@Caterina Many thanks from both Jorge and I! Sadly, no, the house it all full up, so no Todd-ulahs will be forthcoming.
I'm kind of relieved that I don't have to figure out toddlers while wrapping up (knock on wood) a dynasty, but man would that have been cute!
@oshizu Oh, man. Jedediah's intrusion was unscripted and mildly horrifying. Maybe I should have had Lula finish her break-ups after all.
Jorge is a bit delusional, yes, but he's happy, so we'll let him have his delusions for awhile.
Speaking of delusions, I'm just going to pretend that Morris and Diego will never ever have to be apart. I adore them and I'm not looking forward to . . . well, let's not talk about it.
Oh, and your wish is my command! A freshly de-cc'ed Jung Muse awaits you in the Gallery (fernandez5000). I can't speak for his fashion choices, but he's certainly a cutie-patootie. He's a clumsy, art-loving, insane person who's dying for somebody to give him a successful lineage. Come on down!
Chapter 87: A Solitary Man -or- A Dish Served Cold
Thaddeus: Hey, guys! I found a way to gain social skill without having to make anyone cry!
Thaddeus: Some men were just meant for solitude.
Thaddeus: I’m doing all right. The monkey bars are just as much fun alone at night.
Mallory: Can you believe it, Grandma Eliza? We’re finally on the last generation!
Eliza: I never thought I’d live to see that day. Well, and technically I didn’t, but it’s happening, and I’m still around!
Thaddeus: Oh, wow. Friends! Actual, human friends! The touch of another human being is so warm and comforting!
Omar Yassine: Yeah, okay. Don’t get weird on me, though. I just needed someone to battle voidcritters with.
Thaddeus: You mean there’s a way to not just play against the computer? Seriously?
Omar: Yeah, I mean, the battle station has two sides.
Thaddeus: Oh, I thought that was just so I could switch to a different position when the sun got in my eyes.
Omar: You know, you’re a little strange, but I like you.
Thaddeus: *eyes well up with tears*
Omar: Holy smokes! Don’t do that!
Thaddeus: Oh, sorry! I’m trying to get a better handle on my emotiveness.
Yasmine Yassine: I find it captivating.
Thaddeus: Yeah, I noticed.
Thaddeus: Hey, Mallory! I’m developing social skills and you look like you’re going to age up really pretty. Want to be friends?
Mallory Greco: Gain another couple of levels and we’ll talk, okay?
Pernille: Honey, try not to horrify your potential friends too much, would you?
Thaedeus: I’m just describing my imaginary friend . . . who happens to have razor-sharp teeth and tentacles coming out of his nose.
Izumi: I want to go home!
*BANG*
Arianna: Well, this will kill a few hours.
Diego: Seriously, Morris? A coffee shop? That’s what’s been preventing you from retiring?
Morris: I have some unfinished business here, my love. My dear friends the Moris had an unpleasant visit to this particular java purveyor, and that’s not going to go unnoticed as long as Morris Spiffendale is on duty.
Diego: You’re so handsome when you get all self-important.
Morris: I know.
Morris: Okay, just a quick minute while I metaphorically burn this place to the ground and then I’m all yours.
Diego: I’ll wait.
Morris: All right then, dear. Just give me whatever you recommend.
Barista: I’ve been told that when you’re nice, Mr. Spiffendale, is when you are at your most deadly.
Morris: You’ve been told correctly, but your preparation will not save you.
Morris: Jorge, my good man! Congratulations on finally managing to tie down our dear Tallulah, and welcome to the family!
Jorge: Thank you, sir!
Morris: Please remember, though, that you are still my best waiter, and I intend to keep it that way. There will be no fraternizing at work. In fact, as soon as I let go of your hand you are not to speak to me again, ever, understood?
Jorge: Absolutely, sir.
Diego: So, how is it?
Morris: Oh, it’s delicious. Perfectly balanced. Not too sweet, not too bitter. I even got a nice moodlet from it.
Diego: So you’re not going to write a devastating, business-ending review?
Morris: Of course I am! Some things are more important than a good cup of coffee. Consistency. Reciprocity. Reputation. This place is so going down.
Diego: But, Morris, it was weeks ago! I doubt the Moris even remember it.
Morris: I remember. Like the great, grey elephant, Morris Spiffendale never forgets, and also like the great, grey elephant, I stomp on things I don’t like, and crush them out of existence. Oh, do you want a scone?
Diego: Nah. Carbs.
Morris: Okay. More for me.
Watcher: And again, would have been a truly beautiful painting had I not forgotten to change my game settings. Curse you, retina display!
Morris: Don’t look at me like that.
Thaddeus: Like what?
Morris: Like you know something awful is going to happen and you pity me with all your soul.
Thaddeus: Well, I mean, life is full of awful things. They happen all the time. Moreso to you, I guess, because you’ve lived for so long. You’ve had more time to experience the heights of joy and the depths of despair. I mean, just mathematically you have to admit you’re more likely to experience tragedy than most people.
Morris: Okay, when did you embrace this soulful, bottomless eyes thing and start trying to be heartbreakingly philosophical?
Thaddeus: Oh, I haven’t decided on it. I’m just trying a little something new.
Tallulah: Here I go!
Omar: You’re still gorgeous, Thaddeus’ Mom!
Tallulah: Thanks, kid.
Omar: She acknowledged my existence! I am the happiest kid on earth!
Thaddeus: And my imaginary friend has sixty-seven eyes and claws the size of butcher knives!
Pranav: Yeah, that’s cool. Say, is your mom single?
Arianna: You know I planted that dragonfruit over seven generations ago, back when I was a young adult and we had no idea if this dynasty was even going anywhere.
Salma: Impressive, madam.
Arianna: It’s a family heirloom, and very precious. Those dragonfruits saved us when we had no other reliable income and they almost shut off our electricity.
Salma: Yes, Madam.
Arianna: Overwater it and you’ll regret the day you were born.
Salma: Of course, Madam.
Arianna: Awww. This is no fun. You’re totally unflappable.
Salma: My sincerest apologies, Ma’am.
Lady: I’ll have the lobster.
Jorge: Very good choice, Ma’am.
Lady: You’re a very good waiter, you know.
Jorge: Why thank you, Ma’am. I enjoy my work.
Lady: You’re pretty cute, too. What time do you get off?
Jorge: I’m happily married to the blue goddess in the pink dress over there, Ma’am, and as far as I’m concerned, my job is to make her happy, and I never get any time off from that.
Lady: Fine. Get me a big glass of nectar, too, would you?
Jorge: It would be my pleasure, Ma’am.
Morris: Excuse me, Oumaima, my extremely handsome boyfriend just walked in. I’ll check up on you again later. Diego, honey, ready to head upstairs for a little exclusive tete a tete?
Diego: Not today, Sugar Bear. I’m here as a customer.
Morris: Really? You’ve never done that before. What’s the occasion?
Diego: Oh, no occasion. Just crossing things off the old bucket list.
Diego: Psst! Oumaima! How’s the duck? I hear they got a new chef and I don’t want to be disappointed today.
Morris: So the chef gently filets the pit beast with a mahogany-handled- OH! There it is! I knew we’d get the five! Five stars from Diego Lobo, everybody! I’m going to have a plaque made. This is an achievement. I honestly thought you’d keep me in suspense longer, you sly little zorro, you.
Diego: Oh, I didn’t stand a chance once you started talking cutlery.
