#Best robotics platforms

[tudip123]

Top Tools and Technologies for Advancing Your Robotics Skills in 2025

As the field of robotics continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead of the curve requires not only passion and creativity but also a deep understanding of the tools and technologies shaping the industry. In 2025, aspiring engineers and seasoned professionals alike must harness cutting-edge advancements in robotics to stay competitive and innovative. Whether you're developing autonomous systems, enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, or creating novel robotic applications, the right tools can significantly enhance your skills and accelerate your projects. This article will explore the top tools and technologies for advancing your robotics expertise, offering insights into software, hardware, and emerging trends that are set to transform the field in the coming years.

The Role of Tools and Technologies in Robotics:

Robotics relies on advanced tools and technologies to design, build, and program robots. These tools simplify complex tasks, making it easier for developers and engineers to create efficient and intelligent robotic systems. In 2025, new robotics tools will enhance how we approach robotic system development, driving innovation across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

Top Robotics Tools in 2025:

1. Simulation Software:Simulation tools like ROS (Robot Operating System) and Gazebo are essential for designing and testing robots in virtual environments. These tools help engineers troubleshoot problems and refine designs without physical hardware, saving time and costs.

2. AI-Powered Development Platforms:Platforms integrating AI in robotics are becoming more accessible, enabling robots to learn from their environments and make smarter decisions. OpenAI’s GPT for robotics and TensorFlow are excellent examples of tools that combine AI with robotic programming.

3. Machine Learning Libraries: With the rise of machine learning for robotics, libraries like PyTorch and Scikit-learn are critical for developing algorithms that help robots adapt and improve over time. These libraries simplify the creation of intelligent robotic systems that can perform complex tasks.

4. Hardware Prototyping Tools: Advanced prototyping tools like Arduino and Raspberry Pi continue to be vital for building and testing robotics hardware. They allow developers to experiment with sensors, actuators, and other components easily.

5. Collaborative Platforms: Collaborative platforms such as GitHub and cloud-based robotic development environments are transforming the way engineers work on projects. These platforms enable seamless teamwork and integration of various technologies.

Emerging Technologies in Robotics:

AI in Robotics:Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing robotics, making robots more autonomous and efficient. AI allows robots to understand complex scenarios, recognize patterns, and interact naturally with humans.

Machine Learning for Robotics:Machine learning takes robotics to the next level by enabling robots to learn from data and adapt their behavior. For example, robots in warehouses can learn to optimize routes based on past delivery data, improving efficiency.

Advanced Robotics Technologies:Innovations in sensors, materials, and actuators are driving the development of advanced robotic systems. Flexible robots and soft robotics are becoming more common, opening new possibilities in healthcare and delicate manufacturing processes.

The Future of Robotics Skills:

The future of robotics skills is heavily tied to staying updated with the latest tools and technologies. In 2025, robotics professionals will need expertise in programming, machine learning, and system integration. Familiarity with robotics platforms and hands-on experience with prototyping tools will be crucial for success.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, mastering the top tools and technologies for robotics in 2025 is key to unlocking new potential in the field. As AI, machine learning, and automation continue to influence the design and operation of robots, staying informed about the latest software platforms, development environments, and hardware systems will empower you to innovate and lead in the industry. By incorporating these tools into your workflow, you’ll not only advance your own skills but also contribute to shaping the future of robotics. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or industry professional, embracing these technologies will pave the way for breakthroughs that will redefine the boundaries of what's possible in robotics.

Tudip Learning aims to "Elevate Learning" by offering a comprehensive range of foundational courses in critical areas of technology, including Robotics, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence and more. Build essential skills and step into the future of robotics. Start your journey into one of the most innovative and rapidly growing fields! Know more: https://tudiplearning.com/course/master-advanced-robotics/.

[athenapetridis]

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[autonomousroboticorganism]

you hide attempt to hide an injury from them (TF Prime)

featuring - Optimus Prime x F!Reader, Bumblebee x F!Reader, Smokescreen x F!Reader, Knock Out x F!Reader, Wheeljack x F!Reader, Soundwave x F!Reader, Shockwave x F!Reader

summary - you play soccer and get injured, then try your best to play it off (Autobots), you get hurt on the Nemesis and try to play it off (Decepticons)

warnings - none

a/n - writing this the night before an extremely important soccer tournament my team is in, this tournament decides whether or not we go to the second highest woman's league in our country. in case anyone was wondering, one of my teammates did break her arm during one game so it's possible.

OPTIMUS PRIME - broken arm

You don't know how it happened. One minute you're making a tackle, the next you're rolling around on the ground clutching your arm. Your scream of pain alerted the referee, who promptly stopped the game so you could be rushed to the hospital. However, not wanting your big robot lover to worry, you put on a long sleeve shirt at home before going to the base so you could pretend nothing was wrong.

"(Name), why is your one arm thicker than the other?" Miko asked you, tilting her head as her eyes settled on your limp limb.

"Uh, no reason," you lied, then sighed when she gave you a look. "Okay, I broke my arm in a friendly work soccer game today. I just don't want Optimus to know. You know how he worries."

"You do know broken arms take weeks to heal right?" Jack raised an eyebrow. "How are you going to hide it for so long?"

"Hide what for so long?" The leader of the Autobots asked as he came into the room, having heard your voice. "(Name), I was just leaving to come fetch you."

"Oh, no need," you smiled, "I called for a groundbridge."

Jack and Miko exchanged looks, but it wasn't that that alerted the Prime. His gaze fell upon your arm, and though he was no expert in human biology, he definitely knew that they were supposed to be the same size.

"What happened?" He asked, approaching the platform. "What is wrong with your arm?"

As Jack and Miko gave you 'I told you so' looks, you were forced to tell him the truth about your injury, "I had a friendly soccer match today at work, a game we like to play. And I, uh, broke my arm."

The bot's optics went wide when you said that, and he gently took your broken arm into one of his servos, "Were you not going to tell me?"

"I didn't want you to worry," you told him. "You have enough to worry about already."

"I will always worry about you, regardless of what other problems I am facing," he scooped you up onto his servo entirely. "Please do not hesitate to tell me, so that I can assist you in any way you need."

You smiled softly, wrapping your good arm around his one digit in a half-hug, "Thank you, love. I'll try to be more careful next time."

The Prime nodded in agreement, then proceeded to carry you around the whole day and help you with whatever you needed or wanted to do. He then let you rest on him, knowing hurt humans needed just as much downtime as hurt Autobots.

BUMBLEBEE - sprained ankle

"I can do this, I can do this..."

"Uh...(Name)?"

You glanced up at your fellow humans as they gaped at you. YOu were sure you had been doing your best to look like you were walking normally, but from the expressions on their faces you assumed you were doing a terrible job.

"What happened?"

"Nothing?" You tried with a nervous smile.

"Come on," Jack encouraged, "You're obviously limping."

You groaned, "Okay, my soccer game was a little rougher than expected. In a difficult tackle, I fell and my foot twisted awkwardly. I have a minor sprain, so I should be good in a few days."

"Do you plan to tell Bee?"

"No, he's only going to worry. Please don't tell him."

Plan Don't Tell Bumblebee fell on its face when the Autobot rolled up to the school to fetch you and Raf. Arcee and Bulkhead also came through, so Raf left you on your own and joined Miko in Bulkhead.

"Raf!" You protested.

"Sorry!" He apologised sheepishly. "I can't do it!"

Once you were sitting in the passenger seat of the scout, he beeped in concern asking what was wrong with your foot.

Your jaw dropped, "How did you-"

He responded with a few more beeps, saying that he wouldn't be a very good scout if he didn't pick up on cues or signs while observing something. You sighed and looked down.

"I...sprained my ankle. In a soccer match."

Worried beeps and whirrs followed that admission, and he started fussing over you and telling you rest when you got back to base. That he would do all your running around or get Jack or Miko to help. And that you were to see June immediately.

"Bee," you whined in complaint, "It's a minor sprain! It'll be healed in a few days, I have a good biokineticist."

He wasn't having any of that, insisting that you see June or you don't get kisses or cuddles from him. You gaped at the steering wheel.

"Bumblebee!" You gasped. "You wouldn't dare!"

He beeped, try me.

"That's so mean," you pouted. "But fine. Since my boyfriend wants to be a big bad bully."

He protested, making you laugh, but proceeded to ensure that you did what he asked at the base. And that you didn't have to walk on your foot any longer than necessary. Overkill for a baby sprain, but you didn't play with kisses and cuddles from the bot.

SMOKESCREEN - torn hamstring

It was extremely difficult to hide this one. When it happened, you screamed and cried like you'd been shot in the leg, because that's exactly what it felt like. Tearing your hamstring was no joke, it was a serious injury that really hampered your ability to walk.

"He's not going to like this," Arcee shifted her weight, uneasy.

"Please?" You begged. "He's going to scold me like I scold him."

"Well, he's not going to be back for a few hours, so maybe we can come up with a story?" Bulkhead suggested, while June was tending to your injury.

"Like what?"

"Hey guys, what are we talking about?" The bot in question popped up behind Bulkhead, but thankfully couldn't see.

"Uh, nothing!" The Wrecker steered him away. "Nurse Darby is just taking a look at Raf. He has a bad cold." Everyone stared at Bulkhead, but he pointed at a very proud-looking Miko.

"Wait, but let me greet (Name)," Smokescreen tried to push his way through. "She came just now, didn't she?"

"She's tired!" Arcee butted in, "Had a long day at university."

"Oh..." Smokescreen deflated. "Well then, tell her I hope she's not walking on that leg she injured." He said it so nonchalantly, you all had to do a double take.

"What?!"

"(Name)," your lover sighed, "I finished my mission early. Tailed you for most of the day. You don't think I would notice?"

You groaned, "It isn't what you think-"

"I just want to make sure you're okay," he bent down to look at you closer when the others finally parted to let him through. "My girlfriend is in pain, I want to help."

You smiled up at him, "You're so sweet, Smoke. Okay, I'll stay off this leg, Nurse Darby is giving me crutches anyway."

"Oh no, I'll carry you."

"Smoke...I have lectures..."

"You're not going."

"For weeks?"

"...Okay, just for the rest of this week," he suggested. "I want to spend time with my physically impaired girlfriend."

"Hey!" You protested. "Who taught Smokescreen those words?!"

Smokescreen just laughed as he scooped you up, gently so as not to aggravate your injury, and held you close to his chassis. He observed your bruised, swollen leg, lips twisting into a frown at the sight. He didn't like seeing you hurt, especially if he couldn't have protected you from it.

"Come on you, we're going to rest and watch movies for the rest of the week." You tried to protest, but he was having none of it.

He took you to his berthroom and lay you down in a comfortable position, making sure to elevate your leg so that you could rest comfortably.

KNOCK OUT - torn MCL (a knee ligament)

The moment your cry of pain echoed through the hallways of the Nemesis, every vehicon in the vicinity froze up. The mad doctor was sure to hear of this, and they could do nothing to stop the wrath he would no doubt inflict on them for this. They hadn't mean to hurt you, but they had also been a bit rougher than they were supposed to and this fact scared them.

"Please don't tell him," one of them pleaded with you.

"Fine, but one of you needs to carry me to his lab because I'm pretty sure I hurt my knee."

You had befriended some of them, others weren't keen on you, but you knew that these ones were being honest. Decepticons in general didn't know how to handle human beings, so it came as no surprise to you that you got hurt.

But Knock Out would strap them to his lab table and open them up if he found out, so you agreed to try and keep it a secret.

The vehicon carrying you lay you down on your boyfriend's tool table, before quickly scurrying out of the room. You watched Knock Out tend to a comatose Megatron, unsure if he had even heard you come in.

"What was that about?" He asked, confirming that he had.

"Oh, uh, nothing," you dismissed it, "I just got too tired to walk back, so I asked one of the vehicons to carry me back."

This got the mad doctor's attention, "What?" His optics zeroed in on you sitting on the table, and he instantly grew suspicious. You were normally active. "Where is your pain?"

"That's so unfair!" You crossed your arms. "You know me too well."

"I'm your boyfriend, darling," he smirked, "I should. Now tell me what those idiots did to you before I go ask them myself."

"We were just playing," you assured him, "I fell, tried to land on my feet and overextended my leg. I heard a pop in my knee, and then felt excruciating pain. Now it feels like my bones are knocking around if I try to walk."

"..." The medic was not amused. "When were you planning to tell me?"

"Uh..."

"You do realise they could have hurt you worse, or even..." He shut his optics and sighed, "Never mind. Let me see." He abandoned Megatron to come look at you, using a tool to scan your knee. "Hmmm, a ligament tear. Not a very serious one, but you'll still be on bedrest for six weeks."

"What?!"

"That's what you get for playing rough, my dear. Now come here, let me distract you from the pain."

His distraction in question was a kiss, before he researched what to do with your injury and got the necessary items to strap you up and brace your knee to stabilise it.

"No strenuous activity for six weeks, other than walking. Even then, keep it short and only when necessary."

"...Fine, Doc Knock."

"Don't call me that!"

WHEELJACK - shin splints

This one didn't kick in until a day after you'd played the game. You'd been teaching Wheeljack and Bulkhead how to play the human sport, and forgotten to properly stretch beforehand. You'd also forgotten that you hadn't played in months. So your shins were strained from overuse after months of inactivity, leaving an incredibly painful burning sensation the next day.

You tried to walk into base looking like you were fine, but your pained expression attracted attention from Bumblebee, who beeped in worry.

"Don't worry Bee, I'm fine," you smiled, but it was a tight one.

Wheeljack and Bulkhead returned from scouting an Energon mine a few moments later, the former immediately picking you up and placing you on his shoulder, missing the pain etched on your face.

"How was your day, sweetheart?" He asked you. "Got into any trouble?"

"No," you admitted, trying to sound upset about it. You also tried to appear nonchalant on his shoulder pad, but that was doing too much and ultimately outed you.

"And what might be the problem with you?" He turned his helm to study your figure. "What's hurting?"

"You don't miss a beat, do you?" You sighed.

"Not when it comes to my only reason for staying on this rock," he smirked, then held you up in his servo to be eye-level with him. "Now tell me, what happened?"

You sighed, "I kind of picked up an old injury after our session yesterday. Just shin splints, nothing serious. They're painful, but minor. They'll go away soon, they always do."

"Anything I can do to help?" He offered.

"Just maybe ask Nurse Darby for some ice, please?"

"You got it."

He set you down on the couch by the TV in the base, then went off to find June, or even Jack. He returned a few minutes later with an ice pack in his servo, and scooped you up again.

"I can press it to my shin myself, you know!" Your cheeks burned, getting flustered.

"Maybe I want to do it for you," he argued.

Your eyes went wide, and you grew even more flustered. An uncontrollable smile formed on your lips, and you lay back on his servo as he pressed the tiny bag to your shin.

"And don't hide any injury from me again, sweetheart."

SOUNDWAVE - concussion

This one was completely by accident and totally embarrassing. You were trying to find your own way up onto his berth, not wanting to bother him by calling for help. But you had made it only a few feet up the side before your foot slipped, and you fell. Your head hit the ground a little too hard, and your vision blurred for a moment. You groaned as you pushed yourself up, but your head began to throb uncontrollably.

"That's just great," you mumbled, rubbing your temples. But when you tried to stand up, you swayed on your feet and stumbled forward, unable to stay balanced. "Concussion, nice."

The Decepticon chose that moment to enter his berthroom, his helm tilting down slightly as he observed you for a moment. He already knew what had happened, he was the eyes and ears of the cons after all, so there was no point trying to hide it.

"I'm fine, Soundwave," you tried reassuring him, but you couldn't even walk to him in a straight line. "Okay, I'll BE fine soon."

He was having none of it, picking you up gently and laying you on his berth. His screen lit up with a question mark, a silent plea to tell him why you hadn't asked him for help.

"I didn't want to bother you," you admitted, casting your gaze to the floor. "You're busy with important stuff."

He bent down in front of you, pointing at you and displaying a red heart on his visor. Meaning - you were important to him too, and he cared about your wellbeing. Then he displayed another screen, which showed tutorials on how to ask for help.

"Ha, ha. So funny," you replied dryly. "But I'm sorry, I just wanted to try and not be useless or helpless for once."

He shook his head, denying that you were any of those. Then he put his visor close to your face, and typed one word onto it: Rest. He wanted you to relax, because you had sustained a concussion.

"Alright, alright," you gave in, laying back down on his berth. You smiled, feeling warm inside at his attempts to take care of you.

And he did so quite well for a Cybertronian accused of having no feeling or emotion. He made sure to get you painkillers and water, an ice pack, and your favourite snacks. How he got them, you didn't want to know. You were just grateful for the love he was showering you with.

SHOCKWAVE - broken nose

Shockwave wasn't in the lab for once, having been ordered by Megatron to go and retrieve more predacon remains. Starscream stormed in, absolutely furious with the Decepticon scientist, and when his optics landed on you he knew the perfect way to get back at Shockwave. Which was why you now lay on the ground, listening to Starscream's laughter fade as he left, tears streaming down your face with blood streaming out of your nose. It was broken, that much you knew, but you were in too much pain to get up.

But when you heard Shockwave's familiar heavy footsteps and his voice briefing Megatron outside, you quickly sat up and wiped your blood off the floor with your shirt, then ripped a piece off and tried to stop the bleeding. You turned away from the door, hoping Megatron and Shockwave wouldn't see you.

"(Name), is everything alright?"

You nodded, "Yes, I'm okay Shockwave. Don't worry."

"So that's what Starscream was so happy about," Megatron mused. "Tend to your pet, Shockwave, and then brief me on your latest developments." With that, he left the room.

"(Name), what happened?" Shockwave asked, picking you up off the floor. "Why is there blood on your clothes and a piece of your t-shirt in your nose?"

You sighed and pulled the reddened material out, allowing blood to gush out once more as you teared up, "Starscream." Your bottom lip trembled, and the pained expression on your face told Shockwave enough, as did the sight of your misshapen nose.

"I will tend to your wounds," your boyfriend began, "And then I will see to it that Starscream be punished for this inexcusable and cowardly act."

"Thank you," you responded quietly.

He helped stop your bleeding, and bandaged your nose. Then he made sure the rest of your body was fine, before he set you down on his table.

"Wait for me here, I shall return to give you physical affection after Starscream has been dealt with."

You smiled at him and nodded, warmth filling you at how much he cared about you and how much he was willing to do for you. You relaxed in the lab while he went to deal with Starscream, and when he returned he delivered the affection he promised. Which was mostly cradling you in his servo or letting you curl up against his neck cables. Nonetheless, you were happy and soon fell asleep as the pain medication kicked in.

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Daft Punk - Around the World 1997

"Around the World" is a song by French electronic music duo Daft Punk. It was released in April 1997 as the second single from their debut studio album, Homework. The song became a major club hit globally and reached number one on the dance charts in Canada, Spain, the UK, and the US. It also peaked at number one in Iceland and Italy. The song's lyrics solely consist of the words "around the world", repeated on loop for a total of 144 times (80 on the radio edit). In October 2011, NME placed it at number 21 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years". "Around the World" was featured in one episode of first season of MTV animated series Daria. It was also used in the video games Dance Central 3, NBA 2K13 and the trailers for Ubisoft E3 2007 Rayman Raving Rabbids 2.

Michel Gondry's music video for the song features five groups of characters on a platform representing a vinyl record: four robots walking around in a circle; four tall athletes wearing tracksuits with small prosthetic heads walking up and down stairs; four women dressed like synchronized swimmers moving up and down another set of stairs; four skeletons dancing in the center of the platform; and four mummies dancing in time with the song's drum pattern. This is meant to be a visual representation of the song; each group of characters represents a different instrument. According to Gondry's notes, the robots represent the singing voice; the physicality and small-minded rapidity of the athletes symbolizes the ascending/descending bass guitar; the femininity of the disco girls represents the high-pitched keyboard; the skeletons dance to the guitar line; and the mummies represent the drum machine.

"Around the World" was Gondry's first attempt at bringing organized dancing to his music videos. "I was sick to see choreography being mistreated in videos like filler with fast cutting and fast editing, really shallow. I don't think choreography should be shot in close-ups." The sequence, initially developed by Gondry, was further expanded and streamlined by choreographer Blanca Li.

The music video won Best Dance Video at the International Dance Music Awards, and was nominated for Best Video at the MTV Europe Music Video Awards, and nominated for International Viewer's Choice - MTV Europe at the MTV Video Music Awards. The song was nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy Awards.

"Around the World" received a total of 81,7% yes votes!

[mint-clackelroy]

Vic has been confronted with the merchant of death from their dreams. They discovered an alien squatting in their guest house. Their ex-step-grandmother assaulted them on camera. Their new robot best friend died in their arms. Of all the fucked up things that have happened to them, I'm obsessed with the fact that this is what finally pushed them over the edge. This is the greatest show on any platform ever. Give Vic an Emmy already.

[tow-bees]

So you see, Perry the Platypus, I was watching someone’s go pro footage of touring Disneyland and - why you ask? Well, I thought it would be fun to go to Disneyland - y’know, take a little vacation - but what with the economy being what it is and the ticket prices being what they are and my alimony checks being what THEY are and Disney not giving me ANY ticket discounts despite being one of their characters…let’s just say the gopro footage is the best it was gonna get, okay Perry the Platypus?

Anyway, I went on this boat ride - well not me but the person recording the go pro footage that I was then watching via the Internet got on a boat ride - and, would you believe it, Perry the Platypus? There were all these robot children singing over and over, insisting even, that the world is small! And I just couldn’t believe it Perry the Platypus, a whole ride about sending the message that the world is small!

And well this made me angry, Perry the Platypus, because I recently joined an online platform called Discord - which I joined because it sounded positively evil, only to later find out it was just a messaging platform for gamers…which is a different genre of evil but that’s irrelevant. But on Discord I ended up making some evil friends! And I wanted to meet up with them, as you do. with friends.

…Only to find out they live on the other side of the world!

A world that is very much NOT small I will have you know! Or affordable to travel across - again with the economy being what it is.

But this gave me an idea, Perry the Platypus. What it the world COULD be small?

*removes the drape-inator from an inator shaped object*

BEHOLD! THE EVEN SMALLER WORLD INATOR!!!!

With this, I will shrink the world so small that my Discord Friend will only be a hop skip and a jump away! Literally! See look, Perry the Platypus, I even made this matching pair of rain boots to step through the ocean through! Aren’t they so cute?

Anyway…soon, nothing will stop me from seeing my Discord Friend and together…we will sow so much Discord (see…see what I did there?) that together…we will be able to take over the ENTIRE!! TRI! STATE!! AREAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

[missmeringuemorgue]

Hello and Welcome!

In this PAC reading we will find out hints about your Future Spouse! How exciting! For those who want to listen to this PAC in audio format, be sure to check this out!🥰

My best wishes and onto the reading…

Group 1

1. I see something related to Ghostbusters so they could be into ghosts and the paranormal, perhaps even ghost hunting. I’m getting a sense of someone who is adventurous. Your future spouse would definitely want to go on a ghost hunting adventure!

2. I see they could have dark hair. They are also fit - might go to the gym. Could have tattoos. Might have a platform online, like YouTube or Twitch. The letters “C”, “R”, “B”, also the letter “S”. Might listen to rap.

3. You might not like them at first or they aren’t your usual type. This is someone who isn’t what they appear to be and what I mean by that is they might put on a mask when meeting new people and it might take some time to get to know them. Perhaps, you will see right through this mask and will not like them hiding their true face. I’m not saying that they are two-faced or anything like that. They are more like guarded which makes me think they have been hurt in the past when opening up too soon, so they wear this mask in order not to get hurt again.

4. Could be from Europe or a small country. I’m getting a sense of someone returning home, so they might not live in their birth country or just travels a lot outside of it.

5. Could have a sibling of the same gender.

6. There’s just a lot of spirits around them and the theme keeps popping up which makes me think they are well spiritually protected. If you ever wondered how they are doing, just know that whatever happens is happening FOR them not TO them. Also they could be good at manifesting.

7. They could be either your Twin Flame or Soulmate (if you believe in those things), because I see a strong spiritual bond between you.

8. This is someone you’ll likely have kids with.

9. Some of you need to hear that you aren’t delusional. If there’s someone you feel a strong pull towards, they might be your person. Put logic aside and trust your intuition on this.

10. Something related to Shrek, Puss in Boots to be specific. So cats might be significant or it could also mean that like I’ve mentioned earlier you wouldn’t like your future spouse at first or you might even be rivals, enemies to lovers kind of trope if you will.

11. Edgar Allan Poe keeps popping up, so they might read some of his poetry to you and that’s one of the ways you’ll know it’s them. Speaking of poetry, they might be a poet as well. They might just write their poems on paper or they might create music from it.

12. Twenty One Pilots might be significant. So they might like this band and listen a lot to them, also when with them you could hear a Twenty One Pilots song and that’s yet another way to help you realise who is your future spouse.

13. Snow White or Disney Princesses in general might be significant. I’m getting a sense of something forbidden, and what I mean by that is your love might seem forbidden in some way, like maybe you come from different backgrounds or cultures and not all people agree with your decision to be together. Also I feel distance, so you might be from different countries too.

14. I’m getting a sense of ancient civilisations and it feels like you have been searching for this person since the beginning of time. You could always tell that something was missing but couldn’t figure out what. It’s this. It’s them. When you are reunited, everything will make sense. It will make sense why it didn’t work out with someone different; everything will fall into place.

Group 2

1. Elon Musk comes to mind, so they might be the CEO type and they could be well-off, perhaps even rich. Also they could be into robots/computers/technology in general, I’m also hearing video games, specifically Doom, Counter Strike and Call of Duty. They might also drive a Tesla/their dream car is a Tesla or they just want to buy it for whatever reason.

2. I see teddy bears, so they might have a good, kind heart and are a true softie. They give great hugs and they might have a chubbier body type, well proportioned though. Also Valentine’s Day might be significant.

3. The letters “G” and “J” or more specifically the names “George” and “James”.

4. Germany/Austria might be significant, so they might be from one of these countries or you might be from one of them which would be a confirmation this reading is for you.

5. Water sign vibes: they could have a lot of water placements in their birth chart or it could also mean they have a lot of qualities to water signs.

6. I see paintings, so they might be into museums and art, also they could be studying or studied something related to art.

7. I see pearls and the sea: again with the water energy. This could mean they are in tune with their emotions, and I’m also hearing when they get angry it feels like a mountainous sea with rain and lightning above, it’s like you can see it in their eyes. They don’t try to hide their emotions.

8. I have to keep this pg rated, but maybe some of you need to hear this: I heard they are great in the sexy department. They could have a Leo Venus, but not necessarily.

9. I see Cupids and Angels, so they might seem too good to be true when you meet them but trust me they are for you and they are here to stay. Also you could be mesmerised by them on your first meeting. It’s like they captured your heart the moment they walked into the room.

10. Opera, movie theatres or theatres in general might be significant, like you could meet them there or they might invite you to see something in a theatre. Also they could be an actor. The letter “E” and specifically the names “Evan”, “Eva” or “Evelin”

11. Something related to islands and pirates. They might be the “bad boy”, “bad girl” type. Not in a bad way but they just always get what they want. But more importantly they always know what they want so you won’t have to question their actions or feelings because their actions match their words.

12. Good at noticing details. Very diligent. I see them never forgetting special occasions, they might even put them in their calendar so they don’t forget. Might like to surprise you with a home cooked meal or “just because” and “this reminded me of you” gifts. Gift giving might be their love language.

13. Countryside, cottage core, gathering berries and mushrooms: this might be their vibe, they might live in the countryside or they would love to own a home outside of town.

14. Might wear glasses, might own a cat, wants to own a cat or cats are in one way or another connected to your person or your relationship with them.

Group 3

1. I feel a safe place, so they could be your safe haven. You could also have a safe place where you go in your dreams or during astral travel, you could meet them there. They might have also created a safe space for you to be and to protect you during sleep or astral projection.

2. I see cherries, blueberries and the forest, so they might live near a forest, they like to go on walks in the forest, you could meet somewhere with a lot of nature or near a forest or it simply means they just love nature.

3. Very intelligent, they could be the brains behind many projects. Also they could like old cartoons, like cartoons from the 90s or early 00s. Scooby-Doo could be significant. Also they could like solving problems, like they could be a lawyer or somehow related to law even.

4. They could have darker features and what I mean by that is they could have darker skin, darker hair, darker eyes or something like that. Also Ibiza/Maldives could be significant.

5. I feel they like to party a lot or at least did in their early years. I’m not saying they are old but they could have had a party animal past. I don’t feel them this way anymore though. They could party here and there but not as intensively as they did in the past.

6. The number “nine” could be significant, so it could be their life path number or it could be your life path number which would be a confirmation this group is definitely for you. Also they could be ending a toxic cycle right now, like a toxic relationship or an addiction of some sort. This addiction could be related to them partying as I mentioned earlier.

7. I see letters or messages of some sort, so it could mean they will contact you soon or they have contacted you in the past with a letter. I feel it could have been a small letter, like the ones you exchange during class when the teacher doesn’t notice.

8. The seven wonders of the world might be significant, like you could meet them at one of them or something like that. Also you could meet while travelling whether it be a long or short trip.

9. Your future spouse has a great fashion sense, almost iconic as some would say. They also could be into modelling or have dreamed of becoming a model. Very stylish, indeed.

10. Lady GaGa could be significant, like you could meet while Lady GaGa’s song is playing or while with them, you might hear a Lady GaGa’s song and that will be a confirmation.

11. The reoccurring theme of numbers keeps popping up, so they might as well be somehow connected to various numbers, like they could have their own business, they could be an accountant or an office worker, also the show “Office” and Britney Spears might be significant.

12. Asia, more specifically Korea might be somehow connected either to them or to you. I’m hearing your love story could be similar to the love stories in KDramas.

13. I keep seeing dogs, so they definitely could be a dog person or perhaps even have a dog. Also this could signify loyalty and friendship, so you might as well be friends first before you start dating.

14. There’s lots of symbolism to music and musicians, so your future spouse might be a musician or is somehow related to the music industry.

[vingtetunmars]

In the Dark

Pairing: Joel Miller X F!Reader

Summary: You've known Joel Miller your whole life — as your dad’s best friend, as Sarah’s father, and now, quietly, as yours. In a world that still thinks of you as the babysitter he once trusted, the two of you navigate love in the margins.

Tags: NSFW, smut(18+), dbf!Joel, Austin!Joel, no outbreak, no Ellie (sorry), Sarah is Alive, modern au, established relationship, secret relationship, age gap (mid 20s/late 40s), oral sex f receiving, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it yall), p-in-v. No descriptions of reader. No mentions of Y/N.

A/N: I said I'm gonna write dbf!joel, and I've come to deliver. If you have any requests, suggestions, or thoughts, feel free to send me a message. Reblogs are appreciated. Please do not steal or cross-post it on another platform without asking. Thank you.

Word Count: 8.7k

masterlist

The phone rang just as you were sliding your leftovers into the fridge, still dressed in the same slacks you'd been wearing since nine that morning. You didn’t even check the caller ID. Only one person still called you instead of texting—your dad.

You tucked the phone between your shoulder and ear, closing the fridge with your hip.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Hey, sweetheart,” he said, voice warm with that familiar Southern rasp. “You busy this weekend?”

You paused, leaning against the counter. “I wasn’t planning on it. Why?”

“Thinkin’ of throwing a little barbecue Saturday. Nothin’ big, just the usual crew. Figured you could come by, see your old man, eat some actual food instead of that fancy city stuff.”

You smiled despite yourself. “Barbecue doesn’t sound too bad.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” he chuckled. “Joel’ll be there too. Said he might bring ribs.”

Your stomach twisted, but you kept your voice level. “Cool. Sounds good.”

“You can bring someone if you want,” he added, casual but with that hopeful tone he always used when fishing for information. “A date. Or… you know. A friend.”

You laughed, deflecting. “If I can find someone who’s not terrified of you and your smoker, I’ll let you know.”

“That’s fair,” he muttered, then cleared his throat. “Alright. Don’t be late, alright? I’m puttin’ you in charge of the potato salad.”

You groaned. “Why do I always get stuck with the most boring side?”

“Because I trust you not to screw it up.”

You snorted. “Wow. Thanks, Dad.”

“See you Saturday, kiddo.”

The call ended, and you set your phone down gently. The apartment was quiet again, the soft hum of the city filtering in through the windows. Outside, the downtown lights blinked against the early summer haze, and traffic rumbled lazily over the bridge nearby.

Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, and the produce section was packed with tired people in business casual, all moving like zombies on autopilot. You weaved through them with a half-full basket, already regretting your decision not to order delivery.

A tub of mayonnaise, a bag of red potatoes, mustard, celery. You mentally checked them off one by one, grabbing them with robotic precision. All that was left was the wine, and maybe something sweet for yourself, because you survived another week without quitting your job or snapping at a VP. Barely.

You turned down the wine aisle and reached for your usual bottle of red when your phone buzzed in your pocket.

Joel

You going tomorrow?

Your hand froze on the bottle neck.

You blinked at the screen, warmth blooming low in your stomach like it always did when his name lit up your phone. A short, simple message, and still—it hit different.

You typed back quickly, glancing around like someone might be reading over your shoulder.

You

Yeah, just grabbing stuff now. You?

A pause.

You picked up the wine and added it to your basket, chewing your lip.

Then your phone buzzed again.

Joel

Wouldn’t miss it. Even if your dad makes me haul that damn smoker across the yard again.

You smiled, thumb hovering over the screen for a second longer than necessary before responding.

You

Sounds like free labor to me.

Joel

Only for you.

Your breath hitched just a little. You glanced around the aisle again, but no one paid you any mind. Just strangers, scanning labels and tapping their credit cards against machines. The whole world, going about its business. Like this was nothing.

You

See you tomorrow ♡

You hit send before you could second-guess it.

Joel

See you ♡

Then you tucked your phone back into your coat pocket, cheeks warm, heart a little lighter than it had been all day.

Saturday afternoon in the suburbs felt like a different planet compared to downtown Austin.

You turned off the main road and into your dad’s neighborhood, windows down, letting the warm breeze roll through your car. Lawns were freshly cut, kids zipped by on bikes, and someone a few houses down was already grilling—smoke curling into the sky and mixing with the smell of charcoal and sun.

Your childhood home looked exactly the same. A little more faded around the edges, maybe, but still steady. Still lived-in. You parked behind Joel’s old pickup, the same one he’d driven since you were sixteen, and grabbed the grocery bag from your passenger seat.

Your dad was already in the backyard, you could hear the low hum of country music and the occasional pop of laughter. You let yourself in through the front door and made a beeline for the kitchen to drop off the wine and potato salad.

"About time," your dad called from the back. “Joel’s already got the grill going!”

You rolled your eyes and slipped through the sliding door, stepping into a wall of heat, smoke, and familiar voices. Your dad was by the smoker, drink in hand, and a couple of neighbors you half-recognized from years ago waved lazily from lawn chairs.

And then there was Joel.

He stood near the patio table, tongs in hand, dressed in a dark tee and jeans, boots dusty like always. His salt-and-pepper hair curled slightly from the heat. He looked up the moment you stepped out—and for a second, just a second—you saw it.

The flicker.

But it was gone just as fast.

"Hey, there she is," Joel said, smiling like it was any other Saturday.

You walked over, setting the grocery bag on the table. “You start grilling without me?”

"Would’ve waited, but someone was late.” His tone was teasing, casual. "Got your dad all riled up, thought he’d have to make the potato salad himself.”

You smirked. “Yeah, I’d pay to see that.”

He chuckled, reaching into the bag to peek at what you brought. His fingers brushed yours—just briefly—but the touch was so quick, so natural, it didn’t even register to anyone else.

You both had this down to a science.

“Wine’s a good pick,” he said, turning the bottle to glance at the label. “Still got good taste.”

Your dad called for him then, something about the coals being too hot, and Joel gave you a final glance—one you could only read because you knew him.

See you later.

Be careful.

I missed you.

All folded into one half-second look.

And then he was gone, back to tending the fire and cracking jokes like nothing in the world was different.

But you knew better.

Laughter floated through the open windows, mixed with the hiss of meat on the grill and the clink of beer bottles. You’d made the rounds, hugged neighbors, helped your dad carry out an extra chair, and politely dodged questions about your love life like a professional.

But the heat was getting to you now—not just the Texas summer kind. The kind that lingered in your chest every time you caught Joel’s eye. The kind that burned a little behind your ribs whenever his shoulder brushed yours too close in passing.

So when you slipped inside with an empty glass in hand, no one questioned it. Not even your dad, too distracted retelling some story at full volume.

Joel followed five minutes later.

You heard the back door creak, quiet, careful. The same rhythm you knew by heart. You were already upstairs, the old hardwood groaning under your step as you moved toward your childhood bedroom. The door was cracked open, like it always used to be.

You slipped inside.

The room hadn’t changed much. Your dad had left it mostly intact, save for the treadmill shoved in the corner and the stack of old mail on your desk. Posters from your high school days still hung on the walls, and your twin bed creaked the same way it always had when you sat down on the edge.

Joel entered without knocking.

His eyes swept over you, and the way the tension dropped from his shoulders—it did something to you. Like you were the relief he didn’t even know he needed.

“You’ve got five minutes,” he murmured, shutting the door softly behind him.

You didn’t say anything. Just stepped toward him.

He met you halfway, one hand finding your waist with practiced ease, the other cupping your jaw as your mouths found each other. You kissed him slow, greedy, like trying to make up for all the words you hadn’t said earlier. He tasted like smoke and mint, like Texas heat and memory.

His hand slipped under the hem of your shirt, fingers brushing lightly against your skin. You tilted your head back, breath hitching as he pressed you gently against the door.

“You’re gonna get us caught,” you whispered between kisses, lips swollen, eyes half-lidded.

Joel smirked, the corner of his mouth twitching against your skin. “You say that every time.”

“And every time, I mean it.”

“But you still let me.”

You kissed him again briefly before letting your forehead rest against his chest, heart racing as he wrapped his arms around you, holding you like it was the only time he’d get to.

“I missed you,” you said softly, the words muffled against his shirt.

“Been missin’ you all week,” he replied, his voice low and rough. “Thought I was gonna lose it seein’ you out there and not bein’ able to touch you.”

“You’re touching me now.”

“Not nearly enough.”

A moment passed. Then another.

And then you both sighed—because you knew the clock was ticking.

He kissed your temple, a gentle press of lips that made your chest ache. “Come on,” he murmured. “Before your dad starts wonderin’ why we both disappeared.”

You nodded, fixing your shirt, smoothing your hair in the mirror as Joel opened the door like he hadn’t just backed you up against it five minutes ago.

He walked out first. You followed a minute later, empty glass in hand again like nothing had happened.

Just another summer evening.

Just another barbecue.

Just another secret, tucked between the walls of the house you used to call home.

The backyard had settled into that perfect golden-hour rhythm—half-eaten plates on paper napkins, someone’s Bluetooth speaker playing Tom Petty, and a few neighborhood kids trying to catch fireflies under the trees. Your dad was deep in conversation with Joel by the grill, both of them gesturing with tongs like they were debating something deeply important. You smiled to yourself, sipping your wine and letting the humid air cling to your skin.

You hadn’t seen Sarah in a while. She’d grown so much since the last time you babysat her—taller now, more confident, with that same mischief in her eyes Joel always carried in his smirk.

She flopped into the chair beside you, a can of sparkling water in hand.

"Hey, stranger," she said, nudging your knee with hers. “You still too cool for the suburbs?”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Always. But you’re making a strong case for coming back.”

She rolled her eyes, but her smile was genuine. “You missed some good stuff. I won the school art show last month. You would’ve been proud. It was this chaotic collage thing—I called it ‘burnout but pretty.’”

“That sounds amazing. You gotta show me later.”

“I will.” She leaned back in the chair, legs stretched out in front of her. “Dad wouldn’t shut up about you coming today, by the way. Acted like you were the main attraction.”

Your stomach twisted—just a little. You hid it with a smile.

“Yeah, he still treats me like I’m the mayor of Austin or something.”

“He’s always liked you,” she said, casually. “Like, even when I was a kid, he always said you were the only babysitter who didn’t just put me in front of the TV and text boys.”

You laughed, but the guilt pressed just a bit heavier now.

Because you’d kissed her dad. Not just kissed. You knew every line of his hands. You knew the exact sound he made when you touched the side of his neck. And here Sarah was, still seeing you the way she always had—someone safe. Someone good.

You glanced toward the grill, where Joel was laughing at something your dad said, his whole face lit up in the kind of smile you rarely got to see in public. Your heart ached.

Sarah leaned forward, elbow on her knee. “You good?”

“Huh?”

“You spaced out for a sec.”

You shook your head quickly. “Yeah, yeah. Just... tired. Long week.”

She gave you a look. “Corporate life killing your soul again?”

“Every damn day,” you said, grateful for the shift. “If you ever sell that ‘burnout but pretty’ collage, I’ll hang it in my office to remind me to quit.”

“I’ll send you a print,” she said, nudging you again.

You smiled, and this time, it wasn’t so forced.

The guilt hadn’t gone away. But maybe for now, you could pretend things were still simple. That you weren’t balancing between who you used to be to this family, and who you were now—when no one was looking.

It was just past six when your phone buzzed.

Joel

Almost there. You leave the door unlocked?

You smiled to yourself, already padding barefoot across your apartment floor to make sure the deadbolt was undone. The evening light poured in through your living room windows, casting long amber stripes across the couch, the throw blanket, the half-finished glass of wine on the coffee table.

You

Door’s open. Hurry up, old man.

You set your phone down and smoothed your palms over your top, suddenly a little more aware of how you looked. Not that you were dressed up—just cotton shorts and a loose t-shirt—but with Joel, comfort was kind of the point.

He hadn’t been to your place since the barbecue a week ago. Things had been busy—life, work, the usual distractions. But the quiet ache in your chest hadn’t let up since you last saw him.

A few minutes later, the door clicked open. His footsteps were familiar, slow and steady across your hardwood floor.

“Hey,” you said, leaning against the kitchen island.

Joel shut the door behind him, that slow smile pulling at his lips the second he saw you. “Hey, yourself.”

He looked good—black t-shirt, jeans slung low on his hips, his hair a little messy like he’d run his hand through it too many times on the drive over. The kind of casually disheveled that made your stomach flutter.

You walked over, meaning to hug him, maybe kiss his cheek—but Joel didn’t stop at polite. His arms wrapped around you with something deeper, something full of relief and want. He held you close, lips brushing the side of your neck.

“Missed you,” he murmured.

You melted a little. “I missed you, too.”

He pulled back just enough to kiss you, slow and lingering, his thumb resting at your jaw like he didn’t want to let go. And god, you’d forgotten how grounded you felt with him—how quiet the world became when he was close.

“Barbecue wasn’t enough time,” he said quietly, brushing his nose against yours.

“Nope,” you replied, fingers playing with the hem of his shirt. “Didn’t even get to finish a conversation with you without someone yelling about grill tools.”

He laughed against your mouth, and you felt it all the way down your spine.

“Good thing I’m here now.”

You nodded. “You staying a while?”

His eyes met yours—deep, unreadable, but warm. “That depend on if I’m wanted.”

You didn’t answer. Just leaned in and kissed him again—slow, unhurried, letting it build.

Because you had the night.

And maybe the conversation would last this time.

Or maybe it wouldn’t.

Because when Joel’s hands slid under the back of your thighs and lifted you onto the counter with practiced ease, conversation was the last thing on your mind.

Joel didn’t rush.

His hands were steady, warm against your skin as he guided you back onto the kitchen counter, lips never straying far from your neck. The loose hem of your t-shirt rose higher with each soft press of his fingers along your thighs.

“You always greet me like this?” he murmured against your jaw. “Or am I just lucky?”

You smiled, breath hitching as his hands gripped behind your knees and pulled you forward, hips flush with the edge of the counter. “You’re not lucky,” you whispered, curling your fingers into his hair. “You’re mine.”

That did something to him—you could feel it in the way his hands tightened slightly, the way he breathed in deep, like he was trying not to unravel all at once.

He kissed you again, deeper now, slow and searching. One hand held the small of your back while the other slid beneath your shirt, fingers grazing your side until they reached the curve of your breast. He circled your nipple softly, until you arched into him with a quiet gasp.

“Always so responsive,” he said lowly, watching your face. “Drives me crazy.”

And then, without warning, he dropped to his knees.

Right there in the middle of your kitchen, his shoulders pressing between your legs as he gently hooked his fingers into the waistband of your sleep shorts. You lifted your hips automatically, your heart thudding as he slid them down with a kiss to your inner thigh.

The moment was quiet, thick with anticipation—until he looked up at you with that dark, focused stare, and then lowered his mouth to your pussy.

His tongue was patient, slow as he explored you, dragging deliberately between your folds until your hands gripped the edge of the counter, knuckles white. He moaned against you softly—like you were something to be savored, worshipped.

You whimpered, tilting your hips toward his mouth, chasing the warmth of his tongue as he flicked it over your sensitive clit.

“Joel—”

He glanced up again, lips shining, eyes heavy-lidded. “Right here, baby. I got you.”

He returned his mouth to you, hands tightening on your hips to keep you steady. His tongue moved with more purpose now—circling, stroking, coaxing. You could feel your breath stuttering, heat coiling low in your belly with every pass of his tongue through your entrance, every soft press of his lips.

Your thighs trembled around his shoulders.

“Let go,” he murmured against your rose, voice rough. “Let me take care of you.”

And you did.

You came with a quiet cry, hips bucking against his mouth as he held you firm, licking you through it with unrelenting devotion. He stayed there even as your breathing slowed, as your muscles relaxed, until your hand finally found his hair and tugged gently.

He rose slowly, face flushed and damp, looking more undone than you’d ever seen him. And the way he looked at you—like you were the only thing in the room that mattered—made your heart stutter all over again.

Joel carried you to the bedroom like he always did—steady, careful, as if you were something delicate he couldn’t risk breaking. Your legs wrapped around his waist, your face tucked into the curve of his neck, still warm from everything he’d just done to you.

The bedroom light was off, but the city glow leaked in through the window blinds, casting faint lines of gold and shadow across the sheets. He laid you down with a soft exhale, his eyes drinking you in as he hovered above you, bracing himself with one hand beside your head.

“You okay?” he asked, voice rough, but tender.

You nodded, one hand slipping under the hem of his shirt to press against his stomach. “More than okay.”

Joel leaned down and kissed you again—slow, lingering, and full of quiet hunger. His shirt joined yours on the floor a moment later, and your hands were all over him. You knew this body. The slope of his shoulders, the map of old scars and sun-warmed skin. But tonight he felt different—more intent. Like he missed you in a way that wasn’t just physical.

You ran your fingers down his chest, pausing to brush lightly over his buttons. He groaned softly at the contact, duck already twitching in his jeans, straining against the fabric.

“Take these off,” you whispered, tugging at the waistband.

He smiled against your mouth. “Bossy tonight.”

You only gave him a look, and he gave in with a laugh, pushing his jeans and boxers down with a practiced ease. His cock sprang free, already thick and hard, and your thighs instinctively parted beneath him.

Joel kissed a path down your neck, across your collarbone, pausing to take one of your nipples into his mouth. His tongue circled it slowly, teasing, until your back arched and your fingers tangled in his hair.

“Need you,” you breathed.

He pulled back just enough to look at you. “You got me.”

You reached between your bodies and guided him to your entrance, his cock nudging against your folds, slick with anticipation. The stretch was slow and steady, and you both let out breathless sounds as he sank into you.

“Jesus,” he muttered, forehead dropping to yours. “Still so damn tight.”

You clung to him, gasping softly as he filled you, inch by inch, until he was fully seated. The way he moved—it wasn’t rushed. It was measured, almost reverent. Like he needed to feel every inch of you around him. Like he needed to remind himself you were real.

His thrusts started slow, deep, rocking into you with the kind of patience only he had. You met each one with soft moans, your body rising to meet his rhythm, your pussy aching around him as he hit all the right angles.

“Look at me,” he whispered, brushing your hair from your face. “Wanna see you.”

You obeyed, eyes locking with his. And what you saw there—affection, want, something dangerously close to love—it made your chest ache in the best way.

He kissed you through it. Again and again. Your legs wrapped tighter around his waist, heels digging into his lower back to keep him closer, deeper.

Joel’s pace quickened just slightly, the sound of skin meeting skin filling the quiet room. His name left your lips over and over, a soft, breathy chant that only made him move harder, rougher, until the tension began to coil in your belly again.

“I’m close,” you whispered.

“I know,” he said, his voice ragged. “Come on, baby. Come for me.”

You fell apart with him still buried deep inside you, your whole body shaking as he followed soon after—grunting your name as he spilled into you, hips stuttering, head buried in the crook of your neck.

He didn’t pull away immediately.

Just held you there, chest heaving, lips pressed against your skin.

You lay tangled in the sheets, skin still humming, Joel’s weight half on top of you, his head resting just below your collarbone. His hand was splayed low on your stomach, thumb stroking mindless patterns into your skin like he didn’t want to stop touching you.

Outside, the city buzzed faintly. Inside, all you could hear was his breathing—slowing, settling—and the ticking of your wall clock.

You ran your fingers through his hair, combing gently at the roots. “You gonna fall asleep on me?”

He grunted, not moving. “Think I earned a nap.”

You smiled. “You gotta be home by ten, old man.”

“Mmm. Don’t remind me.”

But he shifted, pressing a kiss just above your breast before rolling onto his side. He pulled you with him, wrapping his arms around you until your cheek was tucked against his chest, the steady beat of his heart beneath your ear.

You stayed there for a while. No words. Just warmth. Safety. Familiarity.

Eventually, he sighed. “Sarah’s got school in the morning. I told her I was runnin’ errands tonight.”

You didn’t flinch. Didn’t get cold or weird. You just nodded against him. “She still sleeping over at Kayla’s this weekend?”

“Yeah. Friday night.”

You traced a little line over the faint scar near his shoulder. “Then I’ll keep Friday open.”

He kissed your hair in response.

This was how it always was—quiet goodbyes, softened by shared warmth and trust. You never made him feel guilty. You never needed more than what he could give. And he never treated you like a secret to be ashamed of—just a quiet part of his world no one else knew about.

“I’ll clean up in the kitchen before I head out,” he murmured.

“You don’t have to.”

“I want to.”

You leaned back enough to look at him, still smiling. “You’re really domestic after sex, you know that?”

He smirked, brushing your bottom lip with his thumb. “I like takin’ care of you.”

That made your heart squeeze a little.

You leaned up and kissed him—slow and sweet. “Then go be a dad, Joel. I’ll be here.”

He nodded, reluctantly untangling himself from your arms. He always moved slower when it was time to leave, like he wanted to drag it out just a few more seconds.

And you let him.

Because time with Joel wasn’t just stolen.

It was sacred.

He hadn’t expected to see you there.

It was some bar downtown, nothing special—brick walls, decent live music, too many guys in jeans trying to look like cowboys. Joel had just come in for a drink and maybe some quiet. Then he caught a flash of you out of the corner of his eye—walking past with that confident sway in your step, a soft smile tucked into your lips, like you knew exactly who you were.

It knocked the wind out of him a little.

You hadn’t seen him yet, but he watched you talk to someone at the bar, then laugh—head tilted back, eyes bright. You looked older. More sure of yourself. Not the kid who used to babysit Sarah, who sat on the back porch eating popsicles and trying not to look too bored when the grown-ups talked.

You spotted him a few minutes later. Gave him a wave and made your way over.

“Joel,” you’d said, sliding into the booth across from him. “I didn’t expect meeting you here?”

He huffed. “Just tryin’ somethin’ new.”

It started casual. Friendly. A few drinks. Jokes. Updates on life and work. You told him about your new job downtown. He told you about Sarah’s soccer team and how bad he was at parallel parking. It felt easy. Familiar. But something was different. There was something in your eyes tonight—something bold.

And when your knee brushed his under the table, you didn’t pull away.

Joel ignored it. He had to.

You leaned in a little more when you laughed. You licked the rim of your glass slow. You twirled a strand of hair around your finger like it was nothing.

And then your foot slid up his calf.

He blinked at you. “What do you think you’re doin’?”

You tilted your head, that grin getting just a little more dangerous. “Just talking.”

“That ain’t just talkin’.”

You shrugged, playing innocent. “Maybe I like you, Miller.”

He exhaled sharply, dragging a hand across his mouth. “You’ve been drinkin’.”

“I’m not drunk.”

“I’m old enough to be your—”

“Don’t.” Your voice cut clean through the booth. “Don’t say dad. You’re not. You’re my dad’s friend. That’s not the same.”

He stared at you, shaking his head. “Still ain’t right.”

“Why?” you challenged, voice lower now. “Because it makes you feel something? Because I’m not a kid anymore, and you can’t look away?”

Joel looked down at the table, jaw clenched so hard it hurt. He shouldn’t want this. He shouldn’t let this happen. But damn it, you weren’t wrong. You weren’t a kid. And you looked at him like he was wanted—like he was more than some aging contractor with baggage and a quiet house.

“You keep pushin’,” he muttered. “I’m gonna give in.”

You smiled. “Good.”

That did it.

He threw down a few bills for the drinks and grabbed your hand without another word. You followed without hesitation, matching his pace through the back door and out into the quiet alley where his truck was parked. The second the door closed behind you both, the tension snapped.

Joel backed you against the side of his truck, mouth crashing into yours like he’d been holding back for years. Your fingers fisted in his shirt. His hands were already sliding under yours. You moaned into his mouth, and he drank it in like he’d been starving.

“Tell me to stop,” he rasped against your lips. “One word and I will.”

But you didn’t.

You pulled him closer.

And just like that, the boundary shattered.

Right there in the dark, behind that downtown bar, he stopped being your dad’s best friend.

And you stopped being off-limits.

It was one of those rare slow days—no meetings, no client calls, no deadline breathing down your neck. The sun was high, Austin heat thick but bearable, and your fridge was nearly empty. So you figured you’d kill two birds with one stone: stop by the grocery store and then pay your dad a visit in the suburbs.

You pulled into the familiar driveway just past noon, a paper bag of croissants and fresh strawberries in your arms. His truck was in the garage, the front door already swinging open before you even rang the bell.

“Well, look who decided to grace me with her presence,” your dad called, stepping back to let you in.

“Be grateful,” you said, lifting the bag. “I brought baked goods.”

He smirked. “Then I take it all back. Come in.”

The house still smelled the same. A mix of old wood, coffee, and that citrus cleaner he swore by. You dropped your keys and bag on the kitchen counter before plopping onto the couch.

Your phone buzzed in your pocket. You pulled it out and your thumb instinctively danced over the screen.

Joel

How’s your day off, sweetheart?

You bit back a smile and typed quickly.

You

Relaxing. At my dad’s. You?

Joel

Just finished a job. Might swing by if you’re home later.

You

Please do. I’ll keep the couch warm.

“Alright, who’s got you grinnin’ like a teenager?”

You startled, looking up to find your dad standing with two mugs of coffee—one already halfway to you.

“What?” you said, probably too fast.

“That smile. That,” he gestured vaguely at your face, “stupid grin you get when someone texts you something sweet.”

You laughed, taking the coffee, hoping it masked the heat rushing to your cheeks. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Uh-huh,” he said, settling beside you. “You dating someone?”

You hesitated, forcing your face to neutral. “Sort of.”

He looked over at you, eyebrows raised. “Sort of?”

“It’s… something.”

“Anyone I know?”

Your stomach twisted just slightly. You sipped your coffee slowly and gave a small, measured shrug. “Doubt it.”

He didn’t press. Just nodded, eyes returning to the TV he’d left on. “Well, as long as they treat you right.”

Your phone buzzed again.

Joel

Missed you this week.

You smiled again, but this time you kept your face hidden behind your mug.

“Yeah,” you said softly, mostly to yourself. “He does.”

Friday came. It was raining lightly outside, the kind of soft Austin drizzle that made the city glow just a little more in the evening. From your kitchen window, the skyline blurred behind the droplets, streetlights flickering on one by one. You had your apartment lights dimmed low, a candle burning on the counter, and your favorite oversized tee on — the one Joel always teased you for but secretly liked seeing you in.

Joel was sitting at the small kitchen table, a glass of red wine in one hand, watching you move around like it was his favorite show on TV.

“You don’t have to just sit there, you know,” you called over your shoulder as you stirred the creamy garlic sauce on the stove.

“I offered to help,” he drawled, stretching out in the chair, legs wide, completely relaxed. “You told me to sit down and stay outta the way.”

“You offered after I already chopped the onions and started the sauce.”

Joel grinned. “Timing is everything, baby.”

You rolled your eyes but smiled, the sound of him calling you that — casual, warm, like it belonged — sending that stupid flutter straight to your chest. You checked the pan again and moved to grab the grated parmesan from the fridge. Behind you, Joel’s chair scraped softly against the floor.

He came up behind you, hands resting gently on your hips as he looked over your shoulder.

“Mmm,” he said, voice low and close, “smells good.”

You tried to ignore how your body leaned into his automatically, how your muscles just... let go when he touched you. “You say that every time I cook.”

“’Cause it’s true every time.”

You turned your head slightly, catching the side of his face. “You're not just saying that to get lucky later, are you?”

Joel chuckled, lips brushing your temple. “I don’t need to sweet-talk you for that, do I?”

You gasped, swatted at him with the wooden spoon, and he dodged it with a laugh.

“I’m trying to make dinner here!”

“You’re doin’ a damn fine job,” he said, backing off with hands raised, still smirking. “I’ll just go sit down and sip my wine like the good house guest I am.”

“You’re not a guest,” you murmured, mostly to yourself, as you turned back to the stove. Not anymore. Not when his toothbrush was in your bathroom. Not when he knew where the tea towels went. Not when he fell asleep on your couch more often than not.

Joel heard you anyway.

“I’m not?” he asked, soft now.

You looked over your shoulder again, met his eyes.

You shook your head. “No. You’re... here. That’s different.”

Joel didn’t say anything at first. Just walked back to his chair, sat down slowly, and let out a quiet breath.

“Yeah,” he said after a moment. “I guess I am.”

You plated the pasta in two bowls and brought them over to the table, the air between you buzzing gently with everything unspoken.

You were brushing your teeth when Joel stepped into the bathroom, already in the faded gray T-shirt and boxers he always brought when he stayed over. His hair was damp from a quick shower, curls still clinging to his forehead a little. He caught your eye in the mirror, then leaned down to kiss the top of your shoulder before reaching for his toothbrush.

The small bathroom was quiet except for the soft buzz of your electric toothbrushes and the occasional sound of water running. It should’ve felt cramped, but it didn’t. It felt normal. Like this was just another night, and this was just what you did — shared a sink, bumped elbows, rinsed side by side.

You finished first and stepped aside, wiping your face with a towel and watching him in the mirror. Joel caught you staring and smirked, foam still in his mouth.

“What?” he mumbled around his toothbrush.

You shrugged, smiling. “Nothing. You’re just…cute.”

He raised an eyebrow, spit, then rinsed. “Cute, huh?”

“You know what I mean.”

Eventually, you turned off the bathroom light and padded back into the bedroom. Joel pulled back the sheets while you turned off the lamp, and when you climbed into bed, he followed right after, the mattress dipping under his weight.

He laid on his side, arm draped across your waist like it belonged there. And maybe it did.

“Got any plans tomorrow?” he asked, voice low in the dark.

“Just errands. Grocery run. Might clean out the closet.”

“Need help?”

You smiled, eyes already heavy. “You offering?”

“If it means I get to stick around another night? Yeah.”

You rolled over to face him, your leg hooking lightly around his. “I want you to stay.”

Joel reached up to tuck a piece of hair behind your ear, thumb brushing your cheek. “Then I’ll stay.”

With that, you leaned forward and kissed him softly, then settled back into his chest, the warmth of his body already lulling you toward sleep. Outside, the rain still fell against the windows, steady and soft. Inside, everything was still.

And for the first time all week, you felt completely at peace.

Joel squinted down at his phone, thumb hovering over the keyboard as dust from the job site clung to his jeans. The mid-day sun beat down on the back of his neck, and the air smelled like hot concrete and sweat. Still, the small smile tugging at his mouth made the heat more tolerable.

You

You better actually eat and not just coffee and beef jerky again

He chuckled.

Joel

Real food. I swear. Miss you.

He hit send, then slipped the phone into his pocket just as Tommy called out from a few feet away.

“Joel! Lunch or what? Before Carl eats everything again.?”

Joel rolled his eyes. “Comin’, smartass.”

Joel grabbed his thermos and fell in step with his brother, heading toward the shaded area where the rest of the crew had gathered around a folding table someone had dragged out. A few of the guys were already halfway through their sandwiches, talking and laughing over the hum of a portable fan.

“…and I swear to God, she couldn’t have been more than twenty-two,” Mark said, shaking his head at Miguel, who was mid-bite into a burrito.

Miguel shrugged, unbothered. “She came up to me. What was I supposed to do, say no?”

Tommy snorted. “Yeah, maybe when you realized she looked like she just aged outta college orientation.”

Joel chuckled, biting into his sandwich, trying to stay out of it. But the topic lingered.

“You serious though?” Mark asked. “She wasn’t too young for you?”

“She could legally drink. That’s good enough for me,” Miguel said, grinning wide. “Age is just a number, man.”

Joel kept chewing, slower now.

That phrase — age is just a number — bounced around in his head, souring a little.

He wasn’t like Miguel. Wasn’t at bars chasing women who looked like they might card him for fun. But still, the words got under his skin, poking at that quiet part of him that knew if any of them found out about you — your age, your history with Sarah, with him — they’d talk. They’d laugh. Maybe worse.

You were in your mid-twenties, college degree, a good job downtown, a whole future unspooling in front of you like a straight road. Meanwhile, Joel was here, knees sore from years of construction, grease still under his nails, soon turning 50, pretending that waking up in your bed didn’t feel like the best and worst decision he made every week.

He took another bite of his sandwich and kept his eyes on the wrapper.

Tommy elbowed him. “You good?”

Joel blinked. “Yeah. Just tired.”

“Old man like you? Must be tough,” Tommy teased, but his voice was easy, familiar.

Joel smirked. “Watch it. I still bench more than you.”

The others laughed and kept going, arguing over who bought lunch last week, the moment passing.

But Joel stayed a little quiet, his mind somewhere else — somewhere warmer.

And if none of them knew about it — if this stayed his little secret — maybe that was the only way it could work.

You knocked harder than you meant to.

Joel’s porch light flickered on as you stepped back, arms crossed tightly over your chest. It had been days — days �� of distant texts, half-hearted responses, and Joel always finding some excuse not to come over. "Long day," "Tommy needed help," "Gonna crash early." You tried to give him space. But tonight? You couldn’t take the quiet anymore.

The door opened.

Joel stood there in a worn flannel and jeans, his hair a little messy, like he’d run his hands through it a hundred times. His eyes widened when he saw you.

“Hey,” he said, quiet. Like he hadn’t been avoiding you for nearly a week.

“Can I come in?”

He hesitated, then stepped aside, letting you pass into the familiar warmth of his living room. The TV was on, muted, casting soft blue light over the furniture. You turned to face him, arms still crossed.

“You wanna tell me what’s going on, or should I guess?”

Joel sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, already avoiding your eyes. “Ain’t nothin’ goin’ on.”

“Bullshit.” Your voice was sharper than usual, but you didn’t care. “You’ve been distant. You’ve barely looked me in the eye since last weekend. I’m not stupid, Joel.”

He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “I’ve just been... thinkin’. That’s all.”

You turned to face him fully, heart pounding. “About what?”

Joel didn’t answer right away. He moved past you and into the kitchen, grabbing a glass from the cupboard like he could hide in the mundane routine of pouring himself some water.

You followed. “Joel.”

He glanced up. And there it was — the thing he hadn’t said. Sitting right behind his eyes.

“I’m startin’ to wonder if this is fair,” he muttered.

You blinked. “Fair? What does that mean?”

He looked at you, jaw tight. “You’re in your twenties, sweetheart. You’ve got a whole life ahead of you. People to meet. Shit to figure out. And I’m... me. I’ve got a grown kid, a busted back, and more regrets than I can count. Your dad—he’s my best friend. If he knew... if Sarah knew—”

“You think I haven’t thought about all that?” you said sharply, stepping closer. “You think I don’t know how it looks from the outside?”

“I just don’t wanna be somethin’ you regret later,” he said quietly.

That stopped you. You stared at him, heart clenched tight.

“Joel... I don’t regret you. Not for a second. And I’m not gonna wake up one day and pretend this never happened, because it means something to me.”

He looked down, hands braced on the counter, fingers curled white-knuckled over the edge. You moved to stand in front of him, placing your hands gently over his.

“You don’t get to decide what’s good for me. That’s not your job. You’re not protecting me by shutting me out — you’re just hurting both of us.”

Joel’s shoulders dropped a little. “I know.”

“Then stop pulling away,” you said, softer now. “If you need to talk, talk. But don’t make me wonder if I did something wrong just because you’re scared.”

He finally met your eyes, something broken and relieved swimming behind them. His hand turned, fingers weaving through yours.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “Didn’t mean to make you feel like I didn’t want you. God knows that ain’t the truth.”

You stepped in closer, resting your forehead against his chest. “Then let me stay. Let’s just be together. No overthinking. No self-sabotage.”

He exhaled, arms wrapping around you, grounding you both.

“Alright,” he whispered into your hair. “Alright, darlin’. I’ll try.”

You and Joel were still holding each other when footsteps padded in across the hardwood stairs, light and casual.

Both your heads turned at the same time, and Joel froze.

“Hey, Dad? Have you seen my charger—”

Sarah’s voice cut off the second she stepped around the corner and saw the two of you.

Joel stiffened, arms still around your waist. You stepped back quickly, heart stopping somewhere between your chest and your throat.

Sarah blinked. Then blinked again.

You could see the calculation happening in real time — eyes darting between you, Joel, the way your hands had just been touching.

“Oh.”

Her voice was flat. A beat passed.

Then, with a slow raise of her eyebrows: “Okay. Um. Did not expect that.”

“Sarah,” Joel started, voice strained, already reaching for some version of damage control.

“No, no, I mean—it’s fine,” she said, raising both hands like she needed to physically push back the tension in the room. “I just—wow, okay. Needed a second to… process.”

You felt your cheeks burning. “Sarah, I’m so sorry—”

“Were you—have you guys been…?” she motioned vaguely between the two of you, face scrunched in disbelief. “This has been happening? For how long?”

Joel cleared his throat. “A while.”

Sarah stared at him. Then you. Then looked vaguely toward the ceiling like she was trying to recalibrate her entire worldview.

“Well… that explains why you’ve been suspiciously unavailable on the weekends,” she muttered. “I just thought you were dating someone lowkey. Not, like, your dad’s best friend.”

Joel winced. “You okay?”

“I mean, I’m not traumatized or anything, if that’s what you’re asking,” Sarah said dryly. “But yeah. Bit of a jump scare, not gonna lie.”

You tried to smile, a little sheepish. “We weren’t hiding it from you. We just… weren’t ready.”

“No, I get it. If I were you, I’d be terrified of telling me too,” Sarah deadpanned, then gave you a teasing smirk. “But hey. At least it’s not, like, Mr. Carter from next door. That guy smells like cat food.”

You laughed — a little shocked, a little relieved — and Joel let out a quiet breath.

“Look,” Sarah continued, dropping her backpack onto the couch, “I love you both. And you’re grown adults, so… do what makes you happy. Just, y’know, please keep the PDA to a minimum when I’m in the house.”

Joel nodded slowly. “Deal.”

Sarah turned toward the kitchen like nothing happened. “Now, where the hell is that charger…”

Joel looked at you as the tension finally eased from his shoulders, eyes wide with disbelief.

“That went… better than expected,” you whispered.

“She’s too smart for her own good,” he murmured back, dazed.

You smiled and nudged his arm. “Wonder where she gets it from.”

You were just slipping your shoes back on near the door when Sarah appeared in the hallway, arms crossed over her chest, a charger cable now slung around her wrist.

“Hey,” she said casually, but her tone held something heavier beneath it. “Can I talk to you for a sec? Without, uh… my dad hovering?”

You straightened, already nervous but nodding. “Yeah, of course.”

Joel, who was watching from the living room with a brow raised, started to get up, but Sarah waved him off. “Relax, it’s not an interrogation.”

He grunted and sank back into the couch, though his eyes lingered as the two of you stepped out onto the porch.

The evening air was cool, humming with the sound of crickets and faraway tires against pavement. You leaned against the porch railing, arms folded. Sarah stood across from you, looking thoughtful.

“So,” she started, glancing at you, “you and my dad.”

You offered a small smile. “Yeah.”

“How long has this been going on?”

You hesitated. “About 10 months.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Seriously? You’ve been together that long?”

You nodded. “It wasn’t supposed to happen, Sarah. I didn’t plan it. He didn’t either. We just… found each other again, I guess.”

Sarah was quiet for a moment, chewing on that. Then, to your surprise, she sighed and sat on the porch step.

“I mean… I always thought something was up,” she admitted. “The way he smiled if you’re mentioned, or how he got all weirdly cleaned up on weekends. I just didn’t think this was it.”

You laughed softly, sinking down beside her.

She looked at you, more serious now. “I’m not mad. It’s weird, yeah. But I’m not mad. I’ve known you forever. You used to make me mac and cheese and help me sneak extra popsicles when Dad said no.”

You smiled, a little nostalgic. “Yeah, I remember that.”

“But this,” she said, motioning between you, “it’s real, right? You’re not… messing with him?”

The question wasn’t cruel — it was protective. Earnest. And entirely fair.

“I’m not,” you said softly. “I love him. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t.”

Sarah stared at you for a beat, then nodded slowly. “Okay.”

You exhaled. “Okay?”

“Yeah. I mean, I’ll probably still have an existential crisis about it later,” she teased, “but if it makes him happy—and you’re being real about it—I can deal.”

You bumped her shoulder lightly. “You’re kind of amazing, you know that?”

“Obviously.” She stood and gave you a smirk. “But if I ever hear anything through that paper-thin wall when I come home unexpectedly—”

“Sarah.”

“Just saying,” she called over her shoulder, heading back inside, “my tuition includes the right to emotional peace.”

You grinned, watching her go, your chest lighter than it had been in days. Joel met your eyes through the window from where he sat inside, and you gave him a small, reassuring nod.

Somehow, the secret didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

In the months that followed, their lives moved forward — quietly, carefully — just like before. But now, it carried a different weight. A steady, unspoken hum beneath the surface.

You and Joel didn’t announce anything. There was no dramatic reveal, no sudden shift in how the world saw you. That wasn’t your pace — and it definitely wasn’t his. Instead, you built your relationship in the spaces between, tucked away in the kind of moments no one else paid attention to.

If you visited him in the suburbs, you’d still park a few blocks down like you always had, strolling up the sidewalk as if you were just dropping by to say hello to Sarah, or to return a borrowed dish. You’d knock twice out of habit, even though you knew he was waiting just beyond the door. And Joel would answer with that half-smile, already stepping aside to let you in, hand brushing against your back in the brief moment of privacy the hallway offered.

Sometimes he’d cook for you, just something simple — eggs, grilled cheese, leftovers he claimed were “better the second time anyway.” And sometimes you’d just sit together on the couch, your legs tossed over his lap, the TV low and mostly ignored. Sarah wouldn’t be home those nights — maybe at a sleepover, a football game, a late movie with friends — and the house would feel quieter. Yours.

When the roles reversed, and Joel made the trip to your downtown apartment, it was always late. He’d wait until Sarah was staying over at her best friend’s house, send you a text like you still up? and show up twenty minutes later with a bag of takeout or a six-pack from that little gas station he liked.

He never stayed over unless he was sure Sarah wouldn’t be home the next morning. If she would, he'd never stay the night, and you were okay with that.

When the world was watching — when your dad invited Joel over for Sunday barbecue, or when the three of you found yourselves at the same neighborhood party — it was all easy smiles and normal chatter. The same Joel. The same you. Just two familiar faces in a crowd that never looked twice.

Your dad remained entirely unsuspecting. Maybe he just trusted you both too much to imagine it. Maybe the idea was so out of left field it never even crossed his mind. Either way, it gave you a strange kind of comfort… and a lingering guilt.

That conversation — telling him — still sat somewhere in the distance, a thing you circled around quietly. Joel would mention it sometimes, in the quietest part of the night. “We’ll have to tell him eventually.” he’d murmur into your hair, thumb brushing your side. You’d nod, half-asleep, neither of you pushing further.

And Sarah — well, she was still the only one who knew. Her knowing looks hadn’t faded. Sometimes she’d shoot Joel a sideways glance when he casually mentioned you in conversation, or nudge your foot under the table. But she kept it to herself. Always respectful. Always steady. She hadn’t made it weird — if anything, she’d helped it feel more real. Like you weren’t just imagining this little world you’d built together.

Your relationship with Joel was something quiet. Sacred. Protected not out of shame, but out of a shared knowing — a trust that it was too precious to rush, too personal to hand over to the noise of everyone else’s opinions.

It wasn’t traditional. It wasn’t easy.

But it was yours.

And in every hidden smile, every late night drive, every look across the room when no one else was watching — you knew, without question, that it was worth it.

taglist: @started-with-f-ends-with-uck @fangirlcentral1 @whimsicalangel111 @saturnyo

[cassie-is-trans]

Half my feed this morning is just this girl being horny for robots. This really is the best social media platform

[womanofwords]

Descriptions under the cut!

Workout Buddy: After years of being bullied at school and by Damian, you stumble into a seedy gym hoping you could find somewhere to hide. Instead, you met Bane, who saw promise in you. When your siblings notice that you've become stronger, they tail you to see who's responsible, only to find you being fed protein powder by Bane, one of their most formidable foes. It's going to take a lot out of you to be able to hold on to your new workout buddy, so it's a good thing you've been focusing on your arms.

Audience Participation: reader has the ability to break the fourth wall and communicate with the readers, who spill all the secrets of the manor and help her escape from the increasing concerning yandere tendencies of the Wayne family. Will require actual audience participation (comments and reblogs), so tell a friend to tell a friend.

The Missing Component: You left the manor quietly years ago when you turned eighteen and got a scholarship to MIT. But when an interview of yours went viral, your family went looking for you in and out of costume. The Wayne family (not that you'd know it) is losing their minds. You were gone for ages, and you show up without the Wayne surname, with an entire business, and publicly following a different religion. Your absence is the reason why the manor felt so cold. You were the missing component.

But in order to reach this missing component, they have to battle through a sea of paparazzi, your new friends, disgusted high society, and your very protective robot children. You would be very difficult to get to, but no matter. You were totally worth the effort.

Back Of My Mind: You'd been going about your business when that frisbee hit you. When you woke up, these strange people were around your bed. They told you horrible things like how your mommy was dead and how they were your family, but you weren't buying it. If they were your family, why didn't they look like you? Why did you get sick when you saw them? Why didn't they have any answers for what you used to be like? It was a good thing that your auntie and uncle were always there to look after you and comfort you when they got crazy.

Velvet Voice: Although your family didn't listen to you, you always had an escape with your music. A weird thing about your voice was that people were drawn to it, no matter how softly you sang or what song you chose. If you loved something in song, anyone who heard you would follow suit. And if you suggested something in your music, people would actually do it. It dawned on you that you had a platform like no other to finally be heard.

Time to expose the Waynes one track at a time.

[friendship-test]

Friendship Test Full game release trailer!

Friendship Test is a game that follows a friendprogram, a robot built to be a perfect friend, as they travel a mysterious lab and encounters multiple Programs in need of help (and friendship). But perhaps being the best friend you can be isn’t truly what FriendProgram wants… Is that so wrong?

Friendship Test is a 10+ hours RPG Maker game that focuses on lovelessness, aplatonicism, aromanticism and many other aspec identities, as well as neurodivergency. I have been working on this project for almost a year and I’m close to the finish line.

You can play the demo on itch.io already! The full game will be released completely for free there as well.

Next week, in aro week, I will share multiple previews, concept art and overall commentary of the development of the game!

If you want to follow Friendship Test in other platforms:

Official youtube channel

Official bluesky account

---

music credit:

-Moonlight by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

-Happy Hustle by GoldenSoundLabs from Pixabay

[quotidian-oblivion]

Imagine this:

There is a big threat looming over Earth. The Justice League is trying to come up with a plan to defeat it. There are only a few hours left and everyone is super stressed and at their limits. Everyone's suggesting ideas but can't seem to find the right plan to defeat this Evil Force.

Tim, tiny Tim in his Robin era is tinkering with his wrist computer, trying to search something and he's close to an idea, he knows it.

Superman: Batman, you always have plans for things like this. Do you have anything helpful?

Batman: Unfortunately... this time, I don't.

Green Lantern: You're joking, right? You had several life-threatening plans filed for the superheroes of the world for "just in case" purposes, but for actual threats like these you don't?

Batman: Watch your words, Lantern. This is not the time.

GL: Not the time? Not the time?? The world's ending and it's not the time for any helpful advice?

Wonder Woman: Batman's right, Lantern. We need some real ideas right now.

Plastic Man: Oh! Oh! What if we create a giant slingshot out of me-

Green Arrow: I'm going to stop you there before you even continue that line of thought.

Martian Manhunter: This cannot be allowed to happen. We must act. Now.

Batman: We can't dive into something without a plan.

Wonder Woman: I'm afraid we don't have a choice this time, Bruce. We're running out of time. I say we go out there and punch it till it listens!

As the JL is arguing, Robin-Tim is suddenly hit with an epiphany. "That's it," he mutters to himself, the idea slowly developing in his head. "That's it!" he yells it out loud.

No one listens.

Tim: Everyone! I just thought of a plan that will work!

Batman, distracted and amidst arguing: Not now, Robin, later. *goes back to arguing*

Tim: But I have a plan!

The JL ignore him.

Tim: Hello!! Guys! I said I have a plan! An idea! One that will work!!

They continue to ignore him.

Tim is frustrated. He was a fairly new Robin, didn't have time to give himself a name yet. People still weren't over Jason. They either treated him like a kid who needed to get lost or a kid who was about to die any moment.

But there was no time for that! He needed to get them to listen! There were only a few hours left! What could he possibly do to make these stubborn fools lis—

Tim looked up. A lightbulb appeared above his head.

[The JL is still arguing}

Green Arrow: And you think you're always right! What if you're not right this time?

Superman: When have I ever said that? I am just trying to keep everyone alive—

Green Lantern: And you think we don't have the same concerns?

Superman: That's not what I—

Wonder Woman: Stop attacking each other! This isn't the time to—

Green Arrow: Of course you'd take his side.

Wonder Woman: Excuse me? What exactly do you mean by—

Suddenly, something booms over the speakers. It starts off slow, nobody hears it at first. Then it rises in volume, going up, up, up until it's almost deafening.

Everyone immediately stops talking and cover their ears from the cacophony. The words don't register at first. But then...

And slowly, fog fills the WatchTower as Robin slowly rises on a robotic platform lifting him up behind the large screen projector.

Every hero's eyes are on him now.

Then the song ends and Robin comes to a stop right in the middle of a screen. There is a mic attached to him which projects his voice across the entire Tower.

"Finally," he says, sounding exasperated at the bunch of incompetent adults. "You all are like toddlers. I had to make this in like a few minutes, thank goodness for Bat-tech."

Batman wonders when did he ever create a music-making Bat-tech.

"I have a plan," Robin says. And he delivers the best thought out plan there ever was.

~~~

Tim: And that's how I earned my place in the superhero community 🙂

Jon:

Maps:

Billy:

Colin:

Damian: Timothy, it is not nice to lie

Tim: Nope. No lie. Just ask Dick.

Damian: <Tt>

[Later]

Damian: Grayson, I have a question—

[chris-prank]

I need to one up my previous ask. Flirty antihero reader or simply hero reader fighting the henchmen bc ... idk. And suddenly reader arm chokes one of them and Dr. Seraph is boiling with jealousy, trying his best at next fight to get all atention even if he has to fake being all that into the plan. Just to end up choked by reader's legs.

Dr. Seraph would be seething with jealousy for real. 😂

There’s a high chance that he will go up to that henchmen later, notebook in hand, and ask him to describe in detail how your arm felt around his neck. It’s just because he wants to be able to analyze your strength level, so he knows if he can take you… in a fight of course. 

･*:.｡..｡.:*･*:.｡..｡.:*･

Dr. Seraph was sitting on a platform above ground, controlling his giant robot with a very sophisticated controller. He was kicking his dangling feet happily. It was getting harder to focus on avoiding your blows, since he couldn’t help but admire you. 

His fun was soon cut short as other heroes arrived as backups. It would have been endurable if you didn’t suddenly stop attacking his invention. Instead, you went up to strike down Fatalité’s henchmen that were circling you and your teammates. 

He did NOT work this hard on making this giant robot the opposite colors of your superhero suit for you to just let another wannabe fight it! On top of that to favor a simple henchman over him! That’s just adding insult to injury. He wants to be the one to feel your skin against his in one of your powerful chokeholds! He is the biggest threat here after all, both figuratively and literally. You should focus on him, HIM!

“N-No! Wait, come back!” He whined to get your attention again, but it only served to attract the ones of all the other heroes present. 

Dr. Seraph gulped. 

･*:.｡..｡.:*･*:.｡..｡.:*･

Thanks for sending another ask! ❤️

[weirdmarioenemies]

Name: Skeeter (again)

Debut: Super Mario 64

I am surprised we only had one post about Skeeter, and it was one that didn't go into much depth! It's always jarring how short our posts were seven years (!) ago. Nowadays we could not DREAM of posting about something as momentous as Skeeter without a veritable essay! And here it is! (essays are fun when they are about Skeeter!)

Skeeter- my dear friend Skeeter who was in my second grade class and who I even still talk with from time to time, thank goodness- is basically the mascot of Wet-Dry World! It adorns the entry painting, and also, there is NO creature that better represents the concept of Wet-Dry like the humble water strider. An insect that gracefully skates along the very barrier that prevents wet and dry from intermingling! Is it wet? Is it dry? Is it both? To be honest, it's dry. It has water-repellent hairs. But it lives such a wet life!

Do you know why a creature might want to live on, specifically, the surface of the water in the first place? It's because most insects, upon getting wet, will get stuck at the surface and struggle to escape. A nearby skeeter will sense these vibrations, find that poor insect, and slurp out its innards! Exactly like lifeguards are allowed to do on Opposite Day each year!

Silly little Skeeter is likely a fierce predator, even though it has no visible weaponry, not even a mouth to speak of. Maybe that's why it's sad. Or maybe it's the Negative Emotional Aura that it has known all its life. What Skeeter DOES have is a bobbly bop on its head! Real water striders do not have these, but maybe they should. Not enough real animals have a single bobbly. California Quail should not hold a monopoly on the fashion! Something especially interesting about Skeeter's body is that Surskit, the Pokemon, also has a single antenna atop its round body. Maybe it was actually somewhat based on Skeeter! Or maybe they're both based on existing depictions.

In Super Mario 64 DS, Skeeter has a new lease on life! There are many possible reasons for this. I will suggest only one: Skeeter HATES the idea of a 3D platformer being controlled with an analog stick, and is thrilled to see the option of touch-screen controls instead. It's very excited to see the future of 3D platforming with this innovative control method!

Well, speaking of the future of 3D platformers, Skeeter would appear a whole lot, and change a whole lot! In Super Mario Sunshine it is a real little freak, just like every other redesigned enemy. It already had an orb-shaped body with thin, gangly legs, but in this design, it more than ever resembles one of the Opiliones- the harvestmen or daddy longlegs, the arachnids that are like extra legtastic spiders with only a single body segment.

It also looks oddly robotic! Those markings are not like any I would expect on a natural creature. It seems like a metallic or plastic construct meant to clamber around and spy on heroes... but it's not! It's still just a funny bug on the surface of the water. I quite like that just the bottoms of its feet are yellow now, like it's representing hydrophobic coating!

Skeeters were sadly absent in Galaxy... but they then appeared in Galaxy 2, so it's ok, actually! It's not like we're missing out on seeing what a specifically "Galaxy 1-style" Skeeter would look like. It would look like this. It would purpel.

At first, Skeeter looked sad. It then looked alert and wide-eyed. Now, as of Galaxy 2, it looks tired, or disinterested. And that's always so charming. What's the matter? Did this insect have a long day at the office? Get real! I would say the wide-eyed look suits a PREDATORY skeeter the best, but the half-lidded look is splendid for a Mario version that lazily skims the surface! I quite like this design!

And wouldn't you know it! After fifteen years, Skeeter finally returned in Mario Kart World, and the Galaxy 2 design (with slight adjustments) remained! It is safe to say that Skeeter finally has a set design, which is such a nice thought.

I never mentioned the suction cup feet! What a weird thing. I don't think those will help on the surface of the water. It does share these funny feet in common with some incarnations of Scuttlebug, though, and in 64, the two were VERY similar in design! Some localized names even call Skeeter a spider. While Scuttlebug would go on to become a more standard cartoon spider, Skeeter stayed true to its roots of "orbs and sticks", and I think that is wonderful!

Remember to think about water striders! Never take them for granted!