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dr-smita-goel-homeopathy-clinic · 1 month

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*Dr. Smita Goel Homeopathy Clinic*

A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus.

There are millions of species of fungi. They live in the dirt, on plants, on household surfaces, and on your skin. Sometimes, they can lead to skin problems like rashes or bumps.

A fungal skin infection might cause:

• Irritation

• Scaly skin

• Redness

• Itching

• Swelling

• Blisters

Fungal skin infections can happen anywhere on your body. Some of the most common are athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.

Fungi live everywhere. They can be found in plants, soil, and even on your skin. These microscopic organisms on your skin typically don’t cause any problem, unless they multiply faster than normal or penetrate your skin through a cut or lesion.

Since fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, fungal skin infections can often develop in sweaty or damp areas that don’t get much airflow. Some examples include the feet, groin, and folds of skin.

Often, these infections appear as a scaly rash or discoloration of the skin that is often itchy.

Fungal skin infections are often spread through direct contact. This can include coming into contact with fungi on clothing or other items, or on a person or animal.

Many common fungal infections can affect the skin. In addition to the skin, another common area for fungal infections is mucous membranes. Some examples of these are vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush.

Below, we’ll explore some of the most common types of fungal infections that can impact the skin.

Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)

Ringworm is caused by a fungus and not a worm. It typically occurs on the torso and limbs. Ringworm on other areas of the body can have different names, such as athlete’s foot and jock itch.

The main symptom of ringworm is a ring-shaped rash with slightly raised edges. The skin inside these circular rashes usually looks healthy. The rash can spread and is often itchy.

Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection and is highly contagious. It’s not serious, though, and can usually be treated with an antifungal cream.

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet, often between your toes. Typical symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

• itching, or a burning, stinging sensation between your toes or on the soles of your feet

• skin that appears red, scaly, dry, or flaky

• cracked or blistered skin

In some cases, the infection can also spread to other areas of your body. Examples include your nails, groin, or hands (tinea manuum).

Jock itch (tinea cruris)

Jock itch is a fungal skin infection that happens in the area of your groin and thighs. It’s most common in men and adolescent boys.

The main symptom is an itchy red rash that typically starts in the groin area or around the upper inner thighs. The rash may get worse after exercise or other physical activity and can spread to the buttocks and abdomen.

The affected skin may also appear scaly, flaky, or cracked. The outer border of the rash can be slightly raised and darker.

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis)

This fungal infection affects the skin of the scalp and the associated hair shafts. It’s most common in young children and needs to be treated with prescription oral medication as well as antifungal shampoo. The symptoms can include:

• localized bald patches that may appear scaly or red

• associated scaling and itching

• associated tenderness or pain in the patches

Tinea versicolor

Tinea versicolor, sometimes called pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal/yeast skin infection that causes small oval discolored patches to develop on the skin. It’s caused by an overgrowth of a specific type of fungus called Malassezia, which is naturally present on the skin of about 90 percent of adults.

These discolored skin patches most often occur on the back, chest, and upper arms. They may look lighter or darker than the rest of your skin, and can be red, pink, tan, or brown. These patches can be itchy, flaky, or scaly.

Tinea versicolor is more likely during the summer or in areas with a warm, wet climate. The condition can sometimes return following treatment.

Cutaneous candidiasis

This is a skin infection that’s caused by Candida fungi. This type of fungi is naturally present on and inside our bodies. When it overgrows, an infection can happen.

Candida skin infections occur in areas that are warm, moist, and poorly ventilated. Some examples of typical areas that can be affected include under the breasts and in the folds of the buttocks, such as in diaper rash.

The symptoms of a Candida infection of the skin can include:

• a red rash

• itching

• small red pustules

Onychomycosis (tinea unguium)

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of your nails. It can affect the fingernails or the toenails, although infections of the toenails are more common.

You may have onychomycosis if you have nails that are:

• discolored, typically yellow, brown, or white

• brittle or break easily

• thickened

Prescription medications are often required to treat this type of infection. In severe cases, your doctor may remove some or all of an affected nail.

There are several factors that can put you at an increased risk of getting a fungal skin infection. These include:

• living in a warm or wet environment

• sweating heavily

• not keeping your skin clean and dry

• sharing items like clothing, shoes, towels, or bedding

• wearing tight clothing or footwear that doesn’t breathe well

• taking part in activities that involve frequent skin-to-skin contact

• coming into contact with animals that may be infected

• having a weakened immune system due to immunosuppressant drugs, cancer treatment, or conditions such as HIV

Try to keep the following tips in mind to help prevent a fungal skin infection from developing:

• Be sure to practice good hygiene.

• Don’t share clothing, towels, or other personal items.

• Wear clean clothes every day, particularly socks and underwear.

• Choose clothing and shoes that breathe well. Avoid clothing or shoes that are too tight or have a restrictive fit.

• Make sure to dry off properly with a clean, dry, towel after showering, bathing, or swimming.

• Stay away from animals that have signs of a fungal infection, such as missing fur or frequent scratching.

Fungal skin infections are common. Although these infections aren’t usually serious, they can cause discomfort and irritation due to itchy or scaly red skin. If not treated, the rash may spread or become more irritated.

www.thehomeopathyclinic.co.in

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laserhairremovaltreatment04 · 10 months

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Laser Hair Removal: Different Technologies for Various Skin Types

Hair follicles are found in the dermis layer of the skin, which is located beneath the epidermis (surface) layer. These hair follicles are home to visible hair on the surface. The most common method of hair removal is waxing. It does not completely remove the hair from the root, so it grows back and is usually thicker. Laser hair removal is a technology that uses laser light to penetrate deeply into the dermis layer and disrupt hair follicles. Without hair follicles, hair cannot grow even an inch. As a result, it is a more long-lasting, trouble-free, painless, and cost-effective method of removing unwanted body hair.

This blog discusses the different technologies available for laser hair removal. The insights are shared by the experts of Citrine Clinic, a renowned clinic known for performing the best laser hair removal in Gurgaon.

On Which Body Parts Can Laser Hair Removal Be Done?

Laser hair removal can be performed on the entire body. But before proceeding, a small area of skin must be tested for laser skin sensitivity. The laser hair reduction treatment is typically divided into several parts, such as:

Facial Hair Removal

This includes the cheeks, chin, beard line, and ears, as well as the neck, upper lips, and sideburns. This also applies to the entire face.

Below Facial Hair Removal

This includes the underarms, arms, hands, and fingers, the chest and cleavage, the back, and the abdomen.

Lower Body Hair Removal

This includes the buttocks, the bikini line, the legs, feet, and toes.

Different Laser Technologies for Various Skin and Hair Types

At Citrine Clinic, the laser experts use a variety of laser technologies to ensure that each of the patients receives the best possible care.

Diode Laser

Diode lasers have a longer wavelength (810nm) and thus penetrate further. For coarse hair and dark skin tones, diode lasers can produce excellent results.

Alexandrite Laser

This has a shorter wavelength (755 nm) but is more efficient. As a result, it is preferred for treating larger areas. It is best suited for lighter skin tones.

Nd:YAG Laser

This technology (1064 nm) works on almost all hair types, including dark tones and tanned skin. Dermatologists all over the world prefer this technology for fine hair and large body parts because it is quick.

One can consult an experienced laser expert at Citrine Clinic. The clinic has advanced laser technologies that are suitable for all skin tones. The clinic's skin doctor recommends the best laser out of the three based on the patient's skin needs and hair type. They provide a variety of laser treatments to treat a wide range of skin types, tones, and textures. Because every skin is unique, the experts offer personalized packages to achieve the best results. The experts use these effective technologies to help one get rid of unwanted and ingrown hair.

The best skin clinic in Gurgaon is renowned for offering advanced skin treatment for skin conditions such as acne, pigmentation, acne scars, vitiligo, eczema, etc. Consult Dr. Niti Gaur, an expert dermatologist and the clinic's founder, and prepare to flaunt hair-free skin today!

#Laser Hair Removal #Skin Clinic #Laser Hair Removal in Gurgaon #Best Skin Clinic in Gurgaon

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spaspace · 1 year

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Botox® Beauty Atlanta Beauty Injectables Dallas

Laser hair elimination works to laser off all energetic hair follicles in order that hair stops rising. We offer laser hair removing for all physique parts including legs, again, abdomen, armpits, bikini line, etc. Abington Medi Spa is using a innovative and proven know-how for both women and men known as Platelet Rich Plasma hair restoration. This non-surgical treatment will assist to cease hair loss, grow, thicken, and restore your hair. I had three IPL therapies within a period of three months. My pores and skin seems quite a bit lighter and I can now wear a low reduce top again since botox medical spa the chest space is freed from blotches . I would suggest Abington Medi Spa for any skin care remedy as a end result of she cares about her work.

Parker Sanchez tells us how Abington Medi Spa helps to make her appear and feel younger, improve her self-image, and give her extra confidence. Add volume to lines and folds around the mouth and nostril to create a smoother appearance. Add volume botox medical spa to your lips and easy the looks of vertical lines across the lips. This treatment has been discovered safe, effective, and appropriate for all skin varieties.

The portrayals of characters with disfigured faces and frozen expressions are not accurate. For your convenience, night and weekend appointments are available. The NanoFacial is secure, easy, and efficient and presents quick, in addition to long-term outcomes. Abington Medi Spa Where the science is impeccable and the luxurious unforgettable. Our courteous, highly-trained physicians and aestheticians are prepared that can help you in each means. He joined on the final minute as an alternate, and so they ended up profitable their state competitors. Reverse and forestall the signs of getting botox medical spa older while growing collagen, cell turnover and elastin manufacturing. This three step course of exfoliates, extracts and infuses all on the same time.

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dzevendrjk · 2 years

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Laser Treatment for Body Hair Removal -The Best solution in D7 Skin Clinic Tuticorin

Our practice is a full-service Dermatology practice with phototherapy and a focus on lasers for both skin hair and medical conditions. Dr. D.Jeyakrishnan, the best Dermatologists treats all patients from infants to senior adults. We had been involved with lasers in the practice because they became available for use with skin conditions.

Our focus all over treatment is the aging face and skin for which many modalities from Botox to fillers and lasers can be utilized.

Hair-Free and Smooth Skin:

The term “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulant Emission of Radiation. Laser hair removal (LHR) is an advanced aesthetic treatment that uses a high-energy beam of light in a focused method to destroy stem cells found in hair follicles systematically. This will eliminate the possibility of new hair growth and delivers long-lasting results. The innovational use of laser technology for hair removal offers a high degree of accuracy, causing no damage to the surrounding skin.

The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal Service!!

Laser Hair Removal (LHR) procedure at Dzeven is a skin investment that you make today that pays you rich dividends for life! At Dzeven, LHR is a safe, painless and full treatment to eliminate hair growth that causes zero damage to your skin. The results are permanent and provide a practical and cost-effective to waxing and shaving. And other benefits of laser hair removal are as follows:

1. Offers permanent hair reduction

2. Hair removal from any area of the body

3. Accurate treatment that does not affect the surrounding skin

4. An expeditious procedure that lasts for 45 minutes to an hour

5. Zero downtime

6. No significant side effect

7. A hassle-free method that is cost-effective in the long run.

LHR Is a Safe Treatment For All Areas Of The Body?

The advanced laser machines at our clinic enable us to perform the hair removal treatment on all type of skins. We have treats different areas of the body for both men and women based on their specific grooming needs. We offer the following packages:

1. Full body hair removal

2. Facial hair removal

3. Underarm hair removal

4. Bikini (private part/pubic) hair removal

5. Upper lip and chin hair removal

6. Leg hair removal

7. Chest, abdomen and back hair removal

8. Arms and upper body hair removal

Skin Lightening Treatment:

Dzeven Skin Lightening treatment helps rejuvenate and brighten the skin tone by effectively treating concerns like pigmentation, age spots, suntan, blemishes, dark spots and acne marks.

Kojic acid is sometimes used in health and beauty products for skin lightening. It may be used to treat some skin conditions, such as sun damage, scars, and age spots. So the best treatment has provided dzeven clinic in Tuticorin.

Skin Lightening Solutions:

The dermatologist at dzeven will first analyze the skin concern in the specified area that needs treatment and then devise a customized treatment plan as per individual needs. Dzeven offers the following professional treatments to achieve even and radiant skin tone:

1. Laser toning

The laser toning treatment involves using D7 has laser to break down excess melanin pigment in the concerned area.

The skin’s immune response helps eliminate the waste.

This is an effective treatment for minimize deep pigmentation.

It provides the appearance of regenerated skin that is visibly brighter and lighter in tone.

2. Chemical peels

Chemical peels for skin lightening at Dzeven include skin rejuvenation peels, brightening peels, radiance peels and reviving peels.

Dermatologists at D7 use these plant-based natural acids of varying concentrations to treat mild to severe pigmentation concerns.

A chemical peel works by gently peeling the damaged top layers of the skin and eliminating the build-up of dead cells and melanin.

These peels are effective for skin lightening and treating different types of pigmentation, scars, sun tanning and dullness to improve the overall skin tone and with chemical peels,.

Your dermatologist will customize your chemical peel treatment based on the severeness and type of pigmentation and the affected area.

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bighousecats · 2 years

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https://www.youtube.com/embed/0hQtG6JGzQ8 Blue Lynx Mitted Ragdoll If you're looking for information on the Blue lynx mitted Ragdoll, you've come to the right place. This article provides information about this cat and the other colors that it can come in. This breed of ragdoll is adorable, intelligent, and incredibly lovable. This little pet is known for its blue eyes and affectionate disposition. It also loves to cuddle and loves attention. The blue lynx's body is bluish-white to platinum-grey, with a cooler tone, with a lighter abdomen and chest. Body shading can take the form of ghost stripes or ticking. The dots are dark blue-gray bars separated and separated by a lighter background color. Blue lynx mitted Ragdoll The Blue lynx point Ragdoll has many of the same features as a real lynx, including pencil lines on their face, ears, and mask. These cats also have a white chin. Despite their similarities, the Blue lynx Ragdoll has its own distinctive traits. This type of cat has a grey-bluish-grey base color that is more prevalent on its points than the body itself. It has a similar coloration to a seal, except that it only affects the colder parts of its body. In hotter climates, the iris and eyes remain white. The Blue lynx mitted Ragdill has blue colorpoint markings and white patches on its head. It also has a white triangle on its nose and has white fur on its lower half. These cats are usually very small with blue eyes. They have the same facial features as a blue lynx, but may have some markings on their chest or neck. The Blue lynx mitted Ragdll is an uncommon type of Ragdoll. Its color is unique and distinct and very uncommon in the breed. They have a white chin patch, and may have a white or slate nose leather. These cats are sometimes referred to as blue torties, due to their tortoiseshell pattern. The Blue lynx Ragdoll is an exceptional breed for cat lovers. The bluish white body and white paws are unique features of this breed. Their deep blue eyes and a white chin give them a distinctive look. This Ragdoll cat is a great choice for anyone looking for a cat with a distinct personality. This Ragdoll is a very playful and adorable breed. Its soft and velvety fur is made of a unique blend of blue and gray shades. Blue Lynx mittens are a wonderful addition to any Ragdoll collection. They're also a great choice for new pet owners. The blue lynx mitted Ragdol will stand out in any cat's collection. They have a distinctive pattern on their front paws. They'll usually have an off-white base coat. They also have prominent points and bright blue eyes. Like all Ragdolls, blue lynx Ragdoll cats exhibit the same typical sex behaviors. The male of the blue lynx mitted Ragdol will scent mark their environment, hunt for a mate, and pick fights with other males. Although the Blue Ragdoll has a white body and a dark coat, the colour of its fur can change as it matures. This is normal as ragdolls can change their colour throughout their lives. As they change their body temperatures, their fur will change colour. Their fur will become lighter or darker in some areas, and the blue spots on their bodies will turn white. The Blue lynx mitted Ragdall is an affectionate, friendly cat. They can be playful but are not easily disturbed by children or strangers. Their affectionate nature makes them an ideal pet. Ragdolls also get along well with other pets. They don't mind living with other animals, such as birds or fish. Cream lynx mitted Ragdoll Cream lynx mitted Ragdoodles are also known as "mittend" cats, as their coat is either cream or white with white boots on their back legs and mittens on their front feet. The mittend cat also has a white spot on its face. The tabby pattern is similar to tabby markings, so they can look like a tabby. This type of coat is often a complement to pointed Ragdolls. What is Blue Lynx Mitted Ragdoll The mittend Ragdoll looks similar to a colorpoint Ragdoll.

It has white paws, a white chin, and a white belly stripe. The mittens may be pink or white, and they may show small spots of color. The face of a mittend Ragdoll is shaped like a star or diamond. A Cream Lynx Ragdoll has white body fur and distinctive cream points. These points are contrasting with a range of pinkish undertones. This Ragdoll also has pink paw pads. The points on Cream Lynx MITs are darker than those on the Red Lynx Ragdoll. A cream lynx ragdoll is the best choice for those who enjoy the spotted pattern on Ragdolls. Its points are a mix of the Lynx and Tortie patterns. Its body is ivory or pale cream, with a cream to fawn undertone and red or cream mottling. The nose leather is coral pink. Cream lynx mitted Ragdoodles can be blue, cream, or even cream-colored. Its eyes are aqua-colored, which are different from the traditional blue Ragdoll eye color. This color is not always permanent, as some individuals may develop a white stripe on their faces. Prices for lynx mitted Ragdolly cats can vary. This is due to their location, the breeder's reputation, and the coloring of the kitten. The price of a lynx mittled Ragdoll can reach upwards of $2,500 US dollars. Cream lynx mitted Ragdoodle kittens are born white and develop color as they age. Their final color will appear at around three or four years of age. The pattern will also become more vivid as the cat grows older. They are usually more active than other Ragdoll cats. Red lynx mitted Ragdoll This red-furred Ragdoll has a distinctively pointed face. The lynx ragdoll's'm' shaped eyebrows and tabby points are easily recognizable and its white outlined eyes are distinctive. It also has a ring of white on each leg. Ragdolls can be a variety of colors. Their color can be solid, shaded with Tortie or Lynx markings, or a mixture of both. As they age, Ragdolls develop varying shades of color. However, if you're interested in a Ragdoll with a full-color coat, a solid color is preferable. The red lynx mitted Ragdollie is one of the most popular types of Ragdolls. This color is a striking and distinctive blend of red and white. However, you'll need to make sure your Ragdoll has a solid white belly stripe. The bicolour coat pattern is the classic Ragdoll pattern. Bicolours have a coloured back and white legs. However, if you'd like to add more interest to your pet's appearance, consider a lynx pattern. These markings are similar to tabby markings and compliment the pointed look of many Ragdolls. A Red lynx mitted Ragdill has a distinct look and a rich chest and body colour. They also have light pinkish cream points and a chin and nose. They also have flame paws and an orange thumbprint on their paws. Red lynx mitted Ragdullies are known for their contrasting patterns and point colors. Although the color of these Ragdolls varies widely, they all have a distinctive red or chocolate coloration. Some have seal brown paw pads and cream-colored tortie points. The Red lynx mitted Ragdull is a rare and beautiful breed of Ragdoll cat. Its points are a rich orange red, and its body is a warm, even cream-white. Its nose leather is a hot pink shade of orange. The mitted Ragdoll is a beautiful and versatile pet. The color is a combination of seal color and the mitted pattern. The points extend down the legs and stop before the paws. This makes them appear like mittens on their paws. The Ragdoll is a versatile breed with an affectionate, relaxed personality. Its striking blue eyes are complemented by a soft, medium-length coat. Although born white, Ragdoll kittens will develop their unique color at around two to four months. The point pattern will develop darker as they mature. Besides the blue-pointed Ragdoll, lilac cream-point Ragdolls are another beautiful variety of the breed. This cat has an off-white base coat with chestnut brown color points and icy blue eyes. This is one of the most popular types of Ragdoll. These cats are affectionate, lovable, and laid-back cats.

Their distinctive blue points make them stand out in sunlight. Other names for this breed include flame point and red point.

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your-dietician · 2 years

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Chest Pain - Is it Angina, Heart Attack or Non-Serious?

New Post has been published on https://backtherapyhealth.com/chest-pain-is-it-angina-heart-attack-or-non-serious/

Chest Pain - Is it Angina, Heart Attack or Non-Serious?

Almost everyone suffers from some sort of physiological chest pain at one time or another, and the important thing to note is that there are many causes of this condition.

Chest pain can be defined as a pain or discomfort which occurs anywhere along the front edge of the torso between the upper abdomen and the lower part of the neck. This is a distressing condition because of the immediate suspicion in the mind of the sufferer that they are, or are about to suffer a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

It is advisable to consult a medical professional if any of the following symptoms are experienced:

Sudden crushing, squeezing, tightening, or pressure in the chest

Pain radiating to the jaw, left arm, or between the shoulder blades

Nausea, dizziness, sweating, a racing heart, or shortness of breath

Existing Angina condition, which is suddenly intensified, brought on by lighter activity, lasts longer than usual, or occurs whilst resting

Sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a long trip, a stretch of bed rest (for example, following an operation), or other lack of movement that can lead to a blood clot in the leg. As previously mentioned, the physiological sources of chest pain can be many and various, and include the following;

Heart

Lungs

Esophagus

Muscles

Ribs

Tendons

Nerves

However, most chest pain sufferers tend to focus on the big question in their minds – that there are just two different classifications – those that relate to the heart (cardiac) and those that do not (non-cardiac).

Cardiac causes of Chest Pain

Heart attack

This is caused by a blood clot that prevents usual flow of blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause a feeling of pressure, fullness or a crushing pain in the chest lasting more than a few minutes. The pain may radiate to other areas such as the back, neck, jaw, shoulders and arms, especially the left arm. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness and nausea. All, some or none of these may accompany your chest pain.

Angina

Fatty deposits can build up in the arteries that carry blood to the heart. This can reduce their width, and this in turn can cause a restriction of the blood flow to the heart, which is usually more noticeable after physical activity or exertion. This type of restricted blood flow to the heart can cause regular, recurrent episodes of chest pain, which is termed Angina Pectoris, or Angina, is often described as a pressure or tightness in the chest. It’s usually brought on by physical or emotional stress. The pain usually goes away within minutes after you stop the stressful activity.

Other Cardiac Causes

There are some other complex medical problems, which can cause chest pain.

Pericarditis – inflammation of the sac surrounding your heart a short-lived condition often related to a viral infection. Pericarditis causes sharp, piercing and centralized chest pain. You may also have a fever and feel sick.

Aortic dissection – a rare, life-threatening cause of chest pain where inner layers of the main artery leading from the heart (aorta) separate. This causes blood to flow between them, causing a sudden tearing chest and back pain. It is usually caused by a physical trauma to the chest cavity, but can also result from uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Coronary spasm, also known as Prinzmetal’s angina, can cause varying degrees of chest discomfort. In coronary spasm, coronary arteries – arteries that supply blood to the heart – go into spasm, temporarily closing down blood flow to the heart.

Non Cardiac Causes

There are many conditions that are unrelated to the heart, which can be the cause of chest pain. These include:

Asthma

Pneumonia

Anxiety

Rapid breathing

Heartburn

Pleurisy

Rib or muscular injuries

Collapsed lung

Swallowing disorders

How to Reduce your Heart related problems With Ziac

Ziac is a type of medication known as a beta-blocker. Typically beta blocking drugs are used to treat chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure. They can also help patients who have suffered from an acute heart attack, and have been shown to improve survival rates if taken for this condition. A program of high blood pressure reduction may reduce the chances of patients developing strokes, further heart attacks and kidney problems.

Source by Malcolm Waters

#back pain when breathing

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healtheveryday2 · 2 years

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Six Exercises to Help You Ignore Period Cramps

Going to the gym is the last thing from your mind when you have throbbing cramps and irritable bloating. Although you don't even need to go to the gym, being active is really one of the finest things you can do to relieve period pains. This article's workouts may all be performed at home without the need of pricey equipment.

Period cramps may be quite taxing, as healthhealth is aware. And to greatly reduce the agony, we selected 6 simple yet effective workouts.

Glute bridge, first

Your body is inverted during this simple exercise, which helps to relieve pressure on the pelvic floor and lessen lower-abdominal discomfort. Both of your feet should be flat on the ground when you lay down and bend your knees. Lift your pelvis 1-2 inches off the mat as you extend your fingers toward your heels. Repeat this motion 8–10 times while pressing your pelvis up toward the ceiling.

Strolling

The simplest strategy to maintain heart health and ease uncomfortable period cramps is to go for a walk. The tension that many women experience during their period is reduced by doing this modest, low-intensity aerobics. Because your lungs function better later in your cycle, walking may be particularly advantageous at the end of your period.

A knee-to-chest stretch

The cramps in your lower abdomen may be relieved by doing this soothing exercise. Lie on your back with one leg extended. After that, slowly raise the other knee to your chin. For a few minutes, hold this position, then repeat with the other leg.

Pilates and yoga

Yoga and Pilates may help you achieve inner peace, alleviate stress, and many uncomfortable period symptoms including cramps, tightness, and fatigued muscles. A few days before to the start of your menstruation, these activities could be very helpful. Remember that your body could respond differently at this time, and take a break if the workout seems too strenuous for you.

Leaning forward when seated

This little workout may be the answer if you have headaches and mood fluctuations during your period. Stretch your legs out in front of you while you sit. Then gradually bend forward, tuck the tummy in, and maintain this posture for up to three minutes.

Using little weights

Even while going to the gym and lifting large weights may not be the ideal move when attempting to lessen period cramps, lighter lifting might really assist ease the uncomfortable symptoms. Your muscles get stronger and more flexible via repetitive motions, and you may workout in the convenience of your own home.

Do you work out while you're on your period? Do you have any further suggestions for easing cramps during your period?

#gymtok fitness healthy fitnessmotivation

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aem-electrolysis · 2 years

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Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal for PCOS: Pros and Cons

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition affecting 1 in 10 women. In PCOS, ovaries produce abnormally high levels of male sex hormones (androgens), and its symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive body and/or facial hair growth (also called hirsutism), weight gain, and infertility.

Currently, the exact causes of PCOS are still unknown. However, scientists have identified several factors, such as genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammatory processes, that play a role in excess androgen hormone production.

Hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, is one of the most common symptoms of PCOS, typically characterised by the presence of coarse and dark hair on the face, chest, abdomen, back, upper arms, and/or upper legs. Moreover, hirsutism in PCOS results from hair follicles being affected by high levels of androgens, which cause light-coloured, “peach fuzz” vellus hairs to transform into dark terminal hairs. Terminal hair grows faster and thicker than vellus hair and is longer, darker, and coarser. The upper lip, lower face, breasts, lower abdomen, inner thighs, and lower back are examples of androgen-sensitive hair growth areas.

Fortunately, women affected by hirsutism due to PCOS have several options available when it comes to removing unwanted body hair, including laser and electrolysis treatment. In addition, hirsutism can also be treated with waxing and depilatory creams. In this article, we will focus on the two longer-term hair removal solutions—laser and electrolysis treatment for PCOS in Melbourne—while discussing their advantages and disadvantages.

Laser hair removal

Laser therapy can serve as an effective treatment for the removal of excessive or unwanted hair growth due to PCOS. This technique uses concentrated light energy, which becomes absorbed by the dark pigment (melanin) contained in the hair follicle. As the light energy becomes converted to heat, the hair follicle becomes damaged, which inhibits or delays future hair growth.

Pros

Laser hair removal is quick and can be less painful compared to some other hair removal methods. Unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal devices have a large surface area and can work on many follicles simultaneously. Because lasers can target larger areas, laser hair removal can be a good choice for hair removal on the back, arms, and legs.

Cons

Laser hair removal is most effective for removing dark hair growing on lighter-coloured skin. However, it is not very effective for individuals with dark skin, who are more likely to experience blistering, increased pigmentation or loss of pigment, and other side effects because the light energy emitted by the laser targets melanin in the skin as well. In addition, laser hair removal often requires multiple treatment sessions spanning several months to achieve the best results. Importantly, laser hair removal reduces hair growth, but does not permanently remove unwanted hairs.

Electrolysis

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#electrolysis treatment for PCOS in Melbourne #Melbourne’s most popular boutique electrolysis clinics #permanent hair removal for women

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lunarastrobabe · 3 years

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Rafe Adler x Sam Drake- Deja Vu

(Fluff/little angst)

The heavy summer rain poured outside, a few cracks of thunder rumbled through the cloudy sky with multiple bolts of lightning shining through the cracks in the black curtains. Sam stared at the alarm clock that sat on his bedside table, waiting anxiously for the numbers to change. “Shit.” He mumbled to himself, rubbing his tired eyes and sitting up, his bare chest covered in cuts and bruises, including the three bullet holes on his abdomen. Grabbing his worn brown v-neck t-shirt from the edge of the bed, he slid it on and picked up his phone, if he couldn’t sleep, then coffee was the only solution.

He dragged his sluggish body down the staircase, the beige carpeted floor feeling soft against his bare feet. His thumb scrolling through multiple text messages, mostly from Nate or Sullivan asking when he was coming to visit them again. He switched on the main light as he entered the kitchen, squinting his eyes at the stinging sensation. Sighing he grabbed a clean cup and setting it under the spout.

“C’mon you stupid machine,” He grumbled, pressing multiple buttons until it made a grinding noise. “Finally!” He said, a little bit of joy in his voice, taking it by the handle and bringing the mug to his lips. Noticing his packet of cigarettes and his silver lighter near the back door, he hesitated for a moment, as he had promised his brother he would give up smoking after they left the motel in Madagascar. ‘Well, one couldn’t hurt, right?’ He thought to himself. Shrugging, he pushed open the door to the back yard, the warm summer heat mixed with the earthy smell relaxed his mind. Leaning against the door frame, he took another gulp of the coffee and put the cigarette in between his lips.

The smell of his dirty prison cell, a snoring inmate in the other bed beside the wall. Stuck in this shit hole for thirteen years, he thought he would never get out, either alive or dead. The confused yet, ecstatic feeling when the guard let him out of his cell, saying somebody was here to bail him out. Nathan was the first person who came to mind. The hot sun beaming down on the prison, looking at this place the first time he arrived here in search for the treasure, he just knew it was a bad place to be in. Sweat and blood of the inmates that were imprisoned here, seeped through every room and wall he walked through, even in his own cell. Every night, he rarely slept, all he could hear was fighting, yelling, and sometimes even singing, and not just by the inmates. The guards would whistle as they patrolled the halls.

“Hello, Samuel.” Rafe said with a smirk on his face, placing a hand on his shoulder. Sam didn’t know what to think or feel, he was unsure as to whether this was a dream or not. Was it a dream? Was it reality?

Years later, he and Rafe had grown close, closer everyday, even when working with his irritating ass, Sam still saw the good in him. A few times they had nights together where Sam had made him his own. Nights where they would just hold each other for hours. Those moments he thought about everyday since Rafe’s death, he missed him, more so than he ever thought he would, even after the betrayal when Nate had found out the truth.

He smiled to himself remembering the past, but soon turned into a frown and lit the cigarette, taking a long, puff. He looked ahead of him, into the darkness, his eyes flickering from the little garden lights to the stars in the sky. Still, he felt alone, he felt as though his destiny was unfulfilled. He thought Avery’s Treasure was his true destiny.

Few minutes later, there was a knock on the door, Sam jumped a little at the sound, the half lit cigarette falling out of his mouth and onto the wet grass below. He groaned. “And that was my last one. Goddammit.” He said to himself. walked back inside, closing the door behind him and placed the mug in the sink. Running his fingers through his hair he made his way to the front door, grabbing his pistol that sat under the doormat. He leaned against the door before swinging it open, only to be unprepared for who was standing in front of him.

The flashbacks. The pain. The heartache. Sam knew that all too well. He hid it from everyone. He thought that finding Avery's treasure would make him feel, satisfied. Hoping it would fill that deep hole that plagued his heart. The survivors guilt he had dealt with every single day since their last encounter, he had never expected to see that particular face again standing in the middle of his living-room at three in the morning. All their history flashed before his eyes, he felt as though he was being crushed by thousands of bricks, just piling on top of him. In his mind, it was a hell he couldn’t escape from.

"Samuel." Rafe said, taking a step forward, pursing his lips slightly and looking at the ground before his eyes connected with Sam. His hair slicked back as it always was, every little strand perfectly sculpted into place, along with dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep.

The anger built up inside his chest, "You son of a-," Sam threw a fist at him, his beaten and bruised knuckles coming into contact with Rafe's jaw. The memory of nearly getting killed on that ship burned through his mind. His fists unclenched, feeling as though the physical contact calmed his anger. He sighed, watching the man hold his cheek in his hand, trying to ignore the searing pain.

"I thought you had died back on that goddamn ship!" He yelled, pained and bewildered. He glanced over at him as he rubbed his sore knuckles, so many questions circling his head, wondering how he escaped, noticing the scars from his recent wounds, and why he had suddenly come back. The stabbing feeling in his heart was unbearable. Rafe stared at him, his eyebrows relaxed and the guilt of abandoning him was overpowering.

“Samuel, I-,” But before he could explain, Sam cut him off.

“No you can’t be here, there’s no fucking way.” He tried to turn himself away and choke back the tears already forming in his eyes. He refused to be let down again, he didn’t want more heartbreak.

“Hey! Look at me,” The soothing tone in Rafe’s voice calmed him down. He relaxed, controlling his breathing. He took Sam’s face in his hands, caressing his cheek with his thumb. “It’s me. I’m here. I’m alive.” It took a few seconds longer to realise his mind wasn’t playing tricks on him and that he had emerged from the dead and back into his life. His eyebrows furrowed, looking at the man he had fell in love with, all those years ago. His chest tightened at his touch, the butterflies in his stomach returned after the prolonged absence.

They sat together on the couch, discussing for hours about the traumatic events that had occurred both apologising to each other for everything that had happened and all the lies that were told.

It was now seven thirty in the morning, feeling the sleep deprivation kicking in, Rafe laid down on his back and opened his arms for Sam, all he wanted to do was hold him and comfort him after being without him for so long.

“C’mere.” He whispered. Sam moved closer and wrapped his arms around Rafe’s waist, laying in between his legs, resting his head on his chest. He listened to his heartbeat, that thumping sound that he never forgot. He breathed in his scent and felt his heart strings being pulled.

“I missed you.” Rafe mumbled, pressing a light kiss to his head, running his fingers through his hair.

“I missed you too.” Sam replied. But there was one more thing he wanted to do. He sat up slightly, and looked into his eyes again. Nothing could compare to the connection they had together. Rafe’s fingertips ran up and down Sam’s side, he always had the most gentle touch when he was with him.

Sam leaned in slowly, his left hand holding Rafe’s cheek, their lips parting slightly before joining together, holding onto each other, worried that if they let go, they would disappear.

Although Sam felt like there was more to explore out in the world, he knew having Rafe back in his arms once again, could be the start of a new adventure.

#rafe adler #sam drake #samuel drake #uncharted #uncharted 4 #uncharted a thief's end #uncharted 4: a thief’s end #a thief's end #sam x rafe #rafe x sam #sam/rafe #rafe/sam

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bikerjongho · 3 years

Text

the library of wonder | ateez ot8

genre: historical fiction, horror, adventure, fantasy

characters: warrior!ateez ot8

description: Religious radicals in the Joseon Dynasty, the self-proclaimed Anti-Rhythm Riders cult does everything in their power to destroy anything and anyone that violates their sacred Code of Conduct.

word count: 5.8k

warnings: violence, murder, maiming, ableism, graphic description of a dead body, radical religion, blood

author’s note: what happens when you combine the library of alexandria with ateez? this fic. this is the third addition to the ateez music video series whose masterlist (which lists the rest of them) is here. Also to note that this is part 1 of a series that I will continue later. The subsequent parts will be connected to different music videos.

taglist: @itsapapisongo @mangomingki @irehlevant @blueprint-han @doievoir @bvlnoriyas

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Weapons were a way to show the power of a king. Mounted and gleaming, the spears of King Yoongi of the Joseon Dynasty stood on either side of his elegant and golden throne like guards at the ready. On the walls that surrounded the throne from the left and right were an impressive display of bows and an array of fine arrows to accompany them. On the floor, King Yoongi's head lolled, blood pouring out of its severed end as Hongjoong sheathed the King's sword that was on his wall only moments before.

Beside the King's head and body on the floor, his recently deceased personal guard lay with him. This was thanks to Hongjoong's two best short-distance fighters, Mingi and Seonghwa. The two of them eyed the royally red blood that gushed out of the King's severed neck as they sheathed their swords. The three of them wore nothing more than simple blue hanboks and had their long hair tied up in a topknot at the top of their head, traditional for common men of this age. But with the corpse of the most important man in the Dynasty at their feet and the smell of civil unrest in the air, the plain clothing and ordinary hair was far from an appropriate look for these men in this moment.

The King's sword was now sheathed at Hongjoong's side, but he was not yet finished with the king. Bending down to the severed head, Hongjoong ripped out all of the intricate pins and ties that the King's servants had put in his hair that morning. The King's luscious black hair spilled out at his feet, mixing with his blood and turning it burgundy. Hair was a symbol of status and power. Now that the King was dead, Hongjoong assumed he no longer needed his power. He extracted a dagger from a pocket of his hanbok and began cutting at where the King's scalp ended.

The hair obliged with the blade. Soon, the King's heap of hair rested in Hongjoong's hands, and he promptly tied it to keep the strands together. "Proof," Hongjoong whispered and shoved the hair into his hanbok. "Proof that the wretched King Yoongi is dead."

"May he rot in many Hells," Seonghwa murmured and bowed his head. Mingi followed suit, and then Hongjoong last. There was a method to their madness. They, along with a few other men, were leaders of an ancient group called the Anti-Rhythm Riders. They did no harm as long as no one provoked them. Their laws, while more modest and tight than most groups, religions, or cults, were mostly fair. But the Anti-Rhythm Riders were a bloodthirsty and arrogant group of people that took pride in their faith and murdered anyone that refused to also follow.

"You must understand," Hongjoong had said calmly to a screaming woman only weeks earlier. Despite his attempts to convert her, she wouldn't budge, leaving Hongjoong with only one choice. His eyes had darkened to a lifeless grey as he had stuck his hand into her abdomen and twisted her gut. "This is a death far more merciful than if The Chariot returned while you were still alive and not following Him," he had said, digging his nails into her body while she screamed. "Feel blessed that I have chosen to kill you and spare you of his wrath that is worse than this by tenfold."

The dead King at Hongjoong's feet was one of many who had been adamantly against the Anti-Rhythm Riders. But besides their penchant for murdering those that were not like them, their strict code of honor shaped them into contributing and positive members of society. Their code of laws requested that each member of the group brought forth the best version of themselves at all times. This included dressing appropriately and being able-bodied, so all Riders were in peak health and dressed like they respected themselves. But on the same side of the coin, it was imperative to closely follow the code of honor as a Rider, lest they be murdered in the same way a non-believer would. The Riders, no matter how devoted they were to their cause, could not step out of line.

Top physical health included never becoming blind, deaf, mute, or immobile, except in the cases of old age or a sickness, but even then, those members were socially separated from the rest of the Riders. Old believers and ill people dressed from head to toe in black clothing in order to not bring attention to themselves and their misfortune of owning a frail and weak body.

But King Yoongi had not perished because of his non-belief. Despite his non-belief, most Riders saw merit in a hierarchal leader. They had, with their teeth grit, kept him alive. What had caused his downfall was not a snap decision by a lone Rider. It was caused by The Library of Wonder.

"A man that has lost his way chooses to walk the path to eternal hell," Mingi quoted a founder as he kicked Yoongi's body as he walked by towards the exit of the throne room. Hongjoong gripped the hair in his pockets, then followed Mingi. Seonghwa followed last, shutting the doors to the throne room with a smile on his face.

When they walked outside, they were met with thunderous cries and applause. The rest of Hongjoong's elite and higher-up group stood waiting in the front of it all. Yunho, man with a spear and a smile that was a bit too comforting and cozy; Yeosang, a solemn man with a sword strapped to his side that was anything but that; San, producing an ugly and terrifying grin on his face as Hongjoong removed the King's ponytail from his pockets; Jongho, with his sharp eyes and sharper reflexes, infamous bow and arrows strapped to his chest and back, and Wooyoung, who thrusted his permanently bandaged and bloodied fists into the air and let out a cry of victory that seared across the mass of Riders and raised the temperature of their spirits.

"The King is dead, Riders," Hongjoong bellowed above the roaring crowd. "And now, we ride to the Library of Wonder." He was met with shouts of disapproval for the Library, and Hongjoong's lip curled upward. There was a section for arts and music in The Rider's code. It was allowed, but certain teachings of it, such as allowing it to manipulate emotions, was forbidden.

"There is a disease in the heart of man," The Riders heard all too frequently in their sermons and speeches. "The disease is human emotion."

The Library of Wonder promoted this diseased music. For years they had tried to defund the Library, encourage the King to focus his spending elsewhere, to change the Library so it did not promote these blasphemous ideas, and none had been successful.

"We can't have a King that has allowed such a violation of our code for this long," Hongjoong had said only a month before the assassination, neck deep in plans for the kill. His face had darkened against the flickering fire that was nearby, casting inhuman shadows across his features. The Anti-Rhythm Riders were not a majority in the Joseon Dynasty, and their following was hardly recognized as a religion at all, let alone the Dynasty's main religion - but they were a potent and loud minority.

And over the course of a year, Hongjoong had been collecting and persuading commoners with his silver tongue to join The Riders for the purpose of having an army. An army that would not only be large, but also be relentless and unstoppable. And as Hongjoong stood in front of these thousands of people fueled with anger for The Library, he believed his work to collect them all had been a success. San took over with controlling the crowd, his loud voice carrying over all of the chatter and yelling. He dictated to certain groups in the crowd to certain tasks, such as loading wood onto the backs of their traveling cows or oiling up weapons and lighters. Fire, Hongjoong had decided, would be the ideal move to destroy the library. It would burn all of the texts that he and so many others hated with no hope of replicating them.

Amidst the screams, Yunho saddled up next to Hongjoong. One of Hongjoong's most efficient and silent warriors in the team, he was an asset that had carried them far. He couldn't stop smiling. Hongjoong knew that this day was huge for him - huge for all of them. Killing the King had been a goal point of their plan. Now all that was left was to destroy The Library of Wonder.

"Do you have any hangwa?" He asked, and Hongjoong was mildly bemused at how casual he was. He had just seen him slice the arm off of a palace soldier only fifteen minutes prior.

"I do," Hongjoong answered anyway, shuffling around in his bag before pulling out a packet of hangwa, assorted Korean cookies. He pushed it towards him, and Yunho happily dug in. "Time to rally the troops," he said, starting up a conversation.

"Well, it's easy to do that when persuasion rolls off of the tongue like leaves blow in the wind," Yunho said, mouth full of cookie. Yunho was referring to The Riders' way of persuasion and how it borderlined with magical coercing. In many ways, it was magical. Hongjoong theorized it had to do with how devoted and powerful many of The Riders were. It was The Chariot's doing that allowed his followers the ability of masterful persuasion.

It was also the reason why they had amassed so many people for their invasion so quickly. Many of them had knocked on doors and preached in the streets. As long as someone could hear them, people joined their cause.

The Riders left immediately after their supplies and weapons were loaded into traveling bags and onto the backs of animals. Hours after they had left on their journey to the Library, Jongho was ready to rally the troops for a special tradition. Having just climbed onto a travelling horse, he was raised above the crowd. His long and dark hair flickered around his face as he assessed the mass of walking Riders. The time must have felt correct to him, for he then raised his arms over the crowd, a move he had done many times.

This move caught the attention of many Riders, but his projecting and powerful voice was what roped in the rest. Jongho sang a mid-range note that silenced what little noise was left from the crowd. The Riders stopped what they were doing in order to match his note. Hongjoong and Yunho followed suit out of habit. The earth rumbled with the thousands of voices of the Riders.

There was an air to the main vocalist now that all of the attention was on him. Something lurked in the darker hues of his eyes, something that looked like power, and it showed itself through how he now moved and sang. His voice, still louder than the crowd's, rose up a note. The dissonance of the pitches only lasted for a moment before the crowd went down a note, creating a harmony. Jongho closed the fingers on his left hand into a fist and the women of the Riders adjusted their note. A minor harmony emerged from the chord.

None of the voices were completely perfect, except for maybe Jongho's. But all voices bowed at the command of Jongho's hands that were, in a way, conducting an old vocal ritual created by and for their religion. The choir was used to grab the attention of all Riders, but it was used equally as a morale booster. Hongjoong glanced at Yeosang, his sword gleaming with menace at his side, and raised his eyebrows.

Yeosang caught his eyes and sifted through the crowd to him. "Why is Jongho doing the Chariot Chant?" He hissed under the singing as the swordsman came close to him. He had seen Jongho and Yeosang together only a quarter of an hour prior. And while the choir was mainly for enjoyment, it was sometimes used as a distraction from something that the higher-up Riders didn't want the rest of their group to know about. Hongjoong feared something had come up despite his meticulous planning, and he assumed that Yeosang knew about the problem if there was one. "We didn't plan one. What is he diverting?"

Yeosang, in charge of the artillery, looked at Jongho on the horse. "Some of our artillery is failing," he said, his eyes the color of stone. "Some of our men and women notified me of a few issues our cannons are having. I inspected them myself and have found that they are correct. I assume this was the throne's last stand against us." His frown deepened. "I theorize our original plan for the Library can't be used now."

A smile appeared on Hongjoong's lips, mirroring Yeosang's disapproving frown. The original plan was to partially blow up the library before burning it, suggested by Yeosang, but Hongjoong had been against it. He wanted the library to be aflame as soon and for as long as possible, but he had been outnumbered by most of his group. Hongjoong's method would endanger more Rider's lives at the expense of his selfish love for fire. Unprecedented death of Riders was certainly a reason for Jongho to begin a distracting chant. He wouldn't have started it if he had thought Hongjoong's plan would go to fruition.

"So we go with my plan," Hongjoong smirked at the artillery leader. Yeosang pursed his lips and, for a moment, said nothing.

"I will think about our other options," Yeosang murmured. "Ones that will, perhaps, be less taxing on us. Don't think for a second that Jongho's calling to action means your plan will now be enacted," he said with a hint of irritation. He said no more, sweeping himself back into the crowds towards the animals helping carry the artillery, leaving Hongjoong with his thoughts and a smile still plastered to his face.

Hongjoong was the unofficial leader of the Riders, but he still wanted to deal with decisions diplomatically. So, after an hour of caroling with Jongho, Hongjoong rounded up the seven of them to talk about their plan of attack on the library.

They formed a line as they walked and saddled beside the cattle and horses that carried the artillery. Seonghwa and Wooyoung gravitated towards Hongjoong in the line. The two of them had been the members to agree with Hongjoong's less rational plan of setting fire to the library immediately upon arrival, but they had ultimately been overruled by the other five that had agreed to Yeosang's safer plan.

"So, fire immediately?" Wooyoung asked everyone once Hongjoong explained to them their situation, but his eyes were locked onto Hongjoong. Yeosang raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Not quite," Hongjoong said evenly, turning his attention to Yeosang, who now had his arms crossed. "Let's see what our artillery man has to say."

"If the First Army successfully purged the library of people," Yeosang said, referring to a subset of the Riders that had left for the library a day earlier, "then we should have a clean and easy shot to do whatever we want to the library. Word won't spread that we invaded it until it's already a pile of rubble." Some of them bowed their heads in appreciation for that statement.

"That being said," Yeosang continued, "we have about half the amount of cannons I'd like to have. We still have swords, but that won't do much against the hard material of the building." He grabbed the hilt of his sword at his side instinctively. "We still have torches and the building is flammable."

"And bow and arrows," Yunho cut in, lifting up Jongho's bow from his back. Jongho glared at him.

"Arrows that can carry flame," Yeosang sighed, and Seonghwa's lip curled up. "I truly have exhausted my thoughts and exhausted them some more. Many weapons from home could have been used for a different attack, but we're too far to turn back now." They were all experienced enough fighters to realize where Yeosang was going.

"Fire," Hongjoong smiled, and Yeosang looked weary.

"Fire," he sighed in agreement.

Wooyoung and Seonghwa exploded into hisses of victory. Wooyoung punched his fist into the air. "Hell yes," he said, shaking his bandaged wrist in front of him.

"Should we tell them?" Yeosang asked, gesturing to the entire herd of Riders that were traveling with them as a few of the members dispersed from the group. Yeosang meant the increased danger that came with their sudden change of plans. Hongjoong adjusted the bag on his back and grinned.

"They know what they're getting into," Hongjoong smiled. "But even if they don't, they'll do it anyway. They love The Chariot too much to refuse to do something." Hongjoong flicked a cocky smile at Yeosang, who could only sigh and nod. While it was not his favorite plan, it was a plan that still accomplished the destruction of the library, which was a goal all of them wanted to achieve regardless of the means.

And while Riders didn't like injuring other Riders, self-preservation overtook any feelings they had for their lower Rider acquaintances. If Yeosang could remain without burn scars and seared lungs while someone else did, then it was simply a means to an end. The library was destined to go down by the careful hands of the Riders, one way or another.

It took another day for the riders to reach The Library of Wonder, and when they did, it was a wonder to behold. Sculpted with stone and wood, it was an incredible feat of architecture in the Joseon Dynasty. Great stone columns supported the front of the building, and a stone statue of a beautiful woman with long hair and a scroll in her hands greeted library goers at the entrance.

Wooyoung yanked out a club from the pockets of his blue hanbok and swung at the lady without warning. He took off part of her chest and her entire left arm and was met with roars of approval and laughter. "At the ready!" Hongjoong yelled over the laughing crowds, and Riders began fishing their weapons out of their pockets. These weapons were mostly bows and arrows, but like Wooyoung, a few clubs were seen. Jongho was among those with bow and arrows, slinging his trusty bow from around his shoulder to the front of his body.

But bow and arrows weren't the correct term for the weapon Jongho and many of the other Riders had. His bow and arrows were of a narrower Korean variety called the singijeon. The singijeon worked much like traditional bow and arrows, but gunpowder was held in the arrows.

He now had his bow cocked and ready and his hands clutched a wooden arrow with a ball of gunpowder nestled close to the tip of the arrow. Jongho pulled back with his left hand and released the arrow. The Riders watched as it soared through the heat of the sun and made contact with the middle of the entry wall of the Library. As soon as the arrow hit the wall, the gunpowder activated and blew a hole in it.

Many more singijeon became useful and created more holes in the Library and smoke in the air. It was almost too easy to destroy the Library. It crumbled more and more with each hit like it was destiny for the great building to fall. Soon enough, the wall was completely gone and the Riders rejoiced in their work.

Mingi appeared at the front of the crowd, a tall presence marked even more visible by the torch of fire he held in his hands. Behind him, Yeosang carried a similar torch and was passing the fire to other torches held by other Riders, who were then passing the fire to others around them like believers in a church service would. There was no fire in Yeosang's eyes despite the lit torch in his hands.

"Riders," Mingi shouted and stepped over the rubbled wall that the Riders had just destroyed. He tilted his head down and grinned while surveying the crowd. Then, he elegantly walked over to the first shelf of the Library and let his torch make contact with the last book on the shelf. It took the fire with no issues, becoming an incendiary in moments. The book was quick to share the flames with the paper around it, and soon the entire shelf glowed with fire. Mingi was quick to exit the library as Riders poured into the Library with their torches and began setting the books aflame.

Yeosang, though his eyes were grim with the disapproval of how the Riders were proceeding, was smiling. While their method wasn't the safest or most practical, the Library that had been up for so long was finally being destroyed. The eight Riders watched a safe distance away as their lesser brethren raced into the Library like packs of overexcited hyenas. Many of them likely didn't know what they were fighting for, but they were moths drawn to flame, entranced by the beauty and cruelty of destruction.

Wooyoung smiled while the fire casted red and orange light on his face. "The Library is not exactly a slow-burn, is it?" He said softly as the fire ravenously ate through the texts.

"It's not," Yunho agreed with him. "Especially with the leftover gunpowder from all of the singijeon. Gunpowder revels with fire."

The eight of them watched the Library eat itself in the flames from a safe distance away. It was comical how some Riders passionately drove into the collapsing Library with a torch in their hands and emerged with burns and much less enthusiasm. Sometimes they didn't reappear at all. That feeling caused a bit of discomfort to some of them, but Hongjoong reveled in their discomfort. It just showed how dedicated they were to The Chariot, and Hongjoong was proud of them for their dedication.

It took a half an hour for the great stone Library of Wonder to turn into a charred and wasteful hunk of rock. The papery books had succumbed too easily to the flames and all that was left on the inside of the Library were ashes and the remnant memories of books lost forever. The fire was less of a roar and more whispery and trapped now, only burning the book it was on and not passing its flame to other books.

San was now on top of a horse and rallying the troops to receive medical attention if they needed any and congratulated them on their efforts. "The Chariot is proud of us, Riders," he said, beaming. Some Riders returned a smile, others were too hurt to acknowledge San. "As our great laws say, the disease in the heart of man is human emotion. These books would have spread that harmful message had we not burned them down. For that, He is eternally grateful for your efforts."

San hopped off of the horse and joined the other seven Riders in preparing for the return trip. Behind them, the last of the flames were dying out. Riders still in the Library were stumbling out of the burned rubble. There were likely bodies of Riders that were dead inside of the Library and others that were alive but had succumbed themselves to imperfections of their physical features. And while they had given a valiant effort in destroying the Library, that was a violation of The Rider's code. They would have to cover up if they wished to remain a Rider.

But something else lurked in the rubble as well. All Riders wore blue, but a man in red was now present behind a collapsing and charred bookshelf. His ethnicity, like the Riders, was Korean, but his skin and eyes held heavy years and knowledge of many more cultures and lands that the Riders could only dream of touching. His long black hair was knotted at the back of his head, and beneath his bulging arm muscles was a lengthy silver sword with a red hilt.

But perhaps his most distinguishing feature was the long scar that travelled from his left eyebrow, through his eye, down his cheek, ending right at the tip of his lip. The scar made the left side of his lips permanently downturned. Such a scar directly violated The Rider's code, but this man was above that religion and the laws that it held. This man was Ares, the god of war. And Ares, who thrived in bloodshed and carried the spirit of warfare wherever he walked, was not impressed with the warfare that had gone on at this library.

Yunho noticed him first. He was surveying the Library's remains when he saw the man's hulking figure amidst the ashes like a phoenix. "Hongjoong," he whispered and nudged him. He nodded his head towards the Library.

Hongjoong, who was overseeing a group of Riders, looked over at the Library. Ares locked eyes with him and Hongjoong's blood ran cold. He had no idea who this man was, but he was someone that could send shivers down Hongjoong's spine. There weren't many people that could do that.

Hongjoong took a step forward to address this man, but Ares was already ahead of him.

"So-called Riders," Ares boomed across the land, his voice easily the loudest in the vicinity yet there was no visible effort on his face to make himself heard over everyone. His thigh muscles rippled as he stepped over what was left of the wall. His face was flooded with unfiltered rage.

The rest of the Riders, who had been focused on returning home, froze in their efforts. All eyes were on the giant and muscular man seething in front of them.

Seonghwa grabbed the knife at his side and glanced at Hongjoong for permission. In any other circumstance, Hongjoong would have let him have it. Instead, he softly shook his head, and held his hand in front of Jongho when he realized he was drawing his bow. There was something about this man that Hongjoong did not want to provoke, but the steam coming from his head was proof that he had already been provoked enough. Hongjoong gulped and tried to calm his racing heart.

"I'm Ares, the God of War," the muscled man thundered, and no one was brave enough to disagree with him. He certainly looked the part. Now that he was closer, Hongjoong could see the long scar across his face and wrinkled his nose in distaste.

"You-" Ares began, but he was cut off as a singijeon arrow flew through the air directly towards his face. Hongjoong turned and saw that it was from a young and male Rider, gripping his bow so tightly that his knuckles were white.

Ares didn't flinch at this unexpected attack. With a practiced and weathered hand, he caught the arrow between his fingers. The Riders were stunned. His hand twitched and the arrow snapped in half. "Cute," he muttered, letting it crumble to the ground in his hands. He turned towards the teenage Rider who had shot the arrow and gave him a smile.

Hongjoong began to step forward. He wasn't sure what he was to do for the boy, he wanted to help - but Ares was too quick. With a flick of his hand not unlike the motion he had done with the arrow, the teenage boy jerked inhumanly backward with a loud crack. With his spine completely in two, he toppled over himself backwards onto the ground. His face was lifelessly frozen in shock, and the clear God of War smiled with satisfaction at the work he had done.

A few muffled sobs prevented silence. "Let me speak," Ares said carefully to the crowd, his eyes traveling over them all like he was sizing them up. This time, no one argued.

"Riders," Ares began. "You've burned down The Library of Wonder and all of the wonders it contained. Do you even understand the weight of that action?"

Ares looked directly at Hongjoong and he felt obliged to speak. "The books hold untrue and unsafe messages," Hongjoong spoke to Ares, his knees quivering underneath his pants. He didn't remember his voice sounding so small. "We had to rid them of this world. They have no place here except as smoke and ash. It is The Chariot's wish and creed."

"And your Chariot is nothing more than a weak and ailing minor god," Ares said cooly back to him. It took everything in Hongjoong's power to not curse him out for insulting his god - but he didn't want to end up like the young Rider.

"I know him," Ares continued. "He laughs at the lengths you do for him. He himself knows he is pathetic, but he enjoys seeing humans like you quiver and worship him. And I normally don't bat an eye to his or your shenanigans, I have better things to worry about, other worlds that are far more entertaining than this one," Ares said.

His eyes darkened. "But burning down my wife's Library broke her. So, in turn, you have to deal with me."

Hongjoong realized in horror what he meant. He idly thought of Wooyoung's gleeful act of smashing the statue of the goddess at the front of the Library. He wanted to throw up. Wooyoung looked like he wanted to throw up.

"So I've made it my personal game to make your lives a living hell," Ares said with a smile. "Because no one hurts my wife." He shifted his attention, not just towards Hongjoong, but to the other seven of his teammates crowded around him. They all froze. Hongjoong felt Mingi tense beside him.

"You Riders are simply too vocal for my taste," Ares glared. "The Chariot gives you the power of persuasion because it amuses him, so you all go around recruiting mindless humans to follow your so-called religion. But it is not funny in the slightest." His eyes swiveled to Jongho and his smile widened. "Doesn't this one sing?"

Hongjoong heard Jongho intake a terrified breath. He heard a sudden movement, and then Jongho had taken off running in the opposite direction as Ares. But Jongho was an ant and Ares was a stone. Hongjoong blinked and Ares was in front of the singer.

Jongho was strong, but he was nothing compared to a god. He began screaming as Ares picked him up by the throat, crying out to the Chariot, to his mother, to Hongjoong, to anyone that was listening, but he received no answer. Tears ran down his face and he kicked to be set free. Only his scream, which vastly contrasted his usual mesmerizing singing voice, cut through the air, and then he was abruptly silenced by Ares.

Ares dropped Jongho to the ground at his feet, and the boy continued his sobs in a crumpled mess. But his sobs lacked the voice, no matter how anguished it would have been right now, that the Riders had grown to love.

"He has no more use for his vocal cords," Ares smiled, and Hongjoong's heart dropped to his feet. Jongho had loved his voice. Everyone had loved his voice. Ares looked at the rest of them, and he realized with horror that he was not close to being done with them. "A shame, isn't it?" Ares laughed and stepped over Jongho's shaking body. "Your law says you are to never become mute, lest you want to remain a Rider. Seems like a bit of an issue, does it not?"

Hongjoong tried to move his legs, but he found himself frozen in place. He wasn't sure if it was his own body trying to protect him from harm or Ares immobilizing him, but he could only stare in sickening awe as one by one, Ares stole the voices of every Rider present. For some, he waved his hand and an entire group of people were silenced. Others, like those in Hongjoong's close team, had a solo maiming in front of everyone. No one was spared from Ares' destruction, especially not Hongjoong.

When he was finished, the sea of Riders were silent.

"Now I won't be interrupted," Ares said cheerfully, worlds happier than he was when he first arrived at the library. The hulking man had taken it upon himself to move Jongho's limp and shaking form back to the other seven of them.

"You eight are especially troublesome," Ares whispered, because there was no voice that could be above him. "For that, you have a special place in my personal hell. And now, I will take you to your own personal hell."

Ares raised his hand, and the library in the horizon vanished from view. For a moment, Hongjoong could see nothing, and then a beige wall of a house clouded his vision.

Hongjoong opened his mouth to cry out, but the attempt was fruitless.

"Your own personal hell," Ares said softly, suddenly beside him. The god placed a hand on Hongjoong's shoulder, a soft gesture that a father might do to a son. "You and your seven other friends are in, what I call, a timeout mansion. It is a place that you cannot leave or escape from, so I advise you to not even attempt that. You will sit and you will gaze at the fine art and architecture that this mansion has to offer," Ares said, his words puncturing. "You will be in aching emotional pain because all of this art is, as you call it, a disease to your human heart." Ares rubbed his back while Hongjoong held back tears. "And you will grow to love it."

The god stood up from beside Hongjoong. "That is your answer to escaping. An answer that you must vocalize and preach if you are to ever leave here." Ares smiled at him, and the scar that touched his eye, cheek, and lip curled up with it. And then he was gone, and Hongjoong's hope left with him.

For a few moments, Hongjoong stared at the floor. Then, shaking, he raised his right hand.

There is a disease in the heart of man, Hongjoong thought and touched his chest over his heart. His heart was racing like he had never felt before.

The disease is in me.

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writer-room · 3 years

Text

Siblings: Chapter Four

AO3

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Summary: The Bats reflect on how their thoughts about siblings have changed over the years. Some opinions stayed, others didn't.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tim didn’t know how to feel about being an only child.

He didn’t think about it all that often, there weren’t many kids he talked to at school who mentioned their siblings all that frequently. And, in some parts, he didn’t mind it so much.

The kids who did talk about siblings complained, whether their siblings were older or younger. There were those who said their sibling took up more of their parents attention, which was something Tim was already lacking in. Some said that they never had any time to themselves, something that Tim had an overabundance in, but still cherished. Others said that the accomplishments, and failures, of their siblings reflected onto them, making their parents expect more or less of them. Tim couldn’t afford that either. His parents already didn’t think much of him, he didn’t need it to be any less. And if they wanted more, he worried he wouldn’t be able to meet their expectations.

And yet…

Sometimes he liked the idea of someone else in that empty mansion. Someone to talk to when the rooms felt too large, when the loneliness was suffocating him. He liked the thought of sharing his recent theories, photos, and the like with someone. Wondered if he could go on for as long as he wanted without being interrupted.

Maybe they’d be someone who didn’t call him by a name that wasn’t his, then feign forgetting. Who didn’t treat his binders like they were assaulting their eyes. Who didn’t scrutinize his every movement for faking.

That’d be nice, he thinks.

But there were pros and cons, he reasons. And for all he knows, if he had a sibling, they could’ve been just like his parents. Or they could’ve been kinder. Not like he’d ever know.

He had more important things to worry about than hypotheticals and wishes.

“Before you scold me, know that I took a five hour nap earlier today and I’m only getting a snack.”

Steph and Duke blinked at him from the doorway to the kitchen, their expressions a sharp contrast between exasperated and concerned, respectively.

“Wow, five hours?” Steph snarked. “That’s a new record. Are you dying?”

“Not yet,” Tim said, opening the fridge. “Give it a few weeks and I’m sure you’ll see rumors of my tragic defeat at the hands of, I dunno, Flamingo.”

“There’s a supervillain named Flamingo?” Duke exclaimed, staring at Steph incredulously.

“Oh, yeah, it’s a whole thing.” She nodded. “He had a scuffle with Jay and his kid a while back.”

“Jason has a kid?”

“Why are you up, anyway?” Tim talked right over him. “Duke I understand, he’s the disgraced child of the sun. But you patrol at the same time as every other nocturnal person in this house.”

“Hey-”

“I actually had to pretend to have a normal sleep schedule, my mom was getting worried and I didn’t want her finding me sneaking in with my full Spoiler getup on.” Steph explained tiredly. “I’m still trying to recover.”

“Tragic,” Tim hummed, pulling out a container holding a ham sandwich.

“The only thing that's tragic is your outfit.” Steph snorted, looking him up and down.

Tim blinked, looking down at himself. His outfit consisted of a pair of knockoff Batman shorts, knee-high pastel dinosaur socks, and a long red robe that absolutely did not belong to him hanging loosely off him, exposing countless scars littering his body.

“I look awesome,” Tim said, popping the lid off the container.

“Damian’s gonna start asking what battles you got your scars from again,” Steph tutted, striding further into the kitchen with a confused Duke following her. “Know that I will not be on your side when Dick notices and gets worried.”

“I’m more worried about Dami seeing this one,” He said, brushing the robe back slightly to reveal a poorly stitched surgical scar on his upper abdomen. “Because then he’s going to ask what happened, and then I’m gonna have to tell him that's where my spleen used to be, and then he's going to be reminded that oh, yeah, his brother has a missing spleen, and then he’s going to be treating everything like its diseased-”

“Does...he keep forgetting you lost your spleen?” Duke blinked, concerned. “I feel like that’d be something you were kinda always aware of…”

“Eh, everyone's worried about a different scar whenever they see ‘em.” He shrugged, glancing down as he traced over one of the surgery scars along his chest. “Which is frankly a little rude. I earned this right to be shirt free.”

“Hell yeah you did,” Steph grinned before her eyes dropped to the sandwich Tim was attempting to eat. “Isn’t that Cullen’s?”

“He didn’t label it, therefore it’s mine.” Tim said simply.

“Harper’s gonna kill you,” Duke warned warily.

“Only if she catches me,” He said, taking a bite of the sandwich. “Why’re you guys here, anyway? Grabbing a snack?”

“Lookin’ for Babs,” Steph said, hands in her pockets. “Someone on Twitter started a war about which Batgirl was better, and Babs will probably get a kick out of being remembered as the ‘missing Batgirl.’”

“Oh she’ll be pissed about being remembered that way.” Tim agreed, shoving the rest of the sandwich in his mouth. “Babs will see it in five minutes or less, though. Swear she has a sixth sense for whenever someone mildly associated with the Bats is mentioned.” He mumbled.

“You wanna hijack the thread before she finds it?” He suggested.

“Hijack it?” Duke echoed.

“We’re gonna yell about random stuff that doesn’t contribute to the conversation until all hell breaks loose.” Steph explained, already pulling out her phone. “Tim?”

“How do you feel about discussing why the sun lightens hair, but darkens skin?” Tim suggested, leaving the container on the counter as he brushed by Steph.

“You just want to piss off someone from Metropolis.”

“It’s law as a Bat that I have to torment Superman whenever I possibly can.” Tim shrugged.

“Does that include me?” Duke blinked. “Because I personally think tormenting Superman is a bad idea.”

“Clark wouldn’t hurt a fly,”

“Yeah, but he’ll give me the face of disappointment and I don’t think I can live with that.” Duke protested.

“He can barely even manage--where are you going?” Steph looked up, only now realizing Tim was leaving the kitchen.

“I’m starting the mayhem on the big screens.” Tim grinned, looking back over his shoulder.

“Please don’t tell me he’s going to use Twitter on the bat computer,” Duke sighed.

“He’s totally going to use the bat computer,” Steph smiled, following after him. “C’mon! It’s initiation time.”

“Do you guys just call every weird thing you do initiation?” Duke called, hurrying behind them. “Because I’ve been told I’m part of an initiation five times in the last week.”

“You’re stuck in initiation until this becomes the norm,” Steph said cheerfully.

“Of course,” Duke muttered.

Tim’s robe billowed behind him like an amateur cape as he wandered towards the door leading towards the steps into the Batcave. He threw open the door, the sound of it slamming echoing and startling the bats on the ceiling.

“Jesus!”

Harper jumped from the swivel chair in front of the computer, wide-eyed as she blinked up at the trio at the top of the stairs.

“Hey, Harps,” Steph greeted, hopping onto the stairs railing and sliding down. “We’re here to cause problems on Twitter.”

“Oh, well, in that case, by all means.” Harper snarked, getting up and grandly gesturing to the countless screens. “Not like I was using it for actual work.”

“Were you using it?” Tim asked, pointedly glaring at Steph to keep his recent adventure to the kitchen quiet.

“...looking for tasers to modify count as work, right?” She said after a moment.

“Technically,” Tim nodded, ignoring Steph’s smug look that absolutely signified she was going to blackmail him later. “But you can just use Dick’s old escrima sticks. He goes through a pair every two or three weeks, but most still work pretty well, he’s just too lazy to fix them.”

“Sweet,” Harper grinned. She then paused, taking in Tim’s appearance as he slid into the seat she was previously occupying.

“Why do you look like you’re auditioning to be the pretty girl who dies in a low-budget slasher?”

“First of all, how dare you assume I wouldn’t be the first one to die for representation points,” Tim said, pointing an accusatory finger at her. “Second of all, it’s called having fashion, and also being allowed to do whatever I want.”

“You have terrible fashion sense,” Harper snorted, crossing her arms as Steph and Duke came up beside her. “But fair, I can respect that.”

“See?” Tim said, looking at Steph. “Some people can afford to not be rude.”

“Keep talking and I’ll lose more blackmail material,” Steph calmly threatened.

Harper glanced between the two, to which Tim quietly, and quickly, turned back to the screen and ignored the both of them. Harper raised a brow but didn’t comment. Tim made a mental note to sneak into one of Jason’s unused safe houses after this was over. Steph couldn’t keep quiet for the life of her.

“What are you starting, anyway?” Harper asked, crossing her arms and leaning on the back of Tim’s chair. “A sob story about the Opportunity rover?”

“Another day,” Tim promised, opening up Twitter on the countless screens. He opened another one on the other half of the computer, which Steph quickly stood at and got her own Twitter set up. “Right now, we’re questioning how the sun makes hair lighter, but skin darker. And we’re dragging Clark into it.”

“If anyone asks, I had no part in this.” Duke said, watching the two typing with a frown. “Initiation doesn't include learning how to taunt Superman, right?”

“Eh, we can settle for you becoming close with a Kryptonian,” Steph shrugged. “Dick and Bruce share Clark, Jay’s got Bizarro, Cass and I got Kara, Babs I think counts with her, too, Damian’s got Jon, and Tim has Kon.” She listed off. “Harper and Cullen took the ‘bully Superman’ route without befriending any of his family, which is a coward's way out, so you can take, I dunno, does Chris still exist in this timeline?”

“I can call in a favor from Bart to reset the timeline again so he exists.” Tim said with a casual shrug, pulling up the thread arguing about the Batgirls.

“I’m sorry, what--”

“Finding Kryptonians who aren’t already taken is hard!” Harper protested, talking over Duke. “And Clark likes you guys being friends with his family. The only issue he has is Damian getting testy and Tim making heart eyes at Kon every five minutes.”

“I do not!” Tim squawked, whirling around in the chair to glare at the traitors he dared call family. In his head. Family in his head.

“You do,” Steph and Harper chorused.

“I’ve met Kon for less than twenty minutes and even I know.” Harper added. “I’m sure Duke knew.”

“I...yeah…” Duke coughed into his fist and turned away. “But in my defense, the gossip around here is practically shouted down the halls twice a week.”

“You were subjected to Dick having another crisis about Jay dating Kory for two months, weren’t you?” Steph said, trying to hide a snicker.

“There were so many things I didn’t want to know,” Duke whispered, face horror-stricken.

“Eh, at least Jay hasn’t brought up Talia around Dami yet.” Tim shrugged. “At that point, it’s better to just vacate the premises.”

“Wait--”

“Point is, you either befriend the Kryptonian or you torment them. That’s the rules.” Tim talked over him again, scrolling down the thread and boredly looking over the arguments. “You ready, Steph?”

“As I’ll ever be,” She grinned, giving a thumbs up. “How long till Babs notices and takes this whole thing down?”

“Few more minutes, tops.” Tim shrugged, already typing. “You two wanna give any input?” He asked, glancing behind him to Harper and Duke.

“Ask if Kryptonian skin can be used as extreme sunscreen,” Harper suggested. “That’ll rile him up.”

“Now I’m just curious if it can,” Tim said, but obediently began making his comment.

“You could just...ask?” Duke tried, clearly not taking in any of what was happening.

“Nah, Kon’s half human, I don’t think it works the exact same.” Tim shook his head, not looking back. “Kara would destroy me if I tried, Bizarro has the same problem, Jon wouldn’t know, and Clark would start telling Bruce he’s worried I’m deranged again.”

“Aren’t you?” Duke raised a brow.

“Only if I feel like it,”

“And when he forgets to sleep for ninety-eight hours.” Steph spoke up.

Tim rolled his eyes, tuning out his siblings as they continued to talk. He posted his comment before sparing a peek back at them, currently throwing off ideas to their hijacking plan like it was an everyday occurrence. Well, to Steph and Harper at least. But, to Duke’s credit, he appeared to be getting more used to it on prodding from his...sisters? Hard to tell, Steph was her own classification of family member. They were some weird choices for family, at least.

Tim watched them for a moment before turning back to making another comment on the logistics of sunscreen, a smile on his face.

He couldn’t find it in him to complain. Too much, at least.

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okayto · 4 years

Text

Murderbot Reference: Character Descriptions Part 1

So, characters and things in Murderbot stories don’t get a lot of physical description, which is very cool, but out of curiosity I went through all 5 books and tried to note every time a character gets a description (body or clothing).

I also ended up making some non-visual notes, such as the names of Mensah’s marital partners and Amena’s age. Basically, the things I’d want to remember about a character if I was writing or drawing them. Therefore, beware of spoilers.

This got long so it’s under a cut, and I’ve split it into 3 posts. This post contains:

Mensah

Gurathin

Pin-Lee

Ratthi

Arada

Overse, Bharadwaj, Volescu

Wilken and Gerth

Miki & Human-Form Bots

Don Abene

Combat Bot

Amena

Thiago

Other posts: Part 2; Part 3

Mensah

· “She had dark brown skin and lighter brown hair cut very short and I’m guessing she wasn’t young or she wouldn’t be in charge.”

· Looks tired and sleep-deprived during pre-abduction interviews; more creases at corner of eyes after rescue

· Clothing: During rescue, wears a long caftan over pants (long enough to hold it up while running), “looked more rumpled and creased than they should, but not enough to draw attention.” One shoe falls off during run, she can toe out of the other one.

· Very good at controlling herself, can look physically relaxed during all this.

· Height: comes up to about MB’s shoulder. MB has to “look down” to meet her eyes directly.

· Feed interface is implanted as a fail-safe for emergencies, but is not augmented.

· One child “looked like a miniature version of Mensah;” family has 7 children total

· Two marital partners: Farai and Tano. Farai uses she/her and seems comfortable with Murderbot.

· Has at least one brother (who married Thiago), see next point

· Lives outside the capital city with two marital partners, plus her sister and brother and their three marital partners, “and a bunch of relatives and kids who Ratthi had lost count of”

· Is “second mother” in family

Gurathin

· Has “a small, quiet smile, and they all [PreservationAux survey members] seemed to like him.”

· Augmented human, specifically gives him some information storage (similar to MB), internal augment. Carries a specialized toolkit.

· Shorter than MB, who puts its arm on his shoulder to run after injury.

Pin-Lee

· During Exit Strategy when meeting MB, is wearing a jacket and carrying the key for Mensah’s implant.

· Wears feed interface in ear

· Take medication (unspecified, but had it with her during ES)

· Has past experience in habitat and shelter construction

Ratthi

· At end of ASR, is there to meet MB when it comes out of cubicle after Mensah purchases it. “He was wearing regular civilian station clothes, but with the soft gray jacket with the PreservationAux survey logo.”

· Shorter than MB, who puts its arm on his shoulder to run after injury.

· Carries a lucky spare interface

· Is a biologist

· No physical description (besides being shorter than MB), but according to Word of God on her Dreamwidth blog (no links or Tumblr will hide this post from the tags): “Ratthi is super hot. We're talking Sendhil Ramamurthy levels of hot.”

· The closest physical description in text we get is being used as a comparison: “Iris was small, shorter and slimmer than Ratthi, not much bigger than Amena.“

· Doesn’t seem to have a partner, but according to MB, has a lot of relationships with all genders of humans and augmented humans, and he and they all seemed very happy about it.

Arada

· “Arada has a lot of expressions, even for a human.”

· Short hair (singed in NE after whatever happened in the wormhole)

· Has light gold-brown skin “and you could really tell all the blood had drained out of her face” when frightened.

Overse, Bharadwaj & Volescu

· Overse uses she/her, Arada’s marital partner. Is certified as a field medic

· Bharadwaj uses she/her

· Volescu uses he/him; in a 4-way marriage

Wilken and Gerth

· Both she/her. Both augmented humans, carrying traveling packs and a couple cases MB recognizes as combat gear, including armor and weapons

· Have worked for GrayCris before, know enough about it to keep blackmail material on hand

· “From the shapes, the cases held weapons, ammo, and a couple of high-end sets of self-adjusting armor, the kind I’d only seen in the media.”

· Armor has energy weapons built into forearms. Faceplate and helmet. With no comm or feed, can hear but voices sound like they’re farther away. When armor powers down, automatically opens vents to allow air circulation so person doesn’t suffocate or get heat exhaustion.

Miki/Human-Form Bots

· No cloned human tissue, just a bare metal bot-body that can pick up heavy things (but not as good as specialized hauler or other cargo bot, according to MB). Big, globe-like eyes. Eyes are dark and opaque surface. Can extend a secondary clamp from chest and used to hold emergency kit while using its hand to treat MB.

· Cameras and sensory inputs are in head; its processor, memory and other things that make it Miki are in the chest/torso

· Strong enough to pin Wilken’s wrist to wall and stand firm while Wilken pushes.

· Human-form bots often used to portray “evil rogue SecUnits who menaced the main characters” in entertainment media, so humans who had never worked with SecUnits expected them to look like human-form bots, not SUs.

· Not popular in corporation territory (according to MB) because they’re more general-purpose and not as good at specific tasks as dedicated bots, and “with the feed available their data storage and processing ability isn’t that exciting.”

Don Abene

· Warm brown skin lined at the corners of mouth and eyes, long dark hair has strands of white. MB can’t guess age.

· Hair is loose after helmet taken off, long enough to need brushing away to check neck, and Wilken grabbed it.

· After helmet removed during fight, has a mark on neck where helmet rim pressed in.

Combat Bot (not Combat SecUnit)

· (Combat SecUnit note: they probably don’t look super different from regular SecUnits, at least if you’re not super close, because MB didn’t realize one SU in the Exit Strategy dock fight was a Combat SU until it was able to counter MB’s hacks; MB didn’t recognize it as a CSU on sight)

· Anyway: combat bots, separate things from CSUs

· Combat bots are close in shape to human-form bot, but 3 meters (~10 feet) tall, has multiple weapon ports in chest and back, four arms with multiple hand mods for cutting, slicing, delivering energy bursts, etc.

· Faster, stronger, and more heavily armed than a SecUnit, and a “not very endearing personality” according to MB.

· Camera and scanners in head, processing and memory in lower abdomen for protection

· Can deliver pulse through skin to cause SecUnit pain sensors to max out, and another pulse meant to fry SecUnit armor and explosive weapons.

· Grabbed SecUnit by head and shoulder with one hand; MB feels “shift in the metal that mean something sharp was about to come out of its hand.”

Amena

· Shorter than MB (“stares up” at it)

· Smaller than Iris [see part 2 for Iris] and Ratthi

· Has to tie hair up in order to put on EVAC suit

· Just under Preservation’s legal adult age

· Oldest of the family’s 7 children

Thiago

· Mensah’s brother-in-law, married to Mensah’s brother; Amena’s uncle

· Brown skin

#Murderbot #Murderbot Diaries #Network Effect #Martha Wells #Reference

172 notes · View notes

densi-mber · 3 years

Text

Frozen, Part 2

A/N: Here’s the second part of Frozen. In the first part, Kensi and Deeks were trapped in the cold after hunting down some suspects. Deeks was also injured.

***

“Oh my god, babe, how could you not feel this?” Kensi asked, kneeling in front of Deeks with his shirt peeled up to chest. Fortunately the cut wasn’t terribly deep, but it was bad enough. Bad enough to have soaked through his shirt already.

“I feel it now,” Deeks said, yelping as she pressed down on the wound. “Actually, that really hurts. Stop poking it!”

“I’m trying to see how bad it is.”

“Well, your warm little hands are heating it up and now it’s burning.”

Her hands were anything but warm and his blood was actually starting to freeze on his skin and clothes.

“Ok, I’m going to put a bandage on this, see if you can get through to Eric,” she told him. She slipped off the small backpack which had a bare minimum of supplies, including a first-aid kit. She tossed an extra pair of gloves to Deeks while he called Eric and then ripped open a bandage.

“No signal,” he said a minute later, shaking his head.

“Damn it!” They couldn’t stay out here for much longer without any protection, especially with Deeks being wounded. She glanced at him, noticing that the tips of his ears were bright red and if she wasn’t mistaken, his lips were just the slightest bit blue. “Deeks, what happened to your hat?” she snapped, realizing that his hair was damp and loose around his face.

“I had to take it off cause I couldn’t hear anything and I lost it somewhere along the way,” he answered with a shrug. Kensi muttered under her breath, realizing how accusatory she sounded.

“I know you didn’t do it on purpose.” She grabbed his hand by way of apology, glancing around them.

“We need to start moving, Kens.”

“You really think we’re going to make it five miles in this cold?” she asked rhetorically. “And it’s only going to get worse in a couple hours.”

“No, I don’t think we’ll make it that far, but I remember Nell saying something about there being a bunch of old cabins around here,” he said with the barest of grins.

***

Have I ever-ah-mentioned how much I hate Iowa?” Deeks asked casually, pausing in between words to pull in shallow breaths. “We would never be in danger of freezing to death in Los Angeles.”

Despite his efforts to stay positive, the cold was definitely starting to get to him. His toes and fingers were stiff, although he supposed it was a good sign that they were still burning and not numb.

Plus, though he hadn’t dared mentioned it Kensi, exhaustion was starting to set in. His legs felt heavy and his abdomen somehow ached and felt numb at the same time. It was a disconcerting sensation.

“With our luck we’d get locked in an industrial freezer or something,” Kensi said with forced lightness, pausing in between words to breath. Her arms were firm around him, making sure he didn’t stumble over hidden tree roots and rocks.

“I think I saw that on a show once.”

“Cabin.”

“No, it was called Castle. You know, the one with Nathan Fillion where he’s a writer and-“

“No, there’s a cabin,” Kensi repeated, cutting off his tangent, and pointing to an area maybe a couple hundred feet away. Sure enough, there was a small cabin buried in a dense copse of trees.

“Fantastic,” he muttered. As they moved closer, it looked completely uninhabited and probably for some time, based on the piles of snow, debris around the doorway, and cobwebs in the windows.

Kensi cleared the snow away from one of the windows and peered in.

“It doesn’t look like there’s anyone inside. C’mon.” She shouldered the door open, which stuck a little, but eventually gave way with a loud creak.

“Very homey,” Deeks commented, shivering as they walked into the small space which was barely warmer than outside. It was pretty barren with jut a single cot and bare mattress that had definitely seen better days, a splintered cupboard with a couple pots on top, and most importantly, a fireplace.

“Sit down, I’m going to look for some blankets and firewood,” Kensi directed him.

“I can help,” he offered, feeling pretty stupid just standing there. It was partially his fault they were in this situation. If he’d been a little more careful, he wouldn’t have gotten stabbed. “The faster we heat this place up, the less chance we have of becoming popsicles.”

Kensi shook her head, already searching through the cupboard. She pulled out a box of instant potatoes and a can of beans and set them to the side.

“And the more you move around, the more you’ll aggravate your wound.” She turned back to look at him with another can of beans and Campbell’s chicken soup in her hands. The faded labels on both made Deeks think they’d been sitting there untouched for several years. “Are you saying you don’t have faith in my fire building skills?”

Her breath puffed out in a great white cloud as she attempted to keep her teeth from chattering. He could tell the cold was getting to her too, but predictably, she was ignoring it.

“I would never,” he said, dropping his backpack beside the cot. “Kensi Marie Blye’s survival skills are world renowned and-agh!” He’d sat down and his cut gave a painful, tearing sensation. Kensi spun around immediately at his scream, but he waved her off, ignoring the fresh gush of blood he felt seeping into his shirt. “I’m fine. I just sat down too fast. Did you find any blankets?”

She gave him a suspicious look, turning back to the cupboard, and pulling out some more random items before she made a triumphant sound.

“Three,” she said, throwing him a grayish bundle. “They look a little thin, but I guess it’s better than nothing. Ok, I’ll get some fire wood and then we’re bandaging your cut again. Don’t touch it until I get back.”

Deeks rolled his eyes at her instructions, which seemed a little ridiculous given the severity of said cut, but didn’t protest. He knew Kensi was worried and felt better knowing where he was.

After a few minutes, he stood up again and started pacing, trying to force some feeling into his legs. He tucked his hands under his armpits, singing “Staying Alive” to himself until his voice grew hoarse. Every few seconds, a blast of wind tore through the cabin and blew in bits of snow through minute cracks in the walls and ceiling.

Just as he was getting ready to go after Kensi, the door slammed open again, and she stumbled in with a giant armload of logs and branches.

“I found some wood,” she said unnecessarily as he rushed to help her. “There’s a shack about half a mile from here filled with chopped wood. I left another pile outside.” Her entire face was red and wind-chapped and Deeks wanted to demand she immediately get in bed and cover up.

Since that didn’t seem likely to happen, he brought in the rest of the wood while she was distracted with building a fire. By the time he finished, his hands were completely numb, his clothes completely wet and sticking to his skin.

As Kensi finished lighting the fire, he noticed her hands shaking uncontrollably, making her movements jerky and uncoordinated. She’d spent even more time outside, completely unprotected. She fumbled with the lighter a couple times before she managed to set the kindling on top of the logs aflame.

He grabbed one of her hands between his and rubbed them, wincing at the bright red color, and nearly white tips of her fingers.

“Baby, we need to get you warmed up,” he said, starting to get truly worried about hypothermia. Even with the fire, it would tale at least a couple hours before the cabin was warm.

“I’m fine Deeks,” she insisted, tugging her fingers from his. Ignoring his concern, Kensi grabbed her bag again, pulling out more first aid supplies. “Take your coat and shirt off.”

Deeks reluctantly pulled off both, knowing Kensi would probably freak out when she saw how much he’d bled. His shirt stuck a little, tacky with drying and frozen blood. He had to admit that the cut looked nasty with varied levels of dried blood smeared all around. As the cold air hit it full force again, it started burning more intensely.

Surprisingly, Kensi didn’t say anything when she leaned over him. She dabbed away the fresh blood with a couple cotton swabs and then tore open a packet of liquid bandage.

“Can you hold the edges together?” she asked. That sounded awful as far as Deeks was concerned, but he followed her directions, putting pressure on either side of the cut while Kensi squeezed the glue-like substance on in small incriminates.

“Ok, I think I’m fine with just bleeding out,” he groaned a few minutes later, the wound burning as the glue seeped in.

“That is not even remotely funny,” Kensi commented tightly. “Besides, I’m almost done.” Her hands were still trembling and a little clumsy. He didn’t comment on her technique though; if a slightly lumpy scar was the worst result of this catastrophe, he’d be a happy man. Kensi insisted on applying a cloth bandage just in case and then she was finally done.

“Ok, now we gotta get you warmed up,” he said as he grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around Kensi’s shoulder and then started tugging off his boots and socks.

“What do you suggest?” Kensi asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

“There’s only one option.” He paused with a boot in his head and gave Kensi a serious look. “Naked cuddling.”

#densimber 2020 #densimber 4.0 #densi #densimber day 22 #ncis la fanfiction #Deeks and Kensi whump #by ejzah

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thestruidora · 4 years

Text

Landslide

The Avengers (MCU) Fanfiction

Rating: Explicit

WARNINGS: This story will contain but it’ll not be limited to explicit 18+ content including Obsessive Behavior, Smut, Shower Sex, Edging, Orgasm Delay/Denial, Fluff, Oral Sex, thigh riding, Dirty Talk, Praise Kink, Jealousy, Possessive Behavior, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Dominance, Submission, Knotting, Scenting, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Rutting, Rut Sickness

Category: F/M

Pairings: Steve Rogers/Reader, Steve Rogers/Natasha Romanov

Summary: Steve was never quite sure if he truly was an alpha. Genetically he should be, coming from a long line of alpha males. But due to the several health conditions in his youth, his poorly functioning body never presented. But now, because of the serum reacting to his true designation, a terrible case of rut sickness takes hold of the super soldier, threatening his life. Being a beta, Natasha can’t offer him what he needs, and since omegas are rarer today then ever, she is forced to hire a foreign girl to tend to Steve during these desperate times.

Shout outs: @captainchrisstan, @keenkiddeputynickel, @danidv011, @ballyhoobarnes, @pophbfdsxa and @crashbarbie Thank you so much for you guys support!

Author’s notes: English it’s not my first language, I apologize for any mistakes.

For those who missed it >> Chapter One

Chapter Two

Bilingual

Steve was hot.

His whole room had become a furnace from the heat that seemed to come from within him. His skin prickled against the sweat covered sheets of his bed and he could taste the metal of his blood as he bit his lip yet again while trying to control a moan.

His clothes were long forgotten by the side of the bed. Everything being too much when in contact with his hypersensitive body. His mouth was dry but his hands felt sticky when he went in to hold his once again hard cock.

“Fuck…” He let out a hiss.

It hurt to touch the warm abused skin, but it hurt even more not to. He looked down to the swelled member in between his hands, grabbing it firmer and coasting through the pain. He could feel it growing hotter and wetter as it leaked at the angry red tip.

Each and every vein in his dick became visible as his movements turned more erratic. The palm of his hands were slippery from all the precum he was producing. The up and down motion so fast he could barely see it now.

A coil started to form in his abdomen, building higher and higher. He could hear himself panting quietly, controlling his own ministrations and the audible reactions to hide the shame as his face heated from the intimate act.

He felt as degraded as he felt desperate. He felt like hiding just as much as he felt like screaming.

There was this unspeakable need metastasizing deep inside of him. The noises he was creating getting louder and whinier.

He threw his head back, closing his eyes and seeing only whiteness. There was a shape forming behind his eyelids. Inviting features appearing bit by bit while the intensity of his pleasure tenfold. He shivered in his bed when the all-consuming fire grazed his loins, squeezing his eyes shut and letting his mouth fall agape.

Beads of transpiration coagulated in his forehead, traveling low down his back and teasing the sensible skin until it made it’s way to the soaked fabric underneath him. He was close. He was so close and so hot.

He was so hot he felt like dying.

He knew there was something missing, but he just couldn’t put his finger on it. Much like his now too sensitive to the touch dick.

“Shit!” Steve grunted, letting go of the tender piece of flesh.

His head was aching and his hands shaking from the lack of release. The whole room smelled of his rut. In fact, his entire apartment was sending a loud and clear message to any alpha in proximity that at this point he would do about anything to find and mount an omega.

Too bad that they didn’t exist anymore.

They were already pretty rare in his time, but he never thought that he wouldn’t be able to find one to literally save his life.

Ever since Bruce had broke down his condition, Natasha seemed hellbent in finding a solution. But somehow Steve knew that she couldn’t help him. It was almost ancestral how his instincts came forward and took over his judgment.

He didn’t want some chemically engineered version of an omega’s scent. He didn’t want to deliberately trick his new and improved senses. Nor to settle with a generic take on the experience of what being with an omega should feel like.

Even though he was aware it was an overly romanticized principle, Steve was raised to believe that to every alpha there was a perfectly matched omega, and that it was his duty to find her… wherever she was. It sure had stung to realize that he had failed at something so primitive that now his body was punishing him. Of course that, by now, in the thick of his rut, all of that sounded a lot like bullshit.

Accepting the reality imposed to him, one in which he wouldn’t be able to cum no matter how hard he tried, he fought against the heaviness that had settled over his shoulders and stumbled out of bed.

The cold surface of the floor in contact with his feet caused a shiver to run up his spine and he had to hold on to the nightstand when vertigo took over and the room spun.

Mumbling to himself in the silence of his solitude, he struggled to stay up straight, a sickening sensation undulating in his lower belly. His cock stood painfully upwards, a shade of purple dominating the pulsing length, particularly in the shiny whipping head. Not being capable to contain a moan, Steve shuddered whilst making his way to the bathroom connected to his bedroom.

“So hot…” He moaned as he made his way to the spacious bathtub, turning on the tap in order to fill it to the brim with cold water. “I need…”

He could hear movement coming from the living room as if it was happening directly in his ear. The sounds of skin scuffing when in touch with fabric and keys jiggling sharply against one another. Choosing to ignore his own rut induced hallucinations, he closed the tub’s tap, taking in a deep breath when it came time to insert himself into the freezing water.

Steve could swear he saw steam emerging when his burning hot physique was enveloped by the icy liquid. The massive muscles of the super soldier contracting with the effort. The water overlapping as his impressive figure filled out the tub.

“Too hot…” Somehow he still felt warm. His complexion blushed to the point of redness, a tingling starting from the top of his scalp all the way to his thighs.

With chattering teeth and shuddering shoulders, he shut his eyes tightly and slowly allowed his torso to slip through the porcelain, the water covering his head completely as he submerged, letting the physical ache transport itself to a sentimental one.

There was this irrational part of him that believed this moment to be his downfall. That believed that a life such as this, without being capable to help or be helped, wasn’t worth living.

In the raze of his fever, Steve opened his eyes from underwater, a feminine outline appearing from the surface and looking right down at him. Though unrecognizable in the blurriness, the image stirred up a buzz inside of him, his senses flashing in alarm. A weird feeling of recollection spread in his mind, the color radiating from the stranger’s irises creating a different kind of warmth within.

The more he stared the better he felt. Lighter, almost. As if floating on a cloud. All of the soreness leaving his being at once. The corner of his lips lifting a bit as darkness began to engulf the view.

“Steve!” The calling of his name in a familiar voice startled him. Reaching hands grabbing his arms and pulling, bringing the barely awake man to the surface.

He gasped for air as it filled his lungs way too quickly, leaving a burning sensation. Droplets of water trickled from his hair, dripping through his face and neck.

“Goddammit, Steve! What were you thinking?” Small fingers lingered at his biceps, wobbly sustaining his weight as he was guided off the bathtub. “I called a thousand times. Bucky said it was best to leave you alone, but I knew there was something wrong.”

The light greenish irises of Natasha’s eyes greeted him finally, and he tensed in her arms as she struggled to take him back to his bed. The embarrassment consuming his thoughts while he tried his best to hide his nudity.

“You’re not supposed to be here. I don’t want anyone here.” His voice faltered, the words tripping over one another.

“I can see that. It sure would be much more easy for you to kill yourself without my interference.” The redhead run up to his wardrobe, grabbing a big towel and proceeding to wrap him up around the broad shoulders with it.

“I wasn’t trying to… I just wanted to see something.” She wouldn’t have been able to hear him hadn’t she been so near, rubbing his arms repeatedly in a vertical motion.

“See what, Steve? What are you talking about?” Her hand grazed his chest for only one second, but she noticed the hairs in that area raising when he shivered due to the touch. “How can you be this warm still?”

In comparison to her hand, his skin felt like a scalding flame. Paying closer attention to it now, she saw how blushed it looked. The muscles tight, a sheen of sweat starting to blend in with the particles of what was left behind from the frosty cold water.

“I’m…” Natasha heard him mutter as his blue eyes drifted from her face and became empty and unfocused, as if he couldn’t see her anymore or chose not to acknowledge her presence.

Her focus was drawn to his waist line, a peculiar movement calling her eye. The length of his cock pulsated as it expanded, the balls contracting whilst beads of weeping fluid oozed out of the tip and slid across the smooth skin that enveloped the head.

She swallowed the saliva pooling in her mouth as she examined his situation. It looked like it hurt. He was in pain.

“Hot… Too hot. I need…” Steve decided to remove the towel from his body in a rush, throwing it as far away from him as he could muster the strength to.

Trembling red lips whined when he tried to create some space between himself and his ginger friend, her body providing too much heat and making it unbearable for him to remain by her side.

“Please, Nat. Let me just…” Her nails had planted themselves in his shoulders, digging strongly to stop his fleeing. “I really need…”

“I know what you need, Steve. Calm down.” She knelt in front of his sitting figure, holding him upright with two hands due to his jelly like posture. “Look at me.” Her voice turned assertive in a way he hadn’t heard up to that point.

He fixated his attention back to the russian spy. Her touch was firm when she balanced herself on her knees, hands spread out on each of his naked thighs.

“No, please, I don’t feel so good.” She silenced his protests, shaking her head no to his attempts at getting up.

“Bruce explained what’s happening, remember? You need a compatible match to help you through your rut, Steve.” The blonde gasped at her words, dick twitching in the air.

“An omega.” He murmured more to himself then to her, head bobbing side to side from the exhaustion settling over him because of what felt like a pointless interaction.

The mere idea of having an omega to tend to his needs causing his hips to move on their own accord, trusting forwards and brushing the inside of her arm with his erect member. A grunt came from deep within him, a distinct pressure building in his chest.

“I need to find an omega.” He chanted.

“What you need is to cum, sweetheart.” Natasha’s expression was one of confidence when she held his cock securely using both hands.

The cold feeling of her palms against the vulnerably delicate piece of flesh send his instincts into a riot, a vibration starting inside of him.

“No.” He whispered in between puffs and huffs, inaudible in such small volume.

“And I can help you with that.” She continued, mistaking the sounds he was forming by ones of ecstasy. “There’s nothing an omega can give you that I can’t, Steve. Every since we met there was this connection between the two of us. You’ve made me open up in ways I never thought I would, because we understand each other.”

Steve stared down at her, motionless as she began to move her hands across his shaft. An odd admiration on her eyes as she focused at the task in front of her, the member pointing to the ceiling as a rumble left the alpha’s gritted teeth, his angelic colored irises darkening in a sinister fashion.

“And I know you feel the same.” Without thinking twice, Natasha went in open mouthed in the cock’s direction, moving with purpose.

But before her lips could graze the leaking tip, Steve’s hands were in the back of her head, fingers intertwining with the fiery locks and pulling drastically.

“No!” He but roared, gaining an unexpected strength.

Getting up from the bed in a brutal maneuver, the grab in Natasha’s hair intensified as he brought her up with him.

“What the hell are you doing?” She demanded, forcing him out of her with difficulty.

“Don’t ever do that again.” His voice was loud and clear now, imposing even.

His chest was puffed out and lips sneering, showing a bit of teeth. A glimpse of a fang appearing in the raze of the feral atmosphere, but disappearing seconds after.

“What’s wrong?” Her frown softened when she realized his state, reaching in to touch his face but being stopped dead in her tracks by the growling sound he emitted.

“You. You smell wrong.” Each of his words were perfectly enunciated, leaving no room for Natasha to be misled.

Scanning his appearance now, she realized how weak he actually looked. Sickly, in fact. Going slowly mad from the rut fever melting his rational mind.

And even though it would hurt for her to see him with anyone else besides her, especially now that she so abruptly confessed her feelings for him; it would hurt even more to see him suffering and eventually dying from this condition.

So she knew that from that moment on, it was her task to save him, even if it meant going to the ends of earth to find a fucking omega for him to spend his rut with.

Author’s end notes: I'm still not sure if I want Bucky to get involved with the reader or not, either in a romantic level or just a physical one. Because, clearly, Natasha is going to be a part of the reader's relationship with Steve. Just don't know if I want Bucky to be as well. Let me know what you guys think, please! (Taking to consideration that neither Steve or Bucky are going to be dark on this one).

Chapter 3

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