The last post left off at a sad point, so this time we start at a lighter place.

 

 

The trio of Sims are exploring a SPOOOOOKY mansion! The look on Bjorn and Mackay's face conveys that Maxwell is responsible.

 

 

The door to the mansion creeks open as they are welcomed inside by a disembodied voice.

 

 

Drapes cover all of the windows, keeping out what little light passes through the dirty glass. A strange aura permeates. Who could live in such a house?

 

 

That Sim in question would be Germaine! Member of Mackay's Orchestral Society club and good friend of the family.

 

 

The group also meet Tyrian a young member of the household. Standing in the middle of a themed room of some description.

 

 

They decide to continue the conversation away from the torture chamber, despite how fun it might look.

 

 

Bjorn whispers to Mackay, "Did you see the scratch marks on the walls?" He isn't sure what to make of it.

 

 

Overhearing their exchange Tyrian reassures them that there is really NOTHING to worry about. No-one has been trapped down there who didn't want to be...

 

 

At least not for centuries anyway.

 

 

The trio continue to chat with the hosts. Maxwell enjoys hearing Germaine's stories about being a cop working the beat during the 80s.

 

 

Speaking of the beat, there seems to be a dance party for one going on upstairs, the guys decide to join in.

 

 

The lone dancer wears an anachronistic blend of 18th century and modern day attire. Mackay recognises him as Lucardo. Occasionally he listens in on band practice.

 

 

Maxwell helps himself to the wine behind the bar. Drinks all around!

 

 

Bjorn would prefer a beer, but... Since Maxwell already poured him a glass...

 

 

Meanwhile, Tyrian is left downstairs napping on the antique sofa.

 

 

Mackay aspires to be a friend of the world, so he is happy to have to opportunity to get to know Lucardo. The two are getting along famously, while Maxwell gets along with his glass of wine.

The evening is in full swing when out of nowhere:

 

 

"Uh, what just happened? Where's my wine glass?" Ponders a confused Bjorn.

 

 

 

Lucardo shifts in his chair in embarrassment. He introduces the mysterious puff of smoke as Electra, his elder sister.

 

 

Throughout the night each Sim amuses themselves in different ways. Mackay mentors his club underling on the violin. "You're doing great!" He encourages, while ignoring his aching ears.

 

 

Bjorn pressures/invites Tyrian to join his gaming club "The Good Timers". "It's for middle aged Sims who like bar drinks and pub games!"

 

 

Maxwell duels Electra in a heated game of logic. Each considers the other a worthy foe.

 

 

Mackay sides up to Tyrian, "You know you really don't have to join his club."-"I know, but I genuinely want to!" he replies.

 

 

Mackay meets Bjorn in the bathroom. This is the least scary haunted mansion they have ever been in. 

 

 

"Let's go home." Says Bjorn breathing out a sigh.

 

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After a long sleep in the Simms household wakes up to a new day.

 

 

While the distraction from yesterday worked temporarily, Bjorn is back to feeling pangs of gloominess.

 

 

By chance Maxwell has come up with an excellent solution to the pressure of playing eSports professionally.

 

 

Invite someone else to play along with him!

 

 

This was just a work requirement? I feel slightly used. - Poor Reid Peltier.

 

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Mackay has another day off and decides now is time to enact his plan:

 

 

Inviting his extremely handsome acquaintance, Paolo Rocco out to brunch. 

 

 

The grinning hostess who looks like a genderbent version of Maxwell is either an ill omen or a good sign, Mackay hasn't decided yet.

 

 

The pair sit down and consider their dining options. Mackay wants the meal to be perfect.

 

 

"Do you like fish?" Mackay inquires, "I am up for anything." Replies Paolo.

 

 

Oh really? Thinks Mackay giving Paolo a sideways glance.

 

 

Light flirtation continues as they wait for their meal. 

 

 

Mackay can't help but think of how easy this feels.

 

 

He finds himself thinking of Bjorn for some reason, how hard it is to talk to him.

 

 

Paolo is so much more easy, so much more receptive to this kind of interaction.

 

 

So much more in sync.

 

 

"I'd like to do this again some time" Says Mackay.

 

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Back at the apartment Bjorn is sitting eating Nigiri alone,

 

 

or trying to at the very least.

 

 

Then retiring to the couch to watch the Romance Channel.

 

 

Mackay comes in fresh, exuberant, confident from his date...

 

 

And greets Bjorn with a big kiss on the lips!

 

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❤️

 

IMPORTANT: Did you know Tyrian is a character adoption? You can track his parallel universe story in Protected: Grauerwolfe. For those who love legacy challenges!