Phoebe's World VII: An Extra Spicy Engagement
Previously: We witnessed the world's most morose Spooky Day party, Shirley Temple (the cat) ran away, Aahana nearly burned herself alive, and Phoebe funneled all of her negative emotions into the most epic dance showcase to ever go down.
Phoebe looks pretty sharp in her work suit, but she's still highly bummed out by most of her life's circumstances right now. I guess that dance high we left her on had a steep comedown.
Rejoice! All is not lost! Shirley Temple has returned to save Phoebe from a future of crying incessantly under the covers of her bed.
I think I figured out why she ran away, and it was probably because she was sick and everyone was too busy gloomily celebrating Spooky Day to take her to the vet in a timely manner.
Accordingly, Melinda takes her to the vet STAT upon her reemergence, although she is immediately met there by the sight of one of the veterinarians taking a nude rain shower, which doesn't really bode well for this place's level of professionalism.
Regardless, she signs Shirley Temple in for an appointment anyway and crosses her fingers for the best.
Luckily, Shirley is assigned to the non-exhibitionist vet, so things are already looking up.
Aww, poor girl! Whatever's wrong with her, it's got her surrounded by fleas and a perpetual haze of funk... Or maybe she just hasn't had an opportunity to clean herself off since coming back, I'm not sure. Either way, she looks miserable.
I know it hurts right now, but you'll be as good as new in no time, I promise!
See? She's already back to her cuddly, affectionate old self.
Phoebe fixes her up a special welcome home drink, and she's good to go.
Phoebe: Guys, I know we've been through some rough times recently, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we're going to come out the other side stronger than ever!
In case it wasn't already obvious by now, Phoebe is firmly in Camp Aahana these days (sorry, Melinda, but sometimes fate has a funny way of interfering in things), and she finds her especially sexy when she's out tending to her bees.
Phoebe: Listen, we've been doing this casual flirtation thing for way too long. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to take it to the next level.
I think it's safe to say that Aahana is overjoyed at the mere thought.
First, a little light making out in front of the closet to set the mood.
And then into the closet for the entire shebang. Look at those doors. They must really be going at it.
Oh, man. Judging by the absolutely mind-blown look on Phoebe's face, Aahana's got more game in the woohoo department than anyone would have predicted.
Aahana: Yeah, I guess I'm okay. *shrugs modestly* You weren't too bad yourself, hot stuff.
As if she could be an any more ideal woman, Aahana is also on her way to becoming a repair and upgrade wiz, which is good because literally everything in this house is breaking all the damn time.
More promotions. The only major thing to say here is that Jane reached the branching off point in her career and decided to take the food critic route. At some point in my playing, I realized I was taking pictures of every single promotion and getting really caught up in the career grind again. I tried to stop myself, but it takes a while for me to get there.
Anyway, it's Harvestfest time for the combined Benali-Ojo-Chen households, despite their dwindling numbers, which means it's time for creepily synchronized group singalongs in front of the fireplace.
Only lame adults sit at the dining room table for the Harvestfest meal. The master bedroom is the official cool kids zone where all the real action happens.
Ivy bucks both traditions to sit outside beside the tombstones of her dog and her dad instead, which is morbid but sweet.
Zora: Is it just me, or are Phoebe and her little friend from her school days flirting right now?
Apparently, grief has really done a number on Zora's perception skills, as she's totally failed to notice that Phoebe and Aahana have been dating for a while.
They couldn't really make it any more obvious, even when halfway across the room from one another.
I'll be honest, I mainly decided to get Aahana into the whole beekeeping thing because I was really intrigued by the grayed-out "honey cake" option in the cooking menu. Aahana finally collected some good quality honey, so she whipped up her first attempt at it. If Phoebe's reaction is anything to go by, she nailed it.
Phoebe: Oh my God, babe, this cake is absolutely divine! I could eat the whole thing by myself, honestly!
Melinda: But what did you think of my tofurkey?
Phoebe: It was... certainly a tofurkey.
You're probably wondering how Melinda ended up at this Harvestfest celebration, and, it's true, she did make the tofurkey because she's the only one with high enough cooking skill to successfully pull it off, but I also think I accidentally sent her along on the "travel" screen. I've really got to start paying more attention to what I'm clicking on that thing.
Funny story. I thought it would be adorable for Phoebe to propose to Aahana by this scenic little creek next to the house, so I had them all lined up in the perfect location, and then Phoebe decided to go kneel in the creek anyway. She really must be in love if she's willing to douse the entire lower half of her body in freezing late autumn water for it.
Wait, what is happening right now? Aahana, why do you look so sad? Why are you pushing the ring away from you? WHAT IS GOING ON?!?
I'm honestly shell-shocked that she actually turned Phoebe down. Neither I nor Phoebe know what she did wrong! Is it just too soon? Is Aahana not drunk enough to be in a romantic mood?
Phoebe: Well, guess I'll just do some awkward ground push-ups before I have an emotional breakdown.
The next night, the awkwardness is still palpable as Phoebe calls up all of the Paragons for a mass pub crawl.
Phoebe: So are we not going to talk about the whole you rejecting my impassioned proposal thing? Because I feel like we should probably talk about it.
Jane: Or we could drink until you forget the entire last few weeks of your life!
Phoebe: Yeah, I could probably deal with that. Keep 'em coming.
Bartender: That's my job, damn it.
Jane: And you were doing a shit job of it, buddy! We need these drinks faster than you could ever pour them.
Anyway, the pubs were boring and the Spice Festival was on, so everyone decided to migrate to that instead. Aahana is having war flashbacks to her first (and, if she has anything to say about it, only) experience with a bubble blower, and Phoebe is still dishing her guts out to her latest entrapped victim, Siobhan. Fun times all around.
Siobhan: Wait a minute, didn't you just spend an hour whining to me about how she didn't want to get married. What's the truth?
Shh, don't ruin the moment!
Aahana: I'm sorry about last night. I just really wanted to do this myself and got freaked out when you did it instead. Will you still have me?
I think that's a resounding yes. Is it just me, or do I have the cutest Sim couples? Because I definitely think I have the cutest Sim couples.
What better way to celebrate an impending marriage than with a group attempt at the Spicy Curry Challenge?
Jane's entire mouth is singed after a single bite, so she's out of the running early.
Phoebe tries her hardest to power through, but she's no match for the Spice Devil himself.
Aahana, though, breezes through that plate of spicy curry like it's nothing. I honestly forgot that she already had the Spice Hound trait, so I was super impressed by this in the moment. It's still impressive, but remembering that she apparently had a childhood full of spicy dishes lessens the impact slightly.
Aahana: No big deal, but I'm kind of the reigning Spicy Curry Champion now.
Phoebe: God help me, that is so... freaking... sexy.
Back at home, which conveniently happens to be just across the street, things get a little spicy in the sheets. No further comment necessary.
Phoebe looks pretty sharp in her work suit, but she's still highly bummed out by most of her life's circumstances right now. I guess that dance high we left her on had a steep comedown.
Rejoice! All is not lost! Shirley Temple has returned to save Phoebe from a future of crying incessantly under the covers of her bed.
I think I figured out why she ran away, and it was probably because she was sick and everyone was too busy gloomily celebrating Spooky Day to take her to the vet in a timely manner.
Accordingly, Melinda takes her to the vet STAT upon her reemergence, although she is immediately met there by the sight of one of the veterinarians taking a nude rain shower, which doesn't really bode well for this place's level of professionalism.
Regardless, she signs Shirley Temple in for an appointment anyway and crosses her fingers for the best.
Luckily, Shirley is assigned to the non-exhibitionist vet, so things are already looking up.
Aww, poor girl! Whatever's wrong with her, it's got her surrounded by fleas and a perpetual haze of funk... Or maybe she just hasn't had an opportunity to clean herself off since coming back, I'm not sure. Either way, she looks miserable.
I know it hurts right now, but you'll be as good as new in no time, I promise!
See? She's already back to her cuddly, affectionate old self.
Phoebe fixes her up a special welcome home drink, and she's good to go.
Phoebe: Guys, I know we've been through some rough times recently, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we're going to come out the other side stronger than ever!
In case it wasn't already obvious by now, Phoebe is firmly in Camp Aahana these days (sorry, Melinda, but sometimes fate has a funny way of interfering in things), and she finds her especially sexy when she's out tending to her bees.
Phoebe: Listen, we've been doing this casual flirtation thing for way too long. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to take it to the next level.
I think it's safe to say that Aahana is overjoyed at the mere thought.
First, a little light making out in front of the closet to set the mood.
And then into the closet for the entire shebang. Look at those doors. They must really be going at it.
Oh, man. Judging by the absolutely mind-blown look on Phoebe's face, Aahana's got more game in the woohoo department than anyone would have predicted.
Aahana: Yeah, I guess I'm okay. *shrugs modestly* You weren't too bad yourself, hot stuff.
As if she could be an any more ideal woman, Aahana is also on her way to becoming a repair and upgrade wiz, which is good because literally everything in this house is breaking all the damn time.
More promotions. The only major thing to say here is that Jane reached the branching off point in her career and decided to take the food critic route. At some point in my playing, I realized I was taking pictures of every single promotion and getting really caught up in the career grind again. I tried to stop myself, but it takes a while for me to get there.
Anyway, it's Harvestfest time for the combined Benali-Ojo-Chen households, despite their dwindling numbers, which means it's time for creepily synchronized group singalongs in front of the fireplace.
Only lame adults sit at the dining room table for the Harvestfest meal. The master bedroom is the official cool kids zone where all the real action happens.
Ivy bucks both traditions to sit outside beside the tombstones of her dog and her dad instead, which is morbid but sweet.
Zora: Is it just me, or are Phoebe and her little friend from her school days flirting right now?
Apparently, grief has really done a number on Zora's perception skills, as she's totally failed to notice that Phoebe and Aahana have been dating for a while.
They couldn't really make it any more obvious, even when halfway across the room from one another.
I'll be honest, I mainly decided to get Aahana into the whole beekeeping thing because I was really intrigued by the grayed-out "honey cake" option in the cooking menu. Aahana finally collected some good quality honey, so she whipped up her first attempt at it. If Phoebe's reaction is anything to go by, she nailed it.
Phoebe: Oh my God, babe, this cake is absolutely divine! I could eat the whole thing by myself, honestly!
Melinda: But what did you think of my tofurkey?
Phoebe: It was... certainly a tofurkey.
You're probably wondering how Melinda ended up at this Harvestfest celebration, and, it's true, she did make the tofurkey because she's the only one with high enough cooking skill to successfully pull it off, but I also think I accidentally sent her along on the "travel" screen. I've really got to start paying more attention to what I'm clicking on that thing.
Funny story. I thought it would be adorable for Phoebe to propose to Aahana by this scenic little creek next to the house, so I had them all lined up in the perfect location, and then Phoebe decided to go kneel in the creek anyway. She really must be in love if she's willing to douse the entire lower half of her body in freezing late autumn water for it.
Wait, what is happening right now? Aahana, why do you look so sad? Why are you pushing the ring away from you? WHAT IS GOING ON?!?
I'm honestly shell-shocked that she actually turned Phoebe down. Neither I nor Phoebe know what she did wrong! Is it just too soon? Is Aahana not drunk enough to be in a romantic mood?
Phoebe: Well, guess I'll just do some awkward ground push-ups before I have an emotional breakdown.
The next night, the awkwardness is still palpable as Phoebe calls up all of the Paragons for a mass pub crawl.
Phoebe: So are we not going to talk about the whole you rejecting my impassioned proposal thing? Because I feel like we should probably talk about it.
Jane: Or we could drink until you forget the entire last few weeks of your life!
Phoebe: Yeah, I could probably deal with that. Keep 'em coming.
Bartender: That's my job, damn it.
Jane: And you were doing a shit job of it, buddy! We need these drinks faster than you could ever pour them.
Anyway, the pubs were boring and the Spice Festival was on, so everyone decided to migrate to that instead. Aahana is having war flashbacks to her first (and, if she has anything to say about it, only) experience with a bubble blower, and Phoebe is still dishing her guts out to her latest entrapped victim, Siobhan. Fun times all around.
Siobhan: Wait a minute, didn't you just spend an hour whining to me about how she didn't want to get married. What's the truth?
Shh, don't ruin the moment!
Aahana: I'm sorry about last night. I just really wanted to do this myself and got freaked out when you did it instead. Will you still have me?
I think that's a resounding yes. Is it just me, or do I have the cutest Sim couples? Because I definitely think I have the cutest Sim couples.
What better way to celebrate an impending marriage than with a group attempt at the Spicy Curry Challenge?
Jane's entire mouth is singed after a single bite, so she's out of the running early.
Phoebe tries her hardest to power through, but she's no match for the Spice Devil himself.
Aahana, though, breezes through that plate of spicy curry like it's nothing. I honestly forgot that she already had the Spice Hound trait, so I was super impressed by this in the moment. It's still impressive, but remembering that she apparently had a childhood full of spicy dishes lessens the impact slightly.
Aahana: No big deal, but I'm kind of the reigning Spicy Curry Champion now.
Phoebe: God help me, that is so... freaking... sexy.
Back at home, which conveniently happens to be just across the street, things get a little spicy in the sheets. No further comment necessary.