For now we're ignoring that Rodney exists because he needs a makeover. Shikibu took a job in slacker before she left Riverblossom, actually. It's her life time want. Rodney's job is in Crime. Both parents are allowed to have jobs, because they're peasant, and both of those jobs are Peasant appropriate.

With Cleo ready to burst at any moment it's a wonder she can meander off to work a shift as a freelance photographer. But this is old-timey, so let's say she's a portrait painter for the hoity toity of the Silk Road.

But her job miust be higher up the totem pole because check out her ride! Which doesn't exist because this id old-timey. >_>

When she returns home she does in fact go into labor.

In front of God and everyone. Ahh, the life of a peasant.

Welcome to the family, Michiru Shikibu. She's a girl. And since Rodney and Cleo have the same colorations its hard to tell which of them she takes after.

Oh look, we need to change Cleo's clothes.

Off she goes to the Seamstresses. She tries on ninja clothes and meets Emporer Lazlo.

They have a sit and get-to-know-ya.

Andrea Tsang quickly joins the conversation.

And Ramir Patel.

And a couple hours later the line-up is totally switched. Hi Sir Wan, Lady Wan and Edward Contrary.

And then Emporere Lazlo again. He's such a creeper. I love it.

I didn't realize he and Kevin looked so much alike.

But after everyone got bored of talking Cleo was finally free to make herself look FABULOUS.

Oh no, Emporer Lazlo's been swindled! When Rodney tops Crime those 'proceeds' will end up in his pocket. But he also has to get the ninja to teach him his ways first.

Speaking of Rodney, he got his makeover.

Daw, he and Cleo make a cute couple.

They also getto making another baby. Thankfulyl Michiru is too young to know what's going on.

I have to make a shout out to nicholaplaysthesims here. Her obsession last year was too take pictures of her sims getting into our out of bed.

I've recently discovered the joys of it myself. :B

Time for Rodney and Michiru to bond.

And for Cleo to get some free time to herself. Heading back to the community lots!

She runs into Merchant Ramir.

And starts up a neighborhood meeting. Cristopher and Andrea Tsang, Ramir and Ana Patel. I guess they'd like their portraits painted.

Lady Wan joins the fun.

Man, Cleo is pro at getting the Silk Roads families together.

She and Ana Patel make friends.

While these three continue with the meeting. I should make throw down a table and chairs sometime. My residents spend too much time in the grass.

What a nice afternoon out. When she returns she gets a baby bump.

Then she's off to the community lots again and runs into her Emporer.

And starts up another impromptu meeting.

Rodney's had enough of his girlfriend ignoring him and books a vacation for one. He needs time to think about his future.

He's warml greeted by the locals.

Signs into his room.

And meets up with the Ninja. I should give him a proper title. He's already helped Sanjay Ramaswami. Later.

Yay! Rodney guesses right on the first try! Only one tryper vacation, peeps. Those are my rules.

So with his new powers, Rodney's self-esteem has gone up and he feels worthy of his girlfriend again.

He grabs a souvenir for Michiru.

And heads home to his family.

Cleo didn't even notice he had gone. Rodney wasn't actually gone for very long. his trip was only one day. in fact, he was gone the amount of time it took to work a shift. Cleo will never know how close she came to being a single mother.

Not that she couldn't do it. Cleo is a great mom.

And she's a good painter. Worthy of er job. She lovingly paints a portraits of the father of her children. Bet Rodney feels liek a jerkwad now.

Welp, it took a few days, but they got the old naighborhood welcome, too. Grah! Why is this a thing!? None of the families have enemies.

Happy Birthday, Michiru.

She aged with a full bladder and Cleo was a second too late with the potty. Lame.

Michiru didn't age with any of the bear outfits.

But her parents are high enough aspirationthat she can benefit fromt he smark milk.

Lets try this potty thing again.

Except interrupted by birth having! Oh man!

The Shikibu's have another girl! Welcome to the ghetto, Nagisa.

Rodney teaches his daughter linguistics.

While Cleo discovers a roach infestation outside. She's beset upon by the flu.

But she's toughing it out and teaching Michiru how to walk. I have much respect for Cleo. Even with her trashy peasant outfit.

Third times a charm maybe?

But what with the flu and caring for her daughters day in and day out, Cleo's constitution is waning. She needs a night out.

Tonight she spends the evening with Sir Wan.

They're friends before Cleo heads back home.

When she gets home she's feeling a little frisky and playful and while the girls are down for the night, she invites him into her bedroom.

Because we can't woohoo, we may only try for babies, Cleo is pregnant YET AGAIN!

Before she shows she heads out again into the community lot.

She runs into Lady Wan and Emporer Lazlo.

And generally has a fun and memorable time.

Tickling Noble woman and getting handsy with her Emporer. Cleo is shameless, people.

She shares two bolts with Sanjay here, so I decide to take advantage of the quick relationship building benefits.

She takes advantage and throws out a Charm. What are you doing?! You're- wait, you're single. technically. Dang it!

No no no, don't you saunter away from me/him, young lady. Gah! Come fix this!

Poor Rodney. Now he's the one who's all ignorant of recent events. And now he's drawing a portrait of his girlfriend.

Guh, these two are just made for each other. -grumble-

Happy Birthday, Nagisa!

Let's focus on the children, SHALL WE? Nagisa benefits from smart milk because Cleo's still high from her date with her boyfriend, who we will remind everyone is not Sanjay the Noble, but Rodney. Rodney! Who is Nagisa's father!

Daw, double duty. Thats just cute.

Might as well get Nagisa started on this bandwagon.

And Rodney gets started teaching her how to walk.

After that they nose.

Because it's adorable!

Rodney and Nagisa share their features, while Michiru takes after her mother. Still no bear outfits for either of them, though!

There has been a lot of Rodney Nagisa bonding.

Michiru is left to develop her skills. Which is great because that's what's shes rolling wants for. Alright, that's the Shikibu week over and thus I've successfully completed one rotation of the Silk Road. Hurray! Thanks for reading everyone!