3.17.2--Consequences Paid

Dasia wakes the next morning to an empty bed, to her relief.  However, all hopes of avoiding this conversation for a few more days is dashed when Dasia eventually finds Duncan outside.


They stare at each other for a moment, letting the awkward silence fester between them before Dasia finally speaks. "This is the part where I tell you we need to talk, right?"


"And this is the part where I steel myself against whatever you're going to say." Duncan frowns when Dasia doesn't answer straight away. "All right - out with it."

"I don't want to make this any more cliche than it already is, but what happened last night - it was just... I don't know."


"But you aren't looking for anything serious." Duncan offers. 

Dasia sighs, rubbing the back of her neck in frustration. "I should have stopped it - us."


"Why didn't you?"


"I - don't know." She says slowly. "I suppose it was just nice having someone there without the worry of commitment.  Relationships just aren't my thing, Duncan.  You know this."


Duncan grimaces.  She's right, of course.  He's known this - well, forever; but he still feels vulnerable and rejected despite his years of planning for this potential scenario.  "I think I should go.  I just... need to be somewhere else for a while."


"Duncan -"


He shakes his head gently to silence whatever protestation she's preparing.  "I need some time, okay?"


Dasia nods weakly. "Okay."

Without another word, or even a parting gesture, Duncan heads back inside and within minutes he's dressed and out the front door; leaving Dasia to stew in her guilt.


-------------------------------------------------

With no call from Duncan the next day and her overwhelming need to avoid having to explain herself to Lizzie or her family, Dasia spends her time alone in the office writing - if only for the distraction.  In her novels, her characters find respite where she can't and are emotionally stable where she is not.  They are so unlike her that she can't familiarize with them and ends up scrapping and restarting every page she's written thus far. 


"I'm an aspiring novelist that can't write her way out of a paper bag - fucking awesome." She scoffs and pushes herself forcefully from the desk.  Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she feels her stomach lurch suddenly in protest.

And when her attempts of keeping the contents of her stomach where they should be fail miserably, she runs straight for the bathroom.  "Anxiety." She mutters, sitting next to the toilet.  "It's just anxiety.  It has to be."

Ellis gets an unexpected, but not unwelcome, visit from Fawn.  "Your sister spends a lot of time in the bathroom." She states bluntly.


Ellis shrugs. "She says she's just sick.  I don't believe her, but I also don't think fighting with her about it while she's hovering over the toilet is very appropriate."  Ellis watches as Fawn squirms uncomfortably in her seat. "What?"


"Nothing.  It's just - remember what we learned in science last semester?  You know, the signs of pregnancy."


Ellis blinked in surprise. "She has been throwing up and sleeping quite a lot.  And mom has mentioned that she had the same symptoms when she was carrying us..."


"Maybe it's nothing and she's telling the truth."


"Right." Ellis doubtfully agrees. "The stomach flu or something."

If Gideon has any suspicions about his sister, he doesn't concern himself with them.  Instead, he spends the brunt of his time avoiding getting caught for his behavior at school and conspiring with Kris.

"Our birthdays are coming up." Kris says, glancing over at Gideon.


"Yeah, and?" Gideon smirks.


"Humor me, Gid.  You know what I'm baiting you for."


"Nope.  I'm utterly clueless."

Kris untangles himself from Gideon in annoyance.  "I'm being serious here.  What does this mean for us?  You've never told me what your plans are after graduation."


"That's because I don't have any, Kris.  I want to play music - that's about as far as I've gotten."


Kris looks momentarily crestfallen.  "And nothing else factors into your future?"


Gideon smirks, grabbing Kris' hand in his.  "Of course there are other factors, I just thought they were obvious and didn't need to be said.  Kris, I'm not moving out of town and I'm not breaking up with you if that's what you're worried about."  Gideon scoots closer and squeezes Kris' hand reassuringly.  "Wherever you are is where I'll be, I promise."


Kris smiles, placing his head on Gideon's shoulder.  "Assuming you don't go to prison.  That's one place I'm not following you."


"Well I'm glad you have standards.  I'll keep that in mind."

Pacey has taken quite a liking to painting.  He often spends most of his time in the spare room alone perfecting his skills.  He hopes to one day be the next Simcasso award winner for Meadow Glen.

He also wants to grow up to be a dinosaur - ya' know, keeping his options open and whatnot.

Pregnancy confirmed.


Dasia looks at her belly apprehensively.  "Great - as if my life isn't already complicated enough."  She sighs deeply, letting her anxiety release with her breath and then places her hand gently where a baby bump will soon be forming.  "Well, little - um, whatever you are ... looks like it's time to spill the news." 

Telling her parents is remarkably easy, albeit uncomfortable when her mother starts asking questions about who the father is.  Cedric has enough sense to let the conversation remain between them two.  If there's anything he's bad at it's knowing what to say in these situations.


"It's Duncan." Harper says, as if the answer is obvious.  "I know it."


Dasia furrows her brows anxiously, but nods in confirmation.  "Yes."


"I haven't seen him around.  You haven't told him, have you?"


"Well -" Dasia starts, coming up short of a worthy excuse. "No." She says, deflated. "I haven't."


"And I take you aren't in a relationship with him either?"


"Will you be disappointed if I say no?"

Harper frowns. "Only if you love him.  If so, don't make the same mistake I did and waste away the time you have together because of doubts."


"I love Duncan, but not like that.  We just - well - I mean, the night we came back from celebrating -"


"I don't need to know the details, dear." Harper interrupts. "I just want you to be happy, but you do need to tell him - sooner, rather than later."


Dasia rubs her ever expanding belly absentmindedly, avoiding telling her mom that the sheer thought of breaking the news to Duncan makes her feel like she's developing a stress hernia of epic proportions.  Harper places her hand over Dasia's and follows the movements across her belly.  "Sweetheart; you have to be responsible now whether you want to or not.  And the responsible thing to do is to tell the father of your child the truth."


"You're right, mom.  I'll tell him soon, I promise."

Dasia attempts to make good on that promise the following night, only to hang up as soon as she hears his voice.  "He knows it's you, you idiot." She mutters. "Caller ID is the worst invention on the planet."

Dasia gives up and decides to call him the next day - only to be beaten to the punch.


"Duncan?" She asks nervously.


"Are you okay?  You've called me at least a dozen times."


Dasia pauses, trying to come up with a tactful way to start the conversation and then opts for the blunt approach. "I'm pregnant." She blurts.


"Oh.  And you're sure?"


"Unless I'm only getting fat in one region of my body, then yes - I'm 100 percent sure I'm pregnant."


"I'm off work at 2. Is it okay if I come over around 3?"


"You don't have to do that, Duncan.  I mean, if you don't want to do this - I can take care of him or her myself."


Duncan sighs, clearly frustrated. "I want to be there for my child and I'm a little offended that you think I wouldn't.  Listen - I have to get back to the station, but I'll be by later today."

And true to his word, Duncan shows up promptly at 3.  "Wow." He blinks in surprise.  "You really are pregnant."


Dasia laughs. "Thanks."


Duncan moves forward hesitantly.  "May I?" He asks, motioning toward her stomach.

Dasia nods and places his hand where she usually feels the most activity.  Sure enough, their child kicks and Duncan grins at the sudden movement.  "I want to be there for our child." He says, determined.


"Then you will be."  She guides his hand to another active spot and waits for the next movement. "Duncan, I miss you."  She states, simply.  "I know things are strained right now, but I just want you to know that I miss my best friend."


He looks up and smiles. "I miss you too.  Although things are quite a bit more interesting between us now, aren't they?"


"That's one way of putting it."

Her belly grows -

- and then explodes just a couple of days later.

When Dasia returns home later that night with Lachlan, it's then that she realizes the gravity of her situation.  She's a mother now and there's no turning back.


--------------------------------------------------
Gideon & Kris <3 I love writing them; I'm going to be sad when Gideon leaves.  (Cece - don't you dare spoil anything! :P)


So Skyrim has been taking up a good chunk of my time (trying to get my Nord hitched and such), but I'll try to keep updates fairly regular from here on out.  I'm excited to get Generation 4 in the works and introduce the Generation 5 bb's.  They turned out so well; I'm practically bursting with happiness.  


Ellis is still the heiress, I promise.  Dasia's story arch is just sucking up most of the dramz for the time being.  Ellis' turn is soon. *rubs hands together mischievously*

3.17.1--Decisions Made

Dasia graduates as class Valedictorian and is voted most likely to be a rock star - in memoriam of her awesome air guitar skills.  Dasia laughed when given the award, but made sure to let everyone know that it's not the career she wants to enter.  Although, when asked what her future holds she simply shrugged in response.  She's too young to think of tomorrow; it's better to live in the now.

She and Duncan meet up later that night at the local tavern to celebrate.  All they had time for during the ceremony was a hasty hug and quick congratulations before being pulled apart by their families for pictures; so Dasia was glad for the opportunity to just be alone for a little while with her best friend.


As soon as Dasia enters the bar, Duncan isn't sure how to conduct himself - especially when she's dressed like that. "You look - uh, wow." He frowns as he inspects his own clothing. "I'm under-dressed, aren't I?"


"No, no." Dasia laughs. "Lizzie bought me this getup as a graduation present and insisted I wear it tonight to break it in before we go clubbing." She pouts, pulling at bottom section of the fabric in a failed attempt to cover more of her legs. "I don't think she realizes that it's going to be impossible to dance and still remain marginally modest in this dress - or lack thereof." 

Duncan smiles nervously.  "I think that it looks great on you, 'Sia.  It - um, accentuates the right parts."


"You always have a way with words." She laughs. "Let's get some drinks before this conversation delves into irrevocably awkward territory."


Duncan nods in response and when Dasia turns toward the bar to get their drinks, he lets his smile falter.  She doesn't want anything more than friendship, he chides. Stop embarrassing yourself.  When she returns, Duncan immediately downs his drink - letting it flow through his body heavily and drown out his thoughts.


"You okay?"


"Fine." He smiles. "Just ready to celebrate moving on."


Dasia quirks her brow, but doesn't ask any questions. "Right. To moving on." She raises her glass in a toast, before chugging hers as well.

Their first night drinking is a success of sorts (no one threw up or danced on any tables at least) and they return to Dasia's house exhausted, but full of adrenaline.

"Are you gun' be okay?" Duncan slurs, stumbling into the door frame.

Dasia smirks as he slips and closes her eyes against the slowly revolving room. "I'll be fiiinnneee.  I'm at home, 'member?"


"Oh right." Duncan looks around the room as if he's just now realizing they're no longer in the bar, then ambles toward the door. "This i'nt my house.  I should go home an' sleep this off." He mutters.

Dasia grabs his arm and pulls him back, causing them both to stumble into each other.  They laugh loudly at the sudden collision. "Shh!" She puts her hand over his mouth. "I drunk enough to know I'll be embarrassssss if my parents find us.  An' you should stay here." She points towards the guest room. "We have a bed an' effrythin'."  She can feel his mouth smiling under her hand and she blushes at the closeness of their bodies. "C'mon," Dasia says, separating herself from him; "I'll show you."

They both stumble awkwardly toward the guest room, conveniently located in the garage.  Duncan smiles as soon as he enters the room and Dasia expects him to point out the lack of - well, everything really.  But instead, Duncan heads straight for the bed.

And when they both realize they aren't tired, Duncan convinces Dasia to join him on said bed to talk until the adrenaline rush wears off.  Then I'll retire to my own room - she decides, that's the responsible thing to do.

Dasia, even in her compromised state, knows that entering anything physical will be a major mistake.  She's never envisioned Duncan as more than a friend, and was sure that she made her view of him indirectly clear.  However, the combination of the alcohol coursing through her veins and the way he stares at her, the way he always stares at her, bury her reservations and make her give in.  

As they fumble in the dark, Dasia lets the moment cloud her judgment further - she should stop this, but she can't.  The guilt can be dealt with later.    


------------------------------------------
The Family Tree is officially updated if anyone is truly interested; but it does contain spoilers.  Just sayin'.


Short chapter, but the next couple will be the end of generation 3 and official start of generation 4.  YESSS!

3.16--A Space To Call Our Own

Dasia returns home shaken from her encounter with the frogs that flooded the school and decides to call it an early night.  Even with the lack of evidence everyone knows who did it, Gideon being the only one clever enough to pull it off and the timing much too convenient, but no one outright blames him.  Except for Ellis.


"I can't believe you." She can't help suppressing an incredulous smile.  Gideon was too good and this was something even she didn't see coming.


"Whatever do you mean?" He asks, feigning offense.


"Don't act coy with me.  I know you set those frogs loose, everyone knows it was you."

"I would never do such a thing.  And even if it were me, they have no definitive proof.  I'm in the clear."


Ellis shakes her head. "I really hope you know what you're doing, Gideon.  If mom and dad find out, they'll have your head.  And aren't you scared of what Dasia will do in return?"


Gideon laughs. "I think it will be impossible for her to top whatever genius pulled that hilariously executed plan.  If I had done it, I would say this is officially the end of the war and I have come out victorious - again."


"I hope you're right."

"You hope I won?  I always knew you were secretly on my side."


Dasia turns away frowning. "I'm on no one's side Gideon.  I meant, I hope you're right about this stupid feud being done with."


Gideon grins. "Now where would the fun in that be?"

After Dasia comes home, the twins settle down after their birthday festivities, and Pacey is put in his crib; Harper and Cedric finally find some alone time.  


Cedric laughs. "Why are we sitting in the dark?"


"I turned the lights out so the kids think we're sleeping.  Maybe then we'll be able to get some peace without one of them running up here to tattle on someone."


"Do you think it will work?"

"I have high hopes." Harper smiles. "Listen, we need to talk.  Pacey will be a child in a few days and we don't have room for him."


Cedric sighs. "Yeah, I know.  I talked to Dasia about potentially bunking up with him and she said she was fine with it - but we need a bigger place."


"The Abbey's just moved out of their house across town; I think we might be able to afford it. We'll have to jump on it fast, though.  I have a feeling it won't stay on the market for long."


"If we can buy it tomorrow, I think we can get this place all packed and moved while the kids are at school." Cedric pauses, before adding;  "I was hoping to spend our day off in a more - romantic manner."


"Well... we still have tonight."


Cedric pulls Harper closer. "Indeed we do."

With luck, Harper and Cedric are able to secure their new house the following day.  It took some serious haggling with the realtor, but with their aggressive tactics they were able to put themselves on the market and buy it outright.

And a good thing too because just two days later, Pacey becomes a child.  

More mysterious pranks have been popping up around the school.  Gideon tries to play it cool, but he doesn't fool Duncan. 

Cedric doesn't understand his son on most days.  Gideon is the only one of his children that still remains an enigma to him, but any attempt to pick apart his thoughts leaves Cedric even more confused than he was previously.  


"So how's school going, Giddy?"


Gideon smirks. "School is - fine."


"Did you make any new friends?  Maybe a girlfriend or boyfriend?"

Gideon shrugs. "I know people."


Cedric thinks that this conversation is clearly going nowhere. "Well... thanks for the talk son -"

"- it was enlightening." He deadpans.


Gideon grins when he sees his father's expression. "No problem."

It turns out Gideon does have a boyfriend, although he would never let his parents know.  It's far too much fun being vague and keeping them guessing.


As soon as Gideon shows up to their spot, Kristofer Starr pulls him into a hug. "I feel like I haven't seen you all day."


Gideon laughs. "You haven't.  I was in the principal's office under suspicion, remember?"

Kris glares at him worriedly. "You're going to get into some serious trouble if you keep this up, Gid. Tobias told me that he overheard a couple of teachers talking about you and it wasn't good. It will get back to your parents, eventually."


"Nah.  You're paranoid.  Trust me, I have my bases covered."

Gideon can see that Kris is about to argue further, so he quickly changes the topic.  "Want to go see a movie?"


"It's really close to curfew; I'm not sure we would make it back in time."


Gideon quirks his eyebrow. "Kris, you have to live on the wild side a little.  You're too bent on keeping the rules."


"I can never understand why you like me over Tobias.  You two seem to have more in common, at least as far as the principal is concerned." Kris scoffs.

Gideon wraps his arms around Kris's waist, pulling him closer. "I'm with you because I like you.  I like that you're a goody-goody on most occasions, but still know when to have fun.  I like that you mellow me out when I get temperamental.  I just - like you."  Gideon smiles.  "Now how about that movie?"

Ignore the pixelated mess.  My graphics card SUCKS.


As soon as the boys make their way over, there is a cop patrolling the area looking for delinquents.  They hoped they were sneaky enough to stay out sight, but she spotted them in no time.  


Gideon lies to the cop telling her that Kris works at the theater and he just got off his shift, and although she doesn't believe him fully, lets Kris off with a warning.  And so, Gideon takes the fall.

And what a fall it ends up being.  Cedric is waiting at the front door for his son to return the moment he gets the call from the policewoman.  "What were you doing out so late?! And don't lie to me; not right now."


Gideon lets his anger play across his face, before replying.  "I just wanted to see a movie.  I was going to come home right after - dad." He adds sarcastically.


"And with that bout of disrespect added to the list; you're officially grounded Gideon.  No TV, no computer, no video games, and no friends for the next week.  Do you understand?" Gideon purses his lips and nods curtly. "Good. Now go to your room.  I've had it for tonight."

Gideon goes to his room and smirks.  "He didn't say I couldn't play the drums."


Smashing his drum set does help him calm down a bit, with the added bonus of annoying everyone else in the house.  If he is going to be grounded, he's going to make damn sure to spread his misery.  

Things continue in the Harris household as normal, despite Gideon's recent run-in with the law.  Dasia is still not talking to Gideon after her prom fiasco and everyone else is preoccupied with life, so she spends her time polishing her writing skills.

Ellis and Pacey develop a bond.  He's more reclusive than their siblings and doesn't like socializing, so he only plays with select people in the household.  Ellis never asks too many questions and seems to genuinely enjoy her time with him; Pacey decides he likes her the best.

Harper purchases a few new songs from the bookstore.  She has since moved up in her career and is finding that her guitar skills are a bit rusty compared to her coworkers.  She and Cedric stay home in shifts to make sure Gideon adheres to his punishment, so she uses any time that she has alone to practice away from the home and away from the stress.  

The combination of playing new music and being outside makes her a little over-excited; but also a town spectacle.  Before she knows it, she's drawing crowds that are entranced by her both her music and her erratic guitar playing.

Cedric also uses his off time to get out of the house.  He finds the gym to be a relaxing place and running to be the perfect way to work off aggression.

The night before Dasia's birthday, Gideon is finally released from his punishment.  Harper pats him gently on the shoulder; "Me and your father discussed it and we think you've served your time.  Please, next time you feel you are going to be late; give us a call.  We weren't necessarily angry that you broke curfew, but that we didn't know where you were."  Harper brushes his hair back from his face. "I've lost family members before, I don't want to lose any of you kids as well."


Gideon's curiosity sparks, his mother never talks about her past; but suppresses his want to ask questions. For once, his guilt outweighs any other emotion and he simply nods. "Okay, mom.  Next time, I'll give you and dad a heads up."

Dasia's birthday party is scheduled the next afternoon.  Duncan's birthday was the previous day and Lizzie still had seven days until hers, so it was decided that since Lizzie was so far behind, Duncan and Dasia would celebrate their newfound adulthood without her the night of graduation.

Dasia relishes her freedom already.

After a week of being separated, Gideon not having his phone, and only being able to socialize at school; Kris finally gets the opportunity to thank Gideon for saving his ass properly.

That's certainly one way of thanking someone, Kristofer. These two are seriously adorable together. *swoon*

Dasia wakes up extra early the next morning to get a makeover before her graduation.  She knows her parents are probably going to hate it, but she feels more herself and less like a child.


Pink, purple, and blue hair? Yes, please!

Dasia was hoping to spring her new look on her family as a surprise, but it turns out Gideon and Ellis were already awake.  Dasia sighs reluctantly and joins her siblings on the couch.  "You guys were supposed to be asleep." She chides.

"Yeah, well - mom apparently went into our bedroom and set our alarm clocks to seven to make sure we woke up on time for your graduation.  I'm locking my bedroom from now on."

Gideon doesn't say anything for a moment and instead gazes at his sister's new hair.  "I hate your hair." He states simply.


Dasia smirks. "I hate your face."

Ellis laughs to herself quietly. "Well at least you two are talking again."


-----------------------------------------

This chapter was supposed to cover Dasia's graduation and night out with Duncan as well, but it was getting a bit lengthy; so I cut it short.


Totaling the chapters between this legacy and the Dennis'; I'm at 40 chapters. WHHHAAA? When did that happen?  Seriously though; it took me forever to get here. : /


More than a few people have shown interest in Dasia (and I'm excited to hear it!) and I just wanted to add that she is located in the Random Legacies Sims' blog for everyone to enjoy... or murder.  Ya' know; whatever floats your boat.

MUGSHOT OF PACEY

I forgot to write down his traits. I'll get to those next age-up. : /

Other than that, no new updates to share as of yet.  Things are moving along swimmingly.

Also, I'm 23 today guys! :D