Autumns heat was of simblical porportions, and if the forecasts were correct it would stay this way. If Marco had been supersticious, he might have interpreted it as a sign that something bad was going to happen. It was always like that in stories wasn't it? Either unnatural heatwaves, or unusual cold?
But this was an all out happy occation, as his little babygirl was having her age up. Oriana and Marco took the opportunity to celebrate at the the festivale. With a household full of babies, it was easy getting trapped and never leaving home.
And even if the childrens grandmother was dead, and their grandfather missing, the adults decided to celebrate. It was Skuld and Lucrecias day, so using this day for mourning just wouldn't be fair to them.
Do you have to do that? Marco said to Oriana, she'd gotten a hold of some annoying horn she happily howled away at.
She still had time to laugh an answer: Put a sock in it!
Skulds eyes might be a bitter reminder of a grandfather lost, but the hair was all from her dad. Atleast the Gard family colouring lived on, even if her other features was more like her mothers so far.
Lucrecia was the next one out, and Oriana was happy to see her little baby growing up. She took one last sniff, trying to inprint the sweet babyscent in her mind. Ofcourse uncle Marco wasn't any better than his sister, and had gotten a hold of another irritating thing for the celebration.
Oriana laughed at her brother: You're right! That is annoying! Which made him make even more sound. Irritating his sister never got old.
She secretly held her fingers crossed, as she hoped her little girl would look more like her dad, than her. Then she blew out the candles at Lucrecias behalf.
By the looks of it, Oriana got her wish fullfilled, as a pair of icy blue eyes finally appeared under darkbrown hair.
Sitting down on the warm tiles, Marco took the time talking with his daughter. It was important teaching little girls how the world works: If you see big boys, or grown men taking pictures of you, come get daddy okay? It wasn't like he was paranoid or anything, it was just better to be safe than sorry? Maybe he could lock her away until she was an adult?
Skuld already showed signs of beeing a sharp little girl, as she had no trouble focusing on her dad.
The girl still had all her attention at her dad: See, daddy pumps iron so he's very strong! The sun burned on his neck now, but he had to imprent this in his babygirl. Safety first.
So daddy can stuff those men in the trashcan! He smiled at her, trying to take some of the edge off what he was saying. Still not beeing paranoid! But trashcans were always a good alternative, or the bottom of the ocean... Not that the girl seemed to have a problem with it.
And don't go anywhere near ponds, or any water for that matter! You can fall in! He had to teach her how to swim to, and ride a bike! Had he put sunblock on her tiny cheeks? Maybe she didn't need sunblock since her mum had pretty tanned skin? Did it work that way?
What if she started asking about her mum? What was he going to tell her? Dad was horny and needed to get laid, and it was fun because then he was beeing mean to an old geezer that actually hadn't wronged him in any way? Yeah, maybe lying would work better....
And the same goes for your baby brothers, okay? They're just babies, so we have to take good care of them right?
Jarl was green, so obviously the boy had taken a liking to him.... Even if Oriana technically was his creator. All the adults took care of the plantbaby, it was important that he felt loved, and not put aside. Though it was going to be interesting seeing him growing up. Maybe he became a tree then? Marco didn't want him turning into a tree, Jarl was his boy damnit!
Pu bebbe in pond? Skuld thought it sounded like a great idea.
I didn't mean it that way doll. We can't put the babies in a pond. Marco answered. That's what happens when he wasn't paying full attention to his little girl. Focus.... 
Kuld donn like bebbe!
Kuld put bebbe pond, an dadda only tee kuld!!
We can't put the babies in a pond doll. And I do see you, but daddy has to be with the babies to! Great, if this continued he'd end up having three kids that was just like him and his sister. How the hell was he supposed to raise a girl without a woman in his life? Who was going to have "girltalks" with her? Oriana? She was an airhead. Or Meave maybe? Hell no, she was even worse! Crap, what was he going to do when she started dating?
Right... Focus....
Oriana had a bit of a different talk with her daughter: Daddy loves you very much. She didn't even consider having any problems raising a girl, even if her dad wasn't present all the time. Her little one had several male rolemodels, and Skuld and her was going to be best friends! Then they could do eachothers hair, and have girltalks, and cry on eachothers shoulders when they had boytroubles.
In her mind, having something close to a sister had to be an amazing experience.
But he's away on a businesstrip, but it's not long until you'll see him again! It was a bit hard not living together with her husband, but Lucrecia didn't seem to mind so far. Maybe it was easy for her, since she was used to it?
Oriana still wanted them to be a happy little family, but for now it seemed like she was going to spend her years waiting for Bashir to come home.
And then we'll live with dad for a little while, before he goes away on another businesstrip! It's a hard thing trying to explain to a toddler. Dada binnis twip? Or maybe Lucrecia was a bit brighter than one might think. Even if she hadn't been able to talk earlier, Oriana had talked to her about it.
Yes! Businesstrip!
And even if you sweep the chimney clean, ninjas can't actually climb iside them! It was other important things to teach your kids to. Just in case she ever wanted to become a ninja. Or maybe she'd end up beeing a little girly girl?
Wanna cwimb chimmi! Lucrecia put up a sulking face at her mum. Why couldn't she climb a chimney? She wanted to be a ninja to!
Dadda big an stwong wike uncwe Mako?! Lucrecia asked..
Uuuuh... if dad's as big and strong like uncle Marco...yeah... She had met her dad, but clearly Lucrecia had chosen to forget certain things. Ofcouse uncle Marco looked a bit more impressive to a little kid, with big arms and some bling in his ears.
Joe had taken the task of staying home watching the babies, even even if it meant missing the girls birthday. Learning how to talk was a pretty good idea, but he had a different approach to it than his roomies: Stocks will make you rich. Can you say stocks?
Poop stocks...... Efraim wasn't shy telling his dad what he thought about boring conversations like this.
But to develope a good vocabulary, it was also important reading to the child, and Joe didn't want to be any less: And then the little unicorn said....
Poop? Efraim interrupted his dad.
.....do you want to play with us....
But the not so little unicorn didn't want to, and said....
Poop... Efraim didn't like the not so little unicorn, it was scary and mean. Stuffing his thumb in his mouth, he sucked it whilst trying to climb into dads lap. The not so little unicorn would be afraid of dads facehair!
Joe sighed as he put his arm around the boy. Who the hell said kids were easy?
He just gave up: Yes! It was poop!! Poop everywhere!! Brown poop, blue poop, green poop, sparkly poop!! POOP!!!
Efraim laughed hysterically. Poop was so much fun, and dad liked talking about poop too. That's why he always brought it up.
Still at the autums festivale Marco had left his little Skuld with her aunt for a second. Even if he'd promised himself just beeing a dad today, it was impossible not taking the chance when he got it. He just couldn't stop beeing a cop. It took over him as soon as it was needed.
Condolences on your loss, and congratulations with the kids. Rowena had her manners intact, even if that outfit seemed innaporopriate for someone trying to prevent detection. She looked a lot like Meave, but she had that familiar dark voice the Sleitinn women had been so proud of for generations. Not that either Marco or Rowena knew of that ofcourse.
But really, what was up with the zebra underwear? Who wore that anyway? Leopard was fine, zebra not. Oh wait, ze-bra... see bra.... now he got it. Okay, that was a bit funny.
The heat couldn't really hide that winter eventually would be coming, as a small chill in the air came and went. But it was still worth clinging on to summer as long as the weather stayed nice.
Easily he felt himself falling into the role he needed for this moment. The fact that he was standing face to face with little Rowena; his cousin, his best mates sister- in- law didn't cross him. She was a criminal, and thus had little value other than information to him. Shouldn't he atleast have some sort of concern about her?
Thanks, Marco met her yellow eyes, the tell-tale sign of genie blood. He didn't keep the eyecontact up for to long, as he had to keep up the role. As long as he didn't laugh at the ze-bra thing, he'd be fine.
And once again, his infamous luck started rolling, as Rowena lay the conversation for him: So how are you enjoying beeing a cop? Good thing she wasn't in to talking about feelings either, it seemed to be a familyillness.
Oh it's okay. Marco pretended he wasn't thrilled about his job, and that he didn't loved the power that came with the position: Long hours and crappy payment. You would think they could afford paying you more when you get shot at right? He coughed out a laugh, so it seemed like he actually regrettet admitting something.
If he was lucky, she didn't know that he knew what she did for a living. Or maybe she was just as full of it as he was.
Really? I had no idea the payment was that bad.... Atleast Rowena seemed to be honest at that. She stroked her hand through the brown curls, her every movement strengthening the impression of beeing a capable woman. But capable of what? He didn't actually know what she did for the syndicate, but that she was involved with them was given.
He did his best sounding sincere: It is, atleast for someone that has a degree like I do. Wish there was a way I could make more simoleons, but that's just how it is. With mum and dad gone, five kids and that giant house, it's getting a bit hard paying the bills... It might have been, but their parents had left behind a pretty big inheritance.
I'm sure I'll find a way fixing it, he said. Lying was so easy it was ridicilous, maybe he was in the wrong line of work: But, how are things with you? What do you do these days? Like he didn't know that already. Rowenas yellow eyes glinted in the sun, it was actually quite a fascinating colour. But supersticion, supernaturals or whatnots; all in all, it was just a version of brown.
He must have caught her completely by surprise with that honest face she tried putting up.
Oh, not much. It's a bit hard getting something permanent right now. So I work through a company that hire out subtitutes.... Right....
I'm sure you'll find something soon, he was just as full of shit as she was. But if he was lucky this time, which he usually was, it would be enough for Rowena to start spreading the rumour that he actually was a dirty cop and not just pretending. Hopefully it would make something happen soon. If not, he might have to take things a bit further...
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Skuld seemed to be more like him, than good was: Come on doll, it's nap time. Daddy needed that his little demon took a nap.
NOOOO!!!! KULD NO NAP!!!!! To think such a big voice came from something so small. It rang through the stonewalls that his mum had found cozy.
Daddy tickle? She was also a manipulative little bastard, like most kids.
No, it's nap time. Marco smiled at her, as she clumsily stoked his cheek with sticky hands.
She hollered away in that stupid chair, that the producers claimed made the kids fall asleep. Why the hell couldn't the commercials actually tell the truth for once? Put yous kids in the chair, and watch them fall asleep? Someone should visit that company and tell those fuckers some truthful words about that useless piece of shit...
If he let the howling continue, she'd end up waking the entire neighbourhood: If you had slept the first time doll, your nap would have been over by now... It was just something about getting kids to sleep, that made no sense. They cried because they needed sleep, so they couldn't sleep because they cried.
Marco gently stroked that tiny back, he was always a bit afraid he'd break something on her. She was so tiny.... and loud....
Skuld sulked and whimpered. She didn't have time to nap! Toddlerhood had lots of important business to attend to.
As much as Marco hated admitting it, he was tired as hell. He missed having his parents around, but he was sure glad he wasn't alone. They all chipped in on what had to be done, and Joe and Oriana always woke up earlier to let him sleep in. He'd never actually thought he'd appriciate them as much as he did. Not that he told them though, he was a man! But what was he going to do if Meave and Bashir stopped working the way they did? If they moved back, he'd be left alone with three kids!
Watching his dad approaching, Efraim smiled and gurgled. Whenever he was tired, the worst thing they heard from hin was a bit of whimpering.
Joe smiled at his big boy, he was so cute. He was still amazed he'd helped create something that adorable.
Who's a tired little boy, he smiled at his son that immideately smiled back.
Effie!! Efraim gurgled, smiling up at his dad whilst trying to stuff his foot in his mouth.
Do you want to sleep now Effie?
Yay!!! Always the happy little boy.
Marco had sunken down on a chair in the kitchen, looking at the scene in the livingroom. That was so unfair! Joe was crazy and had that little angel! He was sane and had demonspawn! His ears would never stop ringing after Skulds screaming.
Mahdis was usually fine with having some time on her own, but this was closing in on neglect! She gave her sim a little reminder on the difference between a unicorn, and a horse. Not just the large horn, but a pair of nice, pointy fangs that she liked to use biting things.
For once, Joe and Meave could play house as she was a short trip home. He tried having a normal conversation with her, but she seemed to be interested in something different. Not that strange maybe, since they hadn't seen eachother in a while. But couldn't they atleast catch up first?
Efraim wondered what the adults were doing. Why wasn't his mum looking at him instead? He was a lot cuter than dad.
Maybe Efraim had more incommon with his mum than expected, as she seemed as excited as him about poop.
Or maybe she just got shocked at what a big boy he actually was. By the smell of it, Meave wondered for a second if it was Joe that had used the potty.
It had it's perks playing house when they first had the opportunity.
And even if he'd preffer beeing with Meave all the time, it was could have been worse. She could dump him, or die. Joe still wished she'd get another job, but it was a conversation for later. First it was adult fun time.
It was nice of you making lucnh, Meave said. The food at excercises aren't always the best. Last time we picked our own food from the waters edge. Seaweed, crab, scallops...
Sounds tasty.... Joe thought it sounded disgusting. You couldn't just pick up food like that and eat it. It would make you sick: You know, if you got another job I could cook for you every day. It was worth a try.
No. She was still relentless. She'd worked hard to become as good as she was, and wasn't willing giving it up yet.
You and Efraim could stay here when I'm not present you know. We are married, so it's a bit strange leaving the house empty. Meave did have a good point. Leaving her home all empty was a bit stressfull. And it would be nice coming home to a family, instead of a cold, dusty house.
I'm crazy, Joe answered between mouthfulls: If I have a seisure when no ones present, what's the toddler supposed to do?
Clearly Meave hadn't thought about that. It would still be nice if she'd just gotten another job, or atleast just an office job. Something else then....whatever the hell she was doing. Why was everything so secret?
Joe and Meave weren't the only ones playing house. As Bashir was on one of his short breaks away from businesstrips, Oriana and Lucrecia moved in for the time beeing.
Lucrecia enjoyed the neon house, but wondered where the rest were. It wasn't fun hiding in here, when no one was looking.
Oriana liked beeing a family, and even made something without meat. But a burger would taste sooo good right now. How did anyone stay full on grass and leaves all the time? Since they would just be together as a family for a short time, she didn't want to nag. But it was a hard life waiting all the time. To be honest it kind of got on her nerves a bit, but she just didn't want to bother him with it. Not when beeing a family was such a rare occurance.
And she wasn't completely sure if it was okay for the toddler to see them behaving that way. Was it dangerous?
But playing house means just that; playing. And soon the respective husbands and wives had to split up again and go back to their daily lives. Neither Joe or Oriana was happy, but Marco sure was. Three kids alone drove him crazy, and babysitters costed a smaller fortune! And they did a terrible job.
Mahdis forgave her sim for the neglect, she just couldn't stay mad at him. He cleaned her hoofs after all...
Jarl grew up, still needing little care other than socialization.
Then it was Odins turn. With a new set of legs, beeing bigger and stronger and a large house full of things to explore it was only one natural thing to do...
cry!!!
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We should probably empty that potty... and the three other ones.... Joes voice was tired and flat, the sentence eventually got a tired recognisition from the other adults. But the used potties stood, stinking and full stinking up the place.
If one of the kids had an accident, or if something had been spilled on the floor was to be unsaid. It should still have been wiped up by now, especially since the toddlers were sitting so close to it.
Efraim had gotten hold of some old doll, and was acting a bit strange around it. Stroking it gently over the face, whilst doing his best to make some seductive faces: That's my boy alright..... Joe sighed as he silently hoped the boy wouldn't sit in whatever the puddle behind him was. By the looks of it, he would be dealing with a mini- Marco at a later stage. If he was extra unlucky, the kid would be as stubborn as his mum in addition...
He should probably worry more about how close the kid was to the fireplace. Jericho had been promised a mild autumn, and winter. But it was still chilly enough to have open fire.
Someone should probably take Efraim away from the fireplace, Oriana said. The men agreed, but no one did anything.
Oriana looked at her brother, trying to get him to move from the sofa and pick the boy away to somewhere safer. She was to exhausted to even think bout moving, and Marco was in best shape of the three of them: He's all yours.
Marco bit his lips together, but didn't make a single movement.
She tried again: What if he crawls into the fireplace?
Then we'll only have four more toddlers to get rid of?
Marco, Oriana giggled. Those little runts wore them out. Joe thought it sounded like a good idea though. Maybe they could give them some of the old mans nectar instead?
Once again time came for Efraims age up, as no sim stayed a toddler forever. The adults in the household couldn't be happier. They took the event at the festivale where a large white horse approached the toddler. Marco was close to shooting Mahdis, but since Joe didn't seem to mind they just stood and watched.
Mini- sim was a bit smelly, but Mahdis approved of it. When it got bigger, it could be her servant to. Two servants were better than one...
Meave was a short trip home to attent her mothers funeral. But they didn't let that dampen the mood. After all, it wasn't Effies fault she'd parked her slippers. And Meave was grown up enough to pretend everything was fine.
And under the greedy eyes of a cake- hungry unicorn the candles were blown out.
Joe scratched his head, where had he seen that face before? His son was starting to look awefully familiar.
And why did he have the oldest kid, when he was youngest of the three adults?
Then the time had come for Oriana. She didn't like aging up, now she was wrinkled and old in addition to having a husband that was never there. He'd probably switch her out with someone younger.
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yeah, I'm waiting for that guy to come pick you up to!
I changed Jarls (the plantbaby) colouring. I didn't like the even shade of green that was on everything. I'm not sure about the eyecolour either, but it'll stay for now.
I'm pretty unhappy with the chapter, but since I have a paper I should be doing instead, just found out that my sons dad can come pick him up from kindergarden whenever he wants, beeing threatened with trial, my ex trying to manipulate my dad against me, and whenever he calls out son; he keeps giving him the third degree, and I cried infront of my teacher.... it's allowed to be crappy.
Thanks for reading
