#r0809

New background characters by AlexiaVR and ObsidianLilith

...

For dinner today Kaori has invited Mt Komorebi mayor Hiro and his wife Suzu who is also on the town council. Kaori wants to discuss the possibility of purchasing the downtown park, rather than letting it be purchased by developers.

Hiro: It’s good to see you again Kaori

Suzu: It was nice to invite us

Kaori: I know you knew my grandparents

Hiro: Oh yes. Shigeru and Sachiko were always looking out for the area

Suzu: We were so sorry to hear about their passing. They may not have been official council employees but many there would go to them for advice

Kaori: Come in, please. We can eat and talk

Hiro: Are you related to my wife

Kaori: I… what?

Hiro: Anytime she wants me to change my mind she cooks a brilliant meal

Kaori: *laughs* Maybe we do have that in common

Suzu: How can we help Kaori

Kaori: Last time we talked you said the council was open to offers on Hazakura Park

Hiro: We are

Kaori: Could I buy it

Suzu: You want to buy the park? Why?

Kaori: It’s sort of hard to explain. My grandparents and I… well, they saw our family as sort of the protectors of the area, the guardians of the mountain type thing

Hiro: That makes sense, they were always so generous

Kaori: My wife and I were hoping to carry on that role. If we buy Hazakura Park we can keep it as a park. That way while developers may buy up the surrounding area, the residents will still have a park to gather in as a community

Hiro: We have had a few purchase offers. Most notable the Ito’s

Kaori: The Ito’s? Right

Hiro: But make an offer and the council will decide on the best buyer

The dinner wraps up and Kaori begins cleaning up. Before the couple leave Suzu pulls Kaori aside to talk.

Suzu: Are you okay? You seemed sad when Hiro mentioned the Ito’s

Kaori: Yeah… I dated their son Kiyoshi in high school. It did not end well. But when we were together I did learn how his father operates. He overbids on land, sweeps in to make a profit, and then leaves

Suzu: That doesn’t sound good for the area. Unfortunately Naoki has made a large offer, the council would take a lot of persuading to turn that down. But maybe…

Kaori: Maybe what

Suzu looks around to make sure her husband is distracted by the soccer game on the TV that Charlie is playing in.

Suzu: Here, I’ll give you the direct contact number for the business. I’m not meant to have it, and if anyone asks me I’ll deny it

Kaori: Why are you giving it to me then

Suzu: I don’t want to see our home overrun with poor quality, over expensive housing any more than you do. Good luck. Hiro! We should get going

Hiro: Your wife sure can kick. Please tell her I think she did a great job in that first half

Kaori: I will. Thank you for coming

Charlie: Did the dinner go alright

Kaori: Yes and no. But Char, you were amazing in that first half, the mayor even said I should tell you

Charlie: The mayor paid me a compliment? Does that make me a princess

Kaori: Not quite

Charlie: Damn. I was already sizing the crown. Thanks for watching though K

Kaori: Always

Charlie: So what did Mr and Mrs Mt Komorebi Council have to say about the park?

Kaori: They said the council is still accepting offers

Charlie: You don’t seem happy about that

Kaori: *sighs* the mayor let slip that one of the offers is from the Ito’s

Charlie: The who nows?

Kaori: It’s Kiyoshi’s family Char

Charlie: Oh… The mega rich controlling ones

Kaori: The mega rich, controlling, profiteering and stepping on the little guy ones

Charlie: *sarcastically* So we’ll be able to buy the place as a bargain then

Kaori: *sighs*

Charlie: Hey, we don’t have to give up on buying it. It’ll be better long term if we get it before people are living on the land. Do you have a next step?

Kaori: I do but I can’t guarantee anything… Clover are you trying to beg for food? Bad dog

Clover: *barks* I would be helping clean the plate

Charlie: Thanks for dinner. We’ll find a way to help Kaori, I promise

Kaori: Sleeptime?

Charlie: Yes please. That was such a long game, I’m beat

The two set about getting ready for bed. Charlie is faster due to her determination to sleep and is snoring softly by the time Kaori climbs in. The two snuggle up and dream of the future.

The next morning keeps Charlie busy with her pre work task of studying opponents. Kaori takes Clover for a run in the sun and snow.

Kaori: We’ll get home and we’ll just do it, we’ll make the call

Clover: *barks* If you say so

Kaori: Try not to get dirty, then we can skip a bath for you

As she and Clover descend the stairs near the ski lift Kaori suddenly finds it hard to keep her footing. She slides on the ice, desperately trying not to fall over. When she gets a solid footing she sighs in relief.

Kaori: We are not taking that as an omen okay

Clover: *barks* suits me

Kaori: Hello? I’m calling to discuss your offer on Hazakura Park

?: Are you from the council

Kaori: No. I’m a resident and I wanted to talk to you about the future of the space

?: Look, I’m sure you mean well, but my father doesn’t meet with residents over sales

Kaori: Your- Wait, Kiyoshi?

Kiyoshi: Yeah this is my personal business extension. I’m in charge of Ito developments in Mt Komorebi. Who are you again?

Kaori is unsure what to say. Kiyoshi did not take their break up well. If she says it’s her he might just hang up, and the park would be out of reach. But if she says nothing he’s definitely hanging up.

Kaori: It’s me, Kaori

For a long moment Kiyoshi doesn’t respond and Kaori checks to see if he’s hung up on her. He hasn’t.

Kaori: I know things got messy but I really care about Mt Komorebi. I know the boy I knew did to. Please, tell me how to reach your father

Kiyoshi: It wouldn’t matter. He’s put me in charge of the developments here, the offer on the park was mine

Kaori: Oh. Perhaps we-

Kiyoshi: I… I’m actually not doing anything for dinner. Can I take you out and we can talk properly? Otherwise my schedule is pretty tight for the next few weeks

Kaori: Kiyoshi I’m married

Kiyoshi: I heard. She can come if you want

Kaori: She’s actually training tonight. But if it’s the only time you have free, I’ll come

Kaori arrives at 5-3-1 Shinrinyoku. This restaurant was built by the gallery's own KA0260. Kiyoshi is already there.

Kiyoshi: You look good. Really good

Kaori: I see your father finally got you in a suit

Kiyoshi: You never could take a compliment. I’ve come straight from the office, I’ll change inside

Kaori: Thank you for meeting with me. The park is important

Kiyoshi: We can talk about it inside. After you

Kaori heads inside and Kiyoshi goes to grab a change of clothes. His mind drifts to the time he had the heart of Kaori, how was she even more attractive with age? And those glasses! He would bet they steamed up perfectly.

Kaori gets seated first but it’s not long before Kiyoshi joins her.

Kiyoshi: Can we just address the elephant in the room snow-bird?

Kaori: I know we ended badly

Kiyoshi: Badly? I worked for my dad on top of my schoolwork to get you that engagement ring, and what did you say when I proposed to you in front of all of our family and friends?

Kaori looks down ashamedly. It had not been her best day.

Kiyoshi: If you thought you were a lesbian, why not tell me before that? As a proposal response it’s not ideal. I would have listened

Kaori: I never liked any of the girls we went to school with beyond crush level. But the weekend before you proposed I went to the night club and I saw a European woman and… I realised I wanted her in a way I didn’t want you. I did think what we had was love but-

Kiyoshi: It was love

Kaori: I never desired you Kiyoshi. Not the way I’m attracted to women, to my wife

Kiyoshi: Really? Because I can think of a few woohoo sessions where you gave the opposite opinion

Kaori: *sighs* Please, I want to talk about the park, not the past. We can’t let our personal feeling get in the way of what’s best for the area

Kiyoshi: You’re right. Can I have an 8 piece salmon for me and my friend will have…

Kaori: 8 piece salmon would actually be nice

Kiyoshi: Some things never change. Why do you want Hazakura Park

Kaori: It’s a bit tricky to explain

Kiyoshi: Talk to me snow-bird

Kaori: It’s my responsibility to look after the mountain. A new subdivision is nothing without a communal space for residents to gather. To have a place to meet up and remember what colour grass is

Kiyoshi: *laughs* I’ve purchased other properties in the neighbourhood. I guess a park is a good idea. If it means so much I’ll buy it so the council can have the income but tell them to sign the deed over to you

Kaori: That’s… very generous. Won’t your father be mad?

Kiyoshi: Don’t worry about him. I want to do this, for you. I like seeing you happy, I like making you happy. Now, tell me about your wife

Back home Kaori paces nervously, waiting for Charlie to get home. As soon as she does Kaori kisses her on the cheek and motions for her to sit.

Charlie: How was your afternoon? Were you able to get hold of Naoki

Kaori: I did ring the number but it wasn’t for Naoki

Charlie: Did Suzu give you the receptionist number because I could have googled that to be your hero

Kaori: No. It was the line for Kiyoshi

Charlie: Oh, him...

There was a few minutes of silence. Charlie didn’t know what response to give and Kaori wasn’t sure what her wife needed to hear.

Kaori: We’ll be getting the park though Char

Charlie: We will? I thought you said that whole family was money obsessed

Kaori: I thought so. But Kiyoshi...

Charlie: He’s taking back the purchase offer?

Kaori: Not exactly

Charlie: What do you mean not exactly? He's either keeping the bid in or withdrawing it

Kaori: The council need money Char, Kiyoshi will pay them the cost of the property and he’ll sign the deed for the park over to us. That way we have more inheritance money left for the long term

Charlie: Did he happen to tell you this while staring at your boobs

Kaori: *angrily* No. I got his agreement in writing Char, he can’t take it back. And I wore my hoodie, you know my boobs get buried in it

Charlie: Did he try to flirt with you

Kaori: He did but it was nothing I couldn’t handle. Believe me, he’s never forgetting I’m a lesbian after I ruined his proposal. He even asked about you

Charlie: Yes but you know straight cis men, half the time they think lesbians are a myth because no woman could possibly turn down their pixel parts

Kaori: Look, I don't want to fight about what he may or may not think. If he tries getting handsy you can kick his ass. How’s that?

Charlie: Good because I'll kick it from here to Sulani

Kaori: Now why don’t you finish your meal so I can remind you I am 100% attracted to you. I'm in a generous mood

Charlie: Sounds like a deal

And with that, the Nishidake household is done for this rotation. I don’t know friends, it was really hard to get through this one. I’m not sure if I’m falling out of love with the household, or not finding much inspiration in their story, or just was unwell/stressed when trying to write and play. Or perhaps I was just trying to put off writing the first household of next rotation because I’ve decided to REDACTED. I really want to reach the summit with them, I’ve never played that before, but levelling up is hard when Charlie has a job that doesn’t require rock climbing. I’m considering skipping them next rotation, and perhaps returning to them in a few in game years when I can cheat the climbing skill up enough that they can survive the climb.

Back to Mt Komorebi where the Nishidake household sleeps. Last rotation they got the news that Kaori’s grandparents had left a large inheritance for her and her wife. The Nishidake family are the guardians of the mountain, a mantle which requires loyalty to the region. Specifically you can go somewhere on holiday, but if you take steps to move away you will die. At least according to a bunch of dead ancestors who tried, including Kaori’s parents.

Charlie: We better get up

Kaori: Clover’s belly is not the boss of us

Clover: *barks hungrily*

Kaori: Who am I kidding? Her belly is totally the boss of us

Charlie: *laughs* I can go feed her if you want first shower

Kaori: Please. I had a not great fall yesterday and my muscles are still aching

Charlie: You should have said, I could have given you a massage

Kaori: I’ve maxed my snowboarding skill, I’m not meant to have falls

Charlie: Everyone has falls *to Clover* Come on my honey pie, who wants biscuits?

Charlie: Did you get back in your pyjamas? *kisses cheek*

Kaori: Yeah, they’re comfy

Charlie: Remember we need to go to the doctors first thing

Kaori: Why? Since when

Charlie: Mum text about a new mod. Apparently we need vaccines and to go see a gynaecologist

Kaori: Char only one of us got a bio degree

Charlie: Oh, they just look at our pixel parts and tell us if we’re healthy

Kaori: What? I don’t want some stranger looking at my pixel parts

Charlie: We don’t have a choice

Kaori: Sure we do! We just don’t go. It’s not like we’re going to get pregnant or one of us is sleeping with someone who has a pixel parts infection

Charlie: We don’t need to be trying to get pregnant for our reproductive organs to stuff up and explode

Kaori: *suspiciously* You’re just being gloomy right? Our organs won’t actually explode…

Charlie: Guess the only way for you to find out is to come with me

Kaori: *rolls eyes* Fine. How much will it set us back

Charlie: Don’t worry. All players on the team get health insurance, we’ll be fine, it won’t cost as much

Kaori: Brilliant! We could use the savings on a new couch

Charlie: Umm, I don’t think that’s how savings work. And we hardly ever sit on the couches anyway

Kaori: Doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have nice ones. And I’m not suggesting we use the inheritance on ourselves, but you and I do get income we can spend. You knew you were marrying a shop-a-holic Char, I like nice things

Charlie: Am I included in these nice things

Kaori: Only if you take a shower

Charlie: Oh, she burns!

Kaori: Shut up, you know I still have a fear of fire. I’ll get the dishes, you shower so we can get these medical visits over with

Clover: *barks* Hope I don’t have any medical visits

Kaori: We survived!

Charlie: Heck yeah. Now, about what the doctor said…

Kaori: Char she said I’m neurodivergent, it’s not like we need to be worried or sad or whatever

Charlie: I’m gloomy, I can’t help it. Do you want me to go to the psychiatrist with you

Kaori: Nah, I’ll be sweet. Can you get started on the chores for me though?

Charlie: Does gardening count

Kaori: So long as you don’t let Clover track the dirt through the house

Charlie: I won’t. But I know you enjoy vacuuming so… I’ll leave that for you?

Kaori: *laughs* Guilty! Okay, I’ll vacuum when I’m back

Charlie gets started on her indoor garden. She learned how to garden during her biology degree with Rahul, not that she’d tell her dad that she’d ignored his many attempts to teach her about soil types and fertiliser strengths. She’s calling out to Clover every so often when she realises Clover is barking differently than normal.

Charlie: You better not be inviting around the hound dogs

Clover: *barks to the hound dogs*

Charlie: We’re getting you spayed so don’t even think about it

Kaori: What’s all the noise in here

Charlie: You back? How’d it go

Kaori: Did you say we’re getting this precious angel spayed

Charlie: I did indeed yell that

Clover: *barks in love*

Kaori: But... Charlie... puppies could be so cute!

Charlie: No

Kaori: Why not? You got her and Allie as puppies

Charlie: Over population K. There’s enough strays out there without adding to the surplus

Kaori and Clover go to the garden room where Charlie is fighting a temporary bug invasion.

Kaori: But what if... we kept the puppies

Charlie: *sighs* K, pregnancy is hard and labour is rough. Yes you may end up with cute puppies but think about what Clover would have to go through. It’s not right for us to put her through that when we can get her fixed

Kaori: *pouts* Suppose

Charlie: I don’t want to be pregnant. You don’t want to be pregnant. Why would we make her do something we’re not willing to go through ourselves huh?

Kaori: You’re right, I know you’re right. She just really seems to want to make puppies

Clover: *barks in love*

Charlie: It’s hormones. Should calm down when she’s fixed. Now what did the psychiatrist say

Kaori: That I have… wait he did write it down somewhere for me…

Clover: *barks in love*

Charlie: Honey pie mummies are talking right now

Kaori: Oh, I kept it on my phone. I have this thing called… Dysgraphia? I think that’s how it’s pronounced

Charlie: I haven’t heard of it before

Kaori: Yeah me neither

Charlie: Do they think we need to be worried at all

Kaori: No. It’s just why I have trouble writing neatly and getting stuff from my head onto paper

Charlie: Did they want you to start anything like meds or tutoring or something

Kaori: Depends on how much I’m bothered. Like I have the film and literature hobby but I enjoy experiencing stories more than creating them you know. I’ll see how I go

With the garden tidied Charlie gets into her uniform and heads off to work.

Kaori: Good luck playing Char! We'll be listening and watching

Charlie: Thanks. Hey Clover, I’ll see you when you have less organs

Clover: *whines*

Kaori: Here we are, standard vets. I’ll go sign you in for a spay, come on Clover

Clover: *whines in love*

Kaori: Let’s see… do we have an account here? We should do, we took Allie here after all

Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *meows* Lady you’re in my puddle

Kaori: Spay… spay… spay! Here we go, all signed up

 Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *meows* The service here is terrible

Kaori: I’m lucky this screen lights up. Why is it so dark in here?

Clover: *barks* Puddle! I must jump in as tribute to Peanut

Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *meows* Make your own puddle to play in

Clover: *barks* But this one is right here and I need to roll

Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *runs from the scene of the crime*

Justin: Hey lady, your dog is making a mess! All over the floor

Kaori: Maybe you should wait for the vet outside Clover

Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *smirks in victorious cat*

Cora: Clover? Clover?

Clover: *barks* That’s my name, don’t wear it out

Cora: You’re a nice doggy, right

Clover: *barks* Why do you look scared

Sick Non Fox: *barks* Get out of my way!

Clover: *growls* You get out of my way fire feet

Sick Non Fox: Why hasn’t the vet taken you in yet? Do you have rabies

Clover: *growls* I do not have rabies

Kaori: So do you have a cat or-

Brant: Three dogs, the youngest one seems to have something wrong with his feet. Luckily we live nearby

Kaori: Oh man I live all the way in Mt Komorebi, but this is pretty much the only vet clinic in the world

Brant: Tell me about it

…

Cora: Nice doggy? Want to play

Clover: *barks* at least that rhymes with spay

Sick Non Fox: You’re getting your organs taken out? Loser. I can breed free

Clover: *growls* I pity any offspring of your ridiculous looking self

Cora: Here we are. If you could just get her to sit on the treadmill

Kaori: Clover, sit. What was the delay?

Cora: Oh, you know, just wanted to check some things

Clover disappears into the machine…

Kaori: What do you mean? What things

Cora: Not to worry. This is my first time doing a spay but I did learn how to tell the difference between the uterus and the bladder

Clover: *whines*

Kaori: Is she okay in there

Cora: She’ll be fine. Now the procedure does fit her with a cone. We recommend *thinks hard* that it stay on for the rest of the day

Kaori takes Clover home feeling less than confident in the nurses abilities but Clover seems fine apart from the cone. Charlie will be working until 9 but the fridge is almost empty so Kaori starts on dinner.

Kaori: I’m sorry we won’t have puppies Clover, they would have been cute. Maybe in a few years mummy will let us get another puppy huh?

Clover: *barks dejectedly*

Kaori: Of course, we could always just go adopt a puppy as a surprise

Clover: *barks questioningly*

Kaori: I know babykins, you’re right. Rescue pets do not make good surprise gifts

Kaori turns on the radio while she eats so she can tune in to Charlie’s game. She’ll watch it properly when she’s eaten but she likes to catch the start. It’s a rough game for Charlie’s team, they don’t win, and Charlie gets subbed out ten minutes before then end. She returns home gloomier than usual.

Kaori: Do you want a massage

Charlie: You watched the game huh

Kaori: I did

Charlie: I hate when coach subs me out at the end. I’m the best on the team for the penalty shootouts

Kaori: I suppose you can’t win them all

Charlie: This stupid reporter-

Kaori: Hey, have some food while we talk. You look pretty wiped out

Charlie: You left me the last of the Pho?

Kaori: I had to cook so I figured I’d let you have it

Charlie: Aww thanks K. You’re sweet

Kaori: Now you mentioned reporter

Charlie: *sighs* So it’s post match press and this guy calls the loss one of the worst ever to happen in soccer. Which I get, it was a rough end. But he was asking me who was responsible? Did the dude not see I wasn’t even on the pitch for the end?

Kaori: Did you tell him off

Charlie: I thought about it, but I didn’t want to throw coach under the bus. Then she’d have even more reason to bench me. So I spouted some nonsense about teamwork. I swear they target me with the tricky questions because they know I’m gloomy and they’re searching for a soundbite

Kaori: Come here, I love you and your gloominess. It keeps me and my cheerfulness grounded

Charlie: *sighs* I suppose so. I guess I should do the dishes

Kaori: No, I got them. I think somebody wants their cone off

Charlie: Oh Clover, Honey pie? Who wants to be free again?

Clover: *barks* Have mercy on me

Charlie: Does my brave girl need a hug, huh? Do you need a hug?

The tired trio head to the bedroom together and fall asleep.

Charlie is busy tending the garden while a betrayed post bath Clover mopes on her dog bed.

*Doorbell*

Clover: *barks* I got it mummy, I got it

Keira: *shivers*  let me in let me in let me in

Charlie: Hey! I didn’t know you were stopping by

Keira: Can we please talk inside where I can feel my fingers

Charlie: No. I’m comfy out here

Keira: Charlie!

Charlie: Kidding, get in. Just remember, no shoes inside

Keira: I’m so glad you two got a thermostat

Charlie: I don’t know if it was worth it, you kept us pretty warm before with lighting that fire

Keira: It was an accident! When are you going to forget it

Charlie: Never. It’s in the big sister code somewhere that I’m obligated to remind you that you set my dryer on fire until one of us dies

Keira: Fine. Then I get to forever remind you about every time your sport practice broke windows

Charlie: Sounds fair

Keira: Oh I love that photo of us, our first one in Sulani. It feels like forever ago now

Charlie: Keira, you didn’t come all this way to talk about photos that are on the wall at home

Charlie: What’s going on? Is everything alright with Marta?

Keira: With Marta? Oh she’s great. But umm… I’m a bit worried about mum and dad

Charlie: What do you mean

Keira: They’ve been taking Carson to all these appointments lately and coming home tired. I worry they’re wearing themselves out

Charlie: They are getting older Keira

Keira: I tried to offer to cook for them to help but they know I can’t cook. Marta can but they keep insisting she’s a guest. Could you invite them around here for dinner or something? Let them get out of the house

Charlie: If it’ll make you feel better, I have tomorrow off work anyway

Keira: Thanks Charlie

Charlie: So what’s Carson got these appointments for

Keira: Mum won’t tell me, just says not to worry about it while putting on a happy face

Charlie: Don’t worry Keira, I’ll help them take a night off. Promise

Keira: Thanks. This is why you're my favourite sister

Charlie: Yeah I... Wait, I'm your only sister!

Upstairs Kaori is busy. Having finished filming her video she now needs to get started on editing, a well as adding effects and transitions.

Clover: *barks* Mummy time for snuggles and snooze

Kaori: Is it bedtime already

Clover: *barks* yes that is what I just said

Kaori: *sighs* I guess this will keep until tomorrow. Lead the way

The next morning the couple decide to start the day off with a bang while they both have energy, before leaving bed.

Kaori: Got plans for your day off

Charlie: I’m going to invite mum and dad for dinner. Hey maybe we could get some climbing practice in?

Kaori: Sure- oh wait. I forgot, I do have this video I need to get out

Charlie: When by

Kaori: Sometime this morning… not sure exactly

Charlie: Okay. I can chill around the house until you’re ready

Kaori: Thanks. I do want to go climbing

Charlie: But you also like money, I understand

Kaori: Where was I… PrimSims… I need to be better at labelling stuff

Clover: *barks* Everything should be given its own scent

Kaori: I think the first half is good but this second half needs work

Diligently working on her video, Kaori is kept company by Clover who has a very good “Are you done yet” face. Eventually though Kaori uploads it, and gets the bonus for correct content!

Charlie and Kaori set off for the climbing wall and try to assess the conditions (is it normal to not get a pop up about it? What’s the point of assessing if the game won’t even tell you). After putting on their climbing gear and doing a few warm up stretches they get started. Both manage to make it to the top but the practice is full of many falls. Luckily they’re prepared and don’t get injured. Eventually the two have had enough of slipping and decide to head home when the watcher notices the ice sign.

Charlie: Would have been nice to know that earlier

They arrive home to good news, Clover’s snow booties have arrived!

Charlie: Let’s see… oh they fit great don’t they honey pie

Clover: *barks* the heck am I wearing

Charlie: Shall we go for a run to test them out huh

Clover: *barks* Wait, why isn’t the snow making my paws wet

Charlie and her dog head off. It doesn’t take much time for Clover to adjust to the booties and soon enough she’s running like she’s worn them all her life.

Kaori: Another bit of broken plumbing? Seriously *sighs* I guess I could stream fixing it, maybe that will help my fame level

After a messy fix Kaori sets her sights on dinner. The drone has plenty of battery left so she decides to change her handiness livestream in to a cooking livestream.

*doorbell*

Kaori: That must be my in-laws, thanks for watching everyone

Kayleigh: Who were you talking to

Kaori: Just the drone

Charlie: Oh crumbs, I forgot the time. We better race home Clover

Kayleigh: Lovely to see you Kaori

Kaori: Thanks for coming. Sometimes I just want to make a big meal for sharing but Charlie and I can't eat it all alone

Kayleigh: Where’s my daughter got to

Kaori: She was taking Clover for a run. She’ll be back soon. How have you been

Kayleigh shrugs in a non-committal way as the door opens again.

Charlie: Sorry if I’m late

Harvey: No worries, we haven’t started eating yet

Charlie: So how’s things at home

Harvey: Pretty good, I’m getting my fish stocks up

Kayleigh: And I’m working on some new paintings

Charlie: How’s Carson

Kayleigh: Did we tell you he has asthma

Charlie: Reece told us. Is he doing okay?

Kayleigh: He’s… adjusting

Kaori: My grandmother had asthma. It’s not too tricky to manage once you get a routine. I’m sure Keira and Marta would be happy to help with cleaning if you asked

Kayleigh: But they’re guests

Charlie: They’re family mum. They’ll help. And Carson is in scouts, he must know some recipes by now

After dinner wraps up Kayleigh gives Harvey a quick peck on the cheek before heading outside to play some chess with Charlie. Clover takes a well deserved nap following her run, and Harvey chats to Kaori.

Harvey: They left you how much

Kaori: I know, it’s a lot. But Charlie and I want to do some good with it. We’re just not sure where to start

Harvey: You’re both sensible, you’ll think of something

Kaori: We did have an idea that we could place an offer on the park in Wakaba, try and stop every space there being turned in to new houses

Harvey: See now, that’s a great idea! How exactly would you go about doing that though

Kaori: Well the park is owned by the council at the moment but they’ve let the neighbourhood residents know they’re open to offers on the space

Harvey: It sounds like a good first step, buying a park to keep it as a park. I’m sure that’s the kind of thing your grandparents wanted you to do as a guardian

Kaori: I hope so. I really hope so

Charlie: Are you sure you’re managing mum

Kayleigh: Honey, please, I’m not even an elder

Charlie: I know but Keira said you’ve been taking Carson to all these appointments and-

Kayleigh: Charlie, I love you, but your brother’s health is his private business

Charlie: *sighs* Keira’s just worried you’ll burn yourself out. And yeah maybe I’m worried to

Kayleigh: I’m doing well, so is your dad. When sims grow older they get more tired, we’re adjusting. Now I think I can head off

Charlie: But the game-

Kayleigh: Checkmate

Charlie: Again? Ugh, how did I miss that

Charlie and Kaori head to the gym to fit in some more climbing practice but it seems they’re out of luck.

Kaori: Why are climbing machines roped off

Suzanna: Oh I just asked management. They’re doing some necessary upgrades apparently

Joey: See I told you the gym would be broken

Deanna: She didn’t say all the machines are broken

Joey: Maybe we should just pretend they are. So, purple, you like rock climbing do you? If you ever want to try out your technique, I’m down for being climbed

Suzanna: *laughs* Steady on kid, I’m married

*THUNK*

Devin: Don’t panic everyone! Just another fan

Charlie: It really does happen all the time

Devin: That’s what I’ve been saying

Charlie: Do you have time to walk Clover this morning

Kaori: Sure

Charlie: Thanks. This faux meat wall is difficult to improve, I want to give it a good massage today

Kaori pulls a face but nevertheless gets Clover and her booties ready for a walk.

Charlie takes some time to try and improve her logic skill again, playing another match against herself. The problem is the other her always wins. She lets out a particularly heavy sigh of frustration as Kaori and Clover get back.

Kaori: You okay Char

Charlie: I just lost, again

Kaori: But doesn’t that mean you also won

Charlie: Nope. I lost. I can never beat myself

Kaori decides Charlie needs to get away from the chess board to get some perspective.

Kaori: Do you want to head to the climbing walls at the gym? The walls here are icy again

Charlie: They’ll probably be icy forever (Charlie is very much in her gloomy mindset today)

Kaori: Shall we race to the top

Charlie: Yeah I guess, but I’ll probably just lose

Kaori: Come on Char, you know you can climb

Charlie is slow to get into it but nevertheless Kaori persists with her cheerful chatter and encouragement. As time passes the exercise endorphins help Charlie who begins to get back to her competitive normal. The end results show that Charlie has climbed further than Kaori, drawing a smile from Charlie which of course makes Kaori happy.

When they get home Kaori heads upstairs to edit some videos that have been sitting on her hard drive for a while. There’s one on handiness, and one on cooking, and of course another stereotypical product review. Kaori really hopes one day she can get free stuff to review rather than paying for it herself. Maybe at the next celebrity level. Downstairs Charlie takes her improving mood and tends to the bonsai bush in the hall.

Charlie: Now, where… to start?

Clover: *barks* it’s too tall now

Charlie: I wish I could remember what shape I made last time

Clover: *barks* prune it into a ball shape

Charlie: Maybe if I keep the stuff on this side… and chop this?

Clover: *barks* that’s not a ball shape

Maybe it isn’t tennis ball shaped but pruning it has helped get Charlie in a focused headspace for her game today. She pops upstairs to wish Kaori good luck for her dinner and then heads off.

A new day dawns and it’s PRIDE! Bear with me as I do not have the skills to throw a proper parade in game so Charlie and Kaori will meet up with their friends afterwards. Of course, because this is my game, the shower breaks first thing. Charlie is glad I remembered to put the flags out in advance.

Kaori: When’s the parade?

Charlie: Not until 11, we’ve got time

Kaori: Sweet. The powder outside looks perfect today. Can you take Clover for her walk

Charlie: Sure. But K we’ve got to remember to get some climbing practice in today

Kaori: I know, I know. I do want to reach the summit it’s just…

Charlie: So much work? Tell me about it. Maybe we should hire like a gardener or maid so we can have more practice time

Kaori: You’re not talking about using that money on ourselves right

Charlie: No, not the guardian inheitance money. But Mum is constantly transferring “gifts” to my account, especially since Reece won’t take them

Kaori: I’ll think about it. Okay, meet back here at 10:30?

Charlie: It’s a race! What can be done first? Three runs on the ludicrous slope or Clover getting worn out from jogging

Clover: *barks* I shall be victorious

Charlie heads off with Clover in tow. Normally she’d wear her puffy jacket but the sun is bright and warm today, she doesn’t need too many extra layers. She and Clover work their way around the neighbourhood several times. When they pass under the ski lift, Charlie thinks of Kaori.

Charlie: Your mummy will be up there Clover, getting ready to fly. Would you like to fly

Clover: *barks* Absolutely not

Charlie: I knew you'd think it sounds fun

Clover: *barks* Sometimes it's like you don't even speak dog at all

Kaori is indeed up the mountain at the start of the slopes. Being level 10 at snowboarding she can record a POV video of her runs to upload for some income. Sure she’s got the inheritance but that’s for the town and she likes nice things. Can’t just spend Charlie’s money all the time. She starts off with a small warm up jump and practices her weaving.

Soon enough she’s in her groove and takes the paths which lead her over the bigger jumps where she can perform tricks. She loves the feeling of flying through the air, unbound. When she was younger it was an escape from the emptiness of a home without parents. Now, not so much.

She does three runs to make sure she has plenty of footage. For the first time in ages she doesn’t fall over at the end and is left feeling happy and flirty with Pride approaching.

Kaori: Am I first back?

*Silence*

Kaori: I guess I am. Oh watcher damn it! The sink broke again

Charlie: Am I first back

Clover: *barks* Are you there mummy

Kaori: I won. Just let me fix this sink then I can get ready to go

Charlie: Alright, I’ll jump in the shower first

Kaori: Hey *kisses hands* I love you Char

Charlie: I know. I love you to. Happy Pride K

The couple head out and meet up with their old flatmates for the parade. After the fun the group head to Hazakura Park where they grab a quick photo.

We move to the covered grill where Charlie sets about making some chicken for the group. Devin takes the opportunity to serenade Luna. I love Devin but golly I can’t take her anywhere. While Devin sings Kaori starts chatting with Cassandra and Rahul.

Rahul: Is this place normally covered in flags

Kaori: Not usually but the council thought it would be good for pride

Cassandra: Shame they can’t celebrate us when it’s not pride

Kaori: I’m going to try change that here

Devin: *sings* You can call me old school but I like playing records I can hold in my hand

Devin: *sings* You can call me old fashioned if you wanna but I wanna take you out to dance

Luna: *is happy*

Charlie: Excuse me, what are you doing here

Bjorn: It’s a public park

Justin: and we heard Devin Villareal was here

Charlie: Hmm. Don’t go eating our food, I’m making it for my friends

Devin continues singing. When she finishes Luna looks extremely flirty and both men look pissed that they weren’t serenaded. Sorry folks, Devin only has eyes for Luna.

Cassandra: So you have plans for this place

Kaori: I think it would be neat long term if we could keep the flags up, let everyone know they’re welcome here

Rahul: Do you need to purchase the park

Charlie: It’s up for sale and there’s quite a few people interested apparently

Kaori: Wakaba is an up and coming neighbourhood so there’s a lot of interest in building houses. They sell very quickly at good prices

Luna: But you don’t want too many houses right

Devin: *is confused* What’s wrong with houses

Kaori: I mean… houses aren’t bad necessarily…

Luna: Schatz, as communities expand it’s important to make sure community spaces are built as well

Devin: Like spa’s?

Charlie: More like rec centres, supermarkets, daycares

Kaori: But hey, if we do find a spot for a gym/spa complex we’ll name it after you

Devin: Obviously *laughs* You should probably name it something culturally significant though

Kaori: We’re still only considering breaking in to the park business, not the spa business

Luna: Can you remember to put toddler stuff in? Not enough places have stuff to keep Alfred and Rilian entertained

Rahul: How are the rugrats

Devin: Joey is keeping them entertained by-

*THUNK*

Devin: Don’t worry everyone, just an excited fan. I should probably put an autograph by her for when she wakes up

Rahul: We don’t have this kind of drama in Henford

Devin: You also have sheep poop in Henford

Cassandra: Did we tell you how Savannah and Mercedes tried sneaking some into Viola’s crib?

Devin: Shut up! They did that?

Kaori: *whispers to Charlie* how about we don’t ever adopt toddlers

The lunch winds down and Charlie takes a quick selfie with Kaori before they head off.

They go to the Willow Creek gym since it has climbing walls. They can practice on these without damaging  their gear like they would on the walls at home.

Kaori: Race to the top then

Charlie: I’ve come to accept we can’t reach the top

Kaori: You only say that because we haven’t done it yet. Do you think they disinfect these

Charlie: Who knows. But nobody is out there disinfecting the rocks at home

Kaori: *sighs* True

Charlie: Now this is what my muscles need

Kaori: It’s so hot

Charlie: Someone’s becoming a snow bunny, steam is amazing!

Kaori: *laughs* If you say so

…

Charlie: Looks like the conditions are okay, we could try climbing the- What are you doing?

Kaori: Drawing a smiley face in the snow

Charlie: Don’t forget to draw me with a sad face

Kaori: Too late Char, this is a smiley face zone now

Clover is busy rolling in the puddles from the broken plumbing when Charlie and Kaori get home.

Kaori: Oh no

Charlie: What is it?

Kaori: I forgot to mop the mess from earlier and someone is making water angels

Charlie:*laughs* Are trying to be an artist like your snow doodling mummy Clover

Kaori: Hey now. Drawing in the snow takes more skill than rolling on the floor

Charlie: My bad. Clover, you’ve got to stop rolling in puddles and draw in the snow instead

Clover: *whines* But it’s fun

Kaori: I’ll mop, and vacuum

Charlie: Clover, we do not play in puddles! That’s how we get dirty. And you know what dirty dog means right

Clover: *whines* no, please mummy, don’t say it

Charlie: Bath time

Clover: *barks* I’m too young to die, is that Grim I see in the shadows

Charlie: Stop being dramatic, you’ll be fine. You can’t stay in here anyway, mummy is vacuuming

Clover: *whines* someone call the social worker for me, right now

Charlie: See, the water can’t hurt you. And it’s nice to be warm right

Clover: *barks* central heating keeps me warm

Charlie: Hold still. Oh you’ve got mess all down you back

Clover: *barks* If you’re telling me off for getting wet, why are you putting more water on me. You don't make sense mummy

Charlie: I think we got it all. Okay, out you come

Clover: *barks* sweet sweet freedom *shakes water off*

Charlie: Oh come on, really?

Kaori has headed upstairs to her small video room. Her agent sent a request through for a beauty review today. She sets everything up and begins to talk to camera, going through the offerings.

Kaori: If it’s windy on the mountain, you need something to stop your lips getting chapped

…

Kaori: You’re probably wondering how I’m applying eye liner through my glasses? The power of magic folks