When Malcolm arrived home from work, Bunter decided it was time to have a word with him.
Bunter: So, Nair, why haven't I seen you with Laurie? You playing some kind of game with her?
Malcolm: Game? What are you talking about?
Bunter: Or maybe you're just afraid. I thought we yanked that Coward trait out of you!
Malcolm: Back off, man! My relationship with Laurie is none of your business!
Bunter: I cleared out for you, Nair--so she could choose freely--and you ignore her now?
Malcolm: Look, I'm just not sure how to approach her, ok? I'm not like you!
Bunter: Well, your friend Jamison has managed to approach her, even if it is just to play the Maxoid.
Malcolm: And Jami doesn't work full time like I do either!
Me: Vinnie, you're being too harsh with Malcolm! He's a good guy.
Bunter: He overstepped his bounds! I caught him poaching in my territory, then he goes into hiding when I leave him to it!
Me: Leave him to IT? Vinnie, really! Laurie is a person--her OWN person. Where were you born anyway?
Bunter: Persia. 1250 CE.
Me: Hmm.
Bunter: I tell you what, Nair. I'm going to help you out here. I'll make a bet with you. Give you a little motivation, right? Let's see which one of us will be the first to kiss someone new--successfully. You can practice with anyone. 100 simoleons goes to the winner!
Malcolm: Whoa! I don't think so!
Bunter: Come on, Nair! I dare you!
Malcolm: Ok, ok. Great. Now leave me alone, will ya?
Bunter: Well, there is one other matter. You haven't been doing your share of the cleaning around here. Time you pulled your weight.
Malcolm: Fine. No problem. Just go away!
Poor Malcolm spent about 3 hours cleaning. Not only did he put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, but he also went upstairs and cleaned a toilet. Then he made all the beds, even Bunter's.
Me: The least you could have done was make your own bed, Vinnie. Sometimes I wonder about you.
Bunter: I told you. The guy overstepped...
Me: I know, I know! He ticked you off. Go to work! Leona will be fine here for now. But come back right away.
Bunter: At once, M'lady.
Me: Don't start that Proper Valet stuff with me, Vinnie Bunter! Save it for His Lordship!
Bunter: I AM Proper! I've read all the etiquette books, learned all the rules. ...And I look good in a tux!
_____
While Bunter was working, I took some time to use the 'Buy/Build on This Lot' option to fix the theater venue up a little. I couldn't do too much renovating because the place was swarming with townies. I had to work around them--didn't want to go into Edit Town with everyone there.
I knocked out the two side walls and expanded the facility. Put in two of the movie screens on the right and placed the Movie Studio rabbit hole door on the left. The theater rabbit hole is in the back middle room. I kept everything simple for now. I may or may not do more.
The lot itself is a hang out site, so different ages show up. They mainly like the ice cream, popcorn, and slot machines.
They also socialize and do homework.
No one watched a movie, so I may take out one of those screens and do something else in that space. I only saw one sim go over there and that was to sleep.
Here's what it looks like with everyone gone--except for the one gambler.
_____
After work, Bunter changed into his everyday tux, and scanned the room. With my help, he found a couple of single ladies. One looked just right for a Dare Kiss: Little Miss Goth Girl.
"Wild Thing! I think I looove you!"
Bunter did his schmoozing act, then started flirting.
Bunter: I like your style of dress there, Ruth. My favorite color is black.
Ruth: Really? Mine too!
Bunter: You single? I'm single. I have no one. I'm all alone.
Ruth: Yes...all alone.
Bunter: Gets real lonely sometimes, doesn't it? Life is a sad place, huh Ruthie?
(She has No Sense of Humor.)
Ruth: Oh yes! Dark and cold and empty. It makes me angry the way things are!
(She's also Hot-Headed.)
(Bunter got a reputation then: Exploring his Options. I think it was the guy with the popcorn who started the gossip.)
Bunter: Don't be angry, Ruthie. You just need someone to be gentle in the dark.
Ruth: Yeeesss...
Ka-Ching! Bet won.
Me: Ok, Vinnie. Time to go.
Bunter (to Ruth): Sorry, luv. I have to run now, but I'll call you in the morning.
Ruth: All right, Vinnie. ...I'll be waiting.
Me: By the way, you DID learn that Ruth McCormack is a Kleptomaniac, didn't you?
Bunter: Well, none of us are perfect.
