James
This should have been the best night of my life. Two Simmy’s? It had never been done by a boyband. The Simmy’s had always been reserved for “sophisticated” artists. Teen dream bands were looked down on. But there was something missing at the moment I received my awards.
Lexie.
Instead of tearing up at my success, her eyes were all for Charlie. It cut me to the core.
I had a mission at the beginning of tonight. 1. To not think about Lexie and 2. To get shitfaced by the end of the night.
I’d already failed at one. I could do something about two.
Searching for a bar, I spotted one at the other end of the room.
As I made my drink, I thought through my feelings. Why was I wallowing this badly? I had everything. Guys would give their left nut for my life, but I wasn’t happy. It was like I was trapped in a cage. I couldn’t date anyone because my fans would string me up alive, and I couldn’t have the girl of my dreams. She was dating one of my friends.
While I was muttering about this to myself, I noticed Lexie passed out on the bar.
What the hell?
“Lexie?” I said, patting her hand.
She didn’t move.
“Lexie!” I said a little louder, shaking her, but her arm flailed in an unresponsive way. She was totally out of it. Rage filled me. Where the fuck was Tsui? He just left Lexie like this?
I smelled her drink. God. Rocket fuel was less potent. I didn’t get why she’d guzzle this stuff. Lexie didn’t like alcohol.
Searching through the partygoers, I spotted Charlie, laughing it up with Moono Bars and Dustin Jimberlake. I snapped my fingers and yelled, “Hey, Tsui! Get your ass over here. Your girlfriend’s passed out!” Everyone collectively stopped what they were doing as Charlie hustled over.
“Lexie?” he said, shaking her. “Baby, come on, wake up.”
Wobbling like a newborn foal, she flung her hand over her head. “Issat choo, Sharlie?” she slurred.
“Yes, baby, are you okay?”
“Of course she’s not okay, Tsui, she’s wasted. You need to get her home.” I had to take a deep breath or I was going to lose it. How could he let her drink that shit? Didn’t he know she’d be souped up on anti anxiety meds? She hated crowds. And worse. She hated famous people.
“Let’s go home, okay?” Charlie said.
Lexie didn’t respond.
Pulling her up by the hand, she stumbled into him.
I couldn’t take it any longer. “What the hell did you do, Tsui? Why did you let her drink all that shit? Don’t you know she isn’t used to alcohol? And now she’s so wasted she can’t even walk.”
“I…I’m sorry…” he stammered. “I…um…didn’t know. Damn…how did she get so…? I only left her for a minute.”
She bobbled over and sputtered, “Sharlie, why izza worrrld sspinning?”
I glared at Charlie in utter disgust. No way was he taking her home by himself. “Move over, dammit, I’ll help.”
We both walked her outside as the stars glimmered above us. Charlie looked so guilty. “I had no clue she’d drink like that,” he said.
I shook my head. “She usually wouldn’t. Where the hell were you that she could get so plowed?”
He sighed. “I guess I was talking too long with Moono and Dustin. I thought she’d get me when she wanted to leave.”
“Why the fuck would she do that? You know she hates movie stars and famous people. And those two are like the most famous in the room. Moono won four Simmy’s tonight. He’s way bigger than you or I could ever dream to be.”
“Yeah. I guess I wasn’t thinking.” His voice sounded low like he was ashamed.
Good. He should be. But I wasn’t going to let him off that easy.
“Charlie, why are you dating her? Is it to get back at me or something? Because if it is, you’ve won. You did it. I don’t know why you’d hate me that much, but it’s okay. I’ll get over it. Just let her be, dude. She needs someone who’ll love her for who she is not who they want her to be. She’ll never be the life of the party. And if you can’t handle that, I’ll fight you for her. She deserves to be treated better.”
He let out a long breath then said, “You’ve got it wrong, James. I do love her. She means everything to me. I just…fucked up. I…I won’t ever let something like this happen again.”
“You better not,” I growled, “or I’ll lose my shit. I’m warning you.”
*****
Charlie
God. I was a total fucking asshole. If Lexie never wanted to see me again, I’d understand.
I hated thinking I’d left her alone. She’d told me she wanted to leave almost the minute we got to the party. But I wouldn’t believe her. I didn’t understand how someone could have that much fear of…well…people. I mean, folks in the industry were just ordinary humans. They might have more talent than most but in the end, they all live and dream and hope and love just like the regular average joe out there. Why didn’t she understand that?
I stooped down to gaze at her. I loved everything about Lexie Day. Her beautiful upturned nose. Her gorgeous body. Her soft snoring. And her hilarious way she viewed life. I understood why James wanted her. Why he’d go to the lengths he did to get to know her. But unfortunately, I didn’t know her as well as he did. And that part gnawed at me.
I knelt down beside her, watching her chest breathe in and out. Lexie, why won’t you open up to me? I had no clue she was that terrified of being in a crowd of famous people. Didn’t know she’d take anti anxiety pills to cope. James filled me in last night on the way home. She was in for a hell of a hangover. I could only hope I could make her feel better.
Or that she’d let me.
After a few moments, she groaned and raised up. “Oh my GOD! Someone put a load of crap in my drinks. Is this what a hangover feels like? It’s like my heartbeat is pounding on my head like a cannonball. Shit.”
I winced, looking away. “I’m sorry, baby. It’s my fault.”
She rubbed her temple and groaned. “Damn…it was your fault. What the hell took you so long? Did you know a pint sized Flamer accosted me the whole night? Wouldn’t leave me alone with all his theories of my love life. Which were wrong, by the way. I’m mad at you, Charlie. That wasn’t nice.”
I held her head. “I’m really sorry, baby. I am. I didn’t know I was taking so long. Honest. I just…guess I got carried away talking. Will you forgive me? I won’t leave you like that again. Seriously. In fact, if I have another awards show, we won’t even go to the after parties. I know it makes you uncomfortable.”
She lifted the side of her mouth and chuckled, surprising me. “Well…I know of one way you could make it up to me.”
“What, baby? Anything.”
“Give me a kiss?”
“A kiss? Is that all you want? I mean, I could take you out to one of your favorite places. Didn’t you say you wanted to go to Simseyland?”
“Charlie…”
“What?”
“Shut the hell up and kiss me.”
I lowered my head toward her as she slipped her warm tongue into my mouth. I groaned with pleasure as she deepened it.
I wanted to kiss her for the rest of my life.
*****
Lexie
Oh. My. GOD! If my head wasn’t pounding like a freaking konga drum, I would have said this was the dreamiest, most romantic morning of my entire life.
Rising up after a heavy breathing induced kiss, I asked, “Charlie…what did you do?”
“Oh, um…” He shrugged. “I just…made a few things.”
“A few things? Like ALL of my favorite to-die-for breakfast foods.”
He chuckled. “Yeah…well…you deserve it. Call it hangover food.”
Grinning, I said, “You’re so good to me, babe. Luscious pancakes, cheesy omelets, and strawberries are the stuff of life.”
Turning my head, I noticed the floor was covered in FLOWERS! “What the…flowers? For ME?
“H-How did you do all of that while I was sleeping?”
“There’s a 24 hour flower shop and well, I was always pretty good in art. Do you like it?”
Tears tingled at the corners of my eyes. “Yeah. I do.”
Scooping me up in his arms, he kissed me, making shivers swivel through my body.
Charlie Tsui may not be perfect. He made mistakes, sure, like the rest of us. But he was the best damn boyfriend I could ever hope for.
I was so freaking in love.
Next chapter Friday, August 31st.
Follow Day & Knight through Tumblr, Discord, or The Sims 4 Message board
Day & Knight 
Hmmm 🤔 This is making me feel so conflicted haha.
As Charlie himself even pointed out, James knows Lexie much better than he does, thanks to all the time he spent as her roommate. That gives him a huge edge here. And Charlie did mess up by leaving Lexie like that. But he comes from a totally different world than she does (especially when it comes to social situations), and he didn’t understand just HOW different until now.
The breakfast was very sweet and romantic of him. I think he does genuinely love Lexie. But I also think they need to work harder at communicating their needs and opening up to each other. They’ve gotta get to know one another on a deeper level. And I think they can, in time.
My heart still breaks for James 😦 I really think he’s gotta get away from Lexie and Charlie to try and find a little peace… but it sounds like he might be too stubborn for that 😛
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL! Thought this might make you scratch your head.
James does have the edge here, but Charlie could try to close up the gap. But will Lexie open up to him like she did with Jenny?
Charlie does need to work on communicating and sharing with her. You’re right. Time will help this.
Yeah…James has to get out of there, but…the Lexie pull might be too great. Especially if they start getting closer as friends!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see my girl Kate, getting her smooch on with Kaluha! 😉
Charlie is in “Damage Control” mode and he’s done a fine job in minimising the damage, but he’s just trying to fix the surface damage while ignoring the structural damage that may have occurred from the evening.
Does he really expect to not go to after parties and everything still be fine? He’s a social butterfly, and not going to them is going to kill him, he’s going to end up resenting Lexie imo.
Plus, I think he’s telling her more lies. I would bet that he didn’t in fact… make her that breakfast, nor make the flower arrangement. Something about the way he talked about both of them makes me think that.
James was fierce when he was ripping into Charlie! I hope that the papz weren’t there to catch any awkward shots of the convo and the two of them carting Lexie off home? 😀
LikeLiked by 4 people
You noticed that, did you? Yup. Kate and Kaluah are a THING!!! ❤
Charlie IS in damage control. And correct–he's made a huge mistake, but like you said, will he resent her for not going to those parties? I think Lexie would insist that he goes to them while she stays at home (but that could cause even more tension. We'll see if it comes up.)
You think he didn't make the breakfast and he ordered the flower rug? Could be…hmm…
I will tell you there were no paps at the party. It was heavily guarded and the place was surrounded by a guarded fence with surveillance. Even the limo was inside the fence, so no pics will get out about this at all. Private parties rarely get paparazzi pics from them. This is one of those occasions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh I like this theory about the breakfast and rug. He did have a similar white lie to impress her with books too. 🤔
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ahhh, a relationship between an introvert and an extrovert. That’s always going to be a struggle, I think–I have friends and family who won’t ever understand introversion, no matter how many times it’s explained to them. LOL. Some of them do try though!
And I can’t be too hard on Charlie, because aren’t these parties basically made for schmoozing? It’s part of his job to make the rounds, network, check in with other celebrities and to be seen. Lexie shouldn’t have been left alone but I wonder if she should’ve just left early or not attended instead. There’s no reason to suffer so much if she didn’t have to.
But I’m glad Charlie tried to make things right. Despite their flaws and mistakes, I think both he and James are pretty decent dudes.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yup. I’m in one of those relationships, too. I’ve often had to sit hubby down and explain to him WHY I act the way I do. It baffles him because he can’t comprehend shyness or not talking all the time to random strangers at a party. It IS a struggle, but it can be done very happily, I might add. I’m glad you have family members who do try to understand, though. 😉
You’re right! Those parties are meant for schmoozing and making connections. Although Charlie is in the catbird seat atm, maybe the band will break up in the future and having friends in the right places is a good thing for a career. Lexie doesn’t understand this. Charlie is trying to please her atm because he’s in trouble but later, he might have to network and will let her know this. She’ll understand, though. But dammit, she’s not going. (Unless she changes somehow).
Charlie and James ARE decent. They just have flaws like everyone. But who is right for Lexie. That’s the question here.
LikeLiked by 2 people
She’s not going to listen to a stinkin’ kid!
Charlie DOES know a little about Lexie and how to please her. And yeah, he’s going to mess up (doesn’t everyone?) But is this a match made forever? We shall see!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh, the hurdles of new love, exacerbated by mainstream celebrity, and a lack of a deep friendship.
I appreciate Charlie’s attempts to be a good kid, and willingness to do right by Lexie, even if he needs a little help noticing; clearly Lexie does too!
” I loved everything about Lexie Day. Her beautiful upturned nose. Her gorgeous body. Her soft snoring. And her hilarious way she viewed life.”
That’s a little worrying to me, though; there’s almost nothing in there about her as a person, and maybe that’s the thing I can’t quite put my finger on that bugs me about them.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You noticed that too, huh? He was thinking about the outside not the inside.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, definitely! It would have even been better if one of the things he loved was an aesthetic thing she chose for herself, like “I love her quirky sense of style”.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes…Charlie looks at her like a man first and a friend next. James is different. Charlie and Lexie have that sexual side all taken care of. But when the butterflies die down…the friendship is what lasts that keeps that fire ALIVE, revving up the passions.
But it’s early in their relationship. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm, it will take more than one romantic morning for me to board that ship. Is Charlie ready for future compromises? Is Lexie? When two people are so different the need to work twice harder to make it work. And they are still in the initial stage of mutual fascination. When it wears off, we’ll know if the foundations of their relationship are strong enough to hold them. I hope they are for Lexie’s sake.
Too bad she didn’t hear the speech James gave to Charlie. I would so want to know her thoughts about that. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a good question on whether Charlie is a good fit for Lexie, atm… he wants to be!
You’re right. They’re going to have to work harder together to make their relationship be successful. It can be done, though. Hopefully?
Yeah…she was too out of it to hear James’ rant about making sure Charlie didn’t want to change Lexie. More on that later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did appreciate that Charlie didn’t make excuses and felt genuinely regretful. However I still ❤️ James I think. I also think some fellow readers made some good points about the continued lack of authenticity and foundation in their relationship. Excited to see what happens next!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Could be…the relationship is slower to reach the level James did as Jenny. That’s for sure. And James seems like he cares for all the right reasons. But…well…there’s more story left! 😉
LikeLike
Well, how sweet of Charlie to take the initiative to do that romantic breakfast for dear Lexie. He did a great job fixing up things there. Will there be a good future for Chexie? Hope so. Also, I am in full agreement with my fellow readers that there’s a lack of authenticity and foundation in their relationship.
Can’t wait to see what happens from there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So…you like Chexie…maybe? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You play dirty! Make Charlie all sweet and stuff to try to lure us away from James. It won’t work. Those delicious looking pancakes are nothing compared to the feast we have on the SSJJ
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha…Not sure if YOUR food on SSJJ will tempt, but well…we’ll see how that ship goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So I confess… I may have been playing random genetics and Étoile and Tony are now a happily married rich mob family living in Magnolia Heights near Cassandra Landgraab and Max and Elsa Villareal… Please forgive me for my sins.
LikeLiked by 2 people
ROFL!!! That sounds like LOADS of fun!!! 😉 I bet those children are especially naughty and soooo nice to look at.
LikeLike
They are indeed lol. I’ve been considering uploading a story about them, Étoile runs a mommy and me club and it’s cutthroat to get in, Tony’s trying not to off his daughter’s first boyfriend which has been fun to set up 😀 and Their kids are Gianna and Miguel and they’re soo cute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are sneaky, making us like Charlie a bit, but just as others have said, there is going to be a LOT of compromises and hurt feelings in the future. James probably helped him with the romantic breakfast. 🙄
Two completely different personalities- they say opposites attract, but they are so far apart, jealousy and resentment will soon replace the physical part and mutual admiration of these two. They are both adorable. Charlie is indeed dreamy. I just think this ship may sink. Badly. And the new job? What of that? Hmmm.
LikeLiked by 1 person
New job will rear its ugly head next chapter. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
At first I was convinced someone slipped her a mickey
LikeLiked by 1 person
No…but it was similar since she was on anti anxiety meds and spiked punch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL I tend to see villians lurking around every corner
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly? I see why James would get so angry at Charlie to shout all over the room but guy! There were still people in there. For Lexie’s sake, couldn’t he just run over to Charlie, drag him to her at the arm with a grip so hard that it hurts and, like, not yell? After everything that happened that’s still only the tiniest of details and doesn’t matter so much but I felt like it was worth mentioning at very least. All in all, James has done nothing wrong. Of course.
But tbh, I would have expected more of Charlie, too from how we got to know him.
LikeLiked by 1 person