#and only picking colors based on a color scheme

[dawntheduckrb]

I don't wanna fight exporting a half done picture so here's a picture of my tablet I took with my phone (very scuffed lol, I know)

Long post 🦆

Alright, I do not like moping for long time when physical ailment strikes, so today I:

went and got a brace to keep my thumb still when I'm not using it

looked up a couple extra stretches for my wrist

set a timer on everything I did to be no longer than an hour

finally applied that "drawing from the shoulder" thing my professors try to hammer in

And, as of right now, I feel much better than I did 24 hours ago :D it's definitely still hurting a little, but I don't think I'm gonna have to take more than the recommended amount of ibuprofen and drown my hand in ice just to go to sleep now haha. I'm still very mad this even happened >:( buut freaking out about it last night made me extra proactive about it today, so all is well (relatively)

I was able to work on that project today, I'm very excited to show it off so here's a progress picture :3. I'm only just now realizing I made the left eyebrow/hand shorter than the right lol. Ran out of time for the feathers on the coat, but I think it's in a good spot right now. I only had the face drawn when I picked it back up today, so I made a decent amount of progress. I can't make any clean lines right now (see above), so this is really still just a draft. Hopefully I'll get it done by Monday night!

Last thing; I learned that clip studio can actually record time lapses for you, and doing it this way didn't freak out my computer, so voila (flashing lights cw, I flashbang myself a lot by accidentally removing the background):

It took me so long to draw out the top lol (I made his face really fluffy, and idk yet if I'm gonna keep that change or not)

[coriander-candlesticks]

I've been wanting to make my own set of tarot cards for a while now but wasn't sure how. I found out that my local metaphysical shop sells blank decks (!!) so I'm finally starting to design them! It's going to take a while, of course, but I'm enjoying just kinda going on instincts instead of exhausting myself by overthinking a theme I may or may not want to stick with by the time I'm done sketching and start painting them.

[mactiir]

in HEMA (aka historical european fencing), much of the sport is done with fencing masks on, so identifying your clubmates during sparring or tourneys is just based on gear. you know, what color their jacket and pants are, what patches they have on it, how is their mask painted. If someone borrows someone else's jacket it's legitimately jarring, like having someone with an entirely different body type and way of moving stealing your friend's face.

Once i read about historical fishermen in the north sea and how they each had a specific hat pattern that their buddies would use to identity them while they were bundled up. It was so much part of their identity that they were often buried wearing those hats. The gear is like your name, a visual identifier of YOU when you do not have a face.

anyway, back when I was buying gear i got my pants in ELECTRIC blue. I figured i was gonna get a black or grey jacket. but HEMA gear is kind of expensive because it's all custom- or handmade, so instead of spending $400 on a new jacket I picked up one secondhand for like 20. Except the only jacket that fit me was bright, SCARLET red. And I already had my expensive, new, custom, BLUE pants. I look like a damn rocket pop or like, a mixed Icee. I was like, shit! I should switch my jacket before i become the rocket pop guy!!!

Long story short, not only am I now the rocket pop guy, the color scheme has bled into my entire wardrobe. Every-fucking-thing I own is red and blue. I look like a french revolutionary. I look like a founding father in a school play. I have become a northern fisherman in my stripey hat. Now, even if I DO get a new jacket, I feel like I GOTTA buy it in red, yk? Otherwise they won't recognize me. Maybe I won't recognize me. I'm the rocket pop guy!!!

[vyxated]

The Sims 2 Inspired UI for The Sims 4

After making my own UI override, I've been itching to look back in time and try to recreate The Sims 2 UI in TS4, and here it is!

I tried to capture the look & feel as best as possible, so I hope you can enjoy this mod and reminisce a bit c:

General Info

Changelogs Current version: updated for Businesses & Hobbies patch ✅ Latest mod update: 2 March 2025 PC/Mac: 1.113.277.xxxx Older game versions than the ones listed will not work with this mod.

UI overhaul in the style of The Sims 2's UI.

Over 500+ additional icons recolored for CAS & BuildBuy!

Sims 2 style cursor recolors.

Most text are kept in their original color, though they might get changed/updated down the line.

To install:

// Main mod

Before installing/updating, remove any old versions of Sims 2 UI whenever there's a new mod update and clear your caches.

Download & extract the zip file within your Mods folder.

Install the latest UI Cheats Extension mod and make sure it loads after the Sims 2 UI mod. Current version needed: v1.47

// Extras

Main Menu Override - now separated from the main mod.

Loading screen: download only one loading screen file. Available in: 4:3 - 16:9 - 16:10 aspect ratio.

Opening screen: file to replace the intro TS4 screen. Choose the file that pertains to your game language.

Phone icon addons: pick & choose depending on which mod you use.

TS2 Cursor: recolored TS4 cursor to match with TS2's cursor. Unfortunately, some cursors are missing their recolors (rotate cam & grab+arrows in CAS).

EA Notif: optional file if you prefer to keep the notification in its original color scheme.

Mod-related Info

// Recommended mods for more immersion:

CAS overrides: bodyshop room & icon + CAS organizers, TS2 room by simsi45

buildbuy gizmo override (outline mesh + ts2 swatch)

TS2 buildbuy boundary box texture override

TS2 font & want sound replacement by thepancake1

TS2 music for TS4 by buurz

Map replacement by 20thcenturyplumbob

Taxi mod & sound override (same object as the loading screen taxi)

// Compatible Mods ✅

UI Cheats Extension by weerbesu - original mod required

Fully compatible w/ UI Cheats Extension v1.47. To avoid any issues, keep the original mod in your mods folder (both .package and .ts4script) and have it load after the Sims 2 UI mod.

Other major mods are also compatible (BetterBuildBuy, TOOL, More Traits in CAS, etc.)

// Known Conflicts ❌

UI overhaul mods (Chalk'd UI, Dskecht's UI mods)

Main menu mods (Minimalist Main Menu, Skip Main Menu, TMEX's Clean UI, and other similar mods)

Custom wrench icons

Searchable menu mods by TMEX (Better Inventory, Searchable Pose Player, Searchable Restaurant Menu, and Smarter Save Menu)

Smarter Pie Menu by TMEX (choose between standalone or compatible version)

Phone icon override

Credits/Resources

S4Studio, UI Texture Squasher (CmarNYC), Image Viewer (luniversims), JPEXS Flash Decompiler

Loading screen tut, splash/opening screen, UI/world map override tut, UI setup, phone icon resources by xosdr

Base files from the UI Cheats Extension mod (weerbesu)

📂 DOWNLOAD .zip

SimFileshare / Patreon

[saturnicos]

Giving a bracelet to them

With: Adam, Alastor, Angel Dust, Charlie, Lucifer

ps:: reader's gender is not mentioned

. Charlie

She absolutely adores! Extra points if it have some decoration with rainbow.

She'll use all the time, only take off when goes to bed and when goes to take a bath — she is worried if she ends up breaking or losing the pieces, so try to be as careful as possible.

As she organizes and takes care of hotel paperwork she tends to feel stressed, and unconsciously looks at the bracelet, a smile forming and her spirits slightly picking up again. She's really happy with the gift.

"Wait, this's for me? Really? It's so pretty, thank you so very much!"

—

. Alastor

He... Definitely have it.

Like, don't get me wrong, he just not knows how really feel about it since he has never received a gift before from anyone, except from his mother.

Deep inside, he actually likes it! The color scheme matching with his clothes, and it isn't so much decorated and colorful; or how he would like to say, simple things are more pretty.

Alastor isn't using the bracelet frequently, most because he not like that type of accessories so much. He'll probably use when is far from you, like a way to remember of you and stuff (this man don't use phone not even if the world frozen), but in the most of the time the bracelet probably will be in the pocket of his coat.

"What do you have there, my dear? Oh, a bracelet, that's very interesting."

—

. Adam

He... Definitely have it/2.

But it's the opposite.

He's a bitch that will probably mock about it, but will quickly change when you feel upset and try to leave him alone, saying something like "Just joking, Sugartits/Hunk, I actually liked that, give me".

He'll use ALL the time, except when he's going to the extermination.

He will 100% brag about the bracelet to anyone when he gets the chance, saying how you spent your time making gifts for him (he's a complete idiot that loved this thing, but will never admit bc high ego lol).

Lute can't stand him talking about this damn accessory anymore, please, she begs you not to give him anything else.

TOTALLY extra points if it has a guitar pendant.

"Of course you make it for me, after all, you are madly in love with me"

—

. Angel Dust

Now, I think it's important to point out that Angel would act a lot more like Anthony with his S/O.

Using this as a base, he'll be SO happy receiving a gift from you. Obviously, he'll make some dirty joke about it, but deep down he wonders why he received it if it's not a specific date.

This poor boy is emotionally broken, little acts like this make him feel so moved and loved ☹️

Every time that him have a breakdown and isolates himself, Fat Nuggets comfort him, laying next to him and gently plays with the bracelet (or if he isn't using, Fat Nuggets will pick it up and take it to him, as if knowing it is an object of comfort).

"A gift? For me? You're so kind, baby~."

—

. Lucifer

Listen to me: this man would probably feel so much like crying — with joy — and nothing convinces me otherwise.

He'd passed the lasts seven years alone, without any love or compassion, having you in his life it's a great gift for him. Now, receive a gift from someone that he considers his greatest gift? God-

He would also be one of the will use all the time. Seriously, this guy probably don't take it off in any occasion, it's a regular reminder that there is someone else besides Charlie who loves him.

He's so grateful to have you.

Later, he'll make matching necklaces with duck pendants for you, he thinks that's a lovely way to say thanks :)

"What is this, sweetie? Oh... I'll use, that's so beautiful, thank you a lot."

Thank you for read !! I'm so sorry if this is ooc, but I hope it was pleasant anyway :)

[sonjalikestodraw]

Lovers, come get your groom!

Smitten is here to look dashing ✨ and sweep you off of your feet — and he's already dressed up!

Design notes:

Based on a peacock; symbol of love, vanity and cosmic majesty.

As a part of Slayer's psyche, represents Passion + Uncritical Infatuation

Inspiration: a swashbuckling adventurer (boots, trousers and duelist cape) and a prince (flowing poet's shirt, lavish decorations to match the Princess).

Every design element directs your eye to his chest/heart. ("I wouldn't mess with him. He has very strong feelings.")

The duelist cape is not only fancy and theatrical to fit his personality, but also wide open (vulnerable) and asymmetrical (skewed priorities).

Is part of "the knights" (him, Hero and Skeptic) but wears no protective gear whatsoever. Smitten is confident that he won't get hurt unless he thinks he deserves it.

The frills on the shirt matches Damsel's frilly dress.

Big love = big man = big arms for carrying his beloved to safety!

Heart-shaped hair buns for a relaxed, soft look. He's all friendly curves.

Peacock antennae = hair pins, with more hearts like visual noises. Surely, she can hear his spirit!

Peacock face markings = fluffy, shapely beard for a virile, masculine energy (and for the record, I ADORE butch Smitten headcanons)

Default/Damsel look is gold + crystal. Here, the cape decoration is directly modeled after Base Princess' crown, while the gold comes from the single color mentioned from Damsel's basement. He's a simple rescuer, a golden trophy. His boots are brown for the classic swashbuckler boot (+ matches Hero's brown feathers).

Burned Grey look is black (both a groom about to be wed and a widower) with the cape tattered (love lost/tarnished). The white pearls on the brooch are the same kind as Grey's crown.

Thorn look is dark red with black boots, a somber and bloody color scheme for our history with the Witch and Thorn's mood. And yet a passionate, romantic red. Wears a single poppy, picked from Thorn's cabin... it's as if he's dressed for a date, with a flower in his lapel.

[hauntedtrait]

BUILD YOUR OWN VAMPIRE (a cas challenge by hauntedtrait)

I looove cas challenges, and I've been particularly enamored with these where you roll or pick attributes based on something about yourself, I also love vampires so I combined the two! The only rule is to have fun! Also, you don't HAVE to pick attributes based on yourself, you're entirely welcome to randomly roll for those too! Use the tag #ht: vampcas to showcase your creations!

The same list that is on the image is under the cut for accessibility.

birth month = color scheme

1-2: bloody red

3-4: demure pastels

5-6: earth tones

7-8: dark and moody

9-10: black & white

11-12: bright and colorful

favorite mythical creature = hair color

dragon: ginger

sphynx: brown

phoenix: blonde

unicorn: white

chimera: multicolored

hydra: fantasy colors

hellhound: black

favorite animal = eye color

snake: blue

spider: black

bear: brown

wolf: purple/pink

tiger: yellow/orange

shark: white/gray

hawk: hazel

fox: red

alligator: green

favorite hobby/ies = extras

cooking: scars

fiber arts: piercings

gaming: prosthetics

painting/drawing: tattoos

sculpting: body horror

programming: glasses

outdoor activities: freckles/beauty marks

playing an instrument: weird eyes

randomly generate a theme

romantic

gothic

emo/scene

victorian

1920s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

y2k

modern day

historical

rockstar

dark academia

futuristic

urban

punk

hippie

minimalist

maximalist

out of this world

western

animalistic

[gracefireheart]

Once again, did some fanart of @lenny-link TF2 x SU AU, but tried making more fusions! :]

First one is Andalusite [Heavy + Medic] (who I've drawn before already), second one is Iolite [Cheavy + Medic], and the third one is Ametrine [Demoman + Soldier].

[Below the keep reading line, I'll show off the fourth fusion I drew as well, but ended up just-- disliking to hell and back o(-( Also, some notes and such about each fusion]

First off, here's the fourth fusion I did, which was Cat's Eye Tourmaline [Scout + Sniper]. (Side note: I picked out Tiger's Eye as Sniper's gem)

After looking at Steven's fusions with other gems (since Scout's a half-human half-gem in this AU fusing with Sniper who's a full gem), I did notice that basically all of them (besides Obsidian) had some kind of oddity to them. Like Smokey Quartz has three arms instead of four or just two, Rainbow 2.0 is the first gem with male pronouns and has a tad bit strange legs, and Sunstone isn't as humanoid as the other (non-corrupted) gems and fusions.

So I wanted to show that off here, but uh, I just ended up giving up on it in the end o(-( Mostly 'cause I had no clue how I wanted to color them based on the Cat's Eye Tourmaline gem, but also 'cause the overall design ended up leaned a bit more towards Sniper's design than I intended it to do.

Anyways, onto the notes for the other fusions.

Andalusite [Heavy + Medic]:

The duo that imo would probably fuse the most out of the TF2 crew, whether for battle or to just relax together (like reading a book or whatever). So with that, Heavy and Medic would have had plenty of time to refine how their fusion would look like, and making sure both of them like how they look together.

For their fusion weapon, I was thinking about them either having something like Garnet's upgraded gauntlets (the ones with spikes jutting out of it's knuckles), or letting the gauntlets have claws or something.

Iolite [Cheavy + Medic]:

I mostly did this one 'cause of one of the drawings in Lenny-Link's original piece, which made me thinking of Lapis and Jasper fusing into Malachite and all that, which lead me to this. I wanted the design to 1. Make it look chaotic due to the two people that are fused here, but also 2. Make it lean a tad more towards Cheavy's looks to make said guy think that he's the one mostly in control of the fusion, only to have Medic take over take over and do something to trap the fusion and/or get them the hell away from the TF2 crew. Something something angst idk lol

Decided to make Cheavy a [blue] Topaz. Since Heavy's a Topaz as well. I don't have any other reason than that :') Also, I placed his gem on the side of his right shoulder.

The eye goggles change color depending on who is in control. If the two weren't fighting for it, it would be one eye blue and one eye magenta. But since they are, whenever Cheavy's in control, the eyes are blue. And whenever Medic's in control, the eyes are magenta.

Ametrine [Demoman + Soldier]:

Originally, I was going to have them be a Morganite, but decided on Ametrine instead as it fit their color scheme more. Also originally, I was going to give them a knight helmet, but I wanted to draw their hair, so I instead gave them a bandana covering their possibly one eye. Possibly.

Assuming Soldier's helmet (with or without the horns) is Soldier's gem weapon like Jasper's helmet, I thought it would be neat if their fusion weapon [(horned) helmet + sword] would be something like a Morningstar, which they would be able to duel-wield without much trouble.

I've got other lil' ideas as well for this AU, like how Jeremy/Scout was the one that gave these gems their nicknames (Spy, Sniper, Engineer, etc.), how Medic grew a fascination for the organic lifeforms of Earth and how exactly they healed/was able to treat their wounds, and how- instead of Spy being all dead and gone Rose Quartz style when Jeremy was born- Spy is a lot weaker than he should be due Jeremy getting half of his gem. But uh-- I don't wanna go too overboard when this ain't even my AU :')

Either way, I'll probably go and relax a bit before drawing some regular TF2 stuff. But I might do some more fanart for this AU whenever I feel up for it. 'Cause genuinely, I love this AU sm <3

[project-lumen]

Have you ever wondered how the Life Series would look like as a videogame?

Then I bring to you…

Project LUMEN: APPLICATIONS OPEN!!

Ever wanted to relive the stories woven by the Watchers, exceeding the limits of what Minecraft is able to offer? How about venturing in a perilous journey full of twists and turns, and most importantly, loooooooooooore?

Well, why hello there! To kick off the start of 2025, Kori, Arto and Pinkie here, and we are proud to present “Project LUMEN”! Our newest scheme to conceptualize and develop a video game based off the traffic-colored hearts we are all so familiar with. An ambitious project, that’s for sure, and that is why we are opening applications to join our little team, right on time to welcome the new year! :]

(way more info under the cut, get ready)

Once a pile of jumbled, senseless ideas, Project LUMEN has evolved into a more fleshed-out collection of story beats and mechanics. An RPG-like game revolving around the tales within the Life Series, a collection of death games ran by the mysterious deities that call themselves Watchers. The player takes on the role of the Watcher Child (affectionately referred to as WC), following and guiding the Champions chosen by the Watchers themselves through challenges and enemies. Featuring unique leveling systems, DnD inspired classes, and, most importantly, the ability to impact the story with the choices you make… because, after experiencing all the Life Series seasons from both the Watcher and the Player side, maybe you’ll have a change of mind. After all is said and done and seen, the world is yours to shape, Watcher Child.

Right, so that’s a basic summary of the concept we have, now here’s a little preview of what we have written for the prologue :3

Chapter 0: ‘The Watcher’s Apprentice’

The player takes the form of a Watcher in training, an ageless child, the Watcher Child. The most powerful and ancient Watchers, unexplained cryptic creatures that live up to their name by watching all, talk about a new series of experiments they have been running, called “The Life Series”.

The only rundown that the WC was given was that a carefully selected group of talented players were asked to test their little Life game for them, where they each have only three lives. Whoever survives last, wins. There were no rules as to how they could play the games. The Watchers then add that they, along other WCs, will be observing from the viewpoint and thoughts of one of the players. This is so the WC can get an idea of the Watchers' work. Of course, our little WC was ecstatic and ever so curious about this new idea.

Fast-forward (and after a couple of tutorials showing off the bare basics of the battle mechanics in the actual game), now our WC was standing in a circle with other apprentices just like them. The Watchers then hold a deck of mystic cards in front of each of them, and everyone picks one. When the cards are revealed, our WC sees a glowing, red card with a person on it. The card simply said, "THE SUN".

Huh, I wonder who could that be…

Now, we get into the thick of it: who are we searching for to join our team? Well, there are some requirements that the potential members should fulfill, here’s a comprehensive list of key points:

We are mainly looking for artists to help us with designs, sprites, backgrounds and UI. Although, we also welcome any writers willing to help us with developing concepts and adding more ideas!

Every person who applies should be involved with the Life Series fandom, we want to build a team with people as passionate about this Minecraft series as we are!

When answering the Application Form, please type in your favorite type of flower (in case you do not have one, just write 'sunflower') in the "Anything else to add?" part, this is only to ensure you've read the announcement :]

Welp, glad you asked. The current plan is, while the applications go on for a week or two, constantly post pieces of concept art and just story bits on this blog, then all the people selected to join the team will be added to the blog as members. We plan to post updates, concept art, sprites and small lore drops periodically on that blog to hopefully garner an audience, and it will also be open for asks and suggestions so that, even if some users aren’t part of the team, they can still help bring this absolute beast of a game to life. Ideally we will work on a small demo experience first with placeholders and stuff to just get the mechanics right and get some testers, and after that, use all feedback, polish the art, deliver a beta version for playtesting, then fix the last details and then release the full version on itch.io, that’s our roadmap. :D (there's the possibility to also publish a browser version to Newgrounds with mobile compatibility tho, so mobile users do not fear!)

Well, Project LUMEN is a very, very hefty task, a big plan to undertake, and, in all honesty, too much work for only three people. Also, talking from experience, having other person involved in development has helped LUMEN to give gigantic steps, helping to ground ideas and give inspiration, now, imagine how far we could go if we had more people in this squad. We are not only looking for artists, we are looking for people whom we can brainstorm with and throw concepts around to polish them and grow the game even more. However, we also wish to keep the team directly working on the game fairly reduced, we are thinking 3–5 people more, but depending on the amount of responses we have, we might consider expanding that number.

The spirit of the game is to be made by the community for the community, we want to offer a quality game, and, by working together, we will be able to make Project LUMEN the best it can be. Though, you need to be aware that this project is solely fueled by the passion we have for the Life Series, and we will not profit off it at all. Please, take into account that this is likely going to be a months-long project, and only apply if you are willing to put in the effort in the long-run, that’s all we ask for.

On the bright side though, by joining in the developing of the game, you’ll be able to contribute to it as much as you’d like, change anything, add anything! You’ll have your rightful spot in the credits and probably a cameo in-game, the team may be small, but we know that, with the right people, we will be able to get it done (cleo is in the storyline too dw).

Application Form!

[shiny-jr]

So, I was doing some research on Diasomnia for no particular reason at all. Don't even worry about that. Anyways, I found this one little detail that I have no idea if anyone else picked up on, because I haven't seen it at all until making the realization myself.

You know how most believe that Lilia is based off the raven from Sleeping Beauty? It's pink and black color scheme matches Lilia's hair and all, so surely that was it, right? I believed so too. However, now I'm not completely sure.

There's this one scene in Sleeping Beauty, where Maleficient is meeting with her underlings and becomes enraged when she finds out that the entire time they've been searching for a baby. That scene.

Well, I think most sort of agree that Sebek is inspired by the crocodile-like creature that serves as one of Maleficient's many underlings. But if you look closer in some of the scenes, there's another underling next to him.

See them on the left? I thought the creature resembled some sort of bat, which is sort of like Lilia's signature motif which makes itself known in his appearance and some of his animations. Perhaps it's a stretch, but I thought the creature somewhat looks like the mask worn by Lilia in the Diasomnia chapter of the story (a chapter I have yet to read).

Additionally, take a look at the weapon being held by this odd bat-like creature. What does it resemble? A cleaver. Notice none of the other creatures in the frame have this sort of weapon. Only that one. And who also wields a cleaver?

That's right. Lilia Vanrouge.

I thought this was a crazy detail I've never heard mentioned before, so maybe I should talk about it once just to get the idea out there. Of course, I could be wrong and maybe Lilia is inspired by the raven, or maybe I'm right and it's this odd creature, or maybe it's both? Who knows?

[thaltro]

Hey, I analyze your bad guys design on TikTok awhile ago, so I really want to analyze the new design of Atrophy mostly on the color scheme you picked and little bit things I said before but add too it. The color looks so good! The white is really nice with the color green slime/goop that Atrophy is made out of, it makes him stand out. Which I believe that what he would want because he definitely has a complex on not being enough so a white suit will make him pop out from others. Also the base symbol of white is purity,innocence, and goodness everything Atrophy isn’t but something he was as a child(if we go by the canon were passive was the kindest person in the multiverse in his story). The mask thing is definitely stuck to his face no doubt about it.how you add the moon and sun theme is so genius, it a subtle detail were it reminds the audience that Atrophy will always be connected to dream and theirs au, even if he doesn’t want to be. Because the mask is stuck on there but I don’t think the tie is so even if Atrophy say he doesn’t want to be connected to dream deep down he does he always has/will/be connected to his brother whether he recognized it or not. The way you made the green more bright on him is great, the base green symbolism is New beginnings, peace, nature, harmony, jealousy, greed which only some those really apply here the New beginnings, jealousy, greed and nature (only a little bit on the nature because it connect him to his mother who became a tree). The new beginnings (him changing looks entirely, his name and like you can say his personality him now and when he was child)(also what goes to happen to him in this story) jealousy ( boy has been jealous since day one) and greed (and this might be a lot of a stretch but believed he deserves so much better so he make sure he has the most lavish things,items,clothes,food, he collections things he didn’t even like,hoarding it because he believe he deserves to have them, he was denied so much as a child so now he has the privilege to make sure no one get more than he had as a kid) even though he secretly hate himself so deeply. (I talk about this before but I promise I adding something new!) He named himself Atrophy because he sees himself as a waste/effectiveness but he rename himself even though nightmare have more villain definition being a frightening, unpleasant because he needs control over himself he needs to feel better about himself so he rename himself because it gives him control, he can’t be hurt when people call him Atrophy because he himself calls himself Atrophy. No one can hurt you as badly as you can yourself. That how I believe why Atrophy name himself Atrophy. Anyway I think this get long enough, I will be back! I can promise you that I’m so excited for your story and everything you have planned! Also I should add psychology has a lot matching colors as Atrophy so it says a lot about these two, maybe I’ll get psych (rubbing my hands evilly to gather) anyway bye bye have a good day or night wherever you’re at!sorry about how long this is and if my writing isn’t the best.

How the hell did you interpret all that accurately? /not mad

I haven’t even posted the webcomic and I have a lot of people send me really accurate interpretations of Atrophy, this one is really good.

Yk in nightwatch I wrote for atrophy not to be shown nuanced or sympathetic light until like mid act 2. Like he does HORRIBLE shit for the majority of the comic, I have to make a chart of content warnings just for his actions. If I ever garnered a small fandom around it I expected little to no analysis of him but I post one picture of him lol and I have like character design theory essays in my ask box.

You are very right on why he named himself, I love how you worded it too.

Atrophy is a hoarder for the exact reasons you mention, Atrophy tries to embody what he never had- power, wealth, and masculinity. Having trinkets and a large home are included in that. He hoards food too, he has an entire basement that he dedicates to non perishable food that he will never eat, as he can’t eat food. He doesn’t know why but it feels safe with it there.

You also noticed how psych and atrophy have color schemes similar, which is 100 percent intentional. All of the characters i directly parallel have similar color schemes. Atrophy and psych are Enemies but also the closest and most familiar to one another. To atrophy psych is just a mirror of himself, which creates a oddly hateful, dependent, and egotistical relationship with him.

The color symbolism especially the green symbolism is intentional. Atrophy is greedy, gluttonous, and jealous and I always associated that with green. He’s also supposed to resemble a wine bottle with his color palette- as a reference to his lavish lifestyle. The moon and sun motifs are in reference to his brother. It’s the only thing atrophy genuinely feels bad about.

I don’t know if I said this already but dream thinks his brother is dead, not in a metaphorical way in a genuine way where he hasn’t seen him in hundreds of years and was told he was murdered. Atrophy is aware his brother probably believes this, but thinks it’s best for them to never meet as he’s changed so much that him dying is not too far off from what he is now. But dream is always at the back of his mind, which is why he has a lot of motifs.

I love this analysis aughsh

Thank you

[quibbs126]

Well I also did this today. Sketches so I could try and figure out that skystar fankid since as mentioned earlier, I’ve been trying to think about him

I’ve been trying to draw other stuff today, but honestly after drawing Jazz, my creative juices have not been flowing as much. I tried to do more color palette drawings, but Megatron’s shoulders give me so much trouble I couldn’t figure them out, and I tried to draw Ironhide but he wasn’t turning out right proportion wise and I realized by them I was kind of just forcing it

But then I was bored and needed something to do creatively, so I tried to at least attempt some amount of designing this kid. Though first I needed to try and draw Starscream and Skyfire’s helms (since that’s on of the main things that don’t rely on alt mode) to see how I could combine them

I mean, I think I did all right. It is very much still a work in progress though

Probably shouldn’t have even posted it, just kept it to myself for future reference, but I have a problem of wanting to share literally everything I make with very few exceptions, so here we are

I have multiple alternate color schemes here as well because I just didn’t know what to pick

Honestly my biggest problem here for me is that Skyfire doesn’t have any design in Transformers One, at least not as far as I can tell. And he doesn’t really appear in much outside of that, so I’m really just stuck with his g1 design to base off of. So most of what I do have to work with comes from Starscream and the other Seekers

So like, I feel like this kid looks too much like Starscream, but I don’t know how to fix it

By the way, while I haven’t settled on a name for him yet, the one floating around for me right now is Overdrive? I don’t really know why, and it unfortunately is already a character’s name, but shush

It may change, but for now, in this post, his name is Overdrive

There’s also the problem of the color scheme for him here. Because like, Skyfire and Starscream technically have almost the same color schemes, just that Starscream also has black/grey and they’re dispersed differently. So I’m trying to find a balance here that works without looking too much like one or the other

I had a brief idea to base Overdrive’s color scheme on the original Jetfire toy, and honestly I do think it could work, with the mainly white with red and black accents, it's just that for whatever reason, I don't like how it looks when I make his middle part red. Maybe I've been watching too much g1, because there's a lot of red Autobots, and characters having white and red on their helms isn't that uncommon either. So I just keep it blue so he looks distinct in my head. I might switch it over to the Jetfire color scheme later though

Also you see that for one of the visors I toyed with him having green eyes (his eye and visor color match btw, the eye's only there so you can see it), because some people decide that pre-betrayal Starscream had non red optics. But I didn't just want to stick with plain blue, and I knew that we see a number of miners with green eyes, so why not green? I changed it because I thought maybe he didn't look Starscream enough, but eh

Oh yeah, I do have a few other notes on his design here, since I'm realizing I've mostly just been complaining

Why did I give him a visor? Eh, why not, Skyfire and Starscream don't have them. But I based it on how it looks on Thundercracker and Skywarp

As for his side vents, I wasn't really sure how to do them, but I didn't want them to be the same as Starscream. I tried to base them off of Slipstream's, but the way the vents folded looked weird to me, and I ended up cutting them off and making his face into what you see in the bottom left there. It didn't turn out exactly the way I wanted in the colored version though, and I think I ended up circling back to Starscream's vent shape. But oh well, things to change later

Oh yeah, pictures of Thundercracker, Skywarp and Slipstream to know what I’m talking about. Or more accurately, this is what I used

Also those things on his sides? They were supposed to be like Skyfire's side cheek things he has in g1, but I also made them puff out for some reason. I don't know why. I'll probably tweak it, but I want to keep some aspect of it I think

*sigh* to be honest, I really don't know what I think of this design. It really isn't finished at all. I'm really not even sure why I'm showing it, other than to say I'm working on it and I didn't just abandon it? But I mean, we'll see how long that lasts

Do I have anything I added on to Overdrive's character at least? Well no, not really. By this afternoon I think I had mostly creatively drained myself, I mostly just wrote what I had originally again

Namely that he came to be after Sentinel's betrayal, and as such Starscream doesn't know he exists and Skyfire thinks Starscream's dead. Overdrive still has his cog, it never got stolen, either because Sentinel hadn't thought of it yet or he didn't have a believable means to have it taken without it being suspicious. All I really know is he's a jet, but isn't outfitted for military work of any kind, his profession probably being closer to Skyfire's

As for Skyfire, I'm stealing his role here from another fanfic I read, where he's a scientist who was trying to figure out the cause of the Energon shortage and the lack of the miners' cogs (unaware that latter part is a lie, but he was growing suspicious with the discouragement of that line of research), though he also races occasionally. So maybe Overdrive's a scientist too? I don't know, I don't think he needs to be, but I don't know what to make him

Also a note that isn't new to me but I don't think I ever mentioned, due to Skyfire's research, he's met the miners plenty of times and was generally considered one of the nicer cogged bots to them. Overdrive has by proxy met them on occasion as well, including D-16. So as it happens, Megatron does in fact know about Overdrive and the fact that he's Starscream's kid (Skyfire probably mentioned his former conjunx at some point), but he doesn't know that Starscream doesn't. So he hasn't told anyone because he assumes everyone already knows

But yeah, I have Overdrive's backstory, but I really don't have anything about his actual job or personality. To be honest, I think some of it's me being paranoid I recreate Locket in some way, since I like seeing stuff on the Locket AU. I suppose I try making him closer to Skyfire's personality? But for whatever reason, my brain can't rectify that in my head. I don't know

Still don't have an answer on his alt mode either. And it gets even trickier now because they don't have Earth alt modes, they're Cybertronian (even if they don't all look the most different from Earth vehicles here). I did learn about the existence of triple engine jets today, and I kind of want to do that, but I don't know if I will. I also don't know how to draw planes yet, or how they entirely translate to robot mode

But yeah, I think I'm done here, just updating you on what I've been up to this latter half of the day

[smallestapplin]

could you please do knockout from transformers x transmasc reader?

You didn’t specify a scenario, so I went with just some downtime fluff ^^

-

-

Knockout quite enjoys having you around the medbay, it gets boring as his usual companions work leaving him to his own devices, but with you a boring day can be a delight. Today, however, was slow, nothing new or exciting until later tonight, and that’s mostly because his street racing doesn’t start until then, so for now you two are in his habsuite.

You smile from where you’re sat, watching your lover scrutinize your wardrobe.

“Knockout, it’s alright, I don’t need anything fancy.”

You try not to laugh as his red optics narrow at you.

“No darling of mine is going to walk around not looking his best. I wonder if I can break into one of those large buildings, and get a nice suit I seen on your devices for you.”

You truly expected to just cuddle or watch one of those silly dramas he’s gotten into you, you didn’t expect for him to ask you for all your clothes to help you dress better. Though you can’t help but think he wants to have a sweet date night, and just won’t tell you as a surprise.

“If you want I could go shopping, maybe even get a few nicer outfits to match you.” Your voice edging on playful, but you smile as he whips around to you, confusion on his face.

“Match me?”

“Yeah, I could get something to match your color scheme! Maybe a red dress shirt, black vest and pants, get some silver accessories.” You rattle on, kinda excited as it could be your first well made suit or outift.

You know how Knockout loves dressing you up, making you look handsome and a cut above the rest. He’s not entirely fond of humanity, but it feels so nice that you’re his exception.

His optics light up, intake opening slightly before he smiles.

“Oh I like the way you think! Of course, my colors would look great on you.”

He walks over to his berth where you stayed sat, and picks you up in his servos.

“It would be such a loud claim I’d have over you.” He kisses the top of your head, clearly excited for this.

He isn’t sure if you could spark bond with him like another cybertronian could, nor does he know any potential side effects, given the fact you are human, but this? This was something safe he could do with you, and not only dress you up but to dress you in his colors, informing anyone who looked at you that you were Knockout’s boyfriend.

It gets him so giddy inside.

You yelp as Knockout begins to move a little too quickly, making his way out of the base.

“W-wait, now?”

“Of course! Why wait when we can make perfection now? I’ll have to take you with me tonight and show off my handsome man. All mine.”

You can feel your face burning, even if he can’t see it as he transformers and lands you right into the driver’s seat.

“Hold on, cause I don’t plan to waste any time.”

At least he’s just as excited as you are, so happy he liked your suggestion. How could he refuse you, when you already wormed your way into his spark?

[weirdmarioenemies]

Name: Red Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus)

Debut: Real Life

I love bugs, doop de doop doo. And this one right here is my very favorite! It's the Red Milkweed Beetle, my dear best friend who visits me every summer! Milkweed is one of my favorite plants, because it is home to Red Milkweed Beetle!

Red Milkweed Beetle is a species of longhorn beetle, none of which have horns, but all of which have long antennae. They should call that one cattle breed the Texas Longantenna! With a name like Red Milkweed Beetle, what you see is what you get. It's Red. It lives on Milkweed. By God! It's Beetle.

One of my favorite aspects of the Red Milkweed Beetle is how accessible it is! It is an excellent ambassador for insect-kind, and a perfect educational opportunity to convert the heretics (people who don't like bugs). It looks vaguely similar to a ladybug, so people are more receptive to it from the start. It's kind of big, so it's extremely easy to find and observe. It's harmless (unless you eat it but please don't eat it), so there's no risk in handling it. It's even so easy to pick up! You just reach over and get it, and that's it. You can hold it and look at it up close until it decides to fly away! An obnoxiously charming creature.

Another of my favo- huh? You still want to eat it? Come on. Don't eat it. Why not? FINE I'll at least give you a reason. Red Milkweed Beetle is toxic! If you want to eat it, I regret to inform you that you have failed one of the core lessons of Would You Eat. "Creatures Bright In Hue, Would Feel Nasty In You"!

Milkweed munchers like our beloved beetle, monarch butterfly caterpillars, and even milkweed slurpers like milkweed bugs are able to consume the plant's toxins, making their own tissues poisonous! They all share a red/orange and black color scheme as adults, to serve as a warning to potential predators. Isn't it nice that they all have similar colors? Only one creature needed to come up with the style, the rest only had to find a fitting outfit!

Now how in the world does something eat a poisonous plant? I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to eat it. You are not a specialized bug. Milkweed's trademark goop is not only toxic, but sticky, gumming up the mouthparts of any poor fool who tries to eat it willy-nilly. Getting your mouth clogged up for too long, is obviously, a death sentence!

Red Milkweed Beetle has a clever little trick. You don't have to worry about toxic goop if you simply remove the toxic goop! So, it chews a hole at the base of the leaf. The goop begins to drain out, and the beetle can start eating from the top, not having to worry about that stuff! What a smart beetle!

Sadly, when I tell people about Red Milkweed Beetle and it's feeding habits, I often get the same question: "So are they harmful?" It's not an intentionally mean-spirited question on the asker's part, but it's so frustrating that this is how so, so many people have been conditioned to think of insects. I suppose you could say Red Milkweed Beetle is, indeed, harmful to the milkweed plant. And if you say that, you would also have to say that monarch butterflies are harmful. They eat the plant, too! They don't get any special treatment just because they're popular.

Animals will eat plants. Plants will be eaten. It's how nature works! Milkweed plants and milkweed beetles evolved alongside each other, keeping each other in perfect balance. Red Milkweed Beetle "harms" the plant in a sustainable way that allows both to survive. As much as I hate that "are they harmful" question, I suppose it IS a good teaching opportunity, the perfect chance to immediately change a perspective for the kinder...

Now time for silly! If you know Red Milkweed Beetle, you've been waiting for this part of the post. This creature has FOUR EYES!... kind of! It kind of depends on what you call an eye. The base of the beetles' antennae are right there in the middle of its compound eyes, splitting each into two neat sections! So, two compound eyes, each split into two. That's not even counting the ocelli on top! Seven eyes! Even more than Opabinia!

Some insects have bisected eyes in a practical way. Whirligig beetles, for example, live on the surface of the water, and have a pair of eyes on top and a pair of eyes on the bottom, granting the ability to see above and below the water at the same time! Red Milkweed Beetle's four eyes allow it to... I don't actually know. I'm not sure anyone knows! They're the same kind of eyes, and they all operate in the same environment. They don't seem to help in detecting danger (they're pathetically easy to catch), and their warning coloration means they wouldn't really NEED to watch for predators. They can spend the day just mating in plain sight, and not have to worry about a thing! Not even judgement from their peers, because their peers are also mating in plain sight!

I need to end this post somewhere, and I think I have shared plenty of information already, so now is a fine time. What do YOU think of Red Millweed Beetle? Have you ever seen it? Would you like to? I'm rooting for you! Please share with me facts about them I haven't mentioned! And if you have any images of their larval and/or pupal stages, please show me! I have never seen them!

[in1-nutshell]

Hey, sooo could you do buddy as drifts sibling/sparkling (which ever you want) and knew him when he was deadlock with him leaving them on accident with them running into each other again with buddy still being a con would drift try to have them join the lost light?

We are going with the twin route because not even I'm ready for an abandoned sparkling one. Also added some extra things, hope that was okay!

Personally, I don't think he would ever willingly abandon his sparkling or twin under any circumstance

Hope you enjoy!

Drift's twin the Con who was left behind on accident

SFW, Platonic, Familial, Slight Angst, Romance, Cybertronain reader

MTMTE

Buddy had been by Drift/Deadlock side since the beginning.

From the overdose.

Meeting Ratchet and Orion Pax.

Meeting Megatron and joining the ranks.

Being one of the best snipers compared to their twin.

“I bet you 50 shanix you can’t hit the bot over there.”--Deadlock

“The one behind the rocks with that horrendous color scheme? Please, I’d do it for free, but since your offering…”--Buddy

Buddy closes their optics and fires the round hitting the bot on the shoulder.

“Non-lethal. Doesn’t count.”--Deadlock

Buddy holds a digit in the air.

The bot suddenly explodes.

Deadlock smirks.

“Compression rounds?”--Deadlock

“You know me Deadlock, I have to make my presence known one way or another. What better way with an explosion.”--Buddy

Deadlock reading his rounds.

“Always one for the grand entrances.”--Deadlock

Buddy smirks back.

“Always.”--Buddy

Drift/Deadlock was their entire world and vice versa.

Buddy was his light in this dark world.

The only rocks in the world they had were each other.

Through the fun times and worst times, they stayed loyal to each other’s side.

But then the accident came.

It was the two of them and a small group of Cons on a stake out.

No one knew about the bombing raids.

Drift remembered the screaming and grabbing Buddy’s servo trying to get to safety.

He remembered the feeling of violently getting flunked into the air and blacking out.

He remembered waking up to nothing but scraps of metal and holes in the ground.

He remembered screaming and yelling for Buddy, realizing they weren’t holding his servo or anywhere in sight.

He remembered clawing the dirt around him trying to find them, hoping that they had been partially buried and safe.

He found nothing and went back to the base empty handed and empty hearted.

Buddy’s death was one of the turning points for Drift when he thought about his purpose with the cons and eventually joining the Autobots.

He would later tell the life of his beloved twin to his closest allies on the Lost Light.

Not a day goes by when he doesn’t say a little prayer to Buddy. It was a way of coping with the loss for so long.

Obviously, Buddy isn’t dead.

As it turned out the explosion took them much farther than everyone else.

Their signal had gotten jammed with the surrounding fauna and injuries didn’t help.

They remembered blackout out for a while before a group of Decepticon’s stumbled across their stasis frame. After an accidental reactivation Buddy was brought back to their ship for repairs.

A group they called the Scavengers.

Krok, the unofficial leader welcomed them to their group.

Buddy ended up joining the group as they added more members slowly as they tried to get back in contact with everyone.

The Scavenger couldn’t count the number of times they found Buddy try and contact Deadlock.

They tried to get in touch with Deadlock, but soon it became clear to Buddy that there was no possible way to communicate with him or anyone without the specific equipment for it.

It was now hope that fueled Buddy to one day see their twin again.

It was never a dull moment with the Scavengers and Buddy liked it.

The addition of Fulcrum and Grimlock just added to the fire.

The war may have been a loss… but it wasn’t a loss for everyone.

Krok looking at Buddy who had fallen asleep at the main console again.

He sighed before going over and gently picking them up.

Buddy stirred a bit in their sleep but didn’t wake up.

“They fell asleep at the console again?”--Spinister

Krok just nods as he moves to get Buddy to their habsuite.

“How many times has it been this week?”--Misfire

“Its none of our concern Misfire… They’re just tired.”

“Maybe they should start actually recharging at a decent hour.”--Fulcrum

“Maybe…”--Krok

“They need to let loose a bit you know. Maybe, I don’t know, take them out?”--Misfire

Krok stops in front of the door.

He feels his face plate warmer than usual.

“They won’t be interested.”--Krok

“You could always shoot them.”--Spinister

“No!—I mean—Spinister we don’t shoot team mates.”--Krok

“Krok I think we all know you and Buddy are a little pass the ‘Team mates’ phase.”--Fulcrum

“What makes you say that?”--Krok

Crankcase points at him.

“You carried them to bed and actively tucking them in.”--Crankcase

Krok paused for a moment before walking to the doorway.

“Listen, they are just another valuable member of the team. Anyways—”--Krok

“Krok.”--Crankcase

“Who in their right mind would want to go out on a date me?”--Krok

“Krok.”--Spinister

“They’re smarter, they’ll find some one else to settle down with.”--Krok

“Krok.”--Fulcrum

“Even if they do want to settle—"--Krok

“Krok.”--Misfire

“What?!”--Krok

The four Scavengers point behind him.

He turns and is face to face with Buddy.

“GAH!”--Krok

Krok trips backwards but Buddy grabs him and pulls him flush to their chassis.

Krok feels warmer than usual.

“Buddy… I thought you were asleep?”--Krok

“When your one of the best sniper of the Decepticon army and Deadlock’s your twin, you learn how to sleep lightly and play robot-opposum.”--Buddy

Krok chuckles nervously.

Buddy smirks at him.

“You know… there’s a planet that’s Cybertronain friendly coming up. We could go do some site seeing, what do you say?”--Buddy

Krok tries to speak but he just dumbly nods.

All the Scavengers behind him face palm at the interaction.

Buddy’s smirk turns to a genuine smile.

“All right then, see you in a couple hours then Krok.”--Buddy

They wink and close the door.

Krok just stares at the door.

“What did we just witness?”--Misfire

“That Buddy clearly has more game than Krok?”--Spinister

It was no surprise that Krok had feelings for Buddy.

But when Buddy reciprocated them, that took them all by surprise.

They worked perfectly with each other like a well-oiled machine.

They worked together determined to stick with each other through thick and thin.

“Krok, you’re doing it again.”--Buddy

“Doing what?”--Krok

“The clicking…”--Buddy

Krok looks down at the clicker and slowly sets it down.

Buddy comes to his side and slips their servo into his giving a loving squeeze.

Krok just rest his helm on their shoulder sighing.

“Do you want to talk about it now?”--Buddy

Krok shakes his helm.

Buddy moves their servo and pulls him into a side hug.

“Is this okay?”--Buddy

Krok vents and nods.

They stay on the couch for a bit.

“Buddy?”--Krok

“Hmm?”--Buddy

“Thanks… Thanks…”--Krok

Buddy reaches and hugs him properly.

He responds immediately.

“No, thank you Krok…”--Buddy

The pair end up cuddling in Krok’s room for the rest of the night.

The pair had often danced around being Conjunxes, but both were too shy to bring that up.

The rest of the crew has their own romantic drama to watch now, and they don’t even need a TV for it.

One night the WAP’s engine broke down.

They sent out an emergency pin for repairs.

They received one back.

From the Lost Light.

The ships captain had offered a temporary stay on the ship while their ship was being repaired on the condition that they would be on their best behavior.

The team agreed.

Now The Scavengers were walking to the entrance port as the giant ship had latched onto it.

“Hey Misfire, who did you say the captain was again?”--Fulcrum

“Rodium? Rod? Hang on its on the tip—”--Misfire

The doors open.

“Guess we’ll find out.”--Krok

Buddy takes the lead.

Krok gives them a questioning look.

They walk in and nearly have a spark attack when they see the Co- captains, Ultra Magnus and a familiar felicon.

“Buddy? Your online?”—Megatron and Ravage

Buddy walks forward to the big grey mech.

They stick their servo out.

“Megatron. Its… been a while.”--Buddy

Megatron wordlessly takes the servo.

“It has…”--Megatron

“That’s Buddy? I thought they offlined a while back.”--Rodimus

“Well, they’re not.”--Grimlock

“Grimlock!?”—Rodimus and Ultra Magnus

“This day is just full of surprises isn’t it.”—Ravage

Upon remembering Buddy’s infamously and realizing that the ship was practically crawling with Autobot bot, the Scavengers formed a protective circle around Buddy as they continued to walk with the three other bots.

Ravage took this chance to leave the group.

He knew there was someone that needed to see this.

The group made it to Swerve’s and Buddy instinctively went on guard.

They were honestly glad they brought Grimlock as he gently pushed them forward when they wanted to stop.

Buddy felt uncomfortable knowing full well that many bots had recognized them, ye they weren’t doing anything.

As the group sat down in one of the larger booths, Buddy reached under the table and grasped Krok’s servo.

He sent out loving squeezes trying to soothe them a bit.

“How are you feeling about all… of this?”--Krok

“…Could be better honestly…”--Buddy

“At least Misfire and Grimlock seem to be having fun.”--Krok

Buddy looked over to see Misfire and Grimlock happily chatting with the red minibot bartender.

“Good for them—”--Spinister

BANG!

Buddy immediately moves in front of Krok upon hearing the noise.

There at the entrance of the bar was a white and red mech.

Behind him another white and orange mech panting behind.

“Drift… I swear if you ever do that again…”--Ratchet

Drifts optics frantically searched the bar until they found Buddy.

Buddy felt their spark stop for a second.

Their frame slightly trembled.

“Buddy?”--Drift

Buddy quickly moved across the bar and tackled the mech down in a hug.

Ratchet quickly moved out of the way of the tender reunion.

Drift latched onto Buddy.

They were both slightly teary optic.

“Drift… Oh Drift…”--Buddy

“Oh, Thank Primus… You’re here! You’re here!”—Drift

There was a lot of catching up between the twins as they left to a more private place on the ship.

Drift really owed ravage this one.

Throughout the next few days Drift and Buddy hardly left each other’s side. It soon was made official that The Scavenger’s would be a part of the Lost Light, the twins were overjoyed.

“Drift! I haven’t properly introduced my team.”--Buddy

Drift smiled at them.

It was almost hard to believe that this mech was once one of the most feared mechs in the Decepticon armada.

“You’re the ones who saved Buddy?”--Drift

“Yes.”--Krok

Drift shook their servos.

“Thank you doesn’t even cover it.”--Drift

Buddy slides next to Krok and holds his servo.

Drift looks at this interaction and gives Buddy a smirk.

Buddy looks at Ratchet behind him yelling at a poor bot that decided to play with his equipment.

They mirror his smirk.

“Who would have thought you fell for the one mech that saved your sorry behind all those years ago.”--Buddy

“You aren’t one to talk. At least he’s my Conjunx, is he yours yet?”--Drift

“Not yet—KROK!”--Buddy

Krok fainted in Buddy’s arms.

“DANG IT NOT AGAIN! SOMEONE CALL A MEDIC! OR GET SPINISTER HERE!”--Buddy

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN AGAIN!?”--Drift

[kyoshithewriter]

Level the Playing Field.

Leverage.

Warnings: mature themes (18+)

A/n: publishing this from wattpad since I’m moving away from that app. Who doesn’t love a good cliche? Loool. Enjoy

Fuck.

She can’t believe it. She had done so well. So so well at blending into the background. She even coordinates the color scheme of her clothes to match the dreary, murky, grays and browns of the university walls- just to make sure she isn’t noticed. She often wonders if boring equals prestige; Erlhedge University boasts about being one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities in the world, and that’s true, but why does that mean that they can’t add a splash of blue or green to the walls? The two pairs of eyes pinning her in the doorway of the lab tells her that this isn’t time to be thinking about the color of the walls in the hallway; but she can’t help it. Her brain chooses to distract her with trivial thoughts when she’s in distress.

“Plea-”

“I didn’t see an- going! Leaving!” Sadé shouts in panic before stumbling over her feet to get away. ‘Shit shit shit shit’ plays on repeat in her head as she speed-walks across campus for the safety of her dorm room. Why me? Why did I have to be the one to see that?

“Hey!”

The sound of his voice kicks her into another gear, she starts jogging. She’s never spoken to him before and she doesn’t want to today. Being seen with him only comes with trouble. More than he’s worth too.

“Stop!” Sadé’s heartbeat picks up and so does her feet. She starts running. Pathetic. But the campus still has students loitering about even as the sun dips over the horizon. It only takes one pair of wandering eyes to see them in conversation for gossip to spread like wildfire. She just needs to make it up to her room. She’s so so close. Sadé looks back briefly, just to ensure there’s still a safe distance between them. He’s a couple yards away, still at a safe distance, but his long legs eat away at the lawn. If he decides to run he’ll catch her, Sadé knows she can’t outrun a 6”1 athlete but she sure as hell would try. He keeps walking though, probably knowing how weird it would look to be seen full on chasing a woman obviously trying to get away from him. Sadé takes the stairs two steps at a time and almost falls face- first on the floor of her room flinging her body through the door.

“Sadé? What the hell?” Mikayla squeaks in surprise. Her roommate clutches at her chest looking at her as if she just appeared through a portal.

“Shhhhhhh!” Sadé pleads with her eyes. She’s sure he didn’t see what room she entered, she’s hoping he doesn’t start knocking door to door describing her to people. He doesn’t even know her name but the black population at Erlhedge is quite small so she wouldn’t be that hard to find. Sadé leans against the door. Waiting. Heart pounding. Silence. Mikayla waits for another two uneventful minutes to pass before speaking.

“You want to tell me what the fuck that was?”

Sadé stays quiet for another beat, just to make sure.

“I saw something that may have changed the trajectory of my life.” Sadé utters in a grim tone.

Mikayla rolls her eyes at her and turns to enter the kitchen.

“I’m very serious, Mikky!” She follows closely behind watching as her friend reaches for two mugs in the overhead cabinet.

“Do you want some tea, Sadé?” Mikayla asks, dismissing her obvious turmoil. She can’t blame her friend, she knows she can be dramatic. Sadé cries while watching talent shows when the auditions get golden buzzers.

“It was Jude.” That’s all it takes for Mikayla to pause.

“What about Jude? What did you do?” Mikayla asks in an accusatory tone, squinting her eyes at her.

“I didn’t do anything! I was headed to the lab to ask Mr. Smith a question about the assignment and I saw Jude and Ms. Summers- the TA.”

“Saw him and the TA doi… oh.” Mikayla comes to the realization based on the solemn look on Sadé’s face.

“No way? No way!” Mikayla almost drops the mugs in her haste to put them down on the mini island.

“Yes! Pants around the waist, her on the table.” Sadé shivers at the memory, but for a reason she’s embarrassed to admit.

“Isn’t that… that’s some power imbalance right?” Sadé nods at her friend, trying not to think too much about what she witnessed.

“Do you think they’re actually dating?” The pair look up at each other and both scoff at Mikayla’s question.

“Yea, Jude… dating.” They both snicker at the ridiculous thought. They have all only been at University for barely longer than a year now, but Jude is already infamous. His reputation with women is well known across campus, hell, even other universities. Jude was well known before he even got into Erlhedge; the football prodigy got into the university because of a scholarship due to his talents, after all. That, combined with his apparent impeccable charm and his obvious good looks, makes his conquests easy.

“So… how big is he?” Mikayla asks innocently.

“Mikky!” Sadé pretends to be utterly scandalized, but she really wants to tell her friend that he really is.

***********

The bags under her eyes are very noticeable under the bright lights of the girls’ bathroom. Her dark brown- almond shaped eyes take in her 5”6 slender frame covered in a gray hoodie and black tights. Her jet black faux locs are piled high on her head in a bun. Her smooth brown skin looks a bit dull and she knows she needs more sleep and perhaps more time outdoors. She neglects herself when stressed and a biology degree is a lot of stress. She didn’t even need to use the bathroom, she just needed a break from the lecture. Sadé’s brain is so exhausted that she briefly forgets the incident yesterday, so much so that she drops her guard all morning. She steps out of the bathroom, attention on her phone looking at her timetable when she’s suddenly yanked by the crook of her elbow. Her feet are quicker than her brain because they somehow manage to stay up right and follow the looming figure leading her briskly out the hallway and outside before the realization hits. Jude. Jude is dragging her somewhere. The panic sets in. Sadé plants her feet into the floor, the bottom of her crocs skating across the gravel.

“What are you doing?!” Her eyes shift nervously around the lawn, assessing the benches and under the large chestnut trees to see if anyone is bearing witness. And for the first time since she moved to the country, Sadé is grateful for the inclement English weather- the light drizzle ensuring students are scarce outside except a few that are too busy trying to escape the rain to notice either of them. The little resistance she tries to put up doesn’t deter him one bit, he drags her body along as if she’s a bag of feathers. He only stops when they get to the stands near the football pitch behind the school building. There’s no one else there.

“Who did you tell?” He asks with a scowl on his face. His gorgeous face. She can’t help it, he is the type of fine that makes your head spin. He’s tall and lithe, his light skin a toasted brown, with dark brown eyes and pink plump lips. His jet black hair is curly and always kept in a neat, high taper fade. It’s no surprise he’s as well known as he is.

“Who have I told what?” She tries innocently. Maybe if she pretends she didn’t see anything he’ll buy it and leave her alone.

“Please don’t waste my time.” He states coldly. Sadé narrows her eyes at him. She refuses to be intimidated no matter how badly she wants to shiver under his gaze.

“Nobody!” Sadé watches as he scratches at the neatly trimmed hairs on his chin looking to the side in frustration.

“It’s not my business where you put your dick, but the TA? Seriously? That’s some serious power imbalance. Is it for a better grade?” She can’t help but ask, he’s being an asshole right now but she’d hate if he’s being taken advantage of. He doesn’t respond.

“How old is she anyway? Don’t tell me she’s some kind of coug-”

“She’s four years older, not involved in any of the courses I take and I seduced her. Hardly being preyed upon in that situation don’t you think?” The annoyance in his tone is evident.

“Oh, so you are just like everyone says then.” Sadé doesn’t even realize she says it out loud until he pauses to look at her. And it’s as if he’s really noticing her for the first time.

“And what does everyone say? Who are you anyway? A freshman?” Ouch. She isn’t exactly sure why him not noticing her once over the past year and some months hurts, but it does. She tries telling herself that it’s good, that’s what she wanted. To not bring attention to herself in this hellhole of gossip and drama.

“No, I’m a sophomore, like you. We take Academic writing class together.” It’s barely above a whisper, because, for some strange reason, she’s embarrassed.

“Oh.” He clears his throat awkwardly, “well, if word of this gets around, I don’t have to explain what can happen, you’re a smart girl I’m sure. My entire future rides on the scholarship-”

“Blah blah, I won’t say anything. If you haven’t noticed by now, I don’t like being the center of attention, Jude. Is there anything else or do I really have to stand here and listen to the threats to make you feel better?” She mentally applauds herself for keeping her voice steady. Every second she spends in his proximity is a reminder. A reminder of the fluidity of his hips, a reminder of the look of concentration on his face as he-

“I’m serious. You ruin this for me and I lose everything, don’t fuck this up for me.” And then he’s gone.

************

Sadé couldn’t have asked for a better roommate than Mikayla. Her gorgeous friend is of Vietnamese and Nigerian descent and on the curvier side. She stands at 5”3, with long, curly black hair and two adorable dimples in both cheeks. Mikayla is quite introverted much like her and the most selfless person she’s ever met. It’s why Sadé would do almost anything for her.

“I really want to go to that game, Sadé.” Mikayla whispers with a hint of melancholy in her voice.

“What game?” Sadé asks distractedly, eyes glued to her laptop screen trying to make sense of the notes from today’s class.

“The football game! Erlhedge and MayBerry uni! It’s gonna be a big game and even scouts from different clubs will be there.” her friend whines.

“Oh, and do you want to go because you’re an avid football fan or because you want to ogle Ryan?” Sadé wiggles her eyebrows at her friend’s blushing face. Her complexion is just light enough for the rosiness of her cheeks is visible.

“Shut up!” She pauses for a few seconds. “I know the game is already sold out but I heard through the grapevine that there will be an after party.” Mikayla feigns nonchalance but her friend notices the anxious bounce of her right leg.

“Hmm ‘grapevine’ huh? Does this grapevine happen to be a 5 '4, Lebanese by the name of Celine?” Celine is a chemistry major and she completes their little ‘clique.’ Celine, just like Mikayla, is crushing on a guy on the team- Sean. She’s been hunting tickets for every game, seeking him out on campus every day for the past year just to catch a glimpse of him from a distance and sigh longingly. Sadé loves to pretend her friends are crazy for even liking football players, but she’s a hypocrite through and through. She’ll never let them know that though.

“Maybe but that’s not the point! The point is, I really want to go.” She sighs at her friend’s pouting face.

“Why? It’s not like either of you will actually talk to them anyway! We’ll all just stand in a corner where I’ll be subjected to your silent squeals and yearning.” She mutters bitterly.

Mikayla rolls her eyes, “you don’t understand because you don’t have a crush, Sadé.” If only she knew…

Mikayla pauses to stare at nothing before continuing. “My skin tingles every time I even think about him, and that feeling in my tummy, it’s not butterflies, can’t be. Butterflies are light, dainty. It’s heavier, so much more… urgent. I swear he glanced at me in class when I answered a question and I instantly got w-”

“Alright, I get it. You told me in great detail how wet you got.” Mikayla giggles at her fake gagging, then sighs.

“I really want to go, but it works off invitations, at least that’s what Celine heard, and we don’t know anybody who could get our names on that list.” Mikayla whispers pitifully.

Sadé sits, contemplating. Could she really do it? One look at the pout of Mikayla’s small mouth and round, brown eyes answers her question. She’s never done anything like this before but for Mikayla? She’s going to try.

************

The spring chill forces her to fold her hands into fists in the pockets of her hoodie. Shivers race up and down her body and she hugs herself in an attempt to warm up. It’s cold outside and the light drizzle doesn’t help. She curls herself further into the shadows, watching as the players leave in small groups at a time. She’s hoping that isn’t the case with Jude, she needs to see him alone. Sadé has never blackmailed anyone in her entire 21 years of living and her conscience is already beginning to eat her up, but this is for Mikayla and Celine. Or so she tells herself. She’ll never admit she’d love to see what he’s like in a party setting. Does he dance? Does he dance with other women? He probably does. Suddenly, she’s not so fond of this idea. However, Sadé has no time to contemplate backing out, Jude steps out of the locker room with a bag slung across his shoulders wearing a gray sweatsuit. Alone. She takes a deep inhale to calm the wild fluttering of her heart in her chest and steps out from underneath the bleachers just as he’s within distance.

“I need to talk to you.” If he’s startled he doesn’t show it.

Jude cocks his right brow but doesn’t respond, he crosses his arms over his chest and widens his stance.

“That party after the game, me and my friends need to get in.” She's meant to sound authoritative but her tone comes off as meek. Pathetic.

“And how is that my problem?” It doesn’t even come off as rude, he asks as if he’s genuinely puzzled by her statement.

“Get us in.”

Jude chuckles but it’s without a hint of humor.

“I’m not the one throwi-”

“Don’t play stupid with me.” She cuts him off, eyes narrowed to slits. “It’s one of your teammates and you’re captain of the team- that means you’re going, so get us in too.”

His eyebrows furrow. “Or what?”

Sadé looks off to the side and hesitates for a second. Does she really want to do this?

“Or…” she swallows around the lump in her throat, “you know what.”

“No, I don’t. I want you to say it.” He holds eye contact, daring her to.

Sadé steels her spine, feigning confidence. “Or, I’ll- I’ll tell people what I saw.”

He smirks in lieu of responding.

“I’m serious, I’ll tell what happened between you and Ms. Summers.”

“Alright, is this the game you really want to play?” Not really! Instead, she gives a subtle nod of her head.

“Fair enough,” he pulls his phone from his pocket and hands it to her after unlocking it.

“Uh..?”

“Put your number in.” Oh. Makes sense. She tries to hide the shake in her fingers as she puts her number in and saves it under ‘Sadé.’

“Sadé, huh?” He asks when she hands it back to him.

“Oh, yeah. That’s my name.” She mentally face-palms at how awkward she is.

“Remember what you’ve started, Sadé. I’ll see you around.”

Sadé stands, watching his back as he leaves. Even his gait is attractive- he walks as if the lawns of Erlhedge were paved just for him. But his words still echo in the back of her mind, and Sadé is no fool, she knows a threat when she hears it.

Shit. She might’ve just bitten more than she can chew.