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eeriepromis · 4 months ago

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💖 LaDs Magical Girl AU: NIGHTBORN SYNDROME (a.k.a. HOT GUYS WITH CURSED GLITTER) 💖

(A totally serious and definitely not crack-fueled LaDs magical girl anime concept with extra unnecessary glitter sparkles!)

✨ The Premise ✨

In a world where magic is both a blessing and a curse, certain warriors- the Nightborn- carry a terrifying fate. When exposed to extreme magical energy, they undergo a mystical mutation that amplifies their Flair but at a cost.

🌙 Nightborn Syndrome makes them:

✔ Look like they stepped straight out of a dark magical boy fashion catalogue (capes, leather gloves, high boots- the whole aesthetic). ✔ Have dramatic, glowing tattoos that pulse whenever they feel strong emotions. ✔ Gain ridiculous, over-the-top magical transformations✔ Become overly poetic and brooding for no reason. For some reason, all of MC’s love interests are affected. And for even less of a reason, MC is the only one who can stabilize them.

👑 The “Big Evil”: Evermore 👑 (Because what’s a magical series without a looming villain?)

Evermore

A shadowy organization obsessed with harnessing Nightborn power to conquer the realm.

They’re responsible for weaponizing potential in kids (like Caleb, and even Xavier).

Their leader? Has an even bigger cloak than Zayne’s.

What They Want:

Evermore hunts the Nightborn to harness their curses for a dark ritual. Legend says if they combine all that unstable magical energy, they can open the Midnight Rift- a portal to a realm of limitless power.

The Stakes:

If Evermore gets their hands on the Nightborn, they’ll forcibly trigger their transformations to siphon raw magic.

A single meltdown from any one of them is catastrophic. All of them together? World-ending fiasco.

MC’s Role:

As the Celestial Guardian, she alone can stabilize the Nightborn. She also holds the key to locking the Midnight Rift.

Cue tension: Evermore wants to either use her to control the guys or take her out of the picture.

The Conflict

Evermore sends monstrous minions to provoke the guys into full meltdown mode, hoping to extract that unstoppable energy.

MC and the Nightborn LIs team up (despite their endless emotional fiascos) to protect the city- and each other.

Expect monster-of-the-week battles where each guy transforms in the middle of a grocery store, or a park, or a random Taco Bell. (Poor Taco Bell.)

🌟 Full Cast of Nightborn Disasters & Their Suffering 🌟 MC (The Magical Girl Who’s Tired of This BS)

Just a normal girl (haha, just kidding).

Alias: Astral Lily

Astral: Represents the cosmos, destiny, and unseen forces. MC is the only one who can stabilize the Nightborn, and her connection to magic is otherworldly-whether she likes it or not.

Lily: A symbol of purity, guidance, and burdens. Lilies also symbolize rebirth.

Role:

The Celestial Guardian, sole force keeping the Nightborn from spiraling into unstoppable meltdown mode.

Her job?

Keep them from going full cursed transformation mode.

Her life would be easier if her entire friend group weren’t afflicted with the most dramatic magical disease ever.

Her reality?

Babysitting a bunch of emotionally stunted, overly attractive magical warriors who explode if they feel too much.

Goal:

Live a semi-normal life while stopping her boys from demolishing the city every time they get flustered.

New Problem:

Some shady organization called Evermore has appeared, hunting the Nightborn for their potent magic. MC definitely didn’t sign up for a magical turf war- but here we are.

Her catchphrase:"Oh my god, not AGAIN."

❄️ ZAYNE (The Brooding Ice Prince & The Emotionally Malfunctioning Cousin Figure)

Flair: Ice

Alias: Vesper Camellia

Vesper: Means "Evening Star," symbolizing fading light, solitude, and distant beauty. Zayne tries to keep everyone at arm’s length, but no matter how much he withdraws, his presence still shines.

Camellia: Represents longing, perfection, and unspoken admiration. White camellias symbolize devotion without words- Even if Zayne will doesn't say how he feels, it’s obvious to everyone except himself.

The Worst Case of Nightborn Syndrome™.

If he blushes? Instant dark magical transformation.

If he’s annoyed? Dark cape activation.

If MC looks at him too long? “Stop looking at me- ” (cue swirling shadow aura)

Transformation Theme:

His old clothes shatter like frost, revealing a sleek, elegant silver-and-blue battle ensemble, and an unnecessarily large sword that he never actually uses.

Personality:

Acts cold and logical, but is actually panicking internally 24/7.

Spends an unhealthy amount of time glowering in corners.

He copes by being emotionally constipated.

Backstory:

MC was taken in by his family when she was younger, so they were raised like cousins. There’s a 5-year age gap, so half his life was spent trying to be the “cool older kid” and the other half failing at it miserably.

Is allergic to compliments from MC because they make him transform.

MC copes by messing with him on purpose. She figured him out way too fast.

And now she actively tries to make him trigger just to watch the chaos unfold.

Zayne, whispering in horror: "Stop testing me like I'm some unstable science experiment."

MC, smirking: "Oh, my bad. Didn't realize you were this sensitive."

Zayne, already glowing with ice magic: "I swear to god- " Zayne, gripping his face, visibly in pain: "This is a nightmare."

MC, sipping her drink, unfazed: "It’s hilarious, actually."

⚡ CALEB (The Delinquent Who Loves Too Hard)

Flair: Gravity Manipulation

Alias: Crimson Aster

Crimson: Represents passion, defiance, and an unshakable will- Caleb is fiercely loyal (which is fitting since this man decided MC was his ride-or-die at age 12 and never let go) but also a wildcard, challenging fate itself. His presence feels like an unpredictable force that can either protect or destroy.

Aster: A flower associated with love, patience, and remembrance- which aligns with his deep-rooted devotion to MC and the lingering past between them. In some myths, asters symbolize a farewell or a lost love..

Backstory:

Grew up in an orphanage ever since escaping being a test subject at the tender age of 11.

MC met him when she accidentally got into a street fight with him at age 12 and won. Instead of sulking, he immediately declared her his future wife.

Everyone thinks this is a made-up rumor because he’s a delinquent even up to their highschool years and she’s the sweet, innocent MC. It is NOT.

Used to be a delinquent, now a competitive magical boy who refuses to lose at anything.

Nightborn Syndrome:

Triggers when he's angry.

Transformation Theme:

Electricity crackles at his fingertips, static humming in the air as golden sparks arc around his body. His jacket dissolves (for reasons unknown). (And yes, shirtless transformations happen at least once per episode.)

Personality:

Competitive, refuses to lose, but secretly kind of soft.

A tough delinquent vibe, ironically forced into flashy magical boy uniforms

Most people expected Caleb to hold a grudge… instead, he immediately fixated on her and even trained with her.

"Pipsqueak, you're small, but you punch like a damn truck," he muttered, wiping blood from his lip. Instead of retaliating, he grinned. "I like you."

Ever since that day, Caleb has been an absolute menace in her life.

He wasn't a romantic type- no grand confessions, no stupid poetry like Sylus. No, Caleb proved his feelings through pure, unhinged loyalty.

"If I don't like someone, I tell them. If I like someone, I don't let them go."

Cue MC groaning into her hands for the next decade.

🎭 SYLUS (The Walking Romance Novel Who Needs To Be Stopped)

Flair: Energy Manipulation

Alias: Phantom Rose

Phantom: Represents mystery, illusions, and fleeting beauty. Sylus is too charming for his own good.

Rose: Symbolizes passion, secrecy, and dramatic suffering. Every transformation of his is basically a Shakespearean monologue in real time.

Backstory:

MC met him after he literally fell out of a tree while reciting poetry.

He’s usually suave but relatively normal- until the curse hits.

Nightborn Syndrome:

Overwhelming Romantic Energy™ (as if possessed by 1,000 Shakespearean ghosts)

Cloaks billow, rose petals swirl, dramatic spotlights appear out of nowhere.

Dramatic as hell.

His shirt mysteriously being unbuttoned.

Transformation Theme:

"Midnight Prince" aesthetic. His shirt rips open dramatically every single time. His hair sparkles.

Personality:

Normally, he’s suave, calm, and has that whole mysterious princely vibe. But the moment his powers trigger? HE BECOMES A FULL-ON DRAMATIC THEATER ACTOR.

He immediately forgets everything afterward.

It’s gotten to the point where the team just lets him run out of dialogue like a glitching NPC.

His Nightborn curse?

He gets way too charming when it activates.

Shirt ripped? Cloak billowing? Flowers appearing out of nowhere? Check, check, check.

The Absolute Struggle of Sylus & MC

MC: "Sylus, you good?"

Sylus, his eyes slowly glowing as his transformation starts: "Ah, my dear, you mustn't concern yourself with the depths of my torment-"

MC: "Oh god. Not again."

BOOM- Cloak flares. Moonlight intensifies. Roses swirl.

Sylus, fully in his Nightborn form: "The weight of destiny rests upon my shoulders, yet I- "

MC, pinching the bridge of her nose: "Someone get the spray bottle."

Will literally quote Shakespeare at MC while slowly removing his gloves for no reason.

"Oh, my starlit goddess, my moonlit salvation, my divine seraph- "

MC: "Dude, we are at a Taco Bell. Calm down."

The worst part? He doesn’t remember any of it. The next day, he’s like “Why is everyone avoiding me?”

🔥 RAFAYEL (The Tsundere Knight Who Refuses to Admit He Cares)

Flair: Fire

Alias: Ashen Carnation

Ashen: Symbolizes burnt-out embers, destruction, and hidden warmth beneath the ashes. Rafayel burns for others but refuses to admit it. His power flares up when he feels too much- which is why he denies everything.

Carnation: Represents deep emotions buried under a tough exterior. They also represent unbreakable bonds and self-sacrificial love, which is a nice way of saying: "This man will burn down an entire city before admitting he cares."

Backstory:

MC met Rafayel, and - of course - it was in the middle of a dramatic fight.

That was Years Ago.

Fast forward to now, and she’s somehow stuck with him.

Nightborn Syndrome:

Rafayel’s problem? His Nightborn Syndrome is fueled by his overwhelming need to protect people.

So what happens when he sees MC in danger?

BOOM. Instant flames.

BOOM. Armor materializing out of nowhere.

BOOM. Dramatic pose, followed by a desperate attempt to pretend nothing just happened.

Transformation Theme:

Goes full “Holy Guardian” mode with so many sparkles that you’d think Tinker Bell exploded.

Personality:

Grumpy, follows the rules, but secretly the biggest softie. Tries to hide his emotions but that makes them worse. Ends up tripping into his own transformation sequences.

MC, sighing: "Rafayel, it’s fine, I can handle myself- "

Rafayel, blushing violently as the flames swirl around him: "I-It’s not like I was worried! I just- SHUT UP."

His personal hell?

MC being sweet to him.

MC smiling at him.

MC saying anything remotely soft, ever.

MC needing help and actually accepting it.

MC vs. Rafayel’s Denial:

MC: "Rafayel, you're blushing."

Rafayel, covering his face with his hand: "I AM NOT-"

BOOM- Instant transformation.

MC, smugly patting his armor: "Huh. Sure about that?"

Rafayel, face now burning hotter than his actual flames: "I- I was just testing my control.”

🌟 XAVIER (The Quiet One Who Turns into a Glitter Bomb)

Flair: Light

Alias: Noctis Edelweiss

Noctis: Means "Night," symbolizing hidden power, silent strength, and unspoken emotions. Xavier lurks in the background until his Nightborn power explodes into something uncontrollable.

Edelweiss: Represents bravery, devotion, and rare beauty. This rare flower grows in high, unreachable places- just like Xavier, who prefers to observe from a distance until the moment he literally shines brighter than the sun.

Backstory:

Unlike the other Nightborn disasters, Xavier didn't immediately combust upon meeting MC. In fact… MC didn't even realize they’d met before, when he helped her as his Noctis alter-ego self even tho they were classmates.

The problem? He is very, very bad at talking about his feelings.

If Nightborn Syndrome is a wildfire for the others, for him it’s a slow-burning, inevitable supernova- one that will eventually consume him if he ever loses control. And the more time he shares with MC, the more his feelings grow - the less he can control them.

Nightborn Syndrome:

Activates when he gets embarrassed or surprised - which is rare luckily.

No one even knew he HAD Nightborn Syndrome until one day, MC complimented him and he transformed so hard the windows shattered.

Transformation Theme:

A golden halo of starlight flares into existence around him as his eyes snap open, pupils now glowing like twin constellations. Soft motes of light rise from the ground, orbiting him in slow, mesmerizing patterns.

Personality:

Quiet, observant, lowkey terrifying.

If MC so much as praises him, you can guarantee a 50-foot glitter tsunami.

Xavier has spent so long in the background that being noticed- even a little- is overwhelming for him.

Reaction to MC complimenting him: (Silence.)

"..." (immediate glowing transformation explosion)

MC is launched backward into a bush.

Everyone else is blinded for 30 seconds.

Xavier stands there, absolutely mortified, glowing like an actual sun.

MC, coughing up sparkles: "… Bro, I just said your hair looks nice."

Xavier, whispering in horror: "I know."

👄 The "Oh My God, Just Kiss Them to Stop It" Rule

MC literally holds all of their fates in her hands and she is not responsible enough for this.

She figures out that if she kisses them, it INSTANTLY cancels their transformations.

So now every time one of them starts glowing, she’s just like "ugh, fine," and pecks them on the cheek.

Zayne:

Kissing him. He does not recover from this knowledge. The first time MC realizes this: MC: "Fine. Let’s try something." Zayne: "What-" MC kisses him on the cheek. Instantly, the glow fades. The ice dissolves. The blizzard stops. Zayne, staring at MC, visibly malfunctioning: "...What the hell just happened." MC, smirking: "Oh, nothing. Just science."

Caleb:

MC walks into the room. Caleb, immediately tense: "Don’t start." MC: "I haven’t even said anything-" Caleb: "I can feel you thinking. Stop it." MC: "Nice jacket, though." BOOM- Caleb instantly transforms. His cloak billows out dramatically. A wind that wasn't even there before starts swirling. MC: "...Seriously? From one compliment?" Caleb, gripping his head: "I CAN’T CONTROL IT, OKAY?!" MC: "...Just- come here, you idiot." MC pecks him on the cheek. Caleb, blinking in confusion as his transformation fizzles out: "Tch." MC, patting his cheek: "Good boy." Caleb, combusting internally.

Rafayel:

Kissing him. This realization ruins him. The first time it happens: MC: "Fine, you big baby-" (kisses his cheek to calm him down.) Rafayel, immediately de-transforming, standing in absolute silence. MC: "There, that wasn’t so bad, right?" Rafayel, hand touching his cheek where she kissed him, utterly broken. Rafayel, whispering in horror: "… Don’t do that." MC, grinning: "Oh? Why? Because it works?" Rafayel, turning bright red: "I- Just shut up."

Xavier:

Xavier tries SO HARD not to feel anything. But then MC comes along and just casually worships him and he short-circuits. MC: "Wow, you’re actually really graceful in battle." Xavier, internally screaming: "Don’t transform don’t transform don’t transform-" Glows anyway. The worst part? MC realizes that kissing him immediately cancels the transformation. MC: "Fine. Get over here." Xavier, suddenly frozen in place: "Wait, what-" MC kisses him on the cheek. His glow instantly dies down. Xavier, absolutely shell-shocked, staring at the ground like his entire belief system has been challenged. MC, smirking: "Breath, cutie." Xavier.exe has stopped working.

Sylus:

Kissing him. Which is, quite literally, the most dangerous thing to do. Because the moment MC kisses him to stop the transformation, he just leans into it. First time it happens: MC: "Okay, enough of this." MC pecks him on the cheek. His transformation instantly dissolves. Sylus, blinking, processing. Then, the smirk returns. Sylus, voice smooth as silk: "I see. So you’ve chosen to indulge my desires." MC, realizing the mistake: "Wait- NO-" Sylus, leaning closer: "Very well, my love. If this is the path you wish to walk-" MC, already trying to flee: "HELP, I FIXED THE TRANSFORMATION BUT NOW HE'S JUST FLIRTING." Caleb, Zayne, and Rafayel watching in absolute horror.

🌟 HOW MC MET ALL OF THEM 🌟

❄️ ZAYNE: Babysitter Turned Eternal Sufferer

MC was taken in by Zayne's family, which means she grew up constantly annoying him. Zayne, at age 15, when he first met little MC: "She’s small. She’s loud. This is my personal nightmare." MC, at age 10: "HI! YOU’RE OLD. ARE YOU MY BROTHER NOW?" Their dynamic? MC: "Zaaayyynneee~" Zayne: "Go away." MC: "What happens if I poke your Nightborn mark?" Zayne: "Do NOT-" (instant dramatic transformation explosion)

⚡ CALEB: The Rivalry That Turned Into a Marriage Proposal

MC met Caleb when they got into a fistfight at age 12.She won. Instead of holding a grudge, Caleb immediately decided she was wife material. Every interaction since has been: MC: "You mad?"Caleb: "Why would I be mad? My future wife is strong-" (immediately starts glowing and transforming)

🎭 SYLUS: The Living Shakespeare Monologue

MC was minding her business when Sylus literally FELL OUT OF A TREE. Landed dramatically, stood up, and said: "At last, fate has guided me to my one true- " "Wait- who are you." MC: "... Dude, are you okay?" Sylus: "Only now that I have seen the light of your eyes- " MC: "I’m leaving."

🔥 RAFAYEL: The Grumpy Knight with a Soft Spot

She was cornered by an enemy, and before she could react, fire exploded through the battlefield, turning her attackers to ash. A figure in crimson armor stood over her, blade still burning from the strike. MC: "You saved me-" Rafayel, scoffing, looking away: "Don’t get the wrong idea. I was just passing through." And then he literally sprinted away before she could thank him properly.

🌟 XAVIER: The Guy Who Sparkled So Hard She Finally Noticed Him

MC didn’t notice Xavier at first because he’s too quiet. One day, she casually complimented his hair. BOOM- instant magical transformation. MC, screaming and shielding her eyes from the glitter explosion: "WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS."

🌟 Transformation Sequences - Magical Boy AU!

🔥 Rafayel - "Blazing Heart!"

Rafayel snaps his fingers, and a burst of golden-red flames swirls around him, lifting him off the ground. The embers crackle, spiraling upward as his clothes melt away into shimmering light, reforming into a sleek crimson and gold outfit. With a flourish, his coat materializes mid-spin, embroidered with glowing sigils of fire. His boots click against the ground as he lands, flames flickering harmlessly beneath his feet. He smirks, running a hand through his hair, now streaked with vibrant embers at the tips. With a dramatic snap of his fingers, a flame ignites at his palm. "Justice burns brightest in my hands." (🔥 Cue dramatic coat flip. 🔥)

❄️ Zayne - "Glacial Knight!"

Zayne’s breath crystallizes in the air as a cold wind swirls around him, lifting his scarf as it begins to unravel into sparkling threads of ice-blue magic. With a sharp swoosh, his old clothes shatter like frost, revealing a sleek, elegant silver-and-blue ensemble with icy crystalline armor forming over his shoulders and arms. His boots form as he steps forward, leaving a frost-kissed imprint beneath him. A gleaming blade of ice manifests in his grasp, and snowflakes dance in the air around him. He exhales slowly, eyes glowing with a soft, steady frost-blue radiance. "A knight’s duty is eternal." (❄️ Cue very graceful but very unnecessary hair flip. ❄️)

⚡ Caleb - "Stellar Striker!"

Electricity crackles at his fingertips as Caleb grins, sparks racing up his arms. His jacket dissolves into pure energy, reforming into a sharp, star-stitched military-style coat with lightning-infused seams. His boots magnetize to the ground before he leaps into the air, lightning arching between his hands as his gloves materialize mid-motion. With a dynamic midair spin, his weapon - a dual-bladed energy staff - flickers to life in his grip. He lands with a flash, winking as the energy settles around him. "Lightning strikes twice when I'm around." (⚡ Cue finger guns and a smirk. ⚡)

🎭 Sylus - "Moonshadow Mirage!"

A gentle breeze swirls, and Sylus tilts his head, grinning as silver light gathers around him. His coat dissolves into ribbons of moonlight, reforming into a sleek, deep-indigo outfit with asymmetrical layers and flowing midnight-blue fabric. His gloves shimmer into existence as he flicks his wrists, revealing concealed daggers woven with constellations. The shadows around him dance, moving in sync with his movements as he steps into place. With a flourish of his scarf, he vanishes for a split second- only to reappear behind his own magic, smirking as the final glow fades. "The night’s secrets are mine to keep." (🌙 Cue a smug bow before vanishing again. 🌙)

🌟 Xavier - "Celestial Guardian!"

Soft starlight radiates from beneath his feet as Xavier closes his eyes, allowing golden constellations to swirl around him. His coat transforms first, shimmering into a regal navy-and-gold ensemble adorned with celestial embroidery. With a gentle lift of his hand, a radiant staff manifests, pulsing with the light of countless stars. His boots solidify beneath him as he steps forward, stardust lingering in his wake. He opens his eyes, now glowing with cosmic wisdom, and gives a calm, confident nod. "Guided by the stars, I walk the path of destiny." (✨ Cue soft cosmic glow and dramatic cape flourish.✨)

Coming soon to a Magical Girl anime near you! ⸻ Note: Header Image generated with AI.

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cyber-aster · 16 days ago

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[TF SG: Tinted Lenses AU] A Dark Night, and the Following Day

SG Stunticon fluff before they get put through the wringer in the AU's main plot :) because I have a stunticon fixation and an sg fixation simultaneously and tbh there's not a lot of SG content on them so I'm making my own

this is the first complete/not cryptic lore drabble I'm writing from this AU (and from my account) :D also just in case the title isn't clear, this is an SG universe, so some character details will vary from baseline depictions. if y'all are interested in learning more about these boys or this au in general just drop an ask :D I am very happy to talk about it :D

----

Despite his grim name, Dead End takes pride in being an optimist. In spite of the many trials and tribulations he endured prior to being rescued by the Ascenticons, he does his best to not let those haunting memories consume him.

Everyone is destined to die, so he might as well do something meaningful and contribute to this world as much as he can before facing his inevitable demise, which is better than staying overwhelmed by misery and waiting to become food for rust. These days, that meant becoming acquainted with the other mechs at base. The medics said that it would be a while before he's in proper physical condition to fight, but he's very willing to get to know his comrades in the meantime.

However, there are moments when he can't muster that energy. Such as right now.

Dead End felt fine in the morning, but after refueling at noon, he started to feel unusually tired and numb. He couldn't get a word in during his daily perusal of the archives, playing his usual music didn't make him feel anything, and neither did his usual habit of writing poems yielded any results. He didn't have the energy to talk to anyone else and his brothers were out on a mission.

So he just sat on the couch and zoned out for the remainder of the day, staring at the wall's direction but at nothing in particular. To the point that he didn't notice when the door opened and someone else walked in and sat down next to him.

"Ender?"

The deep timbre and heavy pedesteps quickly gave away who came in.

"Motors?"

Using more strength than he expected, Dead End turned his head to meet a pair of concerned golden optics.

"You alright, 'End?"

"I..." Dead End sighed. "Feel like slag."

Profanity is usually beneath him, but at the moment he just doesn't have enough energy to care.

His brother's optic ridges furrowed anxiously. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Dead End wasn't sure what the 'it' was referring to, but he was too tired to ask for clarification and frankly too tired to talk too much. "No. Just... stay with me for a while, please."

This isn't the first time something like this has happened.

And as usual, his big brother said nothing, and wrapped an arm around his noticeably smaller frame. Dead End curled up on the couch and leaned against his brother's chassis, the gentle purring of the truck's engine and the warmth of his field soothing him into recharge.

He vaguely heard more pedesteps and felt a surge of warmth as he drifted into a comforting oblivion.

...

Dead End woke up feeling much better and felt someone leaning on his shoulder. He shifted a bit in his position, which prompted a response from the mech who was leaning on him.

" 'End?"

"Oh, good morning Drag Strip. Sorry, did I wake you up?"

"Nothing, I... I was already awake anyways, just didn't want to disturb you since you didn't look good last night." Drag Strip replied quietly, his frame still covered in dents and scratches from the night before. Dead End had a sliver of doubt that Drag Strip was really awake and not saying so just so that Dead End can feel less guilty. But since the former racer has always tried to avoid upsetting others, and pressing the issue further probably wouldn't achieve anything, Dead End decided to leave it at that.

Much more energized, he sat up straight and surveyed the rest of their room. Wildrider was resting soundly on the other end of the couch. And... Breakdown was sprawled out on the floor, presumably falling off the couch while recharging.

Whether he somehow didn't wake up from the fall or chose not to get back on the couch, it does lighten his mood. He couldn't resist letting out a chuckle which escalated into louder laughter. Eager to share this 'new discovery', Dead End reached over and nudged Wildrider awake.

"What?"

Dead End said nothing and just pointed at the figure on the floor, prompting a snort from Drag Strip and barely restrained laughter from Wildrider, keeping it as quiet as they can, as if not to wake Breakdown so they can enjoy this sight a little longer.

They were interrupted by the door sliding open and the familiar heavy steps approaching.

"Good morning brother."

"Hey Motors."

"Risen and shining, big guy!"

The usually stone-faced sniper smiled a little, which is a sign that he is in a good mood.

"Yesterday was tough, so I thought y'all would like to sleep in for a bit. Went down to the canteen to get this morning's fuel- uh, Breaks?" Puzzled, he put the tray of energon cubes on the table, then bent down and gently shook Breakdown awake.

"Hey mech... HOLY PRIMUS WHEN DID I FALL OFF THE COUCH?" Embarrassed, Breakdown scrambled to stand back up before settling on the couch next to Wildrider.

Another wave of amused laughter washed over the room, Breakdown himself included.

With that little interlude out of the way, Motormaster turned his attention to the previously despondent mech. "You feeling better, Enders?"

Dead End smiled and nodded. "Much better. Thank you."

With his brother's slight smile widening just a bit more, he received a few pats on the back in response as Motormaster resumed his usual seat in the middle of the couch.

The topic switched to a dramatic retelling of last night's battle, which devolved into the usual routine of everyone convincing Drag Strip to take a compliment - for reasons Dead End has yet to understand, the former racer has always been reluctant to accept praises, even when his quick thinking this time saved a good number of their allies' lives.

"It's- it's nothing really." Drag Strip averted his gaze and chose to fix his gaze on his cup of energon. For reasons Dead End has yet to discover, the former racer was never good at receiving praises.

"Okay stop." Breakdown cut the stammering racecar off and pointed at the shy mech. "You have done nothing but self deprecate since I've met you."

"You have done nothing but self deprecate since you've got here! Take it from a professional, you've got some good moves. If you want, I can teach you some more tricks. Might come handy in recon missions." Wildrider added with a reassuring smile.

"I..." Flustered and nervous, Drag Strip's plating noticeably tensed.

"Alright, alright, he got your point." Motormaster raised a hand to signify that this line of discussion is reaching its end, then gently patted Drag Strip on the helm. "But they are right, you deserve to have a little more faith in yourself."

"... Thanks."

A brief awkward silence soon followed.

"Alright, enough rambling. Cheers!" Breaking the silence, Wildrider grabbed his cup of energon and raised his arm. "To last night's success!"

"Cheers to surviving another day!" Dead End added enthusiastically and raised his own cup in response as the others joined in.

The dull clanking of the cups were as pleasant to the audio receptors as his old music collection.

Although it will be a long time before peace graces Cybertron once more, small moments of joy like these, though fleeting, bring immeasurable comfort.

And for now, that is enough.

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