1. A Buffyverse Bachelor Challenge: Part TwoBy RoseFyreAnd so
we move on!Nudity warning: one of the girls hot tubs naked.---Still
dont own Joss, the Buffyverse, or anything that comes from thator
even most of the sims in this!
2. In the watchers house, Rose stared at the TV. I should
probably unpause this sometime, shouldnt I?It is happening over
there, and we should probably know what happens, Elle said.Rose
shook her head. Nah, Ive got it paused. Its thetimey wimey
stuff.Stuart and Elle and Xander all exchanged glances. Via a
complicated system of gestures and nods, Xander waselected speaker.
What do you mean, you have it paused?The whole Creator thing. Time
manipulation. She sighed as she fingered the remote. This needs to
go better, orI am not going to blame Liam at all if he gives up on
it.
3. Im sure it will, Elle said hopefully. Well, I think it will.
It cant go that badly again, right?Rose nodded firmly. Right. On to
day two. ***
4. After Liam sent Lirael home, he headed into his bedroom and
changed into his swimsuit, then headed for the garage.Two hot tubs
had been placed there, instead of a car, and he climbed into one.He
smiled as he sank down into the hot water, enjoying the sensory
pleasure of enough water to actually bathe in and it was hot, as
well! This wasnt something hed ever had the chance to experience,
and he was determined totake advantage of it while he could.Today
would go better. He was sure of it.
5. He was soon joined by Rissa, Lydia, and Keira, who had
decided that a bathing suit was not necessary.Liam blushed slightly
and looked away. Keira had a very nice body, but he barely knew her
they hadnt spoken atall the day before.
6. Also blushing were all four of the watchers.Elle, Stuart,
and Xander all carefully avoided looking at Keira, while Rose
rubbed her forehead and muttered,Theres always one.Caleb crawled
over and looked up at the TV then. Mommy? Why dat woman not wearing
clothes? Elle justgroaned.
7. Okay, Rose said, time to get out the Creator powers. She
snapped her fingers at the screen and Keira wassuddenly wearing a
bathing suit. Alright, you guys can look now. And maybe we can
avoid more awkwardquestions from the kidlets.Thank you, Stuart
said, as he faced the TV once more.
8. Liam noticed that Keira now had a bathing suit on, and
assumed it was something Rose had done. He mentallythanked her as
he looked at the girls whod made it to the hot tub. Rissa he knew
and was already starting tobecome friends with, but he hadnt spoken
to Keira or Lydia yesterday at all.
9. I guess I should start the conversation, shouldnt I? he
said, somewhat rhetorically. Tell me something aboutyourselves.
What are your hometowns like? I got to read a little about each of
you, but there wasnt muchinformation.You should start, Rissa said.
Tell us about you.Well, alright. I grew up in an Apocalypse
neighborhood called The Hellmouth. Its a desert town, and its
prettynice now, though it wasnt when I was a child. Its not
something I always like to talk about. What about you? heasked,
turning to Rissa.Veronavilles pretty boring, but nice enough. Or it
would be, if not for the crazy woman whos trying to
killeveryone.Liam blinked. Right. What about you two? he asked
Keira and Lydia.
10. Keira shrugged. Belladonna Cove is great. I grew up with my
dads and my brothers and a bunch of cousins andother
relatives.Lydia nodded. Simshire is like that. Quiet, peaceful, not
very exciting I grew up with my parents and oldersiblings, as well
as my cousin Bethany.Im glad none of you are from an Apocalypse,
Liam said. Theyre not good places.What is involved in an
Apocalypse? Lydia asked. It involves lifting careers, Ive
heard?
11. Liam grimaced. Yeah. You have to top a career and then some
of the restrictions are lifted. I dont like to thinkabout it.Youre
the one who brought it up.Right. Lets move on now.
12. Keira helpfully changed the subject. So, when do we get to
the kissing?Schedule says three days from now.Shame. It would be
nice if it were sooner.Liam grinned. No arguments here.Luckily,
that made Liam less broody, and so they were able to have a
pleasant conversation for the next couple ofhours.
13. After a couple of hours in the hot tub, Liam was hungry, so
he headed into the kitchen to open up the buffet.
14. Everyone joined him in the dining room both the girls who
had been in his hot tub and the girls who hadnt. Noone was dressed
yet, and Liam had no problem admiring all of their
bathing-suit-clad forms. Bikinis looked verygood.He did have to
admit that, for all his complaining, Rose had picked seven very
attractive girls. Lirael had beenpretty; it was her personality hed
had an issue with.
15. He also got to know the girls a bit better, including the
ones he hadnt spent much time with. Kori wasnt quite asforward as
shed been the previous day, though she did still seem determined to
get to know him better. Sheseemed to be trying harder to listen
today, at least.Croissant, meanwhile, seemed to have no problem
talking. I really like jello, have you tried the type with
thewhipped cream, Liam? It adds something, Im not sure what, but
definitely something. These fruit pieces in theinside are also
great, they let me pretend Im eating something healthy. Do you
think theyre raspberry orstrawberry? Im not sure I can tell.Kori
blinked. I think this is the cherry flavored jello.Great! I like
cherries!Liam looked at the jello. I think Ill stick with the
turkey, thanks.
16. After Croissant got up, Liam looked around to see that a
bunch of the girls were leaving the kitchen.Where are you headed,
Lydia? We have chats after this.I just need the loo, Ill be back in
a bit.Youll go later then, I guess.
17. Keira easily slipped into the empty seat on his left, while
Croissant, who had gone back for a second helping, tookKoris
place.Liam tried not to look at Croissant, who had decided that the
jello was so good she was going to eat it as fast aspossible. It
was, quite frankly, disgusting.Instead, he spent a bit more time
talking to Keira. They discovered they had something in common her
family washer two dads and two brothers, making her the only girl,
while hed grown up with his mom and two sisters, makinghim the only
boy.I guess I did have Martin, Liam said, but it wasnt the
same.Keira nodded. My familys bigger than yours, so I had my
step-aunt and one of my cousins in the house, but itsnot really the
same as siblings of your own gender.
18. After dinner or possibly lunch, Liam wasnt sure what to
call a meal eaten around 4 in the afternoon it was timeto chat with
each of the girls.Cassie was still in the kitchen, so Liam pulled
her aside first.Are you having a good time? he asked. Id like to
think that you are.She smiled. I am. Im glad I came. Then she
grinned mischievously.
19. I hear you guys were talking about kissing in the other
tub.We were. Its not for three days, though.Too bad. Ill just have
to look forward to it, I suppose. Her voice went up at the end of
the sentence, making italmost a question.Liam smiled. Ill be
looking forward to it too.
20. He pulled Rissa aside next. I hope we didnt bother you with
the kissing talk earlier.Bother me? I like kissin just as much as
the next girl.Good. He took a deep breath. Cause Im hoping youll
still be around then.Wouldnt miss it for the world.
21. Liam took a deep breath. Thank you, also.For what?For
keeping me calm while everything went down with Lirael. If you
hadnt been there, it probably wouldve beenworse.Dyou know, this is
the first time in my life Ive been thanked for being calm. Sides, I
wasnt all calm.No, but it was nice to have someone sticking up for
me.Well, anytime a bitch needs punching, let me know.I will.
22. After he finished talking to Rissa, he found Croissant by
the pool table. Are you having a good time? he asked.I am, but I
wish Id been able to be in the hot tub with you. I mean, Cassie and
Kori were great, but were here totalk to you, right? Since youre
the bachelor and all. Ive never been in a bachelor challenge
before. My cousinThomas has. Hes been in three. Im not sure I would
want to be in three, I mean, its admitting youre going tokeep
losing, you know? Im not sure why hes been in three anyway, its not
like hes got a problem finding peoplein Chocolate Falls. Maybe he
should have his own bachelor challenge. Then hed definitely
win.Liam blinked. Um. Right.
23. Anyway, yes, Im having a good time. Ive been hanging out
with Lydia, shes very nice, well nice isnt really theright word,
shes sarcastic, but shes funny. I like her a lot, anyway, and shes
really good at rock paper scissors. Iguess shes played it a
lot.Yeah, I guess so.
24. Next he found Keira, whod wandered back towards the pool
table. So, he said, are you having a good time sofar?Yeah. The hot
tub was awesome. She looked down at herself. You know, I like this
bathing suit, but honestly,howd I get into it? I definitely didnt
wear it into the hot tub.Liam blushed. I noticed. Then he shrugged.
Im guessing it was Rose the Creator.A simself?I guess.Keira nodded.
My grandmothers a simself, the Creator of the town I come from.
Shes got all sorts of powers.Wouldnt surprise me if that was one of
them.
25. Liam grimaced. Your grandmothers a Creator?Is there a
problem with that?He reminded himself that he was getting along
with Rose right now. Not at the moment.There is, isnt there?He
threw his hands up. I just dont like my Creator all that much,
alright?She picked at her nails. Im not here to solve your issues,
Liam. Just deal with it.Right. Whatever.
26. He left Keira and headed toward the front door, where he
found Lydia. So, I wanted to ask, are you having a goodtime so far?
Croissant said you two had made friends.Keira nodded. Shes a bit
odd, though nice enough. How are you doing? Are you having a good
time?I am well, now I am, now that Liraels gone.Yeah, she was being
bitchy. Not that you were being much nicer.
27. Shes the one who started it.Yeah, but you continued it too.
She shrugged. Though the way she was acting, you being nicer
probablywouldnt have helped. I bet she was PMSing. She was
definitely acting like it.Liams eyebrows rose. Uh. Right. Good to
know.
28. Last was Kori, who he found over by the dont wake the llama
table. I get to chat with you now, dont I? sheasked.Liam nodded.
Yeah. I wanted to ask, are you having a good time?Im having a great
time! Its wonderful here, much nicer than home.Whats home like?She
looked down. Itshome. It is what it is.
29. They stood in awkward silence for a moment.So, um, is that
your nightgown? Liam wasnt sure that was the best thing to ask
about, but breaking the silencewould be good.Yes. I was getting
ready for bed.Oh. Well, dont let me stop you.She smiled. I might
play some dont wake the llama first.That sounds like fun.
30. And it was. They joined Lydia and Cassie at the table for a
game.Having never played it before, Liam wasnt very good. At least
he wasnt the only one it was Koris first game, too.Unsurprisingly,
Liam and Kori both lost spectacularly, but they all had a fun time
trying.
31. By the time they finished, it was getting late, so Liam
headed into his bedroom as the girls headed to theirs, readyfor a
good nights sleep.
32. Though she was one of the last to bed, Kori was the first
one awake, and after she took her shower, she wentoutside for a
calming cup of tea.
33. She wasnt the only one; Cassie and Keira both took
advantage of the tea table early that morning as well.
34. Meanwhile, Liam took his own shower in his private
bathroom, then got dressed and left his room.So far, this day was
already going better than the last one had; hopefully that trend
would continue.He checked his email, going over the instructions
again. Today was flirts in the morning, then sending one girl
homeat noon, more hot tubbing in the afternoon, and chess with all
of the girls that night.He was looking forward to chess. It was a
fun game.
35. He opened the door from the computer room to the hall and
invited the girls in one by one.He swiftly noticed that while he
was dressed, not all of the girls were.
36. Thats, uh, a very nice pair of underwear, he said to Lydia,
trying to be polite and not look at her chest. Her posewas not
helping.Oh, do you think so? Ive never had anything like this at
home, but I quite like them.Purple is a good color for
you.Thanks.
37. When he tried the same compliment with Keira, it didnt go
so well.Thats a very nice pair of underwear.Do you say that to all
the girls? I could hear you talking to Lydia while I was waiting
outside.No, I justit is. A very nice pair of underwear, I
mean.Yeah. Thanks. The tone of her voice told him that that thanks
hadnt been genuine, though he wasnt sure exactlywhat hed done
wrong.
38. After Keira was Cassie, who was shy enough to wear a robe
rather than underwear.I just wanted to say, youre very pretty,
Cassie.Even in this old thing?Even in that old thing.She smiled.
Thank you.
39. I like your outfit, Croissant.Thanks! I wasnt sure what to
wear, but this seemed nice.It looks nice. I like how your shirt
matches your eyes.She smiled. I picked blue cause of that.
40. I really like your hair, Rissa.She giggled a bit. Youre
really not good at that whole suave thing, are you?He chuckled a
bit. No, not really. I do like your hair, though. Its such a
gorgeous color.Ever considered dyeing yours?I dont think I could
pull it off as well as you do.
41. Last was Kori.I like your nightgown. Pink is a good color
for you.Thanks, Liam. She smiled. I like your outfit, too, though I
wish Id gotten to see you in your pajamas.Uh, thanks. I think.Oh,
it was definitely a compliment.
42. After the flirts were over, they had free time for the rest
of the morning, so the girls amused themselves in
variousways.Cassie found Liam once he was in the living room. Do
you want another backrub?Today wasnt nearly as stressful as
yesterday.No, but Ive never known anyone who didnt like a
backrub.It was great, and if you dont mind, Id love another.Of
course.
43. Kori found him after the backrub. Not long til
elimination.No, not long.I hope Im not the one youre going to send
home.Look, Kori, I dont want to think about that yet.Alright, she
said hesitantly. Then she smiled brightly. Itll all be good, I
think.I hope so.
44. Rissa pulled Kori aside while Liam went to talk to Cassie
some more. Its his decision who he sends home.Beggings not gonna
help.Well, no, but flirting cant hurt.Rissa raised an eyebrow.
Lirael flirted with him until she went all psycho bitch. Like I
said, it aint gonna help.
45. While Kori wandered off to think, Rissa found Liam by the
stereo. Do you want to dance again? she asked.He shook his head.
Not right now. We could hang out, though.
46. She smiled and plopped down on the floor, joining him. Was
there somethin in particular you wanted to talkabout?Not really.
Just, you know, I like talking to you.Rissa raised an eyebrow. Me?
You do know Im a sarcastic bitch, dont you?So? I can be a broody
asshole.She laughed. Yeah, you can.
47. So youre a broody asshole? Cassie asked as she sat down
next to Liam.Sometimes, he said.She smiled. I cant say Im always
nice myself.He shrugged. Who is?Rissa snorted. Definitely not
me.
48. Around eleven or so, Liam realized he was slightly hungry,
so he headed into the kitchen to grab a plate of jello,apologizing
to Rissa and Cassie as he stood up to go. He didnt need anything
heavy, not yet, but if he didnt eatnow, hed be starving long before
the hot tub time was over.A number of the girls followed him into
the kitchen, grabbing their own food.
49. While the girls talked, Liam sat and thought, not really
paying attention to their conversation. He had less than anhour to
make a decision, and while he was pretty sure who he was sending
home, he wasnt completely sure.He looked around at each girl,
lingering on a couple of them, then nodded to himself.He knew who
he was sending home.
50. When he was done with his jello, he stood up. Lets head out
to the porch, ladies.They stood to follow him.
51. Everyone sat down outside.Ive spent some time thinking, and
Ive made my decision. Its been great getting to know all of you,
but someonehas to leave, and there are some of you that Ive clicked
with better than others. So the person Im sending home issomeone I
dont feel that Ive clicked with.
52. Kori, Im sorry, but I just dont feel all that comfortable
with you. Im sure youll make someone very happysomeday, but its not
going to be me.She nodded. No chance of changing your mind?No
chance.
53. She stood up, and before he could back away, she hugged him
tightly. Im sorry I wasnt good enough.And before he could say
anything, she was gone, headed back into the house.Its not He shook
his head. It wasnt that she wasnt good enough. It was that she
wasnt right. He turned backto the other girls. Lets all take a
break. Im going to spend half an hour alone, and then Ill get back
into this.They all nodded in response.It was a somber group that
retuned to the house, as Kori used the computer to call for a taxi.
***
54. Well, Rose said, that went better, didnt it?Much, Xander
replied. There wasnt any fighting! He ran a hand through his hair.
The end did kind of suck,though.Yeah.
55. I do hope, Stuart said, that you will use your creator
powers to dress Miss Doran should she come to the hot tubin the
nude again.Elle nodded. Weve got kids watching, after all.Oh yeah,
definitely gonna do that.Good.
56. Rose sighed. I had such high hopes for Kori. Its
complicated, but a version of her is married to a version of Liamin
another universe.The other three exchanged glances. But he did not
pick her here, Stuart said.No. I think she came on too strong, and,
well, it just didnt go well. Plus, there was the Apocalypse issue.
I hopeLark will understand.Im sure she will, Xander said.
57. Elle looked at the TV. You know, the two women hes sent
home so far were both from Apocalypses. Maybe itwasnt the best idea
to try to force him to deal with them.Stuart shook her head. It
does seem that way.He was trying, though, Xander said. He didnt
outright insult either of them.No, but theres conscious prejudice
and unconscious prejudice, and I think Liam is unconsciously
prejudiced againstanyone from an Apocalypse. Which, youd think he
would see that they could understand him, but I guess he
wantssomething different, Rose said.He wants to break free. Its
what hes always wanted.
58. Rose nodded. Youre right, Xander. She looked again at the
girls who were left. I think hell do fine with the girlswho are
left. All of them are great.And, as you told him when we first
talked, he doesnt have to get married, Elle added. I agree that
hell be fine.Yeah. Well just have to wait and see, I guess.
***
59. Scores time!Cassiopeia: 85/35 = 120, friends, mutual
crushRissa: 80/33 = 113, friends, mutual crushCroissant: 20/6 =
26Lydia: 18/7 = 25Keira: 13/5 = 18Kori: 13/-1 = 12Yes, ladies, we
know that Liam and Lirael are enemies. You dont need to spread the
gossip everywhere.Thanks again to everyone I borrowed from youll
get a full list at the end!