#bacc through time

[generalsdiary]

the spice will warm me from the inside

Jiaoqiu x Moze

warnings: description of injuries, mentions of the 2.5 events, Jiaoqiu’s history, Moze’s history, nightmares, anxiety, breakdowns, knives/weapons mentioned, one swear word, assassination attempt (dw)

word count: 5.5k

description: a hurt/comfort fic, angst & fluff, life after the events of 2.5, kinda found family trope as well. Jiaoqiu's life with his newfound trauma and disability, Jiaoqiu and Moze living life and communicating in healthy ways. As much as it goes over their "angsty" pasts and traumas it is very healing and focused on moving forward and learning to find a way to go on even when all has gone dark (pun not intended). Feixiao shows up a few times, Sushang comes to visit. As much as it is hurt/comfort, dw as soon as it hurts you, you will be comforted. One has to process through their past traumas and everything they have been through in order to start moving on. A realistic approach.

Jiaoqiu's fingers pressed against the smooth surface of the window. Cold, smooth, glossy. Traveling between the ships of the Luofu wasn't something new to him, but the experience felt different. The darkness, the shadow didn't move no matter how wide he opened his eyes, hoping for light to seep in, for a picture to form. It was hopeless, the poison took its toll.

“Moze.” his voice was gentle as ever, trying his best to hide the tremble in it. The fear as every space feels unfamiliar. The small tremor in his hands that hasn't left since he was... rescued.

“Yes?” a deep-toned voice beside him makes his ears perk up, trying to pinpoint the location, to naturally turn to the man as he usually would. With the way he could before. He turns, hopefully towards Moze. A small crinkle in his eyes as he recalls how March corrected him twice because he wasn't facing her nor the others. Jiaoqiu expected his hearing to be better, to be a better aid, especially as a foxian.

“Describe the room for me. Please.” there's a small pause. A silence. The shadow guard was incredibly quiet, not even a rustle of his clothes.

“It is the same as the last time. Small room, red velvet seats, three across three, sliding glass door, warm light from the headlight, grey floors. The regular transportation.”

Jiaoqiu nods, bringing his fan out, hiding half his face and gently moving it creating a small whiff of air. He remembers some of it... such a mundane thing, he never paid it too much attention. It hurts. Leaning his head back against the soft seat he closes his eyes. They are straining him. an unfamiliar feeling this early in the day.

“Mhm, thank you, Moze... and. General Feixiao, where is she?”

“Arranging a private port for us three to exit at. to avoid crowds.” Moze keeps his answer concise.

The trio is still greeted by guards and some of the general’s usual caretakers. They have received the news, and a man eagerly approaches the trio. His hand is quickly gripping Jiaoqiu’s forearm, making him lose his balance, making him stumble. He desperately uses his tail to balance and tug his arm back. The irritation barely hidden in his voice, “You do not take my arm- one does not simply drag a blind man with them.”

Commotion. Calming words of the general. And a voice that cuts through the multiple voices talking. A low tone, beside him. “I’m on your right, half a step in front of you.” being taller than Jiaoqiu, Moze’s soothing voice is heard easily, mouth so near the foxian’s fluffy ears.

Jiaoqiu takes a calming breath. Another one. This is fine. No. It is not fine. He just has to get home. Home. Yes. Everything will be fine when he gets home.

His hand reaches out into the unknown, the rough fabric meets his fingertips, he gently rests his arm tucked into Moze’s and then grips his forearm. “Thank you. Please. ..Slowly. I can’t.-“ Jiaoqiu’s voice breaks, why did it- no he is fine. He is not breaking down in public. It has been years since has was able to cry. Not after he served in the military. Those tears have long dried up.

You don’t need to cry to break down. To feel the pain engulfing you. The war took most of his ability to taste away. The once lover of subtle, bland flavors, now chased the spiciest, hottest meals- no matter how much it burned his tongue or hurt his throat. It made him feel alive. The spice burned inside him, warming him up when all he could feel was an icy cold throughout his bones.

The familiar crack of the wooden floor beneath his feet lets him know he is finally home. Jiaoqiu immediately took his shoes off and let go of Moze. Stretching out his arms, feeling the smooth texture of the walls in his home. Navigating to his bedroom. Through many dark nights, he could move around his house effortlessly- but this wasn’t a dark night. No moonlight. No lamp. No candle. No soft lights coming off the electronics. He bumps into the couch, and a cabinet, until he finally sits down on the soft bed. Opening his eyes. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing nothing nothing. Nothing? Jiaoqiu wants to rage, to throw furniture around. Hasn’t he done enough? Given enough? Deep breaths. He will not succumb to the anger that wants to drown him. Mindlessly caressing the cotton sheets beneath him.

“G-give me a scarf.”

Silence. Jiaoqiu cannot hear him. Moze was always someone he could see, even in his shadow form, he could always SEE him. he could not even smell him. the clean man. Not a single scent.

A fabric touches his hands, soft, strange patterns swirling on it. He drags his fingers across it. Deep breaths. Calm down. He folds it neatly and brings it over his eyes. Tying it up around his head.

“Why?” Moze asked quietly. The sound seems to be coming from below. He is… kneeling beside the bed?

“Every time I open my eyes I hope they will heal. That… that something maybe changed. And every single fucking time that hope is crushed. And I-“ his voice wavers, “I cannot deal with that. I cannot bear another time of my heart getting broken by my inability to see. … with this, I won’t be able to open them. Just. Just… until I get used to… things.”

“I can order a cane for you.”

“No,” Jiaoqiu says a bit too harshly. “I will not. I can’t. I… just. Please, I.” he stumbles over his words like he is falling down the stairs. Shaking his head. Hands trembling. Moze’s habit of not speaking is upsetting at this moment. The bed squeaks under the weight of the other man, strong arms encircle him. Firm chest pressed against the foxian’s back. Calm breathing on his shoulder and a strong steady heart beating against his own works wonders. Making him ground his own breathing in the pace he feels the other’s ribs expand and contract. Heartbeat soon enough coming into sync with Moze’s. A comfortable silence. Although to Jiaoqiu it isn’t a silence. The inhale, exhale, a reassuring sound in this abyss.

Jiaoqiu’s fingers gripped the peeled onion a bit too roughly. He worried it might roll away. Just have to tuck in his fingers, and it is okay. Chop, chop, chop.

Cooking is a big part of him. and his situation will not take it away from him. The last thing that makes him feel like himself. His hand hovers above the deep pan, warmth seeping in. It is hot enough. He chops more veggies and meat and puts it all on a low simmer. Doors open and close, and as per usual he turns towards the sound. It has to be Moze or Feixiao. A burglar wouldn’t enter that casually, right? These thoughts don’t ease his life. The constant worrying and anxiety-

“It’s me.” he doubts he is able to recognize everyone’s voice. Humanoid hearing is simply not suited for it. Expect that it is Moze. Jiaoqiu can recognize his voice. “I have brought you something” With a quick step he is beside him, warm hands holding his and handing him something… smooth. “You said no cane. This is a walking stick. Older people use it- I know, you maybe don’t want it, and it may cause more trouble. Simply put, at least it’s here to help you not fall. okay?”

That’s a lot of words for the shadow guard who prefers to stay silent. Jiaoqiu feels out the walking stick, tapping the ground with it a bit. “I appreciate the thought, I will. I will keep it near.” With that, he sets it against the kitchen counter and stirs the food. Sour and spicy notes hit his nose. Home. Breathing it in like smoke. Wishing it could take him back.

“Why are there green peppers in the trash? They appear fine.” Moze questions. Jiaoqiu exhales, his throat tightens. Opening his mouth to explain but the strain stops him from voicing anything. Why are they in the trash can? A perfectly good ingredient, still fresh, he is never wasteful. The everpresent tremble is his new companion, his imagination makes him feel the finger that pressed against his back causing immense pain so he may give away secrets about Feixiao. The claws that ripped his clothes apart and left rough textured scars- still wounds, they have yet to heal to become scars. The makeup that ran down his face. The tugged hair. Flashes of scent induced fear. The last thing he ever saw was that monster. Hoolay. Green peppers. No. It isn’t something he can see- … it isn’t something he can smell, eat, or feel again.

Moze quietly observes the way Jiaoqiu grips the counter, the way his breathing becomes shallow, the silence piercing his ears, worry coloring Moze’s face now that he doesn’t have to conceal his expressions anymore. “I will take the trash out.”

“Please, thank you.” Jiaoqiu answers in a shaky, broken voice. The voice one sounds like right before they will break down. With swift movements, Moze ties the bag and takes the trash out.

With a slow step and one hand on the walking stick, he carries the food to the table. Plate by plate. Chopsticks, spoons. Beverages. If it were any other normal day he’d carry the pan to the table. But it isn’t any other normal day. This is the new normal. And carrying a heavy, soup-filled pan is risky. Finally satisfied, he sits down and smiles gently. Like he used to. Small wins, little joys.

Moze returns and wishes to say how he could’ve helped. Those words die down in his throat. Would it be more condescending than helpful? Would he even care for his words? Moze lost his voice, his will to speak, from his “second family”. Where no one cared for what he said. He convinces himself that this time he isn’t speaking because it might be rude.

“Would you text the trailblazer for me?” Jiaoqiu inquires during the meal, once Moze returns from washing his hands.

“Now?”

“No, no. after we eat. And could you switch the settings to voice commands and audio-specific notifications?”

“Consider it done.”

Technology is another thing Moze has a great understanding of. Updating the phone and other digital items in their home poses no issue. “When I call you in the future, or anyone whose number you have saved this is how it will sound” Moze calls Jiaoqiu’s phone, and instead of making a pleasant melody, a robotic voice starts talking ‘Moze Moze Moze Moze…’ Jiaoqiu nods with a small smile. “That is helpful, I appreciate it.” “And you can text the trailblazer by giving voice commands to the phone. You don’t need my assistance.” Moze sounds proud, showing Jiaoqiu that he is perfectly capable of doing it alone, just a bit differently than what he is used to.

“I’m going to meet Suyi. You can take the time to clean, Moze” Jiaoqiu takes his cane and exits their home. Hopefully, by giving him obligations and keeping clear of the area, it will make Moze not follow him.

It has been a few weeks. He took an orientation and mobility class. Learning how to use an actual cane. It felt easier to exist. Jiaoqiu was once again mobile, he could go to the market, buy fresh produce, and go out to meet old friends. Tap tap taping his way to the café. Jiaoqiu had a preference for a nonfoldable cane. The subtle vibrations carried through much better. And concrete felt like hell so he tried to stick to the pavement the best he could. The Yaoqing, sadly, had no pathways adjusted to those with impaired vision. Tap tap tap. Jiaoqiu made do with what he had. Walking in public with his cane made him feel free again, akin to feeling in control again. There is a lingering hope in it. Reminiscent of a small candle’s light, not too strong, yet it may illuminate a whole room.

Another assassination attempt failed. Moze groans. The general suggested asking for advice from others, and the trailblazer, the first person he asked, had nothing useful to say in that regard. The silver shine of the knife glistened in the artificial sun. Like sharpening it will make the attempts successful. Feixiao killed his entire family. His family. His close ones, they healed him, gave him a roof over his head, they fed him… poisons under the claim he will live forever with it, his words ever only falling on deaf ears, mantras shoved down his throat like rose spikes. Intoxicating his insides even after he knew of the evil those same words caused. Not to mention the first family that abandoned him, the village that left him to die.

Is this what you call a family? Moze asks himself as the sharp blade lingers above Feixiao’s throat. There he stands. About to succeed. To win his freedom. Is he not already free tho? No, no, she killed his family. This was the agreement and the rightful vengeance. Moze outdid her. Snuck into her home, he won. Yet his hand is frozen. It stands still in the dead of the night. Unmoving. Static. Immobile. Eyes observing the resting face of the woman who saved him. Educated him, showed him kindness, and actual warmth. And in his adult years, she is the one who introduced him to his current partner. Be that as it may, what becomes of him if he let go of it all now? What is his worth? This was his goal, all this time. The driving force of his medically adjusted body. Is this what you call a family? Is this who has been his family all along? The general and the healer? The borisin and the foxian. The air is deathly still. His hand is calm, free from tremors. His brow furrows deeper, thinking through all of it. Until he comes to a decision.

“Feixiao.” Moze says in a normal tone. The knife was still against her neck. The general stirs awake, eyes widening at the surprise, however she makes no move to shove him away. Feixiao knows if he wanted to do something, it would have been done.

“I have won. … I shall remain your guard, General. Death will have to walk through me to get you.” in the blink of an eye he is gone. Feixiao exhales and returns to her sleep with a smile on his face. Moze finally, slowly, started to move on. Decades later, he managed to take small steps toward acceptance.

A few minutes later he is holding his partner in his arms. “Jiaoqiu” Moze whispers into the soft ear. The foxian stirs, “hm?” “I have succeeded in my revenge.” Small shuffle and a sharp inhale, Jiaoqiu turns towards him, “Hm?” sleep-driven hum. “I couldn’t bring myself to kill her. She is my family. I cannot. I would never bring harm upon the ones I care about. Never.” Moze speaks his vow aloud and nuzzles his head into Jiaoqiu’s neck. Nothing more had to be said, in his opinion, time to sleep. A gentle hand caresses his hair, “Good.” Jiaoqiu leaves a feathery kiss on the grey hair after which he continues sleeping.

Misty rain soaked his clothes and the small boat rocked along the smooth surface of the Rainsoar lake. Jiaoqiu used to come here often. Alone he’d collect herbs and fruit in the herbal basket on his back.

“You didn’t have to come with me, one of the locals could’ve taken me.”

“It is not a problem for me, Jiaoqiu. I’m glad to be in your company, we see each other less… and it brings me joy to be beside you.” Feixiao answers, slowly rowing the boat through the lake covered with heart-shaped foliage, blossoms, water chestnuts, and the occasional fish jumping out. A beautiful sight, a tranquil atmosphere surrounding the two.

Jiaoqiu reaches out beyond the small boat, dipping his fingers into the icy cold water to collect the lotus flowers and floating heart plants. An old tradition for him, one he did even before he joined the army as a doctor. The cold fingers pluck a wild rice stem and open it up. Bringing the fresh rice to his mouth.

Years before it had a wonderful sweet and refreshing taste. His taste changed after he came back from war. Jiaoqiu’s taste buds were the price he paid in the war. A renowned chef, and healer, lost his delicate sense of taste. The gaze of an Aeon who looked down upon the thousand-year war, and their choice to end it, burned everyone involved. Jiaoqiu’s tongue was the price he paid for running into the white light to save the young kid. Feixiao. The cold region was something he got accustomed to. Nonetheless, when the almighty power sliced down the battlefield, Jiaoqiu felt a cold unlike any other. Freezing him from the inside. With the leftover survivors, he decided to cook a stew. A warm flame. Some spice. More spice. Chili peppers. Not enough. All the spice he had in his pouch. Until he finally felt a taste on his tongue. A burning sensation. The last flavor he can actually taste. For it made him feel alive despite everything that happened, everything around him, the cold air, the cold insides, the tasteless tongue. And the heat… it sent a jitter down his body. So alive. … the sensation bordered on pain. As spice tolerance grows, surely his grew as well. And he might today very well be dancing with pain every bite. After he returned from the war the rice stems tasted too bland. No flavor to them. He reaped the consequences of his actions. Of choosing to save the girl. His scars from the war.

Years later, at the same lake, with the woman he saved during the war, the boat rocks with her movements. The second time he saved her he paid with his sight. Jiaoqiu never blamed her, why would he? It was his choice the whole way and his goal. The jump to save her from the Aeon. To drink… Tumbledust. To give everyone a fighting chance and to heal Feixiao’s moon rage. Jiaoqiu is an adult and he made his decisions to the best of his judgment in the circumstances that were given to him.

The wild rice lands on his tongue. For a sacred moment, he feels a tinge of sweetness, however, it is only for one moment. And gone with the wind. Even so, for one moment it was there. Is it because he lost his vision that his other senses have enhanced the tiniest bit giving him a single second, less than a second of something that used to bring him joy? The foxian could cry at that moment if his eyes had not dried from any tears while he was still in the army. A moment is still a moment. It is enough. Enough to give him more hope. To keep him moving forward. To have faith in the future. To even dare to look into the future.

For a man to willingly drink poison, deadly poison, he had to give up all hope. Any faith toward the future, any life he thought he had left. Jiaoqiu had to make peace with the fact that no one was coming to recuse him- that he would not be saved. So what was the last thing he could do? After Hoolay drained him of any secrets about the general, humiliated him, treated him less than the ground they walk on, and broke his ego and pride by allowing him to walk around knowing he will “always return to his master”. The only thing he could do was give the others a fighting chance, somehow use the knowledge he acquired; to save Feixiao and sacrifice himself.

The sweet flavor of rice on his tongue. A small flame of a candle, a hope. Hope for the future, he gets to live in. as he slowly finds his self-worth again, his self-respect, and his hopefulness for the oncoming days.

“We may return. I got what I came for.”

“Hm- I’m still-“ Feixiao speaks with her mouth full and Jiaoqiu angles his head a bit analyzing the sound, and a chuckle is ready to part his lips. “You are eating?”

“-mh, hey the water chestnuts are really good!” Feixiao probably has her mouth full of food. The general likely got bored and hungry. Jiaoqiu’s warm laugh cuts the silence of the lake. He hasn’t laughed in a long time. It makes his tummy hurt and he has to stop to not make the boat flip over. Feixiao laughs with him… after she chews down the food in her mouth.

How does one make noise when one walks? A question Moze never thought he’d ask himself. Hence, doing his best, it sounds like a child purposefully stomping the heel of their feet onto the floor. Heavy steps. It is ridiculous. Moze finds himself hilarious, ironic even. His stoic front breaks down when he hears his partner laughing from the couch. The sole reason why he is doing this. To fill the void Jiaoqiu sees. Moze will not move like a shadow in their home. He shall make noise. Even if it sounds like an overgrown toddler throwing a tantrum.

“I’m trying!” Moze voices between bursts of laughter.

“Ooh, I can hear that indeed~” Jiaoqiu nods and giggles.

A knock on the door interrupts their conversation. Jiaoqiu stands up, slowly making his way to the door, while Moze opens it.

A girl with a cloud knight uniform on and long dark brown hair with a big bright smile stands in the doorway. “Hello!” she says cheerfully, “It has been so long, I thought I’d come to visit, how are you, Uncle J?”

Jiaoqiu angles his head a bit, the voice not ringing any bells. “I’m sorry, you-“ Moze quickly buts in, “It is Sushang.” “Yeah, and I brought a gift!” Sushang happily stretches out her hands, handing Jiaoqiu a small box. There’s a few seconds of silence. Moze once again says, “She is handing you a small box, approximately the size of a human head, and by the looks of it not too heavy.”

“Ah, thank you, Sushang. Your presence is unexpected but I’m glad you came over, are you hungry?” Jiaoqiu carefully takes the gift in his hands and smiles. “I mean, I could never say no to your cooking Uncle J! Also... I’m sorry, you are..?” Moze sighs. This is the third time he has seen her and she fails to remember him. The shadow guard, proficient in remaining hidden, wonders why she never remembers him. Jiaoqiu speaks in his stead as he slowly walks to the kitchen, “This is Moze, my partner.” “oh! Hi there, Uncle Moze!” Sushang flashes him a bright smile and moves past him to sit at the kitchen island, ready to yap a whole storm about her life and catch her uncle up with it all. Starting with her best friend, Guinaifen. Once she finishes her stories, Sushang is more than happy to sit in a slump position, stuff her face full of dumplings while Jiaoqiu shares some new stories of his life (the happy ones). In her eyes, he tells them better than the storyteller at Sleepless Earl.

“You know I care about your thoughts, opinions, even random comments with not a single thought behind them, right?” Jiaoqiu’s hand effortlessly treaded through Moze’s silver hair, facing him on the couch. “I will try. I have learned differently and… despite it being a bad habit, those are even harder to let go of.” Moze’s eyes are closed, melting under his lover’s touch. Jiaoqiu’s voice is smooth like butter, continuing, “I know, Moze. When it gets hard, just remember that I care about you and what you have to say. I always have. I love you.” Moze leans forward, pressing his forehead against Jiaoqiu’s, “I love you too. I will do my best.” Moze softly kisses the bridge of his nose, where the cotton scarf lays across his eyes.

Jiaoqiu reached behind his head, untangling the scarf. Weeks, months have passed since he started wearing it. Taking it off only when he bathes or sleeps. He opens his eyes. “I missed seeing them. Such beautiful golden glow, Jiaoqiu.” Moze muses, enjoying the view of bright orange eyes. “Thank you. I feel finally… strong enough mentally to exist and move without it. I have gathered… hope and mental strength.” Jiaoqiu nods, the darkness beyond his eyes unchanged. “They still look beautiful to you, Tumbledust didn’t affect them?” “Even if it did, the fact would not change. To answer your question your eyes are unchanged. They cannot meet mine, but I was never big on eye contact.” The simplicity and honesty in his answer made Jiaoqiu feel secure and loved. The foxian smiles, and their home feels warm. So warm with them together, kind, loving, patient. Healing through their traumas and pain. One thoughtful word at a time.

In the peaceful moment, Jiaoqiu caresses Moze’s cheek and leans in to kiss him. One of the moments where darkness is welcomed… because of the way Moze makes him feel during the kiss, it makes Jiaoqiu feel like he can taste colors.

 “The divine traces of Abundance shall heal your body... quick. Drink this...” Moze’s body was covered with sweat, his breathing was shallow. Hooded figures surrounded him.

“I don’t… don’t make drink… no…no” he mumbles helplessly, the thick liquid forced down his throat again. Goosebumps rose on his skin, “Drink child. You will… immortal… save… others…” Moze’s throat closed up, drowning on dry land and his mind disconnected from his body in an all too familiar way. Dying and fighting in the same breath. Half a second away from a silent scream or spitting the medicine back out. “Please… please… I…” his voice trembled, powerless against any of them. Once more his voice is ignored. His yelps and pleading for help, his begging for mercy shushed, ignored… put aside. Nothing more than a good test subject, convinced this is what family does. This is how it must be. Others live like this too, right? This is completely normal, right? He is cared for and nourished here, right? He will survive this, right? I will survive this…right?

A hushed voice hummed in the distance. The worn down building, cold and exposed cement his everyday environment, and the sound he didn’t recognize. “shh, shh, shh.” Rhythmical, paced… soothing? No one ever soothed him. Then he feels it. A delicate tender touch. Fingers brushing his hair. Moze’s breathing sped up as his surroundings changed, he inhaled sharply, his vision going black, all sound stopping into a painful echo of silence, a deafening sound, his lungs moving up and down with irregular breathing until there was none of him left. Abyss. Darkness. Black dots of midnight oil. A window. A window? Moonlight vaguely illuminated the space. A bed. And… “shh, shh, shh. There you go… back with me.”

Moze’s face felt wet, his vision blurry and his eyelashes stuck together, a salty taste on his lips. The sight of his partner holding him so carefully, gingerly, and taking care of him… Moze had no words. The nightmare swallowed him up again. He hated the feeling. Immediately he turns to press himself fully into his partner, to hide his face away from the shadows in the room, “Jiaoqiu” he whispers. “Yes, my precious. I’m here. You’re here. In our home. In our bed. Safe. With me.” For the next few minutes, Jiaoqiu keeps murmuring comforting words and hushed hums until Moze grounds himself in the present moment.

“I hate them. I hate my nightmares.”

“May I offer my healing abilities? A nine-squared grid hotpot will surely have a pleasurable effect on this, and help out.”

“I… that sounds good. If you say it will help, then I’ll take it.”

Jiaoqiu starts sitting up, “Very well.”

“Wait,” Moze utters, squinting his eyes to look at the clock, “it is 3 am, you don’t have to cook now.”

“Then when am I supposed to cook, Moze?” Jiaoqiu replies with a smile, “It isn’t hard. It doesn’t bother me.” He stands up and faces somewhat in the direction of the bed. “I’m happy to take care of you, Moze.” Jiaoqiu sits back on the bed and finds his partner’s face, cupping it in his hands. The texture of Moze’s unshaven face against his fingers feels rough but familiar, and in that familiarity, he feels safe. His home. He presses his lips against the younger man’s forehead and stands back up, already on his way to the kitchen.

Approximately half an hour later, a freshly bathed Moze sits across Jiaoqiu for a late night or an early morning meal. The warm liquid filled with various vegetables and spices feels good as it goes down his throat. It isn’t poison. It doesn’t hurt. It isn’t a threat.

“Thank you, Jiaoqiu. It tastes amazing.”

“Always a pleasure.” He answers with an all-knowing smile. “I could add a little more chili oil next time…”

“eh- I… it is spicy enough, darling.” Moze voices his thoughts hesitantly, which makes Jiaoqiu softly laugh and add a few drops of chili pepper flakes to his own bowl.

On the other hand, Jiaoqiu’s nightmares didn’t stop. Many nights he wakes up in fear of where he is. Is he still captive? Still kidnapped? Still surrounded by borisin and under the effect of lupitoxin? Jiaoqiu wakes up with heavy breathing every time, sitting up quickly, feeling the space around him- more often than not, waking Moze in his desperate attempt to gather where he is whether he is home or there. There’s a phantom pain where Hoolay pressed his finger onto his back to drain information from him. An itch on his chest where the wounds will form into dark pink scar tissue. In the beginning, it was every night. Every night for weeks, months. Jiaoqiu started relying on afternoon naps. Time has passed but his nightmares are still often. On the rare nights when Moze isn’t in bed, he has a good sleep schedule- most likely went to drink some water, Jiaoqiu is quick to spiral and clumsily get out of bed. Moze usually finds him kneeling on the floor, hanging onto the wall, mumbling, “No, no, no, no, no, no. I am not. This is home. This is home. It is. My walls. M-moze…Moze”

The curse of a doctor, a healer, they cannot heal themselves. The trauma he has been through, the scars from it that he carries still with him, most of them not even visible, it isn’t something that passes overnight. Healing is a long and slow process. It will take time. Sometimes he has no nightmares for weeks, only for them to torment his peaceful night’s rest for days on end. Some days, Jiaoqiu will have a bit more anxiety while walking around. What if everyone and anyone he talks to once again is under a guarantee of a death filled with fangs and claws?

Hence, he takes it slowly. When the world feels like it is crushing him, he takes a deep breath and eats spicy food. He grounds himself in his environment. Reminds himself that he is safe, Hoolay is dead, the borisin are under control, he isn’t being targeted, and everything is fine. Everything is fine. He will be fine. With time. One deep breath at a time.

The tremor in his hands never left him.

A breeze rustled various branches and leaves, providing a lovely melody of an artificial autumn on the Yaoqing. The scent of cooked apples dipped in caramel and baked cinnamon rolls filled the air.

“I see no threat in my retainers. The man you cannot see is my guard, and the foxian is my personal doctor. Surely, we don’t pose a problem?” Feixiao questioned the men in front of her, attempting to enter a highly secure space, on a very important and very secret mission.

Moze appears by her side, “I shall leave all my weapons with you.” he takes his time to slowly strip himself of his hidden knives and make a full scene out of it.

Jiaoqiu stands still with a small smile and his cane in his hands. “I do not carry weapons. I am a healer, I wouldn’t hurt a fly.” If at all possible, his smile widens subtly with the honey-dripped words that coat the actual truth. “Moreover, I am retired. I’m here on the general’s command to accompany her to this… wonderful occasion.”

Rustling, murmuring, quiet chats, “…what could a blind man do…” “…the guard left all of his weapons…” “….yeah, we can let them through..” “You may come.”

Feixiao slowly walks towards the entrance with a confident stride, Jiaoqiu steadily taps his cane following her with the same smirk on his face, Moze soundlessly steps last, with at least, still 32 weapons on him.

[clouseplayssims]

Whenever I get the urge to build a new neighborhood:

[esotheria-sims]

Long Overdue Life Update

Whew, the title sounds kinda ominous, doesn't it?

Lemme say right off the bat that this isn't some Big PSA post or anything to that effect. I'm only checking in because I've been quiet for a while and figured an update is the least I can do. 🙂

Nothing major or life-changing is happening on my end; I've just been shitty at finding the time for sim-blogging these past months due to work and other day-to-day rl stuff, though I have been simming a bit in the background. Mostly going on download sprees and sorting cc, but I'm also about two-thirds through my next BaCC rotation and have a few new hair and handswap wips that are share-ready save for previews.

Oh and also: I got a new puppy! She's a 3-and-a-half-months-old Jack Russel mix and the main culprit for the abovementioned lack-of-time for simming. The cute lil' attention hog wants ALL the cuddles! "PC time? What PC time? Pet me instead, hooman!"

Everyone, this is Lucy!

Other things of note in my life, in no particular order:

We've had relatives from Croatia visiting last week with their kids. The kids are super smart and super cute but with the energy levels of a medium-sized nuclear reactor. It's been fun.

I finally went to see a Rammstein concert!!! 🤯 The experience of a lifetime, holy shit. I literally have no words to describe how mesmerizing that stage was. Like, I shit you not, I have 3 GBs worth of concert footage.

Speaking of metal: Gojira KILLED IT at the Olympics Opening! Also: Turkish Shooter Guy and Norwegian Muffin Man are living rent-free in my head. I'm the worst, I only follow professional sports for the memes.😆

I've been moved to a new division at work and am currently sitting in a small office with the two biggest goobers in the entire institution. Between that and me finally having accumulated enough knowledge + experience to have a clue what I'm doing, work's been pretty stress-free for once.

Conversely, my colleagues from the old division are struggling due to lack of staff, too much work, mismanagement, internal strife, and pressure from both within and outside the institution. I feel so bad for them, but at the same time, a selfish part of me is grateful that I'm not there to suffer the shitshow on my own hide.

I have unanswered asks from (probably) months ago and am Very Ashamed of the fact. I'll get back to you guys, I promise! 😰

[melsie-sims]

New BACC?? Again?? With No CC?? But with tons of storytelling?? This time I mean business!! 👍🏽

Note from future Mel: Sorry this ended up really long... I rambled a lot. Can you tell I'm excited to share this?? Now back to past Mel...

I have something NEW and REALLY exciting coming up in tomorrow's queue! 💚💚💚

I know I've tried multiple BACCs since my original Plumbob Falls, some more successful than others... but this one's gonna be it, I can feel it! (And if it's not... well, sorry to disappoint yet again... I'm really trying!!)

It just feels SO MUCH like my original BACC, the one that had me absolutely OBSESSED with the game for YEARS... until the same face toddler glitch just ruined everything... among other bugs that made the save unbearable to play... but the toddlers all having the same face was really the nail in the coffin of Plumbob Falls.

BUT ANYWAY! No complaining in this post! We're gonna be positive! 🥳

I've played through a full year already (I wanted to make sure I was really into it before posting... and I am!). I've been editing it the same way I did my old old old BACC, doing similar storytelling/dialogue, and it just feels SO nostalgic! The sims are really vibing and it's actually been so much fun! I keep choosing to play that save instead of ANYTHING else (including Sims 2) which says a lot.

Also it's almost vanilla, with only some defaults and a few necessary mods like MCCC and UI Cheats... which means I won't get stressed every month on patch days! Honestly, patches are what have killed all of my other attempts at playing a save so I'm REALLY hopeful this will help me out.

This is my CC-free era and it's been SOOO freeing!

Anyway here's a sneaky look at tomorrow's queue!

[pixeldolly]

Walden BACC

Try as he might to rein in his excitement, hold firm to the knowledge that a date did not mean they would be exchanging wedding vows anytime soon, Jacob was over the moon.

As far as he was concerned, this was a fresh start. He wanted to make sure they didn't repeat the same mistakes.

That also meant not rushing into things, tempting as it may be to simply ask Roman to move back in, instead of paying for his own apartment.

Still, he couldn't resist a romantic gesture here and there.

"This place is fancier than I expected - not that I thought a restaurant called The Little Corsican Bistro served fast food or anything. I suddenly feel underdressed."

"You're not, and besides, you could make anything look good."

"Flatterer!"

"Nope, just telling the truth. I'm sure your fans would agree."

"Could we get a bottle of champagne, please?"

"Of course, sir."

"Champagne, huh? What are we celebrating?"

"Well..."

"I wanted to say "us", but I know that's a pretty nebulous concept right now. Which is fine. We can't build a future without first reckoning with the past. We both made mistakes, but I like to think we've learned from them, and can make better choices in the future. That will take time, and effort, and I'm willing to invest both...if you are."

"Sorry. I wasn't planning on making a speech..."

"No, I think you said what I needed to hear. I propose a pact: from now on, we tell each other everything, even the difficult stuff. And then we work through it, together."

"I'll drink to that!"

[whyeverr]

It's time to go, but of course everyone is burning the midnight oil cramming things in last minute! Knitting through the night, rotating out all our fall crops for winter-hardy types, staying up reading well past bedtime, and of course, reflecting on all we've accomplished as we say goodbye to autumn:

Celebrated Día de los Muertos with community, good food, and music ✅

Had a breakthrough — with a whole lot of help from Cherry — on how to improve New Promise's floundering school program ✅

Upgraded countless plumbing fixtures in an effort to future-proof against aging and under-maintained utility infrastructure ✅

Tyler and Octavia are officially engaged ✅ ...now, what sort of nuptials suit them best?

Octavia and Lydia developed a Supportive family dynamic ✅

Tyler and Octavia developed a Wholesome romantic dynamic ✅

In addition to the infant onesie, Octavia has knit heaps of new socks and sweaters for Christmas presents and has maxed her knitting skill! BACC-wise it unlocks, from memory, absolutely nothing! But knitwear for all is pretty important this time of year. ✅

Tyler got SO close to maxing his Gardening skill, but sadly ran out of work to do in the garden and fell just short... If not over the course of community gardening projects in others' rotations, next time for sure! ✅

This rotation has been such a comfort to play and share with you all. I will be back at it soon with what, I assume, promises to be a chaotic week with Dawson, and Jagger, and... Wait, what was that about Rose Rivers having her own room at Dawson's place? Didn't Dawson call it quits with Cora...? 🤔

[katatty]

Shifting Priorities

Thank you for all the nice comments yesterday! Some really helpful perspectives that gave me a lot of ideas on how I can tackle my simmer's block :)

Mostly, I think I need to trim down the number of neighbourhoods I consider "active" and the amount of projects I am doing in general. I have a hard time letting go of neighbourhoods, especially if I am still somewhat invested in them! But I also need to face the fact that I only have so much free time, and do not want playing the sims to be the sole thing I do with that free time XD

For some neighbourhoods I will also be trying out a more stripped-down approach to blogging, similar to what I've been doing with Driftwood. It makes me a little sad because I like my sims to feel fleshed out as characters and giving them voices is a big part of that! But maybe I can save the prose/dialogue for times when it is particularly needed, rather than including it as a default.

Finally, I am going to prioritise based on what I actually have the most fun with, rather than letting popularity drive my decisions!! Some neighbourhoods I feel sad about potentially retiring because I know people enjoy them, or I feel bad admitting I am never going to finish projects people were excited for, but I have to remember simming is something I do for myself, not for popularity or for other people.

So, plans for my neighbourhoods:

Pleasantview Plus - will continue in its current form for the most part, but holdholds I found less inspiring will just get short summaries rather than extensive documentation. This hood is waaaaaaay too big and I think not that many people follow it all that closely, but it's also my one true love and I would like to start prioritising it again rather than it always being on the backburner

Uberhood Challenge (YouTube Series) - This is a short-term series, and will continue as planned until I finish the challenge, which I'm over halfway through :)

Hollyhead - I hate to say it because I know a lot of people love it, but I feel like I have sorta outgrown this neighbourhood? Some simmers like their settings to be an escape from the real world, and when I made Hollyhead I think it was what I needed too, but these days I find how upbeat & wholesome it is a bit, idk, constraining?? I crave drama and conflict in my stories!! I also have kinda lost interest in the BACC rules and have started to find it more book-keeping and hassle for what I get out of it... Whenever I do open the neighbourhood I still really enjoy actually playing it, and I love the characters so much, but I just haven't found the events interesting enough to want to write about. I think this neighbourhood will not be retired completely (yet), but I will move towards writing much shorter updates in the form of newspaper articles and see if that helps. If by the end of this season I still feel ehhh about it, I might formally end it <3

Driftwood - no complaints about this hood, I'll probably continue with the current style of documenting major events & new builds only

Spruceburg (YouTube series) - I would like to do another season of this next year, after I finish the uberhood challenge! But I will probably go for a schedule of like, one season of series per year, rather than posting consistantly. I enjoy YouTube a lot, but its a lot of work too and I think has majorly taken away from my blogging time this year, which I am mourning now lol!!

The Fiero Legacy - it is probably time to throw in the towel with this and admit I just don't enjoy playing legacy style or with story progression that much! I always enjoy the period where the heir is dating but once they settle down and have kids it becomes a chore and a grind, plus with story progression's time system I always feel rushed and like I can't take a sim out of the house for an outing without potentially missing important milestones - the urban setting feels so wasted when its all family gameplay, haha. Hallie should be at the club!! It was an interesting experiment and a nice change of pace, but idk if I really see myself returning to it. I love the sims themselves and the setting, but whenever I actually load up the neighbourhood I just feel kinda stressed and overwhelmed :(

As for my building projects like Belladonna Cove, perhaps at some point I will get really inspired and return to them but for now they are on indefinite break. I remember saying a few time in the past that I didn't really feel much need to make over Pleasantview and Strangetown because if I wanted nice makoevers I would use frottanas, and tbh I feel the same way about Belladonna Cove - if I was playing it I would just use plumbtales makeovers XD With my past neighbourhood makeovers I was really inspired to make them because there wasn't anything out there that was exactly what I wanted but, well, there's loooooads of nice Belladonna cove makeovers these days so I just don't feel much drive to make my own version I guess?? I think I also have lost interest in building a little becasue I am no longer into super heavily decorated lots - I prefer lighter lots that won't cause lag lol! So yeah, I am probably not retiring from building forever but its no longer a priority for me :)

[sircesimblr]

My top 24 screenshots from 2024

Thank you for tagging me @treason-and-plot! It's been quite a year for this beginning story simblr 😄 Let's say I'm already happy there are screenshots to pick those 24 from!

Starting of course (1-3) with my little AU story A man for Rachel, with Manon from Praaven presenting my three contestants for winning @kimmiessimmies Rachel's heart. Even though most of these rascals did very badly (in their own original way) in getting acquainted with Rachel - for me they did fine in helping me get this simblr rolling 😊 (So thank you again, Kim!)

During late spring and early summer I shared some current winter shots from my game: foal's first day out, the writing of Northeney's constitution, a vulnerable proposal... (4-6)

Until in early autumn, I finally started posting my gameplay story! The rainy introduction still has my heart (7-8):

Next (9-23) all screenshots from the first two days the people lived in Shipwrecked on Northeney. For me the most beautiful thing about these screenshots is seeing the island completely empty: just nature and scenery and a few stranded people. It is a BACC after all, and everything looks so different right now in game, I can never get this back!

(24) My favourite screenshot still is this one though, posted with my Simblr Resolutions for 2024:

This little kid and her quirks made me happy in game all through the year, and luckily she has yet some time before she grows up. So I'll take her with me to 2025 💛 But I also like the aesthetics of this one the most. I edited it with a simple app on my phone and I don't yet know how to recreate that in GIMP. So, let's see if that's something I'll dive into for 2025.

I know most of you have already done this or been tagged, but maybe @kimmiessimmies, @tidaldiariessimblr and @declaration-of-dramas? No pressure, though!

[persimmonsimmer]

Confession: I’ve had two households’ worth of Panorama posts sitting in my drafts, mostly written, for a few months now.

I’ve hesitated to post them purely out of insecurity. I was rusty when I actually played both households and took these screenshots somewhere around 8-9 months ago, and I was rusty when I finally got around to writing up the posts several months after that. There are a lot of story beats that I wish I’d set up better (or at least not forgotten about altogether), but at the same time, I don’t have the energy or will to reset and replay each of these households in order to do things “right,” so I’m stuck with what I have.

What a negative note to start on, lol! But I felt the need to put out some kind of disclaimer because, although I’m playing and posting about Panorama for my own enjoyment, I do worry about disappointing the few loyal readers I’ve amassed, whose comments always mean so much to me. ❤️

So that’s the disclaimer! It’s going to be a rough return, but Panorama is coming back. And I am truly glad to be back to telling this story after so long.

As I wrote above, I have two households’ worth of posts queued up. After that, who knows? I probably won’t be able to stick to a consistent schedule, but I’m hoping that forcing myself to post these will help get me back into the playing and writing groove.

To all who’ve followed me since I started posting Barge Harbor builds (👋), never fear: I plan to continue sharing new builds as I complete them. If you have no interest in story-heavy BACCs, feel free to block the tag “panorama bacc.”

The next posts pick up in media res, so if you’d like a refresher on recent events, I recommend scrolling through the panorama round 5 tag.

[thavicious-universe]

Hip-hop fans, get ready to elevate your playlists with “A Time To Be Vicious”, the highly anticipated new album from Tha Vicious. Released on Halloween, October 31st, 2024, this project is a true testament to high-caliber lyricism and innovative wordplay that will leave you wanting more.

“A Time To Be Vicious1features an impressive roster of talented artists, including Serious Gambino, T-Lo Trapnificent, Rico 4rm da rose, Kn$wledge, Zayman, and Renny Rich. This diverse collaboration infuses the album with a blend of styles, making it a standout project in the realms of trap, conscious hip-hop, and club anthems.

The album opens powerfully with **Venom M$B**, setting an electrifying tone for the tracks that follow. With hits like Shh, Moist, Blood Money, No Questions, Bacc Then Freestyle, ICE, Tropicana, and remixes of both Ice and Blood Money, Tha Vicious showcases his sharpened skills and unique flow, delivering a mix of hard-hitting beats and thought-provoking lyrics.

Known for his influence in the Florida rap scene, Tha Vicious has a rich history of accolades, having collaborated with industry giants such as Bigga Rankin, Mike Smiff, DKE Author, and 808 Mafia. His previous release, A Most Vicious Year 2, marked a significant turning point for Florida rap, and this new album continues to push those boundaries.

With A Time To Be Vicious, Tha Vicious not only cements his status as a leading voice in hip-hop but also ensures that the sounds of South Florida, particularly Broward County, resonate through every track. This album is now available on all major streaming platforms, making it easy for fans to experience the latest in innovative rap music.

Don’t miss your chance to explore A Time To Be Vicious and discover why Tha Vicious is a name to watch in the music industry. Join the movement today and immerse yourself in a new era of rap that blends intensity and introspection—because it’s truly a time to be vicious .

https://www.instagram.com/aviciouslove

[lurking-lilibeth]

Not a legacy, not a BACC, but a secret third thing

Or - I started a custom neigborhood.

My uberhood didn't go anywhere, it's not broken or lost - but it has become too heavy for my current laptop to handle. I can still play it in short sessions, but the constant game of Flash or Crash?!! has been sucking all joy out of it for a pretty long time. So, with a somewhat heavy heart, I decided to pause it until I can afford a machine with more RAM (or until I miss it too much). I've played it for 10 years! I say, it was a good run.

But I'm not putting away TS2 itself, and being able to play a brand-new, tiny hood (that neither flashes nor crashes because it's only about 100Mb as opposed to... 2 gigs?) has really renewed my interest in the game. So... welcome to Route 24.

It started with a single sim and is already expanding through spares and select family friends made playable. For the main hood, I'm using an extended default townie pool by @letthemplaysims - absolutely loving all those simmies. They have so much character, and I'm very much looking forward to giving more of them their own stories and screen time.

The town itself is just the Strangetown map but green. The play style & rules are whatever seems fun/makes sense. Anddd I think that's all for the introduction. Phew! Now, on to the founder....

[oakwolves]

i think i might be confusing people so like. when Lakeside was conceptualized it wasn't originally made with Rosalyn in mind, as the board been working on it since 2010. (Lakeside opened in 2014 idk i need to check the timeline). But Raymond was the head of the project. It was his first proposal since joining the board of education, and it was this proposal that elevated him to the head of the student board. He theorized that the jump between high school and college was too jarring and students who weren't properly prepared for high school would fall through the cracks. Therefore, he wanted to design a school that functions like a university, but there's a lot more safeguards involved. As the students age through the system, those safeguards are gradually removed to help the student gain the independence needed for college.

You know how there's post-bacc programs to kind of get you primed for graduate school? Lakeside is kind of like that but for college. Instead of everything being condensed into one building, things are divided into different academic buildings. Students are responsible from getting from one building to the other for their classes. When i was a HS freshman they made us travel together in lines because our schedules grouped us into classes... anyways.

So Project: Lakeside had been underway for a couple years. Ideally, Raymond wanted his daughter Rosalyn to be the first student. It was a bit too late for Roscoe as he had already graduated high school at the time. But he didn't want to rip Rosalyn away from her friends at Berry High and thrust her into an all new unfamiliar environment, he assumed she was happy there. He was obviously heartbroken when he found out that wasn't the case. To make her feel better, he suggested that she transfer to Lakeside. She was more than happy to agree. She was a rising sophomore at the time*

A few people on the board chided Raymond for this but he let Rosalyn control how the school would look outside of where the buildings would be placed (such as the school colors, the mascot, etc). I always say Rosalyn runs her school (and she does, just not in the official way). She's in charge of a lot of facilities at the school (welcoming committee, admissions office, student council president) so like... yeah she kinda does.

And so Project: Lakeside was underway!

*Initially I had Rosalyn start HSS as a junior but given her timeline with Ace I wanted to give them more time for their relationship to develop while in high school. If Rosalyn starts as a junior, and the Ace quests happen a little over a year since the game started, and I'm assuming the Ace quests happen over the course of a few months, by the time Ace joins the school for real they'd be finishing up their senior year. I wanted them to spend at least a year together before going off to college. IDK. the HSS world is my sandbox and I get to adjust the timeline as I please.

[hallows-evening]

I LIVE! :D

HAII SKATERBEETLE FIC PART TWO!!!!! (first part here!) ^^ I'm so sorry for my multiple hiatuses (hiatusi??) but... I return finally with a fic :3 (and hopefully soon finish the art requests I've been getting, don't think ive been ignoring you guys!! I see em and they're gonna get done next hehe >:3 feeling... ✨ motivated ✨)

Bit of a long one, but mostly because I had fun with it (I love their dynamic..) ^w^ enjoy!!

Pest is being anxious and avoidant today, so Infected decides to help cheer him up (and to finally get his revenge)!

⚠️ This is a tickle fic, if that makes you uncomfortable then move on!! <3⚠️

NSFW / PROSHIP / FETISH DNI

🍂 Ler!Infected, Lee!Pest

"Hello :D!" Infected quickly ran into the elevator, almost frantically as he avoids the infected parts and right after he enters, the elevator doors close. He was almost too late! He let out a quick breath of relief, wiping his nose clean. His allergies were acting up today, and it was getting annoying.

He looked around the elevator, his eyes instantly finding themself on his boyfriend across the elevator: Pest. His eyes lit up and he waved his hands, but was greeted with silence. It was like Pest didn't even awknowledge he was there.

Infected cleared his throat loudly, letting out a wet cough because of it and quickly rubbing his throat as if it hurt. He took in Pest's posture and noticed how they were leaning very heavily against the elevator sidebars, and Infected had a bit of worry creep onto him.

He slowly approached and tapped Pest's shoulder, and Pest instantly snapped his head up in surprise, whipping around to look at Infected, who was smiling up at them.

"Are u doin' okay, Pesty?" Infected tilted his head up at him, taking note of how tired and disheveled Pest's appearance looked. It seemed to him like he hadn't slept in days. Which was probably an exaggeration on his part, but still.

Pest responded with a soft grumble, turning away and leaning against the elevator wall again. Infected frowned, the worry, along with frustration, growing the more Pest seemed to avoid him. He hated when they got like this, since it usually meant something was wrong.

Infected huffed. "Well, be a lil grumpbug then." He crossed his arms and pouted, moving back across the elevator and leaning up against the wall, keeping his eyes on Pest.

They stayed quiet the entire ride, and after around 20 minutes the elevator dinged once again, but this time Pest quickly got off, leaving with such haste that Infected barely even registered they left.

He ran after Pest, letting out a surprised "H3Y!". Pest stopped and turned around, growling at Infected, making him stop in his tracks.

"Leave me alone, will you? I have things I need to do." they chittered, his red eyes glaring at Infected. He took note of the small wince he made, and felt a tiny bit of guilt, but it was instantly brushed off.

Infected backed away, intertwining his fingers together nervously. "O-okay. Meet bacc up at ur place l8r, then?" He sneezed weakly, a bit of glitchy snot coming out of his nose, which he quickly went to wipe up before it got too messy.

Pest watched him wipe the snot away, his eyes narrowing. They turned away and waved their hand dismissively, letting out a quiet "I do not care." before walking off.

Infected stood there for a minute, before turning back. The elevator was gone. He was quiet for a second before stomping his foot and yelling "G0D ######!"

A few hours later...

Pest entered through his home's door, hissing as his horns got snagged on the door frame because of his haste. Infected heard the noise and peeked up over the back of Pest's couch, letting out a quick sneeze as the dust kicked back up from the door.

"Look who is fiiiiinally bacc!" Infected let out a quiet giggle as he watched Pest walk towards him, not caring about the pissed off look he was receiving. He heard a small grumble escape Pest, before their eyes softened, their face now looking exhausted, all traces of anger gone.

Infected's smile disappeared at that sudden change and he got up, arms extended as if he were about to hug Pest, but not going any further in fear he would upset them more. "How's meh buggy doin'?"

A growl in response. Pest went past Infected and went to his bedroom, leaving Infected with his arms wide. Infected huffed and lowered them, thoughts running through his head about what to do to make Pest feel better.

Baking? They looked too tired for that, might set the kitchen on fire. Snuggling? Infected would like that, Pest might not if they're this upset. Then a memory popped up in his head, which gave him an idea. He'd probably get a few bites and claws for this little plan, but honestly, he'd been meaning to get his revenge anyways, regardless of the price.

Infected quietly followed in Pest's footsteps to the bedroom, peeking in. Pest was laying on the bed, eyes staring up at the ceiling. He had nothing but shorts and a t-shirt on, his hoodie and pants thrown in random spots as if he didn't care where they would end up after taking them off.

Infected knocked on the door, Pest didn't respond, so he used that opportunity to walk in, closing the door behind him. He scooted over to the bed and got on it next to Pest, looking down at him. "...Bad day?"

Pest looked up at him, letting out a small grunt in response. Infected smiled and got closer, wrapping Pest into a tight embrace. Pest sighed and leaned into Infected. Which that simple gesture told him it was safe to do his plan.

Infected quietly trailed his fingers across Pest's arms, almost basically massaging them as he used his nails to get into the small grooves. Pest sighed softly, relaxing against him, stretching their arms out so Infected could get to them easier.

Then he struck. Infected's fingers the moment Pest stretched his arms out went to scribble in the small space right between both sets of his arms, knowing that was a weak point. And it instantly got Pest going.

They squirmed frantically, grabbing at Infected's hands as they scrunched their face up, mandibles clicking together rapidly. They were struggling not to laugh, which made Infected want to try more.

"I'm gonna getchu!" Infected teased playfully, moving down to scratch his fingers across Pest's belly, even moving his shirt out of the way to get to his skin easier. Pest let out a high-pitched snort and kicked his legs in response, bringing them up in a vain attempt to protect himself.

Infected instantly took notice of this and adjusted himself to sit on Pest's legs. "Oooh no u don't!" He smirked at Pest's semi-shocked face as he went back to Pest's sides, earning a few small giggles as they slipped out of Pest against his will.

Pest was squirming around frantically underneath Infected, the bedsheets scrunching up in his struggles. "Infected!" He hissed out, more giggles escaping his mouth as he glared up at him, a goofy smile stuck on his face.

Infected tilted his head, cooing and moving his hands away from Pest's sides to cup his face, smiling at him as Pest's cheeks turned a deep crimson. "I'm just gettin' a little revenge!" He grinned. "U hav been a pain in da [Content Deleted] aaall day, I'm just helping out a bit!"

He giggled as Pest let out a growl at that, and he pushed Pest up into a sitting position. Infected started placing quick little kisses across Pest's neck, letting out a couple laughs along with Pest as they jerked away, laughing like crazy. "DOHOHON'T!!"

Infected shook his head, chuckling as he used his weight to pin Pest down as he brought his hands up to gently claw at the sides of their neck, being rewarded with a loud snort, a yell, and quite a lot of hysteric laughter.

Pest shook his head, pushing his shoulders up like it would do anything to deter Infected (which it didn't.) Instead, Infected blew a raspberry against their neck, flinching slightly when a shriek erupted from Pest and they pushed forward, nearly knocking Infected off.

Pest's entire body felt like it was being shocked with every touch Infected gave his neck, and he could feel his energy leaving rapidly as he let out all his laughter. He didn't want to admit it, but he was having fun, even enjoying it as he could feel Infected's affection through his tickling. It was definitely taking away all his stress, that's for sure.

After a few more minutes, Pest's laughter started getting wheezier and weaker, to which Infected instantly noticed and stopped his tickling, placing one last little kiss against Pest's neck before pulling away and flopping down on the bed next to him.

"Feel any better?" Infected moved himself underneath one of Pest's arms and snuggled up to them, moving their (now messy) hair out of the way. Pest breathed heavily, not responding in any way for a solid minute before gulping and nodding their head, snuggling Infected back.

Infected smiled at that and lifted his head up, placing a gentle kiss on Pest's cheek, closing his eyes as he laid his head against Pest's shoulder. Pest exhaled softly and closed his eyes as well, exhaustion finally overtaking him, feeling warm and safe as Infected held him in an embrace.

After a good while, Infected heard soft snores coming from Pest, and he smiled, letting himself try to get some rest with him, in which he finally did.

[esotheria-sims]

And while the party guests were leaving the Tanners', lighting struck the air (???) outside their apartment and set it on fire. Their period-inaccurate next-door neighbour Holly Brier got pretty scared (I don't blame her), but the Tanners themselves didn't seem to notice. I was debating whether or not to count this for the BaCC's Fire Count, but my game crashed right after so I figured it'd be cheating if I did.

But then when I booted the game back up (I'm no quitter!!) lighting struck again and this time, it was the tree behind the house that took the hit. Adam even caught sight of the flames through the window and ran outside to panic, so definitely counter-worthy!

Fire Count: 5

Which means we have one (1) open position in the Journalism career, wooooo! (and yes, the rules say the fires need to be Sim-Instigated and something has to actually burn down for them to count, but I'm going to conveniently ignore that fact because it's my game and I Do What I Want)

[melsie-sims]

Sharing Some Simblr Love! 😍💜

Since my queue is a bit lacking right now I thought it'd be fun to share some of my favorite Simblrs to binge-read at the moment, in no particular order!

@payte // Princess Legacy Challenge & Ryan's Legacy. I'm a bit behind but I will catch up soon on both!

@pixel-bloom // Their Postcard Legacy is amazing! I'm particularly fond of stories/gameplay posts with lots of dialogue!

@eurosimmer // Bloom Legacy! The gameplay and storytelling style is just totally up my alley.

@cyazurai // Also really invested in her Princess Legacy and her newest BACC over on her other blog (The next @).

@etherealedensims // Cyan's new occult BACC!

@samssims // I'm just a HUGE fan of Princess Legacies right now, okay?

@pixelnrd // I'm so fond of her Decades! I've been following her for a really long time! There's so much diversity in her characters!

@aheathen-conceivably // Another Decades that I'm obsessed with! I'm not completely caught up but it's on my to-do list!

@nitrozem // Cute, quirky sims and really aesthetically pleasing screenshots! Really love their builds/decorating style!

@keoni-chan // I'm so thrilled that Angler's Bay (Sims 2) is back! Definitely worth checking out!

@the-hippiesimmer // I think we discovered each other during Boop, correct me if I'm wrong. I love Sims 2 Pleasantview gameplay and this one is brand freakin' new!

@iolesims Her Sims 2 Stornaway BACC definitely inspires me with my Sims 2 gameplay! I'm obsessed!

@rena-sims // I've definitely shouted out Rena before but her Sims 2 BACC is definitely one of my faves to read through!

I could literally go on forever! I love so many of you! 😍🥰

Boopity boop! 🐾

[pixeldolly]

Walden BACC

Afterwards, they were feeling peckish so Jacob whipped up some chicken nuggets and fries, which Roman began tucking into with relish.

It felt just like old times - the two of them enjoying banter and a meal, while pleasantly basking in the afterglow...but Jacob had to remind himself that one hookup didn't erase the past, nor did it mean they were fully back together.

Then there was his other, lingering worry...

"I hope you didn't feel like I pushed you into this. I wasn't sure if it was too soon, or -"

"Jacob, it's fine, really! You didn't push me into anything, I wanted to do it."

"Okay, because I know you've been through a lot, and if you need more time that's perfectly fine."

"My therapist says that taking things slow is a good thing, but so is acknowledging my feelings."

"Oh! You're going to therapy?"

"It's an online support group thing. Honestly...I'm not finding it all that useful. The therapy mostly amounts to common sense stuff and basic self-care tips, plus the lady running the group tries to juggle everyone's issues."

"Maybe what you need is specialized, one-on-one therapy."

"Yeah, maybe..."

Roman wasn't convinced though. How many therapists had experience with his kind of trauma?