out of every pore you have." 
		
		$!{n_she} splutters out a breathy laugh before glancing away, licking at ${n_his} lips and stammering on a reply. "That's very sweet of you to say." $!{n_she} meets my gaze again with a broad smile. "Not entirely accurate, I think. But very sweet all the same."
		
		We both laugh at that.
		*goto chap8_rn8
	#Stare at the scene. "You didn't have to do this for me."
		It takes me a long moment just to process that it isn't a mirage. "$!{nate}…you really didn't have to do this for me."
		
		*if (ntogether = "true")
			"Just because I didn't have to, doesn't mean I didn't want to," ${n_she} replies, bringing our clasped hands up so ${n_she} can kiss the back of mine. "How could I not want to make you happy every second of every day?"
			*goto chap8_rn7a
		*else
			"Just because I didn't have to, doesn't mean I didn't want to," ${n_she} replies. "Seeing you happy seems to bring me the greatest joy these days. So it's worth any effort to achieve."
			*goto chap8_rn7a
		*label chap8_rn7a
		
		*if (gender = "female")
			I practically swoon right there into the grass.
			*goto chap8_rn7at
		*else
			I practically melt right there into the grass.
			*goto chap8_rn7at
		*label chap8_rn7at
		
		"Thank you. But it's really…a lot," I comment.
		
		$!{nate}'s smile falters into a slight frown. "Too much?"
		
		"No," I spill out quickly. "It's just…I guess I'm not used to things like this."
		
		"Then I'll just have to keep doing them until you are." $!{n_his} smile returns with a new brilliance that brings out a cheer of my own.
		*goto chap8_rn8
	#Blink a few times. "No one…no one's ever done something like this for me."
		My mouth moves as though to form words I'm not sure of as my brain processes just what ${n_she}'s done.
		
		What ${n_she}'s done for [i]me[/i].
		
		"No one…." I stumble on the reply, the admittance I'm about to make leaving a slight sting through me. "No one's ever done anything like this for me before."
		
		$!{n_his} smile falters into a frown. "No one?"
		
		*if (n_man = "man")
			I shake my head and attempt a smile of my own, but it's as weak as ${n_his}. "Nope."
			*goto chap8_nonenb
		*else
			I shake my head and attempt a smile of my own, but it's as weak as ${n_his}s. "Nope."
			*goto chap8_nonenb
		*label chap8_nonenb
			
		*if (bobex = "love")
			*if ((bobfirstintro = "ex")or(bobexknow = "yes"))
				"But what about," ${n_she} almost chokes on the name, "Bobby?"
				
				I snort out a breath that's half a disbelieving laugh, shaking my head at the mere idea. "Definitely not."
				*goto chap8_rn7b
			*else
				*goto chap8_rn7b
		*else
			*goto chap8_rn7b
		*label chap8_rn7b
		
		*if (ntogether = "true")
			*if (n_man = "man")
				*if (callme = "Detective")
					$!{n_she} removes ${n_his} hand from mine in order to wrap an arm around me and pull me close to ${n_him}. "I'm sorry, $!{name}. You deserve to be treated far better." $!{n_she} meets my eye. "And you will. I promise you that."
					*goto chap8_rn7c
				*else
					$!{n_she} removes ${n_his} hand from mine in order to wrap an arm around me and pull me close to ${n_him}. "I'm sorry, $!{callme}. You deserve to be treated far better." $!{n_she} meets my eye. "And you will. I promise you that."
					*goto chap8_rn7c
			*else
				*if (callme = "Detective")
					$!{n_she} removes ${n_his} hand from mine in order to wrap an arm around me and pull ${n_him}self to my side. "I'm sorry, $!{name}. You deserve to be treated far better." $!{n_she} meets my eye. "And you will. I promise you that."
					*goto chap8_rn7c
				*else
					$!{n_she} removes ${n_his} hand from mine in order to wrap an arm around me and pull ${n_him}self to my side. "I'm sorry, $!{callme}. You deserve to be treated far better." $!{n_she} meets my eye. "And you will. I promise you that."
					*goto chap8_rn7c
			*label chap8_rn7c

			My heart seems to swell until it won't fit in my chest, and I let out a breath just to release some of the intensity ${n_his} words fuel in me.
			*goto chap8_rn8
		*else
			*if (callme = "Detective")
					$!{n_she} frowns at me, ${n_his} arm moving as though to wrap about me before ${n_she} flexes ${n_his} hand at ${n_his} side instead to stop ${n_him}self. "I'm sorry, $!{name}. You deserve to be treated far better."
					*goto chap8_rn7d
			*else
				$!{n_she} frowns at me, ${n_his} arm moving as though to wrap about me before flexes ${n_his} hand at ${n_his} side instead to stop ${n_him}self. "I'm sorry, $!{callme}. You deserve to be treated far better."
				*goto chap8_rn7d
			*label chap8_rn7d
			
			I can sense the 'And I would treat you the best' ${n_she} wants to add to the end of that sentence, even if ${n_she} hesitates in saying it.
			*goto chap8_rn8
	#Smile at ${n_him}. "When did you have time to do all of this?"
		A smile instantly catches my lips. "When did you have time to do all of this?"
		
		*if (n_man = "man")
			*if (ntogether = "true")
				"Let's just say it's lucky vampires don't need to sleep much." $!{n_she} chuckles, rubbing at ${n_his} neck with ${n_his} free hand while dropping ${n_his} gaze to the spread. "Those pies took longer to make than I remembered."
				*goto chap8_rn7e
			*else
				"Let's just say it's lucky vampires don't need to sleep much." $!{n_she} chuckles, rubbing at ${n_his} neck while dropping ${n_his} gaze to the spread. "Those pies took longer to make than I remembered."
				*goto chap8_rn7e
		*else
			"Let's just say it's lucky vampires don't need to sleep much." $!{n_she} chuckles, tucking a curl of hair behind her ear and dropping ${n_his} gaze to the spread. "Those pies took longer to make than I remembered."
			*goto chap8_rn7e	
		*label chap8_rn7e
		
		"Wait, you cooked those?" I blurt out.
		
		*if (ntogether = "true")
			$!{n_she} nods and squeezes my hand, the smile that eases onto ${n_his} lips making my body warm. "You deserve the very best."
			*goto chap8_rn7f
		*else
			$!{n_she} nods and then offers a smile that makes my body warm. "Of course. I'm trying to show you my best qualities."
			*goto chap8_rn7f
		*label chap8_rn7f
		
		"Well, I…," I glance at the picnic again, "I'm starting to wonder if you're actually real."
		
		"Very much so," ${n_she} purrs, turning my warmth into a full blown eruption of fire sizzling right down to my toes.
		*goto chap8_rn8
		
*label chap8_rn8
*page_break 
We move towards the blanket, where we take cross-legged positions opposite each other, the fabric beneath us rich and silky—certainly not the type of fabric I imagine was supposed to be used for laying on grass.

The encircling bushes, though wild and unkempt, are blooming with deep red flowers, their golden centres abuzz with adorably fat bumblebees. The scent of them blankets the secluded area in a honey fragrance, and I melt into the moment as the morning sun warms me, leaning back to sink further into it.

*if (ntogether = "true")
	When I open my eyes, ${nate} is smiling at me. 
	
	"What?" I ask, sitting forward and crossing my legs in front of me again.
	
	"You're just…very captivating." $!{n_she} almost whispers the compliment, ${n_his} soft breath breezing against my skin as we shift closer towards each other.
	*goto chap8_rn9
*else
	When I open my eyes, ${nate} is smiling at me. 
	
	"What?" I ask, sitting forward and crossing my legs in front of me again.
	
	"Sorry." $!{n_she} brushes ${n_his} fingers over ${n_his} lips to try and hide ${n_his} smile. "It's just you're…very captivating." $!{n_she} almost whispers the compliment, ${n_his} soft breath breezing against my skin as we shift closer towards each other.
	*goto chap8_rn9
*label chap8_rn9	

I slide my arm back to balance better, my hand butting up against a solid obstacle. I glance to one of the stacks of books piled about us.

"I suppose we should actually get some research started," I say, picking up the top book and glancing over its age-worn leather cover. The spine has some delicate gold writing etched into it that is too faint to read.

$!{nate} matches my motion, taking a book and letting it fall gently open in ${n_his} lap. "I found what books I could that might offer even a shred of information. But the Anunnaki are incredibly rare. There isn't much myth about them, and even less facts. Though I suppose that holds true with all the supernaturals that come under the 'Celestial' class."

"Like what?"

$!{n_she} pulls one of ${n_his} knees towards ${n_him}self and glances up with a slight purse of ${n_his} lips. I stare at ${n_his} mouth for a moment too long before shaking my head.

"All forms of angels come under Celestial—"

My eyes widen. "Angels? Are you serious?"

$!{n_she} smiles. "It's probably not what you're thinking. They have no religious connections at all, though I'm sure you can understand why so many cultures ended up using them as religious icons. They are an impressive bunch, and it's not as easy for them to keep out of sight of humans when they are around."

"And because most of what is written about them are stories, I'm guessing that will make it even harder to sift through for actual information?" I ask with a sigh.

$!{n_she} nods. "There are a few Agency reports and files from a couple of centuries back. So I'm not sure where you wish to start?"

*choice
	#"How about a more modern and technical approach to the task?"
		*set science %+10
		*set approach "sci"
		"What about on the internet? Or the Agency database?" I enquire.
		
		$!{nate}'s nose crinkles before ${n_she} glances down into ${n_his} lap. "Oh, uh…Well, I didn't actually think of those."
		
		I chuckle. "It's all right. I'll grab my laptop and see if I have any luck on there while you stick to the books."
		
		A wash of relief has ${n_his} body slumping. "That sounds like a good plan."
		
		Getting up from my spot, I jog back to the warehouse and quickly retrieve my laptop, managing to set it up and log onto the database as I settle back on the blanket beside ${n_him}.
		
		And then we both get down to work.
		*goto chap8_rn14
	#"How about starting with the myths from Babylon?"
		*set deduction %+10
		*set approach "ded"
		I pull some of the indicated files closer towards me, beginning to unknot the twine ties keeping them sealed. "I guess we start at the beginning and work our way forward."

		$!{n_she} raises a brow.

		"You said they came through a portal in Babylon originally, right? So let's start there."

		$!{nate} glances over one shoulder at a pile of neatly stacked books before turning to look over the other. "Ah, here." $!{n_she} passes me a book which must have once been brilliant white but has now dulled to ivory with speckles of grey age-spots. "Try this one."

		"Thanks." I crack open the first page with care, listening to the creak of the leather, and begin scanning the first page.
		*goto chap8_rn14
	#"I'll focus on finding out what they're like as people."
		*set people %+10
		*set approach "pep"
		"Anunnaki may have some myths about them, but they are still real people, right?" I say.
		
		"Well, yes," ${nate} replies, leaning back as ${n_she} looks at me. "How does that help?"
		
		"It means that people leave traces. Especially ones that stand out as much as they do." I shrug and tap at the Agency files. "They wouldn't have been able to help it. So I think our best bet might be to start with reports of real Anunnaki encounters rather than just the myths. See if they have any commonalities."
		
		$!{nate} nods. "Ah, I see. Then you better start with these." $!{n_she} pushes a small, twine-tied stack of folders in my direction. A thin layer of dust coats the cream cardboard fronts, turning them a sickly grey. 
		
		"Thanks." I start to unknot the ties, and we both set to work.
		*goto chap8_rn14
	#"How about seeing if there's been any past confrontations with them?"
		*set combat %+10
		*set approach "com"
		"Are the Anunnaki usually confrontational?" I ask.
		
		$!{nate} rubs a hand over ${n_his} book as ${n_she} glances up in thought. "Not as far as I'm aware. Interactions with them are extremely rare, though I think I heard tale a long time ago about a hostile meeting at one of the smaller facilities."
		
		I nod at the stack of Agency files. "Do you have files from that facility?"
		
		"No, but I do have some printouts that ${felix} retrieved for me from that location." $!{n_she} reaches behind ${n_him} and digs through the papers until pulling a paperclipped pile out. "Here you go."
		
		"I'll start on these. See if the incident has a report. We might learn something from that," I state.
		
		And so we both set to work.
		*goto chap8_rn14
*label chap8_rn14
*page_break
*if (approach = "sci")
	The morning drifts on, my body fully content after the wonderful breakfast and the warm sunshine. My mind, on the other hand, is less content after scouring the database for reports on the Anunnaki, the ones I did eventually manage to find not being much use at all.
	*goto chap8_rn15
*elseif (approach = "ded")
	The morning drifts on, my body fully content after the wonderful breakfast and the warm sunshine. My mind, on the other hand, is less content after squinting over pages of tiny scrawled text about obscure myths that end up having no relevance to the Anunnaki at all.
	*goto chap8_rn15
*elseif (approach = "pep")
	The morning drifts on, my body fully content after the wonderful breakfast and the warm sunshine. My mind, on the other hand, is less content after trawling through report after report which end up having no relevance to the Anunnaki at all.
	*goto chap8_rn15
*else
	The morning drifts on, my body fully content after the wonderful breakfast and the warm sunshine. My mind, on the other hand, is less content after trawling through incident report after incident report which end up having no relevance to the Anunnaki at all.
	*goto chap8_rn15
*label chap8_rn15

I puff out a breath and place the book back onto the heap of others.

I'm not sure if ${nate} is doing any better, but ${n_she} certainly seems engrossed. I hug my knees to my chest as I smile at the sight of ${n_him}.

*if (n_man = "man")
	$!{n_his} long neck is arched over the pages, ${n_his} elegant fingers tracing the page down as ${n_she} reads, ${n_his} eyes glimmering as they scan and process the new information before ${n_him}.
	*goto chap8_rn10
*else
	$!{n_his} silky hair is swept over one shoulder, ${n_his} elegant fingers tracing the page down as ${n_she} reads, ${n_his} eyes glimmering as they scan and process the new information before ${n_him}.
	*goto chap8_rn10
*label chap8_rn10

It's a gentle, comfortable scene, as it always is with ${nate}. $!{n_she}'s unlike anyone I've ever met and draws emotions from me I didn't even know I had buried inside. There's no denying how attractive ${n_she} is, but there's so much more than that with ${n_him}. Something solid, and safe, and beautiful. A connection I can feel to my very soul.

And it hits me then….

*choice
	#…I love ${n_him}.
		*set nrealiselove "threeeight"
		I'm in love with ${n_him}.
		
		I'm in love with $!{nate} Sewell.
		
		The moment the realisation forms within me, my body seems to grow light, as though I might suddenly start floating with the amount of happiness surging through every single part of me.
		
		*if (ntogether = "true")
			A smile breaks through my stunned silence, a ridiculous kind of giddiness almost making me chuckle. My fingers tingle, my heart flutters, and my skin feels as though it's glowing.
			
			I must be a beacon of my feelings right now.
			
			$!{nate}'s brow creases as ${n_she} stares down at ${n_his} book, a visible shiver coursing through ${n_him}, and ${n_she} quickly snaps ${n_his} gaze up to me. "Is everything all right?"
			*goto chap8_rnrealiselchoice
		*else
			…So what happens now?
			
			I've avoided a relationship with ${n_him} so far, but now that I know how I really feel, how can I continue to deny it? Do I want to?
			
			$!{nate}'s brow creases as ${n_she} stares down at ${n_his} book, a visible shiver coursing through ${n_him}, and ${n_she} quickly snaps ${n_his} gaze up to me. "Is everything all right?"
			*goto chap8_rnrealiselchoice
	#I could happily sit here with ${n_him} forever.
		Although we're working, I could happily sit with ${nate}, well, forever. 
		
		Everything about ${n_him} is calm, collected, secure. It's as though we've found a perfect orbit around each other, and I never want to leave it.
		
		*if (ntogether = "true")
			*goto chap8_rnorbit
		*else
			[i]So why am I without ${n_him}?[/i]
			
			$!{n_she}'s certainly not held back in letting me know how ${n_she} feels. 
			
			A wash of uncertainty overcomes me. That happiness is almost within my reach, but I just can't seem to get past the barrier that's holding me back.
			
			[i]Maybe it's time?[/i]
			
			I frown and drop my gaze to my lap, letting out a sigh, a tingle of fear at the fringes of my mind.
			
			"Is everything all right?" ${nate} asks, glancing up from ${n_his} book with concern creasing ${n_his} brows together.
			
			I nod. "I hope it will be."
			
			$!{n_she} examines me closely for a moment, inching a little closer and setting an excited vibration buzzing through me. "Can I help?"
			
			A smile tugs at my lips, even as a strain pulls at my chest. "I don't know yet."
			
			$!{n_she} chuckles softly. "How very enigmatic. Well, I'm here if you decide I can."
			
			"Thanks," I mumble before turning my face back to my research.
			
			$!{nate} returns to ${n_his} work as well.
			*goto chap8_rnbook
		*label chap8_rnorbit
		I let out a contented sigh as I watch ${n_him}, a smile seeping onto my lips as ${nate} glances up from ${n_his} book to meet my gaze.
		
		"Are you all right?" ${n_she} asks. 
		
		"Definitely," I reply, my words almost sickly sing-song as happiness bubbles through every part of me.
		
		$!{n_she} inches a little closer, lounging on ${n_his} side against the picnic blanket so that ${n_his} hand almost brushes along my thigh. "I'm glad you're enjoying the thrill of research as much as I am."
		*goto chap8_rnthrill
	#I should really get back to work and stop gazing.
		I stare at ${n_him} a moment longer before glancing away with a shake of my head. It doesn't help clear my head as much as I'd hoped, my mind filled with the eagerness to move even closer to ${n_him}.

		If I look away from ${n_him}, my body almost begs me to look back, but if I catch ${n_his} gaze, then I know I'll be hypnotised.
		
		I can't seem to win!
		
		Blowing out a breath, I grab the nearest book and snap it open. It takes me a few moments to realise it's upside down.
		
		I turn it the right way up and do my best to focus on the words.
		*goto chap8_rnbook

*label chap8_rnthrill
*choice
	#Laugh softly. "The company really helps too."
		I breathe out a laugh, enjoying the way it sends a shiver through ${n_him}. "You know, the company really helps too."
		
		$!{n_his} fingers dance teasingly at the air beside my leg before ${n_she} glances up. "With the thrill?"
		
		*if ((bold >= 70)or(nbold >= 65))
			*if (n_man = "man")
				"Most definitely," I purr, reaching down to place my hand on ${n_his}.
				*goto chap8_rnlove2
			*else	
				"Most definitely," I purr, reaching down to place my hand on ${n_his}s.
				*goto chap8_rnlove2
		*elseif ((bold <= 30)or(nbold <= 35))
			I suck in a breath, trying to keep my mind from fogging up. "Yes…."
			*goto chap8_rnlove2
		*else
			My mind is on the edge of steaming up, so all I can reply is, "Yes…."
			*goto chap8_rnlove2
	#Almost close the gap. "It's definitely not the books that are thrilling me."
		I shuffle closer to ${n_him}, leaning down a little to better meet ${n_his} eyes. "It's definitely not the books that are thrilling me."
		
		When I reach out to trace my fingertips up ${n_his} arm, my smile widens at the shiver that passes through ${n_him}.
		*goto chap8_rnlove2
	#Glance at the almost touch and become distracted. "I, uh…Sorry, what did you say?"
		$!{n_his} fingertips dance teasingly next to my thigh, and I have trouble taking my gaze from it, my body whirling with the ache to have ${n_him} inch them closer.
		
		*if (n_man = "man")
			"I, uh…." Although I heard the dulcet tone of ${n_his} voice, I didn't actually seem to process ${n_his} words. I snap my gaze to ${n_his}. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
		
			$!{n_she} chuckles, the deep sound of it not helping with my focus. "I was just hoping you were thrilled by the research." $!{n_she} bites at ${n_his} lower lip. "Or by something else."
			*goto chap8_rnlove2
		*else
			"I, uh…." Although I heard the dulcet tone of ${n_his} voice, I didn't actually seem to process ${n_his} words. I snap my gaze to ${n_his}s. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
		
			$!{n_she} chuckles, the easy sound of it not helping with my focus. "I was just hoping you were thrilled by the research." $!{n_she} bites at ${n_his} lower lip. "Or by something else."
			*goto chap8_rnlove2
	#Smile. "How could it not? I love learning new things!"
		"How could it not?" I exclaim, an instant smile brightening my face. "I love learning new things."
		
		"Well, there's certainly a lot to be learnt about in the supernatural world," ${n_she} replies before sliding ${n_his} gaze up my body to meet my eyes.  An excited shiver traces the path ${n_his} gaze takes. "I, uh, guess we should probably get back to researching."
		
		The slight purr that caresses the edge of ${n_his} voice doesn't inspire a need for work.
		
		"I guess so…," I mumble, my voice softening as ${n_his} intense gaze pentrates mine. 
		*goto chap8_rnlove2
	#Chuckle. "Thrill and research aren't generally two words I put together."
		"I can't say the words 'thrill' and 'research' are words that I would normally put together," I admit with a small laugh.
		
		*if (deduction >= 75)
			"Really?" $!{n_his} brows flick up for a moment. "But you're so knowledgable on so much. I thought book-work would be something you must enjoy."
			
			*if (romance = "adamnate")
				"The acquirement of knowledge doesn't always come from dusty books." I pause and purse my lips. "Oh, I sounded just like ${adam} for a second then."
				
				The mention of ${adam} brings a sudden strike of hush to the moment. My heart beats a painful rhythm in my chest, and it's suddenly the only sound I can hear.
				
				$!{nate} sits back up with an attempted smile and drags ${n_his} book back onto ${n_his} lap. "We should probably get back to our research."
				
				"Yeah," I mumble. "Good idea."
				
				We return to our work in silence, but thankfully it's not long until the uneasy air dissolves, and ${nate}'s smile turns more genuine in my direction once more.
				*goto chap8_rnbook
			*else
				"The acquirement of knowledge doesn't always come from dusty books." I pause and purse my lips. "Oh, I sounded just like ${adam} for a second then."
				
				$!{nate} bursts with a laugh that brings an instant smile to my face. "Well, thankfully you have a lot ${a_she} doesn't."
				
				*if (bold >= 70)
					I angle myself closer, softening my voice. "Like what?"
					*goto chap8_rnalot
				*else
					"Like what?" I ask with my smile remaining in place.
					*goto chap8_rnalot
				*label chap8_rnalot
				
				$!{n_his} gaze slides up the length of my legs and body before meeting my eyes. An excited shiver traces the path ${n_his} gaze takes.
				
				"Many things that make you wholly and entirely appealing," $!{n_she} purrs.
				*goto chap8_rnlove2
		*elseif (bookperson = "yes")
			"Really?" $!{n_his} brows flick up for a moment. "It's just…I thought said you were a book person, so I assumed this would suit you well."
			
			"I'm more of a dive into a fictional story than get swamped in heavy facts kind of reader," I admit.
			
			$!{n_she} chuckles. "Ah, I understand."
			
			"Not that they don't hold their own excitement." I raise a brow at one of the tomes. "For some people."
			
			$!{n_she} licks at ${n_his} lips before turning ${n_his} gaze to me, letting ${n_his} focus slide up the length of my body before meeting my eyes. 
			
			An excited shiver traces the path ${n_his} gaze takes.
			
			"I admit, these books certainly don't hold as much excitement for me as your company does," ${n_she} admits through barely more than a whisper.
			*goto chap8_rnlove2
		*else
			"Well, you might be completely surprised one day. There's a lot of fascinating information to be gained from these." $!{n_she} carefully strokes the book beside ${n_him}.
			
			"As well as a whole mouthful of dust," I say, choking in emphasis as I pick up a book and a cloud of grey particles plumes into the air. 
			
			$!{n_she} licks at ${n_his} lips before turning ${n_his} gaze to me, letting ${n_his} focus slide up the length of my body before meeting my eyes. 
			
			An excited shiver traces the path ${n_his} gaze takes.
			
			"I admit, these books certainly don't hold as much excitement for me as your company does," ${n_she} admits through barely more than a whisper.
			*goto chap8_rnlove2
	#"A thrilling endeavour that we should probably get back to."
		*if (approach = "sci")
			I lift the laptop back onto my lap. "It's a thrilling endeavour we should probably get back to."
			*goto chap8_rndistract
		*elseif (approach = "ded")
			I lift one of the weighty books back onto my lap. "It's a thrilling endeavour we should probably get back to."
			*goto chap8_rndistract
		*else
			I lift the dusty files back onto my lap. "It's a thrilling endeavour we should probably get back to."
			*goto chap8_rndistract
		*label chap8_rndistract
		
		$!{nate} seems too distracted at the proximity of ${n_his} fingers almost skimming the outside of my thigh. It takes a second before ${n_she} glances up with a cough.
		
		"Of course. We won't learn much if we don't actually do the work." $!{n_she} lets out a chuckle after the words, but it's slightly more strained than usual.
		
		I try to ignore the way ${n_his} reaction sends a buzz of heat coursing through me and do my best to focus back on my task.
		*goto chap8_rnbook

*label chap8_rnrealiselchoice
*choice
	#Shake head to get control of self and nod. "I'm all good."
		I stare at ${n_him} a moment longer before glancing away with a shake of my head. It helps clear my thoughts but doesn't do much to help the swell of love overcoming me.
		
		"I'm all good," I croak out.
		
		$!{n_his} head tilts to one side as ${n_she} examines me. "Are you sure?"
		
		I nod, adding as much of a smile as I can to my expression. "I'm totally sure."
		
		$!{n_she} lifts a brow but doesn't press it. "Okay then."
		
		*if (approach = "sci")
			$!{nate} returns to ${n_his} books, and I yank my laptop back onto my thighs, staring at the screen. It takes me a moment to realise I've read the same sentence over and over at least ten times.
		
			I scroll down and do my best to focus on the words.
			*goto chap8_rnbook	
		*elseif (approach = "ded")
			We both get back to pouring over our books, but it takes me a few seconds to realise the one I just grabbed is upside down in my lap.
		
			I turn it the right way and do my best to focus on the words.
			*goto chap8_rnbook	
		*else
			We both get back to pouring over our books and files, but it takes me a few seconds to realise the one I just grabbed is upside down in my lap.
		
			I turn it the right way and do my best to focus on the words.
			*goto chap8_rnbook	
	#Blink. "…I think I'm in love with you. I [i]am[/i] in love with you."
		*set nconfesslove "threeeight"
		I blink a few times, unsure how to speak or move beneath the swell of affection overcoming me. In some ways, the realisation is so obvious, but in others it hits me out of nowhere.
		
		"$!{nate}, I…," my mouth is dry so I lick at my lips, "I think I'm in love with you."
		
		$!{n_his} gaze snaps up from ${n_his} book with widening eyes. "What did you just say?"
		
		"I, uh, I think I'm in love with you," I repeat, though saying it a second time aloud only speeds the hammering of my heart.
		
		I can see ${nate}'s chest rise and fall with suddenly heavy breaths, ${n_his} lips pursing to form words, but nothing coming out for a moment.
		
		"You think, or you know?" ${n_she} asks.
		
		From the way my entire being is magnetically drawn to ${n_him}, I can be pretty certain of my answer. 
		
		"I'm in love with you, $!{nate}." A smile once more catches my lips as the confession spills out of me, an excited buzzing vibrating through every limb and making me fidget.
		
		It's not until I notice the heavy silence from ${nate} that my happiness wanes towards concern.
		
		"Will you say something?" I plead. "Please?"
		*goto chap8_rnlove
	#Smile wide. "More than all right."
		Gazing into ${n_his} brown eyes, the gold-flecked depths of them glimmering with concern, brings another bright smile to my face.
		
		"More than all right," I admit, almost chuckling as the swell of affection wants to take over every part of me. 
		
		The worry instantly drains from ${n_him}, and ${n_she} now smiles in return. "Oh? I'm glad research can be quite so exciting for you."
		
		"It's not the research, but more the company," I say, my limbs almost shaking with the buzz that's vibrating through me.
		
		$!{n_she} lets out a light laugh and leans back a little. "I can agree with that statement. You certainly make this a much easier task." After another gentle smile in my direction, ${n_she} focuses once more on ${n_his} book.
		*choice
			#Be unable to hold back the confession. "I love you, $!{nate}."
				*set nconfesslove "threeeight"
				*goto chap8_rnblurtit
			#Bite at lip to calm self and get back to work as well.
				The admittance of my feelings tickles at the tip of my tongue, but I press it against the roof of my mouth to keep the words from spilling out of me.
				
				[i]Work. I should focus on work[/i]. So I force myself to stop gazing at the ${n_man} who's making me feel like I could walk on air and turn my focus back to my task, grabbing the first book to hand.
				
				It takes me a few seconds to realise the one I just grabbed is upside down in my lap.
		
				I turn it the right way with a puff of breath.
				*goto chap8_rnbook	
	*if (ntogether = "true") #Blurt out, "I love you."
		*set nconfesslove "threeeight"
		*goto chap8_rnblurtit
	*if (ntogether = "") #Blurt out, "I love you." [i]Begins relationship[/i].
		*set nconfesslove "threeeight"
		*set ntogetherwhen "threeeight"
		*goto chap8_rnblurtit
	#"$!{nate}, I love…." Decide against it, clear throat. "I love these pastries."
		The words tingle against my tongue, the feeling intensified by the buzzing that zips through my body, spurred on by the intense thumping of my heart.
		
		"$!{nate}, I love…." 
		
		$!{n_she} snaps ${n_his} gaze up, and I can see ${n_his} chest has stopped moving. Anticipation pings between us.
		
		I drop my gaze as the intensity almost suffocates me.
		
		"…I just love these pastries," I fumble, picking up one of the delicate desserts and biting into it to stop me from saying anything else.
		
		$!{nate} shudders out a breath. "Oh, well…good. I'm glad." Disappointment traces every word, even if ${n_she}'s trying to smile, so I take another mouthful to stem the sting which bursts inside my chest.
		
		The anticipation from before quickly moves to a pervading silence.
		
		So we both get back to work and ignore it.
		*goto chap8_rnbook	
	#Nod and look away. "Yes. I just realised something is all."
		I give a nod to ${n_his} question, turning away before I admit what's bubbling up inside of me. "Yes, everything is fine. I just realised something is all."
		
		"Did you find something about the Anunnaki?" ${n_she} asks, craning ${n_his} head forward to see my research.
		
		I shake my head. "No, not about that…."
		
		$!{n_his} gaze slides up to mine, ${n_his} brows arching a little in questioning.
		
		"Well, I…," I begin before clearing my throat. "I'm sure it won't be long until we do find something." I hunch myself back over my work.
		
		$!{nate} examines me for a moment longer before returning to ${n_his} own task, and I finally let out the breath I'd been holding.
		*goto chap8_rnbook

*label chap8_rnblurtit
I chew at my lip to hold back the words, clenching my fists in my lap, trying to drag my gaze away from ${n_him}.
				
But it's no use.

My whole body is about to explode if I don't tell ${n_him}.

"I love you, $!{nate}!" The words spill out of me in a jumbled mess.

$!{n_she} lifts ${n_his} head back up from ${n_his} book with widening eyes. "What?"

Slight hesitation grips at me, but I push through it. "I love you." A smile once more catches my lips as the confession spills out of me again, an excited buzzing vibrating through every limb and making me fidget.

It's not until I notice the heavy silence from ${nate} that my happiness wanes towards concern.

"Will you say something?" I plead. "Please?"
*goto chap8_rnlove

*label chap8_rnlove

The quiet persists between us once again, but this time it presses down on me—heavy and hot against my skin—${nate}'s gaze not shifting from mine for even a second.
*goto chap8_rnlove3

*label chap8_rnbook
*page_break
A further hour passes, but the distraction of ${nate} close by makes research increasingly difficult.

I don't think I've ever been around someone who draws me in so magnetically. My thoughts, my body, my mind…all of me is focused on ${n_him} when ${n_she}'s around.

In one way it's slightly bothersome as I can't focus on what I'm doing, but mostly it's just wholly thrilling. Magical, almost.

I chuckle softly at my own description and how well it fits a vampire.

*if (callme = "Detective")
	"You're distracting enough without hearing that wonderful laugh of yours, $!{name}," ${nate} remarks, glancing up with a teasing smile which has a lump catching in my throat.
	*goto chap8_rnbook2
*else
	"You're distracting enough without hearing that wonderful laugh of yours, $!{callme}," ${nate} remarks, glancing up with a teasing smile which has a lump catching in my throat.
	*goto chap8_rnbook2
*label chap8_rnbook2

"Interestingly enough, I was just thinking how distracting you are," I admit with a smile of my own I can't keep hidden.

$!{n_she} breathes out a low breath and smooths out the pages spread in ${n_his} lap. "Then how are we to deal with such a problem? I can't concentrate when you're around." $!{n_she} slides ${n_his} body closer.

*if ((bold >= 70)or(nbold >= 65))
	*if (n_man = "man")
		I shift myself to almost meet ${n_his}. "And it's impossible for me to even think about work when you're here."
		*goto chap8_rnbook4
	*else
		I shift myself to almost meet ${n_his}s. "And it's impossible for me to even think about work when you're here."
		*goto chap8_rnbook4
*else
	I ease myself closer while trying to speak past how dry my mouth has suddenly become. "It's getting kind of impossible to work with you around."
	*goto chap8_rnbook4
*label chap8_rnbook4

"Then I suppose we could just work in seperate areas," ${n_she} suggests, and a hollowness pits in my stomach at the thought. "Or…."

I watch ${n_his} lips part temptingly around the word. "Or?"

$!{n_his} gaze sinks into mine, and blood rushes through my ears. "We could deal with the source of the distraction."
*goto chap8_rnlove2

*label chap8_rnlove2

A statically-charged quiet crackles between us. It presses down on me—heavy and hot against my skin—${nate}'s gaze not shifting from mine for even a second.
*goto chap8_rnlove3

*label chap8_rnlove3

I can't remember if I'm breathing or not. It doesn't matter. Only ${n_his} focus on mine does.

The heat in the air prickles against me, the atmosphere bubbling at the edge of eruption, a swell of longing throbbing through me to the very tips of my fingers.

*choice
	*if (ntogether = "true") #Let the moment [i]seriously[/i] boil over and kiss ${n_him}.
		*set nkisswhat "bold"
		*goto chap8_rnboldkiss
	*if (ntogether = "") #Let the moment [i]seriously[/i] boil over and kiss ${n_him}. [i]Begins relationship[/i].
		*set nkisswhat "bold"
		*set ntogether "true"
		*set ntogetherwhen "threeeight"
		*goto chap8_rnboldkiss
	*if (ntogether = "true") #Let the moment [i]seriously[/i] boil over and be kissed.
		*set nkisswhat "nbold"
		*goto chap8_rnnkiss
	*if (ntogether = "") #Let the moment [i]seriously[/i] boil over and be kissed. [i]Begins relationship[/i].
		*set nkisswhat "nbold"
		*set ntogether "true"
		*set ntogetherwhen "threeeight"
		*goto chap8_rnnkiss
	*if (ntogether = "true") #Smile and take a breather. "Maybe we could slow things down?"
		*set nsexthreeeight "slowdown"
		*goto chap8_rnbreather2
	#Force gaze away and blow out a breath to clear some heat. 
		I'm about to ignite from the way ${nate} gazes at me, but I manage to force my focus away so as I can suck in a cooling breath.
		
		"Have you, uh, have you found anything about the Anunnaki?" I croak out, my mouth parched and my throat even drier.
		
		*if (n_man = "man")
			It seems to take ${nate} a moment to cool off as well. $!{n_she} rubs down the length of ${n_his} neck before shaking ${n_his} head.
			
			"Nothing of any real significance. You?"
			
			I slump, scanning the array of files and books about us. All of apparently no use. "Nope."
			*goto chap8_rndiscovery
		*else
			It seems to take ${nate} a moment to cool off as well. $!{n_she} throws back a few loose waves of hair over ${n_his} shoulder before shaking ${n_his} head.
			
			"Nothing of any real significance. You?"
			
			I slump, scanning the array of files and books about us. All of apparently no use. "Nope."
			*goto chap8_rndiscovery

*label chap8_rnnkiss
*set bold %-6
*set nbold %-6
*if ((gender = "male")and(n_man = "woman"))
	$!{nate} swipes the book from ${n_his} lap as ${n_she} lunges towards me, wrapping ${n_his} arms around my neck to claim our needful kiss.
	*goto chap8_rnnkiss2
*elseif (gender = "female")
	$!{nate} swipes the book from ${n_his} lap as ${n_she} lunges towards me, wrapping ${n_his} arms around my waist to claim our needful kiss.
	*goto chap8_rnnkiss2
*else
	$!{nate} swipes the book from ${n_his} lap as ${n_she} lunges towards me, wrapping ${n_his} arms around me to claim our needful kiss.
	*goto chap8_rnnkiss2
*label chap8_rnnkiss2	

*if (natefirstkiss = "")
	*set natefirstkiss "threeeight"
	And it's cosmic.
	
	It stirs every nerve, every emotion, every thought, and every feeling I could possibly have inside of me.
	
	One half of me burns like it's ravaged by a fire that I want to let consume me, and the other half is so at peace that I could melt into ${n_his} embrace forever and never let go.

	I've heard of experiencing fireworks, but this feels like it's shot me straight to the moon.
	*goto chap8_rnnkissit
*else
	*goto chap8_rnnkissit
	
*label chap8_rnnkissit

The desperation to feel ${n_him} completely against me has me moaning against ${n_his} lips, clasping at ${n_his} shirt to drag ${n_him} closer until we topple over. $!{n_his} weight presses along the length of my body as ${n_she} rests against me. My head tips back as ${n_his} lips move to my collarbone and suck at the sensitive skin, hoping to give ${n_him} further access.

A breath of disappointment leaves me as ${n_she} draws back, drawing in a lungful of air of ${n_his} own.

*if ((mc_haircut = "bald")or(mc_haircut = "very short"))
	$!{n_she} gazes down at me with a smile, ${n_his} lips slightly swollen and all the more inviting. $!{n_she} then reaches out to brush ${n_his} fingers down my cheek.
	*goto chap8_rnyousure
*elseif (mc_haircut = "short")
	$!{n_she} gazes down at me with a smile, ${n_his} lips slightly swollen and all the more inviting. $!{n_she} then reaches out to brush a lock of hair back from my forehead.
	*goto chap8_rnyousure
*elseif (mc_haircut = "long coiled")
	$!{n_she} gazes down at me with a smile, ${n_his} lips slightly swollen and all the more inviting. $!{n_she} then reaches out to brush ${n_his} fingers down my cheek.
	*goto chap8_rnyousure
*else
	$!{n_she} gazes down at me with a smile, ${n_his} lips slightly swollen and all the more inviting. $!{n_she} then reaches out to brush a lock of hair back from my forehead and curl it behind my ear.
	*goto chap8_rnyousure

*label chap8_rnboldkiss
*set bold %+6
*set nbold %+6
*if (approach = "sci")
	*if (n_man = "woman")
		I practically throw the laptop from my lap in my eagerness, reaching out to wrap my arms around ${n_his} waist and claim our needful kiss.
		*goto chap8_rnboldkiss2
	*else
		I practically throw the laptop from my lap in my eagerness, lunging towards ${n_him} and wrapping my arms around ${n_his} neck to claim our needful kiss.
		*goto chap8_rnboldkiss2
*elseif (approach = "ded")
	*if (n_man = "woman")
		I practically throw the book from my lap in my eagerness, reaching out to wrap my arms around ${n_his} waist and claim our needful kiss.
		*goto chap8_rnboldkiss2
	*else
		I practically throw the book from my lap in my eagerness, lunging towards ${n_him} and wrapping my arms around ${n_his} neck to claim our needful kiss.
		*goto chap8_rnboldkiss2
*else
	*if (n_man = "woman")
		I practically throw the files from my lap in my eagerness, reaching out to wrap my arms around ${n_his} waist and claim our needful kiss.
		*goto chap8_rnboldkiss2
	*else
		I practically throw the files from my lap in my eagerness, lunging towards ${n_him} and wrapping my arms around ${n_his} neck to claim our needful kiss.
		*goto chap8_rnboldkiss2
		
*label chap8_rnboldkiss2	

*if (natefirstkiss = "")
	*set natefirstkiss "threeeight"
	And it's cosmic.
	
	It stirs every nerve, every emotion, every thought, and every feeling I could possibly have inside of me.
	
	One half of me burns like it's ravaged by a fire that I want to let consume me, and the other half is so at peace that I could melt into ${n_his} embrace forever and never let go.

	I've heard of experiencing fireworks, but this feels like it's shot me straight to the moon.
	*goto chap8_rnnkissit
*else
	*goto chap8_rnboldkiss3
*label chap8_rnboldkiss3
	
The desperation to feel ${n_him} completely against me has me moaning against ${n_his} lips, pressing against ${n_his} shoulders until we topple over. My weight presses along the length of ${n_his} body beneath mine. When I move my lips to caress the skin of ${n_his} neck, ${n_she} eagerly tips ${n_his} head back to allow me further access.

A breath of disappointment leaves me as ${n_she} pushes me back with a hand, drawing in a lungful of air of ${n_his} own.

*if ((mc_haircut = "bald")or(mc_haircut = "very short"))
	$!{n_she} gazes up at me with a smile, ${n_his} lips slightly swollen and all the more inviting. $!{n_she} then reaches out to brush ${n_his} fingers down my cheek.
	*goto chap8_rnyousure
*elseif (mc_haircut = "short")
	$!{n_she} gazes up at me with a smile, ${n_his} lips slightly swollen and all the more inviting. $!{n_she} then reaches out to brush a lock of hair back from my forehead.
	*goto chap8_rnyousure
*elseif (mc_haircut = "long coiled")
	$!{n_she} gazes up at me with a smile, ${n_his} lips slightly swollen and all the more inviting. $!{n_she} then reaches out to brush ${n_his} fingers down my cheek.
	*goto chap8_rnyousure
*else
	$!{n_she} gazes up at me with a smile, ${n_his} lips slightly swollen and all the more inviting. $!{n_she} then reaches out to brush a lock of hair back from my forehead and curl it behind my ear.
	*goto chap8_rnyousure		

*label chap8_rnyousure

"Are you sure about this?" ${n_she} asks, ${n_his} voice husky but ${n_his} words steady and sure.

*choice
	#Take the initiative. "Very sure." [i]Fade to black[/i].
		*set bold %+10
		*set nsexthreeeight "truebold"
		*if (nkisswhat = "nbold")
			*if (n_man = "man")
				"Very sure," I state without hesitation, capturing ${n_his} lips with mine once again. I roll us over to slide my body onto ${n_his}, the warm pressure of ${n_him} beneath me already setting my body alight.
				
				And I set to teasing ${n_him} until ${n_his} moans fill the space
				
				…
				
				…
				
				"Oh, $!{callme}!"
				
				My triumph of ${n_his} call means I shift suddenly, the motion sending a bunch of stacked books toppling down from their precariously balanced tower. 
				*goto chap8_rnaftersex
			*else
				"Very sure," I state without hesitation, capturing ${n_his} lips with mine once again. I roll us over to slide my body onto ${n_his}s, the warm pressure of ${n_him} beneath me already setting my body alight.
				
				And I set to teasing ${n_him} until ${n_his} moans fill the space
				
				…
				
				…
				
				"Oh, $!{callme}!"
				
				My triumph of ${n_his} call means I shift suddenly, the motion sending a bunch of stacked books toppling down from their precariously balanced tower. 
				*goto chap8_rnaftersex
		*else
			*if (n_man = "man")
				"Very sure," I state without hesitation, capturing ${n_his} lips with mine once again. My body slides onto ${n_his} again to push ${n_him} back onto the picnic blanket, the warm pressure of ${n_him} beneath me already setting my body alight.
				
				As I focus on teasing ${n_him}, enjoying ${n_his} gasps, my motion manages to send a bunch of stacked books toppling down from their precariously balanced tower. 
				*goto chap8_rnaftersex
			*else
				"Very sure," I state without hesitation, capturing ${n_his} lips with mine once again. My body slides onto ${n_his}s again to push ${n_him} back onto the picnic blanket, the warm pressure of ${n_him} beneath me already setting my body alight.
				
				As I focus on teasing ${n_him}, enjoying ${n_his} gasps, my motion manages to send a bunch of stacked books toppling down from their precariously balanced tower. 
				*goto chap8_rnaftersex
	#Take the initiative. "Very sure." [i]Detailed intimate scene[/i].
		*set bold %+10
		*set nsexthreeeight "truebold"
		*goto chap8_rnxbold
	#Smile. "Yes. I really am." Let ${nate} take initiative. [i]Fade to black[/i].
		*set bold %-10
		*set nsexthreeeight "trueshy"
		*if (nkisswhat = "nbold")
			*if (n_man = "man")
				"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his} once again. $!{n_she} rests the length of ${n_his} body against mine again, the warm pressure of ${n_him} already setting my body alight.
				
				$!{nate}'s skillful mouth soon sets to work.
				
				…
				
				…
				
				"…$!{nate}!" My arms fling out to the sides as I gasp ${n_his} name, sending a bunch of stacked books toppling down from their precariously balanced tower. 
				*goto chap8_rnaftersex
			*else
				"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his}s once again. $!{n_she} rests the length of ${n_his} my body against mine again, the warm pressure of ${n_him} already setting my body alight.
				
				But due to ${nate}'s skillful mouth, my arms fling out to the sides, sending a bunch of stacked books toppling down from their precariously balanced tower. 
				*goto chap8_rnaftersex
		*else
			*if (n_man = "man")
				"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his} once again. $!{n_she} rolls us over and slides on top of me, the warm pressure of ${n_him} already setting my body alight.
				
				$!{nate}'s skillful mouth soon sets to work.
				
				…
				
				…
				
				"…$!{nate}!" My arms fling out to the sides as I gasp ${n_his} name, sending a bunch of stacked books toppling down from their precariously balanced tower. 
				*goto chap8_rnaftersex
			*else
				"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his}s once again. $!{n_she} rolls us over and slides on top of me, the warm pressure of ${n_him} already setting my body alight.
				
				But due to ${nate}'s skillful mouth, my arms fling out to the sides, sending a bunch of stacked books toppling down from their precariously balanced tower. 
				*goto chap8_rnaftersex
	#Smile. "Yes, I really am." Let ${nate} take initiative. [i]Detailed intimate scene[/i].
		*set bold %-10
		*set nsexthreeeight "trueshy"
		*goto chap8_rnxnot
	#Take a breather. "Yeah, maybe we should stop and slow things down."
		*set nsexthreeeight "slowdown"
		*goto chap8_rnbreather
		
*label chap8_rnaftersex

The mountain of knowledge tumbles to the ground around us in a spread of old paper and clouds of dust.

We stare at the papery mess.

*if (nkisswhat = "nbold")
	I prop up onto my elbows. "Sorry."
	*goto chap8_rnaftersex2
*else
	I roll off of ${n_him} while chewing at my lip. "Sorry."
	*goto chap8_rnaftersex2
*label chap8_rnaftersex2

"No worries," ${n_she} replies, but I notice the slight wince ${n_she} makes at one of the crumpled pages.

We begin to push the books to one side, piling them into small piles so it doesn't happen again, when my eye catches a familiar picture. I drag the book closer to smooth out the page.
*goto chap8_rndiscovery3

*label chap8_rnxnot
*if (nkisswhat = "nbold")
	*if (n_man = "man")
		*if (gender = "female")
			"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his} once again. $!{n_she} rests ${n_his} body along the length of mine again as I spread my legs to allow ${n_him} fully on top. The warm pressure of ${n_him} between my thighs already sets my body alight.
			*goto chap8_rnxnot2
		*else
			"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his} once again. $!{n_she} rests ${n_his} body along the length of mine again as I spread my legs to allow ${n_him} fully on top. The warm pressure of ${n_him} against my hips already sets my body alight.
			*goto chap8_rnxnot2
	*else
		*if (gender = "female")
			"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his}s once again. $!{n_she} rests ${n_his} body along the length of mine again as I spread my legs to allow ${n_him} fully on top. The warm pressure of ${n_him} already sets my body alight.
			*goto chap8_rnxnot2
		*else
			"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his}s once again. $!{n_she} rests ${n_his} body along the length of mine again as I spread my legs to allow ${n_him} fully on top. The warm pressure of ${n_him} already sets my body alight.
			*goto chap8_rnxnot2
*else
	*if (n_man = "man")
		*if (gender = "female")
			"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his} once again. $!{n_she} rolls us over and slides up my body, so I spread my legs around ${n_him} to allow ${n_him} fully on top. The warm pressure of ${n_him} between my thighs already sets my body alight.
			*goto chap8_rnxnot2
		*else
			"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his} once again. $!{n_she} rolls us over and slides up my body, so I spread my legs around ${n_him} to allow ${n_him} fully on top. The warm pressure of ${n_him} against my hips already sets my body alight.
			*goto chap8_rnxnot2
	*else
		*if (gender = "female")
			"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his}s once again. $!{n_she} rolls us over and slides up my body, so I spread my legs to allow ${n_him} fully on top. The warm pressure of ${n_him} already sets my body alight.
			*goto chap8_rnxnot2
		*else
			"Yes. I really am," I reply without hesitation, smiling as ${n_she} moves to capture my lips with ${n_his}s once again. $!{n_she} rolls us over and slides up my body, so I spread my legs to allow ${n_him} fully on top. The warm pressure of ${n_him} already sets my body alight.
			*goto chap8_rnxnot2

*label chap8_rnxnot2

When ${n_she} grinds ${n_his} hips into mine with one long, smooth stroke, I almost lose my breath completely, the low growled moan ${n_she} releases sending a tremble coursing through me.

$!{n_she} meets my eye for a second, and neither of us can wait.

*if ((clothes = "casual")or(clothes = "practical"))
	My hands fly down to the fastening of ${n_his} jeans, my fingers fumbling as ${n_his} own fingers trail beneath my t-shirt in order to tug it up.
	*goto chap8_rnxnot3
*elseif (clothes = "subduedm")
	My hands fly down to the fastening of ${n_his} jeans, my fingers fumbling as ${n_his} own fingers trail beneath my hoodie in order to tug it up.
	*goto chap8_rnxnot3
*elseif (clothes = "subdued")
	My hands fly down to the fastening of ${n_his} jeans, my fingers fumbling as ${n_his} own fingers deftly work at the buttons of my waistcoat.
	*goto chap8_rnxnot3
*elseif (clothes = "cheery")
	My hands fly down to the fastening of ${n_his} jeans, my fingers fumbling as ${n_his} own fingers brush my thighs in order to tug my dress upwards.
	*goto chap8_rnxnot3
*elseif (clothes = "cheerym")
	My hands fly down to the fastening of ${n_his} jeans, my fingers fumbling as ${n_his} own fingers trail beneath my jacket in order to tug it off my shoulders.
	*goto chap8_rnxnot3
*else
	My hands fly down to the fastening of ${n_his} jeans, my fingers fumbling as ${n_his} own fingers deftly work at the buttons of my shirt.
	*goto chap8_rnxnot3
	
*label chap8_rnxnot3

*if (gender = "female")
	As I just manage to undo ${n_his} zipper, ${n_his} hands leave their task to cup my breasts, ${n_his} thumbs grazing my nipples through my bra. 
	
	I arch into the motion with a gasp.
	
	$!{n_she} takes advantage of my exposed position to kiss a trail across my stomach, coaxing my hips to buck higher as ${n_she} travels lower, tasting every inch of my skin with exploring flicks of ${n_his} tongue.
	
	When ${n_she} runs a firm thumb over my panties, grazing across my already throbbing pleasure point, I all but explode right then.
	*goto chap8_rnxnot5
*elseif (gender = "male")
	As I just manage to undo ${n_his} zipper, ${n_she} takes advantage of my distraction to kiss a trail across my stomach, coaxing my hips to thrust higher as ${n_she} travels lower, tasting every inch of my skin with exploring flicks of ${n_his} tongue.
	
	When ${n_she} runs a cupped palm over my rigid member beneath my clothes, grazing across my already throbbing tip, I all but explode right then.
	*goto chap8_rnxnot5
*else
	As I just manage to undo ${n_his} zipper, ${n_she} takes advantage of my distraction to kiss a trail across my stomach, coaxing my hips to thrust higher as ${n_she} travels lower, tasting every inch of my skin with exploring flicks of ${n_his} tongue.
	
	When ${n_she} runs a firm hand between my legs, the area already throbbing with anticipation, I all but explode right then.
	*goto chap8_rnxnot5

*label chap8_rnxnot5

"Not yet…," ${n_she} mumbles the sultry order as ${n_she} continues ${n_his} way down, tugging away my clothing and underwear. 

*if (gender = "female")
	$!{n_his} lips kiss between the centre of my legs, lapping at the wetness there, sending a jolt of thrill into my stomach. My moan this time is loud enough to send the birds skittering from the oak tree, and I bite at my finger to temper my noise.

	My hips thrust into the pleasure ${n_she} offers, and ${n_she} is more than willing to keep providing. Each lick, each suckle, each kiss drives my body into a frenzy.
	
	With each skillful curl of ${n_his} tongue, I sink deeper into the euphoria as a blissful buzz builds at my core, my body responding in a way it never has to anyone else.
	
	I look down to find ${n_him} watching me. $!{n_his} eyes have darkened with a lust that finally drives me over the edge.
	
	$!{n_his} fingers grip my thighs to hold me in place as pleasure erupts through me.
	*goto chap8_ncloudnine
*elseif (gender = "male")
	$!{n_his} lips kiss the top of my shaft before sliding over it, sending a jolt of thrill into my stomach. My moan this time is loud enough to send the birds skittering from the oak tree, and I bite at my finger to temper my noise. 

	My hips thrust into the pleasure ${n_she} offers, and ${n_she} is more than willing to keep providing. Each lick, each suck, each kiss drives my body into a frenzy.
	
	With each skillful motion of ${n_his} tongue, I sink deeper into the euphoria as a blissful buzz builds at my core, my body responding in a way it never has to anyone else.
	
	I look down to find ${n_him} watching me. $!{n_his} eyes have darkened with a lust that finally drives me over the edge.
	
	$!{n_his} fingers grip at me to hold me in place as pleasure erupts through me.
	*goto chap8_ncloudnine
*else
	$!{n_his} lips kiss between my legs, sending a jolt of thrill into my stomach. My moan this time is loud enough to send the birds skittering from the oak tree, and I bite at my finger to temper my noise. 

	My hips thrust into the pleasure ${n_she} offers, and ${n_she} is more than willing to keep providing. Each lick, each suck, each kiss drives my body into a frenzy.
	
	With each skillful motion of ${n_his} tongue, I sink deeper into the euphoria as a blissful buzz builds at my core.
	
	I look down to find ${n_him} watching me. $!{n_his} eyes have darkened with a lust that finally drives me over the edge.
	
	$!{n_his} fingers grip at me to hold me in place as pleasure erupts through me.
	*goto chap8_ncloudnine
*label chap8_ncloudnine	
*page_break
For a few seconds, I think I might have catapulted into the clouds above, until ${nate}'s husky voice brings me back.
	
"Feel better?" ${n_she} asks with a tone of pride that would have been annoying from anyone else. 
	
But ${n_she} has a lot to be proud about.
	
My breathing is still ragged, but I smile down at ${n_him} as ${n_she} rests ${n_his} head on my stomach. "That's a real understatement."

I make to prop myself up onto my elbows, my slightly off-kilter motion sending a stack of books crashing down as I do.
	
The mountain of knowledge tumbles to the ground around us in a spread of old paper and clouds of dust.

We both flinch.

I sit up onto my elbows with a sheepish smile. "Sorry."

$!{n_she} chuckles, climbing back up my body in order to kiss gently across my collarbone. "Books are the last thing on my mind right now."

I let out a small chuckle, thankful for the breather in order to at least get some of my overstimulated senses back under control. 
*goto chap8_rndiscovery
	
*label chap8_rnxbold
*if (nkisswhat = "nbold")
	*if (n_man = "man")
		"Very sure," I state without hesitation, capturing ${n_his} lips with mine once again. I roll us over and slide my body onto ${n_his}. $!{n_she} spreads ${n_his} legs to allow me on top completely, the warm pressure of ${n_him} beneath me already setting my body alight.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold2
	*else
		"Very sure," I state without hesitation, capturing ${n_his} lips with mine once again. I roll us over and slide my body onto ${n_his}s. $!{n_she} spreads ${n_his} legs around me to allow me on top completely, the warm pressure of ${n_him} beneath me already setting my body alight.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold2
*else
	*if (n_man = "man")
		"Very sure," I state without hesitation, capturing ${n_his} lips with mine once again. My body slides onto ${n_his} again to push ${n_him} back onto the picnic blanket. $!{n_she} spreads ${n_his} legs to allow me on top completely, the warm pressure of ${n_him} beneath me already setting my body alight.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold2
	*else
		"Very sure," I state without hesitation, capturing ${n_his} lips with mine once again. My body slides onto ${n_his}s again to push ${n_him} back onto the picnic blanket. $!{n_she} spreads ${n_his} legs around me to allow me on top completely, the warm pressure of ${n_him} beneath me already setting my body alight.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold2
*label chap8_rnxbold2

*if (n_man = "man")	
	When I grind my hips against ${n_his} in a long, slow stroke, ${n_his} breath stutters, ${n_his} eyes squeezing shut for a moment.
	
	$!{n_she} flicks them back open to meet my eye, and neither of us can wait any longer.
	*goto chap8_rnxbold3
*else	
	When I grind my hips against ${n_his}s in a long, slow stroke, ${n_his} breath stutters, ${n_his} eyes falling closed for a moment.
	
	$!{n_she} flutters them back open to meet my eye, and neither of us can wait any longer.
	*goto chap8_rnxbold3
*label chap8_rnxbold3	

*if ((clothes = "casual")or(clothes = "modern"))
	*if (n_man = "man")
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the fastening of my jeans, deftly pinging open the button, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} sculpted hips and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4
	*else
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the fastening of my jeans, deftly pinging open the button, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} slender curves and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4
*elseif (clothes = "cheery")
	*if (n_man = "man")
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the hem of my dress, deftly gliding it upwards, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} sculpted hips and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4
	*else
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the hem of my dress, deftly gliding it upwards, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} sculpted hips and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4
*elseif (clothes = "cheerym")
	*if (n_man = "man")
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the fastening of my shorts, deftly pinging open the button, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} sculpted hips and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4
	*else
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the fastening of my shorts, deftly pinging open the button, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} slender curves and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4
*elseif (clothes = "stylish")
	*if (n_man = "man")
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the hem of my skirt, deftly gliding it upwards, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} sculpted hips and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4
	*else
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the hem of my skirt, deftly gliding it upwards, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} slender curves and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4
*else
	*if (n_man = "man")
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the fastening of my trousers, deftly pinging open the button, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} sculpted hips and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4
	*else
		$!{n_his} hands fly down to the fastening of my trousers, deftly pinging open the button, as I work at tugging up ${n_his} t-shirt to expose ${n_his} slender curves and stomach.
		*goto chap8_rnxbold4	
	
*label chap8_rnxbold4

*if (n_man = "woman")
	But ${n_his} task is halted as I instead move my hands to cup her breasts, my thumbs grazing her nipples through her bra. 
	
	$!{n_she} arches into the gesture with a quiet growl.
	
	I instantly take advantage of the exposed position to kiss a trail down her stomach, her body rocking closer as I go, tasting every inch of her skin with exploring flicks of my tongue.
	
	When I run a firm hand into her jeans and across her panties, grazing across her already wet pleasure point, her growl explodes into a moan.
	*goto chap8_rnbold5
*else
	But ${n_his} task is halted as I instead move to kiss a trail down his stomach. 
	
	$!{n_she} bucks ${n_his} hips into the gesture with a quiet throaty rumble.
	
	I instantly take advantage of the motion to continue my slow path downwards, his body rocking closer as I go, tasting every inch of his skin with exploring flicks of my tongue.
	
	When I run a firm hand into his jeans and across his already hard member, grazing across the throbbing tip, his rumble explodes into a growl.
	*goto chap8_rnbold5

*label chap8_rnbold5

*if (n_man = "woman")
	With unabashedly eager motions, I tug down the thick denim and kiss between the centre of her legs, lapping at the wetness there, making her gasp out a delicious moan. 
	
	Her hips thrust into the pleasure I offer, and I'm more than willing to keep providing. Each lick, each suckle, each kiss seems to drive her further into a frenzy.
	
	Her body tenses and relaxes, responding to each curl of my tongue.
	
	I look up to find ${n_him} watching me. $!{n_his} eyes have darkened with a lust that only makes me want to see more.
	
	I speed up.
	
	$!{n_his} fingers clutch at the blanket, almost tearing the fabric, as her body arches into climax.
	*goto chap8_ncloudnine2
*else
	With unabashedly eager motions, I tug down the thick denim so that I can kiss between the tip of ${n_his} long shaft before slipping my lips over it. The movement has him exhaling a delicious groan. 
	
	His hips thrust into the pleasure I offer, and I'm more than willing to keep providing. Each lick, each suckle, each kiss seems to drive him further into a frenzy.
	
	His body tenses and relaxes, responding to each stroke of my mouth.
	
	I look up to find ${n_him} watching me. $!{n_his} eyes have darkened with a lust that only makes me want to see more.
	
	I speed up.
	
	$!{n_his} fingers clutch at the blanket, almost tearing the fabric, as his body arches into climax.
	*goto chap8_ncloudnine2

*label chap8_ncloudnine2
*page_break
For a few seconds, there's nothing but the sound of ${nate}'s raspy breathing, so I rest my head on ${n_his} stomach with a smile. 

"You okay?" I ask.
	
"'Okay' doesn't nearly suffice in this particular situation," ${n_she} replies through a husky voice.

We both laugh.

$!{n_she} makes to prop ${n_him}self up onto ${n_his} elbows, but the slightly off-kilter motion sends a stack of books crashing down.
	
The mountain of knowledge tumbles to the ground around us in a spread of old paper and clouds of dust.

We both flinch.

$!{n_she} winces at the mess. "Ah dear."

I let out a light laugh, crawling back up ${n_his} body to plant a gentle kiss on ${n_his} neck. "We'll clear them up before continuing."

$!{n_she} runs ${n_his} hands through ${n_his} hair with a lazy smile. "So we can make another kind of mess?"

"Exactly," I reply with a wink.
*goto chap8_rndiscovery

*label chap8_rnbreather

I smile at ${n_him}, the broken moment allowing me a second to take a breath and clear my head from the steam. "Maybe we could slow things down?"
		
"Happily," ${nate} replies, easing back, but thankfully not too far.

*if (ntogether = "")
	*set ntogether "true"
	*if (n_man = "man")
		It seems impossible to deny our feelings at this point, and I'm glad for it. With a slight hesitation, I link my fingers into ${n_his} on the picnic blanket, the softness of them comforting against my own.
		*goto chap8_breathnhers
	*else
		It seems impossible to deny our feelings at this point, and I'm glad for it. With a slight hesitation, I link my fingers into ${n_his}s on the picnic blanket, the softness of them comforting against my own.
		*goto chap8_breathnhers
	*label chap8_breathnhers
	
	$!{n_she} doesn't draw back, only smiles wider. "I've been waiting for this for a long time. You and me."
	
	"I thought I'd feel more nervous about this, but…," I let out a breath, "I just feel happy." I pause. "So what now?"
	*goto chap8_rnbreather4
*else
	*goto chap8_rnbreather2
		
*label chap8_rnbreather2
*if (n_man = "man")
	I link my fingers into ${n_his} on the picnic blanket, the softness of them comforting against my own. "So now what?"
	*goto chap8_rnbreather4
*else
	I link my fingers into ${n_his}s on the picnic blanket, the softness of them comforting against my own. "So now what?"
	*goto chap8_rnbreather4

*label chap8_rnbreather4

"It's a lovely day, and I think we deserve a break from work for a while." $!{n_she} flops back onto the picnic blanket, raising an arm behind ${n_his} head to rest beneath it. "How about we just enjoy the peace together for a while?"

"A wonderful idea, Agent Sewell," I state, giving a light laugh as I lay myself down beside ${n_him}.

*choice
	#Rest head against ${n_his} shoulder.
		"I'm most glad you think so, Detective $!{surname}," ${n_she} replies, wrapping ${n_his} free arm about my shoulders as I shift closer to rest my head on ${n_his} shoulder.
		
		I reach an arm up towards the turquoise blue sky, pointing at one of the few puffy white clouds. "$!{felix} will be disappointed. That one looks just like a unicorn."
		
		$!{nate} narrows ${n_his} eyes while tilting ${n_his} head. "I wouldn't say just like one, but I can see what you mean."
		
		"Of course it's just like one." I trace my finger in the air as though sketching an outline of the obviously unicorn-shaped cloud. "It's got the horn and everything."
		
		A smile catches ${nate}'s lips. 
		
		"What? You still doubt me?" I ask with a brow arched.
		
		"No," ${n_she} replies, cuddling me closer so that ${n_she} can kiss the top of my head. "I was just thinking how perfect this moment is."
		
		I sigh into shared euphoric happiness, settling so perfectly against ${n_his} side that I have no doubts we're meant to be together.
		*goto chap8_rndiscovery
	#Let ${n_him} rest ${n_his} head on your shoulder.
		"I'm most glad you think so, Detective $!{surname}," ${n_she} replies, as I wrap my arm around ${n_him} so ${n_she} can rest ${n_his} head against my shoulder.
		
		I reach my free arm up towards the turquoise blue sky, pointing at one of the few puffy white clouds. "$!{felix} will be disappointed. That one looks just like a unicorn."
		
		$!{nate} narrows ${n_his} eyes while tilting ${n_his} head. "I wouldn't say just like one, but I can see what you mean."
		
		"Of course it's just like." I trace my finger in the air as though sketching an outline of the obviously unicorn-shaped cloud. "It's got the horn and everything."
		
		A smile catches ${nate}'s lips. 
		
		"What? You still doubt me?" I ask with a brow arched.
		
		"No," ${n_she} replies, cuddling into me closer so as ${n_she} can kiss my cheek. "I was just thinking how perfect this moment is."
		
		I sigh into shared euphoric happiness, ${nate} settling so perfectly against my side that I have no doubts we're meant to be together.
		*goto chap8_rndiscovery
		
*label chap8_rndiscovery
*if (nsexthreeeight = "slowdown")
	*page_break
	When the sun begins to beat its unyielding heat down on us with too much ferocity, we shuffle together off of the picnic blanket and towards the shade and lay back down.
	
	But unfortunately in doing so, I manage to bash a bunch of stacked books with my hip. 

	The mountain of knowledge tumbles to the ground around us in a spread of old paper and clouds of dust.

	We stare at the papery mess.

	I prop myself up onto my elbows. "Sorry."

	"No worries," ${n_she} replies, but I notice the slight wince ${n_she} makes at one of the crumpled pages.
	
	We begin to push the books to one side, piling them into small piles so it doesn't happen again, when my eye catches a familiar picture. I drag the book closer to smooth out the page.
	*goto chap8_rndiscovery2
*elseif (nsexthreeeight = "")
	
	I shift to one side to settle more comfortably on the blanket, but in doing so I manage to collide with a stack of books beside me.

	The mountain of knowledge tumbles to the ground around us in a spread of old paper and clouds of dust.

	We stare at the papery mess.
	
	"Sorry," I mumble.

	"No worries," ${n_she} replies, but I notice the slight wince ${n_she} makes at one of the crumpled pages.
	
	We begin to push the books to one side, piling them in small piles so it doesn't happen again, when my eye catches a familiar picture. I drag the book closer to smooth out the page.
	*page_break
	*goto chap8_rndiscovery2
*else
	We begin to push the books to one side, clearing the picnic blanket for our other uses, when my eye catches a familiar picture. I drag the book closer to smooth out the page.
	*page_break
	*goto chap8_rndiscovery3
	
*label chap8_rndiscovery2

We begin to push the books to one side, clearing the picnic blanket for our other uses, when my eye catches a familiar picture. I drag the book closer to smooth out the page.
*goto chap8_rndiscovery3

*label chap8_rndiscovery3

And there he is. Well, sort of. The page has an old sepia ink drawing of a female Anunnaki, notes and sketches made about her wings and body. A scrawl of tiny cursive handwriting marks the page.

"Hey, take a look at this," I say, gesturing with a hand at ${nate} without removing my focus from the page.

$!{nate} nudges closer to peer over my shoulder at the book. "It looks like a journal."

My eyes dart to a particularly messy section of notes that's less faded than the rest. "The Anunnaki, as with most Celestial beings, are some of the most powerful in the known worlds." I roll my eyes. "Wonderful."

$!{nate} points at the page with a slight frown. "Read on."

"But for all of their immense power, they have a defining weakness." Now we're getting somewhere. "They are a soul-bonded race of beings, weak to the one bond that they may form with another. If a bond is formed, there is no way to break it, and the Celestial being is bound to their soulbond's bidding or face being weakened by the bond…sometimes fatally so."

I lean back from the book with a shake of my head. 

*choice
	#Frown dejectedly. "So…he may be being forced to do this?"
		A sadness sinks in my stomach at this information. "Is this saying that the Anunnaki we faced may be being forced to do this?"
		
		"Possibly," ${nate} replies with as heavy a tone as mine. "We can't know for sure. But I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt after reading this."
		
		*if (sinregret = "suspect")
			"Everything he said when we talked with him…." I think back to our confrontation and the Anunnaki's words. "When he spoke he seemed almost regretful of what he was doing. This could explain why."
			
			"That word." $!{nate} leans closer to the book and points at the aged text. "'Soul-bonded'. I'm sure I've read that word today." $!{n_she} twists around, grabbing at books to force them out of the way before fanning out a pile of Agency files.
			*goto chap8_discover2
		*else
			I turn back to the book with a dejected frown, running my hand over the finely detailed image of the feathered being, so clear against the scribble of notes surrounding it.
			
			"But that word." $!{nate} leans closer to the book and points at the page. "'Soul-bonded'. I'm sure I've read that word today." $!{n_she} twists around, grabbing at books to force them out of the way before fanning out a pile of Agency files.
			*goto chap8_discover2
	#Blow out a breath. "Well, that explains a lot."
		I let out a long sigh, my breath making the pages of the journal shiver. "Well, that certainly explains a lot."
		
		"It does. A lot of what the Anunnaki said contradicted his actions." $!{n_she} taps the aged text on the page. "This gives a reason as to why that was." 
		
		"I guess now we just have to decide what we're going to do about it."
		
		$!{n_she} leans closer. "This word though. 'Soul-bonded'. I'm sure I've read that today somewhere." $!{n_she} twists around, grabbing at books to force them out of the way before fanning out a pile of Agency files.
		*goto chap8_discover2
	#Grimace. "I don't know what soul-bonded is, but it sounds horrible."
		"I don't know what soul-bonded is, but it sounds pretty terrible," I say with a grimace.
		
		"It certainly doesn't sound like something you'd want to experience. But it would explain why the author of this journal calls it a weakness." $!{n_she} leans closer in order to point at the page. "I'm sure I've read that word today somewhere." $!{n_she} twists around, grabbing at books to pull them out of the way before fanning out Agency files.
		*goto chap8_discover2
	#Raise a brow. "You think we could use this to our advantage?"
		I lift a brow, reading over the words again and what this could possibly mean. "Do you think we could use this to our advantage?"
		
		A slightly stony expression toughens ${n_his} usually soft gaze. "You would want to use this against them?"
		
		"It could possibly be the advantage we'd need." I shrug.
		
		"Just because we could, doesn't mean we should." $!{n_she} leans closer in order to point at the page. "This word though. 'Soul-bonded'. I'm sure I've read that today somewhere." $!{n_she} twists around, grabbing at books to force them out of the way before fanning out a pile of Agency files.
		*goto chap8_discover2
	#Think for a moment. "There's no way we can know if this is true."
		I scan the words again, the scribbled handwriting faded from age and almost translucent in the sunlight. "There's no way to confirm this could all be true. This is obviously the writing of someone long ago."
		
		"That's true, but I think they might have been onto something. That word, 'Soul-bonded', I'm certain I've read it today somewhere." $!{n_she} twists around, grabbing at books to force them out of the way before fanning out a pile of Agency files.
		*goto chap8_discover2
*label chap8_discover2

$!{n_she} slides one of the marked files out from the others and shuffles through the papers inside. "Here. Take a look."

I take the paper, scanning it quickly, my gaze drawn directly to the word we're speaking of.

[i]'Unit Tango were successful in arresting a group of Trappers at the edge of Wayhaven's borders. We're unsure what they were attempting, but it looks like some kind of ritual. We consulted Jong-Soo of Unit Romeo, who said the ritual appeared to be attempting some kind of 'soul-bonding' effect, but according to him, 'soul-bonding' is connected to soul magic. What was performed here would have mimicked the effects, but not been a true soul-bond.'[/i]

"Huh," I let out. "When was this?"

"A few months ago," ${nate} replies, slipping one of the papers from my grasp carefully. 

I shift on the blanket with a tight frown. "Do you think…."

"Possibly." $!{n_she} sighs. "I've never heard of this before, and now a ritual concerning it has occurred near Wayhaven? It seems the chances of that being just a coincidence are extremely unlikely."

*if ((nsexthreeeight = "slowdown")or(nsexthreeeight = ""))
	"We better tell the others," I state, standing from my place and grabbing the journal up with me as I go. I glance back when ${nate} doesn't follow. "Are you coming?"

	$!{nate} springs up from ${n_his} place to follow, and we quickly head inside.
	*finish Next Chapter
*else
	"We better tell the others." A knot of disappointment turning my statement into a groan.
	
	*if (nsexthreeeight = "trueshy")
		I make to stand, my legs still wobbly, and ${nate} reaches a hand up to take mine and steady me.
		
		"Having trouble?" ${n_she} teases.
		
		I clear my throat and retort with, "Feeling smug?"
		
		*if (n_man = "man")
			"A little," ${n_she} replies before ${n_she} lowers ${n_his} gaze as ${n_she} rubs at ${n_his} thigh. "But you're, uh…going to have to give me a minute before I can properly walk anywhere too."
			
			*if (bold >= 70)
				I lick at my lips as a low chuckle escapes me. 
				
				When we manage to get ourselves together, I pick up the journal, and we head inside together.
				*finish Next Chapter
			*elseif (bold <= 35)
				"Why—Oh…." I glance away as well as a hitch catches in my throat.
				
				When we manage to get ourselves together, I pick up the journal, and we head inside together.
				*finish Next Chapter
			*else
				I can't help the chuckle that escapes me.
				
				When we manage to get ourselves together, I pick up the journal, and we head inside together.
				*finish Next Chapter	
		*else
			"A little," ${n_she} replies before ${n_she} glances away while fanning at ${n_him}self, tugging ${n_his} shirt back on. "Hopefully I'll cool off on the walk there too."
			
			*if (bold <= 35)
				I rub at my neck as a hitch catches in my throat.
				
				When we manage to get ourselves together, I pick up the journal, and we head inside together.
				*finish Next Chapter	
			*else
				"You and me both," I say with a chuckle.
				
				When we manage to get ourselves together, I pick up the journal, and we head inside together.
				*finish Next Chapter	
	*else
		*if (n_man = "man")
			$!{nate} makes to stand, swaying slightly on wobbly legs as ${n_she} does so and blowing out a steadying breath. 
			
			It's difficult to hold back a small chuckle, so I concentrate on picking up the journal before looking to ${n_him}. "Ready to go?"
			
			"About as ready as I can make myself." $!{n_his} eyes are still heavy with remnants of pleasure, and it sends a zip of thrill to coil between my own legs.
			
			We then head inside together.
			*finish Next Chapter	
		*else
			"Hopefully I'll get my senses back by the time we get there," ${n_she} comments, tugging ${n_his} shirt back on.
			
			It's difficult to hold back a small chuckle, so I concentrate on picking up the journal before looking to ${n_him}. "Ready to go?"
			
			"About as ready as I can make myself." $!{n_his} eyes are still heavy with remnants of pleasure, and it sends a zip of thrill to coil between my own legs.
			
			We then head inside together.
			*finish Next Chapter
			
*label chap8_rf
Heading to the kitchen, I'm more happy than surprised to find ${felix} waiting for me.

"Good morning," I say, heading towards the fridge to see what ${nate} has kindly stocked for breakfast for me.

My view is blocked when ${felix} dips beneath my arm, holding the door open so as ${f_she} can stand directly before me with ${f_his} back to the penetrating chill of the refrigerator.

*if (ftogether = "true")
	*if (felixfirstkiss = "")
		"Morning," ${f_she} replies with a radiant smile, leaning close to plant a soft kiss on my cheek.
		
		I momentarily forget all about my hunger as butterflies fill my stomach instead.
		*goto chap8_rf1
	*else
		"Morning," ${f_she} replies with a radiant smile, leaning close to plant a soft kiss on my lips.
		
		I momentarily forget all about my hunger as butterflies fill my stomach instead.
		*goto chap8_rf1
*else
	"Morning," ${f_she} replies with such a radiant smile that I momentarily forget all about my hunger as butterflies fill my stomach instead.
	*goto chap8_rf1
	
*label chap8_rf1

"How am I supposed to get breakfast with you right here?" The words leave me through a light laugh.

"Oh please." $!{f_she} rolls ${f_his} eyes and rocks back on ${f_his} heels. "We both know I'm a better snacc than anything in there."

*choice
	#Shrug and then smile. "I mean, you're not wrong."
		I shrug, unable to hold back my smile as ${felix}'s expression drops. "I mean…" I pause for a moment, "I suppose you're not wrong."
		
		$!{f_his} eyes sparkle with a grin once again. "You had me worried there for a second."
		
		"Sorry. I couldn't resist." I chuckle, reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice. "So, is it just us for research today?"
		*goto chap8_rf2
	*if ((ftogether = "true")and(not(felixfirstkiss = ""))) #Kiss ${f_him}. "Yeah, you're right."
		I lean against the door so that I can bounce forward for another kiss. The sweet taste and warmth of ${f_his} lips bursts against mine, and I have to stop myself from sighing into it.
		
		I flicker open my eyes. "Yeah, you're right."

		*if (gender = "female")
			$!{f_she} wraps ${f_his} arms about my waist and draws ${f_him}self close to my body. "Well, maybe you should check again. Just in case." $!{f_she} taps at ${f_his} awaiting lips.
			
			"I'm pretty certain," I reply with a chuckle, reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice. "So, is it just us for research today?"
			*goto chap8_rf2
		*else
			$!{f_she} wraps ${f_his} arms about my middle and draws ${f_him}self close to my body. "Well, maybe you should check again. Just in case." $!{f_she} taps at ${f_his} awaiting lips.
			
			"I'm pretty certain," I reply with a chuckle, reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice. "So, is it just us for research today?"
			*goto chap8_rf2
	#Raise a brow. "Did you need something?"
		Glancing over ${f_his} position, I raise a brow. "Did you need something?"
		
		$!{f_she} sighs. "Yes, I do. Though I was hoping for a bit of flirty banter before the job stuff."
		
		A flurry of heat whirls in my stomach, so to suppress it I reach around ${f_him} and grab a bottle of juice. "Is it just us for research today?"
		*goto chap8_rf2
	*if ((ftogether = "true")and(not(felixfirstkiss = ""))) #Run fingers over ${f_his} lips. "Shame I've only had a taster."
		My gaze drops to ${f_his} mouth at the words, and I raise my hand, drawing my fingertips across ${f_his} bottom lip slowly. 
		
		A sigh breathes out of ${f_him}.
		
		"It's a shame I've only had a taster," I mumble, my focus fully on the softness of ${f_his} lips beneath my fingers.
		
		*if (bold <= 35)
			$!{f_she} blinks a few times before I feel ${f_his} grin beneath my fingertips. "Getting bolder, babe?"
			
			I stutter on ${f_his} comment. "What? I—" I make to draw my hand away, but ${f_she} reaches out to grab it before I can, kissing my palm. 
			
			"It wasn't an insult. Trust me." $!{f_his} wink settles the sudden anxiety flurrying through me.
			
			I try to distract from the moment by pulling my hand back and eaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice. "Is it just me and you for research today?"
			*goto chap8_rf2
		*else
			*if (gender = "female")
				$!{f_she} wraps ${f_his} arms about my waist and tugs me close against ${f_him}. "I'm happy for you to try the entire menu, babe. Just say the word."
				
				A flurry of warmth heats my stomach, so I try to cool it by reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice as a distraction. "Is it just me and you for research today?"
				*goto chap8_rf2
			*else
				$!{f_she} wraps ${f_his} arms about my middle and tugs ${f_him}self close against me. "I'm happy for you to try the entire menu, babe. Just say the word."
				
				A flurry of warmth heats my stomach, so I try to cool it by reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice as a distraction. "Is it just me and you for research today?"
				*goto chap8_rf2
		
	#Chuckle. "I wish I had even a thimbleful of your self-confidence."
		I lean against the fridge door and fold my arms with a laugh. "I seriously wish I had even a thimbleful of your self-confidence."
		
		"Well you should," ${f_she} replies without hesitation before stepping back to slowly drag ${f_his} gaze up my body with a growing smirk. "You should be overflowing with it."
		
		*if (bold >= 70)
			"Flattery will get you everywhere," I reply with a beaming smile of my own. 
			
			$!{f_she} grins.
			
			Reaching around ${f_him}, I grab for a bottle of juice. "So, is it just us for research today?"
			*goto chap8_rf2
		*elseif (bold <= 30)
			I blink a few times to process the compliment before clearing my throat and glancing away. "Well, that's nice of you to say—"
			
			*if (ftogether = "true")
				*if (gender = "female")
					$!{f_she} wraps ${f_his} arms about my waist and tugs me close against ${f_him}. "I don't just say it. I mean it, babe."
					
					A flurry of warmth heats my stomach, so I try to cool it by reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice as a distraction. "So, uh, is it just me and you for research today?"
					*goto chap8_rf2
				*else
					$!{f_she} wraps ${f_his} arms about my middle and tugs me close against ${f_him}. "I don't just say it. I mean it, babe."
					
					A flurry of warmth heats my stomach, so I try to cool it by reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice as a distraction. "So, uh, is it just me and you for research today?"
					*goto chap8_rf2
			*else
				"I don't just say it. I mean it," ${f_she} replies, a seriousness catching ${f_his} tone. 
				
				A flurry of warmth heats my stomach, so I try to cool it by reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice as a distraction. "So, uh, is it just me and you for research today?"
				*goto chap8_rf2
		*else
			I let out another chuckle. "Thanks for saying that."

			*if (ftogether = "true")
				$!{f_she} places a hand on my arm to catch my attention. "I'm not just saying it. I mean it, babe."
				
				My heart makes a couple of heavy thumps in my chest, so I try to calm it by reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice as a distraction. "So is it just me and you for research today?"
				*goto chap8_rf2
			*else
				$!{f_she} places a hand on my arm to catch my attention. "I'm not just saying it. I mean it."
				
				My heart makes a couple of heavy thumps in my chest, so I try to calm it by reaching around ${f_him} to grab a bottle of juice as a distraction. "So is it just me and you for research today?"
				*goto chap8_rf2
	#"You know you only need to ask to get my attention?"
		I glance over ${f_his} position before tilting my head. "You know you only need to ask to get my attention, right?"
		
		*if (ftogether = "true")
			*if (gender = "female")
				$!{f_she} slinks a step even closer while wrapping ${f_his} arms around my waist. "Sure. But this is way more fun, isn't it?"

				I chuckle and reach around ${f_him} for a bottle of juice. "So, I'm guessing it's just us for research today?"
				*goto chap8_rf2
			*else
				$!{f_she} slinks a step even closer while wrapping ${f_his} arms around my middle. "Sure. But this is way more fun, isn't it?"

				I chuckle and reach around ${f_him} for a bottle of juice. "So, I'm guessing it's just us for research today?"
				*goto chap8_rf2
		*else
			$!{f_she} slinks a step even closer with a smirk on ${f_his} lips. "Sure. But this is way more fun, isn't it?"

			I chuckle and reach around ${f_him} for a bottle of juice. "So, I'm guessing it's just us for research today?"
			*goto chap8_rf2

*label chap8_rf2

"Yes, it is. And I had to work extra hard to make sure it is just us, so let's make the most of it."

"I thought the others had extra patrol duty because of the increase in Trappers?" I ask, taking a seat at the table and opening the bottle, enjoying the burst of citrus that explodes from it as I do.

$!{felix} plops into the chair beside mine. "Well yeah. But you can imagine how ${adam} reacted when ${a_she} realised that meant it would be just you and me." A smirk perks the corner of ${f_his} lips. "Alone."

*if (bold >= 70)
	*if (f_man = "man")
		"I can see why. You really trust us to get work done alone?" I step my fingers up ${f_his} arm as I slide my gaze to meet ${f_his}.
		*goto chap8_rf3
	*else
		"I can see why. You really trust us to get work done alone?" I step my fingers up ${f_his} arm as I slide my gaze to meet ${f_his}s.
		*goto chap8_rf3
	*label chap8_rf3
	
	*if (ftogether = "true")
		$!{f_she} watches my motion carefully before smoothing the tip of ${f_his} tongue against ${f_his} top lip and clearing ${f_his} throat. "Well, now I seriously hope not."
		
		I chuckle.
		*goto chap8_rf4
	*else
		"We've always done well in the past when we work together," ${f_she} says, sliding ${f_his} arm away. I try to cover the slight disappointed frown that pinches at my brows. "I'm sure we'll do tons this time too."
		
		The dismissive reaction has me on the back foot for a moment.
		
		"Right," I reply eventually.
		*goto chap8_rf4
*elseif (bold <= 30)
	The simple word has me shifting in my chair as a tingle spirals through my body. "Uh, yeah. I guess I can."
	
	*if (ftogether = "true")
		"Nervous about it, babe?" ${f_she} teases with a wink. "Don't worry. I'll behave."
		*goto chap8_nervousbf
	*else
		"Nervous about it?" ${f_she} teases with a wink. "Don't worry. I'll behave."
		*goto chap8_nervousbf
	*label chap8_nervousbf
	
	I rub at my neck. "That's not…I'm, you know, glad it'll be just us."
	
	The teasing brightens to a genuine smile that sparkles through ${f_his} eyes.
	*goto chap8_rf4
*else
	"You expecting something more exciting than staring at stuffy books all day?" I tease with a laugh.
	
	$!{f_she} leans close and trails ${f_his} tongue slowly across ${f_his} upper lip, sending my stomach into a whirl of heat. "I can always hope."
	*goto chap8_rf4

*label chap8_rf4
*page_break
*if (f_man = "man")
	$!{f_she} stands from ${f_his} chair with a lazy stretch, and I do my best not to ogle ${f_his} toned stomach which is displayed as ${f_she} does.
	*goto chap8_rf5
*else
	$!{f_she} stands from ${f_his} chair with a lazy stretch, and I do my best not to focus on the tempting way her chest rises as she does.
	*goto chap8_rf5
*label chap8_rf5

"But there's no way I'm staying cooped up in the library all day today," ${f_she} comments, glancing out of the window to the sunshine dappling through the glass. I can almost see the lightbulb which pings inside ${f_his} head in that moment. "You eat breakfast and then meet me outside."

*if ((mc_haircut = "bald")or(mc_haircut = "very short"))
	I open my mouth to respond, but ${f_she}'s already zoomed away in a flash, making the newspaper on the edge of the desk flutter with ${f_his} speed.
	*goto chap8_rf6
*elseif ((mc_haircut = "short")or(mc_haircut = "long coiled"))
	I open my mouth to respond, but ${f_she}'s already zoomed away in a flash, making the newspaper on the edge of the desk flutter with ${f_his} speed.
	*goto chap8_rf6
*else
	I open my mouth to respond, but ${f_she}'s already zoomed away in a flash, making my hair flutter around me with ${f_his} speed.
	*goto chap8_rf6
	
*label chap8_rf6
*page_break
[i][b]Outside the Warehouse. Fifteen Minutes Later[/b][/i]

After a quick breakfast, I do as requested and head outside, but the overgrown wilderness that makes up the warehouse's gardens has finding ${felix} a difficult task.

I eventually stumble through a break in some bushy foliage and onto a smartly cut lawn. A fresh flower border has been cut around the square area, a few plants spreading their new leaves out with blossoms adding splashes of summer colour. 

$!{felix} is already sitting on a rusted bench with ${f_his} feet up, the old seat lilting slightly to one side.

$!{f_she} glances over to me when I enter. "You took your time."

"I'm only just getting used to navigating inside this place. It's going to take time to get used to the outdoors too," I respond. My gaze passes over the piles of books gathered about the bench, as well as a couple of laptops, and a spread of notepads. "Wow, you've been busy."

"It only took a few minutes to get it all up here." $!{f_she} leans ${f_his} head back, eyes fluttering closed, letting the light of the morning pool across ${f_his} face. "This is way better than in there."

I settle onto the sunshine-warmed grass by the bench, smiling as ${felix} slides off the seat to join me on the ground. "So, where do we start finding out about this Anunnaki?"

"Your call. This kind of thing isn't really my area," ${f_she} offers.

*choice
	#"How about a more modern and technical approach to the task?"
		*set science %+10
		*set approach "sci"
		"What about on the internet? Or the Agency database?" I suggest.
		
		"The database should contain something. They don't like too much information on there in case of security breaches, but it still has reports from ages ago," ${felix} says, handing me a laptop.
		
		I open it up and wait for the screen to flash into life. "Then I'll start there. Why don't you try the files?"
		
		*if (ftogether = "true")
			$!{felix} nods and stretches out on ${f_his} side beside me, flicking open one of the manila folders, the Agency's shield emblazoned on the front of it. "Sure thing, babe."
			
			And so we both settle down to a long day of research ahead.
			*goto chap8_rf7
		*else
			$!{felix} nods and stretches out on ${f_his} side beside me, flicking open one of the manila folders, the Agency's shield emblazoned on the front of it. "Sure thing."
			
			And so we both settle down to a long day of research ahead.
			*goto chap8_rf7
	#"How about starting with the myths from Babylon?"
		*set deduction %+10
		*set approach "ded"
		A stack of old books sits nearby, so I grab the top one, the movement sending a waft of dust to plume from the thick leather cover. "We should start at the beginning."
		
		$!{felix} nods. "So Babylon then? That's where ${nate} said their stories came from first."
		
		I give a hum of agreement. "Start at the beginning and work our way forwards. That okay with you?"
		
		*if (ftogether = "true")
			$!{felix} nods and stretches out on ${f_his} side beside me, flicking open one of the books. "Sure thing, babe."
			
			And so we both settle down to a long day of research ahead.
			*goto chap8_rf7
		*else
			$!{felix} nods and stretches out on ${f_his} side beside me, flicking open one of the books. "Sure thing."
			
			And so we both settle down to a long day of research ahead.
			*goto chap8_rf7
	#"I'll focus on finding out what they're like as people."
		*set people %+10
		*set approach "pep"
		"He may be an Anunnaki, but he's still an individual person, right?" I say with a slight frown as a thought begins to form.
		
		"Yeah, definitely."
		
		"And people leave traces, no matter how hard they try otherwise." I turn to the stack of folders nearby, the Agency's shield emblazoned on the front of them. "They wouldn't have been able to help it. So I think our best bet might be to start with reports of real Anunnaki encounters rather than just the myths. See if they have any commonalities."
		
		*if (ftogether = "true")
			"Good thinking, babe," ${f_she} agrees, grabbing a file and flicking it open as ${f_she} stretches out beside me on the lawn.
			
			And so we both settle down to a long day of research ahead.
			*goto chap8_rf7
		*else
			"Good thinking," ${f_she} agrees, grabbing a file and flicking it open as ${f_she} stretches out beside me on the lawn.
			
			And so we both settle down to a long day of research ahead.
			*goto chap8_rf7
	#"How about seeing if there's been any past confrontations with them?"
		*set combat %+10
		*set approach "com"
		A stack of folders sits nearby, the Agency's shield emblazoned on the front of them. I drag a couple over towards me, beginning to unknot the twine ties keeping them sealed. "Do you know if the Anunnaki are confrontational?"
		
		"No idea," ${f_she} replies with a shrug.
		
		"Well, they seem pretty powerful, so there must be a record if there had been any hostility with them." I glance up from the folder. "It's at least somewhere to start."
		
		*if (ftogether = "true")
			"Good thinking, babe," ${f_she} agrees, grabbing a file and flicking it open as ${f_she} stretches out beside me on the lawn.
			
			And so we both settle down to a long day of research ahead.
			*goto chap8_rf7
		*else
			"Good thinking," ${f_she} agrees, grabbing a file and flicking it open as ${f_she} stretches out beside me on the lawn.
			
			And so we both settle down to a long day of research ahead.
			*goto chap8_rf7
*label chap8_rf7
*page_break
[b][i]Three Hours Later[/i][/b]

The summer sun has moved directly overhead, but thankfully the thick canopy of the oak tree we're sat near gives us enough dappled shade to continue on in the blazing heat.

*if (ftogether = "true")
	The two of us had started the morning out separately, sat together but apart enough to give us space. But as the sun had steadily drifted higher, now….
	
	*choice
		#…I'm sitting with ${felix}'s head in my lap.
			*set fsat "one"
			We've somehow ended up sitting even closer, with ${felix}'s head resting in my lap.
			
			I stretch my legs out a little beneath ${f_him}, ${felix} glancing up from the file clutched in ${f_his} hands that ${f_she}'d has held in the air above ${f_him}. 
			
			"Found anything?" ${f_she} asks.
			
			*if (approach = "sci")
				Pushing away the laptop at my side, I shake my head. "Nothing. You?"
				*goto chap8_rf8
			*elseif ((approach = "pep")or(approach = "com"))
				Placing down the file I'd been holding, I shake my head. "Nothing. You?"
				*goto chap8_rf8
			*else
				Placing down the book I'd been holding, I shake my head. "Nothing. You?"
				*goto chap8_rf8
		#…I'm laying with my head in ${felix}'s lap.
			*set fsat "two"
			We've somehow ended up sitting even closer with my head resting in ${felix}'s lap.
			
			I stretch my body out a little, ${felix} tipping the file ${f_she}'d been reading up a little in order to glance down at me. 
			
			"Found anything?" ${f_she} asks.
			
			*if (approach = "sci")
				I place my phone onto my chest, the phone easier to hold than the laptop, and shake my head. "Nothing. You?"
				*goto chap8_rf8
			*elseif ((approach = "pep")or(approach = "com"))
				Placing down the file I'd been holding, I shake my head. "Nothing. You?"
				*goto chap8_rf8
			*else
				Placing down the book I'd been holding, I shake my head. "Nothing. You?"
				*goto chap8_rf8
		#We are leaning against each other, side-by-side.
			We've ended up sitting right beside each other, ${f_his} side leaning against mine as we work.
			*goto chap8_rf7a
*else
	The two of us had started the morning out separately, sat together but apart enough to give us space. But as the sun had steadily drifted higher, now we've ended up sat right beside each other, ${f_his} side lent against mine as we work.
	*goto chap8_rf7a
	
*label chap8_rf7a
	
I shift beside ${f_him}, and ${f_she} lowers the file ${f_she}'d been reading in order to glance over at me.
			
"Found anything?" ${f_she} asks.

*if (approach = "sci")
	Pushing away the laptop balanced on my thighs, I shake my head. "Nothing. You?"
	*goto chap8_rf8
*elseif ((approach = "pep")or(approach = "com"))
	Placing down the file I'd been holding, I shake my head. "Nothing. You?"
	*goto chap8_rf8
*else
	Placing down the book I'd been holding, I shake my head. "Nothing. You?"
	*goto chap8_rf8
	
*label chap8_rf8

"I found some pretty interesting stuff about how Anunnaki are categorised in the Agency." $!{f_she} spreads out the file, the notes inside neatly typed and listed, and nods to a certain section. "Seems like they're classified as 'Celestial' beings, as all angel-type species are."

*if (f_man = "man")
	"Angels?" I ask, shooting my gaze to ${f_his}. "Seriously?"
	*goto chap8_rf9
*else
	"Angels?" I ask, shooting my gaze to ${f_his}s. "Seriously?"
	*goto chap8_rf9
*label chap8_rf9

"Well, yeah." $!{f_she} then breaks into a smile as ${f_she} nods. "I forget you haven't been around all this stuff very long. They're a pretty impressive bunch. No wonder you humans pegged them for religious stuff."

"But they aren't anything to do with that?"

"Jeez, no. Especially not some of the 'Celestials' I've met," ${f_she} replies with a snort of laughter.

I take the folder as ${felix} passes it to me, ${f_his} finger indicating at a smaller paragraph near the bottom. "Seems like someone theorised that angels might just be subspecies of Anunnaki, but it was never proven."

*if (sideshowwin = "truefelix")
	$!{f_his} words take longer to process than they should, but only because I'm distracted by the way ${f_his} free hand is fiddling with the unicorn pendant around ${f_his} neck. 
	
	A smile catches my lips. But I shake my head to focus back on the task at hand.
	*goto chap8_rf10
*else
	*goto chap8_rf10
	
*label chap8_rf10
*page_break
$!{felix} tugs the files from my grasp and throws it to one side, a few of the papers almost spilling out. "But I think we are seriously overdue a break."

I can't exactly disagree. My eyes have gone fuzzy from the amount of information I've been sifting through. All of it useless.

"Let's take in the sights. Especially 'cause I spent all last week making sure this place was a sight." $!{f_she} spreads an arm out around the contained garden space. The flowers in bloom give off a waft of sweet nectar in the summer sun. "I chose the flowers."

I smile. It explains why there's such an eclectic mix of blooms. 

*if (fsat = "one")
	I lean back on my hands, tipping my head back and drawing in a long breath of the fresh air. $!{felix} settles further into my lap, mimicking my motion, ${f_his} eyes closed with a contented smile on ${f_his} face.
	*goto chap8_rf11
*elseif (fsat = "two")
	I settle my head further into ${felix}'s lap, drawing in a long breath of the fresh air. $!{felix} leans back on ${f_his} hands, mimicking my motion, ${f_his} eyes closed with a contented smile on ${f_his} face.
	*goto chap8_rf11	
*else
	I lean back on my hands, tipping my head back and drawing in a long breath of the fresh air. $!{felix} settles closer up against me, mimicking my motion, ${f_his} eyes closed with a contented smile on ${f_his} face.
	*goto chap8_rf11
*label chap8_rf11

I always imagine Wayhaven as a quiet place, but this is truly quiet. I can hear the soft buzz of bees as they bounce from flower to flower, the faint whisper of a breeze as it kisses the leaves above us, and even the birds singing their cheery calls in the distance.

It's hard to remember the last time I felt this at ease. This peaceful.

This happy.

*if (ftogether = "true")
	*if (fsat = "one")
		And I'm well aware a lot of it stems from the vampire who is now reaching ${f_his} arm up over ${f_his} head to brush ${f_his} hand against my cheek.
		
		$!{f_she} smiles at me from my lap. "What are you thinking about?"
		*goto chap8_rf12
	*elseif (fsat = "two")
		And I'm well aware a lot of it stems from the vampire who is now reaching ${f_his} hand down to brush ${f_his} fingers against my cheek.
		
		$!{f_she} smiles at me as I continue to lounge my head in ${f_his} lap. "What are you thinking about?"
		*goto chap8_rf12
	*else
		And I'm well aware a lot of it stems from the vampire who is now reaching over towards me to brush ${f_his} hand against my cheek.
		
		$!{f_she} smiles at me. "What are you thinking about?"
		*goto chap8_rf12
*else
	And I'm well aware a lot of it stems from the vampire who is now smiling over at me.
		
	"What are you thinking about?" ${f_she} asks.
	*goto chap8_rf12

*label chap8_rf12

*choice
	#Sigh happily. "How quiet it is here."
		The sun creates small dots of colours behind my eyelids as I keep them closed, a happy breath leaving me. "Just about how quiet it is here."
		
		"Quiet for you maybe," ${felix} comments, making my eyes flicker open to look at ${f_him}. "Hard to enjoy the peace when you can hear people whistling from a mile away."
		
		"Can you not dampen that out in any way?"
		
		$!{f_she} lifts one shoulder in a shrug. "Sometimes. I'll get better at it as I get older." $!{f_his} eyes lock on mine. "It's easier around you. Everything is easier with you."
		
		*if (ftogether = "true")
			My breath turns heavy at the intensity shining through ${f_his} bright eyes. If I thought it was quiet before, now it's deafeningly silent, the blood rushing through my ears all I can hear.
			
			I can see ${f_him} swallow as ${f_she} spreads ${f_his} fingers further against my cheek.
			
			It amazes me the power of emotion ${f_she} can coax out of me, even now.
			
			The moment pops as ${f_she} suddenly bounces onto ${f_his} feet in a swift, agile motion. "You know, it's way too nice a day just to sit reading."
			*goto chap8_rf13
		*else
			My breath turns heavy at the intensity shining through ${f_his} bright eyes. If I thought it was quiet before, now it's deafeningly silent, the blood rushing through my ears all I can hear.
			
			I can see ${f_him} swallow as ${f_she} reaches a hand out towards me. I don't stop it, ${f_his} fingers grazing against my cheek and bringing life back to my frozen body.
			
			But the moment pops as ${f_she} suddenly bounces onto ${f_his} feet in a swift, agile motion. "You know, it's way too nice a day just to sit reading."
			*goto chap8_rf13
	*if ((ftogether = "true")and(not(felixfirstkiss = ""))) #"How happy you make me." Kiss ${f_him}. 
		*if (fsat = "one")
			I hunch over in order to offer my own smile down at ${f_him}. $!{f_his} eyes glimmer not only with sunlight, but with a happiness that radiates out from ${f_him} until I can almost feel it dance across my skin.
			
			"I was thinking how happy you make me," I reply, leaning down and capturing ${f_his} lips with mine. The kiss is brief but intimate, with the slightest wetness of ${f_his} tongue darting out against my lips before I draw away.
			
			"I don't think happy covers it," ${f_she} replies, voice slightly husky, as ${f_she} bites at ${f_his} lip. "Euphoric, maybe."
			
			I break into a smile, a light laugh escaping me.
			
			"Then let's enjoy that happiness instead of getting stuck reading," ${f_she} calls, bouncing up from my lap and onto ${f_his} feet in a swift, agile motion.
			*goto chap8_rf13
		*elseif (fsat = "two")
			I angle my head back in ${f_his} lap in order to offer my own smile up at ${f_him}. $!{f_his} eyes glimmer not only with sunlight, but with a happiness that radiates out from ${f_him} until I can almost feel it dance across my skin.
			
			"I was thinking how happy you make me," I reply, wrapping my hand around the back of ${f_his} neck to encourage ${f_him} closer and capture ${f_his} lips with mine. The kiss is brief but intimate, with the slightest wetness of ${f_his} tongue darting out against my lips before I draw away.
			
			"I don't think happy covers it," ${f_she} replies, voice slightly husky, as ${f_she} bites at ${f_his} lip. "Euphoric, maybe."
			
			I break into a smile, a light laugh escaping me.
			
			"Then let's enjoy that happiness instead of getting stuck reading," ${f_she} calls, and I manage to move in time as ${f_she} bounces onto ${f_his} feet in a swift, agile motion.
			*goto chap8_rf13
		*else
			I lean closer and offer a smile of my own. $!{f_his} eyes glimmer not only with sunlight, but with a happiness that radiates out from ${f_him} until I can almost feel it dance across my skin.
			
			"I was thinking how happy you make me," I reply, capturing ${f_his} lips with mine. The kiss is brief but intimate, with the slightest wetness of ${f_his} tongue darting out against my lips before I draw away.
			
			"I don't think happy covers it," ${f_she} replies, voice slightly husky, as ${f_she} bites at ${f_his} lip. "Euphoric, maybe."
			
			I break into a smile, a light laugh escaping me.
			
			"Then let's enjoy that happiness instead of getting stuck reading," ${f_she} calls, bouncing up onto ${f_his} feet in a swift, agile motion.
			*goto chap8_rf13
	*if (ftogether = "") #"How happy you make…I mean, I am right now."
		"How happy you…." Lost to the peace of the moment, as well as the glint of happiness that twinkles in ${felix}'s bright eyes, I almost spill more than I mean to. "I mean, how happy I am right now."
		
		"It sure is nice here, isn't it?" $!{f_she} replies, but I catch the small hitch of disappointment that hangs on the words.
		
		"It really is."
		
		"Then let's enjoy the rest of the day instead of getting stuck reading," ${f_she} calls, bouncing up onto ${f_his} feet in a swift, agile motion.
		*goto chap8_rf13
	#Frown. "That I wish we'd managed to get more information."
		A heavy breath sweeps out of me as I frown. "I wish we'd managed to find more information."
		
		"Way to ruin the mood," ${f_she} replies with a chuckle.
		
		*if (ftogether = "true")
			"Sorry." I give a sheepish shrug. "But we came here to research and all we found out was that Anunnaki are classed as celestials by the Agency. Information someone probably could have told us."
	
			"Then forgot about all of that. How about instead we get you back into a relaxing frame of mind. Let's find some way to enjoy the moment again," ${f_she} suggests, bouncing up onto ${f_his} feet in a swift, agile motion.
			*goto chap8_rf13
		*else
			I swipe a hand across my forehead to ease some of the tension. "It's just we came here to research and all we found out was that Anunnaki are classed as celestials by the Agency. Information someone probably could have told us."
			
			"Then forgot about all of that. How about instead we get you back into a relaxing frame of mind. Let's find some way to enjoy the moment again," ${f_she} suggests, bouncing up onto ${f_his} feet in a swift, agile motion.
			*goto chap8_rf13
	#Shrug. "Nothing much. Just enjoying the moment."
		I ease my shoulders up into a relaxed shrug. "Nothing much. Just enjoying the moment."
		
		"Then let's enjoy the moment completely instead of getting stuck reading," ${f_she} calls, bouncing up and onto ${f_his} feet in a swift, agile motion.
		*goto chap8_rf13
	
*label chap8_rf13

"And just how do you suggest we do that?" I ask, standing up as well and giving a slight wince as my body unfurls from its seated position after so long.

A mischievious smirk catches ${f_his} expression. "I'm so glad you asked." $!{f_she} reaches out to take my hand and leads me behind ${f_him} a few paces around the gargatuan trunk of the oak tree.

On the other side, hanging from a branch nearly as sturdy as the tree itself, is a rope swing. It's a simple construction: a sturdy rope anchored to the branch above with a large knot at the bottom to act as the seat. Quaintly rustic.

"Made it myself," ${felix} says, letting go of my hand to fold ${f_his} arms as ${f_she} gives a small nod of pride. "Pretty good, right?"

"It's certainly unexpected," I say through a breathy laugh.

"So, do you wanna go first? I'll push you," ${f_she} offers, making a gentle shoving gesture as ${f_she} smiles.

*choice
	#"All right!" Eagerly get on the swing and let ${felix} push.
		*set fpos "mcswing"
		It's not as though I need any more convincing than that. 
		
		"All right!" I'm already setting off towards the swing before I even finish my words. 
		*goto chap8_rfswingmc
	#"It's your swing. You should go first." Let ${felix} go first and push ${f_him}.
		*set fpos "fswing"
		"It's your swing, ${felix}," I state, stepping closer to grip the rope and then gesturing at the knotted seat. "You should get the first go."
		*goto chap8_rrfswingf10
	#"I should really get back to research, but you have fun."
		I throw a quick glance over the swing, the rope looking extremely well fastened, and the whole thing surprisingly secure.
		
		But then my gaze reluctantly shifts back to the pile of research and the clues which might lay within.
		
		I let out a sigh. "I should really get back to the research. But that doesn't mean you can't have a go on it."
		*goto chap8_rfnswingr
	#Chuckle. "You realise what ${adam} will do if ${a_she} finds out?"
		"Uh, you do realise what ${adam} will do if ${a_she} finds out, right?" I say with a laugh. 
		
		"Oh, I can imagine. But it'll be so worth it." $!{f_she} spreads a hand out towards the swing, leaning closer towards me with a smile that sets a pleasant shiver sweeping across my skin. "You know you want to…."
		
		*choice
			#"All right then." Get on the swing and let ${felix} push.
				*set fpos "mcswing"
				That's more than enough convincing for me!
		
				"All right then," I reply, shifting closer to the swing with a slight bubbling of excitement as I approach.
				*goto chap8_rfswingmc
			#"Only if you go first." Let ${felix} go first and push ${f_him}.
				*set fpos "fswing"
				"Only if you go first," I state, stepping closer to grip the rope and then gesturing at the knotted seat.
				*goto chap8_rrfswingf10
			#"I better not risk it. I'll research. You swing."
				I throw a quick glance over the swing, the rope looking extremely well fastened, and the whole thing surprisingly secure.
		
				But then my gaze shifts reluctantly back to the pile of research and the facts that might lay within.
		
				"I don't think I want risk ${adam}'s wrath," I admit. "Why don't I research, and you swing?"
				*goto chap8_rfnswingr

*label chap8_rrfswingf10
		
$!{f_she}'s already sped over in a blur of motion, wrapping ${f_his} legs around the rope and balancing without issue on the swing before I've even managed to finish my sentence.
		
$!{f_she} leans nearly all the way back to look up at me, gripping the rope with both hands in order to keep from tipping off. $!{f_she} reminds me very much of a graceful trapeze artist in that moment.

"If you insist," ${f_she} says with a wink.

I gently spread my hands across ${f_his} back and begin to push. 

The momentum speeds up pretty quickly, ${felix} even tapping the tree trunk with one toe in order to send the swing spinning around. $!{f_she} lets out a laugh so full of joy that it makes my heart swell.

$!{f_his} face is a picture of happiness: bright eyes, wide smile, and body completely relaxed. I've never met anyone with such a zest for life.

And it hits me like an eruption in my chest just how much I feel for ${f_him}. 

Truly [i]feel[/i].
*page_break
I'm so overcome with the thought that I don't notice when ${felix} kicks ${f_his} heels into the mud to draw to a stop in front of me with a worried frown. 

"Are you all right?" ${f_she} asks, placing a hand on my arm to bring me out of my thoughts.

I manage a nod. "Sorry. I got lost in thought for a moment."

"Anything bad?" 

I smile. "Definitely not."

"Cool. Then help me off this thing, will you? My butt's gone to sleep." $!{f_she} unhooks ${f_his} legs from around the knot seat before stumbling forwards and crashing into me.

*if (f_man = "man")
	*if (mc_height = "short")
		$!{f_his} body suddenly collapsing against mine, combined with ${f_his} taller height, almost has us both toppling to the ground, but I manage to find my feet before we do.
		*goto chap8_rfswingf2
	*else
		$!{f_his} body suddenly collapsing against mine almost has us both toppling to the ground, but I manage to find my feet before we do.
		*goto chap8_rfswingf2
*else
	$!{f_his} body suddenly collapsing against mine almost has us both toppling to the ground, but I manage to find my feet before we do.
	*goto chap8_rfswingf2
*label chap8_rfswingf2

*if (ftogether = "true")
	When I catch ${f_his} gaze, ${f_she}'s struggling to hold back the smile that's making ${f_his} eyes gleam.

	"You know, I didn't think vampires were supposed to be clumsy. What with your super senses and all," I state, holding back a smile of my own.

	$!{f_she} leans back, but doesn't pull out of my balancing hold, and gives a small but dramatic gasp. "Are you trying to say that I would fake tripping just so that I could have this magically romantic moment?"

	"I mean, I wasn't saying that, but now I'm definitely thinking it," I reply with a shrug, unable to hold back my smile any longer.

	*if ((gender = "male")and(f_man = "woman"))
		$!{f_she} slides ${f_his} hands up onto my chest and rests them there. "Well, go back to thinking about the magic of the moment."
		*goto chap8_rf8swingf3
	*else
		$!{f_she} slides ${f_his} arms around me in a loose embrace. "Well, go back to thinking about the magic of the moment."
		*goto chap8_rf8swingf3
	*label chap8_rf8swingf3

	It's difficult not to with the way ${f_his} gaze catches mine, and ${f_his} expression drops to one of meaningful earnest.

	*if (gender = "female")
		$!{f_she} rolls ${f_his} lips together, spreading the fingers of one of ${f_his} hands on the small of my back to encourage me even closer.
		*goto chap8_rfkiss
	*else
		$!{f_she} rolls ${f_his} lips together, spreading the fingers of one of ${f_his} hands between my shoulder blades to encourage me even closer.
		*goto chap8_rfkiss
*else
	When I catch ${f_his} gaze, I expect to see a smile or even a glimmer in ${f_his} eyes, and where—for a second there is a whisper of a smile—it quickly fades.
	
	*if (f_man = "man")
		$!{f_she} pushes away and tugs at the bottom of ${f_his} shirt to straighten it. "Sorry."
		*goto chap8_rfswingf3d
	*else
		$!{f_she} pushes away and brushes a hand over the skirt of ${f_his} dress to straighten it. "Sorry."
		*goto chap8_rfswingf3d
	*label chap8_rfswingf3d
	
	I blink, half-expecting a flirtatious remark or dazzling grin to be thrown my way after that…but there's nothing.

	And I find myself utterly disappointed that there wasn't.
	
	"It's okay," I mumble.
	
	$!{f_she} returns ${f_his} gaze to mine, and the awkwardness of the moment instantly dissipates. A pleasurable shiver vibrates across my skin, a small breath leaving me, and my heart makes a thud against my ribs so hard I lose my voice.
	
	Whatever hesitation overcame ${f_him} before, ${f_she} seems to shrug it off in order to shuffle a step closer and send my pulse into a rocketing pace.
	*goto chap8_rfkiss
	
*label chap8_rfswingmc			
				
It takes me a minute to get myself balanced on the uncomfortable knot of rope that forms the seat of the swing, but I manage to wrap my legs around it and cross my ankles in order to stay on.
		
"Ready?" ${felix} asks, ${f_his} hands gently spreading over my back. 

"Ready," I reply with a nod.

The summer day rushes over me in a warm breath as I swing forwards. The sunlight bursts across my face as I swing out of the dappled shade of the tree, before I sway back into the coolness the canopy provides.

I close my eyes, letting ${felix}'s gentle motions propel me forward once again. I allow myself to simply enjoy the feeling of the fresh day, and the blissful freeing sensation of being suspended in the air on the swing.
*page_break
I'm not sure how long it's been, but when I eventually open my eyes, I'm swinging far higher than I expected. It seems I'm practically horizontal to the ground at one point, the leaves of the tree fast approaching ahead of me.

*if (combat >= 75)
	My grip tightens on the rope on instinct, a flicker of fear licking up my spine, but I force my body to relax in order to keep my balance.
	*goto chap8_rfswing1z
*else
	My grip tightens on the rope on instinct, a flicker of fear licking up my spine and causing my balance to wobble.
	*goto chap8_rfswing1z
*label chap8_rfswing1z

*if (gender = "female")
	But on my next swing down, ${felix}'s hands wrap firmly around my waist to bring me to a stand-still.
	*goto chap8_rfswing1
*else
	But on my next swing down, ${felix}'s hands plant firmly against my back to bring me to a stand-still.
	*goto chap8_rfswing1
*label chap8_rfswing1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
"Are you all right?" ${f_she} asks, concern making the words rushed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
I nod. "Yeah. Just hadn't expected to be swinging quite so high."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
"Sorry," ${f_she} replies, glancing away for a second with a wince. "I kind of got distracted watching you."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
*if (bold >= 70)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	My lips lift into a lazy smirk. "Well, I can't really complain about that."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	*if (f_man = "man")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
		Instead of the expected dazzling smile in return, or even an equally charming response, ${f_she} actually shies away and brushes down ${f_his} shirt.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
		*goto chap8_rfswing2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		Instead of the expected dazzling smile in return, or even an equally charming response, ${f_she} actually shies away and brushes down the skirt of ${f_his} dress.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
		*goto chap8_rfswing2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
*elseif (bold <= 30)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	"Me?" I splutter. "Why…why would you get distracted by that?"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	*if (f_man = "man")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
		I expect ${f_his} usual dazzling smile, or even a charming comment that makes my heart speed even faster, but instead ${f_she} actually shies away and brushes down ${f_his} shirt.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
		*goto chap8_rfswing2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		I expect ${f_his} usual dazzling smile, or even a charming comment that makes my heart speed even faster, but instead ${f_she} actually shies away and brushes down the skirt of ${f_his} dress.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
		*goto chap8_rfswing2  
*elseif (charming >= 70)
	My lips lift into a lazy smirk. "Well, I can't really complain about that."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	*if (f_man = "man")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
		Instead of the expected dazzling smile in return, or even an equally charming response, ${f_she} actually shies away and brushes down ${f_his} shirt.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
		*goto chap8_rfswing2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		Instead of the expected dazzling smile in return, or even an equally charming response, ${f_she} actually shies away and brushes down the skirt of ${f_his} dress.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
		*goto chap8_rfswing2  
*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
	"Me?" I blurt out. "Seriously?"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	*if (f_man = "man")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
		I expect ${f_his} usual dazzling smile, or even a charming comment, but instead ${f_she} actually shies away and brushes down ${f_his} shirt.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
		*goto chap8_rfswing2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		I expect ${f_his} usual dazzling smile, or even a charming comment, but instead ${f_she} actually shies away and brushes down the skirt of ${f_his} dress.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
		*goto chap8_rfswing2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
*label chap8_rfswing2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
*if (ftogether = "true")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
	"Well, you know…," ${f_she} mumbles, giving a half-hearted shrug and turning back to meet my gaze. "You just make me feel a lot of things—" $!{f_she} holds up ${f_his} hands. "All good things. But it just surprises me sometimes just, uh…how much I feel them."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	True honesty pours out on every word, the sound of it like a siren's call to me.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	I grip the rope tightly as it sways a little, as though the swing can sense the overwhelming rush of happiness that surges through me in that moment. "Really?"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	"Really," ${f_she} replies in a low whisper.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	A pleasurable shiver vibrates across my skin, a small breath leaving me, and my heart makes a thud against my ribs so hard I lose my voice.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	*if ((f_man = "woman")and(gender = "male"))                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
		Whatever hesitation seemed to overcome ${f_him} before, ${f_she} shrugs it off in order to shuffle closer, skyrocketing my pulse into an erratically excited pace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
	*elseif (f_man = "woman")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
		*if (mc_height = "short")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
			Whatever hesitation seemed to overcome ${f_him} before, ${f_she} shrugs it off in order to shuffle closer, skyrocketing my pulse into an erratically excited pace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
			*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
		*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
			Whatever hesitation seemed to overcome ${f_him} before, ${f_she} shrugs it off in order to grab the rope and tug me closer, skyrocketing my pulse into an erratically excited pace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
			*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		Whatever hesitation seemed to overcome ${f_him} before, ${f_she} shrugs it off in order to grab the rope and tug me closer, skyrocketing my pulse into an erratically excited pace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
	"Well, you know…," ${f_she} mumbles, giving a half-hearted shrug and turning back to meet my gaze. "You just make me feel a lot of things—" ${f_she} holds up ${f_his} hands. "All good things. But I'm not sure if I should feel those things. For you."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	True honesty pours out on every word, the sound of it like a siren's call.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	I grip the rope tightly as it sways a little, as though the swing can sense the overwhelming rush of happiness that surges through me in that moment. "I…."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	My voice loses its momentum as our gazes meet.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	A pleasurable shiver vibrates across my skin, a small breath leaving me, and my heart makes a thud against my ribs so hard I worry it might crack one.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	*if ((f_man = "woman")and(gender = "male"))                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
		Whatever hesitation overcame ${f_him} before, ${f_she} seems to shrug it off in order to shuffle closer, skyrocketing my pulse into an erratically excited pace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
		*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
	*elseif (f_man = "woman")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
		*if (mc_height = "short")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
			Whatever hesitation overcame ${f_him} before, ${f_she} seems to shrug it off in order to shuffle closer, skyrocketing my pulse into an erratically excited pace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
			*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
		*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
			Whatever hesitation overcame ${f_him} before, ${f_she} seems to shrug it off in order to grab the rope to tug me closer, skyrocketing my pulse into an erratically excited pace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
			*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		Whatever hesitation overcame ${f_him} before, ${f_she} seems to shrug it off in order to grab the rope to tug me closer, skyrocketing my pulse into an erratically excited pace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
		*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
*label chap8_rfnswingr                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
"What?" A pout forms on ${f_his} lips. "But I thought we could both have fun?"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

*choice
	#"Researching is fun for me."																																																																																																																																																																											                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
		I laugh lightly as I spread a hand towards the books. "That is fun for me."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
																																																																																																																																																																															 
		$!{f_she} lifts a brow at the stack of papers and tomes before sagging. "Well, as long as you're enjoying yourself, I suppose."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
																																																																																																																																																																															 
		*if (ftogether = "true")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
			"I am," I assure ${f_him}, pecking a soft kiss on ${f_his} cheek.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			"Okay." $!{f_she} brightens at my reply. "I'll just be over here then."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			I watch as ${f_she} speeds off towards the rope swing, and a buzz of utter joy envelops ${f_him} as I watch. I've never met anyone who enjoys life with such passion as ${felix} does.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			With a contented smile, I settle back amongst the books and enjoy my own kind of passion.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
			*goto chap8_rf14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
		*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
			"I am," I assure ${f_him}.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			"Okay." $!{f_she} brightens a little at my reply. "I'll just be over here then."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			I watch as ${f_she} speeds off towards the rope swing, and a buzz of utter joy envelops ${f_him} as I watch. I've never met anyone who enjoys life with such passion as ${felix} does.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			But I shake my head from the distraction so that I can settle back amongst the books and get down to work.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
			*goto chap8_rf14
	#"It's not necessarily fun for me, but still has to be done."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
		I laugh lightly as I spread a hand towards the books. "It's not necessarily fun for me."  

		"Then why do it?"
		
		"Because someone has to. And I'd rather it be me than you."
																																																																																																																																																																															 
		$!{f_she} lifts a brow at the stack of papers and tomes before sagging. "Well, thank you for that."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
																																																																																																																																																																															 
		*if (ftogether = "true")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
			"I will try to have as much fun as best as I can anyway," I assure ${f_him}, pecking a soft kiss on ${f_his} cheek.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			"Okay." $!{f_she} brightens at my reply. "I'll just be over here then."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			I watch as ${f_she} speeds off towards the rope swing, and a buzz of utter joy envelops ${f_him} as I watch. I've never met anyone who enjoys life with such passion as ${felix} does.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			With a contented smile, I settle back amongst the books and continue on with my work.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
			*goto chap8_rf14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
		*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
			"I will try to have as much fun as best as I can anyway," I assure ${f_him}.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			"Okay." $!{f_she} brightens a little at my reply. "I'll just be over here then."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			I watch as ${f_she} speeds off towards the rope swing, and a buzz of utter joy envelops ${f_him} as I watch. I've never met anyone who enjoys life with such passion as ${felix} does.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
																																																																																																																																																																															 
			But I shake my head from the distraction so that I can settle back amongst the books and get down to work.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
			*goto chap8_rf14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
*label chap8_rf14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
*page_break                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Half an hour passes, and I manage about two pages of research.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Every time I catch sight of ${felix} out of the corner of my eye, my whole focus shifts to ${f_him}.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
$!{f_she}'s been happily swinging away, even tapping the tree trunk with ${f_his} toe in order to send the swing spinning around every now and then.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
As I glance over this time, ${f_she} lets out a laugh so full of joy that it makes my heart swell.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
$!{f_his} face is a picture of happiness: bright eyes, wide smile, and body completely relaxed. I've never met anyone with such a zest for life.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
And it hits me like a eruption in my chest just how much I feel for ${f_him}.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Truly [i]feel[/i].                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
*page_break                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
I'm so overcome with the thought that I don't notice when ${felix} stops swinging. It's not until ${f_she} plops down cross-legged beside me that I'm snapped from my thoughts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
"Are you all right?" ${f_she} asks, placing a hand on my knee in concern.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
I manage a nod. "Sorry. I got lost in thought for a moment."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
"Anything bad?"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
I smile. "Definitely not."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
"Cool. Then you should totally come and have a swing now. You deserve a break!" But as ${f_she} makes to stand, ${f_she} loses ${f_his} balance, tips forward, and falls into me.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
*if (f_man = "man")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
	*if (mc_height = "short")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
		$!{f_his} body suddenly collapsing against mine, combined with ${f_his} taller height, almost has us both falling back onto the ground, but I manage to find my balance before we do.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
		*goto chap8_rfswingr12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		$!{f_his} body suddenly collapsing against mine almost has us both falling back onto the ground, but I manage to find my balance before we do.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
		*goto chap8_rfswingr12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
	$!{f_his} body suddenly collapsing against mine almost has us both falling back onto the ground, but I manage to find my balance before we do.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
	*goto chap8_rfswingr12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
*label chap8_rfswingr12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
*if (ftogether = "true")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
	When I catch ${f_his} gaze, ${f_she}'s struggling to hold back the smile that's making ${f_his} eyes gleam.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
	"You know, I didn't think vampires were supposed to be clumsy. What with your super senses and all," I state, holding back a smile of my own.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
	$!{f_she} angles away a little, but doesn't pull out of my balancing hold, and gives a small but dramatic gasp. "Are you trying to say that I would fake falling just so that I could have this magically romantic moment?"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
	"I mean, I wasn't saying that, but now I'm definitely thinking it," I reply with a shrug, unable to hold back the smile any longer.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
	*if ((gender = "male")and(f_man = "woman"))                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
		$!{f_she} slides ${f_his} hands up onto my chest and rests them there. "Well, go back to thinking about the magic of the moment."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		*goto chap8_rf8swingr13                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		$!{f_she} slides ${f_his} arms around me in a loose embrace. "Well, go back to thinking about the magic of the moment."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
		*goto chap8_rf8swingr13                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
	*label chap8_rf8swingr13                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
	It's hard not to with the way ${f_his} gaze catches mine, and ${f_his} expression drops to one of meaningful earnest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
	*if (gender = "female")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
		$!{f_she} rolls ${f_his} lips together, spreading the fingers of one of ${f_his} hands on the small of my back to encourage me even closer.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
		*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		$!{f_she} rolls ${f_his} lips together, spreading the fingers of one of ${f_his} hands between my shoulder blades to encourage me even closer.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
		*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
	When I catch ${f_his} gaze, I expect to see a smile or even a glimmer in ${f_his} eyes, and where—for a second there is a whisper of a smile—it quickly fades.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	*if (f_man = "man")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
		$!{f_she} pushes away and tugs at the bottom of ${f_his} shirt to straighten it. "Sorry."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
		*goto chap8_rfswingr14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
	*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
		$!{f_she} pushes away and brushes a hand over the skirt of ${f_his} dress to straighten it. "Sorry."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
		*goto chap8_rfswingr14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
	*label chap8_rfswingr14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	I blink, half-expecting a flirtatious remark or dazzling grin to be thrown my way after that. But it never comes.
	
	And I find myself utterly disappointed that it didn't.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	"It's okay," I mumble.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	$!{f_she} returns ${f_his} gaze to mine, and the awkwardness of the moment instantly dissipates. A pleasurable shiver vibrates across my skin, a small breath leaving me, and my heart makes a thud against my ribs so hard I lose my voice.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
	                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
	Whatever hesitation overcame ${f_him} before, ${f_she} shrugs it off in order to shuffle across the grass closer and skyrocketing my pulse into an erratically excited pace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
	*goto chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
*label chap8_rfkiss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
*choice                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
	*if (ftogether = "true") #Allow the kiss to happen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
		*if (fpos = "mcswing")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
			I try to remember to force myself to breathe as ${f_his} fingers trace up the curve of my back, over my shoulder, and eventually cup my cheek.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
			
			*if (f_man = "man")
				$!{f_she} bends down to me, and I just see the hint of a smile before my eyes flutter shut, and ${f_she} covers my lips with ${f_his}.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
				*goto chap8_rfkissallow
			*else
				$!{f_she} bends down to me, and I just see the hint of a smile before my eyes flutter shut, and ${f_she} covers my lips with ${f_his}s.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
				*goto chap8_rfkissallow  
		*elseif (fpos = "fswing")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
			I try to remember to force myself to breathe as ${f_his} fingers trace up my arm, over my shoulder, and eventually cup my cheek.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
			                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
			*if (f_man = "man")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
				*if (mc_height = "short")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
					$!{f_she} bends down to me, and I just see the hint of a smile before my eyes flutter shut, and ${f_she} covers my lips with ${f_his}.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
					*goto chap8_rfkissallow                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
				*elseif (mc_height = "average")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
					$!{f_she} leans in towards me, and I just see the hint of a smile before my eyes flutter shut, and ${f_she} covers my lips with ${f_his}.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
					*goto chap8_rfkissallow                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
				*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
					$!{f_she} tiptoes up towards me, and I just see the hint of a smile before my eyes flutter shut, and ${f_she} covers my lips with ${f_his}.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
					*goto chap8_rfkissallow                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
			*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
				*if (mc_height = "short")                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
					$!{f_she} leans in towards me, and I just see the hint of a smile before my eyes flutter shut, and ${f_she} covers my lips with ${f_his}s.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
					*goto chap8_rfkissallow                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
				*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
					$!{f_she} tiptoes up towards me, and I just see the hint of a smile before my eyes flutter shut, and ${f_she} covers my lips with ${f_his}s.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
					*goto chap8_rfkissallow                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
		*else                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
			I try to remember to force myself to breathe as ${f_his} fingers reach out to trace up my arm, over my shoulder, and eventually cup my cheek.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
			$!{f_she} leans in towards me, and I just see the hint of a smile before my eyes flutter shut, and ${f_she} covers my lips with ${f_his}s.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
			*goto chap8_rfkissallow