HOW DID THEY MEET?
Characters:
D = Daniel
H = Haruka
S = Stanley
R = Rebecca
M = Maria
E = Elena
LO = Landowner
Characters:
D = Daniel
H = Haruka
S = Stanley
R = Rebecca
M = Maria
E = Elena
LO = Landowner
--A Surprise for Daniel--
Life is full of coincidences and a bitch sometimes, and Daniel Kobayashi felt this on his own skin. One day as he came home from work and couldn't believe his eyes, his apartment burned down due unknown circumstances. He stood there, frozen and cursed himself for not having and insurance, because something like that would never happen. Well destiny wrote story in a different way. While he stood there looking at the smoking building, the owner of the apartment started talking to Daniel. He said, that the reason for the fire was maybe arson, he has no insurance and so there is no chance to get some sort of refund and even has to pay for the repairs, it was really unfair. There he was, with almost empty pockets and nowhere to stay anymore, it couldn't be worse and in top of that he still awaits his sallary for this month and doesn't has much money in his wallet.
When he was about to leave the scene and older looking white haired guy got his attention, he never saw him before, but he stood there and looked at the burning building. As Daniel passed him he started talking: "They almost got me..." Daniel didn't know what the old man was talking about, he also made a quite insane impression as he talked a lot of nonsense in between and tried to talk to Daniel wisely about life, Daniel shook his head and moved on, but the man sticked to him, he tried to shake him off, but no chance... He introduced himself as Stanley Gibs and told Daniel that he is homeless too and that you need a friend in such bad times, he acted like Daniel is one of his close friends he just meet after a long time and Daniel felt very uncomfortable with the situation, he wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible.. "You look like you need some help, i can feel it! And when this happens my fatherly instincts kick in.." The man insisted that they stay together, It seemed like Stanley thought he can play the father role, even though they just met, well he's a bit insane. It came to the point where Daniel was so pissed about his talking and the fact that he just didn't leave him alone, that he yelled at him to piss off and tried to punch him, but Stanley predicted every move from Daniel and managed to get him into a strangehold. He said, that he should cut this hot-headed behavior and start looking forward, with a friend it's much easier. Stanley released Daniel from the stranglehold and he looked at Stanley angrily as he pointed his finger to the sky like he is lecturing him "Believe me, you'll need some help
Daniel beared with Stanley, as he told him about his buisness and how he became homeless and told him that he shouldn't refuse help in such bad times. Daniel sighed and carried him along, even though he didn't want to, but whatever he tried Stanley didn't go away, like a sticky ball you just can't get off.
--A day in the Park--
As they walked t
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The next day when they woke up, Daniel talked to Rebecca and asked her out how she came into this situation, but she didn't want to tell him everything. She just said that she ran away from home due problems with her parents and Daniel saw a few parellels between the two of them, as he had troubles with his parents too, the same fate and brotherly feelings started to raise, but Daniel shuts them down, he was afraid when this happens.
They lived together on the streets for 3 days already, a friendship was formed between the three of them, even though Daniel was always a bit grumpy he didn't really reject them he beared with them. Rebecca always smiled and brightened up the mood with her enthusiasm, she was completely carefree and Stanley was always joking around, trying to lighten up the cloudy mood Daniel always had, they cared for him and he didn't really like it...
This evening they walked through the city and Stanley did some buisness while Daniel and Rebecca waited for him, he came back with a pile of money and he said that this will be enough for the next 2 weeks for us. They didn't question where he had the money from, he was quite mysterious sometimes..
--Damsel in distress--
When they walked along to their sleeping place in the park in the evening they crossed a bridge and suddenly saw a woman with red hair on the edge of the bridge. Daniel doesn't care much about other people, but if someone needed help his inner good side showed up and he can't resist it, a natural human reaction. He ran towards the woman, she looked quite young.
M: "Don't come any closer!!" She yelled. Rebecca put her hand over her mouth and was a bit frightened and Stanley just looked at the scene, shook his head while looking down. Daniel started talking to her D: "Hey, hey! Calm down, you don't really want to jump or are you?" M: "But my life is worthless, he took everything from me.... and he will find me.... and probably kill me.... so it's best to end the misery..." Daniel realized that someone must have used her and took all her money. She started crying D: "Hey stop crying, that doesn't help you at all. Anyways, if you really wanted to kill yourself, you would've jumped already, right?" M: "You are so rude!" She cried even more, Stanley adjusted his glasses and dashed to Daniel with inhuman speed and wispered something in his ear. S: "I would not challenge her my Daniel-son, she seems to be quite fragile...." D: "Shut up Stanley, that's psychology and stop calling me son!" Stanley shook his head again and backed off and continued watching the scene. Daniel turned to the woman again D: "What now, are going to jump?" M: "Don't challenge me, i'm really going to jump!" Stanley coughs in the background.. Daniel's psychology failed, but there seemed to be only one way. D: "Hey look, we also have our troubles, but that doesn't mean that you should kill yourself to run away from the problem, that's actually a terrible solution" M: "But my life is worthless!!" She seemed to not listen D: "Hey.. you can talk to me about your problems, you can come with us we will protect you!" She thought about it and it seemed that this changed her mind, finally she calmed down D: "Ok you calmed down, now take a deep breath and set your legs inside the bridge..." Daniel was successful, she started climbing over and right when she lifted her left leg she suddenly slipped, Daniel's eyes widen and adrenline shoots through his body, he jumped forward as fast as he could barely grab her by her skirt which fortuantely could hold her. She started fidgeting around like a helpless fish D: "HOLD STILL damnit and Stanley get the hell over here and give me a hand!" They both grabed her and used all their strength to pull her over the railing. Finally on the safe side she started crying again.. Stanley stepped forward once again, adjusted his glasses and started talking: S: "You must not fear anything anymore, we are your protectors now, you are now safe!! You are coming with us we take care of you!" Stanley said it straight out Daniel looked at Stanley with a questionable gaze. S: "What? She obviously needs help, so we offer help, we are already quite good at helping each other out in our situation!" Daniel couldn't say anything against it even though the situation grew out of control and simply not how he intended it, but he innerly admitted that this woman needs help. Daniel looked at her, she was still shaky and had tears in her eyes and started talking D: "Soo, now that you are safe... what's your name?" M: "Maria...." D: "And you won't kill yourself anymore" M: "......but my life is worthl...." D: "NO! Don't start again, be happy that we were here to save you! Listen.... i work at the local highclass restaurant, you can visit me there and talk about this at least.... How does that sound Maria?" M: "You would listen to my problems...?" D: "Maybe...." M: "Really?" D: "No..." M: "Awww you are terrible, Daniel...." She started crying again. D:"Arr stop it already!" M: "Don't be so rude, i have a fragile soul you know..?" D: "Alright, i'm sorry! I will listen to your problems, i promise! OK?" Maria's face suddenly brightens up and Daniel is quite surprised by her reaction.. M: "So you will take care of me...??" Stanley started laughing mischievously and thrusted his elbow into Daniels side a few times as sign of encouragment, Rebecca also gave her 2 cents R: "You are going to marry now?" Clearly ment funny but Maria also smiled at Daniel like she was taking it dead serious, quite naivé and maybe an act of desperation D: "Bah! stop talking nonsense guys, we just met.... that's just ridiculous! You give me a headache!! Maria... you visit me at my workplace, if you want and we'll talk about this casually alright?" M: "Thanks.... and i'm sorry for causing you trouble, so sorry" D: "You don't have to apologize, it's alright...." M: "So it's really no problem when we talk about it?" D: "I told you i'll do it... see it as favor" Maria laughs and clings into Daniels arms, Daniel is quite uncomfortable with this and sends her an evil gaze M: "I'm sorry.... Did i make a mistake?" Maria asked a bit confused. D: "We just met and you cling into my arms like i'm your husband, that's a no-go! We barely know each other, so cut it!" M: "I'm always a bit inconsiderate, so i often make mistakes, i'm sorry....." D: "*sigh* Well it's ok, now let's get moving and don't want to stay here forever!" Maria laughs and Rebecca happly yelled R: "Happy End yipeee!" They start walking and Maria continues the conversation with Daniel.. M: "So you 3 are close friends..?" Without waiting and in the knowledge Daniel will surely say something mean, Stanley said it straight out with an loud laugh: S: "YES, we are best friends, you don't have to worry anymore!" Daniel looked at Stanley angrily, about to fight him again and he playfully went into fighting position and set on his maniac grin, but Daniel sighed and turned away from him, seemed he was tired and didn't want to waste more energy, this situation drained him pretty good, so he left it as it is...
On the way the group got to know each other a bit better, it went surprisingly well and everyone seemed to come along each other pretty good. Maria and Rebecca instantly found the same wavelength like Mother and daughter and Stanley was still the insane joker with sudden serious mentality, which swaps instantly to joking and extreme sarcasm and the other way round around again, which turned Daniel crazy and he was always about to jump on Stanley and fight with him. Everytime he did this, Stanley grinned and went into his fighting position, prepeared for a fight, but Daniel didn't want to waste his already drained energy so he needed to bear with him unfortunately. Maria occasionaly tries flirting with Daniel, but he doesn't really like that and Maria starts crying a little bit when he rejects her, but 5 minutes later she seemed to forget about it and tries it again, she has a special mindset.. Daniel couldn't abandon them, but his life codex denied him to get close to them, he just beared with them and realized that this group is not that bad after all, it served the purpose quite good.
--A possible new home--
I
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The four stayed there for a few days already and no one came home, everyone followed his daily life, Stanley played father and Daniel was pissed at his stupid jokes and insanity, Rebecca just found it funny and tried to treat Daniel as a brother and she always wanted him to help her with her homework and she also helped Maria with the food preperation, Rebecca really felt comfortable in this athmosphere, she enjoyed the company of the others, it made her feel safe and needed, something which she hadn't in her past. Daniel still felt uncomfortable with the whole situation. During dinner they promised each other that they will come back to this house in the evenings to meet up again everyday, they made this pact, Stanley insisted on it.
--Reunion with an old friend--
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Daniel still worked in a first class restaurant, even though he was homeless, but he needed the money or otherwise it would be even worse. At work his brotherly boss André told him that he has to shift workplaces for the next days, he's going to work as host. He lured Daniel into this with a good payment offer, he simply couldn't refuse, even though Daniel didn't like the thought of being host. Well he had no real choice and accepted the offer...
After he arrived there was not much to do surprisingly, until he recognized a young woman sitting across him. He walked up to her and said D: "Hi, my name is Daniel, what can i do for you?" A short silence set in and the woman responded: ?:"Daniel...?" their eyes meet and recognition sets in D: "Haruka is that you? ..and what are you doing in a place like this!!?" he said loudly suddenly all people around started looking at them and Daniel started feeling a bit uncomfortable H: "
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Daniel went to the house they found and felt something different, is this now his home? He didn't know... He looked into the living room and Stanley, Maria and Rebecca were already asleep so he quietly went for a free space on the floor and fell asleep.
Next morning Daniel woke up he saw Stanley was already sitting on the table and read his newspaper and Rebecca and Maria prepeared food for them, the 2 were quite careing, but Daniel couldn't shake off his grumpy mood, no matter what. He had this attitude for too long, so it's hard for him to change, while the others happily appreciete the company and the warm atmosphere of shelter...
--A day at work and a surprising visitor--
A
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--Unwelcome guests--
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Everyone was pretty dissapointed, the girl threw them out like rats. They decided to build a small camp on an empty lot near the house and to slowly think about this all while they eat something. Rebecca took her field cooker out of her backpack and Maria started cooking come canfood with it, it wasn't the best, but enough to get through. Stanley started to talk about the residence where they kicked out and looked at Daniel with a determined gaze. Daniel didn't know what he wanted the Stanley said: S: "You have to follow this girl and use your charm to convince her, that we can stay. A . I felt a strange aura around her, she seemed to be haunted by her past, but i could see a spark of hope in her eyes." D: "How the hell do you know that?" S: "Well, i just know it Daniel-son" D: "Don't call me son!" S: "Hyyaa! I'm sorry, it just slipped out my son" D: "*Grr..* Well we'll see what i can do in the next days..." Maria and Rebecca supported Stanley and said that this house is quite homely and beautiful to live in, so they were looking forward to it...
--A job for Haruka--
The next day when Daniel woke up Maria and Rebecca already prepeared breakfast with the help of Rebecca field cooker, which proofed to be a damn handy tool for this situation. Everyone ate up and then left for work and Maria did the shopping and organisation of the camping place, she is quite slow sometimes and has a strange attitude, but she plays the motherrole pretty good.
Daniel stilled worked at the host club to do André the favor he asked him for, Daniel didn't like the job there, but still he couldn't refuse the payment offer so he went for it. During the day a familiar face came into the club, it was Haruka. Daniel was surprised to see her here again and started a conversation with her D: "You are here again?" H: "...Is something wrong with this...?" D: "I was just wondering why you asked for me, do you come here often?" H: "....Once in a while yes....." D: "What are you doing now? Are you still photographer?" H: "..Different things...." D: "Well i see you don't do regular jobs, so sells are going well?" H: "...Actually... things are pretty bad.." D: "And you com
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The next day on the camping side in the park they eat breakfast as usual and while they are at it a mailman comes by.. " Mr. Gibs? Stanley Gibs?" Stanley stand up and walks towards the mailman S: "Yes, that's me, thanks for the letter" The mailman sent them all a questionable gaze and continued with his duty. Stanley silently opened the envelope and looked into it, then his usual silly behavior changed to serious S: "This house is not good, seems like the house is not owned by this girl. We should change our plans" Daniel is surprised D: "How does that come that you changed your plan so quickly? I think we can still work it out" S: "It's not good..." D: "Look Stanley, an old friend helped me with the investigation of this matter, lets first see what shows up in the investigation document" Stanley adjusted his glasses S: "Oh what do we have here, you stopped fighting against your situation and finally adapted to it" D: "Well, it's can't be helped, we don't really have a choice" S: "You make me proud my son" Stanley went into his fighting stance again and Daniel sent him an evil gaze. Rebecca intervened.. R: "Stop, fighting isn't good and doesn't help out situation" Maria laughed and nodded her head. After the tension set down, everyone went after his usual buisness.
--The result of the investigation--
At work Daniel got a visit from Haruka again and they started talking: D: "Hey, you came back." H: "You look good in your worksuit Daniel. You'll make a very good host.." D: "Oh don't start this, you know i hate this job.." Haruka pulled out an envelope H: "I've looked into your request" D: "That's great! Let me take a look" H: "Give me my money..." D: "Hey calm down, let me just take a look first.." Daniel opened the enevelope an looked into the Investigation Report... Her name was Elena Cole, Age: 23, Cole Inc. was listed as company , Daniel recognized the name as it was a very known company. Education: Art student, but dropped out to help with family buisness. Then she ran away... D: "Why?" Daniel asked Haruka in hope she can help him with her cleverness H: "Well.. i can't tell you what her intentions were, but here is what i think...: Cole Inc. is a really big company, which consists of many other companies and she is the daughter... She was engaged of course, with a middle aged guy with criminal background. One of those political marriages, which only serve the purpose to keep the corporation intact." D: "Yeah you often hear about marriages like that..." H: "Then she ran away, because she couldn't bear her situation anymore and her family repudiated her" D: "That's indeed very interresting, you helped me a lot thank you!" Haruka sticks out her arm and Daniel tries to shake her hand as thanks, but Haruka shakes his hand off.... H: "This.." She makes a circle with her fingers and Daniel sticks his finger through, Haruka slaps Daniel and starts tearing up.. H: "Don't play with me like that..." D: "Oh, i'm sorry.." H: "I want to be paid, my fees, banknotes, cash.... to be clear Mo-ney" D: "Alright i got it, but i don't have it now, but i promise you get it ok? You know where you can find me." Haruka's face turned cold and she left, just like that... Daniel got used to her attitude in the past and she didn't change at all, so he didn't care that much about her strange behavior.
On his way home he crossed the Cole Residence again, he fancied about the house, he almost could call this home, a big house was always something Daniel dreamed about and suddenly he could hear a verbal fight inside the lot. He slowly walked closer to the fence and started listening. It was Elena who was talking to a man. They had a heavy fight about the lot, it seemed that she doesn't own the lot of the house and only the house and this caused some troubles. He told her that she has to pay for the land, but Elena didn't listen at all and shouted at him E: "This, is my house" Man: "But, you need to pay for this land, because you don't own it" E: "SHUT UP, this is my house and there is no way someone takes it away from me, did you understand you pig?" After she said that she slammed the door right in front of the man's face Man: "This is NOT over you bitch!" He walks away angrily and Elena opens the door.. E: "Go to hell you asshole, i hope you die painfully!" and she slams the door shut again. The man looked at the door even more angry and started walking away. Daniel was a bit frightened that he had to deal with that woman in order to get a new home in the house, so they have at least roof above their heads...
--Taming the beast 1st try--
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There she was, always at the same place at the fountain and waited for customers she can rip-off and frighten with her terrible pictures. Daniel felt that this is going to be not very easy, he took a deep breath and walked towards her... "Hey you..." "Get lost...." The usual crazy behavior... "Do you remember me?" "Erm no, nothing comes to mind..." "Well remember the guy you kicked out of your house?" "Ah now i remember.... you asshat.." "Why are you so rude?" "My grandfather told me i can say whatever i want to people i don't really know and who are idiots" "So your grandfather is the devil?" "Don't dare to talk so bad about
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Daniel returned to the camping side and Rebecca welcomes him back with a hug and starts talking with him "Hey Daniel, have you been successful?" "Erm not really, she is really reeelly stubborn, all i got is the knowledge that i'm an evil creature and this picture of me" Daniel showed it to Rebecca, and she opened her eyes and is frightened and then faints. "It's not good...." Daniel mumbled and took a seat at the table where Maria already prepeared some food for them and Stanley was quitely reading his newspaper, like he doesn't care about anything else at the moment. The night broke in and everyone went to sleep..
--Taming the beast 2nd try--
On the next day Daniel has gathered new energy from sleep and breakfast and was ready for his second attempt to convince Elena Before he took off Rebecca turned to Daniel and gave him a filled lunchbox, first he refused it, but Rebecca insisted that he takes it with him. Daniel opened it up and it filled to the top with food and he said: "Well that's a bit much don't you think?" "I'm sorry i thought you like so much..." "A boy in your age needs to eat a lot to get strong, so you should take it" Maria said with a smile Daniel gave her an evil gaze and looked back to Rebecca, who smiled from ear to ear "Haha well, don't worry it's ok, thank you Rebecca" Daniel patted her on her shoulder. He took the yellow lunchbox with a cow on it and took off. It looked really funny, a lunchbox which a kid would carry around. Well Daniel didn't care about it and took off to the park, to meet the evil witch again...
Daniel arrived at the park where Elena always waits for customers, she was eating her lunch there, some cheap canfood of the worst sort "You again...?" Elena said in her cold voice as Daniel approached her "I hope it's no problem." "As long as you pay for the paintings it's fine by me"
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He came back to the camping side and felt completly tired from the conversation. Rebecca runs towards him and asked him how it went, but he told her that he is chanceless against her. He can't talk with people really well and elena seemed to be too difficult to handle for him "Well let me help you!" Rebecca said with enthusiasm "Believe me, you can't help me with THAT witch" "Hum.. it can't be too difficult" "you think you could deal with her?" "I'm pretty sure i can!" Daniel gives her a few examples, of how Elena behaves towards Daniel ansd Rebecca ended up crying "That's terrible, it seems i can't help you on this one, i better do my homework and look that the housework is done" "As i said, you can't handle this.... you failed!" "Waaah!" "Hey stop crying it was just an example, don't take it too seriously." "Is she really that terrible?" "Oh yes, even worse...." "Oh i'll do something else" Rebecca sits down on the park table and starts doing her homework. And another day ended...
--Taming the beast 3rd try--
The next day Daniel had to try it once more, this girl couldn't be that cold, she must have some common sense in her. He approached her on her usual spot at the fountain and she was painting something.. "It's gotten hotter recently.." "......" "Isn't it difficult to do your job in this heat?" "......." Elena ignored him "Well in your house it must be very cool, it looked very homely there. We felt something nostalgic when we were there, it felt like we had a home and it gave us
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Again he returned to the camping side in the park completly discouraged, and Rebecca ran to him again. "No success again..?" "No not really, i just got another painting which is even worse than the last..." "Let me see it.." Daniel showed it to her "Eeeek!!! That's very scary, i don't want to look at it!" She was a shocked "I hear strange sounds from your tent at night and there is a cold creepy athmosphere around it" "Strange sounds.... maybe it comes from the picture" "Yeah... it's quite scary" Daniel decided to take a look into the tent and found the first picture from Elena in there. Rebecca said with a frightened voice: "I believe it's cursed...." "It probably is..." "..We should get rid of the pictures...." "Well you are right, i don't like them either... we should burn them." Daniel tried to burn them, but they didn't catch fire somehow "It seems i can't burn them and they're not even wet!" Rebecca put her hands over her mouth, still frightened "Well i just have to tear them apart then..." it was strange, it wasn't even possible to tear it apart "Argh, it seems that these paintings are really cursed, it would be best to burry them then" "NOO! that's the worst thing you can do!" "Why do you think that?" "It would just contain the curse!" Rebecca's imganation took her over, she talked like a silly little girl, but it was quite funny for Daniel "I can also remember i cut my finger and some blood got on it..." "Oh my God" Daniel somehow enjoyed to tease her with scary stuff, because she is quite jumpy about it, so he continued with it and to enjoy himself a little bit..
--Taming the beast 4th try--
On the next day Daniel walked to the park again and tried it once more to convince Elena, it couldn't be so hard. She saw him coming already and knew what awaits her "You sure are persistent.." "Well i just like your paintings." "Is that so..." Elena points to the chair at the fountain with a cold expression on her face and she started painting again in her usual manner. Daniel started talking about the house again carefully "So you own that house?" "Yes, it was in my grandfathers possesion, before i signed the paper... so it's mine" "No one said you don't own it." "There is someone..." "Who is it?" "A persistent old man...." "The land owner maybe?" "...How do you know that..?" Daniel needs to be careful, this was part of the investigation report, so he couldn't really know it "... just a feeling" "Now this landowener tells me to leave and i can't let this slide.." "Then have your grandfather tell him that the owner changed" "He passed away...." Daniel remembered reading about it in the report "Oh i'm sorry..." "I can't forgive you." "What do you want me to do?" "I was kidding." "When your face has this cold expression, i cannot tell what you are thinking." "You gave me the opening, so it's your fault" "What do you mean by opening? Like... that your hair is messed up, because you sleeped bad again?" "Shut up or i'll kill you!" "You are the one who's talking." "You need to learn to shut your mouth. I'm older than you, so it's fine to talk like that.." She seemed the type of person who talks to younger people like she wanted to "So anyways, you are having trouble, because the landowner is after the land?" "I'm not in trouble, or anything.. You sure like to pick on depressing things." There she said it, Daniel seemed to make progress. Took a while, now he tried to be as careful as possible and put on a smile "If that's so, do you want me to help you?" "No thanks" Daniel's mood went down again, she seemed to be more stubborn than he imagined, like a big wall you aren't able to climb up. Seemed all his hard work was for nothing.. "Fuck..." he muttered to himself. Elena threw water at his face "*cough* Hey!" "You are so vulgar" "Yes ma'am" "Don't say that again!!" Elena looks angry "Listen, i just told you i would help you. You did understand that right?" "Yeah..." "It's called kindness, warmth, to care for someone who is in trouble, one of those valueable instagibles." "That's true." "Why are you refusing my help?" "I don't need any help" "Arrrrgh... Why can't you just accept kindness from other people" "Is that what it really is?" "Huh?" "Can you promise that your kindness comes from a pure heart, which is completely, ultimately without fail and full of human compassion?" she took a deep breath "Can .. you.. say.. that!!?" "Well considering this, it's a bit...." "See, i told you so." "Hey ho
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--Maria cafeteria incident--
The next day when Daniel went home from work, he took the route through the city and suddenly he saw someone knocking on the window of a café, like the person is in trouble. He looked closer and he saw the bright red hair and there he knew who it was... Maria. This woman always attracted problems, she was a master in this. Daniel wanted to just turn and run away, as Maria only ment problems due her sillyness. She made a face like she is in serious trouble, like she said "Help!" without words. Daniel got it and entered the café hesitantly...
D: "Hey Maria...." M: "....Daniel, i'm so glad you are here!" Daniel sighed and sat down on the table across from her. D: "So Maria, what's up..?" M: "..Money, it's money.." Daniel instantly thought where this is going, money+women could only mean problems he thought so he tried to fool her a little bit, in the meanwhile he ordered a coffee from the waiter D: "I don't have any money." M: "Oh noo... it's over" Maria looked like she was about to faint, Daniel gulped down the coffee in one sip... D: "So.. when you are so poor why do you come to a place like this?" M: "I didn't realize that i forgot my money until i got here... but yes i am poor..." Maria shrinked back into her seat D: "If you can't even enjoy your morning coffee there is something wrong." Maria clasped Daniel's hand with a sad face and he pondered M: "I wanted to talk to you and ask for your advice... but you weren't at the adress you gave me..." D: "Ah.. oh yeah.." M: "Could it be that you tricked me" D: "Erm no that wasn't my intention." Daniel remembered that he gave her the adress of the Cole Residence. D: "Some stuff happened... but anyways there is no reason that you have to ask me in particular." M: "But... i don't have anyone else i can talk to and you promised to listen to me...." Daniel innerly sighed and thought that he has bad luck lately and that he attracts misfortune like a magnet... D: "Don't you have any relatives you can turn to?" M: "Huh..? How did you know....?" D: "Just a guess...." M: "That's why i have no one to turn to" D: "Well you could always try it your own." M: "... I'm not good at that..." Maria made swirls on the table with her finger, like she is very nervous about the situaion. D: "Then why don't you marry someone?" M: "I did." D: "What? You are married?" M: "To be more precise, i was.... it turned out my husband was a marriage fraudster" D: "Alright... don't tell me more.." Daniel knew where this was going and he didn't want to load himself with more misfortune than he already had. D: "So you need money for the coffee?" M: "So you lend it to me...?" D: "How much do you need?" M: "5 Simoleons..." Daniel grabed into his pocket and pulled out a coin and handed it to her and when Maria tried to take the money he closed his hand. Maria made a sad face again.. M: "Why are you always so mean....?" D: "Well, i had to deal many weirdos lately.... and you are one of them!" He threw it straight out at her M: "Aww....." Maria shrinked back and droped her head D: "If there is something i hate, it's sappy relationships. I don't mind to listen to your problems, i promised you i do this for you, but i can't help you with everything. My life is hard enough as it is." Maria shrinked back even more D: "So i give you the money, but i don't lend it to you, i give it to you" Maria's face suddenly brightens up M: "Really..!?" D: "Yeah... i don't want you to feel indepted to me, so i just give it you." M: "That's alright, i'm pretty good at forgetting anyways" Daniel sighed M: "I bet i forget about this really quickly." She said this with a straight face, Daniel wondered about her behavior and looked at her a bit pissed. M: "Aww, don't make such a evil face..." Daniel droped a coin onto the table. D: "Here, it's yours, that's it." M: "Thank you soo much Daniel!" D: "...Just try to not forget your money next time..." M: "I will! Thank you again!!" D: "Later..." With that Daniel left with a very high stresslevel, he lighted a ciggarette and inhalted a deeply and moved on...
--Haruka finds Daniel--
On the next day at the camping side in the park, Rebecca told Daniel that people are watching and she felt a little bit uncomfortable about it. Daniel quickly thought about it, if it's the police it would be very very bad, as they don't like homeless people, obviously. He checked the sorrounding area and saw a pair of eyes hiding behind a pole watching them, while they were eating. D: "Haruka...." He hurried over to her. D: "Haruka! What are you doing here?" H: "You've really fallen..." D: "Leave me alone.." H: "I couldn't find you anywhere.... and now i find you at a refugee camp" D: "I can't help it.. i lost my apartment and until this situation gets straight, it's the only way.. Well.. what do you want?" H: "Money." It came straight out and she put out her hand, seemed like she wanted her money for the investigation she did for Daniel D: "I don't have it right now..." H: "...When will you have it...?" D: "When i get outta this situation here." Haruka sent him a piercing stare H: "Can you do it?" D: "Hell, if i know..." H: "You are really bad with money now... Back then...." D: "Stop! Leave the past out of this.." H: "I don't want to talk about the past either, it touches a nerve..." D: "Did you come here to make fun of me?" Haruka looked away H: "I need money, i really need it...." D: "Look, i'll get you your money as fast as i can, just this month until i get my payment from work." H: "I want that on paper...." Daniel pondered as Haruka pulled out a paper for him to sign it. H: "Bye.." Daniel grabbed her arm. D: "Hey wait! There is something i need you to do, if you want the payment to go smoothly" .....
--Daniel goes to Elena with Haruka--
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Haruka looked at Daniel "...I feel uncomfortable with this.... why do i have to do this?" "I explained it you countless times...." Daniel told her in a soft voice "You help me -> i get a place to live -> my life returns to normal -> i can pay my depts" "I understand, but...." The door of house opens and Elena shows up "Come in.." Elena led them inside to the living room and offered them a seat. Elena's acted in her usual cold attitude and didn't treated them as guests. Daniel looked at Haruka and she seemed very uncomfortable with the situation and had a
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E: "Ahem..." D: "What?" E: "Even if you help me, i'm not going to lend you this house.. i live here you know." Haruka wispered to Daniel H: "Just agree with her, i think it will be fine.." Daniel turned to Elena again D: "Don't worry about this, we'll take care of this." E: ".....Really.." D: "Well, shall we call it a day?" E: "Hold on.... i'll get some tea.." Elena dissapears in the kitchen and Daniel wondered as this is something someone would do in the beginning, but Elena seemed to not have guests very often D: "Thank you Haruka, you helped me alot with this.." H: "It's fine.... i'll just add it to your fees" D: "I thought you would say that." .......
When they left the house is was evening already, the dawn filled the sky with red color... H: "Hey Daniel..." D: "Hm?" H: ...Are you planning to live in this house?" D: "If everything works out that way, yes." H: "..... ...... Are you going to change?" D: "Huh?" Haruka suddenly stops a few metres behind Daniel. With the sunset in her back she gave him a judging look H: "Once again you take a step forward..." D: "What do you mean?" H: "You amaze me Daniel.... you are strong.... unlike me...." Suddenly she turned away with tears in her eyes and ran off, Daniel stood there unable to see why she was crying, the only thing he could do is watch her leave. Haruka seemed to carry some sort of burden with her, but Daniel always kept distance to Haruka, it was the way their relationship worked, it was always connected with money.
Daniel arrived at the camping side and was welcomed by Rebecca... R: "Hey Daniel! Was someone there?" D: "Yeah, kinda... is dinner ready?" R: "Yeah some delicious canfood again" Rebecca laughed and Daniel patted her on her back and they started walking. Daniel thought about the situation... "Am i really going to change..? I don't know...?" R: "What's up Daniel..?" D: "Um nothing..." R: "Let's go home!" Rebecca was always cheerful, like the sun followed her around D: "Home huh..?" Daniel smiled bitterly, they didn't have a real place to go home to..
--Daniel, Haruka and Elena go to the landowner--
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--A family?--
They went home again, Elena went head front, Daniel and Haruka went side by side behind her. At the camping side Rebecca was already waiting for them with her usual happy face, she waved them as welcome. D: "..Are you finished with the work for today?" R: "Yup, with no problems at all." Stanley showed up S: "Rebecca, that bag looks heavy..." D: "When did *you* get here?" S:"Let me carry that for you.." Daniel felt ignored S: "Hmmm that weight... that must be a stack of porn rags" Stanley always spewed around a strange humour sometimes R: "Porn rags...?" she asked with a very confused face. Daniel punshed Stanley, and he put on an evil grin and gets into his fighting position. As always it escalated into a trial of strength.. D: "Stop saying such things to a young girl!" S: "Har har, It was just a cute joke Daniel-son" D: "...And stop calling me son damnit!" S: "You need to lay off your short-tempered attitude my son." Stanley grined and went into his fighting position once again D: "Just die..." Daniel gave up, there was no hope for Stanley, he is just an insane idiot. Maria also showed up, she carried some shopping bags M: "Hey Daniel i was shopping together with Rebecca today, it would be so great, if we could all go together one day." D: "Yeah..." Maria clinged herself into Daniel's arms and he started staring at her. Stanley let out a mischievously laugh in the background D: "Wait.. what are you doing here?" M: "Yes?" D: " 'Yes' wasn't excactly what i was after." Daniel continued to stare at Maria D: "No, i don't love you." M: "Heheheh... you sure have a lot of friends here. Mind if you become one?" D: "Well, you became.." S: "Mom, what's for dinner?" D: "She's not 'mom' !" M: "I'm not that young is there a problem? D: "That's not what i meant.." S: "You pervert!" D: "Bastard..." S: "Anyways, i'll introduce her once more - we've got a new mother." D: "That's a bit of a stretch" S: "Don't sweat the small stuff." D: "That means we are one more." S: "It's not like we added a hundred people, you know.." D: "Damn right.." Maria pulled on Daniels sleeve M: "Am i a bother..?" D: "Well..." R: "We want Maria, she is a great cook!" S: "We need a mother who cares for us!" D: "Bah do whatever you want, i give up..." then they all followed Elena into her house.
Daniel went into the living room, pulled out a pollow and sat down. He lighted himself a cigarette and took a deep drag... as the nicotine rushed through his body he felt relaxed. They finally had a roof above their head, it was a very relieving feeling for Daniel as he puffed away on his cigarette. D: "... this was quite a mess, but it looks like things are settling down." S: "Bravo, bravo!" R: "Oh, i'll go cut the watermelon." S: "Oh, you have one?" R: "That's what you carried for me..." S: "Hmm, and i thought it was porn magazines." D: "Jeez... cut the dirty jokes Stanley.." Suddenly there heard a terrible scream from the kitchen D: " *cough* *cough*" Daniel looked to where the screams were coming from, suddenly Rebecca ran into the living room and blood was dripping from her finger. R: "Heheh.. i just cut myself a little bit.." D: "A little...? You're covered in blood" R: "Huh..?" Rebecca looked at her finger R: "What there was this much?? Oh God!!" Maria showed up M: "Oh my, what's wrong? Maria looked at Rebecca's bloody finger. "Oh..." and then she droped like a sack of potatoes, the blood was too much for her. D: "She fainted! But more importantly, Rebecca, give me your hand." R: "Blood transfusion, i need a blood tranfusion, quiiick!" Daniel looked at the cut, it was really deep cut D: "Idiot, be more careful." R: "Sorry! I'm sorry, so sorry, i'll be careful from now on..." D: "Come with me." Daniel got some bandages to patch her up D: "So.. this will do." R: "It huurts!" D: "If it hurts, that means it will heal. I'll cut the watermelon." H: "...This is so noisy" D: "Just hold on." With her legs splayed out, Haruka sticked her tongue out at Daniel.
Elena sipped on her tea and suddenly said "Well... all of you get our of here!" The athmosphere froze up, everyone looked at Elena. S: "Hmph.." E: "I don't want you to get used to living here." M: "We... um.. we don't have anywhere to go.." E: "No place to go?" M: "That's right, it's been a tough time. It's not easy living outdoors.. Even, if you have a tent, there are bugs, right?" Maria was really fired up about it. E: "Oh! now i understand.... Get the hell out of here!" M: "Awww...." Haruka mutters to Elena "Inheritance fees and rent...." This time Elena froze up D: "... Can you afford them?" E: "Inheritance fees...?" D: "Master Haruka explain it to her..." H: "... W-well, once you've registered your inheritance, you've got 10 months to pay inheritance tax to the tax office of your jurisdiction. When you take deduction and the rent into consideration, it comes to about seven or eight thousand simleons." Haruka taped away on her calculator, something she carried with her all the times. she's a woman for whom effort correlates with reward. E: "....." D: "Hey, you don't use every room in this house, do you?" S: "Yeah, if you let us live here, we'd pay our fair share." M: "Yeah and cleaning the whole place must be a lot of work and more than anything, it's got to be lonely." D: "You rent the land from the land owner and we rent some rooms from you. what do you think?" E: "No." D: ".... and it's not like we will stay here forever, if the time comes, we'll all move out." E: "And when is that?" D: "I don't know, every one of us has out own life to live. It's just that we need a place to stay for a while." D: "I apologize for tricking you, but i'm begging you." M: "I'm begging you as well.." R: "Me too!" E: "Kuh..." Elena shrunk back, it seemed her fortress started to crumble. S: "You know what they say - in times of trouble, people should help each other out." E: "It's not like i couldn't pay for it.." H: "You can?" E: "...." As Stanley saw Elena's hesitation, he pushed forward S: "In fact, i have a proposal for you." D: "A proposal?" Stanley crossed the room and stood next to Elena. He put his hand on her shoulder and sent out his loud voice. S: "Let's make a family!" *silence* Then suddenly everyone "... Huuuh?"
S: "Now then i want you to read the plan i have for you." Stanley turned back to the whiteboard and started his presentation. S: "In short, we all have our reasons to be here. Some have nowhere to live - others, no money. Some need a place to escape to, others have no one to rely on, and still others want to start over. Let the six of us, then, work together to further our own interests. Now this..." He pointed on the word interests "...we are now officially a family! Taking this form, would bring us many great efficiencies and rather than the six of us fighting their problems on their own, we fight it together as a team! What's more, it's better for our morale. In other words, this is a type of contract. In consideration for help from others, you agree to help others too. A series of rights and obligations - that is to say, a family." Elena lifted her hand S: "What is it Elena?" E: "This all sounds like a big hassle..." S: "Hmmm, does anyone else has a question? Maria what about you?" M: "Erm.. umm... what should we do, Daniel?" D: "Don't ask me.." S: "And you Rebecca?" R: "Haa... a family, huh ...?" S: "That' right, it's called family, because it involves each of us working towards out mutual benefit." R: "A family..." S: "Rebecca?" R: "I think it would be great!" She got on her feet really quickly "I really think, it's a very good idea!" She was very excited about it "It would be fantastic!!" S: "Oh, you think so? Well.. i thought it was pretty good too. Hahahaha.." With this Stanley was in high spirits R: "It's a really really great plan! I'm all for it!" S: "That' heartening to hear, wouldn't you agree Daniel?" D: "........" R: "I'm sure it will work really well with the six of us!" M: "Hmmm, you could be right. It might be a pretty good idea." R: "Like totally, right?" Rebecca was very happy at this point M: "Yeah there are certainly advantages in working together than working alone." R: "And besides, it'll be fun. When you have a problem, there would be someone who you can talk to." M: "Yes, that's right." S: "See, i've thought about everything, hehehe." D: "....." S: "Haruka, what do you think about it?" H: "Huh..? You're counting me in..? Haruka always was a bystander in this whole thing, but she astonished now. S: "The more the merrier!" H: "I don't have anything to do with this." S: "Daniel will pay you." D: "You old bastard.." H: "I was just here to help him.." S: "Oh, come on now." E: "I'm telling you, this is all a big hassle..." S: "Daniel... let's hear your opinion!" Daniel thought about it carefully, he didn't have anywhere to go, his apartment is gone, for now it was the only thing he could do, even though he prefered to be alone... it was just temporary, but it was a chance he had to take "I agree." M: "Ah..." Maria smiled as though she was happy from the bottom of her heart R: "I'm glad.." Daniel thought, if it was something to really be glad about.. D: "Wait a minute..." Every one stared at him "...i'm not agreeing." S: "Hey, after you said something you can't take it back." D: "Shut up." S: "How dare you tell your father to..." D: "SHUT UP!" Daniel got really riled up M: "Daniel..." D: "What do you mean family.. we here? That's a load of rubbish!" Daniel was filled with anger S: "Just settle down a bit." D: "NO." Daniel moved away from them and Elena and Haruka also took a step back, it was just the others who got excited about it. Daniel looked at the things calmly, he looked back on his old life, the man who lived his whole life alone. D: "To tell you the truth, i'm tired. As an individual, i don't mind helping people out once in a while. However, this is entirely different." Everyone silently looked at Daniel. "Don't you decide who my family is!" The athmosphere grows deadly quiet. Daniel looked around at each one of them. Elena looked down onto the others with her cold eyes. Haruka who just watched silently. Rebecca, ever cheerful. Maria, who could only depend on others and Stanley, who does nothing but stir things up. A family which consists of strangers? D: "I've never even heard of such a sorry-looking family." M: "Daniel..." D: "I don't want to have anything to do with playing house." R: "Ooooh..." D: "That's why i'm against it... and above that it's only a burden for Elena right?" E: "...." Daniel turned his back to them. E: ".... Where are you going?" D: "For helping you out. I'll be staying for the night. that's all." Daniel went out the hallway and leaned against the wall, the cold from the floor and wall helped him to soothe his heightened emotions. He lightened a cigarette and he could hear the other talk about the situation without him....
R: "Daniel is angry..." S: "Hmph, talk about delicate." R: "...It might be because he doesn't like me..." M: "Rebecca, that's not it at all.." R: "No... I'm sure that's the reason.... i see no kindness in his eyes, i can tell... but... i'm not criticizing him, it's all my fault." H: "...Sounds more like you're defending him." R: "Ooh...." S: "Don't worry, he's just awkward." H: "I vote against it.. The reason, i wasn't part of it anyway... Elena, may i stay here as well, just for the night?" E: "Go ahead..." S: "Come to think of it, we haven't heard your opinion yet Elena. How do you think about it? In terms of gain and loss, it's not bad after all." E: "........ ... Let me think it over tonight." S: "May we stay here while you think about it? You're fine with that, right?" E: "I guess it can't be helped.." S: "Thank you." E: "...hmph." Elena walked out in the hallway and looked in Daniel's way. E: "Don't drop ashes on the floor, okay?" Then she went upstairs to her room and Daniel continued to puff his cigarette, it was very relieving for him....
--Something pink...--
After a while Daniel grew sleepy. He looked around and everyone was asleep already. Haruka was lying on the ground with a cigarette butt still in her mouthcorner, she sure lived dangerous. He needed some sleep now and before he went to sleep he wanted to relieve himself before he went to bed and headed for the bathroom. He opened the door and found Rebecca asleep inside... D: "Gaaaah!" R: " Zzzzz.." D: "Don't you give me a 'Zzzzz' !" R: "Huh..?" D: "Wake up" R: "....Daniel?" D: "You picked one hell of a place to sleep." R: "Huh? What? I wonder what's gotten into me?" Rebecca was in a half-asleep daze "Oh, no... I fell asleep, i'm so..." She stood up and something fell down, something known as skirt and Daniel catched something pink between her legs, something known as...... panties (perverts!). Daniel raised his eyes and Rebecca was stunned. D: "Uh..." R: "Eeeek!" Rebecca was frozen R: "Uwaaaaaaaaaaah?!" Rebecca quickly tried to cover her front and stepped back reflexively. The toilet was right behind her and she fell backward. Daniel hurriedly reached out for her wrist to stop her fall, but that was the wrong thing to do, her hand was covering her groin. She flipped backwards onto the toilet and her panties were in plain sight again.... D: "I'm..." R: "Noooooooo!" D: "I-I'm sorry!" Daniel quickly left the bathroom, shut the door behind him and dropped on the floor exhausted.. D: "Why the hell does stuff like this always happen to me...." Daniel felt frustration. A little while later , Rebecca opened the door and came out. R: "... Hi..... I'm sorry that you saw me in such a shameful state.." D: "It's okay." R: "When i sit in the bathroom for a long time, i get sleepy.... I've got no sense of urgency." D: "Let me apologize..." R: "Ah, no, please don't let it bother you." D: "I'll forget about it.. and you should too." R: "O-Okay.." D: "And next time you fall asleep, do it in an appropriate place." R: "Yes, I will." She walked away with slumped shoulders, but then turned her head back to Daniel... R: "By the way, i'm glad." D: "Hmm?" R: "You were so mad, i didn't think you'd talk to me again." D: "I wouldn't do something as childish as that. But... i'm not interested in playing family." R: "....." She twiddled her fingers "Could it be, that i've been offensing you this whole time?" D: "Huh?" R: "... It's me, isn't it? the rwason why you are always in such a bad mood.." D: "What are you talking about..." R: "That's just the feeling i get." D: "This is how i always am." R: "You're a little different with Haruka." D: "But Haruka..." Daniel was at a loss for words. R: "There's nothing special about me, and i know I'm not the type people like, but..." D: "I don't hate you." R: "But you don't like me." D: "Affection.... is that really the issue? It's been less than a month since we first met." R: "B-but..." D: "Describing things in terms of 'like' and 'hate' is weird to begin with. When we met, we were strangers." R: "...." D: "And we are strangers now.. and no matter how many years go by, we'll still be strangers." D: "Fantasizing is just going to end up hurting you, you know..." R: "Huh?" D: "When you invest your emotions in a relationship with someone else - it's tough for you." R: "... I see.... are you speaking from experience?" Daniel lighted up a cigarette D: "... Just go to sleep." R: "O-okay.." Rebecca nodded her head and went back to the living room. D: "Shall i sleep here right in the hallway?" Daniel thought loudly. The living room was crowded and there were no empty rooms in the house, everything was filled with old stuff and cobwebs. The cool night breeze found a way into the house and hit Daniel, he came to the idea that he could climp onto the roof from the second floor balcony, he could sleep there without interruption. Daniel felt excited to sleep on the roof, so we went upstairs and took a look.....
--A cool night breeze on the roof and a surprising visitor--
D: "Wow.. that's quite a view up here...." Daniel looked around and saw the roofs of the other houses stretched out before him. D: "This house isn't such a bad spot after all and the cool wind helps me to calm down." Daniel sat down on a safe spot and enjoyed the night breeze. He could do this forever. Daniel finally felt relaxed and thought about the family thing they planed... Six people helping each other out and living together under one roof, the gist what it was all about. He could see that it would be quite efficient and what's more they'd save a fair amount of rent, as the rent for the house divided through six members wasn't that high and everyone could reach their goals much more quickly. Men and women of different age living together, it would be best if they would be seen as family. The house they moved in, a perfect camouflage. The father would be Stanley. The mother would be Maria. The eldest daughter would be Elena. The second daughter would be Haruka. The third daughter would be Rebecca. and Daniel would be the son. It was an astounding shift in perspective for Daniel, he felt like he wasn't the focal point of this anymore. If Stanley was really serious about about this all, he'd come after Daniel for sure. But Daniel wasn't quite sure how he should feel about this, playing family... D: "A family now, after all this time.... what nonsense...." Daniel continued to think about it.... Efficiency was a point, but there would be problem when emotions are involved. Stanley wasn't taking that into consideration. It was just a big coincidence that they all found together, it would be nothing more than a homeless shelter and he thought of making a family out of it, a parody of a perfect family.... *clack* *clack* Suddenly Daniel heard someone behind him on the roof, he thought it
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--Rebecca shows her feelings--
R: "Ah!?" D: "Idiot!" Rebecca started to fall. Daniel jumped for her and he could barely grab her hand before she fell off. It was a miracle. D: "Phew..." R: "It's lonely being al by yourself! I want all of us to be together! No one can live by themselves!" D: "Let's talk after we get you up!" R: "I think the proposal of we all being a family is simply wonderful!!" She was flailing all over the place. D: "Don't struggle!!" R: "Please, please, pleaaaaaaase cooperate with us!!!" D: "Stop moving!!" R: "I'll stop, if you'll help us." D: "Now you're going to force me!?" Rebecca swung around like a pendulum and Daniel's shoulder began to crackle. D: "Ouch, ouch, ouch...." R: "I don't want to be alone... I don't want that... it's just too difficult. I need help, I've no choice but to fall!!" D: "Rebecca...." R: "Fishing for leftovers, being given funny looks at school , losing my friends, coming home without anyone to welcome me back, leaving without anyone to say goodbye to... I'm sick of it all!! And that's why if you're not going help, please let go of my hand." D: "We're two stories up, you know." R: "That's okay; I'll just fall and die." D: "You think you'd die from a two-story fall? Idiot! All you'd do is get hurt and make more trouble for us!" Haruka showed up and yelled up to Daniel H: "Daniel, what's happening!?" Daniel could hear everyone's voices from below, out in the garden, it seemed everyone woke up. M: "Rebecca!!!" S: "Elena, Wake up quickly!" That's right; Elena was sleeping on the second floor, she was the closest person to Daniel and Rebecca. D: "Hey, Elena!" S: "Hey, Elena!" She didn't wake up. D: "... You crazy quack artist lady, just die!" E: "... Why don't you die!" The window opened and Elena sticked her head out and let Daniel have it. She was pretty quick E: "Zzz...." Then she went back to sleep again. D: "Wake up!!" M: "Elena! Please help Rebecca!" E: "Is there a particular reason why it would be necessary for me to do that? No, there isn't... mmmnya." D: "Don't talk back in your sleep!" Haruka rushed into the house R: "Daniel." D: "What?" Rebecca talked softly, so only Daniel could hear her. Are those tears? R: "... Please.. help me..." Daniel asked himself what she was asking him to help her with. To keep her from falling off the roof? ...No... And if that was the case... Why was she asking Daniel for help? What did she expect him to do? Daniel was scared. Scared of Rebecca, or rather of something she is carrying inside her. D: "I.... I don't believe in families." R: "That's all right... If you'll just join us, it would be enough.. But without you, this family won't work." D: "And that's why you need me?" R: "Yes.. And besides that, I think you have the power to draw people together." D: "... I don't have anything like that." Daniel's wrists started to feel numb. Haruka needed to hurry up. E: "Yes, you are completely powerless.... mmn...." D: "Just go back to bed, you cold-blooded bitch!" S: "Daniel, hold on until Haruka gets there. It'll only take an hour." D: "Like hell it will!" M: "Don't fall off; we can't have you die now." Rebecca looked at Daniel with a face full of desperation R: "Daniel.... please...." D: "What?" R: "The family..." D: "......" R: "Please become the big brother to all of us." D: "You're an idiot." R: "Yes...." D: "A real idiot." R: "Yes." D: "You'll be let down in the end." R: "But! But you're holding onto my hand now, Daniel." D: " ... It just happened." H: "Daniel!!" Haruka came out on the balcony, she easily climbed up onto the roof. D: "Pull Rebecca to you from there. Can you do it?" H: "I'll try...." R: "But promise me." D: "You're still talking about that?" R: "Please say you'll help us." D: "Well, if it comes down to this..." Daniel felt a little change inside him D: "... Whatever happens, happens!" Daniel wasn't sure if he was agreeing or refusing. He didn't know. R: "Aha..." But it made Rebecca smile. H: "Reach out and grab my hand!" Haruka grabbed Rebecca's outstretched hand. At the same time, Daniel slided over towards the balcony. Before long, Rebecca was back on the balcony. H: "You too, Daniel." D: "Thanks."
--Rebecca is safe --
Daniel finally got down on the balcony as well. D: "I... I'm exhausted... critically exhausted." H: ".... What were you doing?" D: "Thanks, Haruka." H: "No problem.... I'll just add it to your bill." D: "... How much?" H:" As much as your life is worth." D: "That's steep!" H: "I'd like to know what you think you're worth." D: "Well...." Daniel felt a embarressed by Haruka. "Still, there's not much I can do if you charge me more than i can pay." H: "40 Simoleons will do." D: "My life is worth 40 Simoleons, huh?" Haruka tapped Daniel on the head. H: "Idiot." D: "What's that for?" H: "It's a free tip." D: "Ahh, much appreciated." H: "This family might not be so bad." D: "Huh?" Daniel couldn't keep up with her. H: "It might be good for you too, Daniel." D: "What do you mean? ... Are you going along with it?" H: "Well, I think it'll happen. After all, you're going to...." Haruka kept the rest of the sentence to herself. Daniel shrugged his shoulder and looked to see how Rebecca is doing, nestled in Haruka's lap. D: "Are you hurt anywhere?" She didn't answer. "Hey...?" H: "She fell asleep." D: "What the hell?" H: "... If you look carefully, you can see that expression of hope on here face.... I'm losing to her." D: "Really....?" Haruka stared at Daniel with a supsicious look. H: "Things might not be so easy for you with a cute little sister like her." D: "It's nothing to me." H: "To tell you the truth, I overheard your conversation. That's what happened n the end, right?" D: "Well..." H: "Here, you can have her back." D: "She's not mine." But still, Haruka handed Rebecca over to Daniel and walked downstairs. D: "What is she talking about?" Rebecca happily talked in her sleep, cradled in Daniel's arms. R: "My Brother..." Daniel felt as though a huge, heavy wedge had been driven into his heart. D: "I'm not your brother." R: " Zzz...." She sounded asleep. D: "Augh..." ...
Daniel looked up into the sky, what a night. He started thinking about the situation seriously. Was she really planning on putting all her faith in someone as cold as him? It's was idiotic for him. D: "But... I'm probably an idiot as well. Stanley, who came up this plan in the first place; Maria, who tried to commit suicide; and the tightwad Haruka... they're all idiots. Six idiots. I don't know what's going to happen when we all come together...... But it can't possibly be worse than the way things are now, right? It's kind of sad, how i'm sitting here trying to sort things out like this... But this is the best i can do right now..... You'd better not come complaining to me later, Rebecca.." R: "Zzzz...." ...
--The next day on the family table--
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E: "Thank you for the meal." Elena slapped her cutlery down. She was sitting there gobbling it down, and her plate was empty. She poured herself some tea, quietly sipped it and let out a soft sigh. E: "After thinking about it last night...." Everyone turned to Elena. Her decision.. but with these circumstances, she couldn't say much except 'yes'. Elena might not have much practical, but she was certainly not stupid. They waited for her words with bated breath. E: "Well, could you all leave?" ................ All at once: "... Huuh? " E: "What I'm saying is please leave." S: "That's not what we talked about!" E: "Talked about?" S: "After thinking about it all night, you should have said you'd open wide and take in this family love of mine for all it's worth!!" E: "You're quite a pushy one." S: "Mmmph, flattery, is it?! You've really caught your old man out on this one! Hahaha!" D: "Are you an idiot?" S: "You said you'd go along with it!" E: "I don't remember that." Elena's tone was cold. E: "My secretary did that." "Does she think she's some politician or something? Daniel thought.. D: "She sure is as scheming as one." E: "You're fired." D: "I don't work for you!" M: "I used to be a secretary." E: "So basically, it's her fault." M: "Huh?" ..... E: "Just hurry up and get out of here." R: "No, no way...." Elena was completely serious and looked in her usual grumpy face. S: "Hmph, is that any way to look at your father?!!" E: "Getting angry won't get you anywhere." Stanley played like he was whining. S: "Ohhhh, Elena...." E: "Crying won't help you, either." S: "Hahahahahahahaha!!!" D: "... What are you laughing for?" S: "Bwahahahahahahahahaaaaaaannnn!" He was actually crying. D: ".... You're an idiot." Stanley continued to play whiny.. S: "Nwaaaaaaaan!" R: "Daniel, you sure are good at following up with a -tsukkomi- !" M: "I'm sure he's good at looking after others." R: " Like totally!" "Quiet over there, in the peanut gallery" Daniel thought. D: "Besides all that, hold on Elena. What is your reason?" E: "My reason?" D: "I spent a lot of time on this. The least you could do is give me a reason I can agree with." Elena thought about it.. E: "Hmmm..... I really don't know... for some reason you just piss me off." D: "What the hell is that !!!" Daniel said very loudly. E: "Last night, I think i had a dream about you making fun of me." D: " ... Talk about a vague reason." S: "It's just your imagination." E: "You think so?" S: "There's no doubt about it; it's just your imagination." E: "But is that really the case?" For some reason, elena took out her portable stereo and put it down. E: "I expect the truth will be revealed when i play back all of your conversations last night, which I've recoreded onto this tape." D: ".... Bwuho!?" Daniel spit out some of his food he was eating. E: "That's dirty." D: "Nowhere near as dirty as what you're doing!" E: "This is what you call 'intelligence'. While I was asleep, I recorded everything you said. It's all right here." Elena hit the play button. Tape:" *hiss* ... ... ... ...... *hiss* ... ...... ..... ... .... . .. .. *hiss* ... ... .. *howl* .... . ... . ... ... . . *hiss* .... ." D: "....Hey." E: "What?" D: "Did you literally tape everything last night?" E: "Of course. As I've told you before, nothing gets by Cole Elena." D: "We can't very well listen to all eight hours of it now." E: "Shut up, be quiet." D: "Ughh...." She was totally nuts. Super nuts. Then Elena calmly put her stereo away. E: "Anyways, i like my peace and quiet. I want all of you out of here immeatiately." H: "J-just how do you plan to pay for the house's upkeep??" Haruka was backing away from her. D: "That's right; did you find a way to pay for it?" S: "Yeah, have you?!!" Stanley was a bit upset. D: "What are you, a bystander?! Just how much do you have, anyway?" Daniel threw this question out to her. E: "......" She pulled out her wallet and looked inside. Then, looking upwards, she proudly announced her findings. E: "2 Simoleons...... Is there a problem with that?" D: "You bet there is! That's called totally broke! Geeze, I had no idea that's the shape you were in!" Elena had no plan whatsoever. M: "What's more, you'll get thrown out if you can't pay the rent, Elena." E: "......" D: "Elena, you really need to compromise." S: "With all of us pitching in, you can pay it with ease!" R: "Elena, um.... well..... I..... uh..... could sleep out in the hallway. so...." Elena closed her eyes as if she was meditating.... and then.... E: " .... Well, I'm somewhat unsatisfied, but i concede." "Good! -House: obtained- I've got to admit, I'm happy Whatever it might not be, it is certainly a house. With any luck, things will start getting better now." Daniel thought. That simple logic showed his petty side, but his hopes rised. R: "Let's hang up a name plate." S: "Yeah, that's a good idea." S: "The eldest son is Daniel, the eldest daughter is Elena, the second oldest is Haruka,...." H: "...Huh?" Haruka sent him a piercing glare. S: "Haruka, you're no longer an outsider." H: "An outsider...." S: "Do you really think you are?" H: "Eh...?" S: "Truthfully, aren't you longing for companionship?" H: "...Hey" Haruka let out a sigh. "I already told you no thanks...." D: "Come on, give it a try." H: "Daniel...." she said with a slightly angry voice. D: "Don't give me that look."
H: "....You traitor..... and you still owe me...." She was trembling as their gazes meet, but her words were sharp. D: "I'll pay you, for sure." H: "Oh.... But i get nothing out of it." S: "You can cut down on your rent." H: "....It's pretty cheap right now...." S: "But your current place is a lot smaller than this, right? There's a bath here. Do you have one in the cheap place you're living in?" H: "Well, no it doesn't...." S: "Besides, having you here would mean less problems for us, too." H: "I'm not your troubleshooter." D: "Oh, but isn't that what you do?" H: ".... A troubleshooter." Haruka said this as she slightly blushed. D: "Financially, I think it's perfect here. We can all help to pay for the electricity and food. In the long run, being a family is fairly economical." H: "Hey!" Haruka pulled Daniel out into the hallway. D: "What?" H: "This is no good for me." He said in slightly concerned tone, but she confided in Daniel. D: "You can make your own decision." H: "Tell them no for me." D: "Why me?" H: "....." She had a really hard time with this. Daniel wondered why.... D: "Hey, why don't you stay here?" H: "...... ... Are you telling me that you want me to stay?" D: "That's an interesting way of interepreting it. You know I already know your personality." H: "Shut up, idiot." She said in a slightly pissed voice. Daniel thought, if she wanted to be together with him again, but he couldn't bring himself to ask her that, she'd probably feel hurt. The Haruka he knew up until now would deny it. Daniel realized, there was only one way to get out of this, but it wouldn't be quite fair... but he decided to play his hand. D: "Do you want to sign another contract?" H: "Eh?" She asked surprised D: " .... I guess it would be a contract among realtives." H: "With me?" D: "This time, i would be hiring you. The conditions would entail having you live with us for a while and when I leave here, the contract ends. As for the price, well you can decide. Just don't make it a daily rate." H: "......." Haruka stared at Daniel, suddenly she slumped her head against Daniel's chest. H: "Daniel, you're an idiot." D: "What do you mean by that?" H: "How much do you have right now?" D: "50 Simoleons." H: "... That's enough" She said with a happy face and took the money out of his wallet. "Consider it a deal. I'll go choose my room." D: "O-okay...." That was quite easy for Daniel. then Rebecca showed up. R: "Haruka is only really nice to you, isn't she, Daniel." D: ".... Were you listening?" And all of a sudden Stanley and Maria also showed up. S: "It seems there was something between the two of you in the past." M: "Wow, what kind of thing?" Stanley adjusted his glasses and said "With a man and a woman, well, I'm sure there were a wide variety of options." M: "Wow.... this is a bit of a shock." R: "What are you talking about?" S: "In some ways, there is nothing more fun." he said with a laugh on his face, Maria blushed slightly. M: "After all, it's a favorite gossip topic." The scene was too much for Daniel and he shouted "Everyone, just.. shup..up!" ...
--Seal the deal--
And so, after various tribulations, they started living together. The rent is paid to the land owner through Elena. The amount each of them paid, was based on age and other considerations. Rent was 1175 Simoleons per month. Stanley paid 250. Daniel paid 250 + 50 for Haruka's contract so it was 300. Elana paid 250. Haruka paid 250. Rebecca paid 125. Maria was free of charge, because she did all the housework and the cooking, it was fair and everyone agreed with it. And of course they had to chip in for food and essentials. All things together it was actually cheaper for Daniel, than his old apartment, but he also had to pay for the rebuilding, so it was still a bit tough for him. But still he had a quite good earning at his job at the restaurant, so he was okay with it. He managed to recover pretty nicely from where he was before, he just needed to get rid of the rebuilding dept, then there would be not much to worry about..
S: "I've been defeated. My buisness failed, and i'm being pursued. I need warmth - the comforting warmth of a family's kindness.... is there anything else one could wish for?"
D: "....Me, there's nothing special to say. If i can live, that's fine with me. I lost my apartment, and i'm just happy I can live here."
E: "If we can keep this house going, I have no objections. But there are a lot of things I'm not happy about."
H: " ... Well, I was drawn into this...."
R: "I'm satisfied just to have a roof over my head. I look forward to living with you all!"
M: "...If i don't have people around me I'm a nervous wreck, so.... thank you."
S: "Good, let's have a toast to out family!" All at once: "Cheers!." D: "...Cheers" S: "That's too quiet; once more!" D: ".... This isn't kindergarten, you know." S: "Orders from the head of the family are absolute!" D: "You just want to boss everyone around." S: "Hmph, what are you talking about! I'm only doing what i think is best for our family!" D: "Don't yell in my ear!!" S: "Cheers! Viva family!" D: "Keep it up, you dumbass." H: "....." M: "Th-this looks like a lot of fun, right?" D: "Shut up... hey cheers." Daniel casually raised his glass....
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*Clink* seven glasses clinked together. The sound marked the beginning of their virtual family. To help each other out, they planed to deceive the world as a pretend family. A family for mutual benefit. Will they, who had been forced by their circumstances to participate in this family, truly be able to find happiness...?
To be Continued......
in your neighbourhood
Final words:
I will probably continue the story with one of the storyarcs i had in mind, but for now it's up to YOU to decide how they deal with the situation they are in, if Daniel changes his attitude, or if elena ever becomes a nice girl with common sense, etc... I planed right from the start to make this story open ended, but who knows and hand the challenge to the simmers who download the family. Hope you enjoyed reading and happy simming!
Hey! :)
AntwortenLöschenI'm the first to comment and your number one follower. Woot!
I promies I'm gonna read the whole story ok.
Again, FANTASTIC job!!!
You're Awesome!
NewOne
P.S. Nope I cannot speak German at all and I don't understand anything written here in German but I was just guessing cause I have my own blog so I'm used to it, heh.
Woot! :)
AntwortenLöschenMany thanks NewOne! Take your time with reading, i gonna add some more pics to it. I also switched the language to english, wanted to do this in the first place, but somehow i switched to german.
Hi thank you for this family and the story too they are all doing well in my game :)
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