5.10 Take a dive

Beautiful and warm, the summerday had to be celebrated as tradition said. Well, having a poolparty might not be a real tradition, but Neda did her best to suck up to her boss and coworkers. She was still hoping they would stop their dumb pranks if they just liked her enough.

As Steve did his best not dying as he slipped off the slimy diveboard, he fell chest first into the water instead. He wasn't sure what was worst either; that it hurt so badly, or that he could almost hear footwarts popping up.

It might not be the cleanest place they had been, but it was way cheaper than renting the bathhurst pool.

Ideally she'd just taken the day completely off, and go to the festival with her fiancee and kids. But with springsdisaster fresh in mind, she still hoped for more quiet workdays. Fine, as much as she didn't want to admit it; Bai was getting old so hopefully he'd retire. And if he did, one of the others would take over his position. Or, if she did this right, she might take over his position; even if it wasn't very likely. She was allowed to try.

For once, she wasn't the only woman present. Bai had brought his wife Dove. And Vidar had brought his wife Mabel. Neda had never met the woman before, but she was quite the chatty type.

So, you're the new journalist? Blogger, was it?

Neda had been "promoted" to blogger, so she just worked a few hours a day now. Which meant that the paychecks were pretty thin. Bai had insisted it was a good idea, since he claimed young sims read blogs. They didn't, but as long as it meant she could avoid twitsim, simblr and their like, she didn't care.

Yeah, that's right... Blogger. She wondered if sims thought she was like one of those pink-bloggers, and not a real journalist.

Are the guys treating you fair then? 

Why? Had she heard anything? Did that stupid husband of Mabels gossip about her?! Neda wasn't really a skilled writer, but she wasn't bad either. Pretty average really.

Yes. They are great. I feel really welcome!

Wonder if her honest smile seemed belivable enough. She wasn't beeing harassed or anything, but the same damned "prank" once a week was really getting annoying.

That's good to hear, because they were kind of pricks to the last young girl that started there.

They were? I haven't heard anything about that.

Strange, but why would they tell? Maybe it was a trend they had going or something.

That's right. They kept putting her stuff in pudding, gum on her chair and immature things like that. Poor girl got so sick of it, that she quit. 

Is that so?

That meant they did this to all the rookies, or just to the young ones. Neda atleast was pretty sure that they hadn't intended to litterally get her to quit. The pranks were to harmless for that. 

Mabel continued: I think they're just worried about beeing replaced. Vidar isn't a great journalist, and neither is Benny. They're both decent, but nowwhere near Bais skills. She finished with a sigh.

Neda pretended she hadn't noticed Mabel saying her own husband wasn't very good. They were both better than her though. Yikes.

They aren't good writers?

Nope. The paper used to be a lot better before; heavier you know. But I think the owners wanted something different. Bai still makes sure that it's atleast a bit serious. When he retires, it'll take a toll on the quality.

Oh, so now she very likely had a possible loss of job in the future? She hoped Bai didn't retire then. She'd rather write a blog, then be out of work. Ofcourse, Mabel hadn't hinted anything about that, but Neda had to be as pessimistic as possible. Her looser- quality made sure she knew how to live with dissapointment.

They were interruped when Benny got out of the water, and decided to join them. Who knew how long Vidar had stood there though. Clearly Mabel didn't care if he'd heard them. He didn't seem to be any wiser.

Argh! Mabel! Vidar whined: I think... I think a ladybug flew up my nose!!

Mabel rolled her eyes and whispered: Having a husband is like having a child that'll never develop, and gets more useless as each day pass by. 

Luckily Vidar only had a little allergy, and no poor ladybug was stuck up his nose. Mabel just thought it was good he was pretty, or she'd never marry him.

Neda sat down to rest a bit. She got tired easily now a days. She was already pregnant again, even if she was barely showing. Steve and her had postponed the wedding when Aurelius was born, and now they were going to do it again.

Maybe he didn't want to get married at all. Maybe he just wanted to stay engaged. She kind of understood why. Kids were expensive and timeconsuming. But she didn't need a big wedding or anything.

Noticing Benny staring at her, Neda also had a sneaking suspicion that serving alcohol hadn't been the best idea. It wasn't anything strong, but the more the guests consumed, the higher the chance he mentioned they slept together.

She slapped on one of her polite grins, hoping it would get him to stop staring.

She really had to stop smiling. It was something about her smiles that invited sims to talk to her, even when she hoped they said "stay away from me, I'm just smiling to be polite".

I heard you got the intervju with the army informant. You did a really good job. 

Bennys breath had a faint taint of sweet alcohol, but she tried not to pull a face at the sudden smell. She'd expected he'd be mad at it, so it was a nice change.

Thanks! It was just theft of food, that was supposed to be sent to troops abroad. 

It allegedly was supposed to mean something, but she'd never really gotten why. Neda had just quoted the expert instead. Ofcourse that article had been published in the real paper, and not on the blog. Couldn't post anything interesting on that ofcourse, because then someone might take her serious as a journalist.

Well, it was still a good article. 

Neda just ended up beeing suspicious at the sudden niceness. What was really going on? Was he planning another prank or something. Here, at the poolparty maybe?

Unfortunately, it was a lot worse than that: I don't mean to come off as nosy. But, I've noticed your boyfriend has barely even looked at you whilst we've been here. And he hasn't helped you with anything either. 

She hoped that he'd stop to clear his throat of something, so that she'd had time to stop him before it went further. But, Neda wasn't dealt a good hand in life. Atleast for the mistakes she chose to make.

I thought about what happened between us. You know, my wife just doesn't understand me. But you and me Neda, we had a good thing there and...

He stopped when he finally noticed the look on her face. She knew exactely where this conversation was going. A "no" had never been shown more clearly without the use of words.

Out of nowwhere, Steve interrupted them. His eyes had a drunk shine in them, without Neda understanding how. It wasn't that much alcohol here, unless ofcourse someone had taken their own with them.

Hey! Hey Neda. Neda. Check it out! I talked with Bai, and he totally dared me. Just look. Just look now, okay? Look now!

You're bonding with Bai? That's so nice Steve! 

If he made a good impression, maybe she'd get his job if he retired instead of gross Benny. She could almost smell that promotion coming up already! And Steve got a friend, yeah that probably mattered to.

Yeah, but Neda! Neda! Look! Look! It's really awesome. Are you looking? Look Neda! Are you looking? 

Yes, I'm looking. 

He had some weird teenager-grin on his face, but did he have to sound like one because of that? Damnit, she was looking!

Steve bent down and grabbed a handful of dirt: Look Neda, look! Bai said I wouldn't do it!!

Then he got that weird teenager- boy giggle again.
 

Steve took his hand to his face, and licked it all up; sand, alges, dirt and sim knows what. Neda felt herself getting nauseous, to think she'd kissed that mouth. How often did he do that.

Even Benny was grossed out: That... that is disgusting. 

Steve!  

Neda was so embarassed. How could he behave like that infront of everyone she worked with? This was humiliating. Couldn't he just have acted grown- up this one time. Just one damned time!

Like the small child trapped in an adult body he was, Steve ran off to brag to Bai. She stared after him as he ran off. Yeah, this was still humiliating. Why did everything she tried to do, get ruined.

She knew it was bad, when even Benny reacted: That was disgusting. Neda, how can you date that guy, and have his kid? Ofcourse, he's just a boy. And you're a woman Neda. A woman needs a real man. 

Benny also had to much to drink it seems. Why couldn't he just shut up, and Steve act normal?

No such luck, because he didn't just shut up. Ever!

I get that you might be hesitant, but we're so good together. He meant in the elevator, not at work: My wife, she's not really enough anymore. She doesn't appreciate what I do for her. I work so much, and she just keeps on nagging!

Well, beeing a journalist wasn't really the hard work that he made it out to be. Not for them atleast.

... you have to feel it to Neda. 

He just wouldn't shut up about it either. Like she was dumb enough to fall for that "my wife doesn't bla bla whatever" garbage.

Shut up Benny! I'm not interested! It was a once in a lifetime thing! You're old! Okay?
  

Quickly lowering her voice even more, she continued to an angrier co- worker: It's never going to happen again. I'm not doing that to Steve again and sure as hell not with an old man like you.

What did you say?

Where the hell was he coming from all the time? Was he running back and forth or something? Steve was a real ninja today.

What? I just told Benny that I'm not interested in his take on my blog. He's to old to know this stuff!
 
The lie was so pathetic that she never thought he'd believe it.

Steve stuffed a finger in her face: You! You're ungrateful! That's what you are. You're always complaining that I never do enough around the house, that I don't spend enough time with the kids.

She'd had it with horny coworkers and idiot fiancees. Why couldn't they just behave already? She just wanted one damned party without drama!

Well, boohoo! Neda spat, completely forgetting about keeping face: You always use that damned tv- game anyway! Besides, you DON'T help with the kids. Changing a diaper I just changed once a week isn't anything to brag about! And now I'm pregnant again! And we're having another one! And that would make FOUR babies for me!

This! This was what Mabel meant. Kids learned an grew, but men just didn't. They just bled every cell of patience out of you and then whined when you couldn't take it anymore! Calm down Neda, she kept telling herself. Remember that there's a potential for promotion in the future.

Benny gave his unwanted opinion once again: If you were my girlfriend, I'd treat you right. 

No one asked for your opinion Benny!

The look Steve looked from one of them to the other, showed he was getting suspicious. Come on. She didn't deserve this. She deserved a little peace.

This was not turning into what she's wanted it to be. She'd wanted a nice little party, so she could smooch up to Bai. And she hadn't even been able to talk to him, all because of those annoying guys. What if he'd heard what they'd been talking about?

Neda gave up and decided on taking a dip to cool down. He wasn't going to tell Steve anything. Benny would be to worried about getting beaten up. Because atleast he must have seen that Steve was a little unstable when drinking

Mabel had some mercy on her and joined in a breathholding contest.

Even if it took a while, Steve eventually got back to his old, calmer self. They hugged it out without an appology. The little nervousness she'd felt melted away in his arms. So Benny hadn't said anything, just as she'd anticipated.

Vidar had gotten way excited at all that drama. This was so much better than his soapopera!

As he'd payed more attention than anyone would've guessed, he went up to the host and offered some positivity. The girl had worked pretty hard after all, and it was nice to have some parties together for a change.

This is a really good party Neda. Everyone's enjoying themselves.

It wasn't a lie either. Everyone was semi- drunk and having fun in the water.

Steve laughed scornfully: Good? Good?! This is a joke, that's what it is! This whole thing is a cheap joke. You didn't even get any real food, just some pathetic tofu- dogs!

He even pointed at her, to show everyone that the mocking laughter was aimed at her. She was so sick of that behaviour. She was taking care of two kids, worked fulltime and he was just mooching around, trying to break through as an author!

If you don't like the food, you could've helped me then! 

She was overworked and pregnant, and he was complaining. Infront of everyone. And that tone of his drove her insane!

Well, they aren't my co- workers. Steve teased.

I'm your fiance! You should help either way! 

Because that's what you did in relationships! Helped eachother! What the hell was the point of living with someone, when they never lifted a finger out of their own free will?

You are nothing but a mean and petty drunk Steve! 

Finally, that wiped that mocking grin off his face.

Oh no, you didn't! Vegard thought he'd die of all that sass! He'd never thought Neda had so much drama going on! Oh, he was going to talk about this with his wife the rest of the day!

Still, Steve looked more bored than anything. Bored after she yelled at him. How could he do this to her?!

She waited until everyone "just had to go" after her little outburst before confronting him.

Steve. What's gotten into you? What's wrong?

She could've sworn the water dripping down on the waterslide hadn't been this loud earlier.

Benny told me. Is it true?

-------------------------------------------------
*insert dramatic music here*

Thanks for reading

5.9 Positive

The two closed doors, made it hard to hear what the tenants in the other room was shouting about. But little Kevin seemed to be more interested in charming his audience. He still seemed a bit timid, so they gave him a little space, just smiling and carefully cooing at him.

I'm sorry. Would you mind repeating that? It was Steve who asked, and Neda was very glad he did. She barely had the voice to say to much right now.

Lillian didn't look like she'd landed, and started again. Hopefully she'd be more accurat this time around.

As I said, Niko phoned and said not to pick him up. Because he had "something to show us". We all understood that it meant he had a kid.

So that's why you didn't phone Neda. Steve pointed out again. No one had called them, since they didn't start early anyway. And now they were here the day after instead, and met a bit different story than they had been anticipating.

She just nodded: Then we just sat around and waited until he came over with Kevin.
 

We didn't have to pretend to be surprised when they showed up. We kind of expected a newborn. But you know, he looked good; had a healthy tan and all that.

Lillian really had been more surprised that the older brother looked like a teenager, and not the grown man he was supposed to be.
 

Steve was just as surprised as the rest of them. He'd just learned the day before that they were going to meet the mysterious Niko. From the way Neda talked about him, you'd think he was some magical beeing that never did anything wrong. Lillian had already told the rest, but they were still a bit confused and needed to hear it one more time.

He said that Kevins mum was downtown fixing some papers. I think she was just shy to be honest. This is a pretty large family to be dumped into.

Tell me about it.Steve said just to get a short look from Neda.

Your parents just were grandparents really. Danny kept playing with Kevin. He was a bit shy at first, but loosened up when grandpa started beeing silly.

The background voiced were still annoying, but the doors were still holding the sound at bay. A part of Neda worried they would come inside to them, but they were probably beeing considerate of the toddler.

Aino suffocated your brother with kissed, but he eventually broke loose to be interrogated instead. Turned out he hadn't been in Shang Simla in ages. Him and his girlfriend had travelled a bit around instead. Then she'd gotten pregnant and they decided to settle down until the baby got a bit older. 

It sounded all well and good, Niko was pretty responsible when he wanted to.

Dragan seemed a bit strange for second: you know they have pretty much the same haircolour. Not strange though, since your mum's a redhead to. I was a bit worried that he'd forgotten that for a second-

Lillian was proud of her husband for adulting like that, and seeing them together made her ovaries ache to get their own little baby.

She didn't mention that everyone forgot to complain about Neda not keeping her promise, because they'd been so deeply in the next generation.  

It was all so good you know.And Kevin here is a little cuddlecutie. Aren't you sweetypie? He didn't seem very impressed.

Neda was pretty sure that the loud sounds in the background was getting closer to. How did they have enough breath to keep it up?

Then... then Nikos girlfriend showed up and it... well, it all went crazy from there. Aino just froze for a second, then her eyes rolled back into her head and she fell. Hit her head on the wall and all. Danny went completely pale, and didn't move until Dragan took him by the hand and lead him away. 

Lillian had just gotten to the part that was the difficult one. The one that they had needed to hear again, and probably would need to hear several times more.

I just don't get how Aino knew. She just walked in, he grabbed her by the hand and went...

"Mum, dad. This is my girlfriend Signe"

Your mum is fine by the way. She didn't hit her head very hard. But the two of them are going to stay there for a few days. Irena figured out that the two of you knew, and she's really pissed at Dragan. And you, she's furious at you. 

It wasn't as much Irena that figured it out, as much as Dragan blurting it out. But that didn't matter right now.

Obviously we had to tell Signe and Niko, and they didn't take it very well. The hospital drugged them pretty good, so I think we won't see them for atleast a few more days. 

Lillian had never heard of anything this horrifying in her life. How did something like this even happen?

I have no idea how Aino knew, I mean she doesn't even look like the three of you. But she knew as soon as she walked in the door. 

 

Steve took another look at Kevin; he looked so healthy and normal. Didn't nearfamily relations cause horrible mutations in children? But the little boy gurgling on the mat, looked just like any other baby he'd seen. Poor thing didn't understand anything, he just wondered where mum and dad had went.

Neda and the rest still heard Dragan and Irena arguing in the background, they hadn't stopped for a second since they got here. 

We thought she was dead.

Lillian had to point out the obvious: Well, she isn't. She's very much alive.

Steve didn't think he'd ever heard Neda this defeated: Dad told me not to say anything. And I didn't. I didn't want to upset mum.

She was upset now, to say the least. And the fact that her and Dragan hadn't actually figured out anything else than they had a sister, didn't mean anything to Irena.

They were still surprised that the two in the kitchen hadn't beaten eachother senseless yet. Neda hadn't any idea that Dragan even could get that mad. They had been arguing nonstop for hours.

Atleast I am here Irena! They heard him spitting the words out: I'm the one taking care of them whilst you're busy living your life! Whatever the fuck that is! You fucking march in here thinking you have a say in anything?! Fuck you!! 

Fuck me?! Fuck you, you fucking liar! That fucking abomination can't live here! It'll fucking kill mum! Don't you fucking get it?! You ginger piece of shit! I'll send that freak to the fucking abyss where it belongs! 

Dragans growling was upseting to hear. He just never lost temper, like ever: You're staying out if this! 

Niko slept with our sister and they have a kid together! Shit! He has a baby with Catherine! That baby! Kevin!

No shit? Lillian kind of figured that out a long time ago.

Don't you even try to tell me what to do you fucking shitbag! They heard Irenas deep growls from the kitchen.

Neda took another deep breath; I'll go talk to them. Even if going between the two maniacs in the kitchen, went againt all of her instincts.

Dragan was standing way to close to Irena for Nedas liking, they looked like animals sirkling eachother to find out the best place to strike. She really hated when they were mad at eachother, but what if they were mad at her?! Why wouldn't they be mad at her.

She saw her twins shoulders raise and sink with his breathing, every muscle in his arms were tense. Like that wasn't bad enough, Irena even had her fists clenched; all ready to punch her baby brother to a pulp if he provoked her more.

You don't have anything to say in this house Irena. Dragan hissed at her: I swear, either you shut up or I'll....

If he'd planned on threatening anyone, he should've tried another target. Irena went even closer to him and stuck her face up into his.

Or you'll what, baby brother? She kept staring at him until he broke eyecontact; clearly showing who the alpha- sibling was. No one could beat her in games of dominance.

This is all your and fucking Nedas fault. I don't want to see either one of you, or that abomination again. Get it the out of the house, or I'll send every fucking lawyer up your arsehole and make sure that both mum and dad will loose their rights to take their own choices? Do you understand me?

She wouldn't actually take away mum and dads rights? They couldn't do that when they weren't senile or anything, right? Neda wasn't so sure.She really should have known more about law.

Irena walked all the way up to her and stared her down: You will take that abomination, and get it the fuck away from here. I don't want to see it, or you ever again! If I as much as hear about you getting anywhere near mum or dad, I'll go after mum and dad and send that fucking abomination out into outer space. Do you understand?

Neda just nodded. She half expected Dragan to say something, but he just stared at Irena like he wanted her to go up in flames.

Steve and Neda had gone emergencyshopping for some clothes and a crib. Thankfully the flat had a small extraroom that she'd planned on becoming on a kids room anyway. But it wasn't even finished; or more likely she hadn't actually started anything there yet.

Just stay here for a bit okay kid? Dad and Mum are going to come back to get you in a few days, so don't worry. He was positive that it was going to happen sooner than later. Even if the circumstances were pretty aweful, they wouldn't leave their kid. No one did that.

Like the entire thing wasn't bad enough, Neda had some additional worries. It was positive. For a while she'd felt even worse, because what if she was pregnant with.... shuddering she could barely think about that incident with Benny. Besides, it was yesterday she'd slept with him, and she'd noticed her clothes getting a bit tighter around the waist for quite a bit longer than that. So it was Steves baby. They were having a baby, and they'd just gotten a baby in the house.

A part of her wanted to cry about everything that had happened, but she couldn't think about it right now.

Steve. I'm pregnant. I'm sorry. I know it's a bad time and all, since we just got Kevin but...

Steve was also a bit lost from the day. The entire thing was quite heartbreaking, but so far Neda seemed to take it pretty well. 

Wait. Neda, you're pregnant? It's good, it's good to be pregnant. I mean, I think it is atelast. I mean, for us. It's good that we're having a baby.

It is? But we don't exactely have a lot of room at the moment. 

She'd been sorry for him for having her brothers baby thrown at him, but he'd taken it surprisingly well. And he was taking the news so well to.

Don't worry about the baby Neda, Steve said. There's no way that they'll leave their kid behind. They just need to prosess the entire thing, then they'll figure out what to do. They will raise him themselves. Everything will be fine.

She did feel a lot calmer by Steves reassurances. But with the pregnancy they decided to postpone the wedding. She didn't want to be pregnant, or just had a baby at her own wedding.

Neda did her very bestt pretending everything was going to be okay. They worked to lead as normal a life with the toddler, until her brother came out of the hospital. She kind of thought that she'd be more invested in the fact that she had an older sister, that turned out to be alive after all. But she just did her best to avoid it.

Instead her and Steve focused on their own soon to be growing family. It wasn't a problem that the flat was a bit small for four, because Kevin wouldn't stay with them forever. The best would be if Dragan and Lillian took him in, but they were to worried about Irena freaking out. And to be fair, she wasn't sure how her mum would take it.

As time moved on, and Nedas belly grew bigger, she started to worry. Why didn't they hear anything? She talked to Dragan on the phone, but he didn't know a lot either. Niko and Signe- Catherine could  decide what they wanted to share with the family. They were adults after all. But they still kept the rest of them in uncertainty.

She didn't see Kevin as a liability, but it sure would be nice to get some help from Steve. Like, he watching the kid whilst she did the grocery shopping. Or maybe, he could've done the shopping. But no, better sending the pregnant woman.

It took a while, but Kevin slowly warmed up to her. She always made sure that he knew that she was his aunt and not mother, but he didn't really talk that much yet. They tried a bit once in awhile, but it wasn't all to easy to be a aunt at the moment. She was sure that she thought it was more fun to entertain him that he thought it was.

Steve tried his best to learn how to be around kids, but he wasn't really getting it. Sometimes it seemed like he was a bit scared of them. But it would definitely change as soon as they got their own.

Not everything was bliss in the household. But everyone had their problems. 

I asked you to do the dishes ten times already! Neda was getting a bit sick of Steves laziness at the moment. Couldn't he bloody clean up his own plates atleast?

Yeah, and I said I was going to do them afterwards!

After what? After finishing those damned computergames?! Just go and do them already! It'll take like one minute of your precious gamingtime! Neda was really not in the mood for this. She was pregnant and taking care of a toddler for fucks sake!

Can you smile for auntie Neda? She made a way to highpitched voice: Let me see those pretty teeth of yours kid. 

He seemed to have some problems learning to talk though. And the only thing she could think of was those horrorstories about inbred sims.C

Come on, show Neda those shiny white teeth.

Not happening apparantly

Can I see your teeth? Then I'll show you my biiiiig bearteeth! They're big, but I only eat blueberries! Teodor tried his best to get Kevin to show that he understood words and sentences: But I'll bite auntie if you show me your teeth!

Carefully Kevin showed his teeth to Teodor, but he still didn't say anything. It worked! It actually worked! And it was good because atleast he understood what she said, and it meant he'd start talking eventually.

Teodor! Did you say you were going to bite me?! 

Teodor looked at Neda for a long while before he answered: yes

It's not okay for little boys to bite. Biting hurts. 

But I'm not a boy, I'm a teddybear

Biting is bad Teodor 

Kevin, do you think I should bite aunt Neda with my big teddybear teeth?

Biiiiiiiiteeeeee! He started laughing before saying it again: biiiite! Well, he'd understood what she'd said all along.

Then they were interrupted by the doorbell: Steve! Can you get that?! Not a single sound came from the hallway: Steve!!! She called louder until she sighed.

She saw him playing that damn videogame again. She hated that thing! Why the hell couldn't he just open the bloody door when he knew she was pregnant. And busy! She'd been busy and he just sat there like a complete idiot!

Don't worry! I'll get it! She snared at him, but doubted he heard it.

She swore; she knew that they had a good relationship, but him taking her doing most of the chores around the house and with Kevin was really getting on her nerves.

Neda tried pulling Dragan in for a hug, but instead nearly toppled both of them over resulting in an awkward pat on the back for both of them. She was so happy to see him. Finally Kevin was going to go home with one parent; she assumed his mum; and then everything would be fine. She wouldn't exactely call the toddler a burden, but it was a pretty huge turn of events to have thrown at you without any prior experience.

She changed her mind at the face he pulled; what? What's wrong?

They're gone. 

Wha.... what? He couldn't be serious. How were they gone? How gone? What?

Yeah, they've been gone for a while. I have no problems finding Niko, but he just keeps moving around so I can't get a hold of him. His arms hung at his sides as if he didn't have any movement left in them: I hoped that atleast he could help me find Signe- Catherine, but yeah... no.

So they weren't together then? That was actually a bit good, because anything else would've been very gross.

He sighed again: And Irena has somehow managed to get us under investigation for neglecting mum and dad or something....

Neda pulled a face, she'd never thought Irena would do something like that: But they are taking care of themselves. Dad still works! 

I know, and so do they. But since they're old and have simoleons to their name it goes automatically. Something about protecting investments. And he was in politics, this couldn't get out so he had to take it quietly.

Dad is furious at her, but if he goes out on her it'll probably just count against him or something. 

There's something you're not telling me babybrother. She could see it on him, he always got that weird look on his face when that happened.

It is. Irena's agreed to leave it alone if... ehrm... if...

... she agreed to leave it alone if you and Kevin never show yourself again. He wasn't entirely sure why she was angrier at Neda than with him. Maybe because it was easier taking it out on her.

That's horrible. She's aweful. Not that it was new, but she'd never been anything like this.

We said no ofcourse. Lillian and I will take Kevin and move out, and maybe you and the baby can move in with mum and dad?

Dad hates Steve. And mum hates him even more.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Atleast he had the decency not to pretend that it wasn't true.

And if I move in, she won't quit. I don't have the galls to stand up to Irena like you do. 

He barely had the galls, but he just had to: Okay. But what else do we do? I'm willing to bet that Irena moving in would mean she'd manipulate mum and dad into signing everything over to her. And you know that they have earmarked most of it to different charities when they die. Him and Lillian earned enough, so it wasn't a problem for them.

Well, we can just keep it like it is. Irena won't be able to stay mad forever, and sooner or later atleast Niko will come back. He had to. To be honest she didn't really care to much about Signe- Catherine, because she didn't know her at all: It's going pretty good to. Kevin is speaking and all, he doesn't seem to have... you know. 

Are you sure? 

Yeah, we'll be fine. Steve and I are doing great, she lied to him now: and Kevin is still a bit sad, but he's bonding nicely with me and Teodor. 

Are mum and dad... ?

They're pretty fine for the circumstances. I'm not sure if mum even remembers most of it. But they're getting some help. Are you sure it'll be fine?  

Neda wasn't entirely sure, but as far as she saw it they didn't have another choice: Sure. It'll be fine.

For some reason Steve hadn't been to fond of her agreeing to taking Kevin fulltime without beeing consultet. She didn't really see what the problem was though, he was already living with them and he was her nephew. She'd never question Steve if he'd come home with one of his nephews! From a sister or brother he might or might not have. Why hadn't she met any family of his? Making another grimase as a fake contraction set in, Neda kept making food for Kevin.

Ofcourse Steve was to busy to help out. And she couldn't really say anything could she, because he was her nephew. And he was "busy" playing tv games again. Neda really wanted things to get better, and it did for a while. But this constant having a man to tidy up after and taking care of a toddler was seriously getting on her nerves. The toddler was understandable, but a grown man? She wasn't his mother! She was going to be a mother soon, to a baby. Steve would probably start getting more responsible then, right?

Not surprisingly the fake contractions was just a foreplay for the real ones. Holy shit they hurt like fucking hell! Steve came in screaming all the time staring at the toddler. What was he? Blaming the baby? Or finally realizing that he was going to be a father to one of those?

Steve wasn't entirely sure what to think about the entire prosess, or about the fact that Neda had called their son Aurelius. He'd probably find a way to manage, but he just thought that she nagged quite a bit. So what if he didn't tidy up after himself? If she didn't like it she could just do it herself. Cost a lot less time than nagging to him about it after all.

But now that they had a babyboy together, she'd probably loosen up a bit.
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Teodor, not as in Rosevelt, but as in childrens television in the ancient past- remembers ye-old-times.

I know the entire thing with Irena could've been fuller, but I figured that it's about Neda. So she'd technically wouldn't be especially involved in anything. I just want to say that Niko and Catherine hasn't been doing the dirty deed. I blended their genes in CAS, so Kevin is technically just Nikos son. I just couldn't do it any other way, it was to gross. But, for the story, we'll pretend that it was actually happening.

Thanks for reading