SimsLegacy5083

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/14/2026) Episode: End of an Era - Blue Gen

A couple months ago my Reddit account got hacked and banned.

Reddit refused to respond to any of my requests to restore my years of content, which was incredibly disheartening. My first few Gens of NSB ONLY existed there as I didn’t start backing the episodes up and posting them other places until later, so I can't ever rebuild all that was lost.

I had finished the NSB challenge when this happened, but not finished writing up the episodes from the screenshots and stories I had taken during gameplay. The Reddit disaster destroyed my motivation, but I couldn’t leave anyone who had followed the story of my little sims family without closure.

So I polished up all the episodes I had written but not posted, and made this special abridged summary version of the events following the last written episode. Thank you to everyone who came along with me on this journey, it meant the world to me to share it with you.

Following the opening of xir restaurant Skye threw xemself into doing it right, spending time working all sorts of tasks directly as xe managed.

In the end however, even xir all consuming new business venture could not extinguish Skye and Elyse’s desire for another baby.

On Winterfest, after baby Hannah aged up, Skye gifted Betty and Greyson with xir parents' old home on the island and headed off to Peppino’s fertility clinic full of holiday hopes for one last attempt at expanding their family with Elyse’s final retrieved embryo.

To their delight their last chance was successful! Skye gave birth to a healthy baby girl, who they named Miriam.

During xir pregnancy Skye struggled with xir changing body, and after Miriam was born took an insta lean potion like xir mother before xem.

Sabrina followed in her mother Elyse’s footsteps, finding herself struggling in school. Aging up to a teen and entering high school did nothing to improve Sabrina’s outlook and she quickly found herself ditching class regularly.

Her daily trips off campus had a fortunate turn for her future, when she became the eager apprentice of Vanessa, the friendly young owner of a tattoo studio. The idea of making her body a living canvas was fascinating to the young sim, and she embarked on her new career immediately.

She was not surprised that her parents, her teddy in particular, were not pleased about her decision to drop out of school but she refused to let their disappointment turn her away from her dream.

Sabrina threw herself into learning the ropes of her new job with all the zeal she’d never been able to muster for books and papers.

Her new adult responsibilities further distanced her from her peers, but one of her oldest friends stayed close. Theo’s son Blaine wasn’t much of a student himself and though he didn’t feel he could follow in her footsteps, he seemed to understand her choice like no one else.

The two young sims childhood friendship quickly blossomed into something more, much to the dismay of Sabrina’s Teddy, who remembered xir own blind young love and felt she was moving way too fast. This did nothing to improve their already fraught relationship.

Worried about Skye and Sabrina’s deteriorating relationship, Elyse and Betty banded together and dragged everyone to a family vacation on Mount Komorebi in hopes of smoothing things over between the pair.

Time to think and a little gentle encouragement from xir loved ones prevailed, and Sabrina reconciled with her aging Teddy.

After earning xir final promotion Skye had left the paper and devoted xemselves full time to running xir restaurant. Now that the pair were on speaking terms again Sabrina was happy to come help out part-time at Skye’s soon to be 5-star restaurant.

Sabrina cared deeply for Blaine, but things between the pair never seemed to “click” the way she had hoped in the romance department. When she found herself bedazzled with her new colleague at the tattoo parlor, Alexandra, she thought she’d finally figured out why.

The girls mutual crush soon blossomed into more, and Sabrina decided to break up with her boyfriend and dive headfirst into her new relationship. At the same time the newly teen Hannah found herself falling for classmate Cecil after he surprised her with an invite to the prom.

Sadly, Sabrina and Alexandra didn’t work out, with her girlfriend choosing to break things off and get back together with her ex. Heartbroken and unable to bear seeing her former love everyday Sabrina left the tattoo shop and her mentor behind. 

On her birthday her family surprised the sad young adult by turning the old nursery into a small tattoo studio, allowing her to open her own home business. She hoped to open her own shop someday, and this was a great place to start. She even ended up giving her teddy and grandpa Luigi their first tats!

Skye and xir family had a lot to celebrate when xir Black and White Bash rolled around.

Hannah aged up on the same day as her Teddy, and as soon as xir “golden girl” spun her way into adulthood Skye completed xir lifelong goal to become a 'Super Parent'.

Looking around at the banquet hall filled with numerous friends and family Skye blew out xir own candles feeling truly blessed.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/12/2026) Episode: No One Cries Over Garlic Noodles

Skye had finally decided to chase xir dream of running a restaurant. First, though, xe needed enough simoleons to buy Uncle Beau out.

"I can’t believe it took us this long to sell the rental property" xe told Elyse as they left Spring Steppes behind. "Neither of us ever liked being landlords. I’ve blocked most of the plumbing incidents out of memory just to save my sanity.“

Elyse chuckled. "I haven't forgotten that time you tried to bribe the tenants with homemade pizza so they wouldn't revolt. Still, Joe’s crew kept things running, rent came in. Not the worst setup." She nudged xir shoulder. "Now you’re giving up a solid income stream for cranky customers and prep line mishaps. You sure about this?“

"Of course not," Skye said cheerfully. "My brain’s been playing disaster bingo since I signed the contract. I’m just choosing not to listen."

“Congratulations, Mx. Lawbourne, Mr. Ramano” the business broker shook hands with Skye and Beau. “Best of luck to you both.”

“You’ll have to swing by the restaurant sometime,” Beau said with a grin. “Xe’s turning the place into a fancy Italian joint. The kind of place where your artisanal pasta is hand-rolled and all the nectar is finely aged.”

The broker smiled as he held open the door. “Sounds intriguing. I’ll consider it.”

“Are you sure I can’t hire you as my personal hype Sim?” Skye asked as they made their way toward the teleporter.

“Tempting, but no,” Beau replied with a chuckle. “I’m officially, irrevocably retired. I’ll hook you up with my old advertising firm, though. They’ll treat you right. We can sort the details after I introduce you to your new staff.”

“Gather round, people!” Beau’s voice boomed across the dining room as the last customers left. “Your new boss is here to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure,” Skye shook hands all around, trying xir best to commit to memory the names and faces of xir new front-line troops. Xe would have to press Uncle Beau for more details about them later. “Thanks for staying late to see me, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, but maybe Nora could stick around so us chefs can talk shop a bit?”

Nora nodded warily as the others left and Skye stepped closer, arms loosely folded. “I was here last week. Had the Grand Breakfast.”

The other sim winced, no longer able to hide behind her friends. “Yeah… probably not your favorite meal, it’s never been one of my better dishes.”

“No,” Skye agreed, “but I was impressed when I saw your technique. You’re fast, focused. That’s a good start. Now we just need to build your skill.”

“I like cooking,” she said quickly. “I just… haven’t had much training yet.” She glanced at Beau, then back at Skye.

Skye nodded slowly. “Then we’ll start there. I’m enrolling you in Newcrest Institute’s culinary certification program. If you’re willing to attend on your own time, the restaurant will be happy to cover the cost.”

“I… yes. Absolutely.” She didn’t sound sure whether to be excited or terrified. “Thank you. I won’t waste the opportunity.”

With xir head chef set on a path of improvement, Skye turned to focus on the restaurant itself, closing temporarily for remodeling.

“Until Nora’s skills catch up, we’ll stick to the basics,” xe told Elyse as they sat together in the newly renovated eating area. “Lucky for me, Italian food understands compromise.”

“So garlic noodles now, meatballs once no one cries making them?” Elyse teased as Skye nodded. “The place looks great,” she added, glancing around. “I thought you’d reopen the upstairs, though.”

“Not right now,” Skye replied. “I’d rather keep the place small, intimate. Besides, I’d like to make that a space for us. You can work there, the girls can play or do homework, and I’ll feel a little less like a ghost in my own life with my loved ones right upstairs.”

Elyse leaned in to kiss xem. “Sounds like you’ve really thought of everything.”

Skye had done all xe could. The paint was dry, the staff prepped, the menus printed. It was time.

Guests trickled in, then arrived in waves. Conversation rose, chairs scraped back, and someone asked if the new owner was really named after the sky. Xe stood near the entrance for a moment, just watching it happen.

Somewhere in the back of xir mind, xe heard Elyse’s voice. Whatever it takes, we’ll figure it out together. Skye breathed in deep, smiled, and made xir way around the room with calm precision.

There would be hiccups, there always were, but tonight all that mattered was that xir restaurant was officially open for business.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/9/2026) Episode: The Other Thing I Always Wanted

After Noemi and Luigi’s memorial, Skye did xir best to rally, throwing xemself into homelife and work with a kind of desperate focus.

Unfortunately, this left xir burning the candle at both ends and burning out in the process. "Some things stay terrible forever," xe complained to Elyse, coughing violently as xe sampled the latest line of bubble flavors for a review at a karaoke bar downtown. "It’s comforting, really.“

Xe laughed weakly. "An Expert Epicurean, reviewing novelty sludge at a karaoke bar. What’s the reward for all my hard work? A stomachache.“

"Did I tell you Walrus Books offered me a job? Probably Sullivan’s doing." Xe shook xir head in disbelief. "Wild how we went from me catching him cheating, with my boss no less, to him sending me job leads. I was this close to just saying yes and texting in my farewells to the paper."

“You are allowed to quit The Times if you’re over it,” Elyse replied, patting the seat beside her. “I make enough to keep us going, and if you focused more on the kids, I could take extra gigs.” She hesitated. “Have you put any more thought into trying for a baby?” she trailed off as Skye shook xir head.

“I’m not ready.” Xe looked down at xir hands. If my body fails again, it’s over. “Anyway,” xe added with a strained little laugh, “I didn’t come this far just to give up before I get promoted to Curator of the Finest Flavors. Which, yes, is an actual position and not something out of a culinary fever dream.”

Elyse reached for xir hand. “We’ll all love you either way, you know.”

Skye nodded. “I know. Sometimes I just wish my career had gone a different direction entirely.” Xe sighed, xir dream of running xir own restaurant surfacing briefly before xe pushed it to the back of xir mind.

Skye had never stopped believing in xir ability to climb the ranks at The Times, but the idea of running a restaurant felt like a fairy tale. Which was why, when the opportunity to turn that fairy tale into reality landed in xir lap, xe hardly knew what to say.

“I invited you guys over because this place,” Beau gestured around the dining room of Whimsy Kitchen, the restaurant he’d run since Skye was in high school, “Takes far too much of my time for the tastes of my lady love.” He grinned, clearly still besotted with his new bride.

“I’ll be honest,” he continued, “business hasn’t exactly been booming, but I figure a fancy food critic like you knows a few tricks to turn that around.”

Skye took a bite of the grand breakfast in front of xem and summoned every ounce of xir journalistic neutrality to keep from flinching. Step one, xe thought grimly, serve something edible.

Oblivious to the near miss to his pride, Uncle Beau continued, “Skye, you’re the obvious choice to take this place over from me, if you’re willing.”

“I don’t know…” Skye replied slowly, though xir imagination was already at work. Strip the wallpaper, replace these battered chairs… Xe ran xir finger along the torn upholstery as xe pictured a better version of the room. Invest in high-quality ingredients, change up the menu. I always thought an Italian place would suit me. I could teach the chefs my recipes, if I can get them to stop overcooking literally everything.

“Earth to Skye,” Elyse laughed softly. “Its obvious you’re silently redecorating this place in your head already. Whatever it takes to make what you’re envisioning work, we’ll figure it out together.”

Skye turned toward her, hesitation giving way to hope. “Are you sure?” xe asked. “If I jump into this, I won’t have much bandwidth for… other things.” Xe didn’t say ‘the baby,’ but xe didn’t have to.

“This is something you’ve wanted for a long time,” she said softly, her gaze drifting toward the middle distance as she thought of Skye’s eulogy for xir parents and the unconditional love xe had praised them for showing xem.

It’s my turn, finally, to give you that, she thought. Even if it means we never get our baby. “I think it’s time you take this leap of faith.”

Skye nodded to xir uncle, a grin spreading across xir face. “I’m in, let’s do it!”

Xe wasn’t finished critiquing other sims’ restaurants, but now Skye finally had one of xir own to defend.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/7/2026) Episode: The Party He Wouldn't Miss

"Yep, it’s really me," Luigi said, grinning and waving as all his mourners filtered past him toward the party Skye had arranged in the gardens. "Did you really think I’d skip my own sendoff?“

Once the crowd thinned, he drifted beside Skye, shadowing his child with an ease the living couldn’t quite manage. "You nailed that speech, kid. Got me all misty eyed for a minute.“

He tilted his head toward the sky. "Your mom’s going to regret skipping this. Now come on. Let’s go raise a glass or five."

"I told Skye I expected drinks as good as I could mix myself," Luigi grinned. "Looks like he picked the right sim for the job.“

"How could I say no?" Don smirked from behind the bar, tossing a bottle to show off. "You did steal half your moves from me, remember?“

Beau shook his head as Luigi settled beside him. "Of course you’d crash your own funeral. When we’re done with these cocktails, you’re coming to the gaming pavilion, and don’t expect any mercy just because you’re dead.“

Rhys gave an exaggerated sigh. “Is this my afterlife already, eternal third-wheeling?“ At Luigi and Beau’s solemn nods he chuckled. “And why are you so sure I’ll stick around for that?"

"Because we’re so charming," Luigi smiled, lifting his glass. “or maybe so relentless… okay maybe a bit of both."

"Hey, little lady." Luigi floated over to Sabrina after the game, scooping her into a tight hug. "How you holding up?“

"I miss you," she muttered shyly, seeming stuck between tears and resentment at being abandoned.

Luigi nodded. "I get it. My papa passed when I was about your age. It’s tough. If you ever want to talk, or just need a little company, you have Grandpa Candor summon us. All right?“ As Sabrina nodded, Luigi thought back to how rarely Jack had come around after his death. It had hurt, even after he came to understand the reasons. I’ll do things differently, Luigi promised himself. No one I love will ever feel alone if I can help it.

"Now," he continued, letting her go with a smile, "how about we go stir things up on the dance floor?“

Sabrina hugged herself, shrinking a little. "Can I just watch? I don’t feel much like dancing.“

"Of course," Luigi said, offering his hand. "Come with me, kid. You’re not going to want to miss this."

"What are you doing all the way out here?" Elyse asked, snuggling close as she settled beside Skye.

"Just needed some quiet," xe sighed. "Dad’s having a great time, which is good, but I’m not really in the mood to pretend I am.“

Elyse nodded. "What you put together today was beautiful. I thanked Betty already, she handled the whole thing like a pro. I know I’m not much of a party planner, but I can be decent company, unless you'd rather be alone...“

"I wouldn’t," Skye said, kissing her softly. "Please stay.“

Elyse leaned into xir open arms, letting the distant sounds of the party wash over them as the last of the light settled over the city far below.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/5/2026) Episode: To Be Remembered

“I really miss them,” Sabrina said quietly to Gretchen’s brother Blaine near the front row of her grandparents' memorial. “Sulani was fun. Grandpa let me win at video games, and Grandma was teaching me to ride Roach. Teddy says xe’ll let me visit their ghosts sometime, but it can’t be the same.”

“I’m sorry,” Blaine replied softly. “I never met mine. I think I would’ve liked them.”

Sabrina sniffed, eyes glassy. “They probably would’ve liked you, too.”

Elyse's illustrations for Sullivan’s book had drawn attention, and soon she was getting steady work through Theo at Plumbob Pictures. The more the families crossed paths, the closer their kids got, until Blaine had quietly become Bree's favorite playmate.

“I’ve got nothing against Israel,” Skye had told Elyse, “but I'll take Bree bonding with Theo’s boy over Bruce’s any day.”

While Sabrina was inside with Blaine, Skye remained outside, welcoming the last few stragglers to xir father’s funeral.

Xe had just seen Adelaide and Cole through the door when a familiar voice drifted from the shadows. “You got room for one more? The guest list looked a little thin without me.” Luigi’s grin nearly split his face in two.

“Dad?” Skye’s eyes went wide. “What are you doing here? Is Mom…?”

He shook his head. “She said showing up was ‘undignified.’ I told her it was good manners. Guess who won?”

He clapped Skye on the back, urging xem toward the chapel doors. “Let’s keep this our little secret for now. I’ll sit in the back, stay quiet, and enjoy the glowing eulogy I know my kid has prepared.”

Skye was smiling faintly as xe left the man of the hour in the vestibule, Betty’s music heartening xem as xe headed toward the front of the room.

Betty set her instrument aside and froze as she spotted the ghostly figure in the back row. “Is that your…?” she whispered, clutching Skye’s shoulder.

Skye nodded. “I should have expected that he wasn’t going to miss his party, but he wants it to be a surprise to the guests.”

Betty snorted softly. “Yeah, that sounds like him all right.”

“Most of the world knew my parents as stars,” Skye began, voice trembling. “Lightning Lu, the gamer who built a world in Watcher Tales, and Noemi, his brilliant programmer wife, a woman who loved her code and her horses in equal measure.”

Xe drew a shaky breath. “To me, they were just Mom and Dad. They expected a lot, but they were fair, and I always knew they loved me.”

“I’ll never forget how fiercely they stood by me when I came out, no questions asked.” xe continued, wiping at xir eyes “Their unconditional acceptance carried me through some dark times.” On the far side of the chapel, Elyse shifted, eyes on the floor, Skye’s words pressing on an old wound that still ached whenever xe spoke of unconditional love.

“They taught me to be true to myself, to fight for what matters, and to love with everything you have.” Skye’s voice broke as xir eyes swept the crowd, landing briefly on xir father’s ghostly silhouette “I can only hope I’ll live up to the legacy they left behind.”

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/2/2026) Episode: Grief in Motion

After losing xir parents and a failed attempt to conceive, Skye and xir family began the slow work of coming to terms with their grief.

"I knew Mom and Dad’s time was coming. I just didn’t think it would be now." Skye’s voice caught as xe leaned into Betty’s arms. “…and the baby.“

Xe curled tighter into her side. "We only have one more shot. Even if Elyse was willing to do another extraction, Peppino isn’t sure it would help, not after what he found last time." Xe let out a long breath and slumped further. "It’s like the universe is out to get me.“

Betty pressed a kiss to xir temple and pulled xem closer. "You're never ready to lose the sims you love. When my mom died, I ran halfway across the world to keep from drowning in it." They shared a look, the memory of Selvadorada stretching warm between them.

“Running away isn’t really on the table for me,” Skye muttered. “Although the idea of vanishing into the woods is getting more appealing by the hour.”

Xe pressed the heel of xir hand to xir forehead. “Sort out their house. Deal with Roach. Book a venue for the memorial…” Skye let out a small, rueful laugh. “Dad was very clear that he expected ‘a last hurrah fit for the superstar I am.’ He made me promise there’d be dancing, cake, and drinks as good as if he’d poured them himself.”

Betty chuckled and bumped xem with her shoulder. “Of course he did. You don't have to do this alone, you know. Let me help. I’ve got some ideas.”

Skye exhaled hard. “I have no motivation, but I need to start anyway. Let’s hear what you’ve got.”

Betty’s plan started with Skye’s childhood home and xir parents’ well-loved hoofed companion. “Thanks again for agreeing to stay here awhile,” xe said, wrapping Beau in a long hug. “I have no idea what to do with this place yet, but I couldn't just leave it abandoned.”

“No problem, since you’re not asking me to bond with the horse.” Beau chuckled. “Bruce treats moving out like an urban legend, so having a house to myself? That’s living the dream.” He winked. “Maybe I’ll even try dating again, although I doubt I’ll find anyone as … experienced as your mother.”

Betty gagged dramatically. “TMI, Dad. I support your love life... in theory. In practice, I prefer to remain blissfully ignorant.” She gave him a quick squeeze, then jogged after Skye and Roach toward the teleporter.

“I don’t know what he has against giving this old fellow a chance,” Betty said. “Greyson and I are already planning our horse era.” She gave Roach an affectionate pat. “I always thought your parents had the right idea. A stable on the beach? That’s elite coastal living.”

Skye chuckled. “Mom used to say sims gave her the strangest looks when she told them she had a horse in Sulani, but Roach never minded running rings around his little island. I think he liked the ocean views.”

Roach’s new home was, unsurprisingly, in Chestnut Ridge. “Thank you for taking him,” Skye said to Amaya and Miguel, brushing a bit of straw from xir sleeve as Roach settled into his stall.

“Of course,” Amaya replied, voice warm. “I loved your mom, and she adored this big guy. We’ll make sure he’s spoiled and in exchange he’ll keep our old boys company.” She turned toward the house. "Now, come inside and relax. Greyson and Elyse should be here soon with the tiny tornadoes, then we’ll order pizza. I figured we’d earned a drama-free dinner after the last time."

“Thank you,” Skye told Betty hours later, as they left the ranch in the soft golden light of evening. “I don’t know why I didn’t think to ask Aunt Amaya and Uncle Miguel about taking in Roach.”

Betty bumped xem lightly. “You’ve had a lot on your mind. Next up, a memorial worthy of Uncle Lu. Loud, shiny, and mildly irresponsible.”

Skye smiled, feeling lighter than xe had in days as they peeled off toward the noise and laughter of their spouses and small humans, heading for the teleporter that would take them back to the bay.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/31/2025) Episode: Red Carpet, White Light

While Skye sobbed in Elyse’s arms, Luigi and Noemi blinked against the sudden glare of a perfectly landscaped courtyard.

Luigi glanced around, lowering the hand he had been waving at a crowd that no longer existed. "What the…?“

"Honey…" Noemi began, gaze locked on his youthful face. "I think...“

A voice behind them cut her off. "Hate to break it to you, son," Jack said with a soft smile, "but you’re not in The Valley anymore.”

“Papa?” Luigi’s voice cracked, the pieces falling into place as he launched himself into Jack’s open arms.

“I missed you too,” Jack laughed, stepping back with a fond smile as Peachy elbowed in.

“Leave it to you to die on the red carpet,” Peachy chuckled, giving Luigi’s hair a good-natured ruffle. “Although I’ve got to admit, that exit had style.“

Gilbert glanced over from his embrace with Noemi. “How this one ended up with that fame hound of yours, I’ll never know.” He winked. “Nice to see you again, kiddo, even if your entrance, or I guess I should say exit… was characteristically dramatic.”

“I knew this was coming,” Luigi said, resting his elbows on the kitchen table of their old Sulani house, now perfectly rebuilt in the Ever After. “Guess I shouldn’t have been surprised after Cullen passed. We were born on the same day after all.”

“Best day of my life, finally evicting you from your very first rental,” Peachy grinned. “Back pain, broken foot, and I had to get sliced up like a wedding cake to get you out. I gave birth in an Ortho boot, Luigi!”

He gave him a light nudge. “I kept waiting for you and the missus to chug a couple of those potions of youth you passed around like party favors. Didn’t think you’d really be ready to give up the spotlight… or those grandbabies of yours.”

“In fact,” he went on, looking Luigi up and down, “I was sure you’d show up here older, like your papa, but…”

“Oh Grim, Skye!” Noemi interrupted, eyes going wide. “Xe’s so tenderhearted. I don’t know how xe’ll handle this. Xe and Elyse had an appointment at Peppino’s today to try for another baby. I was going to check in after…” Her voice faltered as the truth settled. She wouldn’t be making that call.

“It’s never easy on those we leave behind,” her mother said softly. “You do your best to prepare them and hope it’s enough. I imagine your gravestones will be with ours, so even if it’s different now, you won’t be far.”

Noemi nodded, swallowing hard. “I just hope the procedure worked. They were both so very hopeful.”

As the others began to drift out, Luigi pulled Peachy aside. “That thing you said earlier, about me showing up older. What did you mean?”

“I figured you’d roll in looking like your SimWorld cover,” Peachy said with a chuckle. “Neon sneakers, anime shirt, that smug little gamer grin. Instead, you’re channeling college-you, the kid who called Flaming Zesty Salt a ‘conversation starter.’”

Luigi gave a half-laugh. “No more insulin, no more eye cream, no more pretending kale tastes like anything but sadness. The perks of being dead.”

“Sure, sickness isn’t a thing in the afterlife, that’s the whole paradise deal.” Peachy placed a hand gently on Luigi’s arm. “Just… don’t count on being famous here. That part might not have made the transition.”

Luigi’s smile caught his dad off guard. “That works just fine for me. Noemi never cared for the crowds or the cameras. I once told her obscurity would be our last luxury. Looks like The Watcher was paying attention.”

His eyes brightened. “Besides, fame is a game you can always replay. Half the fun is starting from zero.”

He gave his father a long hug, promising to come by and hear about the latest quest Jack believed had been undertaken in the service of his and Luigi’s Watcher. “An outhouse!” Peachy chortled. “He sanded for hours, nearly glued his sleeve to the thing, then declared it a masterpiece. If that’s divine service, the Ever After’s in trouble.”

Luigi shook his head fondly before closing the door and heading to the bedroom, where Noemi waited with a smile brighter than any stage light.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/29/2025) Episode: Steps Towards Tomorrow

After Elyse’s egg donation, she and Skye returned to Peppino’s clinic for their insemination attempt.

“Uncle Cullen never had kids,” Skye murmured, settling into the waiting room chair. “Said they’d interfere with his work. Dad always claimed he just didn’t like them.” Xe dropped into a passable impression of xir father. “Every time we brought you to a family event as a baby, your uncle looked at you like you were about to launch out of my arms and poop on his silk tie.”

“Funny thing is, once I was a teenager, we really got along.” Skye gave a small, sad chuckle. “He was the first sim who really understood what I was going through when I came out. Talking with him while I helped with his blog made a big difference. I’m going to miss him.”

Elyse reached for Skye’s hand. “Even if he didn’t want kids, I bet he’s over in the Ever After right now, hiding behind a newspaper and calling this all nonsense while rooting for us so hard he forgets to turn the page.”

“Welcome back!” Peppino greeted them a few minutes later with his usual over-the-top cheer. “Ready to get bun number three in the oven?”

Skye nodded, nervousness creeping into xir voice. “Last time, you implanted three embryos to help our odds. This time, we only have two…” Xe let the words trail off, unsure how to finish.

Peppino’s smile faded slightly. “That’s right. Since we only got two viable options from Elyse, I’m implanting just one today. That way, we’ll still have one in reserve in case this round doesn’t take.”

He let the weight of that settle before switching tones. “Still, I’ve got a strong track record and a very persuasive bedside manner. I’ll make sure this little sim gets the best welcome wagon possible. Now, do you have any more questions before we get started?”

Skye shook xir head, giving Elyse’s hand a firm squeeze as the operating room slid into blurry darkness.

Peppino was waiting when Skye blinked awake, Elyse’s hand already tucked into xir own. “Now that you’re both back with me,” he said gently, “I want to talk through something before Skye takes the test.”

Skye’s chest went tight. “Did something go wrong?”

“Not wrong,” Peppino said quickly. “Just not optimal. When I placed the embryo, I noticed the vascular grafts on the sac weren’t perfusing evenly. Could be due to your age, or it might be micro-scarring from last time.”

Elyse’s grip on xir hand tightened. “Is that bad?”

“It’s not great,” Peppino admitted, “but the embryo is in place, and I’ve seen worse situations end in happy chaos. There’s still a decent chance.” He glanced at them both. “Take the test, then meet me in my office. We’ll go from there.”

“Do you want me to come in with you?” Elyse asked once Skye was cleared to proceed with the test.

The image of Betty asking xem the same question so long ago in Selvadorada surfaced as Skye shook xir head. That time, xe had forced a smile and played it brave. This time, xe let the truth show.

“No. I’ll come tell you the results when it’s done,” xe said quietly. “If it didn’t work, I’d like a minute to myself.”

Elyse nodded and pulled xem close. “Good luck,” she whispered. “I love you.”

“Of course,” Skye whispered after the timer buzzed, staring at the single pink line as if it might apologize before dropping the stick into the trash.

Peppino’s warning about perfusion, scarring, and age returned uninvited, clinical and final. Xe bowed xir head, the tears already escaping as xe pressed both hands to xir stomach. “I really wanted to be your Teddy,” xe murmured to the baby who would never arrive. “I’m sorry I failed you.”

Elyse looked up as xe exited the restroom, the hope in her eyes flickering out the instant she saw Skye’s expression.

“I’m sorry,” she said, rising to wrap xem in a firm, steady hug. “I’m here. Whatever you need.”

Skye leaned into her, a little of the tension slipping from xir shoulders. “Let’s go see Peppino,” xe said eventually. “I need to know what happens next... with the sac... since I’m not…”

Xe faltered, the words catching in xir throat. Elyse nodded, taking xir hand and guiding them both gently down the hall.

Skye and Elyse slipped into Peppino’s office together, hands still linked. “It didn’t work,” Skye whispered, head bowed.

“I’m sorry,” Peppino said gently. “In cases like this, the sac should reabsorb on its own. You won’t need another procedure. We’ll keep an eye on things just to be safe, but I don’t expect complications.”

Skye let out a tired breath, eyes on the floor. “Well, that’s something. Fewer scalpels in my week is always good news.”

Peppino nodded. “Now that we’ve identified the issue with the graft flow, there are interventions we can try to improve your odds before the next round. Vascular stimulation, for example. There’s still a good chance you can get pregnant again, Skye.”

Skye finally looked up. “I’ll think about it. Right now, I just want to go home.”

Peppino nodded in understanding. “Call me if you decide to try again and we’ll build a plan together.”

Skye stepped into the waiting room and stopped cold as a familiar name cut through the background noise.

“…the global superstar and his wife Noemi were attending the premiere of the romantic comedy A Sim for All Seasons, in which he starred as a widowed gardener finding love late in life, when tragedy struck." The news anchor reported with dry efficiency. "The couple collapsed hand in hand on the red carpet, and witnesses report the Grim Reaper arrived moments later. Both sims were pronounced dead at the scene.”

Skye moved toward the television like someone sleepwalking. “No,” xe breathed. “They can’t be… not now… I’m not...”

Elyse was at xir side in an instant, arms circling xem as xe crumpled. “I’m so sorry,” she murmured. Xe buried xir face in her shoulder, quiet sobs shaking xir entire body as xir world cracked in half.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/26/2025) Episode: Bacon Cupcakes For The Brave

Just as she had promised, Elyse wasted no time walking out of the art studio for good.

“It’s weird not having somewhere to be every day,” she told Skye. “I’m booked with freelance gigs, and I love the family time, but I feel so restless.”

“That works out,” xe said, patting xir belly with a sheepish smile. “Hopefully you’ll have something else to keep you busy soon.”

Elyse chuckled nervously. “I’m dreading the egg donation, but I can’t wait for you to have another baby.” She pressed in close, hand on xir stomach. “Our little dream come true.”

On the morning of her procedure, Elyse woke with a sharp cry, heart pounding. “No… don’t hurt me!” She shot upright, breath ragged and eyes still fogged from sleep.

“Elyse!” Skye hustled back in from the bathroom, hastily wiping toothpaste off xir chin. “What’s wrong?”

She rose, slumping into xir arms. “Another nightmare. I’m scared, Skye. You know I hate doctors, needles, and drugs. My brain keeps drafting worst-case scenarios like it’s on commission.”

Skye softly kissed her cheek. “Whatever happens, we’ll get through it. Besides, we’ve got Peppino himself running the show. You couldn’t hope to be in better hands.”

While Skye was calming Elyse, across the hall Betty was smirking at Greyson. “You’re strangely upbeat for someone about to meet the business end of a scalpel,” she said with a wicked grin. “Feeling especially BALLSY today?”

Greyson chuckled. “I'm not thrilled about getting sliced open, but it will be worth it to stop worrying about any more surprise additions to the family.”

“You sure you don’t want to try pregnancy yourself?” she teased. “You might get twins, then Cole and I could induct you into the single occupancy torso club. Benefits include bed rest, unlimited snacks, and stretch marks you can brag about.”

“Tempting, but no.” He grinned, gesturing toward a photo of Sabrina and the boys. “I love our chaos gremlins, but two and a half is plenty.”

After breakfast, the couples handed the kids to their grandparents along with instructions that doubled as veiled warnings. After quick good-luck exchanges, they each headed off on separate errands of bravery.

At the paternity clinic in Oasis Springs, Skye was surprised when xe and Elyse were guided straight into an exam room. At least she won't have to sit in the waiting area, winding herself up in knots, xe thought.

Elyse had just settled onto the bed when Peppino strode in, arms open wide as if stepping onto a stage with a huge smile on his face. “Welcome! Are we ready to get started?”

Elyse’s eyes darted instantly to the exit, but she stilled when Skye placed a steadying hand on her arm. “No,” she admitted, voice shaking. “I'll never really be ready, but I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Let’s just get it over with before I run screaming for the parking lot.”

Peppino nodded and turned to Skye. “Want to stay until she’s asleep?”

“Of course.” Xe held her hand, tracing gentle circles on her palm as the sedative eased her under.

“Thanks for taking us back so quickly,” Skye said with a smile once she was out. “This way there was no chance for her to start imagining you as a cartoon villain.”

“All part of my master plan,” Peppino replied with a grin. “You mentioned she didn’t like doctors. I figured the less time she had to wait, the fewer imaginary mustaches I’d have to grow.”

Despite her fears, Elyse's surgery went perfectly well. “Elyse did great,” Peppino said as the couple joined him in his office. “I don’t expect you to have any issues but go over your discharge instructions carefully and call if anything feels off.”

Elyse winced, rubbing a hand over her stomach, which was already cramping. “I just hope you got what you needed. Right now, it feels like my insides ran a marathon without me.”

Peppino’s tone softened. “The samples I took had fewer healthy eggs than I would like. Only two really seem likely to succeed after implantation. The condition of your other eggs suggests you are likely in perimenopause.”

Elyse sat back, stunned. “I… I had no idea.” Her brow furrowed. “Will…” She swallowed, eyes shining. “Will Skye still be able to have our baby?”

“The candidates we have look good,” Peppino assured them. “Fewer embryos means fewer chances, but there is still hope, and I am notoriously good at turning hope into results.”

Skye and Elyse reached the homestead just as Greyson and Betty teleported in. “So, are you two officially retired from baby-making?” xe asked, giving xir friend a quick once-over. Greyson was walking as if he thought something sensitive might fall out any minute, gripping Betty’s arm like a lifeline.

“We better be,” he muttered through clenched teeth. “Less chat, more couch. I need a snack and an ice pack big enough to qualify as furniture.”

“The doctor said everything went fine,” Betty answered, steering him toward the living room. “As for snacks, Skye’s got you covered, gimpy.”

“Betty had me make those bacon cupcakes you love,” Skye said with a grin. “Congratulations on your hard won infertility.”

Greyson managed a pained smirk. “Thanks. I’ll take the whole tray.”

Elyse eased onto the couch beside Greyson a few minutes later, a hot water bottle pressed to her stomach. “Grim, we’re a pitiful pair.”

He passed her a cupcake. “No kidding. How’d it go with you today?”

“Wow, you must feel sorry for me if you’re sharing snacks.” She laughed, then winced. “No complications, just a reminder I’m not as young as I used to be. Peppino got a couple of viable embryos, so we’re hopeful. You?”

“If I follow orders, between this and Betty’s IUD we’re in the clear. Worth it.” He shifted with a grimace. “I was just about to put on Plumbob Patrol, the one about the rookie cops in Newcrest who spend more time debating donut flavors than catching crooks. Want in?”

“Sure,” she agreed. “Bailey’s in that, right?”

Gretchen’s ex-wife appeared onscreen before he could answer. “Here’s hoping today paid off for both of us,” he said, giving her shoulder a companionable bump before gingerly settling back to watch the show with his old friend.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/24/2025) Episode: To The Next Life Stage

Skye wasn’t the only one celebrating xir birthday today.

“Don’t wanna share!” Sabrina huffed as Elyse spun her into her party wear and corralled a squirming Hannah.

“I know,” Elyse said gently. “Sharing’s hard, but everyone you love will be there. It’s going to be a blast.”

“Isreal, Blaine?” Sabrina asked, eyes lighting up.

Skye nodded.  “The whole crew. You can age up as soon as we get there, and I’ll go later in the night. That way, we both get our very own turn.”

“Bree go first!” she agreed firmly, grabbing Skye’s hand. “Teddy party time after!”

“Crisis averted,” Skye stage-whispered to Elyse with a wry grin as Sabrina tugged xem from the room. “For now.”

While Elyse and Skye were getting their girls ready, Betty was upstairs prepping Greyson to stay home alone. "There’s water and a snack on the table, and the bathroom is still right where we left it.” she grinned softly.

“Really? I was starting to worry it had moved.” He chuckled, then winced as fresh pain surged behind his eyes. “I’ll be okay. Just tell Bree I’m sorry I can’t come. I was looking forward to it, but my brain’s trying to implode, and the floor thinks it’s a carnival ride.”

“I’m sorry if I contributed to triggering your migraine,” she said quietly. “I know stress can bring them on, and this morning was…”

“Betts. No. You didn’t do this.” He fumbled for her hand, unwilling to brave the light. “I just happened to be overdue for this headache.”

“I love you,” she said as her masked hero kissed her knuckles gently. “I’ll say hi to everyone for you and bring you home some cake.”

Once all the guests had arrived, Elyse lit the candles while Skye set up xir camera.

“Humple Borpnah!” Sabrina cheered, snuffing out the flames and shimmying for freedom.

The moment she spun into childhood, Betty approached with Elyse’s much younger brother Moses in tow. “There’s a hopscotch court out back. Want us to teach you how to play?“

“Sure,” she said, as Betty lead the way.  Her birtha hopped ahead, smiling as she heard the kids chatting excitedly about school behind her.

“So, when do we get to cut that cake?” Luigi asked as Skye took a seat across from him.

“Later,” xe shrugged. “Bree didn’t love the idea of sharing her party, so I told her I’d go later. Let her have the spotlight all to herself for a while.”

“Her little sister’s looking good,” Hunter added, smiling.

“Hannah’s great. A total sweetheart.” Skye turned toward Peppino. “Elyse and I are planning another. She’s offered to donate this time, so we’ll be calling on you again soon.”

“Another grandchild!?” Noemi beamed. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day! Is it secretly MY birthday?”

"We figured life’s already loud," Skye quipped. "Might as well turn up the volume one more notch."

“It looks like someone made a new friend,” Elyse said, watching Hannah toddle past with one of Adelaide’s kids, Cole trailing close behind.

“If she gets bossy, let me know,” she joked, then turned back to the group.

“You’re taking your art independent?” Candor grinned across at his erstwhile protege. “About time. You’ve got the talent, now you’ll have the freedom. I can connect you with a few folks to help get things rolling.“

“I’ll want a sit-down once you’re settled in,” Gretchen added. “You’ve got a story to tell, and the publicity won’t hurt.”

“Thanks, that would be great,” Elyse smiled. “I’m excited. Nervous, but ready.”

“Thanks for hosting,” Skye said, easing into the hot tub beside Peter and Markus. “I was sorry to hear about Uncle Denton.”

Peter gave a tired smile. “This party helped, honestly. After Dad passed, Mom just… crumpled. Moved in the next week. Still her chaotic self, but trying. She and Melisa manage, somehow. I should be thanking you, planning this party gave her something to micromanage that wasn’t me.”

“I’m just glad Dad got to meet Jude,” Markus added. He and his wife had recently adopted from the foundation after their own battle with infertility.

Skye smiled, then stilled, as xe caught a glimpse of Luigi lounging by the pool. Dad isn’t much younger than Uncle Denton was, xe realized, and Mom is around the same age. Will they even get to meet our new baby?

The party became the kind of chaotic, joyful day only family, friends, and overtired toddlers can create.

As the sun dipped low, Peter pulled out Skye’s birthday cake and called everyone to gather.

“Looks like my girls tapped out,” xe said, nodding toward the play tent where both xir daughters lay fast asleep. “Alright then, let’s do this.“

Cheers rose as Skye stepped up, blew out the candles, and spun xir way into adulthood.

🎵I'm not afraid of getting older, I'm one less day from dying young🎵

“Happy birthday, love.” Elyse wrapped Skye in a hug. “Welcome to adulthood. How’s it feel?”

“Honestly? Not much different, except maybe how much more I love you now,” xe said, kissing her hard.

“I love you too.” She gave xem a soft smile, nodding toward Betty. “I’ll handle the girls. Can you gather up everyone else?”

Skye nodded, catching her drift.

“Hey there, you old fart,” Betty teased, sliding up beside xem.

“Hey,” Skye murmured, leaning in. “Elyse is busy with the girls, and no one’s near the hot tub. Want to take advantage?”

“Race you.” Betty grinned. They slipped away hand in hand, into the water and whatever came next.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/22/2025) Episode: No More Pretending

The former lovers were nearly buzzing with nervous energy as they prepared their little shared household for the day. Xe dropped the spatula twice. She made the same joke three times. Once their children’s chaos settled, Betty asked Beau to keep watch and led the others downstairs.

Elyse and Greyson exchanged a wary glance as they sat down at the games table. “What’s going on?” Greyson asked, raising a suspicious eyebrow. “Somehow I don’t think you dragged us all down here for puzzles and polite conversation.”

Betty squeezed Skye's hand beneath the table, her grin wobbling at the edges. “You remember that open relationship idea you both suggested on the honeymoon? Skye and I would like to take you up on it. We’d like to be… together.”

Their partners stared, stunned into silence. Elyse broke it first. “OK. I… I suppose?” She stammered, turning to Greyson. "What do you think?“

Greyson exhaled. "I think it's safe to say we're stepping into a conversation that's already well underway." His smile was thin, but not unkind. “I don’t blame you for talking it through before bringing us in. I know we already gave a green light to the plan, but even so, we need a moment to catch up.”

Elyse gave a tight nod. “There’s a couch in the media room. I’d like to talk to Grayson there for a minute.”

Greyson stood, gesturing for Betty and Skye to stay where they were. Elyse quietly followed as he led the way down the hall.

"So that didn’t exactly come as a shock to me," Greyson said, glancing at Elyse as they got seated. “How about you?“

She gave a dry smile. "They’ve always been close. When I aged up and Skye was still in high school, their relationship got under my skin a bit. I breathed quite a bit easier once you and Betty started dating.“

Greyson leaned back, gaze on the ceiling. “I can see that. The weekend after Skye took you on that ill fated visit to xir grandfathers place, xe invited us all to a review xe was doing of that cross-stitch café in Henford.“

He paused. "Xe was still with you, but the way xe looked at Betty that day wasn't subtle. I’d had a crush on her for a while, and that was the moment I knew I’d need to move on it, or risk someone else taking my shot. I walked her to the cupcake machines and asked her to prom right then.“

A quiet laugh caught in his throat. "She said yes, then handed me something with sprinkles and told me to lighten up."

"So, what can we do?" Elyse asked, her voice barely steady. "It’s clear they..." The words caught in her throat. "You saw the looks on their faces.“

Greyson leaned back slightly, letting out a breath. "Yeah, I caught the live broadcast of their feelings. Anyway, we both had reasons to suggest this to our more “amorous” partners in the first place. Has anything changed about that for you recently?“

She shook her head and made a face. "No, although I have a hard time not feeling a little hurt anyway.“

"Same here." he sighed “But it still makes the most sense, so I say we follow through.“

Elyse exhaled. "I thought if Skye ever decided to do this, it would be with a stranger. Not one of my closest friends. Just knowing it’s happening is going to be hard, I don’t think I want to see it happen right in front of me.“

Greyson squeezed her shoulder. "Then we set some ground rules. Basic things like no flirting at the table and no loaded glances at naptime. I think it can be made to work. Honestly, I’m happier with it being someone I already know. With Skye, there’s a baseline of trust built up.”

Elyse nodded slowly. "Sometimes I still wonder about their time in Selvadorada. It was just the two of them out there all alone for so long, with no one watching...“ Her voice trailed off.

"Even if something did happen between them then, would knowing about it help?” he sighed “They came home to us. They built their lives with us. If there’s a secret somewhere in that jungle, I think it’s best we leave it buried with all the others."

Elyse’s gaze dropped. "You’re right," she said, quietly. "We’ve all got mistakes we’d rather not dig up. So, are we ready to make this official?"

Once the couples reconvened, the conversation between the lovers turned practical and upbeat.

In the end, they kept the terms simple. "So, we agree," Elyse said. "Keep it private. Keep it out of our beds. End the day with us." She nodded toward Greyson. "Either couple can call a family meeting at any time to revisit this. That part is non-negotiable.“

Skye nodded. "Thank you. We know this will take some adjustment. We want it to work for everyone.“

Betty looked at Greyson. "We love you. We just… love each other too.“

Greyson returned her gaze and nodded. "We know." Then he rolled his eyes and waved them toward the stairs. "Go on. You know you want to."

Skye and Betty shared a quick look, hearts racing, then slipped out without a word.

As soon as they were alone, Skye grabbed Betty’s hand and pulled her upstairs, moving fast. On the landing, xe turned and kissed her hard. "I’m so happy right now.“

She melted into xir arms, smiling wide. "Same. I never thought I’d get to have everything. It feels unreal.“

"If this is a dream, I don’t ever want to wake up." Xe grinned, nodding toward the bathroom. "We don't have a bed to use with your dad here. We'll just have to improvise.“

Betty’s laugh caught in her throat. "So romantic. Just you, me, and a borrowed bathroom. Living the dream.“

She wrapped her arms around xir neck and whispered, "Let’s take a shower. If we do it right, by the time we’re done, we’ll need another."

Steam clung to the air as the two stepped out of the shower a long while later, skin flushed. Skye reached for Betty, pulling her close.

"I’ve been waiting a long time for that," xe said.

"Grim, I love Greyson, but I never stopped loving you." She smiled softly. "It’s both. It always has been.“

Skye kissed her gently. "You don’t have to explain. I understand.“

She ran her fingers through xir damp hair and smiled. "We finally get to stop pretending.“

  🎵Love me like you do, la-la-love me like you do🎵

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/19/2025) Episode: Outside the Lines

Skye was still glowing from the morning’s promise of another baby, this time made with Elyse’s donation. It felt like a dream finally within reach.

As xe stepped into the hallway, Betty intercepted xem with a grin. "Happy birthday!" she said, snatching xir hand like she was launching a side quest. "Before you get swallowed by the chaos downstairs, you’re coming with me.“

She gave Elyse a breezy wave. "I’ll return xem to the madhouse shortly.“

Without waiting for a reply, she pulled a bemused Skye into the seldom-used magic room, where they could speak without fear of interruption.

Betty didn’t let the moment linger. She pulled out a single red rose and dipped into an exaggerated bow, her grin wobbling at the edges. "Make sure you read the card," she said, voice light even as her eyes searched xir face.

Skye hadn’t expected such an overt romantic gesture. It felt like stepping into a memory xe had never really let go of. As xe turned the stem and read the card, xir breath caught. ‘We both have the blessing of our loves to love another… let’s not deny ourselves any longer.’

Skye’s love had never been in doubt, but Betty still found herself bracing for every kind of response. Laughter was the one she hadn’t prepared for.

Skye caught the confused, worried look on her face and stepped forward quickly. "Oh, Betty. I’m not brushing this off. Yes, absolutely, I want to be with you." Xe wrapped her in a hug, tight and certain. "It’s just... Elyse and I are going to try for another baby. She wants to donate this time."

“I guess pregnancy is our love language now.” Xe chuckled again. "I swear the universe has a fertility kink.“

The last of Betty's tension fell away in a grin. “Well, congratulations to both of you, and may you have an easier time of it than I did.“

"Thanks," Skye said with a smile. "This is already the best birthday I can remember, and it’s just barely started."

Skye hesitated, then tilted xir head slightly. “So, what does this make us, exactly? I don't want to call you my mistress, but I already have a wife.“

"Grim," xe sighed awkwardly. "Why does everything between us have to be so complicated?“

Betty didn’t flinch. "We color outside the lines. That’s kind of our deal. If you really need a label, technically we’re woohoo partners. Though personally, I like 'interdimensional cuddle consultants.' Keeps a hint of classy mystique.“

Skye huffed a laugh, the tension easing from xir shoulders. Betty leaned in and kissed xir cheek, lips warm against xir skin, eyes wide open. Whatever this was, she wasn’t pretending.

"Woohoo partners is probably the better-known term," Skye chuckled, letting the words sit in the space between them. "It’s clear.“

Xe paused, voice quieter now. "I don’t want to question it too much, but I have to ask. What changed your mind?“

Betty took a moment, searching for the right words. "What your grandfather said at the awards ceremony, it stayed with me. I haven’t brought it up since then because I wasn’t sure yet, but I don’t want to waste any more time.“

She looked down, suddenly shy. “During my pregnancy, you were always there, helping me through everything. Skye, you love me. I love you. Orange was right. We’ve made mistakes, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a right to be happy."

Skye’s grin spread, affection warming every word. "I owe Grandpa Orange a thank-you mug. Maybe one labelled 'World’s Least Subtle Matchmaker.’”

Xe reached for her hand, thumb tracing across her knuckles. "Betty, I do love you. I can’t wait to be 'us' again.“

Betty’s fingers tightened around his. She didn’t speak, just held on like she never wanted to let go.

       🎵Those days of warm rains come rushing back to me, Secret moments shared within the heat of the afternoon, I love you always forever🎵

“I guess that means we know what our next move has to be then,” Betty said, her bright smile faltering just slightly. “We’ll get everyone settled, then drop this polyamorous plot twist on our spouses together.”

Skye gave her hands a firm squeeze, gazing lovingly at her. “This is going to work out great. I can feel it.”

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/17/2025) Episode: This Time, For Real

The morning of Skye’s birthday, Elyse woke up nervous but determined. Today, she’d finally ask the question that had been lodged in her chest since before they’d adopted Hannah. I just hope xe’ll go for it. I know we’ve got our hands full, but I really want another baby.

Her spouse had just dodged into the bathroom, preoccupied with xir own dreams. Could I really do it? Really make my OWN restaurant work?

Xir anxious mind scrambled to shut it down as too risky, but the joy of the dream, the pride in xir imagined success, and the hope that maybe, just maybe, it could work stayed with xem.

Elyse caught Skye just as xe finished spinning into xir everyday wear.

"Happy birthday," she smiled, stepping in for a kiss. "Before we wade into the fray down there..." She gestured toward the stairs, where two babies were screaming and someone was definitely using the nesting blocks as cymbals again, "I wanted to give you your present.“

Skye unwrapped the package to find a silver bear charm hanging from a sturdy silver chain, its belly set with a blue gem that shimmered in the light.

"I love it!” xe grinned, slipping it under xir shirt so none of the kids could try to use it as a chew toy. “It’s perfect. Thank you!"

"I'm glad you like it," she said, reaching for xir hands as if anchoring herself to the moment. "Skye, you’re an amazing Teddy, and I’d really love to make you a Teddy again. If you’re willing.“

"You mean… adopt another baby?" xe asked, blinking.

Elyse shook her head, her finger bouncing between them like she was underlining the sentence. “No. I want YOU to have another baby. OUR baby.”

Skye’s eyes widened. "Are you saying… YOU want to donate for another insemination attempt?“

Elyse nodded. "Yes. I’ve been thinking about it since before we adopted Hannah. I still hate the idea of having my eggs harvested, but watching our friends do it helped me get past the fear."

Her voice softened. "I love the children we have, but I’ve always felt just a little bit left out, not having… "directly" contributed to any of them.”

Skye thought of the dream xe’d been so eager to share just minutes earlier. If we do this, I can’t start my own business too; it’d be too much.

Xe hesitated only a moment before xir long-buried dream of a tiny sim with xir eyes and Elyse’s smile rose to the surface. That baby meant more to xem than any restaurant ever would. Still, pregnancy hadn’t just changed xir body, it had also changed how Elyse looked at xem.

"Elyse," xe finally said, "I want to have another baby with you, but we’ve been here before. We know what it does to us, to how you see me. If I do this, I need you to face that with me, not flinch from it.“

She started to answer, but xe lifted a hand. "Then there’s the time commitment. We’d have five kids, maybe more, in this house. I need you to be sure about this. Really ‘all in’ on this one more baby project."

Elyse frowned, then nodded. "Watching your body change again won’t be easy. I’m not pretending it will be. I also know we’ve done this before, and we’re stronger now than we were back then.“

She took a breath. "As for the time? If you say yes, I’m quitting my job. Honestly, I might quit either way. If I have to hear one more curator say 'capture the soul of the piece,’ I’m going to throw my palette through the wall, or at their head.”

A small smile tugged at her mouth. "I’ve built enough connections in the art world to match or surpass my current income by selling original pieces and taking freelance gigs. If I’m not chained to the studio all day, I’ll have the time to be the kind of mom and wife you and our babies deserve."

Skye studied her face, searching for any trace of hesitation. Does she mean it? Can she really do this?

When she stared right back, eyes full of of hope and the quiet certainty xe had learned to trust, xe finally nodded. "It sounds like you’ve really thought this through E-Lee. I’d love to have another baby, our baby.“

Skye opened xir arms and pulled her in, heart beating fast. "We’re going to be parents again," xe whispered, the words tentative but full of hope.

"Yes," she said, simply. "I know I wasn’t there before. This time I swear I will be, Teddy. Every step of the way."

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/15/2025) Episode: Steady in the Chaos

Betty recovered quickly from her nonsurgical delivery and was soon discharged from the hospital.

To help with the twins, Grandpa Beau moved in and took over the spare room, bringing his usual mix of charm, judgment, and a competitive streak even the twins weren’t safe from.

"Are you sure Bruce and Isreal will be OK on their own?" Betty asked.

"Girl, I’ve babied that brother of yours long enough," Beau said, shaking his head. "Besides, the military’s finally teaching him lessons your mother and I couldn’t shout over his ego.“

“Anyway, Isreal just aged up," he added. "He’ll be fine. Right now, I’m here for you and the babies."

Betty had support on all sides, but the constant demands of full-time motherhood left her tense and tired in ways she didn’t know how to name.

"Is everything OK with you?" Skye asked gently. The signs had been quiet, but Skye noticed. Xe always noticed with Betty.

She shook her head, pausing only briefly before leaning into Skye’s open arms. "I just feel down. The boys are healthy, everyone’s helping, but I keep thinking something’s going to go wrong. What if I get pregnant again by accident? I don’t think I ever want to have another baby.“

Skye tightened the hug. "I know those kinds of worries. Saying it out loud definitely helped me. Have you let Greyson know how you’re feeling?"

Betty shook her head. "He’s been so amazing. I didn’t want to seem ungrateful.“

Skye gave her a small squeeze. "That’s not how he’ll see it. Greyson loves you, and he’d want the chance to be there for you."

Taking Skye’s suggestion to heart, Betty opened up to her husband about her struggles.

"Thanks for telling me," he said, pulling her into a hug. "Your postpartum checkup’s coming up soon. Let’s bring this up with the doctor and figure out a plan together. We already have two kids,” he smiled. “More than two, if you count Sabrina. I’m good with that.”

Betty’s OB was practical and direct. At her recommendation, Betty had an IUD placed, and Greyson scheduled a vasectomy.

She also followed her doctor’s advice and met with a therapist who specialized in postpartum depression. It didn’t fix everything overnight, but it helped her steady herself and move forward.

While Betty struggled to find her footing under a motherload of feelings, Greyson felt lighter than he had in ages.

With the twins safely born and the fear of suspension no longer hanging over him, he discovered a new sense of joy in life that left him feeling like he could tackle any problem that came his way.

One of the first problems he decided to solve was the “unnecessary waste” being generated by his boys. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of this sooner!” he exclaimed, dumping the disposable diapers they'd gotten from the hospital into the recycler and replacing them with reusable cloth. "These are better for the planet, better for their skin, and apparently great for potty training. They also come in seventeen stupidly stylish patterns.“

"I’m just glad we've got so many mages in residence," Skye chuckled. "Laundry’s one of the areas where magic really shines." With a flick of xir wrist the hamper emptied, the now clean clothes folding themselves neatly into the drawers.

Otis and Heath were the new arrivals, but Hannah had aged up just hours before they were born. In a sense, the adults had three new children’s worth of quirks to learn in real time.

Her infant stomach issues had eased, but her appetite had not. "Are you sure she’s not YOUR daughter?" Betty asked, watching Greyson and Hannah dig into one of Skye’s home-cooked meals.

"Pretty sure not," Greyson chuckled. "But there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your food, right, Goldilocks?“

"Yummy!" Hannah agreed, grabbing a fistful of spaghetti and stuffing it into her face with gleeful abandon.

She also turned out to be a heavy sleeper, just like her Grandpa Luigi. "I swear that girl could sleep through a hurricane," Elyse said one morning, shaking her head as the boys cried next door and Sabrina’s toys made a racket just feet from her bed.

The old homestead was overflowing with life, and that suited Skye just fine.

"I may not be your teddy," xe said, changing Heath’s diaper before pulling out a bottle for Otis, "but you two are family. I’ll always be here for you. Even if your favorite pastime is spitting up on my shirts.“

Adulthood was coming fast, but for now Skye felt steady. Surrounded by noise, love, and magic laundry, xe was exactly where xe wanted to be.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/12/2025) Episode: What Friends Do

Skye reached the maternity suite with xir family in tow, gently setting Hannah on the couch before zeroing in on the twins like a heat-seeking missile.

"Betty, you were carrying him and his brother around this whole time?" xe exclaimed, eyes wide as xe scooped not-so-little Heath into a welcome snuggle. "He’s not a baby, he’s a bowling ball with opinions. I’m genuinely impressed.“

"Homework already?" Elyse asked Greyson as she knelt beside Otis. "Didn’t you just escape academic hell like… five minutes ago?“

"I try to sneak in a little studying whenever I can," he replied with a half-smile. "My life runs in ten-minute increments now. If it’s quiet, I cram."

“Can we get out of here for a sec?” Greyson murmured to Skye. “There's a lounge nearby with a little less chaos and a lot more quiet." His friend gave him a shy smile, placing the heftier twin back in his bassinet with a nod and following.

As they exited, Elyse patted the seat beside her. Betty sank down with a tired smile. “Thanks for bringing the breast pads. Breastfeeding’s not in the cards, and these should help while I deal with the fallout.” She nudged Elyse lightly with her elbow. “By the way, congrats on your promotion.”

"Thanks," Elyse sighed. "I really thought I’d feel more excited, after all the work I put in. Work is still a drag though, even now that I’ve got a bit more artistic freedom. I’ve even started drafting resignation letters in my head, which is probably not a great sign."

“It should have been me here, supporting her.” Greyson said quietly once he and Skye were seated. “My disappointment didn’t give me the right to yell at you, though. You’ve always been there for us, and I turned on you for being TOO good to us both. I hate that I did that.”

“I’m sorry I kept you from being there for her,” Skye replied. “I felt all along that not calling was wrong. It's just... she was in pain and terrified you’d bail on your exams. I didn’t want to stress her more. Still, hiding something important from you is not what friends do. I hate that I let it happen.”

“I swear I wouldn’t have let you miss the birth,” xe added with a faint smile. “Even if I had to freeze the doctor with Chillio myself.”

Greyson huffed a laugh. “I can believe that. Honestly? I would’ve paid to see you freeze that ice queen. Aunt Megan treated Betty like a person. This one treated her like a protocol.” He rolled his eyes. “Anyway, it all worked out. I’m off probation now, which probably wouldn’t have happened if I’d skipped finals. Betty promised not to keep things from me anymore, so we shouldn’t be putting you in that position again.”

“I’m so glad you two have worked things out.” Skye smiled warmly. “Two new babies and a probation lift? You’re on a roll!" Xe stood, wrapping his buddy in a relieved hug. "Congratulations!”

“Now come on," xe continued "Let’s get back to our girls AND our boys. Looks like you really did bring the boy energy after all.”

“Sure did,” Greyson smiled. “Brought balance to the baby force, no Jedi council required.”

Skye chuckled, “After you, oh Chosen One!” Side by side, the two friends turned and walked back into the messy, joyful life they’d made their own.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/10/2025) Episode: Built to Hold

Betty and Greyson’s babies had finally arrived.

"Hang tight, my little marshmallow prince," she cooed. "Daddy's on bottle duty. Honey, he’s getting twitchy. You might want to hustle.“

"Almost done!" Greyson yelled back. "I’m batch prepping like we’re opening our own nursery over here. You know Dumbo’s probably thirty seconds behind him.“

She looked down at Otis. "Ignore your father. Your ears are perfect.“

"Perfectly enormous," Greyson shot back, grinning as he crossed the room. “You go lie down for a bit. I’ve got this."

"You’re the one who needs to get off your feet, limpy," she teased, reaching for the bottle. "I saw you practicing your one-legged breakdance routine over there.“

He clutched the bottle protectively. "My ankle’s trussed up like a Harvestfest turkey, so I’ll survive.” He pointed to the bed with mock authority, then bent to scoop up little Heath. “I’m not the one who just pushed two sims into the world."

"FINE," Betty said, smiling. "But only because sitting is currently my favorite hobby." She eased onto the mattress, letting out a soft sigh as her body gave in to the relief.

He looked ridiculous, limping with a baby and a bottle, and she’d never seen anything so beautiful. Grim, how did I get so lucky?

A short time later, Greyson returned from a quick dinner run . "I got you some of your favorite ramen. I also picked up a little push present.“

He reached into his inventory and pulled out a wild bouquet. "A little bold and dramatic. Just like someone else I know.“

Betty gave him a look, but her eyes softened as she took the flowers. "You didn’t have to limp your way through a noodle quest. They do have room service here." She brought the blooms to her face, breathing in the scent. "Still, you brought ramen and blossoms with main character energy. That’s basically a perfect night.“

She moved to the dresser. "Let me park these beauties and then we eat. All I've had today is a bowl of Jello, and you know how I get when I’m hangry.“

Greyson laughed. "Cafeteria’s just outside. We’ll flag a nurse and get you out of here for a bit. You’ve more than earned it, hero."

“Congratulations have been pouring in,” Greyson said, looking up from his phone as an orderly parked the second bassinet next to their table. "Cole says he’s jealous. Our boys outweighed his girls, and you didn’t, his words not mine, ‘look like she was smuggling a torpedo across enemy lines.’”

Betty laughed. “What can I say? I'm engineered for excellence. Curves in all the right places.” Her smile faltered as Skye's voice popped into her head. That had been xir line once, dropped at just the right moment.

She glanced toward Greyson. “Honey, is it OK if I call Elyse? Maybe she and Skye can bring the girls before it gets too late. I really don’t like how we left things with xem.”

“I’ll do it,” Greyson said, picking his phone back up. “It should come from me. After everything… xe needs to know I want them here.“

He unlocked the screen and paused. A new email from the university had just come through. He opened it, scanned the contents, and his eyes lit up. “I did it! Final grades are in, and I’m officially off probation!”

“YES!” Betty raised her hand for a high five. “Two babies and a college comeback. My guy’s on fire.”

Greyson met her palm with a soft smack. “We’re winning today. Assuming we survive the next diaper change. Now, let’s get our first visitors in here and show off these two tiny chaos engines you just gave birth to.”

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (12/8/2025) Episode: How We Do This

As Skye left, Greyson turned his full attention to Betty. “What do you need? Food? Water? A fan?” He was already moving, scanning the room.

She leaned back with a tired smirk. “I could murder a sandwich right now. Go scout me out the options, hero.”

“Mini fridge check coming up.” He limped across the room, saying nothing, but her eyes locked on the hitch in his stride. “You're limping again. What did I tell you about challenging sidewalks to duels?”

He offered a crooked smile. “You should see the sidewalk. Ran the whole way here, only for my ankle to give out right at your door.”

The fridge creaked open under his hand. He crouched, peered in, and straightened with a quiet groan. “Well, the fine dining options are ice cream, pudding, or jello. What’s your pleasure?”

"Do they have any cherry Jello?" she asked, hopeful.

Greyson brought over a quivering glass bowl. “Well, it’s reddish, so … do you feel lucky?”

“Why jello there, sweetness!” she grinned, already digging in. “Honey, sit. I feel fantastic; epidurals are magic. Sadly, they don’t give them to limping spouses.” She stuck her tongue out. "When the doctor comes back, ask for an ice pack and something to wrap that ankle.“

“Forget the ankle. Right now, I’m all yours.” Greyson sank into the rocking chair Skye had vacated. "Promise me you’ll speak up if you think of anything else that might make this birthing experience better.”

“Promise,” she said. “Ooo, how about you entertain me with tales of how well you did today?"

“Really well, actually." He sat up straighter. "You know how I get before exams, but this time, I held it together. I really think I’ll get off probation.”

Greyson sighed and pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose. “Skye backing your call let me focus on what I had to do, but I’m your husband. I’m their father.” He glanced at her belly. “You can’t keep things from me just because the timing is bad. I need to be part of hard calls about our family.”

Betty reached for his hand and gave it a quick squeeze. "If Skye had told you, you’d have dropped everything to put me first. You know I appreciate that, but we moved in with friends so we’d have backup when you needed to handle other things. This was our plan, working as intended."

"You know Skye would never have let you miss the birth," she said. “I get you were angry at xem, but xe didn’t deserve… all that.“

Greyson hung his head. "You're right. I shouldn’t have lost my temper like that. I’ll apologize next time I see xem. Still, that’s not all this is about. I need to know you won’t keep things from me to ‘protect’ me. I deserve to make my own decisions.“

Betty sighed. "I still reserve the right to tell you when I think you’re being an idiot, but I promise I won’t keep you in the dark next time."

The doctor noticed the support role shuffle immediately. "Welcome, Mr. Arroyo. Glad you could make it. Let’s see how your wife is doing.“

"You’ve made it to nine centimeters," she said after a quick check. "The babies are in a good position, I expect you’ll be ready to head back to the delivery room in about an hour.“

"It’s about time!" Betty grinned, then pointed to her husband. "He came running in here like he was being chased by Grim himself and managed to sprain his ankle. I assume someone can wrangle us something to help him out while we wait?"

The requested med kit for Greyson took its sweet time arriving. He'd barely finished wrapping his ankle when the OB returned to confirm that Betty was fully dilated and ready to deliver.

"That’s it, just like that," the doctor said calmly from the foot of her bed. "The head of your first baby is right there. One more big push.“

"You’ve got this, honey," Greyson murmured, watching the top of his baby’s head emerge slowly. "Come on, kid," he whispered. "Show me an ear.“

The doctor raised an eyebrow and Betty snorted a brief laugh, but neither had time for words just then as a tiny sim came hurtling into the world.

"OK, that’s one down," the doctor said. "You should feel the urge to push again soon. Baby A will be following their big brother shortly.”

Betty nodded and lay back, cradling her son. "Hey, little guy," she murmured. “Apparently your daddy really wanted to see your ears.” She shot Greyson a sly grin. “So what do you think, cute enough for you?"

"Eh, they’re a little big," Greyson grinned back. "But I love ’em anyway.“

Minutes later, Betty felt the overwhelming need to bear down once again, and soon the couple’s second son finally emerged, red-faced and wailing.

“Wow!” Betty muttered, gazing down at her youngest son’s round face, noticeably larger than his older brother. “I call dibs on this one, he’s getting the name I picked. He looks like a Heath.”

“I guess that makes you Otis, then,” Greyson said to their oldest, glancing back at Betty. “As long as your mom agrees that little boys named Otis can have big ears.”

He leaned in and kissed her. “I cannot believe you were carrying both of them inside you. You’re incredible. I love you.”

Betty rested her head on his outstretched arm, anchored by the feel of him beside her and the two babies in her arms. “I love you too.”