belsasim

[belsasim]

The first evening in the fully renovated house after spending multiple days in Oasis Springs. Kit prepared his signature chickpea macaroni while Penny helped Aska go potty.

It felt so nice to have dinner at a good table, sitting on good chairs in a nice room. Aska enjoyed her plate of macaroni and Kit and Penny chatted with each other and their daughter. Penny smiled, this was so good for their little family. How far they had come since those awful nights in the motel, pregnant and scared, just her and Kit. Now their daughter was talking about the toddler pool at her grandparents' house, beaming and giggling, happy and healthy.

After a bath, Aska was put to bed, but not without a bedtime story. While she read the story to Aska, Penny dreamed of the time when she could read her own book to her daughter. One day, that children's book will be finished and published, just wait!

[belsasim]

It took a lot of work, a lot of searching the interwebs for nice second hand stuff and some time, but eventually the house renovations were finished.

There was still room for more stuff and personal touches, but Kit and Penny were at least relieved that the old wood and shoddy kitchen had been replaced and everything was safe and looked fresh.

Aska got her own room and felt like the biggest little girl ever.

[belsasim]

It was summer and Oasis Springs was having a heat wave. The Dreamers spent a lot of time around and in the pool.

Halo just kept doing his laps to train for the swimming team at school, while his twin enjoyed some poolside reading. Sarah and Penny made use of the opportunity to relax and work on a sweet tan together.

With curious eyes, Aska watched Rayne as he prepared the inflatable toddler pool. Once she was put in the little pool, she just had the best time ever. She loved it when Rayne splashed the water a little and Rayne was completely enamoured with his granddaughter when she played with her rubber Duckie. This little girl just really loves water, it seems.

[belsasim]

Using a (big) portion of the money his parents had given him, Kit and Penny started to renovate the house. Penny had a nose for finding good second hand furniture to keep costs low. And a few things could be done while Penny took Aska to the Burlesons for a day, but other stuff would take more time and would be impractical while they were being worked on.

So Kit, Penny and Aska went to stay over at Rayne's house while the exterior of the house was being worked on and new floors were being installed.

Rayne and Sarah were all too happy to have them over and spend a lot of time with family. Rayne enjoyed cooking healthy meals for many sims, while Kit and Penny could relax with a movie and chat.

Sarah eagerly volunteered to read her granddaughter to sleep, hoping the little girl could stay awake for just a little longer so she could spend more time with her.

[belsasim]

When Kit was at the base for a workday, Penny either stayed home with Aska, or they went to visit friends, especially when their house was being renovated.

Kit's good friend Adrian had, in fact, a really lovely family and Penny quickly bonded with Adrian's wife Laura. The Burlesons lived with their two children, Marshall and Willow, in a nice house in Shady Acres, a quiet neighbourhood a little outside the centre of Strangerville.

Aska was about the same age as Willow and the two toddlers enjoyed playing together while their mothers were catching up on the latest town gossip and motherhood. Laura was a stay-at-home mom for now, but very creative and handy, dreaming about starting either as a freelance crafter or maybe a small business selling her handiwork and teaching others her skills. Together, Laura and Penny dreamt about and planned for these exciting endeavours.

But Aska also got along very well with Willow's older brother Marshall. She often watched in awe while the boy was experimenting on his science table. Marshall was pretty chill about Aska's curiosity though, talking to her a lot and never denying her a hug.

[belsasim]

After thanking the Commander another time and saluting, Kit walked out of the Commander's office with a big smile on his face, only to find Adrian waiting outside, also smiling broadly.

Adrian: "Congrats, Warrant Officer Dreamer!" Kit (trying to frown, failing badly as he was smiling too much): "You knew? Not cool, Adrian, not cool..." Adrian (giving him a wink): "Dude, I couldn't resist. And then you were sweating so much, absolutely the best!" Kit (fully smiling again): "Hmpf, you're lucky I can't be mad at you right now, I'm too happy with this promotion. It's gonna be awesome."

The two friends put their hands together and gave a tight squeeze. "Awesome indeed," Adrian nodded, "you deserve it, Kit, seriously."

"Hey Adrian, can I ask you something?" Kit asked Adrian with a sudden seriousness in his voice.

"Sure, what is it?"

Kit took a breath. He was really excited about becoming an officer and leading a team, but he also knew that it took a set of skills he still had to learn and improve. And that he could use all the help he could get, especially if he also had to start the education program to be able to get more promotions.

"Could you, maybe, you know, help me a bit. Like, well, like a mentor, or something?"

Adrian's smile grew even bigger than it was a moment earlier. Before answering, he moved forward and took his friend in a hug. "Kit, it would be an absolute honour. I'm so glad you asked! I can teach you a thing or two." Kit hugged him back, reassured and finally able to really relax. "Thanks, man."

[belsasim]

A smile appeared on Commander Ortega's face, while she straightened herself. "You did nothing wrong, Private Dreamer. On the contrary." Kit felt himself relaxing slightly. "Your seniors have been speaking highly of you, your work ethics and your general behaviour. You seem to be respected by your peers and you've been keeping on top of your work consistently."

Kit wasn't ready for this much praise by the Base Commander herself. All he could do was nod tiny nods as he tried to make his brain slow down again. He could relax, he hadn't done anything wrong.

"You're an example for your peers and for our new recruits, Kit."

'Kit'? Not 'Private Dreamer'? The Commander didn't usually address her subordinates by their first name.

"I'm promoting you to Warrant Officer."

Kit's eyes widened. Officer? He would be in charge of a team? Leading them?

Commander Ortega continued: "You know the drills and combat exercises very well. I want you to train the new recruits and assess them. You'll pass on your knowledge to them and aid me and my captains in deciding where they will be assigned after their initial training."

Kit slowly breathed out all the air he had been subconsciously sucking into his stressed body. Training and guiding the new recruits? That sounded absolutely awesome. He smiled as he imagined himself training a group of recruits. "Thank you, Ma'am. That's a great opportunity. I promise I'll work hard and do my best to support a new generation of recruits."

His words were met with a nod of approval. "I see great potential in you, Kit." For a brief moment, she paused and the Commander's gaze moved away, resting onto a pile of files on her desk, marked as top secret. She quickly shook her head, returning her attention to Kit. "You have a bright future here, I'm convinced of that. But there is one thing you should be aware of."

Kit looked at the commander with curious eyes.

"You enlisted immediately after your high school graduation. And that was a great decision, hence your promotions thus far. But for your next promotion, you'll need to have a college degree."

Giving a nod, Kit immediately started to make the calculations in his mind. College. Classes, presentations, exams. Huge amounts of time. Time he wouldn't be able to spend with Aska, with Penny...

The Commander seemed to have read his mind and with an almost motherly smile, she reassured him. "I have faith in you, Kit. We will provide everything you need, there is a college program here at the base, with long distance learning. There will be a part of your time allocated to your education. This is an investment not only in your future, but in the future of this base and the military too."

Then, Commander Ortega redirect her focus on her computer. "Now, Warrant Officer Dreamer, off you go. You have things to do. Make us proud."

[belsasim]

Walking to the commander's office, Kit's heart was racing and he was still trying to pinpoint something that would have made the commander annoyed with him enough to summon him to her office. What could he have done? In his growing panic, he already imagined himself being discharged without honours, letting down Penny, Aska, his family and the Sigworths. With a shaking hand, he knocked on the commander's door.

Commander Ortega: "Come in" Kit (entering the office, giving a shaky salute, then standing awkwardly just inside the office): "Ma'am..." Commander Ortega (without looking up from her computer screen): "At ease, Private Dreamer. Sit down." Kit (taking a deep breath, taking a seat): "..." Commander Ortega (putting her laptop in sleep mode then letting her gaze rest on the sweaty young soldier in front of her): "Were you working out or is it another heat wave today?" Kit (realising he came straight after getting up from a freaking bench press, starting to sweat even harder): "Ma'am, my apologies! I was working out indeed." (dropping his gaze) "I... I should've changed first. I..." Commander Ortega (slightly tilting her head, frowning): "That's ok. Why are you so nervous, Private Dreamer?" Kit (wiping his sweaty palms on his cargo pants without realising it): "I... My apologies, Ma'am." (clearing his throat) "I don't know why I'm here... What I did wrong, Ma'am."

Commander Ortega, her head still slightly tilted, squinted and gave him an intense look, almost looking through him. Then, her expression softened, one mouth corner curled up and she chuckled. Shaking her head, she spoke, more to herself than to Kit: "That damned Lieutenant..."

[belsasim]

Penny being a freelancer working from home, meant it was a little bit easier for Kit to leave the house, when he had to be present at the military base for example. (Still, Aska would occasionally throw a fit when she realised one of her parents was not home)

One day, not long after Aska's birthday party, Kit was working out with his squad mates. He loved going up against his colleague Chris in a friendly competition and the two young men were often found sprinting, swimming or pumping iron against each other. It was during such a competitive workout session that Adrian, their lieutenant, walked up to Kit.

Adrian: "Kit, get up." Kit (panting): "Almost... there... 2... more... than... Chris... I've... got this." Adrian (impatiently): "Private Dreamer, up. Now." Kit (surprised, immediately putting the barbell down): "Yessir!"

Kit quickly scrambled to stand up, giving Adrian, not only his senior, but also his good friend, an apologetic and at the same time curious look. "Is... Is everything ok," he asked hesitantly.

"You tell me... The commander wants to see you, Kit." Adrian looked calm, but serious and Kit's heart dropped. What was going on? He had been working hard to get another promotion. Both Jess and Adrian had been telling him it was possible. Did he still mess up somehow? How? His mind was racing, thinking about the past few days, the possible mistakes he had made.

Before Kit could ask another question, Adrian jerked his head in the direction of the door, urging him to move. So quickly saluted his senior and started walking to the commander's office.

---

Military Base by Ronnie0Raven on the Gallery. Incredibly cool build, absolutely love it! Of course, I added some stuff to fit my own style and story.

[belsasim]

After the party, things turned to normal again. Well, 'normal' is a stretch. Soon, a large sum of money would take away a lot of worries for Kit and Penny. And right now, they had to adjust to having a clingy toddler in the house.

First new thing: for how cautious and picky Aska was as an infant with her food, as a toddler she had a good appetite. She still had her likes and dislikes and felt strongly about them, but when something she liked was on the menu, she dug in and there was no stopping this little girl. Her father’s healthy eggs and toast and chickpea macaroni were always a hit and she often finished her plate before her parents.

Aska was clingy, but it didn't mean she needed her parent's attention all the time. Just knowing that they were near her, made her happy and she could easily entertain herself with her toys.

This gave Penny ample opportunity to write. She had started to do freelance work and slowly but surely, she was building a great reputation and growing her client base.

[belsasim]

After cake, Kit was chatting a bit with Momo as he saw his father walk up to him. "Son, can we talk in private for a moment?"

Kit nodded and led his father to the living room. As they sat down on the couch, they both felt a little awkward for a moment. Then, Rayne cleared his throat. "So, uhm, your mother and I had a serious talk a recently..."

Kit frowned and looked at his father with worry. What was this? His parents had a serious talk? They wouldn't... No, they were tight, right? Kit felt fear making knots in his stomach. His daughter had just aged up, this was a happy day, he didn't want bad news, not now.

Rayne (seeing the worried look in Kit's eyes): "Oh no, wait, everything is fine, Kit. We just... We were thinking about the future. You kids are all growing up and starting your own lives..." Kit (slightly relaxing): "Well, yeah... That's normal, right? Even though things went a little faster than I had ever thought." Rayne (smiling, realising he was only confusing his son): "Kit, your mother and I have been saving up for years and now we want to give all of you some starting funds." Kit (frowning again, holding up one hand): "Money? But, but... But I'm really doing ok, Dad. I'm working hard and Adrian told me the higher ups are positive to give me a promotion soon and..." Rayne (shaking his head slowly): "We know you're doing great, Kit! We just want to help you out a bit." (looking around the room) "You could get a head start on making this place a real home for your family. Or anything else, your choice. Zinnia is going to use her money to help fund environmental research in Sulani while she pursues her degree." (giving Kit a wink) "And I'm pretty sure she and Momo will move out of Piper's place to their own space soon." Kit (letting the news sink in): "We could give Aska a really nice bedroom and..."

Rayne smiled as he watched Kit make plans for his daughter. Sarah and Rayne had been making good money and put quite a nice sum aside specifically to give their children a starting fund of 50K simoleons each. He was happy he could finally transfer Kit's part.

"I'm so proud of you, Kit," Rayne spoke softly, "you did everything right." Kit bit his lip. For how angry he had been with his father in the past, hearing him speak those words made him feel unexpectedly emotional. He had forgiven his father, but only recently he felt he could also understand Rayne's choice to protect his family by not being in their lives for a long time. And how hard this must have been for him. Both men got lost in their thoughts for a while, sitting together in silence.

"Come on, son, let's join the others again," he said as he stood up. Kit nodded. "Dad," he said as he rose to his feet, making Rayne turn around. Kit closed the distance and hugged his father. "Thank you."

[belsasim]

Hello toddler Aska.

She has the chunkiest possible cheeks and it's so cute! Our Gen 5 heir is looking great! She was a calm infant (Kit and Penny are truly grateful for this), but certain recent events have made her age up as a little bit of a clingy toddler. She really wants her parents to be close...

Because this little go-getter had unlocked milestones left and right as an infant, she aged up with the 'Top Notch Infant' trait and already has level 2 in the Movement skill and level 1 in the Thinking skill right off the bat.

[belsasim]

Time for the main event of the party. In the presence of family and friends, Kit brought his daughter to the birthday cake.

Aska had no idea what was happening, but whatever her father was doing looked fun, so she too leaned in and she blew a raspberry with much enthusiasm. All the people around her cheered and laughed and threw colourful things around. The happy vibes around her filled her with excitement and she laughed and happily threw her arms in the air as her father held her up.

[belsasim]

Aska, the birthday girl, had been sleeping soundly through much of the party, but eventually she started calling for attention from the bedroom. Penny went to fetch her and immediately brought her over to Sarah. "Do you want to meet your lovely grandmother, Little One," she asked her while she was already handing Aska over to Sarah. Sarah, a little bit taken by surprise, took Aska in her arms, feeling somewhat insecure. It had been a long time since she had held an infant and holding her granddaughter, she felt those tears of joy well up once again.

Aska looked at Sarah with curious eyes. The infant wasn't anxious or stressed, but let Sarah snuggle her and carry her around. Sarah was beaming with love and pride and while she held this little being, the youngest member of her beautiful family, she looked around the room at all her loved ones, together again.

After a while, Kit walked up to his mother.

Kit (smiling): "You two are getting along well, I see." Sarah (nodding): "She's an absolute sweetheart and so calm and relaxed. I... I wasn't really expecting that." Kit: "She seems to be really good at feeling the vibe, or something. She knows you love her, so she's chill." Sarah (releasing a sigh): "You two did so well, Kit. I know we keep repeating ourselves, but... We're so proud of you. And I'm so happy I will get to see this little girl a lot more now." (winking at Kit) "Can I keep her?" Kit (laughing): "Nope. I love you, Mom, but I'm not letting go of Aska yet. And I'm not sure if Dad would be too thrilled with having an infant in the house again. Actually, this little one is going to be a toddler now. Wanna come with daddy, Aska?"

Sarah handed Aska to Kit, missing the girl in her arms immediately. She quickly gave her a little tickle and the infant blessed her with a happy little laugh. Looking at her son holding his daughter, Sarah felt emotional again and she knew it wouldn't be the last time that day. Her family had been through a lot, but moments like these, were what really mattered.

[belsasim]

Aspen and Halo, Kit's now full on teenage younger brothers, walked up to him. He hugged Aspen first. Aspen was the quieter twin, often lost in a book or grinding experience points in a game. Kit had always felt a little more protective over his youngest brother.

Aspen: "Really like your hair, bro!" Kit: "Thanks! But what is happening on your face?" Aspen (blushing): "What? I'm a man now! I'm growing a beard!" Kit (chuckling): "Yeah yeah, sure, lil' bro, grow that beard." Aspen: "Duuude..."

Then Kit turned to Halo. Kit and Halo had spent a lot of time doing sports together as they were both active sims and it seemed Halo had kept at it in Kit's absence. The teen had gotten into competitive swimming at school and it showed.

Kit (impressed): "You've gotten strong, lil' bro!" Halo: "Well, you were gone for a long time, big bro..." Kit (tightening the hug): "I know... I'm sorry..." Halo: "It's ok, bro. I understand. Just glad we can see you now. You gotta teach me some martial arts now, soldier." Kit (chuckling again): "Sure, anytime."

By the time Kit had finished hugging his little brothers, someone knocked on the door. After a long flight and taxi drive, Zinnia and Momo finally had arrived in Strangerville. Zinnia rushed to her twin and hugged Kit tightly. "I'm so happy we can do this again."

Kit, holding on to his twin sister a little longer, let out a sigh. "I'm so happy you are all here. Thanks for coming all the way from Sulani." Zinnia pulled back a little, so she could look her brother in the eye. "Anytime, Kit. You two are not alone anymore. Our family is whole again now. Distance is nothing, ok?" Then she winked: "Just leave me be when I've got exams!" They laughed as they ended the hug.

With a bro hug, Kit greeted Momo. "Welcome to Strangerville, man." Momo smiled, "you guys do love your deserty worlds, don't you? So dry, man..."

Meanwhile, the Sigworths also had come over for the party. Kit and Penny continued to share precious moments with everyone, talking, joking, laughing.

[belsasim]

Hi there! Welcome back :-) I'm active from time to time ;-) Love to become mutuals though!

Hi! 👋

So with me coming back after such a long time. I see that quite a few of my friends have left…

I cleared out a bit of people who haven’t posted in years.. so with that being said! Can anyone who knows some amazing active blogs. Share this or comment the blogs. I would love to support some smaller or talented blogs!

[belsasim]

While the confrontation with Penny's father happened a little sooner (and maybe also better?) than they had anticipated, another reunion could never come too soon: the one with Kit's family.

Finally the Dreamers could freely come to Strangerville to see Kit again and no time was wasted. It was Aska's birthday anyway, so a party they threw!

Rayne, Sarah, Aspen and Halo were the first to arrive and Kit immediately hugged his mother for a long time. Sarah, unable to hold back her tears of joy held onto her oldest son tightly. Finally. Finally she was reassured that he was ok. Finally her family was whole again.

Rayne and Kit shared a tight hug too. "Good to see you, son," Rayne said with a sigh, "I'm proud of you."

Sarah, not bothering to dry her eyes, walked over to Penny. Before she knew it, Penny felt Sarah's arms around her.

At first, Penny tensed up. Apart from Kit, with whom she had been very physical since their first kiss, Penny hadn't experienced any expression of affection. Her own family didn't do 'hugs' or anything of the sort. She couldn't even remember seeing her parents kiss each other.

And now, this really lovely woman hugged her, pulling her tight and flooding her with a motherly warmth Penny had never received in her life. Slowly, Penny put her arms around Sarah, leaning into and returning the hug.

"Welcome to the family, Penny."