Monday, July 20, 2009

University Season 9



Edward Windsor—Young adult male pleasure sim
Sagittarius personality
Sloppy 4, Shy 4, Active 9, Playful 7, Grumpy 1
Lifetime want—50 dream dates
Preferred hobby—Nature

Joshua Jennings—Young adult male pleasure sim
Pisces personality
Neat 5, Shy 3, Active 7, Serious 3, Nice 7
Lifetime want—Become Celebrity Chef
Preferred hobby—Music and Dance

In the last update—Edward Windsor is the third son of Andrew and Elizabeth Windsor. He met his boyfriend, Joshua Jennings, while clubbing downtown one night. He learned that Joshua was homeless and played his violin on street corners for money to have food to eat. Edward introduced Joshua to his family and came out, announcing that he’s gay. The Windsors were very accepting of Edward and Joshua and allowed Joshua to sleep on the Windsors’ couch most nights. Joshua didn’t think that he’d be able to go to college with Edward, but he got accepted for his musical ability and a truly moving essay on why he wanted to go to college.

Season 9

Just before graduating from college, Edward’s older brother James gave Edward all of the money he’d saved up during college with the command to make a cool fraternity. James was moving back in with his father and didn’t need the money, and he’d been unimpressed with the fraternity options available at Academy Le Tour.

Determined to fulfill James’ wishes for a really cool fraternity, Edward used the money to purchase an enormous frat house.



“Thank you so much for encouraging me to come to university with you,” Joshua thanked Edward as they finished exploring the house.

“You got accepted on your own, Joshua,” Edward reminded him. “But of course I wouldn’t have come without you, my love.”

The boys showed their appreciation for each other with a kiss.



Joshua’s decision to declare art as his major was a no-brainer. He was a musician, who’d been accepted to the university to study music. Of course, he knew that the most he could hope for was to maybe get a job flipping burgers at a fast food joint after graduation. At least that would be a legitimate job, but maybe, just maybe he could get a job as a real chef somewhere? It was too much for dream of for him. He was a street boy that should be grateful to have the opportunity to have any job. Then there was the real dream he held, to be a world class musician some day, but that was such a secret hope that Joshua was afraid to admit that to anyone, even himself.



The decision was harder for Edward. He didn’t really want to do anything in particular. All he wanted was to enjoy life and to spend time with Joshua. Mostly, he knew what he DIDN’T want to do—not history, or economic, or business. Edward wanted something more fun than that. In the end, Edward decided to be an art major as well, but he would focus more on actual drawing. Maybe he’d be an architect someday.

The boys celebrated their first night alone together with a date in front of the television. Of course, it quickly turned into something more. They’d been longing for each other for years, but in gratitude to the Windsors for letting Joshua stay in the Windsor home, they’d done little more than touch and cuddle before. Finally, the boys had their first woohoo together.






Waking up in each other’s arms was a very pleasant experience, and of course led to morning woohoo.




Edward and Joshua registered their fraternity, Annya Var, the first full day of classes and immediately begin recruiting pledges. They decided to make it co-ed. They weren’t into discrimination. The only requirement for admission was a love of partying.





Joshua was excelling in his music classes, but he still practiced six hours a day. He was there on a scholarship and wasn’t going to take anything for granted. Plus, he really wanted to be an amazing violinist—the kind with CDs and sold-out concert halls, even if he wouldn’t admit it to himself. He didn’t even dare dream of such things. He’d learned early in life that dreaming of something was the fastest way to disappointment, but that didn’t stop him from taking his practice time very seriously.



Edward and Joshua were out on a date at a total dive bar when Edward suggested that Joshua earn money by performing with the band.



“They only play rock music, and they don’t even have a part for a violinist. I play classical music. That type of performance is just . . . I’m not a sell-out,” Joshua said, offended by the suggestion.

“Is it really that much worse than playing on street corners, Joshua? Sure, you have to make some musical compromises, but it’s cold outside. I don’t like the idea of you having to play on the streets. Tell you what, I’ll try out for the band, too. It could be fun and earn us some money for the fraternity.”

With that, it was decided. Joshua and Edward joined a band and began playing gigs at the bar every weekend for money.



Edward’s brother James had told Edward that another good way to make money at college was to have an amazing garden. Edward had never been all that concerned about money. He came from a family with decent money, but it wasn’t that important to him. But his fraternity was EXPENSIVE to run, so he decided to take up gardening. Both boys quickly earned gold gardening badges and were invited to join the garden club. It was when the wishing wells arrived that Edward understood why James had suggested the hobby to him.





That gave Annya Var plenty of money to throw amazing parties. There was always a group of people dancing at the frat house. It was during one of these parties that a weird woman came up to Joshua and told him to put his hand on his head.



“Excuse me? What is this all about?” Joshua asked.

“I said put your hands on your head. Now!” the woman demanded. “You’re going to be handcuffed and taken in.”

Joshua obeyed as he started to panic. He hadn’t done anything illegal lately, but . . . well . . . he had stolen food occasionally when he was hungry on the streets. Or . . . oh god, what if someone else had done something awful and they were blaming the street kid for what happened, somebody that was murdered a long time ago when Joshua would have no alibi or . . .



“Edward help me!” Joshua cried as the handcuffs were fastened tight around his wrists. “Edward, do you know a lawyer or . . . Edward!”

But his boyfriend was completely ignoring him, still enjoying the party, as one absolutely everyone else.



Joshua started sobbing as he was shoved into the car. He was going to jail! He didn’t even know what he was being accused of, and no one cared!!! He’d at least have liked to have been able to kiss Edward goodbye, but his boyfriend couldn’t even be bothered to talk to him. He was all alone and so scared. Joshua sobbed the whole car ride, terrified of what might greet him when they arrived at his destination.



Joshua was TICKED when he was released from the car only to find that he’d been abducted into a secret society. “Yeah, that’s great,” Joshua said angrily. He was too ashamed to admit that he’d been so terrified. This sort of thing was probably funny to people that didn’t have a past like his. Still, he had no desire to socialize with any of these people, so he quickly went home.



“How was your secret society induction?” Edward laughed as Joshua came in the door.

“You knew???” Joshua was so hurt and upset, he was speechless.

“Yeah, my brother told me about when he was abducted by them. Pretty funny, huh?” Edward asked.

“Hillarious,” Joshua growled before storming off to their bedroom.

Edward followed after him. “Hey, what’s wrong with you? Why are you so cranky?”

“Oh, I don’t know. WHY would I be upset that I was handcuffed and thought I was being sent to jail for God only knows what from my past, and thought my boyfriend didn’t care about me at all, when really all along he knew it was a sick, twisted joke but he didn’t care to tell me that I wasn’t going to be spending the rest of my life in jail for stealing food or . . .” The angry words quickly turned to sobs as the emotions of the day caught up with Joshua.



“Hey, hey,” Edward soothed. “Look at me. I DO care about you. I’m sorry. So sorry. I didn’t realize . . . I’m sorry. I should have known. But you’re safe now. Safe with Edward. And I love you.” As Edward repeated reassurance after reassurance, he softly caressed Joshua’s face.



“You’re so tense!” Edward noted.

“Rough day,” Joshua muttered, not wanting to completely explain why it had terrified him so.

“Come here. Let me help. I’ll give you a backrub,” Edward offered.



With some coaxing, Edward got Joshua to cuddle in his arms. Eventually the stress of the day all came out, and Edward held Joshua through it until he finally fell asleep. Staring at his lover, Edward noted that Joshua was softer and gentler than he’d realized. He vowed in that moment to take good care of him, to protect him and love him from then on.


Edward joined the secret society shortly thereafter. He was excited about joining the club, but it was a subdued affair after what had happened with Joshua.



The new ‘friends’ from the secret society were enough to make both Joshua and Edward big men on campus, even if they didn’t care much for their new friends.



Despite how busy Joshua and Edward were with classes and partying, they still made time for the Windsors. The entire family visited frequently. One day, Elizabeth even brought by her two granddaughters, Caroline and Catherine.



Joshua was happy to cook lunch for the girls. In his realistic dreams he hoped to be a chef at a restaurant someday, maybe like a sit-down chain restaurant. If he started flipping burgers and worked really hard, maybe that was an obtainable goal, right? So he tried to cook for family and friends as much as possible. The girls really seemed to love his hamburgers, for what that was worth.



Then Joshua sat down and played a game of chess with Catherine while Caroline and Edward watched some television. Catherine told Joshua about how her parents didn’t want her and how even though she lived with the Windsors, no one wanted her. The little girl poured out her heart to Joshua, and they instantly bonded. Afterwards, Joshua had a few harsh words to say to Andrew about how Catherine was being raised, but at the same time, Catherine had made a friend for life. Joshua was always going to be her advocate and make sure that she had nice things in life. She was a sweet little girl and deserved to be shown love.



One weird thing did happen to them in college. One day, a weird, gypsy-looking lady showed up at their door and left an old, oil lamp. The boys thought it was really odd, but decided to keep it anyway. Maybe they’d give it as a gift to a friend one day. Surely someone would like an old lamp like that?



Their time in university was going quickly. It was near the end of senior year, and soon the boys would graduate. Edward knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Joshua. There was absolutely no doubt in his mind. He knew how precious Joshua was, and he wanted to make him HIS. Partners forever.

Edward planned a big surprise for Joshua. He would propose to him in front of everyone at the bar they played at on Saturday nights. It wasn’t anywhere fancy, but it was THEIR place, somewhere they both felt safe, and that mattered more than anything.

At the end of their gig, Edward went to center stage and called Joshua to the front with him. Joshua went, a little nervous, unsure of what Edward was doing. They had performed all of their songs, and Joshua didn’t sing. He never needed to be at the front mike.

Edward took Joshua’s hands in his and stared deep into his eyes. “Joshua, from the moment I met you, you’ve been the only thing that could ever make me happy. But as our relationship has grown, I’ve discovered that I want to make you happy, too. I love you, and I care about you. I want to spend our lives together, making each other happy. You’re my everything, Joshua, and I want the world to know.”

Joshua was so moved, he kissed Edward right there in front of everyone in the bar.



Joshua actually gasped as Edward fell to one knee.



“Joshua, will you be my partner for life? Will you commit to me in a joining ceremony?” Edward proposed as he showed Joshua the ring he’d bought for him.

It took Joshua a long moment before his mind could even register what was happening. They couldn’t get married, but they could legally commit to each other. They could also personally commit to each other for life, and that was what Edward was offering to him. Still breathless, Joshua took the ring and slipped it on his finger in awe.



“Is that a yes?” Edward asked. The question was more playful than nervous, but the butterflies in his stomach wouldn’t settle down until he actually heard the word.

“Yes,” Joshua breathed. “Yes, I’ll commit to you.”

Behind them, the band started playing again, a congratulatory song.



“Oh Edward!” Joshua exclaimed as movement returned to him and leapt into Edward’s arms. “Oh, Edward, it’s more than I ever dreamed!”



Afterward, Edward invited his family over for an engagement party. Everyone toasted the happy couple as the Windsors began making wedding plans.



That night, Edward cuddled Joshua under the stars. “Our commitment ceremony is going to be so beautiful,” he commented as he stared a particularly brilliant star.

“I . . . sure,” Joshua said flatly.

“What’s wrong? Are you having second thoughts? Do you not want to do this anymore?” Edward asked, suddenly worried.

“No, it’s not that. It’s . . . it’s . . .” Joshua stammered.

“It’s what, love?” Edward asked with concern.

“I’m scared you’re going to leave me at the altar,” Joshua muttered in a quick slew of words.

“Oh, Joshua! Joshua, you’re the love of my life. I could never do that. We were meant to be together. Together forever. Please don’t worry about that!” Edward reassured him as they cuddled under the stars.



And just like that, their university time was over. It was time for graduation. Joshua grilled hot dogs, and Edward ordered a cake. They threw a huge party at the frat house, and then suddenly it was time to go home, back to Emerald Isle and the real world.








Season Recap

1. Edward and Joshua did the typical college things—started a fraternity, joined the secret society, kept straight A+ grades, made big men on campus.

2. Joshua joined a band. He thinks after college he’s going to try to get a job in the culinary track, but his real secret wish is to be a real musician some day. Edward wants to be an architect. They both majored in art.

3. Edward proposed to Joshua in the bar they frequently performed at.



Points Recap

Previous non-money points 195

New playable sim, Joshau +1
Summa cum laude, Edward and Joshua +2
Big sim on campus, Edward and Joshua +2

New non-money points 200

Author’s Notes

The character I wrote for Joshua really wanted to be a star musician. His real lifetime want when I actually got to play him was to reach the top of the culinary track. So I tried to incorporate both into the story. Joshua will probably get a quick job in culinary, but then spend the majority of his life as a musician.

Special thanks to Ndayeni for recommending the new layout that allows for 600 pixel photos. Yay! Comments on the new layout and color scheme are welcome. I'm considering going to the white/light, light blue for the text, but I'm not sure what to make the link colors then.

20 comments:

  1. I seriously get a little squee every time I see that you've updated. This is the highlight of my day!! Joshua and Edward are a very cute couple, and of course, I still very muchly heart Caroline... When she grows up, she'll be able to get a guy who does really care about her... And awww.... Okay getting off track..... Anyway, I REALLY hope you update again soon! I love this blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. In the email to ts2challenges, you warn of a male-male pairing. Is that necessary? Do people reading sims blogs get offended by that anymore (if they did in the first place)? Anyway, I love Joshua and Edward. I'm excited they are going to continue to be together.

    ReplyDelete
  3. reksims--

    I don't know if it's necessary. I'm very pro-gay rights. However, I know some people are offended by such things, and I prefer to let people know what they are clicking on. I tried to word it carefully. I called it a 'note' instead of a warning because warning implies that I consider it offensive, which I don't. A note could be good or bad. Oh well. I just wanted people to know what was behind the link.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You have really excellent pictures and a good story line.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great update as always, and like Jenni I was very happy to see you'd updated. I always look forward to reading more about Emerald Isle. I think it was the first Sim blog I started really reading and is still among my top favorites. I just wish I were as good at developing the characters as you are. Maybe one day I will be.

    You're quite welcome about the template suggestion. I'm glad it's working well for you, and I totally understand and agree about wanting to use the bigger pictures. I was getting frustrated on my blog having to shrink everything down to 400px width and losing a lot of picture quality in the process. I've been much happier with it since I figured out how to get the templates to accept 600px pics.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Not to be a comments hog, but I wanted to add that I think Edward and Joshua make a very sweet couple. The caring between them really comes out. And it's great that poor little Caroline will have someone in the family she is comfortable with and that she feels cares about her.

    Also, I do understand and agree with why you posted the note about the male-male interactions on the group though. It's always a good policy IMO to let people know what they're clicking on, esp. when it's something that contains content that is controversial, or that some might find offensive. Personally, if I thought there was even a chance that someone would find something in a post of mine offensive, I'd make note of it so that anyone who would be offended can choose to not click the link.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's good to see Joshua getting to live out some of his dreams--even if he is a little confused about exactly what they are! Many young people have that issue....

    I love the new, bigger pictures. I do hope you maintain good contrast between background and text (You mentioned something about light, light blue) because for those of us with poor vision, it can be challenging to read some blogs due to text color or lack of contrast.

    I foresee good story stuff still to come for Caroline!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kerry--

    I mean the color in the table of contents or like your name is. I'm trying to figure out a combination that will make it easier to read. I'm worried about the black causing headaches. What do you think?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good to see you've updated. Edward and Joshua's relationship is so sweet. And it's good to see that he's found a little friend in Catherine. Which makes me wonder if those two will adopt. Anyway, as usual, I enjoyed and hope to see another entry soon, Robin!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great entry! Love the detail and all the pictures! Thanks for the update.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love all of these stories, and thanks to that i have started my own prosperity challenge. But the one thing I cant find anything on the web about is the aspiration rewards - am i allowed to use those? I'm most interested in the elixir of life.
    I cant wait to read your next updates! And thanks again for doing it all!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the update, can't wait to read more. Love your stories!!! There have been a lot of things you've inspired me to try and do, like keep my families closer...

    Joshua and Edward are great, glad they are happy!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. All aspiration rewards, including elixir of life, are allowed in the prosperity rules. I personally choose not to use them, because it makes the challenge more interesting, but I did use elixir with my elders in the beginning of the challenge. Use it judiciously, remembering that you might want everyone to grow up together. But it's definitely allowed.

    ReplyDelete
  14. oh i see, thanks. Don't think i'll use the elixir, good point about them growing up at weird times.
    The cory family season 9 - the playhouse that they have - play gym or fort or whatever, where did you get that??? i can't find it anywhere at all.
    Good luck with your sims! still loving them!!!! (by now i've read them all like five times over!)

    ReplyDelete
  15. The playground gym and fort come with Apartment Life

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow.
    WOW.
    This is impressive stuff.
    But how can I move sims out of University as a household - mine move out as two or more separate people.....very annoying.
    Excited for the next update!
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Simon--You can't move them as a group. They have to graduate one at a time. You can pose them for formal pictures together, though. And you can move them in together using the household combine feature right out of college.

    ReplyDelete
  18. You haven't posted anything since july! I've been waiting for the next update desperately - what's happened?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lauren, thanks for commenting and encouraging me. I haven't been playing them. I got stuck in trying to throw a prom. I've finally given up and just today started just playing again (what a coincidence you posted today!). I'm not sure that I'm going to be able to do the blog to the same, level though. It just takes too much time to blog in that level of detail. But I hope to have an update of some sorts up soon.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great! I'm really looking forward to that. :) I did always wonder at the length and detail of the blogs, especially as you have so many different families to control. I'm sure your blogs will be just as good as ever!

    ReplyDelete