First of all thank you very much for sending me the Secret Santa prompts, I have chosen ...
Tin-Tin (TOS)Exchanging Presents
I did my research and I assumed that Tin-Tin was of Malay origin, I apologise in advance for any mistakes I have made along the way
Now, let's assume that this is her very first Christmas on Tracy Island and there's a lot of adjusting to their 'Western ways'
She was brought up by traditional customs from her father Kyrano
Christmas morning, the kitchen was alive with the fervour of cooking, amongst other things ... there was the usual disagreement between her father and Mrs Tracy Senior (aka Grandma) over what meals should be cooked ... a Turkey dinner - oh, absolutely not ... Perhaps the sons of his employer Jeff Tracy would prefer some dishes of noodles?
Tin-Tin noticed her father's fatigue and decided to step in, with amazing dexterity. She produced several dishes...
... after all, it is customary to make a lot of food for the 'family' ... albeit, a very large and extended family?
She stepped back awaiting the horde of hungry mouths to appear and demolish the dishes in record time
Alan appeared beside her, scooping the noodles into his bowl, a gentle reminder from his dad to thank her for the food. To which he did distractedly, the food already stuffed into his mouth
"Thanks Tin."
"You are welcome," she responded with a gracious bow
"Hey, you haven't forgotten the presents, have you?" he winked slyly at her ... her mouth dropped open, as she realised that they expected more from her ... the food was her gift to everyone. She thought quickly and turned on her heel
"I'll be right back."
Berating herself for not being so self aware, she hurried towards her bedroom and pulled out a small box from underneath her bed and opened it, to reveal a pile of red envelopes ...each containing a small amount of money
Initially she thought that it was a stupid idea because they already had money, so what else would they need ?
Returning to the lounge, where she was greeted by an array of over stuffed men, and a rather miffed Grandma Tracy who moaned about how she slaved over a hot stove ... and nobody wanted her Turkey dinner because they'd already eaten too much
Present time!
She watched as brightly coloured gifts were exchanged and several pairs of socks were produced along with gales of laughter ... she gripped her box tightly, feeling a little nervous and slightly ashamed that she didn't quite manage to get such silly lavish gifts
Soon, it became her turn and all eyes fell on her expectantly
She felt herself blushing, as she handed out the envelopes explaining
"It is customary to give money as gifts in my country ... as well as make a feast for everyone!"
Biting her lip, she expected to see disappointment on their faces, but they all cheered and thanked her profusely for bringing in a little culture into their lives
She sat back and smiled, exchanging a knowing glance at her father ... and taking mental notes
Thanks for the ask! I had to think about this one a bit because I had a gut response I started to type up, but wanted to wait to see if it landed the same.
It did.
My gut response was Samwise Gamgee from LotR - because his heroism isn't in swords or prowess, it's in loyalty and sheer just goodness of character. That speech at the end of Two Towers (the movie) just gives me goosebumps every time. Everyone needs a friend like Sam, and yes - he is the hero of the story.
The next in the series from Virgil’s childhood. Part 1, 2 ,3 , 4 , 5 and 6.
******
On the day of the full moon the entire family packed bags and headed to Grandma's. Dad told them it was for a change of scenery, and it was just for the weekend. Scott packed two nights of clothes for himself and helped Alan and Gordon pack three days’ worth of clothes, just in case. They were all packed into the car and Grandma drove them, John in the front so the Virgil and Scott could keep the youngest entertained. There was a sombre feel as they waved goodbye to their father, who said he had work to do. It hurt that Scott that Dad wasn't coming. Didn't he know that Virgil would need him? Scott vowed to stay with Virgil and keep him company.
That evening Grandma sat Scott and Virgil in Grandpa's study with water, food and toys. She gave them both a hug before heading upstairs to sort out the little ones. Scott and Virgil sat on the floor in silence and waited. Scott kept glancing at Virgil, wanting to say something but not knowing what to say, so just continued to pick at the carpet.
"It's time." Virgil stated, and Scott looked up to see his brother stand and drop his trousers. His brother went to pull off his t-shirt when he curled up in pain. The violence of it shocked Scott as he started to see his brother body grow. He quickly grabbed the bottom of the t-shirt and pulled it over Virgil's head. It got caught in his arms, which were tucked into his body. Scott reached to carefully free it, but the low growl made him pull his hand away, just as a pink paw swatted at him. Scott scooted back as his brother grunted in pain, shocked and, he hated himself for it, scared. His body only relaxed when Virgil slumped, his body still changing. Scott wiped away the tears he hadn't realised he'd shed. With his brother now still, he crept up and touched his furry back. Virgil don't respond, so Scott stroked him. After a few stokes, and feeling the steady movement of his brother's breathing, Scott dared to reach down and freed the t-shirt from the paws. He inspected it for tears, which there were thankfully none, before folding it up and placing it on the desk. He collected up his brother's discarded clothes, folded them and added them to the pile. Scott sat back down next to his brother and stroked him again. This time Virgil responded. His eyes opened and peered up at Scott.
"Sorry." He growled weakly.
"There's nothing to be sorry about, Virgil." Scott replied, continuing to stroke his brother.
Eventually Virgil got up and shook himself out like a dog and stretched. Scott knelt on all fours beside Virgil and compared their bodies. His little brother was no longer little, he was now bigger than Scott. Scott couldn't help but be in awe of his brother.
Virgil looked at his brother and he wanted to laugh, seeing him on all fours. Instead he lent against him, giving him a gentle push. The smile that crossed Scott's face made Virgil feel better. He'd taken longer to get up. It felt wrong not having Mum with him. But he wasn't alone. He knew his brother was going through the same pain, just in a different way. Virgil ducked under Scott chest and then straightened, forcing his brother to sit up. His brother surprised Virgil by wrapping his arms around Virgil's body and pressing his face into Virgil's back in an odd hug. Virgil stood and enjoyed his brother's embrace. When Scott reached up and scratched his head Virgil collapsed into his brother's lap. The head scratch eventually became a belly rub. It made his new skin feel better and relaxed him until his stomach growled.
Virgil rolled off his brother and pottered over to the water bowl for a drink. He had forgotten how thirsty the change made him and he lapped it up. Scott retrieved some of the sausages and fed them to him. As Virgil finished the last one the office door opened and Grandma entered. She smiled at them.
"Alan and Gordon are asleep, and John won't be long to follow. He'd trying to read but his eyes keep trying to close."
Both Virgil and Scott knew of John's determination to read and learn. They had both found him asleep with a book on many occasions. Virgil ran over to his Grandma, who knelt down and gave him a good scratch. Virgil gave her face a small lick causing her to chuckle. Grandma sat on the desk chair and Virgil rested his head on her knee. Scott sat cross-legged beside them.
"How much has your Dad told you about Virgil and werewolves, Scott?" Grandma spoke while stoking her grandson's head. Having witness her son's response to losing his wife, Sally was sure Scott hadn't been told anything. It was too soon for Jeff, and although she knew it was bound to bring sadness, Scott needed to know. Scott was going to have to take care of Virgil now, she knew it. It would take time for everyone.
"Dad said he'd explain more but he didn't. He just said Mum and Virgil were werewolves, that they weren't bad and that hunters had come and killed Mum."
Sally saw the quiver in Scott's lip and felt the shudder in Virgil. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then Sally explained everything to Scott. He sat still; eyes focused on her only flickering away to look at his brother whose head she was still stroking. She answered his questions and when all were answered, beckoned him over and gave the lad a hug. When Jeff had told her how Scott had found out, she was shocked. She'd kept an eye on her eldest grandson, but he'd kept the secret and had appeared to cope well. She would continue to watch him, as she would them all.
"Right, I'll check John's asleep and then we can move to the garden." A whine came from Virgil. She looked down into the big brown eyes. "It'll be okay. You can't stay cooped up inside. You need to run about. That's what you mother told me, when we sat down after we first saw you both during the full moon."
She gave him one more head rub before heading upstairs. John was asleep, book in hand as expected. Sally pulled the book from John's loose grip and placed it on the side, carefully keeping the page for him. She knew she'd find him reading in the morning, when she coaxed him down for breakfast. Heading downstairs, she picked up the box of dog toys from the cupboard and took Virgil and Scott out the back. She placed the box by the steps and handed Scott a ball. It wasn't long until the two brothers were playing fetch in the moonlight. Sally sat in her husband's swing, rocking it slightly with her foot. How many times had she watched Lucy and Virgil from this spot? It felt cold and lonely without her husband beside her. He had surprised her and adored the wolves. He would have loved seeing Scott and Virgil like this. The bond of brothers bridged everything, even myths and transformations. Sally gazed on, happy that Scott was smart enough to keep his voice down. The boy even laughed from time to time. A genuine laugh. It was sound that she hasn't heard from any of the boys since their mother died. Even Virgil looked like he was grinning. Right now, they were both living in the moment. Just the two of them, the ball and unadulterated fun. The way childhood should be.
Eventually Scott started to tire, and Sally summoned him up to the seat. He sat close beside her and she wrapped her arm around him. Virgil nipped inside but was back in no time and lay at their feet. Scott relaxed into her and sighed.
"Are we going to always come here for the full moon now?" Scott spoke softly and looked up at her. His blue eyes, so much like his father's, peered into hers. There were times when Scott could turn back time and make Sally think she was with a young Jeff.
"Maybe for a while, you father has some plans in the works and he's trying to get things to go faster. He wants to find a place that's safe for you all."
Scott looked away and she could feel Jeff's absence. He should be here for his boys, especially tonight. Sally and Scott spoke like this, with Virgil snoozing at their feet until Scott's yawns got too much and it was time for him to go to bed. The three of them headed upstairs and Sally and Virgil tucked Scott in. Heading back to the swing, Sally helped Virgil onto it, grabbed a couple of blankets and settled down with the wolf. Eventually, she fell asleep in the moonlight, the blankets and the heat radiating from the grandson in her lap keeping her warm.
This has happened to me twice and it really hurts! :( Probably more so since I am infertile :'(
I’m sorry that happened to you. :( That must have been painful. This is why is always so much better not to comment on such things.
grilledfortune replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
And don't forget thirdhand embarrassment for the other person's party! My ex's ma did that to a waitress with the same response... Ugh, we could have died.
Yeah, it’s an incredibly awkward situation all around. My SO has been present the last few times it happened to me, which was fine. He’s pretty discreet, and at least we could go wtf about it together afterwards.
infinitesimblr replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
I have been on meds that mimic pregnancy on and off for two-thirds of my life. They didn't really affect my weight until I went back on them after being off for a bit and having my first for real kid. Now I have four kids, relatives who try to sell me weight-loss products when they're in town (PASS) and no fucks left to give about what shape I am.
Ugh, your relatives sound frustrating. My fairly sudden weight gain (the last couple of years) has been med-related, too. And having had two children, the weight seems to collect mostly in that area. I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all this, but there’s a lot to be said for giving no fucks anymore.
penig replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
A passing stranger once said to me: "You carry the boys high." Um, that's nice? I have a Renaissance figure - pear shaped with a high waist - so I got this even when I was skinny.
So this stranger was psychic as well as rude--they even knew the gender of your supposed baby! People need to realize that we all come in different shapes and sizes and very few have flat bellies.
thelonelysimsclub replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
I get this a few times recently. I'll be out with my youngest and I get something like "wow! Having another one already! You must love babies!" - nope, I just really love pasta.
”I just love pasta.” haha! I like that. I had a friend who said it was a “food baby”. I think it’s fairly common for this to happen postpartum, which is not good because of the hormones present during that time. It can be very upsetting when the new mother is worrying about “getting her body back” (which is a whole other rant, really).
annegirl13 replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
I had a preschool student who didn’t believe me when I told him I wasn’t pregnant. He kept patting my belly...It was so awkward...��
It can be incredible awkward when kids do this, because they don’t know yet to realize they’ve been rude. It’s something that should be taught to kids, I think, not to comment on people’s appearance. It can be rude and embarrassing in so many different situations.
dunne-ias replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
I am pregnant-shaped too. As in, I'm overweight with most of my weight on my belly, so I really do look as if I'm going to have a baby. Does not give people the right to comment on it :(
No, it certainly does not. I feel like there’s a weird fixation on commenting on people’s bodies, especially once you’re considered overweight.
immdreamz replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
people are so rude sometimes intentionally or not. I wouldn't even think to ask something like that from a person.
That’s a good thing. :) I hope more people get the memo on this.
pixelcurious replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
Even if it's super obvious that someone's pregnant, it's rude to bring it up before they do. Pregnant people get treated like public property all too often. And if you're not sure, that's even worse—you're potentially going to make someone with tummy chub feel bad. ��
Yeah, exactly. Even if they are pregnant, they might not want to talk about it. That’s a good point. And it’s bad to make the assumption.
katatty-main replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
oh yeah, someone asked me that once and i still get upset thinking about it... what do you even say to that - "no, thanks, im just fat"?
Yeah, “Nope, just fat”! haha. I’ve tend to say simply “No, I’m not” or “No, I’ve just gained some weight.” Pretty straightforward. But a friend of mine used to say they were having a “food baby”, haha. If you enjoyed making people uncomfortable, I’m sure you could send it right back in this situation.
soniabigcheese replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
I made that mistake a couple of years ago with a friend of mine. I hadn't seen her in ages and the first thing I did was ask if she was pregnant. The look on her face was priceless. I immediately apologized. Oops.
It can be an easy mistake to make, I think. The best you can do is apologize, and not make too big of a deal out of it.
dezzydoesthings replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
I'm fat but I have huge weapons of mass destruction tits that hide it. So you can't even see my stomach, just ahh their coming at me
Yeah, it’s all about proportion and shape, I guess. I do have some bust now compared with most of my life where I was much smaller-breasted, but the belly is still much more prominent.
charmandersims replied to your post “Random handy tip: the only acceptable time to ask about someone’s...”
I get it a lot from the kids at the school where I work. It's fine if they're five, but when their parents join in I have to be all like 'actually no' - it's just awkward for everyone
If I was the parent in that situation, I’d explain to my child not to say that because it’s not nice to assume. And we all know what they say about when you assume, right?
