#playing agent is sustainable for only so long

[crushedgraham]

Hi again! Can you do a dva x fem! Reader fic which reader is a dps agent, and they take care of each other after a rough mission?

Kiss it Better

D.Va x fem! DPS Agent

"Hey, you okay?"

Hana's voice calls out to you but she sounds like she's miles away from you. Your gaze is stuck on your bloody hands, the callouses on your palms are peeled and ripped off, leaving pads of blood and raw flesh. The skin on your knuckles aren't any better. Shades of purples and reds have overtaken your natural skin color, dried blood caked into certain areas too. There isn't an inch of you that doesn't ache; your feet blistered, your legs sore, your torso bruised, your face cut, everything hurt.

You're pulled back to reality when a softer hand squeezes your shoulder gently.

"Y/N?"

It's worrying how much effort it takes to look up at the Korean girl but you do so anyways. A small cut decorates her bottom lip and you wish you had the strength to stand up and kiss it better but you would probably collapse if you tried.

"Honestly I feel like I'm dying."

The stupid, lopsided smile you give her is meant to lighten what you just said but it only makes her frown grow bigger.

"Should we stop by the Overwatch base?? I can call Angela and tell her it's an emergency"

"Wait Hana no- I was joking"

"That's not funny Jagi! I'm worried, you look like shit"

"You say you feel like you're dying all the time"

"It's funny when I do it"

The conversation distracts you from the ache in your bones and you two keep talking until you physically can't keep your eyes open any longer. Somewhere during the conversation Hana had sat down next to you in the ship which allowed you to rest your head on her shoulder. About an hour or so was left until you reached Korea so Hana pulled out her phone and started playing random games until you landed.

A small nudge to your head wakes you up. You grunt from the pain in your neck after having to lean down at an awkward angle to rest on Hana but it was worth it. Hana gets up first, she had only gotten a few minor bruises since she was shielded in her Mech. Her hand outstretches to you and you take it gratefully, boosting yourself with your free hand for extra support.

The walk through your headquarters is a painful one. Your arm is wrapped around Hana's shoulders as you limp to your shared room. Every now and then she glances at you with a worried gaze but you meet it with a half smile.

Once you two reach the room, your mind is set on hibernating for the next few weeks but Hana has other plans. She drags you to the bathroom, grumbling something about cleaning you up.

You sit on the toilet lid as you watch the small girl pull out the med kit from the drawers.

"How long do you think we're gonna do this?"

The words escape you faster than you thought they would. Hana glances up at you with a confused expression.

"What do you mean?"

"Like..Missions and protecting the world. I love it but I don't think it's sustainable for my body. Next thing you know I'm gonna be losing a body part like Cass or Rein."

A small punch is delivered to your arm at the joke.

"But doesn't it feel hard for you too? And I mean mentally"

Hana pulls out a cotton pad and dabs saline solution onto it, she brings it up to a cut on your nose bridge.

"Yeah, I'm definitely a lot safer because of my Mech but I get the mental part. Sometimes I feel like my youth and "golden years" have been stolen away from me to protect Korea but it was my choice, you know?"

The sting from the saline disinfecting your wounds makes it hard to respond but you nod with shut eyes.

"But don't stress, I'm sure we can retire at some point. Then we can be old and domestic like your cheesy movies."

Hana kisses the tip of your nose at the end of her sentence which makes you smile.

"I can't wait to grow old with you"

She rolls her eyes at the corny line but her smile grows from it. Once she's done disinfecting everything, she nudges you towards the shower. Hana strips first and turns on the hot water. Normally you would be jumping up and down at a chance to shower with her but the effort it takes to stand makes you dread it.

Throughout the shower Hana washes your body gently, making sure to kiss your cheek apologetically whenever you wince from the pain. You both towel off and you launch yourself at the bed, content to just lay there naked.

A cool gel being applied to your body makes you jump. You look towards your torso to see Hana rubbing the gel along your ribs and stomach to help the bruising. She applies bandages on those spots to lock in the gel. The way she pokes out the tip of her tongue as she concentrates makes you smile adoringly at her.

When she packs up the med kit you pull her down to lay next to you.

"What about you?"

"I'm fine, I probably got one bruise at most"

"Oh! That reminds me-"

You lean down to kiss her lips softly. When the kiss ends you kiss only her bottom lip which makes her giggle.

"What're you doing weirdo?"

"Kissing your lip better"

#overwatch #overwatch x reader #dva x reader #dva overwatch #d.va x reader #hana song x reader #hana song

[hiramaris]

Dusk Fragments #3

Summary: He has you by his side but your heart has always been with her. It's a battle he knew he'd lost anyway.

Pairing: Platonic Jake x Gender Neutral MC & Mentions of Jessy x Gender Neutral MC & Jake x OC

“You're staring.”

Jake's eyes darted from you to turn to the redhead before him. Her voice was gentle but great amusement was dancing across her cerulean orbs. The stinging pain from the cotton ball this person– Aerith, he reminded himself– was using to dab across his cheek- was a harsh reminder of his current predicament. It felt like a bee sting, and he couldn't help but wince.

Jake closed his eyes momentarily. He'd been dying to close them for minutes already, but the temptation to look and observe you had always been stronger. Maybe if he didn't open them, he could pretend he hadn't been caught staring by your subordinate of all people.

“Chief got you good, huh?” Aerith continued as she tended to his wounds, her touch surprisingly gentle despite the situation.

Jake slightly opened one tired eye, and it didn't escape him how her gaze wandered towards you. You were currently engrossed in a serious conversation with Charlotte. Your eyes occasionally glanced toward their spot, which told him he was probably the topic of conversation with Charlotte.

"They have to do it, you know?" Aerith's voice brought him back to the present.

“Who?” Jake asked simply despite knowing exactly who she was talking about.

“Chief L/n.”

Jake fell silent for a moment, contemplating whether he should discuss these matters with anyone other than you. “I know Y/n’s plans. We have talked about this possibility long before something went wrong with our plans.”

Aerith raised an eyebrow. “I figured. You wouldn't be willingly so compliant with us if the chief hadn't told you anything.”

 “What do you mean?” Jake's voice was gruff, still carrying the discomfort from the injuries he'd sustained. He winced slightly as Aerith applied a bandage to one of his facial cuts that you had given him.

Aerith didn’t speak for a moment, choosing to grab some bandage to put on some cuts he had on his face. You really got him good; broken nose, a couple of bruises and cuts, and all that.

"You'd given CIA some trouble pinning you down, you know? Not that I'm surprised given how incompetent their system is. If I were assigned to track you down, I would have wrapped it up before it all went sideways,” she remarked, a smug grin playing on her lips. Jake, despite his current state, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her audaciousness. “Anyway, what I mean is... a man of your nature would pretty much prefer to be killed or be locked up rather than work with us. You were pretty vocal about your hatred of us, so it was quite surprising to see you being so compliant.”

“I trust, Y/n,” Jake answered almost automatically like it was normal as breathing. Like it was supposed to be the only reason. But even though he said that, a part of him is starting to question his own beliefs.

“Yeah, sure.” Aerith eyes him skeptically, unable to believe his words. “After they beat you up earlier in front of hundreds of agents and CIA officials no less, can you still say that you trust our Chief?”

The memory flashed back in his mind for a brief moment. Despite his absolute trust in you, he couldn’t help the sudden fear that bubbled up in him when you walked towards him earlier. Eyes devoid of emotions met his helpless ones as you kicked and tossed him around in front of so many people.

Feeling such enormous pain spiking up in his body almost broke his resolve. It almost made him think that he was truly indeed captured by you, and he’ll probably meet his demise in your hands.

However, he knew you. He knew you better than he knew anyone else, even himself. And he knew that the act was part of a grander scheme, a plan that involved protecting something much bigger. But that didn't mean it was easy to endure.

“I was beginning to question that myself.” He couldn't help but mutter, voice hoarse from his throat feeling so dry.

Aerith laughed softly at that. “Don't take it to heart though. Chief had to do that to ensure your custody falls on us rather than the CIA. And I guarantee you that we are the best shot you got."

Jake continued to eye her skeptically. He was only here because he trusted your words. But in this unfamiliar territory, trust was a fragile thing.

“I'm going to be blunt. CIA wants you dead,” Aerith stated matter-of-factly as she handed him an ice pack for the swelling bruise on his right eye, her demeanor remarkably casual given the gravity of her words. “Chief had to take drastic measures to prevent that from happening.”

“Beating me up sounds so helpful,” Jake mumbled sarcastically. He wasn’t angry at you by any means, but he was rather frustrated about the whole situation. The only thing he was holding onto was the words you had told him when you were both in the car, and that was what kept him going.

“Can you maybe stop predicting things, Jake?”

“You and I both know how this will all end.”

“Do we?” You challenged, a small smirk creeping into your features. “Maybe we should start trying for a few alternatives.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know if you’ll approve but I think I can help your defection to the FBI.”

“Y/n, they are after me, remember? In what world would they allow me to have clearance?”

“As far as I’m concerned only the CIA wants your head and we’re just tasked to capture you. But what if, Jake? What if you prove that your skills will be valuable to our Agency?”

“It does.” Aerith’s answer made him snap back to reality. “Chief has to make sure that our Agency is fully capable of controlling, even subduing you if necessary. By beating you up, it serves that the Chief held you by the neck.”

Jake pursed his lips, almost wincing due to the cut on his lips. It felt like this woman was spouting nonsense but the possibility that was your way to help him, never mind that it hurts like hell, is something that he could see you’ll do.

"I see."

****

“You're staring again.”

Jake sighed, realizing that his eyes had been locked on your figure. You were slouched in your office chair, engrossed in your phone, staring at what seemed to be a picture of Jessy. There was a distant longing in your eyes that Jake wished he could fulfill, but he knew well enough that he couldn't be the one you were yearning for.

“What do you want?” His voice came out colder than he intended. However, Aerith didn't seem to mind.

“Chief said that people like us who spend most of our time in front of our computers find it difficult to connect with people and understand their feelings,” she mused as she swiveled her chair back and forth.

The office around them was quiet, with only the soft hum of computers and distant chatter from other agents. It was a stark contrast to the intensity of their recent missions, a temporary respite from the action.

“And your point is?”

“Tell me if I'm wrong but it seemed to me that you are harboring unrequited feelings for our Chief.”

Jake raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her blunt assessment. “And what, pray tell, made you come to that conclusion?”

She shrugged, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. “I have never met someone who could tear my eyes away from a computer screen for as long as you just did. You’ve been staring at Chief for minutes already! Either you like the Chief or you’re probably planning their murder already, which is highly unlikely, so I assumed it would be the former."

“You’re awfully perceptive, it’s scary.”

“It’s a perk one must have if you have to be in Gamma,” Aerith replied nonchalantly, leaning back in her chair. “You’ve worked with Chief before, right? Then you have probably seen firsthand how scarily perceptive and manipulative they are.”

Jake raised an eyebrow at that but did not comment.

"In a good way, of course!" She hastily added, realizing her choice of words might sound negative.

Jake sighed and nodded. "Y/n is a good agent. They manage to notice things I wouldn’t. And their emotional intelligence is something that shouldn’t be overlooked."

Aerith grinned, seemingly satisfied with his response. "Well, our Chief has sung nothing but praises about you. Not that we need another hacker in our team because I’m awesome already,” she began to quip making Jake quirk a small smile behind his mask, “but I can say it's a relief to know that someone as capable as you are on our team. Let's just hope Chief doesn't catch on to your... affections. It could get complicated."

Jake's expression grew serious. “I don't intend to let it affect our work. Y/n is a dedicated leader, and I respect that.”

Aerith chuckled. “Well, let's just hope your feelings don't get in the way of your judgment.”

Jake didn't reply, but his troubled expression spoke volumes.

****

“You shouldn’t be staring.”

Jake pursed his lips but didn’t tear his eyes away from the monitor. He had spent months already hearing this voice so he was already familiar with it.

“I think I should be. This is our task after all.”

“I think the right word should be ‘watching.’” Aerith points out with an eyebrow raised. “We need to watch all 50 monitors not one.”

He sighed. She’s right. He shouldn’t be just watching the monitor you’re only in. Such incompetence could compromise not only this mission but as well as his clearance.

Watching every monitor is of importance as such it will help you navigate your way through your culprit’s location without compromising your presence to them. And that’s where the tech team comes through. The Tech team comprises Aerith and him so technically they’re not too many in the team but as a person who’s used to working alone, he felt like it was too crowded.

He’d like to think that’s the case but in reality, it just doesn’t feel the same when he’s not working with you. Aerith is a good company, but she’s not you.

“I am just wondering if it’s such a good idea for Y/n to be alone infiltrating the base and we’re just here watching and sitting when we could be much of help to them.”

“Chief prefers to work alone. We’re just here to provide any means they may need if such a situation arises. In any case that we’ll be there with them, we’re just going to be a liability to them.” Jake was about to open his mouth, but Aerith continued speaking. “Even if they need backup, they would have brought Charlotte and the others with them.”

“But the others have their own mission to attend to.”

“Exactly. This is why it’s just the three of us.” Aerith rolls her eyes at him before throwing a snack bar on his face that he almost barely caught. “So sit your ass down and let’s do our job.”

****

“What were you thinking, Jake?” Your voice rises significantly at every syllable and Jake could only stare at you. “I already got it! You shouldn’t have done that! What if you got killed for Christ’s sake!”

“I’m not gonna say ‘I told you so.’” Aerith whispered against him as Jake found himself being bandaged again by her.

As it seems, Jake doesn’t have the presence of mind to think about his own safety whenever he sees you’re in trouble. After Aerith told him to just do their jobs, his eyes caught one of the monitors of a room next to where you are. There were at least a dozen armed people waiting for you at the door.

Aerith was busy barking up warnings your way to notice Jake bolting out of the van and into the scene. Long story short, his impulsiveness got him shot in his shoulder, the mission was a success despite some shortcomings and now, you’re mad at him.

“I’m sorry,” he mutters so low that Aerith might be the only one who heard it. “There’s just so many of them… I–“ he paused and finally looked at you. “I just don’t want to lose you.”

The fire in your eyes didn’t die down at his words and Jake knew then it wasn’t the right choice of words.

“I’m not yours to lose.” Your reply was swift and unthinkable. It doesn’t need thinking because Jake knew it was a fact. You were not his to lose. Never were and never will.

It felt like a punch in the gut. Hell, that hurt much more than the bullet that pierced his skin, and yet he didn’t know how to react. In fact, he’s not sure what his face looked like right now and he badly hopes you couldn’t see in his eyes how those words affected him.

Even Aerith froze at your choice of words but remained quiet. She knew this was a subject matter she shouldn’t even be hearing.

It took a moment of silence before your words sank in you. Closing your eyes, you plopped down the nearest cushion before addressing the redhead, “Ae, are you done? Can you give us a moment, please?”

“I’m just about done,” Aerith replies as she secures the last gauze on Jake’s arms. She stood up, “I’m just going to buy some coffee. You guys need anything? Uhm… no? Okay.”

When Aerith left, Jake didn’t dare to look up from his seat but the feeling of the cushion pressing down beside him let him know you sat down next to him.

“I’m sorry,” you began, “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No… I shouldn't have said what I said. What I did was foolish as well.”

A firm hand was placed on his shoulder, forcing him to look up. “I’m sorry for forcing you into a life like this. I know this isn’t what you had in mind.”

“Don’t worry about it, Y/n. There’s not much choice in the matter. Either I get killed, die in prison, or join your team.”

“I know. But if you hadn’t come into the mine with me, you wouldn’t have ended up here.”

“It’s my choice. I wanted to ensure you’re safe. And that stands until now.”

“Jake…” You sighed. “You shouldn’t be making a choice based on me. Look where it’s gotten you. You’re stuck in a job you didn’t want under the same people who were chasing after you a couple of months ago.”

“I have no regrets, Y/n. I hope you know that.” He said firmly. “I don’t ever regret meeting you, knowing you and…” he paused, not sure if it’s even appropriate to say it, but he said it anyway,” loving you.”

He can see you’re trying to make a neutral expression, but your eyes never fail to hide what you truly feel, and yet this time, he saw it beneath the cracks of your mask. There was a brief surprise in them. If it’s a surprise about his feelings for you or the fact that Jake finally voices out the words that remained unspoken for months, he didn’t know which.

For someone like Jake who has known warmth solely from the presence of his mom, his beanie and hoodie, and his ever-trusty laptop, he never knew what loving and caring for someone feels like, however, his actions for the past months have been more vocal than his voice ever could. And for someone perceptive as you, he wouldn’t be surprised you’d already catch on his feelings the first week.

It also didn’t help when he found out that you have taken a particular liking to Jessica Hawkins. So even without confessing, he already knew he lost the battle without even starting.

“I’m not saying this for you to say it back.” He continued after a minute of deafening silence. “Just…” He clenches his fist. “Just let me feel this, Y/n. It will go away eventually. Just give me some time.” Some time to desensitize myself from the ache I’m feeling from having you but not truly having you.

You gazed at him, your lips parting briefly before closing as if you were about to say something but decided against it. You visibly swallowed, your eyes staring deep into his soul that Jake wanted to look away. “I care about you, too.” You settled on.

There was an unspoken sentence beneath those words. You cared about him. Just not the extent he wanted it to be.

“I’ve had a lot of people die under my watch. Please don’t be one of them, too.” Tears started to gather at the corner of your eyes. But you didn’t dare let them fall. Instead, you leaned back, resting against the headrest, your eyes fixated on the unseen sky beyond the van's roof. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Your words echoed his own ones making him freeze on the spot.

Had he been selfish all this time? Focusing on his love for someone who already loves someone else? Focusing on you while you were busting your ass making sure he won’t be killed?

I don’t know.

You love him. You care for him. You’re here with him. Even though it isn’t the type of love and care he wants, it was always there for him. You were giving it to him without asking anything but to stay and be alive for you. It should be enough. It should have been enough.

The ache in his chest began to dissipate, replaced by a comforting warmth swelling within him. Taking a deep breath, he mustered up the courage to take your cold hands against his warm ones. A flash of surprise flickered in your eyes, but you didn’t dare pull your hands away.

“I don’t want to lose you either.” He mutters softly. This time his words didn’t anger you. It was then you knew what he meant. That he understood what you said and he finally understood what to do about what he feels.

***

“You’re staring.”

Jake blinked at the redhead before him. Somehow this scene felt awfully familiar. But this time, Aerith wasn’t here to dress his wounds nor were his eyes glued at your back.

Strange.

In the passing weeks, he realized a newfound appreciation for the color red. Not the crimson of blood, but the allure of red lips, fiery hair, and flushed cheeks. When did he develop a fondness for such a hue?

“Keep staring at me like that and I’m starting to think you’re crushing on me.” Aerith teased, her voice filled with a playful arrogance, pulling him back from his trance—clue: red hair.

"I'm not staring," he weakly defended himself. He was glad he kept the mask on. It saves him in such embarrassing prepositions like this. He mutters a soft ‘thanks’ when Aerith places the cup of coffee and a slice of red velvet cake in front of him.

Yeah, definitely not staring. Aerith can only snicker as she watches Jake’s dark orbs follow her every move.

A/n: Sorry for the long wait, guys. This has been in my drafts for months and I wasn't able to finish it when my Internship started. I was so busy I barely had the energy to write. Then the holidays came and yeah, I only got the motivation now to finish it. Anyway, just wanted to point out that I wanted to write these one-shots in different POVs. After this, I promise we're going to get crumbs on our favorite couple. Though I cannot promise I'll be able to write the next one soon. Thanks for the wait! Adios!

#duskwood #duskwood mc #duskwood jessy #duskwood jake #duskwood jessy x mc #duskwood jake x mc #duskwood jake x oc #duskwood everbyte #duskwood oneshot #dusktildawn

[genshinlover101]

howdy do dere. With what happened in the latest update, may we see Keqing, Ningguang and Shenhe learning their s/o went down with the Chasm Expedition Team and be worried until they come back up a week or so later? Be extra funny if the s/o came back up with the Fatuus 9th Company and defended them from the lady in question. "They're not bad, they're just hungry and confused!"

Her Reaction From you Being Stuck in the Chasm

Characters: Keqing, Ningguang, Shenhe x gn!reader

Warnings: Spoilers to archon quest in Ningguang’s section

A/n: hihi, I hope this is good <3 I wished I saw them in a situation where they would let it slide? But I couldn’t picture a situation where they’d just let the fatui walk into Liyue without a fight

• Keqing believed in you with her whole being that’d you’d be safe, she had no choice other than to believe in you. Her busy schedule as the Yuheng didn’t allow her to search for you either. But she knew the moment an area cleared, the first thing she’d do was make her way down to the Chasm. 

• She tried to cater her next expedition in the direction of the Chasm, but could only see over the vast mountains of the gaping hole in the ground that led to the underground. She often found herself staring into the abyss like you would come crawling from it at any moment.

Keqing stared into the spiraling rocks from a peak atop Qingxu Pool, her body stood still as she mustered up all her will to head back to Liyue Harbor to finish her duties. She sighed loudly before marching with her back turned against the Chasm, sassily placing her hairpin back into her pigtails to regain her confidence. 

That was until she felt a heavy hand land on her shoulder, the warmth from your hand was unrecognizable, a week’s distance was far too much for her. “Keqing?” she heard your oh-too familiar voice. “Keqing why are you here?” You questioned. She hesitated to turn around, afraid her mind was playing games with her. 

When she did she saw a view she never expected. Two Fatui Pyro Agents, leaning on each other for support with crippled legs and wounded bodies. You stood with a big smile, like a proud cat who had brought its owner an injured mouse for a gift. Her mouth agape in confusion. “W-wha?” she could barely formulate words. “What is the meaning of this?” she stomped her foot down, normally the Fatui meant nothing but trouble, frequently causing her trouble on her expeditions. 

“They’re just injured and confused nothing more,” you said nonchalantly. She normally could trust your words, her yearning for your presence suddenly under threat. Not convinced she snatched your hand, making you stand behind her in protection. Just as you were a cat responding to its owner, she would react like an owner with disgust and dissatisfaction with your gift. 

“No- absolutely not, you two must return from where ever you came from,” she pointed towards the chasm. “Liyue is not a place to easily welcome fugitives even if it’s with harmless intent,” Taking her hairpin from her hair once more prepared to put up a fight. You tried to calm her down, but she was relentless, not allowing you to keep your little ‘pets’.

• Ningguang had faith in you, after all, she wouldn’t have chosen you if she didn’t have confidence in you. But above her belief that you’d be safe laid a sneaking suspicion of ‘what ifs’. What if you didn’t return safely. What if you sustained permanent damage and it’d be her fault. What if you were stuck under a collapsed rock.

• After a week passed she had temptations to organize a search party for your group. It should not have taken this long to search the layout of the newly discovered territory. Many Jade Chamber attendants could claim they saw her restlessly staring over in the direction of the Chasm’s surface.

As the Tianquan it was below herself to go with a measly search party for a missing group, it was merely her duty to authorize one. This time however was a different situation, she just couldn’t help herself but scratch the itching feeling she got that you wouldn’t return. 

Laying her head on her desk in an attempt to shake this uneasy feeling, the dark and damp tent aiding to the gloomy feeling just like seasonal depression. That was until she felt a hand on her bare back, the icy cold feeling jolting her awake. “Who goes there touching me so freely?” She demanded before seeing who her company was. 

What she least expected was your face so close to hers, bracing herself as she backed her face into her neck, shocked to actually see you. She couldn’t tell if she was irritated because no one alarmed her of your arrival, or because you had the nerve to disappear for so long. “What took you so long you worthless dolt,” she tried prying you off of her in frustration, your hold on her too strong. 

She cared for you so deeply that she didn’t even want to see you, she wanted you to know just how much trouble she went through in order to ensure your safety. Her vision so clouded by your sudden arrival she completely neglected the two wounded fatui pyro agents in her peripheral. Looking back at you even more angered. “Forgive my rudeness, but whatever you’re planning- forget it.” 

You gave her puppy dog eyes, your lip quivering and pouting. “But they’re just hungry and confused,” you begged.

She pushed you slightly away with her fingertips lingering on your chest, dusting off her clothes as she gave you stern orders. “I don’t want to repeat myself. I expect those vermin to be out of my sight when I open my eyes next.”

• Shenhe had more free time than expected, her days filled with training and assuming life in the mountains, occasionally trying to adjust to the city. But when she heard you were being sent down to the Chasm to scout the new underground area she was baffled. Wanting to join you on your expedition, only to be met with cold rejection.

• That week was the longest in her life she felt. She’s felt the bordem of loneliness before, but this time she had someone to miss, to yearn for. She often found herself struggling to meditate, an annoying challenge she’s never faced before. 

Shenhe had just finished purchasing her breakfast from Bubu Pharmacy, clutching the brown bag of distasteful herbs. Throughout the week she barely wanted to participate in anything that she found joy in before, it was like a puppy who lost its soulmate and was struck by sudden sickness caused by sadness. 

She looked at each individual step as she climbed down the countless amounts of stairs, distracting herself with the mundane things in life. She had complete trust that you’d come back regardless of you not returning the day you had said you were going to. She above anyone knew what you were capable of. She brushed her thin fingers through her white hair, combing out any snags that were made.

When she looked up she saw none other than who she anticipated the most. Her inexpensive herbs dropped to the concrete ground, some falling down the stairs to the base floor. “Is this how you greet someone you haven’t seen in a while?” You told her sarcastically even though you knew she didn’t understand it sometimes.

Shenhe was about to jump in your arms there and then from her elevated stance. Until she saw two men standing closely behind you, not just any men, but Fatui Pyro Agents. They looked weak and injured, incapable of doing any harm. Occasionally they’d disturb the peace up in the mountains, she knew where ever the Fatui went was no good. She took a defensive stance, “This is a rather upsetting turn of events,” she said as casually as possible, it was clear she was fuming. 

You stuck a protective arm up trying to shield them with part of your body. “Wait! wait! I know what this looks like-” you tried to explain yourself.

“Do you?” She interjected. She didn’t need to have an innate sense of loyalty to Liyue to feel threatened at this moment. Her voice was stern and her intentions clear, “-Because to me it seems there’s a sense of danger that you do not comprehend.” Nothing else needed to be said to make it clear to you that she didn’t approve of your actions. She harshly gave you that look to get ‘rid of it or else’. You wasted no time abiding by her actions.

#keqing x reader #ningguang x reader #shenhe x reader #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #keqing #Ningguang #shenhe

[chickalupe]

Feeling very down right now, just want to vent...

(Treating this like my old Livejournal since I don't really have anywhere else I can complain LMAO)

I've been out of work since August after completely running out of FMLA.

Between getting severe COVID in February and being out recovering for 6 weeks -- and then with Long COVID making the chronic fatigue and migraines I already had even worse -- I ended up missing so much work that I used all the time FMLA allowed before the year was even half over.

I'm living with my parents now and don't really have income except my savings; honestly most days I don't have the physical or mental spoons to even contemplate applying for even a part-time remote position yet. Thankfully I also have a retirement fund I am slowly cashing in, even if that also isn't really sustainable long-term. (But me losing my insurance will definitely be an issue soon when I run out of refills for my prescription meds...)

I'm aware that I've been pretty isolated since August; I've gotten maybe like two texts from former co-workers. I'm mostly asleep during the daytime and don't drive, so going out is hard. The person I consider my BFF is out of state and is busy with their own life. The only people I talk to most days are my Mom and Dad. (Admittedly, I am also pretty terrible about calling or texting people!) Tumblr has thus been the majority of my social interaction, for good or ill.

On top of all that, my birthday is this Friday and I always find myself depressed anyway this time of year. Like, it's probably half Seasonal Affective Disorder, and half a reminder that I'm a year older and having mixed feelings about where I am in life, IDK... But the current situation of *gestures vaguely at everything* isn't helping. So I am very blergh in general.

My parents and I had made vague plans a couple weeks ago that we could all go out for dinner on my actual birthday; nothing fancy, maybe the nearest sit-down Mexican restaurant. I was kinda looking forward to it. Mom just informed me that she is now unavailable after 5pm on my b-day itself since she offered to babysit kids for someone in their church that evening and night. We can't do it tomorrow night either, because Mom & Dad will be at a craft show from 4pm to 10pm.

And... it's fine, I guess. I'm disappointed but I'm an adult. I'm not gonna throw a tantrum or yell and cry or try to guilt her about it. She brought me flowers from the grocery store as a sort of peace offering and says we can still have cake or whatever. We'll probably do something on Saturday instead.

But EVERY YEAR, it's something. Last year, it was the cheesecake I asked for as a birthday cake getting dropped on the way into the house from the car; over half of it was smushed and then Dad stole the best remaining slice for himself. The two years before that, it was during the worst of the pandemic so I just had mediocre delivery food. I literally cannot remember the last birthday I really enjoyed in over a decade and half.

Another big source of anxiety right now -- we found out have 60 days to move since the leasing company is selling this house. So we have to find a new place, be packed and then move by January. Meanwhile home inspectors, realty agents and potential buyers are walking through while we're still living here, and it's super stressful. Words can't express how much I hate strangers being here any and all days of the week.

I guess I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself. I'm not trying to be whiny or woe-is-me, but my mental health right now is uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Not Great (tm) 😅. I do try hard to be positive but it just takes so much energy and I'm stressed and a little numb.

Not really sure how to end this. I just really needed to put it all in writing as a journal-type situation so that I don't end up crying in real life LOL.

Current Mood: burnt-out 😑

Current Music: HGTV playing in the background

#personal #don't reblog #personal don't reblog #vent post #life update

[sweetjuniperandboiledsatan]

Chapter 26 - Shady Belle

Full story here: Not a Doctor, Not an Angel Either

Word count: 34,472 Chapters: 26/41

Rating: M Pairing: John Marston x F!Reader; Javier Escuella x F!Reader

Warnings: Sexual content, mention of alcohol and cigarettes

You didn't really think that running away was the answer, did you? That it would bring back their son and magically fix everything? Of course not, but that didn't mean you weren't contemplating it. In fact, the idea struck you when Pinkerton agents unexpectedly made an appearance at Clemens Point, prompting Dutch to order everyone to start packing and moving fast.

This was it, your opportunity, you told yourself as your eyes fixated on your suitcase. It was just sitting there, unassuming and waiting for you to make your next move. You've played it in your head a few times - pick up your suitcase while no one's looking, bring your horse right behind the wagons and carriages, strap it up, and when you're ready, make a run for it. You knew your dad still had some money in the bank, and this new campsite was in close proximity to St. Denis. From there, you could board a ship that could take you away, maybe far east – away from all of this, away from Abigail, away from John.

John wasn't there; he was with Arthur and Dutch. The three of them had set out for St. Denis to look for Angelo Bronte, hoping to shed more light on Jack's whereabouts. The others who remained hustled about, unloading supplies from the wagons, pitching tents, and repairing the walls and floorboards of the derelict house that was to be the Van der Linde gang's new hideout.

You felt a sense of restlessness and unease in your chest when you finally decided to act. With mechanical grace, you picked up your suitcase, thinking it must have weighed a thousand times more than it actually did before approaching your horse. You moved carefully so as not to draw any attention to yourself and let anyone know what you intended to do. Thankfully, the wagons and carriages provided cover that helped keep you hidden from view. With practised ease, you mounted your horse and adjusted your suitcase, making sure it was securely fastened. Taking a deep breath, you urged your horse forward.

You looked back once more, and you saw your life and home for the past year growing smaller and smaller. You turned your head back on the road ahead, leaning forward and urging the animal to go faster. Maybe if you rode fast enough, you could outrun the guilt and shame that consumed you. Leaving them was the last thing you wanted, but you couldn't bring yourself to face Abigail and John again, not after everything that had happened when you broke the news to them.

You were still disoriented from the injury you sustained to your head, frantically searching for words to explain to them what had happened to their son. Abigail's face grew pale and twisted with horror, then rage. She started screaming and spewing curses at you and John. She had made herself explicitly clear that she never wanted you near her son, and John had betrayed her.

You could still hear her screams ringing in your ears as you recalled how she launched herself at you with her fists balled tightly and arms swinging wildly. You instinctively flinched and shut your eyes tight, bracing yourself for impact, only to feel the rush of air as she missed you by mere inches. When you opened your eyes, you saw John standing between the two of you, his hands holding a firm grip on her. You wondered if you would still be alive had John and the others not intervened and if Dutch hadn't been able to pacify her that day.

As you neared Caliga Hall in the eastern part of Scarlett Meadows, you could hear another horse gaining speed towards your direction. The hoofbeats sounded different but not entirely unfamiliar. It was unmistakably Boaz's. You turned your head and saw Javier riding swiftly behind you. He was a much better rider than you, and it didn't take him long to finally catch up to you. With skillful maneuvering, he was able to block your path effectively, causing you and your horse to swerve to the side.

"Where do you think you're going?" His eyes, filled with alarm and concern, flicked from your suitcase and then to you. Javier had noticed your absence among the commotion at Shady Belle earlier, and when he realised your horse was missing too, he immediately headed out in search of you.

"Out of the way, Javier, please!" Your voice quavered as you implored him to move.

"You can't just leave like this." He tightened his grip on the reins, keeping his horse steady. Your horse whinnied in protest as you attempted to guide it around him, but Boaz was too strong.

You shook your head. "You don't understand. I can't stay. I can't face Abigail… and John. That little boy, Javier, I just can't!"

"Think about what you're doing, [Y/N]." Javier's voice was firm but gentle, begging you to find some reason amidst all of this.

Gritting your teeth, you dug your heels into your horse's sides, but it refused to budge. Javier's horse edged closer, causing your horse to sidestep and your suitcase to jostle behind you.

"You think that's what John needs right now? He's out there, at his wit's end, looking for Jack."

"Have you even thought about what it'll do to him when he comes home and finds you gone?" He gestured with his arm in frustration.

"What happened to Jack, that wasn't your fault, [Y/N]." He added, his voice finally softening.

Warm tears started streaming down your sun-kissed face, and the weight of your decision suddenly felt unbearable. You realised how foolish and selfish you had been, and you were this close to leaving everything and everyone that mattered to you, including John.

You knew you had to go back. You took a deep breath and finally looked at Javier, who was patiently waiting for your response. You nodded, a silent acknowledgment of your defeat.

With his reassuring nod and a smile, Javier led his horse to ride alongside yours. The two of you made your way back to Shady Belle in comfortable silence. You thought how grateful you were for his company and, most importantly, for showing you the way back home.

*

As the afternoon faded into evening, the sounds of the swamp grew louder. The deep and guttural croaking of the bullfrogs echoed in the distance, and the incessant buzzing of mosquitoes and other insects hummed in the background. Every so often, the occasional splash of water could be heard from the swamp, creating an ominous and foreboding atmosphere that seemed to seep into everyone's mood.

Dutch's voice boomed, breaking the tension and unease in the air. "We're here!" he shouted, "And we've brought Jack back!" The camp erupted into a frenzy of cheers and relief, and the fear and apprehension that had gripped the gang dissipated.

No one was more relieved and overjoyed to see little Jack again than his mother. Abigail ran toward her baby boy, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. She thanked Dutch and Arthur for bringing her boy back, her gaze meeting John's before leading the little boy back into the fold, where they were greeted with singing and celebration. Javier led with his guitar, and the gang broke into a chorus, his beautiful voice carrying above the others.

As the celebration carried on into the night, you found yourself standing alongside Reverend Swanson and Kieran, taking in the scene of the party from a safe distance. Even Sadie, who had been distant and withdrawn since Horseshoe Overlook, appeared to be in better spirits.

"I don't want to ruin it," the Reverend answered ruefully when you asked him why he wasn't joining the festivities. You reminded him not to be too hard on himself, offering advice you thought you could certainly use as well.

Your eyes wandered over the group by the campfire, lingering for a moment on John as he sat with Abigail and Jack. A faint and familiar feeling tugged in your chest as you watched them by the campfire. You tore your gaze away in hopes of distracting yourself from it. You shifted your attention back to Reverend Swanson, who had started telling you the story about the ghost of a young woman that haunted the grounds of Shady Belle. The sunken hollows beneath his eyes only seemed to deepen as he spoke, casting an eerie shadow over his already haunted tale.

As Swanson's story drew to a close, Arthur made his way over. Noticing your reserved demeanour, he placed the comforting weight of his hand on your shoulder and offered you a drink. You accepted and felt the warmth of his touch still lingering on the cup, sensing that he had somehow read and understood everything that was going on in your mind. You looked up at Arthur and thanked him for the gesture, the liquid burning down your throat as you did. His eyes held a silent inquiry, and for a moment, you considered confiding in him, but words eluded you.

As the night progressed, the singing and drinking gradually died down, and the group that had gathered around the campfire earlier dispersed into smaller clusters. Javier's music continued, providing a soothing backdrop to the conversation between Arthur, Hosea, and Dutch, who were discussing what they’ve recently learned about Angelo Bronte.

You must've been on your third or fourth refill, all courtesy of Miss Jones, when John found you sitting by the fountain, lost in your own thoughts. Without a word, he sat beside you and raised his bottle in a silent toast. A few moments later, Jack joined you with a cheerful greeting, seemingly unmarred by the recent events.

You returned the little boy’s greeting with a warm smile, but your expression quickly turned serious as you noticed Abigail approaching you and John. Your heart raced, and you shifted uncomfortably in your seat, hoping to avoid another confrontation with her.

"I feel like I can breathe again," Abigail said, finally breaking the ice. She paused for a moment before continuing, "I'm sorry if I was...well, I was just really worried sick." Her words were sincere, and a sense of relief washed over you as you accepted her apology.

After bidding the two of you goodnight and taking Jack with her, Abigail left you and John alone once more. You savoured the last sips of your drink, basking in the peace and calm of the night. John remained quiet, his tiredness apparent in his eyes. You knew he needed a good night's sleep after all he had been through, and you decided it was best not to burden him with the knowledge of what you were up to that day.

With a soft sigh, he stood up and looked at you with such tenderness and longing, a silent invitation to call it a night. Without hesitation, you rose to your feet and took his rough, calloused hand in yours. Together, you made your way back to your quarters, leaving behind the warmth of the fire and the memories of turmoil and disquiet of the past few days.

***

#john marston #john marston x you #red dead redemption 2 #javier escuella #javier escuella x reader

[arcticdementor]

Mrs Secret Author, who knows her onions, recently drew her husband’s attention to a Facebook post that, or so she claimed, simultaneously epitomised all that was best and all that was worst about the modern literary marketplace. In it a woman — thankfully unknown to us — had decided to file her new year’s resolutions. One of them was to write “a Romance novel”. Clearly this was going to take a bit of time, but the aspiring novelist was confident that if she started now it would be possible to plan for a pre-Christmas launch. All this, it turned out, had gone down a storm with the poster’s friends. To a man — well, actually to a woman — they rushed to assure her what a terrific idea it was. Several of them confided that they, too, had always wanted to write “Romance novels” and it was great that at least one of their number was about to get on with it. And who was lined up to publish the darling work? Naturally, in this age of limitless technological horizons and level playing fields, the author was going to publish it herself.

…

And all this ignores the amusement of professionals working in other art forms. After all, does anyone ever publicly state that they hope to become a painter and that their first exhibition is booked for six months’ time? But literature, you see, is different. Unlike painting, or musical composition, or ballet, it is about the only branch of the arts in which the neophyte can make some sort of a showing without seriously embarrassing themselves. Most educated people can string a couple of readable paragraphs together; equally, most of us could, if pressed, come up with a plotline capable of sustaining the average thriller. One of the Secret Author’s earliest jobs involved reading manuscripts for a literary agent. Almost all the aspiring talents involved could produce a convincing narrative. Where they fell short was in being able to produce plausible dialogue.

…

Not long ago the Secret Author was approached by a lawyer of his acquaintance. Our man was writing a crime novel and wanted to know what a professional thought of it. The manuscript turned out to be a cut above the average — well-written, with a serviceable plot, a well-realised sense of place and some salty dialogue.  The verdict was: not bad, but could do even better; and the advice was: take some time over this, think hard about what you could do to improve it, and send it to an agent to see what they think. Did the author do this? No, he went for instant gratification, published it on Amazon and saw it sink without trace, whereas had he taken pains over it, rewritten it and sought professional advice, it might just — although one never knows — have made it onto a commercial publisher’s list.  Which takes us back to the Facebook-poster and her “Romance novel”. For what really irks is not the idea that you can take up a new career with the same facility that you can insure your labrador, but the assumption that writing is easy.  As Brian Howard, the part-model for Brideshead Revisited’s Anthony Blanche is supposed to have said when he saw his first Surrealist painting: “My dear, all they are trying to do is paint without any effort, and we all know where that leads.” We do. It leads to Facebook posts and Amazon listings.

#thecritic.co.uk #the secret author #writing

[skyfcx]

💭 + GUN

Say what's on your mind || Prompt

     "Eeeeeeeehhh...?" It's gonna be a solid meh from him, chief.

     "Look, I'm gonna have some real strong personal biases here. They kinda captured my best friend, chased him through a city after he escaped, and then captured him again once he got distracted with a fight. All of that... over a mistake that they made. So excuse me if I don't look upon them in the most favorable of lights.

     "I kinda just think that the way they run things over at G.U.N. is... sort of a complete mess? They're so brash, it's always their way or the highway. And I get that the stuff that me and my friends do technically counts as acts of vigilantism, but come on! It's clear as day that the stuff we do is good, how many times have we saved the world from Eggman's plans by now? Yes, we prefer to do our own thing, but a little cooperation from their end of things wouldn't hurt every now and then!

     "They only get involved when things are the most dire. I'm extremely thankful that they intervened after the Chaos Crisis in Station Square. We were undermanned. We're all strong, but we obviously lack the spread of an army. The only reason so many people made it out of those floods is because of the power of plenty.

     "And then we have stuff like the Black Arms Invasion, where... ugh. Yes, they are indeed helping. Again, sometimes the strength of a widespread army is more potent than a couple of really uppity animals who don't know when to quit. But they don't do investigations! They don't check with outside sources to confirm or deny suspicions of foul play or alignments before they take action! They have zero curiosity at the concept of a Plan B! It's just... first draft done! Let's ship it!

     "At the end of the day, Shadow was an immense assistance to the end of that invasion. Super Shadow was the one that beat back the invasion! Singlehandedly! And he could've been on our side far faster if G.U.N. agents weren't shooting at him!"

     Annoyance. Irritation. There's a creak of a computer chair as the cushion of its headrest is sunk deep into. And the fox simply groans and groans a long and sustained grumble, his whole self currently being spun around in said computer chair. No, he did not stop to speak. His mouth moved and so did his spinny-chair.

     "I feel like Team Dark's involvement with G.U.N. is the only reason they even work with us anymore. And even that's pretty stinkin' sparing. I mean, we handle ourselves fine as is, but a little help here and there wouldn't hurt! I know they've got a lot to protect, but it'd be insane to think that Eggman isn't pretty high up on their long list of priorities. Maybe they could look into a long-term solution for all of this? Jail exists, y'know. Eggman is a pretty tricky guy to pin down, but I bet if an army went after him, it'd be a little easier to get the job done!"

     Bah. A hand is waved to the air, a body's roundabout whirling falling to a crawl as the rest of his momentum is burned off. He gives up. "It's vexing to say the least, but I think we work best when we're doing our thing and they're doing theirs. 'Nuff said."

#(IC.) ''Just call me Tails!'' #(ANSWERS.) ''And that's my scope of the scene!'' #arksmemoir #((TALKS AND YAMMERS AND YAMMERS AND MONOLOGUES AND--)) #((i kinda just put the mic up to tails' mouth and let him go for as long as he wanted)) #((apparently he had a lot to say sdfyhtgfrcdx))

[heartsbreaking]

SOFIA BY TOMAS LENNOX

in this article for gq, staff writer tomas lennox interviews his twin sister sofia lennox, former midfielder for bayern münchen and now afc richmond's new women's team.

"this is probably the most comfortable either of us have ever been for an interview," sofia laughs as she sits down across from me on her orange couch. sofia lennox was born on december 21st, 1996. coincidentally, that was seventeen minutes after i was.

we were born in norway and lived there until we moved to scotland at 14. we both played sports, but sofia was the one who was good at it. obviously, she was the one who went on to play professionally while i only write about it.

when i ask her why she still plays after all this time, sofia tells me like i should already know "i still love the game. i love the level of competition and i love my teammates." sofia has always strived to play stronger and play better. she even switched positions from defense to midfield her first year at bayern.

sofia tells me she didn't always intend to go pro, she just wanted to keep playing. she could have played in uni, i point out. she tells me that was never her plan. "by the time it was time for me to think about going to uni i was already playing at pre-professional level. i just don't think uni would have been in the cards for me. i don't even know what i would have studied." her interests were never in school, she explains. she wasn't drawn to writing "like you were" and she didn't see herself as good at maths or science. "if i hadn't gotten to play for glasgow city i likely would have gone back to norway or tried to work at a charity shop somewhere. i've always loved vintage fashion."

i compliment her outfit of choice. today she's wearing an orange floral print dress and brown boots. my sister knows what look she's going for, and it's admirable. she's dressed this way for a long time. i don't even remember how long it's been. so i ask, "why'd you start dressing vintage?" i know from the look in her eye, she's about to start a tangent. "i love how people like sharon tate and jane birkin dressed back then. oh, and twiggy! i've lived in areas with such good vintage shops, and vintage inspired shops. charity shops and i are best friends." the only truly modern clothing she claims to own are her "training clothes and her favorite pair of jeans." sofia makes sure to emphasize that she has loved fashions of the past, for a long time, but is so glad for the progress we've made. she knows not buying mass produced clothing is a privilege. "i see a lot of people on social media making videos of buying fast fashion that they wear once and throw out. i don't want to be that person or promote the idea that that is sustainable. if you've got to buy fast fashion because it's all you can afford, you're not the problem. the problem is those who can afford to pay for sustainably produced clothing buying cheaply made clothing and throwing it out and the companies who profit from churning out trends." i know i'm making a face because she tells me immediately, "you can put all that in." sofia's not interested in making her opinions more palatable for brands. speaking of more palatable to brands, a quick glance over at her new pr agent tells us to turn the conversation back to sport.

she's just moved to richmond to play for afc richmond's newly founded women's team. i couldn't be prouder of her. "it's incredibly exciting. i'm so grateful to have been brought on board to play for richmond. i've got to thank ms. welton and keeley jones for thinking of me and allowing me to be apart of this team." sofia gestures for keeley jones, the pr consultant who suggested her for the team, to come over to the couch. she gives keeley a hug and thanks her personally. "leaving bayern was bitter sweet, but i didn't lose any friends. we're all still on lovely terms. they wished me well. changing teams is part of the job. i'm still friends with the a lot of men's team as well. i've already made a lot of new friends here, i hope to make richmond proud." i ask sofia how she feels about being on the first women's team, whether there's anything she's worried about. she takes a moment to consider the question. "i know there are a lot of expectations and richmond fans are passionate. i don't want to let them down. i know people have a lot of ideas about what a women's team should be." "what do you want to tell fans that might not think women's football can bring the same excitement as the men's team?" "just watch us play! we don't disappoint!" as her brother, i'm certainly biased, but i don't disagree.

sofia will be playing with afc richmond in the coming season.

#*[ LENNOX S : EXTENDED WRITINGS ] #*[ LENNOX S : NPC x tomas lennox ] #character : sofia lennox #*[ EDITS AND GRAPHICS ] . . . do not steal

[emcads]

vampire lore masterpost

nsfw content is last and beneath a heading.

physicality / anatomy

her respiratory system operates like a snake's: though she has a pair of human lungs she was born with, one falls into atrophy. also like a snake's, due to the opening in her windpipe she is able to breathe while feeding on prey, and this modified opening produces her hiss on forceful exhale. she requires far less breathing than a human would in normal circumstances (next to none when dormant), but the demands are increased in heightened physical activity like hunting, or sex. however, when she’s not fed well she has to breathe more, as the blood that’s in low supply needs to be kept oxygenated.

her fangs are also snakelike and fold up and down mostly as an active and conscious process when she's ready to attack or to feed. however, they can extend unconsciously out of hunger (like mouth watering), out of desire, or when she’s startled,  or even when she’s just playing (much like a cat clawing or biting you) there is a numbing agent in her venom that allows her to feed from victims without waking them, and makes being fed from a pleasurable act for the victim if they are awake (typically).

she is not white,  or any paler than her natural skintone;  she doesn’t have a tan  or get any darker ( because she can’t be out in the sun, naturally ) but the vampirism doesn’t affect natural levels of melanin.  she is also no thinner than her normal body type.  if she only consumed blood,  her metabolism is quick enough that she would significantly lose weight,  but she does not and very much enjoys consuming regular meals with blood,   so she remains curvy  ( and at what would be,  under human circumstances,  a healthy body weight.  )

her eyes are lightened to an amber similar to the shade of a cat’s ;  also like a cat’s,  there’s a reflective layer behind them that allow her to see better at night,  and will shine back green if there’s light thrown into them.  cameras haven’t exactly been invented yet,  but if they were,  she would show up,  but it’d look like one of those spooky pictures of your cat where only their green eyes are visible in the dark. her pupils expand similar to cat pupils when she's excited or hungry or horny.

her heartbeat is ordinarily almost undetectable, though it does beat, very slowly: when she's dormant in her coffin it's so faint that she would be confused with a corpse. but as demands increase on her body, it will return to a “live” pace/volume, in strenuous physical or emotional activity.

she has blood, will bleed if wounded,  and these wounds rapidly ( though not instantaneously ) heal.   however she does not menstruate and it isn’t possible for her to sustain a pregnancy  (  it’s incredibly unlikely for her to get pregnant and her body might try to support the pregnancy for a few days, but  it won’t sustain life from an un-life for very long   ).

she can produce most other bodily fluids, including cervical fluid & arousal fluid. tears are incredibly, incredibly unlikely unless she's in immense physical pain and near death. one that she cannot produce is sweat: she has a naturally low body temperature that is very rarely exceeded, and if so, she will need to submerge herself in cool water or go below ground.   

eating

she prefers to eat men and will drain them absolutely dry: these killings may be messy and generally unpleasant depending on how much the man in question fights back and how strong he is. she will drink from women but rarely kills them: she prefers romantic advances and voluntary feeding, and may be proceeded by an extended seduction / courtship (much like Carmilla)

her strongest weapon and access to blood is her fangs, but as she is a trained fencer she uses her rapier or her knife more often that not,  as she considers biting to kill ( rather than just to drink, as from a lover )  a very messy and animalistic business. she tends to resort to her fangs in moments of heightened emotions, namely anger or panic.   

the transubstantiation element of the eucharist means that it does, technically satisfy her hunger vis a vis the blood of christ but it's not that pleasant nor satisfying. the processed nature of the wafers is more or less equivalent to a saltine cracker.

different blood types have different flavor profiles, analogous to broad categories of mortal food like sweet/savory/sour, and they are further seasoned by whatever the victim themselves ate (as well as any other substances in the body). virgins are analogous to the scent Auntie Anne's pretzels in the mall and are thus irresistible.

she has very Cultivated Tastes for blood for various reasons. Don Rafael was already an established and pretentious vampire when she was born, and he raised her in the luxury of limitless blood. but when they went to sea, there were some lean times at sea when one man had to feed both of them, or they were forced to resort to eating rats. now she dines rather greedily and almost exclusively eats humans. if absolutely pressed she would eat things like deer, rabbits, foxes, mountain lions, but she has no desire to eat livestock and CERTAINLY not vermin ever again

history

she is technically half-vampire: she was born to a human mother, and a vampire father, and grandfather. by the onset of the golden age of piracy she is already about 150 years old. she appears physically in her early 30's, as this was the point at which her body achieved stasis: her growth was far quicker than a human's, and she achieved maturity in about 10 years.

around 1700 they're pushed out of New Spain for the same reasons Don Rafael was expelled from Europe, and they take to piracy, sailing only at night, and bleeding ships literally dry – leading to some fascinating new legends ( but they arent associated with very many other pirates like the brethren due to the butchery ). after a while of that, Don Rafael's murder at the hands of a religious fanatic, and some near misses with the sunlight, it gets too dangerous to stay at sea. this leads to her decision to take her wealth and reclaim the ancient castle in Spain the family held before the Inquisition, to make it her own.

since she was born rather than cursed, and diluted by human blood, she doesn't have any of the Wilder array of vampiric powers like flight, turning into a bat, pyrokinesis, hypnosis, etc. however, her senses are sharper, and she's stronger and faster than a human is. this also means that she consumes regular food in addition to blood, often side by side as she dines with a dinner guest and then eats them.

in the 14th and 15th centuries, the de Sevilla family business was originally making wine (including blood wine for themselves. when she reclaims the abandoned castle, she also claims the defunct attached vineyard. this gives her a way to store blood long-term that isn't freezing or refrigeration (disgusting) as well as providing a bit of income.

other:

when at sea, she and don rafael sailed primarily with other vampires or occult, but would keeps a few humans on the ship as livestock to be slaughtered along the way if they didn't happen into battle soon enough, or were not satisfied by the blood consumed then. this was done without their knowledge, and they would fake a reason for their death to the other human crewmates (if any still remained)

she has very refined table manners and generally hates making a mess, and has evolved methods of biting / bleeding her victims as efficiently and cleanly as possible: she will use a serviette to tidy up her lips if any blood escapes. but she is given to carelessness if her emotions are heightened, and will get blood everywhere, which she hates to no end, and will immediately want a bath. this habit does not stop her from wearing light-colored gowns, though several of them have already been stained.

she has little to no desire to get married and it's highly, highly unlikely unless her partner desperately wants to. she's much too pretentious to have a purely legal ceremony and the thought of entering a church and saying vows before god makes her ill. she might eventually decide on a long-term partner, but she prefers the romance of humans to other vampires, generally speaking, and their sport lifespan makes it typically unlikely.

within her living quarters, she tends to maintain the aesthetic of catholicism but modified to accommodate her undead, unholy state. for instance: crucifixes on the wall are turned upside down, and there tends to be more imagery of the serpent, or of the weeping virgin mary, than of christ. she's sensitive to silver, and won't eat from it/touch it, but general decorations don't bother her (except on the rare occasion she bumps into an over-large silver candelabra and curses like a sailor). this results in quite a bit of gold decor as the safest, and most elaborate, option.

as far as her relationship with God goes, she still deeply believes in Him but she's far more annoyed than faithful. He's real and very influential, unfortunately, much like Ronald Reagan.

nsfw:

drinking is very arousing & pleasurable for her and would be incorporated as a sexual act in some respect, even if only mildly, such as giving love bites, or kissing up the beads of blood from scratching their back. she will refrain if her partner expresses discomfort, but its unlikely her restraint will last for an extended period.

 she very much enjoys eating out vaginas, giving blowjobs, and swallowing/licking up cum;  it’s not quite the same as drinking blood,  but partially satisfies that hunger, like eating candy. 

she also very much enjoys being eaten out.  penetrative sex can be enjoyable for her especially when the power dynamics are contributing to the thrill, but it’s a surer bet just to get ur mouth down there:  the hunger / consumption aspect reliably drives her insane.  on that note :  she won’t enjoy sex if she’s hungry.   she needs to be fed with blood first,  or she’ll be irritable, for one,  and  won’t get any physical pleasure herself because of the weakened blood flow.

#wanted 2 consolidate this into one big post #WHY is this so long this is an entire new character #well anyway. i love her. will probably be adding to this #v: vampire. ( ࿐ྂ ) i will become eternally beautiful. #headcanon. ( ࿐ྂ ) in a world without gold，we might have been heroes.

[quillyfied]

Omenstuck Goodies and Extras

Hello! Below are my doodles and extra details for Omenstuck that didn’t make it into the fic (and probably wouldn’t have even if I did finish writing it properly); any questions or comments are completely welcome, because this project has been so big for so long I’m sure I’ve forgotten something. This is going to be extremely Homestuck jargon-heavy, because I have given up any pretense of Omenstuck being at all friendly for non-Homestucks and I’m deeply sorry for that. Anyway. On with the show!

The basic plot element breakdown: this was an experiment in applying to Homestuck lore what Good Omens accomplishes: what if these NPCs become main characters instead? How that worked out for Omenstuck was that the story followed Aziraphale and Crowley through the different Dream Shards (as opposed to Homestuck Dream Bubbles, since reality is breaking apart and different realities are occupying the same area in Paradox Space), the game of Sburb being under stress from the game-breaking move of Satan (Lord of Space) pulling Agnes (Muse of Time) from her own session and forcing them together into the same pocket of reality and therefore causing the rest of the parallel realities of Sburb to start crashing into each other. Aziraphale and Crowley were just carapacian pawns the entire time—it was only Sburb’s code attempting to work as intended that started trying to populate itself with players and ended up cannibalizing its own NPCs, rewriting them as other species Sburb already had saved in its data banks (cherubs, trolls, humans, etc).

Gabriel and Beelzebub were the White King and Black King. Michael was the White Queen. Hastur and Ligur were Dersite agents. The other angels and demons in the troll session don’t have fixed carapacian roles, beyond the angels being Prospitian and the demons being Dersites, but that was the general idea driving the structure of both the background narrative and the troll session narrative, once we got there. Death and the other Horsemen were occupying a weird role, vaguely as the Felt (who in HS are creatures called leprechauns, but we didn’t get to learn too much in-depth info about them and I certainly wasn’t about to make some up, so for the purposes of the story, they sort of occupied a coding troubleshooter role but hijacked by Satan’s Lord of Space powers into becoming more his cronies than anything else).

So by the time the story, bound to linearity, manages to catch up with the “human” session of Aziraphale and Crowley, playing out on a Dream Shard that was in the middle of getting sucked into the collision of two very real sessions (the Scratched sessions of Satan and Agnes, occupied by Adam and his friends and Anathema and hers respectively), Aziraphale and Crowley have gone beyond their tiny existing glitch of hooking up every Sburb cycle and have become much more sentient and aware. And, because playing with the Thief of Doom/Rogue of Life dichotomy with regard to past and parallel lives is fun, they get to pull from their former lives/sessions to become hodgepodge creatures that resemble their Good Omens canon forms, wings and all. Meanwhile, Satan is pulling a Lord English in attempting to destroy and subjugate everything, Agnes is pulling a Calliope in providing inspiration to her descendant/ancestor Anathema, and Adam is playing with the wide possibilities of being a Page of Space and limitless creativity being his superpower, just like in GO canon. And eventually, thanks to Adam fixing the Sburb glitches and reforging the game, all of the characters now get to live out full lives in perpetuity, Sburb being turned into an infinite sustainable creation machine rather than a cycle of creation and consumption.

If any of that made sense, I’m glad, because I think I got lost in the weeds while writing the fic and got too tickled with myself for being cryptic that I forgot to make things make sense. Not sure I achieved that now, either. And as for Warlock, a full breakdown of his fate and role is coming, but later. Want to talk about some of these unused or glossed-over details first.

As I mentioned in my comment glossary for A3A1 (Chapter Six), the “human” session for Aziraphale, Crowley, Gabriel, and Beelzebub was a non-HS canon “glitch” session, in keeping with the fact that the gang here are supposed to be Derse/Prospit carapacian inhabitants of the Sburb game and not true players. I wanted that to be reflected in their Quest Planets, for desolation and futility to be the name of the game. And, for simplicity’s sake, I kept them all in a black and white theme (Aziraphale and Crowley share a palette, Gabriel and Beelzebub share a palette).

Crowley: Land of Scales and Barren. Dark volcanic sand, huge snake skeletons arcing up and through the ground. Snake denizen (which would be in line with Homestuck tradition), snake fossil consorts (not canon but not too far off its reptilian preferences either). I traced a snake spine to make the upd8 art that showed Crowley and Aziraphale’s bandstand fight from A3A1, and I’m still proud of that, dangit.

Beelzebub: Land of Honeycomb and Hollow. Flat black rock bored through with pale-lit hexagonal tunnels. Fly denizen, bug consorts. I was particularly pleased with how Beelzebub’s concept and name for their Quest Planet turned out; shame we never got to visit it, because it feels rad to me.

Aziraphale: Land of Scripts and Cavities. Pale sand (actually paper particles), strange cryptic scribble structures, caves with more scribbles on the walls. Bird denizen, pterodactyl fossil consorts. I might have flipped that around in the actual script of the fic but eh. I mostly wanted Aziraphale’s to feel particularly infuriating to him, since he is the one having the most visceral flashbacks to previous lives (what you get for dying so often, you self-sacrificial chump, CROWLEY WAS SUPPOSED TO DIE IN THE TROLL SESSION AND YET YOU JUMPED IN ANYWAY) and it’s his unease that starts the chapter, and for it to be very flammable. For reasons.

Gabriel: Land of Angels and Deficiency. Barren pale flat landscape, huge airplane-sized scorch marks. I mentioned this in the Ch6 comment glossary, but to reiterate, Gabriel’s in particular is a callback to his role in the troll session, where he took on the canonical Eridan role and started blasting angels on his Quest Planet, which he was not supposed to do but got fixated on anyway. It also helps that in Homestuck, “angels” are huge, powerful, serpentine creatures who aren’t consorts or denizens but whose role in the game was never realized (except as foreshadowing for cherubs, who are also huge serpentine winged creatures that are incredibly hard to kill and will attack when provoked).

Now for one of the “real” sessions, Agnes’ session that she was pulled from and was subsequently Scratched, or flipped over for the dancestors of Agnes’ session to become the players instead. I wanted these to be based on a Homestuck canon Void session, since a circular quest pattern and waiting for something to happen fits Anathema’s GO canon arc (and much like in GO canon, she is unsatisfied with waiting and tries to make a change herself: hence her meeting Adam and Aziraphale at the connection point between the three colliding sessions). I color sampled from real noble gases as best I could for the general accent colors of the Void planets, and stuck them with basic HS canon templates for the Alpha Kids’ session, if flipped around a bit (and using different grave synonyms than HS canon to make them stand out). Also their Pesterchum colors, but more on their handles later.

Anathema: Land of Krypton and Mausoleums. Yaldaboath for denizen (powerful, often drawn to game-breaking players), iguanas for consorts. Since mausoleums are above-ground structures that go deeper, I wanted Anathema’s planet to look like islands in a sea of mist, because that’s metal. Also she was the only one with a defined quest out of the group, and it was just to find the Great Beast, about as vague as GO canon, especially when the Great Beast is in reference to Adam and not Anathema’s denizen (though I think if she’d thought of it, Yaldaboath could probably have provided some details, for a price).

Newt: Land of Xenon and Undercrofts. Abraxas for a denizen, turtle consorts, which is very appropriate given that most of Newt’s quest planet features are underground. Undercrofts aren’t graves, precisely, but they’re often used as structures for deeper architecture and sometimes cathedrals will stick crypts down there. For a guy like Newt who is sort of politely bewildered and not very assertive, it felt appropriate and even kinda cute for him.

Shadwell: Land of Argon and Tumuli. Nix for denizen, salamanders for consorts. Tumuli, according to my research, are hill crypts; it felt like an appropriately archaic word for a guy like Shadwell, and is occupied with said hill crypts surrounded by streams of argon gas. Similar to Anathema’s, in a way, but given that I never summoned the mental willpower to find out exactly what Shadwell’s role in the greater Omenstuck narrative is, imagining a grumpy paranoid witch hunter bumbling from hill to hill looking for a can of condensed milk will have to do.

Tracy: Land of Radon and Vaults. Hemera for denizen, crocodiles for consorts. Tracy’s land is brightest of them all, for obvious reasons, and I gave her little pools of radon gas to wander around along with the above-ground vaults. Admittedly, I was struggling to find grave synonyms by that point that hadn’t been already used in HS canon, and struggling mentally in general with the entire concept, so Tracy and Shadwell get a bit of a cop-out for their Quest Planets since they aren’t meant to be front and center important anyway. Tracy’s more pivotal role in GO canon was pretty diminished in Omenstuck, acting instead as a Prospit dreamer guide to Anathema’s Derse dreamer, but at least her typing quirk was fun.

The Them’s Quest Planets are next, and full warning, they are eye-searing.

The Them were fun, because I was toying with a trickster mode flavor to their planets, but also I was lazy and assigned them Beta Kid colors and decided to just use those colors for my planet sketches. The Them is the Scratched version of Satan’s session, as led by his dancestor Adam, and is supposed to be a healthier session since they have a Space player and a Knight to assist in frog breeding duties to create a normal, viable Genesis Frog. Once again, their planets and quests weren’t really essential to the plot, so for the most part they went on mention alone. The consorts also match the Beta Kid color they got assigned, just to make it easier on myself. I think. Pretty sure.

Adam: Land of Dreams and Nightmares. Echidna for a denizen, iguanas for consorts (to match Anathema). Adam’s planet is supposed to look most Earth-like, with reversed lands and seas. As with most viable sessions, Adam as the Space player has a frog temple on his planet and the means to go about creating the Genesis Frog, but the most defining trait of his world is its malleability and how it responds to Adam’s wishes. Familiar, no?

Pepper: Land of Choice and Injustice. Hephaestus is her denizen, crocodiles for consorts. Pepper’s land is full of statues of Justice with tipped scales, courthouses, and her quest is related to righting all the scales and instances of injustice in her planet, as evidenced by the name. As with most Sburb Quest Planets, the quest is tailored to a younger audience, matching and challenging Pepper’s growing sense of social responsibility and dedication to righteous causes. Also. War’s foil and all.

Brian: Land of Bridges and Detritus. Typhus for consort, salamanders for consort. Brian’s land is pretty self-explanatory: it’s full of bridges and garbage. His quest is to clean up or find use for the garbage. Standard Brian stuff, in having him both mirror and contrast Pollution.

Wensley: Land of Accounts and Figures. Cetus for denizen, turtles for consort. Wensleydale’s quest was about balancing the accounts and figures, so similar to Pepper’s quest for justice, but much more boring. His land is populated with giant ledgers and dollar signs in the doodle, and in theory his quest would do more to have him compare and contrast with Famine, but it never got that far.

When crafting the Act 3 classpects, I had a hard time, because I wanted the full set of three sessions to fill available roles, but also, the available roles were a bit like the troll session in that it was more about completionism than about what truly fit. Agnes and Satan fill the Lord/Muse roles and the Space/Time dichotomy, and for ease’s sake (and plot continuity) I had Aziraphale, Crowley, Gabriel, and Beelzebub keep their troll session classpects, but that left the humans a little scattershot. I threw out a lot of Homestuck canon speculation regarding certain classes and their (seemingly) gender-locked states, and did some creative bending with aspects. But. Did my best. Here they are.

Satan: Lord of Space (seemed to fit; needed Satan to fill the HS Lord English role as an agent of unstoppable and unspeakable violence, and Space fit Adam better, so I made it fit Satan too. In HS, dancestors don’t usually share a class or an aspect, but they can be related. I wanted Adam and Satan, as well as Agnes and Anathema, to share Aspects, because it kinda fit a GO theme about outgrowing your origins and choosing who you are despite where you came from or what your destiny says you’re supposed to be. I think Satan also fits as a Space player as a nod to Lucifer the Morningstar, but that’s more of a nod than anything.)

Agnes: Muse of Time (I settled on Muse because Satan needed a counterpart as a Lord for plot reasons, and because Muse is precisely what Agnes is, in Good Omens: she doesn’t take any actions, she merely inspires through her prophecies. As for Time, I think that’s pretty obvious, don’t you?)

Adam: Page of Space (obvious, had to be a Space player because Space is all about creativity and creation, and he couldn’t be another Lord since that wasn’t quite his MO and he couldn’t be a Bard because Gabriel had it, though a Bard would be a perfect fit for his wildcard nature. Prince, too, would have been a good fit as an agent of destruction, but Beelzebub had that. Which left Page, the class occupied traditionally by the weakest players, but shown to have the most wide-open chance for growth and success due to its limitless capacity for potential.)

Pepper: Knight of Mind (Knight was obvious from the get-go, though I did swap a few other classes in there while trying stuff out. Mind was difficult to land on but I eventually chose it for her because of its ties to choices, which seems to be something important to Pepper.)

Brian: Heir of Blood (sort of a throwaway classpect, but I kind of like the idea of Brian coming to embody bonds, given his surprising insight as well as brave chewing-out of Adam in GO. Plus his loyalty. Bri is a loyal guy and that’s canon.)

Wensleydale: Witch of Light (a hard one, and admittedly I wish in hindsight I’d made Shadwell the Witch because CAN YOU IMAGINE, and also Anathema and Tracy both would have suited Witch power sets well, but Anathema needed to be a Seer and Tracy’s gimmick is that she isn’t a Witch and it felt too active a class for her. I landed on it for Wensley mostly because I’m tickled by the idea of him taking up witchcraft in Anathema’s stead as a personal GO headcanon. Light was a no-brainer. Wensley regurgitates facts like the nerd he is, so knowledge is his domain no question. Luck is a little more questionable but his glasses didn’t break during Armageddon so I’ll give it to him.)

Anathema: Seer of Time (I chose Seer for her instead of Witch because Anathema, for all her desire to be an active player, is a more passive one in GO canon; Seer could also be a more active role in HS, it’s mostly guesswork, but between Seer and Witch, I needed Anathema to be able to catch glimpses of the future, not manipulate it, and mostly through her medium of Agnes’ GameFAQs, which both fulfils Agnes’ ultimate HS passive role as inspiration and her GO role as cryptic guide. And Time, because of Agnes.)

Newt: Maid of Void (I stumbled face-first into this after trying a few other combinations and once it clicked I could have slapped myself for not thinking of it sooner. Maid, one who helps another person or literally “made”, and Void, the absence of all other aspects and sort of anti-creation rather than destruction? Chef’s kiss. Couldn’t have planned it better myself. In English, I suppose, what this means is that taking Newt’s single-use purpose in GO to irrevocably destroy electronics translates pretty darn well to a suggested utility of a Maid of Void to cancel out an act of another player, perhaps some rage-happy Lord of Space or assorted cronies on a rampage.)

Tracy: Sylph of Heart (in simplest terms, a healer of relationships or feelings. Could have had a lot more utility if I had the spoons to use her fake medium and sex worker skillset in this capacity to mend some of the breaks in communications between players, but c’est la vie, sometimes our ambitions are greater than our abilities.)

Shadwell: Mage of Breath (and behold the bottom of the barrel for what Shadwell could be, the last classpect combination available. Mages are an odd class and I’m not sure I truly understand them, but what Shadwell is, to the best of my knowledge, is one who knows about detachment or wind. If you want to look at it that way: a blowhard. Mages can also represent an absence of their aspect in themselves or their party, so a lack of lack of attachment, or a lack of wind or direction: sure. Why not. Why not. Can’t be any more cryptic and useless than the rest of the behind the scenes knowledge of this fic.)

Yes, everyone had pesterchum handles. No, they were probably never coming up. Yes, the colors depicted were the colors I was going to code for them if they ever did come up. I gave Satan and Agnes the rNA “uu/UU” designations, and kept the human DNA sequence combinations for the humans. Because easy. Didn’t color-match the canon HS colors and abbreviations, so I’m sure a veteran Homestuck looking at these theoretical pesterlogs would have lost their minds, but I did the same thing in the troll session, so we can all live with it. I’m also not going to explain my choices, because they feel self-explanatory; anyone who feels differently can shoot me a reply or an ask!

Satan: universalUsurper

Agnes: untoldUniverse

Adam: guaranteedTrouble

Brian: grimyGusto

Pepper: testifyingGrit

Wensley: thoroughTeller

Anathema: geneticTheurgist

Newt: tragicTurpin

Tracy: ghostlyGuide

Shadwell: thunderGun

Now, for the main non-canon event that I dropped into this unwieldy chili of canon and non-canon elements: Warlock’s classpect.

I knew I wanted to include Warlock, but I wasn’t sure how. The single-player Dead session that a Lord or a Muse is supposed to embark on was already tossed out the window by having Satan create a specialized two-player session for himself and Agnes, trapping them in a reality bubble that was breaking everything outside of it. All possible classpects had been assigned, and I wasn’t particularly interested in creating another overlap. So what to do?

Easy. Pulled a Hussie and made a non-canon classpect just for Warlock.

Cheekily named the Twist of Fate, Warlock’s role in the story was to act as a sort of deus ex machina for saving Aziraphale from the destruction of his Dream Shard, and for him to show Adam the way forward. A Twist of Fate is a one-use classpect that can unleash unfathomable power exactly one time per thread of Fate the player is following. The apple that grew in Crowley’s garden in A3A1? Warlock’s doing. Time and Doom are both aspects that sort of encapsulate what Fate is, but because it’s my fic, I decided to make it a special separate aspect just for Warlock to follow. Warlock’s backstory and what happened to him after he got sucked into a black hole in A2 was going to pop up in an interlude, but the basics are that he occupied the same general narrative as Caliborn in Homestuck, playing a game of single-player billiards in an attempt to achieve his God Tier and escape his sliver of reality. The Other Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a nod to the Good Omens book, were going to be Felt-like creatures that did Warlock’s bidding, but there just wasn’t the time or energy to get it done. So Warlock did two very big things as a proto-antichrist to show Adam how it’s done: he fused together the three-way session collision into a single solid piece of universe, and he handed Adam the apple, the visual key Adam needed to realize the choice was his to make when it came to what to do next. I have much affection for Warlock as a character that could be a very good foil for Adam, if they ever met in GO canon, and this was my blown kiss to GO fanon that recognizes and expounds on that.

And…that’s it. Nothing more behind the curtain, no more tricks up my sleeves, no more detritus or ephemera to disgorge from my thinkpan. It’s all out there. As always, questions and comments are so welcome, either on AO3 or as an ask or reply here on Tumblr. Thank you to anyone who read this, I’m sorry I couldn’t give a complete story, and hopefully this info-dumping sort of makes up for it? Hope so, anyway. Bye!

#omenstuck #good omens #quilly writing #quillartist #well. there it is #i can move on with life now

[mydrxmcarehealth]

Navigating Digestive Health: Hidrasec & Canesten Tablets 

Digestive health is the cornerstone of overall well-being. Whenever things go astray, such as a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract or another one, or else the development of a fungal infection, it is very important to effectively attenuate the suffering.

However, in this, there come two agents that play the primary role in the realm of digestive health: Canesten & Hidrasec Tablets. Let's take a closer look at both of them now and understand the benefits they bring about digestive health.

Understanding Hidrasec Tablets:

Hidrasec tablets can be said always to be showing the best effect in the management of gastrointestinal cases of diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The active ingredient in the tablet is racecadotril, and it tends to decrease some intestinal enzymes, affecting fluid secretion and increasing fecal consistency.

But the benefits of Hidrasec tablets are not limited to relieving the symptoms, which perform quite serious work of giving protection from mechanisms in diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome; they offer efficacious and long-active protection—comfort in life. Plus, its efficacy in lessening fluid loss during diarrhea helps avoid further dehydration episodes.

Most of those who suffer from pain in the gastrointestinal system would, for that sake, consider the tablets Hidrasec a godsend for the relief provided: both active and sustainable.

Unveiling the Benefits of Canesten Tablets:

Entering into the domain of fungal infections, Canesten Tablets come into play as a very faithful solution to diverse problems. Yeast infection, athlete's foot, and jock itch all can find their cure through the use of Canesten tablets to get targeted relief in the worst areas.

Canesten treats the core with an effective active component called Clotrimazole. The antifungal agent acts through the disruption of fungi cell membranes, thus effectively limiting it from gaining further growth in number. Working in the depth of the fungal infection, Canesten tablets give the solution not only during the temporal phase of infections.

Canesten also manufactures tablets with a different formulation for several kinds of fungus infections and different preferences. Hence, with the use of such products as Canesten, people really can find a solution to their problems, whether it is an oral tablet or cream.

The Intersection of Digestive Health:

However, Hidrasec and Canesten tablets deal with different digestion needs, and their paths will cross once the discomfort in the gut has occasioned the presence of fungal infections. In such a case, one may find himself with two conditions of diarrhea and a rampant overgrowth of fungi—a rather nasty cocktail for him to have to deal with.

These, therefore, mean that the use of Hidrasec and Canesten tabs would put people ahead of the treatment in dealing with the challenge to their digestive health armed with confident ineffective responses. Promising cures of fungal-related problems, be it diarrhea or IBS—treatments of these drugs promise a cure that can relieve sufferers, thereby the refurbishment that puts people in control of their digestive health.

In Conclusion: Hidrasec and Canesten Tablets are two pillars in the complex web of the digestive system: supporters that bring relief and restoration at the most needed time. From managing an upset stomach to fighting off a fungal infection, all these things help provide real, tangible benefits to a way of better overall well-being. So, whether it is a release from diarrhea, IBS, or fungal woes, be sure of Hidrasec efficacy and Canesten tablets to bring you the relief that you deserve. With constant knowledge about their benefit, digestive health can never be a better journey to be marked with confidence and comfort. Remember, knowledge is the power behind digestive health. Empress yourself with the knowledge and understanding from this valuable medication and be in control of your digestive health today.

#Tablets #Canesten Tablets #Hidrasec Tablets #mydrxm #health

[market-spy]

Navigating the Maze of Long-Term Care Insurance Market

Hey there, curious minds! Today, let’s embark on a journey into the riveting world of long-term care insurance. Buckle up because we’re about to explore the ins and outs of a market that’s growing faster than a cat video goes viral.

The Numbers Game: 

So, according to the not-so-boring report I stumbled upon (Report ID: SQMIG40M2001, because who doesn’t love a good ID), the global Long-Term Care Insurance Market was a whopping USD 18.88 billion in 2021. Hold your breath, because by 2030, it’s predicted to hit USD 53.21 billion. That’s a growth rate of 12.3%, folks! Move over, Bitcoin.

The Who’s Who in the Market: 

Now, let’s talk about the players in this insurance circus. We’ve got the usual suspects — Genworth, John Hancock, Aviva, Allianz, and more. It’s like a superhero lineup, but instead of capes, they wear business suits.

Segmentation Shenanigans: 

The report dives into segments like a kid into a ball pit. We’ve got types — traditional and hybrid (not the car, sadly), applications — between 18 and 64 or over 65 (because apparently, age matters), payers — out-of-pocket and public (cue dramatic music), and services — nursing care and home healthcare. It’s like choosing toppings for your pizza, but with a bit more financial weight.

Service Smackdown: 

In 2022, nursing care took the crown, claiming the largest revenue share at 32.3%. Apparently, the elderly have a soft spot for specialized care. Home healthcare is also on the rise — because who wouldn’t want care delivered to their doorstep like a pizza?

Paying the Piper: 

Public funding flexed its muscles, claiming 63.5% of the revenue share in 2022. Meanwhile, out-of-pocket expenses played their part but are expected to take a back seat in the future. Maybe they need a better agent.

Global Adventures: 

North America wore the crown in 2022, securing the largest share at 49.3%. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is all about family support. In Thailand, a whopping 90% of elderly individuals receive care from family members. Talk about keeping it in the family.

For More Information: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/long-term-care-insurance-market

Driving Forces and Roadblocks: 

The report talks about increasing awareness surrounding facilities (because apparently, some people didn’t know they needed care) and the rising costs of insurance, which is putting a dent in everyone’s piggy bank. It’s like wanting a fancy car but realizing you can only afford a bicycle.

Competitive Comedy: 

The market is a dynamic battlefield with well-established brands, emerging players, and niche producers. It’s like a potluck dinner, but instead of dishes, they bring innovations.

Wrap-Up Wisdom:

So, there you have it — the not-so-dry rundown of the long-term care insurance market. Aging populations, rising awareness, and a sprinkle of financial strains — it’s like a soap opera, but with insurance policies.

Remember, folks, the next time someone mentions long-term care insurance at a dinner party, you can impress them with your newfound knowledge. Because who wouldn’t want to be the life of the party, armed with insurance trivia?

Until next time, stay insured and keep it sassy!

About Us-

SkyQuest Technology Group is a Global Market Intelligence, Innovation Management & Commercialization organization that connects innovation to new markets, networks & collaborators for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Contact Us-

SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

1 Apache Way,

Westford,

Massachusetts 01886

USA ([phone]

Email- [email protected]

Website: https://www.skyquestt.com

[safethaw]

Melting Myths: How Salt Acts On Ice

As winter envelops our surroundings, the shimmering blanket of snow and ice paints a picturesque scene. However, beneath this beauty lies the treacherous task of navigating icy pathways and roads. That's where the magic of salt ice melt comes into play. While many recognize its value in de-icing, misconceptions abound. Let's debunk some myths and delve into the true science of how salt acts on ice. The Simple Science Of Salt And Ice When salt is sprinkled on ice, it doesn't just magically make the ice disappear. The true process is both beautiful and scientifically intriguing. Salt, when it comes into contact with ice, lowers the freezing point of the water. This phenomenon is known as 'freezing point depression.' Essentially, salted ice requires a colder temperature to remain frozen than unsalted ice. This means that, even in cold conditions, salt can cause the ice to revert to a liquid state, making pathways and roads more navigable. Misconceptions And Their Meltdown - Myth 1: Any salt will do the trick.Truth: While common table salt can melt ice, other variants like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride can be even more effective, especially at lower temperatures. Each salt variant has a different freezing point, which determines its efficiency. - Myth 2: Salt works instantly.Truth: The effectiveness of salt depends on various factors like temperature, the type of salt, and the amount of salt used. While it can work quickly under certain conditions, patience is sometimes required. - Myth 3: Salt melting is 100% environment-friendly.Truth: Traditional salt ice melt can lead to environmental concerns. Runoffs can elevate water salinity, harming aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, high salt concentrations can degrade soil quality, affecting vegetation. Lastly, some salts can be corrosive, leading to infrastructure damage over time. Safe Thaw: The Modern Solution To Traditional Challenges In light of the above concerns, it's essential to have a solution that is both effective and eco-friendly. Enter Safe Thaw, a revolutionary product that addresses the downsides of traditional salt ice melts: - Toxin-Free Solution: One of the standout features of Safe Thaw is its chloride and toxin-free nature, ensuring reduced environmental impact. - Protect Your Assets: Corrosion is a significant concern when using traditional salts. Safe Thaw, with its non-corrosive properties, guarantees no harm to industrial property, machinery, or electrical setups. - Potent and Long-Lasting: The concentrated formula of Safe Thaw ensures its long-term effectiveness, reducing the need for frequent reapplications, and hence, saving costs in the long run. - A Leap in Innovation: What truly sets Safe Thaw apart is its patented composition. The modified crystalline amide core, when paired with a special glycol admixture and traction agents, takes ice melting to a whole new level. Looking Ahead: Making Informed Choices The age-old practice of using salt for ice melt is a testament to human ingenuity. However, as our understanding evolves and environmental concerns come to the forefront, it's crucial to adapt and adopt better solutions. Safe Thaw emerges as a beacon in this scenario, marrying effectiveness with eco-friendliness. By opting for such products, not only do we make our immediate surroundings safer, but we also contribute to a broader goal of environmental stewardship. In conclusion, while salt will continue to play its part in battling winter's icy grip, products like Safe Thaw underscore the importance of innovation in everyday solutions. It's not just about melting ice; it's about doing so responsibly, efficiently, and sustainably. Read the full article

[theflyingcarpet]

Revitalize Your Space with Professional Carpet and Tile Cleaning Services

Maintaining a clean and hygienic living or working space is essential for the well-being of occupants and the longevity of interior surfaces. Among the various surfaces that require regular attention, carpets and tiles stand out due to their susceptibility to dirt, stains, and wear over time. Professional carpet and tile cleaning services play a crucial role in reviving the aesthetics and cleanliness of your space. In this article, we will explore the benefits of these services and why they are a valuable investment for both residential and commercial properties.

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality:- Carpets and tiles can trap allergens, dust, and other pollutants over time. Professional cleaning services employ advanced techniques such as steam cleaning and hot water extraction to eliminate these contaminants. By doing so, they contribute to improved indoor air quality, creating a healthier environment for inhabitants.

Prolonged Lifespan of Flooring:- Regular maintenance, including professional cleaning, can significantly extend the lifespan of carpets and tiles. Dirt and debris can accelerate wear and tear, leading to premature deterioration of fibers and grout. Professional cleaning removes embedded particles, preventing structural damage and preserving the integrity of your flooring.

Stain Removal and Restoration:- Accidents happen, and stains on carpets and tiles can be challenging to remove without the right expertise. Professional cleaning services have access to specialized cleaning agents and equipment, making them adept at stain removal. Whether it's a wine spill on the carpet or stubborn grime on tiles, these services can restore your surfaces to their original glory.

Time and Effort Savings:- DIY cleaning projects can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, often yielding subpar results. Hiring professionals not only ensures a thorough and efficient cleaning process but also allows homeowners and business owners to focus on more pressing matters. Leave the heavy lifting to the experts, and enjoy the convenience of a professionally cleaned space.

Preservation of Aesthetics:- The appearance of carpets and tiles contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic appeal of a space. Professional cleaning services not only remove dirt and stains but also revive the colors and patterns of your flooring. This aesthetic enhancement can breathe new life into your home or office, creating a more inviting and visually pleasing environment.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Practices:- Many professional carpet and tile cleaning services prioritize eco-friendly practices. From using biodegradable cleaning solutions to implementing water-conserving techniques, these services aim to minimize their environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability resonates well with environmentally conscious clients.

Investing in professional carpet and tile cleaning services is a wise decision for anyone looking to maintain a clean, healthy, and visually appealing living or working environment. Beyond the obvious benefits of stain removal and enhanced aesthetics, these services contribute to the longevity of your flooring and promote a healthier indoor atmosphere. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, consider the long-term advantages of professional cleaning services in preserving the beauty and functionality of your space.

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Carpet and Tile Cleaning Services

[aqqire]

The Enduring Partnership with Your US Real Estate Agent

The importance of fostering long-term relationships with your US real estate agent cannot be overstated. While many perceive real estate transactions as singular events, savvy investors understand that the true value lies in establishing enduring partnerships that extend beyond the closing table. This principle holds especially true in the specialized realm of commercial properties, including hotels, where the expertise of seasoned professionals, often referred to as hotel brokers in USA, becomes indispensable.

The journey towards successful real estate investments is not a one-time occurrence; it’s an ongoing collaboration, a dynamic relationship that transcends individual transactions. When it comes to the intricacies of hotel ownership, a sector marked by unique challenges and opportunities, the guidance of a proficient US real estate agent specializing in hotels becomes a strategic advantage.

What sets apart a successful investor-agent relationship is the commitment to navigating the complexities of the real estate market together. Hotel brokers in the USA play a pivotal role in providing insights into market trends, helping investors make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals. These professionals are not merely transactional facilitators; they are strategic partners dedicated to ensuring the sustained success of your hotel investments.

In the hotel industry, where trends, guest preferences, and market demands are in constant flux, continued support from your US real estate agent is akin to having a compass in uncharted territory. The agent becomes a trusted advisor, offering not only market intelligence but also strategic recommendations for upgrades, renovations, and positioning your hotel for long-term success.

The relationship with your US real estate agent goes beyond the conventional client-agent dynamic; it is a collaborative journey marked by mutual trust and shared objectives. As the market evolves, so does the role of the agent, adapting strategies to align with changing economic landscapes and emerging opportunities.

Investors who recognize the enduring value of their partnership with US real estate agents, particularly those specialized in hotel transactions, position themselves for success in the long run. In the world of real estate, the journey is continuous, and having a trusted professional by your side ensures that every twist and turn becomes an opportunity rather than a challenge.

In conclusion, the essence of building long-term relationships with your US real estate agent is rooted in a shared commitment to navigating the complexities of real estate, especially in the hotel sector. Hotel brokers in the USA serve as more than intermediaries; they are strategic allies, ensuring that your investments not only weather the current market conditions but thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of real estate ownership.

[gain-therapeutics]

Benefits of Understanding Protein-Drug Stability

An important benefit of unlocking protein-drug stabilities is in the adjustment of pharmaceutical formulations. Using proteins, as major agents for the protection of drug stability, is a well-targeted approach that not only increases the shelf life but also effectiveness of drugs. Such an understanding enables the design of improved sustained-drug delivery systems that require less frequency of dosage administration with better patient compliance.

Additionally, an in-depth understanding of protein-drug stability enables researchers to construct drug dispensing systems capable of conquering different biological conditions. It is especially important when it comes to selective therapies because accurate drug delivery regarding specific cells or tissue is paramount to achieve maximum effect and minimum side effects.

 

Navigating Drug Resistance with the Ensemble Allosteric Model:

The Ensemble Allosteric Model plays an important role in curbing drug resistance. The proposed model offers a dynamic framework that analyses the protein structure and drug interaction on a molecular level. Adopting the principles of allosterism allows scientists to detect hidden binding points in proteins, revealing novel drug targets.

Navigating Drug Resistance with the Ensemble Allosteric Model:

The Ensemble Allosteric Model is an effective countermeasure against antibiotic resistance.# This represents a molecular perspective for studying the atomic organization of the molecule and its interaction with antibiotics. Scientists can thus spot what could be called hidden binding sites” for new drugs using the concepts of allosterism. 

Benefits of Understanding Protein-Drug Stability:

One benefit of getting to grips with such riddles is that it entails the optimization of pharmaceutical formulations. These proteins are important players in maintaining the integrity of the drug formulation, which prolongs its shelf life and potency. This comprehension enables the development of long-acting drugs for patient convenience and adherence to therapy.

Complex comprehension of protein-drug-resistant interactions enables the creation of appropriate systems for resistant drugs in diverse biological environments. 

Navigating Drug Resistance with the Ensemble Allosteric Model:

Therefore, the enzyme allosteric model becomes one of the main actors in the struggle against protein drug-resistant bacteria. This revolutionary approach supplies an active model for studying protein structures and drug-protein relations. Researchers who adopt allosteric principles could reveal some non-native protein binding sites leading to the discovery of more drugs for treatment.

The Ensemble Allosteric Model surpasses classical static models in sophistication, acknowledging the natural flexibility of proteins. This flexibility is crucial, as it allows alterations in protein structures that render them insensitive to drugs. Using the Ensemble Allosteric Model in designing drugs ensures that they change with these fluctuations, hence better chances of recovery.

In conclusion, unraveling the intricacies of protein-drug resistance is a multifaceted journey that intertwines biology, chemistry, and engineering in decoding proteins related to drug resistance. Researchers and pharmaceutical professionals, doing so, can sculpt targeted therapies tailored to individual patient profiles, which are not against resistant cells. This holistic approach holds the promise of transforming the landscape of modern medicine, ushering in a new era of precision and efficacy in therapeutic interventions.

#Ensemble Allosteric Model