Sugarcane

You've enjoyed the date immensely, but as Mr. Speedwagon prepares to leave, your heart starts pounding. You feel compelled to do something to show how much you liked the date, but what?\n\n[[Hug him]]\n[[Give him a kiss on the cheek]]

[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/20788bd531fa04ba22be019d8cc3e1cc/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to7_400.png]]\n"Excuse me Miss <<$playerName>>, I am very sorry to step out on such a lovely date, but my friends need me! I had a wonderful time though, and I hope to see you again!"\n\nHe reaches down and gives your hand a warm squeeze before [[running for the door|end4]] with Poco.

[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/57477806146af6a18e8f9ab9e599becc/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to1_400.jpg]]\n"Mr. Speedwagon!" Poco begins, "There's terrible news at the docks! Apparently something bad has happened to Mr. Joestar's ship! You have to come quickly and find out what's wrong!"\n\nSpeedwagon excuses himself like the [[model gentleman.|end3]]

You never see Mr. Speedwagon again, not in person anyways. On that day, yet another tragedy struck the Joestar family, leaving only Jonathan's wife Erina and her unborn child in the family. Mr. Speedwagon stayed with Erina after she was rescued from the shipwreck and brought to New York, and during his time there he became involved with an oil company, which led to massive wealth. Unfortunately, he was too busy managing the oil fields and observing the scientific discoveries he used his wealth to fund to ever return to England. He remained a lifelong bachelor. \n\nOf course, you know this because after that first date, the two of you exchanged letters for many years! You couldn't help being charmed by the adorably sincere man with the fluffy blonde hair who did his best to take you out on a nice date. Even if he wasn't what society considered a high class man, you found the other men your parents eventually convinced you to date somehow lacking, even if they did come from better backgrounds. Therefore, to your parents' disappointment but your own satisfaction, you became a lifelong bachelorette, deriving your pleasure from an independent lifestyle among the artists and authors of London at the turn of the century, and relaying all the fascinating stories to your beloved lifelong pen pal.\n\nTHE END

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/83a5e7cf0d3bfc19f8c579f5c0ad4f2f/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to5_400.png]]\n"MR. JOESTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!"\n\nAnd just like that, he's [[gone.|end5]]

"So what are your interests?" you ask him. "Any hobbies?"\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/116c2bb0043d906958171e7e7fd2cd0e/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to4_400.jpg]]\nHe gets an unmistakable gleam in his eye. "Of course! Anyways, since I met Mr. Joestar I've been trying to learn as much as possible. He taught me, education, just as much as manners is important to being a true gentleman! Let me show you [[something]]..."

"You're late," you say. "I was waiting nervously in the parlor for at least twenty minutes! I began to think you wouldn't show up!"\n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/108698d98c3e8069298b1a0405850459/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to8_400.jpg]]\nMr. Speedwagon pulls out his pocket watch. "AH! You're very right Miss <<$playerName>>!! I am truly ashamed. This is no way for a gentleman to act. [[How can I make this up to you?]]"\n\n

<<silently>><<set $location = "none">><<endsilently>>England, 1889. \n\nYou are the only daughter of a nouveau riche family who made their small fortune speculating on railroads. Despite not having many connections with high society because they are "new money," your parents still wish for you to make your debut in the social world as a woman of courting age on the arm of a respectable gentleman. Therefore, they have arranged a [[date]] for you!

[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/71093fed34ebaa59948180fccbaf61d5/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to1_400.jpg]]\n"I'll have the Squid Ink Pasta, thank you," you say, handing the menu back to the waiter. Mr. Speedwagon seems impressed.\n\n"Wow! You are really bold to try something like that, Miss <<$playerName>>. I've never had anything with squid before, in fact, I have no idea what it could taste like!"\n\n"Well, have you had scallops?" you ask, [[trying to make a parallel]].

[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/ee71cda045cc29b2d2bfe0179099b225/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to10_400.jpg]]\n"No, the only seafood I've ever eaten is fish and chips! Ah... sorry, I must seem so lowbrow."\n\n"It's fine, it just means you have a lot of new foods to try, and that's pretty exciting." You manage to get a [[smile]] out of him.

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/058d0ee5e756656f7c3606acd04379df/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to6_400.jpg]]\n"Why yes! It is rather cold. My friends say I give off heat like a furnace, but it seems the cold only gets to me more because of that. I made reservations at a restaurant, but I understand if you just want to stay in and avoid the weather."\n\nWhich do you choose?\n\n[[Stay in, have tea in the parlor]]\n[[Go to the restaurant]]

You get up on your tip-toes, trying to stop your lips from twitching and your legs from shaking due to nerves. Hopefully this will make it clear you want to see him again. His cheek is warm and slightly stubbly, how cute. You can feel his curly blonde hair against the side of your face.\n\nEven though you don't want to, you decide to [[pull away|end1p]].

You throw your arms around his chest and pull in close. Hopefully this will make it clear you want to see him again. You feel his arms slowly closing around you. It's warm. Unusually warm in fact, like he could thaw a frozen turkey in a few minutes just by holding it to his chest. \n\nEven though you don't want to, you decide to [[pull away|end1r]].

You quickly gobble up the food. It's delicious! The next time you look up, your plate is empty and Mr. Speedwagon is only halfway through his food. He smiles.\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/116c2bb0043d906958171e7e7fd2cd0e/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to4_400.jpg]]\n"Wow, you sure are a tough woman, being able to scarf down food like that! Even an ex-street-punk like me is a little intimidated."\n\nYou blush. "Ah, I didn't mean to be rude, I was just very hungry..."\n\n"It's okay, Miss <<$playerName>>. I like when you do what you feel like, rather than trying to be well-mannered all the time, it takes the pressure off me!" You both [[laugh|res2]].

"So... what kind of family do you come from?" you ask, trying to broach the subject as delicately as possible. Mr. Speedwagon puts down his teacup and sits back in his chair, like he was expecting this question. \n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/ee71cda045cc29b2d2bfe0179099b225/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to10_400.jpg]]\n"You've doubtlessly heard some things about me, so I'll be totally honest. I didn't come from a very good family. Learning anything was never a priority and I mostly grew up on the streets, getting by with petty theft, because I never knew enough to get a good job. But since meeting Mr. Joestar, he's helped me so much, and I've been making lots of progress towards being a respectable industry man! I recently saved up enough to get stock and partial ownership in a new glass factory being built nearby! So, I'm trying my best to make something of myself, as you can see."\n\n[[I believe you|Say you like him the way he is]]\n[[You still have to prove yourself|Say he needs to try harder to be a gentleman]]

"The only way to make up for it is to take me out for a fancy dinner, Mr. Speedwagon!"\n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/82478cbf57c0db359ff7a8d6094c0c90/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to3_400.jpg]]\nHe looks even more nervous, like he's about to run away. He really has never been on a date before! "Fancy? Oh dear... I hope the restaurant I made reservations for will do. I don't know much about fine dining, but I hope it satisfies you, Miss <<$playerName>>..."\n\n"I'm sure it will do," you respond. "Now, I want you to take my arm and walk me to this [[restaurant]] like a proper gentleman!"

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/2c1311819570ae50033314de4b0891cf/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to5_400.png]]\nYou pull away, both of you blushing intensely. Wow! Things are moving fast for a first date! But you're not uncomfortable at all, in fact, you know you'll see Mr. Speedwagon again soon, and everything seems to be going at the right pace.\n\nSuddenly there's another knock at the door. Again, your parents don't respond. Speedwagon goes to open it. On the other side of the door is a small boy.\n\n"Poco!" Speedwagon says. "What is it?"\n\nPoco looks incredibly [[distressed.|end2]]

"I think we can brave the cold for the sake of your reservations," you respond.\n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/71093fed34ebaa59948180fccbaf61d5/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to1_400.jpg]]\n"Alright Miss <<$playerName>>, we'll brave the cold, but make sure you stay close to me, I wouldn't want you to catch a chill! Off to the [[restaurant]]!"

[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/26b686f4431ee9993c92bc0ff0889b0b/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to3_400.jpg]]\nHis thick black eyebrows furrow. He is, quite literally, shaking in his boots. You feel bad for putting even more pressure on him, but late is late. If he wants to get away from his past life, he has to make some improvements. Still, he seems genuinely sorry...\n\n[[Suggest tea in the parlor to calm both of you down]]\n[[Demand to be taken to a fancy restaurant]]

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/bc463b7e392aed70cf8d77dbe2b38e5f/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to2_400.jpg]]\n"Hello sir! I uh--"\n\n[["..Sir?"|Sir?]]

You lose count of how many sugars he puts in his tea. Finally he stirs it until it becomes some sort of syrupy beverage, and then takes a satisfied gulp of it.\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/116c2bb0043d906958171e7e7fd2cd0e/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to4_400.jpg]]\n"Ahh, delicious! Can I have one of these too?" he asks, pointing at the chocolate biscuits. \n\n"Of course!"\n\n"Right, thank you!" He happily gobbles one up. "Now that I'm warmed up and re-energized, what would you like to talk about?"\n\nYou sit back in the chair and sip at your tea, wondering which subject to bring up.\n\n[[Pry into his past]]\n[[Ask about his interests]]

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/058d0ee5e756656f7c3606acd04379df/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to6_400.jpg]]\n"Ha ha! I guess if you put it that way it's a good thing I suppose. Thanks, Miss <<$playerName>>. Ah! Here's the food!"\n\nThe waiter returns, carrying two hot plates of food, and places them each in front of you. Smells delicious!\n\n[[Gobble it up!]]\n[[Share a few bites with Speedwagon]]

DATE SPEEDWAGON

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/e092435f167155215fc7f0a15694604c/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to9_400.png]]\n"Ah! I apologize! I wasn't expecting a young lady to answer the door. Hello miss... Um... I'm sorry, this is terribly embarrassing but I seem to have forgotten your name!"\n\nWhile he is trying to make a cool impression, you can tell he's rather tense, maybe even just as nervous as you are! Your suitor is a tall man with fluffy blonde hair and wide shoulders who speaks in a booming voice. Though people who speak needlessly loudly tend to annoy you, he somehow makes it charming. Well, it could be worse. \n\n[[Tell him your name]]

After a bit of thinking, you decide Mr. Speedwagon seems like enough of a gentleman that you'd be willing to make your public debut with him.\n\n"I say a fancy night out then!"\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/116c2bb0043d906958171e7e7fd2cd0e/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to4_400.jpg]] \n"Great!" He seems to be excited and more confident now. "I made some reservations at a [[restaurant]] Mr. Joestar suggested just in case! Come with me, Miss <<$playerName>>."

"I'd rather not bear the cold, so why don't we stay in and chat over tea?"\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/116c2bb0043d906958171e7e7fd2cd0e/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to4_400.jpg]]\nMr. Speedwagon seems relieved. "Good idea! A nice warm beverage is just what I need."\n\n"Alright then, I'll head to the kitchen and pull together a tea tray." You head to the kitchen, prepare the cream, sugar and hot water along with some chocolate biscuits, and then carry the [[tea tray]] back to the parlor.

--let the player undo moves? (on / off)\n--in sugarcane, this enables the browser's back button.\n--in jonah, this lets the player click links in previous\n--passages.\n\nundo: on\n\n--let the player use bookmarks? (on / off)\n--this enables the bookmark links in jonah and sugarcane\n--(if the player can't undo, bookmarks are always disabled.)\nbookmark: off\n\n--obfuscate the story's html source to prevent possible\n--spoilers? (swap / off)\n\nobfuscate: on \n\n--string of letter pairs to use for swap-style obfuscation\n\nobfuscatekey: soxkpejgyquznaidtbrlmwcvfh\n\n--include the jquery script library? (on / off)\n\njquery: off\n\n--include the modernizr script library? (on / off)\n\nmodernizr: off\n

He used to run with a rough gang of street punks, according to rumors. That's why you're feeling a bit nervous! You don't think your parents would set you up with anyone dangerous, but...\n\n[[Back|date]]

[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/71093fed34ebaa59948180fccbaf61d5/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to1_400.jpg]]\n"Yes, so since neither of us have much experience, I think it would be best to let the lady decide what type of date she would like." He folds his arms and nods decisively. "Would Miss <<$playerName>> prefer a quiet evening in, or a fancy evening out?"\n\n[[Quiet evening in!]]\n[[Fancy evening out!]]

<<silently>><<set $location = "parlor">><<endsilently>>You set the tea tray down on the parlor table and pour yourself and Mr. Speedwagon a cup. He takes his excitedly and begins adding large spoons of sugar...\n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/064f16eb39d809901723e3382284a2a7/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to4_400.png]]\nOne... two... three.. four... five... six... he's still going.\n\n[[Isn't that a lot of sugar?]]\n[[Let him finish]]

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/a64a308d73eb542c9c08ccd393c9cfa6/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to2_400.jpg]]\nMr. Speedwagon seems to just be nervously forcing a smile and avoiding eye contact with you. You decide to break the awkward silence with the first thing that comes to mind.\n\n"Sure is cold out, isn't it?"\n\nMr. Speedwagon laughs. His [[laugh]] is loud and honest and makes you giggle too. \n\n

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/058d0ee5e756656f7c3606acd04379df/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to6_400.jpg]]\n"WOW! This is delicious! Just as good as the thing I had! Italian food is great."\n\n"We'll have to come back and try every meal then," you say.\n\n"Of course!" He says instantly, and then the true weight of what you said hits him. "Oh, I'd be honored to, Miss <<$playerName>>. But first, let me take care of the cheque."\n\nMr. Speedwagon flags down the nearest waiter, and pays him for the meal, along with a considerate tip, then helps you out of your chair and gets your coat for you. What a gentleman.\n\n"I should probably take you home now..." he says [[hesitantly]].

You wait until you're both just about done with your meal before winding a bite of your leftover pasta onto your fork. Speedwagon takes a moment to put his utensils down and take a sip of water, and that's when you nervously speak up.\n\n"Ex-excuse me, Mr. Speedwagon?"\n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/71093fed34ebaa59948180fccbaf61d5/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to1_400.jpg]]\n"Yes, Miss <<$playerName>>? Is something wrong with your food?"\n\n"Um, just the opposite. I was actually thinking, since you have never eaten at an Italian place before, would you like to try a bite of my food as well?"\n\nHe looks [[pleasantly surprised]].

"I don't mind you the way you are," you tell him. "You're doing fine, just be yourself."\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/058d0ee5e756656f7c3606acd04379df/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to6_400.jpg]]\nMr. Speedwagon instantly perks up. "Really? You mean that?"\n\n"Of course, my family hasn't been well-off for very long, so even I'm not used to the more complicated mannerisms old money families subscribe to. Honestly, I think they can be kind of snobby and restraining, [[don't you?]]"

"Well, you seem like a good man, Mr. Speedwagon. I'm willing to give you a chance, but you have to keep trying harder to prove yourself." Harsh. You expected him to be a little downtrodden by this, but he responds with pure enthusiasm.\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/116c2bb0043d906958171e7e7fd2cd0e/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to4_400.jpg]]\n"Of course, I know I have a long way to go, but I think... thanks to someone like you, Miss <<$playerName>>, who actually gives me a chance rather than refusing to see me at all, maybe I could really become a true gentleman! Mr. Joestar inspired me so, I really want to prove myself!"\n\nYou can tell from the intensity in his eyes that he's not joking around, and he's not nervous anymore either. Having someone he can prove his worth to seems to only motivate him. It's actually kind of... cool... you feel a slight [[flutter]] in your chest.

You decide to be nicer to him, and offer him a seat in the parlor.\n\n"Why don't we just sit down and have some tea?" you suggest. You had prepared a tea tray and some biscuits in the kitchen just for this circumstance. \n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/ee71cda045cc29b2d2bfe0179099b225/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to10_400.jpg]]\n"Alright, I'm sorry I'm so nervous." Mr. Speedwagon sighs heavily and sits down in one of the chairs while you go and fetch the [[tea tray]].

The gentleman they arranged for you... well, he has a bit of a [[dubious past]] but has apparently befriended the highly respectable [[Joestar family]] that lives nearby. Since then, he has been working hard to establish contacts in the railway and industry sectors to support himself as well as repay his debt to the Joestars. \n\nYou feel a bit of uncertainty about this, after all, his background is a bit of a mystery, but it's the best setup a girl from your sort of family, not well-established in high society, can hope for. \n\nYou are seated in the parlor of your parents house, awaiting the fateful [[knock]] on the door.

"Isn't that a lot of sugar?" you ask. Mr. Speedwagon puts the spoon down and looks slightly crestfallen.\n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/26b686f4431ee9993c92bc0ff0889b0b/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to3_400.jpg]]\n"Ah, I'm sorry, I've not had tea like this many times before. I'm still learning the proper manners. I hate to ask this of you, but you'll have to be patient with me, Miss <<$playerName>>."\n\n"It's alright," you say. There's a long silence.\n\n"Is it really, though?" Mr. Speedwagon asks. "I'm sure I'm not what a girl like you expected. Will you still give me a chance?"\n\n[[Say you like him the way he is]]\n[[Say he needs to try harder to be a gentleman]]

You haven't been paying attention to how much time has passed. When your mother appears in the doorway of the parlor, interrupting the conversation you were having, it feels like it's only been a few minutes. \n\n"How are you two getting on?" she asks. Mr. Speedwagon waits for you to go first.\n\n"Great," you say happily.\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/e092435f167155215fc7f0a15694604c/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to9_400.png]]\n\nSpeedwagon seems reassured. "Yes, we're doing very well, Ma'am!"\n\n"Well that's wonderful, just keep an eye on the time, dear," your mother says, giving you an impatient look before leaving to the kitchen.\n\n"She probably wants us to finish up," you say quietly, once she's out of earshot. "This is only a first date, after all, she doesn't want things to get too... um... intense."\n\n"I understand," Mr. Speedwagon says, standing up. "Thank you for the tea, Miss <<$playerName>>, I truly enjoyed your hospitality." The logical thing is for him to get his coat and head for the door, but he [[hesitates]].

[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/71093fed34ebaa59948180fccbaf61d5/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to1_400.jpg]]\nYou decide to go with something you're familiar with. "I'll have the Carbonara," you say, handing the menu back to the waiter. Mr. Speedwagon looks pleased.\n\n"So you're happy with this restaurant?" He asks.\n\n"It's very nice," you respond. \n\n"Good good! I was so nervous, I didn't know what would be right for a girl like you. I still have a lot to learn before I'll fit in with people like you, so please bear with me!"\n\nYou smile, taking a sip from the glass of water on the table and grabbing a crunchy breadstick.\n\n"It's alright, Mr. Speedwagon. You know, I feel like I can relax around you. People who were raised with tons of wealth can be so snobby and stiff. You're different." This makes him [[smile]].

There's a knock at the door, and your heart leaps. It must be him! You wait for one of your parents to get it, but your father is in the study and your mother is upstairs. Likely neither of them heard. After a reasonable hesitation, the knock comes again. Looks like you have to [[open the door...]]

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/e092435f167155215fc7f0a15694604c/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to9_400.png]]\n"Well, yes! I'd love to."\n\n"Lean closer then." Speedwagon nervously leans towards you over the table. You gently rest your free hand under his chin and stick the fork with the pasta on it in his mouth. He leans back and pensively chews for a moment, [[then...]]

"I think a quiet evening in suits me just fine, Mr. Speedwagon," you respond. "Let's talk over tea in the parlor. I'll go fix the tea."\n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/ee71cda045cc29b2d2bfe0179099b225/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to10_400.jpg]]\n"Alright, sounds great," Mr. Speedwagon says, lowering his wide frame into a chair. "I'll patiently wait for you here!"\n\nYou go back to the kitchen to finish preparing the tea tray you had started on earlier in case a quick chat seemed appropriate. When everything's ready, you grab the [[tea tray]] and head back to the parlor.

<<silently>><<set $location = "restaurant">><<endsilently>>You take Mr. Speedwagon's arm and he guides you to the restaurant. Along the way, you have a lively conversation about your respective experiences living in the town. So it is true, he did live on the streets for a while, but his manner, so far as you can tell, is completely reformed. You don't think he'd ever hurt a fly, and while his etiquette isn't perfect he makes a good effort.\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/bc463b7e392aed70cf8d77dbe2b38e5f/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to2_400.jpg]]\n"We're here!" Mr. Speedwagon announces. You've stopped in front of a cozy-looking Italian restaurant. "Come on, Miss <<$playerName>>, let's go in!" Arm in arm, you walk into the restaurant and get seated at a romantic, candlelit [[table for two]].

When your laughter dies down, Mr. Speedwagon gives you a sincere smile. \n\n[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/71093fed34ebaa59948180fccbaf61d5/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to1_400.jpg]]\n"You... you're a lovely person, actually," He begins with a bit of a stammer. "I was very nervous I wouldn't be able to connect to someone like you, but I think we get along well! So, Miss <<$playerName>>, did you enjoy the food?"\n\n"Do you even need to ask? I insist we come back here until we've tried all the dishes!"\n\n"Of course!" He says instantly, and then the true weight of what you said hits him. "Oh, I'd be honored to, Miss <<$playerName>>. But first, let me take care of the cheque."\n\nMr. Speedwagon flags down the nearest waiter, and pays him for the meal, along with a considerate tip, then helps you out of your chair and gets your coat for you. What a gentleman.\n\n"I should probably take you home now..." he says [[hesitantly]].

A long-standing high society family in your town. Despite suffering through the untimely deaths of both the head of household and his wife, as well as a devastating fire in the mansion, their son, Jonathan has recently married and is positioned for a successful career and family life. Their adoptive son unfortunately perished in the fire.\n\n[[Back|date]]

[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/71093fed34ebaa59948180fccbaf61d5/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to1_400.jpg]]\n"That's for sure! I may have put my days of petty theft behind me, but there are plenty of things other people found undignified about that lifestyle that I really enjoyed. Taking a nap under a tree, going for a swim in the lake or climbing up a big hill, all of those things beat going to a stuffy ballet for sure! In fact," he blushes a little. "I hope your parents wouldn't think it was undignified for me to take you on one of my excursions!"\n\n"When it gets warmer out, of course! And," you lean in, whispering, in case one of your parents could hear. "We can just tell them we're going to the symphony."\n\nYou both have a nice laugh together about it, but you hope he takes your offer seriously. The idea of packing a picnic lunch and going on a springtime hike with Speedwagon is enough to make your heart [[flutter]].

[img[https://31.media.tumblr.com/ee71cda045cc29b2d2bfe0179099b225/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to10_400.jpg]]\nMr. Speedwagon still looks a little nervous seated at the table. This must be one of the first few times he's ever eaten in a fancy dining establishment.\n\n"It smells delicious in here," you say, trying to reassure him. \n\n"Ah, good! You like it? You know, Mr. Joestar said this place--" He's cut off by the waiter arriving.\n\n"Excuse me, what would you like, sir?" The waiter asks.\n\n"Uh... I'll have the... Chicken Par-muh-seen, I guess. Yeah, that sounds good," Speedwagon says, pointing at the picture in the menu.\n\n"And for the lady?"\n\n[[Order the Carbonara]]\n[[Order the Squid Ink Pasta]]

<<silently>><<set $playerName = prompt("You give him a tentative smile and tell him your name...","Enter your name")>><<endsilently>>[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/bc463b7e392aed70cf8d77dbe2b38e5f/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to2_400.jpg]]\n"Right! Miss <<$playerName>>, nice to meet you. I am Robert E.O. Speedwagon. May I come in? It is rather cold out."\n\nYou step out of the doorway to let him pass and then close the door behind him. You are both standing in the foyer, unsure of what to talk about.\n\n[[Complain about his lateness]]\n[[Ask him how his day has been]]\n[[Discuss the weather]]

Created By: <html> <a href="http://coleoptera-kinbote.tumblr.com/">Coleoptera_Kinbote</a> </html>

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/2c1311819570ae50033314de4b0891cf/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to5_400.png]]\nYou pull away, both of you blushing intensely. Wow! Things are moving fast for a first date! But you're not uncomfortable at all, in fact, you know you'll see Mr. Speedwagon again soon, and everything seems to be going at the right pace.\n\nSuddenly there's a bit of a hubbub at the front of the restaurant. A small boy is trying to get past the reservation table, while a waiter holds him back.\n\n"Hey! Let me go, I have an important message for Mr. Speedwagon! He's right over there!"\n\n"Poco!" Speedwagon says, looking up suddenly. "Let him come over here, it's fine!"\n\nPoco looks incredibly [[distressed.|end2]]

After a few awkward moments of silence, you ask him how his day has been.\n\n[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/116c2bb0043d906958171e7e7fd2cd0e/tumblr_mz1vkaj9jK1r1x93to4_400.jpg]]\n"Ah, just the usual Miss <<$playerName>>! Most days I go around doing odd jobs or meeting with industry people to get my name out there. Mr. Joestar has been a big help, and for once I'm finally earning enough to support myself. Of course today I was most excited and nervous for this date. It's the first one I've ever been on!"\n\n"Oh... me too," [[you respond.]]\n

[img[https://24.media.tumblr.com/0f208c67fd780e17d14aad72f5b01071/tumblr_mz1vj3evZM1r1x93to6_400.jpg]]\nHe fumbles around in his pocket before pulling out what seems to be a milky, light-blue stone, then cradles it carefully in both hands. \n\n"I've been most interested in chemistry, and you know, the glass industry involves a whole bunch of neat chemical reactions! So here, this is a type of glass the factory I'm helping out at is making!"\n\nMr. Speedwagon comes over to you, crouches down a bit, and holds up the lump of glass so you can get a closer look. It's full of waves of bright iridescence and shiny, deep blue specks. You've never seen any sort of glass like it.\n\n"It's Opaline Glass, very popular in France so they're trying to mass-produce it here. What do you think?"\n\n"It's lovely!"\n\n"Well, I could tell you how they make it, it's kind of complicated though!"\n\nEven though you didn't understand half of his explanation, his genuine enthusiasm for the subject was actually pretty... charming. As he leaned close to you to point out specific qualities of the tiny glass lump, you could feel your heart [[flutter]] happily.