Staying Alive: Take 5 - A Story about A Grim

[oshizu]

How great that we can hang out with Magnus while Artie is off doing his college thing.
Loved the convo between Magus and the Freezer Bunny.  Uh, should that be Fridge Bunny?

Haha, Artie is really trying it all--sports club, huh? Because he got the sports scholarship?
Since Artie's at college, may we anticipate the pleasure of seeing him do a keg stand?

[sdhoey]

Now that was funny, "Not that guy again. Bye" She knows Artie pretty good then. LOl

[Ricalynn]

How great that we can hang out with Magnus while Artie is off doing his college thing.
Loved the convo between Magus and the Freezer Bunny.  Uh, should that be Fridge Bunny?

Haha, Artie is really trying it all--sports club, huh? Because he got the sports scholarship?
Since Artie's at college, may we anticipate the pleasure of seeing him do a keg stand?

He got the sports scholarship and it auto-signed him up basically.  Every day he goes to activity and doesn't even get paid for the work. Worst part-time job ever. And sadly no. The one time I tried to get him to tap the keg.. he failed.. miserably.

Now that was funny, "Not that guy again. Bye" She knows Artie pretty good then. LOl

Artie likes to autonomously mock her. I don't know why but she's always around at the parks and he just goes over when I don't have him on his leash.



Magnus: Flarn Artie. Could have waited for me to get in before doing that.
Artie: I said I was going to take a shower.
Magnus: I thought you meant the one in the house!
Artie: Nah. Gonna grab a quick one here then go check out Willow Creek for someone to mess with.
Magnus: Remember.. you don't know me unless she's cute.


Voice: Did you just clog that drain and leave it like that?
Artie: Of course.
Voice: On purpose?
Artie: Naturally.
Voice: Why?
Artie: Because he has a funny mustache. Come look.


Artie: Kelly... Keeelllllllyyyyy... Kelly!
Kelly Hannon: Leave me alone. I'm trying to figure out the next move.
Artie: Well since your mama was a llama I guess it is pretty hard to think.
Kelly: What did you say?
Artie: Yea heard me. You and your curly little mustache belong in an animal shed.

A few minutes later...


Artie: And next time.. you call me fat. I'm gonna beat you in front of your kids.
Kelly: o....k...ie -dazed-
Voice: You are putting on some weight there, friend.
Artie: You shut your mouth!


Not only did he randomly start painting on one of Magnus's easels. He started talking to it like they were friends..


Then he began to laugh maniacally at taking the spot with his stick drawing...


Artie: Oh Magnus.. cheer up buddy.
Magnus: You forgot the cake.
Artie: I know we forgot your birthday, but hey.. you can enroll in school now right?
Magnus: -heavy sigh- I guess.


Voice: That doesn't look like school.
Artie: This is a great tune.
Voice: I said.. that doesn't look like school.
Artie: Uh-huh.
Voice: Man your butt looks huge.
Artie: I don't have to listen to you. I'm going to class.
Voice: Finally. It's no wonder the previous two had to work so hard with you.


Magnus: So you guys do this every week?
Mascot: Yep.
Magnus: Even though none of us should be here longer than 3 weeks?
Mascot: Look at this guy with the big brain trying to fast track to graduation.
Magnus: ... why wouldn't you?


If you didn't know.. Artie is multi-talented. He can eat dinner, go for a jog and listen to music at the same time!


Lena: Oh man. I think there's something wrong with this pizza.
Voice: No. That's you.
Lena: Uhh.
Voice: Don't freak out.
Lena: -tight smile trying to not freak out- Okay.
Voice: I'm the watcher but I'm not supposed to get attached. I can't be quiet anymore though. You guys need some help.
Lena: Thanks?
Voice: Seriously. Go get some medicine.

[oshizu]

How is Artie in the Soccer Club (not sure what the name is) and gaining weight?
Not an abduction since he seems to be gaining weight, uh, evenly around his middle.

Wow, Magnus entered uni as well?  Somesim's Watcher is pushing the envelope, lol!
Speaking of, does this suggest that said Watcher is enjoying the university experience?
Or doing multiple degrees concurrently for science?
Or Artie loves the college campus because it offers so many sims to prank?

[Rhoxi]

Love that house - nothing wrong with borrowing from a good design! I don't have University yet, so looking forward to seeing how that effects the gameplay and challenge. Curious to see who Artie decides to settle down with.

[Ricalynn]

Where we are:

After convincing everyone to join him at the Hijinks festival, Artie runs off to work on that mischief skill. Lena spends some time with her son painting a graffiti mural in their colors. And Magnus while enjoying that suddenly starts popping wishes for a nearby friend. Who am I to stop him from living his best life since he has to deal with Artie all the time?


First, he tried the sky-gazing technique because he wanted to. And they both really liked that.


Then they took a selfie just as the festival was beginning to disappear.  They're so cute.


Less than 12 hours later, Kaori was asking Magnus for a date. And we get the first glimpse of his hot weather wear. I totally forgot this is what it was.


Kaori: Thank you so much for that date. You're so wonderful and easy to talk to and you get my llama jokes.
Magnus: No thank you. This has been a great day together.


Kaori: So I was thinkin— -smooched-
Magnus: -does the smooching-


Magnus: Will you be my girlfriend?
Kaori: Eeee! Yes!
-both dance in excitement-
Magnus: Hey, do you want go on another date so we don't have to say goodbye?


L Faba sitting there killing my eyes while they chat...
Kaori: This place is interesting..
Magnus: Well I figured going to a karaoke bar was too much like what you were used to.
Kaori: -laughs- You're right about that.
Magnus: Ready to try it?


Magnus: I think this is how you hold it then you just...


Magnus: Ow. No.. not like that...
Kaori: -giggling- You okay?
Magnus: My pride hurts almost as much as my backside.
Kaori: How about we get out of here and I show you one of my favorite places to go?


Magnus and Kaori were supposed to skinny dip together.. she got held up and he got his 1 hour of swimming aspiration goal before she ever showed up. So we brought in the big guns for the hold-up.. because well...


She's adorable.  Meet Mizuki LastNameDoesn'tMatterSoIDidn'tRemember. Artie too uses the selfie technique to his advantage and pops a few whims of his own. Some inline with me and Magnus...


Artie: So what do you say, huh?
Mizuki: Are you kidding me? Yes!


Magnus: Does that sound like a bad idea? 
Agatha: Just say yes to him honey and put on some clothes before you turn the color of your hair.


Kaori Nishidake - Young Adult
Cheerful, Adventurous, Materialistic
Aspiration: Extreme Sports Enthusiast
Both Grandparents have passed away and she doesn't have a relationship with Kiyoshi anymore but she is romantic with someone else. That surprise is for later.


Mizuki LastNameNotImportantEnoughToRemember - Young Adult
Hot-headed, Lactose Intolerant, Bookworm
Aspiration: Curator
Currently enrolled in UBrite with a Language & Literature Distinguished Degree in progress. She came with level 9 writing. So that aspiration got changed. -no shame-

With the sudden intake of people, well we sold the furniture that Kaori had plus her property and took the cash that Mizuki had and we improved the house.  Yay! No more living on a bunk bed with Artie. That would be awkward for all the new friends.


Overhead view of the main floor. Now have four bedrooms and a basement. Even the kitchen is looking proper. The bathroom is looking less sparse.


This is the whole reason I was in love with the house I copied. Took me a bit to figure out but I did it! A living room in the basement? That's the goal.


The blue room is Magnus & Kaori's room.  The white wall with the green bed is Lena's. Purple is just pretty to look at.


And Artie got him a proper setup. That billboard is one of my favorites and it's fitting for him to have it over his bed don't you think?


More of the house shenanigans in Chapter 6 (coming to the forum.... soon™)

How is Artie in the Soccer Club (not sure what the name is) and gaining weight?
Not an abduction since he seems to be gaining weight, uh, evenly around his middle.

Wow, Magnus entered uni as well?  Somesim's Watcher is pushing the envelope, lol!
Speaking of, does this suggest that said Watcher is enjoying the university experience?
Or doing multiple degrees concurrently for science?
Or Artie loves the college campus because it offers so many sims to prank?

I don't know what's up with the weight gain thing but it hits Kaori too. Something is wrong with their food or something. Which is funny because it's mostly fruit salad or veggie dumplings due to Mizuki's intolerance.

I am enjoying Discover University. I did find most of Artie's enemies on campus but I don't follow often especially since they're on two different campuses. I keep Lena occupied with her time which at this point I think I mismanaged but I was having fun!

So that's the story of how I ended up with 3 people in Uni and distracted myself farther ROFL

Love that house - nothing wrong with borrowing from a good design! I don't have University yet, so looking forward to seeing how that effects the gameplay and challenge. Curious to see who Artie decides to settle down with.

I really love it too and I love it more now. I keep adding to it when we get some cash (which is a new experience in the artie verse after the last couple of starts).

And I hope it wasn't a disappointment to see his eventual choice. I will never understand this Sim but that's okay.


Y'all have no idea how much I struggle with the telling without my signature Sassy Voice. But the story must go on! It's what's keeping me from throwing in the towel. There is a plan. -stomps foot- I will see this through.

[Rhoxi]

What great spouse choices! Mizuki looks awesome, and you know I love Kaori. 

[oshizu]

The house is looking great! I especially like that same triangular mezzanine-landing area.
Haha, Kaori mania on the forum!

Edited to add: "that small triangular mezzanine-landing area" (not same)

[Ricalynn]

What great spouse choices! Mizuki looks awesome, and you know I love Kaori. 

I do and I was trying to let y'all have her but Magnus refused to be a .. I can't think of the word but you know a breeder with all the females to give me choices. He just wouldn't do it. Whim after Whim of only Kaori.

The house is looking great! I especially like that same triangular mezzanine-landing area.
Haha, Kaori mania on the forum!

Yes, I do love this house more than I should.  Wait til you see how it turns out in a few chapters. You ladies are gonna love it.


Without further ado! I give you Chapter 7: Love Day Shenanigans.



Mizuki: So you must be Lena.
Artie: -chuckling- Oh no. That's Kaori.
Kaori: What he said.
Mizuki: And she is...?
Artie: The other new roommate.
Mizuki: Really.
Kaori: I think I'm going to let you explain while I go check out my new room.


Artie: Don't tell me you're jealous.
Mizuki: I won't.
Artie: She moved in for Magnus.
Mizuki:. Oh.. OH.
Artie: Yea. Exactly.
Mizuki: Well I mean.. I know we talked about why you wanted me to move in but since you haven't exactly shown any interest..


Artie: -blows a kiss- Doubt me now
Mizuki: You're so cute.
Artie: Oh I know. The question is...


Artie: First selfie as a couple.  Cheeeeese
Mizuki: Yay.
Artie: Back to work.


The room bedroom not being used I'm not even sure why I made it so pretty and it's suddenly the only room these people will do their homework in. Sims, man. Sims.

In the distance:
Kaori: AHHHH


Kaori: Who would do this?
Voice: Oh whoops. That would be the last thing Magnus did as a teenager. That wasn't meant for you.
Kaori: Grrr.
Voice: I know how you can get him back?
Kaori: Let's do this.


Voice: I take it you had a good practice.
Artie: I'm so tired and I think my nose is broken.
Voice: Smelling you I wish mine was.


That moment you realize the treadmill is sticking out from under the roof.
Voice: Very important to remain dry while running.
Lena: Absolutely.
Voice: Would you like me to move it inside?
Lena: That would be great but I may as well finish.
Magnus: Don't touch my easels.
Voice: I know nature boy. I know.

((Ricanote: I forgot to mention Magnus aged up into the Loves the Outdoors trait.))


Aren't they so cute? They kind of match the painting.


Maybe I should have hired a maid sooner to see what she would have looked like. Not that Green and Red should ever mix outside of Winter.. But still.
Maid: Why is there so much pink in here..


Artie: Watcher!
Voice: I guess that's me?
Artie: Whatever you are.. what's with all the pink?
Voice: Oh.  It's love day tomorrow so I decorated.
Artie: I don't think so.
Voice: Don't get much choice.. suck it up, red man.


Artie: Argh I can't go on.
Voice: You literally just started.
Artie: Why is this so hard?
Voice: Because somehow you've managed to not actually work out very often this time around.
Artie: Do I have to?
Voice: Do you want to become the fat red man?
Artie: That's what Slimify Potions and Insta-Leans are for.
Voice: Nope. You need a third skill so get to it.
Artie: You're getting good at being bossy.
Voice: You make it easy.


Artie: So it's Love Day and I was wondering if you'd like to explore the traditions with me.
Mizuki: You could have just started flirting with me and I would have been okay with it.
Artie: Hey. I don't want you to get all kinds of confused after the things I told you.
Mizuki: Oh.. don't worry. I'm not confused.
Artie: In that case -clears throat-


Artie: And have I mentioned how much I admire you yet? You took a chance on a stranger and this could have gone so much worse.
Mizuki: It could have but it hasn't.

Magnus & Kaori are autonomously handling their own flirting in that back.


Artie: Oh wow this smells great.
Mizuki: You just gave it to me.
Artie: Ahh that explains the little extra since I had gotten it at the Romance Festival.
Mizuki: Ahh. You like it?
Artie: This is great. and what's this...


Ricanote:  -snorts- This makes me laugh every time


Magnus: Oh this smells divine.
Kaori: Now give it back to me so we can move on to the other fun stuff.
Magnus: That wasn't very romantic.
Kaori: Wait til I show you what the other stuff is.
Magnus: Oh really.


Artie: Yes! I did it!
Mizuki: Of course you did, but I did it first.
Artie: Show off. I've got time before classes.. wanna keep hanging out?
Mizuki: That could be fun.


Magnus: How about this for fun? -sweeps her back-
Kaori: Ooh! Mmm. Yes more of that.
Magnus: Don't mind if I do.
Voice: Go to your room already.


Mizuki: So watching the two of them out of the corner of my idea gave me a crazy idea.
Artie: I like crazy. I am crazy.
Mizuki: I know you are, cutie.  But I was wondering if you'd be up for doing what I just thought of.
Artie: Well what is it?


Mizuki: -steals their first kiss-
Artie: Whaaa. Oh.. hey we—
Mizuki: Shh and just kiss me back already.


Lena: I really dislike Love Day. Don't you? It's just a commercial ploy to get everyone to purchase gifts and flowers for their friends.
Nabuto: Uh-huh. Yea I hate being single today too.
Lena: Oh no. You don't understand. I'm single and I love it. I just hate feeling like I'm missing out on a little extra happiness just because I plan to stay that way.


Magnus: Whoa..
Voice: Hit yourself?
Magnus: Just suddenly dizzy.
Voice: Oh. Apparently, you got Kaori's cold. Or maybe you got one from being wet yesterday. Either way.. here's some medicine.
Magnus: Thanks, dude.


Brant: So it is true. This is where you're hiding.
Kaori: Brant what are you doing here...

[oshizu]

Hey, wait! Has Magnus refused the crucial dynastic role of Pollinator in order to enter into a monogamous relationship with Kaori?  Or is it just a passing thing?
Watcher and Artie seem to be rolling with Magnus's decision, lucky for Magnus!

Lol, why is Brant Hecking stalking Kaori? The plot thickens....

[Ricalynn]

Pollinator. That's the word.  And yes. He refuses. He only has eyes for his woman.

That's okay things have been going differently this time anyway lol I'm just going with it from here and we shall see where it takes us. Right?

Onward to glory!

[Rhoxi]

I, too, am surprised Magnus decided to settle down. But hey! Can't go wrong with the grow your own spouse route, am I right? Besides, you know that kid is gonna be gorgeous!

[Ricalynn]

Chapter 8:  Friends And Fires and Sparkles, Oh my!

Brant: Can't a guy come to visit his friend on Love Day? Especially a friend who didn't know you were suddenly going to move into town.
Kaori: Yea of course. Happy Love Day Brant. Actually, I'm glad that you stopped by.
Brant: It's been quite a while since we saw each other why don't we—
Kaori: Before you continue that thought -looks over her shoulder- I need to tell you something.


Kaori: You mind sir?
Simeon: Not at all. I'm waiting to talk to the owner of the house.
Kaori: He just left to go to his practice. He'll be back soon.
Simeon: I'll wait.
Kaori: -sigh- Fine. Brant. I need to let you know I want us to just be friends.
Brant: -laughs- What?
Simeon: -mentally- Whaaa?
Kaori: I'm with someone else now and you're still married. I know you helped me move on from Kiyoshi but that was just a rebound. Magnus is something special.. my something special.


Kaori: So.. you're okay with this?
Brant: -randomly cheers for Love Day-
Simeon: Ow. That's my ear.
Kaori: I'm glad you're okay with just being friends. I'm going to go. I have a date to get ready for.


Voice: That's a nice new accessory you have there.
Artie: -dancing- It's okay.
Voice: I thought you weren't supposed to use your hands.
Artie: I wasn't. I just happened to land wrong on top of the guy who tried to take the and my ankle out from under me.
Voice: Oh. Well. Homework. Don't forget.
Artie: Yea Yea. I just want to chill out while the pain killers last.


Mizuki: One of the magic sages was here looking for you again.
Artie: Did you get rid of him?
Mizuki: Eventually he left after Kaori broke up with Brant and then started to celebrate in his ear.
Artie: O... kay I'm not sure how to process that entire sentence.  Is that all?
Mizuki: Yea. I guess. Good Morning.
Artie: Morning.
Mizuki: Lena is making breakfast. And how come you don't wear your boxers to bed.
Voice: Because he was getting fat and can't be seen in them again until he loses the extra.
Artie: And something about my nude form seems to bother most of you so that's not really an option.
Voice: Yea.. the less I see of that the happier I'll be. Or this is going to be a long eight generations.


Artie: Ugh I have a term paper and a presentation to finish today
Magnus: So I have class in an hour and then I should be able to get some more painting done. I'm a few away from that excellent goal we talked about.
Voice: Excellent.
Artie: If you're gonna do dad jokes, I'm out of here.
Mizuki: Hey do you smell that?
Magnus: It's the incense.
Mizuki: No it smells like...


Mizuki/Lena: FIRE!
Magnus: Where?
Voice: Apparently inside the cabinet you're sitting in front of.
Artie: I think I smell it. Let me just get a better angle.


Artie: I think we all got it. How come this doesn't seem singed.
Kaori: -still spraying because she woke up to do this-
Lena: Probably because.. I don't know it's weird.
Mizuki: We should move the incense
Magnus: Agreed. And I'd like to finish now. Which bowl was mine again?
Artie: That one.  Mizuki was in the middle.


Voice: Really that's all the effort you're going to put into your villainy presentation.
Artie: What.. my hand hurts. I showed like one good guy one bad guy, one of the heists we're supposed to cover.
Voice: WWAD
Artie: Simlish or English. Pick a language
Voice: What would Addy Do.  This is where she'd yell and guilt-trip you.
Artie: Oh is that how this is gonna go.
Voice: Indubitably. Unless you decide to not show the boss that you can actually get an A.
Artie: Oh.. I got this.


Voice: That is much better. I have to admit I'm way beyond impressed on this one. My nerd parts are excited by all the graphs.
Artie: I could keep going.
Voice: It's already near perfect.
Artie: True and I have a paper to write.
Voice: You have fun with that. Get it done quickly so that when Kaori comes home y'all can go somewhere fun and take me with you.


Magnus: This doesn't look like the Festival of Snow.
Kaori: -laughs- No silly that's down the hill. This is the Onsen bathhouse.
Magnus: Oh really.. Wanna go take a dip?
Kaori: Maybe later, handsome. The other two are gonna beat us there if we don't get going.


Voice: Wow this is actually kind of impressive.
Kaori: Thanks.
Voice: But why does it take you guys so long to get down a hill.
Kaori: Wow.. take a breath. Enjoy the cold mountain air.
Voice: Fine. oooh is that a frozen jungle gym!


As a typical sightseer. Mizuki got something stuck in the vending machine.. and then tempted fate when she shook the thing like three times to get her Simmi.


Kaori: Mizuki... you're in the way of our snow angels.
Mizuki: Ignore her.. cheese!


Mizuki: Artie.. I know you're in the last week of classes, right?
Artie: Yea. Can't wait.
Mizuki: So that means we're going to get married and start having kids right.
Artie: -cracks up- Yea.. um.  I gotta go. Homework is calling. -turns and walks off-
Mizuki: Artie!
Voice: I think that was a hint that he's not ready to think about that yet.
Mizuki: That's weird though. Did you see his eyes? It's like he was hypnotized. Is there a word we can say that makes him cluck like a chicken?
Voice: I.. don't think so. I don't know of anything that might be the cause of such a thing.


Lena - who has been spending a lot of time exploring space, observing space, cooking and whatever she wants - just goes to bed now with a plate in her hand. I'm not sure you can sate your hunger with osmosis. But she is a Sim.


Speaking of tired Sims...
Mizuki: You okay Artie?
Artie: Why is practice so tiring... zzZzZZzzZZz
Mizuki: If I didn't have to finish this before bed myself.. this is an opportunity I would love to take.
Voice: I won't tell if you don't.


Magnus: This is a great thing. When did we get this?
Artie: The voice got it for us because it's our birthday.
Magnus: Why are we playing it?
Artie: Because this is technically the start of a party we just haven't changed clothes yet.
Magnus: Oh... ohhhh. Where's Mizuki?
Artie: Finishing her next book.
Magnus: What's this one called?
Artie: Get this. it's called "Dynasty Favorites or Simverse's Most Unlucky Victims?: You Decide"


Lena: You guys ready for this?
Kaori: of course. Do we get out the horns now?
Lena: Not if you know what's good for you.
Artie: Oh come on. Let them celebrate me however they want.
Lena: Really old man?


**INNER MONOLOGUES**
Artie: let's just get through this with no more curveballs. And I guess I wish I could talk to one of my kids. It's weird not having any family back up this time around. In the last Simverse, we had everyone still around in some way. This new one? Everything is so odd.. and yet oddly familiar.

Lena: I just want the wrinkles to not be too bad and to get enough time to see Magnus truly happy.


Artie: On 3. One.. Two..
Lena: -blows-
Kaori: Haha Artie. She beat you.


Artie: Whoa.  That felt weird.
Lena: It's not like you've done it lately.
Artie: Yet.. it feels like I have. I can't quite figure it out.


Artie: Oh yea... I just get better with age.
Lena: Whee!


Lena: Ow. Should have wished for no back problems
Artie: Oh hey.. confetti


Lena: So how'd you like the cake Mizuki?
Mizuki: It was great. I can't believe how good it tastes.
Lena: I knew that lactose intolerance was a joke.
Mizuki: Wait what
Artie: Lena... I'm so proud of you.  But hey while the whole house is assembled.
Magnus: This can't be good.
Kaori: Maybe I should go..
Artie: No-No. I just want you all to know my graduation is coming up and when it happens. I'd like to take everyone out to dinner.  A night out for all of us if you will.
Lena: There's a catch
Artie: No catch. Won't even have to cook the meat if you want any.
Magnus: Sounds reasonable.
Artie: It's settled.


Ricanote: So yea. Kaori came into the house as sweethearts with Brant. I couldn't believe it! Our girl got around before moving in. She's only a few days older than Magnus!

@Rhoxi I have seen the child. Just you wait. it's coming.. soon maybe.

[oshizu]

I was just thinking that Lena had the best life, doing whatever she darn wants without any pressure.
Then, she aged up into an elder!
Yay, Artie's getting closer to graduation!
Huh, I never realized that Brant wore bifocals...

Did someone say "child"? o.O

[reggikko]

For Artie’s little pudge problem, if you have the Cook Kitchen Stuff Pack you can make Taste of Diet ice cream at cooking level 5. It’s great. It slims them down without that emaciated look you sometimes get from the potions.

I think I like Artie’s interactions with Sims he knows from the past best. The house is coming along nicely and I want to see what color nooboo we get. Magnus and Kaori are very cute together.