56. MERMAID'S MARK

We’re dropping by to visit Bea, her husband Vaea, and the twins at their home in Sulani for a little bit. They just completed a major home renovation! Bea’s off at work, and Vaea just put the toddlers down for a nap — perfect time to work on building a new skill... for now, just in theory.

Not long after, the new tattoo studio was ready, and Vaea could finally start taking clients. His culinary career didn’t pan out, so he’s trying his hand at being a tattoo artist and opening his own small business.

But first, he had to practice his newly-acquired skills. And who better to volunteer as tribute than his own wife? Vaea bravely starts tattooing Bea, but it turns out working on a real Sim — and not just in the sketchpad — is a whole different level of difficulty.

Luckily, nothing serious happened, and Bea loved the tattoo!

The twins, Felicja and Bernard, are 2 little fussy toddlers. Of course both are mermaids. Felicja can throw quite a tantrum, and Bernard is the first to fling food everywhere. He also never makes it to the potty, so it’s always a diaper situation. Thankfully, nothing that a good ol’ toddler bath can’t fix.

Soon enough, Mermaid's Mark Tattoo Studio received its first positive review! Vaea’s skills are leveling up nicely.

Meanwhile, Bea got promoted to Conservation Regulator! But she doesn’t look too happy. Turns out she didn’t care for her tattoo properly and it got infected. She was supposed  to avoid water for 24 hours. A mermaid. Avoiding water. Classic.

Overall, Bea’s been in a pretty tense mood lately, and even a visit from her mom didn’t help. Maybe it’s all these never-ending monsoons bringing the moodlets down.

Vaea’s becoming a much better tattoo artist and Sims are noticing.

Another bad day in paradise. Kids throwing tantrums AND food around. Bea really needed to blow off some steam.

But there are good days too — family days or quiet moments when Bea and Vaea can focus on each other’s needs. 

One of Vaea’s latest tattoo sketches was a big hit with a client!

Vaea had to give the studio a bit of a makeover. Now there’s more space and a separate entrance. Guests can grab coffee and enjoy some tunes. Mermaid's Mark earned its first star and became a Hopeful Hustle!

A bit more grinding and boom — two stars, then three! All the friendly and inspiring chats with clients helped boost Vaea’s dreamer reputation to Virtuous level. Way to go, Vaea! You’ve really got it!

Felicja is giving Bea a hard time 😄 Definitely like mother, like daughter 😄

Vaea completed a Masterwork Tattoo Sketch. Everything’s going perfectly... or is it? Bea doesn’t look thrilled. Maybe she’s missing her husband’s affection — he’s been so focused on his business lately.

A little romantic repair date should fix that! 😄

And of course, one last woohoo in the bushes — because that was one of their Soul Journey's goal ^^

To celebrate Vaea’s success, Bea’s promotion, and the twins’ birthday, they threw a cozy Kava Party. Only the grandparents from both sides and their closest friends were invited, including Bea’s mentor, Nalani.

The party was a blast!

Time to blow out the candles! Felicja rolled the Geek trait, and I gave her the Whiz Kid aspiration. Bernard rolled Adventurous, so I picked the Little Explorer aspiration for him. Happy birthday, kiddos!

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