Aquarium

Sebastian leans his leg against yours. "Jesus, that's tough," he murmurs. "Sorry to hear that. My mom used to teach at the college, we used to have quite a bit of money, but ... well, not anymore. Anyway, I know how you feel."\n\nThere's a silence and usually it wouldn't be awkward, because you'd be thinking one step ahead to carry on the conversation, but. As you lied you got a twist of guilt in your stomach.\n\nThat never happens.\n\nYou move the conversation [[on.|cafetalk]]

Unassuming, head hanging, you say how you're <<replace>>new to this town<<becomes>>new to this town (which is true)<<endreplace>> but you and your dad are hoping to <<replace>>stay a long time<<becomes>>stay a long time (which is not)<<endreplace>>. So you're enjoying being Sebastian's lab partner, because it's great to make friends.\n\n<<display "shark1influence">>

You look down, pained, as if you're so saddened and shocked by his behaviour that you can't look him in the face. "I'll have to tell my father about this."\n\n<<display "raysbackdown">>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>"I just like aquariums, I guess," he says with a shrug. "My cousin used to take me here when I was a kid. Plus, it's better than the mall. Now I want to <<if $talk is 0>>[[ask|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[ask|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[ask|talkq3]]<<endif>> you something."<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>He leans to give you a considering look and takes a moment to feed you one of the raspberries from his plate.\n\n"Well, maybe I wanted an excuse to get you alone. I kept getting distracted in English looking at you, and this is a lot better than class. Now I want to <<if $talk is 0>>[[ask|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[ask|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[ask|talkq3]]<<endif>> you something."<<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>>He runs his hand up your arm, making the hairs on the back of your neck tingle.\n\n"It's one of my favourite places," he says without a trace of embarrassment. "I used to have these birthday parties here when I was tiny, and my whole family came. It was so cool, with these massive cakes with about a million colours of icing. I bet they've got still got that photo of me in this incredible hat! Now I want to <<if $talk is 0>>[[ask|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[ask|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[ask|talkq3]]<<endif>> you something."<<endif>>

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>"Whatever. He's just a dick."\n\nWith more pressing, Sebastian admits that his mom and dad have had a lot of help from his uncle, and there's a lot he wouldn't have been able to do if he hadn't loaned them the money.\n\n"So he just thinks he can order me around like I'm a doll. Toy soldier. Whatever, you know what I mean." Pause. "So there was something I wanted to <<if $talk is 0>>[[ask|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[ask|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[ask|talkq3]]<<endif>>."<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>He shakes his head. "I don't really want to talk about it," he says to his plate. "He's always been a jerk. He's some kind of software bigshot and he acts like he owns the whole world. Especially me. I think he sees me like a project. One time he thought I should be an actor, so he enrolled me on all these drama camps. But I can't learn lines, it's terrible."\n\nHe prods the back of your hand with his spoon. "So. There was something I wanted to <<if $talk is 0>>[[ask|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[ask|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[ask|talkq3]]<<endif>>."<<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>>Sebastian runs his fingers along the back of your hand before answering. "He's a jerk," he says so quietly you can hardly hear. "He's given my mom and dad so much money over the years, he thinks he owns them. Or me. When we go over to his house he just fixes me with this stare and it feels like I'm about five or something."\n\nIn a sharp movement he extracts his phone and shows you a couple of the texts.\n\nThey start off nicey-nice - "Now, you know I have your best interests at heart" - but quickly get to "Why? Why, Sebastian? Why do you keep disappointing all of us?"\n\nHe shakes his head. "So. There was something I wanted to <<if $talk is 0>>[[ask|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[ask|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[ask|talkq3]]<<endif>>."<<endif>>\n<<silently>><<set $talkuncle=true>><<endsilently>>

Your heart's still thumping but now McClintock and his groupies are gone, the ray pool is actually kind of pretty. The rays ripple along the sandy tank-bed, the light playing off their mottled backs. Their pointed tails <<replace>>look barbed.<<becomes>>may look barbed, but the colourful cartoon sign says These Slithery Critters Don't Sting.<<endreplace>>\n\nSebastian's flicks water back and forth without speaking, looking at you out of the corner of his eye. <<if $scarf is true>>He tugs his scarf off you and winds it back around his own neck.<<endif>>\n\nYou can [[dip your hand in the water|raypoolfightdip]] if you're not afraid the rays will come nosing.\n\nThey left a clipboard on the bench beside the pool. [[Slipping it into your bag|clipboard]] would only take a second.\n<<silently>><<set $scarf=false>><<endsilently>>

You make your voice rough and low, and step forward to get in McClintock's face, keeping his eyes on you. Maybe you're not as rich as he is, you say, but you've learned a lot growing up on the rough side of town.\n\nYou make up a story about a fight you were in last month and McClintock swallows. He cuts you off. "Fine. Fine. Whatever."\n\nAs he strides off to join his gaggle of hangers-on, Sebastian makes a joyful noise and punches you on the arm. "That was really fucking scary. Oh my God. That was incredible."\n\nHe drags you [[towards the pool.|raypoolnofight]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

Turns out it's chicken burger and fries. Salty. Crunchy. So good. Sebastian stands close, saying it's because he needs to stop anyone seeing that you've stolen their lunch.\n\n"I'm a good <<revise accomplice "accomplice">><<revision accomplice>>," he says cheerfully. "I should get my cut."\n\nHe makes a hopeful movement towards the food. You could offer him the [[burger|eatburger]], or [[fries|eatfries]], or maybe you want to [[keep|eatkeep]] it all for yourself.<<becomes>>accomplice," he says cheerfully. "I should get my cut."\n\nAccomplice would make your throat close up if you weren't inhaling burger right now.\n\nHe makes a hopeful movement towards the food. You could offer him the [[burger|eatburger]], or [[fries|eatfries]], or maybe you want to [[keep|eatkeep]] it all for yourself.\n<<endrevision>>

You've never had the urge to tell the truth like you do now. It's all in your head, all in your mouth ready to be [[said.|q3truthsay]] But you shouldn't. You should just say you're [[shy|q3shy]] or something.

You can get a good arc with the bits of pebble lying around here. <<display "tropicalroofthrow2">>

It's massive and toothy and darts straight at you.\n\n[[You jerk backwards.|eels3]]

Sebastian nods with satisfaction. It's a hell of a lot more expensive than any clothing you own, that's for sure.\n\n<<display "eeltank">>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $scarf=true>>\n<<set $seblike +=1>>\n<<endsilently>>

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>He raises his eyebrows. "And you definitely did that! I wanted to get to know you, too. You're all..." He watches you as you sip your drink, searching for the right word. "Mysterious."\n\nThe two of you sit companionably for a [[little while.|cafetalk]]<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>><<if $kiss is 0>>"Mmm, and maybe we could get to know each other a little better later. There's a party at Cleo's next Friday, you've got to come."<<else>>He watches your mouth as you sip your drink. "Mmm, and you definitely did that. But we could get to know each other a little better. There's a party at Cleo's next Friday, you've got to come."<<endif>>\n\nHe chatters on about the party plans for a [[little while.|cafetalk]]<<endif>>

OK. OK. You need to get a hold of this because otherwise you'll let something slip <<if $toy is false>>and you and Dad will get taken in and they'll question you about the con jobs and then you'll<<endif>>\n\nNeed to do something. Sebastian's noticed you're acting weird. He's smart.\n\n[[kissing Sebastian will stop you thinking–|eels3a]]\n\n[[get out where it's brighter and not so dark where you can't see anything–|eels3b]]\n\n[[distract yourself with something–|eels3c]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $panic=true>>\n<<endsilently>>

They're not Great Whites, the signs say apologetically, but the cartoons on the signs show them that way anyway, with scary eyebrows and bearing knives and forks in their fins, chasing after small fry.\n\nYou edge into the shark tunnel, and Sebastian presses right up close to the murky glass. "Hey, shark." Then, back to you, "Imagine if you were in there. What would it even do to you?"\n\nYou don't get a chance to reply because there's a flicker of movement down the tunnel that [[you recognise.|sharkparent]]

McClintock's against the wall and your blood pounds in your ears. He struggles but you've got his arm pinned and he's got nothing on you.\n\nYou could [[crack his head|rays3ahead]] on the window, oh, and it would be so fucking satisfying.\n\n"Hey," Sebastian says. "Hey."\n\nHe wants you to [[look at him.|rays3alook]]

She reels off a list of Sebastian's various misdeeds, <<revision misdeeds>>and there's a lot to get through.<<becomes>>like making out with one of the moms at parents' evening.<<becomes>>like getting his friend to steal chemicals from the lab<<becomes>>and according to her it's no wonder he got kicked out of Island Pines with all those goings-on.\n\nPointedly Sebastian says, "Well, at least I've got a good influence right here."\n\nMs Brusso beams at you. "And I'm sure you will be."\n\n<<display "sharkchat">><<endrevision>>\n\n<<revise misdeeds "She carries on...">>\n<<silently>><<set $seblike -=1>><<set $brusso=true>><<endsilently>>

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>"That whole thing with the eels was scary. How are you doing now?"\n\n[["I'm OK. I've got things to distract me now."|talkdist]]\n\n[["Still having a bit of trouble with breathing."|talkbreathe]]\n\n[["How about you distract me, and we'll go from there?"|talkkiss]]<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>"Do you have a problem with eels, or something? Do they creep you out like snakes do for some people?"\n\nYou shake your head. It wasn't the creature itself, but the surprise, though the image of its teeth still rings unpleasantly in your head.\n\n"Well, either way, are you OK now?"\n\n[["I'm OK. I've got things to distract me now."|talkdist]]\n\n[["Still having a bit of trouble with breathing."|talkbreathe]]\n\n[["How about you distract me, and we'll go from there?"|talkkiss]]<<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>>"You never talk about yourself," Sebastian says, then hits his forehead with the ball of his hand. "Before now, I mean. I've seen you talking with people at school, you never give anything away. And ... I know how to do that without looking like I am, so I know it when I see it."\n\nThe plan for this town was to fit in without making waves, but maybe you've been too careful. Or maybe you just weren't counting on meeting someone like this who's a lot smarter than he acts. \n\n"So what's up with that? How come you don't want to open up?"\n\nIt's <<replace>>terrifying<<becomes>>tempting<<endreplace>>. The idea of talking about it all.\n\n[["We move around a lot. There's no point putting down roots."|q3move]]\n\n[["I'm ... shy, I guess."|q3shy]]\n\n[[Tell the truth.|q3truth]]<<endif>>\n<<silently>><<set $talk += 1>><<endsilently>>

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 10)>>"I have to know," he says. "About what happened with McClintock. <<if $fight is false>>How'd you know how to push his buttons like that? It was amazing. And I know I'm great at that, so that's saying something.<<else>>Where'd you learn to move so fast like that? It was ... incredible. And a little scary."<<endif>>\n\n[["Oh, you know, I picked it up here and there."|talkpick]]\n\n[["I do a lot of practice. Practice makes perfect."|talkprac]]\n\n<<if $fight is true>>[["You wouldn't be so bad yourself if you gave it a go."|talkbad]]<<else>>[["You are pretty great at that yourself."|talkgreat]]<<endif>><<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>>"What's the story with you and your dad? Now," he says, holding up a hand, "I'm not being a jerk. Just nosy."\n\nHe draws a swirly shape in the pool of melted cream on his plate.\n\n"You guys must be close, I saw how your eyes went when McClintock insulted your family. What's up with that? Where's your mom?"\n\n<<if $truth gt 0>>Telling the truth feels almost more tempting now you've done it before.<<else>>He looks genuinely interested, not trying to score points off you. If you were careful, you could say something. Part of you really wants to.<<endif>>\n\n[["I don't know where she is. She took off when I was little, so it's just the two of us."|q2took]]\n\n[["She and Dad had a messy divorce. It was part of why we moved out here. I want to support him."|q2took]]\n\n[[Tell the truth.|q2truth]]\n<<endif>>\n<<silently>><<set $talk += 1>><<endsilently>>

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>He points his spoon at you. "Now I want to know why you came along with me."\n\n[["It seemed like a laugh."|talklaugh]]\n\n[["I wanted to get to know you better."|talkknow]]\n\n[["It's a break from school, isn't it?"|talkbreak]]<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>"Now I know I'm hot," he says, "and of course everyone wants to spend time with me, but you're pretty quiet. I wouldn't have thought you're the type to skip school, you know? Why did you come along?"\n\n[["I wanted to get to know you better."|talkknow]]\n\n[["It seemed like a laugh."|talklaugh]]\n\n[["I don't normally do this kind of thing, but it felt right."|talkbreak]]<<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>>"I couldn't get a handle on your accent at first," he says. "It's <<revise californian "Californian">><<revision californian>>, right?"\n\nHe feeds you a piece of meringue with his fingers.\n\n"So why come all the way over here?"\n\n[["Dad got laid off at the factory he was at before, so we came here."|q1factory]]\n\n[["We've got family upstate, we wanted to be near them."|q1family]]\n\n[[Tell the truth.|q1truth]]\n<<becomes>>Californian, right?"\n\nIt is. It was hard to get out of your habitual Tennessee vowels, but you practised and practised and now it's just about right.\n\nHe feeds you a piece of meringue with his fingers.\n\n"So why come all the way over here?"\n\n[["Dad got laid off at the factory he was at before, so we came here."|q1factory]]\n\n[["We've got family upstate, we wanted to be near them."|q1family]]\n\n[[Tell the truth.|q1truth]]\n<<endrevision>><<endif>>\n<<silently>><<set $talk += 1>><<endsilently>>

You square up and keep your feet steady. As McClintock moves to <<replace>>touch your shoulder,<<becomes>>touch your shoulder, maybe to grab, maybe to shove or rip your hoodie,<<endreplace>> you grab his wrist and catch him off-balance.\n\n[[Against the wall|rays3awall]]\n\n[[Wrench|rays3awrench]]\n\n[[Let go|rays3ago]]

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>"I'm fundamentally selfish," Sebastian says grandly, "but I can't stand to see a human being in distress."\n\nHe snorts a laugh at himself.\n\n"No, seriously, you looked terrible in there. I thought you were about to pass out, I wasn't going to just leave you there, was I?"\n\nHe snaps his fingers. "That <<if $talk is 0>>[[reminds|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[reminds|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[reminds|talkq3]]<<endif>> me..."<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>><<if $kiss gt 0>>Sebastian beckons you forward and kisses your nose.<<else>>Sebastian touches your hand on top of the table.<<endif>> \n\n"My cousin has panic attacks sometimes," he says. "I'm used to them. Besides, I get a good dessert out of it, don't I?"\n\nHe meets your gaze with a genuine smile, resting his chin on his hand. Then he snaps his fingers, breaking the mood. "That <<if $talk is 0>>[[reminds|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[reminds|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[reminds|talkq3]]<<endif>> me..."<<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>>"Hey, well," Sebastian says, uncharacteristically softly. He slides his hand along the table and squeezes your fingers. "I hate feeling frozen. Stopped from doing things. That's how you looked. Of course," he says more cheerfully, "I wanted to show off how good I am in a crisis. Look at me! I'm the very soul of calm!"\n\nHe pauses. "Oh," he says, "and I was <<if $talk is 0>>[[wondering|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[wondering|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[wondering|talkq3]]<<endif>>..."\n<<endif>>

<<replace>>You're good at blending in.<<becomes>>You've had a lot of practice at this.<<becomes>>Once you and Dad ran a job where Dad was an heir who'd been cheated out of his inheritance, and you were his immensely privileged but impoverished kid. That. It's just like that.<<endreplace>>\n\nYou fix him with a cold stare.\n\n[["Excuse me?"|rays3bposh2]]

Aquarium

It may be the first time you've kissed someone but you're doing it right now and he's making a surprised noise and he grabs your hoodie, pulling you closer, everything's fast and slow at once\n\nand\n\neventually he breaks away and he was kissing and biting so hard your mouth stings.\n\n"I thought you'd never do it," he says, rubs his mouth, and grins. "Come on. Let's go see what [[else|fishchoice]] is around here."\n<<endreplace>>

The burger wrapper flutters down in a satisfying kind of way. <<display "tropicalroofthrow2">>

You make your legs move you out to the hallway.\n\nJesus, this hasn't happened <<replace>>for forever<<becomes>>since after that police officer came up all friendly and asked whether you were OK<<becomes>>for ages, and you thought you'd gotten over it<<endreplace>>.\n\nAnd for it to happen over a fucking fish. What the hell.\n\nYou [[pause|eels3blet]] for a second in the hall.

He's got this cute smile he puts on that catches your eye and holds it. He tells her a story about how great it is to see the local attractions and this place, the incredible sharks<<if visited ("rays")>>, and the rays rippling in their pool<<endif>><<if visited ("tropical")>>, and the colours in the tropical area<<endif>><<if visited ("eels")>>, and how freaky the eels look<<endif>>.\n\nMs Brusso nods and mentions how she used to take her kids here when they were little. "But it's not a day off today," she says. "The principal usually sends an email?"\n\nSebastian stammers something, and you need to [[step in|shark1step]] right now, or she'll call someone to kick you out.

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You slip the pack of pens into your pocket and follow Sebastian towards the [[shark tank.|sharktank]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $pens=true>>\n<<endsilently>>

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>\n<<endif>>\n\n<<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>\n<<endif>>\n\n<<if $seblike gt 9>>\n<<endif>>\n\n<<print JSON.stringify(state.history[0].variables)>>

Sebastian preens. "It was fun watching you work.<<if $blag is true>> And with Brusso, too.<<endif>> We should duo it up sometime, walk into a club and make them think we're other people. It'd be fun!"\n\nIf he only knew. You carefully skirt around the [[subject.|cafetalk]]

[[Footsteps|shark2cupboard2]]

<<if $datecomplete is true>>You completed the date!<<else>>Your date was cut short!<<endif>> <<if $seblike lt 1>>You made a terrible impression on Sebastian<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 0) and ($seblike lt 3)>>You made a mediocre impression on Sebastian<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>You made a good impression on Sebastian<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>You made a great impression on Sebastian<<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>>You made an amazing impression on Sebastian<<endif>><<if $brusso is true>>, you found out his secrets<<else>>, you did not find out his secrets<<endif>><<if $uncle is true>>, and he confided to you about his family situation<<else>>, and he did not confide to you about his family situation<<endif>>. You have your hoodie and your backpack<<if $clipboard is true>>, and a clipboard<<endif>><<if $pens is true>>, and a set of pens<<endif>><<if $card is true>>, and McClintock's card<<endif>><<if $scarf is true>>, and Sebastian's scarf<<endif>>.\n\n<<if ($endtruth is 0) and ($truth gt 0)>>You trusted him enough to open up a little about your situation. But not enough to tell him everything.<<endif>><<if $endtruth is 1>>You really wanted to open up and tell him the truth about you and your situation. But sometimes it doesn't work out that way.<<endif>>\n\n[[Play Again|Start][state.restart()]]\n\n+++\n\nFor Fay. Thank you for joint custody of the characters, feedback and ideas.\n\nThanks to Phil H for the prompt that started this all off.\n\nPlease send feedback and bug reports to ms.hannah.ps@gmail.com.\n\nMade with <a href="http://twinery.org">Twine</a>. Macros from Leon Arnott, and link CSS from Laura Michet. Title image by <a href="http://foto.dahlstroms.com/">Håkan Dahlström</a>, licenced with Creative Commons.

The water chills your hand and the rays ripple closer. This pale grey one with sand-coloured spots likes you a lot: when it bumps against your fingers its nose feels squashy, similar to but cleaner than a snail.\n\nThe scuffle has drawn the attention of a couple of pimply staff members: time to see [[what else|fishchoice]] there is around here.

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>"Oh my God, yes. Do you ever get that thing where you just want to get out of somewhere because you're so trapped?"\n\nHe shoots you a mock-guilty look. "Not that I'm having that now. But I totally get it. Sometimes you just need to get out."\n\nYou sit companionably for a little [[while.|cafetalk]]<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>"Yeah. Yeah, definitely." He watches you for a few moments, apparently lost for words for the first time in a while. Then he flashes you a smile. "You're awesome for going for it. A lot of people would have gone, oh, it's Sebastian doing something weird again. So I'm glad."\n\nHe nudges your hand. "We should go somewhere you like next time."\n\nYou start making plans in your head, but he's too busy eating to listen, so you have time to decide what you want to do. For now, you're [[here.|cafetalk]]<<endif>>

"Well, you must do a lot of practice." He cocks his head at you. "Maybe you can show me how it's done, sometime."\n\nYou rest your chin on your hand and say you'll give it a go, although you don't know how long you'll be in this town. Maybe you shouldn't make promises. You [[change|cafetalk]] the subject.

You grab Sebastian's sleeve and pull him into the cupboard.\n\n<<replace>>It's dark.<<becomes>>It's damp.<<becomes>>Sebastian's breathing against your sweater.<<becomes>>A shelf is sticking into your back.<<becomes>>No one bothered putting AC in here. It's just a [[stationery cupboard.|shark2cupboard]]<<endreplace>>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $hide=true>>\n<<endsilently>>

Sebastian calls out Ms Brusso's name like you're totally meant to be here with all the sharks.\n\nShe turns sharply and her face just about creases up. "Sebastian!" she says, not sounding altogether pleased, and her gaze flicks to you.\n\nSebastian's a smartass in school, but you've not told lies with him before. Maybe he'd like to [[take the lead|shark1seb]] or you could [[start talking.|shark1nick]]\n<<silently>><<set $blag=true>><<endsilently>>

Beside the lionfish tank is a wooden cutout of a lionfish with a cheerful smiling face that looks nothing like the real thing drifting in front of you. You nudge Sebastian and read out the text:\n\n[["Hi, I'm Leona the Lionfish. I am not poisonous, but venomous! My warning colours are red, black and orange! I'm not much like a lion, but can you guess why I'm called that?"|tropicaltoy]]\n<<silently>><<set $toy=true>><<endsilently>>

There's a short silence. Part of you wants to say something, part of you doesn't. Sebastian puts on a teeth-gleaming smile, and leans his face against your neck, his breath tickling all up to your hairline.\n\n"Maybe I can help with that."\n\n[["I'd like that."|q3kiss]]\n\n[["Not now, thanks."|q3talkspoon]]

You get into a full-blown water fight: the disturbance up on the surface makes the rays nose curiously to your hand. This pale grey one with sand-coloured spots likes you a lot. Its nose feels squashy, similar to but cleaner than a snail.\n\nYour laughing and splashing has drawn the attention of a couple of pimply staff members. Time to see [[what else|fishchoice]] there is around here.\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike += 2>>\n<<endsilently>>

Sebastian's face falls slightly, but he shrugs and stuffs the scarf in his satchel.\n\n<<display "eeltank">>\n<<silently>><<set $seblike +=1>><<endsilently>>

Sebastian's meringue is half a foot tall, plus raspberries, cream, blueberries and maple syrup. Who knew aquariums served such good food?\n\n<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>Under the table, Sebastian nudges your foot. "Better than class, right?" he says, quietly enough that the other customers can't hear.\n\nWhile he eats his monster dessert, you've got time to [[talk|cafetalk]].\n<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>Sebastian offers you a spoonful: it tastes mostly of sugar and powder. He leans forward and brushes something off your cheek.\n\n"I'm glad we did this," he says.\n\nWhile he eats his monster dessert, you've got time to [[talk|cafetalk]].\n<<endif>>

So you've done the whole talking and joking around, letting people think you've done a lot, but <<replace>>you haven't actually<<becomes>>there hasn't been anyone<<becomes>>things have been way too busy<<becomes>>you've always needed to stay on task...\n\nYou haven't kissed a guy before but now you're heading towards him and his cheek hits your chin, and he pulls back laughing a little, and gets in a better position. He's shorter than you so you have to hunch, but that means his hands feel extra good in your hair\n\nand\n\neventually Sebastian breaks away. "OK," he says. "Fine. I'll let you off going to the roof this once." He leans up and kisses your nose. "You're adorable."\n\nA little dazed with your mouth tingling, you [[stroll out.|fishchoice]]<<endreplace>>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $kiss += 1>>\n<<set $seblike +=1>>\n<<endsilently>>

He smiles a teeth-gleaming smile. "Like me," he says. "I'm good at distracting, if you'd be into that."\n\n[["Oh, I would be into that."|talkkiss]]\n\n[["Not now, thanks."|talkspoon]]

He gives you a proper aristocratic snooty look. "Then what would you suggest?"\n\n<<if $pens is true>>If it's a risk he wants, you've got these marker pens. You could [[add some artwork|tropical5bgraff]] to this place.<<endif>> <<if $kiss is 0>>For a thrill, you could [[kiss him|tropicalfirstkiss]]: from the way he's been looking at you, it's clear he'd be into it.<<else>> For a thrill you could [[kiss him|tropical5bkiss2]] again, since he was into it last time.<<endif>> Or maybe he should grow up and [[get over himself.|tropical5bgrow]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike -= 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

<<if ($brusso is true) or ($uncle is true)>>With his New England accent and haughty look, it's easy to see how Sebastian would have fit in with the Island Pines guys before he got kicked out. Now he's at your scummy public high school in dark jeans and a shirt that's seen better days.<<else>>With his New England accent and haughty look, Sebastian would fit right in with the private school kids, but instead he's at your scummy public high school in dark jeans and a shirt that's seen better days.<<endif>>\n\nBefore you can sidle away, the leader of the little group strolls over to look you up and down, up and down. "Sebastian," he says, still looking at you with a curl to his mouth, "are you roughing it today?"\n\n"Great to see you, McClintock," Sebastian says through his teeth. "Did Daddy Dearest forgive you for totalling his car yet?"\n\nMcClintock ignores him. "Who are you, anyway?" he says to you. "Anyone who goes to that dump of a school's got to be trash. Or their parents are, anyway."\n\n[[A burst of fury in your chest.|raysangry]]

Sebastian lets out a breath. "Oh, OK. Let's do this, then."\n\nIt's so dark you can't see anything, but you kiss the back of your hand while Sebastian makes overly dramatic shuffling noises against the shelf.\n\nFor a second the footsteps <<replace>>pause<<becomes>>pause, but then swiftly tap away. You're safe for now.\n\nYou open the cupboard door a crack. The cupboard hasn't got much of interest, bar you and Sebastian - just a pack of marker pens you can [[pick up.|shark2pens]]\n\nOr you can head straight over to the [[shark tank.|sharktank]]\n<<endreplace>>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike -= 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

Sebastian picks at the fries, crunching them with a satisfied expression. He [[watches|eels3blet]] you as you lick salt from your fingers. A tingle goes up the back of your neck.\n<<silently>><<set $seblike += 1>><<set $food=true>><<endsilently>>

So you've done the whole talking and joking and letting people think things about what you've done, but <<replace>>you haven't actually<<becomes>>there hasn't been anyone<<becomes>>things have been way too busy<<becomes>>you've always needed to stay on task...\n\nYou haven't kissed a guy before but somehow you're doing it right now and he's backing you against the shelf and his hands are on your upper arms and it's tough to even think what to do, everything's fast and slow at once\n\nand\n\neventually Sebastian breaks away. "Let's get out of here," he whispers, and he leans up and kisses your nose. "You're adorable."\n\nAnd you cannot even remember the last time anyone called you that.\n\nYou open the cupboard door a crack. Ms Brusso is gone. The cupboard's not got much of interest in it, bar you and Sebastian, so you head straight over to the [[shark tank.|sharktank]]\n<<endreplace>>

Sebastian doesn't ask what your problem was, but he unwinds his green scarf and hooks it around your neck. "Hey, looking good," he says. It's not really your thing, but it's warm. You can [[keep it|eelscarf]], or [[give it back.|eelscarfgive]]

You put your hand over Sebastian's mouth and his breath hitches, but he calms down until the footsteps die away. Then he bites the side of your hand - not too hard, but enough that you know he means it.\n\n<<if $kiss is 0>>He grabs the folds of your hoodie and pulls you closer, and he does feel [[really good|shark2makeout]] or maybe [[you shouldn't|shark2nomakeout]]...<<else>>He grabs the folds of your hoodie and pulls you closer, and he does feel [[really good|shark2trystb]] or maybe [[you shouldn't...|shark2trystc]]<<endif>>

There's not a lot here to throw: [[pebbles|throwstones]] and gravel, and you've got some junk in your [[pockets.|throwpockets]]<<if ($clipboard is true) or ($pens is true) or ($scarf is true) or ($food is true)>> And there's<<endif>><<if $clipboard is true>> this [[clipboard,|throwclip]]<<endif>><<if $pens is true>> this pack of [[pens,|throwpens]]<<endif>><<if $scarf is true>> Sebastian's [[scarf|throwscarf]]<<endif>><<if $card is true>> McClintock's [[card|throwcard]]<<endif>><<if $food is true>> this fast food [[wrapper,|throwwrapper]]<<endif>><<if ($clipboard is true) or ($pens is true) or ($scarf is true) or ($food is true)>> too.<<endif>>

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>"Hey, well, not everyone would come along to the aquarium, so good for you for keeping the faith."\n\nThe two of you sit companionably for a [[little while.|cafetalk]]<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>"It was, wasn't it?" He gives a satisfied nod. "Even if it didn't all exactly go to plan."\n\nHe leans forward and nudges your foot under the table again. "We could go somewhere you like next week."\n\nYou start making plans in your head, but he's too busy eating to listen, so you have time to decide what you want to do. For now, you're [[here.|cafetalk]]<<endif>>

You start to draw a swirl to join Sebastian's design.\n\n[["Hey!"|tropicalgraff3]]

You hate surprises. And you didn't know till now that you fucking hate eels.\n\nYour chest tightens<<if $fight is true>> and it's not like the rush when you grabbed McClintock, but a squeezing,<<endif>> and your hands prickle with sweat.\n\n<<if $toy is true>>Sebastian's fishing something from his [[satchel.|eels3satchel]]<<else>>Sebastian is right up in your face but it's hard to get your [[thoughts together|eels4]]<<endif>>

Sebastian says the name you're going by right now. He touches your shoulder, lightly, as if he's a little scared of you.\n\nPart of you wants to [[carry on,|endsecurity]] show this guy who's boss. Or maybe you can [[be the bigger person.|rays3scare]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike -= 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

"Come on," he says imperiously. "There's got to be something better round here."\n\n<<display "fishchoice">>

You grab a couple of scoops of pistachio ice cream with sprinkles, and settle down at a booth next to the window, with Sebastian perched opposite.<<display "meringue">>

Sebastian yells the name you're going by right now. Then he changes tack.\n\n"You know what, fuck you! I'm not hanging out with some freak who beats people up! You want me to call security?"\n\nThat brings you back to your senses. That would not be good, not at all. Before he can yell at you again, you [[stalk out.|endsecurity]]

The clipboard has a half-completed worksheet about camouflage and natural selection: maybe it'll come in handy. It slips neatly into your backpack.\n\nTime to see [[what else|fishchoice]] there is around here.\n<<silently>>\n<<set $clipboard=true>>\n<<endsilently>>

You start to unwind the scarf, but Sebastian grabs it. "Hey! What do you think you're doing? If you don't want it, just give it back!"\n\nHe stows it carefully in his satchel.\n\n<<display "tropicalroofthrow2">>\n<<silently>><<set $seblike -=1>><<set $scarf=false>><<endsilently>>

<<replace>>Step.<<becomes>>Step. Step.<<becomes>>Step. Step. Step.\n\nAnd now you're at another stairwell with another door to hide you from prying eyes. The stairs lead to the [[roof.|tropical6]]<<endreplace>>

"Well, I hope to be a good influence."\n\nMs Brusso stops mid-flow and beams at you. "And I'm sure you will be," she says.\n\n<<display "sharkchat">>

She walks slightly lopsided and her hair is thick and greying. Her name's Ms Brusso, and she sometimes volunteers in the school library with the younger kids. She's always <<replace>>kind to you.<<becomes>>nice in that way that makes your teeth itch.<<endreplace>> She knows you.\n\nSebastian puts on a cocky expression and starts to stride towards Ms Brusso, gesturing for you to [[follow.|shark1]] But that'll get you attention. Not your style. There's a cupboard just nearby: you could [[hide|shark2]] there.

bookmark:off\nundo:off\n

She starts on about how notorious Sebastian is in this town. Maybe you should [[cut her off|shark1inno3]], though a big part of you is interested in what she has to say, and you could just [[let her talk.|shark1inno4]]

You grab a coffee and settle down at a booth next to the window, with Sebastian perched opposite. <<display "meringue">>

Even so, your sneakers squeak on the pale shiny floor.\n\nAt the top of the stairs, Sebastian inches open the fire [[door.|either("tropical5guard1","tropical5guard2")]]

<<if $kiss is 0>>He wrinkles his nose. "I'm sure there's more fun ways of sharing saliva," he says, but he carries on [[watching|eels3blet]] you as you lick salt from your fingers. A tingle goes up the back of your neck.<<else>>"Mmm, don't mind if I do," he says, and takes a huge bite.\n\nHe brushes something off your cheek and carries on [[watching|eels3blet]] you as you lick salt from your fingers. A tingle goes up the back of your neck.<<silently>><<set $food=true>><<endsilently>><<endif>>\n<<silently>><<set $seblike += 1>><<endsilently>>

Dad <<revise swim "never taught you to swim.">> <<revision swim>><<becomes>>let you in the water once, and once only. When you were a little kid you pretended to be drowning for a job but then it got a little too real and he dragged you out of the river and said he was never fucking letting you in the water again.<<endrevision>>\n\nSurrounded by these miniature rivers and oceans encased in glass, that's starting to look like a bad idea.\n\n<<display "fishchoice">>

Now McClintock and his groupies are gone, the ray pool is actually kind of pretty. The rays ripple along the sandy tank-bed, the lights playing off their mottled backs. Their pointed tails <<replace>>look barbed.<<becomes>>may look barbed, but the colourful cartoon sign says These Slithery Critters Don't Sting.<<endreplace>>\n\nSebastian dips his fingers in the water and flicks drops at you.<<if $scarf is true>> He strokes the scarf around your neck. "You can keep that, if you like," he says.<<endif>><<if $blag is true>>"You're even better at talking than I thought."<<endif>> The water feels cool on your face. You can [[flick water back|raypoolnofightdip]] if you're not afraid the rays will come nosing.\n\nMcClintock left a clipboard on the bench beside the pool. [[Slipping it into your bag|clipboard]] would only take a second.

McClintock presses his lips together in a thin line. "Whatever," he growls, and strides off to join his gaggle of hangers-on.\n\nSebastian grins and punches you lightly on the arm, and drags you [[towards the pool.|raypoolnofight]]\n<<silently>><<set $seblike += 2>><<endsilently>>

You put on an earnest aw-shucks expression and talk about how you really want to <<replace>>do well in class<<becomes>>do well in class (which is true)<<endreplace>> but you really need to <<replace>>learn more about life outside school<<becomes>>learn more about life outside school (which is not)<<endreplace>>. So you're enjoying doing this work experience placement at the aquarium with Sebastian, because it'll show you all kinds of useful things about the real world.\n\n<<display "shark1influence">>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

You're seventeen. It's dark in here.\n\nYou don't normally do stuff like skipping school. But Sebastian, this smartass who sits next to you in English, passed you a <<revise note "note.">><<revision note>><<becomes>>note.\n\nIt said: [[Let's go to the aquarium.|aquarium2]]<<endrevision>>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $kiss to 0>>\n<<set $seblike to 0>>\n<<set $talk to 0>>\n<<endsilently>>

So you've known you like guys since the job in West Virginia where you were captain of the soccer team and <<replace>>dated Melissa Holloway<<becomes>>dated Melissa Holloway, and she was OK with it because she was into Suzie Kumar.<<endreplace>>\n\n[[But.|tropicalfirstkiss2]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $kiss += 1>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

"Really," he snaps. "And you're so intelligent and erudite yourself, are you?"\n\nYou can try to [[salvage the situation|tropical5bsalvage]], or [[call this off.|tropical5bleave]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike -= 2>>\n<<endsilently>>

Ms Brusso is a soft touch for [[sob stories|shark1inno]]: you've overheard her talking with a couple of the kids in the year below about how stressed they're getting. And there's always [[fast-talking|shark1fast]] your way out of this<<if $fight is true>> - it's not like you can pick a fight like with McClintock<<endif>>. <<if $clipboard is true>>You've got McClintock's clipboard still. Maybe you could [[use it|shark1clip]] as a prop for your story.<<endif>>

Sebastian lets out a breath. "Oh, okay."\n\nHe doesn't try to make you feel bad about it - but still, the ease between you has shifted a little.\n\nYou open the cupboard door a crack. Ms Brusso is gone. The cupboard's not got anything very interesting in it, bar you and Sebastian - just a pack of marker pens you can [[pick up|shark2pens]] if you want.\n\nOr you can head straight over to the [[shark tank.|sharktank]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike -= 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

He shrugs. "OK."\n\n<<display "talkspoon">>

<<if visited("rays", "sharks", "eels", "tropical")>>Sebastian tugs you by the arm towards the [[cafe,|cafe]] claiming to be starving out of his mind.<<endif>><<once>>So you wouldn't admit it, specially not to Sebastian, but you've never actually been to an aquarium before. Why would you? Who even cares about fish? But now you're here, you may as well see what's what.<<becomes>>This is probably a small-time aquarium: no seals or penguins, just fish.<<becomes>>What kind of person skips school to go and see fish? Well, you're that kind of person now.<<becomes>>You'd like to think you're too cool to admit it, but maybe the aquarium is turning out interesting than you thought.<<endonce>>\n\n<<if not visited("rays", "sharks", "eels", "tropical")>>There's <<if not visited("sharks")>>[[sharks]], <<endif>><<if not visited("rays")>>[[rays]], <<endif>><<if not visited("eels")>>[[eels]], <<endif>><<if not visited("tropical")>>[[tropical fish|tropical]], <<endif>>and of course the cafe left to see.<<endif>>

<<replace>>It's just a matter of opening your mouth and pushing out words.<<becomes>>You can't do it. Your throat freezes up and you can't get the words [[out.|q3truthnosay2]]<<endreplace>>

<<if $kiss is 0>>"I've been wanting to do this all afternoon."\n\nSebastian kisses the side of your neck, and why the hell didn't anyone ever tell you how good that feels?\n\nYou turn to look at him and then you're kissing properly. It's the first time you've kissed <<replace>>a guy<<becomes>>anyone<<endreplace>>, but it feels good. Really good, and the sugary taste between you makes it even better. <<else>>"Mmm, don't mind if I do."\n\nSebastian kisses the side of your neck, and why the hell didn't anyone ever tell you how good that feels?\n\nYou turn to look at him and then you're kissing properly. It's different to earlier. Before, it was so fast and overwhelming, and now it's slow. But it feels good. Really good, and the sugary taste between you makes it even better.<<endif>>\n\nWhen Sebastian eventually withdraws, he looks very satisfied indeed.<<display "talkspoon">>

Sebastian pats your cheek, then strokes up into your hair, making your scalp tingle. "I can help out with that, if you'd like."\n\n[["Oh, I'd like."|talkkiss]]\n\n[["Not now, thanks."|talkspoon]]

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>"Oh my God, I can't believe how boring that is," Sebastian says. He pokes a piece of meringue, scraping his fork across the plate. "I literally cannot think of anything more boring! Did you know Ms Brusso's daughter's in jail for assault? Now. I can think of <<if $talk is 0>>[[something|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[something|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[something|talkq3]]<<endif>> much more interesting."<<endif>> <<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>Sebastian delicately nibbles a blueberry. "Well, the chemicals from the lab thing wasn't exactly smart, I'll admit it. We were going to make firecrackers, but it went a little wrong."\n\nBefore you can ask about his inappropriate conduct at parents' evening, he changes the subject to <<if $talk is 0>>[[you.|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[you.|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[you.|talkq3]]<<endif>><<endif>>\n<<if $seblike gt 9>>"Oh, man."\n\nSebastian shakes his head against your shoulder before taking a few fortifying bites of meringue.\n\n"It was Gen, she's a family friend. She was trying to break into the Principal's office ... long story. I was helping out, we got caught, and I panicked and said we had a thing going so she wouldn't get in trouble."\n\nHe gives a sharp sigh.\n\n"That was how I got kicked out of Island Pines. Anyway. I can think of <<if $talk is 0>>[[something|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[something|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[something|talkq3]]<<endif>> much more interesting to talk about."<<endif>>\n<<silently>><<set $talkbrusso=true>><<endsilently>>

He scoops the last spoonful of <<if $seblike lt 10>>his<<else>>your<<endif>> meringue<<else>> and looks about to eat it himself, but then feeds you it instead.\n\nHis plate is empty, and he stretches luxuriously, like a cat. "That was the best," he says<<if $seblike gt 6>>, and with a glance at you adds, "And the dessert was good too. Come on, let's [[go|end]]."<<else>>. "Come on, let's [[go|end]]."<<endif>>

Hannah PS

"My uncle's a pain in the ass," he says to the lionfish, scowling at its feathery fins. "Texting me all the time. Saying how it's a disgrace I got kicked out of Island Pines. How I need to get my grades up so I can get into Columbia. He's going to pay my tuition so apparently he rules my life now."\n\nHe picks a paint-flake off the wall.\n\n"Family [[sucks|tropical3btalk3]]."\n<<silently>><<set $uncle=true>><<endsilently>>

All this chatter has distracted her from the fact that you're not meant to be here. She heads on out of the shark tunnel, leaving the two of you free to get over to the [[shark tank.|sharktank]]

You stroke the scarf, showing how much you're luxuriating in the soft fabric. With a brand-new upper-crust accent, you turn to Sebastian and say, "This was such a great gift, Sebastian."\n\n<<display "raysbackdown">>

"It's OK," Sebastian says haughtily. "We're art students."\n\nThe child does not look at all convinced. You make a hasty [[retreat.|fishchoice]]

McClintock jabs backwards with his elbow. "Jesus - fuck-" he spits.\n\nYou could [[grip him by the throat,|rays3ahead]] oh, and it would be so fucking satisfying.\n\n"Hey," Sebastian says. "Hey."\n\nHe wants you to [[look at him.|rays3alook]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $fight=true>>\n<<set $seblike -= 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

It's a small child with wild hair dressed in a shiny lilac balldress over a set of dungarees, with hands placed firmly on hips.\n\n<<display "tropicalgraff4">>

<center><<display "startpic">></center>\n\nAquarium is a game about skipping school with a cute boy. It has multiple endings.\n\nTo restart, refresh your browser. You can play offline by saving this page.\n\n<center>[[Play Aquarium|aquarium]]</center>

You're both fast sprinters, and dive into a side room before anyone catches sight of you. Once everything calms down, Sebastian leads you up another set of stairs, to the [[roof.|tropical6]]

When you rub your ear, his mouth curls. "Don't tell me you're shy."\n\nNo, you're not, but <<replace>>the quiet and the people all around<<becomes>>him standing so close<<becomes>>the glimmer of his teeth<<endreplace>> makes your practiced grin come less easy. Jesus, and you've practised it in the mirror, it must be basically fifty thousand times. Time to go see what's here.\n\nTime to go [[see|fishchoice]] what's here.\n<<silently>><<set $seblike += 1>><<endsilently>>

He makes a satisfied noise and slides one hand up your neck, gripping your hair. He's leaning back against the shelf and pulls you closer by your belt loops in a proprietary kind of way.\n\nIt takes a little while for you to remember that someone might come along and find you here, but eventually you break away.\n\nYou open the cupboard door a crack. Ms Brusso is gone. The cupboard's not got much of interest in it, bar you and Sebastian, so you head straight over to the [[shark tank.|sharktank]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $kiss += 1>>\n<<set $seblike +=1>>\n<<endsilently>>

You shove McClintock backwards and he stumbles to join his friends, eager to get out of your sight.\n\n<<if $panic is true>>"Maybe you're still creeped out by those eels but, Jesus, you don't need to do that."<<endif>> Sebastian shuffles with his jacket collar and mutters something about going and seeing the fish, since that's what you're here for.\n\n<<display "raypoolfight">>

You add some swirls to Sebastian's curling multi-coloured design. He stands back and nods, admiring.\n\n"OK," he says. "I'm done."\n\nNow you can drag him out and see the [[rest of the place.|fishchoice]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $graffiti=true>>\n<<set $seblike +=1>>\n<<endsilently>>

<<if $talk is 0>>Sebastian's tucking into his dessert with relish.<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>Despite the odds, Sebastian's about halfway through the meringue and is still going strong.<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>Sebastian's nearly done: you'll need to finish up soon.<<endif>>\n\nMaybe there's things you want to ask - <<if not visited ("talkaq")>>why he wanted to go to the [[aquarium|talkaq]] of all places, <<endif>><<if ($brusso is true) and ($talkbrusso is false)>>what Ms Brusso was saying about that [[stuff|talkbrusso]] he's supposed to have done, <<endif>><<if ($uncle is true) and ($talkuncle is false)>>why his uncle's giving him such a [[hard time|talkuncle]], <<endif>><<if not visited ("talkmcclintock")>>what was up with [[McClintock|talkmcclintock]], <<endif>><<if not visited ("talkthanks")>>just saying [[thanks|talkthanks]] for looking out for you when you were in with the eel tanks, <<endif>>or maybe you're [[done with talking.|cafeeat]]

You make your legs move you out to the hallway and close your eyes and breathe.\n\nJesus, this hasn't happened <<replace>>for forever<<becomes>>since after that police officer came up all friendly and asked whether you were OK<<becomes>>for ages, and you thought you'd gotten over it<<endreplace>>.\n\nAnd for it to happen over a fucking fish. What the hell.\n\nAfter a few minutes, Sebastian pads out and [[edges over|eels3blet]] to you.

He makes the occasional movement to try to steal a fry or two, but you keep them out of his reach.\n\n<<display "eels3blet">>

You pull Sebastian over to the empty alcove beside the lionfish tank and hand him the pens. He thoughtfully taps the orange one against his chin for a second, then gets to work on some kind of fiery swirl.\n\nHe slides colours over to you - there's [[green|either("tropicalgraff","tropicalgraff2")]], [[blue|either("tropicalgraff","tropicalgraff2")]], [[red|either("tropicalgraff","tropicalgraff2")]], [[yellow|either("tropicalgraff","tropicalgraff2")]] and [[black.|either("tropicalgraff","tropicalgraff2")]]\n\nYou can [[join in|either("tropicalgraff","tropicalgraff2")]], or [[stand watch.|either("tropicalwatch","tropicalwatch2")]]\n<<silently>><<set $seblike +=2>><<endsilently>>

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Sebastian leans backwards against the ray pool grinning like a cat as you mention how you're the Boston branch of your family and hoped the locals would be more civilised.\n\nMcClintock starts to backtrack, and it's so tempting to [[go in for the kill|rays3poshmean]], but. But remember what Dad says about making friends. Maybe you should try and [[make friends|rays3bschmooze]] with this guy, as obnoxious as he is.\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

Here, the darkness isn't as oppressive, and the lights don't hurt your eyes so much. Some fish are slow-moving, like the lionfish that looks like a grumpy old lady, drifting in its tank. Some dart back and forth, the blue-red so quick it's hard to focus on their shapes: it's only colours.\n\nSebastian is drifting a little himself; he's tapping on his phone with a discontented pinched expression. [[His shoulders hunch.|tropical2]]

A group of high school kids have just come in, chattering away. As you watch, one of them leaves a fast food package on one of the benches and the smell is incredible. Food. Food will help.\n\n[[Grab it|eels3csteal]]\n\n[[Get out|eels3b]]

Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all.\n\nYou're outside now, and the sunglare makes you blink and shade your eyes.\n\nTime to get back to class.\n\n<center>[[+++]]</center>

<<if $kiss is 0>>Sebastian makes a surprised noise as you connect, but he responds enthusiastically. <<endif>>It doesn't go so well to start with, your teeth bump together and you're shaking too hard to get a proper grip on Sebastian's arms, but then he leans up and things start going a little better, and he steers you to the wall and you start to feel better.\n\nOK.\n\nSo now at least you can breathe properly.\n\nA cluster of schoolkids wander past you, giggling. Sebastian breaks off from you, wipes his mouth, and gives them the finger. He squeezes your arm. "Let's head out."\n\n<<if $kiss is 0>>It's kind of weird thinking this is the first guy you've kissed, and it wasn't what you'd call fun, but at least you're up to following him [[to the hallway.|eel3atank]]<<else>> It wasn't as fun as before, but at least you're up to following him [[to the hallway.|eel3atank]]<<endif>>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $kiss += 1>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

With a flourish Sebastian buys two meringues: half a foot tall, plus raspberries, cream, blueberries and maple syrup. Who knew aquariums served such good food?\n\nYou settle at a booth close to the window and Sebastian sits next to you, warm against your side. <<if $kiss gt 0>>Occasionally he takes your hand and lightly kisses your knuckles.<<else>>Occasionally you catch him watching you eat, his gaze flicking to your mouth.<<endif>>\n\nWhile you eat you've got time to [[talk|cafetalk]].

The door lets out an almighty creak. Down the hallway, another door starts to open.\n\nYou duck through your door and [[run.|tropical5head]]

Flat against the wall, you feel like you're in some kind of heist <<replace>>movie<<becomes>>movie, which is stupid because you and Dad had to sneak around like this when the last job went wrong<<endreplace>>. Through a glass panel in the door, a security guard sits in her chair smoking a cigarette.\n\nYou need to [[creep past.|tropical5sneak]]

You walk casually to the bench and lift the package while keeping an eye out for the students milling around.\n\nAt least you're good at this, at least, even if you're not good at keeping your cool when a fucking fish comes at you.\n\nThe smell is driving you crazy, so you duck out into the hall to [[eat.|eels3cstealeat]]

You grab a raspberry milkshake and settle down at a booth next to the window, with Sebastian perched opposite. <<display "meringue">>

Coming <<replace>>closer.<<becomes>>closer.\n\nAnd <<replace>>closer.<<becomes>>closer.\n\nSebastian's breath is <<replace>>very loud.<<becomes>>very loud.\n\n[[Stand very, very still|shark2cupboardstill]]\n\n[[Pretend you're having a tryst|shark2cupboardtryst]]\n<<endreplace>>\n<<endreplace>>\n<<endreplace>>

Ms Brusso beams at you as you brandish McClintock's clipboard and tell her all about how you're here as part of a school project on the the impact of water pollution on natural selection in aquatic life. Turns out she's got an interest in ecology and you share a few cheerful anecdotes about the aquariums you've <<replace>>visited<<becomes>>never actually visited<<endreplace>> on the West Coast.\n\nShe pats your shoulder and stage-whispers that she hopes Sebastian isn't a bad influence on you. <<display "shark1inno2">>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike += 3>>\n<<endsilently>>

<<if $kiss is 0>>You haven't been at this school long but you've heard enough gossip<<if $brusso is true>>, not to mention from Ms Brusso,<<endif>> to know Sebastian's very ... experienced. And that makes you <<replace>>hesitate<<becomes>>hesitate because, well, you're not.<<becomes>>hesitate because, well, you're not.\n\nSo you wait, and watch his face, and he's watching you too with this little smile, and, OK, you're going to need to go for it [[now.|rooffirstkiss]]<<endreplace>><<else>>It was different before: you can plan it now, moving as Sebastian turns his head. He makes a surprised, pleased noise and grabs your hoodie, pulling you <<replace>>closer<<becomes>> and kissing you back hard enough to make your lips sting.\n\nWhen he pulls back his pupils are large and dark and he licks his bottom lip, once.\n\n"That was good," he says. "Come on. Let's go see what [[else|fishchoice]] is around here."<<endreplace>><<endif>>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $kiss += 1>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

Sebastian nudges you in a companionable sort of way and gives Ms Brusso this cute little <<replace>>smile<<becomes>>distracting smile<<endreplace>>. He's given you a gap to think in: now it's time to go ahead.\n\n<<display "shark1step">>\n<<silently>><<set $seblike +=1>><<endsilently>>

You keep an ear out for anyone coming near while Sebastian creates a swirling mass of colour on the wall. He stands back to admire it.\n\n"OK," he says. "I'm done."\n\nNow you can drag him out and see the [[rest of the place.|fishchoice]]

You have to say it fast or you won't say it at all.\n\n[["Me and my dad, we move around a lot because we run con jobs. Back in Chicago it went wrong so we're hiding out here till we can move on again."|q3truthnosay]]\n\n[["This isn't my real name. My school records are fake, I've been dozens of different kids so far and I'm fucking good at what I do."|q3truthnosay]]\n\n[["You probably didn't hear about that insurance con in Seattle, but that was us. We made a lot of money off that."|q3truthnosay]]\n<<silently>><<set $truth +=1>><<endsilently>>

You dig out a handful of <<replace>>paperclips<<becomes>>paperclips (why do you even have them in your pocket?)<<endreplace>> and throw them off the railings. They drop, not entirely satisfyingly.\n\n<<display "tropicalroofthrow2">>

Sebastian sniffs and lets out a tiny cough, and then starts to shake with silent giggles.\n\nYou have to stop him laughing and giving the two of you away, either [[gently|shark2cupboardshush]] or [[less so.|shark2cupboardshutup]]

You [[wait|shark2cupboardstill3]] some more.

Backtracking, you do the rich-kid oh-it's-OK-I'm-just-messing-with-you thing, complete with shoulder pats and jostling and all that stuff. He ends up offering you his <<replace>>card<<becomes>>card (who even has cards aged seventeen)<<endreplace>> and you pocket it.\n\nMaybe you'll make use of him someday.\n\nMcClintock strides off to hang out with his gaggle of hangers-on. Sebastian watches him go with a grumpy expression.\n\n"What the hell was that?" he says. "Since when do you make friends with Island Pines shitbags?"\n\nYou start telling him about the prank calls you could do using his number and he cheers up a little, [[dragging you|raypoolnofight]] to the ray pool.\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike -= 1>>\n<<set $card=true>>\n<<set $mccharm=true>>\n<<endsilently>>

You've <<replace>>got<<becomes>>perfected<<endreplace>> this way of putting your head on one side and catching older people's eyes that really gets them, so you do it, telling her a story about how great it is to see the local attractions, especially these sharks and how mighty and awesome they are<<if visited ("rays")>>, and how pretty the rays look in the light of their pool<<endif>><<if visited ("tropical")>>, and the amazing colours of the darting tropical fish<<endif>><<if visited ("eels")>>, but probably best not to mention the eels, they're still creeping you out a bit<<endif>>.\n\nMs Brusso nods and smiles amiably and mentions how she used to take her kids here when they were little. "But it's not a day off today," she says. "The principal usually sends an email?"\n\nSebastian hovers at your shoulder, ready to [[step in|shark1sebstep]] if you need it, or maybe you've [[got this.|shark1step]]

Sebastian throws back his head and laughs. "Have you seen me in gym class?"\n\nHe holds out his hand and demonstrates an arm wrestle with you. His hand's warm but his grip isn't particularly strong.\n\n"See? I tried going to the gym a couple times, but I just wanted to go nap instead. Although," he says, touching your hand again, "maybe you could give me a few tips."\n\nYou don't know how long you'll be in this town. Maybe you shouldn't make promises. You [[change|cafetalk]] the subject.

Careful now. "My dad got in some trouble back where we were before," you say. "We had to get away quick."\n\nSebastian is immediately rapt. "What? Really? Are you in like witness protection or something? That's so exciting!"\n\nHe's so excited that he doesn't seem to need answers. Thank God, because you're not even sure what you'd say. Telling him the truth, even part of the truth, feels so weird that your breath hitches and you grip Sebastian's arm tight.\n\nYou move the conversation [[on.|cafetalk]]\n<<silently>><<set $truth +=1>><<endsilently>>

McClintock shifts a half-step backwards.\n\nJust [[one punch.|rays3asquare]] Or have you [[scared him enough?|rays3b]]

McClintock might be tall and he might be rich, but no one comes up and badmouths someone if they don't mean something to them. Sebastian's arms are folded like he <<replace>>couldn't give a shit<<becomes>>couldn't give a shit, but his grip is tight on his satchel strap<<endreplace>>.\n\nYou're wearing your usual jeans and hooded sweater, and maybe you do look a little rough. One thing about rich people, they don't like being surprised, so if you [[confounded his expectations|rays3bposh]] a little, that would rattle him. Then there's living up to his expectations just fine, putting a bit of [[the fear|rays3bintim]] in him. <<if $scarf is true>>Sebastian's scarf is warm around your neck. Maybe seeing that Sebastian gave it to you would [[ruffle McClintock|rays3bscarf]] even more.<<endif>>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $fight=false>>\n<<endsilently>>

In the silence, Sebastian hesitates, then leans his face against your cheek.\n\n"Don't worry about it," he says against your skin. "Maybe I could distract you a little."\n\nYou can't force out words right now, just a [[nod|q3truthkiss]] or a [[head-shake.|talkspoon]]

While you're keeping an eye out, a small figure dashes towards you. You nudge Sebastian and he carefully shields his artwork with his body, putting on a giant smile.\n\nIt's a small child with wild hair dressed in a shiny lilac balldress over a set of dungarees, with hands placed firmly on hips.\n\n"What," the child says, "are you doing?"\n\n<<display "tropicalgraff4">>

You can't betray yourself and your dad like that. You can't risk everything just because you're feeling gooey about this guy on a [[first date.|q3truthnosay3]]

You're a [[professional.|q3truthnosay4]]\n<<silently>><<set $endtruth=1>><<endsilently>>

[[You wait.|shark2cupboardstill2]]

You're good at listening, <<revision listening>>and mostly the visitors are moms with little kids. Telling them about fish facts and showing them pictures.\n\nListening too much to the moms <<replace>>makes you a little queasy. <<becomes>>reminds you how she used to ruffle your hair.<<endreplace>><<becomes>>but who the hell cares what they're saying? You're here and Sebastian's here and that's what matters.\n\n<<display "fishchoice">> <<endrevision>>\n\n<<revise listening "So you stop listening.">>

"You don't seem so shy to me."\n\n<<display "q3silence">>

He gives a sharp sigh and stuffs the phone back in his satchel, then levels a glare at you. "What?"\n\n<<if visited ("rays")>>Maybe seeing McClintock again got him in a grump.<<endif>><<if $brusso is true>> Maybe what Ms Brusso was saying annoyed him.<<endif>> Something's definitely up. You could [[ask|tropical3b]] or you could [[leave it.|tropical3a]]

The stairwell echoes with your footsteps and you have to <<replace>>slow<<becomes>>slow right<<becomes>>slow right [[down.|tropical5stair]]<<endreplace>>

"I know," he says. "I know what would be fun."\n\nHe points to the stairwell labelled STAFF ONLY next to the octopus tank.\n\n"Let's go up on the roof. Come on. Now."\n\nGetting caught on the roof would definitely get you the wrong kind of attention, so you could [[say no.|tropical5b]] But hey, since you're skipping school anyway maybe you could [[make the most|tropical5]] of it.

Ms Brusso's expression softens and she pats your shoulder. "It's hard when you're new," she says, and shoots a glare at Sebastian. "But this one's a bad influence, honey. You don't want to stick with him."\n\nThere's no choice but to [[agree.|shark1inno2]]

The air is cold and refreshing up here, and the sky is a strong brightness that makes your eyes water.\n\nYou and Sebastian lean over the railing and watch the cars, tiny-looking, trundling up and down the dusty road. His hand is close to yours on the railing: you can feel its warmth next to your fingers. <<if $kiss is 0>>He keeps darting looks at you like he wants to say something, then touches your hand.<<else>>Then he slides his fingertips over the back of your hand.<<endif>>\n\nYou can [[throw stuff|tropicalroofthrow]] off the roof, that's what you do when you're up high, right? Or maybe this would be a good time to [[kiss him.|tropicalroofkiss]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<set $roof=true>>\n<<endsilently>>

He kisses you back, hard, and yanks you into an alcove lit with glowing jellyfish. He hops up on the seat and pulls you against him, sliding his hand up your hoodie\n\nand then\n\n"Get a room!" squeaks a voice behind you, and you [[break apart.|tropical5bkiss3]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $kiss += 1>>\n<<set $seblike +=1>>\n<<endsilently>>

It's a small child with wild hair dressed in a shiny lilac balldress over a set of dungarees.\n\nAs the child climbs up to stare raptly at the jellyfish, Sebastian squeezes your hand and you make a hasty [[retreat.|fishchoice]]

<<if $blag is true>><<if $brusso is true>>There's a faint frown between Sebastian's eyebrows and he mutters something about Ms Brusso being full of shit about all the stuff he's supposed to have done.<<else>>Sebastian lets out a half-laugh, half-gasp and ruffles his shiny hair with his hand. "Oh my God," he says. "I thought she was going to drag us out of here! Nice work, you should be an actor or something."<<endif>>\n\nThe sharks loom in the tunnel above you, and Sebastian points out which ones are which. So much for his ditzy act in class. You follow along, savouring the rush of grifting when you're not even on a job. Dad <<replace>>will be proud<<becomes>>would be proud if there was the slightest chance you'd tell him you skipped school<<endreplace>>.\n\nSebastian touches your arm and shoulder in this fake-accidental way a few times, and waxes lyrical about how you look like butter wouldn't melt in your mouth.\n\nYou're about [[done|fishchoice]] with the sharks now.\n<<endif>><<if $hide is true>>Sebastian lets out a whooshing half-laugh, half-gasp and ruffles his shiny hair with his hand. "Oh my God," he says. "I thought we were going to get dragged out of there!<<if $panic is true>> How weird is that, you're OK with being in a tight space but eels freak you out?<<endif>>"\n\nThe sharks loom in the tunnel above you, and Sebastian points out which ones are which: he's smarter than he sometmes acts. You follow along, savouring the rush of hiding when you're not even on a job. Dad <<replace>>will be proud<<becomes>>would be proud if there was the slightest chance you'd tell him you skipped school<<endreplace>>.\n\nSebastian touches your arm in this fake-accidental way a few times - and, once, slings his arm over your shoulder which would come across as casual if he wasn't shorter than you.\n\nYou're about [[done|fishchoice]] with the sharks now.\n<<endif>>

<<if $seblike lt 1>>He doesn't speak to you in the queue, just drums his fingers along the countertop. He's eyeing a meringue behind the glass, but then stops.\n\n<<if $scarf is true>>He unwinds his scarf from around your neck and stuffs it in his satchel.<<endif>> "Hey, you know what, I'm going," he says. Then, with a malicious glint in his eye: "The others said you were too boring to be a jerk, but I'll have to tell them they were wrong."\n\nHe strides out of the cafe and disappears.\n\n[[+++]]<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 0) and ($seblike lt 3)>>There's a bit of an awkward silence in the queue, but Sebastian is busy eyeing a meringue behind the glass countertop. Then he checks his phone. "Oh, shit," he says. "I've got to get to a thing. Hey, but see you in class, OK?"\n\n<<if $scarf is true>>He unwinds his scarf from around your neck and stuffs it in his satchel<<if $kiss gt 0>>, before kissing you quickly on the side of your mouth.<<else>>, before patting your arm. <<endif>><<endif>><<if $kiss gt 0>>He kisses you quickly on the side of your mouth.<<else>>He pats your arm.<<endif>> Then he strides out of the cafe and disappears.\n\n[[+++]]<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>As you wait for the queue, Sebastian greedily eyes a tall meringue.<<if $food is true>> "I know I've eaten," he says, "but I cannot stand not having dessert."<<endif>>\n\nYou don't have the cash for a proper dessert, but there's [[coffee|cafecoffee]] and [[milkshake.|cafemilkshake]]<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>Sebastian keeps giving you looks as you wait in the queue, though he gets distracted by a tall meringue behind the counter glass.<<if $food is true>> "I know I've eaten," he says, "but I cannot stand not having dessert."<<endif>>\n\nYou don't have the cash for a proper dessert, but there's [[coffee|cafecoffee]] and [[milkshake.|cafemilkshake]] You're about to order when Sebastian says, "I can pay for [[ice cream]], if you want."<<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>>He links his arm with yours and leans close while you wait in the queue. Though he's paying you a lot of attention, he's also eyeing the food behind the glass counter.\n\n<<if $food is true>>"I know I've eaten," he says, barging in front of you before you can open your mouth to order, "but I can't stand not having dessert. I'll buy. [[My treat|treat]] to you."<<else>>"I'll buy," he says, barging in front of you before you can open your mouth to order, "[[My treat|treat]] to you."<<endif>><<endif>>

You shove McClintock backwards by the shoulders and he stumbles, his gaze darting from side to side like he can't believe this is even happening.\n\nSebastian hovers at your shoulder. "Yeah, I guess I am roughing it," he says. "But it's better than sex under the bleachers, right?"\n\nMcClintock flushes and backs away, back to his buddies by the ray pool. There's a hubbub of conversation and they scoot out.\n\nSebastian lets out a whooshing breath. "I can't believe that even happened. What the hell are you on?"\n\nBut he's not scared, he's admiring, and he grips your arm tight as he pulls you [[to the pool.|raypoolfight]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $fight=true>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

"Oh, man."\n\nSebastian's quiet for a while, carrying on drawing patterns on his plate.\n\n"Tell you what, you can come over to mine and meet my mom. She's awesome. She's got this thing where she makes really bad jokes, it's where I get them from!"\n\nHe starts giving you examples, clearly wanting to cheer you up.\n\nAnd you smile and you even laugh, but him trying makes you feel heavy in your chest for lying. For lying to him when he's trusted you, and for telling such bullshit about your mom.\n\nWhat's up with you? You never feel like this. You move [[on.|cafetalk]]

The room of eels is lined with floor-to-ceiling tanks. It's darker here, with fewer of those amber lights: just the occasional dot in the ceiling.\n\nMost of the light comes from the tanks themselves, from their lids.\n\nSebastian wanders to look at the moray eels and you squint into the [[dark tank.|eels2]]

Clustered around the ray pool stand a bunch of kids your age from Island Pines private school. They're in bottle-green uniforms and bear clipboards. Their voices ring out loud and arrogant, <<replace>>sounding like money<<becomes>>making your fingertips itch<<becomes>>but you're not running a job, not this time<<endreplace>>.\n\nSebastian prods your arm. "They're boring," he says. "Don't bother with them. Come on. Let's go somewhere else."\n\n[[But there's something in his eye that makes you wonder.|rays2]]

<<if $endtruth is 1>>On autopilot, you get your backpack and head out with Sebastian close at your side. You try not to think about what just happened. You're good at not thinking, when you want to be. <<endif>><<if ($endtruth is 0) and ($truth gt 0)>>You get your things and head out with Sebastian at your side. Part of you wonders what would have happened if you'd told him the whole truth. But you try not to think about that. You're good at not thinking, when you want to be. <<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>Sebastian links arms with you as you head out into the bright afternoon. He's planning some kind of party soon, and the invitation to go hangs in the air between you.\n\nMaybe you'll go. Maybe you won't. Whatever you decide, Sebastian talks to you for all the walk back to school.<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>> Sebastian slides his arm around your waist as you head out into the bright afternoon. He's planning a party, and is insisting you come along.\n\nMaybe you'll go. Maybe you won't. Whatever you decide, Sebastian walks close beside you for all the walk back to school.<<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>> Sebastian slides his arm around your waist as you head out into the bright afternoon, walking carefully in rhythm with you. He's quiet, but occasionally leans against your shoulder.\n\nHe invites you over to his house this weekend, while his parents will be out at a dinner. "Please come along," he says. "I'd really like it."\n\nMaybe you'll go. Maybe you won't. <<if $endtruth is 1>>Maybe it's not such a good idea.<<endif>> Whatever you decide, Sebastian is warm against your side for all the walk back to school.<<endif>>\n\n<center>[[+++]]</center>\n<<silently>><<set $datecomplete=true>><<endsilently>>

Under your breath you whisper unfunny facts you picked up in the last town about motor vehicle repair, going over each of the different special equipment needed for each operation, and slowly Sebastian calms down.\n\nThe footsteps <<replace>>pause<<becomes>>pause, but then swiftly die away.\n\nYou open the cupboard door a crack. Ms Brusso is gone. The cupboard's not got anything very interesting in it, bar you and Sebastian - just a pack of marker pens you can [[pick up|shark2pens]] if you want.\n\nOr you can head straight over to the [[shark tank.|sharktank]]\n<<endreplace>><<silently>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

Sebastian polishes off his meringue with gusto, stands, and gestures to the door. "Let's [[go|end]]."

"Well, you can always enjoy yourself while you're here."\n\n<<display "q3silence">>

He's taller than you, but you're in possession of a death stare that could fell an elephant.\n\n<<replace>>You're good at messing with people.<<becomes>>You've had a lot of practice at this.<<becomes>>Dad says you've got the knack for pushing people's buttons, and if he says something, it's true.<<endreplace>>\n\nHands on your belt, glare in place.\n\n[["Excuse me?"|rays3bintim2]]

You've talked like that, for jobs, but you can't imagine actually thinking it. It's just you and Dad: you're a team. In this town, you get on, so you murmur about how your dad's pretty cool, really.\n\nSebastian doesn't seem to want a reply anyway. You could try to [[distract|tropical3btalkdist]] him. Or you could just act like [[usual.|tropical4]]

Maybe this whole skipping school thing is too much effort for you, or maybe Sebastian just isn't the type you want to hang out with.\n\nOutside, the sunglare makes you blink. Time to get back to class.\n\n<center>[[+++]]</center>

You fish the clipboard from your backpack and throw the papers down in a fluttering pile. <<display "tropicalroofthrow2">>\n<<silently>><<set $clipboard=false>><<endsilently>>

Sebastian nods enthusiastically. "It's good having your folks near.<<if $uncle is true>> I know I said family sucks, but that's not really right.<<endif>>"\n\nHe starts on a story about his cousins and how one of them got stuck up a tree, and you chip in with a <<replace>>story<<becomes>>made-up story<<endreplace>> about your <<replace>>cousin<<becomes>>cousin who doesn't exist<<endreplace>> climbing through a hedge and getting her hair stuck.\n\nThere's a pause and usually it wouldn't be awkward, because you'd be thinking one step ahead to carry on the conversation, but. As you lied you got a twist of guilt in your stomach.\n\nThat never happens.\n\nYou move the conversation [[on.|cafetalk]]

<<if $kiss is 0>>"I thought you'd never ask."\n\nSebastian leans across the table and runs his fingers over your hair before kissing you.\n\nIt's the first time you've kissed <<replace>>a guy<<becomes>>anyone<<endreplace>>, but it feels good. Really good, and the sugary taste between you makes it even better.<<else>>"Mmm, don't mind if I do."\n\nSebastian leans across the table and runs his fingers over your hair before kissing you.\n\nIt's different to earlier. Before, it was so fast and overwhelming, and now it's slow. But it feels good. Really good, and the sugary taste between you makes it even better.<<endif>>\n\nWhen Sebastian eventually withdraws, he looks very satisfied indeed.<<display "talkspoon">>

Sebastian snorts and grabs the wooden lionfish from you, glancing up and down before slipping it into his pocket. "That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard," he announces, but he looks a little more cheerful.\n\n<<display "tropical4">>

The pack of marker pens is satisfying to throw. There they go: orange, green, red - and then Sebastian has a go with blue, yellow, and black. You can throw further than him.\n\n<<display "tropicalroofthrow2">>\n<<silently>><<set $pens=false>><<endsilently>>

He raises his eyebrows and clearly hasn't bought it, but shrugs. "See, you're mysterious. That's what I like about you. You're not all heart-on-a-sleeve like me."\n\nHe must have noticed you looking at him, because he spreads his hands.\n\n"What? I'm an open book, nothing to hide. Go on, you can ask me [[whatever|cafetalk]] you like."

"She, well, actually she died."\n\nSebastian's eyes widen and he links his arm through yours.\n\n"When I was little. Four. So I don't really remember her much. So it's just me and my dad, and we back each other up. We're a <<replace>>t--"<<becomes>>team. Yeah. A team."<<endreplace>>\n\nYour throat feels thick in a way it hasn't forever. Dad would not like you talking like this, but somehow it feels a relief, opening up a little.\n\nBut it's dangerous, as well. You need to steer this in another [[direction|cafetalk]] before you say something you'll regret.\n<<silently>><<set $truth +=1>><<endsilently>>

Sebastian picks up a piece of gravel and with an overhead throw, pitches it over the railing. It doesn't go far, but he grins anyway.\n\nHe nudges you. "Thanks for coming up here. Let's go see [[what else|fishchoice]] is around."\n<<silently>><<set $seblike += 1>><<endsilently>>

<<if $kiss is 0>>Being this close in such a confined space feels <<replace>>awkward<<becomes>>awkward but distracting at the same time<<endreplace>>, and when you whisper your plan Sebastian snorts a tiny laugh.\n\nIt's so dark you can't see anything, but you kiss the back of your hand while Sebastian makes overly dramatic shuffling noises against the shelf. For a second the footsteps <<replace>>pause<<becomes>>pause, but then swiftly tap away. Maybe Ms Brusso will go and grab security, but at least you're safe for now.\n\nYou're about to move when Sebastian grabs the folds of your hoodie and murmurs in a knowingly cheesy tone, "You know, we could make that a real kiss. If you wanted."\n\nAnd you don't normally do this kind of thing, and maybe you [[shouldn't|shark2nomakeout]], but he does smell [[good|shark2makeout]] and it probably wouldn't hurt...\n<<endreplace>><<else>>When you whisper your plan Sebastian snorts a tiny laugh and whispers, "It doesn't have to be fake, though, does it?"\n\nWell, [[maybe it doesn't|shark2trystb]], although maybe you should [[stay focused.|shark2trystc]]<<endif>>

<<if ($seblike gt 2) and ($seblike lt 7)>>"That was great," Sebastian says dreamily. <<if ($fight is false) and ($mccharm is false)>>"I could see him put in his place like that any day of the week.<<endif>><<if ($fight is false) and ($mccharm is true)>>"I'm just hoping you prank call him a lot, because believe me, he's not someone you want to make friends with.<<endif>><<if $fight is true>>"I could see him being punched any day of the week.<<endif>> We were going out for a bit. But then I left Island Pines and he spread around a bunch of shit about me."\n\nHe shoots you a grin.\n\n"Not," he says, "that I didn't give as good as I got. Oh, and I was <<if $talk is 0>>[[wondering|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[wondering|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[wondering|talkq3]]<<endif>>..."<<endif>><<if ($seblike gt 6) and ($seblike lt 10)>>Sebastian leans back in his seat and basks in the memory of seeing him put in his place. "You," he says, pointing at you with his spoon for emphasis, "are something else. <<if $fight is true>>I couldn't believe it when you just grabbed him like that!"<<endif>><<if ($fight is false) and ($mccharm is false)>>I couldn't believe you scaring him like that!"<<endif>><<if ($fight is false) and ($mccharm is true)>>I'm just hoping you prank call him a lot, because believe me, he's not someone you want to make friends with."<<endif>>\n\nHe takes a gulp of his milkshake. "But you are dashing," he says. "My hero! Helping out the needy against jerk exes who think they're all that."\n\nHe touches your hand. "Oh, and I was <<if $talk is 0>>[[wondering|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[wondering|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[wondering|talkq3]]<<endif>>..."<<endif>><<if $seblike gt 9>>He makes a face like he's eaten something bad, and makes up for it with a mouthful of meringue and cream.\n\n"We had a thing going, but it didn't go so well," he says. "I'm not really ... uh, I don't really do long-term stuff. I mean, I'm sure I could. But it didn't work out."\n\nHe scuffs his foot on the floor. "And then when I got kicked out of Island Pines, he spread around a lot of stuff. But hey, fame's fame, isn't it?"\n\nHis smile is rather brittle. "Oh, and I was <<if $talk is 0>>[[wondering|talkq1]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 1>>[[wondering|talkq2]]<<endif>><<if $talk is 2>>[[wondering|talkq3]]<<endif>>..."<<endif>>

"Hey, look," he says, waving the wooden lionfish. "Hi, I'm Leona the Lionfish. I am not poisonous, but venomous! My warning colours are red, black and orange! I'm not much like a lion, but can you guess why I'm called that?"\n\nConcentrating on the toy helps just a bit and you [[force|eels4]] your brain in gear.

And all the way here you were giving each other these looks, and the looks Sebastian gave you prickled the hair on your arms.\n\nAnd maybe something will happen and maybe it won't, but you've been on edge since you moved to this small Massachusetts town a few weeks ago. You need a chance to kick back.\n\nAlong the floor and the low ceiling, pinpricks of amber light <<replace>>flicker<<becomes>>send a dull ache to your temples<<endreplace>>.\n\nLow humming from the tanks and [[water]] and pumps buzzes in your chest.\n\n[[Murmurs and whispers|whisper]] from the other visitors make you grateful for the darkness.\n\nSebastian grabs your arm and points out a ridiculous cartoon sign, puffing out a laugh [[against your ear.|laugh]]

Holding onto your patience and your chatty demeanour, you brightly try to distract Sebastian by telling him about the [[other places|fishchoice]] you can go in the aquarium, and slowly, he relaxes a little.

<<if $kiss is 0>>He whispers that he's been wanting to do this all afternoon<<else>>He whispers that he's been wanting to do this since you sat down<<endif>>, and kisses the side of your neck. His breath tickles all the way up to your hairline and why, why didn't anyone ever tell you how good that felt?\n\nYou half turn and then you're kissing properly, and <<if $kiss is 0>>if it doesn't matter that it's the first time you've kissed <<replace>>a guy<<becomes>>anyone<<endreplace>><<endif>>maybe it doesn't matter that you couldn't tell him, maybe you can just get on and enjoy this moment and then you're not thinking about anything else.\n\nWhen Sebastian eventually withdraws, your mouth tastes of maple syrup and your bottom lip stings. He looks very satisfied indeed.<<display "talkspoon">>

He's not got a lot of muscle on him. You [[could take him.|rays3a]] You're meant to be lying low but you haven't had a fight in a while.\n\nOr [[rile him up|rays3b]], you know you can push people's buttons when you want. You've had enough practice.

So you've known you're into guys since the job in West Virginia where you were captain of the soccer team and <<replace>>dated Melissa Holloway<<becomes>>dated Melissa Holloway, and she was OK with it because she was more into Suzie Kumar than you.<<endreplace>>\n\n[[But.|shark2makeout2]]\n<<silently>>\n<<set $kiss += 1>>\n<<set $seblike += 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

Sebastian fiddles with a loose thread on his shirt cuff.\n\nEventually he [[talks.|tropical3btalk]]

Sebastian's phone goes off again and he mutters under his breath, stamping his actual foot. When he takes it out, his fingers slip and it clatters to the floor with the back splitting off.\n\n"Jesus fucking Christ," he snarls, gathers up the pieces, and glares at you like it's your fault.\n\n<<display "tropical4">>\n<<silently>>\n<<set $seblike -= 1>>\n<<endsilently>>

You fish McClintock's card from your pocket and cast it onto the ground below. <<display "tropicalroofthrow2">>\n<<silently>><<set $card=false>><<endsilently>>