(A/N) Alright, so here is chapter 4, which is technically the latter half of chapter 3 but it was getting too long so I had to cut it.

Anyway with me not having cracked down on my writing, other than Uni work, this chapter is the last of my pre-written stuff. As such, I'm going to call this Introduction Arc Part One and not update this story until I get the rest of the Introduction Arc written. I don't know how long it will take with my schedule, but just know that this story isn't dead.

Introduction Arc Part Two will cover chapters five through to seven, so when this story does come back there will be three chapters released over six weeks since they'll be a chapter out every two weeks.

On the topic of the chapter itself, I will place a trigger warning here. The chapter contains heavy themes involving parenting, child favouritism, I'm not sure whether you'd consider what's contained child abuse but I'll give that warning just in case, and other themes that surround bad parenting, I guess.

Disclaimer: If it isn't obvious, I don't own The Sims series, it'd be cool if I did, but I don't. The trademark is property of Maxis and the money hungry Electronic Arts.


After his little chat with Johnny, Ripp slowly began to make his way home. Since his friend lived a few houses to his right, he was able to walk him to his letter box at least. However, now that he was stood on his own, he didn't know how to go about getting in.

Could he climb through the window? No, they'd be all closed and locked knowing the General. Could he just sneak into the Smith's back garden and sleep on one of the chairs? No, Mister Smith turned the sprinklers on at night, so he'd get soaked. Staying with Ophelia was out of the question due to her aunt, Pleasantview was too far, the trains had stopped running, and he wasn't desperate enough to sleep on the streets. Last time he'd done that, he woke up with a cicada on his chest; they were big, gross, and noisy. Never again! Also, there was the fact to consider that he was in his Gas Station uniform...

The lights in the house were still on, so the General could be awake, waiting for him. Or perhaps, he was lucky and the General was working late and the lights being on was just Buck, or Face-Paint. He was never that lucky, though.

Screw it! He was going to get lectured no matter what he did, so he might as well get it over and done with. What could the General say that hadn't already been said? He was a waste of space? He was worthless? He contributed nothing to the world? He was a leech? A parasite? It had all been said before!

Taking a deep breath, he walked towards the door as he took his keys from his uniform pocket and quietly unlocked the door.

Stepping in, he noticed that the house was quiet, which made sense considering what time it was. Face-Paint went to bed early to ensure that he would be up for training at the crack of dawn, if he was up for it after Johnny's assault, that was; the thought of getting up that early made Ripp shudder. Buck, on the other hand, would have also gone to bed early, but that would be due to his age and the fact that he had school in the morning. As for the General... he prayed that the guy had gone to bed, too.

Trying his best not to make any noise, Ripp shut the door and locked it behind him. He stood in front of it for bit, a little nervous to turn around, but when he didn't hear any noise, including footsteps, he concluded that he had gotten away with it.

Sighing in relief, he turned to head up to his room; sure, he hadn't had dinner, but he could sneak some snacks at 3am, no one had to know. His thought was cut short when the General stepped out from the living room, making the boy involuntarily yelp in surprise as he leaped backwards.

As much as Ripp made fun of his 'father' and bad mouthed him every opportunity he got, he would be lying if he said that he didn't find the man a tiny bit intimidating. Okay, he found him very intimidating. General Buzz Grunt was built like a tank, a brick-shit-house, and he never got sick. He was also extremely strict, stubborn, and stuck in his own ways, which was why he and Ripp never saw eye to eye.

The General's scowl deepened, as he stepped towards his son with folded arms. "You're late," he growled.

Ripp stayed glued in place, taking a deep breath. He honestly didn't get what the big deal was, he had been out even later than this. The man probably just wanted an excuse to lecture him about school and couldn't think how to approach him; his social skills were shocking, made him wonder what his mother saw in that meaty head of his.

"I just got off my shift," the teen finally said, gesturing towards his uniform. "I had work today."

And then he went for a walk with his half-alien best friend, but the General didn't need to know that.

His 'father' looked him up and down, before nodding in acknowledgement. "I was also informed that you were late for school for the umpteenth time," he stated, his neutral tone gradually becoming an angry one.

"Traffic was bad..." Ripp tried to excuse, but he trailed off upon seeing the General glaring down at him. He swore that glare could kill people. "In my brain, so I didn't wake up," the boy added slowly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"You're just lazy," the General spat without leaving a second of pause.

"I won't deny it," he shrugged, folding his arms with a small smirk. "But at least I have a job, unlike Tank."

"He's looking for part-time positions in the military," the man smiled fondly, which made Ripp's skin crawl. "If he isn't doing that, he's training."

Of course, everything Tank did was amazing and whenever Ripp did anything that any normal parent would praise him for, like getting a job, the General didn't care or believed that it wasn't worth any merit. It was annoying! He couldn't even remember the last time he was told 'good job,' or 'well done.' Any accomplishment he achieved was met with disgust, even when he got promoted from Golf Caddy to Gas Station Attendant, and earned a raise. With Tank, he just had to punch a punching bag for an hour, or run the assault course, or tell the General that he looked at military jobs, and he got praised.

The only time the General seemed to care about his middle child was when he messed up...

Ripp's arms fell limp at his sides, as he looked down at the ground, hoping that his hair was hiding his dejected look. "What I do is never good enough, is it?"

Buzz shook his head.

"We Grunts are military men," he began sternly. "Not softies working at a gas station, because they are too lazy to do physical labour."

"It's still something productive!" Ripp snapped, balling his hands into fists as he looked up at his 'father.' "It makes use of my social skills."

The General's scowl returned. "You're just like your mother, a waste of time."

"There's just no pleasing you, is there?" Ripp laughed bitterly. "Maybe that's why mum left."

After those words were said, the boy received a hard slap across the face, the momentum knocking him to the ground. Tears forced themselves out of his eyes, so they could run down his stinging cheek, while the General's coldness remained.

"I wish we stopped after Tank..."

"What has Buck done?" Ripp choked, prompting the General to simply shake his head.

"I'm turning in," he stated as he turned away. "Turn the lights off when you're done."

With that, he left to go to bed, leaving Ripp sat on the ground, rubbing his cheek and blinking tears out of his eyes.

No matter how many times arguments like that happened, those comments where he said something along the lines of wishing that Tank was the only child hurt. But, it wasn't for himself, it was for Buck. If he could, Ripp could zap out his own existence in a heartbeat, because what purpose did he have really? He was just fumbling through life blind folded, where he could hear the walls caving in. However... he meant something to people right...?

Like his friends? And...

He was brought out of his thoughts by a creaking sound on the stairs. Looking up, he saw a teary eyed Buck, clutching his teddy bear tightly as he carefully crept down the stairs. The sight broke Ripp's heart.

Unable to stop his own tears, he opened his arms with a sad smile. "Come here, kiddo," he whispered weakly, prompting Buck to run into his arms and return the hug. He could hear the younger brother quietly sobbing, which made the brunette hug him tighter. He shouldn't have talked back, he should have thought of Buck, he was such a fuck up!

"I'm sorry, Buck..."


With it being quite late, Johnny went straight home after parting ways with Ripp, as to not worry his mother further. It had been a weird day as far as his football practice went and he just wanted to go to bed, then pretend it never happened. However, his bruised eye and the state of Tank's face was going to be a constant reminder.

He didn't like Tank at all, in fact, he hated the guy, but he wouldn't wish pain on anyone, not even the eldest Grunt kid. But at the same time, that was what he got for attacking someone unprovoked, though Tank would argue that he wasn't a person at all; a green freak of nature.

All that Johnny wanted that day was to play football with his team who hid their dislike of him very poorly, except Blair, who gave the green boy a chance. Thinking of his team, there was also no telling how they were going to treat him next practice. He was actually scared with lack of a better word; what if he really was a freak? An abomination that sims just tolerated out of fear?

He shook his head. 'Don't be stupid...'

But he caught sight of his green arms and shivered, feeling goosebumps begin to form on his skin accompanied by nausea. He felt light-headed as he approached his front door and paused when his chest grew tight.

He hated this.

Why was he letting words get to him? It never bothered him before, why now?!

He figured that it could be because he was tired, as it had been an eventful day for him. A good night's sleep and he should be fine.

Taking a deep breath, he opened the front door to be greeted with a fresh, floral scent that came from one of the air fresheners dotted around the house. He saw his mother sat on the couch in her work uniform, throwing her keys and purse into her handbag before she looked up with a warm smile.

"Hey, where have you been?" She asked, zipping her bag shut. "Your father and I have been worried sick."

"Sorry," he said, returning the smile. "I thought I told you, but I guess I forgot. I went to see Ripp at the Gas Station."

Jenny nodded with a 'hmm,' as she stood and picked up her bag. "Ah, Ripp," she frowned a little. "Is he alright?"

"Yeah, he's fine. Is it a late shift tonight?" Johnny asked, not wanting the subject matter to shift to the Grunts. He knew his mum got a little upset thinking about the two younger boys and how they were being brought up.

He watched as his mother's frown turned into a wide smile, as she approached her son with a spring in her step.

"Unfortunately, but poorly sims need help," she said with enthusiasm, giving him a quick hug. "Your dinner is in the microwave and if you need anything, your father is asleep in our room. Jill is in bed, so you don't have to worry about her causing trouble."

"Okay," Johnny nodded, returning the hug. "Thanks, mum. Good luck."

"Thanks, sweetheart," she pulled away and kissed him on the cheek. "Have a good night."

With that, she walked out of the door, leaving Johnny alone with his thoughts again. Sighing, he went into the kitchen to heat up his dinner.


Lilith watched as the policewoman, who had introduced herself as 'Demi Love' in the car, knocked on the front door to her house. As expected, Mary-Sue answered with a sigh of relief.

"Thank you for bringing her home," she said, as Lilith was ushered into the house.

"No problem, ma'am."

Mary-Sue sighed after she shut the door, while Lilith leaned on the wall.

"How did you know I was at Dirk's?" She asked.

"Angela guessed that may have been case..."

"Figures."

They stood in silence for a second, before Mary-Sue turned to retire to her own room.

"You're grounded," she stated.

Lilith folded her arms with a scowl. "What?"

"You heard me."

"No I didn't."

"Go to your room, it's late," the 'mother' sighed. "We'll talk more tomorrow after school."

"Joy!" The red head exclaimed with sarcasm, as she stormed up to her room and slammed the door behind her.

The girl's room was a weird one; stone walls and red carpet with only a bed, bedside table, and a wardrobe for her clothes to 'decorate' the place. Her bedside table had a candle resting on top, but she wouldn't count that as decoration, only as a means for her to see at night. It wasn't like the family wasn't well off, they live comfortably enough, it was just that they didn't want to put too much money into Lilith, considering that Angela got a computer in her room.

After getting into her pyjamas, Lilith got into bed and opened up her phone to type in the group chat:

Lilith Pleasant: "#Johnny Smith we still on for this week end" - 22:27

Johnny Smith: "Yup! Your drum kit is still at my place." - 22:31

Johnny Smith: "#Ripp Grunt Did you get home okay?" - 22:32

Ripp Grunt: "ish." - 22:39

Johnny Smith: "Meaning?" - 22:39

Ripp Grunt: "sort of." - 22:40

Ripp Grunt: "what plans do you have with Lily?" - 22:43

Lilith Pleasant: "dont call me that" - 22:43

Lilith Pleasant: "band practice" - 22:44

Dirk Dreamer: "#Lilith Pleasant How are you?" - 22:45

Lilith Pleasant: "im fine dirk ive been grounded though" - 22:46

Ripp Grunt: "shit. guess I'm lucky in that respect." - 22:47

Ripp Grunt: "i'm a lost cause..." - 22:48

Lilith Pleasant: "ouch" - 22:48

Johnny Smith: "No, you're not. Ignore him." - 22:49

Dirk Dreamer: "Set an alarm. We can get breakfast together before school." - 22:55

Lilith Pleasant: "with wat money" - 22:56

Ripp Grunt: "i can pay." - 22:56

Dirk Dreamer: "No." - 22:57

Ripp Grunt: "why? o_O" - 22:57

Dirk Dreamer: "I suggested this idea to cheer you up. It would be counter productive if you payed :)" - 22:58

Ripp Grunt: "i don't mind! :D" - 22:59

Dirk Dreamer: "No." - 23:00

Johnny Smith: "I can ask my mum if I can have my pocket money tomorrow instead of Friday." - 23:02

Lilith Pleasant: "i can steal angelas pocket money" - 22:03

Dirk Dreamer: "No!" - 23:03

Ripp Grunt: "that's stealing o_o" - 23:04

Lilith Pleasant: "wats with the emoticons ripp" - 23:04

Johnny Smith: "Where's Phi? She needs to see this." - 23:05

Ophelia Nigmos: "I'm lurking." - 23:05

Ripp Grunt: "hey, Phi! :D" - 23:05

Dirk Dreamer: "Hello, 'Phelia." - 23:05

Lilith Pleasant: "hi phi i didnt get to thank u" - 23:06

Ophelia Nigmos: "It's okay :)" - 23:06

Johnny Smith: "I forgot to call you! Sorry :(" - 23:06

Ophelia Nigmos: "I was busy anyway." - 23:07

Johnny Smith: "How are you?" - 23:07

Ophelia Nigmos: "The usual." - 23:09

Ophelia Nigmos: "I wanted to say that I can pay, if you want." - 23:09

Lilith Pleasant: "how" - 23:10

Ophelia Nigmos: "I have some pocket money saved up." - 23:10

Ripp Grunt: "Olive actually gives you that?" - 23:11

Ophelia Nigmos: "Yeah." - 23:11

Dirk Dreamer: "Okay, so we'll meet at a place of Ripp's choice." - 23:12

Ripp Grunt: "seriously?" - 23:14

Ripp Grunt: "i don't know." - 23:16

Lilith Pleasant: "dont u have a fav eating place" - 23:17

Ripp Grunt: "no." - 23:18

Johnny Smith: "Yes." - 23:18

Ophelia Nigmos: "^^" - 23:18

Dirk Dreamer: "What is it then?" - 23:19

Ripp Grunt: "does it have to be a breakfast place?" - 23:21

Dirk Dreamer: "Preferably." - 23:22

Ripp Grunt: "that bernard place around the school area has breakfast hours, right?" - 23:23

Dirk Dreamer: "Bernard's Botanical Dining?" - 23:25

Johnny Smith: "Yeah, it does." - 23:26

Johnny Smith: "I'm going to bed now, so can we sort a meeting time quick?" - 23:31

Dirk Dreamer: "Sure." - 23:31

Dirk Dreamer: "When does the earliest school train leave?" - 23:32

Lilith Pleasant: "well the train we get leaves at 6 and thats early enough" - 23:33

Ripp Grunt: "geez..." - 23:33

Ripp Grunt: "and I thought having to get the train at 8am was bad..." - 23:34

Johnny Smith: "..." - 23:34

Ripp Grunt: "what?" - 23:34

Dirk Dreamer: "Okay, I just checked." - 23:34

Dirk Dreamer: "Earliest train leaves at 5am." - 23:35

Ripp Grunt: "is there a slightly later train?" - 23:35

Dirk Dreamer: "5:30am." - 23:35

Ripp Grunt: "damn..." - 23:36

Lilith Pleasant: "lol" - 23:36

Lilith Pleasant: "i dont c wat ur bothered about its me and dirk that have to be up the earliest u only have 2 be up a bit before 8" - 23:38

Dirk Dreamer: "Actually, 8am is the time he should normally leave at." - 23:39

Dirk Dreamer: "He has to be up around 7am tomorrow." - 23:39

Lilith Pleasant: "oh lol" - 23:40

Ripp Grunt: "i'll pull an all-nighter." - 23:42

Johnny Smith: "No, you're not. I'll see you personally." - 23:46

Ripp Grunt: "what about the General?" - 23:46

Johnny Smith: "I don't really care..." - 23:50

Johnny Smith: "Besides, I'll have Phi with me and he has nothing against her." - 23:54

Ophelia Nigmos: "He hates my aunt..." - 23:55

Johnny Smith: "That man doesn't like anyone does he..." - 23:57

Ripp Grunt: "he likes Tank..." - 23:57

Johnny Smith: "Because the guy is in the General's image." - 23:58

Johnny Smith: "Anyway, I have an idea." - 23:59

Ripp Grunt: "what?" - 23:59

Johnny Smith: "Sleep with your window open and then I can climb into your room and wake you up." - 00:01

Ripp Grunt: "yeah, cos that ain't creepy, John!" - 00:03

Lilith Pleasant: "lol" - 00:03

Johnny Smith: "Hey, you're the one making it creepy." - 00:03

Johnny Smith: "I'll have Phi with me too." - 00:04

Ripp Grunt: "..." - 00:04

Ripp Grunt: "right." - 00:04

Ripp Grunt: "i'll sleep with my window open and stick a sheet out of it. if i get snatched in the night, you'll know why." - 00:05

Johnny Smith: "You won't :)" - 00:05

Johnny Smith: "See you guys tomorrow." - 00:06

Dirk Dreamer: "I'm turning in, too. Night." - 00:07

Lilith Pleasant: "night babe" - 00:08

Dirk Dreamer: "Night, love you x" - 00:08

Ripp Grunt: "love you too, Dirk! x ;)" - 00:09

Dirk Dreamer: "Haha, lol." - 00:09

Dirk Dreamer: "Bye, Ripp." - 00:10

Ripp Grunt: "if i'm up early, i should get going. sweet dreams, guys." - 00:11

Lilith Pleasant: "u all right phi" - 00:16

Ophelia Nigmos: "Yes, just tired." - 00:17

Ophelia Nigmos: "See you tomorrow." - 00:17

Excited for upcoming plans, which wasn't something that happened to Lilith often, she placed her phone on her bedside table and went to sleep.


Not much to say here really... that makes a change.

I still feel that the school route train stuff and the distance from hood to hood still logically makes no sense, but it's easier to have them attend the same school that way.

Also, Ripp's angsty inner monologue towards the end of the first scene... I just wrote it on autopilot, looked down at it, and thought "okay!" I'm not sure what sort of an impact it had on the scene, but I guess I'll find out eventually.

I'll reiterate that this story isn't discontinued, just going on a small break until I turn more of my plans into chapters.

Improvements are appreciated, please tell me what I did right, wrong and how I can improve. If you would like, you could also favourite and follow this fic, as well as suggest areas of improvement, which I guess is the same as the first sentence. RR and thanks for reading!