Friday, December 14, 2007

Lullaby


Hello? ...Melissa. Why'm I not surprised?
'Cause she's stalking you, and I apologize for encouraging your friendship.


This's weird. I feel like I'm havin' the worst cramps in the world.
In a way you are. Except they're about to get worse. Did you read nothing about childbirth during pregnancy?
I was eatin', sleepin', and readin' about how to fix stereos.
You don't even have a stereo!


Talk later! Meds now!
I can't help you, but maybe Remi can. Speaking of which, where is he?

What's happening?
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Aaah!

She almost gave me a heart attack.
I'd do something or move away. In my experience, women giving birth aren't exactly rational.
Remington, you are never allowed to touch me again!

Aww, and it looks just like you, Brooklyn!
That would be a she.
Aww, and she looks just like you, Brooklyn!
And I need a shower.

Whoo! My first child!
What does he mean, his "first child"? I'm not havin' anymore.
I refuse to get involved with that. You two decide that on your own.

Yes, I have a theme going. And I'm going to try not to steal any of Kethwyn's heir names. [insert shameless Holldum legacy plug here]


You okay now, Remi?
I'm ecstatic! I'm a father. I've got a little girl to provide for and spoil and just love.
Hey Sydney, I'm your daddy.


I have faith that Remi's gonna be a great father.

Brooklyn, drink this.
What is it?
You'd never believe me if I told you.
Well, I'm not gonna drink somethin' if I don' even know what it is. And has the spigot been properly sterilized?
It extends your lifespan.
Well, the only way to know is to try it. After sterilizing the spigot.

Well? What do you think?

It's the worst thing I've ever tasted, but I think it works! I feel great!


Ahh, Remi, what are you doing? I didn't want you to drink that!

Whoa! What have you been holding out on me? And why does it taste so bad?
You weren't supposed to drink that. Now the ages are all messed up. Gah.
What was that?
Nothing. Just go to bed.


And just where do you think you're going?
Work.
You just gave birth last night.
So what?
*total shock* Since you seem to feel fine, whatever.
Remi can stay home with Sydney. I don' even think he has a real job.
Yeah, he probably doesn't have a real job at all. Whatever helps her sleep at night. Not my place to burst her bubble.


You need a bath, Sydney? Let's just not tell your mommy I gave you a bath in the sink.
Brooklyn is going to kill you.
Only if she finds out.
You act as if I have a problem telling on you.
You haven't yet.
.....Don't underestimate me.

Well good job Brooklyn!
Now this sounds like a fun job. Not very clean though. I could use...
If you even think the words "hand sanitizer" again, I can't be held responsible for my actions.


Hey Brooklyn-
I thought I told you specifically that you were not allowed to touch me ag'in.
You tell him Brooklyn!


I swear, we can just cuddle.
I guess that's okay.
No Brooklyn! You're falling into the trap!
Could you excuse us?
Fine, but don't come crying to me if you end up pregnant.


See? I'm fine.
You also just woke up.

What'd I say?
Shut up. *retch* I hope Remi's takin' care of that.

How time does fly. Age her up now, or no? I'll wait. Brooklyn needs to deal with as few toddler days as possible. Especially since...

...that.
Hey, the toilet's clean. You can't mean to tell me...
Surprisingly, yeah.
The maid actually comes twice a day.
Actually, no. That was your husband's doing. Don't give me that dubious look, I have proof.

I can't take this!
Shhh! Brooklyn's asleep. You oughta know the maid ain't cleaning it up for you, and Brooklyn's not waking up.
Fine.


Wait, what?
It's not like there's much of a choice at this point.

I think the Apocalypse came on its own.


That was an entertainin' story. I'm feedin' the baby now.
It wasn't a story! Do pictures mean nothing now?



Oh, find a room! Right, there is no other room. Poor Sydney.


No way to explain this but to pair it with the fact that Brooklyn has stopped obsessively cleaning the house. You got it. Pregnancy.

I'd normally decry your criminal behavior, but 2000 simoleons is hard to argue with.
And a promotion is even harder! Congrats Remi! Thank you thank you thank you! We con go get Sydney clothing now.
Why me? I hate shopping.
Your wife is currently waking up. And I see a few spots she's used. Shopping or cleaning?
Taxi!
'Atta boy.


What's the point of exercisin' if I'm gonna look like this?
It's only temporary. You'll be back to your fierce, fit figure tomorrow.


Remi? She's not hungry, and there's no green trail.

*gratuitous girlish squealing* She's so cute! Alright, now let's get a second floor around here.



Alright, say bottle.
Uh-uh!
If only that could be counted as a word. I use it often enough.


Bottle.
She said "bottle"! Her first word! Remi!
He has to go to work in the morning. Let him sleep.


Ma-ma.
She can say my name!
Hey, I think I can see footprints on the floor. (seriously, first time Inotived that)
Ew.

One skill out of three.


"And therein lies the rub." Remi, you can't let your wife see you leaving anymore. You've "graduated" to the stripes.
Well, I now know what I must do.


Whoa, what's that face for?
This has t'be the nastiest part of havin' a toddler.
You must be talking about...

...the wonders of potty training. And even on milk, it can be a royal pain.


Good night Sydney. In the mornin', you'll be learnin' even more while Mommy sleeps.

Good morning, my angel. Do you have to potty?


Hey Remi, she got it!
Really?
You'd think he, being the lazy one, would be ecstatic.

You've made Daddy very proud.
At least you two are bonding. Weird place to do so, but whatever.


If I run, I can make it out the door before Brooklyn turns around.
You're lucky she has to pee.


Can you get Remi home? I think the baby's comin'!
Can you get out of the corner? I can't get any good pictures!

No time for pictures!
Are you kidding? This is perfect. Now if you can take one step back...
Get away from me!
Ah! You're gonna scare Sydney.


Aww, and it looks just like you, Brooklyn!
He.
Aww, and he looks just like you, Brooklyn!

He's so small.
So was Sydney.
I never had time to let it sink in for her.
Because you handed her off to Remi and went to the bathroom.
When ya gotta go, ya gotta go. And I gotta take a shower.




Alright, I'm serious. No more kids.
It's okay. No more kids. That I can help. InTeen might have other plans.
What?
Nothing.

You know, your husband got there yesterday.
My husband's not pregnant.
...That's what I forgot!
Huh?
Don't worry about it. I'm thinking about getting a telescope.
Yay!

Am I out of the stripes yet?
You ought to know better than me. And, no.
Well, time for a shower.
Sneaky bastard.


*sigh* Why must you be so bad?


Bye Remi! Take care of the babies!
Work again?
I need to hear something other than my children crying.

Go Brooklyn! She's gotta be happy.


In the meantime, Remi makes friends,
And little Sydney doesn't realize just how neglected she is. But soon, she'll be able to make her parents pay attention to her. And I never did put her stats down, did I? I'll remember later.


Alright, Remi, about the babies. I'm not havin' anymore. Period. Got it?
Of course, Brooklyn.
Which means he has another plan in place. I don't trust that man.


Whee! Birdie!

Tummy not hurty anymore!
Because you got the contents of it all over Daddy.

I have a friend who takes yoga. She said she never learned anything like this in class. I would've taken yoga to learn that. Remi, I didn't know you could do that.
Can I get down please?
Incurably lazy.


Nice work, Brooklyn.
That's Detective Gray. This is so cool. I'm like Sherlock Holmes or somethin'.

And we leave the house on the brink of birthdays. And possibly trouble. Those two are bound to run into each other sometime. Let's see if they surprise me, as they are apt to do.
Theme Song: Lullaby - Dixie Chicks

Odd Pic Out:
The first shopkeeper I'll look for once I get to Uni.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Stranger in My House

Alright, another week, another Brooklyn fiasco. Hey, when'd he get here?
Just now.

You will not believe what happened to me last night.
Oh? What happened Mi-uh, I mean Brooklyn?

C'mere, I don't want anyone to hear me.
You live in the middle of nowhere; no one can hear you anyway.
Shhh!
Me?
No, not you. Well, I was robbed.

No!
Yeah, it was so horrible. I was so scared.
Aren't you playing it up? Last night you were screaming at the officer and ready to chase down the burglar yourself.
I said shhhhhh!
Who are you talking to?
Not you, Remi.
Well, is there anything I can do?
Actually, there is.

Hold me!
Whoa!
You are a real card, you know that?
Shh!

Wow. Now I feel the inexplicable urge to flirt with you.
You should go along with it.
What strong muscles you have!
Why thank you.

So this is love, la la la la, so this is love... okay, I'll stop singing now. Brooklyn, you can say goodbye now.

How do I keep making desperate housewives? You keep your lips to yourself until you've confirmed he's not against it!
Did he look against it?
That's not the point...
And besides, he had hand sanitizer in his pocket. Now, excuse me while I brush my teeth.
*gape* She was serious?

Abs of steel!
Try a four pack. You've barely made it to fit. Now you have to stay there. Can't chase down burglars with a beer belly. Presidential Physical Fitness - check.


And you got a promotion! We're going shopping!
Do we have to?
Yes.

Remind me why we're downtown touchin' hangers that have been God-knows-where. And what did you do with my hand sanitizer?
Remi needs clothes.
Why am I buyin' him clothes?
Because the armoire has spoken.
And I did nothing with your hand sanitizer. Besides, you did steal it, and stealing's wrong. Especially for an officer of the law.
"Steal" is such a strong word.

Brooklyn? Brooklyn, where are you? Excuse me, have you seen Brooklyn?

I AM Brooklyn.
Holy cow! You look so...sleek?
We'll pretend that was a compliment.
So, new hair, new dress - you wouldn't do that without a point.
Today's a special day. I just got this inexplicable urge. Let's hope this works.

Wow Brooklyn, you look stunning.
Aww Remi, you're makin' me blush again.
I'd be blushing in shame if I were you.
*eye twitch* Ignorin' you.
Me?
Not you, Remi.


Well Remi, y'know I'm not your typical woman.
And the fact is, I've fallen head-over-heels in love with you.
Wow. I'm very flattered.
So the only left is a question.
Remington Harris, will you be my wife?
*gasp* Brooklyn!
Husband?
How in the world did you afford this?
Got a raise at work. So, whaddaya say?

*crying*
I think that counts as a yes.

Okay Brooklyn, I have a proposition for you. Let's get you married now.
But I just got engaged less than a minute ago! And I have to wash my hands, since my hand sanitizer disappeared.
He has money. With his cash, you can buy hand sanitizer.
Hey Remi, why don't we skip the waitin' part and get married now?
Should I feel bad about exploiting her weakness? ...Nah.

How'd you get all this together?
He asks too many questions.
He's got a point. How did you do all this? Is this dress clean? When can I get some hand sanitizer?
YOU ask too many questions.
Brooklyn. Who are you talking to?
Not you, Remi.







You know, maybe, just maybe, she wasn't kidding with her original engagement question.
I am proud to present Mr. and Mrs... uhhh...
I am proud to present Brooklyn and Remington Gray. I hope that wasn't too emasculating.


Oh hi. Who're you?
Danette. I'm taking over Remington Harris's schedule for some reason.
Is that a tux? And a bridal gown? *chuckle* Good luck.
What's that supposed to mean? Hey get back here!

Whatever. Remi, now that you're in, time to pull your weight. The newspaper is right there.
Who said that?
Call me God. Now get a job.
Yes ma'am.
Let's see...politics, criminal, medicine...okay.
So? What'd you pick?
I'd mind telling you that information, ma'am.
I'd be annoyed if he weren't so darn polite.

Much better.
Couldn't go without your old hair?
Nope. It's just, me.
Speaking of which, Remi, could you come over here please?
I like it. But I care about what you think, so? What do you think?
I rather like it myself.
Yay!

Now I know why the new maid was laughing. Apparently Remi's a so-called Sag trapped in a Cancer sign. As a 2-4-2-8-9, he only cleans if he's getting paid for it. But he has very good traits:
He can cook (which is convenient because Brooklyn can't),
he can skill right up there with her (and I need to marry maids more often; their skill sets rock),
and he's quite the attentive husband. Am I right, Brooklyn?
Can I talk t'you later?


Sweet! Houston, I think we have a decent bed.


Oooh, person! Brooklyn, say hi.
But I'm workin' out.
Go.
Hi. I'm Brooklyn.
Who are you? What is that thing on your head? Why do you not touch me?
I'm sorry, but your hands are the dirtiest part of your body! I can't help it! I guess I could give you some hand sanitizer...
No.
*crying*

Thank you Remi. And you even brought a friend!

Brooklyn. Come a little closer.
Oh? And why should I do that?
It's more comfortable.
See? Aren't you comfortable?
*giggle*
I'll be back... ew.
I bet you don't need hand sanitizer now.
Do you mind?
No.


Well, I know what that means. That would be generation two.
*barf*
Uh, Brooklyn? That's nasty.
Remi can clean it; I'm starvin'.
But I am washin' my hands, though; that is gross.

Remi? Could you clean the toilet?
Alright, I'll do it in an hour.
Remi, where are you goin'?
Work.
You said you were cleanin' the toilet.
I'll do it when I get back.
I can't look at it that long!
Do I have to do everythin' 'round here?



Well, nothing interesting to say here.
Besides the fact that I look like I ate a basketball.


Thank you Remi. The promotion was cool too.
Sure. I said I'd do it.
Whew. That was work.
What work? It's not fixed.
Good night.
Remi, the sink isn't fixed. Remi!
What's goin' on?
Great.
Again?
I'm friggin' pregnant! Why'm I fixin' the sink?
Because you couldn't wait for Remi to wake up?
Ahh!

Ahhh!
What is wrong with this family?

You got promoted again! You picked a good career, even if you are breaking the law and Brooklyn is on your tail.
Not if she's pregnant. Then she just pushes paperwork.
Hmm...do I smell a sneaky plan?
What sneaky plan?
Ahh! I'm huuuuuge!
And you're pregnant, and tired, and hungry. Tell me something I don't know. I'll be back later Brooklyn.
Bring hand sanitizer?
*headdesk*
We'll come back soon! Coming up next - Generation 2!!!
Theme Song: Stranger in My House - Tamia

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Unwritten

This is our base game Legacy founder, Brooklyn Gray.
Uh, whatever. Hello.

Brooklyn Gray
Base Game Legacy Founder
Aspiration: Knowledge
Virgo: 9 neat, 2 shy, 6 active, 4 serious, 5 nice

I actually explained everything to this one. I think. She realizes that should her family not leave an heir up to the 10th generation, Legacy Coast will have the apocalypse, known to us as "deletion." And all her work goes down the drain. And she will die. She can marry anyone she wants, but her descendants down the line might want to make sure their potential spouse isn't distantly related to her. And in the meantime, she should build a house. With walls. And a roof.
It's just like Little House on the Prairie or somethin'!
You can tell she's excited. So let's go.
Yes!

Welcome to your very own homestead.
Whoa. It's huge. Like I got my own state or somethin'.
Not quite that big, but yeah, it's big. Especially since you probably won't fill up half of it in your lifetime. I got you a foundation, some furniture, and a couple of mandatory walls. Thank God this isn't Seasons, or I'd be in trouble.
Wait, where the heck do I pee?

Oh, that's easy. See? The toilet, sink and shower are all over there. In that corner I had to put walls in.

Okay, that is suriously not cool. That's plain unsanitary!
Sorry, but you signed the contract. You could always terminate it, but then you have to die.
Ugh. You gotta be kiddin' me. I'm glad I brought my own hand sanitizer. Wait, where is it?

Oh, I see. Of course, I was so stupid! That's the last time I sign something without a lawyer present.
Well, lawyers don't come before Seasons.
Huh?
Simply, this town isn't getting any lawyers until long after your death.
Darn it! Wait, how do you know?
Trust me.
Why should I? You didn't tell me I wouldn't even have a house.
Great. Not another one that won't listen...

Hi, kid who must be a marathon runner to get all the way out here on foot. D'you have any idea where I can find a lawyer?

Hello Madam. Welcome to Legacy Coast. My name is Alon Livingston and I will be delivering your newspaper for all eternity, or at least until University is installed. *whisper* Do you know if that'll be soon?
Well, maybe if someone down the line likes you that much, you can be their present. For now, it will be at least until Uni.
*blinks* Uh, hi? I'll just take this newspaper, if you don't mind. Where's my hand sanitizer?


Okay, the kid's crazy. Or at least very devoted to his job.
Actually, he was telling the truth.
I don't believe it. How can an "up-and-coming" town not have a single lawyer? Unless you were lyin' about that part too. I'm findin' one, and we're re-negotiatin' my contract.
Whatever helps you sleep at night. Until then, you could use a job to afford the lawyer.
Hmm...pickpocket, nah; that rubs me the wrong way...security guard? I'll pass; that's such a conflict of interest for me...campaign worker...wait a minute, there are elected officials here? Apparently. That's it?
For today. If you don't take a job, you'll be broke and I'll be unhappy. Pick one.
Uh, I guess I'll do the security guard. What's the worst that could happen? And where's my hand sanitizer?
Heheheheheheheh...

Oooh, person. Brooklyn, say hi.
But I'm busy.
Now you're not. Go.
*grumble* Hello. I'm Brooklyn, and a voice in my head told me to talk to you.
Shhhhhh!
Okay... I'm Melissa.
But I like your pants.
Really? Thank you! For the record, I bought these first. Don't believe a word Sandy says. She's a low-down liar. Ooooh, if I could find her...
Ummm, can I go back to my book now?

You actually read books?
Uh, yeah...
*hysterical laughter*
What's so funny? Melissa? Should I call a doctor?
Nah. If we're lucky, she'll die of asphyxiation. I'll take the visitor death hit.
The wha?
Nevermind. Just walk away. I don't want your future colleagues asking questions.

Great. Next time I'm just creating random townies. I don't feel like playing referee. Oh well. Brooklyn, you have visitors. Greet them.
Again? I just wanna read my book in peace.

*eyes bulge* But I'm not playing the Apocalypse. There must be another reason why Ben Long and Marisa Bendett are getting along.
Shhhh! Brandi's tellin' me about people in the neighborhood. Now who'd you say would automatically try to insult me when I greeted 'em?
Are you talking to someone?
Just don't worry about that. The insulter?
You might want to get a pen and a piece of paper.

Can they go home now? I really wanna go back to my book. And my hand sanitizer got lost in the move.
Why not? You've met them all, and now they're all trying to dance together. Time to cut my losses.
How'd you lose anythin'?
Long story. You're hungry; you should make a sandwich or something.

I'll hafta look into where this meat came from. I see a spot on it.
Ever thought your glasses could be smudged?
Really?
Oh boy, this one is certified.

Why am I sweatin' to a radio playing metal?
You wanted skill points and you need to get fit for your new career. And the Presidential Physical Fitness handicap.
What? Handicap? I'm not doin' anythin' that's gettin' me handicapped!
Did I say handicap? Wrong word. Uh... what's another word for test that starts with an H? Okay, I got nothing. Basically, you need a certain amount of body skill to advance in law enforcement. We're working on it now.
Surely *pant* there's gotta be *pant* a quicker way *pant* than this?
Unless you've got 1400 simoleons, no.
Great.

Why'd it get so dark all of a sudden? Where're the lights?
I'm still trying to give you a shack. Lights are a luxury at this point.
I guess that means I might as well go to bed. I can't see a thing without my glasses, and they only work in lit areas.

Good night Brooklyn.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Now's probably a bad time to remind her that she needs to be looking for a spouse. Good thing I always have a plan.

Brooklyn, I need you to make a phone call.
But I just woke up. *yawn*
Even better. It's 1-800-438-6243.
What's this about?

...Are you sayin' I can't clean my own house? I mean, whatever this is? Besides, there's nothin' to clean!
Exactly! It's just a ploy to meet someone.
But, I met four people yesterday.
Ah, Brooklyn. You'll understand later.
What? What're you talkin' about? I wanna know!

Oh no. Sumo wrestlers couldn't stand up to your strength, Miss Gray.
So stock is made by investment? I don't know if I wanna speculate on higher education. I just think that where there are politicians, lawyers will soon follow.

Enjoying your radio, Brooklyn?
Why'm I dancin'?
I was hoping you'd find that fun.
You're kiddin', right?
Of course. You can't find anything enjoyable that's actually fun. I'll get the newspaper.

I can't believe they want $72 for this unfinished shack. It's extortion. And there was no self-stick envelope. What'd they expect me to do, actually lick it? I heard the cockroach story. I'm going stir crazy without my hand sanitizer.

Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew! I'm takin' a bath with Pine-Sol when I get back.
*sigh* Goodbye, Brooklyn.

Darnit, Brooklyn, we're broke as it is! We don't even have that much!

Thank goodness you brought me some good news. I couldn't take any more bad.
You? How d'you think I feel? This job's got me paranoid about everyone. Gah! I neeeeeed my hand sanitizer.
I wonder if you actually use it for your hands.

I'm gonna hafta have a long talk with Remi about the quality of his shower cleaning.
Since when were you two on a first name basis?
That's none of your business.

Darn cheap toilet. I ain't do nothin' to clog it.
I don't know. With you and your hand sanitizer obsession, I could believe you unintentionally clogged it with tissue.
Just because I don't wanna get sick with an easily avoidable infection, I can't be blamed for the breakdown of my plumbin'.

Hey Remi, it's me. I'm ok, you? That's good. Listen, could ya come over? I need some company. Thanks, I really 'preciate it. Bye.

And I hear no words of thanks for the TV.
I'm thankin' you by watchin' it.
That's the last time I get you something fun.

High five!

May I say that you are looking especially lovely today, Miss Gray?
Oh, man, you're makin' me blush, Remi.

Who is it this early in the mornin'? Marisa?
Oh, hello Melissa. You know, I hear it's bad karma to call people while they're sleepin'. They get angry and sometimes lose control of their actions.

Yeah, I've taken up prayin' for bags of money to fall from the sky.
Once again, not until long after your death.
What's with that silly grin?
What silly grin?
*snicker* Brooklyn, why don't you say something?
Say what?
Oh, I don't know, but it could start with "Remi, I like you a lot."
*flushes*
Yeah, it's that obvious.
Um, Miss Gray?
What?
You went into a trance-like state for a few seconds and started talking to yourself.
Oh, sorry 'bout that. And please, call me Brooklyn.
Do it!
C'mere, Remi.
*whisperwhisper*
No fair! I gave you the idea, and now I don't even get to hear it!
Really?
*giggle* Yeah.
Grrr... I wanted to hear it.

And what are you doing?
What? I was just gettin' a hug.
Riiiiiiiiiight.


Ooooh, a telescope! Fin'lly! Thanks.
It was as much for me as you. I was tired of seeing the want.

Oh crap! He never comes to the houses with alarms installed. Brooklyn wake up! You're getting robbed!
Where? I'll kill'im!
Just call the cops!

Hello, this is Brooklyn Gray. I'm bein' robbed! I'm at the house without the roof and most of the walls. Just hurry up! If he robs me blind, I'm gonna sue you for all you're worth!
Oh not that! I just bought that yesterday!
Not the telescope! Anything but the telescope!
Hey buddy...

Go Legacy Coast PD!
Watch the telescope, watch the telescope...
WHAT?!
Um, hello? Criminal gettin' away with my property, officer!

Khan!!!!!
I'm really sorry about your property, Miss.
Gray. Brooklyn Gray. Better remember the name, because at this rate, I'll be your boss pretty soon. Just wait until I graduate...
My bookcase... *cry*
He could've at least gotten the telescope back.

Exercising at this time of night? You should get some sleep.
Can't *grunt* sleep. Must kick *pant* burglar's keister.

Who's that?
Oh, Melissa, I'm so glad you called. You won't believe what happened to me. I was robbed! Yeah, I couldn't believe it either. But he just waltzed right onto my property...
I think we'll take a break while she grouses to her personal stalker. We'll be back to the house that Fini built soon!
Theme Song: Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield