2.17 Apples

    
     Old school rock wan't normally problem for Oriana, even if she didn't exactely feel younger working at the worn down bar. The place usually consisted of old people, or sims that didn't fit in... and Veras husband.... He really needed to go home to his girlfriend and twins.
     She wasn't even a good bartender, but the usual one had patience with her and kept insisting that Oriana would learn. Certain that her idiothusband bathed in pretty young girls when he was away, didn't exactely make it easier. To make it even worse, everyone started at her and laughed every time she messed up, which happened a lot.

     But this was to much for her; what the hell was she doing here? She knew that woman with the scarred voice and all the tattoos, looking so alike her own child.  
     The woman working there didn't even lift an eyebrow as Oriana dropped another glass, breaking against the creaky old floor. Ally didn't visit Odin because she was "busy", but she had enough time entering some smelly bar? She didn't even seem embarassed to see her sons aunt, but acted like they didn't know eachother.

    
     She even had the nerve to order a drink, not even asking about her own son! Oriana hated that voice, how could she just pretend she didn't have a child? Who knew what was going on in that little boys head, beeing abandoned by his mother like that?
     Luckily Oriana knew how to show that bitch what she thought about it....

      That'll show her...

   
     Unfortunately serving an actor a bad drink on purpose was cause for getting fired, even by the patient bartender. But it was worth it.

     Usually she was late home from work, but since she got laid off everyone else was awake. Oriana took the opportunity to approach her stupid brother. It had to hard for him having two children that didn't know who their mothers were. And he was single and getting old to! She felt sorry for him. She might have a dirtbag husband, but atleast she wasn't alone (so far).

     Burying her face into the rough fabric of his jumper she let the tears she'd held in run freely. Smelling of the same fabricsoftener she used it gave an odd sensation of hugging herself.
     Oriana wanted Marco to be happy and get a wife, and she wanted her own husband not to cheat on her (that jerk). But mostly she wanted Odin and Skuld knowing their mothers, and Effies mum coming home, and her, Bashir and Lucrecia beeing a happy family. Why couldn't she and everyone have a familylife like she had growing up? She wanted what her mum and dad have had!

     Marco was completely taken by surprise, had they ever hugged before? He awkwardly patted her bony back, trying to deccipher what she was sobbing about. Something about drinks and mums? She probably missed mum, he did to, but she'd been dead for a while now, it was time to get over it.

Besides she smelled like old booze and ancient wood. This was even more awkward than that time he cried on Joes shoulder. But he swore that if this had anything to do with Bashir, he'd stuff that duckface into the nearest fireplace and throw gazoline on.


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     Springdays were good and the heatwaves had been unbelieveable, even winter hadn't seen an ounce of snow. To think they could be in early spring and wear shorts and tshirts, and not even get cold. Ofcourse the adults had told them to put on more clothes, just because it felt warm it was actually cold. Adults were so weird, not to mention wrong!
     Dad had been running on tiptoes for a while now, and kept looking over his shoulder. It was odd seeing him like that, but he was probably afraid of loosing his hair when he aged up. He was really obsessed with his hair.

     The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree, and as usual the Sleitinn family excelled in everything they did, had great hair and looked awesome in t- shirts.

     Well... most of them atleast.

     
     Jarl wasn't sure he liked the wooden floor. He was a plant so didn't that mean the floor might be related to him in some way? He didn't like having wheels under his feet either, highly preffering feeling the soil under the soles. But dad told him it was to cold to walk barefeet. What did he know anyway, Jarl was a plant!
    He wasn't really a plant either was he? Why couldn't he be normal like Efraim or Odin? He even had leaves covering his body, so he hated going swimming even if he liked beeing in water.
 

      
     It's nothing to worry about, Odin assured Lucrecia: You won't fall with me. He was good at skating, just as he was in football. He was good at a lot of things.
    I don't know... Lucrecia was afraid of falling and looking stupid infront of everyone.
    We'll be fine, what's the worst thing that can happen? He'd heard dad say that a lot of times and it made sense.

  
     The only thing that could happen was that they fell and hurt themselves a bit, someone might laugh. Then it would be over. Lucrecia was a type that cared alot about what others thought, unlike him, Effie and Skuld.
     Ofcourse it went well, it usually did when Odin was around. Atleast that's what he liked to think. But Lucrecia seemed happy, so then it was all good. He liked it when girls smiled and were happy, even when they were his cousine. When he told dad that, he'd grinned and patted his shoulder for some reason.

     
     Lucrecia hadn't fallen on the skating rink, and everything went just as well as Odin had said it would! And now mum told her that dad would be home in a few days! Even if mum had seemed angry at dad whenever they met, she still liked it when they were together.

 
     Marco enjoyed the springfair in his own way. Like father like son.

     Joe and Efraim had decided to spend time with Mahdis instead of going to the festival. Which meant that Effie got to clean the stable and Joe groomed a moody unicorn.
     He talked with her whilst caring for the large entity, but he avoided mentioning something obvious; she was getting fat. He might be crazy, but not crazy enough to tell a woman she was gaining weight!

     Even his brother Rikard had become a father, so Joe took the time meeting up with him chatting about fatherhood. Which unfortunately meant they ended the conversation with "having the kids meet sometime". Lucky for Effie and the rest, uncle Rikards kids were still infants.
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     Lucrecia was busy building again, it was kind of nice that Jarl and Odin had aged up. Atleast Skuld wasn't nearly as mean anymore, probably because Odin kept smartmouthing her. He sure wasn't scared of anything.
     100 simoleons says she'll burn 'em. Odin grinned at Jarl
     You can't burn anything in an eazybake oven.... he answered.
     She'll find a way....

     Whoever said beeing a housewife was easy needed a reality check. To make it worse Skuld heard her stupid brothers laughter in the background, and Jarl saying a word they weren't allowed to. Skuld decided that she never wanted beeing a housewife, she was going to marry some idiot that worshipped the ground she walked on and did everything for her! That way she'd never have to cook.

     Marco had been wondering about Orianas strange behaviour, and mentioning mum made him think. He had to talk to his kids about it at some point.
     Odin didn't look to thrilled about hearing a story, but that smartmouth could just shut and listen to his dad for a change: So I thought I'd read you a bedtime story... Marco started hesitantly. He regretted buying the book to begin with; one about a kid having a mum and a dad not living together.
     He'd looked for a book about horny mums and dads accidentially making a baby, but for some reason no kidsbooks had ever been written about that.

    
     Reading the story he did his best trying to deccipher his sons face. Marco was usually good at it, but he just seemed bored at the moment. Iva had used to tell him crazy stories about monsters that ate kids brains.... 
     Are you trying to tell me about mum? Odin couldn't keep his smartmouth shut.
     Ehrm.... yes. Yes I am. His son deserved atleast some sugarcoated honesty.  
     I don't think about her dad... He envied Jarl that had snook into the room and went to bed, pretending to be sleeping so that dad wouldn't try explaining to him why he was part plant, part sim. Dad was terrible at things like this.

 
     Dad got a strange look on his face: Really? Not at all?
     Odin shook his head: No. I know I look like her, but she hasn't been here anyway, so obviously she doesn't want me. And I have aunt Oriana and aunt Meave (even if she was a bit crazy) for mum stuff, and you and uncle Joe (even if he was a bit crazy to) for guystuff. Dad hadn't told him who mum was, but he didn't look like dad or Skuld, so the looks had to be from his mum right?
     Your mum wanted you Odin, she just.. For once Marco didn't have a clever answer for the boy. Mainly because he was right, Ally wasn't interested in him, she only cared about herself and that stupid careere. Which honestly wasn't going anywhere.
     No she didn't, and it's okay. Skuld doesn't care about her mum either, none of us do. They aren't here and we've been fine without them. Ofcourse dad had told them they didn't have the same mother.
     Marco had no idea what to say next, other than goodnight. The boy didn't even seem bitter, it had simply been a statement pointing out the obvious.

     Do you think you'll be as ginourmous as dad when you turn into an adult? Jarl wondered if it would happen, he wanted big muscles to. Or maybe not, because his leaves might show better. He usually wouldn't wear anything shortsleeved, but it didn't matter around Odin. He never said anything about the gross leaves that covered his body. They were so freaky, and it was difficult enough having green skin and hair. 

     I mean, it looks a bit like he's inflated.... Jarl could be quite a smartarse to.
     That made Odin laugh: When he gets older, it'll look like he deflated! It was fun making fun of dad. He knew Jarl had heard dad and him talking about mum, but he never mention it. It was nice having a brother that understood everything without talking about it.
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     Oriana would never stop beeing surprised at how much their daughter looked like Bashir and not her. Good for Lucrecia ofcourse, but still a bit strange.
     He was home for a short while as usual, and for once he was at her place and not the opposite way around. 

     Just look at that bastard, she thought whilst studying her husband: Defenitely a cheater.... then why am I hoping for him to stay with us? If she told her brother about her suspicions, he'd kill Bashir in the blink of an eye, which might have something do to with her reluctance to accept the fact. But she was old and ugly, and he was hot, so he had to be cheating right? Wasn't that how it was supposed to work?

    
     That icecold, glazed voice didn't bother her as much as it did others; and she listened to it as it went on. He was quitting his job, for good this time. But he just had one last contract to fullfill, and then they could live together as a family. All three of them, even buy a new house with lots more space and non- funky colouring. She was happy about it, really, but what if her suspicions were right?

     Bashir was still talking, explaining that he'd have to leave again soon for the last contract and he'd be pretty much impossible to get a hold of until it was done. Some big hush- hush thing she didn't care about knowing the details for. Not that he'd share any either. He talked very little about himself actually, and that was a bad sign wasn't it?
     She remembered him from school, but honestly didn't know much about him then either. His sisters, his brother and parents she knew the names of, and had met them ofcourse, but what about him? He used to drink alot as a teen, but whatelse was there to know? What did he hope for; what did he fear? Not bombs obviously or large brother in laws, but what else? Stupid men for not talking about what mattered, when they first did talk. Which they did alot. 

     I understand you're excited, but if you keep jumping around with joy, the sofa might break.... Bashirs voice was dry and ironic at a level high, even for him. Oriana was to deep in thoughts to snap at him for it: I met Milo and Anya whilst you were away on one of your "businesstrips". They had a "fundraiser". She made sure to make it sound like she was on to him.
     Unfortunately Bashir was a man, so it went straight over his head: Yeah?  
    I was under the impression the two of you usually were out of town together... Slightly less subtle hint this time, but he was still a man: Yeah.

     But he was home this time, and you were still away. Oriana wouldn't have been so certain unless Milo and Anya had acted so weird about it either. Maybe it was a natural thing for men to do. They kept talking about loosing their freedom whenever they got married anyway. Not that she got why they wanted to marry in the first place then, but manlogics weren't the most sensible thing in the world.
     Yeah. Wonder if Bashir new how irritating he was.
    Then if you work together, why weren't you together? Why was Milo here and you there? Wait, was he smirking at her?

      He was smirking at her! What the hell was wrong with that guy?
     Bashirs head clearly was a bit up and going again, as he said: I assume this has something to do with your ageup, those ugly shoes and that hideous jumper....
     It's not ugly! She bit him off.
     Yeah it is.. So why don't you just spit out whatever it is you want to know, It's a lot easier that way.  A lot of sims didn't like it when others told things in their face, but Bashir highly preffered it. It was a lot easier that way.

     She couldn't even look at him, why did he just ask her straight out? She wanted him to admit it first! Stupid man... And her shoes were not ugly, neither was the jumper. Idiot.
     Are you cheating on me? Oriana was almost surprised at how calm she was feeling. Bashir beeing less irritating probably helped to. That, and if she called for Marco he'd kill him, which was a soothing though.
     Expecting him to start get angry, maybe laugh awkwardly and blame her instead the answer had to be a surprise: You really think I'm crazy enough to get an extra one? You're more than enough work...
     I'm not alot of work, she said into her hand
     Yes you are. he smirked back at her.

     You told me you and Milo work together, and are out of town at the same time, she exclaimed again. Was he trying to get her angry?
     Yeah.
     For the love of... : Then why is Milo here, and you still gone?! Oriana tried not to sound to whiny, but it was getting harder. That, and she kind of wanted to slap her husbands smug face. Don't you sit there laughing at me you idiot!

      You're laughing at me! Stop it!! 
     I'm not laughing, really... He was laughing.
     Then why weren't you two together? Now she really wanted to slap that annoying face
     Whenever we have a hard time, we're both there. If things are going good, only one of us is present.... He just had to sound so obvious didn't he? Who it is depends on what they need; a smooth talker or a prick... If they need one of us at another place, we split either way. Besides, Milo outranks me in position, so he gets to go home earlier.
     Actually it made a bit sense: Which one are you?

     His voice was dry as old bread: You really have to ask? Bashir had it in him beeing a smooth talker, he just highly preffered not to be.
      ....no...... He was really, really irritating when he wanted to. And he was still smirking at her. No wonder he rubbed Marco the wrong way. But Oriana wasn't finished yet: Then why did Milo and Anya act all weird when we met?
     Maybe they were embarassed because they forgot to invite you. Maybe they were all over the place because Milo hosting a fundraiser can't possibly go well? Or they worry because the Mayor is likely to drop dead every second and Milo is next in line to take over? How would I know anyway, I wasn't here. Bashir wanted a sigarette now, she could see it on him. Atleast he didn't get grumpy when he wanted one. Why don't you just ask them yourself, you know them better than I do. Another good point made by the politician.

     So you're not...? It wasn't just what he said, it was the way he said it. He didn't hesitate, he didn't think any of the answers through. Every little thing he said just flew straight out from his mouth. Not to mention that he was all relaxed, like someone who had a clean conscious. See, Oriana had cop instinct to. Maybe she could be a cop too!!
     No, you old owl. Still smirking, he couldn't believe his wife actually believed he'd do that! Like he didn't have enough to do already... besides he was way to old to drool after women.
     I'm not an old owl. He answered before she even finished: Yes you are.... No one could come here and say Bashir was afraid of his wife. Not that he actually though she was an old owl, but nicknames were common right? She was "old owl", he was "idiot". That's the way to show true love.
     Do you even like birds?
     Not really no... Ofcourse he didn't like birds. No one liked birds did they? They were dirty and had lice.

     Since we're already in the bedroom, do you want to... This time it was Orianas turn to interrupt him: You called me an old owl!! 
     Is that a yes? Manlogics were the best of logics.
     NO!!!! Idiot.
     Worth a try... 
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     Oriana was thrilled, Bashir wasn't a cheating bastard and he was going to quit that damned job and come back to town! Just finish up one more contract, and it would all be over. Even her brother had taken the news pretty well; and even admittet that maybe he'd been wrong about him.
      She had almost been knocked over at how handsome her little brother looked in the tuxedo. But he was going to some fancy dinner with someone; a woman appereantly. It was nice that he was dating again.

    
     That was odd, someone phoning her like at this hour of the morning, waking her up from a much needed beauty sleep: Hello? She knew the voice at the other end, not well, but she'd met the woman a few times.
     Vigdis, her brothers boss' voice boomed with authority. But this time she had a question for Oriana: If Marco's here? Marco never missed work, he loved his job to pieces and had never missed a day his entire careere.

     
    But his room was empty and the bed neatly made. The smell of sleep wasn't present and he wasn't in the shower either. Even his car was gone: Have you tried his phone? Ofcourse Vigdis had tried his phone, she was a cop. Hanging up on the woman she ran through the rest of the house, phoning Rye and Milo. But they didn't know. He couldn't have spent the night at his dates house either, he'd stopped doing that after he had kids. Not that he had a habit of it either way, but still... And he'd answer his phone when Vigdis called, he had a lot of respect for her.

     Joe was freaking out, but she swore, if he got crazy again she'd beat it out of him! She didn't have time to play nurse for him now!

    
      She chased the kids off to school before they had the time to ask what was going on.
      That arse couldn't dissapear again! It wasn't workrelated, it couldn't be, because his boss wouldn't have phoned her then, she'd known.

    
     Oriana could have sworn she'd lived through this before, but in another house with different sims. As the heavy knocks on the door, that only cops was capable of doing she knew something was wrong.
     A readhead stood outside as she opened. She knew that face didn't she, she'd seen it before? He opened his mouth and said something Oriana couldn't hear, a soft dialect she wasn't capable of placing repeated itself. And this time she heard the words: We found his car. Marco loved that car, dad had gotten it for him. He loved that car, he'd never leave it voulentarly.
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Marco aged up btw if anyone wondered why he all of a sudden had more wrinkles. *avoids the obvious*

I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but Oriana has a lot of those emotional traits, and she's having a midlifecrisis. She keeps getting those "changing looks", "get expensive stuff" wants, so it seemed legit that she'd get paranoid about that. SP has kept Bashir faithful, even if I was waiting for it to change. So was Marco wrong then? Hm.... maybe or maybe not?

Poses by: sunny, ahiruchanet, dill, Sea

Thanks for reading

2.16: I wonder

     
     Have you ever wondered how it feels like to kill someone? Skuld looked at Lucrecia through her lashes. The other girls eyes flickered a bit, before hesitantly answering: No....
     And, Skuld continued; who is death anyway? Was it a sim once, or is it something else?
     I... I don't know.... Like all sims, the two girls knew for a fact that death actually existed, and came to harvest the souls of the dead.
     Sometimes, I think Death calls for me, the blond girl finished, enjoying seeing the other girls insecurity.

     Lucrecia often wished she had been the only one that aged up. Skuld was mean. But mum said not to be hard on her, because she'd never met her own mum. It was probaby hard not knowing ones mum! Instead Lucrecia did her best changing the subject: Wonder how school will be like. None of the girls had started school yet, as there had been vacations and sort.

     I mean, I know Biorn said it was dirty, but I sure hope it isn't. Lucrecia was afraid of germs.
     It isn't that bad, Efraim was paying a bit of attention whilst baking. You couldn't always believe what his friend Biorn said, as he liked to exagerate a bit: Just a bit boring. 
      Lucrecia thought Efraims friend, Biorn, was kind of okay. Even if boys were smelly, and stupid. Not Efraim ofcourse, but he wasn't like a boy, he was kind of like a brother. 

     
     I wonder if uncle Marco ever caught a burglar! Lucrecia said. Burglars were mean, but kind of cool to, because they were a bit like ninjas. Lucrecia looked up to all her uncles and her dad, but uncle Marco always seemed a bit more impressive. He was so confident, and he always had pretty hair. But she still idolized her dad more ofcourse. Dad was very important.
     Skuld rolled her eyes at the other girl, her voice dripping with acid: Ofcourse dad has caught burglars. My dad's a hero, unlike your dad.

     
     You're dad is so lame! Skuld smirked whilst continuing to play with the bricks. She was good at building things, better than the other two: Him and aunt Oriana are married, and still you barely see him. He doesn't even take the time to talk to you on the phone. She laughed coldly at her comments, it was fun making Lucrecia angry, so she went on: He doesn't even like you.

   
     Lucrecia was getting angry, that was so mean to say: Dad is to important! He's so important that he travels the world! And he does talk to me! He's coming home soon! So there!! She didn't raise her voice to much, because then the grown- ups would just come up and wonder what they were doing. And then they would get grounded and they had to stop arguing. Their parents always grounded all of them when they fought. Lucrecia could have answered that atleast she'd met both her parents, but that was to mean.
     Jarl and Odin played in the background, gurgling happily in their own imaginery world. 

     
     My dad, she bragged, is on businesstrips, and he meets other important sims to! 
     My dad thinks I'm the most important sim in the world, Skuld arrogantly interrupted.
     Well, my dad meets like kings and stuff!!
     Does not! He's one of the mayors errandboys!

  
     Oriana fetched Odin, it was time for him to get something to eat. Little Jarl didn't eat anything, which was a bit strange, but he was simnations first plantsim so it was little they knew after all. Maybe they should have taken him to a sciencelab, but they worried he'd end up like some experiment.
     Paparazzo takes pictures of dad all the time! Lucrecia said
     Now that's not entirely true Lucrecia, Oriana interrupted them. The girl idolized her father a bit much.

    
     But it was nice that her daughter and niece got so well along, they were nothing like her and her brother had been. And Odin was a little angel, and so was Efraim. They had been so lucky.

     Aunt Oriana was so stupid and gullible: Have you ever wondered why your dad married aunt Oriana? Skuld laughed as she built another amazing building. She was so good at this!

    
     Lucrecia thought that was an odd question, why would she wonder about that. It was so obvious: Because he likes her, and she makes him happy. And because he think she's pretty ofcourse! It was very important to be pretty, she'd seen that on commercials and in series on tv. The girls there were always pretty, and didn't like the boys that weren't pretty. And the other way around ofourse.

   
     Skuld started laughing, a silent laugh that stayed in her throat: You are so stupid Lucrecia, The she laughed again. Aunt Oriana is ugly. Ugly boys don't marry ugly girls, and pretty boys really don't marry ugly girls. And your dad is pretty. She kept doing the throat laugh, she'd practiced that a lot infront of the mirror: You really don't get why your dad married your ugly mum?

     
     Mum isn't ugly, Lucrecia sulked, even if it wasn't the first time she'd heard that.
     Ofcourse she is ugly, Skuld whipped out: Your ugly mum is best friends with that guy that is next in line to be the mayor! He was kind of pretty to, but really old: That's the only reason why your pretty dad married your ugly mum! He wants an easy promotion!
     Does not! Lucrecia sulked again. Just because her dad was prettier than her mum, didn't mean he didn't love her! Did it?

   
     The blond girl was laughing a lot louder this time: You just got born because your dad wanted a promotion! When he gets it, he's probably going to feed you to the kraken!
     Well, Effies mum doesn't live with him either!

     
     Efraim had hoped the two girls wouldn't drag him into it, he always hoped for it, but it never happened.

    
     Naturally he had to join them then, he couldn't be any less. Besides it was kind of fun arguing a bit to.
     Efraims mum doesn't live with him, because she's a hero to. She fights to protect the city! Skuld giggled, as they kept building. Efraim thought Skuld could be a bit mean to, but atleast she protected his mum this time.
     And, Skuld continued: haven't you noticed that whenever aunt Meave leaves, it never takes long before some terror cells gets blown up, and their leaders gets executed! Aunt Meave probably knew how it felt like to kill someone. Though she had her doubts about it beeing terrorists, Skuld wasn't that blond. 

      
     Meave is sooo cool, Skuld said: She kills sims for a living, and she could totally beat up your dad! That was for Lucrecia.
     No she can't!! Lucrecia whimpered.
     Skuld smiled at herself as Efraim agreed with her, it was so fun making Lucrecia angry. But she did notice what curly had built: Why are you so happy about that ugly thing there, she said to his brickbuilding: It almost as hopeless as you. It took the light straight out of his eyes, to Skulds big joy.

     
     They found him, Marco had just fed Odin when he'd gotten the call. They had finally found his dads remains, or the ashes to be more correctly. Clearly that's what happened when vampires stayed out in the sunlight to long. Strange it hadn't all dissapeared with the wind.
     Joe just nodded, it wasn't like they hadn't had time to mourne the old man, but this time he was dead for real. It was a bit strange, but even if they'd always known it felt like it was happening all again.

      
     How am I supposed to tell the kids that their dead grandfather, is dead for the second time? How am I supposed to explain that to them? How do one explain kids that someone took their own life? Were they even old enough to know? They did deserve it, but how?

      
     I have no idea, Joe stuttered. Why was big blond even asking him, he was the one that gave sims bad news for a living. Maybe we can tell them that they knew he was deceased, but since he was a vampire, they had trouble finding his remains or something? But that they have now?

     Joe, you crazy bastard, that's actually a good idea. Now he just had to break the news to his sister. 

     Gammpa dead agann? Odin smiled up at them. Little pots have ears to.

    

     Even if Oriana had been pretty certain already, she took the news hard.

    

     But she wasn't the only one.

      

     In the midst of getting bad news, Oriana got a reminder that she wasn't all alone in the world. Well, she already knew she wasn't, but for some reason her brother didn't seem as heartbroken as she was about their dads certain death. Maybe he just felt closure, or he'd known more than she'd assumed.

     

     For once that cold voice at the other end of her phone didn't have all bad news. First of all, he would be home in a while. Second of all, he had finally thinking about quitting that damned job! That meant he'd be back in town, for good this time! And then maybe he'd stop humping around, which she assumed he did! That bastard....

     Does this mean you'll be back for good? Oriana tried not beeing to happy, incase she got dissapointed again.

     And it was good she did: No, not yet. I still have to end the contract I'm working on, and it'll still take a little time. But, I'll see you soon okay? I'll explain then. 

     She'd waited this long, she could wait a tad longer. But atleast it meant living like this was coming to an end. Which was good, wasn't it?

     

     As a reaction to the news of Lucrecia moving out in the near future, Skuld took a nice approach to it: I can't wait until you move out, she covered her nose, waving away an imaginery scent: Atleast the smell will move out with you.

     Lucrecia bit her teeth together, just a little while longer. Or maybe not so little, she had to wait and hear what dad actually wanted. Mum had told her not to get her hopes up.

     It's not like it'll be the death of us, Skuld said about the possible loss of her cousine, hoping it would make the other girl trip on the hopsotch. She was good at it, not as good as Efraim ofcourse.

     Efraim didn't seem to mind to much either, even if he would miss her. But that didn't mean they wouldn't meet eachother at school and such. The most important thing on his mind was the lack of snow. He wanted to build a snowman!

     

     Actually hopscotch wasn't the only thing Efraim was good at. He was better than the girls at domino to. Skuld shot him an angry glare; why was he so good at everything?

   
     And before they knew it, it was time for even more birthdays. Marco helped his little boy blow out the candles. Not that he himself was going to eat any of it, it was full of saturated fat and sugar, but all kids needed birthday cake, and honestly he didn't want the kids getting obsessed with their looks. Marco was obviously not obsessed with his looks, but did his best to be a healthy rolemodel.

      

     Odin grew up to a strangely handsome boy. If this continued, he was a little heartbreaker in the making.

     

     Joe took it upon himself helping Jarl, the plantsim. He wouldn't eat any cake anyway, but that didn't mean they would treat him any differently.

      

     He grew up green, but luckily didn't turne into a tree. And Marco now had three little protegès he could teach his wisdom to. If they wanted it was another thing ofcourse. After all that meant it would be three boys from the same house, and... yeah, maybe he could keep that "wisdom" for himself?

    
     And since the two young boys got so well along, and was the same age, Iva and Gards old room was redecorated in their favourite colours: black and white. Why any boys would preffer those colours over pink was beyond Marcos understanding.

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     Are you sure? Dominics soft accent could still be heard whenever he spoke. Not as often as it used to, but it was still possible to distinguish that he wasn't native to the region. 

     Marco nodded instead of answering, just to remember that he might not see properly in the dark and finally answered: Yeah.

     Could mersims do anything other than turning half- fish anyway? He'd never asked, and wasn't planning on it either. He hadn't asked if his partners son had inherited it either, It just seemed a bit invasive.

     

     But then again Dominic hadn't mentioned it, so it was probably alright. They had gone through so much together that Marco blindly trusted him, and the other way around. But that also meant they usually were honest, and this time was no exeption: I still think it's a bad idea... Well, Dominic was allowed to have his own opinion.

     

     It'll be fine. Marco answered again: What's the worst thing that could happen? 

     We can loose our jobs, end up in prison, get injured, shot, horribly mutilated, vegetative state, die.

     Yeah I get it, Marco snapped back. Did he have to be that litteral? It'll be fine, we'll be fine. They always got away with everything, they would this time to.

     

     Still...

     Marco interrupted him. I'm going in, watch my back. 

     He didn't wait for an answer, Dominic always had his back, and it wasn't like the dumbarse he was going after, was going to do anything anyway.

     It was a sight he'd seen many times throughout the years. But he had to admit that he hadn't seen that coming. He just didn't seem like the criminal type, but then again, maybe something had happened that made sure he ended up here. Could be he lost his job and didn't see another choice, maybe it was an idea of easy money. 

     Whatever reasons, Marco honestly didn't care. But he had to admit...

     ..... it was kind of funny... 

      

     Hey Jonny.... Marco smiled at his back as the hooker quietly snook away from them. She already knew who he was, and vice versa. Some girl that had run away and ended up with a bad deal. It might not be the best idea letting her leave, but they usually treated the kids well, they weren't old enough to be prosecuted anyway. 

     Just stuffed them in a cage, got them something to eat and contacted social services. There wasn't a pimp in the city that would come to the rescue her anyway; they pimps also knew not to cross him.

      

     Slowly he walked towards his old schoolmate, hoping he wouldn't make a run for it. Not that he had anywhere to run, but it was so much easier when they didn't.

   Criminal attempt, he started mentioning the crimes that atleast that idiot would believe: solicitation, solicitation of a minor, statutory rape... This was to funny, he didn't even know what it meant...

  

      

     Come on, she's not a minor! Jonny tried worming himself out of it: And I wasn't buying ..that..! 

     Marco gave him his best smile as the other guy turned around. To think his sister had been involved with that slimeball: Really Jonny? Then what did you want with an underaged hooker? 

     I was just going to... A short and quick lowering of his gaze, before whipping back up said everything. It wasn't like Marco hadn't seen the small movement towards his pockets, but it was more entertaining doing it this way.

     Just going to do what Jonny? Standing as close as possible and still beeing out of reach, Marco did his best not to enjoy this to much. It was always a power rush seeing criminals getting nervous, trying to figure out what to do next. He could have sworn he started enjoying it more, the older he got. Maybe he really was getting darker?

     Empty your pockets.... Marco smiled at him, no longer having the patience to wait. 

     After a short time of hesitation, Jonny digged deep in that empty brain of his and answered: You're not on duty. Puffing himself up a bit, he bravely answered: You can't ask me to! He tried leaving with a big smile on his stupid face, but Marco saw through it. He saw the desperately controlled breath, and the sweat on the tip of his nose. 

     Holdt. A small and short order, so efficient that poor Jonny stopped dead in his track.Marco could be authorative when he wanted to. Or a bully, depends on how one views it.

     Empty your pockets, he said a bit harder this time. He did not want to put his hands in a mans pockets, that was so wrong. Especially Jonnys pockets. It turned out his suspicions were right, as Jonny pulled out some drugs. So the lure of easy money for this one. Ofcourse, making good money meant contacts and the seller beeing a bit tough, and Jonny didn't fit any of it.

     Am I in trouble? He quietly asked when Marco seized the drugs, Ofcourse he wasn't in any big trouble for that, but for what Marco needed he truly was. But in such a way poor Jonny wouldn't know what hit him.

     

     How much did you make on todays sale? Marco used his best cop- voice.

     What? He looked startled, before remembering he was innocent: I haven't sold anything...

     Marco stood firmly, nicely saying: Give me what you made on the sale. 

     What? 

      Really, how dumb was this guy? They seized everything in their pockets whenever someone got arrested: Give me your earnings for today.

  

     

     Marco usually got what he wanted, and this time wasn't an exception. But now he stuffed the simoleons in his pockets instead: Thanks Jonny, I'm keeping this. 

     The look on his face was priceless, but still he was dumb enough to talk: You can't do that! That's illegal! So was selling drugs, a small crime he'd only get a fine for if it was a first offence. But he was to dumb to know that anyway. 

     Ofcourse it's illegal you dumb piece of shit, Marco smiled at him. But you see, you owe me.

     What?! You screwed my mum!!! Jonny honestly thought Marco owed him! Really, it was his mum! And he'd walked in on them!

     Oh right, he'd almost forgotten about that: This is not some petty squabble, Marco did his best sounding like he actually was beeing touhg, and not amused: Your boss owes me. 

     What?! He tried laughing it away... I don't

     Shut up! Marco snapped at him.

     

     The feeling of his fist hitting jaws was a rush, a small rush, but it still counted. A small plan that would hurt for a little time, but not him. Punching someone gave of a distinct sound, a slapping thud that never rang through any dark backally. And it blended with the sound of the victims groans, unless they ended up unconscious; which happened alot when he hit someone. But he took care not to beat Jonny senseless with one hit.

      He continued kicking him whilst he lay on the ground, eventually pressing him agains the pavement. Stuffing his bloody face against the ground, breaking his arm behind the back Marco said: Your boss owes me, and they know why. He paused to catch his breath again before going on: So this is how we're going to play it: Until they start giving me what I want, I'll be on you. Whatever you make, is mine! Have I made myself clear?

     The joy of hearing grown men cry in fear was another favourite sound of his: They'll kill me if I don't...

     Not my problem Jonny. He let go of the guy, watching him falling back onto the ground: See you next week mate.

     The sweet sound grown mens fearful tears followed him as he went back to his partner in justice. What? It wasn't technically a crime! He had a plan after all.

     Jonny was a wuss and would run to his dealer and gossip. They might kill the guy but that wasn't his problem. And when that information got to Rowena, because it would end up there, she would make sure that Marco didn't stop their income. And if he was a lucky bastard, which he was, he'd finally get this thing going somewhere.

     You done? Dominic hadn't moved and inch. 

     Yeah, let's get out of here. Marco didn't feel any sadist joy anymore. He was really getting cold wasn't he? 

     I still think it's a terrible idea.... His partner was at it as usual.

     Come on Dom, what's the worst thing that can happen? Really, what was the worst thing. He'd be fine, he always was.

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 Yay. deathbug means he could still die. And so much more gracefully than Iva. Maybe it technically wasn't a bug to begin with? Ah well, as long as he's dead I'm happy. 

Marcos plan, a bad one I know. I had an idea behind it, but forgot large parts of it during to much school work (really, I'm to old for it. Think I broke my brain). So it's a bad idea from him, just like his mum had bad ideas. It runs in the family.

And; Jonny wasn't in the criminal careere, so I put him in it. I had this plan, but then it turned out that there were only women working there. And I just couldn't have Marco beating up a woman could I? Couldn't make a new idea either, as my brain broke (see above). Bashir will show up next chapter, this was getting to long already.

Poses by: IMHO, Aikea Guinea, Sea, Spladoum

Thanks for reading