Milly: His Kind of Beautiful

TW: Milly’s story contains Coercive Behaviour.

Winter in the city brought beautiful blue skies and a dusting of snow. The air was crisp, a chilly breeze as Milly linked arms with Hunter, snuggling close for warmth. His presence in her life flourished as aspects of him appeared in her bedroom. The few days Hunter stayed became weeks. She knew his presence irritated Eliza but she was too polite to say anything. Milly regretted opening her mouth regarding the living situation. Their neighbour, Azure, asked how she and Hunter were settling into life together. Hunter had handed in his notice to the landlord, and with boxes packed, he would move in with Milly by the weekend. Azure seemed concerned as she attempted to cover her surprise. Milly conceded to the point of saying how adjusting to this shared space was difficult.

Broaching the subject, Hunter lowered his eyes to the floor, soft closure. His mouth took a downturn, lips parted. Milly could see the tension in his body. Hunter believed they had something special, a serious adult relationship. What need did she have for space and isolation unless there was another man to pursue? He questioned her motives, wondering if Milly had led him on. Her breathing quickened; she pawed at his arm as he shook her free. Milly had never glanced at another man. If she were, to be honest, Azure was attractive. Sporting a shock of blue hair and a muscular build; he knew how to make her laugh. This level of honesty would serve to make the situation worse. Milly kept those thoughts hidden; they meant nothing when she was in love with Hunter. The life ahead of them both scared and excited her. Hunter paused, taking in those large green eyes. His hurt expression softened with an idea.

Their trip to the city was to take an unusual turn. Milly had prided herself on a slender figure, one she had not needed to work hard on. Scarlett cooked delicious, irresistible meals. Milly and Eliza complained about their expanding waistlines. Hunter proposed a shopping trip where he paid for a makeover. It would be his choice on how Milly should look. Should she dislike the outcome, Milly could change back in a few months. Milly was reluctant to agree. Hunter’s eyes pleaded, kisses accompanied words. He could see her beauty and how to share it with the world.

The braids were a painful process. Each blended with artificial fibres to thicken the look and strength. When tied up in a ponytail or bun, the weight made her neck ache. Since arriving in the city, she suffered this process but had taken them out in frustration. Her braids were fraying since her job and relationship gave her less time alone for their upkeep. Changing her style would be a shock to the system. Milly fidgeted as ginger locks fluttered to the floor, leaving short curls to adorn her head. In her mind, the style aged her twenty years. Her eyes stung; it took strength to hold them back as Hunter gushed over her mature appearance. She regretted the decision to give Hunter control. The hairdresser smiled, adding a finishing flourish of spray. They stepped back, proud of their work.

Hunter ushered her into various shops, selecting clothes in shades of green. Milly respected that this was his favourite colour, and it emphasised her eyes. She had hoped other colours would factor into his choices. Each item made her feel old. Milly saw her mother looking back as she posed. Hunter gushed; each outfit made him excited to see the next. He wanted to buy them all, to show the world this fantastic woman. Milly told herself to breathe, to not be ungrateful. To have someone buy her a new wardrobe was an act of kindness and generosity. She wanted to make him happy to be the perfect girlfriend. Milly accepted, showing her commitment to their relationship.

Hunter and Milly https://www.patreon.com/posts/75764100

Milly https://www.patreon.com/posts/186-pose-pack-60108573?l=it

Hunter https://www.patreon.com/posts/darlys-look-at-79874425?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

For anyone effected by the issues raised in Milly’s story https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/

Patrick: Bad Feeling

Patrick grumbled at agreeing to spend the holiday season in the city. He loved Eliza, but a family-focused Winterfest should be that. He imagined cooking an oversized turkey, stuffing himself and watching his daughter’s squabble. Leticia would curl next to him on the sofa to watch a movie hoping the snow would fall. If it did, they would all be outside building snow pals and getting chilled to the bone with winter fun. Daciana snuggled deeper into her bed, where warmth and cosiness resided. Her depleted energy levels meant she began sleeping through alarm clocks and classes. The struggle with food grew evermore concerning, and the doctors considered sectioning her. The idea she would be force-fed or put on a high-calorie drip scared Daciana and Patrick.

Worse was to come as Patrick faced the reality of declaring his sister deceased. A bizarre concept when she was eight months pregnant at a family picnic a month earlier. The involvement of Child services brought into question how his guardianship occurred. Before receiving the death certificate, they wanted to raise charges, sighting child neglect. The Ministry of Magic took secretive measures to prevent this and further action. Patrick struggled to hide his surprise at a recent phone call. Child Services apologised for misplacing the death certificate. Patrick received additional guidance to support and manage Daciana’s aversion to eating. Daciana refused counselling, despite it being a condition of staying at home.

These events overshadowed Winterfest celebrations with his sister. The Ministry advised Charlotte and Caleb to limit their presence in the human world. A decision which should have pleased Patrick. Having official adoption certificates should ease the worries. Except for Patrick, it was not enough to shake the bad feeling.

Scarlett prepared a faux Turkey dinner, stuffed with nuts, berries, mushrooms and rice. The table, adorned with vegetables, lacked the hearty meat staples Patrick enjoyed. He refrained from complaints as Scarlett carved. Daciana, her stomach growling, yawned her way through dinner. She pushed carrots into the mash and hid the pretend meat under her napkin. Since morning, her head ached, body shivered. Daciana pulled her cardigan tighter around her. Beads of sweat shimmered on her forehead. Excusing herself, moving into the lounge. Daciana bent double in pain, clutching both her stomach, she collapsed on the floor.

Patrick paced the corridor, ignoring Leticia as she pleaded with him to sit. The hospital ran a skeleton crew on Winterfest. It seemed making Daciana comfortable was all they could do. They scheduled several tests and took blood samples. Preliminary findings failed to show signs of infection.

When they were able to see her, Daciana was groggy. She had enough consciousness to request Luliana restrain herself from opening her presents. Patrick laughed, tears breaking through. Underneath his concerns, anger bubbled. The blame needed to rest with her parents. He knew little of supernatural affairs, but there were bound to be consequences. When something dead reproduces with someone living, a child suffers. His love for Daciana stopped him from rushing off to confront Caleb. Patrick’s bad feelings made sense; all he could do was watch his daughter. 

Daciana hospital pose https://www.patreon.com/posts/kid-in-hospital-65520912

Eliza: To Make A Home

When deciding on gifts for Winterfest, unique and thoughtful was a priority. Eliza wondered what would make the apartment feel like home. She needed Scarlett to walk in and own the space, act as like they had always lived there. Eliza worried they would be nervous relaxing on the sofa or deciding to add their clutter. The wardrobe had, over the years, become a storage cupboard. Eliza found herself hoarding bizarre mementoes; her father’s pen, which had never worked, to clothes she wore when arriving in San Myshuno. The transformation of self had not included decluttering. Eliza filled several bags of unworn clothes for the community centre. Scarlett had a few things in the bedroom, with the rest boxed up in Milly’s art room. The present itself, Scarlett had inspired Eliza with her comment on family. So, Eliza called the animal adoption centre to check their availability.

Scarlett tried her key in the door, but its lack of action added to the frustration already dealt with that day; stress levels are elevated, with the lunchtime rush bringing in an unexpected party. The kitchen was overwhelmed with orders and made mistakes. Errors that came at a high cost to the restaurant’s reputation. Damage limitation was not helped by the new waiter dropping one in every four orders they took out. The remaining staff worked quickly, bringing in orders. Where they went wrong was forgetting, once prepared, needed delivering to the customer. Complaints were giving the head chef and host a headache.

She opened the door to find Eliza holding a black kitten, Dakota. He was perfect, from the tip of his black button nose to the end of his long satin tail. Eliza handed him over. Dakota was her gift to Scarlett, to make them a complete family. Scarlett felt the tension melt from her body. The furry stress reliever purred and pawed at her jacket. They had never received a gift like this, at least not since their parents were alive. Eliza kissed Scarlett, giving Dakota a head scratch. The three of them were what made this apartment home.

A new pet was part of a grand gesture Eliza wanted to make. In the corner, she placed the tree and a box of decorations. Milly and Hunter were in the kitchen preparing snacks. Eliza put Scarlett in charge of choosing the music. Milly and Eliza had struggled to reclaim Winterfest since losing their parents. It was a pain their partners related, as both suffered this loss at a young age. This year, Eliza wanted to begin life renewed. A boundless optimism that would see them all have wonderful memories.

Scarlett pose https://katverse.com/2020/12/17/alone-on-christmas-pose-pack/

With the kitten pose https://ts4-poses.tumblr.com/post/190520853554/pose-say-hello-to-kitty

Eliza: Where the Heart Belongs

The yoga mat had collected dust in the corner since Eliza moved in. Her good intentions somehow lost in the chaos of raising her cousin and falling in love with Scarlett. Eliza needed to make changes; her body felt battered and broken. Her career on the pitch was reaching its conclusion, and this stretch was a step into a new chapter. Another aspect of change was to use her fame as a star player to raise awareness in the city. A new gym and spa opened in the Uptown district. Eliza proposed a charity walk, promoting the health benefits of exercise. She encouraged residents to take up opportunities to ditch their cars and explore the city. The money raised would pay for those in the poorer areas to have access to brand-new facilities. Other voluntary opportunities were already in the pipeline. A food drive for the homeless and delivering exercise classes for the elderly. The latter, Eliza seemed to spend her time debating the best choice of music or playing cards.

The evening ahead would be something special. Milly and Hunter seemed enamoured by each other. Despite reservations, Eliza accepted it was her choice. Scarlett suggested dinner at the Caribbean Red, a double date and a chance to know each other better. Milly was giddy at the idea as she hoped to discuss Hunter’s plans to buy a house. They were together every day. Hunter insisted they enjoyed breakfast each morning. He would appear at their door with a huge smile, wrapping himself around Milly like a scarf, kissing her. The kisses could make a courtesan blush, and the placement of his hands, unnecessary when in company. Milly would sit silent, cheeks flushed. Hunter permitted her child-size portion, which left her hungry. Not that she would complain, as Eliza would sneak a protein bar in her bag for later. Eliza tried to imagine how he would be if given twenty-four-hour access to her cousin.

They sat inside, close to the open kitchen. Scarlett, their chef’s eye monitoring and Hunter deciding what Milly would enjoy. Eliza breathed slow and deep, reminding herself to bite her tongue until with Milly alone. She decided to broach the subject of moving. Hunter draped his arm around Milly, squeezing her. She leaned against him, an uncomfortable angle on the chair. There were several houses he was contemplating for the future. The city was great for couples or singles starting life, but he wanted room outside to raise a family. Eliza choked on her wine. His brow furrowed, annoyed. Why should it surprise anyone this was his intention? As he was older, it made sense to enjoy their opportunities. Hunter wanted to see his children grow. If they waited, he might miss out, the way Milly’s parents had. A thumb and finger pinched Milly’s chin, lifting her glossy, saddened gaze to him. In a gentle voice, he whispered how he wanted their life to be full of family. Scarlett agreed this sounded wonderful, squeezing Eliza’s hand beneath the table. They were unsure Eliza and Milly were ready to live their separate lives, and perhaps a trial run was in order. Hunter raised an eyebrow; it was an acceptable idea. A key to the apartment so he and Milly could put their relationship to the test.

After dinner, Eliza stopped Scarlett at the apartment door. She was not angry at the suggestion Hunter had a key. It was a relief that Hunter thought it was a good idea. What worried Eliza surrounded his presence in Milly’s life. They lingered at the door with something else in mind. Eliza did not want to say Goodnight at the door or come home to find an empty bed. The long speech Eliza carefully prepared interrupted with a kiss. Scarlett needed this too. They could make the necessary arrangements within days. For them, home would be wherever Eliza slept.

Poses by https://www.patreon.com/posts/tv-coffee-and-56352319

The restaurant can be found on the Sims 4 Gallery, search Caribbean Red

Charlotte: Cracks

Blood shared and bound them as relatives, as siblings. Daciana held tears, her words bitter and cruel, as the boy ran to join their play. She stepped between him and Luliana. Cornelius, whose features were like their own, found himself rejected. Luliana gazed at the floor, open to friendship as she peered around her sister. Eyes pleaded to allow him to join their play. Daciana refused to let him be a part of their lives. In the same way, she continued to deny the existence of Charlotte and Caleb.

Cornelius knew he was different to other children. Caleb persisted in schooling him in the ways of the vampire. Teaching him to fish was an odd part of this training. He enjoyed catching the frogs, but transforming them into food was unappealing. Cornelius needed to keep his occult status a secret. The children of Windenberg with whom he studied were the closest he would ever come to everyday life. It was like looking through a window or watching tv. He hoped Daciana and Luliana would become friends as he felt their connection. He could not understand why they rebuffed his efforts.

A connection with the girls would come with challenges for all the Vatore Vampires. Caleb hoped it was the key to helping Charlotte overcome the guilt. Yet, the girl’s avoidance meant each visit made Charlotte sink deeper into the pain. Patrick listened, fingers dug into his thighs, afraid to say something he regretted. Caleb thought abandoning children was a positive decision considering his vampire lifestyle. To Patrick, this decision was self-serving. Allowing children to feel neglected was barbaric. Parents should have unconditional love, and accept their humanity. Vampires were monsters to think this denial of their existence was acceptable. Caleb could not love the girls despite what he said. How could he? They were strangers to each other. As for how Charlotte behaved, it concerned Patrick. Aside from the uncontrolled hissing, it appeared she was not bonding with any child. Had he and Caleb been candid in conversation, they could have agreed on this.

Regret had its place at the barbecue. Charlotte, her swollen ankles and pregnant stomach, felt it all. She tried not to think of the future, where she would outlive the older two children. The day would come when her lack of ageing meant they could no longer be a part of each other’s lives. Charlotte would, should have been, forced to watch from the shadows as life moved on without her. She recognized the reality behind why she should not have a connection with her old human life.

She sat apart from the family, watching Daciana and Luliana play on the pirate ship. The younger twins were hovering near Patrick, keen to taste the food. Caleb was ready with plasma ketchup, a sauce Cornelius would drink straight from the bottle. Despite the family picture, Charlotte felt the fractures. Each crack in her soul let in more of the darkness she was fighting back. These moments would soon disappear, and it would be her and Caleb. Both were unprepared to say goodbye forever, although Caleb refused to admit it. Charlotte wanted to see her siblings, old and grey. Witness her daughters graduate high school, fall in love and have families. There was no regret in her choice to become a vampire. She did love Caleb and wanted the life he promised. A dozen offspring all at once, however, had not been the plan.

Children Pose https://marshmallow-sims.tumblr.com/post/706086030472806400/mms-assorted-child-poses-a-bunch-of-poses-i-made

Family Picnic Poses https://ts4-poses.tumblr.com/post/637328142783201280/boredsimscc-family-is-everything-1-pose-pack

https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-mods-poses/title/pregnancy-pose-pack-2/id/1450720/

https://katverse.com/2020/07/24/sitting-on-the-ground-poses-for-children/

Charlotte: …Natural Instincts?

Part Two

The tale of “With Great Power…” was one every occult understood, none more so than vampires. Levelling up their abilities in one direction creates a weakness in another. Vlad embraced the connection to the darkness. His thinned skin removed all immunity to the sun’s blistering rays. As a master vampire, he surrendered his humanity, the option he could one day hear the sound of his heartbeat. Charlotte closed the book. Beneath a picture of the vampires and humans at war was an annotation. Spellcasters, with their knowledge of the dark arts, blended a cocktail. This lethal creation would neutralise the vampire and make them mortal. To a master, it would kill them. It explained why Vlad was the single house presiding over those remaining vampires. Cornelius and his siblings would have to ingest the potion. This, the book proposed, was best taken during puberty to prevent the final change. Caleb would never allow this choice. As purebloods, the damage to their systems may not be immediate. She buried the stolen book behind the wardrobe, with a mental note to return it to the Ministry.

Charlotte wanted a degree of control over her future. The path destined would be years in the making. She knew the Grim Reaper would hold some sway, and there were links to the old magics. The latter concerned the Ministry elders. Charlotte wondered if they wanted to persuade her to uphold their values. If she did would this prevent the coming change? None of that mattered to her, at least in the short term. She stepped from the house into another world. Her role as an agent, a spy within sim nation allowed her to combine her hunting with an exploration of her powers. As a former human, garlic had no effect, and her stomach could tolerate small amounts of food. It made it easier to slip into human society unnoticed. She gathered intel on military, interagency plans and political influencers. Her skin maintained a degree of immunity to the sun. Another perk of her human life, although she faired better on overcast days.

The pregnant stomach was hard to disguise, as her appetite for blood also grew. Charlotte used the bump in her role, and for short moments she did not resent the growth. A strong thumping pulse seemed soothing as she lay with her eyes closed. Cornelius spent his days in school. Excited to come home with arms full of materials to build space rockets or paper mache castles. Escaping the house for another mission, Charlotte missed completed projects. She longed for the stories of his day and the time they had together.

Away from the house, she failed to be absolved of her guilt. It tore her piece by piece. Charlotte could never be the mother her children deserved. Why was she cursed with so many? The presence of Aurora and Autumn served as a punishment as Charlotte struggled to stay in the same room. In her disconnect, Charlotte used cruel words to describe herself. Without a reflection all torments and attacks on her inability to love, internalised. The baby would squirm inside, forcing her to stop but not deter the negativity she contained. She questioned Caleb. How can he say he loves her when she can no longer be sure of her feelings?

Poses by https://www.patreon.com/posts/tv-lets-go-out-47901192

Charlotte: Natural Instinct verses…

Part One

Blood charged, and it changed. Hormones affected the vampire at levels unexperienced by humans. Fear-induced cortisol and adrenaline increased the strength and potency of their powers. Vlad preferred the hunt, tracking his prey as the animal kingdom intended. Natural selection by his hand. Rules agreed with the humans within the Ministry of Magic deterred this practice. Placing the choice in the hands of the humans went against the vampire’s natural instinct. Their enemy shared the same fate. Werewolves were closer to the earth. The beast within was overpowering, so humans hunted and killed. Vampires in human form aided this as the wolf bite was toxic to vampires. In their dark form, Vampires retained a sense of self. Capable of conscious control in either form, they survived the culling. It allowed them to prosper in a small group, under the house of Vlad.

Charlotte was not surprised to discover her choice of meal would bring out the sexual side of her nature. It had been this way since her rebirth. Her desire was insatiable, an appetite Caleb struggled to satisfy. The consequences of another night hunting with Lilith grew in her stomach. A sixth child. Although delighted to welcome a fourth vampire into their lives, Caleb worried. Lilith had forced open doors for Charlotte to explore her abilities. She remained faithful to Caleb despite the men she seduced in the hunt for her next meal, but it was a fine line. The men possessed characteristics she found attractive in Caleb. Maintaining control, reminding herself they were food grew harder. As with other vampires on the hunt, she was careful to use words which implied she planned to drink from them. Direct questions meant a fearful “No!” and word would spread, outing the vampire.

Charlotte rejected the knowledge of her future, unable to accept there was a role for her to play. The Ministry had other plans to entice her, including the offer of work. They enlisted few vampires, as many were looking to drink their colleagues. Blood from occults gave the Vampires temporary access to those powers. Keeping the dark ones at bay was in the Ministry’s best interests. A Vampire with knowledge of spells combined with the blood of a caster was dangerous and forbidden.

The years of training made Charlotte a formidable vampire. It was unusual for a turned vampire to be successful on their first hunt. Charlotte held influence over her victims, their emotions manipulated. She deluded men into believing love had settled in their arms. Charlotte elicited the sensation of a lifetime together. Caleb watched with jealous eyes at the illusion she had created. Charlotte brought the protective nature to the surface in these strangers. They would sate her hunger for blood, offering to sacrifice their lives. Some begged as the blood rushed into her mouth, to become her immortal lover. Caleb would appear, the power of speed made him invisible to the human eye and hearing to match. A meal should be with the understanding this is all they were. Confused, aroused and in pain, the meal would remain trapped in Charlotte’s vice grip. Her legs squeezed, her body trembled and Caleb would stare into their eyes as he drank her blood.

Vlad and Victim poses https://wistfulpoltergeist.tumblr.com/post/166953688914/couple-poses-for-your-lovely-vampires-sims-game

Charlotte, Caleb and Victim pose https://blog.naver.com/anne979/222055785697

Charlotte: Blood Dawn

Charlotte took the shy approach. Her fingers ruffled her blonde hair. Eyes down, she stumbled into him, pretending destiny intended them to meet. Her smile and drooped gaze reeled him in. The man continued holding her arm and waist from where he caught her. Charlotte used this to pull herself closer. The man did not notice her cold skin, his surprise linked to her beauty and petite frame. A question as to why him. The blue of her eyes shimmered like the lake waters beneath the street lights. His gaze remained lost in there, pupils dilated.

Charlotte ran her fingers over his chest, lingering on his heart. They drummed the rhythm, strong, a steady gallop. The world slowed as they swayed to the music. His moves were rigid. A tremor in his voice as he attempted small talk over the thundering bass. Charlotte tightened his grip around her waist. Her hands drifted, tangling them in his hair, bringing their faces closer. Words unspoken as Charlotte hovered her lips over his, warmed by his breath. Her body pressed flush against him, promised kisses spread across his throat to his ear.

Charlotte turned her face away, her lips belonged to another. Instead, she ran an index finger along her throat where he placed feathered kisses. Hands grew in confidence, taking both breast and ass, a gentle pulsing of his hips. Charlotte wriggled, needing to remain in control of her meal. Running his hands down her sides Charlotte turned, her sights set on a secluded area. There he would deliver what she needed. The man nodded, excited by the public display and other couples making out.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he sat, shuffling to find comfort in the restraints of his trousers. Charlotte hitched her shorts, exposing her thighs. He never noticed the sharpness of her canines as she straddled him. Charlotte grinded against his firmness, allowing his hands to guide the rhythm. Her forehead pressed against his, listening to the rapid breathing. In a flash of searing pain, the man’s strangled scream drowned in the music. He fought against the attack, but Charlotte remained rigid, a heavyweight fixing him. She drank deep, hungry, heated hormone-filled blood. Charlotte threw her head back, her body shivering and hips driving her pleasure. The man’s arms fell by his side, unconscious. Lilith appeared, plastering the wound and lifting up the jacket collar.

A different hungry was taking control, and she wanted Caleb. No one could touch her the way he did. The man slumped on the sofa was nothing. He was dinner, but his desire entered her blood and made her crave attention. The distance from Windenberg to Forgotten Hollow increased her restlessness. She would have only a few hours of darkness, less if the twins were crying. Charlotte pinned Caleb against the wall, biting his lip. He moved his lips to her neck. She smelled sweet and floral. His canines grazed her neck before sinking. Caleb threw her back against the door, tearing her clothes. The wood groaned against the pressure, floor boards creaking. Caleb inhaled the scent, growling. The musk of another man aroused him, Caleb had enjoyed many in his life. On her, it in sighted his jealous and possessive nature. Had she not needed to devour him, Caleb may have sought to take the strangers life. Upstairs the babies stirred, but their cries would remain unanswered until dawn.

Charlotte and her dinner picture 1 https://www.patreon.com/posts/77286370

Charlotte and her dinner picture 2 https://www.patreon.com/posts/chain-pose-pack-62462413?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copy_to_clipboard&utm_campaign=postshare

Charlotte and Caleb https://www.patreon.com/posts/come-thru-pose-53216914

Charlotte: Season of The Vampire

When Caleb rested his hand on her stomach, he knew. Her insides twisted, the sound of those tiny heartbeats. The craving for pure blood, fresh from the host. In the confines of her physical prison, Charlotte gave birth to twin girls. Caleb cooed over his daughters, naming them Aurora and Autumn. He praised Charlotte and the strength she possessed. She resisted breaking free and laying waste to the humans nearby. She could not bear to look at them, their infant forms reminding her of the two she surrendered. They would be teenagers soon, embarking on their lives without her. Charlotte, instead, busied herself with Cornelius. She attempted to blot out the cries with his joyous giggles as she spun him around.

Lilith shared her concerns. Keeping Charlotte from the world was not testing her abilities as a vampire. The Ministry had stated there was something special in Charlotte. She would bring about a change. It was unclear if she would benefit the supernatural community or elevate their vampire house. Either way, the idea Charlotte may have a different path to Caleb, scared him. Over the years, he feared her love for him had waned. The desire to have a family with her remained a chain around her neck. The thirst for purer blood made her dangerous to the human world. Fear made him restrain her, have her focus on training, socialising within the House of Vlad and not rock the boat. Since the Ministry interfered, Vlad had bowed, something no one saw coming. Whatever the truth, Caleb remained in the dark.

Charlotte stepped from the taxi, taking a long, slow breath. Coffee, fish and chips, cigarette smoke, the aromas intoxicated her. The crisp cold air inflated her lungs clearing the cobwebs and stale atmosphere of home. She rushed to the fence, leaning over to feel the spray from the lake. It splashed defiant against its concrete barrier. Lilith grabbed her dress, worried she would fall in and ruin their night of partying. Charlotte pouted and giggled, linking arms with Lilith; they should not waste a moment.

Neon lights, a thumping bass with staccato synth and melodic vocals filled the club. The patrons took their place on the glass dancefloor, encouraged by alcohol-charged blood. Her skin hummed, the fine hairs on her arms raised, and her mouth salivated. Charlotte ran her tongue across her sharpened teeth. Her ear picked up the heartbeats, conversations and breathing, heavy, aroused. There was little difference in her hunting to those seeking a sexual encounter. The wonder for a vampire was bloodletting brought satisfaction on all levels.

Choosing her prey came with the same challenges facing the animal kingdom. In a herd, deer were inapproachable, and antlers were dangerous. Those wolves taking the direct approach are often impaled. Humans were, in equal measure, able to ostracise the vampire by closing ranks on their friends. For her, Charlotte wanted to pick off the weaker prey. Someone isolated from the main groups. A degree of attraction to the human would yield beneficial results. If Caleb feared her love was waning, he had not observed her food choice. A young man with dark brown hair and brooding eyes took tentative steps on the dancefloor.

Lilith, Charlotte and Caleb pose https://www.patreon.com/posts/tv-stop-swearing-56352446

Charlotte and Lilith pose https://marshmallow-sims.tumblr.com/post/704972538403569664/mms-her-party-posepack-my-sims-are-sure-having

Patrick: Stormy Jungle

The girls pawed at Leticia; the ring shimmered on her finger. Patrick looked on; pushed out of the equation as Luliana decided she wanted to be their flower girl. Any excuse to wear a pretty dress. Luliana wanted to feel every bit the princess to Leticia’s magical Queen. Daciana walked away, elbowed out by her sister. She was the less girlie of the two, but Patrick could see through the facade. Daciana loved dresses, preferring fewer frills and darker clothes. This style did not fit with how Luliana pictured her parent’s big day.

Patrick took Leticia’s hand, saving her from the questions they would soon discuss. He led the way through the thick undergrowth. The space before them was once a courtyard, with routes leading to the various parts of the kingdom. Patrick longed to see the temple but agreed with Leticia to take the girls to the temple’s baths. The swimming would need to wait a day as the weather took a turn. A dangerous foreshadowing of heavy black clouds blanketing the sky. Luliana pulled her coat around her, fearing the imminent attack of vampire bats. Daciana crept behind her sister, screeching. Luliana screamed, running in circles. She looked for the bats, who were, as Daciana reminded her, fast asleep. She stumbled back into the long grass, disturbing a snake. It slithered, perturbed by the intrusion. Daciana clutched her sides laughing, ignoring Patrick’s angry glance.

As Leticia pulled Luliana to her feet, drying the tears with a tissue, the first drops fell. Thunder rumbled, a reply to Daciana’s torment. It was her turn to be afraid; eyes peered up, shielded by her hood. Patrick zipped the jacket beneath her chin. Another crack splintered the sky, Daciana grabbed Patrick. He held her tight, rubbing her back.

Patrick settled the girls, tucking them into bed with tales of Selvadorada. They had arranged for a babysitter, allowing them to celebrate their engagement. Leticia squeezed his hand as they walked, sensing his anxiety at leaving them with a stranger. The bar was a few minutes from their lodgings, and the sitter came recommended by the friends they were to meet. Patrick took one last look back before nodding and focusing on the evening ahead.

There were two things Patrick did not do in public, singing and dancing. It had nothing to do with being unable to carry a tune; he could. What Patrick did not like was being forced to do this in public. Standing in the shower pretending he was a rock star was enough for him. The dancing would be something Luliana would wish to see at their wedding. Leticia shook her body to the Latin tunes possessed by the rhythm. While there might not be any awards for keeping to the beat, Leticia would win for enthusiasm. Patrick obeyed the summons; his moves were awkward, clumsy and standing on a few toes. He made a beeline for the bar, getting another round of drinks for everyone. Patrick kept glancing at the woman he was lucky enough to be marrying. The holiday with its stormy weather and Daciana’s mood swings was the best he had ever known.