Always Artie's fault, Shannon. Always.
@mpart Haha. Artie was originally started as my secondary dynasty and then became the one that went all the way. It's funny how that works sometimes. And yes Ares.. and one of his sisters! But which one is to be revealed later.
And yes I enjoy Artie as well. I like being able to show off his many facets of insanity. There is always more to come too. Thanks for reading and I'm glad everyone is enjoying it with me.
Chapter 45: Night on the Town 2.0
FridayIn young adulthood, Alena picked up her father's craziness. Her Starlight Accolade is becoming a best friend. Too bad it won't show up in her friend panel.Alena: I just can't believe how much more homework you have for university. Grade School - one book every night. High School - one book every night. University - One book, four different sections - every two nights. On top of that is this term paper which is boring because I already know all this stuff and a presentation. And they expect me to get to school early outside of class hours to give the presentation to the professor. Seriously? Daddy never mentioned any of this. You think he did that on purpose?
Voice: So what degree did you decide on again?
Artie: Distinguished Communications.
Voice: Wait.. isn't that at UBrite?
Artie: Shhh don't say it too loud but yes. Ichiro and Alena are also at UBrite. I figured if I went along with this this time. I might be able to convince her to join Foxbury for the next one.
Voice: Next one? You realize you only need one degree right?
Artie: And you realize that dealing with you and elderhood is boring as all get out, right? A man can only sit on a little pouf and float for so long before he goes crazy.... er.
Voice: Well okay but hurry up and finish so we can go to dinner. Kaori wants to revisit the restaurant you took them for the last Night on the Town.
Artie: That the one where I told everyone we were going on vacation?
Voice: Yep. Then had to wait for three days for Magnus and Mizuki to finish classes.
Artie: I still say that's stupid. They should be able to do university and rent a house somewhere.
Voice: Less talking, more pinning of stuff.
Artie: Remember the last time we were here.
Kaori: I do. Remember no one is allowed to order something we already have a picture of.
Artie: Really? We're doing that?
Kaori: Why not?
Artie: Alright. I'm game.
Kaori: And you'll remember to actually take a picture this time?
Artie: Yes, dear.
Host: Uhh Hello Ladies. How can I help you?
Alena: We'd like a table, please.
Host: Just the two of you?
Kamea: No. There are six of us now.
Host: I know just the table.
Alena: Lead the way.
Random Extra special Sim sighting. We'll have to look out for him to see what he does with his life.
Artie: Alright gang. We're going to attack this as a battle plan. Choose what drink you want, except you Adrien you get water. Then I'll give you an option for food.
Kaori: I want water too.
Alena/Ichiro at same time: Nectar! -laughs-
Alena: Didn't we say we were going to try the Tang & Zing?
Ichiro: Okay let's get that.
Kamea: Juice on the Rocks for me.
Artie: That sounds good actually.
Kamea: What are you doing?
Ichiro: We have a little downtime while we wait for the food so I thought I would get some homework out of the way.
Kamea: And you don't think that's rude?
Ichiro: Is it? I can stop.
Kamea: No. Go ahead. This way you don't have as much to do at home and can show me more of these club activities.
Alena: -under breath- is that what he calls it?
Kaori: Yes I'm ready to order for the table.
And everyone completes Night on the Town at the same time. The two slowpokes had to put their books down first.
Kaori Nishidake: Well hello again Kaori.
Kaori the waitress: Good to see you again, dear. Is that all that you wanted?
Our Kaori: Yes for now. Thank you.
Kaori: Since they're all doing homework or writing in their journal, how about we entertain each other Kamea.
Kamea: Works for me. Artie said you chose this restaurant.
Kaori: I did. The only other time we've been here was right after I had joined the family. I was still dating Magnus, Ichiro's father, and his mother, Lena, was still with us. It's when she and I grew close.
Kamea: Lena? -looks to Alena and then back at Kaori-
Kaori: Yes. Alena is named after Lena.
Artie: Lena was my best friend even after Mizuki moved in.
Kaori: Stay out of this conversation. Do your homework.
Artie: Yes, dear.
Conversation 1: All FemalesKamea: So you came to this restaurant shortly after moving in. Like me?
Kaori: Actually yes.
Alena: You and Zuzu moved in about the same time right?
Kaori: The very same night. But I had already met Artie when I was a teenager and then Magnus when he was a teenager and I'd just had my birthday.
Kamea: So you're older than your husband?
Kaori: Only by a day or two actually.
Conversation 2: All MalesArtie: You know when I did this dinner the last time, Adrien. We all looked a lot better. And the fun part was drawing on the placemat.
Ichiro: Is that the placemat that's hanging in the studio?
Artie: Yep that one.
Adrien: I colored better when I was a child.
Artie: It's not about the technique it's about the feelings you're trying to convey.
Adrien: So.. you were feeling insane and chaotic.
Artie: Every. Single. Day.
Waitress Kaori: Everyone put up the homework. It's time for dinner. Voila. -didn't really give them time to close anything-
Kaori: Don't forget to actually get a picture of your food.
Artie: Wait.. what did you get me?
Kaori: Sixam pit beast. Apparently, it's free-range.
Artie: Yeah I bet -pokes it with a chopstick-
Kaori: Anyway. As I was saying before. The first time we came here. Artie and Lena had a secret up their sleeve.
Artie: To be fair, Lena had asked me to keep that secret and I wasn't going to let down my best friend. We wanted it to be a happy time for Kaori and Magnus as they went through the beginning stages of love and all that.
Kaori: And we did. We had a great time.
Kamea: That's actually really sweet.
Alena: What about my mother?
Artie: Your mother and I.. weren't a love match.
Ichiro: That wasn't obvious at all.
Adrien: Not even a little. Dude are you drunk?
Ichiro: Nope. Just leaning.
Adrien: -tilts too- Okay.
Alena: But why?
Artie: She was beautiful and funny. She was ambitious without being a freak about it. She knew what she wanted out of life which was to become a bestselling author and famous for it. Two goals that became a reality living with us. We clicked on some levels but she also knew that I've had four wives and I will never have another. Melody was the last and she was such a conniving... Sim that I vowed I wouldn't lead anyone on this time. Mizuki loved you very much. Even if she did have her own reasons for coming for me.
Kamea: You don't hold it against her?
Artie: If she pulls another stunt like before? I will release her spirit to the netherworld and never blink an eye. My kids can take care of her while I finish this up.
Kaori: There's the Artie we all know and love.
Alena: I have an idea.
Artie: Do I even want to know?
Alena: It's a good thing. Let's stay in Newcrest and extend our Night out.
Kaori: What did you have in mind, Alena?
Kaori: -starts laughing while looking younger-
Yuna: Oh sorry. Ticklish?
Kaori: Apparently. Keep going. That feels good.
Artie: Ow Gideon. I said deep tissue, not deep bruise massage.
Gideon Harris: If you weren't so tense, this wouldn't hurt.
Artie: Are you sure?
Gideon: Who is the professional?
Artie: I don't know. I've seen you at every vendor spot in town.
Adrien: Well what do you think?
Alena: What is it?
Adrien: I think it's a lizard or reptile of some kind.
Alena: Alligator I think. I'm not sure which one I want. You know what. Gonna do something else. Meet you downstairs.
Yuna: Just going to do a little hand massage before I get started.
Alena: Sounds great.
Yuna: Do you know what else you will want?
Alena: Actually.. yes.
Alena: Oh my Carl. They're so beautiful!
Kaori: They're very long. Those aren't going to be a problem with your school work and writing?
Alena: Nope. Won't take me long at all to adapt, I'm sure of it.
Kaori: I'm going to go hang out with the boys. Check on Kamea and your father will you?
Alena: Sure thing.
Kaori: It cracks me up that you two are in here when I never see you in the one we have at home.
Adrien: And I know why it's so hot.
Ichiro: This one is a little steamy.
Kaori: If you two can't take the heat, may as well leave.
Adrien/Ichiro: Didn't say that!
Artie found the Yoga class autonomously and joined. With Cousin Swole over here.
Cousin Swole: I think you're more limber than the instructor.
Artie: I could probably be the instructor at this point.
Kamea: Do I have to keep the robe on?
Alena: Not if you don't want to.
Kamea: Good I don't want to meditate in a robe.
Alena: Probably a good idea.
Kamea: Is that mask okay?
Alena: It's shiny that's for sure.
Kaori: I just don't want you making any rash decisions just because you think it's what I would have wanted.
Ichiro: Mom. I'm not. I promise.
Kaori: Have you two even decided anything?
Ichiro: No. We kind of got wrapped up in stuff. She joined a career and I had homework. Then we had dinner.
Kaori: Well why aren't you with her right now then?
Alena who sparkles: What's going on in here?
Ichiro: Mom is making sure I haven't made a mistake. She's saying it's okay to change my mind.
Alena: Are you changing your mind?
Ichiro: No. We're staying the course.
Alena: Good. You know what's at stake.
Kaori: I'm happy if you two are happy.
Alena: I'm... itchy actually.
Ichiro: No I'm Itchy.
Alena: Ugh really?
Ichiro: Feel better, princess?
Alena: So much better.
Kaori: Maybe we should call this whole thing a night and get some time in at home. Maybe for someone to do something other than his homework.
Alena: For real dude. Let's go. On the way, I'm going to tell you what you need to do.
Ichiro: Giving me advice?
Alena: Absolutely. I've written a bestselling romance and I'm older therefore wiser.
Kaori: Let's not push it, little red.