#Holiday Tech Guide

[thegiftingdad]

🎧 What Makes a Great Tech Gift for Men? It Starts With Listening

By The Gifting Dad

We live in a world overflowing with gadgets... smart this, Bluetooth that, everything promising to upgrade life. But when it comes to actually choosing a great tech gift for a man in your life, here’s what no trending list will tell you:

The best gifts don’t start with the product. They start with a conversation.

It might not be out loud. Maybe it’s in the way he talks about that thing that bugs him in the kitchen. Or how he always adjusts the lamp near his workspace. Or how he takes five minutes every night to line up his phone, wallet, and earbuds before bed like it’s some kind of ritual.

Those are the clues. And if you listen, they’ll guide you to gifts that matter.

🛠️ It’s Not About the Gadget - It’s About the Friction

Here’s a quick mindset shift that works wonders when you’re shopping for tech:

Don’t just ask “What would he like?” Ask: “Where’s the friction in his day?”

That’s what great tech gifts do, they reduce friction. They smooth out annoyances, simplify routines, or elevate something he already enjoys.

Some real-world examples:

He’s always misplacing his phone? A sleek magnetic charging stand turns chaos into calm.

He listens to music while cooking? Get him smart lights that pulse with his playlist.

He works long hours at a screen? Maybe it’s time for an eye massager that says, “You’ve earned some ease.”

You’re not just buying tech. You’re gifting smoother days. And that lands differently.

🔍 Think Function First, Flash Second

We all love cool features. But after years of testing, reviewing, and occasionally returning tech gifts, the winners are the ones that quietly become part of someone’s everyday life.

Here’s what I’ve learned to look for:

Will he actually use this on a weekday?

Is it plug-and-play, or does it need a manual the size of War & Peace?

Does it work with what he already owns - phone, setup, vibe?

Sometimes the most “boring” gifts, like a good wireless charger or a beautifully simple Bluetooth speaker, end up being the ones he raves about three months later.

Because they fit. And great gifts are all about fit.

🧠 What Kind of Thinker Is He?

Another trick I use is this: figure out what kind of thinker he is. Once you do, the right kind of tech starts to stand out.

The Tinkerer – Loves to build, tweak, or fix things → Try modular gadgets, DIY kits, or upgraded tools

The Optimizer – Always looking to improve routines → Think smart home gear, ergonomic accessories, or tracking devices

The Escapist – Craves downtime and immersive experiences → Go for headphones, ambient lighting, or VR accessories

The Creator – Expresses himself through sound, video, or design → Choose audio tech, filming tools, or digital sketchpads

The Sentimentalist – Values memories and nostalgia → Look for digital frames, retro turntables, or voice recorders

If you understand how he sees the world, you’ll start to see the tech that belongs in his world.

✨ One Simple Rule That’s Never Let Me Down

Here it is. The one rule I always come back to:

If it makes him say “Wow, that’s exactly what I needed,” you’ve nailed it.

Not “cool,” not “expensive,” not “on trend.” Exactly what he needed... even if he didn’t know it yet.

💬 Bonus Tip: Add a Little Meaning

Want to elevate your tech gift instantly?

Add context. Include a handwritten note. Reference a moment you noticed him needing it. Let the gift say, “I’ve been paying attention.”

That turns even the simplest gadget into something memorable.

🔗 Want Some Handpicked Ideas?

If you’re ready to browse gifts that have real-world usefulness and that spark delight, I’ve put together a full guide with the best of the best... no fluff, no generic picks.

👉 Best Tech Gifts for Men – TheGiftingDad.com

Everything in it is dad-approved, experience-tested, and chosen to actually land.

[nashscribblings]

Radio Dead Air Tech Q&A tonight at 9pm ET.

It's the finale of the Holiday Build Guide! What kind of system would we put together with unlimited funds? Here's a hint: you'll need to upgrade your circuit breakers!

Send your tech questions to requests@radiodeadair.com

[goodguygadgets]

The TCL Holiday Gift Guide: Make Your Christmas Celebration Extraordinary

🎁 Make the holidays magical with TCL! Explore the TCL Holiday Gift Guide and find the perfect tech gifts for everyone. #TCLHolidayGiftGuide #InspireGreatness #TCLPhilippines #GoodGuyGadgets #LetsTalkTech

The holiday season is here, and it’s time to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re shopping for tech enthusiasts, homemakers, or loved ones in need of comfort and style, the TCL Holiday Gift Guide offers the perfect solutions. With a range of innovative TVs, air conditioners, and appliances, TCL makes holiday dreams a reality. Perfect Tech Gifts And Top TCL Picks for Everyone This…

[ur-mag]

A Guide to Every Holiday Movie on TV This 2023 Season: Hallmark, More | In Trend Today

A Guide to Every Holiday Movie on TV This 2023 Season: Hallmark, More Read Full Text or Full Article on MAG NEWS

[alpha-mag-media]

A Guide to Every Holiday Movie on TV This 2023 Season: Hallmark, More | In Trend Today

A Guide to Every Holiday Movie on TV This 2023 Season: Hallmark, More Read Full Text or Full Article on MAG NEWS

[girlactionfigure]

Did you ever notice how Orthodox Jews couldn’t care less what the world thinks of them?

Not a little. Not secretly.

They truly, completely, deeply don’t care.

They’ll walk through an airport looking like they time-traveled out of 1850.

Pray out loud in a hoodie or a hat while people whisper.

The men grow beards, wear hats, let their tzitzit hang out.

The women cover their hair with wigs, scarves, hats (depending on your heritage)—like queens from another world.

And they’ll show up to your office two days late because it was a holiday no one’s ever heard of.

And they won’t apologize.

Because you can’t even imagine what their life is.

You can’t imagine what it’s like to disappear from the world—fully—every single week.

Shabbat comes in and they’re gone. Just gone.

No phone, emails, group chats, news, and no chaos.

You could be calling them a hundred times. The world could be in flames. They won’t pick up.

And they wouldn’t even know.

And honestly? They don’t even care.

While the world is busy arguing over the next divisive  topic, they’re sitting around the table with their eight kids. Singing 1,000-years-old songs.

Wearing their nicest clothes for no one but each other.

Eating and talking about the weekly Torah parsha or the current holiday, Walking to shul in the rain without an umbrella—because it’s muktzah (forbidden to carry or touch).

It’s not just that they are screen-free or tech-free.

They are world-free.

And it doesn’t stop there.

You can’t imagine what it’s like to live on a calendar that makes no sense to anyone else.

To be out of office when no one else is.

To fast for 25 hours on a random Tuesday in July or September.

To miss concerts, meetings, deals—because it’s Pesach, Sukkot, Purim, or Tisha B’Av.

To need kosher food and say no to 98% of restaurants—not because you’re picky, but because there’s a God, and He is watching.

You might think they’re disconnected from the world.

Maybe.

But somehow, many of them still manage to own buildings, run multimillion-dollar companies, donate billions to charity, raise big families, live rich lives.

They vanish for Shabbat, disappear for holidays, leave early Fridays—and yet they’re still there at the top.

Still getting it done.

How?

Because when you live with clarity, you waste less time chasing noise.

Because when your values are ancient, you’re not shaken by what’s trending—because your values were already tested, again and again, and they won.

Because when you know who you are, you don’t need to keep proving it.

They don’t care what people think—

Not because they’re rude or arrogant.

But because they already have something better than approval: conviction.

Their compass doesn’t point to likes or clicks.

It points to Sinai.

And once you’ve stood at Sinai—even in memory—you just see the world differently.

So yeah, they’re not ashamed.

Not of their prayers.

Not of their outfits.

Not of the way they live.

Not of the rules that guide them.

They’re not trying to be different.

They’re trying to stay loyal.

To something eternal.

In a world obsessed with changing,

they’re holding on.

And that kind of confidence—that kind of freedom—

You can’t buy it.

You can’t fake it.

You can’t even imagine it.

But they live it. Every day. Proudly. Openly.

And they wouldn’t trade it for anything.

@AP_from_NY

[kyra45]

Keys guide to general scams

(Keys guide to general scams)

Hey everyone! This post is intended as a simple compilation of common scams without going into too much detail and also explains how to check for scams in general. If you want to check out info in detail, check out my tag “how to spot a scam blog”!

So here’s a quick rundown of some simple scams:

Donation scam - These scams range from medical aid to pet care and sometimes a little in between. The most common variant of these is someone needing insulin and their asking for “nt much” or claiming their “nose freezes” due to asthma. The other common kind is for a pet of theirs, usually one needing some kind of surgery or having some kind of medical condition. Another version of this scam may be themed around world events, a seasonal holiday, or a special week depending on when the account was made.

Art scam - These scams range from commission scams to commissioner scams. The common kind of scam you’ll get is someone asking you if you do commissions then request you draw their pet for around $100-$300. This price is usually more than your actual commission prices but don’t be fooled the person doesn’t want your art and often wants to only pay you by an email address which then gives you a fake payment sent email. Commissioner scams are less common but work in a similar fashion where someone will ask you if you want to commission them but their art is stolen from someone else. Another version of this scam is the mural scam where they offer to use your art in a mural but want to pay you with a check via mobile deposit but it’s a fake check and you’ll lose money.

Mutual aid support scam - This kind of scam is when you’ll get a comment on your fundraiser of someone saying you don’t seem to be getting much attention and offer to boost your post. They will then DM you and offer their services usually requiring a payment to do so. Additionally, some may contact you offering to help you but won’t use any method of support you already have. Instead they will offer to link your bank to theirs or offer a digital check. Don’t give them any information or pay anyone to get more views on your fundraiser.

Tech support scam - A very common scam where someone on Discord claims to have reported you and you need to pay support to get the report cleared up. Often seen on hacked accounts, the ‘support’ is fake and often someone wanting your account data. Additionally, this scam may also be someone sending you an ask claiming you need to go to a suspicious link to ‘verify’ your account or someone sending you a DM claiming to be support and asking for your personal information to ‘verify’ your account. Keep in mind this is just a phishing scam and your account isn’t in danger as long as you haven’t given anything.

Misc scams - Outside of the above scams, you’ll also find scams based around lottery winners, gift card giveaways, or offering you monthly allowances to be in a romantic relationship. There’s also drop shipping scams where someone’s advertising a product but doesn’t mention it’s an ad and the product is just a cheap version of an already easily affordable item and often doesn’t get shipped leaving you out of money.

—

Always check how many posts an account has with timestamps enabled to see how much time passed between each post. Usually scam accounts only have one original post with a few reblogs from a trending tag or is just random reblogs to make their account look active with no original content. You can also try searching the username to see if anyone’s posted a warning or reverse image search there pictures to see if there’s any potential the images they used are from another site without credit.

Not everyone is a native English speaker, meaning poor English in a post isn’t a sign someone’s scamming you. Additionally, not every fundraiser is a scam by default just because you was sent an ask or a DM. Those are things you can turn off if necessary or limit if you don’t want them. It’s a relatively simple process and doesn’t take more than a few seconds of your time to do.

If you found this guide useful, feel free to share it around to your friends or users who are new to this website.

[goldenlionprince]

Hello! I'm Lina! I love Prongsfoot and Jilypad and I'm writing for both pairings. I like to yap about my writing and WIPs so please feel free to drop me a message any time! :)

[AO3] [my writing tag]

✨✨✨Prongsfoot✨✨✨

🌟Series

How-to Guides for Inter-house Relationships (Ravenclaw Sirius AU, ongoing)

Sirius Black is an infuriating know-it-all in class. James has his eyes on him since the start of their NEWTs classes but maybe the anger he's feeling about being outshined is actually something else... Maybe, just maybe, James is crushing a little on the aloof and clever Ravenclaw. And maybe, just maybe, James finds himself falling in love hard and fast in between snogging sessions and map making, secret passages and Quidditch games. You know, just maybe.

[AO3]

The Bodyguard AU (with @sorenphelps and @neverenoughmarauders) (part 2 ongoing)

Coding specialist and tech bro James Potter needs a bodyguard, which enters an ex-military man into his life. There is no reason for him to be this hot but James is absolutely into it.

[my AO3 collection of part1] [my AO3 collection for part 2] [@sorenphelps art tag for the AU] [Masterpost with recommended reading order and all the art of part 1]

🌟Selected Prongsfoot works

Ho Ho Ho (Bring A Bottle of Booze) (7.1k)

Waking up on the morning of Christmas Eve after a drunken night spent together, James and Sirius decide to keep this up for the Holidays. Why not? No one has to be alone on Christmas, win-win! But then James realizes, throughout family visits and Christmas markets, that he would like to keep this for a lot longer than just for the Holidays. Because maybe, possibly, he's a little bit in love. Or maybe a lot.

teach me your ways (1.6k)

James just had his first kiss with some girl at a Quidditch party and it was... not great. Of course he has to tell Sirius all about it immediately. Of course Sirius claims he can do it better. Of course James wants prove of that. After all, if he's that great at kissing, he should share his knowledge with James and teach him.

fangs and all (1.9k, vampire Sirius, ongoing)

After Sirius disappears from an Order mission gone wrong James sets out to find him. When he does, Sirius is a little changed…

Rumor Has It (744 words)

“He said,” Peter leans forward over the table. “That he really can't wait for Sirius to become a Potter so he finally doesn't have to deal with them sharing the same last name anymore.” James stares at him. “So naturally,” Remus continues, grabbing another slice of toast from the basket in front of him. “Half the school thinks you two are engaged now.”

[full list of my Prongsfoot works on AO3]

✨✨✨Jilypad✨✨✨

🌟Selected Jilypad works

Front Page News (1.2k)

It's been a few weeks since the fall of Voldemort on a cold Halloween night and no one has seen our three supposed heroes since. Is there maybe a reason they hide from the press? Are they trying to cover up a sordid affair? The people need to know! (featuring Baby Harry and a Rita Skeeter's article)

The Smallest Matchmaker (849 words)

Little Harry learns a new word and becomes the smallest matchmaker in existence

Healing Spells and Dittany (1.1k)

Sirius gets injured during a Death Eater fight, Lily and James take care of him. (TW blood and injury)

Cigarette Breaks (2k)

If he's good at anything it's pushing away feelings after all. And if things get a little too much, if Lily sits a little too close to him on the couch in the common room, if James' fingers brush his neck and shoulder just a little too much from where he has flung his arm over the backrest of the couch, Sirius just gets up for a cigarette break. No big deal. It's an easy escape. And if his smoking gets concerningly much and frequent the more the school year goes on, it's easy to blame NEWTs stress for it. It's after they finish school where Sirius should have known his avoidance would come to bite him in the arse. * Sirius falls first, Lily and James eventually catch up with him

[full list of my Jilypad works on AO3]

✨✨projects to come and in the making✨✨

⭐We Begin Again (temporary title) (multi chapter)

Sirius sees James' ghost multiple times at Grimmauld Place before he pulls James out of the veil in the ministry / canon divergent from the end of OotP onwards / reconnection and grief / learning how to live again / horcrux hunting / falling in love / Prongsfoot endgame

⭐Godfather Grim (temporaty title) (multi chapter)

Sirius, a born and raised Grim, is sent to Gordic's Hollow on October 31st to collect a soul, or multiple / the connection between Death and the Peverell line / fairytale leaning / we hunt down Voldemort's soul pieces / falling in love / Jilypad endgame

⭐vampire curse-breaker Sirius / auror James (no titel yet / multi chapter)

Sirius and James meet because James gets cursed by an object on the job and the ministry curse-breakers can't really help him so Kingsley takes him to a "freelancer"? they start to investigate said cursed object together to save James there is a soul mate/special bond element to it too

[pressurereunited]

What is life within the Hadal Blacksite?

In simple terms... It would be (sort of? Kind of... Not really, but somewhat?) akin to life in the early 1900s (1920s-1950s)... Just with no cars 🤣 and other things... As this society of theirs is going to grow overtime... At this point it's like a town of its own given the size of the Blacksite.

What do I mean by this? I'll elaborate!!

Let's go into their technology... Of course there is some really advanced technology on the Blacksite, but it's not used by everyone. I mean, the basic tech is used... Like the phones (there are phones/telegraphs in the Blacksite... Moreso each phone is connected to a network that goes all around the Blacksite so one area can be in contact with another, if that makes sense), and the radios, intercoms, etc.

They use some of the more advanced stuff when it comes to medicine.

Example: Each area of the Blacksite has a 'telephone' (each of these 'phones' are in small rooms... So yeah, The Blacksite has 'phonebooths' of sorts not all of them work anymore... But a good amount of them do. With a number guide (nicknamed phonebook) for each area on the wall beside the telegraph. I pray this makes sense.)

They have radios... The radios can play music, a mutant on the Blacksite started a small broadcast where they give updates on what's going on in the Blacksite, somehow they managed to connect to the radios' signal and do that.

In terms of appliances, whatever anyone finds (coffee machine, oven, blender, etc) it gets used... Someone even made a stove from an old discarded engine they found (those things can get hot!!!)

However, entertainment comes from either watching the goings on of the Blacksite, watching the world outside (interesting stuff happens in the Deep Sea), reading, exploration, sharing stories, gatherings, music (the Blacksite has a piano, and some people made instruments of their own.) and dance, etc, these people do find ways to have fun!

The Olive Branch Faction handles the education for the youngsters.... (RU Sebastian homeschools April and Damien if you're curious.) teaching them the basics on math, literature, etc... as well as life skills (You kind of need them in the Blacksite.)

Every business that's in the Blacksite is local... Obviously. Usually using bartering as payment... got an item, come exchange it for something better! However items for bartering differ depending on who you're buying from, obviously. RU Sebastian and his shop is a good example. He's always willing to trade... And he has a wider variety considering how he gets his items... Having to go into dangerous areas to grab some pretty valuable items for Expendables/Players and residents of the Blacksite.

There are more jobs than that, some mutants and former expendables work with the machines and systems in the Blacksite for fun (and they grew accustomed to that life and enjoy the solitude of maintenance work.) For example: The Winged Victory faction also works as 'law enforcement'

Fashion. Well, considering there aren't any clothing stores in the Blacksite, and most clothes are either lab coats, expendable uniforms, whatever the hell is in the confiscated piles (before the breach, mutants and prisoners had their clothing confiscated) or medical gowns... People have found ways to make their own styles out of that. Some people just keep whatever clothes they have, others personalize their styles using whatever they find... And then there are those who make their own clothes from the scraps of fabric they like... I mean, whatever to pass the time, yeah?

In terms of traditions... Holidays aren't really celebrated aside from Christmas (Well... Now it's called KnickKnack Day, a mutant fumbled his words when he tried to say Christmas and said KnickKnack instead... His friends began to say it... It spread... It stuck.)... The Olive Branch voted to keep this Holiday and celebrate it to instill joy in the others (gift giving, gift receiving, time with loved ones and friends make a lot of people happier despite the life on the Blacksite.)

For those who ARE religious, they keep their traditions alive with gatherings and such.

Whew! That is a lot!!!

It's a work in progress as of yet (world building is time consuming!!) but I hope what I have right now is substantial!

What do you guys think? Is this good worldbuilding? Did I cook?

[dangraccoon]

Warm

Week 3 ~ polar plunge ~ holiday cookies ~ *Domino Squad* ~

Word Count: 465 Content: flirting, kissing, neck kissing, making out, suggestive so 18+

@clone-wars-winter-challenge

Mando'a Guide: bas'ika - baby animal cyar'ad - lover sarad - flower cyar'ika - sweetheart di'kut - idiot

The oven dinged as it hit temperature, and you wiped the sweat from your brow with the back of your arm. You smiled down at the dough that lay across your countertop, little shapes with crisp, clean lines, all ready for the oven.

You pushed the tray in and set the timer just in time to hear a loud clamoring at your door.

Your smile grew as the door slid open, revealing the five brothers you were hosting. They were bickering–you’d be more surprised if they weren’t–and covered in snow from their skiing expedition.

“Come on, Cutup,” Fives groaned, his arms wrapping around his brother’s neck, weight pulling them sideways. “Droidbait’s too bas’ika to do it–”

“I am not!” Droidbait protested.

“And if it’s just me and Fives,” Hevy continued. “It’ll just be two guys in a cold pond. You gotta, Cut!”

“That sounds like a terrible idea,” Cutup rolled his eyes. “When are we going?”

“Hello, cyar’ad,” Echo said, being the first to notice your presence and amused grin. He stepped forward, planting a kiss on your cheek. 

“Maker,” you laughed as he wrapped his arms around your waist and pressed his face into your neck, ignoring your half-hearted attempts at batting him away. “You’re freezing!”

“That’s what happens when ya faceplant in the snow,” Cutup crowed, ruffling the thicket of curls atop Echo’s head, receiving a blind whack from Echo’s arm.

“So warm,” he murmured against that overly sensitive spot near your ear. “You gonna warm me up, cyar’ad?”

Even as his brothers piled into the living room, bickering over seats, Echo kept you in the entryway, pressed up against the wall as he kissed at your neck, reveling in the quickly heating skin.

“Somethin’ smells good, sarad,” Hevy called “Whatcha got for us this time?”

“Hmm?” you answered, your mind in a dizzy haze while Echo worked his icy hands beneath your sweater. You caught a glimpse of Fives from the corner of your eye.

“Stars,” Fives groaned as he ducked back around the corner. “Out here in front of the maker and everyone.”

“Ha!” Cutup cried. “‘I’m gonna get ‘im a cyar’ika’ didn’t you say?”

“Stow it, Cutup!” Fives mumbled.

“Yeah,” Droidbait smirked. “‘Gonna teach ‘im everything I know’–this is all your fault, Fives!”

Echo huffed, pressing his forehead against your shoulder. “I’m gonna kill them,” he sighed. “I hate them.”

“No, you don’t,” you giggled. “Besides, they entertain me too much.”

As your boyfriend groaned again, you heard the other room fall too quiet.

You grinned wickedly at Echo, whose eyebrow quirked up.

“Fives! Hevy!” you called. “Touch those cookies and I’ll cut your hands off!”

You heard one smack the other. “Di’kut, you’re too loud!”

“How is it my fault if Echo’s cyar’ika’s got sonic hearing?”

« Previous Week Next Week »

Thanks for reading! - River

TCW Winter Spectacular Prompt Challenge Master List DangRaccoon Masterlist Taglist Form Read on AO3

Tags: @writing-positivelyexisting @nekotaetae @lokigirlszendaya @get-wr3ckered @jediknightjana @idoubleswearimawriter @lucyysthings @unstable-kiwi @6oceansofmoons @l3xi3luv @savebytheodoresnonjosestuff @winter-phoenix1995 @serenityselene @nomercyforthewarrior @padawancat97 @flowered-bicycles @error6gendernotfound @techs-goggles9902

[winterillustrates]

OKAY

I got an AU idea!!

Nice NRC AU

Yuu(s) (in my au, they are three Yuus, but you can make one Yuu)? Absolute menaces. Single handedly cause the nicest people to crack and make them overblot. That's what the school says, at least. Is that truly what goes on?

Crowley? A very nice and gracious principal who denied himself of a holiday to find a way to get Yuu(s) back home. Often tries to help the Yuu(s) but they claim they do not need his help, so he often tries using subtle methods to earn their trust. He often acts like a supportive father of teenage rebels.

Grim? Just a poor innocent stray cat (his words, not Yuu(s)'. They, along with practically everyone else, knows he's a monster but just call him a cat cause it makes him happy) that kindly asked the Principal to enter, and because of his potential, he got in! Often serves as the moral pet of Yuu(s), being their angel on their shoulder (sometimes) and self-proclaimed familiar. He is also quite the attention seeker.

Ace? Total Goody-two-shoes who acts like a helpful guide to Yuu. Would not harm a fly. COULD NOT harm a fly. Very affectionate towards his friends, and is never afraid to speak his mind, especially when someone is in danger. But...he sort of knows when to shut up and let Yuu(s) handle it. Finds the unfiltered truth to be the kindest thing anyone could do.

Deuce? Former nerd trying to learn to grow some backbone from Yuu(s). Trying to look a little more delinquent and a lot less nerdy with frequent exercises. Never wants to be the butt of jokes, ever again, so he's very defensive, often making fun of other people before they can make fun of him (most noticeably the first time he met Ace and Ramshackle). Absolute mama's boy. His tech skills are actually very impressive. It's a wonder why he's not in Ighnihyde.

Riddle? Just trying to prove to his mother that people don't need rules to have a happy, successful life! Failed miserably. Heartslaybul is a mess and he never wants to force anyone to do anything, so people don't take him too seriously, most of the time. Seen as a 'weak link'. Too obsessed with trying to not be like his mother that he forgot who he actually wanted to be.

Chenya? Sadistic and an absolute riot. Pranking poor innocent NRC students, causing them trauma. people are too scared of him to call him a bully and downplay his actions to 'prankster'. Most noticeably Riddle, his most frequent victim.

Ruggie? Just a shy guy who overworks himself to the bone and is used to being stepped/walked over. Takes backbone lessons from Yuu(s).

Leona? Sorta...slow? Yeah, that's the word for it. But he's a great leader! Real nice guy who's taken Ruggie under his wing. He'd definitely be perfect if he didn't keep failing his exams. Does he really want to graduate, though?

Floyd? Impulsive and just wants to have fun. Has a...working moral compass...Would not intentionally kill someone.

Kalim? Very sociable, but boy does he fail in his classes. He makes up for it with his streetsmart, though! Knows almost everyone's secrets/gossip. Everyone is a suspect to him, so he does not particularly care about who his friend is and who is not. Constantly sees himself as a victim (people constantly acting like he is does not help with this complex) and is very self centered but insecure. The only person that has never betrayed him is Jamil, and he knows exactly why. But he can't help but want to clip his wings off, anytime he thinks of escaping. Kalim can't be alone. He deserves to, but he can't.

Jamil? Very anti-social. Does not interact with people much and prefers to be in silence. When he does interact with people, he is very, unapologetically blunt and honest. Got a new hat? He will tell you it looks stupid. This makes him disliked generally by people who are not close to him. Despite his anti-social behavior, he is quite optimistic about the future and is honest with his endeavors to finally become good enough to be Kalim's right-hand man. Is he as honest with himself as he'd like to be, though?

Vil? 2nd best, as usual, of course. Takes it with grace and considers Neige to be one of his closest friends. Is that popular, but nice girl everyone loves. He loves giving his dorm members makeovers and spa days. He holds his tongue a lot, though. Always sugar coating his words to make them more likely to be listened to. He is never above using his charm to stop a fight or two with just a flutter of his eyelashes. If only it was that easy to get rid of the green-eyed monster tearing apart his soul.

Rook? Hunter of beauty, of course. Ready to defend beauty, even if it means he has to get his hands dirty. People fear him because no one wants to be on the receiving end of that arrow, or his attention. Vil is trying to make him a bit more...likeable. Finds beauty to be rare and is extremely critical towards people. Often finds beauty to be in the tragic, yet romantic things. Like an actor loved by all but would not hesitate to throw that all away for their selfish desires.

Neige? Innocent little guy! People think he's just some dumb, oblivious actor, but his parents' death taught him a lot, actually. Life is cruel. Hard. No one is going to care if you don't make them to. Some people are born lucky. They get a head start. But, God, does it bring twisted satisfaction to be crowned 1st in front of the 2nd, once more. Some might assume that he's selfish and mean, but how bad could he be if his hands are 'clean'?

Idia? As anti-social as ever, thanks for asking. Always trying to make new friends, but always backing out at the last moment. Uses his security cameras to spy on people, watching them like a soap opera, so he knows quite a lot about almost everyone. Really wants to have new friends, but people often see his gloomy behavior as intimidating. Still into anime, music groups and video games, as it's the only place he can truly feel part of something. Yuu(s) have actually become his...'favorite character'. Years of isolation and a robot of his dead brother club is not exactly full at the moment.

Ortho? If looks could kill, you'd be dancing on stage with your favorite living band. But since he can actually kill, I'd suggest to never mess with his brother. He seems very strict and often is the one calling the shots in Ighnihyde, but if you become close to him, he'll display a helpful attitude towards you, always trying to help you reach your goals and is there right by your side. No wonder Idia depends so much on him. And if you're a loner trying to make a friend, well, you have a soft spot in his 'heart'.

Sebek? "HUMAN!!" oh no "YOU CAN'T BE WALKING AROUND IN THE SNOW WEARING ONLY ONE JACKET!! TAKE MINE! YOU HUMANS CAN BE SO SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE COLD!" And that's him on a bad day. Always ready to protect Malleus with his life but has a soft spot in his heart for humans. He does seem humans as inferior, and is always sort of babying them, offering to fight instead of them, despite how capable they have proven themselves to be. This often makes Sebek believe that he is the most capable in the room and he is quite smug about it. This makes him labeled as a 'Teacher's Pet' amongst the first years.

AND LIKE ALL THE OVERBLOTS HAPPEN CAUSE THE YUU(S) CONSTANTLY TRY AND ADD A BIT MORE "FLAVOR" TO THIS BORING SCHOOL WHICH UNKNOWINGLY MAKE THEM LIKEABLE AMONG THE MAIN CAST!!

LIKE RIDDLE FINALLY SNAPPING AND USING HIS MAIN MAGIC ON ALL THE UNRULY STUDENTS, MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE YUU(S) TAUNTING, ONLY FOR HIM TO OVERBLOT. THEN WHEN THEY SAVE HIM, HE'S LIKE, "Thank you, actually. I suppose there was at least some truth to my mother's words and the rest of the truth was outside her words." AND YTHEY ARE ALL LIKE "Huh?" AND THEN BRO FAINTS LIKE THAT. AND THEN IN THE NEXT CHAPTERS RIDDLE IS JUST TRYING TO WALK THE FINE LINE BETWEEN AUTHORITATIVE AND FRIENDLY.

SO, DESPITE THE YUU(S) NOT WANTING TO, THEY JUST MAKE PEOPLE BETTER AND ARE THE THERAPISTS OF THE SCHOOL.

[ur-mag]

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[zoeykallus]

Hi Zoey! How are you? I know you are a Tech girl and so am I. I thought maybe you can give us Tech girls some fun and fluff? Any scenario you want. I'm aware that you work a lot these days and don't have much time for writing anymore, and you are still drowning in requests, but maybe some self indulging Tech Fluff makes your day? Maybe something related to any holidays coming up around the time you get to read this? Take care of yourself, don't let anybody or anything get you down 💕

Aloha!

You know, this requests dates back to July, and Halloween is coming up. Not sure if I should laugh or cry about that 😅 And yeah, it's still the same. I'm sorry I'm so late with this!

Okay, that's actually really sweat, some Halloween themed Tech Fluff 🧡 Thanks for this request 😊🧡

Tech x Fem!Reader One-Shot - A First Date With Tech On Halloween

First Date/Shy Tech/Fluff/Slightly Suggestive/Shy Idiots In Love

________

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

________

>Master List<

He flinches as a hand lands heavily on his shoulder. Tech sighs softly and turns to face the owner of the hand. "Crosshair," Tech says, more or less surprised, pushing his goggles up the bridge of his nose with his index finger. "What are you wearing?" asks Crosshair who critically furrows his brows and gives his brother a questioning look. "A costume," Tech says matter-of-factly. "Yeah, I can see that, but why? Isn't tonight your first date with that chick you've had the hots for over months?" Tech looks at the Sniper and shakes his head, "Hots for her? I wouldn't call it that." Crosshair smirks, "What do you call it then?" Tech shrugs and says, "I admire her. I like her, her smile, the way she talks, her good heart." Crosshair laughs softly and says, "Oh, so you just so sneakily stole her shirt when we were all together at the beach, and regularly smelling it, hiding it under your pillow, because you totally just like her to a normal degree?" Tech freezes, blinks several times. He's an incredibly bad liar and when he answers his voice is way too high. "I don't know what you mean" Crosshair snickers. "Sure. Anyway," he says, pointing at Tech's outfit, "That still doesn't explain the costume"

Tech wears a black suit, cape and leather gloves, in his mouth a perfectly fitted, homemade set of fangs. "It's Halloween, when we were talking about it the other day she said she loves Halloween, the costumes, decorations, scary movies, well everything that goes with it." "And you're going as a vampire?" asks Crosshair critically. Tech smirks with one of the fangs briefly showing. "Not just any vampire," Tech says with a gloved, raised finger, "Dracula, the most powerful of all vampires." Crosshair crosses his slender arms in front of his chest and raises his brows. "Is there any particular reason for this choice?" Tech smiles dreamily and says, "The myth of the vampire is probably the most romanticized, I just hope she likes it." Crosshair laughs softly and says, "I think you mean sexualized." Techs ears turn red as he replies, "No, I didn't mean that at all" "Of course not" the Sniper replies sarcastically, shoving a couple of condoms into Tech's jacket pocket, "Anyway, just in case" Tech frowns, getting hot and cold. The thought alone makes him super nervous. He takes the condoms back out of his pocket and puts them on the shelf next to the sink. "I'm definitely not going to need these on a first date". Crosshair picks up the condoms and says, "Definitely not with that attitude. Either way, I wouldn't rule anything out if I were you, Dracula" and puts them back in Techs pocket again.

But Tech takes them out again and puts them back on the rack. "Don't do that. She's a decent woman, and I want to do this all right. No condoms on the first date," he grumbles, adjusting his goggles again. Crosshair rolls his eyes and says, "Let me guess, you've been reading another one of those guides that you're sticking to now?" Tech's ears turn red again, and he asks defiantly, "So what? I lack experience, what's wrong with getting some tips and information?" Crosshair grabs him by the shoulders and says emphatically, "Get it from me, not from the holonet" Tech sighs and says, "No offense, but your acquaintances rarely last longer than a weekend." "Because that's what I want," the Sniper grumbles. Tech sighs, "But I want... something real, lasting, something genuine, not a short adventure" Crosshair smiles and says, "She must be something special if she can coax uptight Tech out of his hiding place" Tech says indignantly, "I'm not uptight.... just a little shy and maybe a little picky" "And insecure, shy as a little baby and a virgin and-" Tech interrupts him angrily, "Stop it! You're making me more nervous than I already am!" Crosshair smiles mildly and says softly, "Sorry. Don't worry about it, you'll be fine, I'm sure the date will be great"

"You really think so?" asks Tech uncertainly, tugging at his clothes. "Yes, but only if you're on time for the date." Tech looks at his watch, startled. "Oh my gosh, I have to go!"

When Tech rings your doorbell, and you open the door for him, he looks breathless, as if he's been sprinting. He's a minute early, so he's not really late. You look him up and down. He looks great, his slender body in the black suit and cape. As he smiles at you, you also see the fangs. "What is this handsome vampire doing at my door?", you ask, playfully dramatic. You see his ears turn red and his smile widen a little. Then he shows his fangs for a second and says just as dramatically, "I came to have a taste of the supposedly sweetest blood there is, the blood of an angel"

You both chuckle and blush a little, while Tech nervously rubs the back of his neck.

Tech eyes you and your costume and smiles. "You look great," he says softly, "Very in character for you."

You wear a delicate white dress, little angel wings and a halo made of wire and gold foil. You have long thought about how you should dress up. Finally, you decided that you wanted to appear lovely and unobtrusive and chose this costume. "Thank you," you say, smiling broadly.

Tech wants to give you something.

At first, you think he's holding out a bouquet of flowers, but it's a lot of different Halloween candy, creatively arranged into a colorful bouquet that just looks like a bouquet of flowers. "Clever," you say delightedly, and accept the present with a smile on your face. "What a lovely idea!" Tech straightens, proud and pleased that both his costume and his token are well received by you. He enters the apartment after you invite him in. Your apartment is relatively dark, lit only by many small jack-o'-lanterns and a string of skeleton lights that snakes along the ceiling throughout the apartment. The whole apartment is decorated and the smell of a wonderful pumpkin soup wafts in from the kitchen. He follows you and can hardly believe his luck, his heart beating up to his neck as you grab his hand and gently pull him with you into the kitchen. You eat the soup together by candlelight and keep smiling at each other. Tech is unaccustomed to silence, but he smiles much more than usual, and your heart melts every time he shyly avoids your gaze only to look back at you. "This is delicious," he says, enthusiastically agreeing to a second serving. After dinner, you go into the living room where there are already two plates of cookies you baked yourself, in the shape of Halloween pumpkins with orange icing and in the shape of ghosts with white icing. Tech looks at your movie collection in amazement, you have tons of them on Holodisc, a huge shelf of them, most of them scary and horror movies from 'family friendly 'barely legally available'.

"You're really into Halloween and scary movies," he says with a smirk. "Do you want to pick the first movie?" you ask him. Tech spreads his arms and says, "If you'll bear with me, I'd love to. This is a huge collection, I'll have to take a closer look." Of course, he has his holopad with him and uses it to help him choose. He chooses an older film with practical effects. And during the movie, dear Tech slowly wakes up from his shy silence. He enthusiastically explains how most of the effects work and even bravely puts an arm around your shoulders when you get startled during one scene, not knowing you just played the scared girl. As Tech gestures wildly with his free arm to explain things, something falls out of his pocket and onto the floor. You both bend down and grab it at the same time. Three condoms. Tech's eyes are suddenly huge behind his goggles as you look at him. "Condoms?" you ask, surprised. "They're not mine," Tech blurts out in near panic. "You carry around other people's condoms?" you ask, raising an eyebrow in amusement. Tech hastily straightens up and puts the condoms back in his jacket pocket.

"Crosshair," he mumbles to himself, looks at you and says, "My brother must have slipped these into my pocket when I didn't notice. They're really not mine. I didn't have any ulterior motives, I promise. Except for the arm around your shoulders and maybe a chaste goodnight kiss, later." You smile, suppressing a grin. He was adorably cute looking at you, so nervous and shy. "Okay." "Okay?" he asks softly. " That means I believe you, Tech." He smiles in relief, leans back again and gently puts his arm around your shoulder once more. "Are you okay?" you ask quietly. "Of course, everything's fine," he says hastily, tightening his shoulders. A little calmer he adds, "You know, I want to do this right, our date, that thing between us. I'm not interested in rushing into anything or having a fleeting adventure." You lean against him and put your arms around him, whereupon he lets out a shaky breath.

He suddenly laughs softly, as if getting rid of some nervous tension. "I like that," you say quietly, leaning against his chest. "Very good," Tech says contentedly, "Then nothing can get in the way of that good night kiss later." You grin to yourself and say softly, "Perhaps even two kisses?". Tech clears his throat and says just as softly, "That's not really customary as far as I know, but we could make an exception"

@rintheemolion

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@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

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@cpnt616

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@jediknightjana

@pb-jellybeans

@antishadow2021

@sleepycreativewriter

@projectdreamwalker

@1vlouds

[ahummingbirdwitch]

OH MY GREAT HEAVENS your Cypher are so good,, I would love to request a fluffy Cypher x Reader fic, possibly one where he tries to DIY a gift for you (it ends up looking not as he expected)

Thank you sm anon!! Here ya go :)

Makeshift (Cypher x F!Reader)

Summary: Cypher DIYs a gift for your birthday. So sweet it’ll give you cavities.

Pairing: Cypher x F!Reader

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 944

Warnings: none

Notes: I had the same Reader character in mind from my usual Cypher fics but y’all are free to imagine anyone you like!

Your birthday was coming up, and your gift had to be perfect.

Cypher wasn’t one to brag, but he liked to consider himself the best gift-giver in Valorant. There was no competition, really. He had every agent’s passwords, to all their devices and accounts; he knew what kinds of sites they perused, what things they added to their carts while shopping online, so when birthdays and holidays came around, he was practically Santa Claus. It wasn’t a secret how he knew what his friends wanted, but they were all grateful nonetheless.

The ones he cared about, anyway. Sova got a lump of coal every Christmas.

You were no different. He knew pretty much everything you liked, all your favorite sites and items and things you were saving up for. He could easily just buy you the first thing on your wishlist or have your favorite meal delivered to HQ, but you weren’t just any agent to him, and this wasn’t just any birthday. You were his girlfriend, and this had to be special. You deserved something straight from the heart.

So, after much deliberation, he’d decided to make something himself.

He’d made plenty of gadgets in his life, all for work, but he’d never made anything of that nature for someone. Nothing meant to be a gift, anyway. He’d thought about making you something practical, like a hair dryer or an electric massage stick, but nothing seemed personal enough. You needed something sentimental.

You loved bears, so at last, he decided he’d make his first real robot: a little bear-shaped friend.

In all honesty, Cypher struggled to put it together. He was good with tech, that much was true, but his devices weren’t nearly as advanced as Killjoy’s. He’d thought about asking her for help more than once, but ultimately, he’d stuck to his work and pressed on alone. This was his gift to you, and he could do it himself. No challenge was too big.

The night before your birthday, it was finally finished. He wiped his forehead and took a step back, admiring his handiwork. It wasn’t as flashy as something Killjoy would’ve made, but that was okay. He’d done it all himself.

He just hoped you liked it.

^ ^ ^

“Alright,” Cypher said, guiding you towards your desk chair. “Sit down, and close your eyes, dear.”

“Ooh, is it time for my surprise?” you asked, giggling as you took a seat.

“Yes. Come on now, close them.”

“Okay.” You did as you were told.

Cypher removed the bear from its box, taking a deep breath before holding it out to you. “Okay. Open them.”

You obeyed. The second you saw the bear—a miniature version of your teddy bear in white and blue colors—your eyes nearly popped from your skull. “Aww, Amir!” you exclaimed, accepting it from him. “It’s my Teddy! But he’s little!”

Cypher’s face flushed under his mask. “Do you like it?”

“Like it?” You were grinning from ear to ear. “I love it! He’s so cute!”

His heart warmed, fluttering with love and relief. “I was calling him Mini-Bear,” he said. “But you can call him whatever you like.” He took a step closer, taking the bear from you gently so he could feel around the back. “He… also speaks.”

He pressed a button, and his own voice came out of the bear: “I am always watching you, my dear.”

You stared in awe, looking absolutely delighted. “Oh my God. That’s so sweet!” You took the bear back from him. “You really made him all by yourself?���

Cypher chuckled. “Yes. It was… a bit tricky, I’ll admit. But I think he turned out okay.”

“He turned out great.” You hit the button again, beaming when another line came from the bear, also in Cypher’s voice: “Thinking of you, sokar.”

Cypher blushed. “Maybe don’t run through all of them right now…”

You gave him a cheeky grin, then hit the button again. “Sleep well, princess,” the bear said.

“Princess?” You smiled coyly. “I haven’t heard that one before.”

Cypher scratched the back of his neck. “It is… cheesy, I know. But the bear said it, not me!”

You laughed and hit the button again. “Goodnight, my dear,” the bear said. Suddenly, it began to stutter. “I—I love—love—love—”

Cypher froze, panicked. “Shit,” he muttered. He hurried to grab the bear from you. “I—oh no. Oh dear. I thought—I thought the voice box was stable.”

You looked up at him, eyes round, still smiling. “Hey, it’s okay! It just glitched for a sec.”

“No, no.” He looked over the bear, wanting to phase through the floor and disappear. “Shit. I can—fix that. It was—not supposed to do that.”

Especially not when he’d been in the middle of saying… that.

“Amir.” He felt your hands on his, and slowly, he allowed you to take the bear. “It’s okay, I promise. I love it.” You cradled Mini-Bear in your arms, blushing as you smiled down at it. “That line… were you saying what I… thought you were saying?”

Cypher looked at you, heart full. Embarrassed as he was, he could see as clear as day how happy you were, and relaxed. “Yes,” he murmured at last. “I have… been meaning to say it. For some time now.”

You got to your feet, leaving Mini-Bear in the chair before wrapping your arms around Cypher. “Thank you, Amir,” you whispered. “I love him. But I love you most.”

Hearing those sweet words from you made all of his work worthwhile, even if it hadn’t all turned out perfect. He held you closer, hugging you tightly as he closed his eyes, savoring the moment. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

[cypherlune]

More Specific Description of Evelyn

☆ Basic Info ☆ ──────

☆ Name : Evelyn Leanna Lune ☆ Age : 27 ☆ Sexuality : Pansexual ☆ Gender : Female ☆ Birthday : March 5th 1997 ☆ Zodiac sign : Pisces ☆ Pronouns: She/They ☆ Nicknames: Evie, Evy, Ev, Kid, Lyn, Lune, Sparky, Ace

────── ☆ Other Info ☆

☆ Hair Colour : Dark Brown, with teal front strands on either side ☆ Hair Type & Length : Wavy, Past Shoulder ☆ Eye Colour : Teal ☆ Skin Colour : Light Mixed ☆ Body type : Slender, but athletic ☆ Scars : On her left hand, around her right wrist, some on arms ☆ Height : 5"8 1/2 ☆ Dominant Hand : Right ☆ Allergies : Pineapple, Shellfish ☆ Prosthetic Limbs: Vibranium right hand ☆ Health: Healthy, maintains a good diet.

☆ Accent : Slightly French-Canadian, losing the accent slowly ☆ Abilities & Powers : Ability to manipulate photon- electron energy in the form of neon teal energy balls, which can be manipulated to her will, technopath, super soldier ☆ Talents : Fighting skills, Martial arts, Assassinations, tech-savvy, strategist, hacking ☆ Flaws : Will do anything to protect friends, overconfident, doesn't second guess before doing something, Stubborn, impulsive, worrier, perfectionist ☆ Personality type : ENTP ☆ Sense of humour: Sarcasm, dry, dark humour, jokes about trauma ☆ Mental Illnesses/Mental Health : ADHD, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety disorder ☆ Quirks : Fidgety, twirling her front teal strands of hair in her metal hand, sometimes adds random French or Spanish words to her sentences. ☆ First Language : French ☆ Second Language : Spanish ☆ Other Languages : English, 18 more ☆ Quotes : "You people really know how to ruin my life." "You're gonna have to trust me" "Je ne suis pas vraiment un héros" "Creo que hemos terminado aquí" ☆ Aliases : Evelyn Lune, The Blue Beam (formerly) , Thunderstorm, Cypher, Lynn Vere (formerly), Planeador de sombras (formerly) ☆ Fears : Losing her friends, failure, Her old Handler from HYDRA, ☆ Weaknesses: Her loved ones, Blue Beam, HYDRA

☆ Thrillseeker?: Yes, She loves anything dangerous and thrilling, and will not hesitate to risk her life

Family and Friends

☆ Hometown : Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada ☆ Social Class : Upper ☆ Residences : Penthouse Apartment in Manhattan, and the Avengers compound, ☆ Upbringing (before HYDRA) : Wealthy, adoptive parents were CEOs, loved, and educated ☆ Education : No high school education (HYDRA) but 3 PhD's as she was so smart they accepted her without a high school record. ☆ Teenage Years : All of them spent with HYDRA, traumatic, chaotic ☆ Biological Mother [deceased] : Unknown ☆ Biological Father [deceased] : Unknown ☆ Adoptive Mother [deceased] : Kendra Lune ☆ Adoptive Father [deceased] : Jason Lune ☆ Sister (Adoptive Family's child) [deceased] : Lorelei "Rory" Lune ☆ Pets: Carmine (cat), Mavis (cat), Miko (cat) ☆ Best Friends : Serena (@serenastark-official), Laurya (@goddess-of-birds), and Wanda Maximoff ☆ Children : None ☆ Significant Other : None ☆ Past and Current Affiliations : Lune Industries, HYDRA, The Red Room, Avengers, Guardians of The Galaxy, Thunderbolts ☆ Allies : Avengers, Yelena, Guardians, The Stark crew, All the Spider-People, Thunderbolts, Revengers, The Magic People, All of team Cap

────── Favourite...

☆ Food: Pupusas ☆ Animal: Stingray ☆ Show: The Big Bang Theory & Friends ☆ Book: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder ☆ Flower: Bluebell ☆ Movie: Avatar ☆ Music Artist: Tate McRae, Olivia Rodrigo, AC/DC ☆ Transportation: Quinjet or Train ☆ Sport: Ultimate Frisbee and Baseball ☆ Holiday: Christmas ☆ Gem: Amethyst ☆ Candy: Sour Patch Kids ☆ Pastry/Dessert: Croissants ☆ Vacation Destination: Tokyo, Japan ☆ Activity: Hacking, Building Technology

Credits to @serenastark-official [and to the original template person]