Strangetown: Chapter Fifteen

[strangetomato]

 

Warnings: language, violence (including a small amount of blood)


Chapter Fifteen



"Tank? Are you still there?" Buck asked after a long silence. "Tank?"








"Yeah, I'm here."




"Are you okay?"




"Of course, I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be okay?" He didn't snap at Buck, exactly, but his tone suggested that the conversation was over. Tank obviously didn't feel the need to talk about this in much detail, so Buck wasn't about to press on.




"Listen... I don't want you to say anything to Ripp, okay? I will call him myself." Tank didn't respond.

"Tank? Are you listening to me?!"




"Yeah..." It wasn't very convincing.




"Do not talk to Ripp about this! Promise me you won't say anything to him... Tank?!"




"Yeah, yeah... I won't talk to Ripp. Like I ever talk to him anyway..."

"Just let me tell him, okay?"




"Yeah, sure..." Tank said, absently. "Look, I really have to go to class now."

"Okay," Buck sighed, "just... take care of yourself, okay?"




Buck was answered by the dial tone.

It had gone about as well as he could have hoped, but he was still very worried. With that out of the way, he readied himself for his conversation with Ripp. He slowly dialed the number.




"Hello?" It was Ophelia.




"Oh, hi, Ophelia. This is Buck. I know it's pretty early, but is Ripp awake yet?"

"Actually..." She began, "Ripp just left for class." Buck said nothing.




"I know. I was a little shocked too." She said. Ripp had been late for class, and had left about twenty minutes after Johnny, but as Johnny had been quick to remind him, he'd be in serious academic trouble if he missed this one.




"When will he be home?"

"In two or three hours, I guess. Do you want me to tell him to call you?"

"Yes, please. Tell him to call me right away."




"Is something wrong?" Ophelia was concerned.

"Just make sure that he calls me right away, please."

"Okay. I will. I'll tell him as soon as I see him."




Tank ran into Ripp on his way to class, the morning having passed him by in a haze.




Ripp saw him, raised his hand in a sloppy mock salute, and kept walking.




Tank wondered if he knew already. Surely not, if he was so cheerful. Or maybe... Tank shook at the thought of the alternative.

Tank had to know.




"Ripp! Wait!"




"God, Tank. I'm late for class here."




"Did you speak with Buck?"

"No... why?"




"Oh, okay... nevermind." He was relieved. Not even Ripp could be that heartless.




"What does Buck want? Why would he call you and not me?"

"It's nothing. Just go to class."




"No!" Ripp spat. "I want to know what he fucking told you!"

"Just forget it."

"Just fucking tell me what he said!"




Tank felt his anger rising, and suddenly he couldn't take it anymore. If Ripp wanted to know so badly, he could be Tank's guest.




"Dad fucking disappeared, okay?!" Tank yelled. "He's been gone for over a week!"




"What?" Ripp stopped in his tracks. Tank was so angry. He looked at Ripp's stupid face, and suddenly all he could think about was Ripp's outburst at dinner, and how he had cursed out their father.




"Well?! Why don't you say something, Ripp?!" Tank shouted. "You certainly had plenty to say the other evening, didn't you? You must be happy! Isn't this what you've always wanted?!"




But Ripp didn't feel the least bit happy. He felt sick to his stomach. He felt like he needed a drink. Hell, he'd need much more than one.

Instead of saying so, he said the cruelest possible thing that he could think of.




"Well, whatever happened to him, I'll bet he fucking deserved it."




And Tank was on him, beating him senseless, not that he could really feel it. He didn't fight back.




He knew that Tank would never touch him for any other reason, and it felt oddly comforting to be close to his brother.




He waited until it hurt enough for him to feel it, and his nose was bleeding, and he could taste blood, but he still didn't fight back. Maybe Tank would actually kill him.




Tank finally exhausted his rage and threw Ripp to the ground, kicking him hard a couple of times for good measure.






"You deserved this." He said, with disgust. "If anyone deserved anything, it was you."




Ripp didn't disagree with him. He figured that he really did deserve it.




"Ripp, are you in there?" Johnny was at the bathroom door, and Ripp was in the bathtub.




"I'll be out in a minute, Johnny - just chill out. Not right now, okay?"

"Are you okay? There's some blood out here..."

"Oh, I've definitely been better... Tank kind of beat the living shit out of me."




"What?! I'm coming in there - I don't care what you say." The door was locked, so he used the nail on the top of the door. He threw it open.




"Dear god! What the fuck?! Are you sure that you're okay?"




"I'm fine... I'll live."

"You're bruised all over."

"I'm pretty sure my nose is broken too."




"Holy shit! What happened? Why'd he do this?"




"The General is missing... it doesn't look good. Tank was getting in my face, and I said the wrong thing. I said something really terrible to him. It was my fault."




"What?! This is not your fault!" Johnny yelled.




"I'm going to KILL Tank! I swear to god I will kill him!"




Judging by the look on his face, Johnny probably would have been capable of murdering Tank at that moment.




"Drop it, Johnny." Ripp said, through his teeth. "It's none of your fucking business! Buzz went missing - didn't you fucking hear me?!" They glared at each other. Johnny couldn't understand why Ripp was being so unnaturally defensive of Tank's behaviour.




"God, Ripp... I'm really sorry."




"Not as sorry as I am." They continued to regard each other in silence for a couple of moments.




"Look... can I help you with that, or is this also none of my business?" Ripp shot Johnny a withering glance, but then lifted his brows with a slight shrug to indicate that Johnny could do whatever he pleased.




Johnny picked up the sponge and dabbed at Ripp's wounds. His face was twisted in such a way that Ripp could tell that he had really burned Johnny with the "mind your own business" remark. He wasn't surprised. Johnny considered everything his business.




Ripp could also tell that Johnny wasn't half as angry as he let on, because his face and his actions didn't match up at all. His hand were gentle. His graceful green fingers were very careful as they wiped the blood from his face. What anger lingered between them wouldn't last. It was already being forgotten. Ripp leaned forward and closed his eyes, as Johnny ran the sponge up and down his back.

For a moment, he felt safe, and almost happy.




Later that evening, there was a knock on Tank's door. When he answered it, Buck was standing on the porch.

"Oh shit - I mean, hi Buck. Come in -"




"I'm not impressed, Tank! Not at all."

"No, of course you're not..."




"He's your brother, Tank! Your own brother! How could you do that to him and just walk away?!"

"You weren't there! If you had just heard what he said to me, you would understand! He's such a fucking asshole!"




"I know what he's like, just as well as you do. You should have enough sense to ignore him when he gets like that!"

"I couldn't ignore it. I didn't even think about it. I just reacted."




"Well, I hear that you messed him up pretty badly. You broke his nose - at least, that's what Johnny said." Tank's eyes blinked at the mention of Johnny's name, and he seemed really worried for a second. "I haven't gone over there yet, but it sounds like you more or less tried to break his face." Buck frowned.




"Heaven forbid I destroy his pretty face!"




"Just keep talking." Buck glared at him. "You're just digging yourself in deeper, aren't you?"




"Okay!" Tank yelled. "So I shouldn't have done it! I know that, Buck! It's too late to take it back now, isn't it?!"

"Why don't you go over there with me and see him?"






"Oh, like he'd want to see me now."

"How do you know that he doesn't want you there? It's not like you asked him."




"No. God, you just don't understand, do you? I can't go to see Ripp. What would I say? He knows why I did it. We'll just forget about it, like everything else."




"Don't you think that this is a bit more serious? With Dad gone, we need to stick together..."




"I just can't go, okay?! It's not going to happen! I just can't look at him right now!"

"Well, do what you want, but you know that I'm right."




After Buck left, Frances entered the room, hesitantly.

"Tank?" he began.

Tank didn't answer him.




"What did you do?"




"Well, that was really stupid of you, don't you think?"

"What can I say? I'm not a fucking genius..."

"What were you thinking?!"




"Well, obviously, I didn't really think about the consequences before I did it."

"Obviously."

"I'm sure it was good for Tank to have something to take out his anger on."




"You aren't about to convince me that you did that for Tank's benefit, because I know that it's bullshit."




"I don't know why I did it, Buck. I truly don't. I just know that I wanted to hurt Tank, really, really fucking badly, and I think I wanted him to hurt me too."




"What?!"

"I just needed to feel actual pain... to feel something."




"Now you're just scaring me."




"Don't you feel numb too?"

"Do you feel guilty about Dad?"




"Buck, the last thing I ever said to him was a string of profanities - you were there, don't you fucking remember?"

"Yes," he agreed. "It would be difficult not to."




"I don't know how to feel. Maybe it is guilt, like you said, or regret. He was just asking me to call him Dad. I should have just fucking done it! Would it have been so hard? And now I can't take back what I said. I can never apologize now."




"Well, we don't know that for sure, do we?" Ripp remained silent and gave him a doubtful, pitying look. Ripp got up from the bed, and Buck hugged him.




"You can cry, you know."

"If I could cry, don't you think I'd be fucking doing it by now?" He was right, and Buck knew it.

"I'm sorry."




"You have nothing to apologize for. Thanks for coming."

"Just take care of yourself, okay?"

"Okay, I'll try." After a pause, he added, "I love you."

"I love you too."




Tank stood alone in the bathroom, staring into the mirror. Frances knew he was in there, but he was afraid to approach him.




Tank had been carefully appling paint to his face, under each eye, just as Buzz had worn it, and staring at his reflection.

This was, no doubt, the only way he'd ever get to look into his father's face ever again.




Tank washed his face clean again. He watched the water slowly run down the drain.








Then he went back to throwing his guts up.




Frances stood outside the door.




"Are you okay in there?"




"Of course I'm okay, Worthington! Why wouldn't I be okay?!"




"Are you sure?"

"Yes! Just leave me the fuck alone, okay?"














When Buck returned home, Jill was waiting by the door. She didn't say anything.




"I'm sorry. I should have called you."




"What's wrong?"




"I'll tell you in a minute..." Buck hugged her. "Just come inside. Please..."

"Okay."




They went inside, and Buck told Jill all about it. He finally let himself cry. Jill stood there with him for as long as it took.








"Go and pack a bag." She directed him. "You're coming to my house for the night. We can sort the rest of this shit out tomorrow..." Buck did as he was told.

Later that night, Ripp woke up to find Ophelia sitting in the chair at the edge of his bed, watching him.




"Phi, you don't have to stay in here, you know..."

"I know, but I just want to make sure that you're okay."

"What, am I on suicide watch, or something?"

"Well... sort of."

"Oh, please..." Ripp rolled his eyes, but Ophelia remained serious.




"I know what it's like to lose a parent. You might not realize it, but you're in a very delicate state right now."

"I will be fine."

"Well, I'll just feel better if I keep an eye on you, okay? At least for a while..." Ophelia's face seemed to be holding back an infinite sadness, that threatened to break free at any second. "Look, I've been there too, okay? You don't have to laugh it off and hide the truth of it from me."




"This isn't exactly the same as what happened to you, Phi."

"No, you're right. It isn't." She frowned. "I was still a child when that happened. I was left all alone." She stared ahead, holding herself together. Ripp wanted to say something comforting and appropriate, but when he opened his mouth, nothing came out.

"It's still very much the same, Ripp, and you have to deal with with the uncertainty of it too. You can't even properly mourn them... if they are dead."

"This isn't as bad as what happened to you."




"No, maybe not, but I still want to be sure that you're okay."

"Well, thank you. I do appreciate it."

Ophelia was silent for a moment, lost deep in thought. "I still can't believe that Tank could do something like this... I didn't think that he was really like that." Ripp huffed out a tiny mocking laugh.

"Does it make you regret kissing him?"




Ophelia froze. "You knew about that?"

"Yeah... I saw you." Ripp sulked. He wasn't angry like Johnny would have been, but he seemed about as hurt.

"Listen, I won't tell Johnny, if you're worried about that. I'm sure that you must have very good reasons for doing what you're doing..."

"Ripp, I'm not seeing Tank. That was just something that happened, that one time. Tank kissed me, but I told him that I wasn't interested."

"You weren't?"

"No. Of course not. We were just chatting and hanging out. I just thought that I'd give him a chance, and I thought that he was a nice enough guy, but I'm obviously not so sure about that anymore." Ripp didn't say anything, but he seemed to be thinking about something very intently.




After some time, Ripp sat up. "Phi, can I have a hug?"

"Of course."




She pulled him into a tight embrace. Ripp held her tightly, his cheek pressed fiercely to hers, and even after a few moments had passed, he did not let go.

"I want you to know that I will always be there for you, Phi, no matter what happens. You always have someone to turn to, okay?"

"Okay..." She choked back tears. He ran his fingers across the ridges of her braids.

"I don't want you to ever feel like you're alone like that again." He felt her shudder and tears began to stream down her cheek and onto his neck.






"Now, please... tell me all about it. I want to know everything."

So she did. She told him everything. Things that she'd never spoken aloud to anyone before. Nobody had ever asked her before, but Ripp wanted to know. Ripp wanted to know everything.




Ophelia started from the beginning. She told Ripp about the day that her parents drowned. How she had found them, how she had tried to do something to help them, and how it had been far too late.




She told him about how she thought about sinking to the bottom of the pool herself, and then later, stricken with grief, she had tried to. How she felt like she would lose her mind completely from grief, and how, slowly, she felt like life was worth living again.

"I still feel that way sometimes, but I'm getting stronger. I still cry about it. it's getting better, but it will never really go away."




"If you ever feel that way again, I want to hear about it."




"Okay."

"I'm serious. Any time, any place. I want you to come see me. Maybe I'm just being selfish, but I want to keep you around."




"I'll remember that."

"The world needs you to be in it. I need you, Phi. We might not have much, but we do have each other, don't we?"

"Yes. We do."




"Thank you," she said. "And, you know... I need you to be there too."

"Well, I'm not going anywhere, alright? You will be lucky to ever get rid of me." Ophelia smiled.




"Do you feel like eating? Johnny's making something for you."




"Oh, he is, is he?" Ripp smiled a very genuine smile. The sort of smile that caused fine lines and wrinkles.

"Do you feel like going downstairs, or should I go and get a tray for you?"

"I can make it downstairs, Phi. My legs aren't fucking broken, you know. Let's go eat."






Downstairs, Johnny was making omelettes, with bacon, and one for himself, made from tofu.




He set the plate down in front of Ripp and smiled. "So, is this to your liking, sir?"

"Yes, of course. Everything is exactly to my liking." Ripp squeezed Johnny's arm.




"Thank you... have I told you lately that you're fucking awesome? You might even be my favourite green friend..."




"Just eat up." Johnny laughed. "I want to see you pigging out. We don't want you wasting away on us."

"No worries, John."

"Good."




They all proceeded to dig in. Ripp, flanked by his two very favourite people, was more than happy to commit that dinner to memory.







  (Continue to Chapter 16...)

Comments

[music-simbol.livejournal.com]

Can I just saying that your shots are getting better and better? It's obvious you take the time to carefully arranged everything, like the shot with Ripp and the flowers. Very nicely done.

I can't say I'm not surprised that Ripp and Tank fought, or rather, Tank kicked Ripp's ass. Both their defense mechanisms seem to get angry first, ask questions later. For a second, I thought that Ripp might be in critical condition, but I know you wouldn't kill Ripp. (You love staring at him too much).

Frances looked so adorable the few times I saw him. He seems like he really cares, but Tank, being the closed vault of emotions that he is, just ignored him. It would be nice to see if Frances can eventually get to Tank, or at least be fleshed out a little more.

For a second, I thought Ripp and Phi were gonna comfort each other in a more intimate way *wink wink*. And so it seems the three muskateers are still going strong. At least there's something that's still stable in this hood.

(BTW, guess which song just came on my itunes? Anybody for a little meatloaf?)

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear that. I put a lot of time into those photos. I spent a good portion of the day at it, on and off. I always use the tab mode to compose the shot. I need all my symbolic imagery in there, afterall. *wink* It's nice to see that you appreciated it.

I remember that you mentioned something in another comment for an earlier chapter that Ripp and Tank would have to have it out in a big way before they could ever get past their differences, and I wanted to say something then, because you were exactly right. I couldn't give it all away at the time, though. They do both have a tendency to lose their temper. They aren't so very different from each other, like they think they are.

You're right. Ripp might have an aura of protection over him, being one of my favourites. He's not completely safe, though, so don't go thinking that he is. I did actually have to kill him to get that shot, but I didn't save the game (the same goes for my liberal use of "romantic" interactions - it doesn't mean the characters are necessarily in love). It was the only way to get the right effect there.

We'll get to see more of Frances - don't worry. Right now, he's pretty afraid of Tank, like you would be. I don't mind telling you now that he will attempt to get Tank to open up. Not that this will be an easy task.

There was a moment there when I thought that Ripp and Phi would hook up too! But seriously, there are a lot of things going on there, but Ripp is as close to and loyal to Johnny as he is to Ophelia, so that always factors in, doesn't it? It's not like Ripp needs to hook up with Ophelia for lack of other options, since he has plenty. What he wants from her, and needs from her, is something much harder to come by.

Yeah, the friends stay strong. Don't forget about little Buck, though. He's quite the rock too. And Jill is always there for him.

Oh, I'm always up for a little meatloaf! Nothing wrong with it!

[saunasims.livejournal.com]

Glee! A new update! :D
I really love how you show the multiple layers, complexities and frailties in everyone's personality. The love/hate relationship between Ripp and his father and Ripp and Tank stands in full detail, and the scene where Tank's in the bathroom.. Beautiful.
It also tickles me greatly how *perfect* their hairstyles fit them all! Johnny's crazy bangs-thing, Ophelia's proper updo, and of course Ripp's ever so silky mane. ;) Will he continue growing it out? If he does, are you shifting to CC? He's one of a few Sims I can think of who'd be able to pull off Nouk's uber-long men's hair.
http://www.noukiesims2.net/Nouk/noukhair2.htm

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

:) I'm pretty happy to be posting updates again too!

This chapter was an interesting one for examining character, since it really is just one day from dawn to, well, the middle of the night. Within that circle of family and friends, I made my way to nearly every single relationship, so it was really interesting to do. I wrote most of it ages ago, all in one feverish "go". I think this chapter really helped me to cement some of the characters, and their destinies, a bit better.

I'm glad you liked Tank's scene in the bathroom. I really feel for him there. He deals with his grief in private, just like someone else used to.

I am so pleased that you think the hair is appropriate! :) Again, I do put a lot of thought into it (more than a sane person probably would). I do try to make it fit the personality. I also tried to keep it as a logical transition from the original hairstyles that Maxis gave them.

As for Ripp's hair... I'm not sure if I'll make the switch to CC hair, and I don't know if he'd ever bother to put it up like that, since he's a lazy slob (though I do like Nouk's hair quite a bit, and I'll probably be using it on a number of born-in sims). Remember that Ripp did have a specific reason for not cutting his hair. We'll have to see how long he continues to grow it.

[sims-gone.livejournal.com]

Well, that was a first. I teared up when Ripp and Ophelia were talking. I am really appreciating your storytelling and your restraint - a lot of people would just say "and then they made out", instead of sticking to the picture of two people who genuinely care for each other in a way that's not necessarily about romance.

I played the Grunts the other day - it's kind of hard to do now that you've given them such a nice fleshing out!

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

It's nice to know that it made an impact on you. As for restraint, it can be tough at times. I do have some fairly long-term plans that will develop slowly, and not everything works out for everyone, which I think is realistic. Whenever I do feel a "...and then they made out" moment coming on, I allow myself to go with it... but it doesn't end up in the story!

I love playing the Grunts just for fun. I discovered something new just the other day (and I'm not sure if it will ever make it into the story in quite the same way, so I'll share). Try getting Tank and Ripp to do the "irritate - gross out" interaction on each other. Tank gets really pissed off when Ripp does it, but Ripp just laughs at all the gross things when Tank does it to him. It made me crack up, since that's exactly how I imagine them.

I have a pic of it somewhere... Wait, here we go:



That's Ripp laughing at something that came from Tank's nose. *snicker*

[redqueenofevil.livejournal.com]

Great update! I'm so glad the trio is back together in force. It was particularly neat to see Johnny take such a nurturing role, especially since he always seems so grumpy.

I hope Frances will get through to Tank. The pics of him are adorable, by the way.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thanks! They have their rough moments, especially considering that they're living together, but they are always there for each other when it matters. Johnny sure does nurture with the best of them, doesn't he? Cooking for and, yes, even bathing his friends. Not bad at all.

Johnny's an odd cat, and the more I figure him out, the more mysterious he seems to me. He's not so much grouchy as he is dramatic. He goes off his head over little things. I do know that if something is going on, he wants to be right in the middle of it at all times. As Ripp said, he thinks that everything is his business.

Frances is very cute, especially when he's all pouty like that. He has a puppy dog look about him. Maybe Tank will come around eventually. He certainly could use a friend, and he needs to get some of those issues off of his chest.

[madame-ugly.livejournal.com]

I'm with music_simbol on the "great pics" comment. I love the flowers in each shot of the Phi/Ripp conversation. But the fight scene just might be my favorite. Ripp's expression. And I know my computer likes to be all slow when I try to zoom in on fights (or in the hot tub--it's the dust/steam) so those had to be a pain to get.

I loved Tank's private mourning. He was forged in the General's image, huh? (and I love sad eyed Frances, watching and trying to help--you know I'm having a "Tank and Frances comfort sex" fantasy RIGHT NOW--I just can't help myself--even though I don't want to see them together in the story).

I can't wait to see Buck at the Smith house. He's going to be completely out of his element, what with Jenny and PT being so. . .NOT like the General. I wonder if it will overwhelm him or if he'll start thriving immediately. Oooh, and there's a baby there, right (or was it twins?). Buck goo-gooing over babies! *dies from the anticipation of cute*

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I don't really have much of problem with slowdown, since my graphics card is really good. It doesn't slow down all that much, even during the fights (I know what you mean, though, since it was like that before the new card).

I was really pleased with those shots of the fight. When I set out to try and get ones that looked like Ripp wasn't fighting back, I thought it would be really hard. I was prepared to have to do it a number of times, but I managed to grab those few images on the first try. I especially like the very last one, which is almost hidden in the dust cloud. It looks like it could be really gentle and tender if it was taken out of context. It was like an extremely violent hug.

I know that you know why it was so essential to get those flowers in those shots with Ripp and Phi... we covered that already, right? Just in case you may have forgotten.

Tank was definitely carved from the same block as Buzz. He isn't completely the same (he's much more shy, for one thing), but he's a lot more like Buzz than the other two. Grunts aren't supposed to make sloppy displays of their emotions in public (well, except for displays of anger).

Wait... you DON'T want to see Tank and Frances together? Now I'm just confused. Is that some sort of reverse psychology? *grin* Well, I can't imagine Tank would react all that well to the idea, especially not at this point in time, can you?

Buck's no stranger to the Smith house. He spent a lot of time there, just like Ripp did. You'll find that they all know Jenny and P.T. pretty well. But you're right too. Buck will find it odd to think of them as parental figures, but being excessively "parented" will be like a nice vacation for him.

Yeah, it is twins - Jordan and Jolene. We'll get to see more of them - as toddlers! Mega-cuteness! The little girl looks a whole lot like her daddy too.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

*chuckle* You think?

Thank you. I felt like it had to end on a bit of a lighter note, after all that (and the last chapter). Nothing like a nice "family" dinner to lift the spirits. I love having an opportunity to show them when they can actually laugh and carry on with each other.

[pixelcurious.livejournal.com]

This is just fucking AMAZING

And I probably said it before, I'd love to have your graphics card, but even more so, your skill at composing a shot. (I am SO dissatisfied with my shots!)

Favorite parts include:

The fight scene. So often fight scenes are a dreary catalog of what blows were struck and landed. (When we go to the cinema, the fight scene is always where I leave for a popcorn refill.) You didn't do it that way at all, you went inside Ripp's head, both with your writing and your images. And his despair really, really got to me.

The shots pulling out from the window, framing Frances, then further and further away into the house... leading to the ones of Buck and Jill at the Grunt house. And Buck standing in the pool of light...

(I like your Buck, yes I do)

And the final scene with the omelets. That was much needed, to bring the three back together again and restore a sense of balance.

Beautifully done, all of it

:)

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :)

I'm so spoiled with my graphics card. I may as well put it to good use. That's why I try to fit in a lot of those zoomed out establishing shots - why not? It's also just nice to give more of a sense of place. I love how I actually know the lay-out of Strangetown really well now, since I can see all the neighbouring lots.

I'm glad you like the compositions. I spend a lot of time planning them out and setting them up. I really ought to have half a clue about composing a photograph after going to art school (these days I only seem to take sim photos, but I have produced some actual photographs in the past), but it's definitely something that just comes with practice, I think. I use the camera mode that you hit tab to go into and just feel around for the right composition. I like the amount of control it gives you. I've heard that screen caps give better quality shots, but I can't imagine trying to do it that way. The camera mode feels more like, well, a camera to me.

I quite like your compositions! I was admiring them just the other day. And you create all your sets so well too. It makes for a very rich image.

I do that zone out at the fight scene too, especially anything drawn out and "exciting". My rules for fight scenes: make it brief, funny, and/or stylized. Avoid fight porn.

Ripp's despair got to me too, but it was worth it. I was amazed at how well those images matched up with the image I had in my head when I wrote that part.

That series of shots moving out from the window was a last-minute edition, and I was glad it occurred to me to do that. I like how it gives it a cinematic feel. I've been using sequences of pictures-only a bit more frequently lately, and I like how it works. I may try to experiment with that a bit more. Sometimes you can tell and not show, and then show and not tell. Why not? We have the freedom to do that.

I'm glad you like my Buck. :) He's the youngest Grunt, and yet the most sensible and mature in most ways.

I love the idea of Johnny happily cooking those omelettes, even though the thought of eating them (and even smelling them) grosses him out. Ripp is lucky to have them, isn't he?

So sad

[zepheera.livejournal.com]

Wow, the poingnant shots combined with the text makes for very powerful emotional transfer to the reader. Poor Ripp looks so depressed. The story segments just keep getting better with every new chapter.

*pitches another tent*

Re: So sad

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I'm glad you think so. It's nice to have a new reader too. *smile*

[indigoleo.livejournal.com]

First of all I have to say, like others have said, that the pictures are amazing. Very nicely put together.

He knew that Tank would never touch him for any other reason, and it felt oddly comforting to be close to his brother.
That sentence alone has to be one of the saddest things I've read. To think that Ripp feels that the only way he can feel close to his older brother is when he's beating the crap out of him is just terribly sad.
And Buck getting angry with Tank and taking him to task for it. I think I've seldom seen Buck be angry. He's usually such an easy going sim. Buck does seem to be the most mature of the three but that's possibly because he is the youngest and he's had time to watch the other two be jerks and so learn that that's not how he wants to react. Even though Tank has just made his youngest brother angry and tried to make hamburger out of Ripp's face I have to say I feel very bad for him right now. Buck has Jill to turn to, Ripp has Johnny and Ophelia but Tank doesn't have anybody. Well, he might have Frances but he's no where near ready to open up like that. I think his brothers would be there for him, too, if only he could swallow his pride enough to say he needs them.

Frances must have the saddest sad face I've ever seen on a sim! And I just loved the pull away shot from Frances's house to the Grunt house. Wonderful. :)

I can't wait to see Buck at the Smiths because then I'll get to see little green toddlers! :D

Two things that have nothing to do with the story but I just want to say...one is that, just for the hell of it, I went and checked out Frances in my game and I was looking through his stats and I clicked on his turn ons/off and you want to guess what his turn-off was? Make-up! That made me laugh.
The other is that, when I started reading this chapter I was listening to CCR and the song that started playing was Bad Moon Rising. I remember you saying you like to pick your music to go with the chapters also but the song seemed kind of fitting in it's own right.
As always, I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thank you. All my efforts paid off, it seems. It's not exactly hard work, though, since it's so enjoyable. *smile*

Ripp really wants to be closer to Tank. The lack of affection from both Tank and Buzz always bothered him. Ripp gets close to people, and he wants to make physical contact with them too. That's why he is always seen reaching out to touch his friends. He's one of those people that will just touch you while talking to you, and it can make some people uncomfortable.

I enjoyed letting Buck get angry. He's angry at Ripp too, but much more so at Tank, since what he did was much worse, and Buck thinks that Tank should know better (not so much Ripp, telling Tank "You know what he's like"). Buck has to step up and parent his brothers, since there's nobody else to take on the job.

I feel really bad for Tank too, but he's ultimately responsible for the situation that he's in. He's the one that has to change it, unless someone really wants to step in there and force him to open up. I wonder who would be willing to and capable of doing that? (Well, I don't wonder... I know.)

Frances seems sad, even when his face is relaxed (in one of the shots he is, and he still seems really pensive). Thanks. I like how that pull away shot worked, so I'm sure I'll be trying out more things like that.

Green toddlers! And a kitten. I'm excited too. I'll get to bring my dear little Buck out into the spotlight more too, which I love.

My Frances is turned off by makeup too! *chuckle* Go figure. He never gave me any doubts about his orientation, really (though I suppose he could like women without makeup - I know hetero guys like that), and it just makes for such an interesting drama with his family. Now I'm wondering how long I'll have to wait before he makes a trip home. I'm impatient! Maybe he'll get a phonecall from a sister or something...

Yes, I can see how that song would work too. I actually had another song chosen for this one originally, and was going to use that Velvet Underground one later, but this really is the moment where that feeling comes forward, so I went with it instead. My other option was funnier, so it didn't really work as well, anyway.

[jessicus.livejournal.com]

Fucking awesome. Everything was so great. Ripp and Ophelia with Johnny in there somewhere ftw.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Why, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I see we seem to have another person in favour of a ménage à trois... you never know. *grin*

[squirrel-tamer.livejournal.com]

God, I love how all the different relationships between the main kids are seen in this one post. The connection between the brothers, the trio’s bond and the friendship between Jill and Buck – all are touched upon and each is really powerful.

It’s been mentioned a lot in the other’s comments, but your shots really are getting better and better. Some of them just have this artsy feel to them that I don’t think most people really think about or focus on. I LOVE the last picture in the fight scene where Ripp just looks defeated and sad. Violence, Tank and Ripp’s form of a hug.

I really do adore the trio and hope that they stay as a trio. So many shows/movies split up trios, because for most people to accept that three people could love each other equally. But I think it could really work in some cases. Each person fills in a part that another lacks and I think they could all be content with one another. Even Ripp and Johnny could work out, I mean it shows a really close bond when you’re willing to help wash another person.

Angry!Buck is awesome. I love when he puts his brother’s in their places. And I like that he’s the connection between the three of them. Without Buck, I feel the family would have fallen apart long ago. I hope that the three brothers manage to build their family back up from where it’s fallen and maybe Ripp and Tank can make some sort of peace.

Poor Frances. He’s never really experienced a Grunt rage before has he? He’s probably never really thought of Tank as a violent person. I hope he manages to break down Tank’s even just a little. Tank really needs a friend.

I hope Ripp doesn’t go suicidal. I don’t think he will, what with Ophelia there keeping watch over him, but who knows.

And oh, poor Tank. He does look almost exactly like Buzz. And he’s always tried so hard to be just like him. I hope he doesn’t lose himself in trying to be what his father was.

I know this may sound silly, but I keep hoping that Ophelia’s flowers will be really significant in the future. Like some sort of healing thing. I mean, Ophelia grew up surrounded by death. Maybe she’s got some sort of connection to it even if she doesn’t really want to have it.

Awesome chapter and I'm glad that you'll be back more often!

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

I love being able to show all the different sides of the relationships. It's really interesting to me. Every time something happens, I run through them all and wonder "what would X think of that?" - I usually let the characters loose in my head to write it for me. Less work for me. *grin*

Thank you. That's my artsy background coming through. I've been really experimenting with angles a lot lately, and placing things in the foreground (sometimes referred to as "staffage" in landscape artworks - like when Bob Ross adds a "happy little tree" to the foreground). I try to make the images interesting to look at.

I was so lucky with that last shot in the fight scene, and I really had to dive to the bottom of the dust cloud to get it. I was wondering what they do down there, so I went to find out.

I find the trio interesting, since Ripp could easily be viewed as an undesirable "third wheel" to Johnny and Ophelia's relationship. Instead he has worked himself into a different role entirely, and they would probably feel that something was missing if he wasn't there. It helps that they were all friends before Johnny and Phi became a couple. Ripp was already there, and now, as he said, they will be lucky to ever get rid of him. Of course, things can really change after college, and when people start getting married. It's much easier to imagine a nonconformist utopia while you're attending university.

Buck does put them in their places, and they actually listen to him too, which is nice. We'll see how well they manage to pull together. Buck can't deal with all the fallout alone. He has a lot of people calling the house, all looking for Buzz.

Yeah, Frances had no idea about the legendary Grunt temper. He didn't see Tank's violent side, just his seemingly meek side.

I don't think that suicide is really Ripp's style, but you never know. Ophelia will be keeping a close eye on him. He does have self-destructive tendencies, though, and that's something to watch out for.

Tank does have to come to terms with what his father was to him, and what he'll be without him there. He's not used to going it alone.

Well, the highest level of the flower arranging talent badge allows you to make the snapdragon bouquet, which has healing properties. So there is that. She will move on to gardening too. She likes to see things grow and live, and it does have a lot to do with all the death in her life.

Oh, I'll try! I'm nearly to the chapter where Olive confronts the Beakers, and I really want to do that one, so I'll be working away at it.

Thank you! :)

[franwi.livejournal.com]

This was great. I loved the heartwarming moments, although I felt bad for the Grunt boys. I guess Frances is finding out that his family isn't quite as messed up as a few others around town.

You had some great pics in this. I especially liked scenes of Tank in the bathroom. He seems to be at a place right now where he'll either take on his father's persona entirely to commemorate him, or he'll let go of the general's regime and follow his heart. I'm hoping for the best. ;)

I love that Buck can turn to Jill and Ripp can rely on Ophelia and Johnny. I actually laughed when I saw the frying pan and said, "Omletes with bacon!" That was a fun moment. :)

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Well, I wouldn't say that. The Worthingtons are no perfect family, by any means. Frances is used to strained sibling relationships, but not so much the actual violence. He also isn't used to brothers, since he has all sisters.

It was nice to get to see those moments where the characters are there for each other, but unfortunately, that has to come with the tragedy of the situation.

Thank you. The thing about Tank, which I'll get into in more detail soon, is that the General's way IS his way. It's true that he followed his father, and tried to make him proud, but Tank does actually want to become a General. Still, he isn't his father, and it might not be in his best interests to do things exactly the way Buzz did them (especially since they didn't even work out for Buzz in many cases).

I liked that last moment too. I knew immediately what Johnny would be cooking, and isn't it thoughtful of Johnny to know exactly what Ripp would want? It's true that Ripp is pretty easy to read in some ways, but Johnny is a good friend to remember these things.

[kin-thalas.livejournal.com]

At least you still have people you can count on, Ripp.

What Ripp said was truly not okay, but Tanks reaction is out of question. Good thing that both came back to their mind sort of; of both use their brain just one time there might be a chance to get along. Strange that the youngest of the three seems to keep a level head and he´s alone at home now. Poor Buck. Good Jill was around.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Yes, Ripp might forget at times, but he does realize that he has people who are there for him always. He's lucky.

What Ripp did to Tank was pretty awful too, wasn't it? It didn't leave him physically harmed, but it was very hurtful and wounding to Tank. Tank's reaction was in defense of his father, and automatic. He realized that he went too far, but not until it was too late. They really could settle their differences if they could just swallow their pride. We'll see.

Buck has way more sense than his older brothers. He knows that he has to keep a level head because he knows that they'll lose theirs. He's a smart boy.

[sinderellah.livejournal.com]

I'm really enjoying reading your stories. I've been playing an untouched Strangetown, and one of Olive's wants was to "invite General Buzz over". Meanwhile they have a real dislike for each other, so I can only suspect she wants to invite him over to join his wife in her graveyard. I hope that's not what happened to General Buzz in your story! Will we find out what has happened to him? I hope so, just for the sake/sanity of his children who have been left behind.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Oh, it sounds like you must have missed the last chapter... it explains what actually happened to General Buzz.

And yes, Olive is enemies with General Buzz when you start playing, and rolls that want. Buzz will actually show up too, despite being her enemy. There is certainly something implied there, I believe.

And yes, the boys will discover the truth, but it might not be for quite a while.

[80sfiend.livejournal.com]

Aww!!! This was so good!!! I love that it started out sad, with the boys dealing with their father's disappearance/death and then ended with a reaffirmation of the friendships with the people they have in their lives supporting them. :D Especially Ripp's circle, as he's my fave. :D

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :) I did like being able to bring the characters together, which is the upside to any tragedy. The situation has brought a lot of issues out in the open, and strengthened some relationships, so it's not all completely bad.

[treesahquiche.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow. Ripp is ... kind of stupid. In an understandable sort of way, of course. LOL, in the shot where Johnny's holding a plate of the omelettes he made, he still looks pretty pissed at having to make omelettes. x)

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Ripp is definitely not all that bright about a lot of things. I think I've been pretty clear about that. He almost failed high school, afterall.

As for the Tank thing, Ripp may not have been completely unaware of the fact that he would get that reaction from him, as he suggested to Buck. Part of him wanted Tank to do that.

Yeah, Johnny does kinda looked pissed there, doesn't he? *snicker* It's his tight-lipped smile (or half-smile, rather). Maybe he's just finding the smelled to be offensive. I actually thought that his expression looked very purposeful and dutiful, like he didn't want to be doing it, but was pleased with himself for being so virtuous. That's SO Johnny. He was just doing it to be a hero.

[aledstrange.livejournal.com]

Dear! that scene of Ripp and Johnny in the bathroom! AMAZING!!! that relation is just getting too close! I love it!
And your shots are seriously good!. Love the transition between college and the Grunts. Such a great idea.!

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Johnny and Ripp really are very close to each other, aren't they? Johnny was always quick to defend Ripp when Tank was picking on him when they were younger, so not much has changed.

[amaryssobellus.livejournal.com]

Random: Ophelia would look good with the Dark Lady Braids from Noukie. http://www.noukiesims2.net/Nouk/noukhair4.htm

The bathroom scene is so sweet. Only a true friend would do that for you. I'm glad that Ripp has sims that love him no matter what. He really needs that.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the suggestion! I have actually used those on another version of her in the past. They do seem to work pretty well. I really like the hair from Noukie Sims.

Ripp really is lucky to have such good friends. He'd be in pretty hard shape if he didn't. Johnny is very protective of him. I'm sure he would have gone after Tank too, if Ripp hadn't told him not to.

[orikes13.livejournal.com]

Okay. Wow.

I had several people I respect quite a bit recommend your story to me, so after I finished the Broke Legacy, I decided to give it a shot. I had planned on reading the whole thing and then commenting on the most recent story, but this one punched me in the gut and I just have to comment now. Hopefully the alerts will let you know this is here.

So much about this story has been heartwrenching so far. Nervous' situation, the strife in the Grunt Household, Ophelia's quiet anguish. It's been built up so masterfully, that upon reading this chapter, I cried. Seeing that picture of Tank staring in the mirror at his own reflection wearing Buzz's make-up, I actually started crying.

And then there was Riff's talk with Ophelia. Holy crap. This is amazingly well done. Amazingly well done.

Now I'm off to read the next one...

[missgan.livejournal.com]

Ripp did deserve that beating, and I think Tank was secretly glad to give it, no? There's a lot of frustration and tension in their relationship, and I think the both of them could have benefited from it - still, it really is sad that the only way Ripp can feel close to his brother is when he is getting beaten up really badly by Tank.

I love all the shots of Johnny getting pissed off in the bathroom. Heh, I love it when Johnny's hero complex comes into play! :D

Poor Tank. I hope he patches things up with Ripp & Buck soon, because he's going to really need his surviving family members with him now that Buzz is gone! :(
That scene with his staring into the mirror, all made up to look like his dad? Incredibly depressing. :(

Poor Buck! I hope he really gets to move into the Smith household. It would be good for him.

Ophelia is really letting her past issues hold her back, isn't she? I don't think she appreciates having escaped from Olive enough. I'm hoping she becomes stronger over the next few updates, I don't think she has enough direction in life right now. It's great that she's got Ripp & Johnny around to lean on, but I really want her to stand on her own two feet, too!

[ohflark.livejournal.com]

I am glad Ripp got the shit beat out of him he needed to come off his high horse for a few minutes.

It was also nice to see Ripp stand up for Tank once and take responsibility for something that he caused.

[pnkpnthr334.livejournal.com]

I got teary eyed again, but this time when I saw the omelet.

I'm sure you're probably sick of my comments, but this is the last one for now since it's almost 2AM. I just had to say one more time that this story is simply amazing! I can't wait to get all caught up. :)

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

It was a nice gesture, wasn't it? ^_^

Thanks for all these comments for far. It's fun to relive each chapter thorugh you again as you comment on them. It's a bit of a recap for me, so thanks for that!

I'm glad you like it. :) Thanks for reading.

[simstate.wordpress.com (from livejournal.com)]

You handled the grief well for all the characters - I could totally understand their motivation for reacting the way they did - awesome!

[olivethegreat.livejournal.com]

This chapter was very bitter sweet and the part with Ophelia made me tear up. =P