Yay for a double update! A good one, too! Much as I enjoyed Eugenie's unironic wardrobe, I'm glad she got freshened up a bit, and the girl talk scenes between her, Stella, and Candy were just perfect. I'm glad Candy got over her ellipses phase and decided to become a part of the group!
Slightly off topic, I read a ton of Sims 3 Dynasty Stories back when I was just lurking here, and this week my game randomly spawned a devastatingly handsome bartender named Goopy, which reminded me of the Classic Dynasty and I remembered how much I enjoyed reading it. I'm so glad you're writing a new story! I really love your style.
I actually have published novels, and I still think about the Classics regularly. They meant a lot to me and I'm glad you enjoyed them too. I wish the swap shop hadn't deleted them, without my old computer, I've lost them, sadly, but their stories were wrapped up, so it's okay.
On the note of the current story, it is insane how much different hair and glasses can do for a girl.
What great characterization and dialogue.
Hurrah for double updates and more Eugenie!
I hope Candy sharing the skinny on Walkin the Dog doesn't happen off screen!
Well, it was gonna! But I put it in this update because i knew you wanted it
Note: much of the information was garnered later in the game.
Wow, in your second update you managed to reference not one, but two, things that I love, love, love! That being: Dragon Age and MBTI! The correct answer, by the by, is: Zevran, Anders, and Solas. (At least if you're gaga for the sob stories like me, hehe.) And what're you diggin' on MBTI for! INFJ 5w4 sp/sx, reporting in! 
Loving all the girl power in this double update. Romantic love stories are great, too. But you don't get to see as many friend-love stories, so it's refreshing. Your founder has some really cute features; good job on that!
Haha, I put MB up there with horoscopes, it's fun but I've gotten a different result every time I've taken it. But yass bioware, I still haven't forgiven you Anders, oh my god. I think I'm changing Eugenie's lore obsession to either video games or DA specifically. It fits better and she's a geek into computers, after all. I've always adored deep love between friends, people who aren't really obligated to each other out of a desire for sex or financial unity or family, but just because of that strange human pull no one can really define.
And thanks. I was worried her round face and big lips and old fashioned hair were a little bit too much like Coralie! I think she's super adorable.
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Sometimes I wake up and in the absent-minded auto pilot of early morning, Bleary eyed, I knot my hair into its old chignon and stumble from my bed to what I think is the Von Haunt kitchen. It's not until I'm at least two bites into my cereal that I realize I'm sitting in my underwear on a cooler with a beehive. Outside. For anyone to see.
I don't mind as much as I might have once. Everything just seems to be going so well. With so much more of my skin on display, I've become a bit more focused on my yoga. I might actually start a club. Besides, playing athletic, sexy women like fem!Shep and the Inquisitor just make me want to be able to jog through adventure like they do without running out of breath.
Besides, the last time I saw Candy, I saw that Fester Addams fellow on a date with Katrina Caliente. Something about that pairing made me feel like romance is possible for everyone, so why not me?!
Candy has been informative without being a bad friend to Joaquin. So long as I'm buying the omelets and she stays neutral, she has let me know what to expect in him as a partner.
But to be honest, I just like spending time with her. What she said on that first night was the most pertinent thing. Joaquin has limitless potential but not much drive. He's got no skills other than dancing and DJing, which aren't really buildable for a career, but he does work as an entertainer, and he wants someday to be fabulously wealthy.
He needs a woman who is okay helping him define and shape his future, and of course, one who also prioritizes wealth. Oh, and that other thing she said the first time she truly spoke directly to me with that sweet, almost airy smile.
"If you hurt him, I'll shave you bald and set your lawn on fire. But don't worry, I'll do the same to him if he hurts you."
Yes ma'am. All the same, It was Stella I wanted to reassure me on The Big Day. The Day Of. The Final Countdown. Bowser's Castle. I tried six times to meet her for breakfast and she kept evaporating in front of the restaurant, so eventually I figured out that meant she was at work.
"There you are!"
"Babe, I love you, but you can't keep teleporting me out of here while I'm in the middle of a restoration project."
"I am so sorry. I'll help you in the morning if you want, I just needed some reassurance and to borrow your curling iron."
"Oooh, is it time? Already?"
"Can you also give me a pep talk?"
"Aw, it's like watching one of my chicks leave the nest. I might actually cry!"
"Stella?"
"Aw, precious. Okay, I'm gonna teach you how to be real sexy. Let's go curl your hair and get you into Fairy Princess Modern mode, okay?"
"Okay."
*some time later*
As Stella recommended, I arrived at Chez Llama around 8 minutes later than the exact date time. This way, I could (apparently) make an entrance. My fluffy, loose curls felt alien against my shoulders. But otherwise, I felt assured, I felt like tonight would go well.
And as I descended the staircase in the restaurant, my heart leapt and exploded into a thousand shimmering butterflies as I caught sight of him, waiting for me. Only me.
What can I say? I do good work.
I slid into my seat softly enough to hear him suck his breath in, his eyes shaded behind his glasses sliding over my hair and my dress. "Hello."
"Wow. Eugenie. You look ... you look incredible."
So I decided, what the heck, I was going to tell him the story of my grand makeover, and admit that nothing I have knowingly done in my life has been ironic. Except for romancing Iron Bull with a dwarf.
"Oh lord, woman, you must think I'm a total jerk."
"You must think I'm a spinster granny!"
"Double forgiveness?"
"Deal."
"Honestly, I'm not sure why or how, but knowing that you really did dress that way is just giving me all sorts of flutters, girlie. But this new look is show stopping."
Conversation thrived as our strange fusion food came out with bubbly white wine. Joaquin told me about growing up with a rock star for a mom and how he loves the stage but hated moving around all the time and staying in cheap motels.
I photographed my bacon petals for posterity and assured him that he has what it takes to succeed, if he's willing to truly stick to it. After all, look what a bit of support and determination had done for me so far.
"Stella taught me how to pose sexily to entice you."
"She what now?"
"Yeah, silly isn't it?" I laughed.
But he didn't seem to find it funny. "Will you show me?"
Still giggling I imitated the pose Stella had shown me. Strangely I got much the sensation I'd felt when that man at the dance party had gaped at me in my princess gown.
"Good gracious, sweet watcher," Joaquin muttered. "Stella is a good teacher."
I blushed, stifling a small yawn behind my hand as I polished off my wine. "This has been the most magical evening," I sighed, likely grinning like a fool.
He stood, offering me his hand. "It doesn't have to be over yet. If you've got it in you, there's something I want you to see."
"Oh, but don't you work tomorrow? And I have goals I have to meet. I'd be terribly amiss to ... where is it?"
"Somewhere I want you to discover with me before you get to know the town too well," he admitted with a shrug, "Besides, I can be a terrible employee one more day before I get my act straight."
So in the end I agreed, and we walked through the moonlit sidewalks of Newcrest, hands entwined, sneaking shy glances at one another.
"It's just up those stairs," he whispered, warm breath tickling my ear, making me shiver. "Go on ahead. I want to watch you."
If my heart had burst into butterflies before, now it dissolved into a fine, smoky mist, standing in the courtyard of this place.
"Do you like it?" he asked, approaching softly behind me.
I spun on my heel and beckoned him closer, "I'll tell you, but it's a secret," I said. "I have to whisper."
And when he leaned in ...
Watcher help me, he blushed terribly. I've never known such a popular, outgoing man to be so bashful. He released a short laugh and pulled me by the hand down to the fountain, where we sat, side-by-side until sunrise, talking about everything under the moon.
Finally, he had to go change for work, but he begged me to stay put, promising to come back on the way to the theater and say one final goodbye.
So I did. And made a wish for good measure. A wish that shortly after came very, very true.
We are officially a couple now.
It was the perfect end to a perfect, perfect day.
