#alt added now sorry lol

[layaart]

Here's some fanart of Lucha of the Night Forest that I've been working on for a while! I am not immune to creepy mushrooms in fantasy

[katnficer]

[moth-tea-merchant]

last minute Merymay drawing of Peitha, not fully finished but its 10pm and im tired lol

Edit: I have now added ALT text! Sorry for forgetting before

[auroraeternal]

And last but not least simblreen gift will give you absolutely unique and gothique experience for your sims 3 games. I'm proudly presents you...

BLOODSUCKER UI

This would be a long-read, sorry for that!

I can consider myself one of the quickest creator of the most complete default UI for TS3 😅 But it would be impossible without help of @mookymilksims ❤ I used her BGM UI as a base, also for some reason regular method of creating DRs of loading screen doesn't work for me, so I used @justmiha97 Clean UI Loading Screen as a reference, what files Ii need to replace. And of course dino_rex with this thread on MTS. I also want to give a huge thanks for the testing and taking screenshots of the mod to @sagasimsworld and Mary_WW (she isn't on tumblr), because without them I couldn't find and fix most critical bugs in time. Also, even if most of the UI is replaced and it's fully playable, It's still need polishing and testing, so if you see any bug or some of the parts of UI that looks bad (e.g buttons that are near each other having different shades or smth like that), send me PM or ask with screenshots. Also this mod needs testing with different reshade presets, because I worry that some of them may enhance red colors of the UI and that may cause eyestrain. All screenshots are taken without reshade.

More info and screenshots:

Recolored most of the CAS, CASt, CAP, CAB (plumbots editor), Live mode, Build & Buy mode and Town mode (except map tags):

Loading Screen is compatible with any language (but has only translated in english and russian in main file and ukrainian translation in separated package (AE_BloodsuckerUI_LoadingScreen_UA), that contains translated files only for english and russian version. For working ukrainian translation in english game you need font replacement (Montserrat).

Yeah, image that I used on loading screen is different from that one I showed you on this post (it's my desktop wallpaper now lol). It's because required image for ts3 loading screens is 1024x768, and when I resize original collage it became squished, so I added more images:

In main file of the UI are added this mods, so if you have them, you need to remove it from your game: @fanaskhe-r update of More slots for topical details mod, cmar_nyc's Skintone Panel, Recolored version of Menaceman's Pets Relationships Icons (other relationship headlines recolored as well!).

I created my own replacement for occults in relationship panel, so @sweetdevil-sims icons or removing of halos isn't needed anymore.

For opportunities tab I used recolored correct Shang Simla Forbidden city icon by @thebleedingwoodland, and I definitely recommend installing the whole mod, just delete with S3PE opp_generic_china image so they wouldn't conflict.

Icons are from Freepik. You are allowed to use them for creating "Minimalistic occult relationship panel" with vanilla UI or other UI default.

Also I created compatible and recolored versions for some popular mods, that replaces parts of UI, you can download them in ADDONS archive:

Recolored version of Expanded Tattoo module of Nraas MasterController (installation in Overrides, and don't forget about CmarNYC Tattoos File):

Recolored and compatible version of @lazyduchess Catalog Search Mod (installation in Overrides):

Compatible version of Arro's 4t3 Replacements of Seasons and Lunar Cycle Icons (3 versions, install only one in Overrides folder):

Compatible and/or recolored versions of Gamefreak130 World Loading Screens Overhaul (Choose only one):

Recolored @xiasimla HD icons (both regular and medieval). Totally optional.

Not an actual mod, but desktop icons (.ico format) for TS3 with logo (2 ver.) and plumbob that I created for this UI.

TOU

DOWNLOAD MAIN FILES | ALT

DOWNLOAD ADDONS | ALT

SIMBLR.CC DOWNLOAD

Credits: @mookymilksims, Fanaskher, cmar_nyc, Menaceman44, @thebleedingwoodland, Nraas team, @lazyduchess, Arro, Gamefreak130, @xiasimla for their mods; EA/Maxis, Freepik, Tumblr, Pinterest and Landing for images.

Used programs: Adobe Photoshop, Landing, S3PE, Notepad++, EasySTBL.

Fully compatible and recommended UI mods:

4t3 Cursors by Arro (I don't want make my own custom cursors).

Arro's No mod info.

Nraas Portrait Panel.

Ingredients Thumbnails fix by @tasteslikefridge.

Equestrian Centre map tag replacements by Menacemen.

Rabbitholes Map Tags Visibility Changes.

Font defaults: Font replacement by @simstate and Bigger size font.

Defaults by @alverdinesims: Build Grid, Objects placement, Skill and progress meters.

CC Icons Defaults: Replacement or Completely Remove.

CAS & Stylist Room Defaults: Monotone by @agnelid, Different by @cherdawn66, Empty CAS/Stylist, Gothic by @bast-sims.

Moodlets Icons Defaults: 2t3, 4t3.

Traits Icons Defaults (except Social Groups): 2t3, 4t3, Medieval, Medieval LTR by @aprilrainsimblr.

@pis3update @wanderingsimsfinds @bloodys-s3ccfinds @sssvitlanz @nightoccfinds @ninthcirclets3cc @kpccfinds

[folkbreeze]

hiya! I did check if you had a resource page but couldn't find one (sorry if I missed it!) I was wondering what re/gshade preset your using? Also how did you make your weather/task templates for gameplay like here (post/736165530204028928/completed-task-swim-for-1-hour-in-wakabas) I wouldn't even know where to start in photoshop lol Thank you!

hello, hello!! I don't have a resource page yet so don't worry! l'm using a personal, sorry.

how i make my templates under the cuts (reminder that english is not my first language and that i have photoshop in spanish so i don't know the actual name of things in english)

we'll be creating the simple one from here:

Now, for the templates, it depends on what i want to do, but i usually try to keep them simple, so I use mainly 2 photoshop tools: as you can see here, the weather template I made has (1) a rectangle layer, (2) an image and (3) text layers.

keeping this in mind, let's create a thing (a bank notification) together so I can show you the steps I follow:

(0) Create a new file

There's no size I ALWAYS use, but i usually choose a bigger size since i can always resize it down later when I use it (if it's too small and you have to resize it to be bigger, it might end up looking pixelated). You can also open one of your screenies in the size you usually edit them, and deciding how big your template has to be.

(0.1)

I recommend creating a group (using the little folder icon) where you will drop all the layers of the template so you can move it around and all that

(1) Shapes

This is the first thing I always do for this type of templates, just create a base shape that will contain all the other stuff on top. In this case i created a rectangle with rounded corners.

you can use those circles in the corners to round them or make them pointy. If you press alt while doing it, you can round corners individually.

I added a parallel shadow so it integrates better with the whole screenie, but that's a personal preference.

(2) Now, if you want to have icons/images/etc. I recommend creating another shape (in another color, just so you can see it), and positioning it where you want your image to go.

Now you want to transform that shape to an intelligent object (right click the layer and click that option). This way, if you double click the layer image, it will open in another tab: you can add your image/icon there, click save, and when you go back to the other tab, it will be there. Much easier to edit it! An intelligent object layer will look like this:

(2) Text is literally what MAKES most of templates. When you're creating templates, i recommend looking for inspo AND getting fitting fonts for it. Let's say I want to create a netflix template: i'd do a quick google search to find what fonts does netflix use. Sometimes fonts are not free, but try looking for similar ones.

I'm using manrope for this one because it's simple and easy to read, but when i'm doing this kind of phone notifications i also use fonts that are usually called something UI.

Now you only have to move things around until you like it. Then save it as a .psd so you can edit it and use it whenever you want and that's it!

(4) This is how it looks like

you can now edit it as you want, lower the base rectangle opacity, add more shadow, change the colors...

From this simple thing, i created another version using... you guessed it: another shape, another icon and another text layer. Here you can see the final templates being used in a screenie:

Honestly, don't let the big amount of tools and options photoshop scare you! As you can see, you don't need much to create something like this

Hope this was helpful enough! Let me know if you have questions 🧡

[cemeteryvalentine]

astro observations :3 !!!! part 2

i had fun with my last post, so why not do another one :D. also these r observations r kinda short lolz 🙏 bare with me

-------

★彡　i feel like when people link cancers to being emotional, they mean major crybabies. which is so funny to me because being emotional isn't just being sad all the time. to me, being emotional is being the happiest, the angriest, the saddest, etc. also not every cancer is a big emotional crybaby 😭 but some of us are, and thatz totally okay 🙏. like i also feel like the astro community makes being emotional or a crybaby seem like such a bad thing when it rlly isn't :3

★彡　i feel like if anyone's rlly fluid with style and allat, it's mutable placements.. like i for an example am alwayz switching up my style and i don't have a specific one. i think if my style fit under a label it'd be alternative, but i love wayyy too many alt subcultures like trad goth, romantic goth, vampire goth, whimsigoth, emo, scene, grunge, decora, harajuku, over the top outfits, rlly chill outfits, you name it. i kinda wanna be a fashion designer or sum cuz i just love all sorts of fashion :P

★彡　adding on to that, i feel like mutable placements also like a lot of genres of music :3. like my playlist is an absolute train wreck lolz

★彡　i also feel like mutable placements along with cancer placements (or influence like 4th house lol) really enjoy writing/poetry.

★彡　aries venus looove a good chase. my first lover waz an aries venus and they were alwayz so flirty and fun and wld do anything to get my attention :P

★彡　i notice people say that fixed placements are kinda hardheaded and stubborn when it comes 2 opinions. and at first i thought no wayyy i'm sooo open minded, but thinking abt it, itz pretty hard to change my opinion once i'm convinced i'm right 😭. i don't think i'm too closed minded though, cuz sometimes my opinion changes when i look through different view points, but most of the time, i think i'm alwayz right (cuz i am 😹😹). people also say we think too highly of ourselves. (probably cuz we're the best 😹😹 jkjk kinda).

thatz it for now :3 make sure to eat n drink water :P

also sorry abt most of these being abt mutable placements and cancer 💔

[romana-after-dark]

The Wrong Way: Chapter 8

Dark!Joel Miller x Fem!Reader Tommy Miller x reader (secondary)

Masterlist

Spotify playlist

Summery: You are sold to Joel to clear up some of your fathers' debts, and he takes you back to his house where him, Tommy, and high ranking members of his raiding trope stay. Joel is mean, cruel, and hash, but had small moments of softness that confuse you in your venerable state. Over time, you get to know him and Tommy, and see different sides of each, and both are hiding secrets. Was it possible to fall in love under these circumstances? Or was that just another way Joel was fucking with you?

Aka: my mom sold me to One Direction

WARNINGS FOR FULL FIC, NOT CHAPTER BY CHAPTER UNLESS SOMETHING NEW IS ADDED AFTER MASTER WARNING LIST: DEAD DOVE DO NOT EAT!!!! Fic contains graphic depictions of sexual assault, rape, molestation, dubcon/non con. Blow Jobs, PIV sex, lose of virginity, sex trafficking, past incest, death/people dying everywhere, Stockholm syndrome, falling for your rapist, victim blaming, torcher, branding, physical abuse, rape (not Joel), somno, dub con on tommy? idk he's not really into it but feels like he has to, self-harm/depression/suicidal thoughts (not a lot) but fair warning, major age gaps, love triangle, pregnancy/birth, threats of abortion, major character death, mentions of potential csa/child abuse but does not even come close to happening, forced pregnancy, forced housewife shit, breeding, breeding kink?!?!

I wanna add we're really heavy on the birth/pregnancy, forced birth, choking, domestic violence, threats of hanging and murder. Can't say I didn't warning yuh (unless i missed a warning of course. then please let me know so i cant edit ASAP) Like this is a rough chapter, a lot of violence to a pregnant woman. but I wanna say right now...

The baby will not be harmed in anyway. Baby will be born healthy, and live and have a good life in both the main ending and alt ending.

5k words (sorry not sorry lol)

Also to clarify a few things I guess i didn't make clear enough in previous chapters!

Joel only 'guessed' that Tommy and LO slept together. He had suspicions but thought he could trust Tommy and his 'girlfriend'. When LO rushed to stop Joel from hurting Tommy, that was his 'evidence'. Joel was beating Tommy because he found out about Maria.

Joel only heard part of the conversation between Zach and Little One. Nick said way back in chapter 3 the wall are thinner than she thinks. He didn't know Lorenzo had any part of it, and because LO didn't rat him out, he never will.

Thats my bad for not being clear!

Can you catch the Superstore homage? (aka i rewatched two episodes just to take it line for line lol)

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

Month 3

No one warned you about morning sickness. 

You knew fuck all about sex before you came to Joel’s, just a thing or two from your friend back at the ranch and how to get a man off with your mouth or hands, but pregnancy and birth was next to nothing. You didn’t even know how pregnancy happened really, other than a penis in a vagina until you asked Tommy early on if you were going to get pregnant. After a very uncomfortable talk for both of you, Tommy explained that Joel told him he pulls out, so you should be good… Lorenzo said you can still get pregnant that way, but thinking back to the night Joel almost killed Tommy and you… Joel finished inside… the timing added up. 

Pregnancy and birth were entirely unknown to you, and you wished someone would just give you a heads up. Joel had a daughter and no doubt had been through at least once pregnancy, and Lorenzo had mentioned 4 of his 6 older sisters got pregnant before leaving the house… something about no sex education, men too old for them, and their religion not believing in birth control or abortion… but you didn’t know what half those words meant, and after Lorenzo mercilessly made fun of you for days about not knowing Joel’s song for you was actually a very famous song, you didn’t dare ask him about the words, or anything with pregnancy. You didn’t want to ask Joel either, not wanting to give away how terrified you were, not wanting him to think you didn’t want to… But you did! You did want this baby, you reminded yourself again and again and again, because Joel was good to you, Joel took care of you, Joel would care for this baby too. You’d be bound to him, and he’d never get tired of you this way, and he wouldn’t hurt the mother of his child, right?

The birth was something you tried not to think about.

So here you were, puking your gut out before you even had breakfast and Joel held your hair back.

“Shhh, shhhhhhh” he coo’d and you heaved, yellow bile and acid coming up from inside you since the little food in your stomach from dinner had been thrown up 5 minuets ago.

With a final spit into the toilet, you sink back and Joel wipes your mouth for you. “I think that’s it.” You mutter, and Joel carries you into your shared bedroom, laying you down with the care of an infant before kissing your forehead. 

“Don’t worry about breakfast, little one. I don’t need anything this morning.” He says before kissing your cheek. But you were worrying about breakfast, because you wanted it… but the only way you’d be getting food is if you made it. Tommy wasn’t here to care for you anymore. “I’ll be gone until the evening, what's for dinner?”

The thought of cooking, the thought of raw meats and the strong smells of spices made you want to vomit again. “I dunno…”

“I think a few of them chickens is ready to be butchered, you ever made chicken parmesan? We got that cheese I brought back yesterday, you could make something like that.”

You groan a bit, exhausted and tired despite being only 3 months in. You didn’t sleep at all last night, nightmares of the past and the future plaguing you. He knew that you didn’t sleep, you had told him… “Joel I can’t, the butchering, I feel so-”

“I’ll make Lorenzo do it.” He promises. “Chicken parmesan it is then?” He decided for you. What he didn’t understand is it wasn’t just butchering a few chickens. To make chicken parm you need chicken breasts, not the rest of it. You didn’t waste meat, so Lorenzo kills (you could do it on a normal day, but not with your heightened smell) then you pluck, clean, Lorenzo butchers, then you have to separate the different parts and put them into hygienic storage and take them to the freezer locker, then thoroughly clean yourself, all the tools and surfaces (and Lorenzo) to prevent illness. It would take hours. But Joel didn’t see that, he only ever saw the food at the end of his day.

“Okay” You agree reluctantly, and he begins kissing your neck and groping you, no doubt wanting a quicky before a long day of unspeakable violence. “Joel, please, I don’t feel good.” You beg him not to, but you learned in the past that this never got far.

His morning breath wasn’t helping anything as he tugged down your shorts. “I’ll be quick.”

You knew what that meant. Joel slid into you with no prep, no lubrication, and it burned. The steady rocking was the last thing you needed right now, and with his head buried in your neck, you covered your mouth as the nausea took over. You threw up, but like everything the last several months, you just swallowed it down again to deal with when Joel was gone. When he came inside (wasn’t he worried about you getting pregnant again?) you quickly pull up your pants and run to the bathroom, pushing past Lorenzo no doubt on his way to babysitting duties with you. 

As he watched you run past and heard the sounds of throwing up, Lorenzo caught Joel’s arm as he brushed past. “Peppermint or ginger. Find it, whatever form it's in. Oils, drops, whatever. If you can find the leaves or the root we can make it into a tea. Just find it, it’ll help her nausea.”

Month 4

“Okay Lorenzo, I got a question for you, and you can’t make fun of me.” You say as you cook, the swell of your belly beginning to show now.

“No guarantees.” He says, sitting his drink. How did he find so much alcohol?

“Fine. Okay… when Joel and I have sex-”

He visibly cringed. “Since when do we talk about our sex lives?” 

“Renzo.”

“Fine, go on. But remember I’m not exactly an expert on female anatomy.”

You take a deep breath. “Okay. Well I told you he always pulls out right? Um… ever since I told him im pregnant… he doesn’t.”

Lorenzo waits for you to continue, but you don’t. You think that’s it. “What the problem?”

You continue to avoid looking at him, stirring the soup. “Well.. what if I get pregnant again?”

He stares at you like he’s trying to make sense of your question before the recognition sets in. “OH!” But before he explains what he means… his face shifts… theres something sad in there, a hint of pain in his eyes you only saw once, the face he had as he looked at you in disgust while Joel carried you from the bedroom to the bath while you were covered head to toe in spit and cum and period blood… was it pity? “Jesus kid… No one really taught you anything, did they?”

“C’mon, just tell me.”

Scrubbing his face, he sighed. “No, you can’t get pregnant while your already pregnant.”

Oh. “Wait… really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Ah. Okay then.”

There was a long, long silence before he spoke again. “If you got any other question about, like… pregnancy and birth… I can try and answer.”

Joel had been trying to find a doctor, a midwife, something for you… but it was slim pickings in Wyoming. 

Five minuets later, you were squealing, covering your ears, but laughing. “Ew! What the hell is a mucus plug! You know what, I don’t wanna-”

“IT’S A PLUG FULL OF MUCUS IN YOUR VAGINA WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS?!?!” He yells loud enough to get past your attempt at blocking your ears. 

“NAH NAH NAH NAH NAH!!! I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” But you still could.

“Honestly in the last month or two all kinds of weird things are gonna come out of you including but not limited to a very slimey and weird looking baby.”

You gasp, feigning indignance. “How dare you insult my unborn child!”

“It ain’t personal, sweetheart. All babies look ugly as fuck as newborns. Now, let’s get back to the gritty details.”

With a squeal, you try to run away. “No! I know enough!” But you’re laughing. It felt like you were messing around with Zach back in your childhood home. 

“My sister Elaina lost like 4 teeth.”

“AAAHHHHH!”

Month 5

Joel had finally found a midwife of sorts. Well, technically, Jack did, as it was his cousin. Maura had been a nurse in the birthing wing a short time before everything went to shit and had been helping women deliver babies ever since. Initially, she told Jack to keep his mouth shut. She hated Joel and didn’t want a thing to do with him, but when no one else showed up and you were in your 5th month, she relented, purely for the sake of the innocent kidnapped girl. 

“Put the fucking gun away, Joel.” She said as she entered your room, grabbing the barrel in Joel’s hands and pointing it to the floor. “Point that shit at me again and I’m not helping your child bride.” She stared him down, head tilted up only slightly to reach his eyes. If she was intimidated by Joel, she wouldn’t

Joel glared at her, but he didn’t have many options. “If you hurt her-”

“From what I hear, you’re doing enough of that yourself. Now, you stand up against the wall and watch if you want to, but don’t interfere, and do not try to intimidate me, understood?”

You watched in awe as she stood her ground… It had been months before you had done anything of the sort against Joel, only standing up to him when Tommy’s life was in danger. Joel gave a curt nod and she turn to approach where you lay, sat up against some pillows.

A gentle smile was on her face, but it was clear she was here for business. Still, her confidence and certainty put you at ease.

“My name’s Maura, I’ll be helping deliver this baby.” She was beautiful, with long black hair and a light smattering of freckles on her face, but got straight to the point. It was clear she knew what she was doing, asking you questions you hadn’t even thought of yet and examining you. When she was done, she stood up, looking at you, not Joel. “It seems despite the circumstances-”

Joel tried to interrupt. “The fuck’s that supposed to mean”

But Maura ignored him, keeping your attention with her bright brown eyes. “Despite the circumstances, everything appears to be progressing naturally, theres no cause for concern as of right now. But you need to keep things low stress.” It was then she turned to glare at Joel, to emphasize her point.

Maura said she’d be staying near-by and Joel was paying her a hefty price for her services. When you’d go into labor, Joel was to send a man on horse to fetch her, preferably Jack, but she warned she would armed, and she’d be there shortly.

That night, Joel held you close as you discussed baby names. 

“How about Loretta? Like that singer you liked?”

Joel hums, none commital. “I always liked Dorothy, we could call her Dolly as a nickname. I know you like Dolly Parton” Joel had been teaching you about old country music, and you certainly had a few favorites. Not knowing many women in general, your pool of girl names was not strong so you drew from singers he’d mentioned. 

You scrunch up your nose a bit at that. “I like Dolly, I don’t like Dorothy.”

“It was my grandmas name, I’d really like to name our daughter after her.” His voice had that tone to it, the one that left little room to argue, but you tried to push past Dorothy.

“Maybe June? Like June Carter?” You knew how particle he was to Johnny Cash, but also... that was the name of the only friend you had before Tommy.

“That’s beautiful, little one, June it is.” He smiles into your skin, and you think you’ve won, when he says. “Dorothy June.” 

He had already decided, and there was no real option to argue or change his mind. You’d just call her Dolly, then.

You had one thing you really, really wanted for boy name, and you desperately hoped you could get it, but you couldn’t tell him why. You didn’t want any more kids so this was your only shot. You hadn’t even wanted this one, but as your stomach swelled with life, motherly love came with it and you decided you’d make the best of the situation. The child inside you was your number one priority. “Okay, boys? I really like Caleab… It’s my favorite boy name…” You didn’t have to tell him that was Zach’s middle name.

“I like it, bebita.” 

You got what you wanted. You knew Joel was hoping for a girl, so you figured he was less particular on the boy name. 

“Got any ideas for the middle name?” You ask him.

“Nothing in mind, really. I’m open…” He kisses your neck.  “Anything you want?”

You keep quiet. The name you wanted… he’d never go for.

Joel pulled you closer, nuzzling his face against you as he whispered. “Ah. I see.” You freeze. Tommy hadn’t been so much as alluded to since he barely made it out alive and you thought for sure Joel would have a fit, and you began to prepare yourself to feel a hand wrapped around your throat… But he tucked your hair behind your ear and kissed into your locks as he settled down for bed. “Caleb Thomas”

Month 6 

Lorenzo was getting on your fucking nerves today, and you were about to fling the frying pan, bubbling grease and all, at his face. 

“Will you shut up?”

“No, I’m not going to shut up because you are being fucking stupid!” Instead of his usual spot sitting at the kitchen table, he’s standing, arms crossed, in the doorway as you tried to get diner done. “I told you the first day, you are a dumb. Bitch.” he was drunk, three sheets to the wind and absolutely no filter.

“You have no fucking idea what I am! I am trying to fucking survive, Lorenzo, I am trying to keep myself and this baby-”

“You are playing housewife to a serial murder and a rapist!” He yells at you, clearly frustrated. “You are rewarding all the bad things he’s ever done you just give positive reinforcement-”

“Don’t fucking blame me! I’m not reinforcing the bad, I’m reinforcing the good!” You storm over to him, glaring Lorenzo down. “You have no fucking idea how bad things were! I used to dream about killing myself, about dying, about Joel finally snapping and doing it! I am doing the best in the conditions I have!”

“You could have left! You could have left with Zach and gone off with him for fucks sake!”

With a burst of anger you didn’t know was even in you anymore, you shove him, hard, causing the drunk to fall over. “You wanna know what he did last time I tried to run? He caught me within 10 minuets, dragged me back and chained me to this table-” You point at the table that you and Joel sit at most evenings now for diner. “And raped me in front of everyone, Lorenzo! Then he branded me and left me to be gang raped by all your little buddies here! And no one could stop him, not even Tommy! All Tommy could do is stand by and watch, and unchain me after Joel left before anyone could do anything more!”

Lorenzo was not deterred. “That’s my fucking point!”

“If I leave and he catches me, I am dead!”

Scoffing, Lorenzo rolls his eyes from where he’s slumped against the floor. “Yeah, that’s why”

Unsure how much more you can take from him, you motion him to continue.

“You just don’t wanna admit you fell in love with your rapist.”

That was enough. You begin to walk away from him, but he follows after you. 

“What about when you give birth, huh? What kind of father is he going to be? Are you going to stand by while he beats your kids?”

“SHUT UP!” You scream, still walking away. 

“And what if you have a daughter? You just gonna let him molest her like your dad-”

You wipe around so fast you don’t even have time to blink. “No, Joel isn’t like that.” 

Lorenzo laughs at you, cruel and loud. “You are 20 years younger than him, he raped you! You really think he’s above-”

“YES! He will not hurt her like that!”

“And if you have a son? Do you really wanna raise a man like Joel? The kind of man who beats and rapes innocent girls?”

Tears prickle at your eyes now, a terrible tightness in your chest bubbling with stomach bile. “N-no, that’s not gonna happen, I won’t let-”

“Oh, because you’ve had so much choice the last year, havn’t you. Sooooo much control.”

“I won’t.” You shake your head vigorously. “I won’t let anything happen to my baby, Joel won’t hurt them.”

“So, say he doesn't. You really gonna raise a kid here? Half the men here would’ve raped you, given the chance! You really think your child is safe here?”

You can’t argue with him when he’s right. But he doesn’t get it. Joel is good now, Joel protects you, Joel will protect the baby… Joel is gentle now… soft, kind… he thinks of you, he sings you songs… he plays music for you, he’ll be a good dad… You’ll be okay…

You shut down, going into autopilot. You don’t look at Lorenzo as you walk back to the kitchen to finish frying the chicken. Joel would be home soon.

Month 7

“JACK! GET MAURA!” Joel shouts as you groan on the bed, the tight contractions hurting.

“Joel, it hurts!” You call for him, and in a flash Joel is at your bedside, letting you squeeze his hand. 

“I know, little one, I know…” He pets your hair, having flashbacks to Sarah’s birth…. He wanted another girl so bad, but god, he just wanted a healthy baby and for his girl to make it out alive. Birth was dangerous in modern medicine, nonetheless a post-apocalyptic shitstorm. 

Lorenzo stood in the doorway, biting his nails. “You’re not due for another 8 weeks!”

Grunting through the pain, you let a rare bout of sarcasm slip. “Oh yeah, that’s right, never mind.”

“Could be false labor, you know? That’s called Braxton-Hicks contractions?” Lorenzo looked more nervous than you.

Joel ignored him. “It’s gonna be okay, Maura’s on her way and I think even out here 32 weeks is gonna be okay.” Joel wasn’t entirely sure about his own words. 32 weeks meant a premature baby, and pre-mature usually meant NICU… but there was no NICU to go to… if the babies lungs were under developed or anything like that, there were no options. 

Lorenzo was chewing through his nails enough to draw blood. “Or maybe it’s Braxton-Hicks”

At that, Joel finally acknowledges Lorenzo. “Okay, we get it, you know the term Braxton-Hicks, we’re all very impressed.”

“AHHHHHHH” You yell, wishing to get there was something for the pain.

Lorenzo wouldn’t shut up. “Okay, contractions are getting longer, that means your in active labor?”

“Her water hasn’t broke yet!” 

“Is she dilated?”

“Does it look like her pants are off to you?”

“Well check!”

“I don’t know how to tell! Weren’t you bragging last month you helped your sister give birth in a Walmart?”

“That doesn’t mean I know how to check if she’s dilated!”

“You know more than me!”

“I’m not sticking my fucking face between legs!”

“Oh, because you’re gay you’re suddenly scared of vagina’s?”

“What are you talking about?”

“So you’d rather let her just die?”

“DIE? Joel she’s not gonna die because I’m not looking at her fucking cu-”

“GUYS” you shout, causing both to turn and look at you. “The contractions stopped.”

There’s a moment of silence before Lorenzo speaks. “Oh. Huh. That’s uhhh… Braxton-Hicks I guess. False labor.”

As Joel kissed you that night, sex was the last thing you wanted, but you knew there was no point in fighting it.

Joel sucked on your throat, already bruised with dark marks from the night before, now sore and aching with new licks and bites, his hands roaming to expanse of skin presented before him. Gripping, feeling, pinching, tugging, some things felt good, some hurt, but that didn’t matter. He’d get you off, he always did, at night anyway, but you knew sometimes he just liked to feel you, feel what he owned.  The pain is mine. Your cries are mine, your cunt is mine. And if you bleed? Your blood is mine.

Your belly round and swollen with child, he could not hardly keep his hand off it, every time his hand traveled to explore, it quickly found itself returning to its home, never wanting to miss a kick. He slithered down, nestling his face between your legs and devouring your pussy the way he did your neck, the way he did every piece of you, body and soul and until there was nothing left but this subservient version of you, weak and obedient to his hands. He lapped you up, skilled tongue exploring through your folds only pausing to nibble at the soft skin of your thighs or kiss the round stomach above him. He felt extra possessive today, a desperate, anxious way about him as he devoured you so hungrily you wondered if he intended to eat you, swallow you whole to keep you with him forever; a communion, and you were the eucharist, a matrimony of cannibalism. 

You wanted to tug at his hair, you wanted to entangle yourself in him but your belly was in the way, so you simply laid back and enjoyed as he tongue fucked you, prodding at your entrance, his hands on the globe where your child waits to be born.

“Fuck, Joel, need you, need to cum, please.”

You beg for him, plead, and he devours. Joel knows you love when his perfect, plus lips such at your mound and your clit with long fingers fingering into you, and you yelp when they curl up and hit that spot inside you. “Keep moaning, little one, let me hear you.”

You obliged. Sometimes you wondered how sick everyone in the house was of hearing you, but they weren’t the ones you needed to please; pleasing Joel kept you alive.

“I need you inside me, please” Nudging him with your leg as you cry for his cock. “Joel, I gotta have you inside me, I need to cum on your cock, please? Please, Joel-”

A wet, sloppy sound as he detached from you, and his eyes looked just as hungry as he acted while he crawled up. “You beg so pretty, little one, such a pretty little cock whore.”

But you didn’t have time for his talking, you needed him inside you, now; the hormones of the pregnancy had a mind of their own. You take a chance and push him down, watching Joel smile as you straddle his waist. “God, I just- just need you.”

“The take me, little one, take me” 

You cry out as you sink down onto him, feeling your cunt split on him. “Fuuuck!” Sobbing, you take him fully and begin to fuck yourself on him.

“Just like that, pretty girl, fuck, taking me so well, gonna have you all stretched out to have this baby, huh? Gonna give me a child, little girl? A baby of our own? Fuck, fuck you look so pretty like this, swollen with my child, stretching your stomach as I stretch your cunt, fucking perfect, my perfect wife.”

Wife.

Wife.

Wife?!

You knew Joel was delusional… but fuck, Lorenzo was right… you were playing house wife. Joel thought of you as his wife… 

“Gonna fuck you full of my cum, again, and again, keep you constantly knocked up, make our happy little family, you and me and a dozen little kids running around, FUCK, our family, our family.”

You continued the pace, you couldn’t falter, you couldn’t slow down, you couldn’t hesitate; you couldn’t give any sort of reason for him to think you didn’t want this…

But it suddenly struck you

You were trapped. Joel trapped you with a baby, knowing you’d need him to protect it, knowing you’d never leave your child… and now he was going to keep you pregnant. You could never leave with 5,6,7 kids, it would be impossible. 

“Yeah, fuck yourself on my cock little one, just little that…” Joel reached out to touch you, roughly manhandling your tits that were swollen and engorged.

You begin to cry, but that wouldn’t give away anything for Joel; he fucking loved that shit.

One hand on your breast, one on your clit. “Cry on my cock, baby girl, cry when you cum.”

You did, you sobbed as you came, your body betraying the horrors you felt at his hands.

Month 8

“Hey Joel? Can I talk to you about something?”

You had to do it. You had to. And it had to be now. You two had fucked less than half an hour ago and he was currently eating your food, humming contently. He was always lovey-dovey after sex, and was always much happier after food… The pair didn’t line up often, so now was your chance. 

“What’s on your mind, little one? Nervous about being a mother? You’ll be a great mom; I just know it.” He smiled at you with puppy dog eyes, looking up from his plate, and you couldn’t help smiling back, not when he showered you with compliments.

“Well… you’ve said before you wanted lots of kids… but we… well this little baby was an accident.”

“A miracle, not an accident.” Joel corrected you. You didn’t see how conceiving a child the night he was threatening to blow your brains onto a wall for sleeping with his brother if you didn’t shoot said-baby’s uncle was a miracle… but you digress

“Right. Well… we never really talked about more kids… and although I’m over the moon about this baby, I did initially not want to have it.” Joel’s face began to darken, but you powered through. “Maybe we could see how we feel about one kid after a few years before thinking about-”

Joel slammed down his silverware. “What are you trying to say.”

But you freeze. This was a bad idea, you needed to placate immediately, you needed to calm him down. “N-nothing, Joel, just thinking out loud.”

He stood up, a deadly, blank stare on his face, so far removed from the adoration as he bestowed kisses on your ever-growing belly. Joel walked around the table, standing behind you and placing firm hands on your shaking shoulders, leaning into your ear. 

“You say’n you don’t want my kids? Don’t wanna be their mama? You don’t wanna be my wife?”

“No, no that’s not-” But you don’t get a chance to finish, his hand is wrapped around your throat and insane strength pulling you up and out of the chair, the wooden furniture toppled to the side in a loud clatter. He slams the back of your head against the drywall, you’re toes barely touch the ground; struggling to breath, you claw at his hand, but he doesn’t even blink.

The panic begins to set it.

“YOU ARE NOT IN CHARGE! YOU DO NOT GET TO MAKE CHOICES!” He screams, and out of the corner of your eye you watch as a few men hesitantly gather, like vultures waiting on the next piece of deadmeat. You couldn’t see who, but it didn’t matter. Even the good ones couldn’t intervene.

Joel’s face was suddenly right in front of yours. “Everything you have, any freedom, any luxuries, any power you think you have is because I have given it to you.” Black spots appeared, your vision blurring, sinking into the unknown and god, did it feel sweet. Was it finally over? “I bought you, I own you, you have no rights! You are nothing! You are nothing but a toy for me to play with, a breeding bitch and you should be so lucky to sit at my table!”

He let go, but as you gasped for breath, Joel yanked at your hair and patched you across the room, not letting go of his grasp on you as you flung into the counter. What he didn’t know, what he could never understand was how the handle of the draw rammed into the brand on your side. Suddenly, all sense, all rational went out the window, and you were violently thrust back to last year as he burned his initials into your skin. The flashbacks were triggered, and the result was nothing short of hysteria. You cry out for the only person who would step in.

“TOMMY!TOMMY!TOMMY!TOMMY!TOMMYYYY” You scream, the fact Tommy was miles away didn’t matter, nor did the fact this would only anger Joel more. This didn’t matter; you wanted him, no one but him, and all sense was knocked out of you.

Joel pulls you up by your hair and slaps you hard enough that you taste blood and screams at you to not say Tommy’s name, but you can’t stop, you scream and scream and scream for him to come save you and your baby, the precious little life inside you that has never done anything wrong. 

You fight and claw and panic, hysterics drowning out the one or two voices telling Joel to stop; who they belonged to, you couldn’t say. 

Joel stopped listening, and the voices grow louder as Joel drags you, kicking and screaming, outside; rope and a chair in his hand, your hair in the other, and Joel walked with long strides to a tree outside.

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

YEEEEEEESSSSHHHHHHHHHHH Cliiiiiff hanger, hanging from a cliiiiiiffff thats why he's caaaaallled, Cliff Hangers!

Who else used to watch Inbetween The Lions? Anyway.

Who wanna guess what happens!

Only two chapters left!

For the sake of credit, if you didn't find the superstore reference or dont watch the show, most of the dialogue between Joel and Lorenzo and LO was between Amy and Jonah from two birth related episodes of superstore

Also, Maura is named after my dear dear friend @maura-honey who although is not generally a fanfiction girlie, made a tumblr so she could read, like and reblog this series and always sends me such lovely messages <3

Reblogs are the best way to spread and support, but comments mean the world. I know not everyone likes to share dark content on their blog, but even a kind anon is such support!

for those who voted you dont like or hate or Lorenzo, I hope that doesn't mean you hate him as n he's a bad character. I got a comment on AO3 that said "i cant tell if i like lorenzo or not, but i like him in the story" which makes sense! His victim blaming is really fucking shitty.

no poll today, sorry!

MoonBanana said they think LO copes by lying to herself until she beleives it, what do y'all think? is she as delusional as joel?

@my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction @howaboutcastiel @tidlewav3 @bunnnyy-dummy @slutfortimotheechalamet @foggymoonbanana @dinsbaby @miraclesabound @jenna-ortega @primosworld @marclovers @threeheadedlamb @secretwriterpp @the-fox-den

@bitchyglitterfox @0bsessedwithfictionalcharacters @alloftheboysivelovedbefore @not-a-unique-snowflake-blog @lunar-ghoulie @pedritosdarling @dreamonseems @alwaysdjarin @amoramorquetepintas @milla-frenchy

[athanmis]

sketch dumb alert for @falconearring 's zombie apocalypse au!!!!! (life series folks) (go check out their kick ass stuff NOW🤯🤯😡🫵)

I included some head canon designs specifically for this au! BigB, Ren, Skizz, and Martyn have not been pictured yet and of course I added my own flare to Pearl, Etho, Scar, and well pretty much all of them...

below the cut are ones from my class notes lol

ok also sometimes I draw Etho with vitiligo (seen in the bottom image) just cause I think that's cool

ummm but yeah Ren has ski goggles instead of sun glasses cause it's winter in the comics and I think it's funnier if he just wears ski googles all the time

Martyn also lives with Ren and I like to think BigB also hangs around Ren's place

Pearl's got an eyepatch cause her red skin has the scar situation happening idk

Scar suffers from some kind of infection at some point perhaps severely limiting his mobility🤔 idk i'm still messing around with the idea

Skizz is always beaten up in some way, shape or form cause it's Skizz but he's also the impromptu leader of sorts... Ren's just kinda the motivator, the one that gets everyone fired up

overall I tried making everyone look a little disheveled™️ cause you know it's the apocalypse and beauty is not everyone's main priority

thanks for reading my rants homies im real sick in the head about this one

(alt texts will be added later, i have to sleepy right now sorry luvs)

[caitlinsttpd]

Second Nature: Chapter Two

Full Series

To be completely honest, Harriet had sort of blacked out that she gave Breanna her number the night before. Not that she blacked out. More so that she completely forgot about it. But she could not ignore it when in the middle of making breakfast with Grace, ding.

Unknown Number: Hi it’s Breanna, this is Harriet, right? If not, this is extremely embarrassing lol

She laughed at the text, but when she went to go pick up her phone to answer it, Grace side-eyed in a light hearted way. “What?” She deadpanned Grace, who was nice to the people that she liked, but was always skeptical over anyone in Harriet’s life that she did not know.

“Who’s that?” She dragged out the syllables of her question to tease Harriet who had always been somewhat secretive about her personal life. It’s not that she doesn't like people to know who she is dating. She just knows that queer relationships operate differently than straight ones and even if the person she is dating or talking to is comfortable with their sexuality being out - you never know. She’s always safe rather than sorry.

Granted, she was not dating Breanna, it just had a romantic connotation and she does not know her nearly well enough to make these judgements on Breanna. “Oh. It’s just a friend who I met last night and before you ask, it’s not like that.”

Grace nodded without saying anything because they both knew that she was half lying. Even though she believed Harriet in theory, she knew that everything revolving around Harriet’s personal life was so closed off in recent years and they both understood why and her boundary was respected but it sometimes made it hard to communicate with Harriet.

Once Grace was doing her part in making breakfast and Harriet finished for the time being she texted back.

Harriet 📖: Yes! This is Harriet. Hello!

Breanna 🦅: Oh cool, if it wasn’t I think I would have to flee the country.

Harriet 📖: Ctrl + Alt + Dlt really got to you that’s crazy.

Breanna 🦅: Enough about me fleeing to Mexico! I was wondering if you were free Friday night? I liked talking to you and I would like to get to know you better.

To be perfectly clear, that message made Harriet laugh more than she should have.

Harriet 📖: I would love to!

Now, it’s Friday. The soft glow of the Italian restaurant’s lights bathed the small dining room in a golden hue, reflecting off the rustic brick walls and casting a warm, welcoming ambiance. The low hum of chatter mixed with the occasional clink of silverware, and the faint scent of garlic and basil filled the air. It was the perfect blend of cozy and intimate, which suited Harriet just fine. As she pushed open the heavy wooden door, her eyes quickly scanned the room for Breanna, and she spotted her near the window, fidgeting slightly with her napkin.

Breanna looked up, her face lighting up with a mixture of relief and excitement when she saw Harriet approaching. Despite her calm exterior, Harriet could sense the underlying nerves; Breanna had the look of someone who was both eager and slightly out of her element. It was endearing, and Harriet couldn't help but smile.

"Hey," Harriet greeted, sliding into the seat across from Breanna. "Sorry if I'm a little late."

"No, you're fine," Breanna waved it off with a shy smile. "I just got here a few minutes ago." She paused before adding, "I wasn't sure if you'd remember… you know, agreeing to this."

Now it sounds like a business meeting, great.

Harriet let out a light chuckle. "Honestly, I almost forgot until your text. But I’m glad I didn’t."

That seemed to put Breanna at ease. The two exchanged casual pleasantries—talk of classes, the typical stress of balancing school and life. As they settled in, the conversation naturally turned to food.

“I’m really into pasta, honestly,” Breanna confessed, her eyes brightening. “There’s this dish, fettuccine Alfredo with extra garlic and a little bit of spice—it’s like heaven. I always get it when I’m stressed.”

Harriet raised an eyebrow. “A comfort dish, huh? I get that. Italian food is kind of my go-to too, though I’m more of a classic spaghetti and meatballs person. Nothing too fancy, but when it’s done right, it’s unbeatable.”

Breanna smiled wider, clearly pleased by the food talk. “Right? There’s something about good pasta that just makes everything better. Plus, it’s kind of hard to mess up.”

“Well,” Harriet said, grinning, “that’s debatable. I’ve seen some culinary crimes committed in the name of ‘pasta.’”

Breanna laughed, the sound genuine and full of warmth, and for the first time that evening, Harriet realized how comfortable she felt. It wasn’t often she allowed herself to just sit back and enjoy moments like these. She noticed how Breanna’s enthusiasm seemed to bubble over when she talked about things she was passionate about, like food. There was an openness to her that Harriet found both refreshing and intriguing.

“So, are you always this passionate about pasta, or do you have other things you get worked up about?” Harriet asked, leaning in slightly, her tone playful.

Breanna blushed a little, but her smile didn’t waver. “You caught me—I get pretty worked up about a lot of things. Basketball, obviously but I don’t really think that counts. I could talk about it for hours, though I’m trying to tone it down so I don’t bore you on our first… hangout.”

Harriet smirked at the small hesitation before “hangout” and chose not to comment. “I don’t think you could bore me if you tried.”

Breanna’s eyes flickered with surprise at Harriet’s words, but she quickly recovered. “We’ll see about that.”

The conversation flowed easily from there, the initial nerves on Breanna’s side giving way to a comfortable rhythm. Harriet found herself genuinely enjoying the exchange, feeling a connection with Breanna that was rare for her. She wasn’t sure what it was yet, but she was curious—curious enough to let her guard down, if only a little.

As the waiter came by to take their order, Breanna glanced over the menu. “You ever try their lasagna? I’ve heard good things.”

Harriet shook her head. “No, but I’m willing to try anything once.”

Breanna grinned. “That’s a dangerous statement to make.”

Harriet smirked. “I like living on the edge.”

Breanna rolled her eyes playfully, but there was a glimmer of excitement in them, and Harriet could feel the same excitement building inside her. This evening was turning out to be much more interesting than she had expected.

Harriet noticed there were pits of tomato within the sauce which grossed her out and the expression spiked an interest from Breanna. “I just hate tomatoes,” she laughed off.

“Oh wow, I love them.”

“You try this then,” she joked and Breanna took a bite, enjoying herself which added to the banter and fun of the evening.

Breanna and Harriet settled more comfortably into their seats. The atmosphere had shifted from their light, playful banter to something deeper as they began sharing more personal stories.

Breanna took a bite of her fettuccine Alfredo, savoring it for a moment before setting her fork down. “You know,” she started, her voice thoughtful, “basketball wasn’t always something I thought I’d be serious about. It was just this thing I did when I was a kid, kind of a way to burn energy, you know?”

Harriet nodded, listening intently as she twirled her spaghetti on her fork. “So, what changed?”

Breanna smiled at the question, her eyes lighting up with the memory. “It was my first major game. I was 15, and I got called up to play in a regional tournament. I was nervous, totally freaked out, honestly. It was the kind of game that could make or break you. I remember walking onto the court, my heart pounding so loud I thought everyone could hear it. But once the ball was in play, everything just… clicked. All the noise, the pressure, it disappeared, and it was just me and the game.”

She paused, eyes distant as she recalled the rush of adrenaline, the way everything fell into place. “We won, and I played the best I ever had. After that, I knew basketball wasn’t just a pastime. It was something I could do, something I wanted to do for real. The discipline, the teamwork, the physical and mental challenge—it became my life.”

Harriet was quiet for a moment, processing what Breanna had said. There was an intensity in Breanna’s voice, a raw passion that she admired. “That’s... amazing. I can’t even imagine the kind of pressure that comes with something like that. I mean, having everyone’s eyes on you, expecting you to perform at your best.”

Breanna shrugged modestly. “It’s a lot, but I thrive on it. There’s something about pushing myself that makes me feel alive. Plus, basketball’s given me a lot—a scholarship, a chance to travel, meet new people. I owe it a lot.”

Harriet smiled softly. “It sounds like it really shaped who you are.”

Breanna nodded, but then leaned forward, her gaze curious. “What about you? I mean, I know you’re into engineering and economics, which is, like, so far from what I do.” She chuckled a bit before regaining eye contact with her again.

Harriet chuckled, a little self-conscious. “It’s definitely different from basketball, that’s for sure. But yeah, I’ve always been fascinated by how things work—how systems fit together, whether it’s mechanical systems in engineering or economic systems in society. There’s something satisfying about solving complex problems and making things more efficient.”

Breanna’s eyebrows lifted in interest, and Harriet continued, feeling more at ease now that they were talking about something she was passionate about.

“I think what really hooked me was this project I worked on last year,” Harriet said, her voice gaining momentum. “We were tasked with designing a sustainable energy solution for rural communities, something cost-effective and easy to implement. My group and I ended up creating a solar-powered water filtration system. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked, and the idea that something we designed could genuinely improve people’s lives? That was it for me.”

Breanna’s expression shifted to one of genuine awe. “That’s incredible, Harriet. I mean, that’s not just studying for the sake of studying. You’re actually doing something that can make a real impact.”

Harriet blushed slightly, unused to this kind of attention for her work. “I guess. I just... I want to use what I’m learning to make things better, especially in places that don’t have access to the resources we take for granted. There’s a lot of inequality in the world, and I feel like economics and engineering are tools to address that, to build solutions.”

Breanna rested her chin on her hand, watching Harriet closely. “You’re really driven. It’s impressive. Most people don’t even know what they want, let alone have a plan to get there.”

Harriet gave a small smile. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about it. But honestly, I’m still figuring it out. There are days when I question everything, and wonder if I’m even on the right path.”

Breanna nodded, her tone softening. “I get that. There are games where I mess up so bad I wonder if basketball’s even the right thing for me. But then I remember why I love it and what it’s given me. It sounds like you’ve got that same kind of drive, even if you’re still figuring out the details.”

Harriet looked at Breanna, feeling a deeper connection forming. There was something about hearing Breanna’s journey, the parallels of their different worlds—sports and academics, physical discipline and intellectual pursuit—that made her feel understood in a way she hadn’t expected.

“I guess we’re both just trying to make sense of things, huh?” Harriet said with a small smile.

Breanna grinned back. “Yeah, I guess we are.” 

The conversation lulled as they both took a moment to enjoy their meal, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable. Harriet could feel the weight of the stories they had shared lingering between them, creating a new layer of understanding. She was impressed by Breanna’s dedication to her sport and the quiet confidence she carried despite her struggles. And Breanna, for her part, seemed equally intrigued by Harriet’s intellectual curiosity and her ambition to change the world in her own way.

The warm lights of the restaurant gradually faded behind them as Breanna and Harriet strolled through the quiet campus, their takeout bags in hand. The evening air was crisp but not too cold, and the sky had taken on a soft shade of purple as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was Breanna’s idea to move to the nearby park—something about the fresh air and the open sky seemed to call for a more laid-back atmosphere, away from the noise of the restaurant.

Harriet glanced at Breanna as they walked, the soft glow of the street lamps highlighting Breanna’s relaxed expression. There was something calming about the way Breanna carried herself now, less nervous, more at ease. The casual flow of their earlier conversation had done its job, breaking the tension and bringing them to this more comfortable place.

“You sure it’s not too chilly for the park?” Harriet asked, though she already knew the answer. 

Breanna shook her head, her lips quivering into a smile. “Nah, I love the cold. Plus, it’s not like we’ll be out here all night.”

They arrived at the park, its winding paths illuminated by soft lighting, and Harriet immediately noticed how quiet it was. A few people were scattered here and there, but for the most part, it was peaceful—just the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees and the distant hum of traffic from the city.

“There’s a bench over there,” Breanna pointed toward a spot that overlooked a small hill. “Perfect view.”

Harriet followed her lead, the two settling down on the bench with their takeout bags. The city skyline twinkled faintly in the distance, and the moon hung low, casting a silver glow across the park. Harriet couldn’t remember the last time she’d just sat outside like this, appreciating the simple beauty of the night. 

Breanna leaned back on the bench, stretching her legs out in front of her, and sighed contentedly. “This is nice. I don’t get to just sit and chill like this very often.”

“Yeah?” Harriet asked, setting her food on her lap. “Always on the go, I’m guessing?”

Breanna nodded, taking a bite of her pasta. “Pretty much. Between basketball, classes, and trying to keep up with everything, it feels like I’m always running around. But moments like this… they’re rare, and I like them when I can get them.”

Harriet smiled, relating in her own way. “I get that. I’m usually buried in work, trying to meet deadlines. It’s easy to forget how nice it is to just... be.”

Breanna looked over at her, a soft expression on her face. “Yeah. It’s good to slow down sometimes. To actually have a real conversation, you know?”

There was something about the way she said it that made Harriet’s heart skip a beat. This wasn’t just a casual hangout anymore; they had crossed into something more, though it was hard to define exactly what that was. Harriet wasn’t sure if Breanna felt it too, but there was an undeniable connection growing between them.

“So,” Breanna said after a moment, breaking the silence. “What made you switch to economics and engineering? You said you were fascinated by how things work, but... was there a specific moment that sparked it?”

Harriet hesitated, her fingers playing with the edge of her food container. “I guess it was gradual. Growing up, I didn’t have much, and I watched my family struggle with money. I grew up in this small town in Indiana, and there wasn’t a lot of opportunity. It got me thinking about why certain places thrive and others don’t. I realized that so much of it has to do with access—access to resources, education, infrastructure. I wanted to understand that better, and engineering felt like a way to do something about it, to create solutions.”

Breanna’s eyes softened. “That’s… wow. It’s like you’re trying to fix the world. One project at a time.”

Harriet laughed quietly, a bit self-conscious. “It sounds ambitious when you say it like that, but I guess, yeah, that’s the goal.”

Breanna leaned back, gazing up at the sky. “I think it’s amazing. Most people just live their lives without really thinking about the bigger picture. You’re out here trying to make a difference.”

There was a pause, a moment of quiet as they both took in the weight of what had been said. Harriet wasn’t used to this—someone genuinely appreciating her, not just for her intellect but for what she wanted to do with it. It made her feel seen in a way that was new, and that realization both excited and scared her.

“And what about you?” Harriet asked, wanting to shift the focus. “You’ve got this amazing career in basketball ahead of you. Have you thought about what comes after that?”

Breanna was quiet for a moment, as if she hadn’t fully considered the question before. “Honestly, I don’t know. Basketball’s been my whole life for so long, and yeah, I love it. But I know it won’t last forever. I know that I will likely go to the pros but after that I’m not quite sure. Maybe coaching? Or something completely different. I just... haven’t figured that part out yet.”

Harriet nodded, understanding the uncertainty. “You’ve got time. No need to rush into it.”

Breanna smiled at her, and for a moment, they just sat there, enjoying the cool breeze and the peacefulness of the park. The openness of the conversation, the vulnerability they had shared—it felt like they had crossed some invisible threshold. Harriet realized that she was more comfortable with Breanna than she’d been with anyone in a long time. 

Breanna broke the silence again, her voice soft and thoughtful. “I’m really glad we did this. Tonight, I mean. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but... it’s been nice.”

Harriet met her gaze and smiled, feeling the warmth between them. “Yeah. It really has.” 

The soft glow of the city lights in the distance cast a faint shimmer on the park as Harriet and Breanna sat quietly on the bench. The gentle hum of the evening breeze made the moment feel peaceful, as though time had slowed down just for them. After finishing their meal, they had fallen into a comfortable silence, enjoying the stillness of the night. But Harriet could sense that there was more beneath the surface—more to be said, more to be shared.

Breanna was the first to break the silence. “So, biomedical engineering, huh? That’s pretty intense.” She turned to face Harriet, her expression curious but warm.

Harriet smiled, though there was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. “Yeah, it’s something I’ve always wanted to pursue. There’s so much potential to make an impact in that field—like developing technologies that can save lives or improve people’s quality of life. I mean, who wouldn’t want to do that?”

Breanna nodded, but she could sense there was more to the story. “Sounds like it’s more than just a career choice for you. It’s personal.”

Harriet looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the sleeve of her jacket. “It is. I guess, for me, it’s about combining my love for engineering with something that feels meaningful. Don’t get me wrong, I love economics—it’s like this big puzzle that explains how the world works. But biomedical engineering... It's about people. It’s about helping people directly. Plus, I think pursuing economics professionally can turn into something evil and money first which is not for me.” She kept it vague for sake of a trauma dump.

Breanna’s expression softened as she listened. “That’s huge. I mean, not everyone has that kind of clarity about what they want to do. You’re driven in a way that most people aren’t.”

Harriet’s smile faded slightly. “Yeah, but sometimes... I wonder if I’m too driven. Like, I’m so focused on my future, my goals, that I don’t leave room for anything else. Especially when it comes to personal stuff.”

Breanna tilted her head, sensing the vulnerability in Harriet’s words. “You mean relationships?”

Harriet nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on the distant city skyline. “Yeah. It’s hard to balance everything—school, projects, trying to be fulfilled in every area of my life without making myself miserable. And then there’s this other part of me that wants connection, that wants to have people in my life who actually matter. But it feels like I have to choose one or the other. I can’t have both.”

Breanna leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees as she looked at Harriet. “I get that. I mean, basketball... It's my life. It’s given me so much, but the pressure to keep up, to be the best, it’s exhausting. There’s this expectation that I always have to perform, to be perfect. It’s like people are waiting for me to slip up, and sometimes, I feel like I’m carrying the weight of everyone’s expectations on my shoulders.”

Harriet’s eyes softened as Breanna spoke. There was something incredibly raw about the way she described her struggles—an honesty that Harriet wasn’t used to hearing from someone so outwardly strong.

“That sounds like a lot,” Harriet said gently. “I can’t even imagine what that kind of pressure feels like.”

Breanna shrugged, though her expression remained serious. “It’s tough. Don’t get me wrong, I love the game, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it’s given me. But there are times when I wonder if it’s worth it. Like, what if I don’t live up to the expectations? What if I’m not good enough?”

Harriet’s heart ached at the vulnerability in Breanna’s voice. “Breanna, from everything you’ve told me, it sounds like you’re more than good enough. But I get it—the fear of failing, of not meeting expectations, it’s real. I feel it too, especially with the pressure I put on myself.”

Breanna met her gaze, her eyes searching Harriet’s face for a moment. “It’s comforting to hear that, you know? That I’m not the only one who feels like this. I think... I spend so much time trying to act like I’ve got it all together, but the truth is, I don’t.”

Harriet smiled softly. “No one really does. We’re all just pretending half the time.”

Breanna chuckled, the sound light but tinged with a hint of relief. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“You know,” Harriet said quietly, her voice softer now, “it’s really brave of you to open up like that. A lot of people would just hide behind the mask of being ‘perfect.’”

Breanna glanced at her, her expression a mixture of gratitude and something else Harriet couldn’t quite place. “I guess I feel like I can be real with you. You don’t judge me, and you actually listen. That’s rare.”

Harriet’s heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in Breanna’s words. She hadn’t expected to have this kind of impact on someone like Breanna—someone who was so confident and put-together on the outside but had her own set of fears and insecurities lurking beneath the surface.

“I’m glad,” Harriet said softly. “Because I feel the same way. It’s hard for me to open up to people, but with you... it feels different.”

Breanna smiled, her eyes warm and understanding. “I’m really glad we did this tonight, Harriet. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I texted you, but I feel like I’ve known you for longer than just a couple of days.”

Harriet returned the smile, a sense of calm washing over her. “Yeah, I feel that too. It’s like... we just get each other.”

Breanna nodded, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. They didn’t need to. The shared vulnerability between them had deepened their connection in a way that words couldn’t fully capture.

As they sat there on the bench, the night growing darker and the city lights twinkling in the distance, Harriet realized that this was the kind of moment she had been missing in her life—the balance between ambition and connection, the feeling of being understood by someone who wasn’t afraid to share their own struggles.

As the evening air grew cooler and the lights of the park started to flicker on, Harriet and Breanna gathered their things and began the walk back toward the edge of campus. Their conversation had slowed, not from lack of interest, but from the comfortable silence that had settled between them after such a meaningful exchange. The rhythmic crunch of leaves beneath their feet and the distant hum of traffic filled the quiet.

Harriet glanced sideways at Breanna, who seemed more at ease now than when they’d first met up earlier that evening. There was a lightness to the way she moved, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“So,” Harriet started, breaking the silence, “what’s the verdict? Did my company live up to your expectations, or were you ready to call it quits halfway through the night?” She grinned, a playful edge to her voice.

Breanna chuckled, shaking her head. “Oh, absolutely. Halfway through, I was planning my escape route. You know, a quick fake phone call or something,” she joked, looking over at Harriet with a mischievous glint in her eye. “But then you made me laugh, so I decided to stick around.”

Harriet rolled her eyes with a mock sigh of relief. “Phew, glad I could convince you to stay.”

“Nah, honestly, this was great,” Breanna said, her tone shifting to something a little more sincere. “I really enjoyed tonight. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but... I don’t know, I’m glad we did this.”

“Me too,” Harriet replied, her voice softening. She felt that same sense of connection stirring again, and it made her both excited and slightly nervous. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a night like this—just talking and getting to know someone.”

They walked a little further, the campus lights coming into view as they neared the main road. Harriet realized that she didn’t want the night to end—not yet, at least. There was something about Breanna that made her feel open, relaxed in a way she hadn’t expected. And as much as she wanted to hold onto that feeling, she knew that their time tonight was winding down.

“So, about that rematch,” Breanna said suddenly, breaking Harriet’s train of thought.

“Rematch?” Harriet asked, raising an eyebrow. “Did we have a match in the first place?”

Breanna gave her a playful nudge. “Not yet, but we will. You play basketball?”

Harriet laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, no. No, no. I’d embarrass myself out there.”

“Come on,” Breanna teased, stepping in front of her and walking backward for a few steps, her smile wide and inviting. “You can’t be that bad. I’ll take it easy on you. Plus, I need someone to help me practice my coaching skills.”

“Is that what this is?” Harriet asked, grinning as she stepped around her. “A scouting opportunity for your coaching career?”

“Maybe,” Breanna said, falling back into step beside her. “Or maybe I just want an excuse to hang out again.”

Harriet’s heart did a small flip at the honesty behind Breanna’s words. “I see what you did there,” she teased, though the smile on her face betrayed her own excitement.

Breanna laughed, a light and carefree sound that hung in the evening air. “Hey, I’m just being honest. I like spending time with you.”

Harriet couldn’t help but smile. “Well, in that case, I guess I can’t say no to a rematch. But don’t say I didn’t warn you—I’m really bad.”

“Challenge accepted,” Breanna said, her voice filled with playful confidence.

As they reached the edge of the campus, where their paths would split off toward their respective transportation, they both slowed their pace, as if neither wanted to be the first to leave. The moment stretched out, a quiet acknowledgment that this was the end of their night together, at least for now.

“So,” Breanna said, turning to face Harriet fully, “we’ll set up that rematch soon, right?”

Harriet nodded, her smile soft but genuine. “Definitely. I had a lot of fun tonight, Breanna. I’m looking forward to hanging out again.”

Breanna’s eyes twinkled under the streetlights, and she gave a small, satisfied nod. “Same here. It was really nice. We’ll figure out a time soon.”

They stood there for a brief moment, both unsure of how to end the night but equally content to let it linger. Finally, Harriet spoke.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you soon, then,” she said, her voice warm.

“Count on it,” Breanna replied, a grin playing on her lips.

With that, they parted ways—Harriet heading toward the bus stop, and Breanna walking off toward the parking lot. Harriet couldn’t help but glance back once, seeing Breanna give a small wave before disappearing into the night.

As Harriet walked toward her bus, she felt a quiet sense of excitement bubbling inside her. It wasn’t just the potential friendship or even the chemistry between them—it was the feeling of having connected with someone in a real, honest way. Including the fact that Breanna had offered to drive her back but Harriet insisted on going back on her own. She can be stubborn like that. But nonetheless, she felt optimistic, like this was the beginning of something good.

Breanna, meanwhile, climbed into her car, still smiling to herself as she replayed the evening in her head. The conversation, the laughter, the shared vulnerabilities—it all felt so natural, so right. And as she drove home, she found herself already looking forward to their next hangout, eager to see where this budding connection would take them.

As Harriet sat on the bus, the gentle sway of the ride pulling her into a state of quiet reflection, her mind kept drifting back to the evening. The warmth of Breanna’s laughter, the sincerity in her voice, the easy way they had slipped into conversation—it all felt like a breath of fresh air. She couldn’t stop replaying moments from their time together, each one leaving her with a smile.

She leaned her head against the cool window, watching the city lights blur by, but her thoughts were focused entirely on Breanna. There was something about her—an authenticity that Harriet hadn’t expected. Breanna was open and honest in a way that disarmed her. It wasn’t just the vulnerability they’d shared, though that had left an impression. It was her passion for basketball, the way she spoke about her drive and her struggles. Breanna wasn’t afraid to admit that she didn’t have it all figured out, and Harriet admired that more than she realized.

It was strange, really—how quickly they had connected. Harriet was usually so guarded, so careful with her personal life, yet here she was, feeling completely at ease with someone she had only just met. And not just ease. There was a spark of excitement, a curiosity that Breanna had awakened in her. She found herself wondering what other layers there were to uncover, what else they would share in the coming days.

Harriet’s thoughts wandered to the moments when Breanna had made her laugh, when they had playfully teased each other like old friends. There was something so natural about it all, as though they had known each other far longer than just a couple of days. She liked that. She liked the way Breanna could be both confident and unassuming, strong but unafraid to show vulnerability.

As she thought about their next hangout, about that playful challenge to a basketball rematch, she couldn’t help but feel a growing anticipation.  Breanna had made an impact on her tonight. More than Harriet expected. She felt seen and heard, and in return, she had seen a side of Breanna that was real and genuine. It was rare, refreshing, and for once had Harriet filled with a sense of optimism.

[flaminaroundlikeastar]

Fandom : Transformers 

Series : Transformers Rise of The Beasts

Warning : SFW // family friendly, wholesome 

Blue mech was napping in his alt mode as the sun was rising. " Wake up, sleepy head, it's time to go. " you said calmly but still in somewhat serious tone. " Go where? " Mirage asked, still mostly asleep. " Ohh, right. I forgot. " he answered. " Then I guess we should be going right now then. " he added. He opened his door to let you in.

~Timeskip for about 1-2 hours~

" And we arrived! " he said enthusiastically, arriving to the parking lot of a huge store. You carefully got out and took some things with you. " I'll shop for maybe an hour or so. You should wait here, because we don't need people to know that you're not just a ordinary car. " you said. " Of course, babe. Not big of a problem. " he said. " I might as well do some laps around the city, see some cool stuff, without using my main mode of course. " Mirage added. " Just be careful, OK?" you said as you turned around and headed towards the store.

~Timeskip for about 1 and a half~

" Hmm, where is she? I thought we agreed it would take her around an hour. " Mirage said to himself and still looking around. " Meh, I'm pretty sure she'll come soon. " he added after a long pause. " ... hopefully. " 

~Timeskip for about another hour~

You have finished shopping. There's a lot of stuff you bought. You were heading towards parking lot to see Mirage. " I'm back! And I bought some goodies. " You said rather enthusiastically. " Finally! I though I would die of boredom. I'm just not a fan of slow things. " he pointed out in grumpy way. " Ah, sorry that I took so long to shop for things. At least I'm back now. " You apologized for minor inconvenience and promised to not carry away too much next time. He obviously forgave and you two laughed it off. " Let's just go home Y/N. " he said rather happily, forgetting the problem.

Note: I got this idea today when I was shopping with my mom and despite being a woman, I'm pretty impatient about it, so I was sitting and waiting in boiling hot car (RIP), awaiting for her to come back LOL.

[goldenlavendered]

welcome to my enclosure I have many thoughts and doodles abt lila (shipping mostly)

[ID in ALT!]

hc dump under cut (it gets LONGG lol)

General:

anthro au specific but since my Skid & Lila are both cats, some nights they'll just sit in total darkness (bc cats can see in the dark). it is great and enriching for both of them.

adding onto that, ever since Pump started coming over they added some glow in the dark star stickers along the walls to help him find his way around :)

Lila is transfem to me . I don't need proof or elaboration this is just something I know in my heart /lh

she probably started transitioning pretty young, which is something she feels lucky for. her parents were supportive ^_^ !!

that being said, her parents were rather protective, and she didn't get out too much as a youngin.

-- that is why she was so lax with Skid going outside. she was kind of overcorrecting for that.

She was probably deep into alt fashion in college (elaborated on later)

Shipping Opinions:

I am just some guy on the internet, if you like a ship I don't, that's great and I love that for you! Live your life.

Goldenlavender (x Jaune): gestures at url. I think it is funny. also.

I feel like they've quietly been pining for a very long time now, but they've both been friends for so long and don't want things to change.

there's something quiet and unstated, but definitely there between them. they don't kiss or anything, but they hold each other really close and aren't too shy about being affectionate. you know?

women who are best friends.

also ross would finally have a parent who can pass off as a natural reason why he has black hair. he is beating the hair dye allegations!!!!!!

Grapecandy (x Kevin): I'll be honest right now. I keep thinking Kevin's, like, 17.

He isn't, I think. But I literally didn't even think of him as being a suitable option for her for a while LMAO

I think I can sum up all of the wagegang x Lila thoughts here: It just doesn't compel me, unfortunately. I don't see their potential dynamic as being particularly funny, or spawning interesting drama. Shrugs. Sorry!

specifically w Kevin though I think they would break up as soon as Skid is brought up LMAO. like he doesn't hate the kid but he isn't ready to be a stepfather imo.

(x Bob): Do they have a ship name? Anyw the age gap isn't my main issue with it. Lila's in her late 20s at the youngest, and they're both adults. I don't think anyone means tiny witch Lila when they bring this ship up anyways

nor is the stalking or attempted murder. I had a creepypasta phase, these behaviors are obviously Very Bad irl but they can be interesting to see in fiction. morbid curiosity and whatever.

My main issue is that their potential relationship is so much more interesting if it isn't romantic, you know? Like, how do they know each other? What was he to her? Why did she react so strongly to seeing him in her past? She seems eager to try to reject the idea that the man in the photo is him, but why? Was he important to her? Did she care about him?

TL;DR: I want more fics abt these two's relationship, but specifically non-romantically.

Deadflowers (x Patty): Not sure about this ship name. I don't see this one often. Anyw, I don't actually have any thoughts on Patty, so this is going to be super short.

I think they might have a nice time together on a date, but I don't think it could be anything serious.

Though, if they did.. overworked x overworked means they'll have to take care of the other, even tho it'll mean they call each other hypocrites for working so much all the time.

I could see it as a background/dressing ship, but not really as the focus of anything. sorry girls

Poisonwine (x Skid's Dad): I want to know more from onscreen canon first!!! But I think they could be super interesting!!!

The tweet that implies that he didn't care bout Lila is. hROUUUGH (<- thang whose heart is breaking). He didn't care, but did she know that? Did she care? I feel like she did..

There's no way Lila doesn't know about the cult. I'm a believer that she was a part of it herself until he died (the robes, "Remember Lila") ...Did she join because of her own beliefs, or because her husband was in it? Did he have to coerce her at all?

I think he was a good dad to Skid.

You may notice this is a lot of me dancing around what I actually think they're like. That's because I don't want to really solidify any specific readings of what's going on here. I am embracing the future with open arms!!

they're t4t tho this is non-negotiable /silly

RoyalPurple (x Carmen): this was supposed to have its' own section but now I'm making a fic with them so just. wait a minute there HAHAHA /silly

(& Streber): this is a Specifically platonic headcanon but I like to think they ve gone to the same university. They're definitely in diff strands, Streber to Engineering and Lila to Architecture, but they could've met through an org and just been pals.

They weren't suuper close or anything, but they were birds of a feather. Girl who goes to class with chokers and giant boots, and guy dressed like a victorian fantasy LARPer.

I think she sent him flowers or a get well card in the hospital :) [miserable hand shake between them abt being personally victimized by Bob]

The Ships That Don't Have Doodles

these will just be single bullet points!

(x F. Gregor): same comments as wagegang x Lila; doesn't compel me. Nothing's wrong with it, I just don't see it.

(x Dexter): this is only funny to me because I draw Lila and co as cats in the Anthro AU. he calls her a stupid bitch, we can move on.

(x Jack): I could see a onesided crush from his side, like "the lady who keeps calling is kinda cute" but I don't know if I could see it getting serious. she can give him a smooch if he wants, as a treat.

(x John): ok this one could actually be really cute. eatyourmaker's post abt Skid and John getting along is super adorable and I could maybe imagine Lila hitting it off with him after seeing how much he cares for Skid. maybe Skid plays matchmaker. this could work. I like it.

(x Ignacio): in the deleted scenes she tried to beat a teen to death for calling Skid a dumbass, I don't think she could get over the threats.

(x Fat Thief/Thin Thief): this could be funny if she was still mad at them for breaking in repeatedly. she doesn't seem threatened by them just irritated LMAO

(x Frank): childhood friends who don't really talk but are chill with each other. they're funny. I don't feel the romance tho. S&P's cool uncle

(x Pump & Susie's Parents): Pump & Susie officially get Skid as a brother AND they finally have one (1) parent who isn't always absent, just sometimes absent. other than as a background detail tho there's nothing here.

(x Mayor Evermore): they would ignore each other on the street on purpose

(x Moloch): he didnt get to but he WOULD call her a bitch.

(x Richard): poor man's Lila x Carmen

(x Spider): please let my girl beat the spiderfucker allegations.

[underlockv]

I recently made a gift for Hocus' birthday and I forgot to post about it here until now! Behold, The Unofficial Unlicensed Talking Magnetic Karl Heisenberg Plush!

More pics and info under the cut!

I've made dolls like this in the past, and had a pattern for it, but this project took me a while. Partially as he was hand sewn (and hand embroidered) and I have a mild hand tremor, partially because I kept adding stuff to him and making him more detailed as I went along (so much so he was late for birthday, sorry Hocus!) but I'm glad Hocus likes him thats the most important part! He wasn't entirely a surprise because I had said I wanted to make him for them, but I think maybe they weren't expecting how overboard I went on the project (nor was I! I just kept having ideas).

I really wanted to be able to make an alternate outfit for Karl based on a fanfic my friend wrote so I made a base doll body and then made Karl's clothes with a bunch of little buttons and snaps. The shirt buttons are decorative (made of sculpey, I couldn't find small enough regular ones) and it has a hook and loop (velcro) tab on the inside. The pants are a combo of this and some snaps. The belt has snaps but technically works like a real belt and then the undershirt also has snaps as do the "boots". His necklace accessories (sculpey, wire, paint) just tie on and off loosely with strings of embroidery thread. The hat has a cardboard/maskingtape base for shape and just an eyeballed-pattern sewn around it (I think it turned out nice!)

(this is prior to me adding his scars in embroidery thread).

The Glasses though are attached with his second feature

I knew I wanted to add some semi powerful magnets to his hands so he could pick up metal objects because that just MAKES SENSE with Karl's powers. I also made him his hammer (paper mache, paint and sculpey again) and added in a magnet to it's handle (as I wasn't working with actual metal for it lol, but I forgot to photograph it before I sent him off) . But in the process of doing that I realized if I attached some magnets on the inside of his head I could also make glasses that snap on and off, and that solved the issue of them staying in place.

Third feature: HE TALKS! Yes, just as advertised on the box if you squeeze him he says a voice line. Just one voice line really, but it's a long one. I'd argue it's probably the most important line he says in the game that really decides his fate with our protagonist (not in his favour, unfortunately). I used a voice recorder for plush toys that allows up to 20 second recordings. one of the unlisted features is there is a zipper on his back so they can take the recorder out for battery replacement, or to rerecord the message if desired.

POV: you're about to go in the hole (I only took a vid for this in the middle stage lmao). The last part of the manual goes over the alternate outfit and then includes a personal message for Hocus I won't show here. The alt outfit, is like I said before, based on a fanfic. But it's actually the unpublished portion of Hocus' long running fic series so its technically SPOILERS. I may post about it later because I actually tea-dyed fabric while making it and it was a more involved process than expected lmao. I hope you enjoyed reading about all the details of this ridiculous project! Oh! btw the box is actually the box the Chris statue came in for the RE8 collector edition. I bought it a few months ago from ebay (found a good deal!), and inspiration struck when I realized I still had it so thats why Karl got an official looking unofficial box lmao. I just cut chris' face off it for the window haha.

[teal-raccoon]

buncha QSMP design WIPs that i gotta digitize + extra philza wings and low quality adult horn shape concepts

i plan on finishing richa and chayanne's refs at some point

hope i got gender right.. but! Q!Foosh uses he/she now i just didn't feel like taking another picture lol

alt txt will be added to the finished drawings!

sorry abt the vaguely visible math notes

[chipsncookies]

(same anon abt akio/yukiko + baby zorua, hope tumblr doesn't chop the ask) i read more abt them + ask u answered abt them being parents and adding: 1) yukiko maybe hung on to her dad's comments about her using innocent pkmn in her schemes so even tho baby zorua would be 'useful' to their act, she maybe did genuinely want to take it in?

or 2) she came across zorua and neutrally/curiously brought it with her and akio is confused bc 'why?' 'why not. it will perish in the cold' '????' and it's 'ok we will just keep it till the parents come back' to 'oops i guess we're the parents now' situation

3) alt idea: yuki is confused why akio is against it at first but he just hasn't talked abt his past with humans with her yet, can't help but be reminded of himself and that makes him sad/mad (opportunity for them to grow closer), yuki is observant enough to see that despite this, he has a real gentleness for baby zorua (also, probably in the end they don't want their kid helping out in their luring but the kid is excited oops)

sorry if it's a lot, it's all ideas ofc they're your ocs so i want to hear *your* thoughts, i'm just happy to see content of them regardless 🥺

Wahh anon u really put a lot of thought into this!!?

1) yukiko hated her dad for being controlling, but his words doesn't really bother her, using innocent pokemon is not an issue because other pokemon typically leave her alone and she doesn't want them to mess up her plans, akio is the only one crazy enough to suggest cooperating with her luring humans lol (and actually able to pull it off)

2) this is such a cute idea!! i think this could happen, she'd try to search for its parents first, failing that she'd take care of it until its parents come (but they never come oof)

3) ohoho 👀 this is such a good scenario and you got both their personalities right 👀👀 gosh this is such a great opportunity for them to get to know each other more... 💖

Also, even though akio doesn't want to put baby zorua in possible danger and yukiko doesn't want to use innocent pokemon, it would be kinda sweet if the zorua really likes them and tries hard to help them 🥹 make mom and dad proud (which would touch their hearts but also make them feel conflicted lol)

Other scenarios, my friend suggested they found an abandoned egg and before they could do anything it hatched and the zorua imprinted on them oops (ngl i kinda like this because it's the funniest 🤣)

[poniesart]

hiii!! your artstyle is SO COOL to me- as in sometimes i'll just stare at some of your pieces because theyre all so great. i was wondering if you were comfortable sharing your process when it comes to art?? i'd love to see how you do things!

Hi!! I'm sorry this took so long to answer, I hope you still find it useful. It means a ton to me that you enjoy my art so much! <3 It's easy to feel discouraged by the Invisible Hand of Internet Engagement, so I really appreciate your ask.

General thoughts (NOT rules, just things I consider or do a lot):

Things that appear one solid color irl can be broken down into multiple colors through artistic interpretation. I see a lot of beginner artists paint trees as solid green, when there's a lot of yellows, blues, and browns in there! A FANTASTIC example of this is jadenvargen, whose color use is masterful and I can only aspire to emulate one day.

Base colors are not saturated; saturation is reserved for pops of color and details

Shadows are purples, blues, and greens

Reference is your best friend!!!

So the nitty gritty for those who want to see: with digital art there's two main avenues I take. The first one is lineart, and the second is painterly. All IDs are in alt text.

My process for lineart pieces:

I always start off with a sketch; for this example I'm using one of my pieces from @/mylittlefusions (that isn't actually posted yet but will be later today) - a Grogar and Trixie MLP G4 fusion. I like to fiddle with brush selections until I get the effect I want, and then go slow on the lineart to make sure it's how I want it, so this can be time consuming!

I've been trying for distinct shapes; I hate when my art gets muddled, I feel like the end piece is less impactful when I don't put in the right amount of contrast and distinctive silhouettes. Just something I've been thinking about and trying to improve.

Then I add base colors, going for slightly desaturated colors. I like to use saturated/bright tones to contrast or draw attention to something. I put the base-base colors down in one layer and then add details as a mask layer:

Then comes shading!! I'm a big fan of a multiply layer set to cool tones like blue, so I usually start there. If I think it needs to be different I can change it later. In this instance, I filled the whole canvas in the shading color as a mask over the base colors, and then erased where needed. Now that the shading is done, I often go back and color the lineart :)

Last but not least is my favorite part, painting on top! The extent to which I do this depends on what I think is needed, but I usually at least paint on top of the multiply shading to add some nuance, i.e. the greener bits on the background limbs. Here I added bright magic outlines to pop from the more desaturated character.

My more painterly style is a different story though! I use the same thoughts about color and shading, but I usually forgo multiply layers entirely and just do colors by eye. I still do a sketch, usually. Here is an example using my Lae'zel / Shadowheart piece.

The sketch is a disaster zone lol - but I painted below it using base tones, again desaturated. Once I feel I don't need the sketch anymore, I keep painting, making a new layer when I feel like being cautious about a change I'm making.

After I feel that I've got base colors down, it's time to get more contrast in using darker and/or more saturated colors! Then, like with my lineart process, I paint more details on top of everything else - reflections, jewelry, body hair, etc. I try to communicate shadow and distance with purples and blues, but I'm still working on it.

Another example real quick, where i did my typical lineart process base work and then painted on top of the shadow layer and the entire piece as a whole:

Thanks for reading if you stuck around, and thank you for the ask, friend! ^^

[cyncerity]

hi everyone! little bit of an update!!

to those of you waiting for the next part in the store shifter au: it’s almost done, i swear.

the rest of this is a lengthy explanation cause y’all know me, i can’t write something short. tldr will be bolded at the bottom if you don’t wanna read all this.

i wanna explain something real quick: in my early years of middle school, i was into creepypasta, which pipelined into Marble Hornets, which pipelined into a ton of other slenderverse series. If you don’t know what that is, it’s an ARG with an emphasis on characters being stalked or hunted by Slenderman. All of them are really really good in their own way and do interesting things with not only Slendy, but adding their own new big bad’s and lore and i’d highly recommend watching one if you haven’t yet. (i may make a separate post about which you should watch based on what kind of content you most enjoy cause i really want to indoctrinate more people into this)

My favorite slenderverse at the time had a very big emphasis on early November, specifically November 11th. So i started to have a little tradition of watching those videos every November 11th even after the hyperfixation had faded just for a bit of nostalgia.

Fast forward to now- it has snowballed to the point where every year for over half a decade now, November 11th rolls around and I am thrown violently headfirst back into my slenderverse phase. I cannot control it. I’ll be like “ok this year i’ll be normal about it, after this long, surely watching one video won’t spiral me again” and it always fucking does. No other hyperfixation i’ve ever had has functioned on a calendar cycle so idk wtf this is. This is the 6th year of this. I cannot escape.

So yeah, per how it’s been since middle school, November-January my main hyperfixation will be slenderverse. It could be shorter, it could be longer, but that’s the general pattern i’ve noticed over the years. After that i’ll pretty much be back to normal.

Don’t get me wrong, i’m not taking a 3 month hiatus or anything. I promise i will do my best to get the store shifter au part out before fucking 2024. But if you’ve sent me an ask recently and i’ve ignored it, i’m genuinely so sorry, but i can’t force myself to work on new stuff right now when mcyt g/t isn’t my main interest. I’ll do my best to get to it eventually when the hyperfixation comes back a bit more, i do read and process and think about every single ask i receive and it always makes my day when i get a new ask, but yeah. For the next few months i’m probably only gonna be working on and posting stuff that’s been in the works, are from asks that we’re given to me like a year ago and already have wips in progress to answer them, or art that i just haven’t given you yet.

on the other hand, if you’re reading this and you like creepypasta or slenderverse stuff, i’ve created what i think is literally my 5th fucking blog! @cynningly <-i’ve been spamming this for like 4 days cause i refuse to be normal about slenderverse stuff, but follow there if you want horror stuff and so far just a bunch of really shitty edits of internet arg sexyman villains. Also yes all of my blogs have to have “cyn” in the name somewhere, that’s how you can tell it’s me lmao

tldr:

my hyperfixations switched up again, im really into slenderverse (slenderman-centric args) at the moment and likely will be till January. This is a cycle that’s been going on for years now. made an alt for it -> @cynningly

I will still be working to post mcyt g/t stuff, but only stuff that’s a wip or has been in the works for a while. to anyone who has sent an ask recently: sorry, but i can’t take on making new stuff when my focus isn’t purely on mcyt rn. I will do my best to get to it eventually and if you’re one of the people who’s sent a story request or ask recently i truly, truly appreciate it. y’all make my day. but, yeah, that’s what’s going on with me lol