#Week7

[foxwithadarkside]

@summer-of-bad-batch are you kidding? I just did this (previous part) and another option for the poll was "let Crosshair try and trim his hair" and the new alt prompt is !!!!Getting a Haircut!!!??? What?! LMAAAOOO. I had to.

[meameagirl]

Warms up!!

[pandorademos]

"Don't avoid the question" Omega picked up a friend at the beach! She is not allowed to keep it.

@summer-of-bad-batch prompt #9! Woo!

[neyswxrld]

big brothers & haircuts

Omega, no pairing

summary: Omega tries to cut her hair. It goes horribly wrong. Luckily, Crosshair has some experience with things like that.

warnings/vibe: some sad and panicked feelings

words: ~1260

a/n: hello there! i feel like my banner pics get uglier with every story... anyway. this is part of @summer-of-bad-batch with the following prompts: "Need a hand?" and getting a haircut. i hope you enjoy!

MASTERLIST

She pulls up one of her blonde strands, takes the scissors, takes a deep breath and cuts it off.

When she looks in the mirror again, her eyes grow big and suddenly, she isn't sure if that really was a good idea.

"Okay, Omega. Calm down. You got this," she whispers, takes another part of her hair and tried to cut this one too.

She already knows it looks horrible but- but now she started it, she can't just leave it like that.

With every cut she does, she starts to panic further.

More and more strands of her blonde hair lands in the sink, her head feels lighter, but at the same time everything feels heavier.

She just- she just wanted to look pretty again. She just wanted to have some kind of hairstyle, not that mop that is hanging off her head like that.

Never did she think that cutting hair was this horrible and difficult, but now she stands here and suddenly wishes her ugly mop back.

She looks horrible. 

Tears form in her eyes and are fast to drip down in her cheeks

A quiet sob escapes her lips, but she still tries to keep it together. It's just hair, she tries to remind herself, it will grow back.

What would the other's think or her? Lyana, and some other friends from school, her brothers.

Oh gosh, Hunter will kill her, she knows it. Today is her last day on this beautiful planet, and tomorrow Hunter will have thrown her out of the Marauder's airlock.

He'll be-

Someone knocks on the door.

Her breath hitches, but Omega completely freezes.

She doesn't move an inch, until she hears another knock.

"Omega, are you there?"

It's Crosshair.

Oh, thank the maker it's Crosshair and not Hunter.

"Uh, yeah," she says, trying to sound calm.

But damn it, it's Crosshair. Of course, he can just look right through her. Or through the door...

"Are you sure? What are you doing?" he asks and Omega can already hear his worried-big-brother-tone.

"Erm... nothing?" she tries and could slap herself. Not only did she sound like a wet tooka, no. But why in the world did she say that? There would be 100 different things she could do in a fresher that weren't as suspect as "nothing"!

Crosshair coughs. She sighs.

Well, they'll see her like that either way. So she just can go through all of that just now.

Quietly, she walks over to the door and clicks the lock. When she opens the door, her big little brother stands in front of her, looking down on her.

He has folded his arms against his chest. His eyes are narrowed and when Omega's form and tear streaked face appears between door and wall, he lifts his eyebrows.

"What, uh, what do you think? I decided I want to try something... new," she says, but her smile is as convincing as her new haircut.

She wants to hide under her bed.

"Well, it's new indeed," Crosshair says and suddenly, there is an amused glance in his eyes.

Omega cheeks warm up, but she isn't sure it's because she's embarrassed or because she's upset.

"Come, let's go and show Hunter," he suggests, diabolically, and starts to move away, but Omega almost starts to shriek: "No! No, please!" she grabs at her brother, and pulls him inside the fresher.

When Crosshair sees the mess she made, his eyebrows raise even higher.

"I just wanted to have a nice hair cut- I thought it's going to be easy- but now I look like that!" she explains, turns around again to look in the mirror and pulls at her hair.

"Need a hand?" Crosshair just asks and Omega looks at him with big eyes.

"You mean, you can fix this?" she asks, and her brother just scoffs, rolling his eyes.

"Of course I can," he says, and Omega gives him the scissors.

He takes it with his left hand and looks at Omega through the mirror.

"Next time just ask me beforehand, okay?" he asks and Omega nods slightly.

"Here, take this part up," Crosshair tells her and she does as he says. He cuts it.

He tells her to hold it differently, so he could make the strand look cut loosely and not as straight as she did.

They repeat it.

"You know you don't have to cry over a bad haircut, right?" Crosshair asks after some time.

Omega sighs: "Yes, I know. I was just a little... Overwhelmed."

Crosshair nods a single time, but he isn't quite done yet with talking: "I saw that."

Just when Omega thinks there isn't coming anything else anymore, Crosshair takes another breath.

"What I wanted to say is that hair doesn't define you. It doesn't matter if you have long hair, short hair, blond, brown, gray or even green hair. Straight hair, curly hair, or none hair at all. It's okay to be different from others, and just because they don't like it, it doesn't mean you're not pretty, or not strong or worth less than them," her brother explains and captures her eyes through the mirror. This time, it's Omega who sighs. Crosshair diverts his glance again, resuming his work.

"I know. And I hope you know I would never think less of others when I don't like their hairstyle. But it was just so... suddenly and unfamiliar. And then I got scared about other people's opinions, because I didn't like it myself."

Crosshair looks at her in the mirror again, and she seems to understand why he said it and what he meant. He must have had to stick out as a gray-haired cadet. And she's sure he's not the only one in the squad who ever got a mean comment about what's going on on their heads.

This time, Crosshair doesn't say anything else.

Slowly but surely, the mess Omega made on her head starts to take form again, and soon after, her hair looks pretty again. She can't believe how easy Crosshair made it look. And how nice it looked now!

Amazed, she turns around and hugs her brother around his bony hips, pressing herself into him as tight as she can.

"Thank you!" she exclaims and Crosshair just huffs out a quiet laugh.

"Where did you learn that?" she asks after a few seconds, and slowly lets loose again, ready to look in the mirror for another time.

"Oh you know... You're not the first one who attempted to cut their hair by their own," he says and looks at her mischievously.

"Really? Who was it?" Omega asks and her brother just looks at her with an amused glint in his eye. "Take a guess," he shakes his head, and his face speaks more than a thousand words. Omega's eyes grow as big as the plates down in the kitchen.

"You're joking," she says but Crosshair just shakes his head.

"Hunter made a mess like that?" the girl exclaims and one side of Crosshair's lips turn upwards.

"Not just once," he nods, and Omega looks at him with an open mouth.

She didn't expect much by that day, but as always, her expectations weren't met at all.

She not only did get a nice, new haircut, she also got a new story of her brothers days as cadets. This time, a funny one at that.

And on top of that, she also had a good heart-to-heart with Crosshair.

It were days like those she worshipped the most.

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

@isthereanechoinhere96 @trixie2023 @freesia-writes

[kybercrystals94]

Treacherous Waters

Read here on Ao3!

Summer of Bad Batch 2024 | Week 6 | Summer of Bad Batch 2024 | Week 6 | "Get out of my room!" | Week 7 | "Don't avoid the question." | Getting a Haircut

Rated: G | Words: 800 | Summary: “Crosshair knows he should be relieved, but somehow he’s tread into more treacherous waters.”

The house is quiet when Crosshair walks in the back door. If Omega’s boots and sandals lined neatly against the wall are anything to go by, his sister is home, which makes the quietness of the house all the more suspicious. In the couple years they’ve lived on Pabu, Omega has taken to listening to music constantly, volume turned full whenever she’s home alone. Silence and Omega in the same place is unsettling this time of day. 

“I’m home,” Crosshair calls out, struggling out of his fishing boots. 

No answer. 

Crosshair pushes his boots against the wall with his foot. “Omega?”

“I’m busy!” a voice calls back from the direction of her room. She sounds upset. 

Shrugging out of his coat and hanging on its hook, Crosshair starts down the hall. Omega’s door is only half closed, so he swings it open and steps inside. Omega is sitting on the floor facing her full length mirror. Crosshair only just catches her shocked features in the reflection before her hands fly to her forehead and she spins around to face him. “Get out of my room!” she orders. 

“What’s wrong with your head?” Crosshair demands, holding his ground. He doesn’t see any blood, but blood isn’t the only indication of a head injury. 

Omega glares up at him. “Nothing! Get out!” 

“Are you hurt?” 

“Please, just go away!” 

Crosshair crosses his arms. “No. Stop avoiding the question. Are you hurt?”

Omega’s shoulders slump, but she keeps her hands securely plastered against the front of her head. “Physically, no. I’m fine.” 

Crosshair knows he should be relieved, but somehow he’s tread into more treacherous waters. Emotions. 

Kriffing Sith’s hells. 

“So…” Crosshair swallows. “You’re hurt…emotionally?” 

“It’s stupid,” Omega says. “It’s my own stupid fault.” 

Crosshair can just walk away now. Leave Omega to sort it out herself. She already told him – ordered him – to leave. 

“You have to promise not to laugh,” Omega continues before he can make up his mind. 

Oh. So Omega’s emotional turmoil might be funny to him. Crosshair doesn’t know whether to be offended or intrigued, so he simply nods. Omega’s hands drop into her lap, and Crosshair’s jaw drops to the floor. 

“They’re awful aren’t they,” Omega cries, staring up at him, a crumbled expression under a massacre of bangs. 

“Did Batcher chew them off?” is the first quip that launches unintentionally out of his mouth. 

Omega scowls. “I told you not to laugh.” 

“I’m not laughing, it’s an honest question,” Crosshair lies. He has to use his flesh hand to literally clamp his mouth to keep from smiling. 

“You’re the worst!” Omega howls, flopping back to lay on the floor, arms and legs sprawled and gangly. She’s making it really, really hard not to laugh. Maker have mercy.

“Just wear a hat until they grow out,” Crosshair says. “It’ll be fine.” 

“I can’t just wear a hat all the time,” Omega whines.

“Well, what do you want from me then?” Crosshair asks, rolling his eyes.

Omega looks at him shrewdly. “I want you to feel sorry for me and not laugh at me.” She blows out a puff of breath that makes the remaining tufts of her bangs flutter. 

“If you’re looking for sympathy, you’ve come to the wrong brother,” Crosshair informs her. 

Omega quirks an eyebrow. “Actually, you came to me.”

“Because I thought you were dying. Now that I know it’s only wounded pride, I’m leaving.” Crosshair turns on his heel and walks out the door. 

He hears Omega scramble to her feet and follow him. “Wait! Can you help me even them out?” 

“Absolutely not,” Crosshair declares. “I will not be held responsible for any further destruction. Ask Hunter.”

“No!” 

“Why not?” Crosshair walks into the kitchen and begins digging around in the cupboards for a snack. 

Omega leans her elbows against the island counter. “Because I asked him to help me trim my bangs yesterday and he told me to wait until he got home today. But I got impatient and I found this foolproof tutorial on the holonet…” 

“Oh, ho!” Crosshair chortles, snatching a box of cookies from the shelf. “The plot thickens.” 

“But listen,” Omega pleads, “I didn’t have the right scissors, so really it’s not my fault.” 

Crosshair opens the fridge and frowns when he sees they’re out of milk. “Sure, blame the scissors.” 

“Crosshair,” Omega groans, putting her head down on the counter, “you’re not helping at all.” 

“Nope!” Crosshair agrees cheerfully, opening the box of cookies. He pops one in his mouth, then takes out another and sets it near Omega’s face. “There. Now I’ve helped.” 

A small grin tugs at the corners of his sister’s lips, and she takes the cookie.

Hm. Maybe he isn’t so bad at this emotional stuff after all. 

✨Let me know if you'd like to be added to my tag list✨

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[summer-of-bad-batch]

Week 7 Prompt Drop!!

Main Prompt: “Don’t avoid the question.”

Alternate Prompt: Getting a Haircut

This is not a drill! We are halfway through Summer of Bad Batch 🥹 Can you believe it?? I have absolutely adored moderating this event because of all you lovely participants — this prompt challenge wouldn’t be the same without each and every one of you 🫶

This week’s tags:

#summerofbadbatch2024 #week7 #don’t avoid the question #getting a haircut

🩶Remember to tag @summer-of-bad-batch — it helps me find the fills you post on Tumblr🩶

[lifblogs]

Blackmail Material (Potentially)

Week 7 Alt. Prompt: Getting a Haircut @summer-of-bad-batch Rating: General Audiences (unless Hunter's flirting with an OC is too much, lmk) Word Count: 2435 Summary: Crosshair forcibly takes Hunter to get a haircut. Hunter actually has a good time. A/N: Did not mean for all the flirting to happen in this story, I swear. There are a lot of great brotherly moments in here too.

Are you sure this is a good idea?” Hunter asked, eyeing his surroundings warily.

He did not like this place. It wasn’t often that he went to the lower levels in Coruscant, but the black walls with art strewn across them and the intense lighting did not make him feel comforted. And there were mirrors everywhere. The only cover would be the section behind the counter and a glass display wall of various products. At least the floor was clean, he supposed. Music played—a genre he’d never heard before, and didn’t want to hear again.

Other patrons sat in chairs before the mirrors, and Crosshair grabbed his shoulders, and shoved him down into his.

“It’s fine,” Crosshair said.

“Then if it’s fine, why aren’t the others here?”

“They don’t need to be.”

Crosshair crossed his arms, a toothpick in his mouth, just daring Hunter to get up and walk out.

He was about to, hands on the metal arms of the seat, when a Togruta with long striped lekku, and pink and white skin came over to them. She did have a lovely smile. But then Hunter wondered what a Togruta was doing working in a place like this. It wasn’t like she had hair. Was she any good?

“Hello, I’m Einantha. Will it be just a trim and a wash today?”

Hunter’s gut plummeted, and he tried getting up from the chair. Crosshair casually pushed him back down.

“How short can you make his hair?” Crosshair asked.

Hunter grabbed him by the arm. “Crosshair, don’t.”

Crosshair gave a thin laugh, and said, “Ignore him. He’s just a bit nervous.”

Einantha put her hands on Hunter’s shoulders, and he did like that a bit (he could tell her fingers were strong), but still. Did he have to get his hair cut? Sure, it was at his shoulders now, but he was trying it out, seeing if he liked it.

Hunter only half-paid attention as Einantha ran her hands over his head and through his hair, explaining different styles, and how short it could go.

“Can I have it shorter in the front, longer in the back?” Hunter chimed in.

“So do you want me to cut in the back?”

Einantha swirled the chair a bit, letting Hunter see.

“Hmm…”

“Yes,” Crosshair said. “But seriously, Hunter, what kind of hairstyle is that?”

Einantha wagged a finger at him. “Oh no, no, we don’t criticize anyone’s hair here.”

“Good,” Hunter said. “That’s all he was doing on the way over.”

Einantha and Hunter laughed, and she started getting her tools ready, which gave Crosshair ample time to shoot him a very rude gesture.

Hunter grinned, and wiggled his eyebrows.

Crosshair just waved him off, crossed his arms, and went back to leaning against the counter, chewing on his toothpick, jaw working hard.

“Just know,” Crosshair hissed, “one day you’ll wake up without any hair.”

“Is that a threat?” Hunter asked, voice hard, leaning forward.

“No. Just a warning.”

“Sure.”

Einantha came back over, and gently pulled Hunter back into his seat. Then there was a fluttering sound, and he turned, looking for the source. A black cape filled his vision, and he reached for one of his blasters… which he’d left aboard the Marauder since Crosshair had so cryptically told him to leave them behind.

He still had his vibroblade though.

But then it was on him, and getting fastened behind his neck.

“Relax,” Einantha told him. She patted his shoulder. “Now up, time for a wash.”

Einantha led him over to a recliner by a sink, and he laid down, resting his head back, neck fitting in the groove of the sink.

“Usually in the barracks we just use a knife,” he said. “Nothing as fancy as this.”

“This is hardly fancy.”

Einantha turned the water on, and started running it over Hunter’s head and through his hair. It mostly felt nice, though it did tickle in some spots, and he worried he’d get water in his eyes.

He did enjoy the next part. Einantha was expertly shampooing his hair, hands knowing exactly what they were doing. He closed his eyes, leaning back more, and resisted letting out a contented hum.

“Oh, please,” Crosshair said, quietly enough that only Hunter would hear him. He wanted Hunter to hear him.

Hunter grinned.

“So are you both clones?” Einantha asked.

“Yes,” Hunter answered, “though not like your average clones.”

“Oh, are you better than them?”

Hunter couldn’t tell if she was trying to flirt or not, so to be safe he assumed she wasn’t, and responded, “In a way. We have certain enhancements—everyone in our elite squad does. We don’t usually get called to the front lines, but we do get very tricky missions.”

“So what are your enhancements?” she asked.

“Enhanced senses,” Hunter answered. “Crosshair here is our sniper. You wouldn’t believe the kinds of shots he can make. I once saw him take down a corridor full of droids with one shot. And those are one of the easy ones for him.”

When he glanced at Crosshair he could tell his mood had improved somewhat. Hunter really didn’t want to have some sort of competition over Einantha’s attention. Besides, he admired him, and it was nice to brag about his brothers, including Crosshair.

“How’d you do it?” Einantha asked him.

“Easy. Placed reflector pucks throughout the hall.”

“I assume figuring out the right angles takes a lot, no?”

“Not really. It’s like it’s kind of built into me. Plus we’ve done hundreds of hours of training.”

Einantha shook her head, and started rinsing the shampoo out of Hunter’s hair.

“I could never do that.”

“It’s all we know, I guess,” Hunter said.

“It sounds hard.”

“No, we have each other.”

“Are you like brothers then?”

“Of course,” Crosshair responded.

“I’ve always wondered about that,” Einantha admitted. “If someone’s your clone, but you have no parent, does that make that clone family? Is the Republic just using one big family to fight this war? And does that mean they’re all watching their brothers die?”

“I suppose it does,” Hunter said, missing the fun, (maybe) flirty tone from earlier. But he figured people would like to ask clones questions. They’d want to know what their lives were like. So he expected it when he went out, though his squad got less questions than usual since they didn’t exactly look like the other clones. Sometimes it made Hunter feel lonely, that he didn’t have the same face as thousands of others. But those clones had rejected them, anyway. He cleared his throat, the water currently tickling him near his ear. “We don’t talk to the other clones much.”

“How many of you are in your squad?”

“Well it’s me, Crosshair, and then we have two others.”

“Sometimes I want to see the stars,” Einantha suddenly admitted.

Of course, Hunter’s flirty brain was turned back on, and he imagined taking her back to the Marauder after this, showing her space for the first time, wondering if she’d kiss him.

“You get used to them,” Crosshair said.

“I suppose that makes sense,” she said, turning the water off, and squeezing out Hunter’s hair before wrapping it tightly in a towel. “After all, I’m used to this place, whereas you two seemed ready to jump out of your skin when you first got here.

“Excuse me,” Crosshair said, “that was all him. I’m the one who dragged him here. His hair has gotten so out of control. If he doesn’t put it up during a mission, we’re all screwed because he can’t see.”

“Those were the most words I’ve ever heard come out of your mouth at once,” Hunter laughed out. “You must really hate my hair.”

“You’re lucky I haven’t set it on fire.”

Einantha laughed the hardest out of all of them as she led Hunter back to his seat in front of the mirror.

She realized that, and paused, “Wait, are you not joking?”

“He’s joking,” Hunter assured her.

“You wish.”

Einantha took the towel from Hunter’s hair and started combing it. He wished he could come here all the time. His shoulders had lowered, chest opening up a bit—all the signs that he was relaxing.

“You’re not going to cut all my hair off?” he clarified.

“Not unless your friend here decides to pay me more,” she joked.

Crosshair started going through his pockets, and Hunter seized up.

He simply took out another toothpick, looking all-too pleased with himself at his little joke. Hunter resisted the urge to give him a rude gesture, not wanting to seem crass in front of Einantha.

He watched her in the mirror as she grabbed scissors and got to work on his hair.

During the process, she often pulled his hair straight, showing him how short it was and asking if that was okay. She also would show him where she was going to cut before she did so most of the time. Hunter was surprised how much he trusted her with his hair. He didn’t know why, but his hair was very important to him, more important than it was for the others with their own hair. Well, Wrecker shaved his head at this point due to his scars making it so some of his hair never grew back. Tech just wanted his hair to be practical, and Crosshair felt the same. To Hunter it was a form of expression, he supposed, just like his tattoo.

Hunter and Einantha laughed easily as they talked with each other, and he listened to her about her sister, and how they were living together for the moment, and were the best of friends. He was a little sullen that Einantha never specifically mentioned if she was seeing anyone, but it wasn’t as if Hunter had time for a relationship. Mostly he just had time for stolen kisses here and there. But this woman was beautiful, sweet, easy-going. Her personality was infectious. Even Crosshair was opening up a little (though mostly because he was trying to flirt with her too).

“Okay, close your eyes,” Einantha instructed, almost done with drying his hair.

He did so, feeling excitement, rather than the worry he had expected. She dried his hair for a bit longer, and then was combing it.

He took in the last feel of her hands he’d probably have, and then she said, “Open.”

Hunter warily cracked an eye open, and then the other, facing what was in the mirror.

Warmth seemed to strike his chest.

Was that him?

It was the exact hairstyle he’d described, and he loved it. All it needed was a bandana.

“I had no idea you could get more hideous,” Crosshair joked.

Einantha shoved him with a hand at his chest, saying, “Stop—the rule we have here, remember?”

Crosshair rolled his eyes, but Hunter could tell from his relaxed posture that he was feeling pretty good.

Hunter couldn’t stop admiring Einantha’s work, turning his head from side to side.

“Besides, he looks more handsome this way.”

At this point Hunter was so lost on who Einantha was flirting with. Maybe both of them?

“How do you do such a good job when you don’t have hair?” Hunter blurted out (though he was still blushing from her previous comment).

She grabbed him by the shoulders, giving him a little shake. “Not you too.”

“What?”

“I always get asked this question.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

She waved him off. “No, it’s fine. I just needed to go to school for it, it’s not too hard. I wanted to do this work because hair on other beings fascinates me. I always wondered about it biologically, and how it feels, and what is needed for upkeep. And now I’m here.”

“Now you’re making me wonder why humans bother being hairstylists,” Hunter said. “Sounds like you have more reason than most.”

She shrugged. “Maybe. We’re all here to make someone’s day better, to make someone feel more like themselves.” She leaned on him a bit. “How do you feel? Do you like it?”

Hunter took his gaze from the mirror, and smiled up at her. “I love it.”

Their eyes met for a few tantalizing seconds, and perhaps she was blushing (it was sometimes hard to tell with togruta).

She definitely must have been because Crosshair grabbed his arm. “Come on, we’re gonna be late for dinner.”

Einantha took the cape off of him, and they followed her to the counter at the front to pay.

She slipped Hunter her card, and then Crosshair (just in case Hunter lost his, supposedly).

“Please come again,” she said to both of them.

Hunter smiled. “We’ll try.”

Crosshair gave her a gesture with his toothpick, and the fact that he’d even taken it out of his mouth was a big deal.

As they walked the dark, busy streets of lower Coruscant, their way lit by an array of neon signs, Crosshair said, “Your flirting game is off.”

“Well, thanks for the help, wingman,” Hunter said, elbowing him, drawing attention to the fact that Crosshair had been flirting too.

“I—”

“Thought she was pretty too?”

“Of course,” he argued. “Who wouldn’t?”

“So,” Hunter asked, “are we going back at some point?”

He glared at Hunter’s new hairstyle, as if it had greatly offended him, and said, “That thing is going to need trimming eventually.”

Hunter clapped him on the back, fingers reaching up and latching onto his shoulder as they walked.

“Don’t worry, then. We’ll see her again.”

“I can’t wait for everyone’s reactions at dinner.”

“I have to make a stop at the Marauder first.”

“Dare I ask why?”

Hunter beamed. “I’m grabbing a bandana.”

Crosshair twisted out of his grip, and turned, getting right in front of him. Hunter almost bumped into him.

“Don’t you dare,” he said.

“Or what?”

“Remember my warning?”

Hunter grabbed him, putting an arm around him as he was next to him again, and kept walking.

“Oh, you wish you had hair like mine.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.”

“No—” Crosshair cut himself off and sighed. “At least let me take holopics to use as blackmail later.”

Hunter shrugged. “Fine, but I’m always going to love this.”

“Uh huh.”

Crosshair walked beside him in silence. Well, for anyone else it would be silence. From Crosshair it was like he was radiating his teasing thoughts directly to Hunter. And they were rude, even if he was joking about his hair.

Eventually, having had enough of it, Hunter said, “Oh, shut up.”

Crosshair didn’t deny a thing.

[falloniswriting]

Original Content Writing !

My research question digs into how comedic lifestyle influencers use visuals to get more likes and comments on Instagram. By tracking stuff like color, facial expressions, and composition, I’m basically testing what makes a post pop. This adds to the convo about content strategy by showing exactly which aesthetic choices pull people in. Influencers (or anyone trying to grow their page) can use this to be more intentional with their posts.

[happydragon]

Not to Die but to Live

For the past few months, Tech has assisted Phee in her adventure of acquiring relics for the people of Pabu. Surprisingly, they've had little to no trouble. Of course that was bound to change.

Ao3

Rating: T to be safe

Word Count: 2,702

I don't see many of these kinds of fic for them, so I made one of my own. Hope y'all enjoy!!

@summer-of-bad-batch

I will need a haircut soon, Tech thought as looked at his reflection in the cockpit window of Phee’s ship. Perhaps he could enlist Phee’s assistance. Usually, one of his brothers would be the one to cut his hair as he never found it a pleasant experience, but since they were all on Pabu, with the exception of Echo, whom Tech would not trust to cut his hair, the only option left was Phee. He trusted she would do an infinitely better job than Echo would. Perhaps Tech could ask her when she returned with whatever artifact she was retrieving now. 

About two months after his return, he joined Phee in her travels across the galaxy as an additional pilot and marksman if needed. Unfortunately, he was not much use in hand-to-hand combat, thanks to his damaged legs. But both thankfully and surprisingly, they had yet to run into any unsavory company. He was sure that would change soon. 

Normally, he would go with her when retrieving an item but his legs ached more than usual today so she insisted he stay behind and rest. She refused to listen to any of his protests and if he was honest, they were mostly half-hearted ones. While he was grateful for escaping Edriu with his life, he hated that it was at the cost of his legs. Somedays, not even medicine could dull the pain. Those were the days where unless she absolutely needed to be somewhere else, Phee would stay by his side, attempting to help in any way possible. Today was more of a halfway between his regular ache and his unbearable ache. Needless to say, not ideal but not intolerable either. 

He was pulled away from his thoughts by the ship’s communications going off. Curious, he grabbed his cane, pulled himself up, and shuffled over to the beeping machine. Upon closer inspection, Tech discovered that Phee was sending her current location but the message said nothing about pick-up. Frowning, he pulled up the coordinates on his pad to reveal a bar. Thankfully it wasn’t far from his current location but he was slightly concerned as to why she sent the coordinates. She stated that originally the item she was retrieving would be at a pawn shop and this bar was nowhere near the shop. 

Concern growing with every second, he grabbed his comms and quickly headed outside, making sure to lock the ship before he ventured toward the bar. Some civilians looked at him curiously as his gait was more of a hobble than an actual run but he ignored them. He had only one focus. 

As he neared the bar, he unholstered his blaster and held it close as he slowed down, in case she was outside instead. He cautiously approached the first alleyway and peeked ever so slightly around the corner. When he didn’t see her, he hurried to the other alleyway next to the bar. He heard her before he saw her. 

“Now gentleman,” Phee said in a light tone, “Let’s be civil about this. No need for violence.”

“Sure,” a blue male twi'lek replied, “Hand over the artifact or we’ll shoot you.”

“No can do. Like I told your friends earlier, this item is spoken for.”

“Not for much longer.”

Tech heard enough and eyed his targets. Thankfully there were only two of them, which made this easier. The twi'lek was well built, with a small blaster holstered on his hip. His companion was a large falleen male, obviously the muscle between the two. Calculating for the muscle mass of the falleen, he would take longer to stun and while the twi’lek might be a quick draw, he needed to take out the falleen first if he and Phee wanted to escape. He trusted she would handle the twi’lek while he focused on the falleen. 

He took a deep breath before he rounded the corner and fired multiple shots toward the falleen. Shocked by the sudden attack, the twi’lek attempted to draw his blaster, but made the mistake of turning his back on Phee, letting her take the opportunity to kick the back of his knee. As he fell forward, she drew her blaster and fired a stun shot into his back, rendering him unconscious. 

The falleen on the other hand appeared tougher than Tech originally thought. While albeit at a slower pace, he began to charge toward Tech. He attempted to back away, but only managed to fall backward, causing his blaster to fly from his hand. With no armor to break his fall, he landed harshly on the ground. Quickly recovering, he scrambled to get his blaster before the falleen could reach him. 

“Hey ugly!” Both the falleen and Tech turned at the sound of Phee’s voice. She threw something toward the larger man and Tech recognized it as one of the smoke bombs she used for quick getaways. 

The bomb went off, giving both Tech the time he needed to reach his blaster and Phee the time to reach him. Snatching his cane, she helped him to his feet and asked if could walk. He nodded to reassure her but she pulled his arm around her shoulder regardless. They moved as quickly as possible, with Tech pushing himself more than he had before. Shouts could be heard from behind them, but thankfully they were too far behind. 

When they reached the ship, Phee deposited Tech on the nearest seat as she dashed toward the pilot’s seat. He sat for a moment, confused as to why she didn’t help him to the pilot’s seat instead. Not that she wasn’t a capable pilot, but that was his job. There wasn’t much he could do just sit. He began to lift himself, when she shouted, “Don’t you dare move from that seat Tech!”

Oh. His real name. She was serious. It would be wise to do as she said lest he incurred her wrath. Phee was rarely angry, especially towards him, but he did not wish to find out what it would be like. 

As he fiddled with his cane, the ship soon broke atmo and made the familiar jolt before jumping into hyperspace. 

He listened as she deeply sighed, stood from her seat, and walked past him toward the fresher. When she exited with a stim in one hand and something, most likely pain meds, in the other hand. She made a quick pit stop in the kitchen, grabbing a cup and filling it up with water before she finally made her way in front of him. 

“Ah,” Tech said after a moment, “Thank you, but I assure you I don’t need-”

“Your legs are hurting right?” she interrupted, an unimpressed look across her face. 

“No more than usual. I am more concerned about you. Did they hurt you?”

“Thanks to you, they didn’t land a finger on me. You on the other hand, I know for a fact ran to my location and pushed more than you should have, so don’t avoid the question .”

A part of him wanted to double down and deny it, but a small part of him knew if he didn’t take the medicine and stim now, the pain would be unbearable later, making it not only difficult to walk but perhaps also rest. He was still debating when she spoke again. 

“We’re a team right?” He nodded. “And a team looks out for each other, just like how you rescued me. Now let me take care of you.”

Well, she had him there. Telling her no, especially when it came to her caring for his well-being, was difficult. Sometimes he wondered if she felt guilty like his brothers did. He wished none of them would. None of them could have known and besides, he was well cared for. 

He took the medicine and water from her while she administered the stim in his upper arm. The stim quickly helped to relieve some of the tension in his legs. As he swallowed the medicine, Phee walked over to the ship’s communication. 

“Who are you sending a message to?”

“My contact I visited today. I know he had nothing to do with those guys but we did just make some of them angry, so I’m sending them a message that I’m going to head to Tatooine and thanks for the item.”

Tech knew for a fact that the ship was making several jumps through hyperspace for anyone trying to follow them to throw them off their tail. He also knew they were headed to Lothal next for some supplies. 

“Extra precautions. Good idea.”

“Glad you think so.” The corner of his mouth turned slightly. Her words were full of teasing he had learned to recognize from their time spent together. 

“So,” she continued as she walked back over to him, “Anything you want to do since I know you’ll be up for a few hours as the stim runs its course.”

“If you would not mind, I am beginning to be in need of a haircut. Normally one of my brothers would do it as I do not care for the experience and the few times I have done it, it turned out horrible. If you are uncomfortable with the task, I can wait till we return to Pabu.”

“No, it’s alright. I’m actually quite honored you trust me. But just so you know, I don’t have any good scissors. Just the ones from the kitchen.”

He nodded and stated that it was fine as it was quite some time before his brothers were able to acquire the proper scissors. 

Later they found themselves in the fresher, with Tech sitting on the seat installed in the sonic. The snip of the scissors echoed against the familiar hum of the ship. That coupled with Phee occasionally running her fingers through his hair was surprisingly soothing. Even with the stim keeping him awake, the sound and feeling were like a siren, tempting him into a deep sleep. 

“Not falling asleep on me are ya?” Phee teased quietly, obviously being careful not to break the bubble that had enveloped them. 

“The stim will not exit my bloodstream for several more hours.” His reply was just as quiet. Even though he knew it for a fact, his body seemed to be trying to fight it.

“I think your body is trying to prove you wrong.” her chuckle ricocheted around the fresher, making him hum and smile. 

As a comfortable silence fell between them once again, Tech could feel his resolve slowly slip further and further away. Just as he began to surrender, Phee announced she was done. 

“How does that feel?” She asked as she rounded him, gently brushing off any excess hair from his clothes. 

Tech ran his hand over his hair and responded, “Much better. Thank you, darling.”

“Of course handsome. Maybe next time, you can help me with my hair.”

Next time. That sounded lovely. He wanted a thousand ‘Next times’ if it meant her at his side. It’d only been six months since his return, three since he joined her, but the time they’ve spent has been beyond anything he could have hoped for. As he watched her exit the fresher and move about the ship, he decided he didn’t wish to be anywhere but by her side. 

He pulled himself up, walked to the fresher door, and leaned against the frame, his eyes never leaving her. 

“Phee.” She hummed, “What are your thoughts on marriage?”

She failed to register his words as she continued about the ship. 

“I don’t think I ever gave it much thought. Guess if it was with the right person, I wouldn’t mind. Why? Did Crosshair propose to Jana?”

So she did register his question, but assumed he was not asking for them, which is understandable seeing as they’ve never discussed it before. No time like the present he supposed. 

“No. I asked because I wish to.”

Finally, she stopped her movement. After another minute, she faced him, her eyes wide, and whispered “What do you mean?”

“I thought it was obvious. I wish to marry you. If you’ll have me that is.”

Her mouth opened and closed like a fish before she finally uttered, “Do you mean it?”

He tilted his head confused. Was he not clear? Perhaps she imagined a different proposal? He could attempt to get down on one knee, but he would no doubt need help standing back up. It could be worth it if she said yes. 

He had begun to lower himself when she suddenly rushed forward and stopped him, questioning what he was doing. 

“I thought perhaps you wished for a more traditional proposal since you don’t appear to be responding to my proposal.”

“Oh Brown Eyes, that’s not it. I guess I was just shocked that you asked. You don’t think we’re moving too fast do you?”

He considered her words. Most would agree with her assessment, but not everyone is like them. They have both been through much together and Tech wished to experience more by her side. 

“You and my family were my only thoughts as I recovered from my fall,” he began as he looked into her eyes, “Three months after my return I asked to join you on your expeditions thus allowing us to spend more time with each other that would have been wasted waiting. I trusted you to know what to do in our fight today, just as you trusted me to save you in the first place. We are partners out on the field and now I wish to be partners off the field. I do not wish to die for you but to live. To live by your side until our hair has turned gray and years are shown through the lines on our face.”

“Tech,” she began as her hand cupped his cheek, bringing back the memories of the night of his return. To think that was only half a year ago, amazed Tech. So much time has passed and his affection since then has doubled. He could only hope she said yes.

“I would love to marry you,” she finally answered, with a smile on her lips and tears in her eyes. 

He sighed and smiled as he grabbed the hand that wasn’t cupping his cheek and brought the knuckles to his lips.

“I believe we will need to add another item to pick up on Lothal,” he said as he let their hands drop but didn’t release hers. The hand that cupped his cheek moved to rest on the hand that held his cane. Her thumb brushed his knuckles as she smiled softly and asked, “Yeah? What’s that?”

“A betrothal item.”

She raised an eyebrow as she smirked. 

“An item? Why not a ring?”

“If that is what you wish. From my years of research on different planets and cultures, I’ve learned there are many ways one becomes betrothed to another. One such example is on one planet, you propose by tossing a local fruit to the intended. If they catch it, it means they accept.”

“And why do you know this particular set of information?” she laughed. Not in a mean, teasing sort of way, but in a pleasantly confused sort of way. 

“Wrecker was proposed to on one of our missions, but we did not realize until it was almost too late. Hunter ordered me to add betrothal customs to my research from then on.”

“Well then. Sounds like you know your stuff. Why don’t you tell me some of your favorites and maybe I’ll pick one of them. I’ll have to warn you though, I’m a little more used to rings as a sign of engagement.”

“Are there any special customs on Pabu?”

“Not really. Everyone kind of does their own thing. Didn’t stick around long on my planet of birth so I couldn't care less about their traditions.”

“Very well. I will keep that in mind.” 

Her smile turned soft once more before she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. “I love you” she whispered reverently into his cheek. 

“And I you,” he responded as he leaned forward to kiss her properly.

Surprise!!! I hope Tech wasn't to OOC but even if he was, I don't feel like changing it. Let me know your thoughts!!

[eclipsacanbe]

WEEK 7?

Ft. Karla (Delilah's best friend)

[srschopf]

Thursday Check-in

With all the controversy surrounding family vlogging posting children on the internet I wanted to take a look at some content creators who do include their children in their content, but it is not their entire brand. This helped me create my research question of... Do posts with children featured receive higher engagement? I think using creators have both family and personal content will be especially helpful with this assignment and the research question I have chosen. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please let me know but at this point I am happy with my question.  

@npfannen

[madischoolreport]

I Mean(ing) FULL DATA

How are you determining meaningful data? What method will you use to collect it?

I'm determining meaningful data by looking at every aspect of the post. From likes, reblogs, comments, and content of the blog, all aspects are observed within the post itself and with other posts that the blogger has made. Seeing what makes each post unique and draw in a different crowd is what I'll be studying and determining what data is meaningful will be what makes posts different from one another. The method of collecting will be fairly simple. All I need is screenshots of the posts from 3 tumblr creators (60 posts total) and tally up all of the data in the posts and put it in a nice looking spreadsheet!

[meameagirl]

I swear he been posting a lot more this season than he ever did in the past seasons. Not complaining just surprised.

[pandorademos]

getting a haircut A sweet peaceful moment between crosshair and tech after crosshair hadn't shaved in a while. Even with tech's ribbing, crosshair can't help but relax.

i'm not sure why, but I really struggled with this one. Still feels like its not completely done, but I just have to accept it and move on.

@summer-of-bad-batch #10! double digits!

[neyswxrld]

the odd one out

Hunter, no pairing

summary: Hunter has the biggest secret among them all. He spent his whole life with keeping his second form to himself, not telling anyone anything about it. But what if they still figure it out?

warnings: hunter has a "second form" of a wolf (yeah, i know it's a cliché but it fits so well xD), but nothing else really

words: ~1900

a/n: hello everyone! i heard it's halloween already? the werewolves are already here? no, i'm just kidding. :D i had the idea for this story when i found an old obsession with a book series (woodwalkers), in which people can switch their forms. then i tried to figure out how i might put this into a story, and remembered @isthereanechoinhere96 's fic hunter - sergeant, brother, dad, where she came up with the idea of how hunter got his enhaced senses, so i definitely want to credit her for this idea. theeeen i additionally figured i might add some @summer-of-bad-batch prompts ("get out of my room!", "don't avoid the question." and "just when were you planning on telling us that?") and tadaaa - here it is. i hope you enjoy!

MASTERLIST

His paws pound against the forest floor.

Even though Pabu is a tropical and warm island, this particular night is cold, and his breath comes out of his snout in small clouds.

It's been such a long time since he had the freedom to really be in his second form like that.

Pabu finally gave him this opportunity again, and since they lived here, he tried to run some miles as a wolf as often as he could.

He takes a deep breath through his wet nose, and lets his senses reach out. He's able to feel practically everything around him in this forest.

When he is human, his senses are above average, of course. It was his enhancement.

But being out like this, in his second form as a wolf, is just incredible.

He smells the juicy moss, the wet dirt on the floor. Different kinds of trees, bushes and plants.

And of course the animals.

There are some birds in a nest right above him, the mother is just about to give them some worms.

He is pretty sure there is a small rodent cave somewhere on his right, and little does the small thing inside know that there is another predator lingering just in front of the entry.

He also notices that there is someone walking around in the woods, poking around with a stick, afflicted with the smell of fresh mushrooms.

Hunter takes it as a sign to go back home. He needs to make sure that nobody sees him like this, in his wolf body.

There aren't any local wolves on the island, so it would be very suspicious when somebody would suddenly see one.

He takes a shortcut to their house.

The wolf carefully avoids anyone, and when he finally makes it to their garden, he sneaks into his room.

Not even his brothers know of his second form.

The Kaminoans insisted that he should never tell anyone anything. Not even his brothers. They drilled him, told him the other's would think he's weird, and even threatened to decommission them when he told them. To put it... nicely.

He never knew why his second form was such a big secret, but he never, never ever, told anyone about it.

It was his biggest secret.

And even now, even after the fall of the Republic and the Kaminoans, he keeps his secret.

By now, he is sure the others will think he's... a defect. Just like the regs used to call them. But in his case it was just true - who else was able to change forms in such a strange way?

And besides - he knows them since they took his first breath. It would make no sense to spit it out now, after all those years.

First, they will feel betrayed that he kept this secret, then they'll reject him and send him away. They'll tell him how strange and disgusting he is - just like the Kaminoans prophesied over and over again.

Hunter sneaks over to the patio door of his room. He purposefully chose the one with the door to the garden and let the others take the rooms upstairs - wolves just weren't good climbers. And he didn't want to change his forms in the garden.

It would be weird if one of his family members found his clothes between bushes.

He looks around, crosses the garden and walks into his room.

He shakes his fur a last time, before beginning the fast process of changing forms.

His hair disappears into his skin, his teeth and claws shrink. His ears are suddenly back to their human form, his snout is a human nose again, and his tail is gone.

He gets up, stretches his hands into the air, bends his back and looks directly in the shocked eyes of Wrecker.

"Hunter?" his little brother asks.

"Get out of my room!" Hunter yells, almost jumping out of his skin.

From one second to the other, he's panicking.

He was just philosophizing about his secret and now it's just- gone.

"No- wait- what was that?"

"Nothing! What was what? Wrecker, get out!" Hunter comes over and starts to push Wrecker out of the room.

"Stop it! I know what I saw, I just don't know what it was! Tell me!" Wrecker insists, not even moving an inch. "You were a ball of fur with those big teeth and now- now you're Hunter again!" he almost accuses him.

"I don't even have clothes on!" Hunter still tries to move Wrecker around, but he's just like a solid wall. He lays a hand onto the door frame and holds on - Hunter doesn't have the slightest chance of moving him away.

Tears of despair form in his eyes.

Was this it? He kept it from his brothers for years, just to expose himself like that? Why the hell didn't he even smell or hear Wrecker?

"Don't avoid the question, Hunter! Just put on some pants!" the brawler says. He's not letting it go.

Hunter breathes heavily. For a short moment, he feels ready to cry.

Until he looks into Wrecker's eyes.

Immediately, he sees that he's confused. Scared.

Oh maker, Wrecker was scared. Of him.

He takes another deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

He doesn't want Wrecker to be scared - he needs to explain it to him, so Wrecker doesn't fear him anymore. Then he still could pack his things. They could still throw him out after explaining.

He takes some pants and puts them on, still not ready to say anything.

And if that wouldn't be enough already, Crosshair and Tech are suddenly standing behind Wrecker, alarmed by all the noise and screaming.

"What are you doing?" Crosshair asks.

Hunter looks at Wrecker, pleading, but the latter already starts talking: "Hunter has a secret! A big one even! He's a wolf!"

Crosshair and Tech look at each other, then at Hunter, then at Wrecker.

"You're crazy," Crosshair says, and Tech also just starts to walk away. "I knew this warm air isn't good for you. For the two of you, apparently," Crosshair shakes his head.

Wrecker huffs.

"No, it's true! One second ago there was this big dark wolf and in the next it starts to look like an alien, and BOOM! Then there's just Hunter," Wrecker starts to explain. Hunter shakes is head.

"Firstly, I'm not an alien! Secondly, it definitely didn't make boom!" Hunter growls and this time, Wrecker takes a step back.

"Please don't bite me," he cries out.

He's so scared, Hunter thinks. There's no way he can make amends ever again, he was sure of that.

"What? I would never-- Wrecker, what are you thinking of me?" Hunter still asks.

Wrecker swallows. "Well, there indeed was a wolf just a few seconds ago. I don't know what to think, but I'm sure I know what I saw, Hunter. Please, explain it to us."

Hunter sighs, already deflated. He doesn't exactly see a way out of this.

He takes another look at his brothers - Crosshair and Tech took a step back again - and shakes his head.

"I don't even know where to start," he says.

"So Wrecker isn't just saying things?" Tech asks.

Hunter shakes his head, "No, he's right- I- He- I didn't even know he was here."

"Why don't you start at the beginning? How did something like that happen?" Crosshair suggests.

Hunter shrugs again.

"I've been like this since I can remember. The first time I changed forms was when I was about three years old. Nala Se told me she almost decommissioned me, but she decided otherwise. I changed back after a few minutes, and because of that I was a too valuable specimen for her 'projects'," Hunter says, trying to shrug nonchalant.

He's standing in front of his brothers like a kicked dog, and they look at him like he was growing a second head.

Well, it wasn't that far off in the end, right?

"She... studied you?" Crosshair asks. Hunter nods.

"At some point, she explained that she experimented with different DNAs a lot. It obviously worked with mine. And it seemed like there was a mixture of different animal DNAs that went pretty well with mine. That's also how my senses work. I'm pretty sure there's some kind of shark in my genes, too," the oldest sibling explains. The others listen.

"Can you... turn into a shark, too?" Tech wants to know. Hunter declines: "Not that I know of, at least."

"So your senses work with the animal genes?" Tech asks another question, "How exactly does it work?"

"I'm not entirely sure myself. I just know that switching forms was more of an accident. If I'm right, not even Nala Se knows how it worked. It's just... odd," Hunter shrugs his shoulders.

Luckily, Wrecker doesn't look as scared anymore, but Crosshair just scoffs.

"Are you crazy? Why do you make up stuff like that? And you two - you just believe stuff like this?"

Hunter looks at him, not knowing what to say.

"Can't you show them? I want to see it again, too!" Wrecker says at this moment and even Tech looks interested.

Hunter rolls his eyes, but does as they want him to. The cat -or wolf- is out of the bag anyway.

"Wow!" Wrecker breathes as Hunter ends the process and shakes his pants off his furry butt again.

"This is very interesting, indeed," Tech agrees. He crouches down, rights his googles and inspects Hunter from different angles.

Crosshair looks at him with big eyes, unbelieving of what he sees.

Wrecker carefully pats Hunter's furry head, but he just shakes his body and changes forms again. Now isn't the time for pets or treats.

"Just when were you planning on telling us that?" Crosshair wants to know.

"Well... Not ever?" Hunter asks, before diving into an explanation.

"So- you tell us, the defect squad, that you never told us, even after the war, because we, the defect squad, might have thought you were weird?" Crosshair asks to clarify.

"Well, you were freaked out! You can't tell me I'm not weird!" Hunter tries to defend himself.

Wrecker just laughs and pats his back.

"I thought you were weird even before that," he laughs heartily.

Hunter is relieved. To some degree at least. Does that mean they won't abandon him?

"Could you still do me a favor and not tell Omega? I don't want to... scare her," he asks them. They look at him, uncomprehending.

"Just... give me some time, yeah?" he asks after a second. He didn't want to exclude their sister, but he felt like he wasn't ready for this step.

After his brothers agreed on that, the four of them made their way over to the living room.

Tech and Wrecker still ask many questions, and Hunter has to show his second form a few more times, let Tech inspect him and Wrecker pet him.

He doesn't actually mind: he is way too relieved about their relaxed reactions and if he is being honest, Wrecker's warm hands feel pretty nice against his fur.

It just leaves one question open: Why was Wrecker in his room, when he came back?

When he asks him, Wrecker just shrugs.

"Haven't seen you a lot lately. We've been so busy! I just thought I'd come and annoy you. Didn't turn out how I wanted it to."

It is at that moment that Hunter could hit himself with a bat: His siblings, his family, won't ever dislike him, just because he's different.

They were way too odd for that themselves.

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

@isthereanechoinhere96 @trixie2023 @freesia-writes

[emmaboyd04]

Original Content (3/3, week 7)

How will your research question help you collect data?

My research question is: what types of workout content (quick tips, full workouts, challenges) receive the most engagement on Instagram?

My research question helps me figure out what data I need to collect by telling me how to look at specific content. each post I will need to label as a quick tip, full workout, or challenge. I also need to find the most engagement (likes, comments, and shares). Therefore, written in my research question is how to collect my data. I will also have a notes column and a separate table for each content creator and then combine them in a graph to compare.