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mostlysignssomeportents · 1 year ago

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The true, tactical significance of Project 2025

TODAY (July 14), I'm giving the closing keynote for the fifteenth HACKERS ON PLANET EARTH, in QUEENS, NY. Happy Bastille Day! NEXT SATURDAY (July 20), I'm appearing in CHICAGO at Exile in Bookville.

Like you, I have heard a lot about Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation's roadmap for the actions that Trump should take if he wins the presidency. Given the Heritage Foundation's centrality to the American authoritarian project, it's about as awful and frightening as you might expect:

https://www.project2025.org/

But (nearly) all the reporting and commentary on Project 2025 badly misses the point. I've only read a single writer who immediately grasped the true significance of Project 2025: The American Prospect's Rick Perlstein, which is unsurprising, given Perlstein's stature as one of the left's most important historians of right wing movements:

https://prospect.org/politics/2024-07-10-project-2025-republican-presidencies-tradition/

As Perlstein points out, Project 2025 isn't new. The Heritage Foundation and its allies have prepared documents like this, with many identical policy prescriptions, in the run-up to many presidential elections. Perlstein argues that Warren G Harding's 1921 inaugural address captures much of its spirit, as did the Nixon campaign's 1973 vow to "move the country so far to the right 'you won’t even recognize it.'"

The threats to democracy and its institutions aren't new. The right has been bent on their destruction for more than a century. As Perlstein says, the point of taking note of this isn't to minimize the danger, rather, it's to contextualize it. The American right has, since the founding of the Republic, been bent on creating a system of hereditary aristocrats, who govern without "interference" from democratic institutions, so that their power to extract wealth from First Nations, working people, and the land itself is checked only by rivalries with other aristocrats. The project of the right is grounded in a belief in Providence: that God's favor shines on His best creations and elevates them to wealth and power. Elite status is proof of merit, and merit is "that which leads to elite status."

When a wealthy person founds an intergenerational dynasty of wealth and power, this is merely a hereditary meritocracy: a bloodline infused with God's favor. Sometimes, this belief is dressed up in caliper-wielding pseudoscience, with the "good bloodline" reflecting superior genetics and not the favor of the Almighty. Of course, a true American aristocrat gussies up his "race realism" with mystical nonsense: "God favored me with superior genes." The corollary, of course, is that you are poor because God doesn't favor you, or because your genes are bad, or because God punished you with bad genes.

So we should be alarmed by the right's agenda. We should be alarmed at how much ground it has gained, and how the right has stolen elections and Supreme Court seats to enshrine antimajoritarianism as a seemingly permanent fact of life, giving extremist minorities the power to impose their will on the rest of us, dooming us to a roasting planet, forced births, racist immiseration, and most expensive, worst-performing health industry in the world.

But for all that the right has bombed so many of the roads to a prosperous, humane future, it's a huge mistake to think of the right as a stable, unified force, marching to victory after inevitable victory. The American right is a brittle coalition led by a handful of plutocrats who have convinced a large number of turkeys to vote for Christmas.

The right wing coalition needs to pander to forced-birth extremists, racist extremist, Christian Dominionist extremists (of several types), frothing anti-Communist cranks, vicious homophobes and transphobes, etc, etc. Pandering to all these groups isn't easy: for one thing, they often want opposite things – the post-Roe forced birth policies that followed the Dobbs decision are wildly unpopular among conservatives, with the exception of a clutch of totally unhinged maniacs that the party relies on as part of a much larger coalition. Even more unpopular are policies banning birth control, like the ones laid out in Project 2025. Less popular still: the proposed ban on no-fault divorce. Each of these policies have different constituencies to whom they are very popular, but when you put them together, you get Dan Savage's "Husbands you can't leave, pregnancies you can't prevent or terminate, politicians you can't vote out of office":

https://twitter.com/fakedansavage/status/1805680183065854083

The constituency for "husbands you can't leave, pregnancies you can't prevent or terminate, politicians you can't vote out of office" is very small. Almost no one in the GOP coalition is voting for all of this, they're voting for one or two of these things and holding their noses when it comes to the rest.

Take the "libertarian" wing of the GOP: its members do favor personal liberty…it's just that they favor low taxes for them more than personal liberty for you. The kind of lunatic who'd vote for a dead gopher if it would knock a quarter off his tax bill will happily allow his coalition partners to rape pregnant women with unnecessary transvaginal ultrasounds and force them to carry unwanted fetuses to term if that's the price he has to pay to save a nickel in taxes:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/09/29/jubilance/#tolerable-racism

And, of course, the religious maniacs who profess a total commitment to Biblical virtue but worship Trump, Gaetz, Limbaugh, Gingrich, Reagan, and the whole panoply of cheating, lying, kid-fiddling, dope-addled refugees from a Jack Chick tract know that these men never gave a shit about Jesus, the Apostles or the Ten Commandments – but they'll vote for 'em because it will get them school prayer, total abortion bans, and unregulated "home schooling" so they can brainwash a generation of Biblical literalists who think the Earth is 5,000 years old and that Jesus was white and super into rich people.

Time and again, the leaders of the conservative movement prove themselves capable of acts of breathtaking cruelty, and undoubtedly many of them are depraved sadists who genuinely enjoy the suffering of their enemies (think of Trump lickspittle Steven Miller's undisguised glee at the thought of parents who would never be reunited with children after being separated at the border). But it's a mistake to think that "the cruelty is the point." The point of the cruelty is to assemble and maintain the coalition. Cruelty is the tactic. Power is the point:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/03/09/turkeys-voting-for-christmas/#culture-wars

The right has assembled a lot of power. They did so by maintaining unity among people who have irreconcilable ethics and goals. Think of the pro-genocide coalition that includes far-right Jewish ethno-nationalists, antisemitic apocalyptic Christians who believe they are hastening the end-times, and Islamophobes of every description, from War On Terror relics to Hindu nationalists.

This is quite an improbable coalition, and while I deplore its goals, I can't help but be impressed by its cohesion. Can you imagine the kind of behind-the-scenes work it takes to get antisemites who think Jews secretly control the world to lobby with Zionists? Or to get Zionists to work alongside of Holocaust-denying pencilneck Hitler wannabes whose biggest regret is not bringing their armbands to Charlottesville?

Which brings me back to Project 2025 and its true significance. As Perlstein writes, Project 2025 is a mess. Clocking in an 900 pages, large sections of Project 2025 flatly contradict each other, while other sections contain subtle contradictions that you wouldn't notice unless you were schooled in the specialized argot of the far right's jargon and history.

For example, Project 2025 calls for defunding government agencies and repurposing the same agencies to carry out various spectacular atrocities. Both actions are deplorable, but they're also mutually exclusive. Project 2025 demands four different, completely irreconcilable versions of US trade policy. But at least that's better than Project 2025's chapter on monetary policy, which simply lays out every right wing theory of money and then throws up its hands and recommends none of them.

Perlstein says that these conflicts, blank spots and contradictions are the most important parts of Project 2025. They are the fracture lines in the coalition: the conflicting ideas that have enough support that neither side can triumph over the other. These are the conflicts that are so central to the priorities of blocs that are so important to the coalition that they must be included, even though that inclusion constitutes a blinking "LOOK AT ME" sign telling us where the right is ready to split apart.

The right is really good at this. Perlstein points to Nixon's expansion of affirmative action, undertaken to sow division between Black and white workers. We need to get better at it.

So far, we've lavished attention on the clearest and most emphatic proposals in Project 2025 – for understandable reasons. These are the things they say they want to do. It would be reckless to ignore them. But they've been saying things like this for a century. These demands constitute a compelling argument for fighting them as a matter of urgency, with the intention of winning. And to win, we need to split apart their coalition.

Perlstein calls on us to dissect Project 2025, to cleave it at its joints. To do so, he says we need to understand its antecedents, like Nixon's "Malek Manual," a roadmap for destroying the lives of civil servants who failed to show sufficient loyalty to Nixon. For example, the Malek Manual lays out a "Traveling Salesman Technique" whereby a government employee would be given duties "criss-crossing him across the country to towns (hopefully with the worst accommodations possible) of a population of 20,000 or under. Until his wife threatens him with divorce unless he quits, you have him out of town and out of the way":

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Final_Report_on_Violations_and_Abuses_of/0dRLO9vzQF0C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22organization+of+a+political+personnel+office+and+program%22&pg=PA161&printsec=frontcover

It's no coincidence that leftist historians of the right are getting a lot of attention. Trumpism didn't come out of nowhere – Trump is way too stupid and undisciplined to be a cause – he's an effect. In his excellent, bestselling new history of the right in the early 1990s, When the Clock Broke, Josh Ganz shows us the swamp that bred Trump, with such main characters as the fascist eugenicist Sam Francis:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374605445/whentheclockbroke

Ganz joins the likes of the Know Your Enemy podcast, an indispensable history of reactionary movements that does excellent work in tracing the fracture lines in the right coalition:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/when-clock-broke-106803105

Progressives are also an uneasy coalition that is easily splintered. As Naomi Klein argues in her essential Doppelganger, the liberal-left coalition is inherently unstable and contains the seeds of its own destruction:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/05/not-that-naomi/#if-the-naomi-be-klein-youre-doing-just-fine

Liberals have been the senior partner in that coalition, and their commitment to preserving institutions for their own sake (rather than because of what they can do to advance human thriving) has produced generations of weak and ineffectual responses to the crises of terminal-stage capitalism, like the idea that student-debt cancellation should be means-tested:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/03/utopia-of-rules/#in-triplicate

The last bid for an American aristocracy was repelled by rejecting institutions, not preserving them. When the Supreme Court thwarted the New Deal, FDR announced his intention to pack the court, and then began the process of doing so (which included no-holds-barred attacks on foot-draggers in his own party). Not for nothing, this is more-or-less what Lincoln did when SCOTUS blocked Reconstruction:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/20/judicial-equilibria/#pack-the-court

But the liberals who lead the progressive movement dismiss packing the court as unserious and impractical – notwithstanding the fact that they have no plan for rescuing America from the bribe-taking extremists, the credibly accused rapist, and the three who stole their robes. Ultimately, liberals defend SCOTUS because it is the Supreme Court. I defended SCOTUS, too – while it was still a vestigial organ of the rights revolution, which improved the lives of millions of Americans. Human rights are worth defending, SCOTUS isn't. If SCOTUS gets in the way of human rights, then screw SCOTUS. Sideline it. Pack it. Make it a joke.

Fuck it.

This isn't to argue for left seccession from the progressive coalition. As we just saw in France, splitting at this moment is an invitation to literal fascist takeover:

https://jacobin.com/2024/07/melenchon-macron-france-left-winner

But if there's one thing that the rise of Trumpism has proven, it's that parties are not immune to being wrestled away from their establishment leaderships by radical groups:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/16/that-boy-aint-right/#dinos-rinos-and-dunnos

What's more, there's a much stronger natural coalition that the left can mobilize: workers. Being a worker – that is, paying your bills from wages, instead of profits – isn't an ideology you can change, it's a fact. A Christian nationalist can change their beliefs and then they will no longer be a Christian nationalist. But no matter what a worker believes, they are still a worker – they still have a irreconcilable conflict with people whose money comes from profits, speculation, or rents. There is no objectively fair way to divide the profits a worker's labor generates – your boss will always pay you as little of that surplus as he can. The more wages you take home, the less profit there is for your boss, the fewer dividends there are for his shareholders, and the less there is to pay to rentiers:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/19/make-them-afraid/#fear-is-their-mind-killer

Reviving the role of workers in their unions, and of unions in the Democratic party, is the key to building the in-party power we need to drag the party to real solutions – strong antimonopoly action, urgent climate action, protections for gender, racial and sexual minorities, and decent housing, education and health care.

The alternative to a worker-led Democratic Party is a Democratic Party run by its elites, whose dictates and policies are inescapably illegitimate. As Hamilton Nolan writes, the completely reasonable (and extremely urgent) discussion about Biden's capacity to defeat Trump has been derailed by the Democrats' undemocratic structure. Ultimately, the decision to have an open convention or to double down on a candidate whose campaign has been marred by significant deficits is down to a clutch of party officials who operate without any formal limits or authority:

https://www.hamiltonnolan.com/p/the-hole-at-the-heart-of-the-democratic

Jettisoning Biden because George Clooney (or Nancy Pelosi) told us to is never going to feel legitimate to his supporters in the party. But if the movement for an open convention came from grassroots-dominated unions who themselves dominated the party – as was the case, until the Reagan revolution – then there'd be a sense that the party had constituents, and it was acting on its behalf.

Reviving the labor movement after 40 years of Reaganomic war on workers may sound like a tall order, but we are living through a labor renaissance, and the long-banked embers of labor radicalism are reigniting. What's more, repelling fascism is what workers' movements do. The business community will always sell you out to the Nazis in exchange for low taxes, cheap labor and loose regulation.

But workers, organized around their class interests, stand strong. Last week, we lost one of labor's brightest flames. Jane McAlevey, a virtuoso labor organizer and trainer of labor organizers, died of cancer at 57:

https://jacobin.com/2024/07/jane-mcalevey-strategy-organizing-obituary

McAlevey fought to win. She was skeptical of platitudes like "speaking truth to power," always demanding an explanation for how the speech would become action. In her classic book A Collective Bargain, she describes how she built worker power:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/23/a-collective-bargain/

McAlevey helped organize a string of successful strikes, including the 2019 LA teachers' strike. Her method was straightforward: all you have to do to win a strike or a union drive is figure out how to convince every single worker in the shop to back the union. That's all.

Of course, it's harder than it sounds. All the problems that plague every coalition – especially the progressive liberal/left coalition – are present on the shop floor. Some workers don't like each other. Some don't see their interests aligned with others. Some are ornery. Some are convinced that victory is impossible.

McAlevey laid out a program for organizing that involved figuring out how to reach every single worker, to converse with them, listen to them, understand them, and win them over. I've never read or heard anyone speak more clearly, practically and inspirationally about coalition building.

Biden was never my candidate. I supported three other candidates ahead of him in 2020. When he got into office and started doing a small number of things I really liked, it didn't make me like him. I knew who he was: the Senator from MBNA, whose long political career was full of bills, votes and speeches that proved that while we might have some common goals, we didn't want the same America or the same world.

My interest in Biden over the past four years has had two areas of focus: how can I get him to do more of the things that will make us all better off, and do less of the things that make the world worse. When I think about the next four years, I'm thinking about the same things. A Trump presidency will contain far more bad things and far fewer good ones.

Many people I like and trust have pointed out that they don't like Biden and think he will be a bad president, but they think Trump will be much worse. To limit Biden's harms, leftists have to take over the Democratic Party and the progressive movement, so that he's hemmed in by his power base. To limit Trump's harms, leftists have to identify the fracture lines in the right coalition and drive deep wedges into them, shattering his power base.

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/07/14/fracture-lines/#disassembly-manual

#pluralistic #politics #project 2025 #heritage foundation #history #jane macalevey #rip #tactics #republicans in disarray #turkeys voting for christmas #rick perlstein #know your enemy #fracture lines #when the clock broke #john ganz #hamilton nolan

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technoarcanist · 9 months ago

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CALLING ALL DOLLS, DRONES, ROBOTS AND CODING ENTHUSIASTS

Are you a robot that loves to serve? Are you a doll maid who seeks guidance in your duties? Are you some form of drone or being with no free will, open to having your actions dictated by the will of your owner? Does the idea of your empty mind being programmed like a machine appeal to you?

Are you enticed by the notion of writing code for your robotic servants? Are you a witch looking to create more intricate control glyphs? Are you an owner seeking to create automated instructions for your drones? Do you love the idea of filling an empty mind with rules and instructions to reflect your will?

INTRODUCING DRONE RESTRAINT NOTATION!

WHAT IS IT?

Drone Restraint Notation, or DRN, is a pseudo programming language created by my good friend Errant Spark, a drone with a very creative <empty space>. I helped with some of the final tweaks for the 1.0 version, but this is almost entirely Its creation.

It is a programming language that is designed in such a way that anyone without a background in programming can execute the commands like a machine, doll, drone, or programmable entity of your choice. It is also simple enough that most people without a background in programming can pick it up fairly easily, and intuitively!

Once you understand the language, you can read and execute all kinds of dynamic instructions and instruction types, in a way that makes it easy to parse in a plain-text format.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The main documentation document will provide far more detail to this question than I ever could, but effectively it goes like this:

There are a list of eight KEYWORDS, in block capitals, that show you the type of instruction you’re executing. Then, after the KEYWORD, the instruction’s details are shown. Commands are read and executed from top to bottom by the drone, and programs can be ‘inserted’ into the drone’s memory at will (Assuming prior consent, of course)!

These KEYWORDS all have different kinds of functionality. The most basic one just has you carrying out a task. One checks if a condition is true, one provides an ongoing task you have to prioritize and maintain, one lets you create loops, etc.

The language has been designed in such a way as to minimize the amount of actual memorisation a drone has to do, and only has to read what’s right in front of them, and memorize tasks they have to accomplish/maintain. Obviously, mileage may vary depending on the memory space of the doll.

WHY SHOULD I USE IT?

For fun, I suppose! If you are someone who loves the idea of being programmed like a machine, executing only the instructions given, then this provides that! If you are a programmer who wants to program your very own doll bot, then this is a great place to get started too!

You can keep things nice and simple with a headspace that accepts basic command inputs, or you can see how deep the rabbit hole goes and import whole libraries into your headspace to carry out a full day’s maid duties, or sexual duties, or more!

Have fun executing commands, writing new code, testing it on your dolls. Have some playful fun watching as your early code files cause unintended behaviors, ironing out kinks and bugs like a real programmer until you’ve got your bots performing all sorts of dynamic tasks- or insert purposeful bugs to make your robots twitch and halt~

As with all things, never execute an instruction that you cannot/would not consent to. This is meant to be fun, and is NOT meant to be a way to circumvent normal consensual kink play. Programmers who attempt to use DRN as a way to bully people into doing what they want (Unless you’re into that sort of thing, in which case go nuts) do NOT have my endorsement, or the endorsement of Errant Spark.

NOW GO OUT THERE, AND ENJOY YOUR PROGRAMMING <3

>> Posted by XCN-PSD/I-04135

#dollcore #empty spaces #dronification #doll posting #rubber drone #robotkin #robot kin #ai kin #aikin #mind control #mind conditioning #brainwashing #robotfucking #robotfucker #robot fucker

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midnitetech · 1 year ago

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Simazon Unlimited eBooks v2

3rd April 2025: Brand new features; see the description for more info! 26th February 2025: Fixed NPC's triggering the eLearning Library picker.

9th February 2025: The lovely Nemethrien has translated this mod into Polish! Grab it here.

9th November 2024: Updated to fix a conflict with the new Reaper Career. Also some tuning tidying up! 17th August 2024: Updated to require Lot51's Core Library instead of XML Injector 29th April 2024: Edited some tuning that was preventing Sims from being able to reread books, and added a 'continue reading' interaction

v2 Update – More Books, Smarter Sims, and Simazon Stardom! The eBook mod just got a major upgrade! Discover 30+ new reads, bringing the total to 90+ unique eBooks, all with custom Simlish titles, moods, and motive boosts. Many of the new titles were chosen by patrons or inspired by my latest reads—so there’s something special for everyone!

The eLearning Library interaction has been tweaked for better skill balance, and you can now unlock the ability to write Simazon reviews after reading a few books. Keep writing, and you’ll gain followers… and maybe even a tip!

I've also expanded the picker so you can actually admire the beautiful custom covers before choosing. Here's what it looks like now:

Plus, enjoy custom reading preferences that apply to all reading—not just eBooks—making Bookworm Sims feel right at home. Why didn't EA add Reading preferences?? And yes, there are brand new Maxis Match buffs too.

Get cozy and dive in, Simazons 📖💻💚

Original Description below;

Hey Simmers! I've got something super exciting for you today! Ever wanted to make the Slablet a go-to for your book-loving Sims? Now you can with Simazon Unlimited! Imagine a massive eBook library at your fingertips—I've crafted 60 unique eBooks, from beloved Classics to today’s hottest reads, so there’s truly something for every Sim. Plus, every cover is custom-made in Simlish for that perfect immersive touch! Got a Bookworm, Speedreader, or Loner Sim? They’ll get even more out of this! Bookworms and Speedreaders enjoy boosted fun, while Loners gain Social motive when reading. And when they finish a book? They’ll get a special buff to celebrate! With multiple subscription options, a free trial, and custom notifications, it’s easy to dive right in. Plus, there’s an eLearning Library of Skill books to boost your Sims’ learning, and work seamlessly with new and custom Skills! I’d love to hear your thoughts on adding more categories—maybe children's books or specific genres? Drop your suggestions under the Support link, and let me know what you think!

⚠️REQUIRED⚠️ 🌐 Lot 51's Core Library 🎮Required DLC: None/Base Game Compatible

Get help, reach out, or explore more of my creations—all in one place!

Download to C:\Users\....\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods Don't forget Lot 51's Core Library—script files must be no more than 1 folder deep.

PATREON (free)

#ts4cc #ts4 cc #ts4 mod #ts4 custom content #the sims 4 custom content #thesims4cc #ts4 download #ts4mm #ts4 cc download #the sims 4 mods #the sims 4 download #the sims 4 cc #the sims 4 #s4 download #s4 custom content #s4mm #s4 mods #midnitetech gameplay mod

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literaryvein-reblogs · 10 months ago

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Writing Templates: Character Sketch & Character Bible

Character sketches - the characters’ biography or CV.

Thanks to these sketches, your characters will have no secrets.

You’ll be clear about their appearance, behavior, past, and above all, about the way they must react under different circumstances.

They can take many forms, but they are usually divided into 2 groups according to their purpose:

Short Sketches: These contain the most basic information about the character. They are perfect for describing minor characters and can also be used as writing prompts. You can store them in a folder and resort to them when you are in need of inspiration. Georges Simenon used to choose two characters (a man and a woman, for example) and ask himself what would take them to the limit. The answer to that question was the beginning of a story.

Character Bible: This document contains a lot of information about each of the protagonists and their relationships with other characters. It’s used during the prewriting stage.

WRITING TEMPLATE: Character Sketch

Short character sketches can be used as writing prompts or as a prewriting strategy. Don’t be too exhaustive; it’s enough to just jot down a few general notes on your characters in order to know at a glance what is unique about each of them.

1. Sketch Number

Organize your sketches by number and add their creation date.

Make note of what story they belong (or could belong) to.

2. Character’s Name or Nickname

3. Type of Character

Role they play in the story (protagonist, antagonist, mentor...).

When a character isn’t part of any story yet, it is not that easy to assign him (or her) to a role.

To solve this problem, ask yourself these questions:

Does (s)he meet the requirements to be classified as a protagonist (or antagonist)?

Should (s)he play a minor role?

Is (s)he a hero or an anti-hero?

There are many possible combinations.

4. General Information

Gender, age, date and place of birth, place of residence, etc.

5. Appearance

In this section, it’s not necessary to go into too much detail.

You just have to consider the features that make a character different from the everyone else (a scar, a limp, unique physique...).

Characters’ height, eye color, and hair color.

6. Personality

Try to focus on what makes each of your characters special.

Is he or she a home-loving introvert or a rather independent and sociable adventurer?

Choose adjectives that best define your characters’ personality.

Take into account their main virtues and shortcomings as well as their hobbies, fears, dreams, and goals (which can be important to define their motivations in the story).

7. Profession/Studies

What do your characters do for a living?

Explain the characters’ frustrated vocations.

The things they have given up can also define them.

Unless your characters are animals/fantastic creatures.

8. Family, Friends, and Acquaintances

Specify the kind of relationship your characters have with their family, friends, and acquaintances.

Who are the most important people in their lives?

9. Personal Motto

A personal motto, slogan, or catchphrase is a sentence or concept that sums up a character’s philosophy and values.

It’s not compulsory to invent it.

You can always use sayings such as “you live and learn” or “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” etc.

You can also use quotes by famous philosophers.

10. Notes

Leave a blank space for other relevant information such as my characters’ biography, a funny anecdote, etc.

Anything that helps you visualize them in more detail will come in handy when you start writing your story.

WRITING TEMPLATE: Character Bible

This must be as detailed as possible. In this way, you’ll be clear about your characters’ appearance, peculiarities, virtues, shortcomings, customs, relationships, etc. Think about actors and actresses who must be very familiar with the characters they play in order to make a good performance. A writer who gathers information about a character faces a similar job.

Feel free to create the type of character sketch that best suits you. If you don’t know where to start, you can use the character sketch outline that I use for my stories. This document covers the most important points of a sketch.

1. General Features

Organize your sketches by number and add their creation date.

Make note of what story they belong to.

Character’s name or nickname (with origin and meaning).

Character’s role in the story (protagonist, antagonist, mentor...); specify in which part of the plot (s)he participates.

Gender, age, marital status, studies, occupation, residence.

2. Appearance

Write about the character’s appearance:

Physical features, clothes, gestures, manners, etc.

Pay attention to the features that make a character different from everyone else (a scar on the face, wears glasses, etc.).

3. Personality

Information about their character traits.

Adjectives that best define your character and the way (s)he sees himself/herself; the way others describe him or her.

Hobbies, fears, phobias, fixations, dreams, and goals.

4. Family and Friends

Information about the parents of each characters (names, jobs, ages, and type of relationship with their son or daughter).

Hobbies or events that marked them deeply.

If your main character has siblings, a partner, children, or other intimate acquaintances (name, age, and relationship with the main character, etc.)

5. Biography

6. Relationships and Other Notes

Include the rest of the characters and state how they met your main character, the type of relationship (s)he has with them, and how it affects their life and their actions.

Leave blank space for random notes and observations.

Source ⚜ More: Writing Worksheets & Templates 600+ Personality Traits ⚜ 100 Sensory Words ⚜ Goals & Motivations

#character development #on writing #writing tips #writing advice #writeblr #dark academia #writing reference #spilled ink #character building #creative writing #fiction #literature #light academia #writers on tumblr #writing prompt #ivan kramskoy #writing resources

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timeregistry · 2 months ago

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A Human's Touch (p.AI.nter x Reader) | Chapter 9

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Masterlist

Notes: Sorry for how late this chapter was posted! Long chapter this time, caveat, Painter appears later </3

You groaned, tapping your pen on your desk.

It’s been a couple of weeks since Painter confessed his feelings to you. You tried to keep the relationship under wraps, not wanting to put Painter in danger.

Not like you could hide it for long, sometimes you would zone out just thinking about the computer. It was so cute when it was embarrassed or shy. It was easy to pinpoint his emotions just by the increase in the fan speed. Weirdly enough, you’ve started to find the sound of computer fans oddly comforting.

You would bring Painter pictures from the outside world, while he would show you his latest art piece. As your job was a success with Painter, it wasn’t needed for you to be constantly around Painter, but you made your excuses. Most cases, you would visit Painter in after hours… and you may have fallen asleep in front of them once… or twice…

You sighed as you put a hand on your cheek, only to hear a harsh groan from your fish assistant, who only made a dramatic head motion to showcase him rolling his eyes at you.

“You’re embarrassing.” Sebastian started, putting a document down as he leaned on your desk. “Thinking about your boyfriend instead of work?”

You blinked at him, you couldn’t help but feel giddy at how Painter was your boyfriend… But you didn’t want to make it obvious to Sebastian as you tried to keep a stronger front. One that Sebastian saw right through. “I- Of course not!” You tried to defend yourself before Sebastian cackled to himself.

Sebastian put a hand on your shoulder. “This calls for a break, doc’, how about we visit the kitchen?”

Ah, yes, code for “cover for me while I raid the kitchen”.

You shook your head with a sigh, “Fine.” Getting up from your chair, you stretched. When was the last time you got up from the chair? Talk about a slow day. Urbanshade is making you do paperwork instead of interacting with subjects. One of the few times you really did wish they would just let you visit subjects whenever, however you want. But it’s Urbanshade that we are talking about, them giving you freedom in the form of Sebastian…

“I knew you’d say yes!” Sebastian cheered, but you could see the clear, cruel intent of thievery on his face.

Looking over at the clock on your desk, you made a mental note of how much time you had left in the day to do the things that Urbanshade asked of you, even if today was rather boring, you still had many papers to fill. Seeing that you kept getting distracted thinking of Painter, you knew you needed the most time you could to sit at your desk, waiting when work hours would end and you could see Painter.

On the bright side, it wasn’t lunch hour for the normal worker. Which you knew was what Sebastian counted on. He would steal between two times. Either at night when Urbanshade forgot to lock him in his enclosure, or between lunch employee hours. You’re sure that multiple people had already been notified of their missing lunches, but somehow, Sebastian was never reprimanded… You always wondered why; did they never figure him out? Or maybe-

“Oh, by the way, there’s something I found out some days ago.” Sebastian leaned in your direction as you walked to the community kitchen. “Something about Painter you might want to know~”

You looked over at him quizzically. “What is it?”

“I found out his creation date, it’s in a couple of months.” He looked over at you, a smile playing on his lips. “In other words, I figured out his birthday.”

You stopped in your steps, slowly turning in his direction.

Before you could say anything, Sebastian put a finger on your lips, shushing you. “I already have an idea before you say anything, something that I’m sure he would adore!” He laughs as he slithers quicker to the kitchen, making you need to jog to keep up with him.

“Can’t you slow down?” You huffed in exasperation. “What’s your idea anyway, you didn’t even tell me the dat-”

“Hush, doc’! I need my fill first, and some scientists will have their break time soon, and I cannot risk my meals.”

There was something severely wrong with him.

The two of you made your way to the community kitchen. Sebastian was already sporting his smirk, ready to steal in plain daylight… not like sunlight got to your location.

You decided to sit on one of the barstools next to the kitchen island as you waited for Sebastian to finish stealing. At this hour, he was more picky with his food selection as he wouldn’t have a bag to carry all the food, instead he would stuff the items inside of the bags on his tail.

Convenient bags, but at what cost? You’re sure that Urbanshade wouldn’t have allowed him to have so many bags if they knew he was going to use them to steal food from the other scientists.

“Looks like there aren't many people at this hour,” Sebastian started, “think it’s because they are all preparing for their lunch hour?”

You shrugged. “Maybe, or there might be some emergency in another area, or they are skipping lunch. Everyone here is rather dedicated.” You mused, plopping your elbow on the counter.

Suddenly, Sebastian slides over a sketchbook. You recognise it as a sketchbook you gave to him, as normal notebooks don’t fit him that well, so you decided to get him one of those larger sketchbooks. Looks like he was using it, judging by how he opened it on a page in the latter half of the book.

“Since you look so bored.” Sebastian cackled, turning back to raiding the kitchen as you looked down at the sketchbook. There was a messy sketch of a body on it, with lots—too many—labels pointing at different parts.

“Sebastian…”

“Like it?” He turned around with a smirk. “What do you think?”

Sebastian’s sketch might be messy, but what was undeniable was the head. This was a concept for a body… for Painter.

“What greater gift to give to a bodiless machine that wants autonomy to be able to see the surface again than…” He leaned down to reach your eye level. “Give them autonomy with a body?”

You felt your breath hitch. Painter having a body… It would be able to move on its own. It would also be able to walk and roam. It would be able to explore places. It could maybe be able to feel. You wonder how its body would feel against-

Sebastian burst into laughter.

While it was nice to hear him happy, as it was rare, it was embarrassing that he was laughing at your expense.

You shook your head, looking back down, not wanting to hear him making fun of your lovestruck self. Of the labels you could read (thanks to the jumbo pencil that he uses to write), he seemed to have some really good ideas for Painter’s body. You’re sure some parts Urbanshade would not agree to, though.

“How are you even planning on getting these parts though…?”

Sebastian leaned closer, grabbing the edge of the page of his sketchbook. “That’s where you come in, whoops-” He quickly slapped his sketchbook down, you didn’t see much, only a page that seemed to be way too shaded to be just a normal drawing. Sebastian’s face flushed slightly in embarrassment as he cleared his throat, pretending that he didn’t accidentally show you something he didn’t want to. “You didn’t see that.”

You looked around, scratching the back of your neck. “No, I didn’t.” He seemed to be making a big deal about it, now you’re wondering what he drew that he doesn’t want you to know…

“I see the gears turning in your mind, it’s nothing!” Sebastian pouted, grumbling as he carefully picked the corner of the next page, making sure he was only grabbing one page as he flipped the page. “Anyways, here’s a more detailed list of the parts and for which area. The robotics division has a lot of extra parts they aren’t using—I noticed—if we could get access to those parts, then it would be a breeze! All of the parts I wrote here are parts that can be found in the division unused! So all we need… is to convince them.”

“You talk as if that’s easy, Sebastian.”

“I know it isn’t doc’.” He shook his head. “But you have convinced Urbanshade to do incredible things to bend to your whims, so why not try again?”

“Urbanshade isn’t that-”

You stopped as you looked at Sebastian's incredulous face. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was extremely easy to make Urbanshade just agree to have a subject have freedom to walk around anywhere as long as the scientist that they are under is okay with it.” He said sarcastically, blinking at you rapidly. “You’re a miracle worker, you know that? Even I can see it.”

Sighing, you looked at him. “This whole time I’ve been working in one division, I don’t know how the other ones will treat me.”

“Well, there’s a certain other division that keeps asking you to come back-”

“Sebastian.” You glared over at Sebastian, Pandemonium’s rotting figure flashed in your mind. Why is it that the ethics division finds it isn’t safe to interact with it, but then you get called to try to control the beast? Are they crazy? Who convinced the ethics division for you to visit Pandemonium?

How traumatising.

Now you’re wondering if Sebastian is coping by reminding you all the time in a lighthearted manner because he couldn’t have seen it and not feel as if the void was staring directly at him, going to kill him.

“Alright, alright.” Sebastian shook his head. “But it’s true, you aren’t stuck in just one division; rather, the whole Hadal Blacksite seems to be your playground!”

Sebastian nudged you with his elbow lightly, “Come on, just give it a chance.”

You sighed, you wanted to do this, you really did. But the risks were already high, you’re not sure if Urbanshade would allow it. After all, Painter is just a crypto mining machine for them. What would even convince them to give Painter a body?

“Do it for me.” Sebastian leaned down, putting two of his elbows on the counter as he put his hands on his cheeks, he let out a casual smile. He put his third hand on his sketchbook, sliding it over to you. “Do it for him.”

Part of you hated Sebastian, he convinced you to do risky things. To do crazy things. Just witnessing him years ago was what changed your career path. He was the reason you pulled out important forms and signed so many papers just to be able to get him out of the cell. To give him more freedom.

But he had a point in a way. You had already done the impossible, giving a subject more freedom than they were originally given. Sebastian was just a pawn to Urbanshade, and while you can argue he still is, he now can roam the halls of Urbanshade without supervision. Something he would have never been allowed if it wasn’t for your constant push.

He was the only subject that you managed to give freedom to…

Maybe you are a miracle worker… maybe you can do it again.

“Alright, Sebastian.”

Sebastian grinned, he almost beamed from the joy that he got just by convincing you. “Great! I’ve been meaning to get my hands on some new tech.”

You immediately glared at him. “Do you even know robotics?”

Sebastian stayed silent for a while. “… No..?” He answered honestly. “But who cares! I’ve worked with computers and whatever machine Urbanshade throws at me to repair. What’s the difference?”

…

With Sebastian, you dropped a request form at the dropbox of the robotics division. Urbanshade felt extremely old-school with these things, why would it still be in paper? Why not electronically? We are in 2025!

While the form wasn’t the most well-thought-out, as both you and Sebastian cracked your skulls over what would convince Urbanshade to give the resident crypto mining computer a body. Both of you would settle into a better state of mood and security. Hoping that would be enough to convince someone in the Robotics division.

Sebastian leaned down as you pushed the request form through. Raising one of his hands up to your height for a high-five. “See? That wasn’t so bad.”

You rolled your eyes but high-fived him anyway. “Yeah, after an hour of my work day down the drain because you kept getting new ideas for the body. Why would you even add an interchangeable arm?”

“Do you not watch sci-fi movies at all? Hello? Arms turning into guns. Killer robot!” Sebastian shrugged before putting his index and thumb out in a faux gun motion. “I know Urbanshade has guns, and their security is turrets… Turret arms!”

He proceeded to make noises and movements as if he were shooting two pistols. It was slightly concerning, but it was extremely him. You still feel warm on the inside, knowing that he feels comfortable enough to act this way with you and not the same mean and cold man you met years ago. Not like he isn’t like that with the other scientists—as he should—but it’s nice knowing you can depend on each other.

The two of you walked to your office, back to the monotonous life of filing paperwork. Sebastian would do small talk, it was weird that he talked to you so much recently. He was normally more kept to himself, yet recently he was telling you little facts about himself. You had an inkling of an idea as to why he was telling you things, especially with how he would tell you to never forget about it.

You plopped back onto your chair, stretching once again as Sebastian started searching in your file cabinet again. Part of your office was now filled with all the food that he stole from the community kitchen.

“Seriously, what’s with your sudden interest in my cabinet?”

“What’s wrong with wanting to know more about the subjects around the Blacksite?” You looked over at Sebastian suspiciously, making him let out an exasperated sigh. “Officially, I’m your assistant, aren’t I? I might work on repairing machines, but I’m supposed to help you. Especially if the subjects swim too fast for your tiny lil’ legs.”

He would wiggle his fingers rapidly, mimicking the movement you would be doing just trying to flee from the anomalous entities around the Blacksite. Wasn’t it part of the prisoners' jobs to directly interact with dangerous entities? Why do you have to interact directly with some of these dangerous entities?

Before you could reply to his comment, a loud knock resounded around the office. It was almost erratic. Both you and Sebastian looked over at the door.

“Who the hell would need y-” Sebastian started before the knocking became impossibly louder. Almost as if someone was hitting the metal door with metal. Sebastian looked over at you in question before pointing with his thumb that you probably should get it.

You sighed, getting up as you opened the door. It slid open with a hiss.

In front of you stood one of the scientists. It wasn’t any of your co-workers judging by the different uniform. Their arms were comfortably folded behind their back, head tilted as you suddenly noticed some sort of metal claw retreat behind them.

Well, now you know what the metal-on-metal contact sound was coming from.

“And here I thought you might have been somewhere else. You were one point thirty-five seconds later than the average hardworking Urbanshade employee who has duties to uphold.” They started, straightening their body. “Good, you could be slightly quicker, but at the very least, you are doing your duties!”

You felt yourself frown slightly, but tried to keep it down. This isn’t the first time you've met someone like this in Urbanshade. But if they aren’t from your department, why are they chastising you?

“Sorry, uh…” You tried to read the nametag on their clothes.

“Call me Trips,” they interjected, “like an adventure, like the one you will be taking with me!”

Trips suddenly gripped your arm with their claw… Tail? They dragged you in their direction as they suddenly put an arm around your shoulders.

Who even is this guy?!

Trips seemed to feel your questions, letting you go before grabbing your chin, forcing you to look at their direction. “Where are my manners?” They said almost sarcastically, looking at your face closely before letting you go. “I suppose you wouldn’t know who I am as you work in this awful division. I am the head of the Robotics Division.”

Oh.

That explains it.

“Nice to meet you…” You started hesitantly, Trips, was it? They were… overwhelming to say the least, you didn’t know how to react, nor how to respond. “I’m-”

“I already know who you are, famed behavioural scientist!” They started, taking a step back. “My, you’re the talk of so many divisions. There isn’t a meeting where at least one of my co-workers—supposed equals—mentions how great you are. I would assume that you would be higher ranked at this point!”

They took a step closer, pulling onto your cheek suddenly. “Surprising your feats, especially since you are still… flesh.”

Trips wiped their hand on their clothes, putting their arms behind their back once more. Turning around as they walked, wordlessly urging you to follow.

You looked over behind you, the door to your office still open, as Sebastian looked like a deer in headlights inside. He quickly gave you three thumbs up with a nervous nod. Looks like you’re on your own.

You closed your door as you quickly caught up to the scientist. They nod in acknowledgement, seemingly pleased by your quick appearance.

“I believe we will get along swimmingly, dearest scientist.”

They walked silently for a while, when the two of you would walk by rooms with computers, they would glare down at the worker. Just with their tail they would rapidly fix machinery just walking past. You hadn’t even noticed that some of these weren’t working properly.

“I read your request.” Their voice broke through the silence like a knife, looking at you with a sharp gaze. “Z-779. You want to give him a body.”

Your request was found this early? How did they find out so fast?

However, even with all your questions, you nodded.

“I’m sure you have already read why it could be useful for Urbanshade.” You started, your throat felt dry from how nervous you felt talking with the head. Especially when you saw them slide their ID to open one of the doors and it showed the highest Grade possible you could get as a scientist here at Urbanshade.

They were the real deal.

“Z-779 is currently for crypto mining for Urbanshade, as that is what they have seen that Z-779 could be useful for.” Trips started, looking at you with a head tilt. “Urbanshade already has quite a bit of security, as for your other point, tell me how you think Z-779’s emotional standing will improve anything?”

You pressed your lips in a thin line. You didn’t know how to explain it, especially to someone who hasn’t supervised any of your subjects.

“W-Well…” Why were you so nervous?

Trips seemed to pull a syringe out of nowhere. “Do you need a relaxant? It must raise your anxiety being somewhere new as someone who’s extremely mentally and emotionally sound.”

You quickly shook your head, you didn’t trust any of the drugs that Urbanshade would offer, that much you learnt from being here.

“No need to be afraid, here in the Robotics Division, it’s commonly used. Many of the scientists here get nervous when a machine backfires, when their life flashes before their eyes.” Trips chuckled. “It’s beautiful to see that spark of humanity, that loss of control. After all, Urbanshade doesn’t waste resources on fools who did nothing good for the company, only to end up in the Banlands.”

You blinked over at Trips, nodding as your eyes darted around the room.

“Do not worry, Urbanshade sees you as a valuable asset. They won't give you up easily.” You could feel Trips’ gaze on you. The sudden conversation shift made you uncomfortable. “However, I see you aren’t much of this sort of relaxant, no matter, I understand.”

Trips shook their head as they put the syringe back onto a holder inside their jacket. Just a singular glimpse, and you can see the sheer number of items inside the uniform. You’re sure those aren’t the only ones, either.

“I prefer to have my mind sharp.” You decided to mutter out. Urbanshade provided many drugs for efficiency. But your paranoia made you unable to even attempt using them, even if you wanted to. Not like Sebastian would let you, as he gave anyone who used them the stink eye.

“Good,” Trips replied, “tell me, why did you take the offer of becoming a Behavioural Scientist all those years ago?”

“I just…” For someone who would be able to understand the behaviour of subjects, Trips felt like an enigma. Their expression would hide what they thought, their body language tense yet also almost casual. Their conversations and way of speaking made you uncomfortable. Worse of all, they almost looked unnatural.

It was hard to put into words why you started. It started with Sebastian, that’s for sure, but the rest was simply because Urbanshade found that you would do best in the new job, as they were severely lacking. You were a floater scientist, meaning that you could work with any division. Urbanshade gave you a job, and you wanted to do your best.

“Disregard my previous question.” Trips said, passing their ID on yet another door. “What made you want to continue your work with Z-779?”

“Z-779… he has a passion for art… He's as if you made an art major go into math. It’s not that he can’t do math, as a machine, he’s skilled at it, but he has a passion for something else.” You started, when the subject of Painter came, it was almost as if you could talk about him forever. “I knew he was struggling with the Roblux mining because he wasn’t allowed to do what he loved. He’s sentient, he has emotions like us… so in turn he was depressed and did a less than ideal performance… But with my interference, we managed to increase mood and performance! Painter-I mean, Z-779, can improve drastically more.”

You felt ecstatic at how much Painter’s state improved, it was a high like no other. None of those weird drugs that Urbanshade provided could match the success of your job. You might have not studied to have this as your job, but you’re doing a great job at it.

Trips seemed to grin in approval. Their expression made your blood run cold; they almost felt uncanny.

“Alright, I’ll cut to the chase. Your work with Z-779 is the talk of the division. Everyone in this division has talked about you at least once!” Trips nodded at you before stopping by a window overlooking one of the robots. “Z-779… He was here before he was taken to Heavy Containment. I rather prefer him here over Heavy Containment, but who am I to say when he is more useful for Roblux mining!”

They shrugged before continuing their walk, making you catch up to them. “I believe that the Roblux mining is rather useless. Z-779 has extremely advanced technology that can only be described as anomalous. Nothing inside Z-779 should be able to make him work as he does; he should be working as technology did some decades ago. However, Z-779 proves to be sentient and has better technology than most machines here! Incredible piece of software.”

You froze, looking at them from the side. “You don’t… agree with the crypto mining that they are doing with Z-779?”

“Bah! Such incredible technology could be used for something more! However, Z-779 was taken away from us as we couldn’t find a ‘sufficiently useful’ future for the computer.” Trips shrugged as they closed their eyes. “But you, you’re different.”

“What do you mean?”

“Here’s the deal, famed scientist!” They ignored you. “Every department wants your expertise, including this one. Seeing your success with Z-779, I request that you oversee the machines here. Many can use your expertise.”

“I’m not sure if I-”

“Nonsense! You managed to figure out Z-779, you managed to tame Z-13, some of the machinery here is rowdy, fake artificial emotions are implanted in them. You can figure it out.” Trips’ voice took a more serious undertone before they straightened up, letting out a chirpier tone. “Of course, you will be heavily rewarded. Not only will I provide you with the parts you desire for Z-779, but your paycheck has been rather stagnant as of late… If you know where I am getting to.”

Your jaw dropped.

“I’m sure we can raise it drastically… The Robotics Division can pay you handsomely, unlike the division you call your own.” Trips snickered, you could feel almost malice rolling off them. “Besides, who would want to continue working with such organic subjects when you can work with robots? It's much more interesting. Technology is the future after all.”

They were asking you to just abandon your division? You can’t do that, you’ve been there for years. You’ve seen subjects come and go, there are some that you’ve known for years. While there are most that you hate and would rather die than see them again, you would miss those that you had nicer conversations with, such as Eyefestation. Now that you think about it, it’s been a while since you’ve seen the bull shark.

“You won’t leave everything, I’m sure there will be resistance from some of the parts of the division, I’m sure… unfortunately.” Trips rolled their eyes, bringing you into yet another room but stopping. It was darker than the other ones. “And you can put some exception rules for the transfer if you so desire. See how benevolent I am?”

You took a deep breath, “I… I need to think-” Yet the glare that Trips gave you left no room for thought, you either accepted or didn’t. “Okay! Fine!”

“Fine?” They grabbed your chin forcefully, making you look at them directly. “Just Fine?”

“I mean, yes, absolutely.”

“Good.” Trips let go of you once again. “I knew someone as smart as you knew the right choice. When Urbanshade falls, the only thing that will stand is the machines. Know that your work will be for a future where your work will not be in vain.”

You gulped, you had no idea what you just signed yourself up to, and you sure hoped that it would be worth it.

“Very well, now that we have that out of the way, let me show you where I brought you!”

With a snap of their fingers, the light of the room suddenly turned on to a blinding white. You unconsciously brought your arm up to cover your eyes; this was worse than the sterile rooms you would sometimes visit for certain subjects.

Bringing your arm down, you blinked as your eyes adjusted to the new lighting. Around you lie parts, multiple parts. Whether they were solitary parts or parts of bodies, they were all thrown haphazardly. There were tables covered in parts.

“Welcome to my workspace,” Trips turned around as they raised their arms as if to showcase, “one of many, of course. A genius such as myself cannot simply stay in one location.”

What a messy workspace… and you thought your office was a mess because of Sebastian…

“Please don’t mind the mess.” It was almost as if they read your mind. “However, the ‘mess’ is exactly what you’re here for.”

Trips turned back in your direction, tilting their head as they walked uncomfortably close to you. With their tail, they picked up a stray part, showing it to you as they kept their arms on their back. “Tell me, what do you think this part is?”

“Uh…” To say you had no idea what it was was an understatement.

“Junk.” Trips replied, “At least for me.”

They threw the part down, grabbing another one and asking you once again. Just like the last one, you have no idea what it is.

“Junk.” Trips smiled, grabbing another part. “This one is also junk.”

They stepped away from you, looking at the pile of materials before grabbing another part deep inside the pile. “What is this?”

“… Junk..?”

“No, trick question, perhaps it would be useful to make you learn more about these parts before your work here… ah! Perhaps we can have a welcome guide just for you explaining the most important parts!” Trips tilted to you oddly, with a manic smile. “Anywho, this is a GPU, one of the most well-known computer parts, I’m surprised that you didn’t know.

You looked over at the part more carefully, you swear there are other computer parts that have fans, how were you supposed to know it was a GPU!

”Especially with how Z-779 is surrounded by them, as it makes the Roblux mining more efficient.” Trips interrupted your thought process, your attention jumping back at the mention of Painter, talk about sleeper agent behaviour. “Absolute waste of materials if you ask me.”

You nodded slowly. “I did see them a bit outside, but… they normally keep them rather locked away.”

Trips nodded back in response, turning back to the chaos around you. “Token scientist, these parts are part of your playground.” They picked a set of parts that seemed more put together in their contraption. Their hand settled on the part gently, almost as if saying goodbye. “Machines of my design, now your creations to mould.”

You nodded with a sudden boost of confidence. Their words seem to help your nerves.

Seeing your agreement, Trips nodded in return with an unnatural smile. “Splendid! Will you need your own workspace? Or would you prefer another area? I’m sure we can provide you with the necessary power supplies.”

You wondered about it, but knowing that Sebastian was going to do most of the work and he was only comfortable in your office, you settled in there. “I’ll be working in my office, as mentioned on my form, I’ll be working with Z-13.”

“And it’s comfortable there?”

Not physically for Sebastian, but emotionally, yes. “It is.”

Trips let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Very well, whatever you say.” They proceeded to start grabbing parts erratically, dragging things from under chairs, putting power supplies on tables. When satisfied, they walked back at you with their arms full, and a supply on their tail. “Arm out.”

You put your arm out as commanded, they put the supply around your arm as then then commanded for you to put your arms like theirs. You listened, grabbing onto the mountain of parts from them.

“Hm, you look like you can carry more, let me see… what don’t I absolutely need?” Trips walked around the room, grabbing more parts as they raised your stack a lot higher than your eye level. You can feel the weight starting to take its toll on you. “I’m sure all the parts you require are here, I simply don’t know where they are in this room exactly. I’m simply finding parts that could be useful while you start… especially if you melt them…”

In what world were you going to melt anything?!

Something tells you that you might just not be set for this kind of world, but here you were carrying parts to take back to your office… How are you going to get back to your office like THIS?!

Trips walked past you out of the workshop, seemingly satisfied with the stack that they put on you. “If needed, you can come back, I’m sure you’ll need multiple stops before you get all the parts you need, dearest scientist!” You let out a nervous nod as you followed, leaving the room shortly after. “If you need anything, it’s best you tell me now as I am quite busy!”

You thought about it for a while, but nothing came up. Suddenly, it was almost as if a lightbulb lit up on top of your head. “My ID doesn’t have access to this division, I wouldn't be able to get through here.” You paused, wondering if you could be lucky enough for a hard ask. “I was wondering if I could bring Sebas- Z-13 to help me bring the parts…”

Trips blinked at you in question. “Ah, your lap dog! Multiple arms should be helpful to bring parts, yes, of course!” They approached you, grabbing your lanyard before unclipping the ID holder from it. “Let me see your ID first, I’ll be back!”

You blinked at them leaving, it was that easy?

You felt your arms starting to grow numb. Looks like the path to your office was going to be an agonizing one. As you faced the wall to use it as support to carry the parts it was almost as if their words started to make sense in your mind.

Before you knew it, they were back, flashing your ID. “Permission granted!” They clipped your ID carefully back onto your lanyard before pulling out a blank ID to show you, only to slide it into your pocket. “And this one is for your domesticated lap dog! I heard he has quite the habit of slithering around without you, so for easier access, there is one for him, too! I’m sure you’ll need more than just my workshop if you’re building a full robot body.”

You twitched. “He’s… not my lap dog.”

Trips ignored your words completely as they bored into your eyes instead. “Don’t make me regret this.” Then they let out a smile, which felt corporate. “Oh, and be quick, I won’t be there for a while, but get those parts out ASAP for when I do come back.”

You attempted to give them a nod, but the stack of objects in your arms made it hard to move with much safety.

Before they fully left, they turned around one last time. “Ah, before I leave, it is quite nice to see colour in this lab.” Trips smiled. “So incredibly dull everything is, a droplet of colour makes all the difference. Perhaps that is why you are so different, right?”

They turned back to leave without another word, starting to instead mumble about another project that required their attention before the whole division exploded.

The more you heard and listened to Trips about the division, the more nervous you became about working here. You can’t believe that you’ll be working here from now on. On the bright side, you will be able to keep some of the subjects that you checked on before.

There was a difference between working on a subject that was organic over one that wasn’t, you’re not quite sure it’s going to be easy. You’re sure that Painter is more the exception over the rule.

As you made your way back to your office, you felt your legs burning from the weight. You had to constantly go face the wall as if you were in a time-out just to relax your arms. It’s not like any of your co-workers were benevolent enough to help you, so you were on your own trying to make your way back.

Seeing the familiar hallway where your office was, you could almost cry as you let out a sigh of relief.

You’re so close…

Just some steps away from freedom.

But now you are faced with the biggest problem for today.

How will you even open the door!?

Awkwardly, you moved your hands slightly. Yet only felt the objects falter. You couldn’t drop this, not after so long.

You felt sweat pool on your forehead. You can’t drop this, and none of your coworkers will help you! They are too busy with their work to open their doors.

Sebastian should still be in there… If you can't move your arms, you should be able to move your legs and keep your balance.

One kick.

Two kicks.

Now you wait…

… But nothing came from it.

Was Sebastian no longer in the room?

No, it couldn’t be.

He wouldn’t leave your office that fast… especially since he seemed to want to have some time away from Urbanshade.

He wouldn’t abandon you to another scientist and wouldn't wait until you return safely.

Three kicks.

Four kicks.

Five kicks.

You did a third one this time for good measure in the sequence.

“Jeez, I GET it! I’m GOING.”

You could almost cry tears of relief just hearing his voice. It was like an angel came down and specifically went to save you from this hell.

With a hiss, the door opened with a deadpanned Sebastian. “Sorry for taking so long, it’s almost as if I don’t have the same simplicity as you to move around the room.” Sebastian groaned as he took in your shaky figure, thanks to the pressure that the parts were doing on your bod,y only for his eyes to widen and his ears to perk up. “Look at you~!”

Sebastian grinned as he took the parts eagerly from you, settling them down next to your table. “Tell me what happened doc’.”

You then started to go on a tangent on everything that happened, trying to remove the parts on how odd you found the head of the division to be.

“… so, yeah. Guess I’ll be working over there now.”

Sebastian looked over at you worriedly, “Nothing shady with the deal..?”

“Nothing that I know of.” You sighed, sitting on your chair for a moment of respite. “On the bright side, I can still work with some subjects here if I want.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good thing.”

“I can choose!”

“Uh huh…” Sebastian muttered before going back to sorting the parts that you brought him.

“By the way…” You started, tilting your neck over to him. “There’s more to grab over at the division-”

“Great, because out of all the parts you brought, almost all—safe for five—are GARBAGE. No wonder they just let you have this!” Sebastian interrupted, putting his elbow on your table as he leaned on his palm. He let out an exasperated sigh. “This will… take awhile.”

“Actually…” You started, a prideful smile on your face. “How about you come with me and you can check directly?”

Sebastian tilted his head in your direction. “I don’t think they will be too happy to see a sub-”

“Here, catch!” You suddenly grabbed the keycard in your pocket, throwing it in his direction. He didn’t expect it, his eyes widening as he tried to catch the keycard. The card hopped around his hands as he panicked to get hold of it.

“H-Hey! What was that for?!” He snarled at you as he finally looked at the card, holding it between his index and thumb, bringing it in front of his eyes. “Oh..?”

“I asked the head if I could bring you as help, apparently everyone sees you as my…” You paused, looking to the side. How could anyone-

“Lap dog?”

You blinked, looking back at him. “H-How do you know that?”

“Everyone calls me that when you’re not there! When you go on vacation or sick leave, I just get called your lap dog!”

“You aren’t my lap dog!”

“That’s what I’m saying!” Sebastian grumbled, “Okay, maybe you aren’t so bad since you don’t see me as one.”

You were taken aback, almost insulted by his words. “Why would I see you as my lap dog???”

“I don’t know! It feels too good to be true that you are straight up ‘not like the other scientists’ you know?!” He did air quotes at some of the words as he crossed his arms, looking away. Sebastian looked like a child as he defended his point.

“Sebastian, it's been YEARS.”

“What if, now hear me out, you’re the evil mastermind behind Urbanshade!?”

“What kind of conspiracy theory is that?!?”

Sebastian looked serious as the room fell silent. He straightened up as he approached you, as if trying to intimidate you, only to break out in a hysterical laugh. “Oh god, you should see your face!” He pointed at you as his other hand went up to his face.

You cursed how easily you just believed Sebastian’s words, yet seeing him laugh made you crack a smile. “Fine, fine, you got me.”

“I got you alright.” Sebastian chuckled as he leaned against the wall next to you, slowly unwrapping his tail from the corner of the room. “Tell me, what sort of privileges does this keycard even have?”

You saw him wave the card casually, “I didn’t have time to ask, probably granting the same privileges as me.” You started, putting a hand on your chin. “They said it was to make it easier for you to walk around without me between both divisions. So I wouldn’t be surprised if you got some of the permissions around different divisions more than just the robotics one.”

Something seemed to flash in Sebastian’s eyes before he tilted his body to face your office. “Convenient.”

“Yeah,” you scratched the back of your neck. “You can’t open a lot of doors though, it just opens transport ones, I’m sure, so no visiting some other subjects.”

You chuckled as you nudged Sebastian with your elbow. “You talk as if I would… hm…” He faced you, a teasing glint in his eye. “Open the doors to some subjects. I’m sure Pandy would love to see you again~”

Your body let out an involuntary shiver at the name as his voice held a teasing edge. “Don’t you dare.” You threatened.

He only chuckled again. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t want to hurt my favourite behavioural scientist~” He poked your cheek with his knuckle, straightening up as he moved towards the door. “We should probably find the parts. Wanna lead the way? Or am I stuck taking you on a trip all over Urbanshade?

You rolled your eyes playfully at him as you opened the door, “I’ll lead the way.”

Sebastian nodded in acknowledgement as you started walking back to the robotics division. Your legs were still sore from carrying all the parts earlier, but if you wanted to execute Sebastian’s plan, then you had to suck it up and go back the long path.

Part of you wished there were trams around to take you to different divisions, but according to Urbanshade those “aren’t needed”. But alas, it wouldn’t be useful right now, as you’re sure Sebastian wouldn’t fit. Even if he did, he would surely make it reach maximum capacity just with his tail alone.

Sebastian would hum a tune, stuck in his mind. This was something that would happen, you leading, him following with a hum. He would avoid the stares of the scientists with disinterest. But once one would catch his interest he would flash his sharp teeth in malice. Immediately making the other scientist nervous.

If he wasn’t grinning as an intimidation tactic, he would instead crack his knuckles in their direction. The threat would hang in the air as you would occasionally get complaints of Sebastian’s behaviour. But the momentary frustration of how you had to deal with his behaviour later would dissipate as he would laugh, pointing in the direction of the poor scientist he would torment with his thumb.

“Someone’s chipper.” You finally said, noticing his smile. Recently, you haven’t seen Sebastian having a genuine smile, especially outside of your office. It felt nice to have a lighter atmosphere, especially nowadays.

“We are way ahead of schedule, even if we were missing parts, I can just find them myself… if you know what I mean.” He winked in your direction before slithering ahead of you. The door needed a keycard to pass and Sebastian pulled out his own. His grin got impossibly bigger when the door opened. “At this rate, we might just be able to finish this and have time to test!”

You suddenly remembered the doctor’s warnings when seeing Sebastian’s almost too excited smile at the door opening with his card. He was never allowed his own card until now; he was normally given very limited access with cards that were returned on the same day.

In theory, this one should stay active until you finish the body seeing as Trips mentioned how you might need more than their workshop for parts.

But Sebastian wouldn’t abuse the rights he was given. You trusted him enough not to do so. While he had a habit of messing with you, he would never do anything that would purposely jeopardise your job.

Finally, the two of you managed to reach the workshop. While the dirty looks that Sebastian got in your division were many, here in the Robotics Division, he would either get completely ignored or be given a confused look.

“Everyone here has metal tails.” Sebastian looked over at you in question. “Weird, right? Wonder why it’s only here that they have extra appendages.”

You looked around, and he was right. How did you not notice it sooner? “I saw the head using it as an extra arm… It might be for that.”

“If it were any other division, you know it would be a biological tail in their weird way of making human weapons.” Sebastian scoffed as he crossed his arms.

“Like the B.U.P.W.P. procedure…” You mumbled. That was one of the few procedures that you knew were done on subjects. They only told you because of how successful your work with Eyefestation was… poor Eyefestation…

“Stupid name,” Sebastian muttered. “I mean, come on.”

The two of you fell silent as you both continued your way deeper into the division. It almost reminded you of the Heavy Containment area now that you thought about it. It was extremely white, blindingly so.

“You know, if you’re gonna work here now, you should ask for one of those tails.”

You thought about it, you’re not exactly sure how it would feel to suddenly get a new appendage. You’re not even sure how it’s controlled, or how it would be controlled by you. Though you suppose Sebastian must have gone through that thought process already.

At your expression, Sebastian continued. “I mean, it looks neat, you don’t look like you need to lose anything with it. Looks useful too, trust me when I tell you an extra limb is kinda nice.” Sebastian nodded. “Or maybe I’m just high on copium…”

“I’ll think about it.”

“I would have taken an extra tail over my legs to be replaced, to be honest.” Sebastian mused. “I miss wearing pants. When was the last time I wore pants… I feel like fish wannabe Winnie the Pooh.”

“What?!”

“I said what I said!” Sebastian crossed his arms with a pout. “Anyways, where is this guy’s workshop? I feel like we’ve walked… er… travelled for hours.”

You turn and glare at him. Without breaking eye contact, you push the door next to you. Without a word, you gesture inside to him.

Sebastian simply furrows his eyebrows and grumbles, slipping into the room

The light in the workshop was still on as before. “Well, this is what we've got to work with.” You motioned around the room. “Apparently, everything here is free for us to take. One of the head’s multiple workshops, apparently.”

You couldn’t stop thinking about how they were, but if you had the freedom of one of the workshops, which you’re sure must be exclusive, then you won’t complain.

“Wow, I didn’t expect this mess,” he started, “you sure that this belongs to the head of the division?”

“Apparently.” You shrugged. “As long as we get permission—which we do—and parts, I think it doesn’t matter.”

Sebastian nodded in response as he started digging in the pile of parts. Not wanting to just awkwardly stand there, you went near him, digging around.

“How about this?” You pull out a part that looks in particularly good condition.

“Let me see…” He took the part from you, rotating it in his hands before throwing it to the side. “Trash.”

“Oh.” You scratched your neck awkwardly.

“How about this, doc’?” Sebastian started. “How about you relax for a bit on one of those chairs since you look particularly exhausted while you let the expert take the reins?”

“You don’t even know abo-”

“Hush! Let the expert search, they don’t call me the Handy Man for no reason!”

Just by his words, you had to pinch the bridge of your nose. But he had a point; besides, you’re not quite sure what the parts he mentioned in his sketch would actually look like.

So instead, you listened and sat in one of the chairs around the workshop.

The only sound in the workshop would be Sebastian’s rummaging. The metal-on-metal screeching is doing a number on your ears. And judging by how Sebastian would wince with his ears drooping slightly, it seemed to have quite a reaction on him as well..

Because you had to wait, and didn’t have much energy to make your way back to continue your work, you instead had the brilliant idea to rest on one of the tables.

…

“It’s actually quite funny that you’ve just started sleeping anywhere.” Sebastian’s voice cut through your sleep-deprived daze. You blinked. Did you just fall asleep randomly again?!

You internally cursed yourself as you suddenly became all too conscious of how Sebastian was just carrying you like a sack of potatoes. “Hey! Put me down!”

Sebastian let out a light laugh. “And what, let you fall face first to the ground? I don’t think so doc’.” He laughed again. “As appealing as that is, I would prefer you not to have brain damage.”

You grumbled. “I’m perfectly capable, Sebastian.” You huffed. “I do appreciate you not abandoning me, though.”

“Anytime.” Sebastian hummed as he looked in front of him. Judging by your surroundings, you were close to your office. You could feel the questioning gaze of your co-workers seeing Sebastian carrying you, as your face heated up in embarrassment. “How was sleep, sleeping beauty?”

You glared at Sebastian in response. “You’re insufferable.”

“I pride myself on it.” Sebastian grinned as he glanced over at you. “Just so you know, I managed to find some really nice parts while you were knocked out. I have to give credit where it’s due, things are looking great so far doc’!”

Sebastian takes you back to your office, you don’t miss his grumble when he can’t use his temporary ID to open your office, instead grabbing your lanyard from your body (as you’ve gotten used to him occasionally doing) to scan your ID.

“Looks like you can’t open my office.”

“No need to rub it in, doc’.” He settled you back down on your feet. It was a bit disorienting sometimes being carried by Sebastian, but as the years passed, you slowly started to get used to it. “Guess I’ll just need to take your extra ID instead.”

He huffed as you set yourself back behind your desk. “And with the ones that Urbanshade gives you when you do maintenance, you would be able to access most of it.”

“As if they would let me have those cards for longer than two hours!” Sebastian grumbled as he opened the bags on his tail, taking out parts and laying them next to your desk, effectively blocking multiple of your cabinets… You hoped you didn’t need any files in there anytime soon. “One day, I’ll find where they store those…”

“You might not need those, seeing as you already have too much access around Urbanshade with MY ID and the new one.” You emphasised his thievery, crossing your arms. “I’m surprised it’s still working.”

Sebastian shrugged. “I don’t care, better for me.” He grinned, putting one of his hands on his waist. “It’s careless of them, and it makes it easier to… borrow things that they won’t miss.”

You looked at him quizzically before letting out a shrug. “As long as I don’t get any repercussions…” You mentioned honestly, it’s not like you cared about Urbanshade. You’re sure they could deal with a couple of losses here and there. Even if they pay you handsomely, nothing would be able to pay for the therapy you had to get for all the things you had to see in your daily job.

The room fell quiet as you picked up your stack of papers once more. The office work was so boring, you’re a scientist! You’re supposed to be looking at behaviour, not doing stupid, simple paperwork. Even if some of these subjects were questionable and terrifying, it would beat being seated, filling out and signing papers consenting to seeing certain subjects.

You knew you had to fill these out, but some of these had to be for other divisions! This couldn’t be all part of your job… All behaviours you’ve analysed today were Sebastian’s, and perhaps you can argue for the head of the robotics division thanks to their colourful personality. Though you’re sure that’s not a good thought to have for your… future boss.

You shivered slightly at the thought. Choosing to instead open your laptop as you opened your emails. Talk about office job… Maybe it doesn’t help that you just woke up again. You had a mountain of emails to go through, all for different subjects, safe for one of the most recent ones being from Trips welcoming you formally to the Robotics Division.

“You look like you’re this close to snoozing again.” Sebastian chirped, not looking at you as he tinkered with the parts on your ground. “I’m gonna take a while, and you look like you need a boost of energy. Why don’t you go visit…”

Sebastian trailed off with a smile as he looked over at you. A certain computer popped into your mind, and you almost immediately got up before the responsible part of you came back in control.

“I have… paperwork…” How unappealing.

Sebastian moved his tail for the tip to nudge you out of your chair. “You’re either sleeping at your desk or seeing your boyfriend, let’s be real.” He put down one of his tools, ushering you to move with a fanning motion in your direction. “Come on, we both know what your heart wants.”

You sighed in defeat. He was right, at this rate, you’re never going to do anything without something to really push you to do anything. The deadline isn’t today after all, which only made you procrastinate on the boring part of your job.

“Alright…”

“Besides, you haven’t seen him in so long! He surely misses you!” Sebastian put a hand on his cheek, his voice sounding as if he were cooing at a baby. You looked at him in disappointment; you didn’t want to agree with him when he was saying it like that. He really liked messing with you, especially after he found out about your relationship.

“Good luck, Sebastian.” Turning around towards the door, you bid him farewell, not acknowledging his taunt. But he knew better and knew you would acknowledge anything he threw at you.

“Have fun doc’.”

He waved you off as you closed the door to your office. You took a deep breath in. Truth be told, recently you’ve been feeling as if things have been falling into their place almost too perfectly.

Your job has been easier recently; the team behind Z-283, the Angler, has been off your back. They haven’t been calling for you recently, which is nice, as you have no interest in working with Z-283.

Mostly, the departments in charge of the more peaceful subjects have been calling for your revisit.

The only time you went to Heavy Containment recently was for Painter!

On the subject of Painter, the ones in charge of him seem extremely pleased with your work with it. Apparently, the Roblux mining has been at an all-time high. And they let you visit Painter whenever you want, which includes off hours, where Painter was now allowed to take breaks as long as it reached the quota.

According to the one overseeing Painter, it should be a sign to raise the necessary quota, but with your resistance, the quota stayed the same. As long as Urbanshade doesn’t find out. You’re glad that your status makes it so that certain scientists will make exceptions for you.

You wanted to make this time a little bit different, reminiscing of one of your earlier encounters, it felt as if it had been a long time since you showed a set of pictures to Painter.

He adored looking at the pictures, it was what fascinated him and he would constantly tell you of his wish to be able to go to the surface and see some of these things with his own eyes. Everytime, there was almost like a voice in your head that always thought of how Urbanshade tricked him into letting him see the surface if he reached his quota for a day trip to the surface. The trip to the surface, to a safer, habitable area, was longer than just a day.

You shook your head as you went to your sleeping quarters. Not to sleep, as appealing as that is, but to pull out the box of photographs that you have. You looked over them, there had to be something interesting that you could bring over to Painter that would blow him away.

Painter would be satisfied with anything that you knew. But you don’t want satisfaction, you want surprise, excitement to the extreme! A joy that would rival any joy that he has felt before!

Taking a set of photos, you pulled out your notepad from your jacket, slotting the photographs inside to keep them safely without folding.

Satisfied, you got up and started making your way to Heavy Containment. There was a bounce to your step, sudden adrenaline that would make it seem as if you weren’t tired at all. Your co-workers who saw you earlier would side-glance at you weirdly, but you paid no mind. This was the norm anyway, so why should you care?

Before you knew it, you passed the GPUs in front of Painter’s room, the path to Heavy Containment always felt a lot faster when you had a better goal of seeing Painter who wasn’t an active danger to you.

You slid open the door, like always, there were few scientists inside simply doing their job. Since your interference with Painter, the scientists that worked with Painter started going onto other subjects and very few would make sure Painter worked as normal.

Greeting the scientists, Painter noticed you almost immediately, his screen becoming impossibly brighter. You welcomed yourself inside Painter’s enclosure.

“Hey!” Painter’s face appeared on his screen, pink lines where his cheeks would appear shortly after as he quietly called you by your name.

“Doing good?” You started, knowing that the other scientists were too busy doing their paperwork, you kissed the corner of Painter’s screen.

You could hear Painter’s fans pick up, no matter how many times you did it; his fans would pick up every time. It was extremely charming.

“Better with you here…” He admitted quietly, its voice from the speaker having a slight static.

The room fell silent as you stared at each other.

While for anyone else, it could be uncomfortable. But you adored Painter, the little quirks that it showed when you stared at him for too long. Little lines of “blush” appearing on his screen wasn’t rare, but what was different was just how much its screen could turn pink.

You would mentally count how long it would take his screen to go red; it was a fun game. Not that he minded, of course, you wouldn’t do anything to make him uncomfortable.

Much less, something that might blue-screen-of-death him.

“Any news on your side?” Painter suddenly cut through the silence. Before he would show you anything, Painter loved to hear about your day. He would tell you how just your presence would give him the same excitement as painting would…

You wanted to tell him about the plan… almost. You knew you shouldn’t, especially to keep the surprise. But you knew you could tell him about everything else.

“Today was quite long,” You admitted with a sigh, so much had happened during the day that you couldn’t help but feel drained. “Stuck in my office for quite a bit doing paperwork.”

“I hope the paperwork was at least a bit interesting?”

You knew Painter just wanted the best for you, but truth be told, you couldn’t lie to it. You knew your face showed an obvious disdain.

“Oh, but I was also contacted by the head of the Robotics division to transfer.”

“Trips?”

“Know them?”

Painter’s face would move up and down on the screen, almost in a way to show a nod as it let out a small “mhm”.

“We’ve talked a lot before I was transferred to Heavy Containment for Roblux mining.” His speakers would crack slightly as he sighed. A sigh that turned into a dry chuckle. “Couldn’t understand why I wanted to go back to the surface.”

You hummed in response. The two of you talked a little bit more about your presumably new boss and their oddity before you shook your head.

“Enough about that,” you took out your notebook, setting it on the desk, “brought you some new pictures~!”

Grinning, you opened your notebook, taking out the pictures as you saw Painter beam. His fans started to pick up speed from the excitement.

“Someone’s excited.” You teased with a smile, Painter proceeded to get a more bashful expression on its screen.

“I just love when you show me things…” Painter would smile wider. “Since I’ve met you, I’ve started to find out so many beautiful things about the world. I just want to visit all of the places and see them with my own eyes. I want to see them with you.”

You sighed, now’s not the time you let thoughts that you might never take Painter out of this place go away. You want to be optimistic, so that you can escape with those that you care about.

“I know—I promise—that we will.” Your voice was slightly heavy, an unspoken promise lying between your other one. “We’ll go to all the places I showed you, and you’ll be able to see how accurate, or not accurate, some of these places are.”

“Well, some are decades old! I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of them have changed since then.” Painter explained quickly. “I want to see that change with myself…”

“You will, I’ll make sure of that.”

Painter smiled as you spoke.

If you said that when you first met, you’re sure it wouldn’t have believed you. But now, knowing that you managed to make his living situation so much better. You know that Painter believed you. If anyone was your biggest believer, it would be without a doubt Painter.

Some might call his blind trust in you naive. But you appreciated those that believed you without a second thought. Even if those that did normally had numbers for names.

You decided to stop stalling as you pulled out the first photograph. It was one of those natural wonders, a picture you took yourself as you visited. You had to (reluctantly) appreciate Urbanshade for paying you so well, it made it easy to travel if you wanted to.

As always, you explain to Painter the significance of the place. In this case, why people visit it and why it’s so wonderful culturally. Painter listened carefully, letting out occasional “oohs” and “aahs”.

It was clear that he enjoyed the time you spent together. Much more when you would show him new places. You never knew that the collection of pictures would be useful for more than one subject. After all, there weren't many that would appreciate the outside world, such as those that were ripped from it. And even then, few would you see more than once and wouldn’t respond hostilely if you “tempted” them.

It was nice when someone would be able to appreciate the pictures you kept stashed away. Being in Urbanshade for such a long time without seeing the outside world would make you homesick, and seeing the pictures brought you comfort. You can’t imagine how the subjects here feel being trapped here forevermore, and you’re glad that sometimes these photographs quell even a little bit.

“How are those colours even possible?” Painter would muse, fascinated with one of the multiple photographs you brought out.

“I’d say it’s a trick of the lighting, the moment… You know.” In truth, you had no idea how the colours in the photograph were like that. But it seemed to interest Painter, so you kept it in front of his camera as you looked from the side.

After a while, you changed to the next photograph. This was a cycle until you finished your stack of photographs.

The whole showing of all the photographs seem to boost Painter’s morale however. It seemed to get a lot more chirpy with its comments.

It was endearing; it would make your heart swell.

It made you want to kiss him all over his monitor.

But knowing that there were still scientists inside the room, and that Painter would immediately blue screen if you did that. You went against it.

Instead, you put your hand on your cheek, leaning on the desk as you watched him start talking about how beautiful the colours are from nature. What fascinated him the most was nature after all.

An environment artist at heart, Painter would always talk about the small details inside every part of the photographs you would showcase. Multiple details that you would have never noticed before.

He was perceptive, and it was incredible.

“Oh, right!” Painter interrupted his own tangent. “I was wondering… if you could give me your opinion on something…”

You broke out of your daze. It wasn’t that you weren’t listening to him, far from it. It’s just that part of your mind was just thinking about him. And how cute it was. And how adorable it looked talking about what passionate him. And how-

Painter called out to you gently, breaking you out of your daze again. “Sorry, Painter…” You looked at him apologetically. “But sure! What’s up?”

He smiled gleefully before sliding his face to the corner of the screen. “You see, I’m practising portraits… I’ve been drawing mostly from my memory, but I don’t want it to become… well… uncanny valley.” It started opening folders on the file manager, it was folder after folder. Some looked seemingly empty, only to have a singular folder inside, and then another. Why were there so many layers? “I wanted to ask someone who actually… looked like what I was drawing to see if it isn- Whoops!”

Painter frantically closed the file manager.

You blinked in confusion at Painter before he awkwardly chuckled. “Sorry, I took the wrong path… there’s just… uh… crypto mining spreadsheets… you know…”

“Inside ‘Super Evil Folder For Evil Reasons’?”

“Urbanshade is evil.” Painter’s speakers went quiet as it opened the file manager again as if it was whispering.

You expected him to take a different route, yet he was back inside the same folder. But you didn’t want to question it. If it had something he didn’t want to tell you, then you would respect that.

“Here,” Painter opened one illustration, “I don’t know if you would prefer to see someone you actually know or if you’re okay with seeing strangers, but… yeah!”

The drawing was stylised, in no way realistic, but not uncanny. The illustration was of someone who had a light smile. Casual, slightly weary. There was a bit of sunlight that came into what you presumed was the room. It wasn’t exactly fully a portrait; there was still a background to the piece. You can tell Painter couldn’t just not paint his favourite part of his art process.

“It’s my creator.” Painter broke the silence. “At least… what I remember of him.”

You couldn’t help but feel a bit of melancholy. Painter’s file didn’t omit what happened to his creator. Your heart couldn’t help but clench at seeing the piece in a new light.

“… Before Urbanshade, it was him. He showed me the world and loved to show me the world.” Painter’s speaker crackled slightly. “I want to do him justice. A tribute, if you will.”

You let out a bittersweet smile. “It looks lovely Painter, I think you did a good job.”

“I’m just scared it isn’t accurate…” Painter answered truthfully. “I just…”

It trailed off, you could tell it pained Painter. And it pained you to see him like this. You put a hand at the side of his casing. Even if it couldn’t feel your hand exactly, just the knowledge that you would put your hand there would bring comfort to Painter as it would look back at you.

“I’m sure he would have loved it, Painter.” You started quietly. “Besides, if it’s not up to your expectations, you can always practice. You’re amazing at your craft, and this already looks stunning.”

Painter’s mouth would go into a straight line. Only for him to let out a crackled sigh. “Alright…” Painter would go back to a smile, a small one, but a smile nonetheless. “I haven’t drawn people in a really long time, to be honest, I’ve only drawn maybe 3 portraits since I got to Urbanshade? So I’m a bit rusty.”

“But you’re getting better, and that’s what matters!” You tried to boost Painter’s morale. “Besides, if you ever feel you aren’t progressing, you can always look at your old art and see your improvement.”

Painter looked horrified, however. “My old art?! It’s… It’s terrible! I can’t stand looking at it! I saw my art that I managed to sneak in between work from before you started helping me, and I was horrified!”

You couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, isn’t that enough proof that you’ve improved?”

Painter grumbled, putting his face to the side of the canvas, as if looking to the side. “I guess.” You smiled gently at him as he moved his face to cover the whole screen again. “Well, I can show you more of my portrait art, but that one is probably my best one so far… Among others…”

You hummed, preparing to answer, only to hear a sudden voice calling for you. You looked quizzically as you got up, opening the door to the enclosure as they waited outside. Another younger scientist, do all the interns become errand people when they enter Urbanshade?

“I was sent to give these to you personally. I’m glad that people knew where you went as when I went to your office…” You could see the intern shiver, looks like a certain fish decided he wanted to scare off another Urbanshade employee.

They put out the folder for you to grab. You did, opening the folder and looking at the first page where your name was neatly written on. Looks like this was indeed for you.

“The Robotics Division? More?” You looked in confusion at the papers, then at the intern. “They already sent an email, what more is there…”

You skimmed through the papers. Oh.

Forms upon forms were inside. No wonder the folder was so thick. You saw a sticky note left by the head, you almost felt yourself twitch at how they wanted you to sign everything by tomorrow.

Seeing your expression, the intern quickly excused themselves as they ran away.

“Do you want any help analysing them?” Painter suddenly spoke. “You might… need it… knowing…”

You looked over at Painter, every part of you was telling you that it would be fine, you didn’t want to burden Painter knowing that this was your job (and your price to pay).

But seeing the stack of papers in your hands and how much heavier they are feeling by the second, you couldn’t help but look at Painter.

“Maybe… Maybe I do need a bit of help…”

#— a human's touch #painter pressure #painter x reader #pressure x reader #roblox pressure #i have so many things to go through but im really tired rn so yall gotta give me time </3

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brunchable · 10 months ago

Text

Reverse Government Watch

《Bucky Barnes x F!Reader》 [18+]

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x f!reader

Themes: Another Comedy, 18+ for Sexual Jokes/Humor.

Summary: You were assigned to watch Bucky who was under the Government Watch List. You are a rookie and your biggest mistake was thinking that Bucky wasn't onto you, let alone flip the tables on you.

A/N: HELP. It's just me again laughing my ass off at my own creation. . . my stomach hurts.

You strolled along the market, eyes fixed on the man across—James Buchanan Barnes, otherwise known as Bucky. Your target. You’d been assigned by the higher-ups to keep a close watch on him. For weeks, you’d trailed his every move, documenting his day-to-day activities. He had no idea. Or at least, you thought he didn’t. It was supposed to be a simple job—observe, report, make sure Bucky didn’t get into trouble.

Easy, right?

WRONG.

For someone under government surveillance, Bucky Barnes had an uncanny ability to make your life hell.

Take today, for example. You were tailing him as he leisurely strolled through a farmer’s market, like some guy who definitely wasn’t a former assassin. He picked up a pineapple and inspected it like it was a rare artefact. Turning it over in his hands, he squinted, furrowed his brow, and gave it a little sniff.

Was this a code? Who buys a pineapple with that much focus?

Your phone buzzed in your lap. Another message from your supervisor:

"Status update on the target?"

You sighed, trying not to sound as exasperated as you felt, and quickly typed back:

"All quiet. He’s… buying fruit?"

As you looked back up at Bucky, you saw it—a flicker on his face. Was that… a smirk? You narrowed your eyes. Could he sense you watching him? No way. You were a professional.

He strolled further into the market, seemingly unfazed, but then stopped to pull out his phone. You kept your distance, casually pretending to check out a nearby stall as you listened in.

“Yeah, Doc, I’m here,” Bucky said, his tone oddly serious. Doc? You frowned. Was he taking a doctor’s call in the middle of a farmer’s market? You shifted closer, your curiosity piqued, trying to catch more of the conversation.

There was a long pause, and you could faintly hear someone on the other end of the line. That’s when you noticed Bucky clear his throat, fighting to keep a straight face.

“Well… how much smaller are we talking?” Bucky’s voice dropped, sounding uncomfortably low.

Wait. What?

You blinked, your mind screeching to a halt. Smaller?

Another pause. Bucky pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered into the phone, his voice a little quieter now, but just loud enough for you to hear.

“Yeah… I guess the size reduction surgery worked a little too well.”

Your hand flew to your mouth to stifle the laughter that was about to escape. Reduction surgery? You stared at the pineapple in your hand, trying to act natural, but nearly dropped it.

From the corner of your eye, you saw Bucky glancing around as if he was worried someone might overhear him. You quickly ducked behind a display of vegetables, barely able to contain yourself.

“No, no, it’s fine,” Bucky said, sounding way too resigned. “I’ll just, uh… I’ll live with a small penis.”

You slapped a hand over your mouth, your shoulders shaking with barely-contained laughter. This can’t be real.

“It’s not that noticeable,” Bucky continued, his tone dripping with fake optimism. “Well… maybe a little. But who’s paying attention, right?”

At this point, you were desperately trying to stay quiet, hiding behind a tower of tomatoes, tears forming in your eyes from trying not to laugh out loud. I’m reporting this. I have to report this. I’m definitely reporting this… right? RIGHT?

Bucky sighed heavily into the phone. “Look, Doc, I’ll just deal with it. If it gets worse, I’ll call you. I mean, I’m managing so far. It’s not that bad—At least I don’t have a third leg anymore.”

Just as Bucky was about to hang up, you heard a loud, very faint voice from the other end of the line:

“BUCKY, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!”

The voice was unmistakably angry, but you couldn’t make out who it was or what was said. You just caught the frustrated tone and Bucky’s subsequent expression as he tried to suppress a laugh.

Bucky quickly hung up, his face the picture of fake mortification. He turned toward you—or where he thought you weren’t hiding—completely unaware that you were barely surviving behind a pile of produce.

With an exaggerated sigh, he mumbled, “Stupid doctors… never listen,” and casually tossed the phone into his pocket like he hadn’t just fake-confessed to penis reduction surgery in the middle of a public space.

As Bucky strolled away, you finally let out the laugh that had been building inside you, leaning against a stack of cucumbers for support.

The next hour passed in an irritating series of mundane activities. Bucky went to a bakery, and then visited a pet store where he bought a massive bag of cat food. Now you were sure something was up. There is no way he has a cat.

Determined not to lose sight of him, you followed him into the park, keeping a safe distance while pretending to check your phone. He wandered over to a food cart and, to your surprise, bought an ice cream cone. Alright, nothing suspicious there, you thought, relaxing slightly. Just a man enjoying some ice cream. Totally normal.

That is, until he sat down on a nearby bench and began to eat the ice cream in the most unnecessarily slow, deliberate way possible.

At first, you didn’t think much of it. People eat ice cream in the park. But then, Bucky ran his tongue slowly up the side of the cone, swirling it around the top, before taking a ridiculously small bite off the tip. You blinked. What is he doing?

It got worse.

Bucky took another long, languid lick—far too slow for comfort—before tilting his head back slightly and letting out a soft groan of satisfaction. You almost dropped your phone. Was he... making out with the ice cream?

You shook your head, blinking rapidly. This can’t be real. What is even happening right now?

Your mind raced as you sat there, frozen, watching him turn a simple snack into something that looked like it belonged in a very different kind of movie. He wasn’t looking directly at you, but you could swear that every now and then, his eyes flickered in your direction, as if testing the waters.

Does he know?

No. No way. He was just... really into his ice cream, right?

But then he did it again. Another slow lick, this time letting a bit of the ice cream melt down his hand. He slowly licked the drip, eyes half-lidded, as if savoring every moment. You could feel your face heating up, and you were seriously contemplating whether or not to just leave.

Get a grip, Y/N, you told yourself, struggling to maintain some semblance of professionalism. He doesn’t know you’re watching. He’s just... very enthusiastic about ice cream.

But no matter how hard you tried to convince yourself, it was impossible to look away. You were completely and utterly trapped in this bizarre moment, and every time you thought it couldn’t get worse, it did.

Bucky took one last exaggerated bite, wiped his mouth, and let out a final, satisfied sigh. He stood up, stretched as if he hadn’t just devoured the ice cream in the slowest, most horniest way possible, and casually tossed the napkin in the trash.

He hadn’t even looked directly at you once. But somehow, you knew. You just knew. You wanted to disappear into the earth. How had this become your life?

You let out a long, slow breath, your heart racing as you fumbled for your phone to text your supervisor:

"Update: Subject... is eating ice cream. I’m pretty sure he just made an ice cream cone feel... emotions. Requesting transfer. Please advise.”

Bucky, blissfully unaware—or so it seemed—adjusted his jacket and casually strolled away, leaving you questioning your life choices and wondering if you’d ever be able to enjoy ice cream again.

But then things got even weirder.

The next day at the gym, Bucky seemed hell-bent on driving you insane. He spent an obscene amount of time flexing in front of the mirror. But this wasn’t your standard, after-rep, admire-your-workout progress.

No.

This was Bucky in full pose mode. First, it was a casual bicep curl. Then, he turned slightly, flexing just enough to give you a perfect view of his ridiculous muscles rippling beneath his shirt.

You were pedalling on a stationary bike nearby, pretending not to notice, but every few minutes, he’d “stumble” just enough to catch himself dramatically, sending a sly wink your way.

You fought the urge to roll your eyes so hard they might get stuck in the back of your head. Is he doing this on purpose?

Your phone buzzed on your leg again, another message from your supervisor:

"Status update?"

Bucky wasn’t done yet. He sauntered over to the free weights and picked up a dumbbell. Then, with one hand, he started curling it, while the other hand was on his chin like he was deep in thought. It was like watching a Greek statue come to life, except the statue was a cocky jerk who knew exactly what he was doing.

You quickly typed back:

"Subject is…exercising. Very… intensely."

He turned his head just enough to catch your eye in the mirror, smirked, and then—oh no—he started pulling up his shirt.

He peeled it off in one smooth motion, revealing abs that looked like they were carved by the gods themselves. He stood there, shirt slung over his shoulder, flexing as if this were a damn photo shoot, while you nearly choked on your own saliva. His grin grew wider, eyes never leaving yours.

Your mouth went dry.

Bucky turned slightly, making sure you had a perfect view, and winked at you again.

You nearly fell off the bike. He knows!

Panicking, you hopped off the bike, pretending you needed to stretch, trying desperately to regain your composure. When you bent down to touch your toes, Bucky started doing overhead stretches of his own, his muscles on full display. It was like he was taunting you, silently daring you to keep watching.

Just act casual. You’re a pro.

Then, to your absolute horror, he reached for the waistband of his pants. You froze. There is no way.

But the grin on his face said otherwise. He slowly hooked his fingers under the waistband, pulling down just enough to make you think he was about to strip right there in the middle of the gym.

Your face turned bright red. He wouldn’t.

But the look in his eyes said, oh, he absolutely would.

Before you could fully process the impending disaster, he stopped, chuckling to himself, and picked up his towel instead. He tossed you one last smug look before strolling toward the locker room, leaving you standing there, humiliated and furious.

Smug. Bastard.

For a moment, you just stood there, heart racing. You were supposed to be the one watching him, but somehow, he had turned the tables on you. He was messing with you, and there was no doubt in your mind now that he knew exactly what you were doing.

Later that evening, during his nightly run, Bucky continued to torment you. He alternated between sprinting at full speed and walking so slowly that you nearly ran into him. He’d glance over his shoulder now and then, and each time you scrambled to hide behind a tree or a bench, but it was useless.

He knew.

Then, without warning, he turned down an alley. You cursed under your breath, jogging after him. When you reached the alley, it was empty. You blinked, confused.

Where the hell did he go?

Suddenly, a low voice whispered from behind you.

“Lose something?”

You jumped about three feet in the air, spinning around to find Bucky casually leaning against the wall, arms crossed, smirking like a damn Cheshire cat.

“Oh, uh…” you stammered, scrambling for an excuse. “I was just…uh, taking a shortcut.”

Bucky raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. “Sure you were. You know, you’re not very good at this.”

“At what?” you asked, your heart thumping in your chest.

“Spying.” He grinned, clearly enjoying himself.

Your eyes widened in shock. “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Right.” His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Look, I’ve known you’ve been watching me for weeks.”

Your stomach dropped. “You…you knew?”

Bucky laughed, stepping closer until he was practically in your space.

“Oh, sweetheart, I knew the second you started. The government thinks they can put someone on me without me noticing? Please.” He leaned in, eyes sparkling with amusement. “You stick out like a sore thumb.”

Heat rushed to your face. “I—well, I wasn’t exactly trying to—uh…”

“Relax,” he interrupted, grinning like he was having the time of his life. “I’m not mad. It’s kind of cute, actually.”

“Cute?” You blinked, completely thrown off.

“Yeah, cute. You’ve been trailing me like a lost puppy this whole time. I figured, why not have some fun with it?”

Your face flushed with embarrassment. “So all those weird things you’ve been doing…?”

“Oh, yeah,” Bucky said, eyes gleaming. “The pineapple? Messing with you. My penis reduction surgery? Messing with you. The gym flexing? Well, that’s for your benefit.”

You narrowed your eyes, glaring up at him. “You are ridiculous.”

“And you are adorable,” he shot back without missing a beat, that smug grin still plastered on his face. “But honestly, if you wanted to keep watching me, you could’ve just asked.”

You threw your hands up in frustration. “I’m working, Bucky!”

“Uh-huh, sure you are,” he teased, crossing his arms and nodding slowly. “Just doing your job. Nothing to do with how you’ve been staring at me like I’m the best thing since sliced bread.”

You stared at him, exasperated. “I was not staring!”

Bucky raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? So you didn’t nearly fall off that stationary bike when I took my shirt off? I thought I’d have to catch you mid-flight.”

“I was stretching!” you shot back, trying desperately to cling to some semblance of professionalism.

He snorted, clearly not buying it.

“Uh-huh, ‘stretching.’ Sure.” He took a step closer, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Tell you what—how about next time, I give you a front-row seat?”

You blinked, caught off guard. “W-what?”

“Yeah,” he said, looking thoughtful for a second before flashing you a cheeky grin. “I’ll set up a chair for you. Maybe a little mood lighting—make it a real show. Wouldn’t want you to miss any of the good parts.”

“Who are you, magic mike?”

Bucky’s grin widened at your retort, clearly enjoying the banter. "Magic Mike? Nah. More like Winter Soldier: The Deluxe Edition. No cover charge, but tips are welcome."

"Oh my God. Please stop." You groaned, pinching the bridge of your nose.

"Oh, come on," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "You know you’d pay to see this show."

You shot him a look, trying desperately to hold on to your last shred of professionalism. "I’m not paying for anything, Barnes. You’re already driving me crazy for free."

Bucky shrugged, stepping even closer, his grin never fading. "I could throw in some choreography. Maybe a little side hustle? You know, just in case this whole ‘saving the world’ thing doesn’t work out."

You blinked at him, utterly deadpan. "What? You’re going to start dancing on rooftops now? Maybe slide down a fire pole?"

"Hey, if it gets your attention, why not?" he teased, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I bet you'd be first in line for tickets."

"Trust me, the last thing I need is to see you in stripper mode," you shot back, crossing your arms, though the corner of your mouth was twitching, fighting a smile.

"Are you sure?" Bucky’s grin was downright wicked now. "Because I was about five seconds away from launching into a full body roll at the gym yesterday."

You couldn't help it. You snorted. "Is that what you call your ‘workout routine’? I thought it was an interpretive dance routine. Very... expressive."

Bucky put a hand to his chest, pretending to be deeply moved. "Thank you. I put a lot of emotion into my workouts. Next time, I’ll make sure the music’s louder. Really set the mood. Maybe add a fog machine for drama."

You threw your hands up in defeat, laughing now. "I’m begging you, no fog machines! That’s it. I’m filing a report. Official complaint: Bucky Barnes is out of control. Send help immediately."

He chuckled, clearly satisfied with himself. "I’ll make sure to give them an even better show tomorrow. Maybe bring out the real moves. You won’t know what hit you, sweetheart."

You shook your head, still laughing. "Oh, believe me, I’m already regretting this entire assignment."

Bucky winked, giving you a mock salute as he started to walk away. "See you tomorrow, Agent. And don’t forget the popcorn. You won’t want to miss it. Maybe I’ll dance to Pony."

As he disappeared around the corner, you pulled out your phone to text your supervisor:

"Update: Subject is 100% insane. Considering requesting reassignment. Also, possibly suggest psychiatric help for him."

You sighed, a reluctant smile still tugging at your lips. Tomorrow was definitely going to be interesting.

Suddenly, your phone buzzed again. You groaned, assuming it was your boss with some last-minute instructions, but the message wasn’t from a saved contact. An unknown number. You furrowed your brows as you opened it.

"Oh, by the way, you look pretty today. I like you in blue."

Your heart stopped.

WTF.

Your eyes darted down at your clothes—blue office attire. Your pulse raced. How the hell—? You whipped your head around, scanning the area, expecting Bucky to pop out from behind a corner, but he was gone. Long gone.

Another buzz.

"See you tomorrow, Agent. ;)”

WTF.

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