2.15 Can't live with them

    
     Having your kids growing up is a reminder about your own age increasing. But with Efraim beeing a child, it became just a tad easier living for the adults. He was capable of taking care of himself, and didn't need constant attending. Besides, he sometimes played with the younger ones.

    But Efraim was just one, there were still four other toddlers demanding attention. Four.....

     One good thing about having tons of sims, is that they never ran out of cake. Oriana really liked cake, and still ate it even if she probably should have watched her weight a bit more now that she was getting older: The wheel of times turn. churning; churning and wearing you down as it goes. Enjoy your birthdays while they are still fun Efraim.

      
     Because soon you sit on a hard chair; old and wrinkled. Wondering where your life went. Oriana sighed and went on, her voice gloomy and dark: Then one day, you realize that the only thing you're waiting for is death....
     Okay! Efraim chirped happily and had some more cake. Adults were so weird.

   
     Efraims first day of school had went well. It was a bit boring, but he'd just walked up to the first kid he'd met and asked if he wanted to do something. And he, Biorn that was, said yes, and his parents even let him visit after school. Biorns parents had to be so cool, that let him have all that freedom!
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     The days were getting a lot chillier, which luckily meant there would be less and less people out. Good thing for Marco since he'd decided to look into things on his own. He hadn't noticed any difference after the little chat with Rowena, and Vigdis kept telling him to have some patience. He didn't have patience.
     This better be worth it, he'd ruin his leather jacket with the smell...

     Taking one deep breath, he dived into the trashcan. He just needed a little something, a tiny bit of evidence so he could get this thing going.
     Dominic told him he had a death wish, but it didn't matter. His partner still had his back. And he couldn't just sit around doing nothing.

     Marco still smelled the trash on his hands, even if he'd bathed and scrubbed himself until his skin turned red. It even started bleeding in some places. But it was worth it, it had to be. All the waiting made him go balistic.
     With a brain full of new suspicions, he searched through file after file of policework. He just needed to find that one sim, one little sim that was weak and easy to intimidate. Rowena was out of the question obviously. Not just as a possible ticket, but she was to tough. She'd never crack. Probably a sideeffect of beeing of the same family.

And he couldn't just go after someone that was deeply involved with the syndicate either. If he did that, Dominic would be right about him having a deathwish. No, it had to be someone else, some weasly little rat that would run and get help at the first sign of trouble.

     
     A lowlife creep that imagined beeing all that, but was just a little errand boy or girl. And he was pretty certain he'd found the right sim. Reading through the profile, and the crimes Marco almost started doubting himself, but as usual it quickly dissapeared. This little creep would never rat him out to his own, but would run to the syndicate for help. And he new just the way to play it.
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     Getting old still sucked for Oriana, and one evening she was out for a walk she bumped into someone. She hadn't seen Anya and Milo in forever, so it should have been a happy occation shouldn't it?
     So how have you been? Oriana tried pretending she wasn't atleast a bit sulky they hadn't contacted her in ages. Not that she had contacted them either, but that was different. Just because they let Efraim and their kid play together, didn't mean they ever showed up. She missed Anya, and all her outspokeness. Even all her perverted comments...

     And why was Milo here? Bashir had said they were out of town.
     I'm a bit surprised seeing you here, Oriana said to him. I thought you and Bashir were on some meetings in Lucky palms? The chilly air made her cough a bit, she was still recovering from a small cold.
     She might be an airhead, but this was a lie even she saw through. What was going on? Did this mean her dumb brother was right about him? That he was a scumbag?

     Oriana turned her attention at Anya, imagening that she would be more honest. Not that Milo was a liar, but she had always spoken her mind. This time probably wouldn't be any different: What's going on Anya? Why aren't Bashir and Milo at the same place? She did her very best not cracking down and cry. It couldn't be anything right? It had to be a coincidence, or maybe she was just getting to old to keep a mans interest.

     We had a fundraiser, Anya smiled at her. Just a boring fundraiser, with lots of wealthy people.  
     That was odd, Oriana was wealthy to, why hadn't they invited her? Not that she was dissapointed or anything, it sounded boring, but why not ask her?
     Well, why didn't you invite me then? I'm pretty wealthy. 
     Oh, we decided against it. I work with your brother after all, so it might have caused political opponents using that as an excuse of getting rid of the chief of police....
     That made very little sense....
     

     Yeah, that's right. Milo chipped in: A fundraiser. We should probably get home Anya, Biorns waiting... Biorn has started hanging with Efraim. Oriana thought it was great, but she's always secretly hoped their son would marry her daughter. That way her, Milo and Anya would almost be family.
     Anya slapped on her best politicianswife smile, and nodded: Sure, it was nice seeing you again Ori. Oriana looked after them as they went to their car.

    
     The grocery store seemed to be the it place of the day, as she bumped into Vera to. She looked terrible to say it mildly, and what was up with that outfit? Sleepwalking out the door, she didn't stop before Oriana physically grabbed her: Hey Vera, how have you been? Do you want to go and do something? Get a coffe maybe?
     Just because it was dark out didn't mean it was that late. Maybe a bit late for coffe though, would she even be able to sleep if she had coffe at this hour? Getting old sucked.

     
     Vera did her best smiling, the dark bags under her eyes making her eyes squinty: I just had twins Ori..... Not one, but two, and Arnie works even more now. I think he's trying to avoid beeing home with us. 
     Gongratulations....  
     But Vera interrupted her: I have to go back to the prison with fresh diapers.... Once again Oriana found herself standing staring after someone. When had they all grown up so they didn't have any time for eachother? 
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     Look at that wrinkled old face, Oriana had never imagined getting older would be this terrible. She pulled at the skin at her jaws, and let them go again, counting the time it took for the skin to pop back. It had taken a lot shorter time when she was young. Maybe she should have a facelift, she had the money for it? But she was worried she'd look like the actors from Simmywood. They looked good for a few years, then after that they started looking more and more scared.

     Sighing she let go of her face again. She was in her brothers room, for some reason imagening that it was better then the one in her room. He stood infront of the mirror a lot, so it was probably more hightech than hers. This was so unfair, Bashir had gotten older to, so had Milo, but they just looked more rugged and manly. She looked like an old hag.

     
     Dragging the feet after her, it was only one thing she could do. She had to hide her wings, they were getting flappier. And her stomach was far from as flat as it once had been. Just look at her style, it was to youthful for someone her age.

     Pulling a grin at the mirror, counting the crowsfeet at her eyes, Oriana let the large jumper slide over her head. That was a lot better, and so comfy it was. She should have done this a long time ago.

     And she had to start working out, atleast with all the cake she ate. Oriana was terrified putting on weight.

     Oriana also tried her hands at bartending. Maybe beeing out dooing something youthful and trendy would make her feel better? Might not be the trendiest of places, but whatever...

     The clientelle wasn't the freshes either to be honest. Maybe this hadn't been the best idea, and was that Arnie in the uniform there? No wonder Vera was tired, if he kept hanging on bars after work, while she was home with twins!
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     Effie was a good lad. If they were lucky the rest of the kids would be just as nice when they aged up.

     And even Skuld was capable of shutting up for a little while. It never lasted long, but as long as Marco was able to meditate atleast a little, it was all good. It was a simple thing really, either he meditated, or he'd shoot someone.

     It wasn't the happies occation not having any mums around for the kids, but they didn't seem to miss it. Marco got where beautiful Nawar was coming from, but why didn't Ally ever show up? She always had an excuse ready. He'd just always assumed she'd be present for their son, but clearly he had been wrong. Maybe he was loosing his cop- senses??

     Or maybe she was worried if she met Odin, she'd never let him go. And Marco didn't want that either. Any of the mums tried getting custody, he'd fight them tooth and nails to keep them, or take the kids and run away to another town. Odin and Skuld were his kids, and that was final.

     It wasn't just Oriana that had been moody lately, as beautiful Mahdis spoke her mind the only way she could.

     Guess Mahdis wasn't into dressageriding then. She liked jumping and running fast, not beeing controlled by some sim. All women, especially unicorns, needs to run freely!

     Joe had pretty much just felt as he had been in a carouselle, and then nothing but pain, and an aching head. No wonder sims wore helmets. She'd never thrown him off before!

     No! No Mahdis! Bad Mahdis!! Joe reprimanded the unicorn. What was up with her lately?
     Mahdis though he could just slap a bandage on it, no big deal really. Sheesh, sims were so dramatic....

     She still bowed her head at him, pretending to regret it. She didn't like learning new things, why didn't he understand that? Men, can't live with them....

     It didn't take long before she felt his hands against her mule, going: Oh, I can't be mad at you my lovely! Yeah, that's right sim.... Mahdis always got it her way......
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     Yet again, it was someones birthday. It seemed like someone always aged up, but it just meant that there would be more cake. Oriana really liked cake.
     For once Bashir was home, joining in on the celebrations. Marco wasn't to thrilled but he had his reasons to be there at the happy occation. After all, Lucrecia and Skuld was born on the same day.

     Look at that bastard, Oriana jealously thought, that matted silken skin worthy of envy. What the hell are you up to, with your "businesstrips", hm? Is it another woman, you little piece of...?
     Lucrecia tensed up as she felt her mother getting angry, so Oriana decided to drop it for now. She didn't have what it took to confront him about her sudden suspicion. It just seemed so stupid, how was she even supposed to start it? And to be honest, it didn't seem like he was cheating either, but what else could it be? Actually it would have been a bit strange if he didn't, she was getting really old. Maybe it was Christine.

     Eventually the tempting cake became to much for Oriana and Lucrecia, and they blew the candles out together.

     Lucrecia grew up looking even more like her fathers side of the family.

     Skuld was a bit less patient when it came to cake, than her cousin. She started throwing around, laughing as crying around eachother as she realised what was going to happen. Lucrecia wasn't the only one getting taller!!
     Marco was thrilled about having less toddlers in the house. Toddlers were awesome, but four were to much.... just to much.. 

     Maybe she'll be like you were, Marco... Bashir smiled innocently at him across the room. As innocent like he could ofcourse, which looked more like a cat having a mouse up in a corner. A damned big and blond mouse, but still! Wait, why was he comparing himself with a mouse? He was a lion, lions had nice hair and were manly. Really, a mouse? Having so many toddlers around really affected the way he was thinking.
     No she won't, Marco tried joking it away, that bastard.... His little babygirl would be nothing like him! Well, goodlooking and worthy of admiration ofcourse, with great hair! But she would be sweet., and innocent...

     But what if she did end up like him? No, she wouldn't. He'd been nice and stayed pretty much away from women, not bringing anyone to the house. He'd come home after work, and spent time with her. Oh crap, what if she'd end up with daddy issues? Then he'd end up having her hanging around creepy old men!!! It was to much to worry about when having daughters....

     Paranoia away, Skuld still grew up. For now she looked more like her mother, whom she'd never met. Maybe one day, Marco would tell her about Nawar, and the fact that she had a halfsister. Or maybe he would just take after the kids granddad, and start throwing balls in her face, claiming they were "playing catch".
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So many kids, so many birthdays. I'd love to throw a party, but it's to many sims already. And incase none of you know what "wings" are, it's the back of your upper arms. They tend to sag the older you get, so start training them yesterday... just saying....

Ally keeps not showing up when Marco calls her over, which is why she isn't present btw

Thanks for reading

2.14 Demonspawn

     Autumns heat was of simblical porportions, and if the forecasts were correct it would stay this way. If Marco had been supersticious, he might have interpreted it as a sign that something bad was going to happen. It was always like that in stories wasn't it? Either unnatural heatwaves, or unusual cold?
     But this was an all out happy occation, as his little babygirl was having her age up. Oriana and Marco took the opportunity to celebrate at the the festivale. With a household full of babies, it was easy getting trapped and never leaving home.
     And even if the childrens grandmother was dead, and their grandfather missing, the adults decided to celebrate. It was Skuld and Lucrecias day, so using this day for mourning just wouldn't be fair to them.
     Do you have to do that? Marco said to Oriana, she'd gotten a hold of some annoying horn she happily howled away at.
     She still had time to laugh an answer: Put a sock in it!

     Skulds eyes might be a bitter reminder of a grandfather lost, but the hair was all from her dad. Atleast the Gard family colouring lived on, even if her other features was more like her mothers so far.

     Lucrecia was the next one out, and Oriana was happy to see her little baby growing up. She took one last sniff, trying to inprint the sweet babyscent in her mind. Ofcourse uncle Marco wasn't any better than his sister, and had gotten a hold of another irritating thing for the celebration.
     Oriana laughed at her brother: You're right! That is annoying! Which made him make even more sound. Irritating his sister never got old.
     She secretly held her fingers crossed, as she hoped her little girl would look more like her dad, than her. Then she blew out the candles at Lucrecias behalf.

     By the looks of it, Oriana got her wish fullfilled, as a pair of icy blue eyes finally appeared under darkbrown hair.

     Sitting down on the warm tiles, Marco took the time talking with his daughter. It was important teaching little girls how the world works: If you see big boys, or grown men taking pictures of you, come get daddy okay? It wasn't like he was paranoid or anything, it was just better to be safe than sorry? Maybe he could lock her away until she was an adult?
     Skuld already showed signs of beeing a sharp little girl, as she had no trouble focusing on her dad.

     The girl still had all her attention at her dad: See, daddy pumps iron so he's very strong! The sun burned on his neck now, but he had to imprent this in his babygirl. Safety first.

     So daddy can stuff those men in the trashcan! He smiled at her, trying to take some of the edge off what he was saying. Still not beeing paranoid! But trashcans were always a good alternative, or the bottom of the ocean... Not that the girl seemed to have a problem with it.

     And don't go anywhere near ponds, or any water for that matter! You can fall in! He had to teach her how to swim to, and ride a bike! Had he put sunblock on her tiny cheeks? Maybe she didn't need sunblock since her mum had pretty tanned skin? Did it work that way?
     What if she started asking about her mum? What was he going to tell her? Dad was horny and needed to get laid, and it was fun because then he was beeing mean to an old geezer that actually hadn't wronged him in any way? Yeah, maybe lying would work better.... 

     And the same goes for your baby brothers, okay? They're just babies, so we have to take good care of them right? 

     Jarl was green, so obviously the boy had taken a liking to him.... Even if Oriana technically was his creator. All the adults took care of the plantbaby, it was important that he felt loved, and not put aside. Though it was going to be interesting seeing him growing up. Maybe he became a tree then? Marco didn't want him turning into a tree, Jarl was his boy damnit! 

     Pu bebbe in pond? Skuld thought it sounded like a great idea. 

     I didn't mean it that way doll. We can't put the babies in a pond. Marco answered. That's what happens when he wasn't paying full attention to his little girl. Focus.... 

     Kuld donn like bebbe!

     Kuld put bebbe pond, an dadda only tee kuld!! 
     We can't put the babies in a pond doll. And I do see you, but daddy has to be with the babies to! Great, if this continued he'd end up having three kids that was just like him and his sister. How the hell was he supposed to raise a girl without a woman in his life? Who was going to have "girltalks" with her? Oriana? She was an airhead. Or Meave maybe? Hell no, she was even worse! Crap, what was he going to do when she started dating?
     Right... Focus....

     Oriana had a bit of a different talk with her daughter: Daddy loves you very much. She didn't even consider having any problems raising a girl, even if her dad wasn't present all the time. Her little one had several male rolemodels, and Skuld and her was going to be best friends! Then they could do eachothers hair, and have girltalks, and cry on eachothers shoulders when they had boytroubles.
     In her mind, having something close to a sister had to be an amazing experience.

     But he's away on a businesstrip, but it's not long until you'll see him again! It was a bit hard not living together with her husband, but Lucrecia didn't seem to mind so far. Maybe it was easy for her, since she was used to it?
     Oriana still wanted them to be a happy little family, but for now it seemed like she was going to spend her years waiting for Bashir to come home.

     And then we'll live with dad for a little while, before he goes away on another businesstrip! It's a hard thing trying to explain to a toddler.     Dada binnis twip? Or maybe Lucrecia was a bit brighter than one might think. Even if she hadn't been able to talk earlier, Oriana had talked to her about it.
     Yes! Businesstrip!

     And even if you sweep the chimney clean, ninjas can't actually climb iside them! It was other important things to teach your kids to. Just in case she ever wanted to become a ninja. Or maybe she'd end up beeing a little girly girl?

     Wanna cwimb chimmi! Lucrecia put up a sulking face at her mum. Why couldn't she climb a chimney? She wanted to be a ninja to!

     Dadda big an stwong wike uncwe Mako?! Lucrecia asked..
     Uuuuh... if dad's as big and strong like uncle Marco...yeah...  She had met her dad, but clearly Lucrecia had chosen to forget certain things. Ofcouse uncle Marco looked a bit more impressive to a little kid, with big arms and some bling in his ears.

     Joe had taken the task of staying home watching the babies, even even if it meant missing the girls birthday. Learning how to talk was a pretty good idea, but he had a different approach to it than his roomies: Stocks will make you rich. Can you say stocks?
     Poop stocks...... Efraim wasn't shy telling his dad what he thought about boring conversations like this.

     But to develope a good vocabulary, it was also important reading to the child, and Joe didn't want to be any less: And then the little unicorn said....
     Poop? Efraim interrupted his dad.
     .....do you want to play with us....

     But the not so little unicorn didn't want to, and said....
     Poop... Efraim didn't like the not so little unicorn, it was scary and mean. Stuffing his thumb in his mouth, he sucked it whilst trying to climb into dads lap. The not so little unicorn would be afraid of dads facehair!
     Joe sighed as he put his arm around the boy. Who the hell said kids were easy?

     He just gave up: Yes! It was poop!! Poop everywhere!! Brown poop, blue poop, green poop, sparkly poop!! POOP!!!
     Efraim laughed hysterically. Poop was so much fun, and dad liked talking about poop too. That's why he always brought it up.

     Still at the autums festivale Marco had left his little Skuld with her aunt for a second. Even if he'd promised himself just beeing a dad today, it was impossible not taking the chance when he got it. He just couldn't stop beeing a cop. It took over him as soon as it was needed.
     Condolences on your loss, and congratulations with the kids. Rowena had her manners intact, even if that outfit seemed innaporopriate for someone trying to prevent detection. She looked a lot like Meave, but she had that familiar dark voice the Sleitinn women had been so proud of for generations. Not that either Marco or Rowena knew of that ofcourse.
     But really, what was up with the zebra underwear? Who wore that anyway? Leopard was fine, zebra not. Oh wait, ze-bra... see bra.... now he got it. Okay, that was a bit funny.

     The heat couldn't really hide that winter eventually would be coming, as a small chill in the air came and went. But it was still worth clinging on to summer as long as the weather stayed nice.
     Easily he felt himself falling into the role he needed for this moment. The fact that he was standing face to face with little Rowena; his cousin, his best mates sister- in- law didn't cross him. She was a criminal, and thus had little value other than information to him. Shouldn't he atleast have some sort of concern about her?
     Thanks, Marco met her yellow eyes, the tell-tale sign of genie blood. He didn't keep the eyecontact up for to long, as he had to keep up the role. As long as he didn't laugh at the ze-bra thing, he'd be fine.
     And once again, his infamous luck started rolling, as Rowena lay the conversation for him: So how are you enjoying beeing a cop? Good thing she wasn't in to talking about feelings either, it seemed to be a familyillness.

     Oh it's okay. Marco pretended he wasn't thrilled about his job, and that he didn't loved the power that came with the position: Long hours and crappy payment. You would think they could afford paying you more when you get shot at right? He coughed out a laugh, so it seemed like he actually regrettet admitting something.
     If he was lucky, she didn't know that he knew what she did for a living. Or maybe she was just as full of it as he was.

     Really? I had no idea the payment was that bad.... Atleast Rowena seemed to be honest at that. She stroked her hand through the brown curls, her every movement strengthening the impression of beeing a capable woman. But capable of what? He didn't actually know what she did for the syndicate, but that she was involved with them was given.
     He did his best sounding sincere: It is, atleast for someone that has a degree like I do. Wish there was a way I could make more simoleons, but that's just how it is. With mum and dad gone, five kids and that giant house, it's getting a bit hard paying the bills... It might have been, but their parents had left behind a pretty big inheritance.

     I'm sure I'll find a way fixing it, he said. Lying was so easy it was ridicilous, maybe he was in the wrong line of work: But, how are things with you? What do you do these days? Like he didn't know that already. Rowenas yellow eyes glinted in the sun, it was actually quite a fascinating colour. But supersticion, supernaturals or whatnots; all in all, it was just a version of brown.

     He must have caught her completely by surprise with that honest face she tried putting up.
     Oh, not much. It's a bit hard getting something permanent right now. So I work through a company that hire out subtitutes.... Right....
     I'm sure you'll find something soon, he was just as full of shit as she was. But if he was lucky this time, which he usually was, it would be enough for Rowena to start spreading the rumour that he actually was a dirty cop and not just pretending. Hopefully it would make something happen soon. If not, he might have to take things a bit further...
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     Skuld seemed to be more like him, than good was: Come on doll, it's nap time. Daddy needed that his little demon took a nap.
     NOOOO!!!! KULD NO NAP!!!!! To think such a big voice came from something so small. It rang through the stonewalls that his mum had found cozy.

     Daddy tickle? She was also a manipulative little bastard, like most kids.
     No, it's nap time. Marco smiled at her, as she clumsily stoked his cheek with sticky hands.

     She hollered away in that stupid chair, that the producers claimed made the kids fall asleep. Why the hell couldn't the commercials actually tell the truth for once? Put yous kids in the chair, and watch them fall asleep? Someone should visit that company and tell those fuckers some truthful words about that useless piece of shit...

     If he let the howling continue, she'd end up waking the entire neighbourhood: If you had slept the first time doll, your nap would have been over by now... It was just something about getting kids to sleep, that made no sense. They cried because they needed sleep, so they couldn't sleep because they cried.
     Marco gently stroked that tiny back, he was always a bit afraid he'd break something on her. She was so tiny.... and loud....

     Skuld sulked and whimpered. She didn't have time to nap! Toddlerhood had lots of important business to attend to.

     As much as Marco hated admitting it, he was tired as hell. He missed having his parents around, but he was sure glad he wasn't alone. They all chipped in on what had to be done, and Joe and Oriana always woke up earlier to let him sleep in. He'd never actually thought he'd appriciate them as much as he did. Not that he told them though, he was a man! But what was he going to do if Meave and Bashir stopped working the way they did? If they moved back, he'd be left alone with three kids!

     Watching his dad approaching, Efraim smiled and gurgled. Whenever he was tired, the worst thing they heard from hin was a bit of whimpering.
     Joe smiled at his big boy, he was so cute. He was still amazed he'd helped create something that adorable.
     Who's a tired little boy, he smiled at his son that immideately smiled back.

      Effie!! Efraim gurgled, smiling up at his dad whilst trying to stuff his foot in his mouth.
     Do you want to sleep now Effie? 
     Yay!!! Always the happy little boy.

     Marco had sunken down on a chair in the kitchen, looking at the scene in the livingroom. That was so unfair! Joe was crazy and had that little angel! He was sane and had demonspawn! His ears would never stop ringing after Skulds screaming.

     Mahdis was usually fine with having some time on her own, but this was closing in on neglect! She gave her sim a little reminder on the difference between a unicorn, and a horse. Not just the large horn, but a pair of nice, pointy fangs that she liked to use biting things.

     For once, Joe and Meave could play house as she was a short trip home. He tried having a normal conversation with her, but she seemed to be interested in something different. Not that strange maybe, since they hadn't seen eachother in a while. But couldn't they atleast catch up first?

     Efraim wondered what the adults were doing. Why wasn't his mum looking at him instead? He was a lot cuter than dad.

      

     Maybe Efraim had more incommon with his mum than expected, as she seemed as excited as him about poop.

      

     Or maybe she just got shocked at what a big boy he actually was. By the smell of it, Meave wondered for a second if it was Joe that had used the potty.

      It had it's perks playing house when they first had the opportunity.

      And even if he'd preffer beeing with Meave all the time, it was could have been worse. She could dump him, or die. Joe still wished she'd get another job, but it was a conversation for later. First it was adult fun time. 

     It was nice of you making lucnh, Meave said. The food at excercises aren't always the best. Last time we picked our own food from the waters edge. Seaweed, crab, scallops...

     Sounds tasty.... Joe thought it sounded disgusting. You couldn't just pick up food like that and eat it. It would make you sick: You know, if you got another job I could cook for you every day. It was worth a try.

     No. She was still relentless. She'd worked hard to become as good as she was, and wasn't willing giving it up yet.

     You and Efraim could stay here when I'm not present you know. We are married, so it's a bit strange leaving the house empty. Meave did have a good point. Leaving her home all empty was a bit stressfull. And it would be nice coming home to a family, instead of a cold, dusty house.

      I'm crazy, Joe answered between mouthfulls: If I have a seisure when no ones present, what's the toddler supposed to do?

     Clearly Meave hadn't thought about that. It would still be nice if she'd just gotten another job, or atleast just an office job. Something else then....whatever the hell she was doing. Why was everything so secret?

      

     Joe and Meave weren't the only ones playing house. As Bashir was on one of his short breaks away from businesstrips, Oriana and Lucrecia moved in for the time beeing.

      

     Lucrecia enjoyed the neon house, but wondered where the rest were. It wasn't fun hiding in here, when no one was looking.

      

     Oriana liked beeing a family, and even made something without meat. But a burger would taste sooo good right now. How did anyone stay full on grass and leaves all the time? Since they would just be together as a family for a short time, she didn't want to nag. But it was a hard life waiting all the time. To be honest it kind of got on her nerves a bit, but she just didn't want to bother him with it. Not when beeing a family was such a rare occurance.

      

     And she wasn't completely sure if it was okay for the toddler to see them behaving that way. Was it dangerous?

     

     But playing house means just that; playing. And soon the respective husbands and wives had to split up again and go back to their daily lives. Neither Joe or Oriana was happy, but Marco sure was. Three kids alone drove him crazy, and babysitters costed a smaller fortune! And they did a terrible job. 

     Mahdis forgave her sim for the neglect, she just couldn't stay mad at him. He cleaned her hoofs after all...

     Jarl grew up, still needing little care other than socialization.

     Then it was Odins turn. With a new set of legs, beeing bigger and stronger and a large house full of things to explore it was only one natural thing to do...

   
     cry!!!

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     We should probably empty that potty... and the three other ones.... Joes voice was tired and flat, the sentence eventually got a tired recognisition from the other adults. But the used potties stood, stinking and full stinking up the place.

     If one of the kids had an accident, or if something had been spilled on the floor was to be unsaid. It should still have been wiped up by now, especially since the toddlers were sitting so close to it.

     Efraim had gotten hold of some old doll, and was acting a bit strange around it. Stroking it gently over the face, whilst doing his best to make some seductive faces: That's my boy alright..... Joe sighed as he silently hoped the boy wouldn't sit in whatever the puddle behind him was. By the looks of it, he would be dealing with a mini- Marco at a later stage. If he was extra unlucky, the kid would be as stubborn as his mum in addition...

     He should probably worry more about how close the kid was to the fireplace. Jericho had been promised a mild autumn, and winter. But it was still chilly enough to have open fire.

     Someone should probably take Efraim away from the fireplace, Oriana said. The men agreed, but no one did anything.

   
     Oriana looked at her brother, trying to get him to move from the sofa and pick the boy away to somewhere safer. She was to exhausted to even think bout moving, and Marco was in best shape of the three of them: He's all yours.

     Marco bit his lips together, but didn't make a single movement.

     She tried again: What if he crawls into the fireplace?

     Then we'll only have four more toddlers to get rid of?

     Marco, Oriana giggled. Those little runts wore them out. Joe thought it sounded like a good idea though. Maybe they could give them some of the old mans nectar instead?

     Once again time came for Efraims age up, as no sim stayed a toddler forever. The adults in the household couldn't be happier. They took the event at the festivale where a large white horse approached the toddler. Marco was close to shooting Mahdis, but since Joe didn't seem to mind they just stood and watched. 

     Mini- sim was a bit smelly, but Mahdis approved of it. When it got bigger, it could be her servant to. Two servants were better than one...

     

     Meave was a short trip home to attent her mothers funeral. But they didn't let that dampen the mood. After all, it wasn't Effies fault she'd parked her slippers. And Meave was grown up enough to pretend everything was fine. 

     

     And under the greedy eyes of a cake- hungry unicorn the candles were blown out.

     Joe scratched his head, where had he seen that face before? His son was starting to look awefully familiar.

      

     And why did he have the oldest kid, when he was youngest of the three adults?

     Then the time had come for Oriana. She didn't like aging up, now she was wrinkled and old in addition to having a husband that was never there. He'd probably switch her out with someone younger. 

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yeah, I'm waiting for that guy to come pick you up to!

I changed Jarls (the plantbaby) colouring. I didn't like the even shade of green that was on everything. I'm not sure about the eyecolour either, but it'll stay for now.

I'm pretty unhappy with the chapter, but since I have a paper I should be doing instead, just found out that my sons dad can come pick him up from kindergarden whenever he wants, beeing threatened with trial, my ex trying to manipulate my dad against me, and whenever he calls out son; he keeps giving him the third degree, and I cried infront of my teacher.... it's allowed to be crappy.

Thanks for reading