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#i miss drawing this nerd so much
immagrosscandy · 7 months
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y6ch18 feat. hora de aventura reference
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#aaaaaaugh dude I MISS HIM i dont know what to say that hasnt already been said#but posting is so hard talking about him is so hard#every day i wait for his youtube to post a new video or for the technodad account to be like 'LOL YOU NERDS ACTUALLY FELL FOR IT'#he was just playing a long-con prank and It'll Be Fine and he just wanted to distract us while he worked on some new insane project#how am i still fully in denial 5 months later. it's almost been half a year#i cant watch his videos anymore. it was easy the 1st week and then it was impossible then it was easy again now it's impossible again#drawing in general is hard bc he was all i was drawing. he still is but im drawing WAY less and with pretty much no passion behind it#cant draw stuff for myself i just wanna draw him. partly bc of him but also bc that's where i made all my friends with you guys :(#i dont wanna go back to what i used to do. i wanna stay here. but it's really hard#i know i dont *have* to make my own posts and i can just reblog and ramble n stuff but. it feels weird not to#i save all my favorite things here. there's still clips i havent taken. art i havent made. fics i've never wrote (and never will lol)#i dont WANT to stop. it's hard to force myself to get back into it tho. there's no easy way to talk about him#it feels borderline unhealthy trying to keep it up#but i keep going into swings of ''i love it here so much i love you guys'' and ''i cant keep going im not strong enough''#so like. which is it. what's REALLY wrong??? i wish i could just go back to how things were aaaaa#idk what i mean by that really. just wish i could find some normalcy in it all whatever that would mean for me#idk if my issue is Him Being Dead or trying to run a blog for a guy who died. some combination. some secret third thing. augh#chat#tw death
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c4use-of-c0nc3rn · 2 years
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i can finally hold a pen without my eyes blurring so i've been drawing him all day
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"and the universe said i love you
and the universe said you have played the game well
and the universe said everything you need is within you
and the universe said you are stronger than you know
and the universe said you are the daylight
and the universe said you are the night
and the universe said the darkness you fight is within you
and the universe said the light you seek is within you
and the universe said you are not alone
and the universe said you are not separate from every other thing
and the universe said you are the universe tasting itself, talking to itself, reading its own code
and the universe said i love you because you are love"
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spoontales37 · 1 year
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It's cat time 😎
again 😐🕶️🤏
(I'm just glad I finally figured out how to draw cat legs™️)
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Yeah this is also from an old inactive Warrior Cats roleplay, my main boi Kestrelstar and his smol child (my friends oc, her name is Pineconeflame, and I think it's a great name lmao).
I might just draw all of the smol kids one day
I swear I'm a normal functional human
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tealfruit · 8 months
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I think I just really like movies. I'm gonna turn into a film bro but like the fun kind who also enjoys bad movies. if I ever go back to school I'll take a film class of some sort
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nerdnag · 1 year
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Ok I gotta admit I'm having A LOT of fun with Engage
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irishmammonagenda · 3 months
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MC's magic going wrong 😱😰
or right depending on ur outlook on life ig
warnings: swearing, mentions of death (extremely brief and only notioned towards), physical affection
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You hadn´t thought much of it at first when you got back to the human realm. Everything went back to normal. Or as normal as it could be.
Your mother and father sobbed when they saw you, stating how they though´t you were lying in a ditch somewhere in the stretching countryside. You´d lied, told them you were away on a residency based apprenticeship, that you were sorry for worrying them. Your siblings showed signs of worry you never thought they were able to feel for you. Thus you were being babied for a month or so.
That´s when it started.
At first, it was more corvids at the bird feeder in your garden than usual. Then it was stray cats. Then inexplicable black and white feathers dusting your clothing and hair.
Your mother smiled picking out the ivory feather from the confines of your unbrushed hair, "Oh! Your guardian angel´s been watching over you!" she says playfully, an old wives´ tale, nothing too serious.
You tense for a moment, before laughing with her. "Well I´ll take it as a good sign." Stupid old wives being the smartest people.
At first it was easy to brush off.
Then your father started getting lucky, he hadn't been one to gamble persay, putting a few coins in on a bet for the horse racing or the football was a regular occurrence, sometimes he won,sometimes he didn't. The difference of a few silvers, a share bag of sweets basically, made no real strain on your belts. But now, he was winning left right and center. Winning amounts that shouldnt be possible based on the amount he input.
Though, after you woke up to cats and corvids staring at you unblinkingly, in your room, with a few flies and insects on the walls, and your bedsheets covered in feathers and scales of all colours and sizes, enough was enough.
You were going to give those nerds a piece of your mind.
After shooing the animals out, (making sure to pet the cats), you picked up a lipstick, and channeled your pact magic before drawing a circle with various symbols on the floor,
You stilled, "Ah, shit. I dunno how to do this, i mean half of those symbols are angry faces and squiggles...." but ever the theatre nerd, you improved.
"I, MC, call upon the power of my pacts with the Avatars of Hell! and, using their power; a portal to the Devildom shall open for me!"
And a portal did open for you. Unfortunately, not to the best place. As you travelled through the time pocket you ended up stumbling once you made it to the other side, the stumble turnt into a tumble turnt into a fall. Unluckily for you, the thing you fell on was toned flesh and chuckling heartily, you were in Diavolo's lap.
"It's great of you to drop by MC!" He says, his massive hands pulling you further into his frame.
You cover your face with your hands, now noticing the various other nobles in the council room who are staring at their Prince, attempting to mask the fact their jaws are going to hit the floor.
Atleast the Brothers weren't there, but Barbatos' half polite smile half smirk and Diavolo whispering various playful musings of, "Did you miss me that much little human, we missed you too.", and "Summoning a portal illegally into the Demon Lord's castle and onto the Demon Princes lap...tututut." almost made the brothers seem like a mercy....
...almost.
You couldn't tell if this was a win or a lose.
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bywons · 3 months
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୨୧ NERD!CLASSMATE! — lee heesung ( headcannons )
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pairing. nerd!classmate! lee heesung x f!reader w.c. 0.7k tw/cw. kissing genre. non idol au, highschool/college au, fluff
sru's note. find me a boy like this cause I NEED HIM!🗣️ kinda long fic lolol feedbacks and reblogs are always appreciated!
requested by this sweet anon ☆
m.list ⏐ requests are open! ⏐ navi
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nerd!classmate! heesung who is oblivious to all the girls' infatuated eyes around him, whispering and giggling about him whenever he passes by.
nerd!classmate! heesung who is always seen with his books and projects almost every time.
nerd!classmate! heesung who rejects to tutor all the popular girls or even go on a date with them, coming up with the unchanging excuse that he's always occupied with studies. but he knows they're all infatuations.
nerd!classmate! heesung who only has his eyes on you, secretly admiring you from afar for god knows how long, he's just drowning in your beauty, your kindness, your smile, just you.
nerd!classmate! heesung who's heart is beating out of chest everytime the group projects or lab practicals are around, afterall he wants to be partners with only you :(
nerd!classmate! heesung who hides secret love notes throughout your spent time in the project together, which are obvious yet opaque.
nerd!classmate! heesung who proposes to tutor you in maths cause you're weak at it :( but obviously he has his own motives.
nerd!classmate! heesung who gives you tough and long numericals deliberately just so he can admire your pretty face, so he can brush your hair back softly or even pinch your cheeks in the meanwhile, just to see your flushed and embarrassed face which makes his pupils dilate.
"you know, i really wondered how your cheeks are always so flushed," "oh? i'm using a new blush---!", "i hope it's because of me one day,"
nerd!classmate! heesung who has you folding and fawning over his genius pick up lines, he has you blushing the most!! the other bois can't compete!!
your friends often make fun and poke at you for spending too much time with nerd!classmate! heesung nowadays, but you can't help it! he's too wholesome with his rants about his fav movie the toy story, about buzz lightyear! you could listen to him for hours!
not a second spent with nerd!classmate! heesung is boring or flat. he's always got you occupied with his antics, whether it's movies or deep talks with you.
nerd!classmate! heesung who sends you all the class notes you missed when you were sick, drawing a heart on each page <3 but he also gives you his own notes too tho >.<
nerd!classmate! heesung who lets you draw over his notebooks anytime, sometimes he also cuts them up and saves them!
nerd!classmate! heesung who writes you cute letters and drops them in your locker whenever you're feeling down or insecure, he appreciates every feature of you in those letter :( sometimes he also drops chocolates :(
nerd!classmate! heesung who offers to carry your bag around school and back home, saying it's too heavy for you.
nerd!classmate! heesung who attends your extra classes for you when you're not feeling well, he also offers his shoulder for you to sleep on :(
nerd!classmate! heesung who buys your favourite snacks and stationeries for you, and no matter how much you tell him not to he won't stop! he just wants to spoil you :(
nerd!classmate! heesung who pulls you aside from the booming music at the party, and takes you to quiet place of fresh air and tranquility, so he can confess to you >.<
nerd!classmate! heesung who can't help but be all reddened up when he's proposing to you, stuttering and mumbling in his own words as he keeps looking down, yet holding your hands in his.
"y/n, i don't know for h-how long but, I've always been in love with you."
and when you flush back and whisper your mutual love back to him, nerd!classmate! heesung cant help but smile in glee and pick you up in his strong arms, twirling you around while you two laugh like idiots in love <3
nerd!classmate! heesung who takes your breathe by pushing you against the wall and stealing your first kiss. it was so sweet, yet it made your heart beat like crazy!
nerd!classmate! heesung who's not a green flag, but the whole green forest <3 he makes you believe in love, in soulmates and destiny.
nerd!classmate! heesung is your one and only <3
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© bywons, 2024. do not copy, translate or upload any of my works without my permission.
taglist: open! CLICK ON THE LINK TO BE ADDED!
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7ndipity · 6 months
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“Nerd”
Yoongi x Reader
Summary: After Yoongi encourages you to go out shopping with his friends as a way of getting to know Seoul, he's surprised to find out what a bookworm you are. (I suck at summaries, lol sorry)
Warnings: swearing,
A/N: Thanks to @vicky-chaos for this request! Tbh, I’m the exact same way as you described yourself, I have more books than I have shelf space for, lol!
Masterlist
Requests are open
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“Are you sure you won’t miss me too much?” You asked Yoongi as you pulled on your coat.
“It’s only a few hours, I think I’ll be able to manage.” He smirked, pressing a kiss to your temple. “Go have fun.”
“And you better make sure they get back in one piece.” He warned jokingly, turning to Hobi and Jimin, who’d been watching your whole exchange with amused grins.
“We will, don’t worry.” Hobi promised.
“Yeah, I don’t wanna know what angry Meow Meow looks like.” Jimin sniggered, ducking out the door before Yoongi could swat him, using the nickname for your boyfriend that he’d happened to overhear as they’d arrived eariler.
“Bye.” You said, giving him a quick peck.
“Bye, be safe.” He replied, waving as you and Hobi filed out the door.
It was strange, in a way, after having spent over a year doing the whole ‘long distance’ thing with you(or as he liked to refer to it, “fucking torture”), a couple hours apart while you went shopping with Hobi and Jimin should seem like nothing, but he couldn’t help noticing himself growing a bit antsy for your return as the afternoon passed.
He was still getting used to the fact that you were actually here in Seoul with him, that it wasn’t just a dream when he woke up every morning with you there next to him. Watching you not only settle in, but thrive in his city and with his circle of friends had almost made him fall in love with you all over again.
It was just beginning to grow dark outside when he heard the front door open.
“We’re back.” You called.
He rounded the corner to see Hobi helping you drag several heavy looking shopping bags through the door.
“Where’s Jimin?” Yoongi asked.
“Asleep in the car, Y/n tired him out. I think they could out-shop me.” Hobi chuckled, making you duck your head as you flushed, mumbling out an embarrassed “Shut up.”.
Yoongi grinned, happy to see you and his friend getting along. “Did you at least have fun?” He asked you.
“I did, I found lots of nice things.“ You said as you crouched to greet Holly, who’d been circling your feet excitedly. “What about you Hobi?”
“Yeah, it was a very educational trip.” He said with a grin. ”Are we still on for lunch on Sunday?”
“Definitely.” You nodded.
“I’ll see you then, bye!” He said, giving you and Yoongi a nod before ducking back out the door.
“Bye!”
“See you, Hoba.” Yoongi called, dragging you against him as soon as Hoseok was out of sight.
“I need a kiss.” He said seriously.
“Aha! So you did miss me?” Your face lit up as you grinned at him smugly.
“More than you know.” He mumbled, pressing his lips to yours before you could tease him further, relishing the contented sigh he felt you release at the contact. He loved knowing you were as gone for him as he was for you.
“Now, wanna show me what you got?” He asked, drawing back to look at you.
“Okay!” You nodded, grabbing a few of the bags, before heading for the living room to have more space to unpack everything.
“I got this book on Korean Folklore, I thought it looked interesting.” You explained, settling on the floor and digging through the first bag. “And this one’s about mid-century architecture, I thought you might like it. Ooh, and this one’s been on my wish list for ages, I was soo happy that I found it!”
Yoongi sat watching as you pulled out book after book, and a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth at your excitement.
“Why did you buy two of this one?” He asked suddenly, noticing two identical covers.
“One’s in my native language and the other one’s in Korean, I thought it would help me practice reading Hangul.” You said, not looking up as you continued to rummage in another bag. When you didn’t get a response, you glanced up to see him just staring at you with an amused expression.
“What?” You asked.
“I just didn’t realize you were such a nerd.” He said, chuckling.
“I am not!” You said defensively.
“I’m not making fun of you, I just think it’s cute,” He clarified. “I didn’t realize how much of a bookworm you were.”
“I didn’t mean to buy this many, I just got excited.” You said, feeling slightly self-conscious.
“I like it though, it’s fun seeing you excited.” He said. “It’s also kinda fun knowing there’s still some things we don’t know about each other yet, like little surprises.”
“I thought you didn’t like surprises?” You asked, leaning up to rest your hands on his knees.
“I like you though,” He said, leaning in. “So I’ll make an exception.”
“M’kay.” You grinned, closing the gap between you to catch his lips.
You were more than happy to be his exception, on this and many other things.
Taglist: @sopebubbles-replies @btsw1fe @this-must-be-my-tardis @whitefoxgirl @bethanysnow @coffeedepressionsoup @captainorangegoose @k4ngelz
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A year in illustration, 2023 edition (part one)
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(This is part one; part two is here.)
I am objectively very bad at visual art. I am bad at vision, period – I'm astigmatic, shortsighted, color blind, and often miss visual details others see. I can't even draw a stick-figure. To top things off, I have cataracts in both eyes and my book publishing/touring schedule is so intense that I keep having to reschedule the surgeries. But despite my vast visual deficits, I thoroughly enjoy making collages for this blog.
For many years now – decades – I've been illustrating my blog posts by mixing public domain and Creative Commons art with work that I can make a good fair use case for. As bad as art as I may be, all this practice has paid off. Call it unseemly, but I think I'm turning out some terrific illustrations – not all the time, but often enough.
Last year, I rounded up my best art of the year:
https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/25/a-year-in-illustration/
And I liked reflecting on the year's art so much, I decided I'd do it again. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for some downloadables – freely usable images that I painstakingly cut up with the lasso tool in The Gimp.
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The original AD&D hardcover cover art is seared into my psyche. For several years, there were few images I looked at so closely as these. When Hasbro pulled some world-beatingly sleazy stuff with the Open Gaming License, I knew just how to mod Dave Trampier's 'Eve Of Moloch' from the cover of the Players' Handbook. Thankfully, bigger nerds than me have identified all the fonts in the image, making the remix a doddle.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/12/beg-forgiveness-ask-permission/#whats-a-copyright-exception
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Even though I don't keep logs or collect any analytics, I can say with confidence that "Tiktok's Enshittification" was the most popular thing I published on Pluralistic this year. I mixed some public domain Brother's Grimm art, mixed with a classic caricature of Boss Tweed, and some very cheesy royalty-free/open access influencer graphics. One gingerbread cottage social media trap, coming up:
https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/21/potemkin-ai/#hey-guys
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To illustrate the idea of overcoming walking-the-plank fear (as a metaphor for writing when it feels like you suck) I mixed public domain stock of a plank, a high building and legs, along with a procedurally generated Matrix "code waterfall" and a vertiginous spiral ganked from a Heinz Bunse photo of a German office lobby.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/22/walking-the-plank/
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Finding a tasteful way to illustrate a story about Johnson & Johnson losing a court case after it spent a generation tricking women into dusting their vulvas with asbestos-tainted talcum was a challenge. The tulip (featured in many public domain images) was a natural starting point. I mixed it with Jesse Wagstaff's image of a Burning Man dust-storm and Mike Mozart's shelf-shot of a J&J talcum bottle.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/01/j-and-j-jk/#risible-gambit
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"Google's Chatbot Panic" is about Google's long history of being stampeded into doing stupid things because its competitors are doing them. Once it was Yahoo, now it's Bing. Tenniel's Tweedle Dee and Dum were a good starting point. I mixed in one of several Humpty Dumpty editorial cartoon images from 19th century political coverage that I painstakingly cut out with the lasso tool on a long plane-ride. This is one of my favorite Humpties, I just love the little 19th C businessmen trying to keep him from falling! I finished it off with HAL 9000's glowing red eye, my standard 'this is about AI' image, which I got from Cryteria's CC-licensed SVG.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/16/tweedledumber/#easily-spooked
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Though I started writing about Luddites in my January, 2022 Locus column, 2023 was the Year of the Luddite, thanks to Brian Merchant's outstanding Blood In the Machine:
https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/26/enochs-hammer/#thats-fronkonsteen
When it came time to illustrate "Gig Work Is the Opposite of Steampunk," I found a public domain weaver's loft, and put one of Cryteria's HAL9000 eyes in the window. Magpie Killjoy's Steampunk Magazine poster, 'Love the Machine, Hate the Factory,' completed the look.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/12/gig-work-is-the-opposite-of-steampunk/
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For the "small, non-profit school" that got used as an excuse to bail out Silicon Valley Bank, I brought back Humpty Dumpty, mixing him with a Hogwartsian castle, a brick wall texture, and an ornate, gilded frame. I love how this one came out. This Humpty was made for the SVB bailout.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/23/small-nonprofit-school/#north-country-school
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The RESTRICT Act would have federally banned Tiktok – a proposal that was both technically unworkable and unconstitutional. I found an early 20th century editorial cartoon depicting Uncle Sam behind a fortress wall that was keeping a downtrodden refugee family out of America. I got rid of most of the family, giving the dad a Tiktok logo head, and I put Cryteria's HAL9000 eyes over each cannonmouth. Three Boss Tweed moneybag-head caricatures, adorned with Big Tech logos, rounded it out.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/30/tik-tok-tow/#good-politics-for-electoral-victories
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When Flickr took decisive action to purge the copyleft trolls who'd been abusing its platform, I knew I wanted to illustrate this with Lucifer being cast out of heaven, and the very best one of those comes from John Milton, who is conveniently well in the public domain. The Flickr logo suggested a bicolored streaming-light-of-heaven motif that just made it.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/01/pixsynnussija/#pilkunnussija
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Old mainframe ads are a great source of stock for a "Computer Says No" image. And Congress being a public building, there are lots of federal (and hence public domain) images of its facade.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/04/cbo-says-no/#wealth-tax
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When I wrote about the Clarence Thomas/Harlan Crow bribery scandal, it was easy to find Mr. Kjetil Ree's great image of the Supreme Court building. Thomas being a federal judge, it was easy to find a government photo of his head, but it's impossible to find an image of him in robes at a decent resolution. Luckily, there are tons of other federal judges who've been photographed in their robes! Boss Tweed with the dollar-sign head was a great stand-in for Harlan Crow (no one knows what he looks like anyway). Gilding Thomas's robes was a simple matter of superimposing a gold texture and twiddling with the layers.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/06/clarence-thomas/#harlan-crow
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"Gig apps trap reverse centaurs in wage-stealing Skinner boxes" is one of my best titles. This is the post where I introduce the idea of "twiddling" as part of the theory of enshittification, and explain how it relates to "reverse centaurs" – people who assist machines, rather than the other way around. Finding a CC licensed modular synth was much harder than I thought, but I found Stephen Drake's image and stitched it into a mandala. Cutting out the horse's head for the reverse centaur was a lot of work (manes are a huuuuge pain in the ass), but I love how his head sits on the public domain high-viz-wearing warehouse worker's body I cut up (thanks, OSHA!). Seeing as this is an horrors-of-automation story, Cryteria's HAL9000 eyes make an appearance.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/12/algorithmic-wage-discrimination/#fishers-of-men
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Rockefeller's greatest contribution to our culture was inspiring many excellent unflattering caricatures. The IWW's many-fists-turning-into-one-fist image made it easy to have the collective might of workers toppling the original robber-baron.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/14/aiming-at-dollars/#not-men
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I link to this post explaining how to make good Mastodon threads at least once a week, so it's a good thing the graphic turned out so well. Close-cropping the threads from a public domain yarn tangle worked out great. Eugen Rochko's Mastodon logo was and is the only Affero-licensed image ever to appear on Pluralistic.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/16/how-to-make-the-least-worst-mastodon-threads/
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I spent hours on the sofa one night painstakingly cutting up and reassembling the cover art from a science fiction pulp. I have a folder full of color-corrected, high-rez scans from an 18th century anatomy textbook, and the cross-section head-and-brain is the best of the lot.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/04/analytical-democratic-theory/#epistocratic-delusions
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Those old French anatomical drawings are an endless source of delight to me. Take one cross-sectioned noggin, mix in an old PC mainboard, and a vector art illo of a virtuous cycle with some of Cryteria's HAL9000 eyes and you've got a great illustration of Google's brain-worms.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/14/googles-ai-hype-circle/
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Ireland's privacy regulator is but a plaything in Big Tech's hand, but it's goddamned hard to find an open-access Garda car. I manually dressed some public domain car art in Garda livery, painstakingly tracing it over the panels. The (public domain) baby's knit cap really hides the seams from replacing the baby's head with HAL9000's eye.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/15/finnegans-snooze/#dirty-old-town
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Naked-guy-in-a-barrel bankruptcy images feel like something you can find in an old Collier's or Punch, but I came up snake-eyes and ended up frankensteining a naked body into a barrel for the George Washington crest on the Washington State flag. It came out well, but harvesting the body parts from old muscle-beach photos left George with some really big guns. I tried five different pairs of suspenders here before just drawing in black polyhedrons with little grey dots for rivets.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/03/when-the-tide-goes-out/#passive-income
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Illustrating Amazon's dominance over the EU coulda been easy – just stick Amazon 'A's in place of the yellow stars that form a ring on the EU flag. So I decided to riff on Plutarch's Alexander, out of lands to conquer. Rama's statue legs were nice and high-rez. I had my choice of public domain ruin images, though it was harder thank expected to find a good Amazon box as a plinth for those broken-off legs.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/14/flywheel-shyster-and-flywheel/#unfulfilled-by-amazon
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God help me, I could not stop playing with this image of a demon-haunted IoT car. All those reflections! The knife sticking out of the steering wheel, the multiple Munsch 'Scream'ers, etc etc. The more I patchked with it, the better it got, though. This one's a banger.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon
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To depict a "data-driven dictatorship," I ganked elements of heavily beribboned Russian military dress uniforms, replacing the head with HAL9000's eye. I turned the foreground into the crowds from the Nuremberg rallies and filled the sky with Matrix code waterfall.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/26/dictators-dilemma/#garbage-in-garbage-out-garbage-back-in
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The best thing about analogizing DRM to demonic possession is the wealth of medieval artwork to choose from . This one comes from the 11th century 'Compendium rarissimum totius Artis Magicae sistematisatae per celeberrimos Artis hujus Magistros.' I mixed in the shiny red Tesla (working those reflections!), and a Tesla charger to make my point.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/28/edison-not-tesla/#demon-haunted-world
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Yet more dividends from those old French anatomical plates: a flayed skull, a detached jaw, a quack electronic gadget, a Wachowski code waterfall and some HAL 9000 eyes and you've got a truly unsettling image of machine-compelled speech.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/02/self-incrimination/#wei-bai-bai
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I had no idea this would work out so well, but daaaamn, crossfading between a Wachowski code waterfall and a motherboard behind a roiling thundercloud is dank af.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/03/there-is-no-cloud/#only-other-peoples-computers
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Of all the turkeys-voting-for-Christmas self-owns conservative culture warriors fall for, few can rival the "banning junk fees is woke" hustle. Slap a US-flag Punisher logo on and old-time card imprinter, add a GOP logo to a red credit-card blank, and then throw in a rustic barn countertop and you've got a junk-fee extracter fit for the Cracker Barrel.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/04/owning-the-libs/#swiper-no-swiping
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Putting the Verizon logo on the Hinderberg was an obvious gambit (even if I did have to mess with the flames a lot), but the cutout of Paul Marcarelli as the 'can you hear me now?' guy, desaturated and contrast-matched, made it sing.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/10/smartest-guys-in-the-room/#can-you-hear-me-now
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Note to self: Tux the Penguin is really easy to source in free/open formats! He looks great with HAL9000 eyes.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/18/openwashing/#you-keep-using-that-word-i-do-not-think-it-means-what-you-think-it-means
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Rockwell's self-portrait image is a classic; that made it a natural for a HAL9000-style remix about AI art. I put a bunch of time into chopping and remixing Rockwell's signature to give it that AI look, and added as many fingers as would fit on each hand.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/20/everything-made-by-an-ai-is-in-the-public-domain/
(Images: Heinz Bunse, West Midlands Police, Christopher Sessums, CC BY-SA 2.0; Mike Mozart, Jesse Wagstaff, Stephen Drake, Steve Jurvetson, syvwlch, Doc Searls, https://www.flickr.com/photos/mosaic36/14231376315, Chatham House, CC BY 2.0; Cryteria, CC BY 3.0; Mr. Kjetil Ree, Trevor Parscal, Rama, “Soldiers of Russia” Cultural Center, Russian Airborne Troops Press Service, CC BY-SA 3.0; Raimond Spekking, CC BY 4.0; Drahtlos, CC BY-SA 4.0; Eugen Rochko, Affero; modified)
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velnna · 2 months
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How does Staeve get along with the other companions? I’m new to your blog so I’ve only seen him with astarion. Is he friends with anyone else?
Things that aren't a callout but feel like one 🥲 sorry I draw so much staeve with astarion I have nothing to say in my defence
Staeve also romanced Lae'zel to a point BUT in my OG playthrough I uhhhhh may or may not have let her die before her quest completed so ??? I'll wait for my second round to see how that goes.
He's also got high ish approval with Wyll and Gale but rejected both romantically so in my head they're friendly (though he did bang Mizora so Wyll's a little mad heh). I reckon he'd sometimes start chatting with gale to take the piss but then end up genuinely curious about his rambles because there's a nerd in him somewhere too.
He and Shadowheart are definitely friends I had her in the party forever and at max approval fjsjfj
He's obviously romancing Halsin as well 🫣
Karlach is???? Unsure, I think she doesn't necessarily like him that much but it's Karlach so they're friendly anyways
This is half based on my 80% complete first playthrough and the one I'm attempting to do (the right way) now since I lost the plot in act 3 and missed so much beforehand I figured I might as well restart
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seratopia · 5 months
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miguel o'hara x reader (fluff) - nerdy college miguelito → she/her pronouns!
inspired by this image of him! glasses = smart
He's the sexiest mf with glasses because i said so
So intelligent! As per usual, I see him in an engineering or biochem major. Maybe statistics, or computer science minor. He's a bit of a nerd, the type that is just naturally brilliant; always asking creative questions in class. Babbles to you about his topics as a form of studying/affection; get good grades and keep his partner company.
He seems like the type that can easily learn and reteach information to you. He's a rare case where study dates actually work; you guys get so much work done.
Does that thing where he scrunches his nose to adjust his glasses. "Miguel, you're gonna get wrinkles if you do that." You remark, finishing the last of your Humanities discussion post. "So you do care for me?" Miguel smirks, tapping his pen against the table. "Just saying, you'll look 40 by the time you reach 30."
His Google Calendar is a crowded mess; at least four tasks per day, constant due dates to keep up with, he tries to save time for weekends.
Let's talk fashion! The sweatshirt he has on in the drawing has me on my knees. I'd love him in sweatshirts, straight leg jeans, big black puffer jacket, THOSE HALF-ZIP SWEATSHIRTS SO YOU CAN SEE A LITTLE BIT OF COLLARBONE, compression shirts on lucky days, possibly cargo pants??? Sometimes you guys match fits! If you dress up, he'll understand the assignment.
Carries around a black backpack, just with a laptop and an extra notebook. Hydrates with a HUGE water bottle. Keeps hairties, lip balm, and pain meds around in case you need them. (You do, often.)
College Miggy doesn't seem like the type to participate in Greek Life; he's there to get his education, start a step ahead in his career. Plus, he's too tired to go partying anyway.
It'd be super cute if y'all lived together; a dorm-to-apartment kind of thing. After your relationship's been serious for a while, you move in, sharing a room with Miguel just so you guys can split costs.
Miguel takes early morning classes, I can tell. Greets you on most days with a palm to your stomach, little kisses from behind. He latches onto you for warmth on chillier days, groaning and whining about not wanting to get up in the morning. "Mig, just go to class-" "Mmph, no." Miguel groans, ghosting his lips to the shell of your ear. He shuffles around in the bed, smothering and stealing your body of warmth. "M'cold!" You whine, Miguel's hands sneaking up your shirt.
YOU ARE the passenger princess in this AU, m'kay? (I can't drive-) Miguel, if he is available, will drive you anywhere! Class, mall, farmers market, coffee shop, etc. Ends up just tagging along with you most of the time. You think he's sexy when he's driving (because he is), slots his hand to your upper thigh like it's his birthright.
Most of the time, y'all are in your own little world; no participation in drama, celebrating each other's successes with a trip to a restaurant. Nothing else really matters when you're got both grades and each other to worry about.
Within the rare occasion that you guys share a class, y'all are on the same page. Working together, filling each other in on missing gaps, quizzing each other on tests; its great. Of course, you receive a high A. I feel like he'd be the type to randomly quiz or test you on something in the class. "Prophase vs. Anaphase? You playfully roll your eyes, continuing to stir your coffee.
Where do y'all think he'd work? I'd say paid internship or somewhere tech-y ykwim? He wouldn't really work at a cafe or campus store.
Oh my gosh what if he was rich!!!!! What if he spoils you with good food and well-thought out date nights? Elevating your relationship as a couple <333 WHAT IF HE PAYS YOUR TUITION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ugh best man best man
© 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒂.
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uldahstreetrat · 1 month
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Im trying to take note of real world influences in XIV for some projects going forward, like languages used in areas (French names in Ishgard, Roman terms in Garlemald) or like in aesthetics I suppose (like Radz-at-han in particular reminds me of Istanbul), and I'd like to hear others' thoughts about those kinds of influences that they've noticed
(little more context on things im working on under the cut)
right now this has a lot to do with things like stamps lmao I have in fact gotten kinda into stamp collecting now and I'd like to design some for XIV areas based on similar irl counterpart countries? like regular stamps and stuff like a sort of Garlean version of US postal war savings stamps? so having irl countries to reference for stamp styles would be helpful to like figure that stuff out
and honestly all of this is just part of making a physical copy of Q'ihnn's journal more complicated than it needs to be but never let it be said that I dont have a love of unnecessarily dense world building
plus by having a list of reference countries I can also build out other kinds of like, souvenirs? in the journal from the places visited across msq - a lot of things I see people keep in journals, especially travel ones, are stuff like wrappers or other packaging, pieces of maps, receipts (that's its own rabbit hole ive gone down), ticket stubs, and other various little paper things along with photos and drawings (which are much easier to manage in comparison)
cause a lot of this shit doesnt extensively exist within the game often beyond a mention in a stray line of dialogue or two so there's advantages to having irl cultural and historical reference to make something that feels real - plus im often off in lala fantasy land in my head because im stuck at home a lot, im not exactly well traveled, so im sure its easy for me to miss especially like language use in certain areas (I didnt even notice how French Ishgardian names were until someone else made a joke about it, it just doesnt occur to me)
like some of these influences are fairly obvious, right, like Doma and Kugane being Japanese inspired and Greek influence around Sharlayan (which the Greek/Roman dichotomy that Sharlayan and Garlemald have going on is its own whole thing I could go into btw they're so similar yet different in such interesting ways) - but places like Ul'dah?? not a clue. Ala Mhigo? no idea. The Crystarium and Eulmore in the first??? oh I'd put my head through a wall trying to thing of a real world counterpart for reference
granted now having said that someone is going to point out something obvious that I just entirely missed some way or another lmao but like that's why im asking, right? anyway if you have nerd ass thoughts too just hit me up
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blackheart-6 · 15 days
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noelle holiday age progression chart
without height lines
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explanations of designs:
hi yall
so, i actually finished this drawing like a week ago lol. but i didnt want to post a bunch of drawing in a row, and then i got sick, so i havent been able to post it till now!
its my imaginings of what noelle looked like as she grew up, and a potential adult noelle design! ill explain my thought processes about these designs below, if anyones interested 😁
i also plan on doing one of these with dess, but this one was pretty difficult, so it might be awhile before that (unless yalls are interested in seeing it?)
first off, im not 100% sure ill keep using all these designs. some of them im not that happy with (im no good at designing outfits 😔) but i just went with them so i could finish the drawing. so if anyone has any alternative outfit ideas for any of her ages, id be interested in seeing/hearing it!
secondly, something that may stick out to yall for all the designs is how tall she gets. its the same height i normally draw her with, but given how i usually draw her by herself you cant really tell how tall she is! i have 3 main reasons for why i headcanon her as this tall: deer are pretty tall irl, so having her be tall makes sense in my head; i just like the look of her being super tall, it makes me happy lol; and third, i personally also headcanon the holiday family as boss monsters (i think ive explained this headcanon before on here, so i wont explain again, unless someone is interested ^^). so yeah, she ends up being 7 feet tall as an adult, the second tallest in her family!
also, i gave all her children forms stripes in some way, as a reference to when monster kid in undertale says they can tell frisk is a kid because of their stripes!
now onto my explainations for individual drawings!
theres nothing really to say about her baby design. the only thing i did that might be new is give her faun spots! they are most plentiful on her baby form, but they persist until shes in her teens, i would say (on here you cant see them after age 7, but thats just because i imagine they are mostly on her back). and i gave her a cute lil onsie that says a-deer-able! if you guys cant read it ^^
this outfit i made for her toddler design is actually an outfit ive used in the past! i wonder if yall know what drawing it was? its pretty much the same as it was there, i just added a stripe to the shirt. i felt like overalls are so reminiscent of childhood, i had to give at least one of her designs them! i also added a little mistletoe to the front pocket, to make it more christmas-esque. and i gave her some bandaids, just cause.
7 years old is one of the designs i really struggled on, and im still not happy with it. i dunno if ive said this yet, but i headcanon noelle to be trans, so at 7 is when i decided she started realizing it. so here i gave her long sleeves and pants, to show how shes more hidden now because shes unhappy with herself, if that makes any sense? i was also trying to make her look a bit like a nerd, with the button up and khakis, just because its funny. but yeah, ill probably end up changing this design at some point :P
11 years old was one of the easiest to do, considering how ive had her design for this age for awhile lol. one thing i did change was going from 2 red/white stripes to one, but ive done that before, so it wasnt something entirely new. i also gave her a smile and closed eyes, cause shes happy being a girl 🥰. other that that, its the same, so yeah, thats it for this part
okay, this next design is a fairly different looking one than all the rest, but i have my reasons! at this point in noelles live, dess has gone missing, so i wanted to show her being sad and stuff. i also gave her shoes and long sleeves because she probably goes out looking for dess when she can, hoping to find a lead 😭. but outside of in-story stuff, this outfit is based off of an old one i drew, but its fairly edited, so i wouldnt be surprised if no one recognizes it even if they have seen my old stuff. she has straight hair here, to show how unhappy she is (idk what it is about straight hair it just feels sad) and because i wanted to give her different hair varieties on this progression chart. i gave her antlers 2 prongs each at this point, because the way i see deer monsters, their antlers show their growth/aging, so youll see them getting bigger and having more prongs as the chart continues.
this outfit for 15 is another one i dont like. i tried to make it similar to her current outfit, but still pretty different. im not even sure what precisely i dont like about this outfit, it just doesnt feel that good. for this one i gave her leg warmers because i used to (and sometimes still do) draw her normal outfit with them. i gave her the curly hair she has as a callback to when i used to draw her hair like that! but yeah, ill probably end up redoing this one too
for 17, i just gave her the normal outfit, so it was easy ^^. in game i think shes 16, but close to turning 17, so i just went with 17 here to fit the +2 age pattern thing i had going on. i also gave her an extra horn prong than i normally give her, just to show age once again
finally, her adult design! i dont like this one either lol. i spent so long trying to think of what outfit to give her, but i couldnt come up with something i liked >.< so i just gave her something simple. i feel like once noelle graduates high school and probably goes to college she branches out more and tries things her mother never let her do, which is why i gave her an outfit like that, that has a crop top and a shorter skirt. also, yalls might recognize the hair style i gave her, i drew a potential adult noelle before and i gave her the same hair ^^
i think thats all for the post! i probably have more thoughts that im just not thinking of, but its fine for now. i hope yall enjoyed the drawing, and if you have any question or comments or whatever, go ahead and say them!! if youve made it this far, have a cookie, you must be hungry after reading so much ^^ 🍪
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aealzx · 1 year
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“....Hey Donnie?”
“....I miss you…”
“....I miss the times your music would sometimes rattle the subway cars.”
“I miss how I’d hear you cheering from your lab when you figured something out that had been troubling you for a while.”
“I miss when you’d stumble into the kitchen in the morning, still half asleep but not wanting to miss another breakfast. Somehow you always knew when it had been too many times, and we were getting worried about you. So you’d show up even if you hadn’t slept much, because it made us feel better.”
“I miss being able to try cooking new things, because sometimes the old recipes were just too much, or not enough.”
“I miss how your phone gives us a second light during movies, because it’s not enough to keep your mind busy. But also when the light disappears, and I turn to see you staring with big eyes at the screen because it does catch your interest. And you end up shushing Leo for teasing you about being a nerd. Or the better times are when you’re both excited together over the movie.”
“I miss bringing you drawings, because the ones you have are too old and needed an update.”
“I miss when you’d carry on and on about something that you couldn’t make sense of, and that never made sense to me. But then you’d suddenly get it and run off in excitement.”
“...I miss all the little things you’d do….”
“It’s not the same. You being here, but not moving.”
“.... Those flowers you planted ended up blooming like you said. Blue, purple, yellow, white, red, and orange. They’re really pretty. I would have drawn them, but I can’t really draw right now. So I took a bunch of pictures instead. I hope……”
“…. I hope you wake up soon so you can see them for yourself….”
__________________________
Sometimes I want to do too many things at once, so give my friends a list and let them choose. This time wys picked self indulgence |DD Here you guys go too. Post movie ideas
I actually inked this one, and then tried to shade, but got fed up and gave up XDDD
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snippy-tano · 1 year
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*waves* hello there!! I have this Image in my head of Tech liking to ramble about bugs (mostly because the fandom has decided to draw him fawning over them and it’s freaking adorable!) so the idea of Tech finding the reader and telling them about random bugs he found because they’re the only one who listens, and maybe starting to worry he’s imposing on the reader’s space, but hint hint reader thinks it’s the cutest thing ever and falls a little more in love every time he comes up to her with sparkling eyes and a new bug fact 💜
(Take your time please! THANK YOU FOR WRITING seriously you are sustaining all of us going through Tech withdrawal and ignoring canon together😂)
here it is friends!
this was so much fun writing. i think Tech grabbed me by the shoulders and wouldn't let go until i finished this because i was actually working on another one-shot when i suddenly skipped to this one. so yay! enjoy!
[my google targeted ads are going to be so messed up from looking up all these bug facts but it was worth it!]
masterlist is here!
taglist is here!
tagging: @pro-fangirls-unsocial-life; @marvel-starwars-nerd; @mackstrut; @dissapointingpancake; @quizznag; @ahsokatano-thetogruta; @welcometothepedroverse; @padawancat97; @fractiouskat; @mandaloriandin; @bantha-shit; @badbatch-simp24; @katelynnwrites; @s1st3r; @leotatombs; @torchbearerkyle; @rain-on-kamino; @the-navistar-carol; @bombshe77; @arctrooper69; @social-mockingbird; @littlebluebatbrat; @get-wr3ckered; @flowered-bicycles; @techissuperior; @dangraccoon; @lilyevans1
------------------------------------------------
Little Known Facts
The first time it happened, you weren’t sure why Tech had chosen you. 
You thought maybe it was because he had exhausted all other options and you were the newest member of the team. You also thought it was likely because you were the only one left who had yet to turn him away.
You were deep in the jungles of Kashyyyk when Tech materialized beside you, startling you slightly. 
“My apologies.” He said and you shook your head after you caught yourself on a nearby tree and continued walking beside him. 
“It’s alright Tech. Is everything okay?”
“It is. What do you know about termites?” 
You blinked.
“Leave her alone Tech.” Came Hunter’s exasperated voice from several paces in front of you. 
“Uh. Not much, just that they eat wood among other things.” You replied and you could hear Crosshair scoff in front of you. 
“Your funeral.” He had whispered and you shot him a glare. 
“The queen of a certain termite species can lay 40,000 eggs per day.” Tech stated. “They also use vibrations to communicate with one another.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes.” Tech said, somehow continuing to tap at his datapad without missing a step. “They are also a good form of sustenance as they are rich in iron, calcium, protein, and fatty and amino acids.”
Your nose crinkled. “I think I’d rather not eat termites.”
“As would I, but they would work in a severe survival situation.” Tech concurred and you nodded.
“Thanks Tech. Now I know what I can eat if I have no other options.” “You are most welcome.” “Alright you two. We’re coming up on the camp so it’s time to focus.” Hunter called and Tech gave you a quick nod before jogging to catch up with the Sergeant. 
After that encounter, Tech seemed to take your willingness to converse with you about bugs as an excuse to bring up every single bug fact he knew. The others of the batch would shoot you sympathetic looks (Hunter), make teasing remarks in passing (Crosshair), and slap you on the back forcefully as a way of offering comfort once Tech was out of view (Wrecker). They all assumed that you were just being kind and allowing Tech to talk your ear off about bugs because you felt bad. 
But the thing was, you really didn’t mind. 
You had been around the batch long enough to know that Tech rarely got the opportunity to share “useless” facts. He was usually shut down due to it not being a good time. Which was understandable, he didn’t quite have a filter even if you were in a high pressure situation. 
But every time he would approach you with a new fact rolling off his tongue or a small insect perched on the back of his hand, his eyes would sparkle. 
It had a smile spreading across your face before he even started speaking and a warmth filling your bones. 
*~*~*
“Approximately 2,000 silkworm cocoons are needed to produce one pound of silk.”
“Really? That many?”
“Indeed.”
*~*~*
“About one-third of all insect species are carnivorous, and most hunt for their food rather than eating decaying meat or dung.”
“Good to know. I will make sure to avoid bugs if I am injured.”
*~*~*
“The term ‘honeymoon’ comes from the planet of Alderaan, where it is tradition that a newly married couple is provided with enough honey wine to last for the first month of their married life.”
“That’s actually really sweet. How much honey wine would that be?”
“That would depend on the couple, but an average amount would likely be a crate.”
“Wow. I will have to remember that.”
*~*~*
“Ants can lift and carry more than fifty times their own weight.”
“That’s impressive. Has anyone ever tried to replicate that with technology? I would imagine that it would be useful.”
“I had not considered that. Perhaps I will try.”
“I can’t wait to see it, Tech.”
*~*~*
With each encounter you had with Tech, the swirling in your stomach grew more and more insistent. It was hard not to watch him with a smile as he rattled off fact after fact. And he never told you the same one twice. 
It was an uninterrupted time you were granted with Tech as most of the batch cleared out whenever he started rambling about bugs. You grew to crave these moments. 
And it wasn’t until Crosshair had said something that you figured out why. 
“You know, if you like him, you could just say something. Save yourself the trouble of listening to bug facts all day.” He had teased, startling you as you sorted through the newest crate of supplies you’d picked up off of Kamino. 
“I do not-” You started to protest, but then paused. 
You thought back to every time he approached you with that sparkle in his eyes. How your heart had clenched and you involuntarily began smiling every single time. You started to hope he would come by with a new fact, just for a chance to listen to him talk about something he so clearly loved. You purposefully sought out bugs now, pointing them out in the hopes he would have a fact to share. And every time he did, you felt like you were flying.
Oh kriff you loved him.
“There you go, doll.” Crosshair drawled and you took a step towards him, punching his arm. 
“Not your doll.” You hissed, turning back to the crate to hide your reddening face.
“Maybe not. But you shouldn’t wait too long to tell him.” He said and you stopped stacking ration bars. He took a step closer, fingers playing with the toothpick in his mouth. “A word of advice, Tech is starting to think he’s imposing on you and your space with his facts.”
“He would never bother me!” You cried and Crosshair smirked. 
“Just thought I’d share. Do with this information what you will.” He turned to leave and you let out a laugh. 
“Aww Cross! You do care about Tech’s emotional well-being.” It was your turn to tease and you watched as his jaw clenched. But he didn’t deny it before he stepped out of the room, letting the door slide shut behind him. 
When he left, you sunk down in a nearby chair, mind racing. 
Tech thought he was bothering you? That couldn’t be further from the truth and you had to find a way to tell him. And fast. 
*~*~*
You had your opportunity a few rotations later when you made a brief stop on Naboo. 
You had only really stopped to refuel before heading back out, but you were going to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures. While Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair headed into the city you had parked near, you and Tech had opted to stay behind, albeit for different reasons.
Tech wanted to run a few diagnostic tests on the Marauder and you cited organizing some crates, but really you wanted a chance to talk to Tech alone. And judging by the knowing look Crosshair had shot your direction, your flimsy excuse didn’t work on everyone. But no one made any comments and you were left alone with Tech for what was likely going to be a few hours. 
He immediately set to work doing what he had stayed behind to complete and you did take some time to organize a crate or two, but you didn’t do it for long. In fact, you took the time to open up every hatch in the ship with the hopes of helping it air out a bit. 
While you waited for that, you found yourself sitting in the grass outside of the ship, head tilted towards the sunlight. You could hear the breeze moving the nearby trees and the tall grass of the fields surrounding the ship. In the wind, you could smell the blossoms of the blooming flowers. Your eyes were closed as you breathed in fresh air for the first time in a very long time. 
You heard footsteps approaching you from behind and you waited as Tech approached. 
“Is everything alright?”
You hummed in response. “Why do you ask?”
“I thought you were organizing crates and then I turned and you were not there.” He replied and you opened your eyes and turned to look up at him, squinting in the light. Tech shifted and the sun was no longer burning your eyes.
“Sorry, I finished and decided I should enjoy the weather and fresh air while I could.” You said. “You’re welcome to join me.”
“I should finish my calibrations-”
“-come on Tech.” You patted the grass next to you. “Join me. Your calibrations can wait a few minutes.”
Tech hesitated for a second before speaking. “Very well then.”
You smiled as he sat down cross-legged next to you. He continued to tap lightly at his datapad, but you didn’t mind it. You leaned back against your arms and again tilted your face towards the sky, eyes closing. 
The two of you sat in silence, but it was far from awkward. You were enjoying the weather and you were enjoying it even more knowing Tech was here with you. 
“Did you know-” Tech began only to stop talking. 
You opened your eyes and turned to him. “Why’d you stop?”
He stopped tapping at his datapad and you watched as he shifted uncomfortably. “I did not want to bore you with facts you do not care to know. I will leave you to enjoy the weather and return to my calibrations.”
Tech started to move, but stopped when you hand closed over his. You watched as his eyes darted down to your joined hands and then back up at your face.
“I wouldn’t have asked you to stay if I didn’t enjoy your company.” You started. “And I love hearing about bug facts. It’s clearly something you enjoy, so that means I enjoy it too.” 
“But - that seems illogical.”
You laughed, giving his hand a squeeze. “Maybe it is, but it’s true. So please, never stop telling me bug facts.”
Tech regarded you with a strange look on his face. “Fascinating.”
You blinked at him. “What?”
He hummed. “Nothing. I will have to experiment with this further.”
You definitely wanted to know what he meant by that, but you didn’t want to push him. So you removed your hand from his and nudged his arm as you shifted to lay down in the cool grass. You moved around, trying to find a comfortable place to lay, but so far weren’t successful. When you noticed Tech watching you, you waved him on.
“Go ahead. Tell me what you were going to say earlier.” 
“Your head looks uncomfortable. I will go get you a blanket to lay on.” Tech said and began to move. 
“No! It’s okay! It’s not uncomfortable.” You said quickly and he paused, half standing. 
“You should still rest against something more comfortable.” He replied and your mind was racing. “Alright alright, I will. But please sit back down.” You said and he looked like he was going to protest, but you gave his arm a tug and he sat down, legs stretched out in front of him. 
Before you could talk yourself out of it, you shifted on the ground before leaning back, your head coming into contact with his thigh. You felt Tech tense and you looked up at him, hand blocking the sun. 
“This okay?”
He didn’t answer you right away, but after a moment, nodded once. “Yes. It is alright.”
You smiled up at him before dropping your hand to your stomach and closing your eyes. 
“Alright Tech. What facts have you got for me today?”
“Houseflies find sugar with their feet, which are 10 million times more sensitive than human tongues.”
You huffed. “Knowing that makes me wonder why they love our ration bars so much. They’re pretty bland to us, but maybe we’re missing something.”
“It is possible.” Tech noted. “Did you know that true flies have only one pair of wings, and sometimes, none at all. A hind pair of ‘wings’ is reduced to balancing organs called halteres.”
“I did not know that. But I do have a question.” 
“What is your question?”
“Do you know why flies rub their feet together? I see them do it all the time and have always wondered.” You asked and surprisingly, Tech fell silent. 
You allowed a moment or two to pass, thinking maybe he was waiting for you to say more. But he still didn’t speak. You held up a hand, squinting one eye open to see Tech staring down at you with a puzzled look on his face.
“You okay? Did I ask a hard question?” 
He continued to stare at you like he was studying you. It was equally slightly unnerving and exciting. “Curious.”
Your heart thudded loudly in your chest as Tech continued to stare at you. Even though it was comfortable outside, you could feel your cheeks starting to warm. “Uh, Tech?”
“Right, apologies. Flies rub their limbs together to clean them. It may seem illogical given their appetite for dirt, but this cleaning behavior is actually one of their primary activities as they rid themselves of physical and chemical residues and anything that can affect the sensors on their feet.” Tech said and you gave him another look before letting your hand fall and your eyes close again. 
Tech began to rattle off more facts and you did your best to come up with resulting questions. It was peaceful, and there was a part of you that wanted this to never end.
Abruptly, Tech stopped speaking and you squinted up at him. “Everything okay?” 
“Over there. It’s a brown marmorated stink bug. They are rare in this region.” He said and you sat up as quietly as you could. You reached for your glass jar that held the remains of your water, dumping it out on the grass. Very slowly, you climbed to your feet. “What are you doing?”
“You said they’re rare right? Let’s catch this one!” You whispered as you began moving quietly towards where the bug was perched on a nearby tree. 
“We should not harm it.” 
“Of course not. We’ll catch it in this jar to get a closer look and then let it go.” 
Tech slowly stood as well, quietly moving behind you as you approached. Just before you reached the bug, it took off. Both of you shared a look before following. It was hard for you to spot, but Tech seemed to know exactly where it was at all times, so he kept you both on the right path. The trees grew slightly thicker and you made probably too much noise crashing through the woods. 
The bug stopped high on a nearby tree. You didn’t even hesitate before clamoring onto a large nearby rock. 
“Please be careful.” Tech whispered, hands raised like he was concerned you would fall.
“Don’t worry Tech. I’ve got this.” You said, reaching slowly for the small stinky bug. Your foot slipped and you wobbled for a second before righting yourself. You felt the ghost of Tech’s hand appear at your back before disappearing again and you fought the warmth creeping up your neck. 
“Almost, got it.” You said more to yourself as you approached the unsuspecting bug. 
Two things then happened simultaneously. 
One. The rock shifted beneath you ever so slightly, but it was enough to set you off balance. 
Two. Now off balance, your foot slipped on the same spot as before and you began to pitch helplessly backwards. 
The jar slipped out of your hand and hit the forest floor with a soft thud. You looked at the tree and caught a glance of the bug hopping away as you fell backwards. 
You let out a yell of surprise before colliding with something hard. You tried to turn to catch your fall, but weren’t completely successful. Which meant the moment you hit solid ground, the air was thrust out of your lungs in one fell swoop. 
You gasped for air, desperate to breathe again. You coughed once, trying to get your breathing back to normal. Your back was killing you and your shoulder was aching from impact. 
It wasn’t until you felt the ground beneath you start moving that your current situation hit you. 
Your eyes snapped open and you were surprised to see Tech sprawled beneath you. 
“Kriff, are you okay??” You gasped. “I’m so sorry Tech!”
“It is alright. Are you unharmed?” He asked, voice a little scratchy. 
“Uh yeah. Are you sure you’re okay?” 
“Yes. I am fine.” 
You let out a breath of relief before tensing. Your face burned as you realized just how compromising of a situation this was. And suddenly all you could think about was getting out of it as fast as you could. 
You made a move to get up but were stopped by Tech’s hands gripping your waist. You didn’t move any further, instead raising your eyes to meet Tech’s that were already watching you. 
He had the same look as before. One you could only describe as fascination. 
It had your stomach fluttering in response.
“Remarkable.” Was all he said and you found yourself unable to respond. 
You again tried to move, but Tech’s hands held firm. 
“I have been conducting small experiments and I believe I have almost arrived at my conclusion. All I need to do is complete one final test.” He said and you narrowed your eyes at him.
“Okay?” 
“I would like you to kiss me.”
Your heart thudded in your chest as your face burned. “Wha - what? Why?”
“I told you before, I need to conduct one last test before I reach my conclusion.” He said, as if it was indisputable science fact. 
You blinked at him. “And to do that I have to kiss you?”
“You do not have to. Although I would prefer it.” 
You looked away from him briefly, trying to process his words. 
Was he serious?
He had to be. Tech never said anything he didn’t mean. 
But why you?
Why now?
“You’re serious?” Was what you finally settled on as you looked at him. 
He gave you a firm nod. “I am rarely unserious.” 
He’s got you there. 
“Alright, but stop me if you need to.” You stated, trying desperately to hype yourself up. 
“I will not need to, but thank you.”
Karking hells.
Before you could say anything else to delay it any longer or completely talk yourself out of it, you leaned down and kissed him. 
You didn’t want to overwhelm or push him so you kept it short and sweet, despite never wanting it to end once you started. He didn’t seem all that responsive, but you tried not to think too hard about that. 
You pulled back, eyes opening to gauge his reaction. 
He tilted his head slightly before opening his eyes and meeting yours. “Once more please.”
Maker, this man was going to be the death of you. 
But far be it from you to say no. 
This time when you leaned down and pressed your lips against his, he reacted by tightening his grip around you. You slumped further against him without realizing it and felt the rumble in his chest as he hummed. 
It was easy to get swept up in the feeling of kissing Tech and before you knew it, you were pulling away because you couldn’t breathe. Your forehead rested against his as you looked down at him, trying to gauge his reaction.
“Well? Did you reach your conclusion?” You asked breathlessly.
Tech nodded once. “I have. I have determined that my feelings towards you are more than platonic.”
You couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across your face at his words. 
“Good because lucky for you, I feel the same way.” You replied and he met your gaze. 
“Excellent.” He said before raising his hand from its spot on your back to grip the side of your face, pulling you back down towards him. You smiled against him, more than happy to oblige in his request. 
The sun had climbed higher in the sky when you finally forced the two of you apart. The rest of the batch would be returning soon and it was important both of you were back and presentable before that happened. 
The short walk back to the Marauder was full of lingering glances and shy smiles. When you entered the clearing the ship was parked in, to your horror, you saw the rest of the batch was already back. 
Hunter shot you a knowing smile before heading into the ship and calling out to Wrecker instead. Crosshair opened his mouth, likely to make a snide comment, but you cut him off.
“We chased after a bug and it won.” You blurted and Crosshair rolled his eyes.
“Might want to pull the leaves out of your hair if you want that story to be believable doll.” He said before ditching his toothpick and heading into the ship.
“Not your doll!” You called after him, running a hand through your hair and catching several leaves. 
You turned when you felt another hand in your hair and you watched as Tech also removed a small leaf. You gave him a smile which he returned. You reached out, giving his hand a squeeze before turning and heading into the ship. 
You heard Tech follow behind you as you thought back to your moment shared in the woods. 
Who knew hearing bug facts could have such a wonderful outcome? 
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