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mimi-cee-genshin · 2 years ago

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Denial is Futile: Wanderer x f!reader - Chapter 5

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Summary:

What would you do if you were stuck with Wanderer indefinitely?

The cute and sweet guy from the bazaar was brought to your place while unconscious. But when he woke up, you were appalled by the amount of snark he had. Was he even the same person? And now you were stuck with him because he could literally die if he stopped holding your hand. You weren't sure if you could tolerate him any longer. Little did you know he was exactly the type of person you needed in your life.

Other info: Fluff, humor, sfw, enemies to lovers, some hurt/comfort and angst later, character growth, occurs after the version 3.3 Archon quest and Tighnari's story quest, female reader

Word count: 2.8k

*****

"She seems okay," Baizhu informed Nahida. "Her heart rate is on the low side, but it's still within the normal range."

Wanderer watched your eyes; they were avoiding Baizhu's as well. Now that made the three of them if he included himself and Nahida. Your behavior ever since you regained consciousness was strange to say the least.

When you first woke up, you didn't get up. You laid there lifeless with no will left in your body. Your eyes were open, but your hand laid limp in his. He didn't think much of it at first. It wasn't strange for a weak human like you who had recently gained consciousness, so he chided at you about something like the weather as if you were fine.

And then you smiled.

You claimed you were surprised he was still there, all while staring at the wall behind him. It was as if making eye contact with him would cause you harm. He was faced with a blank mask displaying nothing but the outline of a smile.

"You're lucky Baizhu was here in Sumeru City," said Changsheng. "It seems we have to reschedule our meeting with Tighnari."

"Sorry," you replied. Your smile didn't reach your eyes and you didn't look at her either. Your attempt at feigning happiness was rather pathetic. Still, Baizhu continued with your assessment.

"I am limited in the range of tests I can perform," he said. "They may cause unintended side effects considering your current situation with Wanderer. From what I can tell, further testing would be unnecessary."

"Thank you, Baizhu," you told him, avoiding his gaze as well. "I guess this is all we can do for now."

Just how long were you going to act like this? As Baizhu listed some precautionary measures for you to follow, you stared down and fiddled with the blanket.

Wanderer grabbed your chin and turned your face towards him.

Whack.

"What do you think you're doing?" you said after slapping his hand away.

You glared at him. Perfect.

"Weren't you taught to look at the person you're talking to?" he asked you.

"What?"

"It's rude."

"You're one to talk," you said.

"Hmph."

"You literally yanked my face just to make me look at you."

"Do you even notice how you were acting just now? I guess you're even more dim-witted than I thought."

"Ugh! You–"

"All right. That's quite enough, you two," Baizhu said. "Wanderer, you shouldn't be agitating a patient. Especially not one you're dependent on."

"Hmph." At least you were human again. Maybe now you'd return to the task at hand: finding a way to sever himself from you.

"Before you forget," Changsheng told Baizhu, "there was one more observation you've forgotten to mention, wasn't there?"

"Ah yes." Baizhu turned to you. "The energy around your heart is a little peculiar. Unfortunately, I cannot ascertain if you were born with this condition or if it's due to your current situation with Wanderer. It's also possible that it's caused by some other unknown factor."

Your heart? Wanderer certainly didn't expect this. You were an ordinary human being in his eyes, but perhaps this was why you had the ability to keep him conscious.

"Have you ever experienced symptoms such as these before?" asked Baizhu. "Fainting spells, palpitations... or perhaps extreme fatigue?"

"I don't think I have." You scratched your head. "I'm fairly healthy and something like this hasn't –Wait a moment…"

You rose to your feet and reached for the projector, pulling Wanderer along in the process.

"What do you think you're doing?" Wanderer raised his brow. The projector lit up the wall once again.

"Shhh! I need to find it."

"You're shushing me?"

"Could you just be quiet?" you said, already in the middle of scanning through his memories. "I'm going to lose this thought because of you."

You fast forwarded his time at Tatarasuna with a glimpse of the furnace from the projector. Then you continued all the way to the time he met The Doctor before rewinding again.

"So what exactly are you looking for?" he asked.

"Something in Inazuma. Something… looked familiar," you said. "It was pink. Maybe leaves?"

"There are sakura trees everywhere in Inazuma," he noted, rolling his eyes. "Are you seriously trying to find something with that tiny piece of information?"

"Well… I think I remember red buildings too."

The projector revealed the time when he arrived at the shores of Inazuma City after withstanding the storm. He sighed. His past search for help to save the people of Tatarasuna was a waste of time.

In the images, Kabukimono traveled to the Tenshukaku and arrived at the gate, pleading to speak with the Almighty Shogun. You rewinded and played this scene several times.

"I've… I've been here before," you said, squinting your eyes at the projected image. "Where is this?"

"Weren't you just talking about red buildings?" asked Wanderer.

"Could you just answer the question?" you said, glaring at him.

He sighed. "This is on Narukami Island. More specifically, this is the Tenshukaku in Inazuma City."

"What?" you said. "But I've never been to the city before."

"Aren't you an Inazuman?"

"Yes... I can't believe you assumed every Inazuman has been to the city."

Wanderer let out a sigh. "Always picking a fight I see. It was a simple question. Why are you so offended?"

"I see that those two have quite the temperament," said Baizhu.

"Indeed," replied Nahida.

The scene continued as Kabukimono waited for days in the rain. Footsteps rushed towards him and a pink umbrella reached over. At this point, he had given up hope.

"Wait!" you exclaimed, pointing to Yae Miko on the screen. "I know her!"

"What?"

"A tree…" you muttered to yourself. "In front of a large tree, she was talking to my b-brother..."

You lowered your eyes and bit your lip. Your shoulders went stiff as well. Yet, you held yourself together with whatever was going through your mind and continued your explanation.

"I… uh, I don't remember much else," you said, pausing to clear your throat. "I think I struggled to stay conscious when I was there for some reason. And there was a weird bitter taste in my mouth afterwards."

"I see," replied Baizhu. "So being unconscious reminded you of this memory?"

"But I haven't passed out like this in a long time," you added. "It actually happened regularly when I was a child. And it... just stopped one day I guess."

Baizhu placed a hand on his chin. "Hmm… It seems to me that the bitter taste may have been from an herbal remedy known to treat certain diseases," he said. "My patients often complain about it due to its distinct and unpleasant taste. It's a sort of antibiotic with a wide range of applications. It's even taken for post-operative situations."

"I see…" Nahida pondered to herself. "This is a bit unrelated, but didn't Tighnari mention that one of Wanderer's organs is failing? Or at least, that was his theory. Maybe he needs a replacement part."

"Hmph," said Wanderer. "If I need a replacement part, it means I should go see the woman who created me." He let out a sigh. "Unfortunately, going back to Inazuma isn't exactly on the top of my list of things to do. It's not like she would remember me anyway. I'd rather keep it that way."

"But visiting the Electro Archon seems like the next logical step," said Nahida. "Or maybe the two of you could go to the Grand Narukami Shrine to see if Yae Miko can help find a solution."

"So we show up at the shrine on one fine sunny day and then what?" said Wanderer. "She's not the type to bend over backwards when a random person shows up with a request."

"You never know unless you try," replied Nahida.

"Neither of them remember me nor would they care to help someone in need. We'll find a different way."

"Well… since you're not the only one who'll be affected by this decision, why don't we ask Y/n?" suggested Nahida.

Now that Wanderer's attention turned to you, he noticed you'd gone silent again. Your eyes were lowered and your grip around his hand was firmer than usual.

"I want nothing to do with the Electro Archon," you said.

*****

The sun found a crack in the roof to shine through, just so it could find your eyes in the morning. Turning over on the bed, you saw Wanderer sitting with crossed legs on the floor, awake as ever. It would've startled you if you weren't used to it by now.

"Don't you ever get bored like that?" you asked.

"Hmph. Humans just have such short attention spans."

"Good morning to you too," you said dryly.

Neither of you said a word about Inazuma ever since that meeting. Why would you when that Archon had caused so much misery? You never understood why your brother was grateful to her.

You and Wanderer had an unspoken agreement: you'd focus on your lead with Tighnari instead. You didn't care much about Wanderer's reasons for avoiding the Archon, but if he was on the same page as you, that was all that mattered.

"Your hair is a mess," Wanderer commented.

"You think I didn't know that," you replied, rolling your eyes. "You tell me every morning."

You didn't bother fixing it and, instead, walked to your desk to scan your calendar. Collei was coming back to Sumeru, likely even here already. Unfortunately, this meant you'd be sleeping on the floor again, but it was by choice. You couldn't bear the thought of using the bed at her expense even if she wouldn't care.

You picked up the extra sleeping bag Tighnari left for you and held it out to Wanderer.

He raised his brow before rolling his eyes and helping you lay down the bag.

That was when something caught your eye. A soft, round object, which looked like a face and hair had been sewn onto it, laid on the floor under Wanderer's blanket. You picked it up and saw it was a small doll that was slightly larger than your hand.

Wanderer snatched it from you.

"Is it yours?" you asked.

"Whose would it be then?" he said.

"Was it a gift?"

"No."

"Then did you make it?"

He didn't give you an answer, only a huff as he placed it in his pocket. So Nilou wasn't just being nice when she complimented him on his needlework. You didn't expect he had a talent for that.

After fixing your hair, you unzipped your bag and placed a few notebooks and pens inside. Tighnari said he wanted us to meet him in Pardis Dhyai today. He got a hold of someone who might be able to help us.

Then we wouldn't have to go to Inazuma.

You were glad that Wanderer wasn't thrilled about the idea either, although after learning about his past made you realize you misunderstood him. You thought it was a reasonable conclusion that his vision caused the change in his personality. How were you supposed to know he had lost and gotten back his memories?

So which one was his real personality?

"Why are you staring at me?" he asked as the two of you walked towards Pardis Dhyai.

"You really don't do small talk," you commented. He was silent this entire time.

"Well, there's really no point to it, is there?" he said.

"It's a way for people to get to know each other," you said.

"What? Are you interested in me now?"

You placed your hand on your forehead. You couldn't believe you had a crush on him at one point. "Where the heck did you get that idea–"

A scream came from the forest.

"C- Collei?"

A drop of sweat formed on your brow. It couldn't be her, could it? With her skills and experience, nothing fazed her in the forest. Not usually at least.

"It did sound familiar," mentioned Wanderer.

"You know her?" you asked.

His lips turned into a scowl. "Does that even matter right now when we know that–"

"Don't touch me!"

Collei!

Your legs picked up speed and raced toward the forest. Wanderer tugged you hard by your arm and swung you onto his back.

"Grab on," he said, activating his vision and floating in the air.

He flew through the forest at full speed as you clung onto his neck. The wind pushed your hair back as he maneuvered around several trees and branches.

A forest ranger was trapped under a fallen trunk while an Electro Fatui skirmisher held onto Collei's arm. She couldn't escape his grasp.

Wanderer released his skill and fell like a meteor to kick down the skirmisher's head at an angle. This launched the three of you several feet away from the fallen tree trunk as a puff of dust surrounded you.

"Collei!" you yelled out, climbing off of Wanderer's back. "Are you okay?" You couldn't see her with all the debris in the air.

"Y/n?" asked Collei with a quiver in her voice. "H-how are you–"

"Have a load of this!"

A bullet came towards Wanderer and you pulled him aside and stretched out your hand in front. It just missed your hand, but its fire burned your arm. You pulled it back in pain and clicked your tongue for relying on that 'curse' once again.

"Why would you do that?" Wanderer yelled at you. "Are you eager for a death wish?"

The debris settled and the Pyro Fatui skirmisher took aim once more, but Collei's blazing green arrow shot him first.

"Ugh. Humans are such feeble creatures," Wanderer continued to scold you. "You're no better than insects."

"Hey!" the forest ranger called out to him. "Bring her here." A bubble of water formed above his hand as he laid on the ground.

Wanderer carried you over before launching the tree off of him. He stretched out his arm, ready for another attack.

The forest ranger cooled your arm with the water and soothed the burn that stretched from your wrist to your elbow. So this was what a burn felt like. Yet you could tell it was only skin deep.

"Let's end this quickly!" said the Electrohammer skirmisher.

He wasn't knocked out yet?

Collei dodged his attack, launched herself off a low hanging branch and shot his weak point.

The Pyro Fatui aimed at her again.

"Forget my arm," you said, climbing onto Wanderer's back. "We have to help her!"

He flew towards the gunner and struck him with his wind blades. He continued to fight them with Collei providing cover from a distance.

It was strange. Others were doing the fighting for you as you clung onto Wanderer's back. Yet though you were defenseless, you weren't not dismayed.

The Fatui were now subdued and tied up. Collei took a look at your arm and verified it was a first degree burn but you would still need more aid.

"I'm sorry I let this happen to you," she told you. "I wasn't able to hold my bow steady at first because I… I was a bit shaken up."

This was the girl who was fearless against creatures multiple times her size. You couldn't blame her for getting scared this one time.

"I… wanted to be able to protect everyone," said Collei. "I'll work harder next time."

"There's no need to push yourself," said Wanderer. "It isn't exactly lucky for you to have a run-in with the Fatui." He took a sigh that held a measure of heaviness with it.

The more you observed Wanderer, the more caring he seemed. You were previously blinded by your anger and projected your past onto him. He was still rather rude and abrasive, especially when provoked. But glimpses of the guy you saw when you first met were still there.

"I'll take him with me back to Gandharva Ville," Collei said as she placed the forest ranger's arm over her shoulder. "It'll be easier to treat him there."

"Alright," you said. "We'll stay here until you get someone to help deal with them. Although, I think now we're late for our meeting with Tighnari in Pardis Dhyai.

"I see," she said. "In that case, we'll go there instead to update him on the situation."

After Collei left with the limping forest ranger, Wanderer squeezed hard on your uninjured hand.

"Ow! What the heck are you doing?"

"Sit," he commanded with his eyes glaring at you.

You heeded his word and promptly sat down on the ground. He took the bandages from the first aid pack that Collei left and loosely wrapped them around your burn.

Your heart skipped a beat.

Your eyes widened, your breath hitched and you placed a hand on your chest. The feeling in your gut told you that something was terribly wrong.

Yet, you pretended like it never happened.

*****

Thanks for reading! Here's Chapter 6 >

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allwormdiet · 10 months ago

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Agitation 3.3

And now we're in the thick of it aren't we

I love how all of Brian's objections to robbing a bank are about how it's not worth it and will absolutely fuck them. He's not opposed to the principle of robbing a bank, just every material and logistical element of actually robbing a bank

Brian: continuing to explain why this is stupid and shouldn't be done

Alec: would absolutely take the money even if he doesn't know what for

Rachel: nah, we'd win

Lisa: smug

Excellent summation of the Undersiders

I think this is the first time I've seen Rachel actively agree with someone else's opinion

Brian is trying so hard to be reasonable and it's not working

Taylor is trying to maintain her moral high ground and it's also not working

Lisa's argument in favor of the bank job is really good honestly, I wish it was just a bank robbery and not the latest step in a creep's master plan bc then it'd be very cool

She is compelled to be the smartest person in the room, I swear

And Lisa wins

So here's Taylor realizing there's no way to back out of this

He's helping!

I think Taylor is in a perennial state of selling herself short, hope she shakes that eventually

The full breakdown on the Wards' abilities is neat. Aegis seems kinda gross but in a cool way, like a fucking zombie man or something.

I like this little show of trust

Clockblocker has a very silly name but a very cool power

I love that Vista is the baby of the bunch, the veteran of the team, and also a fucking powerhouse who makes the laws of physics cry, it's a fun contradiction

Manton Effect is a super cool explanation of how powers have specific limitations and boundaries

I don't have enough of a stance on Kid Win or Gallant yet to say anything at this point

Oh gee that Shadow Stalker, what a jerk she is, I can't imagine what she's like out of costume

Insane that Shadow Stalker has apparently decided that Grue is her nemesis over an unlucky power interaction, strange priorities there but whatever

Another interesting sign of the dynamic with this group. I'm curious what it means for Rachel to act casual here.

And so we're committed to robbing a bank, let's go baby

Current Thoughts

Further establishing the characters, further establishing the setting, staging things for the plot to move along

I just keep liking the Undersiders tbh, I like that they argue but don't seem to take real offense to it, they have legitimate concerns but they're not dead-set on it and they don't hold grudges over the differences between them. Contrast Taylor, who seems prone to being dead-set on things and holds grudges like a motherfucker.

I'm sure this will never cause a conflict

#parahumans #worm liveblogging #liveblog #worm agitation #wormblr

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wolfspider4ever · 2 years ago

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Agitation 3.3

#wolfspider archive

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christophe76460 · 10 months ago

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QUE VEUT DIRE LA BIBLE PAR LA MORT À SOI-MÊME ?

L'idée de « mort à soi-même » se retrouve dans tout le Nouveau Testament. Elle exprime la véritable essence de la vie chrétienne, qui consiste à porter sa croix et à suivre Christ. La mort à soi-même est liée à la nouvelle naissance : mettre à mort notre ancienne nature pour que notre nouvelle nature puisse prendre toute la place (Jean 3.3-7). Les chrétiens sont régénérés au moment de leur salut, mais ensuite, nous continuons de mourir à nous-mêmes par le processus de sanctification. La mort à soi-même est donc à la fois un événement unique et momentané et un processus de toute une vie.

Jésus a exhorté plusieurs fois ses disciples à porter leur croix (un instrument d'exécution) et à le suivre. Il a dit clairement que ceux qui veulent le suivre doivent renoncer à eux-mêmes et être prêts à abandonner leur vie pour lui, spirituellement, symboliquement et même physiquement, si nécessaire. La mort à soi-même est un prérequis pour tout disciple de Christ, qui a dit que celui qui cherche à sauver sa vie terrestre perdra la vie éternelle dans le Royaume de Dieu, mais que ceux qui renoncent à leur vie pour lui obtiendront la vie éternelle (Matthieu 16.24-25, Marc 8.34-35). Jésus est même allé jusqu'à dire que ceux qui ne sont pas prêts à sacrifier leur vie pour lui ne peuvent être ses disciples (Luc 14.27).

Le rite du baptême exprime l'engagement du croyant à mourir à son ancienne manière de vivre marquée par le péché (Romains 6.4-8) et à renaître en Christ pour une nouvelle vie. L'immersion dans l'eau symbolise notre mort et notre enterrement avec Christ, tandis que notre sortie de l'eau symbolise notre résurrection avec Christ. Par le baptême, nous sommes identifiés à Christ dans sa mort et sa résurrection. Le baptême symbolise toute la vie chrétienne, qui consiste à mourir à soi-même et à vivre pour celui qui est mort pour nous (Galates 2.20).

Paul explique aux Galates que la mort à soi-même, c'est être « crucifié avec Christ », de sorte que nous ne vivons plus, mais c'est Christ qui vit en nous (Galates 2.20). Notre ancienne nature, avec sa tendance à pécher et à suivre les voies du monde, est morte et Christ demeure en notre nouvelle nature et agit à travers elle. Cela ne veut pas dire qu'en « mourant à nous-mêmes », nous devenons inactifs ou insensibles ni que nous nous laissons mourir, mais que nous renonçons à notre vie passée, surtout aux péchés que nous pratiquions autrefois. « Ceux qui appartiennent à [Jésus-]Christ ont crucifié leur nature propre avec ses passions et ses désirs. » (Galates 5.24) Nous devons aspirer à ce qui plaît à Dieu avec la même passion avec laquelle nous aspirions autrefois aux plaisirs égoïstes.

La Bible ne décrit pas la mort à soi-même comme une option : elle est l'essence même de la vie chrétienne, personne ne peut venir à Christ s'il n'est pas prêt à crucifier son ancienne nature avec Christ et à vivre une nouvelle vie d'obéissance à lui. Jésus avertit les croyants tièdes, qui veulent profiter à la fois de leur ancienne et de leur nouvelle vie : il les vomira de sa bouche (Apocalypse 3.15-16). Cette tiédeur caractérisait l'église de Laodicée, ainsi que beaucoup d'églises actuelles. La « tiédeur » est un refus de mourir à soi-même et de vivre pour Christ. La mort à soi-même n'est pas une option pour les chrétiens : c'est le choix de la vie éternelle.

Source: Got Question

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jwaldbewohner · 1 year ago

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Stalin And Hitler Should Have Never Happened

Herewith is a capsulized dissection which attempts to explain why Stalin and Hitler should have never happened. Accordingly, the hot, cold and Forever Wars wars that followed thereafter condemn the case for the American Empire, not make it; and they show that Trump’s America First is a far more appropriate lodestone for national security policy than Imperial Washington’s specious claim that America is the Indispensable Nation.

The Great War had been destined to end in 1917 by mutual exhaustion, bankruptcy and withdrawal from the utterly stalemated trenches of the Western Front. In the end, upwards of 3.3 million combatants had been killed and 8.3 million wounded over four years for movement along blood-drenched front-lines that could be measured in mere miles and yards.

Still, had America stayed on its side of the great Atlantic moat, the ultimate outcomes everywhere would have been far different. Foremostly, the infant democracy that came to power in February 1917 in Russia would not have been so easily smothered in its crib.

There surely would have been no disastrous summer offensive by the Kerensky government to rollback Germany on the eastern front where the czarist armies had earlier been humiliated and dismembered. In turn, an early end to Russia’s bloody and bankrupting impalement on the eastern front would also likely have precluded the return of Lenin to Russia in a German boxcar and the subsequent armed insurrection in Petrograd in November 1917. The flukish seizure of power by Lenin and his small band of fanatical Bolsheviks, in turn, would most certainly never have happened.

That is, the 20th century would not have been saddled with what inexorably morphed into the Stalinist nightmare. Nor would a garrisoned Soviet state have poisoned the peace of nations for 74 years thereafter, while causing the nuclear sword of Damocles to hang precariously over the planet.

Likewise, there would have been no abomination known as the Versailles peace treaty because it was a toxic peace of victors. But without America’s billions of aid and munitions and two million fresh dough-boys there would have been no Allied victors, as we demonstrate below.

Without Versailles, in turn, there would have been no "stab in the back" legends owing to the Weimar government’s forced signing of the "war guilt" clause; no continuance of England’s brutal post-armistice blockade that delivered hundreds of thousands of Germany’s women and children into starvation and death; and no demobilized 3-million man German army left humiliated, destitute, bitter and on a permanent political rampage of vengeance.

So, too, there would have been no acquiescence in the dismemberment of Germany at the Versailles "peace" table.

This sweeping loss of territory also meant Germany lost 50% of its iron production capacity, 16% of its coal output and 100% of its far flung colonies in Africa and East Asia to England and France.

Needless to say, God did not create the map of Europe on the 6th day of his labors. But it is absolutely the case that it was the vast German territories and peoples "stolen" at Versailles that provided the fuel for Hitler’s revanchist agitation during the years before his seizure of power; and it was that campaign to regain the lost territories which nourished the Nazis with patriotic public support in the rump of the fatherland.

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lavaengineering-blog · 2 years ago

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Specification

Approvals-IMDG, DNV 2.7-1, EN 12079Certification-DNV 2.7-1, EN 12079, Vertical Tank in Rectangular FrameVessel Design Code-ASME VIII – DIV 1Dimensions-2991 mm X 2438 mm X 2591 mm (h)Capacity-2000 USG Nominal (7600 Litres) (+/-3%)Design Temperature--20 C to +60 CLining Material-Rubber Lining, FRP Lining Bottom – Type ISO Corner Casting on Bottom Corners

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stuartd744 · 2 years ago

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Dudley's Wasp Nest Removal Experts: Tips and Techniques

Introduction

Wasp nest infestations can be a major nuisance and safety concern for residents of Dudley. These stinging insects can pose significant threats to human health and property. To help you tackle this issue effectively and safely, this comprehensive guide will explore tips and techniques for wasp nest removal in Dudley. By the end of this guide, you'll have the knowledge and tools to handle wasp nest problems with confidence, ensuring the safety and tranquility of your home.

Understanding Dudley's Wasp Species

Before diving into wasp nest removal techniques, it's crucial to understand the wasp species commonly found in Dudley. Two of the most prevalent types are:

1.1. Common Wasps (Vespula vulgaris): Recognized by their yellow and black stripes, common wasps often build nests in gardens, sheds, and wall cavities.

1.2. German Wasps (Vespula germanica): Slightly larger than common wasps, German wasps are known for their aggressive behavior when defending their nests.

Section 2: Identifying Wasp Nests

Recognizing a wasp nest is the first step in addressing the problem. Here are some signs to look out for:

2.1. Frequent Wasp Sightings: If you notice a significant increase in the number of wasps around your property, it may indicate a nearby nest.

2.2. Nest Sightings: Keep an eye out for nests, which are typically located in eaves, roof spaces, garden sheds, and wall cavities.

2.3. Heightened Wasp Activity: Wasps are most active during the summer months, so be particularly vigilant then.

2.4. Scratching or Chewing Noises: If you hear sounds like scratching or chewing coming from your walls, it may suggest a nest.

The Importance of Safe Wasp Nest Removal

Wasp nest removal is essential for several reasons:

3.1. Safety: Wasps can deliver painful stings, and for some individuals, these stings can trigger severe allergic reactions. Removing nests ensures the safety of your family and visitors.

3.2. Prevent Aggressive Behavior: Disturbing a wasp nest can provoke aggressive behavior from the insects. Removing the nest eliminates this threat.

3.3. Protect Property: Left unchecked, wasp nests can cause structural damage to your home. Nest removal helps preserve your property.

3.4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your home is free from dangerous wasp nests provides peace of mind for you and your family.

Safe Wasp Nest Removal Techniques

When dealing with a wasp nest, safety should always be your top priority. Here are some safe wasp nest removal techniques:

4.1. Professional Pest Control Services

If you are uncomfortable dealing with wasp nests or if the infestation is severe, it's best to consult professional pest control experts in Dudley. They have the necessary training and protective gear to handle the situation safely.

4.2. Nighttime Removal

Wasps are less active at night. If you decide to remove a nest yourself, do it after dark when the wasps are less likely to attack.

4.3. Smoke Method

This method involves lighting a fire in a grill or a smoke generator and directing the smoke toward the nest entrance. The smoke disorients and calms the wasps, making it easier to remove the nest.

4.4. Water and Soap Solution

Mix water and dish soap in a spray bottle. After dark, approach the nest and spray the solution directly onto it. This will suffocate the wasps and make it easier to remove the nest.

4.5. Protective Clothing

When attempting DIY nest removal, wear protective clothing, including a beekeeping suit, gloves, and a face shield.

4.6. Do Not Use Fire or Flammable Substances

Never attempt to remove a wasp nest by using fire or flammable substances. This can be extremely dangerous and may cause fires.

4.7. Avoid Swatting or Agitating Wasps

Swatting or agitating wasps can provoke them, leading to stings. Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid sudden movements when near a nest.

4.8. Dispose of the Nest Properly

Carefully remove and dispose of the nest in a sealed plastic bag. Double-bag it to ensure that any remaining wasps cannot escape.

Post-Removal Cleanup and Prevention

After successfully removing a wasp nest, it's important to clean up the area and take preventive measures to avoid future infestations:

5.1. Dispose of the Nest

Carefully remove and dispose of the nest in a sealed plastic bag. Double-bag it to ensure that any remaining wasps cannot escape.

5.2. Sanitize the Area

Clean the area where the nest was located to eliminate any residual pheromones that may attract other wasps.

5.3. Preventative Measures

Continue to seal entry points and maintain good sanitation to prevent future infestations.

Conclusion

Wasp nest removal in Dudley is a crucial task for homeowners, as it ensures the safety and tranquility of your home and family. Whether you choose to remove the nest yourself or seek professional assistance, prioritize safety at all times. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can successfully manage wasp nest infestations and enjoy a secure and comfortable home in Dudley.

#wasp nest removal

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callblockerusa · 2 years ago

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Dryer Balls: A Natural and Eco-Friendly Solution for Laundry Drying

In today's world, where environmental consciousness is on the rise, people are constantly seeking eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products. Dryer balls have emerged as a popular choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the quality of their laundry. In this article, we will explore what dryer balls are, how they work, their benefits, and why they are an excellent alternative to traditional dryer sheets. So, let's dive in and discover the wonders of dryer balls.

What Are Dryer Balls?

Dryer balls are small, round balls, typically made of wool or plastic dryer balls , that are designed to be used in the clothes dryer to help dry laundry faster and soften fabrics naturally. They work by creating space between the clothes, allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently, thereby reducing drying time.

2. How Do Dryer Balls Work?

When you place dryer balls in the dryer with wet laundry, they bounce and tumble between the clothes. This movement prevents the clothes from sticking together, which not only speeds up the drying process but also ensures that the laundry is fluffed and soft.

3. The Benefits of Using Dryer Balls

3.1 Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Dryer balls are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use dryer sheets. They are typically made from renewable materials like wool, which means they can be used multiple times, reducing waste and decreasing your carbon footprint.

3.2 Energy and Time-Saving

By reducing drying time, dryer balls help conserve energy and save money on utility bills. With shorter drying cycles, you'll also have more time on your hands for other activities.

3.3 Softens and Fluffs Laundry

One of the major benefits of dryer balls is their ability to soften fabrics without wool dryer balls the use of chemical-laden fabric softeners. They also prevent clothes from clumping together, resulting in fluffier and more comfortable laundry.

3.4 Reduces Wrinkles and Static Cling

Dryer balls naturally agitate the clothes, preventing wrinkles from setting in. Additionally, they minimize static cling, leaving your clothes looking and feeling their best.

3.5 Safe for Sensitive Skin

Unlike some dryer sheets that may contain irritants and allergens, dryer balls are hypoallergenic and safe for individuals with sensitive skin.

4. Dryer Balls vs. Dryer Sheets

When it comes to choosing between dryer balls and dryer sheets, there are several factors to consider:

4.1 Environmental Impact

Dryer balls are a greener option as they can be reused countless times, whereas dryer sheets are typically single-use and end up in landfills.

4.2 Chemicals and Allergens

Dryer balls are chemical-free, making them a better choice for those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities, while some dryer sheets contain artificial fragrances and chemicals that may cause irritation.

4.3 Effectiveness

Dryer balls are known for their effectiveness in reducing drying time and softening fabrics, while dryer sheets may not always deliver consistent results.

4.4 Cost-Effectiveness

While dryer balls may have a higher upfront cost, their long lifespan makes them more cost-effective in the long run compared to regularly buying dryer sheets.

5. How to Use Dryer Balls Effectively

To get the most out of your dryer balls, follow these tips:

5.1 How Many Balls to Use

The number of dryer balls you need depends on the size of your load. Typically, three to six balls are sufficient for a medium-sized load.

5.2 Adding Essential Oils for Fragrance

If you miss the scent of traditional dryer sheets, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls before each cycle.

5.3 Maintenance and Storage

Keep your dryer balls clean by occasionally washing them and storing them in a dry place when not in use.

6. DIY Dryer Balls

If you enjoy crafts and want a personal touch, consider making your own dryer balls:

6.1 Wool Dryer Balls

To make wool dryer balls, wrap wool yarn into a tight ball and felt it by agitating it in hot water. Repeat the process until you get a solid ball.

6.2 DIY Dryer Balls with Yarn

For a budget-friendly option, create dryer balls using yarn and winding it into a ball shape.

6.3 Scented Dryer Balls

Add a few drops of essential oil to your homemade dryer balls for a subtle and natural fragrance.

7. Where to Buy Dryer Balls

Dryer balls are widely available both in-store and online:

7.1 Local Stores

Visit your nearest home goods store, supermarket, or eco-friendly shop to find dryer balls.

7.2 Online Retailers

Explore online marketplaces and retailers specializing in eco-friendly products to purchase dryer balls conveniently.

7.3 Supporting Small Businesses

Consider supporting local artisans and small businesses that handcraft and sell dryer balls.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

8.1 Are dryer balls safe to use with all types of fabric?

Yes, dryer balls are safe to use with all types of fabric, including delicates and baby clothes.

8.2 Can dryer balls reduce drying time significantly?

Absolutely! Dryer balls can reduce drying time

#dryer balls

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jessamine-rose · 3 years ago

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┣[̲̅:̲̅❥:̲̅❥ Chemistry :̲̅:̲̅]═─

Well, would you look at that……I wrote smth for Dottore. To think that @diodellet was right when she read his scene in my Pantalone fic and joked that it was “totally not a reference to what [my] next fatui fique will be” ;-;

For Dottore’s twisted love story, I took a darker different approach for the yandere’s methods and Darling’s personality!! This was quite fun to write, so I hope you all enjoy reading this. And thank you again to Diodellet for your excellent feedback ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝

Tw:: YANDERE, unhealthy relationships, kidnapping, stalking, blood, violence, death, medical malpractice, drugging, needles, Dottore being himself, spice, mention of nsfw, MINORS DNI

Note:: Female reader, characterization is based on both Webttore and Primettore, written before the 3.3 update

♡ 13.5k words under the cut ♡

i. endorphins

The Nilotpala lotuses are in full glow.

You examine their shadows. It won’t take long for the flowers to close.

Over the past hour, the world has gradually responded to the sun’s arrival. The stars disappeared. The night sky was repainted with pastel colors. The Nilotpala lotuses ceased to be your only source of light.

Concentrate. You can’t miss this.

You hold up your pocketwatch and continue staring at the flowers.

The sunlight reaches the swamp. The Nilotpala lotuses react immediately, gold centers dimming and blue petals closing. One by one, each flower is put to sleep by the sun’s kiss.

You wade past the lilypads and return to dry ground. Your first course of action is to document the observation in your journal.

Time: 5:20:11.

Location: Devantaka Mountain, western swamp.

Notes: Photonasty triggered two seconds after direct exposure to sunlight. No variations in individual speed, light intensity, and overall process.

About time. Picking up your lantern, you leave the swamp and return to the mountain trail. Halfway down, a strange noise alerts you.

Metal. Sparks. Has a Ruin Machine been activated?

The mechanical sounds are followed by excited murmurs.

Is someone there?

You walk in the direction of the noise, all the way to a grassy cliff.

The first thing you spot is the Ruin Grader. It appears to be inactive, half-broken and covered in moss. A much smaller figure is standing in front of the machine’s unlit eye, surrounded by cogs and wires.

You take a step back. That person is tampering with the machine. His outfit—an Akademiya uniform? No, even if he is a researcher, it should still be forbidden.

He turns around.

You don’t react quickly enough. You crouch behind the bushes despite already hearing a startled shout and rapidly approaching footsteps. A hand roughly grasps your arm and pulls you out of your hiding place.

“What are you doing here?!”

You shriek and try to run away, but the researcher’s grip is too strong.

“I didn’t mean to intrude!” You look up, coming face-to-face with a sharp glare.

His grip on your arm tightens. “How long have you been spying on me?”

“Only a few seconds!” you exclaim, gesturing to your lantern. “I only came here to conduct my own research in the western swamp! I…I’m not here to report you!”

There is a pause. “The western swamp, you say?”

The researcher’s eyes flit to your uniform. His agitated frown morphs into an amused grin.

“Is that not a forbidden area? It seems that I am not the only rule-breaker.”

You are so dead.

You shake your head. “I was only there to study the Nilotpala lotuses! My goal was to inspect all of the specimens in Ardravi Valley for variances in photonasty. That’s all.”

“That is all? How unremarkable.”

The researcher’s expression becomes pensive. You examine his physical appearance in an attempt to conjure a memory—a name, a personal description, a familiar face in the Akademiya—but he remains unrecognizable.

Messy light blue hair. Blood red eyes. A handsome face. Who is he?

After what feels like forever, he resumes eye contact.

“Do you swear not to report me?”

You nod immediately. “As long as you don’t tattle on me.”

“Then it will be our secret.”

With that, he lets go of you. You scramble to your feet, glancing at the partially disassembled Ruin Grader.

“That thing…you know that you’re dealing with a dangerous machine, right?”

“That is none of your business,” he replies, giving you an irritated look. “As a matter of fact, my closest brush with danger came from your unceremonious arrival.”

“I apologize for interrupting your work,” you mutter.

For a moment, the two of you just stand in front of each other. It is the sun’s intervention which breaks the uncomfortable silence.

The light hits your faces. You shield your eyes while the researcher turns to the cliff.

“I did not notice how much time had passed,” he muses. “The view of the sunrise is rather impressive from here.”

You follow his gaze. The sky has become a vibrant mix of pinks, oranges, and yellows. The sun casts the entire forest in golden rays, illuminating every tree and rock formation. Some birds are already flying overhead in a blur of colorful feathers.

It looks beautiful.

“It is,” you agree. Your amazement is cut off by a yawn.

You feel exhausted. You will need more coffee for your morning classes.

The Nilotpala lotuses are so lucky.

You pick up your lantern. “I must go now. The Matra will begin their morning rounds in my dormitory soon. Do be careful with your research.”

The researcher turns to you. His gaze is unreadable.

After a few seconds, he walks back to the Ruin Grader. His final gesture is a dismissive wave of his hand. “Run along now.”

“Goodbye.” You leave the cliff and return to the path.

The mechanical noises continue.

On your way down, you look around the mountain. The sunrise has already touched the trail. Shadows stretch across the grass. The flowers have opened. The view above you shows the first traces of a cloudy blue sky.

You had almost forgotten the beauty of that daily phenomenon.

ii. blood rush

You don’t encounter the eccentric researcher again. During your next secret expedition, you visit the cliff only to find it empty and peaceful. The Ruin Grader remains in its original spot.

Soon after, your private research is interrupted by academics—another round of classes, exams, and assignments. More sleepless nights.

You study for your botany exam at the House of Daena. Halfway through your readings, a familiar voice calls out to you.

“Well, if it isn’t my partner in crime.”

You feel a light tap on your arm. The mysterious researcher is standing over you.

Nice, a friendly greeting this time.

“Oh, it’s you.” You put down your book, lowering your voice to a whisper. “I didn’t expect to see you again. How was your…research?”

He sits next to you, a bright glimmer in his eyes. “My findings were absolutely exquisite. As for yours?”

You gesture to your stack of books. “Unfinished. Sadly, my studies take priority.”

“That is unfortunate. I would like to read your completed thesis.”

You glance at his uniform. “How come? You aren’t an Amurta student. I doubt that my findings would benefit your own research.”

“And what of it?” He flashes you a sharp-toothed grin. “Perhaps I am intrigued by the researcher’s dedication.”

“Aww, thank you,” you reply sarcastically.

“Zandik! We’re leaving. Are you coming with us?”

From the exit, a group of students wave at your acquaintance.

So that is his name.

“I must go now.” Zandik stands up and gives you one last smile, an innocent one this time. “Good luck with your studies. I will see you around, ______.”

You wave at him. “Have fun with your friends.”

He leaves the library. You flip to the next page of your book.

Wait, how does he know your name?

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

Following your second exchange, you run into Zandik more frequently. In the Akademiya hallways, at your usual table in the House of Daena, even on Devantaka Mountain. Your brief interactions soon give way to long conversations and study sessions.

His company is actually quite enjoyable.

Zandik turns out to be a fellow trainee Dastur, the same age as you. He is far from your equal, however. School records describe his intelligence, his popularity, the passion and rigidity which define his academic performance. In short, he is a brilliant student.

So why is he associating with someone like you?

He is even an excellent tutor. You find it easier to understand your lessons when Zandik is seated beside you, your shared table cluttered with his handwritten notes and freshly brewed coffee. He has an animated way of explaining scientific concepts.

“Thank you for your help,” you tell him. “You made the lesson so engaging. With all of these papers and theories, I sometimes forget that I am studying living organisms.”

Zandik is annotating your notebook. “You’re welcome. If you ask me, the Akademiya should prioritize more practical activities such as expeditions.”

You nod grimly. “The requirements are so stressful.”

He slumps in his seat. “And hear this, I got reprimanded for ‘acting without authorization’ last week. I had barely approached the Ruin Guard!”

You pause. “Did you cause trouble for your investigation team? The Sages have their reasons for enforcing the rules, you know.”

He rolls his eyes. “My dear, we wouldn’t have scientific breakthroughs if everyone stuck to the rules. Safety this, respect that. What about you and your own trivial research?”

“Oh, shush.” You busy yourself with organizing your study material.

Your books, Zandik’s research notes, a few texts on human anatomy and medicine. He has been interested in the latter subjects lately.

He straightens in his chair and points at your empty cup. “Would you like more coffee? My jug is still half-full.”

“Yes, please,” you sigh. “Is that an original blend? It tastes delicious and I could use it for my all-nighters. I don’t feel tired at all after drinking it.”

He refills your cup and continues writing in your notebook. “I’ll prepare more for our next study session. Or if you merely want to enjoy coffee with snacks, we can meet up for that.”

You take a sip. It tastes perfect with just the right balance of sugar and spices. When was the last time you drank adequately flavored coffee? With your family, probably.

You hope they are doing well. “Isn’t it more convenient to share the recipe with me?”

“And where is the fun in that?” Zandik pokes your cheek with his pen, a teasing smile on his face. “Coffee tastes better with good company, and you are clearly in need of that.”

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

One thing which you quickly learn to dislike about Zandik is his perceptiveness. It is impossible to hide anything from those deep red eyes.

“______, have you been crying again?”

“What?” You look up from your journal.

Zandik is still tinkering with the Ruin Grader.

“The blood vessels in your eyes are dilated. And you have been quiet all morning,” he says, back turned to you. “Or is it a symptom of fatigue? You look more exhausted these days.”

“It’s both,” you admit. “Just some new assignments. I wanted to finish three last night, but I fell asleep at my desk. I guess I just got overwhelmed.”

“It happens to the best of us.” Zandik hops off the Ruin Grader and sits on the grass next to you. He looks positively awake. “Botany again?”

You grimace. “Yes. I have a solo presentation next month, and I think I can present my research on the Nilotpala lotus. But that would mean more time spent reading my notes and trying to make something out of it…which sounds unenjoyable.”

Zandik picks up your journal and flips through the pages. “And why is that?”

You stare at the grass. The blades are dull and flat, most likely from you trampling on it. “It has been months since I last enjoyed nature instead of merely studying it.”

When did the world begin to lose its charm?

The Ruin Grader sits across from you, still immobile. You don’t exactly know what Zandik gains from studying its components, but at least his research hasn’t put you in danger yet.

“Why do you risk studying the Ruin Machines, anyway?” you ask, changing the topic. “I can understand your curiosity, but the Akademiya will hardly appreciate it.”

Zandik stands up and gestures to the machine.

“Because they are here,” he answers. “The world and our gods are shrouded in mystery, but what would happen if we uncover all of those secrets? Humanity could gain the power to achieve godhood through divine knowledge.”

The sun is still rising. The golden rays seem to form a halo behind Zandik’s figure.

“It certainly sounds exciting,” you comment.

He crouches down in front of you, his face only a few centimeters away from yours. The suddenness of his action makes you draw back.

“Zandik! Why…why are you so close? Is there something on my face?

“No,” he says. “I merely want to look at your face.”

“What?” Your cheeks feel warm. You hug your knees to your chest. “But why?”

Zandik places his hand on the side of your face, and you almost stand up. Surely, he can feel your body heat through his gloves.

After a few seconds, he retracts his hand and smiles at you.

“Keep that expression. It is much cuter than your crying face.”

iii. palpitations

The next few months feature more study sessions, secret expeditions, and coffee breaks with Zandik. Amidst your academic turmoil, he has become the highlight of your student life.

Something is changing, though.

It’s you. Your recent meetups have all been initiated by you. Every goodbye lowers your spirits. Zandik’s teasing affects you more, enough to trigger hot blushes and fluttery heartbeats. Just seeing his face is enough to make you feel giddy and nervous.

A crush. How predictable.

You don’t act on that knowledge. What could you possibly do with it?

As close as you’ve become, you are nowhere near the level of Zandik’s “friends.” He spends more time with them than with you, time which isn’t solely limited to academic research. It’s understandable; they seem fun to be around.

He has a research partner, a Dastur named Sohreh. She is from the Amurta Darshan like you, and has already discovered and named a new species of micro-scarabs. In addition to intellectual discussions and jungle explorations, she has entertained Zandik with moonlit picnics.

It hurts to hear her name in passing, but you hide your jealousy. Zandik’s research on the Ruin Machines is still your exclusive secret. You are sure that he has never invited Sohreh to watch the sunrise from Devantaka Mountain.

Neither has he ever wished her luck before a solo presentation.

“Good luck.” Zandik pats your shoulder, squeezing it lightly. “This will be over soon. I expect you to get adequate rest after this.”

“Mm hmm.” You give him a weary look. “I feel another headache starting. Thank you, by the way. For breakfast and taking the time to see me.”

You haven’t spent much time together in the past weeks. You’ve both been terribly busy, you with your solo presentation and him with “a new experiment.” The last thing you expected was for Zandik to visit your dormitory with coffee and homemade cookies.

He even walked you to your lecture hall. You idle outside the doorway, stepping aside so that a group of Sages can enter.

Your stomach churns. “Those are the panelists. I just know that they will attack me with questions later.”

“Hmph, those shortsighted fools invoke none of my fear.” Zandik holds your arm in a comforting grip. “Seek me out once you have attained at least eight hours of sleep. I have reached a critical point in my experiment, and your input is most crucial.”

The discomfort is replaced with a fluttery feeling. “All right.”

Zandik’s eagerness is almost contagious. In those moments, his eyes almost seem to glow like miniature suns. There is an animated look in those vivid red orbs whenever he discovers something new and exciting.

What is it like to be the object of his gaze?

“I will be off now.” He pushes you towards the doorway, a mischievous grin on his face. “If those obstinate seniors speak ill of you, I shall participate in your counterargument.”

Now your chest feels light. “You would render them speechless.”

The doors close behind you. The lecturer says a few words. You take a deep breath and walk over to the podium, gripping your papers.

You can do this.

“Good day, everyone. I am ______, Trainee Dastur of the Amurta Darshan. Today, I will be presenting my research on the photonastic properties of the Nilotpala lotus and how—”

The room spins.

You almost lose your balance. You grip the podium, dropping your papers.

You feel so dizzy.

It is difficult to keep your eyes open. You collapse onto the floor, vaguely registering what sounds like frantic voices from the audience. Their words are too fuzzy.

The last thing you see is your journal. When did Zandik write in it?

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

“Calm yourself, ______. There is no need to cry.”

Zandik rubs circles on your back. You only continue sobbing.

Bimarstan is quieter than expected. You wonder if the walls are exceptionally thick or if a crying student is considered a rarity. The waterworks had begun as soon as Zandik visited you.

More tears drip onto his scarf. The material is deep blue with a soft texture. You want nothing more than to drown in its soothing scent.

“An episode of vertigo,” you mutter bitterly. “Why now of all times?”

“It does not surprise me at all,” says Zandik. He breaks off the hug and gives you a stern look. “You have been overexerting yourself. I warned you.”

“Well, what could I do?” you shoot back. “There’s so much to do and I can’t keep up with the workload. I…I’m so tired.”

Sunlight streams from the tiny window in the room. The sky is getting dark; the Nilotpala lotuses will be awake soon. Awake from their long slumber, ready to shine at their brightest.

You lie down, resting your head on the worn pillow. “I don’t know if I can bounce back. Even if I recover and catch up on my work…I haven’t been happy lately. Maybe I should go home for a while. Get some rest, see my family, reconsider my life choices.”

Suddenly, Zandik grabs you by the shoulders and pulls you upwards, back into your sitting position. You groan in protest, feeling another bout of dizziness, but he cuts you off.

“Will you stop wallowing in self-pity?” he snaps. “I’ve wasted enough time bearing witness to your hysterics. Answer me, ______, why did you choose the path of a scholar?”

It is difficult to face him. You stare at the window, watching the sky darken.

“It was my dream,” you answer. “Growing up, I loved to observe nature and explore the surroundings in my hometown. The world was so beautiful and exciting, and I wanted to learn everything about it. Then I enrolled in the Akademiya and realized that it was nothing like that.”

Words. Patterns. A race against other great minds. Logic and theory.

A hand squeezes your arm. Zandik’s frown spells disapproval.

“Naive as it may be, that dream is achievable,” he tells you. “It is simply not aligned with the values of the academe, which I find rather stagnant.”

His gaze darkens. The hand on your cheek prevents you from looking away.

“You have the passion and the degree of rigor expected of a true scholar. Your physical body just cannot keep up with the demands of the institution.”

“Then what am I supposed to do?” you ask. “I’m not as brilliant as you.”

“Well, now would be the perfect time to tell you about my experiment.”

You raise an eyebrow at him. “What do you mean?”

Zandik walks past the empty cots and locks the door.

“I have been testing a new elixir for the human body,” he explains. “It targets the brain so as to rewire the circadian rhythm, resulting in shortened sleep cycles and an increase in physical energy. Other drugs were incorporated for the purpose of refining the immune system.”

He can’t be serious.

“How…why did you do this?” you ask. “This is hardly demanded by your Darshan.”

He smiles at you, sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. “I must retract my previous statements. Your research notes on the Nilotpala lotus were quite promising.”

He made something out of your research.

“It was no simple feat,” he continues. “I had to consult numerous anatomy texts, acquire the necessary resources, and achieve the optimal concentration of drugs. After reviewing the test trials, I can confidently state that my experiment is a success.”

You stare at him. “Test trials? As in, you experimented on people? Did you garner the Akademiya’s approval first?”

He only laughs. “Convincing those Sages would have only resulted in the cessation of the experiment. Rest assured, the participants experienced little to no side effects. More importantly, the final product is safe for human consumption—more precisely, for you.”

This is crazy. He didn’t even follow the proper procedure.

You are rendered speechless.

Zandik sits on the edge of the bed, facing you. “With this treatment, you will have the vigor to pursue your research. I could not imagine a more worthy scholar.”

Your heart pounds in your ears. “Are you serious?”

That fascinated gleam returns to his eyes. Only this time, your bewildered face is reflected in it.

“I will make you strong, beautiful, perfect,” he whispers. He traces the veins of your arm, all the way down to your pulse point. “You will become an enhanced human, free of weakness. May I have your consent, ______?”

He has never looked at you like that before.

“...Explain the process to me first.”

iv. serotonin

The treatment is simpler than expected.

“The main drug will be administered via injection. Following the procedure, you must regularly take minor doses in the form of pills. You need only consume the supplements for a limited timeframe in order to ensure your body’s permanent adjustment.”

After you are discharged from Bimarstan, Zandik does a few tests on you to maximize the elixir’s compatibility with your body. Blood samples, cheek swabs, body measurements, a physical examination for before-and-after comparisons. You remain in his gaze.

Finally, the elixir is ready.

“Are you ready, ______?” Zandik’s eyes are practically sparkling. “You are about to transcend the earthly boundaries of the human body.”

You sit on your bed and grip the blankets, staring at the syringe in his hand. The drug is viscous, golden like the sun’s rays, almost luminous under the artificial light.

It’s safe. You can trust Zandik.

He sanitizes your arm first. The antiseptic feels cold against your skin.

Zandik with his unwavering curiosity and innovative ways of thinking.

The syringe hovers above the injection site.

“______?” He makes eye contact, and you are met with your monochrome reflection in his eyes. “Once again, are you ready?”

Zandik who will take care of you for months to come.

You smile at him. “Yes.”

He grins at you. “Excellent.”

The drug is more viscous than expected. You try to relax your muscles. Maybe it will pass quickly if you focus on something else.

Zandik’s free hand is keeping your arm still. His touch is firm.

His handsome face bears none of his usual snark. He looks totally concentrated.

The soft smile he gives you is the perfect reward.

“You did well, ______.” He puts down the empty syringe and bandages your arm. “Soon enough, you will feel the changes to your body. I can’t wait to watch you develop.”

You smile again despite the lingering pain. “Thank you, Zandik.”

Your vision blurs.

You feel sleepy. So, so sleepy.

“Zandik?” You grip his shoulder with your uninjected hand. “I feel…”

“Shh.” He tucks you into bed, pulling the blankets over your body. “That is the sedative at work. You must rest while your brain becomes acquainted with the elixir.”

The pillow is soft. Zandik holds your hand, intertwining your fingers.

The last thing you see is his face. His eyes are wide open, filled with unrestrained wonder. You could get used to that look.

“Sweet dreams, ______.”

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

The elixir works quickly. You awaken from your slumber feeling calm and refreshed, sans the heaviness in your arm. Zandik is still seated at your bedside, watching you.

You didn’t have any dreams, of course.

The supplements taste like candy, pale blue pills with a sugary flavor. You have no doubt that Zandik made them more palatable for consumption.

The drug slowly takes effect. After a few days, you begin to wake up each morning with energy and motivation to start the day. Your sleep cycle decreases to five hours, giving you more work hours and free time. You feel lighter and happier with each passing day.

A large part of it comes from Zandik’s constant presence. He greets you each morning, visits you between classes, and spends more time with you. He monitors your health, taking note of every miniscule detail. Amidst his usual sarcasm and cheeriness, he has grown observant and intrigued with you.

You’ve gotten closer.

“Do you plan to publish your research in the future?” you ask him. “I haven’t shown any side effects in the past months. Granted, we should wait at least—”

Zandik waves his hand dismissively. “I have no plans to make this research public.”

“Are you serious?” You stand between him and the Ruin Grader he is working on. “Your experiment literally changed my life! Sure, the Sages will give us an earful and it may not be counted by the Akademiya. But the scientific world won’t be able to ignore your greatness.”

“The experiment is far from over,” he replies, leveling you with a blood red glare, “and it is foolish to cease our observations at any time. The conclusion will be my decision.”

You pout at him. “You are utterly rigid, Zandik. But I suppose you have a point.”

He smiles at you. “Brilliant minds are the most difficult to comprehend. Though in comparison to the common thinkers, you seem to carry more wit.”

The sun is beginning to rise. The both of you face the cliff.

“The sunrise has been occurring at a later hour, as per the seasons,” he notes. “Another mystery which I would like to uncover someday.”

The light touches his features, illuminating his handsome face and scarlet eyes. His bangs look messier than usual.

You ruffle his hair. It feels soft to the touch. “I’m sure that you can do it.”

“I must leave soon,” he informs you. He puts a few Ruin Guard components in his bag. “I have a group expedition later.”

Your stomach drops. “So soon?”

He side-eyes you. “We’ve already spent plenty of time together, ______.”

Not enough.

“And it is my turn to prioritize my studies. I am behind on my investigative research on account of Dastur Sohreh’s death.”

Truthfully, a part of you felt happy after the shock of her death wore off. It gave you more time to spend with Zandik.

…What are you thinking?

“Of course.” You pick up your lantern and walk away. “I’ll go first. I think I will visit the westward swamp again.”

You leave the cliff and walk up the mountain. The Nilotpala lotuses are all closed in slumber. Come to think of it, the petals have a similar coloring to Zandik. The edges are deep blue like his favorite neckties while the lighter parts match his hair.

You really do think of him too often nowadays.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

Zandik’s investigation team was only supposed to do field research in Ardravi Valley. According to previous cases, he has a penchant for observing the Ruin Machine components and “bringing unpredictable risks.” But you never expected him to face severe punishment.

“They removed your name from the author list?!”

“Indeed.” Zandik crumples the disciplinary notice, scowling. “After I went through the trouble of protecting my team members. The Ruin Machine was already disabled, so I don’t see any harm in reverse engineering it.”

You punch your pillow. “Sage Shanarma is a shortsighted fool. All of them are.”

He is silent for a few seconds. “It is a pity. One needs an environment conducive to research, yet the Akademiya is restricted by the habits of cognition. And now the Sages are looking into my previous experiments.”

“Why, though? At this point, they are only looking for a reason to expel you!”

He slumps against the side of your bed. “It may be so.”

Those idiots.

You sit on the floor in front of him, holding his hands. “They simply don’t understand your intellectual prowess, Zandik. But they’ll see. You will usher in a new age in the scientific world, then you’ll make Teyvat beautiful and exciting for everyone!”

Like what he did for you.

He smirks. “Such impassioned words. Will you repeat that statement even if I am later called a madman?”

“Of course!” You meet his gaze. “No matter what anyone says, I’ll believe in you. And if you need a supporter—an assistant, a test subject, anything—I’d be honored to help you.”

“Oh?” Zandik leans closer to you, eyes wide. “Is that a promise?”

Your smile is reflected in his gaze. “Yes!”

That is when he kisses you.

His lips crash against yours with enough force to topple you backwards. Zandik cups the back of your head with his hand before it hits the floor.

Your head spins regardless.

Zandik is…

You try to sit up, only for him to pin down your wrists. His bangs tickle your forehead. His teeth nip your lips, hard enough to draw blood. You’re running out of air. You don’t—

He pulls away.

The ceiling lights are too bright. You take deep breaths, heart racing.

Laughter echoes within the room. It sounds absolutely gleeful.

Zandik brushes his thumb against your lips. The smear of blood pales in comparison to his eye color. “Thank you, I feel much better now.”

“Zandik.” You sit up, still dazed. “What…?”

As quickly as he had kissed you, he stands up and leaves the room. He doesn’t even spare you a final glance.

Bastard.

You stare at the door, hand shakily reaching up to touch your lips. There are rough marks from his teeth; his bite was painful.

It felt good, though.

You grab your pillow and scream into it. You barely get any sleep that night.

v. broken heart syndrome

Zandik completely vanishes after your first kiss.

He doesn’t visit your room the next day. You don’t find him in any of his classes. You go to his dormitory, but the Matra shoos you away from his room.

What happened to him?

The answer is disclosed later that week.

“Trainee Dastur Zandik was expelled for conducting inhumane experiments.”

“Have you heard about what happened at Eleazar Hospital?”

“Dastur Sohreh was strangled to death.”

“...villagers…Withering…the absolute madman!”

The Akademiya is abuzz with revelations of Zandik’s expulsion. His name is linked to broken rules, exposed atrocities, even deaths.

If you didn’t know Zandik better, you could have doubted them. But he has always been one to pursue knowledge with little regard for the rules. Your experiment is clear proof of that.

You are perfectly fine, though.

You don’t know how to process the information. The Sages call you in for the investigation, and you are saved from further questioning by a sudden bout of chest pain. The doctors liken it to extreme stress, and you don’t divulge the elixir.

Are you ever going to see him again?

You spend the next few days in a daze. It is difficult to do anything.

You can’t study. The lessons were easier to understand when Zandik was tutoring you.

Devantaka Mountain is so quiet without his murmurs and research.

Your fatigue returns after nights of riding on only two hours of sleep. Your mind is restless, filled only with thoughts of Zandik.

Despite all of the horrors he committed, you still miss him.

What did you do before he came into your life? Thanks to his elixir, you have all the free time in the world and nothing to do with it. Your old hobbies feel so unfulfilling.

Is he safe? He must have left in a hurry. How will he continue his research?

Two weeks after his departure, you finally grow sick of your messy room. While cleaning, you find a small box under your bed.

Strange. You don’t remember owning this.

The words on the cover look familiar. It is your name, written in Zandik’s handwriting.

You open it.

A jar of pale blue pills. A journal and pen. A deep blue scarf bearing the familiar scent of paper and ink. Nothing else.

You pick up the journal. The pages are blank, but you find a few loose sheets of paper. One of them shows a colored sketch of Zandik’s face—a self-portrait? His handsome face bears an unrecognizably neutral expression, but his gaze is heavily inked in crimson. The other paper features a list and instructions; you recognize the names of spices local to Sumeru.

The jar of pills is next. Taking into account your regular dosage, these are enough to sustain you for years. Zandik had written something on the glass. “For ______.”

A laugh escapes your throat.

How could you be so shortsighted?

Zandik will be all right. He will continue his research and change the world regardless of the challenges. It is the Akademiya’s loss.

Your experiment isn’t over. You uncap the jar and consume your supplement.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

Without Zandik, the world reverts to its dull state.

You continue your studies. The requirements are still difficult, but you have been cured of all exhaustion and disillusionment. You eventually submit what the Sages deem “an exceptional thesis indicative of the scholar’s diligence.”

It is only your private research on the photonastic properties of the Nilotpala lotus. You have to thank Zandik for the notes he added to your journal. You don’t mention the elixir, of course—it is his research. You only theorize that the flower could be used as a minor medication to treat sleep problems.

Your thesis gets approved. You graduate from the Akademiya with the title of Dastur.

The prestige means nothing. You pack your bags and return to your hometown. It is good to finally reunite with your family, but you leave again after only a few months.

Has your hometown always been this unremarkable?

You travel around Teyvat to study the natural environments of other regions. You publish more theses.

It isn’t as exciting as you thought it would be.

What sustains you is the memory of Zandik.

You regularly drink his coffee recipe even though you no longer need the beverage. The flavors are the same, but it isn’t as delicious when drunk in solitude.

You take out his scarf and self-portrait often. Late at night, you hold them close and touch your healed lips. You relive your first kiss with him.

You take your supplements regularly and keep a daily record of your health. Until now, there are no side effects from the elixir. If anything, you are only discovering more benefits. You continue to display high levels of energy on five hours of sleep per night. You never get sick, no matter the harsh climates of the places you visit.

You might be going crazy, however.

You really can’t stop thinking about Zandik. It is one thing to feel gloomy and hopeful all the time, to recall him whenever you follow his coffee recipe or look through your annotated journal, but hallucinations are another thing.

The first time it happens, you catch a glimpse of light blue hair on Devantaka Mountain. The second time happens in the forest of your hometown. You see him again in Dragonspine, on the northeastern paths covered in snow. And again. Each time, he disappears before you can make sense of those sightings.

He haunts you.

It is equally difficult to search for him. He’d left behind no hints of his whereabouts, and he is an outcast even to his hometown. The Ruin Grader on Devantaka Mountain becomes overtaken by moss.

The sunrise is the same. You imagine Zandik standing in front of it, with his radiant gaze and boyish grin. It was truly one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

Wakeup time: 5:20:11.

Vitals: Average. Body temperature can be attributed to the climate of Bishui Plain.

Notes: Day 53 without supplement intake. No side effects. Body continues to function normally. Slept peacefully for 5 hours and 20 minutes.

You close your journal and glance at the empty jar on the table.

After years of medication, it is difficult to believe that your body has fully adjusted to the effects of the elixir.

You roll up your sleeve. The injection left no scarring, as per Zandik’s medical precision. You wish he had left a permanent mark.

How is he these days?

A flash of light blue catches your eye. A figure is standing outside your window.

Just like that, your heartbeat spikes. Not again. You can’t—

He waves at you.

You rush to the window. The person is still standing outside the inn, wearing what looks like an oddly-shaped mask and a fancy white suit. His hair is messy, with familiar bangs. Bright red eyes stare back at you, coupled with a sharp-toothed grin.

Zandik?

He runs away. You leave the inn.

The figure acknowledged you. He didn’t disappear into thin air. He wore something which you normally wouldn’t imagine on him.

Is it really him?

You run in the direction of the figure and reach a secluded alley. A dead end.

He disappeared.

The devastation hits harder than usual. Maybe you should see a doctor for this. You haven’t had any checkups for fear of exposing the elixir, but—

Pain shoots across your back.

You shriek, falling face-first onto the ground. A heavy weight is on top of you. Did someone just tackle you?

You don’t know this person. Their mask covers only the upper half of their face, and they don’t have Zandik’s hair color. You struggle as they bind your wrists.

They have a Vision. You can’t escape.

You scream, but they cover your mouth. They check your face and turn around.

“Subject I acquired.”

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

“Let me go!”

You struggle against your blindfold and cuffs. You don’t know anything about your kidnappers’ base, but your chair is certainly high-quality.

“Quiet,” says one of them. “It was the Doctor’s orders.”

“And who in the world is that?!”

You hear the swing of a door.

The room becomes silent, save for what sounds like your kidnappers kneeling on the floor. Their fear is palpable.

There is the sound of footsteps, a slow and confident tread. It stops, followed by a loud thud and a cry of pain. Was that a kick?

“My lord!” It came from the person who captured you. “What did I—”

“Clearly, your memory is defective. I explicitly forbade rough handling of my important specimen yet her bruises are evident.”

That voice…could it be?

The footsteps continue in your direction, bringing with them the crisp scent of paper and ink. Your throat dries up.

A hand caresses the side of your face, fingertips pressing against your new bruise. You feel your cheeks warm and your heartbeat accelerate.

Your blindfold comes off.

It’s him.

His hairstyle is different, neatly pushed back with two wavy strands dangling at the sides of his face. His outfit is more complex than the Akademiya uniform, featuring a light blue earring and a deep blue jabot. His eyes are concealed by a pointed mask. But that smile…that calm, assured smile is enough to trigger those intense physical reactions out of you.

Your body is trembling. “Are you…”

He leans forward, a soft laugh filling the distance between your faces.

“We reunite at last, ______.”

vi. dopamine

“You are as emotional as ever, my dear.”

“But Zandik…!” You wipe your tears, glaring at him. “It’s been years since I last saw you. You should be grateful that I’m not kicking you for the way you left.”

Another laugh, quiet and collected. “Perhaps I shall allow it. We have yet to reassess your physical strength.”

You pout and swing your legs on the hospital cot. Zandik places the stethoscope over your chest.

A physical examination. Only he would prioritize that over a tender reunion.

“Your vitals are excellent,” he says, taking notes in his journal. “I must commend you for continuing the experiment in my absence.”

“Well, I couldn’t just throw away the supplements,” you point out. “If it helps, I kept a daily record of my health. I used the journal you gave me.”

A charming smile plays across his lips. “Truly a dedicated scholar.”

The stethoscope feels cold against your chest.

You look away. That exuberant, sharp-toothed grin is gone. The smiles Zandik gives you are mature and refined, as is his overall demeanor. He has changed over the years.

Nevertheless, he continues to toy with your heart.

“How have you been?” you ask. “You’ve changed quite a bit. The makeover is one thing but I didn’t expect the entourage. And what did they call you? The Doctor?”

“An ironic title, isn’t it?” Zandik laughs and gestures to his mask. “These days, they tend to call me Il Dottore, the Second Harbinger of the Fatui.”

His eyes are completely hidden. “I’ve heard of the Fatui. Aren’t they from Snezhnaya?”

“That is correct.” His smile turns triumphant. “Following my exile, I was recruited by the Jester. Since then, the Tsaritsa has provided me with the sufficient funds and resources for my experiments.”

You nearly jump out of the bed. “Really?”

No more institutions to hold him back. Zandik’s wisdom has finally been recognized.

“Indeed. It is thanks to her most noble Majesty that I can change the world with my research,” he says, taking off the stethoscope. “But enough of my achievements. How are you?”

“I’ve been fine,” you reply. “I graduated from the Akademiya. I’m a wandering researcher now. I missed you terribly.”

His lips are slightly parted. Have his teeth grown sharper?

“Oh? How much?” he asks in a lilting voice. “Did you think of me often?”

Nearly everyday. “I did. It was impossible to forget about you.”

Zandik looks smug. “I see, I see. I must say, you look positively glowing. You have clearly flourished under the effects of the elixir, and I feel no greater pride as a scholar.”

His hand wraps around your arm, tapping the injection site.

You place your hand atop of his, savoring the sensation. “It’s all thanks to you.”

“To that end, I must ask you. Do you remember your promise?”

You startle. “Promise?”

He couldn’t possibly…

“As useful as my subordinates are, they are of inferior intellect,” he says. “What I require is an assistant of outstanding cognition and dexterity.”

Is he seriously referring to you?

His voice lowers to a whisper. “It goes without saying that you are the most befitting candidate. Would that role be agreeable to you, ______?”

All the time in the world with him.

“Of course!”

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

Your Fatui uniform is different from that of Zandik’s ordinary subordinates. It is custom-fitted, features your favorite colors, and comes with your own unique mask.

Compared to the Akademiya robes, your attire and Zandik’s no longer match. You don’t mind—he has clearly taken note of your personal style and his own outfit is lovely to look at. You only question his choice of wearing a leather harness to work.

It compliments his figure.

You call him Dottore at work, Zandik in private. You get a thrill out of the knowledge that only you are privy to his true identity within Fatui Headquarters.

It takes a while to adjust to your new career, however. Zandik’s experiments are as brutal as the rumors claim them to be.

One your first day of work, he does an experiment on “enhanced humans” of a different classification from you. The ominous laboratory, the traumatized patients, Zandik’s sadistic professionalism…it naturally terrifies you.

“For today, your sole task is to pass me these tools,” he says, gesturing to the tray of medical appliances. “This is a job which even a menial can accomplish.”

“...Yes, Dottore!” you reply. You adjust your mask, surveying the scalpels and syringes.

Your gaze avoids the patient strapped to the operating table.

He is going to die even without medical intervention. This experiment is simply a means to an end. What did Zandik once tell you? No achievement is without sacrifice.

Zandik stands across from you, deathly quiet. Is he analyzing you for visible signs of horror? You wish he would laugh, say something witty, explain the procedure, anything but this.

“You monster!”

Who said that?

Zandik looks down at the patient. “Specimen IV, you are unusually vocal today. If your mental faculties are coherent, would you be so helpful as to describe your current condition?”

He glares at him. “I refuse! The gods…they will punish you for this. Heretic!”

What did he just call him?

Zandik looks completely unfazed. “You are as uncooperative as ever despite all of the enhancements I have given you.”

“You are—!”

The needle pierces Specimen IV’s skin. He screams and writhes against his restraints.

Zandik looks up. “My dear assistant, I did not relay any instructions for you to administer a sedative.”

How dare he call him that.

“My apologies, Dottore.” You inject it anyway, meeting his masked gaze. “He was too noisy. It would have obstructed the operation.”

Beneath you, Specimen IV’s screams soften to whimpers.

Zandik leans over the table, above his sedated body. A smile cuts his face.

“Good job,” he tells you.

If it means seeing his smile everyday, you can handle this.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

Among Zandik’s scientific achievements, his Segments are the most impressive.

He creates clones of himself at different ages. The first time you see them, you are convinced that your hallucinations have returned. You don’t know if being surrounded by numerous Zandiks can be called the best or worst time of your life.

You occasionally encounter them in the Fatui hallways. Each has his own individual cognition and attitude towards you. By observing them, you can somewhat follow Zandik’s transition from boisterous student to mature Harbinger.

They are also good substitutes in their creator’s absence.

“Well, if it isn’t ______.” One of the younger Segments leans against the wall, arms crossed. “You seem to be in low spirits today.”

“Hello, Dottore.” You idle outside his room, gripping the door. “The original is currently on a mission. Can I talk to you for a bit?”

He grins, baring his teeth. “I wouldn’t mind.”

You are quite fond of this one. He looks and acts exactly like the Zandik from your memories, with his messy hair and unhinged personality. His mask exposes his eyes.

“Thank you.” You take a seat in front of him.

How many more days until Zandik returns? Five?

“You’re the Segment in charge of Haeresys, yes?”

His scowl is familiar. “Indeed. I just got back after dealing with some useless menials. It would be easier if there were more of you.”

“It’s wishful thinking. The original Dottore doesn’t want me to participate in any more experiments as a test subject.”

As a matter of fact, he isn’t so fond of your interactions with his Segments.

You wonder if he will scold you once he finds out about this. He always does. Do the Segments share a hivemind with him? Or can they withhold their thoughts from one another?

This Segment clearly disagrees with Zandik’s decision, but he moves on to a different topic. He starts an intellectual discussion about the Nilotpala lotus, but it doesn’t feel as engaging as your old conversations. Why is that?

“Your eyes are different from Zandik’s.”

He pauses, staring at you. “Can you repeat that?”

“You heard what I said.” You brush his bangs aside to take a closer look at his eyes. “Anatomically speaking, your eyes are the right shape and color. But your gaze is different.”

His eyes look so empty and artificial.

“A fine observation,” huffs the Segment, clearly taken aback by your words. “I apologize for not being as perfect as the original.”

“You’re good enough.” For now.

After an hour of conversation, you visit another Segment. This one is more similar to the current Zandik and wears a Snezhnayan fur coat with a deep blue cravat. The only issue is that his eyes resemble a Ruin Machine’s.

What is his gaze like nowadays?

Until now, you haven’t seen Zandik without his mask. You wonder if his face has grown any more handsome. Does he still view the world with that captivated stare?

How does he view your current self?

After a few more Segments, you return to your dormitory. You lie in bed, stare at Zandik’s self-portrait, and imagine him in your room. Sitting beside you, looking through your things, leaving bits and pieces of himself in your personal space.

Time continues to move slowly without him.

“______, were you lonely without me?” His voice is light with amusement.

You look up from your reports. “Why do you ask?”

Zandik gives you a knowing smile. “According to my Segments, you seemed quite depressed in my absence.”

“...I won’t deny it.”

vii. oxytocin

Months pass by in absolute bliss. You assist Zandik with more experiments. The two of you conduct groundbreaking research on Ruin Machines and enhanced humans. It doesn’t take long for a new routine to form.

Breakfast in his office, featuring Zandik’s coffee. Your daily checkup. Fatui experiments or the occasional diplomatic mission. Lunch, dinner, snacks. More work. Intellectual discussions. A teasing remark and your flustered response. Zandik’s refined smiles directed at you.

More time together.

Every day feels so exciting. You are in a constant state of euphoria, always eager to leave your bed and see Zandik first thing in the morning. You crash as soon as you retire for the night, however.

Your time apart is insufferable. With only a few hours reserved for sleep, you spend your free time idling in your room and counting the hours until you can see Zandik again.

You need to be closer to him.

In Snezhnaya, your relationship is mainly professional. You only see him in his office and laboratories. His gaze remains a mystery to you.

He has never acknowledged your kiss. Sometimes, you wonder if it even happened.

Why isn’t your current position enough?

You were already promoted from Subject I to assistant. You work closely with him compared to his other subordinates. Still, you wonder if Zandik will ever invite you to spend time together on something unrelated to research.

Stop it. Just standing by his side is all you need to be happy.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

While organizing Zandik’s desk, you find an untitled folder.

Is it new? The folder is different from Zandik’s ordinary files, made of deep blue leather with black straps and gold buckles. You open it and take out the first document.

Subject I: ______.

You stare at the document. Are these his research notes on you and the elixir?

Thinking about it now, he has never shared them with you.

You glance at the door. Zandik had just left to speak with a subordinate.

There are enough documents to fill a book. You take out a handful of papers.

When did he draw these sketches of you?

The drawings include full-body diagrams with handwritten notes. One sheet is filled with colored sketches of your face, each showing a different expression. Every detail is perfectly captured from your facial proportions to the look in your eyes.

You trace the first image. The expression is labeled Neutral, showing dark eye circles and a slight frown. It has been years since you last saw that face in the mirror.

You randomly select another document. This one is also a drawing, a diagram of the human brain with important regions shaded. There are notes written at the bottom.

The hypothalamus should be targeted.

Trial I Specimen II: female adult, 24 years old. Alterations to the following regions exacerbated her attraction and obsessive behavior towards Specimen V.* Further research on the hypothalamus’s production of hormones is advised.

Specimens II and V must be the trial subjects. What made their relationship noteworthy? Before you can continue reading, a hand slams down on the desk.

Zandik is standing behind you. How did you not notice him?

“Zandik!” You drop the document, turning around. “When did you arrive?”

“A few seconds ago,” he replies, glancing at the opened folder. “I don’t recall giving you permission to read these files.”

His voice is cold. He picks up the documents you took out, checking each paper.

“It’s about our elixir, though,” you point out, gesturing to the brain diagram. “I wasn’t done reading this. Hey…how many trial specimens were there?”

Zandik is silent for a few seconds. A smile appears on his face.

“Your curiosity is one of your positive traits, ______, but do remember that one must pay the price for what they’ve learned. There is information which you may find difficult to process.”

Somehow, this poised smile feels more unnerving than his old grins.

It must be about the trial specimens. He clearly lied about the absence of side effects.

You give him the document. “I understand.”

“Good, I would hate for you to feel burdened with such knowledge.” He returns the papers and snaps the folder shut.

He sounds so distant.

“Um, Zandik,” you say, changing the topic, “do you ever plan to recruit new test subjects for the elixir?”

He sets the folder aside. “Why would I do that?”

You shrug. “This has never been a proper experiment. With a larger treatment group, we can observe whether or not the elixir’s effects vary across individuals.”

“As a scholar, I would normally agree with your statement,” he replies, “but I have no interest in expanding our experiment.”

You frown at him. “But why? We could manufacture the elixir for the Fatui. It would exponentially increase the productivity of our personnel.”

“______, you seem to have forgotten the goal of this experiment.” Zandik takes a step closer to you, arms crossed. “I created the elixir for you. Why would I share it with anyone else?”

He can’t keep saying things like this.

“That’s…I’m only one test subject,” you insist, gripping the edge of the desk.

“Hmph, you critically underestimate your significance to this experiment.” He plants both hands on the desk, effectively trapping you. “This experiment would have never begun without your involvement, and I am not merely referring to your research.”

His judgment defies common logic.

You stare at the shortened distance between your bodies.

He smiles at you. “So consider this experiment as another secret between the two of us.”

He can be truly infuriating at times.

You grab his harness and pull him towards you.

“Mph!”

You didn’t know that Zandik could sound so startled. It is a satisfying noise.

The tip of his mask bumps against your face. The taste of coffee and spices invades your mouth. His lips are just as soft as you remember.

You can’t see his gaze. What is he thinking right now? Your grip tightens around the strap of his harness.

Archons, what are you doing?

You shouldn’t be doing this. If you stop now, you can apologize and explain yourself and Zandik won’t—

Light pressure against your lips. A hand cupping the back of your head.

Is he kissing you back?

Your eyes fly open but all you can see are the details of his mask. Zandik deepens the kiss, grasping your arm with his other hand. He pushes his knee in between your legs.

You can’t escape. You try tapping his back, but he ignores it. Your knuckles brush against his hair—the texture is softer, silkier compared to his old hairstyle. You tangle your fingers in his locks and pull.

The moan that leaves Zandik’s mouth spares you a short intake of air. But before you can say anything, he kisses you again with more force. His teeth lightly graze your lips.

It feels so good.

At this rate, you should be seriously concerned about your dizziness. Is it possible to feel so happy and disoriented at the same time? How can you be sure that this isn’t some cruel hallucination conjured by the gods?

He breaks off the kiss.

A string of saliva connects your lips. Your heart is beating so quickly. The sounds of heavy breathing…it’s not just yours, right?

There isn’t enough oxygen circulating through your lungs. You grip the desk with both hands and try not to collapse, lest you press against Zandik’s knee.

A soft laugh breaks the silence and you look up.

His gaze is the same.

The mask dangles from Zandik’s index finger. His eyes are half-lidded; you could forever be imprisoned within those pools of carmine.

“Zandik,” you stutter. “I…”

His hand caresses the side of your face, cold against your flushed skin. “This is an expression which I haven’t seen before. Indulge me, ______, do I normally trigger these physical reactions out of you?”

His eyes are shining. His thumb presses down on the pulse point of your neck.

How is your heartbeat still accelerating?

You glare at him. “You already know the answer. I’d like to ask you the same question.”

To your satisfaction, he looks as disheveled as you. His shirt is wrinkled under the harness, and his hair is messy from where you pulled it. His lips are slightly puffy.

He looks absolutely beautiful.

A charming smile graces his face. “I suppose it is only fair that I enlighten you.”

That is your only warning before he pulls you into another kiss.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

“I must say, ______. You make such lovely expressions beneath me.”

“Zandik, do me a favor and shut up.” You hit his head with a cushion.

He laughs, revealing a peek of sharp teeth. “As I expected, you don’t hold back even during postcoital intimacy. Do you still feel like crying?”

Your face heats up. “Not anymore. Anyway, those were happy tears earlier.”

This must be the happiest moment of your life.

You snuggle closer to him. The sofa is large enough for the both of you to lie in it. Caged in Zandik’s arms, pressed skin to skin, able to see his face…you’ve never felt closer.

His lips are on your neck again. How many love bites does he plan to give you? His tongue traces the open wound on your clavicle, and you wince.

“Does it sting?” he asks sweetly.

“It’s good to see that you still have your bite,” you reply drily.

You want to savor the pain for as long as it lasts.

Zandik pulls away, licking the blood off his lips. Your own bites litter his chest in pale marks and shallow indents. “Do you have any plans for tonight?”

Your heart races. “No, why?”

That wicked glint returns to his eyes. “I thought we’d continue this in your room. We wouldn’t want to make a bigger mess in my office.”

“If you want.” You can’t contain the smile on your face. “My bed is more comfortable.”

You mentally apologize to the poor soul tasked with cleaning the sofa later.

Your clothes are scattered on the floor. Zandik reaches for his mask but you stop him in time. Your arms wrap around his midsection, keeping him flush against you.

“Not yet,” you mumble. You raise your hand to play with his hair, twirling one of the loose tendrils around your finger. “Can we stay like this for a little longer?”

The ceiling light almost seems to form a halo behind his head.

“Oh, all right.” He squeezes your upper arm with his bare hand, fingernails leaving crescent marks on your skin. “I’ll indulge you for once.”

viii. vasopressin

Following that euphoric night, Zandik becomes well-acquainted with your bedroom.

You wonder if this will become a common occurrence—the Second Harbinger casually waltzing into your Fatui dormitory, his mere presence terrifying the other residents. After his first visit, he leaves your room in the morning and the rumors spread like wildfire.

You don’t confront your coworkers though their comments are annoying. Conveniently enough, the gossip is halted a few days later. Everyone becomes too afraid to approach you.

Good, they should know their place.

Your dormitory’s close proximity to Zapolyarny Palace is not the only benefit. As soon as Zandik leaves, you can wrap yourself in the blankets and drown in his scent. Exhausted as you are, you don’t get much sleep after your physical activities.

“Your room decoration hasn’t changed one bit,” he tells you.

“The closet is off-limits,” you reply immediately, recalling his old scarf.

Zandik moves on to your windowsill, picking up a ceramic replica of a Nilotpala lotus. “I remember this.”

He’d noticed that decoration, too, the first time he visited your Akademiya dormitory.

You stand next to him, facing the window. Snezhnaya’s sunrises are rarely noteworthy, typically concealed by blizzards and fog.

“What time is it in Sumeru? The Nilotpala lotuses could be in full bloom right now,” you muse. “Do you ever miss that region, Zandik?”

“It truly pains me that my academic achievements have never been appreciated in my homeland.”

That is all he says. Zandik’s facial expression is neutral.

Sumeru could burn for all you care.

You hold his hand. “Hey, it’s—”

“Never mind.” He shakes his head and puts down the fake Nilotpala lotus. “Perhaps I shall pay the region a visit once the Akademiya has something new to offer.”

You nod. “All right. When that happens, can I please go with you?”

He still goes on too many solo missions.

Eventually, the two of you begin discussing your newest Ruin Machine specimen. To anyone, the sight of Il Dottore seated on the floor may seem virtually uncharacteristic, but you find it nostalgic.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

“What have you done to me?!”

Zandik barely reacts to Specimen X’s hysterics. “Subdue him immediately. His panic will only increase the chances of complications arising during recovery.”

“Yes, my lord!”

The Fatui subordinates drag Specimen X back to his room.

Zandik turns to you, removing his surgical gloves. “There is no need for you to tidy up the equipment. That isn’t part of your job.”

“It’s more efficient if I do it myself,” you reply, cleaning the operating table. “Besides, my hands are already dirty.”

The blood stains your gloves. It isn’t as striking as Zandik’s eye color.

He smiles at you. “What a model assistant. It feels as though just yesterday, you were recoiling at the sight of Specimen IV’s heart.”

“That is your fault for not telling me how bloody the procedure was going to be!”

You adjust your surgical mask. During medical operations, you forgo your usual mask for one which covers the lower half of your face. You still haven’t gotten used to the scent of blood.

The overall operations remain difficult. The pained faces, the curses directed at you, the knowledge that you have a hand in so many deaths. It gets easier once you look at Zandik and remember the overarching goal of your experiments.

You can’t have him hiring another assistant.

“How long until their next operation?” you ask. “Judging by Specimen X’s progress, he can handle more Archon Residue. I think—”

His hand touches your cheek.

You almost jump and drop the tray of medical supplies.

Zandik is wearing his regular gloves now, the stylish black pair with blue undersides.

Your cheeks warm under his touch. “Not now. I almost—”

His lips press against yours, merely separated by the thick fabric of your mask

Never mind.

Your eyes widen. You grip the metal tray, feeling another attack of stomach butterflies. When he pulls back, you move to follow him.

He should stop teasing you like this. His kisses are too addictive.

Zandik’s smile is positively smug. “That is better. Even your eyes show notable changes when you are surprised.”

You must get used to the scent of blood as soon as possible.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

Your physical examinations are more embarrassing nowadays.

Zandik holds your face, thumb and forefinger pressed against your cheeks. “Your results are normal. Dental hygiene is perfect. Lips are still slightly wounded, but some ointment will speed up their recovery. Eyes are—oh, are your pupils dilating? And now I sense a drastic increase in facial temperature.”

You close your eyes. As much as you like staring into Zandik’s eyes, it’s different when he orders you to look at him.

“That’s enough,” you mumble. “Are you done? I’ve had enough of your face.”

He smiles, letting go. “Oh? And you usually seem so appreciative of this opportunity. I’ve been told that I have quite a handsome face.”

One which keeps appearing in your mental vision.

“No comment,” you reply. “Though I guess your face can be considered scientifically beautiful according to the connection between natural science and facial aesthetics.”

Zandik is writing in his journal. “Are you referring to the golden ratio?”

“That is the best example,” you reply, “among other theories. Since your face fits the measurements, I’ll admit that you’re lovely to look at.”

That is a lie. You don’t need science to prove his beauty.

“How flattering.” His hand returns to your cheek.

Your face is still warm. “We can move on to the body measurements now.”

“I am just checking something,” he replies.

You focus on the wall behind him, thankful that your pulse test is over. It is Zandik’s next statement which makes your heart rate speed up.

“You are beautiful,” he says.

Calm down. “What? A…According to which theory?”

He merely smiles at you. “I am speaking from my own personal opinion. If the laws of nature say otherwise, I must disagree and prove them wrong.”

You kick him in the shin with all your might, but that only incurs a delighted laugh.

ix. norepinephrine

Something is wrong with you.

Your head feels dizzy. Your heart is beating so fast that it could jump out of your chest.

Is it a side effect of the elixir?

You run around the Akademiya, past the corpses and Ruin Machines. Zandik should be waiting for you in the House of Daena. You run through the entrance and plunge into cold water.

Your body feels so heavy. You swim to the surface and hold on to a lilypad. The Nilotpala lotuses are asleep. Is this the westward swamp?

You hear murmurs.

Zandik is standing in the shallow part of the swamp.

“Zandik!” You try to swim towards him but your legs won’t cooperate. “I—”

A Nilotpala lotus sprouts out of your arm

You scream in pain as gold filaments and blue petals erupt from your skin. Your veins protrude, golden in color.

Zandik only watches. His eyes glaze over with disinterest.

“The experiment has been concluded.”

What?

His tone is serious. “Thank you for your cooperation, Subject I.”

“Wait!” You reach out for him but your arm loses mobility. “Please—”

“I have no need for you anymore.”

He turns around and leaves the swamp.

The sun sets behind him.

The first thing you see is Zandik’s face.

Your fist meets his shoulder. “Get away from me!”

He catches your wrist just in time. You scream and kick him.

“______!”

“Don’t touch me!” You try to wrestle free from his grip but to no avail. “Don’t hurt—”

“Will you stop this?”

He shakes you by the shoulders. Your head nearly hits the headboard.

Wait, you’re in bed. Does that mean…?

He flicks your forehead. “There, do you feel more in touch with reality?”

Your head aches. “It was a…dream?”

“It must’ve been quite vivid.” Zandik stands in front of your bed, arms crossed. His mask exposes his eyes; he must be one of the younger Segments. “Were you dreaming of me?”

“Why…why are you here?” You glance at the clock. “It’s only midnight.”

The Segment’s eyes seem to glow in the dark. “I have to analyze your sleep patterns every once in a while.”

How long has he been doing this?

“I…yes, of course.” You rub your eyes and hug your knees to your chest. “Please leave.”

He blinks at you. “Excuse me?”

“I’d like to be alone,” you reply, avoiding his gaze.

You don’t want him here.

You hear a huff, followed by receding footsteps. “All right. Go back to sleep.”

The door closes behind him.

Out of all your dreams, this is the most unpleasant.

Since you left Sumeru, Zandik has even plagued your dreams in the form of brief cameos, unrealistic interactions, fantasies succeeded by cold showers. Never nightmares.

The real Zandik wouldn’t hurt you, right?

You check your arm. It looks perfectly normal.

Until now, there have been no side effects. Your observations are clear proof of that. By now, it is unlikely that the elixir will leave you dead, insane, or beyond medical salvation like the trial specimens.

Trial I Specimen II…

What were her side effects again? According to the limited knowledge on the human brain, the hypothalamus regulates sleep. Zandik said that the elixir contains drugs which alter that region’s production of hormones, but he didn’t begin his notes with any mention of slumber.

Attraction. Obsessive behavior. Specimen V. Could he have discovered another function of that region? Is it related to your own—

What do you gain from that knowledge?

You’re still alive. Your dream came true because of the elixir. Zandik has yet to conclude the experiment. So long as you don’t search for answers, all speculations are hypotheses.

Even if a horrifying revelation comes to light, could you stand to live without him again?

Sleep doesn’t come easily this time.

Some scholar you are.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨

“______, how much sleep did you get last night?”

“What?” You look up from your reports.

Zandik taps the dark circles under your eyes. “You’ve been lethargic all day. Tell me, did you get any rest after your nightmare?”

He knows about it, of course.

You shake your head. “None at all.”

He frowns, placing his hand on your shoulder. “You may rest if you’d like.”

And just like that, you feel a glimmer of energy.

You give him a weak smile. “No, I’m fine. I’d feel worse if I missed out on work.”

That would mean not seeing him.

Zandik looks unconvinced, but he drops the subject and redirects his attention to the Automaton in the middle of the laboratory.

“Hello, Thana.” He approaches the machine, amusement evident in his voice. “How do you like your modifications?”

The creature has glowing red eyes, blue flames around its joints, and long black hair. According to Zandik, it used to be “a useless menial who had been neutralized.”

What will he do with you once he has lost interest?

The Automaton makes loud groaning noises and struggles against its restraints. You hear a surprised shriek from one of the subordinates tinkering with it, followed by Zandik’s irritated command.

“I advise that you exercise basic caution. Thana is already perfect, and I will not tolerate any damage to my masterpiece.”

Does he look at his specimens with the same fascination he gives you?

You put down your report, rubbing your eyes.

You’ve always known the answer to that question.

Maybe you should get some rest. You’ve long forgotten what fatigue felt like.

A metallic crash echoes across the laboratory.

You look up immediately. Was that…?

The Automaton throws the nearest subordinate against a wall.

The next thing you hear is Zandik’s voice.

“______. Leave immediately.”

The machine goes haywire, crushing another person in its grip. The remaining subordinates scream and run away. Zandik analyzes the carnage for a few seconds before he shouts a few orders and picks up a weapon.

You can’t leave. Just before Zandik can disable Thana, it turns around and notices him.

What is he doing? He’s going to get himself killed!

Zandik dodges the Automaton’s attacks in time, but he is only moving on the defense. With all of his subordinates trying and failing to assist him, it is only a matter of time before the machine gains the upper hand.

You don’t think before you act.

The Automaton attempts another swipe at Zandik. It doesn’t reach him.

Your back hits the wall.

The breath is knocked out of your lungs. Your body slides down to the floor.

Your head hurts. Pain radiates from your torso. Red…there’s a lot of it. Blood soaks the fabric of your uniform from the inside.

It’s so difficult to breathe. Your breath comes out in short gasps as your nerves process the excruciating pain. You can barely hear anything above the ringing in your ears.

The floor rumbles beneath you. Was that a crash?

“______!”

Zandik…he’s crouched in front of you. He unbuttons your shirt and pulls the fabric away from your wound. You whimper as his hands brush against your skin; it looks like a deep cut.

Are his hands shaking? With all of his bold and precise touches, this is an unfamiliar sensation.

“Zandik,” you mumble. “You’re…okay, right?”

“Silence,” he snaps. His gloves are stained red with your blood. “You’ve done enough.”

Enough?

Your vision darkens.

Is Zandik shouting at someone? You feel his hands on your body again, carefully adjusting your position. His touch is warm.

…It feels nice to have him openly fussing over you like this. How many times have you dreamt of such a moment?

The world becomes dark.

x. pair bond

The first thing you register is the pain.

Your entire body aches. The throbbing sensation is mainly concentrated in your torso and the back of your head. You can barely lift your hand.

The lights are blinding. The mattress feels unfamiliar, too soft to be a hospital cot but too firm to be your own bed. Blinking blearily, you try to sit up.

A hand presses down on your chest. “Don’t move.”

Zandik?

His face comes into view, blocking out the ceiling lights. His mask covers his eyes.

What a pity. For a second, you thought you’d get to see the concern in his gaze.

His other hand settles on your lower back, and he gently lifts you into a sitting position. He isn’t wearing gloves.

A pillow is placed between your back and the headboard. The room clearly isn’t meant for patients or test subjects. The bookshelves, the papers littering the desk, the black feathers poking out from the closet, the familiar scent of paper and ink…

It is easier to breathe this time. “Is this your bedroom?”

“An astute guess. If you are capable of making such easy deductions, I can rule out the possibilities of severe head trauma.”

You touch the back of your head, vaguely noticing the intravenous tube hooked to your arm. There are bandages from where your skull hit the wall. Pulling up your shirt, you find more wrapped around your torso.

“Don’t touch it.” Zandik grabs your wrist, his voice laced with irritation. “I would rather not have you bleeding all over my operating table again.”

He saved your life.

“Are—”

He cuts you off. “You lack the common sense expected of an assistant. Did I not order you to evacuate the laboratory? You caused me more trouble than Thana did while he was alive.”

His tone makes you wince. He is right, though.

You take a proper look at him. Zandik looks notably unkempt. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up and his collar is open, jabot absent. His hair is messy.

“How long was I out?” you ask.

“Two days,” he replies. “In addition to the laceration inflicted by Thana, you suffered injuries from the blunt impact of hitting the wall. Fortunately, there was no damage to your vital organs. So long as you recover properly, your body will heal completely over time.”

You poke your upper arm and grimace. Bruises bloom across the injection site.

Just bruises. “I see. Thanks for saving me.”

“What were you thinking when you made that ridiculous decision?”

You face Zandik again. His arms are crossed and his mouth is set in a firm line.

“I…didn’t think of anything,” you answer. “I just knew that you were in danger.”

His voice shakes with barely restrained anger. “Is that all? Did you, even for a second, presume that your involvement would have aided me? Or that in the event of a sacrifice, my life would have been worth more than yours?”

You shake your head. “None at all.”

“An utterly thoughtless act,” he says. “And do you regret your decision at all?”

Do you?

Zandik is safe. He took care of you while you were unconscious. You’re in his bed.

What a lovely reward for your stupidity. “No, I don’t.”

Pain surges around your throat.

The sensation is so sudden. The back of your head hits the pillow.

Zandik’s hands are wrapped around your neck.

You can’t breathe.

In that moment, sheer panic overwhelms you. You gasp and claw at his fingers, but his grip is too strong.

“You’d really do anything for me,” he says, voice devoid of emotion. “As I expected, love is truly the death of rationality.”

It hurts.

“Zandik,” you gasp. “I—”

He presses down harder, cutting off your air supply.

“Indulge me, ______, were you equally thoughtless when you accepted the elixir? With some basic caution, you could have easily recognized the risks and refused to take it.”

His nails dig into your skin, and you cry out in pain.

He’s going to strangle you to death.

Your vision swims. Zandik continues speaking.

“Prior to the experiment, I was already astonished by the impairment of your rationality. Was it due to your admiration for me? Or because of your dream to become a researcher? For you to willingly put your life in my hands…your natural infatuation was truly pathetic.”

The pressure builds up in your head. Your eyes water.

He is so close to you. The tip of his mask nearly touches your face.

You have his full attention.

Zandik’s face shows zero remorse. That makes sense; he is always like that with his other specimens. But in this moment, his eyes must be on you.

Your hands fall to your sides.

He has never held you so roughly before. Through your blurry vision, you can make out his exposed facial features. The ceiling lights flare behind him in shades of gold and orange. Has artificial lighting always been this pretty? Why did it take you so long to notice?

The world has never looked more beautiful since the day you met him.

Your hand reaches for his face.

“Zandik.” Your voice comes out in choked sounds. “I…It was all for you.”

He scoffs, applying more force to your throat. “You are absolutely twisted, ______.”

His cheek feels soft. “You…gave me hope…changed my life.”

Calm washes over you. You must be losing consciousness now.

“I…I love you.”

Your only regret is that you won’t be able to watch another sunrise with him.

His hands leave your neck.

Air rushes into your lungs. You cough and take unsteady breaths, head still dizzy. Your hands move to your throat.

You hear a loud sigh. “You are beyond saving. I suppose that my experiment is a success.”

It’s over?

Zandik presses his thumb against your pulse point, fingertips grazing the abused skin of your neck. Your heartbeat has never felt more erratic.

“It’s concluded?”

He looks away from you.

Your throat feels sore. “Zandik…you’re not…leaving me again, are you?”

He should have just killed you.

“You will be staying here from now on.”

You stare at him. “What?”

Zandik sits on the edge of the bed, tapping your bandaged torso. “I must closely monitor you to ensure your wounds heal properly. Knowing you, you’d be out of bed before I allow it. I’ll have your belongings transferred to my room.”

He wants you to stay?

Your hand shakily holds his wrist. “But why?”

“Must I explain it to you?” he asks exasperatedly. “I can’t have my darling succumbing to such trivial injuries. The sooner you recover, the sooner you can get back to work.”

He just called you…

His pulse thrums beneath your touch. It almost matches the pace of your own heartbeat.

“I…I understand.” You stare down at your lap, vision blurry again. You think these tears are emotional.

“Hmph, for a second, I presumed that you would be jumping for joy.” Zandik leans closer to you. The loose strands of his hair brush against your face. “Very well, your crying face has always been the cutest.”

“That’s…not what you said years ago,” you mutter.

He laughs softly. “Preferences change over time.”

You feel a light kiss against your forehead. Zandik pulls away and removes his mask.

How would you describe his gaze? Soft? Mesmerized? You’ve never seen him look at something with such pure adoration.

“Really, ______.” A fond smile graces his face. “You never cease to fascinate me.”

“I…that is good to know.” You blink back tears, feeling another onslaught of those incessant symptoms.

Stomach butterflies. Blood rush. Palpitations. Dizziness. Pure happiness.

Despite it all, a smile forms on your face.

“I’ll be in your care then.”

♡

Author’s Note ๑ Side story ft. Dottore’s POV

IT’S DONE!! I am momentarily free from Dottore. This man has consistently tested my patience, temper, word count, and search history BUT I can finally rest knowing that this fic has been finished. You’re welcome for the broken darling, Dottore!! >:0

I hope you all liked his twisted love story. This took so much time and hard work, but I’m very happy with the final result. Pls consider sharing this and spreading the suffering Dottore brainrot ꒰✘Д✘◍꒱

Tag a Dottore enjoyer!! @yandere-romanticaa @bye-bye-sunbird @yanmaresu @lcveaesop @frogchiro @cinnamonest @ddarker-dreams @teabutmakeitazure @jade-parcels @ruayiri @boundinparchment @shumidehiro @theinnerunderrain @dawndelion-winery @darherwings @ryo-ri @comebacktogashi @lambdrop @oh-no-i-am-here @abyssruler @glimmeringtwilight @harmonysanreads

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greatnessordeath · 3 years ago

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villain Deku x !femreader

PART 2

3.3 k words Part 1 if you missed it or read on ao3 Happy Halloween everyone!

-------

You can’t put into words how pissed you are. It sucks. SO FUCKING HARD.

Urgh, why’s he always five steps ahead of you?

Is he so outragingly smart or are you just predictably dumb? It’s maddening. You can’t stop thinking about what happened. Burning hot anger eats at your gut, gnaws at your insides and makes you grind your teeth too harshly. There's no way you could've foreseen that he’d be immune to the suppressor. Or that he would actually … dare to kiss you.

Your lips tingle at the thought. Wait - they what? TINGLE? Sorry, but no. They at the very most feel alien after Deku had the audacity to claim them. Additional disgust creeps up your throat at the thought of his spit inside of you. You try to shake it off and stay focused. The special unit must arrive soon. Despite your effort, the following minutes passed in a haze: rejoining with the special unit, exchanging infos, reporting and post-processing what happened. The helicopter unit kept searching but all they transmitted via radio was 'negative'. They didn’t find anything. Not a single hint. He was gone like the last bit of hope.

You’ve been dead on your feet for almost 24 hours by now and the adrenaline that kept you going starts to fade. At this point, you feel only bitter disappointment.

Already brooding how to nab him the next time you stare out of the tinted window of a special rescue van. The others on the scene practically shoved you in there to treat your injuries. Chewing your bottom lip, you don’t want to talk at all. You just can’t stand the presence of other humans right now. Their pitying looks make you sick.

It was only topped by a compassionate shoulder squeeze from a young paramedic. “Don’t,” you growl and do your best to stare them down. Taken aback, they carry on to regenerate your wrists mumbling an apology. You condone it silently. Urgh, you don't want to be rude, but it's already stressful not to scream at them to mind their own business.

Prickling warmth spreads in your arms due to the accelerated metabolism. Your cells reunite and multiply in a blazingly fast tempo. The bones come together with a snap and the swelling sets back in seconds. You say your biddings to the distressed-looking paramedic to get out of there asap. They keep on telling you what movements to avoid et cetera, but as soon as they’re finished with the bandage, you storm out into the chilly night, without another word.

Breathing in the crisp air helps you ground. You take out your notepad to scribble down anything that might get lost in oblivion. Your wrists still hurt, but it could be worse.

The blank page stares back at you mockingly. Where should you start? Your brain feels like it was smoothly mixed in a high-speed blender. Your hands shake and fail to write out any words. Breathe. Concentrate. Go back in time. Remember him. How he moved. What he said. How he looked and smelled and tasted.

Sweet.

Snap! You break the pencil you're holding in half. White knuckles under your bandaged fists let hot pain mount in your throat. “Hey, you okay?”, someone asks with a voice, heavy with concern. You give the person quick side eyes, to see if you could fob them off. Well, no - it was Naomasa Tsukauchi, Chief of Operations. The tall man with short dark hair had the friendly eyes of an elementary school teacher. They contrasted with the - you assume - unintended five o’clock shadow around his jaw. “Yes,” you breathe through gritted teeth. “I'm glad to hea—”

“Oh, please spare me. He got away.” You admitted salty.

“I know…” Your hands clench to fists again as you try to swallow your agitation, not aware that Tsukauchi tried to make eye contact.

“Uhhh listen, I think you should take a few days off after tonight.” He smiled benevolently.

The meaning of the sentence hits you like a truck. “What? No! WHAT? You — you can’t be serious.” You stutter unbelieving.

“Listen, —” “No! What about Deku? l—” "Listen, I already have a substitute.” You must be caught in a very bad nightmare. Desperately trying to take a grasp on reality, you blurt out “Who?” An awfully sinister feeling spreads across your body and your eyes narrow to slits. “It’s not Monoma, isn’t it?” … He tried to keep his expression treacherously neutral while yours screwed up. “God, nooooo. No, no, no. Not him!”

You can see him getting tired of your respectless behavior, because his brows knit like a range of mountains. “Silence now! He will do it, no matter how much you brag. It’s a done deal.” “You can’t do that to me! He’s such a di—” “Decisive and capable colleague. I’m sure that’s what you wanted to say, right?” His dark eyes were dangerously hard as he tried to stare you down. “Nevermind, I’m just gonna kill him myself. Just let me—” “L/N! You're going too far! This isn't fun anymore!” “It wasn't meant to be funny. I’m dead serious. I am the only one who can keep up with this green haired maniac and you know it!” “Exactly! That's why I don't want you to get carried away!” He huffed and crossed his massive arms. “You need a break.” “But we’ll lose him! We can take a break when he’s finally arrested!” “No arguing anymore. You’re already way too invested in this!” “But—” “No more buts,” he barked, slowly losing his temper, which never ever happened before. He massaged his temples and took an audible breath. “You’re human. You’re supposed to have a life. I don’t know! Sleep in, visit your family or go watch a movie with friends! You get three days off! That’s an order!” “NO, you cannot—” “Since I am your Boss, YES I CAN!” You opened your mouth to insist, but he cuts in before you can say anything. “Four days!" “Please, just let me—” “FIVE DAYS! And I’m begging you to shut up! You're making it worse.” You want to explode and blow the whole world up like Dynamight. But there was no space for negotiation without earning yourself more consequences. “You finally finished?” He snapped furiously and ran fingers through his hair. “Thank God.” It took you all what was left to bite your tongue. Your crimson face burns due to this despotism. “Fine. After that, you can come back and continue sleeping in the office. I don’t care! You hear me? But for 120 hours I don’t want to witness a single peep coming from you. No calls, no e-mails, no snooping around in the office, no contact at all to coworkers. I will know. Look at me!” You stoically lift your gaze to his agitated face. You never witnessed him act so out of frame. “Are we clear?” “Yes, Sir,” you pressed between pursed lips. “Good. I will see you again on Monday.”

And he was gone. You want to scream until your lungs give out.

—

Getting forced days off was the worst. The absolute WORST. It was even worse than nearly arresting Deku. You don’t want to stop. It felt like watching him run further away from you, just in time when you were close enough to stretch out a hand and finally touch him. It was like the desperate attempt to catch smoke with bare hands. In a way, you’re now absolutely empty. Useless. Deprived by the only thing that gave your life meaning, the one thing you were really good at. Your stomach twists and you want to throw up. Except there’s nothing to emit but fire and brimstone.

You are absolutely exhausted, by all means. Yet you’re burning with determination.

Nothing could change that. Ye, a setback sucked. But it was not in the slightest a reasonable excuse for giving up. You simply gotta work harder, sink your teeth deeper and never ever let go. You must become like his shadow. Inseparable. No matter how intricate it might be to dig deeper and chase down the tiniest evidence, somehow, you will manage to find him. You always did and you always will. But for today, he slipped you. Not only that, but in a way that was... personal.

He made it personal by crossing a line.

—

If you’re about to be at home for five days, you need to buy some food. So you speed run the groceries and finally find yourself in front of the fruits. You want to grab some apples, but some rando bumps into you so you drop the packaging and they spill on the floor.

“Fuck!” you swear. In the corner of your eye you see a hooded figure hurrying away. “Yeah, better get away before I forget myself.” You vent in a low tone to yourself and huff because everybody was an asshole these days. The apples for sure will have pressure marks, but you don’t care anymore. You throw them into your shopper basket and breathe in the smell of juicy granny smiths. Wait. What is that feeling? No, not a feeling but a …scent? Your eyes cling to the apples. You bend down to sniff them again out of sheer instinct. You can’t quite put a finger on it, but something definitely feels off.

Familiarity. That's what you sense. But regarding your lifestyle in the office where you practically live from take out and instant noodles, you haven’t eaten fresh apples for an eternity. Where’s the sense in that? Maybe you did hit your head too hard and Tsukauchi was right. Nahhh, you’re fine. At least that’s what you tell yourself, because the uneasy feeling scratches the back of your brain all the way home.

—

Steaming hot water runs down your hematoma strewn curves. You can’t remember what the paramedic said about showering with the bandages, but you couldn’t care less. You need to wash away the feeling of Deku’s hands on your skin. The memory of the kiss haunts you whenever you close your eyes. The feeling on your split lip is too present, still too fresh in your mind. No matter how much you try to scrub it off, the feel of him sucking and biting your lip won’t go away. Neither won’t the unholy sensation of how he pulled you close against his body and how you rubbed against him. It wasn’t like you felt dirty or used. No, you felt betrayed. You’re angry that he’d mustered the audacity to claim you without permission. …

Your pussy clenched at the thought of consensually being claimed by Izuku Midoriya. Fuck, fuck, fuck. You brace yourself against the tiles with both hands and let water run down your neck. This must be it. You finally arrived at rock bottom.

… Nonsense. Hasn't there always been a hint of tension? If you look back real honest, yes. The door existed, deep down, where the light never shines, but you didn’t even dare to look at it, let alone open it. You sure as hell tried to push it to the back of your mind, but it's obviously kinda hard when he moans in your mouth like it was all he ever wanted.

So, should you feel ashamed for admitting you’re horny? Well, purely being horny or being horny because of the most wanted criminal throughout Honshu was clearly not the same. Fuck. You rub your skin dry too forcefully and brush your teeth unnecessarily violently.

As you lay down in bed, you’re shredded. You’re incredibly tired, but toss and turn restlessly as if you just downed a gallon of coffee. Deku was all you could think of. Day and night. This can’t be healthy. And you definitely won’t let yourself thirst over him. It will give him some kind of power over you. You’ve no idea how, but you’re sure he would know. Somehow he always knows things he can’t… After another fruitless thirty minutes have passed, you pull open a drawer of your nightstand and down a valerian pill. Hopefully this helps, you think and roll around again. Eventually, you fall into an uneasy doze.

You’re running breathless through the dark streets of Naruhata, a blurred silhouette upon your heels. You take sharp turns but there’s nowhere to hide in the deserted streets. Everything looks gray and abandoned. The buildings appear bigger than usual and make you feel extra small. Hastily, you dash around the next corner just to find a dead end ahead of you. “Y/N… “ The thing cries out. It has Dekus voice. You’re winded and look back just to see the wrath in the bloody creature's eyes. If you were to describe it, you’d say it looks similar to Venom from the Marvel comics. But instead of black, its body is clad in forest green. The long curly tongue is covered in saliva and lashes out to grab you. You can’t dodge and in another second you’re dragged towards the scary emerald creature. No, no, no!You kick around and rip your nails to the ground, but there’s no get away. Instinctively, you squint your eyes shut as you bear down to its foaming mouth, but when you abruptly fall oh so soft, you tear them open in surprise. You’re suddenly in a king size bed surrounded by a transparent curtain. You can vaguely make out red rose petals that lay scattered on the floor. The small room is dimly lit by a bunch of white candles in every corner. You look down your own body to find yourself in a scandalous revealing, silky negligee. The lacy hem shrouds only just your crotch and exposes your legs. You cover yourself with bare arms, but his terrifying smooth voice echoes again.“Will you be a good girl for me now?”You turn around to see a familiar silhouette behind the curtain.You want to scream, but no tone leaves your lips. You grab your sore throat, but you’re muted, doomed to implied engagement. The way he chuckles so charming confirms your darkest fear. It’s definitely Deku. He starts to unbutton his white shirt while watching you squirm with a confident smirk. “Oh, we’re gonna have so much fun together.” You’re feeling nauseous as you watch the daring relief of his trained chest when he pulls out of the shirt. “I will make you cum so hard, babe.” You’re shaking your head exceedingly, voice still cracked and soundless. He undoes his belt, as you desperately begin to crouch backwards. Just away from him! “Where are you going, sweetheart? You can’t escape me.”His shoulders dance up and down while he laughs at your pathetic endeavor.

"It’s sweet how you’re playing hard to get. I can work with that."

No matter how hard you try, the distance you so desperately tried to extend, won’t grow by a bloody inch. Dammit, how big is this fucking mattress, you think to yourself whilst picking up more and more tempo sliding backwards.

“I can be anything you need me to be.” His voice is so endearing like a siren's call that resonates with your deepest physical longing. Noooo, wrong, mistake, incorrect, awry, false - every cell in your body rebels against his intoxicating affinity.

You hold your breath as he unzips his pants and your heart thrums deafeningly loud.

You want to avert your gaze, but it's like your eyes are magically glued to his crotch. The v line and the trail of dark hair leads your eyes downwards to his open fly. You bite your lip as traitorous heat pools in your core. Goosebumps erupt on your skin as you watch him slowly strip off his pants.

He's got the juiciest thighs, but it's the contents of Pandora's boxers that peak your interest. He pushes the veil aside and his appeal blooms in full sharpness. “I bet you can’t wait to choke on my cock, bunny.”Your cheeks burn like fire. The mattress dips from his weight, as he crawls towards you, catching your shifty eyes. The leafy green of his iris has a frightening undertone of reptile yellow.

In the spur of the moment, you shut your eyes defensively - the only way to escape him. At least you thought so, but the scene continues in your mind's eye. He’s right in front of you at an arm’s length, growling like a predator eye to eye with his prey. “Come here!!!”You scream and shield yourself with your hands!

BANG!

You drop out of bed. Panting like crazy, you lie on the floor of your own apartment. You look around frightened and realize that it was just a nightmare. You’re in your usual big size T-Shirt which is soaked in sweat. Rubbing your eyes, you pick yourself up from the floor and storm towards the window. You rip it open to breathe fresh air and calm your heated mood. That shit was intense. The image of Deku charging at you with a gaping mouth and wide eyes is a view that will haunt you for ages. And… so much for not letting yourself thirst over Deku. Tch… thanks subconscious! You must calm down. You needed to support your aching head and plucked up a hand. It took you several minutes to get a grip on yourself. The green haired lunatic spooked through your thoughts for far too long. Maybe you should make an appointment with your therapist. You fetch yourself a cigarette with trembling hands and greedily inhale the hellish stuff. You need another one to perceive a soothing effect at all. You watch the indigo night sky draped with heavy gray clouds. They swallow the orange light of the street lamps below and a few pigeons cut through the night. You need to wash the sweat from your face and shuffle towards the bathroom. You don’t even turn on the light, because you know the apartment by heart. Finished with your needs and changed into a new shirt, you close the window and snuggle up under the blanket once more. Your lids are heavy and the warmth of the bed is beyond cozy. You’re about to drift off, as you hear the floor creak. In the blink of an eye, you grab the 45 and switch on the nightlight. There’s nothing extraordinary, except a faint noise coming from the kitchen. You’re living alone, what the… ? You swallow and get out of bed without a creak, holding the gun with both hands. You tiptoe along the hallway towards the kitchen. You stand around the corner of the room, pressed against the wall for cover and perk up your ears. It sounds like … chewing? You take a last deep breath and step up to the intruder. When your eyes catch sight of the unmistakable green thatch, the blood freezes in your veins. Deku stands in the middle of your kitchen and bites into a granny smith with relish, so that the juice runs down his chin. “How do you know these are my favorites?” He asks with a wink and an innocent smile like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.

#deku x y/n #deku x reader #villain deku #izuku x reader #bnha fic #happy halloween #kinktober 2022 #part 3 coming soon

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