![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
strangetomato
Warnings: language, sexual situations
Chapter Twenty Two
Part Two
Jaxy Rai was giving the band a pep talk.
"Okay, let's go over some ground rules here." Jaxy said. "This gig is very important to me. We really fucking need this audience. We might not be getting paid much, but that's not the point here. That will come later. If we want to get somewhere, we have to pander to these fucking dimwits a little." Jaxy had been waiting her whole life for this opportunity, afterall. She wasn't about to fuck it up.
"What that means is I want you all to be on your best behaviour. Do not get too fucked up - if you can't handle it, don't do it! Do not fuck with any of the alpha bitches at this sorority. If they talk shit, just ignore them."
"Does that fucking apply to you too, Jax?"
"Yes, it does, Ripp. I'm going to refrain from cursing out the audience as if my fucking life depended on it. Just this once."
"Also! If you're going to fuck any of these bitches, please be nice about it." She glared at Gunnar. Gunnar gave a bored nod.
"Hey, why'd you single Gunnar out? And not me?"
"Oh, honey, we KNOW that you're fucking nice about it." Zoe and Jaxy laughed.
"What?!"
"Yeah, Ripp sends a thank you note the next day."
"We've heard some stories, Ripp." Jaxy grinned. "That's good, though. At least you know your fucking place. Nothing wrong with letting the ladies take charge."
"Well, sometimes..." Ripp shrugged. "Works for me."
Gunnar gave him a slightly disgusted look, which Ripp returned. Fuck Gunnar. Like he needed advice from that asshole. And it's not like he was never in the driver's seat. And It wasn't always kind and gentle either. Hardly. He did it all, so he liked to switch things up. It was all fucking good to him. He'd do almost anything.
But they were mostly right, especially about the nice thing. He would never, ever be seriously disrespectful to a woman like that, unless they wanted him to pretend to be. He wasn't like that. Why would he be? He loved women.
"Ripp's just lazy, I'll bet." Zoe smirked.
"No, he's extra obedient and nice, in the hopes that they'll fucking cook him breakfast the next morning!" They started laughing again.
"Fuck you both." He said, with a smile.
Tank and Frances stepped into the room, and both instantly froze. There were so many people there. So many loud people. Tank turned to look at Frances with a worried look on his face, and Frances offered him a hopefully smile.
"Do you want a drink, Tank? I'm going to get one for myself." He felt like he could really use some liquid courage.
"Yeah, sure, Worthington. I guess I'm going to need to relax a bit here"
Yes, Frances thought. Relaxing is good. How many drinks would it take before he was relaxed enough to say something to Tank? This was a good opportunity to find out. If Tank got a little drunk and he got a little drunk, then maybe things would just naturally fall into place. He could hope, right? It was worth a try.
Frances was on his way back with the drinks, when he noticed that Ripp was talking to Tank. Remembering the way the conversation had headed the last time, he held back. He didn't want Ripp to say anything to embarrass him again, or worse... give him away to Tank before he wanted that to happen.
Frances decided to finish his drink and get another.
"So, Tank..." Ripp said. "See anyone you like?"
"I don't know, Ripp..."
"Well, don't be so fucking enthusiastic about it, Tank. You're overwhelming me here."
"Shut up, Ripp."
"How about that one? She's cute."
"I guess so."
"You're way too picky. She's totally fucking cute, and that skirt is so short! So fucking short. It's mind numbing. Makes me want to fucking howl at the moon."
"Heh."
"ALL of these girls are fucking great. What do you want, exactly?!"
Tank didn't have an answer for that question, but he was sure that Ripp would decide for him eventually, if he kept quiet. He didn't have to wait for long.
"Oooh, that one! That one's a real demon in the sack."
"I thought you were going to find someone that you hadn't actually slept with for me!"
"Come on, now, Tank! Let's be realistic here. Like there are that many out there. And like I really fucking care."
"That girl seems a bit much for me."
"Well, how about that one? She's a nice girl. Just pick one and fucking do it, Tank! The key here is just doing it."
"Well, what exactly should I do?"
"Just go up to her and say something!"
"Like what?"
"Anything! Tell her she's pretty - you do think she's pretty, right?"
"I can't do that."
"Tank, that's so fucking easy! Talk about the weather - anything! Fuck. I'm not fucking asking you to march over there and start swinging your dick around! Not even I would do that." Tank wasn't completely sure that he believed him on that last point.
"Just talk to her."
"I can't do this."
"Tank. You have to stop being so shy."
"That's easy for you to say."
"There's no big secret to it, Tank. Just do it! Just go over there and start talking. Anything will do. People are always just fucking flapping their gums. It's doesn't even matter what you talk about. Just look at her like you're interested, and she'll get the idea."
"I'm just not sure if she's the right one."
"You don't fucking want Mrs. Right, Tank, you want Mrs. Right Now!" Ripp let out a frustrated sigh.
"Yeah..." Tank trailed off. He appreciated the help, but he really couldn't see Ripp's advice being of any use to him. He'd never get up the nerve to do that. Never.
"Okay, well, you're on your own now. I have to go play." Ripp turned back towards where his band was setting up. "Good luck."
"Thanks, Ripp." He smiled.
"Any time, Bro."
Frances returned with the drinks. "So what was he saying?"
"Oh, you know. The usual bullshit. Trying to hook me up with someone, just like he said." Tank rolled his eyes, and Frances smiled.
"Here's your drink."
"Thanks. I think Ripp's band is going to play now. I haven't seen them before, but I've been hearing everyone talk about them. Saying good things."
"Edie thought they were good." Frances smiled. "And she would know."
Jaxy coughed into the microphone. "Is this fucking on? Oh... okay. I just wanted to say thank you to the girls here for inviting us to play. D.J., honey, you're a fucking doll." She winked at her, quite proud of herself for managing to play nice.
"We're The Shifting Paradymes. I'm Jaxy. That's Zoe, Ripp, and Gunnar. Hold on to your fucking asses, because we're going to try to rock them off."
"Now you know I'm ready.
Can't you see I'm ready.
Well hell you know I'm ready.
Now you know I'm ready."
"One more time around the block with me.
One more time around the block.
One more time around the block with me.
Just for me!"
"Now you know I'm ready.
Can't you see I'm ready.
Well hell you know I'm ready.
Now you know I'm ready!"
"I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!"
"Now you know I'm ready.
Can't you see I'm ready.
Well hell you know I'm ready.
Now you know I'm ready."
"One more time around the block with me.
One more time around the block.
One more time around the block with me.
Just for me."
Tank noticed Johnny and Ophelia enter the room, and they had a couple of other alien girls with them. He looked away. He didn't want Johnny thinking that he was giving him the evil eye. And it was kind of true. He really was giving them the evil eye.
Just lovely, he thought. Now he's starting up a gang.
"Hey, Ophelia!" Jayne said. "Want a drink?"
"Yeah, I guess so." Ophelia said. "Why not?"
"Well, come with me and we'll get some. Just us girls, ya know!"
They left Johnny and Stella behind.
"Isn't Stella a girl too?" Ophelia asked as she looked back. Jayne held her by the arm and moved her forward.
"Oh, right. Yeah... of course." Jayne brushed her off. "Oh, look! A punchbowl. Perfect!"
"So, what's Johnny like? As a boyfriend, I mean..."
"He's great..." Ophelia didn't really know how to answer such a question, and didn't feel that she should have to. Johnny was Johnny. How could she even explain that?
"So, Ripp lives with you too?"
"Yeah."
"Do you ever find that uncomfortable?"
"Like how?"
"Well, you know..." She smiled. "When you want some privacy?"
"Oh." Ophelia had never really felt that way. "Well, no. Not really. Ripp has just always been there. We like having him around."
"Really... that's interesting."
"He's our friend."
"Right. I get it." Jayne wondered about it. If Johnny and Ophelia were so serious, then why did they design their life around a permanent third wheel? It seemed like a crutch to her. Unless... unless Ripp served some other purpose in that arrangement. Maybe Ophelia, or Johnny, or maybe even both, had other reasons for wanting him around.
Jayne decided to head back before Stella started bringing up questionable topics with Johnny.
"I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!
I'm ready!"
Tank watched his brother in action. He thought he was really quite good at what he did. The style wasn't really to Tank's taste, but Ripp was quite handy with a guitar.
Ripp put so much into his playing. Tank could see things in Ripp's expressions that he would never have revealed to him in person.
Frances wasn't even watching the band, not really. He was watching Tank watch the band.
"Gotta build your rock on the Ray-O-Vac.
Gotta build your rock on the Ray-O-Vac.
On the Ray-O-Vac, on the Ray-O-Vac."
"You believe in cotton candy and you're not lying.
Your brother and his friends are living in a dying border town.
Where getting out means running away,
And getting crossed means going down."
"They just suck hard and they choke it back."
"Now how can you bust up an act like that?"
"Gotta build your rock on the Ray-O-Vac.
Gotta build your rock on the Ray-O-Vac.
On the Ray-O-Vac, on the Ray-O-Vac."
"When I was twelve and my ass was up for grabs.
The kids at school had their religion, sex and greed.
Something was wrong with them.
How could any kid know what was going on?"
"They just suck hard and they choke it back."
"Now how can you bust up an act like that?"
"Gotta build your rock on the Ray-O-Vac."
When they were done, Jaxy wiped her forehead in her arm, and flashed Ripp a grin. "Well, Ripp. I'm totally fucking impressed. You actually did a lot of work for this. You weren't just strumming your fucking pubes all week like I expected."
"Well, I'll be honest with you, Jax." He grinned. "I did both."
She laughed. "I'll bet."
"I think it went pretty well, don't you?"
"Yeah, it fucking rocked."
Ophelia went into the kitchen to get a glass of water. She didn't often drink alcohol, so she thought it would be a good idea to drink some water in between drinks. Even just the couple of drinks that she'd had so far were making her feel light in the head.
The kitchen was full of girls. From the sorority, and around campus. Did it just seem like they were all staring at her and whispering?
Since high school, Ophelia had been wary of large groups of girls. She'd always been on the outside, looking in, never managing to make inroads. Always interested in the wrong things, not knowing the inside jokes, and generally failing to relate. And once they'd caught wind of her past, it was like she was carrying the plague. She became the "creepy girl". It was always the same. That's why she'd come kept most of them at an arm's distance.
Boys were different. They were simpler. She felt more comfortable around them. When Ripp and Johnny had started hanging around with her, she had been so excited. Guys just seemed more straight-forward, most of the time, and easier to read.
"God, who do I need to fuck around here to get some ice, anyway?" Jaxy said, as she approached the fridge, with Zoe laughing behind her.
Ophelia observed the way Ripp's bandmates seemed to clear a path when they entered the room. They were kind of scary, but she could sort of relate to the way the other girl's reacted to them.
"Excuse me, honey, I just need some ice for my whisky. I don't mean to get in your way."
"It's okay - go right ahead."
Jaxy turned around to observe her more closely, giving Ophelia the once-over.
"You seem really out of place here, sweetie. I'll bet you fucking hate all these rich bitches just about as much as I do."
"Hate is a strong word."
"So is bitch. That's why I used it." Jaxy smiled, but then the smile quickly fell. What's not to hate about a group of people with rich, stable families, who pay their way through college, even though they'll barely even need to fucking work a day in their life? Or girls who only care about "his career" and looking good "for him". Girls who married a man and then didn't have to lift a finger for the rest of their lives? Girls who even had that option, as awful as it was. That seemed pretty worthy of hate to her. It's not like any of them cared when they threw heavy words in her direction. When they had judged her. As if they cared about what lay beneath it all. Where she came from. What she had to deal with.
She looked at Ophelia. "You actually seem like someone I wouldn't instantly hate. What's your name?"
"Ophelia Nigmos."
"Oh my god! You're Ophelia?! Ripp's Ophelia? The Great Phi?! Zoe, It's fucking Phi! PHI!"
"Well, Phi! I feel like I already know you, girl." Zoe laughed.
"I was expecting there to be fucking laser beams shooting out of your ass, or something, from the way Ripp talks about you. You sound pretty fucking special! He never fucking shuts up about you, especially after he's had a few."
"Don't forget Johnny."
"For a while, we thought Johnny was just some name he'd given his cock, with the number of times he fucking brought it up."
"That's funny." Ophelia smiled. "He does talk about it a bit, doesn't he?"
"You think?" Jaxy laughed. "He drives me fucking crazy. He makes me want to knee him in the groin."
"Well, you're obviously a decent broad if Ripp likes you so much, Phi." Zoe said. "I mean, beyond a potential lay. Not too many chicks can say that."
"No, I guess not. Maybe just you two."
"Tell me, though..." Jaxy grabbed her hands and held them. "You can be honest with me. I'll bet you get sick of how much of a lazy fucking asswad he is, don't you? Be honest - we know what he's like. I catch him drinking from the milk carton all the time. And the bathroom - fuck. If only it were just the toilet seat."
Ophelia laughed. "I'm pretty used to it. I live with two guys, you know. Not that Johnny is in the same league. But I'm used to Ripp. It doesn't bother me."
"Well, he's pretty lucky to have you. Phi." Zoe said.
"I'm lucky to have him."
Jaxy smiled. "Yes, you are. Ripp is great. He's a jackass, no doubt, but he'd do anything for his friends. I'd kill anyone who tried to fuck with Ripp." Ophelia smiled. She thought that Jaxy and Zoe seemed very nice beneath their armour.
"Well, I'm glad to hear you say that. Not the murder part, but you know what I mean..."
"We look after Ripp." Jaxy said. "Don't you fucking worry about it."
"We keep him in line." Zoe said.
Ophelia smiled.
Ripp was wading around in a sea of potential options, and noticed a very attractive woman approaching him.
"Hey sweetie, did you like the show?"
"Yeah, I did."
"I don't believe we've met before."
"You're kidding me, right?" She said. "You don't remember me?"
"Ummm... should I?" Ripp was completely lost.
"Kendal." She frowned. "Remember? Behind the bar, in your dining room?"
"My dining room?"
"In high school, jackass!"
"Oh! Right..." Kendal glared at him. He finally clued in.
"Oh shit! I'm sorry! I didn't forget about you - I just didn't fucking recognize you. You look completely different." He gave her a sheepish look, which slowly transformed into a lecherous grin. "That was a good time..."
"Well, I hope you enjoy the memory." She said. "Because that's all you're ever going to get from me."
Ripp was stunned.
She was so cold.
Ice, ice cold.
Across, the room, Ophelia found Tank sitting on the couch. "Hi Tank." She said, as she sat down next to him.
"Hi." He looked but didn't meet her eyes for more than second or two.
"How are you?"
"I'm okay."
"Listen, Tank. I'm sorry I slapped you, that day at the library." She said. "That wasn't like me."
"I know that."
"I was really upset, but I shouldn't have done that."
"It's okay, Ophelia." Tank smiled. "You're not the first person to do something you regret." They were silent, thinking of the various things that Tank had implied. How he had hurt Ripp, and that whole history of their conflicts, but also the kiss between them, and how much Tank regretted putting himself out there to face embarrassment.
"Tank, it's okay. Nobody's perfect." He smiled in silent agreement. After a minute, he changed the subject.
"Do you know where Ripp went?"
"I think he's upstairs somewhere."
Tank went in search of his brother. And found him upstairs, in one of the bedrooms.
"Oh GOD!"
"Fuck! Do you MIND, Tank?!"
Tank left the room with extreme haste.
The girl had just been unzipping Ripp's pants, thankfully, so he hadn't seen anything that would have completely shut his brain down. But still. Did Ripp even know that girl? Most people introduced themselves with a handshake. Tank just didn't know about these girls. They were so aggressive. So bold. He was really out of his element here.
"Well, where were we?" She asked.
"Ummm... maybe some other time." Ripp said.
"What?!"
"Nothing personal." He said. "But I'm not really in the mood anymore."
Nothing cooled his jets quite as well as staring into his brother's face. In fact, if he ever needed to intentionally to lose an erection, this is exactly what he would think about. Not that this situation had ever come up before.
Tank was walking past another room, in his urgency to flee the scene, and he overheard some other girls talking about Ripp.
They were giggling and saying things about him, as if he was just a piece of meat that one of them might sink their teeth into. It filled Tank with rage. So they thought he was good for nothing but sex, did they? That he was a joke? Tank wanted to walk in there and tell them all off, but he would never do that. He was so angry. At them, but also at Ripp, for doing all the things he did to make people see him that way. For earning his bad reputation.
Didn't his little brother have any self-respect?
Sure, on one hand it was something to brag about, for a guy. But was it really so great to be known as the guys who fucks everyone and anyone? Really? Tank wouldn't want to have people say that about him, and that's the only thing they seemed to think that Ripp was any good for. But Ripp was worth more than that.
Yes, there were moments when Tank felt that Ripp was completely useless, but he didn't really think that. Maybe these girls were just idiots, but Tank really resented having his brother talked about like that.
Tank ducked into the bathroom to get away from it all for a minute.
Frances had come looking for Tank, and heard Ripp's voice, so he entered the room, hoping that Tank might be found there.
"Hi... Ripp." He paused when he saw the girl. "... Hi." She smiled, but then quickly left the room.
"Oh, hey, Worthington! What can I do for you?"
"Oh, nothing. I was just looking for Tank."
"I'll bet." Ripp smirked.
Frances stared at Ripp for a moment without saying anything.
"Look, I know that you know about me."
"That you're a homo? Everyone knows that, Frank. It's not a secret, is it?"
"Don't call me that."
"Call you what? A homo?"
"Frank. Don't call me Frank."
"But you said that I could..."
"Well, I changed my fucking mind." Frances frowned. "I don't want you getting that familiar with me, especially not after doing that. It wasn't very nice of you to make fun of me like that, in front of Tank, and try to reveal it all to him."
"Look, I'm not trying to fucking spoil your little secret for you, FRANCES. I was just fucking around! I was laughing at my dumbass brother, who really should be able to tell."
"Don't call him a dumbass."
"Listen, Frances - if anyone on earth has to right to call Tank a fucking dumbass, it's me! He's good for a little teasing too, believe me. He's done his share of it over the years, and then some. Teasing isn't the half of it! I've done my time. I'm his brother, I've seen the inside of a toilet bowl more times than I can count, and I'm allowed to take the piss out of him if I fucking well want to. I don't care what you say."
"Well, then I don't need to hear that kind of crap from you, okay?"
"Look. You might think it's cruel of me to be fucking around with you like that, but I might ask you what exactly you 're doing with my brother anyway." Frances gulped, as Ripp continued. "I mean, am I wrong in assuming that you want a piece of that ass?"
"I... ummm..." Frances was halted by the accusation. It was true, in a sense, but when Ripp put it that way it sounded so aggressive. So vulgar.
"You're the one who's putting yourself in that fucking situation to begin with." Ripp said through his teeth.
Frances tried to formulate some sort of justification and response, but Ripp continued before he could.
"Listen to me, Frances. I really have to warn you that Tank might not be very pleased when he finds out that you've been deceiving him. I mean, after he's done feeling like a fucking idiot, that is. I'm not sure if you realize what he's really like. He's hardly the most liberal-minded guy you'll ever meet - Tank has a pretty narrow idea of how the world ought to be run. He's just like our father was." Ripp paused, and Frances could see that it pained Ripp to even mention his father.
"And, like the General, he has a fucking evil temper. Well, you saw what he did to me, didn't you? Unless you're a hell of a lot tougher than you look, just try not to fucking come out with it when he's in a face-breaking sort of mood, okay?"
Frances turned away, and just stood there. Ripp sighed.
"Look, I'm sorry. I honestly didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I was just laughing at Tank. And that's just how I carry on with people. It's not like I have anything against gay people. Half the fucking people I know are probably gay... or at least half gay or quarter gay or have gay feelings or fucking make out with other people who are gay. We're probably all fucking gay."
Ripp thought about it as he was saying it. Sure, he was just trying to make Frances feel better, but there was some truth to that statement, right? They might not all be gay, but how many of them had never at least thought about it? He wasn't gay, but then again, Stella wasn't really a woman, as such, was she? Did aliens count? It's not like she was a man either. He hadn't really given that much thought. Well, maybe a little.
Frances didn't say anything.
It was obvious to Frances, in the way that Ripp was saying all of this, that even thought he thought that the vast majority of the world might be gay, he didn't believe for a second that his brother was. Ripp clearly did not think that Tank was gay, or half gay, or even a quarter gay. Ripp did not think that Tank was even the least bit gay, and Ripp was his brother.
Frances felt tears welling up in his eyes, and he tried to hold them back. He didn't need this. He didn't need to cry in front of Ripp.
"What's wrong?" Ripp stepped a little closer to him, obviously aware that he was crying.
"Nothing."
"Are you sure?"
Frances didn't respond, and there was no hiding the fact that he was crying now.
Ripp put his hand on Frances' shoulder, causing him to flinch momentarily. He hadn't expected him to do that. For a moment, Frances felt like screaming at him and pushing him away, but he didn't. The touch did feel sort of nice, even though it was from Ripp. He hadn't had another man touch him in a while. And it really was comforting, in an odd way.
Ripp rubbed his hand over Frances' shoulder.
"I'm sorry."
And then he left the room.
Ripp found Tank standing outside. Frances heard them talking, and stayed back inside the room, trying to pull himself together. He didn't want Tank to see him like that.
"Hey Tank." Ripp said. "Sorry you had to witness that."
"It's okay."
"No, really. Nobody needs to see their brother at a time like that." He was referring to both himself and Tank.
"I didn't see anything."
"Thank fuck." Ripp continued on his way. Tank heard someone come out of the bedroom next to him.
"Well, well, well... Tank Grunt. I never thought I would run into you here."
"Excuse me?" Tank turned around to face a beautiful woman. He froze. He tried to relax, and remember what Ripp had said. They were just words. "Do I know you from somewhere?"
"What is it about me that is so forgettable? I haven't changed that much, have I?" She smiled.
Then it hit him. The smile. He remembered her. How could he forget that?
"Kendall." He said. "You really have changed."
"You have too, Tank."
"Not as much, though."
"Well, I think you've become much more handsome." She smiled. Tank shyly looked at his hands. He had never been able to take a compliment like that.
"Well, it was nice to see you, Kendall." He turned to walk away.
"Tank, don't be like that."
"Like what?"
"That was ages ago, wasn't it? Can't you forgive me?"
Could he? Tank wasn't sure. "It was a pretty awful thing to do."
"I know, Tank, and I'm very sorry. I was young and stupid. I suppose I might just be a little older and stupid now, but I've learned a thing or too."
He frowned.
"Haven't you ever done anything that you've regretted?"
"Yes. Of course I have."
"Well, if we weren't able to look past those things and move on, the world would be a pretty miserable place, don't you think?"
"Yes, I suppose you're right."
"So, can I have a second chance, or what?"
"I guess so."
"You look really good, Tank." He didn't know what to say. Kendal ran her hand along the side of his face. "Even better than I remember."
Tank just smiled, unable to articulate a response.
"And still the same quiet boy that I remember. You're so mysterious." She smiled. "I just love a mystery"
Frances opened the bedroom door and entered the hallway, having finally been able to get a grip on himself. All of those drinks had not had the effect on him that he had hoped they would, but that was so typical of him. Instead of becoming fearless, he had become a quivering crybaby.
He was hopeless.
And then he saw her kissing Tank.
Frances turned away. He couldn't bear to look. He wasn't going to cry again. He just wasn't. But he felt his heart shattering and shards of broken heart were sticking into every surface on his body.
Tank didn't even notice Frances enter the room. He was still reeling from the shock of being kissed by Kendall, right there in the hallway. Just like that.
Kendall just smiled, and then walked away.
Frances glanced back at them, and after she left, he spoke to Tank.
"Who was that?" He tried not too look too embarrassed. Or disappointed.
"Oh, nobody. Just some girl I went to high school with." Tank shrugged. "No big deal." Had Frances seen them kissing? Tank wasn't sure. Frances had a way of creeping up on you as quietly as a mouse. Tank felt a little embarrassed to think that he may have been watching them. He didn't want to push that sort of thing into anyone's face, and it didn't seem like Frances was having much luck for himself with the ladies.
"Oh... okay." Frances puzzled, but knew that Tank wouldn't tell him the full story unless he was good and ready. And why would Tank have been kissing her if she was just "some girl"? Frances' heart sank.
This hadn't been part of his plan.
Music is, again, Royal Trux: I'm Ready and Ray O Vac.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 12:41 pm (UTC)I just love Ripp... I can't help it. Even though he is a bit of a sleaze in this story. That just makes him all the more endearing!
Can't wait to see what Johnny was up to during all this!
Thanks for such a great update... really helps me take my mind off owing the IRS for a while, hee hee!
no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 12:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-02-25 01:51 pm (UTC)Thank you. Some of these shots were very difficult to set up and control. I had to make a lot of characters selectable, and then try to herd them around. That might explain why it took so long to shoot all of these scenes.
Well, really... is there anything essentially wrong with being a sleaze? He's just a slut. He likes sex, and he's vulgar. I've never seen that as a reason to dislike someone. As long as you're not hurting anyone... and I suppose he should be careful there, since he's walking some fine lines. But ultimately, I see Ripp as being in more danger of hurting himself and anyone else. Unless they get too close to him, and he's not giving many people a chance to do that.
Johnny gets dealt with more in part three, as you may already know by now.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 03:47 pm (UTC)I just love the look on Ripps face when he's trying to pick out a girl for Tank. It's absolutely perfect.
You know, I can totally relate to what Tank is trying to explain to Ripp about it not always being so easy to just walk up and start a conversation with a stranger. Sounds just like the conversations I used to have with a very gregarious good friend. She used to tell me that all the time. She also told me not to be so shy and I said just what Tank did...it's not that easy.
"Well, I hope you enjoy the memory." She said. "Because that's all you're ever going to get from me."
Ripp was stunned. Slap! shot down big time! Is that Kendall from the neighborhood? She ages up well. Very pretty. I'm guessing she's not up for a second go-round with Ripp under any circumstances. Of course, I notice it didn't take Ripp very long to find someone else to hook up with. And Tank walking in on them. Oh No! Tank looks like he's going to throw up as he leaves the room and I couldn't blame him, really.
Poor Frances. This whole party hasn't worked out very well for him at all, has it? For just a few minutes there he grew a little bit of a backbone ("Don't call me Frank.") but I think he's going to have to do better then that if he ever wants to get anywhere. Ah, but then I'm right back to, it's not that easy, aren't I? Hmmm....
Anyway, great update as usual. As always I already can't wait for the next one. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-02-25 02:50 pm (UTC)Totally. Ripp doesn't get it, since he's so naturally fearless like that, and it can be hard for Tank to explain it to him. He's shy, and that's all there is to it. But Ripp thinks that he can explain it away for Tank. What he's saying is right. Nothing terrible will happen if Tank just does it, but he needs to be able to get up the nerve to do it, which is hard.
Kendal totally shot Ripp down, which is appropriate, given that she is setting her sights on Tank instead. She obviously regrets her previous mistake of falling for Ripp's advances, which messed up her chances with Tank back then. She won't go there again.
And yes, it is Kendal Lawson from the neighboorhood. She found her way into the story on her own, since she showed up with Ripp on the bus, and then took a fancy to Tank (they have double bolts). She ended up being his first kiss, and earned herself a place in the story that would have previously been filled by another Strangetown woman (but I have moved around some of those plans).
When I aged Kendal up, I noticed that she has a gold talent badge in robotics, and this was the real deciding factor for me. I had a storyline for her instantly, based on that one detail, and I think that it will be a good one, when I get around to it.
Heheh. Tank really does look like he's be sick. At least he didn't see anything too detailed...
It was good to see Frances stand up to Ripp, and Ripp really needed to hear that. He was being a major dick about it, and Frances will make life much easier for himself by setting him straight. Frances is pretty shy, but he won't be walked over.
Thank you.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 03:49 pm (UTC)How very, very Tank. He really is kind of clueless about Francis, isn't he? I do feel bad for Francis, but I am sure something will work out for him sooner or later.
I really liked this update. Ophelia's conversation with Jaxy and Zoe was nice to see, since I don't think we've seen her interact much with anyone besides Johnny and Ripp. I also liked that we got a hint of more of Jaxy's background, since we don't see much of the band members unless there is a gig or they are out shopping, etc.
Darn, I have more I want to comment on, but I have to leave for work! Nice update, can't wait for more! :)
no subject
Date: 2008-02-25 05:45 pm (UTC)Aside from Johnny and Ripp, Ophelia doesn't really have any friends. She's very much off to herself. It is good for her to find common ground with Jaxy and Zoe, especially since she lacks female friends most of all, and doesn't meet that many girls that she can really relate to.
That little glimpse at Jaxy's background should give you a hint at how unpleasant it was, and it helps to explain why she's such a rough character. She's had a hard life. As you can assume from her contempt for the upper class, she was about the furthest thing from that. Still, she sees that many girls are satisfied to take the "easy", exclusively heterosexual, and, to her, spirit-crushing way out by relying on a man to support them. Jaxy wants to get out of the gutter that was her life, but she's unwilling to do anything to compromise her values to get there. If she does succeed, it will be by the sweat of her own brow. She doesn't have the options and privileges that these other girls have, so she does resent them for it, and the fact that many of them don't even realize how lucky they are.
We'll probably hear a little more about it at some point, but Jaxy doesn't really talk about it much. She assumes, rightfully, that most people would want to hear it.
Thank you. If you have any others thoughts later, I'd love to hear them.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 03:52 pm (UTC)Hah! I was wondering whether Kendal would show up again. Poor Frances though, hopelessly in love...or is he? Very sweet of Ripp to comfort him.
Loved the first meeting between Jaxy, Zoe and Ophelia - they all love Ripp to pieces, don't they *lol* (Like the rest of us ;)
Great shots as always, it must have taken a LOT of time and patience to set it up with all the sims around!
no subject
Date: 2008-02-25 07:27 pm (UTC)Yes, Kendal shows up just in time to mess up Frances' plans, and now he might have a genuine rival for Tanks affections, and one who is willing to actually act on their feelings. Might it be the push that he needs to open up? And will that be a good thing?
Well, sweet is one way of putting it, but after what Ripp had been doing to Frances, he deserved some of Ripp's sympathy. I was going to say that it was the least that he could do, but that would have been nothing. If Ripp was really cruel, he could have just left him there, but he really did feel bad about it. He realized that, as self-imposed as Frances situation was, he was genuinely sorry for him. And Frances obviously does really care a lot about Tank.
Yes, they do love Ripp, so that gives them a good starting point for conversation. Ripp is lucky to have people that can see past his flaws, and appreciate his underlying worth, since not all do.
You're right. This chapter was challenging to do for that very reason. And now I need a bit of a break from it to take a breather.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-25 07:54 pm (UTC)Indeed, sweet might have been the wrong word! At least he kinda understood that he went too far and tried to not make it worse ;)
no subject
Date: 2008-02-25 08:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 04:16 pm (UTC)Hahahahahaha!!! I was cracking up there.
This was great. I loved Phi and Jaxy/Zoe in the kitchen. And I'm feeling bad about Ripp's rep with the women. Loved Gunnar's disgust, apparently Ripp's giving male scumbags a bad name or something? Tank walking in on Ripp's funtime was - I can see how that would kill Ripp's libido, it's almost like getting caught by the General.
I loved Frances' talk with Ripp. I don't think Ripp realized the extent of Frank's feelings for his brother. Frances is really smitten, whether he can admit it or not.
Ripp clearly did not think that Tank was gay, or half gay, or even a quarter gay. Ripp did not think that Tank was even the least bit gay, and Ripp was his brother.
Poor Frances. Then catching Tank in a lip lock with a woman... he's getting plenty of heartbreaking signs at this party. Will he finally give up on his crush, or is he desperate enough to make a move now and show Tank his true feelings? (I'm seriously squeeing over that possibility, lol.)
He hadn't had another man touch him in a while. This intrigues me. Has Frances been in a relationship before? Was there some "Genesis" type of guy in his life? Or maybe it's referring to the comfort he once got from his father, who now seems so cold and distant. I'm curious!
"Well, come with me and we'll get some. Just us girls, ya know!"
I adored that Stella stayed behind with Johnny! I love that she wouldn't consider herself one of the girls. And I loved Jayne's reluctance to explain the matter to Phi.
Jayne decided to head back before Stella started bringing up questionable topics with Johnny.
Hahaha! I loved that pic, and the fact that their conversation seemed to be attracting attention from those around them as well. ;)
Wonderful update! Can't wait to see where things go next!
no subject
Date: 2008-02-25 02:18 pm (UTC)I thought about how Ophelia and Jaxy/Zoe might interact, and they do have Ripp in common, but also their sort of outsider status to the more mainstream girls, who are more a part of the culture of "girly things". In different ways, those girls are all outside that.
Ripp only has himself to blame for the reputation, but it is a little sad, since he clearly doesn't harbour the same sort of low opinions about his conquests. He thinks that it's all just fun and games. And Gunnar is disgusted that Ripp isn't more of "a man" about it. He thinks that Ripp is a pussy, basically. He doesn't have much time for him, and the feeling is mutual.
Heheh. Yes, it was exactly like being caught by the General, since he looks so much like him. It's the things that nightmares are made of.
There were a lot of things that Ripp didn't realize about Frances, including the fact that he was being really cruel to him. Ripp was just focussed on getting a laugh at Tank's expense (who he is used to being cruel to), and really missed the point about how he was effecting Frances too. And then, when Frances started crying, he saw what an asshole he was being. And yeah, he must realize that it's more than just him "wanting a piece of his ass", as he put it. Some of that had to hit close to home.
That's a good question. Frances has invested a lot of time and energy into his crush, so will he be able to just let it go without taking a shot at it? He's pretty timid, but we've seen that he's stubbornly clings to things, even given the advice he's been receiving from various sources.
Frances has actually been involved with a number of men before. There was mention of it a little in the chapter where they visit Edie. His first experiences were during summer camp, and he's not nearly as inexperienced as Tank is. He's just very shy, and cautious about the situation with Tank (and not knowing about his sexuality), and he's nervous about anything getting back to his father. Frances is still very much "in the closet" where his father is concerned, but he's been more open about it in other settings.
Jayne said that carelessly, temporarily forgetting that Stella is supposed to be "a girl", though she knows better. Stella has to keep reminding herself to use words like "he" and "she", and to present herself as being female, since she really isn't. Jayne obviously doesn't want to spill the beans to Ophelia.
*snicker* If Stella really did start talking openly about alien sexually, she'd draw more than a little attention from people in the room. And Johnny would probably have a heart attack.
Thank you.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 06:02 pm (UTC)1. I am probably just clueless, but I'd never heard of Royal Trux before. Guess I have some musical homework to do (I see some of their stuff on YouTube). The song about the dying border town was especially appropriate.
2. Love Jaxy's pep talk! How she tells her bandmates to be nice, while calling their hosts "fucking dimwits" at the same time. She's got a refreshing sort of honesty married to a keen business sense.
3. I was also a bit creeped out by Gunner's staring at Ripp in the first couple of pics, with that little, bemused smile. I decided maybe he thinks Jaxy's going to tear into Ripp and he's smiling in anticipation. I also see those sorority chicks staring their way, like they're talking about Ripp, too.
4. I love the shot where Jaxy and Zoe are laughing at Ripp... he looks so indignant! :D
But they were mostly right, especially about the nice thing. He would never, ever be seriously disrespectful to a woman like that, unless they wanted him to pretend to be. He wasn't like that. Why would he be? He loved women.
That, I believe, is one of the secrets to his charm. Too bad some of those chicks don't appreciate him the way that I do... Heh.
5. Frances and Tank. Oh man, do I empathize with them when they first come in. I hate parties where I don't know many people, and my first reaction is always to freeze like that. Parties are so stressful.
Yes, Frances thought. Relaxing is good. How many drinks would it take before he was relaxed enough to say something to Tank? This was a good opportunity to find out. If Tank got a little drunk and he got a little drunk...
Aw, Frances... I could tell right there, things were not going to work out the way he dreamed. But you can't tell people that; they never want to listen, do they?
Ripp coaching Tank is pretty hilarious, and I have to say, if Frances had come close enough to overhear, he might have caught a clue right then. Because Tank wasn't exactly telling Ripp to fuck off. He was looking around at the girls, too, and asking advice. Frances, honey, I know you think you're in love, but I see a heartbreak about to happen...
6. Tank's reaction when Johnny, Phi, and Co. came in was classic. Johnny's alien gang! LOL! Now that was a tension I didn't foresee coming into play at this party.
7. Jayne's kinda pushing it a tiny bit, isn't she? Asking Phi those questions about Johnny? Even if they're not terribly personal. Seems like another thing to send up a red flag for Phi. And I've wondered, like Jayne has, about the status of the third in that relationship. I've actually wondered if Johnny, Phi, and Ripp are headed to a stable three-way relationship eventually. I could see it working out. But it seems like a ways into the future, if ever.
8. The kitchen was full of girls. From the sorority, and around campus. Did it just seem like they were all staring at her and whispering?
Oh, man, the party thing all over again. And maybe I'm prejudiced, but it seems more venomous coming from sorority chicks. I had a few encounters, when I was younger... they can be especially mean.
And I can totally see Ophelia relating better to Jaxy and Zoe. They might be a little rough around the edges, but they're a lot more like Phi than those superficial Greek bitches. They have substance. And they really do care about Ripp.
That glimpse inside Jaxy's head makes me wonder. As if they cared about what lay beneath it all. Where she came from. What she had to deal with. Are we going to learn more about her, at some point? I really like her as a character.
9. Kendal! I didn't recognize her, either. Of course it's been a long time since I've seen mine. She did grow up pretty. I love that outfit on her, too.
I'm going to go to a second comment before I get too long for LJ.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 06:26 pm (UTC)Anyway. Ripp's not having the best of luck here, is he? What with getting the smackdown from Kendal, and having his bro walk in while he's with the short-skirt girl ("It's mind numbing!") And actually turning the chick down, after! That little fact is going to fly around the Tri-Fruhms, I can just bet. Cell phone buttons will wear out from all the texting.
In fact, if he ever needed to intentionally to lose an erection... LO-effing-L!
You did an interesting nesting-thing with what Tank overhears... I mean, we see Ripp filtered through the sorority chick's eyes, then Tank's. Just in that one passage we see things about all of them, which is a nifty trick.
It so sucks that those chicks see Ripp the way they do. But he really got himself into that situation. Tank's right, he needs more self-respect. And he really is a dick sometimes. Like especially to...
11. Frances. I was so proud of him for standing up to Ripp. Even if he did cry when Ripp presented him with some cruel truths. It's not shameful to cry. But I know from experience that you feel really lame when you do it in front of other people.
It was obvious to Frances, in the way that Ripp was saying all of this, that even thought he thought that the vast majority of the world might be gay, he didn't believe for a second that his brother was.
Yeah. I could be wrong, you could pull a rabbit out of your hat at any point -- and it would be your prerogative as the writer of this story, of course -- but I've always read Tank as straight, and sorry as I feel for Frances, I think Ripp is right. Sigh! But hey... The touch did feel sort of nice, even though it was from Ripp. He hadn't had another man touch him in a while. And it really was comforting, in an odd way. ...Maybe he should look toward a different Grunt brother? Heh. Nah, not with Ripp's track record. Frances deserves a loving and committed relationship.
11. Geez, Kendal pops up again! She's rather forward with Tank, isn't she? Wow. Maybe she's had a couple glasses of that spiked punch. I don't remember what happened between her and Tank, in high school. But she's obviously interested in moving past it with Tank. Hmm, very interesting!
But too sad for Frances! I wonder if he'll ever have the courage to go to a party again? :(
Looking forward to Part 3! :)
no subject
Date: 2008-02-27 02:23 am (UTC)Thanks. I liked being able to do that with Tank overhearing the conversation. Tank's real opinions on Ripp would only come through in thought like that, at least for now. Tank is concerned about Ripp, in his own way, but he doesn't think there's much he can do about it (and he might be right).
11. Ripp really was being a dick to Frances. And he obviously needed to be put in his place. I don't think it's shameful to cry either, though it often can be for a man, and it's usually embarrassing to do it front of someone else. Frances probably doesn't realize that Ripp wouldn't laugh at him for crying (since he'd be a giant hypocrite if he did).
Many signs do point to Tank being straight, don't they? But the signs aren't always right. I won't reveal the ultimate outcome, but Frances is getting a lot of doubt cast on it, isn't he?
I don't think that Frances would be completely opposed to something less committed in the short term, but he really does have his sights set on Tank, so he isn't keen on any other potential options.
12. I would imagine that Kendal was a little fueled by alcohol, as many of the things that happen at this party are, but she's a pretty forward girl. In high school, she kissed Tank and then immediately turned around and made out with Ripp, in the same evening. Not Tank's favourite memory.
Things are not going well for Frances.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-26 03:35 am (UTC)That particular song, Ray O Vac, is on YouTube on as a live performance, but the album version (from Thank You) is better. One of their songs is actually called Granny Grunt (also on YouTube).
2. Heheh. For sure. Jaxy is nothing if not brutally honest at all times. She's usually not all that nice, but at least she's honest. And she really is smart about the business side of the band thing.
3. That's a good vibe to get from Gunnar, since there is no love lost between him and Ripp. They aren't friends.
4. Thank the hula mod for that pose. It's probably the exact pose that Ripp takes in the loading screen when you start up the Grunt household for the first time.
I agree. That is most of the reason why he's not a bad guy. I have implied that quite a bit, I thought, since he seems generally positive about all of his encounters, but I thought I would spell it out. Ripp probably respects his partners a lot more than he respects himself.
5. Drinking as a solution really doesn't often work out (though sometimes, oddly, it does... up to a point). Frances is stubbornly clinging to his hope that Tank might be gay, but there are a lot of indications that he probably isn't. He still thinks that maybe, just maybe, Tank is only humouring Ripp. And trying to keep it a secret from him.
6. Tank does not trust those aliens, and seeing a group of them together like that, with his nemesis present, makes him quite uneasy. The thought of Johnny being in a gang is indeed LOL inducing. Johnny is so not a badass.
7. Jayne's pretty perceptive about that, isn't she? (And yes, it was a bit bold of her to ask, but maybe she WANTS to push it.) The status of the third... is worth pondering. It's true that they are all good friends, but when other people start to notice that your relationship seems a little unconventional, there might be something to it. There is more going on there than any of them seem able, or willing, to realize.
You're right. Maybe it really could work out, but whether it will remains to be seen.
8. I can relate to that feeling too. I haven't had experiences with sororities, as such, but the equivalent of that, and I can understand the feeling of being nervous around that sort of "gang". Ophelia really is a lot more like Jax and Zoe than most other girls.
I will probably get into some more detail with Jaxy, but for now, I will just say that she's had a very hard life. The only way left for her to go is up, and she's determined to get there. That's why she resents those people that already have it all, and take it for granted. Or take what is, for her, the "easy" way out.
9. Kendal is very conventionally pretty. I wasn't planning to work her into the plot in any meaningful way, but she aged up with a gold badge in robotics, and she has great chemistry with Tank, so I felt compelled to use her to better advantage.
I really like that H&M outfit. That's a recolour of it. I like the glasses too. Sometimes I have to restrain myself, or everyone would have glasses. ;) I'm a fan. (My prosperity 'hood already has a lot of bespectacled sims.)
God, this is soooo long, :P
Date: 2008-02-23 06:10 pm (UTC)Well, it's good to hear that Ripp sends Thank You notes. Just like with Stella, right? Maybe EA was telling us something. :P
Frances drunk? HA HA HA HA HA!!!!! I'm sorry, but that is such a funny mental image. Course, when it comes to opening up, it is easier to do when intoxicated, trust me, I know. On the other hand, when you drink to open up, you run the risk of not remembering what was said the next morning.
Now, I've heard of a wingman, but geez! It's like Ripp's the pimp, and all the girls in there are his hoes. LOL. Sure, Ripp has it easy with the ladies, but did he ever think that maybe some people are genuinely shy about it? C'mon Ripp, if Tank's a virgin, do you really think he's going to have the same ease with women that you do? Hello?!
So, Jayne's doing a little fishing for info? Phi's gotta have so many questions in her head about Johnny's relationship with her. I feel like I would. Sure, it sounds like she's just making conversation and all, but at the same time, there's something else going on here. And alright! Phi made some new friends! I wonder if the fact that they're gay has anything to do with it? Or, am I reading into this too much?
HA! Stella talking to Johnny about sex!!!!! "You know Johnny, you're friend Ripp just loves my probe. He ever tell you about that?" HA HA HA!!!
Did Ripp just get rejected?! HA HA!!!
Well, it's nice that Phi is letting Tank back into her good graces. Johnny probably never will, but at least now Tank has another ally in his life. As awkward as it was.
Doesn't Tank know you don't go into bedrooms that are locked at a party? There's a reason they're closed, ya know? Course, hasn't that blond heard of locking the door? Ripp has to expect some talk if he gets around the way he does. Sure, Tank may not like it, but actions speak louder than words. The fact that Tank thinks Ripp is worth more than a roll in the hay, says that he's done a hell of a lot of growing up, which of course is good. It seems like he cares about his little brother, dare I say, love him?
Unfortunately, Frances did need a wake up call. Sure, pining after someone you know is completely normal, but getting so close to that person without telling them that you're at least gay, creates so many issues. Not that Frances is being uber secretive, but everyone else knows. For a second, I wasn't sure what was going to happen in that room. *raises eyebrow* Frances being an emotional drunk sounds about right to me. Ripp just told him the same truth that Edie did. Course, he doesn't want to face it, but for the sake of his mental health, he'll have to.
Did Tank hear any of that conversation? I can't tell.
I must say, my heart broke a bit to see that Tank was kissing Kendell, and then broke more to see that Frances saw it. After just getting a harsh dose of reality from Ripp, the last thing he needed to see was Tank proving Ripp right. Not that Tank was the one who initiated the kiss. To Frances, this must seem like the final nail in the coffin of his heart's desire. I can't say that I'm happy about this. *glares* However, I will say that Frances could use a little slap in the face when it comes to reality. Maybe, after this evening is over, he'll be able to pick up the pieces and stop obsessing over Tank. They can still be friends, but he can't follow the man forever. He needs to get out there. Maybe Ripp could introduce him to Jaxy?
And Frances, when you plan around alcohol, it rarely ever goes well. *hugs*
Re: God, this is soooo long, :P
Date: 2008-02-25 06:50 am (UTC)Re: God, this is soooo long, :P
Date: 2008-02-25 07:39 pm (UTC)Re: God, this is soooo long, :P
Date: 2008-02-27 02:45 am (UTC)Well, really he doesn't send thank you notes, but it's a funny way to have them poke fun at him.
Frances doesn't give off the impression that he cuts loose very often, does he? And drinking to loosen up is probably not a great idea, especially for someone who doesn't do it all that often (it probably would take much to get him drunk because of it).
Ripp made a joke about his pimping skills to Stella, remember? Poor Stella didn't get it, though. Ripp is really out to lunch if he thinks that his technique would work for Tank, but he doesn't really know what else to tell him.
Yeah, Ophelia is definitely suspicious anyway, so she has to wonder about Jayne's questions.
Hmmm, how do you imagine that the gay thing might play into that? Ophelia would relate to Jaxy and Zoe based on how much they behave like Ripp, more than anything. They carry on in a similar way, and she'd be used to it. Though I'd say Ripp tones it down around her.
*snicker* Do NOT tell Johnny that, Stella. Please, no...
Ripp got burned. And it's only fitting that the woman to do it is interested in Tank instead. The fact that she doesn't have time for Ripp makes her compatible with Tank almost by default.
Ophelia and Tank did get past their differences, and both did like being able to do that, so it is good to see that they are able to reach out to each other a little again after all that happened.
That does show how much Tank cares about Ripp, even if he wouldn't say it out loud. Ripp and Tank do care for each other, but it usually goes unspoken.
Frances really is digging himself deeper by keeping it a secret. Ripp was only trying to help him by telling him that, even if he wasn't delivering the message in a very kind way. There was a moment there where you had to wonder, hmmm? Well, it was an emotional moment and Ripp is known for touching people, so maybe there wasn't anything more to it than that. I definitely see Frances as being a crying drunk (and Ripp can relate, can't he?)
No, I didn't intend for Tank to have heard any of it. He was in the bathroom.
It was a tough moment for Frances, and he really should get over Tank, or at least come out with it or something after that. He has to suspect that everyone is right. He should find out for sure. But will he? He has to be nervous about what Ripp said too.
Let's hope that he learned a valuable lesson here, at least.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 08:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-02-27 02:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 10:20 pm (UTC)Really got to see a lot of different sides to Ripp in this update, some of them from other characters prospectives but others from himself. It was good to see the growth that's gone on between Ripp and Tank, and it's coming from both sides. They are treating each other more like brothers these days and less as combatants (Won't Buck be thrilled!).
I also liked seeing more sides to Phi I always felt she was a bit of a mystery. I loved her conversation with Jax and Zoe she has a lot more in common with them than any of them would have expected. I was also happy to see her and Tank work things out a bit. Phi's loyalty will always be for Ripp but she's the type of person that doesn't hold a grudge very well.
Poor Francis, he's an emotional drunk. He had hoped that alcohol would give him courage and I guess it does since he was able to stand up to Ripp for a little bit. He needed the wakeup call about Tank though. While I might feel for Francis enough to want him to get what he wants, I've always seen Tank as straight here. I do hope that he can open up to Tank though and just be honest, not the I want to jump your bone honest but just letting Tank know that he's gay and hoping that Tank is able to accept and be friends with him. I think it would do Francis good to have a straight male that he respects accept him for who he is.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-27 07:13 pm (UTC)Of all the characters, we probably get to see Ripp's opinion of himself more than most (biased storyteller, and all... but I have always given him one of the more prominent roles in the story, so it shouldn't be surprising by now).
The thing about it that is most interesting to me is that Ripp is usually an "unreliable narrator", in that his thoughts aren't very clear most of the time, and he doesn't really know what he's all about. And he lies. Now we get also to see more of what other people think of both him and the other characters.
Buck will be pleased by the progress that Tank and Ripp have made, for sure. They're all he has now, and they can often be more worry to him than comfort.
Phi really is a bit of a mystery. She keeps things to herself. Even Johnny and Ripp have work to get the truth out of her, when it comes to really serious things. I think that part of the reason she likes Johnny and Ripp so much is that they make enough noise so that she doesn't have to, and the attention isn't drawn to her as much. She also felt really bad about doing that to Tank, and she still thinks that he's not really a bad guy, despite everything that has happened.
I can sympathize with Frances there, since I have definitely been in those shoes, and once the tears start rolling, it can be hard to stop. It was good to see him stand up to Ripp, and maybe he will be able to do the same with Tank, which is more frightening.
I think a lot of people will agree with you about Tank's sexuality, but we'll see. I'll let the answer come from his own mouth.
I agree with you completely. Not only would Tank's friendship and understanding be good for Frances, but the opposite is also true for Tank. Discovering that Frances is gay, and learning to deal with that, could be a big opportunity for growth with Tank.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-27 07:29 pm (UTC)One more for the "Tank is straight" club. Maybe Frances really should move on, or at least deal with it directly, but do you think that he will, given what we've seen him to be like?
It can be really hard to be at parties like that, even when you are part of the group. As an outsider who really doesn't relate or fit in, it can be terrifying. Ophelia doesn't do well with groups like that at all.
Well, I'm glad that you like the Maxis skins. I totally agree with you (which I suppose is obvious, since I use them). Sims are inherently cartoony in their expressions and actions, so it makes sense to me. Maybe some players feel silly playing with cartoon people, but I would feel sillier if I tried really hard to make them more like real people.
And I also just really dislike how a lot of custom skins look. If people like them, well, all the power to them, but it's not for me. I also have no desire to see female sims with exaggerated cleavage drawn on. And it's not because I dislike seeing ample breasts sometimes, but if I want that I can go with the "fat" body mesh (which also gives them appropriately matching booty). I actually really wish we could make female sims with smaller breasts too. (If you can't already guess, I'm a card-carrying member of the "itty bitty titty commitee", and I'm totally okay with that).
I love Lyran's eyes. I do find the Maxis eyes to be a little lifeless. The colours are good, but they just need that little bit of punch in the pupil. Lyran's eyes work well for me, and there is a nice variety of extra colours and contacts too, so it does the job.
Oh, no worries about being off-topic. It's still about sims, and I love to gab about this stuff.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-28 06:46 pm (UTC)Thanks. I'm glad you think so. I'm very interested in the visual element of making a sims story. You can do so much with it, and independent of the text, so it makes for a whole other way of conveying information. You can do so much with it in-game too. I know some people add effects with a photo editing program, with some great results, but pushing what I can do exclusively in-game is more exciting to me. I love seeing other people's images and wondering how they managed to create a scene. It's interesting.
Ah yes, the lurkers... I do hear from a lurker every now and then, so I do imagine that they are out there. I know that I have done the same when reading other people's work, especially when the people who routinely comment seem to have built up a relationship with the poster. But I'm always happy to hear from a lurker. Feedback is always nice (and thanks for passing that along from your boyfriends).
Heheh. Frances doesn't seem like a quitter, does he? I'm glad you like drama, since I will definitely indulge you there. I enjoy creating drama in this story. A lot.
I'm really excited about the possibility of full body customization in the Sims 3. It will be great to have sims with more variety like that. Right now, the characters in this story only have implied body types (like the fairly robust Grunts, or the thinner Nervous Subject), or I ignore their builds altogether.
I like the fat mesh quite a lot for the women (the men, not so much - it could have been better). I think that some of the characters will get a little larger later in the story, since not everyone keeps their firm college figure for life (especially if they have kids).
Yes, you did, but I must have neglected to respond to you (sorry about that). So how do they work? Something like default replacements? Once you place them in downloads, they will just show up in townies? If you don't mind sending them along, I would like that. Thank you for offering.
I love the Lyran coffee eyes. I use them on Nervous Subject (the contacts, anyway). He needs a nice dark eye.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-23 11:01 pm (UTC)Poor Frances. But maybe the 'wake up' talk from Ripp was what he needs, especially since Frances isn't listening to his sister right now.
As for Tank, it seems that he's had quite the night. His response to the girls talking about Ripp like he was a piece of meat reminds me of the protective sibling feeling I've heard about. The "Only I'm allowed to beat up my brother/sister" type of feelings. I wonder how Ripp would feel hearing about these objectifications from the girls, and the angst from Tank.
I'm getting the idea that Ophelia is a little misguided about women though. Not all women act and behave as she seems to think. Does she lump Jayne into the general "all women" bit too? It's nice to see that she hits it off well with Jax and Zoe though.
And we heard or saw very little of what was going on in Johnny and Stella's worlds. Stella seemed bored, but was that of Johnny's company? Or of the party? And just what was Johnny's take on the party? He hadn't (that we readers have seen) seen the Shifting Paradymes perform, and I'm curious how Johnny liked it.
Thanks for the nifty update. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-02-27 10:15 pm (UTC)Tank would probably never come out and saw what he thinks to Ripp. That's one of the things about them as characters. I sometimes jot down entire meaningful conversations for them, but then scrap the whole thing because I don't think they'd ever have them. They just aren't like that with each other.
It would be interesting to see what Ripp would think about how Tank feels that he has no self-respect, and how he would respond. If the statement was ever made (pretty unlikely), the reaction would probably be brief and indignant, or he'd just brush it off with a cruel and joking remark. And Tank might not press him for anything more.
I think I gave off the wrong impression with that passage from Ophelia's point of view (see a comment below for more detail). Maybe she is a little misguided to make such a generalization, but she's just speaking from her experience with most other groups of girls, which is who she would have been exposed to (groups of guys would have been intimidating too, but she was unlikely to even try to fit in there). The point was just that she has never really fit in.
She probably wouldn't lump Jayne into that type of group in her mind, since Jayne is so obviously set apart as well.
Johnny and Stella get a little more play in the third part. Johnny does know what Ripp's band is like, to a point, from Ripp practicing in their apartment, and it has been mentioned that he's not really a huge fan. It's a bit much for Johnny.
You're quite welcome. I'm glad you liked it. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-02-28 01:37 am (UTC)Precisely why I mentioned it, actually. Ripp may be an ass, but he IS Tank's brother, and family members (whether they deny or otherwise) tend to know more than they let on about things like sexual behavior, or other tendencies. At least this has been the experience of many friends who are out/closeted, and their families.
I felt very much the same way about fellow female college mates, during my college years, and after, until I was about 25. Maybe not exactly, as described in the story, but somewhat. It's perfectly okay, and it took me years to figure out that not all people are shallow. But sometimes, I wish I'd figured it out sooner than later. I may have commented the way I did the other day, thinking inwardly, so I hope it didn't come across as brash.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-28 01:56 am (UTC)I have felt that way at times too, but I know that it's not true of all women. Sometimes, though, it just FEELS that way. And I think that's what Ophelia was experiencing. Sometimes it feels like everyone is out to get you. And for her, growing up with Olive, with no family, it was difficult to turn around and try to relate to some of those other girls. It's not just that Ripp and Johnny were boys, but they were both also outsiders in some way.
No worries about how it came off. I was just worried that I had written in it such a way as to make it seem like more than it was, since it came up a couple of times.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-24 01:56 am (UTC)I loved the interplay between Ripp and Tank, and Tank and Panchito (hee!). But I hate seeing Panchito so sad! We need to find him a nice boy to give his kisses and naughty touches. ::nods::
no subject
Date: 2008-02-27 10:50 pm (UTC)Thanks. It was fun to do all of their scenes, and how those three all relate to each other. It's an interesting mix of personalities.
Well, if the Tank thing doesn't work out, I'll have to go find Frances someone nice. Though there's really nothing wrong with being single either... but maybe not for Frances.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-24 02:23 am (UTC)I kinda love Ripp, but due to some past experiences, I hate the type of men that go around with every woman they see. So if that's the case, I dislike Gunnar more, haha. But I suppose that's all just the college life. Ripp is a real sweety when he isn't surrounded by tons of pretty college girls, haha.
Poor Frances :( I'm sure a lot of people can sympathize with him, plus he is just so cute. Like a little puppy n_n; but then I think of most people as puppies...
Ah wow. The last thing I'd want to do is walk in on ANY sort of family member in a sexual situation. I find myself VERY lucky that such a situation hasn't happened yet, knock-on-wood, haha. I think I may have just jinxed myself by saying that?
Good luck with the next update, and I hope you have fun!
no subject
Date: 2008-02-27 10:57 pm (UTC)We'll, many of us have had an experience (or two) like that, but it's only a problem if you don't know about it, or you think that they'll be different with you. Ripp isn't really trying to convince anyone of that. I'm glad you like him despite his slutty ways.
The cuteness of Frances is undeniable. (And yes, somewhat puppy-like.) If his pitiful looks weren't enough, he also has this disappointing situation to deal with.
Agreed. Not many people would be interested in seeing that. Even Ripp, who has almost no shame, loses his resolve (and his erection) when faced with that. *snicker*
no subject
Date: 2008-02-24 03:54 am (UTC)Frances, his eyes already seem so sad, when they're actually sad, my heart breaks.
I don't like that Kendal, I disliked her the moment she made out with Ripp right after she kissed Tank. I really don't want her to use Tank.
Aw, Ripp he can be quite an asshole at times, but he has such a good heart. I thought it was adorable when he was consoling Frances.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-27 11:27 pm (UTC)Kendal might not be so bad. Everyone makes mistakes, and that thing with Ripp was obviously not her shining moment (and Ripp was probably more to blame, because he did it partly to get back at Tank during their fight). But if you're getting a vibe form her, who knows? We don't know her very well yet, do we?
That's the thing about Ripp, isn't it? He does have a good heart. And that's why so many people consider him a good friend despite the realities of his personality and behaviour. He really can be an asshole at times, but we forgive him. Frances did appreciate how Ripp reacted to his breakdown. He was probably expecting more ridicule.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-24 05:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-02-28 12:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-02-25 06:39 am (UTC)Also, Ophelia making friends!!! AWWW. So cute. I love Jaxy, she's so great.
And poor Frances!!! :( Poor guy getting lectured by Ripp about his feelings and then seeing Tank kissing a girl. :(
Speaking of the girl, aww Tank and Kendall are adorable! :D I don't like that she cheated on him but it's still cute that she likes him so much now. :)
Ok....I'm off to read the next update! Woot. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-02-28 12:34 am (UTC)Ophelia doesn't really have many friends besides Ripp and Johnny, like they do (though most of Johnny's friends aren't shown, he's a pretty gregarious guy - being a popularity sim, and all), so it is nice for her to meet some new people.
I really think that Jaxy is great too. She's harsh, but realistic. I'm going to do more with her as time goes on.
It really wasn't a good night for Frances, was it?
I believe (and hope) that people can do something awful like that and still recover from it. She was young when that happened, and people can change and grow up (let's hope so, for everyone's sake). Kendall might be a good match for Tank.
no subject
Date: 2008-03-29 12:59 am (UTC)I'm sad. I thought Frank and Tank were gonna get together soon! Don't tease me!!!!! Kidding. But, alas, Frances, why must you have feelings for a straight guy?
no subject
Date: 2008-09-23 07:35 pm (UTC)If Johnny and Ophelia were so serious, then why did they design their life around a permanent third wheel?
Good observation by Jayne. I've always wondered that myself.
That scene where Tank walks in on Ripp - awkward much?!
Anyway, wow to Kendal turning Ripp down! Way to go, girl - and I love it that she's all guilty about cheating on Tank! :D
I hope this means Tank gets some romance in his life soon! That's totally overdue.
Poor Frances, he sure got his hopes up, no? :(
no subject
Date: 2008-10-20 10:03 pm (UTC)"Just lovely, he thought. Now he's starting up a gang."
haha Tank is adorable.
""Well, I hope you enjoy the memory." She said. "Because that's all you're ever going to get from me."
Good somebody finally told Ripp.
aww poor Frances :(