#Arsenic water remediation

[rebelfell]

special delivery

eddie munson x fem!reader

A quiet night at home turns into something else entirely when Eddie Munson shows up to deliver your pizza.

Isn’t this how all mediocre pornos great love stories start?

18+ MDNI┃8.1k

cw: light alcohol/weed use, discussions of poor sex-periences, bed sharing, down bad eddie, fingering/oral (fem receiving)

I edged myself a little with this, it’s like a 7:1 ratio of fluff to smut with nothing but tensionnn in between. Just how I like it.

You didn’t mind being alone. Not really.

Truth be told, you kind of preferred a nice quiet night to yourself every now and again. It gave you a chance to read without interruption; to watch a long stretch of episodes of your favorite show you had seen a hundred times before; to indulge in a lengthened version of your skincare routine.

But lately you’d been having a lot of quiet nights.

Winter had settled fully in Hawkins, the frigid weather and barrage of storms lately making it difficult to go out at night or do much of anything other than sit inside and count the walls. And with Robin gone for the whole weekend, the relentless silence of your apartment only made it worse.

You made an honest effort to remedy the situation—sending a handful of texts to anyone you thought might be available, only to come up empty. Nancy and Jonathan were out celebrating some anniversary. Steve had a date with whatever girl he had conned into thinking he was charming enough to go out with this week. And Chrissy was fully buried underneath her coursework, but she “could definitely do something next week!”

So that was that. You knew Argyle was working his usual shift, so you hadn’t bothered to text him. Instead, dialing the number for Surfer Boy as you resolved to drown your sorrows in a pizza loaded with all the toppings Robin always gagged at whenever you suggested them.

It was impossible for you not to beam when the man himself answered, the roughness in his voice indicating he was currently surrounded by a fresh cloud of his beloved Purple Palm Tree Delight.

He was now managing the franchise’s first and only midwest location they decided to open after the California chain started recording a deluge of calls from Indiana and assumed it must be some sort of untapped market. Come to find out, the people in Hawkins were just calling the number on the side of Argyle’s bright yellow van they’d seen riding around town.

“That’s all?” he chortled at your order. “One small pizza? Are you and Buckley planning some kinda Battle Royale fight to the death or something?”

“She’s gone for the weekend,” you explained.

“Oh, really? All by your lonesome then, are you?”

His typically gravelly tone was tinged with a hint of mischief, but you didn’t pay it much mind. This was Argyle, after all. You knew him well enough by now not to try and decode anything that went on inside that wonderfully weird head of his.

“Well, with you at work there’s no one to keep me company, is there?” you teased, putting on a flirty affectation you just knew would make him blush.

“Baby doll, I’ll close up shop right now!”

His deep and throaty laugh made you giggle along with him as he relayed your order to the kitchen staff and then came back on the line to assure you that it would be there “lemony split.”

With dinner ordered, you started to assemble some essentials for your wild night on the sofa— oversized blanket, extra snacks, a small arsenal of face masks and serums. You even splurged a bit and lit one of your nicer candles, the fresh scent of bergamot filling up your living room as you headed into the kitchen to clean up.

About half-way through you doing your dishes came the soft tread of footsteps on the stairwell outside, followed by a bouncy and rhythmic knock being rapped on your front door.

“One sec,” you called out, shaking the remnants of soapy water from your hands and drying them on the thighs of your sweatpants.

Your hand closed around the door knob and you yanked it open only to be bombarded by a head of dark, wild curls and a pair of deep brown eyes that instantly made your mind go blank.

“What are you doing here?”

The words just burst out of you, sounding far harsher than you intended, and Eddie Munson’s lips twitched with the beginnings of a smirk as he looked you up and down.

“Nice to see you, too,” he chortled. “That how you greet everyone who brings you your dinner?”

Your gaze fell to the pizza box he held in his hands that you had missed entirely, too distracted by his eyes and his nose and his lips and those cute little dimples in his cheeks. Not to mention his stupid big hands with his stupid long fingers that were wrapped around your dinner…

“Sorry,” you said, squishing your eyes shut and shaking your head as though it would wipe away your lustful thoughts like an etch-a-sketch. “I just wasn’t expecting you. Or, um…I meant, I didn’t know you worked at Surfer Boy.”

“It’s a new gig,” Eddie said, his smile filled with as much wily charm as ever as he handed over the box. “Argyle convinced me to come on board. Decent hours and the money’s good.”

“Oh…sweet.” 

You nodded back at him and prayed you didn’t sound half as awkward as you felt. With one hand, you balanced the pizza box on your hip while the other reached for the cash you’d set out earlier on the little table by your door. But a frown covered your face as you glanced between the bills and the box you were holding that looked quite a bit bigger than it should have been.

“Something wrong?” Eddie asked. “Aw, shit—we didn’t fuck up the toppings, did we?”

“No, no, nothing like that,” you assured. “It’s just, I only ordered a small and this one’s a large.”

“Oh, yeah. Arg had them change it after he rang it in. He just wanted you to have some extra.”

You chuckled, “Really? I don’t know why, it’s just me tonight.”

“No Buckley?”

Eddie’s brows raised slightly, disappearing behind his twisty bangs as he looked past you inside your apartment. You swayed slightly, in an attempt to block his view of the little couch nest you’d built for yourself. His gaze returned to yours, eyes flickering with something like intrigue.

“You’re flying solo, then?” he asked.

“Pretty much. I mean, I called around a bit and everyone was busy. So…yeah.”

He tilted his head at you. “You didn’t call me.”

“Oh…”

Eddie’s lips quirked in a smile that actually made your breath catch. He didn’t sound offended, not like he was accusing you of anything. But his soft voice and the feigned (it was feigned, wasn’t it?) look of disappointment on his face made your chest radiate with warmth.

The truth was, you would have loved to call Eddie. You had actually hovered over his contact info in your phone more times than you cared to admit, only to keep chickening out at the last second.

“W-well, you’re working tonight,” you reasoned. “So, we couldn’t have hung out anyway.”

“Actually… Argyle cut me early,” Eddie said. “Turned out to be a slower night than he thought, so he said I could call it quits after this delivery.”

Oh. Oh. 

“Well, do you…” You swallowed hard, trying to bring some relief to your throat that had run dry. “I mean, did you wanna have dinner? Apparently, I’ve got plenty of food.”

Another weak chuckle trickled out of you as you held up the pizza box, telling yourself it must be the heat of the pie within making your palms sweat the way they were. Eddie’s dark eyes actually danced under the harsh fluorescent lights of your building’s breeze-through.

“That’d be great,” he said, flashing you a smile that made your knees wobble. “Wayne’s gone this weekend too. Trailer’s kind of lonely without him.”

“Okay! Uh, come on in.”

The sudden shrillness of your voice made you cringe inwardly as you stepped sideways for him to pass, but he didn’t seem to notice. Or at least he acted like he didn’t. He simply smiled as he came inside, pausing to toe off his boots and shuck off his leather jacket at the door.

He’d clearly dressed for the heat of Surfer Boy’s kitchen and not the bitter wind howling outside, clad only in a red and black flannel over a gray tank that seemed to cling to his lean frame as if by static electricity alone. His ratty black jeans taunted you with flashes of pale skin peeking through the holes in the knees and the smell of oregano filled your nose as he fluffed up his hair.

He looked a lot better than you did—particularly when you were in your lounge clothes, which weren’t exactly fetching.

Baggy and oversized, worn threadbare in more than a few places from multiple wears. Splattered with a myriad of tiny mystery stains no amount of washing could get out.

Nothing to be done about it now, you supposed.

Eddie had been to your place plenty of times for parties and movie nights, but that had always been with other people around.

Never just you. Never the two of you alone.

That realization and the nerves it induced made the back of your neck unbearably hot as you set the pizza on the coffee table and headed for the kitchen to retrieve plates and napkins—all of the dignified and civilized things you’d have to use now that you had an audience.

And alcohol. Definitely, definitely needed alcohol if you were gonna even attempt to be normal.

“You want a beer?” you asked from the fridge.

Eddie nodded as he followed into the kitchen and leaned against the cabinetry. His totally calm and casual demeanor only made you more anxious, your chest getting tight and your hands shaking as you pried the caps off two beers. You clinked your bottle against his and took a long draught, heart racing as you stared at the ceiling.

Chill the fuck out, you scolded yourself. He’s just a guy. It’s just pizza. It’s no big deal, it’s no—

“You okay?” Eddie asked, making your runaway train of thought come to a screeching halt.

“Yeah, totally,” you lied through your teeth. “Um… I guess I was fully in hermit mode already. I really didn’t expect to see anyone tonight.”

Let alone you, you finished internally.

“Sorry about that,” Eddie said. “I didn’t mean to, like, crash your whole evening.”

“No, no—it’s not like that at all,” you stammered, the words tumbling out of you in a rush. “I’m glad you’re here, really. It’s nice to have company.”

“Yeah? Okay, good.” He smiled into another sip of his beer. “I’m glad I’m here too.”

Your lips spread into a smile that mirrored his and a sort of quiet warmth passed between you. You found yourself staring into his eyes, holding his gaze until it flickered down your body.

He studied you in that soul-plundering way of his that made you feel all light and tingly all over.

“Here, you should have this back,” he said all of a sudden, “I feel kind of weird keeping it.”

You looked down just as he tugged the money you’d paid him with out of his pocket. He held it out to you, only to find your hand already pushing it back, fingers briefly closing over his fist.

“Eddie, no. No way,” you scoffed. “Don’t be silly.”

He opened his mouth to protest, but you fixed him with a warning glare—a pretty withering one if you did say so yourself. One that made him nod reluctantly and sigh softly in defeat.

“Alright, at least let me contribute something,” he said, returning the cash to his pocket and instead producing a fat, pristinely rolled joint. Argyle’s handiwork, you were all but certain.

You grinned and clinked your bottle with his. 

“Done.”

Beers and plates and joint in hand, you and Eddie headed over to the sofa only for you to stop short when you remembered your former plans for the evening. He watched curiously as you cleared the table, your stomach even more unruly now with half a beer sloshing around inside of it.

”What’s all this?” he asked, indicating the various packets and bottles. You laughed nervously.

“It’s just skin stuff. I was gonna do a face mask while I watched a movie…because that’s just the rock and roll kinda lifestyle I lead.”

Your jittery attempt at a joke only made Eddie’s own smile widen as he plucked one of the packets from your grasp and held it up to read the label.

“Can I do one?” he asked.

You choked back another laugh, brow arching at him in disbelief. “Do you want to?”

“Kind of, yeah,” he chortled. “They look kinda like potions or something. Seems like fun.”

You rolled your shoulder in a shrug. “Then knock yourself out,” you said. 

And he did.

Eddie plopped himself down at one end of the sofa and ripped into the package he’d selected. It was branded as a “unicorn” mask, which really just meant it was made out of shiny, holographic paper that shone with rainbows when the light hit it. He admired the swirling colors briefly and then set about laying the mask over his face, his head suddenly turning to catch you staring.

“Am I beautiful yet?” he asked, playfully fluttering his long lashes at you.

You already were.

The thought popped into your head so quickly you almost said it out loud and you had to bite back the comment, your pulse starting to race all over again. You pressed your lips together as you nodded and focused all your attention on placing a pair of gel patches under your own eyes.

Eddie watched you tap them into place, smiling. “You do this a lot?” he asked.

“Every couple weeks or so. More often in the winter because the cold really fucks with my skin. Obviously.” You gestured at your face and sighed.

“I never noticed,” he said with a gentle shake of his head. “Always looks nice to me.”

The compliment made your face burn in spite of the cooling aloe patches and you shook your head, the tingling in your cheeks only increasing the longer his eyes lingered on you. With shaky hands, you reached for the remote and started flipping through the channels while Eddie dug into the pizza. The both of you hummed excitedly in unison as you landed on an old horror flick just as the opening credits had started to roll, the decision of what to watch made easy.

As you set the remote down and reached for your own slices, realizing Eddie had plated up two and placed them down in front of you, you couldn’t stop your eyes from dating sideways to look at him once more. But the moment you did, a loud laugh burst out and you had to slap a hand over your mouth to try and stifle it—failing miserably.

He had his tongue stretched out as far as it would go, the pink muscle wiggling wildly as he tried to guide the end of his pizza into his mouth through the too-small opening of his mask.

“Hang on, hang on,” you said, taking some mercy on him. “Let me help you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he scoffed, “I’m doing great over here.”

It only made you laugh harder watching Eddie as he kept trying to eat, now clumsily flicking out his tongue like a drunken chameleon and grimacing when he tasted some of the product on his mask.

He stilled, though, as you scooted onto the center cushion and began to further tear the slits around his mouth, your fingers trembling as they brushed the corners of his plush lips.

Too late, you realized how close your face had gotten to his. Your eyes nearly crossed you were staring at him so hard, trapped in his hypnotic gaze as his enormous eyes locked on yours. The deep brown, almost black, of them only looked more otherworldly like this, surrounded by swirls of silver and rainbows like he was some kind of alien or android. Blinking dumbly, as if coming out of a trance, you pulled your hands away.

“Um…better?” you asked, eyes darting away from his face and almost instantly returning.

Eddie tested how far he could unhinge his jaw, stretching his mouth open as far as he could, unencumbered by the chin portion of his mask. He brought his slice up to take a massive bite.

“Perfect,” he said, grinning widely through a mouthful of cheese and sauce.

You actually did manage to relax at least slightly the longer the night wore on, helped immensely by the joint Eddie lit and offered to you to take the first hit. It passed leisurely between you, each of your inhales making it easier to deal with the idea that your lips were basically touching his.

Another movie started up after the one you first put on finished, but you made no move towards the remote. Your body felt warm and relaxed from the high, limbs melding into the sofa cushions like you were becoming part of them.

And Eddie too seemed perfectly happy to spend his night exactly where he was. His unicorn mask sat discarded on top of his pizza crusts and he’d shifted down in his seat, knees spreading wide and filling your mind with…thoughts.

You kept expecting him to make some excuse to leave, freaked out that he’d caught you looking at him just a few too many times for comfort.

But he never did.

“I think this is the last of it,” Eddie said, staring at the tiny smoldering nub pinched between his thumb and forefinger.

“Take it, it’s yours,” you smiled, letting your head squish against the back of the couch. 

Eddie shook his head. “C’mon, now,” he grinned back at you. “Sharing is caring.”

He crooked his fingers, motioning for you to move in closer as he brought the joint up to his lips and steadily inhaled the last hit. He shifted onto the center cushion and you mirrored his movement, his knee bumping your calf lightly as you tucked your feet beneath you, toes wiggling nervously.

With his free hand, he gently cupped the side of your face and tilted your head to the side as his own lips parted and you leaned together. 

A stream of smoke poured out of him and you breathed it in, holding it in your chest for a few moments before you exhaled it back at him. He smiled as your breath fanned over his face, his dimples showing as his cheeks pushed up fully. The sight made your own smile spread, pulling your bottom lip back with your teeth as his thumb softly caressed your jaw.

His lips parted again, a whisper of your name falling off them, sounding like a foreign language. 

You inhaled deeply again, trying to steady your racing heart, your whole body suddenly tingling in a way that was distinctly different from the way it did from the high. It didn’t do any good, though, not when Eddie’s head lifted slightly and you swore his eyes started to close—

A loud BEEP made you jump away, the moment shattered by your phone getting a text.

You instantly felt the loss of Eddie’s hand where it had been holding you, cold now in spite of all the blood currently coursing beneath your skin. You turned and fumbled about for your phone as it beeped again, almost more insistently.

Eddie retreated to his end of the sofa and you gave your head another forcible shake, trying to rid yourself of the shivers running rampant over your body. Whatever you imagined was just about to happen was surely not going to—the weed had to have your mind playing tricks on you.

“Ugh.”

The sound popped out unconsciously, irritation flaring just at the sight of the name attached to the message and making you recoil before you even opened it to see what it said.

“Jeez,” Eddie smirked at your distasteful noise, giving you a sly look. “Who’s that?”

“Nobody,” you sighed, rolling your eyes. “Just some guy I went out with a few times.”

Eddie sputtered slightly on the sip of beer he’d just taken, a dusting of pink spreading across his cheeks and his eyes rounding slightly as he wiped his palm on the thigh of his jeans.

“Oh. Do I, um…do I need to, like, make myself scarce or something?”

A bitter laugh burst out at the implication and you started to shake your head a little too hard. “Ahh, no,” you told him flatly, “Not at all.”

Eddie’s shoulders relaxed, his smile returning, seeming almost a little pleased to hear that.

“How come?” he asked with a teasing smile, nodding at the rest of your skincare on the table. “You don’t wanna get him over here? Get him all nice and moisturized?”

“I’m good,” you assured, clicking off your phone and silencing it before laying it face down on the table. “Not exactly in the mood to beg someone to go down on me tonight, so—”

“Beg?” Eddie scoffed, taking another swig of his beer. “Who has to be begged to do that?”

Your gaze darted sideways, eyeing him curiously. 

“Uhh…all of them? In my experience, most guys aren’t all that into it. You know?”

“No, not really,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “I fuckin’ love it.”

Your own drink stopped half-way to your lips and you chanced another glance at him. Your voice went quiet. Meeker than you would have liked. Lacking all the frankness with which he spoke.

“You…you do?”

“Well, yeah,” he said. “I mean, making a girl come on your tongue is like…”

He trailed off into silence, looking up at the ceiling as he searched for the right word, but you’d jumped back in before he could find it.

“You make them come? Just…just from that?”

“Ahh…” Eddie faltered now, staring at his lap and picking at the label on his beer with his thumb nail. “Not always. It depends on the girl. But, I dunno…maybe, like, ninety percent of the time?”

“Jesus Christ,” you gasped, eyes rounding with embarrassment when you realized you said it out loud. Beside you, Eddie shifted in his seat on the couch, turning himself towards you.

“Do you not come when they go down on you?”

You blinked back at him, almost too stunned to speak. “Well…no. They aren’t usually down there that long. I mostly just need it because the spit helps when I’m not wet.”

Holy shit. That weed must have been way stronger than you realized for these words to be spilling out of you like they were. Cheeks officially a raging inferno, you focused every speck of your attention on the movie flickering on the TV.

Eddie’s eyes never left your face, though. His expression only softened as he stared at you, his words coming out in a hushed whisper.

“Oh, sweetheart…”

Your face only burned hotter from the way he said it. It’s not exactly pity in his tone, or filling his eyes, it’s more like…disappointment.

Disappointment in who, you weren’t entirely sure. And you sure as shit weren’t going to let this go on long enough to find out.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know how we got on this,” you said. “This is way too much information for you.”

“No, no, that’s not what I—”

Eddie’s hand started to reach out for you, but you were already on your feet. 

Scrambling to gather up your soiled plates and desperate to look anywhere besides at him, you hurried into the kitchen to start cleaning up. The weed in your system was starting to turn on you, making your mind run rampant with competing thoughts, the most persistent of them being an echo of Eddie’s voice, hearing the same four words over and over and over again.

I fuckin’ love it.

Just the memory of him saying them made your stomach swoop and your core flutter, your hands shaking as you reached to turn on the tap.

“Can I just ask you one more thing?”

Eddie’s voice behind you made your shoulders tense, but you forced them to remain still—trying to look relaxed. The plates in your hands clinked against the sink basin as you set them down and turned slowly, resting your butt on the edge of the counter as you nodded at him.

He moved forward tentatively, setting down the beer bottles he’d brought from the living room.

“Do you like going down on guys?”

Your mouth fell open at the question and you had to quickly snap it shut. “Um…yeah,” you said after clearing your throat. “I like it fine.”

Truth be told…you really did like it. And with the right partner, you kind of loved it.

There was a kind of satisfaction you got watching even the most confident and charismatic guys be reduced to a simpering pile of putty as soon as your mouth came anywhere near their cock.

It was an intoxicating sort of power you felt when you drew the most desperate and eager sounds out of them—like when a guy slid into your mouth for the first time and just groaned in relief, like he had never felt anything as good as you in his life.

“Okay, then,” Eddie grinned, his eyes flickering as he watched your face. “So the person you’re with should like it too, right? He shouldn’t do it just because he has to. He should do it because he wants to make you feel good. The same way you want him to feel good.”

He took slow, careful steps forward as he spoke, the distance between you getting smaller with each. You felt your chest start to heave, trying to keep the furious pounding of your heart under control as Eddie’s body drew nearer.

He came to a stop in front of you, brown eyes trained on the space between your nose and chin. He licked his lips, running the flat of his tongue over the bottom one like he was imagining it was your own. Saliva flooded your mouth and you swallowed it down, lips trembling as they parted.

You thought you might be sick with anticipation, waiting for the touch of his mouth on yours. Because he was gonna kiss you, right? 

God, did you want him to kiss you…

Your grasp curled under the lip of the counter, nails digging into the wood beneath the laminate. Eddie’s eyes broke from yours, flitting down to see your hands clenched, like you were trying to rip off a chunk of it. His brow furrowed slightly and he took a step back, the absolute deflation you felt as he stepped away making your whole body slump as the tension flooded out of it.

It was so overwhelming, you had to look away, eyes landing on the clock over the stove.

“Oh, shit!” you gasped, making Eddie’s head jump back up. “Is it really that late?��

Midnight had come and gone according to the glowing green numbers without you so much as noticing. Eddie swallowed hard, his mouth falling open like he wanted to say something else, but no words came out. Instead, he busied himself with getting the emptied bottles he’d set down and tossing them in the recycling bin.

“I, um…I should get out of your hair,” he sighed, ringed hand rubbing the back of his neck.

You weren’t totally sure what possessed you to say what you did next. Something about the sight of his frowning face, the corners of his lips turned down in confusion or even disappointment, it was hard to say which. All you could think was that you didn’t want him to leave.

“You don’t have to,” you said suddenly.

Eddie’s stopped short and his spine straightened, his head turning slowly towards you like he wasn’t convinced he really just heard those words come out of your mouth. You shot him a small smile. 

“You can stay over…if you want.”

He stared back at you, doe eyes blinking at you in surprise. “Really?” he asked.

“Yeah, of course,” you said, trying not to sound like your vocal chords were in a vice. “The roads are shit and it’s late. I mean…it’s only if you want. You certainly don’t have to—”

“No, no, no, that-that would be great, actually,” he said, the words tumbling out in a rush. He took a steadying breath and smiled as his eyes met yours again. “I’d really like that.”

With the sort of energy that would make a hummingbird jealous, you bustled around the apartment gathering a spare pillow and an extra blanket for Eddie while he brushed his teeth in the bathroom. You carried them over to the couch, hugging the linens tight to your chest. 

You thought about how they might smell like him in the morning. How he might wake up with his hair all big and messy from sleep, his eyes half-lidded with crust in the corners, his boxers slung low on his narrow hips, the small trail of hair that swirled just below his navel on display—

“Thanks,” Eddie said, making you jump when you realized he was behind you. 

Your heartbeat thundered in your eardrums as you turned around and held the linens out to him. His fingers met yours among the folds and you nearly jumped out of your skin at the contact.

“N-no problem,” you said, averting your gaze again as you headed down the short hallway.

You hovered at your bedroom door, glancing back over your shoulder at Eddie as he flicked off all of the lights except the one on the end table, peeling away his flannel to reveal his sinewy arms littered with tattoos. The sight made your cheeks pulse in time with your heartbeat. Among other things.

“Good night,” you said. 

Eddie’s head snapped up and he stared at you for a brief moment, his eyes running up and down your body, his bottom lip between his teeth like he was deep in thought about something.

“Good night,” he said finally. “Sleep tight.”

In bed, sleep evaded you. 

You lay there, splayed wide in the center of your mattress, arms and legs stretched out across the rumpled sheets you’d gotten yourself twisted up in too many times to count as you’d turned over and over and over and over, searching for a comfortable position. Finding none.

Any attempt at settling down for the night was impossible when you couldn’t shake this…this… incessant, obstinate, unrelenting need calling out for satisfaction. It was like your body could sense that Eddie was in the next room and was refusing sleep in favor of filling your mind with thoughts of what could happen, of what he might be doing, if you just went out there and went for it.

What if you did? Just strode down the hall and climbed on top of him in the dark? Whipped off your sleep shirt to bare yourself and let his hands and lips roam freely all over you? You could just about feel the cold bite of his rings on your skin, you were thinking about it so much.

The conversation you’d had earlier kept running through your head, his words still echoing in your mind and making you throb everywhere. 

I fuckin’ love it, he’d said. Blatantly. Plainly. Like it should be obvious. But you’d never heard anyone express that kind of affinity for eating a girl out.

The majority of the guys you’d been with, those who had been willing to do it at all, only seemed to be doing so under duress or out of obligation. Or worse, they spent the exact bare minimum amount of time down there in order to get you going, only to stop short, and wasted no time redirecting the focus to their pleasure.

Then, of course, they had all the time in the world.

It was hard to say why, but there was something about Eddie wanting to do it—even being eager to do so, that only made him hotter.

You huffed loudly and pushed the heels of your hands against your eyes, forfeiting the staring contest you were locked in with your ceiling.

This was so stupid. You were getting yourself all worked up, and over what? Eddie was most likely balls deep in a REM cycle by now, and if you went out there and made some kind of ill-conceived “move” on him there was absolutely, positively, no chance in hell he would ever—

Knock knock knock

The gentle raps on your door made you bolt upright in bed. They were so quiet, you thought maybe you might have dreamed them, painfully awake as you were. But then they sounded again, this time accompanied by Eddie’s hushed voice tentatively calling out your name.

“Yeah?” 

Your eyes zeroed in on your door knob, waiting with bated breath for it to turn, but Eddie spoke again before he dared to even touch it.

“Hey, um…can I come in?” he asked.

You tugged your sheets upwards, covering your exposed thighs as you inhaled a deep bracing breath. “S-sure,” you said, still despising the nervous way your voice wavered.

The door finally cracked open and Eddie poked his head in. A little sliver of light from the hallway illuminated your room and you could see his curls were now tied up in a bun, sitting low on his neck with a few short tendrils framing his face. It made it so that you could actually see his ears and you realized for the first time they were kind of cute. 

How the fuck could ears be so cute?

“Sorry to bug you,” he whispered. “But do you have an extra blanket or something? It’s, um…it's kind of cold out there.”

“Oh, shit,” you sighed in realization. “It’s probably the windows. One of them doesn’t close right. Uh, yeah, just let me—”

You started to climb out of the bed, only to freeze as your foot hovered over the rug. The big shirt you had worn to sleep in was long, but not that long. The hem of it barely skimmed the bottom of your ass and if you stood up, you would basically be flashing Eddie your underwear.

Maybe it was okay? It would only be for a second. And it was mostly dark, maybe he wouldn’t even notice? Or maybe you didn’t need to get out of bed at all…

“You know, um…” You licked your lips, daring yourself to look back up at Eddie. “You could just sleep in here. If you want.”

Eddie’s eyes flickered at that, dark brown irises black in the low light, filling with something you couldn’t quite place. Was it apprehension? Surprise? Excitement?

“You sure?” he asked, his voice still hushed.

You swallowed hard as you drew your leg back underneath the warmth of the blanket, nodding at him to confirm, your teeth gnawing at the fleshy insides of your cheek as you did.

He entered the room fully, revealing how he’d stripped down to nothing but his tank top and a pair of blue checkered boxers. As he pushed the door closed behind him and crossed over to the opposite side of your bed, your heart threatened to beat straight out of your chest. 

Your eyes briefly darted downwards only for you to avert them just as quickly—telling yourself it must be the dark playing tricks on you, making you think you saw his boxers were half-tented.

The mattress dipped as he settled into the bed with you and you felt a rush of heat that came off his body like a furnace as you both scooted down to lay flat. Your body was rigid as you resumed your staring contest with the ceiling, thundering heartbeat only picking up more speed when Eddie rolled over onto his side to look at you.

“Can you not sleep?” he asked, his voice coming out in a gentle rasp.

Your hair rustled against your pillow as you shook your head. “No. You?”

“Nope. I’ve, um…I’ve been thinking about what we talked about,” he said slowly. “Earlier.”

You inhaled sharply, certain he had to be able to see the effect he had on you even in near pitch darkness. But was it really your imagination that you seemed to have a similar effect on him?

“Yeah?” you whispered.

Eddie nodded, his eyes dropping to your mouth, the tip of his tongue swiping across his bottom lip to wet it as he spoke.

“I was wondering if I could…if you’d like me to—”

“Yes.”

The word all but flew out of you, filled with heat and need. And no sooner had you uttered it was he rolling on top of you, his body pressing against yours, his rapidly firming length prodding your heat through your panties. His lips descended on to yours, making every part of you heave in response to his touch. He actually moaned into your kiss, both your lips and his vibrating with the sound. Every part of him moved with yours in perfect harmony, every curve and bulge of his body finding a home against your own.

It’s like you’re warm bread and he’s the butter, spreading smoothly across you and melting into your every crease and crevice.

“Fuck, I’ve wanted this so long,” he panted out in between feverish kisses dotted along your neck, his teeth nipping at your racing pulse.

“Really?”

“God, yes,” he groaned, his hands gliding over the length of your body. “I dreamed about touching you…how you’d sound…what you’d taste like…”

“Jesus Christ.”

You had never felt like this before, your very being thrumming with energy and ready to go off like a firecracker as soon as someone lit your match. You could have chalked it up to the weed, or to the beer, or to the fact that you hadn’t been touched like this in so long—and even when you had been touched, it was nothing like this.

But ultimately you knew…the real reason was him.

“Feel good?” Eddie asked, his pink lips curled up in a catlike smile as he rolled his hips forward, pressing them against you in a filthy grind that had your back arching off the bed.

“Shit,” you gasped, breathless, “S-so good, Eddie—fuck.”

The way he was moving against you had your mind emptying rapidly. It was all you could do not to wrap your legs around his waist and squeeze him close to increase that sinful sweet pressure he was putting on your core. But Eddie was quick to give you more, pushing up on his hands so his hips married with yours and he could look down at the mess he was making of you.

“Eddie, I want you to fuck me,” you whined, voice all high and desperate. “I need it, please.”

His original offer had officially flown out of your head. All you could think about right now was him being fully seated inside of you, his cock stroking your walls, his thrusts reaching deep. He’d gotten you so wet just from kissing, him going down on you now was practically redundant.

“You want my cock already, huh?” he teased you lowly, leaning in close again, the tip of his nose touching yours. “Too bad.”

His gentle mocking tone and the way he purred so softly made every atom in your body tremble. You stared up at him with your hips squirming trying to chase the friction you so desperately needed as he started to shuffle further down the bed, making you whimper at the loss.

“What’s wrong?” he chuckled at your pitiful little sound. “You think I’m being mean?”

You nodded back at him and his giant eyes glinted in the dark, his handsome face full of mirth and mischief as his chest rumbled with a laugh. The sound of it rippled down your spine, making it go instantly rigid and then slackening like the crack of a whip. Oh, you were in trouble…

“Well, I am mean. And selfish too,” he gritted out, his fingers kneading at your waist, bunching the material of your t-shirt in his fists to pull it taught across your chest. “Because I’m gonna kiss this pussy all I want…all night long, if I feel like it.”

With his words dripping thick and sweet from his lips, he shifted even further down on the bed with a practiced swivel of his hips. He kissed his way down your body, pushing up the hem of your shirt to reveal the bare expanse of your stomach and hips, groaning again as he caught a glimpse of the underside of your breasts.

“I’ve…been waiting…way too long…to taste you…”

His voice slipped back into that lower register as he placed a line of delicate kisses to your navel in between his words. His head dropped lower, lower, lower until he met the apex of your spread thighs. A soft moan escaped your lips as he laved his tongue over your clothed slit, licking through the thin barrier until his spit had soaked through the cotton to mix with your arousal.

“Take them off,” you gasped, raising your hips to help him.

If he had decided to tear them, to rip them right from your body, you wouldn’t have minded in the slightest. But he curled his fingers around the elastic and dragged them down your legs, settling back on his calves to tug them off, the blunt edges of his fingernails raking lightly over your skin all the way to your ankles. It made gooseflesh bloom across every inch of you, all the way to your scalp as you pushed your head back into the pillow, so overwhelmed by the feeling.

He works infuriatingly slow. Teasing you, toying with you like it’s a big game. He kissed softly along your seam, nuzzling his face against your inner thighs, skimming his lips over your folds that are doused with your slick, not even bringing his tongue into play yet. It makes your clit just ache for him, the little bundle of nerves yearning for the attention he just won't give it.

Not yet.

Finally, finally, he placed one long kiss on your sensitive bead, popping off far too soon for your liking to murmur softly to you in the dark.

“Can’t believe you had to beg that loser to do this…I’d beg you just to let me do it…”

“Then do it, Eddie,” you groaned, bunching the sheets in your fists. “Please, please, just do it—”

You’re almost crying now you want him so badly, the anticipation making your chest tighten and your lungs constrict. All the amusement drains from Eddie’s face as he looks at you, doe eyes shining like they held every star in the galaxy as he studied your pained expression.

“Relax for me, baby,” Eddie soothed in a steady whisper, his palm rubbing across your stomach. “I’m gonna take care of you, okay? I promise.”

Keeping your gaze locked on his, you nodded back at him and then closed your eyes to take the deepest breath you could manage. He watched you silently, studying the way your chest rose as you inhaled, and the way you held the breath in for a five count before you released.

And just as your breath crested, just as you felt the relief of the oxygen flowing throug your body, he fixed his lips around your clit and sucked.

The noise that he dragged out of you didn’t even sound human. It was shock, it was calm, it was joy, it was confusion, it was elation, it was rage.

It was as though every emotion you’d ever felt in your whole life was thrown into a blender and that sound was the end result.

Your hips jumped, bucking into his face, but Eddie never faltered. He kept his hold on you, arms wrapped tight around your thighs to keep them spread open so he could continue to devour you. He didn’t just go down on you, his mouth and tongue and chin and nose moved together in any and every possible direction until you yourself had forgotten which way was up.

It made you doubt your very existence. No way was this real. No way could anything feel this fucking good. And yet at the same time, it was too real. The tickle of his hair on your inner thigh, his hot breath fanning over your most private skin, the noises he made muffled by your pussy lips. Every visceral detail swirled together, rushing you headlong towards oblivion.

“That’s it, that’s it,” Eddie said hoarsely. “Come on my tongue for me, beautiful. I gotta have it.”

He pulled his lips from you, his fingers plunging easily inside your gushing center, crooking up to rub that spot you only ever dreamed of someone reaching. As you clenched around his digits and he could feel how close you were, his tongue returned to your folds in long and languid swipes that ended in fluttering flicks and swirls.

He does everything so carefully, so thoroughly, that the brink he brings you to feels more earned than anything you’ve ever felt. Stars burst behind your rolled back eyes, tears squeezing out at the corners and spilling down your cheeks.

Your mouth fell open as you moaned in earnest abandon, chanting out his name in praise in between heaving breaths to gulp down air.

The aftershock seems to last longer than the orgasm itself, your legs twitching under Eddie’s firm grasp long after the explosive feeling had receded. He slid up to lay next to you, cradling you gently in his arms, out of breath himself as he watched you return to earth, his nose and mouth and chin all glistening with your spend.

“You okay?” he asked, hopeful and earnest, his cocky bravado long since dissolved.

“So good,” you gasped. “It was incredible, Eddie. Holy shit…”

His chest shook with a low laugh at your dazed expression. Your eyelids drooped, exhaustion trying to overtake you, but you forced it back. Suddenly filled with the urge to make him feel as good as you did, you let your hand drift toward his boxers, making his whole body shudder as your hand grazed across a damp spot there.

Wait…was that? No, not a chance. No way did he come just from eating you out.

“Easy, killer,” Eddie chuckled, reaching down for your wandering hand and lacing his fingers with yours to gently tug it back up and kiss it. “What do you want in there, huh?”

“Eddie, please,” you pouted up at him as your eyes fought to stay open. “I want more, I want to make you come too.”

“We will,” he assured you, his fingertips gently trailing across your forehead, down your temple, along your jaw. “Just close your eyes for a minute. Then we’ll do anything you want.”

The sigh you let out was a little huffy, but you couldn’t deny how appealing it sounded to rest your eyes—just for a minute. They start to flutter shut and the last thing you felt was Eddie’s warm breath on your ear as he leaned close to whisper,

“Good night, sweetheart.”

Sunlight came streaming through your blinds far too soon for your liking. Its warm rays splashed across your face as it rose in the sky and you withdrew reluctantly from your sleep.

A deep, blissful, fucked-out sleep like you hadn’t had in years.

Everything came into focus slowly as you woke.  The hum of the fan overhead pushing cool air down, the distant chirp of birds from the tree outside your window…the subtle weight of Eddie’s arm slung across your torso.

He was still asleep next to you, snoring softly with his face smashed into the lilacs printed on your pillowcase. You couldn’t be sure if he had fallen asleep holding you or if he reached for you at some point during the night and never let go.

Either option was equally enthralling.

His hair had come loose from his bun, curls now big and frizzy around his face like a lion’s mane. And even in sleep, there was a look of quiet satisfaction on his face. Contentedness, like he was in the middle of a really good dream. You even let yourself believe you saw the slight curve of a smile on his plush lips, one you were sure matched your own.

You reached out a hand and gently touched the fringe obscuring his large forehead, brushing them back to reveal the thickness of his eyebrows and the dusting of freckles along his nose and cheeks. Fuck him, if he wasn’t even prettier.

Moving carefully so as not to disturb his slumber, you rolled over onto your side and reached for your phone on the nightstand, looking for the time and instead finding a text from Argyle.

hope u enjoyed ur special delivery ;)

Thank you for reading. love you, mean it! 🍕

This has been gathering dust in my drafts for a minute now.

Been feeling the lack of inspiration/motivation to write lately real hard, so it was nice to go back to something that I really enjoyed writing and had a lot of fun with.

[fatehbaz]

In the 19th century, British colonists faced several challenges in India, [...] [including] malaria. [...] The imperialists needed an answer to the problem and they found it in quinine. [...] [T]he British promptly embraced quinine, consuming tonnes of it every year by the mid-1800s. [...] Quinine was so bitter that soldiers and officials began mixing the powder with soda and sugar, unwittingly giving birth to “tonic water”. [...] [I]t prompted Winston Churchill to once proclaim, “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire.” [...] If by some good fortune malaria did not claim them, plague, cholera, dysentery, enteric fever, hepatitis or the unforgiving sun could. Preserving and protecting the body was [...] crucial to the success of the colonial project. As historian EM Collingham aptly summarised in her study, “The British experience of India was intensely physical.”

One way the colonists tried to deal with this challenge was through food and drinks. “The association between food and the maintenance of health was a concern of Anglo-Indian doctors, dieticians and the British authorities throughout the duration of colonial rule [...],” writes Sam Goodman in Unpalatable Truths: Food and Drink as Medicine in Colonial British India. [...]

---

The Medical Gazette, for instance, recommended treating dysentery with a “low diet” comprising thin chicken soup [...]. Botanist-physician George Watt too extolled the virtues of sago. In A Dictionary of the Economic Products of India (1893), he wrote that sago is “easily digestible and wholly destitute of irritating properties” and in demand [...]. For fever, weakness and sundry ailments, beef tea [...] was considered an ideal remedy. And for cholera, The Seamen’s New Medical Guide (1842) prescribed brandy during the worst of the sickness and half a tumbler of mulled wine with toasted bread and castor oil [...]. Ship masters and pantrymen would stock their vessels with foods with known medicinal benefits such as sago, arrowroot, lime juice, desiccated milk and condensed milk (the iconic Anglo Swiss Condensed Milk tins, later known as Milkmaid, enjoyed a permanent spot on British ships).

---

Businessmen too recognised the precarity of life abroad and realised that therein lay a perfect commercial opportunity. By the 19th century, numerous companies had cropped up across Europe, including in England, that would sell food in hermetically sealed tin containers.

One of these was Messrs Brand & Co. Recommended highly in Culinary Jottings for Madras by Colonel Robert Kenney-Herbert, Messrs Brand & Co had several offerings [...]: essence of beef, concentrated beef tea, beef tea jelly, meat lozenges, [...] potted meat, York and game pie, and A1 sauce [...]. Another company, John Moir & Sons, focused mostly on canned soups [...], selling oxtail, turtle, giblet and hare.

---

By the late 19th century such was the popularity of canned foods that rare would be the pantry in a colonial home that didn’t store them along with medical provisions like opium, quinine, chlorodyne and Fowler’s solution (an arsenic compound). [...] As Flora Steele and Grace Gardiner wrote in The Complete Indian Housekeeper and Cook, “A good mistress will remember the breadwinner requires blood-forming nourishment, and the children whose constitutions are being built up day by day, sickly or healthy, according to the food given them; and bear in mind the fact that in India, especially, half the comfort of life depends on clean, wholesome, digestible food.”

To assist the British woman in this ostensible duty, there were a number of cookbooks and housekeeping manuals [...]. The Englishwoman in India, for instance, published in 1864 under the pseudonym A Lady Resident, had a whole section with recipes for “infants and invalids”. These included carrot pap cooked into a congee with arrowroot [...] and toast water (well-toasted bread soaked in water). Steele and Gardiner too had a few recipe recommendations [...], including champagne jelly (“most useful in excessive vomiting”) and the dangerous-sounding Cannibal Broth (beef essence), which they said should be consumed with cream [...] to treat extreme debility and typhoid. [...]

---

One dish born of this encounter was the pish pash. The pish pash is considered an invention of the colonial cook, who adapted the kedgeree – the colonial cousin of khichdi – into a light nursery food. The famous Hobson-Jobson defined it as “a slop of rice soup with small pieces of meat” [...]. None other than Warren Hastings, the first governor-general of Bengal, gave confirmation of its efficacy when in 1784 he wrote to his wife from the sick bed [...]. There are enough records to show that the imperialists counted marh (starch water from cooked rice) and bael (wood apple) sherbet among their go-to remedies and benefited from the medicinal qualities of chiretta water and ajwain-infused water.

---

Text by: Priyadarshini Chatterjee. “How food came to the rescue of the British in India.” Scroll.in (Magazine format). 26 April 2023. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

[kiaroscuro]

Warnings: descriptions of violence, major character death

Rating: Mature

Main Pairing: Ren Amamiya / Arsene

Main Tags: post-canon, zombie au, angst, hurt / comfort, road trips

Warning:

· · ─────── =^.^= ─────── · ·

"What do you miss the most about before?" Ren asks, a few days later. They've tested out the hot spring bath for the first time, a quick affair with Arsene standing guard while Ren hurried and bathed -- nonetheless, the warm water had felt wonderful on his skin, making it flush pink, and he might have used up a whole bottle of fancy shampoo from the hotel kiosk. Ren was smelling like sweet roses, but also his hair was as soft as it's never been before. They've settled into a routine that has them do a perimeter sweep each day after breakfast before they choose a direction and map it out more thoroughly whenever they're not staying at the hotel, though Arsene has been hinting that he wants to check out the library, so that was on their itinerary for the next day. They were snuggled close in bed right now, Ren on his back and Arsene resting on his stomach, head on his crossed arms while he watches Ren trail a finger over the outline of his broken horn.

Arsene hums, warmth suffusing them both. Our heists do not count?

"No, that would be cheating," Ren says, softly. Sometimes he wonders if the Metaverse even still existed or if it was completely gone, turned inside-out with the shadows. The persona ponders over the question, adjusting his wings until one is folded loosely against his back and the other draped over Ren's legs.

I think... music. Is what Arsene settles on, softly. He's abandoned working on the radio in favor of their new surroundings for now. I miss going to the theater, or to performances; the noises of an alive city, I guess. Et toi?

"Honestly, music's a good point. I can't help but think about movies, though -- that new chick flick that Ann wanted to watch was supposed to release this month, but with everything..." Ren sighs, the pads of his fingers trailing lower, over the edges of Arsene's mask. They've not had sex yet, something Ren really wants to remedy one of these days, but any memory of intimacy brings Takuto to the forefront of his mind, and he keeps recoiling from his own thoughts. Seeing Arsene like this, all soft and pliant to Ren's touch, makes him want to push against the seams of the persona's masks, makes Ren want to open his mouth and figure out if Arsene has a tongue or not. Ren wants to do things, but also not really, and it confuses him. But Arsene is here, and in the end that is all that matters.

Mhm. Leblanc's coffee. I miss how comfortable it was, listening to thee grind the beans and prepare the drinks under the Hierophant's gaze.

Ren closes his eyes. "...or going to the subway mall with Ann and Haru, or eating ramen with the guys. I even miss Makoto nagging about our exams and Futaba bugging the attic. Do you think... they're okay?"

"We have to believe so," Arsene answers, softly. Qu'est-ce qui te manque d'autre? He asks.

"School, if you'd believe me. Huh, never thought I'd say that. Hmm... being able to just order food. Having a phone connection."

Having internet, I presume? That too, yes, but not necessarily for the reasons Arsene was thinking; having internet meant that Ren was always one text away from his friends, and it made it so much easier to research things. How often had they run into situations where only trial and error had saved them, instead of a quick web search later? Ren sighs, feels the wing shift before Arsene cradles his hand close with his own, dark claws so much bigger than Ren's hand. He brings the back of it to the seam of his mouth, puffing out a little flame in imitation of a kiss, and Ren flushes before shifting himself, tugging at Arsene until the persona willingly follows. Ren kisses the seam, fire licking against his lips, and he can feel it part minimally under his touch until -- something wet licks over his lips.

It disappeared too quickly for Ren to really see, and he's staring in bewilderment at the persona. Arsene is grinning, flames curling around his horns in amusement, and Ren touches a finger-pad to his own lips in wonder. "Did you-- did you just--" He stammers, embarrassingly red all of a sudden.

Arsene's mouth parts open, slower this time, the inside painted an orange-red. He sticks out the tip of his tongue, cheekily, before the seam closes again and the fire reappears. You forget that I can hear your thoughts as if on broadband, dear.

Ren flushes crimson to the tip of his ears. "You-- you-- you-- ugh-!" He wails. It's mostly for show, because both of them can feel how the heat is pooling low in Ren's stomach, and it would be easy for Arsene to just continue and Ren wouldn't even really want to stop him--

only the persona retreats again, like back in the shrine, still close to Ren but without any intent of continuing. He's shuffled so that his mask is digging into Ren's stomach, draped halfway over the human, melodramatic as he likes to be, though there's an undercurrent of notyet-soon-notready that Ren acknowledges with a hum.

--

The library's just as imposing on the inside as from the outside, Ren notes, standing in the doorway and admiring the arching dome. It looks like something out of a wizard's lair, and the musk of books is heavy; it seemed that on the day of the outbreak the library had been closed, because nothing is touched or even disrupted inside, and so they proceed onwards. Arsene wants to pick up a book on building and repairing electronic devices to help in his quest with the radio, and Ren is interested in anything about wilderness survival he can get his hands on, so they part ways for an hour or two, each one perusing their own aisles. Ren keeps receiving feedback from Arsene's emotions every-so-often, little tidbits while they browse, until he comes across a rental space for household appliances and stops, staring at it. Oh, right, that's a thing. The little electric stove or the rice and water-cookers weren't exactly useful in their situation, but there were 'leisure items' as well, which included battery-powered gameboys, something called an Etch-a-Sketch, and various other electronic games. Ren grabs one of the consoles and all of the games for it, grabs the weird sketchpad-thing, and finds a music disc player. He stares at it, notes that it's battery-powered, and absolutely grabs it as well, already turning into the aisle with rentable music CD.

(Inserting the first CD he finds, labelled Best of Japanese Folk Songs, he immediately notices that the audio output is missing. Thankfully Ren knows some about music players -- Yusuke owned an old mp3-player he would occasionally use -- and that led him back to the electronics rental section in search for both a little sound amplifier and headphones. He finds both, and setting the music on the lowest volume has the chime of a flute echo in the silent library.

Ren gets goosebumps and then hurries over to Arsene to show him.)

Arsene's ecstatic, and they spend a good hour just goofing off and trying out different CDs until they have a sizeable stack before something occurs to the persona: Think we can find a record store? He thinks-asks, and Ren tilts his head to the side.

"Probably, yeah. Why?"

Arsene flushes. "Phonographes do not require any sort of electricity." He says, abashed, as if it was ridiculous that he'd forget something that was common during his not-lifetime. Ren stares at him.

"Then let's find one! Oh-- and an analog camera as well, and-- hm..." he trails off, uncertain if such a thing as an analog television that didn't need cable existed. He brushes his lips against the edge of Arsene's mask in good measure before they put their haul into backpacks and leave the library, re-closing all of the doors to keep it intact for future visits. After depositing their new belongings in their room, they continue onwards in search of either a music store or an office for a city map, before Ren glances up at the softly-snowing sky. "Think we can find Christmas decorations somewhere?" He asks, and Arsene steps closer until their sides brush against each other.

"How come?" The persona asks, voice soft.

"...a little bit of hope never hurt anyone, did it?" Ren asks, softly, and Arsene agrees a moment later.

(They find a record store the same day and ornaments two days later in an already-ransacked mall, and by the end of their tenth day there's an almost obnoxious amount of Christmas decoration spread across their home. Ren even found some oversize sweaters that could fit on Arsene's broader frame after he doctored the back for the persona's wings, cutting stripes into the lower back and sewing on clasps underneath so that the sweaters could sit snugly on Arsene's hips, and it was so absurd to see the battle-ready persona dressed in anything that wasn't formalwear that Ren had to laugh the first time.)

First << >> Next

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Using electrochemistry to separate different particles within a solution (also known as electrochemical separation) is an energy-efficient strategy for environmental and water remediation: the process of purifying contaminated water. But while electrochemistry uses less energy than other, similar methods, the electric energy is largely derived from nonrenewable sources like fossil fuels. Chemists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have demonstrated that water remediation can be powered in part -- and perhaps even exclusively -- by renewable energy sources. Through a semiconductor, their method integrates solar energy into an electrochemical separation process powered by a redox reaction, which manipulates ions' electric charge to separate them from a solution like water. Using this system, the researchers successfully separated and removed dilute arsenate -- a derivative of arsenic, which is a major waste component from steel and mining industries -- from wastewater.

Read more.

[baejax-the-great]

Drinking tea works. But try something warm and thick, like oatmeal, thick hot chocolate, a rhick creamy soup

Ect ect

Also throat numbing spray helps

I thought you should avoid dairy while coughing? I actually don't know why I think this, but I swear it's something my mom said when I was a kid.

I mean I DID ignore that yesterday and have creamy chicken and wild rice soup for lunch, so like I'm down to ignore the milk thing if it's fake because dairy is awesome, but I did feel weirdly guilty about it.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for the advice!!! My favorite one ended up being drinking hot broth like it's tea, hah. Something about the hot salty water on the throat is really soothing. Also if it means I can skip doing the salt water gargle I'll drink broth all day long.

I also discovered that at some point in the last three years I anticipated getting covid and bought a bunch of cough remedies and then promptly forgot about them. So hopefully today is a bit easier for me armed with an arsenal of OTC and home remedies.

[ramblings-from-the-ether]

Wuxia AU (Section 1: Introduction)

I imagined Giovanni serving Tang Yuan (汤圆, a traditional Chinese dessert of (sometimes colourful) glutinous rice balls served in hot broth) to his brothers (minions/boys) and now I have an AU setting.

Also, Happy Winter Solstice!

Inspired by old Kung Fu and Wuxia films from the 70s where:

Anything can be a weapon in the right hands

Anyone with enough training or experience can be a capable fighter

And, chivalrous heroes and sinister villains clash for treasures, ideals and fame.

Doesn't this sound a bit similar to Epithet Erased in some ways?

So here is an AU in which our midnight heist takes place in a grand temple hiding a treasure, with bandits and vagabonds behind every curtain, and a little girl trapped behind the closed gates. Also everyone is wearing some form of traditional Chinese clothing or clothing styles that originated in ancient China, and sometimes sing as in an opera.

Magic System

Instead of epithets and inscribed, anybody can harness Qi or supernatural powers through enough training and hardwork/grit. Our inscribed characters in this AU have these powers through years of experience using them, the luck to gain a boost (eating magic pills) or to be born with innate potential, or the unluck to be forced by fate to become stronger in order to overcome its machinations.

Characters

Molly

Pretty much the same with mostly aesthetic changes. Her powerset focuses on dispelling in order to control her older sister's with the opposite focus of creation. She has never wielded an actual weapon in her life.

Giovanni

Was once a good child who gained a passion in cooking to the point his skills are focused around making Soup and similar concoctions. Unfortunately he managed to read Water Margin and decided to become a bandit by joining the Yellow Scarfs (Banzai Blasters), a 'bandit' group more of a private criminal mercenary and highway robbery organisation.

Instead of baseball, in this AU Giovanni has a side skill in Da Tuolo (A Chinese whip and spinning top game) unmatched amongst his brothers (instead of 'boys' in this AU) and peers. Instead of the 13 combo effect, its now a 4 combo effect at the 'cost' of rarely using the whip as a weapon (It's his only one, plus he uses it for competitions. Furthermore he knows the pain of being hit with it by accidental self use or by others accidently hitting him with their whips during practice).

Sylvie

A young man (often mistaken for as a kid) from a pastoral family who studies and practices the analysis of Qi usage on the human body, as well as how to take care of it. A horn-hat wearing recluse who has more knowledge than his age suggests. Or at least, this is the story he tries to present...

His skillset focuses on pacification (useful for calming down animals and troublesome patients) with an odd ability of transforming into a bull monster as his 'dreamform' or something. He also has a large amount of magical trinkets and talismans as well as general knowledge of pressure points on the human body, these consist the majority of his arsenal in the event of a fight.

Mera

Born with an unusual amount of power, her magic tends to be rather unstable and constant usage can harm her. Her noble family could not provide a solution despite their wealth to aid her, and thus she left to travel the world with Indus to seek a remedy for her condition.

Her powerful abilities allows her to manipulate matter into a more fragile state like porcelain. She is rather tricky, and may use stealthy, disguised or unconventional weapons to catch her opponents off guard.

Indus

Same fellow as in canon Epithet Erased with the ability to create magical barriers. Only that he probably came from a nomadic clan in the west or north.

Percy

Either a former member of the imperial army or just born in a rather chivalrous martial arts clan, she serves the city guard with an honorable distinction.

She however, has a rather low stamina which regulates her to a support role, where she does her best to learn how to treat wounds, care for weaponry, and other skills a support role may need in the military.

Despite her low stamina, she is still a remarkable fighter nonetheless. Her weapons include the infamous Tamade Sword (他妈的剑！), and a pair of mirrors (one is semi-transparent while the other has a very bright reflection). Reflected light from the latter mirror can actual be used to revitalise one's face and skin; but when the former mirror is used to direct sunlight into the latter mirror, the resulting ray of reflected light can blind, scald and even burn anything it touches with enough exposure.

Ramsey

He has lived many schemes disguised as lives, but it seems his luck has run out, forcing him to be on the run. A former merchant, conman, and even a (albeit corrupt) governor; anything related to gold is his domain to rule if he gets the chance.

Speaking of gold, his skillset is focused around turning things into precious metals (though he prefers gold), he can even do this to himself to avoid physical harm.

Zora

Some say she served the Immortal Emperor when he was alive, while others say she was once a warlord who ruled over the far-flung steppes. Nevertheless, this mysterious and terrifying woman serves as mercenary and assassin for a shadowy faction that has plans to usurp the Mandate of Heaven.

Swords, traps, knives, bows, crossbows and flying guillotines may be her primary or secondary weapons. But her signature weapon is none other than a small water clock. No one has seen the use of such an odd contraption in the hands of a mercenary, much less its use as a weapon, and lived to tell the tale. Rumours say the waters of time drip and flow to her command, and from which she nourishes her seemingly unending youth.

Poor Vasemaker from the temple

Works in the temple to make, manage and take care of the vases there. Is also the artist behind the newest vase so beautiful as to be worth more gold than what the temple could afford. When Giovanni smashes a specific and rather intricate vase, this poor fellow wakes up and hops out of bed sobbing "My vases!" and "My life's work!" in the distance.

Meta Data: One of the first AUs we've made together. A setting centered AU inspired by the Wuxia genre. Pre-POP story.

Status: General character, location and plot redesigns made, little to no name changes. There are 2 world concepts (based on 2 similar AU concepts during early development that differed in cultural focus called 'Wuxia AU' & 'Silk Road AU', the former is the current basis of this AU).

[geenalovesthelittlethings]

missus comes off like the mom w a big big purse w everything her babies could need. all the medicine, extra clothes, emergency kites, wallets, chargers all the things. like george and his carsickness getting sick on a road trip when he was little and missus climbing back and giving him all her little remedies from her purse, the puke bags, medicine. maybe mint smell for nausea, baby wipes, or even finn with his ibd. she has all the things extra clothes, wipes, medicine upon medicine little snacks he can eat when he doesn’t have many options. or even just having stuff for her hubby. his favorite water bottle, his medicine for his sensitive stomach, his favorite clone. missus would have the whole family organized and be so like. “i got it baby!” and everything would be all labeled and organized🥹 and out w friends even they would be like who’s got a tampon? and she’d always been the first to help anyone who need something!!

THE MOM WITH THE BIG PURSE PLEASE 🥺 You're so right she is the mom with the big purse with the whole arsenal of remedies and supplies. She's got that thing stocked and ready at all times. Literally anything you could need, she probably has. And it literally just becomes a 'thing' that everyone in the lives knows about and if anyone needs anything, they know they can go to her.

[acehomoeopathy]

The Effects of Environmental Pollution on the Digestive System

Environmental pollution is a growing global concern, impacting not only respiratory health but also the digestive system. Pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics often find their way into our food and water, causing subtle yet significant health challenges.

How Pollution Affects the Digestive System 1. Introduction of Toxins through Food and Water: Pollutants such as lead, arsenic, and pesticides frequently contaminate crops and water supplies. When ingested, these toxins disrupt the digestive process, potentially leading to issues like bloating, diarrhea, or even long-term illnesses like gastrointestinal cancer. 2. Imbalance in Gut Microbiota: Exposure to environmental pollutants can harm the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion and immune function. A disrupted gut microbiome may cause conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and food intolerances. 3. Stress on the Liver: The liver acts as the body’s primary detox organ. When it processes toxins from polluted food or water, it experiences increased stress, potentially leading to digestive discomfort or chronic liver diseases. 4. Weakened Digestive Immunity: Environmental toxins compromise the immune system, making the digestive system more vulnerable to infections and inflammatory conditions.

Homeopathy for Pollution-Induced Digestive Issues Homeopathy offers a natural, side-effect-free approach to managing digestive issues caused by environmental pollution. At Ace Homoeopathy, Dr. Amita Arora specializes in treating such conditions by addressing the root cause and restoring the body’s natural balance.

How Dr. Amita Arora Can Help

1. Customized Treatment Plans: Homeopathy focuses on individual-specific remedies tailored to your symptoms and overall health. Detoxification Support: Homeopathic remedies aid in eliminating toxins from the body. 2. Strengthening Digestive Health: Treatments aim to restore gut health and improve digestion holistically. 3. Boosting Immunity: By enhancing immune function, homeopathy helps protect against pollution-induced digestive disorders.

Conclusion The digestive system bears the brunt of environmental pollution, leading to toxin accumulation, gut imbalance, and weakened immunity. Holistic care through homeopathy can provide effective relief and long-term solutions. Visit Ace Homoeopathy to consult Dr. Amita Arora, a trusted expert in natural remedies for pollution-related digestive concerns. Empower your health with personalized care that aligns with nature’s principles.

Source:

[kettle-factory]

The Allure of the NEW Small Waist Glass Kettle

In the ever-evolving world of kitchenware, the introduction of the NEW Small Waist Glass Kettle has sparked a wave of excitement among both design enthusiasts and practical-minded individuals. This unique kettle is not just a functional appliance; it's a statement piece that combines style and functionality in an unprecedented way.

The defining feature of this kettle - the small waist - gives it an elegant and distinctive silhouette. It's a departure from the traditional, straightforward designs of most kettles and adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen countertop. The narrow middle section not only makes it visually appealing but also provides a better grip, making it easier to handle when filled with hot water.

The material choice of glass is another significant aspect that sets this kettle apart. The transparency of the glass allows you to witness the entire boiling process, from the initial gentle movement of the water to the vigorous bubbling as it reaches boiling point. It's a captivating sight that adds an element of entertainment to the mundane task of boiling water. Moreover, glass is a hygienic material that doesn't retain flavors or odors, ensuring that the water you boil tastes pure and fresh every time.

The "new" aspect of this kettle lies not only in its design but also in the technological advancements incorporated into it. It might feature advanced heating elements that ensure rapid and energy-efficient boiling, reducing the waiting time and saving on electricity bills. Some models could come with smart temperature control options, allowing you to set the exact temperature you need for different beverages or cooking purposes.

The size of the NEW Small Waist Glass Kettle is another factor that makes it highly desirable. Its compact form is perfect for those with limited kitchen space or for individuals who prefer smaller quantities of boiled water at a time. Despite its smaller size, it doesn't compromise on capacity, still able to hold an adequate amount for a few cups of tea or coffee.

In terms of safety, manufacturers have taken extra precautions. The kettle might have automatic shut-off features that activate when the water reaches boiling point or when the kettle is lifted from its base. This not only prevents overheating and potential accidents but also gives you peace of mind while using it.

The NEW Small Waist Glass Kettle also offers versatility in its use. Beyond boiling water for your morning cup of tea or coffee, it can be used for making instant soups, heating up baby food, or even for simple home remedies that require hot water. Its adaptability makes it an indispensable tool in the kitchen.

From an aesthetic perspective, the clear glass body allows the kettle to blend seamlessly with any kitchen decor. Whether your kitchen has a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional, cozy style, this kettle adds a touch of charm and refinement. It can become a focal point, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the space.

In conclusion, the NEW Small Waist Glass Kettle is more than just a kitchen appliance; it's a fusion of innovation, style, and practicality. It caters to the needs of those who appreciate both form and function, offering a delightful experience with every use. As we continue to seek out products that enhance our daily lives, this kettle stands out as a prime example of how a simple object can bring both convenience and beauty into our homes. Whether you're a passionate chef or someone who simply enjoys a hot beverage, this kettle is sure to become a cherished addition to your kitchen arsenal.

[sarabherbs]

Effective Ways to Clean Cigarette Tar from Your Lungs with Vaculung

Cigarette smoking is a well-known health hazard, leading to various respiratory issues and chronic diseases. One of the primary concerns for smokers and ex-smokers is the accumulation of tar in the lungs. Tar is a toxic substance that results from the incomplete burning of tobacco, and it can cause significant lung damage over time. While quitting smoking is the most crucial step toward lung health, many wonder if it’s possible to clean out the tar that has accumulated in their lungs. This article will guide you through the latest methods, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies, including the use of Vaculung, to help you detoxify your lungs and improve your respiratory health.

1. Understanding Tar and Its Impact on the Lungs

Tar is a sticky, black residue that accumulates in the lungs when you smoke cigarettes. It contains thousands of harmful chemicals, including carcinogens like benzene, formaldehyde, and arsenic. Over time, tar can damage the cilia (tiny hair-like structures in the lungs that help clear out mucus and contaminants), leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and other respiratory issues.

Understanding the severity of tar accumulation is essential. The lungs naturally work to cleanse themselves, but for long-term smokers, this process can be hindered by the overwhelming presence of tar. Fortunately, with products like Vaculung, you can support your lungs in their natural detoxification process, helping to clear out the harmful residue more effectively.

2. The Body’s Natural Detoxification Process

The human body is equipped with natural mechanisms to cleanse and repair itself, including the lungs. When you quit smoking, the cilia begin to recover and start clearing out mucus and other contaminants from the respiratory system. However, the process of clearing tar from the lungs is slow and can take years, depending on the duration and intensity of smoking.

This is where Vaculung comes into play. Vaculung is a natural supplement designed to enhance the body’s detoxification process, specifically targeting lung health. By incorporating Vaculung into your daily routine, you can accelerate the removal of tar and other toxic substances from your lungs, aiding in the regeneration of healthy lung tissue.

3. How Vaculung Can Help

Vaculung is a natural herbal supplement specifically designed to support lung health. It contains a blend of ingredients known for their detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in cleansing the lungs of tar and other harmful substances. Regular use of Vaculung, along with other healthy practices, can help accelerate the detoxification process, allowing the lungs to function more efficiently.

The powerful ingredients in Vaculung work together to reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and enhance the lungs' ability to expel toxins. For ex-smokers, Vaculung can be a valuable tool in the journey toward better lung health, making the path to recovery faster and more effective.

4. Lifestyle Changes to Aid Lung Detoxification

To maximize your lung detoxification efforts, consider incorporating the following lifestyle changes, complemented by the use of Vaculung:

Quit Smoking: This is the most crucial step. Without continued exposure to cigarette smoke, your lungs will begin to heal and regenerate.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps thin the mucus in your lungs, making it easier to expel. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.

3. Exercise Regularly: Cardiovascular exercises like walking, running, or swimming can improve lung capacity and efficiency. Physical activity increases your heart rate and helps your body expel toxins through sweat and respiration. Vaculung can complement your exercise routine by enhancing lung function and stamina.

4. Practice Deep Breathing Exercises: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing can strengthen your lungs and improve oxygen exchange. Incorporating Vaculung can help maximize the benefits of these exercises by promoting better lung function.

5. Use a Humidifier: Keeping the air moist with a humidifier can help soothe irritated airways and make it easier to breathe, especially in dry climates.

6. Avoid Pollutants: Steer clear of environments with high levels of air pollution, secondhand smoke, or other lung irritants. Vaculung can help protect your lungs from the damaging effects of environmental pollutants.

7. Consume a Healthy Diet: Foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation and repair lung tissue. Incorporate foods high in vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene into your diet. Vaculung supports this by providing additional nutrients that promote lung health.

8. Stay Active with Vaculung: Integrating Vaculunginto your daily routine can help further cleanse your lungs. The herbal ingredients work synergistically to detoxify the respiratory system, reduce inflammation, and support lung regeneration.

5. Natural Remedies for Lung Detoxification

In addition to lifestyle changes and Vaculung, several natural remedies can aid in lung detoxification:

1.Steam Therapy: Inhaling steam can help open the airways, loosen mucus, and reduce inflammation. Add essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to enhance the effects.

2. Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea can help reduce inflammation in the lungs and protect against oxidative stress caused by smoking.

3. Turmeric: This powerful anti-inflammatory spice can help reduce lung inflammation and boost the immune system. Try adding turmeric to your meals or take it as a supplement alongside Vaculung for enhanced benefits.

4. Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help clear the airways and improve lung function. Consider drinking ginger tea or adding fresh ginger to your diet, especially when takingVaculung for a more comprehensive approach.

5. Peppermint: Peppermint has menthol, which helps relax the muscles of the respiratory tract and makes breathing easier. It also helps with decongestion and sinus issues.

6. Lung-Cleansing Herbs: Herbs like licorice root, mullein, and thyme have been used traditionally to support lung health. These herbs can be taken as teas, tinctures, or supplements, and work well when used alongside Vaculung.

6. Medical Interventions

In some cases, especially for long-term smokers or those with significant lung damage, medical interventions may be necessary. These can include:

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This program combines education, exercise training, and behavioral changes to improve lung function and quality of life for people with chronic lung conditions.

2. Bronchodilators: These medications help open up the airways, making it easier to breathe. They are often prescribed for individuals with COPD or asthma.

3. Corticosteroids: In severe cases of lung inflammation, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling and improve lung function.

4. Chest Physiotherapy: Techniques such as chest percussion and postural drainage can help loosen and expel mucus from the lungs.

5. Vaccinations: Staying up-to-date with vaccines, like the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine, can prevent infections that might complicate lung conditions.

Even when using medical interventions, incorporating Vaculung into your routine can provide additional support in managing lung health and detoxification.

7. Monitoring Progress and Seeking Professional Advice

While you can take many steps to cleanse your lungs, it’s important to monitor your progress and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help track lung function and ensure that you’re on the right path to recovery.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a healthcare provider immediately:

Persistent cough that worsens over time

Shortness of breath or wheezing

Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing

Coughing up blood

By combining regular medical check-ups with the consistent use of Vaculung, you can more effectively manage your lung health and detoxification process.

BOTTOM LINE

Taking Control of Your Lung Health

Cleaning cigarette tar from your lungs is not an overnight process, but with determination and the right approach, you can significantly improve your lung health. Quitting smoking is the first and most crucial step, followed by adopting a healthier lifestyle, incorporating natural remedies, and considering supplements like Vaculung. Remember, your lungs have a remarkable ability to heal and regenerate, but it’s essential to support this process with proper care.

For those looking for natural ways to enhance lung detoxification, SarabHerbs® offers a range of herbal supplements, including Vaculung, that are specifically formulated to support respiratory health. Take control of your lung health today and breathe easier with Vaculung from SarabHerbs®.

[hindkushofficial]

In the realm of natural hair care, amla powder has long been revered as a potent remedy for achieving lustrous, healthy hair. Derived from the Indian gooseberry, amla is a powerhouse of nutrients that can transform your hair care routine. Hindkush, a trusted name in herbal and organic beauty products, presents its premium Amla Powder, specifically designed to cater to all your hair care needs.

Why Amla Powder is a Hair Care Essential

Amla powder is packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals, making it a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their hair's health and appearance. Here's why Hindkush Amla Powder should be a staple in your hair care arsenal: “Amla Powder For Complete Care Your Hair”

1. Promotes Hair Growth

One of the most celebrated benefits of amla powder is its ability to stimulate hair growth. The high concentration of Vitamin C in amla enhances collagen production, which in turn boosts hair growth. Hindkush Amla Powder, when used regularly, strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair fall, and encourages the growth of thick, voluminous hair.

2. Prevents Premature Greying

Amla powder is known for its ability to delay the onset of grey hair. The antioxidants in Hindkush Amla Powder combat free radicals that can cause premature greying. Regular application of this natural powder helps maintain your hair's natural color, keeping it looking youthful and vibrant.

3. Strengthens Hair Roots

Weak hair roots are a common cause of hair fall. Hindkush Amla Powder is rich in tannins and other nutrients that strengthen the hair roots, reducing breakage and promoting healthier hair. This powder penetrates deep into the scalp, nourishing it from within and ensuring that your hair grows strong and resilient.

4. Natural Conditioner

Amla powder is an excellent natural conditioner that hydrates and nourishes the hair. Hindkush Amla Powder helps in sealing the hair cuticles, making your hair smooth and shiny. It also helps in detangling your hair, making it easier to manage and style.

5. Treats Dandruff and Scalp Issues

Amla powder has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in treating dandruff and other scalp issues. Hindkush Amla Powder soothes an itchy scalp, reduces inflammation, and eliminates dandruff, leaving your scalp healthy and your hair dandruff-free.

How to Use Hindkush Amla Powder for Hair Care

To reap the full benefits of Hindkush Amla Powder, it’s essential to know how to use it correctly. Here are a few methods to incorporate this wonder powder into your hair care routine:

1. Amla Hair Mask

Create a nourishing hair mask by mixing Hindkush Amla Powder with water to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste evenly to your scalp and hair, ensuring that all strands are covered. Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. This mask will nourish your scalp, strengthen your hair roots, and leave your hair looking shiny and healthy.

2. Amla and Henna Hair Pack

For those looking to enhance their hair color naturally, mix Hindkush Amla Powder with henna. This combination not only strengthens your hair but also imparts a natural, reddish-brown tint, enhancing your hair’s color and shine. “Amla Powder For Complete Care Your Hair”

3. Amla and Coconut Oil Treatment

Boost your hair’s health by mixing Hindkush Amla Powder with coconut oil to create a potent hair oil. Massage this oil into your scalp and leave it on overnight. Wash it off the next morning with a mild shampoo. This treatment will deeply nourish your scalp, reduce hair fall, and promote hair growth.

Why Choose Hindkush Amla Powder?

Hindkush is committed to providing natural and organic beauty solutions that are free from harmful chemicals. Our Amla Powder is 100% pure, made from the finest quality amla, and processed with utmost care to retain its natural goodness. Here’s why Hindkush Amla Powder stands out:

100% Natural and Organic: Our amla powder is free from artificial additives and preservatives.

Ethically Sourced: We source our amla from trusted suppliers who practice sustainable farming.

Quality Assured: Hindkush ensures that each batch of amla powder meets the highest quality standards.

Conclusion

Hindkush Amla Powder is a versatile and powerful hair care solution that addresses multiple hair concerns. Whether you’re dealing with hair fall, premature greying, or simply want to enhance your hair’s natural beauty, this amla powder is your go-to product. Embrace the power of nature with Hindkush Amla Powder and give your hair the complete care it deserves. “Amla Powder For Complete Care Your Hair”

Experience the magic of amla with Hindkush and watch your hair transform into a crowning glory of health and beauty.

[myfestivaldaze]

Medicinal Garden Kit – BRAND NEW!

Deliverable.

**A Delightful Addition to Any Green Thumb's Arsenal: The Medicinal Garden Kit**

**Introduction to the Medicinal Garden Kit**

I used the Medicinal Garden Kit recently, and I must say, it has been an exceptional experience. As someone who enjoys cultivating plants and exploring the therapeutic benefits of gardening, this kit exceeded my expectations. Its comprehensive design and thoughtful inclusions make it a valuable addition to any garden enthusiast's collection.

**Comprehensive and User-Friendly Kit**

One of the standout features of the Medicinal Garden Kit is its comprehensive nature. The kit includes everything you need to start your medicinal garden from scratch. It comes with a selection of high-quality seeds for popular medicinal herbs, such as lavender, chamomile, and peppermint. The seeds are clearly labelled and come with detailed instructions on how to grow each plant. This user-friendly approach is perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners looking to explore medicinal plants.

**High-Quality Materials and Tools**

The kit’s quality is evident in its materials and tools. Each component, from the biodegradable pots to the soil discs, is designed with durability and ease of use in mind. The included pots are made from eco-friendly materials that promote healthy root growth, while the soil discs expand into rich, nutrient-dense soil when watered. Additionally, the kit provides a set of wooden plant markers, which are not only practical but also add a charming touch to the garden.

**Educational and Inspiring**

Another impressive aspect of the Medicinal Garden Kit is its educational value. The kit comes with a well-written guide that explains the medicinal properties of each herb included. This guide is both informative and inspiring, offering insights into how each plant can be used for various ailments or wellness practices. For anyone interested in herbal medicine or simply curious about the benefits of medicinal plants, this guide is a treasure trove of knowledge.

**Easy Setup and Maintenance**

Setting up the Medicinal Garden Kit is straightforward and enjoyable. The clear instructions ensure that even those new to gardening can successfully cultivate their plants. The kit’s design makes it easy to maintain your garden; the biodegradable pots simplify transplanting, and the soil discs eliminate the need for additional soil preparation. Regular care is minimal, and the plants are relatively low-maintenance, making it a rewarding project without overwhelming commitment.

**A Rewarding Gardening Experience**

Using the Medicinal Garden Kit has been a thoroughly rewarding experience. Watching the seeds sprout and grow into healthy plants is immensely satisfying. The kit not only provides the joy of gardening but also the opportunity to create a collection of medicinal herbs that can be used for homemade remedies or simply enjoyed for their aromatic properties.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, the Medicinal Garden Kit is an excellent choice for anyone interested in starting a medicinal garden. Its well-thought-out design, high-quality materials, and educational resources make it a standout product in the gardening world. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this kit offers a fulfilling and enjoyable gardening experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their gardening repertoire with medicinal herbs.

[tpdigitaltechnologies]

Unlock the Power of Rice Water with EcoTreeHerbal's Rice Wisdom Shampoo

In the quest for beautiful, healthy hair, we often overlook the simple, time-tested remedies that nature offers. One such ancient secret is rice water, renowned for its nourishing and strengthening properties. EcoTreeHerbal has harnessed the power of this traditional ingredient in their Rice Wisdom Shampoo, a product designed to revitalize dry and brittle hair. Infused with Rice Aqua and Bhringraj Extract, this shampoo promises to transform your hair care routine. Let’s delve into the benefits of this unique formulation and understand why it’s a must-have in your hair care arsenal.

[gqresearch24]

The Importance Of Heavy Metals Testing: Ensuring Safety And Compliance

(Source – Infinita Lab)

Heavy metals testing is a critical component of environmental science, public health, and industrial quality control. These tests are designed to detect and quantify heavy metals—such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium—in various matrices, including soil, water, food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. The presence of heavy metals in the environment and consumer products poses significant health risks, making rigorous testing essential for ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. This article explores the importance, methods, applications, and challenges of heavy metals testing.

Understanding Heavy Metals and Their Impact

Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements with high atomic weights and densities. While some heavy metals, like zinc and iron, are essential for biological functions in trace amounts, others can be highly toxic even at low concentrations. The primary sources of heavy metal contamination include industrial processes, agricultural activities, mining operations, and improper disposal of waste.

Health Risks

Exposure to toxic heavy metals can lead to severe health issues. For instance:

Lead can cause neurological damage, particularly in children, leading to cognitive impairments and developmental delays.

Mercury exposure is associated with damage to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems.

Arsenic can cause skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

Cadmium is known for causing kidney damage and bone fractures.

Chromium compounds, especially hexavalent chromium, are carcinogenic.

Given these risks, accurate detection and monitoring of heavy metal levels are vital for protecting public health and the environment.

Methods of Heavy Metals Testing

Several analytical techniques are employed to test for heavy metals. Each method has its advantages and limitations, depending on the matrix and required sensitivity. Key methods include:

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS): AAS is a widely used technique for detecting metals in liquid samples. It measures the concentration of gas-phase atoms by absorbing optical radiation. AAS is highly sensitive and can detect metals at parts-per-million (ppm) levels.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): ICP-MS is a powerful analytical technique that combines a high-temperature plasma source with a mass spectrometer. It is capable of detecting metals at parts-per-billion (ppb) and parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels, making it ideal for trace analysis.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES): ICP-OES, also known as ICP-AES (Atomic Emission Spectroscopy), uses plasma to excite atoms and ions, causing them to emit light at characteristic wavelengths. This method is effective for multi-element analysis and is commonly used for environmental and industrial samples.

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF): XRF is a non-destructive technique that uses X-rays to determine the elemental composition of materials. It is suitable for solid samples and is widely used in the field for rapid screening of heavy metals in soil and industrial products.

Electrochemical Methods

Electrochemical techniques, such as anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV), are used for detecting heavy metals in water. These methods are sensitive and can be used for in-situ monitoring.

Applications of Heavy Metals Testing

Heavy metals testing has broad applications across various industries and sectors:

Environmental Monitoring

Monitoring heavy metal levels in soil, water, and air is crucial for assessing environmental pollution and implementing remediation strategies. Regulatory bodies set limits for permissible heavy metal concentrations to protect ecosystems and human health.

Food Safety

Heavy metals can enter the food chain through contaminated soil and water. Testing food products for heavy metals ensures that they meet safety standards and do not pose health risks to consumers. The food industry must comply with regulations set by agencies such as the FDA and EFSA.

Industrial Quality Control

Manufacturing processes can introduce heavy metals into products, necessitating stringent quality control measures. Testing raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods helps ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Water Quality

Testing drinking water for heavy metals is essential for public health. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various heavy metals in drinking water. Municipal water supplies and private wells must be regularly tested to ensure safe water quality.

Challenges in Heavy Metals Testing

Despite advancements in analytical techniques, heavy metals testing faces several challenges:

Sample Preparation

Preparing samples for analysis can be complex and time-consuming, particularly for solid matrices. Accurate sample digestion and extraction are critical for reliable results.

Matrix Interference

Different sample matrices can interfere with the detection of heavy metals. For example, high levels of organic matter in soil can affect the accuracy of some analytical methods. Overcoming matrix effects requires careful method development and validation.

Regulatory Compliance

Keeping up with evolving regulations and ensuring compliance can be challenging for industries. Different regions may have varying standards and limits for heavy metal concentrations, necessitating a thorough understanding of relevant guidelines.

Cost and Accessibility

Advanced analytical techniques like ICP-MS and AAS require expensive equipment and skilled operators. Access to these technologies can be limited in resource-constrained settings, impacting the ability to conduct comprehensive testing.

Future Directions

The field of heavy metals testing is continuously evolving, driven by the need for more sensitive, accurate, and cost-effective methods. Innovations in sensor technology, miniaturization, and automation are paving the way for real-time and on-site testing capabilities.

Portable and Field-Deployable Instruments

The development of portable instruments, such as handheld XRF analyzers and electrochemical sensors, is enabling on-site testing with rapid results. These tools are particularly valuable for environmental monitoring and industrial applications.

Advanced-Data Analysis

Integrating advanced data analysis techniques, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, can enhance the interpretation of complex data sets, improving the accuracy and efficiency of heavy metals testing.

Green Analytical Chemistry

There is a growing emphasis on developing environmentally friendly analytical methods that minimize the use of hazardous chemicals and reduce waste. Green chemistry principles are being applied to make heavy metals testing more sustainable.

Conclusion

Heavy metals testing is an indispensable part of ensuring environmental safety, public health, and industrial quality. As the understanding of heavy metal toxicity and environmental impact deepens, the demand for accurate and reliable testing methods continues to grow. By addressing current challenges and embracing technological advancements, the field of heavy metals testing will continue to evolve, contributing to a safer and more sustainable world.

[flooddamagerestoration1]

Restoring Peace of Mind: Flood Damage Restoration in Yarrambat by Melbourne Flood Master

Introduction:

In the serene suburb of Yarrambat, nestled within the outskirts of Melbourne, tranquility can often be disrupted by the unpredictable force of nature – floods. When the waters rise, homes and businesses face significant damage, leaving individuals grappling with the aftermath. Amidst such challenges, Melbourne Flood Master emerges as a beacon of hope, offering comprehensive flood damage restoration services tailored to the unique needs of Yarrambat residents.

Understanding the Impact:

Flood damage extends far beyond visible waterlogged surfaces. It permeates into the very structure of buildings, compromising integrity and safety. Beyond structural concerns, it breeds mold, mildew, and bacterial growth, posing health hazards to inhabitants. Additionally, cherished belongings and irreplaceable memories are often lost or damaged, adding emotional distress to the physical toll.

Comprehensive Restoration Solutions:

Melbourne Flood Master recognizes the urgency and complexity of flood damage restoration. Their team of skilled professionals employs a multi-faceted approach to address every aspect of the restoration process. From water extraction and drying to structural repairs and mold remediation, no detail is overlooked in their endeavor to restore properties to their pre-flood condition.

Swift Response:

In times of crisis, time is of the essence. Melbourne Flood Master understands the importance of a prompt response. Their 24/7 emergency service ensures that help is just a phone call away, providing reassurance to distressed homeowners and businesses in Yarrambat. Upon receiving a call, their rapid deployment team swiftly mobilizes to assess the situation and initiate immediate remediation efforts.

Tailored Solutions:

Recognizing that every flood damage scenario is unique, Melbourne Flood Master adopts a personalized approach to restoration. Their team conducts thorough assessments to understand the extent of damage and formulate customized restoration plans tailored to each client's specific requirements. Whether it's salvaging precious heirlooms or restoring structural integrity, they prioritize client preferences while delivering optimal results.

Advanced Techniques and Equipment:

Melbourne Flood Master stays at the forefront of technological advancements in the restoration industry. Their arsenal includes state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques designed to expedite the restoration process without compromising quality. From high-powered water extraction pumps to advanced drying systems, they leverage cutting-edge solutions to mitigate damage and minimize downtime.

Environmental Responsibility:

In addition to restoring properties, Melbourne Flood Master is committed to environmental sustainability. They adhere to eco-friendly practices and utilize biodegradable cleaning agents to minimize ecological impact. By prioritizing sustainability in their operations, they not only restore properties but also contribute to preserving the natural environment of Yarrambat and its surroundings.

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed:

At Melbourne Flood Master, customer satisfaction is paramount. Their dedicated team goes above and beyond to ensure a seamless restoration experience for every client. From transparent communication and regular updates to meticulous attention to detail, they strive to exceed expectations at every step of the restoration journey. With Melbourne Flood Master, clients can rest assured knowing that their properties are in capable hands.

Conclusion:

In the face of flood damage, Melbourne Flood Master stands as a reliable ally for the residents and businesses of Yarrambat. Through their unwavering commitment to excellence, personalized approach, and cutting-edge solutions, they restore not just properties, but also peace of mind. In times of crisis, Melbourne Flood Master emerges as a beacon of hope, guiding Yarrambat towards restoration and renewal.

Call now!!