4.15 Victory of peace

  

   
You're getting old now, aren't you Bellababy? Daniel talked softly to the dog, he didn't have time to give her proper attention anymore. Having two small children was time consuming. Her coarse fur had gotten a bit greasy as it often did on older animals, but she was still healthy, avoiding the hip problems that big dogs often got. Her and Max had been very healthy throughout their lives.

Atleast she'd had Laika before getting to old, so her line wouldn't die out. And she was a beautiful dog; which was given with the parents. Aino had been worried about having two small children together with the large dogs, but they didn't even care about the newcommers. He was sure they just thought the kids were really cats.

Beeing in the startingphase was a problem for most younger sims, and it wasn't any different for them. As both of them worked rather late days, they had to spend time together as a family before they went to work. They also worked different days, and during the weekends, so they had to use a babysitter a lot. But with their finances beeing as they were, it went rather well. He'd been sure to invest some of Ainos inheritance in a surprisingly clever manner, so they had a small, but steady trickle of income that way to

It was Ainos day off today, but that didn't mean he'd leave all responsibilities to her. She got tired easily, even if she rarely said anything. The whole thing about Catherine was wearing her down, but she refused to find any help or talk about it. And he didn't have any comfort to give either. But little by little, it got a bit easier for her. She'd have a child she'd never know what happened to- it must be utterly devestating for her.

She had to be the toughest sim he'd ever met; thinking about everything she'd lived through and yet here she was. He doubted he'd be able to handle anything like that. Daniel wasn't lost behind a rock either, so that it was a lot more than he knew was pretty obvious. But she was massively impressive either way. Not that it was bad the few times she let it shine through, ofcourse. He'd just have no idea what to do.

Irena was a bit nervous about the green horse that shot steam out the nostrils. But slowly she got used to it. She wasn't a particularly careful toddler in any way, nor an overly careful one. She was surprisingly perfect. Though they both suspected that it would change, the more independent she got. Now it was just to wait until she'd rip things down from the table, pull the cats tails and smear snot all over the place.

Interrupted by the phone, he couldn't stop wondering who the fuck called him at this hour in the morning. That was until he looked at the display. He hadn't deleted any of his "friends" that all happened to be women that he'd slept with. Not because he wanted to call them, but because of things like this: No, Marlen. I don't want to go on a date! I'm married and have two children... and you're married! Stop phoning me already! 

Irena wasn't difficult to persuade to leave the green horse behind. It wasn't that fun. Daniel was still on the phone with Marlen, watching his wife picking up his daughter. Wow, she looked so fucking hot. But no more kids. Two was more than enough. They didn't have the energy for one more.

Watching his wife bend over again, he forgot what he'd been thinking about. It wasn't a lot of time for any bedfun either. They were usually exhausted by that time.

As the morning progressed, they did like a lot of families with small children: went to the beach so they'd be done there by the time all the cool, childfree sims showed up. And just like a real parent, Daniel stripped Irena down to her birthsuit; becasuse bathing in diapers was just stupid, and she was a toddler. Getting cold water on a naked butt was the best!

Even better was that the river was so clean now, sims could even eat the fish from it without the usual seasonal warnings from the council. Whatever pollution had been in it was pretty much gone now. Well, Aino said it; so it was probably true. If Irena grew fins or something he'd know she was wrong.

There was no doubt that Irena absolutely loved the water; her laughter and joyful shrieks could be heard miles away. She'd probably grow up to be a sailor, or a drummer if he was to analyze her behaviour. He could worry about her growing up later. Wasn't like he already panicked when he realized she's grow up into a teenager eventually.

Aino had taken Niko and was hiding in the shadows with him. Both the baby and toddler wasn't supposed to have to much sun. Small children wasn't able to regulate their bodytemperature properly, so she kept checking his neck to see if he was to warm. When she wasn't, she was reading a romantic novel, once and again smiling at the sound of her daughter and her father playing in the water. It was easy to forget everything on good days like these. But they always left her feeling guilty after a while.

As much as their daughter enjoyed the water, she couldn't stay out in the sun for to long as toddlers easily could end up with a fever that way. For now she was content at playing in the sand in the shadows, and her dad had even put a diaper on: Oh no, sweety! Don't eat sand! Spit it... 
     
Don't worry about it; a bit of sand is just healthy. It probably makes her immune system better or something... Aino was such a worrywart.

He lay next to her on the towel, leaning on to her: are you going to be okay today?

Closing her eyes, she enjoyed having his breath so close to her neck, sending good shivers down her spine: Yeah, we'll be fine. Daniel was such a worrywart: I'll call you if anything happens.

Nothing ever happened, they had a nice and uneventful life. Having kids did something with your social life, and none of them missed having one.

      
No, sweetie, don't put that in your mouth... oh, okay! She was happy Irena put the piece of garbage down again: You're such a good girl! 
    
Daniel tickled her back a bit, still breathing at her neck: You look so hot. He always said that. It was nice to hear, but somehow she doubted it was her that looked a certain way. It was more likely that he looked at her that way: You think you're going to be to tired tonight? We can put the little bastards to bed early...
      
Maybe use some duct tape? Aino was all for that, they weren't serious anyway.

      
I like the way you think. Daniel had finally leaned back and looked at her instead.

Aino hated when sims used sunglasses whilst talking to her, because then she couldn't see their eyes: I'll have to see what mood Niko's in.
     
He's been very good this far, he answered: So you might just get lucky tonight gorgeous. He finished the sentece with a wicked grin.

You are to kind good sir. Sometimes she'd wish he could be a bit more romantic, but this was as good as it got. He was probably wishing she was flirtier to.

She kept on looking at him, until he finally asked her: What?

She kept looking at him. What if he got mad? What if everything went down the drain, and he regretted marrying her. Why was he even married to her, when she was such an oddball: I love you. It fell out of her mouth before she could worry more about it.

I love you to. He sounded so casual, not at all like her beating heart.

After two kids and marriage, she'd said it, and he'd said the same thing. It was the most romantic gesture she'd ever experienced. Which might seem a bit sad, but she appreciated the smaller things in life. Because frankly, this was a lot more than she'd ever hoped for.

 
Though he had gotten her a diamond ring, even if she had no idea how he'd afforded it. Must've saved for a long time. Maybe he'd planned proposing for a long time? Or maybe he'd gotten an inheritance after his own parents, but that meant he'd used it on her. And that wasn't good.
     
Whatever you are worrying about... just stop thinking about it. He couldn't have her worrying about anything and nothing, when everything was as good as it was now. Even if that staring she did freaked him out a bit. Wonder what she was thinking about?

 
He hadn't heard anything else about Cats dad either; or more like it; she hadn't said anything. Ofcourse, she didn't know that he knew, and he didn't want to say anything either. Maybe he'd break her if he did? Wait, why was he worrying about everything now?! Stop that!! Just enjoy the hours you have left before work!! Internally he crossed his fingers that the little bastards would go to sleep this night. Really, she was driving him mental with those tiny outfits...

And just as promised, they left the beach by the time all the cool, childfree sims came along: Yes, that's right sweety. Mum's a crazy catlady. 
     
Cwazy catwady? Daniel stared at his wife again; damn.

Dad? Daddy? Irena tried getting his attention.

Hm? What is it, sweety? 
     
Cat? Smiling again, he answered: Yes, that's a cat.
     
Mum woves cat? Daniel nodded: Yes, mum loves cat. And you, she loves you.
 

     
As luck would have it, the beautiful sun changed into pouring rain, as he jogged to work. Because having "me time" was a luxury few parents could afford. So working out on a normal base had to wait until the kids got older.

After another day at work, it was time to come home and talk to baby. He always left wondering what happened all day that made her this chatty. She never stopped talking. Ofcourse it was cute to listen to all her worries and daily happenings, but it was a lot of chatter for such a small body.

Then it was her bedtime almost instantly afterwards; so he put her to sleep. Grabbing his hand with her own little sticky one, she managed to make him feel guilty like he did everyday; dadda... But she had to go to sleep now, or she'd be cranky tomorrow. And frankly he really wanted to sleep with his wife.

Walking into the livingroom, he found Niko wide awake as usual; far from ready to go to sleep. That was typical. But to be honest he didn't care; off to bed he went. He would probably fall asleep eventually

And finally they could have some grown- up time! If just those kids could keep quiet for long enough that would be even better: Protection... He was interrupted by Ainos low voice. Right. No more kids. Or cats.

Time went by without any special incidents, and soon it was time for Niko to grow up. Even with his dads colours, it was easy to see that he looked a lot like his mother.

The ever small family enjoyed some cake for the occation, and some strange lady had decided to show up to. Still a bit rude, but no one wanted to cause a scene and she seemeed harmless enough.

And true to traditions, uncle Andy bought the boy a noisy toy. Beeing a toddler though, Niko preffered chewing on everything he could get his hands on, and Irena had gotten a hold of a brick. A brick!!! If grown ups only knew how much fun a brick was, they'd never do anything else!

With two toddlers around, Aino took it upon herself to qualitycheck the toys. Just to be on the safe side! She found no joy in this...

That way their lives went on. Aino had a day off, then it was Daniels time to have a day off; and the two of them never had any days off together. But it would come eventually. Hopefully. But no more kids! Or cats, no more cats!

Ofcourse it wasn't all easy to keep up a good relationship with two toddlers in the house, and with the hours they worked; or with their days off never at the same day. But they both knew what they'd gone to, and they'd waited so long that none of them were planning on giving up. They'd just have to keep working to keep it going, and eventually it would work out for the best. 

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poses: FC, skylar,

This was really just a babychapter. Niko is such an ugly toddler, poor bastard.

They keep doing the autonomous romantic interactions, but interrupt them because of the kids all the time. It used to be because of the cats and dogs, but they are doing good entertaining eachother instead now.

Thanks for reading

4.14 Silently surrender

A wild panick had roared through the city, bringing the nightlife to a halt; causing everyone to stay inside with their doors locked shut. Under the tremendous weight of Skulds return- holding it in her pink fingernails- clawing her way into nightmares and horrorstories.

No one would forget her now, even if she'd left almost as soon as she's showed up. It hadn't made anyone feel safer. Especially since her escape had been overlooked by the police to begin with. A small flaw, where the different districts weren't obliged to inform eachother. And the law enforcement in Bridgeport had kept it from the press to avoid panic. It was almost as if Skuld had forseen how things would play out.

Skuld had known; she had known exactely what she was doing- every single step of the way. A few adjustments had to be made, but it was a masterfully concocted plan. They still didn't know how she'd gotten out; but judging by the few prisonguards that had been fished up around Bridgeport, lead to the belief of an insider. Or it was to throw the investigation off guard; which was just as believable. Thus they still didn't know and probably never would.

Calling her tired was an understatement, as she slept more than she was awake. But it was never that good sleep that left you feel well rested. Maybe it wasn't all to strange with the toll everything had taken on her sense of self. She'd walked on her mothers leash without even knowing about it. Was it because she'd told about dad and Maya as sa teen, and her lie wasn't good enough: the baby... Aino barely woke up as a voice lulled her to sleep: sssh... go back to sleep.

     
 Maybe if she'd never fallen for the lies about finding a doll, dad would still be alive. Because a brick had hit her in the face, when she thought about everything she'd believed about it: someone that looked a bit off, that would never leave her no matter how odd she behaved. Someone that loved her no matter what, and would always stay friends with her; if any doll had come to life, it was in the form of her cats. Mainly Gilbert, the dogfaced cat without a tail. But he was gone now, and so was Sekhmet.

But their children and grandchildren lived- still beeing her friends: the baby.. she...
     
The voice interrupted her again, half drowned in her drowzy mind: it's okay. Don't worry about anything. Go back to sleep 

     
She had to be the dumbest sim to have ever lived; she was her mothers pawn. She'd thought she was the one her mother was after, but she was never that important: the one Skuld cared about was Ian; not her. Ian was the one that had insulted her, the one that had utterly humiliated her by choosing someone else. She was no one to mum, and now dad was dead- they were all dead. Yet she lived

The baby, she mumbled half asleep, just to be interrupted again: it's okay, everything is fine. Try to get a bit more sleep

     
Before she felt she'd have the chance of closing her eyes again, Daniel woke her up: Hey gorgeous. You awake? 

Blinking several times, it took a while before Aino was able to focus properly: Yeah, almost. Her mouth tasted as someone had crawled into it and died.

They'll be here in about an hour, okay? I drew you a bath, so you can just jump straight in.

Thank you. She tried stretching, but was interrupted by her own yawns. Sleeping in the daytime always seemed like such a good idea; though she always regretted it afterwards; because she always ended up feeling more tired that way. Daniel stroked her cheek and patter her rear before exiting the room, leaving her alone again.

    
The invasion of Duckzilla lightened her mood a bit, but it didn't change anything. She was her mothers pawn; she was so dumb. It was like she'd toyed with the entire city- all of simnation- and her. She'd always looked up to mum in some twisted manner, but still she'd underestimated her. Skulds genious had always been underestimated; and now the world could bleed.

She was gone. Vanished from the face of this earth, all traces led to a vast nothing. They would never find her. Never. She was gone, and the city was safe again;even if it had never been in danger.

 
Slightly worried that the sounds from the kitchen meant Daniel was cooking, it turned out he was just pouring some nectar. For the guests no doubt. After all, it was the first time they've done anything like this. She was nervous, but he clearly wasn't. Maybe she didn't have a reason to be, but she was none the less.

They'll be here any minute now. Could you go get her? He didn't even turn around when talking. Maybe he was mad at her because she'd been so lazy? Not that he sounded angry, she was just worried about it.

      
Hey honey! Aino talked with light voice to her daughter as she streched the tiny arms out at her. She loved beeing hugged and cuddled, like all little babies did. She loved her daughter: Today is the big day, isn't it? Are you excited? She kicked around a bit as she grabbed her.

The room solution in the new house was a lot better than the previous, and with their combined income the loan was managable. Dad had left her a pretty nice inheritance, but she'd never looked at it or touched it. She let Daniel take care of the finances, so she didn't have to. It left her with a sickening feeling to the stomach that they were living good because dad and Maya were... gone.

Pushing the feelings back, Aino kept talking to her babygirl: You're growing up so fast! She was. It felt like yesterday she'd given birth, and now she was growing up. Her little baby was going to grow older! Wonder if she'd look like her? It sure didn't look like the nose was as enormous; but all babies looked the same.

    
There are my lovely ladies. Daniel eyed her up and down with a mischiveous grin: You look hot. He was so lucky, despite the gross ammount of cats ofcourse. They hissed at him all the time, clearly not approving of Aino giving her attention to someone else.

This wasn't the time to let that pull the mood down. Wasn't every day a birthday was happening, and there had been way to much death; with Ainos father, stepmother, his own mother and some cats. Yikes.

      
Jack, Daniels nephew, came running into the room before his mum had the chance to knock: Tv? Please uncle. The best kids to have visiting was the ones you could park infront of the tv.

Go ahead. You know where it is. Just show up for the cake, okay? 
     
Okay! He ran straight out again, almost tripping over a cat on the way there.

    
It wasn't that Aino wanted to be rude or anti- social, but she always fell out of their conversations. Daniels siblings were nice, except that his brother kept flirting with her; but she felt like an outsider. It wasn't their fault, because she always felt like that, and when they tried pulling her into the conversation it just felt awkward. Still she felt a bit of pride when they drank nectar that was made several generations ago; by her family none the less.

      
Eventually the birthday proceeded, and the age up even lured Jack away from the tv. His mother was so proud of him, she barely knew what to do. To think that cake could actually lure her son away from cartoons.

Irena grew up to be an adorable toddler, with her mothers eyecolour, and dads cheeks. As it turned out, Aino got pregnant about the time Catherine dissapeared. She hadn't had the same opportunity to mourn as others, as she'd been trying to get through a pregnancy at the same time. She'd loved the baby from the start ofcourse, even if she'd felt guilty because of Catherine.

      
So how is it that your daughter is getting older, and you're not Aino? Andrew was all to happy serving some cheezy lines to go with the cake.

As much as she hated admitting it, it still felt a bit good when she wobbled around. Blushing, she tried to pretend it wasn't flattering: Guess it's all the cake that does it. 

Well, you are absolutely glowing. She blushed again at his comment. Which was probably not a good thing to do, but she still did. Like her outfit wasn't red enough to begin with.

Watching the scene unfold, Daniel wasn't sure what to think. Sure, his brother was single again. But, was he flirting with his wife? Nah, probably not. He was just imagening things. Andy wouldn't flirt with his wife, they were brothers. Ofcourse, if it had been the other way around; he'd flirt with his brothers wife just to annoy him... But that was different.
 
Hey Dannyboy. I bought a little present for your daughter. That couldn't be good.

Aw, that's so sweet of you. Aino interrupted before Daniel had the chance to warn her.

Unsurprisingly it was a noisy drum that Irena absolutely loved. Big brothers sucked

Angela wondered how in simplanet a pregnant woman was able to walk around in those heels. Why wasn't her feet swollen into oblivion and back again? Not that she didn't look cute, but it was still a mystery.

      
So how long until your wife pops? Andy didn't know a lot about pregnant women, other than it was a shame more of them didn't dress like his sister- in- law

Any day soon. They had been a bit surprised at the newest pregnancy, but that's what happened when they weren't careful. Ofcourse they'd both wanted more children, just not right after the first one. Yet, here they were, pumping out kids like there was no tomorrow. He'd been worried sick about her after her daughter disappeared, but she was just not one for talking. And she seemed to be dealing pretty well.

As long as she didn't talk, he didn't want to make her either. He was still not sure what to do or react to any of what had happened. Andrew interrupted his mind: If you need someone to look after Irena when the birth sets in, just give me a call okay?

Daniel would rather have Angie watching his daughter, because Andy was a pushover when it came to kids. But Irena was still to young to be spoiled, right? Or maybe not: Sure, I'll do that Andy. But she still has a few days to go.

Exhausted by the birthday, Irena was put to bed a bit earlier than usual. She fussed a bit, but not worse than other kids would when they were tired: Good night sweetheart. He didn't expect his wife to carry the kid around as heavily pregnant as she was. That long look his daughter sent him whilst walking out the door made him terribly guilty all the same.

     
How are you doing then, mum? Daniel was sure he had the hottest wife ever, and he loved the way she dressed whilst pregnant. Sometimes he was certain that she dressed this way to drive him mad, though she seemed completely oblivious to the fact.

It's kicking a lot. Just like with their daughter, they hadn't wanted to know the sex of the baby.

He stroked her belly a bit, enjoying the feel of their baby kicking inside her: You look hot today. 
     
I know, you told me that already. A compliment was always nice, even if she thought her belly looked better when she wasn't pregnant.

     
She started giggling when he tried pinching her belly: what are you doing? It's tickling. 
     
I'm reading the babys fortune. Ssshhh... it's okay, just relax. The spirits are with us. Aino giggled again. Usually she didn't think it was funny, but she was pregnant, so her sense of humour was a bit out there: I foresee a... handsome boy... Looks a lot like his dad! It would be nice to have another girl ofcourse. But he already had one of those: It's time to come out now baby. Come out, we're waiting.

     
You know, he tried getting her onto his lap, but failed so eventually she had to help a bit; I've heard having sex helps starting the pregnancy. He'd actually put a baby inside her. To think that something so cute could become of something so.. well, something not so cute.
     
You have now, have you. She was so tired all the time: Yes, and I think we should try it. It's worth a shot right?
     
I'm really tired baby. Aino just didn't want to move more than she had to.
     
You don't have to do anything. He was all to happy helping with the daunting task of starting the pregnancy.

      
I'm up. I'm up. Daniel groggily woke up from Aino poking him. It was probably Irena that needed to be fed or something.

     
Sinking in pain, Aino whined instead: It's time. The baby is coming.

Like a real husband, Daniel panicked the second time around to. Had to keep the count up. What am I supposed to do?!! Women had NO IDEA how hard it was watching them beeing in pain!
     
Call your brother! Idiot. The first thing they needed was a babysitter!

Was he going to do this every single time? Men were hopeless: When he shows up, you take me to the hospital...
     
Right!! Hospital!

She wanted an epidural this time around, damnit! Natural births sucked: Daniel.... put some clothes on and get the bag... 

In way to many hours, they welcomed baby Niko to simnation.

Daniel was thrilled, he now had a girl and a boy, a sexy wife, a nice house, and cats and dogs. His life was officially perfect. This couldn't get any better.They also agreed on one thing; a boy and a girl was just perfect. They didn't want any more children now. Two was just perfect.

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pose: mypalsims, skylar, simpurity,

Timejump, to get a move on the generation.
 
Andrew keeps flirting with Aino, invited her over and sends her gifts. He's a better match for her than Daniel. They are already bestfriends. She's not yours Andrew, and she never will be; give up already!

thanks for reading