#AlfredVillareal

[changingplumbob]

Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 3

Afternoon tea then Devin and Luna head out on a date.

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Amore (Italian) Love Che cavolo (Italian) What the hell/F Schatz (German) Treasure Zia/Zio (Italian) Aunt/Uncle

It’s not healthy for Joey to spend a whole day at his desk so mid afternoon he gets up and does a brief workout. He doesn’t like fitness one bit, unfortunately for him the watcher does. And though Joey wouldn’t admit it he does like the results. He would never want to be built but a little muscle definition never killed anyone, and makes picking up women easier.

When Devin gets back from her run she goes to find Luna who is waiting for toddlers.

Luna: Good run?

Devin: It was. Are you still okay to go out for dinner

Luna: Absolutely! I trust Joey enough to believe he wont let the twins get hurt. Hyped on sugar maybe but not hurt

Devin: *laughs* Did you invite your brothers for family brunch

Luna: Hugo is a yes, Max is all “wait and see”

Alfred: Mama back! Back for potty time

Rilian: I want help!

Luna: Rilian? What do we say?

Rilian: I want help please

The women shepherd the twins into the bathroom. Both boys are able to attempt to go potty alone but things will be easier for Devin and Luna if they will actively seek to use the potties instead of their diapers. The twins are less spooked by the process now but Devin and Luna continue to give encouragement and reassurance to them. After both of them are finished Devin and Luna carry them to the kitchen for some afternoon tea.

Rilian: *grumpy* Why carry mama, I walk

Devin: Mama and Mummy have a dinner date

Luna: And carrying is quicker

Rilian pulls a face and the women chuckle. Each twin gets a peanut butter and jelly sandwich along with some orange juice.

Devin: Eat what you can Rilian, no hiding food

Luna: Zio Joey needs you to have all your energy

Alfred: Why

Devin: He’ll be looking after you while we’re out

Devin and Luna go to the hall to practice one of Devin’s upcoming scenes that has slightly stronger language than they want their sons using just now. The twins eat and chat.

Rilian: *blows kiss*

Alfred: *giggles* Yay!

Devin: *from other room* Che cavolo!

Alfred: *spooked* She find?

Rilian: *also spooked* Me think

Devin and Luna walk back in and the twins do their best to look innocent. Devin looks at them and sighs. After kissing each of their heads she walks back out and Luna sits down.

Luna: Who can guess what Mama just found

Alfred: *sadly* Smash

Luna: Yes. A smashed dollhouse

Devin surveys the damage. It’s hard to believe a toddler could have reached high enough to smash it that much but none of the grown ups in the house are responsible.

Luna: Who did it

Rilian: We?

Luna: Both of you? Are you sure?

Alfred: *sadly* Me Mummy

Luna: thank you for telling the truth Alfred

Alfred: I… in trouble?

Luna: Mama and I will talk about it but it’s always good to tell the truth, remember that Rilian

The twins look downcast but as Luna gets them out of their high chairs they waddle towards each other for a big hug. Sighing Luna cleans us their dishes.

Devin: 10 minute call, we’ll be off

Joey: Have fun, I’ll go find the twins

Devin and Luna make it to the Del Sol Eatery at 5pm sharp. Better take a quick selfie for posterity. They have always kept time for the two of them in their schedules and Joey living with them has allowed them a lot more of it recently. They don’t regret becoming mothers but they still enjoy being a couple and doing couple things. Couple things such as going out to eat on a Saturday night.

Devin: Hello, do you have a reservation for-

Bonnie: *in monotone* Welcome to Del Sol Eatery, the best little gem in the valley

Devin: Thank you. If we could-

Bonnie: *monotone continues* We offer our customers a range of dining experiences from experimental food to classic ice cream with a Del Sol flair. We have seating options at both bar height and regular height so you are sure to be satisfied

Devin: Lovely. Our reservation is for two-

Bonnie: *monotone continues* In the event of emergency please vacate the restaurant through the front exit in an orderly fashion. Please do not call the fire brigade if you see the chefs brandishing fire, it is part of their process

Devin: I know all about having a process

Bonnie: Hmm

Devin: We’re Mrs and Mrs Villareal, table for two

Bonnie: *in monotone* Our smaller tables have been overbooked this evening. If you wish to file a complaint please see management

She then turns and gestures towards a table the pair assume she wants them to go to. Deciding not to chance further the conversation with the host they walk up the stairs past the fountains to a table overlooking the chef stations.

Waiter: Here are your menus

Devin: Grazie. Can we have a placemat please

Luna: And crayons!

The waiter doesn’t take long to get them and Luna sets about filling hers in while Devin reads the menu to her.

Waiter: Hello again, have you made your choice ladies?

Devin: Simsmapolitan for me please, Luna wants…

Luna: *busy colouring* Whichever looks the prettiest

Waiter: Okay. And for meals?

Devin: Artisan fish trio sounds appetising, one of those please

Luna: And I’ll have the leprechaun one

Waiter: Leprechaun one?

Luna: *humming* The clover salad thing please

The waiter takes their menus back and a bemused Devin grins at Luna.

Devin: You having fun reveling in your childish trait amore mio

Luna: *smiling* Absolutely schatz. I love our boys but I do enjoy colouring without anyone trying to snatch the crayons

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[changingplumbob]

Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 5

Joey's night concludes and preparation for family brunch begins.

CW: Moderate sim spice. Content Warning Guide

Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Bambino/s (Italian) Male child/children Buongiorno (Italian) Good morning Caro (Italian) Dear Nonna/Nonno (Italian) Grandfather/Grandmother Piccolo (Italian) Little one Zia/Zio (Italian) Aunt/Uncle

Joey wakes up with a start. He’s lying on his bedroom floor?

Marianna: Are you okay?

Joey: Marianna? What happened? We were just…

Joey pushes himself up feeling very confused. He was just at the nightclub. He’s used to the quickness of loading screens but this was something different. His genius mind is telling him to remain calm and gather facts but his paranoid trait is panicking.

Marianna: See I’ve never actually teleported someone with me before, I think I had the calibration off so you kind of passed out

Joey: Passed out? Yeah but- did you say teleport?

Marianna: Yes, I hope you’re okay. I was just reading your mind and I saw your photos and I hoped you might want one of real me

Joey: Reading... my... mind?

Marianna: It’s a thing we can do

Joey: Who is we?

Marianna: Oh you know… aliens

Joey is taken aback. Aliens? He always knew they were real but the research on their abilities was spotty at best. Unsurprisingly they didn’t exactly offer themselves up for tests. And he’d just…

Joey: Oh please tell me I’m not pregnant. I can’t be pregnant

Marianna: What? No! I’m not one of those ones. I was left in a carrier myself, I wouldn’t do that to a kid. I just… I know I’m a bit older than the other women in the photos…

She looks at the wall and folds in on herself a bit.

Joey: You’re saying… you read my mind, and know that me and the watcher need to keep track of my numbers with photos… and you teleported us here… because you were nervous that I wouldn’t want a photo of you

Marianna: I thought… you seemed to enjoy our time together so… you might want a photo of what I actually look like

Joey: I’ve never seen an alien before, at least not that I know of. But if you felt enough of a connection when we were woohooing, I’d be honoured to see the real you

Marianna: *smiling* Don’t freak out

Joey tries his best to keep his face straight as Marianna stretches. She changes from the human outfit into a cozy sleepwear number in alien form. It happened so fast Joey isn’t sure he actually saw the change happen. He has so many questions! But he has to remember this is stressful for her to.

Joey: You look amazing. Your eyes are spectacular. Your skin… you were glowing earlier right?

Marianna: *giggles* yes. When our emotions get strong it can be hard to hide and you just… made me feel all kinds of things

Joey: Likewise

He grabs his camera out and gets a shot of her to join the others.

Joey: I’m glad you didn’t mind read about my photos and decide to teleport me into an incinerator

Marianna: *giggles* No! Your mind… You make love but you respect the ones you’re with. Not incinerator worthy

Joey smiles and moves towards her, taking one of her hands and sliding her closer to him.

Joey: I don’t suppose you in any way used your alien powers on the dating app

Marianna: *blushing* Maybe. But I swear I didn’t coerce you in person, and I double checked your mind before-

Joey cuts her off with a kiss. She puts her arms around his neck and relaxes into him. She may not have been his typical type but seeing her, talking to her, everything that happened in that nightclub was what he wanted. Heck, he was glad she thought him worth messing with an app for.

Marianna: Why

Joey: Hmm?

Marianna: Why are you glad about that

Joey: Oh, mind reading. I guess I’m flattered my profile was attractive enough to warrant your effort. Can I give you a proper thanks?

Marianna: You did in the club

Joey: *whispers* Read my mind. You’ll see I can do better if you'd like to go again

Smiling Marianna uncurls herself from him and lets him unbutton her shirt and slide her pants off.

Joey: How did you change outfits anyway

Marianna: Oh that outfit was connected to my disguise. Remove the disguise and I can be wearing something else entirely

On his knees now Joey looks up at her.

Joey: Call me biased but I think you look breathtaking wearing nothing at all

Before she can reply Joey pulls her close and lets his mouth go to work. He is intrigued with the noises she makes. He thought he’d heard most of what women could sound like but the alien tone of her voice was something new. When she seems wet enough he stands up and she helps him out of his clothes. He thinks about what they could do next…

Marianna: The third option sounds good

Joey: *laughs* Try to stop reading my mind and just be in the moment

Joey hadn’t thought he’d be interested in woohoo with an alien but his time with Marianna was making him rethink his stance. A woman is a woman after all, and Marianna certainly had experience. He tried to hold out but with those alien vocals she got him to release even quicker than the last time.

Marianna: *softly* don’t worry, I take it as a compliment

Giving him a final kiss Marianna begins to redress while Joey cleans up. Unfortunately his paranoid brain still hasn’t settled down.

Marianna: Joey, I haven’t impregnated you. Relax

Joey: Is it okay if I like, tell people…

Marianna: *laughs* You’ll have a photo of me on your wall, I’m fairly sure they’ll believe you woohoo’d an alien

Joey walks her to the front door and watches her go, again somehow missing her changing back into her human disguise even though he never took his eyes off her. Pondering the events of the night he locks up and heads to bed, hoping he’ll be able to get enough sleep to put in an appearance at family brunch.

The sun rises alongside Luna and Devin. In the room next to theirs two toddlers yawn and greet the day, racing each other to their potties.

While Luna tackles some chores that need doing Devin and Joey pull together to prepare brunch. While Joey works on bagels Devin sorts out place settings.

Devin: Did you have a good night

Joey: I did! I woohoo’d an alien

Devin: *dubiously* How much did you drink

Joey: I’m serious! I’ll show you the photo later

Devin: It’s not an in action shot is it? Because I love you but there are limits

Joey: No! But it’s got me thinking, there must be other occults out there

Devin: Focus on the *Joey spills stuff* food…

Joey: Don’t panic, I’ll clean it up

Devin: I’ll give you a hand when I’m finished this

Joey: But like I was saying, since aliens do exist on earth some of the other stories must be true

Devin: What stories? Some of us spent our time learning Shakespeare not becoming cryptozoologists

Joey: I wouldn’t woohoo bigfoot! Unless you know bigfoot had a hot human woman form... But if I could land a mermaid, a vampire and say… a werewolf, then I could be the most experienced sim in game! Like how many other sims could claim that achievement?

Devin: Dream big little brother. How’s your game coming

Joey: Slowly, I’ve put the beta out and I’m waiting for reports from play testers. Should be ready for a final polish after brunch though

Devin: If you need someone who doesn’t understand video games to test I’m happy to help

Joey: *laughs* That’s not a terrible idea sis

Devin: It’s my idea, of course it’s great

The sound of wobbly footsteps can be heard in the corridor, the twins are up.

Joey: Uh oh, here comes trouble

Devin: Buongiorno bambinos! Did you not feel like sleeping in

Alfred: No mama. We be awake for family

Rilian: Yes. Nonno and Nonna coming?

Devin: Absolutely. Did you two get dressed all by yourselves

The twins beam and chatter over each other excitedly before sitting down by the counters and spending time on their tablets.

Devin: That’s the table set. I’ve pushed the high chairs into the hall so we can all fit. Alfred, Rilian, are you okay with sitting on the bench?

Twins: *too engrossed in screens to reply*

Devin: I’ll take that as yes. Are your bagels finished yet

Joey: Not just yet. Trust the process, they’ll be good

Devin walks over to her sons hoping that they’ll listen more the closer she is to them.

Devin: Any requests for breakfast?

Alfred: Cereal!

Devin: Caro we have cereal when we don’t have guests. On Sundays we get nice breakfasts. Rilian?

But Devin’s picky eater is ignoring the question about food.

Devin: Mama could make… omelettes, French toast, pancakes-

Alfred: Yes!

Devin: Pancakes, si? Oh looks like Zio Joey has finished making bagels for us. What do we say?

Alfred: Thank you Zio Joey

Rilian: Thanks Zio

Devin: That’s my bambinos. Mama is so proud of you remembering your manners

Rilian: Mama tell Mummy?

Devin: Si, I will tell Mummy

Joey: When did this stereo break? I swear it was working when I left last night

Devin: I figured you’d probably be the best one to fix it

Joey: *starts fixing* And what if I get electrocuted?

Devin: You know tech, you’ll be fine

Rilian: Go Zio Joey!

Alfred: Zio can do!

Joey: I suppose. Gosh I hope Deanna is getting better at her robots, she got fried last time I visited

Devin: She enjoys tinkering, I guess some zaps are the price to pay. Okay bambinos, mama’s going to make the pancakes

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[changingplumbob]

Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 13

Next season of ZBB begins filming

CW: Low level sim spice. Content Warning Guide

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Amore (Italian) Love Buongiorno (Italian) Good morning Ciao (Italian) Hello/Bye Schnucki (German) Sweetie but doesn’t have an exact translation

Devin wakes up and kisses her yawning wife. After checking that the boys are still sleeping she ducks in the shower so she can have breakfast with Luna. On her way to the breakfast table she runs into a madly grinning Joey who is scoffing his food.

Devin: Ciao

Joey: Buongiorno. Tuesday is coming over before work so… don’t barge into the gym okay sis?

Devin: *laughs* someone woke up in the mood

Joey: Having a spin before work stops me flirting with interns so everyone wins

He rushes out as Luna comes in smiling. She bends down to grab far back in the fridge and Devin realises her own needs are bubbling up.

Devin: Buongiorno amore mio. Te amo

Luna: Are you trying to seduce me Mrs Villareal

Devin: I know, I know *sighs*  you’re married and you love her

Luna: Well I do

Devin: You know… today is your day off

Luna: Maybe but you’re needed at set at 9

Devin: That gives us at least an hour by my calculation. If you wanted to have a little… breakfast in bed

Luna laughs as the toddlers potter around the couple getting their plates of food. Seeing the toddlers are happy she stands and grabs Devin’s hand, pulling her back to their bedroom. They were too exhausted after trying to bolster Max and Miriam to have any fun last night but now they have time together.

Luna: Schatz… promise me we won’t end up like my brother and his wife

Devin: I can promise I’ll love you forever amore mio, how’s that

Luna: Deal

Luckily Devin gets her satisfaction in before set time. Once again actors from all productions are on lot and she has large doubts about the management that schedule the use of the lot. Before she heads in however she takes care to take a selfie for simstagram and update her followers with “ZBB Season 3, let’s go!!!”

First stop, as always, hair/makeup and wardrobe.

Devin: Damn Emily, this jacket is nice

Emily: It may not be post-apocalyptic authentic but who are they to say your character didn’t pillage a mall after the bugs wiped out the humans inside

Devin: Thanks Em

Then she pops back to show Rudolphus the finished look.

Rudolphus: Oh I do good work, look at you! Thank the watcher you didn’t smudge getting into that

Devin: Selfie for the album?

Costume sorted Devin goes to practice her monologue. When she had a small role in the first season the prevalence of monologues worried her a little. It’s not often in TV nowdays that the protagonist talks to no one, normally there’s some kind of animatronic or ball you’re meant to treat like a cgi creature. But Norah knows her stuff and it really sells the medium as sole survivors amongst the fallen.

She’s interrupted by a producer who lets her know Norah wants a word with her before shooting begins s she heads to the main stage to find her old friend.

Norah: Thank goodness you’re here, I think some of the other stars are going to riot

Devin: What do you mean

Norah: You know how we have to film a death scene for everyone so that word can’t get out about who is really getting killed off

Devin: Yeah…

Norah: Some are considering themselves above such “cheap stunts” and are refusing to do it. Apparently they object to being treated as "dispensable"

Devin: *gasps* but… we can’t risk it getting spoiled

Norah: I know, I know, this season is banking on "no one is safe". Could you do your death scene first? I’m thinking if the artists see one of the fan favourites is on board with the plan we can bring them around

Devin assures her friend that she’s happy to go first and will treat it as seriously as if her character were actually dying. Honestly, Norah faced this kind of pushback too much. It’s so hard for women to break into directing. Walking the set to get a feel of it she’s glad to see Connor isn’t here, she’d have been disappointed if he was one of the ones pushing back.

Norah: Villareal death scene, QUIET on set

A hush descends as the regulars and guest stars notice their most famous face has taken the stage. If Norah was using her real name instead of the character name she was making a point. Devin wouldn’t let her make it alone.

ACTION

Devin: Oh… oh I feel… I can’t be pregnant… wait…

She pauses and looks directly into camera.

Devin: It’s the bugs… they’ve woken up inside me…

She freezes in place, contorting her face in a vision of pain. She pretends the bugs are winning and spasms to her knees. She acts as though she is trying to speak, trying to get a last message out, but it’s too late. She buckles sideways and lays motionless.

CUT

Devin: Was that good? Did we get it

Norah: Perfect Mrs Villareal! Now… who’s up next?

Devin shuffles off stage as one by one the actors put on their game faces and play through their own death scenes. The grumbling on set ends, the point has been made. No one is indispensable in TV.

The rest of the shoot goes well. Devin is used to the set now, it’s becoming a familiar playground for her. She does fight scenes and flirting scenes alongside the guest stars, and the shoot wouldn’t be complete without a guitar solo.

Back home Devin hangs outside with Luna and the twins. While Luna is in charge of teaching numbers Devin is in charge of playing pirate! Alfred is first on the ship while Rilian focuses on the flashcards.

Luna: This number is first…

Rilian: One?

Luna: That’s it schnucki

After Alfred finishes playing he gives Devin a big hug before going to ask Luna for his turn at flashcards. Rilian waddles over to the ship and gets busy steering!

Rilian: Mama

Devin: Yes Rilian

Rilian: Did you think about me pool

Devin: *laughs* I did. You better thank your Mummy as well

Rilian: *smiling* you mean…

Devin: One kiddie pool coming up!

Devin grabs the plastic pool from inside and fills it up while an excited Rilian dances. When it’s deep enough Devin helps him in and he goes to sit down.

Rilian: MAMA *splashes*

Devin: Are you happy caro

Rilian: YES *splashes*

Devin and the toddler play around splashing each other while a studious Alfred works on his numbers with Luna. It’s a warm autumn day and Devin has ever seen her son smile so wide.

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[changingplumbob]

Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 12

Can we mend the bond between Max and Miriam?

More importantly can I get these indoor water features to work?

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Amore (Italian) Love Arrivederci (Italian) Goodbye Bambino/s (Italian) Male child/children Buongiorno (Italian) Good morning Caro (Italian) Dear Ciao (Italian) Hello/Bye Grazie (Italian) Thank you Piccolo (Italian) Little one Schatz (German) Treasure Zia/Zio (Italian) Aunt/Uncle

Devin: *hums to self*

Alfred: Mama! Bon gee no (Buongiorno), what you doing Mama

Devin: Waiting for my bambinos to wake up

Alfred: I early riser

Devin: I know. Do you want your bath first while we wait for your brother to wake up

Alfred: Yes please Mama

While he doesn’t have the loving water quirk like his brother Alfred still enjoys a good splash about in the tub.

Rilian: MAMA! Mama I want bath please. Why Alfred bath

Devin: You were sleeping caro, give Mama a second then you can climb in

PHONE RINGS

Devin: Ciao, Devin Villareal here. Oh hey De! No it’s just a chill day, feel free to come around. Arrivederci

Alfred: Zia De?

Devin: Zia Deanna is going to come by and see us, how lucky are we. I think we best be in the gym this morning

Rilian: I can walk

Alfred: I race

Devin: Alright, let me get these dishes and I’ll see you there

The toddler take off down the long hallways, bobbling along with Alfred in the lead. Deanna lets herself in and passes the waddlers, giving them a brief squeeze as they complain about being in a race.

Deanna: Wanna spar? We’ve seen ma do it enough

Devin: Three more reps then I’m on it

In the background Rilian and Alfred play with some of the more active toys.

Deanna: Why do you pull faces when we spar

Devin: I have to practice my battle face for ZBB. Met any cute girls yet

Deanna: *sighs* Not yet. Tamika’s idea of going to a singles night is sounding more and more appealing though

Devin: Just don’t say you’re my sister or they’ll want to date me instead

Deanna: *laughs* More like they’ll get my number just to collect an autograph long term

Devin: Like I’d give them an autograph if they’re stringing you along. And…. End scene!

Deanna: *laughs* I guess that’s actor for “end spar”

Devin: Grazi for coming by. Give my love to ma and pa... and Emisia or she’ll feel left out

Following early lunch and naps the twins have convinced Devin they should watch Melodies of the City again. With each rewatch they get closer to remembering the words to the songs, not that not knowing ever stops their sing along.

Rilian: *blows kiss* Mama a screen star

Devin: *laughs* Grazie piccolo

Rilian: Next time we watch, hope Mama has red dress

Alfred: Me to!

Devin: Bambino’s, that’s not quite how it works. Mama had a yellow dress when she was filming so every time we watch Mama will have a yellow dress

Rilian: *sadly* Why?

Alfred: *sadly* Does Mama not like red?

Before Devin can figure out how to respond she’s saved by the bell, Luna has arrived home.

Alfred: Mummy! I love Mummy! Hug?

Luna: Oh course. Mummy missed you. And Mummy missed you

Rilian: *laughs* Snuggles with Mummy

Luna: Did we have a good day

Alfred: Yes. Zia De came and we play

Rilian: After nap we watch Mama sing on screen

The boys are soon distracted by some kids show and Luna takes the opportunity to pull Devin into her arms.

Luna: *kisses* I missed you today to

Devin: *giggles* Same here

Luna: So I’ve had an idea. Since we didn’t see Miriam at brunch I’ve invited her and Max for dinner

Devin: That’s a great idea! Although I don’t know that our house screams romantic atmosphere

Luna: I thought we could try Del Sol eatery again, maybe they just need a nice romantic dinner to get back on track

Devin: You have such a good heart amore mio

Luna: So do you schatz. Do you think Joey will be able to watch the twins on short notice

Devin: I think so, he doesn’t normally go... fishing on weekdays

Rilian: Zio Joey fish?

Alfred: He never show us fish

Rilian: We ask Zio Joey to see fish

Alfred: YES

Max: This is a swanky place, wonder if I could nick that guys wallet

Luna: Max, behave! This is meant to be a nice relaxing dinner for you and Miriam

Max: If you say so. Don’t be surprised that she looks different though. Rocked back in with a new do and wardrobe

Luna: Different? Wait-back?

Max: I don’t know, she said something about wanting to look edgy, I wasn’t really listening

Luna: *sighs* Max, step number one is listen when your wife is talking

Max: I thought step number one was… you know… in bed

Luna: Apologising in clothes can be more important than apologising in bed you know

Bonnie: *in monotone* Welcome to Del Sol Eatery, the best little gem in the valley

Devin: Yes hi, me again. Reservation for four under Villareal

Bonnie: *monotone continues* We offer our customers a range of dining experiences-

Devin: Not to be rude but we have heard your speech, know where the exits are and will continue to tip generously. Can you pretty please skip to the part where you show us our table?

Bonnie: *scoffs*

Devin worries she’s overstepped for a minute. It’s not as if she told her to get charisma lessons though, just to show them to a table. After an extra-long sigh Bonnie points to a table and Devin goes to grab it before the speech can start again.

Devin: Wow… that’s a nice dress

Miriam: Thanks! I’m trying to go more gothic to bind with Max more

Devin: That’s… cute, but remember even if you’re in a relationship you still have to be yourself

Miriam: I just don’t think pastels were the right way to gel with him, too bright

Devin: How are you and Max? We missed you at brunch

Miriam: Yes I- I’m back for now at least. Oh here they come. Honey pie, we’re over here!

Max: Yes sugar, my eyes do work

Luna: I grabbed a placemat!

Luna: I just realised you’ve never told me how you two met

Max: Oh look, a waiter, let’s order

The group peruses the menu and eventually settles on something to order. Again the conversation shifts back to romance.

Devin: Oh me and Lu met in high school

Max: Not this story again

Luna: Then tell us your story to pass the time. How did you meet? Who said I love you first

Max: Luna you know I’m not a sap

Luna: It’s not about being a sap, it’s about being able to say nice things about your partner

Max: Fine. Miriam, you have nice boobs

Miriam: And you have a nice butt

Max: There, compliments done

Devin: Oh come on, I’m sure there’s more you like about each other

Max: Yeah Miriam, I’m sure there was a reason you came back that wasn’t another fake pregnancy or more money

Luna: *fake laughter* Such a unique sense of humour my brother has

Miriam: Why yes Max. I came back because I figured you needed someone to sleep with you

Devin: *quickly* What do you think about these pools? Didn’t the watcher fix things up in here? And I see no one in swimwear

Max: Swimwear?

Luna: Let us tell you all about it

Eventually the food arrives and the talk can move to a more neutral territory. The tension never completely disappears but Max and Miriam stop taking bites out of each other and tuck into the food. Luna is worried about her brother and wonders if he’s keeping his hurt hidden or if he really thinks so little of Miriam now. When she and Devin meet each other’s eyes over the table she can feel her wife’s love without any words. She wants that for Max, even if he can be prickly as a hedgehog.

Miriam: Thank you for treating us Luna, it was good to get out

Luna: You’re welcome but this one will technically be from Devin’s paycheck

Fan: OMG Devin Villareal! Can I have an autograph

Devin: I’m sorry, I’m actually eating with my family right now. But if you want to shoot a quick video…

Luna: Uh oh

Devin: That’s right, serenade time!

Devin bursts into song and Luna beams proudly. She used to get flustered when Devin would break into song in front of strangers but as her wife has gotten more famous she’s found it reassuring. Max may be having trouble, but her marriage gives her nothing but joy.

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Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 11

The library of Windenburg won't know what hit it!

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Amore (Italian) Love Bambino/s (Italian) Male child/children Ciao (Italian) Hello/Bye Grazie (Italian) Thank you Schatz (German) Treasure Tante/Onkel (German) Aunt/Uncle

In the library in Windenburg Max and Hugo Villareal are keeping toddlers Alfred and Rilian busy. Max is working on needs flashcards with Rilian while Hugo has decided to play with Alfred for a bit.

In a side room Luna has found the archive machine and begins to pull together some research for her next paper. She hasn’t used one in a while so she has to ask the librarian about the more fiddly tasks that she has forgotten how to do. Lucky for us the librarian is friendly and happy to help.

Max: And what is this one

Rilian: For hungry!

Max: Good job! We can cook lots of nice things in pans to fill up our hunger

Alfred: I birdie, flap flap

Hugo: Uh oh, storm is coming

Alfred laughs and giggles as Hugo spins him around. When he gets back on solid ground though he wants some flashcard time to! If his brother can learn then so will he.

Following streaming her jog around the rainy heart of Windenburg Devin returns to the library to find some fans have gathered.

Fan: OMG it’s you! In person!

Devin: Ciao! Nice to see you despite this rain

Fan: I couldn’t miss this chance. Can I… please may I have your autograph

Devin: Of course. I keep some headshots on me in case of autograph emergencies. Now who shall I make it out to?

After signing some autographs, taking some selfies and posing for the paparazzi Devin breaks out her guitar to give an impromptu performance for those that braved the weather.

Inside Rilian has finished with flashcards and has gotten Onkel Max to play with him. Unfortunately as great as Max and Hugo are they do manage to get confused about which twin they’re responsible for. Seizing his chance Alfred heads to the dollhouse.

Alfred: Birdie SMASH

He lets loose on the dollhouse, trashing what he can. A nearby child is horrified at the display and bursts into tears. Luna comes in just as he’s finished and grinning to himself.

Luna: ALFRED! I thought you two were going to watch him

Luna’s brothers mutter their apologies while Luna scoops up Alfred and apologises to the librarian. Devin comes in and although she doesn’t have her tools is happy to pay for the cost of repair. The Del Sol Villareal’s head home.

When they get back the toddlers need naps and Luna heads to host her last online office hours for the day.

Luna: Class, I am here to help. But some of these submitted questions are answered in the final chapters of the books. I’m not here to read the books for you. Reframe your question after you’ve finished the text and we can discuss

Next student group

Luna: You want me to define that word during office hours? Let me help you. Open a tab and go to dictionary.com, everyone make note of that

Next student group

Luna: You all sound on track for your essays, I’m looking forward to reading them. Remember, include all references! We quote or we paraphrase, we do not plagiarise

Norah: I know it’s a bit more wordy than normal

Devin: I can do science jargon, can’t be more tongue twisty than The Jabberwocky

Norah: You’ve recited that?

Devin: It was a test in my first university course, showing pronunciation and ability to memorise. I passed with flying colours

Norah: Nice. See you on set, oh we’re giving your character a new look as well

Devin waves her friend goodbye and heads to the kitchen where Joey is baking something else.

Devin: Still fighting the burnout?

Joey: Trying. Work was intense today but I scored a promotion!

Devin: Look at you go! I’m so proud of you bro

Joey: The feeling is mutual, I hope you know that

Devin: Grazie

Joey pulls the fish pie from the oven and Devin can’t stop herself laughing.

Devin: *through laughter* Oh if you ever wanted proof for your “we’re in a simulation” argument that’s got to be it! Like why would you choose to make pie like that? Look at the tails!

Joey: I take it you won’t be eating any

Devin: Me and my bambinos will be eating excellent meatballs, my palate is refined after all, but... grazie for trying?

When the toddlers are up they also laugh at the fish tails sticking out of the pastry. Joey responds by pulling some of his best faces making the boys laugh even harder. When they’re finished Joey helps Devin get them to bed as Luna’s online office hours seem to have run overtime.

Devin goes to tidy up dinner while Joey starts on some knitting.

Devin: Grazie for the help, Luna does get so generous with her students

Joey: You don’t mind?

Devin: She has work that makes her feel fulfilled. I get the same feeling from my filming, and watcher knows that can take just as long. End of the day I know regardless she and I will always put our family first. A night a week of missed bedtimes at this age won’t harm the twins relationship with either of us. Now scooch over, let the knitting pro show you how it’s done

Devin continues her own project, giving Joey advice as he navigates his latest plant holder. He finishes and declares he’s inviting Alexander over for a bake off catch up. Devin laughs and finishes her own work. Spotting Luna in the garden spraying some errant bugs she steps outside.

Devin: Ciao amore mio

Luna: Oh schatz, I’m sorry I missed dinner. One of my bilingual kids was having a crisis about syntax and I-

Devin silences her with a kiss and lifts her up gently spinning her around.

Devin: Have I told you I love how you call your students your kids

Luna: *laughs* You know what I mean

Devin: I do. You care about them and their futures, knowing they have someone like that in their corner is worth a few missed dinners

She sets Luna back on the ground gently.

Luna: Can we go kiss our bambinos goodnight? I know they'll be asleep and won't know but still

Devin: Of course we can. Then you and I have a date between our sheets. Workaholics deserve treats

Luna: They look so sweet like this. Our babies

Devin: Yep. You’d never know they are the same ones that busted public property and made grown kids cry

Luna: *laughs* Thank goodness you had some simoleons on hand, and the paparazzi had already left. Now I believe you promised me a bedroom treat

Devin: *coyly* Did I? Would I do that?

Luna: Do you want me to launch a tickle attack because I will

Devin: Come on then amore, to bed we go

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Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 10

Devin in her starring role, Mama.

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Buongiorno (Italian) Good morning Caro (Italian) Dear Schnucki (German) Sweetie but doesn’t have an exact translation Tante/Onkel (German) Aunt/Uncle

What do you know, potty time with two over tired toddlers does not go smoothly. The twins are more distracted than normal and poor Alfred looks downright horrified at what is going on. It’s a miracle that neither winds up having an accident I swear.

Despite their tiredness the twins insist on a bedtime story so Luna and Devin put on their best pirate accents to reread one of the boys favourite tales. At last Alfred and Rilian fall asleep and peace descends over the house again.

Luna and Devin go the library and Luna begins on grading papers while Devin continues to polish her guitar and singing skills. When Luna is finished she sweeps Devin up and carries her to bed.

Between filming the movie and her recurring TV role Devin has time to live an almost normal life. She’s sorting out cleaning up the potties when her sons wake up.

Alfred: *yawns* Bon gee no (Buongiorno) Mama

Devin: Buongiorno Alfred. Did you have some good dreams?

Alfred: *nodding* Ice cream

Rilian: *untucking himself* Bon gee no (Buongiorno) Mama

Devin helps her sons get dressed and together they move to the kitchen.

Joey: This dazed moodlet is no joke, it’s messing with my eyes! But I trust the watcher won’t let me get burnout, she loves me I know it

Luna: Still not convinced a watcher exists

At that point Devin and the twins make it to the kitchen and Luna gets up to hug them both. Helping them into their high chairs she also gives Devin a kiss.

Luna: Now darlings Mummy will be working from home today so we might not see much of each other. But Mama is going to stay with you and later we’re going to go to Windenburg and you’ll get to see your Onkel Max and Onkel Hugo

Luna does a quick harvest of the garden then it’s straight into online tutoring. Joey finishes producing another batch of bagels while Devin does her best to cheer up a moody Alfred who is annoyed they’re not allowed to wander into Luna’s online lectures.

Devin: Fair dues Joey, these bagels are pretty good

Joey: Thanks! I need to get Alexander over to catch up on Bake Off soon

Rilian: Mama, why apple juice not spill

Devin: Let’s not tempt fate by putting it over our eyes caro

After everyone is finished Joey gets the boys out while Devin takes care of the dishes. The boys are upset Joey has to go to work rather than play but he gives them snuggles as payment.

Alfred goes to bob to the music while Rilian is the first who must go through some flash cards.

Devin: What is this caro

Rilian: Bed!

Devin: Very good. And what do we use bed for

Rilian: Story time!

Devin: Yes but what else

Rilian: Night night?

Devin: Can you say sleep?

Rilian: NIGHT NIGHT

Devin: *sighs* Let’s try the next one

Devin: We have food when we are…. Rilian stop trying to see behind the card

Rilian: But I want know

Devin: You already know, and I know you can say this one. It starts with a huh sound

Alfred uses his Mama being distracted to waddle past innocently.

Rilian: Oh! I – Hungry! Have food when HUNGRY

Devin: Great job bambino, you’re doing good

In the hall Alfred again meets his nemesis. Say goodbye dollhouse!

Devin hears crashing and races out into the hall to find a sobbing toddler.

Alfred: *crying* Mama, dollhouse broke

Devin: The dollhouse just broke did it?

Alfred: *crying* it all smash

Devin: Mama can fix it. Do you know how it got broken

Alfred: *sniffles*

Devin: *sighs* Alfred. How did the dollhouse get broken

Alfred: *sniffling* A bird… smash it

Devin: A bird broke into our home to smash the dollhouse? Did this bird happen to have a blue top and green pants?

Alfred: *sadly* Yes

Devin: Is the bird sorry

Alfred: *sniffing* yes

Devin: It’s okay caro, Mama will fix it. Try to be careful next time, Mama won’t be able to fix everything that can break

Grabbing some tools Devin sets about trying to fix the dollhouse. While she’s doing this Alfred happily shows her the rock he cooked on the toddler stove for Rilian to sell. When she’s finished Devin gives Alfred a big hug and tries to remind him not to smash things.

Devin kisses Alfred then pulls a funny face as he’s still sad about being told off. Settling down to do flashcards with him the pair are passed by Rilian.

Devin: Rilian caro, where are you going

Rilian: Play tablet

Devin: Why don’t you play here where Mama can see you

Alfred: It bed! Bed for… night night

Devin: Can you say sleep? Hmm? Bed is for sleep

Alfred: Bed is for sleepy sleep

With her morning classes sorted Luna joins her family for some potty practice before they go in search of an archive machine. The twins are not in tandem today. Alfred manages to potty without incident but Rilian has a spill which sends him into a crying fit. Luna takes him out and they have a proper snuggle while Devin cleans up the mess.

Rilian: I love you mummy

Luna: I love you to schnucki

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Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 9

Camera time!!!

Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Schnucki (German) Sweetie but doesn’t have an exact translation

Devin: Here we are! Pirates of the Aegean 1

Rudolphus: Have they still not settled on a title

Devin: If they have it wasn’t on my latest script

Rudolphus: Come on, best get to make up, it’s going to be a big one

Devin: What do you mean

Rudolphus: *chuckles* I’m not going to ruin the surprise

Devin heads in, drafting up a quick simstagram post using film emojis followed by a pirate flag. Her followers know she’s doing a film that involves pirates but they’ve been able to keep the plot under wraps. Hopefully people can be surprised in the theatre.

Rudolphus: Now make sure you hold still

Devin: When do I not hold still

Rudolphus: Anytime your phone buzzes

Devin: I promise, I’ll be a statue

Rudolphus: Good because these scars are finicky

Devin goes to respond but Rudolphus shushes her. There’s nothing to do but sit still and let him work his magic. When he finishes he steps back and smiles

Rudolphus: Perfect if I do say so myself. Now where did they put that wig

Devin looks in the mirror as he moves away and is amazed at how he’s blended the scars into the rest of her make up, making her look like she has indeed been in swordfights before. When Rudolphus is finished she thanks him and heads to wardrobe.

Emily: Woah, were you attacked by a dire chinchilla

Devin: Nope, looks convincing right

Emily: Maybe but they wouldn’t be able to sell it without my costume. Come, you know the drill

Devin stands on the podium and hold still while Emily rechecks all her measurements and confirms the costume will still fit. Then it’s off with the sunglasses and on with the dress

Devin: I like this, the corset is cute

Emily: It’s a waspie

Devin: Oh okay, waspie. Selfie for luck?

Emily: You are incorrigible

Heading out Devin spots a familiar face milling amongst the actors, her friend and ZBB director Norah.

Devin: Norah! What ae you doing here? I thought you’d be busy penning next season

Norah: Devin darling! I’m already finished, the scripts are at the printers, you should get yours tomorrow. For now, focus on this. Levi may be directing but I’m going to be in the editing suite

Devin: So keep up standards, got it

As Norah hustles off to check in with some producers Devin and Tadelech take a final chance to run their lines. Accents check, we’re good to go!

Looking around Devin spots Levi in his normal spot, the directors chair.

Devin: Do we actually have a title

Levi: Still workshopping. I’m thinking Pirates of the Aegean: Treasures of Aarbyville. Let them know right from the off we have plans for sequels

Devin: I can’t lie, a regular movie would be great

Levi: For all of us. Go up there and give it your best

Devin: Sir yes sir!

Levi: Remember, you’re the captain!

Finding her way on to the stage Devin wonders whose idea it was to shoot in fake rain. Why couldn’t it just be added in post? Nevermind, no time to worry, get in character. Captain Jane Swallow, in charge of the Dire Chinchilla, pirate extraordinaire.

Devin finishes her vocal warm ups just as Tadelech gets in position. Time to rock and roll!

ACTION

Devin: Biggs, me loyal first mate, where’s the rum

Tadelech: No rum captain

Devin: Why is the rum gone? Nevermind, we don’t need it

Tadelech: Captain?

Devin: Come, let us toast to new adventures

Tadelech: With what captain?

Devin: We have goat’s milk here do we not? To the crew of the Dire Chinchilla

Tadelech: To the-

Devin: Wait, cannon fire!

CUT

Devin takes another quick selfie, she is loving this hat!

Devin: She sells seashells by the seashore

Tadelech: Splish, splash, splosh went the dog in the wash

ACTION

Devin: Biggs! Why are you not at your post

Tadelech: The place for a first mate is by her captain’s side

Devin: I have to tell you Biggs, there’s no guarantee we will survive this

Tadelech: I have yet to see Captain Jane Swallow fail

Devin: This is not the time to flirt

Tadelech: But if I don’t say it now-

Devin: We will get through this, I’ll make sure

Tadelech: There’s the captain I love

Devin dips Tadelech into a kiss and congratulates herself on not dropping the taller woman.

CUT

Devin: Nailed it

Tadelech: I hope so. This rain is not doing my hair any favours

Devin makes her way to the wheel and checks how easily it turns to get an idea of how to make it look realistic.

ACTION

Devin throws herself into the scene. It’s always strange doing a scene without a partner, just you alone to sell it. Luckily behind the camera Levi is yelling instructions of where to look and how to look. Before long Devin feels like her movements have become more natural and she has fun with it visualising holding the ship steady in turbulent waters.

CUT

Devin: Mina, you look…

Mina: How did they wear these wigs honestly

ACTION

Devin: I know this is not the trip you booked, but you are not who you pretended to be

Mina: I – of course I am! I… I forgot my line

The pair burst into giggles.

Levi: CUT! Focus actors, focus!

Mina: *through laughter* sorry Levi

Levi: *sighs* let’s do the fight scene, maybe that will clear up the giggles

Devin: *giggling* Yep, yep. Deep breath, focus

ACTION

Mina and Devin perform the perfectly chorepgraphed fight without any hiccups or giggles. Filming continues but when Levi shouts the final CUT the cast and crew feel like they’re given a star performance.

Devin returns home with her surprise, costumes! She convinced Emily to let her have some original test outfits that were ultimately abandoned, and she picked up some stuff for the toddlers to. While the grown ups get to be pirates Alfred is a crocodile and Rilian is a sea monster. The lounge is full of laughter and chaos as the pirates try to move from couch to couch, or safe ship to safe ship, without getting eaten by the water creatures. In the end the pirates launch a tickle attack on the toddlers and a tie is declared. As they set up for a photo Luna whispers a thank you to her wife, Devin always seems to have a plan to life her spirits. Next step, dinner.

Devin: We have classic Italian Meatballs for your eating pleasure tonight

Alfred: YAY

Luna: Rilian, you’re going to eat them aren’t you

Rilian sticks his tongue out and Joey laughs.

Devin: Come on caro, I made them extra excellent. Try a bite

Rilian: Hmm, Mama help me eat?

Devin: You can pick up your food but how about I sit beside and help cut

Rilian nods and the family sit down. Things are quiet for a while as they all eat but before long the grown ups are catching up on each others days and the toddlers are saying nonsense to each other.

Joey: And that’s when I said- Rilian I saw that

All eyes turn to the youngest toddler who is shifting nervously in his seat. He doesn’t seem keen to talk. Luna and Devin look around for what happened.

Joey: Don’t you want to say what happened

Rilian shakes his head but it’s too late, Luna has spotted the problem.

Luna: Schnucki, did you push some of your dinner on the floor

Rilian: NO

Devin: It got on the floor all by itself

Rilian: *blubbering* Not me

Luna: Rilian, your Mama worked hard to make dinner. We don’t just toss excellent food on the floor

Rilian continues to pout but doesn’t offer any explanation.

Devin: Bedtime I think

The women get the toddlers out of their seats but their moods don’t improve on the ground.

Luna: Did you two have naps today

Alfred: No Mummy, daycare was busy

The grown ups sigh collectively.

Devin: So we’ve been awake for 14 hours without naps, brilliant

Rilian: Mama help me potty?

Devin: I guess I shouldn’t push for please in these conditions

Luna: *scooping up Alfred* nope, they won’t take it in

Devin: Come bambinos, potty then bed

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Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 8

Joey gets a call from a friend in need and Devin prepares for set.

CW: Moderate sim spice. Content Warning Guide

Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Bambino/s (Italian) Male child/children Caro (Italian) Dear Grazie (Italian) Thank you Piccolo (Italian) Little one Zia/Zio (Italian) Aunt/Uncle

Joey is catching another nap when he’s woken by his buzzing phone.

Joey: Hmm, yeah bro

Tuesday: Oh my gosh, have I reached Joey York? The JOEY YORK

Joey: *sleepily* Tuesday?

Tuesday: Yes the best woohoo buddy around. You down to push it?

Joey: Watcher needs me to stay on lot tonight but if you can come over… and then come over and over

Tuesday: Shut up dork I’ll be there, I need to unwind

Joey gets up and after checking the twins are certainly asleep he goes to let Tuesday in. He knows if Devin or Luna hear weird noises they won’t investigate and just assume he’s doing something, but he doesn’t need toddlers interrupting anything. The pair make their way into the kitchen and Tuesday continues her performance of fawning all over him.

Joey: Not that I don’t love some attention for one as hot as yourself but is there a reason for this performance?

Tuesday: *jokingly* I’m in the presence of greatness

Joey: What?

Tuesday: *sighs* Dude have you been asleep all afternoon? Memorandum is all over simstagram

Joey: You’re kidding!

Tuesday: Nope hot stuff. The gamers are flocking to it like wildfire. Congrats man

Joey pulls her into a bro hug while she laughs.

Tuesday: I’m friends with woohoo benefits with a celebrity!

Joey: 1 star maybe

Tuesday: Come on genius, you won’t stay 1 star forever. You work hard and play hard, you’ll get rewarded. You think the watcher exists right? If they do they've got plans for you

Joey: Holy watcher, I am trending! Well Memorandum is

Tuesday: But you’re the cute face behind it. So what do you want to do to me to celebrate

Joey: Tuesday… you normally come to me with a plan in mind, not that I don’t like being creative but I don’t like to over step

Tuesday smirks and pulls him in for a kiss. Her hands snake under his shirt and caress his chest while she whispers her plan in his ear.

Joey: You serious? I thought you didn’t want to try it

Tuesday: One of my flings wants to and I would rather know what to expect. He is smaller than you so he shouldn’t hurt as much but the point of our arrangement is practice. So… want to help me?

Joey: You are just giving me all your woohoo debuts now aren’t you

Tuesday smirks and pulls him in for another deep kiss. While he’s distracted she unloops his belt, works his pants down and checks he’s ready

Tuesday: *whispering* Stop being a smart ass. Kneel down and use your mouth for better things

Joey: Ma'am yes ma'am

Joey did and when Tuesday was ready he stood back up, whispering to her that this will be good. Tuesday nods and Joey starts. He enjoys woohoo with Tuesday, they’ve been woohoo buddies since he finished high school. She’s got a great body, a creative mind and she’s normally down to get it on whenever. Beyond that she’s aromantic just like him so he never has to worry she’s going to catch feelings. When they’re finished she kisses him on the cheek and takes off while he heads straight to the shower. He knows the watcher hasn’t put any WTD’s in game but he always likes to keep clean. Satisfied he dries off and climbs in bed to sleep, and dream of how many women his new celebrity status could give him access to.

A new day dawns and Devin has time to give the twins baths before she’s needed on set. First up is Alfred.

Alfred: Where’s Mummy

Devin: Mummy is in the pool trying to not be afraid of water any more

Rilian: I want be in water

Devin: You are next caro, but you need to have potty practice

Alfred: I went potty in my diaper *giggles*

Devin: Oh I know

Alfred: *quacks* Duckie happy *splashes*

Devin: Careful, you’ll get Mama’s sunglasses wet

Devin lifts Alfred up and dries him off. Getting him in his day clothes she sends him off while an impatient Rilian pulls at her leg.

Rilian: Mama, Mama, me! Me now

Devin: What should we say? You remember caro

Rilian: PLEASE

Devin: Your wish is my command, one bath coming up

In the kitchen Luna walks in from her swim to see a nervous Joey looking around.

Luna: You alright?

Joey: I’ve had such a busy weekend, I’m sure I’ve forgotten something for work

Luna: I doubt it, you worry to much. Look at me, I thought I was going to drown in our pool but after some solid laps I can now confidently say I was overreacting. Besides, your coworkers will probably be to busy asking about your game to do real work

Joey: Maybe. Hey, apparently it’s exploding over simstagram

Alfred: What splode (explode)

Luna: Morning schnucki. Zio Joey was just saying people like his game

Alfred: Game? Can we play game? Please?

Joey: I suppose since you used your manners… do you want to be… a bird?

Alfred jumps up and down excitedly. Luna laughs as Joey begins lifting him up and down and spinning the toddler around. When he’s got Alfred on his back he pauses.

Joey: Remember, to fly you have to flap. Can you flap

Alfred: *flaps arms* Caw caw! Caw caw!

Luna: Very good bird Alfred

Devin: Remember caro, we try keep the water in the bath

Rilian: Mama, you play pirate today

Devin: Yes I will

Rilian: Pirate get to be in water?

Devin: Not for this film, maybe if we get another one. Would you like to be a pirate

Rilian: Not if no water. I be… mon star! (monster)

Devin: A sea monster? Very scary. Come on, bath is over, we need to do breakfast

Rilian sighs sadly and refuses to leave the bath until all the water has drained out. When he’s dry he lets Devin carry him to the kitchen and gets excited seeing Joey and Alfred playing.

Rilian: Mama I want to play with Zio Joey

Devin: Eat your breakfast, your whole breakfast, then we’ll see

Rilian: Yes Mama

Devin: Have you seen where Lu went

Joey: I think she said she was going to check if that genealogy place has the sample yet

Rilian: Mama can I has milk please

Alfred: Me to please

Devin: Sure, oh wow you two just demolished your breakfasts. You must be growing! Joey will you have some time after work free before dinner

Joey: Probably, why

Devin: No reason, now turn around and left me check the size tag on your jacket

Rilian: Mama I done! Can I play with Zio Joey now please

Devin: Zio Joey will get you out, Mama's just going to wish Mummy luck for her lecture today

Joey gets the twins out of the high chairs Joey entertains them while Devin kisses Luna then has the chance to have breakfast. While Joey spins Rilian around Alfred bobs like a bird to the music and makes quacking noises.

Devin: Rilian piccolo, let Zio Joey get to work

Rilian pulls a face as Joey lowers him carefully to the floor.

Joey: See you all later. Good luck on set sis, knock em dead

Devin: Grazie

Devin: Where are you going

Rilian: Dollhouse Mama

Devin: Be careful playing with it bambinos

Alfred: Yes Mama

Devin: And if you break it come tell me!

While the boys enjoy playing together Devin sets about her chores for the day. She tries to set up a regular maid and gardening service but apparently there’s a small waitlist. A least the daycare is helpful, assuring her they will look after her toddlers while she’s on set.

Final task before she leaves, meal prep. She enjoys making meatballs, remembering when she was young and her ma would teach her how to ball them up. And the many discussions with her pa about getting the balance of the sauce right. She can cook them almost on autopilot now, allowing her a final chance to run lines in her head.

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Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 7

What to do after brunch?

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Caro (Italian) Dear Grazie (Italian) Thank you Piccolo (Italian) Little one Schnucki (German) Sweetie but doesn’t have an exact translation

With brunch winding up Rilian has had enough pretending to eat and leaves his plate on the table.

Calista: What’s wrong caro?

Rilian: I not want pancake

Devin: I thought you liked pancakes

Rilian: *tearfully* Yuck

Alfred: I like?

Rilian: Mama I sad

Devin: Well we can’t have that, come hug it out piccolo

Rilian: Mama snuggle?

Devin: Just try and stop me

Luna: Thanks for coming everyone, we’ll see you all next Sunday

The guests say goodbye and stream out while Devin hugs Rilian tight. He doesn’t like to be held but it seems that when he’s sad he finds hugs comforting. Devin puts him back down and they both say goodbye to her parents.

Rilian: Mama?

Devin: Yes caro

Rilian: Can I has snack please

Devin: *sighs* Since you didn’t finish breakfast I’d say you need it. Lu, I’ll do the dishes once he’s sorted

Luna: Thanks, I’ve got to do the vacuuming and Joey’s disappeared

Devin: Probably working on his game. Rilian what snack would you like

Rilian: Crackers please

Devin: *already picturing the sugar rage* Are you sure

Rilian: Yes thanks Mama

Devin: Okay, but you’ll have to run off the energy afterwards

Devin: *loudly* I think I’ll invite my co-stars over

Luna: *finishes vacuuming* Sounds good! I have some work to do before classes tomorrow, and I haven’t finished the garden yet

Devin: You going to try follow up with the genealogy site

Luna: Best do it while I have time. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the twins

Rilian: Mama I done! Can I go play please

Devin turns and lets Rilian out. He races outside to where Alfred is already playing.

Alfred: *grunts* Bounce, bounce, up…

He shoots for the toddler basketball hoop but the ball bounces off the rim, bouncing into his stomach and knocking him over.

Alfred: OWWW

Luna: Alfred? Schnucki? What happened

Alfred: Mummy ball hit me

Luna: Oh dear

Alfred: It put me on grass

Luna: Can you stand up all right?

Alfred: I try mummy, I try

Luna: Slow and steady

Alfred: I want hoop Mummy

Luna: Well have you tried putting it into the hoop without throwing it

Alfred: I can?

Luna: You’re practicing schnucki, you can play how you want

Alfred: *smiling* Look Mummy I get hoop

Luna: Good job!

Alfred: *giggling* I star like Mama

After a few more throws and placing through the net Alfred toddles over near Rilian and the twins play together while Luna finishes in the garden.

Meanwhile inside Devin is busy chatting with her co-stars.

Natalia: I was admiring your accolade

Devin: Yeah, it’s nice but my wedding photos are my favourite thing in this hall

Natalia: Oh you are a gem. Let’s go and find the others

In the kitchen Connor and Tadelech have been relaxing but with the arrival of the other women work can begin. They pair up and Devin and Tadelech go over some scenes to practice their accents for tomorrow’s shoot.

When the crew are prepared Devin sees them off and goes outside to find Luna.

Devin: Did you have time to check the website

Luna: They don’t have Max’s sample yet

Devin: Post can be slow, they’ll get it

Luna: They already have mine and Hugo but no matches, not now and probably not ever

Devin: Lu… people are joining those sites all the time

Luna: I’m glad you can be cheerful schatz but you might have to hold on to the hope for both of us for a while

Joey feels like he might he coming down with something, or at least a wicked headache. He does his best to ignore it and successfully finishes his first videogame entitled, Memorandum. To reward himself he downs some orange juice and takes a power nap. In the office Luna is writing her latest scholarly paper while the twins play with blocks and Devin gets her jog in.

Rilian: I make… queer (square)

Alfred: I make queer to!

Luna: Square darlings. Final reference and… done! We should get to the dining room, Mama should be back soon

Indeed Devin arrives home just in time to help move the twins.

Alfred: Mama I make… sca- square

Devin: That’s wonderful

Rilian: I did to!

Devin: You both are learning so much

Rilian: Mummy helped

Alfred: Mummy said square

When the family get to the kitchen Rilian is hit with a wave of sadness.

Rilian: I not like blocks

Devin: Piccolo we’re not paying with them anymore

Rilian: *sniffles* They make me sad

Luna: Hold on Rilian, do you want to see something…. STRANGE

Luna pulls the silliest face she can and waves her hands about madly causing Rilian to burst into laughter.

Devin: Watch out, Mummy is possessed

Alfred: *laughs* You funny Mummy

Rilian: Again! Again!

Luna: Food first

Alfred: Sandwich!

The family are eating away when Joey wakes up and drags himself to the kitchen. Not feeling like a proper meal he grabs a leftover bagel and sits down.

Joey: I need to sleep for like a week but it’s out!

Rilian: What out?

Joey: My video game

Devin: Congratulations! Oh you have to tell ma and pa, they’ll be over the moon

Joey: I’m pretty happy about it to

Rilian: Mama I not happy, food ick *pulls face*

Devin: *sighs* Well grazie for finishing even though you didn’t like it

Devin scoops Rilian up and cuddles him close while Luna takes Alfred to bed. Despite Rilian’s protests Devin carries him to the nursery to.

Luna: The land was dangerous

Rilian: *sadly* Mummy read without me?

Alfred: No Ri, Mummy read old bit

Luna: We’re rereading so you don’t miss anything. Once you’re in bed we’ll read some new story

Rilian happily changes into his night clothes and clambers into bed while Luna and Devin take turns reading pages until the boys fall asleep. When they are snoring soundly Devin tucks them both in and Luna kisses them goodnight.

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[changingplumbob]

Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 6

Family brunch = Gossip session

Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Bambino/s (Italian) Male child/children Caro/Cara (Italian) Dear Grazie (Italian) Thank you Nonna/Nonno (Italian) Grandfather/Grandmother Prego (Italian) You’re welcome Schnucki (German) Sweetie but doesn’t have an exact translation Tante/Onkel (German) Aunt/Uncle Zia/Zio (Italian) Aunt/Uncle

Luna is watering the garden and Devin is halfway through cooking the pancakes when the first guest rings the doorbell.

Alfred: Bell?

Devin: Must be Luna’s brothers

Joey: Ma and Pa wouldn’t have dragged Emisia out of bed by now

Luna: I’ll get it!

Devin: Okay bambinos, time to turn the tablets off. You need to say hi to your Tante and Onkels

Rilian: Why

Joey: Come on you two, I bet I can get to the door faster than you

The twins drop the tablets and push themselves up!

Devin: Works every time

By the time the visitors migrate to the kitchen Devin has finished the pancakes. We have Luna’s brothers Hugo and Max, although Max’s wife has decided not to come. Then we have Devin and Joey’s younger sisters Deanna and Artemisia, as well as their Ma and Pa who are Nonna and Nonno to the twins.

Devin: Chow time everyone

The family descends on the food, some grabbing the bagels while others opt for the fluffy pancakes.

Aaron: Does filming start tomorrow then

Devin: It does! And a pirate movie no less, they’re due a revival

Atremisia: You won’t get an accolade for it. You’re a one hit wonder

Devin: Grazie Emisia, your support brings tears to my eyes

Artemisia: Prego

Devin: Are the extensions holding up okay

Artemisia: They’ve grown out! This hair is all mine now

Aaron: And she is shedding it like crazy, reminds me of cleaning up all your hair

Devin and Artemisia: Gross!

Max: These bagels aren’t too bad Joey. If I were you I would have put some fire chillies in it

Luna: Yes Max, we know how you like to mess with people. Is Miriam coming by later

Max: Me and Miriam are going through a patch right now

Luna: Oh come here

Max: I don’t want a hug

Luna: To bad

Calista: Don’t tell me you didn’t get a girl last night

Joey: I got a woman ma, but she didn’t seem interested in staying the night

Calista: Well I hope you’re being safe

Joey: Of course I am, no surprise grandbabies from me

Luna: Alfred schnucki, can you please eat over your plate

Alfred: But Mummy, I shake off syrup

Max: I may have put too much on his plate

Luna: May?

Max: It was an accident! This time

Luna: Did you send your sample into the genealogy site

Max: I did, I don’t know why

Hugo: Because we want to track down some of mums relatives, I told you this

Max: She abandoned us. Why should we care about her family

Hugo: We don’t know that she abandoned us! Dad was involved with some very shady people. I can’t shake the feeling she got hurt

Max: Whatever. I sent the sample in

Joey: Looking good Emisia! How’s life

Artemisia: Nothing I can’t manage

Joey: You playing nice with the other kids

Deanna: She is not

Artemisia: How would you know

Devin: Lucky guess

Artemisia: If I’m not it’s because a jerk like Roger doesn’t deserve my niceness

Aaron: But we’re finished with fights, aren’t we cara?

Artemisia: *sighs* Yes Pa. I won’t hit someone… unless they hit me first

Calista: Emisia, you must try to control the evil impulses

Artemisia: Max how do you control your evil impulses

Hugo: I don’t think he does

Max: I know not to pick fights I can’t win

Rilian: Hmm

Alfred: Eat Ri, you not like pancakes?

Rilian: No

Alfred: But Mama made them special

Rilian: *shrugs*

Max: How much do you think a divorce lawyer costs

Hugo: You can’t be serious

Max: I’m just checking out my options. Aaron? Do you know?

Aaron: I’d try talking to your wife first. Rough patches don’t have to lead straight to divorce

Luna: Exactly. Try to work at your relationship Max

Joey: Or just swear off relationships. How about you Emisia? Anyone cute at school

Artemisia: Maybe. Why should I tell you

Joey: Because I’m asking nicely

Artemisia: Bit busy focusing on myself right now

Devin: *laughs* Oh I do that

Aaron: You inherited that from me

Luna: I’m just saying, there must be some reason you got married

Joey looks like he’s going to say something but Devin shoots him a warning look. Guess now’s not the best time to interject with knowledge of how mods work.

Max: Suppose, but there’s also a reason I got a prenup

Artemisia: Oh to be rich and have rich people problems

Deanna: Are you dancing Alfred

Alfred: I bob like hen Zia De

Devin: He does love his birds

Max: Why does it matter if we don’t work out anyway? It’s not your relationship

Hugo: You’re our brother, of course we want you to be successful!

Luna: Deep breaths Hugo, deep breaths. Just keep us in the loop Max, okay?

Max: I’ll think about it

Artemisia: *thinking to self* I must study his evil

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[changingplumbob]

Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 1

I missed this family! I hope you're ready for incoming toddlers.

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Bambino/s (Italian) Male child/children Buongiorno (Italian) Good morning Caro (Italian) Dear Grazie (Italian) Thank you Piccolo (Italian) Little one Schnucki (German) Sweetie but doesn’t have an exact translation Zia/Zio (Italian) Aunt/Uncle

Up in the Pinnacles lies the home of Devin and Luna Villareal. Devin is an established actress taking on movie gigs alongside her role as tv regular on ZBB: Apocalypse rising. As much as she loves her job she enjoys spending time at home with her beloved wife Luna who is a university professor. The pair have young twins toddlers Alfred and Rilian. Living with them is Devin’s younger brother Joey, a tech head who’s main goal in life is to sleep with 30 sims. 7 down, 23 to go.

Devin: Buongiorno bambinos! Wakey wakey. Time to rise and shine my little stars

The twins blink awake slowly and sit themselves up.

Luna: Who needs some more potty training

The twins look at each other and back at their parents sadly.

Alfred: Mummy I use diaper

Rilian: Me to Mummy, in sleep

Devin: Oh dear, do we need changes

Rilian: No Mama, need food!

Devin and Luna are so pleased that their picky eater wants food that they decide to leave changes for now, they can give the boys baths after breakfast.

Rilian: Up Mama, up!

Devin: You want up? I thought you don’t like being carried

Rilian: *quietly* I like snuggle

Devin sighs happily as her piccolo throws his little arms around her and snuggles into her hair.

Alfred: Mummy carry me? Food

Luna: I can do that, but you’ll have to pay

Alfred: Pay?

Luna: Kiss attack!

Alfred laughs as Luna scoops him in her arms and kisses his cheek. Since Rilian woke in a good mood Devin decides to chance carrying him to the kitchen while Luna takes Alfred.

Devin: Grazie Rilian for letting Mama carry you

Rilian: I hung, much hung

Devin: Don’t worry, mama will get you breakfast. Are you okay with cereal?

Rilian nods enthusiastically and Devin grabs him a bowl while Luna brings in Alfred.

Devin: Hey slow pokes, we left you in the dust

Devin pulls a funny face at Alfred who bursts into giggles.

Alfred: We here Mama, we here. I can has cereal Mummy

Devin: Hold on, what do we say

Alfred: I can has cereal… please?

Luna: Perfect. Oh Rilian, have you almost finished your bowl?

Rilian: I was hung Mummy, very hung

Luna: Can you say hungry? Hmm. Hung-ry

Rilian: Hung… ree?

Rilian looks at Devin quizzically while Luna is sorting Alfred’s cereal.

Devin: Try again bambino, hungry. If you want food you are hung-ry

Rilian tries a few times to say the word while Alfred pats at his cereal.

Devin: Alfred, caro, you need to put the food in your mouth

Alfred: *singing* ce-real, ce-real, I like ce-real *whoops*

Rilian: *giggles* Mama Alfe make messy

Devin: *laughs* Yes I can see

Luna: *quietly* Tell them not to play with their food

Devin: But you- you know…

Luna: *guiltily* That’s why I can’t tell them off

Devin: *sighs* Rilian, Alfred, you can’t keep playing with your food

Rilian: I no play, I finish

Luna: Well done on eating schnucki

Rilian: Mama, Mummy, what we do today? Can I has bath?

Luna: *laughs* And they said kids hated baths

Devin: Can you do the baths Lu? I think we need to work on our please and thank you because some of us are forgetting

Alfred: Why

Devin: Because we want to grow up to be nice polite people

Rilian: Mummy do we have to

Luna: Yes. Like your Mama said, we need to learn manners. If you’re lucky maybe she’ll teach you the words in Italian when you get the hang of it

Alfred: Then we speak Iti!

Devin: Si piccolo mio

Luna: Who wants first bath

Rilian: ME! Me!

Luna: Hmm, what a shame. No one wants a bath

Rilian: Me Mummy! I do

Alfred: Please Ri...

Rilian: Oh. Me please Mummy

While Luna and Rilian head for the bath Joey comes into the kitchen.

Joey: Buongiorno Devin, Alfred

Alfred: Bon gee no (Buongiorno) Zio Joey

Devin: This seems early for you

Joey: Hey, I’ve already hung the washing out

Devin: We really need to hire a maid

Joey: Yes! A hot one

Devin: You going to be working on your video game?

Joey: Just until you need to head out, then I can hang with my best little buddies

Alfred: We get time with Zio Joey? Yay!

Devin: Yeah, while Mummy and Mama go out together

Devin: Okay caro, do you remember why we say please

Alfred: It… it nice word

Devin: It is a nice word, yes. But we say it to be nice to others

Alfred: Why

Devin: To be polite and friendly. We say it when we want or need something. Shall we practice?

Alfred jumps up and down excitedly nodding his head.

Devin: Let me just get in character…

Joey: This should be something

Devin: Shh please Mr-I'll-only-play-a-robot, I’m focusing

Alfred: Zio Joey let mama focus so we have fun

Devin: *in accent* Hello, I’m a merchant from a far off land with many things to buy. How can I help you today

Alfred: What for sale

Devin: I have many pretty... colourful... birds!

Alfred: *gasps* I want bird! Can I has bird… please?

Devin: Of course, we always save our best birds for our polite customers. What kind of bird would you like

Alfred: One that goes caw *imitates bird*. Caw bird please

Devin: Of course sir, I will give you our best noisy bird

Alfred: Yay!!! I got bird

Joey: *with a mouthful of breakfast* What do you say when you get it?

Alfred: Umm… tank Mama?

Devin: Th…Th…Th…

Alfred: Thank Mama! Thank!

Devin: Very good job. Remember we have to say thank YOU or thanks

Alfred: Thank you! For caw bird

Devin starts making bird noises and snuggles Alfred close, getting in a tickle or two. Alfred begins to laugh and also make bird noises.

Joey: Woah, who let the birds out? That’s some good acting piccolo

Alfred: Thank you Zio Joey, thanks

Devin: Well done caro, good memory

Meanwhile stubborn Rilian and his fragrant diaper walked to the bathroom where Luna was waiting patiently.

Rilian: I ready, I can walk self see Mummy

Luna: Okay, here we go. Time to take off that smelly diaper

Rilian giggles and wiggles out of it with Luna’s help. He’s still too small to get in the bath by himself so once Luna has checked the water temperature she helps him in. Rilian absolutely adores water, he’d have baths multiple times a day if he could. Luna does her best to get him scrubbed clean but the toddler is more focused on playing with the water.

Rilian: Water for Mummy!

Luna: Oh no, I’ve been hit! Going down

Rilian laughs and continues to play between sponge scrubs.

Previous (New Goth) ... Next

[changingplumbob]

Villareal Household: Chapter 5, Part 7

The picnic catch up continues, Devin pays her parents a visit, and Luna and Devin think about if another pregnancy is wise.

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets when they do not use the whole word. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian.

Schatz (German) meaning treasure Schnucki (German) meaning sweetie but doesn't have an exact translation Bambino/s (Italian) meaning male child/children Amore (Italian) meaning love Piccolo (Italian) meaning little one Caro (Italian) meaning dear Zia/Zio (Italian) meaning aunt/uncle Nonna/Nonno (Italian) meaning grandfather/grandmother

Devin: You didn’t want to bring Viola

Cassandra: Turns out, the twins are not her biggest fans

Charlie: Oh duck, what’s that like

Cassandra: At the moment it’s fine. Viola doesn’t understand enough to be bothered

Devin: And the girls

Cassandra: *laughs* they think an infant is like a chicken, say boo enough and it will just leave

While the grown ups laugh Rilian has had enough splashing and wanders over to Clover. He waves hello and Clover barks happily in response.

Charlie: Think they’ll grow out of it

Cassandra: Rahul is trying to talk them into it. But we want at least one more kid so they’ll have to adapt

Charlie: Being part of a big family does have perks. How about you Devin, will you and Luna have another

Devin: Well…

Cassandra: Come on, it’s us

Devin: She wants another one, at least she said so during the pregnancy. But then the postpartum depression happened. I worry that if it happened once it’ll happen again if we have another

Charlie: You could always adopt. Me and Kaori will eventually

Devin: I know but… Bloodlines are important to Luna, she really wants kids she’s related to

Cassandra: Everyone is allowed to have their own priorities

Devin: I do like seeing mini mixes of me and Luna bobbling about if I’m honest

Charlie: You’d better have more since you brought that toddler play palace

Devin: *laughs* It does take up an awful amount of space, I swear I checked the measurements before I ordered it

Devin: I think we had better start on these sandwiches before they spoil

Alfred: Race Me say dess? (Shall we race Mercedes)

Mercedes: *scoffs and speeds up*

Rilian: Aunt Cass, you eat

Cassandra: Of course, food helps you grow big and strong

Rilian: *whispers* I not eat

Devin: Rilian! Come on! Don’t think I missed your half-eaten breakfast caro

Charlie: What is this

Devin: BLT

Charlie: Shouldn’t it have B, you know, bacon

Devin: It’s faux if you want to get technical

Alfred: yum yum

Savannah: It nice taste

Cassandra: How about you Mercedes, is it okay

Mercedes: Yes. Thank you Aunt Devin

Devin: You’re very welcome

For a while it’s quiet as all the little ones are eating.

Cassandra: It’s less noisy here than I expected

Devin: I think it’s because there’s so few houses up here, no one really drives by you know

Charlie: You can’t even get vehicles up to our house. The mountain is car free

Cassandra: How’s that going? You adjusting…

Charlie: Adjusting to knowing I have to live there forever and work to maintain it… it’s a process. But Kaori makes everything worth it, I’d never leave her

The toddlers are finished and toddle off.

Cassandra: Hey Charlie, you want to hear a story that’ll make you happy to be a lesbian

Charlie: I’m always happy but sure

A few minutes later…

Devin bursts into raucous laughter while Charlie looks horrified.

Charlie: Oh dear watcher thank you for not making me straight! Male pixel parts are *gags*

Meanwhile Rilian has used the distraction to dump his half eaten sandwich in the library, sneaky sneak.

Picnic over Devin takes the bambinos to visit their nonno and nonna.

Calista: Nice to get a visit from a starlet

Devin: *chuckles* We got the photos from the birthday done and wanted to give you your copies

Alfred: Hi Zi De (Zia Deanna)

Deanna: Hi Alfred, how are you today

Alfred: *hides behind his hands*

Rilian: K, K, K (Kelly Kelly Kelly)

Kellly: *sighs* Yes Rilian, what do you want

Rilian: Hi Zi K (Zio Kelly)

Kelly: *rolls eyes*

Rilian: You eat Zi K (Zio Kelly)

Kelly: Do I eat? Of course I eat

Rilian blubbers and Kelly tries to ignore him and focus on TV.

Rilian: Food uck uck (yuck yuck)

Kelly: I agree, some food is way too yuck to eat. *evil idea pops in head* But hey, do you know why some food tastes yuck?

...

Aaron: Hey cara

Devin: Hey pa, how are you

Aaron: Good. Did I hear someone say photos

Devin: Right here

Alfred meanwhile is being fussed over by his nonna who happily scoops him up to snuggle.

Devin finds a sad Rilian and pulls some funny faces to try cheer him up.

Devin: What were you doing with my son

Kelly: Chill out, we were just talking about food. He told me about how he didn’t eat all his lunch and I said you shouldn’t eat food if it’s yuck food

Devin: *sighs* Please tell me you didn’t Kelly

Kelly: What? *deliberately looking at Rilian* Everyone knows yuck food means it has poison which will kill you

Rilian nods.

Devin: It’s not poison

Rilian: Uck food no eat, I die (No eat yuck food or I die)

Devin: I’m leaving before you give him any more evil ideas

Back home Devin tried to help Rilian potty, and again Alfred went independently and was pleased despite making a puddle. Afterwards the bambinos needed a nap after their long day. They slept long enough that Luna had time to go for a swim, develop a fear of swimming, and practice her debate skill.

Luna: What did I miss today

Devin: Both bambinos reached level 3 communication skill so-

Rilian: We talk!

Luna: Well do you eat

Alfred: I eat. I eat fast.

Devin: Rilian…

Rilian: *innocently* Yes mama

Devin: Please eat your sandwich

Rilian: I did bite mama

Alfred: I finish

Rilian pulls a face at his brother.

Devin: The rest of us are eating

Rilian: *ignores Devin* Alfred, you see-

Luna: Rilian, schnucki, why aren’t you eating

Rilian: Uck food no eat, I die (No eat yuck food or I die)

Devin groans and Alfred laughs while Luna looks very confused.

Rilian: Uck food piss in. Zi K say (Yuck food has poison in it, Zio Kelly said so)

Devin: I’m so sorry Lu. I went to see ma and pa and he wandered off and talked to Kelly

Rilian: Zi K (Zio Kelly) good

Luna: Said nobody, ever

Alfred: Zi (Zio) Joey fun. Where Zi (Zio) Joey

Devin: He’s just out getting the last of his stuff caro, he’ll be back

Rilian: I no need eat. I…

Luna: Yes…

Rilian: I… *motions with his hands to show big*

Devin: You’re full?

Rilian: Yes! No hung no more (Not hungry any more)

Luna: Bath time anyone

Rilian: With bubbly mummy

Alfred: Carry me mama

Luna takes Rilian into her bathroom for his bath while Devin carries Alfred to the bathroom beside the nursery. As usual the bambinos spend more time playing than trying to get clean.

Rilian: Splash splash

Luna: How about trying to keep the water in the tub schnucki

Alfred: This duck and I bird

Devin: Is that right piccolo

Alfred: I have bird shirt

Luna: Sleep time

Rilian: No mummy, story time

Devin: Do you two want a story

Alfred: Yes mama, story time

Luna: What do we say

Twins: PLEASE

Devin: Let’s see, where were we last time

Alfred: Long neck

Rilian: No *yawns* spike dino

Alfred: Long *yawns* neck *yawns* mummy

It doesn’t take many pages for the bambinos to fall asleep, they had a big day and while naps helped them stay awake for dinner the warm baths made them sleepy.

Devin: So Lu, I was talking with Cass and Charlie

Luna: How were they

Devin: OMW Cass had this hilarious story- but we were talking about kids and it got me thinking, will we have more kids?

Luna: Of course we will. Why would you wonder about that?

Devin: Well we haven’t broached the subject since the post-partum depression

Luna: Why does that make a difference

Devin: It was hard for me to see you like that, and I know it was hard for you to go through-

Luna: It was rough, that’s for sure, but I want kids! More kids

Devin: It’s just, if you had it once then, you’ll be more likely to get it again right

Luna: Oh… I guess I hadn’t thought about that. Are you saying you won't let us have more kids

Devin: I’m not saying that amore. Please don’t get me wrong, I’d love more kids with you when the bambinos get older. But your mental health is important, I don’t want to lose you just to get another child

Luna: Hey, you’re not going to lose me. If you’re not confident enough to chance it now, we can wait until the bambinos get older, would that make you feel better

Devin: Deal. Now amore, let me show you all my confidence

Night falls in Del Sol Valley and the Villareal’s are wrapped! The twin toddlers are sleeping soundly while Devin and Luna are holding off on trying for another pregnancy.

Previous Part ... Next Part (Pancakes)

[changingplumbob]

Villareal Household: Chapter 5, Part 6

In this part Devin becomes a regular for season 2 of ZBB: Apocalypse Rising. Back home the stay over continues, as does Rilian being a picky eater. Lastly Devin prepares to host a picnic.

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets when they do not use the whole word. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian.

Schatz (German) meaning treasure Schnucki (German) meaning sweetie but doesn't have an exact translation Bambino/s (Italian) meaning male child/children Amore (Italian) meaning love Piccolo (Italian) meaning little one Caro (Italian) meaning dear Tante/Onkel (German) meaning aunt/uncle

Luna: Shooting day, exciting

Devin: It always is! I’m go glad Norah hired me for another season, she’s such fun to work with. You’re not working today right?

Luna: Nope! I’ll be trying to focus on improving my research skill, I want this next promotion

Early riser Alfred is up early so Devin potty trains him while Luna eats. Afterwards Luna carries Alfred to his high chair for breakfast. Devin wakes up Rilian and tries again to coach him on the potty. He has an accident anyway.

Devin: Come on Rillian, breakfast time

Rilian: No mama, me no carry (I do not want to be carried)

Devi: Sorry caro but mama has to be on set by midday, we don’t have time for you to walk yourself

Rilian pouts and grumbles the entire way.

Devin: See, we have nice cereal

Rilian: *hums to self, ignores cereal*

Devin: Come on caro, at least try some before you turn it down

Rilian: food uck uck (yuck yuck)

Max: What’s going on in here

Devin: We’re refusing to eat our breakfast

Max: That’s it buddy, rebel against the system

Rilian: Onk Max si si *giggles* (Onkel Max silly)

Devin: Thanks for the support

Max: It’s what I’m here for

Eventually Rilian empties his bowl and sings Devin a song about food, getting none of the food words right.

Devin and Rilian walk to where Alfred is playing on the tablet by Luna who is debating the mirror again.

Devin: Now bambinos mama has to go but mama will be back, promise

Rilian: Mama play?

After a rousing play session Devin is almost out the door when Alfred requests a hug

Alfred: Bye bye mama, me love

Devin: Is that a sentence

Luna: As a professor of language I can assure you, it was not a sentence. At least, not yet

Devin: You two keep working on talking while I’m out. Te amo amore, back later

Rudolphus: Why are we doing this zombie show again

Devin: We need to pay rent

Rudolphus: Like you pay rent

Devin: I pay property taxes. Plus Norah asked

Emily: Oh gosh, they did not take good photos for continuity last time, who was even running this department

Devin: Can you find the costume

Emily: I think so, just be careful with it. If you’re becoming a regular I’ll redo it so it’s more interesting for the camera

Devin: Thank Emily, I’ll try not to dent it when I fall

Emily: That’s not funny

Devin: But there’s a scene where I fall

Emily: *sighs* Of course there is

Devin: Season 2! How’d you get the network to let me in after my character was killed off

Norah: Honey once you won that award they were happy to let me write you back in

Devin: I missed you Norah. Movie sets weren’t the same without you. So, any notes for how I should play the revival scene

Norah: *sighs*

Devin: Hey, you okay

Norah: This co-star they hired… the only simlish she knows is her lines

Devin: You’re kidding

Norah: I wish I was, thank the watcher we’ve got you

Devin: I’ll go talk to her, she’s got to know hello right?

Devin: Hello Tadelech, I’m Devin. It’s nice to meet you

Tadelech: It wasn’t the same once the bugs came

Devin: *blanks* Shall we run our lines then

Devin pulls out her script and Tadelech figures out what she means. Despite not knowing simlish to communicate Tadelech is delivering her lines wonderfully, she clearly loves acting.

Devin: It’s going to be fine. Tadelech knows her lines, that’s all she needs

Norah: I hope so, this show is just so important to me

Devin: Norah your work always speaks for itself, trust me, she can do this and you’ll have quality content

Norah remains dubious but starts filming. First up is Devin’s monologue. In it she recaps what happened on the first season and reveals that her character was merely assumed to be dead. In actuality she’s still alive, kicking and fighting the bugs!

Devin: Mina Mina Mina, you look a-mina-mazing

Mina: Rudolphus is an artist with the make up. Regular selfie?

Devin: Always

Norah: ACTION

Devin: Listen to me, this isn’t you! The bugs are inside you, changing you

Mina: The only thing that’s changed is I can see you for the coward you are

The two then pull off the choreographed fight sequence, trusting special effects to make it look realistic.

Norah: CUT

Devin breathes a sigh of relief and moves on to the next scene.

ACTION

Devin picks up the discarded looking guitar and begins to play. They’ll add the proper tune in when it’s edited but she still likes to play what should be played. Then it’s across the stage to where Tadelech waits expectantly. Together they run through the reunion scene, selling that their characters have known each other all along.

CUT

Final scene of the day leaves Devin’s character in a precarious position. Will she return for a third season? It depends on fan response.

When Devin gets home the twins are excited to see her and begin to babble incoherently.

Devin: Woah woah woah, let’s talk over dinner huh

Luna: Come on schnucki, up we go

Rilian: up mummy up

Devin: Today we’re going to try some delicious peas

Alfred: Why pez (peas)

Luna: To help you both grow big and strong

Alfred and Rilian babble to each other while the grown ups talk.

Devin: Poor thing didn’t know any simlish

Luna: None at all?

Devin: Technically she knew her lines

Joey: Did she understand what she was saying

Devin: I think so, I mean her acting seemed accurate

Luna: So you did all the scenes they needed you for

Devin: And I got gold because I’m fabulous

Potty time and neither twin has reached level 2 yet. I know it’s because I have skill difficulty higher than normal, but I do wish I could make the potty skill exempt. Then it’s story time to get the bambinos to sleep, followed by tucking in and kisses. While Luna does some more debate practice, Devin dives into trying to pick up Windenburgish.

Luna: Did you sleep well

Devin: I did, but I’m pretty excited for today

Luna: Say hi to Cassandra and Charlie for me

Devin: Will do

Luna heads to the garden to harvest where Miriam finds her, I swear Miriam always hangs around the garden. Luna then makes fruit salad for breakfast and chats to her brothers who will be leaving later on today.

Alfred: Mama what do (what are you doing)

Devin: Just updating my social media. You ready for potty practice

Alfred: Me do, me do, no we (I can do it, don't need to do it as a team)

Rilian: Mama help me

Devin: Since your brother apparently doesn’t need my superior guidance of course I can help you Rilian

They shuffle in to the bathroom and Devin coaches Rilian while Alfred tries by himself. Both methods seem to work as the bambinos reach level 2 potty!

Devin: Mummy was making breakfast, who wants a lift

Alfred: Me mama, me

Rilian: No no no

Devin: Okay then. Rilian can you keep up

Rilian: Yes. I bob (walk) mama

In the kitchen they all grab plates and begin to eat.

Luna has headed off to work and Devin begins preparation for todays event, friends kid friendly catch up. She’s making some BLT’s for the guests when the bambinos finish eating and head for the stereo to dance.

Devin: Rilian, caro, did you finish yours

Rilian: *pulls cheeky face* yes mama

Devin: Good job

Alfred: Rili not-

Rilian: Shh Alfe, shhh

Lastly Devin makes some lemonade in case anyone wants it. Rilian and Alfred are pretty happy with the yard, now full of toddler toys after Devin’s latest paycheck cleared. They hug in excitement. The guests arrive! Devin’s BFF’s Cassandra and Charlie. Cassandra brought Savannah and Mercedes (friendly reminder they’re around *checks* five and a half, while Devin’s bambinos are 3 and a quarter today). Charlie not having human children brought her furbaby Clover.

Alfred: Hi

Mercedes: Who are you

Alfred: Me is Alfred

Devin: Thanks for coming over

Cassandra: Of course, we haven’t had a hangout with just us three in ages

Charlie: Are we just going to ignore the kids

Cassandra: My girls can entertain themselves, mostly…

Devin: So long as I can keep eyeline with the pond, everyone should be fine to amuse themselves

Alfred continues to try babbling to a more literate Mercedes. Water loving Rilian meanwhile goes and has a splash about in the pond in his gumboots. In the yard Devin settles where she can keep an eye on him, and happily catches up with her best friends.

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[changingplumbob]

Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 14

A chill but speedy Friday with my pixels.

CW: Moderate sim spice. Content Warning Guide

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Bambino/s (Italian) Male child/children Caro (Italian) Dear

The family are sitting down to pasta when Rilian notices Devin’s hair is different…

Rilian: Mama hair? How?

Devin: Caro, it’s called being the watchers favourite. Don’t even need a salon

Alfred: What watcher

Luna: Your Mama and Zio think there is someone watching over us in our life, helping us out and keeping us safe. I don’t but you get to believe whatever you want. Many other sims think the watcher exists

Devin: The watcher loves us bambinos, you can tell

Rilian: How

Alfred: *sings song of watcher adoration*

Devin: Little things. We’re very lucky, always dressed nicely…

Joey: We’re generally happier than the average sim and have nicer names to. There are other things but you’re too young to understand loading screens yet

Luna: It’s a big concept

Rilian: We big

Devin: Well you don’t have to decide if you believe in the watcher or not tonight. And no matter what Mama and Mummy will still love you

Dinner finishes and the toddlers get sorted for bed. Joey knows what he thinks, no nephews of his will grow up not believing in the watcher. Mod dangers lurk everywhere, the boys must be prepared! And stepping back from the paranoid sim…

Devin practices some of the scripts she’s been sent before bed to see how she feels about the characters. There are some interesting ones, she’ll have to get Luna to read them when she has time.

Luna: They’re asleep, shall we turn in

Devin: I hope you didn’t mind me talking about the watcher

Luna: They had to be introduced to the idea sometime. Now come to bed

In the morning Devin tries once again to bring Luna around to the idea of a watcher.

Devin: So how do you think my hair changed

Luna: Plenty of people have sudden hair changes, just look at your sisters

Devin: And you don’t think your brothers look more polished recently?

Luna: I suppose they have tidied themselves up a bit

Devin: Lu the watcher let me impregnate you, how can you not believe in them

Luna: I’m trying it’s just… if there is a watcher why won’t they give me answers about my mum

Devin: Oh... I can get that view. But Lu the watcher works on her own timeframe, I’m sure one day we’ll find out

Luna: Well when we do, then I’ll believe. Deal?

Devin: Deal!!! The watcher is going to help me with this I know it

Following a breakfast where Alfred scoffed and Rilian barely made a dent Devin shepherds the twins to the bathroom. Luna and Joey head to their jobs while Devin makes sure each twin gets squeaky clean. Afterwards the trio move to the master bedroom where Devin works on her acting skill. She reaches level 10! Alfred also maxes his communication skill!

Following a quick trip to Tartosa to give Calista and Aaron some family photos the twins spend their afternoon working on their motor skill while Devin gets her workout in. Look at her doing those laps without even shaking her sunglasses off! Swim done she watches the bambinos while knitting a gift for everyone’s favourite rooster, Mr Cluckton himself!

With Cassandra’s eldest having school responsibilities now the regular Friday best friends lunch play date has shifted to dinner time. Devin gives Cassandra her gift for Cluckton and the Nishidake family and Chopra family descend on the picnic basket for some fish pie and bagels. Unfortunately most are sad due to a mod but hey, at least the gang is together!

Following the picnic Joey gets a notification that he’s matched with another sim who is down for no strings fun. Inviting her in he has to admit to himself that she’s not his normal type (his panel said he found her unattractive, excuse me sir) but woohoo is woohoo and he’s always happy to get some. She expresses interest in his jacuzzi tub so taking her by the hand he shows her.

Joey: The water is good, come on in

Starting to remove her dress Luisa hesitates for a second

Luisa: I should probably tell you… just so you’re not crazy shocked… umm… I probably don’t have the pixel parts you’re expecting

Joey: You see yourself as a woman right? Your profile said

Luisa: Yes…

Joey: Then that’s how I see you. The water in here is good no matter what you do or don’t have under that dress

Luisa exhales in relief and strips off to climb in beside him.

Luisa: Sorry for being weird I’ve just had some… bad reactions

Joey: Clearly jerks. I have to tell you though, this is new to me. Tell me what you want me doing or not doing. I want this to be as good for you as I can see it being for me. I don’t want you being uncomfortable

Luisa: I have a feeling I won’t be. Something is telling me I clicked on the right profile

Joey: It’s my eyes isn’t it? The perfect kind of chocolate to drown in

Luisa laughs and leans down to close the gap between them with a kiss.

Nightmare alert! Poor Rilian has been chased by a monster into a lake of fire. Waking up sad he goes to try find his parents. In their room Luna is working on her next lecture and Devin is practicing her guitar. They both stop when the crying toddler walks in and bundles him up with kisses. Luna carries him to bed and Devin settles him down while Luna tucks in Alfred, making sure he stays asleep. Devin only has to read a few pages before Rilian returns to dreamland, hopefully with less fire.

Pulling the door of the nursery shut the pair are alone in their room where Luna dips Devin into a passionate kiss.

Luna: You are such a wonderful woman

Devin: I’m inspired by my wife *kisses* I know I wanted to wait for a third kid but maybe that was just me being a coward. I shouldn’t assume you’ll get postpartum depression again

Luna: And I shouldn’t assume I won’t be affected again. Perhaps we just need another solution like a surrogate or a science baby

Devin: Do you know how much I love you

Luna: I imagine it’s almost as much as I love you

Undressing each other the pair head to bed.

Luna admits that if she can’t find out if her mother had postpartum depression, it’s wise to avoid her getting pregnant again. And of course Devin has her career to think of, a career where she needs to be in shape. But a baby… they both want another baby. They’ll have to look into the options but they have faith a solution is out there for them. One they can find together.

That’s it for now for the Villareals, see you later Del Sol Valley!

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[changingplumbob]

Villareal: Chapter 6, Part 2

Saturdays are for toddlers.

For ease of reading if the toddlers are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian. Buongiorno (Italian) Good morning Caro (Italian) Dear Nonna/Nonno (Italian) Grandfather/Grandmother Piccolo (Italian) Little one Schnucki (German) Sweetie but doesn’t have an exact translation Zia/Zio (Italian) Aunt/Uncle

Devin: Good luck working on the game

Joey: Thanks. I’ll see you later

Alfred: Bye bye Zio Joey

Devin scoops Alfred up to take him to the bathroom so he can get a wash and a clean diaper.

Rilian: Up mummy, up! I like snuggle

Luna: Come here then schnucki. Oh mummy loves you

She puts the toddler back down as Devin brings in Alfred.

Devin: Special delivery, one bird in need of a bath

Alfred: *imitates bird*

Luna: Come here you

Rilian: Mama I had fun bath, we go play

Devin: No it’s not time for play yet

Rilian: But… I want to play

Rilian begins to toddle out of the room while Devin turns to Luna.

Devin: When does the memory kick in again? Come back caro!

Devin gets in front of him before he can get far and Luna can focus on Alfred.

Luna: So someone needs a bird bath?

Alfred: I pin gin (penguin) like Nonna made

Luna: Yeah, Nonna made a penguin for you and for Rilian didn’t she?

Alfred: I should thanks!

Luna: *laughs* That’s right schnucki

Rilian: Mama I want play

Devin: I know piccolo, you can play later. Mama really needs to talk to you about our manners

Rilian: Okay Mama, I stay

Devin: Thank you caro. Do you know why I said thank you?

Rilian: You happy I stay?

Devin: Si! When someone does something nice that makes you happy, you say thank you or thanks

Rilian: *singing* Thank you, thank you, thank you Mama

Devin: You’re welcome. Actually, let’s not worry about that yet. What do we say when we would like something?

Rilian: I can has please?

Devin: That’s it. Let’s practice

Rilian: *excitedly* What you be Mama, what you be?

Devin: *in accent* I am a merchant from a far away land. I have many things you can buy. Would you like to buy something

Rilian: Yes please Mama- ah, mer che (merchant)

Devin: What would you like

Rilian: Umm, I not know

Devin: You don’t know? How about some candy

Rilian: I not hung- hungry. Not hungry mama

Devin: That’s a shame, I have some great ice cream

Rilian: No thanks Mama, I have water please

Devin: You want some water

Rilian: YES

Devin: What are you planning with this water

Rilian: I play Mama

Devin: Rilian, caro, we have a pool and a pond already

Rilian: I not big for pool. I want me pool please

Devin: Well I’ll talk with Mummy and see what we can do

Rilian: YAY! Thank you Mama

Alfred: *singing* Splish splash, splash with Mummy, splish splish

Luna: Try keep some of that water in the bath schnucki

Alfred: Mummy?

Luna: Yes Alfred

Alfred: You love me?

Luna: Of course I do

Alfred: And Mama love me

Luna: She loves you very much

Alfred: I want say… I happy

Luna: Aww, thank you Alfred. That’s lovely to hear

Alfred: Duckie happy to *quacks*

All the work done by Devin and Luna this morning earns each of them a boost in their parenting skill, Devin goes up to level 8 and Luna hits level 7. All the talk has also boosted Alfred’s communication to level 4, his highest skill. Luna heads to the garden with the twins, Devin heads out for a jog and Joey is where he’s been all morning. Behind a computer screen in his pjs. He wants to make sure this debut video game is as good as it can be.

Turning on her drone, Devin is off. Time to talk to her fans!

Devin: Buongiorno everyone! We are having a beautiful fall day here in Del Sol Valley. I am lucky to live here in the Pinnacles. It couldn’t have been done without my hard working wife and all of your loyal support. Now, who wants to hear what I’ll be shooting this month?

Initially it was hard for Devin to jog and talk but she’s glad she stuck with it, it really is the easiest way to touch base with her fans. It’s not so different from the cheering she did in high school.

In the yard Alfred has taken over the chef station while Rilian is driving the food truck. The stove is a bit high for Alfred so Luna has brought him out some books to balance on.

Rilian: Honk honk! Out the way bird

Alfred: I not in way

Rilian: No you Alfe, you cook for me

Alfred: And we sell

Rilian: We be money

Luna: Rich schnucki

Twins: *visible confusion*

Luna: You don’t become money, you get money. And if you have lots of money you are rich

Rilian: Okay mummy

Alfred: We get money, be rich. I buy bird

Rilian: Our food good?

Alfred: I do best. Make it nice

Rilian: Make it pretty

Alfred: Yes Ri, pretty like Mama and like Mummy

Rilian: *giggles* And like us

Alfred: YES. Okay I bring now

Rilian: Honk honk! We open! Come! Give money

Alfred: You buy

Rilian: No, you buy

Alfred: I make

Rilian: But I drive *honking noises*

Alfred: Okay Ri. Hello

Rilian: Hello

Alfred: Can I has burger please

Rilian: What you pay

Alfred: Kissy *blows kiss*

Rilian laughs and grabs at the air trying to catch it.

After the twins have finished playing with the food truck their imagination climbs to level 2. Enjoying their playtime they move on to other toys. They mostly play in their own worlds, Alfred is in a land of dinosaurs while Rilian is in a castle of squeaky toys. While they play Luna is doing laps in the pool. She is determined to try shake her latest fear of water before the weather gets to cold. Not that it ever really gets too cold in Del Sol Valley.

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[changingplumbob]

York Household: Chapter 9, Part 4

Time for a York family brunch!

The Yorks are Italian so if you see them using words that don't look like English it's Italian, or what google assures me is Italian. Caro/Cara: Dear Buongiorno: Good morning Piccolo: Little one Tesoro: Treasure Nonno: Grandfather Nonna: Grandmother Si: Yes Grazie: Thank you Per Favore: Please Buon Compleanno: Happy Birthday

Paris has been watching some kids TV in the apartment she shares with Deanna but, eventually getting bored, starts playing with an infant toy she found in Kelly’s toybox. Perks of being a childish sim.

Deanna: I’m done!

Paris: You are?

Deanna: Well 3 out of 4 lots of homework but I’m to tired to do more

Paris: You can always do it tomorrow

Deanna: And how about you? Can I do you tonight?

Paris: *coyly* If you want

Deanna: I do want

Aaron: Think we can woohoo without a kid barging in saying Kelly made them cry

Calista: I think the kids he hangs out with are tougher than that

After the pair are satisfied Calista cuddles up beside Aaron as he plays with her hair.

Calista: Por favore, can you be in good Nonno mode for brunch

Aaron: What do you mean

Calista: No telling Rilian he’s coddled or Alfred that he's the better twin. They’re speaking now, they can catch on

Aaron: *sighs* Rilian cries at the drop of a hat

Calista pinches Aaron.

Aaron: Fine, fine! I’ll try keep my annoyance to a minimum

At long last the whole house slumbers.

Devin: Buongiorno pa

Aaron: Cara, you’re here

Devin: Forget fashionable late I’d far rather be fashionably early

Deanna: Shh! They’re sleeping

Devin: Why is the lounge full of sleeping kids at almost 11am

Aaron: I think Kelly kept them up late with his spooky stories. We should probably get them up before brunch starts though

Devin: Yep. I don’t need any kid stealing all of ma’s omelettes

The family arrive for brunch and while Calista gets the last of Kelly’s guests on their way Aaron puts the toddlers in the high chairs.

Aaron: Here we have some omelettes cooked by your nonna, just for you

Alfred: For me

Devin: Si. Make sure you eat it before it gets cold

Alfred: No eat. Talk mama

Devin: Rilian, will you please eat

Rilian: It poison?

Calista: I don’t know what your cheeky Zio Kelly told you, but I would never give you poison. I promise, I made this with love and it tastes very good

Devin takes time to encourage Rilian to eat, he’s a picky eater, but eventually he starts to nibble on the omelette. His little face lights up and he begins to tuck in happily. Of course nonno Aaron is oblivious to this show of superior twin power as he’s over with the second generation of Yorks to eat.

Luna: How is the nectar garden going

Calista: We’re still waiting for the fruit to grow but-

Rilian: I DONE

Luna: *tuts* Rilian it is not good to interrupt. I am happy you finished your meal though

Alfred: This good nonna

Devin: What do we say

Alfred: Tank? Tank nonna

Calista: *smiles* at least he’s trying

Luna: We figure we’ll teach them grazie and danke after they know what thank you actually means

Aaron: How are you today Rilian? *looks at Calista deliberately*

Rilian: *smiles* I good good nonno. I eat up

Aaron: Oh? Molto bene

Rilian: *looks puzzled*

Devin: It’s Italian caro, you’ll learn in time

Rilian: Oh. Nonna can I out

Calista: Since you have finished eating sure

Joey: I see you also ate yours Alfred

Alfred: Yes Zio Joey *blows kiss*

Joey: aww, thanks piccolo

Freed from his chair Rilian toddles around and toddles right into Kelly.

Rilian: Zio Ke, Zio Ke! I eat up

Kelly: Did you now? How do you know it wasn’t poison

Rilian: *thinks* it taste good, mo bean (molto bene)

Kelly: That’s good news. You’ll have enough energy to survive then

Rilian: Huh

Kelly: See I was bitten last night and now I’m a MONSTER

Rilian: *jumps out of skin*

Rilian: *wailing*

Kelly: Shut up you’re fine

Rilian: *cries loudly* NONNO ZIO KE MEAN

Aaron: *sighs* Coming Rilian

Rilian: *sniffles and smiles at Kelly*

Kelly: Oh you little poop you're totally acting

Aaron: What’s going on over here then

Alfred: Up nonna up

Calista: Here I come. Uh oh, sounds like Rilian might be having some trouble

Alfred: I help, I snuggle

Calista: *hugging tightly* That’s right, you’re a snuggle bug aren’t you piccolo. All right, down we go

Alfred: I free, I free

…

Aaron: Kelly what did you do?

Kelly: He’s fine, he just smiled at me!

Rilian: *sniffles* Nonno Zio Ke scare *pouts*

Aaron: *sighs* You decided it was a good idea to scare a three year old?

Kelly: I said I was a monster and he overreacted

Aaron: Kelly he’s a toddler, of course monsters are scary

Rilian: *sniffles* Nonno I sad

Aaron: Don’t worry Rilian, we can find something fun. As for you Kelly, time out

Kelly: *sighs* nobody has a sense of humour in this family

Defeated he goes and sits. Alfred comes over and tries talking to him but like normal Kelly prefers to ignore his nephews. Meanwhile Aaron scoops Rilian up and plays with him until he’s calmed down properly.

So what do we reackon folks? I'm still not 100% certain what happened with Kelly and Rilian. Reminder to read the whole option before clicking (it's me, I only read half the sentence then realise I was too eager to click)

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