#clem the florist

[dendrofiles]

❀ clem the florist ❀

HERE'S THE POI I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT WAOOO. baileylovers arise <3

full name: clementine faherty

age: 25

pronouns: he/him

sexuality: asexual, ???romantic

species: human

birthday: april 30

height: 5'8" (173 cm)

hair color: ginger

eye color: light green

job: florist

sign: taurus

mbti: esfj

about

clem is the owner of the florist shop on domus street, which is across the street from the orphanage. it's a bit strange that there's a store in the residential area, but clem has his reasons, and it's a cute store so the neighbors don't seem to mind. he renovated an old house and turned it into a pretty little cottage, with the store on ground level and clem's apartment on the top floor.

clem is perhaps the least traumatized person in dolville. he went to the orphanage as a baby, and knows nothing about his parents. the old caretaker gave him the last name "faherty" because he looked irish lol. clem was present for the last decade of the old caretaker's reign, although he doesn't remember it all that well. bailey took control of the orphanage when he was 10.

clem is a very kindhearted, gentle, and caring person. he has managed to stay a virgin and stay untraumatized despite living in this town. he was able to make all his payments to bailey on time, despite the steep price.

now, in this world, i like to think bailey is asexual, and not necessarily aromantic, but he doesn't experience romantic attraction too often. he had the one love when he was a teenager, and has only used sex as a way to let off steam rather than as a vessel for attraction. but, when clem turns 18, and becomes this strong, powerful, self-sufficient individual while still retaining his kindness, bailey veeery slowly falls for him. he's in denial about it, and he also thinks that he's way too poisonous for clem. that being with him would only hurt clem. so, he lets clem leave the orphanage and helps him buy the house across the street- far enough from bailey to keep him safe, but close enough so bailey could still protect him.

but! clem is also in love with bailey. they both think it's unrequited because they're idiots lmao. but clem always leaves little gifts in bailey's office. clem gets along well with bailey's snake, and even has two snakes of his own!! (their names are rosie and basil btw hehe) AND, bailey often asks him to cultivate poisonous flowers, which clem does in a heartbeat. he doesn't know what bailey does with them, and he doesn't want to. also bailey is the only person to call him "clemmie" instead of clem. bailey started doing that of his own volition, but if anyone else tries to call clem that, clem will shut! it! down!

relationship

you can't romance clem. sorry. his heart belongs to bailey. but, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to cultivate a relationship with him, because having clementine at high love can procure benefits for the pc.

there are two ways to earn money from the flower shop: you can either 1) work there directly or 2) sell flowers and collect the payments. both of these raise clem's love stat, although the former raises it faster.

you can also increase clem's love by talking to him about your problems. clem likes to help people, and this will decrease stress and trauma for the player. clem is also willing to help with schoolwork, specifically science work, since that's his specialty!

once you have clem at high love (~80%), he can help you with your payments to bailey. if you'll be able to make your payment that week if you earn just a liiittle more money, clem will happily increase your wages for working at the flower shop. if you're significantly under and won't be able to make the payment no matter what you do, clem will put a good word in with bailey and get him to decrease the fee. (don't try to do this multiple weeks in a row, though- if clem comes to bailey multiple weeks in a row on your behalf, bailey will think that you're using clem, and he will instead be harsher on you)

additionally, once you have clem at high love, an event will trigger where bailey shows up to the flower shop while you're working there. the player will notice how bailey calls the florist "clemmie," how clem gets really red in the face around bailey, how they already have bailey's exact order ready, and how clem sends bailey off with a small gift (a new tea blend!) before he leaves. once this event occurs, the player can undergo the process of setting clem and bailey up. this is beneficial to the player because it will massively increase bailey's love and decrease the amount he charges you each week. though this comes with the caveat of you do need to maintain clem's love and not upset him, because how well you treat clem is directly proportionate to how well bailey treats you.

i have more to say about clem and bailey and them getting together because i am SO brainrotten. and i have been holding back talking about clem bc i need to focus on the fearsome foursome (my pcs lmao). but i was in a clem mood today so here he is :3

[hollowaluminumvessel]

In honor of my atrocious spotify wrapped i went and checked lovejoy to see whats changed other than my opinion and:

• in WU&IO, literally only portrait of a blank slate and call me when you like are good. That part at the end of Warsaw where the fella is like "it doesnt get any better" is good i like that but thats it and the rest was infinitely overhyped.

• Consequences fucking sucks idk what we were thinking

• One Day is still holding the number one spot for top lovejoy songs(unsurprisingly and deservedly), seeing as it is still a banger and was one of my greatest sacrifices, along with Perfume and The Fall(i love you and i miss you... muah)

• the new song is out. I already forgot what its called something to do woth sobriety and ill be honest its so mid. No KSI Thick of It and No JSchlatt Christmas Album, it sits rather uncomfortably in between. Like i wish i could think of another thing to say other than it invoked no emotions in me and i even tried to like it but i couldnt.

• they have EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND LISTENERS. tbf in the golden age it was well above 10mil im sure but also 800k is far too many people they are sooo mid. Go listen to Pact guys they have 2 monthly listeners and theyre married. Go listen to James Marriott he used to be buds with lvjy(cant be bothered) but now he doesnt like them(YIPPEE 🥰🥰🥳🥳🥳) AND HE MAKES BANGER MUSIC!!!!!! LISTEN TO DENIAL BY JAMES MARRIOTT!!!!!! DONT BLAME ME!!!!!!!!!! THE OTHER SIDE!!!!!!!! GOING POSTAL AT THE PARTY, GRAPES, FUCKING CAR LIGHTS GO!!!!!

• so, i love you, artists to listen to other than lvjy if you still do

James Marriott, Pact, The Crane Wives, Clem Turner, 'You Can't Win, Charlie Brown', Sammy Copley, The Amazing Devil, The Oh Hellos(ik stupid you probably already know these guys but DO YOU KNOW CONSTELLATIONS. ITS GOOD. LISTEN TO IT), Florist, CAIO, honest to god go listen to anything and youre off the hook big dog you got this

[mdpthatsme]

Vi: So, Luanne, what does your family do?

L: Daddy raised herds for the majority of his life, but he's retired. Mama owns a couple of greenhouses and works with the local florist and vendors. If you've ever been to a farmer's market, then you've seen my mama's product.

G: Farmers. Cr: How lovely the countryside is. Vas, I can see you now, wearing flannel and dancing to fiddles.

Va: I will not be doing that.

E: Aw, young love. You will understand compromise soon enough. Though, not everyone can have the strong, adored relationship Clem and I have shared through the years.

Cl: Oui! Our love is everlasting and unbreakable.

[webuiltthiscity]

Upcoming Shows (July 2023)

"You forgot..." No, I didn't forget. This is not a comprehensive list. July 16 - Night School at the Kilowatt July 19 - Califone at the Chapel July 20 - Wallice at the Chapel July 22 - Heartless Bastards at the Great American Music Hall July 22 - Quivers at the Bottom of the Hill July 23 - Pardoner at the Great American Music Hall July 27 - The Dollyrots at the Bottom of the Hill July 30 - Night School at the Ivy Room in Albany Aug. 8 - Florist at Cafe du Nord Aug. 12 - Soccer Mommy w/Sasami at the Independent Aug. 13 - Patti Smith and Bob Mould at Stern Grove Aug. 18 - Madeline Kenney at the Independent Aug. 20 - Belinda Carlisle at August Hall Aug. 22 - Bully at the Independent Aug. 22 - Mal Blum at the Bottom of the Hill Aug. 29 - Black Country, New Road at the Regency Ballroom Aug. 30 - Hatchie w/Sea Lemon at Cafe du Nord Sept. 3-6 - Osees at the Chapel Sept. 12 - Field Medic at the Independent Sept. 18 - Miya Folick at the Independent Sept. 18 - Ron Gallo at the Brick & Mortar Music Hall Sept. 19 - The Wombats at the Regency Ballroom Sept. 20 - Son Volt at the Chapel Sept. 20 - Dream Wife at the Bottom of the Hill Sept. 20 - Hannah Jadagu at the Brick & Mortar Music Hall Sept. 20 - Albert Hammond Jr. at Bimbo’s 365 Club Sept. 22 - Dinosaur Jr. at the Fillmore Sept. 27 - CHAI at the Independent Sept. 29 - The Walkmen at the Fox Theater in Oakland Oct. 2 - Shame w/Disq at August Hall Oct. 3 - Clem Snide at the Ivy Room in Albany Oct. 4 - Will Butler at the Independent Oct. 6 - Har Mar Superstar at the Bottom of the Hill Oct. 5-6 The Mountain Goats at August Hall Oct. 13 - Wire at the Independent Oct. 14-15 - Dandy Warhols at the Fillmore Oct. 17 - Janelle Monae at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Oct. 19-20 - Angel Olsen at the Regency Ballroom Oct. 23 - Geese at the Chapel Oct. 23 - The Breeders at the Warfield Oct. 27 - Ratboys at Cafe du Nord Oct. 30 - Death Valley Girls at the Rickshaw Stop Nov. 2 - Courtney Barnett at Bimbo’s Nov. 4 - Palehound at the Chapel Nov. 6 - Speedy Ortiz at the Rickshaw Stop Nov. 9-10 - The New Pornographers at Bimbo’s 365 Club Nov. 10 - The National w/Hand Habits at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Nov. 11 - Liz Phair at the Masonic Theater Nov. 13 - A Giant Dog at the Bottom of the Hill Nov. 15 - Mudhoney at the Great American Music Hall Nov. 21 - The Japanese House at the Fillmore Feb. 27 - Squid at the Regency Ballroom

[tansypansydandy]

good future clem vs bad future clem concept! in the good future he’d work as like, a florist in the hidden city. the mystic plant life fascinates her! in the bad future it still has that passion, but uses it more for medicinal and poison reasons. if clem were 2 have a weapon itd be a fukiya sooo

[redthornzzz]

Ghost AU

click for better quality because tumblr sucks

[starirwin]

plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting around for someone to bring you flowers || a.i

[cruecifymesixx]

Love and Leather /part eighty eight/

Word Count: 3.9k

A/N: Enjoy! Things will get better soon

Warnings: language, angst

Taglist:   @miserablecunt , @dangerous-like-a-loaded-pistol​,  @a-simple-salmon,  @hi-my-name-is-riley, @extremesadnerding, @thatbandchick39, @awkwrdcait, @countrygirlswonderland, @awesomealmostdopestudent, , @tashy-bear, @krazykatkay456, @terror-triplet, @shouttatthedevill @beachystars, @rodriguez025, @kickstart-myheart-sixx, @s-outhie, @anxious-diabetic, @awkwardblackgirls,  @shamelessobsessions, @jerseytaint, @criminalyetminimal, @trapt-in-a-dream,  @broke-n-bitchy,  @lovesick-heart0, @keepcalm-and-beyou, @miriampraez, @teenwolflover28, @lilyhw1, @herbertweeest, @random-internet-user-4471, @falcon-arrows, @talranocchia2001,  @waywardprincess666, @iluvmesomemarvelndc, @zoenicoles, @vamprlestat, @supersoldierballerina, @electradestiny, @marshbev, @n0-sh0rtage-0f-faults, @cruebaby, @ggorehorror, @valentines-in-london, @nassauartist  @cmft-jr-winchester, @bokkie92, @notworthyofyou1120 @xrosegoldwolfx, @mgkobsessed, @chaoticvybe,  @kellysimagines @thoughtsoftheantagonist, @sleepyjunhong  @meetthesixxter @sparxx27 @gingerspicetalks @kaitieskidmore1 @unknownoblivion @nevergoodenuffbutokaaayyy @sublimeprincesswasteland @kylieinwonderland @haileynicoleseavey17 @lavendersoundbarrier @youretheonlyonewhomakesme, @xxisxxisxxis, @dogmom2014, @cruesixxlover1991, @xpoisonousrosesx,  @m0rnlngstar, @love-struck-aries, @findingmyths,  @i-want-to-shoot-myself, @arianareirg, @fentitrbl, @patheticgay69 @rocknroll--baby, @redlipscrystalskies14, @samanthadegaro @jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels @thechangingme, @idkmanhereisshitilike, @makaelahdelvalle

*Flashback*

*Moscow 1989*

"It's fucking bullshit!" Nikki shouts as he and the rest of the band come barreling through the dressing room door, "He's seriously going to let Bon fucking Jovi headline? Seriously? We deserve more than that!"

I glance up from filing my nails as each and everyone of them, besides Mick, looks pissed.

"Who the hell does Doc think he is? We're more of a selling act than he is! We didn't fly all the way out here just so we can be out at the bottom of the lineup. It's a complete waste of our time. We could be getting ready to promote Dr. Feelgood!" Tommy then joins in on the screaming match, well at this point I would say it's an ego match.

I move a piece of Nikki's disheveled hair out of his face as he sits next to me on the leather couch, "Fucking Doc promised Jovi that he would be headlining and bumped us down a few notches. If you can't handle managing big names than maybe you should get a different fucking job." Nikki explains to me as he swipes the bottle of sparkling water off the table and takes a sip.

I look around the room as Vince is staring off into space, Tommy is fumbling with his wedding ring and Mick is in his own little world strumming some chords on the guitar. I clear my throat a bit, "Baby, it's not that big of a deal.."

"Not that big of a deal?"

Nikki and I stare at each other a moment, "You know this event is for the fans, the kids that have never experienced American rock before. I don't think it really matters whose headlining and whose not, ya know?" I express my opinion gently as he just continues to stare at me, a dumbfounded look plastered across his face.

"You're just saying that because you like Bon Jovi." He snaps back with an added eye roll,

I chuckle a bit, "You're right, I do, but I wouldn't care if he was headlining or not. Just like I don't care if Mötley was headlining or not. Doc is doing what's best for business. The whole line up is star studded, Nikki. Whether your first or last it's not gonna matter to the audience. What matters is how good of a show you put on. Plus...with you guys being sober, not having performed in over a year and with the new album coming out, it just gives the band the chance to prove that you guys are doing better than ever before."

"How could you not care if Mötley was headlining or not?" Nikki questions, his tone shocked as I groan in annoyance.

"That's really all you took from that?" I eye him as his lips tug upwards in a small smile.

"It just fucking sucks Van. Our first big show out of rehab and he has us being the opening act for Bon Jovi. It's ridiculous. Doc was our manager first. We should take precedence. Not some fucking wannabe cowboy that sings power ballads."

*End flashback*

*Nikki's POV*

"She really wants to play soccer?" I look at Vanity as I lean against the doorframe of the bathroom, "Arianna hates when she gets dirty from playing in the backyard so why would she want to play soccer?" My nose wrinkles up in confusion as I watch Van brush her teeth.

She shrugs at me before spitting and rinsing her mouth, "I don't know. She just said she wanted to play so I grabbed the papers from the bulletin board at her school. I think it would be good for her Nikki. She likes staying busy so I think some little league sports would be good. We can still think about it and talk, the packet isn't due until April."

"No, no. I agree too. We'll just have to explain that she would have to stick with it and try to participate as much as she likes being active she is lazy sometimes." I notice she grabs her make up bag and start pulling stuff out, "You going somewhere?"

She turns her head looking over at me as she rubs cream onto her face, "Yeah? I'm going out with Jon...I told you like three days ago."

"Jon? Oh, right...right...the guy from the diner." I chuckle as she lets out an annoyed sigh.

"If you're gonna start already you can just leave me alone." Vanity tells me, eyebrow raising in mischief as she begins to put make up on her face.

I cross the threshold and pull myself up on the counter, "Where's he taking you? Somewhere romantic?" I tease her as she glances at me, "Oh? It is romantic tonight? That's cool...Donna's out shooting some stuff for Baywatch so she's kinda busy."

"I'm sorry you're lonely." Vanity smirks as she blows me a kiss, "And he's taking me to the beach. There's a horse stable in Malibu and we're gonna ride some horses and have dinner."

I let out an boisterous laugh, "Fucking seriously? That's the most corniest date I've ever heard of."

"Don't be mad because you didn't think of taking me first." She's quick with a comeback as I steal the blush from the counter when she reaches for it.

"Baby, If I wanted to take you on a romantic date I would fly us to Paris." I explain as I hand the container over, "Yeah...Paris, we could get some really nice wine, I'd take you to the best restaurant, get you some fresh flowers from the florist cart. We would take a stroll at the Jardin des Plantes after our dinner. You'd love it Van, there's twinkling lights and always people singing love songs." I explain to her as she glances at me smiling before rolling her eyes and looking back at herself in the mirror.

"Last time I was in Paris, I found out I was pregnant."

My eyes narrow as my head slightly tilts to the side, "During Dr. Feelgood? You knew you were pregnant then?"

"Yeah.." she nods as she starts putting the make up away and tousled her hair with her fingers, "And don't get upset because I didn't tell you. I had to take tests in Paris, remember? You thought I was sick from the sushi? I just had a feeling something was off and I also didn't want to tell you in case they were wrong. One test was negative so I just wanted to wait until we got back home and as you know what happened next." She chuckles a bit and looks at me, "Do I look okay?"

I sigh a bit, trying not to be upset "Yeah doll, you look perfect."

Vanity comes over and stands in front of me, placing her hands on my knees, "If you're gonna be bored go hang out with Tommy-"

"He's too obsessed with putting his head against Clems stomach since they heard the heartbeat at the doctors appointment last week." I explain as she smiles at me.

"You can't be mad at him for that. What about Mick? I'm sure he could use some company or Corabi?"

"No, Micks been wanting to stay to himself and Corabi got a girlfriend...I'll just wait for you to get back. You are coming home tonight, right?" I question her as she leaves the bathroom and I quickly follow, "Right, Vanity?"

"Yes Nikki. I'll be home. Do I have a curfew?" She looks at me over her shoulder before she walks into her closet to pick out clothes.

"Well...now that you mention it..." I laugh when she throws a pair of jeans at me before she slips a pair on and pulls them over her ass and hips, "So it's a casual date?"

"Mhmm...not that romantic like you think it is." She tells me as she pushes hangers back to look at sweaters. We both look at each other when the doorbell goes off.

"Nikki! Wait!!" She yells for me as I run out of her room with Anarchy chasing after me.

I run down the stairs, my eyes narrowing when I see a figure outside the glass paneling of the door, "I'll get it Van! You finish getting dressed!" I yell back at her, nudging Anarchy out of the way as I open up the door. The arrogant smile I had on my face dropped when I saw a dozen red roses and a pearly white smile hiding behind it.

"Jovi?" I stare at him as he chuckles, "You lost?"

"Uh no actually. I'm here to pick up Vanity." He explains, clearing his throat, "We have plans."

My hand grips the doorknob as we stare at one another, "Oh really? You're the guy she's been seeing? You do know it isn't a serious thing between you and her, right?"

Jon laughs at me as I glare, he holds the bouquet of flowers in his hand, "Look Nikki, I wouldn't want your feathers to get ruffled. We're just having fun with each other, that's all."

What the fuck was that suppose to mean? Fun? With each other?

"Yeah, well she can't go. She's sick. It's really nasty, she's been vomiting all morning and stuck on the toilet if you know what I mean. I think Arianna brought the bug home. So I'll have her call you, yeah?" I try closing the front door but he puts his hand out to stop me, "Get off my property before I call the cops."

I feel a hand on my side before I'm being pushed out of the way, "I'm glad you two were able to catch up." Van says, glaring at me before rolling her eyes, "Lets get going Jon." She smiles at him as he hands over the flowers and she's giving them to me "Put them in a vase for me would you Nikki?"

I reach for her arm and pull her back in, "Give us a minute would ya Jon? It's a family meeting." I glare before shutting the door in his face, "Seriously?! Bon fucking Jovi?!" I yell quietly as she reaches for the door handle but I grab her wrist.

"What? What's the problem? I'm doing what the therapist is asking us to do?" She fakes stupidity as she smiles at me, "Isn't that what you wanted?"

"Why him? Of all fucking people? You know I don't like him." I speak through gritted teeth, "You could have picked anyone but him."

"That's not my problem Nikki. I am doing what you wanted so I am going to have fun on my date and I will see you when I get back."

My jaw clenches as she reaches for the door, I wanted to find the words to tell her not to go, to just stay with me and we'll figure it out but I just couldn't get them out of my fucking mouth. She looks at me before closing the door, hearing them talk before a car door closes and the engine starts. I grip the flowers in my hand before tossing them into the trash can.

*Vanity's POV*

I lean down against the drivers side window, feeling Jon put his hand against my cheek "I really had a lot of fun tonight. Thank you." I smile at him as his thumb runs over my cheekbone.

"Can't wait to see what you plan for the next date, I don't know why but I'm expecting it to be over the top." We both chuckle a bit as I nod in agreement.

"I'll have to think of something good then.." we both look at each other for a moment, before I lean forward to give him a kiss, "Goodnight Jon."

"Goodnight sweetheart, I'll call you."

I sigh a bit, waving bye to him when he drives out of the gates. I hold onto my purse as I walk up the front steps to the door, reaching for the handle as it doesn't open. I groan a bit and dig through my purse for my keys "Damnit.." I look through the glass, seeing them on the entry way table being illuminated by the kitchen light.

I step off the porch and walk over to the gate leading to the back yard but it's locked. Fucking Nikki. It's never locked. I try reaching over the wooden boards but I wasn't tall enough to grasp the latch. I sigh and go over to the door, pressing the doorbell and knocking loudly.

I hear a window open above me and i step back seeing Nikki, "Babe! Open the door. I left my keys here!"

"Oh you did? Well that sure as hell sucks." He says as he looks down at me.

"Nikki c'mon it's cold! Just let me in!" I shout back at him as I hear him laugh "This isn't funny! Open the door or I'm breaking it!" I hear him grumble before he leaves the window. I wait impatiently, ringing the doorbell again before the hallway light flips on.

"Why'd you forget your keys, Van?" He looks at me with a smug smile as he opens up the door.

"Because you were yelling at me." I lean against the wall "And we never lock the side gate so what gives? How childish are you to lock me out because you're jealous?"

"Jealous? Of course I'm jealous! How did you even meet him?! What the fuck Vanity, it's gonna get out to the press!"

"It's already in the press Nikki!" I shout back at him, "They already released pictures of you and Donna looking pretty comfortable at some god damn club! Everyone already knows! I met him at work Nikki-"

"So you've been lying to me?"

I stare at him as I laugh, "Are you joking me? Lying to you? I haven't lied about anything! I told you I was seeing a guy I met there!"

"But you didn't say it was Jovi! God, why do you have a thing for fucking rockstars! If it's not me, it's Tommy, if it's not Slash, it's Jovi. Whose fucking next!? How about I call up some of my friends and you can pick! You're nothing more than a glorified groupie slut who got lucky and popped out a rockstars kid!"

My shoulders drop as I stare at him in shock. Eyebrows raised and my lips parting slightly, "Hm." My eyes close with a light head shake as I reach for my keys from the bowl. I keep my purse on my shoulder as I turn from him and head back out the front door.

"Van, it's the middle of the night, I am sorry." Nikki's tone is panicked as he follows after me, "I'm mad and I didn't mean that. I said it out of anger." I feel his hand wrap around my elbow as my own hand reaches for the door. I tug my arm away from his grip and open the car door.

I stare at him for a moment, trying to come up with something to say, "Yeah, no. I'm not doing this." I sit down and shut the door, quickly locking it as I see him trying to open it. I put the key in the ignition ignoring the constant tapping on the window and my name being yelled as I put it in reverse and start backing out of the driveway. I'm not really sure where I was going, but I just knew I didn't want to be here with him suffocating me with apologies.

Later the following week, I find myself sitting in our therapists office clutching an iced coffee as I wait for Dr. Peterson to come in. I wanted to have a solo session as Nikki was in meetings with Alan and the band to discuss the production of the up coming tour and Arianna was at school.

Nikki and I haven't talked about our argument the other night, nor have we spoke more than 5 words to each other at a time. It makes me laugh because talking is easy, it comes naturally for the two of us as our own persons. Nikki had also been leaving after Arianna goes to bed and coming back early in the morning before she wakes up, my guess is he's staying at Donna's but at this point I've been finding myself asking do I even care anymore?

"I am surprised to see you by yourself." Dr. Peterson pulls me from my thoughts as I hear the door click shut and watch her walk over to her chair.

"Yeah-" I smile politely at her, "Thanks for seeing me on such a short notice too. I really appreciate it." I watch as she opens up her folder as she brings her glasses up to her face.

"At least I won't have to replace the candy dish mid session because Nikki decided to inhale the whole thing." She jokes as we both laugh a bit.

"I decided it would be better if I went solo on this one. Would save us both the headache and keep Nikki out of the dentist."

"Of course, so what would you like to discuss today?"

I shift on the couch as I cross one leg over my knee, "Well...Nikki and I got into a pretty heated argument the other night essentially over us seeing other people and I left because I didn't want to say anything I regretted like he did. I don't know...I'm just, I'm conflicted." I glance over at her, "The more him and I see other people, the more I don't feel like we have a chance of being together how we want to be. We're more distant than ever before. It's like there's some heavy, crushing weight over us."

"We-we rarely talk, only when it involves Arianna. Sometimes we have sex still so it's just confusing because he'll tell me one thing and do another."

"Okay...Have you two done any of the other ideas I told you about? Spending time with one another? Doing things you normally wouldn't do? Spending time together without Arianna? Adults need their time too, Vanity." She questions as I shake my head, "You two just jumped into seeing other people?"

"Well Nikki did, I didn't-" I sigh when she puts her hand up, "I forgot, don't place blame on the other person. Yes, we both did jump into seeing other people. I mean, we did hang out and spend time together alone but it was only once. He started getting busy with the album so we just haven't had the time."

"You haven't had the time? Or you just don't want to make the time?" Dr. Peterson asks as I look at her.

"Well...I don't know!" I chuckle a bit, "Nikki's busy. He has a lot on his plate at the moment."

She narrows her eyes at me, "He's busy? Is he even too busy for Arianna?"

"No, he's never too busy for her. He'd wipe out his whole schedule for Arianna."

Dr. Peterson leans back in the chair as we look at one another for a moment, "So...he's not too busy for Arianna and he's not too busy to make time to go on these dates from what you're telling me. So why do you think he's too busy to make time for you? Or are you worried he's going to tell you no, Vanity?"

"No, I'm not worried he would say no....I just don't feel like I'm one of his priorities, so why would he waste his time?" I shrug my shoulders as I look away from her for a moment.

"Okay....you've been going on dates too? How are they? Are you enjoying your time?"

I take a deep breath and exhale, "Yeah, I am. They've been really good and a lot of fun. He's really nice and pleasant to be around. It's like a fresh of breath air, but I feel so much guilt when I'm with him and I doubt Nikki feels like that." I roll my eyes as I meet her stern gaze, "I shouldn't assume how he's feeling." I mumble lowly to her.

"And has Nikki expressed how he feels about you going on dates? Has he told you?"

I nod a bit, "Yeah, he usually just jokes or teases me about it. But he got mad over the weekend that I was going on a date so we got into an argument. Nikki wasn't happy about who I'm seeing because he knows him and doesn't like him. He locked me out of the house, every door and side gate was locked. Even the garage. He kept saying I had been lying to him just because I didn't tell him who I was seeing.. I didn't tell him who I was seeing because I knew this would be the outcome." I lightly shake my head as a sigh escapes me.

"Vanity, I know you want things to work."

I stare at Dr. Peterson as my eyes swell up with tears, "Is that so wrong? That I just want to be together? For Arianna to have a family? I don't think that's a bad thing to want." I feel my voice get shaky and my bottom lip quivers as I look away from her.

"No, you're right. It's not a bad thing to want. However, is it Arianna who wants a family or is it you?"

My eyebrows pull together tightly in confusion, "What do you mean? I'm certain Arianna would want to see us together."

Dr. Peterson chuckles slightly as she glances at me, "You always use Arianna. Let's be honest, Vanity. You want a family because you weren't close with your own, same with Nikki and you are doing everything under the sun to have Nikki just want you, and only you. He's been your only support, stable support system. Yet, you don't know if you want him in or want him out. You're so worried about if he wants you that you probably don't stop and ask yourself, 'hey, do I even want him?'."

"Because he always says he wants me and only me. I'm sorry that I believe him?" My face scrunches up as I become frustrated, "My family was around enough. I wasn't completely abandoned like Nikki was. I just don't know why I keep thinking he's going to change, he never does. It's a never ending fucking cycle we're fine one minute and then the next we're not. It won't fucking stop." I grumble, slumping back against the couch as I look past her.

"Then maybe this is when you need to change instead of waiting on him. You decide if you want to take this situation into your hands and decide the outcome."

My eyes find hers, "Are you telling me to leave him?" The expression drops from my face and a frown replaces it as she doesn't say anything in return, "But I love him...and I barely knew how to function in New York without him." I blink back tears as I stare at the green and white pattered carpet, "I just- I wouldn't even know how to bring it up to Nikki without it turning into one big pile of shit."

"You could always do it here. It is a safe space, ya know?"

"I know it's a safe place...I'd just be scared he'd storm out of here and I'd find all my stuff thrown out in the street."

She chuckles, "I highly doubt Nikki would do that to you." I shrug at her words, "I'm not saying to jump to conclusions Vanity. Think it over, listen to what your gut, mind and heart are saying. I can only give you so much advice, it's your turn to decide if you want to take it or not."

I take a deep breath in as I breathe it out slowly, "I'll think about it for a few days and then I'll talk to him. And whatever happens, happens."

[theoceanswaves0]

Over a year now into SoS: PoOT, so here are some thoughts, possible spoilers warning.

--> Loving the fact that I can marry anyone regardless of gender, and that character customization isn’t gender locked. Like, you can choose between “powerful” and “charming bearings, wear whatever clothes you want, style your hair at various lengths, but what determines your gender is your dialogue with Victor (although I do wish a third option - “his grandchild” - would have been added so we could use they/them pronouns if we wanted to, especially considering that the baby event has you adopt a child from nature or whatever, meaning no pregnancy).

--> Not being locked out of heart events is nice, even though you still have to be dating someone to see them. You can date multiple people (which they first did in SoS: FoMT). Yet funnily enough, I think dating in this game is far less romantic and sentimental than in SoS: 3oT. The villagers in 3oT made a big fuss about you seeing someone, congratulating you (and I’m pretty sure it was more specific if you talked to a villager in the town your partner lived in). You and your partner could celebrate birthdays and festivals together

--> Also on the topic of birthdays and festivals - I miss when people you were close with gave you gifts! It felt like your birthday had actual meaning, instead of it just... existing (although I think whoever your dating in PoOT will do something special with you, but I haven’t seen that yet). And the animal/crops contests gave me a reason to actually pay attention to how well I was farming! I feel like it’s more of a set piece here.

--> Really waiting on that next update to fix the makers and dialogue. 

--> I get that the DLC candidates were (most likely, don’t quote me on this) chosen by who was most popular by game, but they do realize that this adds another four blondes into the mix? Literally, all of the DLC girls are blonde. I don’t mind Iris because she seems like the elegant, mature type, but then there’s Felicity, who has the small role Blaire has as the blonde waitress. And Lisette is a florist, like Linh, which just feels kinda redundant? Why not go with one of the twins, Komari or Kasumi instead? Also, Damon already fills the niche of “blonde boy with attitude who takes care of animals” so why not pick a different guy from HM: ANB? Maybe Sanjay or Soseki? I don’t mind Raeger (haven’t really played SoS1) but I mean, you’ve got Nadi. I don’t want to harp on it too much because the DLC hasn’t dropped in English speaking territories yet, but there are just so many blondes! 

--> I mean, especially considering I feel like the 3oT was a little better balanced in this regard? Like yes, the Westown candidates were all some variant of blonde (except Stephanie), but the other candidates weren’t (3/10, 3/11 if you count Inari, 3/13 if you add in Stephanie and Woofio). And Olive Town only has three out of a total ten without DLC (Blaire, Damon and Jack), but with DLC that bumps it up to nearly half of them (Neil, Iris, Felicity, and Lisette) and it just feels like there isn’t enough variety.

--> I don’t care about Lars, Clem or Beth, but the fact that Matsuyuki isn’t a secret marriage candidate??? Um, hello??? Did the developers think we wouldn’t want to marry the ninja assassin character?

--> The marriage candidates are fine, but I don’t have any that I’m particularly attached to. Like, I loved Ludus in 3oT. I was very invested and coming up with all sorts of stories as I was playing. Hopefully this changes when the dialogue is updated, because I do enjoy going to festivals with these people. 

TL;DR: I’m definitely having fun with this game, but it’s not as good as 3oT. It’s not a game I would use to convince someone into getting a Switch. If the person already had a Switch and was a fan of farming sim games, then I’d probably recommend it. More so if the updates really fix the major problems we’re seeing.

[ze-maki-nin]

another scenario

Clem one day has difficulty with an assignment bc it asks "what do you want to be when you grow up" and Clem wants to put "like my parent" but doesn't know what you do as a job or anything so Clem just goes and asks "Ryry? what job do you have? I wanna be like you when I grow up!!"

bc we love kiddos who wanna be like their good parents <3

ʚ♡ɞ

Ryker just sweat drops and says something like a baker or florist cause he doesn’t want Clem to be like him

yes <3

[voteforintensepuppets]

Wanting! To grow old together!! (bonus points if they actually do) standing on tip-toes/leaning down to kiss a s/o with height difference < These two 100% Clem and Vas

Sorry it took sooooo long, Hana, and that it’s probably not what you were wanting! (I actually hacked it out a week ago and just haven’t posted). 

“Belo, what was she like?”

He doesn’t remember most things. No matter how many times they tell him, he forgets what day it is and if he’s already crossed off the date on the calendar, and it takes him an hour longer than it used to for him to get ready because he’ll undoubtedly spend half of it looking for things he just had in his hand.

But as for “Belo, what was she like?” Well, he knows the answer to that. He knows all the answers and their variables, as he should since he spent fifty-five years memorizing them until they were as familiar as the lines on his palms or the way the keys feel when they’re still in his pocket. What was she like? So many things, too many to tell you, but if you’ll pull up a chair, I’ll try even with my dying breath.

000

It was like Creation. First there was darkness, and then there was light. From nothing he shaped his world, trying to leave behind every horror while still clinging to them until there was no use anymore; if he didn’t forget it, he would wallow in the darkness for eternity. And so he left it behind and ran, ran for anything that might not be the dark, ran in a crooked path that finally gave way to a glow.

He remembers her first as a child who was not a child. The girl with the pink cheeks and pink shorts, whose ponytail bounced as much as her step, the girl who could run and run forever, and when he’d looked at her running down the field, waving that she was open with a smile dimpling her pink cheeks, he’d had to smile too. He remembers her as being infectious.

The summer was so clear, clear and bright and fast, and the weeks had flown by, or maybe he’d just been whiling them away until he would see her. Seventeen, maybe, at the most, and he’d felt terrible because when he saw smiles, he could think of hers and hers alone, big, easy, brighter than the rest. He stretched across from her before and after, hiding his own smile when she’d turn hers to whomever she was speaking, and then one day they’d been smiling and speaking to each other, and they just never stopped.

000

Marry the person you’d ride across the country on a bus with, that’s the advice his abuela had given him.

When he thinks about it, and when he considers the time they spent together, they’d been so young then, even though they hadn’t felt young at the time—uncertain of everything they were being handed, maybe overwhelmed by it all, but not young. Yet they had been young the night they’d sat in his car with the rain pouring down around them.

The night was a trainwreck, just like everything else in his life until that point, and he’d silently mourned his future, since first dates meant everything and there wouldn’t be a second after this. They both smelled like beer even though neither had had any, the festival was rained out with a surprise thunderstorm halfway through, and in the time it had taken them to have hot coffee most likely ruin his chance of having children to the time they’d walked out the diner door, his car key had died, leaving them to a mad sprint through the downpour that ended stuck outside the car.

Still, when he opened his door after tucking her into her side, she’d been laughing too hard to wipe her eyes properly, and once she’d calmed down enough, she’d giggled that it was a disaster.

He’d apologized and meant every bit of it. He should have known better than to ask her in the first place.

“I’ve had a really good time.”

So as they’d sat in his car in the middle of a downpour and laughed until the wetness on their cheeks was indiscernible from tears or rain, he unable to tame his curls, she unable to wipe the mascara from her eyes, he’d thought about asking her if she wanted to catch a bus with him.

000

It was like a flower. Closed but hinting beauty, and for the patient, promising.

He remembers the gradual bloom. A night spent telling her he was sorry he’d pressured her into ice cream, though in his defense, he hadn’t known she’d needed lactase; his nose covered, laughing at how foul it smelled, but laughing alongside her as she clutched her aching stomach; and in the morning, he’d bent down first to kiss her nose, then to tell her he’d see her that evening, and finally to catch her lips in his own where they fit so perfectly. There had been days spent trudging up mountains, she a step ahead until she needed a boost, always pulling him along, pulling him after her, inspiring him to keep going and not look back, and they’d reached the tops breathless but finally able to stop and enjoy the view.

And then the explosion as all the petals settled into place, when they’d finally opened up fully, when I’m afraid of hurting you became I will do anything to keep you from hurting. They’d spent the evening in tears, shouting, him begging for her to let him let her go before she turned to dust in his touch, she, in a show of surprising stubbornness, insisting that they would be fine, and eventually the frantic gestures died away until they were clutching one another with I love yous drying in their tears.

They bought a bus ticket and didn’t look back.

000

What was she like? Well, it was like this:

Prim, proper, and pressed by seven o’clock every weekday, he had always known she was coming by the purposeful clicks of her heels, and he had admired the way in which she had walked, chin high, eyes forward, her steps quick and directed by a confidence more often painted onto her face with her rouge and mascara; had admired the sway of her hips for which he’d always been reaching, even as she’d placed an order with a florist while managing to perfectly cook dinner; he had admired her ability to coordinate everything from a gala to her underwear with her outfit.

But once he’d peeled away the layers, what he admired most were the freckles across the bridge of her unpowdered nose and her unlined eyes, big and dark and genuine, unable to hide anything; he liked how, without her heels, she couldn’t reach his mouth without standing on tiptoe, and he was always meeting her halfway, reaching for her as she pulled herself up to him. Away from the sight of others, it had been his privilege to see beneath her mask.

He’d been the one she collapsed into when she’d had a bad day, burying her head against his chest and, he would later find out, steadying her nerves to the beat of his heart.

He’d been the first one she called with any sort of news or, if she could wait, to tell in person, and he’d known if it was good or bad by the tone of her hello or the look in her eye, though it wasn’t quite so bad when they reacted by sitting in the kitchen floor with ice cream and lactase.

He’d been the one next to her in the delivery room and the one to whom she’d whispered, as he was tying back her hair, that she was scared. They were the last words he’d ever expected from her mouth and had probably never uttered before. Yet he was the one who earned them.

He’d been the one to sleep by her side for fifty years. They’d burned dinners and created masterpieces, had folded the laundry and let it sour in the machine, had laughed and cried and bickered over telenovelas in a weekly ritual that was theirs before they had a house and after it was empty.

And she—on midnight rides through the Texas desert, when he could have lost himself in the wind and barrenness, could have thought himself alone and insignificant had he not had her arms wrapped about his waist and her chest to his back to remind him where he was. She was the one to wipe at his eyes when their daughter started school, and she was the only one he’d believed when anyone said how wonderful it was that their son was like him. She had slept peacefully by his side for fifty years because when he’s snored, she’d said it was like he was purring.

She had weathered his foul tempers with a patience and grace that grew synonymous with her name, but she’d been just as quick to put him back in his place. By his side through everything, from moments of annoyance to turmoil, when he got his third speeding ticket to when he’d broken three ribs and treated her unfairly as she’d tried to help him, which earned him a sharp stop yelling at me that hurt more than any of his ribs. Still, she was there.

She had been the one to pull him to her, to match his watering eyes, for once not being the first to cry when their last child was gone and the house he’d built all for them was empty, and it was just the two of them for the first time time in two decades.

It was the two of them, always.

000

When he thinks about her, he thinks about a warm bed and cold feet, little fingers between his own, and the color pink. He thinks about the twenty-odd years of before when he’d made a mess, and then he thinks about the fifty that came after where he’d put it back together. Where they’d put it back together. He thinks about the things he did and didn’t do, and he is content. No regrets. He’d lived his life with so many already that when he’d met her, there hadn’t been room for anymore.  

“Belo, what was she like?” Oh, mijo, she was so many things, too many to begin, I don’t know where to start. Consuming and compassionate and contagious in her consuming compassion; earnest and eager to the point of overwhelming with a heart big enough for all her idealism; quick to laugh and cry but slow to anger; sweet and silly and soft and steady. She was so many things, but only one feels perfect:

“Mi vida.”

[webuiltthiscity]

Upcoming Shows - May 2023

"You forgot..." No, I didn't forget. This is not a comprehensive list. June 3 - Luke Sweeney at the Kilowatt June 10 - Night Moves at the Ivy Room in Albany June 16 - Jerry Paper at Cafe du Nord June 22 - Hand Habits at the Chapel June 27 - THICK at the Kilowatt June 27 - Pedro the Lion at the Independent July 1 - Protomartyr at the Chapel July 6 - Bonny Doon at the Swedish American Hall July 8 - Feeble Little Horse at the Rickshaw Stop July 19 - Califone at the Chapel July 20 - Wallice at the Chapel July 22 - Heartless Bastards at the Great American Music Hall July 23 - Pardoner at the Great American Music Hall Aug. 8 - Florist at Cafe du Nord Aug. 20 - Belinda Carlisle at August Hall Aug. 22 - Bully at the Independent Aug. 22 - Mal Blum at the Bottom of the Hill Aug. 29 - Black Country, New Road at the Regency Ballroom Aug. 30 - Hatchie w/Sea Lemon at Cafe du Nord Sept. 3-6 - Osees at the Chapel Sept. 18 - Miya Folick at the Independent Sept. 19 - The Wombats at the Regency Ballroom Sept. 20 - Son Volt at the Chapel Sept. 20 - Dream Wife at the Bottom of the Hill Sept. 20 - Hannah Jadagu at the Brick & Mortar Music Hall Sept. 20 - Albert Hammond Jr. at Bimbo’s 365 Club Sept. 29 - The Walkmen at the Fox Theater in Oakland Oct. 2 - Shame w/Disq at August Hall Oct. 3 - Clem Snide at the Ivy Room in Albany Oct. 5-6 The Mountain Goats at August Hall Oct. 13 - Wire at the Independent Oct. 19-20 - Angel Olsen at the Regency Ballroom Oct. 23 - Geese at the Chapel Nov. 9-10 - The New Pornographers at Bimbo’s 365 Club Nov. 10 - The National w/Hand Habits at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Nov. 11 - Liz Phair at the Masonic Theater Feb. 27 - Squid at the Regency Ballroom