4.1--Ellis & Co.

Prom takes Ellis by surprise.  Of course she knows about the dance, but she was convinced that she would never attend.  She tends to be much more aloof than inviting in these situations - but Fawn's excitement and attempts to persuade her to go eventually get to Ellis.  


"We'll go together.  It'll be fun!" Fawn pouts her lips in mock sadness.


"Nope. Remember the other dance you convinced me to go to?"


"He totally liked you!" She says, throwing her hands up in the air. "I was just trying to help!"


Ellis narrows her eyes and scoffs. "Ugh! Fine." Fawn relents. "I promise not to push you into any guys this time.  You happy?"


"Yes."


"Then you'll go?"


Ellis sighs.  Fawn's excitement over the whole thing was already beginning to work it's charm, but seeing her hopeful expression now just seals the deal.  "I'll go." 

So clothes were bought, a limo was hired, and her brothers were invited - and off they went.

Gideon and Kris, however, never make it to the dance.  Kris's brother Tobias aged up the day before and both of them don't have any other friends at the school to convince them that it will be worthwhile - instead, they make their way over to the local tavern.  


When Gideon suggests they have a few underage drinks to make this night a little more interesting, Kris shakes his head nervously.  "The bartender, Kylee Sweetin - she knows my parents."


"Well, that's stupid.  Why did you suggest this place then?"


Kris smirks.  "Perhaps because it's the only bar in town?"


"Oh right." Gideon shrugs.  "Forgot that detail.  So - what do we do now?"


"Shuffleboard?" Kris laughs when Gideon's frown deepens.  "It's either this or prom."


"Eh.  Shuffleboard it is then."

The night is a success for everyone involved.  Ellis, even with her initial reservations, ends up having a great time and doesn't get prodded by Fawn to flirt with anyone.  Fawn, however, doesn't keep that promise for herself and bats her eyes at anything with two legs.


Pacey's night is much more interesting than his sister's.  Anne Parks - a girl from his class - not only asks him to dance, but reveals the crush she's been harboring for over a year.  He's surprised and somewhat confused as she's one of the few talented artists in their art club - someone who has inspired him, but also someone he never really talked to.  The way she smiles at him keeps him at her side for rest of prom.


Gideon and Kris manage to rejoin the group when they return and make up stories about their fake prom night when Harper and Cedric ask how it went.  Ellis and Fawn snicker when Kris almost slips up, but Gideon regains footing - shooting a smug smile at his sister when he finishes. "That sly bastard." Fawn whispers under her breath.

Cedric has recently taken up the paint brush.  Not because he hopes to be a famous artist like Pacey or an attempt to make a name for himself, as he's already done that, but to simply tick something off of his bucket list.  Despite what his son thinks, Cedric does have an appreciation for art - just not the weird shit Pacey likes.  He'll be the first to admit that his paintings looks like a five year-old did them, but that doesn't matter to him.

Harper still plays the guitar - a lot.  She's almost at the highest her career can go and has been given first chair in the symphony, so now she focuses mostly on honing her skill and practicing the compositions.

Sometimes Harper even sneaks into Gideon's room while he's playing the drums and starts an impromptu jam session with her son; a moment that Gideon has grudgingly learned to appreciate.  After all, if he wants to be a musician like his mother - who better to learn from than her?

Lachlan spam.  The boy is adorable - 'nuff said.

Pacey recently applied to the arts school in Bridgeport, not expecting to get in.  However, after his painting won an award in the local young artist contest in Meadow Glen and eventually made the circuit around Simnation, he was offered a scholarship to the school.  His parents would still have to pay quite a hefty sum and he would have to leave Anne - but this is his dream and he decides to go for it.


"Mom. Dad. Now that you're both gathered here - may I speak with you?"


Harper laughs.  "No need to be so formal, Pace.  Of course you can talk to us."


Pacey brushes his hand through his hair nervously.  "Okay.  Remember that contest that I won?" Harper and Cedric nod. "Well - the painting I submitted has been noticed during its presentation in that young artist show and I was offered a spot at the prestigious LeFromage Art School in Bridgeport.  They gave me a scholarship, but it doesn't cover the whole cost for tuition."  He finishes.

Cedric and Harper look skeptically at each other for a moment and Pacey feels his heart sink.  They aren't going to say yes and he'll be stuck in his mediocre arts class studying under failed painters who are just trying to make a living with the one talent that they have.  "Are you sure this is what you want?" Cedric starts. "Your art is wonderful, Pacey and you don't need to go to an expensive school for anyone else to acknowledge that much."


"Yes, I do." Pacey states simply. "I want to be great, dad.  The best way to do that is to study with the best."


When Cedric looks to Harper for her opinion, she smiles and nods. "All right, son.  If that's what you want then make the arrangements and we'll sign the check."


"Thank you."  Pacey bows to his parents before leaving the room.

The elder Harris' exchange a confused glance in response to Pacey's overly cordial manner.  "Artists are weird." Cedric smirks.


Harper shakes her head, laughing.  "No.  I'm afraid that's just our son."

Not too long later, the twins have their birthdays.  Ellis isn't ready to become an adult, but Gideon is.  He's been waiting for this for far too long and can't wait to start his own life with Kris.

 Ellis.  The pink and purple are strong with this one.

Gideon.  Aimed and ready to cause some trouble.

His family wanted a small birthday gathering, so Kris wasn't able to attend.  However, along with his parents - Kris has been helping him move his stuff over to their new place across town.  As soon as he ages up, Gideon says a quick goodbye and hops into Kris's car.  He has a warm bed with his boyfriend waiting for him at his new home and a job to be ready for at the local theater - there's no need to delay.

After his older siblings age up, Pacey meets Anne at their spot (which is the same spot that Gideon and Kris used to share - random fact).  He decides not to break the news of his leaving to her over the phone.


Anne frowns when he doesn't say anything for a long while.  "You got in to the art school."  Pacey quickly changes his expression to that of genuine surprise and Anne smiles.  She loves that face and she's going to miss it.  "News travels fast, Pace."


"You're not angry?"


"Angry, no.  A little disappointed that you didn't tell me, yes."


Pacey grabs her hand, brushing it lightly with his thumb.  A habit that he's developed to save time when Anne catches him off-guard, like she usually does.  "I didn't want to say anything until everything was filed and ready."


Anne squeezes his hand.  "When do you leave?"


"Tomorrow."

Anne is a little angry at first, but ignores it to pull him into a hug.  "I'll miss you."  


Pacey rests his head in the crook of her neck and sighs.  "I'm going to miss you too."

Back at home, Fawn makes an impromptu appearance after Ellis's birthday - something that Ellis, and her family, have long since gotten used to.  Fawn never calls, she just pops in whenever she feels like it.


"So, what are we going to do tonight?" She asks eagerly.


"Um - I'm probably going to go sleep early so I can look for jobs in the morning."


"No." Fawn laughs. "You're going out with me to Shady's and we're going to get you hooked up."

Luckily for Ellis, Fawn decides to regale her with the "dirty charm" of the club - making her all the more turned off by the idea.  Fawn watches as Ellis's expression changes from reluctance to outright disgust. "You'll like it, I promise."  She adds.  "I went there last night by myself and scoped the place out.  I wouldn't just take you to any club, Ell."


Ellis smirks.  "If I go, will you promise to give me one quiet weekend without clubbing and drinking to watch a movie, or maker forbid, read?"


Fawn shakes her head, laughing.  "You are seriously such a hermit.  Yes, I give my word as your best friend that I will not bug you to go out for one full weekend if you come with me tonight."


"Fine."  Ellis says, slumping her shoulders.  "I guess let's go then."

We can dance if you want to, we can leave your friends behind...

It's not long before Fawn finds them both potential prospects.  Fawn has her eye on Alicia Silver - a local doctor that she's been fawning over (ha - bad pun!) since she met her at high school.


"There's a man at the bar that keeps staring at you."  Fawn says, not taking her eyes off of Alicia lest she leave before she can make her move.  


Ellis follows her eyes and laughs.  "Go for it, Fawn.  You don't need to set me up - I am okay just hanging out by myself."


Fawn shakes her head. "That's one thing I wouldn't do Ell - leave you by yourself."  She frowns.


"But you'd leave me with a complete stranger?"  She chides and when Fawn looks legitimately hurt, Ellis sighs.  "That was rude."


"No; that was the truth.  I'm sorry, Ell.  Let's go get a drink - there will always be another time for Alicia."

As they head toward the bar, Ellis can sense Fawn's disappointment.  She stops and turns back toward her friend.  "Go, Fawn."  She smiles.  "We took my car, so I have a ride home if you're flirting is... successful."

Fawn shakes her head again, but Ellis persists and it's not too long later that Fawn lets her know that she and Alicia will be heading back to her place.  Ellis smiles to herself once they're out the door - she has always admired Fawn's ability to spark other people's interest.  How she manages it, she'll never know.

It's also not long until the man at the bar that Fawn was pointing out earlier joins Ellis.  She can feel his stare and blushes.  "Are you going to say something or just be creepy?" She asks.


The man laughs. "Can I do both?  Creepy adds character, I say."  Ellis smiles. "Should we formally introduce ourselves?"  


"Ellis."  She states simply.  "And you?"


He extends his hand and Ellis reddens at the sudden contact.  "Logan.  Well, Ellis - what do you say to another drink?"

She pauses, fiddling with the empty glass in front of her.  "I really shouldn't.  I need to get up early in the morning."


Without skipping a beat, Logan hands her a small card with his name on it and a pen.  "Can I have your number?  Maybe we can do this another time."  


Ellis looks at the card briefly.  It's clearly a business card.  "Do you carry these with you everywhere?"  She holds the card up, smirking.


Logan shrugs.  "No.  I had a meeting here, of all places."  He says, looking around. "If you don't want to give me your number, just keep it.  I'll wait for your call."


Ellis smiles and puts the card in her purse.  "Don't lose it."  He chides as she leaves the bar.  "I really will be waiting."  


Ellis laughs and pats the pocket of her purse where she put his card protectively.  "I put it in a safe place.  It was nice meeting you, Logan."


"It will be nice meeting up with you again, Ellis."  He smiles.


"You're confident." 


"I'm hopeful."  He corrects.

The next morning, Pacey packs his things and heads out to the cab that will take him to the airport.

And Ellis gets a job at the local police station.  She wasn't expecting getting a job there, but it seems it's the only place she's qualified for - so she takes it.  

When Ellis returns home after her workout at the gym, she pulls out Logan's card from her purse and looks at it.  If Dasia and Fawn find out, they'll convince her to call him anyway - so why not?  She dials the number quickly and nervously hits the call button.  It rings for a long while and Ellis sighs in relief.  An answering machine she can handle.


Her relief is cut short when Logan answers. "Hello?"


"Oh hi."  She stammers.  "This is - well, the girl you met from the bar last night."


"Ellis!" He says, excitedly.  "Thank goodness.  I was starting to second guess my charming personality there for a while."


Ellis laughs.  "So - about meeting up again?"


"Are you open tonight?" 


Ellis pauses.  She was hoping for more time to prepare herself for dating.  "Um - well, yes."


"Great.  I don't have a car while I'm in town, but can you meet me at the bistro around 7?"


"Sure.  I'll be there at 7."  When they hang up, Ellis looks at the clock.  She has 5 hours to get ready - in more ways than one.  Why did I say yes?!  She silently complains, before heading upstairs.


-----------------------------------------
Finally a chapter focused on the heir.  Jebus.  Dasia and Gideon were sucking up all the chapters; those plot-hoarders! 


Okay, so Ellis' Miscellaneous Roll is Live Your Trait and I picked Athletic.  I may or may not have accidentally forgotten about this roll until about a week or so into her YA stage. : / She's making up for it now though.  

I have however been really good with The Opportunist roll so far.  The only drawback to this is she keeps wishing to have more fuggin' friends, courtesy of her blasted Friendly trait.  I never truly realized it before now, but socialization in sims can be a downright nightmare sometimes.


In case it isn't painfully obvious - both Ellis and Dasia didn't do the whole dating thing in high school.  Dasia because she just doesn't want to enter anything serious with anyone and keeps to herself (borderline asexual, if you ask me) and Ellis because she's too shy and no boy ever truly appealed to her; which is changing with the introduction of Logan.  :D


I'm about 7 chapters ahead and I keep wanting to play more than write - possibly because I'm in love with a future person in the legacy.  Maybe.

3.18--Nightcall

Shortly after Lachlan's birth, Dasia gets an unplanned visit from Lizzie.  It's clear that she knows about Dasia and Duncan already, but doesn't plan on saying so.


"So?" Liz prompts impatiently.  "Are you going to tell me the truth or just sit there and stare at me?"


Dasia fidgets uncomfortably.  "Do I really need to say it?"  Lizzie crosses her arms in response and purses her lips.  She's determined and she isn't leaving until she hears the whole story. "Fine." Dasia relents, " I'll give you the summary: Duncan took me out to a bar, we got drunk, we came back and had sex and now I have a son." 

Lizzie sighs sadly and shifts her body language from confusion to hurt.  She can't help feeling disappointed that both of her best friends decided to keep this secret from her.  Hell, Lizzie didn't see Dasia all throughout her pregnancy and had to hear about her new child from Duncan's sister.  "Why didn't you tell me?  I could have helped you - or smacked you upside the head or something."


"I didn't want you to look at me the way you are right now.  I already feel guilty and I don't need anyone else to point out, well..."


Lizzie shakes her head when Dasia trails off and decides it's best to change the subject for the time being. "What's his name?" She asks quietly.


"Lachlan." Dasia smiles.  "The little bugger is quite cute."


"And Duncan? Is he going to help?"


"We - worked it out somewhat, but the details aren't set in stone.  He's made it clear that he's going to be a father to him, so that's enough for me."  She glances in the direction of Lachlan's crib when she hears a faint cry.  "Would you like to meet him?  You are his aunt, after all."


Liz grins.  "I would love to."

Harper and Cedric - a preamble to the "deed."

Post-coitus cuddles.


"How does it feel kissing a grandmother?" Harper teases.


"Probably just as satisfactory as kissing a grandfather." He quirks his eyebrow playfully and Harper laughs.  "You know, tomorrow I'm actually going to look the part." 


Harper pulls him closer and lays her head on his chest.  "And soon after, I'll follow you."  She says, tracing circles on his arm.  "We're getting oooold."


"Eh - we'll be cool seniors.  The kind that sit on their front porches and shoo the kids off their lawn.  Or ramble nonsensically about the good old days - or those pesky youngin's."


"Your definition of 'cool' is questionable."


"Come on - we'll get senior discounts and be able to complain about everything without someone telling us to shut our traps.  It'll be our glory days."


"I hope you're right."

Harper and Cedric take Pacey to the art museum the next afternoon.  Since both Cedric and Lachlan will be stealing some of his spotlight with their joined birthday night, spending some time alone with him felt necessary.  If, at the very least, to make him feel like his birthday is still special despite having to share the celebration with two others.


Cedric glances at Harper, who dons the same confused expression that he's been wearing since they first stepped foot in the museum.  Nothing here was "artistic," so much as random.

Pacey scoffs at his uncultured parents.  They clearly have an unfortunate lack of understanding for true expression.  These pieces are pure, raw emotion and someday he's going to create something just as brilliant.


--------------Birthday Madness--------------

Pacey goes first - who's a spitting image of Cedric.  

Next up, little Lachlan.  Again, his features are much more Duncan than Dasia.  

And lastly, Cedric - who is clearly unimpressed with his new wrinkles.

Since Lachlan's birth, Duncan and Dasia haven't had a chance to talk (not alone, at least).  Despite her best efforts, Dasia was dreading this day.  Sure, they seemed okay and Duncan had certainly stepped up to the plate and helped her as much as he could - but he was still holding back.  Things were both close and distant between them and confusing.  Confusing is annoying and awkward and keeps her up at night wondering - but not anymore.  He can build a wall all he wants - Dasia just wants to know that he is okay and the easiest way to do that is to simply ask.  Right?


"We haven't talked much." She starts, watching his face for any clues as to what he may be thinking and finding her efforts wholly unsuccessful.  He just simply nods - egging her to continue. "Are we okay, Duncan? I mean - we haven't really discussed our relationship."

Duncan rubs the back of his neck - a sign that she knows well from her own family.  He's frustrated.  "I just feel like we're pretending.  Pretending to be friends, pretending to be parents, pretending that we both don't realize that things will never be like they were.  What are we going to do when Lachlan starts asking why his parents aren't married?  That we were together once and then separated?  Or we were just two friends that didn't think of the consequences of their actions? I thought we could make this work for us, but now I'm starting to wonder how we'll tell our son how he came to be." He grumbles angrily. 

Dasia is taken aback.  She's been so wrapped up making sure that Lachlan is being taken care of in the present that she hasn't taken the opportunity to think about the future.  "We tell him the truth." She whispers. "We tell him that we are two people that care deeply for each other and let that emotion take control one night."

"Care deeply?"

It's Dasia's turn to rub the back of her neck - except her reason is out of nervousness.  Talking about relationships and feelings makes her uncomfortable and want to flee - but this isn't someone or something that she can run from or avoid.  This is her family.  "Yes." She mutters. "I care about you - you know that."

Duncan smiles sadly and takes her hand.  She pulls back at first, but he manages to catch it a second time. "Are you telling me there's hope?"

Dasia looks down at their intertwined fingers and gently extracts her hand from his.  "No." She sighs. "I'm telling you that you need to move on."

Duncan lets his hand fall limp to his side and after a short silence, he frowns.  "Okay." He looks dejected and remains by her side for a moment longer, perhaps hoping that she'll take her words back, but she never does. "Okay." He repeats again, and then leaves to rejoin the party.

This is for the best. She mutters. I can't give him what he wants.

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

ANGST ALERT!!!  Seriously, writing the Dasia/Duncan relationship sometimes makes me really happy and then there are times like these where I just feel like a sadist.


On a random note:
--Cedric's and my definition of what it means to be an awesome senior citizen are strikingly similar. 
--And  guess who's getting a new gaming desktop for graduation?  Go ahead; take a stab. ; )

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.    


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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!