VDSL: The (Ellen) Parsons Project: Gen 2.0 (part 2 of 2)
*inhaling deeply*
"What's that smell? I didn't realize we were going to be staying on a farm. I thought there was supposed to be a beach. . ."
"I'm fairly certain there is one out there somewhere."
This "resort" is hardly what she had pictured. Though to be honest, she was given no actual photographs or brochures of the destination, merely a brief description. "A unique vacation destination, Viking Shoals offers something new to the intergalactic traveler."
Unique indeed.
"Excuse me but. . .oh, it is I knew it."
"If you don't mind me gushing for just a second, Mizz Larieux, I just. . .well my brain is just likely to dissolve completely, standing here in front of you."
Fifi Larieux ( strange_tomato ) is familiar with this somewhat melodramatic style of meeting. While it used to bother her that her fan base consisted of, almost exclusively, ponchy, aging men (who preferred the company of other men) she's finally come to embrace it.
For what they lack in available husband material (not that she's really looking again so soon after "losing" her fifth husband, rest his soul) they make up for (tenfold) in enthusiasm and adoration.
"Oh, congratulations to you both, Ricardo."
"Thank you so much, Miss Larieux. . ."
". . .call me Fifi. . ."
". . .Fifi. Jessie is the love of my life and well, my life's not getting an longer so when he finally said yes I knew we had to do something special. . .something UNIQUE to celebrate."
Jessie Tandum (he likes the way that sounds, hoping less than secretly that someone will start calling him JT. He's always wanted an nickname based on his initials) ( strangetwn_god ) listens to Ricardo chatting up some old woman. He kind of recognizes her. Probably from one of the old black and white movies Ricardo likes so much. Jessie doesn't understand why Ricardo likes them so much but it's nice to sit and watch one with Ricardo, so Jessie can put his head on Ricardo's lap and fall asleep while Ricardo runs his fingers through his hair and traces the curve of his ear.
And it's kind of fun that Ricardo's finally getting to meet one of the oldsters from those movies. Jessie likes seeing Ricardo happy and this woman is really making him happy. He just hopes (because he knows Ricardo will eventually introduce him, show him off like they both enjoy) she's not boring. He hopes this whole honeymoon thing isn't boring. So far it seems like it might be fun. He can hear the surf so there's got to be a beach so even if it does kind of smell like manure, the beach will be fun.
Then something REALLY interesting catches his eye.
"Oh my god. . .this is just. . ."
"What's wrong, Ricardo?"
". . .just dreadful!"
Fifi looks from Ricardo to Jessie, who's clearly staring at another man. Slowly she thinks she understands the issue.
"Do you know him?"
"Know him? How could anyone NOT know him. . .intimately."
"Well he doesn't seem interested. . ."
"Ricardo. . .did you SEE who else is HERE?"
"Fifi, darling, if you'll just excuse me for one tick-tock?"
Ricardo turns from Fifi and takes Jessie by the hand. Fifi quietly removes herself from the scene. She noticed another new face emerge from the resort building and stoke up a camp fire. Maybe he knows exactly what's going to go on here.
"So, this is Viking Shoals beach resort?"
"Well. . .sort of, yes."
Fifi is not immediately reassured by that reply.
"Well, I'm Fifi Larieux and I have a week's long reservation at the Viking Shoals beach resort. Since this is where we. . .there are a few others in the tour group you see. . .were deposited I am assuming this is where we will be staying?"
"Definitely. Oh, I'm Thurston. Thurston Parsons. And this isn't really a resort so much as. . .well, my home."
"Oh. So this is more like an exchange program than a four star resort? That would explain a lot."
"Yeah. I'm going to be honest with you, I wasn't expecting you so soon. I was told you wouldn't show up for another day or so. I was planning to. . ."
"Is this your first tour group?"
Thurston nods.
"I was starting to think as much. Well, Thurston, to be honest this wasn't exactly what I was expecting. But then again, I didn't really know what to expect. I wanted an adventure and it seems I'm going to get one."
Thurston nods again. Fifi's not the only one in for an adventure. The plan had seemed so simple. Sell time shares to unsuspecting foreigners. Then, right before they could pack a bag and hit the road they'd get a "we regret to inform you" form letter breaking the news that the resort had been washed away in a hurricane or some other unfortunate accident. Thanks to some slippery fine print, Thurston (and his partners) would be left with a hefty sum of simoleons with no work at all.
Except now Thurston was face to face with one of the travelers and at a bit of a loss for what to do with her (not to mention the three others he counted). One thing was for certain. Ellen was NOT going to be amused.
Thurston and Fifi sit in silence until the two men (who had been at the mailbox for some time, doing what Thurston couldn't tell through the gloom) arrive.
Jessie quickly introduces himself and Thurston puts on his best host smile and offers them snacks.
"Are you going to have a. . .what's it called again, Thurston?"
"Marshmallow."
". . .marshmallow, Ricardo?"
"Not right now, dear."
Ricardo doesn't stop to introduce himself. Thurston finds it a relief.
The older man seems upset. Thurston's not sure what the problem is until a fourth (another man) emerges from behind the house. Jessie smiles at the form, who doesn't stop on his way into the house. The older man sighs loudly as he strides past. Thurston's curiosity is piqued but he says nothing. He gets the feeling the story will get out sooner than later.
"Oh. . .OH, Thurston it's on FIRE!"
Thurston laughs. He gets the feeling Jessie will be a spot of fun. He instructs the younger man on the safest way to extinguish the sugar flame.
"Then you just pop it into your mouth, like. . ."
". . .mmm."
After a few marshmallows, Thurston excuses himself.
"Thurston, what are you up to?"
"Well, the Llamas beat the spread so I made a cool five g's. . ."
"That's not what I'm talking about and you know it."
"What?"
"All those people milling about on the beach?"
"Oh, yes. They're tourists."
"Are you mad at me, Ricardo?"
"No, I'm not mad. . ."
". . .but it really seems like you're mad at me and I don't know why and it's making me really sad. You know I don't like when you're not happy and. . ."
"It's not you, love. It's HIM."
"Drake?"
"Yes."
"But he's just like Fifi. Just a celebrity. . ."
"No, love, he's not. He's different. And I see the way you look at him and I just. . .well, I just don't want him trying to take advantage of such a sweet thing as you, Jessie."
"You know I only have eyes for you. . ."
"Oh, Jessie. . ."
Drake "Pierce" Steele loves pussy. All kinds of pussy.
While Mandy sleeps, her new born son Barry, is gently stroked by one of the adult film industries most infamous stars. Well endowed and willing to do just about anything (or any one) on film, Pierce Steele is a sexual legend. Never one to be pigeon holed (corn holed, maybe, pigeon holed never!) Pierce Steele is the rare adult film star to cross over. While his cock rocking sound was panned by the more serious rock critics (it garnered a mere 2.5 stars in Rolling Stone) it was gleefully embraced by teens eager to shed the Jonas Brothers cocoons of tweendom and shock their parents with sexually risque lyrics belted out by a man thrusting his bulge for snapping paparazzi. Billed under his legal name, Drake Steele, record sales were strong and Drake was flush with cash. Cash he intended to spend on a once in a lifetime trip to an exotic locale. Drake "Pierce" Steele was a sex tourist looking for the sin and debauchery that only a man with copious simoleons could afford.
So while kitten Barry was cute, he was NOT the pussy Drake was looking for.
He complains (loudly) to the first person he meets.
(while Mandy dreams fondly of her time clawing the repair man who was sent to "fix" her)
Ellen quickly figures out what Drake's complaint is but is not willing to go the extra yard to help him out. She politely (yet firmly) dresses him down and sends him on his way.
Drake finds the confrontation arousing. Who is this woman?
He vows to win her over.
And autonomous grilled cheese preparation is a GREAT way. I was greatly amused by Drake's initiative. Though I doubt Thurston would enjoy knowing what Drake has on his mind.
Drake's not the only one with sexual thoughts on his mind (check out the window there, just don't want you to be lost).
Mandy: So you're the one Barry was telling me about.
Mandy: You stink like a french whore house.
"Pretty girl. You like that?"
Mandy: Hardly. Those gawdy rings are ripping me bald headed.
Mandy: What's this now? Ew. . .what is that. . .oh lord have mercy on the cat. The pheromones coming off this one are enough to gag a skunk.
Mandy: HELP ME JEEBUS!
Mandy: DO. NOT. WANT.
Despite possessing the powers of levitation, Mandy is unable to escape.
"She's quite lovely."
Mandy: No. Just no. You will NOT be using me as a pawn in your disgusting mating ritual. And I'd thank both of you to never handle my son again. Ever. Now if you don't mind. . .
Barry: But mummy. . .I just HAD a bath.
Mandy: And *licks* now *licks* you're having *licks and pauses to chew a knot from the hair* another one.
Mandy will have to keep on her toes. It appears this Drake fellow could be nothing but bad news.
But she just can't be everywhere at once.
Fifi is trying to go with the flow on this, her unique vacation experience but the bunk beds are just revolting.
". . .like an orphanage. . ."
Kind of, yes.
As the day progresses, everyone starts to let down their guard. Some more than others.
While Fifi likes Ricardo, she's not fond of this aromatic character flaw (Thurston's not so amused, either).
He was just greasing up his pecs.
"Yeah, I saw that. He's funny, trying so hard."
"No sim will be able to resist the golden brown Drake."
We'll see.
Great. Drake's going to run up a huge long distance bill talking to his agent.
Scratch that. It was just a call to a p_t sim, Larry Mullen ( forestpixie ). Why am I not surprised Drake knows someone in Viking Shoals?
(trivia game: Where did I get the name Larry Mullen? Think music.)
Ricardo is all bent out of shape (pun intended) over this development.
He somehow manages to tolerate the live sex show. Such a brave sim *eyeroll* (and he ran to the bathroom right after watching them get it on--no joke, dirty old perv).
"Wow. You really got dark."
Ellen. . .
"What? I'm just complimenting him on his tan."
. . .just watch it is all.
While Larry's fun, Drake still has his eye on Ellen.
And Jessie always has his eye on Ricardo.
Watching him coo over Mandy, Jessie feels a strange longing.
Look at you grinning your fool head of, Thurston.
"Yeah. *giggles* Do you realize what they're up to?"
Sex? So what.
"Check again, madame."
"Ohmygosh! They're trying for a baby."
Ok, how do you you guys know this just from the sparks?
"Oh come on. I had three children. You think I don't know what it's like when sims are TRYING?"
*shrugs*
Yes, Jessie and Ricardo were trying for a baby. All on their (ACR) own. Now this got me to thinking. Pearl had not yet returned to the homestead so technically there was room for a baby BUT per the moocher challenge all moochers were supposed to be adult or elder. SO, do I allow this cute couple to try to procreate (meaning keep Pearl out of the house a few days longer) or do I nip this behavior in the bud?
Hmmm, that's a real brain tickler.
They're just so cute together (Ricardo caught lightning bugs on his very first attempt!) and Jessie is the one working the ACR magic (Ricardo's too old to initiate such activity).
While I'm debating. . .
. . .Drake has found a friend to tan with.
The dark green looks nice against the hot pink flamingo bikini. Fifi may be an elder but she still has it (and always will).
Drake greases a few palms and. . .
. . .lands himself a promising piece of tail.
"Now show Doctor Steele where it hurts!"
Drake is determined to have his Vacation of Wanton Carnality.
And the gypsy matchmaker (who really needs some makeup help--it's like she slipped and fell on a blush puff) is determined to take as much of Drake's money as possible.
For now, the genie lamp will be stashed away. The household doesn't need any cash and there's no way I'm letting any of the moocher elders get perma platinum (I already have two perma plat oldsters in Thurston and Ellen, thanks).
"So you're going to keep trying then?"
"Yeah, as long as Ricardo wants to."
"Awww, you're a big ole softie, aren't you."
Hush. And stop watching them, that's so creepy.
"You're watching too."
Yeah, but it's my JOB to watch.
"Pervert."
Hello ghostChandler. You're welcome to dish out a few scares but you'd better not get too full of yourself.
"Awww, a kitten!"
Nice of you to finally come home.
"I would have come sooner if I knew Mandy had a kitten. What's his name?
Barry.
"Aww, Barry."
"Dad, why didn't you mention Mandy had a kitten."
"Well, I've been kind of busy. . ."
While Thurston explains the whole moochers thing. . .
Hee hee!
I know, real mature of me. But I just can't resist. Fifi (in her bed clothes) is the first moocher to use the latrine. How's that "unique" vacation treating you, Fifi?
Pearl gets some new duds and starts getting acquainted with her new "family".
"Holy cow, you grew up fast!"
Yeah, you almost missed it, running around "europe" like that.
"Yeah, yeah."
By the way, where's Buffy.
"I don't want to talk about that."
Hmmm. Ok then. Moving on.
Ellen and Thurston love spam:
(Fifi first heart farted then gave the union a big gunslinger thumbs up)
End Ellen and Thurston love spam.
What are you guys all doing milling around the door. *eyes Jessie's thought bubble*
OOOOH.
Barry: When you can put your leg up over your head and lick your own butthole, that's when I'll be impressed.
I bet Drake would know someone who could do that. Just saying.
Unlike some other VDSL moochers, my crew get along very well.
"You just need to relax and enjoy the sex, Jessie. Once you stop stressing, you'll get pregnant just like that."
Ellen offers advice to the baby rabid (and worried) Jessie.
"Well, sometimes that happens when you get older."
Thurston helps him with the fine points of loving a sim who's much older than him.
Pearl might need some of that advice, too. Seems she has taken a liking to Fifi (and vice versa).
(and Drake just checked off another item on the List of Debauchery. Live lesbian soft core show? CHECK!)
I'm still wondering what happened with Buffy but I know better than to ask now, what with Fifi's hand being so close to Pearl's breast.
And while it is my job to watch all that happens to this here family, we shant eyeball the lovers anymore. Instead. . .
A crab pinch.
(hey, I hadn't shown one yet, so there you go. Check it off your bingo card. Remember, don't call out bingo unless you have it)
Vacation destination or elder care home? You decide.
The hot tub has taken over as the attractive nuisance of choice. I'm sure if sims could hump in the electrosphere, it would get more action.
Speaking of action. . .
"Do you think it's ok for the baby to go lay out in the sun with me?"
"Shurmph."
"Huh?"
"I said sure, why not?"
What? Don't look at me that way. You knew the minute I mentioned the ACR try for baby coming up that I wouldn't be able to resist it. And yes, this was all done with ACR (though I did leave an opening in the household so. . .I guess I'm kind of responsible too--just a little bit).
Though I hope Jessie used a higher SPF than Ricardo. That looks like it smarts.
Better get out of the sun, Ricardo.
Yes, a rest in the tent would be a wise choice.
"Hey, no problem man. Happens to the best of us."
WHAT?!
Ricardo, what the ever loving hell are you up to?
"If you need some help applying the aloe. . ."
*clucks tongue*
So the minute your husband gets pregnant you want nothing to do with him? Is that it Ricardo? *shakes head* I seem to remember you were all for Jessie's proposed "try for baby" interactions. And wasn't it you who was overly concerned about Drake preying on your little chick of a hubby?
*shakes head*
Speaking of chicks.
Fifi likes Miss Pearl's tan.
And yet again (as I notice the ring on Pearl's finger) I'm wondering about Buffy.
"My family is so effed up."
Oh, it's not that bad. Your parents are still together and they really love each other. And you have a girlfriend (or two?).
"And a pair of queens with baby drama and a porn star trying to come between them. Yeah, totally normal."
Is that why Buffy didn't want to. . .
"I don't want to talk about that."
But she doesn't mind discussing OTHER sim's drama.
"No, we're not dating. What gave you that idea."
"Well, you did go into the tent with Ricardo and. . .well Jessie said something about how he thought maybe Ricardo wasn't as attracted to him now that he's pregnant and. . ."
"Really? So you think he'll crack, huh?"
". . .I'm just not sure I'm willing to sacrifice what I have. . .to ask Jessie for permission to. . ."
Thurston coughs, the abrupt sound is followed by the echo of footfalls on the stairs.
". . .and I managed to secure the top prize in gardening. . ."
Thurston and Ricardo know it sounds forced but what else can they do. With both Jessie and Drake now in the room, all they can do is hope neither heard any of the conversation.
Jessie is all smiles.
"Hey smiley." Drake also notices Jessie's peppy disposition. "Those hormones have you all excited, huh?" He nods toward Jessie's groin.
"Drake. . .*Jessie blushes*. . .stop being such a flirt."
Drake smiles first at Jessie then at Ricardo. All four men eat quickly and make little conversation.
With the plates cleared, Thurston and Drake go their separate ways, leaving Jessie and Ricardo.
"Ricardo. . .I love you so much."
"Jessie. . .I need to. . ."
"No, wait, I want to go first. I love you Ricardo and I know you just don't feel attracted to me right now. . ."
"Jessie. . ."
". . .it's ok. This. . .the belly and all that. . .that's not what you like. You were so sweet, giving me what I wanted and I'm so excited and happy and. . .well. . .if you want Drake I want you to have him. I know you're attracted to him. I'm attracted to him too. I mean, who isn't, right?"
Jessie sighs. Ricardo's not sure exactly how to reply. It's not new to him, having a lover tell him they want to open up the relationship. He's been on both sides of that conversation many a time in his life. It's true, he is attracted to Drake and Drake's made it very clear he's ready and waiting. And it's true, Jessie in his current state, swollen and pudgy, isn't what Ricardo looks for in a mate.
Jessie smiles at him, that sweet smile Ricardo loves waking up to.
"Are you sure, love?"
Jessie nods, his smile never fading.
Ricardo is carried away on a wave of relief. He's been given permission to do what he was afraid he would do anyway. He can have all the pleasure with none of the guilt. Jessie has given him a wonderful gift. He hugs the boy to him and kisses his ear ever so lightly.
Jessie watches Ricardo walk away. He closes his eyes against the threat of tears. He hadn't expected Ricardo to be so. . .so excited by the prospect. He wonders how long it will be before Ricardo and Drake are together. Naked and. . .together. He swallows hard and squeezes his eyes closed until he hears the last of Ricardo's footsteps on the staircase.
Ricardo, while excited by the prospect, controls himself. He retires to his bed to mull over this new found freedom (and to catch a small nap).
Outside, we catch a glimpse of a p_t sim, Adrian Snowday ( chitown_gal ). (yeah, we've seen him before but he's cute so we can see him again)
And Fifi racing like the wind for the latrine. I'm happy to report she makes it with time to spare.
But the latrine always leaves her feeling so dirty.
"What's wrong, Barry? Is nudey Fifi upsetting you?"
I'd say that's a big yes.
"No way *snorts*. . .he just puked all over the floor. You need to work out more, Fifi!"
After her bath, Fifi and Pearl sit down to a meal.
"I spoke with my lawyers and it's all been arranged."
"Fifi. . .I uh don't really want to talk about. . .THAT. . .you know, while we're trying to have a nice meal and. . ."
"It's not meant to be upsetting, Pearl. In fact, this way will be far less upsetting in the long run. I've already made my peace with everything in my life and, to be quite frank, I don't want any last minute surprises. I never did like surprises. And knowing you will carry on my line. . .well that gives me more peace than any thing."
"Ok. . .ok. I get it. It's still weird but I get it."
Once Fifi and Pearl have finished their cryptic conversation (and not so cryptic meal) Ricardo makes his way back to the kitchen.
He's been laying low all day. While he's still excited by his new found freedom he can't shake the feeling he's being watched. Judged.
Mandy: Guilty.
Drake sweeps into the room and produces a plate of grilled cheese.
They linger over them way too long.
All too quickly, Ricardo finds himself right where he'd been fantasizing he'd be. But as Drake leans his taught, nude form closer, reaches for Ricardo's soft, old flesh, all Ricardo can think of is Jessie's sweet smile and the flicker of sadness in his eyes when he swore he wouldn't mind what is now so close to happening.
"Drake, I can't."
"Oh. . .that's no problem man. I have some pills. . ."
"No, not that. I can't do THIS. Any of it."
Drake exhales sharply through his nose but says nothing. He gathers his clothes and dresses quickly, leaving Ricardo, soft old Ricardo, naked and alone.
Ricardo gathers his clothes and walks, nude, to the bathroom. He submerges himself in a tub of the hottest water he can tolerate and stays there until it gets cold. Tired and pruney, he seeks out Jessie.
He runs his fingers through Jessie's hair and gently traces the curves of his ear.
"My love," he whispers as he places a light kiss on his cheek.
The evening is odd. The ghosts are all a twitter, as if they know something the living don't.
Barry feels it too. A shift. Something he can't quite explain, can only act out through violence.
"It's so beautiful. . ."
Pearl wants to say something but what? That the cake isn't nearly as beautiful as Fifi? That she doesn't really want this to happen. That she'd rather have a few more days with Fifi than a lifetime with her money and her child?
But it's over too fast.
Here then gone.
Pearl is overwhelmed by her emotions.
She's not alone in her grief.
The Parsons, Viking Shoals, and numerous planets across the galaxy will mourn the passing of Fifi Larieux.
Pearl wants nothing more than to be alone with her grief. But first. . .
. . .she must fulfill her promise.
It chills her, this odd drink, but she doesn't shiver. She breathes in through her mouth, tasting the warm evening air. Slowly, the cold fades, replaced by a tightness across first her chest then her abdomen. Slowly, that too fades and Pearl is left with only herself. And her sadness.
It just feels right, to sit alone in the hot tub and remember the stranger who became a friend. The friend who became a lover. The lover who became a memory.
The household unravels a bit around the edges following Fifi's death.
Ricardo, who'd never been much of a musician before, finds solace in the blues.
And Thurston can't get enough of Jessie's soon to be born child.
The baby's arrival brings a moment of joy to the heavy hearted household, bringing them full circle.
And bringing us to the close of Week 8 and the arrival of Week 9.
Week 9 mini challenge: WINDFALL
True to her word, the estate of Fifi Larieux was, upon her death, signed over to Pearl Parsons.
Fifi's former lover and soon to be mother of Fifi's only child.
Ricardo, realizing Jessie would never leave him alone and wanting, embraces his role as husband (and new role as father--though he prefers to leave the diaper changing to Jessie).
Ellen and Thurston remodel the Parsons' estate.
While it's not perfect it's better. And thanks to Fifi, they could always keep working on it.
Just like Ricardo will work on being a good husband and father (and not breaking the plumbing!)
And Pearl will work on trying not to kill herself and her unborn child.
I really can't believe this right here. So preggos can ride on this death trap but they can't get in a hot tub? Really? Show of hands. Who thinks that's just a little bit bass ackwards?
"Thurston Ponger-Parsons, don't you go thinking just because this all worked out in the end that you were right. You were completely out of line bringing four strangers to our HOME. . ."
"Dayum, she's fine when she's mad. Yell at me, mama, yell at me!"
And I'll leave you all with a birthday.
Why hello there, Fifi Larieux Tandum. Aren't you a cutie.
And don't worry, you'll have a little playmate soon.
At least. . . we all hope you will.
Until next time!
(hope you had a fun read and thanks for spending time with me and the Parsons)