#Fixed calipers

[goodoldbandit]

Mastering Motorcycle Brake Calipers: A Guide to Power and Precision

https://gob.stayingalive.in/unleashing-the-thrills-of/mastering-motorcycle-brake.html Discover the essential motorcycle brake calipers, their types, benefits, and the best options for your bike in this detailed and insightful guide. The Heart of Motorcycle Braking When it comes to motorcycle safety and performance, brake calipers are unsung heroes. These components are crucial in controlling…

[lovelyamneris]

I bought new seat covers for my car and it looks sooooo fancy :) now I just gotta get that maintenance required light to go off lol

[techwrecker]

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐏𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬

Summary: The first time you hold Echo in your arms

Genre: fluff

Tags: SFW, gn!reader (but reader is slightly shorter than Echo), very fluffy, mando'a, prompt/ask

Word Count: 0.7k

Warnings: N/A, (please let me know if I missed any!)

A/N: Thank you so much for the ask! This was so lovely to write.

Other: divider by @moosgraphics & @bunnysrph (tysm!)

“Okay, hold on. Let me try adjusting this way,” Echo said from under the hull of The Marauder.

The trusty ship had blown the second capacitor in one week. After putting it off for too long, Echo begrudgingly decided it was time to lift the hood and see what had your home all hot and bothered. You volunteered to be his assistant, knowing it would put him in a better mood about the whole ordeal. Normally Tech would be his number two, but he and Wrecker were working on something else at the moment. Besides, this gave you some alone time with Echo and that alone made your heart beat a little faster.

“Did it work?” You asked from beside him. He was half buried beneath metal while you were sat criss-cross to hand him the tools he needed.

Echo grunted with exertion before replying. “Well it didn’t not work, I suppose.”

“Need anything else?”

“Yeah— a new hand me the laser caliper. I’m not sure how much life this bird has left to give.” 

“On it.” You fished the tool out of the box and handed it to Echo. “Here it is.”

Your fingers brushed one another, shooting a sizzle of pleasant nerves up your spine. Your body was desperate to feel his touch against your skin again.

He tinkered a few minutes more before rolling out on the crawler for a breather before continuing. Still on his back, you could see his chest heaving slightly from the work.

“If anybody can fix her, I know you can.” You gave him a sweet smile and reached an open hand out to him to help him sit up. He took it, grateful.

“Thanks, love,” he said with a smile.

Your cheeks warmed pink against the cool breeze and you looked away, toward the ground. Echo wasn’t your boyfriend, but there was definitely something building between you. Echo let go of your hand only to stand up and stretch. You followed suit. You were still avoiding his eyes so as to not let your face become any redder. He wasn’t an overly affectionate man, so you were surprised when used his scomp link to raise your chin up, forcing you to meet his eyes. His gaze was determined but soft.

“You know,” he started, taking your hand back up in his. “I couldn’t imagine roaming around the galaxy in this bucket of bolts without you. I’m really glad you’re here.” He took a step closer to you.

Your chest surged with love for Echo, reaching the tipping point. You flung your arms around his torso, enveloping him in a hug you had been dying for weeks now to share with him. The crook of his neck fit your face perfectly as you nuzzled into him. He obligingly hugged you back, tightly. He wanted to hold you until forever and then some. It was as if your bodies had been made for each other, molding perfectly into one another. Two pieces of a puzzle that had found their perfect match. You couldn’t believe how perfect, how right, it felt to hold and to be held by him.

Echo was the first to slightly pull away so he could see your face. You had the biggest grin in the galaxy plastered across it. His eyes were so full of love for you, he couldn’t help but smile back. His face was covered in grease so you reached up and wiped a smear off his cheek. He took it up in his own hand and brought it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on your knuckles.

“Echo, what are we going to say to the others?” You were worried they would forbid what you shared together.

“Don’t worry about it, mesh’la. I walked in on them last week placing bets on how long it would take for us to finally be together,” he chuckled. “Hunter is about to make a lot of credits.”

You laughed and finally let him go. He had to finish fixing The Marauder before the crew got back for the evening. The time Echo spent under the hull seemed excruciatingly long, but you knew it was only because you were anticipating the moment he finished. You wanted to pull him against you and fit perfectly into his arms again. And once he finished, you did exactly that. From now on, you took every opportunity you could to let Echo know you cared for him by holding him in your arms. Until forever.

taglist: @baddest-batchers @rinksu-no-joo @welcometo79s

[mychlapci]

Magnus’ pretty little Doll has a new show he can’t stop watching! One of those talk show type deals, but for ambitious mechs like himself. All about making friends and influencing people. Which is just what Sentinel needs to know to help him become the Magnus when his Ultra finally retires. He likes to watch it on his breaks, getting so sucked into the material that sometimes Ultra Magnus has to gently remind his secretary that they have work to do. It’s just that the voices are so firm and authoritative, but never too harsh! The colors are so pretty, and the music just quiet enough not to be worth taking further notice of.

“No one likes a self-absorbed mech.” Sentinel learns one day, and can’t help but start to listen when other mechs talk about themselves. Never inserting himself unnecessarily—he’s becoming a wonderful listener. Mechs need to feel like they can trust a Magnus, and love to feel listened to. His coworkers always light up a little when Sentinel asks about whatever they were telling him about last.

“Service is pleasure.” Another important lesson! Sentinel’s a quick learner for this one: his Magnus always has something for him to do, and the jolts of arousal he feels when he’s called a good bot prove this true. Suddenly he’s calling the people who come to the Magnus’ office things like ‘sweetspark,’ and ‘dear,’ as he fixes all their problems with his secretarial expertise. Subtly grinding his panel against his chair as the Magnus watches with an approving smile.

“To be powerful, you must first be popular.” This one is harder, Sentinel thinks. He’s helpful and friendly, now, but not popular. Is he too unapproachable, working directly with the Magnus? He starts making an effort to be seen in public, available and approachable and so very pretty in his skirt. Did you need something? Can Sentinel help you? You’re so funny, so smart, so strong. It won’t be long before everyone is a little in love with the Magnus’ secretary. They’re already forgetting what a proud aft he used to be, falling for the sweet smile and simpering. It only makes sense that this delicate thing left the Elite Guard to be a secretary—the poor thing must have been so stressed and frightened with all the fighting. In a few years, the fact that Sentinel ever was in the Autobot Army will be completely buried.

Every episode is a new revelation, and Sentinel couldn’t be more pleased with the results. His image has never been so widely approved, and his wonderful Magnus can’t stop praising him. He loves when Ultra gets like this, petting and stroking his Doll’s node under his skirt while Sentinel watches his newest episode. He rewards the old mech by rolling his hips, calipers cycling down around the Magnus’ huge spike. Sentinel’s getting better at taking it every day, and this time he’s sure will be the one.

“A dependable mechanism is always ready and willing to serve at a moment’s notice,” the episode begins. By the end of it Sentinel is drooling from a simpering smile as the Magnus pumps a load of transfluid directly into his gestational tank—Sentinel had finally taken the whole thing, and it just barely kissed the back of his valve. Ultra Magnus had ‘accidentally’ broken through his seal with one hard thrust, and the feeling was indescribable as Sentinel overloaded hard.

He needs to feel this every day. He NEEDS his Magnus’ spike filling him so completely, transfluid surging into him to make his trim belly swell a bit. Just so he can prove he did it, that it happened. Vaguely he remembers protesting a bit when Ultra’s tip breached his seal, but the old mech’s praise whispered in his ear had turned him to putty.

“Oh, Doll, my pretty girl. Taking all of my spike,” Ultra had purred, “such a good mech, Doll, my perfect little Doll. You love this don’t you? It feels so very good to be full, doesn’t it?” Sentinel had melted into him, moaning his name and grinding hard against him. And the multiple overloads had proved the Magnus right!

On the other side of things, Ultra Magnus couldn’t be more pleased. Sentinel’s almost ready to become a good little wife for the Magnus of Cybertron. Nobody can believe this pretty little thing was ever a guard. All that’s left is to get him pregnant so that they can transition him to wanting to be the Magnus’ wife instead of the Magnus. And, of course, training him for those duties. But Sentinel is such a pretty bot, now. Always in a sweet little skirt that barely covers his panels, teasing mechs to look and maybe sneak a pinch of his aft. Nails painted eyecatching colors so that everyone’s optics are drawn to the way he sucks at them, or his stylus. The way they trail against his thigh.

The false spike on his desk chair was a stroke of genius. Sentinel rides it whenever he isn’t full of the Magnus, unable to cum without permission but constantly pleasured and full of charge. Eager to serve Ultra, and able to come just from sucking the Magnus’ spike. Sentinel’s panels stay open in the office, but Ultra’s taught him that good girls keep them locked up at home to keep him from playing with the Magnus’ toys… and to keep him from washing the transfluid out.

The next episode of Sentinel’s favorite show will be “Good mechs contribute to the future of Cybertron,” and will hopefully install a brand new breeding fetish to help things along. That one won’t be public release—the council is already working on the propaganda for the breeding program. Not that they’ll call it that. But Ultra’s pretty Doll deserves to be eased into his new life in ways that cater to his needs. He’s about to be the wife of the Magnus, after all, he deserves spoiling. Especially when he begs for Ultra’s spike so prettily, curtseying to show off his wet pussy. Belly still a little swollen from the last round.

It’s good to be the Magnus.

hrghh... Sentinel is right on his way to becoming a dainty little wife, and he doesn’t even realize it... He’s so focused on becoming the perfect candidate to replace the Magnus that he doesn’t even notice how much he's changed, that he's gone from an ambitious member of the elite guard to dumb thing in a skirt <3 Slowly, his desire to climb the ranks is erased from his pretty little helm, replaced by the need to serve the Magnus with his intake and valve. What he always wanted, from the day he began to work under Ultra Magnus, was to become his wife, and to carry his heirs <33

That little hypnosis file meant to give mecha a breeding fetish is a test-run only, but it was extremely effective on Sentinel. He'll be cradling a big belly in no time, with people rubbing it and congratulating him wherever he goes. Ultra Magnus couldn't be happier... now they know that the hypnosis program works and he gets a wife that wants nothing more than to attend to his need out of it. He wasn't fond of Sentinel before, but seeing him get turned into a pleasant housewife was extremely satisfying <3

[valve3nthusiast]

I had a thought the other day. So you reckon sometimes, just maybe, Minimus would just ride the Magnus armour?

Like, imagine him after a tiring day of paperwork, fixing Rodimus's reports, detaining Whirl, -the usual-, He slowly makes the walk from his office to his habsuite, feet aching from walking around the ship with his armor removed. And as he sits at the edge of his berth (i firmly believe he does 'breathing exercises' before recharging), he looks up at the crotch plate of the armor and an idea comes to mind. (I know realistically the Magnus armor wouldn't have a spike, but we can dream, and we can draw)

Next thing you know, he's feverishly hopping up and down on that Magnus-mega-cock. Oh~! Imagine the stretch~! Imagine his throbbing anterior node~ (Wouldn't it be funny if he manages to get a piston motor installed, so essentially, the spike does all the work and Minimus just has to hold on for dear life)

(staying anonymous because i have a teensy bit of dignity left)

Anon, you've stumbled across one of my favorite things to think about

Of course, he'd have that moment of thinking, Am I really going to do this? as he stares at the armor's modesty plate. Imagining the armor's spike filling him, his panel opens and his array starts dripping, valve cycling down on nothing (for now)

Still pretending it's just morbid curiosity as he commands the armor's spike to extend. Pulling it out and running a hand over the biolights. Maybe he puts his arm up next to it, sees that the spike is bigger than his entire forearm. It just makes him wetter

That final I can stop moment shatters as he slides the spikehead against his dripping slit. His spike is out, he'll need the space, and his anterior node pulses from how charged this has him. Maybe he gives it a mean little pinch to get the lubricant flowing more, slicking up the spike with his own fluids

He's never done something so gauche as fisting himself, but when the spikehead sinks past the first calipers, he imagines that this must be what it feel like. Slowly, steadily, he makes his way down the spike, valve walls yielding to its massive girth

Maybe he's made such a mess by now that his legs slip and he drops a couple inches down on the spike faster than he meant to... Surprised with himself that he doesn't overload on the spot as it slams into his internal nodes

When he's finally sat down completely, do you think his abdominal plating bulges from it? Every caliper cycled out to the max, array so charged he's already trembling on the edge of overload

It would be hot if the spike was so big he couldn't even ride it properly, he has to grab the Magnus armor and pull himself up because his thighs don't have the strength to lift him

Maybe he can't move at all and just has to sit on the spike and grind it into his internal nodes until he overloads... He would feel so depraved, thighs covered in his own fluids, fucking himself with what he thinks of as his own spike...

[seat-safety-switch]

I’m a plumber. My father was a plumber, his father was a plumber, maybe his father was a plumber. We don’t know for sure. Grandpa was eaten by a tiger working at the zoo that one fateful afternoon, but this story isn’t about that. Where I work is a little company called Fel-Pro.

Maybe you’ve heard of Fel-Pro. You probably use their products. They’re one of the pre-eminent gasket manufacturers of the 21st century. Wherever there’s two tubes in your car that have to have a nice tight seal against each other, chances are Fel-Pro sells something to replace that seal. Are they as good as factory? Experts employed by Fel-Pro mumble and change the subject. Here’s the important thing: they have money, and some of that money goes to feed my kids by way of me fixing their office plumbing once in awhile.

Now, it’s not all roses. My plumber and custodian buddies who work in other companies, they say that people mostly stay out of their way while they’re working. Maybe once in awhile, they’ll get a Super Dad who chats a bit about power tools, or asks some basic questions about their toilet at home, or doesn’t want to take responsibility for having left a cast-iron shit in the tank and then trying to cram it through the manifold using thirty pounds of toilet paper. The usual stuff, right?

At Fel-Pro, it’s different. These motherfuckers have opinions about plumbing, as you would expect from their careers. As soon as they hear even the smallest pinhole leak, the bathroom is filled wall-to-wall with engineers, trying to figure out if it’s a gasket interface issue. Once they realize it isn’t, they start discussing ways to make it a gasket issue.

Anything that leaks is caused by inferior gasketry, even if the pipe itself has split in the middle. They could solve that by making a sort of very long, pipe-shaped grommet gasket to replace the pipe entirely. Yeah, yeah. And then a bunch of these pencil-necks start climbing over top of me to take measurements with their Mitutoyo digital calipers, and video-chat with the toilet manufacturer’s engineers just to call them rookie-level chumps. All the while, the bathroom is slowly filling with water up to our waists, the water-shutoff valve having been removed years before to prevent these eggheads from being tempted to fuck with it.

As any professional would, I started ignoring them, but it turns out that showed up on my performance review. Everyone at Fel-Pro has to be vigilant against leaks, said my boss, a dour expression on his face. He thrust a diagram on how to apply the proper torque pattern to the wax seal of a toilet.

Don’t get me started on how angry they get when they see me using hardware-store silicone bathroom caulking to solve the problem. That’s not the ideal thermal interface, they moan, and start bringing out all kinds of high-zoot polymer compounds, emblazoned with safety warnings in Chinese. Those make the room spin pretty good, and sometimes they get worryingly hot on application, but I must admit they work a treat. One engineer brought me something he stole from a tour he took of NASA and told me to seal a leaking air conditioner drain with it. Well, mission accomplished, buddy: Jim, the custodian I share an office with, had to use a plasma cutter to remove it last week.

It’s gotten so bad that I’ve started only doing plumbing repairs in the middle of the night, when the engineers are likely to be at home, berating their spouses for daring to bring Scotch tape into their home.

[diabolus1exmachina]

Mosler MT900 S Twin-Turbocharged

This 2009 Mosler MT900S is powered by a mid-mounted 7.0-liter Chevrolet LS7 V8 that features twin turbochargers, an intercooler, and dry-sump lubrication and is mated to a Porsche six-speed manual transaxle. Featuring carbon-fiber construction, the car is finished in metallic green over tan leather and is equipped with staggered-width Dymag carbon-fiber and magnesium wheels, ventilated and slotted disc brakes with six-piston calipers and adjustable bias, a Gibson quad-outlet exhaust system, an adjustable rear wing, fixed-back carbon-fiber seats, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a navigation system. The MT900 was developed in the late-1990s by Mosler Automotive, an offshoot of Warren Mosler’s Consulier Industries, and debuted as a prototype in 2001 before entering production as the street-legal MT900S in 2005. Construction incorporated a carbon-fiber monocoque with chromoly steel front and rear subframes wrapped in a carbon-fiber body styled by Corvette C5 design-team member Ron Trenne.

[metalnecklace]

Forgive My Northern Attitude

Pairing: Joel Miller x Reader

Words: 6298

Warnings: Canon Typical Violence, Blood and Gore, Minor Character Death, Smut, Unprotected Sex (p in v, wrap it up folks), Oral (f receiving)

Notes: Here’s a little something I wrote today to take a break from my Javi fic! I have a part two already planned but won’t get to it for a little while (who knows, though. This just happened on a whim). Title is inspired by Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan, he is also who inspired my other fic title. I was just listening to the song and this entire fic mapped itself out in my head.

Summary: Joel is a man of few words, with only so much room in his heart.

Masterlist

Part II

2003

Six thirty. It was six thirty and he was late.

I was exhausted, the sun was too much for me that day, and Joel was supposed to pick up his truck half an hour ago.

When I was about to reach for the phone to give him a call I heard the telltale rumble of Tommy’s truck. I rolled my eyes and walked out to the parking lot, waving my hand in front of my face to clear the dust his tires kicked up as Tommy rolled down the window of his truck.

“Hey there, darlin’,” he drawled as Joel got out of the passenger side. “How are you this fine evening?”

“I’d be much better if you assholes weren’t late!” I scolded, but the smile on my face betrayed my annoyance.

Joel sauntered over and clapped me on the shoulder. “Sorry, (Y/N). The job didn’t go as planned today, is all.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I continued to fake my frustration with the older man in front of me. “Just don’t let it happen again. You know I got a longer drive home than you.”

Joel laughed, and Tommy piped up, “that’s your own fault for wanting to live, how did you put it? ‘Among nature’?”

“Oh, screw off, Tommy!” I called out. “Beats living anywhere near your ass!”

I ignored anymore comments from Tommy and held Joel’s keys up for him to take. “How’s it runnin’ now?”

I shrugged. “Pretty smooth. I changed out the right front calipers and rebalanced the tires. Should feel good as new. If only it smelled like it.”

He smiled at me, my heart stuttering. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” I smiled back.

Tommy got out of his truck, fed up with us ignoring him. “How’s Freddy doing?”

My older brother, Freddy, was how I met Joel and Tommy. They had worked together for years after him and Tommy fought together. The three of them were quite close, and when Tommy’s truck broke down one day Freddy suggested they take it to me, a new up and coming mechanic in the town. I had just started my own business and although most men were too ashamed to bring their vehicles in for a woman to fix them, Joel and Tommy didn’t give a shit. It didn’t hurt that Joel was easy on the eyes, too.

The four of us had continued to grow closer through barbecues, broken down trucks, baked goods, and especially when Freddy was diagnosed with lung cancer a year ago. I had moved him in with me so he was surrounded by fresh air and nature, and we took turns taking care of him when he needed it. Trips to the hospital, company on rainy days, walks when he felt up to it. Joel and Tommy were just as patient with him and his recovery as I was, if not more.

“Not too bad. He’s quite tired these days with the chemo, but he stays pretty hopeful!” I took a clean rag out of my back pocket and used it to wipe the sweat from the back of my neck. “I was actually wondering if you guys would like to come over for a barbecue this weekend. Freddy would love to see you.”

“That’d be great! We can do a belated birthday celebration!” Tommy exclaimed, clapping Joel on the back which caused him to roll his eyes.

I laughed at Joel’s exasperation. “That’s right. Any plans for the big day tomorrow?”

Joel shook his head, shooting his brother a glare. “Nah, I gotta work. Sarah wants to do something but you know how it is.”

“Sure do,” I said. “Well, we’ll have to celebrate more this weekend, then.”

We said our goodbyes and the boys left me to close up the shop. The thirty minute drive home was peaceful, my broken radio leaving me in a nice silence until I pulled into my driveway. My house was modest, a bungalow which was perfect for Freddy’s energy levels, but I had moved mostly for the scenery. There was something about being surrounded by trees that made me feel at peace.

Freddy was washing up a few dishes when I walked in. The house smelled strongly of fresh bread and my mouth watered immediately upon entry. Because of long hours of rest, Freddy had started baking to pass the time. He found it was low enough energy, plus he got a treat out of it when his appetite allowed.

“Wow, that smells amazing,” I sighed, following the smell to the oven.

“Don’t you dare touch a thing!” He turned, catching me before I could open the oven. “They’re still rising and I do not want you messing them up. If you’re lucky I’ll make you a sandwich for work in the morning.”

I rolled my eyes, a smile on my lips. “Thanks, Freddy. How’re you feeling?”

He turned back the sink and let the water drain out before shrugging. “Same old. Okay, not great.”

Freddy was four years older than me, and four years younger than Joel. Him and Tommy were the middle tether in our group, and they were the heart too. Even when Freddy wasn’t feeling his best he tried his hardest not to show it. I knew him well enough, though.

“Why don’t we put on a movie? I’ll go shower while you pick,” I offered, hoping he didn’t realize I just didn’t want him exerting too much energy.

He just nodded and turned to the living room. I caught the way his eyes were glassy but said nothing.

By the time I finished showering Freddy had fallen asleep on the couch. He had chosen a movie I hadn’t even heard of before, the title screen frozen on our television, but I didn’t want to wake him. I laid a blanket over him, tucking it around his frail shoulders, and went into the kitchen to find something to eat. I opened the fridge but after staring blankly at the leftovers inside I decided to just call it a night.

The next morning was a rush. I had slept through my alarm and was running late. Freddy was in his bed sleeping away so I left a note telling him I’d be back in time for supper. On the way to work I realized that I had forgotten to make myself a sandwich with Freddy’s fresh bread, and grumbled to myself about how stupid I was for the rest of the drive.

When I got to my work I saw Joel’s truck parked in the driveway. I marched over and opened up the back door, finding the key tucked away under the floor mat, and got into the front. A post-it note was stuck onto the middle of the steering wheel with his chicken scratch scrawled onto it.

Check engine light came on halfway home, figured you’d want to look at it.

I groaned and thumped my head against the horn, causing it to let out a pathetic beep.

The rest of the day went by smoothly, and I was true to my word, arriving home in time for supper. Freddy was in good spirits, and had spent his day making mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and chicken. We had run out of flour when he was making bread so he couldn’t make the gravy he had wanted to, but I reassured him his cooking was amazing no matter what.

We watched the movie we had planned to watch the night before, both of us surprisingly staying awake for it, and then got ready for bed. The phone rang as I finished brushing my teeth and I raced to the kitchen to get it before it stopped.

“(Y/N)?” Joel said before I could even say hello.

“Hey. What’s wrong, Joel?” I asked, leaning against the counter top.

“Are you and Freddy okay?” He sounded out of breath.

“Of course. What’s going on?” My brows were furrowed, which Freddy noticed when he walked into the kitchen. He was eating a sandwich with the leftover chicken.

“Listen to me very carefully.” His voice was shaky, but firm. I held on to every word. “Stay inside. Lock every door and window. Get into your basement if you can, into the room with no windows. Tommy and I are getting Sarah out of the city, then we’ll be back for you and Freddy, okay? If we aren’t back by this time tomorrow night then you need to get yourselves out. Got it?”

“Joel, what’s goin-“

“Got it?!” He growled.

“Yes, yes I got it.” The phone trembled in my hand.

“Good.”

Then he was gone.

“(Y/N)? What’s wrong?” Freddy asked.

I hung up the phone. “We need to get to the basement. Now.”

Freddy made his way to the basement while I ran around locking up the house. I also made sure to grab a backpack with a few extra clothes and toiletries just in case we’d be down there longer.

When I got to the basement I locked us into the one guest room we had. It was an unfinished room, with no windows, which made me feel grateful that there were usually no guests to stay in the room. Joel never stayed over because he didn’t want to leave Sarah alone, and Tommy usually passed out on the couch.

I looked at Freddy who was sitting on the unmade bed in the corner of the room. He was still eating his sandwich. I raised my eyebrow at him.

“What? I never have an appetite with the chemo, you know that.” He took a bite and proceeded to talk with his mouth full of bread. “I gotta take advantage when I’m actually hungry.”

I rolled my eyes and set my bag on the ground. “Whatever you say, Fred. You should get some sleep when you’re done, I don’t think I’ll be able to. Plus you need it.”

“Yeah, yeah, mom.” He grumbled, taking the last bite of his food. “You know, you should really start taking care of yourself the way you take care of me.”

My head snapped up as I focused on him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You work yourself to the bone, you never let yourself have a break, or any fun.” He laid down and grabbed a blanket that was folded up at the bottom of the bed to cover himself up with.

“Of course I work hard, I have to pay the bills, you know.” I felt bad as soon as the words left my mouth. I didn’t want him to feel like a burden, and never spoke about the cost of his treatment. I continued talking to get past it. “And I do have fun!”

He rolled his head to face me. “When?”

I thought for a moment. “Well… our barbecue is this weekend, that’ll be fun.”

“That brings me to my next point.” He continued on. “When are you ever gonna make a move on that man?”

My heart stopped. “What man?”

He snorted. “You know very well what man. I see the way you look at him, and he looks at you a little too often for my liking.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, he’s not interested,” I slid down the wall I had been standing against so I could sit down. “And he works so hard taking care of Sarah, I know that’s his first priority. I could never do anything to screw that up.”

He shook his head and turned so his back was facing me. “Whatever you say, (Y/N).”

I chuckled. “Good night, Freddy. Love you.”

“Love you too, (Y/N). Wake me if anything happens.”

As Freddy drifted off to sleep I found myself drifting off into my own dream world. My thoughts wandered to Joel, and I kept myself busy thinking about what life would be like if I allowed myself to indulge in this fantasy Freddy seemed to want me to.

My aching neck brought me out of my thoughts enough for me to realize I had fallen asleep. Freddy still laid on the bed, and I was still in my position on the floor but slumped over. I slowly stood up, stretching out my aching back and legs, then shivered. The basement had gotten cool in the night and my thin pajamas weren’t enough. I rummaged through my bag and pulled out a hoodie and jeans and changed, then decided to throw on the sneakers I had grabbed last minute too. I wasn’t sure exactly what Joel had been talking about, but I guessed I should get ready for anything.

I cracked open the door and noticed the sun had started rising outside. My stiff back and the new light confirmed that I had actually slept for quite a while. I turned to look at Freddy only to find him already turned over looking at me.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” I greeted. “Joel and Tommy aren’t here yet, hopefully soon.”

I looked back out, but when I didn’t hear a response from Freddy I turned back to him. He was still looking at me, but his eyes seemed different. I couldn’t tell if there was something wrong or if it was just from the dim light of the lamp we had on in the corner of the room.

“Freddy?” I stepped closer. “You okay?”

He moaned, his mouth opening at a weird angle, then his body twitched under the blankets. I jumped back.

“Freddy, what the fuck?!” I pushed the door open so I could keep putting space between us.

He leapt out of the bed faster than I had seen him move since before he got sick. I bolted for the door to the stairs and got out just before he got to me. I slammed the door and locked it, racing up the stairs as fast as I could while the door was getting smashed to pieces behind me.

I got up to the kitchen and paused, panting, trying to get my brain to stop spinning just enough to come up with a plan. My heart was pounding almost too loud to hear the door get obliterated as Freddy finally busted out. I ran to the stairs leading up to my room and climbed them as fast as I could. I was almost to the top when I was grabbed from behind and thrown down to the bottom. My head hit the floor hard enough to cause my vision to spin for a moment before settling on Freddy at the top of the stairs.

I didn’t recognize the thing that used to be my brother. My entire body ached and was frozen in fear as he came down the stairs and hovered over me. He screamed and moved toward me just as the front door was kicked in. The sound of a gunshot rang through my ears and I watched as Freddy’s blood splattered against the wall beside us. I turned to see Joel holding the gun, blood covering his hands, arms, torso, and face, as he stalked toward Freddy, who was still standing somehow and screaming at Joel.

Tommy rushed in and ran to my side, helping me off the floor. I limped beside him as he pulled me toward the front door. Before we left completely I turned to Joel.

“(Y/N)!” Tommy called.

“No!” I screamed at the same time as Joel pulled the trigger.

I watched as Freddy’s face was completely blown off and painted across the wall behind him. His body fell limp, and thudded onto the wood flooring. Tommy wrapped his arms around me and pulled me out of the house as I screamed and cried. My ears were ringing so hard I couldn’t even hear myself.

Joel turned around to face me, and the grief that was held in his eyes was enough for me to go limp in Tommy’s arms as he dragged me out to a car that they had running in the driveway.

“Tommy,” I managed to get out through my tears. “Tommy, who’s blood is that? On Joel? Who’s blood is that, Tommy?”

He helped me into the backseat, refusing to make eye contact.

I shook my head. “No, no, no, not hers. It can’t be.”

Tommy looked up at me, and I saw the answer in his face.

2004

“Joel?”

Tommy was still sound asleep in the passenger seat of our broken down truck, but I had been awoken from where I had been sleeping in the backseat by someone crying. The driver's seat, which had been occupied by Joel, was empty.

I opened the door and shuffled out quietly so I wouldn’t wake Tommy. My legs bent so I was lower to the ground just in case we weren’t alone, but a quick check around helped me see we were. I stood to my full height and searched for Joel.

Another sob broke through the night and I followed the sound to the edge of the woods. There, sitting against the trunk of a tree just out of sight from the truck, was Joel. He was hunched over himself, with his arms wrapped around his legs and his head hung down. His shoulders shook with the force of his tears, and all I wanted to do in that moment was wrap myself around him and protect him from the world.

“Joel?” I whispered, trying not to startle him.

He lifted his head and turned to face me. His eyes were bloodshot and puffy, and he looked exhausted.

“I-I’m sorry,” he stuttered, his voice absolutely wrecked. “I didn’t wake you did I?”

I shook my head. “No, you didn’t. I was already awake,” I lied. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I wasn’t the only one lying. “Just couldn’t sleep.”

I gestured to the spot on the ground, asking silent permission, and he nodded. It felt nice to sit next to him, his body warm compared to the hard earth underneath us. We sat for a moment in silence, though it wasn’t uncomfortable.

“I can’t stop seein’ her in my arms,” he said so softly into the night. “I close my eyes and it’s like a horror movie, this nightmare permanently playing behind my eyelids.”

“I know what you mean.” Joel and Tommy dealt with my nightmares for months, and even after they still knew to wake me before the screaming started in case I gave us away.

I leaned over and rested my head on Joel’s shoulder, and he rested his head on top of mine. I placed my hand on his knee, causing him to stiffen for a moment. Because of his reaction I pulled my hand away, only to have him reach out and grab my wrist. He clasped his hand in mine on his thigh and intertwined our fingers. I rubbed the back of his hand with my thumb and sighed.

The two of us sat out by that tree for the rest of the night, not saying anything, but understanding everything.

2006

“She just gets it,” Joel grumbled.

“And I don't?”

I stared at Joel who was refusing to look at me even though I had him cornered in his bedroom.

“You think I don’t get it? This loss that you’ve been dealing with? This fear?” I continued, hoping he’d at least look at me. “I watched you shoot my brother for fuck sake!”

He finally looked at me. It was the first time since I had caught him kissing Tess just moments ago in the place where he was standing.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice so low if I hadn’t seen his lips move I wouldn’t have thought he said a thing.

I shook my head. “I’m leaving, Joel.”

He furrowed his brows, taking a step toward me. I took one back.

“I can’t do this. All I’ve wanted was for you to let me in, especially since Tommy left. Now it’s just you and Tess. There’s no room for me anymore.” I turned to walk away but he reached out and grabbed my upper arm.

“Don’t, please,” he pleaded with me. “You can’t, you won’t make it. Where will you even go?”

I wrenched my arm out of his grip. “I’m going to find Tommy.”

“Please,” he whispered.

“Fuck you, Joel.” I snarled.

I slammed his door behind me and took off, hoping I’d never lay eyes on Joel Miller ever again.

2023

There was news of newcomers in Jackson, although the rumour was they weren’t staying long. I was still intrigued, since it wasn’t often Tommy accepted people in so easily when they weren’t in dire need of assistance. People were saying they were just passing through.

I wanted to know who would pass through freely without wanting to stay, and who Tommy would allow to come and go so easily. I should have stayed curious. Instead, I decided to check out who the fuss was all about.

What I wasn’t expecting was to see Joel traveling with a young girl. I walked into Tommy’s office expecting to greet strangers, only to be face to face with the one man I never thought I’d see again. Had hoped I would never see again. Had wished late at night, when my only company was my thoughts, that I would one day see again.

“Joel?” I asked, the shock on my face was enough to make Tommy chuckle.

Joel whipped around at the sound of my voice and his face looked like he saw a ghost. He looked good, but different. Broader, grayer, rougher around the edges. But he still looked tired and saddled with grief.

“(Y/N),” he said matter of factly, as if he was just stating that I was there in case he didn’t believe it.

We stood frozen in the moment, the air electric between us. The young girl’s eyes flickered back and forth until she stepped forward offering her hand to me.

“I’m Ellie,” she smiled as if she was harmless but I saw the mischievous twinkle in her eye.

I shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Ellie.”

“I can’t believe you found Tommy.” Joel spoke again, his voice rougher than before but still him. “I thought I would never see you again.”

I shrugged. “Would that have been such a bad thing?”

Joel’s eyes darkened, his mouth set in a line. Tommy cleared his throat and explained what they were doing in Jackson. I was told that Joel would be taking Ellie to a firefly base. That Ellie was like cargo.

“She’s cargo?” I asked. “Why?”

“Long story,” Joel cut in, glaring at Tommy for telling me anything about their plans. “We’re headin’ out soon.”

“Where’s Tess?” I asked before thinking, even though I had a feeling.

Joel turned away from me completely. Tommy looked at me and I knew. My mouth formed a silent O. I felt bad, obviously. I really did like Tess even though Joel had chosen her instead of me. That wasn’t her fault and she was a strong willed woman who was full of heart. But I was also aware of the dangers that remained in the world, and the horrors that some people just couldn’t escape. No matter how tough they were.

Maria came in with some food for our guests. “Tommy there’s a commotion outside, you might wanna go deal with it.”

“Alright, I’ll be back in a bit.” Tommy grabbed his jacket and started to head out the door.

Joel took one look at me before reaching out to stop Tommy. “I’ll come with you, just in case you need some back up.”

Tommy laughed and shook his head. “Always the big brother, aren’t you?”

The two men walked out the room and left us alone. Maria was looking at me with her eyebrow raised.

“What?”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “I won’t get into it, especially in front of Ellie, but you know what.”

Tommy was no fool, he knew how I felt about Joel, and he shared everything with Maria.

“Into what?” Ellie asked, looking between the two of us.

“Nothing,” I muttered. “You should eat, Ellie.”

They sat down to eat while I went to leave. Maria got up and walked over placing her hand on my shoulder. “Why don’t you stay? Talk to us for a bit. Then you can say goodbye to Joel before they head out again.”

The way she was looking at me told me I should stay, that he may not be back. I lowered my eyes.

“I don’t think that’s the best idea.” I called out, “it was nice meeting you, Ellie!” Then headed back to my house.

I had already said goodbye to Joel Miller years ago, I certainly didn’t need to again.

2024

He was back. Word traveled fast, and I made sure to stay hidden away. I was surprised that he had not only made it to his destination, but he also made it back. He had the girl with him too.

I was supposed to be on patrol that day but decided to get someone to cover me. There was no way I could even leave my house for fear that I may see him. When I told Maria she just shook her head and dismissed me, probably thinking I was no better than a child instead of a woman in her forties.

Not even a day went by before there was a knock at my door. My hands shook and my stomach was doing flips the entire walk to where my visitor waited, and when I opened the door I felt my heart stop.

“Joel,” I breathed.

“Hi, (Y/N).” His broad shoulders took up most of the light coming in through the doorway, and his face remained stoic through the relief in his voice.

“You made it.”

He nodded, a man of few words.

I stepped back, allowing him through the doorway. He made his way inside the living room and wandered around, looking at the pictures and knick knacks I collected throughout my time in Jackson. He came to a stop in front of a picture of a paint mare looking out at the desert landscape.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” I asked, coming to stand next to him. His arms were crossed over his chest, the same as mine were, and when he shuffled to one side we bumped elbows, causing us both to stiffen.

“What’re you doing here, Joel?”

He sighed, turning to walk toward the couch, though he did not sit down. “Ellie and I are gonna stay in Jackson. Live here.”

“That’s not what I mean and you know it.” I walked to the kitchen and grabbed two glasses. “Still a whiskey man, I take it?”

He grunted in response as I poured two fingers each.

“I don’t have a lot to offer, but I raided an old shop about a month ago and found some liquor. I’m shocked it wasn’t claimed but I know better than to ask questions.” I put the jar of the amber liquid back in my cupboard and walked to where he was finally seated on the couch. “You’re lucky I’m even offering you some, I’d like to save it.”

“Well, thanks.” He took a sip and relaxed back into the cushions. His eyes closed almost involuntarily as soon as the alcohol touched his lips. He drained his cup and leaned forward to set it on the table.

“I was assuming you’d savor that a bit more but okay.” I shrugged and took a sip of my own drink.

“I fucked up.” He said, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. “With Ellie. I fucked up really bad.”

I went and sat beside him, placing my glass down next to his. “I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think, Joel. What happened?”

“I can’t tell you. Not yet, anyway.” He scrubbed his hands down his face, then turned to me. I could see the exhaustion in his eyes, hanging off his shoulders. “I’m just so tired of tryin’ to keep my head down and survive, only to mess things up and hurt other people. People I genuinely care about.”

“Is Ellie okay?” I was concerned, especially since I wasn’t exactly sure what happened to Tess.

“Yeah. Yeah, she’s fine.”

“Then that’s all that matters for right now.” I placed my hand on his knee and he melted into my touch. “You both survived, and you’re here now. You’re safe.”

Joel’s shoulders trembled, and I could tell he was holding everything in. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him close so his face was buried in my neck. He still didn’t let himself cry, but he let himself be held and that was good enough for me. For the both of us.

“Where’s Ellie now?” I whispered against his graying hair, scared of breaking the spell cast over us.

“She’s staying at Tommy and Maria’s. They have a room for the both of us, but I told them I was comin’ to see you first.” His voice vibrated against my neck, sending shivers down to my toes.

I rubbed my hand up his back and down again, repeating the motion until we had fully relaxed against each other. Eventually the room darkened as the sun set, and I pulled away from him. I stood and offered my hand out to him. He raised his eyebrow at me but slid his hand in mine, standing to his full height. We walked silently to my bedroom and I left him standing on one side of the bed so I could make my way to the other.

“(Y/N)?” He seemed so shy, so nervous. Not at all like the Joel I used to know before the outbreak.

“Just get in, Joel. You look exhausted.”

He sighed and did as I asked. Luckily he looked like he had showered and put on some of Tommy’s clean clothes before he visited. So I wasn’t worried about him getting my bed dirty. I chuckled at the fact that he didn’t take off his jeans, causing him to roll his eyes and slide them off under the blankets.

I went into my bathroom to put my hair up and change into a t-shirt and sleep shorts, and was pleased to see that Joel had taken off his flannel shirt so he was also in a t-shirt. I slid under the covers with him, and we laid side by side in the dark. It was awkward at first, until I rolled to face him and scooted closer.

“Hi,” I said.

He turned his head to look at me. “Hi.”

I smiled, causing him to mirror my actions. He stretched his arm up, helping me maneuver my head so he was my cushion, and he pulled me close. We fell asleep with our arms around each other, feeling like we hadn’t been apart for as long as we were.

The sun started to shine through my curtains in the early morning, causing my eyes to blink open. My back was facing Joel and his arm was still in the same place as before, his other draped over my waist. I felt at peace for the first time since the outbreak, and probably since before then too. For a moment I wondered if that’s what I had been missing all those years, if that was what it would have been like if Joel had let me in sooner. If I had admitted my feelings to him sooner.

He groaned and pressed himself against me. “Mornin’,” he said, sleep heavy in his voice.

“Morning.” I turned in his arms so I could watch him. His eyes were closed but the bags that hung down from them the night before seemed to not be as deep.

When Joel opened his eyes I felt my breath catch in my throat. The deep pools of them threatened to pull me under if I let them. And I wanted to let them so bad.

“Why are you here, Joel?” I asked. “What do you want?”

He sighed, his eyes flickering down to my lips before coming back to mine. Butterflies erupted in my stomach yet again.

I asked once more. “What do you want, Joel?”

“You.”

I didn’t even realize we had moved toward each other until our lips connected. His hand that was on my back came up to cradle the back of my head, moving me how he needed so our angle worked better.

His body weighed me down, keeping me grounded, as he slowly moved over top of me. My hands went into his hair, tugging him closer, causing him to moan in my mouth. I slid my hands down to his back and he pulled away so he could grab them and place them above my head. He kissed his way down my neck and chest, then helped me sit up so he could remove my shirt. The cool air caused goosebumps on my skin and pebbled my now exposed nipples, but he wasn’t looking anywhere but in my eyes.

“Is this okay? We can stop.”

I shook my head and pulled him in for a kiss. “Don’t you dare, Joel Miller.”

He smiled against my lips, kissing me once more before making his way back down my body. He pulled one of my nipples into his mouth, teasing the bud with his teeth, and then moved to the next one, repeating his actions. I moaned and writhed under his ministrations, wishing he’d move faster.

Joel’s lips mapped their way down my stomach, to my lower abdomen, and then skipped over my shorts to plant kisses on my thighs. His calloused hands slid up and down my calves, the heat from them warming my blood, a blush forming on my chest. He slid his hands up the inside of my thighs, and his thumbs brushed over where my shorts were covering my core. I bucked my hips slightly, making him hold me down.

“Patience, darlin’,” he drawled against my inner thigh. “Let’s get these off of you before they get ruined.”

I lifted my hips as he slid my shorts down my legs and threw them onto the floor, exposing me fully. My thighs tried to close but his strong hands pried them open.

“Let me see you, sweetheart. There we go.” He flattened himself onto the bed and gripped my hips with his arms, pinning me in place. “You’re so beautiful.”

His tongue parted my lips and swirled around my clit. His fingers brushed against my opening before he sunk one inside. I groaned at the feeling, his fingers thicker than mine, and they reached where I certainly couldn’t. My whole body felt like it was on fire as he made out with my clit, sucking it into his mouth and pressing the flat of his tongue against it.

“Joel,” I moaned into the air. He hummed against me, the vibrations making my eyes roll back. I gripped the sheets, feeling my orgasm approaching like a runaway train.

He slid another finger in, lowering his head so his tongue fucked into me between his fingers and his nose rubbed against my clit. The sounds were filthy as they reached my ears, and it took no time at all for my pleasure to rip through me. His name was a prayer that spilled from my lips over and over until my body melted against the bed.

I pushed his head out from between my legs, the sensitivity suddenly too much, and pulled him up so I could kiss him. The taste of me mixed with the smell of him was to die for, and we moaned into each other's mouths.

“I need you,” he panted once we broke apart. “I’ve needed you for so long.”

“I know,” I kissed him, “I know. I need you, too. I’ve needed you since I first met you.”

“Fuck, darlin’. You’re gonna be the death of me.”

I helped him out of his clothes, tracing over the scars that littered his torso and making him whine into my mouth when I stroked his cock slowly. It hardened even more under my touch, and precum beaded from the tip when I teased it over my soaking wet core.

Joel pushed himself inside slowly, so slowly I felt I would fall apart. When he was fully inside me I let my head fall back. He leaned down and kissed my neck, just behind my ear, and nipped the skin.

“Joel, I need you,” I nearly sobbed, using my hands to try and pull him even closer.

“I got you, sweetheart, I got you.” He buried his face even deeper into my neck and held me so close he was barely pulling out of me.

We moved together, moaned together, and finally, with a little help from his fingers wedged between us, we came together. Our names mingled with our breaths, and then we held each other in the fresh light of the new morning.

He held me in his arms, my back to his front, and he whispered sweet nothings into my ear until I felt sleep pull me under once more. After a little while there was a shift in the bed that caused me to start waking up again. My eyes opened when I realized Joel’s warmth was no longer behind me, and I sat up to see where he would be. His clothes weren’t on the floor, even his jeans and flannel, and there wasn’t any sound from the bathroom. My heart sank the more I realized where he was.

My worries were confirmed as I heard my front door close in the distance.

[justsome-di]

My dad fixing my car: the piston was stuck and was pushing against your rear brake pad

Me, nodding along: ah yes.... the piston. That'll do it...

My dad: and I replaced the caliper

Me: ah yes, good choice. good choice.

[hogans-heroes]

Completely seized brake caliper and I don’t have the tools to fix it so time to call a shop for a rebuild and hope they’re not booked weeks out 😭

[lord-overlips]

🚀 Anon

You have been such a patient bot, haven't you? Flitting all sultry amongst our mutuals and indulging them with pleasure, pain, and praise.

And yet, you go hungry on all three yourself.

I could fix that.

Pin those usually invincible servos below your chin, while my other servos just grip dents into your hips and bounce you on my spike like you are nothing more than a vocal little frag sleeve. You are apparently the best of the best, the crowned achievement of Megatron's 'warriors elite' program, all but invincible. Yet, you would mewl for me as you practically gush around my spike.

I'd toy with my mass displacement for you, Little Neptune, I would bring you so close to an overload, till you are trembling and writhing against my chassis for so much as any sort of stimulation for that little push over the edge, and I would expand. Stretch and stuff you wider and wider by the minute, till your abdominal armour starts to bow with spike behind it. I would fill you, more than your valve could ever hold, more than you could ever replicate with mere toys, more than you could every feel with whoring out that sweet aft out to a whole insecticon hive, given how it dribbles out of you every time I lift you for the next thrust. And what a mess you'd make, too, for hours. I would be able to have you any way I pleased for as long as I pleased. And, as invincible as you are, even you have someone big enough to overpower you.

That voice... it's familiar... the memories already making Overlord shiver when only a few words have been uttered.

He's already desperately charged up, laying in a puddle of his own lubricants before that hulking mech sees fit to remind him of just how small, how weak he is compared to them, Overlord rutting into thin air and loosing a whimper in response.

He shuts his optics, imagining again. There's nothing he can do to simulate that stretch- well... unless...

Overlord scrambles for the cabinet, grasping for the largest, thickest toy he has and not sparing time to slick it up with anything over than a long lave of his glossa, thick tendril of drool smeared over the tip. It's shoved between his thighs and ground against his valve insistently, Overlord rocking up to meet the blunt pressure with a needy gasp as the mech keeps talking.

"Want to... mhhh- be yours- PLEASE!" More begging. It's all he can do, all he can offer. There's something wonderful about being so small, so helpless. He was certain it was Deepspace now, remembering how the mech toyed with him, loving the attention, feeling powerless. Like he could just leave his body behind and just feel.

He panted and rocked the false spike in his servo, working the tip into his slick valve and whining at the stretch, the burn as the knot forced deeper, parting that flushed valve lips and spreading them wide.

He shut his optics and listened, groaning, imagining Deepspace splitting him open as he finally forced that knot past the tight clench of his calipers, broad swell filling up his valve and making Overlord shudder and moan aloud. He imagined that swell growing larger, too large, grasping the base of the toy and wriggling it, crying out in pleasure at the perverse thought of being taken by an insecticon hive then fragged so ruthlessly and brought to overload so many times by a bot large enough to wrap a servo around him and use him as a mere spike sleeve, rutting in to him without a care. He'd be left broken, used, leaking transfluids from every inch of his frame. He loosed a keen of pleasure, shoving that false spike deep enough that it nudged the base of his forge, optics snapping open wide and Overlord howling in release, frame convulsing, charge tearing through his frame and making his array throb in pleasure.

He collapsed a moment later, array aching, Overlord panting hard and whimpering in pathetic little mewls once he realises that voice has stopped.

[spontaneousglitterbees]

actually I will post this WIP to tumblr before I even think about how I'm going to fit the narration in. Enjoy some desks. notes under the cut

rantaro's book is a hand-me-down from at least a few of his sisters, hence the age-old tradition of fixing up the spine with duct tape.

also 90s cover w/ the skateboard, that S thing everyone draws, and some masking tape that was peeled off and one he stuck his name over naming one of his sisters 'rillianne'. yes this is an incredibly niche reference to evillious. also just the state of all my textbooks in gradeschool

kokichi wrote the color key and signs with a little crown bc king horse and of course he does. he also got rantaro a whole little pushpin tin's worth of the colored bands because he's heard rantaro lamenting how hard a hit his short-term memory has taken. he figures he'll humor the kid at least once (and maybe use the system occasionally thereafter, probably with numbered groupings of his normal rings instead of something v much more kokichis aesthetic. this, it happens, is kokichi's actual goal, along with getting rantaro to maybe take notes and color-code them. taking steps.

a lot of yall associate kiyo with amber but i tend to think like hunter green so you guys can guess who the other 'travel nerd' is

group project with kokichi *and* kiyo on the right hand? prepare for imminent disaster

'call your family at least once this week srsly'

i kind of dont expect anyone to be able to read the tiny handwriting but am very curious if anybody will try bc there are actual sentences there somewhere

miu carries her calipers like any self-respecting mechanical engineer. fellow mech-e's understand

took elements from her beta design for her class outfit; you always put your hair up for lab work, like in the last arc. apparently, to miu, working on kiibos joints between classes doesn't count

she gets to keep her goggles, bow motifs, and i gave her a toolbelt because!! she needs somewhere to store her shit!!

also that kid that stands up their pencils in their pencil case for Easy Grabbing

thats not how mechanical drawings look but also thats how mechanical drawings look when youre a student and not being graded on it (or establishing documentation)

mius beta design has a heart tattoo on her chest but see. i gave her what is probably a sharpie rendition of kiibos symbol since she already has the heart choker

none of you have said anything about the heart choker which means it either came across as properly ironic or you're just putting it together as you're reading this in which case >::3c

[evelynnsometimes]

hey there, tumblr, its me again. my car is busted, needs a break job and calipers and its totalling to $898 which is more than I can currently afford with my income and monthly expenses. so i've set up a gofundme. if you want to help and are able to, i would super appreciate it. if you cant, thats okay too, just reblog/share/etc

thanks 💕

[dangersam]

Happy Holidays everyone,

I've just released another update, with a bunch of new parts!

Clutches

These attach two axles together, one with a fixed attachment, the other with a rotary bearing. The clutch can be engaged / disengaged with a key press, which will smoothly lock / unlock the rotary bearing.

Clutch Gears

These are a type of spur gear that attach to an axle with a rotary bearing only. Similar to regular clutches, they can be engaged / disengaged from the axle they're attached to.

Brakes

Wheels already have built in brakes that you can optionally enable, but these separate brake parts allow you to brake an axle without needing to use a wheel. The brakes attach to an axle with a rotary bearing, and to the part you want to brake against (e.g. a beam) with a fixed attachment.

Angle Sensor

You can attach an axle to this sensor, and link a display to it. It'll show the axle's current relative angle, RPM, etc.

There are a few other tweaks and improvements too, here are the release notes:-

New parts:-

Angle sensor.

Clutches x3 and x4.

Clutch gears x1 to x3.

32T and 48T Hi & Lo bevel gears.

Disk brakes x3 and x4.

Added brake calipers to wheel brakes.

Added setting to speed / altitude sensor to use imperial units.

Parts and materials are now listed in order in UI.

Bug fixes.

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/top-8-best-modifications-for-the-chevrolet-c8-corvette/

Top 8 Best Modifications For The Chevrolet C8 Corvette

For model year 2020, Chevrolet had initially aimed to produce 40,000 C8 Corvettes but with chip shortages and other constraints, they managed just over 20,000 units. Despite this, the C8’s flew off the lots faster than a set of New Balance 605’s on Macy’s Father’s Day Sale… except they were everything but ‘On Sale’. 

The Chevy Corvette has held its position as the quintessential American sports car since its debut in 1953, minus its 1983 skip year. While the C8 represents a significant departure from previous Corvette designs, it maintains one consistent aspect—delivering impressive performance at a relatively accessible MSRP.

In the world of C8 modifications, we’re delving into must-have enhancements that won’t break the bank if you’re one of the unfortunate souls that paid Mclaren prices for your Chevrolet. These Top 8 modifications are easily accessible and sure to make sure you stand out from the other vettes at your local Cars & Coffee.

1. Wilwood Drilled & Slotted Brake Kit and Pads

Chevrolet’s OE options for the Corvette braking system have always been plentiful and designed to be direct swaps designed to fit all trim levels with minor modification. However, the secondhand asking price has been the Achilles Heal of the OEM upgrades since the C5. Luckily, Wilwood recognized this and offers a very impressive OEM+ upgrade.

Despite its impressive stopping power, the factory brake pads tend to produce a substantial amount of dust, particularly noticeable on non-black wheeled C8 Corvettes. While it is not a major performance concern, aesthetically, you can do much better for that level of performance. 

The Willwood SX6R  Front Brake kit features directional staggered vane 15” rotors and a 6 piston Caliper that bolts up to the factory spindle and doesn’t compromise the factory ABS system.

Featured Product: Wilwood SX6R Big Brake Dynamic Front Brake Kit SRP Drilled & Drilled Rotor Red Caliper Chevrolet Corvette C8 2020+

Part Number: #140-17004-DR

2. Auto Addict LED Sequential Taillights

When the C7 dropped, the room was split in terms of Chevrolet’s lighting decisions. While the circular tails had become a sort of Corvette key identifying feature, the C7 would feature U-shaped runners that many would describe as Ferrari inspired. 

Chevrolet unapologetically continued this trend into the C8, but with the extreme body lines and sweeping side scoops, the U’s took more of a C shape, and our friends at Auto Addict decided to enhance that third dimension, smoke them out, and fix them “in sequence”.

Featured Product: Auto Addict USA Euro Smoke Style LED Taillights Amber Sequential Pair Corvette C8 2020-2024

Part Number: #AA_CORVT_TL_EUR_C8

3. Vorsteiner VPX-101 Wheel 20×9 | 21×12

With the C8, Chevrolet took a couple of setps backwards with the wheel design, making them appear to be more of an afterthought than a deliberate part of the design. We were spoiled with C6 and C7 factory wheel options, so much so that when the C8 was revealed, the wheels were noted for lacking any depth, appeared too small, and ultimately looked budget. 

Vorsteiner VPX-101 wheels are the answer to the C8’s aesthetic shortcomings. Available in your choice of finishes, the VPX 101 utilizes T6-6061 aerospace grade aluminum that is TUV rated for safety. This means, you get a 1-Piece Forged Monoblock that not only increases your diameter and mechanical grip for hard launches, but also lowers the C8’s unsprung weight for the corners. 

Featured Product: Vorsteiner VPX-101 Forged Monoblock Wheel Set 20×9 | 21×12 Liquid Smoke Chevrolet Corvette C8 2020+

Part Number: #VOR-VPX-101-Corvette

4. Eventuri Air Intake

The factory C8 intake is impressive, but is designed more around comfort and emissions, meaning it could be better. This Eventuri system boasts double Venturi Housings, offering the largest internal intake volume in the market, supporting power outputs exceeding 800hp. Due to OEM trunk panel limitations, Eventuri reimagined the OE intake system, crafting it from clear Polycarbonate to display the carbon intake when the trunk is open. By expanding the intake volume, high-powered builds can maximize performance gains of up to +18whp & +17lb ft. of torque! It also looks incredible. 

Featured Product: Eventuri Black Carbon Intake System Chevrolet C8 Corvette Coupe

Part Number: #140-17004-DR

5. Borla ATAK Catback Exhaust

Getting optimal performance from your Corvette is essential. Upgrading your exhaust system not only enhances the car’s sound but can also unleash additional power. Among mid-engine, high-performance vehicles, the C8 Corvette tends to lean towards a less aggressive sound. However, we knew shortly after GM announced the C8, our friends at Borla would be firing up the welders and starting on adapting their ultra-aggressive ATAK cat-back for the C8 platform. While it won’t be as aggressive as Matt Field’s Borla Exhaust C6 or the upcoming C8 Formula Drift Cars, Borla can proudly claim to have one of the most aggressive muffler systems in existence for the C8 Corvette and Vivid Racing can proudly state that we have them in stock. 

Featured Product: Borla ATAK Cat Back Exhaust System

Part Number: #140839

6. ProCharger

Woah woah woah! Everything up to this point has been relatively bolt-on, relatively relatable, and relatively mild. We can’t just jump straight into forced induction, right? Wrong. The 6..2L LT’s, while different in terms of injection strategy are no different than the tried and true LS’s in that they LOVE boost… and so does ProCharger! The mid-engine setup of the C8 Corvette provides excellent weight distribution, yet it posed complexities for various typical aftermarket performance enhancements frequently seen in Corvettes, notably supercharger additions. The unique layout of the LT2 engine presented a challenge, one that ProCharger took on willingly. After extensive research and development, they’ve devised a comprehensive DIY C8 blower kit, allowing you to inject a substantial surge of boosted power into your LT2-powered C8 Corvette!

7. RCS ST Aero Kit

Like many, while I was stoked for the release of the C8, I was not too impressed with the Aero from factory. After seeing Chip Foose’s rendition of the C8, I knew I could never look at it the same way again. That was, until RCS released their C8 Aero Kit. Unlike a majority of what’s available on the market, RSC didn’t just stop at the front lip. Their C8 Kit, known for it’s premium quality and lack of fiberglass components, is a comprehensive full carbon fiber aero kit that features a front splitter, high wing spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, hatch vents, Engine intake side vents, mirror covers, front intake vents, and B-pillar covers all finished in a gloss carbon fiber to complete the C8’s supercar look and feel.

Featured Product: RCS ST Aero Kit C8 Corvette 2020-2023

Part Number: #RSCVETST

8. Headers

As the factory Engine Control Unit (ECU) remains locked, tuning a C8 to optimize gains from bolt-on upgrades is hardly repeatable. Additionally, where in previous generations of Corvette the catalytic converters have been the killer of gains, the C8’s factory high flow cats are barely a hindrance at all. And, while a few companies have risen to the challenge, Kooks has released their highly anticipated 3” Collector, 1-7/8” primary Super Street Series Headers that works in harmony with the factory systems, but helps evacuate and scavenge the exhaust gasses GM missed. While known for the work in the American Muscle world, I’m kind of hearing a more exotic tone accompanying Kooks exhausts recently, which could mean they have something in development for future C8 trims.

Featured Product: Kooks 3″ 1-7/8 Super Street Series Headers

Part Number: #21801400

There are dozens of other great ways to modify your C8 Corvette. Let our performance specialists help you decide what’s right for you by calling 1-480-966-3040 or emailing sales@vividracing.com.

[oh-a-very-toxic-octopus]

My new forks arrived in this ludicrously enormous box. Even knowing what was inside, I lifted it like there had to be some weight there and thus almost hoisted it over my shoulder.

Alongside my arrived-as-standard set of Sektor Silvers. I've gone for a mild increase in travel, from 140mm to 150mm, and you can sort of see it in the stanchions.

The Revelations weigh under 2kg, which is absurd to me as someone more used to motorbike parts. Even the outgoing Sektors are noticeably heavier.

I was far too excited to photograph the fitting process extensively (even though I probably could have sold the photos to work 🥲👌) but:

I had not bought any replacement anythings, so I used my old bearings and had to prise the crown race (that circular washer-type piece that interfaces with the bottom bearing) from my old forks.

This was fiddly but not too hard — just make sure you spiral around lifting it by a few millimetres at a time so it doesn't distort or get lodged on the tube at an angle.

Fitting it on the new forks was more interesting. Jim has this cool old tool that slips over the steerer tube and applies pressure uniformly.

Unfortunately it's fucking old and doesn't fit modern bicycles. Everything's so much broader now.

So I went through our garage rubbish and found this piece of rubber lagging, god knows what from, and used that + mallet + patience to tap the race into place. Deployed the mallet to undo my brake caliper bolts, too.

Slotted everything roughly into place, marked the desired height on the steerer tube, took it all apart again and hacksawed the crap out of it. Filed it smooth and reinstalled with grease this time, then found a nice flat-headed bolt to use to help whack the star nut into place.

And then put it all back together. I thought I might need a custom bracket for my caliper, but once I ditched the old Shimano one, everything bolted on no problem. O to have such standard sizes in motorbiking.

Woeful pictures, but bike on arrival vs bike now:

It's a Diamondback Corax 1.0 with the Bosch CX Motor. Mods include Revelation RC Forks, Magura MT5 on the front and MT4 on the rear. Mavic Crossmax Elite 27.5 wheelset (running SUPER TACKY tyres, ofc). New stem/bars/grips/pedals.

Still has the old rear shock (Monarch R) derailleur, seat and dropper post system — which is stuck unlocked at the moment, so I need to fix that. The mechanism is fine; just gotta grease or replace the cable and perhaps the dinky stock lever I've struggled with forever. The derailleur is meh, but on an emtb, who gives a fuck.

I doubt I need to replace anything else, really.

But let's see if I can stick to that.