
*comment /// temp variables and other
*temp watsonNotices true
*temp talkedOfCuttellery false

*temp sinceWhenTalk false
*temp knowsLestradeAndWatsonTalked false

*temp thanksForCase false
*temp lestradeAnnoyed false
*temp lestradeReallyAnnoyed false

*if (lestradesFlask)
	*set stillHasFlask true

*comment story starts.
*label Chapter2_Scene1



*if (chapter = 0)
	Do you have romance points with Watson
	*fake_choice
		#Yes
			*set romanceW 5
		#No
	Do you have romance points with Lestrade
	*fake_choice
		#Yes
			*set romanceL 5
		#No
	Did you accept the blanket from Lestrade
	*fake_choice
		#Yes
			*set acceptedBlanket true
		#No
			*set acceptedBlanket false
	Did you have a positive relationship with Watson
	*fake_choice
		#Yes
			*set friendshipW 90 
			*set typeOfFriendshipW "Kindred Souls"
		#No
			*set friendshipW 75
			*set typeOfFriendshipW "Partnership"
	Did Lestrade scold you about a particular incident in chapter 1?
	*fake_choice
		#Yes
			*set heardScoldingBefore true
		#No
	What is your cope?
	*fake_choice
		#eating
			*set cope "eating"
		#taking drugs
			*set cope "taking drugs"
		#gambling
			*set cope "gambling"
		#smoking
			*set cope "smoking"
		#inaction/sleeping
			*set cope "inaction"
		#berating
			*set cope "berating"
		#drinking
			*set cope "drinking"
		#taking risks
			*set cope "taking risks"
		#experimenting
			*set cope "experimenting"

	Did you have a large argument with Lestrade in chapter 2?
	*fake_choice
		#Yes
			*set arguedLCh2 true
		#No

			
	*goto Chapter2_Scene2


*set chapter 2
*comment *goto leavingCrimeScene
*comment *page_break
*comment [b]Chapter 2[/b]
*comment *line_break



*text_image chapter2.png center Chapter 2

*page_break

*comment *page_break
"Watson? What are you doing here?" you ask the familiar figure smiling above you. Your question is honest; ${j_hi} sudden appearance surprised you and caught you entirely unaware.

[i]$!{johnName}[/i].

Gazing down at your sitting frame, all lovely smile and loving gaze. 

From the first moment you met—from the first word—the smile ${j_he} gave you was remarkably true. That first meeting when ${j_hi} hand held yours as if ${j_he} was afraid to let go. 

You held ${j_hi} interest.

And, astonishingly, ${j_he} held yours in return.

From that meeting on, a companionship was born based on a shared interest in things more interesting than the ordinary—

*fake_choice
	#which grew into a great friendship.
		*set typeOfFriendshipW "Friendship"
		*label introJW
		Two people searching for something in this world capable of inducing that sharpening of senses, leaning close to the source and smelling the evidence. 

		Of being curious in a predictable world.

		$!{j_he} said politely you were strange, 'unusual'. [i]Different[/i]. And yet, ${j_he} did not meet you with cruel mocking glee or even fawning. $!{j_he} was an impressed individual asking questions. Asking the [i]right[/i] questions. Telling you off, keeping you on your toes. Appreciating flaws and kindly accepting your methods.

		$!{j_he} treats you like family—no. Better than family—

		Ever since that one time, that cold night, two years ago. When ${j_he} woke in a cold sweat feverish from terrors of a troubled past and first told you of ${j_hi} torment. Dreams unlike dreams—flashes filled with despair echoing in ${j_hi} mind. And over a cup of warmed honeyed milk, ${j_he} spilt secrets ${j_he} dare not tell a soul, and you told ${j_him} what ${j_he} always knew. That you would never betray ${j_hi} confidence. 

		Then, once the night grew deeper, and warmth from drink and company melted walls, you told ${j_him} of your own secrets and troubles.

		Since that day, you have been inseparable.

	*if (johnAttracted) #which blossomed into an unbreakable bond between kindred souls.
		*set typeOfFriendshipW "Kindred Souls"
		*set romanceW + 1
		*goto introJW
	#which grew into a great friendship, but I tell Watson it is merely a companionship of 'adequate purpose'.
		*set typeOfFriendshipW "Friendship Tsundere MC"
		*goto introJW
	*if (johnAttracted) #which blossomed into an unbreakable bond between kindred souls... though I would never say such things out-loud.
		*set typeOfFriendshipW "Kindred Souls Tsundere MC"
		*set romanceW + 1
		*goto introJW
	#which became a "friendship", a partnership, as a matter of convenience. $!{johnName} is useful and tolerable company, that is all...
		*set typeOfFriendshipW "Partnership"
		*set friendshipW - 15
		Two people searching for something in this world capable of inducing that sharpening of senses, leaning close to the source and smelling the evidence. 

		Of being curious in a predictable world.

		$!{j_he} said politely you were strange, 'unusual'. [i]Different[/i]. And yet, ${j_he} did not meet you with cruel mocking glee or even fawning. $!{j_he} was an impressed individual asking questions. Asking the [i]right[/i] questions. Telling you off, keeping you on your toes. Appreciating flaws and kindly accepting your methods.

		$!{j_he} treats you like family—no. Better than family—

		Ever since that one time, that cold night, two years ago. When ${j_he} woke in a cold sweat feverish from terrors of a troubled past and first told you of ${j_hi} torment. Dreams unlike dreams—flashes filled with despair echoing in ${j_hi} mind. And over a cup of warmed honeyed milk, ${j_he} spilt secrets ${j_he} dare not tell a soul, and you told ${j_him} what ${j_he} already knew. That you saw no reason to betray ${j_hi} confidence.

		Since then, ${j_he} follows you to every case and crisis, never leaving you to your own devices.

*page_break
The cold of your seat and the freezing air in your lungs wake you from reverie.

And you find yourself again, seated on a small stool, petrified by fatigue, barely keeping upright, and feeling miserably chilled by the remains of the rain.

What strange timing Watson has. $!{j_he} appears just as the case is...

You feel your heart sink as realisation hits.

Most days, you welcome Watson's presence. $!{j_he} always seems to inspire the most logical deductions. But the effect is unwelcome now as it makes you realise what you have known for a while.

*fake_choice
	#The case is over. 

*page_break

Not one puzzle remains, except the one of Watson catching you off guard. Which is neither interesting nor comforting. But it nags at you nonetheless. 

How come you did not even hear ${j_hi} approach? True, you may have been lost in thought. But you do not make it a habit to be completely careless.

How could Watson, of all people, startle [i]you[/i]? 

If anyone wanted to take you by surprise, the most logical conclusion would suggest it was done with purpose, even trickery—

But there is no triumph or surprise visible in Watson's eyes. They never mean harm. Those eyes of cold opaline blue, perpetually warm when you are in their view. 

$!{j_hi} gaze is as it always was, with only an added hint of worry. 

It must be [i]you[/i] that is different...

*comment *fake_choice

*comment #It must be [i]I[/i] that is different… 

*comment #I am... unlike myself...

*page_break

Maybe you are becoming ill? 

It would explain your weak mind. The chill, the fatigue, and all the heavy feelings. Perchance you could even blame this illness for the hopelessness blossoming in your chest.

You notice how Watson's mouth begins to move, yet no words pierce your comprehension.

Aha! Another clue on the side of sickness. To be sure, you ordinarily possess a brilliant understanding of the Queen's English. But now, your mind is clouded by such fog that it disorients you completely. 

*fake_choice
	#[i]Something must be wrong.[/i] Nothing else can account for it...

*page_break

With all your remaining concentration, Watson's careful syllables slowly unravel in your mind. Gradually the understanding trickles in, word for word, and you hear ${j_him} say, "There I was, in the middle of surgery, when someone hands me this." 

$!{j_he} holds forth a letter, just like the one that arrived at your door.

"While I left as soon as I could, I am no Robert Liston," Watson turns ${j_hi} head towards Lestrade—who is now guiding the handcuffed Miss Cotter into a black and barred carriage, "and it appears I am too late. A terrible shame."

You can barely make sense of a simple conversation. 

What was it you asked? 

And why did ${j_he} give that answer? Why—what were you thinking about before? The case? 

[i]Yes.[/i] The case is over. 

And what the witness said, it could not have been real, too good, too artificial—

Watson pockets the letter. "Another caught criminal, another crime solved," ${j_hi} voice is too loud in your head.

[i]But what is left without a case?[/i]

Watson casually claps ${j_hi} hands—once—in that way of ${j_his}. It signifies a celebratory finish of events, punctuated by hands meeting with a soft sound and lingering as if to caress themselves in delight. Your head throbs by the collision. 

Why is ${j_he} so [i]loud[/i], why is everything—

*fake_choice
	#I feel bad—[i]strange[/i]—and my troubled state is clear on my face
		*set sentimental %+ 10
		Your expression shows its pains. There is no reason to hide it, not to ${johnName}. 

		$!{j_he} has seen you at your worst, which you feared even your best could never make right. Instead, your friend only showed compassion and kindness. 

		$!{j_he} never scorned at the sight of you.
		
		Watson searches your expression. "Oh, I am a right fool, aren't I? Here you are, without a pressing case nor distraction... I apologise for not realising—it's [i]this[/i] again, is it not? You are unhappy."
		
	#Try as I must, I hide all emotions and troubles deep
		*set watsonNotices false
		*set sentimental %- 10
		Your mask goes up and hides every feeling. It's better to not entertain such emotions. It is better to conceal all, even from ${johnName}.

		"Wonderful, then the case was a success! Momentary contentment has been achieved—and we are all happy—splendid! What a pleasant end to such gruesome matters, don't you think? I must admit, I hurried over because I thought that perhaps... well, it does not matter now, does it? I thought perhaps you were [i]unhappy[/i], is all."

	#I don't care about what is [i]correct[/i]. Honestly, who has the energy to hide their feelings in moments of pain?
		*set proper %- 10
		Your face shows its pains. What reason is there to hide it, especially to ${johnName}? 

		$!{j_he} has seen you at your worst, which you feared even your best could never make right. And yet, ${j_he} only showed compassion and kindness.

		$!{j_he} never scorned at the sight of you.
		
		Your friend searches your expression. "Oh, what a fool I am. Here you are, without a pressing case nor distraction—I apologise for not realising—it's [i]this[/i] again, is it not? You are unhappy."

	#I ask Watson [i]politely[/i] to adjust ${j_hi} conduct to a more muted approach
		*set proper %+ 10
		"Watson, please. You are far too loud for me to-day," you say, in a tone less polite than you would have wished. Nevertheless, as your own words cause you to crinkle your eyes and forehead in pain, propriety pales into insignificance.
		
		"Oh. Yes. Yes, of course." $!{j_he} searches your expression while ${j_hi} voice is now barely more than a whisper. "You are now without a pressing case nor distraction... I apologise, I should have realised—it's [i]this[/i] again, is it not? You are unhappy."

*page_break
[i]Unhappy?[/i] 

That is an impressive understatement for how you feel about the lingering disappointment of this case. And that is [i]without[/i] accounting for the pounding headache now making itself known behind your eyes.

Of course you are unhappy. 

And while you suppose it's a bit unclear what the future holds, any excitement in your immediate future still feels like hunting for fairies. Especially when you consider the witness's story—the secret letters, assassins and hushed whispers. It's preposterous. Every word. 

And [i]oh[/i], how that thought fills you with heavy sand. It was all pretty lies. Which is heartbreaking to realise.

There is no case. It's done. Gone. 

And that disappointment is a familiar feeling...

Oh. That is why you feel this sickly way, is it not? There was never any illness or poison.

It is time once again.

Your physical state, the tired, sinking feeling—this sensation in your body, you remember now. And how often it surprises you. Perhaps it is the nature of health that when one is well, the memory of anything else becomes distant. And when one is unwell, one grieves the lack of gratitude one felt before.

*page_break

You feel foolish for having forgotten for even a moment. Of what you worried about earlier, when you approached the crime scene. 

When the energy of a case leaves, it leaves you empty. Your body sags and pains. Your mind numbs and saddens. And with that sickness, it brings stalking questions—[i]was it ever better? Was it ever good? Was any other version of life ever true?[/i] 

It takes over, and you wake a different self. A pale imitation, one half equal, another half broken.

There is no turning back now.

Soon, the restless and stalking feeling will return.

Then relief will be the only thing on your mind. 

*fake_choice
	#"Oh, Watson, I feel absolutely dreadful!"
		*set sentimental %+ 5
		*set friendshipW + 2
		—"Oh, Watson, I feel absolutely dreadful!" you say.
		
		Watson lets out a shaky breath, "When I saw the letter, I knew—I [i]knew[/i] this would end badly. I should have been faster, ${mc_name}. But, please do not fret—for I believe I might have found the cure to it all. Yes, only yesterday, I read about a procedure from the east. Now, this could be the very thing we have been searching for. A cure to your dark moods. The procedure is this, we take small, nearly painless needles and insert them into points on the body. Supposedly it can perform all sorts of miracles. From physical to psychological pain..." Your silence to the proposition does nothing to temper ${j_hi} enthusiasm. 

		"Um, well, if that is not to your liking, the inspector and I have been speaking on this and—" ${j_he} says every word with increasing optimism as if ${j_he} can actually rescue you from your inner turmoil. "There might be a case in Edinburgh that could be of interest. What do you say, fancy a work trip? Might be just the thing to cheer you up!"  
	
		*label watsonCaseTalkC2
		*fake_choice
			#Though ${j_he} tried, ${j_hi} words have absolutely no effect—Wait! Did ${j_he} say there is a case?!
			#$!{j_hi} presence and words make you feel a little bit better—Wait! There is a case?!
				*set friendshipW + 1
			#Have ${j_he} and Lestrade been talking about me?! Wait! No, I need to hear about the case first!
			#$!{j_hi} optimism is terribly annoying—Wait! A case?!
				*set friendshipW - 1

		"Watson! Tell me everything you know about this case!" you ask with loud and clear determination.

		"I—well, that there is a possible case in Edinburgh... I tried. I really did, but you know Lestrade, ${l_he} is not the most open of sorts. I would tell you more, $!{mc_name}, but..." $!{j_he} looks sheepishly at ${j_hi} sleeves, tugging at their lengths, wishing for more material to hide behind. "There isn't any more to tell. And, I might have managed to complicate matters by agreeing to not speak of this to you. But it can remain our little secret, can it not? $!{l_he} does not have to know I told you, yes?"

		Once again, you nod in response while carrying ill-defined intentions to uphold the non-verbal vow.

	#"I am perfectly alright—I have never been more all right in my life!" I lie.
		*set sentimental %- 5
		—"I am perfectly alright—I have never been more all right in my life!" you lie.

		*if (watsonNotices = false)
			*set friendshipW + 1
			"Good... I am glad, for mostly selfish reasons, really—I always find I am happy whenever you are happy." ${j_hi} white teeth appear all at once with a wide grin. 

			You were right not to tell ${j_him}. Surely your sorrows and aches would only drag ${j_him} down.

			"Oh! But would you hear of this," Watson interjects over your thoughts, "I was talking to Lestrade, and there might be a case in Edinburgh that could be of interest. What do you say, fancy a work trip? I hear it is quite beautiful this time of year."

			*goto watsonCaseTalkC2 

		*if (watsonNotices)
			*set friendshipW - 2
			"I suspect I know you all too well. It was a decent attempt, only it lacked in conviction." $!{j_hi} appearance is tinged with sadness. The low brow. The large pleading eyes. The now hesitant voice. "Oh, Sherlock, please do not lie, not to me... I will always help if I can. In fact, only yesterday, I read about a procedure from the east—this could be the very thing we have been searching for! These small, nearly painless needles are inserted into specific points on the body. Supposedly it can perform all sorts of miracles. Perhaps..." Your silence to the proposition does nothing to temper ${j_hi} dedication to solving your dark moods. 

			"—if that is not to your liking, the inspector and I have been talking. There might be a case in Edinburgh that could be of interest. What do you say, fancy a work trip? It might be just the thing to cheer you up?"  

			*goto watsonCaseTalkC2

		
	#"I'm tolerably unhappy..."
		*set proper %+ 5
		—"I'm tolerably unhappy..." you say, trying to convince yourself just as much as Watson.

		"But that's wonderful! Oh, I—without implying—I mean, it is wonderful [i]in comparison[/i]. Remember, your custom is to go into one of your black moods, which turns into some form of abuse or other. But if it will not be so now, then I am glad. For both our sakes."

		[i]Watson, ever the optimist.[/i]

		"That reminds me! Would you hear of this," Watson interjects over your thoughts, "I was talking to Lestrade, and there might be a case in Edinburgh that could be of interest. What do you say, fancy a work trip? I hear it is quite beautiful this time of year."

		*goto watsonCaseTalkC2

	#"Really, Watson, why do you have to make such a fuss!? All this pitying is terribly grating and wholly unnecessary."
		*set friendshipW - 3
		*set proper %- 5
		—"Really, Watson, why do you have to make such a fuss!? All this pitying is terribly grating and wholly unnecessary." you say.

		$!{j_hi} careful, coddling, and, honestly, confounding words are doing the opposite of making you feel better. Why remind you of your misfortunes? And does ${j_he} think so little of your state that ${j_he} must treat you as a babe? Furthermore, why continue with that insistent behaviour to nag and prod at everything until it is raw?! Insufferably irksome!

		You can handle this on your own. You always have, and you always will. Your biggest problem currently lies with that ${j_man} and ${j_hi} infuriating nature—

		Watson lets out a shaky breath, "I never meant to—you are not feeling well—that is why you are acting in this manner." $!{j_he} shakes ${j_hi} head as if to remove the negative emotions. "Hear this, only yesterday I read about a procedure from the east. This could be the very thing we have been searching for. Small, nearly painless needles are inserted into specific points on the body. Supposedly it can perform all sorts of miracles." Your silence to the proposition does nothing to temper ${j_hi} dedication to solving your dark moods. 

		"—if that is not to your liking, the inspector and I have been talking. There might be a case in Edinburgh that could be of interest. What do you say, fancy a work trip? It might be just the thing to cheer you up?"  

		*goto watsonCaseTalkC2


*label leavingCrimeScene
*page_break
[i]There might be a case...[/i]

And at that moment, you realise how the skies above you have finally cleared. And there is a waning sun peeking through the lingering clouds. And by the calmness of the scene and the chill in the air, you yield to the truth. That the case that summoned you here is indeed concluded. 

Somehow it hurts less to think that now. To leave this place behind for good.

Even so, it does not lessen how your body still aches. How your mind remains drained, and how this new frail prospect does nothing to patch the wound from disappointed hopes.

You will bleed for days.

*page_break
Now, there is only one solution that appears in your mind. Home. 

That is all that remains, to return to your comforts. Whatever excitement your mind might ache for, your body aches for the particular rest only one's own bed can give. 

*if (not (((cope = "berating") or (cope = "gambling")) or (cope = "taking risks")))
	And, you think quietly in the back of your mind, at home you can find [i]relief[/i].

*line_break

Truly, what else is there to keep you here? Unless you should talk to Lestrade before leaving... Perhaps you two can debrief about the newly concluded case? Subtly inquire about the Edinburgh prospect? 
*if (lestradesFlask)
	Return the flask?
	*goto leaveOrTalk
*elseif (friendshipL > 59) 
	Make sure ${l_he} is alright about it all?
	*goto leaveOrTalk
*elseif ((friendshipL < 45) or (bickeredL > 1)) 
	Gloat about being right?
	*goto leaveOrTalk
*else 
	Prod and pry for any enticing investigation information?
	*goto leaveOrTalk

*label leaveOrTalk
*fake_choice
	#I need to talk to Lestrade before leaving

		You tell your companion to busy ${j_himself} as you start to walk in the direction of the Inspector. As if in agreement with your order, Watson offers only a smile.

		That soft smile. $!{j_hi} demeanour. It would never be worn by a ${l_man} such as Lestrade.

		[i]Watson and Lestrade.[/i]

		Much beyond the superficial, beyond the external facades, they remain different. To their very cores. 

		One is light, all bright sunlight. The other is dark, all dreary dutiful oblivion. 
		
		The saviour of lives, the healer, and the one that flirts with death on the daily. Your frequent comparison of both is a consequence of life's statistically probable but emotionally confounding coincidences—that these two clashing characters are in your presence near constantly—if it is not one, it is the other.
		*page_break

		You met and worked with Lestrade first, years before ever setting eyes on Watson. And yet, you are much closer to ${johnName}. It was always just [i]easy[/i] with ${j_him}; from the very start. Leaving ${j_him} to ${j_hi} own devices while you go off on your own side adventures—

		There is simply never a need to worry or fuss about ${j_him}. Watson finds ways to occupy ${j_himself}. Soon ${j_he} will be chatting with some copper or passerby, making uninteresting small talk and captivating their attention entirely. Your friend is agreeable like that. Charming, good looking, patient, helpful—the little things are uncomplicated with ${j_him}. A stark contrast to Lestrade and ${l_hi} free fall of a life. Sometimes you think that the world—and luck if there is such a thing—seems to work against Lestrade. Not that ${l_he} is not capable of working against the betterment of ${l_hi} own life superbly.

		And—there is a distance found in that Lestrade still resists against you and your methods despite years of this strange acquaintance. Merely getting to the core of ${l_hi} words or just allowing your brilliant detours
		*if (friendshipL > 59)
			is like pulling teeth. Still, you try and remember when ${l_he} is ill-humoured, with an angry tone or few words, that you and ${l_he} share a bond of time and commonalities. That, in some way, you care for ${l_him}.

			And, perhaps, you sometimes wonder if ${l_hi} situation is not too far from your own. That you too cope with the predicaments of life in peculiar ways.

			*goto lestradeC2
		*elseif ((friendshipL < 43) or (bickeredL > 2))
			is like pulling at the teeth of a tiger. Though, you always bite back just as good as ${l_he}.

			But, perhaps, you sometimes wonder if ${l_hi} situation is not too far from your own. That you too cope with the predicaments of life in peculiar ways.

			*goto lestradeC2
		*else 
			is like pulling teeth.

			But, perhaps, you sometimes wonder if ${l_hi} situation is not too far from your own. That you too cope with the predicaments of life in peculiar ways.

			*goto lestradeC2


	#"Let's go."
		*goto leaveSceneWithoutL


*label lestradeC2
*page_break
Drawing near Lestrade, you see how the carriage that carried away the witness—the murderess—is now gone. Instead, still rooted by that spot, is the black-clad Inspector. Standing with ${l_hi} back turned to your approach. Despite being hidden from view, no deduction is necessary to picture the unchanging expression of ${l_hi} furrowed brow and the forward-facing glare.

$!{l_he} does not so much as stir as you get within an arm's reach. 

[i]Must be consumed by thought.[/i]

*if (lestradeMan = false)
	How to wake a lady in a daze…
*if (lestradeMan)
	How to wake a man in a daze…

*fake_choice
	#"Lestrade!"
		*set proper %- 5
		*set friendshipL - 1
		—"Lestrade!" You practically shout into ${l_hi} back. 

		"What—" $!{l_he} turns around, and you are met with pitch-black eyes. "Oh. [i]You[/i]. What is it, $!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}?"

		*goto lestrade_WhatDidYouCallMe
		
	#You purposefully shuffle your boots on the ground while clearing your throat.
		*set sentimental %- 7
		*set friendshipL + 1
		With a dramatic [i]ahem[/i], you try and alert ${l_him} of your presence. However, as that might not be enough, the scrape of your shoes against stone bricks and screaming pebbles should do the trick.

		"Huh." $!{l_he} turns around, and you are met with pitch-black eyes. "Why—what can I do for you, $!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}?"

		*label lestrade_WhatDidYouCallMe
		*fake_choice
			#"I have some things to discuss."
				*goto lestradeTalk1_C2
			#"What were you thinking so deeply about?"
				*goto thinkingAbout
			*if (lestradeMan) #"$!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}? It has been quite a while since you last called me that, [i]Mr Lestrade[/i]." 
				*set friendshipL + 2
				"$!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}? It has been quite a while since you last called me that, [i]Mr Lestrade[/i]," you say.

				"I—meant no disrespect. Merely habit." He says as his gaze meets yours with apparent sincerity. But then the corners of his lips twitch in betrayal of his eyes and confesses his amusement. "I concede to your point, [i]$!{mc_miss}[/i], I'll try not to do it again."

				These childish antics are pleasing to him—

				*fake_choice
					#Two can play at that game!
						"Oh, how kind Sir, or shall I say, [i]Police Inspector Gregory Lestrade of the CID, the seventy-third constable of[/i]—"

						"Stop—christ! I yield, cease whatever this is. I promise to never be polite—as long as you never sound like the police chief, or my father, ever again. Deal?"

						*fake_choice
							#"Deal!"
								*set friendshipL + 1
								"Deal!" you proclaim. 

								You would perhaps shake hands, but both of you quickly realise that either pair of hands have been in varying levels of closeness with, and within, death and decay. 

								Instead, you nod at one another. It will have to suffice as a pledge. 

								As quick as that, Lestrade is sufficiently finished with the silliness that just occurred and speaks up, "Well, Sherlock, I'm sure you came by for a reason. Anything the matter?"

								*fake_choice 
									#"Yes. I have some things I want to discuss."
										*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

							#"I make no such promises."
								*set bickeredL + 1
								"I make no such promises," you say. 

								He sighs, "Right. What did I expect? Well, I'm sure you came by for a reason. What was it?"

								*fake_choice 
									#"I have some things to discuss."
										*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

					#Ugh. I wish this idiot would stop this [i]joke[/i]. It's the worst annoyance of all. 
						*set bickeredL + 2
						*set timesMadL + 1
						*set friendshipL - 3
						"Just stop! Despite your usual thick-headedness, you must know how irritating you are being, yes? Cease this idiocy at once," you demand.

						*if ((friendshipL > 55) or (cope = "berating"))
							His brows rise, though he no longer looks amused, "I'm aware you can, act out, at times. Especially after cases. But I'd recommend not keeping that tone with me. Now, you came here to talk about something—speak." 
							*goto angryLestradeC2

						*elseif (((friendshipL < 43) and (bickeredL > 6)) or (timesMadL > 1))
							His brows rise, though he no longer looks amused, "You're a real bastard sometimes, but I'd recommend not keeping that tone with me. Now, you came here to talk about something—speak." 
							*label angryLestradeC2
							*fake_choice 
								#"Yes. There are some things we need to discuss."
									*goto lestradeTalk1_C2
								#"Fine, yes, I have a few questions..."
									*goto lestradeTalk1_C2
								#"Uh, right. Sorry, we need to talk."
									*set friendshipL + 1
									*goto lestradeTalk1_C2
								#"Forget this! I'm leaving."
									*goto leaveScene
								#"Go to hell." Whatever I wanted to ask Lestrade is unimportant. Watson and I are leaving. 
									*set friendshipL - 2
									*set bickeredL + 1
									*set timesMadL + 1
									*goto leaveScene

						*else
							His brows rise, though he no longer looks amused, "I'd recommend not keeping that tone with me, [i]consultant[/i]. Now, you came here to talk about something—speak." 
							*goto angryLestradeC2

					#I have no idea what has gotten into Lestrade...
						*set mcIgnorantToL + 1
						"What—what are you up to Lestrade? You are being extremely peculiar right now..."

						*if (romanceL > 0)
							"Nothing." Lestrade tilts ${l_hi} head to the side, a hint of a reddened cheek now hidden in ${l_hi} raised coat lapel. "Nothing at all. Let's move on. You came here to talk about something—so—talk."

						*if (romanceL < 1)
							"N—nothing!" Lestrade coughs in an artificial fashion. "Nothing at all. Let's move on. You came here to talk about something—so—talk."
						*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

					#"Whatever you say, Lestrade, but I have some things I need to discuss with you."
						*goto lestradeTalk1_C2



			*if (lestradeMan = false) #"$!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}? It has been quite a while since you last called me that, [i]Miss Lestrade[/i]." 
				*set friendshipL + 2
				"$!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}? It has been quite a while since you last called me that, [i]Miss Lestrade[/i]," you say.

				"I—meant no disrespect. Merely habit," she says as her gaze meets yours with apparent sincerity. But then the corners of her lips twitch in betrayal of her eyes and confesses her amusement. "I concede to your point, [i]$!{mc_miss}[/i], I'll try not to do it again."

				These childish antics are pleasing to her—

				*fake_choice
					#Two can play at that game!
						"Oh, how kind Miss, or shall I say, [i]Police Inspector Grace Lestrade of the CID, the seventy-third constable of[/i]—"

						"Stop—christ! I yield, cease whatever this is. I promise to never be polite—as long as you never sound like the police chief
						*if (not (genderMC = "woman"))
							, or my father, ever again. Deal?"
						*if (genderMC = "woman")
							, or my mother, ever again. Deal?"

						*fake_choice
							#"Deal!"
								*set friendshipL + 1
								"Deal!" You proclaim. 

								You would perhaps shake hands, but both of you quickly realise that either pair of hands have been in varying levels of closeness with, and within, death and decay. 

								Instead, you nod at one another. It will have to suffice as a pledge. 

								As quick as that, Lestrade is sufficiently finished with the silliness that just occurred and speaks up, "Well, Sherlock, I'm sure you came by for a reason. Anything the matter?"

								*fake_choice 
									#"Yes. I have some things I want to discuss."
										*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

							#"I make no such promises."
								*set bickeredL + 1
								"I make no such promises." You say. 

								She sighs, "Right. What did I expect? Well, I'm sure you came by for a reason. What was it?"

								*fake_choice 
									#"I have some things to discuss."
										*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

					#Ugh. I wish this idiot would stop this [i]joke[/i]. It's the worst annoyance of all.
						*set bickeredL + 2
						*set timesMadL + 1
						*set friendshipL - 3 
						"Just stop! Despite your usual thick-headedness, you must know how irritating you are being, yes? Cease this idiocy at once." you demand.

						*if ((friendshipL > 55) or (cope = "berating"))
							Her brows rise, though she no longer looks amused, "I'm aware you can, act out, at times. Especially after cases. But I'd recommend not keeping that tone with me. Now, you came here to talk about something—speak." 
							*goto angryLestradeFemC2

						*elseif (((friendshipL < 43) and (bickeredL > 6)) or (timesMadL > 1))
							Her brows rise, though she no longer looks amused, "You're a real bastard sometimes, but I'd recommend not keeping that tone with me. Now, you came here to talk about something—speak." 
							*label angryLestradeFemC2
							*fake_choice 
								#"Yes. There are some things we need to discuss."
									*goto lestradeTalk1_C2
								#"Fine, yes, I have a few questions..."
									*goto lestradeTalk1_C2
								#"Uh, right. Sorry, we need to talk."
									*set friendshipL + 1
									*goto lestradeTalk1_C2
								#"Forget this! I'm leaving."
									*goto leaveScene
								#"Go to hell." Whatever I wanted to ask Lestrade is unimportant. Watson and I are leaving. 
									*set friendshipL - 2
									*set bickeredL + 1
									*set timesMadL + 1
									*goto leaveScene

						*else
							Her brows rise, though she no longer looks amused, "I'd recommend not keeping that tone with me, [i]consultant[/i]. Now, you came here to talk about something—speak." 
							*goto angryLestradeFemC2

					#I have no idea what has gotten into Lestrade...
						*set mcIgnorantToL + 1
						"What—what are you up to Lestrade? You are being extremely peculiar right now..."

						*if (romanceL > 0)
							"Nothing." Lestrade tilts ${l_hi} head to the side and down, a hint of a reddened cheek, now hidden in ${l_hi} raised coat lapel. "Nothing at all. Let's move on. You came here to talk about something—so—talk."

						*if (romanceL < 1)
							"N—nothing!" Lestrade coughs in an artificial fashion. "Nothing at all. Let's move on. You came here to talk about something—so—talk."
						*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

					#"Whatever you say, Lestrade, but I have some things I need to discuss with you."
						*goto lestradeTalk1_C2
	


	#"$!{lestradeName}..." I whisper softly by ${l_hi} ear.
		*set sentimental %+ 5
		*set romanceL + 2
		*set flirtTimesL + 1
		—"$!{lestradeName}..." you whisper softly by ${l_hi} ear.
		
		The air from your lips flows, as if blowing playfully together with your word—${l_he} shudders awake as they land on ${l_hi} cheek and neck. 
		
		"Aahhh—" ${l_he} swings around, swatting at ${l_hi} ear that is now a little redder at the tips. "$!{mc_name}? Why are you... why would you do such a thing?"

		*fake_choice
			#"It's entertaining watching you squirm."
				*set obviousFlirtsL + 1
				*set romanceL + 1
				*set friendshipL - 1
				*set bickeredL + 1
				—"It's entertaining watching you squirm," you say while smiling slyly.

				"I, ah, hoped for any answer but that." $!{l_he} sighs. "For future attempts, I think I would prefer a shout or a kick to the shin. Though I suppose my preference is the opposite of what is wanted..."

				$!{l_he} runs a hand over ${l_hi} unruly hair, and despite the meagre effort, ${l_hi} appearance remains the same. "Besides experimenting with methods of arousal, you must have come here to talk about something. Speak." 

				*fake_choice 
					#"Yes. I have some things I want to discuss."
						*goto lestradeTalk1_C2
				
			#I thought I was being considerate by waking ${l_him} gently... now I feel all embarrassed...
				*set romanceL + 1
				*set mcIgnorantToL + 1
				—"I did not mean to shock you. Truly..." you avert your eyes down to the ground, where your feet and ${l_his} point firmly at one another.

				Why do you feel embarrassed—you did nothing wrong... 
				*line_break				
				[i]did you?[/i]

				"Shocked? No, no no..." $!{l_he} says while studying the readjustments of ${l_hi} own gloves. "I only hoped—not [i]hoped[/i], I thought, that is, that acting in such a way is for familiar relationships."

				$!{l_he} coughs as to shift the subject. "Never-mind. I realise you meant nothing by it. You must have come here to talk about something. Please, speak." 

				*fake_choice 
					#"I have some things I want to discuss."
						*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

			#"What were you thinking so deeply about?"
				*label thinkingAbout
				—"What were you thinking so deeply about?" you ask, ignoring ${l_hi} question.

				"Whether this case, whether we…" ${l_he} trails off, shaking ${l_hi} head. "Forget it. I'm sure you came by for a reason. What was it?"

				*fake_choice 
					#"I have some things I want to discuss."
						*goto lestradeTalk1_C2


			#There was no forethought. I just did it... why is ${l_he} acting so strange to your completely normal method of waking?
				*set mcIgnorantToL + 1
				—"I don't know," you shrug, "it woke you up, did it not?"

				A deep sigh escapes ${l_hi} grim facade, "For future attempts, I think I would prefer a shout or a kick to the shin."

				$!{l_he} runs a hand over ${l_hi} unruly hair, and despite the meagre effort, ${l_hi} appearance remains the same. "Besides experimenting with methods of arousal, you must have come here to talk about something—speak." 
				*fake_choice 
					#"Yes. I have some things I want to discuss."
						*goto lestradeTalk1_C2


	#"$!{l_sir}? Are you alright?"
		*set proper %- 5
		*set friendshipL + 2
		—"$!{l_sir}? Are you alright?" you ask.

		"Huh? Yes, I—" $!{l_he} turns around and you are met with pitch-black eyes. "What can I do for you, $!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}?"

		*goto lestrade_WhatDidYouCallMe



*label lestradeTalk1_C2


*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse *if (lestradesFlask) #"Oh—here. Your flask."
		*set friendshipL + 2
		*set stillHasFlask false
		"Oh—here. Your flask." You give Lestrade ${l_hi} flask back.

		As promised, you do not tell ${l_him} what it was used for. 
	
		Only that you washed it, which you did. Somewhat. A quick dousing of the neck and the lip of the flask by its own content.
		
		[i]But.[/i]

		"Thank you." $!{l_he} takes it and wipes it rigorously on the inside of ${l_hi} coat. Gives it a quick sniff. And seemingly, that is enough. As a pleased Lestrade puts it back in ${l_hi} pocket.

		[i]Lestrade does not know that...[/i] 

		*if (cope = "experimenting")
			You still think ${l_he} should have asked—extreme experiments are standard with you, after all.

		Note to self: Lestrade is not much more interested in hygiene than the rest of the unwashed populace. 

		[i]Or,[/i] ${l_he} simply cares [i]that much[/i] about not being without a handy pick-me-up.

		*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

	*disable_reuse #"What is this I hear about a case in Edinburgh?"
		*set toldLestradeWatsonSpilledEdCase true
		"What is this I hear about a case in Edinburgh?" you ask.
		
		"Watson talked, did ${j_he}?" A swear slips through just under ${l_hi} breath. "$!{j_he} shouldn't have—nothing is concluded. Seems promising enough, but as I told [i]${j_him}[/i], it's not ready yet. I have no right to promise anything. Nor do I know for sure that it's something that would be of sufficient calibre…"

		"What is the case, Lestrade?"

		$!{l_he} pauses a breath, reasonably to consider how much to divulge. "Highly puzzling methods, double-digit deaths. Some undeniable strange details. Probably a single individual, with brutal methods—that is [i]if[/i] the preliminary theory pans out. Don't get your hopes up." 

		$!{lestradeName} scratches at the old arm wound, over the thick clothes, like ${l_he} often does when nervous or restless. "I am still waiting on a final letter, then I can tell you if there is a case up for grabs...
		*if ((friendshipL > 60) or (romanceL > 0))
			Trust me. We'll find something, soon."
			*goto edinburgh
		*else
			"
			*goto edinburgh
		*label edinburgh
		*fake_choice
			*disable_reuse #The case is unconfirmed. That's fine! [i]fine[/i] fine, couldn't be more fine...
				*set sentimental %+ 2
				You are fine. Fine fine fine fine. 

				So the case is not secured yet. So what?!

				You are fine. 

				Totally fine—

				Just have to wait for a letter. 

				[i]Then you will be totally fine.[/i]

				"Did you say something?" Lestrade asks.

				"No! No. Nothing at all... I'm fine."

				"Oh. Good," ${l_he} responds.

				$!{l_he} bought it...
				*goto edinburgh
			*if (sinceWhenTalk = false) #"Since when did you and $!{johnName} talk?"
				*set sinceWhenTalk true
				*set proper %+ 2
				"Since when did you and $!{johnName} talk?" you ask.

				"We talk."

				"Since when?"

				"We have always talked."

				"About me?"

				Lestrade's mouth opens, then quickly closes. Wheels turning behind ${l_hi} eyes.

				[i]Is ${l_he} stalling or thinking?[/i]

				"The case in Edinburgh involves an impossible escape from a locked room, did I tell you that?" ${l_he} says.
				*label edinburghDeflection
				*fake_choice
					#"Really? Are you quite serious?!" 
						"Really? Are you quite serious?!" At the news you feel excitement coursing through your veins.

						"Yes. Very serious. But let's move on before I say too much on that case. What else did you want to ask?"

						Why do you suddenly feel like you forgot something...

						*label edinburghDeflection1
						*fake_choice
							#Wait a minute...
								Wait a minute... ${l_he} tried to trick me!

								*goto edinburghDeflection2
							#I did have something to ask about the case—
								*goto edinburgh
					#"The rooms are never really truly locked or inescapable. Well, except, remember that time a few years back?"
						*set friendshipL + 1
						"They are never really truly locked or inescapable. Well, except, remember that time a few years back?" you ask.

						"How could I forget," ${l_he} says, "that did not turn out well for the killer..."

						"Not being able to escape their secret compartments and slowly dying hidden in place. Ghastly way to go." You say remembering the past.

						"Despite never actually leaving the room—alive—I must admit I was stumped for a while...."

						"It did seem very impressive until the smell remained even after the victim's body was removed."

						At the same time, both you and Lestrade sigh at the fond memories of a case gone by. Small smiles graze your lips. 
						
						Then the inspector's posture straightens, "I believe we have had more than enough sentimentality for one day. What else did you want to ask?"

						[i]Why do you feel like you forgot something...[/i]
						*goto edinburghDeflection1


					#"No, you did not... Why tell me that now?"
						"No, you did not... Why tell me that now?" you ask.

						"No reason. None whatsoever. But let's move on before I say too much on that case. What else did you want to ask?"

						[i]Why do you feel like you forgot something...[/i]
						*goto edinburghDeflection1

					#"Hey! Stop deflecting!"
						*set friendshipL - 1
						*set knowsLestradeAndWatsonTalked true
						*label edinburghDeflection2
						"Hey! Stop deflecting!" you say in response to Lestrade's sneaky tactic.

						Lestrade appears stone-faced, but ${l_hi} voice rises in pitch, "What—What? So Watson and I talk sometimes. I couldn't recall everything that's been said. And that's the truth. I mean, we have known each other for years. The Edinburgh case came up naturally in our latest conversation."

						"And when was this [i]latest conversation[/i]?"

						"I ah, asked Watson for a consultation last week. Teach some of the new recruits about basic anatomy and first aid."

						[i]What? Why didn't you know about this?[/i]

						$!{l_hi} hand rubs the back of ${l_hi} neck while looking off to the side where Watson stands talking to another officer. "Sherlock I..." But ${l_he} appears to change ${l_hi} mind about the words just as they take form, and says, "What else did you want to ask about the Edinburgh case?"

						*goto edinburgh

			*if (sinceWhenTalk = false) #"Why the hell did you and Watson talk about me behind my back?"
				*set proper %- 2
				*set sinceWhenTalk true
				*set friendshipL - 1
				*set bickeredL + 1
				"Why the hell did you and Watson talk about me behind my back?" you ask, your tone angry and accusatory.

				"What—is it illegal for us to talk? We talk."

				"Since when?"

				"We have always talked."

				"About me?"

				$!{l_hi} mouth opens, then quickly closes. Wheels turning behind ${l_hi} eyes.

				[i]Is ${l_he} stalling? Or thinking?[/i]

				"The case in Edinburgh involves an impossible escape from a locked room, did I tell you that?" ${l_he} says.

				*goto edinburghDeflection
			*if (thanksForCase = false) #"Thank you for thinking of me for the case, $!{lestradeName}. If it pans out, I'll owe you one."
				*set friendshipL + 2
				*set thanksForCase true
				—"Thanks, $!{lestradeName}. If it pans out, I'll owe you one." you say.

				"Is that so? I'm fond of Scottish whisky." ${l_he} replies.

				*fake_choice
					#"Get me the case, and you have yourself a trade!"
						"Get me the case, and you have yourself a trade!" you say.

						$!{l_hi} lips and brow tighten in what appears to be approaching disappointment. "I am afraid a gift or bribe would be... inappropriate. I will either get you the case, or I won't. Simple as that."

						*fake_choice 
							#"Not what I meant—"
							#"I believe you were the one who—"
							#"Spoilsport—"
							#"You're being so serious—"
							#"Huh? What—"
						"Let's move on, shall we." ${l_he} interrupts, "What else did you want to ask?"
						*goto edinburgh
					#"Get me the case, and I will get you a case... of drink! [i] Did you get it[/i]? ("Pun")
						*set friendshipL + 1
						—"Get me the case, and I will get you a case... [i]of drink[/i]! [i] Did you get it[/i]? Because—it's a case, well it comes in a case...and the drink, well you can drink it... It was a well-crafted pun. You are not laughing. It's because it was too hard to grasp, no doubt... I think that is where I often fail—I make the puns too difficult for [i]normal people[/i]."

						$!{l_hi} lips open slightly, brows lift a little. The expression appears to be close to surprise. "Umm. Yes. You're probably right. Way above my head... Um, what else did you want to ask?"
						*goto edinburgh
					#"I'll think about it."
						*goto edinburgh
					#"Uh-huh, I had some other questions though—"
						*goto edinburgh
			*if (thanksForCase = false) #"Thank you for thinking of me for the case, $!{lestradeName}, you are a good friend," I say, although the word 'friend' feels... lacking. 
				*set thanksForCase true
				*set romanceL + 1
				*set friendshipL + 3
				"Thank you, $!{lestradeName}, you are a good friend," you say.

				$!{l_hi} breath stops for a moment. When it returns, only one breathless word escapes ${l_hi} lips, "Oh." 

				In truth, the word appeared more like a sound than anything tangible in your mind. [i]Oh[/i]. What does that mean? Oh, as in, are we friends? As in, are we good friends? Oh, as in, [i]only[/i] good friends? The usual and correct reply would have been 'You too' or 'It was no problem'. 

				What a vexing response...
				*line_break
				What a vexing ${l_man}.

				"Anything else you wanted to ask, ${mc_name}?" ${l_he} asks like ${l_hi} previous words had not been more complex than the case you just solved.
				*goto edinburgh

			*if (thanksForCase = false) #"Thank you for thinking of me for the case, $!{lestradeName}, you are a good friend."
				*set thanksForCase true
				*set friendshipL + 3
				"Thank you, $!{lestradeName}, you are a good friend," you say.

				$!{l_hi} breath stops for a moment. When it returns, only one breathless word escapes ${l_hi} lips, "Oh." 

				In truth, the word appeared more like a sound than anything tangible in your mind. [i]Oh[/i]. What does that mean? Oh, as in, are we [i]really[/i] good friends? As in, are we friends at all? The usual and correct reply would have been 'You too' or 'It was no problem'. 

				What a vexing response...
				*line_break
				What a vexing ${l_man}.

				"Anything else you wanted to ask, ${mc_name}?" ${l_he} asks like ${l_hi} previous words had not been more complex than the case you just solved.
				*goto edinburgh

			#"I had some questions about another topic."
				*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

	*disable_reuse #"Can we talk about the case that just concluded?"
		*temp gloatLestrade "Undefined"
		*temp gloatedLC2 false
		"Can we talk about the case that just concluded?" you ask.

		"What did you want to talk about exactly?" ${l_he} responds.
		*label lestradeTalkBoutCase
		*choice
			*if (gloatedLC2 = false) #"Lestrade, you ol' mutton shunter—you were wrong!" I say in an attempt of light provocation.
				*set gloatedLC2 true
				*set lestradeAnnoyed true
				*if (((friendshipL < 50) and (bickeredL > 3)) or (timesMadL > 0))
					*set lestradeReallyAnnoyed true

				*set bickeredL + 2

				—"Lestrade, you ol' mutton shunter, you were wrong! You had to go and tell me not to bother with the witness—[i]she was only the key to the case[/i]. Dear me, how ever are we supposed to make a proper detective of you now?"

				The inspector's eyes narrow, but ${l_hi} tone appears all the more awake. "Have I told you I despise you?" 

				*fake_choice
					#"Frequently!"
						"Frequently!"

						"Good."
					#"Yes..."
						"Yes..."

						"Good."
					#"No?"
						"No?"

						"I do. Greatly."
					#"..."
						You say nothing.

						"... Greatly. I despise you greatly."
					#"Now you have me curious, [i]how much[/i] do you despise me? A smidge, a tad, a grain's worth? Or—"
						"Now you have me curious, [i]how much[/i] do you despise me? A smidge, a tad, a grain's worth? Or—"

						"Greatly. I despise you greatly."

				*fake_choice
					#"I hit a nerve—not to worry, Lestrade. Despite your inadequacies, I would have no other copper. Only you."
						"I hit a nerve—not to worry, Lestrade. Despite your inadequacies, I would have no other copper. Only you."
						*set friendshipL + 2
						*if (romanceL > 0)
							*set romanceL + 1

						*goto gloated2
					#"Greatly, huh? Such strong feelings—I had no idea you cared so much!" I suggest slyly.
						*set bickeredL + 1
						*set romanceL + 1
						"Greatly, huh? Such strong feelings—I had no idea you cared so much!" You suggest slyly.

						*goto gloated2
					#"Ah, Lestrade. You really are an idiot." I say, in jest—except—you are not sure ${l_he} got that...
						*set mcIgnorantToL + 1 
						*set lestradeReallyAnnoyed true
						*set gloatLestrade "NotOnPurpose"
						"Ah, Lestrade. You really are an idiot." You say in jest. 

						But, ${l_he} does not laugh, instead—the inspector utters a only a short [i]hmm[/i] in return.  You also notice how ${l_he} grinds ${l_hi} teeth, how ${l_hi} jaw muscles twitch and the leather of ${l_hi} gloves creak with the tight grip. 

						looks like ${l_he} might not have gotten the humour...

						*page_break

						*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase

					#"Well, no matter. Thankfully, your opinions have never mattered to me," I say honestly.
						*set gloatLestrade "OnPurpose"
						*set bickeredL + 1
						*set timesMadL + 1
						*set friendshipL - 4

						*goto gloated1
						
					#"You really are a bore. Honestly, incompetence would have been enough." Lestrade truly is the worst.
						*set bickeredL + 2
						*set timesMadL + 1
						*set friendshipL - 5
						*set gloatLestrade "OnPurpose"
						*goto gloated1

				*label gloated1
				*set lestradeReallyAnnoyed true

				The inspector utters a short [i]hmm[/i] in return. But you notice how ${l_he} grinds ${l_hi} teeth, how the jaw muscles twitch and the leather of ${l_hi} gloves creak with the tight grip. 

				Looks like ${l_he} is bothered...

				*if (relationshipBackgroundL = "AgitatesL")
					Your feel your lips lifting in a smirk. Truly, there is nothing so pleasing as irritating the inspector into one of ${l_hi} moods.

				*page_break

				*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase

				*label gloated2
				*set lestradeReallyAnnoyed false
				*set lestradeAnnoyed false

				The inspector utters a short protesting sound in return. But you also notice how ${l_hi} ears redden at the tips and how the body is as if frozen.

				Your words do seem to have had an effect. And not one of annoyance and anger.

				*page_break

				*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase

			*if (gloatedLC2 = false) #"I was right," I gloat [b]crudely and obnoxiously[/b] on purpose.
				*set lestradeAnnoyed true
				*set gloatedLC2 true
				*if (((bickeredL > 4) and (timesMadL > 0)) or ((friendshipL < 50) and (bickeredL > 2)))
					*set lestradeReallyAnnoyed true

				*set bickeredL + 2
				*set timesMadL + 1
				*set friendshipL - 4

				*set gloatLestrade "OnPurpose"
				—"I was right, about pretty much everything, really. Miss Cotter was the key to the case—but you told me not to waste my time with the witness. And do you remember how you 'warned' me how the suspect might be about another detective? There was no other detective involved—hilarious—right? Just for clarification, I was right, and you were wrong."

				The inspector utters a short [i]hmm[/i] in return. But you notice how ${l_he} grinds ${l_hi} teeth, how the jaw muscles twitch and the leather of ${l_hi} gloves creak by the immensely tense grip. 

				Looks like ${l_he} is bothered—excellent!

				Your feel your lips lifting in a smirk. Truly, there is nothing so pleasing as irritating the inspector into one of ${l_hi} moods.

				*page_break

				*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase

			*if (gloatedLC2 = false) #"I was right," I describe my correctness and ${l_hi} errors in [i]great[/i] detail.
				*set gloatedLC2 true
				*set mcIgnorantToL + 1 
				*set lestradeAnnoyed true
				*if (((bickeredL > 4) and (timesMadL > 0)) or ((friendshipL < 50) and (bickeredL > 2)))
					*set lestradeReallyAnnoyed true

				*set bickeredL + 1
				*set timesMadL + 1
				*set friendshipL - 2

				*set gloatLestrade "NotOnPurpose"
				—"You know, Lestrade... I was right. Truly, about pretty much everything. Miss Cotter was the key to the case—but you told me not to waste my time with the witness. And do you remember how you 'warned' me how the suspect might be about another detective? There was no other detective involved—amusing—is it not?"

				The inspector utters a short [i]hmm[/i] in return. But you notice how ${l_he} grinds ${l_hi} teeth, how the jaw muscles twitch, and the leather of ${l_hi} gloves creak by the immensely tense grip. 

				What part of what you just said had ${l_him} so bothered? 

				[i]You were just stating a fact...[/i]

				*page_break

				*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase

			*disable_reuse #"Thank you for believing me about the witness lying."
				*set friendshipL + 1
				—"Thank you for believing me about the witness lying," you say.
				
				*if (lestradeAnnoyed)
					"Yeah," ${l_he} grumbles through ${l_hi} teeth, "Whatever."
					*page_break
					*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase

				"Of course, ${mc_name}," ${l_he} replies.
				*page_break
				*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase
			*disable_reuse #"I can not believe you remembered that silly plan."
				—"I can not believe you remembered that silly plan. You were not so glad of it then. I had to pester you for an hour until you agreed to participate in the scheme," you say.

				*if ((lestradeAnnoyed) and (gloatLestrade = "NotOnPurpose"))
					"Mhmm. I remember." $!{l_hi} response is short in both tone and length... ${l_he} might be mad. 

					The question is, about what?
					*page_break
					*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase

				*if ((lestradeAnnoyed) and (gloatLestrade = "OnPurpose"))
					"Mhmm. I remember." $!{l_hi} response is short in both tone and length... ${l_he} is most definitely mad. 

					He he he.
					*page_break
					*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase
				
				*if ((friendshipL > 50) or (romanceL > 0))
					"Well, we hadn't known each other for very long. Maybe..." Lestrade's pointed stare bores deep into you. "Maybe it grew on me with time."

					*page_break
					*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase


				"Well, we hadn't known each other for very long. Maybe it grew on me with time."

				*page_break

				*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase
			*disable_reuse *if (actedWithLestrade) #"Your acting was [i]terrible[/i]."
				*set friendshipL - 1
				*set bickeredL + 1
				—"Your acting was [i]terrible[/i]."
				
				$!{l_he} crosses ${l_hi} arms, "You weren't exactly stage ready yourself."

				*fake_choice
					#"I had no time to prepare!"
						"I had no time to prepare!"

						"Mhmm."
					#"I was brilliant!"
						*set friendshipL + 1
						"I was brilliant!"

						"Mhmm."
					#"... Rude..."
						*set friendshipL - 1
						*if (not (gloatLestrade = "Undefined"))
							*set lestradeAnnoyed true

							*if ((((bickeredL > 6) and (timesMadL > 0)) or ((friendshipL < 50) and (bickeredL > 4))))
								*set lestradeReallyAnnoyed true

						"... Rude..."

						"I'm rude?! Just tell me what you wanted to discuss so we can wrap this up—"
					#"Fine, [i]maybe[/i] it was not my [i]best[/i] work."
						*set friendshipL + 1
						"Fine, [i]maybe[/i] it was not my [i]best[/i] work."

						"Mhmm."

				*page_break
				*goto lestradeTalkBoutCase
				
			#"I had some questions about another topic."
				*if (lestradeReallyAnnoyed)
					*goto lestradeAngry
				*goto lestradeTalk1_C2


	#I should return to Watson and head home.
		"Wait! Sherlock..." ${l_he} interrupts your departure. Your eyes meet with two impossible dark ones; in this light, on the threshold of afternoon and eve, ${l_hi} iris and pupil are indistinguishable. Only darkness, black and burning, in your view.
		
		*fake_choice
			#The image is a shock. I look away from the intensity of ${l_hi} eyes.
				The darkness of ${l_hi} eyes feels sickly and bitter. 

				Despite ${l_him} being a common sight to you, it is too much to meet such a glare, causing you to look away. 

				Lestrade stands still and silent for many seconds until ${l_he}, undeterred by your reaction, continues ${l_hi} interruption.
			#The image is a shock. But you do not back down from the challenge you find in ${l_hi} eyes.
				*set friendshipL + 1
				The darkness of ${l_hi} eyes feels drawn and treacherous. 

				Windowglass to a blackened soul. 

				Despite ${l_him} being a common sight to you, despite being met with such a glare, you decide to hold firm. To not turn your gaze away. 

				Lestrade stands still and silent for many seconds until ${l_he}, undeterred by your reaction, continues ${l_hi} interruption.
			#I find myself drawn to the gaze—intoxicated by its depth. 
				*set romanceL + 1
				It's Lestrade... but now with eyes of mystery, of barely contained secrets and desires, of skeletons buried deep. Suddenly a thought springs newfound yearning. You feel a need, an unusual craving, to uncover and reveal fully the enigma that is your long-lasting acquaintance.

				The gaze is kept and lingers and never breaks. Breaths are held and stolen by proximity to...

				[i]What is this?[/i]

				Lestrade takes a step forward, closer. Undeterred by the frozen moment, ${l_he} continues ${l_hi} interruption but in a rare tone.
		"Do you think we did the right thing with Miss Cotter?"

		*label theRightThing
		*fake_choice 
			*hide_reuse #"What are you talking about?"
				—"What are you talking about?" you ask.

				"Sending this girl to life in prison—to hang. She had a son. She was only... Is what we did really the [i]right thing[/i], $!{mc_name}?"
				*goto theRightThing
			*hide_reuse #"Yes. The victim had a family too, Lestrade."
				*set friendshipL + 1
				—"Yes. The victim had a family too, Lestrade," you say.

				"I'm aware. It's just, I simply, I don't..." $!{l_hi} gloved hand crosses ${l_hi} face, rubbing at the tension around the eyes and brow. "No. You're right. Forget all I said."

				*page_break
				$!{l_he} digs at the left coat pocket, removing a bright nickel pocket-watch with badly soldered hinges.
				*goto hintForFutureCase

			#"Yes. We exposed the truth."
				*set friendshipL + 1
				—"Yes. We exposed the truth," you say. "That is our task. Morality and punishment are others'."

				"And that is enough for you?"
				*label theRightThing2
				*fake_choice
					#"It has to be."
						"It has to be," you say.

						"Yes." $!{l_hi} black gaze burns into yours. "I don't know why I—what's done is done." 
					#"It is."
						"It is," you say.

						"How?" $!{l_hi} black gaze burns into yours. "I apologise—I don't know why I—you're right. Forget what I said." 
					#"It is not."
						*set friendshipL + 1
						"It is not."

						"I see." $!{l_hi} black gaze burns into yours until it is torn away. "Not that it matters. I don't know why I—what's done is done." 
					#"I do not care enough to have an opinion on the subject."
						*set friendshipL - 2	
						"I do not care enough to have an opinion on the subject."

						"I see." $!{l_hi} black gaze burns into yours until it is torn away. "Make things easier, not to... care." 
				*page_break
				$!{l_he} digs at the left coat pocket, removing a bright nickel pocket-watch with badly soldered hinges.
				*goto hintForFutureCase
			#"Yes. We followed the law."
				*set friendshipL + 1	
				—"Yes. We followed the law." you say.

				"And that is enough for you?" ${l_he} replies.
				*goto theRightThing2
			#"Why would that matter? [i]You[/i] are not paid to think—"
				*set romanceL - 1
				*set friendshipL - 4	
				*set bickeredL + 1
				*set timesMadL + 1
				—"Why would that matter?" you ask. "Let me tell you a secret, Lestrade—you are a copper. Not a judge. Another worker ant in the system, hopeless to change. Stop this [i]thinking[/i]."

				"Yes, ha-ha. Very funny. I should've known better than to bring it up."

				*page_break
				$!{l_he} digs at the left coat pocket, removing a bright nickel pocket-watch with badly soldered hinges.
				*goto hintForFutureCase
			#"Morally? Perhaps not. But it's our job."
				—"Morally? Perhaps not," you say, "doing the right thing, the good thing. Or finding the truth. Sometimes the two do not always align. But, we still have a job to do."

				"And you can live with that?" ${l_he} replies.
				*fake_choice
					#"I have to."
						"I have to."

						"Yes." $!{l_hi} black gaze burns into yours. "I don't know why I—what's done is done." 
					#"I can."
						"I can."

						"How?" $!{l_hi} black gaze burns into yours. "I apologize—I don't know why I—you're right. Forget what I said." 
					#"Not always."
						*set friendshipL + 1
						"Not always."

						"I see." $!{l_hi} black gaze burns into yours until it is torn away. "Not that it matters. I don't know why I—what's done is done." 
					#"Honestly, Lestrade, I am not too invested in the subject."
						*set friendshipL -1
						"Honestly, Lestrade, I am not too invested in the subject."

						"I see." $!{l_hi} black gaze burns into yours until it is torn away. "I don't know why I, I should have known better."

		*page_break
		$!{l_he} digs at the left coat pocket, removing a bright nickel pocket-watch with soldered hinges. 
		*goto hintForFutureCase


		*label hintForFutureCase
		*set hasAnyCH2DeductionInfo true
		*if (friendshipL < 52) 
			"Off to one final call." Lestrade looks down at the timepiece, "I'll be finished here in a few minutes. You are about to take your leave, yes?" 
		*if (friendshipL > 51) 
			"Off to one final call." Lestrade looks down at the timepiece, "I'll be finished here in a few minutes, are you about to take your leave?" 

		*fake_choice
			#"I believe so."
				*set proper %+ 2
				"I believe so," you say.

				"Good."
			#"What's your final case?"
				*set sentimental %+ 2
				"What's your final case?" you ask.

				*if (friendshipL < 50) 
					"Nothing of interest."
				*if (friendshipL > 49) 
					*set hasLdeductionInfoCH2 true
					"It's far from noteworthy, a wellness check on an old lady. Simple. Boring."

					"Not a lot of chance for sport."

					"Nil."
			#I nod in affirmation.
				*set sentimental %- 2
				You nod in affirmation.

				$!{l_he} returns your nod with a twitch of a corner of ${l_hi} mouth.
			#"I suppose I have no choice..." 
				*set proper %- 2
				"I suppose I have no choice..." you say.
				
				*if (friendshipL < 50) 
					"You do not."
				*if (friendshipL > 49) 
					"I'm afraid not."

		*if (romanceL < 1) 

			*if (friendshipL < 51) 
				Lestrade closes ${l_hi} watch with a snap. "Well, then. I believe this is where we part ways, Sherlock."

				"Until the next case—" you say, one foot already turning from the conversation.

				"Yes." ${l_he} says, ${l_hi} ${lestradeVoice} voice hard around the edges, "as always."

				You turn from ${l_him} fully and leave ${l_hi} presence for the final time today.

				No sound is made behind you, painting the picture of Lestrade remaining in place and piercing you with ${l_hi} gaze as you walk away.

			*if (friendshipL > 50) 
				Lestrade closes ${l_hi} watch with a snap. "Well, then. I believe this is where we part ways, $!{mc_name}."

				"Until the next case—" you say, one foot already turning from the conversation.

				"Yes." ${l_he} says, ${l_hi} ${lestradeVoice} voice softening around the edges, "as always."

				You turn from ${l_him} fully and leave ${l_hi} presence for the final time today.

				No sound is made behind you, painting the picture of Lestrade remaining in place and piercing you with ${l_hi} gaze as you walk away.
		
		*if (romanceL > 0) 
			Lestrade closes ${l_hi} watch with a snap. "Well, then. I believe this is where we part ways, $!{mc_name}."

			"Until the next case—" you say, one foot already turning from the conversation.

			"Yes. And be—" ${l_he} says, ${l_hi} ${lestradeVoice} voice softening around the edges, "careful."

			You turn from ${l_him} fully, and leave ${l_hi} presence for the final time today.

			[i]Strange. If you did not know any better, ${l_hi} words appeared almost... caring.[/i]

			No sound is made behind you, and it paints the picture of Lestrade remaining in place and piercing you with ${l_hi} gaze as you walk away.

		*goto leaveScene

*goto leaveScene
*label lestradeAngry

You told Lestrade you wanted to discuss another topic, but instead, you are met with a hostile glare. 

*if (((romanceL > 0) and (friendshipL < 50)) and ((bickeredL > 6 ) and (timesMadL > 2)))
	And when ${l_he} speaks, it is with a harsh tone, "Why are you being so infuriatingly intolerable? I know it is not entirely a novel concept for you, but you must know? Is it–do you enjoy torturing me? Because it sure as shit feels like it! Tell me, do you provoke all that you speak to, or do only I get that [i]privilege[/i]?"

	Those dark eyes bore deep into yours, accusing you of pain—waiting on answers to questions said only to hurt.

	*goto angryAngryLestrade

*elseif (((romanceL > 0) and (bickeredL > 5)) and ((timesMadL > 1)))
	And when ${l_he} speaks, it is with a harsh tone, "Why are you being so infuriatingly intolerable? I know it's not entirely a novel concept for you, but you must be aware? This bloody [i]torture[/i] of being around you! Is it just to me, $!{mc_name}? Or did no one seriously not tell you not to provoke everyone you speak to?" 

	Those dark eyes bore deep into yours, accusing you of pain—waiting on answers to questions said only to hurt.
	 
	*goto angryAngryLestrade

*elseif (romanceL > 0)
	And when ${l_he} speaks, it is with a harsh tone, "Why are you being so intolerable? Is—is it just to me, $!{mc_name}? I know being infuriating is not an entirely novel concept for you, but you must know? It really can't be so simple that no one told you not to provoke everyone you speak to?" 

	Those dark eyes bore deep into yours, accusing you of pain—waiting on answers to questions said only to hurt.
	 
	*goto angryAngryLestrade

*elseif (friendshipL < 50)
	And when ${l_he} speaks, it is with a harsh tone, "How have you remained alive being this intolerable? Pray, tell. Did no one ever teach you, or do you simply not care?"

	Those dark eyes bore deep into yours, accusing you of pain—waiting on answers to questions said only to hurt.
	*goto angryAngryLestrade

*else
	And when ${l_he} speaks, it is with a harsh tone, "Why are you being so infuriatingly intolerable? I know it's not entirely a novel concept for you, but you must know? It really can't be so simple as that no one told you not to provoke everyone you speak to?" 

	Those dark eyes bore deep into yours, accusing you of pain—waiting on answers to questions said only to hurt.
	*goto angryAngryLestrade

*label angryAngryLestrade
*set arguedLCh2 true
*fake_choice
	*if (((friendshipL > 55) and (gloatLestrade = "NotOnPurpose")) and ((mcIgnorantToL > 1) or (romanceL > 0))) #"$!{lestradeName}... I am sorry for causing you pain. I would never knowingly do so—" I say genuinely.
		*set lestradeAnnoyed false
		*set arguedLCh2 false
		—"$!{lestradeName}..." you call ${l_hi} name in a pleading tone, "I am sorry for causing you pain, but it was unconsciously done. Truly—I would never knowingly do so. Only, sometimes, I seem to cause the most terrible upset when I have no intentions of doing so." 

		"Truly?"

		"Truly."

		*if (romanceL > 0)
			$!{l_hi} shoulders and rigid posture that were formerly tense collapse at your word. The memory of remarks and acts that upheld such anger quickly deflate and leave a ${l_man} with confusion etched on ${l_hi} brow. Then, it turns to acceptance, and ${l_hi} dark eyes turn pleasant, tender. Warm.

		*if (romanceL < 1)
			$!{l_hi} shoulders and rigid posture that were formerly tense collapse at your word. The memory of remarks and acts that upheld such anger quickly deflate and leave a ${l_man} with confusion etched on ${l_hi} brow. Then, it turns to acceptance, and ${l_hi} dark eyes turn pleasant, friendly. Warm.

		"What did you want to discuss, $!{mc_name}?" ${l_he} asks.

		*goto lestradeTalk1_C2

	#"What is this? Why are you being like this?"
		—"What is this? Why are you being like this?" you ask. 

		"For being so perceptive, you are remarkably dense." $!{l_he} sneers.

		*goto LestradeIsAngry1
	#"I would watch my tongue if I were you..."
		*set friendshipL - 3	
		*set bickeredL + 2
		—"I would watch my tongue if I were you..." you say.

		*if ((lestradeMan) or ( not (genderMC = "man"))) 
			"Or what?" $!{l_he} does not step forward, but the want is clear in the forward and downward lean of ${l_hi} body.
		*if ((lestradeMan = false) and (genderMC = "man"))
			"Or what?" $!{l_he} does not step forward, but the want is clear in the forward and upward lean of ${l_hi} upper body.

		*label LestradeIsAngry1
		The air sizzles with tension. $!{l_hi} anger is clear. And it feels all the more palpable by ${l_hi} proximity—${l_him} invading some translucent space often reserved for only you. Either sensing this or simple coincidence, ${l_he} backs away from you. 

		Instead, choosing to or merely subconscious, ${l_hi} dismay is displayed by ${l_hi} arms crossing in one swift motion. 

		"You're a wreck, moments from explosion," $!{l_he} steels ${l_hi} voice—cold and sensible. "Perhaps some reflection and time off are in order."

		*goto LestradeIsAngryExtra
	#"Yes, yes, I am abhorrent and inhuman. I have heard it all before. Feel better?" I say with sarcastic tone.
		*set bickeredL + 1
		—"Yes, yes, I am abhorrent and inhuman. I have heard it all before. Feel better?" you ask, sarcasm dripping from your lips.

		"This is not about—I don't think you realise how far you act! How uncivil and unstable you become... these last few months—"
		*goto LestradeIsAngry2
	#"Whatever has you so upset, I truly do not know..."
		—"Whatever has you so upset, I truly do not know..." you say.

		"That fact does not make [i]any[/i] of this any better. For Pete's sake—you have been acting unstable for months. I don't know what to do. Sherlock—" 
		*goto LestradeIsAngry2
	#"Why are you so mean to me, Lestrade? [i]You are hurting my feelings[/i]."
		—"Why are you so mean to me, Lestrade? [i]You are hurting my feelings[/i]." 

		"Don't. Don't make this about me and my lack of care or compassion. I never wished to—Lately, with the way you act..."
		*goto LestradeIsAngry2
	#"I do not have time for this, Lestrade."
		*set friendshipL - 2	
		*set arguedLCh2 false
		"I do not have time for this, Lestrade," you say.

		"No. You never do. Leave me, then." ${l_hi} voice now cold and strangely collected. 
		*goto leaveSceneLestradeAngry

*label LestradeIsAngry2
$!{l_he} steels ${l_hi} voice—cold and sensible. "You're a wreck, moments from explosion. Perhaps some reflection and time off are in order."

*label LestradeIsAngryExtra
*fake_choice
	#Bite back
		"One would think you're unworthy of giving such advice, no? Hypocrite is an unflattering colour, Inspector."

		"I'm the hypocrite? That's rich. Compared to some, [i]I[/i] would never let the work be compromised by my behaviour [i]compared to some[/i]. Tell me, I await, what fault are you accusing me of?"

		*fake_choice
			#Let ${l_him} have it.
				*set friendshipL - 6	
				*set bickeredL + 2
				*set timesMadL + 1
				"If you insist. It is truly elementary—all the signs are apparent on your person—the darkness under your eyes and nails, the colouring of your sclera, and in your very words. The sunken skin and the scent on your breath at times of trouble. Full-time insomniac, part-time smoker. Clinically morose, constant ill-care. [i]You[/i]—alcoholic-workaholic-has-been. Do I need to continue? No? If my behaviour is as destructive as you say, it must pale in comparison to yours. And if you truly believe it has no effect on your work, then you truly are as stupid as I tell everyone." 

				$!{l_hi} lower lip moves as if to speak, to retort the insult and the accusations—but nothing comes. Lestrade's eyes merely stare into yours. Moments linger, fingers unfolding, a strangled sound of opposition escapes ${l_hi} throat. Like a ${l_man} stabbed.

				Finally, ${l_he} speaks, "This is your opinion of me," ${l_he} says, as a statement, as the truth. "Now I know."

				$!{l_he} does not counter. There is nothing of the customary parting shot. Only unbearable glowering eye contact.

				*page_break

				"I um, I should leave," you say, one foot already turning from the conversation.

				"Yes," ${l_he} replies.

				You turn from ${l_him} fully and leave ${l_hi} presence for the final time today.

				No sound is made behind you; it paints the picture of Lestrade remaining in place, piercing you with ${l_hi} glare as you walk away.

				[i]Forget ${l_him}.[/i]

				Whatever rotted Lestrade's mood, you want no part in it. And you can not waste your time on trivialities.

				You have more important matters to attend to.

				*goto leaveScene
			#Go easy on ${l_him}.
				*set friendshipL + 2	
				*set bickeredL + 1
				Your mind quickly ranks and orders the inspectors worst offences, but before any is spoken, you decide to hurt Lestrade is not what you want. You feel yourself soften instead of mentioning the painful truths. And in the end, your words lack bark, "Oh, any and all faults, really. If you truly think your ill way of life has no effect on your work, then you truly are as stupid as I always feared." 

				"Is that all? You've gone soft—or weak." Lestrade looks at you strangely, ${l_hi} head turns in inspection, "Perhaps it is for the best."

				"Perhaps it is... and, I really should go," you say, one foot already turning from the conversation. Fleeing from the strangeness of the situation.

				*label leaveSceneLestradeNotAngry
				"Yes—of course. Be..." ${l_hi} voice still cold but softening around the edges. "Careful."

				You turn from ${l_him} fully and leave ${l_hi} presence for the final time today.

				No sound is made behind you, painting the picture of Lestrade remaining in place and piercing you with ${l_hi} gaze as you walk away.

				*goto leaveScene
			#Walk away from it all.
				*set friendshipL - 2
				"I really can not do this, Lestrade. I should leave," you say, one foot already turning from the conversation.

				"How surprising—off then. Go," ${l_hi} voice still cold but undoubtedly tired. Defeated.
				*goto leaveSceneLestradeAngry

	#Leave the scene
		*set friendshipL - 2
		"I really can not do this now, Lestrade. I have to leave," you say, one foot already turning from the conversation.

		"How surprising—off then. Go." ${l_hi} voice still cold but undoubtedly tired. Defeated.
		*goto leaveSceneLestradeAngry

	#Try and make amends—but only to keep your work.
		*set friendshipL + 2	
		*set bickeredL - 1
		You can not allow it to end this way—[i]you need this.[/i] "I am sorry. For whatever I have done to... cause you to feel this way. But believe me when I say that this work, I am better for it. I need it—and frankly, it needs me."

		"And if you are wrong?" Lestrade asks.

		"Be honest, how often am I wrong?"

		$!{lestradeName} stands silent for a moment. $!{l_hi} gloved hand crosses ${l_hi} face, rubbing at the tension around the eyes and brow. $!{l_hi} lean thin figure shifting from one foot to another. "Alright." Is all that is uttered. And for you, that is enough.

		[i]Then there is only one thing to do.[/i]

		"I really should go," you say, one foot already turning from the conversation.
		*goto leaveSceneLestradeNotAngry

	#Try and make amends—for the sake of your acquaintanceship.
		*set friendshipL + 3	
		*set bickeredL - 1
		You can not allow it to end this way. Not like this. "I am sorry. For whatever I have done to... have you to feel this way. But believe me when I say that this work, I am better for it.
		*if (romanceL < 2)
			I need it—and frankly, it needs me."
		*if (romanceL > 1)
			I need it—and frankly, you need me."

		"And if you are wrong?" Lestrade asks.

		"How often am I wrong?"

		$!{lestradeName} stands silent for a moment. $!{l_hi} gloved hand crosses ${l_hi} face, rubbing at the tension around the eyes and brow. $!{l_hi} lean thin figure shifting from one foot to another. "Alright." Is all that is uttered. And for you, that is enough.

		[i]Then there is only one thing to do.[/i]

		"I really should go," you say, one foot already turning from the conversation.
		*goto leaveSceneLestradeNotAngry


*label leaveSceneLestradeAngry
You turn from ${l_him} fully and leave ${l_hi} presence for the final time today.

No sound is made behind you, painting the picture of Lestrade remaining in place and piercing you with ${l_hi} glare as you walk away.

[i]Forget it.[/i]

Whatever rotted Lestrade's mood, you want no part in it. And you can not waste your time on trivialities.

You have more important matters to attend to.
*page_break

*label leaveScene
*page_break
You find Watson standing by the exit of the scene talking to a group of onlookers. "—And that was how Sherlock solved the case of the missing trapeze artist! Does it not make for a most amusing—oh!" $!{johnName} smiles, but ${j_hi} cheeks turn a shade redder. "There you are. Hello..." $!{j_he} laughs as ${j_hi} hand rubs at an ever flushing neck. "I—you were very much missed—and would you believe it, I reckon the whole of London knows of your exploits nowadays." 

[i]You don't say.[/i]

Your companion starts to lead you away from the small crowd, but ${j_he} turns back around to face the people as if forgetting something, "Everyone—It was lovely to meet you all—and Marie, do stop by at the clinic, we shall have you fixed right up. Do stay safe now!" Watson gives a parting wave, and the gathering of newly minted followers shout back cheers of goodbyes and gratitude. 

[i]Did you just see that young girl dab at her eyes?[/i] They couldn't have been talking for more than a few minutes?!

*page_break

"Let's go," you say.

Watson's eyes crinkle with a wide smile. "By your command, $!{mc_name}!" 
*goto leaveScene2

*label leaveSceneWithoutL
"Let's go," you say.

Watson's eyes crinkle with a wide smile. "By your command, $!{mc_name}!" 
*page_break
*set talkedOfCuttellery true

*if (friendshipW >77)
	"$!{mc_name}," Watson interjects while you two walk on the cobblestones. "I have a question... When you eat with a dessert fork, [i]or spoon[/i], do you ever imagine that the cutlery is average-sized, and it is instead you who have become the size of a giant? I do that sometimes... And the smaller the spoon, the longer the food lasts. It really should be implemented into society. There really is no reason to frown upon, little peculiarities, do you not think? And—”

	Watson continues ${j_hi} rambling monologue. $!{j_he} gets that way sometimes, same as you, [i]eager[/i], lively when inspiration strikes. When ${j_he} believes you are in need of distraction. 

	You have come to the conclusion that ${j_he} does not need your reply. Your attention appears enough.

*if ((friendshipW <78) or (typeOfFriendshipW = "Partnership"))
	"$!{mc_name}," Watson interjects while you two walk on the cobblestones. "I have a question... When you eat with a dessert fork, [i]or spoon[/i], do you ever imagine that the cutlery is average-sized, and it is instead you who have become the size of a giant? No? Me neither. I—I just like them because they are small, the food lasts longer... Yes...”

	Watson habitually rambles the most peculiar theories and thoughts. You have learnt to tune them out.

*goto leaveScene2


*label leaveScene2
*page_break
*image alley-chapter2.png center an illustration of a poor-looking alley from the 1800s.

You travel further and further from the crime scene, where the promised "interesting" case originated, and all that occurred replays in your mind.
*fake_choice
	#Maybe I am just [i]too[/i] good at solving crime?
		Would it be possible to give yourself a handicap? Make it a game where you have to solve crime without looking? 

		You could train Lestrade to describe the scenes... 

		No. Sadly. $!{l_he} would never agree to that. Shame—could have been fun. 

		But, then, you are only left with the question.

		How will you survive now?

	#I don't think anyone will ever be able to beat me... How depressing.
		For all you know, you might be unbeatable. Invincible. However, you still have to hope some criminals can put up a good struggle, but you are starting to doubt that with your recent months.

		Without hope, how are you going to survive?

	#The case of a lifetime is coming, I am sure of it.
		*set optimism + 1
		You have to have hope. Without it, there is nothing. And you have to believe that the case that will solve all your worries is right around the corner,  waiting to sweep you off your feet. 

		After that one big case, then you will surely be content forever.

		It will happen. It must. 

		Still...

	#I don't want to think about the future right now... I can't. All of it is pointless anyway.
		*set optimism - 1
		Before you can even try and consider the future, you have to mourn the past. What use is there to dream of things that might never happen. What use is there to anything?
		
		It's pointless to wish for a better future. 

		But you need to hold on to something...


*page_break
Sometimes, people need a reason for living. Something to look forward to. Mill workers have the odd Sunday; children have Christmas; the youth have love, adventure, and possibilities. What is your current reason for forging ahead?

Well... 

There is the newfound Edinburgh case.

Though, that is most certainly an uncertainty. But—

Perhaps the promise of a case is enough? Perhaps, you can pretend it is. 

[i]For a little while, just a little while longer.[/i]

*page_break

You and Watson walk on, along the crowded path away from the murder. 

"They will kill us all!" a wrinkly and unwashed man shouts into the sky. He sits on the dirty ground, staring up into the heavens, and the few cloth pieces covering him drape over him as if on a hanger. 

The man's state is clear by his demeanour and appearance. The delusions, the troubled mind. How his hands and gaze twitch with the signs of paranoia. 

${johnName} approaches the man without delay. A few coins are thrown into a patched hat. The man replies but makes little sense. He says the birds are attacking. The skies are crowded with them. They have come for revenge, for war, he warns.

You want to believe him. 

A war in the skies, sounds diverting. 

And what if he is right, you think. You, too, have seen countless birds in the sky lately. But were there more than expected at this time of year? That is harder to say.

The wrinkly man's cold ${eyeColour} eyes capture yours. Round, yellowing, glaring. What a knifelike stare. 

It is all nonsense, you remind yourself. Your tired and bored mind likes to play tricks—so you have to be careful—much like this man, you suppose. Faces may appear harmful and familiar. Limitless conclusions and pathways, strings that appear in your mind that are better left untouched.

Cold air fills your lungs with a deep inhale. You tear your gaze away from the man. 

*page_break
[i]It is all nonsense,[/i] you remind yourself.

*page_break

While walking along the cobblestone, Watson remarks that the only decent road out of the slums is returning the same way you came.

Down the same road as before.

*fake_choice
	*if (johnAttracted = false) #Thankfully, with ${johnName} next to you, the world feels safer, better.
		*set friendshipW + 3
		Walking with Watson on the same seedy streets they now appear harmless despite the darkening hour. Down the narrowing alleyways—somehow, you feel safe in the face of shouting glares. Maybe it is ${j_hi} self-assurance and confidence that give you comfort. Or perhaps it is ${j_hi} mere presence. 

		Whatever the reason, this moment, it seems an impossible thing to be without ${j_him}.

		How happy you are now that ${j_he} is always by your side.

	*if (johnAttracted) #Thankfully, with ${johnName} next to you, the world feels safer, better
		*set friendshipW + 3
		Walking with Watson on the same seedy streets, they appear harmless despite the darkening hour. Down the narrowing alleyways—somehow, you feel safe in the face of shouting glares. Maybe it is ${j_hi} self-assurance and confidence that give you comfort. Or perhaps it is your closeness. 

		Whatever the reason, this moment, it seems an impossible thing to be without ${j_him}.

		How happy you are now that ${j_he} is always by your side.

	#And now the growing shadows appear all the more threatening
		Surrounded by stares from sunken eyes. Mutters and shouts by the sick and suffering populace. The darkening hour has not softened the sight. And now your senses are terrifyingly sharpened by a lack of distraction.

		Nevertheless, you have to return home. You have to walk on. 

		Putting one foot in front of the other.

		One step at a time.

*page_break

*if (stillHasFlask)
	You and Watson walk at a brisk pace as minutes pass. $!{j_he} tries to ask you for a summation of the case, but you find few answers.

	"I think I stole Lestrade's flask..." you hear yourself admitting.

	"You did—what!"

	"—Or, well. I forgot to return it. But according to the law... I might be guilty. $!{l_he} is a copper..."

	"Sherlock. [i]Please[/i] use your words more carefully. I nearly had a heart attack. But, I am sure it will be alright. Lestrade would not be at the scene still, so turning around now would be meaningless. However, if you are truly worried, we can send it by courier once we are home. I believe I have ${l_hi} address written down in my book."

	You nod along to Watson's solution. 

	[i]It'll be fine.[/i]

	Probably?

	*goto ch2WalkingInterlude


*elseif (((romanceL > 0) or (friendshipL > 52)) and (acceptedBlanket))
	You and Watson walk at a brisk pace as minutes pass. $!{j_he} tries to ask you for a summation of the case, but you find few answers.

	"Lestrade gave me a blanket..." you remarked.

	"Oh? Any particular reason?"

	"I was cold."

	*if (((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted)) and (romanceL > 0))
		"I see..." ${j_he} says in an uncertain tone.
		*goto ch2WalkingInterlude
	*elseif (romanceL > 0)
		"I see." ${j_he} says, barely hiding a smile.
		*goto ch2WalkingInterlude
	*else
		"Sherlock—this is exactly why I told you to take the thick coat out of the closet! It's getting much too cold now, with the weather turning—" ${l_he} continues to ramble on for minutes about how to keep you warm in the coming winter.

		*goto ch2WalkingInterlude

	*goto ch2WalkingInterlude

*else
	You and Watson walk at a brisk pace as minutes pass. $!{j_he} tries to ask you for a summation of the case, but you answer with little enthusiasm. 

	The case turned out to be nothing important. 

	Why linger on the details?
	*goto ch2WalkingInterlude

*label ch2WalkingInterlude

*page_break
$!{johnName} yawns, ${j_hi} hand inadequately covering the inelegance of the action. "We are soon at the right intersection. I arranged for a driver to drive by the square in—" ${j_he} picks up ${j_hi} brass pocket watch with ${j_hi} other hand, "Six minutes, which is a spotless guess if I do say so myself. Perhaps some of your deduction prowess has started to spread, [i]eh Sherlock[/i]?" 

*fake_choice
	#"Thank you, Watson. I am in great need of a sitdown."
		*set sentimental %+ 5
		*set friendshipW + 1
	#"Well done."
		*set sentimental %- 10
		*set friendshipW + 1
	#"..."
	#"That is great... Do excuse my lack of enthusiasm. I feel horribly fatigued."
		*set proper %+ 5
		*set friendshipW + 1
	#"[i]Good for you.[/i]" 
		*set proper %- 10
		*set friendshipW - 1

*page_break

And just as promised, a carriage arrives close to six minutes later; right when you walk up to the main road. 

${johnName} greets the driver. The words appear only peripherally, feeling terribly unimportant, compared to the guarantee of a soft seat.

If you can just sit down. Take a moment to breathe in the quiet and dark solitude of the moving room—then everything will be alright. 

[i]Right?[/i]

*page_break
Wrong.

The wheels take off, the case is closed. One would think all that remains is the journey home—but it seems that will be more troublesome than you first expected. 

The body of your transportation, which had once been expensive and cared for, was now neglected. The paint is falling. The cushions are failing. And although it would be, at most, an hour—enduring the smell was trying. It constantly pestered your senses, much like boredom always does. 

To the credit of "Ol'Frank", at least his carriage lacked the distinct smell of mouldy wood panels.

But your past luck is of little relief now. The smell permeates into your every cavity, a sensation like a drip from a faucet. Both disorienting and relentless.

If you were much less aware, if you had been able to narrow your observations to only the desired targets—but it is not so. Your keen senses and intellect are as much a curse as a gift, as you are often reminded.

You need a distraction. Relief. [i]A moment of peace.[/i]

How do you divert your attention?

*page_break 

*temp backgroundDone false
*temp chattedAboutWeather false

*temp timer 60
*label carriageRideCh2

*if (timer != 60)
	*page_break

*if (timer != 60) 
	*if ((timer < 60) and (timer >= 45))
		The journey is far from over. Much time is yet to be spent on distraction. Otherwise, risk acting out in a crude and careless manner.

	*if ((timer < 45) and (timer >= 25))
		The journey is about halfway done. Time yet to be spent on distraction. Otherwise, risk acting out in a crude and careless manner.

	*if ((timer < 25) and (timer > 0))
		The journey is almost over. Still a little time is yet to be spent on distraction. Otherwise, risk acting out in a crude and careless manner.

	*if (timer <= 0)
		*if (backgroundDone = false)
			The journey is almost over. 

			And in those final moments of the outing, you find yourself staring out of the window in distraction.
			*page_break

			*goto backgroundDialogue

		The journey is over.
		*goto endOfCarriageRide

*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #Study Watson
		*set fellOntoWatson true
		*comment *set fellOntoWatsonHow ""

		*set timer - 15
		*if (johnMan)
			Your eyes trail to the other side of the carriage, where John is sitting by the large window. The light is pouring in at a low, almost sunset glow. And the golden silhouette does nothing to soften his sturdy features. The distinct nose and heavy brow. A clean-shaven, square jaw. His translucent blue eyes, almost green in the yellow light. 

			In his now glowing image, those eyes are the only part that appear gentle. At least...

			At least, they often are, when turned on you.

			*page_break
			Years ago, when you first met him, you thought he looked every inch the military man, matching his previous profession. But when you see him now, he resembles the doctor he proclaims to be. 

			Strange, you think, considering his appearance has not much changed. 
			*page_break
			And how everyone adores John— 

			For his helpfulness and civility. People simply want to be around him. And many of the opposite sex—and sometimes of the same—look at him with the telltale signs of attraction. 

			Yet, oddly enough, he never seems to reciprocate their looks or advances. He might blush, stutter, or even sweat. But, in your presence at least, he has never returned any affection or fancy.

			*fake_choice
				#My eyes trail down John's body, observing his figure and form

					In the slightly small vehicle, his legs have to fold upwards to fit. He is tall, but not very—what he is, is wide. Not by waist measurement or in an excessive way. Broad shoulders, strong neck, large hands. Wide—in the details, in his strength, in his manner of walking. 

					*if (johnAttracted)
						And gazing at his stature is gazing at a mountain. Strong, serene, steady. Because of his eyes, despite all the hard edges and handsome lines, he was soft and warm. Eyes of blue-green sea foam. Soaring skies, blue opalescent pearls. Those eyes—

					*if (johnAttracted = false)
						And gazing at his stature is gazing at a mountain. Strong, serene, steady. Because of his eyes, despite all the hard edges and handsome lines, he was soft and warm. Eyes of blue-green sea foam. Soaring skies, blue opalescent pearls. Those kind eyes—

					The wheels of your transportation hit [i]something[/i], a rock or uneven path—interrupting your daydreaming—and sending your body flying.

					You have one slow-motion moment to think a singular thought, but the thought slips your mind, as—

					*if (johnAttracted)
						Blue eyes move forward. Closing the distance. Covering you, leaning in. 

						Enough for breaths to touch.

					*if (johnAttracted = false)
						Blue eyes move forward. Closing the distance. Covering you, leaning in. 

					Pressing his forearm over your midsection and his hand on your thigh. He pushes you back towards your seat and holds you there. The other hand is on the roof and bracing. 

					His fingers dig into you on the edge of hurting. The muscles of his arm strain, pressure tight against you.

					You bounce down hard. Painfully so. However, owing to your companion's action, not as painful as your landing should have been.

					John exhales one heavy burst of air through his mouth. His eyes, with furrowed brows, look into yours. "Are you all right, $!{mc_name}?" 

					[i]Are you?[/i]
					*choice
						#"I am fine. Thank you."
							*set friendshipW + 2
							He carefully removes his arm. "No, no. I am sorry. That was... I sometimes—surely at the worst of times—react badly. My mind would not dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." 

							Watson meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, and I suspect especially to you, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry for it."

							"No harm done, [i]thanks to you[/i], Watson."  

							You could swear not even angels have smiles as bright, or saved shipwrecked sailors as relieved eyes, as what appears on ${johnName}'s face.

							"I live to serve, $!{mc_name}."

							*goto carriageRideCh2

						#"I am, and that was entirely unnecessary, Watson."
							*set friendshipW - 3
							He quickly removes his arm. "I am sorry. That was... I sometimes—surely at the worst of times—react badly. My mind would not dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." 

							Watson meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, and I suspect especially to you, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry for it. Do say you forgive me, $!{mc_name}?"

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJohn

						*if (not (genderMC = "woman")) #"I can handle myself, no need to play the hero."
							*set friendshipW - 1
							He carefully removes his arm. "I wasn't trying to—I, sometimes, surely at the worst of times—react too hasty. My mind would not dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." 

							Watson meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, and I suspect especially to you, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry for it. Do say you forgive me, $!{mc_name}?"

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJohn

						*if (genderMC = "woman") #"Simply because I'm a woman, should not lead you to act as if I'll break at every uncertainty."
							*set friendshipW - 1
							He carefully removes his arm. "I would never, I—I sometimes, surely at the worst of times—react too hasty. My mind would not dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." 

							Watson meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, and I suspect especially to you, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry for it. Do say you forgive me, $!{mc_name}?"

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJohn

						*if (johnAttracted) #"Y—Your hand, John, is still on..."
							*set romanceW + 1
							He veers from your profile to travel down to his hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of him becomes taut. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of John immediately flies off you. By his side, his fingers clench, and knuckles turn white. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							John's head drops, shaking his head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." He meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouthC2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouthC2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouthC2

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJohn

						*if (johnAttracted) #"My saviour."
							*set romanceW + 1
							He beams a bright smile. "I live to serve."

							And at that moment, you stay—until his eyes reveal some new level of understanding. John's eyes turn from yours to travel down to his hand. And at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. And with light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of him becomes taut. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of John immediately flies off you. By his side, his fingers clench, and knuckles turn white. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							John's head drops, shaking his head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." He meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouthC2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouthC2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouthC2

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJohn

						*if ((skinBlushes) and (johnAttracted)) #You blush, furiously.
							*set romanceW + 1
							You nod. Then suddenly feel how your cheeks are warming. Then there is John's hand and arm, which, even through layers of fabric, seemingly burn your skin.

							Dear lord above—[i]what is happening[/i]—your whole body feels utterly blazing.

							For the sake of efficiency, it would be easier to describe the parts of your body that, at present, you suspect were not reddening. An area between thumb and forefinger, a portion of the tip of your elbow, the distance between your toes. You fear not much else was spared.

							*page_break

							John's eyes softly trace your flushing features, and a curious smile builds. "Why are you—" he begins but soon halts. He veers from your profile to travel down to his hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of him becomes taut. 

							There is a still, quiet moment. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of John immediately flies off you. By his side, his fingers clench, and knuckles turn white. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							[i]Oh god[/i]—why are we both turning red?!

							John's head drops, shaking his head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." He meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouthC2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouthC2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouthC2

							*label johnFootInMouthC2

							John's mouth seems to glue itself shut. Not trusting himself to improve the situation by talking. Many moments pass until he wills it open again. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, someone I care for, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry. Do say you forgive me, $!{mc_name}?"

							*label doSayYouForgiveMeJohn
							*fake_choice
								#"I forgive you."
									*set friendshipW + 3
									You could swear not even angels have smiles as bright, or saved shipwrecked-sailors as relieved eyes, as what appears on ${johnName}'s face.
								*if (johnAttracted) #"Oh, [i]John[/i]. If you wanted to get close to me, all you needed to do, was ask."
									*set romanceW + 2
									*set flirtTimesW + 1
									*set obviousFlirtsW + 1
									"Do—don't—I know you are making fun, but you should cease such tactics, or you will not be blameless in my death by cardiac arrest!"

									You do not think you have ever seen Watson as red as ${j_he} turns now. In fact, you did not even know humans could change colour to that extent.

									[i]Huh.[/i] 
								#"Badly done, Watson. Badly done."
									*set friendshipW - 3
									Watson's hands covers his face. "I know..." 

									Then, his posture falls, hugging himself around the elbows—still unable to meet your gaze. "Don't give up on me, $!{mc_name}. I can do better. I will."

									[i]We will see.[/i]

								#"There was no harm done, [i]thanks to you[/i], Watson."  
									*set friendshipW + 3
									You could swear not even angels have smiles as bright, or saved shipwrecked-sailors as relieved eyes, as what appears on ${johnName}'s face.

							*goto carriageRideCh2

						*if ((skinBlushes = false) and (johnAttracted)) #You feel your skin warm something furious.
							*set romanceW + 1
							You nod. Then suddenly feel how your cheeks are warming. Then there is John's hand and arm, which, even through layers of fabric, seemingly burn your skin.

							Dear lord above—[i]what is happening[/i]—your whole body feels utterly blazing.

							For the sake of efficiency, it would be easier to describe the parts of your body that, at present, were not ablaze. An area between thumb and forefinger, a portion of the tip of your elbow, the distance between your toes. You fear not much else was spared.

							*page_break

							A curious smile appears on John's face. His eyes now softly tracing your confused visage. "Why are you—" he begins but soon halts. He veers from your profile to travel down to his hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of him becomes taut. 

							There is a still, quiet moment. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of John immediately flies off you. By his side, his fingers clench, and knuckles turn white. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							John's head drops, shaking his head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." He meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouth2C2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouth2C2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouth2C2

							*label johnFootInMouth2C2

							John's mouth seems to glue itself shut. Not trusting himself to improve the situation by talking. Many moments pass until he wills it open again. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, someone I care for, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry. Do say you forgive me, $!{mc_name}?"

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJohn

							*goto carriageRideCh2


						*if (johnAttracted) #"What are you—no touching!"
							*set friendshipW - 1
							*set touchAverseCh2 true
							He veers from your profile to travel down to his hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of him becomes taut. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of John immediately flies off you. By his side, his fingers clench, and knuckles turn white. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							John's head drops, shaking his head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." He meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouth2C2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouth2C2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto johnFootInMouth2C2

						*if (johnAttracted = false) #"What are you—no touching!"
							*set friendshipW - 1
							*set touchAverseCh2 true
							He veers from your profile to travel down to his hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of him becomes taut. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of John immediately flies off you. By his side, his fingers clench, and knuckles turn white. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—"

							John's head drops, shaking his head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." He meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of his own. 

							"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my hand..." 
							*goto johnFootInMouth2C2

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJohn

				#Do something else to pass the time.
					*goto carriageRideCh2

		*if (johnMan = false)
			Your eyes trail to the other side of the carriage, to the window where Jane is sitting. The light pouring in at a low, almost sunset glow. And the golden silhouette pleasingly soften her distinctive features. A straight nose and sharp cheek. A full, painted lip. Her translucent blue eyes, almost green in the yellow light. 

			In her now glowing image, those eyes are the only part that appear gentle. At least...

			At least, they often are, when turned on you.

			*page_break
			Years ago, when you first met her, you thought she looked every inch the military professional, matching her previous profession. But when you see her now, she resembles the doctor she proclaims to be. 

			Strange, you think, considering her appearance has not much changed. 
			*page_break
			And how everyone adores Jane— 

			For her kindness and grace. People simply want to be around her. And many of the opposite sex—and sometimes of the same—look at her with the telltale signs of attraction. 

			Yet, oddly enough, she never seems to reciprocate their looks or advances. She might blush, stutter, or even cringe. But, in your presence at least, she has never returned any affection or fancy.

			*fake_choice
				#My eyes trail down Jane's body, observing her figure and form
					In the slightly small vehicle, her legs have to fold upwards to fit. She is tall, but not exceptionally so—what she is, is strong. Not in a masculine or excessive way. Rounded shoulders, defined arms, shapely long legs. Strong—in the details, in her air, in her manner of walking. 

					*if (johnAttracted)
						And gazing at her stature is gazing at a statue. Smooth, serene, steady. Because of her eyes, despite all the hard edges and striking lines, she was soft and warm. Eyes of blue-green sea foam. Soaring skies, blue opalescent pearls. Those eyes—

					*if (johnAttracted = false)
						And gazing at her stature is gazing at a statue. Smooth, serene, steady. Because of her eyes, despite all the hard edges and striking lines, she was soft and warm. Eyes of blue-green sea foam. Soaring skies, blue opalescent pearls. Those kind eyes—
					
					The wheels of your transportation hit [i]something[/i], a rock or uneven path—interrupting your daydreaming—and sending your body flying.

					You have one slow-motion moment to think a singular thought, but the thought slips your mind, as—

					*if (johnAttracted)
						Blue eyes move forward. Closing the distance. Covering you, leaning in. 

						Enough for breaths to touch.

					*if (johnAttracted = false)
						Blue eyes move forward. Closing the distance. Covering you, leaning in. 
					
					Pressing her forearm over your midsection and her hand on your thigh. She pushes you back towards your seat and holds you there. The other hand is on the roof and bracing. 

					Her fingers dig into you on the edge of hurting. The muscles of her arm strain, pressure tight against you.

					You bounce down hard. Painfully so. However, owing to your companion's action, not as painful as your landing should have been.

					Jane exhales one slow burst of air through her mouth. Collecting herself, her eyes, with furrowed brows, look into yours. "Are you all right, $!{mc_name}?" 

					[i]Are you?[/i]

					*choice
						#"I am fine. Thank you."
							*set friendshipW + 2
							She carefully removes her arm. "No, no. I am sorry. That was... I sometimes—surely at the worst of times—react badly. My mind would not dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." 

							Watson meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of her own. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, and I suspect especially to you, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry for it."

							"No harm done, [i]thanks to you[/i], Watson."  

							You could swear not even angels have smiles as bright, or saved shipwrecked sailors as relieved eyes, as what appears on ${johnName}'s face.

							"I live to serve, $!{mc_name}."

							*goto carriageRideCh2

						#"I am, and that was entirely unnecessary, Watson."
							*set friendshipW - 3
							She quickly removes her arm. "I am sorry. That was... I sometimes—surely at the worst of times—react badly. My mind would not dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." 

							Watson meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of her own. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, and I suspect especially to you, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry for it. Do say you forgive me, $!{mc_name}?"

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJane

						#"I can handle myself, no need to play the heroine."
							*set friendshipW - 1
							She carefully removes her arm. "I wasn't trying to—I, sometimes, surely at the worst of times—react too hasty. My mind would not dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." 

							Watson meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of her own. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, and I suspect especially to you, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry for it. Do say you forgive me, $!{mc_name}?"

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJane

						*if (johnAttracted) #"Y—Your hand, Jane, is still on..."
							*set romanceW + 1
							She veers from your profile to travel down to her hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of her becomes still. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of Jane immediately flies off you. By her side, her fingers clench, and nails dig into her palms. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							Jane's head drops, shaking her head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." She meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of her own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouthC2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouthC2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouthC2

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJane

						*if (johnAttracted) #"My saviour."
							*set romanceW + 1
							She beams a bright smile. "I live to serve."

							And at that moment, you stay—until her eyes reveal some new level of understanding. Jane's eyes turn from yours to travel down to her hand. And at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. And with light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of her becomes still. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of Jane immediately flies off you. By her side, her fingers clench, and nails dig into her palms. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							Jane's head drops, shaking her head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." She meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of her own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouthC2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouthC2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouthC2

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJane

						*if ((skinBlushes) and (johnAttracted)) #You blush, furiously.
							*set romanceW + 1
							You nod. Then suddenly feel how your cheeks are warming. Then there is Jane's hand and arm, which, even through layers of fabric, seemingly burn your skin.

							Dear lord above—[i]what is happening[/i]—your whole body feels utterly blazing.

							For the sake of efficiency, it would be easier to describe the parts of your body that, at present, you suspect were not reddening. An area between thumb and forefinger, a portion of the tip of your elbow, the distance between your toes. You fear not much else was spared.

							*page_break

							Jane's eyes softly trace your flushing features, and a curious smile builds. "Why are you—" she begins but soon halts. She veers from your profile to travel down to her hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of her becomes still. 

							There is a frozen, quiet moment. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of Jane immediately flies off you. By her side, her fingers clench, and nails dig into her palms. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							[i]Oh god[/i]—why are we both turning red?!

							Jane's head drops, shaking her head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." She meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of her own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouthC2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouthC2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouthC2

							*label janeFootInMouthC2

							Jane's mouth seems to glue itself shut. Not trusting herself to improve the situation by talking. Many moments pass until she wills it open again. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, someone I care for, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry. Do say you forgive me, $!{mc_name}?"

							*label doSayYouForgiveMeJane
							*fake_choice
								#"I forgive you."
									*set friendshipW + 3
									You could swear not even angels have smiles as bright, or saved shipwrecked-sailors as relieved eyes, as what appears on ${johnName}'s face.
								*if (johnAttracted) #"Oh, [i]Jane[/i]. If you wanted to get close to me, all you needed to do, was ask."
									*set romanceW + 2
									*set flirtTimesW + 1
									*set obviousFlirtsW + 1
									"Do—don't—I know you are making fun, but you should cease such tactics, or you will not be blameless in my death by cardiac arrest!"

									You do not think you have ever seen Watson as red as ${j_he} turns now. In fact, you did not even knew humans could change colour to that extent.

									[i]Huh.[/i] 
								#"Badly done, Watson. Badly done."
									*set friendshipW - 3
									Watson's hands covers her face. "I know..." 

									Then, her posture falls, hugging herself around the elbows—still unable to meet your gaze. "Don't give up on me, $!{mc_name}. I can do better. I will."

									[i]We will see.[/i]

								#"There was no harm done, [i]thanks to you[/i], Watson."  
									*set friendshipW + 3
									You could swear not even angels have smiles as bright, or saved shipwrecked-sailors as relieved eyes, as what appears on ${johnName}'s face.

							*goto carriageRideCh2

						*if ((skinBlushes = false) and (johnAttracted)) #You feel your skin warm something furious.
							*set romanceW + 1
							You nod. Then suddenly feel how your cheeks are warming. Then there is Jane's hand and arm, which, even through layers of fabric, seemingly burn your skin.

							Dear lord above—[i]what is happening[/i]—your whole body feels utterly blazing.

							For the sake of efficiency, it would be easier to describe the parts of your body that, at present, were not ablaze. An area between thumb and forefinger, a portion of the tip of your elbow, the distance between your toes. You fear not much else was spared.

							*page_break

							A curious smile appears on Jane's face. Her eyes now softly tracing your confused visage. "Why are you—" she begins but soon halts. She veers from your profile to travel down to her hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of her becomes still. 

							There is a frozen, quiet moment. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of Jane immediately flies off you. By her side, her fingers clench, and nails dig into her palms. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							Jane's head drops, shaking her head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." She meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of her own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouth2C2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouth2C2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouth2C2

							*label janeFootInMouth2C2

							Jane's mouth seems to glue itself shut. Not trusting herself to improve the situation by talking. Many moments pass until she wills it open again. "I was never able to, reject, all traces of... the past. When I perceive danger to someone, someone I care for, I lose myself. And I only find myself after the event has passed. It's no excuse for rash behaviour. But I am terribly sorry. Do say you forgive me, $!{mc_name}?"

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJane

						*if (johnAttracted) #"What are you—no touching!"
							*set friendshipW - 1
							*set touchAverseCh2 true
							She veers from your profile to travel down to her hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of her becomes still. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of Jane immediately flies off you. By her side, her fingers clench, and nails dig into her palms. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—" From ears to neck, a practically glowing blush spreads. 

							Jane's head drops, shaking her head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." She meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of her own. 
							*if (bodyDetail = "waist") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for the lack of waist—CHASTE—chaste behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouth2C2
							*elseif (bodyDetail = "legs") 
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—you have every right to thighs—DESPISE—despise me after this behaviour..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouth2C2
							*else
								"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my inappropriately wandering hand..." 
								*goto janeFootInMouth2C2

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJane

						*if (johnAttracted = false) #"What are you—no touching!"
							*set friendshipW - 1
							*set touchAverseCh2 true
							She veers from your profile to travel down to her hand and at what it is essentially grabbing. Watson's arm is tense. Light pressure, pressing against your waist. Then, all of her becomes still. 

							"Shit—" the hand, and arm, and all of Jane immediately flies off you. By her side, her fingers clench, and nails dig into her palms. "I—I never meant to—that is, my intentions were entirely—"

							Jane's head drops, shaking her head side to side. "Sometimes—surely at the worst of times, I react, badly. My mind wouldn't dismiss the possibility—that, that there was some danger." She meets your eye with a sad and dejected turn of her own. 

							"Please forgive me, $!{mc_name}, for my reaction—for my hand..." 
							*goto janeFootInMouth2C2

							*goto doSayYouForgiveMeJane

				#Do something else to pass the time.
					*goto carriageRideCh2


		*goto carriageRideCh2

	*disable_reuse #Stare out of the window and ponder life
		*set timer - 15
		*label backgroundDialogue
		*set backgroundDone true

		The streets of London unfold before you. Gentlemen, ladies, and professionals walk with their heads held high. There they walk. Like ants in a lab. Feeling secure in their city of London, yet failing to notice they are exploring their environment without accurately seeing it. They move around as if their world is clean. But, if one looks closer, it becomes clear—The dirt, the poverty, the hunger. In the alleyways and shadows walk the common folk. And the street urchins, working girls, and delinquents. Their world is harsh. Not the glamorous world of the well-born. 

		How do you feel about this city, about London?
		*fake_choice
			#London is my home. Despite the injustice, class inequality and crime
				*set londonThoughts "1"
			#This city is where adventure happens; I could not live anywhere else
				*set londonThoughts "2"
			#I hate this place—every dirty, self-serving, corrupt stain
				*set londonThoughts "3"
			#London is only my home because I have never known another
				*set londonThoughts "4"
			#Honestly, I lack opinion. I live in London. Perhaps I will die in London
				*set londonThoughts "5"

		Unlike most of the inhabitants in London, you never went hungry. You were born to the upper-middle-classes and from the right family. You share a home, but it is grand. You do work, but not because you absolutely must. Nonetheless, you were never outrageously wealthy, like some. Never quite proper enough for the exceptionally well-to-do. At the same time, you could never associate with the riff-raff. 

		That has been your life until now. The sudden notoriety changed everything. Now, you can mingle in all spheres, from socialites to courtesans, from monarchs to beggars.

		How do you feel about becoming a famous detective? 
		*temp doneOnce false
		*temp doneTwice false
		*temp textC2 ""
		*temp textC22 ""
		*temp text1Negative false
		*temp postitiveExperience 3

		*label backgroundChoice
		*if (doneOnce)
			*set doneTwice true
			But at the same time...


		*fake_choice
			*disable_reuse #I love the attention.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "I love the attention."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative false
					*set textC2 "You love the attention that fame has brought you"
					You love the attention that fame has brought you—
				*set postitiveExperience + 1
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set londonThoughts2 "I love the attention."
					*set textC22 "—but you also love the attention that fame has brought you."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set londonThoughts2 "I love the attention."
					*set textC22 "—and you also love the attention that fame has brought you."

			*disable_reuse #I loathe the attention.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "I loathe the attention."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative true
					*set textC2 "You loathe the attention that fame has brought you"
					You loathe the attention that fame has brought you—
				*set postitiveExperience - 1
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set textC22 "—but you also loathe the attention that fame has brought you."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I loathe the attention."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set textC22 "—and you also loathe the attention that fame has brought you."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I loathe the attention."

			*disable_reuse #What I care about is the work, and publicity provides me with exciting cases.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "What I care about is the work, and publicity provides me with exciting cases."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative false
					*set textC2 "What you care about is the work, and publicity provides you with exciting cases"
					What you care about is the work, and publicity provides you with exciting cases—
				*set postitiveExperience + 1
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set textC22 "—but you also like that publicity provides you with exciting cases."
					*set londonThoughts2 "What I care about is the work, and publicity provides me with exciting cases."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set textC22 "—and you also like that publicity provides you with exciting cases."
					*set londonThoughts2 "What I care about is the work, and publicity provides me with exciting cases."

			*disable_reuse #I am indifferent to it all.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "I am indifferent to it all."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative true
					*set textC2 "You are indifferent to it all"
					You are indifferent to it all—
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set textC22 "—but you are also quite indifferent to it all."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I am indifferent to it all."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set textC22 "—and you are also quite indifferent to it all."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I am indifferent to it all."

			*disable_reuse #I am frequently shocked that people even know my name.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "I am frequently shocked that people even know my name."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative true
					*set textC2 "You are frequently shocked that people even know your name"
					You are frequently shocked that people even know your name—
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set textC22 "—but you are also frequently shocked that people even know your name."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I am frequently shocked that people even know my name."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set textC22 "—and you are also frequently shocked that people even know your name."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I am frequently shocked that people even know my name."


			*disable_reuse #I want to become the greatest detective the world has ever known.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "I want to become the greatest detective the world has ever known."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative false
					*set textC2 "You want to become the greatest detective the world has ever known"
					You want to become the greatest detective the world has ever known—
				*set postitiveExperience + 1
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set londonThoughts2 "I want to become the greatest detective the world has ever known."
					*set textC22 "—but you also want to become the greatest detective the world has ever known."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set textC22 "—and you also want to become the greatest detective the world has ever known."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I want to become the greatest detective the world has ever known."

			*disable_reuse #It allows me to demand more money, which I like.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "It allows me to demand more money, which I like."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative false
					*set textC2 "It allows you to demand more money, which you like"
					It allows you to demand more money, which you like—
				*set postitiveExperience + 1
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set textC22 "—but you also like that it allows your to demand more money."
					*set londonThoughts2 "It allows me to demand more money, which I like."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set textC22 "—and you also like that it allows your to demand more money."
					*set londonThoughts2 "It allows me to demand more money, which I like."

			*disable_reuse #I like that it enables me to meet new people, see new places.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "I like that it enables me to meet new people, see new places."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative false
					*set textC2 "You like that it enables you to meet new people, see new places"
					You like that it enables you to meet new people, see new places—
				*set postitiveExperience + 1
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set textC22 "—but you also like that it enables you to meet new people and see new places."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I like that it enables me to meet new people, see new places."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set textC22 "—and you also like that it enables you to meet new people and see new places."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I like that it enables me to meet new people, see new places."

			*disable_reuse #My new reputation has opened doors that were previously closed to me. It is fantastic.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "My new reputation has opened doors that were previously closed to me. It is fantastic."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative false
					*set textC2 "Your new reputation has opened doors that were previously closed to you. It is fantastic"
					Your new reputation has opened doors that were previously closed to you. It is fantastic—
				*set postitiveExperience + 1
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set londonThoughts2 "My new reputation has opened doors that were previously closed to me. It is fantastic."
					*set textC22 "—but you also love how your new reputation has opened doors that were previously closed to you."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set londonThoughts2 "My new reputation has opened doors that were previously closed to me. It is fantastic."
					*set textC22 "—and you also love how your new reputation has opened doors that were previously closed to you."

			*disable_reuse #I find it uncomfortable that sometimes when I tell people my name now, they stare and behave strangely.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "I find it uncomfortable that sometimes when I tell people my name now, they stare and behave strangely."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative true
					*set textC2 "You find it uncomfortable that sometimes when you tell people your name now, they stare and behave strangely"
					You find it uncomfortable that sometimes when you tell people your name now, they stare and behave strangely—
				*set postitiveExperience - 1
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set londonThoughts1 "I find it uncomfortable that sometimes when I tell people my name now, they stare and behave strangely."
					*set textC22 "—but you also find it uncomfortable that sometimes when you tell people your name now, they stare and behave strangely."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set londonThoughts2 "I find it uncomfortable that sometimes when I tell people my name now, they stare and behave strangely."
					*set textC22 "—and you also find it uncomfortable that sometimes when you tell people your name now, they stare and behave strangely."

			*disable_reuse #I prefer to be invisible. Fame makes that more challenging.
				*if (doneOnce = false)
					*set londonThoughts1 "I prefer to be invisible. Fame makes that more challenging."
					*set doneOnce true
					*set text1Negative true
					*set textC2 "You prefer to be invisible. Fame makes that more challenging"
					You prefer to be invisible. Fame makes that more challenging—
				*set postitiveExperience - 1
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative = false))
					*set londonThoughts2 "I prefer to be invisible. Fame makes that more challenging."
					*set textC22 "—but you also prefer to be invisible and fame makes that all the more challenging."
				*if ((doneTwice) and (text1Negative))
					*set textC22 "—and you also prefer to be invisible and fame makes that all the more challenging."
					*set londonThoughts2 "I prefer to be invisible. Fame makes that more challenging."

			*if (doneTwice = true) #That is it.
				*set textC22 "."
				*if (postitiveExperience = 4)
					*set londonThoughts2 "That is it."
					*set postitiveExperience + 1
				*if (postitiveExperience = 2)
					*set londonThoughts2 "That is it."
					*set postitiveExperience - 1

		*if (doneTwice = false)
			*goto backgroundChoice

		${textC2}${textC22}
		
		*if (postitiveExperience = 5)
			The famous detective: 
			*if ((mc_name = "Sherlock"))
				Sherlock ${mc_lastname}.
			*if (not (mc_name = "Sherlock"))
				${mc_name} 'Sherlock' ${mc_lastname}.

			Fame has been very good to you, and you would not change it.

			Not for anything.

		*if (postitiveExperience = 4)
			Fame has been... good, [i]decent[/i]. Nothing too bad. Nothing to regret. Not yet anyway.

			But it is also not all that was promised.

		*if (postitiveExperience = 3)
			All in all, fame has been a bit of a mixed bag for you. True, you might wish it was better, but it could also be worse.

			In the end, fame or infamy is hard to scrub from a name. You will have to learn to live with it. 

			The good and the bad.

		*if (postitiveExperience = (2))
			Fame has been... bad. Quite terrible, really. Sure, it could be worse... but that thought does not help any. The bad still stings.

			But, fame or infamy is hard to scrub from a name in the end. You will just have to learn to live with it.

			Somehow.

		*if (postitiveExperience = (1))
			The famous detective:
			*if ((mc_name = "Sherlock"))
				Sherlock ${mc_lastname}.

			*if (not (mc_name = "Sherlock"))
				${mc_name} 'Sherlock' ${mc_lastname}.

			If only you could have stayed a regular detective—without all the pomp and so-called glamour.

			Now, your name is forever stained by your title. Desecrated and spoiled.

			You would give it all to return to before.

			When you were just, ${mc_name}.

		*page_break

		There was that time before you were known. When you were working cases as just another person in the crowds.

		But then [i]that[/i] case came and changed everything.

		Your big break. And, thereafter—

		*fake_choice
			#You are famous. Taking the highroad and solving the case without involvement of deplorables kept you clean from slander. 
				Leaning on the officials, the genteel, and the careful had an affect. You are now seen as something of a saboteur and a terrifying acquaintance to have by the seedy sorts.

				You are seen as good and pure to the general public, and there's nothing you can do about that now.
				*set mcFirstCaseReputationGood true
			#You are infamous. Working with and against the darker parts on London left a permanent blemish on your reputation.
				Mingling with the seedy sort had an affect. You are rather an exciting yet terrifying acquaintance to the good, prim, and proper—because, as we all know, reputation is contagious.

				You are seen as dirty and scandalous to the general public, and there's nothing you can do about that now.
				*set mcFirstCaseReputationGood false



		*page_break

		*goto carriageRideCh2

	*disable_reuse #Play a game of heads or tails with Watson
		*set timer - 15
		*temp coinFlipScore 0
		*temp coinFlipTimes 0
		*temp coinPrice ""
		"What if we play a game? What do you say, ${johnName}?"

		"Oh?" ${j_he} laughs lightly, "that depends entirely on what you have in mind—and if it involves you reading my mind in that manner, I swear nothing you say could convince me to participate."

		"I do not [i]read minds[/i]. I perform deductions, you know this."

		"Are you doing it now—are you able to deduce that I am thinking of the cheese Mrs Hudson ordered for Michaelmas?"

		"A game, Watson. All I asked was to play a game!"

		"—Your skill would make guessing games entirely useless. We have no cards or dice..."

		"Yes, yes—only, I have a coin. You flip it, and I predict how it has fallen. I win if I assume correctly three times. Otherwise, you win. Fair?" You hold out a silvery sixpence; the tail-end weighs heavy in your hand. 

		$!{j_hi} eyes and brow show a hint of mistrust, but ${j_he} ultimately nods in confirmation and takes the coin.

		The currency makes a beautiful clang as it is struck and flung into the air. With an accompanying thud, it falls on the back of ${j_hi} hand. Blue eyes capture yours, and expectation laced words ask, "Heads or tails?"

		*choice
			#"Heads."
				*set coinFlipScore + 1
				*set coinFlipTimes + 1
				$!{j_hi} palm lifts from the front of the shiny metal. "Heads! Of course, and I expected no less. Tell me—because I did not think it possible—how do you [i]deduce[/i] a coin toss?"

				*fake_choice
					#"There is no deduction involved, I'm afraid."
						—"There is no deduction involved, I'm afraid."

						Watson's eyes deepen with mistrust, "If that is the case, you would be unlikely to repeat the success, yes?"

						"Theoretically. [i]Unknowingly[/i] guessing a coin toss, three times in a row, has a twelve-point-five percent chance to be correct. Care to continue?"

						"No, not particularly... What would be your prize should I lose?"
						*label coinWin
						*choice
							*hide_reuse *if (cope = "smoking") #"Your ebony pipe?"
								*label noWay
								"I would be a bad friend if I supported your worst habits, Sherlock. Please, ask for something else."
								*goto coinWin
							*hide_reuse *if (cope = "taking drugs") #"A small pillage of your pill cabinet?"
								*goto noWay	
							*hide_reuse *if (cope = "drinking") #"The good brandy bottle hiding in your cupboard?"
								*goto noWay
							*hide_reuse *if (cope = "taking risks") #"A real boxing match, pulling no punches—me and you, what do you say?"
								*goto noWay
							*hide_reuse *if (cope = "gambling") #"A pound sterling?"
								*goto noWay
							*hide_reuse *if (cope = "eating") #"Your dessert for a week?"
								"Ha! What in the world makes you think I would take such a bet? You know, as well as I, that Mrs Hudson's fall apple pie is precisely a week away. Good try, but you will have to ask for something else!"

								*goto coinWin
								
							*if (not (cope = "gambling")) #"A pound sterling?"
								*set coinPrice "pound"
								"That is a bold bet... and I should not—I mean that is a ridiculous sum of... " A grimace appears on ${j_hi} face, the conflict of personas clearly displayed, but in breaking, ${j_he} says, "Ah—as it may be, I got my pay to-day. And, more to the heart of the matter, I seem to have a hard time sinking your hopes this evening—why not! I will match your bet of one pound." 

								One paper pound is slammed on the space between you. "There! Never say I don't play along, ${mc_name}."

								*label playCoinWin
								*page_break
								The coin is thrown once more, then twice, and both times Queen Victoria greets you with her stately profile. 

								You win.

								"Heads—three times in a row—I saw you? You did not instruct me on how to throw, unless the mystic arts is now within your expertise, and I saw you did not touch the coin. $!{mc_name}, how did you manage this?!"

								"You see, Watson... the coin is a cheat. It's weighed in a manner that should not merely favour one side but guarantee it. I wanted to try out its validity in company. Your reaction and lack of detection, despite inherent suspicion, is entirely in the coin's favour."

								"You hornswoggler! You can not be serious—you employed common street peddler tricks. I expected mathematics and clever calculations! To win in such a way... I am bested and bewildered, once again," ${j_he} says so with a smile on ${j_hi} lips. "You never are boring, are you?"

								"I pride myself on that."

								"Good."

								*goto getYourPrice

								*label getYourPrice

								*if (coinPrice = "pound")
									"So, about that prize," Watson continues, "now that I know it is a trick, do you still expect me to pay out what equals weeks worth of tea?"

									*fake_choice
										#"Yes. A deal is a deal, Watson."
											*set friendshipW - 1
											"Yes. A deal is a deal, Watson."

											"You are right." $!{j_hi} brows pull together. "It was my fault for taking the bet in the first place."
											
											You take the paper note. 

											[i]You could purchase so many trick coins with this.[/i]

										#"No. No, I acquired far more reading your reaction to the experiment, do not worry."
											*set friendshipW + 1
											"No. No, I acquired far more merely reading your reaction to the experiment."

											$!{j_hi} brows pull together. "Thank you?" $!{j_he} takes back the paper note.

										#"No, of course not. I could never take such a sum from you, do not worry."
											*set friendshipW + 2
											"No, of course not. I could never take such a sum from you, do not worry."

											A slow smile spreads across ${j_hi} face as ${j_he} takes back the paper note.

										#"Yes, no—I do not know? Should I not?"
											"Yes, no—I do not know? Should I not?"

											"Sherlock, a pound, for people who are not independently wealthy, or without expenses, such as you, is an enormous sum... I feel rather a fool for agreeing to it. I would blame how you sway me too easily, but that would not be fair. But please do remember that a pound could buy many doctor visits and many loaves of bread. I'd rather you give my savings to charity than to a new experiment."

											*fake_choice 
												#Take the money
													*set friendshipW - 1

												#Do not take the money
													*set friendshipW + 1
									*goto carriageRideCh2

								*if (coinPrice = "bottle")
									"Well," Watson continues, "a deal is a deal, $!{mc_name}. The bottle is yours."

									*goto carriageRideCh2

								*if (coinPrice = "sixpence")
									"Well," Watson continues, "a deal is a deal, $!{mc_name}. The sixpence is yours."

									*goto carriageRideCh2

								*if (coinPrice = "leanShy")
									*set shyFlirtsW + 1
									*set romanceW + 1
									*page_break
									"Well." Watson's blushing cheeks appear all the more apparent by ${j_hi} suppressed smile. "A deal is a deal, $!{mc_name}..." $!{j_he} scoots closer to your seat, meeting you in the middle.

									You follow in the same manner. until, close to touching—

									"Do you, or perhaps should I—" ${j_he} asks.

									"Yes. Perhaps it is better if we—" you return.

									But you only manage to look at ${j_him}.

									And ${j_he} at you.

									Normally, Watson would have laughed by now...

									Instead there are moments of silence.

									"We had a deal..." ${johnName} whispers while bridging the gap. Touching you. An arm against an arm—

									It would have burnt, you think, if skin was on skin.   

									*fake_choice
										#"You are warm." [i]And it is a newfound delight...[/i]
											"Is that bad?" ${j_hi} voice is tender and much closer than before.

											"No," you say.

										#"..."

									With a deep breath, you lay your head against ${j_hi} shoulder. 

									It is comforting. Much more than ${j_hi} solid frame suggests. And with such startling softness, you did not know how it was possible or how you had lived without it till now. 

									"$!{mc_name}," ${j_hi} heavy breath, in your ear. "I'll just—" $!{johnName} manoeuvres ${j_himself} so that you lean on ${j_him} completely. "—there. Rest, and I will be here when you wake. Do not worry about a thing. You have had a long day. Rest."

									[i]Rest...[/i]

									*fake_choice
										#And, somehow, I do. 
											But the respite is quick. Soon you wake with a start, and quickly you and Watson untangle.

										#My heartbeat is quick in my chest, and Watson is next to me. How could I ever calm now?
											An eternity passes in the blink of an eye. And too soon, you and Watson untangle and return to your respective seats.

									*goto carriageRideCh2

								*if (coinPrice = "leanTired")
									*page_break
									*set friendshipW + 2
									"Well." Watson smiles. "A deal is a deal, $!{mc_name}." $!{j_he} scoots closer to your seat, meeting you in the middle.

									You follow in the same manner. until you are touching—

									"Do you—or perhaps should I—" ${j_he} asks.

									"Yes—perhaps it is better if we—" you return.

									And as you both stare at each other—

									*fake_choice
										#Laughter bursts out of the both of us.
											*set friendshipW + 1
											Once the laughter slows down and the humorous glances lose their power, Watson speaks, "Oh, I ahh, Sherlock. Lean on me—come on. You've had a long day. I do not mind, not at all. [i]We can do this.[/i]" $!{j_hi} eyes suggest that ${j_he} might [i]not[/i] be able to 'do this', but to ${j_hi} credit—${j_he} manages.

											There is no more laughter—

											Only comfortable silence as you lean on the shoulder of a steadfast friend.

											And soon, you find rest.

											If only for a short moment, until you wake with a start and untangle from Watson.

										#"..."
											Normally, ${j_he} would have laughed by now...

											Instead there are moments of silence.

											"Oh—[i]come here[/i]." With the power of a quick tug, Watson near puts you to sleep against ${j_hi} shoulder. "Rest now. You have had a long day. Rest. Please?"

											It is not very comfortable, but—somehow—you find rest.

											If only for a time, until you wake with a start and untangle from Watson.

										#I manoeuvre myself to lean my head on ${j_hi} shoulder
											*set friendshipW + 1
											With a deep breath, you lay your head against ${j_hi} shoulder. 

											It is comforting. Much more than ${j_hi} solid frame suggests. And with such startling softness. [i]How surprising...[/i]

											"$!{mc_name}? Rest now. You have had a long day. I will be here, do not worry. Rest."

											And you do. You soon find rest.

											If only for a short moment, until you wake with a start and untangle from Watson.
 

									*goto carriageRideCh2





							*if (not (cope = "drinking")) #"The good brandy bottle hiding in your cupboard?"
								*set coinPrice "bottle"
								"The good brandy bottle hiding in your cupboard?"

								"That is a steep price... but alright then, we have a deal!" 
								*goto playCoinWin
							#"Something trivial, a sixpence, perhaps?"
								*set coinPrice "sixpence"
								"Something trivial, a sixpence, perhaps?"

								"Seems a small price to pay to see what I expect to be your new trick. It is a deal!" 
								*goto playCoinWin

							*if (johnAttracted) #"Watson, I am feeling a little faint. May I rest my head on your shoulder if I win?" I ask shyly.
								*set coinPrice "leanShy"
								"Watson, I am feeling a little faint. May I rest my head on your shoulder if I win?" you ask shyly.

								"I—um," ${j_hi} words stutter and stammer, "of course... but, $!{mc_name}? You do not need to make a wager to have my support. You have it. In any form I can provide. Always." 

								"Is that a yes?"

								"It is a promise."
								*goto playCoinWin

							#"Watson, I am feeling a little faint. May I rest my head on your shoulder if I win?" I ask in a tired tone.
								*set coinPrice "leanTired"
								"Watson, I am feeling a little faint. May I rest my head on your shoulder if I win?"

								"I, well, of course—but, $!{mc_name}? You do not need to make a wager to have my support. You have it. In any form I can provide. Always." 

								"Is that a yes?"

								"It is a promise."
								*goto playCoinWin

							*hide_reuse *if (johnAttracted) #"My dear Watson, I do not wish to rob you of your belongings. How 'bout the victor gets a small kiss?"
								*set coinPrice "kiss"
								*set chosecoinPriceKiss true
								*set romanceW + 1
								*set flirtTimesW + 1

								*if (genderMC = "woman") 
									"My dear Watson, I do not wish to rob you of your belongings. How 'bout the victor gets a small kiss?"

									Blue eyes widen, and ${j_he} swallows audibly. "A—ah are you sure that would be, I only mean, not that I do not, would, see I..." $!{johnName} bows ${j_hi} head down, a flush creeping across ${j_hi} cheeks. "Couldn't. Do that, to you, could I?" $!{j_hi} voice barely a whisper, "kissing you. Like this, on a bet, in a carriage. Propriety, reputation and all... I am not..."

									$!{j_he} looks up, meeting your eyes. "Please, $!{mc_name}, don't give yourself away so freely."

									*fake_choice
										#"My word, Watson. I only meant a kiss on the cheek, what were you thinking?"
											"My word, Watson. I only meant a kiss on the cheek, what were you thinking?"

											$!{j_he} freezes in motion, not a blink or breath, and you think you almost see a small tremble spread across ${j_hi} form. "Noth—nothing, I was thinking of nothing! As you said, a... On, on your cheek—very inappropriate if I was to... do so. Please, $!{mc_name}, pick something else."

										#"Oh, do calm down. It's only a kiss!"
											*set friendshipW - 1
											"Oh, do calm down. It's only a kiss!"

											Watson jumps in the seat as if pricked by a needle. "Only a kiss? What—what is meagre about a kiss! Covers of society pages have been written entirely on kisses, on who and whom should, or should not have kissed! Now you are being ridiculous. I do not take kissing to be a light matter, Sherlock, or to be joked about. Not at all. And neither should you. Choose some other prize now, or I will not play your game any longer!"

										#"You are right, thank you, $!{johnName}."
											*set friendshipW + 1
											"You are right, thank you, $!{johnName}."

											"Nothing at all to thank me for. I am sorry that... well... ahem. Could you please choose some other prize?"

										#"I trust you."
											*set friendshipW + 1
											"I trust you."

											"Don't. Please?" Watson looks down at your muddied shoes. "Would you choose some other prize? I really can not... do... what you ask." 
										#"... Now you made it awkward..."
											*set friendshipW - 1
											*comment #"Do you... dislike me, Watson?"
											"... Now you made it awkward..."

											$!{j_he} freezes in motion, not a blink or breath, and you think you almost see a slight tremble spread across ${j_hi} form. "But you said, I... I only meant, that... Oh, god—please—pick some other prize $!{mc_name}, pick something else before I jump out of this carriage!"



								*if (not (genderMC = "woman"))
									"My dear Watson, I do not wish to rob you of your belongings. How 'bout the victor gets a small kiss?"

									Blue eyes widen, and ${j_he} swallows audibly. "A—ah are you sure that would be, I only mean, not that I do not, would, see we..." $!{johnName} bows ${j_hi} head down, a flush creeping across ${j_hi} cheeks. "Couldn't. Do that, could we?" $!{j_hi} voice barely a whisper, "kissing. Like this, on a bet, in a carriage. Propriety, reputation and all... I am not..."

									$!{j_he} looks up, meeting your eyes. "Please, $!{mc_name}, don't joke around like that."

									*fake_choice
										#"My word, Watson. I only meant a kiss on the cheek, what were you thinking?"
											"My word, Watson. I only meant a kiss on the cheek, what were you thinking?"

											$!{j_he} freezes in motion, not a blink or breath, and you think you almost see a slight tremble spread across ${j_hi} form. "Noth—nothing, I was thinking of nothing! As you said, a... On, on a cheek—very inappropriate if we were to... do so. Please, $!{mc_name}, pick something else."
										#"Oh do calm down, it's only a kiss!"
											*set friendshipW - 1
											"Oh do calm down, it's only a kiss!"

											Watson jumps in the seat as if pricked by a needle. "Only a kiss? What—what is meagre about a kiss! Covers of society pages have been written entirely on kisses, on who and whom should, or should not have kissed! Now you are being ridiculous. I do not take kissing to be a light matter, Sherlock, or to be joked about. Not at all. And neither should you. Choose some other prize now, or I will not play your game any longer"

										#"You are right, I am sorry, $!{johnName}."
											*set friendshipW + 1
											"You are right, I am sorry, $!{johnName}."

											"Nothing at all to apologise for. It is I that should apologise that... never mind. Would you choose some other prize?"

										#"We could, you know. I trust you."
											*set friendshipW + 1
											"We could, you know. I trust you."

											"Don't. Please?" Watson looks down at your muddied shoes. "Would you choose some other prize? I really can not... partake in... what you ask." 

										#"... Now you made it awkward..."
											*set friendshipW - 1
											"... Now you made it awkward..."

											$!{j_he} freezes in motion, not a blink or breath, and you think you almost see a small tremble spread across ${j_hi} form. "But you said, I... I only meant, that... Oh, god—please—pick some other prize $!{mc_name}, pick something else before I jump out of this carriage."

								*goto coinWin

					#"A magician never reveals their trick, Watson."
						—"A magician never reveals their tricks, Watson."

						Watson's lips press together in a slight grimace, "Oh, you and your secrets! Well, fine, but tell me, any non-sorcerer would be unlikely to repeat the success, yes?"

						"Theoretically. [i]Unknowingly[/i] guessing a coin toss, three times in a row, has a twelve-point-five per cent chance to be correct. Care to continue?"

						"No, not particularly... What would be your prize should I lose?"
						*goto coinWin
					#"Later, ${johnName}—First, let me astound you two more times!"
						*set friendshipW + 1
						—"Later, ${johnName}—First, let me astound you two more times!"

						Watson's lips press together in a retracted smile, "Oh, are you? Tell me, how unlikely would someone be to repeat the success three times?"

						"[i]Unknowingly[/i] guessing a coin toss, three times in a row, has a twelve-point-five per cent chance to be correct. Care to continue?"

						"I am tempted... But, I am not agreeing—first, what would be your prize should I lose?"
						*goto coinWin
			
				*goto error			

			#"Tails."
				$!{j_hi} hand lifts from the front of the shiny metal. "Heads! And here I was on the edge of my seat, believing you had mastered some new trick!" $!{j_he} smiles wide. "What do I win?"

				*fake_choice
					#"I [i]um[/i] had not expected to lose..."
						—"I [i]um[/i] had not expected to lose..."

						*if (not (typeOfFriendshipW = "Partnership"))
							"No, I expect you never do... Hmm, well, a fair prize—" Watson looks you over, searching for a worthy offering. $!{j_hi} gaze travels down, stopping at where ${j_hi} and your hands' rest. $!{j_he} looks up. "Then—I could take the sixpence? Any objections?"

						*if (typeOfFriendshipW = "Partnership")
							"No, I expect you never do... Hmm, well, a fair prize—" Watson looks you over, searching for a worthy offering. $!{j_hi}  gaze travels down, stopping at where ${j_hi} and your hands' rest. $!{j_he} looks up. "I have found my prize. I would like the sixpence? Any objections?"

						"Some. At least, for this particular coin..." It really does not make any sense that you lost this bet. [i]Perhaps you made a mistake?[/i] "You see, Watson... the coin is a cheat. It's weighed in a manner that should not merely favour one side but guarantee it. I wanted to try out its validity in company. The coin now not working does make me ready to let you have it... Only, I do not see how it could have stopped working as intended?"

						"You can not be serious—you employed common street peddler tricks. I expected mathematics and clever calculations! And to not then win... you do manage to surprise me, even in failure, Sherlock," ${j_he} says with a smile on ${j_hi} lips. "You never are boring, are you?"

						"I pride myself on that."

						"Good."

						*label handTheCoin
						*page_break
						"${mc_name}, looking at the coin again, feeling its balance, I do think it is a trick coin. But are you sure you did not simply call the wrong side? Should have been heads, should it not?"

						"... I think you might be right, Watson. Now that you mention it." 

						[i]Damn.[/i]

						*page_break

						"So," Watson continues, "about that prize?"

						"This sixpence cost [i]many[/i] sixpences, you may not have it. But, you can have a shiny—regular—sixpence? Deal?"

						Watson simply smiles in return. You take it as agreement.

						*page_break

						Handing ${johnName} a small silvery coin from your money pouch, ${j_he} takes it and thanks you politely. 

						*goto carriageRideCh2


					#"What would you like?"
						*set friendshipW + 1
						—"What would you like?" you ask.

						*if (not (typeOfFriendshipW = "Partnership"))
							"Hmm, well, a fair prize—" Watson looks you over, searching for a worthy offering. $!{j_hi} gaze travels down, stopping at where ${j_hi} and your hands' rest. $!{j_he} looks up. "Then—I could take the sixpence? Any objections?"

						*if (typeOfFriendshipW = "Partnership")
							"Hmm, well, a fair prize—" Watson looks you over, searching for a worthy offering. $!{j_hi} gaze travels down, stopping at where ${j_hi} and your hands' rest. $!{j_he} looks up. "I have found my prize. I would like the sixpence? Any objections?"

						"Some. At least, for this particular coin..." It really does not make any sense that you lost this bet. [i]Perhaps you made a mistake?[/i] "You see, Watson... the coin is a cheat. It's weighed in a manner that should not merely favour one side but guarantee it. I wanted to try out its validity in company. The coin now not working does make me ready to let you have it... Only, I do not see how it could have stopped working as intended?"

						"You can not be serious—you employed common street peddler tricks. I expected mathematics and clever calculations! And to not then win... you do manage to surprise me, even in failure, Sherlock," ${j_he} says with a smile on ${j_hi} lips. "You never are boring, are you?"

						"I pride myself on that."

						"Good."

						*goto handTheCoin

					*if (johnAttracted) #"My dear Watson, I have nothing to offer but myself. How 'bout a kiss?"
						*set romanceW + 1
						*set flirtTimesW + 1
						"My dear Watson, I have nothing to offer but myself. How 'bout a kiss?"

						Blue eyes widen, and ${j_he} swallows audibly. "I—I am not sure that would be... not that I don't, wouldn't, see we..." $!{johnName} bows ${j_hi} head down, a flush creeping across ${j_hi} cheeks. "Couldn't. Do that, to you, could I?" $!{j_hi} voice barely a whisper, "kissing you. Like this, on a bet, in a carriage. Propriety, reputation and all... I am not..."

						$!{j_he} looks up, meeting your eyes. "Please, $!{mc_name}, don't joke around like that."

						*fake_choice
							#"My word, Watson. I only meant a kiss on the cheek, what were you thinking?"
								"My word, Watson. I only meant a kiss on the cheek, what were you thinking?"

								$!{j_he} freezes in motion, not a blink or breath, and you think you almost see a slight tremble spread across ${j_hi} form. "Noth—nothing, I was thinking of nothing! As you said, a... On, on a cheek—very inappropriate if I was to... do so. Please, $!{mc_name}, you don't have to give me anything at all—we're square. Done."

							#"Oh, do calm down. It's only a kiss!"
								*set friendshipW - 1
								"Oh, do calm down. It's only a kiss!"

								Watson jumps in the seat as if pricked by a needle. "Only a kiss? What—what is meagre about a kiss! Covers of society pages have been written entirely on kisses, on who and whom should, or should not have kissed! Now you are being ridiculous. I do not take kissing to be a light matter, Sherlock, or to be joked about. Not at all. And neither should you. And I do not want a prize any longer. I simply require for you to quit [i]this[/i] talk."

							#"You are right, I am sorry, $!{johnName}."
								*set friendshipW + 1
								"You are right, I am sorry, $!{johnName}."

								"Nothing at all to apologise for. It is I that should apologise for... never mind. And you don't have to give me anything—we're square. I promise."

							#"We could, you know. I trust you."
								*set friendshipW + 1
								"We could, you know. I trust you."

								"Don't. Please?" Watson looks down at your muddied shoes. "I don't need a prize, alright? Let's pretend this never happened." 

							#"... Now you made it awkward..."
								*set friendshipW - 1
								"... Now you made it awkward..."

								$!{j_he} freezes in motion, not a blink or breath, and you think you almost see a slight tremble spread across ${j_hi} form. "But you said, I... I only meant, that... Oh, god—please—let my prize be that it never happened, $!{mc_name}, before I jump out of this carriage."

						*goto carriageRideCh2		

				*goto error


	#Converse with your travel companion
		*set timer - 7
		*fake_choice
			*disable_reuse #Ask if there is any interesting news
				*set friendshipW + 1
				*set gossipedWithWatsonAndHeardAboutBalls true
				"Watson, you read the society pages—anything I might find interesting this week?"

				"Oh certainly! Miss Eliza Bellbottom and Lord Honeychurch are finally getting married—their dalliance has been the talk of the town this season. I've also read that bird hats are in style again. And there is a gala of some sort, or was it a museum unveil? Anyhow, it is in three days time, and anyone who is anyone will be there in masks and feathers."

				*fake_choice
					#"Really?  Well done, Lord Honeychurch. She is far too good for him."
						*set friendshipW + 2
						"Really? Well done, Lord Honeychurch. She is far too good for him."

						"She really is, is she not? But with that awful duke Radcliff clamouring for her hand early in the summer and them being a true love match, I am only too glad to see them wed."

						"Hear, hear!"

					#"Watson, I did not ask what you found interesting—what I would find interesting. Cases, mysteries, unexplained deaths."
						"Watson, I did not ask what you found interesting—what I would find interesting. Cases, mysteries, unexplained deaths."

						"Ah, yes, of course. I am afraid there has been none of that. Not that I have read, sadly. Perhaps you could try asking Mrs Hudson? She always has the most remarkable news."

					#"My word, I know I asked, but you really are a gossip."
						*set friendshipW - 1
						"My word, I know I asked, but you really are a gossip."

						Watson almost pouts at your slight. "And it has served you well, so you really should not make fun."

					#"I am afraid none of that sounds very interesting to me, but thank you, ${johnName}."
						*set friendshipW + 1
						"I am afraid none of that sounds very interesting to me, but thank you, ${johnName}."

						"I live to serve, ${mc_name}." ${j_he} says, smiling, not widely, but honestly; even the eyes crinkling from sincerity.

				*goto carriageRideCh2

			*disable_reuse #Tell a joke

				"Why did the ship cook drown in the stern?"

				"..."

				"Because he was told they had found a leak! Wait, no, one more! Tell me, Watson, why was the whale afraid of an instrument played with a dining utensil?"

				But before ${j_he} can try and answer, you do, "Because it was a harp and a spoon!"

				Watson looks on unamused.

				But you are undeterred, you continue, "Hold on, there might be more on that thought... Harpy, tune... I'm sure there is something there. Tuning the—no—"

				"—Please, by all that is holy, stop. I beg of you. Or I—I will move out!" 

				Watson—probably—bluffs. But it seems too far a risk to take. You give it up.

				[i]Spoilsport...[/i]
				*goto carriageRideCh2

			*disable_reuse #Ask Watson about Lestrade.
				*temp flushW false

				*comment "Friendship Tsundere MC" "Kindred Souls Tsundere MC"

				*if (sinceWhenTalk = false)
					"So, tell me, how did you know about the Edinburgh case? You said you and the inspector talked—but I can not, for the life of me, recall such a moment?

					"That is perfectly understandable, as it happened on such an occasion where you were not there."

					*label wTalksOfL

					"Ah. Then... are those talks frequent things?"

					"You seem awfully curious, Sherlock?"

					*if ((typeOfFriendshipW = "Friendship Tsundere MC") or (typeOfFriendshipW = "Kindred Souls Tsundere MC"))
						"I am not! Simply—I am unused to being [i]out of the loop[/i], that is all..."


					*if ((typeOfFriendshipW != "Friendship Tsundere MC") and (typeOfFriendshipW != "Kindred Souls Tsundere MC"))
						"I am unused to being 'out of the loop', Watson.
						*if (friendshipW > 85)
							Rectify it?"
						*if (friendshipW < 86)
							Rectify it."
					
					*if (knowsLestradeAndWatsonTalked = true)
						"No need to worry, $!{mc_name}" ${johnName} says, contentedly smiling at you. "It was a favour to a friend—as I consider ${l_him} as such—but favour was all it was. Work-related. I can not say we talk very often, beyond the professional."

					*if (knowsLestradeAndWatsonTalked = false)
						"No need to worry, $!{mc_name}" ${johnName} says, contentedly smiling at you. "It is quite unusual. A favour to a friend—as I consider ${l_him} as such—but favour was all it was. Work-related. I can not say we talk very often, beyond the professional."

					*fake_choice
						#"All right. Then all is as I thought—"
							"All right. Then all is as I thought—"
						#"I still think you should have told me—"
							"I still think you should have told me—"
						#"I was not 'worried' [i]I simply[/i]—"
							"I was not 'worried' [i]I simply[/i]—"
						#"Huh—"
							"Huh—"

					*if (((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted = true)) and (romanceL > 0))
						*comment Lestrade and Watson romance
						"Do you?" Watson quickly interrupts. "I apologise—but, do you, you and Lestrade, talk much, beyond the professional and the crime scenes?"

						$!{j_hi} eyes betray even ${j_hi} failing composure. 

						*goto WLChoice1

					*elseif (((romanceW < 1) or (johnAttracted = false)) and (romanceL > 0))
						*comment Lestrade romance
						"Do you?" Watson quickly interrupts. "I apologise—but, do you, you and Lestrade, talk much, beyond the professional and the crime scenes?"

						$!{j_hi} eyes seem amused by ${j_hi} own question.

						*goto WLChoice1

					*elseif ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted = true)) 
						*comment Watson romance
						"Do you?" Watson quickly interrupts. "I apologise—but, do you, you and Lestrade, talk much, beyond the professional and the crime scenes?"

						*if (flushW = true)
							$!{j_hi} lingering flush grows all the more fevered, and blue eyes betray ${j_hi} failing composure.

						*if (flushW = false)
							$!{j_he} flushes with fervour, and blue eyes betray ${j_hi} failing composure.

						*goto WLChoice1


					*elseif ((romanceW < 1) or (johnAttracted = false)) 
						*comment Watson friendship
						"Do you?" Watson interrupts. "I apologise—but, do you, you and Lestrade, talk much, beyond the professional and the crime scenes?"

						*goto WLChoice1

					*label WLChoice1
					*fake_choice
						*if (((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted = true)) and (romanceL > 0)) #"That is an awfully personal question!"
							*set friendshipW - 2
							"... That's an awfully personal question!" you object with vigour.

							"No—what?! You asked me this first, Sherlock!"

							"This is too silly of a topic to discuss—let us talk of something better—crime! I'll start—" you ramble on about the many applications of meltable murder weapons until any other topic is buried far behind. 
						*if (((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted = true)) and (romanceL > 0)) #"No... but would it be so bad if you were both my... friends?"
							*set jealousW + 1
							*set jealousWL + 1
							*set romanceW + 1
							"No... but would it be so bad if you were both my... friends?" you ask.

							"No, I suppose not. [i]If[/i] we were both your friends..."

							"What does your tone suggest, Watson?"

							"—What does yours?"

							"... This is an awfully silly topic to discuss—let us talk of something better—crime! I'll start—" you ramble on about the many applications of meltable murder weapons until any other topic is buried far behind.
						*if (((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted = true)) and (romanceL > 0)) #"No!" My cheeks feel hot by the mere question. 
							*set romanceW + 1
							*set jealousW + 1
							*set jealousWL + 1
							"No!" Your cheeks feel hot by the mere question. 

							"Oh?" ${j_he} says, appearing puzzled with a quizzical brow.

							"Yes—we, we never talk. Never. Not once."

							"Not once?" $!{j_hi} brow deepen. "Is that so..."

							"... this is an awfully silly topic to discuss, Watson—let us talk of something better—crime! I'll start—" you ramble on about the many applications of meltable murder weapons.

						*if (((romanceW < 1) or (johnAttracted = false)) and (romanceL > 0)) #"No!" My cheeks feel hot by the mere question. 
							*set romanceL + 1
							*set friendshipW + 1
							"No!" Your cheeks feel hot by the mere question. 

							"No?" ${j_he} says, laughing.

							"ARE YOU LAUGHING AT ME, WATSON?!"

							"No—never, Sherlock." $!{j_hi} smile widen. "I wouldn't dare."
						*if (((romanceW < 1) or (johnAttracted = false)) and (romanceL > 0)) #"No..." The truth of the answer stings somewhere close to my heart.
							*set romanceL + 1
							"No..." The truth of the answer stings somewhere close to your heart. 

							"I am sorry," ${j_he} says, with a lowered brow.

							"... Well, it is what it is."

							"Does it have to, Sherlock?" Watson questions in a careful tone. "Things can always change. But, if not, I will be here. Never question it! And now—would you be so kind as to tell me again about all the applications of meltable murder weapons, I find myself forgetting again—"

							"Watson, you really should write it down. This happens far too often. Nevertheless, take note—the most interesting would be the [i]ice weapon[/i] which—" you ramble on about the many applications of meltable murder weapons.

						*if (((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted = true)) and (friendshipW > 81)) #"No, $!{johnName}. Not that it matters. You are the only one I need and want in my life."
							*set romanceW + 2
							*set friendshipW + 2
							"No, $!{johnName}. Not that it matters. You are the only one I need and want in my life," you say.

							Steady blue eyes hold your gaze, seemingly larger and softer than ever. Lips part. But nothing is said. 

							And, you notice, [i]${j_hi} hand[/i] resting on the middle seat, a mere slip away...

							*fake_choice
								#"..."
									And you say nothing. 

									And neither does ${j_he}.

									Despite the bumps in the road and the chaotic streets outside, ${j_hi} attentions remain solely on you. 

									A warm smile spreads across ${j_hi} face. "You are everything to me."

									And that was all that was said. 

									And it was enough.

								#"And you, $!{johnName}? Am I enough?"
									"And you, $!{johnName}? Am I enough?" you ask.

									"... More."

									"More?"

									"Much more—than enough, ${mc_name}. There was never any question, not to me."

									And that was all that was said. 

									And it was enough.

						#"No. But I wish we did—Lestrade and I could become something akin to friends, perhaps."
							*set platonicJealousW + 1
							"No. But I wish we did—Lestrade and I could become something akin to friends, perhaps."

							"I... think so too." The corner of Watson's mouth lifts stiffly. "$!{l_mr} Lestrade would make a fine friend to you."

							"You do not think ${l_he} would mind?" you ask.

							"Then ${l_he} would be a great fool."

							And that was all that was said for many moments as the carriage filled the silence with rhythmic turbulence.

						#"In all sincerity, I do not think we ever have? How peculiar..."
							*set friendshipW + 1
							"In all sincerity, I do not think we ever have? How peculiar..."

							"Is that so? Peculiar, indeed. But ${l_he} knows you well."

							"Does ${l_he}?"

							"I would say so—${l_he} talked of you when we met. Perhaps you are closer than you think?"

							"... Perhaps."

							And that was all that was said for many moments as the carriage filled the silence with rhythmic turbulence.
						#"No. Never."
							"No. Never," you answer.

							"Oh?" ${j_he} says, appearing puzzled with a quizzical brow. "Not the once?"

							"No."

							And that was all that was said for many moments as the carriage filled the silence with rhythmic turbulence.
						#"God no!"
							*set friendshipW + 2
							"God no!" you answer.

							${johnName} laughs. "Oh, Lestrade is not [i]so[/i] bad. Besides, you are much too alike in interests to be this antagonistic of each other—"

							"We are nothing alike, Watson!"

							"...of course not, ${mc_name}." $!{j_hi} smile widens. "A slip of the tongue."

							And that was all that was said for many moments as the carriage filled the silence with rhythmic turbulence.

					*goto carriageRideCh2	

				*if ((sinceWhenTalk = true) and (knowsLestradeAndWatsonTalked = false))
					"So... I did not know you and Lestrade talked. Do I often come up in your conversations?"

					*if ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted = true)) 
						*set flushW true
						Watson flushes by your question. "I wouldn't say any such—It's not—why on gods green earth are you asking me this?!"

						"You talked the other day, yes? About the Edinburgh case? And about me?"

						"Oh—yes. There was a [i]talk[/i], as you put it."

					*if ((romanceW < 1) or (johnAttracted = false)) 
						Watson laughs heartily. "Not always, ${mc_name}. Although, it did come up recently, as you know."


					*goto wTalksOfL

				*if (knowsLestradeAndWatsonTalked = true)
					"So... I did not know you and Lestrade talked. Do I often come up in your conversations?"

					*if ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted = true)) 
						*set flushW true
						Watson flushes by your question. "I wouldn't say any such—It's not—why on gods green earth are you asking me this?!"

						"But you helped ${l_him} out the other day, yes? And talked about the Edinburgh case? And about me?"

						"... I did not go out of my way to—you simply came up—in the conversation... But, yes, there was a [i]talk[/i], as you put it..."

					*if ((romanceW < 1) or (johnAttracted = false)) 
						Watson laughs heartily. "Not always, ${mc_name}. Although, it did come up recently, as you know."

					*goto wTalksOfL


				*goto carriageRideCh2

			*disable_reuse #Complain about the lack of 'fun' crime
				"There really are no 'fun' crimes anymore, Watson. The modern criminal is far too dull and unimaginative for my taste. I miss the [i]good old days[/i]."

				"Is that not a bit melodramatic, $!{mc_name}?" Watson looks to the window, studying the people and the crowds. "I do not think it is the populace that has changed. I think you have. Tell me, was it even a modicum of success? With the case today—such a unique case—any lingering contentment? Will it distract you from [i]things[/i], for a while, even a little?"

				*fake_choice
					#"I do not think so, no."
						Watson looks at you, brows drawn down in melancholy. "I was afraid of that."
					#"Yes, a little, perhaps." I lie.
						Watson looks at you, brows drawn down in melancholy. "But not enough..."
					#"What does it matter? It is not enough."
						Watson looks at you, brows drawn down in melancholy. "I am sorry... I had hoped it would be."
					#"Why do we have to talk of such things—amuse me, Watson!"
						Watson looks at you, a pained fake smile plastered on ${j_hi} face. "It did happen something at the clinic today, when I was called to this new patient I..."

						And ${johnName} tells a tale, and you forget your troubles for a second.

				*goto carriageRideCh2

			*disable_reuse #Discuss Watson's romantic life.
				"So... what is happening in your life? Any special someone?"

				Watson looks at you, wide eyes and mouth hanging open. "In my life?! How come you are asking me if I have—what makes you think that?!" 

				*fake_choice
					#"Bored. Had to ask something."
						*set friendshipW - 2
						—"Bored. Had to ask something."

						"...Sherlock, please do not ask me such things in so a relaxed manner. You nearly gave me a heart attack. But... No. I am not in a relationship with anyone."

						*goto quietCoach
					*if ((romanceW > 1) and  (johnAttracted)) #Deduction—
						*set romanceW + 1
						"You have a marker of... [i]affection[/i] on your face. It is common with the ${j_male} species when in a relationship or courting another. Are you?"

						"No!"

						[i]Hmm, perhaps you were wrong then.[/i]

						*goto quietCoach
					#"You are an attractive ${j_man} of appropriate age. It seemed... likely."
						*set romanceW + 1
						—"You are an attractive ${j_man} of appropriate age. It seemed... likely."

						*if ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted))
							Large blue eyes look into yours, an almost hopeful quality in their shine. "You think I'm attractive?" 

							*fake_choice
								#"..."
									*set romanceW + 1
								#"That is obvious, Watson."
									*set friendshipW + 1
									*set romanceW + 1
								#"No?"
									*set romanceW + 1
								#"B—be quiet. You are twisting my words!"
									*set romanceW + 1

						*if (romanceW < 1)
							${johnName} smiles sheepishly. $!{j_hi} voice soft and quiet, "I never expected to hear those words from you."

						*label quietCoach
						The room grows silent after that. You urge Watson to explain the latest medical invention in distraction—and, to ${j_hi} credit, ${j_he} does so with eagerness.

					#"It was simply a question until you had this explosive reaction—you do have someone then?"
						—"It was merely a question until you had this explosive reaction—you do have someone then?"

						"No—I most certainly do not!"

						*goto quietCoach
					#"I only asked to tell you that I would prefer it if you did not."
						—"I only asked to tell you that I would prefer it if you did not."

						"Why?"

						*fake_choice
							#"It might interfere with our friendship."
								*set friendshipW + 2
								"It might interfere with our friendship." 

								"I would not let it."
							*if (johnAttracted) #"It would interfere with our work." I say, not really fearing for the work at all...
								*set friendshipW + 1
								*set romanceW + 1
								"It would interfere with our work."

								"I would not let it."
							#"It would interfere with our work."
								"It would interfere with our work."

								"I would not let it."
							#"I do not like the idea, is all..."
								*set romanceW + 1
								"I do not like the idea, is all."

								*if ((romanceW > 1) and (johnAttracted))
									Large blue eyes look into yours, an almost hopeful quality in their shine. "Want me all to yourself then?"

									*fake_choice
										#"..."
											*set romanceW + 1
										#"Of course, Watson."
											*set friendshipW + 1
											*set romanceW + 1
										#"No!"
											*set romanceW + 1
										#"B—be quiet. You are insinuating things I—I never implied!"
											*set romanceW + 1

								*if ((romanceW < 2) or (johnAttracted = false))
									${johnName} smiles sheepishly. $!{j_hi} voice soft and quiet, "I did not expect to hear such things from you."

						*goto quietCoach

				*goto carriageRideCh2

			*disable_reuse #How did you deduce our travel time so perfectly?
				*set watsonTrickery + 1
				*set watsonTrickeryCab true
				"How did you accomplish such a task, Watson, timing the coach's arrival down to the minute?" 

				$!{j_he} smiles to ${j_himself} very proudly. $!{j_he} wanted you to ask. "Aha, I have stumped you, have I? To think I would see the day! Well, the truth is, I might have convinced a few drivers to ride by if they were available at a few different times. A kind word, a promise of some extra coin. One I told your name... and it took off from there. Do you think me terribly silly for not telling you? I suppose I wanted to impress [i]you[/i] for once..." 

				*label deduceTravel
				*fake_choice
					*hide_reuse #"I thought you said you hurried to the crime scene?"
						—"I thought you said you hurried to the crime scene?"

						"I did! But I had planned this for so long, I... there is a decent stop right outside the clinic, as you know, and I have gotten to know some of these men. And I had told them of my plan the next time there was a case. This one driver was terribly excited to stump the great Sherlock that he promised to convince the others. And, well, he did. I could not let them all down now, could I?"

						You do not have time to formulate an answer, because—
						
						“I know—" Watson sighs. "When I read that it was a murder, I should not have delayed. But really, the other men set it in motion. It could not have been more than a few minutes—but you are right, that does not matter. I am sorry. 
						*if (watsonNotices = true)
							You needed me, and I was not there.
						*if (watsonNotices = false)
							What if you needed me?
						I am sorry. I keep saying that, don’t I? What a partner I am. Sorry…”

						*goto deduceTravel

					#"It is not silly at all. In fact, it is most flattering. And well done, Watson."
						*set friendshipW + 3
						"It is not silly at all. In fact, it is most flattering. And well done, Watson."

						$!{j_hi} eyes close, and ${j_he} takes a deep breath—as if to savour the moment. "I love your company." Blue eyes open large, and a wide smile spreads. "Have I told you that lately?"

					#"Terribly silly, but I do not mind."
						*set friendshipW + 1
						"Terribly silly, but I do not mind."

						Blue eyes look into yours, and a teasing smile spreads. "I have used those exact words to describe you, $!{mc_name}."

					#"Terribly silly, I do not know why I keep you around with such strange notions."
						*set friendshipW - 3
						"Terribly silly, I do not know why I keep you around with such strange notions."

						$!{j_hi} eyes cast downwards—looking away from any space occupied by you. "Of course... I will not do it again. I promise." 

					#"Huh, is that so?"
						"Huh, is that so?" 

						"...Is that all you have to say?"

						"Yes?"

						"...Oh. Alright."


				*goto carriageRideCh2

			*disable_reuse #Try to make polite small-talk with Watson about the weather.
				*set chattedAboutWeather true
				*set hadToldWItWouldRainCh2 true
				*set friendshipW + 1

				"Pleasant weather we are having [i]now[/i], don't you think Watson?"

				"Yes, very pleasant."

				"—And, of course, they say that it will rain again tomorrow."

				"Yes. Like it always does."

				"Indeed... A terribly grey climate most days."

				"Mmm."

				"Rain [i]and[/i] wind, Watson, again! Can you imagine? Ghastly." 

				"Mm."

				"And they say next week, the weather—" 

				"FOR—mercy's sake—[i]Sherlock[/i]... Why are you speaking in such a tedious manner, and about the weather of all things?"

				"I thought I should try 'small-talk' Watson. I assume I did it incorrectly?"

				"Ahh. No—you did it perfectly."

				"But you did not like it?"

				"It is not... A
				*if (genderMC = "woman")
					woman
					*goto smallTalk
				*elseif (genderMC = "man")
					man
					*goto smallTalk
				*else
					individual 
					*goto smallTalk
				*label smallTalk
				such as yourself, it would be a shame is all—to waste your words on banalities. I like our usual conversations, where we address more profound things than the weather. Where, most of the time, you monologue, and I listen."

				"I thought you disliked my monologues?"

				"So did I."

				*goto carriageRideCh2

			*disable_reuse *if (chattedAboutWeather) #Continue to talk about the weather.
				*set talkedOfBallLightning true
				*set friendshipW + 2

				"I will win this Watson, I shall conquer talking seriously about pointless subjects like the weather."

				"Sherlock, I will hear no more of the weather. And that is final." $!{j_he} makes a disgruntled groan and rubs at ${j_hi} temples. But, you also think you see a smirk hiding the facade of annoyance. Maybe. Hopefully.

				You press on.

				"You will find this interesting, I am sure—there are many types of clouds, Watson. The stratus, aptly named if you are still up on your Latin. There is the cumulus, a personal favourite, good for paintings. And then there is the common old bugger, the cirrus, which—"

				"Sherlock! Please. You do not, you do not need to force yourself like this—what is the point of conversations if it is nothing more than a sham or a play? I would much rather you talk of something that interests you or nothing at all. And, I assume, but talking of nothing is borderline torture for the both of us. I am your friend because we accept one another, correct? Flaws and all—[i]well, most of the time[/i]. My point is that I never need you to act, to pretend. I'd much rather you talk when something appears that is of interest, or if you want the silence to be filed, you can ask me to blabber on. But let us not become those people who never hear or listen to one another because nothing of note or enjoyment is ever said."

				"... Have you heard of the weather phenomenon [i]ball lightning[/i]?"

				"Sherlock! What did I—wait. No... I have not." Watson's eyes squint in suspicion and curiosity. "What is ball lightning?"

				"Oh, you are in for a ride, Watson—ball lightning is when..." You explain to Watson the hotly debated topic of 'ball lightning', and ${j_he} appears just as enthralled by this as any topic you usually explain, despite the relation to weather.

				You really have to remember this next time you are forced to perform weather-related small talk—ball lightning is an approved topic.

				*goto carriageRideCh2

			#Do something else
				*set timer + 10
				*goto carriageRideCh2

	#Have a nap in the carriage until you get to your destination
		*set timer 0

		It's been a long day. Perhaps a short moment of sleep is what you need. A well-rested mind is a clever mind, your mother always said. 

		Resting your head on the carriage surface you quickly drift off into oblivion.

		*line_break

		You are rested yet restless when you awake, though thankfully only minutes from your destination.
		
		*goto carriageRideCh2


*label endOfCarriageRide

*page_break

*label Chapter2_Scene2
And there it is.

Of dark painted brick, it appears as a trick by your exhausted mind. Beyond two of the white painted windows call the safety and tranquillity of your room.

[i]Home.[/i]

How lovely it is to return—despite your longing to leave only hours past.

Your body aches for the moulded space that is your own. And unaware, your hand exits the carriage, feet travelling the distance, and your mind comfortable dulling by the routine. Only three more steps—

[i]Clink.[/i]

Two—

[i]Clink.[/i]

One—

[i]Clink, clink.[/i]

Though your mind may be dulled... That sound—[i]Clink[/i]—what in the world is it?

"Coo-coo!" a bird coincidentally calls. 

*fake_choice
	#I know nothing of birds! Birds are far beyond my case related expertise.
		*set haveBirdKnowledge false
		Crime. You specialise in everything related to crime. Not birds. 

		Who would have time to memorise birds? They have wings, two of them, you think. A nose-mouth structure called... something. And little [i]sharp[/i] hand-feet. 

		You can recall very few particulars about birds. Probably because it has never been relevant in a case yet.

		But, you think to yourself, despite your lack of knowledge on the subject, that this particular call does sound both familiar and strange to your ear.
	#Aha, I know everything there is to know about birds! All the avifauna in England is well kept within my mind.
		*set haveBirdKnowledge true
		There are starlings, robins, and crows. There are bills and hollowed bones. There are ones that fly and ones that don't. 

		Every name and trait of all the feathered friends of the whole kingdom remain safely stored in your memory. From the goldfinch with the less than golden plumage, to the common blackbird. 

		And this specific call you hear belongs to a [i]Columba livia[/i], a small female of the pigeon family. 

		But, you are sure there is something particular about the sound that you can not quite place despite your knowledge of the subject.

*page_break

The sound came from the tree by the side of the building next to yours. And for some reason, despite the tired and weary shape of your body, you go.

Your compulsion to look, to explore, is stronger. Curiosity once again takes over.

*page_break

Walking towards the sound, away from your home, and into a new situation—Watson follows behind. $!{j_he} does not ask what took hold of you. 

[i]What has taken hold of you?[/i]

[i]Do you even know?[/i]

*fake_choice
	*if (haveBirdKnowledge) #I like birds, alright?
		*set birdAttitudeStart "LikeBirds"
		What's not to like. Birds are splendid creatures, rarely recognized for their unique gifts and remarkable intelligence. 

		So you continue your march. Soon you will find what it is. And as danger seems unlikely, not worrying is without consequence. 
	*if (haveBirdKnowledge = false) #I have just realised I have a lot to learn about birds...
		*set birdAttitudeStart "NeedToLearnBirds"
		You only just realised that your grand expertise has a certain bird shaped hole.

		So you continue your march. Soon you will find what it is. And as danger seems unlikely, not worrying is without consequence. 
	#I do not know.
		No. You do not know what this is. But that does not stop you. Adrift as if at sea, along this wave of uncertainty.

		So you continue your march. Soon you will find what it is. And as danger seems unlikely, not worrying is without consequence. 
	#I feel strangely pulled towards the sound.
		You feel drawn towards the distinctive chirp and clink.

		So you continue your march. Soon you will find what it is. And as danger seems unlikely, not worrying is without consequence. 
	#Maybe my subconscious knows something I do not?
		You have sometimes wondered if your subconscious is the real genius. When ideas appear fully formed, is it truly yours, or is it that silent strange intellect down inside?

		Nevertheless, you will soon find what it is. And as danger seems unlikely, not worrying is without consequence. 
	#Delirium from extreme fatigue?
		Perhaps you are hearing things. Again.

		Nevertheless, you will soon find what it is. And as danger seems unlikely, not worrying is without consequence. 
	#I have no idea. I despise birds.
		*set birdAttitudeStart "HateBirds"
		Awful disease-carrying vermin—flying—flying disease-carrying vermin! What could be worse?! 

		Despite your despise you continue your march. Soon you will find what it is. And as danger seems unlikely, not worrying is without consequence. 
*if (cope = "taking risks")
	Although, you would not mind terribly having a reason to worry... if only a little.

*page_break

[i]There[/i].

Up in the tree around the corner, as you suspected, is a small bird. 

*if (haveBirdKnowledge)
	[i]Pigeon[/i]. But not just any pigeon, an all-white female pigeon. And by the stretch of the neck and the shape of the beak, an authentic and well-bred carrier pigeon. 

*if (haveBirdKnowledge = false)
	A white bird. Pigeon perhaps, though it does look... unusual.

Looking close, on the pearl-white coat are small splatters of apparent blood. And tied around its leg are a string and a small piece of paper. A message.

[i]Oh, what fun![/i]

*fake_choice
	#I want it!

*finish

[b]END OF DEMO[/b]

I moved some stuff from chapter two into the mostly written chapter 3, so the demo will end here. This chapter just got too long and I wanted the next chapter to have some interesting stuff :)

[b]The next update will [i]probably[/i] include:[/b]
*line_break
Catch a bird with Watson
*line_break
Decorate your apartment
*line_break
Decide on an outfit
*line_break
Get a letter or two

[i]If you liked the demo or have any thoughts you would like to share, I would love to hear from you in the forum thread or on tumblr/discord :)[/i]





*ending
You want it...

You need it. 

You will get it!





*label error
You got an error... uhhh I don't know why... please send me a message about this.