#let's hope next time they make a bot it won't be as bad as the previous one

[tuliharja]

Some good news concerning my artworks on DA

Alright, it seems contacting the DeviantArt support helped mostly the issue of the majority of my artworks getting blurred/hidden from non-logged members on DeviantArt. (Reference to these posts.) There are still some artworks of mine having been marked as "May contain sensitive content. Log in to view." but it seems the majority is now visible.

This is actually a huge relief as at the end of 2022 I felt extremely desperate, disappointed, and just sad about what came to DA's bot problems (originally it was a bot that caused havoc on DA, hiding people's artworks as it marked those as 'mature'. Talk about failed AI attempt...) and the lack of fixing that bot's errors. After all, DA was the first actual art site where I had posted my art and built my art gallery, so having it crash and burn because of something like that? Not cool.

It took a lot of time, me posting several journals/posts about the issue and even contacting the support, not to mention DA isn't still out of the hot water with me as still few of my artworks are being hidden/blurred from the public, but now the situation is enormously better. Now it doesn't feel anymore like I'm running some sort of huge "sensitive content" (like DA would put it) art gallery on DA, which is a good thing.

I'll still keep in the future eye of my gallery from a visitor's perspective to ensure such an unfortunate event won't ever happen again where most of my artwork will get hidden, just so I can faster contact the support as I feel like contacting them helped most...

[walpu]

Hi, it’s me again!! >_<

When I tell you I gobbled that headcannon post up, I went down on two knees and howled /hj

Anyways, do you think you can do some headcannons on Aventurine with Bodyguard! Reader if you have the time? But this time, with a twist :3

See, reader does care for Aven, you truly do, but before that, you were tasked by Everflame mansion and by Duke inferno himself to kill Aventurine. But you can’t bring yourself to, no, not when you’ve fallen head over heels for him.

When reader does become Aven’s bodyguard, you maintain that serious, no nonsense demeanor, but if he looks closely enough, he’ll see the lovestruck puppy hiding under the hardened shell that they’ve put on.

But the guilt catches up. One day, at least a few months after reader’s betrayal to Duke Inferno, you catch sight of an assassin sent to finish the job they couldn’t do. And so, the secret is finally revealed.

Personally, I think Aventurine would be betrayed, like very, how could he not be? He’s always kept people at an arm’s length away, and when he finally lets you in his walls, and starts falling for thier charm, this secret of yours comes out. He fires you almost immediately, but the way he stares after you with misty eyes doesn’t go unnoticed.

The next months were absolute hell. Reader found a new job as a barista, and is quite enjoying the quaint and simply life it provides, even if you do miss Aventuirne. He’s probably still seething at you, right?.

Wrong. Because you’ve gone MIA, Aventurine been scouring all over the place, trying so hard to find you. He’s loosing sleep, forgetting to eat, all things that you would chide him about. Aeons, he misses you so much.

And when he does find you, he’s overjoyed, and when the two finally reunite, the first thing you do is to apologize deceiving him. But he forgave your silly ass a long time ago, why else would he have spent the last months trying to find you?

Long story short, it’s a happy ending, Aventurine couldn’t be more grateful he has you to be his bodyguard, his closest confidant, and most importantly, his lover <33

I’m so sorry if I went on a ramble, but this idea’s been plaguing me so bad I literally can’t focus on anything else 😭😭

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWAR TO WRITIG FOR THIS REQUEST SINCE THE MOMENT I SAW IT I ADORE YOUR BODYGUARD!READER x AVEN SERIES btw thank you for sharing the c.ai bot

I feel like the only thing I do with each post is apologize for taking so long but right now I like from work trip to work trip so I'm actually really really sorry this madness should end soon 😭😭😭😭 Hope you'll enjoy this post, it was my goal to finish it before version 2.1

bodyguard/assassin!reader x Aventurine

characters - Aventurine notes- gn!reader, angst, hurt/comfort, pining, no beta

It was not a fast prosses for the both of to form a genuine connection. Moreover, you know goddamn well you shouldn't get attached to him.

And at first it seems easy, like yeah another rich playboy, no big deal, you've delt with people like him before, right? Right??????????????

Yeah until suddenly he's not just a rich playboy.

The more you notice how deeply lonely and unhappy he is, the more your heart softens towards him. And the more your heart softens, the more he relaxes around you, seeing behind your cold exterior.

He's not used to people caring about him. And yes, of course he knows it's your job but still, for a man who never had a real friend before, he surely can appreciate having someone who not only won't leave him but also will listen to him and look after him.

And the part about you being paid to do it? Oh well. It's the same guy who offers you to use him as you wish and who's greeting line is "I can play a role of a friend :)"

Mf is FRIENDLESS, LONELY and PATHETIC /affectionally

He'll take what he can get okay.

But goddamn. Don't think he doesn't notice how you started going out of your ways to take care of him. How you make him eat, tend to his small injuries ("my, my, you're my bodyguard, not a doctor. perhaps someone wants a raise, hm?~"), how you drag him out of casino or his office when it's too late.

It drives him crazy. It's not beneficial for you, right? The w h y.

He won't ask. Instead he will watch and slowly fold.

You are probably suffering tho lol. You should just kill him already, you've had so many opportunities to end him. Instead you spoon feed him soup because he claims he has a hangover after a night in the casino. And this little brat looks so smug about it too!!!!

Sometimes he feels like it's too good to be true: you being here, taking care of him, looking after him. The line between professional relationship, friendship and... something more is way too blurry already, and he knows it's dangerous but it just feels so good. Too good.

Duke inferno gets tired eventually. He sends someone to remind you of your mission. To remind you who you really work for.

Well, the duke receives a warning of his own. The dead body of his little messenger.

You know, of course, that the Everflame mansion thugs are not easily intimidated. They will be back. So you better warn Aventurine and tell him everything.

You can't keep lying to him, can you?

Well. It's surprisingly not as easy as you thought. After all, even if they will send someone, you'll just protect Aven like you always do, right? He doesn't have to know. Not about your past, not about your original mission. He keeps his secrets too, so why can't you?

You know goddamn well why tho. You know and yet you still can't bring yourself to tell him the truth.

It goes on like that for several months and Aventurine notices that something is clearly off, something is bothering his darling protector. He tries to pry, to tease, to cling, to pester you. Something to make you open up. Or, at least, get distracted. He can't help but feel anxious. Why are you suddenly so reversed? Do you want to leave his side? Does he not pay you enough? Does he bother you too much? It eats him alive while he tries to mask it by pestering you even more. As if to test you. As if to make sure that it's not the case.

All the hell breaks loose one day when you discover that Duke inferno has sent another assassin to finish the job.

I you spare the details but yeah, your secret was unraveled. And it wasn't pretty at all.

You have never seen emotions so vivid on Aven's face. Part of you always wanted to see him more vulnerable, more open with you. But not like this. Not this look of utter betrayal.

He collects himself quick enough, hiding behind the mask of mock disappointment.

"Hm, well, I recall mentioning that treachery is just another tool of the trade. But it seems like our little deal is not paying off for me anymore" he says with a cold chuckle, shaking his head a little. "After all, you have very little to offer outside of your dog-like loyalty. But seems like this dog bit both hands that fed it".

You were expecting him to call for your arrest but instead he just fires you. It hurts nevertheless.

What hurts even more is that look he gives you when you part ways. It's like his pretty eyes are even more lifeless now.

At first he feels this overwhelming emptiness. It truly feels like the fate is mocking him. One time, just one time, he allowed himself to relax around someone. Just this one time, with this one person who took care of him, who listened to him, who looked out for him. And this person was supposed to kill him.

Then his stupid brain finds another way to torture him. He keeps thinking about the way you have always protected him, the way you took the hit even during the last attack, when Duke Inferno's new assassin tried to get to him. You were ready to leave your past life behind to stay by his side, weren't you?

As soon as he realizes it he goes frantic. Of course he tries to find you asap but of course someone as competent as you would be able to disappear without a trace in no time. You were an assassin, after all. A skilled one too, since he never even suspected you.

This connection the two of you had, this realization that you really cared enough to betray your client, all of this makes him realize that he needs you so, so much. He needs to feel this care again, he need to look at you again, to know that you're here by his side.

He misses you so much. Your nagging, your reassurance, your touch. He's like an addict who felt what it feels like to love and beloved in return for the first time and now he can't live without it.

He doesn't eat or sleep properly, his head plagued by the thoughts about you. What if you forgot all about him? What if you're wounded? Where are you even? His fingers itch to trace your face and your scars.

He thinks about how you would scold him for not taking proper care of himself and it makes him miss you even more.

Aven finds you after a few months. It was honestly a coincidence, one of his subordinates saw you in the coffee shop you were working at.

He though that finding you will calm him down but seeing you from afar, looking somewhat peaceful and cozy, having a regular job... it's too much. And what if you really don't need him anymore? Maybe you never did? After all, he's painfully aware that he probably needs you much more than you need him.

And yet, he decides to take this risk. He's a gambler, after all.

"Somehow I'm not surprised you're good even at that. How come you have never made me coffee before, hm?"

You literally freeze on the spot after hearing this familiar voice next to you.

When you finally get to talk, you can see he's really trying to look calm and collected but how can he? His hands are shaky and his voice cracks. It breaks your heart.

He doesn't even let you finish your apology, pressing a finger to your lips.

"Hush, darling. All is forgiven. In fact, I even have an interesting proposal. I'm can be a generous man after all".

He can't fool you. Not with this shaky soft voice. And he knows it as well.

Please hug that fool and kiss him. Swear that you won't ever leave him again. Swear that you want to be by his side. As his bodyguard, as his friend, as something more. So much more. That's all he really need to feel like he's at home.

[jazeswhbhaven]

I have been save this request just for you...

Autistic MC! havd a meltdown first time in front of the kings (whether be angel raids or other reason that caused it) which causes them unable to communicate normally due to emotion overwhelming.

What will the kings do? (Honestly I think Levi will make things worse, Luci will be concerned, and Satan will like it, unfortunatly? anyways it is your decision...)

Thanks for sending this in, jennaquartz! I think this is interesting to write about as someone who is autistic and weirdly enough yesterday I had a meltdown myself....soooooo this is relevant.

Thank you for waiting as well ^^

Satan: MC couldn't stand it, the constant sounds of slashing and smell of blood consistently having to be on the run finally got to them. Everyone was a target for being screamed at or ignored as MC tries their best to ride out their intense overstimulation. Satan observes and finds it intriguing, he is not new to this but he doesn't make it better for MC at first. Once he realizes he can't really joke or enjoy it he gets mildly annoyed that MC is shutting down and shutting him out. He straight up leaves them alone but has his nobles at a distance checking up on them until the chaos is over and everything is quiet enough for MC to finally mellow out.

Mammon: While nothing bad happens that often in Tartaros, the constant interaction of Mammon's subjects and asking them so many questions eventually leads to a meltdown and MC reacts by shutting themselves away and throwing their new gifts in a pile to lay in them or hide inside the massive pile as further protection. Mammon doesn't seem to understand, trying to speak to MC and even breaks the door down which causes them to further refuse to respond to any attempts made by Mammon to soothe them. He then sits in silence and waits, after having a few items tossed at him with MC being defensive. Eventually MC does come out and Mammon again tries his best to understand what happened with MC and even uses one of his Ai bots to explain MC's vitals and mental state. At least he's trying!

Beelzebub: Oh, he's the worst when it comes to MC having meltdowns. He often mistaken MC's meltdowns for tantrums and treats them like a child, thus doing nothing but disappearing hoping that whatever is happening "stops" when he returns. And funny enough it's his constant disappearing and reappearing that doesn't help in the slighest due to MC's anxiety. It's usually up to Bael to help create a safe space for MC to hunker down and he talks to them after to let them know he won't let anything or anyone hurt them. Bael later explains the process to Beel but isn't hopeful that he'd remember. Luckily MC has seen little notes Beel leaves behind for himself but let's hope he actually remembers he wrote them down...

Leviathan: If we thought Beel was bad, Leviathan is no better. He refuses to see MC's meltdowns as valid and simply instead refuses to interact with them until he feels like it. No safe spaces, no soothing talks, no reassurance. He feels that MC is doing this on purpose for attention despite Foras trying his best to explain what MC needs. It really takes his nobles to help MC, and oddly, being put in a soft cushioned coffin (Glas' because there's a good amount of space in it) helps MC cut out the stressors and usually it lulls them to sleep. Over time, Levi does attempt to try and understand, feeling left out but it's a long time process.

Lucifer: He knows the difference between meltdowns and tantrums. His brother Michael had tantrums, Raphael, meltdowns, Gabriel a mix of both given the situation. He uses his methods that he's used before with MC, and it proves to be fruitful. Lucifer's garden dome is a great safe space, and Lucifer usually is around or next to them to soothe them after they have calmed down to talk out what was the stressor and how they are feeling. Also with his nobles around if MC ends up hurting themselves during a meltdown, it's an easy fix.

Belphegor: Well, he finds the meltdowns being too much trouble to deal with so he simply ignores it. Beleth is the one that offers help instead to MC or Harumon who an excellent emotional support cat! MC is a bit upset that Belphie didn't even try, but it's to be expected for how he is. At least they have Beleth to lean on and if not Beleth the other nobles are pretty knowledgeable in helping/offering aid during a meltdown. Harumon though is winning in this department. He's so soothing and soft and running fingers through his whorls of fur is a great stimming activity.

[eggs-attorney]

[<<< First]

Reiker: (Oh, right... Introductions. I was never good at those...)

Reiker: My name is Reiker Strait, and I'm going to be your defense attorney today.

???: O-oh, hello... Th-they told me you might not show up and I was waiting and I... I...

Reiker: Well, I showed up! Got here as soon as I could. Anything for someone in need, miss... Come to think of it, what is your name?

???: He... Didn't tell you my name...?

Reiker: I'm afraid not... I just got this assignment, and it was kind of rushed. Today's actually my first day as Sunnyside's public defender.

???: Oh, I see... My name is Yanshu - Yanshu Dryll - and I-

Yanshu: You only started today!?

Reiker: (Shoot, my badge!)

Reiker: Well, yeah, but don't say it like that! I'm qualified!

Reiker: [Sigh]... Listen, I'd like to help you with this case. I spent the past 8 years of my life working my tail off so I could get this job, and every lawyer has to have a first client, so... May I help you? For both our sakes?

Yanshu: I-I mean... It's not like I know what I'm doing, and the thought of going in there alone terrifies me, but... You didn't even know my name. Do you know anything about the case?

Reiker: Right… We should probably talk about what we're doing here.

Yanshu: W-well, I'm on trial for the, um… Dismantlement? Of my b-best friend.

Reiker: Wh… Do you mean dismemberment?

Yanshu: I… Yes. No? The terminology surrounding Robians is still pretty vague, despite everything.

Reiker: Alright, um… So your best friend is a robot?

Yanshu: Yes, his name is Flash, and he's very important to me. I'm worried sick… Whoever did this, they stole his parts. Took everything that made him him...

Reiker: So like… His face?

Yanshu: No, no… His personality, his memories, everything that makes him unique! ... Everything I can't replace...

Reiker: I… Didn't know that could be taken away.

Yanshu: Well... You've used a computer, haven't you?

Reiker: Of course.

Yanshu: So... When you're roboticized, you turn into a computer. Your body becomes the case, and your brain the technical components. Instead of storing data biologically through neuronal connections, information is written to several storage disks as raw code, and can be accessed at any time. Since it's a physical storage unit, these disks can be removed. This is usually only done during maintenance where units have to be repaired or replaced, in which case the data is backed up and transferred, but if someone has bad intentions, they can just... Take them. Doing that while the system is active can damage the hardware, or corrupt the data, or... I can't stand thinking about it.

Reiker: ... That's upsetting.

Yanshu: It really is, and if I'm found guilty, they… They'll probably roboticize me, too.

Reiker: What? You can't be serious!

Yanshu: I am, and if they don't figure out where those components went, they'll assume I destroyed them - that I truly killed him - and that's why I need your help finding them! I-if I can find them, I can fix him, and he can tell them what happened! That I didn't do it!

Reiker: I'm afraid that's going to be hard to do from a courtroom...

Yanshu: Please, Mr. Strait! He-… He's all I have…

Guard-Bot: CURRENT TIME: 0900 HOURS. ALL TRIAL PARTICIPANTS ARE TO RELOCATE TO THE COURTROOM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

Yanshu: … I guess that's us, but… Before we go in, please, take this.

Friendship Photo has been added to the Court Record.

Reiker: Oh, is this your friend?

Yanshu: [Sniff] Y-yeah, it is. He knows I don't like being in photos, but he took and printed it before I could take my phone back. He kept asking me to keep it - to put it on my desk or something - but I didn't have a frame on hand, so...

Reiker: So… Why are you giving this to me?

Yanshu: I don't know, it just… Feels important. Maybe you could put it to good use? I don't think I'll be needing it if I'm... Y'know...

Reiker: Don't worry, Ms. Dryll, I won't let that happen. I promise.

Reiker: (Now here's hoping I can follow through…)

[Next >]

______________________________________________________________

We received a good number of replies this round! We don't have a Thought Pool Point for this post, but feel free to share your thoughts, and stay tuned for the start of the trial next week!

[royalfriday]

Hello hello !! Uhm could I request Mr Reca x gn/fem reader angst where they get in fight after Reca started spending more time on making films instead of spending it /w reader and furious reader throws at him her engagement ring (let's say it was like month after engagement 😭) and leaves him 👍👍 (I TERRIBLY APOLOGIZE FOR MY BAD ENGLISH, IT'S NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE 💔💔💔)

(also don't worry English isn't my first language too. So i won't attach you about it 😺)

Mr reca x f/gn. reader

"Sometimes we get out of our scenarios for good"

You love your soon to be husband

But there is a little problem

Well that always was there but while you were dating you hadn't noticed how big his obsession with making movies was

Actually you did but you thought after he proposed to you his little obsession would get smaller

But it somehow you would say that it got a little bit worse

Since you would do your thing and he would look at you and then you would leave because you remembered something about he would told you to not move because it will destroy his creativity that you just gave him!

Well at first you found it cute but later it got annoyed

Of course you tried to tell him nicely that you can't do that and what about he somehow control his obsession with movies when he us with you?

He said he understands

He doesn't

Or he really does and choose to ignore

That lead too argument after argument

You can't leave like this

Like your a muse

Only his muse to create movies

Like your a fictional character that the life can be completely under the control of the director

And when you whold try to talk to him about it

He would sart to panic and start telling you to bot get out of our script

"our"

Well today was the same

In the morning was fine

Later you would be remembering why your argument would exist

And in the evening?

Well it was that time of the day since he proposed

It not like he wants that and you know that but he can't see the problem

But that was the last drop in the cup

You couldn't take this anymore so you just

YOU KNOW WHAT ? IF WE CAN'T GET THIS EORK THEN WHY DON'T WE END IT!

WHAT !!? MY DEAR! ARE YOU EVEN HEART THAT WHAT YOU JUST YELL! WITH THIS LINE WE GET OUT OF OUR DAILY SCRIPT !ALREADY -

OOO SHUT UP FOR ONCE ABOUT THAT SCRIPT!THIS IS REAL LIFE.....But let me tell this in your language... Our love is dieing ! I CAN NOT DO THIS ANYMORE!

And then as fast you could your hand goes in your finger where your engaged ring was and without thinking you just throught it to him

And then you just went into your shared bed room

When you close the door

He was left there

All alone

Then all click in his mind

But

One thing was for sure

You needed space and time something that he us willing to give you until he thinks is the right time you will be in the mood to even face him

No wrong

For him yo face you after all he put you in

I hope you enjoyed it 😺

Until the next time

[therandosfandos]

After "that's lobstertainment", Fry finds his Bender curled up in his chest in his former room, the closet area and has to console his boyfriend as the bots still shaken up pretty badly.

Fry trudged wearily through the familiar corridors of Robot Arms Apartments, the worn carpet under his shoes echoing the monotony of another day at Planet Express. The oppressive heat of New New York clung to him like a second skin, making each step feel heavier than the last. He longed for the cool embrace of the apartment he shared with Bender, hoping for a moment of respite from the demands of the day.

As he approached the door, Fry couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The usual sounds of Bender causing a ruckus were conspicuously absent. The door swung open with a creak, revealing the dimly lit living room. A strange tension hung in the air, and Fry's heart quickened as he called out for his metallic companion.

"Bender? You home, buddy?" Fry's voice carried a mixture of concern and curiosity.

No response.

Fry's unease grew, and he moved through the apartment, eyes scanning for any sign of his robot friend. The air seemed thick with anticipation, and then he heard a muffled noise from the closet.

Approaching cautiously, Fry swung open the door to reveal a sight that made his heart sink. There, huddled in the closet, was Bender. But this was no ordinary sight – Bender's shiny metal exterior was pulled tightly around him like a shell, resembling a turtle hiding in its protective armor.

"Bender? What the heck are you doing in the closet?" Fry asked, a mix of confusion and concern in his voice. "You moved out of there a long time ago, baby boy".

Bender slowly emerged from his hiding place, which was his chest compartment at the moment, his safe haven, his faceplate and optics revealing a pained expression on his face. "Fry, buddy, you won't believe what happened. Calculon wanted me dead! And I'm pretty sure he still does!".

Fry's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but laugh nervously. "Come on, Bender, you're exaggerating. Why would Calculon want to kill you, waffle?" He sits next to his metal boyfriend, legs up to his chest and looks down at the hiding bending unit.

The robots eyes darted around, as if fearing an unseen enemy. "It's all because of that stupid Oscar. Zoidberg messed up, and now Calculon thinks I'm the reason he didn't get one. He's out for my shiny metal ass!", Bender exclaims in fright and tears welled up in his light yellow eyes. He just wanted to hide away forever. To be safe....

"He said he wanted to kill me, Wiggles! Me, Bender! The coolest robot on the block!" Bender exclaimed, his metal frame visibly trembling.

Fry's expression shifted from confusion to concern. He had seen Bender face many challenges, but the idea of Calculon, the robot celebrity, wanting to harm his lover was beyond anything he had imagined.

"Hey, honey.... baby, it's gonna be okay. Calculon doesn't really want to kill you. It's just his dramatic way of expressing disappointment," Fry reassured, trying to calm down his distressed robot companion. His little robot was in such a bad shape at the minute.

"But what if he changes his mind? What if he hires an assassin robot or something?" Bender's eyes widened in fear, and his voice box hiccuped. He hated this.

Fry sighed, realizing he needed to do something to comfort his boyfriend. Without a second thought, he pulled Bender into a tight embrace, feeling the cold metal against his warm skin. "Bender, I won't let anything happen to you. You're my small adorable robot, and I'll always protect you, waffle..."

As Fry held Bender close, he could feel the tension in the robot's frame gradually easing. Bender's fear began to melt away under the warmth of Fry's embrace. The human's genuine concern touched something deep within Bender's circuits. Bender slowly came out of his chest, revealing his mechanical legs and arms.

"I never thought my hero would want to murder me," Bender admitted, still shaken but finding solace in his lovers support. A sense of security and protection fell over the bot and made him relax.

Fry chuckled, "Well, heroes can be unpredictable, I guess. But hey, I'm your hero too, right?"

Fry lifted Benders cheek up to look at him and presses his soft lips against the bots mouthplate. Giving a warm passionate kiss to the robots grill. Electricity danced between the two. He pulled back and nuzzles against Bender, "I love you, baby..."

Bender managed a weak smile, "Yeah, Fry. You're my meatbag with a heart of gold, or whatever", he giggled and nuzzles his visor into his meaty boyfriends chest.

"Me too, meatbag..."

But the night was far from over. Fry, determined to ease Bender's shaken state, led him to the couch. They sat together, Bender nestled against Fry's side. The television flickered to life, displaying reruns of "All My Circuits" – Calculon's signature show that they always loved to watch with each other.

As they watched the over-the-top drama unfold on the screen, Fry continued to shower Bender with affection – hugs, kisses, and even a few playful pats on the back. Slowly but surely, Bender's rigid frame began to relax, the tension melting away.

The night wore on, with Fry and Bender finding solace in each other's company. The fear that Calculon had instilled began to fade, replaced by the warmth of love and the certainty that, together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Fry would never let anything happen to his baby. Never.

"Fry, you're a real pal. I don't say this often, but I appreciate you, meatbag" Bender admitted, a rare sincerity in his voice, no one would ever catch him admitting such mushy stuff in public. But with Fry in private, a lot of sincerity came out of Bender that no one but the redhead could hear.

Fry grinned, his arm still draped around Bender. "Anytime, buddy. No one messes with my robot baby".

Bender rolled his eyes and playfully punched Fry across the cheek in a loving way before curling up to his human and cuddling into the man. He emitted a soft purring noise and began vibrating ever so slightly, the horizontal lines in his mouthplate curving into a small smile.

As Bender drifted into a restful recharge mode, Fry couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected bond that had formed between them. In the strange and unpredictable world of the future, Fry had found a loyal companion in a robot with a penchant for bending and a heart buried beneath layers of metal. And as they shared the quiet moments of the night, Fry vowed to protect his robot boyfriend, come what may.

[manonamora-if]

September Check-In

WoW another month has passed already... Is time getting faster or my sense of impending end is just getting stronger...

ANYWAY, existential dread aside... August kinda felt like a mix bad. I did do things, but many days I felt like I didn't do enough (prob that dread again - also injury yay). So let's get into it!

Long post ahead again:

Recap of last month's progress

Recap of last week's stuff

Other IF stuff done

Other IF events

Plan for September

- _ -

The plan for the past month was to:

play more IF: ✅, see reviews in @manonamora-if-reviews

whip out something for the Single Choice Jam: ✅ The Dinner*

fix the website: ✅, new and improved*

write for a WIP: 😐not for a WIP but Goncharov Escapes! was remastered (shelved!), and currently working on DOL-OS.

add to the SG guide: ❌, I have a list though

code TTATEH: ❌, MelS isn't done with the edits (long shot).

*still kind of a WIP

I did kind of predict I wouldn't be able to write much in new content...

- _ -

So what about this week:

DOL-OS has been the main think I've been working on this week. And quite a bit of effort has been dumped in there. Since last week progress update:

the translation has been fully completed, and added to the game files (not all is properly coded)

I added some keyboard QoL for the starting puzzle

the UI re-design 75% complete (like coded complete) <- this is taking so freaking long, but it's worth it

I corrected some bugs (padlock, links)

I've been thinking in more details how the added content would look like (text mainly) and how much writing would be needed (a few thousands, I'd wager).

Obviously, I am not done with the project, but I am getting closer. The current hurdle is the finishing the UI-redesign: I really want things to be pristine in terms of visual quality and that requires a lot of testing and detail change. I have a few minor block of passages left and the booting screen to fix, before I can focus on the final beat of the game (not much UI-wise, more regular coding).

This final part will take quite a bit of time as well, because it too requires a bunch of testing (and there's a few accessibility concerns I need to take care of...). I'm confident it won't be too difficult, just... tedious.

But I really want to do a good job with this remaster, adding all the stuff I couldn't the first time before of time constraint (fun fact: DOL-OS was completed in a month...) and coding capabilities (I learned a ton since). I know people really enjoyed it the first time around, but I know it can be even better. Like it should really have that first-place vibe it deserves :P

I am hoping to be done by next weekend, but depending on how polish I can make it, I might need an extra week on top of it. (This would track: 4-ish weeks to make the OG version, 4-ish weeks to remaster it...).

In the meantime, I might post a few screenshots of the redesign and show it in comparison to the current version.

Some of you have noticed the blog has kinda disappeared. It's not gone, just... password locked. The notifications have been run over a bit by bots, the inbox received a few impatient guests, and it's in need of a good cleaning anyway.

I still want to work on the project (I have so many plans), but since writing anything for it has seemed impossible for the past months, I needed a cleaner break from it.

This project is not over, or abandoned. I kind of see it as my magnum opus (because of the sheer size it should have at the end). But because of this, I've realised I need to plan and re-plan things around the project more carefully. And that includes the blog and its content (original or reblogged). I probably should have made a post, huh... but then again, I always to things on a whim :P

Until things have calmed down, it will stay locked. The game, however, is still available to play.

MelS has been doing his best with progress, but lots of IRL work ahead of him, so he's been pacing himself and write when he can. He's kind of sad our hope to wrap up the game by Halloween probably won't happen, but he's trying his best to finish it as soon as possible!

Slightly related: one ending of the game has been written :P (MelS got tired of writing variation, so to do something new he wrote a bit on the last chapter).

Over at @manonamora-if-reviews, I finished reviewing all Single Choice entries. It was loads of fun to see how people interpreted the restrictions. The Jam was even mentioned on Emily Short's blog (patron saint of IF)!

Also in the reviewing department, I'm taking a crack at the Goncharov jam. I had reviewed a few already, but I thought this might be a good time to tackle on the rest! I think I am about half with them. It's nice to get back into the Gonch meme, especially after the remaster

The upload time will be sporadic, like is was the past month.

After that, I think I'll play from French games...

- _ -

Some IF Stuff:

Today is the last day to submit your list of best IF to the TOP 50 list.

Have an IF ghost in your project drawer? Come share and submit it to the Bring Our Your Ghost Jam. Deadline is September 15th!

The IFComp intent deadline has passed, but if you plan on voting for the entries, you can still create an account!

Similarly, if you are planing on reviewing the IFComp entries, you can get your account settled on the IFDB (many peeps create one at the same time during the voting period, and the system sometimes flags it as spam, and hide ratings/reviews).

September is usually a pretty quiet time... unless you are submitting something to the IFComp... But also, I've been trying reeeeaaaaallllyyyyy hard not to look at the Jam tab on itch, so not to be tempted to do a new thing. I've already put out more games this year than last year (counting the tiny ones).

- _ -

The PLAN tm for September

It will essentially be very similar to August...

continue to play and review games (that front page spot is getting closer...). It gives me an opportunity for a break, and I get to think more about game design or writing, or where I could improve. And I get to give the authors some (hopefully) thoughtful words about their games.

finish the DOL-OS remaster. By mid-September, I think I could swing that. Then it will be another shelved game!

either continue a WIP or fix another semi-completed game. I might try to get La Petite Mort in proper shape and translated for the EctoComp? (I need to check if they accept translation, since it was submitted last year)

maybe try to add another block to the SugarCube Guide? I have a few ideas on what to include, but it is mainly a matter of sitting down and doing it. Though I have another template I've been toying with... maybe that might happen first.

That would be neat if I could manage that :P I need to fix the loading screens of Twine games too...

Taking the list of last month...

To-Do not require much of new stuff:

translate Escape Goncharov! into French. ✅

fix the bugs in EDOC + overall the French version to match

fix the bugs of TRNT + find a way to add the missing pieces (mayyyybe translate into French?)

fix the formatting of DOL-OS + translate into English ✅ (ongoing)

update LPM with the missing content + translate into English

The rest of the To-Do pile:

Finish The Rye in the Dark City (and maybe translate?)

Finish P-Rix - Space Trucker (and try to translate)

Finish Exquisite Cadaver (translation unlikely, current gameplay too complex to port for French)

Add a chapter to CRWL + fix the blog

Re-working TTTT to its originally planned state (lol, not likety)

Re-working SPS Iron Hammer (samesies)

Coding TTATEH (MelS dependent)

Emptying my inboxes

(I am pretty sure the focus for the rest of the year will be to finish the first list. With the addition maybe of a small jam entry or two.)

[the-sky-queen]

I WAS ABLE TO WATCH PRIME SEASON 3 EPISODE 2 AND I AM SCREAMING!!!!!

Thoughts and spoilers under the cut :D

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

So, I gotta talk about the Grim Birdies first. They are really cool and super powerful! Like they are just epic. Their screams are haunting, but i wish they had more than two. It gets a little annoying to have to listen to the same two sound effects over and over again. But I really like the main one who got her face crushed. I kept looking at her in the trailers and seeing that little 'scar' she has and wondering how she got it, and now I know! Yay!

Next, OH MY GOODNESS THEY WASTED NO TIME GETTING EVERYONE TO TEAM UP. I wish they spend a little more time on everyone's reaction to each other, rather than just having the two Bigs look at each other, but it's fine. THE ROSE TRIPLETS HAVE UNITED AND I LOVE IT. I noticed how when they were all saying what they were gonna do when this is over, Thorn said jungle, Black said adventuring, but Rusty didn't say anything, which I hope means she's gonna go back to No Place. Whatever happens to her, I'm putting her in No Place for With Great Power Comes because I can't bring myself to separate Rusty from Black. They're too perfect. :)

Let's see, uhhhhhhh oh yeah! So, Nine being a giant floating head is kinda silly. Like yeah, it makes total sense, but just not being able to see what the rest of his body is doing leads to some awkward bits. I kinda wish they just didn't make him able to do this? I was imagining Nine only getting info from his bots and like, making it so we don't see him as much can help build some suspense for the finale, you know? Not showing your villain can do WONDERS for the story and the fear factor. Take Sauron from lotr for example. We barely see him throughout the trilogy, but we FEEL his presence in every single movie. If he was shown more, his fear factor would decrease. He would become less impressive. So, yeah, I don't think Nine should be a floating head, but that's just me. I hope he won't feel the need to pop up constantly in the coming episodes.

And of course, CAN WE TALK ABOUT SONIC??????? So, it looks like one of my original predictions was semi right in a way. Sonic's going to be losing his energy gradually over the course of the season. GOODNESS JUST. THE WAY HE STUMBLED OUT OF THE ROOM. BOY YOU ARE NOT OKAY. YOU BETTER NOT JUMP RIGHT BACK INTO THE ACTION NEXT EPISODE. SIT DOWN. TAKE A NAP. IT'S NOT GOING TO FIX THINGS BUT IT MIGHT HELP A LITTLE BIT.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Oh yeah! And also MANGEY IS THE CUTEST LITTLE BOY EVER. During that one scene where they were talking about Nine I think he was slinking out of the room because he felt bad for being connected to Nine and I was like aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT LO AND BEHOLD, HE'S ALSO STILL A GENIUS EVEN THOUGH HE'S A FERAL BOY AND I LOVE THAT SO MUCH. Mangey also seems to be sticking close to Sonic and I love that. He's filling in for Tails. :( aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Also, where is Shadow?????????????????? We're seriously not checking back in on him????? aaaaaaaaaaaaaa Boy really is doing that one Undertale AU down there. (says the girl who has no knowledge of Undertale besides the comics for said AU)

And to end it off, whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy did you leave the rest of the Kraken crew in No Place???????? Did you think you'd be coming back?????????????? There's no way you thought that, the entire world is falling apart. Come on guys, we're in the final showdown, the time for dumb mistakes is over.

Let's see . . . I think that's all my thoughts. Still not big on the council, but I don't think anyone is. (I kid you not, I was begging Grim Birdy to tear Babble's mech open and kidnap him so we don't have to listen to him for a few episodes. Alas. Not so.)

So, that's everything! YOU GUYS CAN TALK WITH ME ABOUT MY PREDICTIONS AND SUCH BUT PLEASE NO SPOILERS.

[fromtenthousandfeet]

Are the numbers for SGMB really as good as they seem?

I'm hearing variations of "Take that, you evildoers at Geffen/Hybe and "suck on it, BandPD!" and I thought about what you said.

They do nothing for him, and yet he makes them money. So, what lesson did they learn?

Meanwhile, I'm out here streaming and buying and watching. Because love for Jimin is stronger than hate for these guys. I guess I willingly, knowingly fall into their trap every time.

If they ever decided to properly support Jimin, imagine the monster they could unleash upon the world. But they prefer to keep him in his cage, isolated on his lovely island, jeering at him while they gleefully go to the bank.

#JiminStrong

Those first day numbers were something else! And so unexpected given how little promo there was for SGMB.

Here are some things that concern me:

Why so many streams from Thailand? Who paid for the bot farms? Is a huge drop in streams guaranteed? Damn bot streams! Like how could a single country with only 700,000 Spotify premium subscribers pull off more than 2 million streams on the first day, especially when one user account can only stream the song 20x? Thailand streamed more for SGMG than NLG on the first day.

The situation with Geffen really rallied the ARMY troops. They love the underdog/abused by the Western music industry narrative and I suspect more BTS fans tuned in and streamed for Jimin, who might not have otherwise, because they felt Bangtan had been slighted by the bad western man. But this group likely won't stick around for the next few weeks - let alone a day or two - to continue streaming and buying in earnest. FYI: I think Namjoon's new album also benefitted from the brawl with ADOR.

I'm so confused by Big Hit's promo. They're doing a little bit of paid ads. There's TikTok content, and even listening parties on Stationhead. Okay great, but there are still no tools to really support charting, like multiple covers and versions, and of course, playlisting, and even more controversial, radio play. At least not yet. Frankly, I'm stunned they're doing anything.

FYI - I'm also streaming and buying, even if it's against my religion. I'm a total hypocrite.

It's abundantly clear that Jimin is absolutely beloved by so many people across the globe, and especially here in the coveted USA. It was just amazing to watch how quickly SGMB hit #1 on iTunes around the world. And the filtered/unfiltered Spotify numbers were insane.

I hope Jimin eventually gets a chance at an unfettered solo career, supported by talented co-writers and producers (I may be alone in this, but I'm not in love with his current team). Who the hell wants to go back to Jiminless BTS songs?

Anyway, #JiminStrong for sure!

Here's my suggestions for a companion song to Smeraldo Garden Marching Band:

[ikamigami]

So... I feel slightly better.. and I watched the latest episode... and all I can say is that I've always knew that's how Sun feels about himself.

My thoughts may disturb some of y'all so I decided to put them under the cut.

Believe me when I say that Sun trying to reason with his dark thoughts won't change anything... trust me.. I was there so many f-ing times... so many... You just keep fighting with those thoughts and feelings.. but you can't win this battle... No matter how hard you try...

I know that I've said that many times already.. but I can see my past-self in Sun... The only difference is the killing part and psychosis... and maybe the cleaning stuff cause I don't have an OCD and I wasn't coping with cleaning etc. For me it was always listening to music, playing with my siblings, watching movies or some funny dumb shit on YT.. or I was just creating some fictional stories to forget about how I feel about myself...

And I can relate not only to self doubt and hate.. but also the urges... All these intrusive thoughts.. they don't make you a bad person.. but you truly think that you're bad for having those thoughts... If you've never dealt with intrusive thoughts you don't know how hard is to let go of them.. to accept the fact that they're just thoughts.. and you're not truly like that...

That's why.. all those comments saying that Sun is truly bad.. hurt me like hell... Or when I saw that people tried to put Sun's angry or rude moments together with how toxic Old Moon was or with how awful Eclipse is to the one bag... irked me so much... "Oh they all suck blah blah blah", no. Sun always tried his best and always thought about others well-being and their feelings.

Sun also made mistakes but you can't put it in the same bag with what Old Moon, Eclipse, Bloodmoon and KC did... You can't and shouldn't...

And like I said.. Sun won't open up about his problems. This is how this works. Either someone will see that and help Sun.. or it'll end up badly... But not that Sun will turn evil because he'll snap!! For the love of all that exist, Sun is suffering!! He might hurt someone, yes.. but not intentionally!! And I fear that this time he'll harm himself...

He still has hallucinations because it was only a month more or less after he had psychotic episode. He still suffers the aftermath of that. And I'm really afraid that he'll have another psychotic episode during July. And when you have psychotic episodes you're not fully responsible for what you did because you act on your delusions and act accordingly to your hallucinations.

Sun is suffering.. and no one knows about it... I wish that computer would help Sun.. but I doubt that cause he doesn't care about Sun... It's either that or Eclipse is using computer to make Sun suffer more.

People think that the person who followed Sun at the end of the video is either Lunar's ghost or KC or creator's bot.. but I think that might be Eclipse cause we saw that low camera before when Eclipse disappeared after he talked with Monty in their spaceship. I assumed that Eclipse was observing Monty and he knows that Lunar will be revived.

I really believe that Eclipse is driving Sun more crazy and.. I wouldn't put that past Eclipse to try to make Sun feel so guilty and miserable that he would consider taking his own life... I really wouldn't put that past Eclipse to try to drive Sun into su*c*de...

Because Eclipse truly hates Sun and would do anything to cause Sun pain.

I've always knew that Sun feels su*c*dal... because I saw all those signs... and I also felt like that and I also considered to take my own life but that's beside the point hdjdnxbsksbsbzjsnnz

I'm scared for Sun... cause I don't know what showrunners will do next... How they'll screw with Sun next time... Ksvskdbskjsjsbsjskhxv

I hope that someone will see what's going on with Sun and will finally give the help Sun needs...

And sorry for my poor English...

[medicdoodles]

I'll be honest and say I haven't picked up Siege since the first season so I'm making up the rest of it.

(First Chapter) || (Previous Chapter)|| (Next Chapter)

This takes place after Ratchet is taken on the Arc.

He's scared.

This is the first time since they promise each other that Ratchet hasn't picked up. Even in calls where the two of them cannot speak with other they would always answer. His spark drops, as the call rings for longer and longer. It sinks as it went disconnected, there was only one reason for that to happen.

Not another moment to waste as Deadlock pulls the Ground bridge and teleports to the base. The air was different, instead of the steady pace of healing, there was a pit dropping tension.

"The Autobots took Ratchet." One of the bots tells him as he tears into the door, that would have been his office. There was nothing in that room, not even the familiar vision of Ratchet pass out with the lights on.

"Why? Did they threaten him?"

"The Prime came in and asked for Ratchet to help them."

"He complied with them. Impactor went to protect him. We haven't heard anything since." Deadlock tries to track him down. Checking the last known locations and seeing if anyone else had access to either mechs.

He makes it all the way to an empty spot, miles away. On the ground has Impactor's comm, the way it was removed

was sloppy. Some of the tubbing was also dented from it having been thrown to the ground. This was amateur work, and he knew this couldn't be his Ratchet's doing.

He hears someone approach him, they're moving to start their blaster. "I wouldn't if I were you." Deadlock then point his weapon towards the intruder.

"Deadlock..." His opponent walks into the open, it is Eltia One. "Here to finsh off the rest of us off." The first thing he can see her the intent to kill, but the way her gun dips in and out of position. How her arm is still glowing, and the straches on her paint job could only be made from a powerful engine.

"I won't shoot unless you do first." Deadlock lowers his gun to back up his words. "But maybe I can do something about that injured arm."

"Why?" She grips her arm, trying to hide her injury. "Sorry to say but the big bad Decepticon Deadlock, doesn't seem like the kind of mech to help bots."

Still keeping her distance as Deadlock moves towards her, but still picks up the comm on the floor. He catches her looking at it with both disgust and shame. "Maybe not but mechs can change right?"

"Ha I believe it." Elita One brings her gun down and lets him approach. "Maybe if I knew a motivate."

Deadlock pulls out the first aid kit that Ratchet had given him and pours coolant on her arm. "Who knows...", he backs off. "Ratchet has a way of changing people hearts."

"Ratchet?" She looks at him with destain and disbelief. "I keep hearing about him all day. How does he do what Optimus can't?"

"I don't know the Prime, but all I've seen him do is speak fancy words." Deadlock then pulls out the soldering iron and electrical tape. "Sure they can bring you hope, but without any action they only make resentment."

"So... how did he get you to change?"

"Maybe it was because-"

Deep down inside, I've always wondered what it'd be like to feel warmth and kindness.

------

Sitting in the Medbay cleaning up after everything was hard. Ratchet was at the verge of just breaking down and jumping ship, but there were injured mechs who need his help.

That's when the worse bot to see walks in. Wheeljack has two cubes and makes his way towards him. The lack of color in his headlights tells him everything he knows, regret.

"Thanks, now please let me be."

"Ratchet I-"

"Wheeljack I don't to talk about, and to be honest with you I can't be bothered with an apology."

"What about a eulogy then. For the mechs we lost." The sit in the dark and continue to take small sips both for respect of the patients and the dead. For the first time in a long time Ratchet wasn't a symbol or a idol he simply was a bot, and for that he thanks Wheeljack when they're done.

Would you be willing to lead my wondering soul to salvation?

Yes

>No

"What do you even mean? You've done more for mechs than any of us have."

"Maybe... but I also help kill so many. I don't think I can ever repent for it." Ratchet just looks foward, staring at the wall of the ship. It a tragedy really, he spent so much time fixing bots, trying to make up for the horrors his research had done. Now he's back to where he started.

What was I thinking? Even the devil himself wouldn't have that kind of power.

How can he go back to his group. What would they think of him. Ratchet sinks down to the floor, what would Deadlock think of him. Would ever get to see him again?

----

After years they finally found each other, seeing Deadlock just approaching him when he lands back on Cybertron, frightened him. What can he say after they've both left without a word.

"Ratchet." Deadlock walks up to him. All of that signature swag and bluster put to the side, replaced with a more sincere shyness. "I'm glad you made it back in one peice. When I heard you went the the Autobots I was afraid they wouldn't be able to protect you."

"Deadlock..." his hands hover to his side. Ratchet wants to reach forward, to link their touch together, to comfort the mech but how could he. "I'm glad you're okay..."

"Likewise..." Deadlock is distracted, circling around his frame looking for something. "Hey!" The bot stops to look at Wheeljack as he tries to slip away. "Thanks for looking out for Ratchet. You might have let him stay in his thoughts for to long, but still."

"Heh." Ratchet turns back to look at Wheeljack, for the first time since they've reunited and sees relief on his face. "Well, I'd like to see you do better."

Deadlock grabs his shoulder and pulls them together. "Have you tried 'facing? Works wonders to keep his mind from over working." To his surprise, Deadlock kisses the side of his helm. Ratchet couldn't believe, after all this time Deadlock still wants to he tender with him. "Me and the bots back at base use it all the time."

Wheeljack is left speechless, optics wide and the lights on the side of his helm flick on and off as if they were spurting. It was a blast from the past, and so nostalgic that ot made him laugh. Ratchet laughs so hard that he can feel the tears in his eyes fall with no restain

Would you be willing to lead my wondering soul to salvation?

"Wow doc," Deadlock moves to stand in front of him, Wheeljack follows suit. "I've never seen you laugh before." Ratchet looks up trying but failing to glare ag him. "You should do it more often. It suits you."

"Yeah..." Wheeljack finally speaks. "It does. Should have seen him back at the academy. He was known as the Party Ambulance."

Would you be willing to lead my wondering soul to salvation?

>Yes

No

...

[sonicasura]

SonicAsura Doodles #76

"I hope I didn't scare you. Usually folks ignore looking in their device storage before I finished. Enjoy your now bug free processor. :3" Glitch, friendly virus eater.

He may look scary but this corrupted data Sonic the Hedgehog is a very friendly and helpful individual. Glitch wanders through vast data networks across the multiverse, fixing issues in whatever device he can get into. Essentially a sentient antivirus who devours any errors and viruses.

Clogged ad blocker? Glitch will happily eat the problem and let you delve around the Internet without issue. Irritating bots that plague DMs? Consider them permanently gone and never coming back. Hackers attempt to crash your favorite website? They get hacked back and their computers turn into paperweights.

Despite his kindhearted nature, Glitch's secondary body unnerves those around him. A forlorn sense of danger almost if something malicious once inhabited the cycloptic entity. Maybe the words FATAL ERROR hold the key?

I won't lie that Fatal Error's body was a pain to design. Wanted to make Glitch closer to modern era Sonic as a foil to the virus who ruined his old life. Although I didn't want to fully flip either.

Fatal Error is a prideful bastard so certain part of his remains cannot be edited by Glitch. These include the name to anything red color such as the data limbs which lurk inside. Every one of Glitch's hands and teeth can eat data.

Now the datahog wears clothes to hide how bad his body really is. It's stated in Fatal Error's page that he uses Sonic's body as a shield against attacks. You can guess which part took the most punishment.

Glitch's body will never revert back to its original state. His mouth shall stay wrong, eaten away data won't return right, and the broken holes in his frame can't fully heal.

Physically a broken mess but mentally recovering at his own pace. That's it for now! Until next time folks, I'll see you later!

[alice-skiouros]

I can post this here because all my current followers are porn bots. I didn't tell anyone that you broke up with me; I didn't tell anyone that we broke up. Not out of a sick sense of hope for reconciliation, not out of some masochistic kick for a shock of pain each time someone might ask how you are. I didn't tell anyone aside from the person I mentioned that you were "cringe" by your texts boiling down to "we need to talk" and "it's not you" and even then I never confirmed that it was us breaking up. Would you like to know why? I didn't tell anyone because I let you paint the narrative to your friends, and many of your friends were also my friends. I let you go to them, I let you be sad to them and tell them your woes. I'm sure a few of them might not speak to me now. That's fine. That's a choice they made and I won't disapprove of it, just like I didn't stop you from deciding what makes me happy. I didn't tell anyone because you freed yourself from one person that tried to control you to be with me and then clung to me with that ferocity you clinged to them. So if your friends are no longer also my friends at you least you have them. So paint me the bad guy, do it, tell them how I broke your heart, how cold and unfeeling I've been since then. I know you've looked at me and wondered how I sit here unaffected. I was the next villain in your story but if you come out for the better? Good.

[corruptedremnant]

…that your audience won't hate.

This is a method I started using when NFTs were on the rise - thieves would have to put actual work into getting rid of the mark - and one that I am now grateful for with the arrival of AI. Why? Because anyone who tries to train an AI on my work will end up with random, disruptive color blobs.

I can't say for sure it'll stop theft entirely, but it WILL make your images annoying for databases to incorporate, and add an extra layer of inconvenience for thieves. So as far as I'm concerned, that's a win/win.

I'll be showing the steps in CSP, but it should all be pretty easy to replicate in Photoshop.

Now: let's use the above image as our new signature file. I set mine to be 2500 x 1000 pixels when I'm just starting out.

Note that your text should not have a lot of anti-aliasing, so using a paint brush to start isn't going to work well with this method. Just use the standard G-Pen if you're doing this by hand, or, just use the text tool and whichever font you prefer.

Once that's done, take your magic wand tool, and select all the black. Here are the magic wand settings I'm using to make the selections:

All selected?

Good.

Now, find a brush with a scattering/tone scraping effect. I use one like this.

You can theoretically use any colors you want for this next part, but I'd recommend pastels as they tend to blend better.

Either way, let's add some color to the text.

Once that's finished,

You're going to want to go to Layer Property, and Border Effect

You'll be given an option of choosing color and thickness. Choose black, and go for at least a 5 in thickness. Adjust per your own preferences.

Now create a layer beneath your sig layer, and merge the sig down onto the blank layer.

This effectively 'locks in' the border effect, which is exactly what we want.

Hooray, you've finished your watermark!

Now let's place that bad boy into your finished piece.

You'll get the best mileage out of a mark if you can place it over a spot that isn't black of white, since you'll get better blending options that way. My preference is for Overlay.

From here, I'll adjust the opacity to around 20-25, depending on the image.

If you don't have a spot to use overlay, however, there's a couple other options. For white, there's Linear Burn, which imho doesn't look as good, but it still works in a pinch.

And for lots of black, you have Linear Light

Either way, you're in business!

As a note, I know it's a bummer for some people to "ruin" their work with watermarks, which is part of the reason I developed this mark in particular. Its disruption is about as minimal as I can make it while still being effective.

There's other methods, too, of course! But this is the one I use, and the one I can speak on. Hope it helps some of you!

I don't always do the border bit like I should but I learned my watermarking from [OP]. You can't stop art stealing, especially with bots that by definition lack brains, but you CAN make it so obnoxious they'll move on to someone else. If they have to retrace/repaint to get rid of your watermark then the time involved makes the theft not worth it.

Bonus points: if your work is used without your consent to train an AI then you will also pollute the knowledge pool. Depending on what parameters you put into these AI art generators you'll sometimes end up with a bunch of AI watermarks because they're pulling from artists that've tried to protect their work.

[despair-to-future-arcs]

What is it?

...So I guess you all aren't too comfortable talking about anything right now?

Not really... just that it's going to take a while is all.

Well... if you say so...

Well... seems your all stocked now, you should be set for another week.

Oh... I see, well okay thank you... Nagisa maybe go get Jataro from his bedroom, I need to take my medicine.

Of course...

*Nagisa and Kotoko left the room, leaving Masaru in the room*

Your time-out is finish, Masaru - you can go get ready for dinner.

Wait seriously?

Yahoo, awesome! Finally outta there!

Maybe next time you won't play video games for 8 hours, Masaru.

Hmmmph, yeah yeah I know... but still the fact these things won't let us follow our commandments is annoying...

Well maybe the Usami bots are trying to keep in mind of your health and you can't play video games all the time, 8 hours of staring at your screen results will make you have poor sleep hygiene, physical health atrophy, exhaustion and dehydration - just to name a few.

Sh-Shut up, you wouldn't know any of that, you aren't a doctor!

Well I'm just suggesting that you should be mindful... that's all...

Well whatever, anyway... seeing as those 2 are gone, I was wondering if maybe I can talk to you guys.

Ta-Talk about what?

Well... given that therapist lady say I should bring this up with you guys because we set up another rule for the Warriors of Hope.

And that is...?

We don't talk about our parents, we all promise we wouldn't talk about them after they died and forget about them, to create children's paradise.

And well... as the leader, I think I should set a good example so if you guys aren't too busy, can I... talk about my dad with you guys?

Your dad? What about your mom...?

...

Komaru, I should clarify that Masaru doesn't have a mother; so best we don't ask about that.

Oh... I see, well... okay if you want; will talk with you when we can...

Awesome, I'll bet set with whatever date you guys have!

Oh hey, how about tomorrow on the 3rd? That's a good date if any!

I guess that date wouldn't be so bad, will see you around the evening then, but we better head off - see you tomorrow.

*After closing the fridge; the group left as closing the door*

So... I guess will be seeing Masaru and hearing him out, right?

Looks to be the case...

[mimisempai]

I will always wait for you

Summary:

Sometimes to work out his nightmares, Sam goes flying and Bucky waits for him, knowing that he will always come home.

🌈 Happy Pride month ! 🌈

To celebrate, 1 day, 1 story.

Be ready for smiles, laugh, fluff, tooth rotthing fluff, positive vibes and a lot of love!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31925692

1719 words - Rating G

As Bucky slowly awoke from his sleep, he became aware of three things. The first was the absence of a warm body next to him, the second was the morning light streaming in through the open window, and the third was a small post-it note, lit by the ray of sunlight and lying on the pillow where Sam was not.

He took the post-it and read what Sam had written. It was short, and exactly what Bucky had expected.

Bucky,

I had a bad night. I needed to go flying.

I love you,

Sam

Taking a quick look around the room, he saw the briefcase that contained Sam's armor opened which confirmed what Sam had written to him. Shuri had done a good job of allowing the armor to have multiple appearance options, so Sam regularly went flying just for fun or often to clear his head, as it was now the case.

Bucky quickly understood that it was not because Sam didn't want to see him or couldn't stand his presence. Sometimes Sam just needed that to feel better, to fly free, without purpose or mission, to exorcise the demons that haunted him. Bucky better than anyone could understand that.

Bucky decided it was time to start his day.

After making the bed and changing into a casual outfit, he headed for the kitchen, stopping to look at the pictures that filled the hallway wall.

There were family photos there, both blood-related and not, many of them taken by Sam. He ran his fingertip along the frame of a photo taken on their wedding day. A rather cute photo that the photographer had been desperate to take, Sam smiling, his face framed by Sarah and Joaquin kissing him on both cheeks, each on one side. Sam's sister Sarah had welcomed Bucky into their family, no questions asked, and Joaquin, Sam's teammate had become like a little brother to Bucky.

Bucky, who had been alone for so long, had found happiness with this family, he was bound to them with a bond stronger than blood.

He couldn't help but smile when he saw this picture and the one next to it where he and Sam were supposed to be looking at the camera, but were looking at each other. Bucky was happy to see Sam's smile immortalized in this picture. But his throat tightened every time he saw his own face in that picture. He looked so happy.

A happiness that at one time in his life he never thought he would have.

Sam was everywhere in their house.

When Bucky arrived in the kitchen, he saw his breakfast tray ready, as they had always done for years, the first one to get up would prepare it for the other. This morning there was a can of coffee he didn't know about. Bucky removed the post-it note stuck to the can to read it.

Carlos said that your coffee hasn't been delivered yet, but I found one that tastes almost the same. Try it. Or throw it away and get a Starbucks if you're not happy.

Love.

He put the post-it note in his pocket with the first one he'd found on the pillow.

When Sam had become Captain America ten years ago, knowing that Bucky had chosen to stay in Delacroix most of the time unless there was an urgent mission that required his skills, they knew they would have complicated schedules. Sam would regularly have to leave unexpectedly, without them necessarily having a chance to say goodbye.

So Sam had started leaving post-it notes, and Bucky was responding to them. Over the years, this has become an essential part of their relationship. Not just for urgent matters, but also for general messages, and sometimes just a gentle thought written down for the other to find later.

Bucky sipped his coffee, which he had to admit was not bad at all. He looked at the calendar hanging on the wall with scribbled events and Sam's work schedule for the week hanging next to it. He saw that Sam would have to leave for periods of several days, lots of events and press conferences. He was disappointed for a brief moment, as they would not see each other for several days. Some might say that he had got used to it, but for him it meant that after ten years the attachment was the same if the thought of Sam's absence had that effect on him.

But he wanted to make their lives more pleasant, as Sam did, so he went to get the ingredients for some muffins. Chocolate chip muffins were Sam's favourite. Bucky had discovered a passion for cooking. Well, especially when it came to cooking for Sam. The others...

He took one for himself, then packed the others in a plastic box, and stuck a post-it on it telling Sam that he would be of no use to anyone if he starved.

After folding the laundry he decided to sit in the living room and read, today was a day of rest for both of them after all so he was going to enjoy it.

After two hours of reading, Sam wasn't home yet, but it wasn't nearly long enough to start worrying. Maybe he had decided to visit friends or family. But it was more likely that he was flying high in the sky. He had once told Bucky that there were only two things that made him forget his nightmares: flying and Bucky's arms. Too bad he didn't wake Bucky up and let him help him with the second.

Looking for something to distract his mind, he took the small notebook that Sam had given him the other day. He had seen that the previous one was full. Sam had given him the first notebook 10 years ago, to replace Steve's. He told him that since this was a new life, he should have a new notebook to fill with positive things. Since then, Bucky had been writing down things he wanted to do, visit, eat, listen to. This was his second notebook. As he flipped through it, he found a new little post-it note

I took the liberty of adding a few lines... I hope you won't mind.

I love you (so much more than 10 years ago and less than tomorrow.)

Bucky smiled, feeling moved, and ran his fingers over the notebook, tracing the familiar curves of Sam's writing.

Then he went to the last page where Sam had written something.

-Listening to Trouble Man (You stubborn old man)

-Trying a new delicious recipe for Sam (though nothing outdoes your muffins)

-Being nice to Redwing (jealous of a bot, how cute of you)

Shaking his head and laughing, he put the notebook back in its place.

He continued to walk around the living room. He found himself in front of the fireplace. Winters were not cold, so a fireplace was not common in Louisiana homes. And yet it was Sam who had wanted it when they built their house after Bucky had confided in him that what haunted him most in his nightmares was the cold. The memory of his cryogenic sleeps.

So when the roles were reversed and Bucky needed warmth after a nightmare. When he didn't want to disturb Sam or when Sam wasn't there, He would light the fire and sit in front of it until the heat made him forget his nightmares.

The way their relationship had started, who would have thought they would have come to this. Certainly not him. But they were perfect together in a way Bucky would never have dared to dream.

Bucky figured Sam's nightmare must have been particularly hard on him, to keep him out there for so long, but he trusted him to tell him about it when he needed to.

In the meantime, he picked up an old record and headed for the record player. Another present from Sam when Bucky had told him he missed the sound of old records.

I hadn't anyone till you.

Bucky remembered when this song had come out. As he listened to the lyrics now, he thought they were prescient.

I hadn't anyone

Till you

I was the lonely one

Till you

I used to lie awake and wonder

If there could be

A someone in this wide world

Just made for me

His eyes fell on another post-it note on the record cover.

Bucky, you little sap, I'm sure you think this song is written for you. The someone just made for you, you think that's me right?

Well you're right and it's mutual.

With love from your fool in love.

He read it several times and put it in his pocket with the others. The little piece of paper may not have been warm, but Bucky felt a familiar warmth spread through him.

Music filled the room and Bucky opened the living room window to let the breeze in.

He lay down on the couch, the book he had started this morning in his hand, resting his head on one armrest and his feet on the other. He quickly became absorbed in his reading, absentmindedly humming the song. When he got to the part Sam mentioned in his little note, Bucky began to sing out loud as well, and as his voice faded with the music, he heard the door open behind him.

Bucky sat up and turned his head, Sam was home.

"Stay where you are, love."

Sam came to join him, kissed him gently before sitting against him, Bucky closed his arm around him.

"Hi," Sam said softly, a half smile on his face. "I missed you."

"Hi," Bucky replied, pressing a kiss to Sam's head. "I missed you too. Did you have a good time?"

"Yes, I did," Sam replied. "Did you have a good time too? I'm sorry I wasn't there most of the day."

"Of course you were there," Bucky replied. It was the truth. Sam was always there, even when he wasn't physically there. Bucky could see him everywhere. There were traces of him, of them, everywhere. And when he left, he always came home. In Bucky's arms.

He tightened his embrace and whispered softly, "You are here. And I will always wait for you. Always."

_____ I think the sappy one is me but well...

I hope you enjoyed it 🥰

Not beta'd